#i drew the mari one months ago
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fried-manto · 2 years ago
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Theres like 3 characters having their birthday tomorrow!!!
And I still have exams 💀
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wosoamazing · 10 months ago
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Mummy or Leah
Summary: Based on this request.
Warnings: Mention of death (Rs parents, Cancer) - like in last Paragraph thats it, mention of Arsenal's Injuries last year....
Summary: It's only short, but I hope you like it :) - currently I am working on the McFoord Teen!Reader Fic and the next story in the McFoord Baby Series.
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Today you were going to your first England camp since your Mum got an ouchie knee that meant she couldn't play for a long time, Beth and Viv had also hurt their knees, and Laura, something about an ACL. Lia, your Mummy’s friend had moved in to help originally but then she got hurt too. You had only recently been adopted by your Mummy when she got hurt, it scared you, you didn't want her to die too.
“You excited bub?” Your Mum said as she got you out of your car seat, you didn't say anything immediately seeing Lucy.
“Ucy!” you screamed as you ran to her, she scooped you up and threw you into the air.
“I think you’ve got your answer,” Alessia giggled.
“Nice to see you again, little one, where is your Mum?” She asked, picking you up, you pointed to where your Mum was standing with her Arsenal teammates, she started to walk over to them.
“Wessi” you said as you made grabby hands for her.
“That didn't take long,” Lucy said as she handed you over to Alessia.
“Oh Lessi is currently the favourite, isn't she monkey,” Alessia asked you as she tickled you, causing you to giggle.
“Wove Wessi, we go pway? Tooney, Mary?” Alessia looked over to Leah, who nodded.
“Sure monkey, let's go find them, I just need to go take my stuff up to my room,”
“We’ve got it Less, don’t worry,” “Thanks Le.”
__
“Weah,” you said as you reached up and tugged on her shorts, she hadn't noticed you walk in with Mary, you and Mary had run away from Alessia, so she was still outside, “What did you just say bub?” “Weah”
“Who’s that?” you pointed to her, “is that my name?” you nodded, she should know this shouldn't she, “but I’m Mummy, I’m your-” 
“Leah,” Alessia said loudly as she walked into the common room.
“Weah” you repeated after Alessia.
“Oh, I see the problem, do you think you need to call me Leah because everyone else does bubs?” you eagerly nodded your head, “oh, well yes, everyone else does call me Leah bubba, but that's only because I’m not their Mummy, you see I’m you Mum. Aren't I?” you eagerly nodded your head, “Well then, you get to call me Mummy.”
“O-tay” you replied before a big yawn escaped your mouth.
“Nap time?” you shook your head, “I think so bubba, why don’t you see if Beth will let you lie with her and you can nap,” you nodded slowly and your Mum put you down and you toddled over to where Beth was laying on a bean bag, she almost seemed sad.
“Bef, I nap wif you?” “Sure monkey,” she picked you up and you curled up on her torso, your head resting on her chest. 
“Wove oo,” you said to her, causing her heart to melt, a few tears started to well in her eyes, she tried to push them down as she drew circles on your back but when you drifted off to sleep and Leah went over to her, they left her eyes. Leah didn't say anything but wrapped her arms around her as best she could without disturbing you. A year ago today was the day a few of the Arsenal girls had met you, they were visiting kids in the hospital and saw you just walking about, as soon as Leah met you and found out your Dad had just died and that you had no one to care for you, as you Mum had died earlier from cancer, she knew she was going to adopt you. Your adoption was made official after you had been living with Leah for just over a month.
April 19 2022 marked the best and worst day of Leah’s life, it was the day you became hers officially but it was also the day her whole world came crashing down.
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little-diable · 7 months ago
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Hail Mary – Priest!Tom Riddle (smut)
Well well well, we're back with the fucked up priest. He's just my fave to write, I ain't sorry. Don't like it, don't read it–remember that, please. Please like and reblog if you enjoyed reading this, your comments keep us writers motivated! Enjoy my loves. xxx
Summary: The reader had been sent to a monastery because her parents no longer endured having her around. But perhaps Priest Riddle will know how to handle her.
Warnings: 18+, smut, mutual masturbation, oral (m), orgasm denial, fucked up Priest Riddle, forced prayer, religious connotations
Pairing: Priest!Tom Riddle x fem!reader (1.4k words)
picture from Pinterest, credit to original owner
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“Would you call this spotless?” He towered over her, piercing eyes set on her tired, angry features. She didn’t reply, kept staring at the tall priest, who those she was surrounded by feared. The white collar around his neck seemed to grow tighter with every breath he took, impatiently waiting for the young woman to reply. 
“Speak!” His angry voice buzzed through her, leaving her trembling as she balled her hands into fists. She had been forced to join the monastery a month ago, as a young woman in her early twenties who seemed to lose her grip on reality. Doctors and priests had called her insane, guided by the devil–accusations that had forced her parents to send her to this godless place. 
“It’s clean, I scrubbed every inch.” Angry tears began to well up in her eyes. A humourless laugh left the man at her words, and with his lips pulled into a thin line, he pulled her off the ground. She fought against his grasp and tried to rip herself free, but the man didn’t react, he kept pulling her down the hallway.  
“Sister Jane told me you are a stubborn one. It’s time you finally learn to respect others.” She was tossed to the ground in the empty church, forcing a cry out of her as the cold nibbled on her limbs. (Y/n) was torn between anger, frustration, and fear, a deadly mixture she was about to fall victim to. 
“Pray for forgiveness, you will only stop once I’m satisfied. Start with your Hail Mary.” Her teeth drew blood as she sank them into her lower lip. She was determined, set on not giving in, no matter the pain that was undoubtedly awaiting her. The two kept holding eye contact for a few more seconds before an almost disappointed sigh left the man. 
“Remember that this is your own fault, (y/n).” Confusion tugged at her features as he came closer to her once again. She allowed herself to study him; he was undoubtedly handsome; she had tried to catch his attention for the past few days; and perhaps a small part of her had hoped that her protests and disrespectful behaviour would push her closer to him. 
“Show me your tongue.” (Y/n) blindly followed his command. Her uneasy eyes kept staring up at him as if he were the Messiah himself, a ruthless man she had mistaken for her saviour. Without another warning, the priest spat on her tongue, forcing her to swallow his saliva. “Sit down on the altar.”
He let go of her, forcing (y/n) to momentarily lose her balance before moving towards the altar carved from stone. Her body was trembling, shaking as if an earthquake kept buzzing through her. This was wrong; she knew that whatever was about to happen would be enough to call the cops on this place, but yet (y/n) didn’t care about any right or wrong; she wanted to be touched by him and would do whatever it takes to make it happen. 
“Part your legs.” She watched him sink down on the wooden bench placed in the first row, with his hands interlaced in his lap and the big cross dangling from his neck. Slowly, she parted her legs for him, knowing that her skirt was short enough to expose her already damp panties to his piercing eyes. 
“Touch yourself, (y/n).” It took her a second to set into motion, to let her fingers find their way to her panties. But before she could even begin to touch herself, the priest spoke up again. “We’ll try again with the Hail Mary. It’s best if you already start praying for forgiveness.” 
Her heart was in her throat, pounding as if she had been running for hours, chased by the darkness the tall man emanated. (Y/n) had to clear her throat as her fingers pushed her panties aside to expose her heat to his eyes. And with a trembling voice, she began praying.
“Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” Her fingers circled her pulsing bundle, moving with enough pressure to draw a raspy moan from her that momentarily interrupted her prayer. The priest kept his eyes focused on her, flickering between her features and her cunt, drawing satisfied sounds from him she couldn’t hear. 
“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” Her head rolled back, letting go of another moan as her fingers added more speed to their movements. She was too distracted by the intense feeling to notice him shuffling around, freeing his hardening cock. The ringed fingers (y/n) wanted to feel around her throat began to pump his cock, moving just as fast as her fingers. 
“Oh fuck, touch me, please, Father.” It felt as if she was begging for another chance to live, as if she were selling her soul to the Devil himself, about to sign a contract with her blood. The man only let go of a raspy chuckle, luring her further and further to the edge. 
“Why should I grant you this wish, (y/n)? You’ve been nothing but a disrespectful brat.” Her eyes flickered up to meet his, staring at the man with dilated pupils and parted lips. For a second, her fingers stopped moving, trapped by his question, the danger dripping from his words. 
“I’ll be good, I’ll do whatever you want, but I need you, please.” Not once had she begged this much before. Not once in her life had she spoken words that were this desperate. But at that moment she didn’t care, didn’t give in to the embarrassment that would normally flush through her. All she did was get lost in his eyes, the pupils that were filled with a colour so rich that even Eden would pale in comparison. 
“Not tonight, (y/n), not until you prove to me that you’re worthy of my touch.” Her fingers moved once again, driven by the need to give in and chase a blinding high that would rip her from this dimension. She kept staring at the man she wanted to feel closer, watching him pump his cock with fast movements she tried to match. It seemed as if he could tell that she was close, because just before she could tumble over the edge, he called her name, forcing her fingers to stop moving. 
“Come here, (y/n).” A whine left her as she stopped touching herself, fuelled by frustration as she felt her close orgasm letting go of her. With trembling limbs, she moved towards him, not daring to break their eye contact once. “Onto your knees, make me cum with your mouth.”
The words were enough to distract her from her frustration. She took hold of his twitching cock, pushed the tip past her lips, and sucked on the sensitive skin. His taste stuck to her tongue, leaving her moaning while bobbing her head. With every passing moment, she took more of him, choking around him whenever she got too eager. 
Priest Riddle’s ringed hand found her hair to guide her last movements, adding more speed while he couldn’t stop his hips from jerking, forcing his cock down her throat. Tears dripped down from her eyes, salty like the Dead Sea, like the tears Mary cried when her only son was crucified, dreadful moments that were no match to the bond (y/n) and the priest now formed.
With a raspy groan, the man came down her throat, forcing her to swallow every drop. She kept pumping him for a few more seconds before he pulled her off his cock. With his thumb, he wiped her remaining tears away before he redressed and rose to his feet. (Y/n) kept kneeling before him, waiting for him to push her through her own high–nothing but dreams he wouldn’t turn real, not tonight. 
“Kiss my shoe, thank me for this, and perhaps next week I’ll be more gracious and let you cum.”
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hungermakesmonsters · 5 months ago
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(Once Bitten) Twice Shy
Chapter Eighteen
Plot summary : Desperate to get away from your controlling family, you take a job in New York as a wealthy vampire's blood source. A million dollars awaits if you can make it through a year, but life with Billy Russo is not going to be as simple as you think.
Pairing : Billy Russo x Reader
Story Rating : R  Chapter Rating : R
Warnings : [This is a fic for 18+ only, minors DNI] Violence. A lot more violence than usual. All chapters will contain mentions of blood. Please check the warnings on each chapter if you choose to follow this story. 
Word Count : 4.3k
A/N : if you haven't already voted for what you want to see me write next, you've got a day and a half left
CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE | CHAPTER FOUR | CHAPTER FIVE | CHAPTER SIX | CHAPTER SEVEN | CHAPTER EIGHT | CHAPTER NINE | CHAPTER TEN | CHAPTER ELEVEN | CHAPTER TWELVE | CHAPTER THIRTEEN | CHAPTER FOURTEEN | CHAPTER FIFTEEN | CHAPTER SIXTEEN | CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
MASTER LIST
Chapter Eighteen
It felt like the world was unravelling around him, like he was coming apart at the seams. While he’d said the words hours ago, it wasn’t until that moment that he started to feel the weight of them. He loved you. He loved you in a way that he’d never allowed himself to love anyone else. He loved you in a way that was so deep, so visceral that if he lost you, he knew he’d never recovered. 
You were inexorably linked, two halves of one soul. You were everything to him and Billy knew he couldn’t go back to the empty, bleak life he’d been living, no matter how many times he’d tried to convince himself overwise over the last couple of months.
His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, running a red light to get to Krista’s building. Frank and Madani were talking but, to Billy, it all just sounded like static in his ears.
He couldn’t lose you.
He wouldn’t.
Pulling up, he killed the engine and before anyone could think to speak or question, he was out of the car, clearing the steps to the building two at a time. Frank and Madani had to rush to keep up with him, each still talking, calling after him. But Billy didn’t care about waiting, about figuring out ‘what to do’. No, Billy knew what he was going to do; he was going to make Krista talk, he was going to make her understand why fucking with you had been the worst decision of her life
It was a blur and, for a few minutes he lost himself; he kicked the door open and the next thing he knew, he had his hands around her throat, with Frank yelling at him to calm down.
“Where is she?” The voice that left his lips wasn’t quite his own.
“Gone. I don’t know where,” Krista answered, grinning despite the grip he had on her. “You’ll never find her. Just like you never found Mary.”
Somehow Frank managed to wrench Billy away but Krista didn’t even try to escape. She was enjoying the scene playing out before her, she was taking pleasure in his pain, glad that she’d had some small part in causing it.
“Mary?” It was Madani who spoke, gun drawn, stepping forwards. “Mary Poots?”
“Poor little Mary,” Krista said in a sing-song tone, barely holding back a laugh. “You thought you could replace me with someone so... fragile...”
“You killed Mary Poots?” Madani tried to continue her line of questioning despite the fact that Krista’s attention was fully on Billy.
“Now you’re going to lose the new one,” Krista carried on, all eyes on her. “I’ll take the next one, too. And the one after that. All of them. Every last one, until I’m all you have left.”
“You’re fucking insane,” Billy spat and that drew a laugh from Krista.
“If I am, it’s because of you, because you infected me...” she laughed again. “Or, no, I suppose it was Layla... not that it matters. You fuck up everything you touch, don’t you, Billy?”
“Just tell me where she is!” Billy demanded.
He lunged towards her, but Frank was too quick, too strong, wrapping an arm around him and holding Billy back.
“I don’t know,” she answered, still smiling, seemingly unbothered. “I never asked and he never told. You shouldn’t worry, I’m sure she’ll make a beautiful bride. Her fiance was so happy to finally have her back.”
Billy snapped and snarled, struggling against Frank and against himself, his last shred of control quickly starting to split and fray. He wanted to kill her, wanted to do what he knew he should have done months ago.
“She’s not worth it, Bill,” Frank told him, trying to pull him away.
“You’ve just confessed to murder in front of a Federal Agent,” Madani finally piped up, earning a laugh from Krista, before her attention shifted to Frank and Billy. “If Justin Drake has her and they’re still in the city, we’ll be able to track her down.”
“And what if she’s not still in the city?” Billy snapped. “There’s only a few hours until dawn...”
“We’re going to find her,” Madani answered, her tone sharpening to match his.
“And what about her?” Frank dared to ask, drawing all eyes back to Krista.
“I can send someone to pick her up.”
Krista finally moved, attempting to bolt for the door but, somehow, Billy managed to wrench free of Frank’s grip and lunged for her, knocking into her so hard that they both fell to the ground.
She ripped and tore at him with her nails, sinking her fangs into his shoulder and not letting go until his elbow connected with her face. They rolled, Billy ending up on top before she caught him across the face, clawing at him. She rolled him, straddling him as she landed another hit across his face while Billy’s hands gripped her throat.
By the time Frank pulled her away, they were both bloody and bruised, each bearing the marks of each other’s hatred. She kicked and screamed against Frank’s grip as he pushed her face first into the wall, pinning her there while Madani cuffed her to a radiator.
“You think that’s gonna hold her?” Frank asked, eying Krista as she dropped to the ground.
“It’s all we can do for now,” Madani answered. “We need to move.”
“She needs to die,” Billy snarled.
It felt like his body was vibrating with rage, like the thing inside of him had finally won. But, before he could move, Frank was on him, forcing him backwards, hands shoving him so hard that he knocked the breath from Billy’s lungs.
“You wanna waste time on her while your girl’s out there? You wanna throw her life away and yours just so you can settle a score with this crazy bitch?” He barked in Billy’s face, shoving him again. Billy didn’t have an answer. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. Now fucking move, this guy isn’t gonna find himself.”
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It felt like the world had tilted on its axis and gripping the edge of the table was all you could do to keep yourself from falling. It had never made sense why he wanted you, why he’d been so adamant; you weren’t anything special, you weren’t worth anything (certainly not when compared to the amount of money your parents owed him). But, now you finally had answers, it made even less sense.
He was doing this because you looked like a distant relative who you shared only a fraction of your DNA with. 
He was doing this because she had denied him, just like you were trying to deny him.
He wanted you to be a vampire, to spend an eternity at his side.
“No.” The word fell from your mouth with a certainty that you didn’t feel.
“You don’t have a choice,” he retorted, already sounding like he was done with your denials and insolence.
“Yes, I do,” you answered back, remembering all the times Billy had told you as much.
You hadn’t believed it at the time, you’d thought that it was just a line, something he was telling you to make you feel better but, now, faced with someone who wanted to remove your choice, your agency, you realised that Billy had been right all along. Lifting your head and sitting a little straighter, you silently promised yourself that you weren’t going to cower before him, you weren’t going to let this sorry excuse for a man decide your future.
“You can do what you want to me. I’ll never be yours,” you told him. “Even if it takes my whole life, I’ll do everything I can to escape you.”
“I don’t know what you think you can -”
“I’m not afraid of you anymore,” you interrupted, not letting him get the upper hand, not letting him treat you like the naive child you had been when you last sat across from him. “You will never get what you want from me.”
Anger flickered across his face and it took him more than a few seconds to tamp it down again. Obviously he hadn’t been expecting such resistance from you.
But then came the laugh, a sound that caused dread to coil in your stomach.
“Like I told you; I’m a patient man and I have an eternity to bend you to my will,” he sai, his voice softer than his expression. “There might be nothing I can do to you anymore, but I already told you that your sister, her children...”
“You won’t hurt them.”
“How are you so sure?”
“Because you’ll lose your leverage over me if you do,” you answered, trying to hide the discomfort in your voice, hating that you were gambling with your sister’s safety. “And if you think I’m being difficult now, you’ve got no idea how much worse I can be.”  
Drake let out another callous huff of laughter, a twisted smile pulling at his lips.
“You’re right, but there are other ways to hurt you, aren’t there? Other people close to your heart...” he trailed off for a moment, letting his words sink in. “What about William Russo or his little human friend? Karen is it?”
As much as you wanted to remain defiant, the thought of anything happening to Billy made you feel sick to your stomach. You couldn’t let anything happen to him. You wouldn’t. 
Before you realised you were doing it, your hand was gripping the knife in front of you. 
It took him by surprise when you lunged across the table, aiming the blunt knife towards his chest despite knowing that it wouldn’t be enough to kill him. You didn’t care. The outcome of this didn’t matter; either he would die or you would. Either way, Billy would be safe.
Plates and glasses smashed as you half-fell over the table, tipping his chair back and knocking him to the floor, you on top of him.
His fingers gripped your wrist, stopping you as you tried to bring the knife down, holding the tip only a few inches from his chest.
There was noise all around you and it wasn’t until some time later that you realised it was you, that you were screaming, telling him you were going to kill him, that you wouldn’t stop until he was dead.
The struggle felt like it lasted a lifetime when, in reality, a few seconds after you’d cleared the table, one of his goons had arrived and pulled you off him. Kicking and screaming, you were carried back to your room and thrown inside.
You landed with an awkward thud, pain radiating up your bad arm despite the cast. But, seconds later, you were back on your feet, banging against the door, trying to get out, only to find that you were locked in. But that didn’t stop you from continuing to kick and scream at the door, telling him that you were going to kill him, that the only way he’d stop you was by killing you.
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After they’d left Josie’s, Frank had text Karen to let her know what was going on and where they were headed. She decided to stick around and keep asking questions around the bar, making sure that nothing had been missed but, after half an hour or so, she decided to call it a night and head home.
She left with your suitcase, having stuffed Bill the Beagle back inside, rolling it along the sidewalk behind her. Her apartment was only a couple of blocks away and, despite the late hour, she’d never felt particularly unsafe walking home from Josie’s.
“Hey, uh, excuse me Miss?” A voice rang out.
Not thinking, Karen stopped and turned, seeing a large man dressed in a dark suit heading towards her.
“Can I help you with something?” She asked, finally noticing the limo parked in front of Josie’s.
It couldn’t be a coincidence; Josie’s wasn’t the sort of place anyone would want to leave a limousine, especially not twice in one night. Karen took a step back, realisation causing her blood to turn ice cold in her veins.
“Yeah, I think that suitcase belongs to a friend of mine,” he answered, slowly stepping towards her. 
The moment he started to move, Karen reached into her purse, trying to find her gun but not taking her eyes off of him for even a second.
“Funny,” she answered, “because this case happens to belong to a friend of mine.” 
Gun in hand, she lifted it, pointing it straight at him, causing him to stop dead in his tracks. She couldn’t be sure if he was a vampire or not, but she wasn’t going to take any chances, and aimed the gun at his chest. It might not kill him, but it would definitely slow him down.
“Where is she?” Karen demanded.
“It’s none of your concern,” he answered back, daring to take the slightest step but hesitating  again when Karen lifted the gun a little higher, aiming for his heart.
“I said, where is she?” She repeated, taking a step of her own.
“She’s with her fiance and if I were you, I’d just hand over the case.”
Karen opened her mouth about to refuse again when he moved, clearing the distance between them with a supernatural speed, knocking the gun from her grasp and into the road. As she moved to grab the suitcase, he struck her with the back of his hand, knocking her off balance and sending her to the pavement.
Karen scrambled for the gun but, by the time she had it, he was almost back at the limo, throwing the case into the passenger side before moving around to the driver's door.
As he started up the engine, Karen noticed a taxi and quickly tried to flag it down. When it didn’t stop, she stepped out into the street in front of it, making it stop for her.
“Follow that limo,” she told the driver as she climbed into the back.
“Listen, lady, I -” the driver started to refuse.
“No, you listen, the piece of shit that owns that limo has kidnapped a friend of mine and I have a gun, so you can either follow that limo and get paid at the end of this, or I’m going to have to take your taxi.”
The threat hung in the air for a few seconds. She could see the driver wearily eyeing her in the rearview, no doubt taking note of the gun in her lap and her split lip.
“Alright, fine, just don’t go doin’ anything crazy,” he muttered before starting after the limo.
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They were barely outside of Krista’s building when Frank got the call. Billy watched as his friend's expression dropped from one of calm control to absolute rage in less than five seconds. He’d been busy listening to Madani, to all the measures she was putting in place to try and track you down; tracking the limo, credit cards, checking hotel guest lists. It only vaguely occurred to him that it wasn’t until then that he heard your so-called fiance’s name for the first time tonight.
Justin Drake.
Not that it mattered what his name was; he’d be a dead man the moment Billy got his hands on him.
But, for a few seconds, all of that stopped mattering and his attention was fixed on Frank.
“Are you okay?” he demanded of the person on the other end of the call. “Did he hurt you?” There was a pause for an answer that Billy couldn’t quite make out over the sound of traffic. “Where are you? No - no, stay outside and wait for us. We’ll be there in five minutes.”
“What’s going on?” Billy asked the moment Frank ended the call.
“He sent one of his goons after the suitcase. Karen followed him back to the Park View hotel, she thinks that’s where he’s got her.” Frank explained.
A second later Madani was relaying that information on her call, but Billy was already moving for the car, and Frank was quick to follow.
“Wait, I can get back up and -” Madani started, falling into step behind the men.
“We ain’t waiting,” Frank answered.This time it was his turn to be angry. They’d gone near Karen and, now, it was personal for him. 
The conversation continued as they got in the car and carried on until they arrived at the hotel; Madani wanted to wait for back-up. Billy and Frank didn’t. It was that simple. They weren’t going to wait.
“You can help us, or you can stay here,” Frank told her, though his attention was immediately focused on Karen the moment he saw her, his blood starting to boil at the sight of her split lip. “We’re killin’ this fucker.”
“Yeah we are,” Billy responded.
Frank gave Karen some quick instructions, telling her to go wait in the car and to stay out of the way. He tried to tell Madani to wait with her but the Homeland Agent refused, trying one last time to convince them to just wait a few more minutes for back-up to arrive. Before she could even finish, Billy was moving past her and heading for the hotel’s entrance.
He moved through the lobby, drawing stares from everyone that looked his way; blood from the wounds that Krista had inflicted was still fresh on his clothes and he looked as if he’d just torn someone apart with his bare hands.
By the time he reached the front desk, there were already two members of the hotel security team standing there.
“I’m Agent Madani with Homeland Security,” she spoke before anyone else had the chance, and before Billy had the opportunity to do anything stupid. “You have a Justin Drake staying here, I need access to his rooms, now.” 
“I can’t just -” the receptionist started to answer.
“He has a woman with him up there, doesn’t he?” Madani asked, stepping up to the desk. “A woman that turned up earlier tonight?”
Billy took a step forward, getting ready to take matters into his own hands.
“I can’t reveal -” the receptionist tried again.
“He kidnapped her,” Billy snapped, “and he’s planning on hurting her. So you can either let us in peacefully, or we can make you.”
The security guards moved closer but then, at the sight of Frank stepping forwards, they seemed to shy away.
“We can wait for a warrant, or you can let us in now. Either way, if anything happens, it’ll be on you,” Madani explained. “Call Homeland - hell, call the cops, the FBI, whoever you want. Have us arrested when we’re done. But if anything happens, her blood will be on your hands.”
“And we’ve got Karen Page from The Bulletin sittin’ outside waitin’ for her friend to come out, so I suggest if you don’t wanna be named as complicit in this...” Frank let the threat go unfinished.
The receptionist had turned snow white, her hands trembling as she handed over a keycard and directed them to the elevator. The two hotel security members followed after.
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You heard the commotion before everything went to hell.
There was a phone call; from what you could gather they had a friend in the FBI who’d gotten wind of a Homeland investigation, and there was about to be a raid on the hotel. They needed to get out of there, as quickly as they could.
“Come on,” he demanded, holding out his hand to you.
“No.”
“I’ve had enough of your games,” he muttered, his voice changing, turning softer. “Now, come with me.”
When he held out his hand again, you took a step towards him, wanting to do exactly as he said.
“N-no,” you said, shaking your head, trying to block him out, trying not to let him sway you.
“Come on, come with me. Right now,” he tried again.
Again you took a step, then another. Something inside of you told you to stop, to fight him, but you couldn’t. All you wanted to do was go with him.
“That’s it, come along and -”
“Boss, they’re in the elevator!”
The sudden disruption was enough to snap you out of it. You stepped back, reestablishing the space between you. You weren’t going to make this easy for him. 
“Told you I’d never be yours,” you muttered defiantly, triumphantly.
You both knew that there was no way that Drake was going to get out of this, at least not with you at his side. He’d have to let you go if he wanted to escape.
But you realised all too late what letting go looked like to Justin Drake.
“You think you’re so clever, don’t you?” He asked, starting towards you. “I would have given you everything if only you’d chosen not to act like a tempermental whore. But it’s really no bother. I’m sure when your niece is old enough she’ll be far more amenable, far more grateful for what I have to offer.” 
You stepped back as he closed the distance, until you found yourself against the window.
“At least I get to have one last taste,” he muttered darkly.
“No!” 
Your arms shot out, trying to push him away, trying to keep him from biting you. But he was bigger than you and infinitely stronger. He pushed you back, held you in place despite your thrashing and screaming. You tried everything you could to stop him from pressing closer and closer, trying to turn away as he bowed his head towards your neck.
“Not so defiant now, are you?”
“Please, no - no!” You screamed and begged, tears streaming down your face.
He bit down. Hard. 
Fangs tore through flesh, but rather than lingering to feed, he pulled back, his lips and chin dripping dark with your blood.
It took a moment for you to realise that blood was slowly filling your throat, that he’d left you with more than just a puncture wound.
Your hand lifted as he pulled back and started to walk away, feeling the wound he’d left and the way blood was spurting from it. Lightheadedness quickly over took and you found yourself sliding down the glass and onto the floor. Desperately you reached for the hoodie you’d discarded on the floor when you’d changed for dinner, pressing it against the wound, hoping you’d survive long enough to see Billy one last time.
You weren’t sure what was happening, but you heard gunshots and shouting. Then someone was at your side, her hand holding the hoodie tighter against your wounds and shouting for Billy. 
Madani.
(What was Madani doing there?)
“Hold on, help’s on the way,” she told you, but the words barely registered.
You had so many questions but it seemed too late to try and ask them.
But finally - finally  - Billy was at your side. Dropping to his knees, his eyes filling with tears at the sight of you.
“B-Billy,” you managed to choke out despite the blood filling your mouth and lungs, “you’re h-here...”
You felt him squeezing your hand, holding you so tight, like he never wanted to let you go. There were tears in his eyes as he looked down at you and you knew exactly what they meant; you were dying. In your efforts to save him the pain of watching you die, you’d brought it about decades early.
“I told you,” he muttered softly, “I’ll never let you go.”
Madani continued to press the cloth against your wound but you could tell from Billy’s face that it wasn’t helping.
“S-sorry,” you tried to mutter, wishing that you had more time, wishing that you could apologise properly.
“Don’t,” he told you, “don’t try to talk. Just - just stay still, stay with me, it’s going to be alright.”
“I l-love -” you couldn’t finish, there was too much blood and you were starting to feel so cold, so tired.
“Hey - hey, hummingbird, keep your eyes on me. It’s going to be okay,” Billy told you, but his voice sounded so far away. 
You struggled to hold his gaze, some part of you glad that you’d gotten to see him one last time, but the rest of you hated the agony on his face and the tears streaking down his cheeks. 
“I’m sorry,” he told you, squeezing your hand tighter, like he was trying to hold you in this life and not let you slip away. “I love you and - and I’m sorry, I know you’ll hate me but...”
The rest faded into the sound of your own panic, some part of you knowing what he was trying to tell you, knowing what he wanted to do. You tried to shake your head, tried to pull at his hand but you were so weak you could barely move. 
You were so far gone that you didn’t hear him screaming and pleading with Frank, nor did you hear Frank’s initial refusal and Billy’s threat to do it himself. 
Your eyes went wide when Frank loomed over you, looking at you for a moment, an unspoken apology colouring his features. You tried to speak, trying to say something - though, confronted with your own death, even you weren’t sure what you wanted anymore. But you felt Billy’s hand squeezing yours and some piece of you wanted to hold on, wanted to have his hand in yours for longer than this moment, longer than the six months that you’d had together. 
You wanted him.
You wanted the man you loved.
(It wasn’t fair. You didn’t want to die. You didn’t want to leave him.)
But it was too late. Your eyes fell shut and you let out a gurgled breath, and the last thing you heard was Billy’s shouts.
End Note : So, yeah... I have a lot of feelings about this chapter. I know it jumps around and I'm not the greatest at action sequences (I'm working on it). And I know people won't like the ending and so on, but I'm having fun. I'm not sure if next week will be the last part now or if I'll have an epilogue the week after to tie up loose ends. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this and it wasn't a let down! Also I'm sorry if any typos slipped through, I lost a night of writing to go see Deadpool last night..
As ever, thank you so much for your support/reading/liking/reblogging/screaming at me in the comments! Have a great weekend!!
Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in future chapters! If tagging doesn't work for some reason (aka Tumblr being dumb) I post most Fridays around 7:30 gmt.
Tag List : @vaguekayla @thdcre @rensolodriver @house-husband-of-castlemurdock
@snowkestrel @danzer8705 @noortsshift @aoi-targaryen @lincerad
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anna-scribbles · 10 months ago
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thirteen update 💕💍🍽️🩸
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chapter 5: february
summary:
“These things do not concern you,” Papa told him flatly. “I will run my household however I see fit. Your concerns are with your schoolwork and your modeling.” Blood pumped heavy and fast through Adrien’s heart. That wasn’t—fair. Concern was about all he was capable of these days. “And what about Maman?” Adrien asked, exhausted, reckless. “May I be concerned about Maman?” Something shifted on Papa’s face, all his emotions smothered in stone.
excerpt:
The best day of Adrien’s life was eight months and six days ago. No contest.
It was a crisp kind of cold that day, the Paris sky blooming a bright and brilliant blue overhead. The sun pierced right through the brisk February air, a shock of spearmint and adrenaline in his veins. He couldn’t stop widening his eyes, couldn’t stop smiling. The city was so alive. Strains of love songs poured out of open cafe doors and onto tourists, their hands full of red roses and lovers’ hands. The cobblestones sang with the patters of paired footsteps all down the street. It was the city of love always, but today especially. Today Adrien was made of the stuff, just bursting with it.
And, like every other day in the running for the best of his life, Marinette was there.
“You’d better not pull anything,” she warned, tightening her grip on his hand as they passed by a tourist couple looking very… engrossed with each other in the middle of the street. “And—and if you do, you have to tell me. Right now.”
Marinette’s brow was lightly furrowed, the bridge of her nose just barely scrunched up. Her hair was pulled half-back with a pink ribbon, matching the shade of the skirt she wore beneath her velvety black peacoat. Her Mary Janes clipped anxiously down the road and Adrien’s heart danced and swelled and spun in his chest.
“Pull something? Me?” Adrien stepped aside so their arms were outstretched, and then pulled at Marinette’s fingers, sending her tumbling back into his arms. She looked up at him, trying to frown, smiling. He grinned. “I would never.”
“I’m serious.” Marinette untangled herself from his arms and interlocked her fingers again with his. Her hand was the warmest thing in the world. She looked at him sternly, wagging a finger in his face. “I need to know so I can—prepare. Especially if it’s something crazy. No funny business.”
“Marinette,” he moaned, draping a wounded hand over his heart. One corner of his mouth quirked into a smile, eyes darting to meet her gaze. “You think I’m funny?”
She groaned. “I think you‘re—I think you’re ridiculous, and sappy, and romantic, and I think it’s Valentine’s Day in Paris”—this part she shouted, which drew a few stares—“and I think you’re about to take me on an insanely adorable date, and I think Alya took me to get my nails done last week—!”
“You’re so thoughtful,” Adrien remarked, swinging their hands back and forth. “And observant. What a beautiful mind you have, my lady.”
“You have to tell me,” Marinette insisted. She stopped them on the street and frowned at him, pink flushing the apples of her cheeks. “Is it—are you—?”
“Hm?” Adrien murmured, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. Marinette’s cheeks went ablaze.
“I—you—you know what I mean!” she spluttered. “Are you gonna…you know!”
He tilted his head to the side. “Am I…?”
read on ao3
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fayes-fics · 2 years ago
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Teacher Bridgerton
2k Celebration Masterpost
Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, Modern AU
Summary: Modern AU Benedict, primary school art teacher
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Warnings: none... fluff, dad!Benedict
Word Count: 830
Authors Note: Last of my 2k follower celebration drabbles. This is for @guiltywaves with the prompt of art teacher Benedict (ask here). i had to end with some soft dad!Benedict, Unbetaed. Enjoy! <3
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“Is this right, Mr Brid-etun?” a boy holds a piece of paper aloft, struggling to enunciate the last name a little, wiggling in his tiny chair.
“Daniel, this is art,” Benedict explains softly as he drops to kneeling next to the little boy. “There is no right or wrong; just whatever you want to draw, do that. And please call me Ben.”
The boy looks at him wide-eyed, almost suspicious. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am sure. I am your art teacher, remember?”
The boy nods solemnly and reaches across the low table for a crayon. 
“Fank you, Ben,” he murmurs, a little peek of tongue at the corner of his mouth as he draws an arc in bright green.
Benedict smiles at the little boy and then stands back up to survey the cheery art room filled with 5-year-olds, preoccupied with crayons and their imaginations. It never fails to make him happy when Reception Year has its lesson every Wednesday morning. And not just because of one very special person it contains.
He never saw himself as a teacher, but a 2-month volunteering stint at summer classes on a whim became a temporary placement the following term that somehow became a job. That was seven years ago—he has never felt more content.
“Uncle Ben, I drew a cat!” a voice pipes up proudly, and he turns around to see Mary Bridgerton beaming up at him, holding a picture of what could possibly be a cat. It's a bright purple circle with rather demonic-looking red eyes and lightning-bolt yellow whiskers.
“Mary, that's very… colourful,” he offers diplomatically, bending down to ruffle her hair. “But remember, I'm just supposed to be Ben at school; I'm Uncle Ben at home,” he whispers as his brother's youngest child taps a finger to her nose with a wink, her pretty brown eyes shining as if agreeing to safeguard some grand secret. 
“I want to draw a car,” Mary’s friend Lila sighs wistfully.
“You can do it, Lila. Here,” Benedict hands her a blue crayon. “Try with this. I can help if you get stuck. I’ll be right here. And look, it's blue, just like your Mummy’s car.”
Lila rolls her eyes. “Yes, I know, Daddy. I’m not colourblind like Uncle Colin,” she replies dryly, eliciting a peal of laughter from Mary. She is often far more mature than her years, and she is growing up so fast that sometimes it terrifies him.
“Lila!” he admonishes quietly. “Remember, you must call me Ben when we are at school! And Uncle Colin isn't colourblind; he is just clueless about how to dress himself,” Benedict adds with slight relish.
“But Mary just called you Uncle Ben,” Lila retorts, drawing a quite impressive version of a blue car for her age—Benedict's heart wells at the sight but schools his expression the best he can.
“It was a accident!” Mary pipes up, indignant.
“It’s okay, Mary,” Benedict soothes. “Just remember to call me Ben at school if you can.”
She agrees and returns to her art—starting on a quiet terrifying-looking green dog. 
_____
“Mummy, look!” Lila runs up to you as you walk in from work after a long day, the delicious scent of garlic and herbs greeting you as soon as the front door opens.
She is holding aloft a remarkable drawing of a blue car. Very much like the one you just climbed out of.
“That's wonderful, Lila!” you compliment as you drop your work bag and take the paper from her for a closer look, kissing her cheek before she runs back to the kitchen table excitedly.
You wander in after her, admiring her handiwork, to be greeted by your husband feeding your baby boy in his highchair as dinner simmers away on the hob.
“Somebody is taking after her Daddy,” you smile indulgently, leaning in to kiss his jaw as you watch his face light up with joy, seeing what you have in your hands. He turns his head to capture your lips instead.
“I am so ridiculously proud; she's my star pupil. That's bad to say, isn't it?” he confesses over your lips, grimacing slightly in an utterly enchanting way.
You chuckle, nuzzling his face, enjoying the slight rasp of stubble. “It's just fine, Mr Bridgerton. I do believe it’s okay to play favourites if the class contains your own daughter.” 
“I'm just glad she draws better than Mary,” he confesses, keeping his voice soft enough that Lila cannot hear.
“That bad, eh?” you laugh, dropping a kiss on your son's hair as he mashes banana into his own cheek, burbling happily.
“Stuff of nightmares,” he shudders, and you can’t help but giggle.
“Well, I'm certainly not telling Anthony,” you warn, wrapping your arms around his shoulders as his twine around your waist, pulling you into his comforting embrace. “Or Kate.”
“Yeah, me either; I’ll give Mary a gold star and lie at parents' evening,” he jests into your hair.
“Smart man, teacher Bridgerton.”
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Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @lilithseve @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @mlovesbridgerton @m-rae23 @last-sheep
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mochinek0 · 1 year ago
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Daminette December 2023: 7-In a League of their Own (SUB)
Damian sat in his apartment trying to empty his mind. His girlfriend, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, was the most amazing person he ever met. He was still shocked she agreed to date him. Today was one of those days when he thought he was just holding her back from greatness.
'Marinette deserves better than me. She's smart, tactical, and crafty. You would think Mother or Father trained her.'
'Not only is she smart, but she can cook and bake. I'm still learning. I'm sure there's day she wishes she could have a home cooked meal. I can only take her out to resturants or make her breakfast. She makes the most amazing dinners! Everything she makes tastes delicious. Anyone would be lucky to eat her food everyday.'
'She's an amazing business woman. Marinette is practically running her own company and I don't even have full control of Wayne Enterprise! She isn't afraid to tell people off. Mother would have loved her commanding presence. Everyone, including Father, is scared of me.'
'Maybe I should break up with her.'
Damian's thoughts were broken when he doorbell went of continuously.
'Who could that be? Must be Grayson.'
Damian opened the door to see his girlfriend standing there in tears.
'What the fuck?'
Marinette lunged into his arms.
"Who-" he began to demand.
"It's been a really bad day." Marinette cried into his arms, "Can I just stay with you? I always feel better when I'm with you."
Damian took a deep breath and pushed his anger down, for another time.
"Of course." he spoke.
Damian picked her up and set her down on the couch. As she wiped her tears away, he began to take off her shoes and her coat. He went into the kitchen and grabbed her a glass of water to rehydrate and ordered some of her favorite take out, along with her favorite ice cream.
"So, what happened?" he questioned, handing her the water.
Marinette had went on to explain how there had been mix up with a few orders. A person she had fired had put in the orders and when they hadn't come in on time, she called the company only to find out that person had cancelled the orders. Once she told them that person had been fired months ago, they quickly put in motion to send the fabric and other items needed. Unfortunately for her, one of the clients pulled out of her services because of that claiming she was incompetent at her job. That had only been the morning. She had worked through her lunch to tackle anything her ex-employee had touched and caleld companies to ensure that the previous person didn't dictate her orders and informed them of any changes or wrong-doings the person had done. After that, she had to get her lawyers involved as the person was order fabrics under her name and Marinette had never received them. With all the invoices from the companies, her lawyer was sure it would be a clean sweep.
A knock at the door drew their attention away from each other.
"I'll get it." Damian offered.
When he checked the peep hole, he saw the delivery driver holding up the bag of food. He unlocked the door and took the bag. When he turned around, he could see she was surprised to see him holding up food. Marinette just looked at him with tears in her eyes and smiled. Damian quickly set the food down and rushed to her side.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
Marinette kissed him, leaving him stunned.
"You are the most amazing boyfriend ever." Mari declared, "I'm sure anyone else would be jealous to know my boyfriend is in a league all of his own."
Damian kissed her back, "You may think so, but you Angel are in a league above me."
Marinette cuddled into his arms.
'We can eat the food he got in a few moments.'
TAGLIST: @maribat-calendar-events@animeweebgirl@a-star-with-a-human-name@meme991001@vixen-uchiha@abrx2002@alysrose-starchild@fandom-trapped-03@dood-space@moonlightstar64@saltymiraculer@marveldcedits20@09shell-sea09@icerosecrystal@animegirlweeb@insane-fangirl-of-everything@blueblossombliss@nickristus-dreamer@megawhitleycalderonpaganus@missmadwoman@meira-3919@princessdaisysolosyourfaves@blep-23@fangirlingfanatic@darkhinauniverse@ravenr22@im-a-satanic-ritual@ravennm84@bianca-hooks123@a-slytherinish-gryffindor@starling218
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valkyrieromanoff · 20 days ago
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SANTA DOESN'T KNOW LIKE I DO: Don Piper x f!reader
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synopsis: you spend your first Christmas with Don, stepping into his world and finding your place in his family. Between baking cookies and quiet moments, you realize how much you mean to each other.
warning: none, fluffy, implied age difference.
w: 957
a/n: Hello there, since the poll was basically a tie, I decided to whip up a little fluffy piece to make sure it didn’t get overlooked! Honestly, Hayden as Don is just the cutest—like, I just want to hug him and cover him in kisses 🥰. Hope you enjoy it, and Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄✨
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I know all of your favorite songs Pick up each time you call So why can't I be the one To give you everything you want?
It was your first time spending Christmas with Don’s family, and the nerves had been simmering all day. You and Don had been together for only a few months, and while you’d already met his ex-wife, Eva, and the kids, this felt different. It was Christmas, a time that held so much weight for you—a time for family, for connection, for reflection. And for the first time, you’d be spending it away from your own family, taking a step further into this growing relationship with him. It was exciting, but it also terrified you.
Don, of course, had been his usual steady and thoughtful self. He’d gone all out decorating the house, stringing colorful lights on the trees, the door, and even outside. The entire house gleamed with a festive glow, lighting up the snowy evening. You couldn’t help but tease him about the electricity bill, and he’d just chuckled warmly, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners, before heading out to set up the nativity scene on the front lawn.
It had been a group effort. The kids had bundled up against the cold, giggling as they carefully helped place the figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the little wooden stable Don had built years ago. The scene looked perfect, peaceful, bathed in the soft glow of the nearby string lights.
Now, the house was quieter, the warmth of the fireplace and the smell of pine needles wrapping you in a cozy blanket of Christmas spirit. The snow outside had picked up, fluffy white flakes accumulating on the windowpane. You were in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up and apron tied tightly, standing amidst a small mountain of baking supplies—flour, sugar, eggs, cookie cutters, and icing molds—all scattered across the counter.
You’d decided to surprise Don and the kids with gingerbread cookies. The red apron you wore was already dusted with flour, little white specks smudged into your hair and one streak brushed across your cheek. But you were confident. Even if you weren’t a master baker, it was the effort that counted, right?
In the living room, you could hear the soft murmur of Don’s voice and the occasional giggle from the kids as they watched a film about the birth of Jesus. It was the kind of night that felt so simple, yet so meaningful.
“Looks like someone’s been busy,” Don’s warm, familiar voice drew you from your thoughts. He stepped into the kitchen, carrying two empty mugs of hot chocolate, a kind smile playing on his lips.
His presence filled the room immediately—calm, steady, and comforting. He was wearing one of his usual knit sweaters, the kind that always smelled faintly of pine and something uniquely him. His light brown hair was slightly tousled from lounging with the kids, and his eyes softened as they landed on you.
“I think the kids are all tucked in now,” he said softly, setting the mugs in the sink. But his eyebrow quirked when he noticed the state of you—the flour in your hair, the streak on your cheek, the little trail of powdered sugar on the counter. “What’s going on in here?”
You smiled sheepishly, brushing your hands on the front of your apron, only succeeding in adding more flour to the mess. “I thought we’d make gingerbread cookies,” you admitted. “We can bake them tonight and then call the kids to decorate in the morning.”
His smile widened, lighting up his face in a way that made your heart flutter. “Gingerbread cookies, huh?” he teased gently. “Well, I can’t let you tackle that alone.”
Don opened a drawer and pulled out a green apron with colorful little drawings on it—marks made lovingly by his kids years ago with fabric paint. He held it up with a playful grin. “Looks like this old thing still fits the bill.”
You stepped closer, reaching up to tie the apron strings around his neck. “There,” you said softly, your fingers brushing against the warm skin of his collarbone for a moment longer than necessary.
He leaned down slightly as you tied the bow, his face close enough to yours that you could catch the faint scent of the aftershave he always wore. “You know,” he murmured, his voice low and affectionate, “I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to decorating cookies this much.”
Your cheeks flushed, but you couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at your lips.
Don’s eyes lingered on you for a moment, full of warmth and something deeper. He placed his hands gently on your waist, pulling you just a little closer. “You’re amazing, you know that?” he said, his tone soft but sincere. “The way you’ve stepped into all of this—into my life, into my kids’ lives—it means more to me than I can ever say.”
Your heart swelled at his words, and you smiled up at him, your hands resting lightly on his chest. “They’re easy to love,” you whispered, the truth of it shining in your voice.
He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering as if savoring the moment. “Still,” he said as he pulled back just enough to meet your gaze. “I love how much you care. It’s more than I ever thought I’d find again.”
The two of you stood there for a moment, wrapped in the quiet intimacy of the kitchen, the snow still falling softly outside.
“Well,” Don said after a beat, his playful grin returning. “We’ve got cookies to bake, right?”
You laughed, handing him a mixing bowl. “Let’s do this.”
And together, in the glow of the kitchen lights and the quiet warmth of each other’s company, you started a new Christmas tradition—one that already felt like home.
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sephirothsplaything · 11 months ago
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WINNER TAKES ALL- chapter 1
a/n : Hiii! I've seen the excitement over this concept and it made me so giddy. If the reader seems like an annoying bitch in this chapter it's because she is :/. Don't worry she'll get worse.
anyways.<3 let me take my ass to bed chile.
CW: Classism? idk reader is a cunt, black! fem reader, black obsessive reader.
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You always strived for perfection. 
From the moment you were born, everyone around your parents agreed; You were bound to do great things.
But that was a long time ago, a little earlier before the war.Your parents were long dead,leaving you to hold up the burning expectations that were placed upon you.
You walked down the long halls of the academy,Mary Jane heeled shoes clacking with each step. Every so often, a person would pass you by,offering you a greeting or a goodluck.
It was reaping day, tributes were to be announced and the prize winner would be assigned. You wore a brand new dress, baby blue in color with a pleated bottom. As you rounded the corner,you were faced with the doors of the giant lab belonging to Dr.Gaul, or grandmother,as you called her.
With the death of your parents, you were the youngest remaining Gaul in the family. Dr.Gaul was no nurturer. She showed you the depravity of humans, how they fight and bleed just to die at the end. You found it fascinating. Both you and your grandmother often bonded over the plights of human nature.
Pushing the lab doors open, you are greeted with the sight of Dr.Gaul prodding at one of her “babies”, as she liked to call them. You weren’t particularly fond of her freaky experiments, but the tub full of colorful snakes drew your eye.
“Your dress is awfully short,Y/N.” Dr. Gaul commented. You rolled your eyes. No matter how intimidating she may come off to others, she still found time to be your naggy grandmother.
“It’s hot today.” You responded. Leaning forward, you glanced at all the snakes wriggling around in the tub,entangled with one another. 
“You can put your hand in,if you’d like.” Dr. Gaul suggested. Your eyebrows wrinkled. She loved to push the boundaries of your safety and it annoyed you immensely.
“I assume there was a point in asking me to come here?” You said. She had requested you visit her before the reaping and had yet to tell you the reason why.
Dr.Gaul’s eyes glinted with amusement. Clearly,there was something she just couldn’t wait to tell you. 
“Haven't I taught you that there’s a point in everything I do?” Dr.Gaul questioned. She reached into the snake pit,pulling out one with dark blue scales.
 She allows the snake to crawl into your hands,the cool sensation of the scales was a funny feeling. 
“Do you recall a paper you wrote a couple of months ago regarding the Hunger Games?” Dr.Gaul asked. The snake had made itself comfortable around your neck,nestled into your long braids.
Of course you had remembered. “Law Of the Jungle”,you called it. You had detailed how the winning tribute always had very specific traits, the traits of a winner. Strong,smart, agile and most of all desperate. 
You were a winner. Or at least,you were going to be. There was a certain someone nipping at your heels.
“You gave me a failing grade for that.” You whined. Dr.Gaul laughed at your childish tone.
“Y/N, your concept of what it takes to be a winner is deeply flawed.” She took the snake back from you,placing it into the tub.
You glanced at the clock  on the wall. You were ansty to meet up with Sejanus beforehand but now you had no time.
“Your classmate..Mr.Snow.”Dr Gaul said, a cruel smile forming onto her face.
  “He’s a real winner.”
You scoffed at this. Coriolanus didn’t have a pot to piss in,you had observed how he often rewore outfits for reaping day. You had managed to hold your top spot in class,but these days you were wavering in favor of him. He was so quick to give the correct answer or show his highly marked test grades.
You hated him more than anything,people from the districts were better than him in your mind.
The Plinth Prize. It’s what would hold you up far above all the rest. Far above him.
“I’ll be leaving now grandmother, I'm gonna be late.” You spun on your heel,walking out of the door.
“I do hate it when you call me that.” Dr Gaul called after you. You smiled.
As you walked into the main hall,you were met with the buzz and excitement of your classmates. You were all the top 24 chosen for the mentor program. Naturally, you were number one and vexingly, Coriolanus was number two.
A server held up a tray with some champagne. You weren’t one for alcohol , but took a glass to blend in. Sipping your drink,your sharp brown eyes scanned all over the room for Sejanus.
You and Sejanus had been close friends since your younger years. He had been isolated by the rest of your classmates due to him being district. You took him under your wing, sticking by him and fending off any others who bullied him.
You were his angel,as he called you. And he was yours. Your project. You’d mold him into the perfect man, and perhaps secure the plinth fortune for yourself in the process.
“Y/N!” You heard a voice call for you. You glanced ahead of you. Arachne gestured you over.
He was there too.
Walking over, Festus, Arachne and Coriolanus were already in a circle, no doubt discussing the prize. You chose to stand next to Arachne,in direct view of Coriolanus.
Your eyes gave him a quick up and down. His shoes were definitely too small for him and you could've sworn you had seen that shirt before.
Coriolanus shot you a questioning glance,but tried to give you a polite smile.
Grimacing at him,you took another sip of your champagne.
“Ah, and here's Dr.Gaul's best experiment.” Festus said,gesturing towards you.  It might’ve been an insult,but it was technically true. You had gained every opportunity in your vicinity,worked in the best labs and rubbed shoulders with high powered politicians. 
Yeah,you were a little spoiled maybe.
“She thinks the prize will fall right into her lap.” Arachne scoffed. You gave a dramatic sigh.
“Well,I’ve certainly earned it,haven't I ?” You said. Coriolanus gave a chuff of amusement. Your head tilted slightly. Whatever on earth was he of all people laughing about.
“Sucking that district scum off doesn’t assure you anything.” Festus spit out. 
“Careful Festus.” You said gently tracing the rim of your glass. “I just came from Dr.Gaul’s lab, and she has a tube your size,if you can believe it.”
Festus fell silent immediately. 
“I don’t understand your fixation with him,honestly.” Arachne said. And you hadn’t expected them to. They were too blinded by stupidity to recognize that Sejanus was malleable and oh so naive.
He was perfect and more importantly,all yours. Mostly all yours anyway.
“Speaking of district scum.” Festus said, gesturing towards Sejanus,who was talking to his parents. 
All of you took a quick glance in his direction. Arachne groaned in disgust.
“Look at his mother’s outfit,Christ!” She said,
You pursed your lips. While you agreed that Mrs.Plinth’s outfit was nothing short of frumpy, there was no way in hell you’d be caught agreeing with this pack of imbeciles.
“His Ma,I think you meant.” Festus chuckled.
“Dress a turnip in a ball gown,and it’ll still beg to be mashed.” Coriolanus said. The giggles of your classmates rang through your ears. 
You looked back to Sejanus who met your gaze. He gave you a soft smile to which you returned.
‘Don’t do that,we all know you like him.” Arachne scolded. Now it was your turn to giggle.
It was well known that after you,Coriolanus and Sejanus were close. Something about that had always irritated you. Maybe the fact that Sejanus tended to talk about him all the time when he was with you.
“I don’t like him,I tolerate him.” Coriolanus said, a little too fast in your opinion.
“Oh?’ You said, a cat-like grin creeping its way onto your face. Coriolanus’s expression hardened at the sound of your voice. 
“If I recall,weren’t you just having dinner at his house the other night?” You asked with faux curiosity. 
Coriolanus shot you with an icy glare,to which you were all too happy to return. The feeling was mutual.  You hated him and he hated you. 
“Well, if I hear him blab on about how immoral the Hunger Games are,I'll put him into the area myse-.” Festus halted his words as Sejanus approached.
You brushed his arm in greeting before downing the rest of your champagne. 
“Y/N, you look pretty.” Sejanus said. Of course he thought you were. Blue was his favorite color,you’d concluded it would put him at ease,having someone that was on his side.
“I see you made it to the reaping for once.” Festus said snarkily. Coriolanus was watching Sejanus carefully,almost analytically. 
You wanted to pluck those blue eyes right from his skull. 
“And you’ve made it to graduation Festus, we’re both shocked.” Sejanus shot back.  You smiled proudly. He was sticking up for himself just as you trained him to do.
Coriolanus gave a small smile at the response. You felt your eye twitch.
“Spill it,who won the prize?” Arachne asked,clearly fed up at his presence.
You couldn’t fight the cold curiosity as you looked at Sejanus. Unfortunately for you, Sejanus had not divulged any information about the prize,no matter your soft spoken words or lingering touches.
You found comfort in your classmates being just as clueless as you were. A first time for everything,you supposed.
“I’m not about to ruin my father’s big day.” Sejanus said,sliding his hands into his pockets.
You pressed your thighs together slightly. He had really big hands.
“No one here actually likes him,but they do love his money.” Sejanus said, venom dripping in his tone.
“You know what that’s like, right Arachne?” You finally spoke.The waterfall of braids from your high ponytail shifted slightly as you gave her an amused glance.
Sejanus looked to you gratefully. You relished the feeling. Whatever would he do without you?
“Whatever.” Arachne scoffed. She walked away from the group to take her seat.
Festus left as well, leaving you and Sejanus with Coriolanus. 
You acted swiftly before Coriolanus could speak. Grabbing Sejanus’s hand, you led him to the front aisle of chairs.
“Come sit with us Coryo.” Sejanus said. You gave Coriolanus the harshest glare that you could muster.
‘Stay away from him’ You hoped the message was clear. Coriolanus stood motionless for a moment. He smirked at you purposefully, plopping down to the left side of Sejaus. 
‘That asshole’ You thought bitterly.
You watched Dr.Gaul take her place in front of the stand. She was eerily gleeful today. It unsettled you.
Sejanus’s hand grabbed yours,pulling your attention. He looked almost remorseful.
“Look, I know you’ve been working really hard this year.” He began, Coriolanus was facing the stage but you knew he was zeroed in on the conversation.
Snakeish fucker. 
“There won’t be a prize, angel.” Sejanus said. You instantly dropped your hand from his at the news.
No prize? This had to be some sort of joke. You had poured every ounce of energy ensuring a victory and now it was being pulled from under you.
All your efforts had been effectively wasted. You wanted to scream.
“What?” Coriolanus said. He too had his heart set on the prize,perhaps even more than you.
“I’m so sorry.” Sejanus said. It was unclear who the apology was geared towards.
You and Coriolanus share a look of confusion. All bets were off, for now at least.
“ I am here to examine you all, our leaders of the future.” Dr.Gaul said. She was holding back a giggle as if she had thought of a joke.
“Allow me to introduce the creator of the Hunger Games himself, Dean Casca Highbottom.”
You turned your head to see Highbottom down a tiny vial of something.
Morphling addict. You couldn’t understand why anyone would attach themselves to such a concoction. Pain and misery is what keeps humans sharp after all.
Hence, the Hunger Games.
Dean Highbottom made his way to the front of the room in a morphling induced wobble. He took his sweet time adjusting the glass on his right eye before addressing everyone.
You had no love for the man. He was a drunken fool with no eye for progression. He had studied under your grandmother and somehow managed to learn absolutely nothing.
“For this year's tenth annual Hunger Games,we are doing things differently.” Highbottom said. There were whispers from your classmates in a flurry of confusion.
Your focus was waning. There was no prize.
“You all will be assigned a tribute to mentor,the goal is for them to win the games.” Highbottom explained.
Mentor? This piqued your interest. Sejanus was still sullen. 
‘Pathetic.’
“Your job is to make a spectacle,get people watching the games.” He said.
Now this, this was exciting. No wonder your grandmother was so bubbly. This was far more compelling than any prize.
A winning tribute would mean lifelong gratification. A plethora of opportunities sure to come.
You were practically squirming in your seat. Someone’s life would be in your perfectly manicured hands.
“Now, your tribute is your own responsibility.” Highbottom reminded everyone. You tuned him out,opting to imagine what your ideal tribute would be.
A tall, stocky boy from district one would do quite nicely. You would hardly have to do any work at all. The prospect of death would motivate him properly. A pretty district four girl would be good too, a diamond in the rough.
Nobody wants to see an attractive face maimed, not even you. 
Casca Highbottom began reading down the list,assigning a tribute to each of your classmates.
You didn’t get district one. Or four.
Sejanus had been assigned district two, Marcus. You fought a chuckle at the cruel irony. You were sure it was done on purpose.
You grabbed Sejanus’s hand,giving it a firm squeeze. You and Coriolanus’s names had yet to be called.
“You got the pick of the litter.” Coriolanus said,trying to cheer Sejanus up. You wanted to scoff. He truly knew nothing. Another reason why he was unneeded as Sejanus’s friend. You would be sure to remind Sejanus of that later.
“You forget, I'm a part of that litter.” Sejanus said coldly. He wasn’t even looking at the screen to face the tribute.
It wasn’t hard to forget. He found a way to remind you every day. It was graining on your last nerve.
“I’m so sorry Sej.” You said with all the sympathy you could muster.
“Y/N Gaul, you get district seven, Treech.” Casca Highbottom said. You looked up to see a boy around your age. He wasn’t at all what you had imagined. He was filthy,clothes torn with a look of hard disdain on his face. The tattered wide brim hat he wore covered half of his face.
There was nothing remarkable about him. He was scrawny. Dull.
You were so utterly doomed.
The list continued on and on.
“The district twelve runt, she belongs to Snow.” Casca concluded. A girl made her way onto the screen. Her dress was rainbow in color and she had chocolate brown hair.
You smirked.You and Highbottom shared a singular thing in common. The deep desire to see Coriolanus fail.
The girl, who was introduced as Lucy Gray Baird, had taken a hit by the district governor.
She fell to the floor. Your classmates laughed at the antics. But you did not. Neither did Coriolanus.
Grabbing the mic, Lucy Gray bellowed out a song,her voice like honey. You looked to Coriolanus to gauge his reaction. He was smiling.
And why shouldn’t he be. You’d be an idiot not to acknowledge the fact that he had struck gold with her.
A songbird. The perfect spectacle and potential capital darling.
This was not looking good for you.
You thought back to your tribute. Treech. District 7 was lumber. He no doubt would have had experience with trees and wood. That was at least a start.
Coriolanus had his star, and now you needed to forge yours.
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palskippah · 1 year ago
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Basically the magma drawing but it's the bros?? I just drew them and then their parents taking pictures, I didn't mean to copy myself alsdkasd
Anyways- BABY BROS
-They had their hats from when they were very young, and even though their mama wasn't very fond of them she still sews their initials in them pipipi
-Also, an idea I had a while ago but I never drew is that papa Mario took them to buy clothes with his brother (Arthur?? I'm gonna call him Arturo aksdj) and they had the full intention and orders from mama Mario to buy the twins matching dresses for a holiday party or smth, but they saw little baby overalls on sale and also hats AND also shirts and they were like- no way, we have to buy that, look how cheap yet good quality it is! They'd be idiots to not take the sale.
>So then mama Mario is like- ...? Where are the dresses?? 🤨
>And papa Mario says- These were on sale, my love!! 🤑 while both him and Arturo hold the babies in their arms, showing her their new little outfits for the christmas party (they're perfect bc they're green and red and also they're such good quality they actually keep wearing them until they no longer fit)
-Maybe their dad keeps buying the same color for each baby? Or he takes advantage of the christmas sales, so each year for a few months Luigi and Mario wear green and red, respectively.
>Mama Mario thinks they could switch which baby wears each color, but papa Mario says it's better that way so they can tell which one is which (which has mama Mario laughing to his face bc the babies are fraternal twins and it's not very hard to tell which one is which c'mon Carlo)
-Yeah their dad's name is gonna be Carlo in my mind bc that's the italian form of Charles, and for funsies what if their mom's name is Martina :y
-Also I don't care how it actually is, I'll say that Arturo is Carlo's brother and Uncle Tony (Antonio) is Martina's brother bc what do you mean all the relatives come from the dad's side?? Also, aunt Marie is still aunt Marie, love her. And the nonno is still Carlo and Arturo's dad ajskdja
-Carlo and Martina were the firsts to have babies and the uncles made fun of them bc they got too mushy sometimes with Mario and Luigi, like always trying to take pictures of them or being excessively congratulating when they did anything and stuff (also maybe they were kinda young parents or smth, having the twins not very long after they got married). When Arturo and Marie have their own baby Carlo (and also Mario and Luigi, who are like eleven and totally up to be annoying to their uncle) make fun of him if he's too mushy with his baby too.
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freakshowtwopointoh · 11 months ago
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I Won't Pretend That I Won't Miss This
Jordan stared at the offer letter like it was their death warrant. Six months ago it had been everything they wanted. But everything changed in six months so why did they have to get this job now? Different parts of themself pulling in different directions, pulling so hard they might actually become two people with the intensity.
UCLA. R&D intern for a Vought subsidiary. Brink had pulled a few strings for them, wrote a killer recommendation, and they wrote a stellar essay. At the time, they were sure they would get the job. This was the first time they hated being right.
The small voice in the back of their head, the golden butterfly of hope, reminded them that they could make it work. That plenty of people managed long distance relationships, and that the internship was only 9 months long. And then they thought about watching Marie walk away from them at the fucking JFK departure lane and the ache in their chest was enough to cause them to shift involuntarily. They thought about how her voice doesn’t sound quite right through the phone. How her eyes don’t shine as bright through a camera lens. And how hard it was to fall asleep without her next to them. 
The louder, darker voice in their head reminded them that she probably wouldn’t want to wait for them anyways. It’s one thing when they live just a few buildings away from each other, but multiple time zones? She would be going to sleep around their dinner time - if they were even out of work. They would be waking up when she was already in classes. When they imagined making their way through the UCLA campus, there was that sickening lurch in their stomach as they realized she wouldn’t be in any crowd. They would be alone again.
And it would be selfish of them to even ask her to wait for them. This is college, and she’s just starting. They’d be limiting her, hurting her, by asking her to put in all that time and effort for them. But if they were truly honest, it was cowardice. They didn’t think they would be able to stomach it if she rejected them. She was truly going places. She had this ease about her, an earnestness to her that drew people to her like the sun. She was a true star - and they were never going to break out of the background.
They didn’t hear Marie come in, but they felt her stand next to them, forcibly unfurling their tightly clenched fist to hold their hand. She didn’t say anything, just stood there holding their hand until they realized tears were falling from their eyes onto the offer letter, which they hadn’t stopped staring at since they opened it. 
“So. What’s our next move?” They had to push her away. She deserves so much more than them. 
“This was fun, Moreau, but I think-”
“Are you serious?” She snapped, cutting them off. “If you think I’d rather lose you than wait nine months, you are actually an idiot.”
“I-” They went to argue with her again, but her eyes made it clear she wasn’t interested in dealing with their shit.
“If you actually want to end things now, go ahead. But I can feel your heart pounding, Jor. And nine months is nothing.”
“You could have a whole ass child during that time.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a half ass child, but I guess it’s possible.” That got a chuckle out of them, in spite of everything. “Stop trying to protect me from yourself, Jordan. You’re not as dangerous as you think you are. I’m not afraid of loving you.”
Afraid? Of loving Marie?
“I’m afraid of losing you, Marie!” They yelled, unsure of what she was accusing them of. Did she think they were afraid of loving her? No. They were afraid of losing her, they were afraid of hurting her, but loving her? That was as easy as breathing. But breathing wasn’t always easy, was it. Like now, the fear corrodes the love until their breath is tangled in their tongue and nothing makes sense anymore. 
“Isn’t that the same thing?” She spits back. They don’t have a response to that. They’re glaring at the letter again, as if that would help anything. Marie breaks the silence again.
“Just... love me anyways.” She said softly. “I’m scared of losing you too, baby. But don’t stop loving me just because you’re afraid of getting hurt.”
Love me anyways. Wasn’t that what true love was? Loving each other even though it might actually kill us. Facing every one of their fears would be worth it if they could be by her side, right? They finally looked at her, finally met the big brown eyes that had made them fall in love in the first place.
“I’m so fucking scared, Marie. Wh-” They were about to launch into the series of what ifs that had been plaguing them all morning when her lips met theirs and everything faded away. Their hand shook slightly as they cupped her face, trying to put as much love and courage and care into the kiss as they could. Because when she was this close to them, when their lips met, it was almost like they had never been afraid of anything in their life. When she pulled away, she met their eyes with a soft smile. “Ok. I love you, Marie. Let’s figure this out.”
So they did. They planned out when Marie would be able to fly out to UCLA. They scheduled weekly video calls. They fell asleep on the phone with Marie every night - her soft breathing becoming their own white noise as they worked into the night. They never stopped looking for her in crowds, even when they knew she wouldn’t be there. So when she surprised them at their big presentation (despite it being a couple weeks before exams) they noticed immediately and nearly cried on stage. But it was the best presentation they’d ever done. 
And when they finally landed back at JFK, ready to start their senior year with Marie by their side, the reunion was sweeter than they could have ever imagined.
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aclevername8 · 1 year ago
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It's been a hot minute since I posted here lol, so I thought I'd share a bunch of art I've gotten of my AU over the last few months since then--starting with this piece (my now girlfriend) @aynek-draw drew for me back in October to celebrate the two-year anniversary of my AU!
And to begin, here's a 'quick' overview of all the currently planned main characters of my AU, all of whom were drawn/designed by my good friend @wolfcha1k!
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Ratchet and Rivet, the prime protagonists of my AU, who need no introduction.
Basically, everything happens as is in canon until before Rift Apart/after Into the Nexus, where Clank gives Ratchet the opportunity to meet the Lombaxes by privately giving him the repaired Dimensionator in their Veldin home, and Ratchet actually accepts it.
And upon meeting the Lombaxes, he finds that his father had been alive the entire time, and after reuniting with him, now spends time with the father and species he never knew, on top of being officially ordained as a fellow Keeper of the Dimensionator for his valiant efforts in defeating Tachyon and avenging their species.
In an effort to revitalize the since-defunct Interdimensional Divsion of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research, Ratchet and Kaden travel to the Archives a month after his arrival to grab some items before getting caught up in an adventure against Emperor Nefarious, and meeting Rivet and Kit along the way.
After helping her defeat Nefarious, they allow her to meet her birth uncle, Mags, on top of getting to know the Lombaxes as well--but developing a crush on Ratchet along the way, with the two having love at first sight.
After getting to know each other better (like building the brand-new RYNO 8 together), they would finally start dating to the obviousness of literally everyone around them, and eventually, marrying and having two children together, an older daughter and a younger son.
Ultimately, they'd retire from all the heroics, having had enough of an exciting lifestyle, and instead running a humble mechanic shop on Ratchet's home of Veldin, with the slogan of "Giving Your Ships A Little R&R!" and a greenhouse in the back for Rivet and Kit to partake in their favorite hobby of gardening.
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Kaden, another prime protagonist and whole inspiration to even make this AU so that he can live and be the best dad he can, goddammit.
Described by many as a cocky smartass, no one can say Kaden is underdeserving of praise at being an accomplished Praetorian General, Elder Councilman, Cohead of the Interdimensional Division, and most importantly, Keeper of the Dimensionator. But even with so many renowned titles, Kaden's favorite one is the title of 'father'.
When Tachyon attacked and took nearly everything from him, Kaden was lucky enough to have his son spared, but at the cost of his wife's life, Marie, who with her last words, made him promise to do anything to protect their son. Following her words, Kaden left him on the planet Veldin for his own safety before fighting Tachyon to what he thought was his death after staying behind to protect the Lombaxes.
Although he lost, he was unexpectedly saved by his friends, Mags and Julie, when they built an illegal Dimensionator to retrieve him before he could die. Unfortunately, the Council was so spooked by Tachyon that they banned Dimensionators outright to prevent anyone from returning to the original dimension to eliminate any chance of Tachyon following them through--stranding Kaden from his son.
Even though Kaden did all he could to try and go back--even ending up in prison for a short time for being caught building his own Dimensionator--all he could do was appeal to them every single month for twenty years in the vain hope his son was still alive.
Thankfully, Ratchet would reunite with him when he returned to the Lombaxes, allowign Kaden to fulfill his promise he made to Marie all those years ago. And with Ratchet's arrival, came the unexpected consequence of being able to meet a new friend and eventual new wife, Chief Alice Wells, and later (accidentally) having a second child with her, their daughter Lucy.
Over the years, Kaden would find himself from making peace with the fact he'd die alone as a failed father to the patriarch and great-grandfather of a large and extremely crazy family that he wouldn't trade anything in the entire multiverse for loving every single one of them with all his heart.
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Kaden's best friends, Julie and Mags, the head and cohead of the Center's Weapons and Interdimensional Divisions, respectfully, who saved Kaden at the last minute from Tachyon by building a dimensionator to retrieve him before death.
While Mags is known to everyone else as the Lombax that helped Kaden find their new home in the Great Exodus, those closest to him know him as one of the best, most loyal friends you can ever have. Intelligent, enthusiastic about both ships and the interdimensional, he can be a little awkward at times, but makes for a fun friend if you can understand half the jargon he talks about.
Although he once had a twin sister who he was close to that died in a freak accident during the Great Exodus, Mags was extremely lucky to eventually find out that her daughter, his niece, Rivet (or Rosie, as she would have been named) survived, allowing himself to be the uncle he always wanted to be.
And right alongside him is Julie (or Cool Aunt Julie, as she wishes to be called from both Ratchet and Rivet), who is aptly described as a living ball of chaos that if left alone would probably find a way to explode something in the name of science and badassery in an effort to find yet another insane idea for a gun.
But even her mere existence can be argued as a health hazard for others in the room, she is fiercely loyal to anybody she latches onto, being Mags and Kaden 99% of the time, even if she bickers with them both about nearly everything--especially on the topic of convincing them to build a gun into the Dimensionator "Because it'd be so cool, just think about it!"
Even despite the fact that she and Mags have been bickering nonstop for the years they've known each other, they eventually started dating and married after years of working at the Center made them undateable to normal people, which suited them just fine.
Along with Kaden, they are extremely close three peas in a pod that have an unbreakable bond after supporting each other through post-Tachyon misery for over twenty years.
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Chief (Alice) Wells of the Lombax City Guard, who has a tough-as-nails attitude, but a secret softie side that only a few are permitted to see.
Sick of her mens' shit from growing extremely complacent over the years after the newly-bolstered post-Tachyon Praetorian Guard made New Fastoon one of the safest planets ever, Wells has grown one hell of a temper, being able to come up with very creative insults and punishments (including tazing her own men without hesitation after they call her a bitch under his breath), almost everyone who meets her is scared of her. Almost.
If there's anything she hates most, it is little punks who treat the law as a mere suggestion, and as such, it was natural for her and Ratchet (and eventually Rivet (AKA Punk and Missy)) to have an intense feud that make them hate each other's guts--especially Ratchet's, after his arrival to the Lombaxes caused a city-wide chase that made the City Guard look like fools.
But even then, she and Kaden soon found themselves in an unexpected friendship, and even more unexpectedly, a relationship that would eventually have them married and have a surprise daughter, Lucy.
Even though Wells would say she HATES being the Punk's stepmom out of technicality, deep down, she (and Ratchet) grow a soft spot for each other that would have them respect each other somewhat--as long as no one else would be able to see.
But if you asked her if she loved Ratchet's children, she would say with no hesitation that she loves her grandbabies with all her heart.
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Ratchet's kind (and short) yet unfortunately deceased mother, Marie.
When she and Kaden first met as teenagers at the Academy, it was love at first sight, and after being sick of being forced to watch them awkwardly flirt and dance around their mutual crush, their best friends Lorna and Alister pushed them to finally date, and the rest was history.
Dating through the Academy, Kaden's Praetorian training and induction to the Center, Marie's graduation from Vapedia's college, the two married, and their lives couldn't be any happier.
But when Marie announced she was pregnant (by accident after a night of drunken celebration of Kaden's promotion to General), Kaden was admittedly scared and disliked the idea of being a father, but voiced no such thoughts at seeing Marie be so happy at being a mother.
But thankfully, when Ratchet (or Kipler, as he was to be named) was born, Kaden's fear turned to ecstasy and unspeakable joy, wishing right alongside Marie to be the best parent ever.
However, when Tachyon attacked, Marie died saving Ratchet from their collapsing home, and with her final words, told Kaden to promise her to protect their son, a promise Kaden upholds to this day, even as he sees himself become a great-grandfather.
And although Kaden now finds himself with a new wife and second child, he still loves Marie with all his heart, and now loves her through their son that shares her blood--and her height, never failing to make jokes at Ratchet's expense, as "If not even your mom never got to escape my jokes, then neither should you, shorty."
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Rivet's deceased parents, Dex and Kayla, the respective head of maintenance and high-ranking interdimensional researcher at the Lombaxes' Interdimensional Research Colony on Savali in Rivet's dimension.
Back before Tachyon attacked, some Lombaxes lived and operated in a research colony on the planet Savali, home of the Interdimensional Archives, and headed at the time by Mags, being his responsiblity as cohead of the Interdimensional Division.
Although Kayla, his twin sister, was just as bright as him and fully capable of such a role, she was content with just being a researcher, always avid to learn about the next breakthrough. But as a result, she had a tendency to be quite awkward at times, especially when it came to her eventual crush on the colony's head of maintenance/local handyman, Dex, responsible for fixing anything that breaks in the colony, from integral machinery to coffeemakers.
Instead of trying to talk to him like a normal person, Kayla had an ingenious idea of intentionally destroying her appliances and calling him over to fix it, where they would 'happen' to chat as he repaired her stuff, which worked quite well for a while until Dex asked her out because "It sounds nicer to talk to you over a nice dinner than over me fixing your toaster that 'accidentally' fell onto a hammer about eight times for the third time this week, right?"
The two would go on to marry, and eventually, have a little girl that they and Mags absolutely adored. Disaster would strike during the Great Exodus, where while they were returning back to Savali from an off-planet trip, they would fly into the territory of a new 'Empire' and be shot down over Sargasso with Mags watching their final moments over a call urging them to come back home ASAP, leading him to believe his family had died in front of him.
However, while the call had ended from their crashing ship, they had placed their infant daughter in an escape pod in the nick of time, sacrificing themselves, but saving Rivet. She safely landed on Sargasso to be eventually raised by the Morts, and even later, aided by Ratchet and Kaden to overthrow the Nefarious Empire that unknowingly killed her parents, and allowed her the chance to meet her Uncle Mags that she never knew existed.
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Ratchet and Rivet's (taller) firstborn child and rambunctious daughter, Mallet-Marie (nicknamed Mallarie).
When Ratchet and Rivet found out they were pregnant, they initially wanted to name their daughter 'Mallet' similarly to their own tool names they themselves had. Kaden, however, argued against it, saying that while they might not have grown up 'normally', their daughter will, and she 'at least needs a normal name to not be bullied with, please.' So, they compromised, and gave her both a tool name and a normal name, of which they named in honor of Ratchet's late mother--who she happened to have great resemblance to as well, to their pleasant surprise. Needless to say, Kaden was very happy with her name.
Growing up as the daughter to a family of renowned heroes from her intergalactically famous father, Ratchet, her mother that led a resistance to overthrow an entire galactic empire, Rivet, and her heroic grandfather that helped save and protect their entire species, Kaden, Mallarie sought to follow in their footsteps, thirsting for a life of adventure and--most importantly--fun.
As a result, she loves mischief and unwise ideas (with Ratchet and Rivet believing that it was karma against them for the hell they themselves raised growing up), always up for the first sign of adventure, no matter how dangerous or impulsive it may be.
And when her 'nerdy' brother, Miter-Mags, came along (via 4-year-old Mallarie poking holes in 'mommy and daddy's funny balloons' as a prank), her secondary objective was to 'de-nerdify' him by dragging him along on her adventures whenever she could, even if he protested against it, complaining that he wasn't into the idea of sharing their parents' exciting lifestyles.
However, Mallarie's impulsiveness to drag Miter on her dangerous adventures would catch up to her, and on an adventure gone wrong, Miter would lose his leg saving Mallarie from being killed. To say Ratchet and Rivet were furious is an understatement, and feeling ashamed and miserable that she nearly killed her brother, Mallarie would flee to Savali to be alone--but with her Aunt Kit following her.
Kit would help Mallarie deal with the all-too-familiar feeling of nearly killing a loved one and causing them to lose a limb--admitting the truth of her mother's missing arm was because Kit shot her a long time ago. And so, after a few weeks of talking and reflection, Mallarie came back home to face her family for forgiveness--only to find that her brother was not mad at her at all, saying he'd gladly lose his other leg if it meant his sister would still be alive. And upon seeing his forgiveness, Ratchet and Rivet apologized to Mallarie for unfairly blaming her completely for the accident, and the family would move on stronger than they were before.
Although the experience sobered Mallarie to her adventuring ways, it didn't kill her mischievous spirit, and upon meeting a wannabe rebel in Jett, a Lombax she met while sitting in jail yet again, proceeded to try and teach him the ways of being a rebel punk like her.
But what she didn't expect, however, was find a kind, loving gentleman in him that made her want to settle down with him, eventually becoming her boyfriend. And when her brother accidentally had a child, they both talked about their future together, and decided they wanted to marry and have a family.
As a result, Mallarie cleaned up her act and enlisted in the Praetorian Guard, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a General like her grandpa to support her eventual twin daughters Allie and Rose, getting all the adventure she ever wanted.
But even grown up as a respected General and all they've been through, Mallarie still teases her brother about being a 'dumb nerd' to this day.
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Ratchet and Rivet's second (just as short) child and intelligent, voice-of-reason son, Miter-Mags.
Named similarly after Mallarie, and in honor of Rivet's uncle, Mags, Miter takes much after him in terms of intelligence and curiosity. Unlike the rest of his immediate family, Miter enjoys a quieter lifestyle, interested not in guns and adventures, but in books and the unknowns of science.
With encouragement from his grandpa Kaden and great-uncle Mags, Miter graduated all the way from college with the Lombaxes to eventually work under them at the Center for Advanced Lombax Research in the Interdimensional Division.
However, this and his interested made him a 'boring nerd' in his sister's eyes, and as such, was unable to completely escape his family's lifestyle, finding himself begrudgingly dragged away on dangerous adventures by his sister in an effort to make him 'cooler', forcing him to learn a thing or two about fighting in the process.
However, disaster would strike one day when he lost a leg protecting his sister on an adventure gone wrong. Being blamed by their parents, Mallarie fled from home while Miter remained to recover from his injury, Rivet being there the most from him, and hating the fact that her son suffered the same fate she did, losing a leg while she lost an arm.
But while Rivet helped him get over the loss of a limb, Miter similarly helped his parents get over the anger they felt towards Mallarie, as he hated seeing her sister in so much distress, and seeing his family being divided, and slowly convinced them that it wasn't her fault since he could have simply refused to go, and saying that they should be thankful that they are both still alive.
Thankfully, Mallarie eventually returned, allowing everyone to make up and apologize for regrettable things that have been said, and to better help move on from the incident, everyone pitched in to help build Miter a yellow prosthetic similar to Rivet's, a symbol of their love overcoming a struggle as great as this one.
And as it turned out, his amputation was a blessing in disguise, as when he returned to work, a very shy coworker of his, Estelle, was the most concerned about his accident, asking if he was okay, and always being there to help him whenever he needed it, her worry overpowering her ordinary shyness.
After a while of getting to know each other, the two would start dating, and upon finding out and enjoying his new girlfriend's secretly extremely high libido, the two would accidentally end up having a child together--something that literally everyone expected Mallarie to do and not 'actually sensible and reasonable Miter'.
Thankfully, it was a happy accident, and Miter and Estelle would marry and happily raise their son, Jules, with Miter eventually being handed the mantle of Keeper of the Dimensionator after his grandfather retires from the profession.
And even though Miter found himself at the butt of his sister's short jokes for his entire life, with her escaping their parents' acquired genes of shorter height to his chagrin, he found that a second blessing in disguise of his amputation was that kicking his sister's shins in response was much more effective with a metal prosthetic than his natural foot.
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Kaden and Wells' open softie yet fiery-on-the-inside daughter, Lucille 'Lucy' Wells.
Accidentally entering the world when her mother demanded Kaden a 'destressing' session after a particularly bad day, with Wells neglecting protection in her fervor because 'we're probably too old to have kids anyway, just get over here and take off your pants already', Lucy was quite an unexpected development in her family's life, but far from unwelcome.
Although, Wells initially feared being a mother (and Ratchet loathed the idea of getting a half-sister from The Bitch™) due to the responsibility that comes with it, with her always denying the fact that she was pregnant despite the obvious symptoms, like morning sickness (she just had a long-lasting flu), her strange nighttime cravings (it's totally normal to eat pickles and tutti-frutti ice cream at midnight, KADEN), and gaining some weight (it's just too many pickles and tutti-frutti ice cream). Eventually, though, thanks to many talks from Kaden and new mother herself, Rivet, Wells would come to accept her new daughter (who would earn the pet names Pickles and Tutti Frutti due to being the blamed cause of Wells' baby bump).
Due to the timing of her birth, Lucy grew up quite close with Mallarie and Miter (of whom would be her niece and nephew, despite the fact that Mallarie was older than her by a year or two), often being confused as their sister, although she honestly was close enough to be one.
And as Kaden and Wells would find out, even though Lucy was as cute as a button and outwardly very sweet and loving of cute things, she had also inherited her mother's Wrath of Wells, giving her a bit of a temperament and capacity to unleash hell on any unfortunate soul dumb who pissed her off.
In her childhood, Kaden got her a pink Protopet as a gift, given by Angela Cross (who had in fact fled to the Lombaxes years prior, working as a biologist at the Center), and Lucy immediately fell in love with her and named her Pinky. Wells, while initially irritated that Kaden got a pet without talking to her first, would come to actually love Pinky as well--especially once she saw how terrified of it Ratchet was due to his past experience with Protopets. Thankfully, Ratchet too would come to like Pinky--but only after they locked him in a room with her until he stopped screaming once they were tired of him refusing to let him or his children even step near their house after they got her.
And in her teenage years, Lucy eventually found herself head over heels with a girl in her class, Cecily, finding her goth fashion, intelligence in poetry and philosophy, and (most importantly) big breasts quite attractive. Unfortunately for her, just like her half-brother and father, she was an awkward mess with romance, and struggled to talk to her. Fortuantely, though, Cecily (or Cee Cee, as a nickname) loved Pinky, and the two eventually bonded when Pinky ran away from home with Cecily finding her, leading to them dating, and later on, marrying.
As for a career, Lucy wanted to follow her mother's footsteps in joining the City Guard to help make the world a safer place for the average citizen, sharing her family's willingness to do good, and found that her mother gave absolutely zero preferential treatment towards her daughter, treating her as just a normal recruit.
While it was a struggle at first adapting to her mother yelling at her after being used to her being sweet with her, it only served to make Lucy quite an effective officer, and with the edge that the Wrath of Wells gave her on her job to enforce order and justice, she quickly rose through the ranks of City Guard. Soon, she would be promoted to Chief of the City Guard to protect their sister dimension's city once Lombaxes return to the old Fastoon to rebuild their ancestral home, and even later on, fully succeeding her mother in leading the City Guard across two dimensions.
Even then, though, she never did escape Mallarie's teasing, from being called 'Copper' for both her fur color and profession, having to deal with constantly arresting Mallarie herself (alongside Wells) during her rebellious years, and once promoted to Chief, Mallarie teasing how she was just a 'lowly Chief' while she herself was 'an awesome General' in the Praetorians. Luckily for Lucy, though, she was raised by one of the biggest smartasses on Fastoon, so she'd always be sure to throw a comeback that'd make her father proud.
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Born as Jeremiah, Jett wants nothing to do with the family he's been given, wanting to be as far away as possible from them.
Although one would think that being born in an elite, aristocratic family with its patriarch having a seat on the Council of the Center for Advanced Lombax Research would be a one-way ticket to an easy life, it is anything but for Jett.
Being raised by parents who don't want him and a grandfather that cares not about Jett's desires to be anything other than the future Councilman they all want him to be, to say that Jett hates his family is an understatement. Although he does want to do good to help people, with his family arguing that the best way to go about it is being a Councilman to enact laws and such, Jett wants to help people directly, and he feels as though being a Councilman only serves to help his privileged family remain privileged, helping the elite more than the people.
And between his loveless, misogynistic father that brings home a different woman every week, his perpetually drunken mother that numbs her life with luxuries, and his cold, elderly Councilman grandfather that seems to make decisions 'for the greater good' without caring about those that they hurt, and the slew of shallow aristocrates they all meet with, Jett is sick of the elite lifestyle.
So, stating that his name was no longer Jeremiah and now Jett, he entered a rebellious phase to finally gain all the freedom he ever wanted, trying to act as rebels are supposed to do, from joyriding his parents' stolen ships and graffiti. Only problem was that, quite franky, he sucked at being a punk instead of a gentleman, and didn't know what to do.
However, after sitting in jail from a joyride, he happened to meet Mallarie (who immediately nicknamed him 'Spot' over his fur marking on his eye), who upon learning his want to be a rebel to escape his 'asshole family', took him under her wing to teach him how to have real fun, making him tag along on her adventures and mischievous escapades to teach him how to be a rebel.
However, Jett found himself falling in love with Mallarie, especially after meeting her family and getting a taste of what it's like to have relatives that love you unconditionally--especially if she too had a Councilman grandfather that had the capacity to be a loving patriarch. And after opening up about his own loveless family, he was unofficially accepted into Mallarie's shortly after they started dating, who he now considered to be his real family now.
Once Jett's family learned of him and Mallarie dating, they sought to make him date 'within your own class' by trying to set him up with an aristocratic snob, Brittney. Jett, however, hated being forced on dates with her by his family, and it was the final straw to make him leave them all for good.
Now with a family where he was actually loved and accepted for who he was, he and Mallarie talked about their future together, and decided to have a family of their own, with Mallarie getting a career in the Praetorians to help support them.
When they had their twin daughters, Allie and Rose, Jett became a stay-at-home dad, wanting to be in their lives for as much as possible, wanting to be the best parent he never got, loving his children with the love he so desperately wished to have himself growing up.
But when they got older, and the task of being a full-time parent was no longer needed, Jett decided that he wanted to fulfill his desire to help people once more, but this time, instead of going on heroic adventures with Mallarie, he decided to pursue a career as a Councilman, now on his terms instead of his family's.
Although he wished he had a family like Mallarie's growing up, he is more than happy that he was able to ensure that his own daughters grew up with the happy childhood he never had.
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Estelle--It's always the quiet ones.
Growing up with intense social anxiety all her life, being a quiet, shy, wallflower bookworm, no one would suspect sweet and intelligent Estelle to consistently have the highest libido in the room.
Whenever she isn't dedicated herself to the pursuit of interdimensional knowledge, quickly finding herself a job as a high-ranking researcher in the Interdimensional Division, she is indulging in her favorite hobby of reading smutty romance novels, having quite the collection.
While working in the Interdimensional Division, she found herself getting a crush on her coworker, Miter, always loving his charm and intellect, but always being to shy to say more than a few passing words to him. But after he suffered from his accident and not being able to show up to work for a month, only getting updates from his grandfather Kaden and great-uncle Mags who also worked there, Estelle grew very worried about him.
Luckily, he eventually came back, but upon seeing him missing a leg with a new prosthetic, Estelle's worry overpowered her anxiety, wanting to make sure that he was alright, sparking their first real conversation together. Ever since then, Estelle was always willing to help Miter out whenever he needed it, and being braver to actually talk to him now that they actually somewhat knew each other, allowing them both to work more closely together. And soon enough, Estelle mustered up the guts to ask him out--something that made Miter a bit sore because he too was trying to get enough nerve to ask her out only to be beaten by her.
He quickly found out just how much of a sex drive his seemingly innocent girlfriend had, on top of learning of her hobby for smutty and romantic novels, but luckily for her, he did not judge her one bit for her somewhat embarrassing hobby--especially when he found the smut she had secretly written about them as well. He was more than happy to help her indulge in her libido, however.
But it was said indulgence that led to an accidental pregnancy with their child, but thankfully, Miter and Estelle felt up to the task, and decided to marry and raise their unexpected son, Jules.
Although the incident served as a stark reminder for the importance of protection, it did nothing to stifle Estelle's sex drive, always loving the fact that she was able to find true love like all the girls of her smutty romance novels did--except her one true love was a short scientist instead of a broad, scantily-clad burly hunk.
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Cecily is a true example of don't judge a book by its cover--nor by its taste in music and fashion.
Although one would think that with her goth outfit and many piercings that Cecily (or Cee Cee, as those closest to her also call her) is a punk, you wouldn't be further from the truth. In stark contrast to her fashion sense and preferred taste of heavy metal music, Cecily is often a quiet and stoic individual, not by any sense of anxiety, but rather from a mindset of not needing to speak unless she has something to say.
And thanks to her love of poetry and philosophy, much of what Cecily has to say is quite meaningful and full of beauty--which is exactly why Lucy fell in love with her in the first place, on top of finding her quite physically attractive as well.
Contrary to what Lucy thought, Cecily did know she existed, and also found her awkward attempts at getting to know her quite endearing. And luckily, Lucy's pet protopet, Pinky, similarly loved Cecily, and happened to run to her when she ran away one day, allowing her and Lucy a perfect opportunity to talk.
And much like Marie and Ratchet's partners, Cecily did too find Lucy's inherited romantic awkwardness very cute and charming, and soon began dating Lucy, finding her to be an extremely dedicated and loving partner.
While Lucy would go on to find a career in the City Guard as an officer and eventual Chief, Cecily instead pursued her passion in writing and poetry, and while not becoming as popular so as to go down in the history books, found enough success that she can be happy with a job, wife, and cute and cuddly pet that she loves.
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From Kaden, his own family, and pretty much everyone else that meets him, they all agree on one thing; Harold is undoubtedly the epitome of a crotchety old man.
Already having a bit of gruffness to him in his younger days, it was only made worse when Tachyon attacked, killing his beloved wife, Cynthia, and nearly destroying the planet that he loved. As a result, Councilman Harold was the most vocal proponent to banning Dimensionators outright to prevent any chance of encountering Tachyon ever again.
As a result, however, him and fellow Councilman Kaden had a bitter rivalry, with Harold always standing as Kaden's biggest obstacle between him and retrieving his son for the twenty whole years they were separated. Harold did not care, however, as he always stood for doing what was for the greater good of all Lombaxes--even if it meant crushing the dreams of others.
When Ratchet arrived to prove Harold wrong that Ratchet was not in fact a 'dead and rotting pile of bones that Tachyon has undoubtedly dealt with by now, Kaden', it did nothing to change his attitude or demeanor, only making him agree that it was like father, like son: They were both smartasses that annoyed him to no end.
But while he was a respected Councilman, albeit agreeable, his home life fared no better, with the death of his wife making him a cold man towards his own family to their own detriment, especially towards his rebellious grandson.
As his son, Felix, and his daughter-in-law, Ophelia, were questionable in their parenting skills in the best of times, Harold was one of the most present relatives in Jett's life that showed him the most love--which was not saying much. Even though they used to be close, Jett's disillusionment to his family's lifestyle and expectations of him drove them apart, coming to a head when Jett firmly denounced his entire family to say that he was leaving them--for Kaden's family.
To hear his own grandson say that Harold's most bitter rival was a better grandparent than he ever was stung more than he thought, especially when Kaden himself reamed into Harold one time for squandering the family he had while Kaden fought him for the right to even have one for twenty whole years.
Having his most loved relative abandon him began a period of reflection in Harold's life, which was unfortunately not for much longer. On his deathbed, he asked for Jett to see him, and in an emotional conversation, apologized to Jett for not giving him the love that he should have been given, and even though he knew it was too late to give it now, he was happy to see that he had found it with Mallarie and the rest of Kaden's family, and made Jett promise to be a better man than both him and his father.
Although the experience would leave Jett with bittersweet feelings, it at least made him feel more at peace with his decision to leave his family with his grandfather's blessing and love, making the few happy memories he had with him all the sweeter.
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The epitome of a dysfunctional and loveless family, Felix and Ophelia.
Thanks to his father Harold's more neglectful style of parenthood due to his wife's death during Tachyon's attack, Felix unfortunately grew up with some bad habits--particularly, having the same neglectful mindset of being a parent.
Ophelia was actually of a lower class than Harold's more aristrocratic background, and when the two started dating, she was pressured into marrying him to secure her own place with the elite, but finding out much too late that with Felix and his misogynistic beliefs and bitter attitude, she made a poor choice.
In an effort to save their marriage, the two had a child, Jeremiah (later deeming himself 'Jett'), only to find that it amplified the problems with Felix being an absent, harsh father that soon found a regular hobby of bringing escorts home, and Ophelia numbing her loathsome life with drinking and empty pleasures of a wealthy lifestyle, also opting to neglect their son.
While the two of them fell out of love long ago, now trapped in a loveless marriage, the only thing they could agree on was that their son would be a disappointment if he never became a Councilman to further secure their class status once Harold dies. They made sure to voice this to Jett for his whole life, on top of the odd insult and statement that they would have probably been happier if they never had him in the first place.
With parents like these, it was no surprise when Jett disowned himself and never looked back, and while Harold was the only one who was most hurt by it, Felix and Ophelia were simply annoyed and opted for a 'good riddance' attitude.
However, seeing Jett leave their family gave Ophelia enough courage to finally leave her loveless and long-since-dead marriage, and left Felix with his constant weekly escorts to try and find her own happiness in life.
Wherever she or Felix ended up after Jett left, however, he doesn't really know, nor does he care at all, only that they remain out of his and his children's life forever.
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With the both of them being among the most insufferable and vapid people one can meet, Brad and Brittney truly are made for each other.
Ever since puberty, Brad's main goal in life is to get laid whenever he can--guys, girls, doesn't matter as long as he has a good time. As a result, he has racked up one hell of a body count over the years, and broken-hearted exes to go with it. And even though he gained a reputation from his countless conquests, that he cares more about maintaining his admittedly attractive looks than his actual partner for the week, Mallarie neglected to listen when he asked her out, believing that she could 'fix him'.
The fact that he flirted with both her parents, her brother, and her (lesbian) aunt Lucy upon introducing him wasn't enough to deter Mallarie despite literally everyone telling her she should run. But thankfully, the situation 'fixed' itself once she turned down Brad's instent offer to finally have sex--Mallarie arguing that if she was losing her virginity, it wasn't in the back of a ship after getting fast food--and upon seeing that Mallarie wasn't going to be an easy conquest, he dumped her, forever cementing the family's hate towards him.
Brittney, on the other hand, was born in a high-class family, and as such, finds anyone one poorer and/or of lower-class far beneath her, and has had everything handed to her on a silver platter. Her family tried to set her up to date Jett as a ploy from his family to try and get him away from Mallarie.
Unsurprisingly, Jett paid no attention to Brittney on their forced dates, both from the fact that he already had a girlfriend, and the fact that he hated Brittney's vapid, selfish, and elitist personality. So after one last date crashed with Mallarie's aid, Jett left Brittney behind, which upset her greatly in thinking that she wasn't good enough.
She decided to drown her sorrows in a high-class bar later that night, where she happened to run into Brad, who upon convincing her that he was totally some rich dude that's clearly in the same class status of her, they had a one-night stand. But after being so lucky for so long, Brad's luck ran out as Brittney ended up pregnant to both of their dismay.
However, as the reality of him being a father began to hit him, something changed inside of Brad, making him decide to try and turn around his ways to be the best dad he can be to provide for his family. Luckily, Brittney's CEO dad (who was very displeased about the pregnancy as well) got him a job at his company's mailroom, and thanks to Brad's natural charisma, managed to work his way up to a respectable managerial position in the company over the years to support their son, Oliver.
And although his and Brittney's relationship was rocky at the start, neither wishing for a relationship nor even a child together, they did all they could to try and make it work together, which thankfully, they did, their new child and marriage doing wonders to change their otherwise selfish ways and grow to be better people.
Brad and Brittney would even later run into Mallarie and Jett, respectively, and apologize to them for their shitty selves they had to deal with when they had to 'date' them, saying that they had grown up and matured since then.
To this day, the two couples are actually good friends, allowing their children to grow up playing with each other and becoming best friends--and even allowing a budding romance to blossom between them as well.
However, it doesn't make it any less awkward when Brad still runs into one of his many exes on his day-to-day.
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Ratchet and Rivet's grandchildren; Allie, Rose, and Jules.
To be honest, I decided that this generation is my cutoff point for developing my AU, as if I went beyond this, I know I would never stop making this family huge, so not every much is decided on what they actually do as it doesn't really matter lmao
Allie and Rose are Mallarie and Jett's twin daughters, named after Wells and Rivet, respectively (with Wells' first name being Alice and Rivet's original birth name being Rosie). Allie would grow up to be more headstrong while Rose woudl grow up more shy and reserved.
Jules is Miter and Estelle's son (and the oldest of his cousins), and he is named after Julie--mostly because she was very butthurt that Kaden and Ratchet didn't name any of their children after her. Needless to say, she was very happy.
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Brad and Brittney's son, Oliver, or 'Oli' as everyone calls him.
Similar to Allie/Rose/Jules, Oliver is in the generation that I am deciding not to develop to stop myself from going overboard, so not much is decided about him outside of the fact that he is Allie and Rose's childhood friend, and that he ends up in a relationship with one of them (probably Allie).
And don't worry, he isn't a vapid asshole like his parents were.
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Jett's grandma/Harold's late wife, Cynthia.
Not much is developed of her because of the fact that she's been dead and honestly doesn't have much bearing on the AU as a whole, but Harold used to be not as crotchety and cold when she was around, and she was quite the gossip, but an otherwise sweet and kind lady.
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Wells' late ex-Praetorian father, Ulysses.
Ulysses used to be a respected Praetorian captain back in his day before retiring to spend more time with his family, including Wells when she was a little girl, who looked up to him very much.
But when Tachyon attacked, while his family evacuated, he stayed behind to aid his fellow Praetorians in the evacuation, but unfortunately was killed by Tachyons' forces. As a result, Wells vowed to follow her father's footsteps in wanting to make the world a better, safer place, sparking her fire in pursuing a career in the City Guard--opting to enlist with them rather than the Praetorians because Wells felt as though the City Guard makes more of an impact on the average person's life, being able to better see the fruits of her labor for herself.
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Wells' mother (or sister?), Sierra.
At first, Sierra was drawn to be Wells' mother (as my friend wanted to know more about Wells' backstory), and that she died with her father to better establish her motivations to want to do good--mostly by the fact that they accidentally instilled a workaholic mentality into Wells before they died.
But then another friend thought of the juicy idea of Sierra being alive purely so that she and Ratchet (and Rivet) actually bond so that Wells would have to watch with horror as her mom would become frineds with The Punk and Missy.
But then I had the idea of what if Sierra was Wells' older and more fun-loving sister for those juicy sisterly dynamics, still making her and Ratchet pals, but also so that Kaden can ask her for dating advice.
I am still on the fence about how she is related to Wells, so she's a work-in-progress lol
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And so, that was the "short" character overview of all the (current) main characters currently planned in my AU!
If you're interested in reading more, read the series so far here on AO3!
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ninja-muse · 3 months ago
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September was a good month! Nothing I read was bad, which means my ranking this month was done by hairs and vibes and I definitely recommend everything. Even my DNFs were good, objectively. They just weren't for me. And my library has finally, finally, started to put June and July releases into circulation, and Seanan McGuire knocked it out of the park again, and I found out I won an ARC by getting an email that effectively said the parcel had been delayed, and I managed to read two-thirds of a book in a single day because I had public transit adventures on purpose.
My expected book haul didn't happen, though. My birthday yielded one book (the Tolkien), but also two bookish puzzles, one bookish shirt, and two bookstore gift cards. (Yes, I have already preordered something, never fear.) (No, I'm not complaining. I do not need more books. And the shirt's perfect.) And once again, I feel like I didn't read enough, but I had some freelance work come my way and that ate into my reading time. Oh, and uh, GBBO is back so there went another evening….
I managed two books off my physical TBR this month. The Trixie Belden is one I "accidentally" bought online a few months ago. I loved these books as a kid and I'm determined to one day own them all. (I think now I'm missing six.) I was pleasantly surprised by how well it held up and would love to see Trixie get a reboot or rerelease for modern kids. She is hands-down better than Nancy Drew and I'll fight people about it. The other book is a Philip Pullman short story I liberated from work and which has been sitting on my shelves for something like six years. Lee Scorsby gets his own prequel story! It's great! And definitely improved by my inability to picture him as anyone but Lin-Manuel Miranda.
And A Natural History of Dragons was exactly the sort of book I imagined it being, and I think it's going to be a near-binge series for me. I have the second book coming in for me at the library now, and I'm pretty sure I'll be requesting the third once I'm done with that.
I'm going to have work in October at reading more dark or complicated things, or striking more of a balance. Five cozyish books this month was a little much.
Oh, and one last thing: due to recent news, I've purged my library of all Neil Gaiman works I don't have a sentimental connection to. I've yet to take the stack to my favourite new used bookstore for credit, but as far as I'm concerned, they're already gone.
And now, as usual, here’s my list of everything I read this month, in the rough order of how glad I was to have read them.
Tidal Creatures - Seanan McGuire
Somebody is killing incarnations of the moon and the remaining moon gods, lead by Chang’e, must stop them before the cosmic balance is upset.
8/10
major Chinese-American POV character, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary character (lesbian), South Asian secondary character, 🏳️‍🌈 author
library book
The Disenchantments - Celia Bell
During the Affair of the Poisons, a baroness and her female lover are thrown deeper into the underworld of lies and secrets after a vicious murder.
8/10
🏳️‍🌈 protagonist (sapphic), 🏳️‍🌈 secondary character (sapphic)
warning: domestic abuse, misogyny, beating
reading copy
A Natural History of Dragons - Marie Brennan
A memoir by Lady Trent, renowned natural philosopher and adventuress, covering her childhood, first expedition, and the troublesome dragons of the Vystrana highlands.
8/10
warning: death, murder, animal death
library book
Once Upon a Time in the North - Philip Pullman
Lee Scorsby arrives in Novy Odense and finds a conniving politician, a beleaguered captain, and a hired gun—not necessarily in that order.
7/10
warning: blood, gun violence
off my TBR shelves
Shoestring Theory - Mariana Costa
After everything goes wrong under King Eufrates, Grand Mage Cyril decides to turn back the clock and prevent disaster. Unfortunately, his plan for fixing things was “wing it” and he’s never been good at politics. Out in October
7/10
🏳️‍🌈 protagonist (gay), 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (multisexual), major dark-skinned characters
warning: suicide, animal death
reading copy/won
Buried Deep and Other Stories - Naomi Novik
A collection of fantasy short stories.
7.5/10
🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (achillean)
reading copy
Dreadful - Caitlin Rozakis
Gav wakes up with no memories in a dark wizard’s lab. He quickly realizes he is the dark wizard and if he doesn’t figure The Plan soon or play to type, there won’t be a Gav at all.
7/10
🏳️‍🌈 secondary character (achillean)
library ebook
Trixie Belden and the Mystery at Saratoga - Kathryn Kenny
When Honey’s groom suddenly goes missing, Trixie and Honey naturally start working on the wheres and the whys and whatever else they need to bring him back.
6.5/10
warning: attempted animal cruelty
off my TBR shelves
The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society - C.M. Waggoner
When Winesap’s amateur sleuth realizes her town’s per capita death rate, she grows convinced that something supernatural is afoot. And that’s before her cat starts talking.
7/10
Black secondary character, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (gay, bi man)
borrowed from work
The Forest City Killer - Vanessa Brown
An account of a number of unsolved murders in late-1960s London, Ontario, with a bent towards there having been a serial killer.
7/10
🇨🇦
warning: murder, sexual assault
library ebook
Picture Books
The Bakery Dragon - Devin Elle Kurtz
Ember wants a gold hoard like the big dragons, but he’s too small to get one the normal way. One night, he follows a golden glow to a bakery and everything changes.
9/10
DNF
Garden of Earthly Bodies - Sally Oliver
When thick hairs begin to grow on Marianne’s back, her doctor diagnoses grief and trauma and sends her to a New Age center, where strange and unsettling things are happening.
borrowed from work
Goth - Lol Tolhurst
A history of goth music, from a musician who was there at the beginning.
reading copy
Currently reading
The Disappearing Spoon - Sam Kean
An entertaining history of chemistry and the elements of the periodic table.
library ebook
Music from the Earliest Notations to the Sixteenth Century - Richard Taruskin A history of early written European music, in its social and political contexts.
The Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle Victorian detective stories
disabled POV character (limb injury), occasional Indian secondary characters
warning: racism, colonialism
Monthly total: 10 + 1 Yearly total: 92 Queer books: 2 Authors of colour: 1 Books by women: 9 Authors outside the binary: 0 Canadian authors: 1 Classics: 0 Off the TBR shelves: 2 Books hauled: 1 ARCs acquired: 1 ARCs unhauled: 3.5 DNFs: 2
January February March April May June July August
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minthe-deserved-better · 2 months ago
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SATOSHOKO COLLEGE AU
He was four glasses in when the truth slipped out. The bitter flavor of Hennessy danced around his tongue. The same tongue that hadn't stopped moving since the beginning of his second glass. It was possible his words stopped making sense the better half of an hour ago. But he didn’t care, he never really did. That of course didn't stop his drinking buddy from giving his undivided attention. Well, perhaps the word “buddy” wasn’t exactly the most accurate description, “observer” or “chaperone” better suited their current situation.
Suguru was the kind of man who could make you feel like the only important thing in his life without much effort. He was the friend that would look at you and smile when you were telling a story to a group of people who weren't really listening. The guy who would ask you details about some mundane thing you happened to mention a few weeks ago. Which is why it made sense that he would be the first person Satoru confessed his thoughts to.
He was like a priest without the hail Mary.
Suguru watched him from across the table with a careful sort of consideration. He wrapped his lips around his straw. Taking a slow sip from the same glass of vodka he ordered when they first walked into the dingy campus bar that technically, they weren’t legally old enough to be served in, but had managed to maneuver their way into with the assistance of the shitty fake ideas they had paid for in beginning of the semester.
And then again, when had they ever been ones for technicalities?
Even through his alcohol induced haze, Satoru was conscious enough to be annoyed by his best friend's moderation. Here he was drinking his problems away while simultaneously whining about them. And Suguru was sitting across from him, the perfect depiction of composure.
"How do you know?" He asked after a prolonged silence.
The drunk boy, freshly turned man drew back, offended. Ignoring the way he nearly lost his balance when he did. "You think I don't know when I'm in love?" Sober, he was quite the debater. Drunk, he became more of a fighter.
"I was curious, not skeptical.” Suguru shrugged. "I’ve never been in love."
The words had their desired effect. Satoru relaxed in his chair. "I know because she's perfect." It wasn't what he planned to say but it worked nonetheless. He paused. Waiting for his friend to laugh or at least question him. When neither occurred, he continued.
"She makes me feel like I'm supposed to be with her. It wasn't a coincidence that she walked into orientation and sat beside me. She was looking for me. I was supposed to be there. Waiting for her. It's um.. It's well." Satoru snapped his fingers. Trying to bring the specific word to the front of his mind. He knew what he was trying to say. It was right on the tip of his tongue-
"Fate?" Suguru offered.
"Fate." Gojo inhaled the word like it contained the world's last breath of oxygen.
Ierie Shoko.
The object of all of Satoru’s haphazardly placed affection. The premed student, who ironically enough had the smoking habits equivalent to that a middle aged man. She was snarky in a way that made you feel dumb but never stupid.
Satoru had learned that those were two very different things.
Like you were apart of some kind of inside joke that the two of you were only aware of.
Shoko was cool. And not in the easily identifiable sense that was easy to write off as manufactured or disingenuous, but in the way that you could tell that her nonchalant, effortlessly hilarious, incredibly fucking attractive demeanor was something that she had possessed her entire life.
Simply born interesting.
It really wasn’t fair.
The pair had met 2 semesters ago. Bordering on six to seven months. And despite the copious amounts of options that presented themselves at their university, for a reason that was only fully understood by himself, Satoru had fallen in love with a girl, who fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you looked at it, had become one of his closest friends.
Suguru smirked, more to himself than anyone else, resisting the urge to remind him of the fact that for all intents and purposes she was at orientation because well , it was mandatory for all first year students of the University.
Secondly she had sat between the both of them, initially striking up a conversation with Suguru first. Making the offhanded joke that the “arrogance that radiated off of Saturo had turned her off.”
But despite these situational truths he thought better of it, deciding that now in one of Satoru’s most embarrassingly vulnerable moments his reminders would most likely go unappreciated.
"Then you gotta tell her man.”
He pushed his drink away. Still unfinished.
Satoru scoffed. "I can't just tell her I'm in love with her. Its barely been two semesters. She’s gonna think I’m crazy.”
Suguru leaned forward, patting him on the shoulder.
“She already finds you deeply disturbing.”
Satoru frowned, folding his arms on the unsanitary bar table that had undoubtably served as a comforting surface for the thousands of drunk students that had come before them, and the thousands that would continue the alchoal dependent culture long after they had graduated.
“She didn’t mean it.”
Geto smirked.
“She did.”
Satoru spoke into the table.
“Screw you.”
Suguru smirked patting him on the shoulder.
"This isn’t like you man. You don’t sit and wait for things to happen. You charge in, albeit sometimes with more aggression than you should, and you make them happen. So make it happen.
Satoru leaned into Suguru’ touch to avoid looking in his eyes. He knew his best friend was right. This wasn't like him at all.
Gojo was forward to a fault. If there were pictures in the dictionary, Websters would be knocking at his door for the photo shoot for Outspoken. His name was basically synonymous with candid. So why was he stalling with this woman?
Quick answer? Shoko was unlike any woman he'd met before.
Of course orientation wasn't the first time he was approached by someone attractive. Wasn't even the first time in that same hour. But she made it different. Being propositioned by her didn't just make him feel turned on. It made him feel lucky. Special. Wanted. Seeing her smile at him made everyone else in the room blend in with the wallpaper.
"I'm going to tell her."
“Tonight?”
“Fuck no.”
He shook his head, shoving his phone into his pocket. He was an idiot, a fact both she and himself were acutely aware of. She even found it charming.
However with her being a med- student he knew that she wouldn’t exactly appreciate a drunken phone call that involved him telling her that he was irrevocably in love with her.
He’d rather be castrated. He’d stumble to her dorm eventually. They were in the same floor after all.
"Good idea. You’re a mess.”
Suguru ran his fingers through Satoru’s hair slowly.
He let go of his friend's hair. Taking hold of his drink. This time he forewent the straw and tipped the glass to his lips. Finally finishing it. He cleared his throat and smirked at his best friend and roommate.
"You really think she hates me?”
”Perhaps.”
"What?" He couldn't blame the liquor for his sudden stupor. Even with the honey liquid in his system, he had enough sense to remember how to lunge across a table and tackle him. They’ve been friends since they were 8, being 19 made not a difference. 
"You can always find out. Tomorrow of course." Suguru didn't wait for him to respond before he was slipping a bill under his glass and standing up. "Sleep on this thing before you do something rash.”
Rash decisions. His biggest contender as a second best friend and the death of his conscious.
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kylianswifey · 2 years ago
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La Flamme de l'Amour - Chapter 1
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Summary: In the glittering City of Light, Anita embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. But fate has other plans when she meets Kylian, a man in a complicated relationship with Maria. Despite their attraction, they must keep their feelings hidden as they navigate a dangerous game of love and loyalty.
Anita walked through the door of her new apartment in Paris, taking in the empty space around her. She couldn't help but drop her bags on the floor as she stood there, staring at the place that would become her home for the next few months. The apartment was nothing like the one she had left back home. It was small, with a single bedroom and a tiny living room that barely had enough space for a sofa. But it was hers, and she was excited to make it her own.
As she looked around the apartment, Anita couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for her old life. She had left behind her family, friends, and everything that she had known to start a new life in a foreign country. But she knew that it was worth it. She was here to pursue her dreams of becoming a famous photographer, and she was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Her dad would’ve been so proud of her. Before he passed away, he knew Anita had the same passion for photography as he did and he always encouraged her to never pass on an opportunity to expand her career or her knowledge. And that’s what she did, that’s why she’s here. 
A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts.She opened the door and was greeted by a young woman with curly brown hair and bright green eyes.
"Bonjour!" the woman said cheerfully. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, but I noticed this suitcase outside your front door and I figured you left it there by accident.” Anita looked down at the suitcase and smiled.” Oh, thank you for letting me know. I just moved in today, I guess I got distracted”. The woman smiled at Anita and reached out her hand for Anita to shake.” No problem at all. I’m Maria, nice to meet you.” Anita shook her hand and smiled at her.“Nice to meet you too, Marie. I’m Anita. I guess you live here in the building too?”, she let go of her hand.
Maria shrugged her shoulders.” Um, kind of. My boyfriend lives here, so I’m around here most of the time.” “Oh, that’s great. I guess I’ll see you around often then.”
Maria smiled. "Yeah, I hope so. Well, I'll let you get back to unpacking. It was nice meeting you, Anita."
Anita bent down to grab her suitcase and lift it up.” Likewise, Maria. Have a nice day.” She watched Maria continue her way up the stairs as she closed her front door and went inside.
As the evening drew in and Anita continued to unpack, she found herself feeling a little homesick. She decided to make herself some pasta for dinner and put on some music from her record player, which she had brought with her from home. As the music played softly in the background, she sat down to enjoy her meal and take in her new surroundings.
As she ate, Anita couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and familiarity from the music playing on the record player. It reminded her of her dad, who had passed away a few years ago. He had been a huge music lover and had instilled that love in her from a young age.
Even though Anita didn’t want to admit it, one of the reasons she left home was her dad. Everything reminded her of him, even a simple joke someone would say reminded her of when her dad told it to her. She wanted to bring her best friend wit her but she had other plans. Anita knew she couldn’t condition people to match her lifestyle, so she didn’t take it personally.
She placed her plate on the kitchen counter and made her way to the mattress she laid on the floor as a temporary solution until she got some new furniture. As she settled in for the night, Anita opened her laptop to start searching for job opportunities in Paris. She had always dreamed of being a photographer, and she knew that Paris was a big opportunity for her to succeed. She had her own clients she unfortunately had to let go by moving here, so she was officially unemployed.
After going through a list of job postings that require a lot of qualities, disappointment washed over her and she decided to call it a night. She put the laptop shut on the floor and drifted to sleep.
Anita woke up early the next morning to the sounds of the city outside her balcony. She smiled to herself, feeling grateful for the opportunity to live in such a vibrant and exciting place.
After taking a quick shower, Anita decided to go out and explore the city. She had heard so much about the famous Parisian cafes and restaurants, and she couldn't wait to try them out for herself.
She wore some proper clothes for the Paris weather and made sure to bring her camera with her and capture some amazing photos of Paris. She exited her apartment and made her way to the elevator, pressing the button. The door opened revealing a guy coming down from the other top floors in the building. She gave him a small smile and entered the elevator. The guy seemed so attractive, he wore a white shirt and gray sweatpants, carrying a small pouch under his arm. He looked at Anita and smiled.” Hi, you must be new. I haven't seen you here before.” Anita turned to face him and smiled.”Yeah, I moved in yesterday. I’m Anita.” “Nice to meet you Anita, I’m Kylian. I live in the penthouse of the building.”
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herbs-and-poultices · 3 months ago
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A Vaguely Whumptober-Themed Anthology of Folk Songs from the British Isles / Transatlantic Tradition: Part 2
Part 1 Last Year's Part 1 Part 2
(What’s a random American gal with no English/Scottish/Irish heritage doing listening mostly to songs like these? Blame my parents for raising me on murder ballads and ceilidh tunes.)
16) Wound Cleaning: A' Mhic Iain 'ic Sheumais (Son of John Son of James) X
An old traditional Gaelic song.
Dòmhnall mhic Iain 'ic Sheumais was shot with an arrow while leading his clan at the Battle of Carinish in 1601. According to legend, this song was composed and sung by his foster-mother as she removed the arrow and tending his wound. In the tradition it is more commonly sung as a waulking song (women's work song), but this is the first version of it I heard, performed live some 12 years ago, and it has a beautiful aching quality of love and grief.
17) Shipwrecked | "We had a good run": Barrett's Privateers (X)
A Canadian classic from the Folk Revival (20th c)
The ship was a wreck before she even set sail, it's a miracle she held up for the three months it took her to get from Canada to the Caribbean. One encounter with a merchant ship was more than enough to finish the job, leaving the sole survivor to try to make his way back home
18) Revenge: Banks of Sweet Dundee (X)
A broadside (19th c) ballad.
An orphan girl's uncle and a wealthy suitor conspire to have her low-born sweetheart pressed and sent to sea. The intrepid heroine seizes her suitor's weapons and takes her happily-ever-after by force.
He put his arms around her, “Stand off, stand off,” says she “You’ve sent the only lad I love from the banks of Sweet Dundee” She took the weapons from him and the sword he used so free, She boldly fired and shot the squire on the banks of Sweet Dundee Her uncle overheard, and hastened to the ground “Since you’ve killed the squire I will give you your death wound" “Stand off, then,” young Mary cried, “undaunted I will be” The sword she drew and her uncle slew on the banks of Sweet Dundee
19) "Is there anybody alive out there": Battle of Harlaw (X X)
A rather inaccurate account of the battle, most likely composed a few hundred years after the fact, but a fine old song nonetheless.
O’ fifty thoosan’ Heilan’ men but fifty-three gaed hame, And oot o’ a’ the Lawlan’ men fifty marched wi’ Graeme Gin onybody spier at ye o' them that marched awa’, Ye can tell them plain and very plain they’re sleepin' at Harlaw
** spier = ask
20) Emotional Angst: Lovely On The Water (X)
An old traditional ballad.
For Tower Hill is crowded With mothers weeping sore For their sons are gone to face the foe Where the blundering cannons roar
21) Body Horror: Donald MacGillavry (X)
A Jacobite song. Not precisely period trad (having been written some 60-70 years after the fact), but it's a real good one!
Things done to shoe leather should generally not be done to people.
Come like a cobbler, Donald Macgillavry Beat them, and bore them, and lingel them cleverly Up wi’ King James and Donald Macgillavry!
22) "Oh that's not good": Fire and Flame (X)
A memorial to the Halifax Explosion in 1917, composed by the latest generation of folksters.
'Twas in early December 1917 She was packed to the gills with Grade-A TNT They were bound for the fighting in High Germany When towards them the other ship turned The Norwegian ship Imo, some fault in her gears She struck Mont-Blanc's side like the mightiest of spears And the benzol ignited the captain's worst fears As the fire consumed bow to stern
23) "I'm doing this for you": Loch Lomond (X X)
Period trad (as far as I know) from shortly after the 1745 Jacobite Rising.
After the failure of the final Jacobite rising, the victors made brutal examples of their prisoners through public execution. One chose to die so that his comrades (or in some versions of the story his brother) might go free.
The 'high road' is the way over land back to Scotland. The 'low road' refers to the way traveled by the souls of those who die in foreign lands when, in Scottish tradition, they return home one last time.
24) “I never knew daylight could be so violent”: Bonnie Blue (X)
A Jacobite song. Not precisely period trad (having been written some 60-70 years after the fact, and the final verse added more recently).
Thanks once again to General John Cope for his contributions to the Scottish musical tradition.
Fast, fast their foot and horsemen flew, caps were mixed wi' bonnie blue Dirks were wet - but no wi' dew, upon that fatal morning... Run, run, ye gangling crew, this morning's work ye lang will rue The bonnie blue bonnets are after you tae wish ye's a' guid morning
25) Being Monitored | "It's for your own good": The Deserter (X)
When first I deserted, I thought myself free Until my cruel comrade informed against me. I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed, I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me...
The resulting three-hundred three (!!) lashes was not enough to deter this desperate unwilling recruit from trying again. The second time around the sentence was execution, but thanks to the Prince's 'mercy' even that release would not be his:
Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage-and-six Saying where is that young man whose coffin is fixed Set him free from his irons and let him go free -- For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country
26) Nightmares: Famous Flower of Serving Men (X)
An old ballad composed in the 17th century, of the gory family strife / star-crossed lovers variety.
After her husband and infant child are brutally murdered in front of her, a young woman takes her fate into her own hands. Cross-dressing, supernatural intervention, and fiery revenge ensue.
But all alone in my bed at e'en It's there I dream a dreadful dream I see my bed swim with blood I see the thieves stand 'round my head
27) Voiceless: One Hundred Feet (X)
A haunting memorial to the wreck of HMS Iolaire bringing soldiers home to the Hebrides at the end of WWI, composed by the latest generation of folksters.
One hundred feet from shore, We will hear their voice no more, Though I’d swear I heard them calling on the wind...
28) Denial | "They caught me red handed": Clark Sanders (X)
An old traditional ballad, another of the gory family strife / star-crossed lovers variety.
A lesson in how to talk your way out of anything... provided you aren't caught with the evidence and are actually awake at the time, that is.
"But you take a kerchief in your hands and tie up both your eyes, you may So you may say your oath to save, you ne’er saw me since yesterday And take the sword from out my scabbard, you can use it to lift the pin So you may say your oath to save, you never let your Sandy in And take me up all in your arms, you can carry me to the bed. So you may say your oath to save, on your bower floor I never tread" But in and come her five brothers, and all their torches in their hands They said "We have but one sister and see her lying with a man"
29) "Who said you could rest": Twa Recruiting Sergeants (X)
One of a family of old recruiting songs, this version aimed to lure poor farm laborers in rural Scotland.
It is intae the barn an' oot o' the byre This auld fairmer thinks ye'll never tire For it's a slavery job of low degree So list, bonnie laddie, an' come awa' wi me
How much their lives were actually improved by this change in career... well...
30) Recovery | "What have I done": Johnny I hardly knew ya (X) / Poor Johnny (X X)
Joining up was not Johnny's brightest idea.
They said he was a hero and not to grieve Over two wooden pegs and empty sleeves They carried him home and they set him down With a military pension and a medal from the crown You haven’t an arm, you haven’t a leg The enemy nearly slew you You’ll have to go out on the streets to beg Oh poor Johnny what have they done to you
31) "I'm alive, I'm just not well": Braes of Killicrankie (X)
I'll leave you with another Jacobite song. A period trad tune from the 1689 Rising, with lyrics added later.
A traumatized Government soldier recounts the horrors he experienced in a stunning defeat at the hands of the Jacobite forces.
The bauld Pitcur fell in a furr And Clavers got a clankie o Or I had fed an Athol gled On the braes o' Killicrankie o
** As best I can figure out: 'Thank goodness the Jacobite leaders were finally killed, otherwise I would have been supper for the local vultures.'
An ye had been whaur I hae beenYe wadna been sae cantie o An ye had seen what I hae seen On the braes o' Killiecrankie o
** an = if, cantie = cheerful
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