#it was a good thing they put drudge instead

[sebaschian]

Alois beating Maurice's ugly face 😈

The Prefects: Mr. Faustus, your son beat up one of the Drudges.

Claude: Who was it that he hit?

The Prefects: Maurice Cole.

Claude: Good. I hope he hit a good bruise all over his face.

[radiant-reid]

24 Hours

request: a blurb where he actually gets mad at JJ when she confesses to love him but doesn't really say anything at the moment. But then when he introduces reader to the team as his girlfriend, JJ is being kinda rude to her. She tries to tell him she doesn't like her, that she's not good for him. And spencer gets mad and protective👀 maybe he even throws a "i'm going to marry her, whether you like it or not".

a/n: my return piece !!

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader (Fluff)

Word Count: 2.2k

Spencer sees red when he walks out of the jewelry store after shooting the unsub.

JJ is the first girl he has ever asked out, someone he pined over for years after her subtle rejection at the Redskins game. He understood her reasoning. It would have been impractical for them to add relationship highs and lows to everything the BAU has been through over fourteen years, and that's if they stayed together. If they hadn't, things would have been even more complicated.

Also she just generally didn't like him that way. Or so he thought.

It didn't mean she wasn't his ideal for many years. His first love, who had so many traits he didn't have that he desperately wanted.

His confirmation he would be unlucky in love came after that with Maeve, who he once again thought could be the one for him. And then he realized that maybe the person for him had been taken away from him.

Then he met Y/n, and it all seemed worth it. All those terrible nights of crying and feeling like he would forever be alone, all the times he was the only single one on the team, knowing everyone was going home to someone they loved unconditionally and relied on for support.

She's the sun and the moon, and he fell in love so fast he couldn't stop it. Luckily, she did too.

Until JJ fucked it up.

The truth she had to tell to get them out alive dropped an atomic bomb on his newly formed life plans.

Spencer doesn't speak to her that night as they finish their recounts and reports. She leaves it out, though, he discovers, opting to write the secret about her miscarriage instead of confessing her love for her best friend and the godfather of her kids.

It messes with his head the whole way home. He can't sleep on the jet, even if he wanted to as he tried to work out what he was feeling.

All JJ does is send him pleading looks, and all he does is get angry because how dare she do this now? After she had fifteen years of them working together, all those chances to tell him how she felt.

He would have married and had a family with her, the family he always wanted. It's always stayed in the back of his head for so long, and just as he sees someone else in that role in his dreams, she drudges all of it back up.

It's such a long flight, and he taps his foot the whole way while staring out the window, not even able to read.

He goes to Y/n's. He's not sure what he's going to say, how much of it he's going to tell her, but he needs to see her to cool off the fury boiling out of him.

"Hey, handsome." She calls out when he walks in the door as cheerful as ever.

He feels a pit of guilt sink into his stomach because he can't tell her without ruining everything they delicately have put together. Maybe it's wrong to lie by omission, but his brain keeps coming back to fault. And it's JJ's fault. She's the one who's jeopardizing everything.

"Hi, gorgeous." He replies, walking into the living room to find her laying on the couch, book in her hands and her head on the armrest. He's reminded how accurate the petname he calls her by is when he's taken off guard by her breathless beauty. "How are you liking it?" He asks.

"It's good." She answers, putting the book down. "But that's because it's very you."

She gets up, meeting him behind the couch to cup his jaw, stroking over his skin and staring into his eyes for a moment before kissing him properly.

He relaxes into it, the tension in his shoulders easing and his brain slowing down for a moment. It's heavenly, as always, and it's what being loved is meant to feel like.

"How was your case?" She asks when she pulls back, still not daring to move too far away from him.

He tenses instantly at that, totally readable behavior, but he's got to perfect excuse to play it off. "It was rough." He holds out his bandaged hand that he's been avoiding showing her. "I got hurt."

"Shit." She straightens up, noticing how big it looked. "What happened?"

"Cut it on glass." He answers, not going as far as to say where he was when it occurred. "I'm fine, though. Promise."

She nods, reassured. "We've got to be up in, like, six hours, you know?" She reminds him of the time.

With the amount of coffee and adrenaline in his system, he barely registered it was already past 2 in the morning. Usually, they would have stayed in LA for the night, but being home in time for Rossi's wedding trumped a good night of sleep for everyone.

"Can I sleep here?" He wonders, awkwardly looking down at his feet.

"Duh. I'm not going to kick you out and make you come pick me up so we can go tomorrow morning." She jokes. "Picked up your suit, too. You're going to look very handsome."

Spencer grins because she seriously can't get more perfect. She still feels so unattainable, but he'd do anything to make sure he doesn't lose her.

He really should tell her, but he can't. Not right now.

Y/n snaps him out of it. "Bedtime now?"

"Please." He agrees gratefully, keeping his arms wrapped around her while they walk to her bedroom.

He keeps her close while they go through the motions of getting ready for bed. Spencer quickly sheds his suit and both of them brush their teeth.

His head is on the pillow for only a few seconds before he's asleep, and she follows soon after.

The alarm going off isn't as much of a problem when Spencer is lying in bed next to her, arm wrapped around her waist. It's one of the things she misses a lot when he's away.

"Hi, beautiful," Spencer whispers, a husky voice as always. He's glad he fell asleep quickly, not having wanted to sit up thinking about the stupid things JJ has said. He just couldn't understand why it was coming up now. Sleep provided absolutely no clarity.

She grins at him. "Hi."

"Are you ready for today?" He asks softly.

"A little nervous," Y/n admits. The BAU is his family after all. His mom is there but the BAU has been where he's spent most of his life for the last 15 years.

"They'll love you." Because I love you. Spencer assures her.

She smiles softly, feeling a little better. "Let's get up then."

Spencer agrees, not before planting a few kisses on her lips and hugging her tightly.

They get ready side by side, feeling a great sense of domesticity. She's never gotten close to someone as quickly as she has with Spencer. Somehow, it's not scary that it's happened this way.

"Wow, you're very gorgeous," Spencer tells her as she touches up the final strand of her hair, adding enough hairspray that it won't fall out. He stands in the doorway of the bathroom, admiring her. "Wow."

"Thank you." Y/n spins around to look at him in his deep maroon suit. It matches her dress color which she agrees looks very nice on her. "And you're very handsome."

"Ready? The car is coming soon." He says.

She nods, fixing her bracelet. "Let's do it."

There are still some nerves as the car takes them to the venue. Spencer does a good job of assuring her it'll be okay, his hand like a magnet to her thigh. He seems slightly off like there's something out of place, but she shrugs it off. She hopes he's being cute and afraid his friends still say something embarrassing.

The venue and interior are exquisite as they make their way in. She takes a deep breath before they come across the man of the day, welcoming everyone at the entrance. She has no doubt that the value of the artwork in this room totals her apartment and everything in it.

"Spencer." Rossi, supposably, greets him in a tight hug.

"This is my girlfriend, Y/n." Spencer introduces them.

As she expects, and as she was warned about by Spencer, Rossi pulls her in for a hug, immediately calming her nerves with his warm greeting. "It's so nice to meet you. This one won't stop talking about you." Rossi jokes, nodding at an increasingly reddening Spencer.

"It's nice to meet you too." She smiles. "Thank you for inviting me."

Rossi nods. "Of course, it's a pleasure."

And then the rest of the introductions begin. Everyone's so kind, like she expected. She's seen photos and heard stories but everyone seems to have more personality than he conveyed. She's quickly fast friends with Penelope and Tara who do their absolute best to make sure Y/n's feeling comfortable.

It's how she ends up being dragged onto the dance floor after the ceremony. Once the alcohol starts flowing, there's no more anxiousness left and some extroverted spirit has been brought out.

Spencer's not one to dance, but he's one to admire. Only Y/n, though. She looks angelic, despite the old-style dance moves.

He's so wrapped up in watching her that he doesn't register JJ's heels on the ground as she approaches him. It's only when she sits next to him that his head turns around to face her.

He waits for her to speak first. Hopefully, provide some explanation.

"Spencer." She says his name softly, almost like how he used to imagine she'd say it if they were together. Much to his surprise, she doesn't go into any detail about the bomb she'd dropped less than 24 hours ago. "I'm worried about you."

He doesn't hide his scoff. "Worried about me?" He repeats.

She goes for another tactic, trying not to get him mad. "You don't think you're rushing into this?"

"Rushing into what, Jennifer?" He spits back, snapping to anger. Using her first name drives the point home, almost unnecessarily when he sounds so angered.

"You know what I mean." She continues. "You've only been talking about her for a few weeks and now she's here."

He can't fathom that she'd suggest he's rushing into a relationship. He's been careful and deliberate, but Y/n's safe, and she's proved it time and time again.

"She's been part of my life for 6 months." Spencer fact-checks her. "And you said I seemed happier since I met her."

JJ stalls, regrouping before trying another angle. "She's just not what I expected. Is she really the type you should be with?"

"What does that mean?" Spencer states, more furious than ever. There's a chance he will fully snap at her and he wouldn't be sorry.

"I feel like you should be with someone extroverted." She suggests. "You know, someone to get you out of your shell."

Spencer needs a deep breath. "You're not being a good friend right now." He tells her much more calmly. There's not one thing he doesn't love about Y/n, whether she's more on the extroverted or introverted side."I'm going to marry her, whether you like it or not." It's not even what he expected to come out of his mouth.

"Spence-" JJ tries again to reason with him.

"No, don't you dare," Spencer says firmly. "You flew back and forth from New Orleans so many times to see Will, without telling us once and we were all accepting of your relationship. If you don't like my relationship, I don't care. But it's not too soon for me to know. We can talk about what you told me later, but for now, I'm going to dance with my girlfriend." Without another word, he gets up and walks off, leaving her a little gobsmacked.

Y/n frowns at him as he approaches the dance floor. "Are you okay?" She checks.

"More than okay," Spencer tells her with a soft smile.

"Dance with me then." She says, mirroring her smile and holding out her hand.

"I'd love to." He takes her hand just as a slow song comes on for them to sway together.

JJ gets ignored by him for the rest of the night, something unnoticed by Y/n but purposeful by Spencer. But it's fun. So much fun. And he's sure he wouldn't be having as much fun had Y/n not been there. She truly makes his day.

They're in the car later that night, parked near her apartment, ice cream eaten on the trip home. "I'm in love with you," Spencer admits when her laughter falls off after he tells a joke.

It's not a word they've said before.

Her expression is of pure shock, but joy quickly creeps in. "I'm in love with you too." She tells him, grinning.

And it's an entirely better confession than the one he heard 24 hours ago.

[thought--bubble]

All of your senses

Ettore X (Riding Ettore Reader)

Word Count: 2,082

Ettore Masterlist

Full Masterlist

Banners & Dividers by @arcielee

Based on THIS request

Warnings:: Ettore, Dubcon, smut (PinV unprotected). Male whimpering because I wanted it, and I can! Hehehe

Therapy! Ettore scoffs at the thought. As if therapy could ever help him. As far as he understood himself, he didn't need therapy.

Therapy is something to help a person sort through their emotions. Ettore simply doesn't have any. He does not feel things in his head or his heart. The only feelings he recognizes are physical.

You can't hurt his feelings, but you can break his nose. You can't send his heart a flutter, but you can get him off.

In order to be cleared for that damn space mission in which he would be made part of a co-ed population of inmates, he had to go through therapy and nothing was going to stop him from getting on that ship and once again having access to women.

So, with full fledged irritation and annoyance, he drudged his way down to the prison shrink. A guard flanked him on either side.

He thinks it's a bit dramatic. Yes, he can be violent, but it's actually pretty rare. Only when it serves a purpose and beating down the person who could clear him would be counterproductive to his plans.

When you open the door and beckon him inside, he becomes painfully aware of why the guards are necessary. You're his preferred victim type. A young voluptuous woman, long silky hair, skin-tight pencil skirt, and button-up top. The only thing that can make him lose control.

Ettore walks into the room, the chains connecting his hands to his feet scraping across the floor.

"Hello, Ettore." Your voice makes a shiver run down his spine. He doesn't answer you. Instead, he steps closer and sniffs before one of the guards grabs him and pulls him back, shoving him into a cold metal chair before proceeding to strap his arms and legs down.

Once Ettore is securely fastened to the chair one of the guards turns to you with concern.

" We really should stay. This inmate can not be trusted...... around women"

You chuckle at this. " therapy doesn't work well with an audience. I trust that you have fully secured him?"

"Yes, but-" you stop him with wave of your hand.

"I have full faith that he will stay right where you put him. You can wait outside the room."

The guard mumbles under his breath as he motions for the other guard to follow him out into the hallway. He gives Ettore a final stern look before closing the door, leaving the two of you alone.

You sit down in a plush chair directly across from Ettore with his file in your hand. You had been reading everything the prison had on him for the last week in preparation for this evaluation, and you had a pretty good idea of how he ticked.

"So Ettore. How are you feeling today?" You knew this approach most likely wouldn't work with Ettore. Making him comfortable didn't matter. He wouldn't open up to you just because of some pleasantries. He doesn't know how to open up, and if he did. He still wouldn't.

Ettore stares back at you blankly, his eyes endlessly scrolling the length of your form, yet never looking into your eyes.

It's carnal, the ache he feels inside at the sight of your soft skin. His fingers twitching around the arm of the chair. He wants to touch you. He needs to touch you.

"Why don't we start with your childhood. Your file says your mother died when you were young and you were left with your father, who may have had a bit of a drinking problem." If your words were affecting Ettore, you would never know by looking at him.

His eyes continued to ravish you from your neck to your knees. His heart pounding in his ears. What he needs is right there in front of him, yet just out of reach. He once again fights subtly against his restraints. The inability to move suffocating and controlling his every thought.

"Losing your mother so young, coupled with the nature of your crimes. It's my belief that you are in need of a gentle touch." Ettore finally lifts his eyes to meet yours, and you smile back at him.

Touch? His favorite word. Not care, support, or love, as all the other therapists have deamed. No. You used the word touch, the simple phrase having the desired effect.

You stand from your chair and step toward him slowly, his eyes darting down to your legs watching each step.

"Something ....... soft. " You walk up to the side of Ettore's chair and gently graze his cheek with your finger. You can see his arms and wrists fighting against his restraints, and you chuckle.

Ettore's eyes darken at the sound. How lucky you are that he is strapped down to this chair. If he were not, chuckles would not be the sound to come from that pretty little throat.

"Oh, no need to worry." You lean down and bring your mouth right up next to his ear and whisper, "I'll be gentle."

"I won't be." He growls in response, his patience waning. This challenge to his dominance is not something he likes or is willing to accept.

From this angle, you couldn't see his face only the back of his neck where the hairs stood on end, his breathing controlled and heavy.

"You will." You coo in his ear.

You place your hands on the back of the chair, one over each of his shoulders, and bring your mouth close to the nape of his neck. Just gently breathing, letting him feel the ghost of a touch across his skin.

"I'll teach you"

You enjoy watching his response. The tightening of his shoulders the flex in his bicep as he pulls and pulls against his restraints with no hope of getting loose.

"You need some tenderness. That's all. " You walk back around to the front of his chair, Ettore looks up at you, rage clearly written across his face.

A caged animal. Face to face with his prey and unable to act upon his most primal desires.

You hike your pencil skirt up to your mid thighs, and Ettore's eyes instantly drop. The look of anger quickly replaced with hunger, his arms again pulling against his restraints.

"Tsk tsk." You gently rub at his wrists. "Stop that silly boy, you're going to hurt yourself."

His eyes flit about your body wildly, and you smile before placing yourself in his lap, your legs straddling either side of his hips.

Automatically, Ettore thrusts his hips up toward you. "No," you gently scold and hold him down by the hips. "Gentle"

Ettore closes his eyes and breathes deep. A predatory grumble rattling in his chest.

"Now, sweet boy." You bring your cheek up to his, the stubble on his face a little coarse against your skin and the tightness in his jaw apparent.

"Relax," You roll your hips against him slowly, his thin prison pants giving away his excitement.

Ettore again desperately pulls against his restraints. You can't have the power here. He can't let you have the power here.

"Stop," you say, voice firm. You bring your hand up to his chin and gently message it with your thumb. You gently tug on his bottom lip before leaning in and placing a soft kiss against his lips. He doesn't reciprocate. The feeling so foreign, so strange.

"Doesn't that feel nice, sweet boy?"You move your hands so that you are cradling his strong jaw. Holding his face so he has no choice but to look at you.

"Just what the doctor ordered, hmm?" You bring your lips down to him again. Slowly pushing your tongue into his mouth. Not aggressive, not passionate.

You move your tongue in his mouth, and you feel him start to kiss back, aggressively at first, but you keep your pace steady and soft.

You bring your hands to the back of his head, tugging briefly on the hair there. You control his movement this way. Too aggressive, you tug him back.

You roll your hips against him again, falling into a steady rhythm.

With his head pulled back and his neck craned completely powerless as you grind yourself against him, he whimpers.

"What was that sweet boy?" You grind yourself harder against his erection and he whimpers louder.

"Tell me" you demand as you again increase the speed and pressure of your movements.

"Please." He finally croaks out, followed by another whimper. "God please"

"Oh, poor thing." You keep his head pulled back and lick a stripe up his neck. "Am I teasing you?"

Ettore groans, and you slightly lift yourself from his lap.

"I don't want to drive you mad." You release his hair, and he looks at you, panic in his eyes.

"No, wait," Ettore tries to reach for you but is trapped by those damn restraints.

"Oh. Don't worry, sweet boy. " You grab his cheeks and squeeze them briefly. "We aren't done"

You reach beneath you and shimmy his pants down just enough to free his cock. His mouth opens slightly at the feeling his eyes glazing over.

"Slow and gentle." You nuzzle your nose to him as he holds his breath.

He looks so desperate. So pathetic. It's so satisfying.

You press the head of his cock to your entrance and sink down just enough so the tip breeches your walls and nothing else.

Ettore instinctually bucks his hips once before you again grab him and hold him in place.

"Tsk tsk," you scold him as you hold him down and slide up and down over just the tip of his throbbing cock.

His body starts shaking so harshly that it's nearly convulsing. It takes your full strength to hold him in place, his hips desperate to move.

"Fuck fuck fuck" He whimpers loudly. "I need it. More. Fuck more!"

"More?" You sink down just a smidge further and watch as Ettore's head lulled, and his eyes started to roll back.

"Ahh!" He clenches his jaw and moves his hips subtly, getting himself just a tiny bit further.

You slide down further, now halfway down his shaft.

"Kiss me nice and gentle like I taught ya" He lifts his head and looks at you with confusion.

"Not moving another inch till ya do," Ettore quickly brings his face to yours. He tentatively kisses you with slow unsure movements.

As the kiss continues, you slide slowly down the rest of his shaft until your ass rests on his thighs and he moans into your mouth.

You smirk, you have an apex predator beneath you, whimpering, moaning, and begging for relief.

"See? So gentle you are. " You softly blow into his ear as you roll your hips slowly.

Ettore gasps at the sensation, his entire body vibrating. He's been in this prison for two years already, with no one but his hand to keep him company.

The pressure builds up in the base of his spine quickly, but he fights the urge to buck his hips, knowing you would stop if he did.

"You wanna cum sweet boy?" He nods a pained expression on his face.

You lean back in and kiss him again, this time with more urgency as you bring your fingers to your clit. The perfect mixture of his soft kisses, your nimble fingers, and his thick cock scraping against your walls bring you over the edge quickly.

As your cunt pulses around him you grip his hair again exposing his neck to you.

"Cum sweet boy. Right now, " He has no choice but to comply he bucks his hips twice and then spills himself inside of you, his mouth wide open and eyes closed.

You kiss him once more, but he is spent, mouth just hanging open lazily. You hop off of him and fix his pants as he smiles up at you, a smug look of satisfaction on his face.

You fix yourself and, without another word, to him open your office door telling the guards to take him back to his cell.

On his way out the door, he keeps his eyes on you, tripping over his shackles and being caught by a guard.

You pay him no mind and quickly close the door behind him and sit down at your desk.

You fill out the sheet you were given approving him for the mission, and of course, suggest a few more therapy sessions before he goes.

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[writefinch]

Nectar

Oh, these two? They are very charming, aren’t they? We mostly use them for drudge work but in the off-season we put them on display like so. They were married you know, well legally they still are, it’ll be a few years yet until either of them are declared legally dead. We took the short one first, the tall one, with the red hair, she took very poorly to captivity at first, but these two girls have adjusted quite nicely since then.

Yes, the blindfolds are neoprene, horrible things honestly, they really force your eyelids shut. It’s been almost a thousand days since either of them have seen anything but the interior of a VR training headset or the insides of their eyelids. The earplugs aren’t perfect but with a little white noise they get the job done. The armbinders and legbinders are just simple latex, the same as any other bitch suit you’ve seen adorning our staff here.

Ah, the muzzle! Yes, there’s a story behind that.

You see, we had no intention of storing or using these two drudges together at first. It’s not like we told either of them that they’d been kidnapped by the same people, and deprived of sight, sound, and most of their touch, we assumed they’d simply adjust to a life of separation as most of our captives do. But they found each other! We’d have a whole row of servants trudging down a hallway, and suddenly these two would be tangled up breast to breast with one another.

Do you know what it was? It was quite extraordinary really. It was their scent. Even after all this time, under all this pressure, they could still recognise the smell of each other’s sweat, as you or I might recognise another person’s face.

At first of course we saw this as an irritation and simply dabbed peppermint oil under their noses, which made them thoroughly cowed and miserable, but the way they’d go hunting for each other the moment the oil wore off was so doggedly determined that some of the guests and senior staff made a game of it. Eventually we decided there wasn’t much harm in letting them have time together as a reward for good behaviour, especially not when they go about it in such an amusing way.

We found their method of scenting so charming that we wanted to reinforce it. I’m sure the two of them must have some seed of doubt each that they’re wrong, that they’ve become demented in their desperation to be reunited with their lover, and that truly they’re each grinding against some stranger who only grinds back in a sad attempt at mutual comfort. We feel that this doubt adds a frission to their games.

That ghastly muzzle, with the metal bars over their ring-gagged mouths? That’s to prevent them from kissing, which I’m sure would allow them to confirm their lover’s identity beyond doubt. Look at the games it brings out in them instead of that: The small one rolls onto her back and bares her tummy as the tall one nuzzles her way up her body, tracing her nose from her navel to her breast to her neck until their noses touch, pressing their tongues against the bars and clinking them together, just in the hope that their tongue might be touching a lover’s tongue.

Now watch closely for this part: Yes, they’re grinding their groins together below but that’s hardly unexpected, watch up top, how the tall one has straightened her neck and is looking upwards. Do you know what she’s doing? She’s filling up her mouth with saliva, as much of the stuff as she can manage.

Look, look now, get close and peer in, she’s lowering her face to her lover’s and holding back what spit she can between her tongue and the roof of her mouth, while pressing the tip of her tongue to the cage bars. See how her lover beneath starts licking at her tongue? She’s drip-feeding her spit, letting it roll off her tongue to be lapped away one drop at a time.

Isn’t that marvelous? Even under these restrictive circumstances, they’ve found a way to express the deepest possible love for one another. It’s enough to make me quite flustered, honestly, the thought that in this moment, these two wretches might be experiencing something close to happiness.

That’s why I brought you to this display, as a matter of fact. Will you rape them with me, right now? It is the perfect moment for such a thing, is it not?

Let us rape them together, and then they can sniff each other out through the mask of our stink.

[hellbubu]

Hello, it's me xD (I'm a bit late today cause I had a bday tea party to attend to ;P) Finally watched the episode! The first two thirds were so good, nice, glowy. It kinda makes me wonder if Ciel, deep down, cherishes these spun sugar memories or if in trying to put a front for Sebastian doesn't let himself even feel a bit of joy. (Also, yeah, was the fucking viscunt necessary??)

I do not know/remember anything about that chicken either. Took me out, ngl. Also, the *moment* the saphire's stood with both hands on the rows I was like "how tf are you gonna take off your hats and hold that heavy ass thing at the same time??" Them falling into the water was hilarious, but I think it made the other houses finally be 100% ok with them winning this one tornament (I think we all know there's not gonna be another 'miracle' for a loooong time lol).

It boggles my mind that no one, not a *single* soul in this whole ass school (with the exception of Cole, but fuck him) think of Ciel as even slightly suspicious! Like, in a month, two months? He managed to impress the P4 so much they invited him to tea, uncovered a bully and his plot *from another house*, became the prefect's drudge's drudge (and somehow still served the P4), got 'recommended' for the criquet team, did a complete overhaul of their techniques and strategies, managed to *pull off a win* for the house whose only won once before *AND* moved the audience to tears to win an invitation. And NOBODY thinks this is strange??? Smh

(Also, can we talk about how realistically Cole would have *totally* found out about the cover-up of the P4 and used it to keep his place? That was an oversight, in my eyes.)

Ciel using the angle of the kids' families' despair instead of his mission as Watchdog/Guard dog is so clever. Since he doesn't have a clue UT is under that hat, he's going with 'reasonable and sympathetic', which would have worked...on anyone else. Can't wait until next ep!!! (BTW, do you like boybands? *hinthint* ;P *nudgenugde*)

(Also, this idea just came up to me the other day: if the arc went even further -weird as that would be since this is one of if not the longest arc- I would have *loved* to see Finny in Weston! Like, let's suposse there were scholarships back then, and Sebastian did some *magic* to get him into Blue House -since he isnt of noble birth and i dont see Finny as artistic, and giving him to green house would mean completely losing the tornament lmao- before Ciel, so its not completely suspicious. Imagine Ciel, McMillan, Finny and Hartcourt (add Soma if you want) hanging out together, in the grass! All of them playing with Soma's elephant! Imagine the cuteness overload! I'm aware of the impossibility of this idea, I just want to bask in it for a little while. Finny being around kids his age, for once; Ciel defending him from bullies because you know Finny would let himself get pushed around if it meant not hurting others. Finny blushing everytime he says Ciel's name cause he's not supossed to be *allowed* but now he *is*. Finny scared shitless of Proff Michaelis instead of starstruck, cause he *knows* how much that ruler/can hurts, thanks no thanks. I just, I love this silly little idea xD)

Ohhh a tea party sounds nice. I've never been to one. I hope you had fun 💖💖💖💖

IDK I think he enjoyed life at Weston to an extent. He had friends and a sense of normalcy. But at the same time, it's a temptation. I remember in a scene of the circus arc, that Sebastian kinda tried to get Ciel to want a normal life/take back the contract or smth so he could eat his soul. It was a flashback if I remember properly. It further proves that Ciel doesn't regret/he doesn't have second thoughts about having sold his soul.

(It's this scene. Watching it again after knowing that Ciel took his brother's identity, makes the wording of "the name I bear comes with responsibilities" seem like a hint to the twin brothers but it might sound like that because I'm an ESL :P It's also probably a pretty important moment in Ciel and Sebastian's relationship. It shows Sebastian that 1. Ciel doesn't regret shit. 2. Ciel's character.)

The chicken was from a scene that wasn't animated. The chicken might just be the most important character in the whole series /j

The blue house falling in front of the Queen gave me secondhand embarrassment. Like, seriously, did no one think "Maybe with the help of the shady boy and the teacher that seems kinda obsessed with him we might win, so let's practice so we don't make fools of ourselves in front of the motherfucking Queen?"

Everyone in the school just thinks/knows Ciel is that school's main character. They won't fight it. The second he ran with that English biscuit in his mouth it was over. When fucking Heather Chandler, I mean Redmond fixed his tie and let him get away with stepping on the grass, they knew it. What's the point of fighting it?

I doubt Cole would've found out. Most of the school takes the P4's words at face value. Plus, if he hanged around Redmond too much it'd be obvious he outsources his job to others.

Depends on the boyband 👀👀 or is this a hint to smth else? 👀👀👀

It'd be UT's choice as to where Finny goes. But I doubt he'd understand cricket all that well. It took me until like episode 7 to figure out what's going on. But if he were in Green house, he'd fuck up just for Ciel to win, or maybe just accidentally. Ciel would probably do something cheat to make sure he doesn't bat or throw well.

[gertlushgaming]

Gothic Classic Review (Nintendo Switch OLED)

For this Gothic Classic Review, we return to Myrtana as the Nameless Hero in Gothic Classic, the award-winning RPG that shaped and inspired countless roleplaying games. Experience it now for the first time on Nintendo Switch. War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the much-needed ore.

Gothic Classic Review Pros:

- Decent graphics. - 3.6GB download size. - 20 save slots. - Game settings - subtitles, animated windows, gore and how much, text language, and voice language. - Motion control support is complete with an animated tutorial. - Controller settings - Invert axis and sensitivity sliders. - Cutscenes are a mix of FMV and in-game. - Powerful and impactful voice work. - Action RPG gameplay. - A full 3D world with 360-degree camera control. - Multiple choice encounters. - You can fast-forward text conversations to speed them up. - Full player stats screen showing all your stats like strength, dexterity, skills, exp level, etc. - Proper old-school adventuring gameplay. - Can save and load when you want. - Handy loot all button. - Full inventory management system. - The jumping animation is hilarious to watch. - Interaction points highlight.#Its a game that strangely keeps dragging you back in. - Text pops up over items etc. - The equipment lets you have two weapons equipped at once with a quick trigger press to swap them. - Loadout consists of two rings, armor, an amulet, and your two weapons. - Handy quick select items set to the d-pad. - Does have a quick save and load using a button combination. - Hack and slash combat. - EXP earned pops up as you earn it. - Play how you want. - Despite a few hiccups, the controls are good considering the original game was mouse and keyboard. - Main quest line along with many side optional quests. - Your playthrough feels unique because you have so many options and opportunities to take a variety of paths. - 3rd person view. - Has a fantastic atmosphere with things like getting told off for trespassing, and guards getting arsey because you have a weapon out. - At times you can get to watch the world live out. - A great trip down memory lane. - The world is a thing to behold for it has beauty and drudge all mixed in.

Gothic Classic Review Cons: - Cannot rebind controls. - Remember that games this old didn't get tutorials. - Clunky controls that take some getting used to like you have to put your weapon away in order to pick up items and loot. - Over-the-top fall damage. - You need to be in an exact precise part in order to interact or pick up items. - Dying doesn't trigger a menu to start again instead, you go into the menus and find the new/load game option. - The game is not smooth in performance terms, when loading in assets etc. the game will either stutter or full-on lock up for a few seconds. - Actions like opening chests or climbing ladders require you to hold down the action game and there is no way to change that. - Glitches through walls a few times and the game struggles with you jumping into assets like fences. - The camera goes a bit weird in places usually when in close quarters. - Looking at the sun or having a fair bit of it on the screen will blow the color out. - Aside from the occasional bit of magical world-living moments, enemies will just stand there waiting for you to hit the trigger so they move towards you. - It is very slow-paced. - Item management is a chore and not as slick as it needs to be. Related Post: Endling Extinction is Forever Review (PC/Utomik) 

Gothic Classic: Official website. Developer: THQ Nordic Publisher: THQ Nordic Store Links - Nintendo Read the full article

[soundwavemain]

We’ve Still Got Hope

Chapter 4: Stable

Ba-bump… Ba-bump…                    Ba-bump… Ba-bump…

It was easy enough to time the loud click-clack of typing to the ECG machine going in the background. Donnie observed the slow but stable heartbeat, jotting notes in Junior’s file. His computer buzzed, interrupting the rhythm he had going. He cursed–it always shut down at the worst time–and slammed his hand on the side. “Stupid,” he muttered.

Ba-bump… Ba-bump…          Ba-bump… Ba-bump…

It sputtered before returning to its normal state. The thing was as thick as a brick, completely rudimentary compared to the tech he had prior to the invasion. Not much he could do about that. He made do with what resources could be scavenged and tried not to complain where April could hear and reprimand him for it. He understood how difficult it was for her to do supply runs alone.

Ba-bump… Ba-bump… Ba-bump… Ba-bump…

She used to have Draxum’s help. He acted as a pillar of wisdom in Splinter’s absence, comforting April and Mikey when all seemed lost. Donnie and his other brothers never enjoyed the yokai’s company but they couldn’t turn him away. Draxum genuinely cared about April–they must’ve bonded all those years ago. When the only worry in the world for the two of them was making sure Sloppy Joseph didn’t eat all the food before the student body could come down for lunch. Then, just when Donnie found himself warming up to Draxum’s presence, his odd form of care–

Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump.

“Shit,” Donnie hissed. He rushed over to Junior who only tilted his head in confusion, small hands clenching the examination table.

“Professor Donatello,” Junior started, voice trailing off as it tended to during his check-ups. His breathing was uneven and sweat began beading on his forehead. The palpitations caused Donnie’s computer to ping alerts, the loud notifications distracting and only stressing Junior out more.

“It’s okay.” Donnie wiped at Junior’s brow. He took the kid’s hand, pressing a device to his back. “Take a deep breath for me. Good. Exhale. You’re doing great, CJ. Another.” Donnie didn’t take his eyes off the kid, knew from experience that that always seemed to make his heartbeat speed up. Instead, he counted the pulse from the wrist in his grasp.

It took a couple minutes for Junior’s heart rate to slow down. All the while, Donnie whispered encouragements. They were awkward and stilted but they did more good than harm so Donnie kept saying them. Eventually, Junior’s pulse returned to its regular, concerningly slow pace. Donnie knew children were supposed to have a faster heartbeat than adults. It bothered him that Junior’s always drudged along like his heart couldn’t handle its job. Perhaps it was a product of the environment? Maybe the kraang’s habitation of Earth changed the very nature of biology…

Ba-bump… Ba-bump…                    Ba-bump… Ba-bump…

Junior squirmed. “Sorry,” he said, tone sheepish. Donnie wished Junior wouldn’t get so embarrassed about this but he was still a child–a young one, at that–and he never understood why his health came as such a concern to the adults around him. “I’m will, right?”

“Ill,” Donnie corrected. He sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “I’m not prepared for this,” he whispered to himself before turning to a crestfallen Junior. “You’re not ill, kid.”

“But I’m not healthy.”

Donnie opened his mouth to speak but he found himself at a loss for words. Junior wasn’t… wrong. It bothered Donnie to admit that he didn’t know what ailed the kid that saw the medical bay more than anyone on the regular. Leo tried to figure it out when Junior first joined their team, but he never found anything odd other than the growths that appeared on the x-rays. Thankfully, they were benign which meant they didn’t have to put the poor kid under. On the other hand, it also meant that they had no leads as to why Junior’s heart functioned the way that it did.

Junior often asked Donnie questions. That fact in and of itself never bothered Donnie. It came with the territory. As soon as the kid could hold a conversation, he was bombarded by the child’s natural curiosity. Junior quickly became familiar with certain words everyone used when discussing him: good, bad, hungry, sleepy–the ones they said the most were healthy and ill. Junior didn’t really understand what they meant but he knew it worried his mom.

At night, wedged between his mom and Raph, he pretended to be asleep enough times to hear them speak in hushed tones. It was always about him. Did Donnie find anything during his check-up? Was he eating enough? Why wasn’t he growing like other children his age?

Ba-bump… Ba-bump… Ba-bump… Ba-bump…

“Hey.” Donnie tapped his shoulder once. “Breathe. You’re tensing up.” Donnie went back to his desk and began typing again. “I’ll have to see you again in a day or two. Depends on what April brings home this time. Maybe I can start work on…” He muttered to himself about plans for machinery he could possibly build with scrap metal parts. “Rubber casing could protect a metal conductor from high-amp voltage–”

“Professor Donatello,” Junior called out. “I can’t get down from here.”

Donnie pushed his folding chair away from his computer and stood. “Right. My apologies. I forgot you were tiny.” He made his way to Junior, moving the kid to the ground. “There. Now I will return to my–” A soft whimper stopped him. He looked down to see Junior tearing up and holding his hand in an uncomfortably tight grip. “What’s wrong?”

Junior’s lip wobbled but he didn’t make a sound. His gaze stayed glued to the floor. “Am I going to die?”

The question struck Donnie like a sword to the heart. Where had Junior heard that? Did Raph– No. This was no time to start pointing fingers. Donnie had to think of something to say. Something to pacify Junior. Even though he sucked at talking to kids. Even though he knew Leo could handle this situation better–loathe he was to admit it. Donnie sat on the ground in front of Junior.

“You’re not going to die.”

“How do you know?”

“Because,” Donnie began overconfidently. He paused for dramatic effect. In reality, he was stalling. Junior sniffled, looking up at him with big, watery eyes. “Because we won’t let you.”

“You won’t?”

Donnie placed his hands on Junior’s shoulders, shaking him slightly before pulling away. “Of course, we won’t. Because we’re your family. Look,” he sighed, leaning back. “I’m not good at this,” he gestured between them like the emotions would physically manifest in the air, “but I do know that, like it or not, we all care about you. And when you care about someone, you protect them no matter what. Like my papa did for me.” He rubbed at the nape of his neck, fingers bumping against scars across the top of his shell.

“Your papa?” Junior tilted his head but at least he didn’t look like he was about to start crying. “What’s that?”

“Oh, well. Papa, dad, pops. We all called him something different but he was like Casey. He protected us and loved us just like your mom.”

“My mom is your mom?”

“What?” Donnie shook the surprise off his face. “No. Moms, dads–they’re the same thing. They’re parental figures. Their number one goal is to be there for their children. No matter what. Do you get it?”

“I think I do…” Junior looked up at Donnie. “Thanks, Professor Donatello!” He smiled a big grin that squeezed the turtle’s heart. It was easy to love the kid. He got to his feet and clenched his fists. “I gotta go. Bye!”

And, just like that, he ran out of the medical bay. “Hey! Be careful! You’re gonna– Oh, what’s the use.” Donnie smiled despite his concern. It was nice to see Junior act like a kid. He was a kid. They could only hope to give him something akin to childhood. Donnie sat down at his desk and took out a blueprint.

Junior scrambled through the corridors of the cave, past the food stores and the communal bedroom. He had a mission to complete. He still wasn’t good at running but Leo taught him a few things. He breathed in through his nose, out through his mouth–never mind that the timing wasn’t the best or that he still sounded ragged. Someone came from the entrance. His target.

“Goongala!” Junior exclaimed as he launched himself at the shadowy figure. They had spikes that were easy to latch onto. He used them to climb onto the person’s shoulders but a big hand grabbed him by the scruff, pulling him forward. He came face to face with Raph. He dangled several feet off the ground but that did little to dampen his spirit.

“What’s gotten into you, Junior?” Raph chuckled, tucking the kid against his side. No matter how big he got, Raph would always carry Junior around like a baby.

“Dad!” Junior shouted, his voice bouncing off the walls. “Dad! Daddy!”

Raph blanched. “Where did you hear that word? Wait, no. Doesn’t matter. Why are you calling me that?”

“Because you’re my dad!” Junior said it like that was supposed to answer all of the questions spiraling in Raph’s head. He grunted, getting out of Raph’s lax grip to climb the turtle’s arm until he sat gloriously atop his father’s shoulders. He grabbed the red tails and yanked on them. “Professor Donatello said dads care about their kids like my mom does with me. You tell me that you love me all the time. You’re my dad.”

Raph could practically hear the grin in Junior’s tone and, while this should’ve been an exciting moment for him, Raph only felt a great sense of dread. He tried to hush Junior but the kid only pushed at his hand and shushed him back. “Please, Junior. Listen to me–your mom is gonna kill me if she finds out.”

“If I find out what?” Casey’s voice came like a bullet, piercing Raph with deadly accuracy.

Junior, completely ignorant to Raph’s plight, leaned forward, shoving Raph’s head down like he was bowing. Knowing his best friend, he might as well have been. “Mom! Raph is my dad!”

“Oh?” A grin slowly grew on her face. It was sly and reminded Raph of when he first found out that he should never, ever take the last piece of jerky from Casey. She walked over to him, taking Junior from Raph’s shoulders. She tickled his belly, getting a good giggle from him before holding him under her arm like a sack of potatoes. “Is he now?” She leaned into Raph’s space and, despite being two feet shorter than him, made his knees tremble in fear.

“Case, I’m sorry. I– I don’t know why he’s calling me that.”

“Because you’re my dad!”

“Not now, Junior,” Raph hissed. It wasn’t out of anger. Raph never got mad at Junior, but this was a matter of life or death.

Casey held a hand in front of his face, effectively silencing him. “You heard the kid, Raph.” She dropped her hand so he could see her maniacal grin. “Junior said you’re his dad.” She held Junior out. “Get him.”

Raph froze for a second before his body moved for him. He fell into a sprint about as gracefully as a greased-up hog out of a canteen. Behind him, he heard the unfathomable screech of a five-year-old.

“GOONGALA!”

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[investoptionwin]

Get More From College Using These Great Ideas

If you’re looking to graduate from college, but are a little unsure about how to go about it, look no further. You need to know some definite things about your education. The article below has the information you need to help you become a college graduate. Keep reading to find out more.

Take advantage of activities and facilities available on your college’s campus. Many campuses offer a variety of free and inexpensive events for students, from concerts to movie showings. They also have fitness centers, pools, and other recreational facilities. You can also join clubs or groups centered around your hobbies, religion, and more.

After you sign up for a checking account, make sure that you do not leave without getting the free checks that most establishments offer. Do not pay for extras. You may be surprised at how few checks you will use over the course of your four years in college. It is simple enough to get more if you need them, but you don’t want to waste money if at all possible.

Try taking a single general education class in your first semester to get it over with. If one of your general ed requirements is a drudge, take it first and get it over with. It would be a bummer to be the token senior in a gen-ed class of freshmen four years down the road.

Get all distractions and chores out of the way before you sit down to study. That way, you won’t be tempted to be distracted by things that you could or should be doing instead. Many people find that unfinished chores lure them away from studying and give them an excuse to procrastinate. So get those things out of the way first so you can give your studying undivided attention.

Every time you purchase something with cash, put your spare change into a jar and try not to touch it. Once the jar has filled up, count out the money and use it toward something you need, like books or living expenses. While it may be easier to use a coin-counting machine, try and refrain. You will wind up giving them too much of your hard-earned cash.

If you are looking to go back to college, but it has been a while since you were in school, consider attending evening classes. The instructors usually actively work in their fields during the daytime, and teach at night. This helps to bring a different element of real-life experience to the classroom.

Know upsc coaching in kolkata — don’t overwhelm yourself with too many courses. It may seem like a great idea to take as many courses that you can, but if you take too many, you may fail a few in the process. This totally defeats the time saving you were trying to accomplish!

When you are getting ready to go away to college you should sit back and picture what you want it to be like and work towards that. You will be more focused if you have a ultimate goal in mind and know what you are working towards. Ask some friends that are already in college what it is like to get a good idea of it.

You don’t have to be a great student to get scholarships. There are scholarships that are specifically designed for average to below average students. These scholarships are often available through your school. Talk to your financial aid advisor to learn more about these types of scholarships and how to apply for them.

Seek extra help if you fall behind in your classes. It is really easy to fall behind, especially if you were a great student in high school who never had to work that hard. Get the help you need before you start having serious problems, and you will do great.

If you do not like the roommate that you are stuck with on the first day of school, speak with someone to get this changed. Remember that you are going to be living with this person for a long time, so nip the problem in the bud before it becomes an issue in the future.

As you can see by now, attending and graduating from college can be easier than you thought. Now that you’ve gotten a bit of information about it, you should be able to achieve your goals as scheduled. Take what you’ve learned here to heart, and study hard to make your college goals reality.

[licensedqueerio]

My LOV Headcanons

TW: Abuse, strong language, unhealthy coping mechanisms,

Members included: Touya, Toga, Tomura, Compress, Mustard

I might make another part, but I these are the few I had a bunch of headcanons for

---

Touya Todoroki|Dabi

Touya and Natsuo are twins

Neither knows whos oldest

Touya says it's him, btu Natsuo's convinced it's him because he's bigger

Endeavor only pushed Touya since Natsuo didn't have the right quirk

Touya hated Natsuo for a long time bc Endeavor never trained him, but forced Touya to rip his body apart day in and day out

He got over it eventually

When he ran away, he tried to take Shouto with him

Natsou interfered

He said Shouto was "too little" to be on the run with Touya

(who was only about 14 mind you)

So Touya blames himself for Shouto's scar

Touya's 'scars' are fireproof skin grafts

It's a hack job, he had to get them done by some sketchy doctor because his skin got so bad

Touya lives on energy drinks and spite

He's such an asshole too

But not in like, a mean way??

He's like an annoying older brother

The league is on rotation for chores

Touya is the best at laundry

(obv he's an older brother)

He also reluctantly does the dishes

He has to wear those yellow gloves bc of his scars and stuff

He's also the only one who really knows how to cook, besides Compress

He has pink hair, that's the real reason why he dyed it

His hair started off as red when he was a baby

But it just got lighter and lighter

(Like when some blondes are born with red hair)

And it just stayed pink, instead of turning white like he hoped it would

Touya's also small

Always has been

His body was never as good as he wanted it to be

Endeavor had hated it

Hated his size and that as powerful as Touya’s quirk was, he couldn’t use it because his body couldn’t handle it

So naturally, Touya hated it too

He used to have a lot of problems with his body, in how he perceived it

It got better after he met Tomura, but he'll always hate his height

Which is why he wears his boots, that make him a good five inches taller

He has a really high pain tolerance because of all the training he went through

But he lost feeling in parts of his body because of his quirk

He also doesn't have fingerprints, they're all burned off

He despises the cold even though he literally doesn't get cold

Tomura Shigaraki

He's allergic to a bunch of things

Plus his skin is super sensitive

All the laundry is super soft bc both he and Touya have really sensitive skin

He takes a ridiculous amount of showers

That's part of the reason why he's skins so dry

But the showering and itching go hand in hand

He'll feel the need to get clean, even if he's just showered he'll go shower in the hottest water he can tolerate and scrub his skin raw

Then he'll pick at his dry skin and scratch until he's bleeding

And the cycle starts over

He has anxiety

Which doesn't help the whole picking at his skin thing

He gets overstimulated really easily

When that happens he gets snappy and irate at every little thing

Thats when it's time for him to retreat into his room and distract himself

Or go out and cause destruction just to calm down

He hates the cold with a burning passion

His dad would do that thing

Whenever Tomura misbehaved or did something he didn't like, he'd put him outside, no matter the weather

He'd tell him not to come back in until he had a better attitude or was ready to behave

And then those long days where he was on the streets in the cold

He just hates the cold and the memories it drudges up

(coincidentally why his showers are so hot)

He spends the winter miserable in bed under a bunch of blankets

Until he gets with Touya

Then he gets to cuddle under blankets with his own personal heater

He's lucky and doesn't have to partake in the chore rotation

He claims it's bc he's the leader and doesn't have to do any boring house work

But it's really because laundry and dishes will make his skin worse

(and after they asked him to do the dishes, a suspicious amount of dishes magically disappeared)

But he helps out sometimes

In his own way

He also can't read!

Kurogiri tried to teach him

But after Tomura almost decayed him, he sort of gave up

Tomura is such a fucking dad

He refuses to admit it

But he is!

He cares so much about the kids

It's honestly really sweet

He cares about them sm

Himiko Toga

When taking things from Himiko, don't hold them above your head

She will punch you in the gut to get you to bend down and take it

(She's done it to Touya a bunch)

Her side of the car has a child lock bc she's jumped out of the car one too many times

She isn't allowed to do the dishes bc she breaks everything

(most of their plates are now plastic bc of her)

She can do laundry tho

It's her favorite chore

She really wants to do 'normal' teenager things

So once, when Mustard was a little older, she took him on a joyride

She got an earful from Touya and Tomura once they got back

But she has no regrets

Every night she takes her hair down and brushes it exactly 100 times

Magne used to do it for her

Eventually, Touya began to do it for her

Which turned into Touya learning to braid so he could do her hair

Himiko and Monoma are twins

She changed her name after she ran away

Monoma thought she died up until the training camp

Himiko cried when she saw him

Now they have bi-weekly meetups

Mustard

He's ftm trans

He outright refuses to eat anything yellow and/or green

He's American!!

He was a hero-hopeful

He was in one of the best hero schools in America

To make a long story short, villains attacked and killed someone close to him

So he responded in kind

The heroes didn't like that, so he ran

He ended up in Japan when he was 14, and was quickly found by Himiko

Who then introduced him to the League

And here he is now

His quirk allows him to produce all toxic gasses

His favorite is mustard gas

Consequently, that's where his name came from

He's also immune to a lot of toxins bc of his quirk

But at the same time he can make his voice raspy if he abuses his quirk

(he can hold the gas in his throat and wreck his voice)

But he doesn't care, bc it helps his dysphoria

He's a little asshole and will argue and throw a fit about doing the dishes when it's his week

(but does them anyways)

Mr. Compress|Atsuhiro Sako

He's the luckiest of them all

He gets to go out into the real world without consequence

No ones seen his face, all he has to do is take off the mask and he's good

Which is why he's the one who makes all the grocery runs

He hates it, actually and complains about being the errand boy

But it's what's most convenient

At least he gets out of other chores

He's stupidly flexible

He was apart of the circus at one point in his life, when he was a teenager

So yeah! Circus skills!

He wanted to be a magician as a kid actually

Which...somehow led him to the circus but y'know

How he ended up with the league is a mystery

He's yet to delve too far into his own backstory with the League

But as the eldest (other than Kurogiri) he cares a lot

[spaghettificationandpretzels]

A Taste of Heaven Part 7

Series Masterlist

Part 6

Contains: Fluff, hurt/comfort, medical cannabis use, smut (oral sex M and F receiving, fingering, P in V)

2,340 words

Comment if you want to be tagged or follow #a taste of heaven.

After years of study and effort, you finally secure your dream job, as one of the head curators at the best museum in New York. After inheriting a huge brownstone you're looking for a roommate when your best friend Ubbe comes up with a suggestion, his younger brother Hvitserk. Better yet, you're a food historian and he's a three Michelin star chef.

"What did Harold say?" Hvitserk put the coffee down on the table in front of you, "even if the radio host won't pay, now that he's confessed, we can take it from the proceeds of his show. We've all decided that Bob should also get a pension if his hands don't improve, which will also come from the host and the actual participants, some of them are very wealthy."

Hvitserk nodded, "when do the court proceedings start?" You shrugged, "not for ages, they need to handle the criminal case first, but it looks like they're all going to plead out."

Things had been strange over the last few days, with each good update, he didn't seem even a little surprised. He would smile softly and press a kiss on your cheek. You knew something was going on, but there's was no point in worrying about it, Ubbe would have said something if there was a reason to be concerned.

"We've got to take the kitties in for their first shots tomorrow, then we need to help Ubbe set up his house for his little one." Hvitserk shook his head, "who knew a few days with our guys would turn him into a foster mother." You smiled, "your brother has always been a little too soft, all it takes is one sad story for him to be invested."

"I know, I'm taking a half-day in case they need extra cuddles. I know when dad got the dogs their rabies shots, they felt pretty shit for a couple of days." You nodded, "that's not uncommon with the rabies vaccine. I know we're not letting them outside but I think we should get the heartworm shot rather than back of the neck."

He nodded, "good idea, is there anything else we should ask the vet about?" You shook your head, "they're too small for spay and neuter, I'll ask the vet the soonest possible date and set up the appointment tomorrow."

"Great, I'll see you tonight. Love you."

"Love you too."

There was a buzz in the office when you arrived, it had been there since the day the host turned himself in. The cleaning was done with a purpose instead of just a sad drudge, whispers were passed back and forth about who would come out next. Mary had made a bet with Carl that the politicians who advertised on the show would here glad handing to save face.

Sure enough, the interim guard stood and waved his metal detector wand while a man in a crisp suit and red tie walked into the bearly clean space. He walked up to you with the stride of a man who had never had the smug punched off his face.

"Hello Dr l/n I'm sure you know who I am." You didn't take his extended hand, "yes I do, Mr Hicks is one of your biggest doners. Are you here to win votes? Because if so, you're in the wrong place and you can bet when your campaign comes around I will be bringing this up with everyone who will listen."

His face changed, "Mr Hicks…" You cut him off, "Mr Hicks and his lies are the reason one of my good friends will have to go through months of painful medical care. I'm not some rich socialite, sir, you can't bullshit me. I don't want your cash or your promises of doing better. Leave, before I get you thrown out."

He shook his head, "I leave my check with your bosses and come back when you're less hysterical, I'm sure you'll be more reasonable once this mess is gone." You wanted to punch him but you refrained, "I'd be careful sir, Mr Hicks is singing like a canary, if I was you, I'd be worried about what skeletons he's going to let out of the closet to save his own skin."

He went red, "Mr Hicks is a smart man, he's knows when to stay quiet." You nodded, "let's hope, I imagine there are a lot of powerful people who want him to keep his mouth shut."

You raced off the called the brothers, the group call took a little while to connect but everyone was there listening, "you won't believe what just happened. You know that hardline Republican senator who's always going on cutting public spending?" There was a rush of yeses, "he just came here hoping to smooth things over with us. That's not the best part, he basically threatened Hicks when I said that he was ratting on people."

You could hear Ivar laughing, "are you starting a pool for how long this guy lasts before his powerful friends take him out?" The burst of giggles was cut off by Lagertha, chastising him, "Ivar, you know that's not appropriate. At least over the phone when other people can hear."

"Sorry mum." You shook your head, "you guys are terrible. I need to get back to work." The warm goodbyes were met with being invited to dinner that weekend and you hung up.

****************

The rest of the day went by quickly, most of the cleaning had been done by now and the department was almost ready for tours. By the time you were ready to head home, things looked practically normal.

Hvitserk was still at work when you got home, Ubbe had come by to drop the kittens off, having asked to look after them again today. You were in the laundry brushing Lady Soot when Ivar showed up.

"Hello sweetie. What brings you here today?" You pulled him into a hug and invited him inside, "hey y/n." He sat down and took his braces off, moaning and rubbing his legs, "I was at work, my legs won't stop aching. I figured you understand." You nodded, "I can give you some of my weed if you like? I take it for the migraines so I don't know if it will help but it's worth a try."

He nodded, "anything." You ran off and returned with a cookie, "we like our lungs in this house." He laughed and scoffed it down, "it should take about an hour and a half to work. I'll get you a heat pack in the meantime." He smiled softly when you came back and laid it over his legs.

"How's work been?" He shrugged, "busy, Bjorn's still trying to get the big security contract but they're playing hard to get. They want us armed to the teeth but they're not willing to pay for us the train their old guys or hire our guys." You shook your head, "why is he wasting his time? The security contracting part of the business is super high-end, why waste time and money on someone who wants a cheap job?"

He shifted again, trying to get comfortable, "I'll rub your legs, you explain why your brother wants to torture himself." You gently rubbed the ache away while he continued, "he hired us first to help with trading. He wanted to move fresh produce from the east to west coast without the carbon footprint but it took off and now he wants protection for his warehouse."

"Fuck that, he's made millions off of you guys, he needs to be grateful and listen to you and your brother or he needs to fuck off." Ivar laughed, "that's what mother said but you know Bjorn, he gets his mind set on something and he won't let it go."

Ivar kept venting to you as the medication kicked in, after a while he started to get sleepy so you covered him up and closed the blinds in the lounge room before calling Hvitserk to tell him to come in the backway.

"Hello my love." Hvitserk pulled you into a kiss, his hand coming to stroke your cheek, "how long's he been out?" You rested your head on his chest, "an hour, I think we should let him spend the night here so I can look after him if his legs act up again. We can wake him up for dinner at seven." Hivtserk nodded, "good idea, I'll make his favourite."

An hour later, you were walking up to Ivar's sleeping form and patting his cheek, "hey, it's time for dinner." He opened his eyes slowly, "I'm not hungry." You shook your head and helped him sit up, "Hvitserk make your favourite, you need to eat something even if it's just a bite."

You helped him put his braces back on and walked him to the dining table, "how are you feeling?" He shrugged, "much better just foggy." Hvitserk was smiling, "what are you smiling about?" He shook his head, "nothing, I just got lucky when you chose me."

Ivar chuckled, "you guys are really cute." You threw a bread roll at him, "you're one to talk, bringing flowers to Miss Hanah on your way to work." He blushed, Miss Hanah worked at the preschool next to one of Ragnar's buildings that Ivar did IT in and Ivar was utterly smitten.

"She's nice to me." Hvitserk laughed, "she's more than nice to you Ivar, you know mother saw you and her kissing in the cafe." Ivar put his spoon down, "we all know dude, Hvitserk couldn't want to tell me." Ivar started to laugh, "you guys are killing me."

"I've set up the spare room for you, I don't want you driving home in this weather while you're in pain." Ivar tilted his head, "what weather?" You raised your eyebrows, "it's going to pour in like half an hour, don't you pay attention to the sky."

Sure enough, forty minutes later the heavens opened and it was bucketing down. You all sat and watched some TV for a while before Ivar headed to sleep in the spare room and you and Hvitserk went to yours.

You were laying in bed with your back to Hvitserk's chest while he told you about his day, his hands rubbing the stiffness out of your shoulders. He leaned in to pressed kisses on your neck, his hands moving to stroke your skin.

"Can I suck your dick?" His breath caught in his throat, "fucking hell yes." You spun around and sat on his lap, holding his chin in your hand while you kissed his lips. He pulled his T-shirt over his head and you ran a hand down his chest, your lips following the path of your fingers while you moved down his body.

When you got down to the waistband of his pants, he practically pulled them off, you took his half-hard cock out of his pants and stroked it until it swelled against his stomach before placing kitten licks on the head.

"That feels really nice." His tone was breathy as you pulled him into you mouth. His hips started moving slowly, pausing each time to let you adjust as you went deeper, "just like that, oh fuck." You sucked him deeper, using your hand for the parts your mouth couldn't take in while the other rolled his balls.

"Can I cum in your mouth?" You pulled off and took over with your hand, "sure." You put your mouth back on his dick and went back to work, Hvitserk tapping your cheek soon after to let you know he was ready. You squeezed his hand in consent and seconds later, he was cumming down your throat.

He pulled you up, pressing an opened mouth kiss to you before flipping you over and kissing down your body, "your turn." Hvitserk pulled your top off then sucked a nipple into his mouth while his hand rubbed the other one softly, swapping over when you gasped and grabbed his head.

You pushed your panties off as he made his way down your body and lifted your legs onto his shoulder when he kissed over your mound, settling down comfortably into the pillows. He used one hand to hold you open and sucked your clit into his mouth, moaning as your taste filled his mouth, "you taste like sour candy." You giggle was cut off by a moan as he slid two of his long fingers inside you.

"Hvitserk, please." He lifted his head for a moment, "I know, I'm here. Just let me make you feel good." He didn't stop until your legs were quivering around his head and you were pushing him away from the overstimulation. He kissed up your body and rested his weight on you, his hard cock laying against your stomach.

"Do you want to keep going?" You nodded, "yes please." He shifted onto his elbows and used one hand to line up with your entrance, with one last nod for you, he slid inside your body. "Oh God."

He chuckled, "Hvitserk is fine." You huffed a laugh through a moan and he sped up slowly, ending in his hips slamming into yours while you bucked to match his speed. He felt you contract around him, his hand coming to rub your clit while he kissed you like you had the last breath of air in your lungs.

"Give me one more." You were powerless to resist, clenching around him. His pace faltered and he half fell on top of you. He grunted and you felt him pulse inside you, "holy shit, that was something."

You giggled, "I know right." Hvitserk smiled and rubbed his nose with yours, "you stay there, I'll clean us up." He got up and came back a few seconds later with a warm cloth and wiped you down.

"You good, not sore or anything?" You shook your head and opened your arms, "I'm great." He smiled and climbed on top of you, resting his head on your chest. "You good?" He nodded through a yawn.

"Ok then, good night my love."

"Good night y/n."

Part 8

[wellpresseddaisy]

Many Happy Returns

January 9, 1883

Severus stretched as a blast of humid air followed him out of the bath. His dressing gown hung open over a damp shift and his hair busily soaked through the dressing gown halfway down his back.

When had it grown so long? He didn't remember it being that long. But no, when he put a hand back to smooth the length of it, it was. Perhaps Lucius and Cissa were right. Perhaps he needed to get out more, get away from marking and students needing him and teaching and his own research.

Well, not his own research. He'd happily spend all day moving from library to lab and back. Lucius had offered him a place at Malfoy Manor - the old families used to support their scholars. They'd even had a sort of rudimentary interlibrary loan system.

All that, of course, had gone to rot after Grindelwald. The bastard. The old families began hoarding their books and knowledge instead of sharing as they had for so long. With no formal university system, sharing was vital to keeping high standards of scholarship.

No wonder so many students could barely brew a Boil Cure.

But he couldn't accept the position Lucius offered, though it was a wrench. Just what he wanted and just out of reach. Maybe...maybe after he could. If Lucius and Cissa would receive him ever again. They were so steady together. They made the world seem less terrifying and chaotic.

He finished sopping the worst of the wet out of his hair and went to his clothes press. The stone floors of his room, void of carpet, felt bracingly cold against his feet. He'd given in to Cissa's fretting and put down a very good rug next his bed, but he liked the cold stone. He had socks and slippers if he needed them.

He hesitated for only a moment before he made a decision. Sunday meant no need for his usual brewing clothing. At least not at breakfast.

He pulled his underthings off a shelf and shimmied into the garment. Wool and silk knit, long legged and long sleeved, it fit much better than the jaegers of his youth. Itched less, too. He'd have been one of the unfortunates trying to delicately scratch without being noticed if Cissa hadn't intervened all those years ago.

Wooly stockings followed. He pulled them up his legs and gartered them just below the knee. They'd stay up on their own, but he liked the jaunty green snakes that slithered over the silver ribbon. A woolen shift went overtop his underclothes. He hadn't known non-itchy wool existed until Cissa hauled him off to the Bulstrode's fabric...store didn't quite encompass the breadth of their offerings. Emporium? In any case, she and Madam Bulstrode spent a few hours teaching him about quality materials.

And then Cissa, the demon, hauled him off to a tailor. And a hairdresser (discreet and willing to sign a binding contract that there would be no chicanery with his discarded hair). And a healer.

He debated undergowns while trying to decide what to wear over top. He generally saved these things for visits to the Manor, but he wanted the comfort of enveloping fabric and sweeping skirt.

And in any case, staying warm at Hogwarts in winter required layers. Many, many layers. No matter how assiduously the elves tended the fires and how often he and the other House Heads renewed the runic heating sequences, drafts prevailed.

As he'd said over top of many complaints, they lived in a castle, which had not been built at a time when insulation was the norm. There would be exceedingly inconvenient drafts. And rising damp. And regular damp. And a pervading chill.

He loved Hogwarts, though. She remained a venerable bulwark against the world. And maybe, just maybe one day they would be able to expand. She had the space; why not start a visiting scholar program? Why not encourage students with an academic bent to remain and do their research within Hogwarts?

Why not try to create an academic community?

How many true scholars had been turned out to drudge through the Ministry grinding cogs?

How different would his life be now if he'd had such a refuge?

Severus sighed. Perhaps in a world without the threat of Voldemort returning hanging over their heads.

He jumped as a brightly wrapped package popped into existence on his bed. Who on earth…

He poked at it and a letter popped on top of it. The script...of course it would be Lucius. The man was as showy as his peacocks. He sighed and opened the letter.

Dear Severus,

We wish you a most joyous birthday. We hope you'll be free for dinner Saturday next at seven o'clock.

Warm regards and wishes for a happy birthday,

Lucius

PS Getting up there, now, aren't you? Twenty-three is quite the birthday. Should I expect to smell liniment?

Darling,

A most happy birthday to you. Be warm and well and as happy as you can be today. I do hope we'll see you next Saturday.

With love,

Cissa

A childish scribble ended the letter, with a note from Lucius that Draco sent his wishes for a most happy birthday (and also that Severus should ask for a pony because Papa and Mama were brilliant at presents and maybe they could ride together that Summer).

Chuckling, Severus opened the box and pulled away the tissue. Deep green wool, so deeply green it almost looked black, greeted him. He picked up the card that lay atop it.

Wear this in good health, knowing that your friends wish you warmth and comfort.

He lifted the garment out with careful hands. It revealed itself as a full-cut houpeland, lined with a dull, icy silver silk. A length of silver and green caught his eye...the belt, one side deep green silk and the other matching the lining. How would they know?

The way they always knew exactly what would be needed and wanted.

Smiling, he went back to his clothes press and took out a silvery grey woolen undergown. The long, tight sleeves should show well against the houpeland. He slipped it over his head and pulled it right, letting the sweeping skirt settle. Cissa hated skimpy undergowns. He buttoned the sleeves from elbow to wrist, appreciating once again the delicately embroidered potions ingredients on each - the flora on this undergown. He had another in black with the fauna embroidered on the buttons.

Cissa liked a theme.

He shook out the houpeland, letting the small packing creases release, before he squirmed into it. It fit perfectly across his shoulders and he was immediately enveloped in the most wonderful warmth. He leaned down and flipped up the hem. Cissa's flowing runic embroidery greeted him. He ran his finger over the sequence - warming when worn - and smiled softly.

She thought of everything. Always did.

He noticed a few bobbly stitches above the sequence and bit his lip - Draco loved to be involved in anything his mama and papa did.

Well, past time to get to the Hall for breakfast. He fastened the belt, green side out, and arranged the heavy folds of skirt. The wide sleeves folded back to show the silk lining. It matched the undergown perfectly. He stepped into a pair of soft shoes and stopped at the mirror only long enough to pull his hair back into a neat tail at the nape of his neck. It sat heavily between his shoulder blades.

He really did need a haircut.

He stopped before the door and took his teaching robes from the rack. He settled his them over his shoulders, immediately shifting the fabric in the exact way it needed to hang properly. Ingenious things, really. He could wear anything underneath, provided it had appropriate sleeves. Usually, he wore the type of brewing clothes he'd worn as an apprentice. Today, the teaching robes flowed gracefully over the fabric below. He didn't, technically, need them but he wanted the reminder for students.

Thus girded for the day, he took a deep breath and left his rooms. The Great Hall awaited.

---------

Severus leaned back against his door and sighed before putting his teaching robes back on the rack.

He'd made it through breakfast by bringing a journal to read. He couldn't stand all the other professors trying to be chummy, not after he'd stood before each of them looking for help, only to be turned away. Sprout had done her best. He rather liked her. And Flitwick didn't seem to know what to do with bullies. He could, in time, forgive ignorance. Possibly.

Burbage remained the one bright spot. He'd promised to help her practice her appeal to the Board for modernizing the Muggle Studies curriculum. They both knew it might...probably would...fail, but neither wanted to give up the fight. Students deserved an up-to-date education.

She promised to help him appeal for an updated Potions curriculum later that term. Another likely losing battle, but they tried. He groaned, thinking of the pile of marking still waiting on his desk and dragged toward the study. The need for updating Potions was never more apparent than in student essays.

They wouldn't let him get too far into theory until NEWTs, for pity's sake. The underpinning of all they did in class and he couldn't discuss it until half of them dropped off. He ought to be covering things like wand type/match and potion making in their first year. Students with difficult or handed down wands needed to know how that might make Potions a more difficult subject. Handedness, too, needed to be covered. Left-handed students needed to know how to stir properly.

And he really needed to do a crossover symposium with Sprout on how ingredient growing conditions could affect the end product. So many of them would go on to have personal Potions gardens without knowing the most effective ways to go about it.

Distracted by his own thoughts, he wandered vaguely into his study and palmed the light panel by the door. Ingenious things, lightstones. All the ambiance of an oil lamp with none of the fuss or fire danger.

He blinked at his desk. He knew he'd left three piles of marking that morning, one each for his first, second, and third years. But the parchments had disappeared and brightly wrapped presents sat in their place.

He hadn't expected...any of this. He swallowed hard and consciously stopped his hand from gripping the doorframe.

They wouldn't bite. Most likely. He'd learned that lesson third year when Potter and Black got into things. They'd never done it again, not after Cissa hauled them off, one ear in each hand. Still, one couldn't be too careful. His wand slipped into his palm at the twitch of his wrist and he went over things, thoroughly.

Nothing. All safe. Just nauseatingly cheerful wrapping. One had little slices of birthday cake dancing across it. Soppy nonsense.

But it wouldn't hurt to open them. Would it?

On the whole, probably not. He moved out of the doorway and to his desk. As he sat, a small cake popped onto it.

Many happy returns from the Hogwarts Elves scrolled across the top in perfect icing script.

Oh.

Well, it was nice to know the elves liked him, at least. He'd send a thank you note to the kitchen. They seemed to like the one from Christmas.

He stared down at his desk, still reeling a little from the surprise. A bright green scroll of parchment caught his eye and he picked it up, slipping the silver ribbon off it.

Dear Professor Snape,

We clubbed together to think of a present for you, and we thought you'd like this best:

For the next week not one of us will antagonize the Gryffindors with whom we share classes. Nor will we antagonize them in the halls, the Great Hall, or anywhere else we may encounter them.

Happy Birthday, sir.

Every first, second, and third year Slytherin had signed it.

And he had a similar one from the fourth, fifth, and seventh years.

Truly a birthday miracle.

The next package seemed to be from Flitwick (the handwriting) and Sprout (the slightly earthy smudges around the tape). He opened the card first.

Dear Severus,

You're one of us now and it's time to take care of you as a fellow professor and House Head. Filius and I distributed the marking on your desk to your 7th year class. They'll do the first pass for you. You deserve a free day.

The package is something you'll find comes in handy when you have more essays to mark than flat surfaces. Just be sure the connected ink bottle is full and you'll never run out.

Many happy returns,

Pomona and Filius

He opened the package to reveal a handsome pen case. The case opened smoothly, showing a truly beautiful fountain pen fashioned of a dark, jade-colored material. Stone, perhaps? He lifted the card out of the case.

Harrison's Ever-Full Fountain Pens

Keep the connected bottles of ink full and you'll never run out in the middle of a sentence. These handsome, quality fountain pens reduce fatigue while writing and produce a line exactly like a quill. Nib catalog available on request.

Can be connected to up to four bottles of ink. Switch by saying the color. Not recommended for Howler Ink.

His lips twitched. Howler Ink gave even the most robust quill problems.

The next package (the one with the dancing cake slices) proved to be from his sixth years. What had they concocted? Only one way to find out. He opened the card.

Happy Birthday, Professor!

We got together to bring you some birthday joy. For one, you needn't spend the evening in the Common Room. We'll keep a lid on things (although if you could turn up about tea time I think some would like to wish you a happy birthday in person). To keep everyone occupied, we consulted your book of parlor games. It should be a gala evening for us, too.

It turns out that we all have at least one recipe kicking about the family for candy. Please enjoy a little taste of our homes.

And yes, we compounded the candy in the kitchen, under supervision of the House Elves. No one was burned with boiling sugar to make your present.

The chocolate caramels are particularly good. And there's drinking chocolate.

We wish you a wonderful day, full of quiet.

All of them signed it. He took the kid from the box and reached inside. Little packages met his fingers. He pulled one out and looked at the label...peppermint fancies, plain and with chocolate. Chocolate caramels, regular caramels, butter crunch, and toffee followed. And there were more packages in the box.

He would have to ration it. The best gift, of course, was that group working together. They'd change the world one of these days, even if only by their example. He would ask the elves to send down a gala evening tea. Playing some of those games worked up an appetite.

The last package bore familiar handwriting. How had Da gotten a gift to him?

Dear Russ,

I wasn't sure what to get you, what you might need, so I wrote to that bookstore you were on about and asked what you might like. I hope you enjoy it.

Your Nan sends her love and a gift included in the box. She thought of asking the bookstore how to get it to you. And then she just walked bold as brass into one of your post offices and told them she needed to owl her grandson.

We both hope you have a happy birthday.

Love,

Da

And your Nan

Severus folded his lips together. How many years it had taken to get here. That Da had thought to...and Nan. That was like her. There wasn't any place on this earth she wouldn't walk into like she belonged. He'd learned so much from her that helped when...better not to think of that, not today.

The package contained a new biography of Merlin, the scholarly one he'd had his eye on, a tin of Man's flapjack, and three records. He pulled the note out of the sleeve of the top one

My darling boy,

I've been busy this year. The old pipes aren't quite what they were, but I can still carry a tune. I wanted you to have a way to hear me sing you happy birthday, even when I've gone on. The others are ones I think you'll like. I went for certain themes this year. See if you can figure them out.

All my love,

Nan

He spread the records on his desk - Songs That Got Us Through, Madge Sings Cole Porter, and Songs for My Grandson - and drifted his fingers over the colorful covers.

He had an unexpectedly free day. He picked up Songs for My Grandson and his new book and went back to his sitting room. As soon as he set the book on the table next his favorite chair (previously his grandfather's), the cake appeared there too, with a gently steaming tea service popping into existence on the sideboard.

He cranked up the gramophone and put his record on before settling into his chair. A cup of tea, cake, a book, the gently crackling fire in the grate...a very happy birthday indeed.

He opened his book to Nan singing Friday, I'm in Love and took a sip of his favorite tea.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Too Kind

MAIN MASTERLIST

Avengers x Stark!Reader

Word Count: 3,950ish

Summary: You’re smart just like your father, Tony Stark. But too kind for your own good.

Notes: This was a requested one, but it was also one of the ones that got deleted. I hope that whoever requested this enjoys it. (REQUESTS ARE STILL OPEN. CLICK/PRESS HERE FOR GUIDELINES.)

You’ve always been told that your mother was the nicest woman on the planet. And that you were very much like her in that way. Unfortunately, your mother died during childbirth leaving you with your father, Tony Stark. You definitely got his brains, but you were definitely not as loud and rambunctious as him.

When you first met the Avengers, they were surprised that you were Tony’s daughter. In their eyes, you were too nice, too forgiving. You hated violence, but you understood why your father and the other Avengers did what they did. None of what made you you was a bad thing. It’s just, the Avengers were afraid that one day you’d get deeply hurt by your kind and forgiving nature. They couldn’t stand to see you sad so they did whatever they could to protect you. But they knew, that the one that would end up hurting you the most was Tony.

Not that he was a bad father, he just was blind to how his actions affected people. Especially you, his daughter. Tony would spend a lot of time in his lab or away on missions. He did try to make sure a night was set aside every week for just the two of you, but that slowly faded away once Peter Parker came into the picture. The Avengers saw what was happening and felt extremely sorry for you. They would always try to get you to talk about it, but you would always give him an excuse though and never talk unkind about him. This made the Avengers hearts break but also made them love you more. You were a better person than they would ever be.

One morning, you were having breakfast in the common kitchen of the Avengers Tower. Steve was brewing coffee while Sam was making waffles, bacon, and eggs, and Natasha was cutting fruit. Tony drudged in after a long night in the lab, going straight for the coffee.

“Good morning, dad!” You greeted with a large smile on your face.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Tony greeted in return, grabbing a cup of coffee before walking to press a kiss on your hair. “Have any plans today?” He moved to sit in the empty chair next to you.

“Just school and then a big science project I need to work on this afternoon.”

“Science project? That sounds interesting. Need any help?”

“You aren’t too busy to help?”

“I’m never too busy for you, sweetheart.” The other Avengers eyed each other, carefully watching the interaction. “Why don’t you come straight to the lab after school?”

“Really?”

“Really.” He leaned forward, kissing your cheek, before standing up. “I’ll see you after school.”

“Yeah, see ya then, dad.”

Tony smiled at you before heading back to the lab. The three Avengers in the kitchen with you moved to sit down at the table.

“That will be nice,” Natasha said, slowly. “When was the last time you worked on something in the lab with him?”

“Oh, a few months, I think,” you answered. “But he’s been busy, saving the world and helping Peter get his feet on the ground now that he’s an Avenger.”

“You know you don’t have to do that, Y/N,” Steve said.

“Do what?”

“Make excuses for him. He’s your father, he should spend more time with you than he does.”

“He spends time with me. It’s just that Peter doesn’t have a father in his life. Dad feels the need to step into that roll. It’s alright.”

“I don’t know how you do it, Y/N/N,” Sam said, shaking his head. “I don’t know how have been able to maintain such a positive attitude throughout everything.”

You just shrugged your shoulders. “It’s not that hard.”

“You know that if it gets too much for you, that we’re here for you right?” Natasha comforted. “Any of us would gladly put your father in his place.”

“I know that, Nat. But I don’t need any of you hurting each other. Thanks for the offer though.” You stood up, swinging your backpack over your shoulder and putting the dishes you used in the sink. “Thanks for breakfast guys! I’ll see you after school!” And then you were gone.

Steve sighed. “I’m worried,” he said. “She’ll break one day. He’ll do something to hurt her and I can’t bare to stand by and watch it.”

“We can’t do anything until she says,” Nat said. “If we do anything, she’ll be disappointed in us. All we can do right now it remind her that we’re here for her and watch carefully.”

~~~

School went slowly, with you constantly watching the time. All you wanted to do was go home and work in the lab with your dad. It had been longer than you’d like to admit since it was just you and Tony in the lab. When you got home, you swung by the kitchen for a snack before making your way to the lab. As you neared, you heard laughter coming from the room. You entered to see Tony and Peter working together on a new Spider-Man suit, laughing. Bruce was on the far end of the lab, minding his own business. You slowly came up to your dad and Peter.

“Hey, dad,” you greeted, smile on your face. “Hey, Pete.”

“Hey, sweetheart,” your dad turned around. “Spidey here ruined his suit during lunch today, so we’re just fixing it up. Mind if you wait a little before we start on your project?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“Hey, Y/N,” Bruce called, having heard the conversation. “I can help you if you’d like.”

“Oh, no, it’s okay Bruce,” you shook your head. “I can wait. I’ll just be up in my room until you need me, okay dad?” But Tony wasn’t listening, he was back to work with Peter. “Dad?”

“Huh?” Tony hummed, not moving to look at you.

“Just have FRIDAY tell me when you’re ready.”

“Oh, yeah, okay.”

You smiled kindly at Bruce before heading to your room. Bruce sighed as he watched you leave. He knew you had hope that Tony would call you down tonight, but this hadn’t been the first interaction like this that he had witnessed. It hurt him to see you seemly so naive to what was happening to you.

You never did get called down to the lab. But instead of hiding out in your bedroom to do homework all night, you eventually moved out into the common area. Nat, Steve, Sam, Wanda, Vision, Rhodey, Bucky, and Bruce were all already out there, putting together dinner. Bruce had already told them what he had witnessed in the lab and they all already had to stop Bucky from barging down there and giving Tony a piece of his mind. They all smiled though, at you as you walked to the table and set your things down.

“How was school today, Y/N?” Rhodey asked.

“It was school,” you answered with a shrug of your shoulders. “Not too terrible, but also not too amazing.”

“Anything we can do to help you with your homework?” Steve asked.

“No,” you shook your head. “I just came out because I didn’t want to be alone while I worked.”

They all eyed each other and silently promised each other that they wouldn’t let anything ruin your night. They all pitched in to help you with your homework, even though you never asked. All of you worked together to make dinner, laughing and dancing around the kitchen. It was a night to remember. You fell asleep at the table, head fallen into a textbook. Bucky gently took you in his arms and tucked you in for the night. Wishing you sweet dreams with a kiss to your forehead.

You woke up and did your routine like any other day. This time was a little different though, both Peter and Tony were at the table eating breakfast before you.

“Good morning,” you said with a smile.

“Good morning,” Peter replied.

“Did you spend the night Pete?”

“Yeah, by the time Mr. Stark and I were finished, it was too late.”

“Hmm,” you hummed, grabbing a yogurt and a throw-a-way spoon. “Did you get everything fixed?”

“We did,” Tony answered. “Even started designs for a new suit for him.”

“Oh… I’m glad you two got some work done. I’ll see you guys after school.”

“Have a great day, honey!” Tony shouted as you entered the elevator.

~~~

School was the same as the day before, only this time you were coming home with an award for first place in your classes science fair. You were so excited to share the news with your dad. You went straight to the lab to show him.

“Hey, Dad!” You excitedly greeted as you rushed in. “Look what I—“

“Can’t talk right now, sweetheart,” Tony interrupted, heading to his waiting suit. “Peter’s in trouble. I’ll talk to you later though.”

You couldn’t get another word in before he was gone. You waited to move until you couldn’t hear or see hie suit anymore before you went to the common area. Bucky, Vision, and Wanda were in there, sitting around the room.

“Hey, Little Stark!” Bucky said when he sensed you. “How was school? Did your project go well?”

“It did,” you nodded, pulling out the award. “I got first place.”

“You did?” Bucky jumped up to see the award. “Congrats!” He spun you around, causing you to laugh.

“Thank you, Buck.”

“We have to celebrate!”

“Have you showed your father?” Vision asked. “I’m sure Mr. Stark would be so proud.”

“I tried,” you said. “But apparently something happened with Peter that he had to hurry and get to him.” You could see the looks of disappointment with a hint of anger they were giving you. “But that’s okay. I’ll just tell him when he’s back.”

~~~

Unfortunately, you didn’t get to see your dad for the rest of the day or before you left for school the next morning. It did disappoint you a little, that he seemed to be so busy as of late, but you also understood that the things he did were important. You were sitting in your math class, waiting for it to start, when the windows shattered and five people dressed in black from head to toe came bursting in. The classmates around you screamed while you jumped in shock.

“Nobody move!” One of the five shouted, a man’s voice. Each of them were holding up guns. “Stay where you are and nobody move!” You and your classmates froze in your spots. “Very good. Now, those of you standing, get in a seat.”

Your classmates quickly did as they were instructed. You kept your backpack that was resting in your lap close. Your father and the other Avengers, had you carry a bracelet in your bag in case of emergencies. Once you put it on, it would activate a signal for help and would form a Iron Man gauntlet onto your hand for protect. You kept your head down as the five people moved to surround the room on all sides.

“We’re looking for Spider-Man!” Another one yelled, again a man’s voice. “We’ve seen him come and go from this building. If any of you know who he really is, better fess up before it’s too late.”

You could feel the eyes of your classmates on you. They all knew whose child you were and who you considered family. So of course they would look at you for that answer. As carefully and quietly as you could, you slipped your hand into your bag and grabbed the bracelet.

“If any of you know the truth about Spider-Man’s identity,” a woman’s voice shouted. “Fess up now or one of your classmates are going to get what’s coming to them.”

You tensed at the sound of all of their guns cocking. You hated violence, but you weren’t about to let any of your classmates get hurt if you had any say. You took a deep breath before slowly standing up from your seat. Suddenly, all eyes and guns were on you.

“I-I-I know…” You shakily said. “I know who he is… I can take you to him.”

“You’re Stark’s kid,” a fourth voice snarled. “She would know who Spider-Man is. She lives at the Tower with the other heroes.”

“Come here, then,” the first man ordered, seemly the one in charge.

You slowly walked towards him, slipping the bracelet fully onto your wrist. You tried hard not to breathe a sigh of relief when the bracelet fully conformed to your wrist and slowly began forming over your hand. You knew that the Avengers would be here soon.

“I know what class he should be in,” you said, quietly.

“Then take us to him,” the first man growled.

You nodded, turning to head towards the door. But before you fully turned, you lifted your hand and used the gauntlet to take out the two people in the back.

“Foolish girl!” The man shouted.

He aimed his gun at you, but you dodged the bullet. All of your classmates took cover under their desks as a fight began. Another one came up began you, shooting at you. The bullet graze your right side. Causing you to scream out in pain. But you kept going. You quickly took out your shooter before taking out another one of the attackers. Leaving just the main guy. You help up your gauntlet covered hand as he held up his gun. You could faintly hear the emergency vehicles coming closer.

“You stupid girl,” the man snarled. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“I would do anything to protect another’s life,” you said. “That’s how I was raised.”

“Too bad no one will be able to save yours.”

~~~

The Avengers were all in various places around the Tower, going about their own business when FRIDAY sounded the alarm.

“Miss Stark has used her panic bracelet,” FRIDAY announced to them. “She is currently at the school.”

All of the Avengers rushed to suit up.

“Where’s Tony?” Bruce asked, planning on waiting behind until he was deemed needed.

“He hasn’t been seen since yesterday,” Steve answered. “I’m sure that FRIDAY has told him and he’ll meet us there.”

~~~

The man finished his words and two shots were heard. Both the man and yourself falling to the floor. As you fell, you could faintly see Bucky outside the window, sniper riffle in hand. You looked down to see yourself bleeding from the center of your chest and the side where the bullet grazed. Breathing had become difficult. You heard someone running and jumping into the window.

“No, no, no, no,” Bucky rushed, kneeling beside you. “Doll, stay with me.” His metal hand came to press on your wound as his other went to the comm piece in his ear. “I need emergency medical services on the East side. Y/N’s been shot.”

“Bucky…” you rasped, black dots slowly filling your vision.

“Sshh… save your breath, doll. You’re going to be fine.”

“Oh my gosh!” Steve exclaimed, him and Natasha running into the room. They knelt on the other side.

“D-dad…?” You croaked. “W-here’s my d-dad?”

“He’s on his way, sweetie,” Nat said, trying to comfort you.

“T-tell him-m… that I-I’m sorry… I tried… an-and that I for-forgive him…” You barely got all that out before your world went black.

The EMTs arrived almost right after you fell unconscious. The team struggled to stand by and watch them rush you away in an ambulance. They quickly followed behind, arriving at the hospital right after you. You were immediately rushed into surgery and the team was forced to wait in the waiting room. Bucky and Steve were pacing; Vision was floating; Wanda was sitting in a corner, trying to block out everyone’s racing thoughts; Natasha was sitting in a chair, leaning forward with her hands clasped in front of her; Sam was leaning back, arms crossed and foot tapping; and Rhodey and Bruce were trying to get a hold of Tony. They had been there a little more than an hour when Tony and Peter rushed into the waiting room.

“Where is she?” Tony asked, clearly out of breath. “Where’s my daughter?”

“You would know if you answered the emergency alert that was sent out!” Bucky shouted.

“We were a bit busy trying to find these guys and were threatening Peter!”

“You mean the same guys that broke into the school and threatened Y/N’s class?” Steve growled.

“What?” Tony shook his head. “No. They… They… oh my—”

“And you were too busy to come to your own daughter’s rescue?!” Steve continued. “But, why is that a surprise,” Steve chuckled darkly. “You’re always too busy for her.”

“I don’t like the way you’re talking, Rogers. Be very careful.”

“But it’s true!” Bucky yelled. “Time and time again she’s tried to spend time with you, but you push her aside. Either for a mission or for him!” Bucky pointed at Peter, who immediately looked like he wanted to disappear.

“That’s not true!” Tony retorted. “I spend plenty of—“

“It is true, Tony!” Nat yelled, coming up to face the man. “Just in the past two days, you’ve ignored you twice to spend time with Peter. No offensive, Peter. This really isn’t your fault.”

“Did you know that she got first prize in her science class for the project that you didn’t end up helping her on?” Bucky questioned your father.

“I told her that I’d help her after—“

“After you were finished with me,” Peter interrupted Tony. Everyone turned to look at the poor teenager, who was feeling incredibly guilty. “But we never finished. Or even asked her to stay.”

Tony got quiet, immediately searching in his memories for the events of the past few days. And, unfortunately, his teammates were right. He searched his memories back farther, realizing that it made been months since he’d spent any alone time with his own daughter. Tears pricked his eyes.

“What have I done?” He quietly asked, turning the attention on himself. “What have I done?” He ran his hands through his hair, feeling a panic attack coming on. Tony backed up into the wall. “She’ll never forgive me… I’ll never forgive myself… she’ll die not knowing how much I care for her…”

“Tony, Tony,” Rhodey quickly came up to his spiraling friend. “We can’t think like that. Yes, we haven’t heard anything. But Y/N is not going to die.”

“And she’ll forgive you,” Bucky said. “For whatever reason… her last words before she— she wanted you to know that she was sorry and that she forgave you.”

“She was sorry?” Tony repeated. “How—why?”

“She felt like she didn’t try hard enough for you,” Nat answered.

“What? How could she feel that way? And… and how could see forgive me?”

“She was always forgive you,” Bruce replied. “For everything. She always gave you a reason.”

“I’m a terrible father.”

“Damn right you are,” Bucky agreed.

“Bucky,” Nat scolded.

“No, no, Barnes is right,” Tony said, hanging his head. “And if she doesn’t make it… I’ll never get to make it up to her…”

~~~

It was a long and tormenting wait. They were all constantly moving, constantly changing positions. It was scary, not having heard anything after seven hours of you being back there. They were really starting to fear the worst. By the time the tenth hour came, most of them were prepared for the worst when the doctor come out and called for your family. They all rushed up though, Tony in front.

“Surgery was rough,” the doctor started. “She flatlined a few times. We won’t know the full extent of any lasting effects until she wakes. She’s currently in the ICU. We’ve put her in the most secluded area of the ICU so that you all can come back.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Tony said.

“Why don’t we all go back to the Tower and change, bring food back, so that Tony can have some time with Y/N?” Natasha suggested.

The team all nodded in agreement. They left Tony will reassuring smiles and pats as they went to leave. The doctor walked Tony to your room, where he became frozen at the door. His heart broke into a million pieces at the sight of you hooked up to wires and tubes breathing for you. He didn’t try to stop the tears that began to trickle down his cheeks as he took in your body. He’d never seen you, or anyone else, look so fragile. It was clear that you had lost a lot of blood and that the surgery took just as much of a toll on your body as the bullet wounds had. Slowly, his heavy feet made their way to your bedside, pulling the chair up with him. Tony plopped into the chair, immediately grasping your hand in both of his. He held his head to the hands, crying into them.

“I promise that I’ll do better,” he cried. “Be better… for you… you deserve a better father than me… and, from now on, I promise to be the father you deserve…”

He stayed by your side, for days. With the other members of the team switching off to be there for you as well. A week after surgery, the doctor gave the go ahead to take the breathing tube out of your mouth. It was now completely up to you and your body as to when you would wake up. At this time, none of the team members left the hospital. They all wanted to be there when you woke. It was other two days before you flinched. They all were immediately on edge, watching for more movements. Your eyes fluttered next, clearly taking a while to adjust to the bright hospital lights. Tony stood, so that he could be the first one you saw.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he smiled, a teary, tired smile, as your eyes met his.

“D-dad…” you rasped. “I—“

“No need for that,” he shook his head. “You need to rest some more.”

“Hey, doll,” Bucky greeted as him, Steve, and Sam walked up to the other side. The other team members quickly surrounded the bed. “You gave us quite the scare.”

“Never do that again,” Tony pled, holding a kiss to your forehead. “I am so sorry, Y/N,” he whispered, letting a tear fall onto your face. “I am so sorry.”

“Let’s give them some space,” Wanda said quietly. “It’s good to have you back with us.” The team went to wait just outside the room, leaving the father-daughter you alone.

“I’m so incredibly sorry for the way I’ve been treating you, Y/N,” Tony cried. “I don’t know how you could ever forgive me.”

“Be-because… I… love you… as a daught-ter should love… her father… unconditionally…”

“You’re too good for me. Too good for this world. I love you, honey. So, so much.”

You gave your father the best smile you could. “Start over?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “And, first things first, I’m taking all time off so that I can just focus on you and your recovery. Show you that I mean it.”

“Okay,” you nodded. “You just can’t go polar opposite, helicopter parent. Okay? I don’t know how I’ll be able to handle that.”

“Oh, sweetheart, that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

[yourreddancer]

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

August 21, 2022 (Sunday)

On August 21, 1831, enslaved American Nat Turner led about 70 of his enslaved and free Black neighbors in a rebellion to awaken his white neighbors to the inherent brutality of slaveholding and the dangers it presented to their own safety. Turner and his friends traveled from house to house in their neighborhood in Southampton County, Virginia, freeing enslaved people and murdering about 60 of the white men, women, and children they encountered. Their goal, Turner later told an interviewer, was “to carry terror and devastation wherever we went.”

State militia put down the rebellion in a couple of days, and both the legal system and white vigilantes killed at least 200 Black Virginians, many of whom were not involved in Turner’s bid to end enslavement. Turner himself was captured in October, tried in November, sentenced to death, and hanged.

But white Virginians, and white folks in neighboring southern states, remained frightened. Turner had been, in their minds, a well-treated, educated enslaved man, who knew his Bible well and seemed the very last sort of person they would have expected to revolt. And so they responded to the rebellion in two ways. They turned against the idea that enslavement was a bad thing and instead began to argue that human enslavement was a positive good.

And states across the South passed laws making it a crime to teach enslaved Americans to read and write.Denying enslaved Black Americans access to education exiled them from a place in the nation. The Framers had quite explicitly organized the United States not on the principles of religion or tradition, but rather on the principles of the Enlightenment: the idea that, by applying knowledge and reasoning to the natural world, men could figure out the best way to order society. Someone excluded from access to education could not participate in that national project. Instead, that person was read out of society, doomed to be controlled by leaders who marshaled propaganda and religion to defend their dominance

.In 1858, South Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond explained that society needed “a class to do the menial duties, to perform the drudgery of life. That is, a class requiring but a low order of intellect and but little skill.”But when they organized in the 1850s to push back against the efforts of elite enslavers like Hammond to take over the national government, members of the fledgling Republican Party recognized the importance of education. 

In 1859, Illinois lawyer Abraham Lincoln explained that those who adhered to the “mud-sill” theory “assumed that labor and education are incompatible; and any practical combination of them impossible…. According to that theory, the education of laborers, is not only useless, but pernicious, and dangerous.”

Lincoln argued that workers were not simply drudges but rather were the heart of the economy. “The prudent, penniless beginner in the world, labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land, for himself; then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner to help him.” He tied the political vision of the Framers to this economic vision. In order to prosper, he argued, men needed “book-learning,” and he called for universal education. An educated community, he said, “will be alike independent of crowned-kings, money-kings, and land-kings.”

When they were in control of the federal government in the 1860s, Republicans passed the Land Grant College Act, funding public universities so that men without wealthy fathers might have access to higher education. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Republicans also tried to use the federal government to fund public schools for poor Black and white Americans, dividing money up according to illiteracy rates. 

But President Andrew Johnson vetoed that bill on the grounds that the federal government had no business protecting Black education; that process, he said, belonged to the states—which for the next century denied Black and Brown people equal access to schools, excluding them from full participation in American society and condemning them to menial labor.

Then, in 1954, after decades of pressure from Black and Brown Americans for equal access to public schools, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren, a former Republican governor of California, unanimously agreed that separate schools were inherently unequal, and thus unconstitutional. The federal government stepped in to make sure the states could not deny education to the children who lived within their boundaries. 

And now, in 2022, we are in a new educational moment. Between January 2021 and January 2022, the legislatures of 35 states introduced 137 bills to keep students from learning about issues of race, LBGTQ+ issues, politics, and American history. More recently, the Republican-dominated legislature of Florida passed the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (Stop WOKE) Act, tightly controlling how schools and employee training can talk about race or gender discrimination. 

Republican-dominated legislatures and school districts are also purging books from school libraries and notifying parents each time a child checks out a book. Most of the books removed are by or about Black people, people of color, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

Both sets of laws are likely to result in teachers censoring themselves or leaving the profession out of concern they will inadvertently run afoul of the new laws, a disastrous outcome when the nation’s teaching profession is already in crisis. School districts facing catastrophic teacher shortages are trying to keep classrooms open by doubling up classes, cutting the school week down to four days, and permitting veterans without educational training to teach—all of which will likely hurt students trying to regain their educational footing after the worst of the pandemic. 

  This, in turn, adds weight to the move to divert public money from the public schools into private schools that are not overseen by state authorities. In Florida, the Republican-controlled legislature has dramatically expanded the state’s use of vouchers recently, arguing that tying money to students rather than schools expands parents’ choices while leaving unspoken that defunded public schools will be less and less attractive.

 In June, in Carson v. Makin, the Supreme Court expanded the voucher system to include religious schools, ruling that Maine, which provides vouchers in towns that don’t have public high schools, must allow those vouchers to go to religious schools as well as secular ones. Thus tax dollars will support religious schools. 

In 2022, it seems worth remembering that in 1831, lawmakers afraid that Black Americans exposed to the ideas in books and schools would claim the equality that was their birthright under the Declaration of Independence made sure their Black neighbors could not get an education.

THE FOUNDERS WOULD ALL BE VEHEMENTLY AGAINST PUBLIC MONEY GOING TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS!!!!

[poptod]

In the Heart of Atlas (Rami Malek x Reader)

Description: He doesn’t fear you––who thought such a simple thing would win your affections?

Notes: this is my first time writing for Rami himself! anyway, this is for the rami week. happy birthday rami!!! this is a bit of a strange story but i hope yall like it anyway. WC: 5.6k

+

His body twitched slightly before his eyes opened, slow and dry across his grey irises. A deep dehydration had seized his bones, as though his blood was drudging through his veins and muscles, losing water by the second. Still, he sat up, his head a weight upon his shoulders.

To his surprise, he found himself in the middle of an empty parking lot, the highway beside him mostly vacant. He looked around, finding a large but abandoned mall to his right, the lights long shattered and broken. Tension welled in his brow as he tried to piece together just how he got here.

"Most people don't get knocked out after they get ejected from their bodies," said a voice from behind him. He whirled around, scratching his pants on the rough pavement.

"Who are you?" He asked, scanning you.

For the most part, you looked normal. The only thing that stuck out was the massive katana strapped to your back and the darkness swarming around your eyes. He could barely see your face beneath the hood of your black sweatshirt, but that didn't matter all too much to him––there were more pressing, more important questions that required answers.

"Demons and angels call me (Y/N), but people call me the Reaper," you said as you offered him your hand.

He gingerly raised his hand to accept your help, faltering when your sleeve pulled back to reveal prominent bones and veins in the back of your hand. The bones poked out of the skin, glowing a faint white, while your veins remained a simple shade darker than your skin. Looking back up to you, he found no malice in what little expression he could see. With that he accepted your aid, pulling himself to his feet.

"The Reaper?"

"I go by a good many names. In the north alone I am called Gwyn ap Nudd, Cù Sith, the banshee, the Ankou, and more simply... death. Most of the time I have others collect souls, but.. you're an interesting case."

You reached forward, and though he instinctively flinched back, he soon regained control of himself and allowed you to cup his cheek. Even with that allowance, however, there was a decent amount of discomfort within him.

"I'm dead?"

"Not quite yet. That's where the interesting part comes in. Come––let's find a place away from the sun," you said, drifting past him and heading towards the abandoned mall.

Looking upwards, he found a blistering sun. He hadn't felt the heat, and looking back at the black pavement, he realized he hadn't felt that astonishing heat because he was, as you said, dead. No longer in his body. With that realization, he jogged back over to walk at your side.

"I'm a little confused, here. How did I die?" He asked.

"Again, not dead yet. Just out of your body. It's quite interesting, really," you said, opening the creaking door.

He entered gingerly, turning and waiting for you before wandering in any further. When he turned back to scan the building, he found instead a drawing room with a Victorian rug spread out across a hardwood floor, and red velvet couches filled to the brim with pillows and blankets. Paintings from all cultures covered the walls, nailed into place alongside maps of different eras. He hardly noticed his gaping mouth till you passed by and closed his jaw.

"Well... what happened to me?"

"Take a seat, Malek. I need to ask you some questions," you deflected, herding him to sit on one of the chaise lounges.

A clipboard materialized in your hands, a pen following as you sat down opposite of him.

"Now, what's your name?"

"You just said my name."

"And?" You said, quirking your brow.

He let out an exasperated sigh before answering with, "Rami Malek."

"What do you spend most of your time doing?"

"Work, mostly. I'm an actor."

"I'm aware. Most of your alternate reality personas look exactly like you. That usually only happens with actors," you said, scribbling down words with a harsh pressure on your pen. "You are given one million dollars. What do you do with it?"

"Um... I'd put it into my savings, let it collect interest until I die, and then donate it," he said after a moment's contemplation.

"Calculated. Nice. Significant others?"

"Not right now."

"Family members?"

"I've got a twin brother and an older sister. And my parents, of course."

"Are you religious?"

"Yes, sort of. My parents raised me Coptic Orthodox but I don't really interact with it much in my life."

"Is there a heaven and a hell?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" He asked.

"Answer the question, Malek."

"I don't think there's a heaven or hell."

"Good choice. Alright," you said, straightening your back after hunching over your clipboard. In a quick flash both the clipboard and pen were gone, and you were back on your feet. "Do you have any questions for me before we try to fix this dilemma?"

"Yes, lots," he chuckled humorlessly, watching you circle over to a liquor cabinet. "How did I die? Or – how did I get 'ejected' from my body?"

"Remember the movie you were just working on?"

"Yeah, James Bond."

"You tried to do your own stunts since your double was missing. You missed the catching net, landed on the ground, and your essence was accidentally absorbed by the earth. The earth decided you would be safer here––in Thailand."

"Thailand?? I have to finish filming. I can't be in Thailand," he said, jumping to his feet.

"Calm down, pretty boy. I'll take you to your body in due time, and from there we can decide how to move next. This is a rare opportunity for you," you said as you poured two glasses of sherry. "People don't usually get to see me. If they do, it's pretty much assured they won't interact with me. You're very lucky. I could also just reap you and get rid of the problem, but you're not supposed to die. Not yet."

"What, do I have something to do on earth yet?"

"Yes," you said, handing him the glass in your left hand. You sat back down, sipping from your own cup.

"Then what happens if people accidentally die?"

"The world goes on. We correct our calculations and figure out the fate of the earth again. It happens very rarely, thank everything. Our I.T. would be in hell if it happened a lot."

"What affect do I have on the world?"

"I'm not really allowed to tell you that," you said, eyeing him.

"Oh, sorry."

"I'm just kidding. I rule this universe. You're going to have a fan at one point who is very suicidal. They meet you on the street, get the will to live again, and their daughter will write a mystery novel that both furthers space-travel technology and surgical technology. Happy?" You took another sip from your cup.

"... I guess."

It was certainly, if anything, an interesting time to find out your entire existence was being protected by the embodiment of death just so a woman you didn't know could further technology just slightly. He didn't feel fantastic about it.

"It's not your only purpose, if you're worried about that," you said, noticing his fallen expression. "You inspire a lot of art and a lot of stories. Everything you do and inspire adds to the color of the world. Humans are one big organism and they can't seem to see that––I hope you, and others, will realize that soon."

"I hope we do as well," he said with a sigh, leaning back into the velvet. "I'm quite sick of people getting angry at each other all the time for useless shit."

"Yes, well..." you swirled the mixture in your cup, "the human condition, and all that."

"Were you ever once human?" He asked quietly.

"No. I am not truly a being. I am what you imagine me to be, a mirage of what you expect from death," you said in a low voice. "I will be here to kill God, and in the end of time I will be all that remains. The representation of all that ever existed, and its' inevitable demise."

"... comforting."

"Isn't it?" You said with a sardonic smile. "Are you ready to see your body yet?"

"I think so," he said. "What kinda state am I in?"

"I don't know. The state of destruction your physical form is in will dictate whether or not I can return you to yourself or take you into the unknown."

"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath in hopes of calming himself. "Take me to myself."

"Very well," you said as you stood, setting your cup aside and offering him your hand once more. He took it and rose to his feet.

In a single blink, and without warning, he was in a hospital––an American one, or at least one where the signs were all in English, and the nurses were speaking that same language. Fluorescent white light filled the room, mixed with the dreary daylight of a bright but cloudy day. The shades were open to the city outside, but what first caught his eye was the centerpiece of the room––him.

Gauze, linen, and casts covered more than half his body, cradling his leg, chest, head, and both arms. His eyes remained blissfully shut, not even fluttering from the bruises and cleaned scars circling his face.

"You look good," you said, unable to tear your eyes away from the body.

"Wow, thanks," he said sarcastically.

"I'm serious. You fell, like, 35 feet. Not a lot of people survive that, much less still have one of their legs."

"So does that mean I can go back to living?" He asked, sudden excitement filling his words.

"I suppose so. You've been out for a while, though, so be careful when you get back in. Listen to your doctors. Keep safe, and let professionals do stunts," you said.

He chuckled, turning to you before saying, "I thought Death would want me to die, not live."

"It doesn't matter. I will reap all. For now I can let society grow, let lives multiply to greater heights, as in the end you will all join my kingdom. I'm old as the universe. I can wait."

"Your kingdom?"

"Me. I carry the souls of the dead in my memory. They all live within me."

"And that's what happens when we die?"

"When you die, you become one with the universe. I become part of you just as much as you become part of me. Is that a comfort to you?"

"... yes, actually," he said softly, looking back to his body. "I think I'm ready to go back to living now."

"Very well, Malek. Take my hand," you said as you offered your see-through hand.

The moment he touched you, he noticed that he, too, became see through, and he wondered if that had always been happening and he simply hadn't noticed it. He had little time to think about it before you were leading him forward, taking him to the side of his hospital bed. From there you helped him into the bed, lining his soul up with his physical body, and telling him in a soft murmur to close his eyes.

The very next moment he remembered was opening his eyes to blistering hospital lights shining down on him. His memory of you was vague and blurred, but nonetheless present in a way that tested his image of the world, questioning if he was truly living his life.

Doctors, nurses, and friends rushed to his side once they noticed his consciousness, hurriedly asking questions and preparing tests on him. His bruised eye was swollen shut, but the other one could see alright, and it was a blessing to be able to see his mother above him. It took a good deal of time, but he returned to health and was luckily not disabled by the fall.

Years later the incident came to him in a dream, in a perfect clarity that he hadn't ever had as a waking person. He bolted awake, heavy breaths emphasizing the thin sheen of sweat that now covered his chest. You had explained to him the way the world worked––his purpose in life, the inevitability of humans and of the universe, and the beauty in that. The happy ending in that unavoidable death.

Never in any other time had he desired to see you again more than he did at that moment, stuck awake in the middle of a night plagued by rain and thunder. Wide eyes stared straight ahead, to the twisted sheets covering him, to the closet on the other side of his bedroom.

Shaken to his core, he slowly moved to his feet, the cold floor shocking him awake further. As he walked towards the kitchen, he attempted at calming himself with slow breaths. Once there he grabbed a glass of water, chugging the entire glass, and slamming it back down on the counter as though he'd done a shot, which it might as well have been this late at night.

Would it be possible to summon death? he thought hypothetically, before realizing the incredible stupidity of that statement. Who would want to summon death? Also, summoning death would probably involve putting himself in a dangerous situation, which you had specifically advised him against.

"Jesus Christ," he muttered to himself, leaning against the counter as he rubbed his face.

"His name is Yeshua, and he can't help you right now."

He jumped, spinning around in his kitchen to find you sitting on the counter across from him.

"Death!"

"People aren't usually that excited to see me, but yes," you said, looking down to scan your fingernails before looking back up at him with a smile.

"How did you know I was thinking about you?"

"You had one of my true forms in your thoughts. I remembered you from a little bit ago. How long has it been again?"

"11... maybe 12 years? I haven't thought all that much about the incident, but... I had a dream tonight. I remembered –"

"I know. You're not supposed to remember me while you're still living, so I had to come back and fix that," you said, jumping off the counter and approaching him with determined resolve.

"Wait, no!" He tried to back up, but he was already pressed against the kitchen island.

"We will meet again, quite shortly, you'll see," you said with a smile, a weak attempt to calm him as you raised your hand to his forehead.

"I don't want to forget you," he pleaded, fingers dug into his palm.

"That's awfully unfair to all the other people whose memory I had to fix. Makes their sacrifice a little silly if I allow you to go and tell the world how it'll all end just because you're pretty."

"I won't tell anyone. They'll think I'm crazy."

"You're a celebrity. Someone is going to believe you."

You pressed your thumb to his forehead, and in that moment he lost all control, leading him to make the first action he could think of, the one thing that might deter your work. He grabbed you by your sweatshirt, balling the material in his fists and pulling you till your chests met. With that he smashed his lips into yours, feeling your hand slip away as you weakened, shocked into stillness.

He wasn't quite sure whether you were actually enjoying yourself or if you were just shellshocked, but he continued to kiss and move against you for a moment before releasing you. When he let go of you and drew away, he watched your unmoving expression, staring at him with parted lips and wide eyes.

"What the fuck was that?"

"... a kiss?" He answered meekly.

"What does it do?"

"You don't know what a kiss is?"

"Malek, I have two trillion different planets that I reap from, all with multiple different societies and beliefs. I'm not going to memorize each of your customs."

"Oh," he said. He would have to devote some time, later on, to let the fact that there were aliens (and a lot of them) truly sink in. "It's a show of affection. It's kind of personal."

"So it is a gift," you said with deep concentration.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"What for?"

"I like you. You're knowledgeable, and kind, and... I think you're pretty," he admitted, almost sheepishly in his low, rough voice.

Flirting with what could essentially be labelled as an eldritch monstrosity was a tad difficult, especially since you were millions of years older than him. From that point of view, he felt more like a child speaking with you, admitting to some silly, meaningless crush.

"You think I'm pretty?" You asked, your voice high pitched and coming out in almost a squeak. He nearly gawked at your reaction.

"Of course I do. Do people not tell you that?"

"I don't really talk to consciousnesses much, Malek. And most people don't find my bipedal form very nice to look at," you said quietly, looking down to the floor with fidgeting fingers.

He reached forward, pulling off your sweatshirt's hood, and allowing the warm light of his kitchen to finally show him the whole of your face. The skin around your eyes still retained that mystical darkness, like the ink of space, surrounding the cosmos of your eyes. It was quite clear now that you were not human, which explained the reasoning of hiding the whole of your whole form. 'Bi-pedal,' you called it––you had to fit in with alien worlds as well as his human world, and thus hiding many parts of yourself was required.

Now he would be the first person, the first creature, the first consciousness, the first life, to see your entirety. No one else had thought to flirt with death, but apparently that was how to avoid it. Ironic, considering the earth phrase 'flirting with death'.

You had gone into such a fluster by his words and actions that you stuttered out instructions for him to stay safe, and promptly disappeared in a cloud of smoke. He wouldn't see you again for three years, which saddened him greatly, but he made sure to remind himself that ten years for him was the blink of an eye for you. 2 trillion planets with life on them needed your attention.

In 3 years he found himself victim of yet another incident. He had been sitting in a donut shop for a little while, enjoying himself on his phone, before another customer entered and began to make a fuss. The man started yelling and he rose to the occasion, stepping over and attempting to take some of the stress off the poor teenager working on the till. Before he knew what was happening, he had a gun in his face, staring down a dark barrel of metal.

"You move and I'll slit your fucking throat," you said, appearing in a flash with your katana pressed against the stranger's throat. "Your gun's on safety mode. It'll take more than one move for you to kill this guy. Want to take that chance?"

The man faltered, and with that you nodded to the cashier, who quickly dialed up the police.

"Put it down, Michael," you said. The man, apparently Michael, slowly looked to you with wide, horrified eyes.

Rami could almost laugh at the incident, but his heart was far too full of fearful adrenaline for him to smile, much less laugh. It all happened so fast. The little bout was won the moment Michael met your eyes. He set the gun on the floor, turning to you with contempt and raised hands.

You waited until the police arrived for the sake of the cashier, but before anyone could question you, you were off again with Rami on your tail. Disappearing in a puff in front of mortals would do you no well, thus you had to start off with walking––something he could certainly follow. 3 years since he'd last seen you––grey had pervaded his hair more and more, skin more freckled and imperfect. You remained as you always were, even 15 years ago.

"Met anyone interesting lately?" He asked when he caught up with you.

Ideas of what creatures you were meeting, the types of things you got yourself into had been a decent source of inspiration for his daydreams. Such was his interest in what you wouldn't tell him that he wrote a screenplay, directed it, and shown it to the world. People often commented on the creativity of his imagination, but he always believed you to be the true source of actual creativity.

Of course, he hadn't ever actually heard about anything that you did. It was purely what he hypothesized.

"I met creatures that reproduced by stringing together DNA by hand. They are new consciousnesses in the cosmos, only recently earned souls... or what you would call, self-awareness," you said, staring ahead to the empty streets lined with cars.

"That's what gives something a soul? Self-awareness?"

"Not quite that simple, but for the most part, yes."

"How long ago did humans earn souls, then?"

"Longer back than you'd imagine. Remember, it's represented as more than self-awareness. It's societies, too, and ants have societies. I can't quite remember, but it was back when you were living in the trees," you said, taking moments to pause and correctly recall the facts.

He continued to walk alongside you for a moment more, pondering upon that information.

"Anyway. That's enough questions from you. What the hell were you doing?!" You said once you were out of sight from the cops, balling his shirt in your fists and forcing him up against a wall. Rami spluttered.

"What the hell were you doing? Aren't you not supposed to interfere with that kind of shit?" He asked, rattled from the sudden movement, and feeling bruises already building in his back. His skin and muscles had become more prone to injury over the years.

"I can do whatever I want. I don't have to worry about losing my mortal body. You're still tethered to this plane!"

"Who cares if I die? Everyone has to at some point, and helping others seems like a good way to die," he said, trying to ignore the aching in his body.

"Don't you have a wife? Kids? Family or friends? You're really ready to leave that all behind at the drop of a hat?" You scanned him.

"I was helping others," he hissed. "And I don't have a wife. Or kids. I've had more important things on my mind."

You watched him for a little while, trying to gauge his thoughts from his eyes. Eventually you released him, letting him drop to the ground, and watching carefully as he brushed off his clothes.

"Why do you want me alive now if I'm going to die soon anyway?"

"You're not going to die soon –"

"Relative to your sense of time, I'm going to die very soon," he interrupted, satisfied when you had no rebuttal. "Why do this? It's not even helping me. I know I won't really disappear when I die."

"Yes, you will. Gods, I shouldn't have told you about anything," you sighed, rubbing your face tiredly. "You misunderstand the concept of death. You, as you are, will not survive. You will disappear. I will carry your memories, but I will not be you. You will not be inside me, your memories will. I'm like a library, not some sort of vacation resort. Are you getting this?"

The blank look on his face told you everything you needed to know.

"There is no heaven or hell and I am not a substitute for their nonexistence! When you die, that's it. You're gone. Forever."

"I became a soul on earth. What about that?"

"Because you weren't fully dead, just separated from your body, like astral projecting. You either return to your body or you really die within a year. And if you try to astral project for that long, even if you do return to your body, you'll lose more and more control of it because you can't remember what it's like to have a physical form. It’s complicated, just – just stop getting in dangerous situations!" You practically yelled, clasping his head in your hands and talking quite loudly right in his face.

"There are a lot of technicalities to death," he said, putting his hands over yours and gently leading them down.

"There are a lot of technicalities to life. Why would I be any different?"

"I know, I just – I guess I don't know. Death, I... is it.. you're the only... consciousness I've ever.. loved," he admitted with a broken voice, unsure of his every word.

Your eyes widened, and you almost stumbled backwards with your own surprise. He kept you from doing so by keeping his grip on your hands.

"You want to know if you can stay with me," you said in an instant, soft realization.

He nodded.

"I don't understand," you murmured, suddenly shy. "I've tried to erase your memory so many times. Why do I keep failing?"

"You said none of your other victims ever spoke with you. I remember you because you're unforgettable, Death. I couldn't let go of you."

No one had ever thought of wooing you. You'd met creatures who tried to seduce you, yes, or to pay you off, but never romantically seek after. This would be the first time in your 14 billion years of being alive that someone did this––spoke sweet words and used your name without fear. Without shame. As though you were something to be honored.

Living things fought you so valiantly, and you loved them for that. Their desire to stay alive, to continue existing even when existing was more painful than simply facing you, to thrive in environments you yourself would've given up in. People were terrified of you. They hated you. Rightfully so––you were an easy scapegoat, something to pin blame on, like the actions of Kings weren't what actually killed them, but were the fault of the one who had to clean up the mess of souls left in an army's wake.

People also romanticized you. Thought of you as something to beat. Something to find beauty in, bliss in that nonexistence. People who hated being alive, who found their worlds too dull, or their minds too plagued with thoughts they couldn't help. It was not a true love––it was a desire to escape what they believed to be an inescapable life.

But people did not honor you. You were not a thing to give gifts to. You were not some sort of god of death––you were death. The essence of it. The misery and grief left in the wake of a taken friend.

Tears welled in your eyes, burning a bright white that trailed down your face like melted silver. The streaks were clear against the shadowed skin of your eyes. Instantly Rami thought he had done something wrong, said something to upset you, but he had no chance to apologize before you disappeared in a puff of smoke. In your wake you had left two tiny little puddles of silver teardrops on the pavement, reflecting sunlight like a mirror.

Years later, when he died, he expected to see you. He crawled out of his body, leaving behind the prolonged ringing of the heart monitor, and drifting away from his family. Long had he expected this, awaited this almost eagerly. But when he died, he was met by a man named Jynq, who went on a long spiel about death and the true meaning of the universe.

"Where is Death?" He asked once Jynq gave him a moment to speak.

"I am Death," he said with a confused frown.

"No, you're one of it's workers. I want to see the real Death," Rami stated firmly.

Jynq's expression fell into seriousness, the polite exterior of a worker making way for his true personality.

"It's on the other side of the universe right now. Several planets have been having a war for a while now, and the deathcount has kept them there for many years now," Jynq answered truthfully.

"Can you take me to them?"

"How do you remember Death?" He rebutted instead.

"They spoke to me. On several occassions. They tried to wipe my memory but it didn't work," he explained.

"You spoke to Death on several occasions?" Jynq asked, his mouth falling open.

"... yes?"

"Alright. I'll take you to it, but the journey will take a while. I hope your soul is resilient," the reaper said.

"Doesn't it take a year for a soul outside the body to die out?"

"Hm. You really did talk to it. But yes," he offered his hand, which Rami took, and they began to ascend towards the heavens, "it takes a year for the average soul to die. This journey will take several years. Are you ready for that kind of commitment?"

"Yes."

There was no spaceship in which to find a home, nor any set spot for rest or food. Neither he nor Jynq required any food or water, and certainly not any sleep, so the method of travel was a long, straight line towards the edge of the universe, unbreaking and unmoving.

Cosmos passed him by, and he became a part of them, leaving behind parts of his essence in the form of star dust that trailed after him. The further and faster he travelled, the more of himself he left behind, till he became a translucent outline of who he used to be. Jynq remained the same, just as you did. He couldn't calculate just how much time had passed, but as more of it did, he got a sense that he was experiencing time at a much faster rate than he imagined. Still, he remained oblivious to how much time was left in the journey.

At times he would go through solar systems, beside stars with planets that certainly carried life. Worlds made of diamonds, suns bigger than the whole of his home solar system, clusters of stardust reforming into young stars. Each of these worlds was one you had met––one you had left your mark on, no matter how young or old.

Life on earth didn't seem quite real when he reached the warring planets. There was so much going on in the universe––things humans would never know about. Worlds full of people that would never be found.

Jynq stopped Rami on the moon of a green planet, keeping him there while he went to go find you. He took the opportunity to sit, to rest after years of drifting through space, and to wonder which thought of his many collected thoughts he should first tell you.

"How in all the fucking WORLDS alive do you keep managing to endanger yourself, even after you die?!" You screamed, appearing in front of him in a millisecond and grasping his face tight again. "Are you insane or something?! Like clinically insane??"

"You've clearly never met someone who's in love with you," he chuckled, taking your hands and, again, gently pulling them away from their tight clutch on his face.

"Ohh, Malek," you said, anger falling away to the aching sorrow in your tone. "Look at you. You're so thin... does it hurt?"

"I feel weak, but I also feel light. I am okay," he assured you. "I left a trail of myself all across the universe. I've given myself back to the stars. Now I want to give what remains of me to you, but I had to talk to you again. Just once more."

"You speak like you’re old," you said with a weak laugh.

"I am old."

"How old do humans live to be?"

"The oldest was around 120 years, I think."

"Oh. Well, then I guess you're a little old. Not to me though," you said, flipping his sheer hands and taking them in yours.

"I'm old enough that I have accepted my own fate. I'm ready for you, Death," he said, his smile only visible in the bits of glittering stardust that made up the frame of his face.

Your smile fell.

"No," you said.

"... no?"

"No. I'm not going to do it," you stated.

"Can you do that? Like, legally?" He asked, quirking a brow.

"Who's going to stop me? I'm Death."

"Good point."

"I just wish I could heal you," you murmured, reaching up to stroke his cheek only to have your thumb fall through his face.

"I don't mind it," he said softly.

"Hmm," you said, taking a moment to think critically. "I think I know how to help you."

You found him a home in the heart of a star––Atlas, a part of the Pleiades that shone bright beside its' sister, Pleione. The intense pressure was lost on both of you as you entered, making your way to the heart, where the elements of matter and life were formed in overbearing heat. As was the nature of space, the center of Atlas was dead silent, leaving you and Rami in a white, detail-less expanse.

Slowly, over the years, parts of his body returned to him, building off the star-lit frame of his soul. As you suspected, the workers of the dead and afterlife were extremely dissatisfied with you, but could do nothing. You were older than all of them, and you decided you could allow yourself this one indulgence––this one moment of straying from the rules that Gods had so often broken.

They allowed you this one comfort: a home in the heart of Atlas, in the arms of a man who had given himself to the world, and then to the universe. The one Death who had taken so much from the universe, who would eventually take everything in the universe, wrapped in the embrace of the one who had given every part of himself to the world he lived in.

[lune-hime]

Garden of Tulips (Levi/Reader) Chapter 6

~Click me for more chapters~

“What did it look like?”

“Hmm?” Levi looked up from his place next to your sleeping form. “The titan that tried to snack on my darling granddaughter.” “Ugly as fuck.” “Aren’t they all?”

Levi recounts memories of the reader and their shared life together while she recovers from a serious injury.

!!WARNINGS!! - Violence, gore, smut, wholesome content ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tulipa clusiana ~ A delicate tulip that resembles a pale star, shining in the indigo expanse of the night.

↞↠↞↠↞↠

You coughed.

Actually... coughed.

A sound had been pressed from your slightly agape mouth. While Levi would have preferred it to be words or an utterance of consciousness, he would take what he could get. He didn’t know if it was pathetic that his heart swelled with happiness at the occurrence.

“That’s it, my Y/N.” He praised and stroked your cheek affectionately.

��Oma-” Levi yelled, his call rising in strength as the newfound name left his lips. A harsh clanking followed by rapid footfalls against the stairs brought your grandmother into the room with Felicia hot on her heels. Her chest fell with heavy breaths and her housekeeper looked as if she was prepping herself to slay a dragon.

“She coughed.” Levi stated. He allowed a rare unfiltered grin to spread across his features. Oma looked from him to you and soon her alarm blended into a smile of her own.

“Maria, Rose, and Shina boy you almost gave me heart palpitations.” Oma grumbled but the warm look never left her face as she padded over to you. She held her hand above your mouth and felt the steady breaths on her skin.

“That’s such good news!” Felicia said with clasped hands.

“Indeed. Her body is slowly regaining some normality.”

Oma lovingly gave your hair a few strokes before turning to Levi. She gave him an unusually sweet grin and he grimaced at the strangeness of it.

“You should smile more. It suits you.” She mused smugly. The upturned corners of Levi’s mouth comically went slack at her comment.

“Come have some tea with me. Felicia won’t let me in that damned kitchen without pecking at my ear. So we’ve been banished to the living room.” She added with a flick of her wrist. Levi gave you one final glance and followed her down the stairs. When the two of them had reached the main hallway, a rapid thudding from the front yard stopped them in their tracks.

“Oh, it better not be that goddamned wolf again.” Oma hissed and reached for her shotgun. With disregard for her slipper clad feet she stormed out onto the porch. Levi jogged out behind her, almost bumping into her as she undid the safety on her gun.

“Wait!” Levi shouted and preemptively put a hand on her shoulder to keep her from cocking her weapon. She halted with his grip but raised the barrel of her shotgun to her eye.

“Damn, It’s that cursed horse.” She sighed and put the safety back on her weapon, propping it up along the siding of the house with a frustrated movement.

Your horse was absolutely deflowering whatever poor tulip that fell under his hooves. He would gallop in one direction, head swinging and tail cutting through the wind, only to playfully buck up and then zoom away in the opposite direction. His obsidian coat absolutely contrasted with the flourish of bright colors that nipped at his hooves. It was the most Levi had seen him run freely in his life, and to be honest it was kinda beautiful. He had no fences to confine him or HQ pastures to deprive him of this endless botanical ocean. The creature that he saw before him now was a world away from the sad one he took care of yesterday. And Levi was at least glad for that.

“Well how the fuck did he get out? Did you forget to lock the stall door?” Oma seethed, waving her hands in frustration and hobbling down the porch steps. She looped around to the side of the house, where tethering poles were located and grabbed halter and lead rope to catch him with.

“I did lock it but that never stops him.” Levi exhaled, absorbing her well-earned anger as he followed closely behind her. She mumbled sweet nothings about humane euthanasia and turning him loose to be a wild horse until she stopped at the edge of her field.

Noticing he had company, your horse slowed his aggressive drifting to a halt and watched the two attentively. His nostrils flared with his excited breathing and the three beings held a staring contest within the gentle chroma of petals. Taking his stillness as an invitation to come get him, Oma carefully trudged between the rows of flowers. However, she did not get far, for when she got within a reasonable distance he suddenly snorted and skittered to the side, destroying even more of the crop.

Oma snarled and began stomping over more aggressively while being mindful to step around her moneymakers. For every one step she took in his direction, your horse trotted about four feet away and stopped, as if taunting her to come in further and destroy even more plants.

Levi watched nervously from the main path. He decided it was time to jump into action when Oma managed to get within range of looping the lead rope and halter around his neck. Your horse suddenly delivered a powerful kick that if she hadn’t deftly dodged would have clocked her right in the ribs. Oma cursed in simmering frustration.

“Stop, you’ll get hurt!” Levi called, mindfully stepping through the field and grabbing one of her arms to stop her from advancing. “Let me try.”

He gave Oma a determined look to which she grumbled and surrendered him the halter. Levi approached the animal calmly to only be met with the same snotty behavior. He closed his eyes in annoyance and heard your giggle ring through his mind.

He loves it when you talk to him, see?

“You don’t have to freak out stupid.” Levi told your horse, noting the nervous giddy in his eyes.

“I’m sorry I called you a little shit yesterday, Puddle.” Levi continued through monotone gentleness and advanced slowly. Oma shook her head in disbelief.

“Am I watching a play about a princess right now? Are you going to start talking to the flowers next?” She huffed. Levi shot her an icy glare over his shoulder. Puddle snorted and eyed Oma as if in response.

“Apologize.” Levi turned to her with his default blandness. It was time Levi got back at her for all her incessant teasing.

“...Pardon?” She spat. “You think that bastard will comprehend?”

“Y/N says he understands what she is saying so; apologize. He won’t let me catch him until you say you’re sorry.” Levi was trying to hold back a smile and Oma’s perturbed features.

“Believe me, no one thinks it's more ridiculous than me.” Levi added.

“Maria, Rose, and Sina fuck me.” She mumbled before standing her ground, unamused.

“I’m sorry I was rude to you..uh-what did you just call him?” Oma started.

“Puddle.” Levi stated.

“Why does that name sound so familiar?” Oma furrowed her brow in thought.

“She named him after her pet frog.”

Oma exhaled and shook her head once more.

“Puddle.”

His ears perked up at the mention of his name. Levi eased himself closer and there were no more protests from Puddle besides a few anxious paws at the dirt.

“I hope he didn’t cause too much damage.” Levi sighed as he reached up to buckle the halter around Puddle’s head.

“Not significantly, just more weeding for me now.” Oma chuckled dryly. She fell into step with Levi when he exited the field.

“Of all things why did she choose such a cutesy name for a warhorse?” Oma wondered aloud. Levi almost laughed at the memory her question drudged up.

“She received him when she graduated from the cadets. It was rainy that day. When he was brought out to her, he immediately laid down and rolled in a muddy puddle. The brat got all dirty and she laughed when he shook mud on everyone.”

The smile that graced Oma’s lips held as much vibrancy as her flower crop. That kind of look seemed to take over her features every time you were mentioned.

“Put him in the pasture instead of the stall, he can tear up my grass to his heart’s content.” Oma instructed when they got to the front yard. Levi nodded in confirmation.

“And meet me inside after, Felicia should be done with dinner by now.”

Levi let out an exhale that puffed his cheeks as he stood in the yard for a moment, gathering his bearings. He looked over to Puddle who was munching away on the grass, acting as if he hadn't a care in his life.

"You're always going to be a pain in my ass huh?" Levi mused aloud as he jerked on the lead rope.

↞♞♘↠

Another droplet of sweat slinked its way down the side of your face as you heaved yourself up from the dirt.

“Good job Armin!” You praised the boy who gasped for air. “Your technique is improving.”

“It doesn’t feel like it. I still lost.” He laughed nervously as he graciously took your hand and let you pull him up from where he laid on the ground. You clicked your tongue in disapproval.

“In sparring matches it doesn’t matter who ‘wins’, it just matters if you improve your skills. The true winner is the one who comes out of whatever situation you are faced with alive.” You assured, boosting his confidence with an encouraging smile.

“Thanks, Y/N.” He replied with a more confident grin.

“You’ve gotten so philosophical since you became a squad leader.” Jean commented with a hint of snark.

“Someone needs to be the brains of this operation. I’m definitely second to Armin.” You lauded at the shorter boy and he blushed.

“Even I'll admit we’re at the bottom of that totem pole Jean.” Connie snickered and Jean scowled.

“That makes me the brawns then?” Jean questioned rhetorically. You rolled your eyes at his cockiness and Mikasa snorted from her place on the fence.

“You also didn’t beat me in our sparring match.” You countered playfully.

“You just said that winning doesn’t matter.” He quipped back.

“That doesn’t apply to you.” You teased and stuck out your tongue.

Jean was about to counter attack when Sasha butted in.

“Yo, Y/N. Captain Levi and Eren are back.” She said between bites of her fries she had stolen from the leftovers of today’s lunch. She nodded behind you and you turned to see them walking towards your group. Since the incident with Annie and the devastation that befell the special operations squad, Erwin decided to combine the talent of your squad with that of the remaining members of Levi’s squad. Thus you became joint squad leaders. You usually trained all together as one unit but when Levi worked with Eren one on one, you were left with Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Connie, and Sasha. You looked down at your watch.

“It is about time we’re scheduled to be done anyway, see you guys later!” You grinned with another successful sparring session coming to a close. The mob of scouts moved out after they had said their goodbyes, absorbing Eren on their way back to HQ. Levi nodded at the group in a silent address when they passed them.

“Hi.” He greeted when you came to stand in front of him.

“Hey, enjoy the show?” You teased and casually fixed where his collar had blown up haphazardly.

“Mhm. I love watching you kick other people’s asses.” He replied with a hum as he craned his neck to give you better access.

“Someday if you’re lucky, I may even kick yours.” You winked and he huffed.

“You don’t have any plans tonight, right?” He asked, confirming you had the evening open for him. You shook your head.

“Nope, you told me to free up my schedule.” You beamed. Levi smiled softly.

“Good. I have a surprise.” He stated simply. The way your eyes bugged out of your head caused him to chuckle fondly.

Surprise? Levi? This was something rare.

“Follow me.” He instructed with a smug half grin. He led you to the stable where his horse was already tacked. Dandelion, as you had named her after her flaxen coat, had a flannel blanket secured to the back of her saddle framed by saddle bags filled to the brim.

“I couldn’t get him, as usual.” Levi sighed and you giggled in understanding.

“Be right back.” You said with a gentle hand on his arm as you passed. You re-emerged from the pasture a few minutes later with Puddle in tow.

The ride through the forest was blissful. Levi led the way through the lush grove of trees, the warm chroma of the fading sun’s tendrils breaking through the canopy and nuzzling into his dark locks. Your ride took you not too far from headquarters and soon you found yourself face to face with a lovely sight. Before you lay a pond; ducks flapped about in the cattails, crickets harmonized along its edges, and the water sparkled in the waning daylight. You dismounted Puddle with your mouth hung open in awe.

“How did you find this place?” You almost whispered, too enamored with the little cove framed by towering pines. It felt like a secret spot. Your secret spot.

“I was on my way back from one of the outposts and came across it. It’s...nice isn’t it?” Levi explained as he dismounted and began unraveling the blanket. He snuck a peek at your amazed expression and felt himself swell with warmth.

“Yeah, it’s wonderful.”

Levi walked over to the large grassy area and flicked the blanket open and let it fall flat onto the earth.

“How can I help?” You asked, still oblivious to the purpose of this excursion. Not that you were complaining. The inner romantic in you was squealing in delight.

“I’ll do it, go check out the pond for a bit.” He smiled with a nod in the direction of the water. Leaving the horses to graze near the entrance to the clearing you trotted down to the water’s edge. It had been so long since you had been in such a natural space. It reminded you of the big lake in your village where Oma would take you and Jean fishing as kids. You were being lulled into a state of relaxation by the gentle ripples of the water when Levi’s call brought you back to reality.

“Ready.”

When you regrouped with him, the fruit of his actions manifested a grin that was so wide it hurt your cheeks. The blanket was adorned with two plates and a basket full of delicious smelling food. You couldn’t contain your excited grin as Levi patted the spot next to him.

“Did you make this?” You asked in shock as Levi served you grilled salmon and a warm roll.

“Yes.” Levi chuckled at your continued amazement. You took the plate gratefully and smiled when he reached for a thermos you knew had to contain tea.

“By yourself?” You pressed. He side eyed you as he poured you a cup. He blew on it once and passed it over to you.

“I...had some help.” He confessed.

“One of the cooks?” You guessed as you grabbed a fork and napkin from the basket.

“No, surprisingly. Erwin.” Levi stated as he took a sip of the tea. Your eyebrows furrowed in astonishment.

“No fucking way, Erwin cooks?” You chortled. You pictured Levi struggling with the stove and being corrected by Erwin who stood watch over his shoulder. Your happiness was contagious and Levi began laughing too.

“I was shocked too.” He smiled genuinely and hoped you could see how warm you made him feel in moments like these. In all moments, really.

Your meal was enjoyed with your usual playful banter and discussions of your days.

“So what’s the occasion for all of this?” You finally asked when you had both finished eating and tidying up. It wasn’t your anniversary, it wasn’t either of your birthdays. It wasn’t Puddle’s birthday either. (Yes, you indeed celebrated that.) Levi cleared his throat in response. His cheeks were dusted with the faintest of roses. His uncharacteristic bashfulness had you practically vibrating with anticipation.

“It’s uh, the day that you first told me you loved me.” Levi declared with a tenderness to his tone that he rarely expressed. Your heart threatened to burst from your chest as it filled past its brim with pure affection.

“You remembered the date?” You asked, tears welling at your eyes at the touching confession. You remembered the time as vividly as if it had happened yesterday but not the numerics of the day.

Levi nodded and brought his hands up to cup your cheeks. The devotion that burned from every essence of his being radiated onto you with such a heat you would have surely melted into pure love without his hands holding you.

“Y/N, I know I’m the king of shit when it comes to expressing my emotions. But if there is one thing I want to be good at expressing, it's my love for you.” He professed with a passionate kiss to just under your jaw.

“I want to make sure you know how enough you make me feel, how much life you have breathed into me.” He continued, his voice straight out of a confectionary. He reached up to kiss your forehead.

“I can’t think of myself without thinking about you. I’ll save the self depreciation because I don’t want you to hit me.” He smirked and you huffed happily through your incoming tears. His kisses trailed to your cheeks, effectively curbing the salty stream.

“I’m working on saying it more. You make me feel loved every moment of my life and I need you to feel that way too.” He stated with velvety purpose. This time his lips touched upon yours and you molded into his embrace as if you were two droplets of water from the nearby pond.

“Levi…” You exhaled between kisses, too overcome with emotion to say anything other than his name. For his name was the source of your greatest happiness and you cradled it close to you always. He took the opportunity of your speech to slip his tongue between your parted lips. You moaned at the closeness as Levi gently pushed you back onto the blanket.

“I love you, Y/N. Infinitely.” He whispered to affirm all he had confessed previously. His eyes held yours with such a desperate desire that you equally matched.

“And I love you, Levi. Always.” You returned. Your wandering touch down his torso transferred thousands of unspoken professions of love into his being. When he pressed his body down to yours, you swam in his palpable admiration.

Soon your pleasurable shrieks were spilling from your throat with the sporadic intensity of firecrackers. With every deep thrust, the fuse lit, exploded, and relit again, sending you into an endless loop of ecstasy. Levi’s next thrust hit you in just the right spot to spark electricity and you let out a passionate moan that echoed off the trees. You yelped and moved to cover your mouth, only Levi was quicker. Walls forbid a patrol heard you.

He pinned your hands over your head as he continued to move against you. Removing his mouth from your neck, he regarded you with lustful intensity. His pupils were dilated and locked onto your blissfully contorted features with eyelids heavy with raw pleasure. His lips were swollen from endowing you with praise and it was enough to send a jolt of arousal coursing through your figure.

“Don’t. I want to hear you. We’re far enough away that only I’ll hear your sounds.” He cooed just before a husky moan parted his lips as the roll of his hips grew more fluid. You obeyed his wish and blessed his ears with another erotic cry as his hands smoothly traced down your neck, over your breasts, down your sides, and came to squeeze at your hips. The grasp gave him more leverage and you felt yourself seeing stars when you bucked your hips to match his movements.

“Levi I’m close-”

“Fuck, Y/N. Me too-” Levi groaned, the pleading tone you used to speak his name sending him over the edge. As the wave of his orgasm crashed into him, he was so mesmerized in the way your back arched into his hips, the way your hands feverishly grasped at the fabric of the blanket, and the way your supple breasts bounced with every pump, that he almost forgot to pull out.

What happened in the next moment, though, made that choice for him. A resounding thud at his side ceased his movements and he pulled out of you in alarm. You both whipped your head in the direction of the intrusion. Before you could even register what was going on, Puddle rammed Levi in the torso with his head and sent him stumbling backwards.

“Levi!” You squeaked and scrambled to get between him and your raging horse. Holding your hands out in front of Puddle, you stood protectively over Levi who was still recovering from the sudden flight.

“Hey, hey! I’m fine. See?” You gently called to him. He stamped his hooves a few times anxiously before falling under your calming aura.

“I’m fine sweet boy.” You assured and reached out to take his head in your hands and stroke his nose. Hearing Levi curse under his breath behind you, you tried to contain your laughter at the absurdity of the situation.

“Are you alright, Levi?” You asked with a guilty bite of your lip. He glared up at you and your puffed cheeks from stifling your amusement. He was only annoyed for a moment before the two of you cracked up in unison. He shook his head and got up.

“Yeah. He just knocked me over.” Levi replied, his irritation washing away the moment he regarded your curves accentuated by the caress of the moon’s rays. Levi rose and moved to your side. When he got within proximity of his hand ghosting the curve of your lower back, Puddle pinned his ears and snorted. Levi jerked his hand back.

“Oh fuck you, horse.” He spat and glared at the animal. You giggled once more and tethered Puddle to a tree next to Dandelion. A shiver raked your body at the loss of Levi’s vigorous body heat as you padded back over to your love nest.

“You better be fucking me, captain.” You ordered with a viscous sweetness that slid right down Levi’s throat. You lied down on the blanket with your legs pressed together. You shimmied your hips in a sinful rotation that had Levi twitching with arousal at your forefront request.

“It’s unfair you got to cum and I didn’t.” You pouted suggestively.

“It is poor manners to leave anything unfinished. But I have another idea.” He purred. The ethereal view you had of your lover from this angle made you gasp. The puff of air that left your lips released all the boldness you had mere seconds ago into the atmosphere. Heat bloomed on your cheeks at the view that convinced you for a split second you had to have been in a painting. The indigo twilight bathed him in a pale argent aura that only elevated the silver shine of his eyes as they regarded you as if you were the only living being within these walls, within the world itself. He wore the light of the moon as a cloak that kissed his muscles and ivory skin. He was like a fallen star that had just tumbled into your lap.

From your lap, Levi gingerly spread your legs. He spared one more cautious glance towards your horse before nipping at your plush thighs. Where he bit, he followed with an open mouthed kiss that felt like you were being touched by the wing of a butterfly. While his kisses were extraordinarily soft, his hands were not so. They pawed at the flesh of your upper thighs and journeyed to your ass to squeeze. The combination of pressures was driving you insane .

“Levi-” You whined when his hot breath tickled the top of your core. He flicked his eyes up to meet your wonton expression. His charged gaze stayed cemented to you as he dipped down to languidly lick your wetness. When he tasted your sweetness, Levi let out a syrupy moan that vibrated against your clit and reignited the fireworks. Your thighs squeezed together in euphoria, locking his head in place. Your excited spasm delved his tongue into your slick opening and stole any coherent thought from you. He momentarily broke from his ministrations, rising from you with lips glossy with your juices. He licked them tantalizingly slow and you whimpered at the loss of contact.

“Don’t worry, princess, because of our interruption we are just getting started.” He hummed in satisfaction before diving right back into your intoxicating taste.

[archangeldraws]

Battles and Consequences

Warning: Direct conversation about Suicide, You have Been Warned.

"Leave Me Be, I have come here for one thing, To finally Die"

Those were the words Jet Jaguar told Aptenodyte upon the giant penguin discovering him on the shore of Antarctica during a Blizzard. upon hearing this Aptenodyte was well aware he ill equipped to deal with the situation, So He called Rodan.

Rodan spread the word, and One by One, The Monsters gave it their best shots at changing his mind, Except for Mothra, Battra, and Godzilla. Mothra and Battra didn't come not because they didn't care, but because the Climate Jet is trying to kill himself with would most certainly kill them. And Godzilla Couldn't be bothered.

Rodan gave it his best, even drudging up some saddening memories of the fight Jet put up in Barb's Honor during the Muto War. This was ineffective as Jet told that that fight in the MUTO war is what got him into this mess. Jet didn't elaborate further.

Scylla tried stirring up Memories of Jet's other victories, Megalon, Gigan, Shadow Chaser. Jet merely turned away, saying that Humanity fears him because of it.

Jira reminded Jet of When Shadow Chaser attacked, how he placed herself and Ghiji well being in front of his own. How he inspired two normal humans to pick a fight with a Demon from space. Jet said how he doesn't even know where they(the humans) are anymore. Jira left determined to change her brothers mind, Godzilla was gonna get through to his knight even if she had to drag him to see him.

Next Up was Ghidora of all creatures, He reminded Jet of how they overcame Shadow Chaser toghether, all the times Jet earned his place among the monsters. Jet remarked that standing by the monsters got someone important to him killed.

The last ditch effort of the monsters was not one any one expected.

Jet Looked over his shoulder, seeing the blood red wings and emerald eyes of the Crimson Empress.

"Go Away, you can only do more harm than good." Jet told her

"Not even giving me a chance?" She said "Not even gonna tell me what all this is about?"

"Okay! Sure! Why not!?" Jet was clearly at his whit's end "Where should I start, hmmm!?"

"The MUTO war"

"Our Mate"

"Ex-Mate"

"Sure, Let's talk about Shadow Chaser, Why not?" Jet Flung his arms up "In a way He was the catalyst that started this. Though it wasn't exactly him, it was me working with your son that was the problem"

"Mind yo- I mean what do you mean?"

"He was the first reason humanity used to doubt my Loyalty to them" Jet explained "People are afraid of Ghidora, thus when I helped him, some people feared me, they were the first to call me a monster."

"But you embraced being a monster, you're the knight!"

"Yes and Humanity didn't like that one bit, I was supposed to be on Their side." Jet said, his eyes shifting closer to red "The Government said I was Humanities Champion, the good solider who would defend them from monsters. In the MUTO War, I had to make a choice, That choice showed my allegiance. I was to either Save Mothra or Save a couple of Destroyers who I told to stay away."

"And you saved your queen"

"Make sense, They disregarded your words"

"Yes, they made their graves"

"Yeah, You three agreeing on that doesn't put me at ease" Jet said "Especially since the COST for that Choice was My MOTHER!!"

Crimson Empress was taken aback by Jet's outburst, though it would explain his sour attitude towards her in particular. After all He lost his mother, what help could a being he was introduced to as a mother sooth that pain, instead of inflaming it?

"We're sorry to hear that"

"How did it happen?

"My mother was an Army General, she had stopped multiple of the military's attempts at Kaiju based weaponry, this infuriated a lot of the Warhawks among the ranks. After I abandoned the Ships, The Army declared me a traitor. And those Warmongers saw their chance to rid themselves of my mother, and then they tried to make me sign a loyalty agreement. They still have Zilla, Komi, and Kozi, and I'm not strong enough to save them." Jet Jaguar sat back down "I have failed them, Just like I failed Nick, and now, Mom. So, Now I choose to die, so that none may be hurt by my consequences"

"So you're just giving up?! I know Mothra didn't Knight you just so you could do that!"

Jet and CE turned around to Jira and Godzilla walk on to shore.

"She Knighted you, because you will always do what's right and Fix what goes wrong because of it." Godzilla Continued "If the Human's have made you their enemy, and Kidnapped our family. That's not our fault, but it is theirs, and they are gonna pay for it!"

"However, we understand if you want to solve this peacefully" Jira said, trying to temper her brother's bloodlust "What was that thing you said? "I'm gonna walk tall and carry the biggest stick."?"

Jet had said that to her before facing a group of MUTO's heading for her nest. He didn't want to kill them, but he wanted to scare them so he still brought his Spear.

"I'm gonna need an really frickin Big Stick" Jet said, hope returning to his voice

"Or an Army" Godzilla said

Jet Jaguar stood up and grabbed his spear, His eyes shifted back to blue. He nodded and took to the skies. Godzilla, Jira, Scylla swam after him with Rodan, Ghidora, and Empress joining the Movement.

15 minutes later, United States Pentagon.

"Sir, Jet Jaguar is back on the move" An intelligence officer ran up to a General

"What's his heading?" The General replied

"The Capitol, we think he's going after the president" The Officer said

"Sir! Monarch just sent this over" another officer hands the General a tablet with a map showing Kaiju Movement, All the red dots are heading towards America's East Coast.

In the bottom right of the screen there is a message from Monarch Command saying "We Warned You, You Don't Control Nature."