#its not a big damage but the side there is broke through so

[gomzdrawfr]

Broke the goddamn usb port oml

[rileyslibrary]

Ghost is forced to dress up as Santa for the day and talk to kids.

You’re ordered to tag along as his Elf and do some damage control if necessary.

———————————————————————

You lean against his armchair, watching the chaos in front of you. Children are crying, tugging at their parents’ clothes, shouting both in excitement and fear, all while looking at you. A young boy keeps waving at your lieutenant, desperate to get his attention, but Ghost is too preoccupied with coming to terms with his new reality to notice.

You return his wave with a smile.

“Try to stay still, Santa,” you remind Ghost as you nod towards the boy. “Kids are watching.”

He snaps back into focus and redirects his attention to the queue. He stretches one last time, pushing on the armrests, before settling into the chair.

“Try not to tell me what to do,” he murmurs and waves back at the child.

You straighten up and tweak your green hat, triggering the bell at its tip to jiggle in your ear. You feel for him; you really do. He’s not supposed to be here; he’s not built for this. Unfortunately—for him or the kids, you haven’t decided yet—the “real” Santa broke his hip at the last minute, and your military base stepped in to provide a new Santa for the local community.

And what better replacement than Ghost, you may ask? Well, literally anybody else.

Dressed in a red costume with white faux fur trim, the lieutenant looks nothing like the man you experienced on the battlefield. His shoulders threaten to rip through the rented outfit, and the seams at the back hold onto each other for dear life. Since his belly wasn’t big enough to simulate Santa’s, you asked him to stuff a pillow under his uniform. Surprisingly, Ghost complied almost instantly, leaving you to wonder if he was using the pillow as Kevlar, a barrier between him and the kids or if he was secretly enjoying this.

You also convinced him to ditch the balaclava for the time being since he would now have plenty of props to conceal his face—a wig, a long beard, glasses, and a red hat with a white pom-pom, to be exact. Additionally, you attempted to trick him into applying some blush on his cheeks, but he side-eyed you and told you to ‘be careful now’—ironic for a man who paints his face daily.

You rub your temples, trying to keep calm amid the chaos of the mall as you prepare for what’s about to happen during the next few hours. You have no idea why Price chose him to be Santa, but you didn’t question it either. Ghost seems to be the least qualified for the job out of everyone in the base. It feels like a last resort, so to speak—a ‘that’s all we have left in the store’ solution.

On the other hand, you know precisely why the captain chose you to accompany him. “To monitor the situation,” he said—“To make sure we don’t get sued,” you heard. And, under normal circumstances, you’d be happy to tag along with Ghost—be it on patrol, on missions, or even transporting confidential documents. But in this situation? Acting as a troubleshooter rather than a teammate? You’d rather be anywhere else than here, with anybody else than him.

You take another look at him while he sits on the chair. He’s tugging at the uniform, scratching his head, and instinctively pulling the beard to his nose.

“Stop doing that,” you whisper. “It’s a beard, not a balaclava.”

“Price would have been perfect for the job, for fucks sake,” he spits. “He has the fucking moustache for starters.”

“Stop with the ‘fucks’ and the ‘fucking’ Ghost; you’re about to talk to kids! And, as for the captain, he said he couldn’t do it.”

“Oh yeah?” He asks, lifting his hands from the armrests. “And what makes him think that I can?”

“I wish I knew, to be honest, but we don’t have time to go through this again,” you murmur, looking at your watch one last time. You approach the barrier, unclip the rope from the stanchion, and turn over your shoulder.

“Operation ‘Santa’ begins now,” you declare. “Ready?”

“Do I have a choice?” He replies, shrugging, and gestures for you to proceed.

And so it begins. Your first ‘customer’ arrives, and many more follow. You guide one family at a time into the enclosure and escort them to Ghost, who handles the rest. Some children are hesitant, peeking out from behind their parents’ legs, while others are much more direct with their intentions as they scream in horror at the sight of him.

On the other hand, Ghost is neither your typical jolly Santa nor the irritated lieutenant you’d expect. He appears to be... understanding. He reassures parents that it’s okay and there’s no need to force their children onto his lap if they feel uncomfortable. He initiates conversations with the kids from a respectful distance. He smiles with his eyes and hunches his shoulders to appear less imposing. Sometimes, he lures the shy ones into a handshake, a fist pump, or a high five by lowering his gloved hand to their level.

And then there are those other types of kids: the curious ones, the social butterflies. The ones who look forward to sitting on Ghost’s lap, diving into full-blown conversations with him. That’s when you stiffen up and switch into damage-control mode to ensure he won’t lash out at them. You begin hovering above them, listening, jumping into their conversations and sometimes interrupting Ghost and replying to the kids instead of him.

You would have thought he’d be grateful to have you managing the situation. Ghost, however, seems more irritated by you than by the little girl who’s currently playing with the pom-pom on his hat.

“Oi, Elf!” he says calmly, yet visibly annoyed. “Emma and I are chatting about how she spilt tomato juice on her Elsa costume and wants a new one for Christmas. Could you please falala off and go wrap some presents?”

“B-but I need to know because I’ll be sewing it for her,” you reply, smiling at the little girl. “Isn’t that right, Emma?”

And, although Emma nods her head, more out of necessity than agreement, you get his point. He’s doing surprisingly well with those kids, even without you. Actually, he’s doing remarkably well, especially without you.

More kids come and go, and Ghost slowly adapts to his new persona. He starts making bets with you, predicting which kids in the queue might ask for a PlayStation or an iPad and even speculating who might wipe snot on his costume. You, in response, adopt a more laid-back approach and let him do his thing. After each child’s visit, Ghost turns towards you, whispering in your ear about their Christmas wishes, as if he’s indeed Santa, and keeps logs.

“My man wants a full-sized car wheel,” Ghost murmurs as the young boy leaps off his lap, “can you believe him?”

“What did you say to him?” You ask, stifling a laugh.

“I told him I’ll get it for him,” he shrugs. “What else should I do?”

“Alright, but what did you really want to tell him?”

“That his dad already has four of them screwed in his car.”

As the day winds down, and the final announcement for the day echoes through the speakers, parents and children walk past you and towards the exit. They wave at Ghost and occasionally at you. The parking lot empties, the stores shut their doors until tomorrow, and the holiday lights that decorate the inside of the mall switch off one by one.

You stretch your back and tap on his shoulder, signalling that both of you should pack up and return to the base.

“Nuh-uh,” he says, grasping your wrist with one hand and tapping his thigh with the other. “You didn’t tell me what you want for Christmas.”

You’re exhausted but still manage to smile as you comply with his request. You sit on his lap, and he leans back to take a better look at you.

“Let’s think about it another way,” you say. “What would you, as Santa, give me for Christmas?”

“Coal,” he replies. “And a muzzle, so you don’t interrupt me while I’m talking. What was that all about?”

“Was afraid you’d say something bad,” you explain. “But you were pretty good with those kids.”

He shakes his head and plays with the fur trim on his sleeve. “Nah,” he murmurs. “I’d never say something bad to a kid.”

“Speaking of bad and coal,” you say, combing his fake beard, “you never asked the typical ‘have you been a good kid’ to any of them.”

“There’s no bad kid in the world, love,” he whispers. “All kids are good, even the naughty ones.”

You smile at him, but he doesn’t look back at you. He’s examining his uniform as if trying to find something else to discuss. He finds some crumbs a kid left on his suit and brushes them off.

“Ready to head back to the base, Lieutenant?” You ask, tapping his thigh before standing up. You extend your hand to him, and he gladly accepts it, helping him rise from the chair he’s been sitting in all day. You begin walking towards the exit, and he wraps his arm around your shoulder. You reciprocate by hugging his waist.

You walk up to the parked military vehicle that brought you here earlier, still discussing the day. He opens the door but pauses and turns to look at you.

“Resilience,” he declares. “That’s what I would gift you for Christmas.”

“Why?” You ask, turning to look at him. “You think I need it?”

“We all do,” he replies softly, just like when he used to talk to those kids. “Since I can’t protect you from every obstacle life throws your way, I might as well give you the ability to recover from them.”

“That would make me very happy, Lieutenant.” You say, smiling.

He smiles back at you and reaches for your hat to fix it better on your head. His hand moves to your forehead, and he tucks a stray hair behind your ear.

“It’s Santa to you.” He replies.

———————————————————————

A/N: Bruh, I was so tempted to make the reader pull off a Mariah Carey and say, “All I want for Christmas is you,” when Ghost asked what they wanted, but my gag reflexes kicked in every time, and I was cringing galore.

So, there you go: resilience. That’s what I would like to gift you as well. I wish I could shield you from whatever has troubled you in the past or is currently doing so. To protect you from future worries and make everything ‘falala off’. Unfortunately, I can’t do that, neither for you nor for myself.

But this is why comfort characters and stories exist—so we can imagine, when no one is there for us, that someone actually is.

Just like Santa. Just like Ghost.

[kvohru]

sweet nothing | s. gojo x reader

in which gojo satoru and the reader cuddle to sleep. they're so in love. was written as a fem reader but im pretty sure it could also be seen as gender neutral!

Lazy days — like today — were your favourite. Those mid-autumn days where the summer heat finally broke and made way for a chilly breeze, and the sky looked a cool white instead of bright blue. The quiet clicking sound of your typing floated through the air in your otherwise quiet room, and along with the faraway sound of the shower running, aided in the creation of a quaint atmosphere.

Time went by, and just as you were finishing up your work on your laptop, you heard the shower turn off, and the distinct creaking of the hinges on your shower cabin door. With an exhausted groan, you decided you'd worked enough for today, and you stood up from your chair, stretching your sore body. Your head pounded as you turned around and walked towards the king-size bed you shared with your boyfriend, and the moment you were close enough, you let your body fall into the bed.

The relief was so acute you couldn't help the sigh of relief that escaped your lips, your whole body melting into the Purple mattress your boyfriend convinced you to buy earlier that year. Gosh, who knew your mattress quality would have that big of an effect on your quality of life? Well, Satoru clearly did.

“Hey.” The sound of his voice pulled you from your thoughts, and you tiredly turned your head to the other side to look at him. Satoru, dressed in nothing but a pair of sweatpants hanging low on his hips and a white towel on his shoulders, was shutting the bathroom door, steam escaping through the small crack. “You done?” he asked, lifting the towel around his neck to his hair and quite aggressively drying it.

You had half a mind to remind him how damaging towel fibers were for his hair, but, remembering the fact that his hair remained silky regardless of anything, you forewent the thought.

You didn't respond to his question immediately, your eyes idly roaming over his body from top to bottom. From the wet, white hair that was falling over those brilliant blue eyes of his, to the wide expanse of pale skin and taut muscles. “Hm?” he prompted, movements lithe as he walked to the vanity and uncapped his leave in conditioner — the only hair maintenance product you could convince him to use.

Your eyes automatically followed his movements, now meeting his in the mirror as you adjusted yourself and climbed into bed properly, albeit with no real intention of falling asleep. He seemed to have that effect on you. Like a sunflower turning towards its namesake, no matter where he went, you always gravitated towards him, both consciously and unconsciously.

“Yeah,” you responded eventually and grabbed the fantasy novel you were in the middle of, “there wasn't too much to do, anyway.”

He hummed in response, raking his product-coated hands into his hair before shaking it out. With effort, your eyes slid away from his and focused onto the open book in your lap, and you let yourself be taken away by the intricate world woven by the words of your favourite author.

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

A few hours went by, and despite having ‘no real intention of falling asleep’, you fell asleep. Shocker.

It was now a little later in the day, the sun no longer cresting the sky, but rather melting into the horizon, the priorly pale gray sky turning varying shades of purple, pink and orange.

“Babe, do you think—” Satoru started, turning his gaze away from his phone, where he'd been checking his emails, to you, whom he was laying in bed next to, his (still shirtless) body angled towards yours. He had his phone in one hand, while the other was resting over your shoulder, idly playing with the ends of your hair. His question dissolved on his tongue at the sight of you asleep, eyes shut with your lashes fanning over your cheeks and lips ever so slightly parted, making way for soft breaths.

His own lips stretched into an amused grin, dimples etched into his cheeks. “I'm not gonna fall asleep, ’Toru,” he muttered, repeating your words from earlier. “I'm just gonna lay down!” He grabbed the book you had left open on your stomach and slipped the bookmark — that one the two of you had DIYed a few months ago (yes, he has a matching one) — back into it.

He turned the paperback over in his hand, long fingers splayed over the 500-page behemoth. It was by an author he'd seen you read numerous times, that one you had a whole shelf dedicated to. With a hum, he turned to place the book on his bedside table.

He twisted his torso away from you, that innate need for physical closeness to you keeping the rest of his body fixed in its spot. His defined obliques rippled with the motion, and he released a quiet noise from the back of his throat as he stretched to put the book down.

Straining to push it further with his fingers, as soon as Gojo was sure it was a safe distance away from the edge, he turned back to you, his arm snaking around your waist to pull you closer. Your arms, which were loosely folded in front of your chest, pressed against his hard chest when he pulled you into him, and you instinctively nuzzled closer, drawn by his body heat and the faint smell of his cologne.

He pushed his phone away before resting his hand on your upper back, his thumb rubbing unceasing circles between your shoulder blades, and he reached down to kiss the top of your head. Only lightly, though, he reminded himself, since he didn't want to wake you up.

One kiss turned into two, and he used his unoccupied hand to push away a strand of hair from your face to press his lips to your forehead, before the two kisses turned into three and the three into four.

He pressed another tender kiss to your temple, and you, despite his best efforts at remaining gentle, stirred in his arms, your eyes flitting back and forth underneath your eyelids. He cursed under his breath, mentally chiding himself before brushing a stray curl away from your face and whispering a soft, “Sorry, baby.”

You made a soft humming noise but, thankfully, didn't wake up, only rested your head against his arm. He let himself relax against you, content in watching you sleep while playing with your hair, and eventually, his eyes fell closed and he drifted off with the feeling of your soft, warm skin against his.

Man, lazy days were his favourite.

[jaegeraether]

Sunsets and footballers (Part 16)

Lucy Bronze x Reader (16)

Masterlist (other parts here)

Lucy was paying when she heard the yelling. Usually, she wouldn’t think much of it, but in that moment, her body reacted instinctively as her head whipped around. She couldn’t see outside but at the distinctive smashing of glass, she ran before she knew she was. Her knee complained as she negotiated the corner of the restaurant to the front door at pace, and the cold night hit her hard, but not harder than the sight of her girlfriend, limp in the front seat of her car, covered in glass and… blood. Lucy was shoved backwards as three girls took off up the street, but Lucy couldn’t give a fuck, she was at YFN’s door in a heartbeat, grabbing at the handle. The door was locked, fuck. She was starting to panic out of pure fear for her little Australian splattered in blood, tears welling in her eyes. She reached her hand through the broken glass, earning herself a few scrapes but not caring. She pulled the lock and almost wrenched the door off its fucking hinges.

“No! No - little one.. fuck….fuck!”

Her head was tilted, almost resting on her shoulder, and the blood. It was everywhere. She spotted the brick on the driver’s seat and her stomach dropped.

“No - please no…” She was crying as her hand found the far side of her head, hoping her spine wasn’t damaged. YFN shifted, lifting her head a little and Lucy let herself breathe the smallest sigh of relief. No neck injury. She gently lifted her head. The brick had left a gash just above her eyebrow, though the impact area had been slightly larger. Lucy ripped off her shirt and pressed it to the wound, trying to stop the blood running like a river down her face. Lucy was covered in blood and was shaking, terrified.

“Please wake up… please.. I’m so sorry. I…”

As if she’d heard the words, YFN groaned, her lips trembling as she slowly became conscious again. Her eyes fluttered open for a second and shut immediately, squeezing tight from the pain.

“L….Luce…”

“Right here. I’m right here, I’m so sorry my love. This is all my fault. I’m sorry-” Her voice broke. “Please stay awake. Please.”

“I f..feel sick. It hurts.”

“I know, my love. Stay strong for me, please. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”

A crowd had gathered around but they were all useless, standing back and taking photos rather than helping. Especially when they realised it was Lucy Bronze.

“I’m going to get you to the hospital. Little one, do you think you can hold this to your head for a second?”

She helped to lift YFN’s trembling hand to the shirt on her head and ran around to the driver’s side, throwing the brick in the back seat and jumping in. She placed her hand over YFN’s, pressing it down and pushing her head into the seat. She whimpered.

“Sorry… sorry my love, we need to keep your head up. We need to keep the pressure on. Stay awake for me please..” She tried to sound calm under pressure but everything she said was rushed with fear. She’s just glad her neck wasn’t broken.

Lucy sped towards the hospital, not giving a fuck about traffic or lights or laws. She picked up the little Australian who’d stolen her heart and again, ignoring the pain throbbing through her knee, she carried her into the Emergency Department, shouting.

Several hours, scans and stitches later, they were in a private room. YFN was unconscious. They’d made her stay awake for several hours during the questions from staff and police, treatments and for monitoring purposes afterwards, but now she was sleeping softly, a bandage covering the stitches across the top of her left eyebrow. Lucy couldn’t sleep. She couldn’t stop her thoughts. Her eyes drifted over YFN. Here she was, the woman who’d dropped into her life out of absolutely nowhere. She’d had no idea who Lucy was. No idea about football. Nothing beyond that big, kind and caring heart of hers that always wanted the best for the people around her, regardless of herself. She’d seen Lucy at her best, and her worst, and loved her through all of it. But better than that, she’d understood her through all of it. Lucy would be lying to herself if she hadn’t thought about ending it, purely for YFN’s own sake. But that was just a flicker of an option she knew she’d never have the strength to do. The baggage that came with Lucy was significant, and she knew that, but she could never have expected something as dramatic as this. God, she loved the woman. She loved her. And she hadn’t even had a chance to tell her yet. She wanted to go to sleep next to her and wake next to her every day. She wanted to travel with her, experience new things, new foods, new movies… anything. Anything. With her. And no, they hadn’t known each other long at all, but Lucy knew. She’d been around. She understood. This was it, this was her home, her future. She’d accomplished a lot in life, football having been the most important thing to her, but she knew she’d drop it in a heartbeat for her. The tears fell silently as she thought about YFN and all she’d been through. She struggled to comprehend how she was single, and so closed off from letting people into her life. But she’d let Lucy in, and Lucy took that seriously. She wasn’t going anywhere.

Lucy had sent a few messages to her lawyers; they were going to press charges. She’d also messaged Jordan, knowing that she needed to tell her before she saw the photos online. Jordan had lost her mind, wanting to come back, but Lucy had said no. YFN wouldn’t want that. She wouldn’t want to inconvenience her and her training, and they both knew it. Jordan agreed eventually, offering to tell Katie and Caitlin, though she also wouldn’t be getting much sleep that night.

The photos leaked quickly with Lucy receiving multiple texts and phone calls. She ignored almost all of them except her family, Sarina, Alexia and her Barca coach. She even ignored Keira.

Her body uncontrollably shook with another wave of sadness, and she tilted her cheek into YFN’s palm. Her thumb stroked her cheek.

“Luce..?”

Lucy’s head whipped up. “You shouldn’t be awake…”

Her eyes were sleepy, and her brow furrowed in pain as she saw Lucy’s red eyes. “Come here.” She whispered. Lucy opened her mouth to argue but YFN wasn’t having any of it. “You need to sleep, and I need you. Come here.”

Lucy made her way carefully into the bed next to her, sliding under the covers. Her bicep pillowed itself under YFN’s neck and wrapped around her collarbones, while the other pulled her gently back into her. Her lips kissed her sun-kissed hair, and her cheek rested itself gently on her temple.

“Sleep please…” She mumbled as she drifted off to sleep again, much more comfortable and warm than she was before. Lucy slept.

Her head was pounding when she woke. Lucy was already awake, of course, pacing on her phone, talking in hushed whispers to not wake her up. She spotted her and ended the call, immediately by her side. YFN had some water, and painkillers, with the doctor coming in to explain the damage. They were concerned about the impact to her brain, though the results from their scans thus-far had been positive. They wanted to keep her in for another night to assess her. The main thing she craved was a shower and clean clothes, and she told Lucy the same. She’d said that clean clothes were on the way, and seemed a little like she was omitting some details, but YFN was in too much pain to care.

Lucy helped her out of the bed and to their shower. She undressed her with care and showered with her, making sure she was never too far away in case she stumbled or needed her. It was exactly what YFN needed. She needed Lucy right there; she needed to feel her and know she wasn’t going anywhere. Lucy’s hands glided over her in the shower, soaping her up and massaging her tight neck and shoulders after sleeping in a hospital bed. YFN groaned at the feel, turning around to face a tired looking Lucy. Lucy’s green eyes met hers a little blurry as she realised that she must have taken her contacts out and didn’t have her glasses.

“I can hear you thinking from here..”

“Lots to think about.” Lucy murmured.

YFN felt her stomach drop a little, worry seeping in. “Please don’t leave me..”

Lucy was startled by this, and then she understood where it was coming from. “I’m too selfish to ever do that, even if it is what’s best for you.”

Lucy admitting weakness was a rarity, but it just proved to YFN that Lucy was just as self-aware as she was. She breathed an obvious sigh of relief. “What now?”

“Now… we have clean clothes coming-”

“-and glasses I hope.”

Lucy chuckled. “And glasses. Firstly, I want us to leave this fucking city as soon as you’re discharged tomorrow. My lawyers are working on pressing charges. I’m unsure about the rest. I was supposed to leave for Barca in 3 days, and I need to cancel my session today, so I have a few phone calls to make.”

YFN kissed her jaw, her lips brushing up to her ear and back. Lucy shuddered. “I’m really happy to be leaving the city, I’m excited for Manchester and Birmingham and your family, and Dory. As for the charges…” Lucy gave her a look that said it wasn’t an option, but she was already in agreement. “…I’m fully on board. We need to talk lawyer costs though.” Lucy shook her head, but she continued. “But Luce, you’re not cancelling your flight to Barca. And you’re not cancelling your session today. I know its hard because of how fresh this is… but this is your career, and I will not accept you pushing that aside. We’ll still have our third date. You’ll still get me settled in with Dory.. and I’m safe in the hospital. I need to know that these… maniacs… haven’t affected our lives because they don’t get that. They can smash my head open with a brick-” Lucy winced, “-but they’re not taking anything else from us. They’re not affecting your career. They’re not getting me deported. And they’re definitely not ruining what we have..” To be honest, they were even closer than they would have been without all of the drama happening.

Lucy wasn’t keen on the idea, but she knew there was no arguing. If YFN was safe, and they were okay, then she was right, the stalkers didn't get to take anything else from them.

They finished up in the shower and dried off when a knock came at the door. Lucy lifted YFN up, leaving her sitting safely on the sink before exiting in a towel to get the door. YFN heard murmurs and then Lucy was back with a bag of clothes. They got dressed and YFN found Lucy’s glasses, putting them on her gently. She could see Lucy’s eyes coming into full focus again as she placed them on her. A smile crossed her face, followed by a little wince at the sight of the swelling around the bandage. Lucy took her head incredibly gently between her hands and kissed her eyebrow near the wound. Lucia Roberta ‘Tough’ Bronze. In reality, she’d been the most gentle human when it came to YFN.

They exited the room to see Leah sitting in one of the chairs, patiently waiting. YFN couldn’t help the confusion, but Lucy was quick to explain. “Leah’s still off with her ACL, and she lives in town. She called when she saw the photos, and Leah being Leah, offered to help.”

“We definitely appreciate it… thanks Leah.” She gave a genuine smile to the England Captain, feeling a little wobbly.

“You’re welcome, and I don’t want to intrude.. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” She stood looked a little awkward, her hands going to her back pockets, and then out to her front pockets.

“You’re not intruding at all, I think Lucy is headed off soon..” She looked at Lucy who frowned at that. “So I appreciate any company I can get.”

Leah relaxed a little and wandered over to the bed as YFN climbed back in, sitting up. “I heard you’re in here overnight?”

“One more night.” Lucy replied for her. “She’s still dizzy and sick, and a little foggy.” She turned to YFN, fluffing the pillow up behind her back. “I need you to eat today, please. Plenty of water also. Let the nurse know if you feel like you’re getting worse. I’m just a call away.”

YFN nodded, leaning forward to accept the kiss she planted on her forehead before her lips trailed down and found her lips gently. “Anything goes wrong. You. Call.”

YFN smiled at her persistence, her dimple on full display. Lucy admired her a little longer before she gave Leah a look that demanded she also do the same. Leah nodded and Lucy left, albeit unwillingly.

“I understand if you can’t stay.. I just wanted Lucy to feel a bit better about leaving me here after…” She gestured to her head.

Leah smiled and YFN could see what Jordan meant when she’d spoken about her falling for her smile. Leah was adorable.

“I’m happy to stay a while, it keeps my brain from going all sorts of funny places while I’m not training.”

YFN gestured to the bottom of the bed and Leah joined her, crossing one leg, keeping her other extended.

“You’re not training at all?”

“Off and on. I’m allowed two days a week at the minute. The rest is cardio and gym work to keep myself fit.”

“You must be dying to get back out there.”

“Yeah, it’s very difficult to be honest. I miss it so, so much. I’m dying to get back out there with the girls.”

YFN and Leah chatted for a while, getting more comfortable with each other. From their conversation, YFN realised that Leah was quietly intelligent, incredibly kind, and humble. She could see clearly why she was the Captain of the England squad. They spoke about her knee, her career, her Captaincy, as well as YFN’s life in Australia, her motivations and even her relationship with Lucy. Leah had known Lucy for a long time, and even though she was Jordan’s best friend and had no doubt seen Lucy at her worst during the years, she was a big advocate of hers. This surprised YFN as she was Keira’s best friend, and they had been together for several years. Though, Leah’s willingness to advocate so loyally for Lucy made her feel like Keira must have been fine with their relationship.

The more she got to know her, the harder it was for her to understand why she would have left Jordan. They seemed like two pieces of a puzzle. She brought Jordan happiness and support; Jordan brought her peace and kindness. Eventually, of course, the topic shifted to Jordan. Leah admitted that she’d wanted to talk to YFN a while about it because she’d become so close to Jordan and was ‘healthily on the outside of the female football drama’.

YFN knew it took courage and trust to admit what she did, but she did it anyways. Leah had felt overwhelmed in the position she found herself in, being Captain of England, and seeing that her girlfriend was so upset being the last choice for both Arsenal, and England when she worked so hard. Leah felt like she was being torn apart as she was in the biased position of dating one of the players least used by the teams. She knew Jordan was a fantastic player. She had nothing but kindness to say about her as a person, and a player, but she felt like she was betraying Jordan by not sticking up for her with Sarina, and with Jonas. It was absolutely not her place to choose squads and she knew that, and she knew that Jordan knew that also. She’d said that Jordan tried to not show how upset it made her, she’d keep it to herself because she didn’t want any pressure on Leah. Leah knew that Jordan never expected her to be an exception, but it still didn’t stop the pain in her heart and the thoughts in her head being stuck in the middle.

Leah admittedly didn’t cry often, but she was crying as she spoke about Jordan.

“It was the biggest mistake of my life. I was so weak." She said as YFN handed her tissues. “I loved her. I… I love her.”

YFN knew that it must have taken a lot for Leah to admit this all to her, especially when they didn’t know each other well. She was pouring her heart out to her because YFN was currently the closest she could get to Jordan. She knew this and told Leah how much she appreciated how open she was being.

“I can’t…speak for Jordan. She’s her own person. But I can tell her your side, Leah. Maybe then she’ll be willing to listen and have a proper conversation with you. I think you two both need to be in a room to talk this out because regardless of what happens, I know that you were really good friends, and you shouldn’t lose that..”

Leah was appreciative, and YFN knew that the outcome was exactly what she’d hoped for. They spent a bit longer together, playing cards and such before Caitlin arrived with someone YFN had never met before, Kyra Cooney-Cross. They’d said that Katie was stuck in interviews and couldn’t make it until later. Leah greeted them and took her leave, needing to go for a suit fitting for an upcoming carpet event.

Kyra was a cute little Australian also, with the personality of a cheeky kid. Caitlin had apparently been trying to ‘keep her in check’.

“A brick?!” Kyra asked, shocked.

“Fucking unbelievable. This is bullshit. Are you takin’ them to court?” Caitlin asked as they were all sitting on the bed, playing Uno.

“Lucy’s pissed. She’s spoken to her lawyers and yep, they’re pressing charges. First problem is they need to actually ID the girls. They all have fake accounts and the fan photos they have with Lucy don't help when they don't know their names.”

“They’ll get ‘em for sure.” Kyra said, dropping a +4 on Caitlin who groaned. “But it’s so wrong, and so scary.”

“Have you had more fans and fanatics since moving to Arsenal?” YFN asked.

“Oh yeah, I didn’t even used to have a chant and now they’re yelling it every game which is so sick.”

“I think it all changed after the world cup, to be fair.” Caitlin chimed in. “Now it’s not just wanting to watch us as players but wanting to know our personal lives as well. I can’t even get a coffee without being papped or recognised.”

“Ah, no privacy..”

“Yep. I’m a football player, not a celebrity. It’s turnin’ more into how the men’s game is which isn’t great, but I guess it just shows how far the women’s game has grown over the past few years.”

YFN nodded, able to understand their situation just a little bit more after being the victim of some Lucy fanatics. Thinking of Lucy, she checked her phone. She had multiple messages from Jordan and Katie, as well as other players she’d met. She responded to Jordan, agreeing to the phone call once she’d finished training, and texted Katie back also. Then she answered Lucy’s check-up message with a quick selfie of the three of them. Kyra had apparently never met Lucy before and was a big fan, getting nervous at the idea that she may meet her if she hung around long enough.

“Lucy’s going to bring food, are you two hungry?”

Although they’d missed half a day of training, they were more than happy to accept any food Lucy would bring them.

As they started their fifth game, Katie arrived with a hug and joined in on the game after checking on YFN. At the end of their seventh game, Lucy arrived. Her eyes immediately found YFN, relaxing at the sight of her okay. And of course, she was carrying pizzas from the restaurant she and YFN had tried to get them from the night before. Hopeless romantic. The Arsenal girls eagerly took the boxes from her hands while YFN shook her head and grinned at Lucy’s thoughtfulness. She grabbed her face and pulled her in for a ‘Hello, I missed you’ kiss. Lucy tenderly kissed back, and then inspected her bandage and head. Her black eye had developed, but YFN gave her the good news from the doctor regarding her progress. Lucy said hi to the girls, clapping hands and they introduced her to Kyra who looked like a star struck kid. Lucy chuckled at that, agreeing to a selfie before she joined them on the bed. They all knew they shouldn’t be eating take-away during the season but as Katie had said with a mouthful of pizza, “We’re eatin’ this in support of our friend who recently won a battle with a brick so dig in, girls!”

The pizza was incredible and according to Lucy, completely free after the restaurant had seen what happened the night before. YFN couldn’t blame them. If she was serving Lucy Bronze, she’d also give her whatever she wanted for free. They ate pizza, laughed, bantered and YFN made sure to massage Lucy’s knee a bit after her session. Kyra asked Lucy an over-eager amount of questions, which kept Lucy well entertained as she began winning all of the Uno games.

At one point YFN took a selfie of them all, Lucy making a point by putting her arms around her in the photo while the Arsenal girls fake-strangled each other in the back. She sent it to Jordan along with a message to tell her that Leah had also visited. Then, just to spite her stalkers, and with permission, she posted the photo to social media and tagged them all.

The girls all went along with the public ‘fuck you’ and reposted to their stories, commenting on the original post.

KatieMcCabe: YFN 1 – Brick 0 *brick emoji*

JordanNobbs: *red heart emoji* love you chicken

CaitlinFoord: they build us aussies tough *bicep emoji*

KyraCooney-Cross: Lucy cheated in Uno

LeahWilliamson liked your post.

Ridley: I want names and addresses. Now. *angry emoji* *blue heart emoji*

LucyBronze: *red heart emoji x 3*

Jordan replied to her message then.

“Leah came to visit you?”

[justferhere]

The Notebook | Lysander × Fem!Reader

My Candy Love HSL • Lysander’s birthday

Lys has finished his notebook, and reader has the best surprise for him. Inspired in the end of The Diary of Bridget Jones.

Word Count: 774

Warnings: non, just fluff, creative/crafts lover reader, Lysander and reader have an established relationship, smoking

I wrote this in a insomnia episode and English is not my first language so sorry for mistakes. Hope you enjoy!

“C’mon, Rosaa…” I approached her with my best pleading smile. “I really, really need your help.”

Lys’ birthday was right around the corner, and I had exactly one week to prepare a gift. But what could I possibly give to my Victorian dream of a boyfriend, who outright refused anything expensive and didn’t even want me thinking about getting him a present? It had to be special, something meaningful, something him. I kept thinking and thinking and nothing was as perfect as I wanted.

“Candy, I promise you,” Rosa said, her tone as reassuring as ever, “anything you give him, he’ll love it. He’s not even the kind of guy who cares about gifts. Don’t overthink it. Take him to dinner or something like that.”

...

“A gift for Lys, huh…” Castiel leaned lazily against the wall, cigarette in hand, exhaling smoke as he pondered. “You’ve got yourself a tricky one. He’s not exactly... giftable.”

I groaned and sat on the cold floor, utterly defeated. It’s just a gift, Candy. How hard can it be?

Castiel glanced down at me and chuckled before ending his cigarette. “Look, I’ll give you an advice, artist to artist.” His expression softened as he knelt closer. “Make something yourself. Lys would appreciate something you poured your time and effort into, more than anything money can buy. Something unique from yourself. Something that says, ‘you.’”

...

Castiel really helped you out but there was still a little problem.

What could I make?

"Are you okay, my love?" Big hands hold my waist, his familiar voice broke through my thought. "Yeah, just thinking. How are you? Want to get lunch together?" His lips kissed my head.

God he was handsome, he had me like the sea dreaming about touching the stars.

"Of course I do,” he replied with a soft laugh. “But first, I need my amazing girlfriend’s talent for finding my notebook. I wanted to show a new song to Castiel before leaving."

That's it.

“Well, your highly skilled seeker is on the case!” I teased, standing on my tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on his lips.

The own Lysander himself have gave me the best idea ever and I couldn't be more excited about it.

...

I dropped all the bags with all the materials I needed on my bed.

Lys' notebook was like his entire life. Of the most important things of his life, containing almost every intimate thought from his heart.

His notebook was almost over, a bit damaged from the time used. It's cover worn and its pages threatening to fall apart. He would need a new one soon and the gift couldn't come better.

I got to work.

Took paper, leather, gold sheets, glue, string and all my crafting tools to get to work. For the next days I spended my free time stitching pages, lining cardboard with the deep blue leather and designing the cover.

Gold metal ornaments on the corners and his initials engraved with my most delicate handwriting. I even added a ribbon bookmark with a tiny rabbit charm at the end. It was exactly as how I saw him. Elegance and beauty, secrets and mystery but also sweet and pure.

I wrapped it up, and packed it in my backpack.

...

The day finally came and my nerves couldn't be worse. And after 10 times I tried to take courage and give it to him, I decided to leave it in his locker and wait hidden to see his reaction. I held my breath as I watched him approach.

I was nearly dying.

He opened his locker and left his book a side when he realized the funny rabbit wrapping paper. A soft smile curved his lips, and he chuckled under his breath before carefully peeling it open.

Yeah, I was definitely going to die.

I wanted to go and take the notebook off his hands. Maybe I didn't stitched the pages correctly, or maybe I should have chosen the green leather...

Or maybe it was... perfect.

He was mesmerized. He held the notebook in his hands, his fingers tracing over the gold details and engraved initials. He examined every inch, his expression shifting from curiosity to awe. When he opened it, he found the dedication I had written on the first page:

"I give you my heart for you to keep your secrets safe in it."

He froze for a moment, rereading the words, before pressing the notebook to his chest as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

Definitely the best gift he ever received, and the purest expression of love I could have ever given.

[lil-vibes]

Hi! Sorry for notification spamming you but wanted to tell you that your TROD tags made me lol, I LOVE your art so much and I’m interested in your AU too. Anyway, love your blog!

P.S. maybe I missed it but you said somewhere that your Narinder was pretty messed up for a few years post revival. Could you give some more details on that? Did he try to hurt them? Who had to take care of him, the lamb? What’s been the downstream effects? Basically, how is this cat still messed up lol.

dont be! everytime i get a notification i go yuppiee!!! im glad you enjoy my art :DD

okay okay its prime yap time under the cut oof i love my fucked up cat sm

Lambert, mainly, took care of him! They made sure that every comfort he needed was provided and were worried out of their mind the entire time. Their disciples helped watch over Narinder when he was unconscious, just so he wouldn't bolt the moment he awoke, and Witness Allocer stitched some of his wound and prepared a special painkiller blend for him. (in my au the high priests, aka the mini bosses, and the witnesses were very close to the bishops! Allocer made the same painkillers for Shamura as well.)

Okay so obviously his wrists and ankles were pretty fucked up from being chained for a thousand years and he's got a lot of internal damage as well bc some of the chains went through him (og Stychu hc that I adopted bc it's so good). Also just general wounds from the final fight and the unfathomable pain of shrinking down from his godly form.

Upon being spared, he did attack them in a post battle adrenaline and hate fueled delirium, right on the indoctrination stone and not only broke his arm (bc he put too much weight on it), but probably gave himself a heavy concussions by slamming his head on said stone seconds after the break happened lmao. After waking up in,,, just a Haze of agony he tried to get up and run away bc he was scared that the lamb would just keep him existing in this special Purgatory and shattered his opposite calf so there's that as well. Unlucky tbh

He bleeds like,,, constantly. All of the time, for literal years on end. From his eyes mostly, but also nose and ears and he throws up ichor a lot in the beginning as well bc his body is adjusting rapidly to being smaller and there's just No Space for the ichor to go, other than out. He’s constantly exhausted and spends a lot of time sleeping, and is very frail physically, if snapping two bones by simply putting weight on them didn't make it obvious enough lol

All and all not a great shape to be in, but! His wounds aren't actually what caused him to be bedridden for so long. It was the fact that he no longer saw himself as a god while still being one and suffering injuries befitting of one!

His body/the Red Crown isn't healing him as much as it’s literally regenerating parts of itself while he suffers everything that comes with that, alongside being out of the Veil/Gateway for the first time in forever and emotionally dealing with the deaths of his acolytes and the supposed betrayal of the one he allowed himself to trust after his family. In fact, Narinder barely heals at all for a while bc he was just mentally stopping the process. And also unconscious for a lot of it.

The other big reason is that god hearts are a great power source, but his heart has been in Lambert's chest since Silk Cradle. So he is Struggling ™ but he’d actually rather die than take his heart back he’s a simp like that smh

After he inevitably breaks and he and Lambert finally talk, he gradually starts seeing himself as a person again and his healing process gets easier. He still has chronic pain for his joints but eventually everything else heals alright :3

On a side note, his siblings bleed excessively and are disoriented for the first couple of days but are ultimately fine within the week. They are kind of horrified to learn that their brother is STILL struggling with the side effects of his imprisonment

[indigoflorals]

payback (18+)

Rafe Cameron x Reader

Sum: Rafe gives you another option to pay him back for hitting his car

Warnings: DUB-CON/NON-CON, IF THIS UPSETS YOU, SCROLL. Oral sex, swallowing, hair pulling, extortion, throat-fucking, public oral sex

The shockwave from the collision shot through you before you even saw the break lights. You had just rear ended the truck in front of you while checking a text.

It was a red light, fuck. This could not be happening. You were beyond broke. The light turned green, and you and the truck pulled to the side of the road.

It was dark, and the black truck blended into the background well. You couldn’t see any damage as you pulled in. It wasn’t until you parked directly next to the vehicle that you got a good look at its owner.

Rafe Cameron

This was the worse case scenario. Even without damage, you were sure he’d want your insurance. The insurance you could barely pay as is.

You watched as the blond stepped out from the drivers side, and you followed not long after.

“Dude,” You sighed, “I am so fucking sorry. If anything’s damaged I can—“

Rafe interrupted you. “I feel like I know you. Did we go to high school together?”

You stopped, furrowing your eyebrows at his statement, “Yeah, we had Bio and Calc together.”

A look of remembrance washed over his face, an ‘o’ coming to his lips, “Shit, I remember you! You always sat right next to me,” He looked you up and down with a smirk, “Better to look at now.”

A huff erupted from you. “Sure yeah,” You mumbled, “How’s your truck?” You walked past him, circling the back of the truck, feeling his eyes on you the entire time.

A dent. Big enough you knew anyone could see it during the day. You cursed silently, begging he wouldn’t be angry.

“Is it bad?” He laughed, seemingly amused by your distress.

“No!” You spoke immediately running your hand through your hair, “Maybe.”

He only laughed again.

“Well,” He walked to face you, leaning against the truck, “I know you can’t pay for that. You’re poor.”

Before you could protest, he spoke again, raising a hand to shush you.

“So, I have an alternative. No money involved.” He smiled.

You scowled instantly. “I’m not a prostitute, Rafe.”

The blond scoffed, “I didn’t say you were, and don’t act like you didn’t have a little crush on me in high school.” He stepped to take a picture of your plates, “Plus all I was gonna ask was for you to blow me.”

Watching him take photos of your plates, you began to sweat. Ward Cameron knew everyone, what would happen if everyone knew you were involved in a hit and run with his son?

“Fine.”

A smirk grew across his face, “Good girl.”

You watched intently as he undid his belt, looping it with precision to turn it into makeshift handcuffs.

“Turn around for me, baby.” He snapped the belt.

Your eyes widened, shaking your head. “We’re outside Rafe.”

Rafe pursed just lips, “It’s dark, turn or I’ll leave.”

Relenting, you turned around, presenting your hands to be tied with the belt behind your back. The blond turned you back to face him and pushed you onto your knees in front of him, only sheltered from the road by his truck.

“Now,” He ran his hand over his clothes cock before pulling it from his pants and boxers, “Suck.”

You stared up at him, hesitant, and his hand came to fist your hair.

“Fine then,” His opposite hand came to your lips, pushing a finger inside and opening your jaw. “Be good and take me.”

He pulled his finger out before thrusting his cock inside with force. He touched the back of your throat, and was salty on your tongue. You gagged as his tip brushed against your uvula, and he moaned, the fist against your scalp tightening.

Rafe pulled your head back, and tears ran down your face. He fucked back into your throat, feeling you gag and your throat contract around him. “That’s it…you fucking slut. Suck my dick.”

Feeling him throb in your mouth, you sucked harder.

You looked up at him, his hair disheveled and stuck to his forehead, chest fluttering, moaning your name. A flame struck between your legs at the sight. You liked it. You liked how he talked to you.

With a loud moan of your name, Rafe came down your throat, and you swallowed everything without being asked. His eyes widened at you.

“So dirty,” He cupped your face, smirking down at you, “I like you.”

Rafe pulled out of your mouth, tucking himself back into his pants. He helped you to your feet and untied your hands.

You started for your car immediately, confused and angry at yourself.

“Let me give you my number. Don’t pretend you’re not the whore we both know you are.”

tags: reply to any post to be added

@fangirlwithlou @officallyallyrose @cutesouls @buckysmainhxe @alinaharlow @maybankslover @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @outerbankspov @lexexo @bbycowboi @bungunz @notmetks @ajaxisbae @palmwinemami @rafecameronsslxt

[zombocomme]

Zombocomme: and for tonight's late night drama, we bring you a fan requested episode...

Between The Lines, Bonus Episode : One Day More

Enjoy

SFW:PG13: *mentions miscarriage, male cis pregnancy, cancer/remission, dreams come true

"As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be"-

Love you Forever, by Robert Munsch

🌌🥀🕯🪹🌸🕊✨️🫲🙂‍↕️🫱✨️🪽🌷🪺🕯💐🌌

"Jim you're crazy!"

Copia said, wringing out the dish towel and smacking it on the counter.

Jim's face twisted, "Copia how else do we get to make this happen. I can't make Milagro do this."

"Well you can't make me either, we dont even know if this one will take." Copia said bitterly as he moved to try and leave the kitchen again.

This time, Jim caught Copia's arm in a firm yet gentle grip, pulling him close, his embrace speaking volumes...

Jim wanted to find another surrogate, but try and use Milagros frozen eggs. But so much doubt had been cast over the little family, kt all seemed so hopeless...

*The pain of heartache is long remembered and never forgotten*

Copia squeezed his eyes, "Your going to get dish water all over your shirt." Copia grumbled. Jim shook his head and tilted Copia's chin to look at him, no fussing, and nothing else mattering more in the world than his love, "Baby, I don't know and I don't care how. I sold my eternity to bring that child from the other side for her. And for us. I have faith the deal will hold. For ll be damned to ever stop trying, " Jim said firmly.

Copia felt tears well in his eyes as he tried to fuss over Jim's shirt, uselessly attempting to pat-dry it with the already dampened dish towel. His lip quivered and his voice was shaky as he felt the hurt and sadness run deeper, felt the lost hope and hurt break through his bleeding heart...

*Millie had lost the last baby...it was no one's fault, though she blamed herself and the "poor quality" of the last of her eggs saved before the chemo... and yet even in remission, the IVF had failed. It just didn't take the way it should have. Their plan had failed. And despite the joy of a heartbeat one day, it had been gone the next. She had grieved and cried with Copia and Jim, who had held her and each other through it all. She loved them. She wanted to give them the life the three of them wanted, but mostly, she wanted to have their baby. She wasn't just a surrogate. She was family. She was the woman they both adored. And the thought of one of her children out in the world, that she would never get to see grow to look a little like her and the men she loved wirh all her heart, made her loose any want to perhaps have her heart broken again...

*The last loss had been the very last try... and it had broken Copias heart. It had crushed Jim's happiness. It had stolen Milagros sunshine away.*

"Oh Jimmy, what did you do?" Copia trembled, trying to sniff back his sobs in vain. Jim began to cry. He held Copia tight. Tighter than ever before and broke down with him...

* The deal with a devil came with a steep price...for one soul isn't equal to another. And the unborn life had cost Jim his own. A blooded vampire - who, unlike Copia, will now not live out his forever. He may age slowly. He may yet live longer than a human's mortal lifetime. But eventually, his time would be up...*

While Copia held onto his husband for dear life, Jim was trying to hold himself and Copia together in his strong arms, tendons pushing out, his teeth gritted as he wept bitterly...

The little one they had hoped for, had been lost to them. And Jim had done his impossible part, and paid the ultimate price to try and bring that little soul back...

Months passed, and Milagro faded more and more. She was a shaddow of herself, thinning and barely able to stand. She had wanted her little one so badly. She had wanted to feel life within her, after so many times, so many losses, so many years, the hole in her heart had just gotten too big...

*And one cannot pour from an empty cup*

The damage to her, as a mortal vessel of life, had done its due diligence, and made her loose part of herself...

She wouldn't be able to carry the embryos again... and so they sat frozen in time waiting, and waiting...

Until one day...

***

Copia wrung his hands as he spoke with Milagro in private, "Millie, you've sacrificed so much. You deserve to have the feeling of at least being involved. I don't want you to give up on that. I don't want to lose you too, " he hitched. She had become so fragile and frail... she had been sick for so long. And time was running out... the cancer was back. And it was very unlikely she would live longer than another year. And to think his Milagro would so soon be taken from him without a little of her left to grow and flourish in the world, was killing him.

Milagro looked at Copia, her expression worn and tired. She gazed a long time at the flowers by her table...after a long silence, only broken my Copias, soft weeping into the blankets on her lap, the faintest light crept into her eyes. The knowledge of Jim's sacrifice and her own suffering, she knew, she had to let it go... she had to give up on her own dreams. She had to give them to someone else while there was still time to see them come true.

But it was worth the price. She stood and gently padded towards copia in the opposite chair and cupped his face in her hands, "Your brother found a way. And so will we. And I'll be here for your every step,' she said softly, smoothing his locks of hair, "I want you to do it... I want you to do this. For all of us. For me. Please." She hushed, brushing her lips against his brow, and cradling his head to her chest, "I love you so much... we deserve our hapiness while we can still keep it... Take them" she said firmly, "No matter what it takes...we deserve our litrle one back".

He wrapped his arms around her as she spoke. He was frightened, grateful, anxious, and determined...

"It will take. It will work, " he prayed over and over as he held her, "It will work, and we will have our happiness again." He whispered urgently. And for the first time in many months, Milagro closed her eyes, and with the sun streaming into the blue shaddows of her room, she hugged Copia tighter, and smiled.

***

With the help of his brothers, and the finest of the ministry physicians, scholars of the dark arts, and risky apothecary magic, under a new moon the trio came together, to defy whatever stood in their way.

*For not even death can overcome true love. And what truer love is there than that of those who would give all they had, for a single pearl of hope, having faith in their gods, who would decide if they would be smiled upon one more time...*

***

Copia waited at the dining table in his and Jims apartments. Milagro was in another room down the hall. The ritual had taken a toll on her too, but she was stronger, with purpose, she had found the strength to endure... her status as one who is a vessel for life, had been transferred. And Copia would now be 'the bearer' of their child.

As Milagro lay resting in her quarters, Jim was rushing up a set of marble stairs leading towards the 'New Emeritus' wing of the ministry, his black leather shoes sliding on the smooth carpet of the halls in the upper tower. He had been in the gardens with Primo, collecting flowers to fashion a boquete to gift to Copka, when he received the news...

Copia had taken two tests. And one was positive...

Jim burst through the door, the flowers bobbing in his hand as he skid to a sudden halt. Copia stood up, and with sureness in his stride not seen in so long, crossed over, and pulled the flowers from Jim's hands, hugged his neck. Jim, still stunned and breathing hard, took a second to get back to reality. He hugged copia and in his ear whispered, "Is this real, please tell me this is real." he whispered harshly, eyes wide, staring at the little white and blue sticks laid neatly on a napkin on the table.

"Copia pulled back and looked deeply into Jim's eyes, his eyes moist and his tearful expression, rosy with joy, "We're pregnant Jim dear".

"Say it again" Jim whispered, cupping Copia's face in his hands, his eyes pleading.

Copia took a steadying breath, "We are going to have Milagros baby. I'm going to be a Papa, Jimmy...and you are going to be, a Daddy.

Jim was stunned a moment and Copia was patient to let the moment sink in.

Jim leaped froward, spinning Copia in his arms as he whooped and hollared, Copia laughing loudly in response as they smothered each other in a flurry of kisses and praise.

Their celebratory cheers echoed down the hall, and in her room, Milagro's eyes fluttered open as she smiled, finding warmth and peace in her heart. She had done it. They all had...

Her child, the soul unborn, and Copia, it's bearer. The ritual had worked. All their love and hope, all their faith, had finally been enough; They would finally have the family they always wanted. And all of them would get to live forever more.

It took less than a minute for 'the boys' to burst into her room with the flowers and crowd around her to tell her the big news. When she began to hold her head in some pain, Copia and Jim quieted down from their excited chattering.

Jim insisted on tossing Copia in bed with Milagro, fussing and pampering the both of them as he clucked, much to Milagro and Copias amused giggles and playful swatting.

The trio talked the whole afternoon into the wee hours of the next morning, looking up names, planning and scheduling appointments (as this whole affair would need to be private. Playfully they nicknamed their happy little scheme "Junior" like that one movie)

And as they made wishlists online and went over everything they could possibly think of, they lay together in Milagros big bed. After what was certainly past bedtime, the three got comfortable, stripping down to cuddle under the sheets, skin to skin, intimate and loving.

Yet as milagro tucked against Jim's bare chest, Jim threw an arm around her and Copia, with Copia snuggling Milagro as her big spoon. The men looked at one another im ansolute awe. Their faces full of love and emotion, they were in that beautiful bliss that follows what dreams may come, when they come true.

Jim kissed Milagros head and Copia dropped his hand to her waist, then leaned over to steal a kiss from his husband, and bestow a few more on the woman they both were so grateful and proud of.

*Blood and Water, had sealed their bond. And quietly inside of a small space in Copias body, cells were rapidly racing to become what these parents had given all they could for... to be their baby. And be their morning star to guide them into tomorrow...

[kesouu]

Blue Star☆｡⁠*✯ﾟ+*⁠.⁠✧

(⁠☆) Narumi Gen x Oc

(｡⁠*ﾟ⁠+ CHAPTER 4 +ﾟ⁠*｡⁠)

(⁠｡⁠•̀✧) SORRY I TOOK TOO LONG TO UPLOAD THE NEXT CHAP HUHU This also has spoilers for the b-side manga but next chapter I'll start straying from it i think🤌

6 Years ago...

It had been a year since Narumi and Hoshiko had joined the defense force and Hoshiko was getting dizzy from going around the large headquarters looking for Narumi, knowing him, he was going to get himself into all sorts of trouble. He had almost been kicked out multiple times for misconduct and no way is Hoshiko letting the reason she joined in the first place get kicked out. Even if she didn’t want too though, Vice captain Itami had spoken to you about Narumi’s behaviour, threatening to kick him out if this continued and that he wanted the girl to look after him as his closest friend but no matter how hard she tried he always managed to slip out of her sight. Hoshiko was looking for him rather frantically this time, all the division captains and platoon leaders were having a serious meeting on a kaijuu that emerged in Saitama and Narumi might cause a scene during it. She decided to make her way to the meeting room that was nearly on the other side of the building to check if he was anywhere nearby, the girl could only sigh at the distance as she started walking.

“Now then, I will brief you on the kaiju that emerged in Saitama Prefecture’s Koshigaya City. Please take a look at this.” The operator showed them an image of a the large kaiju on the meeting room’s big screen “A plant-type kaiju? The fact that it showed up in an urban area is worrying.” Vice Captain Itami comments as the operator continues with his discussion. “It broke through the asphalt and sprung up between the buildings at the crack of dawn. It seems that it hid underground and stored up on nutrients. Then it’s pod fruit pemerged on the portion of the plant above the surface.” Captain Igarashi’s face grows into a puzzled one as she questions “Huh? Wazzat? What’s a “pod fruit”?” the operator then explains in return “A pod fruit is a form of seeded fruit. It splits open, shooting seeds into the air.”

The screen shows a close up image of the kaiju’s pod fruit and the operator points at it “This was the pod fruit when it first emerged this morning.” Then the pictured changed into one of the kaiju where it’s pod was opened way more that it was in the one previously shown “And this is it’s current state” Hasegawa speaks up at the sight of it “It appears to have opened up more since this morning.”

“Once the fruit gathers enought nutrients, the sunlight triggers the fruit to split open casuing it to release and disperse it’s seeds.” Pictures of old disasters that had occured were being displayed on the screen that were similar to that of the situation now. “ For a well-known example of the damage caused by plant-type kaiju, we can refer to the specimens found in Hibiya back in ’66 and Sendai back in ’96. In particular, I’d look to the cataclysm in ’96 which saw the fruit split and spread it’s seeds. An incident that required time to effectively manage.” And with that the operator finishes his explanation “And this one is even bigger than the one in Sendai? If it splits open, we’re in for trouble.” Vice captain Itami asks “How much time do we have?” Captain Shinomiya follows up the previous question “By outr calculations, based on the solar radiation, temperature, and other factors, we estimate that it could occur as early as 2 p.m” the operator states their findings “So basically, we need to eliminated the fruite by then.” Hasegawa summarizes as the operator nods.

“What if we were to snipe it from the air via chopper?” Captain Ashiro asks “I’m afraid that might prove difficult as well. Take a look at this if you would.” The operator then switches the pictures to the current state of Koshigaya city with raging plant yoju growing everywhere along with the honju leading them “These are the emerged honju and its yoju offshoots. They are deploying around the fruit and growing a a rapid pace.” The pictures switch one after another showing more and more of the damage the kaiju had currently done in the area “Their roots extend deep into the ground, while their tentacle-like trunks reach high into the sky. Any copter that approaches will likely get swatted down.” Vice-captain Itami sighs at the information “Taking to the sky is too risky...it seems attacking by land is our only option.” “If we can find a way to secure a line of fire, then i have no doubt we can eliminate the fruit.” Captain Ashiro exclaims “The density of the kaiju is the issue here. Not to mention their speed. I doubt dealing with them will be so straight-forward.” Hasegawa retorts.

The crowd begin to argue on their course of action till a yawn was heard from behind “You sure have some boring meetings” Narumi states, the noise of his console could be heard at the sudden silence of the people in the room. “The gist is simple, isn’t it? Just cut through the kaiju’s emergence point and destroy the fruit. Charging in guns blazing is the only solution. That is, unless you’ve got any better ideas?” the boy says uninterested as he looks to the crowd from his relaxed position in his chair “Narumi?! How did you get in here?! You weren’t invited to this meeting!” Hasegawa yells at Narumi who angrily shouts back “Where I go is my own business. This room’s got air-conditioning and a huge monitor. It’s perfect for gaming.” The door of the meeting room slams open as Hasegawa quite literally kicks Narumi out of the room with him landing at the feet of a bewildered Hoshiko who had just arrived.

Hasegawa briefly apologized to the people of the room as Narumi got up from the floor. Hoshiko turns to Narumi who was staring at the tall man, annoyed at the fact he was kicked out. “Gen, seriously, you can’t keep doing what you want!” the girl says firmly as she stood in front of his face as he let out a sigh of his own. “And another thing! This kaiju has a wide emergence area. Even if you were to deploy the entire first division, you wouldn’t be able to cover it all. Face it, you need my help.” Narumi says as if it were a matter-of-fact to which Hoshiko was quick to cover his mouth with her hand to prevent him from saying more but it proved to be futile as he struggled against her grip and managed to free his mouth “Well, what do you say, old man?” both Hoshiko and Hasegawa were fuming at this point, ‘This boy really doesn’t know when to quit, does he?!’ Hoshiko thought trying to cover his mouth again while Hasegawa put him into a headlock.

Captain Shinomiya stays silent as Vice-Captain Itami answers in his stead “Yes, this operation will require number of soldiers. That naturally means you’ll be on the front lines as well, Narumi. But bear this in mind. We receive a notice from headquarters yesterday. It stated and I quote “Officer Narumi’s problematic behavior has been picked up by the media and we simply can’t take it any longer.”” The boy mentioned could only widen his eyes and mutter out “What?” a scowl appears on the Vice Captains face as his tone turns cold sending chills down Hoshiko’s spine “If you cause any trouble on this mission, we’ll be forced to consider you formally discharged from our ranks.” Hoshiko lets out a gasp and Narumi stills in Hasegawa and Hoshiko’s hold. “Narumi.” Captain Shinomiya finally speaks up after his long silence “Manners, appearance, diligence, grace – none of that matters to me. I Have only one demand. Show me results and skill.” She could hear the boy chuckle as he held her hand out of the way of his mouth “I just gotta show results, right?” I might as well be playing on easy mode.” Narumi smiles as he says that.

Hasegawa’s platoon arrives at their positions later that day as Hasegawa stands tall in his full battle armor “I’ll give an overview of our mission once more. Were in charge zone F. we’ll be moving toward the fruit in the center region while striking down threats from the perimeter in tandem with other platoons. The honju’s core should be in this vicinity according to the estimate provided by the analysis team. I’ll advance and-“ Hasegawa was cut off by a loud yawn and Hoshiko of course knew who the culprit of that was “NARUMI, ARE YOU LISTENING?!” Hasegawa yelled at her friend while she could only deadpan ‘The damn mission hasn’t even started yet but Gen has me exhausted…’ “Ah, hold on a sec! I’m at the best part! I’m about to beat my best time-“ Narumi replied as he focused on his console but it was his turn to be cut off as Hasegawa kicked him for the second time that day for misbehaving and Hoshiko grabbing the console out of his hands keeping it in her pocket so he wouldn’t be able to use it again “GAAH!!! WHAT’RE YOU TWO DOING?! ARGH…YOU’RE MAKING ME LOSE LIVES!!” the girl scoffs as she glares at the boy that was kneeling on the ground “You can do this later. Right now, we have a job to do Gen.”

The platoon leader ignores his complains as he gives the boy instructions “She’s right. Now Narumi, give me backup along with the other officers.” The mentioned boy gives Hasegawa an uninterested stare as he questioned him “Me? Back you up? You’re kidding, right?” the man’s expression turns grim as he turned to face him completely “Have you forgotten that the upper base threatened to discharge you? The stipulation was that you don’t cause any trouble. Headquarters isn’t expecting you to produce spectacular results. What they want to see from you is teamwork. Refusing to work with other officers that isn’t Mitsuba isn’t going to cut it. You only need to perform as well as an average officer, so behave yourself and provide backup as you were ordered.” To the threat Narumi stretched in boredom and complained once more “Not even co-op play. Just regular old support, huh?” to end his statement he yawns out once more “What’s the matter with you? Sleep-deprived” Hasegawa comments so Hoshiko grabbed him by the collar and looked right at his face “You pulled another all-nighter on that new game you bought, didn’t you?” the girl interrogated as the one in her grasp lowered his head and removed her grip on his collar and started walking away.

“Platoon leader, are you sure it’s okay to let him do as he pleases?” a platoon member asked To Hasegawa as the man turned to the member of his team “He stayed up all night playing games. Theres no way he’s taking this seriously. I don’t want him dragging us down. Not to mention he already has a history of disrupting our missions.” The platoon member finished to which Hasegawa reassured them “Just let him be. Either way, his future is riding on this mission.” The man sighed and look at Hoshiko who saluted, knowing exactly what that look on the mans face was saying. He may show it through anger most of the time but he cared to at least make him stay, he did after all, have very promising potential. The look Hasegawa gave to the girl told her ‘Take care of him if he goes too far.’

-☆☆

[aquanova99]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕡𝕙𝕚𝕞

Azriel x OC

Part 3

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➽───────────────❥

Well, that was a dumb idea. Why? Why did she feel the need to do that? Callista’s brows furrowed as her body curled into itself. She hadn’t even asked the young woman if she could use her magic on her. She couldn’t stop looking at her eyes. Sad at the suggestion of flight, but no tears at the long since acceptance of her position, her fate. Callista had to remind herself that she didn’t know these people, she had to remember Azriel’s warnings. If they somehow found her home, would they try and exploit everyone’s gifts? Fight these wars everyone seems on edge about? Part of her was worried it was a dream, and when she woke up she would be back in Luminia, part of her was hopeful she didn’t put everyone at risk by leaving. The light shining through one of the windows caused her eyes to reflectively squeeze even tighter. She forced herself to breathe before trying to open them.

The second he heard her move Azriel was the side of the bed. His wings blocked out the light and her eyes fluttered open. “How long?”

“Why would you do that?” Azriel was suddenly unable to keep the composure he’d been holding in for the past day and a half. “How could you do that? I had no idea what was happening. Your wings—”

“Are fine now.” She sat up and extended them to show the colors back and vibrant as usual, “Now, how long was I out?”

Azriels lips formed a tight line, he forced himself to speak as calmly as he could through clenched teeth, “….About 36 hours.”

“Objectively… that isn’t too bad. I’ve had worse.” She stretched and yawned, still coming to terms about her location, “How’s Emerie?”

“How are you?? How did you do that? Why did you—”

“Fall?” Azriel nodded, “I can heal almost anything but depending on the severity of something it takes a bit of energy out of me. A broken bone…those are usually easily, because every bone is supposed to set in a certain way. But something like a wing, I had to connect the tendon that was snipped. It’s still there just severely damaged. Almost recreating it, then it requires more of me. I had to figure out a lot of things when that fire broke out… but I don’t know everything so a lot of healing depends on magic and what I want to achieve.”

She shrugged as if putting her life in danger was no big deal to her. “It sounds like it could kill you.”

“I guess it could. I just haven’t had to use it in awhile.” Azriels eyes seemed to shine with a fury, she couldn’t quite understand. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Can you heal yourself?” At this point everything was now an interrogation. He would not risk her risking her life again. A protectiveness he had never felt before took over his entire being. He had been crouched next to the bed staring slightly up at Callista as she sat up and answered every question. For a brief moment, he wondered if was pushing her, possibly hindering any healing she was supposed to undergo. His worry won over any possible hesitation. Callista placed her hand on his face ever so gently. Her scars like the roots of an old tree spread down her arms

“I’m fine. Truly.” She looks at the scars trailing down her arm and grimaces at the sight of them. She tries to pull her hand back but fails. Azriel’s hand holds hers in place, she’s been trying to avoid it, but she cant ignore the fury in his eyes.

“You will not do that again.”

…

“I’m serious Callista. That kind of ability could put you in serious danger. Promise me you wont do it again.”

So he wasn’t angry at her. He did have a point. She was being careless. She didn’t know these people, if one of them were put in a difficult situation its hard to say what information they would divulge. Worse, what if they didn’t break? How far would these people go? Would they put their lives on the line to protect a secret that had no need to be shared? Stupid. Her eyes stung as she thought about the danger she put everyone in. She could only nod at Azriel’s request. Shame coursed through her veins.

Azriel softened, he gently brought her hand down to her lap and clasped his other hand around it, “I’m sorry.”

“Why would you be sorry? It was wrong of me to do something like that without even asking. You’re right. I was being selfish. My people, you all…if something happened to you—”

“Me?” Azriel was shocked. He’d been certain he had frightened her by yelling. He had been worried but it was no excuse. Not after what she had done for Emerie. After what she may have risked just coming back with him. He sat next to her, still worried about possibly pushing her away. He wondered if he would ever get over that, still he was intrigued. Why would she be worried about him?

“Couldn’t you get into trouble? For hiding what I can do?”

“I suppose. Being able to avoid detection helps.”

“And your friends?” This got his attention, was she worried they would break? “if they got into trouble I would never forgive myself. And I doubt you would either…”

“You think I would blame you if something happen—”

“I think you would try not to. But emotions are not logical. I don’t suppose your high lord could erase memories.” She laughs regardless of how much she wishes it were so easy.

“He can actually. But none of us would accept that.” Azriel shrugs

“It could keep you safe.”

“…No.”

“No?”

“My dear, our court is hardly in anyone’s good graces. Your abilities wouldn’t be the first thing they would think to torture out of us.” He could immediately see the effect his words had on him. All he was doing was confirming her worst fears. “We’ll be fine, Callista.”

She turned to face him, trying to read his usual unreadable face, hopeful she would be able to tell if he was telling the truth. When she had first met him his face, his body both mentally and physically seemed pained. She now knew what had been on his mind when he pushed his body past exhaustion, but since that first day he’s seemed wary to give any emotion away on his face. Up until now, she had assumed he could care less one way or another about helping her out. Maybe coming back only to prove to himself he could do it, to do something no one had done before. But he seemed genuinely concerned, worried about her own safety over his own.

She could only nod, “How is she?”

“Emerie? She’s terrified. Thinks it’s a spell that will wear off, so she been waiting for you to get better. Make sure she doesn’t get her hopes up. Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

Everyone was waiting for them in the sitting room. Waiting to ask questions. “Please, sit.” Nesta gestured to a spot next to her, “How are you feeling?”

“Still regaining my energy, it seems. But fine. What would you like to know? Or should I start?”

“Please, go ahead. Better we don’t bombard you with endless questions.” Nesta continued

“I’ve been dealing with this kind of magic for a while. It’s permanent. It always takes some amount of energy but the bigger the issue the more it takes. I cannot heal something from nothing, so if you were to get your wings cut off I wouldn’t be able to make them grow back. Did I miss anything?” She ignores Emerie taking a deep breath

Cassian glances at Azriel who just shrugs. Emerie’s eyes begin to water. Gwyn rubs her back, “We told you.”

“Thank you…” She says through broken sobs.

“Actually, I apologize. I shouldn’t have made an assumption, even then I could have warned you. But I am glad it worked o—” Emery tackled her in a hug and kissed her cheek. Azriel stiffened and forced himself to remember Emerie was not a threat.

“Thank you.” She runs back to grab Nesta and Gwyn. They embrace her and Nesta squeezes Callistas shoulder before running off with her two sisters. All overjoyed to see Emery regain something they all knew had broken something deep inside her long ago. As far as Nesta was concerned, she was indebted to the newcomer.

“Take care of her Az!” Nesta waves as the girls run out the door. Azriel still stunned and conflicted at Emerie’s affection. Cassian tried to stifle the laugh building in his chest.

“Where are you planning on starting?” He asked his friend

“Maybe Dawn, or Summer Court?” Azriel offered

“I want to see where you’re from.” Callista hurried to explain herself as both men froze, “This training camp—it would be interesting to learn a new skill.”

“No.” Azriel couldn’t even begin to fathom her stepping foot there. Too dangerous. He was sure his kind would immediately flock to her. Try and get away with doing some of the worst things imaginable.

“Did you not say my people were unprepared for a fight? I should learn some techniques to take back.”

“Cassian could train you here. Emerie or Nesta could train you here. That camp is the worst part of Prythian.” The things they would do to you…he thought to himself. Callista shrugged in acceptance.

“End with Dawn.” Cassian interjected, “Get spring and fall out of the way. Don’t stick around too long.”

“You both worry too much. But I do want to thank you again for offering up your home.”

“We’ve heard you did the same.” Cassian smiled at Callista then turned serious, “You’re going to need to speak to Rhys soon enough. He is going to want to know how far your gift extends.”

A warning, Callista decided. She could feel Azriels eyes burning a hole in the back of her head. She decides to leave before starting another fracture between his friends, regardless of her opinion of them, they were still all Azriel knew. She nodded at Cassian, fluttering her wings just enough to reach his height and deliver a kiss on the cheek, “Thank you. I’m sure we will return by the days end.”

She ran back the second her feet touched the ground. Grabbing Azriels hand and squeezing it to let him know she was good to go. It only seemed to break his train of thought but he couldn’t help but smile as she beamed at him, he slightly nodded, “Ready?”

➽───────────────❥

She closed her eyes and squeezed his hand again. Her skin grew cold as the shadows enveloped her again. She wished she could see how it worked, but she trusted Azriel and didn’t dare break any trust in her. Before she could open her eyes again, she was overwhelmed with the floral perfumes surrounding her. She opened her eyes before Azriel needed to alert her that it was safe. Azriel had chosen a place most likely to be safe but they would not be able to stay here for long, relations with Tamlin and even the spring court were as tense as ever. He didn’t need to give Rhys another reason to worry further.

“What do you think?”

“Its beautiful…If I had your gift I would never stop looking for somewhere new to explore. Is that how you found this place?” She looked back at him, ready to inquire about this clearly secluded area. Flowers she could only imagine and dream of surrounded her, climbing up the trees. Whatever small lake the had arrived at seem clear and bottomless as it glimmered with some kind of magic. Any questions she had would have to wait, she looked at Azriel’s all too serious face. His posture was too similar to the way he seemed at dinner the first day she’d arrived. “Azriel?”

“What? Nothing. Everythings fine.”

“Well that’s good, but it isn’t what I asked.”

“I’m sorry. I must have been distracted. What?”

“I take it we cant stay here long?”

“Unfortunately, not. We aren’t exactly amicable with the spring court.”

“Why not?”

Azriel hesitates. Its not really his story to tell, besides it could get her in trouble if she meets the wrong people. Before he can say anything everything goes silent and his head snaps towards the direction he knows his friend will winnow from. He gets in front of Callista throwing her behind him. Rhys walks out unconcerned.

“Really?”

“What are you doing here?” Azriel spat out

“Besides the fact you shouldn’t risk being in here, I came to speak to your…friend.” He faces her with an expression made of stone, “I found what you came here for.”

Before Azriel could decode what he was talking about Callista stepped out from behind him, “You really must want me gone. Very well. Show me.”

“I assume I’ll see you back in the Night court then? Unless of course, you’d rather come with me?” He smirked, Azriel had never been so ready to fight someone he’d once considered one of his only friends. He felt his arm lift as Callista linked her arms with his.

“No. I’ll pass, thank you.”

Rhysand nods and disappears. Azriel tries not to let the disappointment show on his face. Why hadn’t he helped him before, those were months wasted when he could have been with…or rather could have helped Callista. He knew it was selfish, but he wasn’t ready for her to go. Since his time under the mountain Azriel knew the things Rhysand went through and was forced to comply with were unimaginable. So much so that any shift in his plans drove him crazy. Even more so now that Nyx was around. Everything had to go according to plan, if it didn’t it brought out a side he wasn’t sure he liked. No matter how much he empathized.

“You shouldn’t hold so much resentment for him. As poor as his judgement towards me may be, its clear he cares about you. He is trying to keep those he holds dear close.”

“So its alright he treats you this way?” Azriel shakes his head, “No. He should trust my judgement. I’ve never failed him, theres no reason—” Azriel is silenced by the feeling of her lips, ever light as a feather, graze his cheeks.

“I suppose you’ll have to show me around some other time. Come. We shouldn’t keep your brother waiting,”

Azriel blinks as he tries to regain his train of thought. He ends up only nodding and squeezing her hand tight and she smiles before closing her eyes.

➽───────────────❥

Azriel tries to not be instantly agitated at the sight of Rhysand sitting with his arms behind his head. As if there was nothing amiss. As if he couldn’t have given you this information months ago. He gestures to a book that looked as if it would crumble if it wasn’t handled properly. Callista warily approaches the ancient script. Azriel finally seems to notice that his hand was still intertwined with hers when she finally lets go to more carefully examine what Rhysand has offered her. He hates that he’s so bothered by the ease of which she let go. Has he always been so possessive over his friends? No, never like this. Never like her. She had ingrained herself into him, became a part of him he was terrified would disappear. That was the problem. It was difeerent this time. He could accept that he wasn’t enough for the other, hell he certainly would never be enough for her, but he couldn’t let her go. Not now. A small rational part of his brain told him to go slow. Be wary. He had only known her for a matter of days. Was that all it took to get him to not look back? Had he only latched onto her because he was desperate to have someone? Had he simply fallen for someone no one had any agency over? Was he willing to leave the people he had known his entire life for her? What if she rejected him as well? What would he do then?

Azriel cant make sense of the markings on the page but Callista studies every one intently. As he begins to worry  she turns to face him, feeling a kind of shift with shadows that encircle him. The two make eye contact only for a second before Azriel looks away, pain etched deep withing his eyes. Rhysand shifts in his seat and Azriel straightens up, he tells himself to get himself together. Whats one more rejection anyway?

“Find what you’re looking for?” Rhysand asks

“I—I don’t know.”

“Only one way to find out.” He shrugs

“I suppose you’re right… Azriel?” He can only dread whats coming, “You’ll have to forgive me. You’ll have to show me around another time.”

“Whenever you wish.” He smiles and bows his head, “Shall we head back?”

“I will be taking her Az. You’ve done enough traveling?”

“Really?” Callista interjects before Azriel can protest, “I’m surprised you’d be willing to leave your family for so long. And unprotected as well. I’m honored. Do you know where you’re going? Wouldn’t want you to be unable to make it back if the spell doesn’t work.”

“I—”

“Don’t be ridiculous Callista, Azriel can take you. Cant he Rhys?” Feyre steps in and sits on the high lord’s lap who can only take a deep breath and relent. He waves Azriel off, and he nods his head for Callista to follow. He wanted to talk to her before they left. She followed him all the way back to the house of wind.

“So…those markings…they’ll help?”

“Ancient runes, I’ve studied some from the books back home.”

“You remember everything?”

She pulls out her left hand, markings decorating her arm in gold. “If I can figure out how to pronounce everything correctly, I should be able to make it work. Hopefully, Tommin and the rest of the elders aren’t too mad to where they wont help.”

“I think with enough support they’ll whether they want things to change or not.”

“hm. Are you alright?”

“Why would I not be?” Azriel asked

“Well, you didn’t exactly need to bring me all the way here to have that conversation. What is it?”

“I—”

“Azriel?” She places her hand on his shoulder and every worry threatens to spill out

“What happens if this works?”

“What do you mean?”

“Will you explore what you can, with them? Or would you…”

“Come back?”

Azriel finally looks at her eyes, “Could you?”

“Would you want me to?” She smiles, Azriel shakes his head chuckling. What was happening? He had never had any issues with anyone. Not at Rita’s, not anywhere, even with Mor as painful as it was he had no difficulty flirting back. But here he was, tongue tied for seemingly the millionth time.

“I—” Azriel looks up and runs his hand through his hair sighing at how complicated this was all getting, “Of course I would.”

“Hmm. And would you want to come back here?” Because frankly you seem miserable, she though to herself. “Are you happy here?”

“I have a duty here.”

“That doesn’t exactly answer my question…” She tilts her head as she considers his words for a moment more, “Well, I suppose it does actually.”

His name on her lips unsettled him. No one called him by his full name around here. And she said with so much…kindness. Wait, he froze, what exactly did she he was letting her down. Did she mean when she said she understood, he himself didn’t understand what he wanted yet. What he wanted…

“Azriel…” He flinches at her touch, her fingers delicately trace her eyebrows, her hand gently rests on his face, “You really ought to stop worrying so much. If you want to talk you know I’m here. You are free to speak and ask whatever it is that’s worrying you.”

“Stay with me.” He finally says, grasping her hand and finally staring her in the eyes. Afraid to hear her answer but needing to get everything out, “I dont care where you want to go, but stay with me. I know you don’t know me. Not really but—”

Both hands now cup his face as she looks up. Her wings flutter ever so slightly and he feels her lips press against him once more, but the intention feels different. She purposely kisses him in the corner of his mouth, letting him decide whether or not he’d rather push it any further. She lingered for a few seconds, and then whispered, “You still owe me a tour if I remember correctly.”

She floats down, “I don’t plan on traveling alone anytime soon, what fun would that be?”

Azriel looks down at her smirk, her almost all knowing smirk. If she had any idea how he was entirely at her command. He would travel the ends of the universe for the smallest request. He was completely wrapped around her finger. He couldn’t deny it any longer. He needed her. Her company, her presence, her light. A balance to the darkness he seemed to carry around him constantly. She never pushed, and yet he felt like she was the only one that would understand. He grabs her face and kisses her as deeply as he can and hopes he can convey even a fraction of what he’s feeling. Its only when they both need to breath that they step back.

Azriel clears his throat, “Lets get going then, there so much I want you to see. And I can’t wait to get started.”

➽───────────────❥

She nods and grabs his hand. She closes her eyes and waits for the chill to pass. Every trip was exhilarating, literally breathtaking. She would never not be amazed by this ability, amazed and saddened. Calista wondered if he ever thought back to the times he had been scared of the darkness before it embraced, or if it ever still brought him a wave of sadness as he remembered exactly what brought this gift.

“This is wrong.” Azriels words force her eyes open

Callista immediately sees what he is referring to. The trees once green and lush looked dull. As if the life was being sucked out of them. And it was silent. Eerily silent. Callista felt her stomach harden.

“Where—”

Azriel shook his head, he is only whispering to himself but Callista wont accept what comes out of his mouth, “There’s only one?”

Callista refuses to believe it, she releases his hand and begins flitting to and from several different houses. She calls out names getting increasingly more panicked. Her home she once knew like the back of her hand seemed foreign to her now. Azriel could feel the pain in her voice but he was frozen, he caused this, he was sure of it. He should have never returned. No, that isn’t right, maybe he should have waited to hear the Elder’s concerns, pressed for more information. Likewise, Callista knew her absence had something to do with this.

“Azriel!!” She looked to him pleading, he seemed terrified, still he knew exactly what she was asking for, he point in a direction. This person would surely have some answers. Deeper in the woods, closer to the forest floor. Callista dashed off and Azriel snapped out of it enough to follow her. She breathed a sigh of relief when the elder who had protested when Azriel had first returned appeared. But Azriel noticed his aging immediately, Callista was so excited to see anyone she rushed and hugged him. The old man did not return the gesture. “Tommin.”

“So. You finally decided to come back.” He grunts and steps back. Callista seems taken aback by his attitude and finally realizing how different he appeared.

“How long?”

“Several hundred years if I am counting correctly.”

“What? That’s impossible, every other time was maybe a few years at most.”

“Because we had so many returning visitors before that young man. Anyhow, I’m sure you have questions. We don’t have much time.”

Callista shakes her head, refusing to accept what was plain to see. Azriel can only hope its one of two options, “But where is everyone?”

The old man, chuckles. As if he’s been waiting to deliver what hes about to say for years. As if it would make all of it okay…

“Oh child, they’re all long gone.”

➽───────────────❥

Taglist: @bubybubsters @mich0731 @azziessidehoe @cleverzonkwombatsludge @nightless @thelov3lybookworm @kemillyfreitas

[werrrrrd]

CHARLES XAVIER X OC Pt.14

WARNINGS FOR ENTIRE STORY: shock therapy, manipulation, death, suicide, surgery is mentioned including an undetailed description, stitches, slight malnutrition, forcive murder, abuse of authority, blood, lots of blood stuff since this is like her power, anger issues, aggression, mentions of murder as well as the actual murder, mind reading, OC is not very kind to herself sometimes, let me know if you notice any others. No sexual assault but definitely Shaw being creepy.

AN: Thank you for waiting for the next part! I hope you are having a happy holiday season and that you like this chapter, its a bit more fluffy than usual so that's a win. There most likely wont be more than one or two more parts to this story. I really hope youve enjoyed it so far even though my writing could be much better and I'm kinda half ass-ing it. Oops. Anyways, feel free to ask any questions about the story, I'm happy to answer them, although I can't guarantee I'll have a good answer.

When I woke I was alone. The room was large, tall windows lined the wall to my left, it was dark outside. The bed I was in was big, bigger than I had ever slept in before, sheets tucked carefully around me and my head propped up just the right amount. I took a moment to come to my senses. I couldn't quite remember what had happened, things were fuzzy. I reached for my temples to massage away the headache only to find a bandage wrapped snugly against my head and suddenly I remembered the gunshot. My eyes closed, reliving the moment.

Before long I could feel Charles check on me through his mind from somewhere else in the mansion. I felt him startle slightly as he noticed I was awake and only a few moments later he pushed open the door and came to my bedside. 

“How are you feeling love?” 

I looked at him, a grin forming on my face. He looked at me perplexed for a moment before the smile spread to his own face. The headache became a dull background noise as I thought about where I was, and who I was with. For so long I had been with Shaw, doing whatever it was he wanted me to do. Now I could do what I wanted to do. And I knew what it was that I wanted to do at this very moment. 

I sat up, suddenly feeling a great amount of adrenaline caused by my new found freedom. Charles watched me intently as I placed my hands on the sides of his face and brought my lips to his, his eyes widening briefly before they closed in bliss. Our brains hummed at the contact and proximity. I felt as if I was sealing my fate with this kiss, confirming, signing even, onto my new life. So it was firm and secure, nothing about it was timid or unsure. Like I said, I knew what I wanted, and finally I had the choice to do it. And he was kissing back just as firmly as I was, leaning into it and angling his head to where he could move against me just right.

Charles broke the kiss with a laugh. 

“I'm glad to see you're well” He was blushing ever so slightly. It took a great deal of effort not to jump him right then, but I knew what I needed was to rest a little more and perhaps kissing was too much for now. 

The gunshot, I could feel with my powers, had only skimmed the side of my skull, not causing any serious damage other than bleeding. I could feel the wound had passed through my head completely so the bullet was not lodged inside. I could also feel the wounds in my neck from the shock devices had been stitched up and cleaned with utmost care. My heart swelled. 

Charles hand stroked mine and we held each other's eyes for a moment, feeling the stillness that Charles’ proximity always caused. I felt his presence grounding me and making me feel at peace before he spoke.

“I cannot believe the strength you possess."

“What do you mean?”

“Shaw, I know how terrible he was to you. Going through your memories, I could feel the terror and anger you had carried of him, and I understood the urge to kill him.” His eyes grew wide as he explained. “Often it's all consuming. Hell, even I wanted to kill him just thinking about what he had done to you. But somehow…” He paused “you saw through it all and realized that it wouldn't fix things.”

I tensed as I processed what he said. I had never felt strong before. Especially not when it comes to resisting urges or controlling my temper. Nor resisting Shaw's influence. My parents had scolded me hundreds of times in my childhood and Shaw had done more than scold me for the same. I had never felt that I had had any control over that sort of thing. But Charles was right. I had seen through it all, the fury and the blinding maddness, when it had mattered most. I wouldn't have felt better, if I had killed him. And I realized how proud of myself I should be, how strong I had to be to be able to do that. 

“Thank you for talking me out of it, I don't think I would have been able to think clearly if you hadn't reminded me that I had a choice.”

Thinking back, I knew that my past self would have been furious with me for not killing him. For the longest time that was all I wanted, to kill Shaw, for everything he had done. To avenge Lou, to pay him back for every kid he had killed or tortured, forced to do his dirty work for him, including myself. But I knew now that my freedom from Shaw meant that nothing I would do from that moment on would ever be for or because of him, not even if it meant revenge. I was free of him. 

Charles shook his head at me. “It was you, you came to the decision all on your own,” 

I smiled softly at him again before I remembered Shaw. Unfortunately he was still a problem wasn't he?

“How are we going to catch him?” I asked

“I don't want you to worry about that right now,” Charles rubbed his thumb on my hands.

“But I am worrying,” Charles sighed, “the FBI are tracking him, they will notify us of when were needed, for now you should rest, and the rest of us will keep training”

I nodded in understanding. The only thing we could do is wait and prepare. I hoped that Shaw would be stopped before he started the war. I felt sick, thinking about the hunger for power he had within himself, and the fact that he would do anything to claim that power, including killing millions of people in a war. Charles stopped my train of thought before it became overbearing, he kissed my hand softly and brushed a few hairs from my face smiling at me. 

“Youve done enough, you don't have to do anything more.”

“I want to, I want to help, I couldn't live with myself if Shaw got what he wanted.” Charles looked at me. I could feel his gut tighten and an emotion rise within him. Concern.

“Ok, you can help if that's what you want. But know that this isn't your responsibility, you don't have any wrongs to right. You've helped us more than you know.”

I lifted a hand to brush along the side of his face. He leaned into it. 

“I know, thank you.”

We sat like that for a moment before Charles seemed to remember the state I was in and started scrambling to help me, tucking in my blankets and trying to adjust my pillows.

“Can I get you anything? Tea? Run you a bath? Are you hungry?” 

My heart filled again, it felt good to be taken care of, I didn't think I could ever get used to it. 

“Yes, yes and yes” 

The best part was, I didn't feel selfish for asking for anything. The way Charles was looking at me was enough to convince me that I wasn't a burden for asking to be cared for. That he wanted to help me however he could, sincerely. While he was gone to grab me some food and brew me some tea, I let a few tears slip. I never thought this was possible, to be so happy. 

After a few weeks of staying in the mansion and healing, my bandages and stitches came off. While I had been in bed often I was being visited, mostly just by Charles and Raven. Erik came in once and I found out then that he had saved me. When Shaw had shot at me Erik had barely been able to stop the bullet from going right through my brain and in a fraction of a second had angled it to keep me from being killed. I stared at him wide eyed as Charles told me this. Erik stood a few feet away from the foot of my bed with his hands clasped behind his back and a humble, almost blank expression on his face. I barked out a disbelieving laugh that made Erik shoot me an odd look

“Sorry, I just” I composed myself “It could have been over, for me before it had even begun, my life I mean,” I pulled my head up to look at Erik again with a small grateful smile on my lips. “Thank you Erik, I mean it” 

He did not respond for a moment, and then the most odd thing happened. He smiled at me and said

“Congratulations May, you'd been under his command for far too long, it's past time that you made your own decisions” 

His words hit me in the heart and I thanked him again.

When he left, I looked at Charles incredulously. 

“What was that?” I asked as I laughed, “I had no idea he could smile” Charles laughed at that

“Eriks a good man. Stoic to most people, but once you're around him more you'll see he's got more personality than you'd expect.” 

After that I felt more at home, realizing I didn't have any enemies here. Most everyone liked me. Respected me greatly actually. I'd started hanging out with everyone while they conversed. Raven, after thanking me for saving her life, made sure I had been properly introduced to everyone and each of them welcomed me and told me that they were grateful for me switching sides since I had previously been a very effective enemy. Charles went out of his way to remind everyone I had never really been an enemy, that from the start I had helped them despite the dangers. He talked of me so fondly I couldn't help but fall a little bit in love. 

Often I found myself being as close to Charles as possible, I read with him in his office, ate breakfast seated beside him, stood by and watched as he helped to train his team. 

Once he called me over. 

“May, I think you may be of help right now, if you don't mind?” I smiled at him. Charles had been very sensitive over the last while on making sure I knew I had a choice. If I didn't want to do something I didn't have to and no one would punish me or be angry with me. Fortunately I really wanted to help in any way I could. I felt myself healing internally every time I helped Charles out because I knew it was for something good. 

I hopped off the stone wall I had been sitting on next to Erik as we watched and walked over to Charles. Alex was out in the yard on the gravel driveway. He had been struggling as he tried to control how powerful his blast was. Charles had told me some nights ago during his debriefing of each of the kids he was training that Alex was exceptional. His power was fascinating to Charles (as was each of the kids) and he was trying to come up with ways to help Alex control it better. He mentioned that Alex had struggled even just aiming when they had first started training together. Watching him now I couldn't believe that. Alex had shown a lot of growth especially for someone so young and with a mutation so incredibly powerful. Erik followed me as I came to stand beside Charles and Alex

“Thank you dear,” Charles said to me appreciatively for being willing to help. I smiled at him as he asked me something. “May, where do you feel your powers inside you when you use them?” Charles asked. I lifted my hands and looked at them

“My hands,” then my hands came and pressed against my chest where the blood pumped softly “and my heart i would say” 

“Good, where do you feel it Alex?”

“I don't know?! I just do it and it comes from where it comes from!” Alex was clearly frustrated. They had been at this for nearly an hour without much to show for it. Charles was unwaveringly patient. 

“Try,” Charles said. “Try and feel where it comes from as you form a blast.”

Alex took a shaky breath in before blasting at the target about 30 yards away. The blast was powerful, as usual. Too powerful, the target combusted and Hank, who was waiting to replace it, ducked for cover. 

“Uh, my stomach I guess.” Alex mumbled

“Right, that makes sense.” Charles replied, he looked at me momentarily and tilted his head, silently asking if I had any advice. I swallowed, unsure of how helpful I could be, worried that I might make things worse. Charles sensed my anxiety and put a comforting hand on my shoulder, communicating his confidence in me. Although this was much more Charles’ element, he felt assured that I had something valuable to teach, and I hoped that I could deliver

“When I was young, I didn't have much control over my power.” I started. Alex looked at me like a teenager would look at their teacher in class, reluctant but still listening. “Either because of my temper or because I really just didn't know how to control it. For me it was all about intention, what I willed the person I was controlling to do and why. Now… for you it's probably different because our powers aren't similar in that regard, you're not controlling anyone but yourself.” I paused to look at Charles to see if I was doing a good job. He was beaming at me, a bright smile at his face and his eyes fond and soft, making me blush deeply. I continued “maybe try… thinking of how strong you want the blast to be and why?” I questioned slightly. This was only a guess, but Chalres gave no indication that I was doing anything wrong so Alex tried it out. 

The blast was strong again. The new target Hank had set up blew up once more. 

“Nope,” Alex grunted out, still frustrated. I looked at Charles again to tell me what to do hoping he would take over. It hadn't worked so I assumed Charles was going to step in and fix it. But he just looked at me expectantly, making me swallow and make something else up.

“Ok that's fine, we can try something else. Maybe…. can you feel your plasma blast in your belly before it leaves you?” I asked 

“Um, a little bit I think.”

“OK, does it get bigger the longer you hold it or does it just blast once it gets to a certain size? Do you think you could try to release it before it gets to its full capacity?”

Alex thought for a moment. 

“... Im not sure” 

“Try it Alex," Charles said from beside me

Alex tries a few times, each one the same as the one before. He puts his face in his hands and scrunches up his nose angrily. I feel dejected too but Charles once again seems completely unphased signalling for me to try again. Erik next to me raises his eyebrows expectantly. I think for a moment before something Lou told me comes to mind

“How about you try putting some of the energy somewhere else? Take some of it from your stomach and use it elsewhere. I had a friend whose power would come over her sporadically when she didn't want it to. She could feel the energy forming, but before it happened she would do something else with it, like clench her fists or scream into a pillow” I said, thinking of the times when Lou would transform against her will. Sometimes, to transfer the energy, she would hit things, smash her hands against the wall, spattering blood often. It scared me but it scared me less than when she transformed and was punished by Shaw or one of the doctors there. I didn't mention that though, I didn't want Alex to resort to something that could harm him.

Alex turned back towards the fresh target, his fists clenching before he had even started his blast. The same thing happened, the target completely obliterated. Before he could get frustrated I butted in.

“You didn't take from the energy in your stomach, you just used your normal physical energy to clench your fists. You gotta feel it forming in your stomach and then take it from there to use elsewhere. You could yell too though,” I smiled “I doubt you would need to be quiet and use a pillow during a loud battle where you'll already be exploding things” 

Alex almost laughed. He shook his head before it could get anywhere though. To cover it up he took a deep breath and tried again. This time his fists clenched right before the blast came out and he let out a short grunt as the blast ripped from him. And it worked! The target didn't explode, it did go flying though, knocked back a good 20 feet from where it had been and caught fire, singeed where the plasma blast had made impact. Everyone took this as a victory though. Alex let out shout and pumped his fists in victory as Erik clapped him on the back, smiling again. Hank yelled from afar a congratulations to Alex and Charles laughed out pleased at the results. My heart beat a little faster, giddy that I had done a good job.

“Alright Alex, It seems I should be replaced as your trainer, clearly someone knows what she's doing much better than I do.” 

I smiled at him but shook my head “I don't know what I'm doing at all,” But I smiled fondly, Lou would be proud. 

That night as I ate dinner with Charles I could feel him watching at me intently. I could feel his emotions festering within him, he was convinced, sure of something, and of it glad too. I ignored it for a while, knowing that he wasn't intentionally sharing these feelings with me, but soon enough my curiosity became too much and my eyes landed on his. 

“What is it?” I asked, snapping him out of his daze gently. He clears his throat realizing he had been staring but doesn't seem too apologetic, not that I was mad about it. 

“Excuse me dear,” He pauses looking at me earnestly again “I just feel as though you were meant to be here, all this time” 

My heart settles again, my fingers flit against my lap. I realize with a start that it's because my power is having a reaction to Charles. The same way he has a reaction to mine. I can, in a way, feel what he's feeling, and him me. And in turn Charles causes my powers to flare up on their own, quieting our systems, and syncing up our heartbeats. He feels my realization and for what feels like the first time we acknowledge it.

“Its odd,” He speaks

“Hmm?”

“The way we are connected. I don't understand it entirely… or at all really.”

“Me neither,” I say. There's a brief moment of quiet “I don't think we have to though, maybe it's beyond us,” He tilts his head at me with a reverent expression on his face. 

“Your right…” His voice soft “I'm glad for it though. It's weird when you can read minds, it's a sensation that no one ever quite understands even if you explain it in detail, and even though you don't feel the full extent of it, It feels… less lonely to share a part of that power with you.” 

His admission makes me reach for him. In the privacy of his office, with our dinner plates abandoned, it feels like it's just us two in the world. We are fused to each other in a way that we cannot wrap our minds around. But nevertheless, we hold each other close and breathe each other in, thankful for it.

[librivore42]

Hair today, here tomorrow

A secret withers fic for @beesht! You know the drill, the ao3 link is below (kudos and comments welcome!) and if you don't want to click it, the fic is right under the read more

Hair today, here tomorrow (1212 words) by Librivore42

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Baldur's Gate (Video Games)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Rugan (Baldur's Gate)/Original Female Character(s)

Characters: Rugan, Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: Nudity, they're trying to have sexy bath times but it's not working at all, hair gets EVERYWHERE did you know that?

Summary:

Rugan and Boram try to have a little fun in the tub. But a small tub, very long hair, and sheer bad luck kills the mood, despite their best intentions.

It had seemed like a good idea at the time, just like every idea to see each other naked was a fantastic bloody idea. A quiet night to themselves, a rickety wooden tub filled with hot water and barely big enough for him, so they’d just have to be on top of each other (ignore the other tub), seemed like ideal circumstances.

~~~~~~~

He should have known all of this would go tits up the moment she’d unbraided her hair. Or maybe he should have known it when he’d seen the size of the tub.

She’d settled into the first tub and opened up her hair as a first priority, unable to deal with the dust and grime of the long road any longer, swatting him away. She didn’t have to swat much, the novelty of seeing her with her hair open for the first time completely distracted him from wanting to touch anything but those soft tresses for a while.

It was vulnerable, just another in the smaller and larger ways that she was growing more at ease with him, and he felt a warm flutter, like he always did when looking at Boram’s naked body.

… no, not in the same place. It was higher up than his loins. Not his belly either, it was more in the chest region.

… well we’re not going to examine that at all.

Grabbing a bottle of something strong and lathersome and a jug of water, he reached for her hair and felt that little flutter again as she let him touch it, let him help her wash it. He relished in the feeling of it running through his fingers, giving it a sharp tug whenever she looked too relaxed, and relishing even further in the glares she shot him. All toothless threats when she never actually pushed him away. He knew all too well the damage she could do and the filth she could spout when she really didn’t like the way she was being touched. A glare was practically a kiss.

Once he’d had his fill of her hair, he settled into the other tub and practically lifted her in after him, already running his hands up her sides in the same slow, languid pace that water was dripping down them.

It was set to be a very rewarding night for the both of them.

Who knew the gods-damned hair would take on a life of its own.

“Stop struggling,” she snapped, trying not to tip face-first into the water. It had only been fifteen minutes and already the hair had gotten in his eyes, his mouth, and somehow managed to wrap around his neck.

“Oh aye, and if I stop this blasted hair’s going to drag me to the bottom and drown me,” he ground out through another mouthful of water and wet hair, spitting like an angry cat. Why was it everywhere? And because it was wet it clung like strips of cloth trying to wind around him.

He idly remembered that there was some country that wrapped its dead, that might even wrap someone alive as a fatal punishment. Where and why wasn’t important, and nor was whatever she’d just said to him in response, not when he felt like he was losing oxygen. His hand slipped from the edge of the tub and filled his ears with water before he broke the surface again.

“If I wanted to go out smothered by something of yours, your hair wasn’t in the top five.” He should really stop trying to snark back when he was half an inch from swallowing water.

“You’re not suffocating!” she tried to sit up straighter, a useless endeavour when the very thing she was sitting on was thrashing like a netted fish, and gave his chest a sharp smack. “Hold STILL.”

He held his breath, locked his arms against the sides of the tub so his chin stayed above the waterline, and tried to freeze.

Not even the sensation of her wet thighs sliding over his chest was enough to distract him the way it normally would, as she methodically started to pull and tug and untangle the snare that had him so securely trapped.

“Hells.” He surfaced abruptly, nearly throwing her onto the floor as he took a deep gasp of air, much deeper and more dramatic than strictly necessary.

She gave him the grace of waiting for his breathing to almost steady before starting up again. “You know, some men pay extra to be half-suffocated.” She glanced over her shoulder to look critically between his legs. “You’re not one of them.”

“Oh you’re hilarious, Princess,” he grunted.

“You don’t like me for my kind and nurturing personality.”

He barked out a hoarse laugh, grabbing her hips to slide her back down to his lap so he could sit up properly again. “It’s not the half-suffocating I have a problem with, it’s being drowned like a mutt in a sack.”

If he never had a mouthful of hair again it would be too soon. Any fantasising about the softness or the scent of incense that clung to it would have to take a back seat to vague sensations of is this what it feels like to be wrapped up by those big jellyfish bastards out in the open sea?

No harm in tossing a quick something into the next offering box for Umberlee, in the hope that he’d never have to find out.

The water had almost all been splashed out onto the floor, he was thinking of jellyfish, and the mood had been most thoroughly killed.

Not for long, never for long when it came to Boram, but it was a deep disappointment all the same. Tipping his head back with a loud groan, he smacked her hip.

“Up you get.”

“Really?”

“The less you say about it-” he growled, lifting her bodily as he stood, since she refused to move, “- the better.”

She stayed stubbornly latched to him as he walked over to grab a towel, wriggling in annoyance. It was making good progress towards resuscitating that killed mood if he was being honest, but he’d rather get that hair out of the way first.

He dropped the towel on her head and grinned as it flopped over her glare, the edge smacking her in the mouth and making her sputter.

“Deal with that and let’s try again.”

“I can’t just deal with it,” she grumbled as he kept walking past the partition. “It’s too long to-” she cut herself off with a squeak as he tossed her onto the bed, enjoying the way she, and several of her personal effects, bounced.

“Not my problem, Princess.” Stretching, he propped himself against the headboard and relaxed into the warm, dry, non-clingy sheets, her angry muttering and accusations of him being a cruel bastard for working her up and then abandoning her making for excellent background noise.

The best part of it all was that they had time. No more rushed and stolen moments, where a mess like this could have been their last opportunity together, nothing but bad luck and frustration. He could wait all day for her to get herself sorted if that’s what she needed, and have her all night. There was time.

[bagerfluff]

Meeting A Cutie

Aged Up Gladion x Non-Binary Reader

Prompt - First Meet/Meet Cute

You were walking through a forest.

Sunlight peeked down from the tall trees, wind blew the smell of the sea into your face. Pokémon laid in the sun, relaxing, Pokémon slept in the trees. You were walking through the forest to get to the Pokémon Center to rest your Pokémon.

You had to battle a Pokémon that you wanted to catch and you won. You had caught the Pokémon but some of your Pokémon got damaged in the process. So you needed to get to a Pokémon center. So you were walking through the forest with your ace as you just enjoyed the peace.

Until you heard an explosion.

You looked towards the sound to see smoke rising. You were worried so you ran to see what was happening. You broke through the trees to find yourself near a beach. You were standing at the place where the forest floor turned to sand.

You looked around to see if you could find anything. When you looked right you saw a Pokémon you had never seen before. At least you thought it was a Pokémon. It was large and had bird-like front feet.

Its back legs were more normal, like dog legs, but it had a bunch of blades on its forehead. Its tail also looked like it belonged to a fish, not a land animal. You had never seen anything like it before. “Silvally use Air Slash!”

You turned your head to the voice and what you saw made you blush. A young man, about your age, was commanding the Pokémon, Silvally, to do moves. He had blonde hair and big bangs that covered half of his face.

That would annoy you.

He had a black jacket with a fluffy hood and a big red cut in the middle. He had ripped black pants and two more Pokémon at his side. He had an Umbreon and a midnight form Lycanroc. They were just watching as the man told Silvally to attack.

You had no idea what he was attacking, there wasn't anything. You assumed that he was just training. You’ve seen lots of people train and you liked to watch. You liked to see the other ways people fight.

Your ace was interested too.

They watched alongside you as the man trained with his Pokémon. You had no idea how long you were watching but eventually you were caught. Silvally had turned his head and noticed you. They started to growl and lower himself, ready to attack.

Your Pokémon did the same, ready to protect you if Silvally attacked. You stood there shocked, not sure what to do. Your ace was your strongest Pokémon, that’s why they were your ace. But you had seen Silvally attacking and it was powerful.

You weren’t sure if you could beat it in a battle. “Silvally what's wrong?”, the trainer said. He walked over to Silvally and placed his hand on the Pokémon's head. They immediately calmed down but Silvally was still looking at you.

The man turned to look at what Silvally was looking at. When he saw you the boy got tense and stood partly in front of Silvally. “What do you want?” The boy asked and you tried to calm yourself. Obviously the boy thought you were trouble.

“Nothing”, you said. Placing your hand on your ace to calm them down. When your ace calmed down Silvally did it. So did the boy. “I’m sorry but I was just traveling through the forest when I heard you were training. I was curious so I followed the sound and found you. I didn’t mean to watch you but I was fascinated by your Pokémon”.

You pointed to Silvally. The boy had gotten a little calmer after your explanation. When the boy didn’t say anything else you apologized again. “It's fine. Just don’t scare Silvally again”, Silvally let out a little roar as if backing up the boy's clam.

You nodded and walked closer to the boy. “I’m Y/n”, you held out your hand, “and this is p/n”. Your Pokémon greeted everyone. The boy reached forward and shook your hand. “I’m Gladion. This is Umbreon, Lycanroc, and Silvally”, the Pokémon greeted back.

Your Pokémon walked over to Gladion’s and they started talking. You let go of Gladion’s hand and looked at them. “Silvally’s strong”, you said, trying to defuse the tension that was floating around. “We’ve been training”, Gladion said.

You could tell that Gladion was tense and on edge.

You didn’t want him to be like that. The truth was that you found Gladion good looking. You wanted to be friends with him so you tried again to defuse the tension. “Why are you here?” You asked. There were lots of reasons people came to Alola.

You wanted to know why Gladion was here, or if he lived here. “I’m competing in the Island Challenges”, Gladion said. Gladion was still on edge. Well, it does take a while to earn some people’s trust. Both of you stayed silent as your Pokémon played with each other.

Though it looked like your ace was having the same troubles you were. Gladion’s Pokémon were as closed off as he was. “Why are you here?” Gladion asked and you might have been a little too excited to hear him ask you a question.

“Nothing much. Just traveling with my Pokémon and trying to catch new ones”, you shrugged. You had no idea what you wanted to do. You were trying to find that out by traveling Alola.

And if you found nothing then you would probably leave Alola to another region. “I was on my way to a Pokémon center”, you told Gladion. You turned your head towards Gladion.

He was watching his Pokémon and all you could see was his bangs. You were a little disappointed. “I should do that”, Gladion whispered. “Let’s go together”, you said and Gladion looked at you with wide eyes.

“Come on, it'll be fun”, you said with a smile. Gladion looked back at his Pokémon. Silvally was the first one to warm up to your ace and they were running around. Gladion looked back at you. 

“Okay”. 

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Hakai Magazine:

Francis “Bully” Mission Sr., president and founder of Mission Animal Control, is in a good mood when I meet him at a strip mall parking lot on the south side of the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i. He and his son Levi have just found two “squeakers”—pigs no more than a few months old—in one of their traps, which means US $100 in their pockets and another satisfied customer. Property owners all over the island hire the duo to remove problem animals, and Bully has invited me to join him as he collects the new captives.

“We had a big mama yesterday and three juveniles,” he tells me as I climb into his pickup truck. “The population is unbelievable.”

Inside the cab, I notice what appears to be Old MacDonald’s entire farm glued to the dashboard: a plastic cat, a couple of horses, a cow, and three pigs. These are all species that humans have brought to the Hawaiian islands and that the Mission family is often hired to eliminate. Feral pigs, once denizens of the mountains with intermittent forays to lower elevations, have become regular raiders of lowland farms, upscale neighborhoods, and members-only golf courses. “Some of them look like you could put a saddle on them and ride them,” Bully says of the pigs he’s seen.

Pigs can now be found on six of Hawai‘i’s seven inhabited islands, and their impacts are especially profound on Kaua‘i, the lush “Garden Island,” which has so far retained much of its native character. Its mountains are home to 255 unique native plant species and 208 native birds, including 11 found nowhere else on Earth. As the pigs tear up vegetation, they encourage erosion and muddy the island’s drinking water supplies. Their wallows breed mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, contributing to 10 of Kaua‘i’s 16 native honeycreepers going extinct. They also spread the seeds of the strawberry guava tree in their dung, contributing to what one group of researchers has referred to as an “invasional meltdown.” The guava shades out native plants and smothers them in its leaves.

The pigs’ presence in the populated lowlands has grown over the last couple of decades. Sally Rizzo, who was running an organic farm during my visit, told me that the pigs broke through her fence this year and “shit all over our baby greens.” On the roads, drivers frequently have to swerve to avoid pigs, leading to several hundred accidents every year. Beaches aren’t safe either. Three years ago, a tusked boar made headlines when it went for a swim and thrashed a surfer in the lineup off Oahu, another island. On oceanside bluffs, meanwhile, the pigs are preying on the chicks of migratory seabirds, so completely trashing their burrow nests that the birds never return to them again.

Despite the damage that feral pigs are causing, you can’t just shoot them on sight as you can in many other US states. In Texas, home to more than one-third of the seven million feral pigs in the United States, hunters and landowners target them from helicopters or with poison baits. On Hawai‘i, however, pigs occupy a more complicated position, as their populations are managed for both recreation and subsistence. Along with West Virginia, Hawai‘i is one of two states with bag limits on public land. This means that while conservationists are trying to reduce or eliminate pig populations inside protected areas, the Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife manages the animal as a limited resource just about everywhere else.

[motthe]

Congrats on graduating! I technically got my associate's, but I'm just transferring to a four-year, so it's not as big of a step, lol. I hope all goes well in your future endeavors.

Could I get a mer/mer with Jinx in some sea caves saving a fem reader? I'm thinking reader is more of an open sea or coral reef mer, and Jinx is a mer more at home in the caves, but you can do whatever you feel is best. Also, maybe some 🌶️?

I hope everything goes well for your future endeavors as well!!! awesome in getting your associates!!! I know you wanted some🌶️ but this turned out so fluffy and more about comfort that I couldn't find a way to work it in without it seeming out of place to me. I hope you still enjoy it!!!

mer!Jinx x mer!fem!Reader + sea caves + them saving you

The fishing boat had been tailing you for three miles now and in your panic, you swam right into their next trap--the approaching coast. The area was still too open in places even with rocks dotting the sand, and while humans didn’t enjoy ripping up their nets, they could still risk it for a catch like you.

Luckily, you knew this section of the coast and rather well. If you could just reach the undersides of the cliffs--

Your ear fins perked up at a distinctly man-made sound--something hard, cold, metallic--before that something hits its mark. You didn’t realize it was you screaming into the ocean, the pain was so overwhelming, swimming impossible as you were dragged down. Looking back, you found a barbed harpoon-like tool that had pierced the lower section of your tail. Blood clouded up and you felt sick. 

Another mechanical groan echoed into the water, your body seizing as the horrific weapon began to drag you back. You realized too late that a cord connected the weapon to the boat. You’d been caught.

Blue, brighter than any strip of ocean, darted by. There was a moment where you just enjoyed the sight of her, expression twisted in fury as she hauled one of her man-made tools. There was an angry snap before you’re no longer being dragged, the section she held between two oddly shaped blades cut through despite the rust. She tossed it into a pile of sea rocks and made for you, careful with her clawed hands as she scooped you from the sand and broke for the place you’d so desperately had been trying to reach.

The way into her caves wasn’t easy. You’re not sure how you got through it with the tight spaces to maneuver and your limp tail, but you’re so out of it from the blood loss you missed how Jinx managed it. 

When you finally come back around, you’re curled up in her kelp bed. The small harpoon-ish object had been removed, a salve placed over damaged scales and seagrass woven bandages gently wrapped around. You knew better than to hope for a speedy recovery, having a hole in you. It hurt to see everything in the aftermath. Your tail was your most beautiful feature, colors vibrant to match with the corals that made up your environment. Extra transparent fins lined your sides, mimicking fish, but now many were shredded, having been pinned and pierced as well. 

Disregarding the sorrow for the moment, you searched the cave pool for Jinx. Here in her caves the dark thrived save for some spaces where sunlight leaked in but it was very rare. You tried to keep an eye out for her bioluminescence--something only cave-dwelling mer retained from their environment--and found nothing. 

Swimming wasn’t an option, so you sang for her, calling her name.

It was a few moments before her blue cut through the darkness. She carried an armful of glowing slugs, likely from her workspace where she reveled in pulling apart human tools and objects and figuring out what they were used for and how to make her own.

“Sorry for leaving you in the dark,” she said, scattering the slugs around her space. Her bioluminescence faded a bit with the extra light from them and you saw her eyes, sunken with worry. She smiled almost apologetically.

“Don’t be sorry,” you murmured, reaching for her hand. She swam closer to accept the touch. “Thank you for saving me. I tried to outrun them but they were too fast and I was running out of energy. I didn’t know where else to go.”

“I’d heard the boat approaching.” Something angry pulled at her brow. “Hid like a guppy. I should’ve checked it out, should’ve been quicker.”

“Why are you blaming yourself?” you cried, holding her hand tighter. 

“Look at you!” she snapped. “Look how hurt you are because I didn’t move fast enough!”

Mer cannot cry like humans, but there was a vibration that bled through the water. One that you could pick up if you’re close enough. The look on her face gave her away as well. She allowed you to guide her into your arms, her face finding the crook of your neck.

Once you knew she had calmed considerably, you nuzzled the side of her face, ear fins flapping against her. She giggled at the ticklish feeling, pulling away to nudge her forehead against yours.

“I have to admit,” you began, “I’m fairly embarrassed now.”

“Why?” 

“My tail…it’s ruined.” You looked away, but her hand brought your focus right back to her.

“Nothing could ever take away your beauty.”

“Tell that to the other reef mer. Anyone else would have a hard time finding a mate with this scar!”

“Then it’s a good thing you found yourself a cave-dweller, dontcha think?”

Laughing, you fell back into another nuzzling fit, happy to just lie there with your partner in the soft glow of creatures and embrace. 

[riderofblackdragons]

Day 13 Alt Prompt: Came Back Wrong

Ok, this is horrifically late. I mean, it's the 20th of May, and this is day 13. But I've spent so long trying to write the original prompt for day 13, and I just haven't been able to :( So I've given up on that, and decided to do an alt prompt for it instead, so I don't get too far behind. After all, I've written days 14-19 already, with help from @crimsonlyinglilly and @witchcraftandgeekness, who helped me with sorting my mind out!

This one's a trip to a different fandom, cause I started watching Supernatural, and got Ideas lol This AU is called When You Cannot Hide as well

Slight Michael/Lucifer btw, its very vaguely implied and you could probably ignore it

Also, nonbinary Lucifer, bc I personally think of the angels as agender when they're not inhabiting vessels, so they/them

Thanks to everyone for following though, and thanks for reading!

Hot. It had been so hot, burning through them, damaging their very being. Not too much, not enough to kill them, just enough to make their existence agony. Just enough, that they’d had to focus, to forgo healing themselves, to force their own heat, and the light that came with it, into cold.

So cold, the kind of cold that would destroy a lesser being, cause icicles to form in an instant. Too cold, it was almost unbearable for them, but they’d struggled through. It made the heat manageable, even as it felt like they were burning and freezing and they couldn’t escape it.

They were dim now, as a side-effect, Less than they were before, but it was okay. It wasn’t as thought there was anyone left who would want to see their light, now, anyways. That time was long gone, and the darkness here creeped in regardless of how much light they put off.

Their surroundings were hot, and they were so cold, and the darkness would come and whisper and disappear as soon as they reached for it, because it least it was something, and for a while… It was fine. They could cope. They didn’t know how long they would be there for, trapped in this place, forgotten, but they thought they could last.

And then, they were taken part. Piece by piece, so small at first that they barely noticed it, were it not that there was nothing else to do. They thought that maybe it was this place, its doing, to make them break down and being pliable. After all, what else could it be? This place was designed specifically for them, after all, to punish them, and it would be a righteous punishment indeed if it broke them apart.

But their pieces kept being taken, getting bigger and bigger, and they could feel the warmth of where they’d been taken. Hot, firey rage, comforting in the small memories that they’d chosen to hide away, to never think of again (Michael, they cried. Lover, they screamed. Brother, they whispered. None of it escaped their mouth, was ever heard).

It was agony, being ripped apart, when the pieces of them got so big they could feel them tearing off. It burned, being placed together, by one who didn’t quite know of all the new edges they’d gained when they were alone. They thought it was worth it, in the moment. There was someone there, after all, someone who cared enough to free them, even if it hurt so bad. They would have accepted anything, just to be free, to be out of that (too small, too hot, too cramped) place.

They were free, or at least it’d felt like it. Now they were in a new place, a bigger place, somewhere cooler than where they were before (this was home, once. Do you remember? Does it still keep the title, if you’ve never called it by any other name?).

And now, their cold, the way they’d reshaped their entire being to survive in their cage… It was wrong. They had too many edges, where they had once been smooth, and were too smooth where once edges had poked out. They’d been changed, and the being they were now did not feel like it fit here anymore.

It was too cold, for their own cold to be of much use. The eons they’d put into this, reforging themselves in the fires and heatwaves too hot to truly handle - this place was going to destroy them, now. Maybe once, they had been right to handle it. But those memories barely seemed real, from so long ago.

And now? Now, they were too different for this, could barely handle how much they’d changed whilst this place stayed the same. Even though they tried to pretend that they were the same, that they hadn’t changed in the centuries of loneliness, it was only a facade. And they knew that it could come crumbling down, with so little effort.