#just trying to keep up some guard rails and do my best

[must-be-mythtaken]

the usual mountain goats odes to Making It are not enough I'm Branching Out

[woso-dreamzzz]

Second Time's The Charm VIII

Alexia Putellas x Reader

Summary: You have your baby

It all happened so quickly that Alexia didn't know what to do.

One moment, the cries of your new baby girl filled the room.

She was perfect, bright eyes and a little tuft of wispy hair.

Alexia was allowed to cut the chord.

"Hello, Elena," You said when Alexia presented her to you.

"You did so well, amor," Alexia said, eyes shining with unshed tears," I'm so proud of you."

"She's beautiful."

"Yes." A little bubble of laughter spilled out of Alexia's chest. "She is."

She'd turned away for a second. Only a second to give baby Elena to the nurse to weigh and check. It was just a second, not even that.

A hint of a second.

A bare moment of time when her eyes weren't on you.

A tiny amount of time in the grand scheme of things. Not even enough time to say a word.

You were pale, much paler than before and breathing heavily.

You were already panting through the birth but this was different. It was worse.

You were clammy and unfocused and Alexia reached for you.

Only to have her hand knocked away from you by a doctor hurrying forward.

He said words but either Alexia couldn't understand them or didn't hear them at all. His mouth moved but nothing computed.

Bags were hung up on your iv pole, something injected into you, something else put on a drip.

But you didn't look any better.

You didn't even look really present at all.

This was meant to be one of the best moments of your lives, on the top spot alongside adopting baby Maya and marrying your wife but something was wrong.

Something was so wrong.

"No," Alexia said, scrambling to force words out of her mouth," I...What's going on? No! Stop! Don't take her! Please!"

The doctors were already activating the wheels on your bed, already pulling up the guard rails.

One of the nurses caught Alexia's arms as a flurry of activity happened around her.

"Miss Putellas, y/n is haemorrhaging. Has she told you what that means?"

"Mrs," Alexia says faintly, staring down at the wedding band on her finger, hot like flames against her skin.

"What?"

She looked up at the nurse. "It's Mrs Putellas. We're married."

The nurse's features softened a fraction as she gently led Alexia to the seat by your bed.

"Y/n is bleeding. Heavily. We can keep her on a blood transfusion or we can take her to surgery but we need permission."

"S-Surgery?" Alexia's eyes widened in panic. "She's dying?! She's going to die?!"

"Miss-Mrs Putellas-"

"You need to save her," Alexia insisted, a prickling feeling in her stomach," Anything! Everything! You have to save her!"

"We'll try," The nurse promised," We're going to take her in now but, for you, do you want to wait here or down by delivery with your baby?"

"Elena."

"Huh?"

"Elena. The baby. Her name is Elena."

"That's a beautiful name."

"My wife chose it."

Alexia sat by delivery practically catatonic.

Elena was in the nursery with all the other babies, routinely checked upon but Alexia couldn't bring herself to move, mind swirling with thoughts of you and just how weak you looked in that hospital bed.

You had been smiling before she turned away. You had been happy, eager to have Elena in your arms.

The pitter patter of little footsteps was all Alexia could hear and her body turned automatically, drawing Maya closer to her.

"Mami!" Maya chirped," Abuela say our baby is here?"

"She is. Elena. Your baby sister."

At some point, Alexia had called Eli. She didn't know how. She didn't know when but Maya had been sent to Eli to babysit when you went into labour.

For her to be here now means that Alexia had called Eli.

Maya stood on her tiptoes to look into the nursey.

"Alexia-"

"Mami, they took her. She's in surgery. They're-They're-"

The sobs that had been forced down until now, sprung out full force and Alexia sobbed into her mother's shoulder.

"She's going to be okay, Alexia," Eli said," She's strong. She's going to fight."

"I want my wife, Mami," Alexia said," She didn't even get to hold Elena."

"Something wrong with Mama?"

Maya stood in front of them, bored of staring at the babies and Alexia tried to clamp down on her tears, tried to explain but her words got stuck in her throat.

"Maya," Eli took over though," Your Mama just needs to be checked out a little more. Having your baby sister-"

"Elena," Maya interrupted," Name is Elena. Mama name her."

Alexia bit on the inside of her cheek to clamp down a heart-breaking sob.

"Having Elena has taken a lot out of your Mama so the doctors are checking her over."

Maya took a step closer. "Mama is doctor. Looks after hurt people. Mama hurt? Mami, Mama hurt?"

"Mama is going to be just fine," Alexia said, desperately wishing it into existence," She's going to be perfectly fine. She just needs a bit more rest."

Maya burst into tears.

Alexia cried harder.

The clock taunted them, the hands moving slowly but surely until it was hours past since you had first been taken away.

Maya kept crying.

Alexia cries some more.

Eli kept them hydrated and fed, making stops at the café to get them food.

"Mrs Putellas?"

Alexia was up like a shot, Maya already on her hip.

"Yes? That's me! How's my wife?!"

"She-"

"My Mama going to be okay?" Maya asked.

The doctor nodded. "She suffered a post-partum haemorrhage but we performed a laparotomy. It was successful and she's being taken back to her room. Should we bring the bab-"

"Elena," Maya said," My Mama name her."

"Should we bring Elena back too?"

Alexia nodded, wiping her tears. "That would be nice."

She was by your bedside when you woke up, Maya fast asleep on her lap and a little bassinet nearby.

"Hello, my love."

"Amor, how are you feeling?"

"Like I've just been cut open," You teased but Alexia's face fell," Too soon?"

She nodded. "A little bit."

"How are our babies?"

"Maya was worried. Elena is still perfect."

"Can I see them?"

Alexia gently transferred Maya onto the bed with you. The little girl automatically curled into you in her sleep as Alexia gently lifted Elena.

"Well, hello there, beautiful girl," You cooed as Elena was placed on your chest," It's nice to finally meet you."

She was asleep too, a nice weight on your chest with her scrunched-up little face and even smaller tuft of hair.

"My love," You said," Don't cry."

Tears rolled down Alexia's face as she joined you on the other side of the bed, burying her head into your shoulder as she sobbed.

"I thought I lost you," She choked out," Amor, I was so worried. I didn't understand what was going on."

"I'm okay, Ale," You assured her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head," I'm alright."

"But you weren't. They took you to surgery."

"And they saved me, Ale," You said," They saved me and I'm here, with you and our children and I'm not going anywhere."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

[6ix9inewiturmom]

She Ours- Christopher and Matthew Sturniolo

Summary: you’re at an LA party and both chris and matt find you attractive…

Warnings: SUMT, THREESOME(not the weird kind ya freaks), P in V, Unprotected (please don’t reproduce), Dom!Matt!Chris, Sub!Reader, Squirting, Oral (M and F Receiving), PARIS (iykyk)

A/N: THIS IS BASED OFF OF P POWER BY GUNNA FT DRAKE 😫😫 ENJOY

My friend Lina was one of the biggest party girls I knew, every weekend was some party she heard about through the grapevine, which typically because I don't get out much she insisted on dragging me out of my house.

“This party better be worth it” I snap walking down the staircase of my shared house with Lina. She let me borrow her outfit: A skintight black dress that barely covered my ass, her adorable red bottom heels, and my jewelry.

“Girl you have the possibility of getting LAID tonight, let's not complain,” she stops to gasp “Maybe if you get laid you'll stop being so bitchy” she jokes.

“Lina you realize you're like the female version of a player right?” I laugh as we walk out of the house together.

As she fastens her seatbelt and starts reversing the car out of the driveway, she responds with a gentle smile, "No, I'm not. I love everyone."

“That's the problem” I chuckle.

Driving on the highway we had our hype music blasting through the speakers of the car, Lina breaks the silence, “When is the last time you actually had a dick?”

I about choked on air when I heard her invasive question, we were best friends so TMI didn't exist in our relationship considering we've known each other since we were 2 years old in daycare, but I was more or less caught off guard. “um I’d have to say probably since I went off the rails and impulsively joined Tinder and had that horrible hookup with that guy. Um shit, what's his name? OH YES TYLER” I laughed reminiscing the times.

“BITCH” she jokingly yells stomping on the brakes at the red light sending my whole body jerking forward. “That was 2 years ago” she whispers

“Yeah but like that man was weird as fuck, so I just thought maybe a guy who wanted to fuck would just pop out of the blue somewhere I don't know, you're a lot better at this than I am” I shrug getting almost embarrassed.

“oh my god, bitch this isn't the 80s you need to catch a dick” We both laugh at her commentary “But let's not catch STDs” her voice trails off as i try to contain my laughter.

After a lengthy journey, we finally reached the venue. As we pull into the parking lot, we are greeted by the sound of vibrant and lively music reverberating through the air. As we stepped out of the car and made our way inside, we were immediately engulfed by the dim, flashing lights and vibrant colors illuminating the area, accompanied by the pulsating beats of loud music that reverberated through the space.

“BITCH I LOVE THIS SONG” Lina yells over the loud music and dragging me to the lit up squared boxes where the song Maneater by Nelly Furtato is playing.

My hips move around to the song, not a care in the world who sees me but alas I nervously look around and see two pairs of crystal blue eyes practically drooling over me. One with slightly longer hair than the other and the other with a tatted arm but they both look the same.

“Y/N” Lina yells over the loud music “YOUR LOOKING A LITTLE TOO HARD” she continues

“Those guys over there keep looking at me” I lower my tone a little trying not to make a scene “They’re kinda cute” I softly smile carefully taking my bottom lip between my teeth and watching them talk amongst each other.

“BOTH?” Lina's eyes widen

“I mean why not?” I shrug my shoulders laughing

“They look like brothers which I mean is kinda attractive” Lina Replies “Just not that weird threesome Shit I'm talking about that trip to Paris if you know what I mean” she smirks shimming her shoulders

“Oh shit” my eyes widen “fuck they're coming over here, WHAT DO I DO LINA”

“Just act normal and if shit gets weird to remember to text me ‘Lemon Jelly Belly’ and ill find a way to get you out of there” Lina smiles as she walks over to the bar to flirt with the bartender

My nerves were heightened to the max watching the boys walk towards me, one of them had this coxky aura about himself and the other seemed nervous but still confident.

“Hello beautiful” the longer-haired one walks towards me coming behind me.

The one with the tatted arm comes in front of me, his smile turns into a smirk as I find my bottom lip in my teeth again.

“I'm Matt, and this is Chris” Matt said smirking down at me.

“We just couldn't help ourselves when we saw the way your hips moved and danced to the music,” Chris says whispering in my ear smirking.

“Thanks for asking my name, I’m Y/N” I snap jokingly

“That's such a pretty name,” Matt says placing his hand on my face and caressing my cheek

My hips started moving to the song softly as Matts's hands made their way to my hips as Chris’ was planted on my ass.

“Can I?” Chris asks as he moved the hair on my neck and became closer to my neck.

“Mhm,” i mumble

“Use your words, sweetheart, Can he?” Matt smirks down at me.

“Y-Yes” i stutter.

“Good girl” Matt’s smirk remains on his face as Chris kisses my neck and immediately finds that sweet spot on my neck sending chills down my spine.

“Why don't we do this In a little less crowded area hm?” Chris suggests

“I don't mind” I softly giggle

“Chris, how are we doing this? We gonna flip a coin to see who gets her first or what?” I could tell Matt was a little antsy and irritated by his brother's greediness.

“She ours,” Chris tells his brother.

Matt’s smirk became more apparent as soon as Chris said those words. Chris grabs my hand as and he guides me up a set of stairs and Matts hands remains on my ass. My eyes meet Linas and to say the least I've never seen her more proud of me. Her eyes are wide and her smile is wider. She's holding up her thumbs nodding her head in approval.

the room was dark, but very warm and had lots of room, the bed had silk sheets, and a lot of posters. “Do you guys know whose room this is anyway?” I nervously chuckle out.

“Happens to be my room” Matt speaks with a laugh

Chris comes behind me moving my hair to kiss that sweet spot on my neck again this time leaving dark purple marks on my neck. Matts's gaze softens as his eyes darken with lust watching how my body reacts to Chris’ mouth against my neck. Matt comes closer to me looking at my eyes first then my lips and sending me a soft but seductive smile before he presses his lips against mine. A soft moan escaped my lips causing him to pull back and smirk.

“Fuck I wanna rip this dress off of you,” Chris says with a husk in his voice practically groaning.

Matt presses the pad of his thumb against my lip running it across my bottom lip. “I just wanna put this pretty mouth to good use” he smirks.

Before Matt could do anything Chris picked me up and threw me on the bed looking in Matt's direction with a smirk.

“Sorry ma I really couldn't help myself” he softly chuckles positioning himself between my legs and rubbing softly up and down “May I?” Chris questions while playing with the bottom of my dress

“Be my guest” I smile looking down at his blue eyes glaring down at my clothed pussy with a small wet patch from my neediness of getting dicked down.

Chris moves my dress up to my mid-thighs and slides my underwear to the side diving right in like it was his last meal on planet earth. Matt on the other hand was too impatient and hard to wait, he removed his belt and his pants and kneeled on the bed beside me stroking his throbbing hard cock beside my face and rubbing his tip along my bottom lip teasing my mouth, finally he grips my jaw signaling to open wider as he slides his cock in my mouth thrusting ever so slightly, watching me please him and get pleasured by his brother.

Chris’ tongue laps around my clit, as my moans r muffled by Matts's cock being shoved so far down my throat.

“Fuck” Matt groans “Prettiests of mouths do the sluttiests of things” he praises as he wipes the tears that started forming in my eyes from the overstimulation.

“You're clenching around my tongue ma, you close?” Chris sadistically chuckles around my pussy.

“Mhm,” I muffle out around Matts's cock desperately in need to release built-up tension.

“Why don't you be a good girl and cum for Chris yeah?” Matt coos as he's thrusting his hips in my throat while having my hair in a makeshift ponytail.

My legs tremble and shake around Chris’ head signaling to him how close I am. “That's it baby” Matt's voice becomes husked.

Chris groans around my clit as his tongue laps around it feeling my cervix spasm over the overstimulation and pleasure that he knows he's giving me. The pent-up knot in my abdomen snaps sending me in a wave of euphoria, my eyes roll back, and my legs shake. Matt trusts into my mouth a couple more times before finishing in my mouth, placing his hand on my throat to feel mg swallowing all of him.

“Such a good girl” matt coos at me with my lips still wrapped around his cock.

He gently pulls out and walks over to Chris who's smiling down at me wiping his mouth with his sleeve. The boys talk amongst each other talking about how they'll share me.

Matt walks over between my thighs biting his lip. “Sweetheart I don't have a condom,” he says almost nervously.

“I'm on the pill,” I smiled up at him as his eyes lit up at my response.

He brings his hand to my mouth “Spit” he demands and I obey.

He uses my spit to coat his dick as my eyes roam from Matt to Chris who moves to place himself behind me placing kisses on my neck.

Matt aligns himself at my entrance pushing slowly. “Oh fuck” I moan out as my back arches off of Chris and my hands grip his for support.

He pushes himself further, completely bottoming out letting a loud groan fall from his lips and his head throwing back “fuck baby, you feel so fucking good” he smiles devilishly as he watches my body react to His movements.

his thrusts become harder and rougher. “god damn” he groans out almost at a whimper. “fuck your pussy was fucking made for me” he looks down to watch himself thrust in and out of me as he notices a bulge in my stomach from him and he smirks and presses down.

“Fuck” I scream out.

Both Matt and Chris smirk and look up at each other “Someone likes that eh?” Chris whispers in my ear using his hand and pulling and twisting at my nipples.

Matt pressed harder on my stomach watching my face contort in pleasure. “Such a fucking whore” matt groans out.

“C-C-C-LOSE” I stammer out.

“I can feel you squeezing my dick so fucking good, let it out baby” he coos not switching up his pace or his movements one bit.

Chris’ hand snakes around my throat giving slight pressure to the sides making me see more than just stars. “Cum for Matt baby, come on you can do it ma” Chris praises in my ear.

A loud squeal escaped my lips as my orgasm hit me like a train and I squirted my juices all over Matt and his abdomen. “There she is” Matt lets a low chuckle out from him. “Hold on for a second sweetheart, you can take it”

His thrusts got sloppy as I became jello in Chris's arms, with one final thrust Matt painted my pink gummy walls white coating them with all of his cum.

“Fucking hell” matt breaths out.

“You did so good” Chris praises, “can you take one more ma?” he smirked up at matt.

My body was tired but alas I nodded with a tired smile. Matt moved to where Chris was but Chris had other ideas, he used my ankles to flip me up so my ass was in the air and my stomach lay flat on the mattress. Chris used his precum and spread it around his dick before aligning himself with my sensitive entrance and bottoming out quickly.

“Fuck chris” i moan out trying to move forward but Chris stopped me by placing his hands on my waist pinning me down to the mattress.

“Someone a little sensitive hm? Can't take me, can you?” he chuckled sadistically.

I bit my lip to muffle my own screams of pleasure. “I-I- I can take it-“I was cut off by Chris absolutely pounding into me like there was no tomorrow hitting spots I didn't know was even possible.

Skin slapping and moans were the only sounds bouncing off the walls. “I ain't gonna last long ma, you're clenching me so fucking good” he groans out forcing my head into the mattress.

“CLOSE” I scream out.

“Come on sweetheart, be the good girl you were for me and cum for Chris yeah?” Matt is positioning himself so he can brush some of the hair out of my face.

Matts's gentle words sent me over the edge and once again, I squirted all over Chris sending him into a state of euphoria and cumming on the spot inside of me filling me up with his seed.

I immediately collapse laying flat on the bed out of breath. Matt ran into his bathroom connected to his room and grabbed a warm cloth to clean up my legs as Chris whispered sweet nothings into my ear about how good I did for both of them.

“You doin’ okay love?” Matt says softly wiping my legs.

“Mhm,” I mumble out.

They chuckle as Matt throws a pair of sweatpants and an oversized shirt for me to put on. In my attempt to stand up, my legs gave out.

“Don't tell me you can't walk?” Chris chuckles

“Try to be in my position and see how you feel” I joke making them chuckle.

“Okay okay Chris enough taunting,” Matt says guiding the shirt over my head and helping me get changed.

Chris helped me get my pants on while talking to me about random stuff like 7/11 Bring Your Own Slurpee Day that he didn't know existed and Matt rolled his eyes.

“We just took her ability to walk and change herself i doubt she wants to hear about Slurpee day Chris” matt says carrying me bridal style to sit down on his bed.

Suddenly someone barges into the room obviously drunk. “Wait this isn't the bathroom” it was Lina who immediately saw me and started winking and throwing her thumbs up seeing me curled into bed and in someone elses clothes.

“Who the fuck are you? Get out!” Chris yells “Bathrooms downstairs” he gently closes the door.

“That was Lina…” I shyly say covering my face.

“Who?” they say in unison

“Lina my best friend since we were two, she's the reason I came” I laughed softly.

“yo…you think she heard anything,” Chris says bluntly scratching the back of his head.

“She's weird but not that weird. She's obviously drunk so she'll forget it by morning if she did anyway” I brush it off, and I pat the empty side of the bed for Chris to join Matt and me on the bed where I'm in the middle of both of them.

“You wanna watch anything? I'll let you pick?” Matt says handing me the remote and smiling.

“Wha- bro you never let me pick anything when I’M in your room” Chris whines.

“Shut up” matt laughs in response.

“Yall ever seen gossip girl?” I smirk at both of them

“Nope,” they both say popping the ‘P’

“YAY okay so we gonna watch it and if you have any questions feel free to ask” I smirk getting cozy and comfy in the silk sheets pressing play on the the TV.

“Why am I scared?” Chris says leaning over and whispering at me.

“Shut up and watch” I snap playfully.

HI LOVERS!! im so sorry for not posting this!! ive had writers block and i’ve been on vacation with my family visiting my home town and i haven’t really had time to write or do anything on this fic!! but i hope you guys enjoy it and i love you and thank you for your patience!!

XOXO,

Gabs 🩷

Sjendje

[hihhasotherfixations]

I’m thinking about dragon hybrid Price as a dad to little dragon hybrid you.

This is more headcanon style than my usual and a little bit all over the place but I had to get it out because yes >:3

CW: none

Word Count: 1020

Price had always lived a solitary life. Dragon hybrids were relatively rare, and he didn’t exactly go out of his way to find a partner.

Purely by happenstance, he came across another. And almost out of obligation as well as it being mating season, they started a relationship. She quickly fell pregnant, but despite it all, it wasn’t meant to last.

Due to the more solitary nature of dragons, your mother left after you were born. Price didn’t blame her, the two hadn’t been incredibly close after all, only having gotten together during the mating season but not having an amazing connection beyond that. He was grateful she at least communicated her plan in advance so that he could prepare.

But when you were born, oh my. You were everything.

He took you home from the hospital alone, yet before he’d even gotten out of his car and into the house, he knew that a bond had formed that he could never sever.

Dragons were vain and prideful by nature. And for Price? His pride and vanity all poured into you. You were his. His creation, his child. He’d do anything for you, to keep you safe. And if necessary? He would protect you with the world as a shield.

The baby years are tough. Growing horns, wings and fangs is not pleasant. It can hurt and because of it, there are a lot of nights where you’re inconsolable, just crying in his arms as he tries to soothe you.

His wings folding around you seem to work best, creating a sort of cavern-like bubble where his warmth and heartbeat are the main sensations.

But even with that, the growing pains are sometimes too much and the poor captain had to lose sanity in favour of consoling you, rubbing ointment on your horns and massaging your tail and wings the best he could.

Yet the first time he sees your little tail wag when he walks into the baby room to feed you after waking you, all the sleepless nights are worth it.

You were starting to develop into a true dragon.

You stand in your box, holding onto the railing and bouncing excitedly on your feet. Your little horns poking through your unruly mop of hair while your wings are folded on your back.

“Hello, little lizard.” Price smiles, walking over to you. Immediately, you stick up your arms and he takes the hint, grabbing you under your armpits and lifting you up.

Holding you in his arms, he can feel you wiggle, trying to wag your tail - but you can’t.

Because now that your wings have finally started developing in earnest, he has needed to put preventative measures.

Where before your wings were papery and flexible, your tail stumpy and short, now both were getting some volume, the bones in them growing and lengthening - solidifying. And because of it, sleeping becomes dangerous.

In the past, many dragonlings have broken wings or tails by rolling around in their sleep, getting the limbs stuck under themselves and twisting too far.

Because of it, the wing-tail guard was invented. Used to pin said appendages against your body and cushioning them - allowing you to roll to your heart’s content while sleeping.

And now here you sat on his arm, the soft, black coloured cushioning moulded perfectly to fit your wings strapped to your back, your tail stuck between your legs, unable to wiggle or wag it.

“Come on, darling.” Price grinned, setting you down on the changing table and untying the straps, freeing your wings and tail back up.

And when your wings shift and move a little after he takes it off, oh how his heart jumps in excitement.

He’s been so eager, waiting for the day you finally open your wings for the first time.

For most dragonlings it happens around 1,5-2 years old. So you were right around that age.

He tries to encourage you by showing off his own wings. Anytime he has you on his lap, he spreads them wide, and you never fail to be completely mesmerised by it.

Seeing it, he tries to let you know you have your own, to encourage you to use them. He runs his hand down the muscles and bones of your wings, petting them down, getting you used to it by massaging the flesh and muscles, loosening them up.

It takes a lot of coaxing and weeks since you first tried, but finally, you manage to open up your wings and spread them.

And Price couldn’t be more proud.

Your wings are a carbon copy of his, except just a slight shade darker. And he knows that with a lot of training and upkeep, you’ll be just as strong a flier as he is.

Speaking of. Now that you’ve opened your wings for the first time? He can finally take you on your first flight.

Strapped to his chest with a harness, he gently stretches your wings out. It looks a little awkward, to have you dangling from his chest with your wings pancaked between your back and his front, but it’s important to get you used to flying, to using your wings.

The glee and pure joy that radiates off of you when you’re soaring in the clouds is unprecedented. You’re not scared, nervous or hesitant as he feared you might be, no. Instead, you’re kicking your feet, and screeching in delight. You keep tilting your head back to look at your dad and Price grins down at you, uncaring that your horns are stabbing into his sternum as his powerful wings flap, carrying the both of you through the sky.

The 141 know everything about you. Price can’t help himself. As stated before, dragons are proud creatures, and you are his pride.

He cannot help but share with the other most important people in his life.

And oh how they adore you too.

All in all, you are Price’s greatest treasure, and he can’t wait to see you grow up into your own, powerful dragon.

-

I would love to write more for this. If you want something elaborated or have your own idea and wanna see it written, please drop it in my ask box to give me an excuse to do so! ^^

[blackgirlwhowrites2k23]

Wusyaname? - Pablo Gavi

Summary: You were beauty personified; He just had to get your name.

A/N: Uploading multiple stories at once because I'm not on here as much as I want to be. Anyways, made it to med school! Sorry for taking so long, but the bills had to be paid😭. DC @cisqueenin

Trigger warning: Usage of Y/N 💀 --------------------------------------------------------------------

Camp Nou was alive. The rumbling, raging chants of "Barça! Barça!" roared through the stands, thunderous in a way that shook the entire stadium. Gavi jogged off the pitch, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The air was electric, buzzing with the energy of all their fans celebrating Barcelona’s decisive 3-0 victory. He was basking in the glory of it all—three points secured, one thanks to himself, his team soaring in the league.  

But something was off.  

He felt it throughout the game, but now he could focus more on finding the source. 

As his teammates jogged ahead, laughing and slapping each other on the back, Gavi found his thoughts drifting. It wasn’t like him. Usually, he was so so laser-focused after a game, replaying key moments in his mind or thinking about how he could improve. Yet, as he neared the tunnel, something tugged at him—a strange, unexplainable pull that made him turn around.  

His eyes wildly scanned the stands, now a sea of red and blue with flags waved high, their vibrant colors flashing under the floodlights. Fans shouted, their voices hoarse from screaming all the screaming they were doing. He was always so grateful for the support he received; he literally bled red and blue and thankfully, so do they. Some leaned over the railings, the rails seeming to mold under the force of the fans,  while others snapped pictures to immortalize the night.  

And then, he saw her.  

She wasn’t waving or calling out, yet he still felt like she demanded his attention. Instead, she stood in the midst of the crowd, near some familiar faces, her laughter carrying over the chaos. It was a deep, uninhibited laugh that sent a wave of electricity through him as she playfully shoved the shoulder of a friend beside her. Her radiant skin seemed to glow in the sunlight, and the way she carried herself���calm, seemingly untouched by the frenzy around her—grabbed his attention and left him a little breathless. More so then he was after playing a 90 minute match, if you would believe it. 

She wore a Barcelona jersey (thank God!) that draped casually on her body, paired with some equally loose fitting jeans that she wore amazingly (simple; but Kounde would be proud). She wasn’t trying to stand out, but somehow, she was the only thing Gavi could see. Her smile lit up her entire face, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she tilted her head back in amusement.  

Gavi blinked, completely caught off guard. He wasn’t the type to get distracted—especially not by strangers in the stands. It was rare that he even paid attention to the crowd at all. But there was something about her. Something different. Cliche, yes. But man was it true.  

His chest tightened, and he felt an inexplicable need to keep looking, to memorize the curve of her smile, the way her hair framed her face like a halo. She seemed so... alive, so full of energy and joy. So- 

“Yo, Gavi!”  

Balde’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Gavi blinked and turned, his heart racing as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t. It’s not illegal to look. He has eyes, he planned to use them.

Balde jogged over, a grin already forming on his face. His gaze followed Gavi’s line of sight, and the smirk deepened. “Ah, can’t say I’m surprised. That’s my girl’s best friend. They practically grew up together”  

“What?” Gavi’s cheeks heated instantly, and he quickly looked away, trying to act casual as he brushed the hair out of his face and then placed his hands on his hips. Real casual like. “I wasn’t staring.”  

“Sure, man.” Balde chuckled, his tone laced with mirth as he looked over Gavi. He clapped Gavi on the shoulder, the gesture light but teasing. “You’ve got good taste, though. My girlfriend is amazing, and you know what they say: birds of a feather flock together." He pauses to send Gavi a look as he rubs his chin, "I wonder what it says about me that we hang out together.”

Gavi rolls his eyes so hard that they almost roll out his skull. Maybe if they fall near her, she’ll help him put them back. “Ale, you’re hilarious. I’m surprised football is what you chose as a career and not comedy.”

Balde gives him a bright smile before he gets serious again. “She’s really cool. Not as cool as my lady, but her name’s [Y/N].”  

Y/N. The name lingered in Gavi’s mind, rolling around for a bit before settling into the back of his mind for later.  

“She’s not...” He trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence without sounding like he was definitely staring.  Which he wasn't.

“She’s single,” Balde answered, clearly reading his mind. “And no, she’s not like a crazy, obsessed fan, if that’s what you’re worried about.”  

“I didn’t ask that,” Gavi muttered, flustered.  

Balde shrugged, still grinning. “Come on, we’re heading out tonight. You should join us. We have an amazing win to celebrate.”  

Gavi hesitated. He wasn’t usually one for post-game outings, preferring to recharge alone after the intensity of a match. But it’s not like he had anything better to do. 

“Yeah,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Okay.”  

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next evening, Gavi found himself sprawled on Balde’s couch, a PlayStation controller balanced in his hands. The apartment was a whirlwind—conversation echoed off the walls, the soft hum of music played in the background, and the faint scent of takeout wafted from the kitchen.

Balde and his girlfriend, Nia, were cozied up on one end of the sofa, a blanket draped over their laps as they shared whispered jokes. Every now and then, their quiet laughter would bubble into something louder, making Gavi sigh dramatically.

Going out the day before hadn’t been as eventful as he had hoped. He had hoped to run into a certain someone, but of course he wasn’t so lucky. 

“Man, every time I hang out with you two, you guys make me feel like a third wheel,” he said, tossing the controller onto the couch seat next to him with a huff. “It’s like you’re doing this on purpose.”

Nia  tilted her head innocently, though her grin gave her away. “What do you mean? We’re just sitting here, minding our business.”

Gavi shot her a pointed look. “Oh, sure. Yeah, yeah. Can you maybe try a little harder at looking less in love,” He gestured vaguely at the two of them. “You’ve got a girlfriend, Pedri’s got a girlfriend, even Fermin is seeing someone. Meanwhile, I’m over here just... existing. Is it too much to ask for you guys to practice social distancing sometimes? At Least while your wonderful, single friend Gavi is over?”

Balde smirked, clearly enjoying his friend’s irritation. “You sound jealous.”

“I’m not jealous,” Gavi shot back, sitting up straighter. “I’m just stating facts. Being the only single one here is starting to feel like a full-time job.”

Across from him, Balde’s girlfriend laughed, nudging Balde playfully. “Poor Gavi. Someone needs to get this boy a date before he loses his mind.”

“Don’t look at me,” Gavi said, throwing his hands up in mock defense. “You’re the ones rubbing your picture-perfect relationship in my face.”

Her grin widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well,” she said slowly, dragging out the word as if she were revealing a secret, “since you brought it up, I might actually know someone.”

Gavi froze, immediately wary. His eyes narrowed. “Oh no. Whenever either of you gets an idea something always goes wrong. I don’t trust this. At all.”

“Relax,” Balde chimed in, leaning forward to grab his drink from the coffee table. “She’s cool. And I know you’ve already seen her.”

“What?” Gavi’s brows knit together in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

Balde’s girlfriend leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm as her grin turned downright devious. “The girl you just couldn’t stop staring at last night. You know, the one in the stands at Camp Nou?”

Gavi stiffened. His heart skipped a beat, and a flicker of embarrassment crossed his face. “I wasn’t staring,” he said quickly, his tone defensive. 

“Sure, Gavi,” Balde said with a knowing laugh. “We believe you. Totally.”

Gavi gives him a heat glare. “ And I can’t believe you told her I was staring.”

“He didn't have to tell me. I saw your love-struck puppy eyes from where I was sitting. You know, right next to her,” Nia corrects.

“ Yeah they were kind of hard to miss,” Balde adds, nodding sagely.

Ignoring Balde, his girlfriend continued, her voice warm and teasing. “Her name’s [Y/N]. She’s a good friend of mine. And, fun fact, she thought you were cute.”

Gavi blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “She... what?”

“She thought you were cute,” she repeated, her grin widening. “When I told her I knew you, she might have mentioned you seemed... interesting.”

“I’m not interesting,” Gavi muttered, though his attempt to brush it off lacked conviction.

Balde’s laughter grew louder as he draped an arm over the couch he and Nia shared. “You’re making this too easy. Look, just come out with us tomorrow. We’re all going to that spot downtown. No pressure or anything. Just a chance to hang out, get to know her.”

Gavi hesitated, chewing the inside of his cheek. He wasn’t sure if it was nerves, curiosity, or a mix of both, but the idea of seeing her again stirred something in him.

“I don’t know,” he said slowly. “What if it’s awkward? What if she’s nothing like what I’m expecting?”

“Then it’s awkward,” Balde’s girlfriend said with a shrug. “But I don’t think it will be. She’s great. You’ll see.”

Gavi groaned, leaning back against the couch as if the weight of their suggestion was too much to bear. “Fine,” he said after a long pause. “But if this goes horribly wrong, I’m blaming both of you.”

Balde grinned triumphantly. “You’ll thank us later.”

Gavi wasn’t so sure. But as he sat there, pretending to focus on the video game in front of him, his mind wandered back to Camp Nou, to the girl with the radiant smile and carefree laugh. Maybe—just maybe—this wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

The trendy bar in the heart of Barcelona was alive with energy, its dim lighting and pulsating music creating an atmosphere that was kinda relaxing. But Gavi was anything but. He trailed behind Balde and his girlfriend as they weaved through the crowd, the mingling scents of cocktails and cologne filling the air. Despite his usual confidence on the pitch, he felt a twinge of nerves creeping in. His palms were sweaty. Knees weak. Something about Mom’s spaghetti. This wasn’t a stadium full of fans or a post-match interview—this was different.  

“There she is,” Balde’s girlfriend murmured, tilting her head toward a corner table.  

Gavi followed her gaze, and for a moment, his breath hitched. You were even more stunning up close. You sat with an effortless grace, your fitted blue dress hugging your figure and accentuating your skin. Your curls framed your face in perfect harmony with your glowing smile, which lit up as you laughed.  

“Annnnnd, you’re staring. Nia, I think we lost him, babe,” Balde teased in a low voice, nudging Gavi.  

“Shut up,” Gavi muttered, his face warming.  

“Come on,” Balde’s girlfriend urged, pulling him forward with a grin that said she wasn’t going to let him back out.  

As they reached the table, the laughter faded, and you glanced up. Your eyes met Gavi’s, and for a heartbeat, the bustling bar seemed to melt away. There was a spark in your gaze—a warmth that felt both inviting and disarming.  

“Y/N, this is Gavi,” Nia said, beaming.  

“Hi,” You greeted, your voice smooth and confident, carrying just enough intrigue to make Gavi’s pulse quicken.  

“Hey,” Gavi replied, feeling uncharacteristically tongue-tied. He extended his hand, and your grip was firm yet soft, grounding him in the moment.  

Her lips quirked into a teasing smile. “You play for Barça, right? Small club or something?”  

Gavi chuckled, the icebreaker easing the tightness in his chest. “Yeah, something like that. You’ve probably never heard of it.”  

You laughed, a sound so genuine it sent a strange flutter through him. He heard it being caused by others. But now it was caused by him. He definitely wanted to hear it again.

They settled into seats, the initial awkwardness dissolving as the conversation began to flow. To Gavi’s surprise, you weren't just witty—you were sharp, quick on your feet, and unapologetically yourself. You asked him about his career but didn’t linger on it, seamlessly shifting the topic to music, travel, and your own passions.  

Hours passed like minutes. The hum of the bar became a distant backdrop as they found themselves engrossed in their own world. At one point, you tilted your head and smirked. “So, do you always stare at girls from the pitch, or was that a one-time thing?”  

Gavi felt his cheeks flush, his laugh betraying him. “I wasn’t staring,” he protested weakly, though his grin gave him away.  

“Right,” you said, your tone dripping with mock disbelief. “Well, either way, I’ll take it as a compliment.”  

Your playful confidence was refreshing, and Gavi found himself smiling more than he had in weeks. With you, he didn’t feel the need to impress or filter himself. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt seen—not as Gavi, the footballer, but as just Pablo.  

—-------------------------------

As the night wound down, the energy of the bar mellowed, and the group began to disperse. Gavi instinctively offered to walk you to your car, feeling reluctant to let the evening end. The streets outside were quieter now, the cool night air carrying a hint of the sea as they strolled under the glow of Barcelona’s streetlights.  

“Thanks for tonight,” You said as you both stopped beside your car. Your voice was softer now, yet still laced with that same effortless confidence.  

“No,” Gavi said, his sincerity catching even him off guard. “Thank you. I’m really glad I came.”  

You smiled, your gaze lingering on his for a moment longer than felt casual. “Maybe we’ll see each other again?”  

The hope in your voice mirrored the flutter in his chest, and Gavi found himself nodding, a rare shyness creeping into his expression. “I’d like that.”  

As you climbed into your car and drove off, Gavi remained on the curb, watching the taillights fade into the distance. A small, unshakable smile tugged at his lips. For the first time in a long while, he felt a new sense of anticipation—like he’d found something worth chasing, both on and off the pitch.  

[doumadono]

[emergency request]

if you're not comfortable writing something like this, feel free to delete my ask, but if it isn't too much trouble, may i please request some hurt/comfort for xiao x a gn!reader who feels like a burden because their chronic joint pain and brain fog make it difficult for them to complete certain tasks and feels guilty about not being able to do more? thank you so much in advance if you do decide to fulfill my request and regardless, i hope you have a good day/night

Quiet resolve - Xiao x gn!Reader

EMERGENCY REQS - PART 2

The cool evening breeze swept through the open balcony, carrying with it the scent of pine and distant rain. The Wangshu Inn was quiet tonight, save for the faint rustle of leaves and the soft hum of the lanterns swaying in the wind. The sky above was painted with streaks of deep orange and purple as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the wooden floors. You leaned against the railing, staring out at the distant mountains, but even the beautiful landscape couldn't distract you from the heavy weight in your chest.

Your joints ached - the dull, persistent throb in your knees and elbows that never seemed to leave. Each movement reminded you of how much your body fought against you. And the brain fog? That was worse. It made simple tasks feel like scaling a mountain. You were supposed to help Xiao with a few chores earlier, but everything had taken longer than expected, leaving you feeling frustrated, and worse - useless.

The guilt settled in your stomach like a stone. Xiao did so much - always protecting, always on guard - and here you were, barely able to keep up. You sighed, resting your forehead against your hand, trying to fight the rising sense of inadequacy.

You didn’t hear Xiao approach, but you felt his presence before you heard his voice. "Why are you out here alone?"

His voice was calm as always, but there was a subtle concern laced within it. You turned slightly, your eyes catching a glimpse of him standing near the doorway. The soft glow of the lanterns lit his face, casting shadows that highlighted the tired look in his eyes, though his gaze was focused entirely on you.

"I just… needed some air," you said, offering him a small smile. You tried to make your voice sound light, but the strain behind it was too obvious to hide.

Xiao stepped forward, his quiet footsteps barely making a sound on the creaking floorboards. He stopped beside you, close enough that you could feel the slight shift in the air. His gaze shifted between you and the sunset, clearly unconvinced by your answer. "You’re not fine," he stated bluntly, though his voice held its usual softness. "What’s bothering you?"

You hesitated, the weight in your chest tightening. How could you explain this to him? Xiao, who had fought for centuries without a break, who had faced things no human could fathom, and here you were - unable to complete a few simple tasks. It felt ridiculous, selfish even, to complain.

"It’s nothing," you lied, staring at the darkening horizon. "I just… I wish I could do more. I feel like I’m not pulling my weight."

Xiao’s gaze sharpened, though his voice remained steady. "What do you mean?"

You exhaled, the guilt bubbling to the surface despite your best efforts to push it down. "I see you doing so much, Xiao. You're always protecting people, always helping. And I… I can’t even finish what I said I would. My body just won’t let me." You shook your head, the frustration building. "I feel like a burden. You shouldn’t have to worry about me when you already have so much to deal with."

The silence that followed felt heavy, thick with the weight of your confession. You stared at the mountains in the distance, waiting for him to respond, unsure of how he would take it. Xiao wasn’t the type to give long, comforting speeches - he dealt with problems head-on, swiftly and efficiently. You feared he might not understand, or worse, that he’d agree with you.

But Xiao didn’t pull away or look at you with annoyance. Instead, he stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. "You're not a burden."

The words cut through your haze of guilt, so simple and direct that it took you a moment to register them. You blinked, turning to face him fully. "But-"

"You’re not a burden," he repeated, his golden eyes locking with yours. "Your worth isn’t measured by how much you can do in a single day." His voice was steady, but there was something deeper in his tone - something resolute. "You are important because you are here."

You opened your mouth to protest, but Xiao raised his hand slightly, silencing you. His expression softened in a way that was rare for him, his eyes never leaving yours. "I chose to stay by your side. You’re not holding me back. I don’t see you as a burden - don’t ever think that."

The wind picked up slightly, rustling the trees below. You could hear the distant sound of water rushing from the river near the inn, but Xiao’s voice cut through all of it, grounding you. "You fight your battles every day, and that’s not something I take lightly."

You swallowed hard, his words sinking in, but the guilt still clung stubbornly to the corners of your heart. "I just… I don’t want to drag you down."

Xiao’s grip on your shoulder tightened slightly as if he could sense the lingering doubt in your mind. "You don’t drag me down." His voice softened further, almost a whisper. "You give me peace."

You blinked, surprised. Xiao, the vigilant Yaksha, who was always ready for battle, always on edge... peace?

"You’re always protecting me," he continued, his gaze now a bit distant, as if he were recalling something far away. "But you don’t need to push yourself so hard for me. Just... rest. Let me handle the rest."

You could feel tears prickling at the corners of your eyes, the weight in your chest lifting ever so slightly. "I don’t deserve you," you whispered, your voice thick with emotion.

Xiao shook his head. "You’re wrong," he said, his gaze steady. "You deserve far more than I could ever give."

The lanterns swayed in the breeze, their light flickering softly against the wooden walls of the inn. Xiao’s presence beside you, solid and unwavering, filled the space with a quiet comfort you hadn’t felt in a long time.

"I’ll take care of things for today," Xiao said, his voice returning to its usual calm. "You rest."

And as you nodded, watching as Xiao turned and walked back inside to take care of the tasks you couldn’t finish, you felt lighter. The guilt hadn’t disappeared completely, but it no longer felt like it was crushing you. Because Xiao, in his quiet, steadfast way, had reminded you that you weren’t alone in all this.

[bokettochild]

Day 8 - "Why Won't It Stop?"

Took me forever, but this one is one that I am VERY pleased with. Part two will follow in later days

Wordcount: 4,847

Rating: Teen

Summary: An effect of abusing a god's power is that the soul of the deity is now bound to Time's own, and sometimes it has more power than he'd wish. usually, he can tame it, but learning the fate of the worlds he's left behind have made him slip, and the deity is intent on purging their legacy.

Written by request of @sweetlemonad

-

“It’s not like heroes can die anyways.” 

The uncomfortable silence that follows those words is not something Time is particularly keen on learning the source of. The boys have all been in a rather good mood for most of the day, and currently Wind and Legend are trying to see who can outlast the other by remaining balanced on the rail fence that abuts the pathway on their right. He thinks Wind dared Legend or maybe the vet just got bored and Wind decided to follow. Either way, the elder is currently strolling along with his arms behind his head while Wind walks, precariously balanced and failing a bit here and there.. 

Balancing at sea and balancing on land are apparently exceedingly different. 

He’s not particularly sure who’d started the conversation, but he thinks it was Warriors. The man has been a bit more stressed than he’d like these last few days, and the worry that something bad will happen to them definitely sounds like something the captain would express in order to keep the rest on their guard. The sudden way Legend falters, perfect balance suddenly failing and sending him flailing, is more telling than the silence that follows Wind’s words, and he finds it only right to offer a steadying hand to the younger man to stop him eating dirt. 

Sky’s eyes settling on the sailor, confused, are just as telling. 

“Right?” Wind looks between the vet, whose caught his balance and looks at the youngest with pricked back ears, gnawing his lip, and the chosen one who won’t meet their eyes. “Wait,” the kid glances back and forth again, as though to be sure, “they haven’t, right?” 

The vet’s hand slips out of his own, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. “Wind, did you receive an education?” 

“What’s that have to do with anything?” Hyrule asks, sounding a little miffed. They all know the boy’s lack of formal teaching is a bit of a sore spot considering the apparent circumstances of everyone else. Had he the right, Time would maybe let slip that the captain was entirely illiterate before his enlistment, but he’s not sure that exposing that would actually help anyone. 

Their chosen hero and vet share a glance at the question though, some silent conversation slipping between them for a moment before Sky gives an encouraging look that seems to indicate Legend ought to be the one to handle this. It makes sense, he supposes, considering Legend is the one with purportedly the best education out of them, or at least the most up to date between himself and Sky. 

  “Alright,” the pink haired hero slips down to a seated position on the rail fence, and the rest of them take the cue to stop, themselves sitting or leaning against the railing as well, save the captain, who stands at something almost like parade rest as he listens. “So, I suppose it’s lost to time for most of you, but there was a hero- a couple actually, who fell to the enemy.” 

“How?” Hyrule demands. “I thought our whole existence was based off some heavenly power calling us so evil was always stopped?” 

Murmurs of agreement sound from the rest, but the vet shakes his head, although he’s also very clearly avoiding eye contact. “I wish it was that straight forwards. No, actually, there are two heroes, to my knowledge and as of my era, that are quite famous for dying in their efforts against evil.” Dark eyes lift to Sky. “One was the first hero, the one who fought beside Hylia herself.” 

“Sky’s going to die?” Four breathes, utterly horrified. 

The boys almost all turn to their skyloftian but are quickly assured by a sharp ‘no!’ from Legend and a soft “not me, guys” from the hero himself. “It was my predecessor,” Sky says once they’ve all stopped looking so horrified, “the one who crafted the Master Sword and sealed Demise away, ages before my time.” 

“So you knew.” He finds himself asking, and his question is answered with a slow nod. 

“I did.” He knew about fallen heroes. He knew that the only other hero to exist before him had died. Suddenly Sky seems all the more brave to the scar-faced leader; he couldn’t imagine going into his adventure knowing all the others who undertook it had died. 

“The first hero,” Legend begins again, hesitantly, “is said to have sealed Demise away, but succumbed from his injuries shortly thereafter, leaving the heavens to call another hero after his passing: Sky.” 

There are a few hums, and Twilight looks like he’s half a second from taking notes. No doubt, the rancher hasn't heard this bit of Hylian history before, and while his pup is certainly less interested in the history of the kingdom than he is in the workings of things and understanding the dark magics, the dear lad is, all the same, what Mido would call “a nerd”. He finds himself smiling at the thought, watching as his boy absorbs every bit of the knowledge the vet is sharing, and what little Sky uses to back him up. 

“What about the second one?” Wild asks, staring at Legend oddly.  

Abruptly, he finds himself realizing that the cub himself has also died at the hands of the enemy, and though revived through some magic he couldn’t explain, the fact that it happened at all means that he too belongs on Legend’s list. Would that mean that the vet follows after the champion in the course of things then? Good gracious, would that make Legend the same to Wild as Wild is to Twilight? As Twilight is to him? 

The vet, unknowing of their leader’s thoughts, drops his gaze a bit, fiddling with the bracelet on his hand but eyes clearly on the mark of the triforce he still bears on his left hand, just as most of them do. “He was my predecessor.” 

Deku Tree bless, is he right? 

  “A hero called from the forest and trained to the blade since childhood, only to fall when forced to face Ganon.” The vet’s face twists up in something between sorrow and frustration. “He was prepared the best anyone could try, but for nothing. Ganon ruled Hyrule for almost a decade before the rebellion that sent the fallen hero managed to amass enough power to strike again and seal him into the sacred realm.” There’s a pause where Legend takes a heavy breath that’s neither sigh nor resignation, but maybe just the slightest bit sorrow for their fallen brother, and the rest keep quiet for it too, as though in mourning for a hero they’ve never met. But that’s when the vet says it. “If not for the sages and Skeik, I’d never have gotten a chance to defeat the monster that killed my predecessor, but with the aid of the Hylian Knights, they managed to seal him away for nearly four-hundred years.” 

Sheik. 

He knows, from the war, from meeting Warriors and watching people of all eras amass, that Sheik isn’t especial to his own time. The captain’s own princess had taken on the disguise herself in order to take a more active role on the front lines, but even so, the name catches him off guard, as does the association with the sages, which he’s only ever heard Wind talk of before. 

The sailor doesn’t miss the reference either, the sharp little whip that he is. “What were the sages called? Do you know?” 

The vet blinks, staring and clearly confused, but rattles them off all the same. “Zelda, Impa, Nabooru, Saria, Ruto, Daruna, and Rauru?” 

The sailor nods, but the ground feels like it’s being swept out from under Time’s feet as the words sink in and that sunshine bright gaze is turned to him. Wind already has some eager words on his lips before his face falls, horror written across it as the truth of the vet’s words sinks in fully. “Holy shit.”  

By virtue of simply not wanting to be met with the captain’s ire, he keeps the loud cursing within his own head internal, rather than letting it escape and being fixed under The Look. Even so, he’s half a second from slipping and repeating the sailor’s words in far more colorful language.  

“Time...” Wind’s eyes are growing somehow wider, as though they weren’t just a bit too big to begin with, “....oh crap.” 

It’s Twilight that makes the connection first, he thinks. He knows his story is forgotten to the world he’d returned to, the one the rancher is a product of, but if there’s one thing his pup is, it’s clever. Picking up on the clues in the exchange as well as what Legend’s said up to now, he can see for himself as realization dawns in midnight blue eyes and Twilight’s face falls. “Sweet Ordonia.” 

“What?” Legend asks, glancing about between them, just the same as the others, save Hyrule who looks like he’s rethinking some matter of his own, no doubt what little history has been passed to him now bears reviewing. That doesn’t matter to the rest of them however, because those who know are now gaping, those who don’t are demanding answers, and the captain, who’d met two of the sages for himself and heard their tales, is shaking his head with a sigh. 

Time did not sign up for this. Learning that’s he’d split time is one thing, but knowing that somehow, in some way, he’d done so to the extent that not only are his fears about creating multiple timelines actually a reality, but apparently there’s one that spun so far off that not only had he failed, but he’d died at Ganon’s hand and left the burden of defeating the demon to someone else. Two timelines, each resulting in a child being called to do a man’s work, just the same as he had. How old was Legend? Was he the same age as both he and Wind had been? Older? Does he resent the man who left him behind as some people in the sailor’s time do? Like Wind, does he respect his predecessor? Despise him? Curse him? Praise him? His thoughts are spinning and despite not using it, his right eye throbs. 

As though sensing his distress, the deity awakens. 

It doesn’t happen often. Without the mask, it isn’t nearly as powerful as to accomplish what they can with the aid of the power of the thing. Since abusing its power as a youth though, their magics are enough interlocked, souls enough intertwined, that even removing the cursed thing does not fully displace the deity’s presence from his mind. It is a silent thing at most times, but much like the mask it is sourced from, it awakens when he is in greatest need or fear, and more than once he’s allowed the modicum of its power that now lies bound to his own soul to overtake him in order to escape one situation or another. Such power does not present itself now, but the rumbling voice and the accompanying pulsing pain is enough to shift his focus towards quieting both, attention slipping from his boys and inward to the deity. 

Despite managing to gather himself and the boys, to start forwards again on the path, he does not manage to silence the deity. He does, however, manage to ignore it for the time being. 

He can only ignore it for so long though. 

Sitting on watch after the boys have all gone to sleep, the rumbling thunder of the deity becomes impossible to ignore in the stifling silence around him. The deity will not be silenced, and try as he might, he can’t block-out nor forget the words spoken within his own mind. 

“Failure follows in your legacy.” 

As though he doesn’t know. It’s been bothering him all day, and despite the rest who hadn't pieced it together asking, he couldn’t bring himself to look, to say anything it was hard enough just putting one foot in front of the other. Wind revealing the split in time had shaken him, but at least he’d known how such a timeline came to be. The vet comes from a world where he’d died. How many of the other boys come from a world, an era, split off from time by his actions? How many timelines did he create? 

How many of them have such dark fates as that of Legend’s own? 

“He is an heir to failure,” the deity growls, “a scion of death.” 

Time shakes his head, voice soft so as to not wake his slumbering team-mates. “No. He’s a hero.” 

“To a world that ought not be, that ought to have perished.” 

No world ought to perish, especially not because of the actions of one person. Still as he watches the vet sleep, curled up tight around his sword, the voice of the deity continues to ring about in his head. Turning his eyes away to the others doesn’t help though. The deity is truly set off and harsh whispers and growls sound, wondering, just as he does, how many of their number are born of his mistakes, his actions, in a world separate from his own because of actions he hadn’t realized the truth depth of. 

He’d turned back time so many times, in both his first and second adventures. Are there timelines born of each time? What of his time in Termina? How many timelines did he create there? How many had seen the moon fall and everyone perish? 

Time groans, running a hand over his face, rubbing at the scars and markings left by the deity’s power. Warriors would be so disappointed if he started scratching again, and the scars on either side of his face have finally faded enough to not be as noticeable as when he was a child. There's no mask to tear off, even if the sensation of one lingers as the deity speaks. He doesn’t want to wake up to the captain’s worried stare in the morning at the sight of scars made fresh again. He doesn’t. 

Still, he wishes the deity would stop talking. 

It doesn’t though, because of course it doesn’t. It hisses in his dreams, whispering as he watches worlds fall and two little figures, he thinks are meant to be Wind and Legend running about, facing the monster he remembers, as well as dark, shapeless figures he doesn’t. They look so small, so young, and despite his heart crying one thing, the deity hisses another. Where he mourns their innocence, the demon screams for their end. 

Come morning, he’s a wreck. He manages to go through the motions, washing up with the rest with water from a well on the roadside, shaving and running a hand through his hair enough that it’s not a total mess. The captain was always strict about hygiene and basic care of their appearances. They’re Hyrule’s finest, not to seen wandering around like vagabonds and scamps. Still, the motions feel hollow, like a puppet moving at the command of another, and it feels like a chore to get ready, to strap on his armor, to gird his sword, and to step out onto the path with the others. 

Wind and Legend return to walking the fences, apparently determined to do so until the railings give way to open country again. Usually, he’d find that endearing, a proof that despite everything his boys have faced, there still remains a childlike whimsical side to them. Now though, it means that every time one slips or Wind fumbles and yelps, he can’t help but look up and the deity’s words start up all over again. 

Failures. 

Never intended to exist. 

Ought never have come to be. 

Proof of the cruelty of the goddesses. 

It’s painful. They're good kids, bright young men and skillful, admirable, talented, smart, sharp, kind, and he hates that such dark thoughts invade his mind at the mere sight of them, at even the smallest sound of their voices. It's not their fault that they exist, nor their fault that their worlds are a product of his actions and his mistakes. They don’t deserve the deity’s ire for simply existing. 

Yet the roaring of that horrible voice in his mind continues, pulsing through his head and aching at the eye that the demon controls. 

He wishes it would stop. Why won’t it stop? 

- 

“Time, hey, Time!” He comes back to himself with a blink, head shaking slightly as he raises his good eye to find the captain staring at him. They’re still on the path, still just walking along, still with nothing and no one else in sight, although the rail fence is nowhere to be seen anymore and blessedly means that the two younger heroes are back on the path with the rest, back in their normal places behind him, out of sight and away from the ire of the deity. 

“Yes?”  

The captain’s face is creased with worry, lips pursed, and gaze guarded. “You blanked out.” 

Not blacked out, not fainted, not lost consciousness. No, it’s something rather different, and based off the familiar expression of the other, the soldier is well aware of what it really was; a slip. When stress or pain or emotion are too much, it happens. It’s been less common since he’d put away the mask for the last time, but during the war it happened frequently from overuse of the thing, the deity exercising control in the absence of his own will to. 

“I’m alright,” he tries to assure, careful not to look behind him, even though he can feel the worry from the rest, “just tired.” 

“We can stop for a rest.”  

The captain’s halfway towards turning towards the other, already drawing a breath to call a halt to the rest, but Time stops him with a hand to his arm and a shake of the head, eyes carefully closed to avoid the sight of bright blue or crimson. “Don’t. It won’t help.”  

Sleeping isn’t the problem, it’s his mind running away with him in a thousand directions, he doesn’t want it too. Sitting still will only make it worse. Stil, the captain regards him with worry. “Tell me if you change your mind.” 

He nods. He won’t, but if he did, he’d tell the other There’s no worry of that though because sitting still right now sounds like actual torture. Just sitting there, a prisoner to his thoughts, to the deity’s thoughts, to wonderings and fears he doesn’t wish to address now or ever; he wouldn’t wish such things on anyone. 

Except maybe Ganon. Screw him and everything he’s done to them. He deserves to be tortured by guilt. 

Warriors lets it go, but not without a final worried look, and every so often he can feel heavy blue eyes settling on him, reading him, watching for any tick or sign that e’s in need of a break. He appreciates it, and focusing on the captain’s worry is an escape, because the deity has nothing ill to say of the soldier, in fact, he thinks it might even respect the other man, not that it will ever admit to such a thing. 

- 

In some ways, it gets easier, but in others, it’s worse. Focusing on his pup, his cub, turns his attention away. He can laugh and tease and watch them tease each other. Having Warriors standing beside him, talking about this thing or that, about paths and courses of action, is almost soothing. Sky’s smile and warm laughter is a balm, and Four’s quiet presence an assurance. 

The moment Legend or Wind come into view though, even if his focus isn’t on them, or even what they’re doing, the growl of the deity rises again, a splitting pain in his head. 

They know too. Wind’s hurt expressions and confusion are clear, and while Legend doesn’t appear to care at first, after a few days of such treatment, the vet tries to pull him aside and demand what has him treating Wind like a plague. He's not even noticed that the treatment is extended to him, but they all know of the vet’s soft spot for the sailor. He won’t stand to see their leader, whom the kid respects and admires so much, treating the sight of the boy like it’s painful. 

But it is. It’s a rush of thoughts and twitch of his hands. It’s the hiss of the deity demanding he purge his namesake of all the dark twists it’s taken due to his actions. It’s images of children fighting demons and worlds falling due to his own failures. 

He can’t bring himself to apologize, because that would mean looking at them, speaking to them, and thus hearing the demon scream for their blood to right the wrongs they represent. 

Legend gives up in anger. Wind closes off, quiet and pensive. He doesn’t miss the veteran’s hand on broad little shoulders, a silent comfort when he passes by. Doesn’t miss the soft questions whispered from younger to elder, or the harsh glares from violet eyes as begrudging tones reply that they have no answers. He hates it but can’t do anything about it. For their own sakes, ignoring them is kinder than risking letting himself slip and do far worse. 

- 

When next they face the shadow, it’s nearly a relief. Finally, he can pour the aggression of the deity into his motions, into the swing of his sword and the roaring of his magic. He can let the demon loose, just a little, just enough to destroy and wreak havoc on enemies that deserve his wrath, on creatures who’ve earned his ire and hatred. 

It’s freeing. 

There’s no need to hold back, and maybe, just maybe, he let’s himself slip into the background, lets the deity have just a little more power than he’d planned. It’s fine though, it’s fine because maybe this will exhaust the thing, grant it the blood it’s so thirsty for, quench that hunger enough to make it fall silent again. 

Once the battle is over, and the deity silent, maybe now he can talk to Wind. Show the boy a smile and apologize, tell him he’s had a migraine that’s impacted by the sailor’s magic or some such thing. Legend or Hyrule might call bull on that, but maybe he’s willing to abuse the fact that Wind’s hero worship of him means he’s more likely to be believed. He’s not telling the kid the truth though, not burdening him with the weight of the horrible thoughts and impulses that wreck his mind, but he’ll give an answer that’s half true, give him something, maybe even sit down and talk about nonsense together to assure that he doesn’t hate the kid. He doesn’t. Wind’s a good kid, and he deserves the world. 

He just needs the deity to wear itself out. So, he drops his guard, lets himself fall to the backseat and lets the demon take the reins, sweep over the field with full fury and power unleashed, hoping to exhaust his magic enough that the demon will be silent.  Enemies fall like wheat to a scythe, a cloud of black and purple smoke rising in his wake as the deity rampages, blade moving uncommonly fast as he darts to the captain’s side to assist him for a moment, springs over to Twilight to aid him as well. 

The deity’s voice rumbles, laughing, savoring the bloodshed and reveling just as much in fighting beside their “true heir”, beside the “dragon of war”. He doesn’t understand that, not entirely. Still, he can guess what it means, and while a dragon does seem to suit the man he’s watched wield flames with the same proficiency as a blade, calling Twilight their “true heir” seems like a direct jab, like spitting in the face of the two other heroes that follow in his wake. They’re just words though. Just more words from the demon god’s mind. They don’t matter. They’re not his thoughts. 

Except that when the enemy is dead, when the shadow fled, when the battle over, those words still play in his head, an echo of the deity’s thoughts, and when he tries to take back control, he can’t. 

He can’t control his own actions, can’t control even his words, can’t do anything no matter how much he desperately tries to retake control of the body that’s stalking towards where their veteran is wiping his sword off in the grass, can’t do anything as he hears the deity’s thoughts echo around him, watching as his body becomes but a puppet to the still raging demon. 

“If Nayru will not prune back the dead branches, it falls to me.” 

He wants to scream, to say anything, to catch his own hand as it raises, blade lifted high, but he can’t do anything. 

Legend turns at the last second, eyes sharp and blade sharper as it lifts, catches the weapon descending towards him, pushes it and the strength of the deity away and slips himself back, flips over them and perfectly executes a helm-splitter, stopping seconds before their leader’s skull is cleaved in two, voice sharp as it demands to know what’s wrong with him, what he’s doing. 

The deity doesn’t care, simply springs back and away, Time’s body swinging his sword at the younger hero even as Warriors shouts something unintelligible and Twilight snarls something sharp, something terrified as their “true heir” rushes towards the scion of death, the heir to failure. 

The others aren’t fast enough to stop the deity though, aren’t strong enough to stop the blade clashing, lifting and falling and lifting and falling. He can see, although he can’t do anything else, as the force of the blows rattles up the veteran’s arms. Sees the way his teeth set and his body shakes as he responds, holding the deity puppeteering Time’s body off, but only by backing away, driven slowly further and further from the others who rush and hurry. 

Twilight throws himself at them, but the deity catches him by the pelt. All ire fades in favor of fondness as the demon’s thoughts turn sorrowful. He can hear them, a sadness that their true heir will have to see this, a confusion of why the pup does not understand their intent. He knows, if Twilight understood, that he would never condone the actions of the demon, but he can’t say as much even to his own mind as the deity lifts and throws their boy out of reach. Not harsh, not meant to harm, but fully intending to distance the boy from their fight, to stop him interfering. 

He flinches, as does his body, as the rancher hits the ground some yards away. 

In the opening left by the action, Legend’s tempered sword strikes, blood gushing as the blade rips free of flesh, but the blow does nothing to stop the assault of the demon In fact, it only provokes him further, and the little control Time felt finally fall into his hands is ripped away as his body returns control to the thing that will protect it, to the demon that will not let them be harmed. 

Legend is the next to go flying, but not with the care and sorrow granted to Twilight, and instead with blood dripping in his wake as the biggoron sword finally lands a blow. 

The shouts of the other boys sound, and there’s the snarling of a wolf beside them. 

When his body turns from the broken form of the felled vet, he’s met with the sight of drawn swords and bared teeth as the wolf launches at him. He’s not sure when or why Twi has shifted, but the teeth closing on his arm hold him back for a moment as Warriors throws him forwards as well, attempting, no doubt to seek some weakness. In the war, he’d learned to rip the masks free from his kid’s face when he must, but there’s no mask for the captain to tear away this time, and despite the affection of the deity for “the dragon of war”, the demon god still tosses the captain away, plunging through the hesitant and terrified heroes. 

Time’s heart drops when he realizes the goal of the demon: the sailor, eyes hard and blade raised, even as terror and confusion have the kid’s body shaking, voice doing the same as it demands ‘why’. “Time, what’s gotten into you?” 

The cry of his heart at the veteran’s fall echoes again as the blow of the deity comes down on the sailor, and while the boy dodges, he’s not fast enough to escape injury. 

Blood paints the earth, paints blue fabric and darkens crimson. Pain clouds in violet eye sand in the ocean ones of their youngest. 

A roar, like nothing the deity can manage, has him turning. 

The last things Time sees are Sky’s blazing eyes and the matching gleam of the Master Sword. 

[ryusuisloveinterest]

My contribution to Night Kids November

hi guys! I heard it’s night kids November so here I am with some headcanons! I hope you like it!

Night Kids x Reader Headcanons🩷

Takeshi Nakazato

One day you saw a black r32 outside of the coffee shop you were going to

Of course being the big car geek you are you start taking pictures and admiring it until you hear a voice 

“Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

You quickly stand up and see none other than Nakazato himself

“I’m so sorry! Is this your car? It just seemed so cool I wanted a couple of photos to show my friends… I can delete them if you want….”

You look back at the man to see his face being a bright red color

“I-it’s fine! Just wasn’t expecting someone as good looking as yourself to- I mean-!”

He’s still a nervous wreck lol

You’ve been dating for months since then but he still finds himself stuttering and blushing at the littlest things you do

I’m sure Nakazato has some kind of money cause dude has a whole r32 so I’m sure he’d spend the rest on you

I just read he possibly does something with pharmaceuticals so he definitely gonna spend that money on you. Buying you jewelry, the plushie you looked at through the window, and definitely a nice expensive dinner

Gets so excited when you come to his races

The first time he saw you in the crowd he freaked out 

He was happy you were there, but he was scared of all the weird guys that hung around too 

So from then on he just took you with him to wherever he went

If you really don’t wanna be part of the race or you don’t like actually racing then he trusts his team enough to let you stay with them

But if you’re in the car with him while he races he’s gonna wanna show off so much in front of you

But at the same time he’s so scared he’s gonna big a guard rail too

It’s just best if you stay with his team, but he’ll drive for you once the race is over!

He’s such a gentleman

Doors always opened for you, feet rubs, cuddles, you name it and he’s doing it 

His favorite thing to do with you is crafts with you 

Like HE personally doesn’t like doing it, but he loves it when you finish making him a bracelet or a painting and comparing it with his

His definitely isn’t the Best but your smile makes it worth it 

Shingo Shoji

This boy💀

Where as I can see Nakazato with a a partner who doesn’t race or doesn’t like racing, Shingo has to have someone who at the bare minimum likes cars

He probably saw you racing one night, and just as you passed by him he saw your face 

He needed to get your number!

He asked everyone if they’d see this car

It wasn’t until he asked Sayuki when he found out who you were

“A red NSX? Oh that’s y/n! Me and Mako drive with them sometimes. What about it?”

He begged her to give him your number or set you up on a date

Once you guys finally did meet you guys clicked right away

The both of you do weird couple things 100% and have no shame

You’ll get up to grab you and him something and he’ll just smack your butt and be like, “thanks babe” like nothing happened 

A few hours later and you do the same back to him, “it’s payback” you say

The rest of the night you’re chasing each other around smacking each others butts giggling and laughing at each other 

Shingo doesn’t really give gifts, however he loves to do random things with you 

The both of you will look up random things to do around Miyogi or wherever else you guys feel like going 

Or you both will try new things together like cooking, walking around looking for rocks, or even playing basketball, etc.

He’d love to see you at his races

If you were part of a team or races against others too he’d definitely show up to show his support, using every opportunity to say, “yeah she’s my babe,” or, “I bet you wish she was yours huh? Too bad, I guess you’re just gonna have to keep looking from afar.”

If you know how to gum tape then I don’t think he’d mind too much for you to go against him, but he would still prefer not to

If you don’t have a clue about it then he doesn’t wanna risk you getting hurt

His favorite thing to do with you is late late drives

He likes when your in his passenger seat, he likes when he’s in yours

He likes when your racing with each other

At the end of the day as long as he’s with you he’s satisfied 

[pra370r1an]

Read a few ToH Fallout aus recently and noticed that Hooty always seems to be a super state of the art program or something, which makes sense, but I got another theory

based on my thoughts on a Fallout Au which is here

part 1 part 2

Eda pulled hard on her stick, causing the air boat to turn sharply, angling up and away. Water splashed upon the shore next to the small dock, the wet ground steaming slightly afterward from the boiling water.

Luz yelled in fear, wrapping her arms around the railing at the side of the airboat. She prayed as she dangled for a moment before the boat righted itself and her body fell down with a thump.

Eda laughed as she hopped off the seat by the controls, “HaHA! Another successful escape by the best scavenger in the Wasteland!”

Luz slowly tried to stand, watching as Eda tossed the bag of trash onto the dock before taking a rope and tossing it over the pier.

“Is it always that wild up here?” Luz asked, shakily trying to walk. Her life among the Vault had in no way given her sea legs, and the flat bottom boat was still rocking from the waves of Eda’s driving.

In contrast, Eda walked along the swaying boat as if it was solid land, using the rope to pull them close and tying it off tight, “Only when the heats on ya! Though usually there’s less Gatorclaws, Haha! Good thing all those guards fell in!” She laughed as she hopped onto the pier and grabbed her bag.

Luz followed Eda off the boat by crawling over the side onto the pier before even attempting to stand up, “Are you sure those guards won’t come here after us? I mean, I’m sure some of them are upset about their friends, you know… Becoming mutant food?”

“Ha! I’d like to see them try anything here!” Eda declared, approaching the large building. “I have a top-of-the-line security system.”

Luz followed, “What security sys-”

Luz was cut off as a large humanoid figure slammed into the ground in front of them from above.

Slowly, the figure rose from the kneeling position he landed in, growing taller and taller until he towered over even Eda’s impressive height. Large muscles strained beneath dark blue skin, with only some short shorts to keep him decent. A vicious scowl looked down upon a frightened Luz from behind a strap along his upper lip.

Luz took a step back as the huge mutant man raised a muscular arm in front of him… angling the brown, sock puppet with soulless black eyes and a gold beak towards her…

“WHAT’S THE PASSWORD!? HOOT HOOT!” An impossibly shrill and high voice came from the mutant’s mouth as he moved the sock puppet as if speaking.

Eda smacked the puppet on the top of the head, “Not now Hooty.”

“CORRECT!” The mutant announced happily. The puppet turned towards Luz, “WHAT ABOUT YOUR FRIEND!? HI, I’M HOOTY!”

Luz cautiously looked from the expressionless puppet to the scowling mutant, then to Eda.

Eda was giving Luz a pointed look, nodding as she pointed to her other hand moving like a puppet mouth.

“Uhh,” Luz turned back, trying not to look the mutant in the face. She addressed the puppet, “Hi… Hooty was it? I’m, uh, Luz?”

“HI, LUZ!” The puppet screeched. “I LOVE MAKING NEW FRIENDS! WOULD YOU LIKE A TEA PARTY!?”

“Ok!” Eda grabbed Luz by her vault suit and pulled her away from the puppet. “We just had a very harrowing escape from the guards, so we really should go in now.” She announced, dragging Luz towards the door. “No time for tea parties, Hooty.” She paused and looked back, “But if any guards or traveling salesmen show up, feel free to start without us.”

“WILL DO! HOOT HOOT!” Hooty, er, the mutant promised.

Luz shuddered to think what horrors could befall traveling salesmen in this strange new world.

[lovelynim]

Silly Little Brother

Honkai: Star Rail - Gepard & Serval

A/N: Happy birthday @otomiya-tickles!!! I tried to be as subtle as I could about it, so I hope I didn't spoil this little surprise for you. It's far from what you deserve, but I couldn't show up empty handed today, right? Heheh... wish you the best, my dear!

Summary: To get an automaton back to work, Gepard needs to ask for his older sister's help.

Word count: 1338 words

Crossing his arms, Gepard clenched his hands into tight fists. To anyone else, it would look like the Silvermane Captain was just a little impatient, tired of waiting for his older sister.

“Are you done?” He muttered, looking around for the fifth time.

Serval let out an annoyed groan, looking over her shoulder. “Geppie, it’s not as simple as you wish it is, trust me,” the mechanic turned her attention back to the insides of the automaton, carefully tightening the screws around its structure. “Now, can you relax a little? You are making me feel nervous at this point.”

“I’m not- ugh, just hurry up,” he insisted, taking one hand to the back of his neck, squeezing the spot to try to relieve some tension.

As much as she wanted to snap back at her brother, Serval let out a small sigh and told herself to keep her cool. She knew Gepard was actually nervous, she could tell it better than anyone else.

The silvermane forces had just received a new automaton to help in their patrol and, for some reason that she had yet to find out, the robot happened to “break” right into her brother’s hands. 

And after panicking for some good and long minutes, the captain resorted to the only person that could help him in a moment like that: his older sister. When Serval arrived, the broken automaton was hidden inside a storage cabin and, much to her brother’s demise, still refused to turn back on.

Fixing this kind of thing wouldn’t normally be such a hassle. Yes, it wasn’t her speciality, but it was not like it was out of her scope. But having Gepard panicking like that and rushing her wasn’t helping at all. 

“What did you even do to break this thing? I’m looking everywhere for a damaged piece, but I can’t find it,” Serval groaned, deciding to check the screws around the motor again.

“I-I didn’t do anything! It just… stopped working…” Gepard sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he listened to the metallic sounds. “Are you sure you are checking it properly? Maybe you lef-”

“What did you just say?” Serval interrupted, looking over her shoulder. Feeling the last bits of her patience disappear like footprints on the snow. The mechanic stood up, dropping her tools and giving her brother a stern look. An awfully familiar look.

Gepard was the silvermane guards’ captain, the hero of Belobog, the one who faced countless monsters of the fragmentum… but Serval was something out of his reach. The man realized, in that exact moment, the mistake he made. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“I know, Geppie, I know,” Serval interrupted, starting to walk in his direction at a slow - but terrifying - pace. “The pressure on you is so much that you can’t help, but to feel nervous sometimes, right? But you know…”

Gepard walked back, retreating until his back hit the cabin’s wall, allowing his sister to corner him with ease.

“S-Serval, listen-”

“No, you listen, Geppie,” she insisted, looking up into his eyes. “You need to get yourself together!” She said firmly, placing a finger on his chest as she spoke, “you are the captain, got it? What are you so scared of?!”

The blonde clenched his hands, looking away as a faint blush spread across his face. Getting scolded by his sister like a little boy at this age… and, even worse, he knew she was right.

“I… I know, it’s just-”

“Hush, I’m not done talking!” She said, now sounding less anger and more playfully. Holding out her index finger in front of his face, Serval managed to keep her brother quiet as she continued her “speech”.

“You need to loosen up otherwise you’ll go crazy - no, you’ll make me go crazy. You need to relax, Geppie,” she continued, making him arch his eyebrow.

Gently reaching out of his sister's wrist to move her hand out of his face, Gepard sighed, trying to follow her advice, but not able to stop worrying about the broken robot next to them. “Can’t we leave that for later?”

“No,” Serval mused, placing her hand on Gepard’s shoulder while she smiled proudly, “but you are lucky, Geppie.”

“Huh? Why?”

“I know just the thing to help you,” she grinned, sending a shiver down his spine.

“Serval… don’t,” he warned, pressing his back against the cabin’s wall as hard as he could. There was no need for words at that moment, he knew very well what his sister was about - and he already regretted letting her get this close.

“Don’t what, Geppie?” She grinned, setting the trap for her younger brother as they spoke.

“Tickle me- wait! No no nohOHo!!” Took him no more than a second to realize his mistake. The captain desperately tugged at his sister’s hands, trying to pry them off his sides, where she focused her restless assault.

Serval giggled along, digging her fingers a little harder over her brother’s waist to make sure he would be able to feel it through the thick uniform. “So many years… I’m glad you still fall for things like this, Geppie,” she teased, pushing his hands away before moving the tickling to his stomach.

“S-Seheherval! Nohohot hehere!” The captain cried out, trying to defend himself from his sister as she didn’t seem like giving up any time soon. “Thehere a-are peheheople around us!”

“Oh, come on, you dragged a whole automaton inside and you’re worried they will hear you laughing?” She mocked his excuse, skittering all the way up to his ribs, making him shoot his arms down to block her hands from climbing any further. Serval would never admit it, but having her fingers trapped under Gepard’s arms hurt more than she remembered - her little brother wasn’t so little anymore, after all. 

“D-damn, don’t get so tense, Geppie,” she gasped, trying to keep poking at his ribs despite his attempts, “you’ll crush my hands like this. ~”

“T-thehen stop tihihickling mehehe!” The captain cried, stomping his foot on the ground as he threw his head back into the wall behind him, trying to support his body as his legs threatened giving in. “I-I’m seheherious! StoHOHop it, Servahahal!”

Seeing her brother’s cheeks getting tainted by pink and his lips turning into a wide smile, the mechanic couldn’t help herself but to giggle along. After all those years, the captain was still her little brother, after all. “So soon, Geppie? You used to be able to take mor-”

“SEHEHERVAL! PLEHEHEASE!!” Gepard interrupted her with a loud cackle as her fingers climbed an inch closer to his underarms, sending him into a fit of hysterical laughter. The woman shook her head, deciding to fulfill his request. “Fiiine…”

She chuckled again, putting up some effort to manage to free her hands - as Gepard simply refused to raise his arms to let her go - and stepped back, deciding to check the automaton again.

“T-that was… totally unnecessary, Serval…” The captain gasped, placing his hands over his knees as he tried to find some balance while catching up his breath. “C-can you please fix the automaton now?” He asked, almost begged, in a sheepishly tone.

“Oh, I did it a while ago,” Serval bluntly admitted, patting the robot as it sparked back into life.

“W-what?”

“It ran out of energy,” she explained, grinning, “I figured it out a while ago. Just leave it charging for a couple of hours and the little guy will be ready to work again.”

“T-then what was-”

“I said, Geppie,” she smiled, packing up her things as she got ready to leave, “you needed to calm down and relax a little.”

The captain’s jaw dropped, still baffled by the fact that his sister toyed with him like that. Gepard wanted to scold her for messing with him like that at work, but was still shocked with the whole thing.

Serval smiled, approaching her brother and placing her hand on his head. “You’re welcome, silly little brother,” she teased, messing with his hair.

[nerdzzone]

Worlds Apart

Chapter Seven

Summary: Single mom, Bridget Clark, thought that she was fine by herself. Moving her son to a new town and out of the hustle and bustle of Boston, she thought that life would be quieter and simpler, but a chance encounter with a certain Hollywood actor only a week after their big move had her questioning everything. Bridget was faced with the ultimate decision of head vs heart, but would letting her guard down prove to be worth the risk?

-----

For most people that Bridget knew, driving to their childhood home was an experience that brought joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. For Bridget, it brought anxiety, insecurity, and a feeling of inferiority Every time she went, she tried her best to go with a clean slate and leave any previous animosity in the past, but she was always quickly reminded of why that was a challenge and this particular evening was no different.

From the moment she’d arrived - when her mother had been surprised to see her despite her prompt RSVP to the last minute invite she’d received - Bridget had felt like she was intruding on a family event that she had no right to attend. Her mother was cold and distant, her father was apathetic at best, and despite her brother’s best attempts at dragging her into the conversation, her parents were unabashedly more interested in him, his wife and their two sons than they were in Bridget. She was just grateful that it was Landon’s week with his father and he wasn’t there to be ignored alongside her.

It was almost tempting to leave right after dinner - to sneak out without saying goodbye just to see if anyone even noticed that she was gone - but Gavin’s wife, Nora, had made a pie for dessert that she was really excited for everyone to try. Considering that she’d been one of the few people who made any attempt to be kind to Bridget that evening, she felt like she owed her enough to at least stick around until the meal was completely finished. She did, however, sneak out onto the deck in the brief break between dinner and dessert in the hopes that the fresh air would help her survive the rest of the evening.

She hadn’t been out there long when she heard the door open. She tensed - almost scared to look at who’d come to join her - until the welcome voice of her brother broke through the silence.

“I thought I saw you sneak off out here.”

“It’s nice to know that someone notices my existence,” Bridget sighed. “I just needed a minute to catch my breath.”

“I don’t blame you,” Gavin sympathized as he leaned on the railing beside her where she was looking out over their perfectly manicured backyard. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine, I’m used to it,” she shrugged. “I just don’t know why they’re always so surprised to see me. They invited me, I accepted the invitation, but when I got here Mom looked at me like she didn’t expect to see me and then practically ignored me all night like I’m intruding on some family event I don’t belong at. If they don’t want me here, I don’t understand why they bother inviting me.”

“They invite you because they know that it’s the right thing to do.”

“Then I guess a better question is that I don’t know why I keep accepting,” Bridget rephrased it. “I know they’re never gonna change, it’s like they hate me.”

“They don’t hate you,” Gavin argued. “They’re just…indifferent.”

His attempt at reassurance had a harsh laugh falling from Bridget’s lips despite the way it made her heart sink in her chest.

“I think that might be worse,” she pointed out. “It’s pretty bleak to think that my parents have no strong feelings towards me at all.”

The way that Gavin cringed told her that he knew she was right, but he still threw in one last consolation.

“Well, you’re not missing much. They’re not super supportive parents even to the kid that they do like.”

Despite how depressing that statement was, it put a smile on her face as she knew that his commiseration was pretty accurate. Their parents were more than happy to give support in the form of money, but their time and love were rarely given even to Gavin. 

“That’s true,” she agreed, shaking her head in disdain. “I really don’t know why they even had kids.”

“Because it would have been a crime to deprive the world of two people as wonderful as us,” Gavin confidently stated, shooting her a smirk before he changed the subject. “But anyway, enough about them. Before someone notices we’re missing and tracks us down, how’re you doing? How’s the small town life treating you?”

“It’s going really well so far. We settled in nicely, Landon seems to love it and now that the weather is nicer it’s amazing to actually have a backyard instead of just that tiny balcony we had at our condo.”

Her answer was honest and genuine, but she knew from the suspicious way Gavin was suddenly watching her that he knew there was something she was leaving out and she knew the grin that had slid onto her face was to blame. But she couldn’t help it. When she thought of her new life outside of the city, she immediately thought about Chris. And thinking about Chris always had her smiling and giggling like a smitten teenage girl.

“That’s great, I’m really glad to hear that,” he smiled before fishing a little more. “Any other exciting news?”

“I’m seeing someone,” she blurted out before quickly following it up with a slightly longer explanation. “For the first time since Landon was born, I think it’s going really well and he makes me really happy.”

“It’s about time!” Gavin laughed, earning an eye roll from Bridget despite the smile still stretching across her face. “What’s his name? Do I need to meet him and use my brotherly intimidation tactics to make sure he treats you well?”

Despite the way his concern warmed her heart as she appreciated any hint that she wasn’t as unwanted in her family as she often felt, a snort of laughter fell from her lips.

“Oh, please, I don’t think anyone I’ve dated has been intimidated by you since I was in high school when my dates were all teenage boys,” Bridget teased, shaking her head and smiling as Gavin scoffed indignantly at her claim. “Besides, Chris could definitely take you in a fight.”

Gavin was tall and broad shouldered but it was obvious that he spent too much time following in their mother’s footsteps as one of Boston’s elite lawyers to spend as much time in the gym as Chris. He was in decent shape, but his muscles weren’t quite at the superhero level that Chris’ were and he seemed offended by her claim.

“Really? Is ‘Chris’ some kind of tough guy?”

“No, and neither are you,” Bridget reminded him with a smile. “But he is very strong, his job requires him to be in really good shape.”

The information had slipped out before Bridget realized it would probably spark a follow up question that she didn’t really want to answer, but just as Gavin opened his mouth the door to the deck creaked open and his wife poked her head out, saving Bridget from the potential interrogation.

“I was wondering where you two wandered off to,” she greeted them. “We’re ready to start dessert now.”

“Okay, we’ll be right there,” Gavin assured her, flashing Bridget a smirk before looking back towards his wife. “Bridget was just telling me all about her new boyfriend.”

“He’s not…” Bridget trailed off as she realized that she wasn’t entirely sure what he was. Again, she found that her lack of recent dating experience left her unsure of what was typical, but it felt presumptuous to start throwing around a title like boyfriend without some kind of conversation first. However, he had questioned her use of the word ‘friends’ and they’d agreed that they were on the same page so she was fairly sure that they were exclusively dating each other. The sudden conflict she was feeling had her anxiety spiking and her tendency to overthink kicking into high gear, but the lingering eyes of her brother and sister-in-law had her forcing out an explanation. “We haven’t really defined things yet.”

“Well, that’s exciting,” Nora smiled, opening the door a little wider and gesturing for Bridget to go inside. “Come help me get some plates and tell me all about it.”

It was a simple gesture, but her sincere interest in hearing about the new development in Bridget’s life meant a lot to her. Gavin had tried his best to look out for Bridget over the years, but the thirteen year age gap had made it difficult. By the time she was six, he was heading off to university so their time together was minimal and their interests were drastically different. Their relationship was far different from that of siblings who were close in age and Gavin often felt more like a distant uncle to her than a brother. However, he was around enough to notice how disinterested her parents were in her and how lacking their effort at parenting her was and he always offered his support if she ever needed it. 

But he was busy and Bridget’s lonely childhood had made her independent enough that she rarely took him up on the offer so it wasn’t until her adult years - when the age difference was less jarring - that they’d really made an effort to get to know each other and form a bond. She always knew that he cared about her though - and that did Nora too - and the warmth she felt from them taking an interest in the changes in her life almost made up for the pain she felt from an evening surrounded by the coldness of her parents.

-

Despite how demoralising most of the evening had been, the pitstop that Bridget planned to make on her way home had a flicker of excitement rising in her stomach as she pulled out of her parents' driveway. The present sitting on the passenger seat beside her had made her nervous earlier in the day - like her, Chris hadn’t mentioned his birthday and she didn’t want to overstep - but it wasn’t anything extravagant so she was hopeful that he’d appreciate the gesture. However, the doubts crept back in when she pulled into his driveway and saw the many vehicles that were already parked by his house. 

It made sense that he would be having some kind of celebration, but she didn’t want him to think that she was trying to crash his party and force him to include her in something that she hadn’t been invited to. Considering that she’d spent enough time that evening being somewhere she wasn’t truly wanted, she was tempted to turn around and just stop by the following day instead when he was more likely to be alone, but she was there and the present was ready to go so she came up with a compromise and a plan to simply leave the gift beside the door for him to find when his guests left. 

She crept up the stairs of his porch and gently placed the gift bag beside his door, but just as she leaned down to fix the tissue paper and make sure it didn’t look too ruffled, the door in front of her swung open. 

Surprised by the motion and sudden light around her, she jumped back and looked up to see a man she didn’t recognize eyeing her up very suspiciously.

“Can I help you?”

His tone was harsh, but it was understandable as she was sure that anyone in Chris’ life would be unhappy to find a stranger skulking around his property at night.

“I was just leaving a present for Chris,” she explained, gesturing to the gift at their feet and hoping that the clear nerves in her voice didn’t make her seem even more suspicious. “Maybe you could give it to him for me? Tell him it’s from Bridget?”

Realization washed over his face as his concern shifted into something more like excitement.

“The Bridget?” he asked with a smirk. “I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Scott, Chris’ brother.” 

“Oh, hi!” Bridget smiled, happy to finally have a face to put to the name. “I’ve heard a lot about you too.”

“Don’t believe any of it,” Scott joked, opening the door a little wider and stepping aside. “C’mon inside.”

“Oh, no, I wasn’t-”

Before Bridget could even voice her protest, Scott turned his head and shouted, “Chris! Your girlfriend is here!”

He waited by the door for a moment as a commotion could be heard echoing from another room until Chris appeared, jogging down the hallway towards them as Bridget picked up the gift that was still sitting on the doormat.

“Bridget,” he smiled. “I didn’t even hear you knock.”

“She didn’t,” Scott informed him. “I was just heading out to get my phone charger from Carly’s car and I ran into her.”

“I brought you a present,” Bridget explained as Scott excused himself to continue his original task. “I promise I wasn’t trying to intrude or just show up uninvited to your birthday party.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Chris assured her. “I should have invited you anyway, but I knew my whole family was coming and thought it might be kinda intimidating. I didn’t wanna scare you off already.”

He looked a little sheepish as he spoke, but Bridget quickly waved him off.

“You don’t need to explain,” she insisted. “I get it and I’m not offended, but I just wanted to drop off your gift.”

Clearly relieved by her understanding, the look on his face shifted into one of suspicion.

“How did you even know it was my birthday?”

“Some of us don’t need to be told when someone’s birthday is.”

Her words were a teasing reference to his lack of knowledge about her birthday a few months earlier and Chris scoffed out a laugh before calling out the disparity.

“It’s a little unfair when I can’t just find out information about you on the internet,” he pointed out. “Did you Google it?”

“Maybe it was just my intuition,” she shrugged with a smirk on her face, but as Chris narrowed his eyes into a suspicious glare, she relented and admitted, “You were trending on Twitter all day, I eventually caved and had to investigate why.”

Chris chuckled and shook his head.

“That’s cheating.”

“Is not,” Bridget protested. “Anyway, you should have told me.”

“You didn’t tell me about yours.”

It was a fair counterpoint, but Bridget couldn’t hold back the roll of her eyes.

“We barely knew each other back then, it was different.”

Chris shrugged, but before he could offer any further arguments, Scott bounded back up the porch steps towards them.

“Oh my god, Chris, invite her inside already,” he teased his brother before doing it himself. “You should come and say hi to everyone, I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”

“Oh, that’s okay, I really don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding at all,” Chris assured her. “They would love to meet you and I think they’re all heading out soon anyway, but there’s no pressure if you’d rather meet them another time.”

Knowing how close Chris was to his family made meeting them an intimidating thing, but thanks to Scott’s announcement she was sure they all knew that she was there and slipping away without saying hello might seem pretty rude. So, after taking a moment to work up a little courage, she flashed him a smile and nodded her head.

“I’d love to meet them.”

The grin that her answer put on his face had her relieved by her decision and her feeling of relief only grew when he grabbed her hand before leading her down the hallway after Scott. When they entered his living room, Bridget felt her nerves spike again as their presence immediately captured everyone’s attention, but she found comfort in the way that Chris slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close. It seemed that he was right about everyone leaving soon as they appeared to be gathering their things and slipping on their coats, but they all paused their actions as their eyes fell on her.

“Everyone, this is Bridget,” Chris introduced her. “And Bridget, this is everyone.”

He quickly gave her a rundown of who exactly ‘everyone’ was. She already knew Carly, but was grateful for the reminder of the other names as he pointed out his mother - Lisa - his other sister - Shanna - and her boyfriend - Mitch - and Carly’s husband - Rick. Scott - who she’d, of course, already met - lingered beside them as she tried to push her anxieties aside enough to muster up some charm.

“It’s so nice to meet you all,” she smiled. “Chris talks about you guys a lot.”

“Oh, does he?” Lisa raised an eyebrow, an amused look on her face. “That’s good to know because we were just debating why he was trying to hide us from his new girlfriend.”

“Yeah,” Shanna agreed. “Not inviting you to dinner, talking to you on his porch instead of inviting you inside. We were starting to think he’s ashamed of us.”

“Ashamed isn’t the right word,” Chris smirked. “But things have a tendency to get a little loud and obnoxious when we’re all together and I’m still in the process of tricking Bridget into thinking I’m normal.”

“You are?” Bridget giggled. “Then I hate to break it to you, but I’ve known pretty much from the start that you’re not.”

“What gave him away?” Carly chimed in. “Was it the incredibly unsubtle way that he showed up at my house when he knew you’d be there? Or the way he offered to paint your entire house just to get you to agree to go out with him? Or was it just his general personality?”

“Definitely just his personality,” Bridget joked. “I found those other things pretty endearing.”

“Endearing?” Scott scoffed. “Or creepy?”

“Alright, that’s enough,” Chris protested, shaking his head despite the smile on his face. “Keep it up and this will be the last time I suggest she comes to meet you all.”

“We can just organize it ourselves,” Bridget shrugged. “I have Carly’s number and I might get more secrets out of them if you’re not there anyway.”

Chris let out a dramatic gasp, but her answer had a chuckle rippling through the rest of the group.

“She’s outsmarted you there,” Lisa teased him. “But we would love to get to know you, Bridget. Maybe we can all get together for dinner some time soon, with your son too.”

There was a sincerity to her voice that made it clear the offer was genuine and not made out of any sense of obligation and Bridget eagerly agreed. They chatted for a little bit longer as Bridget asked how their evening had gone and they squeezed in a little more teasing of Chris - about his age and looming gray hairs - but as his niece and nephews started to yawn, the group decided it was time to say their goodbyes. Bridget hung back as Chris followed them to the door, but as she saw each person take the time to pull him into a hug and wish him a ‘happy birthday’ one last time, she was amazed by the warmth between them. She knew that her family were the exception more than the rule when it came to the low level of comfort they had with each other, but the closeness and love between everyone in Chris’ family was a stark contrast to her own after the long evening she’d spent in the closed off, standoffish company of her parents.

It also wasn’t lost on her that simply by including Landon in the invitation for dinner, Lisa had given him more thought than her parents had in months.

Her observations had a flicker of emotion rising in her, but rather than the jealousy that she usually felt when faced with the unavoidable fact that her parents were awful, she felt a sense of determination. Landon would never have to feel the way that she did. She would do whatever it took to make sure that their relationship was more like the one Chris and his mother had than the one she had with her own and she hoped that - like Lisa - she could build a family for him that made him feel as loved as Chris’ clearly did for him. The way they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, their eagerness to all be together again soon, the strong bonds between them all that gave them such a sturdy, unwavering support system. That was what she wanted for her son, not the formality and complete lack of affection that she got from her own parents. She knew she was nothing like her own mother - she couldn't even imagine being so detached and uncaring towards Landon - but she wanted to be able to provide him with the experience of a big, loving family and if she was being entirely honest, she wanted that for herself too.

Once the group had left - and Scott, who was staying with Chris, had excused himself to call his boyfriend who was back in L.A. - Chris led her back to the living room, pausing to pick up the gift that she’d brought for him before they settled on the couch.

“Your family seems really great,” Bridget smiled as he sat close enough to drape his arm across the back of the couch behind her as she turned towards him and tucked her knees up to rest against his leg. “They’re very sweet.”

“They can be,” Chris agreed. “When they’re not trying to embarrass me.”

“It’s cute, and it obviously comes from a place of love.”

“It does,” he nodded. “And if I’m being honest, I’ve been just as bad when one of them has introduced us to someone they’re dating.”

His words had her thinking back to the conversation she’d had earlier with her brother and a word that Chris’ family members had thrown around quite casually during their conversation. He’d provided her with the perfect segue to broach the subject, but that didn’t prevent a knot from forming in her stomach as she cautiously tried to figure out the best way to ask him about what was on her mind.

“There was something I was wondering about that,” she started, earning a raise of Chris’ eyebrows that prompted her to continue. “I heard the word ‘girlfriend’ a lot tonight from your family when they were referring to me.”

It was a statement more than a question, but the ‘what are we’ conversation was one that Bridget hadn’t had to have in a very long time and she wasn’t entirely sure how else to initiate it. Chris hesitated - as if he was waiting for her to continue - but when she offered no more explanation, he asked her a question of his own.

“Is that okay?” His cheeks were noticeably more red as he asked and he continued before Bridget could reply. “It just seemed like the easiest way to describe you to them, but I know we haven’t had that conversation and I don’t wanna make any assumptions. I know you wanted to take things slow, I’m not trying to pressure you into anything.”

He seemed a little frazzled - a little too quick to reassure her - and Bridget couldn't help but smile at his flustered state.

“It’s okay with me,” Bridget assured him. “I just wasn’t sure if they were just teasing you or something and I didn’t want to just assume that you weren’t still seeing other people too.”

The look on Chris’ face at that suggestion spoke for itself, but she appreciated the immediate protest that slipped from his lips.

“No, definitely not. I haven’t seen anyone else since we met. Are you?”

“No, dating isn’t really my thing.” Bridget smiled before realizing how dismissive she sounded and adding, “And I wouldn’t want to even if it was.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Chris grinned as he laced his fingers with hers. “So, should we make this official?”

“I would really like that.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Chris pressed his lips against hers as she smiled into the kiss.

“See,” she murmured when she pulled away a moment later. “Your family’s teasing is good for something after all.”

“I guess so,” Chris chuckled before adding another admission. “I gotta be honest, when you showed up here all dressed up, I did wonder if you were seeing someone else too.”

Bridget glanced down at her outfit and could see how he’d come to that conclusion. Dinner with her parents wasn’t exactly a formal attire event, but she was certainly wearing nicer clothes than she would have if she’d come straight from work or from an evening alone at home. However, there was a slight flaw in his assumption.

“You really thought I went out with one guy and then stopped on my way home to drop off a birthday present for another guy that I’m seeing?”

“I was really hoping you hadn’t,” Chris smiled. “But you look really nice so I wasn’t sure.”

His curiosity was clear in his voice despite the lack of follow up questions so Bridget provided an explanation.

“Nah, it wasn’t anything like that. It was just one of my regular appointments to get every ounce of my self worth drained from my soul.” Her dramatic statement earned a look of shock from Chris that had a giggle falling from her lips before she clarified. “I had dinner with my parents for their anniversary.”

“Wow, and it was that bad?”

“It was pretty rough, but I got to see my brother and his family so that was nice,” Bridget shared, but the ache in her heart that always appeared when she thought about her parents’ behaviour had her quickly changing the subject. “But it’s all good. And today is about you, so why don’t you open your present?”

There was a moment of hesitation, but Bridget was grateful that he didn’t push the issue as he nodded and picked up the present from where he’d put it down beside him. If they were going to be in each other’s lives - a fact that she was fairly confident in now that they were ‘official’ - she knew there would be a time when she had to be more open about her struggles with her family, but they’d sucked away enough of her joy for one evening and she was happy to focus on Chris instead.

“It’s not much,” she warned him as he carefully pulled the tissue paper out of the bag. “But I assume that you buy yourself most things you need when you need them so I tried to think of something you might like but that you wouldn’t think to buy for yourself.”

“Interesting…” Chris hummed as he pulled the heavy book from the bag and Bridget watched his face light up as he read the title out loud. “The Hubble Space Telescope: Expanding Universe. Wow, Bridget, this is amazing!”

He quickly began perusing through the pictures of the coffee table book he was holding as his enthusiasm had relief washing over Bridget.

“You really like it? I saw it when I was restocking the shelves in the library and I immediately thought of you, but I wasn’t sure if it was actually something you’d want.”

“It’s really cool, I love it.” He paused his movement as he flipped through the pages and stretched up to steal another kiss before a gentle ‘thank you’ slipped from his lips.

“You’re welcome.”

Bridget let her hand slide up to scratch at the hairs on the nape of his neck and he leaned into her touch despite his obvious eagerness to finish looking through the pictures in the book on his lap. But just as his eyes drifted shut as he relaxed into her caress, they shot back open with a hopeful twinkle in them.

“Do you want to stay here tonight?”

The question caught Bridget off guard, but after a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly turned down the offer.

“I can’t,” she sighed. “I have an early meeting tomorrow morning.”

“You could go from here?”

“Dressed like this?” Bridget raised an eyebrow, gesturing to her fancy attire. “I’d look like I’m doing a walk of shame.”

“Well,” Chris smirked, stretching up until his lips were just inches away from hers. She tried to urge him closer with the hand on the back of his neck, but he stayed firm as he tried to entice her with a proposition. “We could make a real walk of shame if you’d like.”

The suggestion had her letting out a laugh, but it was quickly silenced when Chris captured her lips in another kiss and it suddenly became a lot more difficult to think of any reason why she shouldn’t spend the night. As his mouth moved against hers - his hand sliding up to her cheek, tilting her head so he could dip his tongue past her lips - the dizziness and heat that clouded her mind had her wondering if she even really needed a job at all.

In the end, sense managed to prevail and she slowly leaned away from his touch.

“It’s very tempting,” she admitted. “A little too tempting, but I really should get going.”

The smirk on Chris’ face was a little softer despite the fierce darkness that had spread in his pupils.

“Have I scared you away now?”

“Not at all,” Bridget assured him as a regretful sigh slipped from her lips. “I’m just trying to be a responsible adult and make choices that won’t lead to me getting fired.”

“They’d fire you just for showing up to one meeting a little overdressed?”

His skepticism was fair, but Bridget bit back a smirk of her own as she shrugged.

“No, but I have a feeling that if I stay then you’d do your best to keep me from going to my meeting at all,” she teased. “And I could get fired for that.”

A chuckle slipped from Chris’ lips as he shook his head at her claim.

“You’re making me sound like a creep again,” he warned her. “But if you really have to go then I guess I’ll survive…even if it is my birthday.”

He threw in a dramatic pout for added effect, but Bridget simply rolled her eyes as she dragged herself off the couch.

“Guilt trips don’t work on me,” she informed him. “I’m a mom, I’m very experienced at tuning it out.”

“Damn, well, it was worth a try,” Chris grinned. “But what about Wednesday night? Wanna come for dinner?”

Bridget felt a flicker of nerves as she wondered if agreeing to the invitation also meant she was agreeing to more based on their previous flirtatious conversation, but Chris had given her no reason to believe that he would rush her into anything so she nodded.

“That would be nice,” she agreed. “I do work on Thursdays when I don’t have Landon, but I get a later start so I won’t have to rush home early.”

“Perfect.” Chris smiled as he stood up as well, pulling her against him to steal one last quick kiss. “I’m looking forward to it already.”

There was something about the huskier tone to his voice that flooded Bridget with a nervous excitement that lingered even after they’d said their goodbyes and she was driving home. Other than the occasional breathtaking kiss, things had been fairly chaste between them and while she was eager for more - and was fairly certain that Chris was as well - the idea also brought up a lot of anxiety in Bridget. Her insecurities were running wild as her doubts threatened to damper her excitement, but the undeniable anticipation she felt as she thought of their next date was enough to keep her spirits high.

[hippopotamusdreamer]

My Favorite Sailor

genre. [F][AU]

warnings. Shark bite?

additional notes. Female! Reader | You/Your pronouns, not proofread lol

pairing. Hyunjin x Reader

w.c. 1,212

a/n. This is for Fall Cryptid season!

Kpop Masterlist

Fandom Masterlist

Fall Cryptid List

Humans were odd.

Walking on two “legs” as Lee Know called them, instead of a tail. Being in the sun instead of the cool water. And they even rode atop of the water in “ships” (once again what Lee Know called it) instead of gliding within it.

So odd.

But you would give them credit for one thing. They can sing. And sometimes it was the most beautiful sound to ever hit your ear fins.

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

There was one ‘ship’ that you found yourself captivated by. The Wandering Youngsters, it was a cargo ship that sailed around the Asias. You weren’t aware of what they carried, just that they were on the seas for months on end.

It was one fine night that you’d caught a glimpse of…him.

One of the sailors, with delicate features yet not so delicate physique. You were captivated by his beauty at first. Long obsidian hair that blew in the wind. Mole that sat just below his left eye. You’d only managed to see the speckled dot by pure chance when you’d swam closer than usual.

It was that same night that you’d heard him sing for the first time. He was alone on the deck as he did his tasks when a sweet melody filled the air. Light and full of passion with every note. As you swam on your back along with the ship staring up at the stars, it was a night you would no sooner forget.

Despite what others thought, mermaids couldn’t sing. Mouth sounds just don’t travel well under water. The best they could do is an echolocation type of screech that they’d adapted from dolphins. Evil little beings that they were, they were smart. And outside of the water? Perhaps a whistle, but even still they could barely carry a tune.

So to be able to listen to something other than ‘eek eek’,  how could you not fall for him. You were mesmerized immediately.

There were others that would join his singing every now and then, too. They were all good in their own ways. Some of them were fast and made your head spin by how hard they hit their notes. Others also kept to a beautiful melody, and yet nothing beat your sailor’s voice. It was your favorite thing in the entire sea.

And you suspected it would always be.

. ⋅ ˚̣- : ✧ : – ⭒ ⊹ ⭒ – : ✧ : -˚̣⋅ .

On this particular night, you weren’t feeling too well. You’d been attacked while making the scouting rounds around the undertow city perimeter. As a member of the royal guard, it was your job to keep an eye out for anything that could threaten your people.

Today’s threat? Shark.

Usually, you’d have a buddy with you to help in such cases. And you did, but they were a new recruit and got scared as soon as the beast showed up. It managed to do a number on you before you were able to escape to the nearest check point where others were stationed. It was there that they were able to dispatch guards to your previous location and finish off what you couldn’t by yourself.

The captain would definitely have some words for the newbie.

The regenerative powers of the merfolk would kick in in a few hours, so for now, you’d have to deal with a chewed up tail and scarred shoulder. It just made swimming in the water more difficult. Trying to keep up with your precious cargo ship, you were a lot slower today. Lagging just a bit more behind, your tailed kicked out more water than normal. Struggling as you went, you just wanted to hear him, to be comforted after a shitty day with the music he made.

“You’re loud today,” a dulcet voice said from somewhere above you. Caught off guard, you stopped swimming long enough to look up and meet the eyes of one you longed to hear. There your sailor was, leaning against the edge of the ship railing.

“Most of the time, you’re really quiet. I almost thought I’d made you up and was just going crazy,” he continued. “Hey, keep up!”

The distance between you and the ship had grown longer. Snapping out of it, you struggled forward again. Once he deemed it a reasonable distance, he picked up the conversation from where it left off.

“Older sailors always warned about unknown creatures living in the sea, but we never really thought they were telling the truth. We just thought it was an old wives tale, something to share over a drink or something.”

Shocked that he was actually talking to you, you were still silent. His brows furrowing in confusion.

“Can you talk? Or even understand what I’m saying?”

“…I-I can!” You said, quickly trying to answer him. The responding smile was one that will stay in your dreams for years to come.

“This is insane,” he said more to himself than to you. “So why are you making more noise tonight than you usually do?”

“I got chomped on by a shark. It is difficult to swim.”

“What!? Are you ok?” He looked around frantically, searching the surrounding darkened ocean. “Is the shark still around?”

You giggled at his movements. Humans were so funny sometimes.

“Yes, I’m alright, it was by my home, a long distance away from here. There is no need to worry.”

He seemed to relax at your reassurance, though keeping a wary eye out.

“Long distance huh, so you come to the ship every night?”

“Just about.”

“Why?”

“To hear you sing,” you admitted easily, slowing down in your swimming. You were getting tired now.

“Me?” He asked incredulously.

You nodded with a smile. “Yes, you. You have such a beautiful voice.”

“Don’t mermaids, you are a mermaid right?, don’t you all sing too?”

“Yes, I am a mermaid. No, we cannot sing and I’m afraid I can no longer swim.”

He watched as you stopped moving in the water. The distance once again getting longer between you both. He moved frantically again, quick enough to slip and fall over onto the floor which made you giggle into the water. He disappeared quickly to a point you couldn’t see and then it was quiet besides the roaring of the ship breaking the sea waves.

Just as you were about to give up waiting and make the trek back home, an object was being thrown over the railing. It was circular with a hole in the middle, on one side, it was tied with a rope that connected to the ship.

“Get in there! The ship will pull you along!”

With a big push you made it to the object and tried to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Glancing up at the ship, the sailor smiled down at you.

“What’s your name?” you asked, noticing how your tail was beginning to close its wound. Massaging the regenerating scales, you looked upward.

“Hyunjin, what’s yours?”

“Y/N.”

“Is there any song in particular you wanted to hear tonight?”

“Anything you sing is beautiful.”

At least he had the sense to blush before clearing his throat and looking away.

“Ok.”

This in no way reflects the actual persons involved/based in this fic, nor their actual character. This is purely fiction.

© hippopotamusdreamer, est 2024. all rights reserved.

[ethan-acfan]

Some silly shaundes fluff bc I'm sad

"Is the update done yet." I asked from my spot on the floor.

Rebecca had wanted to put in an update that was taking longer than normal to download. So, for the past hour, I have been left with nothing to do except wait. It was excruciating.

"Not yet, and if you keep asking, I'm going to make you wait even longer." Rebecca said, not looking up from her computer.

I sat up, desperate for something to do. Ever since I had started using the animus, sitting still for long periods of time became nearly impossible. I had become used to the feeling of always being on the move, jumping from buildings, running from guards, stabbing targets, etc.

Shaun was sitting in a nearby chair while reading some kind of document. I stood up and walked over to him. I looked over his shoulder at what he was reading, it was a rough copy of one of Altair's codex pages, probably copied down from the animus.

Normally I wouldn't have cared, but I had already memorized all of the codex pages, and I wasn't too eager to read it again.

"You couldn't read anything more interesting." I sighed.

"You couldn't stand sitting still for 1 hour." He said sarcastically.

"No, I can't and now I'm extremely bored." I said, hoping he would give me something to do.

He sighed, setting down the page before turning to me. "You could go train, check your skill retention."

I could do that, it would keep me occupied, but I didn't feel like doing it alone, and Lucy was at the store. I could always ask Shaun...

"Wanna watch me." I asked.

"No, why would I want to do that?" He stated.

"Well, I can't go alone in case I hurt myself, Lucy isn't here, and Rebecca is working on the animus."

He paused for a moment, "Fine." He sighed while standing up.

I had a silent celebration. "Okay let's go." I said while practically dragging him out of the room.

Once we were in the training room, *which was in my opinion the best room in the warehouse* I grabbed one of the practices knives and walked into the fighting ring. It was a small circle with around a dozen fake dummies set up around the circle.

Shaun stood outside the railing, leaning against it.

"Want me to do anything specific?" I called out.

Shaun thought for a moment before pulling out his phone. "Try taking all of them out in 30 seconds."

I grinned while readying myself.

Once he saw that I was reading, Shaun told me to start.

For most of the dummies, I used my hidden blade, I quickly tore through them, straw flying out at me.

"10 seconds!" Shaun called out.

I started to move faster, once I only had one dummy left, I sent my dagger, flying at it. The knife went straight through its neck, pinning it to the wall behind it.

Shaun held up his phone, 3 seconds to spare. I looked around the arena. Fabric, and straw everywhere.

"Looks like you've been learning a lot from Ezio." Shaun said while looking at the mess surrounding me.

I grinned while retracting my hidden blade. I walked over to Shaun, pulling myself up onto the railing. I sat on the rail next to Shaun. I was now out of breath.

I decided to take off my sweatshirt due to all of the hay now clinging to it.

I pulled it off, tossing it to the side. I noticed Shaun was staring at my arms in shock.

"Since when did you have this many muscles?!" He said, clearly shocked.

"Since always?" I said while laughing.

I guess I had always worn a hoodie around them, but I didn't expect Shaun to be that surprised.

"You bloody asshole." He said while shoving my arm.

I laughed a bit, just then Lucy walked in holding some plastic bags.

"Hey, bought some supplies, should last us through the week. Can you guys' help put them away?"

"Ya sur-" I tried to respond but I was cut off by Shaun.

"Lucy! Did you know that Desmond has muscles?" He said while holding up my arm.

Lucy laughed. "You didn't?"

"No!" Shaun called out while dropping my arm.

"Okay well you can drool over Desmond's muscles after the groceries are put away." She said while leaving.

Shaun face went red as he turned to follow Lucy, as he was leaving, he called over his shoulder. "Since you're strong you have to carry the bags."

"What? No fair!" I called out while following after him.

I love the idea of Rebecca and Shaun being so shocked at Desmond's muscles while Lucy and Desmond laugh at them.

[autumn-foxfire]

Movie 10!!!! And i just realised I labeled the last movie number 10 but it was 9. Just gone to correct that.

Kaitou KID. Kaitou KID. Kaitou KID! I am very excited for "Hakuba" to appear.

And it starts by Kogoro nearly killing them all by crashing into the guard rail, as Ai helpfully points out.

The bombs are set! And Shinichi is asked to be kept behind as he was identified by his fingerprints. Well, I have to wonder how the man had Shinichi's, and everyone's, prints, as they wouldn't be in the police's system or otherwise because Shinichi would have a lot to explain as he's had his prints taken as Conan multiple times for cases. I guess it's a plot hole we're meant to ignore.

Okay, but I hate it when everyone is in danger but Shinichi only thinks about Ran. I wish they wouldn't do that. I get it he "loves" Ran but it doesn't mean he cares about the others any less. It's not like saying everyone would be weird.

I love when Kaito is reflected in Shinichi's glasses.

Ai is so calm about the situation. Well, since meeting Shinichi she's had her life put in danger so many times this must be another day for her.

I don't know why they can't inform Ran about the situation though, she's a young adult and I'm sure if she was told "your lives are in danger, don't leave the perimeters of the park" she would understand and keep the children inside.

KID MENTION.

The suspenders! I haven't seen them in a hot while, even thought they're probably one of the really useful and versitile of Shinichi's items.

Kogoro's grand plan is to throw Shinichi into the line of fire.

KAITO!

I bet Kaito was surprised to see his small husband below.

Kaito gets to be so feral this movie later on. It's one of my favourite scenes from him.

I love Ai just letting people in front of her to delay them from going on the ride.

Shinichi is quite knowledgeable about art, huh.

You know, Ran almost leaving the park wouldn't have happened if they had just informed her of the situation. I can understand not wanting the children to know, not because they wouldn't be able to handle the news, but rather they would do something stupid that could get them killed, but Ran? And Kazuha actually? They should have been informed.

Hello, Heiji.

WHY DO THEY NOT KNOW?! My god, why are they so stupid and infantilize the girls so much T-T THEY SHOULD KNOW.

I like this movie (it's a KID and Heiji movie, so that's a given) but there is some stupid aspects of it that drive me up a wall.

Kogoro is cool for a change and manages to inform the police to the danger they're in.

How did Ai give herself a fever?

KAITO! Here to help his tiny husband and husband's best friend.

The only time Heiji will get along with Hakuba because it's Kaito pretending to be him.

Kaito showing off his phishing skills. We stan a resourceful guy.

Lmao, Kaito showing off his skills by mimicking Hakuba so well he still rubs Heiji the wrong way.

It's a bit sad the only time Kogoro can treat Eri with respect when his and Ran's lives are in danger (not that he infored his ex of this fact despite asking for her help).

Kaito totally wanted to say "and thieves" after that sentence.

OKAY I NEED TO GUSH. Kaito taking Heiji's cellphone isn't just a hint for the two of them to say it's not Hakuba, he purposely takes the phone and then KNEELS so he can show SHINICHI. It's Shinichi he's investigating with first and forthmost! MY HEART!

Kaito's smile as he watches his small husband (and his friend I guess) solve the case.

Kaito whining about the paint on his shirt T-T I can't-

And Shinichi manages to get both of their attention, I guess as it looks like he's fleeing and they've been told to stop them from doing so. But like, they forgot the two adults-

AND KAITO MADE THEM REGRET THAT FOR TRYING TO ATTACK HIS TINY HUSBAND.

OOF.

There's Shinichi's leg broken.

It's a good thing he's got a knight in white looking over him.

I really like this part, it breaks up the tension of the movie a little, but it's just really fun with how everyone gets involved with catching the thief. Sonoko's part was my favourite, how she doesn't realize and saves the day.

Also everyone asking him "What are you going to do?" when they realise he tried to take Satou as a hostage. And it's finished with Takagi coming through with the ice cream.

It's a fun bit.

KAITO WAS HOLDING SHINICHI IN HIS ARMS T-T I CAN'T- Heiji you didn't need to explain how the rescue happened but I am so glad you did and fed us so well.

LMAO Heiji, sadly they're not the only one who want to take KID's life, I guess Snake has competition.

What did Kaito just use to cut through that roof. I want to know.

SHOW OFF KAITO, I SUPPORT YOU!

Kaito shooting all the windows! HE'S SO COOL. Shinichi, how does it feel to be out-cooled by your much cooler husband?

And off Kaito goes to Miracle Land to make sure his small husband does not get himself into anymore trouble, because he knows with his bad luck he will get in trouble.

HEIJI JUST BRAINING KOGORO WITH AN ASH TRAY T-T YOU'VE SOLVED CASES WHERE THAT KILLS INSTANTLY BOYS.

For once the police weren't incompetent in a case.

And Heiji makes Shinichi show off his pole dancing skills.

Shinichi is good with computers it seems, even though he's shown to be bad with video games XD I guess Agasa has taught him a couple of things (I'm not objecting to this but sadly I know it's only for this movie that he is).

AGASA BEING READY TO DIE WITH THE KIDS T-T MY HEART HE LOVES THEM SO MUCH HIS GRANDCHILDREN.

Megure and Shiratori staying behind as well T-T

I can't believe they didn't double-check that all the IDs were off the kids though.

At least Shinichi and Heiji were smart enough to take Kogoro's.

AND KAITO SAVES HIS TINY HUSBAND!

Heiji: Why is Kaitou KID here.

Shinichi: What do you mean? My husband has been with us since the middle of the investigation.

[xxkitty13]

Vampire AU pt.8

Vampire Law x Human Luffy

Previous-> Part 7 Next—> Part 9

The pirates are getting closer and closer to Dressrosa. They are all anxious to see what awaits them. Law's tales of the tyrant sent shivers down their spine. Can they even defeat monster from hell?

At the moment, Ceaser is tied up to the mast of the Sunny. It was a hassle to detain in him amongst the chaos on Punk Hazard. The battle proved to be worth it as they now have the upper hand in the situation or so they think.

Luffy lounges on the railing of his ship, utterly in love with his vampire. On Punk Hazard, Law made a vow to take down Kaido, an emperor of the sea. The fierce determination in his eyes did something to Luffy, physically and mentally. Since then, he has not been able to keep his eyes off of Law.

He is oblivious to the fact that everyone can see that he is devouring Law with his eyes. Weeks into the journey his mate has put on some weight, more meat on his bones. Maybe him and Law aren't so different when it comes to terms of diet. Losing his trace of thoughts, Nami yells out the sight of the land ahead. They have arrived at their destination.

Law barges out of the Polar Tang and walks to the deck. The ships sail closer together as the pirates come up to prepare to dock.

"Listen up everyone, we are sailing forth into enemy territory. We will face a tyrant like we've never seen before. Do not drop your guard, I'm referring to you, Luffy," he clenches his jaw at the last sentence.

The straw hat gawks at his comment. "I would never."

Nami could only roll her eyes. She knows good and well that Luffy is a walking disaster, spreading havoc wherever he goes. Law should already know that he won't stick to the plan.

“You better control yourself. I mean it," Law says.

Luffy only pouts and slouches against the railing.

The vampire moves on and continues on with his meeting. “Here’s the plan. We will remain undercover as we take Caesar for negotiation. Once that is complete, we will depart immediately. Doflamingo will have face Kaido’s wrath after he fails his portion of their deal,"— he stops and waits for their comprehension— "Everyone understands?"

"Aye-aye captain!" the Heart Pirates scream.

On the other hand, the Straw Hats nod amongst themselves and sighed looking at Luffy. Following the plan step by step will prove to be difficult, but they will try their best.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖౨ৎ.𖥔 ݁ ˖-`♡´-.𖥔 ݁ ˖౨ৎ.𖥔 ݁

Skipping over a couple of hours since the landing of Dressrosa, the plan has crumbled.

The Heart Pirates are nowhere to be found and that includes Law. One by one, each member of the Heart Pirates dissappeared. Their captain was the last one standing and he too vanished.

Sanji, Nami, and Chopper managed to keep Ceasar "safe." However, they were sitting ducks after the vampire was out of the picture. They ran across the kingdom, dodging enemies left and right, just trying to survive. Luckily, the Straw Hats managed to find each other.

Reunited at last, Luffy noticed that Law was missing. "Hey, where's Torao?" He looked around for any sign of him. The only people near him are his crew.

Nobody wanted to give him the answer, but someone had to speak up.

"Doflamingo captured him," Jinbe spoke.

The Straw Hats turn to their captain. Luffy's poker face was unsettling to the rest. He turns around and covers his face with his hat. "What do you mean Doflamingo captured him?" A tone of seriousness in his words.

"I-It all happened so fast, we barely managed to escape," Chopper said.

"I want you guys to help the people and the rest to stop the other Donquixote members. I am going alone,”— he pauses— "Actually, Zoro, follow me."

"Wait, are you really going to face Doflamingo?" Usopp jittered.

"I have to save my mate, even if it's the last thing I do." He looks back at his crew with a menacing glare. "Let's go Zoro."

The duo left the rest of the crew behind as they charge to the Royal Palace. Doflamingo must have him trapped in there.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖౨ৎ.𖥔 ݁ ˖-`♡´-.𖥔 ݁ ˖౨ৎ.𖥔 ݁

"My, my, look what the trash brought in."

Law finally wakes up from his slumber. He goes to move his arm, but it doesn't budge. He immediately comes out of his daze and opens his eyelids to the man he hates the most. Panics sets in as he trashes around the large throne he sits on.

"Let me go if you know what's good for you," Law declares, gritting his teeth.

Doflamingo lets out a nasty cackle.

"Are you threatening me? Look at you, pathetic," he mocks. The tall man circles around the large red throne, his presence is unnerving enough, having him this close makes Law anxious.

"Are you going to kill me?" he asks.

"Hmm, not yet. A little birdie told me that a cute little guy in a straw hat is your mate. I would love to meet him."

Law growls, "Don't you dare lay your dirty fucking hands on him."

"Oh my, why so aggressive?" The large man nears Law and tilts his head with his index finger. “I only want to meet him. I’m sure he’ll taste much better than you.” He grins, showing his large fangs.

“I won’t let you harm him.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“Over my dead body,” he spits out.

Doflamingo leaps over at him and roughly grabs his face, his fingers tightly pressing his cheeks. "I'd watch that mouth of yours." He releases his grip and dusts off his clothes. "I'll be back to delight you with my company. I have more pesky pirates to capture," he cackles as he walks to the door.

Doflamingo then exits the room. As soon as he does, Luffy comes busting though the windows.

"Luffy-ya!?" Law yells out, utterly surprised to see his mate.

"Torao, are you okay?" Luffy says, relieved to reunite with the vampire. He fixes his clothes and walks over to Law.

"I-I think so," he huffs.

"Okay, I'm getting you out of here."

The vampire helplessly looked up to his human. He has Kikoku strapped behind his back. How did he find it? No clue. Though, he is relieved to see both of his "possessions" safe and sound. Clearing his thoughts away, he realized that Luffy is reaching at his cuffs.

"Wait. Don't touch it, it's made of sea stone."

Luffy already touched it and went limp. "Huhhh—" he slurred. Law rolled his eyes as Luffy became a puddle on the floor. The Straw Hat quickly recovered and angrily looked at the chains. "We will figure something out later." He then picks up the whole chair, with Law on it, and lifts it over his head.

"W-wait what are you doing—"

He drops the chair the floor. It breaks and the chains that bonded the vampire are snapped off.

"Ugh," Law groans in pain.

Luffy picks him up and flies out the window.

"S-stop! Don't be so rash!" the vampire in dismay yells out.

With the power of the Gum-Gum fruit, Luffy swings up the castle while maintainig his hold on Law. Once they make it to the rooftop, Luffy scans the bottom of the city. “Over there!” he points to the commotion. “My crew is there. Let’s go!” As they began their escape on the rooftop, something pulled them back.

"Who says you can leave? Dinner is almost ready," Doflamingo snickered.

"So that's Mingo," Luffy muttered, his gaze not leaving the pink feathered man.

Doflamingo uses the string attached to Luffy to reel him in. "Oh, you didn't tell me that your mate is so beautiful."

He cups the younger's face and moves his head to the side to reveal more of neck. Doflamingo takes a whiff of his scent and begins to salivate. "I wonder how your lovely mate would taste like. Sharing is caring Law," he says exposing his large fangs. He goes to give him a long lick on the neck and playfully pretends to bite him.

"Get off of him!" Law yells out, trying to get from the ground, but fails. The sea stone has immobilized him.

“What? You’re a vampire too?” Luffy questioned, trying not to gag at the saliva on his skin.

“Who do you think turned Law?”

Luffy eyes widen at the revelation. He never thought to ask Law about it, he just assumed he was born one. To think he used to be human.

“Did you want to be become vampire, Torao?” he asks, looking back at his mate.

“No,” Law responds back weakly. “I never did.”

With that, Luffy upper cuts Doflamingo on the jaw and punches him away. “You took away his freedom. I won't let you do that again.”

The tall vampire laughs to himself as he recovers from the attack. He grins, showing off his large fangs, thirsty from the smell of battle. “Law belongs to me, and you will too.” He uses his strings to drag Luffy across the rooftop and slams him against the brick material.

“Luffy-ya!”

Law watched helplessly as his mate is trashed around like a rag doll. The tyrant is insanely strong and his viscous attacks are brutal. He should be the one fighting him, not Luffy, it is his duty as his mate to protect him. Now, he can only watch as he is beaten to a pulp.

“Damn it all!” He slams his head the ground.

“Torao, stop. That won’t help.”

Law picks his head up and turns to the voice, it’s Zoro. He holds a key in his hand and hurried to his side. “Now go and help Luffy. I have other things to worry about.”

Still weaken from the sea stone, Law gets up from the ground. “Thanks Zoro-ya.”

“Okay I’m out of here. Pika is creating havoc.”

Still confused on how the swordsman managed to get him the key, he only nods. Right now, all that matters is assisting his mate to take down Doflamingo. Using the energy he still has; he teleports in front of Doflamingo and grabs Kikoku from Luffy's back, cutting the string attached to him. In that single slash, he hits the tyrant, sending him flying away.

Now, it is a duel between the vampires. Doflamingo will show him no mercy, just like he did his brother, Corazon.

"You were supposed to be the next in line, Law. The next Corazon,"— he gets up— "You're nothing but a traitor. You and that rat will have the same faith." His blood vessels pop from anger as he tightens his fists, nails digging in his palm. Bloods drips from his hand, not caring that he is hurting himself. It reeks of blood lust, from both sides.

"Don't you dare call him that motherfucker!"

Doflamingo grins. There it is.

Law charged at him, aiming at whatever is available to slash. He is furious, nothing but rage fuels him. All that pent up anger and guilt is finally released after all these years. He must avenge Corazon. He must.

"You pathetic bitch. You wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for me."

The younger vampire swung left and then right. "Cora saved me, not you."

He's riled up, perfect. Doflamingo continues his taunt. "My rat of a brother died for nothing. You were never going to make it far in this life. Don't worry, it's going to hurt a lot." He used his sharp claws to fling Kikoku out of Law's hand. Defenseless, Law teleported away from the viscous claw attacks.

His sword is behind the tyrant, he needs it to land a critical hit. Teleporting to the other side will be difficult. Doflamingo knows that he will move to that area and will that the opportunity to cut him open. "Damn," he grits to himself. He must act quick before he is sliced to death. Then an idea came to mind. Instead of teleporting, he dashed to the right, trying to outmaneuver the older vampire.

Doflamingo used his strings to capture Law. He purposely allowed himself to be attached. Doflamingo proceeds to swing him around, just like he did to Luffy. He waited for the right time to retrieve Kikoku as he is swung across the rooftop. Once it is in his hands, he quickly teleports behind the tyrant and goes to slash his back. Unfortunately, the older vampire saw it coming and knocked Kikoku out of his hands. He grabs Law and jumps up to the air.

"I wonder how much this will hurt. Let's find out," he manically laughs as he spreads Law's arms apart and spirals down to the ground.

At the landing, Law's right arm has been torn off. The vampire rolls around in agony, clutching where his limb used to be. The pain in unbearable and his wailing was music to Doflamingo's ears.

Luffy watched in horror as his limb laid splattered on the ground, painting the area red. "Torao!" He runs towards him, but as he does, Doflamingo takes out a gun and fires multiple rounds at Law, killing him.

The Straw Hat froze. Law is not dead.

"Alright let's make this more intersting." With a snap of a finger, the birdcage that surrounded Dressrosa began to move.

"What are you doing?" Luffy quivered, distraught at the sight of his mate.

"Within an hour everything will be sliced to death. Don't worry, you won't be alive much longer to accept that fate."

Angered, Luffy enlarges his fist, filled with haki and lunges towards the tyrant. Doflamingo sends string bullets at him, but Luffy dodges all of them. The two continue to clash, unaware that Law was gathering his last bit of energy.

"Shambles."

In an instant, he appears right in front of Doflamingo, taking him by surprise. He had him. "Gamma Knife!" Using all his might, he penetrates an electrical energy through his chest and, sending powerful shock waves that distorts the insides. Doflamingo stood there, taking in the fatal attack. Soon, he slumps to the ground.

Law too falls over, completely drained.

"Torao!" Luffy calls out. Before he could make it to his side, a small chuckle stopped him in his tracks. "No, Torao defeated you."

Doflamingo giggled and walked over to the fallen man. He picks his foot up and goes to finish Law once and for all. But before he could, someone stopped him.

Using one foot, the Straw Hat prevented Doflamingo from killing his mate. "You'll regret doing that." His fierce eyes glaring right at the tyrant.

"Oh, am I supposed to be afraid of you? Don't make me laugh."

A clash commenced between their conqueror's haki, sending fierce waves of energy throughout the air. "I don't see you laughing," Luffy stated as Doflamingo frowned.

Now using Gear 3, Luffy launches a series of attacks. All which the vampire dodges. He counter-attacks with more of his piercing strings.

The fight begins to drag as Luffy feels himself become worn out. There must be somthing he can do. Of course, he still has another weapon in his armory. Right then and there, Luffy blew on his haki infused arm and unlocked a new gear, Gear 4, the Bounce-Man. Without hesitation, he strikes Doflamingo with a powerful haki punch.

"What is this? A shit show? You can never defeat me with that," Doflamingo snickers.

"We'll see about that."

Stronger than before, Luffy hits are more effective and are able to damage the vampire. It is clear that the tyrant is not enjoying this new transformation. The Straw Hat can only smirk at his realization. Despite the power up, Doflamingo is able to keep up with him and stop his damaging attacks.

They fly into the air as the citizens watch the battle between the Straw Hat pirate and the Warlord. The birdcage is still closing in, seemingly at a rapid pace. Luffy has to stop this.

"Mingo, you will pay for what you did to Torao and everyone!"

The last blow, Luffy charges all of his energy into one attack. "Gum-Gum. . . Leo Bazooka!" With two coiled fists unleashesd, he hits Dolflamingo and sends him flying to the side of a mountain. The powerful blow practically killed the vampire, but to his luck, he managed to survive.

"I'd admit, you almost got me, but you are no match for me," he says getting up from the impact.

Luffy, on the other hand, has been depleted. Gear 4 has taken a toll on his body, there is no way he can fight him now. The people around him were unsure on what to do, after all, he is a wanted pirate. Still, he is fighting to take down that monster that has tormented them for years. They gather around him, cheering him on to finish the fight.

The Straw Hat looks at the surrounding people. So many of their faces scream for hope and freedom. He has to win. His eyes trail to the rooftop of the Royal Palace, he must win for Law as well. Finding energy to transform once more, he activates Gear 4 and clashes with the vampire once again.

"You're up again. You won't be standing for long." He sends various sharp strings at him as they fly across the kingdom.

Luffy continues to send a barrage of attacks, making sure that he felt each connecting hit.

The two seem to be even now as each attack become equal in strength. The vampire was furious, there is no way a mere human should rival his strength.

"I've had enough of you!"

Doflamingo releases a string of web to counter the attack and unleashes large pointy purple strings to pierce the Straw Hat. Knowing he has to give it his all, Luffy inflates his arm to his maximum and charges at the vampire with his King Kong Gun. At first, it only collides with Doflamingo's attack, but that quickly cracks.

The tyrant laughed as Luffy couldn't budge threw it, but he was mistaken. The powerful energy concentrated in Luffy's enlarged fist broke through his string weapon, shattering it. Defensless, Doflamingo could only embrace for impact. So he does, feeling the fist collide with his face, sending him down once again.

Doflamingo was finally defeated. His reign of terror is over.

Luffy returns to his original form and flattens to the ground as the Birdcage is no more. Gear 4 drains his energy compared to the other gears. He closes his eyes and begins to rest before he shoots awake— Law.

He gets up from the ground and flings him up to the rooftop.

Running to his inured mate, he yells, "Torao!"

At the top of the castle, Law was barely hanging. His chopped off arm laid beside him as he bleeds to death. He weakly opened his eyes, small hot tears run down his cheeks, staining his dirty cheek.

"Did we do it? He's gone?" he softly speaks.

Luffy, unware how to react, frantically grabs his unattached limb and tries to place it back. "W-we d-did. . ."

Law coughs and continued to have a labored breathing. "Mugi,”— he grunts— “I love you."

"I-I love you too," Luffy managed to say, his voice shaking. "It's going to be okay. Chopper will be here any second just—"

That's when he noticed Law stopped breathing. No. This was not happening. "Law!" he cried out. He can't die. Not after everything. Doflamingo was defeated. He can finally live in peace. To enjoy his freedom.

"No! You can't die on me! You promised we would take down Kaido and find the One Piece. To see me become the Pirate King."

Luffy shook Law's body, trying to get him to wake up, but nothing. The vampire's body was completely limp.

"No. . . Torao!" he weeped, holding his body.

"Luffy! There you—" Chopper gasps, "Luffy?!"

The reindeer runs to his captain's side. "What happened?"

"H-his arm. . . Mingo sliced it off. . ."

Chopper looked at Luffy hugging the limb. "Quick, we found his crew. I need all the help I can get to reattach his arm and restart his heartbeat."

Luffy nodded.

Chopper immediately removed a large piece from Luffy's shirt and tied around Law's shoulder, cutting off the circulation. Despite having his energy depleted, Luffy channeled his remaining energy to swing him, Chopper, and Law back to the Heart Pirates. It was a matter of life or death.

Huddled in a corner of the plaza, Bepo sees something coming from afar.

He squints his eyes and sees Luffy with Chopper and Law. "Captain! Captain. . ?"

The Heart Pirates surround the Straw Hat and are in shock to find their captain pratically dead.

"Captain!" Bepo sobbed.

"There's no time for crying. We have to reattch his arm and provide an elecrtick shock to his heart," Chopper commanded.

The Heart Pirates locked in, there was no time to waste, their captain's life was on their hands.

Luffy anxiously watched from afar. Chopper is an excellent doctor and Law has trained his crew well. He's in good hands, he'll make it for sure. Still, doubt entered his mind.

"Luffy!"

The Straw Hat whipped his head to the direction of the voice. It was Usopp and the rest of the crew. They all came running at him, even with Ceaser still tied up.

"Guys. . ." He fell on his knees, looking at the ground.

The crew were puzzled at his demeanor. Their captain just defeated Doflamingo, he should be celebrating, not looking so gloom. That's when they noticed the chaos in front of them. It was the Heart Pirates, the hint of stress and Chopper in the midst of things could only mean one thing.

"What's going on?" Zoro asked.

"It's Torao. . . Mingo really hurt him. . ."

Everyone remained silent as they observed the medical team patch the vampire captain. Luffy bit his lip, his hands shaking at the thought of losing his lover. The blood that covered the ground made him sick.

Eventually, the chaotic shuffling seized. Luffy continued to close his eyes, not wanting to see the lifeless body of his mate. Footsteps approach him and he began to pull on his hair, he's not prepared to hear those damning words.

"Luffy, he will be okay," Chopper said, placing his hoove on his shoulder.

"Really?!" Without saying another word, he dashed towards the vampire's side and hugged his sleeping body.

"Woah, be careful Luffy, he's still in a critical condition," Bepo said.

"I know, I know. . . I'm just glad that he will be okay. . ." Then, he too passed out.

"Ah, Luffy!" Chopper cried out.

Everyone went to surround the fallen captains. The Straw Hat laid asleep over his vampire, exhausted from the battle. Their crew simply smiled, they did their duty, it is time for them to rest. After all, they deserve every second of rest together.

[sapphicsaints]

omg i just discovered your blog and i’m in love 🥹 i instantly fell in love with tamar and i wish there were more fics about her out there (and tolya too, perks of being bi)

if you’re still taking requests, could you please write about reader possibly being a lantsov and grisha at the same time? maybe she’s super close with nikolai and tamar is like her sworn protector? idk, something with some angst (like reader getting hurt during an attack or something) but all ends well? i mean she’s the princess of ravka, she better survive 😅

thank you so much, and please, keep writing, i love your fics! 💙

I made a promise

Tamar x f!GrishaLantsovReader

A/N: Sorry this took me so long, I loved writing this thank you! I made this so it should hopefully fit with both the books and the tv show, and I'm still taking requests please send them :)

Warnings: Injury 

Word Count: ~2k

Summary: “She’s a handful.” He warned her.

“How bad could-” 

“Don’t say it.” He interrupted her, and she laughed. “You mean it, if she comes with us, you’ll swear to protect her?” 

“Yes.” Tamar looked a bit exasperated. “I will,”  

-

Y/n was the first Lantsov Grisha in a long time – but she was convinced by her mother to keep her powers a secret – and her heritage. Two bastards? Her mother had been busy. She was two years younger than her brother, and over time they’d bonded over many things, including their suspicious heritage. 

Unfortunately she didn’t gain his silver tongue. Her brashness and attitude got her into trouble at the Little Palace. As soon as she completed her military service, which she’d run away to do, just like her dear brother – they sent her to study in Ketterdam, at her insistence. The well compensated shipping clerk did put up a good effort, but she managed to get the truth out of him. Her brother got an earful when she tracked him down, mostly about how pissed she was he didn’t tell her, or let her go with him, and on and on. The guards that accompanied him were highly amused. Shu twins – she liked them immediately. Especially the girl, Tamar. 

“At least tell me where you’re headed next?” 

He sighed, “Novyi Zem.” 

“Take me with you when you come back?” 

“I’ll think about it.” That was a no. 

She set her best glare on him, “I guess I can’t follow in your footsteps forever. I heard they’re hiring in the barrel…” 

“No.” His voice was sharp. 

“Who are you to tell me what to do? You’re a pirate.” 

“Privateer.” He corrected me. “And that’s different from joining a gang.” 

“Renting out heart-rending services is different than actually joining a gang.” She rolled her eyes. 

“And how do you know they won’t hold you hostage?” 

“I’m good at hiding,” she blew it off. “Everyone thinks I’m in the southern colonies to recover from my ‘illness’.” He nodded, she had a point. “And I wasn’t exactly paraded around like you or Vasily. I’m the obvious bastard. Mother never cared” 

“Careful” he warned, she was treading dangerous ground. He still loved their mother despite everything, and she knew that. But she couldn't care less for them. They’d discarded her at the first possible opportunity, why should she waste energy on them? 

She took a deep breath. “I’m already doing it. There’s no point in trying to stop me now.” 

“Can’t blame me for wanting to protect you.” 

“I was infantry too” was her response. “I can take care of myself.” 

“And if you can’t?” 

“We’ll see just how much father thinks I’m worth.”

-

“She’s very insistent.” Tamar commented later that night. “You might as well let her come.” 

“She’ll be in danger with us.” Nikolai hedged. 

“But there is more danger in Ketterdam.” Tamar countered. “Especially for Grisha.” 

“Will you swear to protect her?” Nikolai said, half-jokingly, rolling his shoulders back and leaning against the railing. They’d set sail in two mornings. 

“I swear it.” Nikolai blinked once. The only sign of his surprise. 

“She’s a handful.” He warned her. 

“How bad could-”

“Don’t say it.” He interrupted her, and she laughed. “You mean it, if she comes with us, you’ll swear to protect her?” 

“Yes.” Tamar looked a bit exasperated. “I will, and I’ll teach her.” 

“You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.” His head shook. Y/n’s already quite good with a blade and pistol, but under Tamar’s tutelage, she’ll absolutely shine. If she doesn’t kill her first.

“I like a little challenge now and then.” 

-

Nikolai ended up eating his words. Tamar and Y/n got along incredibly well, and ended up being absolutely lethal together. He made her repeat her story a hundred times before she came within eye-sight of the ship. A stray heart-render Nikolai found. Her Kerch is fluent, so they passed her off as being from Ketterdam. Also speaks Ravkan and Fjerdan. Y/n seemed to understand the seriousness of it.  

“Stray. Like I’m a scruffy dog.” 

“At least you get to keep your name. It’s common enough.”  He’d reasoned. Not her real name, one she’d already made up for herself. He was, but shouldn’t have been, surprised to find his sister had a few fake persona’s ready. 

“A serious question,” he asked her. “How did you track me down?” 

She looked at him like he was the stupidest human alive, and he was transported back to their childhood. 

“Pirates need to swim, Nikolai!” Y/n had jumped in the lake, her boots discarded on the bank. “See.” She waved her arms above her head, treading the water. 

“I’m going to be a privateer.” He scowled, pushing out the small ‘boat’ they’d built together. Random bits of wood they found around the castle. What looked like the top of Y/n’s wooden nightstand, sawed off, and strung together with some ripped up curtains. 

“Same thing.” She huffed. “Get in.” He slowly waded in, glaring at her the entire time. Saints, the water is freezing. Why did he let her convince him to come swim anyways? Spring is barely here.

“Why do I always have to push the boat?”  

“Things were easy back then, weren’t they?” She murmured, as if she’d seen the memory too. Easy. They didn’t know what the word ‘bastard’ meant, or why Y/n’s ‘powers’ were a secret, even from Vasily. Vasily - who didn’t give a shit about them. Never asked after Y/n once in his letters. Thinking about him would put Nikolai in an unnecessary piss poor mood, so he thought about the future instead. What it might look like out on the seas, but with his sister by his side this time. 

-

“Tamar, would you defend me if Nikolai tried to turn me into a broodmare?” 

Zoya spit her tea out across the table, right onto Y/n’s shirt, who jumped, grabbing a cloth napkin to try and soak it up, glaring at the squaller, who only looked at her incredulously. 

“Did she just say that?” Zoya turned to Genya, who looked at the possible broodmare, sucking in her lips to keep from laughing. 

“It’s a genuine concern.” Y/n protested. 

“Saints, Y/n.” Nikolai spoke from the door. “You’ve asked her that every day for the last week, always when I’m in earshot. Is there something you’d like to ask me yourself? You’d make a pisspoor broodmare. For the record.” 

“No,” Y/n leaned her head back, tilting slightly to meet Tamar’s eyes with an easy grin on her face. “I’d rather ask Tamar.” 

Nikolai let out a long-suffering sigh. One he saved especially for her. Zoya had watched the whole interaction closely. Nikolai looked both annoyed and amused. Tamar went along with it, almost like it was a joke between them. Between them. No matter how much she’d poked and prodded, neither would say anything about a possible romantic relationship. 

“I’m sworn to protect her.” Tamar had emphasized. As far as she knew, sworn protectors didn’t need to stand that close. Or glare daggers at any men or women who looked at her a bit too appreciatively. Nikolai didn’t seem to care about it. 

-

Everything happened incredibly fast. One minute, she was on her horse, laughing at a joke Tamar told, the next she’s in her bed with a pounding headache, and pain radiating through every inch of her. Hushed voices spoke in the background, quieting as soon as she groaned. Her mouth was dry, and even opening her eyes felt like too great of a task.

“Can you hear me?” A strained voice sounded, “Y/n?” She can, she can hear them, but she can’t do anything - can’t move, can’t blink, can’t speak. With great effort, she shifts her hand slightly. By a sharp inhale, she can tell the motion is noticed. Saints, why can’t she just open her eyes? Her consciousness flickers out slowly, and she drifts back to sleep, the hushed, strained voice still haunting her. 

-

Tamar could barely sleep, could hardly think beyond how she failed. She failed y/n, failed her promise to Nikolai, and now she’s lying in her bed - deathly injured, and barely awake. Healers have been there around the clock, doing everything they can to keep the princess alive. 

“If you hadn’t gotten her back when you did …” One of them said to her, shaking her head as she walked off. Tamar could’ve throttled the woman. Was that supposed to make her feel better? If anything it made her feel worse. Knowing just how Y/n was, just how close she still is. 

“Any improvement?” Nikolai asked, hands in his pockets, strolling down the hall. To anyone else, he might’ve looked nonchalant, but she could see the tension in his shoulders, the tight lines in his face. 

“Based on how you’re still pacing like a trapped tiger, I’d say no.” The attempted joke fell flat, both of them staring at the other. 

“I don’t blame you.” Nikolai said quietly. 

“That doesn’t matter.” Tamar stared back at the door, at the room she’d been kicked out of an hour ago. I blame myself, went unsaid. He didn’t bother trying to convince her otherwise, knowing it’s futile. 

-

“It’s been a week.” An unfamiliar voice spoke in a hushed tone. 

“I know.” Another said grimly. 

“I didn’t know.” Y/n grumbled, her voice hoarse. A shocked gasp sounded, and if she could she would have rolled her eyes. Saints, people are dramatic. At the moment, opening her eyes felt like the hardest thing she’s ever done, later she might admit she’s a tad dramatic. White ceilings, she squinted against the bright light in the room, hearing the sounds of curtains shutting. “That’s better.” She sighed. 

A warm, calloused hand gripped her gently, “Y/n.” Her voice sounded like a whisper, or maybe a prayer. She turned her head slightly, Tamar. At that moment, she decided that’s her favorite view to wake up to. One she’d like to see for the rest of her days. 

“Hi.” A half laugh half sob emerged from the woman’s throat, a grin fighting its way onto her face. “Don’t look so sad.” She pouted. 

“We need to see her.” An irritating voice grated against her ears. 

“You can see me fine from here.” She snapped. Her throat already feels rough and sore. From a few measly words. 

“Glad to see near death hasn’t dimmed your spirits.” Nikolai.

“So that’s what happened,” she mused. The mattress shifted, and Tamar sat next to her, hand still gripping hers. 

“I have to insist you clear the area.” The same irritating voice sounded, tittering across the room. 

“I have to insist you shut up.” She’s a princess, she can get away with this, right? “And leave.” 

Blood pressure skyrocketed from her left. Good, she’s glad she pissed the woman off. 

“Very well, your highness.” Footsteps padded out of the room, good riddance. 

“She was trying to help.” Tamar chastised, but she could tell she’s pleased. 

“You heal me.” 

She hesitated, but Nikolai snorted. “You heard the princess.” Y/n could sense there was something else Tamar wanted to say. 

“Nikolai leave.” 

“Glad to see you too.” He muttered, but sauntered out of the room. 

“I- I’m sorry.” Tamar said quietly. She looked heartbroken. 

“You have nothing to-”

“No.” She said insistently, “I swore to protect you.” 

“You what?!” 

“I made a promise to protect you, and I failed.” 

“Tamar,” y/n said quietly, “how did I get back to the castle?” 

“I brought you.” 

“What happened to the attackers?” 

“They’re dead.” Her voice hardened. 

“You did protect me. I’d be dead if I was out there alone.” Her hand gripped hers tighter. Y/n managed to raise her arm, with some effort, and kiss the back of her hand. A smile crossed the other woman’s face. “You didn’t fail.” She emphasized, and could tell Tamar didn’t really believe her, but something in her seemed to relax, a bit of tension left her shoulders. Tamar’s thumb ran over the back over her hand, and her heart started pounding and she bit nervously on her bottom lip and decided to bite the bullet, pushing up on her elbows. 

One hand gripped the back of Tamar’s head, pulling her down. A calloused hand gripped her cheek, meeting her halfway.