#press garden zone act 2

[sonicmusicmusings]

Good evening friends! Queue is getting low, so I'll throw my hat in the ring for a couple tracks here.

This track has such a nice groove to it. While Act 1 has a hard 6/8 triplet feel, this one goes for a smoother, straighter approach. I love the backing riff that permeates through the whole A section, with the natural 6 in there for that classic mixolydian sound. The flutey sound in the synth in the A section gives a dreamy quality that gives space to focus on the background parts, before the squealing FM synth comes in with the second half of the melody. The B section continues to bring it all together in a cadence--even with some vocal samples deep in the mix for depth, it sounds like! It's enough so that things back off on the turnaround to reset your ear for the next loop.

[sixpennydame]

Make. Believe. ❖ Act 3

Actor!Levi x Fem!Reader

The AoT Premiere approaches, but all Levi can think about is you.

Warnings/Content: NSFW, Minors do not interact, fingering, unprotected vaginal sex, creampie, infidelity (Reader has a boyfriend as first), mentions of AoT final season episodes

A/N: There will be a final drabble that highlights more of the AoT episode premiere event; I wanted this part to focus more on our two main characters, but I've been having so much fun with the extra details in the drabbles. I hope you've enjoyed my take on AoT Actor AU!!

Act 1 | Act 2

Levi can’t keep track of what country he’s in, what time zone or even what day it is.

But he knows it’s been 186 days since he’s seen you.

Japan had been a whirlwind of promotions for the last two parts of the Attack on Titan final season, with meet-and-greets, commercial shoots, and talk show appearances. Europe had been much the same, and although it was exhausting, it was also fulfilling, being back with the cast, traveling with his old friends. He was sad to see it end, but he was also excited about other projects that were coming up. And next month, he’ll be going to the Cannes Film Festival, where the movie you and he shot together will finally premiere. After eight months, he’ll see you again.

But before that, he’s returned to Japan for the premiere of the final two episodes of Attack on Titan. Jet lag is still hitting him hard, and he sighs when he looks over at the clock and sees that it’s only two o’clock in the morning. Another sigh escapes his lips when he looks over at the naked body beside him in the bed. He can barely remember her name - was it Jessica? Jessie? All he really knows is that she was sitting next to him in the bar of the Tokyo Grand Hotel and that she looked as lonely as he was. He feels guilty - he’s never been one for one night stands - but he was yearning to feel your body again; and if he couldn’t have you, then this was good enough.

These days, your face is everywhere. You’d recently contracted with Christian Dior and were now the model for Miss Dior cologne. As Levi had arrived at Haneda airport, there was a giant poster of you tangled up in silk sheets with your hair cascading down one bare shoulder. “What Would You Do For Love?” the poster asked.

When he walked in a posh area of Shibuya, there was another advertisement of you; this time you’re lying across a sofa in a black silk dress, the pink bottle of cologne pressed against your chest. Your eyes are half-lidded and sultry - the same kind of look you’d give him when you’d make love, all those months ago.

He reaches over and grabs his phone, the light from the screen illuminating his face in the darkness as he scrolls mindlessly through Instagram. He stops when he sees that you’ve posted a picture.

“Just finished filming season one! Now for a much needed break.”

You’re surrounded by your other cast members, all of you smiling. A man has his arm around you and Levi squints to look closer at the picture. He wonders if he’s just a friend, or if it’s something more, then he laughs at himself.

What is he doing? Why can’t he forget you?

He’s the one that made this choice, and he’s the one that pushed you away. You’re smart, ambitious, and beautiful - of course you’d find someone else to be with. But he can't help but wonder what it’ll be like to see you in person again, and with you on his mind, he eventually falls asleep.

Hours later, Levi’s phone is buzzing and chiming erratically and it jolts him awake. He turns off the alarm, then checks the time. “Shit, I gotta get up.”

He’d promised Erwin that they’d do a run this morning around the Imperial Palace Gardens. As he gets out of bed and grabs a t-shirt, an arm from the woman next to him reaches over.

“Hey,” she says softly.

“Hey.” Awkwardness and regret drip from his voice. “This was fun but you’ve gotta go - I mean I - I’ve gotta go. I have somewhere to be.”

“Ok…let me just go clean up a bit,” she replies as she picks her clothes up off the floor and makes her way to the bathroom.

Putting on his running clothes, Levi shakes his head. They’re two consenting adults, but he can’t help but feel embarrassed about it all. He hates these kinds of awkward moments, especially when he knows he has no feelings for the woman.

He grabs his phone from the nightstand and notices there’s an unread message. When he unlocks his phone, he sees that it’s from you and his heart starts to beat fast.

“Hi. Have fun at the premiere tonight.”

That was it, but Levi reads it a few times. He types out a simple, “Thanks,” not wanting to be rude, but also not wanting to seem too eager.

He puts the phone down but after a few seconds, picks it back up again and types another message.

“How are you?”

He doesn’t realize that he’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Got some good news?” The woman is out of the bathroom and dressed.

Levi looks up from the screen then puts the phone down quickly. “Yeah. Maybe.” He walks over to her and kisses her tentatively on the cheek. “I’ll text you later.”

“You don’t have my number.” She’s seen right through his lie.

“Look I’m sorry, it’s just that I -“

“It’s fine, I wasn’t expecting more out of this anyway.” Before she opens the door to leave, she stops to look at him. “You’re a good man, Levi. I hope you find someone who makes you happy.”

—-

Erwin stands at the entrance of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, looking at his watch. “You’re late.”

“I know, I know, I got held up. Sorry about that.”

“Still jet lagged?”

“A bit,” Levi answers as he messes with his smart watch. “You?”

“Not really. Cold showers in the morning really help me to adjust.”

Levi laughs. “Of course. I forgot you did that.”

“Every morning. Let’s go.” Erwin and Levi start jogging down the path that leads through the East Gardens. It’s early spring and the cherry blossoms are at their peak in Tokyo, pink petals falling down around them.

When Erwin and Levi were on set for Attack on Titan, they would jog together every morning. It was something that Levi had always done alone, but found having a running partner comforting, even if they barely talked to each other. Erwin had a perpetual aura of calm around him, which was difficult to find amongst other actors. Levi hadn’t seen much of him since his character died, and both had been busy doing other projects; these past weeks doing promos for AoT made him feel like it was old times.

They finish an hour later back where they started, sunglasses on with the hope that no one will recognize them. “You ready for tonight?” Erwin asks as he walks up to a vending machine to buy a bottle of water.

“Yes and no. It’s bittersweet, to see something you worked on for so long finally end. But I’m proud of the work we’ve done on it, and I’m excited to see how the final episodes turned out.”

“Me too. It was good to be on set with you again, even for just a short moment.”

“Yeah, those were not fake tears coming down my face, let me tell you,” Levi admitted with a laugh.

As both men walked through the park, Levi reached into his pocket to check his phone and sure enough, there was another text from you:

“I’m doing good. :-)”

It elicits a smile from Levi and Erwin laughs. “What?” Levi asks defensively.

“Oh nothing,” Erwin replies, “that’s just an awful big smile. Must be someone special.”

“Someone I was trying to forget, actually.”

“And why would you do that?”

“Because I’m an idiot and I thought it’d be better that way for her.”

“Ah, I see.” Erwin sits down on a bench under a sweeping sakura tree and Levi follows. “Levi, in all the years I’ve known you, you’ve always put others ahead of yourself. It’s one of the things I admire most about you. But sometimes, you should be a little selfish.” He puts a hand on Levi’s shoulder. “And it’s ok to go after the things that you want. When you do that, life finds a way of working itself out.”

Levi smiles. Even off-screen, Erwin had a way of saying the wisest thing, right when he needed it most. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right.”

“‘Course I’m right,” Erwin grins. “And as your commander, my final order is for you to go after this woman with your whole heart.”

They both laugh and talk as they make their way out of the park and to the busy streets of Tokyo. When Levi returns to his hotel and enters the elevator, he feels his phone buzz. It’s another message from you, and Levi’s eyes go wide when he reads it:

“I’m in Tokyo to attend the AoT premiere. I hope you don’t mind.”

——

Iceland was cold. And lonely.

The last six months shooting the series had been an incredible experience. The cast was a mix of seasoned actors and newbies just starting out, and with a young, emerging director looking to prove himself, you knew that you were a part of something great. The days were long and sometimes exhausting, and often ended up with you collapsed on your bed looking over lines into the wee hours of the morning. For the most part, you were happy.

But god, you missed Levi.

That last night you saw him, you couldn’t understand why he thought it would be better for you two to be apart, but you pretended to be ok with it. And it had taken everything in you not to knock on his door the next morning when you were leaving. You’d seen the jealousy on his face that night - you knew he still cared for you. But your pride had you walk away without so much as a goodbye. It’s what he wanted, right?

So you tried to move on and forget him. You’d even started dating someone on set; a feeble attempt to prove to yourself (and to Levi, in a way) that you could be a working actor and keep up a relationship. He was nice enough and the sex was good, but it just wasn’t the same. Something was missing.

You knew Levi hated social media and never updated his Instagram account, so you started following his AoT co-stars, hoping to get just a glimpse of him. Every once in a while, a video would come out on YouTube of him in an interview with other cast members, and you’d smile at how awkward he was at being himself in front of a camera.

When the date of the AoT premiere was announced, you immediately contacted your agent to get you on the guest list. You’d loved Attack on Titan for years - you had to be there. And to be honest, you wanted to see that dark-haired, brooding man again, even if from a distance.

Filming was wrapped for the next several months, to give you all some much needed rest, but you only had one day at home before you were back on a plane and headed to Japan. As you arrived at your hotel in the darkness of the early morning, you got your phone out of your bag. Somewhere, in this sprawling city, Levi was sleeping. You wonder, does he ever dream of you?

You find his name in your contacts and send him a quick text. He probably won’t respond, you think to yourself.

When you wake up late that morning and see that he has, your heart skips a beat.

You can’t help but smile as you send him a reply. Then another. You fall asleep for an hour or so and when you wake up, he’s answered you:

“Of course not. I hope I’ll see you there.”

——

The area around the Toho Cinema Roppongi Hills is starting to fill with people as the time for the Attack on Titan, Final Parts 1 and 2 premiere approaches. A red carpet has been rolled out and barriers put up; press and media have started to set up in their usual places, in preparation for pictures and interviews with the cast. Premieres are a huge event, and something that Levi has been involved in more times than he can count, but this one - the final AoT episodes - makes him feel emotional.

Now that he knows you’ll be here, he’s glad he didn’t bring a date - not that he was looking for one. He, Erwin, and Hange had decided to be each other’s dates months ago and frankly, he wouldn’t have it any other way. The three of them ride in a limo to the cinema, along with their publicists and agents. All of them are silent, feeling the weight of this moment, until Hange breaks the silence as they pull up to the entrance.

“Ok, boys…the last ride of the three amigos..”

The three get out of the car and the cameras instantly start flashing. Hange gets between both Levi and Erwin and takes either arm in theirs, walking the red carpet and taking pictures before they separate for individual photos and interviews.

Levi usually likes picking his own clothes out for premiers, but he let a stylist do it this time. He walks down the red carpet in black pants and jacket, with a black mesh collared shirt underneath, which gives just the faintest view of his toned chest. Silver rings adorn his fingers, and he’s slicked back his hair, which he’s been growing out the past few months, just for fun. Photographers are yelling at him from every direction, asking him to look their way, or to take a picture with Hange, Zeke, or Erwin. All around him are the smiling faces of people he’s known for over 10 years, and soon, other celebrities and guests attending the event follow behind them. He looks through the crowd and sees you having your picture taken. You catch his eye and smile; he tries to make his way toward you but he’s whisked away by his publicist.

There are seats reserved in the front of the theater for the cast, with guests sitting in the rows behind them. He takes out his phone and texts you almost immediately upon sitting:

“Come to the after party? It’d be good to catch up.”

He sends you the address and a few moments later, receives your reply:

“I’ll see you there. :-)”

As he puts his phone in the breast pocket of his jacket, Hange reaches for his hand. “Are you ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replies with a sigh, squeezing their hand tightly.

The lights lower and the screen lights up to cheers from the crowd.

—-

Watching the final episodes was emotional, to say the least, but the mood at the after party is joyful and energetic. Everyone is drinking, eating, laughing, and reminiscing. Levi is sitting at a table with Petra, Ulou, and Eld when Zeke runs up.

“Levi, Levi, Levi, I just heard the greatest idea!” He forces his way between him and Petra. “Cast tattoos!”

“What?” Levi laughs.

“Yeah! Eren, Mikasa, Armin, and the others are doing it - we gotta do it too. They’re leaving soon, so let’s go!”

“No, no, there’s no we in this,” Levi protests as he resists Zeke pulling him away from the table. “Besides, I’m waiting for someone.”

“Oh?” That stops Zeke immediately. “And who would that be?”

You thank your driver in your limited Japanese as you leave the car and enter the stylish restaurant. Walking through the crowded space, you see Eren and Mikasa laughing and drinking with a group of other young actors. As a fan of the show since its beginning, you are feeling like a total fangirl as there are cast members from every season around you. But as you walk around the room looking for Levi, you suddenly get nervous, thinking that maybe this was a bad idea; you’re not even sure what you’re expecting from this night.

Just as you think about leaving, you see him sitting at a table with the Levi Squad cast and Zeke, who has an arm around him. He looks up, sees you, and smiles, throwing Zeke’s arm off of him.

As he walks towards you, you admire how good he looks. He’s so sexy, you can feel yourself blushing.

“Glad you could make it” he says, pulling you in to kiss you on the cheek. His lips are soft, just like you remember them.

“I wouldn’t miss it. Attack on Titan has been my favorite series since forever. To be honest, I am so excited to be surrounded by the cast.”

“Come on, I’ll introduce you to some of them.” He places his hand on the small of your back as he leads you through the crowd. Your hunter green silk dress swoops down low in the back, so when his hand touches your bare skin it gives you goosebumps.

He takes you from group to group, introducing you to people you’ve only known through a screen. You laugh with Jean and Connie as they talk about the practical jokes they used to pull on Levi off-set; you sing Red Swan (your favorite opening song) with Armin and Sasha, Levi refusing to join in no matter how hard you all try; you take shots with Hange and gush about how much you loved their character.

Levi watches you and can’t stop smiling. He’d forgotten how good it feels to be around you, to talk and flirt with you. Your hand grazes his and when he weaves his fingers through yours, you don’t resist. Your eyes shine as you look at him; you don’t have to say a word but he knows you’re feeling it too.

The two of you eventually make it over to Erwin and you blush when Levi brags about the film you made together and your acting skills.

“No, no,” you interject, “Levi is the real talent. His acting on set was some of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Erwin smiles. “I’m sure you both complement each other well and that the movie will be spectacular. I’m looking forward to seeing it.” He gives Levi a knowing smile and lifts up his champagne glass.

“Levi! My buddy!” Zeke comes crashing through the group, clearly inebriated. “And who is this? It’s Miss Dior herself.”

“Oh you’ve seen those?” The way he says it brings a blush to your cheeks.

“Of course I have. You look absolutely mesmerizing in those ads,” he moves closer to you, “just like you do tonight.”

Zeke leans on a nearby table and gives a playful smirk. “How long are you staying in Tokyo? I could show you around, if you’d like.”

“She doesn’t need you showing her around anywhere.” Levi’s voice is forceful for the first time that night. You put a reassuring hand on his arm - you have to admit, you like seeing him a little jealous.

“Thanks for the offer, Zeke, but I already have extensive plans in Tokyo.” You give Levi a smile that lets him know that ‘he’ is the plan.

Erwin comes to the rescue of both of you. “Zeke, what’s this I hear about tattoos? Are we doing this tonight?” He puts an arm around Zeke and leads him away, giving you both a wink.

The restaurant is large and sprawling, built in the old Japanese style, but is an interesting mix of East and West, old and new. There’s a garden in the center with the main area and smaller, more private rooms surrounding it. Wanting to escape the noise and commotion, you lead Levi outside, “It’s a bit quieter out here.”

“And more beautiful,” Levi replies, as you walk across a small bridge crossing a koi pond.

“It really is beautiful out here. I’ve always loved Japanese gardens.”

“I wasn’t talking about the garden.” He moves closer to you as you lean against the banister of the bridge. “You look stunning.”

“You know why I chose hunter green, don’t you?” He shakes his head. “Because it’s Levi’s color.”

“Oh really?” He is in front of you now, his hand grazing your arm ever so slightly as he looks you up and down.

“Mmmhmm, he’s always been my favorite character.”

“Nice to know I have a fan.”

“I’m just one of many.”

“But you’re the only one that matters.”

That makes you giggle. “So flirty. Is that how you get the ladies these days?”

“I don’t want anyone else. I just want you.” He looks at you with his piercing eyes. “It’s always been you.”

His words are like music to your ears, but you’re determined to stand firm. You can’t let him off so easily. “That didn’t seem to be the case six months ago.”

“Because I thought it was for the best, but I was wrong. So wrong. And I’ve regretted it every day since.”

His hand moves around your waist and he pulls you close. The lights of the garden shine in his dark grey eyes as his lips softly press against yours. You can’t help but return the kiss, your mouth opening slightly, inviting his tongue inside. When he moves away slightly, you realize you’d been holding your breath.

“I never should have let you go.”

“Levi, I..”

A few noisy and slightly drunk guests amble outside, ruining the moment. Without a word, Levi takes your hand and pulls you to a far corner of the garden, toward the private rooms. He pulls back the heavy, velvet curtains separating the room from the garden and gestures for you to enter. The room is small and intimate, decorated in a western style with a large, ornate mirror. You walk around, admiring the wingback chairs and gilded furniture, and then you feel Levi’s presence behind you.

His fingers lightly skim your bare arms, leaving a trail of heat coursing through your body. You close your eyes when you feel his warm breath against your neck, followed by soft kisses.

“Levi..I’m seeing someone..” you manage to say.

“Oh yeah?” He responds gently in your ear before kissing your earlobe. “You sure about that?”

When you open your eyes, you notice that you’re in front of the mirror and can see Levi kissing along your neck and shoulders. He looks up and grins.

“Right now I only see you and me.”

He continues kissing along your shoulder until the thin strap of your dress falls down your arm. You can’t resist him, you never could, and so you give in to your desires. You lean your body until your back is pressing against his chest. One of his hands is holding yours while the other is moving the fallen strap down lower, exposing your breast.

“God, you’re so beautiful,” he says as he looks at you in the mirror, his hand moving to cup your breast. “I’ve wanted to touch you like this all night.”

You guide his other hand lower, to the high slit of your dress, urging him to touch your thigh. “I missed you, Levi. So much.”

For you, it’s always been him as well. As much as you’ve tried to deny your feelings for him these past six months, all it took was one touch from him for it to all come back. And now you want more.

His hand finds its way between your thighs as his other hand massages your breast. “You’re already so wet for me,” he notices, as his fingers begin to rub your clit.

“You’re the only one who knows how to make me feel good,” you reply, then your breath catches as he pushes your panties to the side and sides a finger inside you.

It’s a beautifully erotic sight, watching yourself in the mirror as Levi pinches your nipple and pumps his finger in and out of you. You can’t help but let out a moan.

“‘Shhh, you don’t want someone to hear, do you?”

“I don’t care. Levi, I need you so badly.”

You turn around to kiss him, taking his jacket off and throwing it on the floor. Almost immediately, he has you pressed against the wall and is lifting your dress up to your waist. He’s unbuttoning his pants as you slide your panties down, but only get so far as taking them off one leg before he lifts that leg up and rubs his cock against you.

Levi has tunnel vision right now; all he can see is your perfect body, all he wants to hear are the moans of his name from your pretty mouth. And that’s exactly what he gets when he thrusts inside you. You bite your bottom lip as he pounds into you again and again. “I thought you didn’t care if someone heard us?”

“I’m trying to be good,” you reply breathlessly.

“Oh I think we’re well past being good.”

He pins your arm over your head as his other hand is still lifting your leg, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of your inner thigh. You kiss and suck on his neck, leaving a small mark.

“Careful there..”

“What? Makeup can cover it up,” you tease seductively, referring to the first time you and Levi made love.

He lets out a soft growl. “Then I suppose now we’re even.” He picks up the pace, watching as your breasts bounce up and down with each hard thrust. You’re driving him wild; every nerve in his body feels completely alive.

“Levi, I’m…”

He knows. He’s feeling it too. He kisses you long and hard, then feels your walls spasm around him. It’s just what he needs to push him over the edge, and as he cums inside you, it’s as if the whole world has stopped; only your uneven breaths mark the time passing.

You continue to spasm around his cock as your mind goes completely blank. You can’t explain it, but Levi elicits the longest, most intense orgasms from you. It’s just how your body reacts to him - you can’t explain it.

He says your name in your ear, his voice deep and raspy. “Will you forgive me? For all the time we wasted apart. I don’t want to do any of this without you.”

“Yes. Yes, I forgive you.” You run your fingers through his silky hair. “I know we can make this work.”

Of course you forgive him. You’d forgiven him the moment you laid eyes on him tonight; maybe even before that.

The bottom of your dress falls back over your legs and Levi gently pulls the straps back up on your shoulders. You are his, and he is yours - it’s always been this way, and now both of you know it. As you fix your hair and touch up your lipstick in the mirror, there’s a commotion in the garden.

“Leeeeeviiiiiiiii! Where are you? We’re getting tattoos!”

He’d know that yell anywhere: it’s Hange.

“Yeah, come on, Levi! We’re all getting tattoos!”

And Zeke is with them.

“Goddammit. Let’s stay here a little longer.”

You laugh. “You should do it…for memories.” You cup his cheek and give him a kiss. “Get it on your ass, so then only I can see it.”

At that, Levi rolls his eyes. “Don’t make this weirder than it already is.”

He takes your hand in his, then meets the screaming duo in the garden. “Ok, fine, let’s do this,” he resigns, as he leads you along to join the group.

“You want me to come too?”

“Of course.” His face is serious, but there’s a joy in his eyes. “I don’t intend on letting you out of my sight.”

“Yes!” Zeke exclaims. “Eren, Levi is in! Let’s go!!”

And so you walk, hand in hand, out of the restaurant to find the others.

——

“There’s no denying that the two of you have an incredible chemistry in the film. Did that come naturally?” the interviewer asks.

“I think I felt that spark between us almost immediately. Wouldn’t you say?” Levi answers.

“Oh yes, absolutely,” you reply fondly.

It’s the week of the Cannes Film Festival and you and Levi are on the interview circuit. After the AoT premiere, you broke up with your boyfriend and stayed with Levi in Tokyo, then went with him to Singapore and Seoul as the cast traveled from city to city. The month flew by and the next thing you knew, you were both traveling to France.

You’re together everywhere, and the paparazzi have quickly deduced that you're an item. It’s been a hot topic of all the celebrity and gossip sites, but neither of you care - a rare occurrence, for Levi especially, who has always valued his privacy intensely.

“And you’re actually a couple in real life, correct?”

“We are.” You answer tentatively. “He tolerates me, anyway.” You make light of it, but answering this question always makes you nervous, since you’re not quite sure how much Levi wants to share.

“More than tolerate,” Levi squeezes your hand, “she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to my life.”

He knew this question would come up, because it always does these days. But he’s realized, he’s not concerned with the gossip or the naysayers; he knows that whatever challenges come your way, the two of you can ride it out.

He believes this will work, because he’s in love with you. And after this interview is over, he’s going to tell you exactly that.

Join my taglist!

@thevelria @lunaheroine18 @meltingforthatackerman @adanfore @blondebebop @levisfavoriteacup @dont-f-with-moogles @itty-bitty-baby-face @ricecrispiebirb @whorenamedbee @rec-a-fic @leviismybby @littlerequiem @satorizz @lost-in-the-daylight @nube55 @kingkonoha @youre-ackermine @saenora @wanderlustqueen-writes @mrsackermannx @honestlywtfisgoingon @bejewelledd @cometlevi @sea-after-a-storm @notgoodforlife @belovedackerman @y44sherlock @xyumemi @armani78 @humanitys-strongest-bamf @thalia-prior-of-ravenclaw @woozzz @imlevisoneandonlywife @notsaelty @zasialovee @heartsforlevi @pieckes @aomi04 @ackermendick @sun-drak @crazychaoticizzy @mintandgingertea @socio-kai-path 1972 @xuanzhe @hvziers @hollistichood @highgoon69 @Vxlentine888 @luasxsx @thebobaprincess @fadingpalacebonkpsychic @worldseer @xuanzhe

[shatterinseconds]

Fire

Keithtober '23 week 2

The fire crackles in front of them. 

It took Keith two attempts for the sparks to catch on some dry twigs they collected from their rough landings. It may be a small start, but at this point, Keith is grateful that he and Lance crash landed on a forested planet and not in an arctic zone. And that the skills he learned, needing to start fires for the cold nights in the desert when the burner in his shack acted up, remained ingrained in him.

“When do you think they’ll come for us?” Lance asks as he strokes the fire. An emergency blanket is wrapped around his shoulders.

“Probably another hour,” Keith guesses, staring up at the fading twin suns. They landed not more than thirty minutes ago but he worries about the dark. Who knows what crawls in the night around here. “They still have to get here.”   

He and Lance were on patrol, scouting out this unknown planet that popped up on the castle-ship’s long range radar. No information was found in the Altean database and they had no way of knowing if it was occupied by the Galra—though the likelihood was high. Hiding behind one of the larger moons, its magnetic core throwing off their sensors, a Galra cruiser shot them down by surprise. Their comms fried instantly, their lions inactive. Hopefully by not reporting at check-in time, it spurred the rest of their team into immediate action.

Now they rest against the blue lion’s side. Keith rests his bayard on his lap, keeping watch on the trees. Lance has his gun propped beside him within immediate reach. But his manner is much more relaxed, pressed up against Keith’s side as he drapes the blanket over Keith’s shoulders too. It’s not that big so they snuggle close.

A dried patch of blood crusts on Lance’s forehead under his hair. It bled fast, being a head wound, but is a minor gash. One that won’t even need stitches. Keith is more worried about a possible concussion, but Lance has been fairing fine, still able to needle and tease him. 

Sighing, Lance throws his poker stick down, clenching his hands in his lap. “What if they don’t come?” 

Keith turns his head slightly, catching Lance’s gaze. “That’s not really a scenario I want to consider.” No matter how impossible it would be. They’ll come; he knows it.

“It might not be too bad,” Lance responds lightly, “I was thinking about how nice of a spot this would be.”

“Did you hit your head harder than I thought?”

Lance shakes his head. “I’m serious. We could build a nice little shack over there.” He gestures to the roughed-up clearing the lions’ descent created. “Tend to a garden and grow weird alien flora.” Lance moves his attention back towards Keith, a glimmer of something in his eyes. “Just the two of us. Away from everything.”

Keith is silent for a moment and finally says, a little hesitant, “Is that your dream, for after the war?”

Lance smiles at him, a soft one. “How’d you guess?”

“It sounded too nice to be thought of on the spot.”

“Sometimes,” Lance starts to explain as he leans in, like this is a secret to be shared only with Keith though no other person is around and their lions are offline. “I like to imagine what it’ll be like when we defeat the Galra Empire. Gives me something tangible to look forward to.”

Whether the hand-built shack and alien plants are a permanent fixture of Lance’s imaginative future, the underlying message, Keith understands, will forever remain unchangeable. Lance wants to build a home with him. Keith blinks back a sudden push of tears. He interlocks his hand with Lance’s, squeezing once in approval of his plan. “They’ll come for us. We’ll survive.” Survive all of it, not just today.

Lance dips his head into the crook of Keith’s neck, curling into him. “I plan to,” Lance says and it’s the easiest thing Keith has ever believed in.

[hirik0]

Not a mamas boy anymore

Graves standing up to his controlling mother

Cw: use of the f slur

Graves never thought when he joined the US military with 18 it would mean it will shatter the picture he has of his mother one day. The resentment slowly build up with tine, because squad mates poked around asked question and often lookend horrifyed. Slowly bring Graves to the admission that his mother maybe is not the lovly southern woman he tought she is. The faithfull day the mask if his mother shattered in front if his eyes was a right after Easter. To the displeasure of his mother the phone ringed while they had breakfast, to call him back to base because of an emergency and of all people fellow Sergeant Daniel 'Jocker' Brown is picking him up. Jocker never talked nice about his family down in Texas, so hes more suprised to learn the other Sergeant only is a 2 hours drive away. After a 10 minutes disgusion with his Mother Elisabeth Graves about if he really has to go Yes he is promising to call more often. He really tried to call at often as posible but with missions and time zones it is hard to find the time. At least she stoped asking if he found a wife yet, after he asked her where on the battelfield hes supost to do that. He is now in his childhood room with his christian rock band posters that dont give him a nice nostalgic feeling just bitterness over been grounded for a long time and a lecture how rock music is demonic and him letting the devil in his heart. After that winning fights were just not worth it, atleast his father didn't got mad and beaten him what was a rare event and the only time he didn't got beat for making his mother cry. Because they were told that they likely are called back he luckily didn't unpack most of his travel bag so packing only took him maybe 10 minutes. He carries the bag down the stairs putting it next to the door so that hopefully Jocker and his mom will have as less interaction as possible, because with out even knowing his mother Jocker says pretty bad things about her, like shes a tow faced heck. His mother is loved by everyone in their church or atleast he thought that for a long time, but Jocker while they were in Iraq slowly was able to point out the cracks in his mother's act of being a lovely southern woman. They honestly don't have the time for Jocker having a disagreement with his mother from how urgent the call was. "Phillip, sweety can you help you father in the garden I will call you when whoever is picking you up is here", his mother asks orders him, so he goes out to help, against the feeling that his mind is screaming that will end really bad.

Jocker arrives 30 Minutes later, sitting in the car taking a deap breath. He will just pick up Phil and he will not be projecting the his feelings he has for his own grandmother on to Mrs. Graves, even if he convinced this two woman could be the same person. He gets out the car instantly spoted by all the people taking care of their front yards, great he also has a audience now, if things go south. He walks up the front porch and is ringing the bell. Mrs Graves don't even smiles when she opens the door clearly displeased with her only son leaving again. "Good morning Mrs. Graves I'm here to pick up Phil", Jocker says trying his best to not be pessimistic about how this will went down. His skin crawls from Mrs Graves looking him over as to make sure she can allowhim to take her son with him. The way she presses her lips together and the smile turn fake he did not own her aproval. "They let fagots serve now?"Mrs. Graves is the very first thing says, having Jocker frown confused till he rembers that his niece begged him to paint his nails. "Are you also telling me I'm going yo hell?", Jocker asks unintressed really he just want to pick up his fellow Sergeant. "Well clearly you already know you go there for being a sick pervert so I don't have to." Mrs Graves is giving him her best fake smile but the disgust is bleeding throughher white theet. "I will not enjoy seeing you there." This response clearly hit a big nerve because the smile freezes till it turns in to pure hatred. Unbeknown to Mrs. Graves her son is just re-entering the house. "You're lucky that you are not living here, because in a small town like this, we know exactly what to do with people like you. Dirty fagots are not welcome here and you're a disgrace to the all the brave men serving in the military and I will make sure to get you away from my son, because he should not have to work an abomination to god, like you." Graves jaw is on the floor he never heared his mother talk to anyone like this before. He frezzes, wanting to speak up wanting to just get out of here. It also hurts, it's like a part of his heart is breaking of, his inner child desperately clinging to the picture he has from his mother, while the angry teenager is shattering it in a thousand littel pieces with a bat. "Yes please tell our Captain what a horrible person I am letting my very ill 7 year old niece paint my nails blue, really unacceptable behaivor of me." And Jocker for sure said this loud enough for the older lady that is just predenting to water her plants is hearing him, and the older man that stoped trimming his bushes the moment the word fagot was used. "Well its clearly a punishment of God your niece is that sick", Mrs Graves response the shocked gasp from the neighbour next door audible and Graves he is turning angry at this, how can his mother just say something like this over a 7 year old. Phillip's inner child is crying by now, because if she say this about a child she doesn't know what did she say about him.

Logically Graves knows that Jocker can handel this himself, but he has to say something, show his team mate he dont think this is acceptable, that he is not like that. "Mother, how dare you say something like this about a 7 year old girl?", Phillip asks shocked having struggel to not raise his voice. "Phillip", his mother gasp and a "I wait at the car", from Jocker who is getting the fuck away from what ever will happen next. Thousands of tiny pyzzel pieces are falling in to place in Graves memoriesthat made no dence till now. "I, I , yo...you need to understand", Elizabeth stammers struggels to find away to not look like the bad guy. "No, I understand because I heared enough of what ever conversation you had with Jocker. I honestly understand a lot now, why some of the people in church are afrait of you, why people predent they don't know you that well when they were in your close circel for years and why your friend circel is constanly changing." Graves voice is calm but his hands are trembling in rage, his emotions are totally out of control to many big feelings and so few space in his body for them. Anger making his blood boil, grieve turning his stomach in a rock, hurt making his chest arch. "He's a fagot Phillip, he's a abomination to the bible.", his mother trys to defend herself despreate trying to get her son back on her site, just making Phillip's blood boil even more. "First if all he's not gay, Mom, second this has nothing to do with the stupid bible but with your small minded views and", Graves didn't even notices how he's getting louder and louder while his voice turns ice cold he grabs his back walks past his mother out of the house, "and with out Jocker I would have returned in a fucking body bag so maybe be atleast a littel bit thankfull!" The last part is screamed and the whole street is hearing him at this point. Mrs Graves is frezzing having no idea what to do how to get the control back. "Phillip he started this." With this Phillip is exploding. "No I'm pretty sure he didn't because compared to you he knows how to be a decent human. For fucks sack Mom this behaivor is the reason that Claire and Judy don't talk to you and you will never see your grandkids or can have a friend for more then 4 years. You're a judgmental asshole and people don't want to be around you more then necessary. The only think that matters to you is you and your overblown ego. Fuck I had to apologise to all my ex girlfriends because you bullied them so bad, after you pressured me into dating them in the first place!" 15 years of bottled up emotions are breaking at the same time, the whole neighbourhood is pretending to be busy on the front porch to not miss the show, some even on the phone with church members that live in other part of the city so they are not missing what is happening. Phillip Graves standing up to his mother will not leave the rumor mille for months, probaly years. Jocker starts the car opens the door at the passenger site so they can leave the moment Graves is done with airing his family's dirty air. Because he has nothing else to say he's storming towards the car he needs to get the fuck away from here.

[musicalueion]

Sonic Mania - Blossom Haze - Press Garden Zone Act 2

Artist: Tee Lopes

[sonic-instrumental-matchup]

🎵 Round 1, Match 15 🎵

[creationality-productions]

Verdict on All classic Sonic Zones pt 6 (Sonic 1, Sonic CD, Sonic 2, Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, & Sonic Mania)

Sonic Mania:

Angel Island Zone: Great Cutscene & Unless Ur in Encore Mode U Can't Play the Zone Regularly, but if Ur in Encore Mode, then this Zone Is Cool to be back in, i guess.

Green Hill Zone Act 1: Here Me Out! What if we Take Green Hill Zone and give it better level design and enhance its Music. I Like this version of Green Hill Zone Better than The Sonic 1 Version. Green Hill Zone Act 2: Awesome Visuals and Level Aesthetic with Great Music & Level Design + New Gimmicks!

Chemical Plant Zone Act 1: Great Music Remix and Better Level Design. Chemical Plant Zone Act 2: Syringes that change Raw Mega Mack to bouncy jelly? Yes Please! DNA Strands That take up And Sticky Jelly Platforms? I Like That! & A Boss Based around DR. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine! U Can't Go Wrong with This Act & Its Remixed Music! Studiopolis Zone Act 1: Lights, Camera, Action! The Music, Level Aesthetics, & Speed Sections are awesome. there's even a Throwback to the Sega Sonic Popcorn Shop and The Lock on Cartridge Technology Form Back in the Day when Sega Had Made Sonic & Knuckles! Studiopolis Zone Act 2: Its Prime Time! If Ur Looking for Gimmicks up the Wazoo & Better Level Design, Then This Act is Ur choice. It's Actually My Choice over Act 1 (Lights, Camera, Action!) but act one is a Very Close Second!

Flying Battery Zone Act 1: The Remixed Music Is Great, Better Level Design Than The original, And a great New Mechanic! (Electric Shield on the Electric Roofs) Flying Battery Zone Act 2: Great Act 2 Remix Music & Level Design. + the Rain aesthetics & Reference to wacky workbench were nice touches. Bad Boss Though...

Press Garden Zone Act 1: Working in the Tabloid Jargon! The Music Is Phenomenally Amaizing! The Level aesthetics and Gimmicks are Awesome & The Level Design Is Really Good + There's a lot of references to Launch Base Zone. This is Definitely a great Zone and My 2nd Favorite. It's also Great to listen to this while Ur working or cleaning! (I don't see a lot of people caring about the 1st act of PGZ, just listen to the Music and you'll see!) Press Garden Zone Act 2: Its A Blossom Haze! NGL, i think PGZ ACT 2 is Awesome. Blossom Haze Is Really Chill and Stuff with Ice Blowers From ICZ, Ice Spikes & New Mechanics. Though all that's Awesome, I don't want People to Forget Tabloid Jargon the Greatest Work Ethic Sonic Zone and also the only Sonic Work Ethic Zone, Cause many of People Forget Press Garden Zone (Mainly Act 1), But This Zone Should Be a National Zone Treasure. Act 2 Is Still Awesome but i Prefer Act 1.

Stardust Speedway Zone Act 1: Groovy Dude! The Sonic Mania Remix Was So Solid Man! They Bring Back Every Groovy Part of the original SSZ From CD with great Level Design, Groovy Elements, And Many References to Marble Garden Zone! Stardust Speedway Zone Act 2: Now here's The Superior Act Between The two, the first Act and The Second act are tied For Best act Music but there are lots of things to like in this act, especially the Metal Sonic Boss!

HydroCity Zone Act 1: I love HydroCity Zone, Especially Act 2 but Act 1 Really Wins the award for Most Gimmicks and Gameplay. Its Great to See a Zone Like This Return, Especially Since Sonic Mania Needed a good Water Zone and I'm Absolutely Astounded that it returned & That the Music Is Remixed to the point where i could sit and listen to it for hours. HydroCity Zone Act 2: NGL, I'm Just as Happy Seeing HydroCity Return in Sonic Mania as Etika & Cobanermani 456 are. HydroCity Was a Great Nostalgic Return, I Loved Everything about This Act in S3&K and I Love Everything About It Here! I'm Glad They Didn't Change the Gimmicks and just Stayed True to the original, And That Remix Is Fire!

Mirage Saloon Zone Act 1: Skyway Octane Is a Great Music Piece & The Zone Has Some Great Aesthetics, But I'm Not a Fan of the Plane Part or the Boss. I Do like That Team Hooligans returned as part of the act 2 Boss & I do Like the Knuckles Version of Act 1 Called Wildstyle Pistolero. Mirage Saloon Zone Act 2: So, as I Stopped by The Rogues Gallery, I Noticed, This Music Is Bomb! It's Really Great. Here's the Weirdest part, I used to hate MSZ Before I played Sonic Mania. Now that i Know that this Zone is Great, I can say that I love the Handguns, Pinatas, Lightbulbs, Bumpalos, The Water Sprayers, and The Boss!

Oil Ocean Zone Act 1: Well i didn't expect this one to return, they had to have a Balancer Zone (AKA control Variable) in there and here it is. I never Liked his zone until it got a Great Mania Remix & Better Level Design Oil Ocean Zone Act 2: Thí- Hey Wait a Minute... It's JUST SANDOPOLIS ZONE IN DISGUISE! WHY SONIC MANIA, WHY DID U THINK THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA! OF ALL IDEAS YOU COULD HAVE BRUNG BACK, U BRING THIS BACK! (Calming Down) At least the music is great, but it gives off a Desert music Feeling which isn't the best feeling.

Lava Reef Zone Act 1: NGL, I love the Comeback, i Love the Mania Remix, I love the New Mechanics and Aesthetics like the bridges & Buttons, but I kind of prefer the Original Because 16-bit music for this zone is awesome & Nostalgia. This Music track is awesome whether or not the Original Inches forward or not. Lava Reef Zone Act 2: The Mystic Cave Feeling and The Cooled Crystal Feeling Have Been Amplified Due to the Music & Atmosphere. The Mechanic from Quartz Quadrant Was a Nice Touch & The Music Is Really Good with a Soft guitar Playing, Awesome!

Metallic Madness Zone Act 1: Bro, if you hate this act, u don't Know life. This Zones Music Is Fire, there's lots of Mechanics True to The Original and new Mechanics, the Music Is Phenomenal, The Level Aesthetics are Greatly Respected & The level Design is Great. I even thought out my own Lyrics (First verse: Check the Mic, Yō, We'll Break Down the Madness. Roll Out the Door, Straight Up, Storm the Castle. Imma Blast off, I Have No Fatigue. Out Of My League, Naughty Egg, You Can See the Crew. Second Verse: Now, Check Out my moves, check out My Speed, How's It really Feeling? Going Fast with The Doctor at My Feet. I Live in The Fast Track. You're Getting In my Way. I Carry the Day "Hey!" Cause I (Na, Na, Na, Na) RUN!). At least I think they're the right ones. Metallic Madness Zone Act 2: Oh Man! That Saxophone, The Level Aesthetics, Chibi Sonic, And the Music in General Is All So Awesome! Though Spikes up the wazoo are not fun, but the zone's music tells me to forget about it.

Titanic Monarch Zone Act 1: I'm in no Monarch... well unless u count this zone (Rim Shot). We All Know this Zone Was Built to Rule (Name of the Song), But It Has its Ups and Downs Like the Death Egg Act 1 Boss Came Back, The Mechanics & Gimmicks are awesome, The Spikes & Enemies Get even more tedious, and The Level aesthetic was heading for a Robot Building in Progress like Launch Base. so out of everything, this zone is just bad. Titanic Monarch Zone Act 2: If you hated final bosses in sonic Games, then you'll hate this One! I sure do! I don't like how if you're not careful, you'll get sent to the beginning of the area. Really tedious Stuff. The Steel Cortex music is good, but not the best music.

Egg Reverie Zone: The true final boss is pretty hard, but it doesn't have the best music compared to the big arms fight.

Part 7 Is Coming Soon (When I Play the new 2d Sonic Game)

[crusherthedoctor]

My personal issue with the Heavies is that they don't have enough presence as I'd like.

If you were to ask me I'd say Magician is my favorite by a wide margin because she gets the greatest sense of presence: she knocks Knuckles off the Tornado and creates tge act 1 miniboss, she creates the Fang/Bean/Bark illusions that crash the plane forcing you into act 2 and she then has her very unique battle. If you count Encore mode than she even starts that.

By contrast all the others really only show up for their respective boss battle and a really brief encounter during the final boss, hell unless you're playing as Knuckles you won't even meet King in a one on one match

I often see them compared to Robot Masters but that's exactly the issue: Robot Masters are more prominently present in the games as a whole: they're on the boxart, they're on the stage select screen, the stages are THEMED after them (the only stage in Mania themed after its Heavy is Press Garden, MAYBE Titanic Monarch if you consider it King's stage instead of Eggman's but....yeah no), the stage music is often considered their own personal theme, you get a weapon from them serving as a permanent reminder of them and you fight them all a second time for real instead of just making brief cameos during the final boss

I think they would have benefitted a lot from either being present in both of their acts like Magician is, or being recurring bosses, though with each boss fight being different in some way

More spotlight would have been great, but I really don't have an issue with how they were, since despite their limited screentime, they were still able to show off a lot of personality (Magician tipping her hat, Gunner freaking out when his missiles are deflected back at him...), they had clever moves (King calling back to Super Mecha Sonic, Shinobi using Asterons as shuriken...), and the levels they were featured in still complimented them. (Studiopolis fitting Gunner's police motif, Mirage Saloon fitting Magician's flashiness and serving as payoff for the Fang/Bean/Bark wanted posters seen throughout the zone, Lava Reef fitting an adrenaline junkie like Rider...)

Sonic not facing King at all until Egg Reverie was admittedly odd, but I don't think it's too big of a deal. But hey, putting their Classic Only status aside, maybe this is all the more reason for them to come back in a new game... but nooooo, we gotta have Sage come back instead, because it's always the shit/mediocre characters that get second chance after second chance. First the Deadly Six, now this...

(Also, don't a lot of Mega Man fans complain about the boss rushes? I know some fans accuse them of padding, and I can see where they're coming from since they usually don't have any notable changes from the first time around.)

[allsonicgames]

Sonic Mania

Original platform: PC, PS4, XBO, Switch

Original release: 15th August 2017

Version played: PS4

Available to buy: Yes

After creating ports of Sonic CD, Sonic 1 and 2 on Android, Christian Whitehead got a chance to work on a new Sonic game. While it looks very similar to the Mega Drive Sonic games, Sonic Mania doesn’t limit itself to what the Mega Drive can do, and lots of small improvements can be noticed such as extra frames of animation on rings and background objects. In a way, Sonic Mania feels like this could have been what Sonic on the Sega Saturn could have been if they didn’t feel the need to go the 3D route.

My biggest issue with Sonic Mania is that it tries to rely on nostalgia when it doesn’t need to. Sonic Mania has 12 main levels, but 8 of them are remixed versions of levels from 1, 2, CD, 3 & Knuckles – including the often revisited Green Hill Zone and Chemical Plant Zone. New levels include Studiopolis, Press Garden, Mirage Saloon and Titanic Monarch. All of these levels are brilliant, capturing the feel of classic Sonic levels while including their own twists on the formula. They all have a great style and brilliant music. I just wish the whole game could have been new levels.

Not that the remixed levels are bad. All of the Zones are two acts. The first act of each remxied level is exactly that: it feels like the original level, but different. Green Hill Zone Act 1 is pretty much the first two acts from the original combined,, while other levels have similar but different parts.

The second act of each returning zone, however, is essentially brand new, with new level gimmicks to focus on, some of them even look very different. These are all brilliant levels. Essentially, my main complaint with Sonic Mania is that I wish there was more: two separate games (one focusing on remix levels, one on new levels) would have been amazing to have.

[sandyhookhistory]

"Fratricide In The Fog Of War" Eighty Years Ago Today - The night of Saturday the 13th into Sunday the 14th, approximately 400 miles soutth of Cape Palmas, Liberia, Africa: The 21,500 ton "SS Empress Of Canada" is running south. A beautiful pre-war ocean liner, she's been pressed into service as a troop ship. Her primary route for the last three years has been hauling Australian and New Zealand ("ANZAC") Soldiers across the Indian Ocean, around Cape Horn, and allllll the way up the west coast of Africa to the combat zone in Europe and the Mediterranean. On the return voyage, available space is used efficiently. Specifically, there are 1,800 souls on board her. She's carrying refugees from Poland and Greece, along with a large number of Italian prisoners. If you're already thinking this can't be good, and something is about to go wrong, you're correct. Out of nowhere comes a torpedo spread, not from a German U-Boat, but the "Leonardo da Vinci," a Marconi-Class submarine of the Regia Marina, the Fascist Italian Navy. The hits are fatal... Empress Of Canada goes to the bottom in shark infested waters. The sinking and the sharks take their toll, but incredibly, for all those onboard, casualties are "relatively" light under the circumstances - only 392 dead. Sadly, in this act of fratricide, 149 of those are some of the Italian POWs. Just another day... 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 Photos: 1,nineteenkeys.blogspot.com; 2, sharkattackfile.net #visitmonmouth #newjerseybuzz #thejournalnj #locallivingnj #journeythroughjersey #centraljerseyexists #discovernj #yesnj #newjerseyhistory #newjerseyforyou #sandyhookbeach #sandyhooknj #sandyhookhistory #forthancockhistory #forthancock #battleoftheatlantic #empressofcanada #oceanliner #canadianpacificsteamships #canadianpacific #leonardodavinci #marconiclass #regiamarina #fascistitaly #fratricide #troopship #torpedoattack #sharkattack #lifeboat #lifeboats (at Fort Hancock, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpy37-Rtnar/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rehncohro]

Sanic.

[sonicmusicremixes]

TITLE: Chill Gardens Zone

ARTIST: Sound Of A Shadow

Can a robot ninja become a hokage? To avoid recycled levels this month, it’s an occupational hazard that I must do a little bit of repeating here and there... So for a completely coincidental and totally non-biased reason (don’t judge me!), here’s an unplugged, electronic, funk, jazz, kind of bluesy remix of Press Garden Zone Act 2′s theme song, “Blossom Haze”. And I thought real shinobi wore blue...

Download it here.

-Samurai Echidna.

[littlepadika]

hi angel 🥰 i’m just in the middle of rereading calling home !!!! i was just wondering, could you ever do a one shot of like sweet pea calming frankie during the middle of the night if he has like an anxiety attack or nightmare? i love the dynamic between those 2 and would love to see how sweet pea calms frankie 🥺

Hi bb sorry this took me a hot minute to get to. First off... i'm thrilled you are re reading my series! Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: PTSD, anxiety, comfort, fluff

AN: This is early in their relationship. Probably right after chapter 5. Therapy also referred to in this drabble

source: @uuuhshiny

You blinked up at the ceiling, sleep momentarily thinning. You heard low muttering beside you.

"Frankie?" You turned reaching over to his side of the bed. He was shaking and sweaty under your hand. "Frankie!" You sat up, this time going to the other side of the bed to flick on the bedside lamp. The dim yellow light revealed Frankie twitching and muttering incoherently. Sweat clung to his forehead. His mouth was pursed in between a frown and snarl. His jaw was clenched tight. His whole body was stiff as a board. He was deep in a nightmare. You heard him say something like "no no".

You had been over this scenario with Frankie. He advised you not to touch him when he was having nightmares in case he acted on instinct and accidentally hurt you. But now that it was real, you couldn't just watch him endure a nightmare like this.

"Hey... hey..." You stoked his arm with your fingers lightly. He jerked away from your touch with a grunt. When he turned his head you saw that there were tears in the corner of his eyes. "Oh, Frankie... Wake up please. Come on, baby. Please wake up." You just continued to slowly stroke his arm, his chest, eventually making your way up to his face. He seemed to be calming down.

Then he abruptly sat up, scooting away from you reflexively.

"Wha-What's..." He looked around the room and then trailed off when he saw you watching him, concern evident on your face. He wiped his wet eyes.

"Nightmare." You explained though you were sure he already knew.

"Did I hurt you?" He immediately asked, looking away in shame. His humiliation mixed toxically with his adrenaline and fear from the dream.

"No. You didn't hurt me." You answered quickly, pushing yourself up, but you resisted hugging him for fear he was still overstimulated. You offered your water bottle to him. "Do-do you want to talk about it?"

Frankie shook his head, looking down at his sweaty self. "It's the usual dream. The helicopter crash." He shuddered, trying to pull himself into the present and away from his distorted memory. He took a couple sips of water and then handed the bottle back to you. Mentally he did the exercises he had practiced. Name one thing you see: Sweet pea. Name one thing you hear: A passing car. Name one thing you feel: Soft sheets. Where are you? Home. Home. Home.

You waited patiently through all of this, giving Frankie space to speak when he was ready. He took a few deep ragged breaths, his fists clenched on the bed below you. Too scared to touch you yet. He worried that he may have scared you off. That now you would have seen that all of his demons were real.

"I'm sorry I woke you up, sweet pea." His gruff voice was dripping with guilt. You frowned, not in frustration at him but at the stigma that led him to feel so terrible about dreams he could not control.

"Frankie...you didn't bother me." You couldn't resist laying a hand over his bare stomach feeling him relax at your touch. "I'm glad I woke up. I want to comfort you."

He sniffed, new tears in his eyes. He was still looking away from you. You understood. It was such a vulnerable state for anyone, let alone someone who had endured as much rejection as Frankie had.

"Can I hold you? Is that okay?" You feel your own voice shake with emotion. Your power and your love was limited with him not in your arms. As much as you knew your voice could move mountains, you needed to console him with more than words.

"Yes. please." Frankie exhaled finally looking at you, his brown eyes misty and wanting. You wasted no time climbing over his legs and pulling his face into your neck. His arms linked around your back, holding you close.

His skin, that earlier vibrated like it was trying to break apart, settled under your touch. Solidifying enough so he could finally sense each part of his body. Hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and so on. He mentally listed each one as it related to you. Your hands on his head. Your chest on his chest. Your breath on his neck.

"I have you." You promised, knowing the words would help ground him. "I have you. I'm not going anywhere. Just be here with me."

"I'm so tired of this." He whispered into your warm embrace. "I just want to be better."

"I know." You sat back cupping his face in your hands, rubbing your thumb over that patch of grey in his beard.

"I was doing so well." He continued to beat himself up. He had been so pleased to have gone nearly a month without any nightmares or PTSD. He tried to think of something that could have triggered him but yesterday was a normal Thursday. He didn't drink. He didn't have a stressful customer at work. He had sex. He showered. Sometimes there was no trigger and that was the most unsettling type of episode.

Frankie ducked his head, resting his forehead in between your breasts. He wished he could crawl inside you and away from his thoughts. His PTSD made him nauseous and too hyper to sleep. He was both hyper-focused and dazed at the same time. Every nightmare always felt like an omen that things were going to get bad again. He was going to start craving and then eventually relapse.

You rubbed his back in slow circles trying to coax him into a more normal breathing rate. A minute passed, the only sounds were Frankie's rough breathing and your slower one.

"What else do you need?" You asked gently.

"Can you- can you light the candle please?" He requested in a muffled voice.

"Sure." You smiled, reaching over to his side of the bed and pulling out the lighter. Your candle, already well used, was soon flickering brightly. The floral scent you and Frankie loved, filled your brain making sleep slowly start to edge its way in. You could feel his breathing slow. "That better?"

"Mmhmm." He grumbled. Something about the scent grounded him to this chapter in his life; the one with you in it. He wasn't that lonely guy anymore. He wasn't in a war zone. He had everything he could ever dream of right in his arms... and yet... this still happened. "I'm sorry, sweet pea."

"What for?" You tousled his hair affectionally.

"For-for being messed up."

"Frankie..." You nudged his head up so you could kiss him deeply. You let him take the lead, pressing him tongue into your mouth and pulling you tighter against his chest. At your quiet moan he pulled back letting you finish your thought. You didn't care how many times you had to say it, touch it, kiss it into reality: Frankie was perfect the way he was.

"You aren't messed up." You murmured, holding his eyes with your earnest gaze. "You're strong. You're resilient and brave. I love you because of that. You're like... a phoenix. You rise from the ashes." Then you giggled. "Sorry I just thought of a hybrid between a catfish and a Phoenix."

"Ha." He laughed shakily, tightening his arms around you. "A fish on fire. Sounds about right."

"Or a bird with whiskers." You snorted.

He kissed you again, relishing your little giggles against his lips. You laced your hands with his.

"I'm here to remind you to be kind to yourself. Remember how far you've come. I'm so proud of you, Frankie."

Once again he reflected on how lucky he was to have you in the flesh. Your empathy amazed him. It had from day one but his awe grew monumentally tonight. You weren't scared. You saw all of his brokenness for what it was and you only loved him harder. He had to trust your vision of him when his own internal compass failed.

"You tired, little pea?" He chuckled when you yawned cutely, after trying to hold it in.

"No." You told a small lie, just to keep him from trying to put your needs first. You weren't going to sleep until you knew he felt safe. "How are you feeling? Be honest, please."

Frankie searched his body with another deep breath. "Better. I'm just really amped up from the adrenaline. But go back to sleep, little pea. I'll read or something.”

"Mmm read to me?" You asked holding back another yawn.

"Sure." He chuckled. You rolled off of him pulling the covers back over you both. Frankie grabbed his copy of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. You latched onto him like a koala bear and hung onto his deep voice. Frankie appreciated the weight of your arm on his stomach and head on his chest. You could hear his heartbeat below your ear slowing.

Frankie paused his quiet oration to peer down at your relaxed face and fluttering eye lids. "I love you, sweet pea."

"mmm love you too." You breathed in reply.

For the first time, Frankie was able to go back to sleep after his nightmare.

~~~~~~~~~~

My masterlist

Permanent Taglist @ajeff855 @what-iwish-you-knew @kirsteng42 @fan-of-encouragement @sleep-tight1 @pascalisfairyy @ceniington, @prettypedros 🧁, @pascal-rascal424 @axshadows @prideandpascal @frenchyjuju @pedrosmustache @blackmarketmummy @idreamofboobear @pretty-brown-eyess @persephones-garden @javierpinme @mylittlesenaar @bellaorisa @elinedjarin @beskarboobs @beskar-candy @dindjarinneedsahug @anaaaispunk @headinthestarz @beskarprincessjenny @nicolethered @takochansugoi @heythere-mel @petersunderoos96 @theherothesavior @disasterhann @deadhumourist @dihra-vesa @liviiii98

Frankie Morales Taglist: , @evildxad @a-skov @pasckles @goddessofsprings

[phoenixphantomrise]

DannyMay Day 18–Frozen. Poor Danny got frozen into a giant popsicle, just like Sonic in Act 2 of Press Garden Zone (Sonic Mania).

[spiderling-space]

new writing blog, yay! could I request HQs for Jade, Jack, Leona and Jamil with a fem!reader that hasn't been sleeping well lately and she's constantly dizzy and drifting off?

I was gonna say “yey J squad” then I realized Leona starts with L.

I don’t know why I can find more things to write for some characters.

This was challenging for me to write. I love challenges though.

I hope you enjoy it!

🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

Jamil Viper

As a compensation of what he did when he overblotted, Jamil agreed to tutor (Y/N). While spending some time together, he befriended (Y/N)

Until a few days ago, (Y/N) was attentive and always on time but now she is late and and drifts off as he speaks.

Jamil’s first thought is that she began to find him boring or taking a type of revenge. So he probes her with questions.

He was close to using snake whisper on her but he thinks it might leave an awful taste so he uses his wit to find truth.

After asking her too many questions for her taste, (Y/N) tells him the truth.

“Alright alright just stop! I admit I’ve been Magiflix and Chilling for the last 4 days! I’ve just discovered a tc show with 6 seasons! I needed watch them all!”

Jamil didn’t think the reason would be this silly. And he doesn’t intend to fail as a tutor.

He considers what he can do and comes up with something: he will take (Y/N)’s laptop and phone at night so she won’t watch the show until morning from any device.

When the night comes and Jamil comes to collect the laptop and phone.

(Y/N) extends her devices. Jamil grabs them but (Y/N) doesn’t let go.

“Just 1 more episode?” — “No.” — “Can i at least say goodbye?”

Jamil finds it odd yet he nods.

“My precious!” (Y/N) says and starts running.

Jamil is surprised, trying to understand what has occurred. When it happens, he runs after (Y/N). Ah things he does for friendship!

🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄

Jade Leech

Jade is one of the boys who would notice the smallest change in people.

He’s the always observing one.

For the last two days, he notices the dark circles under (Y/N)’s eyes. He also notices that she is trying to cover them with make up.

Jade The Shroom Guy recalls that there are a couple mushrooms that can help her to sleep.

“Oya oya, (Y/N), you seem like you’re in need of help.”

Jade puts his hand to his chin and smiles “Would you mind telling me what troubles your sleeping? I’m sure we can solve it in Mostro Lounge.”

“Nothing!” That was a fast answer.

Jade continues to smile while looking at her.

The intensity of his gaze makes (Y/N) confess. “All right fine! I’ll tell ya!” She knows she is defeated. “Look, buddy... uhm... human females have this monthly cycle which sometimes causes an immense pain that even painkillers won’t help. That’s what making me unable to fall asleep...” She whispers the latter part.

“I could give you ‘shroom in Mostro Lounge to help you sleep.” — “No offense Jade but I don’t think getting high will help me.” — “???” — “???” — “???” — “Oh you meant mushroom-mushroom, not the other one...” (Y/N) trails, wanting to be buried 6 feet underground at that moment.

Jade lets out a laugh before composing himself again. Perhaps he could help her for free just once; a reward for highlighting his day.

Meanwhile (Y/N) understands the value of having enough sleep. She wouldn’t embarrass herself like she did if her mind was in right place and was able to think straight; at least that’s what he hopes.

🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺

Jack Howl

Jack could smell the caffeine on (Y/N) miles away. She was laying on a grass with a book in front of her.

He thinks that amount of coffee is unhealthy for humans and voices his concerns to her.

“Are you kidding me? I have 3 essays to finish and a potion to brew and 2 exams! I don’t have time for sleeping. I was supposed studying last night but accidentally fell asleep and lost 3 hours! I don’t have time to sleep!” (Y/N) talks rapidly that Jack almost doesn’t comprehend what she has said.

Jack understands her worries but now he is worried about her health. He sleeps at 9 pm because he gets up early and needs to have certain amount of sleep.

He is concerned that she will get sick.

Before he can say anything, he sees that (Y/N) drifted off.

He can’t wake her up but leaving her there, sleeping on ground might cause some people to make fun of her so he also lays on the ground and closes his eyes but not sleeping. If someone approaches them and asks what they are doing, Jack will tell them that (Y/N) and he are trying a new type of breathing exercise.

He isn’t good at lying but at least he tries.

He will have a real chat with her once she wakes up but for now he think she needs as much rest as possible.

🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Leona Kingscholar

It’s noon so that means nap time for Leona!

He goes to Botanical Garden to nap as usual.

What’s not usual is that seeing (Y/N) occupying his place.

Well he is going to nap there so (Y/N) needs to move

He walks her side, disturbing her sleep.

“Oi herbivore wake up.”

(Y/N) stirs, muttering something inaudible.

Leona tries his luck again.

“WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT?”

(Y/N)’s sudden yell catches Leona off guard. He has never seen this side of hers.

He plays it cool though, at least tries to

“You’re in my place.” — “Then find a new one. Now shoo!”

Herbivore was never hostile toward Leona before.

He doesn’t like the way she talked but he can’t be rude to her. After all a woman is a woman. He thinks maybe fixing her issue would make him earn his place.

“What is your problem?” — “You annoying me!” — “If you don’t cooperate, I will continue to annoy you.”

“What do you expect me to say? That I can’t sleep lately because I dream of my family and it hurts that I can’t see them? That my parents think I’m probably dead? That I will not be able to get back to my world ever again? That because I can’t sleep at nights, I drift of during classes and getting scolded for it? Well I will not say any of those!”

Now Leona gets the issue. Lack of sleep is getting to her nerves. Therefore making her think of her problems more which leads to less sleeping, cycle of doom.

While he cannot help her to go back home, he can offer some comfort. He would be damned if he doesn’t help a woman in trouble when he can.

Lucky for her, he is master at sleeping. The least he can do is to aid her in getting some rest.

“Oi herbivore scoot over.” Before she can protest, Leona sat next to her on ground. “If you won’t move then we’ll nap together. Ruggie will come to wake me up when lunch ends.

Leona wraps his arms around her body and pulls her down, hugging her as if she is a pillow.

(Y/N) wants to protest but she is too tired fo it so she just rolls with it.

When Ruggie comes to wake them up, he first takes photo of them together to use it as blackmail.

After waking up from sweet nap, (Y/N) is able to gather her thoughts better.

“Please ignore everything I said before.” — “Done.”

She is thankful that Leona didn’t press on the issue.

Leona decides to have a chat with Headmaster to fasten the process of a way to her home. He may act like he doesn’t care and tell himself that he is only doing it to have his napping zone just for himself but deep down he knows it’s not true. (Y/N) warmed her way up to his heart.

(Y/N) is thankful for Leona. For some reason it was the best nap she ever had and felt the most energized she ever did in the last few days. Maybe the secret is to nap with a sleeping master.