#radiant sun bolt

[solo-monkeys68]

Tabaxi Monk character I played in a campaign with some of my campers last summer, I miss those nerds...

[clandestineloki]

Cold Flower (NSFW)

A/N: My public apology for going dormant on Tumblr for nearly 5 months.

tw: jotun!loki dom!loki, sub!cottagegirl!reader, loki’s cock is big but his size kink is bigger, corruption kink, praise kink, manhandling but very cutely if i may say!!, unrealistically fast paced because loki is horny ) >:D

read it on ao3!!

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The grass tickles your ankles as you step through the bushes, careful not to step on any pretty flowers in your path.

Sunset is nearing, and you've only gotten so much as a few ferns. But you don't mind. The forest will bloom when it wants to, and even if you haven't collected any flowers for your work you're having a wonderful time looking around at all the birds and the deer and the butterflies and nature; just getting away from the busy life in the village is enough of a treat.

Stepping through a clear patch, you look around for any deer traps. What deer traps? The ones that have hidden nets that burst out from the ground like flytraps and scoop up any poor being that just happened to be there, leaving them trapped up in the air by a rope tied to a tree.

Now that you think of it, a clear patch in the middle of the forest means one thing: a deer trap has been set off already.

Right above where you stand.

Realizing the danger of being anywhere near a threatened or harmed deer, you’re ready to bolt out of the woods when you look up, and see a net that’s filled with leaves, branches, and stray grass reeds.

And dangling out of the net is a leg— a leg that looks less like a deer’s… and more of a person’s.

You gasp in horror. Someone’s caught in it!

Running around the tree, you find the rope suspending the trap buried in the ground. You rummage for your shears and hastily cut it, grabbing the rope to pull it down with your weight and let the trap sink to the ground slowly.

When it does, you run over, cutting away as much of the net as you can, digging through the leaves until you reach someone covered in an enormous fur cape.

You gingerly pull it back, and stare in awe.

It’s a man, with dark hair and sharp features, no doubt very handsome despite the scratches and cuts he’s sustained. The linen top he’s wearing is littered with twigs.

Softly, you brush away the twigs when you touch his wrist and freeze.

And quite literally, because his skin is as cold as ice.

Almost as if he were a corpse.

“Sir! Sir! Please wake up!”

When Prince Loki’s eyes open and adjust to the glare of the sun— and the silhouette blocking it out— his breath hitches.

Is this Valhalla? Am I… dead?

Surely, he must be. For above him kneels the most beautiful girl, almost shimmering in the golden light, it’s definite that you’re an angel.

“Hello? Sir? Can you hear me?”

An even lovelier voice for a radiant woman. He nods, and you let out a sigh of relief.

“Oh, thank goodness!” You lean forward, brushing away twigs from his face and cloak. “I thought you had died! I hate those deer traps, they’re dangerous and they're so hard to see! It almost killed you! Are you alright?”

��Yes- Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.”

It’s as if he spoke without thinking, eager to hear more from your pretty lips. You catch your breath, kneeling back down, and he sits up to get a better look at the captivating face of his savior.

“How long have you been up there?”

Loki brushes his hand against his cheek. “I'm not quite sure- ah-”

He hisses when his fingers graze a wound on his temple, and he retracts his hand to find a few specks of scarlet.

“Probably not long, I'm still bleeding,” he shows you his hand, and you gasp.

“Oh, no,” you take a closer look at his face. “My house isn't far from here, I can help you clean up and get some rest. You must be exhausted. Are you alright with some porridge and biscuits? They're all I have the ingredients for and the farmers’ market is a bit far so I'm sorry if...”

Loki honestly can’t concentrate on what you're saying. He nods along, but he's rather focused on you.

As he tags along behind you as you retrace your steps to your home, Loki whispers a thanks to whatever Gods led him to be graced by your beauty in this moment, regardless of the circumstance. He had just been hunting for sport, unaware of the trap that had pulled him up into the tree so suddenly and rendered him unconscious.

Now, he's found something— no, someone— better; a much more rewarding, delicious little prey.

“I just realized I haven't introduced myself."

Loki looks up just as you say your name, timidly holding out your hand. He takes it after a moment.

“Loki,” he replies, once he finds it in himself to speak.

“Like the prince?"

He recoils a bit in surprise. “Yes- Yes, like the prince. Uh-"

“How are you feeling?" you ask, dabbing the cloth lightly against his wrist.

“They don't hurt if I don't move."

“Okay. Let me know if it does.”

Loki nods, watching you silently tend to his wounds, before he hisses softly.

You flinch, pulling away. “Oh, I'm sorry-"

“You really don't know who I am?” Loki asks.

A second passes as you look down at him, brows furrowing as you sit down next to him on your bed.

“I can't recall. Sorry, have you ordered flowers from me before?"

“You run a flower shop?”

“Yes, that's why I was in the woods. I was looking for fresh flowers and came across you up in that trap.” You tilt your head. “What were you doing in the forest, anyway?"

“I was... hunting for deer, and the last thing I remember is hearing something above me snap.”

“Hunting… Is that what you do for a living?”

“Well, no. My brother and I do it for sport."

“Oh."

Loki stares at you blankly. “My brother, Prince Thor."

You nod.

Loki chuckles. Your pretty little head hasn't registered it.

He leans in close, brushing his lips against your ear, and whispers very slowly:

“I'm Prince Loki."

And the reaction he gets is the cutest. Your lips part as your eyes widen, to which he grins.

But he doesn't expect you to fling yourself off the side of the bed and onto the ground, bowing down to him.

“Your Highness!” you squeak. “I'm so sorry, I didn't know!! I-”

“Darling, please," he chuckles, shaking his head. “That isn't necessary-"

“I'm so sorry, I'll get some tea, do you want anything from the market? Please, allow me-”

Loki bends down, lifting you off the floor in a princess carry and sets you down on the bed.

“Please, don’t stress yourself. You saved my life.”

He takes your hand, kissing it softly as he smiles up at you.

“Thank you, pretty angel.”

Your eyes widen as you stutter out tiny breaths. Norns, aren’t you the most adorable?

“I don’t think you believe me.” He stands up, pretending to be offended by your silence.

“No!” you cry . “I mean- I do believe you! It’s just- I was surprised, I didn’t think-”

“Didn’t think what? A prince would just be out in the woods for no reason?” He laughs, leaning down to you. Before you can respond, he chuckles again. “That’s alright,” he steps back, “you just need a little… evidence.”

Loki closes his eyes, and lets himself shift into his true form: blue skin, dark green patterns across his biceps. He hears the tiniest gasp of amazement from you as the magic also heals his wounds and cuts (and hopes that he’ll hear more of those cute noises very soon).

When he’s done transforming, he opens his eyes and stares down at you.

Dear Norns.

He knew he was already taller than you in human form, but this was just delightful. You’re much tinier than him, staring up at his stature with those wide doe eyes of yours.

“You are-” you blink a few times in shock. “You are the Jotun prince.”

He smiles even wider. “That’s right.”

“And… I… just saved the Jotun prince.”

He starts laughing, leaning down to whisper in your ear.

“Clever girl.” He knows he’s downright cruel, teasing you just because you’re so cute. “And do you want anything in return for ‘saving the Jotun prince’?”

“Well, I don’t know-”

Loki walks closer to you, and stands between your legs as he drops his cloak to the floor and leans down, drawling his next words very slowly.

“You deserve something… special. Something downright… pleasurable as a reward for saving my life. Something that you’ll remember for the rest of yours.”

He chuckles darkly when your breath hitches in realization.

He wants to make love to you.

“What?”

He pushes you down on the bed, trapping you in with his large body as he takes your wrists in one of his hands.

“You’ll feel undeniable bliss. I’ll take you over and over and over again until I’m sure you’re truly satisfied, because you’re such a sweet little angel saving my life and cleaning me up and looking so fuckable.”

You mewl, no doubt keening from his dirty words. He cups your chin.

“All you have to do is say yes. You don’t even have to do anything~”

His thumb brushes over your quivering lips, and push into your mouth. Loki grins as you look up at him, nodding slowly.

“Use your words, angel,” he teases, pulling his thumb away from your mouth.

It takes you a few moments to catch your breath. “Okay…”

He wanted to make you beg. He wanted you to say please, please fuck me so he could flip you over like you weighed nothing and take you over and over again like you’d asked but the way you whimpered withered away the last of his patience.

He had to make you his.

Loki captured you into a passionate kiss, muffling every last sound your pretty lips made so that only he could hear. He pulled away only to push you down on the sheets again, forcing his tongue into your mouth as you twitch in his hold, unable to comprehend how dizzy you are from just a kiss.

The two of you pull away for air as his dark green irises watches your eyes glaze over with submission. He grins, unbuttoning his white button-up and tosses it elsewhere.

He grins as you stare at his chest. Your tiny hands reach for him, tracing over the markings and patterns.

Loki hisses, taking your hands in one of his. You whimper as he stares down at you.

“I’m sorry,” you mumble, “Did that hurt?”

“No, no.” His voice softens as he leans in, kissing your nose gently, his other hand pushing your dress up your thighs. He kisses your cheek, then presses his lips against your ear. You shiver at his ice-cold breath.

“It doesn’t, angel. It’s just that if you keep doing that, I won’t be able to resist flipping you over and pounding you into the sheets until you’re dripping with my cum and you can’t think.”

He pushes his knee against your crotch, making you squeak like a pathetic little mouse. Loki grins.

“I will be doing that, mind you,” he teases. “But I simply have to get a taste of your pretty juices first~”

Your skirt bunches up against your twitching hips as Loki stares down at your dripping cunt.

“Oh," Loki chuckles. “You're already wet for me, angel, isn't that adorable~?"

You mewl, bashfully covering your face as he grins at your embarrassment.

“Stop teasing..."

Loki shakes his head, pouting in mockery. “Only if you stop being so cute when you're flustered. But until then…”

He places his hands on your thighs, pulling you closer to him as he lowers his face to your mound.

“... I'll enjoy fucking you until you submit to me.”

Your eyes widen as he licks your folds very slowly, and you whine shakily.

“Prince Loki..."

Loki grins, kissing your pretty cunt wetly and pushing his tongue into your dripping hole. And your helpless whimper of pleasure as he devours your pretty pussy whole is the cutest and most captivating noise he's ever heard.

He draws it out of you again, and again, and again, drinking every bit of your slick, even if poor little you are just getting wetter and wetter.

You're panting now, and Loki is equally as short of breath, only ever breaking away from you to watch your pretty face scrunch up so cutely. Loki licks his lips, nibbling on your thighs and making you squeak and tremble in his icy grip.

“You're such an adorable little angel," Loki grumbles. "Makes me want to eat you up like a little mouse, hmm?”

He holds you down firmly as your moans tickle his ears. The way your little hole squeezes around nothing is just so cute, he just has to stuff you full after he makes you come far too many times than you can handle.

“Aww,” Loki chuckles as you whimper breathily, thighs thumping helplessly against the bed. “Little angel can’t take it anymore?”

He brushes a blue finger against your dripping folds, sinking into your hole for the millionth time making you squeak and sob in sensitivity.

“P-Please…” you mumble, glazed eyes pleading for a moment of rest.

He sighs, forgetting you’re just a pure little thing having her first time, and gently scoops you into his arms to press a few kisses to your cheek and whispering your name.

“Have I thanked you enough already~?” He teases, and you nod, nuzzling into his hold though you shiver lightly.

Loki’s heart skips a beat. He feels you cling to him tighter and he feels your little ass grinding against his cock.

“Well,” he muses, “I believe my kingdom will be overjoyed to find that an angel like yourself saved their prince, hmm?”

“Huh?” you ask, still pleasure-drunk as you settle into his lap, as if you perfectly fit in his hold.

“I said,” Loki chuckles his icy breath tickling your face, “My kingdom would be overjoyed to find a pretty thing like you saved the royal prince, wouldn't they?"

“Mhm..."

“And they'll throw a week-long celebration...” he continues, trailing kisses from your cheek to your shoulder. “All for you~”

“R-Really?” you gasp as he begins sucking on your skin, sure to leave marks after. “A whole week? That's too much-!”

Loki laughs against your shoulder, holding your hips down so he can feel your hips grind against his cock. “Nothing is too much for a perfect little angel like you~"

Loki licks the bite mark he's so carefully placed on your skin, then looks up at your glazed eyes and twitching pout.

“Would you like to come back with me to the palace?"

The look of confusion and bashfulness across your face makes his cock twitch against your bare folds.

“Me?! With you?!"

“Do you abhor the idea of that?”

He knows he's being mean and he knows you don't hate the idea, but Loki just can't resist seeing you so embarrassed and stuttering to apologize.

“No! I didn't mean that! I was just surprised-"

Loki shakes his head with a little chuckle, and brings you closer to his face to kiss the crease between your eyebrows.

“I know, I know. I was just teasing."

“Don't be mean like that!”

Loki laughs darkly when you cross your arms.

In a flash, he’s got you on your hands and knees before your pretty head can even figure out what’s going on.

“And if I do, what are you going to do about it?”

You shiver at the dark growl in his voice.

You're so far deep in this haze all you can see is blue.

“Your highness-!”

Loki presses your chest against the bed, leaving your pretty ass on display, purely his for the taking.

“You’re just a little mouse that can’t hurt anything, hmm? Just so innocent, and weak, and ready to be ravished.”

A cold, thick finger traces your wet folds, and you whimper, burying your face in the sheets as he tickles your hole until you’re shaking with need.

“Maybe I’ll take you back home with me… and make you my wife.”

Loki shoves his finger all the way in, knocking the wind out of you because you swear you can feel him in your tummy.

“Your- Your wife?” You ask, voice higher and breathier.

“Yes~” he mocks your airy voice. “My pretty wife, who won’t have to get her pretty hands dirty ever again, who I’ll take care of, and protect, and fuck every single night.”

Loki curls his finger, reaching that sensitive little part in your cunt that effectively leaves you a mumbling, drooling mess on him.

When he’s gotten you wet enough, he draws his finger back (to his cute little angel’s momentary dismay) and forces your thighs apart with his body, the head of his cock twitching against your folds.

Loki will forever remember the gasp you let out when you feel just how big he is.

“Do you want to be fully mine? Do you want me to fuck this little hole of yours with my cock until you’re screaming for me?”

You whine at his dirty words, slurring something that sounds like a yeah, and he knows he’s got you exactly where he wants you.

“Really?” he chuckles, fingering your little hole one more time to slicken your folds. “Do you think I’ll fit~?”

And with the dirty wet noises that tickle his ears as he sinks all the way in he gets his reply.

“Oh?” Amused, he runs an icy finger up and down your bare back. “She can take it, after all. What a good girl~”

Loki barely gets the praise out before the prettiest whimpers fall out of your mouth like sweet honey, your poor cunt clenching down on him as your voice gets higher and breathier by the minute.

“Please-” you hiccup, turning to look at him with those pretty teary eyes.

His vermillion eyes stare you down cruelly as he grinds his hips down into your ass, making your head fall onto the sheets as you slur out a moan.

His cock feels so heavy inside you and by the way he laughs quietly you know he knows just how big he is compared to you.

And the way he pins you down harder lets you know he loves it.

“Oh, you just feel so good around my cock,” Loki groans, pulling back and thrusting into your leaking little pussy.

Poor you, already sensitive beyond imagination as this handsome blue prince ruins any other man for you with the way his cock stretches you out better than anyone ever will.

Not that anyone else will get the chance to. Loki’s decided it: he will take you home to the palace and make you his wife, and everyone will bow before their new princess.

Loki can't resist you any longer. He beats your poor cunt like the beast he is until you're whimpering and bucking against him helplessly.

“Feels... weird..." you shudder and gasp, tears leaking from your eyes as he sinks deeper into you, his huge cock hitting all the good spots inside you as your pleasure takes over your senses.

“Oh, is she close? Is this perfect little cunt going to come all over me?”

Loki's dirty words make you whimper and nod dumbly.

“Yeah," you sob.

Loki laughs at how blissed out his little saviour is and stops,pulling out slowly and groaning when he hears the sinful squelching as your juices drip onto the sheets. He turns you on your back, pinning your wrists to your sides, and captures your lips in his as he sinks into you once more.

“I missed these pretty lips," he smirks into the kiss, taking you for himself.

“Y-You just kissed me a few minutes ago..." You sigh dazedly, though you love the attention he's giving you.

“Still can't get enough of you. You're just so sweet~" Loki licks your lips, thrusting harder and making you squeak and link your fingers through his.

“Say my name."

“Loki...”

“Gods," he throws his head back, almost moaning at how submissive you sound. “Surrender to me, darling."

His hands snake down to the back of your thighs, lifting them and pressing them to your chest, quickening his pace.

Your eyes scrunch up as you nearly scream in pleasure, wriggling away as if you could escape from him.

“Surrender to me, angel~" he grins, kissing your neck and marking you up. “A pretty angel like you deserves to be pampered like this every day. Imagine that? You'll never have to lift a finger, I'll do all the work, I'll do all the fucking.”

Loki accentuates that last word with a hard thrust into your hole, making your eyes blur over with tears as you mewl helplessly in the Jotun prince’s tight grip.

“Awh, don't cry," he teases, kissing your nose when he gets a sinfully great idea.

He stops his movements, making sure he's buried all the way inside you before he flattens his tongue against your soaked cheek and licks your tears away.

You gasp, stunned for a moment before you keen and twitch helplessly, whining loudly as he does the same to your other cheek.

And your poor little cunt just clenches down again.

Loki growls, his primal instincts taking over because you're his ideal mate and you're nothing like he's ever seen. The sounds in the room get filthier and filthier as he loses control and rams into your poor hole.

“What do you say, angel?" Loki asks, letting go of your wrist before his hand makes its way down to your clit, rubbing the little bud and making you scream and tremble in his arms. “Be my- fuck- be my bride? Be my pretty little princess?”

“Yeah,” you mumble, chest heaving as your eyes flutter shut.

“Are you close?"

“Mhm..."

“Cute little mouse," he chuckles, pressing open mouth kisses to your neck as he rubs your clit. “Let go for me now, angel."

It’s a sight from heaven as you orgasm all over him, soaking his cock with your juices and helplessly thumping your thighs against the bed because Loki won't stop thrusting in and out of you.

Loki growls, pinning you to the bed. He stills, and you gasp at the feeling of his warm, thick cum filling you up. It makes you feel even more full than you already do and it makes you dizzy with even more pleasure.

It becomes too much for your melting brain to handle when he pushes deeper into you and you gasp, attempting to kick him away.

A firm, cold hand grabs your ankle and spreads you wider, and you whine shyly when he grins at you with a cruel glint in his eyes.

“Stay with me, darling," Loki teases, gripping your hips possessively and holding you still on his cock so he can finish filling you up.

It feels like hours before he breathes again, but it's only been seconds for him, already wanting another round with you.

But the prince resists, setting your sore legs down slowly and carefully sliding out of your cunt.

You sigh in exhaustion, but your breaths falters in embarrassment when you feel just how much he pumped into you, dripping out of your twitching folds and onto the bed.

A tiny drop even lands on your ass and Loki chuckles at your wide eyes, leaning down to kiss your lips and whisper a dirty promise that he'll fuck you down there too next time.

“Next time?” you ask, lips parting.

“Yes," he teases. " I've decided it, you're never leaving my side, my guardian angel~”

And he scoops you into his side, letting you rest before he has a few more rounds with your pretty hole— then he'll take you back home to the palace and convince you to stay. He'll show you the library. He'll let you lose yourself in the royal gardens all day if you wish! As long as you return to his chambers each night and let him please you the way you deserve to be.

But he's fallen for you already and the whole kingdom will burn in a blaze of sapphire dust if anything or anyone ever keeps him away from you.

[anantaru]

— telling him “i'm glad i didn‘t break up with you that one time”

including scaramouche, diluc, alhaitham, kaveh x gn! reader

꒰ genre ꒱ — fluff, a little sad (kaveh's part), we‘re so evil

— scaramouche

feathery, fluffy clouds breezily dotted the expanding sapphire blue sky as the incandescent radiant rays of eternal warmth— like fireballs, drifted across the sizzling nation of pristine wisdom.

scaramouche mellowly declined his head into your supple lap while you were indulging your trusted presence on a secluded area a bit away from sumeru city— his hair was deep tinged and glinted eminently, dark indigo locks that were lucently aglow from the smoldering sun riveting your frames.

you can still remember it vividly, the spellbound rays tottering down on your body as you nimbly closed your eyes for a second while carelessly scurrying your hand over his silky hair. It was rather comforting to him and you were aware that your boyfriend must've been immoderately drained from his taxing work load.

and by any means whatsoever, within the strong comfort of the fateful consolatory spot, a— you could say, brilliant yet a shade evil idea transited into the deepest edges of your psyche.

you pretended to listen to whatever scaramouche had to proudly talk about as your hand carried on to gladsomely delve further around his scalp, jovially motioning aimless symbols on his head.

his eyes wander shut at the closeness of you when he idly shifted the conversation into another topic, "this is fine." he speaks mousy— his breathing was fluttery and bounteous with love, yet although his voice was not lined out of lustrous silk, it did not trickle in an even consistent tone, you had treasured it nonetheless and his voice was your glaring favorite. "this— this feels fine."

that was it, the perfect timing, you suppress a devilish grin and got ready for your disguised scheme coming into wicked play, "it really is." you tried to respond in a false articulated stainless voice, "—and i'm so happy i didn't break up with you that one time."

bordering on a comical sight right under where your boyfriend was presently marveling on your lap, scaramouche had now instantly bolted up to meet your eyes in a part spread sight— but now something changed, an expression akin to filtered shock and discontent. "what?"

in all respects, he was done with his spoken words, because what made you want to break up with him in the first place? what instance in your past togetherness had been enforcing those negative, cruel emotions in you that you even thought about it?

it was a hurting, clear thought— additionally pestering him and it was more horrific than anything else pressuring his goddamn mind.

"what, what?" you silently ask beneath the lines of your regulated breathing, scaramouche never looked so lost before and you tightly bristled your lips together in an pursue to not blast your evil cover.

"what did you mean by that?" if he had to choose, scaramouche would rather have someone repeatedly run him over with a carriage than be in this clashing conversation, "you wanted to break up with me?"

to your appreciable surprise, he did not let his inner rage come to broad daylight, rather was he willing to figure out what has been going on that made you think that. Now, with the concern being all written across his pretty features, you felt as if you should come clean before he actually gets a heart attack from your wrongful play.

"tell me what i did, i will fix it—" the compression in his emotions had inflated as you snappily got a hold of his squishy cheeks, instantly cupping his face, "i'm so sorry, i'm messing with you." though you ended up awkwardly laughing with a sorrowful grin as to lighten up the damaged mood, scaramouche's mouthing took a turn— slightly dazed but also fed up, the penetrating gaze of him, previously a tone lower but now plumb with a diverting split on his lips.

"you.." the little mewl exposed more than a simple intrigue, "you will regret this." with an eye on him you leaned forward to kiss your boyfriend but scaramouche was one step ahead. He speedily took both of your wrists in his palm and dropped you on your back— making you lose stability of your body.

"oh, what's gotten into you?" he asks— innocently enough for you to believe it at first before he was puncturing specific places on your stomach, fronting matter to pinch and tickle the skin, "ah!" you cry out, whining at the burn, "i'm sorry i'm sorry!"

"don't do that anymore." scaramouche kept you on edge— exactly where he wanted you to be, "or i'll give you a taste of your own medicine."

— diluc

inside the limits of your prevailing ventures, you so happen to find yourself nonchalantly strolling over to your boyfriends tavern— the angels share, where he was, at this time, in the midst of closing the bar after another successful night.

in related manner was it a regular practice you'd follow closely, it being to do your utmost greatest to spend as much time as possible with your primarily preoccupied partner— granted that it was centrally you both walking home and then falling asleep shortly afterwards in your shared bed, though that alone made it worth it to you.

diluc found himself greatly engaged in properly cleaning up the bar counter and putting away a bottle of unused dandelion wine as you ardently knocked on the door with your signature thumps— so he knows it's you, before letting yourself pass through.

pristinely, diluc did not have to look up to see that it was you entering the bar— for one, as mentioned prior, was it the initial bangs on the large door the both of you had originally turned a habit as a humorous joke, as well as the recognized spreading presence of you being more than enough for him to figure it out.

he composes himself as his warm eyes then, without an ounce of wavering, flicker without delay to wholly greet you with his comforting calm manner, "you're early." he reminds you, thinking out loud, each new articulation of his being thoroughly tempted out in an urged chatter— it's noticeable, how unmistakable worn out he was.

"i told you i'd come visit before you're closing the tavern." you listlessly slant back on the barstool to take a convenient seat and you lively smile at him while diluc carried on to clean a couple of the utensils that had become irksome obstacles yet shyly quelling a spiking sneer in him, unreservedly molding himself into your homely aura, "i'm glad then."

in passing, you idly watched him for a brief while until diluc unexpectedly turned to you again, catching you off guard, "oh, i have something for you." he surprisingly hummed along each new syllable and you find yourself admiring the view in front of you, his face generously shading red, "i saw them and had to take it with me."

you recollect your focus on him when diluc spoke in a charming way that sent a beguiling spike through your pounding heart before you noticed something large in his hand; a bouquet of your most beloved flowers.

his posture stiffened a little— most likely because of a miniature impale of nervousness scurrying through his flaming veins, because what if you end up not liking the well scented, thoughtful gift?

though you had loved it, of course— even more than that and as he was eyeing your reaction up close, sensing how your widened eyes coursed brilliantly as you accepted the flowers in your hands, you gaze at him in a darting loving way, tightly squeezing the bouquet in your right arm to be able to give him a hug and express your utmost gratitude to him— for him, because he simply was the best in your eyes, the most attentive boyfriend to have ever existed.

"I do hope you fancy it." his rippling skin felt comforted back in your cosy cuddle with his large hand being closely pressed on your lower back as he made you turn on him closer. "i love it."

"— and I'm so grateful i didn't break up with you that one time."

well, just hold up a second? what.

"...umm, thanks." he earned yet another eruption of laughter from you though you had roughly closed it sunkenly in you, so diluc wouldn't figure out you're actually not being serious right now, at all.

diluc— though now greatly overwhelmed but rather leaning into a more confused state of mind in terms of your sudden exclaim, manages to huff out a low sigh while bringing his attention back to you, slowly drawing himself away from your close embrace.

for a fleeting spell, you both looked into each other's eyes boundlessly astounded and bowled over— stated in a more frequent type of way; it was in actuality diluc who was looking wholly rendered at loss of words when you tried your dearest to keep your wicked giggles in check.

but then, he talks again, although pumped full with overthrowing worry in his once glowing eyes, "I'm not certain on how to appropriately tackle this conversation." he mumbles while virtually thinking out loud, "can you perhaps tell me what i did wrong so i can get better— get better for you?"

quite frankly, you couldn't take it anymore and soon your whole body was filled with great misdeed, he may not have a clue right now but in total truth you were only trying to get a glimpse of a somewhat saddened reaction out of your boyfriend— which now, might've been a little evil, though, after all, you couldn't really pass up on that perfect presented opportunity.

"you did nothing." you squeal in panic, gently placing the flowers on the bar counter to keep your attention on him, "i'm sorry i was messing with you."

you pretty much fell into his arms and diluc instantly had hugged you right back— though still in shock, his eyes growing in the size of saucers. You lied close into his shoulder and tried to lift the mood with a humane touch of your hands on his back.

"you menace." diluc reveals an adorable sigh as his chest heaved up and down, the shock still lingering deep but a smile minimally lifted at his lips when he turned to hearteningly pant out a shaky heave into your arms. "you absolute menace."

— alhaitham

"and that’s correct." alhaitham kindly affirms towards the region of your direction while being patiently sat before your pretty eyes, fixedly gulping down the nascent saliva in his mouth to enunciate his following words, "—now to the next question."

undoubtably and much to your sweet pleasure, your boyfriend alhaitham took his current, new acquired position, awfully serious!

on the whole, he was an excellent tutor— strikingly perfect for your upcoming exam which had caused you a countless amount of sleepless nights, while he was aware of your struggles, he had put it upon himself to aid you as much as he was able to.

bizarrely to you, he was a bit too serious and stern, bound and determined while forgetting to keep it natural. Yet alhaitham understands and recognizes your strengths, turning it attainable to solicit 100% of your greatest strong point, presenting you with your highest amount of concentration to study.

"how does this look?" you ask, rather confident in your mannerism as you firmly shoved the fully scribbled paper into his close direction. He looks at it with hawk eyes and crinkles his brows a little— that being an usual trait whenever he found himself in large engrossment.

"incorrect but i didn't expect you to figure it out anyways."

unfortunately to you, alhaitham had a— let's say, interesting habit of spelling out his words before actually thinking his sentences through enough, or maybe he modestly didn't give a damn about how he was perceived or presented to the audience, didn't matter to him if the person he was talking to is a stranger or his significant other, you.

one quiet, internal thought ultimately, without sweet decorations, turned into two hellish thoughts and you had yourself wonder if you were even capable to pay him back just a little bit, in your usual, evil fashion.

"that's rude!" you falsely squeal out, fearing he may have a clue on your new doings right away as you dramatically drew your hand above your heart to act out a pain in your chest.

"you asked — i answered." you could clearly see he didn't think his wording was incorrect or maybe a minuscule portion grating, so you decided to sprinkle a little sass on him, "you're right and i'd be lost without you." your eyes innocently trail to his face, "i'm so grateful you're helping me study."

you were on the verge of exploding, really, the tempting laugh was overfilling your insides but you pushed through, ending your sentence at last, "— but i'm even more grateful to myself that i didn't break up with you that one time."

alhaitham quirks a brow but did not face you right away, did you want to argue with him? or were you trying to be funny again? because speaking from past lived occasions, he wasn't new to you pulling one of those particular intrigues at him.

well, then again, what if it wasn't a tasteless, blundering joke? what if, you were serious this time, honestly would he even blame you? after all, alhaitham knew himself better than anyone else did.

"so, a break up?" he leans back into his chair before crossing his arms around his body, slowly eyeing you from your eyes, to your collarbones and back again. "mhm." you agree with a hum, although both of you being sat, he was easily towering over you with his stance alone, only making you fuse further into yourself.

"and when?" in fact, he will not let this die down, he will manage to get everything he required out of you while barely leaving you to gasp for air.

you wonder if he had already figured it out (he did), your eyes skimming over the entire table to bring your heedfulness somewhere else. "umm, i don't know!" the comedic side of it all was extremely whimsical to your boyfriend— and his plan to lure you into where he wanted you to seem to succeed as well.

"look at me." that damned voice change, nothing that you cannot withstand, nothing but that precise grab his gravelly tone color had on you.

right there, you met his doubtless, assertive eyes, unshaken in his own views. alhaitham unhurriedly leans forward into the table while holding eye contact with you, you're watching him, waiting for chaos to unfold or him laughing at how silly it was for you to even try to fool him.

"maybe next time you get lucky." he quickly wipes his tongue over his mouth, "do you know that you're really bad at acting? it's rather comical watching you try."

heavily exhaling the stored air in your strained lungs, you, wholly fed up with him, rolled your eyes at your oh so confident boyfriend who just didn't know when to keep his mouth sealed tight, "oh shut up!"

— kaveh

love and enchantment, a formidable devotion for another, highly arising out of real personal ties and notable attraction.

for kaveh, those meanings were everything and all, the totality all at once.

beyond a trace of a single doubt, it was unmistakable visible on just how much immeasurable energy and serious effort your boyfriend put into having your blossoming relationship as uplifting, easing and heart warming as possible.

you're his absorbing soulmate and his riveting gratitude and love for you— which he most definitely conveys through those honeyed, dreamy smiles on his plump lips, were sticking out a mile.

from all accessible appearances, one might as well pick up on the nurturing connection that is shared by you lovebirds and how kaveh would always come up with newfound actions to have it shown to everyone in many different varieties.

tonight, it was outside of sumeru city— on top of a idyllic meadow, with the boundless sky being set ablaze by the setting sun right above you, soon to follow was the pale, ashen crescent turned moon, vividly luminous like a silvery claw and fuck, that glittering glow in your eyes as you watched from afar, kaveh wasn't sure if he could fall in love with you even deeper than he already was.

"this is so pretty." the fresh feeling of your body thoughtlessly sloping back into the consoling ground locked out each and every paining worry from your gladdening thoughts.

"i knew you'd like it, i just knew—." kaveh keeps himself from embarrassingly tumbling over his own spoken words, his nails now clawing into his palms and leaving marks— it might've been the nervousness, he fears, although you both had been together for a good while he can catch himself quite frequently becoming shy in his mannerism.

but his phraseology meant nothing, his passing wordage, blank.

there could be sure up to a million and one descriptions to intently describe this current moment happening yet nothing would ever explain it how he saw it, how he perceived you.

aside from that, you also breathed fresh life into his somewhat monotone one, with your sneaky intrigues keeping him on edge the whole time.

"this was a good idea." you're revealing a soft glare to him, a hidden one that from the outside, appeared to be angelic and endearing, though from the inside— salted away an evil plan that was camouflaging your entire mind for the whole day.

call it stowed up curiosity or simple boredom of your person, but you cannot keep yourself from passing up on it, longing to witness kaveh leaving his protective, calming bubble for once in a while.

sure, obviously, he could get mad at you, aggravated or purely stare at you through dead, saddened eyes, but then you'd always be there to make it up to him, in your own charming ways.

kaveh plushly lays on the warm ground before idly securing one of his hands under his head, uncaringly bolstering himself up, "this reminds me of something." you suddenly claim in the direction of your lover so he can hear you, no matter what, "of what?"

in the general run of things you couldn't help yourself but smile at how quick kaveh could get fascinated or absorbed on a random topic you unhurriedly throw into his course of line— no care in the world on what it was, but if you don't tell him and keep the desired answers away, he'd regularly think about it, day on day, until you do end up saying it out loud— which you then, do. "ah, it's nothing!"

"— i'm just glad i didn't break up with you that one time, you know?"

.. silence ..

"..."

"..."

"..."

"kaveh?"

"..."

you might enquire some sort of exclaim or wonder now, did he pass out or? no silly, of course not! it did feel like he was about to suffer from a large heart attack though.

"b-break up?" he soundlessly mutters, panic, immense panic, if he can afford to say anything coherent at all but he was as still as a mouse, indistinct, until ..

"as in, breaking up? a BREAK up?!"

"oh it's nothing." you hushedly wave your hand in front of his anxious face, without concern leaving yourself to fall back and carry on to glimpse up at the moonlight sky.

"what do you mean n o t h i n g?"

"this is tERRIBLE." - "utterly TERRIBLE." deficient panic pitifully munched on your boyfriends entire being, deeply festering itself into the pitched shadows of his now darkened heart.

"wait please stop." your words did not hit him, it's like he turned himself on autopilot, his eyes large as he looked into the distance, muttering something underneath his pebbly pants which you couldn't decipher what he was babbling over. "it's a joke, please look at me."

no because maybe you did go too far and after encircling your arms around kaveh's body you held him close to you, so the repeated knocks of your heart could be sensed by him.

"i'm sorry i will never do this again." you are met with his— now glassy laced, scarlet eyes, not once does he speak anymore, because quite frankly, for a second he was scared to his very core, in a frenzy, because life without you, is no life at all, no substantial vitality.

but then, a tone of him, irregular and broken, "don't do this." - "again."

you mildly wipe the warm tears off his face and lovingly keep a couple kisses on his forehead— left cheek, right cheek, his cute nose and ultimately finished your sweet attention on his soft lips— that always tasted like roses and felt so tender on top of yours, easily crawling yourself into his lap.

"i'm sorry, i love you and i'd never break up with you, ever."

©2023 anantaru do not repost, copy, translate, modify

[zenless-zideblog-zero]

Girls night VS. Boys Night

Zhu-Yuan: *In a High speed chase with a vehicle*THIS IS PUBSEC! PULL YOUR VEHICLE OVER NOW!

Nicole: *in passenger seat Old Smokey, the car Zhu-yuan's chasing* Be careful! This thing hasn't been serviced in a good while!

Piper: *Driving* I can tell. These tires haven't been rotated in at least six years, and I can't begin to imagine how old the oil is. You should take better care of this old girl~

Belle: Less talk, More Speed!

Corin: Master Proxy, are we in trouble! If I get caught Victoria Housekeeping's reputation will be Ruined! WAH!

Belle: Corin, Sweetheart, please listen to me when I say Ellen and Lucy should have a distraction coming!

~~~~~

Wise: That's ... Twelve Ice Damage, and Nineteen Slashing damage.

Anton: Brometheus Fought the good fight! He believes his friends will save the world, even in his Death!

Wise: Stellar, Arctunoct the Frost-Bringer has just knocked your dear friend unconscious, and the Rituals Almost Complete! He give you the most vile, toxic smirk as he pulls his spear from Brometheus! What do you do?

Billy: Uh, how bad does he look?

Wise: He's decently hurt, but so is the rest of your team. You're the last in the initiative order, and if he's still up when your turn ends, the world may just end.

Billy: Okay then ... Stellar draws his hand-crossbows, looks Arctunoct in his dumb face, and proclaims "You are nothing but a selfish fool! And the Void of your heart will be pierced with STARLIGHT!" and will fire his crossbows.

Billy: And that's- NAT 20!

The Table erupts in cheers

Wise: Okay, how much damage?

Billy: Uuhhm, first I'm throwing Smite on that with my last level two slot and Lightbringer's final Divine Charge, so that's ...

Billy: Twelve piercing, and ... FOURTY THREE RADIANT!

The Table erupts into louder cheers

Wise: okay! WOW! That's a LOT of damage! uh- You Lightbringer's bolt CRACKLE with the fissile power of the stars, bleaching the shadows from view, stirking him square in the heart!

Wise: He clutches the metal piercing his chest, falls to one knee ... *grinning* and Laughs ...

Billy: WHAT!

Anton: NONONO!

Seth: HOW TOUGH IS THIS GUY!

Wise: Spitting up blood Arctunoct wheezes out "And so the light is swallowed by shadow ... a brave show young Paladin, but this ... THIS IS WHERE YOUR SUN BURNS OUT!"

Billy: Hold on! I have one more attack!

Wise: Yes, yes you do.

Billy: okay so that's ... Thirteen.

Seth: Bless!

Billy: Uh, Fifteen?

Anton: Brometheus's Inspiration!

Wise: And inspiration. You just need to roll a three.

Billy: ... I GOT THREE!

The Table erupts in even LOUDER cheers

Wise: Okay, Billy?

Billy: Yeah?!?

Wise: *Writing something down* I'm writing down Exactly how much health he has left, And then I want you to roll your damage.

Billy: Okay ... it's just the one roll ...

Billy: *Rolls Damage*

Billy: Okay,so that's Four damage, plus Five for my dexterity, and one for the Enchantment.

Wise: ... the first shot brought this beast of a man to his knees, but he still breathed.

Wise: Billy ... he had only nine Health after it, How do you Wipe him out?

*Seth, Anton, and Billy Freak the fuck out*

Billy: okAy! Okay! Okay! As he's laughing from the first blow, Stellar whispers under his breathe "It's always Darkest before the Dawn." And send this last bolt right into his neck, causing him to fall into the ritual, and is eviscerated as the spell goes haywire, unfinished!

Wise: Perfect. As his body is wrenched apart by the arcane Energies misfiring, you feel in your heart as you've accomplished what you were meant to do. The World is saved, the Sun just peeks over the horizon, as if to say thank you, to the knight that has let it blaze one more day.

[northernolddragon]

There is no sun left - only venous lightning and a storm, cutting through the silvery surface, flowing in the moonlight. There was no dark hair with graying, there were no warm laughing eyes with radiant wrinkles. Bottomless, cold. They seemed lifeless to someone who knew them differently. Cold moon under lightning. The cold moon under the silver of the stormy breath of a thunderstorm. He wasn't afraid. Beneath the silver crust was still the same Gale. Twice as strong, twice as powerful. He was on his side. Always.

Past 1.

(I love these shots. Those shining lightning bolts. Their reflection on Astarion's pale skin and white hair.)

[seungrishair]

His clothes had been formed from a single bolt of white fabric not a robe, not a dress, but rather something in between, pleated and draped over his muscular body. A golden cuff of an upright serpent encircled one powerful bicep, offsetting his near-glowing dark skin, and a radiant crown of golden spikes the rays of the sun, I realized-glistened atop his onyx hair.

The sun personified. Powerful, lazy with grace, capable of kindness and wrath. Nearly as beautiful as Rhysand.

art credit: arworks_by_rokii

[buttdumplin]

Of course you want to show off the food of your hometown to the boys, but this really should have been a solo date with Kyle. Still, you manage to sneak some time together.

cw: Gaz x reader, fat latine reader, gn!reader, implied poly 141, established relationship, mexican slang word count: 1845

You throw the car into park and glance up at your rearview mirror. The three white boys smushed into the backseat push at each other to try to take a look through the window, grunts and mumbles escaping them. Kyle chuckles from the passenger seat, watching the commotion unfold.

“Are we sure this was a good idea?” you turn to Kyle, “We could have brought it back to the house for them.”

“No saben igual después de tanto tiempo, y tu bien lo sabes, tesoro,” Kyle responds, an impish smile on his face.

With a groan, you close your eyes and throw your head against the headrest. It’s the first time yall are back in your hometown for more than a week, and with all the extra time to yourselves, the plan was to eat as much good food as possible. One of your tías told you about this place, where they serve al pastor straight from the trompo, each slice almost caramelized to a delicious crunch. They’ve got the pineapple sitting on top, too. She said it was the best quality she’s seen in town to date. Even her husband won’t stop talking about it. And now here you all are, parked against the curb with the air on full blast.

Every time you’ve gone to a mom and pop shop like this, it’s been you and Kyle stepping in first. You go in with kindness and chatter, and the older ladies always helplessly swoon over Kyle. Laughter bubbles and you both eat happily, and sometimes the ladies sneak extras onto your plates. It’s a sacred time full of loud smooches, the staff going “UUUUU’ all around you, a deep blush on Kyle’s face as you wipe at the corner of his mouth with a napkin, his radiant smile set to make your heart burst. It’s perfect. It’s home.

Once you’ve scoped out a place with your own private date, then you bring your white boys over. At that point, you’ve already tried the place, showered Kyle in kisses, and built rapport with the staff. So by the time they step in, the sun drawing eyes to their paleness, the staff won’t try to upcharge you. It’s a genius pull, honestly, one you’ve done yourself with tremendous success. The white folks always have more than enough money to spare, and since they usually don’t know the prices, well that’s on them. But as you sit here in the car, listening to them point out all the little details of the shop to each other, you can’t help but wish you’d left them at home.

Kyle notices the disappointment on your face as you pick at your fingers. Try as you might to keep your face neutral, your expressions are always so easy for him to read. This is the first time your private outings have been interrupted, all because the shop is just a bit too far from the house for the tacos to travel well and your cousin had to fucking say so. He reaches for your hand, bringing it to his mouth for a kiss, waiting for you to make eye contact with him. There’s a distinct sadness in his eyes, a bittersweetness that’s never appeared on these outings before.

“Next time?” a little bit of hope cracks through his voice.

“Next time,” you swear, noticeably glum.

A thought freezes you before you can undo your belt. You reach for Kyle’s hand again, silly grin on your face, and turn around towards the other boys.

“How do you ask for the price of something?’ you ask them.

Kyle holds back his laughter at the question, squeezing your fingers with excitement. There’s joy on his face again and that’s all it takes for you to know you made the right call.

¿Cuánto cuesta?” they all say as one.

“No,” you say, your splitting with a grin, and Kyle can’t hold in his laugh. “Sorry boys, you’re staying here. Kyle and I will be right back.”

They don’t have the chance to protest or question before you’re bolting out of the car, coming around to open Kyle’s door and pull him from his seat. He lets out another loud laugh, the crinkles around his eyes sending warmth blooming in your chest. You’re both still giggling, if a little out of breath from sprinting inside, when one of the staff steps up to greet you, an older woman who's clearly enjoying the life you’re bringing into the place.

“Hola, mis niños. ¿Es su primera vez aquí? No me acuerdo haberlos visto antes, y a esas caritas las recordaría.”

“Primera vez. Un primo nos dijo de este lugar. Y nomas al verlo, se ve rebueno,” Kyle says, bringing you in closer as you wrap your arm around his waist.

“Una cita con el novio,” you tell her. It’s hard to keep a smile off your face with your sudden success, and it seems to catch in the staff member as well.

As she goes off to put in your order, Kyle helps you pack up some salsa, holding the small containers for you to scoop the goods into. You’re trying to figure out just how many containers you can fit into your hands, Kyle reminding you that you’ll need more guacamole than any salsa, when she returns with a big bag full of much smaller plastic bags of guacamole for you. Before you can even thank her, she’s handing each of you a plate with two smaller tacos, winking at you.

“Si quieren, pueden esperar ahí,” she points towards the door with her eyebrows, where there’s a couple of swings.

Walking over, you eye them a little nervously, worried about the structural integrity. The last thing you need is for it to give out on you, regardless of how nice it might be to reminisce in the seat.

“They’re welded,” Kyle whispers in your ear, “They’re solid.”

Sweet tears brim your lashes as you pull him down to cover his cheek in quick kisses. You can feel his shoulders shake with quiet mirth as he stays in place, accepting as much love as you’re willing to give him. If it were up to him, he’d never move from the spot, not even if his back starts aching or if hunger pangs strike. He’d stay pressed to you until something or someone forced him away. So for now he takes what he can.

“We should eat these before they get cold,” the false concern in your voice clear as you gently rock in the swing.

“Definitely. Wasting them would be disrespectful,” his voice low, pulling at the chain of your swing to bring you close together.

The first bite has you turning to look at each other with wide eyes, a pleasant shock bouncing between you. Words can’t do it justice. Your tía’s husband hyped these tacos up so much that you were a little worried about being disappointed. Turns out he didn’t talk about them enough. All either of you can do is let out groans as you chow down silently, Kyle’s strong arm keeping your swings connected.

“Hijo de su pinche putisima madre,” you say, gulping for breath around the sheer ecstasy of the food.

“Que chingandos fue eso?” he says, soft eyes searching yours as if you have the answer. They say food is sex, but the closest he’s ever come to feeling like this has been with you. What the fuck did they put in this. He leans back to face the woman behind the counter, “Seño, nos puede dar otras dos órdenes más porfa?”

“Ya te las puse, precioso,” she says, stepping towards him with a bulging bag in her hand, “Sabía que iban a necesitar más. El amor hace que te dé más hambre.” Before either of you can get up, she’s shoving another two little tacos into your hands, pressing a finger to her smiling lips.

You take slower bites this time, smiling at each other with cheeks bulging full of food. Now that you know what you’re in for, you’re going to savor every piece. Swings still connected, you nudge Kyle’s foot with the toe of your shoe, pressing your knee more firmly against his. He looks so at peace, his shoulders slightly scrunched as he carefully brings the food to his mouth, his nose crinkled up with delight at each bite he takes. You have the brief thought that maybe you should take a picture of this moment, but you can’t bear to tear your eyes from him. And when he turns, those big brown eyes locked on you, you’re sure you’ll never blink again.

“¿Que piensas, mi vida?” he caught your stare.

“Que te adoro,” you speak the words into his skin, kissing the arm holding your swings together.

“En aceite?”

“Clarín.”

Kyle quickly scans the room, just enough to make sure no one is looking your way, before bending and planting a tender kiss on your lips. His lips taste faintly of salt and fat, just as yours surely do, and you wish you could deepen the kiss, wanting more of the delectable combination. But he pulls away before you can, hunger for you burning in his eyes.

His voice is rough when he speaks again, tongue peeking out in search of the lingering taste of you, “We should get back to them.”

“When we get home?” your voice so breathless you barely recognize it as your own.

Kyle nods and stands, holding the bag of food in front of him, trying to discreetly adjust his pants. You’re both giggling again as he reaches for you, gently helping you up from the swing. Smiles are still stuck in place when you reach the car, slipping into your seats without saying another word.

You pause for a moment, waiting for some kind of commentary from the backseat. Now that you’re back in the car, you can look over and see that the swings are in clear sight of the car. A glance up at the rearview mirror shows you three grinning faces, each one more knowing than the next. They could dog you, tease you, joke about the scene they surely saw. But they don’t. Instead, Simon’s tummy breaks the silence, a loud rumble echoing through the car.

The entire car bursts into peals of laughter, the racket interrupted only long enough to deal out plates and servings. Kyle was right about the guacamole, as the boys pour entire little baggies of it on their tacos. Can’t blame them, honestly. That shit is creamy. And then a corus of moans breaks out in the backseat, first bites hitting hard enough to make the most stoic of them break into delight. You look over at Klye, find him already looking at you, and you both nod enthusiastically, biting into your food.

“We’re coming back,” he says, and then lower, “Just us next time.”

“Fuck yeah we are, that was set in stone the moment the woman greeted us. Gotta show off my boyfriend again,” you wink at him.

[underdark-dreams]

I'm a slut for hurt/comfort and I'm obsessed with this trope tbh: Can we get Rolan/Tav where Tav gets downed in battle? (Obvs they can be brought back bc scrolls and revivify and what have you, I just want that sweet sweet angst.)

Rolan x Unnamed Fem!Tav: she/her

Whoo boy, we may have angst'ed too close to the sun with this one. Can't say much else without getting choked up--just love Rolan even when he's in pain. Thank you for this request!

Life, Death, Resurrection

During the ambush at Last Light Inn, the young wizard stares down the very real possibility of his dear one's death. A bittersweet night seen through Rolan's eyes.

Tags: Fem Unnamed Tav, Angst, Major Injury, Hurt/Comfort

Word Count: 2,430 [Read on AO3]

It was like the very skies above had cracked open to let the hells stream through. 

Everything roared around Rolan all at once—nightmares on wings descended in ambush through the roof of Last Light Inn, the din of screams and ripping flesh and thudding bodies against the floor overwhelming his senses before he could gather them.

Only reflex saved him as a winged horror stretched its claws high above to strike—then was pushed backwards by the thunderous force from both his hands. An arrow from Lia’s bow whistled past his ear, close enough that he felt the rush of air against his cheek.

“Fuck is happening—!” She yelled aloud to no one, another arrow already notched against her bowstring. Lakrissa sprinted in to form a line with her despite the bleeding gash on her bow arm.

Jaheira burst through the fray with eyes like steel. “Harpers, to the cleric!” The druid hit the ground on four paws—powerful teeth tore through one hellish creature’s translucent wing like it was parchment, its shrieking figure hurled against the back wall by the panther’s jaws—

Rolan wasted a precious second glancing to Isobel’s quarters above. He saw the flashes of rapid-fire spellcasting, heard the vicious scrape of metal against metal, and grasped Jaheira’s meaning in an instant. All the chaos on the lower floor was just a diversion to occupy their forces—the cleric’s room was the true focus of the ambush. And she was up there somewhere.

“Die and I’ll kill you both,” Rolan shouted to his siblings as he broke for the stairs. The blunt end of Cal’s spear swung past him in response, landing a killing blow on the ghoul Jaheira had just flung past their heads.

Supportive forces from outside the inn walls were rapidly gathering. Harper Skywin's crossbow bolt sang true through the wide front doors, piercing one monster's throat a moment too late, its claws already dripping with the warm blood of the disemboweled Harper on the floorboards.

Dammon rushed across the threshold just as Rolan's boots reached the first step. Their eyes met for only an instant as Rolan dashed upward. Behind him he heard the sharp sizzle of flesh as the smith’s blade, still glowing from the fires of his furnace, seared through the belly of the creature standing over its kill. 

Rolan reached the balcony just as yet another winged ghoul touched down outside the cleric's room. He threw handful after handful of icy shards through its chest, overcome with impatient fury. Finally its impaled body fell back over the railing with a death rattle. He wheeled round in the doorway to face the scene within.

The colossal Flaming Fist's greatsword swung outward in a reckless circle—his face was disfigured by necrotic energy, dark unnatural wings sprouting from between his shoulders. 

She and her companions flanked him on all sides—Rolan watched her face reflect the radiant magic of her own sword as it slashed for Marcus's shoulder. Shadowheart's arms guided a blinding bolt into the Fist's back, while from the corner Isobel called down healing energy upon her allies as rapidly as she could. The fight was nearly theirs.

Rolan joined to aim a spell through the fray, channeling every bit of the Weave he could reach to bind and weaken the monster. Marcus roared in frustration as he felt their numbers rapidly turning the tide against him.

Several things happened all at once. With a raging strike, Karlach swung her battleaxe down upon the Fist’s neck to cleave at the exposed gap in his armor, landing the death blow that would bring him to his knees. 

And in the same instant—maybe because his savior was closest, or just the last face Marcus glimpsed in death—Rolan saw the Fist's hand raise toward her too late to intervene. A final burst of necrotic magic pushed out from his collapsing body, rushed through her chest, exited like black smoke from between her shoulder blades.

Her mouth formed a soft “oh!” of surprise. In the next moment, Rolan watched her figure crumple and fold over itself on its way to the ground, like a puppet whose strings had been cut.

“No—” The hoarse word barely escaped his throat. The Gods couldn’t be so fucking cruel to take her now, not after she’d just given him back the only family he’d ever known—

Rolan scrambled toward her through pools of cooling blood, kneeled where she lay. An iron fist gripped around him. "Wake up," he ordered her limp and unresponsive body, even as he gathered it in his arms. "Damn it, wake up!"

All the rest of them standing around him were forgotten. Somehow he was stumbling down the stairs with her, rushing into the barracks that had rapidly begun filling with the other wounded and bleeding. The rest of them could wait; she must be the first.

He laid her body out on the nearest empty bed. Not body—he corrected his mind in a wild panic—her eyes would open and she would live. Right now, her features lay so still it filled him with dread.

Why was no one descending instantaneously to heal her? He would’ve shouted if he could find his voice. Isobel was practically on death's door herself—Rolan watched her slump against the wall and wipe dark blood from her mouth. He turned away, unable to bear the fucking sight of her anyway, not after what her life may have just cost him. He cast around desperately for the Sharran.

Shadowheart was beside him in a second, already peeling off her bloodied gloves. 

"Please," he begged. "Tell me she's not—"

Shadowheart's hands gripped his shoulders, vice-like. "If you want her to live, go. I need to concentrate." Her words broke through, and Rolan stumbled backwards in mute obedience.

Only his other fears for Cal and Lia could have drawn him from the room. He found them gathered around the central hall with the rest of the able-bodied, wiping the infernal blood from their weapons and taking stock of the casualties in a daze. The three of them all held each other wordlessly. Through the heat rising from the open hearth, Rolan glimpsed Alfira and Lakrissa doing the same.

With that concern eased, his mind was consumed with the one that remained. He paced across the hall in an effort to follow her companion's warning to stay away for as long as he could stand.

Once he couldn't, Rolan returned to the makeshift infirmary to stand helpless at the foot of her bed. Shadowheart took no notice of him; her eyes glowed blank as her hands directed a powerful flow of magic into her patient's chest. In this wan light, Rolan found her features more fragile and delicate than he’d ever seen them.

As the ritual came to an end, Shadowheart leaned across the unconscious figure to check the pulse at her wrist.

"How is she?" Rolan asked, terrified of the answer.

“She’ll be all right,” the cleric told him as she rose to take her leave. “But that was powerful magic; her body needs time. She probably won’t wake for hours.” He ignored the note of suggestion in her voice.

"I'll stay with her," Rolan said, final. Shadowheart didn’t question him as she moved away toward the next injured.

Rolan slumped cross-legged on the floor near her shoulder. From this angle, he could see the rise and fall of her chest under her tunic. Her bloodied half-plate lay against the wall behind him; no doubt Shadowheart had removed it to heal her wounds. Her breaths were shallow but steady. 

Rolan found his own chest rising and falling in tandem, as if he might lend her some of his strength by doing so.

At the long table near the center of the room, he heard Jaheira's Harpers grouping around her in deep conversation about their next move. Marcus had been with them since the beginning, Rolan was aware—which meant that Ketheric Thorm had been one step ahead of their strategy this whole time. Rolan heard her name brought up several times in urgent excitement. She was their secret weapon. She could infiltrate Moonrise Towers this very night, and she still wouldn't be expected.

Rolan closed his eyes against the incessant discussion. He couldn’t care less about Marcus, or Thorm, or Isobel, or the entire Shadow Curse itself for that matter. There they all stood alive and well, plotting the next bloody feat she was meant to undertake, as if her spent body wasn't fighting for life in the bed a few steps away. Angry disbelief rose in his throat.

"For fuck's sake," Rolan interjected through them, "can't you all just let her rest for one fucking night?"

Surprised faces turned toward him. He didn't care if it branded him a traitor to their cause, didn't care what they thought of him at all, as long as she was left in peace for once.

It seemed Jaheira was the only one wise enough to understand. "The cub's right," she decided. "We regroup at dawn. Tonight, we rest."

Once the Harpers had filed out of the room on her orders, Jaheira turned back to him from the doorway. “Look after her,” she said, almost with gentleness. Rolan didn’t need the druid or anyone else to tell him that. But he said nothing as she left the room.

Rolan was finally left alone with his thoughts as the fire in the stone hearth behind him burned down to coals. Before long all the other infirmary occupants were sound asleep, drifting away to join the one beside him. From across the dark room Art Cullough whispered the same snatches of his halting song.

Rolan’s weary back ached despite his resolve to keep watch over her. He’d only rest his head for a little while, he told himself. He folded his arms on the edge of her mattress and lay his cheek across them so he could still face her, one hand brushing against hers. He took it without thought.

Her hands were cold. It didn’t worry him; he knew by now that they usually were. Many times in the past she’d laughed with embarrassment whenever her hands met his skin for one reason or another. Nevertheless, he wrapped her fingers under the warmth of his palm.

Rolan closed his eyes as he listened to her soft breath rise and fall.

-

He awoke some hours later to the sensation of something tickling his hand. Rolan raised his head groggily, realizing through the dark that it was her thumb brushing across his knuckles.

“Rolan?” Her voice whispered.

“I’m here—” He straightened up, trying to see her face through the dim light. His bent legs had gone painfully numb under him.

“What time s’it.”

He had no clue, just having awakened himself. “Past midnight,” he guessed, judging by the spare red glow of the coals in the hearth.

“Where’s Isobel?” She croaked out.

Rolan’s relief at hearing her voice again was colored with disbelief that she was already asking after others. “She’s fine, asleep upstairs. How do you feel?”

“It was Ketheric’s orders,” she explained, ignoring his question. “Taken alive…why he sent Marcus.”

To Rolan’s mind that didn’t begin to explain the attack, but he couldn’t care about all that now.

“It’s over,” he assured her. “Your companions are all safe. Everyone’s sleeping off the fight. You should too.”

He heard her sigh in relief, and then the sound worked itself into a pained cough. “Feel like Karlach clocked me in the ribs,” she winced.

“Should I get Shadowheart?” Rolan was ready to wake her friend without delay. He had half-risen before her fingers clenched against his to keep him where he knelt. 

“Stay,” she requested, then added almost shyly, “please.”

Rolan was back beside her in an instant. Wherever she wanted him, that’s where he’d be. He settled himself against the edge of her bed once more, their hands still connected.

She was quiet for a long moment. “I suppose now we take the fight to Moonrise Towers.”

“By all the Hells,” Rolan muttered. He wasn’t upset at her—just at every other circumstance that weighed and pressed down on her shoulders. “Don’t you think you can take one night for yourself before you have to rush off and save us all again?”

She shifted against the bedding. “The element of surprise won’t last forever, Rolan. You know that as well as I do. The sooner we dispatch Ketheric, the sooner we can finally make our way to Baldur’s Gate, all of us.”

Rolan knew she was appealing to his personal motives, but he resisted. “Think about yourself for once,” he instructed her. “Just rest for now. Sleep. Gods know you deserve it.”

She fell silent for a while. Rolan tried to make out her expression in the dim light; he wondered if he’d been too harsh.

“Oh, just come here,” she said suddenly. “My back hurts just looking at you.” With a soft grunt of effort she scooted to the far side of the bed; Rolan realized she was making a spot for him.

He hesitated only for a moment before climbing up beside her. The mattress was firm and lumpy, but after the unyielding wood floor, it felt soft as a cloud against his stiff limbs. She settled on her side to examine him up close.

“Your face is all bloody,” she said. Her eyes reflected just enough firelight that he could make out their expression of concern.

Rolan glanced down at himself, realizing his skin and clothing were still flecked and stained head to toe from the night’s battle. His face must be in a similar state. “I don’t think it’s mine,” he answered honestly.

“Goodness,” she said, and he could hear the smile in her voice. “What a dashing hero.” Rolan couldn’t make out if she was teasing or serious, and wasn’t sure which possibility made his heart thump faster. He deflected by bringing her knuckles up to his lips.

Rolan felt her sigh again in reaction, more relaxed this time. 

“Rolan?”

“Mm.”

“Hold me for a while?” She asked quietly. 

He didn’t need to be asked twice. Rolan’s arms slid under and over her, drawing her frame near to him. Her head bent to his chest as he held her close. Her brave, reckless, kind, vulnerable self.

Before very long, her breathing reached the heavy cadence of sleep. Rolan drifted toward unconsciousness not far behind her. It was dreamless; his arms held all he could want.

[no-one-at-all75]

I've Missed You (Gender Neutral) (Fluff)

okok hear me out, or don't I don't care. Gekko is a soft boy, so I had to do what I had to do. Also, I do not speak Spanish, so all Spanish in this is from google translate (I'm sorry if it's wrong). Italics mean past events!!

Gekko x Reader fluff

Warnings: swearing

Requests are always open :)

Words: 1,501

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You and Gekko have been life long friends, and by that I mean you've practically known each other since birth. You went to school together and always got into trouble together. You were there when he discovered his Radiant Animals.

~

"Teo come on!" Your squeaky voice pierced the still air. You were both on the out skirts of town when you saw a flash of light. Being curious, you grabbed your best friend and ran towards it.

"(Y/N)! Slow down! I'm not as fast as you!" Gekko whined behind you as you began to scale a boulder, climbing it easily. Once you were on top of the rock, you looked down at your best friend with a smirk gracing your features.

"Seems like I win again huh? When will you get faster Teo?" You mocked as he began to climb the same boulder you were proudly standing on. He let out a 'tch' sound as he huffed his way up, finally making it to your level.

He laid down on the rock or a second, catching his breath before you heard a sound. You squinted your eyes at the odd gurgling noise before slowly walking towards the source. Gekko quickly shot up from his spot and grabbed your wrist, stopping you. You look behind you to see Gekko looking more worried than usual.

"(Y/N)!" He whispered, "You don't know what that is or what made that sound! It could be a monster!" He warned. A concerned look made its way to your face as you look back to the noise, it seemed to get louder now.

"Teo, it sounds hurt. We have to help it." You tried to reason with him. He looked down in thought before slightly releasing your wrist from his hold. You didn't bolt off like usual, instead, you grabbed his hand and laced your fingers with his and led him to the noise. Gekko looked down at your hand connected with his, a bright red blush made its way to his cheeks. He attempted to cover his face with his small hands and soon just put his arm across his face.

You and Gekko slowly made your way to the noise, it kept getting louder and louder. Being the determined kid you were, you pushed forward with a very flustered Gekko following you. You then saw the light again, but this time, it was different colors. You looked back towards Gekko. Again, he looked extremely nervous. You released his hand as you walked towards the colored light. You slowly peer into the bushes where the light and noises are coming from, your small hands clearing away the brush to find 4 small animals. You look at them with curiosity and wonder. They were so vibrant and colorful. You smiled to yourself as you waved over Gekko.

"It's ok Mateo! Its those animals my mom was talking about! What were they again?" Your childish mind could never remember anything. Gekko walked over curiously and used his hands to clear some more bushes. His eyes lit up when seeing the small animals. He let out a small 'woah' as he picked a yellow one up. He cradled it in his arms before talking again.

"I think your mom said they are Radiant Animals. Something about Kingdom and their stupid stuff." He said as he hugged the small animal. You smiled to yourself as you grabbed a green one and a pinkish one. Gekko took the hint that you were taking them for your own and grabbed the last blue one. You both looked at the animals in awe then smiled to each other. You could already count so many ways to use these little guys for mischief.

~

You groaned as the sun shined on your eyes. You swiftly lift your blanket to your eyes to avoid the sun's harsh gaze. You yawn as you give up on going back to sleep and raise yourself up in your bed. You look around your room, so many pictures were littered on your walls. Ones of you and Mateo, others of your family. You slowly get out of bed and head towards the bathroom, passing a small calendar with a date circled on it. You double back and rub your eyes, looking at the date more clearly now. You let out a small gasp and rush to get ready.

"Fuck! How could I forget Teo is coming home today!" You yelled at yourself as you quickly hop in the shower and brush your teeth. You were soon a tornado, opening up every drawer and cabinet in your room to find the perfect outfit for today. You looked around, your anxiety peaking as you gather everything you need. You quickly get dressed and put on a necklace Mateo got for you before he left. You did your make up the best you could and ran down the stairs. As you grabbed the door handle in a rush, your mom peeked to look at you from the kitchen.

"(Y/N!) ¿Cuál es tu problema esta mañana?" She said as her thick accent ran circles in your brain.

"Mamá, Teo viene a casa. Me tengo que ir!" You say as you unlock the door and race to the mural you two would always hang out at. "See you later!" You yell back to your mom as you make your way through the city.

When you finally got to the mural, you leaned against the wall and slowly slid down it, catching your breath. It wasn't easy to run almost a mile in cute wedges that were not made for running. After you catch your breath you pull out your phone, there were a million reminders on your phone put by Mateo reminding you that he was coming home today. You giggle to yourself as you clear the reminders and scroll through your phone. You were so lost on instagram that you couldn't even hear Wingman running towards you. You yelped in surprise when you were tackled by Wingman, then Dizzy, followed by Mosh, then Thrash. You laughed as you wrapped your arms around all of them, expect Thrash.

"Ay! How are my favorite guys doing hm? Saving the world and junk." You say as they all start talking at once. You hear a playful scoff behind you as you cuddle your pets some more.

"Favorite guys? Does that include me too?" Gekko's voice rang out. A small smile graced your lips as you carefully put down the rowdy animals, then turning around to see the love of your life, Mateo. You tear up a bit as you run into his arms, holding each other.

"Te extrañé mucho Teo." You spoke in your native language. He chuckles and tightens his embrace around you.

"Yo también te extrañé mi amor." He replied back as he kissed the top of your head affectionately. Your embrace was broken up as Wingman climbed Mateo's shoulder, grabbing his attention. You both look at the yellow creature in question, until he begins making his small noises, or talking. Mateo smiles as he looks back at you.

"He was just saying how pretty you look." Teo narrates for Wingman. You let out a small scoff as you pick up Wingman from Mateo's shoulder and nuzzle into his small face.

"Teo, I know what he is saying. We raised them together." You smile as you put Wingman down. The animals go back into Gekko's pack as he clears his throat and looks at you sheepishly before grabbing your hand and lacing his fingers with yours.

"Right, sorry. I'm always translating at work. Habit I guess." An embarrassed blush made its way to his ears. You laugh as you kiss his cheeks, making them more red.

"Thank you Teo. Now, what do you want to do first?" You ask as you both start walking into town. Mateo thinks for a bit before smiling to himself.

"Wanna go get ice cream? No one makes as good of ice cream than Luca. It's the one thing I've been craving since I left a year ago." He smiles and looks down at you. You give him a playful glare.

"You weren't craving me for a year?" You ask playfully. His face goes red and he laughs, bringing you into another embrace.

"I've craved you since the day we met." He says as he kisses the top of your head. You give him a playful shove and giggle.

"Genius, the day we met? We were in diapers? I mean you still think like a baby." You mock Gekko. He gives you a look of fake hurt as he pinches your cheek.

"You get what I mean." He mocks back. You give him a smile and peck his lips as you walk towards the ice cream shop again, leaving him a bit in shock. He shook his head a bit, looking at you like a dazed puppy before following in your footsteps, the same way he did when you two were kids.

[brainddeadd]

Mundane Moments

The afternoon sun filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the room. You stood at the sink, scrubbing a collection of dishes from last night’s dinner, the sound of running water filling the silence. It was one of those typical, uneventful days where life felt simple, yet perfect.

Nico leaned against the counter, watching you with a fond smile, his heart swelling with affection. You had been together for years, and he couldn’t remember a moment where he didn’t feel utterly grateful for you. The way you moved around the kitchen, focused on the task at hand, filled him with warmth and a sense of home.

“Do you ever think about the future?” he asked suddenly, surprising himself with the abruptness of the question.

You turned, raising an eyebrow. “Like what? Planning our next vacation?”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “No, I mean… like, really think about it. Us. Together.”

You set the dish aside and wiped your hands on a dish towel, curiosity lighting up your eyes. “Of course I do. Why?”

As he stared into your eyes, everything around him faded away—the dishes, the mess, the world outside. It hit him like a lightning bolt, clear and undeniable. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with you, sharing every ordinary moment and all the extraordinary ones in between.

Without any plan, without a ring or a carefully crafted speech, he stepped closer, his heart racing. “I want to marry you.”

You blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Nico, are you serious?”

His expression was earnest, filled with love and hope. “Yeah, I mean it. Right now, in this moment, it just feels right. You’re my favorite person, and I can’t imagine a future without you. Will you marry me?”

A silence fell over the room, but it was a comfortable one, filled with the weight of his words. You could see the sincerity in his eyes, and a wave of emotion washed over you.

“Yes! Yes, I will!” you replied, a radiant smile breaking across your face.

Nico’s face lit up with pure joy, and in that moment, it didn’t matter that there was no ring or grand gesture. All that mattered was the two of you, standing in your kitchen, surrounded by the mundane chaos of everyday life, yet feeling like the luckiest people in the world.

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you close. The warmth of his embrace melted away any lingering doubts as he whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you murmured, holding him tightly. And as you stood there, the dishes forgotten, you knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful forever.

[little-horror-smut]

Fixer Upper

Reader x Juice

18+

Warning; Nothing, its just a cute little story. No sexual content

The sun blasted as you waited for your car to get fixed. The hours seemed to pass slower than usual. You decided to get a peak, to see how far they were. As you made your way into the garage, the air was even thicker with warmth there, you spotted her. Her radiant cherry red colour accentuated her beautiful curves. She was your pride, your 57 Chevy. One of the guys was arm deep in the hood. His once white tank top was now striped with grease.

The sweat dripped from his head down his neck all the way down his back. Making his tank top cling to his skin, like it was never letting go. With every move he made, his muscles tightened. As he straightened his back, it accentuated his shoulder. They looked even bigger now that he stood up. The sweat was glistening on his body. He took one of the water bottles and drank it with big gulps. This made water trickle down his jaw and neck, all the way over his chest. The last bit of water he poured over his head, trying to cool himself down. He ran a hand over his head and shook off the last bit of water. Your eyes were glued to his every movement making you bite your lip as you watched him from a distance.

The golden sunrays beautifully lined his body, kissing his gorgeous tanned skin. You realized you must have been standing there a while, as the sun began to set. Finally he looked over his shoulder, feeling the eyes on him. When he noticed you staring, a smirk tugged at his lips. “This beauty yours ma’m? Or were you eyeing me?” He teased, knowing she was watching him. You quickly averted your gaze and cleared your throat. “I- uh- Yeah she’s mine. I wanted to know how she was coming along” You composed yourself as you walked over. He wiped his hands on a clean rag, trying to get as much grease off as possible. You watched carefully with every move he made. His hands looked strong, his underarms tightened as he wiped the last bit of grease off. He clearly was enjoying the attention. “The name’s Juice” He said with a big smile as he reached out his hand. You took it pleasure, feeling a tight grip that send shivers down your spine. Your eyes slowly went up from his hand until you met his eyes. They were these big beautiful brown eyes, that hid a lot behind them. Your eyes locked for a moment and everything else seemed to falter, even if it was for just a minute. “She’s almost done” Juice said, his voice barely above a whisper. There was this little bolt of electricity between the two of you, so strong it was almost visible.

You both reluctantly pulled your hands away, the connection breaking. “I’ll stick around then” You said as you turned to walk away, your eyes still lingering. Juice scratched the back of his head, still taking in of what just happened between the two of you. A smile crept across his face as he turned himself to work on the last parts of your car. “ I still got it” He murmured to himself as his smile widened. The sparkle that was cascaded in his eyes, could be seen from miles away.

[xxspringmelodyxx]

Masked Affections~

What happens when you are the villain in this case, rather than the hero?

Possibly various JJK men x F!Reader (Part I)

P.S, sorry if this sucks. It’s 2 am right now, but I couldn’t sleep. Anyways I hope you still enjoy my lovelies! <3

Warnings: Violent themes, a bit of character change in terms of the Itadori family, but you’ll see why.

Draping the mask over my face to conceal my features, I cautiously navigated the bustling streets under the radiant sun. Amidst the throng of people, from young children to the elderly, I sought refuge in the shadows, endeavoring to blend into the background seamlessly. With practiced stealth, my hand slipped into my pocket, retrieving my phone with a swift motion. Hastily unlocking the device, I scrutinized the image of my next target, committing his facial details to memory. During my scavenge, a voice crackled to life in my earpiece, “He should be to your left, about 30 feet away.”

Following the instructions, I diverted my gaze from the picture, scanning the vicinity for my target. Sure enough, there he stood, clad entirely in black, engaged in conversation on his phone. It appeared as though he awaited transportation, unsuspecting of the impending encounter.

As you observe your target, a sense of anticipation fills the air. With each passing moment, the weight of your mission hangs heavy on your shoulders. Despite the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets, you remain focused, your senses sharp and your determination unwavering.

With the guidance of the voice in your earpiece, you track your target's movements with precision, ensuring that every step you take brings you closer to your objective. As you inch closer, your heart pounds in your chest, the adrenaline coursing through your veins heightening your senses.

With a quick glance around to ensure that you remain undetected, you take a deep breath and steel yourself for what comes next. Whether it's a quick and clean extraction or a more elaborate plan, you know that success hinges on your ability to remain calm and collected in the face of danger.

As you prepared to make your move, a surge of confidence welled up within you. Years of training and countless missions had honed your skills, and you felt prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. Yet, you knew that acting impulsively now would jeopardize everything you had worked for. You needed to bide your time, find the perfect opportunity to strike when the odds were in your favor.

Glancing once more at the target's phone, inspiration struck like a bolt of lightning. An idea formed in your mind, a plan taking shape with each passing second. This wasn't just about taking him out; it was about doing so with precision and finesse, ensuring that no one would suspect your involvement. With determination fueling your actions, you set the plan into motion, ready to outmaneuver your adversary and emerge victorious.

"You need to act now, sis. Otherwise, he'll slip through our fingers, and we'll lose our chance to put an end to this. Do you really want to come back to father and face his wrath because of our failure to execute this mission?" Kai's voice conveyed a sense of urgency and apprehension as he emphasized the consequences of inaction.

"No, Kai. If I make a move now, it'll attract too much attention," I replied, my voice low but determined. "We need to be strategic about this." I spoke, listening into his conversation on his phone.

"Listen, I need you to tap into his phone and find out everything you can," I instructed urgently, my tone serious. "We need to know who he's talking to, what his next move is, everything. Maybe we can find a way to get him alone."

"Got it," Kai replied confidently. "I'll do my best to get the information as quickly as possible."

As he went to work, I waited in the shadows, my heart pounding with anticipation. Every second felt like an eternity as I held my breath, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. The weight of the mission hung heavily on my shoulders, and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

"Okay, he’s talking with another man on the line," Kai's voice crackled in my earpiece. "Says something about a car about a mile away is coming to pick him up. I really think you should get this done and over with before that car comes.”

"Kai, just stick to your expertise, and I'll stick to mine. Trust me, I've got this," I murmured, my voice barely audible amidst the bustling street.

"Do you think you can hijack the car's GPS? I need you to reroute it," I urged, a hint of urgency seeping into my tone.

"Don't worry, sis. I've got this covered. It's a piece of cake. Where should I send the car?" Kai reassured, his confidence unwavering as he delved into the task.

"Direct it to Avengard Avenue. I'll be waiting there," I instructed, my focus sharpening with each passing second.

"Got it. Sending the car to Avengard Avenue now," Kai confirmed, his fingers flying across the keyboard with precision.

"Thanks, Kai. I'll be in touch if anything comes up," I said, a sense of determination driving me forward as I prepared to execute the plan.

As I deactivated my earpiece, I swiftly slipped away from the bustling crowd, blending into the shadows as I navigated towards the designated location. Fortunately, my familiarity with the area allowed me to arrive within minutes, weaving through dimly lit streets and desolate alleyways.

——

The atmosphere was starkly different from the vibrant hustle and bustle of the previous location. Here, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the occasional sound of distant traffic. The eerie emptiness sent shivers down my spine as I scanned the surroundings, anticipation building with each passing moment.

I paced the deserted streets, my senses on high alert, every passing second feeling like an eternity as I awaited the arrival of the car.

"Hey there, sweetheart. What brings a lovely lady like you to this desolate corner?" An older man's raspy voice sliced through the eerie silence. I glanced in his direction, noting his disheveled appearance—tattered clothes, unkempt beard, and a myriad of scars present on his weathered face. With a dismissive roll of my eyes, I continued on my path, paying him no heed, my focus unwavering.

”Hey, come on~ I won’t bite…Well not yet at least.” He said, following me. I stopped in my tracks, turning towards him with a deadly glare.

”Listen, I don’t have time for whatever this is. So I’m gonna let you go with a warning. Now back off.” I said, going back to scanning the area for any sign of the approaching car. Suddenly, I felt a strong grip enclose around my arm, pulling me forcefully towards him.

“You fucking brat! I should teach you a lesson about how to talk to adults! Maybe then you will show me some respect!” The man spoke through his teeth.

Reacting swiftly, I lashed out with a swift strike to his jaw, the impact resounding with a sickening crack. He recoiled in agony, clutching his injured jaw as blood seeped from the wound.

”You bitch! I’ll make you pay for that!” He yelled, running after you.

I rolled my eyes as I watched him run towards me. Poor fool. With a calculated inhale, I lowered my mask, revealing a smirk of disdain for the man before me. Just as he closed in, I opened my mouth and unleashed a piercing scream that reverberated through the air, its forceful shockwave propelling him backwards with a violent force. The sheer power of my voice seemed to distort the very fabric of reality, sending ripples through the surrounding environment and causing debris to scatter like leaves in a storm. The sound of my own voice drowned out his screams of agony as he collided with the wall, his body trembling under the onslaught of sound waves. I observed his futile struggle, a silent witness to the havoc I had wrought. As the crumbling building echoed the turmoil within, I silenced my voice and concealed my identity once more, leaving the scene with a sense of grim resolve. Approaching the man with an unwavering gaze, I watched as fear consumed him, driving him further into the confines of his own demise.

”P-Please! I won’t bother you anymore! Just please have mercy on me! Please!” He cried out. His plea for mercy fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the chaos he had invited upon himself. Despite his cries, I remained unmoved, my smirk a cold reflection of his desperation.

“Oh how I love it when they beg~” I said, grabbing my knife and quickly slitting his throat without him noticing.

The suddenness of his demise left him stunned, his eyes widening in disbelief as the sharp blade swiftly ended his life. His final moments were marked by a realization of the inevitability of his fate, tears mingling with the blood that stained his face. As his head rolled to the ground, a single tear mirrored his silent plea for mercy, a fleeting acknowledgment of the end.

“Waste of time.” You mumbled, quickly kicking his head.

As the car approached, its looming presence interrupted the eerie silence of the desolate area. You quickly retreated into the shadows, your senses alert as you observed the unfolding scene. The driver emerged from the vehicle, his gruff voice slicing through the quietude as he impatiently dialed a number, his urgency palpable in the air.

His voice was tinged with impatience and frustration as he barked into his phone, "Hey, I am here. Where are you? We need to make this quick." My gaze narrowed at the tall figure, dressed entirely in black, his slicked-back hair reeking of an overpowering scent that seemed to permeate the air. "What do you mean you don’t see me? There’s no one else here!" he yelled into the phone, his agitation evident in every word.

Seizing the moment, I stealthily approached the car, swiftly closing the distance between us. With practiced precision, I pressed the cold steel of my knife against the man's throat, sensing his body stiffen with alarm..

”Shhh…I promise this will be quick. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be," I whispered softly, my voice barely audible over the ambient noise.

“What the hell-“

Before he could finish his statement, I slit his throat, hearing his voice go out.

I then retrieved his phone, quickly slipping it into my pocket. Opening the driver's door, I slipped into the seat, starting the car with a sense of urgency. With a screech of tires, I sped away from the scene, leaving faint marks on the ground where the car had been parked. Reconnecting my earpiece, I called out to my brother.

”I'm in the car now. All that's left is to deal with the man," I stated firmly.

"Just make it quick. Father is growing impatient," my brother urged.

"Tell him it will be over as soon as I handle this," I replied with exasperation.

"I can’t say that. You know how he gets," he countered, his frustration mirroring mine.

I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the situation.

"I know, I know. Just give me 10 minutes. That's all I ask," I pleaded, before swiftly shutting off my earpiece.

—

I pulled up to the man, the car door swinging open as he sank into the plush leather seat with an exasperated sigh. His impatience was palpable, and his words dripped with veiled threats.

"Took you long enough. You’re lucky I even pay you after that. Next time, if you are late again, I’ll have you replaced just like that," he growled, snapping his fingers with an air of menace.

"Oh, don’t worry…I’ll make sure it never happens again," I responded coolly, watching a flicker of confusion dance across his features. His eyebrows furrowed, betraying his suspicion as he detected the subtle shift in my tone and demeanor.

But beneath the surface, a storm brewed within me. This man, so accustomed to wielding power and instilling fear, had no idea of the intricate web I had woven around him. He was a pawn in a game much larger than he could fathom, and soon, he would come to realize the gravity of his mistakes.

“What happened to your voice?" The man's puzzled tone sliced through the tension-filled air.

With a calculated calmness, I offered my explanation. "Oh, I switched with the other driver. Seems he had to make a hasty exit, leaving me to take over and ensure you didn't miss your ride," I explained, though I could sense his skepticism lingering beneath his furrowed brows. Despite his doubt, a smirk danced across my features as I steered the car towards an abandoned area, knowing the revelation would soon unfold.

"Uh…where are you taking me?" His voice trembled with uncertainty as he cautiously reached for his concealed weapon.

I glanced at him through the rearview mirror, my expression concealed behind the mask. "Just a little detour," I replied, my tone laced with a hint of amusement.

As the car came to a halt, the man's eyes widened, scanning the rundown buildings that loomed before us. His fingers tightened around the grip of his gun, his knuckles turning white with tension.

With a calculated calmness, I turned off the ignition and shifted my gaze back to him. "Relax," I said, my voice low but steady. "We're just going to have a little chat."

With a clenched jaw, I peered into the rearview mirror, my gaze reflecting the rage burning within me. The man’s cavalier attitude toward the consequences of his actions only fueled my determination. Memories of the anguish my family endured at his hands surged to the forefront of my mind, stoking the flames of vengeance that consumed me.

As you contemplate your father's influence and control over your life and the life of your brother, a chilling reminder begins to dawn on you. His actions, his demands—they all stem from a place of deep-seated resentment and thirst for revenge.

You remember the bitterness in his voice whenever he spoke of past grievances, real or imagined. Itashi Kokomi, your father, the man Mr. Takeda fired without a second thought, was just one among many casualties in his quest for retribution.

“Mr. Takeda,” I began, my voice icy and controlled. “Do you remember a man that went by the name of Itashi Kokomi?”

The man in the passenger seat looks at the back of your head with concern, sensing the gravity of your inquiry. "The name rings a bell. Why?" he responds cautiously.

My grip tightened on the steering wheel as I delved deeper into the interrogation, each word laden with the weight of years of suffering. “Do you remember the day you fired him?” I prodded, my voice tinged with barely contained fury.

His response was callous, devoid of remorse or compassion. “Of course! I did what I needed to. He was a waste of my time. Always messing my plans up and losing my business money,” he grumbled bitterly, his resentment evident.

I fought to maintain my composure, my mind racing with thoughts of retribution.

But your next question stops him short. "Did you know that he has kids?" you ask, your voice steady despite the turmoil raging within you.

The man’s indifference cut through me like a knife, his words dripping with disdain. "Well, he mentioned them. But I never thought much of it. If he was worried about his kids, his family, he should’ve worked harder. He should’ve made himself worthy," the man says.

As you pose the question, a somber note creeps into your voice, weighted by the gravity of the revelation.

"Mr. Takeda, did you also know that he had a wife, the mother of his children… who also happened to be sick?" you inquire, your words laden with a mixture of sorrow and accusation.

The man's expression shifts, his features contorting with a flicker of recognition. "I... I had no idea," he stammers, caught off guard by the unexpected turn in the conversation.

But you press on, your determination unyielding. "She was battling a serious illness, one that required costly treatments and round-the-clock care," you continue, your voice trembling slightly with suppressed emotion.

"And yet, despite the immense burden she carried, he was forced to endure the added weight of unemployment and destitution, all because of a decision made by you," you add, your gaze locking onto his with unwavering intensity.

For a moment, silence hangs heavy in the air, punctuated only by the distant hum of passing traffic. In that brief pause, the weight of your words lingers, casting a pall over the shared space of the car.

"Days went by and turned into weeks," you continue, your voice heavy with sorrow as the weight of those lost moments presses down on you like a suffocating blanket. "Those weeks turned into months. Day by day, she got worse and worse until eventually..."

Your words catch in your throat, the raw anguish of that painful memory threatening to choke you. The image of her fading away before your eyes, her once vibrant spirit slowly extinguished by the relentless march of time, sears itself into your mind like a brand.

"...until eventually, she passed away," you finally manage to utter, each syllable a dagger twisting in your heart as you relive the agony of that moment all over again. "And all because we couldn’t afford it anymore," you seethe, your gaze boring into Mr. Takeda with unbridled contempt.

"Itashi didn’t take it too well, either," you continue, your voice tinged with sorrow as you recount the tragic transformation that befell your once kind-hearted father. "After her passing, he changed into someone I didn’t know. He was no longer the kind and sweet man I once looked up to…no. He changed and turned into someone vile and full of hatred."

The memories flood back with painful clarity, each recollection a jagged shard of broken glass cutting into your soul. You remember the way your fathers laughter had once filled the room, his eyes alight with warmth and compassion. But now, all you can see is the cold, steely glint in his gaze, the bitterness and resentment etched into every line of his face.

"He blamed you for everything," you continue, your voice trembling with the weight of your emotions. "He couldn't bear the thought of her suffering, of losing her because we couldn't afford her treatment anymore. And even after all that, he began to turn his anger on us, on me and my brother, as if we were somehow responsible for his own misfortunes."

The silence that follows your revelation is deafening, each passing moment filled with the weight of unspoken truths and shattered illusions. You can feel the tension thickening the air, wrapping around you like a suffocating blanket, as the implications of your words hang between you and your companions like a heavy fog.

“Do you know what he would do to us?” I whispered, my voice slowly breaking.

“Us?” Mr. Takeda interjected, his tone laced with concern as he began to connect the dots.

“He took me and my brother…and he tortured us for days on end. He was so angry…with you…yet he took it out on us…” I said, my voice softening up as memories of my brother and I replayed in my head. The pain of those days still felt fresh, like an open wound that refused to heal..

The man remained silent for a bit, seemingly processing everything that was unfolding. With a grunt, he began to speak, his words tinged with defiance.

“Seems that it is your father's fault, kid… Now, I don’t know who you think you are… but you're making a big mistake… messing with me. I could have you killed if I wanted.” His hand darted for his gun, and in one swift motion, he brandished it, aiming directly at my head and cocking the gun with a chilling click..

I glared at him through the rear view mirror. As the tension in the air thickened, I held my ground, still meeting his gaze with steely determination.

“Go ahead, pull the trigger,” I challenged, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. “But know this, Mr. Takeda, my father's wrath will find you, whether I'm here or not. You can't escape the consequences of your actions forever.”

Mr. Takeda's grip tightened on the gun, his eyes narrowing in uncertainty. Minutes passed like hours as we stared each other down, the weight of our words hanging heavy in the air.

“I’m gonna give you the count of three to get the hell out of this car.”

I smiled, chuckling to myself, undoing my seatbelt.

”One….two…” He started, placing his hand on the trigger.

”Three.” I interrupted. With practiced precision, I ducked just as Mr. Takeda's shot rang out, the bullet whizzing past my ear and shattering the car window behind me. Seizing the moment, I lunged forward, grabbing hold of his outstretched arm and twisting it behind his back with all my strength.

Mr. Takeda howled in pain as I pinned him against the seat, his gun clattering to the floor. Ignoring his struggles, I focused on immobilizing him, using my body weight to keep him pinned down. With his free hand, he attempted to reach for his fallen weapon, but I was too quick for him.

In one swift motion, I snaked my arm around his neck, applying pressure to his windpipe and cutting off his air supply. His movements grew frantic as he gasped for breath, his face turning red with exertion.

"Let's not make this any more difficult than it has to be," I whispered, my voice cold and menacing. "Cooperate, and you might just live to see another day."

But Mr. Takeda was beyond reason, his desperation fueling his defiance. With a sudden burst of strength, he attempted to throw me off, but I held firm, refusing to yield an inch.

It was clear that he would not go down without a fight, and neither would I.

"If you wanna kill me, just do it already," he challenged, his voice tinged with defiance.

I paused, locking eyes with him for a moment before a sly grin spread across my lips. "Oh, I'm not going to kill you… well, not yet at least," I remarked cryptically, relishing in the uncertainty that flickered across his features.

Before he could muster a response, I swiftly delivered a powerful blow, rendering him unconscious in an instant. With practiced efficiency, I secured him in place, ensuring he posed no further threat.

As I settled back into the driver's seat, a nagging thought tugged at the corners of my mind. "Father still wants to have a word with you," I mused aloud, more to myself than to the unconscious man beside me. I started the car up once more and began to drive.

With the task at hand completed, I reported calmly through the earpiece, "It’s done. I’m bringing him back now," my voice betraying none of the adrenaline coursing through my veins.”

"Good. I'll notify father right away. Be careful now. You’re still messing with a powerful man, and it won’t be long until his minions figure out something is wrong. I’ll be sure to turn off any cameras you come in contact with to ensure no one finds out it was you," Kai warned through the earpiece.

I hummed in acknowledgment, expressing my gratitude before swiftly turning off the device. With caution as my ally, I navigated the streets, keenly aware of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows. Slowly but surely, I made my way back to our hideout, my senses attuned to any signs of pursuit or suspicion..

—-

“Did you get any leads yet on who caused these deaths?" Satoru asked, his gaze fixed on the lifeless bodies before him. The gruesome sight of their decapitated heads left an unsettling feeling in the air.

"Not yet. We tried investigating, but this part of town is completely rundown. There are no functioning cameras or witnesses," Kento replied, his eyes scanning the scene for any clues.

"You think it's another curse?" Satoru inquired, his mind racing with possibilities.

"It's unclear. There's a high chance it could be, but there's also the possibility of a cursed user being involved," Nanami explained, weighing the probabilities carefully.

Satoru's phone buzzed with an alert from Yuuji and Nobara, drawing his immediate attention. Curious, he quickly checked the message, his expression shifting as he read it. Satoru chuckled at the lighthearted message from them, relieved that it wasn't a dire situation. He replied with an enthusiastic confirmation, urging them to pick a place they all liked. With a smile, he tucked his phone away, glad for the brief respite from the usual chaos of cursed spirits and investigations.

"Well...keep me updated. I gotta go" Satoru declared, rising to his feet with a sense of urgency.

Satoru's sudden departure left Nanami somewhat perplexed, his gaze following his colleague as he strode away with an air of nonchalance. "You mean you're just going to leave?" Nanami queried, a hint of incredulity coloring his tone.

Satoru glanced back with a grin, his eyes alight with mischief. "Of course! Yuuji and Nobara are practically begging for sushi, and I can't say no to them. Plus, I just promised them I'd drag Megumi along too," he explained, his words trailing off as he continued on his way.

Left alone amidst the somber scene, Nanami sighed softly, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the camaraderie shared among their team. Despite the gravity of their work, there were moments of levity and connection that reminded them of the importance of friendship and solidarity in the face of darkness. With a shake of his head, Nanami refocused his attention on the task at hand, silently vowing to continue their investigation with diligence and determination.

”You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Nanami thought as he watched the white haired man walk away.

——

As Satoru strode away, his earlier grin fading, a furrow formed on his brow, betraying the weight of his thoughts. The gravity of the situation settled upon him like a heavy cloak, prompting a flurry of calculations and considerations in his mind. Whoever or whatever was behind this knew their craft well, leaving behind a trail of enigma and intrigue that seemed to defy easy resolution.

Gears turned in his head as he mulled over the intricacies of the case, each possibility and permutation scrutinized with a keen eye for detail. It was clear that unraveling this mystery would require more than just brute force; it would demand a blend of intuition, strategy, and perhaps a touch of luck.

With a determined nod, Satoru pressed on, his resolve unyielding despite the daunting task ahead. Though the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and truth.

—-

The man’s cries echoed through the dimly lit room, mingling with the twisted laughter of your father, whose eyes gleamed with madness as he reveled in the torment he inflicted. “You ruined my life! You ruined my kids’ life! You took everything from me!” the man shrieked, his anguish punctuating the air like a jagged dagger.

Standing beside Kai, you remained outwardly composed, though beneath the facade, turmoil churned within you. You exchanged a glance with Kai, sensing his fear, and offered him a reassuring squeeze of the hand. “It’s going to be okay. Soon, we will all be one happy family again…”

The words slipped from your lips like a rehearsed script, honed through years of manipulation and coercion. Deep down, you knew they were lies, yet they served their purpose in placating Kai's mounting apprehension.

Your own doubts were buried beneath layers of conditioning, the remnants of a childhood spent under your father's malevolent influence. With each passing day, his tendrils of control tightened around your mind, weaving a web of deceit and manipulation.

As you exchanged that fleeting glance with Kai, you saw the reflection of your own fears mirrored in his eyes. The facade of composure you both wore masked a maelstrom of emotions—fear, doubt, and a gnawing sense of dread that threatened to consume you whole.

But outwardly, you maintained the illusion of unity and obedience, for that was the only currency accepted in your father's twisted world.

Your father's voice cut through the eerie silence, his words dripping with malice as he outlined your next mission—an assignment that would test the limits of your loyalty and resolve. "Children, I have one final task for you, one that will cement our supremacy once and for all."

As he spoke, the name "Itadori" hung heavy in the air, a bitter reminder of past betrayals and unhealed wounds. The Itadori family, once trusted allies turned bitter enemies, had incurred your father's wrath through an act of treachery that had shattered any semblance of trust between them.

With a steely resolve, your father outlined the specifics of the mission, his words resonating with a sense of grim determination. "You are to target the last remaining member of the Itadori family—Yuuji Itadori. He is our greatest adversary, the thorn in our side that must be removed at all costs. I’ve done some research on the kid and it turns out, he is working to be a jujutsu sorcerer…just like his grandfather…” Your father continued, bitterness seeping out. The rift between your family and the Itadoris traced back to a dark chapter in the past, one marked by betrayal and stolen affections. It all began with Yuuji's grandfather, a strong jujutsu sorcerer. A man whose charming facade masked a treacherous heart.

Decades ago, he ensnared your father's mother in a web of deceit and desire, luring her away from her rightful place beside your father's father, or in other words, your grandfather. The illicit affair shattered the fragile bonds of trust between the two families, igniting a feud that would span generations.

The repercussions were devastating. Your father's family was torn asunder by the scandal, their once-united front fractured by the betrayal of a loved one. As the years passed, bitterness festered in the hearts of your family, fueling a desire for vengeance that lingered like a poison in the family's bloodline.

“So it’s most likely he is being protected by some of the best sorcerers out there as of right now…so, as I said before, this will be a tough mission. But I know you kids will do good just for your father, correct?” He asked, making your brother tense up.

”I-I don’t know father. Shouldn’t we just leave all that drama in the past and let the boy live? He had nothing to do with-“

”Silence!” The father yelled at your brother, using his cursed energy on him. Kai bent down in pain as your father messed with his mind.

”Father please, that is enough! We will do what you wish, just please stop hurting him!” You begged, getting on your knees.

He looked down at you and scoffed, putting his torturing methods on your brother to an end.

”Good. Now that that is out of the way, I believe you two have something to do? Now get to it. Remember what happens if you two fail. And trust me, I will not be as merciful as I have been in the past.” He said, walking back to Mr. Takeda and continuing his torture methods on him instead.

You ran up to your brother and helped him, trying to soothe his mind.

Now, tasked with avenging the sins of the past, you stood at the precipice of a new chapter in the age-old conflict. The weight of history bore down upon your shoulders as you prepared to confront the last remaining scion of the Itadori line, knowing that the ghosts of the past loomed large over the path ahead. You would do whatever it takes to stop this all. To make everything normal once again. And if that meant getting rid of Yuuji Itadori, then so be it.

”Yuuji Itadori, enjoy the next upcoming days…for one of them may just be your last…”

________________

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[secretswiftymarvelfan]

Court Of Public Opinion - Andy Barber x Reader (Part 5)

A/N: This is the sequel series to Memory Served and will contain major spoilers for that series so go read that one first if you haven’t already!

Summary: You and Andy to take a short trip down to Florida to escape the negative media attention ahead of the trial

Word Count: 6.3k

Warnings: Language! Angst! Talk of Abduction! Talk of Rape and Sexual Assault!

Dividers by me!

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

Chapter 5

Andy let out a long breath of air as he stepped off the plane. Despite it being thick with humidity it felt like a fresh breath of air. Andy wasn’t someone who liked the heat, he much preferred the more temperate climates of New England, but this time he welcomed it, it almost made him forget everything. This was just a nice short holiday to see some friends, there was nothing to run from.

You were walking just ahead of him and when you looked over at him you gave him a smile just as radiant as the sun. Andy instantly felt his own smile grow, you had only been in Florida for a few minutes and he could already see the sun was helping. He took a couple of steps to be level with you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders and pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

“I hope Frank’s AC is working” Andy chuckled as he fanned himself.

You smiled up at him “Yeah you New England boys aren’t built for the heat, I’m surprised Frank can bear it” you chuckled patting him on the chest “Maybe we can put off getting a taxi and take advantage of the airport AC” you smirked. 

“Sounds like an excellent plan” Andy grinned as you stepped off the tarmac and into the air-conditioned airport, breathing out a sigh of relief when the icy air hit him. 

It didn’t take long to get through to baggage claim and to grab the suitcases but like you suggested you two didn’t speed your way through the airport. You even picked up some overpriced iced coffee before heading out to the arrivals lounge. 

To Andy’s surprise, he spotted Frank stood waiting with a sign that said ‘Mr Bigshot and Miss Bookworm’. You let out a laugh as Andy rolled his eyes as the two of you walked over. 

“You didn’t say you were picking us up” You smiled as you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around him. 

“I thought I’d surprise you” Frank smiled as he hugged you back.

“Thanks Frank, and I’m sorry again that it was such short notice” Andy apologised as he greeted Frank with a hug. 

“Hey it’s fine, you two could show up with no heads up and the door will be open for you,” Frank said “Plus Mary’s been on at me for weeks to go visit you guys”

“I’m surprised she didn’t kick off a storm and refuse to go to school so she could be here right now” Andy commented as the three of you made your way out of the airport and to Frank’s truck. 

“She probably would have done if she knew, but I decided to save myself the headache and leave it as a surprise for her too” Frank shrugged.

“And they say Mary is the genius in the Adler family” you smirked elbowing Frank in the side, making Frank smile and wink back at you. 

Frank quickly loaded up the truck and the three of you climbed in to start the drive to Frank’s apartment. As he started up the truck Andy could feel the weak cough of the air conditioning which made you and him exchange a knowing look. 

Thankfully it wasn’t long until Frank pulled up outside his apartment, the one you and Andy had helped him move into over a year ago now after he was awarded full custody of Mary. One of the conditions he had to agree to was that he found an apartment where Mary would have her own room. Thankfully one of Roberta’s tenants moved out which meant the perfect apartment became available at the perfect time.

As he stepped inside Andy couldn’t help but chuckle when we saw how lived in the apartment had become in the year Frank and Mary had lived here. It wasn’t messy, it was just organised chaos as Frank called it. Piles of nuts and bolts from Frank's work, Mary’s toys and books. 

It reminded Andy a lot of their time at Harvard. The two of them were roommates for the entire time they were there, becoming quick friends, often referred to as the twins because of how similar they looked. But to them they were nothing alike, Andy liked to keep things neat and organised, it helped him make sense of everything. While Frank was a bit more laid back and worked better with a little bit of chaos. 

“Are you sure you’re okay with us staying here? We can get a hotel room?” Andy asked as Frank lugged the suitcase into his room. 

“Nah it’s fine, I’ve slept on the couch plenty of times” Frank shrugged “It’s actually pretty comfy, just no hanky-panky in my bed” he added pointing over at Andy “I know what you two can get like”

The comment pulled an awkward laugh from you, as Andy glanced over he could see you shift uncomfortably, wrapping your arms around yourself and rubbing your arms. Andy fought the urge to furrow his brows and the small voice in his head that was listing all the reasons that comment made you uncomfortable. Almost all of them made him the problem. 

Frank’s eyes darted between Andy and you, narrowing slightly before he cleared his throat “Well um Mary will be home from school in about an hour or so and then I thought we could go out to eat? There’s a nice place on the beach, perfect to watch the sunset”

Andy watched as a smile returned to your face and your arms dropped back to your sides “Yeah that sounds great” you smiled. 

“Cool, and um one of my clients said we could borrow his boat tomorrow too if you guys fancy getting out to the sandbank?” Frank suggested scratching the back of his neck. 

“We’d love that, thanks Frank” Andy smiled “Looking forward to it”

“Great, well um let me get you two a drink and Mr Bigshot can talk about all his recent wins” Frank smirked as he walked back towards the kitchen.

Andy rolled his eyes and shook his head the the nickname Frank refused the drop, not that Andy ever expected him to. It was a nickname that Frank gave him all those years ago back in College and if Frank hadn’t let it go already, he never will. 

The three of you killed time by catching up over some iced tea and chips in the kitchen. Andy told Frank about the cases he’d worked on, Frank in turn complained a bit about some of the boats he worked on and the design faults they had. You told Frank about the book you were reading which Frank returned with a reminder to check your pillow tonight, no doubt for a new book to add to your collection.

You and Frank had your own sweet tradition back from when you were in college and he was an assistant professor. You’d find him random little trinkets, while he’d feed your bookworm habits by picking out a book for you. It had evolved over the years, you now finding him strange nuts and bolts that he’d probably never find a use for while he in turn got you children's books.

Your conversation was interrupted by Mary arriving home and loudly calling out for her Uncle “Frankkk! I’m hungry” she complained loudly from the living room.

“Well come into the kitchen and get yourself something to eat” Frank called back. 

Andy heard Mary let out an annoyed huff before she trudged her way into the kitchen with Fred in her arms. The poor cat however was quickly dropped when Mary spotted you sitting at the kitchen table.

A wide smile broke out on the little girl's face as she raced over and hugged you tightly “Y/N! I missed you!” she cried out. 

Andy watched as you wrapped your arms around her, pulling her up onto your lap for a snuggle “I missed you too sweetie, gosh you’ve gotten so big! You’ll be taller than Frank soon enough” you said kissing the top of her head. 

A lopsided smile grew on Andy’s face as he watched you cradle Mary in your arms, she was far too big for it now but you clearly didn’t mind. If anything it was you holding her closer. 

“Hey, don’t I get a hug?” Andy asked poking Mary on the shoulder to get her attention. 

“Uh duh,” Mary said rolling her eyes as she climbed off your lap to give Andy a hug, only to quickly return to you though.

Andy glanced over to Frank, the both of them shaking their heads and chuckling. Mary definitely had a much closer connection to you than Andy, despite the fact you only met her three years ago while Andy met her when she was a baby and Frank took on the duty of raising her. Andy was the one who helped Frank out by moving the two of them down to Florida. 

Andy watched as Mary filled you in on her day and everything else that she needed to tell you. He could see you become a whole different person, the person you were before you were abducted. It made him breathe out a sigh of relief because it meant this weekend was working, you were able to escape the news and opinions of others and just be normal. Exactly how you wanted. 

“I need to show you my new Lego model!” Mary exclaimed grabbing your hand and dragging you out of the kitchen. 

Frank and Andy watched you go before Frank shifted in his seat, his expression suddenly turning serious “Is everything okay?” he asked quietly. 

Andy swallowed before nodding “Yeah… I think so anyway” he sighed rubbing his forehead “The last week with the news and the letters and all that shit have been rough, and that’s on top of just trying to move on from what happened” he continued shaking his head “but I mean just then that’s the happiest I’ve seen her in weeks, all she wants is to just pretend everything is normal and just forget and I think this time down here is doing just that”

Frank’s brows were furrowed in concern as he looked down at his hands, rubbing them together as they rested on the table “Everything isn’t normal though, not anymore… ignoring it won’t help her” he said quietly after a few moments.

“I know, I know” Andy sighed “but right now it is and until she tells me otherwise that’s how I’m playing it”

Frank studied him for a moment before letting out a long sigh and nodding his head “Okay, normal it is” he agreed.

You couldn’t sleep. You wanted to sleep you really did, it had been a long day of travel and catching up with friends, you should have fallen asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow but you didn’t. You wanted to blame it on the heat, but the temperature had dropped significantly. You wanted to blame it on Frank having an uncomfortable bed but that also wasn’t true.

In truth, you knew exactly what was keeping you up no matter how much you didn’t want to admit it. You were a fraud. No matter how much you tried to pretend everything was normal and your time with Ransom had never happened, you just couldn’t. 

But if you faced the ugly and harsh truth, how long would it be until everyone around you saw you for what you were? The rest of the world already hated you, called you an adulterous whore and gold-digger. It wouldn’t be long until everyone else came to the same conclusion. 

All you could do was hold on to this little lifeboat you currently had and hopefully by the time the trial came and every ugly truth was laid bare all this time of acting normal would still count. Maybe it would be enough to convince Andy to not let you go. 

Carefully you looked over at him, watching as he peacefully slept next to you. The moonbeams that streamed in from the gaps in the blinds made his milky complexion glow like moonstone. His lips were slightly parted and his long lashes lay in contrast to his skin. He looked so rested it hurt, it hurt because you were the reason for his weariness. You were the one putting him through all this. 

You were beginning to fill with restless energy as your mind began to run wild. Your body wanted to toss and turn but you didn’t dare wake Andy. If you woke him he would know something was wrong and wrong wasn’t normal, you needed to remain normal for a bit longer. 

The room suddenly felt humid and close, it felt difficult to breathe even as you pushed the covers back. You needed fresh air, you needed to get out. You’d go for a quick walk around the block, nothing too far and crazy. Hopefully just enough to clear your mind or wear you out enough to finally sleep. 

Carefully as you could you crept out of bed and out of the bedroom. You managed to cross the first hurdle of getting out of bed without Andy noticing, but the next hurdle was higher because Frank was asleep on the couch and you needed to creep past him to get to the door.

You managed to get all the way to the door before the creaky floorboard gave you away. Frank woke with a start, his head whipping around to spot you by the door. 

“Hey, what’s up? Something wrong?” he yawned rubbing his eyes tiredly. 

“Yeah I just uh- wanted a drink” you whispered hoping he didn’t see through your lie. 

It was clearly no use though as he arched a knowing brow “The kitchen door is that one” he said pointing to the door you’d already passed, clearly he was used to detecting Mary’s lies. 

“Oh uh yeah, and some fresh air” you corrected clearing your throat “It's pretty hot”

Frank lets out a yawn as he stands up with a big stretch “Yeah it’s hotter out there” he says as he walks over to his desk and grabs a set of keys.

You struggle to try and find a different excuse, something to just reassure him that you were fine and to get back to bed “Frank I-I-” you stuttered. 

“It’s fine, you need a drink and some air then that’s what we’ll do,” he says grabbing a hoodie from the back of the couch and chucking it at you “C’mon I know a place” he continued, walking over to open the door you where still frozen in front of “after you,” he said gesturing for you to head out. 

You swallowed nervously glancing over to the bedroom door where Andy was sleeping before you nodded and made your way out with Frank. 

You slipped on the hoodie Frank had given you as you followed him away from the apartment. Stuffing your hands in the pocket you remained silent feeling like you were about to get a telling off. The only solace you had was that you were walking away from Andy, Frank wasn’t going to rat you out maybe you could convince him that you were truly fine. 

A short while later you arrived at the harbour, first Frank headed over to his workshop where he pulled out a cooler before he led you out to whatever boat he was currently working on. You watched as he hopped on board staying on the dock, he put the cooler down before turning back to you and holding out his hand. 

“We’re going out? It's the middle of the night” you pointed out. 

“I know we’re just gonna sit here, drink and talk” Frank said still holding out his hand for you. 

You still hesitated. You knew exactly what he meant by talk and you knew you couldn’t keep pretending, he was not going to let you go back without giving him something. Glancing to the side you contemplated just walking away. Frank couldn’t exactly stop you, you could just go back to Andy. That is if he hadn’t noticed your absence already. You knew it was just delaying the inevitable though. 

Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes and took a moment to gather yourself. When you re-opened them you looked over to see Frank still waiting for you. The look on his face was calm and supportive, one that told you that even though he wanted you to talk he wasn’t going to push you too fast, you could still take this at your pace. So you took his hand and took the leap. 

Onboard you took a seat, Frank doing the same. He opened up the cooler while you tucked yourself in the chair tight, looking out at the dock, the sound of waves breaking calming you. Frank then got your attention by nudging your shoulder with a beer bottle, you silently thanked him before taking a large sip.

Frank moved to sit in the chair opposite you, letting out a long sigh as he did so “Right… I don’t want you to think this is a telling off or me trying to tell you how to handle all this shit, but normal just isn’t working” he said. 

You let out your own long sigh as you looked down at your beer bottle, scratching the label with your thumbnail “I know” you whispered “I just don’t know what else to do” 

“That’s okay, do you know what you need?” Frank asked gently. 

“I need Andy, I need you and Mary and everyone else” you said shaking your head “and I just know if things aren’t normal I will lose all of you”

“Bullshit” Frank stated, his outburst making your head snap up “I’m sorry,” he said holding out a hand to placate you “You are not going to lose any of us, why would you even think that?”

You let out a small scoff, looking back down “You’ve seen the news” you muttered.

“You mean all the lies that fucked up family are trying to spin? Yeah I’ve seen it and I know you, I know it’s not you” Frank told you. 

“It is though, or at least was for those 4 months” you retorted refusing to look back over at him. 

“What do you mean? Of course you aren’t” Frank stated, you almost admired his stubbornness but right now you knew it would just hurt him if he refused to see the truth. 

“Frank I cheated, there’s no two ways about it, I slept with another man” you admitted finally looking back over at him “Andy should be disgusted by me! I’m pretty sure he is! Always hesitating and keeping his distance!”

Frank was silent for a few moments. Your admission seemed to have stunned him into silence, maybe you finally got through to him. He took a long pull of his beer before sitting forward. 

“You need to stop that… stop blaming yourself, because I know Andy doesn’t and trust me I know him far too well, our University days still haunt me,” he said managing to pull a small snort of laughter from you “so trust me when I say he doesn’t hate you or blame you, the only person he blames is that sick son of a bitch that took you” 

That brief moment of levity you felt disappears instantly as you try to listen to what he was saying but you just couldn’t. You slept with Ransom while dating Andy, yeah you didn’t know that at the time but you still did it.

“Frank I-” you said shaking your head.

“Nope you’re listening,” he said standing up from his seat and moving to crouch in front of you taking a deep breath before speaking again “Okay I’m about to get real serious… let's reimagine the situation, imagine that he still kidnapped you but you still had all your memories, everything else stays the same, he rapes you… do you think Andy would still be standing by your side?”

You took a moment to answer, picturing the situation in your mind. You knew Andy had handled a couple of Rape and Sexual assault cases and he’d always fought as hard as he could to get the victims justice.

“Yeah” you whispered your voice breaking “Yeah he would”

Frank’s lips twitched upwards “Exactly, now I don’t know the law as well as Mr Bigshot ADA but I know you did not have enough information to correctly give consent”

Silence fell between the two of you as the weight of Frank’s words weighed down on you. Each time you thought about your time with Ransom it never crossed your mind but thinking back on it now you were always hesitant, felt pressured into having sex. Heck, you couldn’t even remember saying the word yes. That realisation felt like a punch to the gut. 

“Fuck” you muttered dropping your head into your hands.

“Hey, hey, hey it’s okay,” Frank said softly as he wraps his arms around you “We’re going to help you I promise, you’ll get through this” 

He held you as you broke down, all the weeks of holding back the hurt tumbling out of you in one failed swoop. You felt like you couldn’t breathe you were crying so much but at the same time you felt so much better, you felt lighter, you felt more normal. 

By the time your tears finally subsided you were exhausted, as you pulled back you saw Frank also had tears in his eyes that he was trying to hold back. 

He gave you a gentle watery smile as he cupped your cheeks and wiped away your tears with his thumbs “Better?” he asked. 

“Yeah… Yeah much better thank you, I- I didn’t realise how much I needed that” you admitted with a shaky sigh. 

“It’s alright, and look I don’t know why Andy is acting weird but I’m sure it isn’t because he thinks you’re disgusting or that he resents you,” Frank said putting a comforting hand on your knee “Fuck Y/N that man loves you so, so much, I’ve known him for years and I’ve never seen him this in love”

“Really?” you asked, the niggling thought of doubt still in your mind. 

“Really. He just wants to make sure you’re okay and is overthinking what to do and is scared to do something wrong, heck I’m constantly second-guessing myself trying to make sure that what I say and do doesn’t accidentally upset you because I don’t want that, we want you to be happy” Frank reassured you “just talk to him, tell him how you’re feeling and he’ll tell you what he’s feeling because right now you’re working on what ifs and what that little voice in your head is telling you and that’s almost never right”

You nod your head “I will I promise” you agreed “I hope Andy hasn’t woken up and panicked that I’m gone”

Frank shook his head “I left a note on my desk in case he did” Frank reassured you “But we could go back now if you want?” 

You shook your head, while you felt better you still needed a little time to fully calm down before heading back to Andy “No can we stay a little longer?” you asked.

“Sure, not a problem” Frank said with a gentle smile before standing back up and heading back to his seat “So what do you wanna talk about?” 

You shrugged your shoulders “I dunno… you seeing anyone at the moment?” you asked, earning a snort of laughter from Frank. 

“Uh… no… not really…” he said after a moment, shaking his head. 

“Hmm, that doesn’t sound like nothing” you hummed taking a sip of your beer. 

“You know for most people, if their ex was that interested in their dating life it would be weird” Frank pointed out, once again deflecting.

You rolled your eyes and sent him a pointed look. While you were a mature student at university, you had met Frank at a local coffee shop during winter break and the two of you hit it off almost immediately. You found out he was an assistant professor when you went on a couple of dates, but it wasn’t until you took an ethics class that you found out that he was an assistant professor at your university. Most specifically he was your assistant professor. 

The two of you decided to keep dating since Frank wasn’t the professor marking your work. You still kept it quiet though since it was frowned upon, when it got to summer you thought things would get easier but instead, it just fizzled out and you went your separate ways. You didn’t see Frank again in September, you found out years later that he’d moved to Florida with Mary. 

You only reconnected years later when Andy took you on a holiday to Florida to meet his oldest friend. Needless to say, it was a little awkward but you soon fell into a regular rhythm with you and Frank being just friends. You did wonder though if Frank ever held a light to you. 

“Okay fine…” Frank relented with a sigh “There’s a new bartender that I like, but I think I blew it before I even had a chance” 

“Were you your usual grumpy self?” you said knowingly. 

“I’m not grumpy…” Frank huffed, frown on his face before sighing “I mean maybe I was… I was having a rough day and just walked in and ordered my usual thinking it was Ferg behind the bar but it was her and maybe my tone was a little rude and maybe it was her first day”

“Wow really great first impression” you snorted shaking your head at him. 

“I did apologise but I dunno I think the damage is done” Frank sighed taking a long pull of his beer. 

“Maybe I can put in a good word when we go to Fergs tomorrow” you suggested with a wink. 

“No, no, you don’t need to do that” Frank stated shaking his head. 

“What? I can be a great wingwoman” you argued only earning a loud laugh from Frank, one that made a wide smile grow on your face “I can!”

“You tell yourself that” Frank chuckled. 

The two of you continued chatting for a little while longer before making your way back to the apartment. As you worried, you found Andy waiting for your return, sat on the couch wringing his hands together nervously. When you walked in he shot up from the couch clearly trying to remain calm. 

“Everything okay? I- I saw the note” he said swallowing nervously, he went to take a step forward but hesitated. 

Before your conversation with Frank you would have seen that as him not wanting to approach you, but now you realised he was giving you space and waiting for you to invite him in. So you gave him a soft smile and closed the distance, reaching out to take his hand, Andy’s breath catching when you did so. 

“It’s okay, I’m okay,” you told him “I just needed to get some air so Frank took me to the harbour” you explained. 

Andy let out a small shaky breath as he nodded his head “oh-okay”

“But tomorrow can we go somewhere to talk? Just us two?” you asked “I promise everything is okay I- I- I just think we should talk and clear the air a bit”

“Yeah, of course we can” Andy sighed, relief clear in his voice as he ran a hand down your arm soothingly “We’ll go the beach first thing”

A soft smile formed on your lips “Thank you Andy” you said before looking over your shoulder at Frank “and thanks Frank, for the drink and air”

“It’s nothing, sleep well” he smiled as he moves back to the couch. 

Andy squeezed your hand as you made your way back to bed yourself. You climbed back into bed and instantly sought out Andy, curling into his warmth. He wrapped his arms around you securely placing a long kiss to the top of your head. 

You looked up at him and smiled at him warmly “I love you Andy, so, so much” you whispered.

Andy looked stunned for a split second before a warm smile bloomed on his face “I love you too, sweetheart, more than you could ever know”

Something had shifted last night, Andy felt it as soon as you walked back into the apartment last night. It terrified him. 

He thought everything was okay but clearly he was wrong. Why else would you sneak out last night? Talk to Frank instead of him?

He feared the end was coming and when you told him you loved him last night it was actually a goodbye. He wasn’t good enough for you and you’d finally realised it. The talk you wanted to have would be to end it.

Needless to say Andy barely slept. He just held onto you tight because this was probably his last chance to. He watched as the sun came up and wished it hadn’t.

Not even the smile you gave him when you woke did anything to convince him that this wasn't the end. The look that Frank gave him as he left the apartment with you felt like the final nail in the coffin.

The walk to the beach was silent and all Andy wanted to do was beg for you to stay. He’d get down onto his knees and beg if it meant you’d stay. The silence stayed as you found a quiet spot away from everyone, sat down and buried your feet in the sand.

Andy swallowed his nerves as he sat down next to you. He wanted to take your hand but he didn’t feel like he could. As the silence drew on Andy could feel himself beginning to panic, his heart racing as the end came racing in.

He heard you open your mouth to speak but he couldn’t keep silent any longer as he blurted out a broken “Please don’t leave me” 

A beat of silence passed and Andy couldn’t bring himself to look over at you, he tried to blink back the tears as he stared out at the ocean.

“What?” You muttered “Andy I- I could never leave you” you said taking his hand and holding onto it tightly.

Andy looked over at you in disbelief “Really?” He asked, voice breaking.

“Really. Andy I love you so so much, there is no one else out there for me” you told him squeezing his hand “god I- I thought you were going to leave me and that broke my heart”

“Wh- why would you think that?” Andy muttered in disbelief, shaking his head as he tried to make sense of what you just said.

“Because I felt like I cheated on you” you admitted with a small shrug of your shoulders, Andy went to protest but you held up your hand to stop him “I know I didn’t, Frank made sure I realised that last night, but I was disgusted at myself, I felt dirty and tainted and I thought that you felt that way about me too”

Andy felt like he’d been punched in the gut. How on earth could you think that? Where had he gone wrong?

“Wh-wh-what? Wh-why?” He stuttered shaking his head.

“I don’t know really, you’ve been so sweet but there have been times that you’ve hesitated around me or seemed uncomfortable or angry and maybe I was projecting what I was feeling” you said looking down, pushing your feet further into the sand.

“That’s never been because of you” Andy breathed out “All I’ve wanted is for you to feel happy and comfortable and I’ve felt lost as to how I- I didn’t know what to do” he admitted his voice wobbling “and I’m angry at him for doing everything he did to you, I’m angry at the world for taking his side, I’m angry at myself”

“Why yourself?” You asked, confusion mared your face. 

“It’s stupid… but I thought that maybe I wasn’t good enough, I started comparing myself to him and whether someone like him with more money or time would be better for you, and I hated myself for thinking that because he’s a monster”  Andy admitted feeling his anger growing at himself as he did so.

You shifted next to him so you could face him “Andy. There is no one on this earth who is better for me than you, I don’t care about money or the number of hours you work, I admire how dedicated you are to getting victims justice and I’m sorry if I made you feel that way by pulling away and being distance” you told him.

“You didn’t it was all me I swear” Andy squeezed your hand to the drive the point home.

“It was me too, this breakdown of communication was both of us,” you said softly.

“Okay, it was both of us” Andy relented “but I swear I’ll be better”

“Me too, I don’t want you or anyone to hesitate or second guess themselves around me, I’ll tell you if I’m uncomfortable or at least signal,” you tell him.

“Okay, and I promise that I’ll do anything and everything I can to make sure you get your justice and prove to everyone that you’re not what he says” Andy promised.

You smiled softly “Thank you Andy”

“Anything for you sweetheart, I love you so much” he breathed out a smile forming on his lips.

“I love you too, with all my heart” You smiled, cupping his cheek to guide his lips down to yours.

He smiled into the kiss, his arm wrapping around you to pull you closer. Something had definitely shifted last night and Andy was just too blind to realise it. He knew it now though as he kissed you, because it felt different, it felt more real.

When you pulled away you shifted closer and moved so you could rest your head on his shoulder. Shoulders that felt lighter as some of the weight he’d been feeling had been lifted. There was still the possibility of a trial ahead but at least he knew he didn’t need to fight to keep you.

The both of you sat in comfortable silence and you looked out at the ocean, just watching as the waves crashed onto the sand. As he sat there he suddenly felt the need to confess something.

“I was going to propose that weekend” he admitted.

“I know,” you said quietly “I didn’t know it was going to be that weekend but I knew you were going to”

Andy was almost stunned into silence “Really? How?”

“I found the ring, well the box, I didn’t look inside” you admitted with a chuckle “Your sock drawer really?” 

Andy snorted with laughter, shaking his head “I thought it was pretty good”

“Andy I do our laundry, of course, I’m going to go in there” you laugh “Your filing cabinet would have been better, I wouldn’t dare look in there and accidentally mess with anything” 

“Well it’s going in there when we get home that’s for sure” Andy laughed poking you in the side.

“Okay, and I don’t want you to feel any pressure about popping the question with everything going on, I’d want it to be the right time, a good time,” you told him.

“Good because I still want it to be some sort of surprise” Andy chuckled.

“And if there’s any doubt, I promise I’ll say yes” you smiled.

“Glad you hear it” Andy grinned leaning in to kiss you softly.

The two of you sat for a little longer before deciding to make your way back to the apartment. But just before you left the beach you pulled Andy to a stop. He arched a brow when he saw the nervous look on your face.

“What’s wrong?” He asked gently.

“Can-“ you started before taking a deep breath “can we ask for the charge of rape to be added? Because Frank pointed out last night that I was not of right body and mind to give proper consent…. I mean I don’t ever recall saying the word yes”

Andy was stunned into silence before a wave of nausea rushed over him at your admission. He swallowed a couple of times before nodding “We can ask yeah, I want him to go down for as much as possible but I’ll be honest it’s going to be hard to pin that, it’s difficult enough with clear cut cases” he warned.

“That’s okay, we have to try right?” You sighed.

“And we will I promise” Andy sweared wrapping his arm around you and pulling you close to kiss you on the top of your forehead.

By the time you got back to the apartment both Mary and Frank were awake and arguing “But why couldn’t I go!” Mary complained. 

“Because Y/N and Andy are here on vacation they don’t have to spend every moment with you, they can have time alone if they want” Frank reasoned but from his tired tone Andy knew this was probably the 5th time he’d repeated that. 

“It’s not fair” Mary pouted crossing her arms, however when she saw you and Andy her face lit back up “You’re back!”

“Yeah sorry sweetie, you were asleep when we left and we didn’t want to wake you,” you said crossing the room and bending down to be eye level with her “but I promise we’ll have plenty of time to hang out together while we’re here”

“Can I come with you tonight?” she asked hopefully.

“No” You, Andy and Frank all said in unison, earning another pout from Mary.

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Blade of Miquella Chapter 2: Craving For Woe.

Summary: Wednesday used you for her investigation, will you hate her for it? Part 1 - HERE  👈👈👈

Corpse after corpse, left in my wake. As I awaited... his return.

Startled awake by the cacophony of terrified screams of students that pierced the air, you bolted upright from your slumber. The disconcerting noise echoed through the dormitory, urging you into immediate action. Hastily, you rushed towards the balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of the source of the commotion.

And there he stood, an ominous figure draped in a tattered cloak, his face distorted and aged beyond comprehension. The unsettling sight of the old man, with his peculiar top hat and gnarled staff, sent a chill down your spine. His malevolent gaze locked onto you, and in an instant, he bellowed with a voice that seemed to resonate from the depths of despair.

"I will expunge you abominations from this EARTH!"

On your journey to becoming more approachable, the bench under a maple tree became your place near the quad to spend your free time.

This tranquil spot became your sanctuary, where you sought refuge during your free time. With a book often cradled in your hands, you observed the bustling students as they chatted and played, Enid occasionally joining you for brief moments. However, you made a conscious effort not to grow too attached to her, fearing that your inner demon might inadvertently harm those close to you. However today you were alone as you wanted to be, you needed to read the book again, to find any information about the gold needle.

While your mind was taken by the horrifying contents of The Lands Between, Lost in the grim passages, you remained oblivious to the presence of another soul drawing near. A gentle shadow cast over you, and when you looked up, there she stood: the braided girl. The sun's rays danced upon her, creating a radiant halo around her form, and without glimpsing the specifics of her features, your heart seemed to halt for an instant.

"Would you mind if I sit here?"

Trying to collect your thoughts, you hesitated for a moment before giving her a soft smile,

"Of course, you can sit here." You said as you moved a little to give her more than enough space. She took the place beside you and got her own book out and started reading. Minutes ticked by in companionable silence, the stillness of the moment punctuated only by the faint rustling of pages turning and students chattering. you never thought you would be bothered by tranquillity. You glanced a little to her as you saw her occupied by her book, You shifted a bit away from Wednesday, the fear of touch coming back to you as you wanted your gloves back again.

"You aren't like the other students." She broke the silence, You look at her, her eyes still on her book.

"What do you mean?"

"Unlike the other students, you don't seem to crave attention. You seem to be a quiet one."

"I suppose I've always been more comfortable observing from the sidelines," you replied, offering a small smile. "The noise and attention can be overwhelming sometimes."

Wednesday glanced up from her book, her striking eyes meeting yours briefly before returning to the pages. "I can understand that," she said softly. "Sometimes, it's easier to navigate the world when you're not constantly in the spotlight."

You nodded, feeling a sense of understanding between the two of you. There was something oddly comforting about the way she spoke. Perhaps it was the sincerity in her voice or the calm aura she exuded. You found yourself wanting to know more about her, even though you had just met. As the conversation continued, Wednesday skillfully steered it towards your interests and activities on campus, subtly asking about the classes you took, the people you associated with, and the places you frequented.  it all felt like harmless small talk. For now...

As the days turned into weeks, you found yourself drawn deeper into Wednesday Addams' enigmatic world. What had begun as small talks soon blossomed into moments spent together, seeking refuge in the library's shadowy corners or the solitude of quiet nooks around the campus. In her company, you discovered a unique solace, unlike any other friendship you had known before. Wednesday, with her mastery of morbid tales and dark secrets, had a way of delving into the most haunting memories and embracing the most macabre thoughts with an uncanny sense of ease. Her willingness to share her own past, including stories of her old pet scorpion Nero, only deepened the connection between you. As the whispers of mysterious murders echoed through Nevermore Academy, your inner turmoil intensified. The increasing danger surrounding the school made you apprehensive that Wednesday might suspect you or, worse yet, fear you. The thought of losing this newfound companionship terrified you, and so you kept your own secrets tightly locked away, shielding them from Wednesday. She had her investigation to worry about.

Every moment spent with Wednesday became a constant need for you, and slowly, you found yourself falling for her. You were drawn to her emotionless raven-black eyes, captivated by her devilish smile whenever she talked about her mischiefs. The curiosity that sparkled in her eyes whenever she led you into the very woods you were afraid of, yet you followed without hesitation, simply because it was for her. Your heart fluttered with each shared adventure.

One week before the Raven, you decided to take a leap of faith and confess your feelings to her. It was a daunting task, for you feared that you might ruin the beautiful friendship you had with her. But you needed to know, to understand if there was a chance for something more. So, with butterflies in your stomach, you poured your heart out to her, laying bare your emotions, your vulnerability, and your desire to be more than just friends, a single test, for you to be free enough to finally trust her with your darkness and as life never goes how you expect it to be,

Wednesday accepted your invitation to the Raven, indicating that she was willing to give you a try. Her enigmatic nature made it difficult to gauge her true feelings, but you clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for something special between you.

So when she came to you two days later, telling you about her doubt about Xavier, you were stunned. However, she provided enough alibies to back up her claims. But your heart still couldn't believe that Xavier could even do any of those things. So to at least prove his innocence to her, you provided what she needed. You were so blinded by your feelings about Wednesday, you couldn't see the importance of a friend's secret. So you showed her his Art Shack's location. You were sure that Wednesday would not find anything to put any blame on Xavier, however when you entered his shack, you weren't so sure anymore, There were paintings of a monster. You read about this monster in your book about The Lands Between. A Hyde.

"I supposed every artist needs a muse." She said picking up some more drawings.

"This is the monster that killed Rowan, Y/n. This is what I saw there." She told you.

"Xavier, you just became that much more interesting," she said.

"Let's go, Y/n," Wednesday urged, trying to take your hand and move you from the shack.

However, you remained rooted to the spot, your eyes locked on the haunting painting. Wednesday noticed the look of fear in your eyes, a look she had often seen in the eyes of her previous victims at her previous school. Strangely, she didn't find this particular reaction as satisfying as she usually did. Instead, she felt uneasy seeing the fear in your eyes. She herself couldn't understand why. So she took her focus onto what really scared you. Following your eyes, she saw another painting.

This one wasn't a monster, it was just a woman, an armored brown dress, a golden winged helmet and a long sword tainted by blood as if it was used to slaughter thousands. She stood with a menacing aura, surrounded by what appeared to be blood and crimson flowers. The sight intrigued Wednesday, stirring her curiosity about the woman in the painting. However, she knew that she had more pressing matters to attend to. So she dragged you out of there.

Xavier noticed your sudden friendship with the dark girl. A few days later, he confronted you about it.

"I guess you found a new best friend," he remarked with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"What do you mean? You are my best friend, you always were and always will be," you replied, trying to reassure him.

"But you seem to prefer spending more time with her. You don't even come to my art shack anymore. I even asked for your help and you didn't come. You kinda missed my surprise for you," he explained, his voice tinged with a mix of disappointment and concern.

Surprise? You wracked your brain, trying to remember the event he mentioned. Then, realization dawned on you. He definitely wanted to show you his painting of HER. He must've drawn it for you.

"Oh, that night last Tuesday... I'm so sorry, Xavier. I had some urgent work to do, and I couldn't make it. I meant to tell you but..."

You will come with me to find some important clues in the woods. Wednesday's voice echoed through your mind.

"You never asked why I needed your help," he interrupted gently, his eyes searching for an explanation.

You shifted uncomfortably, knowing that the truth might hurt him.

"I had something else on my mind," you offered vaguely.

Xavier peered into your eyes, sensing that there was more to your story than you were letting on. "You don't have to lie, you know?" he said softly. "I thought we were best friends, that we could share everything."

Guilt washed over you as you struggled to find the right words. You were torn between keeping Wednesday's secret and being honest with Xavier. But the weight of Wednesday's trust weighed heavily on your conscience, and you couldn't bear to betray her.

Before you could respond, Xavier continued, his tone tinged with concern. "She's using you, Y/n. Wednesday isn't the type of girl to have genuine feelings for anyone. She's just using you for her investigation into the murders in the woods. She's even delusional enough to think I might be the killer."

His words left you stunned and confused. You knew deep down in your heart that Xavier couldn't be the killer, then why weren't you defending him against Wednesday?

"Y/n.. do you think I am the killer?"

"No... I would never. Look, Xavier... I am not feeling good right now... I should go. We can talk later... Right?"

He sighed.

"Okay. Take care of yourself, Y/n."

As you walked hurriedly, a torrent of emotions swirled within you, leaving you unsure whose words to trust. Regret for Xavier weighed heavily on your heart, yet an inexplicable need to have faith in Wednesday tugged at your soul. In just a few short weeks, Wednesday had ignited emotions within you that you had never known before. The urgency to talk to her grew, hoping that you could somehow convince her of Xavier's innocence. So you walked towards her room to find her, feeling both anxious and determined. You had never ventured into her room, just as she had never visited yours, but you knew she shared the room with Enid, and pretty much everyone knew where Enid resided. As you traversed the campus, a sense of foreboding gnawed at your mind, tempting you to turn back and abandon your pursuit. The fear of how Wednesday might react to your opposition paralyzed you, and you hesitated. However, fate intervened, as you found her dorm door wide open – Enid's bad habit exposed. Although you aren't the overhearing type, you always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,

From inside, you could hear Enid's voice, tinged with anger, and you hesitated outside the door. Wednesday was looking at a large board,

Thick red strings crisscrossed the board, connecting disparate elements with eerie precision. It was as if you were witnessing the inner workings of her uncanny mind, an intricate dance of thoughts and deductions. Different photos reside there, houses like Xavier's Shack, The Gates Mansion and some other places. You recognized some of them as crime scenes. There were also Xavier, Larissa, Rowan, and Sherrif Galpin however one photo piqued your interest... Your photo,

Why was Wednesday relating you to her investigation? Curiosity warred with guilt as you felt like you were trespassing on their secrets, yet you couldn't help but eavesdrop for your own sake.

"You can't just play with her feelings, Wednesday. I don't even know her, but even I feel bad about what you are doing to her," Enid's voice carried concern and frustration.

"There is a lot at stake here, I am trying to save people's life too, Even though I like the idea of death by a Hyde however countless others don't. Her single life can't be worth more than the hundreds my investigation will save, I am merely putting her in danger, just using her connection to Principle Weems and Xavier." Wednesday's reply was cool and calculated

"Why would you... Ugh, whatever. But then why would you accept her confession if you don't even feel the same? It is wrong, Wednesday," Enid pressed further.

"I had to accept otherwise she wouldn't have helped me in finding this critical intel about Xavier, He is the murderer and I know it, his Alibi checks out with every piece of the puzzle."

"I am not worried about Xavier, I am worried about the lone girl." Enid sighed.

" I will leave her alone once I am done with my investigation."

"So that's it? You are going to leave her after getting her attached to you."

"I am a raven Enid, I don't feel any emotions, not for anyone, Not for her. I simply needed her assistance in my investigations, that's all." Wednesday said without hinting at any tone of emotions, you didn't sense any tone of regret, she simply said it as it was already planned without any hesitation.

As you listened to their conversation, a sense of betrayal washed over you. You had opened your heart to Wednesday, and now it seemed like your feelings were nothing more than tools for her investigation. Tears welled up in your eyes as you quietly stepped away from the open door, feeling vulnerable and hurt. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed you, leaving you unsure of your next move. The web of secrets and lies surrounding Wednesday had ensnared you, and you were left to grapple with the tangled mess of emotions that now filled your heart.

Revelations of that day still haunt you, the sorrow of the sudden betrayal, however, you accepted this as a punishment because you yourself betrayed your first and only friend's trust. Who now is in jail because of you.

And even after all Wednesday did, you couldn't exactly bring yourself to hate her. Now there is a mad wizard on the loose burning down the entire school.

Your fear, Your guilt, Your regret, Your Woe are beneficial for HER.

Maybe it's time, you use them.

You looked at the armor stored in the glass cage in your room.

The sword that belonged to her. Her voice echoed in your ears.

Heed my words. I am Malenia. Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat.

PART 3 👉 HERE

[neonravengames]

⚘ Gods of Tir Arandor ⚘

This is a long one so its going under the cut.

The Radiant Accord—sometimes simply called Elyndra by the faithful—is the principal religion in Tir Arandor. It is founded on the worship of Syrion and Vaelith, the two faces of a singular deity representing the harmony of light and shadow, day and night, life and death. This belief system is a tapestry woven from the teachings of balance and unity, with each facet of existence represented by gods who serve Syrion and Vaelith. Together, the gods of the Radiant Accord create a pantheon that mirrors the complexities of the world, guiding the people of Tir Arandor through their lives and challenges.

Syrion and Vaelith: The Twin Aspects

At the heart of the Radiant Accord are Syrion and Vaelith, the Twin Aspects of the eternal god who oversees all creation. Syrion, the Radiant Flame, represents the sun, light, and vitality, bringing strength and courage to those who serve. Vaelith, the Silent Watcher, governs the night, secrets, and wisdom, guiding with a calm and reflective hand. The faithful believe that Syrion and Vaelith are two sides of a single divine entity, intertwined and indivisible, working in perfect balance to govern the universe.

The people of Tir Arandor honor both aspects of the god, celebrating sunrise and sunset as sacred times of transition. Syrion’s light sustains life and fortifies spirits, while Vaelith’s shadow guards wisdom and brings solace to the weary. This divine duality serves as the foundation for the Radiant Accord’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of harmony in all aspects of existence.

Under Syrion and Vaelith, seven gods serve, each embodying a vital element of life. They are revered throughout Tir Arandor, with temples and shrines dedicated to them in nearly every town. The priests of each god work together to foster unity, believing that each deity represents a unique, irreplaceable aspect of the greater whole.

Aldreth, the Iron Sentinel

Domain: War, Protection, and Order

Aspect: The Unyielding Shield

Symbol: A shield bearing crossed swords and scales

Role: Aldreth stands as a bastion of strength and justice. Warriors, guards, and protectors call upon Aldreth’s name for bravery and discipline, especially in times of conflict. His teachings promote honor and duty, inspiring those sworn to defend the realm.

Nythis, Weaver of Fates

Domain: Destiny, Knowledge, magic, and Secrets

Aspect: The Unseen Thread

Symbol: A spider’s web interwoven with stars

Role: Nythis is the god of fate and foreknowledge, quietly guiding the weave of mortal lives. Those who seek insight into their path, or who need wisdom to navigate life’s trials, pray to Nythis for guidance. Known for his subtlety, Nythis rarely answers directly, preferring to reveal truths through dreams and omens. In Tir Arandor, magic is exceedingly rare, believed to be a gift that only a select few can wield. Practitioners of magic, often referred to as Weavers by those who follow the Radiant Accord, are viewed with a mixture of reverence and wariness. Magic is considered a profound force, one that Nythis, the god of knowledge and fate, oversees in his subtle way, and it takes many years of dedicated study to obtain a fundamental understanding. Because magic is scarce, those with the talent to wield it often study intensely under guidance such as that of the King’s magic advisor or the academy. Any misuse or excessive display is frowned upon, as magic is seen as a delicate part of the world’s natural balance.

Cyrra, Maiden of Storms

Domain: The Sea, Weather, and Change

Aspect: The Tempest

Symbol: A wave topped with a lightning bolt

Role: Cyrra is worshiped by sailors, travelers, and those who embrace change. She governs the oceans, storms, and all things in motion. Her followers respect her as a force of transformation, understanding that change, though unpredictable, brings growth and renewal.

Thyra, the Hearthmother

Domain: Harvest, Home, and Family

Aspect: The Nurturing Flame

Symbol: A hearth with a gentle flame

Role: Gentle and maternal, Thyra watches over homes, families, and communities. She blesses the harvest, protects children, and inspires unity within households. Festivals in her honor celebrate family bonds and the bounties of the earth, and her shrines are a place of solace and healing.

Eriath, the Whispering Shadow

Domain: Death, Transitions, and Memory

Aspect: The Soul’s Passage

Symbol: A raven holding a single leaf

Role: Eriath is the quiet god of death and remembrance. His followers believe he shepherds souls to the afterlife, maintaining a serene acceptance of life’s final transition. Eriath’s teachings emphasize honoring ancestors, and his priests hold ceremonies to mark each passing, helping mourners find peace.

Lirael, the Blooming Star

Domain: Love, Art, and Beauty

Aspect: The Song of Life

Symbol: A blooming rose encircling a star

Role: The patron of artists, lovers, and creators, Lirael inspires beauty and joy. She is invoked in ceremonies of love, in artistic endeavors, and in times when life calls for celebration. Her followers celebrate her presence as a reminder of life’s beauty, joy, and the connections that bind people together.

Vireon, the Wildheart

Domain: Nature, Animals, and Freedom

Aspect: The Untamed Spirit

Symbol: A stag encircled by leaves

Role: Vireon is the god of nature’s untamed wilderness. Hunters, herbalists, and free spirits worship Vireon, valuing his guidance in fostering respect for the land. His teachings remind people of their ties to the natural world, and his followers revere him as a champion of balance between civilization and wilderness.

Practices and Beliefs:

The Radiant Accord emphasizes balance and unity, teaching that each god’s influence contributes to the harmony of the world. Followers participate in daily rituals dedicated to both Syrion and Vaelith, honoring the cycles of day and night. Temples of the Radiant Accord often host priests of all seven gods, and the faithful can pray to whichever deity best suits their need, from Aldreth’s strength to Lirael’s love.

Twice a year, the Eclipsing Rite is held, a time when Syrion and Vaelith are said to be closest. During these ceremonies, priests of all gods gather to perform rites that honor each deity, ensuring that their blessings continue to flow through the land.

In the Radiant Accord, life is seen as a complex web woven with care by Syrion, Vaelith, and their divine attendants. By seeking balance in one’s actions and understanding the roles each god plays, followers believe they can live lives rich in purpose, with every joy and sorrow a sacred part of the Accord’s divine weave.

[astral-the-space-traveler]

Okay, y'all. I present to you, my first ever fanfic. I did my best and I hope you like it :)

Zelink: Blessings from the Goddess:

(This story takes place about 6-8 months after the events of Tears of the Kingdom). Slight NSFW warning btw.

The sun was rising in Hateno Village. Its golden rays shone along the hillside bathing the morning in a warm, radiant light. Unfortunately for Zelda that light would shine directly into her face, waking her up from a very strange dream. She would sit up, hair falling over her face as she wiped her eyes.

That previous night Zelda was visited in her dreams. The visitor was someone very familiar to her, almost like a mirror. A tall woman with features nearly identical to her own, standing before her dressed in an elegant white robe. The woman said nothing but simply placed her hand on Zelda’s belly, a delighted expression firmly on her lips before the dream was ended by the morning light.

Needless to say the princess was filled with questions, none of which she knew the answer to. Realizing that she was getting nowhere she decided to get up and start her day. Meanwhile Link was downstairs, a tantalizing aroma could be smelled throughout the whole house.

The two of them had already grown quite a bit closer after the Great Calamity and that went triple for after her return post-upheaval. Fate brought them together through sacrifice but that time was finally over. The great evil that plagued Hyrule was finally eradicated once and for all. The time had finally come that the hero and the princess could truly come together in loving union.

“Good morning, Link. That smells wonderful, what are you making?” Zelda would sleepily ask, walking downstairs and peering into the kitchen where Link was quite busy frying a whole carton's worth of eggs.

“Good morning, prin-I mean good morning, Zelda. I'm making some omelets. Would you like one?” He stammered. He'd grown so accustomed to referring to her as simply the princess that he had to begin deliberately calling Zelda by her first name at her request. She would chuckle a bit, knowing that he was doing his best. Frankly she was happy that he had become significantly more talkative after his amnesiac period years ago.

“I would love one. Thank you, Link.” Zelda said, sitting at the table just as the hearty omelet was set before her. She didn't quite understand why but she felt a lot less hungry than usual, not only that but her stomach was feeling strange. She wanted to eat but her body seemingly wouldn't let her. She managed to eat a few bites before needing to excuse herself to vomit.

Meanwhile Link had already finished his omelet and was growing concerned, both for Zelda’s wellbeing and less importantly, for his cooking skills. Zelda would return about ten minutes later, a sickly expression on her face. Link took notice of this immediately, nearly leaping out of his seat to see what was happening.

“Zelda! Are you alright? Was it the eggs? Goddess, I'm so sorry!” He would ask apologetically as he wrapped her in a hug which she returned in kind. The princess herself didn't know what was happening but she was sure that it wasn't the food as Link was diligent on all food related matters.

“No, no. I'm alright. I just need to sit down. Save the eggs for later, okay?” She would ease herself back onto her chair, her head spinning slightly. “I know it's not because of food, at least.”

Link meanwhile, did as the princess asked and stuck her plate in the cold box before returning to her side with a glass of water and a towel. “That's good at least but I'm concerned. Should we see a physician in town? I can carry you if you can't walk.” He said with a genuinely worried tone. This was the first time the princess had even been sick like this around him.

“No. I don't think that will be necessary. I just need some rest and-” before she could finish, Zelda would shoot up out of the chair and bolt out the door to vomit again out the back door. “On second thought, seeing someone wouldn't be a bad idea but the physician in town is a quack so I don't know.”

“Doesn't Purah's lab have exam equipment? Maybe she would know something?” He asked as he took off his tunic to give to the princess as her shirt had yesterday's lunch on it. “I'll wash that later. Hope this fits.” He said, handing the tunic to Zelda.

“O-Oh, I have a few more clean shirts but thank you. I will go see Purah though, it seems like the only option.” Zelda picked up the Purah Pad on the table, setting warp coordinates for Lookout Landing. “Are you coming?” She asked as Link placed his hand on her shoulder both to provide his answer and so he would warp with her. Blue light enveloped them both before their view shifted to the sprawling settlement before them.

“Good, we made it. No complications this time.” Zelda remarked, bracing herself for what was to come. She liked Purah for sure but she could be a handful, especially her ego. However before she could think to do so, Link had already knocked on the front door of the Lab followed soon after by the sound of crashing and a small “boom”. The door opened and a slender woman in goggles stepped forward.

Purah stepped outside to greet the two of them..“Oh, Linky? And the princess as well? What a surprise, I didn't expect you two to be such early birds. Is something the matter?” she asked, glancing over at the princess's nauseous expression.

“She's sick! Please help her.” Link pleaded. He didn't know what was going on but he knew it was serious enough to be worried and frankly he was terrified of the thought of something happening to the princess again. Meanwhile Zelda just nodded at Purah.

“Oh my, this does sound serious. I'm no Great Fairy but I may be able to help. Come inside and I'll take a look. My new Purah Pad might have just the thing we need. An examination rune! Tells you everything you need to know with a simple “snap!” Purah said, beaming with a sense of accomplishment.

“Linky, you wait here. This is private. Maybe Symin needs some help, be a dear and check would you? We'll come find you soon enough” Purah would ask, motioning for him to head over to Lookout Tower while the exam took place. Link nodded in acknowledgement before giving Zelda a quick kiss on the cheek and heading off.

“Now come on, princess. Let's see what's going on with you.” Purah said, ushering Zelda inside and onto a nearby chair. “This shouldn't take long, just hold still and let me see if this works.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you, Purah.” Zelda would do her best to make herself comfortable as Purah fiddled with her new pad, cycling through various functions before arriving at the desired examination rune. A blue light emitted from the back, feeding information to the display. Shining the light over the princess, Purah gasped at what she saw, nearly dropping the pad.

“What's wrong?! Did something happen? What did you see?!” Zelda asked frantically, now worried about the seriousness of her illness. Staring up, she met Purah’s gaze. Her expression was one of bewilderment but also a sense of relief at the truth of the situation. She would give the princess a soft smile and placed her hand on her stomach.

“You mean I'm…oh sweet Hylia, how could I be so oblivious. I suppose it was bound to happen eventually.” Zelda would clutch her belly, her mind racing with more emotions than she could handle at once. She felt tears run down her cheeks as Purah wrapped her in a hug.

“So you and Link, you've been…” she made a dirty gesture with her hands to save her the embarrassment to which Zelda nodded. “...yes, frankly we haven't been able to stop ourselves. We just start touching and everything gets all hot and he starts to…aagh!” she began to fluster herself with memories of nights past with her beloved to which Purah laughed.

“No need to be embarrassed, princess. This is perfectly natural, you know. I may not look like it but I have a century's worth of stories of my own so you don't need to worry.” She continued to laugh as she set her pad back on the table and pulled up a chair in front of Zelda.

“You love him, don't you? He's a good man, I'm sure he'll be just fine.” She snickered, awaiting a response from the princess. She hesitated, stumbling on her words. “Of course I do! More than anything!” Her face turned red as she blurted out her answer, burying her face in her hands right after.

“If that's the case then I think you'll do splendidly. Now come on, we'll run and grab a few potions for your morning sickness and go find Linky.” Purah said, helping Zelda out of her chair and to her feet.

“Thank you, Purah. For everything.” Zelda said with a soft yet sincere tone. Purah was glad to be able to help the princess and would do everything she could for her. “Don't worry about it, it's the least I can do. Now come on, let's get out of here.” she replied to which the princess obliged.

About an hour later Purah and the princess would spot Link being fired out of the top of Lookout Tower though neither of them could tell if it was for land surveying or if he just asked Symin to do it because it was fun. They both waved to him to get his attention as he was landing and he nearly sprinted to them as soon as he did.

“Zelda! Thank Hylia, I was worried. What's going on, are you going to be okay?” Link asked, looking at the princess, now rejuvenated thanks to a potion drank minutes earlier. “Y-Yes, I'm alright I just…well…I'll tell you later. Come on, we have to go.” Zelda replied. Her words confused Link but he was relieved to hear she was okay.

“Yes, of course. Where are we headed?” He asked, mentally preparing for how they would reach their destination. Meanwhile Purah had already left with a wave, knowing full well that her job was done and that the two of them had some catching up to do.

“Satori Mountain.” Zelda replied succinctly, refusing to elaborate further. Link could tell this wasn't a typical journey so he decided to go along without questioning her. He nodded and the two of them set off southwest for the mountains.

By the time they arrived at the mountainside stable the sun was already near setting so they needed to hurry up the summit. Thankfully the mountain path was an easy journey and the two of them finally stopped to sit under a sakura bloom at the peak. Night had fallen and all that illuminated the night sky was the moon, a galaxy's worth of stars and the occasional bluepee on the ridge below.

They stared out at the night, encapsulated by the view. Both Link and especially Zelda were exhausted from the journey, leaning on one another to prevent each other from slumping over. The entire time Zelda was racking her brain, thinking of how she was going to tell him. After all, it was the whole reason they came out here in the first place. After about half an hour of silence Zelda finally spoke.

“Link. I need to tell you something.” She leaned forward to look at him as he stared back, eyes full of anticipation meanwhile hers will filled with anxiety about how Link would react. Deciding to throw caution to the wind she let it all out at once.

“I'm…I'm pregnant! I'm pregnant and I know that it's your child, Link. I just…I just hope you don't hate me now. It's my fault for refusing contraception, I should've-” she was interrupted by a sudden and passionate kiss. Link's arms wrapped around her in a gentle embrace, she could feel teardrops falling onto her shoulder.

“I could never hate you, Zelda. Never.” He clung to her just as she clung to him, their touch keeping each other stable. “I need to take responsibility too so don't blame yourself, okay.” He pecked her on the cheek before wiping his own. A tear filled smile ran across his face. “There's no one I'd rather be a father with than you, Zelda. I promise you I'll be there every step of the way.”

His words triggered something in Zelda, like a flood of relief washed over her all at once. She let out a sob and buried her head in his tunic. “I'm so happy to hear you say that, Link. I was so scared. I am still so scared. What if I'm a bad mom?” She ran through all her hypotheticals, meanwhile Link waited until she was finished before giving her another kiss.

“I know you'll do great, now let's stop worrying for now. We can cross that bridge when that day comes.” He caressed her face gently, wiping her eyes as well as looking into them. “Tell you what, how about we spend the night up here. It's a clear night and no one will bother us up here.”

The princess smiled and pulled Link into another embrace. “I would like that.” She looked back up at him, her eyes filled with a certain hunger that only could be satisfied by her beloved. “Besides, even if the Purah Pad says I'm pregnant, I just wanna be 100% sure. I'm sure you understand.” She winked to which Link gave a chuckle.

“Oh yeah, and how should we do that?” He asked, slowly removing his tunic, to which Zelda responded by doing the same. The moonlight shining on their skin as they looked at one another. Zelda began to run her fingers down his body, finding their way to exactly where she wanted them.

“I have a few ideas, also I'm keeping this. It's comfy.” Zelda laughed as she lost another layer as Link followed suit, setting his boots next to hers and their clothes in his bag. They gazed at one another for a while before pouncing on one another, the two of them unashamed and filled with the deepest of loves.

Hours passed and the sun rose once again and once again. However this time it was Link who was woken up by the light. The two of them fell asleep entangled with one another and he refused to break away from that, though one thought kept running through his mind.

Why did Zelda look so much like the woman who simply smiled at him in his dreams? He didn't know, but he was content with that because he knew everything he needed was right here in his arms. Nothing would ever separate them again. They would build a new life together filled with prosperity and joy. A blessing from the Goddess they had received and neither of them would ever take it for granted.