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dilfhouse · 2 years ago

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Fresh Delivery |Negan S. X Fem!Reader | PT. ONE

Warnings: mentions of blood, explicit language, guns, kinks, cursing, negan being smug, mentions of iprisonment.

Story: Negan discovers a suspicious crate of fresh fruit. In order to keep anyone from dying Rick has to give up the secret about your farm. At first you can't stand Negan, but in the short time you've known him, he leaves a lasting sort of impression.

“Well." Negan drawls, turning his back to his men as they work to gather the last of the supplies. Every bullet, can of food, and hope snatched from the good people of Alexandria.

"Everything seems to be in order, Rick." He gives the officer a harsh pat on the shoulder, before he reached down to pry Lucille from his grasp. "You're band of heroes are doing a bang up job of gathering all this shit." He gestures to the items with the end of Lucille as Rick stood in silence giving Negan that famous ‘stink eye’, as he liked to call it. He was going to correct him for it, but as soon as he thought to chastise him one of the soldiers had a little slip up.

They had let one of the cases of fruit tip over. Fresh tomatoes, apples, and other delights tumble out onto the concrete. Leaving brusies behind on the skin as they thumped and rolled to a stop at the two men's feet. This said fruit was currently being looked over by Negan, who had not seen a single sign of a garden since taking over. His eyes narrowed and his grin returned. The air grows cold and tense as he bends down to pick up one of the apples. Rick’s whole body is frozen in place as Negan examines the fruit then slowly turns to face him.

“Rick?" The brunnette casts his gaze down before looking up at him. He holds up the ruined fruit, “Do you have any idea where these little delights came from?"

Surely the truth was just as dangerous as a lie. Either way someone would get hurt. Rick would only hope he'd just punish him by taking more supplies, but that wasn't how things worked. So a lie it was. “We found trees-“

“Bull-fucking-Shit.” He hisses, tossing the apple aside and pressing Lucille to his chest, tapping it ever so lightly, not even bothering to let Rick finish the lie. Negan wasn't dumb. He didn’t like it when people tried to make him look that way, sure he believed in a little fun but he got the shit done.

Apparently nobody learned anything from a few days ago, after he beat the crap out of two of the most important people in Rick’s original gang. Not a single thing. “Did you not learn your lesson the first time?” He snarls, hazel eyes narrowing dangerously as he eyes the dumbfounded expressions on Rick's face. Oh he caught him alright. “So, quit feeding me shit and tell me where the fucking fruit came from!”

Rich shakes his head a huffs in defeat. Sweat dripping from his brow as he locked eyes with Negan and gave in. “It’s a small farm.” He finally gives in. “She gives us fruit, in exchange for very little-"

“Oh, she?” His interest is piqued at the mention of a woman. “You let a little lady fend for herself, Rick. That’s cold!” He lets out a rolling chuckle, and smiles. It was odd that anyone would choose to be on their own versus living in a nice community. However, he knew that being on a farm was also a smart choice.

“Well lets go pay her a visit!” He waves his hand, and the other Saviors work quickly to pick up the fruit that fell. The other members stood in a small crowd watching their every move. Negan throws his hands up in the air. “We’ll give her the good ol’welcome wagon!” He hands off Lucille to Dwight, who lowers his weapon to take the bat. The leader turns and grabs Rick by the collar of his shirt, dragging him off like he was some dog towards one of the trucks, “Arat! We’ll be back. Keep an eye on the Brady bunch, will yah!”

It had been at least a week since Rick had come to see you. The Alexandrians had become close friends of yours after discovering your lovely little farm, which had been lucky enough to outlast the horrible world that surrounded the small walls of the land. Most farmers didn’t build walls like the ones you’d been graced with but it was necessary way before the biters walked the earth. From deer, to boars, and other such rodentia it prevented unnecessary destruction to the fresh garden and small patch of crops blessing your land. When Rick and his gang first came across the farm you were dry adamant about privacy, but grew to enjoy the company, and decided to pass on small crates of fresh foods on occasion since it was only you left standing to defend the farm.

However as you had been careful as to keep track of their visits, you’d notice it’s been a few days almost bordering on five since seeing Rick last. It was odd. Maybe they were busy with the herd. You knew that they had been planning for the worst, but you weren’t exactly sure. So you decided to make the decision to make the delivery yourself, you’d an abundance of fruit, veggies, and bread this season and you surely weren’t going to use it all before it was going to spoil.

As you gather the last of the fruit into one of the wooden crates, there was an unusual loud rumble from outside your gate. It sounded like a car, maybe two. Maybe it was Rick or maybe anyone from Alexandria, you drop the basket of tangerines and rush out to undo the wooden bar locking the metal gate in place. The walls were just high enough to provide coverage from the outside. So you missed the large truck and were in such a rush to make sure you’re friend was safe. So when the doors swung open to reveal Rick but not just him your face fell. He stood next to a much taller man stood behind him, his left arm hung around his broad shoulders. A large truck sat off to the side, one guy inside, and another tall, skinny, dirty blonde hair had a gun aimed on you and Rick.

The more animated one sported a huge grin and cocked his brow. "Ding-dong. Sorry I didnt ring the bell, darlin'."

You stood frozen watching between the two before you were able to say something, “Who?” You gasp, “What’s going on?” You are shocked by the situation. Had he turned on you?

“Listen, I’m so-”

“Ah, none of that Rick.” The older man speaks, swinging his right hand, handling the bat laced with barbwire up in his direction. You stumble back and he chuckles, “Dwight keep an eye on that will yah?” He shoves Rick towards the man he addressed, the guy in the truck sat unmoving watching. Rick shot this man a glare, but it was cut short by Dwight knocking him down on his knees. You lunged forward in order to help Rick, but your kept at bay by the quick movement of the stranger swinging out his bat towards your chest.

“Ah, not so fast darlin’. Rick deserved that one, he kept this little slice of heaven a secret then lied about it.” He was kind to inform you, “See Rick and his community are now under new management, but he still seems to forget the rules.” He chuckles, shoulders shrugging as he glanced back at Rick.

“Negan.” Rick hisses, “Leave her out of this. She’s on her own.” The bat at your chest lowers but does nothing to help steady the increasing beat of your heartbeat, the rise and fall of your chest comes in rapid movements.

“Ho-ly Shit!” Negan speaks out suddenly, “It’s just you out here?” He asks. As if he didn't figure that out back at the community.

You open your mouth to answer by are cut short by him once more, “Fancy livin’ you got there sweetheart. A little garden, some fresh crops, maybe a cow or two in the barn.” He tosses the weapon in his hands back and forth as he swaggers closer towards you. “So where is mama and pop-pop. I wanna meet the Mr. and the Missus."

With everything that happened in the moment, all of your adrenaline and confusion, you reached out and smacked him. Rick, despite his position, knew how Negan would react to such an action, and he wanted to help you, but the barrel that dug into his temple kept him still. "Not an inch." Dwight reminded him.

The man in the truck moved to aim his own weapon towards you. Negan holds him off with a wave of his hand. He chuckles, throaty and heartfelt, almost if he had enjoyed it.

“Day-yumn!” He nearly shouted, “You got quite a hand on yah, sweetheart.” He laughs as you clench your hands at your sides. He waits for a response or some kind of sass, but you say nothing. He leans down to be eye to eye, “Why don’t you give me a tour huh?” At this proximity you can smell the bitterness of beer and brisk scent of pine. When he didn’t get the reaction he wanted, he reached his gloved hand under your chin, finger digging into the flesh of your cheeks, “I said give me a fucking tour, princess. Don’t make me ask again.” He growled, your eyes trailing up his face.

Now you could really take in his features this close. The well trimmed peppered heart, perfect lips, hazel eyes you could lose yourself in. Sure he may have insulted your intelligence, but it felt good to have a man put you in your place. “Yes, Sir.” You reply without a beat. His lips pull into a smirk and he chuckles.

“See, Rick! We’re gettin’ along just peachy.” He finally releases your face and the dull ache in your jaw is only an afterthought as he kindly places a hand on your lower back and ushers you further towards the garden. “B-R-B.” He sings leaving his men to watch over Rick.

The gravel crunches beneath the weight of your steps as you and Negan approached the garden abundant with many fresh goodies. He swings his bat as he walks, "So what's your name, sweet cheeks?"

"Y/N, and that's all you're going to get out of me."

"Oh we'll see about that darlin'." Negan chimes in.

((So I had this all planned out and I think it'll do better in multiple parts. So keep checking back for more! Thank you for reading 📚))

#twd negan #netflix twd #the walking dead #negan x reader #negan smith #jeffrey dean morgan #jeffrey dean morgan x reader #twd x reader #twd x y/n #negan x fem!reader #negan smith x reader #negan smith x fem!reader #rick grimes #andrew lincoln #rick grimes x reader

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rainbows-r-nice05 · 1 year ago

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Frozen Camera

I watched Rise of the Guardians and fell in love with Jack Frost because he is my baby. Anyway here is something I just whipped up and I know it's bad but I needed to so it to ease my mind.

I hate studying, I really do. My mind tries to focus but it drifts into dreamland. Dreaming of the impossible. Fighting dragons, ruling a kingdom….....finding true love. But enough about that. To relax a little, I decided to go read a book outside. Since it was Christmas time, I picked up the story about all the different kinds of Christmas characters. It was night time so I made sure to bring some blankets out. As I stepped outside on my back porch, coldness engulfed me. My porch was spacious with lawn chairs and a brick pillar on the side that leads into the grass. Oh, how beautiful it was. Christmas lights dance around my neighbors backyards across the lake connecting them. Lights from blue and white to red and green. The fountain was still going as the wind danced through it. I sat down in order to enjoy reading a bit into my novel. This section was about the famous Jack Frost to whom I believed in when I was a little kid. But not anymore since I am a junior in high school. About 10 mins into my book, I absentmindedly start singing a famous Christmas Carol.

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

I heard distant barking of dogs nearby which was normal. And the rustle of plants that were caused by the wind.

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joyI

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

All of a sudden, my ears perk up at this crinkle or a sound of frost covering something. Like a tingling sound of some sort. I looked around and saw one of my security cameras had frost covering the lens.

“That's weird,” I muttered to myself as I stood up, set my book down and walked toward the camera. Over the lens it looked blueish with little snowflakes covering it. My curiosity got the best of me so I decided to go inside and get a ladder. (The camera was on the ceiling). I got the ladder from the garage and walked back outside. I opened it and climbed all the way to the top. I looked closely at the camera and scratched the frost off of it. Somehow, the frost just would not come off.

“OH GOS-,” suddenly I lost my balance and was headed toward the ground.

“Gotcha,” I was caught by someone who was levitating off of the ground and wrapped my arms around this persons neck. It seemed to be a boy around my age who had piercing blue eyes and platinum blond hair. His skin was pale white and freezing for that matter. His dazzling white teeth showed as he smiled lovingly at me. My goodness was he handsome.

“Woah…” I was too starstruck to even comprehend what was happening.

“Lost your balance, there sweetheart,” the mysterious man said.

“You-your-you…”

“Jack Frost is the name,” he said as he lowered me to the ground.

“Oh my goodness.. It's really you,”

“Of course it's me, alive and in person.” His smile…. Is so…..loving. I finally got a good look at him and he was wearing a blue hoodie with some light brown pants. He was indeed barefoot as he was Jack Frost.

Oh my gosh. OH MY GOSH The Jack Frost in front of ME!!!

“And what might your name be pretty girl,”

Pretty girl…. I flushed deeply at that. I smiled sheepishly as I introduced myself.

“(Y/N) (L/N) at your service,” as I extended my hand out for him to shake.

He shook it softly and his hands were beyond freezing.

“Wait, what are you doing here?” I was so puzzled as to why he was here. It was December right, but it does not even snow over here.

“Oh.. Well…” he walked around with his staff tapping the bird bath with it and it froze solid.

“I got quite bored while I was patrolling so I decided to fly across a random area where I found a beautiful singing voice in this very backyard.”

As if I could ever be more redder, my face would be a tomato.

“What were you doing out here,” he said as he pointed his staff at me.

I gently pushed his staff out of my face and raised an eyebrow.

“Well, It is my backyard” I started to walk around him.

“But if you want to know, I was reading a book.”

“Oh… interesting”

“Y’know, you have a very nice backyard,” he stated as he walked around and faced the lake.

“And a very nice show you get to watch.”

I giggled lightly at that.

“Oh yes, Christmas is the best time of the year when I get to sit outside in the cold and light a fire. I see all the Christmas lights in their glory.” I smiled at last night's occurrence which was just like how I described.

“Well, isn’t that nice,” he said as he gazed at me.

All of a sudden I hear this ringing noise that sounds jolly. Jack takes a small device out of his hand and looks very disappointed. He verbally groans.

“Wish I could stay, but Santa needs me.”

“You mean North,” I say out of the blue

“Wait how do you-”

“Jack,” I giggle a little,

“Might want to go see him” I say as I step in front of him pointing at the device smiling.

He smiles as he is about to fly away.

“Wait!” I put a hand up signaling him to not go yet.

“Will I ever see you again?”

“I’ll make sure I will see you again, snowflake.” He says as he takes my hand and kisses it with his cold yet soft lips.

I smile and yet again, I flush at the nickname.

He then flies away and I am left alone outside. I walk back to the camera and see that the frost has disappeared. I smile as I walk back inside. I gaze back out across the lake where I think of the many events that Jack Frost will show me.

thinking on a part two maybe or a milti series thing idk yet lol

I have to get back to studying though

#jack frost x reader #rise of the guardians #jack frost is my baby #jack frost imagine

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selunesdreams · 2 months ago

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Chapter 3: Sympathy is a Knife

“Are you saying my debt is now paid in full?” “I don’t know. Is breaking you out of an underwater prison an even exchange for a glass of wine I didn’t have the chance to finish?” Lucanis smirked, a huff of air escaping his nose. Her moxie rivaled Caterina’s. He shuffled out of her way as she squeezed past him to peruse another section, her long, dark hair sweeping against his shoulder, the curve of her hip just barely brushing against his- “SMELLS LIKE-” “So…was that you or Spite who had my back there with the Warden?” Rook asked, thumbing through stacks of fabric. “-ROSEWATER AND SMOKE-” “You can say it was both of us.”

Pairing: Lucanis x Fem Rook/OFC x sometimes Spite??

Summary: Lucanis asks Rook for moral support in planning Caterina's funeral, Rook asks him for a favor in return, Varric has a lot to say about chess, Davrin gets recruited, and Rook has to make an impossible choice…Link to Chapter 1

Word Count: 4.5k

Things of note/warnings: 18+ fic, MDNI! Blood, blight, decomposition, Spite smelling people an inappropriate amount, protective Lucanis and…dead grandmas? I think that covers this chapter. Please read on AO3 if you need to track warnings, they will be inevitably detailed better there (or just want to be real sweet and give me hits/kudos/comments).

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

To her relief, the Demon of Vyrantium’s addition hadn’t upset the peace of the Lighthouse much, but he had a terrible habit of brooding.

With Varric still on the mend, Rook had been savoring her moments with Neve, Bellara, and Harding in the days leading up to Lucanis’ arrival. Even with almost certain death on the horizon, the four had spent several evenings lounging with their feet in the small pool, centered in Harding’s room. Lace’s quarters more closely resembled a vibrant greenhouse with trails of thick ivy cascading from the ceiling, the floor littered with potted plants from regions of Thedas Rook had never even heard of.

In more recent days, Lucanis had revealed talent in the kitchen that rivaled his expertise as an assassin, and he soon became something like a savior. He possessed an uncanny ability to transform a loaf of bread, spices, and tomatoes into a dish one would serve to impress on a first date. If she was honest, his food rivaled Rook’s mother’s and flooded her with nostalgia, but she’d never admit it. Or maybe it would, if it meant she’d never have to consume one of Neve’s oil-drenched fish again.

“So, we have the Shadow Dragons backing us, the Veil Jumpers, the Crows…now what?” Bellara, never still for more than a few minutes at a time, paced the floor of the main sanctum where the other women were gathered.

“We need Wardens. If we’re dealing with blight, they’ve got centuries of experience under their belts.” Neve said. Beside her, Harding was curled up in a way that made even the stone bench seem inviting.

“Not to mention all that corruption they love sweeping under the rug,” Rook grumbled.

Harding straightened in her seat. “Hey, not all Wardens are-"

The doors swung open and Lucanis strode in, his steps falling quietly on the granite floor. “Rook, do you have a minute?”

She arched an eyebrow. “Of course, is something the matter?”

He waved her on to follow him, silently climbing the stairwell to her chambers.

“Don’t be too long, Rook,” Neve said, miming a rather offensive gesture with a wink before her face turned serious again. “I’ve arranged a meeting between you and the First Warden at the Cobbled Swan at sundown.”

Rook returned Neve’s gesture with one of her own and followed Lucanis upstairs.

“You’re starting to give everyone the wrong idea about us.” She said, shutting the door behind her. “Any reason this needed to be top secret?”

“Teia wants to meet.” He said, pacing the floor with his hands clasped behind his back. “To plan Caterina’s funeral.”

“Oh.”

“If you don’t mind, I could use some backup. In case Spite gets out of hand. And I thought, since this is Crow business, and you and Caterina had…some sort of relationship...”

“Understood.” Rook grabbed her staff from its place on the wall. “Let’s not keep Teia waiting.”

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

The casino was enveloped in a heavy silence as they entered, the lights dimmed as a show of respect. Most of the non-essential staff and Crows had been dismissed, adding to the stillness.

“Good, you’re here.” Teia pulled Rook into a tight embrace while Illario idled behind her, his downcast expression mirroring his sullen mood. Among all the people she had left behind, the absence of Teia weighed heavily on her conscience. She hadn’t even left a note, yet the Seventh Talon had shown no resentment since their reunion.

Lucanis joined them, lingering near the back wall. “Thank you for making the arrangements, Andarateia.”

“For Caterina? How could I do otherwise? I’m so sorry, Lucanis. This must be such a blow.”

Rook felt a pang of sympathy - he looked so lost. It was easy to forget that someone like Lucanis, who had grown up under the care of the hardened First Talon, could still experience such profound grief. Especially when his only remaining family was Illario, who was emotional enough for the both of them. She shuddered, reminding herself that Viago was a blessing, even in the moments when he felt like a curse.

Teia reached out, her hand gently squeezing Rook’s. “Thank you for coming with him. I need one Dellamorte to plan this. His cousin has been no help at all.”

“I’m sorry, Teia. This is just…too much right now,” Illario said, his hand passing wearily over his face. Rook suppressed the urge to dismiss his words as melodrama, choosing instead to inject a hint of levity into the conversation.

“Lucanis wouldn’t have come without me,” she quipped playfully. Beside her, he folded his arms, widening his stance and shooting her an irritated sideways glance.

“Here for emotional support? You’re always such a dear. You certainly didn’t learn that from Viago.”

“Well, I did care about Caterina. She deserves to be honored.” Beside her, Lucanis’ posture softened a bit, but Illario remained tense as ever. “What do you need us to do?”

Teia nodded. “There’s a lot to plan, but first I need the ashes.”

“…Ashes?” Illario’s face slacked.

“Maker help us. Caterina’s ashes … from the cremation?”

“Oh. Yes. Of course.” He let his arms fall heavy at his sides. “I’ll get them to you right away.”

“Illario, what happened?” Lucanis asked, standing up straight. “How did the Venatori get to Caterina? When? Where? In the estate? In the city? How did they get past our people? What did they use? Poison? Blades? I need to know!”

Illario stepped forward and pressed a palm to his shoulder. “Cousin, stop. You can’t dwell on this. It will drive you mad.”

Lucanis brushed his hand away. “I’m not dwelling. Zara killed the First Talon. I have to know how if I’m going to stop her!”

“And I’m telling you, I’m handling it!”

“Boys! Enough of this. We have other things to discuss.” Teia snapped.

“My apologies, Andarateia.” Illario said. “Please, continue without me. I’ll…get you the ashes.” He cast a final, pained glance in Rook’s direction before he left. It was obvious he wanted her to follow, to comfort him so he could talk her into taking her clothes off out of pity.

She rooted her feet firmly in place. Not happening.

“Something’s going on with him.”

“When he’s not on the job, my cousin always has his head in the clouds.” Lucanis said dismissively.

“She’s right though. Illario can be a handful, but the only time I’ve seen him this way was when you were presumed dead.” Teia gave Lucanis an appraising look and grinned. “You’re worrying, aren’t you? What will people say if they hear the Demon of Vyrantium has a big, soft heart?”

“It’s been an issue before.” Lucanis mumbled.

“An issue?” Rook glanced between them. “What kind of issue?”

“Remember Lucanis’ big contract for the Wigmaker? What he didn’t tell everyone is that he went rogue and freed a bunch of slaves before killing his target. Good karma, but bad for his reputation.” Teia said. “Sound familiar?”

Rook blinked. Maybe this was why he’d gone so much easier on her than Viago had. Save for her accidentally interrupting a Crow operation, their situations were nearly identical.

“I ignored Caterina’s most important teaching - not to let emotions become involved in killing. It makes you sloppy.”

“You’re kidding.” Rook scoffed. “Only Crows could make something like freeing slaves into a shameful occasion.”

“Fiamma…” Teia warned as Viago stepped into the room. She tugged on Lucanis’ sleeve, pulling him aside. “Come, I’ll get us some drinks and we can make arrangements.”

Viago moved closer, the sound of his boots echoing on the casino walls. “Any more complaints about how we should be running things around here?”

“Come on, Vi. You know what I meant.”

“Illario was inconsolable at the wake.” He said, changing the subject. “He needed you, Fiamma. I had to use a mild poison to sedate him and get him to stop blubbering. Maybe you should try to be there for him this time around.”

“I owe him nothing.”

“At the very least, you could help another Crow-”

“Please. Are you upset that Illario’s alienated everyone in his life, or that you couldn’t pawn a drunk spoiled brat off on me at your friend’s wake? Who, might I mention, is alive and well in the next room.” She said, gesturing at the wall.

“Forget Illario! I’m upset that I grieved two people at once!” Viago roars. “Lucanis was my friend, but you were my family . And you abandoned me-”

“You abandoned me!”

“You disobeyed orders!” Viago closed his eyes and swallowed hard enough that she saw his throat bob before he lowered his voice to a whisper. “You could have died.”

“Vi-I’m going to be-”

He cut her off and pulled her into a crushing hug.

“I am a bastard. My father does not want to know me, and my half-siblings took their hush money and disappeared. My mother is gone.” He said, holding her close, “Sure, I had Teia and Illario and Caterina. But we are blood.”

The back of Fiamma’s throat burned as he broke the embrace and held onto her by her shoulders. She narrowed her eyes and glanced at his hands.

“We never hug. Is there poison on your gloves?”

“Could be. Don’t let your guard down, cousin.” he released her, clearly embarrassed by his own display of affection. “But I’m serious. If someone could take out Caterina…I’m glad Lucanis is with you, at least.”

“I handled myself fine without him before.”

“And you’ll handle yourself better with him now. He could teach you a thing or two about restraint. And patience.”

“Not with that demon in him.”

“Don’t make me worry again, please. I haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep in months.” Viago groaned.

“I think the demon likes me.” Rook winked and Viago wrinkled his nose.

“I regret saying anything at all.”

“Fine. I’ll change the subject…” she lowered her voice. “You and Teia seem close.”

“We’ve always been close. She’s a Talon.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Fi, flirting is what Teia does. You’ve known her your whole life.”

“She is not just flirting…” Rook ended the exchange as Teia and Lucanis’ voices drew nearer.

“Our house owes you for handling all this.”

“Caterina was family. Can you imagine what she’d say if she saw us all like this?”

Old Crow instincts kicked in, and both Rook and Viago eavesdropped, letting their conversation go unfinished.

“How is working with Fi?”

Rook couldn’t hear Lucanis’ reply.

“She’ll come around. You remind her of difficult times.”

Viago suppressed a grin as Rook cursed under her breath. Teia was always spilling her secrets.

“How…is she?”

“Too hard on herself. But a good leader. My…Spite listens her. Which is odd. He doesn’t really listen to anyone.”

“Spite?”

“The demon.”

“I told you,” Rook nudged Viago, earning her a sharp elbow to the ribs in return. She pinched his forearm, and he took two large sidesteps away from her, folding his arms across his chest.

“Oh. And you?” Teia continued, her voice echoing off the walls.

“And I what?”

“Do you listen to her?”

“When she has something to say, sure. Usually, she ignores me.”

Rook’s mouth fell open. “She’s doing this on purpose!” she hissed. “She knows we’re eavesdropping.”

A curt “yep” was all her cousin said in return, clearing his throat as Teia and Lucanis rounded a corner.

“I’ll have my people keep an eye on Illario.” Teia said, winking at Rook as she sat down on a nearby sofa and crossed her legs.

Lucanis nodded. “Thank you both.”

Teia shooed them away with a wave of her hand. “Go on. I’ll let you know if something comes up. And Fi? We’re overdue for a chat. When you have the time. I know you’re a busy woman these days.”

Rook nodded, giving Viago’s wrist a quick squeeze before following Lucanis across the walkway back to the Eluvian. Perhaps she and her cousin hadn’t completely worked things out, but this seemed like a step in the right direction.

“Lucanis, you wouldn’t be feeling…generous, by chance?”

“This sounds foreboding.”

“I was just thinking, since I was such wonderful moral support, that you could be my backup on a little errand I have to run?”

“Fine, as long as you stop trying to charm me into it.”

Rook placated him and dropped the act.

“Are you up for a quick trip to Dock Town with me? Neve set up a meeting between me and the First Warden.”

“Wardens? Ugh. Isn’t there something I could stab instead?”

“I had to stand in the same room as Illario for you. You can bear a Warden. Come on, I’ll let you sulk across the bar. I just need you in case things go south. You won’t even have to introduce yourself.”

He mulled it over. “Is there wine?”

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“Deal."

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

Lucanis settled into a booth at the Cobbled Swan with a bottle of Antivan Red and a glass that he had to polish himself a few times with the cuff of his sleeve before feeling comfortable drinking from it. Rook had definitely misled him when she dragged him along, conveniently “forgetting” her coin purse, forcing him to pay for their drinks.

“Don’t pretend you can’t afford it. With all that unspent money accruing interest in your bank account while you were in the Ossuary?” she had teased him. There was a delighted laugh somewhere in his mind.

“LIKE HER. FUNNY. NOT AFRAID OF SPITE.”

He took a long sip and grinned. If he was stuck with a demon, he could at least find a little solace in the company.

From a safe distance, he watched Rook attempt to reason with the Warden. At first, her side of the conversation appeared to go well. She carried herself like a leader - Wardens were always receptive to that. But the First Warden - Jowin, he’d called himself - became less and less amused the longer she spoke. As he placed his glass on the table, Lucanis discreetly reached for the dagger at his hip.

“The important thing is, the gods are making the blight worse. D’Meta’s Crossing was just the beginning. That’s why we need the Wardens-”

“It’s clear whatever you did to unleash the blight has corrupted your already weak mind.” Jowin nodded to his guards behind her. “You will be taken to Weisshaupt and placed under heavy guard until the danger you caused by unleashing the blight passes-”

“No, wait-”

Lucanis sprung from his seat, and with a flash of steel, appeared at Rook’s side, daggers drawn.

“She’s not going anywhere. Try again.”

“I was handling this,” Rook growled.

“By getting yourself a private escort to prison?”

“I should have known.” The First Warden said, “You Crows are meddling where you-”

“Adamant Fortress. 9:41 Dragon.” Someone announced loudly from across the room. “The Grey Wardens tried to raise an army of demons.”

A man strode between them and the Wardens, placing a hand on his hip. His clothes bore the Shadow Dragon mark, and there was a slight burn behind Lucanis’ eyeballs.

“MAGE. STRONG ONE. SMELLS LIKE TEVINTER-”

“Hardly the models of good judgment yourselves, are you?” He continued, examining his fingernails.

“Everyone knows Warden-Commander Clarel acted alone at Adamant Fortress.” The First Warden retorted.

“Acted alone, you say? Imagine if everyone saw the letter I discovered where you authorized her actions…”

The First Warden scowled. “Are you prepared to risk the security of the Grey Wardens for this girl?”

“DISRESPECT! NOT A GIRL. WOMAN . LET ME KILL, PLEASE .”

Lucanis pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to keep Spite at bay. High emotions always gave the demon a chance to break through.

“You may be surprised to find I care very little about the security of the Grey Wardens.” The mage continued with a shrug.

The First Warden squinted at Rook.

“Stay away from the blight, and do not address the Grey Wardens again with your nonsense,” he said, motioning for his guards to follow and storming out of the bar.

“Blackmail, really? Impressive.” Rook murmured, extending a hand. “I’m-”

“Rook. I know. A mutual friend thought you might need some support.” He took her by the hand enthusiastically.

“Are you Dorian? Of the Shadow Dragons? Varric’s mentioned you.”

“The very same.” He turned to Lucanis and frowned, undoubtedly picking up on his demonic passenger.

“Lucanis.” He introduced himself with a bow, preferring to keep his distance.

“You’re both Crows?”

“Yes.” Rook answered.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Dorian eyed Lucanis as he shoved his hands inside the pockets of his robes. “Right, well…” He cleared his throat with a smile. “Don’t hesitate to call on me if you need assistance. A friend of Varric’s is… usually, a friend of mine.”

As Dorian took his leave, Lucanis leaned over to murmur in Rook’s ear. “He can sense Spite.”

“Are you sure? Maybe assassins just make him nervous.”

“Really? He’s a Shadow Dragon, Rook.”

“Just trying to make you feel better.” She shrugged and looked at the empty booth where he’d been sitting. “Should we have another glass before we get out of here?”

“Viago would have me killed if I let you drink unsupervised wine.”

“Good call.” She said and tossed a coin on the bar, slipping out the door.

“I thought you forgot your coin purse?” Lucanis fell in step with her on the street, his cloak billowing lightly in the breeze behind him.

“And I thought you owed me a debt?”

She ducked into a small clothing shop, and he followed. From floor to ceiling, tailored garments hung on display, textile samples arranged neatly in long lines on battered tables underneath. Several were missing a leg, or propped up on bricks to keep them steady.

“SMELLS LIKE LEATHER AND MOTHBALLS.”

“Are you saying my debt is now paid in full?”

“I don’t know. Is breaking you out of an underwater prison an even exchange for a glass of wine I didn’t have the chance to finish?”

Lucanis smirked, a huff of air escaping his nose. Her moxie rivaled Caterina’s. He shuffled out of her way as she squeezed past him to peruse another section, her long, dark hair sweeping against his shoulder, the curve of her hip just barely brushing against his-

“SMELLS LIKE-”

“So…was that you or Spite who had my back there with the Warden?” Rook asked, thumbing through stacks of fabric.

“-ROSEWATER AND SMOKE-”

“You can say it was both of us.”

She hummed to herself and picked out a leather pantsuit, holding it up against herself to check the size before placing it on the counter. As she dispensed a few gold pieces on top of it, the shop-owner’s eyes widened as he did a double-take, confirming Lucanis’ suspicions that she overpaid.

His head began to feel fuzzy again, and he positioned himself sideways, watching the shop door out of the corner of his eye. A few hooded figures milled about, and he placed his hand on Rook’s lower back.

“You look exhausted. Best we get back.” He turned his attention to the shop owner. “Mind if we use the back door?” Lucanis asked politely.

The shop owner nodded and gestured between two clothing racks, appreciatively holding out Rook’s purchase. Lucanis guided her out, stepping carefully across clothes strewn across the floor.

Rook huffed indignantly. “I look exhausted? You look like you haven’t slept in weeks.”

“SMELLS LIKE-”

“I believe you.” He said, pushing her into the alley.

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

“So, Scout Harding glows now? Is that a thing everyone’s doing or just her?”

Rook flopped on the bed opposite Varric and sighed loudly.

“Fuck off. I need some advice.” She let her hand fall to the side, allowing him a glimpse of Solas’ dagger in her palm. “What do you think this is?”

“Shit. That looks like the one my brother tried to kill me and Hawke for. Lyrium.”

“How do you think Solas cleansed it of the Blight?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Ugh. This is all too much.” Rook whined and rolled over, burying her face in a pillow.

“Chin up, kid. You’ve got this.”

“Do I? I’m starting to feel as crazy as the First Warden thinks I am.” She turned her head to catch her breath, muffled voice becoming clear again. “I mean…fuck. I seem pretentious, don’t I? Masquerading around like some kind of leader, asking people who’ve known me since childhood - my own family - to call me Rook?”

“You remember when I gave you that nickname?”

“Yeah, yeah. When you taught me how to play chess, passing time in Minrathous while we waited for a contact.”

“The rook on a chessboard represents strength, stability. It’s second only in power to the queen piece.”

“Are you the queen in this scenario?”

“Funny.” Varric glared at her. “As I was saying - it’s a major player. But unlike the queen, who can move in any direction she wishes, it’s up against odds, limitations. The rook has the unique job of protecting its allies, while it also searches for its enemy’s weakness. It must move around its fellow pieces carefully, sometimes waiting for them to act before it can make its move.”

“You sound like my father.” She whined. “All lessons and metaphors.”

“Fatherhood was never my calling. But I am a damn good mentor.”

Tears brimmed in Rook’s eyes for some reason, and she swiped them away hastily. “You are,” she whispered.

“Hey Rook-“ Harding knocked softly on the door as she entered the room. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

She sat up so quickly she saw stars. “No, not at all.”

“Tell us what you’ve got, Harding.” Varric said.

“Lucanis mentioned your trouble with the First Warden…”

Rook grimaced. “How kind of him.”

“I was just thinking - I have some friends. A married couple in the Wardens who have been researching the Blight for years. I could reach out to them, if you’d like? See if they could help?”

Rook exhaled. “That would be great, Harding.”

“I’ll get on it.”

“Hey - did Lucanis…say anything else?”

She shook her head. “Only that the First Warden was an ass to you, and he wanted to tell him where he could shove his blade. Now that I think about it, though, I’m not sure if that was him or the demon talking.”

“You’ve got to look at the eyes. Purple is Spite.”

“Oh. Well…then I guess it was just Lucanis.”

Rook hummed to herself as Harding left, falling back onto the mattress as she looked at Varric, who was grinning ear to ear.

“What? You have something to say?”

“No, no, just…touching that the Demon of Vyrantium is so heated on your behalf.”

“Why don’t you take another nap, old man?”

─── ⊹⊱♤⊰⊹ ───

“Oh!”

Rook covered her mouth and suppressed the bile that rose in her throat. Harding’s connections had sent them searching for a Grey Warden in the High Anderfels, and so far, all she and Lucanis had found was a tent full of blight and decomposition.

“That’s…unfortunate.” Lucanis said, before something above caught his attention. He searched the sky carefully, one hand reaching for his dagger.

“What-”

He held a finger up to cut her off, beginning to crouch low, just before a loud squawk echoed throughout the canyon and a pair of claws came barreling down towards them. Lucanis shoved Rook out of the way, and she landed hard on her knees, hands scraping on the rock as she scrambled to catch herself without plunging to her death. The creature swooped in front of them again, landing a few feet away, scratching at the earth and snapping its beak.

Rook pushed Lucanis aside and crawled forward, holding out her hands in invitation. The half-eagle, half-lion, cocked its head curiously as Lucanis lowered his weapon.

“Rook! Are you crazy?” He hissed.

“It’s a griffon! A real griffon!”

“Trouble is, he’s not sure what you are. Neither am I.” Announced a tall elf in full Warden armor, climbing up the nearby hill. Rook rose to her feet, offering her hand.

“I’m Rook.” She inclined her head backwards. “This is Lucanis. We’re looking for Davrin.”

“You’ve found him.” He placed his hands on his hips. “Mind telling me why you smell like darkspawn? Griffins hunt darkspawn.”

“It’s the tent.” Rook protested. “It was like that when we got here…blighted.”

“Blight? Where are Remi and-?”

There was a sudden chorus of griffons crying out overhead, and Davrin drew his sword, bracing himself.

“Time to go. You can explain while we run. Come on!”

Recruiting their new friends hadn’t gone as planned. Ambushed by a Gloom Howler and several darkspawn, the remaining griffons were abducted, but Davrin agreed to return to the Lighthouse with them, under the agreement that they’d help retrieve the stolen griffons in return.

“So, you live in the Fade?” He asked as they stepped off the Caretaker’s boat. Behind him, his griffon, Assan, screeched excitedly.

“Yep.” Rook cleaned darkspawn guts off her blade with the heel of her boot. “And the gods can’t find us here. It’s a pretty solid setup. There are plenty of rooms to choose from. Your odds on getting a good one are high since Lucanis chose to camp out in the pantry.”

Lucanis glowered. “Rook, would you please -”

As they rounded the next corner, the rest of their companions came barreling into view.

“Well…here’s everyone.” Rook gave them a skeptical look. “Everyone, this is-”

“Dragons!” Bellara braced her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. “Dragons.”

Davrin drug his hand across his face. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Minrathous is under attack.” Neve clarified.

“Treviso too.” Harding skidded to a stop behind her.

“Mierda.” Lucanis breathed.

“We can’t be in two places at once, Rook.” Harding said, “You’ve got to make the call.”

Lucanis seized Rook by the arm, a pleading look in his eyes. “Rook, it’s Treviso . People will die without us-Teia, Viago, Illario-”

Her stomach churned as she locked eyes with Neve. Her new friend. The one she’d grown most attached to during her fleeting time in the Lighthouse. The only other person handpicked by Varric.

“Neve, I’m so sorry. I have to-“

“I get it. Treviso is your home. But I have to go save mine.” She fade-stepped backwards and took off running to Dock Town’s Eluvian without another word. Rook glanced around at her companions as they waited for her to make a decision.

Damnit, Varric. She never wanted to be a leader.

“Davrin, with us.” She didn’t want to split him up with people he hadn’t even been properly introduced to yet. “The rest of you go with Neve. We’ll meet you there as soon as we can.”

Rook stared down at her arm, where Lucanis still had ahold of her, expecting him to release her, but he pulled her along, as if afraid she’d turn her back on Treviso if he didn’t drag her there.

“Is it always like this?” Davrin asked as he quickened his pace, following them through the Crossroads. Behind them, Assan flitted through the air anxiously.

“I wish I could say it wasn’t.” Rook replied over her shoulder. She yanked herself free of Lucanis’ hold as they reached the Eluvian, and followed him in, gasping as she materialized on the other side.

Her city was burning.

#lucanis dellamorte #spite being a little shit #eating crow #lucanis x rook #lucanis fanfic #illario dellamorte #dragon age lucanis #da4 lucanis #lucanis romance #lucanis fic #dragon age the veilguard #dragon age fanfiction #veilguard fic #dragon age veilguard #spite dragon age #rook x lucanis #da4 #lucanis #lucanis fanfiction

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ahologramofcrystal · 3 months ago

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I keep seeing art people have drawn of what the Saviors would look like in color, and well… Exactly how are they supposed to color coordinate when there are no colors? Especially with Insertdisc5 having a cut joke about some makeup including the color “Tomato Grey.”

So any AU that has colors come back needs to have the gang realize everyone is dressed in just the worst colors you’ve ever seen. A mishmash of colors that don’t go together at all.

#isat #in stars and time #monochrome hides all sins #fashion disaster

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mousieta · 2 months ago

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Some thoughts the morning after an election

There is a desire embedded deep in many of our psyches for a savior. For one single moment or person that can fix everything, set the world right, engineer all the systems to be perfect and pure so that we can then ignore all of it and go about our every-day lives

Except this figure, this moment, is a myth.

They do not exist.

They never have.

No one person, no politician or celebrity or persona is going to swoop in and make everything better so we can continue ignoring the wider world to focus on ourselves.

No one person has ever affected the world like that. There are no singular Great Men. There have always been communities that singular people represent and embody. The hagiogriphication of the individual is a construct we must dismantle.

The maxim 'We Save Us' has never been more true. A politician, a president, won't. They never could. We need to stop waiting for our savior and reach for our communities, search out our peers, build the deep relationships that will enable us to sustain one another.

So give yourself a moment to mourn then dry your tears and harness your fear, your rage. The answers aren't in despair. They aren't in running away. They aren't in finding a scapegoat.

The answer is in letting go of the idea of the individual who will fix it all and looking to within ourselves to be one member of a community who can fix as much as it can.

Find your local mutual aid organizations.

Support your local libraries and community gardens.

Build a garden if there are none to be found near you. Even the smallest tomato plant is a start.

Get to know your neighbors.

Be willing to show up and get your hands dirty, to get to work.

Allow yourself to be burdened by the people around you. Allow yourself to be a burden.

Dig in deep to the place you are and embrace those beside you. Build a community together.

There are no saviors.

There never have been.

There is only us.

#mousie squeaks #politics #i refuse to despair #she was never going to fix anything by going where she went

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tree-of-growth · 3 months ago

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....are all of you named after fruits? Can you name yourself after vegetables too or is it just fruits??? Also give Milton back he has been through too much religious torment already

Sorry, late on this ask. Okay, so basically, we aren't like, named after fruits from birth - I'm going to use Lemon as an example cause she's a little bitch and you should go send them so much hate right now for being alive here's her @ - @lemon-frog-tog

Like most of our members, Lemon joined as Sadie - a boring old lesbian with a boring lesbian name. But once they joined our organization, Apple (our prophet and savior) bestowed upon her a fruit - Lemon, of course. From then on, she has only been referred to as Lemon - that is her name now, as far as we know or care.

We do not name ourselves, we are named by the prophets - either green or red Apple. Although, I guess Milton didn't do much naming when he was here.

Fig and Lemon gave a few honorary fruit names while Apple was away but they are not necessarily permanent or official - as only Apple has the ability to bestow fruits.

As for the whole "can you be named a vegetable" thing - we consider fruits to be fruits by their botanical definition rather than their culinary definition. So for example, Cherry Tomato (or Shrimp Man) is a valid fruit assignment because a tomato is technically a fruit. So gourds and peppers would also be valid as far as fruit assignments go (but in my humble opinion, they are lesser. Secondary citizens, if you will).

Also we did give Milton back. Yes - GAVE. We LET him get away, he did not "escape," contrary to what you may have heard...

This is why many individuals who are not members may also have been assigned fruits - for example, that heinous muppet fucker was assigned Kiwi and the rotten trad cunt we refer to as Pomegranate.

#tree of growth #tog #fruit of growth #tog ask #apple #red apple #lemon #fig #cherry tomato #kiwi #pomegranate #the muppet joker #the croakerverse

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majachee · 5 months ago

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I can die happy now with mmpr x td yuri/hj

giggling and kicking my feet rn, you have no idea how happy this makes me :3

also I had a funny idea where when alejandro (as the green ranger) is first introduced to the others, he gets all ‘holy savior’ and says “do not worry dear rangers, for I have arrived, the green ranger-“ and heather is like “booooooooo tomato tomato tomato, kill yourself im rating you one star on yelp” I think it would be funny if heather and alejandro had beef with one another, both as power rangers and regularly, but they just argue and fight like stupid idiot cats

-mmpr anon

I HAD TO DRAW SOMETHING BASED ON THIS SORRY IT WAS JUST TOO FUNNY

Instead of a love triangle, this group just has a bunch of beef triangles. Ohhh my GOD they are INSUFFERABLE /aff

#ask #anonymous #maja needs to shut up tag #mighty morphin power campers au #total drama au #tw sui talk #I GUESS.????#eye strain #ask to tag #doodle #sketch #shitpost

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call-me-a-simp · 2 years ago

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Heal My Wounds

Your Savior (Part 2)

Rhea Ripley x Reader

Tw: physical and sexual abuse, toxic relationship

Summary: You are in a toxic relationship with an abusive man but manage to run away. A tall, black haired woman picks you up from the streets just in time so your ex doesn't get you. But who is she and why does she seem so familiar to you? As you get to know each other you start to notice weird feelings you never had before whenever she's around.

You take a Deep Breath, trying to calm down, knowing he couldn't get you now. At least for some time. You knew he wouldn't stop there, he'd try to find you again and terrorize you until you gave in and come crawling back to him.

You take a look in the mirror outside and see him screaming and raging."Hey, are you okay? What happened out there?" the dark haired woman on the driver's side asked. You wince slightly, as you were so caught up in your thoughts, you completely forgot she was still there. "Hey hey, I didn't mean to scare you" she says, trying to sound somewhat comforting. "N-no.. it's okay.. I'm fine.." you say, your voice barely loud enough for her to hear.

"Who was that" the Woman asked again. You shook your head, not wanting to talk about it, everything was just too much. "Not now, sorry, it's just all too overwhelming right now. Thanks though for stopping, I don't even wanna imagine what would have happened if he got me." You give her a weak smile, and she just nods her head and continues driving.

About 20 minutes later you're still driving, the silence that surronded you during that time wasn't that unpleasant after all. The radio was playing quiet musik and all in all you were just glad you finally got some rest. "Where are we headed?" you decided to break the silence. "home" she replies. "I just came back from a buisness trip and the airport it quite far away from where i live." You nodded, silence filling the car once more.

Some minutes later you decide to finally ask her who she was, she seemed so oddly familiar to you. "Can I ask you one more question?" "sure, as many as you'd like" she said. "Who are you and do we know each other by any chance? You seem so familiar"

She chuckled, "Well, you might know me under my ringname, Rhea Ripley, but you can just call me Demi". And that's when it hit you. Rhea. Ripley. The woman you always admired. for her strength and confidence. You just sit there, stunned at what had just happened. "You okay?" Demi asks with a chuckle. "Yeah, yes I- uh I just didn't expect that" you say. She laughs at your response.

"I- I'm y/n btw" you say, a smile tugging a the corner of your lips. How lucky could you be? The Rhea Ripley was the one so save you. "Nice to meet you y/n" Rhea grins. "Do you have anywhere to stay for now?". You shake your head "No, I don't have any friends around here and my parents live quite far away" you explain.

"Okay, you'll just come with me then, also good cause I know you're protected and don't need to blame myself in case anything happens to you tonight" Rhea says, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

You arrive at her place a few minutes later and you both exit the car. Rhea grabs her suitcase from the trunk before opening the door to her apartment. She puts her suitcase next to a small shelf in the hallway before taking off her shoes. You notice just now that you don't have any shoes so you open your backpack to search for a new pair of socks as yours were dirty from running outside.

You quickly change them and follow Rhea inside. "Are you hungry? Do you want anything to drink?"she asks, as you step into the kitchen. "Some water would be good thanks" you say. She hands you a glass of water and Begins to rummage around the kitchen to gather some supplies for cooking.

"Can I help you with anything?" you ask, putting the now empty glass aside. "You can chop some onions and Tomatoes for the Sauce if you want. I'm gonna make Pasta for dinner." Demi says, handing you a cutting board and a knive. Both of you Standing next to each other, you cutting the veggies and her preparing the noodles.

"Mind telling me what happened?" Rhea asks in a comforting voice. You stop cutting mid way, putting the knive away, and start fidgeting with your hands. You turn around so you were leanig against the counter with your back. You take a deep Breath and exhale slowly before starting to speak.

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

This is part 2 on my Heal my Wounds series, hope you enjoy. I've already got plans for future parts but I still appreciate every comment on wishes or hopes etc :)

Taglist: @thatonepansexual2000

#demi bennett #rhea ripley #rhea ripley x reader #wwe x reader #ex boyfriend #wrestling #rescue #injuries

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darylbae · 8 months ago

Note

depends how angsty ya wanna go buuut

a touch starved daughter!reader & a loving mother carol. at the kingdom, after the war w the saviours. carol notices that she’s distancing herself from ezekiel and henry. confronts reader. maybe reader snaps ? maybe she’s just sad/trying to ignore emotion but carol just reassuring.

problem solver — carol peletier

carol x daughter!reader

in which you, carol's daughter, just can't adjust to all the changes

note: my first carol fic! i hope it's good enough for u anon

Life before the outbreak wasn't important to you. It was about life now. It was about surviving, doing what you can for the people you cared about. You'd bonded with Carol when she'd arrived at the Kingdom, and you'd already been good friends with Henry and his older brother, and had a nice friendship with the King. They were your family. But when you'd lost Henry's older brother, that's when it all started going downhill. There was unrest with the saviors, a war commencing, of which you'd be taking part in. And it was all getting too much. So when the war was over, you'd made the choice to keep yourself to yourself.

It had been a while of loneliness, solitude you'd chosen for yourself. You still went to dinner, but ate alone and quickly, so you could hole yourself up again, you still did you duties for the Kingdom, but avoided everyone you could at all costs. You'd gone so long without a family before the Kingdom, so you could do it again. You don't remember the sound of your family's voices, the way a hug from your mom felt, it was a painfully distant memory. Carol had noticed she'd seen a lot less of you after the war was over. She'd catch a glimpse of you around, try to give you a smile, but you'd just turn the other way. Were you avoiding her? Carol was a realist. She was stern, but caring. Yet always had a sweet spot for you. You reminded her so much of her own daughter, she'd taken you under her wing, until you'd chosen to fly away from her entirely. She'd grown sick of it. Seeing you choose to be alone, when she knows there's something bouncing around in that head of yours. So she'd taken to getting it dealt with. Knocking on your door, Carol waited silently until she could hear the creak of the door opening. She'd put her boot in the door frame, and you'd quickly admitted defeat. "Tell me what's going on." You sighed deeply, sitting back on your bed with your book on your lap. "Nothing." "Liar." Her smile was sweet, but you knew her game. She was going to get you to crack. "I don't want to talk about it." You added. Carol sat on your bed beside you, looking at the book in your hand. Something she'd never heard of before, no doubt a sappy romance. She knew you loved those. "That's okay. I'll sit here until you're ready." "I won't be." "You will be." "Fine!" You exclaimed, standing up and throwing the book back onto the desk where you were collecting them. "You wanna know what my problem is? It's this. All of this. I can't just go back to being happy families, this isn't normal. This world is not normal anymore! We've just fought and killed a bunch of people, and now you want me to go back to picking tomatoes and hunting for dinner?" You'd snapped. Carol knew this wasn't directed at her, so she didn't feel offense, instead she just shifted over to where you were crying on the floor, and joined you. "It's okay to feel like that," she soothed, her arms around you and smoothing your hair, "you're right, this world is not normal. But family and community is important. You don't want to be alone in this world, I don't want you to be alone. So to have a family here, it's good. You can cry to me, to Ezekiel, and we'll make it better for you. I promise." That was one thing you could remember about your mom, how she was a problem solver. So you were glad to have Carol, to do your problem solving.

#carol peletier #carol peletier x reader #carol peletier fic

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candywife333 · 1 year ago

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Our Lord and Savior.........Garlic

TO RELEASE IN DECEMBER

[TEASER]

Pairing: 1000 year old arrogant vampire Jin x chubby reader (who is obsessed with garlic and Italian food)

Warning: explicit words used

I crept into the mortal's room. She was a horribly chubby little being that resembled an overstufffed turkey, currently snoozing away wrapped in her duvet. I tilted my head to take a better look at her, she really did look like she was a piglet in a blanket. Though I really hated the fat humans (due to what I considered to be their inferior taste) , this one really did intrigue me.

She smelled of peaches, vanilla, and rum. Strange combination that became slowly addictive to my senses. At least that's what my vampiric nose told me anyway. She was a prude. Completely covered in a long white cotton nightgown, and then again concealed by a comfy looking (but very inconvenient) blanket.

How the hell was I supposed to navigate this situation? I had dealt with extracting blood from modest humans in the past. But that was something like 200 odd years ago. I didn't particularly remember how I did it then, the technique was lost to me. The modern age had lent itself to the discovery of shorter night clothes leading to convenience for sucking blood.

The girl was surely not making my life any easier. Was it too much to ask for scantily clothed prey who I could slurp blood away from by the gallon?

As I got closer to her bed, trying to ascertain what angle to pierce her neck at, I heard sniffling and then a set of wide eyes sleepily fixing on my form.

Oh no!!! I was violating all the codes!! I could not under any circumstance be seen by a mortal. How did this mortal even open her eyes when I had bestowed upon her a sleep incantation?

I heard a squeal beneath me and saw the human scurry away from me, scared , as red as a tomato. She bellowing out , "GET AWAY FROM ME YOU VAMPIRE!!! BE GONE FROM MY CASTLE YOU IMPUDENT SCUM OF THE EARTH!! HEATHEN!! INFIDEL"!!

Why the hell was this girl acting like she was in the 18th century? What was this behavior? And this language was way too anachronistic, even for a vampire as old as me. Before I could respond to her accusations, she continued shrieking, " I SHALL CASTRATE YOU IF YOU COME ANY CLOSER"!

Ok, that for sure was a new and bold threat. Hadn't heard that one ever. She got points for creativity. She waved around a cross that was around her neck strapped to a thin gold chain. Well this was more typical of most religious victims I came across.

Then the girl proceeded to do something so unholy---even by my standards. Yes people, even I have standards as unlikely as it may seem.

So decrepit.

So unexpected.

She must be insane, that was the only explanation.

Even an immortal of my age had never seen this tactic before. She whipped up her night gown in a flurry, exposing her.....wet pussy to my eyes. For a second, I was confused by the exquisitely provocative sight.... till I caught the scent. The toxic scent of ..............garlic.

But the scent was emanating from her pussy?!!!! What type of sorcery was this?!!!

She hysterically cackled out, "GOT YOU, YOU DEMON! I ate so much garlic today from Olive Garden that you will rue your life, if you come too close to me. GARLIC BREATH AND GARLIC PUSSY SHALL BE THE END OF YOU, YOU EVIL CREATURE"!!!

I stood there confused. She was right about the garlic for sure. It definitely wasn't a preference of mine, along with ginger. But desperate times call for desperate measures. And I had never been one to turn down a meal. Clearly she had miscalculated.

#bts x plus size reader #bts x reader #chubby reader #comedy #smut #bts x curvy reader #bts x y/n #jin x curvy reader #jin x plus size reader #jin x chubby reader #teaser #lmao

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november-rising · 1 year ago

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The Bear: Season One, Episode Six - Ceres (opening scene)

Last Train Home continues to play on repeat in my mind. It's worth it as it's led me to an episode I didn't pay much attention to outside of this opening scene.

It all begins with Mikey, Ritchie, Nat, and Carm cooking. Mikey is executing the Berzatto Sunday recipe with such ease. It's lovely watching the Berzattos (+ one Jerimovich) packed together, calm, listening and taking time to be with one another.

Mikey is telling such a tale that winds and weaves. With all of my observations. With all of my notes and what I will share. No matter what- it should be noted that his ability to story tell is captivating.

I remember watching this the first time and being enthralled. There's no other term for it. As he speaks, I thought that he can remind anyone that there are simpler times all the while coloring life just enough for it to seem fanciful if you just try - just reach a little more for it. Mikey is providing amusement, entertainment and fun. Mickey knows how to tell without saying anything.

Michael Berzatto was the bond that made the family stay together.

He is doing his thing, talking, laughing, engaging everyone. And he brings up the Ceres statue. The mythos of Ceres is briefly recapped by Mikey. Who Ceres was isn’t important. What’s key is Mikey sharing a moment in his life that is without strife and hardship (Yes, I know he was high but it sounds like a "happy" high story as opposed to some horrors I'm sure the family doesn't mention ever again). He's connecting the history of their hometown with his life. Truly, that in and of itself, is otherworldly.

I believe that anything his shares tends to be cherished with these folks. I say this because, even though everyone knows he uses, Mikey holds many secrets. He probably doesn’t show too much of himself for a plethora of reasons which I could write about endlessly for days. (And I may one day...)

So, during this Sunday dinner prep, Mickey is being Mickey. He’s attentive and as bright as they know him to be before addiction took hold of him. Everyone is savoring this moment. Because, who knows when he’ll be this lucid or sober again?

*Side note: It’s interesting that Mickey knows the bars “traders” (Wall Street traders I assume) frequent. I wonder how that played out in his life. The company created and connected to the tomato cans, perhaps...?*

Someone who tends to be pushed to the side is Nat. I noticed her, particularly when she responds to Mikey with:

“You and your fucking stories."

She sees. She knows. She also feels left out.

She’s stuck at the sink while the older men are reminiscing about some bullshit and Carmy is drinking it all in.

Mickey taunts Nat, saying she could have come with (Mikey and Richie to wherever) to which she says she wouldn’t. I believe her. She’s been the one to keep Donna at bay. She’s been the caretaker. She is the quintessential parentified child. Sugar knows better than to spend time with Mikey and Richie.

This is the family:

Mikey setting up adventures.

Ritchie co-signing, hanging out on the sidelines.

Sugar cleaning the mess everyone is making.

And Carmy, looking in awe at his big brother - his savior. Carmen is shown waiting to be utilized and jumps that the chance when told.

Michael: "Hey Carmy, do some parm."

Carmen: "Yeah, I got you. I got you."

To bring this back to the Ceres statue story, it's about something built in the name of being the pinnacle of design based in the classics. That statue was commissioned to be a landmark and a wonderment. But, as time marches on, life evolves and grows. The city around it grew and achieved taller architectural designs/building.

Ceres is stone carved with no face. It has no lasting identity other than history. Same as Ceres. She’s history.

Same as Mikey.

Everyone around him grew. His façade was exposed to be blank, nothing, masking such history, pain, strife and togetherness just like Ceres.

Mikey only has the past.

And then there's the final puzzle piece from a different box that is Richie. The overall understanding within me, as I watch Richie share that his outgoing VM message as Goddess of Agriculture, is that he’s the historian of the family/friend group. That was his purpose before it all went to hell with Bear on that bridge.

All-in-all, we see Natalie and Carmen smiling, making the kitchen home. Michael and Richard providing the accents and anecdotal purpose.

An absolutely beautiful moment.

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acacia-may · 2 years ago

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Not All Heroes (OMORI Fanfiction)

Description: Kel was the type of person who tended to wear his heart on his sleeve, but even if he wasn't, his older brother, Hero, would still be able to tell something was definitely bothering him. After all, he's been silently trying to fix their broken toaster for who knows how long... Little does he know that what's troubling Kel is far above his pay grade.

Hero tries his best to be a supportive older brother and help Kel process some unexpected news.

[A Post-Bad Ending AU That Takes Place (Nearly) 6 Years After the Bad Ending of OMORI]

Relationships: Hero & Kel's Brotherly Bond and Kelbrey (Romantic Kel/Aubrey) [A/N: Kelbrey is more angsty & dysfunctional here than I like to imagine them, sorry. Blame the game's bad ending.]. Some Hero & Kel & Aubrey friendship. Mentions of Hero & Kel & Aubrey & Sunny & Basil & Mari friendship and References to Past HeroMari (Romantic Hero/Mari).

Characters: Hero (POV Character), Kel, and Aubrey. Sunny, Mari, & Basil are mentioned. Hero & Kel's parents and Sally briefly appear.

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Slice of Life, Brotherly Love, Family Feels, Angst With A Hopeful Ending, Aged-Up Characters/Future Fic, Some Romance (Kelbrey), Heart To Heart Chats, Unplanned Pregnancy, Hero: The Savior of Kelbrey, Father's Day, Angsty Kel, Toasters, It Actually Has a Happy/Hopeful Ending (I Promise)

Word Count: 6945

Rating: T for some language and heavy themes and thematic elements (i.e. grief & healing from grief and trauma) and some more suggestive thematic elements/implied suggestive thematic elements due to referenced pregnancy (Note: There is nothing explicit in this fic whatsoever).

Warnings: Major Spoilers for OMORI Bad Ending! Heavy themes and thematic elements (i.e. grief & healing from grief and trauma). Some language, including one (1) somewhat vulgar insult. More suggestive thematic elements/implied suggestive thematic elements due to referenced pregnancy. Implied/Referenced unplanned pregnancy. Implied/Referenced Past Character Deaths. Implied/Referenced Mental Health Issues (i.e. depression, suicide ect.). Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms. Mentioned (of age) drinking. [Disclaimer: I am not advocating for any of the kinds of dysfunction and unhealthy coping skills referenced in this fic. Please don't try this at home, kids]. More tags on AO3.

Link to original post on AO3. Please do not repost to another website.

A/N: I am clearly entering my OMORI era and also my Kel Angst era maybe? I don't know. I prefer happy Kel so I don't know why I keep writing about him being so sad, but I just couldn't get this idea out of my head. I really just wanted to write in a "Post-Bad Ending" AU, I guess. Will I ever write a story in which Kel gets to be happy? This has yet to be seen. Sorry Kel.

Story below the cut. Thank you for reading! 💕

“Hey, Kel. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home. They were still out of tomato soup, but I got some potato soup that was on sale in the deli section.” Hero paused—waiting for Kel to make some obligatory joke about tomatoes and potatoes, but Kel didn’t say anything. In fact, he didn’t even look up from whatever he was working on over in the living room of their apartment as Hero set the grocery bags on the counter. Maybe he didn’t hear him?

“Kel?” No answer. “Kel?” he repeated a little louder to still, no answer. “Earth to Kel…” he teased, hoping that would get his attention. When Kel didn’t respond, Hero’s brow furrowed. Usually, his brother couldn’t wait to talk his ear off as soon as he got home, but today he was strangely quiet. It was more than a little concerning. “You okay, Kel?”

“Huh?” Kel startled nearly dropping the screwdriver he had in his hands. Hero could have sworn his face flushed for just a split second before he hurriedly replied, “Oh sorry, Hero. I didn’t hear you come in.”

That was…odd, but Hero shrugged it off. “No worries. What are you working on?”

“Oh, just taking a look at the toaster. I think there’s a problem with the electrical circuit.”

Hero sighed. Their toaster had been on the fritz for a couple of days now, and even though Hero had suggested that they could just buy a new one, Kel had gotten into his mind that he should be able to fix it. This in and of itself wasn’t anything new. Kel could certainly be stubborn when he wanted to be, but he was usually a total chatterbox when he was working, not so engrossed in his projects that he turned uncharacteristically silent.

“Seriously, Kel. We can just buy a new one. It’s no big deal.”

“But what if we need the money for something else?”

“Like what?” Hero’s brow furrowed as a strange look passed over Kel’s eyes.

“I dunno,” he muttered quietly, turning back to the broken toaster. Hero took a deep breath. Something was wrong—call it brother’s intuition, but he knew it.

“Hey, Kel, is…is everything okay?” he asked with a slight tilt of his head. Kel swallowed hard and fidgeted, but he didn’t answer. “Is there something going on at work?” Hero’s mind was racing. Maybe Kel’s plant was downsizing or he had made a big mistake and was in trouble or there was something going on within the company that was making him fear for his job security and his ability to afford toasters…?

“Nah. It’s not that,” answered Kel with a shrug. He looked almost relieved, and his smile returned though it wasn’t nearly as bright as usual. “I think I’m squared away there. Mr. Talbot says I’m a great welder so I can keep working for him as long as I want, and I’ve been making lots of money working third shift.”

A smile tugged at Hero’s mouth, and he sighed with relief. He was glad Kel’s job was secure and that he seemed to be doing so well for himself now. Hero had been so worried about him after Sunny and Basil had died, but his brother had somehow found his way—thriving in trade school and finding a job he loved in manufacturing. In fact, Hero doubted he knew anyone who loved their job nearly as much as Kel. Almost every morning, whenever Hero was getting ready to head off to one of his med school classes or his clinical work at the hospital, Kel was getting back to the apartment they shared after his late shift, smiling and excitedly prattling away about mechanical things Hero couldn’t begin to understand. He wished Kel would smile now—but he looked so defeated. Something was definitely wrong.

Hero took a deep breath. He didn’t want to press the issue, but he knew Kel was the type of person who let his worries about burdening others prevent him from opening up sometimes. Over the years, Hero had learned that his brother sometimes needed some gentle encouragement that it was okay to share whatever was on his mind, even if it wasn’t his usual brand of upbeat positivity. “Kel…are you sure everything’s okay?”

Kel paused but didn’t look up from his toaster project. “I─I just…I’ve got a lot on my mind I guess, but I’m sure it’ll work out.”

“If you want to talk about it, you can tell me…” Hero reassured him, but when Kel just shrugged again, he sighed. He hoped that Kel knew he could always talk to him about anything, and he just chose not to. Hero had never really known why that was—though he hoped that it wasn’t because of something he had done, that the time he had lashed out at him after Mari’s death hadn’t scarred Kel in a way that made him scared of ever opening up to him again. In the best case scenario, Hero liked to think that whatever troubled Kel was awkward for him to share with his brother and so he was just more comfortable talking to someone else about it—usually Aubrey, if Hero had to guess.

Aubrey and Kel were thick as thieves, especially since they had lost Basil and Sunny, and Kel had told him once that they could talk about things with each other that they could never say to anyone else. Hero had never been entirely sure what they talked about, and he respectfully stayed out of it for the most part, not wanting to pry into their business. He was just grateful Kel had someone to talk to about whatever was troubling him, and it was nice to have Aubrey around their apartment all the time for meals or to watch tv or to play cards or board games. Even if he hadn’t seen much of her lately seeing as he was so busy with med school and his clinical work, he could always tell when she had been around because the place was much tidier than if he had just left Kel to his own devices. But as nice as it was to come home to the dishes done or the kitchen floor swept up or to the silly sticky-notes she’d leave on their refrigerator, Hero missed actually getting to visit with Aubrey and wished they hadn’t had alternating schedules.

Like Kel, Aubrey also worked a late shift as a nurse at a local psychiatric hospital. She didn’t like to talk about her job much—and probably couldn’t due to HIPPA and privacy concerns—but Hero couldn’t help but wonder if she chose that line of work to try to prevent another Sunny or Basil from… He swallowed hard and pushed the thought away. They had only discussed it once, very briefly when she first started working in a juvenile psych ward, but he would never forget what she said: “I just kept thinking that someday I’ll finally understand why—what could have possibly led them to think that was the only…”—her voice had hitched—“But I don’t think I’ll ever really know, you know, Hero?”

He had known, and, if he was being honest, he was still trying to make sense of it all himself even all these years later. He was proud of Aubrey for taking that on and trying her best to make a difference to people who were suffering in that way, especially since he knew he would never have the strength for it himself. He avoided psychological topics like the plague, and there was nothing in the world that could make him take a psychiatry residency after he graduated medical school—it just hit too close to home. Even sitting here and trying to help Kel with whatever was troubling him would probably keep him up all night with worry. Aubrey was much stronger—much better at this kind of thing than him. That’s probably why Kel felt like he could talk to her about anything. Maybe they could invite her over for pizza and a game of Jenga and she could help Kel through whatever he was going through.

“Or maybe you could call Aubrey?” Hero suggested when Kel didn’t respond. Kel flinched—something sad passing over his eyes, and Hero’s insides twisted. Had he said something wrong?

“Aubrey…” Kel fidgeted, before beginning to tinker with the toaster again. “Aubrey hasn’t been talking to me. She said she needed some space, and I’ve been trying to respect that, it’s just been hard.”

“Did you two have a fight?” Hero’s brow furrowed. Sure, they still bickered with each other, teased and bantered with each other sometimes, but as far as he knew they hadn’t had a real, actual fight with each other in years.

“Not really, but…” Kel swallowed. “I think I really messed up this time.” With a sigh, he set the broken toaster and his tools down on the coffee table, and he ran a hand through his unruly hair.

“Aubrey’s your friend,” reassured Hero. “I’m sure she will forgive you eventually. Have you tried apologizing?”

“Well yeah, of course, I did, but like I said she won’t really talk to me…” He paused and swallowed hard. “Except for today. She called and said she wanted to meet up this morning. I was going to tell her how sorry I was for everything and maybe ask her to get some dinner with me or something but then—then she…” Kel stopped. He fumbled around for something in his pocket before pulling out a small square of paper. “She gave me this.”

Hero’s eyes widened as he stared at the paper in Kel’s hand. The picture was blurry in grainy black and white, but it was unmistakable to Hero. After all, he must have looked through hundreds of similar ultrasounds during his unit on obstetrics. Still, he couldn’t even begin to wrap his head around it. He choked on his words though he wasn’t even sure what he was trying to say.

“It’s a sonogram.” Kel paused pointing at the grainy picture. “See, that’s the head, and there’s an arm. Aubrey said the technician laughed because it looked like he was waving at them.”

“Aubrey’s…uh…that is…she’s…um…is she…?” Hero’s face flushed, and he stopped abruptly. He couldn’t say it. It made it too real.

Kel, however, must have caught on well enough to his rambled half-sentences, and he hummed and nodded in agreement though a sheepish smile twitched in the corners of his mouth. “Yeah… she’s—uh—having a baby. She says she’s due near Mari’s birthday, in March.”

“I…I didn’t even know she was in a relationship…”

“I don’t think she is”—Kel cleared his throat and shrugged his shoulders slightly—“ Or maybe she is. I don’t know. She hasn’t really talked to me in a while.”

“Is…is the father…?” Hero stammered, halfway hoping Kel would cut him off. It seemed like too personal a question and probably none of his business, but the words slipped out before he could stop them.

Kel bit his lip and stared off at the wall as he rubbed his hand across the nape of his neck. “Oh—uh, so…funny story about that…” His cheeks flushed, and Hero could feel his own face begin to burn. He swallowed hard. No. There was no way…

“Kel─” he barely managed to choke out, blinking at him in disbelief.

“Uh, yeah so…” Kel sort of shrugged his shoulders before he chuckled lightly, awkwardly. “This is my kid. I’m gonna be a dad—pretty wild, huh?” he said with far more nonchalance than the situation warranted. Kel sighed down at the sonogram before holding out the paper to Hero. “And I guess that means this is your nephew or niece, right? It’s a little unbelievable honestly, and I’m kind of freaking out to tell you the truth.”

Hero could only blink at him in disbelief before he pressed his palm to his forehead, trying to remind himself to take deep, shaky breaths. “Kel…I…What? How?” he tripped hurriedly over his words.

“You’re really close to being a doctor, Hero. You really expect me to believe you don’t know where babies come from?”

Hero choked—blushing a beet red. “No, uh, that’s not what I meant!” he frantically replied. He paused, trying his best to clear his parched throat. “I just meant that you and…and Aubrey…” His face flushed an even deeper red. Aubrey was a very private person about everything, especially her personal life, but Hero didn’t think she had ever had a serious relationship. Up until this moment, he would have sworn that Kel certainly hadn’t, and, as far as he knew, he wasn’t out there hooking up with a bunch of girls either. Then again, what did he know? He was just his older brother. Kel could be a real ladies’ man or maybe he had been secretly in a relationship with Aubrey this entire time and hadn’t told anyone for some reason or…? Hero’s head whirled. He didn’t know what to think. He supposed it was really none of his business, but the words tumbled out in his desperate attempts to make sense of what he was hearing. “Are you two…um…dating?”

“I don’t think so. I wish she’d let me take her on a date, but she’s just been avoiding me ever since we…uh, well, you know…” Kel scratched the back of his neck and let out a long, heavy sigh before he shook his head. He cleared his throat and something almost helpless and genuinely remorseful passed over his eyes. “Listen, I─I really, really messed up, Hero. I don’t even know what I was thinking—I probably wasn’t thinking anything, and now…now this is just such a mess and I─I don’t know what to do…”

“Do you…uh…want to talk about it?” He tripped over his words, sheepish and awkward. He was sure it wasn’t his place and truthfully didn’t really want to know, but he could tell Kel desperately needed to get it all off his chest and if the last decade had taught them anything, it was that carrying a burden alone, crumbling under the weight of it, could destroy a person. He had already lost Mari, Sunny, and Basil in this way—he didn’t want to lose Kel too, didn’t want him to suffer alone. “I’m here. If you ever…” His voice trailed, but Kel tilted his head with a conceding sigh.

“It was a couple months ago,” he began. There was a certain relief that passed over his face when he started talking as if he had been desperately wanting to tell someone this story for a long, long time, and knowing Kel as well as he did, Hero could only imagine how hard it was for him to keep it a secret for months. “She was really, really sad since the anniversary was coming up. It’s been 5 years since Basil…” He stopped. “And 6 years since Sunny…and 10 since Mari…” His voice trailed. “It’s just a lot, you know? So she came over and we sat and talked about it for a long time, and she was really, really broken up. I probably should’ve stopped her from drinking with me, I just…I hate it when she cries, and she thought it would make her feel better. But I think it just made us stupid.”

He sighed and shook his head. “It was getting really late. You were still at the hospital or school or somewhere…and I was just listening to her and sometimes talking too—the details are all kind of fuzzy but eventually she started saying something about how she doesn’t have anybody—Mari and Basil and Sunny and her dad, they all just left her and now she’s all alone. And I just wanted her to feel better. I told her that she has me, you know? But I know that probably doesn’t mean a lot coming from me—nobody really needs me…” He shrugged his shoulders and tried to laugh it off, but Hero could see the pain in his eyes before he sighed again. “I know, I know it was a sucky thing for me to do, but when she said she needed me, I─I just…I don’t know…I just…kissed her and—she kissed me back. And then I kissed her back and…I don’t know if it was the alcohol or that we were sad or just both things, everything, but well… one thing led to another…”

Kel cleared his throat, and Hero sighed with relief that his brother had cut himself off there. He didn’t want to interrupt Kel or make him feel like he couldn’t share, but he couldn’t shake the feeling he was somehow invading his and Aubrey’s privacy. There were certain things brothers just shouldn’t ever know about each other.

“It was huge mistake, and I felt so guilty about it the next day, like I took advantage of how broken up she was. She said it was what she wanted, but I just don’t think she would have wanted me if she was completely sober and wasn’t so upset, you know?” He let out a long and heavy sigh. “I tried to apologize to her, but she said she’d rather just forget about it—chalk it up to stupid drunk mistakes and unhealthy coping or whatever and just never talk about it again. I said that was okay, but I just kept thinking about it—not in a weird way, just in an ‘I really wished I could do things over and take her out on a real date’ kind of way. Seriously, the very next day I was planning to ask if she’d let me buy her breakfast or something, but she had totally disappeared when I woke up and like I said, she wouldn’t really talk to me after so…”

Kel sighed and ran a hand through his hair, cursing under his breath. “I’m such an idiot and now…now she’s…” He shook his head in disbelief. “I almost didn’t believe it when she told me, but she had this picture and everything…” He gripped the sonogram until his knuckles began to turn white. “She had this video too—on her phone.” As Kel paused, his face began to soften, and a smile twitched in the corners of his mouth—”It was actually kinda cool. The baby was really wiggling around and stuff. I thought that maybe…maybe he’d be kinda athletic like me—or she would, if it’s a girl.” He somehow managed a shaky chuckle. “You could hear the heartbeat too—sounded really strong…” Kel’s voice trailed as he ran a hand through his hair and took several shallow, shaky breaths. “Shit, Hero. What am I gonna do?”

Kel buried his face in his hands, and Hero’s chest ached. He scrambled to try to think of something to say to comfort Kel, but all he could think about was whether he had ever seen his brother so scared before. He couldn’t even imagine what he was feeling right now—the complicated emotions—the disbelief, the fears, the uncertainty, the guilt and the helplessness that must have been eating away at him since he had found out about the baby.

“I feel terrible—like I’ve ruined her life and probably ruined the kid’s life or at least I’m gonna ruin it eventually because I don’t have any idea what I’m doing. I don’t know anything about being a parent—I can barely take care of myself.”

“I’m sure Mom and Dad could give you some advice…”

Kel interrupted him with a groan, muttering a string of curses under his breath before throwing up his hands. “I didn’t even think about them. They’re gonna kill me.”

“I’m sure they’re not going to…um…” Hero stopped. “Listen, Mom and Dad care about you. They’re probably going to be surprised, but I think they’ll be supportive and helpful.” Hero tried to muster a reassuring smile. “I mean…Sally was a surprise to them, right?”

“They had Sally after being married for almost 20 years, Hero. I haven’t even taken Aubrey on a real date. These are not the same things.” Kel huffed but shook his head waving his hands around in frustration. Hero could tell by the look in his eyes that he was spiraling. “Oh, Sally… I wasn’t thinking about her either. She’s gonna be more like a sister than an aunt, and what are Mom and Dad even going to tell her? Like ‘Hey, Sally, guess what, your big brother’s a manwhore. He’s a baby daddy now.’”

“K—Kel!” spluttered a red-faced Hero. “They’re not going to say that, especially not to Sally.”

“What if they take it out on Aubrey?” Kel cut him off, gesturing wildly with his hands, clearly spiraling too much to listen to him. “What are people gonna say about her? What are they gonna think? Especially the church ladies—they’re gonna whisper and gossip about her and think terrible, awful things, and it’s all my fault.”

“Listen, Kel, you can’t control what other people think, okay?” Hero tried to reassure him, politely failing to mention that Kel had much more important things to worry about than the church ladies. “And…”

“And Aubrey said her mom told her not to bother coming home if she ever got pregnant,” The words raced out of Kel’s mouth, faster than Hero thought he could even think them. “And—and Kim…oh shit, Hero, she wants to cut off—”

“Calm down,” interjected Hero placing both hands squarely on Kel’s shoulders until he was looking at him with wide, frightened eyes. Hero took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down too. It wouldn’t do Kel any good if he also started spiraling into a tornado of worries. “Okay? It’s going to be okay. Take a couple of deep breaths. The most important thing right now is Aubrey—how is Aubrey?” Hero paused, but Kel only blinked at him so he prompted, “I’m sure she’s…she’s scared too, right? Has she been sick?”

“She’s not sick, Hero. She’s pregnant.”

He buried his face in his hand—willing himself not to roll his eyes. “Yes, Kel…” he said with a heavy sigh. “I know that. I just…meant…has she been feeling sick because she’s pregnant?”

“Oh.” With a thoughtful tilt of his head, Kel’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask that.” He pressed his palm to his forehead and shook his head. “I’m so bad at this.”

“It’s—it’s okay, Kel…” Hero reached out his hand to pat his brother’s shoulder, but Kel jerked away from him.

“No, it isn’t.” His face fell, and he sighed despondently. “This whole thing is just terrible—I feel like such a screw up. If I was just more careful or a better person, I wouldn’t have messed up and gotten her pregnant in the first place. If I really cared about her, I would’ve just called her a ride or something. I bet that’s what you would have done—you’d have been a gentleman, made sure she got home safe. You’d probably never even be in this situation, with anyone…”

“Well…uh…,” Hero stumbled unsure of how exactly to respond to that. He didn’t really want to be involved, and he certainly didn’t think that comparison to him was warranted. He couldn’t even imagine wanting to be in a relationship with anyone—not anymore, not since Mari… He stopped—swallowing hard and ignoring that pang in his chest. He couldn’t even imagine kissing another woman. Let alone… He cleared his throat and awkwardly fidgeted with his hands. He supposed Kel was right. He probably would have never been in this situation—he was way above his pay grade here.

“Listen, Kel…” he began, hoping he would think of something comforting to say if he just started fumbling his way through his words. “Don’t beat yourself up. I know it’s really scary, but it’s going to be okay. What’s important now is that you need to do right by Aubrey and the baby. You need to take responsibility and care of them.”

“I know, and I want to—really. I just…I don’t know what I should do…,” Kel continued, a certain helplessness creeping into his voice. “I asked Aubrey if she thought we should get married or something…” He paused. “She said she’d think about it…” As Kel bit his lip, his face fell, and he fidgeted with his hands. He looked defeated—almost wounded. Even so, he managed an awkward chuckle as he scratched the nape of his neck. “I completely understand if she doesn’t want to marry me though. She can probably do a lot better. I just—I didn’t know what else to do…”

“I’m sure it’s not about you personally, Kel. She probably just doesn’t want a shotgun wedding, you know?”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Kel sighed. “But I don’t think it would be just a shotgun wedding, you know?”

“Would you have wanted to marry her even if she wasn’t─?” His voice cracked. He was still struggling to say it.

“Maybe…someday—probably farther in the future after we actually went out, you know? We haven’t even been on a real date before.” He sighed and pressed his hand wearily to his forehead again. “I feel like I need to buy her some noodles or a piece of cake or something before we have a kid. She deserves a real date and a real relationship and stuff…Probably a real proposal too. I didn’t even have a ring or anything. I just kind of panicked.”

“Kel…uh…” Hero stopped himself before he stammered ‘slow down.’ “Are you…? Uh…Do you love Aubrey?”

“I dunno—maybe. Probably.” He sighed. “I just never really thought about it, you know? I just didn’t think she was ever gonna be into me, so I figured it would be best not to even consider it. But…I dunno… she’s pretty amazing.” His mouth curved into a smile, and there was something almost wistful in his eyes. “She’s honest and funny and kinda spunky—and her nose gets all wrinkly when she laughs”—he chuckled, then sighed—“Ever since Sunny and Basil died, she’s been the closest person in the world to me besides you. I’ve told her stuff I could never tell anyone else—all kinds of stuff about me and how I feel, even the bad stuff—and she still talks to me after. And—I dunno—it’s kind of like she sees something in me that nobody else does. I can’t stop thinking about her, and I want to be with her all the time and…I just want to make her happy—” Kel stopped and took a deep breath, shaking his head as if he had finally realized what Hero had figured out about five sentences ago. “Damn…I’m a moron.”

Hero stifled a chuckle before he ruffled his little brother’s hair with a gentle smile. “You’re just in love.”

Kel blushed. “You really think so?”

Hero shrugged his shoulders and nodded—the understatement of the century seeing as he never even realized Kel could look so besotted or lovesick, especially not about Aubrey of all people. Sure, he teased them a little from time to time, as older siblings tend to do, but he probably would have never treated it like such a joke if he had the slightest inkling Kel was harboring real, genuine feelings for her. To see how his face lit up just now when talked about her, Hero, honestly, felt pretty stupid for not having realized it before.

Kel’s smile had all but faded, and he buried his face in his hands, cursing under his breath again. “I have really, really messed this up…” he mumbled. “I’ll be lucky if she’ll even talk to me again.”

“She’s going to have to talk to you, Kel. You’re having a kid together…” Hero froze. The words felt so heavy—so real. Kel and Aubrey were having a baby. They were going to be the parents of a real, actual child. It was hard to believe.

“That poor, kid…” Kel sighed, then stumbled hurriedly. “I mean, Aubrey’s great—she’ll be an awesome mom, but the baby’s gonna be stuck with me for a dad. I’m probably gonna mess him up or something.”

“Hey, don’t say that,” interrupted Hero. “You are both going to be great parents. This might not be the best situation, but that kid is going to be so lucky to have you and I know you’re going to be an amazing dad.”

“I dunno…”

“You are,” Hero insisted as he wrapped his arm around Kel’s shoulders. Kel rolled his eyes, but Hero’s mouth curved into a kind, gentle smile as he continued, “I can just see it, Kel. No one will be able to get your kid to laugh like you do—you’ll put party hats over your eyes or smash cake in your face just to see him smile. You’ll have splash fights for hours at the beach or push her so high on the swings that she’ll swear she can reach the moon. If your kid ever wants to try a sport like you, you’ll cheer louder and more enthusiastically than all the other parents at every single game. You’ll tell the best bedtime stories and come up with the most fun games to play. You’ll teach her how to throw a baseball and how to always win at cards. You’ll sit with him and listen when he’s sad, and you’d stop the world to make him happy again.”

Hero gave his brother a reassuring pat on the back before he sighed, “I know that this is a really tough situation and that it’s not always going to be easy. I don’t know how things are all going to work out, but there is no doubt in my mind that you are going to love that kid no matter what.” He gently pushed the sonogram back towards Kel. “I can tell you already do.”

“You…you really think so?” asked Kel, a blush filling his cheeks as he fidgeted with the sonogram in his hands.

“I know it,” said Hero, nodding several times for good measure.

Kel’s mouth twitched into a slight smile as he stared down at the sonogram. “You know, in the middle of all this freaking out I’ve been doing, I…I was thinking about all the cool things we could do together—me and the kid. I could teach him how to play basketball or baseball. We could eat watermelon in the summertime or build sandcastles. Maybe I could build a treehouse someday, and she could play in it with her friends.” Something panged in Hero’s chest, and from the look in Kel’s eyes, he knew he was thinking the same thing—remembering those bittersweet moments from their own childhoods back when all of their friends were still together. “Wouldn’t it be kind of great if someday we could take the kid to all our favorite places from when we were kids? Maybe we can bury him in the sand at the beach like we did with Sunny, or teach her how to make flower crowns like Mari taught us, or take silly Polaroids together like Basil, or have picnics”—his voice hitched before it grew soft, quiet—“I wish they were here...”

Hero pulled his brother closer to him and leaned his head on his shoulder as he took long, shaky breaths. There were some kinds of pain that never really left a person—the loss of a friend was one of them. Even after all these years, his heart ached thinking about Sunny, Basil, and Mari. “I know…” he said. “Me too.”

“Aubrey says they know. She told them first. She said she was so upset and confused when she took the test that she just got in her car and started driving—she didn’t know where she was going until she was at the church. She went to visit them, at the cemetery and told them everything, though she was sure they probably already knew.” He paused, a light chuckle reverberating in his chest. “She said she felt so much better afterwards—knew she wanted to raise the baby and bring him or her back there someday, even if she had to do it without me.” Kel swallowed hard. His breath hitched, and Hero could feel his shoulders begin to shake as his voice grew quiet. “I don’t want her to have to do that alone. I want to be there—to be a dad. To take care of the baby and take care of her…”

Hero’s expression softened as he comfortingly patted Kel’s shoulder. “That’s what’s great about you, Kel. You want to fix things. You want to take care of people and make them happy—to do the right thing.”

Kel sniffled wiping his nose on his shirt sleeve, but a lopsided, bittersweet smile twitched in the corners of his mouth. “I just wish I knew what ‘the right thing’ was…” He sighed with a somewhat helpless shrug of his shoulders. “What do you think I should do, Hero?”

“Well…” Hero sighed. “I really think you should be honest with Aubrey about how you’re feeling—the good and the bad stuff. She’s probably really scared too, so you should encourage her that you’re not going to go anywhere and promise that you’ll be there for her and for your kid so she won’t have to do this alone. Then, the two of you are going to have to sort out the rest together, but I think it’ll be easier to do that after you’ve had an honest conversation.” Kel nodded, and Hero shrugged his shoulders. “And eventually you’ll have to tell Mom and Dad because they will figure it out…But that’s good for a start, right?”

Kel blinked at him—words of gratitude that he couldn’t say glistening in his eyes as he nodded. “Yeah, that’s good.” His smile brightened as he immediately stood up from the sofa and rushed over to his car keys hanging by the front door.

“Hey…uh…what are…?”

“I’m going to go talk to her—right now,” he exclaimed with a certain determination.

“Well…I didn’t mean you had to go over right now,” stumbled Hero. “Maybe you should text her first and ask if it’s a good time…”

“That’s okay. I’ll call her on the way,” Kel chuckled before he paused. “Oh I almost forgot.” He fumbled around with the sonogram in his hands before proudly hanging it on the refrigerator with a magnet. Kel beamed at it before turning back to Hero and pulling him into a tight hug. “You’re gonna be the best uncle, you know?”

“I’ll try my best,” quipped Hero as he wrapped his arms around his brother.

“Thank you…” Kel’s voice was so quiet, Hero almost couldn’t hear him. “For everything.”

“You’re welcome,” he whispered before Kel pat him on the back and took off through the doorway.

Once Kel had gone, Hero stared at his phone for a long, long time debating whether or not he should text Aubrey and give her a heads up that Kel was on his way over, especially since this may or may not have been because he misinterpreted his advice. Eventually, he decided it was probably not his place to meddle, and he decided to fix himself some food instead. As he walked over to the refrigerator, he stared at the sonogram Kel had hung up, and he smiled.

One day that refrigerator would be covered in pictures. Another sonogram—several actually, of increasingly better quality. A photo of Hero stifling his laughter at an unamused and heavily pregnant Aubrey’s shirt that said, “Don’t Eat Watermelon Seeds” which Kel was so proud to have found himself. One of Kel, happier than he had ever been in his life, as he held his son for his first time. Of Aubrey practically beaming with the baby during a picnic they all took together in the park. Of Hero dressing his nephew up in a onesie that looked like a dinosaur or holding his tiny hands as he crooned to old records turned lullabies or taking him for a walk in the rain under an umbrella. Snapshots of the life of a little boy who Aubrey playfully teased was far too adorable for someone who looked so much like Kel, and who Kel would be the first to tell anyone was his whole world—the best thing that ever could’ve happened to him. The most loved little boy in all of Faraway Town who showed his Uncle Hero—who showed all of them that they could be happy again.

Hero’s phone dinged. It was a message from Aubrey. It read: “You know don’t you?”

He chuckled sheepishly to himself as he picked up his phone to respond and watched the bouncing ellipses of her typing a follow up text, but as he read it, he couldn’t help but smile.

“Thank you.”

*-*-*

Epilogue:

One Year Later…

“I want to hold him! I want to hold him!” exclaimed Sally excitedly, practically doting on her new nephew as he was rocked to sleep by an equally doting grandma. Kel smiled but shushed her gently.

“Gentle, Sally. He’s trying to sleep—we have to appreciate those opportunities when we’ve got ‘em,” he teased with a wink in Aubrey’s general direction. There was a certain affection to the way she rolled her eyes that made Hero stifle a chuckle. By this point, he was fairly convinced he was never not going to find her and Kel’s banter with each other cute, even or perhaps especially if it continued to annoy them. Despite his best efforts to hide it, however, he knew Aubrey saw the way his mouth had twitched into a smile, and she quirked an eyebrow at him before cutting another piece of the cake they had brought over to his parents’ house for Father’s Day.

“You want another piece of cake, Hero?” she asked, that gold band in the shape of an infinity symbol clanging against the ceramic plate as she held it out to him.

“No thanks,” he replied politely. “I’ve already had one, and I’m already stuffed from dinner. Looks like Dad is too.” He laughed as he glanced over at his father who was dozing off in his new recliner—the perfect gift, all thanks to Aubrey.

Aubrey chuckled but sighed. “He’s definitely got the right idea. I wish that was me.”

“Really? I feel great,” interjected Kel excitedly. “We got six hours of sleep in a row last night! I may have actually cried a little when I woke up this morning.”

“Dork,” teased Aubrey with a playful roll of her eyes, but her mouth twitched up in the corners.

“Your dork,” Kel corrected. “Forever.” He laughed, smugly wiggling the fingers of his left hand to her. He even pointed at his ring a couple of times for good measure, but when she just blinked at him unamused, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek.

“Kel…” she huffed, then turned to glare at Hero who could no longer stifle his laughter. “You’re making Hero uncomfortable.”

“Are you kidding? This is adorable. I wish I had a camera,” Hero teased in his dry way. Aubrey sighed, but, seemingly, decided to change the subject.

“We have something for you,” she said, disentangling herself from Kel’s hug. “Don’t we, Kel…”

“Oh yeah, that’s right!” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded greeting card envelope. Aubrey pressed her palm to her forehead and shook her head.

“I thought you said you were going to take care of it.”

“I did,” Kel insisted. “It’s right here.”

Aubrey let out a long and heavy sigh as Kel unfolded the greeting card and handed it to Hero.

“Thank you,” he said as he took it with a kindhearted smile. “I’m sure it’s great. But I don’t understand why you’re giving me…”

“It’s Father’s Day,” Kel cut him off with an emphatic nod as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Hero’s brow furrowed. “Happy Father’s Day or uh—Uncle’s Day…or uh—Godfather’s Day…That works, right?” Kel looked to Aubrey for reassurance, but she was mid-facepalm muttering about how she really needed that nap. “Well, whatever it’s your first one as an Uncle-Godfather, so it’s special.”

“We also wanted to thank you,” added Aubrey with a gentle smile as she glanced over at her sleeping son who was currently being handed to a very excited Aunt Sally. “For everything.”

Hero smiled at Aubrey and Kel, before carefully opening the greeting card. It took him all of 5 seconds to realize Kel had probably picked it out given the bright colors and the joke about uncles being like superheroes. Inside were the punchline and the words “Happy Father’s Day,” as well as a gift card to his favorite coffee shop.

Smiling, he looked up to offer his gratitude and thanks, when he caught sight of a personalized message scrawled at the bottom of the card. His smile widened, and he could feel a tear prickling in the corner of his eye as he read the words: “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.”

#hero & kel: brotherly feels #kelbrey #omori kelbrey #omori baseball #omori baseball bat #i want out of kelbrey hell #why am i like this #send help #my omori fanfiction #omori spoilers #thank you for reading!

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