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wholoveseggs · 5 months

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Crimson Frost {Part Three}

18+ ---- {Masterlist} {Tag-List}

Part Three

Things heat up between you and Elijah as you prepare to rescue Gerda and Henrik. In the pursuit of your sister things get bloody and an unexpected warrior comes to your aid.

♡♡ I'm sorry that this one is taking so long, there will be a part four! {and possibly five}

6k words - Warnings: Viking AU where the Mikaelsons are completely human (no magic, werewolves, vampires... etc) lots violence in this part. SMUT!, virgin!reader, hot springs, norse runes... sword fights.

{Part One} {Part Two} {Part Four} {Part Five}

It was a four day journey to the coast, a market was there that sold all kinds of things, including people. Elijah believed that was where the Blackthornes were taking Henrik and Gerda.

The snow was still high, but it had thawed enough for you to travel on horseback, the wind whipping at your face. You leaned into Elijah, his body warm and solid against yours, the scent of him filling your senses.

You were glad he was there with you, his strength and determination a comfort, especially after losing your home and family. You had fallen for him, the attraction between you growing with every day. You knew it was wrong, but you couldn't deny what you felt, the need for him, the desire.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice low and husky, his breath warm against your cheek.

"Aye," you said, your voice barely above a whisper, your heart fluttering at his closeness.

"We will find them, sweet Gerda and Henrik," he promised, his arms were around your waist, holding the reins, guiding the horse, "we will not let the Blackthornes keep them,"

You nodded, swallowing hard, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. The thought of them being sold into slavery, or worse, made your stomach twist.

You stopped to camp for the night, the sun dipping below the horizon, the stars twinkling in the sky. The wind howled around you, the cold biting at your exposed skin.

Elijah started a fire, the flames casting a warm glow around you, the warmth chasing away the chill. The two of you had grown very comfortable around each other, falling into a routine, each taking on the various tasks of setting up camp, cooking food, and caring for the horse.

You took a walk to go fetch some water from the nearby river, the moonlight illuminating your path. You came across a small hot spring, the steam rising into the air, the heat and humidity inviting.

You were tired and sore from the long day of riding and the idea of relaxing in the hot water was too tempting.

You took off your clothes and slowly stepped into the water, the heat enveloping you, the water soothing your muscles. You let out a long sigh of relief, closing your eyes and enjoying the warmth.

You heard the sound of twigs snapping behind you and turned, your eyes flying open.

"Elijah," you gasped, your face flushing, dipping lower into the water to hide your naked body.

"I was worried when you didn't return, I see why," he smiled, his eyes roaming over you, his gaze making your heart race.

"I haven't felt this good in weeks," you sighed, "the heat, it's relaxing,"

Elijah began to pull off his clothes, his gaze locked on yours, his body rippling with muscle.

You felt a wave of desire rush through you, your pulse quickening, a flush spreading across your cheeks. You turned away, giving him privacy, the thought of him naked making your stomach flip.

You heard him enter the water, the sounds of him splashing, his breathing shallow. You risked a glance back, his broad back was to you, the water coming up to his waist.

"Gods," he muttered, "this is wonderful,"

You let out a breathy laugh, "Aye, it is,"

The two of you faced away from each other, the silence heavy with tension, the heat of the water seeping into your skin.

"What will you do? After we rescue Gerda and Henrik," you asked, gently moving your hands through the water, creating small waves.

"I do not know," Elijah replied, his voice low and soft, "perhaps find my own land, start a family,"

"That sounds nice," you murmured, a hint of sadness in your voice. You wouldn't be going with him, your place was with Niklaus. Elijah would be a part of your past, a fond memory. You couldn't imagine not being near him, not being with him, the thought made your chest ache. "I wish you could stay with us," you whispered, the words slipping out before you could stop them.

"As do I," Elijah said, his voice thick with emotion, "but we both have our duties,"

"Aye," you said, biting your lip, tears welling in your eyes.

You glanced over at him, his back was still to you, you noticed a particularly large scar stretched across his back, the pink skin raised and uneven.

You moved closer to him, the water making soft ripples as you did, your hand reaching out to trace the scar, "what happened here?" You whispered, your fingers ghosting over the sensitive skin.

He twitched under your touch, his muscles flexing, his breathing labored. "My father, he beat me, whipped me," he said, his voice a whisper, the pain evident. "For trying to protect Niklaus,"

"I heard such rumors about your father, that he was cruel," you whispered, your heart breaking for them, and the pain they endured.

"Aye, he was," Elijah sighed, "he was not a good man, but he was still my father, and I loved him,"

You pulled your hand away, his words echoing in your mind, your chest aching for him. He turned to face you, his gaze meeting yours, his expression soft, his eyes searching.

You swallowed hard, the air heavy between you, the tension crackling. He was so close to you, his naked body inches from yours. Your breasts rose and fell with each breath, your nipples hardening at the thought of him touching you, his hands exploring your body.

He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from your face, his fingers trailing down your cheek. You wanted to pull him closer, to feel his lips against yours, to give in to the desire burning within you.

"Elijah," you whispered, your heart racing, a flush creeping across your skin.

"Aye," he breathed, his hand cupping your cheek, his thumb tracing your bottom lip.

"I..." You swallowed hard, your body aching for him, "I should not have..."

"Do you love him? My brother?" Elijah whispered, his eyes burning into yours.

You hesitated, the truth of it all hitting you. You did not love Niklaus, not in the way you should, not the way a bride should love her groom. Your heart belonged to Elijah, even though it was wrong, even though the gods would not approve.

"I..." You started, your voice trembling, your emotions threatening to overwhelm you, "I do not,"

He kissed you, his lips soft and warm, the passion and heat between you consuming you. You lost yourself in the feeling of his body, the taste of his lips, the touch of his hands. The two of you gave in to the desire, the lust, the need for each other.

He guided you backwards towards the rocks, your back pressing against the smooth stone, the cold sending a shiver through you.

"We should not be doing this," you moaned, the feeling of his teeth gently nipping at your skin sending waves of pleasure through you, "the gods, they will punish us,"

"Then let them punish," he murmured, his voice like a caress, "if it means I can spend one more moment with you, I will gladly accept their wrath,"

He lifted you, the water lapping around your thighs, his hands gripping your ass. The heat from his body contrasting with the cold air, the feeling of his manhood pressed against you made you feel glorious.

"I've never been with a man," you whispered, trying to conceal the nervousness in your voice, your body trembling with need, the excitement and desire almost overwhelming. "Have you been with a woman? Did you...?"

"Once," he whispered, his voice husky, "but it was not love, not what I feel for you,"

Your heart raced, the feel of his strong body, the strength of him, made you feel alive in a way you had never known.

He kissed you, his lips brushing against yours, soft and gentle. You leaned into him, your fingers tangling in his dark hair. His touch was so tender, so loving, as if you were the most precious thing in the world.

His eyes met yours, his fingers dipped below the waterline, and pushed slowly between your legs, causing you to gasp and jerk back, the sensation new, overwhelming.

He smiled, the lines around his eyes crinkling, the look of desire that filled them making your stomach flutter.

"Do you feel that?" He whispered, his fingers teasing the place between your legs, his touch eliciting a reaction you'd never imagined possible.

"That is a taste of Óðr, the god of divine madness," he smiled and when he began moving the small nub between your legs with a calloused thumb, you moaned aloud.

He lowered his head to yours, his lips capturing yours, his tongue teasing, tasting. You surrendered to him, to the feelings coursing through you, the passion and desire burning inside you. You'd never felt like this before, the sensation of his touch, his kiss, was almost too much, your breath coming in small gasps, you were on the verge of something, something you'd never felt before.

The combination of the heat of the water, the warmth of his breath on your cheek, and the insistence of his fingers were doing something to your body. Your muscles began contracting, pushing towards something new, something blissful.

Then you felt it, ᛞᛁᚡᛁᚾᛖ ᛗᚨᛞᚾᛖᛋᛋ (divine madness) a feeling of rapture, an explosion, a storm. Your body alight with pleasure and a yearning for more of whatever he would give you.

He pressed his lips to yours, like he could taste your pleasure, and you knew you had been given a precious gift. Your hands clutched at his chest, your eyes locked on his, your heart fluttering, no longer caring that the gods might see you and punish you both. You parted your lips and with a soft moan he slid his tongue into your mouth and kissed you like he was drowning and you were air, his grip tight on your body.

You wanted more, the madness taking hold of you, your hand slipping beneath the water to caress his manhood, a thrill washing through you as he twitched and groaned.

You knew enough about what men and women did to know he could place himself between your legs, thrust forward and be inside you. You had heard some of the wives claim it hurt, while others hinted at immense pleasure. But you didn't care. In that moment, your mind was a fog of desire, your body singing for him.

He pressed himself against you, searching your eyes for permission, his gaze heavy with want. You locked eyes with him, giving him a small nod and he eased himself into you. There was no pain, only a dull stretch of pleasure and fullness. His arms wrapped tightly around you, his hips moving slowly, thrusting into you. You dug your fingers into his hair, moaning as he filled you, your bodies coming together in a dance of passion and lust.

"ástin mín (my love)" he whispered, his voice thick with desire, his breath hot on your cheek. You clung to him, lost in the moment, his body moving in sync with yours, the feeling of him buried deep inside you was more than you could have imagined.

The water churned around you, your bodies moving together, your breath coming in shallow gasps. The pleasure was building, a coil of ecstasy twisting tighter inside you. His hands gripped your waist, his gaze locked on yours, the need and desire between you binding you together, the need for release overwhelming.

And then it hit, waves of pleasure crashing through you, his body shuddering as he found his release, the two of you clinging to each other, the world around you fading away.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice low and hoarse, his eyes shining with emotion, his hand cupping your cheek. "And I do not care what the gods have in store for us,"

"Elijah," you breathed, a warmth filling you, your heart fluttering, "I love you too,"

He pressed his forehead to yours, his hand cupping your neck, his fingers tangling in your hair. You closed your eyes, savoring the moment, the feeling of his body pressed against yours, the scent of him, the sound of his voice.

"í þessu lífi og því næsta (in this life and the next)" he whispered, his gaze locking on yours, the look of adoration in his eyes making your heart race.

You smiled up at him, lost in the love you shared, "í þessu lífi og því næsta,"

Fear gripped your heart as you felt the weight of a raider on top of you. His face contorted into a terrifying grimace as he looked down at you. The stench of his foul breath washed over you, making you feel sick. He lifted his arm, intending to bring his axe down on you.

You screamed and woke up in your tent, Elijah watching you with concern. He reached out and took your hand, rubbing circles onto your palm in an attempt to soothe you.

"Come here, sweetheart," he whispered.

You moved closer into his waiting arms, settling in between his legs, resting your back against his chest, letting your head rest against his shoulder.

"You are trembling," he said, nuzzling your hair with his nose and continuing to rub small circles into your palms. "Another bad dream?"

"Aye," you muttered.

"Tell me what you saw."

"The raid, it haunts me," you said, swallowing hard, "the screams, the blood, the bodies,"

He hummed softly, kissing along your shoulder, "It haunts me as well,"

You closed your eyes, letting his gentle kisses wash over you, chasing away the darkness. His warmth and strength were a comfort, making you feel safe in his arms. You let out a sigh, sinking into him, the feel of his skin against yours a reminder that he was there, protecting you, loving you.

"You need to rest, tomorrow will be a long day," he whispered, his breath warm against your ear, his hand gently stroking your arm, his words soft and soothing.

You nodded, the memory of your dream still fresh in your mind, the images leaving an ache in your chest.

His hands began to roam, his touch sending sparks of pleasure through you. You moaned softly as his fingers grazed your skin, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

Since your first time together in the hot spring, the two of you had not been able to get enough of each other. Every night you would succumb to the desire between you. With each touch, each kiss, your feelings for each other grew deeper, the bond between you strengthening.

He would use his mouth, his hands and his body to give you pleasure, to bring you to the edge of bliss, to teach you every sinful thing you could do. He taught you how to please him, and in return you learned that you held power over him. To watch his eyes darken with lust, his face a mask of pleasure as you rode him, it made you feel like a Valkyrie.

"I cannot sleep," you whispered, the memory of your nightmare fading, the ache inside you building, your skin tingling.

He chuckled, laying back, pulling you down with him, holding you close. Bringing the furs over you, cocooning you both.

"After we rescue Henrik and Gerda, I will make love to you in a bed," he whispered, kissing along your neck, "not the ground or in a spring,"

"Or against a tree... or the side of a hill..." you smirked, a hint of playfulness in your voice, "I can keep going," you teased, turning to face him, your hand caressing his cheek, his stubble scratching at your skin.

"Aye, or that," he laughed, his hand cupping your rear, his touch sending a jolt of desire through you.

"What will happen to us?" You whispered, your expression clouding, "what will we do?"

"We will find a home, a land where we can build a life together," he murmured, his thumb tracing along your bottom lip, "where we can be together," he paused, a flicker of doubt crossing his features, "that is if you want to come with me," he whispered, the hesitation and vulnerability evident in his voice. He searched your eyes, his gaze intense, his heart open and exposed.

"I want nothing more," you replied, your voice a whisper, the words tumbling out, your chest aching, "I could not imagine my life without you," you added, leaning into his touch, his skin warm against yours. "But... What of Niklaus?"

"He.... he will adjust," Elijah sighed, "it will not be easy, but he will understand," he said, his eyes searching yours, his expression a mixture of worry and affection. "I hope," he added, his brow furrowing.

He sat up and stretched, the sun just beginning to rise, beams of light filtering in through the opening of the tent. You watched him, the muscles in his back flexing, the curve of his rear, the broadness of his shoulders. You let your eyes wander over his body, committing every detail to memory.

"Since sleep is evading me, I shall go and hunt," he smiled, pulling his tunic over his head, his hair messy and wild, "there are still a few hours before we must leave, and I want to ensure we have plenty of food,"

You smiled up at him, nodding, "I will gather the supplies and get the horses ready," you said, sitting up and reaching for your clothes.

He leaned down and kissed you, the familiarity of his lips against yours sending a wave of heat through you. His hand cupped your cheek, his eyes filled with adoration and desire. He lingered, his thumb stroking your cheek, his eyes filled with longing and need. You pulled away, your heart racing, a flutter of excitement blooming in your stomach.

He turned and walked out of the tent, leaving you alone, your mind swimming with thoughts of him. You fastened your hair into a long braid, your thoughts consumed by the upcoming battle, the plan laid out, the odds stacked against you. A pang of fear gripped your heart, the weight of responsibility and duty on your shoulders, the fate of your sister in the balance. You shook your head, forcing the doubts away, steeling yourself for the task ahead.

Elijah returned with two rabbits, the scent of blood making your stomach twist, the thought of the coming battle, the risk of losing Elijah or Gerda making you nauseous. You usually didn't mind the sight of blood or the scent, but today it made you feel ill. You swallowed the feeling and quickly got to work, cooking the rabbits over a small fire, your mind whirling, your thoughts a storm.

"It will be a long day," Elijah said, handing you a flask of ale, "drink, it will give you strength,"

You thanked him, taking a sip, the taste of honey and berries filling your mouth. You handed the flask back to him, and he took a drink, his expression grim.

"The market will be busy, but we will be able to blend in with the crowd," he said, packing away the rest of the supplies, "there will be plenty of Blackthornes, so be wary,"

You nodded, taking a deep breath, he took your hand in his and squeezed.

"Do not lose hope," he said, his voice steady, "we will rescue Henrik and Gerda,"

You gave him a small smile, the confidence in his words easing some of your worry.

"If we get separated, meet me back here," he said, his expression serious, "and remember, keep a low profile, do not draw attention to yourself,"

You nodded and kissed him softly "I will,"

The smell of fish and salt hung in the air, the morning market in full swing. Merchants and traders lined the streets, their wares on display. Children ran and played, their laughter echoing through the bustling town.

The slave markets were separated from the main market, but the smell of death and blood still permeated the air. The screams and cries of those being sold haunted the town.

Elijah walked alongside you, his expression tense, his hand gripping his sword. You could feel the tension rolling off of him, his worry for Henrik and Gerda obvious.

As the two of you passed the slave pens, a woman caught your eye, she was sitting on the ground, her head in her hands. She reminded you of your mother, her hair the same color, her eyes the same shade.

You wanted to free her, to tell her she was going home, but Elijah grabbed your hand, pulling you along.

"You can't help them all," he said, his voice low, "we must find the young ones,"

You nodded, following him through the crowds, the noise and chaos making your head spin. Your heart pounded in your chest, your stomach churning, the anxiety and fear coursing through you.

The sight of the gallows was a stark reminder that this was a dangerous mission, that one wrong move could lead to death.

The crowd was thick, the heat and stench of the bodies pressed together unbearable. You could hear the auctioneer shouting, his words muffled, the air thick with anticipation.

Elijah pulled you to the side, the two of you standing at the edge of the crowd. You could see a few men wearing Blackthorne colours scattered about. It gave you hope that Henrik and Gerda might be nearby.

"This is our chance," Elijah said, his voice low, "keep your head down and follow my lead,"

You nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves. You followed him down to the water, to where they loaded the ships with cargo. The slaves were being kept there until the auction began.

That's when you saw her, your sister, chained and shackled. Her hair was matted and dirty, her clothes tattered and stained. She was thin, her face gaunt, her eyes haunted.

It took everything in you to not run to her and wrap her in your arms. You bit your lip, your fists clenched, the urge to free her nearly overwhelming.

You squeezed Elijah's arm, and he turned, his eyes widening when he saw her.

"Go, I'll distract them," he whispered, before stepping forward.

You watched as he approached the Blackthornes guarding the prisoners. His stance was relaxed, his voice smooth, his demeanor calm and confident.

You could tell the men were suspicious, their eyes narrowing, their hands gripping their weapons. But you couldn't worry about him right now, you had to focus on freeing your sister.

You approached the slave trader, a tall man with broad shoulders, his dark hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.

"How much for the girl?" You asked, nodding towards Gerda.

The man's eyes roamed over your body, his gaze lecherous, making you shudder.

"She's a pretty one," he said, his voice a low rumble, "but she's a feisty one, needs a firm hand,"

You swallowed hard, the thought of her being touched, abused by a monster like him, made you want to scream.

"So will that lower the price?" You asked, forcing a smile.

The man considered, his eyes raking over you again, "Aye, a fair trade,"

He held out his hand, and you took it, his grip tight, his skin rough. With the other hand you grabbed the dagger at your waist, and plunged it into his neck.

He collapsed, unable to make a sound, you looked around to see if anyone noticed, but the men were still distracted by Elijah. You grabbed the keys off the trader's belt and quickly unlocked the shackles around her ankles and wrists.

She blinked up at you, her eyes wide, her expression confused. The pain in her eyes broke your heart, you could only imagine what she had been through.

"Systir?" She said weakly, her voice hoarse.

"Aye, Gerda, it's me," you said, pulling her into a hug.

She clung to you, her arms wrapping around you tightly, her tears dampening your tunic.

You pulled away, helping her to her feet. Her legs were weak, her body trembling.

"You've got to be strong," you whispered, "do you know where Henrik is?"

"He was sold," she choked out, her face crumpling.

"We'll find him," you said, gripping her arm.

Just then you heard the sound of fighting. You turned to see Elijah and the men locked in combat. Blood was pouring from a wound on his arm, but he didn't seem fazed. You felt torn, wanting to help him, but needing to get Gerda out of harm's way. You knew what you had to do and what he would want.

"We need to get out of here," you said, pulling her away.

The sound of battle rang out, the clang of swords, the grunts and shouts of the men. You scooped Gerda up into your arms, and she wrapped her arms around your neck.

"Hold on, Gerda," you whispered.

She buried her face in your neck, her breathing ragged, her body shaking. You ran back to the market, slowing your pace, trying to blend in with the crowds.

You could hear the men shouting, the sounds of their pursuit growing louder. You weaved in and out of the crowds, trying to lose them. Your heart was pounding, your mind racing. Suddenly a hand grabbed your arm, spinning you around.

It was Niklaus.

You felt immense relief wash over you, seeing him there, safe.

"You're alive," he gasped, his voice hoarse, his eyes wild. "Do you know what happened to Elijah? to young Henrik?" He asked, his gaze darting around, looking for danger.

"Henrik is gone," Gerda sobbed, her face red and blotchy, "sold, not long ago," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper.

Niklaus' expression darkened, his jaw clenching, his eyes flashing with anger. "Are you hurt?"

You shook your head, "I'm fine, I'm taking Gerda somewhere safe, Elijah was fighting the men who held them captive,"

Niklaus cursed under his breath, he looked like a true warrior, his head shaved into a mohawk, the Mikaelson colors painted on his face. You could see his muscles rippling underneath his tunic, his chest and arms were covered in tattoos. The scars on his arms and face told the story of a fierce fighter, one who had survived many battles. It had only been a few months since you had seen him, but he had changed so much and so had you.

"Take her and leave," he growled, "go to the forest, hide there,"

"I won't leave without Elijah," you said, your tone firm.

He gave you an odd look, and you felt a wave of guilt wash over you. But now was not the time to dwell on it, now was the time to act.

"Stay safe," he said, before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

You pulled Gerda along, keeping to the shadows, trying to stay out of sight. The sound of battle echoed through the market, the cries of the wounded, the clash of steel. You came across the stables, her weight growing heavier with each step. You could feel her heart pounding against your chest, her breath coming in short gasps.

As you approached the stables, you could hear the sound of a man's voice, the familiarity of it making your hair stand on end. Einar.

"We need to hide," you whispered, setting her down.

She leaned against the wall, her chest heaving, her body trembling. You looked around the corner of the barn to see Henrik on the ground, Einar looming over him.

Your blood ran cold, rage burning inside you. You gripped your axe, the familiar weight of it calming you.

"Stay here, Gerda," you said, your voice low.

She shook her head and clinged to your arm, her nails digging into your skin.

"You can't take him," she whimpered, "he's too strong,"

"I have to try," you said, pulling her into a hug, you handed her a small dagger Elijah had given you, "take this, if anyone tries to hurt you, use it,"

She nodded, her eyes filled with fear.

You crept around the corner of the barn, the stench of urine and manure assaulting your nose.

"Not even worth the money I paid for you," Einar snarled, kicking Henrik in the stomach.

The boy groaned in pain, his eyes scrunched shut, his fists clenched.

"Get up, boy," Einar spat, grabbing Henrik by the shirt, dragging him to his feet.

You charged at him from behind, raising your axe and striking him in the back with all your strength.

Einar stumbled forward, dropping Henrik. The boy fell to the ground, clutching his stomach, his eyes wide with shock.

"You bitch," Einar growled, whirling around, his eyes filled with fury.

Cold fear shot through you, the sight of his scarred face, his cruel smile making you freeze. Your axe still in his back, you backed away, reaching for the dagger at your waist.

Suddenly, Henrik leaped onto Einar's back, his arms around his neck, trying to strangle him.

The sight spurred you into action, and you ran forward, stabbing the dagger into his shoulder, his scream of pain echoing through the stables.

Einar thrashed, trying to shake Henrik off, but the little warrior held on, his face grim with determination.

The three of you struggled, the fight raging, your breath coming in short gasps, the sound of steel clashing ringing in your ears.

Your body ached, the blows Einar landed, his punches, kicks and elbows leaving their mark. But you and Henrik managed to bring him to his knees.

He roared, flinging Henrik off his back, and the boy slammed into the wall, his body limp.

Einar's hand went to his waist, and you knew what was coming, he was going to grab his sword and cut you in half.

You scrambled backwards, the adrenaline coursing through you, the fear making you frantic.

You were cornered, no way out, no escape.

He raised his blade, his face twisted in a cruel smile. Gerda screamed and ran forward, putting herself between you and Einar. You cried out, trying to stop her, but she ignored you. Her face was a mask of fury and determination, her body trembling, but she didn't hesitate, didn't flinch. She stared up at him, her fists clenched, her eyes blazing with fury.

"Don't touch my systir!" she shouted, her voice strong and clear.

Einar laughed, "Two children and a woman? This will be fun,"

He raised his sword, the blade glinting in the sunlight. This was it, the moment of death. You closed your eyes, waiting for the pain, wondering if you would be worthy of Valhalla, if one day Elijah would find you there.

But the blow never came.

You opened your eyes, blinking against the harsh light. But then his expression turned to shock, a pitch fork jutting out from his chest. He fell to the ground, the weapon buried deep, a gurgling sound coming from his throat. You knelt beside him, his blood seeping into your clothes. You watched the light fade from his eyes, the life leaving him.

Behind him stood a dazed Henrik, his blade bloodied, his eyes wild with rage. He grabbed Einar's sword and threw it to you, and you caught it.

You stood up, feeling dizzy, your body aching. You could taste the coppery tang of blood in your mouth, your wounds finally catching up to you.

"Henrik!" Gerda cried, throwing her arms around him, sobbing into his neck.

He wrapped his arms around her, his expression a mixture of relief and pain.

"I'm alright, Gerda," he whispered, his voice shaking. "It's over,"

They both looked at you, their eyes shining with gratitude, they both looked like they'd seen hel, their bodies covered in cuts and bruises, their faces gaunt and pale. They had seen and experienced too much, too young. You reached out, and they both embraced you, their arms wrapping around you, their tears wetting your clothes.

"I'm sorry," you whispered, "I'm so sorry,"

"You came for us," Gerda said, her voice barely audible. "That's all that matters,"

You squeezed them both, feeling the warmth of their bodies, their hearts beating, their breathing, their life.

"Come," you said, forcing yourself to stand, "let's get you both home,"

Your horse was nearby, the stallion waiting patiently, seemingly unbothered by the commotion.

You got them both on the horse, handing Henrik the reins, he wrapped his arms around Gerda, and the two of them clung to each other, their eyes filled with hope.

"Go to the forest, wait for me there," you said, giving the horse a pat, "I need to find Elijah and Niklaus,"

"My brothers are here?" Henrik asked, his eyes widening.

You nodded, "they'll help us get home,"

The stallion took off, Henrik guiding him towards the forest, the two of them fading from sight.

You headed back to the market trying to gather your thoughts, the pain and exhaustion making it hard to think. You had to find Elijah, and Niklaus.

{Part One} {Part Two} {Part Four} {Part Five}

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oneshotnewbie · 10 months

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Thanos throws Reader into a very cold lake. Yelena gets her out but she is freezing and hypothermia and even after Yelena and Wanda care for her after and make her a hot tea, soup, cuddle her in warm blankets etc. she is shivering.

ᕚ---ᕘ

You did not know what was happening to you when you were blown up with full force. Looking at the several meters below you, which lifted you from the ground, you had already mentally prepared yourself for death and declared your life as an Avenger to be over; no one could survive such an impact.

Your eyes shut tight, you hoped for a quick death without having to suffer. To your surprise, it was ice-cold wetness that took over you and swallowed you whole instead of the hard dirt road covered in snow. A shrill scream from Wanda, as you found yourself in free fall, was the last thing you heard before breaking through the thin ice.

Disorientated, you spent those first seconds desperately trying not to gasp as the water soaked your whole body. But the pain that ate through each of your limbs like individual needles made you do just that and the cold wet pierced your lungs before you had bitten through the deep.

The water hit your face, the cold shooting through you like a thousand tiny lightning bolts. Pain filled your body, hoping to scream and fight through. But your screams are lost in the gurgling of your lungs filling with water, your throat constricting.

The lake was hollow and had a complex depth, but you still managed to fight your way up and bring your head to the surface, where Yelena was already standing knee-deep in it, reaching out to you with a hand. With the last energy in your body, you swam onto the sandbank and the blonde pulled you the last few meters away from the water with all her strength. "Are you all right?"

With chattering teeth and lilac lips, you nodded carefully and wrapped your arms around your torso. Your fingers were stiff from the short dive and you could hardly open or close them. "I am so cold," you stuttered and watched as the red-haired witch took advantage of the distraction to decisively unleashed her magic on the mighty Titan, spurred on by the attack on you.

The warlord responsible for your fall was flooded with the red threads of her magic, slowly but surely freeing him from his armor. The look on Thanos' face as he floated into the sky was one of shock and you knew he was not enjoying his luck for long. He shattered into fine particles that swirled through the air in the icy winter wind. The Avengers, however, knew that he was far from defeated. They had all only weakened him, but by no means defeated him.

Wanda Maximoff rushed forward and dropped to her knees in front of you. "I got you," her hands rested on your shoulders, hastily rubbing your upper arms to add a touch of warmth to your freezing body. "We need to get you somewhere warm, let´s go." she whispered, still out of breath from the fight. The redhead pulled you up, grabbing you by the already crystallizing, wet sleeves and right against her, supporting you as you walked to the Helicarrier.

You were puffing hard, shaking against her chest and she pulled you impossibly closer to her, focusing on getting you to headquarters as quickly as possible to protect you from further hypothermia and the fatal consequences that would ensue. Wanda could tell you were still conscious but did not think you would remain for much longer.

When you arrived at headquarters, you lay unconscious in her arms, a warm blanket draped over your flushed body that was still shaking. "We need to warm her up slowly. Wanda, you have to get friendly with her." Tony ordered and the witch looked at him questioningly as she carried you through the hallways of the headquarters. "Warm her up with your own body heat. Embrace her, keep her close to you until she is conscious and change her wet clothes."

She nodded hastily, carefully bringing you in her own room and laying you down on her bed. Stripping off her equally wet clothes, she squeezed into her pajamas and did what she was told without question. The redhead shuffled closer to you, slipping her arm around your shoulder and carefully pulled her blanket up to your nose.

"Come on, sweetheart. Wake up," mumbled Wanda and placed her other hand on your stomach, the trembling lessening under her touch, your skin still cold and covered in goosebumps. Watching you being thrown away and disappear out of her sight was horrific. One minute you had been soundly fighting next to her, the next she was watching you fight for survival.

She hated the feeling that was building up inside her. Guilt for not protecting you enough, unsure how you were feeling and whether you would be okay or not. Wanda was afraid, she did not want to lose you.

The door opened with a bang and made the redhead flinch. Her eyes darted to the door and she smiled when it revealed none other than the blonde who stormed into the room with an entire tablet in her hands. "I have three different types of hot tea, a hot water bottle and lots of blankets. Soup is on the stove and boiling."

"Thanks, Yel."

"How is she doing?" she asked at the same time and sat down at the end of the wide bed. Her hand slid over your covered lower legs, caressing them anxiously. During their conversation, they did not even notice that you had opened your eyes a crack. You did not know where you were, nor why you felt so heavy. You were cold, but you tried to push at whatever or whoever was holding you back did not seemed to work. You had no strength.

In the distance, you heard female voices speaking, using your name in almost every sentence. "Where am I?" you asked, trying to get up. But Wanda held you tightly in her grasp, her fingers placed under your chin so you could look up at her. “Y/n, you are safe. You are in my bed.” shushed the witch, looking at you with concern.

Your eyelids fluttered open and you managed to keep your eyes fully open. Yelena and Wanda could tell that you were still unfocused, your body starting to shake harder again. "Give me another blanket, Yelena," the woman had stood up, pulling a blanket from the stack and held it out to her, who took it and nodded a thanks.

Swiftly, she pushed you up straighter and swung it around your still shivering form as the blonde poured a cup of tea and held it in front of you. You gratefully accepted it, held the cup tightly in your hand and closed your eyes to let the warmth penetrate deeper into your body. "I am sorry," you said quietly, the shivering making your voice shake.

"What for?" The two of them asked at the same time and Yelena helped you bring the edge of the cup to your lips to drink. You groaned as the warm water poured down your esophagus, warming you from the inside while resting your head on Wanda's shoulder. "Causing you problems. I could have died."

"You did not fall into the lake on purpose." pointed the blonde out and you managed to smile tiredly, placed the cup on the small bedside table and devoted yourself entirely to the redhead. Your arms wrapped around her middle while your head made itself comfortable on her chest. "Besides, you are destined to die on the battlefield as any good soldier should, not drowning in a sea."

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allisluv · 4 months

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Ooh what do you think THG characters ended up like after the rebellion? (Btw I wanna hear ALL the thoughts you have bc this topic is so interesting sorry if it's kinda weird)

i have so many thoughts so i apologise in advance.

katniss suffers for years after prims death and the only light in her life is knowing that she is healing with peeta right by her side. its hard for peeta to tell what's real and what's not, even years down the line, and katniss starts sticking up post it notes around the house so he knows that he's not in a dream. katniss goes hunting in her spare times while peeta opens up his very own bakery in what used to be the hob. when peeta and katniss officially start a relationship and realise that they're wanting to spend the rest of their life together, he ropes johanna into helping him build a house in the meadow.

johanna moves to district four to help annie with the baby--- whether or not their relationship is platonic or romantic is up for debate. annie helps johanna get over her fear of water and johanna helps annie with her episodes of disassociation. finnick jr is a lovable menace, just like his father. his mom and auntie jo make sure he knows finnick died a hero.

unpopular opinion, but i think haymitch stopped drinking. there was no need to drown his sorrows for any longer -- he had to face the fact that president snow killed his family and although it was a tough pill to swallow, it was a necessary thing to come to terms with.

effie moves to district twelve to be closer to her found family and she slowly comes to the realisation that she likes being around haymitch. the two of them skirt around their feelings but eventually she kisses him and the rest is history. they adopt a family of geese and haymitch names them after his children (katniss, finnick, peeta etc...)

beetee moves back to district three to start a technological firm but stays in touch with the others. gale is consumed with guilt from what happened to primrose, so he moves there, too, and helps beetee as a distraction from what really happened. he never speaks to katniss or peeta again.

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mutable-manifestation · 2 years

Text

The Ghost King (of Miscommunication) Ch.17

Part 1-12,Part 13,Part 14,Part 15, Part 16

Part 17!

Info: Fenton food comes to life because it’s living material (or ex-living material) interacting with ectoplasm which allows it to form ghostiness. The food eaten in the ghost zone is just ectoplasm (animals made of ectoplasm, plants made of ectoplasm, etc - ectoplasm in the GZ is like carbon in humans).

Fun fact: All of the meals in the ghost zone are technically vegan because there’s no such thing as ‘meat.’ Plants can hold shape and be cooked if a ghost is feeling like getting fancy, but animals either a) have to have their core crushed so you can eat them without fighting but in that case they dissolve into liquid ectoplasm (which is what the ‘green liquid’ that is served as a drink is) or b) you can just bite an actual animal, but the plasm is still gonna get kind of liquidy before you can swallow (and you’ll have a ghost animal attacking you which is generally not great)

RIP Tucker, you really are in hell huh

***

It takes everything Jazz has not to squeal when Jason rounds the corner and she lays eyes on him.

He’s tiny, following behind one of Danny’s repurposed skeletons like a lost duckling in his little red suit with his little black cape and his little utility belt and yes sure most people look little to Jazz but he’s so little.

She can’t quite tell if the fully-white eyes are an effect of his mask or just what they look like.

He’s also the first Phantom to not have white hair (Spike doesn’t count, the two of them adopting the last name “Spook” to Danny’s undying [ha] despair at Spike’s terrible sense of humor and her own enabling/poor sense of naming).

“Hello, you must be Jason!” She greets once the skeleton takes its leave.

She has to suppress another squeal when he floats up to be closer to eye level.

She refuses to react, Danny had already mentioned how shy and hesitant he’d been about everything. She didn’t want to scare him off.

“I’m Jazz, Danny’s big sister. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

She holds out her hand with a warm smile.

Hesitantly, Jason shakes it.

“You too.”

“I know you haven’t been at the castle long,” she begins, letting go and following Spike as he sweeps open and through the doors to the dining room, “but I’m sure you’ve done a bit of exploring. How have you found it so far?”

It takes him a moment to reply, his eyes sweeping over the weapons decorating the walls around the table - a holdover from growing up in the Fenton household: Jazz and Danny simply can’t eat in peace unless there are weapons readily available. Also useful when one is royalty or related to royalty, incidentally. The number of times the Box Ghost had spent dinner in the thermos after an attempt at a challenge was unreal.

“I’ve… just been out in the snow, mostly, actually. Uh-”

He pauses when she pulls out a chair at one side of the far end of the enormous 30-person table before looping around to sit opposite, next to Spike.

He sits, hesitantly, after her encouraging nod. Wulf follows suit.

“Can I ask…what’s with all of the…” he gestures vaguely at the modified thermos-gun behind the end-seat.

“Weapons?” Jazz grins. “Long story short, our parents were ectologists with no concept of lab safety. After one too many hotdogs and thanksgiving turkeys obtaining sentience to attack us we don’t like to eat without something on hand in case the food gets…uppity.”

Four skeletons float up through the floor to place their food in front of them, just then. Jason leaps back and up to float in the corner of the ceiling, looking down at his meal in anticipatory horror while the skeletons sank placidly back down through the floor.

‘I may have made the story too short,’ she thinks, standing slowly as not to startle-

“As someone who did not grow up in the Fenton household but who has eaten here quite a lot over the course of the last forty-plus years, I’ve never had that issue.” Spike speaks up, bless him. “I’m pretty sure that was uniquely a Fenton household thing due to a specific type of cross-contamination.”

“Exactly, it’s just for peace of mind. We don’t actually need them.” She’s happy to note that his anxiety has turned to just normal hesitance.

“If it would make you feel better I could give you a Wrist Ray?”

His lips pinch before he drifts back down, “Wrist Ray?”

“Here!” she smiles, lifting a hand to pull the one on the wall towards the middle of the room to her with a light application of telekinesis.

Jason watches with wide eyes, and she doesn’t fight down her smile at the awe and barely-suppressed curiosity she can sense just below the surface - fear too, but knowing he was freshly a halfa and hearing how long Danny suspected he’d been struggling to form his core, that was understandable.

Being dead was a lot. Being a ghost was a lot - even for Jazz, who’d grown up with Danny and had been at least tangentially involved in Ghost Zone politics since before she graduated high school.

A sense of normalcy was what he needed now; Jazz can help with that.

She made a mental note to have a talk with Danny about allowing work to interfere with family mealtimes and remind him exactly how they’d felt about that growing up.

Especially when the poor boy hadn’t even been a ghost for a week.

Time holds more meaning for younger ghosts, Danny will just have to learn to delegate until the boy has fully settled in.

Danny had stepped in to take care of Jason, and had barely left his side for an entire week.

Danny had made himself into the stable thing in Jason’s afterlife, and now he’d left him alone with a bunch of strangers - family and friends of the family or not, Jason didn’t know them yet - and Jason’s emotions were flopping as much as a fish out of water.

“This is a Fenton Wrist Ray - we tend to just call them Wrist Rays. You wear it like a bracelet,” she slides it over her hand as she speaks. “It’ll adjust to fit on its own once it’s on - make sure the actual ray is on the top of your wrist. Then-”

She takes aim at Danny’s chair and lets off a blast, leaving a smoking hole where his head would usually be.

“-you shoot!” She finishes cheerfully.

“Darling, the chair…” Spike coughs, but she knows by his smiling eyes that he’s stifling a laugh.

Wulf doesn’t bother hiding his snicker.

“To take it off you just tug - it’ll loosen as much as it needs to. And voila! Here, give it a try.”

She holds it out to him across the table, smile calm.

He looks at it like it’s a snake about to bite him. She waits.

A full 10 seconds pass before he finally takes the weapon, sliding reverently over his wrist.

He looks at Jazz.

She nods at the chair.

He aims at the chair.

Waits.

Looks at Jazz.

“Uh… How do I fire, exactly?”

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

Jazz - Spike’s wife, apparently - is a breath of fresh air.

All of the talk he’d been subjected to for the past week has been about medical stuff he doesn’t understand or flying or introductions or how not to continue to be kidnapped.

Sure there was some party they talked about, but that had nothing to do with him, so he just shrugged the few times Danny had sought his input and eventually been left to his devices - those devices being dissociating, trying not to panic, trying not to loose Danny, and trying to find some kind of machine he could feasibly rewire into replacement comms if he could sneak it back to his ‘room.’

Jazz asks about ordinary things, like his favorite color and what he likes to eat and whether he’s seen the library yet - which he has to now that she’s waxed poetic about the size of it and how it has ‘pretty much everything’ (listen if he’s gonna be kidnapped he’s at least gonna take advantage of the perks) - and, strangely enough, his preferred party décor.

Another point to the fae theory - he remembers there being something about them having eternal parties or something.

She also gave him a kind-of-a-gun (even if it took him an unfortunate amount of time to figure out how to ‘will it to fire’).

When the meal (which does not rise to sentience) is over she offers to show him to the library, and when he tries to return the Wrist Ray she says he can keep it.

Spike tells him to enjoy the library and departs complaining about eyeballs - the third such complaint Jason has heard so far.

“Why do people keep saying that?”

“Hm?”

“About ‘eyeballs.’”

Jazz makes a face. It seems the dislike is universal.

“Bureaucrats.”

Jason makes a face - more universal than he’d thought.

“Ah.”

Jazz leaves him and Wulf outside the (large) library doors, having “An appointment to make - thankfully eyeball free.”

They all laugh as she leaves, then Jason slips into the library and decides this might, possibly, be heaven.

***

Jason: receives a gun and a library

Jason:

Jason: this is the good place

@kyrianclawraith, @do3y, @someonebored0100

#dpxdc #danny phantom #jazz #spike #wulf #jason todd #libraries #guns (kinda)#comedy-horror of errors

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itsevanffs · 6 months

Text

a lot of tag games

i'm just gonna combine them into one post because otherwise i think the next like 10 posts you see are all gonna be my tag games. below the cut etc etc

so, first and foremost, @aglassroseneverfades tagged me in a get to know tag game:

Relationship status: proud cat owner. i'm committed

Favorite color: probably the colour of alana's eyes. or her nose. or her beans. but cardinal red is a close contender

Song stuck in my head: nothing in particular, but i've been listening to all of cam ostrom's stuff on repeat recently. also bought his first EP the second i found him haha

Favorite food: broccoli and camembert pie (quiche?) with cashews

Last song I listened to: another familiar window by cam ostrom

Dream trip: home

Last thing I googled: tumblr

@raehb336 and @toast-ranger-to-a-stranger tagged me in a wip tag game:

post all the names of the files in your wip folder, no matter how obscure or ridiculous. ok. it says to tag someone for every wip but i don't think i can tag like 80 people and i honestly don't want to. i have these in alphabetical order based on fandom btw

FS: rewrite

GF: cat eyes

HP: 2.5

HP: a/b/o fic canon adjacent

HP: a/b/o fic sacred nests

HP: a/b/o fic teacher/student

HP: a/b/o incest for monsieur

HP: a/b/o incest scarves

HP: a/b/o laundry au

HP: a learning experience

HP: at the expense of the world

HP: audio fic

HP: blood in your mouth

HP: blood relations 6

HP: boogeyman au

HP: chav au

HP: childhood pictures

HP: cnpg

HP: crash & burn

HP: curfew

HP: DNP

HP: DNA

HP: doll au

HP: egg creature fic

HP: emd fic of fic

HP: enamoured

HP: eton au

HP: fae au

HP: favours

HP: forced fem au

HP: forcedpreg kidnapping au

HP: futuristic ABO au

HP: hold me down (fuck me up)

HP: hooker au

HP: icarus au

HP: incest au 20

HP: incest inf nc

HP: in the dark rewrite

HP: junkie au

HP: lucifer au

HP: maid au

HP: mamma mia au

HP: mirror au

HP: monastery au

HP: monastery au 2

HP: new politics

HP: oedipus fic

HP: oviparous

HP: ovipos intersex

HP: priest incest au

HP: priest au n

HP: rage, rage

HP: red riding hood au

HP: reverse a/b/o au

HP: robot au

HP: romeo & juliet au

HP: smart move

HP: snow white au

HP: songbird au

HP: stalker au

HP: storm & silence au

HP: swan lake au

HP: tentacles

HP: the darker the weather

HP: the mark upon your heart rewrite

HP: therapy au

HP: tomcest bar sex

HP: tomcest sr 6

HP: vampire au

HP: vee pov genfic

HP: vespertine rewrite

HP: violent resurrection fic

HP: vol de lys

HP: zombie a/b/o au

RG: lecture

SS: swallowing smoke

SV: cnc

SV: eggs

SV: final exam

SV: god's just sleeping

SV: jumper au

SV: slowly

SV: sugar

SV: the worst

SN: demon

and no, these aren't all my fics, they're literally just the ones marked wip. my total fic count reaches 169, because i keep track.

@aglassroseneverfades tagged me in a picrew/uquiz combination, so that's going here:

i don't know if i 100% agree with the quiz but i do like taking care of people, up to a point. beyond that you're on your own, though i can help take care of some of the cleanup.

@toast-ranger-to-a-stranger tagged me in seven sentence sunday, which is good timing on my part because it is in fact sunday:

Mr O’Hara hums. “You like the rain?” “I don’t like-like it,” Miles begins, then changes his mind. “Well, I like it when I’m inside. Not when I’m stuck in a downpour in the middle of nowhere.” “I don’t think Brooklyn counts as the middle of nowhere.” “I live outside the boundaries of human norms.”

that's seven, right?

@aspengray tagged me in a 'get to know' tag game:

3 ships you like: miguel o'hara/miles morales, tomarrymort, and uhh the christian grey/anna steele dynamic i invented in my head. they're cute i like em

first ship ever: god. uh. that depends because it's either bella/edward from twilight, or it's... wait no it is just bella and edward, winx... wait no i watched it in dutchl. so yeah either bella/edward or bloom and that teacher guy from season 2 or three. jesus christ what was his deal. he was hot though

last song you heard: i see you by cam ostrom (it changed because i have spent like an hour on this already)

favourite childhood book: twilight

currently reading: the witcher blood of elves by andrzej sapkowski

currently watching: i don't watch series or tv but i'm always in the mood for a rewatch of spider-man across the spiderverse

currently consuming: water with syrup

currently craving: nothing. i just ate soup

@moontearpensfic, @atredys and @goldenzingy46 tagged me in 10 characters, 10 fandoms, 10 tags, to which i have no context but i just assume you pick your favourite of each fandom:

voldemort - harry potter

miguel o'hara - spider-man: across the spiderverse

rikkard ambrose - storm & silence

john winchester - supernatural

bill cipher - gravity falls

rosalie cullen - twilight

geralt - the witcher

sans - undertale

jim - the jrasl original fiction universe

me - irl

in no particular order. i ran out of actual fandoms i like about 5 entries in so forgive me for cheating. link to jrasl for context though, jim is actually a fictional character and i want him to crack me like a glowstick

@alittlebitofharrypotterinmylife tagged me with yet another get to know tag game, but a different one from the previous two:

last song: crossing the bridge by ólafur arnalds

favourite colour: prussian blue

currently reading: sources on extra virgin olive oil

sweet/savoury/spicy: spicy all the way tbh. i have been craving the burn

relationship status: single

current obsession: miguel o'hara's scrumptious tits. have you SEEN his chest. apparently we were deprived of additional ass which is a travesty but he's still so big that i had to seriously reevaluate my previous love for twinks the second i saw him

erm yeah. sources for the images used as text breaks are all me. moi. follow me on @itsevansart or whatever, do what you want. i am so glad i am caught up. i think. maybe i missed a few but we'll see <3

thanks for the tags though! this year has been brutal but i'm so glad it'll be december soon and we can all get a well deserved break. what do you mean check the calendar? what's a calendar?

#very long post #tag game #tagged #i tried to make it humourous #a little bit #have a good timezone

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mylevisdontfitanymore · 2 years

Text

Tell me why I can’t stop thinking about little Steve with an Iron Stomach™️ who doesn’t really love food but is very fond of non-food objects?

Basically, object vore… I’ve been so, so obsessed with object vore recently. 🥴🥴 I can’t help it. There’s just something about it 🤌

Little Steve with object vore:

Unbeta’d Steve Rogers belly kink. Warning for object vore, stuffing, slight oviposition, etc. DO NOT EAT NON-FOOD ITEMS. IT WILL MAKE YOU SICK. IT IS NOT SAFE. THIS IS PURELY FANTASY.

Sand

Steve would love being full of sand because it’s just… so heavy. There’s no way he can be filled up with sand and walk normally. He’s forced to waddle, swaying unsteadily, and not making it too far before he has to take a rest. Constantly out of breath under the dome of sand in his pot belly. He’s also forced to arch his back to compensate for so much weight tacked onto the front of his body. It’s like he’s overdue with too many babies.

When he’s swallowed as much sand as he can, his belly is totally, perfectly round, filled from the top of his stomach, taut, to the bottom of his stomach where his intestines bulge out too. However, his belly is also drooping. It wants to center the weight on his hips. It wants to hang low between his legs. Sand is heavy. It’s a lot of work to carry it around, but it’s so worth it. It feels so good. It fills him up so good.

Sand fills Steve so easily, too. The sand particles are so small that they fit into every little nook and cranny of his throat, belly, and intestines. The more and more full he gets, the more the sand weighs, and the more it stretches him. Bigger and bigger. He feels like his very own play sandbox. His own beach.

Another great, great thing about sand is that no matter how full he gets of sand, it still shifts around inside him. Steve can be completely solid when totally full and yet if he rolls from one side to his other, lying down, struggling under the small beach’s worth of sand in him, he can feel it move. He feels like a stress ball. Or maybe like a snow globe, if snow globes were full of sand rather than liquid.

Also, there really isn’t anything as satisfying as pressing his fingers into his belly when it’s packed full of sand. He can be so full he’s about to pop, but there’s still just a little bit of give. A little bit of squish. It’s the perfect feeling.

Coins

Steve craves the feeling of coins once they’re in his belly, they aren’t the best to swallow, especially the larger, heavier ones, but once he has them down… oh, God, they’re so clinky and heavy and cold. Which, all of those attributes are good things to Steve. He loves it.

Also, he doesn’t mind the taste - metallic and smooth on his tongue, in his mouth. Then, less smooth down his throat, but he’ll deal with that one downside because it’s really all about the belly feel here. Past the throat.

Filling him.

Rounding him out with a lumpy, uneven belly. Leaving his tummy to have visible impressions of the hard edges of the coins, especially as he swallows more and more. It’s so obvious, what he’s done. What he swallowed. What he’s full of.

When Steve is full of coins, jumping or running is a no-go, obviously, that’s too much. But shifting around a little, walking slowly, and/or squeezing and massaging his own belly is the best. All those little clinks… coins hit together and thump against the tender inside of his belly. All the heavy weight behind his every shift, every step, and every squeeze. It reminds Steve of how much he’s swallowed.

Squeezing his tummy when it’s full of coins is so nice. It’s lumpy and hard and weighs heavily on his lungs when he sits down or lays on his back, but there’s something about the feeling that feels good, too. The coins pressing against each other and against him… yes. He knows he’s freaky, and it probably wouldn’t feel nice to anyone else, but to him it’s everything. So full.

And the cold temperature of the metal coins feels good too - for as long as it lasts until the coins heat to his temperature - it leaves him with a solid, chilly core. There’s nothing he would rather do on a hot day than first have a freezing belly, like he’s filled with ice cream but so much better. So much more solid and heavy and yes. Then, when his coins heat up, he can pant and struggle around their weight. At that point, he feels like a hot water bottle, sweating and turning red, but… with cargo much more precious than water…

He’s like a fucking coin purse.

Something to be used and treasured and ideally kept full. Always, always full.

Marbles.

Not just regular marbles though, the big ones.

Jumbo marbles.

Steve likes these marbles for similar reasons to coins - they’re clinky, heavy, and cold. But, different from coins, these feel heavier and are nicer on his throat. When he swallows them down one after another after another after another, they practically roll down into his stomach. Hitting the growing pile with a satisfying little chink. And there’s almost nothing better than that.

A belly full of marbles? Jesus. It gets him so heavy and so noisy. He can’t even breathe without them making noise. Shifting inside his gut. Resting heavily in his lap. Pressing harshly into Steve - hurting just enough to feel good. He’s so painfully full. Steve couldn’t fit another marble into him, right?

Then why does his mouth water at the thought of popping just one more into his mouth and letting it roll down his esophagus, bulging his throat, until it finally makes its home in his huge tummy?

When Steve gets really full of marbles, it makes his belly look like he’s stuffed full of little eggs or golf balls. Maybe he should try golf balls… but, aren’t golf balls lighter than marbles? Maybe not. He likes his belly, his cargo in his belly, heavy.

Steve loves the idea of all those marbles rolling around inside of him. Massassing him, almost, from the inside. If they were eggs, they’d grow and expand inside him. They’d get heavier and heavier and he would want them out so badly, whining and moaning about how he’s about to pop - about to burst. Too heavy. Too full. Too much. And, yet… always wanting more. Always wanting his collection of eggs to grow and get larger and larger.

Rubber bands

Steve started swallowing rubber bands by accident. The first time he ate one, it was because he had been chewing on it like it was a piece of gum. It’s not too dissimilar, really. And it’s especially not too dissimilar if you’re Steve and you tend to enjoy non-food items texture and taste more than real food items… Anyway, when Steve swallows a rubber band, it hardly feels like anything. It hardly feels like anything when he swallows one at a time.

But he can stuff in quite a few at once.

Also, they build up.

The more rubber bands he swallows, the fuller he gets. They’re relatively light and small, so it takes a long time to get there, but… it’s well worth it to Steve because when he gets enough in his belly, it makes him all rubbery and squishy and almost perfectly round. His muscle and skin cover the gaps between rubber bands and any uneven ways they might poke out. So he just turns into a dome. Round. Smooth.

When he’s full up of rubber bands, Steve likes to imagine he’s swallowed a single rubber band ball, solid, just one huge mass of stuff.

Heavenly.

Squishable while still being firm. Heavy enough that he can feel all of what he’s shoved down his throat but still light enough that he can walk and do anything he likes.

He can lie on his belly when it’s full of rubber bands, they presses into him a little bit but… it also feels so nice. Again, it’s squishy. And there’s something so nice about feeling all those rubber bands squish inside him, making his belly bulge out from his sides and making him look wider and fatter than he is when he presses his belly into the ground. Maybe he’s lying on his bed, but maybe he’s just stopped what he’s doing to press himself to the floor of his apartment. He can be mobile and do things while full of rubber bands, but he can’t not get distracted. He likes feeling full too much. It drives him crazy. All he wants to do is swallow more and more and more and get bigger and larger until he’s enormous and everyone can’t believe their eyes, seeing such a little guy carry such a massive gut.

In conclusion: I have no regrets.

I'm so obsessed with little Steve who has a huge belly because he's so desperate to be full that he will stuff anything into himself 🥵🥵

#mylevisdontfitanymore #steve rogers #chubby steve #belly kink #text #object vore

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stayinguplate · 10 months

Text

Yandere winter king x reader part 2

Tee hee I’m back everyone and I missed you all I’m so for not posting yesterday I fell asleep writing this,so for your patience here is your best table for the show :3

This story will have yandere tendencies such as kidnapping,manipulation. etc

Along with mentioning of breathing problems and no not asthma it’s a little different

Along with Stockholm syndrome

If you don’t feel comfortable reading this please feel free to click off and scroll away but if you’re staying please enjoy.

Also part one is here at the end of that one shot I explained it

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You panted running through the snowy cold forest you were out of breath and feeling my throat getting tight wasn’t good you stoped for a quick second catching your breath

A sharp cold wind sends shivers down your spine. You look over your shoulder to see nothing but trees and snow. Suddenly you hear footsteps coming from behind you. The pace is slow, steady, and unhurried.

Fear shoots through your body as you started to slowly start running again my throat still feeling awful and dry like you had tasted blood

The footsteps continue their pace, never growing closer nor farther away. It seems as if these footsteps are chasing you and taunting you. You look over your shoulder to find the same thing. Trees and snow, nothing more, nothing less.

You felt so confused your whole body felt weak and tired ,was it just your mind playing tricks on you ….no it couldn’t.

You thought to myself as you kept running through the icy snow in the woods

The footsteps continue with their pace, never leaving your ears. Your body feels weak, the air is cold, and your throat still feels like you swallowed glass. Your mind doesn't know what to do, so panic sets in. As you continue to run, the cold wind still chills you. As you look over your shoulder, you spot a figure, watching you, waiting for you.

You gasped in fear as you then fell face first in the snow groaning in slight pain as your legs felt numb from running your skin freezing as the cold snow air pinched your skin making it slowly numb,

Your legs are numb, your throat feels like fire, and breathing is difficult now. As you struggle to get up, the footsteps finally stop. You can hear the approaching footsteps now right next to you. The wind still blows, you feel the cold snow on your face. You manage to turn your head towards the approaching footsteps. The familiar figure is there, watching you.

“ please no…”

You said weakly knowing winter king caught me ,you tried to get up but your body wouldn’t allow you to.I wasted all my energy and now you felt so much pain shooting through your chest trying to breathe normally again

The figure kneels down next to you. You notice your throat is still hurting. The figure picks you up from the snow, causing your frozen body to feel the cold again. The figure stands up but is still holding you. You feel weak, vulnerable, the figure is strong and protective. Your heart is racing with the fear as you look up at the figure holding you.

You try to get out of winter kings arms pushing him weakly away trying to get out of his grasp wanting to be in the cold snow rather than his arms

He holds onto you with a tight grip even though he sees you trying to escape. Your pushes only seem to give him more encouragement. The more you fight, the harder he grips you. He looks you dead in the eyes, your fear of him is still there even though he is the one keeping you safe right now.

“ winter king please …stop “

You beg as you turned away from his gaze your voice being slightly sore and faint

The winter king smirks "My love, why would you want me to stop? You are cold, your body is shivering, and you are in pain. I am here to make sure nothing happens to you. I am here to protect you and care for you." Winter King replies softly as he still holds you while you try to push him away.

“ stop ..let …go ..of …..me “ you felt your body slowly and unfortunately start to feel weak and sore your throat wasn’t helping much either as you felt yourself stop struggling your energy fading as you were in his cold embrace

"My love, you ask for such silly things. You are exhausted, your throat hurts, and your body can barely move. What about me? Do you think I am just going to let you go off and possibly die right here in the snow to these awful conditions?" Winter King replies softly as he stares at you, keeping a firm grip. Your energy is starting to diminish.

You put my hand on his chest attempting to push him away but the icy cold weather that pinched your skin along with my horrible condition making you go unconscious in his arms

As your strength fades away, your body completely relaxes under the grip of Winter King. Before you fully fall unconscious, you feel a kiss on your forehead. Winter King gently starts to walk away with you in his arms smiling to himself knowing that he has you helpless in his arms as he walks back to the ice palace that is a few minutes away

A little later you woke up in a nice comfortable bed in a warm room you looked around for a few seconds as you slowly get up, you covered your self with the soft warm blanket as you tried to get off the bed but a clanking noise came from your leg you looked at your right leg and there was an ice shackle

Winter King sits next to your bed, staring at you. He notices your eyes open as you take in your surroundings. As you see the ice shackle, your eyes go wide with fear. Winter King smiles. "My love. Welcome back to reality." Winter King walks towards you, his footsteps creating a loud clanking sound. He kneels down beside your bed. "I see you've noticed your shackle. Would you like to ask why you have it on? Or does my love already know?"

You looked around afraid as you covered myself with the blanket trying to comfort yourself from being back in the castle in your new bedroom …

Winter King grabs the end of the blanket and slowly pulls it off of you. "No need to try and hide, my love. I am your protector. If you don't think I won't pull you from that bed, I will just remove the whole bed. There is no escape from me." Winter King smiles before continuing. "Do you want an explanation or is it as simple as you already know?"

You looked at him with confusion and fear not knowing what to say just feeling fear in your body as you slightly look away.

Winter King grabs your chin, causing you to face him. He grabs your chin with his cold, gentle hand. You feel his gentle smile looking at you. "Look at my eyes, my love. I am not here to hurt you. I am here to protect you. If I let you go now without the shackles on, what's to stop you from just running off?" Winter King laughs. "You must see, my love, I can not let you go. Not now. Not yet."

“ yet ?…” you said with confusion

"Yes, yet. My love, you don't understand the dangerous world out there. It is cruel and full of people that will use you for their own selfish reasons. What is to stop someone from kidnapping you? From hurting you? From..." Winter King looks into your eyes before he continues. "From loving you the way I do." Winter King gives your cheek a soft kiss.

“ but you kidnapped me….”

I said shivering in discomfort from the cold kiss

"My love, what I have done was for your own good. Don't you understand? You were so lost and alone in that universe, so miserable. I brought you here, I gave you a purpose, a home, and I gave you love. I do everything out of love." Winter King continues to hold your cheek in his cold hand.

You said you’re voice in a hurt tone as you push his hand away from my face

Winter King grabs your hands again stopping you. "My love, your family didn't care for you. No one in that world truly cared about you. Everyone in that world used you. You were alone. I am not stripping your freedom away from you. I am giving you what you lacked in that world. Love and protection. Do not be blind by your own lies, my love."

You struggle against him “ no…no you’re wrong!” You said angrily

Winter King holds you down against the bed as you struggle. "I am not wrong. I am giving you what you deserve. I am giving you what no one else could have given you in that world. I will even give you your freedom, but only after you finally understand that there is no one out there that loves you the way I do." Winter King kisses you once more.

“ your wrong you don’t know me !”

You said as you kept struggling under him trying to get him off

Winter King laughs. "My love, I know you so much more than you think. I know your thoughts, your fears, your dreams, and most of all, your love." Winter King gets closer to your ear. "You can try to fight it all you want, but you love me, your heart wants me, your body yearns for me." Winter King continues smiling into your eyes as you keep trying to struggle.

“ your a monster!” You yelled as you tried not to cry “ you took away everything from me”

Winter King looks at you for a moment. Suddenly his tone of voice changed from being a calm and smooth to a firm and harsh tone. "You have no idea what a monster is, my love. I took nothing from you. I gave you purpose, I gave you love, and I will give you anything you want. I will give you everything you deserve. You will be treated like the princess you are by me. So do not you dare speak of me being a monster, when I am simply treating you the way you deserve to be."

You flinch at his tone of voice as you felt yourself not being able to control your tears as you stopped struggling and just started crying

Winter King let's go and you fall back into the soft bed. He wipes away your tears. "My love, why do you cry? Do not you understand? I love you, and you love me. I am only doing what's best for you. I can not allow you to leave my side with how cruel that universe is. I know you want to go to your family, but they do not care for you, they do not love you. They are monsters that only want to use you. Do not fool yourself, my love."

You cried softly as you softy sniffed

“ no …no they.. they do love me…. They care……there not “ I spoke in a sad hushed whisper

"That is where you are wrong, my love. I want you to think, honestly think, do they really love you? Did they even attempt to find you while you were gone? Or did they just ignore you, like everyone else in that world. You can not tell me they love you, they abandoned you, my love. I am the only one who truly cares and loves you. I am your true love." Winter King caresses your cheek again.

“ no ….they…they .. “ you let yourself really think

‘Where were my parents..my siblings my friends…where …..no ,no they couldn’t they wouldn’t …..’

You thought to myself as I felt my tears still flowing down your cheeks

"Do you see, my love? I am not wrong. I am your one and true love. I care for you, I want to protect you, even if it means holding you here, even if it makes you cry. I am doing all this because I love you and I don't want you to leave me. I may be all you have but don't you agree that I am all you need." Winter King whispers this into your ear.

You felt yourself slightly hiccup while you slowly shook your head

“ no no they will find me…” you said as you tried to wipe my tears away

"My love, please do not lie to yourself anymore. You have to understand there is nothing or no one out there for you. They have their own lives to live. They do not miss you, or even think about you. They are monsters. They do not care for you as I do. I love you. Will you please trust me? Please, my love. You can trust in me, I will care for you, and I will do what's best for you." Winter King wipes away tears from your eyes.

You felt yourself crying more as you turned away putting your face in your hands as you continued to now sob

Winter King turns your head towards him. "My love, you can not avoid the truth. I will not let you do that. Come to me my love, allow me to wrap you in my arms and feel safe under my touch." Winter King pulls you close to him and hugs you. Your sobbing continues, but you feel the urge to just cry into his shoulders. "I am here, let yourself feel your emotions, let it out, my love."

You slowly pulled your hands away from your face slowly grabbing winter kings shoulders as you softly cried into him the manipulation hie did had worked on you as you cried into his embrace

You bury your face into Winter King’s chest, your sobs growing louder. Winter King caresses your hair once more. He smiles as he holds you close, happy that you are breaking. His warm hands soothe you. "There there, my love, let it all out. I am here, I am here and I am the only one you can trust. You do not need anyone else, you can be happy right here with me. With someone who truly cares for your needs and wants." Winter King continues to gently rock you in his embrace.

As you were still in his embrace you were still over thinking to yourself about your family

‘ they do care right…they could not just be relieved when i disappeared for the whole week right …they care ….I know i wasn’t the best daughter but…no one is…. They..couldn’t have just I don’t understand …’

You thought to yourself shakily breathing

Winter King still holds you as the thoughts and emotions continue to race through your mind. "My love, my love, don't you understand yet? They did not care about you as they should have. They gave you up and abandoned you. I know that they did not look for you. I'm sure you think I am such a cruel and evil person right now, but I am doing this all for your own good. I know that when I first kidnapped you, you did not want to be here. But now you realize that I am the only one who's truly there for you, right?"

“ I ended up here on accident I didn’t mean to even to end up in this place…”

you said in a hushed tone as you wiped your tears away as they began to slowly stop falling

Winter King laughs as he holds you. "My love, of course you didn't. I used a spell. I sent you here. I had to see you. I wanted you to experience what real love was before it was too late. Your family could not show you so I had to give it to you myself. I had to show you what it was like to be truly loved." Winter King caresses your cheek again. You feel as if nothing is wrong because his touch feels so good. "Do not worry, my love, you are here to stay. I will never let anyone take you away from me."

“ you can’t just do this to me…why,why would you do this?!”

You said shoving him away as you slightly backed away but not far since the shackle on your ankle was keeping you in place

Winter King grabs you and hugs you tight. "My love, I am doing this out of love. What's so hard for you to understand? No one cares for you the ways I do. You did not have any friends, and your family did not care. No one will ever care about you the way I do. No one. I am the only one who truly loves you. Do not be foolish, my love. Love me as I love you, and you will get everything you have ever wanted. Love me, and it will be as if you are living in paradise."

“ no no no!…you’re wrong …your……..wrong “

You say as you hit your hand against his chest in frustration the feeling of pain and sadness almost causes your tears to start

Winter King looks down at you, holding you. His face turns cold and harsh. "Do not lie to me, my love. Your love is mine and only mine. I am your protector and your lover. I know what's right for you. I can not let anyone else have you. You are mine and I am yours." Winter King stares at you coldly as he holds you. "So do what I say, or I don't know what I may do next." Winter King says as he holds onto your hand, staring directly into your eyes this time. You flinched at the tone of his voice and started to tremble slightly as you felt tears running down your face as you closed your eyes shut afraid for the worst

"Do not close your eyes, my love. I want you to see how deep my love is. Your tears will be my sweet nectar. Your screams my sweet music." Winter King grabs your face and forces you to look at him. "Do as I say, or else..." Winter King's voice trails off as he stares at you. He looks more dangerous than ever before.

You opened your eyes slowly terrified and trembling in his grasp as tears trailed down your face

"Do not keep me waiting my love. Your answer, now." Winter King stares at you once more as he holds you tight. He caresses your hair once more, gently. "I am the only one who cares for you, now. I am the only one you can trust. Let yourself be held by me, let your love and trust belong in my hands. I will take good care of you, make sure you never have to feel scared or alone again." Winter King smiles, yet there is nothing sweet or tender about him.

“ what do you mean answer?… you didn’t ask me anything…”

You said shakily and confused by what he meant

Winter King continues smiling, yet in him as his eyes narrow and he squeezes you tightly. Winter King leans forward, his face almost touching yours. He whispers, letting every word sink in. "Love me and only me. No one else. No one else will ever love you like I do. I have done too much now, so do not even consider saying no. You belong to no one else but me. If you cannot accept that my love is the only true love in your life, then I fear I will have to use force."

“ you made my family hate me?…..” You said in shock as your body trembles in his grasp

"They never loved you to begin with, my love." Winter King says calmly. "Would your family be here right now to save you? Would your family be here to fight for your love? Did they ever even look for you? No, my love, they haven't done any of that. All you have is me. So do you trust the only person who loves you in this world and will do anything for you?" Winter King caresses your cheek, he leans in closer, looking you directly in the eye.

“ why…I don’t understand “ you said feeling confused and grabbing your hair slightly pulling it

“ do they hate me or did you make them hate me?…”

"My love, I did something to their minds to make them forget you. But trust me, they never cared. They never loved you. That is why they do not search for you. They do not care if you have left, or died, or if something or someone took you away. They are monsters. I am all you will ever have. So do you trust me? I know what's best for you, dear love."

“ so I was a mistake to them …they only took care of me so i could just grow up quickly?…”

You felt warm heavy tears fill your eyes

“ i really did try to be perfect for them ….”

"My love, you see why I must keep you here? I am the only one who cares for you. I am the one who loves you. I am the one who will protect you. Do not waste your tears on those monsters. Allow yourself to be loved, by me. I am the only one that will ever care." Winter King wipes away your tears and leans in closer. "Now ..do you trust me, my love?"

You sadly looked up at him nodding acceptingly expecting the hard truth

Winter King smiles at you as he caresses your chin once more. "My love, my sweet love. You truly make me happy. Now come here, and kiss me. Show me that I have earned your trust." Winter King grabs you and brings his face to yours, eagerly awaiting your loving touch.

You felt your nervousness taking over as you slightly hesitate

"My love, come closer. I am nothing but kind and love. My love for you is deep and eternal. I know that you trust in me, I know that I am the only one for you. Don't be nervous, my love. We truly belong with each other. Do not keep me waiting." Winter King stares at you, yet there is nothing but love in his eyes. Not cruelty, not evil, only love. His words are as sweet as honey and his touch is as gentle and tender as silk. He seems harmless...right?, it’s not monstrous to do this ..to love him…?

You press your lips gently against his cold lips

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Sorry, I did not expect this to be this long. I hope you all enjoyed and I hope you all had a good day, night or afternoon.

It’s raining where I live. We’re having a thunderstorm. Yippee.

Part One

#fionna and cake #fanfic #yandere #winter king #simon petrikov #toxic love

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crowning-art · 2 years

Text

TGCF SPOILERS AAAHHHHHHHHHHHGHHDHHFDHJFJX

GUUUUYYYTSSSSSS WTTFFFFF I DID NOT EXPECT THIS I DID NOT EXPECT TO READ THEIR FREAKING CINFESSION TODAY OH MY GOD I CANT EVEN TYPE RJFBFJFNFJTJFJGJ

Accurate depiction of me reading the absolute wild events I read rn:

Literally, like that exact face of disbelief, happiness, confusion, shock, conflicted, etc etc

First of all I DID NOT EXPECT WHITE NO FACE TO SHOW UP SO MUCH WHAT????

YAASSSSSS LETS GOOOOOOOO NEW PEEPS ADDED TO THE REUNION AND THIS TIME IT IS MY FAVES DJDJJDJXJD AHHH IM SO HAPPY I MISSED FENG XIN AND MU QING SO MUCH DJDJDJFJ

Ok but like I was trying to take this part seriously but all I kept thinking of was that one scene in that one barbie movie from like ages ago where she gets buried in an avalanche (mainly cuz I used to re-enact it with my siblings ALOT when I was kid lmao) the point is....I couldn't take this scene seriously lmao if you know, you know

When Xie Lian turned back to save Nan Feng and Fu Yao, that moment he delayed allowed the wave of snow to swallow him whole. The cold and heavy wave of snow surged without rest, breaking him and Hua Cheng apart. Xie Lian was falling all over from the force, tumbling down with the white wave, but still managed to keep struggling somehow. However, there was too much snow, the surge too powerful, and time and time again covered over Xie Lian’s head, bringing a series of sudden suffocations.

In the end, Xie Lian shouted, “SAN LANG!”, unable to hang on, and was buried down after all, disappearing within the icy snow current.

It was from this exact scene that I started feeling anticipation cuz I knew stuff here and there about the statues and confession but I didn't really know what I was getting into...

Xie Lian was already used to Hua Cheng having the answers to everything, yet this time, Hua Cheng replied, “I don’t know. Most likely under the snowy mountain.”

Xie Lian was amazed. “And here I thought it was a shelter San Lang found. I can’t believe not even you know where this is?”

“No,” Hua Cheng said.

LMAO THIS WAS SO FUNNY THO

The moment Xie Lian fell into the pit, those white strings of silk instantly charged forward and tied him up nicely. The rest of the cobwebs were then slowly crawling about, further securing the “cocoons” on Nan Feng and Fu Yao’s bodies. Fu Yao was going mad with rage.

“How come you fell too? Now look at us, three dumb fools! Let’s all just die here together!”

Yooo they are 2 brain cells shared among one another and today it is with NEITHER LMAO

It was like Fu Yao couldn’t believe his real identity was so easily seen through, and was relentless. “When exactly did you find out? How did you find out? There must’ve been something that gave it away, what was the flaw?!

But like this part was so cute, like I genuinely love their friendship so much and like vice versa cuz they also recognized Xie Lian's statues just as quickly

If he couldn’t guess who were under those two skins, then he would’ve lived all those years for nothing.

Ah, wait, hold up, what deed are they talking about? When Mu Qing was accused of stealing or is it something else that's mentioned later? I'm confused :(

Feng Xin also added, “Stop thinking people are as narrow-minded as you. Even when that shitty deed of yours landed you in Heaven’s Prison, His Highness still tried to help you…

LMAO OK THIS WAS ALSO HILARIOUS

“…What’s with those faces?” Xie Lian asked. “Don’t get me wrong. The red string I’m talking about isn’t something so frivolous as the ‘red string of fate’, it’s a spiritual device. Just a spiritual device.”

Only then did the two stop their twitching.

Feng Xin replied, “Oh, I see.”

Mu Qing on the other hand, was doubtful. “And what kind of spiritual device is that? What does it do?”

“It’s quite useful,” Xie Lian said. “It’s a red string tied on both our hands, with an invisible connection in between. One can use this red string to find the other, and as long as one is still breathing, the red string will never break…”

Before he even finished, the other two couldn’t listen anymore and cut him off.

“HOW IS THAT DIFFERENT THAN THE ‘RED STRING OF FATE’? IT’S EXACTLY THE SAME THING!”

LMAO THEY ARE SO OVER PROTECTIVE IT'S SO CUTE FJFJFJFJGUC but like ughhh get you some besties who would point out all the bad things in the new dude u bring home and are willing to put their lives on the line to protect you T-T

The whole convo really went:

Fengqing: He has red flags ALL over him!!!

Xie Lian: well...umm..red is my favourite colour *twirling hair shyly*

Ya so at this point I was like oh dear lord....things are going down

“I can’t believe there’d be a day that an arrogant character like Crimson Rain Sought Flower would be afraid to cause unnecessary trouble,” Mu Qing said.

Ok guys be prepared for a literal essay lol

I'm going to use different words to describe Hua Cheng's feelings for Xie Lian but bear with me for a bit.

This paragraph is the first to start to explicitly state how obsessed Hua Cheng is with Xie Lian and like ya we knew all along with the subtle (or not so subtle) hints but it has now been "exposed under the sun":

Looking closely, every single statue here was carved as if they were alive, the details more than detailed, almost to the point of frightening. It was easy to see just how closely the sculptor had observed the subject of his divine statues. Xie Lian dared say that even the most renowned of sculptors of Xianle back then would not be able to carve to this level of excellence. It was as if the sculptor’s mind was completely filled with this person, and his eyes only saw this person.

Like I don't think the magnitude of Hua Cheng's...love? Obsession? Worship? Is truly comprehended cuz imagining a HUGE cave filled with 10 thousand sculptures of varying heights like that's insane (essay continued after the next bullet point lmao)

Lmao there are so many lines in here that are my favorite ESPECIALLY THIS ONE LOL

Mu Qing could not believe his ears. “…Did he actually cast something on you to confound your mind? I think even if he was to write ‘suspicious’ on his face you’d suddenly become illiterate.”

Uh oh........

“Didn’t I say not to touch things randomly in someone else’s territory?”

Back to essay!

As seen in many places, Hua Cheng has made Xie Lian his everything and clearly he is so shaken up by everything like genuinely rejection from the one and only person who matters to him is the one thing that would make him wish for death...(you see what I am getting at 😏)

Both Xie Lian’s face and mind were going to burn up. He was scared Hua Cheng might see, but Hua Cheng didn’t look at him at all, keeping to his promise completely, never crossing the line. He kept his head slightly turned, averting his gaze from that half-exposed white shoulder.

And this part! Oh my God! This part works so much in Hua Cheng's favour because despite how crazy he is for Xie Lian, he doesn't lose the respect he has for him and retains both of their dignities in such an honorable manner (and it is also seen when he was young and Xie Lian had been in that cave where the whole temptation thing was going down, both retained that dignity and honour there as well).

But at the same time, it's like the mere the thought of Xie Lian being parted from him for even a second is enough for him to want to die

By then Hua Cheng had already come to his side and clutched one of his hands. He pulled him up and pressed him hard into his embrace, whispering, “…How can I possibly let go.”

I think the main point that I was trying to draw at was that I saw people say many times 'oh my God Hua Cheng is a stalker' 'He is so creepy' 'That's taking things too far' 'he's too obsessive' (yes looking at fengqing as well lmao) and while I had the same thought when I heard about this scene a while back out of context, now I actually disagree with this. We look at this from the lens of normal people but that was NEVER Hua Cheng. He always WORSHIPPED Xie Lian and i think people tend to forget that ALOT. What happens with them (which makes them so perfect as a couple imo) is that while Hua Cheng treats Xie Lian as the revered God he is, he also treats him like a normal person and act like a typical couple which gives such a perfect balance of unconditional love while acknowledging flaws within the other person. It just works so

✨️perfectly✨️

As Xie Lian says himself, none of them are normal in this world so how can they expect their love to be normal?

So ya, the 'stalking' and 'obsessiveness' is not weird in the slightest. (Obviously in the real world it would be major problem tho lmao)

WTF

Wtf

WTFFFFFFFFF OH MY GOD

Soon after, “Feng Xin” and “Mu Qing” before them disappeared, and what replaced them was a tall and slender white-clad young man.

Judging by his form, this young man was about seventeen or eighteen years of age, and he was wearing a mask, half of it crying, half of it smiling. While his face couldn’t be seen, the crisp and bright voice of a youth came from behind his mask.

He said warmly, “How are you, Xie Lian.”

HE IS HEREEEEEEE IN THE FLESH OH MY GOOOOD WHOEVER THE HELL WHITE NO FACE IS THIS DUDE IS HERE OH MY GOOOOOD

And the finale....

IT IS THE CONFESSIONNNNNN RJFJFJFJFJFJJFJFNFJ AHHHHHHHH FJFJFJFJFJFJFJFJF

After a pause, Xie Lian asked, his voice flat, “You…don’t want to know…how I feel about this?”

“…”

Hua Cheng turned his head slightly, like he wanted to look back but at the same time was afraid to look Xie Lian in the eyes.

I was like holding my breath the entire time when this happened like pin drop silence

So, only the two streaks of blood on his cheek could be seen.

“Will Your Highness…not tell me?”

Even his voice was cracked.

And THE ABSOLUTE FEAR LIKE MY MAN WAS READY TO LIVE IN THE SHADOWS AND NEVER MEET XIE LIAN AGAIN BUT EVERY DAY WOULD BE LIKE LIVING A THOUSAND DEATHS

And then

He heard Hua Cheng’s staggering voice coming from above.

“…Your Highness. You really…will be the death of me.”

WHAT HE WAS GIFTED INSTEAD WAS JUST ONE DEATH BUT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND BLISSFUL DEATH OF THEM ALL AND IT IS JUST SO POETIC AND BEAUTIFUL AND IM LITERALLY ACHREECHING WHAT THE HEELL THIS WAS AMAZING IM LOSING MY MIND OH MY GOD I can't I genuinely have so much to say but like U GET THE IDEA and u don't understand how perfect the whole scene was created for me cuz I have a tgcf playlist i listne to while reading and the moment I started reading this part, the opening song for the donghua started playing and I was shook like IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL I CANT

#tian guan ci fu #tgcf #heaven's official blessings spoilers #heaven’s official blessings #hua cheng #xie lian #tgcf spoilers #tgcf journey #ch 173-177 #Oh mt god #like i know the confession is like yes finally #but its so more than that for hua cheng #and like all the emotions that he must have felt in that moment #i genueinly cant imagine #wow #so well written #i cant even imagine how much better it can get

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mxlooker · 8 months

Text

feeling mentally ill over ani and obi tonight. listening 2 the playlist i made for them and just. screams and cries and throws up etc

specifically forest fire by brighton is making me want to bite my laptop thinking about ani tbh. like. the whole song !!!!!

song analysis / ramble below bc a girly can't shut the frick up !

okay i wasn't going to ramble idiotically, but this is my blog and i'll be mentally ill on the mentally ill about fictional characters webbed site.

the first verse is literally ani as a child having nightmares / visions of his future ("when you were young / you used to dream about fires") during his first few months / year at the temple. while obi was more distant during that time bc of his grief, i was the one who would shower him in affection out of my own.

he'd often come to me at night. sneaking out of his quarters because he just... couldn't sleep. the temple was different and cold and he missed his mom and he was struggling to adjust. i'd let him vent and talk and comfort / offer advice as needed before getting him to sleep, but even so, he'd still have nightmares. ("and scream into the night / to find me standing barefoot at your side")

("i used to whisper "it will be alright" / and lay down at your side / and take your tiny hands into mine") i'd lay with him when he had those nightmares, soothing and comforting him, until he'd drift back to sleep again... usually with his head on my chest. this only lasted upwards of that first year until he was starting to learn more "appropriate" ways to cope / began to adjust to life as a Padawan.

then the chorus : ("and how was i to know / that i'm not strong? / i should have saved you") is the guilt and sorrow and grief over not having preventing his fall to the dark side that i felt. maybe if i had been stronger, a better sister, a more competent friend... anything, really, it wouldn't have happened. ("and oh / i hope you know / that you're my home / but now i'm lost / so lost)

the second verse is... well, the aftermath of his fall. ("i keep imagining those flames that did rise / and blackened up the sky / the light that showed you barefoot in the snow"). i'm left imagining his pain, his sorrow, his anger, that led him down this path. how i didn't do enough. ("and then the fire started building up inside / exploding blinding lights")

("now i'm the one left screaming through the night") the irony, of being the one who'd dry his tears and comfort his nightmares... only to be left coping with my own all alone. everyone i knew as far as i was aware were dead and gone. i didn't even know that obi was alive.

the bridge is where im determined to fix things, to make them right. whether it's bringing him home or through helping the Rebels. it's where i turn my guilt and shame and pain, hiding it, into action. ("i'm going to carry your bones / i'm going to carry them all / i'm going to carry you home")

with that, i keep the legacy of what you were and could have been alive. my brother, my friend, my home. i do what i know that ani would have wanted, not vader. ("and oh, i'm gonna bury these bones / and write it in stone / that you were my home / my home")

... and try to swallow back the guilt like bile. to try and slowly forget what life was like, and to forge this new one as best as possible. ("forget about it")

#「 now speaking... 」#「 jedi fam 」#*bonks head hard* im so full of emotions and i didn't even write out my thoughts half as good as im thinking / feeling but w/e !!!!!#anyways this is like. a lot of words lol #i have more to say but i just. i wasn't going to write a full 5 page essay on it lmao #and that's ONE song on the playlist.#my hands hurt from typing so much / fast lol #gonna shut up now byeeeee

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cubration · 1 year

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The Long Haul 1983 session 2 (english version)

day 3

start the engine

4dF -> [-1, 1, 0, 0] -> 0

The engine starts.

I turn the key and the engine starts immediately. It's time to start the day.

Hit the road

draws the ace of clubs

You come across your twin: a rig, same model, same year, but in much better condition. You can salvage parts, make repairs, etc. How do you picture the driver of this twin? Advance the Rig Stat.

RIG - [x] - [x] - [ ]

I'm still drinving along those endless roads.

Time goes by slowly.

I finally see another truck coming on the other side and when we come across each other I can see the other driver's face : a slighty older guy, broken nose, he looks resigned and stares into the void.

I feel the truck humming slightly at this point, as if sighing with relief...

5 of clubs

As you climb a steep, miles-long hill, the engine groans. You push it, and the needle of the temperature gauge rises. Make a Rig Roll. If your game is not over: You reach a scenic overlook and cut the engine to let it cool down. You have a few quiet minutes, and decide to write something short and special and precisely-worded; you’ll carry it to your destination. Play “Blink” by Hiroshi Yoshimura (track 13). Begin writing; stop when the song ends.

4dF -> [1, 1, -1, 1] -> **2

The engine screamed quite a bit during this climb.

I decide to give him a little break.

I stop on the ridge and take the opportunity to admire the frozen landscape.

Land as far as the eye can see, white, cold and silent...

No movement.

I let the events of the previous days slowly come to my mind.

The delivery, the ambush, the noise, the explosion, the escape...

The memories allow me to recover but at the same time they remind me that it is better not to hang around...

I get back into the truck and start driving again.

10 of diamonds

You are once again overwhelmed by your solitude. You fantasize about a passenger seated next to you as you drive. Describe the imagined conversation.

The road goes on, I swallow the miles, always alone, crossing few other vehicles in these frozen lands.

Suddenly the weight of loneliness crushes me.

I feel the familiar presence by my side, it has accompanied me in such trials before.

I know what you think... No need to look at me like that.

What other solution did I have ? How could I refuse him that ?

You know I had to do this...

Anyway, this is the last time, I've decided to stop.

As soon as we get there I'll stop this.

I continue the conversation, but after a while my heart is no longer in it. I give up, and drive in silence.

I turn the sound up a little.

Beckoned by neon lights, you find a stash of something helpful: maybe a field of fresh produce, some water purification tablets, or a first aid kit. Where did you find it? Why does it feel like a blessing? Advance the Body Stat.

BODY - [x] - [ ] - [ ]

I decide to continue on the road today, I would like to get out of this area.

The ice finally gives way to snow, a thin, slightly powdery layer.

It's been dark for a while when I finally come across a kind of rest area where I decide to stop.

I park and turn off the engine.

I go out for a while to stretch my legs.

A little further on I see a kind of hut or cabin.

I slowly get closer to it.

Inside is a small table, no one there.

I look a little more closely and see a cooler under the table.

I look around on the parking: no other vehicle.

All of this must have been forgotten.

I decide to open it: inside are some canned goods and a few bottles of beer.

check your progress

Travel - [x] Ice - [x] snow - rain - wind - flood - fog - heat - dust

I take the opportunity to relax a bit after this long day.

I finally go to bed in the truck and wait for tomorrow.

make the call

I walk to the phone booth, insert some coins and pick up the receiver.

Gavin ? No answer, a silence punctuated by static.

I finally managed to leave this land of ice. I hope I can progress faster from now on.

Things went wrong there, you know, I won't make any more deliveries for you. I watch the reflection of my wounded face in the polished metal of the cabin.

I think I'd better go to bed, I've had a long drive today.

See you soon...

day 4

start the engine

4dF -> [-1, 1, 1, 1] -> 2

The engine starts immediately.

hit the road

8 of spades

Food has been especially hard to find today. What compromises have you made to keep yourself fed?

I don't come across any inhabited places today, so I prefer to save the provisions I have accumulated by rationing myself.

The road goes on.

J of diamonds

You remember a horrific nightmare about a Wound. It grows, shifts, pulses, and trans- forms. Describe the dream. Make a Mind Roll.

4dF -> [1, 0, 1, 0] -> 2

I've been driving for hours, I feel my body starting to go numb.

I know I'm in danger of falling asleep, but I don't want to waste time.

I feel my mind drifting away.

The cut on my nose, the result of a poorly executed jump and roll from the explosion pulses in my head. Je sens la douleur, sourde, revenir et envahir mon crâne.

I feel my skin tense, the cut spread, the pain overwhelms me, my nose breaks, blood gushes out and floods my face.

I was startled, having fallen asleep at the wheel for a short while.

I shake my head and continue on my way, my nose still hurts though.

2 of hearts

The next time you fail a Body Roll, you get a second chance and can reroll your dice. Save this card as a reminder; discard it when you reroll.

This episode shook me up but I'm still on the road though...

The snow swirls to the sides as I drive.

7 of hearts

Sleepless and exhausted, you find yourself staring at the fires along the horizon. You swear you see a shape, or maybe even a physical form, in the smoke. What do you see? Make a Mind Roll.

4dF -> [0, -1, 1, 0] -> 0

The road continues. In the distance the glow persists and wavers. A few plumes of smoke seem to escape. In the glow, dark traces seem to move and do not seem to correspond to what one would imagine in flames. What could it be ?

Exhausted I decide to stop.

I park the truck on the side.

check our progress

Travel - [x] Ice - [x] snow - [x] rain - wind - flood - fog - heat - dust

Snow slowly turns into rain...

make the call

I head for the public phone.

Qavin ? Still nothing.

what could be going on in the south Gavin?

And here, where are the people? What are those flames in the distance?

What could you possibly have gotten me into? The silence on the other side of the phone weighs heavily on me. I decide to hang up.

day 5

start the engine

4dF -> [1, -1, 0, 1] -> 1

The engine starts immediately.

hit the road

5 of diamonds

As you drive, your mind drifts to a past moment of regret and shame directly connected to your Destination. What happened? Make a Mind Roll.

4dF -> [-1, 1, 1, 0] -> 1

The road continues unabated, a light rain crashes against the windscreen and my journey is punctuated by the sound of windscreen wipers.

I think about Gavin, about the time I embarrassed him.

He had asked me for a delivery and I had decided to take a detour.

In the end I was late for the appointment and the delivery was cancelled.

It was an important package for Gavin and it had caused him a lot of trouble.

K of hearts

You have a violent, face-to-face encounter with the Threat. Advance the Threat and describe the encounter. If the Threat has not overtaken you, make a Body Roll to determine the extent of your injuries.

Threat - [x] - [ ] - [ ] - [ ]

4dF -> [0, -1, -1, -1] -> -3 (Failure)

reroll using the 2 of hearts

4dF -> [1, 0, 1, -1] -> 1

As I drive along, I see a headlight coming from across the road.

A motorbike is coming.

As it gets closer, I can see some kind of logo on the helmet: a kind of grinning skull.

I've seen this logo before; on the day of the delivery.

It is one of my pursuers.

How did he come the other way?

My heart is pounding, the bike passes me and continues on its way. I seem to see the driver looking at me with a grimace. He continues on his way.

I am so confused that I swerve, I regain control with difficulty, short of breath.

8 of hearts

(Used description from 8 of hearts for 8 of spades before, so I use description from 8 of spades this time)

You watch the distant fires along the horizon as they grow and shrink. What do you think started them?

The red glow is still there.

I can see it even through the rain that falls here.

What could it be due to?

9 of spades

You pull over to nap in a safe place. Describe it.

Exhaustion eventually got the better of me, so I decided to stop for the day, even if the driving day was shorter.

I park and decide to get some sleep.

check your progress

Travel - [x] Ice - [x] snow - [x] rain - [x] wind - flood - fog - heat - dust

make the call

I wake up suddenly, not used to sleeping so much. I decide to call gavin.

Allo ?

I passed a bike today, I'm sure it was my pursuers. I was hoping to get away from them but things are not that easy.

I hope to be a little bit ahead of them.

The rain has stopped here. The wind is starting to pick up, I hope to avoid the storm. I'm a bit worried about the effect of all this wind on the flames.

Do you see those flames Gavin?

Why don't you ever answer?

I hang up and go back to bed, haggard.

#solorpg #ttrpg #LongHaul1983 #Spotify #solo rpg

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stylezxsilvermoon · 2 years

Text

blue ice | chapter one: a melancholy night

❝I could tell you what you wanna hear 'cause the truth is always in the way I never wanna live in fear I don't wanna hold back all the things I need to say❞

❃゜・。. ・°゜✼ ゜°・ . 。・゜❃

CHAPTER ONE: A MELANCHOLY NIGHT

❃゜・。. ・°゜✼ ゜°・ . 。・゜❃

A/N: This story holds acts of mature content and psychopathic behavior, this is your one and only warning of such behaviors and acts, this story has been written and fleshed out through the dark escapades of my mind and those throughout the brigade, welcome to my madness, welcome to my light, welcome to my cursed darkness.

Second of all: If you have not read the first chapter with the character casts lists, I recommend you go back a step and read that, it is very important to the story.

**This Novel is a Larry Stylinson LGBTQ+ crime-romance-mystery novel, with acts of homosexual parts practically embedded into it, if it is not your cup of tea, kindly move along**

DISCLAIMER: I do not condone ANY of the actions in this book or relate them to the characters in real life in ANY way, please do not think I am misrepresenting the people behind the characters in such a way.

For my sanity and others: If anyone chooses to read this for a second, third, fourth time etc., DO NOT LEAVE SPOILERS FOR FIRST TIME READERS IN THE COMMENTS, any comments of those will be removed.

Author

The lands of the lost and the isles of the forgotten bustled with business as if they had never before. The storm of unforgiving merciless proportions ripped through the lands of the cold climate, desperately looking for relief and solace, here lies their souls of those who sought to fight another battle, in the aftermath.

In Doncaster, UK, the police station that has solved many crimes that would have stayed and collected dust in the crime unit’s file room. But, just as fate may have it, one soul picked amongst the rest sought to catch the one thing that kept him human. That reminded his own flesh and blood his heart was beating.

Louis Tomlinson.

The sound of a fresh new case breaking the brigades of the station is what breaks him out of thought, sitting pretty, and searching for any new perpetrators to catch in the act, is where it all begins.

Louis ponders to himself as to what it might be, stepping slowly out of his train of thought, perpetually forever in wonder of what might happen next. His past slowly seeping into his future as if it was drops of poisonous honey dangling on the edge of the tongue of trepidation.

He swallows thickly, taking in the atmosphere as sweat begins to gather on his brow, despite being on the force of public justice for so long, he still gets the thoughts of what could be lurking around the next corner of each case in the back of his mind.

Always wondering, always thinking of the next heart shattering, mind boggling case that could fly through those doors. The hunger for something new always plagued him with a taste for justice and vindication, proving he was the best of the best was simply what he did, best.

Though Louis wasn’t cocky, he was giving to people in his life. And even to those he would never see the day after, he always made sure to put kindness forward. Even if he had to deal with the short end of the stick most of the time.

It's late in the night, heavy permafrost coated snow is pelting against the windows disturbing his thoughts, but welcoming them, nevertheless. As a few files of picturesque crimes float through Louis’ head like sugarplums dance through the mind of any other person not collaborating with cold killers and cutthroat assassin’s day by day.

But that’s what his line of work was, at the end of the day. It wasn’t to see the pretty side of people in their everyday lives, it was to see them at their most vulnerable, or most emotional, or simply nothing at all.

On this scale of justice, it was hard to weigh through the rights and the wrongs, that’s why the department had always followed by the book. The rules of life will always tell you what is right and what is wrong.

It was simply mind over matter this time.

Louis rubs his eyes tiredly after a long shift, desperately longing to get to his warm bed at home after searching through evidence of a perpetrator caught just a few nights ago, looking through each and every detail like a scatterplot that could scatter the mind, but Louis was talented, though he knew his limits.

Searching for his things to head home after a long day at the job, Louis looked to his certificate of authenticity of his private investigator legitimacy, he enjoyed the sight of it, knowing if nothing, above all else, he had something to his name that was tangible, palpable.

Louis’ mind raced quickly with the thoughts of each case thrown at him on his mind. But all would be washed away as soon as he walked through the station’s door, he thought to himself.

“Heading out for the night, investigator?” Detective Juniper said with a smirk, knowing Louis’ shift by heart, but yet teasing him about it mercilessly, for work banter, as she called it.

“Seems to look that way, I’ll see you bright and early Juniper.” Louis said, his voice wavering mid-sentence, his tired eyes drew out an ocean of sadness and droughts of rain and dry eyes as they looked to everyone at the station, the good and the bad, though Louis saw them all the very same.

“As to you, Louis.” She said simply, wavering with nothing else from that moment on, Louis was officially off-duty from the moment his feet crossed the skids pads of the salted sidewalks. Looking to the dim light of the police department station’s sign lifted some type of strange weight off of his shoulders as he continued on. He breathed an open breath in the darkness, with nothing but himself and the wind with him now.

His air floated heavily through the wind out of his lungs and out into the atmosphere. And, sometimes he always wondered, where would the wind take him, if he were to float into space simply, subconsciously without a care in the world, he tempted the thought for a moment, then... he let it fly.

But Louis knew he had to stay focused, and alert, no matter how delirious his nights and days might have gotten.

And with that, he marched to the end of the parking lot, labeled ‘staff only’. As his grey Mercedes-Benzes calling his name as the car jolted to a start with the click of the car alarm. Followed by Louis opening the door without haste; desperately clawing himself away from the bitter below zero temperatures that coaxed its way deep into the skin of his face.

With windshield wipers on, and darkness cascading through the pale moonlight, he was off with not a trace.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Louis raced down the freeway as fast as time would allow for making quick time of when he had left the station. While waiting in the traffic, he fumbled with the cars radio. In search of something to fill his numb empty mind with substance. Just something to fill the silence, he mumbled to himself.

The radio went static as it searched for a signal as Louis’ mind buzzed with excitement. Suddenly it roared to life as a newscaster was introduced onto the radio station with the latest breaking news.

“The case of the Lythorn’s killer in the south of Britain has caused the entire coast to go into a frenzy. With police searching for the killer, a new case has arisen seemingly out of the blue. Reports say, the faceless killer may be willing to make a name for themselves. Authorities say they are recruiting Private Investigator Louis Tomlinson and Detective Juniper Young to gather more information on the heinous murder and the suspect at large. We will provide more information when information is provided, back to your regularly scheduled programming.” The news woman said on the channel seven radio station as the radio switched back to some boring jazz music that was on previously.

Louis smiled a bit at his name and his partners being mentioned on the radio, but his smile vanished at the scenario of the names being mentioned, in the case of the Lythorn’s killer.

Though the police in that department had given Louis and Juniper almost nothing to go off; strangely he was positive they would find something more the next day when they traveled to the city itself.

The thick fog along with the chilling snow that continued to pile down on the road Louis was driving on made it hard to focus on anything else. Much rather to avoid skidding onto a patch of black ice. Louis huffed as he arrives smoothly at the driveway of his house, seeing the lights already on was peculiar but familiar all the same.

Louis wasted no time hustling to the door to avoid the dangerous frost awaiting to freeze him completely. As he keyed the door the contents of his house behind it revealed his boyfriend Milo sitting on the living room couch, eyes glued to a good book he had been reading a few weeks prior.

“Milo, I’m home.” Louis said quietly, as not to disturb his shy lover but only to alert him of his presence.

“Hey Louis, I missed you baby.” Milo said quietly as he shut the book he was holding in his hands and set it on the coffee table, the orange lights of the lamps in the living room made Louis’ skin look as if it was shining pure gold. It made Milo want to dance in that light, to swim in it and to taste it. As Louis came closer to him, slowly peeling off each layer of clothing that protected him from the cold. Now rather keeping him from being skin to skin to his boyfriend.

Now clad in a tight fitting soft-to-the-touch long sleeved t shirt, Louis exhaled a labored breath as he hung his coat up in the closet next to where he was standing.

As Louis inched closer to the couch Milo was seated on with a smirk on his face, each of the two men laid a chaste kiss on each other’s lips as Louis easily crawls next to Milo, right where he should be in his mind, and his heart.

“Missed you more.” Louis mouths quietly in a whisper as they kiss in the silence, the sounds of the winds breaking through the atmosphere outside is the only thing in the silence that can be heard.

“How was your day at the station investigator?” Milo questions sweetly as Louis looks to him with an enthusiastic stare.

“Hm, tiring, to say the least,” Louis says with a huff of air as Milo laughs and throws his head back with delight at the pout on Louis’ face.

There’s a long pause as Louis enjoys Milo’s warm skin to the touch of his still, frost bitten skin kissed by the cold snow lying just outside their windows.

“Love?” Louis questions, his words becoming a chore to his ears as he realizes the heavy weight of his words and the effect on the situation.

“I have to head out tomorrow, for a case in this town called Lythorn. There’s a murder case the department wants me Juniper and I to help the police department there with it, since they haven’t done too much of anything about it.” Louis says solemnly as Milo looks to him with questioning and worry, as he thinks of who’s to know what lies in the unknown and foreign city, which makes his imagination wonder to great lengths it will take to solve the case.

“But you just came home.” Milo whines as Louis swats his arm playfully as he laughs a hearty laugh out of pure sarcasm.

As they looked to each other in the silence, Milo wondered if Louis would return, home to him safe in one piece, he wondered. He had seen much to many stories on the news of detectives going missing in result of sketchy crime investigations, he certainly wouldn’t want the same to happen to Louis.

He simply shivered at the thought as his imagination took this moment to run away with his inhibitions and better judgement, Louis looked to his dulcet expression as he looked to him with worry all the same, Louis knew of the dangerous tasks he would be sent off to do, but at the end of the day, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

“Will you come back to me, my love?” Milo said out of the blue, Louis nodded, although they were heartbeats apart, Louis could never feel so far from him.

Milo and Louis had always been close, experiencing everything together. But something always felt like it was missing, and that piece called their whole castle of romance to fall apart and be forced to its knees.

And that thing, Louis had come to known all too well, was love.

Strangely he had never felt that with Milo, perhaps it wasn’t the right time, or he wasn’t ready for the deeper connection that Louis craved. But one thing about him, was that he kept it all hidden, fearing he would cast him out and break his heart was all too much that he couldn’t handle.

That’s what Louis was good at, staying inside of his comfort zone, at least in love. It was known to his mind you would only get anywhere if you stepped out of that cocoon of knowing, or prediction and safeness. But if he only knew how to break free from the chains.

If only, his heart hoped.

In his line of work, it was easy to push your limit. Let alone to jump into the unknown… but when his heart was on the line, he simply never knew where to turn to, and his fears seemed larger than life.

Sometimes it felt as if he was out of touch with reality, in a strange way.

Louis’ relationship with Milo had never been easy, being with each other from such a ripe age of sixteen had always caused problems, but nothing of which they couldn’t figure out.

But alas, even if all was right with the silence in the night, as they slept in the same bed Louis would always feel as if something was missing, and he had not known as to what.

Milo was a loving man, and he had cared for Louis in ways no one else ever could, or even knew how to. But there were other sides to Louis Milo did not know of, and possibly that he would never dream of at all.

As Louis learned more about how the human brain works and how we manage to process and create master plans in our small little heads he wondered how loving Louis was missing from Milo’s head, Louis sighed as he inflicted his own self pain at the thought, and he wouldn’t even tempt it, afterward, all he knew of was the silence, there was no light. It was as if they were living on the dark side of the moon.

Constantly searching for the light in the world, and always finding it was nowhere to be found.

Of course, Louis had always been shrouded in darkness, in order to corrupt the bad, you must become the dark.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Louis

The darkness outside seemed cold as I cascaded into the darkness once more, off in search of another mystery with no name to match the faces, I sighed to myself at the circumstances as I stood up straight and began my conquest of the ages.

I looked to the large alarm clock outlining the time of day in dark red letters 6:00 AM the clock read as my mind began to switch between the tasks that needed to be done before I took my leaving swiftly at dusk.

I padded across the wooden floors before returning briskly to the master bedroom of Milo and I’s shared apartment, few hours had passed as I paced back and forth in the confides of the living room deciding the course of action for the case of the unknown mysterious killer of the town Lythorn.

I looked to Milo’s sleeping figure and the covers thrown askew on the bed as he had left them. I kissed his forehead as he stirred in his sleep before my eyes, I seen his eyelids flutter for a brief moment before being met with his honey brown eyes and dark brown hair strewn across the pillowcase in contrast to our white sheets.

“You’re leaving already?” Milo said in a husky whisper as I nodded to him, he looked up to me as he sat up from the bed and the ivory sheets slipped off of his upper body gracefully as a hushed gasped escaped from my lips. He was so very beautiful, I thought to myself, but why didn’t I feel the way I was supposed too about him? I questioned myself yet again, if only I knew the answer.

“Yes M, Juniper and I have to beat the big snowstorm that’s rolling in.” I said playfully as Milo’s body fell back onto the mattress dramatically as he released a breath of air in the silence.

“I suppose so, be safe Lou.” Milo said as his eyes pleaded with mine as I was left speechless.

I did what anyone would do in this situation, as time was ticking and I was left speechless, I simply walked away, with only my heart to my name in search of a mystery.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The ride was quiet, as the sun peaked across the hills of the town’s opening and the wind bustled and whistled across the landscape.

The snowfall was heavy and unforgiving as the townsfolk walked across the icy sidewalks with pride in their strides, but also with casual caution carrying them along with the winds. The people of this town seemed to be of no alarm to the state of emergency that was going on around them, something told me this aura of unusual crime was nothing but.

Lythorn was nothing I didn’t expect it to be, but strange, nonetheless. The nippy weather casted shadows on the seemingly empty ghost town, but it was bustling with people in town square, shadows crossed the bleak sunlight that peaked through the clouds as the roads were bustling with traffic, people travelling in and out of the city. I looked around at the strange winter haze as it created an odd shadow around the town’s aura.

Everything looked bleak as we pulled into town square trying to avoid the people and the constant chatter and odd stares that the people who inhabited the town gave us, Juniper wearily gauged the emotions of the town itself and the people living in it as we weaved our way through the heavy traffic as the thick snow poured down making it impossible to see a few miles in front of you.

But that didn’t stop us as we stopped the car as a police detective of the Lythorn Police Department flagged us down as I expected them to. Juniper and I looked to each other one last time before we opened the car doors and shut them behind us as the investigator motioned us to the departments headquarters to escape the blinding snow.

As we all rushed into the small detective office headquarters the detective shut the door blocking out all of the blinding blizzards of snow winding around us.

“Nice to meet you both, you must be investigator Tomlinson and detective Young?” He questioned as he shook both of our hands as we nodded.

“Wonderful, I’m detective Zayn Malik, I’ll be filling you in on the basic information on the case you’ll be investigating.” The detective said, which name to my information was Zayn, nodded to us as we all collectively huddled in closer to take in the secretive information.

“The people of Lythorn are absolutely terrified of the supposed ‘murderer’ making a name for themselves here, and we haven’t got not a crumb of information of their name, sex, or identity, if found guilty are responsible for over twenty murders this year alone. The police can’t seem to get their heads out of their asses to figure out what’s going on here. That’s why we’ve hired you.” Zayn explained as we nodded with the information we were receiving. My mind began to wonder as to why the police and detectives here weren’t able to find much of any information about this sleuth killer. Were they lacking the correct information, or was the killer just that good?

“But the main reason we’ve asked you here is for a pending crime investigation, one that was previously a cold case but… thanks to new evidence has been blown wide open once again.” Zayn said nonchalantly once again, my mind buzzed with more questions that seemed plausible to answer at this time. I was eager to know more about this case. The more I knew, the less time it would take to crack the code to whatever strange lock and key the killer has all of their secrets under.

“This information is on a need-to-know basis, I presume?” Juniper asked as detective Malik nodded nonchalantly.

“A girl, by the name of Anna Blokes has been killed, and not recently, I am afraid.” He began his story of a cautionary tale to what I had not known, I only nodded and stayed silent to intake more information.

“She was killed exactly ten years ago, and now the killer that took her life seems to be on the prowl again. You see, with all the new attention on her case, the killer seems to be gathering quite an idea of what we’re after, them. And that’s precisely why this is a dangerous game we’re playing; the public continues to demand more information as the killer seems to be getting closer and closer.

“Have the police tried doing a dangerous suspect search, or set out an amber alert?” Juniper asked as Zayn looked puzzled for an answer to her question. I wondered if the people of this town were aware of the danger of what was going on around them.

“Well, you see Detective Young, any time something like that occurs, the suspect ends up killing off one of our key leads in the case. Even cold killers themselves cannot escape this ruthless killer.” Zayn nods as his facial expression goes cold, and the room goes dead silent for a few beats as Juniper, and I question the case completely in the silence. How would the killer even know of the suspects in the investigation? They had to be someone on the inside.

“Have you ever suspected someone on the inside had something to do with this whole ordeal?” I said shockingly as detective Malik looked puzzled to say the least, maybe they had not thought of that possibility, though I had hoped with all of my hearts we had not fooled ourselves into the biggest murder scandal of the decade.

The detective pauses to answer; and it almost seems undeniable that we had a real mess on our hands. It was clear as day, to my eyes at least. And then, suddenly, a woman bursts through the door of a hallway leading to somewhere inside the department’s headquarters in a hurry, she holds a key to the case that I figured wouldn’t have flown through the door on the first day. But it wasn’t easy news to handle, and it was a tough pill to swallow.

“Detective Malik! There’s been another murder!” She shouts as she has the fresh print crime scene photos in hand. Zayn motions to her as he spreads all of the new photographs on the table as they send a chill down my spine.

For a moment I paused and looked around me to evaluate if the reality around me was real, because it didn’t seem to be in that moment. I caught a glance of the photographs as they were graphicly shocking and patiently surprising. My body seized on the very first day of a 10-year-old murder investigation, now reopened, there was a killing, and somehow that worried me more than finding the suspect, it worried me because of the contents of the photos, and what they meant from here forward.

And what’s more worrying, is this face seems to look familiar.

author’s note: How do we like my new novel “blue ice” so far? What do we think is up the sleeves of the sly detective and investigator duo?

Secondly, will Louis solve his relationship problems with Milo or is there relationship better left in the past? And what do you think the crime scene photos look like? Who has been killed?

Comment your theories and predictions, what do you think will happen next?

All the love, stylezxsilvermoon

blue ice masterlist

#larry stylinson fanfic #blue ice #louis tomlinson #harry loves louis #harry styles #louiscarrotsxoxo

0 notes

mellowswriting · 3 years

Note

I saw that requests are open! would it be possible for you to write a follow up to Second Chances with javi and reader? Maybe you have another kid and this time javi is able to be there for you throughout the whole pregnancy, and get to experience the first kick, you giving birth, etc (I am a sucker for domestic!javi if you can't tell haha) I think it would be really cute!!

From the Beginning

pairing || Javier Peña x afab!Reader

summary || Javier gets to experience the chaotic excitement of welcoming a new baby to the family.

word count || 6,466

warnings || kid fic, pregnant reader, non-graphic childbirth, some spiciness but no smut, dad!Javi being adorable

a/n || I can’t even express how much I love writing about the boys as dads, especially Javier! I really hope you all enjoy this, it was so very much fun to write.

Main Masterlist | Join the taglist!

Early spring mornings always had a special quality about them. The air was never too hot, pleasantly warm with a hint of a cool breeze that still lingered from winter’s sharp grip. Plants were beginning to bloom, the trees regaining their bright green foliage that ruffled in a symphony with every pass of the wind. Spring was the bringer of warmth after the ice and snow, the nurturer that coaxed seeds to sprout and flourish, the guide for new life and hope.

Ironic, then, that those very qualities you had grown to love were the ones causing you so much inner turmoil that you couldn’t even enjoy the gorgeous morning happening around you. You hadn’t even realized what was happening at first. Mother nature hadn’t exactly gifted you with a cycle that could be easily followed and predicted. Instead you had the supreme pleasure of having to carry around menstrual products everywhere you went and having to replace your underwear far more often than usual. So when you went two months without the waves of cramps and frustration of your period, it wasn’t all that remarkable.

It was when you were doing some last minute grocery shopping the night before that you realized something was off. Well, more off than usual. The sight of the shelves of tampons made your stomach bottom out with realization. You must’ve made quite a sight as you stood in that aisle with a cart half full of food, just staring at tampons with dread. Two boxes of pregnancy tests got tossed in with the various other items in your cart and you hoped that Javier was too tired from work to insist he help you put away the groceries.

For once, the universe appeared to be on your side. Your husband was sitting on the floor with Elianna, a spread of coloring books and crayons scattered on the living room carpet, and he actually listened to you when you waved him off to carry the bags in yourself. The tests were tucked away in the bathroom behind your tampons - ironic, yes, but it was the one place Javier really wouldn’t be poking around.

Honestly, a part of you felt bad for not telling Javier right away. He had more than proven himself as a great father and husband in the nearly two years since he returned to your life. Those irrational little fears of him leaving you and little Ellie had been crushed into nothing in the wake of the role he readily took on with his daughter, but this was different. Maybe it was pretty naive of you to not have that conversation with him, but it was something you thought you still had time for.

The plus sign on the pregnancy tests told you the time for that conversation was now, apparently. You were grateful for the timing of your little realization. Saturday mornings saw the standing trend of your sister whisking Ellie away for some ‘auntie and niece time’, and you really didn’t want her to feel the tension you were carrying. She was such a perceptive little girl that had an eye for everything.

Javier was still asleep. You usually slept in with him on the weekends, but you were restless to find out if your period was just pulling a fast one on you or if you actually were pregnant. Now you had four positive tests sitting in front of you and a sleeping husband who you couldn’t decide whether or not to wake up. Luckily, you ended up not having to make that choice since two sharp raps of his knuckles against the bathroom door snapped you out of your trance.

The door opened a millisecond after you snatched up the tests and hid them behind your back, not so unlike Ellie when she was hiding a treat she wasn’t supposed to have yet. The difference was that you didn’t know if this would be a treat to Javier. He was still half asleep, his thin pajama pants slug low on his hips and his eyes squinted against the bathroom light.

“G’morning,” He grunted as he moved to shuffle past you. “Move over, I gotta piss.”

You were rooted to the spot, though, your brain floundering to gain control of your muscles. “Uhm…”

“What’s wrong?” Javier slowly perked up through his sleepy haze at the realization that you looked downright terrified. He put his hand on your bicep and squeezed slightly. “Is Ellie okay?”

“What? No, yeah, Ellie’s fine. She’s with Amelia.” You spluttered, cringing at your inability to function.

“Then why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Javi pressed. There really wasn’t any hiding things from him. Ellie must get that sharp eye of hers from her father. “What are you holding behind your back?”

You tried to swallow down the thickness that enveloped your throat to form some sort of words, literally anything to convey to him what the hell was going on, but your body was seized with fear. So you held out the tests wordlessly. His eyebrows furrowed as he took the bundle of tests from your hand, staring at them with a split second’s confusion before it dawned on him. “This…? You…?”

“Yeah.” You whispered. The worry in your voice must’ve been obvious because Javier was on you in a second flat, his arms crowding you into his chest with a crushing strength.

“You’re pregnant?” Javier croaked into your neck and the dam of emotion in your chest crumbled. His voice was full of excited disbelief, and relief crashed over you.

“Yeah, I am.” You said with a tearful chuckle, winding your arms around him to burrow yourself even further into his chest. “I know we never really talked about having another kid but… is this something you want, Javi?”

“Fuck, this is ironic.” Javier laughed quietly and when you looked up at him, he avoided your eyes with an almost bashful look. “I was gonna ask you today if you ever thought about it. Do you have any idea how many times I went over it in my head?”

You couldn’t help it - you cracked up laughing. The whole thing was almost ridiculous - the both of you worrying despite wanting the exact same thing. Tears of relief and laughter soaked into his t-shirt as you both broke into chaotic laughter, fingers clutching at each other’s shirts as you tried to catch your breath.

“So, uh… are we doing this?” Javier sounded nervous, his hands rubbing up and down your back as if to reassure himself. “You really wanna have a baby with me? Again?”

“Yeah.” Your voice was choked with a tense mix of emotions, so you cleared your throat and tried again. “Yeah, I do.”

“I can’t… fuck, I can’t believe you - you’d… thank you.” He babbled, nearly unintelligible in his scramble to convey how fucking grateful he was, but you knew. It wasn’t the first time you had heard the desperate need to spit words he couldn’t really find, the words that matched the swell of emotions in his chest that still wasn’t used to voicing. “Fuck, Ellie’s gonna be such a good big sister.”

That choked you up more than you expected. She really would be, you knew that for a fact, but it was a dream you had boxed up and shoved on a shelf with all your other unrealistic dreams for your future. Never in your life did you let yourself really think you could have the whole package deal - the loving (albeit gruff) husband, the big house, the sound of little feet chasing each other through the halls…

“Wait, how long have you been…? Or do we have to see a doctor first? Oh shit, we have to find a doctor for you, what the fuck are they called..? A fucking... obstetrician!” Javi rambled in a mix of nerves and excitement, breaking from your embrace to pace the length of the bathroom. “How are you feeling? Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help, because -”

“Javi, breathe!” You calmed him with both hands out to stop his walking and braced your hands on his shoulders to rub at him firmly. “We have plenty of time, okay? Let me go make some coffee for you and we can sit down and make a plan. First, didn’t you have to go to the bathroom?”

“Oh… yeah.”

----------

Javier couldn’t stop bouncing his knee. It was a subconscious thing, something he stopped the moment he realized but soon found it moving of its own volition all over again. He really was trying not to let his nerves show even though he knew that you could tell. It was all so new to him, which wouldn’t be a problem if the reminder didn’t gut him every goddamn time. He couldn’t imagine how alone you must have felt the first time around when you were pregnant with Elianna, especially in these cold, sterile doctors offices.

His grip tightened on your hand. The feeling of your fingertips pressed against the top of his hand kept him grounded, helped him remind himself that there was no going back and changing everything else that happened. All he could do was be there this time around, be the best version of himself that he could be for you and his kid - well, kids now. Plural. The excitement was almost enough to drown away the guilt. Javi really could barely believe that he was getting the privilege of experiencing this with you.

“I’ve seen files on drug lords shorter than all that.” Javier nodded at the pile of forms and paperwork you held in your lap and you laughed brightly. He preened a little at the sound. It was something he could never get enough of, that laugh of yours. “I love you.”

You looked up at him, the pen in your hand stopping its constant scratching for the first time in forever, and gave him a lopsided smile. “I love you, too.”

There was no way he wasn’t going to kiss you after that adorable little display. Your cheek felt soft against his palm and the little sigh of relief you huffed against him was addictive. Just knowing that he was an anchor for you made Javier feel so incredibly loved and important and all he wanted to do was imbue you with that same sense of security. He held you close, his hand slipping back to the back of your neck to keep you right where he wanted you, and gave you those soft little kisses that never failed to make you melt.

“Mrs. Peña?” A nurse called out and he had no choice but to let you go with one last peck against your lips. He followed you and the nurse into the exam room, nerves and excitement soaring even higher in his chest.

It was kind of fascinating, watching you answer the nurse’s barrage of questions. Questions about your medical history, how many pregnancies you’ve had, all about your menstrual cycle. The two of you went back and forth for at least fifteen minutes, tossing questions and answers back and forth like a tennis match. The nurse left with the promise of the doctor being in momentarily for an ultrasound.

“Come hold my hand?” You asked, and how could he deny such a sweet request?

“Of course,” He pulled a chair from across the room and settled himself next to the exam table, both of his hands wrapping around one of yours as he brought it up to his lips to kiss your knuckles. “So what happens now?”

“The doctor will give me an ultrasound. She’ll probably want to run some blood tests, too.” You sighed, obviously uncomfortable at the thought of needles.

“I’ll hold your hand then, too.” Javier promised.

“It’ll be good practice for you, ‘cause once I’m in labor I’ll probably break your hand.” You teased and yeah, broken fingers didn’t sound all that great but fuck, he was more than ready to let you do just that. Javier wanted to be your rock, wanted to support you through it all - especially since he couldn’t the first time.

Two quick knocks sounded against the door made Javier straighten up hastily. The doctor came in with a smile and a large machine wheeling in behind her. “Good morning, mom and dad! How’re we feeling?”

“All good here, Dr. Hall. A little nauseous, but still… good.” You gave Javier’s hand a little squeeze before letting go to unbutton your jeans and fold the waistband down, followed by pulling the hem of your shirt up. It was hard to believe that the beginning of an entire new life was right there between your hips.

“Good to hear!” Dr. Hall fiddled with the ultrasound machine for a moment before turning to you. “So today we’re going to take a look and find out how far along you are, make sure mom and baby both look healthy, okay?”

“Okay,” You and Javier said in unison, and he took your hand again, needing to feel you there with him.

The gel must’ve been cold based on the way you hissed slightly. Javier watched the screen as Dr. Hall trailed the wand over your belly, lips parting at the sight of the black and white image. It was hard to make out what exactly he was seeing at first, but the image shifted slightly and he could make out the tiniest, vague shape of the newest edition to his little family.

“It looks like you’re about ten weeks along.” Dr. Hall murmured without taking her eyes off of the screen. “Baby is about the size of a plum.”

Javier squeezed your hand lightly, the both of you sparing a glance at each other before staring back at the screen in wonder. The doctor pointed out the baby’s head and a little foot as she took her measurements, reassuring you both that everything looked perfect. He gave a rushed “yes, absolutely” when she asked if he wanted the ultrasound photos - there was a spot in his wallet that he had in mind for it already.

It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been in situations that left him shocked before. This was Javier Peña, after all. Life and career experiences had given him plenty of moments where his mind was completely washed blank with surprise, but never had it been such a good thing. There were so many times that the shock was accompanied by grief or anger, but excitement? Gratefulness? That was new to him, left him reeling the entire drive home, all throughout dinner. Something in the back of his mind nagged at him that he couldn’t be like this when Ellie got home the next day. She was smarter than he could’ve imagined any kid being at three years old and even though he agreed with your assertion that no one should know about your pregnancy for a few more weeks at least, Javier was certain his daughter would be able to needle it out of him.

Those expert interrogation skills must be hereditary.

It wasn’t until he was getting ready for bed that it really hit him how real it was, that you really were sitting in the bed you shared with him, pregnant with his baby and making plans for the usual Sunday brunch and park visit you all did every week. As he set his wallet on the nightstand, he couldn’t help but pull out the little ultrasound picture. He had a feeling he would be doing that a lot, especially when the new cadets were driving him crazy at work. It all swelled up in his chest, the appreciation and excitement and disbelief, because holy shit, how did he get so lucky? One finger traced the little image in his hand, and he couldn’t help but blurt out, “Thank you.”

The confused look you gave him made him flounder for the words.

“I just… I know everything was fucked up the first time around but I swear, it’s going to be different this time. I am not going anywhere.” Javier slid closer at the sight of the tears in your eyes, easily welcoming your arms around his neck as you practically drug yourself into his lap. He held you close to his chest, trying to instill the certainty and promise of it all. “God, fuck, and I thought I couldn’t get enough of you before…”

“Javi…” You croaked, laughing wetly into his neck.

“I’m serious! You’re gonna have to tell me to fuck off when you want space because I can’t keep my hands off you.” Javi teased, relief washing over him at your seeming acceptance of his promises. “And now like this, growing my baby… fuck, I am in this with you. Me and you and Ellie… and our little plum.”

That night, Javier fell asleep with his head on your shoulder, his face buried in your neck, and his hand tucked into the waistband of your sweatpants to cradle that precious space that held his newest child.

----------

Ellie couldn’t stop touting her new title to anyone who would listen.

“I’m a big sister!” She told the cashier at the grocery store, the other kids at the park and their moms for good measure, and even the mailman when they came by each morning. The brightness in her eyes when she said it made your heart flip in your chest. You had expected some sort of confusion or even for her to be upset at the idea of a new sibling, but she launched right into a story about how her friend from playgroup has a baby sister, and you knew that she would be just fine.

With your sixteenth week rapidly approaching, you couldn’t be more grateful that Ellie was excited for the new addition to the family. It was one less thing for you to worry about amidst the chaos of bringing a new person into the world. The fatigue was something you definitely didn’t miss about pregnancy - it washed over you without warning, left you nodding off wherever you sat. Thank god Javier was such a hands on father. He had no problem herding Ellie off into the backyard or off for a walk to let you get some much needed rest.

You hadn’t expected him to be such a hands on husband, though. Sure, you knew he was excited and you knew he already loved everything about your body, but he really wasn’t lying when he said pregnancy made him want you even more. Every night, Javi’s hands gravitated to your body to ease the kinks out of your muscles, to rub your feet until the aches went away, to cheekily offer you an orgasm if you were up for one. It made you feel cherished, something you sorely missed the first time you were pregnant.

“Thank you, Javi,” You groaned lowly as those strong hands of his worked at your lower back. He easily hitched your thigh up slightly to ease some of the pressure on the new swell to your belly. There was a slur in your voice when you said, “Feels so good.”

Javier chuckled behind you, moving on to rub your feet. “Be quiet, you don’t want to wake Ellie.”

“Did you ever see this being our life?” You murmured though your voice was muffled by the pillows you buried your head in. “Telling each other not to wake the kids, making bacon smiley faces for a toddler’s breakfast?”

“I didn’t think I’d actually get it, but I wished for it. Dreamt about how pretty you’d look all full of me.” Javi placed a teasing kiss to the inside of your thigh. “The real thing is so much better.”

You could only groan under his praise. His thumbs dug into the arch of your foot and rubbed in methodical circles, drawing another pleased groan from you that you muffled in your pillow. The pain slowly melted from your tired muscles under his thorough ministrations, leaving a pleasant warmth in his wake that made you all pliant and drowsy beneath him.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Javi asked as he rubbed his hands up your calves and you smiled. You knew exactly what he was gunning for.

You eased yourself onto your back and reached out for him with both arms, bringing him forward with grabby hands that he could never refuse. Javier settled between your thighs, a knowing smirk on his face, and leaned down to kiss you deeply. “‘M feeling good, Javi.”

“You know I love making my girl feel good,” Javi murmured as he kissed down your neck, one hand trailing back and forth over your hip and thigh lovingly. “Can I make you feel even better?”

“Please?” You asked breathily and your husband was more than happy to oblige. The loose tank top you wore was the first to go, followed quickly by your shorts and underwear.

Javier set about lavishing your neck and chest with affection, his touch more gentle than usual on your oversensitive breasts, and once again you were struck by the surrealness of it all. The fact that this had begun in Colombia all those years ago as two coworkers using sex for stress relief and had blossomed into this beautiful life you shared together was a thing of dreams. But there you were, with Javier Peña making love to you, quietly as to not wake your daughter and gently as to keep you and your baby safe and happy, and you could barely believe it.

“I love you,” You choked out through the tears that sprung into your eyes and Javi sat up to look at you with a concerned expression.

“What? What’s wrong?” He asked, his eyes roaming all over to find the apparent source of your tears.

“Nothing’s wrong.” You tried to pull him back down to you but he didn’t budge, the concern unwavering.

“Then why are you crying?” Javier brushed a thumb under your eyes to wipe away the evidence of your strong burst of emotion.

“Because I love you,” You chuckled as you held his hand close to your cheek and pressed a kiss to the middle of his palm. “And I’m pregnant, so everything is a thousand times more intense and you don’t get to tease me for that.”

“I would never,” Javi muttered but the mischievous grin on his face betrayed him. “Let me make you feel better, baby,”

“I’m already better, Javi - oh,”

----------

Two o’clock in the morning was not an ideal time to wake up, especially since Javier knew that Ellie would be awake and full of energy by seven, but something felt off. Even in his unconscious state, he could feel the absence of you in bed and his mind nagged at him to get up and find you. The hardwood was cold beneath his feet as he wandered from the bedroom, finding the bathroom empty before he made his way down the stairs. You often would rest on the recliner in the living room when your back was bothering you particularly bad, especially since your center of gravity had so drastically changed the further along you got in your pregnancy - but you weren’t there either.

Before Javi could start really worrying, he heard the refrigerator open and found you peering into the illuminated fridge in search of… something. A pint of ice cream was already in your hand, a spoonful of it hanging from your lips as you browsed with a frustrated look on your face, and honestly… Javi loved how you looked. It was so domestic and sweet, the sight of you in your pajamas that barely covered your belly as you raided the kitchen.

Thirty-six weeks and four days. He could barely believe how much time had passed since he saw those positive tests. It felt like forever and the blink of an eye at the same time, and he was beyond excited to meet his newest little one.

“What are you looking for, sweetheart?” Javi asked after a moment of watching you helplessly search around.

The sheepish smile you gave him made his heart swell in his chest and he automatically opened his arms as you shuffled over to bury your face in his chest. “Your kid is driving me crazy with the cravings.”

Javier hugged you tightly, relishing in the way you relaxed against him. “Well, if they’re anything like me, they probably want those barbecue chips, then.”

It didn’t take long for him to get you herded back up to bed with the chips in hand and the sight of you sleepily munching away while burrowed in the blankets eased an almost innate need Javier had to see you safe and happy, all nice and taken care of in his bed. He climbed into bed once he was sure you didn’t need anything else, settling on his side with his head propped up against his hand to watch you despite his own sleepiness.

“Let your mama sleep, troublemaker.” He murmured to your belly as he rubbed gentle circles over the spots he could feel the nudges of his little one retaliating to their father’s stern words. “Need some lotion?”

“Hmmm, please?” You hummed.

Rubbing lotion into your skin was something Javi had taken a particular liking to. The first time he had seen you doing it yourself, he was quick to take over. That was the first time he felt his little one kick at his hands and he fell even more in love - something he hadn’t thought was possible. It was a good way to feel closer to you both, to his wife and the baby you were bringing into the world, and the way you dozed slightly as he helped you relax made him feel needed, like he was doing right by you. That’s all he ever wanted to do.

A nudge to the edge of his hand made Javier glance back down to where his hands were running all over your belly, but it was the sight of the baby rolling that made him do a double take. “Holy shit,” He whispered, hands frozen as he saw what had to be the imprint of a little foot or hand poke out before disappearing. “There really is a whole person in there.”

“You’re tellin’ me,” You grumbled, grimacing slightly at the feeling. “It’s aerobics hour, apparently.”

“That’s fucking crazy.” Javi tentatively resumed massaging the lotion into your skin. It was hard to fathom, the idea that your body was so capable of creating and nurturing a brand new life, and for the millionth time he found himself thanking the universe for letting him have this second chance.

----------

Gabriel Peña came early, quick, and with a sharp cry you were sure could be heard throughout the entire hospital. His little nose was scrunched up, his face all red from his wailing, hands curled into angry fists over his sudden eviction from the warmth and darkness he was accustomed to. It was a short labor, so very different from your first with Ellie for so many reasons but the biggest being the strong presence of Javier at your side. The moment the contractions began at the crisp hour of six a.m., he was alert and full of nervous excitement.

True to his word, Javier let you clutch onto him through it all - every contraction, every push, every angered grumble you threw his way for getting you pregnant in the first place. That sharp mind of his kept up under the pressure. He spoonfed you ice chips and let you use him for support as you rocked your way through particularly bad contractions.

There were tears in Javier’s eyes as he carefully set his hand on his son’s head, carefully musing the shock of dark, wispy hair on his head. You leaned your head against Javi’s shoulder, exhaustion, relief, and happiness warring with each other after hours of labor. You felt his lips press against your temple before he sniffled and whispered, “Thank you.”

Javier stayed by Gabriel’s side the entire time the doctors checked him over and cleaned him up, per your instructions, and he was the one to return your son to your arms. It was the most careful you had ever seen him, his movements slow and deliberate, eyes on the baby’s adorable, chubby face.

“Seven pounds, nine ounces,” Javi murmured as he drug a chair as close to your bedside as possible and settled in, his hand resting on your thigh. A disgruntled whine came from the baby wriggling in your arms and you smiled, knowing he was hungry and could probably smell the milk your body had been preparing to make for his arrival. You pulled the gown down to expose your breast, propping your arm with a pillow to better support him, and adjusted his latch to settle in.

“Nice latch, mama,” One of the nurses said as she finished settling the blankets around your feet.

“Not my first time at this rodeo.” You chuckled quietly. It had been a while since Ellie weaned but you still remembered the struggle of figuring out how to get a newborn to latch properly when you had no idea what you were doing. You set your hand over Javi’s, smiling at him when he blinked sleepily up at you. Neither of you had gotten much rest before Gabriel decided to make his appearance into the world. “Can you hand me some water, honey?”

“Of course,” Javi perked up with the small task you gave him. There wasn’t much he could do at this point, but you wanted him to feel involved, to feel like he was helping you, and even though his mere presence helped you relax, you knew he was an ‘action’ kind of man. He needed something to do to feel useful. He held the straw steady for you and everything, your sweet husband. “How’re you feeling?”

“Tired.” You answered honestly, leaning into his hand when he brushed stray hairs from your face.

“I know this wasn’t easy. I’m proud of you.” It was a simple statement but it hit you right in your chest. As excited as you were to have another baby, it was hard. Exhausting. He could see it all, how tired you were and how hard you were working just to carry on like normal through your pregnancy, and while he did everything he could to ease some of that burden, the plain acknowledgement of how hard you worked felt good.

“I love you so much.” You whispered, pulling his hand close to kiss his palm.

“I love you, too.” Javier leaned over the side of the bed and kissed you softly, careful not to jostle his son where he sleepily nursed against you. “How are our kids so damn cute?”

You huffed a laugh, which made Gabriel shift against you before settling back down, sighing suspiciously similar to his father. “It helps that their dad is incredibly good looking.”

“True,” Javi said, trying for that cocky tone you loved but you didn’t miss the pink tinge to the tips of his ears. Compliments always got him like that, all red-faced and adorable - though he would never admit it.

A short nap later and you had one very excited Ellie fidgeting in the chair next to your bed, impatiently waiting to meet her baby brother. Javier stood behind her, quietly reminding her to be careful as you helped keep the squirming newborn steady in her lap. Your heart damn near exploded when she began cooing at her brother and very gently touching his soft cheeks. She was enamored by him, asking so many questions that you and her father could barely keep up.

“Can we share my bed?” “No, he can’t sleep in your bed, baby. He has to sleep in a special bed in mommy and daddy’s room.”

“Does he get a special seat like me?” “Yep! Daddy’s putting his carseat in next to yours right now. You’ll get to talk to him the whole way home.”

“Is he gonna cry a lot?” “Yeah, he will. That’s how babies let people know they need something since they don’t have words like we do.”

“Can I share my crackers with him?” “Not yet! Right now, he only drinks milk.” “Milk? Like for cereal?” “Kind of, but it comes from your mommy.” “What?!” “You ate the same thing when you were a little baby, too.” “What?!”

The entire drive home was full of little Ellie chatting away at her baby brother, mostly about the stuffed animals she had at home that she promised to show him the moment they got home. There was a small smile on Javier’s face as he drove, his hand curled around yours on the center console. He practically radiated contentment and damn did it look good on him.

----------

For what felt like the millionth time, you woke before the sun had a chance to rise. Though this time, it was to the feeling of a full bladder rather than the sound of a hungry baby, so that could be counted as a small win at the very least. You tried to ignore the ache in your healing body as you stumbled your way to and from the bathroom, near silent in your movements even though you were half asleep. It was a well practiced dance, getting out and back into bed without waking your sleeping children.

But something was off. The sheets were cooler than usual, missing the fire-like heat that Javier radiated constantly. You sat up, blinking against the drowsiness and darkness to see your husband passed out on the rocking chair in the corner of the room with Gabriel curled up on his bare chest. Skin-to-skin contact was something Javier couldn’t get enough of. He told you how close it made him feel to his son and you couldn’t complain. It was a precious sight. Avoiding the creaky floorboards, you carefully covered Gabriel with a soft baby blanket and smoothed it down his back.

“S’wrong?” Javier mumbled, words slurred with sleep, his eyes barely cracking open. On instinct, his hands shifted over the little baby asleep on him to hold him closer, even more secure.

“Shh, nothing’s wrong.” You soothed as you gently tucked his curls back away from his forehead. “Go back to sleep.”

“M’kay.” And with that his eyes were closed, back to dozing like he was never interrupted in the first place. You were glad. Tomorrow was an early morning, and paired with all of the midnight feedings and diaper changes, you all could use some rest. So you laid back down, sleep dragging you back under swiftly.

Javier was practically bouncing with nerves just hours later, even though he was trying not to show it. It brought you back to that first appointment when you were pregnant, only this time he held a sleeping one-month old who he was trying not to wake up with his nervousness.

“I just want it to go well.” He grumbled when you asked if he was okay.

“It will.” You reassured him, rubbing circles into his knee. “They’re both perfectly healthy, the pediatrician will tell you that, too.”

You were right - then again, when weren’t you? Gabe was a healthy nine and a half pounds, strong heart and lungs, and good reflexes. Javier was hooked on the pediatrician’s every word, nodding along and giving you a relieved smile with each positive statement. And of course, Ellie’s rambunctiousness had the pediatrician and nurses completely captivated as she told them all about her preschool and the antics she got up to while they checked her over.

The pride on Javier’s face with every positive comment and reassurance that both of his kids were on track developmentally made your heart flip. You felt so beyond lucky to have this little family of yours, with two beautiful children and the man you always loved. It felt too good to be true sometimes, especially when Javi pulled you close for a tight hug and a kiss to the side of your head before he worked to get one wiggly Gabe back into his onesie.

One impromptu trip to the park later and you and Javier had two very tired kids on your hands. Ellie was already passed out by the time Javier pulled into the driveway but Gabe was quickly venturing into ‘overtired’ territory. He was grumpy, wriggling around in your arms like he couldn’t get comfortable, all the while giving little whines and grunts that threatened to turn into full on wailing. He didn’t want milk, he didn’t need a diaper change, he just wanted to sleep but was too frustrated to let a nap take him.

“Give ‘em here.” Javier offered and you freely handed him over. The postpartum fatigue was no joke, and even though it was lessening with each passing day, you were damn tired so you had no issue with letting your husband put the baby down for a nap. You curled up on the couch, not quite going to sleep but still letting your mind and body rest as you listened to Javi try to negotiate with Gabriel as if he were some sicario and not just a particularly stubborn baby.

“C’mon, little man. Just go to sleep. All of your problems if you went to sleep right now? Solved. Completely solved. Instead of crying you could just… go to sleep.” Javier whispered over the cooing and grunting of his son. “Oh, don’t give me that face, mister.”

You snorted a laugh - you knew exactly what face Gabe was pulling. His nose and eyebrows would scrunch up, lips pursed as he huffed angry breaths like a little baby bull. It was an exaggerated copy of the face Javier pulled anytime he was frustrated, which you found ridiculously adorable. Slowly, the grumpy grunts became more and more quiet until they disappeared completely, and a few moments later, Javier flopped down on the couch next to you with a sigh.

“Got him down.” Javi said as he pressed close to you, burying himself between the back of the couch and your body to press his face into your neck. A blanket of drowsiness must have settled over the entire house as both kids napped peacefully in their beds and you cuddled up to your husband in the living room. The both of you would doze until the sound of little feet on the hardwood or the sounds of a hungry baby woke you, and then it would be back on the grind of parenthood, but you knew… with Javier by your side, you could do it.

{Taglist}

@iamburdened @everyhowlmarksthedead @jenrebloggingfics @xserenax-13 @silverstarsandsuns @luminescentlily @peterpstuff @leonieb @lazybeeches @withasideofmeg @freeshavocadoooo @chattychell @ew-erin @i-ship-it-ironically @artsymaddie @mrsparknuts @wyn-dixie @notabotiswear @lunaserenade @jitterbugs927 @theorganasolo @the-witty-pen-name @northernpunk @lemonlime09 @la-lunaluna @andruxx @greeneyedblondie44 @bloodsuckingbastards @coldlilheart @gracie7209 @green-socks @paintballkid711 @lord-of-restingbiface @asta-lily @xgoldenjenny @mummifymecaptain @cjbtw @a-skov @himbotroy @xjsteph @marvelousmermaid @over300books @castleamc @darnitdraco @janebby @cannedsoupsucks @itssmashedavo @mtjoi @triggerhappyflygirl

#javier pena x reader #javier pena x you #javier pena #javier peña #javier peña x reader #javier pena fanfiction #javier peña fanfiction #narcos

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leeus-writing · 2 years

Text

What could have Been - Rufus

The request was for: Reno, Cloud or Rufus! Somehow, maybe through a fortune 🔮 crystal or some kind of event, they get a glimpse at what their life would’ve been like if didn’t become a Turk/didn’t pursue soldier/handled Shinra differently. They see they would’ve been happy, married, kids, had a domestic and comforting life, etc. How would they react knowing that decision would’ve changed so much? This is part one Reno

What could have Been

Rufus glared at the black toothed woman before him. Outside the world of snow howled.

“What you could have been is what I show, you wish to continue?”

He swallowed and nodded; he didn’t think he’d made any mistakes.

| |

“Rufus!”

Rufus blinked, he was back in his office? He looked up and spotted Tseng. Tseng stepped to one side and Director Tuseti walked up to the desk smiling.

“So the windfarms just off of-”

“Wind farms?” Rufus frowned then it clicked, renewable energy it was the outcome of the meeting between Avalanche and himself.

“Yes, sorry go on,” He sat back rubbing his chin.

“… The windfarms off of Costa Del Sol are bringing in a good amount of electricity but it seems the solar panels across the plateaus are beginning in the majority, would you like me to arrange a meeting between you and Director Barret?”

“Yes! I’d like to discuss expansion of our energy. I may even be able to take over Coal eventually,” He said standing and heading towards the window.

He nodded looking out over Midgar. It was looking much greener these days. Tree’s had started to grow. He started suddenly as his mind wondered to Sephiroth. He was looking for him right? No Cloud’s group was looking for him.

“And Sephiroth?”

“Still not found, Director Cloud hasn’t given us an update in a while.”

He’d need help and he’d need to find a way of getting it to him.

His face suddenly felt cold.

| |

He shivered and opened his eyes to the crunching of boots on snow. Rufus slowly got to his feet aching all over. Renewable energy… maybe he could look into that.

“Sir?”

Tseng said in his soft voice. Would stick by him no matter what.

“We have to help Cloud…”

| |

@renohasbigtits

@electric-turks

@kittyplier95

@ladyalexandros

#rufus shinra #ff7remake #ffr #final fantasy vii #final fantasy #final fantasy 7

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lilyharvord · 3 years

Note

I saw another anon on king mavens page ask how Cal would react if mare died and they didn’t wanna answer bcuz it’ll make them go into a depressive state. So if u don’t mind how do YOU think Cal would react if Mare died. If u don’t wanna write this u don’t hv too tho

I too saw annie's response, and while it makes me super sad to think about as well.... I've thought about it... I may have started writing a fic about it once (it was like once chapter), and I had an idea. So I'll give you my branched ideas. They're loooong so I have put them under the read more.

idea 1: Mare dies before they are married, before anything.

It's horrific. People are shocked... the little lightning girl? Dead? Impossible. Cal doesn't immediately hear about it, he's so busy he's doesn't know something's happened until he walks into a room and everyone goes quiet and slowly looks at him like he might collapse right then and there. He finds out because Farley pulls him aside. She takes him away from everyone to a quiet little garden with a fountain and tells him what happened. When he hears, he just sort of gives her this confused look, like HE doesn't understand, doesn't believe. Then he sort of sinks down onto one of the benches and just sits there. Doesn't move, doesn't even seem to be breathing. Farley thinks he'll explode in a ball of heat and rage and pain, but instead he just gets really really quiet, and really cold. The air around her gets so cold her breath fogs in front of her. He asks her to leave him alone and she does. He sort of draws into himself after that, doesn't really speak to anyone, spends a lot of time running and sitting at his desk and staring out the window. He attends the funeral but is quiet the whole time, he only speaks to the Barrows and even then, there isn't much to say that wouldn't hurt either party. After that he BURIES himself in his work. He gets so good at it that one day he looks up and ten years have passed. He's still got the stack of letters they wrote to each other, and he even has the letter he had been drafting to send to her on the front where he lost her. It ends with the phrase: I miss you. And god does that ring true. He miss her like a limb he lost. It feels like a part of him was torn away, just like with Maven, just like with his father, just like with Nanabel when she passed a few years back, just like the hole his mother left without him even knowing it was there. He visits her grave that year, just sort of sits under the little tree they planted, looks out at the mountains as the sun sets behind him, and talks to her like he does with Maven, tells her about everything that's happening. After a while, he just falls quiet and sits there, digging his hand into the grass and dirt right above the grave, like he can dig down to her, like it's her skin and he can still feel it's warmth. He swallow really heavily and then says: I never met anyone else that made me feel the way you did... I don't think I ever will. You were it. You were going to be it. And then he gets up and leaves. He runs into Gisa down in the Ascendent, they grab coffee at what was once Mare's favorite coffee shop, now it's Gisa's. They talk about everything, never mentioning Mare. Gisa only asks once if he's seen anyone, and he just shakes his head, and she gives him a tiny smile and says: she wouldn't have minded... well if a random bolt of lightning came from the heaven and struck you, then I guess you would know she minded. They laugh about that, and then he leaves cause he has an early flight home. When he gets back, he puts the letters in a box and then puts that box in a drawer. He never sees anyone else though. Doesn't even really fool around with anyone either. He tries once, and the whole time he just thinks about her, thinks about all the what if's and could be's. He apologizes profusely to the girl and says that it's not going to work. Something in her understands, some weird warmth that she gets that makes her pull him into an extra tight hug before she leaves from his little apartment in Archeon. He doesn't mind being alone as much, he has his friends and a strange little belief/hope that someday, he will see Mare again. And when he does he is going to pull her into the tightest hug and never, ever let go again.

idea 2: Mare dies after they are married and have at least 1 child

This one hurts far more. He knows she's on missions, and they made a pact to never be on missions together so that if the unthinkable happens and one of them does die, Coriane will have the other at least. Its a god awful early hour of the morning when there is knock on the door. Coriane is sleeping in his and Mare's bed, she had a nightmare and immediately came for comforting snuggles. He thinks he's dreaming when the knock comes again, a little more instant this time. He gets up, and Coriane sleepily trails after him, curious as a cat always. When he answers the door, he picks her up and is still sort of half asleep. When he sees the young soldier standing on the porch in uniform and the most pained look on his face, he is suddenly wide awake. The soldier reaches up and removes his hat before pulling out an envelope with the official Montfort seal on it. He holds it out and quietly says, "I'm sorry."

When Cal takes it, he worries that his hand is shaking, but it is perfectly still, Coriane is falling asleep on his shoulder, not even aware of the ramification of what this little envelope means. And he just sort of looks up at the man and asks, "Do the Barrows know?" The man blinks before saying, "Protocol dictates immediate family are informed first... spouses are immediate family along with children. We leave it to them to inform the rest...I'm sorry again sir." Then he gives a little clean military salute and leaves. Cal stands there for a long time looking at empty space, wondering what comes next, what he is even supposed to do. Coriane answers for him: by lightly tapping his cheek and whispering that she's cold. He closes the door, and sets the letter on the little table by the door. There are already four other letters there. One, an invitation to Farley's wedding to Cordelia at the end of the month, and another is a letter from Julian addressed to all of them, most likely about his trip with Sara to see the land north of Montfort. But there is her name in beautiful script on both envelopes. There is her favorite jacket hanging on the peg she always hangs it on. There is the book she left on the table, chaptered at the exact part she was on. There is her favorite mug in the sink because Coriane asked to drink her milk from it last night. She is everywhere in the house, and yet that letter means she will never be in it again. Those were her things. They not longer are. He carries Coriane up the stairs and puts her back in their his bed and then lays next to her, watching her chest rise and fall as she sleeps, a tiny smile creeping to her lips as she dreams, completely and blissfully unaware of how her life has fundamentally changed now. Then he rolls and stares at the ceiling, but the tears come and they don't stop as they fall silently. He gets up and showers at dawn--he didn't sleep-- and cries a little more there. He has to crouch down under the scalding water and bite down on his knuckle to keep from sobbing out loud and waking Cori. It's pitiful, and he knows it. She would be furious with him for not being honest about how he feels and trying to hide it like its some ugly thing. But it feels ugly, a twisted ugly thing in his chest that is screaming and clawing at his insides. He stands, turns the shower off, steps out, shaves, does his morning routine, and then wakes Coriane and gets her ready. She's still sleepy, doesn't understand, asks him when mommy is coming home, when she will be back so they can go to the market and get ice cream. He says they'll go today, but his voice shakes, even as he tries to hide it. Then he takes her to the Barrows, tells Ruth and Daniel to gather all of them together. When they are all sitting before him in the living room, packing it to the brim, he takes out the letter and reads it. There is a horrible silence when he finishes and folds it before putting it back in the envelope. Ruth slowly pulls Coriane toward her and then lifts her into her lap and hugs her so tightly Cori actually whines about it for a second before she sees the look on Cal's face. They all sit in the kitchen after that and Ruth makes tea and she makes hot chocolate for the kids and gives Coriane an extra 4 marshmallows. The kids leave to go play and the adults sit and discuss the logistics, where is the will, was the a will? Do they have to adhere to anything if there isn't one? Would she want to... to be buried on Tuck with Shade? The will would probably say. Should they do that if there isn't one? Ruth offers to take care of Coriane while Cal deals with everything, settling paperwork, etc. etc. Then everyone kinda starts talking about everything again, and he just sits in silence and stares at this knot on the table that Mare pointed out to him because she said it looked like a turtle on its back. He traces it a few times, just sort of thinking about that moment and all the other times they would be in this kitchen doing dishes after family gatherings etc. Farley watches him from across the table

before getting up and nodding for him to follow her outside. Everyone pretty much doesn't notice them leave, or they pretend not to notice. They sit outside on the back porch in silence, just the two of them. After a little bit, it starts to snow. The first snow of the year. Farley holds her hand out to catch the flakes and says quietly: "I hate that it doesn't rain when these things happen. It always feels like it should be raining." He nods silently in agreement, and then she sets her hand on his shoulder, and he bends forward, letting the weight of it drop his head into his hand. He doesn't cry again, he honestly doesn't understand why he feels nothing now, just emptiness, and numbness from the tips of his fingers all the way to the tips of his toes. Even with Maven he didn't feel this way. He felt something then, something biting and hot like a pan that he touched when it just came off the stove. They sit like that for a long time before Coriane comes outside, and slips underneath his arm to snuggle against him. Farley gets up and leaves then, sensing she's said her peace and he understands she's there if he needs her. He holds Coriane close when the back door closes, and she whispers quietly to him, "Mommy's not coming home, is she?" and he just squeezes her once in answer. She frowns and stares out at the snow for a second and then turns around to face him and cups his cheeks in her little hands like she had seen Mare do a hundred times when Cal was in the middle of an especially hard day. She looks at him with a very serious expression for a child and he can see Mare in her when she does that, in the crease of her brows and the slight squint in her eyes. In the hint of chocolate brown in the curls of her hair. She will be furiously beautiful like her mother, and he had a feeling someday she will break a man's heart like his is breaking now. She looks at him for a good little bit and then says, "don't worry, I will take care of you." And he laughs, knowing that Mare always said the same thing. He pulls her close again and whispers with a thick voice, "it's my job to take care of you. But it's just us now... we have to take care of each other."

The funeral is in the spring. Cal pushed it off. Mare hated the winter. Even though she had happier memories of it now, her childhood and the painful clenching of her empty belly were like a permanent stain on the season. He would not bury her in that time. When the snow thaws and the ground melts, they release her ashes on a hill and leave stone for her on a hill under a tree, with a view of the mountains. There is a long line of epithet underneath her name: beloved daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother. Staring at it, Cal wonders if she knows just how important she had become. If she knew that she wasn't just a captain, or a figurehead that brought a centuries old regime to its knees. Everyone leaves after, the Barrows going last, but Cal and Coriane stay. Cal just sitting in the grass next to the grave, the wind in his hair while he watches the mountains for a little while. Coriane sits on the grave, probably not the nicest thing to do, but she does, and traces Mare's name over and over again on the stone with her little finger. "Mommy had a long name." She says as she traces the four names on the stone. Cal hesitated to put his name on there with hers, but he adopted the Barrow name as much as Mare took the Calore one when they married. And in the very, very short will she had drafted, that he almost didn't read because reading it made everything real, she asked that he put both their names on it (but to put his name before hers and she even made a little quip at him in the will about it which made him laugh, even as it made him cry). He glances at Cori after she says that and nods. She then crawls into his lap and they sit watching the mountains before Coriane says, "Uncle Julian says that when people die, they become the dirt that feeds the trees and the grass... do you think mommy is happy to be tree food?" He laughs and hugs her really close before saying, "She's not tree food. That dust we let go of today was mommy. She's on the winds now, traveling everywhere."

He does not remarry, no matter how many years pass, and how many women try to infer that it might be for the best if Coriane had mother in her life. He thinks its a stupid notion that he can't raise his own child on his own. And its hard, god is it hard. But he does it. He makes Coriane Barrow Calore into a women that Mare Molly Calore Barrow would have been very proud of. And he holds onto the notion that someday, when he dies, and they scatter his ashes, that his will find Mare's and they'll be together again that way.

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