#so at present whoever i live with (currently my husband) gets stuck taking care of me because i just fall short in so many ways

[lucyvaleheart]

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[auxiliarydetective]

OC Masterlist - One Piece OCs!

What can I say? - Special interests are a thing.

As per usual, everyone is listed with their age at their introduction into the storyline. The birth years are according to my calculations and approximations of when the story of One Piece takes place. For OPLA, we have a set date for the Syrup Village Arc - Kaya's birthday, which is August 24th! I used that date to figure out if a character had had their birthday yet that year and went from there. If you want to know why I put the year 1522 as the "present" year, check out this post on my resources blog.

-> Aurelia

"I'll tell you all the things you should know. So, baby, take my hands, save your soul." - Ariana Grande, in: God is a Woman

Full name: Dracule (née Silvers) Aurelia

Birthday: September 25th, 1486 ASC (35 years old)

Identity: bisexual, polyamorous, trans woman

Faceclaim: Zión Moreno

Tag: x | Fic: -

Aurelia is feared and revered all across the seven seas. Marines call her the "Black Widow" because she's like a spider in an invisible net of connections and most of her lovers end up dead one way or another, but most pirates respectfully refer to her as "La Donna". Donna Aurelia gets her title from her "family" of underlings, protégés and associates, from up and coming pirate crews to the absolute big shots. And as if that weren't enough, her father is one of the most infamous pirates of the old era, her mother a former empress, and her husband a Warlord of the Sea and the current World's Greatest Swordsman - Dracule Mihawk. Even though her focus is mostly placed on the Grand Line, Baratie remains as one of her firmest territories, and so she she stumbles across some unruly straw-hatted pirate turned chore boy.

-> Cora

"Coraline vuole il mare ma ha paura dell'acqua." - Måneskin, in: Coraline

Full name: Akaito Coraline

Birthday: June 5th, 1504 ASC (18 years old)

Identity: bisexual, polyamorous, cis female

Faceclaim: Jenna Coleman

Tag: x | Fic: x

Cora comes from a long line of world-famous tailors who were all wiped out by a king in the North Blue shortly after her birth. After having suffered beneath the tyrant for sixteen years, she escapes with her craft, a needle, stories, and the powers of her family's heirloom, the Sew Sew Fruit, making it to the East Blue. Two years later, she meets none other than her childhood friend Sanji, taking the time to catch up with him. One thing leads to another and she finds herself travelling with a crew of pirates and falling in love with not only her childhood friend but also the crew's mossheaded swordsman.

-> Lily

"They call you cry baby, cry baby, but you don't even care - tears fall to the ground, you'll just let them drown." - Melanie Martinez, in: Cry Baby

Full name: Felicity

Birthday: March 30th, 1509 ASC (13 years old)

Identity: fennec fox? (she doesn't really think about it)

Faceclaim: Thomasin McKenzie

Tag: x | Fic: x

Lily is half human, half fennec fox mink, and travelled the seas with her parents for years until they disappeared. Luckily, she was found by Merry while he was travelling for the shipbuilding business, and brought back home to Syrup Village, where Lily since lived like Kaya's sister. But a month before Kaya's 18th birthday, she is kidnapped by the Buggy Pirates, and stuck in a cage until the clown makes the mistake of kidnapping the Straw Hat Pirates as well.

-> Inari

"Sometimes I wonder when I look at my reflection if the person looking back is really me. A couple years spent learning how to disappear, a couple more spent learning what I could be." - mxmtoon, in: growing pains

Full name: Charlotte Inari

Birthday: June 25th, 1508 ASC (14 years old)

Identity: pansexual, gender is all over the place

Faceclaim: Reina Triendl

Tag: x | Fic: -

Charlotte Inari ate a devil fruit when she was still very little, one that made her a servant to whoever last saved her life, one that since then dragged her all across the globe, finally ending her as a slave to the “God” Enel. But with some new pirate crew from the Blue Sea showing up in the God’s domain, it seems her fate is finally going to change for the better. Oh, and she’s also the daughter of one of the Four Emperors, but that’s not a big deal, is it?

-> Kaede

Full name: Shimotsuki Kaede

Birthday: September 4th (23 years old)

Identity: bisexual, genderqueer

Faceclaim: Komatsu Nana

Tag: x | Fic: -

Kaede is a regular Ebisu Town citizen by day, dying and mending kimonos, and stealing food and shooting arrows by night. In a one-in-a-million chance, Kaede was lucky enough to get a SMILE fruit that still had traces of its former power left, allowing her to turn into a flying squirrel at will. This little mistake will come back to bite Kaido and his men in the upcoming revolution.

-> Kan-chan

Full name: Kanyalani

Birthday: January 10th (39 years old)

Identity: pansexual

Faceclaim: Namtarn Pichukkana

Tag: x | Fic: -

Kanyalani, also known as Kan-chan, is a betta fish mermaid and former slave. Upon her release, she joined the Sun Pirates, eventually leading her to meet the joyful Straw Hat Pirates.

-> Luna

"Luna, quieres ser madre, y no encuentras querer que te haga mujer. Dime, luna de plata, ¿que pretendes hacer con un niño de piel?"- Mecano, in: Hijo de la Luna

Full name: Aether S. Luna

Birthday: December 11th, 1503 ASC (18 years old)

Identity: she doesn’t think about it, loves everyone and identifies as ethereal

Faceclaim: Maria Amanda

Tag: x | Fic: -

Luna is the daughter of the moon goddess herself – or at least she believes that. Her strange powers connected to the moon certainly don’t serve any evidence against it. Having wandered the seas for years, she eventually finds herself stuck with the Foxy Pirates. But her rescue arrives in the form of the Straw Hat Pirates and their overly charming chef Sanji.

-> Lux

"Here we go again. We're sick like animals, we play pretend. You're just a cannibal and I'm afraid I won't get out alive." - Neon Trees, in: Animal

Full name: Lux Jirou (he goes by his last name after leaving Syrup Village)

Birthday: July 1st, 1500 ASC (21 years old)

Identity: bisexual (male preference), cis male

Faceclaim: Jack Kilmer

Tag: x | Fic: -

Jirou is sick. It's something that Klahadore tells him again and again. He's only got a few years left to live, so why not live those final years in a state of wealth and luxury? But things go wrong, as they usually do in Jirou's life, because is feelings get in the way. One of those feelings is pity, the other his a sudden crush on a green-haired swordsman that simply appeared in the garden on the big day. Things can never go right for Jirou, can they?

-> Sonoko

Full name: Roronoa Sonoko

Birthday: March 9th

Identity: lesbian

Faceclaim: Hirukawa Yu

Tag: x | Fic: -

Roronoa Sonoko is Pirate Hunter Zoro's sister and a freshly promoted Marine Ensign. Under the care of Vice Admiral Garp and Bogard, she has the best chances of adcancing through the ranks, but Garp has further plans for her: As a deal with Dracule Mihawk, he convinces to take the World's Greatest Swordsman to take Sonoko in as a student, starting a whole new chapter in her life. If only her brother would stop getting into trouble…

[princesstadashi]

Ghost Whisperer! Fred/Ghost! Tadashi Fredashi AU

So Fred comes from a long line of ghost whisperers (for lack of a better term)--not everyone in the family gets “the gift”, but there is always at least one in every generation. They’re able to not only see and interact with ghosts/spirits but touch them and have other special powers (more on that in a bit). Every generation is charged with investigating tales of the paranormal and either disproving that anything paranormal is going on or else help the spirit in question--with moving on, usually, but if they’re a chill spirit happy with where they are and not causing any problems they may help them with any minor problems that they’re having but leave them alone to continue on with their spirit business. The ghost whisperers don’t really keep their powers a secret but of course there are believers and nonbelievers. Fred, for his part, took up the family mantle once he came of age after training with his dad, and he’s not looking for publicity or anything but he does write books based on his adventures/journeys and he’s gotten some small notoriety for them, although a lot of people assume that they’re fiction and just enjoy them for the stories not believing that they’re real and Fred’s pretty okay with that.

Now that the backstory is set, jumping ahead to present day: Fred’s about twenty-six now, graduated college and working as a writer/spirit investigator full time, has his own little apartment and is pretty happy with life. Currently working on a book investigating some newer stories of paranormal activity that has cropped up, and he’s been curious about the story of the ghost at SFIT that has been connected by legend to a student who died in a fire about seven years ago and now haunts the building that was built over the building that burned down with said student inside. By all reports it’s a benevolent spirit for the most part but there have been a few not-so-happy reports (nothing harmful but a few students have been scared by the sight of a burning, screaming man) and Fred decides it’s time to go check it out, see if there’s anything that needs to be done--he’d like to think the spirit is okay but the burning thing has him worried that the spirit isn’t doing so okay and either needs some help to calm down or move on.

Fred gets permission from the school to go visit the building but does so quietly, goes in disguised as a college student and doesn’t have them clear anyone out because he wants to see how the spirit interacts with the people in the building to see if it’s actually benevolent or not. Fred gets there about midnight-ish, it’s near the end of the semester so lots of students in the study area stressing out over finals/major projects so no one pays any attention to him. It takes a  little while for the spirit to appear but finally he spots the spirit walking around, and yeah, he seems pretty chill, even caring--going around putting blankets over students who have fallen asleep, getting the coffee dispenser to start running again when the machine jams up, that sort of thing. Fred’s pretty convinced that he’s an okay guy, but the spirit doesn’t really seem “all there”--some spirits are more cognizant of what’s going on around them than others, this one seems to sort of be working in auto pilot and mumbling to himself, and after following him around for a while (spirit doesn’t seem to notice Fred) he manages to catch the word “Hiro” being said repeatedly, usually in things that sound like, “Hiro, you shouldn’t be sleeping without a blanket” or “Hiro, don’t study so hard, you need to take a break!” So Fred gets the idea that whoever Hiro is, he’s probably part of the reason this spirit has stuck around instead of moving on.

Finally, when the study area has mostly cleared out except students who have fallen asleep (so around 3 am probably) Fred finally approaches the spirit. Spirit doesn’t really seem to hear anything that he’s saying until he finally asks, “So, who’s Hiro?”

Spirit immediately seems much more present but also extremely anxious.

“Wait, Hiro? Is he here? Did he finally come to see me again?”

“Um, sorry, I’m not sure who Hiro is…”

Spirit does not take well to this. Fred tries to keep him calm but spirit starts crying, saying that he hasn’t seen Hiro in so long, which then evolves into, you guessed it, spirit bursting into flames and screaming--only not really screaming so much as sobbing. Fire isn’t burning anything so the spirit isn’t a danger to anyone, he’s just really, really sad. Which makes Fred go, “Okay, yep, this guy definitely needs my help.”

Finally he grabs the spirit’s hand because that’s one of his powers--if he touches a spirit it usually makes them much more cognizant, and it works, spirit’s fire goes out and he’s looking around like, “What the fuck is going on and where am I?”

Fred is able to introduce himself properly, and he’s afraid that the spirit (who is of course Tadashi) doesn’t know that he’s a ghost but fortunately ghost is aware of this and basically what happened is this:

Tadashi’s body burned in the fire so he wasn’t able to be buried at the graveyard, there was just a memorial stone, which is part of the problem--no proper burial, plus the awful way he died = spirit not moving on. When the new building was built he had just enough presence to hold his place in the ground and not be moved with the other dirt and rubble to the dump and eventually essentially became a part of the new building’s foundation, which is why he’s tied to there and not somewhere else. So he haunts the new building, and while Hiro was going to college and had classes/studied there Tadashi was fine, he could still look after Hiro and just started looking after all the students who came into the building. During the summers when Hiro wasn’t there he’d kinda start losing touch with reality a bit but Hiro would always come back in the fall so that held him together. But after Hiro graduated, Hiro never came back and that’s when Tadashi really started losing it (he’s a spirit, cut him some slack. ^^;) Hiro didn’t mean to abandon him, he absolutely kept visiting Tadashi’s stone in the graveyard but didn’t realize that unfortunately that didn’t do much good since that’s not where Tadashi’s spirit is tied. So Tadashi kind of continued on looking after everyone in the building but started essentially hallucinating that every student was Hiro, but if someone would bring up Hiro (since Hiro went on to be a successful inventor with his own company) Tadashi would come a bit back to reality but when he realized that Hiro wasn’t really there it would just bring back all the pain, ergo ghostly meltdown.

Fred, having heard all of this, is like, “Okay, so obviously can’t just leave you alone here, and since you’re not doing too hot being away from Hiro but you’re tied here I think we need to look into helping you move on.” How does moving on happen? Fred figures if he can help Tadashi find Hiro and say goodbye to him (Fred can give other people the temporary power to see spirits if he is holding both their hand and the hand of the spirit in question, kinda like a circuit) then Tadashi should be able to move on. 

Fred can help Tadashi leave the building as his guide, but Tadashi can only move from place to place as long as Fred is with him, he can’t just go off into the world on his own due to the ties thing. It’s an adventure and a half just trying to get to see Hiro since Hiro’s kinda famous and also doesn’t believe in ghosts so thinks Fred is crazy or is trying to pull a very cruel joke, but finally after about two weeks of trying (during which time Tadashi takes up residence in Fred’s apartment temporarily and is like, “You live like this??? You are twenty-six, you cannot live on tv dinners, and you need to start doing your laundry!” and since Tadashi’s a poltergeist and can move things he starts cooking healthy meals for Fred and cleaning up the apartment) he finally manages to get Hiro and Tadashi to make contact.

At this point Fred is like, “Okay, good, they can finally say goodbye and I can have my life back!” But NOPE. Hiro’s not wanting to let go of Tadashi and is talking about trying to make some sort of glasses that allow him and others to see Tadashi without Fred’s help, and of course once Tadashi finds out that Hiro has a husband and a baby he wants to meet Hiro’s family. So Fred’s just like, “UGH. FINE. You can stay around long enough to do that BUT THEN YOU NEED TO MOVE ON.” 

Welp. Glasses for seeing spirits are not going well. And Fred is trying everything he can think of to convince Tadashi that it is time to move on on his own, but Tadashi is being stubborn af. Fred finally realizes the problem--Tadashi’s unfinished business isn’t saying goodbye to Hiro. Tadashi’s unfinished business is making sure that Hiro lives a healthy and long and full life and seeing him through to the end of it. At which point Fred is just like, “FUCK. I AM STUCK WITH THIS GUY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.”

Only Fred realizes maybe he doesn’t mind having Tadashi around so much. Actually, he’s gotten used to having Tadashi living in the apartment, taking care of the place and helping him proofread his writing and watching movies with him and hanging out and he maybe is sorta kinda falling for him. So, after a lot of thinking things over, Fred decides that he’s going to cash in his one very special ghost whisperer power.

Ghost whisperers, meeting lots of ghosts, are likely to find one that they grow very fond of, platonically or romantically, and want to keep around long term. So there is a ceremony that a ghost whisperer can do that binds a spirit to them--it’s beneficial for the spirit because it gives them a mostly corporeal form (but it will always slightly unnerve a lot of humans because even though they look human there is just an “otherness” about their aura) and can stay on Earth for an extended period of time. Downside for the ghost is that they have to stay in fairly close physical proximity to the person they are bound to, there’s kind of a mental/emotional bond which not everyone can handle, and also when the person they are bound to dies that’s it, no going back to being a spirit, they both automatically move on together. (So it’s kinda like a witch and a familiar but also different.)

Fred eventually talks to Tadashi about this, and they consider the possibility thoroughly before going through with it. Finally they agree that it would be good for Tadashi to actually be able to be around his family and friends again, but also Tadashi is down with continuing to live with Fred and helping him out, going on ghost hunting adventures with him, etc. as his “companion”. Both of them are kind of dancing around the feelings thing until they perform the ceremony (which isn’t creepy or anything, actually it’s pretty soft and sweet, sort of just holding hands and saying some words like making a vow) and after it’s over Tadashi jokingly says, “I guess you may now kiss the bride?” “I’m gay so that would have to be the groom, I think.” “Then you may now kiss the groom!” And Fred kinda does a little cheek peck and Tadashi gets flustered, but also coming back to sort of the mortal world Tadashi gets a bit more of his humanity back and has a realization moment and is like, “HOLY SHIT I AM SO SORRY. I’m bound to you and you have to keep me with you, how are you ever supposed to date or marry anyone?!!!!” “Well maybe I don’t want to marry someone else!” “...Wait, maybe it’s just coming back to the mortal plane confusing me, but did you just propose to me?” “Well, it’s a bit soon for marriage, but maybe you’d be my boyfriend?” And Tadashi gets more flustered but of course says yes!!! 

(I think when he gets a mostly mortal form again he ages up to the age he would be mentally/emotionally so it’s not a nineteen and a twenty-six year old. Just as a side note!)

So yeah, there will be awkward/emotional reintroductions to everyone, Tadashi can’t really go back to school or get a regular job but he’s pretty okay with helping Fred out and he still gets to be around his family/probably collaborates with Hiro on invention ideas :) Also I’m imagining them going on a spirit hunt for a boy in Pennsylvania who drowned in a lake who everyone says still haunts the lake who turns out to be Jack Frost because that would be kinda cool, yeah? :D (He’s perfectly fine so Fred has no issues with leaving him be but is also VERY excited about the Guardians XD)

[marshmallow-phd]

Sins of the Father

Genre: Mafia Au

Pairing: Junmyeon x Reader

Summary: Soon after your second birthday, your parents were killed and you were adopted by your father’s best friend, taken away to their home country where you lived your life in peaceful ignorance. As far a as you knew, your parents simply left you large fortune to be released to you once you reached your twenty-third birthday. At least, that’s all you thought you were inheriting. When a famously ruthless mafia boss discovers your existence, you are left at his mercy. While under his roof, you learn more about your father than you ever wished you had, including the part of your inheritance that made you the most valuable person in the underworld. Hidden in a bank in New York City were files that held the darkest secrets of the mafia families and everyone in their pocket. With another terrifying leader’s eyes trained on you, you’ll learn to watch your back… and guard your heart, before your father’s past becomes your doom.

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10 I 11 I 12 I 13 I 14 I 15 I 16 I Final

**

Out on the street below were two black SUVs purring, waiting to carry you off to who knew where. While Junko lightly stepped into the frontmost vehicle, you were shoved not-so-nicely into the back of the second one. If you once thought that the first ride from your apartment to the penthouse, surrounded by the men you had hated at first was an excruciating experience, you were wrong. This one was a hundred times worse.

Every time you looked in the rearview mirror, you expected to see Chen’s cheeky stare sending silent jokes your way. But it wasn’t Chen in the driver’s seat. He was stuck back in the penthouse, forced to stay behind for the sake of all their lives. No, the man behind the wheel had nothing but steel in his eyes, no warmth or openness. Not that you wanted to get to know any of the guards around you. You may have had similar feelings when entering Junmyeon’s household, but you knew for damn sure that you weren’t going to warm up to anyone in Junko’s company.

As the street lights blurred by, you kept your focus on your breathing. You refused to cry for your loss this time. It was your own choice. You knew the consequences of your actions. But you refused to just lie down and roll over now that you were here. Even in the current moment, you were going over possible sabotages to ruin Junko’s plans. You just needed to come up with one that didn’t end up with you or someone you loved dead.

The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, dying the sky from a midnight blue to a hue of purple you once found beautiful. Now, though, it seemed to be an ominous color, stopping your life right on the edge of when it might have been its happiest. Going forward, the days would bring nothing but new misery.

The vehicle finally came to a stop outside of a large, white stone mansion with shimmering gold trim around the windows and edges. Guards roamed the walled-in property, heavy black guns holstered to their waists for the world to see.

You were pulled out of the van, surrounded on all sides and they herded you inside. The shepherding didn’t stop until you were up the stairs on the second floor and shoved into a grand bedroom. As useless as the gesture was, you tested the door, pulling and yanking on the handle to confirm what you already knew. It was locked and you were now a prisoner more than you had ever been before.

After hours of pacing back and forth, Junko finally appeared, coming into the room without knocking or announcing his presence.

“Good afternoon, darling.”

You nearly gagged from the affectionate nickname, but beyond that, you stayed quiet, defiant.

With the motion of two fingers, Junko signaled for whoever was still in the hallway to enter. To your shock, it was two women, one rolling in a large black case, the other carrying a short white dress in a clear plastic bag.

“Please do cooperate with these lovely ladies,” Junko said as he inspected his fingers. His eyes flashed up to look at you, a sick, scheming grin on his lips. “I would hate to hear that my bride was being rude. That might have repercussions, such as someone you care about ending up with a bullet in their head. My men are still at the building with Junmyeon’s penthouse. I’d hate to lose one of his men when I oh-so-dearly want them to be around to watch their life’s work crumble into dust.” With that threat hanging in the air, he turned, passing the stone faced women and closed the door behind him.

Damn it. Damn it, damn it, damn it.

Every fiber in your muscles was screaming at you to not sit down in the chair, to not let these women pull at your hair and run their brushes all over your face. But that threat weighed too heavily on you. The ones you cared about were your ultimate weakness and if sitting through this torture – knowing what waited for you when it was over – meant that they could stay alive for the time being, then you could endure it. But how far would you be able to go before you broke?

During the process of making you presentable for Junko, the adrenaline that had been pumping through your veins was now dissolved, making your eyelids heavy and your body begging for sleep. Each time one of the women told you to close your eyes so she could apply more makeup, you felt yourself starting to nod off. It baffled you how easily your brain could start slipping into that mode considering the circumstances.

All too soon, the women were done with altering your physical appearance and were now scrambling to get you into the white dress. It was a simple design lacking any embellishments or other signs that it was meant to be a wedding dress, hitting just above your knee and gently fanning out to create somewhat of a silhouette.

You knew all too well what this dress was symbolizing, but you didn’t see the point in all the fanfare. This was not a joyous occasion where you’d be surrounded by friends and family who would cheer you on as you started your new life. You weren’t going to be walking down the aisle towards the man you’d fallen in love with, daydreaming about what the coming days together would hold, whether they be filled with good times or bad. No. You didn’t know to what extent Junko would be going with this affair, but you’d known this would be the plan as soon as you stepped into that SUV several hours ago.

After being forced into a pair of high heels the same shade of pure as the dress you were zipped up in, the women escorted you out of the room and back down the stairs. To your left were a pair of double doors propped open to reveal a massive ballroom like the one you’d seen in The Sound of Music when you’d watched it as a child. But there was no grand party being thrown where couples were twirling each other around on the reflective marble floor. Instead, there was simply Junko, a few guards, and a man in a suit that gave off a nervous yet authoritative aura standing near a small, round table near the middle of the room.

“Beautiful,” Junko smiled proudly, as if you were his to show off.

“Miss (y/n), I presume?” the other man asked when you were standing with them. You nodded wordlessly. He turned to the mafia boss. “An excellent choice, Junko.”

“A match made just for me, Judge Kim.” Taking your hand, Junko pulled you closer to him, whether to appear affectionate or to keep you from running away, you weren’t sure, but he should know by now that you weren’t going anywhere. You made your choice and now you would live with it.

“Well, I won’t keep you too long.” Judge Kim opened the small book in his hands, clearing his throat before starting the sham of a ceremony this would be. “Do you, Lee Junko, take (y/n) (l/n) to be your lawful wife, bound together for rest of your lives?”

“I do.”

Judge Kim turned to you. “And do you, (y/n) (y/n), take Lee Junko to be your lawful husband, bound together for the rest of your lives?”

Junko squeezed your hand, signaling to you exactly how you should answer, but it was a pointless gesture.

“I do,” you replied without any hesitation.

“Then, by the power vested in me by the beautiful Republic of Korea, I now pronounce you man and wife.” Judge Kim gestured to the table behind us. “Please, in the presence of me and these witnesses, sign the marriage certificate.”

Letting go of you hand, Junko swiftly swiped up the silver fountain pen that was lying next to the official marriage license and signed his name on the appropriate line before handing the pen off to you. Now you hesitated.

When you were younger, you once read a book where a girl was forced to get married to a scheming villain who wanted to get ahold of her parents’ vast fortune. She was able to null the marriage by signing the document with her non-dominant hand. You’d be lying if you testified that the thought hadn’t crossed your mind right now.

But this wasn’t a children’s story where the simplest solutions turned out to be the way to foil the evil villain’s plot. Even if you signed in it your non-dominant hand, you still signed it “willingly” in the presence of a judge. Whatever hand you decided to use was inconsequential.

Once your signature was imbedded in ink on the parchment paper, Junko and Judge Kim shook hands and everyone cleared the room, leaving you alone with your new husband.

Junko’s eyes narrowed into a snake-like stare, shining at his newly possessed toy. An arm slinked around your waist and he yanked you in close, squeezing you so tightly you were hardly able to fill your lungs up with enough air to continue consciousness. You knew fairly well that fear was evident in your eyes. What was the point of hiding it? You didn’t know what he planned to do to you next. Yes, you knew he’d keep you alive long enough to get to New York and retrieve the files, but there was plenty he could do to you beforehand.

“Don’t worry,” he murmured as he trailed a fingertip down your cheek. “I will wait for you to come to me. I’m not so much of a monster. You’ll see that soon enough.”

“One moment of restraint doesn’t erase all past deeds,” you spat back.

Junko smirked. “So fiery. I appreciate that. It’s needed to survive this kind of life.” Leaning down, he let his lips flutter against your ear as he whispered, “I will never erase my past. I’m proud of every single brick that I’ve made to build my empire. And you, my dear, are the crowning jewel to cap the tallest tower. Sooner or later, you will give in to me and you’ll see just how much of this life you truly enjoy.”

Releasing you, he turned on the balls of his feet and walked calmly out of the ballroom, each step echoing around you in mockery.

Back in your room, you found yourself just staring at the outside horizon while sitting on the chair you’d moved over from the vanity. The windows opened up to a large balcony, but you couldn’t bring yourself to walk out there. So you chose instead to just open them up enough to let the air in while you stayed within the confines of the walls. It seemed like a fitting metaphor for your life. So close to freedom, so close to having it all just to be locked away once again. You could see what that type of life could be, you could reach out, so close to feeling it in your hand but unable to make those last few centimeters disappear. How long would you be staring out this window longing for might never be? Only time and your future choices could determine that.

You prayed that all the boys were safe and that all the wounds you saw on their faces were only superficial. Yixing should be more than capable of patching them up. But then what? Would they be stupid enough to try and formulate a plan to storm in here? What was going through Junmyeon’s head right now?

Junmyeon worried you the most. In every other situation he remained collected and clear headed. But what was he like right now? Was he going crazy now that you were in Junko’s clutches, the very place he swore you would never be? You held on to the hope that he would use his head and only come for you when all their emotions were no longer in control of their actions. You had faith that they would come for you eventually and until then, you’d do everything you could in order to undermine Junko and hopefully weaken his defenses to give the guys a fighting chance.

**

You weren’t sure if you were dreaming or awake when you felt that warmth appear beside you, but you welcomed it fully.

After doing nothing but sitting and staring all day, you finally gave in to your body’s wishes and climbed into bed when the sun sank down from the sky. The only comfortable thing you could find to sleep in was a silk nightgown folded nicely in the top drawer of the dresser. You contemplated just going to bed naked, but then the idea of being caught that way mortified you and you hurriedly changed into the thin material.

For a while, you just lied there under the covers, your mind too restless to allow your exhausted body the sleep it desperately needed. Your eyes kept flickering over the empty ring finger on your left hand. The diamond that used to add a little weight to that side was sitting safely on your nightstand back at Junmyeon’s just waiting to be worn again. Now there was nothing but a phantom feeling where you’d grown so used to that cool metal being, a soft reminder of how safe you were now missing.

Soon, your mind was able to shut down and you drifted off to sleep, anxious for what might be waiting in your dreams. It was pleasantness, however, that met you rather than the horrifying images you’d been envisioning all day. Your mind decided to be kind to you and let you dream about being back in Junmyeon’s arms. Nothing else was happening in the dream except for you taking in his presence as he held you close. Perhaps your brain was crueler than you originally thought.

So lost in this dream were you that when it was ripped from your grasp, you still weren’t sure that it wasn’t real. Movement on the other side of the bed was what pulled you back to semi-consciousness and in your groggy state, you scooted closer to it, wrapping your arms around the warmth and sighing in content. You didn’t know any better until a chest-rumbling laugh brought you to being fully awake.

Gasping at the sight of Junko lying next to you under the covers, you scrambled back and away from him. But before you could jump out of the bed completely, he grabbed your wrist, holding you in place.

“Such a turnaround from a loving wife,” he chuckled.

You growled through your clenched teeth. “Let me go.”

“Were you thinking of him?” Junko asked, ignoring your demand. “Is that why you cozied up to me so quickly? Did you trick yourself into thinking you were back with him?”

At your refusal to answer him, he pulled on your wrist and then slammed you down on your back as he hovered over you, capturing your other arm in his grasp.

“Bad decision to fall in love with Suho,” he sneered. “He would have just tossed you to the side once he got what he wanted.”

Anger filled you up, making you squirm under his strength. “Screw you.”

Your sad attempt to verbally fight back just amused him. “You think you know him, but you don’t. We’re all mostly the same, us leaders. We use people to get what we want, dispose of them once they become useless. But me? I’ll keep you by my side forever.”

“And what makes you so different?” you scoffed.

“You were made for me, (y/n).”

You shook your head. “You keep saying that as if someone assembled me on a production line.”

“That’s because my father did, so to speak.” His grip on your wrists loosened slightly, but he still didn’t let you go. “You see, (y/n), your mother wasn’t able to have children no matter what doctor she went to. And your father was desperate for a child. So, my father offered him a deal. He had a few doctor friends who were experimenting some… not very approved methods. My father would connect your parents with his friends and they would provide him with a daughter – save that when that daughter came of age, she would marry me and your father would hand over all the intel he’d gathered over the years to make our empire stronger than ever. That was the deal.”

Junko lowered his face, gently brushing his lips against your bare collarbone, making you shiver with disgust.

“And now it’s being fulfilled,” he continued when he pushed himself back up. “So, yes, when I saw that you were made for me, I truly mean it.” Slowly, his fingers uncurled from your wrists and he sat up. “But I also meant it when I said I would wait for you to come to me. You’re my wife now, so I’ll take my place in our bed, but eventually, you’ll come to me.”

Like hell you would. But you kept your mouth shut, just watching him with steely eyes as he lied down, facing away from you. Unable to even think about trying to fall back asleep, you kept your eyes on the rising and falling of Junko’s bare shoulders. You hated this man more than anything and the idea of having to possibly sleep next to him for the rest of your life made you sick to your stomach. But the news that the only reason you were able to exist was so you would be here in this bed made it nearly unbearable.

**

The car ride to the airport was full of silence except for the roaring of the engine. You kept fidgeting with the hem of your cream colored skirt that Junko forced you to wear. He said that you needed to look presentable, like the wife of a businessman. You were sure you drew blood from how hard you were biting your tongue.

Businessman my ass.

You felt more like you were trying to be Jackie Kennedy or one of the British royal family members for Halloween rather than the doting wife of a respectable businessman. That’s all this was, anyway; a charade, a farce. Anyone could see through the lie. They might not know what the truth was underneath, but the masquerade fooled no one.

Rather than pulling into the normal departure lane you were hoping for, the BMW came to a stop on a private airstrip where a jet was waiting for us, open door with a tall staircase and all. The driver turned off the car and stepped out, rounding the vehicle until he came to your door, opening it for you and helping you out. At least someone around here was a gentleman.

You pulled on the bottom of your matching jacket and followed Junko up the steps to the inside of the jet. If you were hoping for something to hate, you were dead wrong. It was impossible not to be a little impressed by the ivory interior and spacious aisle. A pretty stewardess stood near the back, pouring two glasses of expensive looking champagne. You sat down in the first chair you reached, bracing yourself for whenever takeoff would be. Junko sat across from you, folding one leg over the other while he scrolled through his tablet.

“It’ll be late when we land,” he informed you without looking up. “We’ll go straight to the hotel and then in the morning we’ll go to the attorney who has been handling your stateside affairs. He’ll have the will that states the location of the files. From there, we’ll go to that bank and we’ll be back home in two days’ time.” He smirked. “Quick and painless.”

Maybe physically painless, but carrying through this plan for him was killing you on the inside. Junko had said countless times that the information in those files could tear down Junmyeon’s operation. As much as you disapproved of this kind of life, you saw how hard he worked every day, how desperate he was to keep what his family had built running and to make sure his men lived comfortably. Anyone could call you a hypocrite, but you didn’t want to see Junmyeon’s organization fall apart.

But Junko’s? You wanted his to fall faster than Troy after they let in the Trojan horse. Just as the citizens were unsuspecting of the warriors lying in waiting to attack, you were going to lull Junko into a false sense of security to make victory even sweeter

[imagine-loki]

A Warrior’s Life

TITLE: A Warrior’s Life

CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter Fifty-Eight AUTHOR: wolfpawn ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine Viking Loki coming to your village, raiding, and pillaging, before deciding there is something about you that intrigues him and deciding to take you back to Asgard with him. There, you are forced to learn a new life and language, and though you hate what has happened to you, you learn that Loki is not as bad as you think.

RATING: Mature

“Do you think that mother will be proud?” Nafi asked as he helped his father tie the carcass of a hog to his horse.

“Your first hunt and you had a clean kill, of course, she will be.” He smiled.

“Can I tell Thodin and Barwin?”

“Yes, you can, but as we stated, you are not to do so in a bragging manner.”

“I promise, it was so much fun, thank you, father.” The youngster was still jittery, high from the adrenalin of his kill.

“Well, when it goes your way, there is nothing more exhilarating, and you get to know that you have provided food for your family.” Loki agreed, though his face fell slightly when his memory brought him back to his first hunt.

“What happened when you had your first hunt?” Nafi sensed his father’s mood alter.

“Nothing.” Loki dismissed. “I was not awarded a kill.”

“So you killed something but Thor got the credit and the glory?” Nafi wagered.

“I fear you may have the gift of Allsight.” Loki pulled the boy in against him. “It was an elk, nothing big; he was a sickly thing really, seemed old. I got him in the neck with an arrow, it missed the main vein, but it went into his windpipe, so he hadn’t long to live as he was not able to breathe properly, so I rode after it, not wanting to prolong the beast’s suffering either. But Thor shot him a second time, which was not too difficult, it had begun to stagger, well your grandfather refused to think that a nine summer old could be a better hunter than his heir. He dismissed my claim that it was actually my kill.”

“What did Uncle Thor say?”

“He said the animal was staggering and gasping for breath when he shot it, giving credence to my claim, but it did not matter, Odin was never one to care too greatly when it came to my achievements.”

“How do you not get angry at that? When Uncle Thor returned from Svartálfheim, when you were injured, it was him that was supposed to be there, not you. I got so mad; you will always be second to him.”

“It was never Thor's doing, though. He has always treated me as a brother should, he cannot be blamed for what Odin was responsible for, and he could not control that.” Loki explained.

“But surely it still angers you, when you see everything that he was given above you?”

Loki untied his horse and prepared to mount. “I do not think us too badly off, do you?”

“Father, we were only given what we have because mother made grandfather richer than he ever thought possible, even the home we now have is only as a result of Baldr’s death. Our old home was tiny; Maebh had to sleep like a dog on my bedroom floor when she first came.”

“What has you even thinking as you are of late Nafi, of heirs, lands and homes, you are not even a decade old?” Loki asked curiously.

“Barwin’s brother told him that he will have to learn a trade to ever have anything in his life. Then Barwin and I were talking with Thodin, and he told us that only the oldest son gets the father’s land. That the girls are married off, but that younger boys so not get anything. And one of the older boys said that I will get nothing as you are married to Maebh, and all of what is ours will go to Vali, as he is your heir as a result of your marriage, and not me.”

Loki had not realised the topics that young boys were discussing had gotten so political. When he was his son’s age, he and Thor were discussing fishing spots and weapons, inheritances did not even occur to them. “Nafi, this is not something for us to even be considering at present, I was not aware that you had your mother and I all but signed off to be forced to take our place in Valhalla.”

“No, it is not that, it is just…never mind.”

“So, we do not need to worry about such things, your mother and I are well.”

“Except Mother is not well father, is she?” Nafi challenged. “You called Eir, meaning she is quite ill, what if she…?”

“Nafi!” the boy jumped at his father outburst. When he spoke again, his voice was small. “I…We cannot think like that. It was just some bad eggs, that is all.” Loki was trying to convince himself more than Nafi, and Nafi knew it, so the boy just nodded his head and said no more, keeping his own worries to himself. Loki jumped into the saddle and turned the horse to head for home. “When we go back, Eir will have checked her over, so we’ll see they that all this worry has been for naught.” Again, Nafi remained silent.

The ride to the hunting spot had taken the most of the afternoon, but even with the added weight of their kills on their steeds, the pair seemed to make the road back faster, their horses, sensing their urgency, trotted the most of the way.

As soon as they arrived at the yard in front of the dwelling, Loki called for their farm staff to take his horse. Nafi dismounted quickly and ran towards the house, noting a horse and cart not belonging to them in the yard as he did. As he and his father came to the front door, it opened in front of them.

“And that will aid her?” Frigga was facing away from them as she spoke to whoever it was that was there, not noticing her son and grandson in front of her.

“It should assist somewhat but it is not a guarantee,” Eir stated, pausing when she saw her path was blocked by the master of the house. “Prince Loki.” She curtsied.

“Darling, we were not expecting you back until at least dinner, if not tomorrow,” Frigga smiled though the gesture did not seem to make it to her eyes.

Loki noticed immediately. “I thought you were coming yesterday Eir.” He turned to look at the healer.

“She was, she did.”

“I returned today your highness, to check on the princess and to give her a remedy.” The healer explained.

“So she is healing?” The hope blatant in his voice.

“I fear that is not a simple question to answer your highness, it seems your wife will be considerably ill for some time to come, but I must insist that for such time, you must prevent her from eating eggs and most milk produce. She will require a diet based mostly on fish and grains.” The healer instructed.

“So it was the eggs.” Loki tried to take everything in, but in truth, his mind was still stuck on the cause of what was ailing his wife.

“They did not help in any manner, but she was not poisoned by them.”

“I do not follow.”

“Nafi; you, Vali and I are going to the village, your parents need to speak alone.” Frigga put her hand on her grandson’s back, causing him to look up at her in concern.

Loki paled. “Is there something I need to know? Mother?”

“You and Maebh will have much to talk of when she wakes, she fed Vali not too long ago, so I will prepare him and we will go.” She walked back into the house and retrieved her youngest grandchild before returning to the doorway. Vali gurgled happily at the sight of his father and brother.

Loki looked sadly at his biological son, whose eyes were so akin to his mothers. “Did you miss us?” The infant replied by bouncing in his grandmother's arms excitedly.

“He did seem somewhat confused by your absence,” Frigga admitted. “Come Nafi, I want to hear everything you did on your hunt. Are those your prizes?”

“I caught a hog, well killed it.” Nafi declared proudly.

“A hog? Well now, I need to hear this.” Frigga smiled ushering him to the healer’s cart.

“My Bron was twice your age when he first hunted a hog, you are a skilled young man.” The healer commended.

Loki watched as they all got onto the cart and waved their farewells before leaving the yard.

Somewhat worried he rushed into the dwelling and to the bedroom he shared with his wife, who was currently sleeping on the bed. He watched the steady rise and fall if her chest for a moment before getting a pelt to put over her and went to clean himself up.

“You’re home.” Maebh’s voice was heavy with sleep.

“Yes.” He smiled weakly.

“How did it go?”

“He killed a hog. I got us an elk, well it is a young sickly one.”

“I like elk, I am going to enjoy eating that.” she grumbled.

Loki was unsure if she was even aware she was speaking. “Well, I have it ready to be hung.”

“Thank you. Where is Nafi, I am sure he is dying to give me a rundown of every last detail?” she stretched slightly.

“He and Vali have gone to the village with mother.”

“So we have time to ourselves?” Maebh smiled.

Loki was slightly confused by her actions, not particularly in keeping with how his mother seemed to act. “How are you feeling?”

“Annoyed.” He frowned. “All I want is eggs, but I cannot have any for the foreseeable future, my body is not too accepting of them apparently.”

Loki came closer to her. “Is that all?”

“Well I have been told to rest and cease stressing myself out, and to not allow too much to cloud my mind, my head is still healing.” She explained.

“So you were right?”

“Aren’t I always?” She pulled his hand to her face and kissed it, before taking a deep breath. “You smell like the forest.”

“Well, I would since I just returned from there,” Loki smiled. “I will wash up now.”

“No.”

“No?”

“Join me.” She pleaded.

“For what?” the blush on her face caused the smile to turn into a smirk. “Say it, darling, say what you want.”

“You.”

“Me what?”

“Please, Loki.”

“Say it my love, and it will be done.”

Her face reddened more, but rather than utter the words, she pulled her husband towards her causing him to fall onto the bed only for her to get up and straddled him, one strong leg on either side of him. “Well I was going to plead for you to mount and take me, but perhaps I should be more active in this.” She smiled slyly. Loki lay under her, eyes wide, his body reacting positively to her unusual forwardness. Maebh loosened his pants and forced them from his hips, his long length hardening in front of her. Not sure where the confidence was coming from, she bit her lower lip before lowering herself down and gingerly licking him.

Loki’s eyes widened and a guttural moan choked its way out of his throat at what his wife was doing. “God’s Maebh.”

“Use words.” She grinned, knowing her husband would get the comparison.

“More please darling, that is, Gods I cannot…”

Maebh continued her exploration for another few minutes before rising up again, relishing the scent of her husband. Slowly, she crawled up him before once again straddling him and aligning herself with him and sinking down onto his hardened shaft. Gasping at the feel of him stretching her so well, Maebh gave herself a moment to adjust before she began to rise up and down, hoping her was receiving as much pleasure as she was.

Loki was shocked that he did not have to touch Maebh for her to be so ready and willing for him, he had no idea why she was being so amorous, but never in his life was he going to question it. Placing his hands on her strong ass, he used his own strength to assist her movements.

It did not take long for their actions to become more frantic and erratic, both getting steadily closer to their release. Knowing that she would not be able to move much after her own climax, Maebh reached behind her to where Loki was filling her, taking his heavy sack in hand and caressing it. The sound of undiluted pleasure that he emitted and a particularly strong thrust up into her caused her to fall over the precipice of pleasure, gasping for air as her body spasmed. She fell forward as Loki continued to thrust upward.

“Should I pull out?” He asked through gritted teeth.

“No,” Maebh whispered weakly, shaking her head as she still recovered from her own orgasm.

“But if you are ill if you were to…?”

“Fill me.” She begged wantonly. Loki could not contain himself any longer and pushed himself into her as deep as possible, unloading his seed in several spurts, adoring how hot and wet she felt around him.

When they both were spent, slowly, and somewhat stiffly, Maebh got off her husband and fell to the side, still out of breath.

“I do not think it wise to risk you becoming with child until you feel better my love,” Loki stated, still panting. “I know the risk is a small one, but still.”

“Well that is the issue I fear, I am so ill because such has already occurred.” She confessed, looking at him sheepishly, awaiting his reaction.

Loki turned his head to look at her, the tiredness that was starting to claim him evaporating almost instantaneously. “What?”

“It appears I am already carrying another child.” She repeated.

“But Vali is barely half a year old.”

“As your father stated, I am young enough to get with child easily, apparently too easily. Are you angry?” She bit her lip, not sure what his reaction actually was.

“No, I… Norn’s I thought I was at risk of having you taken from us by some illness, but instead, we are to have another…” Loki pulled her close to him and kissed her when he pulled away again, something came to him, causing him to frown. “So if that is what is wrong with you, which is not something wrong at all, why was mother so out of sorts on my arrival?”

Maebh pulled herself close to her husband. “I am more ill this time, that is not too worrisome but it is not something to rejoice in, it will cause this to be very difficult. “

“It was more than a childbearing illness that seemed to be bothering her.”

Maebh inhaled deeply before she spoke again, terrified at home he was about to react. “That is because Tyr’s widow knows about Nafi.” Loki stiffened and pulled her away from him roughly.

[carrowbrown]

DBZ Fanfiction

Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or anything related to it. All the content in this story is written purely for fun. Please enjoy. ----

Chapter One: I was serious three planets ago.

The bug-eyed created pointed one of its fingers to the screen. "So what about this planet?"

Captian Taiji walked over, his serpent-like tail slithering on the floor behind him as he peered at the monitor of the helm officer. His talon flicked through the details of the planet that were collected from a probe that had come a few weeks prior to their arrival.

"Low population for a planet that size," he mused. "Am I reading these scans correctly? Plenty of water and vegetation, but low life forms?"

"The researchers think there was a recent war of sorts. You can see it in the craters all over the surface, but," the helm officer brought up another close screen of the craters, "if you look closely, you can see that they aren't the result of meteorites." He leaned back to look at the captain. "You think the population is open to trading?"

The captain frown, his attention fixed on the display of the blue planet. "Wasn't there something about this planet in the galaxy logs? The name seems familiar."

"Perhaps." The helm officer flew across the console keys, pulling up the galactic records. After skimming through the scrolling text, he pointed a finger to one line. "It says that Lord Freeza and his father were killed here by a Sayjin."

The captain's scaly browns went up. "That's right. I remember those reports. A Sayjin… That's interesting. Any active tags to show they're still there?"

"No, I double checked." The humanoid-insect leaned back in his chair. "Unless they learned how to deactivate them."

"Shame. Who knew how much they'd be needed after they were eradicated. We're lucky we found the one we did." He studied the planet display again, his tail flicking to and fro as he stared in silence. "Prepare for entry. We'll open for trade and see what we can find out. If we're lucky, maybe the Sayjin did some repopulation activities."

The helm officer chuckled, the sound coming out in a series of clicks and hisses. "Of course." He turned and punched in codes as the lights on the ship changed from their calming blue to green: the color to let the crew know to prepare for landing.

* * * * *

Five years.

Five years since the androids were destroyed. Five nice, peaceful, years humans used to up the pieces and put their lives back together. Sure, there had been hard times in some places with food shortages or small domestics, but they weren't that urgent in the large scheme of things. Bulma herself was content with the current state of things. Could they be better? Of course. Would they? In time.

Between her and Trunks efforts, life returned to a sibilance of normalcy. A slow return, but steady. Thanks to Capsule Corporation technology, getting supplies and much-needed rations to different people around the world made relief work for more deprived areas possible. People still flinched when a shadow passed overhead, but the children that were running about didn't have such reactions. They were growing up in better times and that was all that mattered to the blue haired scientist.

Bulma leaned back in her office chair, rubbing her eyes with a sigh. A look at the clock showed she'd been there for the better part of six hours. As if by magic, the moment she saw the time her stomach growled.

I'm turning into my father, she mused, standing and walking out of the office. Days would pass and he'd forget to feed himself if it wasn't for mother.

It made her sad to think of her parents, gone now. So many of those on earth were lacking parents or key family members. Her heart went out to Chichi, living with her father in the middle of the woods with her husband and son gone. Bulma felt lucky in that, she still had her son.

Walking into the kitchen, a bright yellow post-it note stuck to the coffee maker caught her attention. She picked it up, looking at the small and neat handwriting of her son.

Hi mom. Looked like you were in the zone. I left you some breakfast. Going to Pepper City to see about fixing a generator. Back for dinner. Trunks.

"Such a good boy." She smiled at the note, placing it on the table before opening the fridge to see what creation Trucks had left her. Bright and gifted he was, he still has single-man habits when it came to the concept of foods. Nachos for dinner, beans on toast, and take-out where Trucks' idea of 'making dinner.' Bulma spotted the left-over pizza and felt her stomach growl.

Putting it into the microwave, she mused over the change of her son. Since his return, Trunks spent more time taking care of her than her taking care of him. It never reached a fussy level, but she noted how close he stayed to home.

He never elaborated about his time in the past. When he did speak about it, it was too cut and dry. Too technical. Like a lab report. Something had happened that shook him, but hell if she could guess what it was. She hoped one day Trunks would be willing to share it with her.

"Maybe one day," she said, speaking herself. "You definitely picked up some of your father's manors."

Bulma hoped that Vegeta had been a good father figure for Trunks… or at least what he thought was a good one. Placing a hand over her heart, she mentally pushed away the pangs of loneliness. Whoever had said time heals all wounds never loved a Sayjin Prince. Vegeta hadn't been the greatest of lovers, but he'd been perfect for her. Equal in ego, wit, power—in their own ways—and passion.

The beeping brought her out of her thoughts and she looked back to the microwave—

—it was still cooking.

The beeping happened again and she looked up to find one of the droids she made was floating overhead while flashing at her. She blinked at it, completely taken by surprised by it. She'd made it over thirty years ago when the first Sayjin had landed on earth.

She'd made it to give warning before there was another landing.

Snapping out of her daze she punched a button on the droid and pulled it down to look at the screen on it. The image showed a ship that was slowly lowering into the atmosphere. It wasn't like one of the pods that she'd seen and much larger than the Namek ship she'd piloted. There were what she suspected to be weapons on the ship, but they were pointed up and away from the surface of the earth.

For now.

Oh please, kami, Bulma thought. Let this be a peaceful group.

She rushed out of the kitchen and do her speeder, her food in the microwave forgotten. Punching in the coordinates for the estimated landing site, Bulma guided the speeder up and let the navigation take over. She wasn't sure how much good she could do, but given she was one of the few people with experience in speaking to alien species, she wanted to do what she could with this new and unknown group.

And it would be a lie to say she wasn't a little excited about it.

* * * * *

The crew scurried about the ship like an ant colony. The security prepped and handed out ki-blaster to those venturing outside. By the main door, a group of environmental scientist in light blue bodysuits checked, rechecked, and triple checked the readings of the planet's atmosphere.

"It's safe," one said, over the ship intercom. "You can breathe the air. I don't recommend drinking the water or eating anything until we have it tested. No telling what's developed on this planet."

"Understood. At least we don't have to greet them wearing the suits," said the captain. "Landing crew ready?"

"Yes, sir." The helm officer looked at his screen and tilted his head at the monitor. "There is a message from engineering about one of the turbo engines."

The captain grimaced at the announcement. "Stall for me. I want to stretch my legs a bit before having to deal with the head engineer." He wanted to step outside and breath in planet-created air and bath in the warmth of a sun. All the crew did.

"Yes, sir," The officer said as he turned his attention back to his own monitor.

Rolling his shoulders, the Captain went back to his chair to pluck his modest officer jacket up and worked it on. He took a moment to smooth it out, attempting to be as presentable as possible. Often these visits went well, but normally they were planets that were used to outside visitors. If records were correct, the only real outside visitors this sphere had gotten were Sayjins and that was not always the best introduction to life in space. He nodded to two others on the ship, his second in command and communication officer.

Most planets understood Galatic Common.

The trio made their way towards the entrance of the ship where three security officers stood waiting for them. At the sign of the three officers, they straightened to attention and saluted.

"At ease," the captain said. Once the men relaxed, he added, "I want this to be a peaceful mission. We don't know the culture, the customs, or even if they speak Galactic Common. For all we know, we've landed on a holy area and started a war. So," he gave each crew member in front of him a look, "best behavior. We want to trade and stay planetside for as long as the welcome lasts."

They all answered with a curt nod.

The computer by the door beeped, a computerized voice saying, "Door opening. Please watch your step."

The captain pulled in a breath and released it. "Let's make friends."

The computer unlatched all the safeties as the first whoosh of fresh air rushed into the ship. Security took the lead and once the all-clear sounded on the displayed of his scouter.

Taiji stepped out, barely suppressing a groan as natural warmth touched his scaly skin. His head tilted back and eyes closed and he soaked in the feel of the air all around him. He'd spent too long under a sun-lamp and not enough time in the sun.

"Captian," one of the security men said, "something's coming."

Looking around, Taiji picked out a growing dot in the distance. He watched it, assuming it to be a vessel of sorts. "No sudden moves. Let's see what happens."

They watched the large Capsule Corps car slow and coming to a stop several yards from them. A female shaped figure stepped out and stood there. She didn't move or speak. Instead, the creature did the same thing they were doing.

Watching.

Before he could take a step toward the figure, the second in command nudged him and jerked his head down the way they had come. The captain looked back to the figure marching over to him down the corridor and visibly cringed.

Apparently, the helm officer couldn't stall for very long. But seeing the look on his chief engineer's face, Taiji wouldn't have been able to either. Horrific storm clouds looked cuddly next to the promise in those dark eyes.

In truth, her appearance was cousin to the female that awaiting outside with only a few differences in her build. Sturdy and made for a warmer climate. Her hair was black and matted even though it was tightly braided in a bun. She wore engineer coveralls with easy to see patches and stains on it from oil and who knew what else. Her face was a little messy from smearing oil across it, but other than that, one would say the female was pretty indeed.

"Captain," The female said, speaking in her native language. It was a composition of clicks, low single syllables, that all merged together into something musical. "I would really like it if you would listen to me."

"I always listen to you, Veta," Taiji said in Galactic Common, trying to keep his tone light. "Now is not th-"

She cut him off. "You don't. Because if you did listen to me three planets ago, we could have actual turbo coils and not the makeshift ones I've made from the buffer panels." The female jerked a thumb towards the front of the ship. "Now we can't leave."

That got the Captain's attention and he frowned at Veta. "What do you mean we can't leave?"

"I mean we are stuck here," she said, pointing a finger to the ground, "until I can make actual replacement coils. Or buy them. The material I was using wasn't meant to transmit the type of energy that the engine needs to function. It was just a bandage over a wound. We're lucky the ship didn't explode on entry." She stopped to peek outside the door and nodded at the scenery. "At least we landed on a nice planet and not a piece of shit."

Taiji frowned, staring hard at his engineer. "How long would it take you to fix it?"

Veta shrugged a shoulder. "I don't know. Depends if I can find what I need on this planet or not. Could be a few weeks or a few months."

Buju spoke up, speaking in Veta's native tongue, though it lacked the musical quality, "You can't be serious."

Taiji's chief leveled a glare at the communications officer. "I was serious three planets ago."

The two looked at each other for a long moment while the others around them watched nervously. The Captain sighed in defeat and rubbed his three eyes. "Fix what you can, and I will see what can be done about obtaining the materials you need."

"Thanks." She gave him a curt nod and walked off back to the engine room, a monkey-like tail swayed in time with her walk.

Taiji pulled in a breath and released it. "One step at a time."

Looking back out to the female figure that was standing before the ship, the Captain recomposed himself before walking towards her. His second in command and communication officer came with him with a much heavier air about them than they'd originally had. The Captain kept himself looking has unintimidating as he could while walking over to the native who did not seem overly alarmed by his being there. A curious thing.

Once he was close enough, he bowed his head in what he hoped would be a respectful gesture here. "My name is Captain Taiji. We come to you in peace and in need. I'm afraid we're stranded here."

* * * * *

Author note: Hey all! If you made here, then I hoped you like the start of what I've done so far. I haven't written fanfiction in a long time and I wanted to pick this story up again. If you like it, let me know! Feedback is always welcomed-motivating-and appreciated.

[ellana-ravenwood]

It’s her, but it’s not her ! 1/2 - Bruce Wayne/Batfam x Reader

Summary : Bruce and the batkids are thrown into an alternate reality where their wife/mother, “the Batmom”...isn’t theirs, but Superman’s. Needless to say, they can’t wait to get home. 

I can’t help but feel like I could’ve write something better around that idea...might re-write everything at some point, because meh. Hope you’ll still like it :/.

FINISHED SERIES : PART 2 

My masterlists blog : @ella-ravenwood-archives

_______________________________________________________________________

His worst nightmare was unfolding in front of him. 

Or, at least, one of his worst nightmare. 

She was kissing him. And from the look of it, it wasn’t just a chaste little kiss, or a small peck on the lips...No, it was a full on make-out session right there. 

After yet another Justice League problem, Batman and his kids accidentally travelled to another dimension, exchanging their place with the Dark knight and his sidekicks from this World. They were currently in the JLA’s headquarters. Bruce was expecting things to be different, but he never thought about his wife being...Superman’s. 

Or at least, it was his girlfriend, given the fact that he was eating her face since they arrived. They didn’t even notice them entering, accompanied with Diana, Dinah, Arthur and Oliver. Usually, Bruce was the one kissing you passionately and making everyone uncomfortable (he wasn’t much for PDA, but you didn’t give a flying fuck about it, and he could never resist you...). 

Diana cleared her throat...and you and Clark didn’t move at all, still kissing each others. The amazon turned to Bruce and his sons, and, with an apologetic look, said : 

-I’m sorry. They were both on missions for the past month, they hum...missed each other I guess...

Bruce’s heart tightened, usually, he would be the one not able to leave you after months apart. He was so lost in thoughts and stunned about all of this, that he didn’t see Damian walk up to them and take you away from Clark. He snatched you out of Superman’s arms, and if a look could kill, the kryptonian would be dead by now.

-Get away from my mom !! 

You turned around and looked at Damian like if he was crazy. 

And you were fucking pregnant. 

There was no doubt that it was Clark’s. Reflexively, he took you back in his arms, your back hitting his chest, and his hands went to your stomach. He was about to fry whoever dared to touch his girl when he realized it was Damian, his best friend’s son...the Hell ? 

-Hum...What ? 

You asked, very confused. How did the kid call you ? Bruce was coming towards you guys and took Damian by the shoulder. 

-Sorry, he hum...he...

He found that he wasn’t able to talk to you. He couldn’t . Seeing you in Superman’s arms, pregnant, was a bit too much.Especially since back home, you were sterile...Diana came to his rescue. She explained what the situation was, leaving out the fact that in their home world, Bruce’s wife was you, and you had four children. 

Batman kept staring at you, and you got a bit awkward. Years ago, before Clark, you had a massive crush on the man, and you’d have wish for him to stare at you like that, but now...it was just embarrassing. Clark kept an arm around you, as if to protect you, and glared (more than usual) at the Bat. 

The boys too, kept looking at you in a weird way. Damian called you “mom”. You knew your friends were hiding something from you, and you kinda guessed what it was...but you didn’t dare say anything. Afraid you might open wounds, just in case they couldn’t go back to where they came from...You loved Clark, so dearly, you could never give them what they wanted. You weren't the same woman you were where they came from. 

The conversation was about how to get them back, when you felt Clark’s arm wrap around your shoulder, and scooting you closer to him.

When you turn to smile at him and peck his lips, putting a tender hand on his thigh, Bruce left the room to go check on the computers if there were anything about how they could get home. In reality, he was running away. Normally, you would smile like that only to him... 

Bruce just couldn’t wait to go back home. He hoped with all his heart there was a way. 

He couldn’t live in a world without you by his side. 

*******************

They were stuck in this World where you weren’t theirs since now a little bit more than a week. 

Bruce and his boys avoided you or Clark like the plague, even though you guys really wanted to help. Bruce couldn’t bear the thought of you having Superman’s child, of you being in love with him, and your boys couldn't handle the fact they couldn’t hug you, they couldn’t just talk to you about their days...they couldn’t call you mom. They always needed you, you were their mother, and a damn good one at that. Seeing you acting as if they were just the children of one of your friend was slowly killing them. 

To be honest, you were kinda happy they were avoiding you, as you guessed the truth, and you just felt really awkward around them. Especially when you started to think about how your life would be if you were actually with Bruce, if the batkids were yours etc etc. The Bruce you knew was dark, cold, rarely showed his emotions...But that Bruce there, that was suppose to be your husband in another world, was different. And you couldn’t help but wonder if it was because of you that he was so. 

The answer is yes. Yes, you’re the one that made Bruce better in this other world. You saved him all those years ago. From himself, and from the dark well he was in at the time. But the you from this world, would never know it, because all those years ago, he turned you down and Clark was there to cheer you up. 

The only thing that didn’t change at all, was good ol’ Alfred. He was exactly the same here, than he was in the other world. He took care of them, and was as sassy as ever. 

When he heard about Bruce’s and his boys’ life in their home world, Alfred shed a tear. Knowing that the man he considered his son was happy in another dimension warmed his heart. At least, somewhere in the universes, things got better... 

The butler explained that in this dimension, Bruce never let any women close enough, and the relationship he had with his sons were...more than tense. The boys decided that it was because you never came into their lives, because you never mended the broken pieces of all of them...They were right. 

*****************

When Clark called to say he was now the father of a beautiful baby boy, Bruce worked more than ever to find a way back to his home. He couldn’t bear the thought of his best friend having a family with you. He loved you with all his being, and even though he knew that this place wasn’t his home, that somewhere, you were waiting for him...he just couldn’t handle the fact that you loved another. He desperately needed you by his side again, he wanted you to be there, you always knew how to reassure him...

Bruce left the room when Superman came with his newborn son to present it to him. Clark didn’t do it on purpose, in this world too, him and the bat were quite close, and he just wanted to show his son to his friend...It’s only when Bruce left, visibly upset, that he remembered what you told him a few days ago. That you thought in his home world, you and Bruce were together. He kinda laughed about it, not being able to imagine a place where you wouldn’t be his wife..and yet, now, faced with his best friend’s reaction...He quickly left, holding his baby son tight against his chest. 

********************

It took two months of work before being able to open some sort of portal that might or might not take the Bat and his sons back home. They were willing to take the risk though, as they couldn’t stand a life without you. 

Without telling Clark, who became extremely jealous of this other Bruce, you came to say goodbye. Alfred took you to the bat cave and you faced them awkwardly. 

-Hum...hope you’ll...go...back safe...

Bruce smiled at you, and you felt your heart beat a bit faster. Why did you came here ? It was such a bad idea...with a last wave, they all went threw the portal. After a few minutes, they came back. 

They ? No, it was the Bruce and Batkids from this world. The one you knew. And you couldn’t help but notice that the bat was looking at you differently... 

********************

They finally found their way home, and the first thing they did was hug you with force, almost suffocating you. You hugged back as best you could, because while they weren’t there, you got stuck with a family that wasn’t yours at all. 

You were so scared they’d never get back, and you’d get stuck with a Bruce that felt nothing but friendship for you, and sons that weren’t your sons at all...You couldn’t imagine a life where you couldn’t hold your husband when he came home, or have mother/son moments...You felt so weird and empty, knowing another version of your husband and children were in the Manor, sleeping in guest rooms...Your heart ached at the thought that you’d never see your Bruce again, or your Dick, your Jason, your Tim and your Damian.

When they finally found their way home, they didn’t leave your side for days, and you couldn’t be happier. Superman dropped by to see if they were alright, and of course, he couldn’t help himself but comment...

-So, (Y/N), when are you leaving Bruce and run away with me eh ? 

It made you laugh, but your husband and sons were not amused. Not amused at all. So much that they threw him out of the Manor. Oh Clark was never going to let that go haha. 

********************

Somewhere in another dimension, Bruce Wayne couldn’t take out of his head the life that other version of himself had. It seemed so much happier...He was completely jealous that that other one wasn’t coming home to an empty bedroom. 

And he couldn’t take out of his head that you were the one with whom he built such a life. His best friend’s wife...Old feelings he buried away a long time ago started to resurged, swarming his every thoughts. But he couldn’t have you. He could never have you. You just had Clark’s child...

[iceripperthethird]

I guess tag time?

Rules: Respond the 92 questions and tag 25 persons. I wasn’t actually tagged, but I’m pretending I was 

Last

1.Drink: Half Dr Pepper half Cherry Pepsi

2.Phone call: Pocket dial from an ex doesn’t count, so facetime with a long distance friend that kept getting disconnected

3.Text: “Because it’s stuck in my head, but that’s kinda my fault cuz I keep listening to the same song over and over and over and over and over again”

4.Song listened to: Three-Thirty by AJR

5.Time you cried: About three hours ago

Have you ever:

6. Dated someone twice: Hell naw. Don’t know think I’d ever take any of them back tbh

7. Been cheated on: Nope.

8. Kissed someone and regretted it: Um... no. Not that I can think of.

9. Lost someone special: Lots of times.... 

10. Been depressed: Yeah.... but I’m trying

11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: Nope. Just got spacey as fuck after a shot and half a cosmo and a screwdriver

List 3 fav. colors:

12. Purple

13. Blue

14. Idk, black I guess

In the last year have you:

15. made new friends: Probably

16. fallen in love: I’ve loved but I don’t think I’ve been In Love

17. laughed until you cried: Tons of times :D

18. found out someone was talking about you: Unfortunately

19. met someone who’s changed you: I don’t know...??

20. found out who your true friends are: Yep.

21. kissed someone on your Facebook list: Uhhh... *checks friends list* No.

22. how many Facebook friends do you know in real life: All of them except one, who happens to be a mutual

23. do you have any pets: Unfortunately, no :(

24. do you want to change your name: Nah

25. what did you do for your last birthday: Did a shot with the fam and went to the bar with my (then) boyfriend, then spent the night at his house afterword

26. what time did you wake up: 6:45am because fuck my life, that’s why

27. what were you doing at midnight last night: Growing frustrated with the aforementioned long distance friend’s wifi because our facetime kept getting disconnected

28. name something you cannot wait for: I don’t know, something amazing, I guess...

29. when was the last time you saw your mother: We’re literally sitting in the same room right now? 

30. what is one thing you would change about your life: I wish I didn’t have to deal with depression and anxiety as much

31. what are you listening to right now: Sober Up by AJR (my favorite song right now)

32. have you ever talked to a person named Tom: Yep. My godmother’s ex husband’s uncle (or cousin or family friend or something) brings his poker chips and dice to family gatherings and everyone chips in a dollar and we play Left Right Center and whoever wins gets the money. It gets really intense sometimes, and there was one time we crowded 20 people around the dining room table. 

33. Something that is getting on your nerves: I don’t know... Kind of everything, really

34. Most visited website: Tumblr, youtube, and facebook

35. funniest memory: That one time @piper-rory and I got into shenanigans in English class. We got away with so much shit that we shouldn’t have, and to this day I have no idea how.

36. memory from school: “Big S-curve,” “THE BEAT OF THE MUSIC COMES FROM My LOINS,” and basically anything else that came from band class. Also “Slutty olive oil,” “clear as a diamond at Tiffany’s” and “Carbonated piss” from Environmental Science

37. memories you want to make: I want to go on Hobbit-style adventures and have fun and make friends and I want to go to Disney World and I want to go to the Indiana Dunes again and I want to go on a road trip 

38. natural hair color: Too light to be brown but too dark to be blonde, with too much red to actually decide one way or the other

39. long or short hair: Long, but not long enough. When it’s sopping wet and being pulled as straight as it can get, it’s down to the bottom of my rib cage, but I’m growing it out in hopes that I can get it down to my hips.

40. do you have a crush on someone: Ahhh... residual love from a fresh breakup, and beyond that... I mean, there’s a cute guy that I’m friends with, but at this exact moment, that’s it.

41. what do you like about yourself: I have good curves and awesome legs and sometimes I say stuff that makes sense 

42. piercings: Just my earlobes, but sometimes I like wearing ear cuffs 

43. blood type: Fuck if I know 

44. nickname: I don’t really have one, but my D&D character’s name is Mnemosyne (nim-AH-zen-ee) 

45. relationship status: Freshly single and more bothered by it that I like to admit.

46. zodiac sign: By the traditional star chart, Libra. Mathematically correct, Virgo. Chinese, rat. Native American, raven. 

47. pronouns: She/her. Cuz I’m boring.

48. favourite tv show: Avatar: The Last Airbender. 

49. tattoos: No, thank you.

50. left or right handed: Left

First:

51. Surgery: It’s not something I like to talk about, so if you want to know about it, feel free to send me an ask (but please not anon because, well... I’m still self conscious about it even though it was like... 10 or 11 years ago)

52. Piercing: As previously stated, just my earlobes.

53. Best Friend: Don’t really have one at the moment, but if I had to pick, I’d say either the D&D group or MiniMads

54. Sport: Marching band and show choir all throughout high school, track in 6th and 7th grade

55. Vacation: My grandparents owned a lake house in Michigan that we went to all the time when I was growing up

56. Pair of trainers: Black high top Converse, black low top knock off Converse, black slide on fuzzums, black knee high boots. Basically all of my shoes are fucking black.

57. Favourite snack: Ice cream.

58. Drink you hate: Mountain Dew is fucking disgusting

59. I’m about to: Probably go to bed tbh 

60. I’m listening to: Basically anything and everything you can find on this youtube channel here because I love this band to death they are my absolute favorite

61. Waiting for: I don’t know... something amazing, I guess. 

62. Wanting: A trip to Disney World

63. Get married: I don’t know, tbh.

64. Career: Something that won’t make me miserable.

Your type:

65. hugs or kisses: Cuddles and kisses both

66. lips or eyes: Eyes, but soft kissable lips are nice too

67. Shorter or Taller: Taller than me

68. Older or Younger: Either, as long as it’s a reasonable age difference either way

69. Romantic or Spontaneous: Spontaneous romantic.

70. Nice arms or nice stomach: As long as they’re able to give good hugs, I don’t think I really care

71. Sensitive or Loud: Sensitive and able to communicate

72. Hook-up or relationship: Hookups are fun until you get attached, but relationships are stressful when you’re not good at them. So... relationship

73. Trouble maker or hesitant: Hesitant at first but as soon as you cross me, I can and will make your life hell.

Have you ever:

74. Kissed a Stranger: No. And I don’t plan to.

75. Drank hard liquor: All I had on my 21st birthday was vodka. 

76. Lost glasses/contacts:  No???? That shit’s expensive, why the fuck wouldn’t I keep track of it????

77. Turned someone down: Yes. Quite a few times.

78. Had sex on first date: HELL NO

79. Broken someone’s heart: Yeah, but they broke mine first, so they had it coming.

80. Had your heart broken: Several times.

81. Been arrested: No. I might be reckless, but I’m not that crazy. 

82. Cried when someone died: Everyone does???

83. Fallen for a friend: Yeah.... and then he switched schools and told me it wouldn’t work between us and dated one of my best friends who went to the same school as me and then when they broke up he ended up with another girl that I haven’t met in person but we’re mutuals and I think they’re still together but either way I don’t really care because I just want him to be happy.

Do you believe in:

84. Yourself: Most days, yeah

85. Miracles: I haven’t really thought about it, but my chronically single long distance friend managed to get laid, so I guess that counts as a miracle?

86. Love at first sight: No. It is statistically improbable.

87. Santa Claus: Yeah, it’s a town in Indiana. All joking aside though, I believe Santa Claus is the spirit of Christmas. It’s the holiday cheer and spreading joy and the little adrenaline rush of giving presents. It’s the sparkle of Christmas lights reflecting off tinsel and it’s trees in the front window. Santa Claus isn’t a person, but everyone has a bit of Santa Claus in them

88. Kiss on first date: My (now ex) boyfriend and I made out for 4 and a half ours after our first date. 

89. Angels: Yeah, but they’re really complicated

90. Current best friends name: @doctordetectivewinchester @vengeance-is-sworn @a-girl-in-a-place and MiniMads

91. eye color: Green

92. fav movie: Wonder Woman, Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, basically anything Studio Ghibli, and anything Disney.

I hereby tag everyone who’s already been tagged in this post, as well as @vampireapologist cuz all I know about her is that she’s eaten poison ivy and somehow lived to tell the tale. And you know, anyone else who’s actually read this far. 

[hickorycreekrp-blog]

Out of Character:

Name/Alias: Liv

Pronouns: She/Her

Age: 22

Timezone: EST

Face Claim Preferences: Amandla Stenberg

Character Basics:

Full Name: Lydia Rose Palmer

Nicknames/Prefers: Occasionally called Lyds

Age: 19

Occupation: Waitress at Eastern Delights

Pronouns: She/Her typically, they/them depending on who she’s with or her mood

Gender: Non-binary (only very recently out to more than just her closest friends and family; still figuring it out)

Hometown: Hickory Creek

Current Neighborhood: Hickory Square

Highest Education: Getting her associate’s at the college in Greene Hills

Religion: Methodist; Her mother attends local AME church every Sunday but Lydia’s never bought into it. She let her daughters decide when they were each ten whether or not they wanted to keep coming with her.

Family and Relationships:

Parents: Teresa Palmer (Mom; 44), Charlie Anderson (Uncle; 38), Jack Anderson (Uncle; 36)

Siblings: Ava Nicole Palmer (deceased)

Children: N/A

Other: Lucy Ava Palmer (Niece/essentially daughter; 14 months)

Pets: Cactus the cat

Sexual Orientation: Lesbian

Romantic Orientation: Homoromantic

Marital Status: Single

Personality:

Favorite Film: She’ll say Jaws but it’s probably really American Beauty

Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation

Favorite Book: The Chronicles of Narnia (as a child she used to daydream about disappearing into some fantastical world. Ava and her would pretend all the time that their closet was a way into Narnia. There’s still a crayon drawing Ava did of a door on the back wall of the closet. Ava would be Susan and Lydia was Lucy. They got into a petty fight over this once, since Lydia wanted to be the one with the bow and arrow but Ava explained that she had to have it so she could protect her little sister from the White Witch)

Favorite Song: Wait for it, Leslie Odom Jr. and Dirty Gold, Angel Haze

Favorite Color: Blue

Likes: Summer, car windows rolled down, chocolate, family, snuggies, swimming

Dislikes: Gossip, small towns, drunks, Mondays, heels, rude tourists, spiders

History:

TW: gender identity issues, pregnancy, death (I apologize in advance for the grossly overused trope)

People talk, especially in a small town, whether or not there’s anything to talk about. Her mom always said that you may as well give them something to talk about then. Growing up, Lydia disagreed. The Palmers slash Andersons had already given Hickory Creek more than enough gossip to last a lifetime; Lydia refused to add to it. Between the scandal with her father (which was a nice way of saying he ran off with his secretary years ago, leaving behind his two young children), her mom’s eccentricities, her uncles’ relationship, and Ava, Hickory didn’t need her. Over the years, as a comfort, as an excuse for her cowardice, she told herself that they didn’t deserve her. Ava changed everything though.

Lydia was three and Ava was five when their father disappeared, only a note and the clothes he didn’t deem important enough to pack left behind, well, and his family too, of course. The details of his scandalous affair would unravel publicly in the following weeks. As it turned out, most of the town had already known about it, more than Mrs. Palmer had. For several years, on their birthdays, a card from Miami, Florida would arrive from him with a ten-dollar bill inside, until even that stopped. Lydia and Ava never missed him; they always had more than enough family around with their uncle and his husband living with them.

When Lydia started kindergarten, the other mothers whispered together, (that’s the youngest Palmer kid. Can you imagine just up and abandoning those girls? Well, I mean, have you met Teresa? She’s an odd bird. I’m sure that was part of it. And, you know, her brother and his partner live with them. That can’t be a good environment for those kids. I don’t know about that. My neighbor’s son is in the same class as the older one and she said she seems like a very nice girl, a bit of hoot, actually.). Lydia was just old enough to be aware of some of this. At the very least, she did know that people would always compare her with Ava. It was hard not to know when it was most teachers’ first comment to her, (you’re much quieter than your sister, Honey. Is everything okay?). This wasn’t news to Lydia; she’d accepted from an early age that she paled in comparison to Ava the star, funny, boisterous, beautiful. Ava took after their mother and Lydia after her Uncle Charlie. In another scenario, this might have created tension and jealousy between the girls but instead Ava and Lydia were incredibly close. It was Ava and Lydia, Lydia and Ava, inseparable, always. They were each other’s best friends and confidantes.  

Lydia was just quieter by nature, but the perfectly average grades, average appearance, average hobbies, were also an attempt to disappear. Lydia grew up trying to make sure she gave Hickory no reason to talk about her. It was Ava, more than anyone else in their family, who hated this because she knew there was more to Lydia than she chose to reveal. She tried to urge Lydia to be herself, to just ignore what people said. It was easier said than done though. At some point during high school, Lydia decided that once she moved away from Hickory, away from the people who’d known her and her family forever, then she would start over, be herself, theirself, herself, whatever. She hadn’t quite figured it out.

She was twelve when she first started occasionally getting a twitchy feeling after being referred to as a girl and fourteen before she dared doing any research. Boy wasn’t right either, at least, not always. It was a relief to find out that she didn’t have to be either, that there were other people that struggled with it. She explained it first, haltingly, to Ava who told her she was free to be whoever. Later that same week, Ava, presented her with a pair of basketball shorts and a binder, as well as, a cute sundress. Lydia loved the gesture but, all the same, she’d tucked the binder into the back of her t-shirt drawer. Being brave, being theirself, wasn’t worth it. Ava, sweet, perfect Ava, just hugged her close and promised to be right there, beside her, whenever she decided she was ready.

(Ava died two years later.  She was not right there. She never would be again. It was the first promise she broke.)

After her high school graduation, Ava stayed in Hickory, unlike Lydia she loved it and she was hardly about to move away from their family. She got a job working as a secretary for Hickory Creek Medical, which was where she met Connor, a freshman at NYU on summer break with his frat brothers. The two spent most of his two-week vacation in a whirlwind affair. It was only a summer fling. Except, except, that a month after he left Ava realized she was pregnant. After a long conversation with their family, Ava chose to keep the baby but decided she didn’t want to get in contact with Connor.

With a niece on the way, Lydia almost changed her mind about leaving town the moment she graduated but Ava refused to let her change her plans. As a compromise, Lydia only applied to colleges that weren’t too far away. Her acceptance to Boston College, her top choice, came during the sixth month of Ava’s pregnancy. Hickory Creek was talking about them again but for once in Lydia’s life she didn’t care. It was impossible not feel happy with Ava glowing and her own freedom in reach.

Lydia was in AP Statistics when one of the ninth grade English teachers, also their next-door neighbor, stuck her head in the door and told Lydia to grab her stuff. She glanced down at her phone as she hurriedly grabbed her bag and saw a list of missed calls from her family, everyone but Ava. Heart thudding heavily, in her chest, her throat, her temple, she left the classroom. The moment the door shut, she asked, what’s wrong. It was late enough in the pregnancy that Ava could’ve just been in early labor but Lydia could tell from the missed calls, from the pallid look on Mrs. Price’s face that that wasn’t the case.

Mrs. Price drove her to the hospital as Lydia talked to her Uncle on the phone. The doctor said that Ava had a placenta abruption and that they were doing an emergency c-section. He said the doctor was hopeful both baby and mom would be fine. It was details like that Lydia would still be able to remember with crystal clarity years later. That and the nauseating anesthetic smell of the surgery waiting room, the ridiculous bunny slippers her mother was wearing, the gum wrapper on the floor beside the trashcan, the bright blue of the doctor’s scrubs.

When the doctor came out hours later, face a careful arrangement of detached sympathy, she said Ava had hemorrhaged. They couldn’t save her. Lydia vomited in the trashcan, eyes fixed on the gum wrapper, and decided that nobody should be able to use a word like hemorrhage.

(There is no way, no metaphor, to truly describe what it’s like to be standing in a hospital waiting room, a bunch of eyes on you, as you try to understand that the person you love is gone.)

For two days, Lydia sat there in the waiting room and everyone let her. No one dared tell her she needed to eat or get up or anything. They could see the crater that had been left behind.

Around lunch on the third day, she went to the cafeteria with her family. After she ate, Lydia let them take her to meet her niece. She was healthy and beautiful and what was left of Ava. The name card on her bassinet read Babygirl Palmer. They’d waited for Lydia to name her because they understood already, without having to ask, that the baby was Lydia’s in the same way that Ava and Lydia had belonged to each other.

Lucy Ava, Lydia said quietly as she reached down and picked up the little girl. It was her turn to be the protector.

At the funeral days later, Lydia wore a rainbow t-shirt and jean skirt and carefully held Lucy in her arms. Hickory Creek was talking about all of them and finally, finally Lydia could feel what the rest of her family, what Ava, had always felt, fuck them.