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milliesfishes · 5 months ago

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⋆౨ৎSomeday⋆౨ৎ

[fem reader] contains: copious amounts of angst, death pairing: billy the kid x fem reader author’s note: I never cry writing and I cried during this so...keep that in mind Pinterest Board Spotify Playlist

The ordinary defines everything. Each last is nothing special at first glance, but in memory becomes momentous. Then it all hits you like a bolt of lightning, sparking a fire that burns everything down.

Ordinary was waking up next to Billy, finding you had shifted in the night, and snuggling back up to him. It was wearing his shirt while you prepared breakfast, and having him come up behind you, arms covering your tummy as a kiss was pressed into your temple. It was giggling and turning around to give him a proper kiss, forgetting about what was cooking on the stove. It was eating your burnt pancakes and him assuring you they were delicious anyways, asking for seconds and beaming as you slipped another charred circle onto his plate.

Tan already from previous hours in the sun, he'd kissed you goodbye, big hand steady on the back of your head, eyes reflecting the beat of his heart for you. "I'll be waitin' for you, sweetheart."

The image of him toiling over the garden for you, shirt half unbuttoned in the sweltering heat of the day, was a pleasant daydream as you went about your business in town. Half-distracted by it, you absentmindedly paid for your things in the general store, meandering over to your horse, packing the saddlebags and climbing on. Steadily, you grasped the reins, spurring the creature into a gallop.

It was one of those days when the world was bright-eyed and open- the first one after so many days of rain. The sun was warm on your skin, and you knew Billy would trace the freckles you surely gained later, when you were both between your sheets, bare and blissful from the act of loving. The air held a promise of hope as springtime always did, the light of new beginnings a guiding path.

The spirit of the season had entered your home without so much as a knock. In recent weeks, Billy had begun to talk of riding out west, somewhere shiny and new where nobody would have heard his name or shuddered at his reputation. You were excited by the prospect, knowing how he had chased a fresh start for most of his life. It had always been just out of reach, or marked by some unseen consequence that set him right on the outlaw's path again. This time was different- you'd be leaving the state entirely. Tentatively, you began to make plans, set money aside. Late summertime, maybe, or early fall.

At night he whispered his dreams into your hair, stroking your collarbone lazily where his arms were wrapped around you. "Gonna get the nicest piece 'f land...and we'll live together, just the two of us. It'll be so nice, baby...you 'n me." Brushing tender kisses to your cheek, he promised it in everything he did. The way he touched you, kissed you, made love to you. It was a promise of someday.

Destiny breathed down Billy's neck, cutting sharp at his heels. It was tangled in every action, sprawled across each word. Somewhere in the back of your mind you feared your time with him would be short, the law hot on his tail. There were people out there who wanted the love of your life dead or alive, who'd do anything for a little bit of money. The thought made you cling tighter to him, though you never breathed a word about it.

So when he spoke of someday, you enthusiastically partook, determined to outrun what loomed over the life you'd built with him.

Tonight, you had agreed to start determining a route, and more importantly a destination. You imagined yourself sitting on his thigh, cheek to his shoulder with the candlelight flickering leisurely as he secured an arm around your waist, the other hand pressed to a map. Every little line was a possibility. Anywhere but here.

Smiling a little at the idea, you tugged on the reins, slowing your horse as the quaint house in which you resided came into view. It wouldn't be where you slept much longer. Your real home was the man who rested next to you.

Dismounting, you unloaded your things, petting the thick neck of the horse fondly. Grass grazed your calves as you made your way to the steps, carefully climbing each and making sure to avoid the one that creaked. The house was quiet when you opened the door, and you figured Billy must still be outside.

Humming to yourself, you opened drawers and cabinets, putting your purchases in their rightful places. The orderliness of your house was something you relished- the domesticity of it all. Out of the corner of your eye, something colorful caught your attention. Turning around, a vaseful of wildflowers, arranged in a messy bouquet, met your vision. He must have picked them for you, a sweet surprise for when you returned.

A smile parted your lips, and you touched the pretty blooms, taking careful notice. The daisies were as pure as the season's first snow, your very favorite flower. Forget-me-nots were scattered among them, the same color as his eyes. You had told him that once, and he'd pressed a kiss to the hand held in his grasp. "That's the nicest thing I ever did hear."

Childhood hadn't been easy on you, its duration long and arduous. Your past weighed on you like a stone, sinking you to the bottom of the river. Somewhere in its depths, you had found him too. In the act of falling in love you subconsciously swore to bring out the beauty of life in each other. Under the blanket of his love, you glowed.

It was just like him to make sure you had something pretty to come home to. Bouncing on your heels, you wondered why he hadn't come in yet. Surely his work hadn't taken him so long to complete. Your Billy was always toiling over the littlest details, wanting things to be perfect for you.

Deciding to go out and give him a break from his labors, you fixed one of the flowers he'd left for you behind your ear and swung the door open, stepping out onto the back porch. Peering out into the open expanse, you frowned when he was nowhere to be found.

Descending the stairs, you searched the area, bewildered. Was he outside at all? Had he gone to your bedroom, exhausted from his activities? You looked down aimlessly, already half decided to go check there.

He was flat on his back, eyes blue as the flower in your hair staring glassily at the sky. A crimson stain on the right side of his chest told the story you would never utter. You did not need to touch him to know he was cold.

The world became a void. There was nothing in it except the shell of the man you loved, lying still at your feet. Every thought you had was inconceivable, voices screaming that you were deaf to. Yesterday was suddenly your golden years.

Deadly calm, you numbly bent to the illusion before you, in the shade of the nearby oak tree. Kneeling and sliding your hand under him, his head found a place in your lap. Smoothing a hand through his hair, you brushed the dirt from it, taking one last look into his eyes before smoothing his lids over them. He didn't need to see you like this.

You saw a myriad of memories dance before your eyes, nearly taunting you. They were so close you could nearly taste them, but they lived in a different realm. You could not have them any more than you could have him.

Waking in his arms, morning light making him akin to an angel. It was so warm there burrowed into him, his body swathing yours like a blanket. Without opening your eyes you could feel his lips against your forehead, his morning tradition. Even when he didn't think you were awake, he was giving you kisses. It was the purest testament of his infinite love, washing over you in waves, rebounding for more before the last had passed.

Tucked in his stiff fist were more flowers. You could picture him studying his bouquet in the kitchen and deciding to come back out for more. Maybe if he'd stayed inside it would have saved him. Though he usually wore his holster, gun tucked at his hip, today it was nowhere to be found. A few feet away laid his hat, abandoned for unknown reasons.

Birds sang cheerfully in the distance, wind whistling softly and swaying the grass against you. It was as if the earth was reaching out, a hand on your shoulder.

"It's okay," you breathed, body operating on pure instinct now. The walls were closing in, and breathing felt like a chore. "You're okay...we'll...we'll just rest here for a moment." Swallowing thickly, you whispered, "We'll pick a place together for you to rest...longer. It's gonna be okay."

Cradling his head in your lap for the time being, you breathed in and out, fingers stroking his pale cheek. Determinedly, you did not look at the wound in his chest, focusing on his face. This was the most peaceful you'd ever seen him. The man you loved, slipped into his forever sleep. It wasn't real to you...but you could see awareness running toward you in the distance, poised to hit you at any minute. Maybe it was stupid, but you'd always imagined you'd go together.

A sudden chirp pierced the air, and you looked to it, seeing a little bird perched on the thick, knotted roots of the tree whose shade you knelt in. The little creature called incessantly, beak pecking the ground beneath its feet. It repeated the motion, as if insisting on something, before taking flight and leaving you.

He wants to be buried there.

A flood of tears stung at your eyes, and you bit the side of your lip, attempting to hold them in, but it was too late. What had been circling you had suddenly crashed, and now there was salt on your skin, falling in pearls down your cheeks like landslides. They darkened his shirt like raindrops, though the sky was clear. Helplessly, you gasped, wanting to stay strong, but the force was cruel, unable to be reasoned with. Sliding his head off your lap, you laid there on the ground beside his lifeless form, ear on his chest desperately searching for the familiar steady thump of his heart. Maybe his blood was on your face now, but you didn't care.

"Please come back," you pleaded, squeezing your eyes shut. "We're not done yet...we have to run away together, remember? And we're going to be happy-" A sob cut you off, and you buried your face in his neck, opposite hand fisting his shirt. You had always known your Billy to be warm, life bursting from the seams of him. It was disheartening to learn how cold he now was. This wasn't him. But it was all you had left.

How fragile a thing life was, how cruel a thief. The universe had given you such a love, one that transcended everything you knew, and then ripped it away, jagged edges left where he used to hold you. The future you had dreamt of, that you had counted on, had exploded into dust, as if it had expired. Dead with the one you'd desired it with.

You would never love again. There wasn't another breathing soul you could give your life to in the way you had him. The grave you would dig when you found it in you to let go wouldn't just be for his shell, but for your heart. If you could have cut out the organ and replaced his still one, you would have. Without Billy, what was the point in having it?

Grief ate at you, turned your lips down and spilled from your eyes, pathetically leaving your body weakened. However much he would have wanted you to keep going was irrelevant. Billy hadn't known how much of your will had stemmed from him.

There were so many things you wished you could have told him. So many things you had needed to do. Someday hadn't only been leaving the county. It had been getting married, something he so desperately had wanted. It had been your belly swelling with his child, growing old together, forever in love and finally free.

Now you were left with that same love, only it had unsheathed a new face, one that twisted an imaginary knife and spoke in absolutes you didn't want to believe. He will never hold you again, never kiss you again. The last time was the last time.

Love had shattered your heart and stilled his. Love separated you from him, became bloodthirsty when half of a whole was torn away.

You lifted your head, hoping he would be looking down at you, that nearly crooked smile breathing life back into your being. But he was still, and the world became greyer.

All that was wondrous and lovely before had dulled, and you were numb to any beauty probing at your senses. You could never look at it the same. Billy had told you once before that it was one of his favorite things about you, how you could find a reason to love anything. You knew now that it did not extend to death.

"I'm so sorry, my love," you murmured, leaning up and pressing your lips lingeringly to his cheek. His stubble scratched your chin, and you knew it would leave a mark. But it would fade away too, because all things end. Everything had to die when you least wanted it to.

"Rest and I'll be here with you." Your voice thinned as tears crept into it. "All is well."

His chosen burial spot beckoned, and you ignored the call, leaning your cheek back over his heart, reassuring both him and yourself. His last words to you echoed in your ears until they drew forth from your lips.

"I'll be waiting for you."

#billy the kid #billy the kid x reader #billy the kid fanfiction #billy the kid x you #william h bonney fanfiction #william h bonney x reader #william h bonney x you #billy the kid 2022 #billy the kid imagines #billy the kid fanfic #billy the kid imagine #billy the kid fic #billy the kid fluff #william h bonney imagine #william h bonney #milliesfishes billy #Spotify

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itsvioletttt · 3 months ago

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all is fair.

A short drabble for @jilytoberfest day 7: 'No grave will hold my body down, I'll crawl home to her.' It's my first time writing one of these! Please enjoy the next 500 nonsensical words on wartime jily.

When his mouth slants over hers — greedy, demanding, mean — he draws blood.

Years ago, when he kissed her for the first time, when they were seventeen and foolish and in love, her lips tasted of firewhiskey, cigarette smoke and strawberry lip balm. Two years have passed since and they are still foolish, still in love, but now, now, he can feel the sting of salt and metal under her tongue. Blood is everywhere: crimson stains her teeth, her clothes, her hands — Turns out that when you are nineteen and a soldier(a fighter, a warrior, a killer) blood is there even when it isn’t.

In War, blood means death, but it also means life. Only living creatures bleed.

1977. A boy and a girl — kids, teenagers, students. His hand slides into hers, sweaty, trembling, and he holds on tight, he grips her like he might fall, stumble, and he was falling, in more sense than one. She squeezes his hand back. A silent promise: she won’t let him. She will fall with him. And they smile at each other because they know: the world is theirs to take, to make, and it will bend at the will of their love.

1979. The world is crueller than they thought it could be. It is a dark place. War is a nasty thing, and it grows around them but it also grows inside of them — it burns, it scratches, it bites — scarring them inside out. The world is dark but there is also darkness inside. It has settled, found a home somewhere between their ribcages.

When she kisses him, her hands move from the smooth planes of his chest, over his clavicle and settle below his jaw; right next to his Adam's apple, in that tender, soft hollow spot where his veins pulsate. Two fingers, pressure. She lets his body speak to him: I am alive, I am alive still, I am breathing. I am here and I am yours.

James draws blood, Lily finds his veins. In times like these, when words are not enough, it is only the warmth of each other’s bodies that steadies their beating hearts. It is the fact that they can feel each other, skin on skin, ruthless and hungry and furious. It is the fact that they can meet here. Together. In this bloody and angry kiss.

She breathes his name and it comes out pleading, begging. James. A prayer: please, God, let me find you here tomorrow, let us continue kissing until there is no blood left. And James is no God and he is no priest, but he acts upon her wishes. He might as well be an empty vessel where she can pour her prayers and her sins.

And he knows. He knows she might have to stand on his grave, someday. That he might have to stand in hers. She knows it, too. They both understand that the world does not bend at their will, that war is a merciless creature, and that love is not always enough.

Death looms over them. Doom is impending. And so, a futile promise, a flimsy vow to hold onto: No grave will hold him down. He kisses her, tastes her blood and hopes she understands. Hopes she finds the words in the curve of his lips.

He will crawl. He will find his way back to her.

That is war and it is love. James could no longer tell them apart.

#jilytober #jilytober2024 #jily drabble #jily fic #my writing #also ik it's not the 7th everywhere but i live in australia so my b #also wrote this in a delirious state at midnight pls don't expect much

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cailinsblog · 8 months ago

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**The Unexpected Blessing**

John Marino x reader

Really long

The Bell Centre in Montreal was electric with energy. The Canadiens were on a winning streak, and John Marino, the Devils' star defenseman, was doing his part to keep their hopes alive. But amid the cheers and roars of the crowd, you were dealing with your own internal struggle—a test result that could change everything.

You stared at the two pink lines on the pregnancy test, a mix of shock and excitement swirling in your chest. The pregnancy was unplanned, but you and John had always talked about having kids "someday." Was someday now? It was the middle of the NHL season, and John's schedule was unpredictable. Would he be as excited as you were? Or would he be stressed, thinking about the disruption this could cause?

But there was no turning back. You were pregnant, and John deserved to know.

That evening, when he returned home, you were a bundle of nerves. You'd decided to surprise him, so you'd wrapped a tiny red baby onesie with "Marino" and his jersey number on the back. You placed the box on the kitchen counter, knowing that was the first place he'd head after a game.

When John walked through the door, his bag slung over his shoulder, you felt your heart leap. "Hey, babe," he said, giving you a quick kiss. "How was your day?"

"Good," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "I got you something."

John raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Oh? What's the occasion?"

"Just open it," you said, trying to hide your excitement.

John unwrapped the box and pulled out the onesie. His eyes widened, and he looked at you in disbelief. "Wait, are you...?"

You nodded, tears filling your eyes. "I'm pregnant, John. We're having a baby."

John's face lit up with a mixture of joy and shock. He dropped the onesie and hugged you tightly. "This is amazing," he said, lifting you off the ground. "We're having a baby! Are you okay? How do you feel?"

"I'm fine," you replied, laughing through your tears. "Just a little overwhelmed."

John kissed you, his excitement contagious. "This is the best surprise ever. We're going to be parents! I can't wait to tell everyone."

But the months that followed were a roller coaster of emotions. The first trimester was challenging—morning sickness hit hard, and you often felt exhausted and nauseous. John did his best to be there for you, but with the demands of the NHL season, he was often away on road trips. There were nights when you'd call him, tears in your eyes, because you felt so alone.

"It's okay, babe," John would say over the phone. "I'm here for you. I'll be home soon. I promise."

But the distance took its toll on your relationship. You became clingy, needing constant reassurance from John. He understood, but it wasn't easy. He'd often return home late at night, tired from a game or a flight, only to find you waiting up for him, needing to talk.

"I'm sorry, John," you'd say, feeling guilty for keeping him up. "I just miss you so much."

"Don't be sorry," he'd reply, pulling you into his arms. "I miss you too. I'm glad you're here when I get back."

His teammates noticed the strain as well. The Hughes brothers, Jack and Luke, became like family to you, checking in when John was away. Jack would bring you coffee and pastries, knowing you craved comfort food during your pregnancy. Luke would drop by to watch movies, keeping you company on nights when you felt especially lonely.

But there were bright spots too. The ultrasound appointments where you got to hear the baby's heartbeat, and the day you found out you were having a girl. You called John right away, his excitement palpable even through the phone.

"A girl?" he said, his voice full of awe. "I'm going to have a little girl? That's incredible."

As your belly grew, so did the anticipation. John started buying baby clothes and nursery decorations, even though you kept telling him it was too early. But he couldn't help himself—he was excited to be a dad, and he wanted everything to be perfect for his daughter.

The closer you got to your due date, the more anxious you became. What if John wasn't there when the baby came? What if he was on a road trip and missed the birth? These thoughts haunted you, and you often found yourself crying late at night, overwhelmed by the uncertainty.

"It's going to be okay," John would say, holding you close. "I'll be there for you, no matter what. I promise."

But the night you went into labor, John was in Toronto for a game. The contractions started slowly, a dull ache in your lower back, but they quickly intensified. You knew you had to get to the hospital, but John was miles away, and there was no time to wait.

You called John, your voice filled with panic. "John, I think it's time," you said, struggling to stay calm. "The baby's coming."

"I'm on my way," he replied, his voice urgent. "Just hang in there. I'll be there as soon as I can."

John caught the first flight back to New Jersey, but by the time he arrived at the hospital, you were already in active labor. He rushed into the delivery room, his eyes wide with concern. "I'm here, babe," he said, taking your hand. "I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner."

You squeezed his hand, tears streaming down your face. "I'm glad you're here now," you said, feeling a wave of relief.

The labor was long and exhausting, filled with moments of pain and uncertainty. But John was by your side through it all, holding your hand and whispering words of encouragement. It was a difficult experience, but knowing that John was there made it all bearable.

Finally, after hours of labor, your baby girl was born. She was healthy and beautiful, her tiny cries filling the room. You and John held her together, tears of joy in your eyes. It was a moment of pure happiness, a culmination of all the struggles and challenges you'd faced over the past months.

John kissed you, his eyes filled with love and gratitude. "We did it," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "We have a daughter."

You nodded, your heart overflowing with joy. "We did it," you replied, holding your baby girl close.

After the game, John took you and your baby girl home, where you settled into the new rhythm of parenthood. There were sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, but you wouldn't have it any other way. The journey had been challenging, but it had brought you and John closer than ever before.

As you cuddled on the couch, your baby girl sleeping peacefully in your arms, you knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful chapter in your lives. The struggles and hardships had only made the bond between you and John stronger, and you knew that together, you could face anything.

#hockey #nhl #nhl x reader #new jersey devils x reader #john marino x reader #new jersey devils #nico hischier #jack hughes #luke hughes #john marino

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witchersmistress · 5 months ago

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Someone like you

hello my darlings! i was in a bittersweet mood this morning when I wrote this. Having to say goodbye to someone is never easy, especially with someone you love so dearly. this Adele song just hit the right way this morning

Do not be alarmed i still will be writing about Henry. no panicking aloowed my darlings.

word count: 849

Trigger warning: warm and fuzzy feeling, along with bittersweet and nostalgia

My heart hammered in my chest for the entire show, we sat on opposite sides of the stage but even then that felt too close. He had gotten what he wanted, absolutely everything. I'm so proud of him and happy for him. He’d make an incredible husband and father someday,but it was time for me to let him and the past go for good.

Standing at the microphone waiting for the lights to turn on, I felt a strong hand at my waist, as he placed a kiss on the spot where my shoulder and neck met. Rolling the tension from my shoulders as he took his place, I nodded as the lights turned on and the piano began to play.

Glancing in Henry’s direction as i began to sing;

I heard that you're settled down

That you found a girl and you're married now

I heard that your dreams came true

Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you

Old friend, why are you so shy?

Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light

I could feel his blue eyes focused on me while i laid my soul bare for him to see

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it

I had hoped you'd see my face

And that you'd be reminded that for me, it isn't over

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

Don't forget me, I beg

I remember you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

Memories of us as kids playing in the yard, our first kiss played in my head as I put every once of power and feeling into this. The time I was holding his nephew Thomas and they way he just looked at both of us. The first of real love feelings we shared came flooding out, the dam had broken and I could only ride it out.

Nothing compares, no worries or cares

Regrets and mistakes, they're memories made

Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

My voice broke as I moved with the song, remembering when we walked away from each other at Heathrow Airport, he was going off to L.A. to work on his acting career and I was off to Ireland to go to university. We’d promised we would meet one year from now at our spot on the channel island Jersey, as the one year approached we made the plans but never followed through, then one year turned to 2, then to 6 and ten years had gone by. I never saw him again

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you

Don't forget me, I beg

I remember you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

My breath hitched in my throat as i struggled to finish the last chorus of the song, the tears were streaming down my face, thank the lord for waterproof mascara or id be a mess, my whole body was shaking, my knees screaming to give out but i needed to finish and walk off this stage, the strong woman I had become.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

Don't forget me, I beg

I remember you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

My entire body began to tremble, as lights faded and warm arms encircled my waist as the audience cheered. Turning his arms to his chest, the scent of leather, bergamot and cedar filled my nose as I began to relax. The steady stream of tears began to slow as the lights came back up. Pulling back, I saw the other guest clapping and whistling for me, but Henry was perfectly still. Walking back to join the others as the show drew to a close, we stood for a final round of applause, Lachlan hugged me pulling me off the floor, wrapping my arms around his neck. My eyes met with Henrys again, his blue eyes glassy with unshed tears and the loss of what could be. I nodded at him, he nodded back at me as I took my eyes off him. Losing myself in the comforting scent of Lachlan, the love of my life, I lifted my eyes to see a glimpse of the young girl I used to be. She was standing there with tears in her eyes and her hands on her heart. She was joined by the younger version of Henry. They held hands and walked off the stage. “ A stor’ mo Chroi” Lachlan spoke, drawing my attention back to his presence “ Let's go home” feeling lighter than I have in years. I looked at Henry one last time before shutting the door on our past and moving on to forever.

#henry cavill #henry cavill x you #henry cavill imagine #bittersweet #Spotify

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ch4singchase · 1 year ago

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The Ballad of Moths | LUKE CASTELLAN

Summary: The group of demigods face Thalia's injury, should they continue their journey or look for a way to remedy the girl's condition?

Word count: 4.3K

Warnings: Mentions of blood and Injury, mention to violence, description of emotional distress and description of medical situations (treating injuries with antibiotics and bandages etc)

chapter one, chapter two, chapter three | series masterlist

chapter 03: Sometimes, People Are Just People

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the backseat of my mom's car—an old black Impala that carried the lingering aroma of spilled coffee. The rhythmic hum of the engine and the steady motion of the vehicle hinted at our journey.

Before fully waking up, I stole a glance at the front seat, where my mother navigated the route with a map by her side. The details of our destination eluded my groggy mind, another day unfolding in the tapestry of our lives.

"Is everything okay, ma?" I asked, rubbing my eyes to dispel the remnants of sleep.

Caught off guard by my voice, my mom turned to look at me through the rearview mirror, weariness etched across her face.

"Yes, mausi," she attempted a smile, though it failed to reach her eyes. "Sorry if I woke you up; you can go back to sleep."

"No, no, I'm good," I stretched my arms, shaking off the fatigue. "I woke up on my own."

"Good to hear that," my mother nodded, redirecting her gaze to the road while stifling a yawn. "We still have a fair distance to the hotel—probably another hour or so."

Surveying the quiet highway, devoid of much traffic except for the occasional weary traveler, I suggested, "If you want, I can take over for a while, and you can rest."

My mother cast a puzzled look at me through the rearview mirror. "This isn't a parking lot."

"I know," I pressed my lips together, "But you're tired, and the road is nearly empty. I can follow the map until you feel more rested. I've been observing you drive, you know…"

Mrs. Gaumont sighed audibly, as if seeking approval from the powers above for her impending decision. Whatever doubts she harbored, she decided to proceed.

"Okay," she relented, pulling the car over to the side of the highway. "But if anything goes wrong…"

"You come back to the driver's seat, got it!" I grinned, hopping out of the car, prepared to switch places.

Mrs. Gaumont wore a frown as she settled into the backseat, where I had been. Observing me carefully, she watched as I adjusted the rearview mirror to keep an eye on her and the road behind, and positioned the map in a way that allowed me to glance at it without distraction. All the little rituals she followed before hitting the road—she noticed that I wasn't kidding when I mentioned I had been watching her.

Her smile this time was genuine, reaching her eyes. It might have hinted at the wish that someday, I could navigate life on my own. I'll never be sure, but I like to think that's what her smile meant.

"You can rest now, ma!" I called out, meeting her eyes in the rearview mirror as I merged back onto the highway. "I've got this."

And deep down, she knew I would. My mom always knew that I was capable of taking care of myself without her constant guidance. Perhaps, that's why she let go so willingly.

So peacefully.

“You’re really good at this,” Luke finally commented after a while, snapping me out of the reverie.

Glancing at the backseats through the rearview mirror, I noticed Thalia trying to stay awake by gazing out the window, while Annabeth observed my actions with keen interest—from the way I alternated my gaze between the road and the map Luke held for me or shifted gears in the car.

Swallowing hard, I met Annabeth's eyes for the umpteenth time. Unlike before, I wasn't frightened; instead, I was taken aback by her genuine interest in my presence.

But who could blame her? According to Thalia's explanations, they had been traveling together for a considerable time.

“Let me see if I understand,” I furrowed my brows, recalling everything the trio had shared with me. “You’re also connected to these Greek gods…”

“Yes,” Thalia muttered from behind, narrowing her eyes at me, mirroring the curiosity of her smaller companion.

“You're the daughter of the thunder god, one of the Big Three, and because of that, you're pursued by a plethora of monsters,” I reiterated their explanation word for word.

The three of them nodded, awaiting my next words.

“You’re the daughter of Athena…” I turned my gaze to Annabeth. I chose not to delve into the more peculiar aspects of her origins—born from an idea of her mother as a gift; the more I tried to comprehend, the stranger it sounded.

“And you,” I looked at Luke, who raised a brow at me, “You're the son of Hermes, which makes all of you like me, as I'm also the daughter of a god. Everyone inside this car is a half-blood.”

My last statement carried a hint of uncertainty.

“Or demigods,” Luke shrugged, brushing a black curl out of his eyes. “More commonly, we're called demigods.”

“Got it…” I squinted my eyes, doing my best to concentrate on the road rather than the knot forming in my head from all this information.

Once again during that journey, I caught the gaze of the boy with black curls alternating between my face and the leather wristband I wore. I couldn't discern if he was equally intrigued by my magical weapon or if he still found amusement or confusion in the fact that it took me more than a minute to transform the sword back into the wristband.

Honestly, I hoped it was the former. Yet, given the number of times he repeated the same eye movements and subtly moved his lips, it seemed to be the latter.

“Where are you from?” Thalia inquired, her voice betraying a hint of weakness that she tried to conceal.

“Hmm,” I frowned, glancing at the map again, “I'm not sure, maybe Missouri?”

“You're American?” the girl with two electric blue eyes asked, her surprise leaving me bewildered.

“As far as I know… Yes? I’m American.” Seeking an explanation for the sudden question, I looked into the eyes of the others, but each of them appeared surprised by my responses.

Here we were, children of Greek gods, fleeing from monsters that sought to harm beings like us, yet what surprised them was that I identified as American?

Noticing my confusion, Luke snorted, shaking his head.

"You have a different accent, that's all," he answered simply.

But that only deepened the crease in my forehead.

“Well, most states have different accents,” I tried to explain. Since when did I have such a strong accent?

“Yes, but we had been to most of the states,” Thalia reasoned, raising her brows. “Yours doesn’t sound like any accent from here.”

I remained silent, trying to remember if my mother had already commented on anything. When I asked her about my father for the first time, she had told me that she had met him in Missouri, so I ended up deducing that both she and I were also born in Missouri.

But if she met my father here, then I was born here. Which meant that maybe my mother wasn't American. Maybe that explained why I had never met or seen my grandparents. They might not even be here in the United States.

It also explained the many times that my mother had to show her passport to a guard or police officer in addition to her ID. There were also some curious looks that I had recently noticed every time I opened my mouth.

Did my mother have an accent? Probably, because I grew up with her presence always present, hardly talking to other people, I never found it strange. For me, it was normal.

In fact, everything in my life before, at the time, seemed normal to me.

This was just another detail at the tip of the iceberg.

"I didn't ask badly, I was just curious." Thalia commented due my silence, "Sorry"

“No, it’s alright” I shook my head, “I just hadn’t-”

Noticed. But I was interrupted before I could say that.

Thalia squeaked in pain, her face retracting into a grimace and her hand instinctively went to her leg.

“Hey, Thalia,” Luke shouted, looking back from his seat, “Stay strong, we’re almost there. Take the next turn.”

I followed his order, watching Thalia quickly, she was way paler than before. I had no idea what I could say or do to help them, so I just continued to drive.

Viola’s pale skin tainted with her own blood jumped into my mind.

“She’s having a fever,” Annabeth bit her cheeks after resting her hand on the forehead of the daughter of Zeus, “I can try to make it better but it won't bring down the fever completely.”

Annabeth retrieved a cloth and a bottle of water from her bag, carefully dampening the cloth before placing it on Thalia's forehead. The gesture was a stark reminder of the mystical and perilous world they lived in, where even a fever could have otherworldly implications.

Just as dangerous as a monster.

"My backpack in the back has some water bottles. You can offer them to Thalia, Annabeth." I suggested, looking toward the two girls in the backseats. The daughter of Athena promptly followed my instructions, but Thalia declined, her voice weak, conveying, "If it's truly an infection, you need to stay hydrated."

Luke glanced at me, surprise evident that I was offering all my water to their friend. If he had suspicions, I was aware he wouldn't be unjustified. Until now, my association with them was mainly due to being a demigod and the sole driver among them, and I was fine with it.

To reinforce or challenge his surprise, the boy with dark curls turned to me. "You don't need to do that. After the next city, it'll be ten minutes until we reach my mother's house."

His mother's house—his designated resource and medical help hub. I mentally noted that, sensing I wasn't the only one doing so.

"But I'm going to," I asserted, meeting the boy's gaze with determination.

While I didn't know them well, and it might not be wise to offer all my water without knowledge of our future path after Thalia's recovery, I knew I couldn't bear witness to someone else dying on my watch.

I wouldn't let that happen.

"And also," I took a glance at the map for confirmation, "maybe it's best if we try to stop at a pharmacy. We can get some inexpensive medicine to take care of the infection and try to prevent it from worsening or recurring soon."

"That's not a good idea," Luke shook his head, reclaiming the map to identify which nearby pharmacies gave me that nonsense ‘enlightening’. "We don't know if it would actually help, and it could delay us getting to my mother in time to get Thalia's real help."

"The pharmacy closer to us is on the way to your mother's house," I pointed out. "Some medicine could at least buy your friend some time before we get there."

“But we don’t have any money,” Annabeth interjected, unsure for whom she should side. She knew Luke for a longer time, but she was also worried about Thalia and wanted to take any chance they had to help her.

And, well… She had a point. I didn't have enough money, especially for antibiotics or antiseptics.

My eyes shifted between Luke and Annabeth, but Luke simply shook his head in refusal. Resigned, I returned my gaze to the road, sighing. There wasn't much for us to do but hope—always hope.

Luke kept his eyes on me, puffing and huffing as he pondered something to himself. Finally, he puffed one last time and retrieved a leather wallet from his pocket.

"Actually," he admitted, holding up the wallet, "we have."

I furrowed my brows, contemplating the oddity of a teenage boy carrying a leather wallet. Such accessories were typically associated with adults.

“Weren’t you against the idea?” I chose to veer away from the wallet's origin, delving into another question from my growing list. This list, I suspected, was only at its inception.

Luke avoided eye contact, placing the map back in my view. "Don't make me change my mind. I'll only agree if I'm the one at the pharmacy. You two stay with Thalia and keep an eye on her."

The unexpected response left both Annabeth and me speechless.

Luke emphasized, "Don't let anything happen to her”.

"Of course," I assured him, stealing a glance in his direction.

"Always," The little girl agreed, fiercely.

Heading towards the pharmacy pinpointed on the map marked a brief pause in our hour-long journey. Already navigating through an extended route to avoid law enforcement and bustling streets, sacrificing a bit of time seemed a worthwhile trade-off to secure additional aid for Thalia to withstand the remainder of the trip.

The pharmacy sign was discreet, sunlight still reflecting off the windows that morning. I wondered about the time—was it around 9 or 10 in the morning?

Luke directed me to park on a nearby street, concealing the car within the shadow of an alley. As I parked, Luke swiftly exited the car, sporting a less-than-pleased expression with narrow eyes and pursed lips, reminiscent of someone who had tasted something sour.

I stifled a snort, speculating if it was his ego at play. He fit the mold of Olympic heroes perfectly.

"I'll be right back," he informed us, tucking the leather wallet back into his pocket before closing the car door.

My gaze trailed after him until he reached the pharmacy entrance. Sensing my watchful eyes, Luke turned towards the car, flashing a smile. Although it was hard to confirm from our distance, the sunlight glinting off his teeth and the sparkle in his dark eyes hinted at its being a showoff move.

Sighing in dissatisfaction, instead of vocalizing my frustration or offering an obscene gesture, I unfastened my seatbelt and turned towards the back seat.

Annabeth stared at me with wide eyes, assisting her friend, who was in a cold sweat, in drinking more water.

"How many days since she was attacked?" I inquired, recognizing that for an infection to manifest, the wound couldn't have been inflicted today.

"Two days ago," Annabeth replied, swallowing nervously. "We've been pursued by Furies; they're the ones responsible for her leg injury, but we managed to escape them."

Escape, not eliminate. There was a clear implication in those words.

"Okay, so it's definitely an infection," I affirmed, a realization I had harbored before, now underscored by the urgency imposed by our limited time. "Raise her leg; we need to help with her blood circulation."

Annabeth furrowed her brows but complied with my instructions, despite Thalia's groans. "How do you know that?"

"Ah, my mother," I admitted, mindful about the way words sounded out of my mouth, "She taught me a thing or two about what to do in emergencies."

Reaching for my bag between Annabeth's feet and my seat, I positioned it under Thalia's elevated leg. "Now you can let it down; my bag will assist with improving her circulation."

The little girl nodded, taking this moment to water Thalia’s cloth again before returning it to her forehead. All we had to do was wait for Luke to return from the pharmacy.

The tension in the car lingered, and I didn’t dare to turn my back to the two girls, my eyes fixed at Thalia’s state. She was still awake, just too tired to say anything. When she noticed my eyes upon her, she gave me a short smile and a quick thumbs up.

Noticing that, Annabeth smiled at me and Thalia, gripping her friend’s hand as she whispered something to her. Slowly, my eyes drifted back to the pharmacy.

Thinking back at our little discussion, I couldn’t help but think if Luke had resented me. We have been in this car for less than forty minutes together, the longest I have been knowing them so far, it wouldn’t be great if I had already managed to have someone I wished to befriend resent me instead.

I stopped my thoughts in their tracks, befriend? I flinched at myself once I realized my own words, how long since I had the opportunity to make friends?

I knew the answer to that question.

It had been a long time since I knew people around my age that I felt click so fast, at least, on my side. A longer time since I wished I could make friends that were like me.

However, that had been the first time I was doing everything on my own, even friends. I wouldn’t be surprised if I had already screwed this over.

I sighed, biting my lips. Perhaps, it was for the best; I needed to head to Long Island once I could be sure that Thalia was alright and not at risk of dying.

Annabeth's demeanor changed once she put her eyes on me, uncertainty running through her eyes, but she locked eyes with me and began to speak.

“Look,” she started, “Don’t mind Luke, he doesn’t hate you or anything, he just… It isn’t used to it.”

My eyes widened before turning to the small figure, my thoughts were as plain as the noise in my face?

"How long have you known Luke?" I asked, attempting to avoid any uneasy silence.

"I've known them for quite a while.” Annabeth sighed, “We've been through a lot together."

That, I could figure. I was on my second day as a demigod, everything continued to feel new and surreal. As if I was trapped in my childhood dreams.

But no, that was reality, I just needed to adjust. Even if it meant that my life would be complicated from now on.

I nodded to Annabeth’s words, noticing the guarded tone in her voice. “I don’t mean to get in your way, when Thalia gets better, we can say our goodbyes”

I knew too well how it felt to be tolerated, even if most of the time it was a feeling my mind created from no evidence. But, either way, I didn’t wish to go through it again.

“What? No,” This time, Thalia was the one to exclaim, her voice low and rough. Annabeth had to move the water bottle away from her face, “Who said we don’t want you on the team?”

“You’re also a demigod, we have to stick together,” Annabeth stated, her determination slipping at every word.

I shook my head, “We met less than an hour ago.”

“Everything becomes more dangerous when you’re a demigod alone in the world,” Annabeth told me, her voice turning to a careful tone, “Luke told me that once, we can’t leave any of us behind.”

I felt a mix of surprise and gratitude. It warmed a part of me that had been cold and isolated for a long time to know that someone wanted me to stay.

They were strangers at the time, but for a bunch of strangers, I had never felt so welcome.

"Thanks," I mumbled, my voice carrying a subtle sincerity that even surprised me.

“And if you’re worried about Luke,” Annabeth shrugged, “I’m sure he likes you, he is… Protective, it’s hard for him to let people in. It's a survival instinct, I suppose."

Survival instinct. The words hung in the air, resonating with the inherent dangers of our existence. Demigods, pursued by monsters, bound by the whims of gods—we lived in a constant state of vigilance.

Luke wouldn’t be wrong for holding on to it.

“I get it," I replied, empathizing with the complexities of their reality. "It must be tough."

Annabeth nodded, her expression softening. "We all have our struggles. Luke just… carries his differently."

As our conversation reached a natural pause, the car door creaked open, revealing Luke’s silhouette.

Luke returned from the pharmacy with a small bag in hand, his expression more neutral than before. As he slid back into the car, he handed the bag to Annabeth.

"Here, this should help for now," he said, his voice carrying a mix of concern and urgency. Annabeth took the bag, and I couldn't help but notice the worry etched on her face.

"What did you get?" I asked, glancing at the bag.

"Antibiotics and some bandages," Luke replied, his gaze shifting between Annabeth and me. "It's not much, but it's all we could manage for now. Thalia needs proper medical attention, and we're not far from my mother's place. We'll get her the help she needs there."

As Annabeth carefully assessed the medications, she turned to us, "Can you give me a couple of minutes before going back on the road? I need to manage it without worrying about speed bumps."

There was a collective understanding of the gravity of the situation. Thalia's condition required more than a quick pharmacy stop, but the interim measures were necessary. Luke and I exchanged glances, both realizing the priority at hand.

"Take your time," Luke reassured Annabeth. The car fell into a temporary stillness as we awaited the next steps.

Then, with a subtle shift, Luke turned his attention back to me. His eyes held a different intensity, as if he had something important to convey.

“Everything alright?” he asked, taking the leather wallet from his pocket and storing it in the glove compartment of the car.

“Yes,” I answered, “nobody bothered us while you were out and Thalia didn’t get worse.”

“Good, good,” Luke darted his eyes to the outside before looking at me again, “How did you know about the infection or the antibiotics?”

He might as well have noticed how Thalia’s leg was resting above my bag, but he didn’t address that point.

I gulped, scratching the nape of my neck, “My mother taught me a lot of things, how to treat injuries, name of medicines, how to get money… I think she knew that I would have to survive by myself one day”

That twinkle was back to Luke’s dark eyes, his lips twisted in a way as if repressing something.

“You can ask, you know,” I tried to encourage him, “A lot of strangers and the police had already asked me before, I’m used to”

“What happened to her?” finally, Luke asked, the known curiosity waltzing in his eyes.

“A cyclops found us,” I worried my bottom lip, forcing a smile on my face as I explained, “We were shopping for resources until I lost her from sight and heard her voice from afar, I could swear it was her…”

I didn’t need to continue, Luke understood where that story ended. Perhaps, being a demigod for a longer time than me, made him understand exactly how things would run in our lives.

“You must miss her,” that wasn’t a question.

In fact, the boy's tone of voice made me believe he understood the feeling very well.

“I do,” I agreed, rubbing my eyes before tears could show up again, “A lot.”

Luke fidgeted with his fingers, nodding again, but it felt more like a gesture to himself than to me.

"I'm sorry about earlier,” he managed to spill the words out, the thing he really wanted to say since he had sat down, “I just… Your idea helped a lot, I knew your idea would actually work.”

I raised my brow at that. I was still shocked by the fact he had apologized in the first place.

“It's just…” he sighed, shaking his head, “I don't know how to explain it. I'm usually the one who gives the ideas, and in less than half an hour, this awesome person came up with a plan to help my friend. It is complicated."

The sincerity in his words caught me off guard, definitely. I hadn't expected my suggestion would have that impact on him. I almost felt bad for doing so.

A hint of vulnerability surfaced beneath the layers of his guarded demeanor.

"Wait…” I stopped for a second, thinking back to his apology, “Do you think I am awesome?"

"Of course I do," Luke furrowed his brow, “What person who has just learned that he is a demigod goes face to face with a monster without knowing how to use a sword?”

Someone who isn’t afraid of death, but mad at it—I guessed.

“A pretty stupid one,” I said instead.

He simply shook his head, almost laughing at my answer, “I think a brave one would, and you did.”

I pressed my lips into a thin line, uncertain about what to say to that. Rarely, I was shy, and at the time I was stubborn enough to admit to myself that I was, in fact, shy.

“Ahm, you’re brave too,” I stared back at him, “You know, hitting monsters with that golf club.”

“I try my best,” he shrugged, darting his eyes to the golf club that rested next to his feet, “I kinda lost my sword, so now all I have is that thing.”

"You still do fine, hero," I smiled, fastening my seatbelt.

Caught off guard, Luke mirrored my movements. "Do you think so?"

"Of course I do," I echoed his earlier sentiment, and a genuine smile tugged at his lips.

As Annabeth seamlessly reentered the road after completing her task, a warmth settled within me. The connection forged in adversity lingered, leaving a scar on my heart—a good kind of scar.

The road stretched ahead, and in the comforting hum of the car, Luke's voice cut through the air, altering the course of our shared journey.

"You're part of this team now," Luke stated, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. "We stick together, demigods looking out for each other.”

Surprise registered on my face, and I searched his eyes for any hint of insincerity. Instead, I found a genuine invitation—an offer of companionship in a world that often felt isolating.

“What do you say?" he asked a final question.

The weight of the decision hung in the air, and for the first time in a long while, the prospect of not facing the world alone felt like a genuine possibility.

Taglist: @2hiigh2cry

(if you wish to be add to the taglist, let me know in the comments!)

#percy jackson fanfiction #pjo fanfic #pjo tv show #pjo series #dionysus pjo #chiron #percy jackson #annabeth chase #grover underwood #clarisse la rue #thalia grace #luke castellan #luke castellan x reader #luke castellan x you #the ballad of moths #theballadofmoths #female original character

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lisutarid-a · 6 months ago

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[Gakuen K] Yatogami Kuroh Route Translation

EXTRA Family plans

LIST OF CHAPTERS

[Translation under the cut]

Saya: (…Yesterday was a tough day. My father was terrified)

Saya: (But suddenly an airship flew over the house--)

Saya: (Everyone would be scared if their own daughter fell out of the sky…Kuro-kun was with me too)

Saya: (But I'm really happy that both mom and dad seemed to like Kuro-kun)

Saya: (As expected, I can't get married yet…I really hope I can marry Kuro-kun someday)

Saya: (Ah, there he is)

Saya: Hello again, Kuro-kun.

Kuroh: Nah. Want something to drink?

Saya: Uhm. I think I'll have a cup of tea…Huh, what magazine are you reading?

Kuroh: It's a family planning magazine.

Saya: …Family planning?

Kuroh: I'm looking forward to a future with you, and I'm thinking hard about it.

Kuroh: I have asked Ichigen-sama, he said it's good to have a girl first and then a boy.

Saya: A girl and a boy…Could it be…

Kuroh: Yeah, it's about kids.

Saya: We're not even married yet, aren't you being hasty…?

Kuroh: No, it wouldn't hurt to think about it. Building a house, I have to think about the number of rooms and so on.

Saya: (Eh….already that far?!)

Kuroh: "First a girl, then a boy". The first child is a girl, the second is said to be a boy.

Kuroh: I was said not to get caught up in the tradition, if a child is born, it doesn't matter which one.

Saya: I-I see.

Saya: (I wonder what kind of face the principal had when he was listening to Kuro-kun's story…)

Saya: Which one would Kuro-kun prefer?

Kuroh: Right…I'd probably prefer a boy.

Saya: Why?

Kuroh: Even when I'm not around, I have to make sure his mother is well protected.

Kuroh: It would be a good idea to have him learn martial arts from a young age and train him both mentally and physically.

Saya: Please refrain from Spartan training…

Saya: …If you were to get married, when would it be?

Kuroh: I suppose when I become a working adult, become independent, and have a steady income…I guess it will be 7 years from now.

Saya: Seven years from now…I wonder what everyone will be doing about that time.

Saya: Shiro-kun, Neko-chan. Classmates, teachers, senpais. I wonder what kind of life each of them will be living.

Kuroh: Perhaps, even after seven years, the free-spiritedness of Shiro and Neko will remain the same.

Saya: Fufu, I'm think that after 7 years they both will surely grown up, right?

Kuroh: I don't see those two settling down so easily.

Saya: But 7 years is a pretty long time…

Saya: (7 years from now…That's very, very far away, somehow I'm worried about it…)

Kuroh: What's wrong?

Saya: Ah, Un-uh. It's nothing. I'd like to see the magazine too.

Kuroh: Are you worried about whether you will still be with me 7 years from now?

Saya: …Just a little bit. Because something may happen and the happiness you feel now may suddenly be destroyed…

Kuroh: If it's about your ability, if anything goes wrong, it's just a matter of me to protect you.

Saya: But what if Kuro-kun will change his mind?

Kuroh: That's not possible. You know my character. I would never think about anyone else but you.

Kuroh: Same to you, aren't you going to change your mind?

Saya: M-Me too, I too can't think of anyone else but Kuro-kun!

Kuroh: …I'm kidding. We have feelings for each other, and that's all that matters.

Kuroh: From now on, we will spend the next 20 to 30 years together.

There is no time to be worried.

Saya: Kuro-kun…

Kuroh: I like you. I want to continue to spend time with you.

Kuroh: What about you?

Saya: I like Kuro-kun, too, and I want to stay with you forever.

Kuroh: Then it's okay. Whenever you feel worried, we can comfirm our match like this again.

Kuroh: No matter how many times you ask me, I'll give you the same answer. So don't hesitate to ask.

Saya: Uhm…I will.

Saya: (There was nothing to be worried about. Because Kuro likes me so much)

Kuroh: No matter what happens, I will be with Saya, I swear to protect you.

Kuroh: Let's live through the same time together from now on.

[Prev: Happy ending][Next: Good ending]

#k project #gakuen k #gakuen k wonderful school days #otome translation #yatogami kuroh #as much as i love kuro i really don't like his manner of rushing things along #like you two are not even married yet don't make the poor girl think about the future

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lantur · 4 months ago

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updates,

I haven't written in three weeks!! I started my Masters in Social Work program three weeks ago :) The first week was a hard adjustment to full-time work and full-time school, but I settled in fast, and it's been wonderful. I love my readings, the course material is so interesting, and I've enjoyed working on my assignments. Writing papers is time-consuming, but I really enjoy the subject matter. I'm so glad I decided to go back to school.

Work has been 🔪🔪🔪 very challenging :(

David and I are on season two, episode five of Better Call Saul! I love this show. The writing, characterization, and acting is fantastic. It's so nice to be back to the world of Breaking Bad too. It reminds me of when I watched it and loved it in college, 10+ years ago.

I'm almost finished with my slow but steady listen to The Library at Mount Char, by Scott Hawkins. This is the weirdest book and it defies description, but I've enjoyed it just because of how original it is. It's been a wild ride.

I got to see @roseofbattles this week for the first time in three years! She stayed with me for a few days this week and it was so lovely to spend time with her, talking, eating delicious food, petting Westin, playing board games, and watching The West Wing. I am so so so happy that I have a friend moving to Minneapolis soon. ❤️ my plan to get all of my friends to move here is unfolding just as I hoped...

health stuff,

I had an appointment with my ob/gyn on Tuesday regarding my lack of ovulation and periods. She recommended I start Clomid this month, or as soon as my pharmacy decides to fill my prescription. Complicated feelings about officially starting infertility treatment. I knew this would be the most likely outcome since I have PCOS, but I still hoped that I might be able to conceive without treatment, as many individuals with PCOS do.

I'm kind of anxious about it, but I know there's no point in being anxious. The uncertainty is just an anxiety trigger. This could be a long road, or it could not. It could end with us having a baby, or not.

I don't think I realized how emotional I was about it until this week. I'm feeling a bit tearful as I write. I really want to be a mom someday and help my kid live an awesome life and when I imagine my ideal future life, that's what I imagine.

The good thing is that no matter what, I'll be okay. If it works out or not, if David and I adopt or not, if we end up being a childfree couple or not. My family and friends love me and I love them so much.

#lanturing #tw infertility treatment

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a-tale-of-legends · 1 year ago

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Green, on a fun day out with Red and Blue, is approached by a child. Said child has a piece of paper and pen. Looking behind them Green can see what she assumes is the kids mom, giving an encouraging smile. The kid wants an autograph, clearly. Green has been in these situations before though. They don't want an autograph from her. They want one from Red or Blue. Green has long since accepted that fact, so she gives the kid a smile before they can open their mouth.

" Hey there kiddo! Blue and Red are a bit busy at the moment, but they'll be back soon. Wanna wait with me?" A practiced line that she hopes doesn't leak any of the small bitterness she feels. That wouldn't be fair to the kid. Hell, that wouldn't be fair to Red and Blue. The child looks up at her in confusion, shifting awkwardly and fiddling with their pen and paper.

" U-um. I...I actually wanted your autograph, Miss Green!"

Eh?

The child continues, getting braver with each word, " I-I just think you're really cool! I like watching your battles a lot, a-and I wanna be as cool as you are someday!" Bowing slightly, thrusting the pen and paper forward, " C-can I please have your autograph?!"

Well. Damn. Fuck. She wasn't expecting this. Since when did she get fans?! Was her head too stuck in her ass to notice? Well now she feels like shit. Now she....now she feels like she's gonna cry. Fuck.

" You're really sweet, kid..." Green tries to keep her voice steady, a new reality settling in. She has a fan. Said fan wants her autograph. Holy shit, " Of course, I'll give you an autograph! Lemme see..."

She gingerly takes the pen and paper from the kid, and signs it. She winces at her work. She really needs to work on her signature. Kinda sloppy, and the kid doesn't deserve that. Still, not wanting to hold up the kid and their mom up any longer, she gives the pen and paper back, giving them a wide smile and a wink.

" Here ya go! One autograph for a very special fan, right here!" The kid eyes practically sparkle, excitedly taking both items and staring at it as if it's the entire world. Arceus, Green can feel the tears starting to swell, fuck.

" Thank you, Miss Green! I'll cherish it forever! " The kid quickly bows and runs off to their mom,cheering as they do. The mom happily looks at the autograph her kid is showing off, looking up when her kid isn't looking. She smiles at Green, mouthing a quick 'thank you' before taking her kids hand and walking off, the kid rambling excitedly as they go. Green waves them off, a swell of emotion in her chest.

Cherish it forever.

Green chuckles- it's wet and coarse,no longer able to keep it in. Was someone really going to remember her? Cherish her name,forever? The bitterness in her laughs at the thought. The sweetness from that encounter shoves it to the side, and she relishes in it. She is crying fully now, smiling to herself as the kid and their mom are long gone.

" Hey, sorry for the wait. That line was terrible - what the fuck happened to you?" Blue's voice catches her attention. She turns, eyes full of tears, to Red and Blue, who's looking at her with concern.

" I have a fan!" she croaked, raising her hands to gesture writing, " They wanted an autograph!"

Blue blinks, then shakes his head and sighs, " Green..." He says, though the affection was not lost of her.

Red's worry melts away with a smile, signing to his best friend, ' I told you so'

"Yeah, yeah," she waves him off, sniffing and wiping away her tears, " Pass me some food before I start bawling,you dorks".

" Dorks-"

The day goes on as usual after that. Blue and Green's banter, Red following along half-paying attention, half in his own world. Pikachu and Eevee playing with each other through it all. Green repeats the words the kid said to her throughout the day, a big goofy smile on her face that not even Blue's assholery can wipe off.

Cherish it forever.

#uuuuuuh hi #i once again wrote something that wasn't planned. just based on the vibes #the kid in the story wasn't specific cause i didn't think of them like that #but if you want to imagine them as the let's go protags or trace go for it #also this is very specific to my version of green lol #legendverse #r writes #kanto trio #trainer green #trainer leaf #Legendverse! Green #trainer red #trainer blue #rival blue

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leiawritesstories · 1 year ago

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Stick Season (Part 3)

thanks for putting up with the writer's block lol :) if you've been reading this au, you have my heart and all my love (hehe because it's Noah Kahan...all right i'll stop) there will be one more part, maybe two :))

masterlist

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: talk of death/funerals, swearing, lots of emotions, tears, idiots in love (kind of?)

enjoy!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Black wool peacoat cinched tightly around her waist, Aelin stood at her father’s side, her gloved hand in his, and stared vacantly at the square granite plaque that marked the site of her mother’s earthly remains.

Evalin Ashryver. Beloved Wife and Mother. May She Rest In Eternal Peace.

Rhoe placed his free hand against the plaque, leaned his head against the cold stone, and closed his eyes, the creases on his face more pronounced with sorrow. His lips moved silently, exchanging private words with his departed wife. Aelin remained steady at his side, surprised that she had been unable to shed any tears throughout the simple, poignant memorial service. Deep down, Aelin had loved her mother, and no amount of criticism or disapproval could completely quench that love.

“Aelin. Ae–Fireheart?” Rhoe’s voice broke through her reverie.

She shook her head. “I’m here.”

“Are you ready to go?” Her father’s question was nothing but kind.

“Yes.” She cast a final look at Evalin’s plaque, turned, and walked side by side with her father out of the mausoleum. “Dad?”

“Hmm?”

Aelin released a shaky breath. “I…Is it bad that I haven’t cried?” Worry creased her forehead. “I feel like a horrible daughter, but I haven’t cried. Or even really felt that sad.”

Rhoe stopped, faced his daughter, and took both of her gloved hands in his. “No, my Fireheart, it’s not bad.” He wrapped Aelin into a hug. “I know your relationship with your mother was…ah, complicated. It’s not bad that you haven’t shed any tears.”

Aelin felt her throat tighten at her father’s quiet reassurance. “I love you, Dad.”

“Love you too,” he returned, his words clogged with tears. “Perhaps someday you’ll feel like visiting her stone, and perhaps then you’ll cry. But maybe not.” He looped his arm back through hers. “It does not and never will make you a bad daughter.”

Rowan had needed to get out of the house–with all the cousins there, it was often a wild whirlwind of chaos, and his type-A personality couldn’t handle it 24/7. So Sellene and Enda had kicked him out, sending him into town with a short shopping list that ended up taking hours to complete.

It wasn’t his fault that he’d had to drive clear over to Rifthold to find a stand for the Christmas tree, because of course the only hardware store in the region that had tree stands in stock would be thirty miles away.

There was only one more item on the list, though, and Rowan had been avoiding it for as long as he possibly could. Why the fuck did Sellene want a book on “holistic herbal healing,” for gods’ sake? He was going to look like an idiot buying that. She’d left him a note saying Orynth Shelves had the book in stock, so at least he wouldn’t have to go terribly far, and Philippa–who owned that bookstore–was a sweetheart who’d known Rowan since he was a kid.

He glanced into the display window of the bookstore as he walked up the street and cracked a half smile. Philippa must have had some volunteers from the high school help with the holiday display, because she had great love and knowledge of books, but she did not have great knowledge of artistically pleasing book displays. Short stacks of holiday books, from classics like A Christmas Carol and How The Grinch Stole Christmas to modern novels with brightly colored covers sat atop a blanket of fake snow and mingled with little decorative log cabins, plastic pine trees, and even a ski lift. Soft yellow twinkle lights gave the charming display a cozy, small-town feel, and the whole effect was that of a little village in the mountains offering winter books galore for enjoyment. No, Philippa definitely couldn’t have planned and executed that display by herself.

Nobody was at the front desk when Rowan walked in, the bells on the front door jingling behind him. He headed straight for the section where Sellene had told him the book she wanted was, located the title, and plucked it off the shelf. And grimaced. It wasn’t ugly or obnoxious, but the words Holistic Herbal Healing for Beginners were lettered in large, decorative script on the cover. There would be no doubt what the book was. He muffled a sigh and walked back to the desk, hoping Philippa wouldn’t tease him too much about the damn book. The desk was still unattended, so he rang the little bell.

There was a rustle of papers from the office in the back, and a moment later–

“You’re not Philippa.” Before the words were fully out of his mouth, Rowan knew how stupid they sounded.

Aelin pressed her lips together, her characteristic sign of holding back laughter. “Sorry to disappoint.” She glanced at the book in his hand, and an irrepressible grin tugged at the corners of her lips despite her valiant effort to stifle it. “Getting into alternative medicine, hmm?”

“I–it’s not–huh?” Rowan’s brain finally caught up with the fact that Aelin had made a joke.

“It’s for Sellene, isn’t it?” She tapped the tablet in her hand.

“Yeah.” He passed her the book. “She’s had me running errands all over creation for hours. Had to drive all the way to Rifthold to find a fuckin’ stand for the tree.” Aelin scanned the book’s barcode, a small smirk curving her full, plush lips. Lips that Rowan still dreamed of tasting three years later. Pull it together, idiot! “This is the last thing on her list.”

“I didn't think she was into holistic herbal healing,” Aelin drawled. She glanced at the total. “That’ll be $12.99. Cash or card?”

How about I take you on a date instead? For some inexplicable reason, those were the first words on Rowan’s tongue. “Card.” Aelin nodded and slid a card reader across the desk. He tapped his credit card and the little reader flashed green.

“Thanks for coming to Orynth Shelves!” She handed him the receipt and gave him her brightest customer service smile.

He blinked. “Wait…are you actually working here?”

“Temporarily, yes.” She knew him too well–anyone else would have bristled at his question, thinking it offensive. “Since I’m home through New Year’s.” Unless he was seeing things (which was a very real possibility, considering that ninety-five percent of him still ached with love for Aelin Ashryver Galathynius), he could have sworn there was something deeper than exhaustion hiding beneath the smile and the paper-thin veneer of cheerful humor.

“Does that…you’re not alone, are you?”

“No.” She paused. “I’m with Dad, and Aedion decided he was going to crash at our house, so he’s there too.”

“Typical Aedion.”

“Yeah.” She cast him a glance that, as always, saw more than anyone else ever saw. “What about you? House full of wild children?”

“And adults,” he added with a wry grin.

She huffed a soft laugh. “No wonder you got the shopping list.”

“Should I be offended that you think I’m always the designated shopper?”

“Of course not. I know you too we–I know how you are with chaos.”

The words she hadn’t completely said trickled into the frozen corners of his heart, filling him with some kind of warmth. I know you too well. “I know you do.” He hadn’t meant to say it like that, in that soft, low voice he only ever used with her.

Raw longing flashed across her face, quickly muffled by blank, controlled politeness. “Thanks for visiting Orynth Shelves,” she repeated, this time in a whisper that cracked on the last word.

“Aelin,” Rowan breathed, feeling his pounding heart spill into his expression, “I want to see you again.” Because he did.

Three years without her was three years too long.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea,” she returned, conflicted.

He tucked the book under his arm and braced his hands flat atop the desk. “Since when have we done what other people think is the best idea?”

A single tear glittered in the corner of her left eye. “I’m going back to New York in less than a month, Rowan. I…even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t deserve to see you.”

The words stabbed him right through the heart. “Whoever told you that was spewing bullshit,” he said, his voice soft but firm with conviction.

She smashed her lips into a flat, tight line, keeping her composure from crumbling. “I…why?” The question just about broke her chest in half. “Why would you want to see me after what I did?”

“Because I lo–loved you.” It took all of his restraint to keep his hands where they were and not place his fingertips to her fallen face and lift her chin up. “Because you’re still the better half of my heart, and nobody will ever change that.”

“Ro,” she breathed, shakily. She lifted her eyes to his, and the depth of the grief in her gaze paired with that familiar nickname threatened to break him in two. “I’m…not sure.”

“I’m sure.” Damn his restraint to hell. He reached across the desk and, tentatively, placed his hand atop hers, the barest possible slice of contact. “Please, Ae.”

She drew in and released a deep, uneven breath. “Okay.” Beneath his hand, she turned hers over and flattened her palm against his. “When are you free?”

The Stone Castle, a restaurant in downtown Orynth that had been owned by Emrys since as long as Aelin could remember, was as warm, welcoming, and bustling as ever when she walked in the front doors on Friday evening. She’d worked there for a couple of years when she was in high school, and the place still felt the same.

“Miss Galathynius, as I live and breathe!” Emrys himself appeared from gods-knew-where and shook Aelin's hand warmly, his smile creasing his cheeks. “It’s been too long since you were home.”

“It really has.” She grinned at the jovial older man who cooked the best food in fifty miles. “New York can never compare.”

“You flatter me,” he chuckled. “Now don’t tell me–are you meeting a certain Mr. Whitethorn tonight?”

Her silence and rising blush was an answer in itself.

Emrys beamed. “You know where to find him, then.”

“You meddle far too much,” she teased, laughing wryly. “Thanks, Emrys.”

He winked. “Have a lovely evening, my dear.”

“I’ll do my best.” Aelin shed her heavy winter coat, hung it neatly on a peg in the coat room, adjusted her purse on her shoulder, and walked towards the back of the restaurant with her heartbeat suddenly hammering twice as fast and nervous questions clogging her mind. Should she have agreed to this–was it too soon? Was it too much? Would it be wrong to back out now?

“Hey.” As if he could sense her, Rowan was suddenly in front of her, steadying her with one large, warm hand on her upper arm. “You look gorgeous, Ae.”

A small smile curved her lips. “Thanks.” She linked her hand in his and let him lead her back to their table, the same booth they sat in every time they came to Emrys’s restaurant. “You clean up pretty well too, Rowan.”

He cracked a grin. “Would I sound desperate if I said I’ve missed you?”

A tiny corner of her iced-over heart melted. “Not at all.” Her grin turned softer. “I missed you too.” More than I’m ready to admit, she added, mentally.

Neither one of them needed to look at a menu, so a brief silence fell over their little booth before Rowan exhaled shakily and the question tumbled out of his lips. “Why, Ae?”

Hot tears pricked at the corners of her eyes at the way his simple, plaintive question sliced right through all the walls she’d built around her heart. “I…” Something she didn’t know how to name stopped her before she could rattle off her usual spiel about it wasn’t working anymore. “I let myself think too much,” she finally admitted, voice hoarse.

“Fireheart,” Rowan breathed, reaching instinctively for her hands but stopping himself–gods, the man had always been too perceptive.

Aelin linked her fingers with his, grounding herself in the solid, reassuring warmth of his rough palms. “On the drive home that day, I…my mother called, and she was…you know how Evalin could be sometimes.”

“Indeed.” His thumbs stroked idly over her knuckles. “So, she called you?”

“She didn’t try to hide her displeasure that I planned to stop at your house first,” Aelin murmured. “She…she was always finding some fault to pick at, some flaw to criticize, and I should have said I was farther away so she wouldn’t get on my ass about seeing you but I wasn’t thinking because I was so godsdamned happy to see you again so I just said I was going to your house, and then she told me I didn’t care about my own family and it just–” The sob she’d been strangling broke free, escaping as the first tear slipped down her cheek.

“I’m so sorry, Ae,” Rowan whispered. Gently, he reached up and caught her tears, brushing the salty crystal drops away from her cheeks. “You never should have had to go through that.”

“I let her get in my head,” she croaked. “I let her disapproval control me.”

He slipped around to her side of the booth, hesitantly offering to hold her. “She was never pleased with anything, was she, love?”

Aelin tucked herself into Rowan’s side, half in his lap, and pressed her face into his shoulder, an old familiar position in which he’d held her so many times before. “Never.”

The heat of her silent tears seeped into his sweater, but he didn’t give two shits about the clothing. He’d sacrifice his entire wardrobe if it meant holding her in his arms like this.

“I’m so sorry, Ro,” she murmured, raising her head to meet his open gaze, her turquoise eyes shrouded with tears. “I ruined everything–gods, I was so shallow, you probably still hate me for it.”

His heart cracked at the wavering insecurity hiding behind her words. “I have never hated you, Ae. Never.” He swept a stray tear from her cheek. “You shattered me when you drove past, yeah, but even that could never make me stop loving you.”

Breathless, she blinked, stunned to her core by his words. “You…what?”

“I love you, Aelin Galathynius.” His thumb traced her jawline. “To whatever end, right?”

“How?” she choked out, curling her fingers into his sweater like she was afraid this was all some kind of dream. “I broke us apart, Rowan.”

“And you’re putting us back together as we speak,” he said.

The pure conviction in his voice, and the love she’d always had from him but had been too protective of her heart to fully feel, seeped through the cracks in her armor and filled her depleted heart with warmth. “Are you sure?”

“With you? Always.”

She sniffled. “You’ve always been too good to me, love.”

“Impossible.” For the first time in three long years, he tipped up her chin and touched a whisper of a kiss to her lips. “Nothing can ever be too good for you, love.”

~~~

TAGS:

@live-the-fangirl-life

@superspiritfestival

@thegreyj

@wordsafterhours

@elentiyawhitethorn

@morganofthewildfire

@backtobl4ck

@rowanaelinn

@house-of-galathynius

@tomtenadia

@julemmaes

@swankii-art-teacher

@charlizeed

@booknerdproblems

@earthtolinds

@goddess-aelin

@sweet-but-stormy

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@darling-im-the-queen-of-hell

@llyncooljones

@silentquartz

#my writing #stick season #stick season the fic #inspired by the noah kahan song #aelin galathynius #rowan whitethorn #rowaelin #rowan x aelin #rowaelin fanfic #rowaelin fanfiction #throne of glass #throne of glass fanfic #throne of glass fanfiction #throne of glass au #rowaelin au #holiday au #rowaelin holiday au

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dxmxuse · 2 months ago

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I remember when I was younger, I couldn't wait until I was older. I tried so hard to act like a grown up and was always labeled as mature for my age. I remember dreaming of being in my 20's and having the freedom to do what I wanted.

Now im in my 20's and i miss being a kid. I miss school and meeting my friends at the park after the final bell. I miss not worrying about rent or when my next paycheck is.

Sometimes I wish I was older with a steady job and a salary.

But then I remember I miss being a kid even though I had spent all those years dreaming of being in my 20's.

Now when life seems hard, I have to remember that sometimes its best to just appreciate where I am now. Struggles and all. Because someday I think I'll look back and mourn my 20's like I mourn my teens.

#young adult #early 20s #nostalgic #memories #adult life #reality #mourning #college #work #nostaligiacore #post grad life

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debsarcasticplight · 1 year ago

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Starlight

The Impala rumbles to a halt outside The Starlight Motel, its tired engine sighing in relief. Dean leans back in the worn leather seat, rubbing his eyes, exhausted. The road has started to take its toll on Dean despite him having made this trip countless times before. After nearly a decade, his journey here and back again has become the only ritual that keeps him connected to his past and the one person still holding a piece of his heart.

Stepping out of the car, Dean can't help but glance around, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. The Starlight Motel hasn't changed much over the years. It’s still the same dingy, run-down place where he and Cas first met, spent countless hours as kids, and dreamt about escaping from someday.

Dean makes his way to the front desk, the bell above the door jingling softly as he pushes it open. The desk clerk, a tired-looking woman with bleach-blonde hair and bright red lipstick, removes an unlit cigarette from her lips before offering him a half-hearted smile.

"Can I help you?" she asks, her voice heavy with boredom.

"Yeah," Dean replies, pulling out his wallet and tossing a few crumpled twenties onto the counter.

"I need a room for a couple of nights."

"Okay, you're in #12," The clerk says, taking the money and handing Dean a key with very little investment.

Dean nods and heads for the lobby, the worn carpet muffling his footsteps. It's early November, but there are still a few flimsy-looking Halloween decorations strewn around in the corners of the motel. Just another subtle reminder that time keeps marching, regardless of whether anyone’s ready to start letting go. Room 12 is just like every other room in the place—barely functional, but it has a bed and a shower, which is all he really needs.

Dean tosses his duffel bag onto the bed and lets out a long sigh. He knows he has to check on Cas next. Doing so has become a routine for him, a way to ease his conscience, even though Dean’s never sure what he will find. Dean’s been renting Cas a room at the Starlight Motel year-round since he left, figuring it's the least he can do for the guy. Cas has a tendency to move around a lot, seeking out the sketchiest people while chasing his next high. At least this way, Dean can try to help his friend retain some semblance of home, even if it's back here, of all places.

Pulling out his phone, Dean scrolls until he finds his favorite picture: two young boys, their eyes wide with anticipation and ready for whatever life has in store. Although the original photo was taken many years ago, Dean can't help keeping a digital copy purely for sentimental value.

Holding a breath, Dean taps "Call" as a pit of concern opens up beneath his ribs. He’s got six different phone numbers for Cas currently, and it's always a gamble whether any of them will even go through.

"Hello?" Cas's voice crackles over the line, already sounding very far away.

"Hey, Cas," Dean says, trying to keep his voice casual.

"It's me."

There is a long pause before Cas replies.

"Back again so soon, Dean?"

Dean runs a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to steady his breathing.

"Naw, you know me, I’m just passing through. But I thought I'd call and see how you're doing."

"You know how I'm doing, Dean." Cas states, his voice thick with bitterness.

Dean winces at the truth in his friend's words. Knowing all too well how much Cas has struggled for years now, battling demons Dean still doesn’t fully understand. They had been close once, more so than anyone could’ve imagined, but life has taken them down different paths.

"Listen," Dean begins,

"I rented myself a room at The Starlight for a few nights. Why don't you swing by? I’ll order us some pizza and maybe restock your fridge. We can catch up."

Cas hesitates, and for a moment, Dean thinks he might actually say no.

"Okay, Dean. I'll be there." Cas says, sounding defeated.

Dean hangs up and lets out another sigh, this one heavier than the last. He knows he can't save Cas or fix the mess that is his life. But he also can't find it in himself to walk away either. Not after everything they have been through.

Dean leaves his room, returning to the front desk once more. When he requests an extra copy of Cas's room key, the clerk hands it over without question. She’s seen this all before, the two of them coming and going like ghosts.

Back in his room, Dean sits on the edge of the bed and stares out the window. The parking lot is empty, save for a few beat-up-looking cars. The neon sign of The Starlight flickers and buzzes, casting an eerie glow over everything.

Dean can't help but think back to his and Cas’s origins as he waits. They had been inseparable as kids, each other's lifelines in a world that seemed determined to tear them apart. They had even dated briefly, an awkward and confusing experiment in teenage love. Then Sam died, Dean left town, and Cas stayed behind to pick up the pieces alone. Even now, after all these years, the wrongs of the past haunt Dean, while the present feels no less bleak. But he’s determined to be there for Cas, no matter how impossible the task seems. For the sake of the man he once loved and probably still does, Dean knows he has to at least try.

#spn fanfic #destiel au #endverse!cas #endverse!dean #tw implied/referenced substance abuse/addiction issues #tw implied/referenced mental illness #tw grief and loss #suptober23

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trixree · 2 years ago

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Heyyyy, I'm new here can I ask about the Fledgling fic? oWo

Per my last post, I'm catching up on old Asks, AO3 comments, and messages received during my hiatus! (Psst, go do my Fanfic Poll) I started writing Fledgling because I craved more One Piece kid fic but was struggling to find ones that scratched the itch. I also have had parrots my whole life, so doing something with some sort of bird devil fruit made intuitive sense to me. My birds are my kiddos, so birds = babies. I'll admit that I did lose steam on it after awhile (especially cause it's one of my lowest engagement fics, which is a given because of the genre I guess) but a complete outline DOES indeed exist somewhere in the depths of my Google Drive and I can see myself returning to it someday. I planned to end the story with the crew's reunion on Saobody.

Here's a bit of the existing draft for chapter 6:

Tori is slow to calm. It takes nearly twenty minutes between the two of them to wind her down so that those awful, aching sobs transform into tiny little hiccups. This, too, is familiar to Sanji—the patience that a slow-to-calm child requires. Hell, even now, Sanji is talented at winding himself back up just when he’s started to mellow out again, just by getting stuck on the wrong thought at the wrong time. So, he holds her while Zoro pays painstaking attention to every single feather in her wings, gathering the oil that lives near the base of each pin and working the bristles with just the right pressure.

And Tori hiccups. And she cries. And she begs them not to give her up. Asks them both, again and again, if she can stay if she’s good enough, and each time, the two of them reply with unwavering conviction.

“You’re nakama.”

“You’re not going anywhere without us.”

“We won’t give you up.”

And eventually, she tires herself out.

“Let me take her,” Zoro whispers after the quiet sound of her (finally) steady breathing lasts for more than five minutes.

“It’s okay, I—”

“Cook, you’re exhausted,” Zoro says. For once, it doesn’t feel like an insult or a jab. He is exhausted. Has been since the whole mess with the admiral. He was exhausted through dinner, exhausted while cleaning up afterwards, and exhausted when Tori rushed in, needing them both so desperately.

Sanji sighs. “Yeah, alright.” Carefully, he transfers her over into Zoro’s waiting arms.

By necessity, they go slowly, careful to jostle her as little as possible, and Sanji—well, he’s not sure he’s ever been this close to Zoro for this long, before. They’re standing close enough that Sanji can discern every individual eyelash on the other’s startlingly handsome face—and it really is startling.

Peripherally, Sanji is always aware of Zoro’s attractiveness. He’d have to be blind not to be. (Or so he tells himself. Because it isn’t wrong to have eyes, is it? The wrongness is in the wanting, and Sanji does not want. He just has an aesthetic appreciation for the masculine, that’s all. And Zoro certainly is masculine, if nothing else.)

But to be so close—to be able to study all the little silvery scars that adorn his cheeks, the sharpness of his jaw, the slight bump to his otherwise perfectly sharp nose that betrays a past break, the color and shape of his lips—and to confront all that without the background noise of a meal to prepare, an enemy to defeat, a country to save… is startling.

His arms were meant for this, Sanji realizes suddenly, watching him cradle Tori’s sleeping form close to that broad, rock-solid chest.

“You need to sleep,” Zoro suddenly says, breaking whatever strange trance had fallen over Sanji instantly.

Blushing furiously, Sanji scrubs both hands roughly across his face. “Yeah, sure. I’ve got a—” he gestures vaguely to the storage closet where he keeps an extra futon for late nights just like this, “—so I’ll just…”

Zoro nods, never once looking up from Tori’s sleeping, tear-blotched face.

“She’ll be alright,” tumbles out of his mouth. Zoro blinks at him, considering, and Sanji winces at his presumption. “I just—she’s resilient. It’s like Usopp said. Kids carry things differently. She’ll wake up tomorrow and… and be just fine,” he finishes, lamely.

“I know.” And oh. This is not a voice that Sanji has heard before. Zoro’s baritone is nothing but a deep rumble in his chest in the still quiet of the night. (A knee-jerk reaction, Sanji wonders what it must feel like to Tori, to be pressed against that chest, feeling the vibration of those words and—)

“Right,” Sanji finishes, lamely. He turns his attention to Tori once more, brushing some stray tight curls out of her face and pressing a small kiss against her forehead, pointedly refusing to catch Zoro’s eyes as he pulls away. “Goodnight,” he offers lastly, with a tired smile.

“Yeah. Goodnight, Sanji.”

It is only when he’s on the cusp of sleep that Sanji realizes: Zoro had said his name.

#asked & answered #trixree speaks #my fic #one piece fic #zosan #kid fic

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twoidiotwriters1 · 1 year ago

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Daughter of Olympus (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: May not look like it but I swear I love Nico with all my heart -Danny Words: 2,674 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter / Next Chapter Listen to: 'Someone You Like' -by The Girl and The Dreamcatcher

XXVIII: Teen Girls Experience the Horrors of Liking Boys

"Can I at least drink water?"

"You'll vomit."

"I'm sure that speaks more for your training than of my resistance as a human being..."

I'm sweating in places I didn't even know I could sweat. I'm aching in muscles I didn't even know existed. Makes me reconsider some of my life choices.

A shadow stands over me. "Get up."

"Miguel," I smile sweetly. "Let's forget my training. Can I interest you in a fancy dinner?"

"We're halfway through the circuit that Chiron planned out for you, if you stop now, you'll feel worse later," he replies sternly.

"I'll correct two things in that sentence, okay?" I sit up. "If I stop now, I won't die of a cardiac arrest. And it was you who planned out this circuit after asking a hypothetical question to Chiron!"

"Hurry up, Queen B!" Lily urges me.

"Stop yelling at me with that psychotic look in your eyes!" I lower my voice so only Mike can hear me. "Did you know she tried to convince Percy to train me according to her methods?"

"Who told you that?"

"My sources." It was Percy.

Mike crouches beside me. "Look, beast, Hephaestus said that you had to get stronger—"

"I won't make it to fourteen if you keep pushing like this!"

My friend pulls me up. "Don't be dramatic, that's Lily's job."

"Fine," I pick up my sword, "but if my arms fall off, it's on you. You lost the little common sense you had when you started to hang out with us."

"Ara, I believe you're the next child of Olympus—Even if I weren't a son of Apollo, I'd see just how mentally ill I am," he jokes.

Lily whistles with an overly enthusiastic expression. "You're late! Get going!"

"Be thankful I don't like using my powers for evil!" I walk over to the dummies in the arena.

"And what would you do, a makeover?" She teases me.

"I could make you confess to a certain someone!" I pounce at a dummy and cut off its arms.

"You won't do it," she says calmly. "I'm your best friend."

"You're my worst nightmare," I mutter. The dummy I'm fighting now has no legs.

"Someday, you're going to thank us for being so hard on you," Mike states.

"Save me the lecture, you're not my dad," I scowl.

"I'm older than you," he continues with a shit-eating grin. "I'll take any chance to drop a lecture on you and Lily."

I plunge my sword into the dummy's chest. "Awesome."

"Next station!" Lily exclaims happily.

I run to the archery area, grabbing a bow and a quiver. Lily and Mike stand behind me.

"Three hits and go! C'mon, beast!"

"That nickname is so out of place," I struggle to aim at the target. "There's nothing bestial about me, it's like calling a kitten a lion."

"Right, 'cause you're so well-behaved," Michael approaches and lifts my bow higher. "Not like you used to fight the Ares cabin..."

"They had it coming!" I shoot. The arrow ends up on the trunk of a tree. "Whoops! Sorry!"

"I don't get why you don't punch Drew," Lily sighs. "I mean, you were so ready to beat those Ares kids in my first week at camp..."

Mike frowns, we're nose to nose when he looks at me and is distracting. "I thought that thing with Drew was over!"

"Ever since I started my high-resistance training with you two," I grab a new arrow, "she has a lot to say. Like love is all about being vulnerable! If I could get her alone..."

"You're not going to fight her," Michael's hand tightens around mine, holding the bow steady. "If Drew is a bully that's her problem, you're not like her."

"Mike has a point," Lily agrees. "Heracles was the first, but Achilles is the one who set the foundation of what a child of Olympus is supposed to act like. He only went to war when he ran out of options."

"Didn't he go off the rails and kill a bunch of people?" I shoot. It doesn't hit the center, but at least it lands on the target.

"Mike has a point, anyway."

"Thank you!"

"With the aim you have, you'd end up harming innocents."

"Not the point!" Mike scolds her. "Don't help me, Lily."

I shoot again. "My aim's not bad, I just hate archery."

"You are all about rough swings with a hammer, huh?" Lily taunts me.

"That hammer saved my life!" I shoot. It goes way over the target and sticks to a bush.

"We're done here," Mike takes the bow out of my hands.

"On to the next one!" Lily sings walking away.

We go to the forges. A small table with instruments is waiting there for me, and Jake Mason's my instructor. I hear Lily and Mike giggling behind me, they think that I'll end up liking Jake because he's a son of Hephaestus our age.

I wouldn't like someone just for that. Mike looks nothing like Apollo and I have feelings for him anyway! I also have a crush on his dad, but that's like, not the point.

"I'm back," I've done the circuit at least three times by now and I'm getting fed up, but the final parts are my favorites, Lily arranged them like that on purpose.

"Hi," Jake's mouth is full of salt crackers that Lily bribed him with so he would give me lessons. He has a strange addiction to them. "Let's do a pocket-size net trap."

He places the pieces together. I watch each step carefully, but my hands start to sweat. My lessons are something to be proud of, but half the time it's all wild guesses. I can't do math to save my life; my friends learned that ages ago, so they show me the steps and then let me test it out by trial and error. It's a slow process, but it's the only one that I can work with.

I gather the pieces and put them together as I remember Jake did, then leave my creation on the table in front of my friend and wait. He picks it up with the tips of his salt-sprinkled fingers and looks at it carefully. "Incoming!" He launches it.

The trap opens, catching nothing more than air.

"Good job! See ya."

I run to the lava wall. On the other side of the blessed camp.

"Remind me again?" I pant, taking a moment before I cover my hands with chalk.

"Ten minutes," Michael gives a fleeting look to his timer with a worried expression, this is his least favorite part of the circuit.

The wall is my favorite thing in camp. I've broken the record already, so now I'm making things interesting. I'll be climbing with my eyes closed. "One..." Lily places a handkerchief over my eyes. "Two... Three!"

I go up, one foot after the other. Being small is a disadvantage most of the time, but it's easier to carry my weight.

"How was it?" I shout as I reach the top.

"Nine minutes, fifty seconds!" Mike yells in response.

This is the not-so-fun part. I can climb up just fine if I remember where everything is, but going down? One time I slipped and Michael thought I would die drowned in the lava. Percy saved me, he also yelled at me for being stupid on purpose. Look at him, throwing rocks when his glass house is the size of Olympus.

I go back to the arena to restart the circuit. I'm fighting Lily today, sometimes Clarisse, and most times the Stolls. Travis has tried many times to convince Lily to fight him, but he hasn't succeeded.

"What do I do?"

"Run towards me, try to punch, whatever."

I try to grab Lily's wrist and she seizes mine, I fall flat and then she sits on top of me. "Get off! I can't win like this! I'm too small!"

Lily rolls me over. "You need to try!"

"I think she needs an incentive," Mike smirks. "Should we ask Jake to accompany us around the circuit?"

He and Lily look at each other with the same sparkle in their eyes. I mutter a few insults in ancient Greek as I get up."Guys..."

"You're right, maybe Ara will feel the need to impress."

I gesture at Lily to come at me. "I don't like Jake."

"Should we bring Beckendorf, then?" She approaches with her fists up.

I swing at her but she dodges easily. "I don't like the Cabin Nine campers!"

"Who do you like?" Lily throws a kick that makes me fall sideways. "Nico?" She glances at Michael and chortles. "Is it—"

I attack Lily with all I have. I punch, kick, and even get my knee to participate. I don't like beating the Hades out of my friend, but don't feel bad for her, ninety percent of my punches she stops with ease, and the ten percent left, she takes it like a champ.

Lily's nose is bleeding, but she's got a huge smile on her face. She's nuts like that. "Again!"

Percy and Annabeth show up just when I'm finishing another round.

"Ara," my brother looks at me with concern. "You look exhausted..."

My gaze darts from him to my friends, Mike looks so proud of me that it makes me all giddy.

"I just sweat easily."

"Where the Tartarus is Nico?!" Ara storms out of the Big House. "I hope his father's ready to have him back twenty-four-seven because I'm about to hang him!"

"Why are you screaming like that!" Travis shouts from the amphitheater.

"Di Angelo stole my T-Rex!" She yells without stopping.

She stops dead in her tracks once she reaches the forest. It's very likely that Nico went this way, but she's been avoiding Leo and he also spends most of his time in the forest. Ara tightens her grip on the piece of paper in her hand, it has a messy sketch of a T-Rex locked in a cage with Nico's initials in the upper right corner.

"I'm gonna shove that stupid jacket up his..."

Ara groans and kicks the snow around her feet. The girl doesn't have a choice, she'll have to leave camp without her dino, but she'll kill Nico as soon as she comes back.

Ara stuffs the sketch in her pocket. "Go to Tartarus, Nico!"

She turns around and stops again, wondering if leaving without saying goodbye is the right thing to do. Maybe Leo will get more upset if she acts like she forgot, and that's not what she wants.

"Ara!" Lily approaches with the familiar clipboard in her hands. "You didn't kill Nico, right?"

"Couldn't find him," she mutters, glad that her friend's saving her the trouble of making a decision.

"Cool, then you're not dying either," the girl takes her back to camp. "We need you in arts and crafts, the Stolls are fighting with the nymphs over the remaining clay from yesterday's sculpting class. I think they want to make Greek fire bombs—"

"Hey," Ara speaks quietly. "About yesterday..."

Her friend glances at her and shrugs. "I was pushy. I talked to Connor and—"

"Lily!"

"I didn't tell him everything!" She's quick to clarify. "I just said we argued 'cause you want to date people and I think you don't have time for that. He said I shouldn't discourage you, that it won't be hard if you pick the right person..."

"You were kinda right, though..." Ara admits with a sigh. "There is something I didn't tell you... about Leo and I."

"What?"

"Olympus set us up. Kinda." Ara blushes. "I was destined to meet him. That's why Hephaestus decided to help me in the first place, even if he didn't believe in me... I'm the one who's going to help Leo."

Lily frowns. "Help him with what?"

"To build the Argo II. Probably in other ways too, once we go away to defeat Gaea," Ara shrugs. "If I'm bound to him, might as well enjoy it. Right?"

Lily looks uneasy. "You were destined to meet him..." and then, unexpectedly, she smiles. "So Valdez is your soulmate or something?"

"Nooo! I-I don't think it's like that..." Ara's voice comes out squeaky.

"Neeks is gonna love this!" Lily chortles.

"Don't you dare!"

"I'm sorry, piccola, but I have to. You told him about Connor."

"He figured it out because you're Captain Obvious from the Obnoxious Islands!"

I go back to camp during New Year's to celebrate Lily's birthday.

Michael, Annabeth, Percy (definitely not there to see Annabeth) the Stolls, and Malcolm are there too. We tried to contact Nico, but he's MIA. He spoke to Percy during his birthday, but none of them had the kindness to tell me what that was about.

Preparations for the war are happening all day, every day. Annabeth and Percy go away for a moment to review plans with Beckendorf and Michael goes with them. That leaves Malcolm, the Stolls, and I. We're watching Lily unwrap her presents.

She opens the bag the Stolls gave her. "CD's?"

"Musicals," Connor explains. "High-quality bootlegs. I thought you'd like them, you're always humming and singing when you're focused on studying, or stuff like that."

Lily turns bright pink. "Oh."

"And we thought you'd like the theatrics," Travis adds.

"Wow," Lily replies in a sarcastic tone. "Thanks."

"It's weird that you're not Apollo's daughter," the boy continues. "You like archery, theater, and music—Michael acts like your older brother, too. When you were in our cabin, it was obvious you weren't our sister," he snorts. "You're not even that fast."

"Look at the time!" I try to stop him before it's too late. "We should get going, it's almost midnight—"

"In a minute," Lily tenses. "Can you repeat that, Travis?"

"Oh, come on! You can't compare your speed to ours!"

Lily makes an expression that I only see when she's about to kill a monster. "Do you want to test that theory out?"

"Sure! I bet I can take you down in less than five minutes."

"This is a bad idea," Malcolm whispers.

All of us go out to the porch.

"Don't you trust her?"

"Oh, I trust her," the boy frowns. "Lily's going to win."

"So what's the problem?" I say, leaning against the railing.

"Michael will kill me for letting you do this," he sighs. "And he's going to bark at us that we shouldn't be pulling these stunts."

"You're free to leave."

"Are you kidding?" He laughs. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Wish I had a camera," Connor smirks, standing beside me.

Travis and Lily stand facing each other while we remind them of the rules.

"You cannot blind your opponent—"

"—Nor kick them in their soft parts."

"As soon as one of you falls, the fight stops."

"Deal?"

"Deal," replied both kids.

The fight seems uneven, Lily's a foot shorter than Travis. The key word is "seems". Lily's stronger and she can slip off any death grip as far as I'm concerned, even Clarisse has a hard time with her, it's impossible to make her fall.

"Go!"

Travis bet five minutes... the fight only lasted thirty seconds.

Lily grabs Travis's arm and throws him over her shoulder, everything could've ended there, but she pulls him down too roughly and doesn't let go of his arm on time. We stand there horrorstruck after hearing the—frankly disgusting—crack.

Travis screams and Lily covers his mouth so he doesn't alert Chiron as we rush down the porch steps. "You broke his arm!" Malcom whispers between amusement and shock.

"Less than a minute!" Connor is delighted.

"Shut up!" Weird noises come from the trees, and I realize we're about to miss curfew. "Let's take him to cabin seven!"

"Ágios Ermis piadoso!" Lily says anxiously, making me giggle.

"Yeah, let's hope Hermes doesn't hate you for this..."

"Don't worry, it was a fair fight," Connor responds. "Be quiet or the harpies will find us."

Ten minutes later, Travis is on a stretcher while Will Solace finishes his brand-new cast.

"I was going to sleep and now I'm fixing bones," he glares at us. "It's always you two and some poor camper that fell for your tricks, you gotta stop."

"It was his fault!" I point at Travis.

"You should've been there, Will! Three moves and boom! Lily had Travis on the ground—"

"Hey, Connor," his brother interrupts him. "When you're done drooling over Lily, could you bring me a glass of water?"

"I don't—I..." Connor avoids everyone's eyes. "Be right back."

I look at Lily with amusement and I notice that she's glowing in the same silverish light Connor is.

Before I can say anything, Michael storms into the infirmary, startling all of us. "Anyone cares to explain," he gasps for breath. "Why are you breaking BONES?"

Next Chapter ->

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