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firstofficerwiggles · 4 years ago

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Chapter 5: How the Paintball Battle Was Won

Links to Chpt. 4 , Chpt. 6

Pairing: The Mandalorian x female reader

Rating: T

Warnings: Canonical violence, PTSD for the reader, angst, hurt/comfort

Word Count: ~6400

Author’s note: So this chapter gets more angsty, but I promise it is sandwiched in there between some humor and some serious fluff along with some Domestic!Din thrown in there for good measure. I hope you enjoy reading this chapter! (Also, smut is coming in the next chapter for those of you who are thirsty for it.)

“Paintball?” You look up at Mando in surprise, “Isn’t this a game for teenagers?” He’s brought you to a dusty town on Baros with a few hole-in-the-wall cantinas and a sleepy looking marketplace in the middle of nowhere to play paintball?

“I wasn’t sure if it would still be here, but they’re open,” Mando sounds chipper. “I haven’t been here in years.”

“You used to come here and play paintball?” The idea seems ludicrous, that Mando, a seasoned warrior and top bounty hunter, would be playing a game that requires shooting brightly colored balls of paint at your opponents.

“When I was younger and first in the Fighting Corps, we trained here on Baros for a time. We used to sneak out when we had breaks between training sessions to come and play with the local kids.” Mando’s voice sounds nostalgic and happy as he remembers his youth. “I’m sure now that our commanders knew what we were up to, but it gave us additional fighting practice, so I don’t think they minded.”

You try to imagine Mando as a teen boy stealing away with his friends from a probably rigid training schedule to play fake war games with other kids. It’s a charming thought, but it’s hard to picture when you look at the man now. But he’s right, it would have been decent training too… oh, now you understand.

“This is so I can practice shooting live, moving targets.” You’re on to his plan.

“What?” Mando is all innocence, “I just thought since we’re here, we ought to have some fun.”

“I know you think I can’t tell, but I feel you smirking at me under there.” You tell him pointing towards the helmet.

Mando simply chuckles at you and gives your hand a tug towards the entrance.

“What about the baby?” You ask, hoping to stall a little, “He can’t play paintball.”

“He’ll be safe in his pram, and you’ll have a chance to practice protecting him too.” Mando replies. He’s clearly thought this out.

“That might be too advanced for me to focus on shooting targets and guarding the child,” you tell him.

“Yes, but I’ll be here to help you.” His voice sounds warm as he tells you, “You’re going to be great, c’mon.”

The owner of the paintball place seems delighted to see Mando and tells the rest of the patrons in the prep area that they are in for a real treat today. Most of the other people here are teenaged boys, but you’re surprised to see a couple of adults here too including a few other women. Perhaps you were too quick to judge. The teen boys are in sheer awe of Mando and after they openly gawk at him for a few minutes, they’re pestering the owner to find out if they can request that Mando be on their team.

“Teams will be by random draw as always, although people paying together will automatically be put on the same team unless they request otherwise.” The owner tells everyone waiting. “Now, please enter the locker area to suit up and stow away personal belongings.”

You’ve been given protective gear and a helmet to wear to ensure your safety during the game. While the paintballs aren’t lethal, they can still hurt quite a lot without protection. Mando watches as you gear up, and when you’re done you can’t help but goof around and strike a model pose.

“How do I look?” You can still manage to make flirty eyes at him, as although your helmet covers most of your face, the visor only has light tinting so your eyes are still quite visible.

“You’re adorable,” he tells you. It’s been a little over a week since your trip to Canto Bight and your first Keldabe kiss with Mando, and he’s been growing more affectionate with you, particularly with compliments. He’s still rather shy about physical affection though, almost as if he thinks he’s limited to only a certain number of touches a day.

“Ok, everyone, let’s go over the rules.” The owner calls everyone to his attention and reviews the rules of the game, which are basically, if you get shot three times in a ‘critical target area’ as indicated on your protective gear, you are out of the game.

“Today’s game is your basic brawl. The last team with the most players remaining when the buzzer sounds will be the winners. However, we have a special guest and special rules that will add to the challenge!” The man gestures towards Mando, “If you want to take out the Mandalorian, you need three hits somewhere not on the armor, and good luck with that!” The man says it in such a way that he’s confident no one will be able to get Mando out of the game.

Before the game begins, you check on the child to make sure he’ll be ok. He has his favorite silver ball and a couple other toys with him in his pram, and you’ve tucked in few snacks that he likes in case he gets hungry.

“Ok, sweetie, you’re going to play with your toys and keep the pram closed until Mando or I open it,” you tell him. He coos at you in response and you give his nose a little boop before securing the pram.

“Here, put this on,” Mando hands you a metal wrist cuff with various buttons, “It’s linked to the pram like my vambraces, so that way the child will follow you wherever you go.” He quickly shows you how the buttons operate.

You and Mando get assigned to the red team and are issued paintball guns filled with the appropriate colored balls. There are three teen boys, a man, and another woman on your team. The teen boys are vibrating with excitement at being on Mando’s team; they keep calling him ‘sir’ and asking for ‘battle advice’. Mando is very kind to them, and answers all of their questions in a serious manner. It’s quite sweet really, how nice he is to them, but you’ve noticed that’s generally who he is, so long as that person cannot be perceived as a threat. With your team agreeing on Mando’s plans for the battle, followed by a loud war cry whoop from the boys, you head out to your designated starting positions.

Your adrenaline is pumping and when a loud bell rings out to indicate the start of the game, you’re almost as keyed up as the teenagers around you. Mando’s plan calls for your team to be on the defensive and wait for the other teams to come to you, allowing you all to maintain better positions and hold on to better cover for as long as possible. It’s a good plan and fairly soon, some of the teen boys from the green team have charged over to your area recklessly, making them easier targets. You get off a couple shots, but your nerves get the best of you and you miss wildly. Fortunately, only Mando seems to notice as your other teammates are on target and dispatch the boys without anyone on your team getting hit.

“It’s alright, just breathe,” he tells you, “Remember you’re a good shot, I know you are.” He places a hand between your shoulders and rubs lightly to help calm you down. He points towards something moving in the bushes to your right and taps your shoulder. You can see another player advancing towards your position.

“Aim your weapon, take a deep breath,” Mando instructs you, “and shoot.” You pull the trigger and watch as your paintball splatters bright red on the other player’s chest plate. You remember quickly that you need two more shots to eliminate your target and so you shoot again. It ends up taking you five more shots but in the end, you’re victorious.

“I actually did it!” you squeal a little in delight and Mando gives your waist a small squeeze.

“Great job, cyar’ika!”

Hmm, there’s that foreign word again. It’s the second time he’s said it to you, and you think it must be Mando’a but you haven’t thought to ask him about it yet. You’re about to say something when a yellow paintball suddenly bursts on Mando’s left pauldron. You instantly whip your head around and fire off shots in the direction of the shooter. A sudden fierceness overtakes you in your determination to take out the player. You channel all your focus into your aim and once again, you are successful, only faster this time.

“That was even better,” Mando tells you, and your heart soars at his praise. He hasn’t even bothered to take a shot yet, he just seems content to watch you.

The game continues and it seems that the other players have caught on to your team’s plan, which leads to a break in the action. Everyone huddles together for a moment, and you realize the rest of your team are waiting for Mando’s instructions.

“So, Mando, what do we do next?” you ask him.

“What do you think our strategy should be?” he counters.

“Well, it seems like we’ve taken out quite a lot of the green team, so I say we head towards the yellow team’s area and try to lower their numbers more.” You figure this is the best way to ensure that your team will have the most active players in the end.

“Why don’t we finish off the green team first? You know, get them while they’re weak,” one of the other players suggests.

“No, her plan makes the best sense,” Mando says in support of your idea, “If we want to be the winners, we have to make sure the yellow team has more casualties.” There’s something about the way he says this that gives you a sense of pride. He’s not just going along with your suggestion because he likes you, it’s because he trusts your judgement and he agrees with it.

You set out in an attack formation as directed by Mando in search of the yellow team. He’s stationed you towards the rear of the group allowing the child’s floating pram to stay behind you, meanwhile he’s positioned himself at the front as an attractive target. You don’t love the idea of Mando making himself the bait, but you recognize that his strategy is logical as the challenge of taking out the Mandalorian will be too tempting for the others to pass up on and thus it should be easier for the rest of you to hit them.

The plan works perfectly and as a barrage of paintballs are launched in Mando’s direction, your team begins methodically targeting the yellow team. You try not to watch as more yellow paint splashes onto Mando’s beskar, because each time it does you feel a spike of irrational anger, how dare they shoot at your Mando. As for himself, Mando is finally shooting off paintballs of his own, but you get the impression that he’s doing so rather leisurely, like he’s not really putting in too much effort. Must be taking it easy on everyone.

Things seems quiet for a moment and you turn to check on the little guy’s pram. It’s still closed up and he’s safe and sound. You’re just turning back to look over your shoulder when a green paintball hits you in the side, right where there’s no padding. It’s surprisingly painful and you double-over, grasping at your side. Mando’s reaction is swift. He quickly dispatches the green shooter and then rushes over to you.

“Are you hurt? Do you need help?” His voice is full of concern.

“I’m fine,” you wheeze out, “just stings.”

“Take a moment and breathe,” he says as he tucks his left arm around you to hold you close to him while he proceeds to keep shooting with his right. It suddenly strikes you as incredibly attractive how he’s managing to comfort you and still fight at the same time.

You can’t keep yourself from telling him, “Maker, you’re hot.”

“What?” He looks down at you for a second, a little surprised.

“Nothing, I’m just impressed by you.” You laugh a little and pull away so you can go back to the game.

The game continues for a while longer and you’re astounded by how much you’ve gotten into it. You no longer feel nervous about shooting at other people and you’re caught up in wanting to help your team win. You get hit a couple more times, but luckily they manage to miss the critical targets so when the buzzer sounds, you’ve managed to be one of the ‘survivors’. You run over to Mando to assess his ‘damage’ and while he has yellow and green paint splotches all over his beskar, he has only one green spot on his arm in the unarmored section near his elbow, which means that no one managed to successfully remove him from the game either. After a brief count, your team is announced as the victors by just one player. Your whole team cheers and exchanges high fives as you congratulate each other.

“See, I told you it would be fun,” Mando leans down close to you, “You were great, I was impressed too.” He brings his helmet down to touch the crown of yours.

You don’t have a chance to say anything back as the teen boys are at Mando’s side begging him to take a holophoto with them. Mando dutifully poses with the boys as you help out by acting as the photographer. You pull out your own holopad and snap a few holos too for your own enjoyment later.

You return to the locker room to get cleaned up and back into your regular clothes. You’re securing your holster belt with its real blaster when you realize again how thankful you are that Mando’s gone out of his way to help you learn so much about fighting, even to the point where he found a way to make sure it would be enjoyable.

You head over to where he’s cleaning the paint off his armor with a bucket of water and some rags. It must be a bit hard to do though because there’s no mirror to help him see all the areas that need to be cleaned. You pick up one of the rags.

“Have a seat and I’ll help you get cleaned up,” you say as you motion to a bench.

“Thanks, it’s hard to do without being able to take it off,” he tells you.

He sits with his legs akimbo and you step between them to get better access to the beskar. Fortunately, the paint washes off without much effort, but there’s so much of it and you want to be sure to get it out of the small ridges and furrows of the armor.

“Thank you for bringing me here,” you tell him as you clean, “It really was fun and I think you’re right, it was good training.”

“You’re welcome,” Mando says warmly, and he brings his hands up to your hips to pull you in a little closer. He leaves his hands there as you move to clean his helmet and begins tracing little patterns with his thumbs. His touch is simple, but it makes you feel so fluttery inside. You look down at his visor and give him a little smile as you wipe a streak of gloopy green paint from the crown of his helmet.

“It drives me crazy when you look at me like that,” he tells you with his hands tightening on your hips.

“How am I looking at you?” Your smile widens.

“Like you have a secret and you’re daring me to find out what it is,” he says, his voice sounding deeper.

You chuckle, and as you finish cleaning his helmet you drop your lips down and give it a kiss, “Is that so?” you ask in a coquettish tone and you give him a wink.

Mando groans at you and pulls you in closer, “I’ve had enough being in public, let’s get back to the Crest,” he says. His words and the timbre of his voice fill you with dark excitement, and you nod your head in response.

You bid goodbye to your teammates and hurry out into the street, heading in the direction of the ship. You’re only a short distance from the Razor Crest when you hear a laser bolt whiz past you. You draw your blaster and turn towards the source of the bolt where you see five armed men bearing down on you, Mando, and the child. “Hunters!” Mando shouts to you as he returns fire.

Another blast comes from behind you and you whip around to see three more shooters trying to box you in. Like Mando, you shoot back, your fight mode coming out in full force. You manage to shoot one of the hunters in the chest and you see him fall. You don’t dwell on it though as you scan the area for a possible escape route. You feel Mando tug on your sleeve as he gestures to the left where you can see a small side street. You rush towards the street as fast as you can while Mando provides cover. You’re still wearing the wrist cuff from before so the baby’s pram is following after you. You feel a sharp burning sensation in your side and it almost knocks you to the ground, but your determination to get away is stronger and you push your legs to keep you running.

The narrow street spills out into a broader avenue that is now bustling with activity. You bump into people as you try to get away and it makes you stumble. You look around wildly for help but everyone seems oblivious to your distress. The baby’s pram is still right with you and you’re relieved to see it’s still closed up tightly. But where is Mando? You thought he was right behind you but now you don’t see him anywhere. You turn back to the narrow side street when you see one of the hunters come barreling out of it. He fires several bolts in your direction, one of which ricochets off the pram. People scream and scatter. A primal protectiveness surges within you as all you can think about is how you won’t let this man hurt your child and so you raise your blaster and shoot him twice in the chest. He falls to the ground, but something in you won’t let you stop. You keep moving toward him until you’re standing over him and then you shoot him in the head to make sure he can’t hurt either of you. You should probably feel guilty about killing him, but you don’t. You look down the street, worried that you’ll see another hunter heading your direction, but it seems quiet. You pant as you try to catch your breath and now you realize just how badly your side is hurting, you think it must be from before where the paintball hit you but when you look down you see your shirt is soaked with blood. You sag against a building as you realize you’ve been shot. A woman sees you and hurries over to help,

“We have to get you to a doctor right away,” she’s saying.

“Wait, I need Man-, I need to find Man- Mando.” The pain is making it hard to speak.

“It’s alright, your child’s pram is right here.” She doesn’t understand.

You sway on your feet and she quickly places an arm around you to help you walk. “Don’t try to talk, dear,” she’s telling you as she drags you towards a medical clinic. Everything is getting blurry and you fight to stay upright. When you make it inside the clinic, someone immediately pushes you towards a gurney and you collapse on it just before you black out.

Din is desperate to find you and the child. When he sent you down that side street, he succeeded in taking down most of the hunters. But one particularly large man, a Clawdite, had managed to tackle Din. That allowed another hunter to slip by and head down the street in pursuit of you. After stabbing the Clawdite, Din quickly trails the other man. His head is filled with worse case scenarios but when he finds the body at the end of the street, a sense of relief comes over him. It’s short-lived, however, when he realizes neither you nor the child are anywhere to be seen. Din can feel true fear rising in him that perhaps there were others and maybe you were both captured, when he remembers the wrist cuff he gave you and the tracking device he installed within it. He breathes a sigh of relief again when he pings your signal and realizes you’re nearby.

Din tracks your signal to the medical center, the sight of which makes his blood run cold because if you’re here that means that one of you must be hurt. He rushes inside but before he can ask anyone about you or the baby, he hears a frightened scream and then your voice shouting,

“NO! NO! Get away from me! NO!”

Din is back in full combat mode as he hurries towards the sound of your terrified voice. He finds you in a room with a round floating medical droid trying to administer an injection. You are curled up on the floor in a corner of the room with your hands over your face as you cry out in fear. Din shoves the droid out of the room forcefully before carefully approaching your huddled form.

“Shh, shh, it’s alright, it’s me, it’s Mando,” he says as he tentatively reaches out to you. “The droid is gone, and I’m here.”

You sob something that sounds like ‘Mando’ and launch yourself into his arms. You’re still crying hard when you get out the word, ‘baby’. Din looks around the room and thankfully he sees the child’s pram. He manages to reach the open button on his vambrace and the pram’s dome opens up to reveal the little one safe inside. The baby looks concerned at your distress and he lets out a sad-sounding coo.

“He’s alright, cyar’ika, the baby is safe, you did so wonderful protecting him.” Din holds you and runs a hand over your back, and he continues to whisper soothing words trying to calm you. A noise at the door causes him to look up and see two nurses there who are trying to figure out what all the commotion is.

“Sir, who are you and why is this patient out of her bed?” one of the nurses asks indigently.

“She’s terrified of that droid, you can’t let it near her again,” Din says, scooping you up in his arms and helping you back to the bed.

“Alright,” the other nurse says in a kinder tone, “but you can’t be back here unless you’re family.”

“I’m her husband,” Din snaps, knowing they won’t argue with that, “Now can someone tell me what happened?” His voice is demanding and rough.

“I’m sorry, sir, your wife was shot in the side,” the kinder nurse explains, “She’s lucky because the bolt missed her vital organs but she will need some time to heal. The droid was only going to give her a bacta shot.”

“She’s scared of that droid,” Din repeats, “Can’t one of you give it to her?” His tone of voice makes it clear that it’s a demand not a request.

“Maybe she’s just scared of the shot,” the indigent nurse says, a slight scoff to her tone.

“The shot is fine, just please not the droid,” you manage to say in a weak voice. You look at Din as you explain, “The Empire used medical droids for torture.”

Din remembers how you told him you were punished by the Imps when they discovered your sabotage, but you’ve never gone into details about that punishment. He has some idea now what they must have done to you, and why seeing another droid like that would cause such a negative response.

“No more droids are to come into this room,” Din instructs the nurses.

“Of course, sir, I’ll give her the shot myself,” the kinder nurse tells him, “I’ll be back in a moment.”

Din turns back to you and reaches up to smooth the tears from your cheeks. “It’s going to be okay, I won’t let anyone or anything hurt you.”

“Will you please stay with me?” you ask and you grip his hand tightly as if he might disappear.

“Nothing could make me leave you,” he says as he caresses your face.

A soft whine floats over to Din and you from the pram as the little one wants to know what’s happening. Din steps away from your side to quickly pick him up and bring him over to the bed with you. At first Din tries to just hold him close to you, but the child isn’t satisfied with that. Instead, he quickly climbs out of Din’s arms and onto the bed to nestle up against your chest, he then reaches up to touch your face with his little hand.

“Hi, buddy,” you say softly, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Din watches the two of you as a vast sense of gratitude washes over him; he’s so very thankful that you both are safe now and no lasting damage has been done. He holds your hand again and brings his helmet down to your head allowing him to watch over you and the child as close as possible.

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

Several hours later, you are doing much better after the bacta shot has done its work and the medical center releases you to go home. Din swipes a hoverchair and quickly steers you back to the Razor Crest; he insisted that you shouldn’t walk all the way back to the ship. Once on board again, he gets you safely tucked into your bed still with the child cuddled up against your side. The little guy refuses to leave you alone and even demanded to ride in your lap on the way back to the ship instead of returning to his pram.

With the three of you safely in space, Din returns to the hull. He’s pleased to see you’re resting comfortably as you talk softly to the child and he sets about to prepare some dinner for the three of you. It’s been hours since any of you have eaten and he’s sure you must be hungry. Din’s not as good a cook as you are, but he tries to add the little touches that you do for him like cutting up the fruit and arranging it on a plate, and adding honey to your tea the way that you like. When he brings your dinner over to you, he notices that the child has managed to use his powers to bring several of his stuffed toys over to your bed and he seems to be arranging them around you for additional snuggling.

“You’re doing a great job as a caregiver, buddy,” Din tells him chuckling.

“I keep telling him he’s being so sweet sharing his plushies with me,” you respond with a soft chuckle of your own.

Din helps you sit up, before handing you the dinner tray.

“Do you need help eating?” He asks concerned.

“Nah, I’m fine, Mando,” you tell him, “Really I feel much better; I don’t think I need to be in bed anymore.”

“You’re staying in bed for the rest of the day, and probably tomorrow too,” Din replies pointing his finger at you the way he does when he disciplines the child sometimes.

“Yes, Nurse Mando,” you reply cheekily.

“That’s right. Now eat your dinner before I feed you myself,” he says with a nod of his head.

After you’ve eaten, you’re still sitting up in bed and now you’re playing a little with the child and his plush toys as you tell him a story. Din can hear in your voice though that you’re tired and even though he knows you are doing better, you need your rest.

“Ok, kiddo, I think that’s the end of story time.” He comes over and picks up the child despite his little whines of protest.

“It’s alright,” you say softly.

“No, you need to get more rest,” Din tells you, “Besides, it’s time to get this guy cleaned up before he goes to bed.”

You can hear the sounds of water running in the fresher and Mando saying “Don’t look at me like that, she needs to rest so she can get better,” and it makes you smile. Both of your guys are being so sweet as they take care of you. You stretch back out against your pillows and close your eyes, and before you know it, you’ve drifted off to sleep.

When you awaken a while later, you see Mando sitting on a crate near your bed reading something on his holopad. He’s taken off his armor and is now more relaxed in his undershirt, trousers, and helmet only.

“Mando, is everything alright, what are you doing?” You’re surprised he’s not in bed himself or up in the cockpit where he’d be more comfortable.

“I didn’t want to leave you alone in case you needed something,” he tells you.

“That’s very sweet, Mando, but you must be getting tired,” you say.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” he replies. You know he can go for long stretches without sleeping, but it’s really not necessary now. Maybe there is a way you can get him to rest at least.

“You could come lie down with me,” you suggest and give him a small smile.

“There’s nothing I’d like better, but you’re hurt and you need to rest,” he says, but it’s clear from his tone that he’s tempted by your offer.

“I won’t do anything more than just cuddle with you, I promise,” you counter, and you give him the flirtatious look that you know he likes. It works like a charm and although he lets out one of his long-suffering sighs, he’s standing up and moving towards the bed.

“Alright, we’re just going to cuddle and you are going to rest and try not to move too much.” Mando may be trying to sound stern, but there’s an eagerness to his movements that gives away how much he wants to join you in the bed.

He lies down next to you on his back and puts his arm around you pulling you close to his side. You shift your position so that you can place your head on his chest and rest your hand on his stomach lightly. This way you can lie on your good side and take any pressure off the side that needs to heal. As you settle into him, Mando lets out a sound of contentment making his chest vibrate beneath you.

“Thank you, this is nice,” you tell him, “Plus, you’re so warm and cozy.”

He chuckles at that and rubs his large palm across your back, “It’s getting to where I can’t say no to you.”

“I see no problem with that,” you reply and you give his chest a kiss through his shirt.

“Mmm, I bet you don’t.” His chest rumbles again pleasantly against your cheek.

“Mando, I didn’t get a chance to really thank you earlier, but I want you to know you really helped me back at the med center.” You hope he understands how important he was for you in that moment.

“You don’t have to thank me for that, I could see how terrified you were and I knew you needed me.” Mando says softly and pulls you tighter to him. He pauses and then asks you, “When you said you were punished by the Imperials, did they… torture you with the droid?”

“Yes,” you tell him in a flat voice, “It would give various shots to induce different types of pain. It was horrible. Seeing that droid today felt like being back there, back in that terrible place. I- I don’t want to talk about it too much.”

“I understand,” Mando tells you, “I hate droids… well, there was one once who wasn’t so bad, but mostly I hate them.” His voice is gruff as he tells you this.

“Why do you hate them?” you ask.

“My home was destroyed by droids,” he says, “Everything was gone, my town, my friends, my parents, all killed.”

“Oh, Mando, how awful,” Your heart breaks for him, “That’s devastating. I’m so sorry for you.”

“I was only a child, and I would have been killed too if not for the Mandalorians who rescued me,” he explains.

“You were a foundling too,” you say softly.

“Yes,” he replies.

You’re quiet for a bit as you stroke his chest in a soothing manner. You know he’s supposed to be comforting you, but you want Mando to know that you’re here for him too. He brings his other hand up to cover yours. You realize that his glove is off and for the first time you are touching his bare skin. Your breath catches in your throat at the sensation and you revel in each tiny movement that he makes as he slowly explores your fingers with his. His hand is large and warm, and you marvel at how delicate and gentle he is as he touches you.

“You skin is so soft, cyar’ika,” he murmurs to you.

“Thank you,” you say softly, but then you can’t help but ask, “What does that word mean, cyar’ika?” He’s called you that a few times now and your burning curiosity can’t wait any longer.

Mando chuckles lightly, “Aren’t you the code-breaker? What do you think it means?”

“Oh, I see, a linguistic challenge, hmm?” You’re willing to play along and you take a moment to think.

“Well, you’ve used it in place of my name, so it could be a nickname, but based on context, I’d say it’s a term of endearment.” You lift your head up to look at him as you propose your theory.

“What do you mean?” He questions, intrigued.

“Well, if it were a nickname, I think you’d use it more frequently, and by my count you’ve only said it four times, which makes me think it must be more special than just a nickname. Plus I know you’ve said my name more often than that.”

“Oh?” He sounds amused.

“Yes, and when you said it was important too,” you explain, “Twice you said it when I was very distressed and you were sure to use a calming tone, but then, the other two times were when you gave me a compliment, and those times, you had a more romantic tone.”

He’s laughing openly now and shaking the whole bed as he does. Oh no, you’ve nerded him into hysterics, “Sorry, am I being too analytical?” you ask him sheepishly.

“No, no, I love how logical you’re being, cyar’ika,” he emphasizes the word again and his voice is caring as he tells you, “I’m impressed and entertained by how you think. I had no idea how much thought you’d put into it.”

“Well, am I correct though?” You’re still dying to know.

“Yes, you are,” he says between chuckles, and you smile up at him in response. He calms down a bit and then tells you, “It means sweetheart.” His voice is deeper as he says the word in Basic and you feel your stomach flutter in delight.

“I like that, Mando, I like it a lot; it’s such a beautiful word,” You wish you had a term of endearment for him that would sound even half as beautiful.

“Din,” he says to you.

“What?” you reply confused.

“My name is Din, Din Djarin,” he introduces himself to you, “I’d really like for you to call me by my real name.”

“It’s an honor to know you, Din Djarin,” you reply in as warm and loving a tone as you can, trying to show him how much it means to you that he’s sharing something so personal.

“The honor is all mine, cyar’ika,” he tells you and he squeezes your hand to punctuate his words, “You mean so much to me, I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.”

“I feel the same about you, Din.” Lying in his arms, it’s easy to tell him how you feel, and you realize how much you want him to hear it. “I was so worried when we were separated today, but when you found me, and I knew you were there, it just felt right, like I knew everything would be all right.”

Din pulls you in closer, hugging you as tight as he can without hurting you. He feels your arm snake around his waist to hold him tighter too and he feels a sense of true serenity. It’s a new emotion for him or at least one he hasn’t felt since he was very young. The two of you stay like that for a long time and as he listens to your breathing, he thinks perhaps you’ve fallen asleep. He relaxes his hold on you and thinks that maybe he should try to slip out of the bed so that you’ll rest properly, when he feels you stir.

“Din, will you teach me more Mando’a?” you ask, your voice sounding dreamy.

“Yes, but not tonight, you need to sleep,” he says softly but firmly.

“Ok, good,” you reply with a small yawn.

You settle back in to the bed a little and pull up the blankets around you more. Din starts to pull away from you little by little, but you’re having none of it and you grip him tighter.

“Are you trying to leave?” you ask, sounding only a little pouty, “Don’t you want to stay and cuddle?”

He sighs, “You need your rest, and I’m distracting you from that.”

“I’ll rest better with you here,” you insist.

“I’ll stay if you promise to go to sleep now,” he replies.

“Ok, I’ll go to sleep.” You’re quiet for a few seconds, but then you whisper to him, “Din?”

“Yes?”

“Goodnight,” you whisper, “I hope you sleep well.”

“Cyar’ika?”

“Yes?”

“Stop talking.”

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

Thank you so much for reading! Continue to Chpt. 6 Where no Mando Has Gone Before. If you’d like to be added to the tag list, just let me know!

By the way, do you all remember that droid from a New Hope that gave Leia the shot? That’s the one I was thinking of when I came up with how the reader was punished by the Empire. That thing gave me nightmares for weeks when I was a child.

Tag list: @overtly-cuteashell @grogusmum @imabeautifulbutterfly @wellofeternalthirst @idreamofboobear @theamuz @fangirlalexia @callmekane @im-the-nerdiest-of-them-a11 @theravenreads @nicotinebirds @boomtownboy @nova646 @wandering-storm-lost-shadow @becks-things @sleepwithacommunist @mackycat11 @som3thingcr3ative @punkdalek @pinkninja200 @s-unflowxr @ladyjenny19 @peppywitch @haley7242

#the mandalorian #din djarin #the mandalorian x reader #din djarin x reader #the mandalorian fanfiction #din djarin fanfiction #the mandalorian x female reader #din djarin x female reader #the mandalorian fanfic #din djarin fanfic

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star-spangledstud · 4 years ago

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MIND GAMES - ONE

Summary: You arrive at your new home. Steve is a blank canvas.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x (Female!)reader

Warnings: none (so far)

Note: Had to reupload cause instead of editing I accidentally deleted it.

Raindrops, heavy and loud against the window beside your head, clash against and glide down the glass in messy, squiggly lines. The title of the song playing on the radio, ‘Soft like Rain’, fits the scene almost perfectly. Almost, because the rain that pitter-patters against the fogged-up window isn’t very soft in nature. In fact, the droplets come down so hard they bang against the roof of the car, its sound almost entirely overtaking the mellow tones of jazzy piano and drums in the background. The lines obscure your vision of Times Square, lights from the streets blown out and blurred to look like colorful stars and wicked shapes in the darkness.

I hope I made the right decision.

Your breath further fogs up the glass when you sigh audibly. A pair of dark eyes can be found eyeing you carefully through the rearview mirror when you sink further down into your seat. They offer you a hint of concern, of uncertainty. Nick Fury doesn’t know whether you’ll be okay or not. He can’t tell just yet, but the glimmer of hope he feels inside tugging at his heartstrings motivates him to give you a shot.

“We’re almost there,” his voice is quiet and deep when he speaks for the first time since picking you up from the airport, “just a few more miles.”

Of course I made the right decision. I always do. When have I ever fucked up?

You nod in response without checking to see if he’s looking at you through the mirror again because he undoubtedly is. After all, it’s all he’s been doing for the last hour. If you were to study the look in his eyes or his inner monologue just a little longer, you’d find out he’s scared. Nick Fury is afraid, both of you and for you, and he doesn’t like it because Nick Fury doesn’t get scared. He’s seen so much, experienced so many horrors in his time that he genuinely didn’t think anything could frighten him any more. Past tense, because the you’ve clearly made him change his mind.

This could be the best thing I ever did, or the worst. Can’t wait to find out which one it is. Cap better not fuck this one up.

There are so many questions you want to ask, but the voice in his head is loud in such a confined space, and nothing appropriate comes to mind. All you can pay attention to is the rumbling of the engine and the occasional ambulance rushing by somewhere in the distance. In the meantime, the song on the radio changes and morphs into something that sounds more melancholic.

When the two of you finally pull up to the compound, the rain has mostly stopped. It’s only drizzling now, tiny drops tickle your face while you brush strands of dampened hair from your forehead. A chill runs along your spine when a gust of wind blows through your open jacket, and you immediately zip it up for extra warmth.

You quickly scan the building, breath hitching in your throat when you notice its sheer size. It’s huge, much larger than where you used to reside, and the bright blue Avengers logo on the front causes your heart to beat a little faster. Seeing that logo makes it real, you think. You’re not so sure if this is the right place to be, but you don’t believe you have a better option. Either way, you told yourself you wouldn’t fuck this one up, and you have no intention to break this promise. This is home now, or at least it will be for a little while, and as intimidating as it is, you’ll have to make it work.

You can adapt, you’ve done it before. Hell, you’ve done it more times than you can remember. It’s extremely easy to make the people around you feel at ease in your presence when you can literally read every single thought they’ve ever had.

“I’ve assigned you to our best agent. He’s going to accompany you wherever you go to keep you safe. You cannot, under any circumstance, leave the building without him. You will listen to him and do what he tells you to do because it’s in your best interest. If you need anything, ask him, and he will provide. Do not tell anyone private information. If you need to vent, tell him,” Fury pauses, waits for you to nod, “no phones, no computers and especially no social media allowed under any circumstances. We need to figure out how much they know first. Don’t worry, we got Tony and Banner on that one.”

Did I get it all? I’m getting too old for this shit.

He watches you intently while you have to stop yourself from chuckling, “Got it?”

You nod.

“I need a verbal confirmation,” he grumbles, sounding annoyed by his own protocol.

“Yes,” you mumble against the whistling wind, “I understand.”

“Good. Let’s get moving, then.”

The opulent, open design of the ground floor greets you warmly when you walk in. Your boots, black and caked with mud, make streaks of brown along the white linoleum with each step you take and creak beneath your feet when you force yourself to move slowly forward. Fury watches your gaze flickering across the entrance and motions for you to follow him to the elevators, which you do silently.

A look of disapproval follows when he notices the trail of mud you’re leaving behind, but he doesn’t say anything. It won’t do him any good to verbalize his annoyance, because you’ve already picked up on it. Still, you drag your feet in an attempt to make him think you aren’t listening.

“Gym is in the basement,” he comments after watching you eye all the buttons inside the elevator, “roof is a terrace and pad for the Quinjets. There’s a penthouse underneath you’ll see soon enough.”

You raise a brow, and to your surprise, he chuckles, “Christmas party.”

“All the other floors include a lab, living quarters, conference rooms with workspaces, IT, a weaponry and gear storage. There’s a training room attached to the building that offers simulations. The building has a common kitchen and living room, a game room, a movie theatre and some other crap. Steve will show you when he has time.”

Your voice is dry and hoarse when you speak, “Steve?”

The elevator comes to a halt on the fifth floor, and before Fury has time to reply, the doors open to reveal a tall, blonde man in the opening. His arms, broad and encased in royal blue wool, are crossed over his chest. He has a stern expression on his face and a deep crease in his brow until he sees you and Fury, standing so far apart both of you are nearly hugging the mirrors on the walls. Fury has some of the loudest thoughts you’ve ever heard, and being stuck in a tiny box doesn’t do the volume any favors.

A glimmer of amusement is evident in his light blue eyes when you get out of the elevator. You look awkwardly at Fury, who’s making no move to follow you into the hallway, leaving you standing with one foot in the hall and one still in the elevator.

“Steve,” Fury says with a nod of his head towards the stranger, “is the agent you’re assigned to. He’s the captain of the team. I’d love to stay and chat, but you know how it is. Things to do, people to see… Keep me posted, Cap. I’ll be back soon for updates.”

He nudges you softly until you fully exit the elevator, and wastes no time pressing the button that will lead him back down to the ground floor. The heaviness of Nick Fury’s presence and the loudness of his inner monologue disappears with him when he leaves. It’s not until the doors close behind you that you feel like you can finally breathe again.

You turn to the man in front of you when you notice how quiet it’s become, and you subconsciously tilt your head to the side when instead of a constant stream of low mumbling and whispering, you hear nothing at all.

Steve raises a brow when he notices the way you’re looking at him. The soft expression on his face falters just a moment, but he recovers quickly, deciding not to allow his concern to show for now.

“Hey,” he says “I’m Steve Rogers, captain of the team.”

It takes you a while to reply because you’re so focused on listening for his inner voice that you don’t even notice his rosy lips moving.

You swallow down a stream of curses in a variety of languages and force yourself to stand up straight when you realize he’s waiting for you to say something. What the fuck is going on, you think to yourself while you plaster a smile on your face.

“Yeah, I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Y/N,” you reply politely, “nice to meet you.”

“I hope Fury didn’t intimidate you too much,” Steve says with a chuckle, “the first conversation I had with him scared the hell out of me. To be fair, I did think I was still in the 40s.”

You bite your lip and shake your head, grip on the straps of your backpack tightening until your knuckles turn white. You’re glad he doesn’t extend his hand for you to shake. You assume he contemplated it. Don’t know for sure though, because it’s still quiet up there in his skull. Does this guy even think at all?

“Come on, let me show you to your room.”

Your footsteps echo against the walls when the two of you silently cross the hallway. In total, you count a number of six doors. You tip your chin up when you reach the end and take a moment to study the man’s appearance while he points to the door on the right. He’s even taller and broader than you imagined him to be when Fury pictured him in his mind for you to see. If the upward curl of his lips wasn’t so genuine and soft, you would have been terrified of how big he is.

“This is mine,” he says, “I’m right across the hall if you need anything. This is yours. Usually, the doors open with fingerprint recognition, but you have a key. Nobody else has a copy except for me, for safety reasons. I’m obligated to tell you that you aren’t allowed to make any more copies.”

“Wasn’t going to,” you reply quickly.

He pulls a short, silver key from his back pocket and places it gently in your open, shaky palm. He notices your fingers are shaky when you fumble with the lock and smiles again in an attempt to make you feel more at ease. It’s almost like he can read your mind instead of the other way around. That stupid smile pisses you off.

“You have your own private bathroom,” Steve explains while he follows you inside, “Fury told us you don’t own much, so I asked Natasha to get you some clothes. We can go out and buy you some more if you want, just let me know. Feel free to decorate the place however you want.”

“Natasha?” you ask while looking around.

“The best spy we have. You’ll get along just fine, I’m sure. Anyway, I’ll leave you to get settled for now. Don’t hesitate to knock on my door at any time, okay? I’m not supposed to leave for another mission for a few weeks until you get situated. We can explore the compound tomorrow if you’re up for it. Maybe you can meet some of the other team members while we’re at it. No pressure.”

“Thanks,” you swallow thickly, “Steve.”

“You’re safe here,” he presses, “don’t forget that.”

For a brief moment, you wonder how much he really knows. You knowFury’s told him and Tony a watered-down version of what you’ve told him, but the kindness in his voice allows you to believe he hasn’t heard much. Still, you try to enter his brain and find out yourself, but once again you come up with nothing.

You exhale loudly after Steve leaves and take a moment to look around the room you’re now supposed to call yours. It doesn’t feel like it belongs to you, not yet anyway, and you wonder how long it will take before you find yourself succumbing to a new routine.

You take a shower to warm your bones and wash your hair with the shampoo and conditioner that smell like papaya. The towel you use to dry off is too fluffy for your liking, and a look in the mirror reveals dark circles and sunken in cheeks. It’s fine, you think. You haven’t recognized yourself in years.

Your backpack finds its way onto the bed, which is big enough for at least three people to sleep in. You follow shortly after, arms spread wide across the silky, forest green sheets until you sink down so far they almost wholly envelop you. Your hair is sprawled messily across the pillows. They smell like lavender and fresh cotton, and the scent is so relaxing and calming that within just several minutes of staring up at the ceiling, you drift off into a dreamless sleep.

When you wake up in a cold sweat several hours later, your hands are curled tightly in small fists around the silk sheets that cling to your legs. It’s hot in your room even though the chills along your arms would suggest otherwise, and your eyes frantically scan the shadows that seem to momentarily engulf you. It takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and while you lie there in the dark, for several minutes, the only thing you can see is the vague outline of the face of a man.

As images from the dream you’ve just woken up from begin to fade, your heartrate slows down enough for you to remember where you are. You push the covers away from you and get up out of bed. You consider making a trip to the kitchen to get yourself something to eat, but you have no clue where the kitchen is located. Irritation pricks at your skin when your stomach rumbles loudly in the deafening silence, and five seconds later you’re stomping through the hallway with one goal in mind; to find something to eat.

The memory of Fury pointing out which floors of the building contain which rooms replays in your mind while you speedwalk through the hallway. You try to make a mental map of the compound for future reference just as you round the first corner, and in your state of tiredness and annoyance fueled by hunger, you don’t have time to realize Steve Rogers is on the other side of that corner.

Before he slams into you chest-first, his arms stretch out in front of him out of reflex. He grabs onto your shoulders and holds you steady while the both of you inhale sharply. Your head shoots up to meet his gaze, and he quickly releases his grip. What are the odds?

“Jesus Christ,” you gasp, “I didn’t see you.”

You didn’t hear him. That’s what you really want to say, but it wouldn’t make sense.

“I can tell,” he replies, “What are you doing awake?”

He’s tired, you can tell by the raspiness of his voice and the droopiness of his eyes, but he’s trying to hide his exhaustion by showing concern.

“I’m not trying to bail,” you cross your arms, “if that’s what you think.”

“I didn’t say that,” he replies, “didn’t think it, either.”

I wouldn’t know, you think.

You take a step back to study his face for a moment, unaware that you haven’t answered his question. When the silence between the two of you becomes nearly unbearably heavy, you finally speak up.

Your cheeks heat up, and you swallow thickly, “I was hungry.”

“Damn it,” he mutters under his breath, “of course. I’m so sorry, I should’ve given you something to eat. The kitchen’s all the way at the end of the hall, on the right. Fridge should be stocked. I think there might be some leftovers, if Sam hasn’t eaten them already. I gotta go, see you in the morning.”

As you watch him walk away in the opposite direction, you can’t help but wonder what the rush is all about. Perhaps he’s really eager to get back in bed, you muse, although you doubt that’s the real reason why he’s speedwalking away from his room in the middle of the night.

NEXT CHAPTER.

#marvel masterlist #steve rogers imagine #steve rogers fic #Steve Rogers #captain america #captain america fic #captain america imagine #captain america imagines #steve rogers x reader #captain america x reader #marvel imagine #marvel #chris evans x reader #chris evans imagine #chris evans #captain america fluff #captain america angst #steve rogers angst #steve rogers fluff

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beccalendsahand · 4 years ago

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Decor: Hana Yuuki translation

TakarazukaGRAPH April 2012: Decor segment with Hana Yuuki, translation under the cut

Whatever the time, wherever the place, the musumeyaku shine with beauty. We look at this aspect of their attraction through their stories from the stage!

Favourite Costumes:

Dance Olympia: Act 1 Scene 1- Sunrise Role: Briseis

A veiled headdress with beads decorating the forehead...It’s the kind of costume I’d wanted to wear at least once before I left Takarazuka. So I was so happy when I was given it to wear. The gold and white look so lovely together. During rehearsals I wore bits of cloth attached to my arms so that I could work out the best way to make the sleeves flutter.

The Poe Clan Role: Marybelle

There was this dress I wore for the prologue scene. The ribbons and every little detail were straight out of the manga, everything was created to look just like the original work. I was so happy to get to wear a costume that was completely new, and the sheer fabric on the sleeves and elsewhere was perfect for suggesting Marybelle’s transient state.

A Hairstyle That Brings Back Memories:

Koisuru ARENA

For Yuzuki Reon’s concert “REON!!” Yumesaki Nene changed her hair in every scene, so I wanted to step up to the challenge! There wasn’t much time between scenes so it was a lot of trial and error. When I was wearing this outfit, I had to take my hat off at one point. So I thought a side ponytail would go with the cool look of the costume. I had worked my hair so hard that after the concert was over it was unfortunately quite damaged! (laughs)

Nice Work If You Can Get It: Act 2 S6B Finale B Finale Lady S

When I spoke with the director and choreographer, they said that seeing as the dance was more mature, having my hair in a low bun would be more appropriate for the style we were going for. But I had already had my hair in a low bun for Dance Olympia, so I wondered how I could make it different. I tried to separate my fringe into ‘finger waves’ to match the 1920′s era, but I found it a bit of a battle to get it to suit my face! (laughs) After getting advice from Yuzuka, I kept adjusting and adjusting it, and just managed to perfect it before the opening night.

A Moment That Made My Heart Leap:

EXCITER!! 2018: Chapter 4 Love Exciter!! - Revolution of Love - Scene 15

Halfway through EXCITER!! 2018 there’s a number where everyone dances whilst watching Yuzuka. As I danced next to her, I was struck by how incredibly cool she looked without needing a flashy costume. I can’t explain it well but, I was shocked to see that she was not the Yuzuka I knew off stage, but the Yuzuka I knew as a natural and unpretentious performer, who at the same time, manages to be a dazzling presence on stage. I’m forever grateful that I share my life with such a person.

My Favourite Lines

“Once you become an adult, life can be very difficult so, (holds hand to chest) if you do not keep your dreams alive in here, you can easily be defeated by reality. However, you were always in my heart. And because of that, I was able to live my life” - From “A Fairy Tale: The Spirit of the Blue Rose” Charlotte Wheeldon (Hana)’s line

These were the words Charlotte says to the spirit of the blue rose, Elu. But, this show was the last production starring Asumi Rio, and so for me it’s tied to our relationship. I think she will become my own fairy spirit in that same way. It is also a line with lots of different interpretations, almost as if I were speaking on behalf of Asumi Rio fans. I would say this line to the Great Asumi every day with all of my heart.

“Please let me be the last bad decision you ever make” - From “Nice Work If You Can Get It” Jimmy Winter (Yuzuka)’s line

This is the line Jimmy says when he proposes to Billie at the end of the play but, rather than the words “I love you” or “Let’s get married”, he chooses these...untraditional words (laughs). But Yuzuka carries the line with so much of her warmth and kindness that it moves my heart so much that I am swept off my feet. I think Jimmy is the worst kind of man but (laughs) when Yuzuka says Jimmy’s lines like that, I just want to jump into her arms.

A Handmade Item

Dance Olympia: Act 2 Scene 8 Finale Lady S

There’s a scene where we sing “The Wings of the Heart” so first, I wanted a hairpiece that had the image of wings incorporated into it in some way. That would be the base. My hair would be done in a simple bun so I wanted to have the headpiece visible from the front as well as the back. It was Yuzuka’s first show as Top Star before her first Grand Theatre run, so I was very anxious. But, I threaded each feather into my headdress with a wish for the Flower Troupe to fly higher and higher... although I only made it for myself to wear! (laughs)

#hana yuuki #yuuki hana #takarazuka #interview #translation #interview translatation #beccatranslates #blahtranslations #華優希 #宝塚

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greenandribbonred · 4 years ago

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evermore | s. stilinski

chapter ii: in threes

summary: crows, a tattoo & a new threat

word count: 3,7k

warnings: dead animals (ya know, the crow scene) / burns

a/n: big thank you to everyone that has read and taken the time to like and reblog the last chapter! honestly, it means the world, even if it’s such a small gesture. also, I wanted to point out that since Sadie is still figuring things out, she’s a little bit in spectator mode for the moment and that’s why a lot of the chapter is just her thoughts and reactions. promise you’ll get more character interactions soon. thank you for reading and let me know what you think x

series masterlist

“I can’t believe you’re making me go to school,” Sadie complained for the eleventh time that day as she walked into the unfamiliar building, flanked by both Scott and Stiles.

She had protested about it when the boys had dragged her out of bed that same morning, made a fuss about it as she drank her orange juice a little after, and whined the whole car ride from Scott’s house - now also her temporary residency- all the way to school while Stiles tried to talk her into it and reassured her everything would be fine.

“Especially after telling me I’m a werewolf.”

Stiles shushed her with his eyes wide like saucers, a hand over her mouth and an overly dramatic expression of sheer terror plastered on his face. “Sadie, what have we talked about?”

“Sorry,” she threw her arms up in defense. “I’m still processing.”

It had been over a week since Scott had sat her down at the kitchen table and carefully explained to her what had actually happened when she had been attacked and what that bite was going to entail. She had been confused, to say the least, at what was going on and it had taken her a few hours of contemplation on her own before she was brave enough to go back downstairs and face the reality.

Turns out, - and this was just Deaton’s best guess - the full moon had affected her very strongly and very quickly after she was bitten, and she had wandered through the woods like a lost soul for two whole days, even in broad daylight, until she was able to break out of the haze, ending up in Beacon Hills to be found by Scott and Stiles.

Finding out Scott was also a werewolf was possibly the best news she had ever received - though she guessed it was easy to find anything to be a silver lining after discovering her new condition.

He had assured her that she wasn’t going to go through this new chapter of her life on her own and that they would be there for her every step of the way - that she was part of their small and abnormal pack now and they were going to take care of each other. She cried for an hour straight, not really sure if out of relief because of his words or terror for what had happened to her.

Scott had been nothing but supporting since the moment they had found her in the middle of the road, and she thanked the stars every night since then that it had been him who had stumbled upon her that night and not some other person.

For the very first time in a long time Sadie felt like her luck might have been changing - which could perfectly be the understatement of the century since she had just turned into a furry beast with claws and fangs and glowing eyes.

Everyone had been so helpful and welcoming to her and she didn’t know how to feel about it. She was extremely grateful, of course, but she wasn’t used to it, and she was unsure about what the appropriate reaction to it should be.

Scott had talked to his mother, who had kindly agreed to let her stay at their house for as long as she needed; Stiles had given her his old phone, so she could get in contact with them at any moment in case anything happened, and had managed to sign her up at school extremely last minute, which she appreciated, as much as she had complained about it.

Deaton, who she had found out was Scott’s boss, had helped her make sense of her new condition and had offered his help for anything she needed, whenever she needed; Lydia, who Stiles had introduced to her as another supernatural creature which they were still trying to figure out, had been so excited to take her out to buy some clothes, which she had also paid for.

Everyone had been so nice to her, and Sadie wasn’t used to people caring so much - not since her father’s death, at least.

“Besides, how did you even get me signed for this? Isn’t there like a ton of paperwork you have to fill out-”

“You don’t wanna know.” Stiles shook his head, pursing his lips and staring at her absentmindedly like he was recalling something. “Don’t worry your little head about it. Now,” He clapped loudly, slamming his locker door and making both Scott and Sadie jump. “Let’s just focus on going to class, do normal teenager things, don’t think about any of the stuff that starts with a ‘W’ or an ‘A’” He said, peering at Scott, who only stood there awkwardly.

“Anyway,” Stiles went on, dragging them both to their first lecture of the day - english.

The three of them entered the classroom, the boys sitting down next to each other. Sadie looked around as more students settled in their seats, panic slowly coursing through her as some eyes started falling on her.

They’re not looking at you, Sadie, you’re fine.

But they were - they obviously were. She began to feel nervous as the reality settled in. She was actually in school.

Sadie had never liked school - or the teachers, or the classmates, or anything that had to do with it, really. It had always felt more like a prison to her, instead of the safe haven that all the social workers had tried to convince her it was. School was supposed to be very important for foster kids, something that could give them stability and so very needed friendships and social connections, but it had never felt right to her.

Socializing or making friends wasn’t her forte, and neither was studying, so she always felt out of place and on edge. Leaving foster care had meant she didn’t have to go to school anymore, - that being one of the reasons she had left early - but there she was, once again.

“Sadie,” Stiles called out, grabbing her hand from where he was sitting. With a comforting squeeze and a reassuring smile, he guided her to the empty seat to his left.

Sadie smiled back at him, nodding her head and sitting down as she mouthed a ‘thank you’ that she had meant to actually say out loud, but had instead got stuck in her throat.

She settled down and opened her books, watching the painfully awkward exchange Scott was having with his ex-girlfriend, Allison, and she couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle from the second hand embarrassment, already feeling so much better now that she knew she wasn’t the only one going through it at the moment.

Scott glanced her way from his seat with a dumbfounded expression. Stiles gave him a sarcastic thumbs up accompanied with a silly grin, and she chuckled again, this time a little louder.

Scott had told her about Allison and their short lived love story, and it genuinely saddened her that so many things had come between them to the point where it was best if they weren’t together anymore. They were just teenagers. She couldn’t even imagine what it was like to be basically forced to stay away from your first love when there’s clearly something still between them.

Suddenly, all phones in the classroom started buzzing and ringing, including Sadie’s. She reached into her back pocket for it, surprised since the only people that would message her were all sitting down right next to her. She unlocked the device to find it was a message by an unknown number.

“The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway, leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed somber under an overcast sky, seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness.” A young woman that appeared to be in her late twenties walked into the class, all eyes fixed on her with bewildered expressions as she quoted the message that had been sent to all of them.

“This is the last line to the first book we are going to read.” She spoke. “It is also the last text you will receive in this class.” She continued with a smug expression. “Phones off, everyone.”

That was one way of making a first impression to your new students.

Sadie wasn’t sure if she liked her for her unusual and original introduction to the class, or if it felt a little too pretentious and stalkerish given she had managed to get a hold of everyone’s phone numbers. It was kind of strange, in her opinion.

• • •

Thankfully, Sadie was good at English. She liked that a lot of it was subjective and left to the reader’s interpretation, opposed to the strict logic of mathematics or the confusing physics. She enjoyed English, and it made sense to her.

Ms. Blake had assigned them some exercises to complete in class, and Sadie had managed to stay focused on them until a voice disturbed her peace.

“Mr. McCall,” Ms. Blake called out.

Scott looked up at her with a confused expression as she gestured for him to get up with an overly kind smile. He picked up his things and followed her out of the classroom.

“Where’s he going?” Sadie whispered, leaning into Stiles’ side.

“I don’t know, can you hear anything?” He said, leaning in too and pointing at his ear so she would understand what type of hearing he was referring to.

Sadie didn’t quite yet know how to put her newfound supernatural abilities to use, but she had gotten the hang of the enhanced hearing fairly quickly.

Trying to focus under the expectant stare of Stiles, she managed to catch what they were saying, though it still sounded a little muffled and distant, not being able to completely isolate their voices from everyone else’s in the school. She still had to practice.

“His mom called, she needs him for something. Do you think it’s something-” she paused, implying she was referring to the supernatural.

“Could be,” he answered. “Let’s not worry yet, okay?” he said when he saw her concerned expression.

Sadie had only known Scott and Stiles for a few days, but she already felt very protective over them. They had been the ones to save her that night and she felt like she was in debt to them in some way, even if they had insisted multiple times - every single time she had thanked them, actually, and it had been many times already - that she didn’t owe them anything and she was a part of their bizarre little family now.

Getting close to people had always been very difficult for her. When she left foster care she wasn’t emotionally prepared to be thrown into a situation like this - creating new bonds and friendships she wasn’t used to and having to trust unconditionally. It had never been her intention to get close to anybody new, afraid of what could happen if she did, and yet there she was. Caring about people.

It’s not that she was cold or a hard egg to crack that simply didn’t care for meaningful relationships with other people. She was the complete opposite, actually: way too sensitive sometimes, extremely caring and warm; compassionate, kind and overall a sweetheart with a heart of gold that had been broken way too many times for her young age. It was just hard for her to show all of these things sometimes. She couldn’t afford losing anyone else, so she mostly kept to herself.

Stiles had told her to not worry - at least not yet - so she tried to distract herself and focus solely on the exercises Ms. Blake had assigned them. She found it extremely hard though with Stiles’ loud whispering to Lydia, who was sitting right in front of her.

“Has it ever bitten you before?”

Lydia shook her head to his question, visibly annoyed at him. Sadie could already see the wheels turning in Stiles’ head, putting two and two together like she had seen him do multiple times already in the few days they had known each other. He was a clever guy that saw things clearly where others didn’t. She really admired him for that.

“Okay, what if it’s, like, the same thing as the deer? You know, like, how animals start acting weird right before an earthquake or something?”

She was about to ask what he meant with the deer, but refrained from doing so when she saw the look Ms. Blake was giving them for speaking. She didn’t want to be told off on her first day of school.

“Meaning what? There’s gonna be an earthquake?” Lydia was clearly done with him and all she wanted was to get back to her exercises.

“Or something, I just-” he insisted. “Maybe it means something’s coming. Something bad.”

Sadie didn’t like the sound of that at all.

“It was a deer and a dog. What’s that thing you say about threes? Once, twice,” Something slamming hard against the glass window behind Lydia interrupted her, leaving a gruesome patch of blood and black feathers behind.

“Oh, god,” Sadie jumped back from the window in shock, pushing herself back on her chair towards Stiles.

Everyone in the classroom stood still in confusion at what had happened, staring at the window the poor bird had crashed against. All of a sudden, the sound of birds shrieking could be heard clearly. All eyes fixed on the windows, they saw what almost seemed like a hundred crows approaching the school, as if flying away from something.

“Stiles,” she stuttered, their eyes quickly meeting in panic before darting back towards the birds.

“Get down!”

One after the other, the crows flew right into the windows of the classroom, and the glass gave in, shattering as more and more of the birds crashed against it. Pure instinct coming over her, Sadie reached forward towards Lydia, crouching down and covering her with her own body. She felt someone doing the same to her, their chest pressed tightly against her back and their arms wrapping around both her and Lydia.

After what felt like minutes of terrified screams and sheer panic, it was over. Sadie locked eyes with Stiles when he unwrapped his arms from around her.

“You okay?” He asked as he helped her and Lydia up, looking around the devastated classroom. The tables had been pushed around and there were black feathers and dead birds laying down everywhere.

Sadie chuckled at his question, trying to ease the tension and the adrenaline still rushing through her veins. She had to laugh at something or she would start crying.

“School is great.”

• • •

“Yeah, I see it. It’s two bands, right?” said Derek, flashing his glowing red eyes towards Scott’s arm.

Scott hummed in agreement.

Derek, who Sadie was finally meeting for the first time after hearing countless tales of him, came off to her as a much nicer guy than Stiles had described him to be. A bit dry and brooding, yes, but nothing she couldn’t get behind.

“What does it mean?”

Sadie and Stiles had left school right after the accident with the birds, too shaken up to go on with the rest of their lectures. Stiles had told her about the terrified deer that had run into Lydia’s car the day before and why he believed they had a reason to be worried about it after what had happened at english class. She trusted his instincts and if he was sure something was going on, then she believed him.

Scott had told them to meet him at Derek’s old house in the woods, without further explanation. Turns out, he had had a bit of an encounter at the hospital, where he had gone to after his mother had told him Isaac, another werewolf, had been badly injured by an alpha.

“I don’t know,” Scott replied. “It’s just something I trace with my fingers,” he drew a small circle surrounded by a bigger one on the dust that had accumulated on top of a table.

“Why is this so important to you?” Derek asked, referring to the tattoo on Scott’s arm that wasn’t visible to the human eye.

“Do you know what the word ‘tattoo’ means?”

“To mark something,” Stiles jumped in, playfully winking his eye at Derek, who only looked at him with an indifferent expression.

Sadie bit down on her lip, holding back a chuckle at their interaction.

“Well, that’s in Tahitian,” Scott continued talking. “In Samoan, it means ‘open wound’. I knew I wanted to get a tattoo when I turned 18, I always wanted one. I just decided to get it now, to make it kind of a reward.”

“For what?”

“For not calling or texting Allison all summer. Even when I really wanted to, even when it was hard sometimes. I was trying to give her the space she wants. Going four months later, it still hurts. It still feels like,”

“Like an open wound,” Sadie finished for him in a shaky voice. She knew a thing or two about open wounds.

He loves her so much, she thought. He understood she needed her space and time after her mother’s death, and he had refrained from contacting her all summer, even if it pained him. She admired him for that. She couldn’t fathom what having to stay away from someone you love felt like. She wouldn’t be able to.

The three men gazed at her, her eyes glinting and throat burning. She swallowed hard and tried to compose herself, blinking the tears away and twiddling her mother’s ring between her fingers. Stiles looked at her with a soft smile.

She hadn’t told him - or anyone, really - about her parents, all he knew is that she had been at foster care before they met her. Still, he could tell by the little things she had let slip here and there in between conversations, and he understood.

“The pain’s gonna be worse than anything you've ever felt,” Derek carried on, picking up a blowtorch and a lighter.

“Ah, that’s great.” Stiles pouted, nodding in nervousness at what was about to happen.

��I don’t know if I can look at it,” Sadie turned around, facing Stiles who looked as uneasy as her.

She didn’t feel like watching Scott in excruciating pain as Derek burned his arm with a freaking blowtorch. Stiles didn’t like the situation either.

“Do it.” Scott said convinced.

Derek proceeded lighting up the blowtorch and Sadie almost passed out.

“Oh, wow.” both Stiles and Sadie cried out at the same time.

“That’s a lot for me, so, I’m gonna take that as my cue. I’m just gonna go wait outside.” said Stiles, hands in his pockets and already exiting the room under Derek’s deathly stare.

“No, you stay,” Sadie pulled him back towards her. “Moral support.”

“You can help hold him down.”

Stiles walked behind Scott reluctantly and held onto his shoulders. “Oh my god,” he exclaimed as Derek got closer to Scott with the blowtorch.

Sadie crinkled her nose up as the fire made contact with his skin, his eyes glowing yellow and his fangs extending. She had to turn away and face the wall when his pain filled cries got louder. All she could hear were the earsplitting screams Scott was letting out as his skin boiled under the fire.

• • •

“Well, it looks pretty damn permanent now.” Surely enough, the two black lines had appeared on Scott’s bicep right after he had passed out from the pain.

“It looks great,” Sadie said sincerely, giving Scott a genuine smile.

“Thanks, I kinda needed something permanent.” Scott agreed. “Everything that’s happened to us, everything just changes so fast. Everything’s so...ephemeral.”

Both Sadie and Stiles stared at him with impressed faces at his usage of the advanced word. The three began walking out of the house and back to the jeep.

“Studying for the PSATs?” asked Stiles.

“Yup.”

“Nice.”

With a gleeful and proud smile, Scott opened the door, already stepping outside before he stopped dead on his tracks.

“You painted the door,” he pointed out to Derek, staring at the red door with narrowed eyes. “Why’d you paint the door?”

Now, that was weird. Why would Derek paint the door of his abandoned house? The place definitely needed a much bigger makeover than a layer of paint on a door.

“Go home, Scott.” Derek said with a defying tone.

“And why only one side?” Scott wondered again ignoring him, his brows furrowed. He flicked out his claws and scraped out the paint with one of his fingers.

“Scott,” Derek called out, walking towards him as he started scratching at the door furiously to remove the paint.

And surely enough, whatever inkling Scott had had about the newly painted door was, in fact, correct. A symbol was drawn under the paint. A symbol, or some kind of warning.

“The birds at school and the deer last night...just like the night I got trampled by the deer when I got bit by the alpha,” Scott was starting to put two and two together.

Derek didn’t look happy.

“How many are there?”

“A pack of them,” Derek sighed, finally giving in to Scott’s questions. “An alpha pack.”

Sadies eyes went wide.

How was that even possible? And what did the symbol on the door mean? How worried should they be?

“All of them? How does that even work?” Stiles asked, as if reading her mind.

“I hear there's some kind of a leader. He's called Deucalion,” Even the name sounded scary. “We know they have Boyd and Erica. Peter, Isaac, and I have been looking for him for the last four months.”

Sadie was still catching up with everything that Scott and Stiles had told her, but she recognized the names of Boyd and Erica as Derek’s betas.

They were just teenagers. They had been held by this alpha pack for four whole months? She was terrified now.

“Let's say you find them.” Scott stepped forward. “How do you deal with an Alpha pack?”

“With all the help I can get.

Sadie was ready to help. She couldn’t even imagine what the poor betas had been going through for months. They had to help them.

“Where is she?” Another voice suddenly jumped in. It was Isaac, another one of Derek’s betas who had been passed out on a table the whole time they had been there. He had just woken up from the anesthesia. “Where's the girl?” he inquired, a panicked look on his face.

Everyone else in the room looked at each other with the same confused expressions.

“What girl?”

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nour386 · 4 years ago

Text

A Picnic In the Woods

Stanford And Fiddleford have a nice day out with one another and enjoy a picnic in the Gravity falls woods.

(also on ao3!)

This is my secret Santa Gift for @pirably who wanted some Fiddauthor fluff. nothing explicitly romantic, just the boys being happy. I hope I met your expectations!

~~~

The sun shone through the tree branches above as Stanford led the way through the woods. There was a cheerful spring in his step when he looked back and saw Fiddleford not far behind, with a picnic basket in hand. A whole day free to themselves, no anomalies to study or machines to work on. His mind ran wild with possabilities.

‘Perhaps we’ll find a new cryptid. Or Perhaps we’ll find a secret city of fairies and become crowned kings or maybe-’

Stanford was pulled out of his thoughts by a gentle pull on his shoulder.

“You’re getting ahead of yourself.” Fiddleford smirked.

“You don’t know that.” Stanford crossed his arms.

“You had that look on your face. The one you have when you’re thinking of finding a magical creature.” Fiddleford pointed at his own face, making a wide-eyed look of wonder with his jaw hanging open. “Kinda like this.”

“That’s an absurd and frankly poor imitation of-” Stanford’s statement was interrupted as a fairy flew past, leaving sparkling dust in her path; and he found himself making the exact expression.

“You’re adorable.” Fiddleford ruffled Stanford's hair. “Come along, times a wastin’ and our lunch ain’t gonna stay warm forever.”

“Are you saying that a brilliant inventor such as yourself hasn’t already designed a device that could not only keep meals warm for hours, but also feed the user?” Stanford asked, spreading his arms in the air.

“Sounds to me like someone is dropping not-so-subtle hints that he’s too lazy to eat at appropriate times.” Fiddleford lowered Stanford’s left arm out of his face. He slid his hand down the researcher’s arm so that they were holding hands.

Stanford paused, looking down to make sure he wasn’t misunderstanding what his hands were feeling. His cheeks flushed red when he saw that they were indeed holding hands. He felt Fiddleford interlace their fingers; and his cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson.

“You-uh-I-” Stanford rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand.

“You’re like a little kitten.” Fiddleford cooed. His smile grew further as he watched his boyfriend squirm under his affection.

“How’s that? If it’s about my sneezing again-”

“I was going to say that you’re both adorable, and easily held. Just like a little kitten.” Fiddleford pulled Stanford closer to leave a soft kiss on his forehead.

“How could you take advantage of my distracted state in such a way, Fiddleford?” Stanford said in mock shock. “I trusted you in my vulnerability, and you treat me like this.”

“I just realised something else that makes ya just like a kitten,” Fiddleford rolled his eyes. “You’re overly dramatic when it comes to the tiniest things.”

“This talk of cute things reminded me of something,” Stanford said.

“Oh do tell,” said Fiddleford.

“I’ve been hearing rumors about creatures who are so cute that any who feast their eyes upon them are compelled to obey their every command.” Stanford spoke excitedly, there was a shine in his eye.

“Well we can rule you out from being one of them.” Fiddleford said smugly.

Stanford shook his head. “You were just singing my praises on my cuteness, what made you change your mind so suddenly?”

“Oh I didn’t say that.” Fiddleford corrected. “All I’m saying is that after this morning, I don’t think you have the power of manipulating people with your cuteness.”

“Listen, getting Stanley to leave his bed before noon is like trying to break down a wall using a sewing needle.” Stanford shrugged.

“Anyway, you were saying something about a creature that, despite all logic, is somehow cuter than you?” Fiddleford said.

“Hmm,” Stanford tapped his chin before snapping his fingers. “Yes! Now my informant was a gnome, so this information might not be too reliable. However I am planning a small expedition next week to find out more.”

The pair continued to walk through the woods. Stanford happily rattled off information about the many wondrous creatures he intended to study and the potential discoveries that were waiting for them in the coming months.

All the while Fiddleford listened intently. While he did not hold the same enthusiasm that Stanford had for the unknown, he did enjoy listening to the way Stanford’s voice sounded when he got excited,he way he’d talk faster as though all his thoughts wanted to get out at once.

Even now, watching Stanford go on about the feuds amongst the many fairy kingdoms and how he hoped to bridge peace to (or at least document the fall out). Fiddleford felt the sheer glee that dripped from Stanford’s voice as he spoke. It was infectious, and Fiddleford found himself matching the spring in his boyfriend’s step as they walked together.

“Oh! We’ve almost arrived.” Stanford pointed at a gap amongst the trees ahead of them.

“Thank the Lord.” Fiddleford sighed.

“You aren’t tired already are you?” Stanford teased.

“I’m sorry, were you the one carrying our picnic basket the entire trek?” Fiddleford shot back.

“I offered to carry it but you said you wanted to,” said Stanford . “You’ve no one to blame for your tiredness but yourself.”

Fiddleford huffed. “You’ll understand when we get there.”

The pair walked through a gap between two tall redwoods. Before them was a small clearing. A small pond sat near the centre, the rest of the ground was covered in short grass. With the sky above and the trees on the far side of the clearing provided a good amount of shade to hide away from the heat.

“Now this is very picturesque.“ Fiddleford rested his hand on his hip.

“All it needs is a hill and it’d look like every picnic in those old stories.” Stanford led the way to the shadow of the trees.

“Knowing this place I doubt we’d be able to climb up a hill without having to answer some arbitrary number of riddles.” Fiddleford said as he followed Stanford’s lead.

Stanford laughed. “With a mind as sharp as yours? I doubt you’d need to worry about riddles.”

“Speaking of my sharp mind.” Fiddleford pulled on Stanford's hand, bringing his boyfriend to a stop. “I might have built something to help us with setting up our picnic.”

“Oho?” Stanford raised his brow. “The floor is yours.”

“Just a moment.” Fiddleford stepped forward, letting go of Stanford’s hand. This made the researcher give a small whine. Fiddleford rolled his eyes as he placed the picnic basket down on the grassy floor. He picked up a long stick from the ground beside him and walked back to Stanford's side. “Now, prepare to be amazed.”

Stanford watched with bated breath as Fiddleford took the stick and tapped the side of the picnic basket three times. Four thin metallic arms emerged from beneath the blanket covering the basket and began to unfold it. With the blanket out of the way, Stanford could see a small robot, rectangular in shape with the aforementioned limbs connected to it. It dusted the blanket before gently laying it on the grass beside the basket. Pressing its hands against the ground, the robot lifted itself out of the basket. It rested its metallic body on the blanket and reached for the food hidden in the basket. In no time at all the robot had placed the impressive spread of food across the blanket.

A roast chicken was placed in the centre of the blanket, surrounded by many sandwiches. They had a variety of fillings, ranging from the simple ham and cheese to more strange, like pickles and mayonnaise. An assortment of fruit, that had been freshly bought from the market the previous day, was placed in a small bowl in the centre of the blanket. Next to that bowl was a bag of jelly beans, as well as a pair of fizzy drinks that Fiddleford knew Stanley wouldn’t miss.

“Pretty impressive eh?” said Fiddleford.

Stanford was unable to answer as he stared in awe at the robot that, having finished its job, neatly folded itself back into the picnic basket.

“Hello? Stanford? You in there?” Fiddleford waved his hand in front of the researcher’s face.

“Fiddleford, that was amazing!” Stanford jumped up and hugged his boyfriend tightly.

“Stanford- you’re- crushin’ me-” Fiddleford coughed.

“Oh, my apologies.” Stanford let him down with an embarrassed smile on his face. “But yes, you did an impressive job with that machine.”

Fiddleford took a deep breath. “I’d have said you were only saying that because I was your boyfriend, if it weren’t for you almost breaking me in two.”

“I was caught up in the moment,” Stanford said. “I was handed the opportunity to watch one of your machines in person. What was I meant to do? Give one of those painfully boring claps like they do at those golf games that Stanley skips past on TV?”

“You might have a point. That did feel a lot more personal than just a clap.” Fiddleford tapped his chin in thought. “But a warnin’ beforehand would be preferred.”

“That can be arranged.” Stanford grinned. “But, before we continue that discussion, how about we enjoy this spread before the ants get to them?”

“Not magical ants I hope.” Fiddleford shuddered.

“You’ve heard of fire ants? Well these are ice ants!” Stanford wriggled his fingers sinisterly. A cheeky smile spread across his face as he continued. “It’s said that their bite can result in frostbite and perhaps even soggy sandwiches if left out in the sun for too long.”

“Then we better get to eating.” Fiddleford rolled his eyes, taking a seat on the blanket.

Stanford stayed standing for a moment. Choosing to savour the sight of Fidddleford sitting in the shade of the trees with a small smile on his face. His golden brown hair shone in the flakes of sun that made it through the branches of the trees that towered above. The engineer was reaching for a sandwich before he realised that he was alone on the blanket. He looked up at Stanford and sighed.

“You shoulda brought your camera.” Fiddleford said. “A picture would last much longer.”

“Now where would the fun be in that?” Stanford sat opposite his boyfriend.

“The fun would be in eatin’ before those ‘ice ants’ get to your food.” Fiddleford threw a sandwich at Stanford.

“Fine fine.” Stanford chuckled. He unwrapped the sandwich before checking the filling. “Ugh, did you grab any random combination of ingredients from the kitchen and put them together?”

“Only for a couple of them.” Fiddleford smiled. Leaning forward, Stanford caught a peak at FIddleford’s sandwich and recognised pickle slices and mayonnaise poking out of the bread. “Makes this into a fun little game of sandwich roulette.”

“Either that, or I have to seriously consider buying you a cookbook.” Stanford sighed. He took another bite of his sandwich. It had a thick slice of cheese between two different flavoured spreads of jam. It was a curious mix of sweet and savoury, but not as bad as he was expecting.

The pair sat together, enjoying the warm afternoon, chatting idly as they ate. They tossed the sandwiches back and forth, daring one another to try out the strange combinations that Fiddleford had concocted. The pair laughed at the way their faces twisted with disgust after a biting into the sandwiches. From sardines and jelly to cucumbers and cheese, the pair passed around the strange flavours before moving on to the main course of their picnic.

While Fiddleford had been proud of the terrible sandwich flavours had concocted, he also knew the value of providing a real meal. He handed Stanford a knife to cut up the chicken, while he prepared the proper sandwiches for them. A quick spread of mayonnaise on a clean slice of bread along with a generous cut of chicken made a simple but tasty chicken sandwich. With Stanford’s nod of approval, Fiddleford made a couple more before digging in himself.

Having finished their lunch, the pair lied back on the now empty blanket and enjoyed the stiff breeze that was blowing through the clearing. They watched the clouds, or Stanford did at least; he had one hand in the bag of jelly brands and the other gently holding Fiddleford’s hand. The engineer rested his head on his free arm and listened to Stanford talk about the different clouds types, and how the many different anomalies viewed them. How some clan of trolls saw storm clouds as warning from ancient giants and would hide themselves underground. Despite his best efforts to stay attentive, the comfort that came from Stanford's voice, the warm sun and his full belly, made him succumb to his drowsiness. Fiddleford gave a small yawn before falling to sleep. Stanford's eyelids felt heavy. He rolled over to find Fiddleford snoring softly. With a small smile, Stanford wriggled closer to his boyfriend so that their foreheads were resting against one another. Feeling a little bit cheeky, he gave a small peck on Fiddleford’s nose.

‘A short nap won’t hurt,’ he thought, before letting himself fall asleep.

I’d like to thank my beta reader @introvert-no-chameleon for their awesome work with helping me fix my grammar.

#Gravity falls #Fanfic #Stanford pines #Fiddleford Mcgucket #Fiddauthor #Nour's art #The Author #Old man mcgucket

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jenivi7 · 4 years ago

Text

First Lines Tagging Meme

I'M SO HAPPY TO BE TAGGED IN THIS TWICE! Thank you @ink-flavored and @clyde-side !! (I almost just did this on my own too because I love babbling about my own fics...)

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line.

Now pinned and under a cut because it became a really long, really good introduction to me and my stories!

Hello!

Unnecessary and overly wordy introduction/personal musings: I love opening lines so much. When I worked at a bookstore, I used to open books and hardcore judge them on their first lines. I had barely any free time to read at that point so if it didn’t grab me in the first line or two, I put it back. The first Harry Potter book is actually in my pile of really good openers. “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” (Subtle alliteration, HELLO??) So I'm super excited to see if my own first lines come even close to the standards that I apply to other people lol. MY OWN MONEY IS ON NO. I have the feeling that I'm so frantic trying to get the story down on paper before the good words disappear from my head that I'm not actually paying attention to the first line. BUT LET'S SEE, SHALL WE.

So just straight up going backwards, I've written and posted TWO BRAND NEW THINGS after being away from fandom almost entirely for 10+ years! They're drabble length but they're shiny and new! <3 (All available fics are linked!)

1. Tango:

She teaches them to dance so that they can dance with her but when Atem gets that mischievous smirk on his face and pulls Yugi into his arms, their bodies spark and the dance floor smolders at their heels.

(The fic is so short that this is a full 1/5 of it but actually, I think I crammed all the good stuff right into that first line. This already might be my favorite. Like it says there in the line itself, Puzzleshipping.)

2. No Betting:

Anzu sat at the kitchen table writing carefully calculated answers onto sticky notes before attaching them to a fourth-grade math worksheet.

(Peachshipping! This one doesn't pop off until about line five so here's the rest of that bit:)

She had the same arrangement with her spouse as most parents had. When the kids were good they were hers. When they were bad, they were his. And when they were winning at games because they picked up rules with uncanny speed and read their opponents with more insight than ought to be available to a child, they were definitely, definitely his.

3. If you wanted honesty that's all you had to say (working title):

When he realized that the figure sitting under the game shop display window and smoking wasn’t Ryou, the physical body response was as though it had discovered a coiled snake not two feet away.

(This one! It's a NEW half finished(?) WIP. I actually started this one before the drabbles but wanted to finish before posting it. Then it got out of hand, then work got out of hand, then I started a couple more projects and well. I keep putting words on it though and eventually there will be a Kleptoshipper that turns into Puzzle and Tender for your reading enjoyment. Also, fair warning - don't use song lyrics as a working title. Every time I look at the document I get the song stuck in my head.)

Now we have polished up reposts of old stories for their move to AO3, where I'll basically keep my master archive. Not full re-writes but I fixed a bunch of typos and awkward sentences and they're much stronger for it. Most of these are from a pairings contest way back when so LOTS of different pairings and lots of AUs!

4. Human:

It was like a bad noir, the thought crossed both of their minds.

(Scifi AU, Rivalshipping. That one's not bad for a first line. Actually no link at the time of writing cause the re-edit is going up in like, a half hour? an hour? a half day? It's my next project after finishing this, finishing up the edit and posting it on AO3. Now with link!)

5. Blood:

Fingers through midnight black hair, whispers in his ear, touches that sizzled along the skin, awakening nerves and senses.

(Dungeonshipping, Pegasus x Otogi, vampires AU. Oh that’s a nice first line! <3)

6. Crazy for You:

The keys are too large and too heavy for the doctor more used to more modern facilities but she doesn't say anything, just follows the orderly as he pulls the large door open.

(Manipulashipping, Anzu x Marik, Psychward AU. Still one of my favorites from that era. Big bold warning though, THIS ONE CONTAINS NON-CON)

7. Finality:

“What are you doing here?”

“Saying goodbye.” Bakura’s translucent arms swept across the graveyard. “Is this not an appropriate place for it?”

(First two or so bits of dialogue as the first first is a generic question. You can tell this is one of the really old ones just by that but it's a sweet, sad little Tendershipper that still has a special place in my heart.)

8. Pieces of You:

Glitter caught the light, leaving shimmering trails in the air as it got everywhere.

(Glittershipping, Anzu x Kisara. Another one that's special to me. Kisara is my girl and my first writing muse. <3)

9. Cambodia:

“It was summer of fifty three...”

“Wait a minute, wait a minute, it can't have been fifty three. You might be that ancient but I'm not. It must have been sixty three.”

(Jiishipping. Yes. Sugoroku x Arthur. HEY, IT CAME UP IN THE RANDOM DRAW FOR THE SHIPPING CONTEST OK. And my writer's brain hasn't backed down from a challenge yet... Another one that takes 4 lines to pop off but it's a good start. Actually, here's the rest of the bit just because I cannot get enough of these two bickering:)

“What do you mean it must have been sixty three? You don't even know what story I'm trying to tell.”

“Am I in it?”

“What?”

“So you're deaf now as well as daft? AM I IN IT?”

“Of course you're in it, y'old coot. Don't know why I'd tell a story without you in it when both grandkids are sitting here.”

10. Coffee and Cigarettes:

"Cigarettes and coffee? That's not a very healthy lunch."

Mana crossed her legs and took a refined sip of her own coffee even as her company was not.

(Mischiefshipping, Mana x Thief King Bakura. Oh this one I'm actually sad that it doesn't immediately sparkle in the first line cause it's one of my absolute favorites of everything I've written. And I think it's the only time I've ever written Mana but I LOVED IT AND HER. Oh no! I lied, I've written her at least one other time though I don't think that one quite captures her sheer chaos energy like this one does.)

11. A Million Missed Chances:

Somewhere along the line, someone made a choice.

(This one. THIS ONE. I think this is by far the most epic idea I've tackled. I still don't know if the sheer scale of the thing came across in the actual fic but in my head it was massive and I remember pounding away at my teeny tiny laptop late at night because the whole thing hit me maybe a day or so before the story was due for the pairings contest. We only had a week to write each fic and my really good ideas never came to me before the very last minute. T.T Conquestshipping, Mai x Valon.)

12. A Fear of Falling:

She drove.

Like she always did when something bothered her.

(Oh the first chapter on this is also one of the really ancient ones. Like one of the very first things I wrote. That first chapter really shows its age and is a little shaky but the others are better and the last one is what fits into the chorological order here. Polarshipping, Jou x Mai. One of my very first ships. Probably THE first actually <3)

13. What Our Creators Make Us:

"Well, well." The match flared, scattering dark shadows until it was blown out and the only light that remained was the red glow from the cigarette end. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

(Psychoshipping, Marik x Spirit of the Ring Bakura. With a bit of Bronze, Angst and Tender in the follow up. Old but I'm ridiculously proud of it, hence it's place in the master archive. Ahaha you can tell how old it is though by how clever I think I am. I thought it was funny to make my audience figure out who was talking and not reveal the characters for a good fourth to third of the fic. Ahhhhhhh. Sorry about past me.)

14. A Revolution of the Spirit:

It wasn't fair. It just wasn't.

That they were close was understandable (you don't get much closer than sharing headspace) but that even now, after deals were made with gods, endless arguments, compromises and the ultimate guilt trip that he had only been a teenager when he willingly sacrificed himself for all of humanity, things she had only half seen and only partly understood even though they had all been there to witness, that even now Atem continued to invade Yugi's personal space as though he belonged there got on her nerves.

(Woah Nelly! That third sentence should probably be three, four and five. Even if I just split it in half we'd continue the pattern of things popping off in the fourth line. I think that's one pattern that's emerging! A really good bit takes me about four lines to set up and deliver! Oh, the challenge was Revolutionshipping, Anzu x Atem, but the fic is actually Spiritshipping, Anzu x Yugi x Atem.)

So confession time, I haven't been out of fandom completely, I just hadn't written my own standalone stories in a very long time. There are a few (ok ok more than a few) long-running rps that @miss-moberg and I have been adding to on and off over the years. I can't resist throwing in a couple of these.

15. Cafe!

The door shut behind them with the soft click of the latch and the exhale of a breath long held.

(This opening line was from December of 2020 when we rebooted a very old Prideshipper and that is a damn good opening line if I do say so myself. I can definitely see the difference now between the newer works and the older ones. I've gotten better, she's matched me pace for pace and eventually something will be finished, I'll work up the courage to ask permission to post it and the whole internet will get to see how brilliant the two of us are together.)

16. Treasure Hunt!

"Ryou, I think you're going to regret letting me tag along on your adventuring this time." Yugi didn't bother turning away from the airplane's tiny window to see if his seatmate was paying attention. He was more thinking out loud with his friend playing the role of a convenient sounding board. "Because I think this trip is the only thing I'm going to talk about ever again."

(One more from RP because it's got that fun, four line punch that we've discovered is a pattern for me! Opening entry is from 2017.)

Also, in truth, my count is a little off when I say I'd been out of fandom 10+ years. I've been away from YGO for that long but I did spend a brief stint in Homestuck where I read a ton of fanfic, flirted with a couple group RPs and even wrote a tiny bit. 9 years without writing a new fic isn't as impressive as saying ‘over a decade’ but it is a little more accurate.

17. What You Will:

In the land of fair Illyria, along a small, sandy stretch of its rocky shore, a ship has come to ruin and one lone woman lies still as death among broken wood.

(The beginning of a Homestuck/Twelfth Night crossover that I'm still determined to work more on someday. It's only got a single chapter but it's magic though now I'm concerned about not being able to recapture that. Not a bad first line though. The style is so different it took me reading it a couple times before going, oh yeeeeeah, that's pretty good!)

18. Relentless:

You pull him to the deck and then across it by the remains of his shirt. Let him say one last goodbye. His ship pillaged, his crew murdered, his hands bound behind his back and at your mercy.

Funny word, that. Mercy.

(The first line is pretty decent but there's that four line combo again! Five but I could basically fix that with a comma. Featuring the troll ancestors Mindfang and Dualscar because every time Hussey introduced new characters they were instantly my favorite.)

19. Black:

There is dark and there is dark and there is dark and then there is black. She is black. Licorice and coal. She is hate and resentment and everything that tastes bitter, the kind of black that coats the tongue like oil, drips down the back of the throat and keeps going.

(Oh wow. Am I allowed to say that about my own work? A Terezi/Vriska drabble that I'm putting as much here as I think I can get away with because it's so good that it fucks me up a little going back and reading it.)

And here it gets tricky because I think the more recent of the old, old fics are in the Drabbles and Shorts collection on ff.net and I can't see a post date. So I'll just pick a good one to end on.

20. Two Princes:

It was inevitable as the rising of Ra's chariot after a long night, as the flooding of the river banks every spring, and Atem always knew that Yugi's kiss would be as warm and gentle as the evening breeze in the summer that brought relief from the scorching day. It was.

(How about the final honor going to more Puzzle/Blind? This probably has the strongest first line of its era. Actually I'm not sure when it was written. It was just hanging out in my writing folder and, thinking about it, I probably wrote it when I was fading from fandom the first time around but still trying to hang in there. No wait! That’s too sad, we can’t end on that! Lets add one more to the list for the sake of personal narrative!)

21. Linger:

The world doesn't need him anymore. It doesn't need his sword and it doesn't need his pen.

(A tiny Princess Tutu afterward that I wrote for myself. Nice one-two punch in the opener. Also it rounds out the personal story that accidentally developed here with a line later in the fic, "Words, however, never stray far from a good writer..." Like, wait, stop. Past me, how did you know T.T)

Did that take a sudden emotional turn for anyone else or was that just me. Can I offset that a little with an honorable mention? Let’s do that while I collect myself. Here’s one more.

Honorable mention: Ryou and the Thief

There was a storm gathering and too much magic in the air. Much more than occurred naturally and magic at this level was never a good thing.

(I can’t have a list of things I’ve written without having Ryou and the Thief on it. If you click on this one though, BEWARE, it’s old, it’s silly and it has a ton of explicit gay sex that… would be written very differently if we were handling it today I’m sure! This is the first RP @miss-moberg and I ever did together and our excuse to Gemship and Puzzleship turned into us running the boys through a whole adventure based on the Osiris myth. It’s the longest thing I’ve ever completed and I’d still consider it kind of my legacy.)

And that’s the last 21(+1!) stories that I’ve written!

The clear winner of best first line for me is 15. Cafe! It’s short, elegant and manages to contain a whole mood even without the context of what’s going on and who’s involved. (Spoilers: It’s Seto and Mokuba making an AU escape from Gozoboro.) Close second is Tango, the most recent story. It’s neat to see just how much better I’ve gotten and also really cool to see that even if the first line itself doesn’t contain a punch, it’s usually because there’s a nice, strong idea being set up and delivered in the first four lines (or so). What a pleasant surprise!

AND WOW, this whole tag thing didn't need to be so long! Or personal! Seriously, if you get this tag from me the challenge is only to list the first lines to 20 stories and maybe try to draw one or two conclusions from them. You all thought I was joking when I said I loved talking about my own writing! But actually, I guess it’s fine like this as I ended up using it as a way to re-introduce myself. Like, "Hey, I used to live here a long time ago and oh my god I love what you've done with the place!" Rather than being someone who's just popped up out of nowhere a few weeks ago to creepily bother all your best of the best creators so....

^///^ Hello!

Thanks for letting me ramble!

Tags! I think I've seen most of the authors I follow do this already but on the off chance you haven't been tagged yet: @elexica (checked your blog to see if you'd already done the tag and saw that you're another person returning to writing fanfiction after 10+ years. Same! Hello!!), @danieco, @draconicmaw, @nedjemetsenen (has someone tagged you already?) and two shots in the dark, @miss-moberg and @edmondia (I'm so sorry you two. T.T Please feel free to block me forever.) And please, anyone else who wants to babble about their own writing! Do this, it was so much fun. <3

#ygo #yu-gi-oh #yugioh #yugioh fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction #jenific #so many ships #so many characters like woah #not half bad for a retrospective if i do say so myself #thank you for coming to my ted talk #tag game #first lines tag

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noonachronicles · 4 years ago

Text

Everlong - Epilogue

Kwon Jiyong/ G Dragon X Reader

Word count: 21k

Warnings: 85,900% Domesticity. Now with Real Smut™ (x3). Sprinkling of pregnancy kink. Language. Unrealistic expectations of love and relationships. Seriously unrealistic. Honestly, maybe a little unhealthy even. Excessive fluff. The only angst comes from left over self-esteem issues caused by that B word.

Genre: Hades/Jiyong. Greek God AU. Fantasy.

A/N: For consistency’s sake, I made the decision to refer to Ji/Hades as just Hades the whole time, but y’all know Hades is Ji and Ji is Hades and hopefully it’s nbd. I just wanted to say I actually feel pretty fortunate I got to go back to Everlong. It’s definitely one of my favorite worlds and I could probably write about them forever. My wish with this is that everyone who has been waiting for it enjoys it and doesn’t think it’s a totally cheesy snoozefest. >.<

Spoiler Alert: I feel like a lot of people, myself included, wanted to see Hades get his happy ending. That’s definitely what they’ve been given here.Things people seemed to want out of an Epilogue included Ji!Hades as a dad. Ji!Hades with the love he deserves. Persephone being a brat. And FINALLY the non-dream smut everyone has been waiting for. So, it’s all there. I hope I didn’t miss anything!

Hades didn’t waste a single moment. There was absolutely nothing more he wanted than to spend his entire existence with you. Almost immediately after you had agreed to stay with him in the underworld he asked you to marry him. Your answer left your lips before he could even finish the question. You had said yes without an ounce of hesitation and knowing that you meant it when you said forever gave Hades a greater joy than he’d ever known. He had actually been ready to ask you that very first night, but he was forced to wait an entire weekend due to your unquenchable thirst for him. Though truthfully, he had absolutely no complaints.

The wedding had been held on Mount Olympus, as was tradition for all of the major deities. You’d only visited the location once prior to your wedding day. The trip had just been for you to see it. Since it seemed whether or not you liked it you didn’t have much of a say and there wasn’t really anywhere else you wanted to have it anyway. Luckily you did like it. Luckily you loved it. You thought it was beautiful, absolutely heavenly.

That first visit was when you met some of Hades family for the first time as well. The look of absolute fear on his face as his family introduced themselves would always be one of your favorite memories of him, he was so precious. He didn’t care if they liked you. He loved you and nothing they said would change it. He had been worried you wouldn’t like them. That you would hate them so much that you’d call off the wedding, unable to fathom being in a family with his siblings.

Fortunately Hera, Hestia, and you became quick friends. The two of them had dragged you away for hours to discuss wedding details. Apollo and Athena thought you were very clever and told Hades you were one of the funniest people they’d had the pleasure of knowing. Dionysus, Zeus, and Ares all tried to seduce you, which came as a surprise to absolutely no one. You loved his family and it only made him love you more. He told you he thought it was because of you that they seemed to like him more than usual, even making him promise that he would come around more even after the wedding and telling him how much they had missed him. It had been clear to you that they had always loved him and it was his own self-consciousness that distanced him from them.

Though he had already made you one of the immortal, Hades' family had declared that they did not accept it as true godhood. They advised the pair of you that your wedding would have to be done in the tradition of their followers, sacrifices and all. As a compensation Zeus promised that once the wedding was completed he would officially grant you godhood. Knowing that his siblings were giving him a hard time, as siblings do, you found the requirement to be quite amusing and you laughed along with them. Annoyed, Hades found it torturous and unnecessary. Despite either of your feelings it meant that, as was tradition, your wedding lasted three days.

Since you didn’t have any female friends or relatives you spent the night of proaulia with Hades sisters and female family members, as well as your grandmother who had been given a reprieve from death for the wedding. It was especially funny as a part of the traditions you were meant to give offerings to several of the goddesses at your gathering. Instead of the typical offerings you made them all personalized desserts and allowed Athena to do your hair as you gossiped about what Hades had been like before he met you.

The second day was the gamos. The day started with a sacrifice and receiving blessings from the gods, your new family. You’d been washed under a waterfall of the purest water you’d ever seen in your life. Then, together, you and Hades made an offering to his family for your future. After that was a massive feast that included the entire Greek pantheon. That part was the hardest for you. Not only being overwhelmed by the sheer number of guests but because the men and women sat separate from one another and all you wanted to do was hold Hades hand. However, as promised, at the feast Zeus offered you a plate of ambrosia and a goblet overflowing with nectar. As a part of his toast he had the court cheers to you, a true goddess and the new Queen of the Underworld.

Once the feast was over there was still to be the anakalupteria or the removal of your veil. You thought it was a little silly considering the tradition was in reference to virginity, but you went along with it regardless. With you still veiled, the procession started. You and Hades, in a perfectly hand crafted chariot, which took you through the streets of Olympus. Zeus filled the night sky with lightning bolts until it looked like fireworks and the pantheon's cheers sounded like thunder all the way from the feast in the great hall until you were home. Comfortably alone in your home Hades removed your veil and then he removed everything else you wore as well.

The next day came epaulia, when the pantheon came to your home in the underworld and presented the two of you with their gifts. Since the place so rarely saw guests and they’d all taken the time to come you wanted to make the event more of a reception. There was more feasting, drinking, and dancing in excess. All six gardens were flooded with life and joy from your guests as they celebrated with the two of you under the sparkling night.

That night Hades stood, drink in hand, and looked over his property with joy in his heart. Seeing his home filled with the laughter and happiness of his friends and family was something he’d wanted for a long time. He was so grateful for you, knowing that without you it would never have been possible.

When he wasn’t beside you he watched you diligently to make sure you were enjoying yourself, still worried that you might find his family in any way distasteful. Though he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t have stared regardless with the way your dress flowed behind you as you moved and the silks and chiffons draped around your body so perfectly. He thought you looked, appropriately, like a goddess. Your smile was so bright and warm that everyone you spoke to was glowing with happiness. He was certain he had never loved anything or anyone more than you.

His mood dampened only slightly when he felt the cold chill that surrounded his ex wife, and the strong scent of daffodil and roses that always lingered around her. A smell that now made him want to openly gag. He didn’t even have to look to know she’d found her way to him. Her gaze burned into his back and he could feel the tension gather in his shoulders from just her presence.

“Hades…” she greeted him, not unkindly.

For a moment neither of them expected him to respond, but he offered her a jagged, “What?”

“The house looks nice.” Persephone said, stepping beside him. “Feels like ages since I’ve seen it. Or you.”

“Should have been longer.” He muttered.

“You look very handsome and you seem... happy.”

He kept his eyes on you, a calming vision. “I seem happy because I am happy.”

“I saw you kept my statue.”

“Just waiting for it's replacement.”

“Hmmm.” She sighed and leaned closer.

Hades cleared his throat, “Why are you here, Seph?”

“I told you, it’s been ages. I wanted to see how you were doing. Make sure you were truly as happy as they’ve been saying on Olympus.”

“I am. I finally found the greatest love I’ve ever known.” He eased at the thought of you, “And I made her my wife. How could I not be happy?”

“The greatest love you’ve ever known. You’re sure?” She asked, “You don’t really believe that for a second time do you?”

Hades said nothing, he only scoffed at her attempt. He wasn’t going to let her ruin this day for him the way she had ruined so many others.

“Anyway, she’s okay.” Persephone continued with a shrug, “Seems nice enough, a little dim witted if you ask me.”

“Good thing I didn’t ask you.”

She ignored the bite in his tone. “You see you have to be a little dim witted to voluntarily spend eternity in the underworld. Even you were coerced here by your brothers.”

“Seriously, what are you doing here?” He asked, still refusing to look at her. “What will it take for you to leave?”

“I love a good wedding.” She said simply. “Plus after all of our history together, I thought we were friends.”

“We were never friends, Seph. Don’t bullshit me.”

Persephone hummed thoughtfully, and chose to ignore him once more. “I guess she’s cute at least. For a faux goddess anyway. I was going to say homely originally but I suppose she does have a nice smile.”

“There is nothing and no one more beautiful in this or any other universe than my bride.” Hades said with a small smile.

He could tell you were searching for him and he watched as a glow washed over you when you’d finally found him. By just the look on your face he could tell the story of the conversation you were having with Narcissus was going to be amazing later.

It was then that he finally looked over at Persephone, “And no, I never once said that about you.”

“When did you become so hurtful?” She asked softly, getting no response in return. Then after a pause she asked, “What will you do if she wants children?”

“It’s my hope that she does.”

“Why would you hope for that? Aren’t you infertile?” She quipped, “I always assumed that you were since we never had children together.”

“It couldn’t have been that you were never around. That we hardly ever had sex and when we did you weren’t very good.” He rolled his eyes. “How true to character, Persephone. Never taking responsibility, always placing the blame on someone else.”

“I’m just afraid it won’t last.” Persephone said harshly, furious that he’d found the audacity to speak to her that way.

As she watched you enjoying yourself with her family, in the home that she built. She came to the quick conclusion that all of this was your fault. She wasn’t sure exactly what you’d done to Hades but she didn’t like it at all. Determination grew inside of her. She would just have to prove to herself and the both of you that she still reigned superior. She didn’t want him to be happy with her, absolutely not, but she couldn’t have him anything but miserable without her.

“Someone from topside?” she went on, “She doesn’t understand what she’s gotten herself into. But that’s how you like your wives, isn’t it? Clueless. Helpless.”

“You knew what it meant to marry me.”

“How could I have? I was a child when we met.”

He scoffed in disbelief of what she was saying. “You’ve never been a child, Seph. You were always a bitch. Very much born your father's daughter.”

“Even if I did, does she actually know what it means to marry you?” She asked, ignoring his comment, “Truly, does she know? Being trapped forever in the underworld with you.”

“She knows.”

She shook her head and gave a small tsk, “How could she? Pathos said the two of you haven't even been together a full year. Poor girl doesn’t know what eternity means. She’ll never make it, Hades. She will absolutely lose her mind and she will leave you like everyone else does. Down here, all alone. What’s worse is that not only have you imprisoned her in the underworld, you’ve trapped her in immortality. Everyone knows what you did. Giving someone immortality without their consent? Like she's just a play thing for you. A toy. Surely if she doesn’t try to escape you, you’ll just get bored of her. And then what?”

“You should leave.” Hades gulped.

He didn’t believe the words she was saying, at least he didn’t want to. However he knew and now Persephone knew that she’d successfully planted the seed of doubt she’d been trying for in the garden of his mind.

She just grinned over at him, feeling pleased with the doubt written on his face. “The party has just begun.”

He could feel the heat rising on his neck. He wanted to yell, throw her out, to cause a scene. Then, as if you knew he needed you, you were at his side. Slipping your arms around his waist and landing a sweet kiss on his lips.

“Hi.” You smiled brightly at him and he brightly back at you.

“Hi.” He said softly, kissing you again.

“Are you having fun?”

He settled his hands on your hips. “Infinitely more now that I have you here.”

You melted into him as he kissed your lips and then your cheek and down your neck. His hands inched up the curve of your back, sending a shiver of delight through your body. With a smirk you looked over at Persephone who seemed deeply disturbed by the public display of affection.

“I don’t think we’ve met.” You said, throwing your hand out to her, “Who are you again?”

Knowing that you knew exactly who she was Hades laughed against your neck.

“Persephone.” She hissed her name like venom and you pulled your hand back so you wouldn’t get bit.

“Oh, right, the ex-wife!” You said enthusiastically as you looked over at her. “Glad you could make it. I can’t say I know where you got your invitation but, all's well that ends well I suppose.”

“Right and you must be the prisoner.” She glared back at you.

“I thought people said you were trying to make ‘The Topsider’ a thing.” You said curiously, “Rule of thumb, nicknames don’t stick if you don’t stick with them.”

Hades looked at you with complete and utter adoration. He’d been trying so far in your relationship to keep you away from her. He should have always known you could handle Persephone. Especially with how you always handled him. His arms tightened around your waist.

“And what do you call me?” she asked.

“Oh, I think being you is enough of an insult. Why call you anything else?” You asked innocently.

Hades choked trying to hold back a laugh. With no surprise to any of you, Persephone did not find you as amusing.

“How are you enjoying my home?” She asked cooly, “Do you spend much time in my gardens?”

“No,” You smiled sweetly, “because actually, nothing here is yours. This is my home and these are my gardens. Especially when you consider how much work I put into cleaning up the mess you left.”

Your husband said nothing, he knew he didn’t have to. Instead he raised an amused eyebrow while he slid the strap of your dress to the side and pressed his lips against the soft skin of your shoulder as the both of you waited for Persphones response.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” She spat.

“I’m sure the house looked lovely when you had originally designed it, but everything you’d done was so...tacky and outdated.” You grinned, pleased by the red that bloomed at her throat, “Hades and I had to redo almost the entire palace. Of course it’s not all done, there’s so much, but we do have an eternity to finish. I’m not worried. ”

“You decorated together?” She scoffed and you laughed.

“Well it is his home as well. Perhaps where you’re confused is the part where Hades and I have respect for one another. We share a partnership. Not…” you gestured loosely to Persephone as if she were something distasteful, “whatever that was.”

“And my gardens?” She asked, “You’re suggesting they weren’t up to par?”

“Oh, Sephy,” she shot daggers at Hades, knowing it had to have been him that told you how much she hated being called Sephy. “I’m not suggesting anything. I’m telling you. The gardens were a disaster. Nothing made any sense. Aesthetically… it was horrifying. Some spots were overrun, others left bare. No worries now though, I’ve fixed everything. Well, we had to, for the wedding.”

This time Persphone laughed, “Are you really saying you put together a better garden than me? Do you realize who I am? I’m the fucking goddess of vegetation and flowers. You, a nobody...an absolute nothing, did a better job than I had?”

You raised your hand to your chest in surprise and feigned a gasp, “Is that what you’re the goddess of? It’s funny, I had just always assumed they had gods and goddesses rule over things they had at least some sort of understanding of. I never would have guessed that for you. Absolutely...never.”

Persephone let out a hysterical gasp as if you’d broken her. She looked manic but like she was trying desperately to keep it together. “I could just kill you. I really could. You're so-you’re so-funny. No one should be as funny as you are. I absolutely wish you were dead.”

With an obviously fake laugh you placed a hand on her shoulder and she pulled back like you were made of fire, “Lucky for me I’m immortal.”

Never having seen Persephone so angry before Hades wrapped his arms around you more protectively. “Seph, I apologize for my wife. She’s so… what was it you said? Sharp witted?”

“I said dim.”

Hades laughed, “Well I think we all know she’s not that.”

“In all honesty, it was such a joy getting to meet you finally, Persephone.” You oozed sarcasm, “But you don’t mind if I steal him from you, right? I mean…steal him again.”

“You can’t steal trash from someone if they had already thrown it away.” She sneered.

“That is your, and I can not emphasize this enough, absolute loss.” You smiled once more. “You should go have a drink or twelve. We knew Dionysus would be here so of course the booze is endless.”

“Sure.” You basked in the anger radiating off of her. “Enjoy your eternity long sentence in the underworld.”

“Interesting.” You grinned, “Before you started continuously mentioning it, I never imagined myself as someone with a prisoner kink, but with Hades as my warden I could really consider it. What do you think, my love? Cuff me up later?”

“Anything for my Queen.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss against your lips. It was meant to be sweet, gentle. Neither of you were prepared for the moan that would escape your mouth.

Forgetting Persephone completely you eyed Hades, “Do you think it would make us bad hosts if we disappeared?”

“No, of course not.” He looked around and then back at you, “Most of them are too drunk to remember what the party is for anyway. Could be a wedding. Could be a birthday. Could be a Tuesday.”

“Good,” You leaned forward and pulled his lip between your teeth. When you pulled back your eyes were dark with lust and it twisted a knot in his stomach. “Take me somewhere we’ll never be found. Now.”

Without so much as a goodbye to Persephone the two of you took off like teenagers, in a fit of giggles and hormones, to find somewhere you could be alone.

A thousand years had passed since that night, literal lifetimes, but for Hades it still felt like it had happened yesterday. It was one of his favorite memories. He always thought about it fondly, especially when he was missing you like he did now.

It wasn’t often you weren’t by his side but when you weren’t it was near agonizing. The seed Persephone had planted still grew like a weed in his mind. All he could think about was you being somewhere falling in love with being away from him. He could picture you realizing how much you longed for true independence. He imagined you would run away into the night without another word. Despite how long you’d stayed so far the fear never lessened. It was almost as if the more time passed the more he worried. You were a bomb ticking away, and the longer this went on the more likely you were to go off and leave. He knew you’d call him dramatic if you knew his feelings about it. He also knew that when you finally made that decision to leave it would devastate him and he’d likely collapse into himself like a dying star.

He eyed the empty throne beside his, your throne. It had been almost two full days this time since he’d seen you. His leg shook anxiously and he tried to hold onto the way you looked on your wedding night to calm his nerves.

“Hades, Sir.” the sound of Phobos’ voice brought him back to the throne room, however reluctantly. “Perhaps we should begin.”

“What have I said about starting without her?”

Phobos looked over at his brother, Deimos, who only shrugged and sighed, “We don’t, Sir. We do not start without her.”

“Good, glad you agree. We’ll wait.” He said clearly moody. “She will be here soon enough.”

“I’m not saying she’s not coming. I’m just saying…” he said cautiously, “It couldn’t hurt to get through a couple without her.”

Hades looked at Phobos with eyes so sharp and so heated the latter god thought he’d died, been burned alive. If looks could kill.

“Oh, is that what you’re saying? Just go on? Move forward without her? As if it were possible.”

“No.” He gulped, “It was a joke. I was just joking.”

“Well, believe me when I say I thought it was funny.” Hades said deadpan. He leaned back in his throne with a huff and a childlike pout. He continued to tap his fingers on the armrest.

It was only a few more minutes before the sound of the door at the front of the hall bursting open and slamming against the wall cut through the air of the silent room. After a long sigh of relief Hades chuckled lightly at the sound and the following echo of your shoes speeding through the giant hall.

“Sorry! Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry!” You called hurriedly as you made your way to the platform completely out of breath. “I’m late. I'm so sorry.”

“The Queen is never late, she is always right on time.” Hades eyes sparkled like universes as you came into view, pushing through the waiting souls.

“Ugh,” looking at Deimos’ smirking face you rolled your eyes at how absolutely cheesy your husband was. “Phobos, I know you worry. I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Ma’am, please, there’s no need to apologize.” He assured you.

“We’ve talked about ‘ma’am, did you forget?”

Phobos leaned in slightly, and said very quietly, “Sir prefers that we remain professional with you in front of the souls, y/n. You know that.”

“Yes well, Sir,” you said, eyeing your husband, “would be okay with the pronoun choices because his sounds distinguished and dominant. Ma’am makes me sound like an old woman that you’re trying to placate. So let’s just figure out something else, okay? I did give you an alternative option...”

“Of course, sorry ma-” he stopped himself and you tried not to laugh as his cheeks burned red, “My apologies...Your Eminence. Regardless, no need for you to ever be sorry to me.”

Still trying to hold back the laugh from him calling you Your Eminence, which you knew he hated, you lifted the basket that was at your side and swung it in front of him. “So, no need for these freshly baked apology muffins then?”

“Well...I mean, you’ve already made them. I’d hate to be rude.” He shrugged.

“I knew you would hate that.” You winked as he took the basket and held up a finger before digging under the cloth on top, “I just need...this one. Thank you.”

You took your one muffin and hurried up the platform and sunk down into your throne with an exhausted sigh. Leaning over the armrest you offered the treat to Hades.

“A muffin for my muffin?”

He blushed as he took it from you. “Pear?”

“Always.” You said looking him over and then you scowled. “Not wearing your crown? Again.”

“I don’t like to wear it when you’re not here.” He said quietly as he unwrapped his treat, “It makes me feel silly.”

“Mmhmm.” You hummed through pursed lips and then decided to let it go. “Did you miss me?”

“Every second you were gone.”

Sinking down into your seat you let out a light laugh. “Liar. I bet you didn’t even think about me once.”

Opening your notebook, the one that matched Hades, you started to read up on the souls that awaited judgement. You were sure that he’d already memorized every last one in this room while you were running late. With a slight pout on his lips Hades didn’t move his eyes from you, not even for a second. Finally realizing that he hadn’t started judgements you looked up from your book to find him staring.

“What?”

“I hope you know that’s not true, y/n.” He sounded hurt. “You’re all I think about.”

“I know four girls that would be very disappointed to hear that.” You grinned.

“Tell me.” He said seriously, “Tell me you know it’s not true.”

Smiling in full you held out your hand to him and he laced his fingers with yours. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze you said, “I know you think about me. You’re all I think about too.”

Finally happy Hades pulled your hand to his lips to kiss your knuckles and then turned to Phobos with a smile. “We can begin.”

You had taken quite nicely to your role as Queen of the Underworld. Along with your responsibility of judging souls side by side with Hades you had also been tasked with providing for the gods and creatures that lived and worked in the underworld. You made sure that they were happy and comfortable in their positions and had everything they needed. You counseled those in need and resolved conflicts between those who quarreled. You were constantly planning for festivals and celebrations. Even other gods came to visit more and more often when before they never had. The people of the underworld loved you dearly, and were grateful for all that you did for them. More than anything they appreciated the effect you had on Hades himself. His disposition was much more cheerful. He was much more cheerful and far more understanding.

You didn’t really think you were doing anything special, you just felt like you were helping out where help was needed. You didn’t find any of it at all difficult. Everything you did was for Hades, both the man and your home. In return for all that you did Hades gave you everything you asked for. He did everything you wanted. He agreed with everything you said. You found that pretty unnecessary. You didn’t need that from him and constantly had to make sure he knew that. He assured you every time that he did it all because he wanted to.

The only thing you ever truly asked from him was for your grandmother to be moved from the Forest of Asphodel to the Towers of Elysium. That was usually the only other place you would be found if you weren’t at Hades side. You always spent at least one full day with her a week, sometimes staying the night, but you saw her everyday. She took great joy in taking care of your children so you brought them to her each and every morning. She was a wonderful teacher who brought them to new places, and taught them new lessons with every visit. Her favorite joke, which she told you every time you thanked her for watching them was that they kept her young.

“Looks like it’ll rain tonight.” You said thoughtfully eyeing the grey clouds overhead. “Something warm would be nice for dinner. Will you make your spaghetti sauce? You know Things One and Two always love to help you.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” Hades agreed quietly, as the two of you made your way down the road that took you home. “How’s grandmother?”

“Lovely as always. We made muffins, obviously. I think we were outside of London, that little cottage she loves.” You shrugged.

“You stayed longer than usual. Is everything okay?”

You laughed, knowing what his real concern was. You reached your hand out for his. “We drank too much wine and got caught up in a marathon of true crime shows.”

Gripping your hand tightly he stopped you in the middle of the road. With his one hand he pulled you close to his chest and with the free hand he gently brushed your cheek with his fingertips. “Oh.”

“Oh?” You smirked, lifting your arm up around his shoulder. “You really did miss me, didn't you?”

“I told you I did”. He pouted. “I can’t sleep when you’re not around.”

“Me neither. Why do you think I drank so much wine?” You kissed his rounded cheek and with a chuckle you pushed him along. “Come on then, you must be exhausted.”

“Thank you for recognizing that.” He said jokingly, “It was very hard watching the girls on very little sleep.”

“Speaking of, grandma can’t watch the kids next week.”

“That’s a first. Is anything wrong?”

You shook your head, “She’s just ‘renovating’ her paradise. She wants to spend the holidays somewhere tropical.”

“That’ll be nice for her.” He tightened his grip around your waist as you walked. “You know what? We should take the week off! Spend it together, us and the girls.”

“Phobos will have a heart attack.”

“We can just work extra hard this week to make sure everything is cleared out.” He shrugged, “It’ll be fine. I’ve left it in worse conditions. Not sure you remember how much time I had to spend away while courting you.”

“I remember,” you admitted fondly, “I helped you clean up that mess.”

Most of the rest of the walk was done in comfortable silence. You spent the time reminiscing about the time he spent with you in the bakery, and when he brought you here for the first time. Before you even knew he was who he was. Then it had you thinking about how quickly the walk to and from the pavilion was from home. You thought about when you first came, how it took days to get around, and grinned to yourself.

“Something on your mind?”

“I just realized how it really takes no time at all to get anywhere in the underworld.” you said thoughtfully as the palace made its way into view. “We can visit everywhere in a single afternoon but it took us days to get around.”

“And?”

“Just made me think about when you first brought me here...about how you really took your time with me.” you laughed as you made your way through the open iron gates to the garden.

Typically the gardens and the underworld in general were sun drenched. However, with the grey rain clouds filling the skies they looked gloomy and almost unwelcoming.

Hades chuckled, “Don’t I usually take my time with you?”

“Cheeky.”

A light rain finally started as the two of you made your way down the, now very familiar, cobblestone path. Water droplets fell from dark green leaves and on to the ground at your feet. It smelled lovely, you’d thought, like fresh soil and clean air. Sunny days were beautiful but rainy days were better. Cozier.

As the entrance of your home grew closer something in you felt hesitant to go inside. Moving through the courtyard you paused in front of the statue Hades’ had made of the two of you. Not the erotic one he’d told he’d have made long ago. It was a more appropriate one, a sweet embrace, foreheads pressed together intimately. It was your favorite and had been since the day it arrived. Hades moved just past you but you stopped him.

“Wait.” You said grabbing his wrist.

“You okay?”

“Yeah...I just.” You pulled him into you with a small smile before wrapping your arms around his shoulders and pulling him close. “I just want another minute alone with you.”

“Oh.” Taken by surprise he wrapped his arms around your waist while you tucked your face into his neck. “Okay, of course.”

“You smell so nice.” You murmured.

“Thank you.” He blushed, “You smell nice too.”

The two of you stayed like that for some time despite the rain falling down on you, soaking through your clothes. He really loved the little moments you had alone. Of course he loved having a big family, it was what he’d always wanted but he would have also been happy with a thousand more years just the two of you too. And he still worried all the time that a big family wasn’t what you wanted and that it would be a big part of the reason you’d eventually you’d ask him if you could leave.

“You know what I miss?” You asked quietly.

And there it was, he thought. You were going to say you missed being alone or missed the freedom of being literally anywhere else. You were going to ask if he wouldn’t mind if you took a week or two away just to rejuvenate. Instead of being rejuvenated you were going to realize how much you loved the lack of constant responsibility. The beginning of the end, finally had come.

“Hades...” you grabbed his chin, turning his face to yours, “Do you know what I miss?”

“A quiet home?” He asked as his shoulders sank.

“What?” You laughed and shook your head. “No. I was going to say… I miss having sex all over the place.”

“What?!” He nearly choked.

“When we first got together you couldn’t keep your hands off me. I’m pretty sure we fucked everywhere. All over this place. Whenever you wanted, wherever you wanted. Then all of a sudden a thousand years pass by and it feels like maybe you’re bored with me.” You pouted.

Hades leaned out of your embrace and placed the back of his hand to your forehead. “Do you feel okay? Do you have some horrible fever that’s melted your brain?”

“I’m serious, Hades.” You said. “Are we just a boring old married couple now? Do I not excite you anymore?”

“You’re out of your mind, love.” He assured you. “I think about having you everyday. I want you all the time. The only reason I don’t have you when I want anymore is because I can only imagine how traumatic it would be for one of our poor children to catch us disrobed on the staircase.”

“You promise you still want me?”

“What did we vow?” He answered with a question of his own.

Finally a smile met your lips, “Forever and everlong.”

“And that’s what I meant. I still want you more than anything. More and more everyday. More than the air in my lungs.” He promised, “Cross my heart.”

“Dramatic. As always.” You sighed, satisfied, and turned out of his arms to head inside finally. “But I believe you.”

“Not so fast.” He said keeping your hand in his. He brought you over to one of the low brick walls and leaned against it. “Come here.”

“What do you want?” You grinned as his hands gripped your hips, pulling you closer until his leg was between yours.

“Use me” he said with a deviant glint in his eyes, “That’s what I want.”

“What, right here?” You laughed, “In the rain?”

“We’re all alone and we don’t even have to take our clothes off.” He smirked, “You know how to do it, baby.”

“Okay…” embarrassed and giggly, you agreed. As you pulled the skirt of your dress around your hips, you stepped forward and sunk down onto his thigh.

“I love you.” He murmured against your neck. His hands slipped over your ass and squeezed as you started to roll your hips, “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

“Stop.” A gasp escaped you as you felt the tingle of friction that you were searching for. You nuzzled into his neck breathing in the scent of him, spiced chocolate. “Mm, you always feel so good. Just what I need.”

The fingers from one of his hands dug into your hip while his other hand eased upwards and cupped your breast. His thumb brushed your nipple through the rain wet fabric before squeezing you roughly in his palm. The sounds of your moans and whimpers collected in his ear. You dragged his jacket from his shoulder and tugged his button down to the side. Finally bare, your teeth pinched at the skin on his collarbone. Heat was blooming all over your skin as you moved even faster. When the raindrops hit you, you’d swear you could hear them sizzle.

“You know those sweet little noises you make drive me crazy.” He groaned beneath you.

“I know.” Your gasps for air grew louder and more frequent as your thrusting became a frantic search for friction. “Everything you do drives me crazy.”

“Slow down, love.” He said gripping your hips, forcing them into a slow, agonizing grind. “Yeah, like that. I want to savor it.”

Your head fell back, your mouth opened, taking in the cool rain. Hades took the opportunity to latch his mouth to your neck. He bit gently against your skin and you knew he was enjoying this just as much as you were.

“Do you like that?” You asked and he growled against your skin. “Does it feel good for you too?”

“Yes. I love you so much.” He said burying his face between your breasts. “I need you to cum for me.”

“Help me.” You begged, “Please. I need you.”

In an instant his fingers were slipping under the skirt of your dress. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders tightly as you rode his thigh. His fingers massaged your clit and you nearly screamed out with pleasure but kept it in just in case. Instead you bit down on his shoulder as your thighs clenched around his leg. In no time he had you gushing onto his hand and leg, soaking through his pants.

“Oh fuck!” You gasped, shaking from your high, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that was gonna happen.”

He just laughed as he lifted his fingers to your lips for you to lick clean, when you were done you kissed his fingertips. “I clearly haven’t been taking care of you like I should.”

“Don’t say that!” You cupped his face in your hands and gave him a true kiss, “I just...that was hot. I couldn’t help myself.”

“It was, right?” He said enthusiastically, “Boring old married couple, my ass.”

“What ass?” You teased.

He huffed out a half laugh at the joke, holding you in place on his lap. After the chuckles faded he watched your face curiously, quietly.

Then he asked, “Have I pleased you, my love. Do I make you happy?”

“Of course.” Your brow furrowed, “Happier than I could have ever imagined.”

“Then why are your eyes so sad?”

Leaning your down you pressed your forehead into his. He sat still and expectant. Finally you sighed in defeat and moved your head so that it was rested on his shoulder, your arms wrapping tightly around his body.

“I think there might be something wrong with me.”

“Why?” He asked, you could hear his heart race with panic, “What's happening? What can I do?”

“Sometimes, I just miss you.” You whispered against his ear.

“Beautiful…” He shook with laughter beneath you. “We spend every day together.”

“I know,” you held him tighter, “I think you broke me.”

“How?” He asked, gently running his fingers over your back.

“If we’re not this close, we’re not close enough.”

He hummed thoughtfully. It probably would have sounded crazy to anyone else but he knew exactly what you meant. He often found himself feeling the same way. It wasn’t as if when you weren’t clinging to him like a koala he was unable to function. It was just that when you weren’t holding one another there was a hint of a feeling of discontent. It felt like leaving the house and worrying you’d forgotten to turn the oven off. Something wasn’t right about it, something was always missing when you weren’t in his arms.

He knew the feeling was incessantly there for the both of you but what was curious to him was that it wasn’t like you to be so obvious about it. Not as much as he usually was anyway. He’d found that you didn’t really allow yourself to be bothered by much at all, so it was rare to find you upset or needy. There were just a few times he could think of when you’d complained about needing more of him. He laughed lightly as he thought about it and pulled you in close. After a moment of consideration his mouth dropped open and he laughed harder.

“Oh...shit.”

“What?” You asked, shifting your head so you could get a good look at him.

“You might be pregnant.” He smiled, cheeks growing bulbous and his pink gums and white teeth on full display.

You pulled out of his embrace, “No! No I’m not!”

“I really think you might be. You always get clingy when you're pregnant.”

“I AM NOT CLINGY!” You argued, pulling away so that you weren’t literally clinging to him.

“You don’t want another child?” He asked watching the slight drop in your shoulders.

You sighed deeply, feeling guilty about not being thrilled at the idea. Standing up from his lap you walked across the cobblestone from where he sat to the wall opposite and then back. He watched as you did it several times before finally sitting across from him.

“We’ve been together too long.” You muttered folding your hands together in your lap.

He raised an amused eyebrow, “Because I know everything about you and can read you like a book?”

“What if you’re right? What if I didn't want any more children?” he could tell you were nervous, “Wouldn’t you absolutely hate me?”

“You’ve given me four daughters and each one is just as beautiful and intelligent as her mother.” Still he frowned over at you, “I could never hate you. I do strongly dislike that you didn’t think you could talk to me about this, since it’s clearly been bothering you.”

“I love you. I love our children.” Your lips trembled, “I love our family. I love this life. I do.”

“I know.”

“Sometimes,” you gulped, “sometimes I wish it was just us again.”

He nodded unsure of how to respond. “I guess I worried about that.”

“I’m so selfish and so greedy. I’m so sorry.” Your hands flew to your face as you let out a sob, “You think I’m a horrible mother. You think I’m like her.”

“No!” He denied, knowing who you were talking about. “Not at all! Y/n, you are so far from being anything like her. Not even close to the same.”

“It’s not hard for you.” You sniffled, “You thrive as a father. You were meant for parenthood, some days I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“You’re wrong.” He said standing up and moving over to you, “I struggle. All the time. It’s easier for me because when I’m having a hard time I get to look at them and I see you. Amara has your smile and your wit, Iris and Ivy have your hair and your capacity for caring, and Lily has your eyes and they even light up over the smallest things just like yours. Maybe you think I don’t miss you as much as you miss me, but it’s only because I’m surrounded by pieces of you. You think it’s easy for me but it’s only because they remind me of you, and loving you is like breathing for me.”

“You still think I’m like Persephone.” You said in a whisper as he wiped your tears with his hand. “You think I want to leave you. I know you do, I see it on your face all the time. It’s like you're just waiting for me to turn my back on you. I hate it so much.”

“Yes. I worry, but even if you did leave, I could never think you’re like her.” Hades wrapped his arms around you again, “There is nothing in this universe that I fear, nothing at all, except losing you. I wouldn’t come back from that.”

“Well stop worrying, okay?” You asked, cupping his face. “I'm obviously addicted to you, Hades. Honestly, it would be concerning if I chose to care. I can’t get enough of you. You give me all of you and still I ask for more. I’m not going anywhere without you, ever.”

“Come inside with me.” He stood up and waited for you to join him so he could wrap an arm around your waist. “I’d like to put on some dry clothes. Spend some time with our children, have a nice dinner all together, and put them to bed. Then afterwards I’d like to make love to my wife until sunrise.”

You snorted as you made your way up the path to the doors, “As much as I love you, you wouldn’t last past midnight.”

While you hadn't quite filled up every room in the house with children, you did have your girls.

Amaranth was the eldest, already a teenager. She was named for your favorite flower in the whole underworld but usually went by Amara. Like all of your girls, when she was younger Amara was a complete and utter daddy’s girl. It was understandable, you thought, if you considered that Hades never said no to any of his girls. In fairness to him, being your first child, you too had spoiled Amara. All of you got lucky that she grew up to be very level headed and not an absolute brat. You figured it had to do a lot with the time she spent with your grandmother. While you would deny having a favorite child, you knew if you had to choose, it would be her. It was especially true as she aged and became less of a daddy’s girl and closer to you. You knew that Hades didn’t like it at all but secretly you loved it.

Amara was already six when you found out you were pregnant with the twins. Their given names were Agallis and Hedera, but it became a little too convenient to call them Iris and Ivy. Or as Amara lovingly nicknamed them when they reached toddlerhood, Things One and Two. Though they were just children, ever since they were young, their energy could be overpowering. The only time you’d ever seen Hermes collapse from exhaustion was at Hades birthday celebration, after he’d been chased around the meadow for over an hour. Afterwards, still excited to play, the twins had to find someone else to run after. As well as energetic, the girls were very much their fathers shadow. Since they could crawl, if he was home, they were at his heels. They copied everything he did, ate only the things he liked to eat, repeated everything he said. It was one of the few times you were okay with not being the preferred parent because honestly just watching it happen exhausted you. You truly didn’t know how he did it, his patience knew no end.

Leirion, or Lily, was the littlest. Not even a year old yet. She was a very quiet observer and loved anything that moved. Now that she could sit up on her own you could usually get away with sitting her down on her blanket and letting her just simply look. Anytime something would move her eyes would go wide with excitement and her mouth would fall into a gigantic gummy smile that mirrored her fathers. Literally anything that moved. Clouds coasting through the sky, flowers blowing in the wind, animals and creatures of any kind, her sisters, ripples in water. It didn't matter what it was, movement fascinated her to no end. You didn’t quite understand it but you appreciated the simplicity of her interests.

Friday had come quickly, you found that actually working diligently for once made the days fly by. It had been raining all week so the twins had started to get a little stir crazy. Amara would be fine in the same room for weeks on end so long as she had a stack of books. The twins were not the same, it was hard for them not being able to spend hours on end running around outside and exploring. Trying to think of something to do with them Hades had suggested that to start your vacation off right you should have a movie night in the blanket fort, and having overheard the comment the twins agreed. It had then become mandatory.

Lily had been watching you move through the kitchen, cleaning up the mess you’d made with the twins making cookies. Looking over at her you couldn’t help but warm at the bright smile on her face. With a quick drying of your hands once the dishes were clean you plucked her out of her chair and handed her a single chocolate chip.

“Don’t tell.” You whispered, as she pinched the chocolate between her fingers and brought it to her mouth.

“Don’t tell who, what?” Hades asked as he came into the kitchen, the twins hot on his trail.

“Anyone, anything… ever.” You smirked, planting a kiss on the top of her impossibly soft hair.

“You know that very soon she’ll be talking, and then she won’t keep your secrets.” He said with a raise of his eyebrow. “Anyway, movies ready.”

“Movies ready!” Iris declared as well.

“Movies ready!” Ivy quickly followed.

“Good. Since I cleaned everything up, you guys have to carry all the snacks.” You snuggled against Lily with a smile, “Where’s Amara?”

He shrugged, “Hiding away in one of a billion rooms pretending like we don’t exist.”

“Though it’s not very specific, I know without a doubt you are correct.”

“By the way, you’ll never guess what they picked to watch first.” He said handing Ivy the tray of cookies and Iris the bowl of popcorn.

With a light laugh you looked over at his miffed expression. Had to be the twins' absolute favorite movie. “Hercules?”

“It’s so wildly inaccurate!” He complained immediately as he grabbed the tray of drinks and followed you down the hall. “Uh, to start with, Hera isn’t even his mother. In fact she hates that kid. I never wanted to kill the kid, she did. And honestly, I don’t blame her. He’s a perpetual frat boy like his father.”

“Mmhmm.” You hummed in agreement, though you knew you probably didn’t need to even acknowledge his complaints as he rambled on.

“Also...I’m not blue! And my hair isn’t made out of fire, what even is that? I have great hair, actually. And I don’t have some insane, uncontrollable temper!” You nodded, amused as he grew heated, “And I’m not a villain, it’s absurd!”

You hummed again as you reached the fort. The blanket fort was really just a room in the house that had been decorated with flowing sheets, fairy lights, and piles of pillows to look like the inside of a blanket fort. Sometimes you would make real ones with the girls, but it had been Amara’s favorite thing to do as a child. Build a fort and read for hours or drag you and her father inside to watch movies, have tea parties or take naps. Eventually you figured it would be easier to just have a blanket fort on hand at all times.

“Right?” Hades directed at you. “Babe… right?”

“Right babe?” Iris said as she put down the popcorn.

“Right babe?” Ivy repeated before putting the cookies next to the popcorn and taking one for herself.

“Right.” You grinned as you sat Lily down amongst the oversized pillows and handed her her favorite stuffed pegasus. “You’re definitely not blue.”

As your husband growled you tried not to laugh. “Y/n...”

“You’re not a villain!” Giggling, you made yourself comfortable. “Honestly, I’m pretty sure they just like the movie because of the music. I don’t think they’re looking for accuracy in the mythology.”

With his lips still pursed at you he sunk down into the cushions as well. You watched as Ivy turned off the lights, and Iris started the movie before they both hurried over and belly flopped onto their father who also happened to be their favorite cushion.

As the movie began Hades reached over the space between you and took your hand. In the brief calm you looked over at him thought maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if he was right and you were pregnant again. In fact he had you feeling that way a lot the last week. He always made you feel like you could handle anything. Everything seemed so easy as long as you were doing it together.

The movie wasn’t even halfway over before your husband was yawning, though he still had enough energy to grumble complaints about almost every scene you’d watched. Having seen it so many times at this point, his whining really was the best part of the whole experience for you. That and the thrilled shrieks Lily let loose every time Pegasus appeared on the screen and the horribly off tune singing from the twins.

“Um dad…” both of you turned to the doorway where your oldest was leaning against the frame. “There’s some lady at the door for you.”

“It’s a little late for a guest,” you looked over at Hades and he shrugged, “Are you expecting someone?”

“No.” He looked back at your daughter, “You get a name?”

Amara scrunched her nose. “I don’t know. Stephanie, maybe?”

“Stephanie…” both of you muttered under your breath before looking at each other in realization.

“Persephone?” He asked.

“Sure, whatever.” the teenager shrugged with disinterest and took off back down the hall.

Hades sighed and dug himself out of the child pile he was in. The twins whining about both the disturbance and the loss of their father as a cushion.

“I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll go with you.” You said quickly popping up to your feet with more energy than you’d had all day.

He looked over at you with a raised eyebrow. “I can handle it.”

“And I can watch you handle it.” You smiled back sweetly before picking up Lily.

“Us too.” The twins offered in unison as they clamored over the pillows on the floor.

“It’s a field trip!” You said enthusiastically, your husband laughed knowing exactly why you were going with him and it wasn’t just to watch him take care of things.

“Field trip!”

The twins shouted in tandem as they skipped down the hall ahead of the both of you. You watched them, surprised that they had chosen to copy you. Hades looked at you for a long moment, clearly amused, before snaking an arm around you. It wasn’t that you didn’t trust him. It was never about not trusting him. It was always about her. You didn’t understand why she was always coming around for no reason. Popping her head into your lives when you least expected it. You knew she was an idiot for letting him go and part of you worried that she knew it now too.

“Hi Stephanie.” Iris said as she opened the door to your unexpected guest.

“Hi Stephanie!” Ivy greeted her as well.

“Thing One...Thing Two, backup please.” Hades said, directing the two girls from the door, before looking up at your guest. “Persephone.”

“Hades.” She said and looked over at you with a bit of a scowl. “Good evening, Y/n. I didn’t expect a whole welcoming committee.”

“Field trip!” Iris shouted.

“Field trip!” Ivy followed.

“I assume you came here with a purpose?” Hades asked, still blocking the door.

“This is how you greet your guests?” She asked.

“No, this is how we greet you.” You said kindly, but the bite was prevalent.

Persephone let out a scoff, “I’m just here for some things I forgot.”

“And you’re just thinking of them now? A thousand years later?” You asked.

“You know,” she smirked “I forgot what a bitch you were.”

“Hey!” Hades threw his hand up, “Do not speak to my wife like that ever, especially not in front of our children.”

“No, love, she’s right.” You said calmly, “I am a bitch. It’s good that she recognizes that. Now please, come in. The faster you get your things the faster you can leave.”

Hades opened the door for Persephone and she stepped inside, eyeing the foyer. She didn’t say anything as she took off the cloak she’d been wearing and tossed it to your husband like he was a coat rack.

“So…you didn’t have this before” she said with a slight sneer as she gestured to the baby. “Aren’t you two done yet?”

“Leirion!” Hades plucked the baby from your arms enthusiastically, too in love with your daughter to even recognize the disgust in Persephone's tone. “Yes, my beautiful little Lily.”

“Lily…” she hummed, “That’s a little curious, isn’t it?”

“What’s curious?”

“Well if I’m keeping track properly, that makes Lerion or Lily. Agallis and Hedera or Iris and Ivy. And Amaranth.” She looked around, “Any other children I’m forgetting?”

“What’s your point, Seph?” Hades asked, adjusting Lily in his arms so that she was more comfortable.

“You named your daughters after flowers and plants.” She grinned, “Hades, darling, you’re making almost too obvious that you’re still not over me.”

“This bitch…” you muttered under your breath.

“Seph, and I can not stress this enough,” Hades sighed, “ the only person who can’t get over you is you.”

“Hades,” she pouted, lifting her fingers to his cheek. “You wound me.”

“Good.” You said with a roll of your eyes. “Can we please go get your things?”

You tried to make quick work of Persephone’s visit but you could tell she was trying to drag it out, requesting a tour of nearly every room from the foyer to her old room even though she’d seen them all before. Not to mention her old room was, of course, the furthest a room could possibly be.

The twins loved the trek through the house. They sprinted, skipped, hopped, and jumped their way down every hall. Sometimes going so far ahead they had to double back. Lily did not enjoy it as much, growing tired and cranky in her father's arms with every new corridor. You weren’t much further when Hades stopped and squeezed your hand.

“I’m going to split off here.” He said, giving Lily a kiss on her forehead. “She needs to be put to bed. Persephone, my kind and beautiful wife will escort you the rest of the way to get your things.”

“She will?” You asked with a tight lipped smile.

“And she won’t be murdering anyone in front of our daughters.” He smiled and tilted his cheek towards you.

“She won’t?” You leaned in to grant him his kiss.

“Good night, Seph. Safe travels home.” He politely offered a goodbye to a very putout looking Persephone.

For that very brief moment you found you could actually relate to your husband's ex wife. You pouted along with her as you watched his back retreat down a separate corridor. You definitely hadn’t wanted to see him leave but a smile found its way to your face at the knowledge that Hades knew you’d prefer to be alone with Persephone over him being alone with her. That’s why he hadn’t asked you to take Lily instead.

After persisting down a few more hallways you finally reached her old room, and you watched as she stopped before the door.

“Oh, anything of yours won’t be in there.” You said as she pushed the door open, “That’s just another playroom now.”

As soon as there was even an inch worth of opening the twins plowed inside. Persephone stood in the doorway of the brightly lit room, frozen and wide eyed. You grinned as she took in what had once been her room. Scattered toys all over the stained carpets, finger paintings and crayon art lining the lower halves of the walls. In the center of the room there was a marble statue with a red superhero cape, a rainbow clown wig, bright blue eyeshadow and lopsided lipstick.

Persephone’s face snapped toward yours with a glare. “Is that me?”

“Yes,” you answered simply, “The girls really love playing dress up. So we brought that old thing in here. Recently they’ve been practicing their makeup skills.”

“And my children’s statues?”

“They’re still out in the gardens.” You smiled, “With the rest of the family, where they belong. Melinoe actually stopped by last month for lunch with Hades and to meet the baby. Sounded like it had been awhile since you’d seen her. She’s doing very well, if you were curious.”

She cleared her throat roughly, “Where have my things been moved?”

“If I had to guess,” you hummed, “the junk room.”

You called the twins from the playroom and brought Persephone down a few more halls. When you opened the door to the junk room it was like looking directly into Marie Kondos worst nightmare. It was filled to the rafters with almost everything from every room that had once been decorated by Persephone and then redecorated by you. You’d tried your best to only keep the things that were priceless and irreplaceable. It turned out she’d had a penchant for both when it came to decorating. Room packed with things that weren’t meant for touching became a real issue with so many kids.

She sighed deeply, “How am I supposed to find anything in here?”

“I’d offer to help you if I thought you were actually here looking for something.” You leaned against the doorframe, “I think it’s obvious, however, that you’re only here because you’re obsessed with my husband and you're under some delusion that you might be capable of seducing him. I suppose I should let you know, it’s never going to happen. You lost your chance with Hades long ago and you’re never getting him back. Even if he didn’t want me he would still never go back to you, because he knows now what he’s worth. And he’s worth far more than anything you could ever offer him.”

Persephone looked over at you but didn’t acknowledge what you’d said. She grabbed the closest thing to her, without even a glance towards it. It had been a book of unpublished works by Emily Dickinson.

“Found it.” She said before slinking passed you out of the room.

The walk back to the foyer was much quicker and far less chatty. It was more like a warden walking a prisoner down death row than anything else. With the exception of two loud, cheerful girls singing Disney songs that they didn’t know all of the words to. When you thought about it you realized that, in and of itself, was probably a tortuous experience for Persephone as well. While she put her coat on you opened the door for her.

“Have a lovely evening, Sephy.” You said with a small wave, “Get home safe!”

“It’s Persephone.” She glared.

“I know what your name is. And you know I know what your name is.”

With a huff she turned on her heel and headed out into the stormy night. Several bolts of lightning shot through the sky, and there was a crackle of thunder that shook your home. You wondered briefly who Zeus was having it out with tonight or if perhaps your own anger had manifested into a storm.

“Bye Stephanie!”

You grinned as your girls waved goodbye as well and then herded them back into the house before shutting the door. When you turned around you saw your teenager sitting on the staircase with a giant smile on her face, one that matched her father's gummy smile. Her dog, Ligo, was awkwardly trying to fit her body on a single step and failing miserably.

“What’s so funny?” You asked.

“Nothing really,” she said, “That was pretty cool, mom. You were all ‘not my house, not my man’. You’re such a bad bitch.”

You snorted out a laugh, you knew you should reprimand her for cursing but it was too amusing. “Thanks, kid.”

“Dad’s really lucky. You love him a lot.”

“I love you a lot too.”

“Gross, don’t ruin it.” She scowled.

“Sorry,” you chuckled, “I keep forgetting you have to pretend like having people care about you is the absolute worst thing in the world.”

She rolled her eyes, “Can I ask you something?”

“Always.” You leaned against the banister, watching the twins chase each other down the hallway and then back again. Good, you thought, let them run themselves out.

“Do you think you could ask dad if I can go to a party next weekend?”

“Topside?” You asked curiously.

“No…” You raised an eyebrow, that was curious. “It’s on Olympus.”

“I see.” Though he’d definitely gotten closer to his family in the last century, Hades still had strong feelings about Zeus and that side of the family. “What’s it for?”

“Nothing.” She shrugged, “Look, I know what he’ll say. He doesn’t want me going there, getting influenced by a bunch of ‘narcissistic douchebags’. And I get it, most of the cousins aren’t that great and I wouldn’t want to hang out with them anyway.”

“But…”

“But…” she sighed, “there’s one guy that’s been coming around. He comes from Poseidon’s side. He’s really funny, and he’s smart and he’s not like the other ones. I think dad would really like him. If he weren’t, you know, a boy that I was interested in.”

You scrunched your nose, “Isn’t it weird? He’s like your cousin.”

“Don’t be gross.” She groaned, “He’s so far down Poseidon’s family tree he doesn’t even fit on the parchment. He’s Poseidon’s sons sons sons sons sons sons son a million times over. And do you know how hard it is for people like us to go topside and find love? Immortals? Gods? For like a thousand reasons it’s the absolute worst. It’s impossible. And even if I did find someone and they didn’t run for the hills when I mention my dad was Hades, I’d have to watch them get old and die. Or worse. I’ve read all our family history, I know the lore. I know it doesn’t work out for me or for them, ever. It never works out. I think you forget that you and dad aren’t the standard, you're the exception.”

You grinned. “If you know it all, you know her name is Persephone not Stephanie. Yet you continue to call her that to her face whenever she comes around.”

Your daughter shrugged and looked down at her feet. “Yeah. So? I do not and will not treat anyone that treated dad that way with respect. They don’t deserve it.”

“I will talk to your dad.” Her eyes lit up as she looked over at you, “But! You have to ask him first.”

“He’ll say no!” She argued.

“Maybe, maybe not. Ask him. Tell him about the boy. If he says no then I will talk him into letting you go.” she looked at you confused, “He’s your dad. He just wants to be a part of your life, so let him be. Plus if something actually happens with this guy you definitely don’t want to blindside him with it later. Be honest. Trust him like you trust me. Who knows, maybe he’ll say yes.”

“Right.” She rolled her eyes.

“Take your sisters upstairs and get them ready for bed.” You said with a small smile, “I promise you’ll go to your party. Just ask your dad.”

With a huff she stood up and started up the stairs, “Thing One. Thing Two. Let’s go, you little demons.”

“Thank you.” You called after her, “I love you.”

The twins sped past her on the stairs, startling Ligo into chasing after them and they released matching shrill shrieks.

She turned her head, just barely, and as if it was the hardest thing she’d ever had to mutter in her life she said, “Love you too.”

With a sigh you made your way down the hall to the blanket fort to clean up the movie night snacks. After picking up spilled popcorn and half eaten cookies, and stacking up drink cups you stood up straight.

“She’s right.”

“Oh my god!” You gasped and jumped in surprise almost spilling your armful. When you turned around you saw Hades in the door.

“Yes, I am, aren’t I.” He grinned. “Your god.”

“Why is everyone in this house always sneaking around?” You asked with a roll of your eyes that matched perfectly with your daughters. “Who’s right and about what?”

“Amara. I’ll say no.”

You handed him the stacked cups and nudged him down the hall to the kitchen, “Why?”

“She’s too young. What’s she interested in boys for anyway?” He complained, “And not to mention, I very much enjoy when you talk me into things.”

“I could always just talk you into saying yes now if that's what you want.” You said as you reached the kitchen.

“Okay.”

Dumping the trash into the bin you looked over your shoulder at him, “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Talk me into it.” You watched as he leaned back against the counter.

“Thing is I don’t think you actually want me to talk.” He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. His eyes were black and heavy lidded while you stepped towards him. “It’ll have to be quick.”

With a nod of acknowledgement he leaned forward and kissed you, his tongue dipping between your lips as you unbuttoned his pants. While he continued to kiss you, you pulled him from his pants and stroked his already half hard cock. When he groaned against your mouth you knew he was ready.

“Keep your eye on the door.” You said quietly.

Then you dropped to your knees and took him into your mouth. Hands clutching the counter top he tried to keep an eye out on the door but was finding it difficult. His chest heaved slightly as your tongue swirled around the overly sensitive skin at his tip. The taste of skin and salty precum spread over your tongue.

“Oh..fuck.” His eyes rolled back as the room filled with just the sloppy sound of his dick getting stuffed in your mouth and the soft moans you released around him.

One of his hands dropped to the back of your head, and you lifted your eyes to meet his. He could only tolerate waiting another minute before pulling you back up to your feet. After a quick kiss he moved behind you, pushing your hips into the counter. His mouth latched on between your neck and shoulder.

“Do you want me?” He asked like there was a chance you wouldn’t, but his hands had already started tugging your short shirt styled dress over your hips.

“Yes.” You begged while he tugged your leggings down to your knees, “Please, I want you so much.”

He brushed his fingers between your thighs. You could hear that his fingers were in his mouth when he groaned, “You’re so wet.”

There was a pop as he removed his fingers from his mouth and the lewd image of the action in your mind, which you’d seen so many times before, had you gulping. You had to bite down on your fist hard to keep from moaning too loud when he finally sunk himself inside of you. He was thick and filling.

“You have to…” you gasped, “faster.”

His palm slammed against your mouth as he sped up and the moans that fell from your lips grew louder.

“Shhh.” He hushed you, “You have to be quiet for me.”

“I’m trying.” You whimpered. Pushing yourself off the counter you leaned back onto his chest, “Oh, my love.”

His forehead pressed to the side of your head as he grunted with each thrust beside your ear. “Will you cum?”

“Yes.” It came out like a whisper, but it felt louder, “Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes!”

Fist slamming down on the counter, your body tensed as your orgasm pulsed around him. For a moment he sped up. His fingers digging into your hips like knives. Then his own hips sputtered to a stop. Dropping his forehead to rest against your back he tried to catch his breath. With a satisfied sigh you slipped your arms forward until your top half was lying flat against the cool marble counter.

“That was...unexpected.” You laughed as you lazily moved your hand to the drawer to your left, pulled out a dish towel and held it behind you.

“I wasn’t sure you would do it.” Hades said as he took the towel and moved it between your thighs to wipe up the mess the two of you had made. “I should have known better. You absolute goddess.”

The both of you were quiet as you finished cleaning up yourselves and the kitchen. Quiet and happy, you moved around each other. Giggling like school kids that shared some trivial secret and sneaking quick kisses.

Once you were finally making your way up the stairs you squeezed his fingers, “Thank you.”

“What for?”

“For always giving me exactly what I want.” You blushed lightly thinking about how needy you were. About how you had just complained to him the other day about him not wanting you enough.

He laughed, “That was just as much for me as it was for you, but you’re welcome regardless.”

Before heading to bed you said your good nights to Amara and tucked in the twins who requested a spooky story since it was still storming so badly outside. While Hades took care of story time you took the chance to jump into the shower before bed. After your nightly routine was complete you found him already stretched out on his side of the bed.

“Tonight was interesting.”

“In more ways than one.” He said as he eyed the pages of the book he’d been reading.

You bit your lip as you looked over at him. “It was weird seeing Persephone. I wonder what she was really doing here.”

“Who knows?” He flipped a page over, “I didn’t understand her motives back then, I understand them even less these days.”

“She was dressed really fancy for just a visit here. She did look kind of nice.” and then under your breath you muttered, “At least her stupid perky boobs did.”

Hades only shrugged, “I don’t think she seemed any nicer than normal. She was kind of rude, actually.”

“No, I said she looked nice. Like she was pretty…” you tried to seem casual as you set down the hairbrush you’d been twisting around in your hands.

“Eh.” You watched as he finally closed his book, dropping it on the nightstand. “I don’t really see her appeal much anymore.”

Sitting down on the mattress a smile spread over your face and you turned off your lamp before slipping closer beside him. “She did seem greener than our gardens with envy.”

He lifted his arm so you could tuck into his side as you did nearly every single night since the first night you shared in the forests of Asphodel.

“I’m not sure she was the only one.” He chuckled.

“What are you suggesting?”

“You know I’ve seen Persephone more in the last century than I did almost the entire time we were married?” He asked, “I’ll be absolutely honest, I’ve loved every single time she’s popped up. Not because I enjoy seeing her, but because every single time you radiate jealousy. And I can’t pretend it doesn’t make me happy, how possessive you get.”

“I do not get possessive and jealous!” You smacked his chest and he laughed.

“Yes, you do. I don’t know why, there’s never been any need, but you do.” He grinned and pressed a kiss into the top of your head, “So go on, ask your questions.”

Even in the dark he knew you were rolling your eyes. It was only because you were annoyed that he knew you so well. That you were so predictable. You didn’t know why you had to ask, you wished you didn’t have to, but it always calmed you. It always made you feel better. So every time Persephone came around since she did the very first time when she showed up at your wedding, you asked the questions.

“Do you think she loves you?”

“I think she covets things that aren't hers.”

“Do you still have feelings for her?” You asked, “Is there any part of you, no matter how small, that wishes you were with her?”

“No.” He said simply, “And absolutely not.”

“I’m still prettier than her, right?” You asked, rubbing your hand over his chest.

He placed his free hand over yours and gave it a squeeze. “She doesn’t even come close, she never has.”

“And you love me?” You whispered.

“Endlessly.” He cupped the back of your head in his palm and leaned in to kiss your forehead.

You sighed, finally content. “Okay, let’s go to bed.”

When you woke up you were not surprised to find two tiny feet in your face. It was actually pretty common to find several extra bodies in your bed the morning after a bad storm. The little heart shaped mole on the heel told you it was Iris. You half remembered Hades getting up in the early morning to get Lily, which would be why she was starfished over his chest. You weren’t sure if the twins had climbed onto the bed before or after that though. Regardless, they were there now.

What did surprise you was Amara sleeping, cuddled into your side. With a smile you leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the top of her head. It felt like it had been a hundred years since the last time she’d let you hold her. She never came in during storms anymore. She actually reminded you of yourself a little, stubborn and independent. Never too far away, you found Ligo trying to curl up at the end of the bed like she was a little dog when she absolutely was not.

“Suns out today.” Hades yawned as he woke.

Ivy popped her sleepy head up from the other side of him. “Suns out.”

“Suns out.” Slightly delayed, Iris’ sleepy voice came from under the blanket. You gave a light tickle to the soft skin on the bottom of her feet and she tucked herself under the blanket completely with a giggle.

“We should have a picnic outside. I’m sure the dogs miss the monsters. Gods know the monsters miss the dogs.”

You nodded and turned to Amara. “Will you join us for a picnic?”

Eyes still closed she nodded and hummed in agreement. Then she pulled the blanket over her head and buried herself deeper into your side.

Breakfast was light as you prepared for a big lunch. Hades took the twins out to the garden to pick fresh fruits and vegetables and Amara stayed in the kitchen to help you prepare the food and organize everything into the baskets. You were glad the sky stayed clear, not sure what you’d do with the girls if they weren’t allowed to see the dogs for another day.

Once lunch was prepared you slipped into the restroom for a moment alone. A moment quickly became thirty minutes. Standing in front of the sink you stared down at the thin piece of plastic on the counter with its one line. You weren’t sure why you were still waiting. It was only supposed to take ten minutes. The answer was clear. Still you waited and watched, willing that second line to appear.

“Mom?” Amara’s knock on the door made you jump and you hurried to trash the test and wash your hands, “Are you okay? Everyone went outside.”

“I’m fine.” You called back. “I’m coming right now.”

With Amara by your side, each of you with a hefty picnic basket in tow, you went outside. You followed the path through the garden to a set of steps inlaid in the grassy slope that lead down to the meadow where Hades already was with the younger girls. You couldn’t stop the smile that grew on your face when you saw Cerberus stretched out on the grass, soaking up the sun, beside your husband. Just a man and his giant three headed dog.

His four boy pups, which you felt could hardly be called pups as they were all the size of small horses, were running around the meadow, chased enthusiastically by the twins. Despite their massive size you never worried about the girls with the dogs. The three headed pups had been born just after the twins and they had grown up together. The boys had always been delicate and cautious with them. It nearly broke their hearts when the pups had grown too large to come into the house and they started to roam around the underworld, learning from their father how to hunt for escaped souls and protect the gates.

Lucky for everyone Ligo was there to save the day. She was the runt of the litter, hence her name. However a runt in Cerberus’ litter was still massive. A single headed, extra fluffy, perfectly normal looking, two hundred pound leonberger. She was considered a family dog but everyone knew Amara was her true owner. The two of them were inseparable.

Reaching the blankets your husband had laid out, with no help from the twins, you put down your basket. Having followed the two of you outside, Ligo plopped down in the grass next to her father, and Amara started to put out the food. You’d have offered to help if you didn’t know your ocd daughter already knew where she wanted things to go. Instead you stepped behind Hades and wrapped your arms around him, leaning your forehead against his shoulder with a sigh.

He turned his head to look over his shoulder, “What's wrong, Beautiful?”

“Nothing.” You muttered.

With that obvious lie he turned around in your arms. Lily was secured against his chest in her baby wrap. You smiled when you saw her big bright eyes looking up at you, and pressed a kiss on the top of her baby soft head.

“What’s the matter?” He asked again, lifting your chin so you were forced to look at him.

“Nothing’s the matter.” You shrugged. “You were wrong though.”

“That seems unlikely,” he scoffed, “what am I supposedly wrong about it?”

“I checked...I’m not pregnant.”

“Oh.” He frowned and then looked at you confused, “That's a good thing isn’t it? You didn’t really want another baby.”

“No. I guess not.” You said with a small smile.

With a sad sigh he wrapped his arm around your shoulder and pulled you into his side. He buried his nose in your hair with a satisfied hum while you smoothed the hair on Lily’s head.

“We still have Lil.” He said, “Lily, remind your mother you're still a baby and that it’s okay if we don’t have another one right away.”

She only smiled up at you, babbling something incoherent. With a small laugh you held him tighter. “I love you.”

“Wait, do you mean me or Lil?” He asked with faux concern.

“I’ll never tell.” You grinned. “Let’s eat.”

“Yes.” he agreed and leaned in to give you a quick kiss.

You hummed in delight as the stubble on his face scratched your lips. “Mmm, stubble kisses are back.”

“You can expect them all week.” he laughed.

Hades called the twins over for lunch and six of you stretched out on the blankets. The pups played for a little longer before sinking down in the grass themselves for a lazy afternoon nap. You definitely didn’t get moments like this with all of you. Managing souls and the underworld kept Hades and yourself busy. The girls had daily time with grandmother followed by lessons with their tutors. It just wasn’t often you got to spend time all together like this. It made you realize just how much you were looking forward to the rest of your week off with your family.

Once the twins were fed they calmed down significantly. That only meant instead of running around they were quietly tying pink ribbons to Cerberus’ fur. The once ferocious beast had been beaten down by fatherhood until he wasn’t much more than an exhausted ball of fluff that just wanted a moment of peace and rest. Ultimately he didn’t care what the girls did as long as he got the occasional belly rub in return for his patience.

You’d been testing fruits with Lily to see what she might be ready to eat and what she liked. Raspberries were so far a success. Hades was reading his book again and when you looked over you caught Amara anxiously circling her thumbs in her lap as she eyed her oblivious father.

“Umm.” She started hesitantly and you darted your eyes back to Lily, knowing your added attention would throw her off. “Daddy?”

“Yes, Princess?” He hummed, placing his book on his lap to give her all of his attention.

You could feel the nervousness radiating off of her. She seemed even more timid with his eyes on her. “Well, you see…I was just wondering. Could I get your permission for.. can I- Would it be okay if I went this weekend to Olympus?”

“What would you need to go there for?” He asked, not unkindly, before taking a drink of wine.

“Just, uh,” she gulped, “there’s a get together I was invited to.”

“You mean a party?” He asked.

“Kind of, I guess. It’s not for anything. It’s just a hangout.”

“I didn’t realize you had friends there that you’d want to hang out with.” He said grabbing a slice of pear off of your plate.

“I don’t.” She said quickly.

Hades raised an eyebrow, “If you don’t have friends that will be there why do you want to go?”

Her mouth dropped as she realized her mistake. “Well, I don’t really have friends there, persay. There’s just one person I’m friends with. They’re going to be there. They wanted me to go too...”

“What’s her name? Do I know her?”

You bit your lip to keep from laughing. Under your breath you whispered a quick, “You’re so mean.”

He only smirked beside you, picking up more fruit off your plate.

“Uh. It’s a he. Ah-he’s a boy” she stuttered out. “My friend is a boy.”

“A boy?” Hades asked, “Zeus’ sons are worse than his daughters. You wouldn’t want to be friends with them. You’re too smart. What’s his name?”

“He’s not one of Zeus’ sons. He’s Posideons’ great great great great-“

“I’m sure he’s a great boy, tell me his name, Amara.” With that you smacked your husband on his thigh.

“Alec.”

“Alec and Amara…” he hummed thoughtfully. “That’s sort of cute.”

“Daddy, please. Just say no already so I can stop making a fool of myself.” She sighed in defeat.

“Princess. I’m hurt. Why would you assume I’d just say no?”

Amara looked at you suspiciously and then back to her father, “Are you not...saying no?”

“Some would even call it saying yes.” He grinned.

“Are you joking? Daddy, that’s not funny. Are you serious? I can go?” She nearly screamed.

He nodded, “Under two conditions.”

“Anything!”

“Ooop,” you shook your head, “I do not suggest agreeing to just anything your father wants so quickly. I’ve made that mistake.”

“One.” He ignored you, “I want to meet this Alec. Your mother and I will go with you to Olympus. We’ll meet the boy and take you home when the night is over.”

“And two?” She asked.

“I need you to watch the little ones, just one day this week.” He said simply, “I want to treat your mother to a nice day, so I need you to take care of your sisters.”

“Yes!” Amara agreed wide eyed, “I’ll do it! I agree!”

Hades shrugged, “Okay then.”

“Really? Okay?” She hopped on her knees. “I can really go?”

“Did I not just say so?”

“Thank you!” She screamed and threw herself at her father, tackling him to the ground in a hug, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I’m so happy! Thank you, Daddy!”

Excited by Amara’s reaction Ligo hurried over and started licking Hades face.

“Alright!” He laughed, “Alright! It’s not even a big deal. You’re acting like I don’t say yes to everything you women want already.”

The rest of the weekend went by quickly as nothing more than lazy mornings turning into lazy afternoons that rolled into lazy nights. It was mostly time spent letting Things One and Two run around like maniacs and forcing Amara to read her books in the presence of her family instead of reading her books hidden away. You cooked meals together in the kitchen and ate them outside in the gardens. In the evenings you took walks around the underworld with the pups, and curled up together to watch movies at night.

With hardly any warning, on Tuesday evening Hades advised both you and Amara that the next day would be the day he was taking you away. When you asked him if you needed to bring anything he only laughed and sarcastically advised you to pack your passport. The next morning started off early. Hades had woken you up before sunrise. You threw on some jeans and one of his shirts and the two of you started your trip. It took you until you were halfway there to even wake up completely, but once you did you knew exactly where he was taking you.

The Towers of Elysium were a blinding white in the fresh light of the sun. And you were bursting with excitement at the sight. You may have visited them nearly every day when you went to visit your grandmother, but you never got to visit for yourself much. Not at all actually, not since the first time.

“What do you think?” Hades asked as you got off the elevator on the highest floor. “Will this do for a day away.”

“I think it’s perfect.”

Standing in front of the door he looked over at you, “Go on then. Wherever you want to go.”

When you opened the door you were unsurprised to be wrapped in the smell of ocean air. It had been such a long time since you’d visited this place, but the memories of it remained clear in your mind. The living room was showered in sunlight from outside and ocean air was moving in through the drapes that covered the open sliding glass door in the living room. Moving inside you smiled as you saw the red gerberas in their vases. It was exactly as you’d left it.

“How did I know?” Hades grinned as he stepped inside with you.

“We can roll play.” You said as you kicked off your shoes. “You can be Jiyong and I’ll be me.”

With a sigh he lifted his hand. Fingers gently sinking into your hair before roughly pulling you close. His lips sucked aggressively at yours in a kiss until you were moaning into his mouth. Then he pulled away slowly and looked at you.

“Do you love him more than me?” He asked almost sadly.

“Jiyong gave you to me.” You rubbed your thumb against his pouty cheek. “He brought me here. How can I not be grateful?”

Your eyes passed over Hades face and you realized how upset he was, though he was trying his best to hide it. You could still see the subtle downward curve of his mouth, the faint single worry line that crossed his brow. Things that you had noticed from watching him for a century.

“Are you really that upset?” Even though you knew he was, you asked because it confused you. “It was just a silly suggestion. It didn’t mean anything.”

“I just want to be enough.” He shrugged and left a casual kiss on your forehead before moving into the living room. “We’ve been together awhile, maybe now you’re realizing I’m not enough for you.”

“Not enough?” You laughed, genuinely laughed before following him to where he’d crashed down on the couch on his back. After climbing on top of him you grabbed his chin, making him face you. “Hades, you are everything. I will call you whatever you want me to.”

Accepting your feelings on the matter he smiled up at you and said simply, “Not close enough.”

Knowing what he meant you laid down on his chest so he could wrap his arms around you. You weren’t tired but you closed your eyes anyway and stayed that way. Just listening to him breathe. In the back of your head you thought of about a million other things the two of you could be doing with what would ultimately be a short day with no kids and no responsibilities. Still nothing you thought of sounded as good as this. Then you realized that nothing would ever be better because existing in his arms was paradise for you. It was exactly what you wanted. It was what you thought about all the time.

“Have you ever been really mad at me and just never told me?” You mumbled into his chest after nearly an hour of silence between the two of you and barely any movement beyond his fingertips moving gently up and down your back.

He shook his head. “Never.”

“We don’t fight, not really. Not ever.” You slid your hand up his neck, letting your fingers brush the ends of his hair. “I can’t remember if you’ve ever even yelled at me.”

“Of course I haven’t. Why should I?”

“I don’t know.” You shrugged, “You don’t think it’s weird? You don’t think we should?”

“Why would I ever want to fight with you?” He asked, confused.

“I don’t know! I thought it was supposed to be healthy for couples to fight sometimes. When was the last time we really disagreed on something? Why don’t you ever say no to me?”

“I’ve told you, because I don’t want to.” He said earnestly. “I want to do everything you ask and give you everything you want. So that’s exactly what I do.”

“Do you?” You asked, “Do you truly want to?”

“You don’t believe me?”

“I just think it’s strange. I hope you know that it’s okay if you want to say no to me.” You frowned, “Even if you worry it would upset me. I know you worry, needlessly, all the time that I’ll want to leave you like she did, but it would take a lot more than a disagreement to push me away.”

“Well that’s a little arrogant, don’t you think?” He joked, “You may be the sexiest woman I have ever known but I’m not so tied around your finger that I could never say no to you even if I wanted.”

“Oh!” You laughed, “And here I thought you were wrapped around my finger.”

“Are you wrapped around mine?” He asked quite simply.

“You wish.” You laughed. “I can say no to you. I disagree with you.”

Taking a deep breath he raised his eyebrow. “When? When’s the last time you said no to me? Or were genuinely angry with me? The last time you disagreed with something I said?”

Your forehead creased as you tried to remember and his face grew more smug with every moment that passed. You shook your head, “I don’t know. I can’t remember. Maybe I am wrapped around your finger.”

“Do you know why I don’t argue with you? Why it isn’t worth it to me to disagree with you over petty things and cause trouble between us?” He asked, “Would you feel better if you knew why I let things go so easily and do everything in my power to assure that you are happy?”

“Yes.”

”Honestly, I really just don’t want us to be upset with one another.”

“Ever?”

He nodded. “I fought with Persephone nearly everyday we were together. I fight with her now, even though we aren’t together. We were constantly bickering. I was always angry and frustrated. I was always hurting. For a time I forgot what happiness felt like. I hated it so much. I don’t ever want that with you. I want exactly what we have.”

“I hate her for the number that she did on you.” You said before leaving a kiss on his cheek.

He shook his head. “I’d relive every second of it as long as it still brought me to you.”

You blushed lightly as you remembered Amara’s words from the other night, “In that case, let’s never fight. We can always be the exception, never the standard.”

Soon after that you finally peeled yourself off of him and the two of you started your day in earnest. Hades made you watch him cook an entire feast for breakfast, only allowing you to help by pouring him a glass of chocolate milk which you promptly drank half of. After that you decided you wanted to do it all. The pair of you splashed around together out on the beach and lounged by the pool afterwards. Still full from breakfast, for lunch you packed some snacks into a backpack and then took a walk through the forest for a light picnic. When you finally made it back in the late afternoon you squished together in a hammock outside. The intent was for a nap but it ended up being an hour of kissing, which you enjoyed just as much if not more.

Dinner was later than usual, as you were pretty reluctant to climb out of the hammock, but it was deliciously filling. Once you’d eaten you moved back outside to the patio where you curled up beside Hades and he read to you from his book. You didn’t understand the story since you’d missed the entire first half but you weren’t paying much attention to anything outside of the sound of his voice anyway. Since finding out you weren’t actually pregnant you couldn’t stop thinking about the disappointment you’d felt. You’d really thought that you didn’t want another child right away. Your hands were so full as it was and it wasn’t like you were in a rush. Still you were unable to push away the thought.

Before you finished up outside you had a realization. You knew what it was that you really wanted. You figured out what it was you felt you were missing. After a quick shower you threw on some comfortable pajamas and moved into the bedroom. You thought to wear something sexy and enticing, but you weren’t entirely sure if he would agree and didn't want to feel too foolish. Ready for bed, you bounced as sweetly as possible across the mattress until you were finally kneeling at his side.

“My love…” he eyed you over the top of his book as you rolled your lip between your teeth. “I want another baby.”

Closing the book, he laid it gently on the nightstand and looked over at you. “I’m sorry, did you just say you wanted another baby?”

“Yes.” You nodded.

His eyes lit up like you were fireworks in the night sky. “Why?”

“I’ve given you your daughters.” You said trailing your fingernail down his chest.”Now I want a son.”

“You know that’s not how it works. We can’t just guarantee a boy because we want it.”

“Then we’ll keep going until we have one.” Your chest tightened and you whispered one last plea, opting to use your husband's name, in hopes that he’d realize the seriousness of your request “Hades, please.”

He pushed himself onto his knees in front of you, his hand lifting to your neck. Without another word he pulled you in for a kiss. Your hands flew to his cheeks and your body melted into his, the way it always did. His other hand pressed against your back to hold you and he lowered you gently onto the mattress. Waiting until the first tiny moan escaped your lips he pulled away.

Looking down at you his eyes were dark and you could feel a wave of heat crash over your skin. The look made you feel like you couldn’t possibly be any more loved or desired. When he spoke, his voice sent a shiver of pure delight through your veins.

“I will give you a son.”

Your heart was pounding in your chest as he leaned back on his heels. You watched as he pulled your pants, along with your panties, from your legs. With your bare legs propped against his shoulders he trailed his fingertips lightly over your skin from your ankles to your thighs. Your legs quivered while you watched him follow the same trail with his lips. Bending down between your thighs you felt his mouth against your sex and gasped. He tested how slick you were with his fingers and your toes were already curling at the feel.

“I don’t…” you squirmed beneath him. “I don’t think that’s how you make a baby.”

Your thighs attempted to tighten around him but he’d already propped his arm against it. He was an expert and you just happened to be his profession. Dipping his fingers into the hot wet mess of you, he looked up and caught your gaze.

“I think I’ve proven I know how to make a baby.” Keeping his eyes locked with yours he leaned forward and watched you watch him brush his tongue against your clit.

“Yeah,” you agreed breathily, “You got this.”

After a satisfied sigh you fell back onto the blankets and enjoyed the feel of his tongue swirling against your sensitive bud. Your fingers curled around the blanket at your sides, tightening with every slow, intentional pump of his hand. Your knuckles were practically white when he started to move his mouth from you.

With his fingers still curling gently inside of you he eased himself up your body. Inching your shirt up along with him, he kissed every stretch mark that adorned your hips. He praised the scar you got from giving birth to the twins with his lips as well. His free hand moved over your stomach, his fingers stretching out over where he imagined the baby would sit. Unable to help yourself you ran your fingers through his hair.

“I love every version of you.” he said before leaving another kiss on your skin, “But one of my favorite versions of you, is the one were you’re round with my babies.”

His eyes trailed up your body until they locked with yours and that act alone made the hot coils inside of you tighten.

“Oh. Oh?” you gasped as his fingertips brushed against your g spot. “I like that.”

“You like it?” He smirked and removed his hand from you long enough to maneuver himself so that he was laying beside you. “You like having my babies?”

“I do.” You nodded while he reached back between your thighs. “I really do.”

“Would you like me to fill you with them?” He seemed truly amused at your body's reaction to his touch as he rubbed circles against your clit. “Shall I give you another?”

“Yes,” you begged, “please.”

He watched the little muscles in your face as they moved and he could tell you were close. “Tell me what you want, say the words.”

“I want to have your baby.” You whimpered,” I want to have all of them.”

Your body trembled with your orgasm as he leaned in and kissed your neck, damp with sweat. “Good.”

“My god…please.” You begged.

Taking deep breaths you pushed him onto his back and crawled on top of him.

“Take this off.” You demanded flicking his shirt.

Reaching down you tugged his pants down his thighs. Already hard, his cock sprung from the underwear you tore from him as well. Tossing his shirt to the side he looked down and watched as you rubbed your soaked cunt against him until he was slick and glistening.

“Fuck.” He groaned, lifting his fist to his lips. “You’re so sexy.”

“I’m glad you still think so.” You grinned and adjusted him beneath you until you were able to ease down onto his lap. Hands on your hips he urged you to move while you tugged your shirt over your head

“Love of my life...” He grunted softly as he reached up to cup your face. “You always fit so perfectly. You were made for me.”

Gasping lightly against his ear you moved with him inside of you. In a mere whisper you said, “No, we were made for each other.”

Your arms rested on his shoulders as you rocked back and forth. Then as a treat for both of you your hips circled his lap. Hooking his arms beneath your legs he flipped you over onto your back and you let out a shriek.

“Hades!” You giggled, while he buried his face in your neck with a playful growl.

Less playfully he said, “I’m gonna fuck you full of babies.”

“Filthy mouth.”

He grinned mischievously, “So clean it with a kiss.”

Digging your fingers into his hair you pulled his mouth to yours. Your tongue brushed his as he began to move his hips. With each plunge came a heady groan from his lips which you met with a pleasured cry of your own that echoed through the room.

“Oh, Hades! I’m cumming.”

You choked out his name as his hand gripped beneath your chin. Gently, he turned your face to the side to elongate your neck. His mouth roughly sucked at your throat and along your jaw. He’d started to slam into you so hard you’d been jostled to the edge of the bed. Finally, when you weren’t sure you could handle any more, his hips stilled with his orgasm.

“Give me everything.”

He stayed buried inside of you while he brushed your hair off your face and kissed your flushed cheeks. “You are the love of each and every one of my lifetimes.”

“I bet you say that to all of your wives.” With a chuckle you pulled his face to yours for a deep kiss. When you opened your eyes afterwards Hades was pouting at you. “What?”

“I’ve only ever said that to you.” He said seriously, “I never said that to her. Not even once.”

“Oh, I was joking. It was just a joke.” you promised, “I meant...because...she’s just your ex. I’m your only wife, silly.”

“It wasn’t funny.”

Grabbing his face with both hands you pulled him down and kissed his face all over. “I’m so sorry. Hades, baby, I’m sorry. Please don’t be upset with me. Think of the baby, we’re supposed to be happy. Don’t you want a happy child?”

“I will be happy when I know that you know it has always been and will always be you.”

“I know. Of course I know.”

“Then we will have the happiest-“ he grunted as he removed himself and moved onto the bed beside you. “child we’ve had yet.”

“Promise you’re not upset.”

“I’m not upset anymore. I promise.” He yawned and tucked into your side.

Sure that he was telling the truth you tightened your grip around his shoulders and held his exhausted body close to yours. Closing your eyes you kissed the top of his damp head and sighed in content. His hand moved gently over your stomach.

“Did it work?” He asked with a small laugh. “Are you pregnant yet?”

“Too soon to tell I think.” Your fingers ran through his hair, “I’d still like for you to do that again…and again...and again. To be sure.”

He yawned once more. “As I told you before, I have no want to deny you.”

“Do you say it like that because you don’t want to do it again?”

“Do not” He growled, landing his flat palm heavy on your bare ass with a loud smack, “question my desire for you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Burying his face in your neck, he kissed your collarbone. “Look at that, we had an argument.”

“Um, that was not...” You shook with laughter at the look on his face. “Nevermind, you’re right, my love.”

The next morning when you arrived home you were pleasantly surprised to see that the palace was not burnt to ashes or in complete shambles. In fact the house was completely clean which you weren’t at all expecting. No dishes in the sink in the kitchen, no toys scattered all over the stairs. Not a single wall had paint or color where it wasn’t supposed to be. Nothing had been broken and hidden in a trash can in an unused room.

You found all of the girls, Ligo included, still passed out in the blanket fort sprawled out over pillows in actual pajamas, which you hadn’t expected either. All except for Lily who was sitting quietly in the middle of a pillow barrier, wide awake. When she caught sight of you she babbled out a cheerfully nonsensical request and threw her arms up for you to pick her up. Both Hades and yourself were excited to find that your children were not only all alive but also completely uninjured. You were so proud of Amara. Everyone had been bathed before falling asleep to movies, and apparently fed properly throughout the day.

You’d been so happy with how things went that you made the girls breakfast before waking them up. And you were so grateful for the care she took in watching her sisters that you told Amara she could have the entire day to herself and that you wouldn’t force her to spend time with all of you. While she did disappear for most of the day she joined in on the evening walk and movie night all on her own. She even joined you again the next morning.

The six of you had been spending time together in the main living room. Amara sat in the big cushy loveseat with her nose tucked deep inside a book. You were laying on the floor with Lily working on getting her to crawl. Your eldest attempted to pretend that she wasn’t interested but you’d seen her several times peeking around her book with a look of hopefulness.

“Come on, Lils!” You encouraged her enthusiastically. “You can do it! Come get Peggy.”

Lily looked at her stuffed Pegasus, dancing in your hand with eyes bulging in excitement. She leaned forward from her sitting position onto her hands and knees.

“Oh you’re so close! My big girl! You can do it!”

She rocked forward a few times like she might attempt it. Then, giving up, she slid down to her belly and started her sloth slow commando crawl. Amara let out a disappointed sigh.

“That’s okay.” You sighed as well and pulled yourself to your knees. “She’s probably just waiting for you father to be here so he can see it too.”

Hades had gone, followed of course by the twins, to let Ligo inside since she’d been running around all morning. As if on cue you could hear the pitter patter of paws sprinting down the hallway. Still nearly a yard away from you Lily paused her crawl as Ligo stormed into the room in a flurry.

“Ligo!” You tried to calm her as she pounced eagerly around you, “Chill.”

You laughed as she sniffed at your sides and then hurried around you in circles before sniffing at you some more. Her tail whipped around like a propeller. She whimpered with excitement as she finally settled down at your side and rested her head on your lap. Her dark eyes looked up at you, big and wide. Her tongue flopped out of her mouth as if she were truly smiling.

“What?” You asked as you scratched between her ears. Then as if she spoke to you with just a look, you knew, and your heartbeat quickened. “What do you know, silly girl?”

“She’s acting weird today.” Hades said as he walked into the room. Ivy and Iris had wrapped scarves around his ankles and were holding on tight. Both of them were giggling profusely as he dragged them along behind him. “She didn’t even wait for her treat when I let her in. Just raced in here to you like a bat out of the underworld.”

You reached up for the treat he’d brought with him and offered it to the dog who accepted it happily. Once he placed the snack bowl on the cushion he collapsed onto the couch. The twins abandoned their scarves and climbed up on their father, or as they seemed to think, their own personal jungle gym.

“Just a house full of daddy's girls.” You mused, scratching between the dogs perked ears.

“Isn't it?” He asked happily.

“Daddy.” Iris said grabbing her ponytail and shoving it into his face, “Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. Daddy. You said!”

“I know! I know what I said.” He laughed, “Sit.”

He groaned as she slammed herself down onto his lap. You watched as he took out her hair tie and started to part her hair for braiding. Watching him with your children was one of your favorite sights. Hades was such a wonderful father. Sometimes it made you a little sad that he had to wait so long for the opportunity to be loved the way he deserved. It didn’t make sense that anyone could know him and not want to give him the universe.

Feeling your eyes on him, Hades turned to you and grinned at the look on your face. “What are you thinking about?”

“How much I love you.” A dramatic gagging noise emanated from behind Amara’s book but you ignored it, “And what a lovely morning it’s been.”

It was a simple enough statement. Anyone that might have heard it wouldn’t have expected that you meant anything by it. However Hades could tell what you’d been thinking about by the way your bottom lip rolled under your teeth. Your thighs were tense and pressed tightly together beneath you. They had been since he strolled into the room.

Since you’d made your request for another baby clear, he’d been quite determined to fulfill it. You realized pretty quickly that if you’d wanted him all you’d to do was say so, you should have always known. It had only been two days but he’d had you every chance he was given and never wasted a moment. The day before he’d found three windows of opportunity. Once during afternoon naps and twice before bed.

Just that morning before sunrise he’d woken you up to kisses between your thighs, followed by an hour of diligent love making while the room filled with sunlight. Afterwards he even let you go back to sleep while he started his day. And when you woke for a second time and went to shower he joined you there too. You only felt half guilty about the water you wasted while he had you pressed up against the wet tiles.

“Yes,” he agreed, thinking about it as well, “it has been quite nice. I suggest we have many more like it”

Looking just passed Lily, who’d made her way successfully to Peggy, your eyes wandered over to Ligo who had moved and was lying down by Amara’s feet. Her eyes were set on you. Her tail wagging wildly behind her with excitement. Thinking about her curious behavior you said offhand, “I would love that. Though we may not need to.”

Hades looked at you curiously and you just smiled back at him. “Already?”

“Maybe.” You shrugged in an attempt to hold back but the thrill was clear on your face.

“It’s time we should ask the girls what they think.” He said, finishing up Iris’ braid.

“About what?” Amara asked.

“About what?” The twins copied in unison. Ivy crawled into his lap with her sister now that he was done with her hair.

“How would you feel about a little brother?” You asked.

“A boy? With your track record?” Amara grinned at you over the top of her book.

“Hey!” You tried not to laugh and failed, “Hades your daughter is being a bit rude.”

“My daughter.” He smirked, “She gets that from you.”

“What about you little monsters?” You looked over at the twins, “Do you want a baby brother?”

“You will love him more?” Ivy asked, looking up at her father with genuine concern.

“Oh, of course not!” He promised, pulling his little girl into his chest. He grinned over at you and said, “Your mommy might.”

“Hades!” You scolded while he stifled a laugh.

Ivy looked over at you now, eyes already glossy with tears, “Mama?”

Holding back a laugh you watched as your daughter finally tore herself from her father's lap and threw herself at you with a sob. Her little arms wrapped around your neck desperately as if in an attempt to secure your love.

“Sweetie.” You soothed her with a gentle back rub, “Daddy’s joking. He’s being silly.”

Turning towards him the little girl gave her father her best stink face before sinking back into your arms.

Hades continued to laugh, ”Yeah, real daddy’s girl that one is.”

Pulling your daughter close you left a kiss on the top of her head. Leaning in close you whispered, “You’re my favorite, don’t tell.”

Her angry scowl turned into a sweet giggle.

As the sun rose on Saturday, it seemed the week of your vacation had come too soon and was leaving in a flash. All you had left to look forward to was the visit to Olympus with Amara. In an effort to make it a little more exciting for the both of you, Hades has made plans with Ares and Aphrodite for dinner so you had something to do while you waited.

It was nice to dress up. Of course you dressed nicely for judgements everyday, as it was professional. However it was rare you found an excuse to show off. Deep in the closet you found a short black halter dress. You knew you wanted to wear something black so that you could match whatever Hades had chosen for himself.

For judgements he always wore luxurious suits with shiny shoes. His hair would be slicked back and his face severe. At home he was more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of guy. Casual, comfortable clothes for playing with the kids. No matter what he wore, you always seemed to want to devour him whole. You’d been insatiable since the first kiss and he’d kept you that way every day since.

You’d thrown a black, velvet cloak over your shoulders and made your way out of the closet as you tried to clasp it at your neck.

“I’m ready.” You mumbled, as you finally got the clasp hook, and looked up. “Oh...fuck me.”

Your husband stood in front of the mirror adjusting the shirt that he had tucked into his jeans. He wore an incredibly amused expression as he looked at you in the reflection.

“Excuse me?” He chuckled.

“I will not excuse you, sir. Not for this.” You shook your head, “This is absolutely criminal.”

“My queen!” he turned around with a laugh, “Do I look that bad?”

Bad wasn’t the word you would have used to describe the way he looked. A bold pink shirt tucked into ripped black jeans. The top few buttons were left open giving you a tease of the smooth chest hidden underneath. His hair was styled into a pomp and the sides freshly buzzed. His face was cleanly shaved for the first time all week. You wiped at the corner of your mouth where saliva had gathered. Hades bent over, grabbing a leather jacket off the bed.

“What is this now?” you asked, “You can not expect me to let you out of the house in this. What if someone were to see you? Too scandalous.”

Slipping his arms into the jacket he just laughed at you. Once his outfit was complete he pulled you close. His fingers dragged the cloak from your shoulder so that he was free to kiss the exposed skin. He’d barely even touched you at all and you already released a light moan against his ear. Still very amused he kissed your neck and nipped at your jaw before giving you a true kiss.

When he pulled back he grinned, “When I walked into the bakery that day and caught you talking to yourself...I never could have expected you would be such a nympho.”

You raised a mischievous eyebrow, “That’s the thing though, I wasn’t. Not until I met you. My filthy addiction.”

“Calm down, little rabbit.” he gave you another kiss. “We’re about to go into public. Contain yourself.”

“Yes, sir.” you whined.

The youngest of your daughters were left under the care of Soteria as you and Hades went with Amara to Olympus. Your daughter remained completely silent for the entire trip, trembling with nerves as she imagined the worst things that might happen when her father met her love interest. Both of you tried to joke with her and lighten the mood, but it only made her look, increasingly, like she was going to throw up. When you reached Olympus the carriage you rode in took you to the pavilion where the party was to be held. Once you stopped moving Amara bolted out and ran a few yards away to a young boy.

“Oh, he is adorable.” you tried to hold back your squeal but the pair was so cute.

Hades didn’t think so. He let out a huff of air as he watched them out of the window. “I’ve changed my mind. Let’s take her home.”

You reached your hand up and cupped his cheek, “It’s too late. Remember to be nice.”

He only grunted and pulled his sunglasses from the inside pocket of his jacket. When he placed them on his nose you actually gasped.

“What?” he grinned.

“Too sexy. You’re trying to kill me.” you scoffed in disbelief, “I can’t believe this. Get out!”

Laughing as you shoved him from the carriage, he then turned to help you out. Alec was a sweet boy and very clever. He showed a kindness and respect towards you, your husband, and your daughter that you couldn’t help but appreciate. He was definitely a far better companion than any of the sons Zeus had to offer. By the time you and Hades left, to make your way to dinner, he had won you over. Hades was less impressed, but he had become tolerant of the idea.

You’d decided to walk rather than take the carriage, as the home you were headed to wasn’t too far and it was beautiful out that evening. So you left the kids to their party and traveled through the streets of Olympus hand in hand. It hadn’t really occurred to either of you that you’d be stopped by so many gods for a quick chat, that they’d be excited to see the two of you there. It hadn’t felt too horribly long since the last time, but apparently it had been decades. Both of you had been quite missed.

“Hades? Y/n!”

Reaching another pavilion you looked up, only a little surprised to see Hera and Zeus. Hades tensed beside you but you couldn’t help yourself as you dropped his hand in order to hurry over to your friend. Hera threw her arms around you tightly and held you a blink longer than normal before leaning back, keeping you snug in her arms.

“What are you two doing here? I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“That’s what people keep saying!” you laughed.

Still keeping a distance from his brother Hades moved behind you. “We brought Amara so she could attend a party. Now we’re headed to see Ares and Aphrodite for dinner.”

Zeus awkwardly greeted his brother and you watched for a moment as they shuffled their feet trying to think of something to say to one another.

“So,” Hera beamed as you looked back to her, “it will be difficult with those two, but I’m assuming no wine for you then.”

You heartbeat quickened, “We had thought… maybe, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Well, I’m happy to let you know, you can be sure.” She pulled you in for another hug and whispered against your ear, “Would you like to know?”

With a deep, nervous, breath you looked over at Hades who was attempting an awkward talk with his brother about the proper way to cook lamb. Turning back to Hera you nodded.

“Please.”

She closed her eyes as her forehead pressed gently to yours and her hand dropped to your stomach. Her palm pressed against you, fingers spreading out over your belly. You gulped as she smiled and then let out a little laugh.

“The reign of the women of Hades is ending.” She said as she opened her eyes and finally released you from her arms. “The men are on their way.”

“You’re sure?” You asked as your eyes lit with excitement.

“Am I sure?” She scoffed, and you realized what a dumb question it was to ask her of all people. Then she laughed in full, “Blessings, my sweet sister.”

The two of you chatted for a little longer until the sun was nearly setting. Looking over once or twice you’d even caught Zeus and Hades laughing with one another. And not before too long your husband was reaching his hand out for yours.

“Y/n…” he said kindly, “We have to go or we’ll be late.”

After quick goodbyes the two of you were back on the cobblestone path to your dinner plans. The smile hadn’t dropped from your face since Hera gave you the news and you’d been thinking of a special way to let Hades know. Your skin prickled as you walked as his cool fingers moved the hair from your neck and leaned in to kiss the skin there.

“You’re always so happy when we come here. You get to see your friends.” He mentioned thoughtfully, “Do you wish we lived here instead?”

“No.” You laughed, “I like when we visit because sometimes it’s just nice to go somewhere different. But I love our home.”

“If you’re sure.”

You hummed, looking out at the clouds in their pink and orange sunset hues. “It is a beautiful view though.”

“Here…” he gestured to a small opening off the path. “We can be a little late.”

With his arms wrapped around you, you leaned into his chest and looked out at the view. For a while you watched the way the clouds changed color to reflect the sunset. It felt nice with his hands caressing your back and the warmth of him surrounding you in the brisk chill of the evening.

“I can’t wait.” You whispered.

“For what?”

You leaned back just slightly so you could look at him, “I wanted to wait. I wanted to think of something fun, some silly way to tell you, but I’m too excited. I want you to be excited with me.”

“What are you on about?” He asked, the curiosity clear on his face.

“Hera confirmed.” Your smile was starting to hurt your cheeks, “I’m pregnant.”

“Yeah?” He asked, and when you nodded in confirmation he threw his fist in the air. “Yeah!”

You laughed when he cupped your head and dipped you backwards for a kiss. Pulling you back up he released your lips with a loud pop.

“I told you I knew how to make a baby.” He absolutely beamed. “Didn’t I say?”

“Yes, you did.” you waited a moment for him to calm down. “Hades...there’s more.”

His mouth went slack as he looked at you, searching your face. “No… is it? It’s a boy?”

“It’s a boy.” He grabbed you in his arms and spun you around until you were a mass of dizziness and giggles.

“First try!” He shouted and threw his hand up for a high five.

“First try?” Still laughing you gave him a high five, and he locked his fingers with yours. “More like our fifth try.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I know what you mean.”

“Have I made you as happy as you can be?”

“Happy like you wouldn’t believe.”

Looking at you seriously he pulled you back into his embrace. His fingers moved up your neck until they fisted your hair gently. Pressing his face into your hair he inhaled your scent with a satisfied groan.

He spoke quietly against the top of your head, “Promise me one more time and I’ll never make you do it again. Tell me you’re still certain you want to spend forever together.”

With a sigh of content you looked at him and pulled his mouth to yours, “I swear. I promise. Spending the rest of all eternity with you, isn’t nearly long enough for me. You can make me tell you everyday. It will never not be true.”

Satisfied with your answer he dropped his hand down to yours and linked your fingers together before pulling you back onto the path. As the sky grew dark with night you squeezed his hand and smiled. There was never anything but a feeling of absolute serenity as you walked along the path beside him.

#g dragon scenario #kwon jiyong scenario #Big Bang scenario #kpop scenario #g dragon smut #kwon jiyong smut #Big Bang smut #Everlong #god this took forever to format. lol

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dpanuncialwriter · 3 years ago

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Librarians, Start New Game

November-December 2019, American Libraries Magazine

For librarians at universities with videogame design programs, maintaining a large, accessible gaming collection isn’t a Final Fantasy. It’s a Call of Duty. Beginning a collection may be as easy as pressing start to play, but storing and preserving complex materials is a tough battle—and academic librarians want to level up.

The University of Michigan’s (UM) Computer Video and Game Archive (CVGA) in Ann Arbor boasts more than 8,000 videogames and 60 consoles dating back to the 1970s. “Because we have such a large collection, there are many examples from which to pull and get inspiration, things [students] would never be able to afford on their own,” says David Carter, videogame archivist at UM. “Almost nobody has a collection this big, especially a college student.”

“[People] don’t think of libraries as a destination for digital scholarship,” says Anne Morrow, associate librarian and head of digital scholarship services at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library, which has more than 500 videogames and serves almost 400 game design students. “There’s an incentive to see what the obstacles are for bringing these types of original work into the collection.”

Objective: playability

As the owner of more than 2,000 commercial games, 300 student games, and 40 consoles (some as old as the 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System), the University of California, Santa Cruz’s (UCSC) Science and Engineering Library prioritizes authentic playability. Its goal is to provide students with not only a game but also the console it was made for, a compatible controller, and an era-appropriate TV to play it on.

With so many moving pieces, says Christy Caldwell, science and engineering librarian at UCSC, “providing usage of increasingly ‘antique’ [materials] is an ongoing challenge.”

UM has the same goal. “We don’t have to do a lot of tracking down, thankfully,” says Valerie Waldron, UM computer and videogame archive manager. About half of its collection is donated, and as with other academic libraries that own game collections, staffers turn to eBay if they need to repair or buy a missing item. Or they get creative.

“Something broke on our Atari 7800, and we actually 3D-printed a replacement part,” Carter says.

Why is maintaining playability of older games important? Students are mainly studying design and software. “What does the game look like, and what does the controller feel like?” Caldwell says. “Are you seeing something similar to what someone who played the game earlier would have seen and experienced?”

Students are also looking at artwork, game mechanics, subjects, and even source code as inspiration for their own games. “They’re using [archives] for competitive intelligence, and looking at what’s been done already,” says Tallie Casucci, assistant librarian at Marriott Library.

Space is another issue. At Marriott Library, students must go to different floors to pick up a videogame, grab a console and matching controllers, and actually play, since the stations are separated and require checkouts for loss prevention. “It’d be nice to have everything all in one place,” Casucci says.

In Ann Arbor, the CVGA houses both the collection and spaces to play the games on consoles, since the collection doesn’t leave the library. “It’s a very crammed room,” Carter says.

Save game?

UM staffers say they have two missions: to serve the teaching and research needs of faculty and students in order to promote usage of the games, and to preserve those games. “There’s an inherent tension. Usage is the enemy of preservation,” Carter says. “Academic usage trumps preservation. We don’t want to have something just to have it and not let people use it.”

After students from the Entertainment Arts and Engineering program at Utah lost all the materials for Erie, a popular student-made game from 2012, Casucci and Morrow investigated their options. With help from an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant, they published an ebook this fall on how to best archive, preserve, and disseminate student videogames.

“People have been looking at digital preservation seriously, [but] we haven’t made progress with objects that are really complex, like videogames, that have many interactions between files,” Morrow says. “We thought about the existing services in a library and how games might be supported by those services.”

“In our case, it would be the sheer number of analog games to process and store that would be difficult, especially year after year,” Caldwell says. “You’re asking people in cataloging who have never even played a game to suddenly start cataloging media. You need to support them.” The best way to do that, she says, is to develop accurate metadata and consistent, detailed cataloging practices.

But academic libraries still need to strategize.

At Marriott Library, Casucci and Morrow created a tiered retention system for archiving student games, through which students can choose the process that best suits their needs. In earlier tiers, students can contribute visuals such as screenshots or game trailers. As they go further into the system, students can contribute their games in their entirety, allowing future students complete access to its features.

Commercial games have not been forgotten. Carter and Waldron are finding ways to preserve legacy formats of videogames like floppy disks and cartridges. “We’re trying to discover ways of taking the game off its original format and creating an image for it,” Waldron says. “There are still a lot of things to work out, like how to store it properly, retrieve it, or put it back in its original format.” As for regular discs, UM keeps multiple copies and stores them in archival-quality sleeves behind the circulation desk.

According to Heather Maxwell Chandler’s Game Production Handbook, after producing a videogame, developers organize the game’s source assets and archive them in a closing kit—a common practice in the industry to help developers install updates or patches to their games. UCSC would like to implement closing kits down the line.

“The faculty wants to have a record of what students have created,” Caldwell says. “They want students to be inspired by what other students have done and build on that work.”

Carter and Waldron say that videogame preserving and archiving has been underdeveloped in libraries because it is still an emerging format. “Until recently, the history of the videogame industry has been left in the hands of private collectors,” Carter says. “Not to discount the work that private collectors have done—that’s one portion of preservation, but you need academic libraries in the mix.”

“For a long time, [game companies] weren’t really interested in preserving their games, either,” Waldron says. According to Kotaku, this is due to legal gray areas, lack of industry support, and turnover of games. “I think that’s slowly starting to change.”

Conquering copyright issues

Potential copyright problems exist in every layer of videogame collecting, especially regarding older materials with expired copyrights. In October 2018, a decision from the Library of Congress and US Copyright Office allowed institutions to lawfully own copies of older videogames if they were acquired from the original companies in order to make preservation copies—a separate challenge for librarians and archivists as many companies are no longer in business or have discontinued server support.

“Assuming that all videogames are governed by terms of use, it’s likely that any exceptions one would expect in the copyright law are not allowed,” says Carrie Russell, senior program officer and copyright specialist at the American Library Association. “If students are doing close analysis of the games or something similar, it’s likely that license terms don’t forbid just studying and researching the game unless the research involves the need to circumvent digital rights management (DRM) that may be employed by the rights holder.”

DRM is a form of copyright protection licensing for digital media implemented by embedding code that prevents copying, specifying a time period in which content can be accessed, or limiting the number of devices content can be installed on. For example, games with expired or maxed-out licenses may not be library friendly.

Another consideration is that certain PC games come with keys—a string of unique characters—that a user must input in order to play. “But then that [game] is registered, and it’s only good for one use,” Carter says. “If someone donates a PC game to us, if they’ve used the key, we can’t use that game. We have to somehow get another key.”

Currently, libraries’ and archives’ rights to preserve videogames are allowed under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. “That exemption, however, will expire in 2021 and need to be requested again,” Russell says.

Student-made videogames are easier to preserve since students get to decide what university libraries can keep. The student work that libraries archive mostly consists of digital files. They can either archive the entire game or different elements of it, like an abstract, artwork, or gameplay footage.

“We never make the students put up everything,” Caldwell says. “They could say, ‘I don’t want to upload my actual code. I’ll upload my abstract.’”

Students can claim complete copyright of their games or use a Creative Commons license, which allows others to share, use, and build on their work. They can even decide if they want their work to be available to university affiliates or the public.

Librarians, too, try to educate students about the importance of archiving their work at the library, studying other games, and how copyright plays into both. “You have to believe that [students] are going to use [the collection] responsibly,” Caldwell says.

Next-level libraries

Librarians agree they’re just beginning to assimilate game scholarship into academic libraries; progress will continue as the industry and programs evolve.

Caldwell says librarians should be working collaboratively to keep games accessible by lobbying for copyright law exceptions, partnering with game companies, and improving metadata and catalog descriptions.

“Games are to the 21st century what films were to the 20th,” she says. “How long did it take libraries to start collecting film? I think what we can do is start working together sooner, because we’ve already lost so many games.”

UM also wants to encourage students who may not be game design majors to help normalize videogames in the library. “In humanities or social science classes, instead of writing a paper, students are creating games,” Carter says. “We’ve been working with the design lab [at UM] to figure out ways to support the lighter-weight aspect of game creation.”

“[Games are] a part of society,” Waldron says. “It speaks to what our culture is in any given era, like any other format.”

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mollymauk-teafleak · 4 years ago

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be as you’ve always been

Alternate Title: everyone’s nb bitch, let’s get you some gender affirming underwear

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This is based on a request by the lovely @minky-for-short and some truly beautiful art of Caduceus which you can see and bask in here. Huge thanks to @tendermosses for letting me base a ficlet on their work and for always doing such amazing art for fjord and caduceus!

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Please consider leaving a comment on Ao3 or reblogging to let me know what you think!

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Caduceus had known, since moving out of the grove and into the city, that his life went at a very different pace to most people’s. He didn’t know if it was because he was a firbolg, because he talked more to trees with lifespans of centuries than to people or because of brain chemistry reasons. But why's had never particularly concerned Caduceus, he tried to take people as they were, as long as they did the same for him.

And these people made decisions almost without thinking, they moved from one task to the next without pause, one word could send them careening onto a completely new train of thought while Caduceus was stuck on one three stations back.

And some did it so quickly, so without any kind of traceable logic, that all Caduceus could do was cling on as tight as he could and follow along in complete ignorance to see where he ended up.

But then he spoke to some of his friends and realised, to his mild relief, that no. That was just what Mollymauk and Jester were like.

He also realised that sometimes it led to very good things.

Molly and Jester were two of his closest friends and two of his most regular customers, given that the theatre where Mollymauk worked was just down the block and that Jester had an addiction to sweet things. They were usually there, talking together or with their partners, and Caduceus had grown to love the sound of their voices mixing pleasantly with the noise of the cafe.

That evening, a half hour shy of closing, they had both been sitting on the tall chairs against the counter, Jester’s short legs swinging happily halfway up, Molly’s lanky ones folded underneath him but they would have touched the floor if he’d let them. The discussion had turned to sewing, how best to work with the sequined and beaded fabric Molly needed to wrestle for the theatre’s next show without breaking his sewing machine.

Caduceus had been scoring tomorrow’s loaves with the elaborate leaf and vine patterns he liked to do, bringing his work out onto the counter because there were no other customers in and so he could listen to his friend’s chatter. Jester had been recounting a memorable night with some sequinned lingerie she’d bought the other week, how so many had come loose and turned up in places they weren’t meant to be that she’d had to buy new sheets, Molly cackling and snorting at all the appropriate places. Or, rather, inappropriate places.

Caduceus had murmured, not particularly minding whether they heard him or not, that lingerie mystified him a little but he’d always wanted to give it a try.

The immediate silence told him his friends had definitely heard. And the look they gave each other, barely concealed glee and eagerness, told him they intended to do something about it.

Which brought Cad to where he was now, legs folded almost up to his chest, in the cramped passenger seat of Mollymauk’s car. Caduceus didn’t know a lot about cars but it didn’t take much to see that Molly’s had gone beyond being on its last legs and was now running on pure willpower and prayers to the Moonweaver. It felt like the bass of the music pouring out of the speakers was going to be enough to shake it apart and Jester piped up from the back seat that the door handle had come off.

“There’s duct tape under the seat, babe,” Molly called back, unconcerned, learning forward to turn down the volume when he saw how Cad was wincing but being too awkward to say anything.

“You really don’t need to do this,” Cad insisted gently, “You’ve both been working all day, it’s getting late...”

“So have you,” Jester pointed out, voice a little indistinct through the strip of tape she was holding in her teeth, “And we don’t mind, it’ll be fun! We can help you pick out something nice! Anyhow, Beau and Yasha are at the gym until eight, Fjord too.”

“And Caleb has the kids,” Molly hummed, spinning the wheel lazily, far further than he should really have to just to take an easy corner, “This is a bonding exercise, Deucey. You need back up on something like this. You need your GNC club.”

“GNC?” Caduceus tilted his head.

“Gender non conforming,” Molly supplied, “You know, people who get it. Gender’s dead but friendship is not.”

“Your NB buddies!” Jester grinned, her head pushing in between the two of them, duct tape stuck to her horns, catching her homemade earrings with the plastic gummy bears, “Wait...your NBuddies!”

Caduceus considered that, his ears flapping a little as he took the tape off for Jester. He liked the idea of being part of a club. Even more, he liked the idea of being understood. He’d been worried about that when he’d first moved, breaking away from the grove where things were fluid and constantly changing as nature itself and entering a place where there might be rules and expectations in place that made sense to everyone but him. Where he would have to explain himself and define himself with terms that weren’t his own.

But here he was, feeling safe in a very unsafe vehicle, with friends to gladly cheer him on as he threw open the windows of the self he’d made a home in and tried new things.

Caduceus folded the piece of tape over and over in his long fingers and smiled.

“So what is it that mystifies you, exactly?” Mollymauk twitched some scandalous lace as they moved deeper into the boutique. Apparently this is where he and Jester had been coming for ages, enough that the drow behind the counter had known their names and greeted them with high fives.

“I guess...the concept?” Caduceus held his tail so it wouldn’t knock anything over, some of the displays were elaborate and delicate looking and full of things that would probably vibrate loudly if they hit the floor and that would be embarrassing, “I thought the idea of sex was to wear nothing rather than something. Where in the whole...process does this stuff come in?”

Molly nodded, managing to listen intently while dragging Jester by the tail so she wouldn’t dive headfirst into the costumes part of the shop, “Anywhere really. They make stuff you can still fuck in, if efficiency is what you’re worried about. But I think the function of this kind of outfit is to make you feel pretty, y’know? Get you in the right headspace, get you feeling yourself, yeah? It doesn’t always need to be about sex.”

“Sometimes I just wear pretty lingerie under my clothes cos it puts me in a good mood!” Jester bounced on the balls of her feet, ducking behind racks to sneak sips of the milkshake she’d smuggled past the cashier, “Helps me feel more like me.”

“Oh,” Cad said softly, tilting his head to consider the silk and satin and lace around them in a different way, “That sounds nice, actually.”

“Which is why it’s important to choose things you really like,” Molly nodded encouragingly, taking a sip of Jester’s shake and dodging the punch she aimed at his shoulder, “It’s a treat for yourself, this kind of stuff. And, when it inevitably shortens Fjord’s shorts by a good few inches because you’re going to look utterly stunning, that’s a bonus.”

Caduceus turned pink under his fur, a smile playing on his lips, “You think he’d like me wearing this kind of thing?”

“If you love yourself in it, Caddy, he will,” Jester beamed confidently.

“So...what’s catching your eye?” Molly prompted, seeing the excitement in his bright purple eyes, “They’ve got a good size range here, gaps for tails. Anything you like, they’ll have it to fit you.”

Caduceus looked around, ears lifting and whiskers twitching with interest. Anything he liked. No need to wonder if they would have things made to fit his tall, awkward body, no need to feel the pinching anxiety he’d grown too familiar with in clothing shops. A place where he could fit. And the only purpose was to make him feel beautiful.

“I like...green. And I like flowers.”

Molly and Jester shared that look again, the look of remembering when they’d had that moment of realisation too, when they’d discovered the world had space for them as they were. A look of delight at seeing it happen for their friend too and knowing they’d had a hand in it.

“Let’s get to work then,” Molly grinned.

Caduceus still had a little more time before Fjord came back from the gym. They’d checked and double checked the sizes on everything but Mollymauk still advised trying them on to make sure he was happy with them. And honestly, Cad’s excitement meant he didn’t want to wait.

So he stood in front of the full length mirror, after clearing away the clothes that were draped over it, with his hair gathered up in a thick bun at the nape of his neck, wearing little beyond the dull gold light of the sunset coming in through the windows. He’d bought three sets at the store and a few bits of jewellery to go through his piercings, actually a rather modest haul compared to what Molly and Jester bought for themselves but he was just starting out, after all.

There was one in green silk with garters and lace panels. There was a bodysuit made of mostly straps in a mossy blue colour that reminded him of water and looked pretty against his fur. But he quickly decided his favourite. The main material was sheer, meant to look like it wasn’t there at all, so the effect was that he’d laid a number of beautiful, intricately embroidered flowers across his body, teasingly concealing the barest amount.

That one he couldn’t quite bear to take off, even after he saw it fit him perfectly. Caduceus kept turning this way and that, grinning widely, seeing how it looked from different angles, touching the fabric, feeling how the stitches rose and fell under his fingertips. He looked like a dryad, wearing only sunlight and flowers, glowing from the inside out with an ethereal, untouchable kind of beauty.

And he liked it. He liked it a lot.

Caduceus had always felt mostly at home with how he expressed himself. He’d had eighty years to decide who he was and to know it was okay, that the Wildmother would always accept him and some individuals would not and that was outside of his control. Dysphoria was a word he’d learned the meaning of only after he’d moved to the city.

But this was the first time he’d been able to understand why Fjord looked at him the way he did, why he wanted him. Those dark nights when he’d lain awake with his head on his boyfriend’s chest and listened to the heart that was promised to him and wondered why, of all the people in the world, Fjord’s body stirred for him, those nights felt far away right now. Because he could see it for himself now. There was a connection in his mind, clear as day, that had been dark before.

He was beautiful. He was desirable. And this was good to know.

Caduceus mustn’t have heard the front door open, more in his head and in the mirror than in their bedroom. He mustn’t have heard Fjord throwing his bag down in the hall, his heavy footfalls across the old, creaking wood.

All Cad heard was the bedroom door starting to swing and his boyfriend’s call of, “I’m home, love, just going to showe-oh.”

Cad turned quickly, the magic broken, suddenly only able to think about the fact that he was wearing ridiculous lingerie with absolutely no warning, no rose petals or candles or glasses of champagne to try and pretend this was a deliberate surprise, “Fjord! Sorry, I...I was just…”

He faltered for words but couldn’t find any. Though it seemed Fjord was having the same difficulty. He was in his gym clothes, shirt still sticking to his chest and hair pushed back from his damp forehead with a simple band. And his jaw was on the floor. And his eyes...

“Um...Molly and Jester took me shopping today?” Cad explained, feeling heat rise to the surface of his skin for a different reason, “I thought I’d try something new.”

Fjord swallowed hard, his eyes wide and darting, unable to decide which part of Caduceus they wanted to stare at most, “Yeah? You...you look...I mean, god, Cad…”

Cad’s smile was back, flickering into life, “I look pretty, don’t I?”

Fjord gave a soft laugh, his eyes practically flooding over, “Pretty? Cad, there aren’t even words, love.”

Caduceus’ ears flapped and his tail curled in the air. He liked that. He liked the idea of things that could be said without words.

“Can I?” Fjord stepped forward, muscles coiled and ready, body telegraphing his need as clearly as a hunting animal.

“Oh please,” Cad breathed, “Fjord, please.”

It was well and truly night by the time they were done and Caduceus was pleased to learn he could feel just as beautiful once the lingerie had been eagerly pulled away. It was like a light had been switched on somewhere inside him and on it would stay.

He slept contentedly, easily, head resting on Fjord’s chest. His braid was undone, hair settling over his shoulders in waves made wild by his boyfriend’s fingers passing through it again and again. His lips were swollen pleasantly and flushed, his body would be full of well earned aches in the morning.

He was the most beautiful thing Fjord had ever seen.

He was ready for sleep himself, more than ready, but before he settled down to let himself drift away in his boyfriend’s arms, the only way he could ever really sleep completely peacefully, he had something to do. He pulled his phone out, fortunately within reach because his shorts had ended up hanging off the bedside lamp. Just a quick text, sent to two of his friends- Little Blue and Peacock according to his contact list.

thank you. seriously guys THANK. YOU.

And if Molly and Jester hadn’t been busy with their own partners, their own purchases, their own bliss, they would have seen it and grinned that grin again.

But there would be time in the morning.

#fjorclay #caduceus clay #fjord #critical role #everyone is trans #everyone is gay #modern au #fluff #smut #please let me know what you think!#teahaw

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amphtaminedreams · 5 years ago

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A/W 2020 Fashion Month: Before Vogue Went Blank

Hi to anyone reading,

I’m sorry this post is so late! I really have no excuse apart from all my mental energy being taken up by shooting and editing my Euphoria lookbook up until now and me being too much of a lazy, nap-loving twat to face the mammoth task of a fashion month review; honestly, by the time it’s done, it’s like a dissertation-level amount of characters, so let’s say the final push to get this out is in sympathy with all my 3rd year friends I started uni with finishing their ACTUAL dissertations.

Things have got scary since I originally started saving the photos for this post, and the world has been turned upside down. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen since the Spanish Flu, Italian Vogue’s April cover was blank. As I’m writing this, 26,000+ people have died of coronavirus in Italy, the worst affected country behind the U.S in terms of sheer numbers ( though quick update: as I post this, I’m pretty sure our incompetent prick of a PM has made sure we’re up there too). Proportionally, the actual death rate is even higher, along with a handful of other European countries. There have been some complaints made about the cover and it’s supposed “lack of imagination”; all I know is that in a country whose death toll accounts for 10% of worldwide coronavirus deaths, something of a visual silence feels appropriate.

That being said, for me, writing is one of the only things giving me a sense of purpose right now. Yeah, surprise surprise, working in a grocery store isn’t all that fulfilling. Who would’ve thought it? So what better time to reflect on a time when all the rich people of the world were going about their lives as usual and sitting front row at fashion week rather than crying on Instagram live to their millions of followers about how trapped they feel in their 10 bedroom mansions.

I’ve got to say, this year’s A/W offerings were a lot better than I expected, mostly due to the fact that I’m not generally a big fan of winter fashion; it’s hard to be disappointed given my preconceptions! There’s only so many knits and coats and jeans you can see before it begins to get a bit tiring, and I expected that to be reflected in the presentations. Fortunately, even the brands which are known for their bohemian, Coachella-esque collections generally managed to translate that into something recognisable and consistent on the runway whilst actually being weather appropriate. Of course, there were a few disappointments-I’m sure if I say one of them begins with D, you can guess which brand I’m talking about-but that was more than made up for by the standouts. Gucci in particular was my 2013 Tumblr wet dream and the Moschino show was what I can only describe as a live continuation of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, though I’ll stop with my praise there and wait til I get to actually reviewing before I go overboard with kissing Alessandro Michele’s ass. And on that note, in chronological order, I’ll get one with the reviews! First up, Acne:

Continuing on a winning streak when it comes to catering to my personal preferences (if someone tries to tell me designers don’t care about my personal preferences I’m going to whack out that “just found out the world doesn’t revolve around me, shocked and upset” Marina Diamandis tweet), Acne once again channels futuristic hippy commune living in a dystopian wasteland. I know, those are very specific personal preferences

I love the shredded hems and the burnt velvet, the rawness of it all, and the baroque/your-nan’s-wallpaper patterns are actually a surprisingly nice touch. I imagine if Giselle from Enchanted had to make her dresses out of a thrifty goth’s curtains rather than an upper-middle-class New Yorker’s, they’d look something like this collection. You’ve even got the odd bit of classic fresh Scandi tailoring in there with the oversized coats and blazers which holds it back from being a bit TOO flea market. Plus, the renaissance painting detailing on the black leather-look coat is a stunning detail as well; I’m so glad it seems this trend is here to stay, why wouldn’t I want random nude bodies all over my clothes?

As for the styling, I can’t get enough of the tousled hair. As an eternally tired person who can't be arsed to pick up a brush most of the time, I feel represented. Along with the outfits, it says “I’m an art student/transient painter in the 70s living in a city loft who smokes a lot of weed and does acid on the regular” and that is a life worth manifesting.

Alberta Ferretti was dreamy, and a perfect example of how to translate the bohemian aesthetic of their S/S show to A/W. Somehow despite the furs, ruffles (pussy-bows under tailored jackets and knits/generally heavier pieces always looks really chic imo), tulle, metallic tapestry style prints and chunky jewellery, it all still looks very effortless, like a natural continuation of what we saw last summer; the typically masculine structure of the oversized suits with the ornate patterns and the accessories lends to the careful navigation along the line where maximalism and minimalism meet, the looks as practical as they are decorative. Picture it: you work some high-flying, powerful job in the city, commute on a motor cycle and roll up in one of these suit sets. This collection is for the edgy businesswoman who is completely comfortable telling all the twattish males she works with where to stick it and I want to be her.

The evening gowns are, of course, stunning too. In this analogy where I am a powerful businesswoman and not a pushover who works at a grocery store right now and only beefs with rude customers, I would be wearing one of them to the boujie work Christmas party. The ruffled dresses remind me of something Valentino would put out with the colour palette and the ruffles, and whilst we’re on the topic of colour palettes, this one is beautiful. The lilac and hot pink is SO right.

Though predictable, Alessandra Rich is just as much of a treat as usual, the first brand you’d go to if you were styling a throwback it-girl, Chanel Oberlin in Scream Queens if it took place 30 years earlier. Reminiscent of an amalgamation of vintage Chanel and Versace, there are so many cute details I love here, from the white tights with the black heels and the double breasted blazers to the gold chainlink belts and the pearls. The tartan suits with the shoulder padding are very Heathers, the prints the best of your mum’s 80s wardrobe, and nobody else out there is doing bows as well as this; these are the outfits that prissy bitch wears in the cartoons of my childhood that turn out to actually be quite good fashion inspo 15 years later, Trixie Tang from Fairly Odd Parents I’m looking at you.

This girl was the blueprint.

I think someone like Lilly Collins or Daphne Groeneveld would be an ideal fit for any of these looks, or Lana Del Rey if she wanted to stop serving us middle-aged suburban soccer mom and took us back to those H&M ad campaign days. Lana stans please don’t come for me for saying that, I am one of you; I say this because I love her. It’s all altruistic.

Whilst I admittedly didn’t love it as much as last summer’s, I really enjoyed the Alexander McQueen collection too, plus I had a better idea of what to expect this time round; no, we’re not gonna get a repeat of the Plato’s Atlantis show but we do always get some beautiful pieces. Again, like with Alberta Ferretti, this seems like a natural continuation of what we saw in the summer, just with adjustments made for the colder, darker, and altogether moodier months. A/W being the gothier older sister of S/S, it seems right that a lot of the looks turn their back on the ethereal, almost fairy-like feel of what we saw before and embrace the vampier side, reds and blacks (the ultimate Bratz Rock Angels colour combination), plenty of dramatic structures and formidable suit sets. It’s punk but it’s classy, and even with the lighter pieces, we’ve got the grunge inspired harnesses on top to contrast with the elegance and effectively, toughen the whole look up, something Gucci does well too.

The patterned suits with the clunky boots in particular are very cool and I need a gun metal grey heart detailing harness, but undoubtedly the MOMENT of this collection is Adut Akech in what appears to be a silver chainmail dress. She looks like an Amazonian goddess, and whilst I could never dream of pulling something like that off myself, I could happily admire her in it for hours.

There wasn’t much to get excited about at Altuzarra. The collection was very elegant for sure and the feathered belts are cute but it was all quite pedestrian and nothing new-the only detail I really like is the cut out on the second dress from the left, 3rd row down.

As for Anna Sui:

I’m not altogether sure why I wanted to review it. A lot of the outfits as a whole are a bit messy, and not in that avant-garde, expensive-looking Margiela kind of way, just in a “how many fabrics can we possibly get on this model” kind of way. Plus, the styling seems weirdly outdated-a lot of the jewellery looks like the kind of thing you’d see if you searched “gothic choker” on Ebay and ordered the results from low to high, and the makeup and hair in particular is very 2012 Tumblr fashion blogger. Backcombed hair and red lipstick? We’ve got a Zoella thumbnail on our hands.

When the collection did go down the bohemian route though (and when that route wasn’t a failed attempt at what Etro does a lot better), there were a few nice pieces and prints. I mean you really can’t go wrong with a teal fur trimmed coat.

Ashish, on the other hand, took their aesthetic from a similar era and did it a lot more creatively and kookily; this collection looks a lot more deserving of being on a runway. The prints are so loud and costume-y that at times the garments risk looking like something you’d wear at a decades themed dress up party, but they’re saved by understated and much more commercial silhouettes, plus some gorgeous hair and make up. On the whole, very groovy, unintentional disco queen, despite the few risks that didn’t quite pay off.

Next is a brand I always look forward to. In the words of Myrtle Snow:

BALENCIAGA!

Seriously though, if any brand knows how to blend costume and high fashion, it’s them. They take over-the-top, almost absurd silhouettes and turn them into theatre. This year we’re taking it in the direction of Phantom of the Opera, I guess? Dracula? The Woman in Black? An off-broadway production of Harry Potter where Snape is the protagonist? Whatever the direction of the collection is, I live for the dramatics of it all. Demna Gvasalia got these models walkin’ down the runway like they’re members of the Volutri, which is a reference you should all understand given the renaissance Twilight is having online atm.

Straight off the bat, I adore the staging, and all the models are exquisite-the theme of the show was climate change, and I always love when there’s a story behind the presentation of the clothes. I can’t imagine how amazing this must have been to witness in person, though I’m guessing equal parts mystical and intimidating. There are so many things I love here: billowing coats, cinched in waists, the pattens that are sprinkled sparingly in amongst the black, and the bloody shoulder pads that almost run PARALLEL to the model’s necks. This is really a collection that Myrtle Snow would be proud of and brb whilst I get rid of my padlock necklaces in favour of putting whatever meagre amount I can get for them on Depop towards a Balenciaga padlock belt (as if, lol, I don’t even think selling my soul would cover it).

And then there’s Balmain, which isn’t always the fashion critic’s favourite, but which I do tend to like.

I mean there are some really good takeaways here-though the 80s inspired suit, as wearable as they are, can get a little repetitive, they are staples which here seem to pave the way for Olivier Rousteing to try something new for the brand. The moulded breast plates (reminiscent of the Tom Ford one Zendaya wore though I’m not sure which came first!), for example, along with the Matador-style capes and the flowing silk dresses are the most glamorous incarnation of Lara Croft one can possibly imagine, probably just as equally suited for a Roman goddess as they are for an Assassins Creed style action heroine. And yes, I am aware of the fact that Tomb Raider and Assassins Creed are two separate games, okay! I just don’t know enough about the visuals of either to firmly plant this collection in the camp of either one, so I’m going down the crossover route with it!

Not to say there weren’t any bad choices-I omitted a good portion of the looks that were shown; there were definitely pieces that I found to be a little tacky, particularly a recurring chain print which has got to be one of my least favourite patterns out there. Overall, though, it’s gonna be the richly coloured art-deco prints, the wet-look boots and the gem-encrusted scorpion brooch which stick with me, so I’ll let it slide.

Bottega Veneta was very meh; even of the looks I picked out, there are a lot I’m now looking back at and wishing I hadn’t included. Some of the men’s pieces are nice, sure, and I feel like one of those vaguely sick, victorian ghost looking male celebrities everyone obsesses over (Timothée Chalamet and Dane DeHaan I’m looking at you) would make those suits on the second row look fine af, but it’s mostly the womenswear that I’m here for and on this occasion it wasn’t great. A couple of the coats are nice and that’s about it. Like I really had to act as if the tassels weren’t there on a lot of the clothes and go from there because I really don’t like them in this context and if I was to veto looks purely on one of the garments having tassels, there’d be nothing to show or reference when giving my opinion on the show. They were EVERYWHERE. In a summer collection, done right, they can be a nice detail but here they just feel unnecessary and if I’m being honest, are quite ugly.

Thank god for Brock taking the sour Bottega Veneta tassel taste out of my mouth. Never a let down. Literally, everything they put out sends me into a daze of imagining I’m in some romantic drama wearing one of the pieces, in a man’s idea of “no makeup”, running round in a field looking forlorn and windswept because my ghostly lover has-

Okay, you get the picture. I’ve never read Wuthering Heights, but it goes something like that, right? If not, lets just say envisioning myself in any of these catapults me straight into some period drama where I’m born into wealth and sit by my mansion window looking sad all the time and writing poetry and lusting over some stuffy upper-class man I can’t have and who is probably played by Colin Firth because I’m pretty sure that’s what happens in most of them (about to enrage my future English lit undergraduate sister with that line).

Nobody does modest, muted sexy to such a masterful degree. I mean, when Maison Marigela did face veils I was just mildly afraid, but here they’re subtle enough that they’re quite beautiful and almost other-worldly, acting as some kind of boundary between this world and the past that Brock aims to recapture through its designs-the red lip popping out from underneath is a perfect touch too. I don’t like it AS much as the summer collection but I would say that’s solely on the basis of the more autumn/winter appropriate colour scheme and the heavier fits, which is just a personal preference. I mean, I’m usually not a fan of empire waistlines at all and Brock even manages to make that work.

Burberry this season was a real mixed bag, mostly due to the styling. There are some really gorgeous, London back alley vintage shop looking pieces, especially the 70s style coats, reminiscent of outerwear a slimy record exec would've worn back in the day repurposed by someone like Alexa Chung or Zoe Kravitz or whichever effortlessly cool woman it is we all want to be-also the private boy’s school rugby gear looking shit is classic Burberry and I’m a fan of that, even though it’s not the most inventive or exciting. I just don’t get why there had to be SO much ill-fitting plaid over ill-fitting plaid. Again, like with Bottega Veneta, I thought the menswear was a lot stronger; whilst I wasn’t really wowed by anything, it seemed a lot less forced, whereas a few of the womenswear looks gave me the vibe of a design team desperately grasping onto some ill-conceived ideas of street style and relevancy.

The design team at Carolina Herrera for example, know their niche. They never try to be something they’re not, always sublimely preppy and pretty and predictable-when it comes to target market, the bag is reliably secured. Laid- back princess dresses never get old for those constantly “summering” in one expensive coastal town or another, for the rich American moms attending charity galas and the Spencer Hastings and Blair Waldorfs of the world; women with glossy hair and fresh faces who act as if they woke up looking like that polished but are actually anal as hell and take 2 hours to get ready and would NEVER, I repeat NEVER, shit in a public toilet.

Yes, I managed to worm toilet habits into a review of a Carolina Herrera collection. I’m sorry. Enough with the pearl clutching.

Next is Celine:

I mean, when there are THIS many looks, it’s hard not to find something you like, and though VERY predictable and verging on lazy when you’re putting out the same shit every collection, Celine’s aesthetic is so similar to my own ideal style, it’s hard to be mad at it. That being said, a lot of the pieces, as per usual, came across as cheap YSL knock offs; the overall outfits are cute, but the more you look at the details-it particularly pained me to include a metal bow belt and an ill-fitting velvet skater skirt but I liked the rest of the outfits-the worse it gets. Please, PLEASE someone drive it home to Hedi Slimane, I’m begging you: QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. I get what he’s going for, 70s hipster Jane Birkin is a vision I can very much get behind, but not when it seems to be so rushed.

With the men’s looks, you can get away with it a lot more; when so much of menswear is so plain and unchanging, the slightest hint of Mick Jagger is enough to make a outfit edgy. But even then, I still feel like we’re seeing a load of variations of the same outfit. There are always some pieces that catch my eye, this time round the capes and the velvet blazers, and I would wear most of these things, sure, however I don’t think the combinations SHOULD necessarily look like something I’d personally put together; a runway collection is supposed to be aspirational and cutting edge, not pedestrian (entirely intentional self-drag, lol). Also, side note, the lack of diversity really bothered me. 111 looks and not one of these models has a body type that is naturally achievable for most people. It’s 2020 for fuck’s sake. I’m tired.

SO, let’s liven things up a bit with the Central Saint Martins collection, a breath of fresh air in terms of diversity (though a few more plus-size models would be nice):

As a former University of London student, I hate to heap praise upon them. If you’ve studied in London as well, you’ll know CSM students are ANNOYING. I mean, I’m sure they’re lovely as individuals but you can’t fully understand the meaning of the word pretentious until you’ve seen a group of them at a Uniqlo Tate Late. That being said, they are very good at what they do and I’m so glad that Vogue Runway includes them; this is what Off-White thinks it is, and really it makes sense that a bunch of current fashion students are able to come together to present one of the most experimental and forward-thinking shows of this season.

And let’s talk about the RANGE. From catsuits worthy of comic book heroes to dresses Twiggy would’ve worn in a 1960s editorial, every subgenre of fashion has been fully delved into here. Whilst we’ve got the adrogyny of the suits and suspenders combo and kitschy gender-bending co-ords David Bowie would be proud of, at the other end of the scale we’ve also got models walking down the runway dressed like wood nymphs or some other kind of siren-like creatures. There’s looks that wouldn’t be out of place in a Gucci or Come Des Garcons collection but at that same time would be equally at home in a Berlin techno club.

Honestly, credit where credit’s due-it was a really interesting show and I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Chanel was quite literally the polar opposite of the CSM show.

Very blah.

It’s crazy because before you properly get INTO fashion, Chanel is like the epitome of style. And then you do, and you see the runway shows get lazier and lazier (with some exceptions) every year, and you realise that same prestige that had you aware of Chanel at the age of 7 or 8 is literally all that’s keeping the brand going at this point. I’m not saying the collection is flat out ugly, a lot of it’s cute, but you’re CHANEL for fuck’s sake. Yeah, I like the crucifixes but SCALLOPED HEMS!? No. I do NOT recall travelling back in time to witness Primark’s Spring 2013 collection on the runway and I am NOT having it.

It’s not at all surprising that a lot of the time newer brands Charlotte Knowles (above) tend to be more interesting than those more established-and yes that was a Chanel indirect if the transition wasn’t obvious.

With no room to rest on laurels or reputation, everything has to be bolder and smarter and more distinctive and most importantly, has to appeal to its target market with the fervour of an L.A sign spinner. I only found out about Charlotte Knowles because of a Vogue article citing her as Bella Hadid’s new favourite brand to wear, and once I saw the collection, it was clear why; daringly modern, slick, and edgy is both her street style (say what you want about her as a model but her outfit game is unbeaten) and Knowles’ USP to a T. If Dion Lee, Off-White, GCDS and Acne had an orgy, this would be the result, and that is a GOOD compliment.

Next, Chloe:

Not a huge amount to say, to be honest. Low-key, wearable, and cute. Like Emma Roberts’ Nancy Drew if she did an autumn exchange program at the Sorbonne and studied art history, libraries and coffee shops on the weekdays and galleries and protests at the weekend. On reflection, that definitely makes this collection sound more exciting than it is but there are some effortlessly beautiful pieces here. The 4th row in particular is full of stand outs-the vest with the watercolour faces on with the shirt underneath is perfection, and the burgundy suit with the saffron ruffled collar peeking out from underneath is adorable and not at all reminiscent of the Ronald McDonald inspired nightmare that any combination of red and yellow tones should theoretically be.

As for Christian Siriano, I see why people hate it, I really do. I understand that it seems kinda unfair to have it show the same week as Brock and Rodarte and Oscar de La Renta. We’re talking 2 very different kinds of quality here. BUT, at pure face value, his clothes are FUN, plus Coco Rocha will always have a special place in my heart as someone who lived on The Face and America’s Next Top Model and every show that could possibly give me an unhealthy body image ever.

Like are you telling me you wouldn’t wear these dresses to a party!? Live a little. They just need tailoring...which ideally would be done BEFORE the model’s walking down the runway in it but...you know...can’t have it all.

Christopher Kane is a show I always look forward to.

I would say his designs are the only thing that make geometry look fun but I’m going to expose myself and admit that would be a lie because I actually found geometry really fun. Trigonometry was my shit, lol.

He is a designer who perfectly demonstrates that juggling interseasonal consistency and taking risks can be done. There’s always something DIFFERENT about his collections, fresh and subtly experimental. There are occasionally a few misses, sure, but I’d rather that than for a brand to keep playing safe, plus he never goes too far in the opposite direction either; no going weird for the sake of weird. I don’t like it AS much as the summer collection but it’s mostly because of the more muted, autumn/winter appropriate colour palette.

Comme Des Garçons? Too weird?

Never.

Honestly when it comes to a CDG collection, I have to really shift my perspective to appreciate it. I’m not looking at fashion presentation, I’m looking at a moving piece of experimental art. I know, it’s a stretch. But you know you’ll never be bored by one of their shows. Not gonna lie, this specific collection crossed the line into plain ugly a couple of times for me. We had padding so extravagant it looked like several models were walking round with Ikea pillows stuck to their chest and headdresses reminiscent of the kids’ game Headbandz. In amongst that though, we did get some gorgeous veils like the ones seen above and the shoes and socks combo is actually quite wearable.

I’d say Dilara Findikoglu is the cut-off point after which things get a little too avant-garde for my personal taste, and it hovers over that cut-off point flawlessly; despite the other-worldly elements of her collections, they remain somewhat grounded by nods towards conventional fashion that allow the beauty, be it inner or outer, of the wearer to shine through. Comme Des Garcons garments undeniably have character but they tend to swallow up any trace of the individual underneath, whereas the character of Dilara Findikoglu garments seamlessly merges with the wearer and in turn elevates both to something transcendent and ethereal. If the Pussycat Dolls got transported into a rugged, post-apocalyptic future, they’d scrape together these outfits to perform in, I know it; the energy of the collection, with the body jewellery and the frayed cut outs and the chalk white faces, is very warrior princess, just as raw and intimidating as it is hot as fuck, and I want that energy in my life. Along with a Dilara belt, of course. I would wear her name like a badge of honour anytime she wants. Dilara, pls pls let me be part of your tribe. PLEASE.

Anyway, this is where I thought I’d cut things off, so as to end on a positive note. You know what that means: Dior is coming up. I feel bad knowing my first post was defending Maria Grazia and yet here I am now, looking at the bar down on the floor, but I mean, you never know; maybe girl is doing this on purpose and one day she’s gonna come out with a Gucci level quality show like a phoenix from the ashes.

If you got this far, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING even if you’re just here for the pics. Part 2 will be covering some of my most anticipated shows from Elie Saab, Fendi and Etro to Gucci and Moschino, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs, and everything in between. Yes, the shitty ones too.

I’m plowing through all the material as quick as I can so I hope to get the next post up really soon, and yes-you can count on the overwhelming sense of needing to be productive pushing me into fulfilling that statement.

Thanks again and I hope you’re well!

Lauren x

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