#the patient should not have to worry about protecting themselves or others

[gardenstateofmind]

also also, staff consistently always wearing ppe means patients can be more relaxed on their end, like i want my patients to feel comfortable, they should not have to wear ppe while they're in their own room

[lucifersdickriderdotnet]

Emergency Contact

Summary: Having siblings sucks. Having siblings who are constantly getting into life threatening situations is worse. 5.9k words.

Disclaimer: as usual, if they're ooc no. uhm. Diavolo and Barbatos are here and they are referred to as Lucifer's boyfriends but it's in like a fun jokey teasing way that siblings do. except Lucifer actually is dating Diavolo in my head so. asmo and solomon ARE dating because I want them to be. maybe next time I'll make solomon date satan. you can only call a man a cute kitty so many times before people get ideas. if you couldn't tell by the title and the summary, people get #sick and break their #bones. oh. there is one (1) cannibalism joke. not demoncest just bros being bros.

Notes: this took so long because I've never written a decent ending in my life and i spent two days on it. also that anon really pissed me off for some reason idk. if you don't like how anyone is characterized write your own fanfiction man idk. solmare doesn't even have consistency with this nonsense. Lucifer is nice to his brothers in this because I want him to be. amen.

It’s a little known fact that Lucifer is everyone’s emergency contact. When it comes to those he cares about, he is protective, almost annoyingly so. So, it makes sense that the person who knows everything about everyone should be in charge if something goes awry. His phone hardly ever rings for emergencies, half because his brothers’ manage to get themselves out of trouble through a series of convoluted and confusing hijinks and half because most of them would rather eat nails than call him to tell him something is wrong. He’s even Barbatos’ emergency contact, despite the fact that Barbatos has never been sick or injured.

When his phone does ring, though, it’s almost always because someone has managed to damage themselves beyond repair, which is why he’s staring at the caller id on his D.D.D. like he can make it stop ringing if he glares hard enough.

“Lucifer Morningstar speaking,” it hadn’t stopped ringing and Diavolo had almost reached across the table to answer it for him.

“Hello this is Devildom General Hospital. We received a patient today and your name was on his–”

“Who.” It comes out dull and flat. He’s gripping his fork so hard he can hear the metal squeak.

“Excuse me?” The demon on the other end of the phone sounds perfectly polite but Lucifer is already so strung out all it does is grate his nerves.

“Who are you calling for?”

“Mam–”

“I’ll be right there,” he’s standing up in a hurry, grabbing his jacket off the back of his chair and ignoring Diavolo’s many questions as he leaves their dinner.

“Sir, if you’ll just–” he hangs up before the nurse can say anything else.

-

Mammon managed to break a bone or two in a scuffle he won’t tell Lucifer the details of.

“Do you know how hard it is to break a femur, Mammon?” Lucifer is gripping the steering wheel of the car so hard he’s surprised it hasn’t snapped in half.

“Pretty damn hard, all things considerin’.” Lucifer exhales sharply out of his nose and looks at his brother from the corner of his eye. He’s staring out of the window, and the white of his hair is dirty with mud and something red that Lucifer knows didn’t come out of his skull but worries him regardless.

“Mammon, this isn’t something to joke about.”

“I know,” he taps the hard cast of his leg with a bruised knuckle, “‘m the one with the broken bones.”

“If you know why are you doing it?” Lucifer can’t stop his voice from raising a few decibels towards the end of his sentence and has to mentally count to ten to not start screaming.

“‘Cause I just got the shit beat outta me ‘n’ I don’t wanna listen to yer lecturin’.” Mammon finally turns his head to stare at Lucifer and the elder looks away from the road for a second to meet his eyes. It’s not often that Mammon genuinely argues with him, not often that Mammon gets mad enough to let the blue of his eyes light with fury. Whatever happened tonight was not something that he wanted to happen, and it’s not something he needs a scolding for.

There’s a tense silence where Lucifer sighs and then flicks the turn signal, sliding across the lanes of traffic to take Mammon somewhere else before they go home.

“Did you win?” He’s pulling into Madame Screams’ drive through when he asks.

“‘Course I did.”

“Good.”

They both silently agree not to tell the rest of them about their little pit stop, and it’s as Lucifer’s pulling into the garage that he turns to his brother.

“Mammon.” A hum sounds from the passenger seat. “Next time, call me yourself. I don’t want it to be the hospital unless you’re physically incapable of talking.”

“Roger that.”

—

Lucifer is not known as the most comforting of his brothers. The six of them tend to rely on each other for that, going to Mammon or Beel if they have emotional troubles. Lucifer, as the oldest, is good for cleaning up messes. Putting things back together and making it look like nothing was ever amiss in the first place. It’s his job to protect them, from the world and from themselves, and he takes it seriously. Still, despite his brick wall in place of a heart and his general ineptitude when it comes to being affirming in any sense, he is not incapable of helping his brothers out of a tight spot. He’s just not preferred.

“Lucifer,” Levi’s voice is shaky and stuttering on the other end of the phone. He knew something was wrong when his phone started ringing in the middle of class. His brothers all know how much he hates distractions during class time, just like they know when he has a class so they don’t bother him. He knew something was worse when it was Levi’s name flashing across the screen. Levi refuses to call any of them unless the world is ending. He knew something was horrible when he remembered that today was one of the few days that Levi is mandated to come to campus.

“Yes?” He’s already left class walking down the hallway towards the abandoned wing where he knows Levi is. He keeps his steps measured and even, keeps his breathing calm. It won’t do to have two of them panicked at the same time.

“Are you busy?” They both know the answer to that question, just like they both know he’s going to lie.

“You caught me in the middle of a break. Why?” He tests the door handle for the swimming pool. Closed for renovations, the sign says. The same thing it’s said for the past several millennia. The door swings open without any effort on his part, the magic seal already broken before he got here.

“Would you like to go for a swim?” There’s a splash on the other end of the line. Lucifer snorts.

“I’m not one for water.” There’s silence and another splash and Lucifer lets out a heavy sigh. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Yay,” Levi says, soft and timid, and Lucifer can see him now, all of him, filling up the entire pool. He doesn’t get in yet, just removes a glove and sticks a finger in the water to let Levi know he’s here. He watches as the miles and miles of indigo scales shift and slide along each other until he’s face to face with thousands of sharp teeth.

“You’re going to break the pool again,” is what he says, voice dry. He sputters indignantly when that earns him salt water to the face. He’s soaked now, head to toe and he’s going to miss these shoes.

“Oops.” Levi’s voice is sprinkled with something mirthful, no longer halfway to tears as it was just a moment ago. “Get in. The water’s nice.”

“Yes,” Lucifer swipes a hand across his face to push his bangs back. Salt water drips into his eyes anyway. “I can see that.” 

Levi giggles and his face moves away, body coiling in, on, and over itself, too big to fully fit in the pool.

“You said you’d swim with me.”

“Yes. I suppose I did.”

Truthfully, Lucifer doesn’t like swimming. He is not a bird that is built for water, and getting wet usually means being cold and grounded for a while. Truthfully, he’d rather finally open one of the many letters Michael has sent him over the years. Truthfully, he would do anything for his brothers. Truthfully, Lucifer doesn’t think he’ll fit, but a promise is a promise, so he slides out of his uniform and climbs in.

Levi doesn’t ever tell him what made him so upset he rebroke R.A.D. 's pool, but he does leave a box of Princess’ Poison Apples on his desk the next morning, so Lucifer sets his sights on re-fixing the swimming pool. Maybe this time he’ll convince Diavolo to make it bigger.

—

Satan would rather rip his own teeth out with nothing but a Q-tip and a single milligram of ibuprofen to numb the pain than ever ask Lucifer for help. Their relationship is getting better, he will admit, but he’s filled with a rage towards the oldest that could melt even the strongest of metals, and it will take a while to temper the flame. So, no, he will not ask Lucifer for help, but, if he’s annoying enough about it, Lucifer will fix it anyways.

He starts by mentioning it to Asmo, squinting at him and saying that no, he can’t tell if Asmo’s eyeliner is uneven, because he can’t see.

“Can’t see?” Manicured fingernails are digging into his cheeks as Asmo grips his face and moves his head from side to side. He has to shelve books in his mind’s inner library to not rip his brother’s face clean off his head. 

“Doesn’t look like cataracts or anything,” Asmo hums, dropping his face. Satan massages his jaw slightly. “What do you mean you ‘can’t see’?”

“I meant what I said. Your face is slightly blurry and I can’t tell if your eyeliner is even because it just looks like a blob. Ergo. I can’t see.” Satan crosses his arms over his chest and dodges Asmo’s subsequent grabs for his face.

“Oh,” a snort, “you probably need glasses.” He turns back around to his vanity and Satan has to stop himself from saying no shit out loud.

“Glasses are for losers.”

“Lucifer wears glasses.”

“My point exactly.” Asmo twists his lipstick back down before popping the cap on and pulling open a drawer. He gestures for Satan to look inside and he does and–

“I didn’t know you wore contacts.”

“Not very many people do. Mammon has glasses too, you know. He’s sensitive to bright lights. The sunglasses indoors are not just a poor fashion statement,” Asmo sighs and shakes his head, like the image of Mammon wearing his sunglasses inside brings him physical pain. “And, I think Levi has some because all of those screens destroyed his rods and cones.”

“Oh. I’m sorry for calling you a loser.” Asmo waves him off.

“The point, Bitty, is that you wouldn’t be the first.” It wouldn’t be just you and Lucifer is what he’s saying. Satan nods and then frowns.

“I told you to stop calling me that.”

“Why?” Asmo reaches over to poke his cheek. He narrowly avoids getting a finger bitten off. His voice rises several octaves, turning into a coo. “You’re just an itty bitty baby– Ow, dammit fine.”

-

He then proceeds to complain about it as loudly as possible, as frequently as possible. No, he can’t help Mammon with his homework, the words are bleeding together. Yes, he does have to sit front and center now because otherwise the board is unreadable. No, he did not catch that last slanderous missive about Lucifer in the R.A.D. Newspaper because he couldn’t read the draft that was sent to him for editing. (He made Belphie read the drafts to him out loud and thought that the article was funny.)

“Satan,” everytime Lucifer has to talk to him he looks constipated and it makes Satan laugh inside.

“Big Bother.” Lucifer’s eye twitches.

“You have an appointment with the optometrist. Get in the car.” Satan sets his book down.

“Can’t Mammon take me?” He doesn’t want Mammon to take him. Still, it’s funny to see the vein pop on Lucifer’s forehead.

“... Get in the fucking car.”

Satan plays heavy metal in the car because he knows Lucifer hates it and makes him sit in the lobby during the actual check up because he thinks it’s funny to watch his leg bounce up and down. (And because Lucifer gets a copy of all of their medical records anyway. The freak probably checked Satan’s eyes himself while he was sleeping and already knows his prescription.)

“Those glasses look nice on you,” is all Lucifer says when he picks out the frames.

“I changed my mind. I hate these ones.” (He doesn’t.)

—

He’d been in his room, up to his eyes in paperwork when his phone rang. It’s not unusual for Asmo to call him, the younger always wanting to chat and gossip for as long as Lucifer will pretend to listen, but it is unusual for him to call in the middle of an Asmo Night.

“Hi Asmo, what–”

“Lucy!!” He has to pull the phone away from his ear to avoid rupturing the drum.

“I believe I have asked you not to–”

“Hey! Give me my–” There’s a scuffle on the other end before a voice that Lucifer recognizes as Solomon’s starts speaking.

“Lucifer! I believe Asmodeus has had enough for tonight and needs to be deposited home. I would do it myself, but as per our agreement, I am not allowed–”

“Within twenty feet of my front door. Yes, I know. I’ll come get him. Please keep him out of trouble until I get there.” He rubs the bridge of his nose before standing up and making his way to the door.

“Wonderful! Now, about that pact–” Lucifer hangs up before Solomon can finish the question and hits Levi’s door on the way down the stairs.

“Bed, Leviathan.” There’s a small squeak in response. “Or at least pretend to be sleeping. I can hear your game from out here.” The RPG music leaking from Levi’s room into the hallway quiets drastically.

He stops by the kitchen to find Asmo his crackers and a bottle of water before leaving, instructing Beel to carry himself and Belphie to bed on his way out.

Lucifer does not like parties. He thinks they are loud and annoying and too many people try to get handsy with him when really all he wants is to drink his Demonus in peace. He’s dealing with that now, batting off people’s hands and ignoring requests for a night alone as he makes his way to Asmo’s booth.

“Asmo,” Solomon’s voice is soft and fond as he rouses Asmo from a short nap, “Lucifer’s here. It’s time to go.”

“Mmkay.” Asmo rubs his eyes and gives Solomon a peck on the lips that Lucifer has to fight the urge to gag at. He crawls out of the booth and grabs Lucifer’s hand, and somehow the crowd parts to let him past with no fuss. They barely make it outside before Asmo is hurling all over the sidewalk and Lucifer is remembering that Asmo smells like warm, sugared peaches.

Asmo smells like peaches. Allegedly, he smells like whatever is the most alluring to you, but Lucifer thinks he has always smelled like peaches. He smells like the holy peach cobbler that Michael used to make in the Celestial Realm. Asmo smells like the peach flavored macarons that Barbatos makes when he and Lucifer have tea. He smells like the Georgia peaches the human made him try once. Asmo smells like peaches, he smells like home and love and care, and you would have to hold Lucifer at gunpoint to get him to admit this to his brother.

And now, Lucifer is getting a face full of that smell mixed with vomit as Asmo leans over a bush and loses whatever meager dinner Beel had shoved in him as well as half his body weight in alcohol. There’s a flash from the corner of his eye and he makes a mental note to follow up on that.

“It will sound hypocritical coming from me,” he starts and is promptly interrupted by another retch.

“Then don’t–good Diavolo, that tastes awful–say it.” Asmo takes the water bottle that Lucifer dutifully hands him and rinses his mouth out.

“Are you done?” Lucifer starts fishing around his jacket pocket for a pack of Asmo’s favorite crackers. They taste like flowers, allegedly, and they're one of the few things that Beel genuinely doesn’t like to eat.

“For now.” Asmo takes the crackers and starts munching on them gratefully, leaning heavily into Lucifer’s side as they both walk home.

“Thank you for coming,” he says. Lucifer scoffs, rolling his eyes.

“I would never leave one of you alone.”

“Aww, that’s so–”

“The paperwork alone would take at least a decade.”

“Nevermind.”

-

If Lucifer hunts down the demon who took the picture and threatens them within an inch of their life, that’s between him and his Father. And if Asmo finds out and gives Lucifer a hug at breakfast the following morning, that’s between him and Mammon’s camera roll.

—

Lucifer hates Fangol. Well, that’s not true. He admires the dedication someone has to have to play it and to play it well. He admits that sometimes it’s fun to go to games and get caught up in the hype of the crowd. He also likes that it makes Beel happy. What he doesn’t like is sitting in the stands as his second youngest brother makes a game winning play and then gets tackled onto the turf so hard you can hear the sound his head makes when it hits the ground.

The crowd goes silent and the players and the band take a knee and Lucifer is half dragging half carrying Belphie down the stands to the ambulance as the EMT’s check over their brother.

“Sir, I understand–” The paramedic cuts themself off when they see whose shadows are looming over them. They heave a sigh and gesture to a patch of grass near where they have Beel laying on a gurney. “Try to avoid being in our way.”

It’s a fight to keep Belphie from being underfoot, but there isn’t one when Lucifer says he’s riding in the ambulance with Beel to the hospital. Only a curt nod and then a muttered threat in his ear that he rolls his eyes at and then their off.

“Sorry.” It’s the first thing out of Beel’s mouth after he’s done being asked routine questions.

“It’s not like you asked to receive a concussion.”

“We don’t know that it’s a concussion,” Beel says, wagging his finger slowly. Lucifer rolls his eyes.

“You told the paramedic you wanted to throw up and pass out at the same time.”

“Average Beelzebub activities.” It makes Lucifer snort, lips twitching up into a smile.

“That is the exact opposite of a Beelzebub activity. You’ll be okay, though.” The you have to be goes unsaid.

It turns out to be a concussion and Beel is barred from playing for a while and then everything is fine.

-

Lucifer has changed his mind, he definitely hates Fangol. He has half a mind to ban Beel from ever playing it again, but if he didn’t have something to focus his energy on, they wouldn’t have a House to live in.

He stayed home from the game, wanting to relax, for once, with a new cursed record and a bottle of his prized Demonus. He might have also paused the record to watch the stream of the game on his phone, but that’s neither here nor there. He’s busy cussing out one of the commentators for their clear bias against Beel–they haven’t been angels in literally thousands of years, people need to find a new excuse–when it cuts suddenly from a replay of the last down to a live feed from the field. And then his phone rings.

“Mammon,” he already knows what happened before he picks up.

“I know ya said not ta call ya tonight, but,” he sounds haggard, and his accent gets thicker when he’s panicking, “ya also said not ta let the hospital call ya so–”

“Mammon,” it comes out snappier than he wants it to and he has to soften his voice when he opens his mouth again, “breathe. What’s happened?”

“Dear Father who art in Heaven–” Lucifer curses again because Mammon only reverts to praying when something is seriously wrong. “Beel got tackled ‘nd– Lucifer, ya could hear the crunch from Diavolo’s good seats.” Lucifer sucks in a breath and considers sending up a couple prayers himself.

“I’m on my way. Beel will– Beel will be okay, Mammon. He’s strong.” He hears Mammon’s assent from the other end of the line just as he hears Levi mumble something to Mammon.

“Oh, yer kiddin’.”

“What? Mammon, what’s going on?”

“We can’t fin’ Belphie.”

“Shit.”

-

If Lucifer breaks traffic laws on his way to the stadium, no one who pulls him over will be able to make anything stick for very long. He watches as the ambulance pulls away and his D.D.D. buzzes with a message.

Mams

I went with Beel. Everyone’s still tryna find Belphie.

“Lucifer–” he’s met with an armful of brothers before he can put his phone back in his pocket and he’s not strong enough to pretend he doesn’t want to hug them back.

“Did you find–”

“No, obviously not Levi, he just fucking got here.”

“Satan, now is not the time–”

“I’ll decide when the fucking time is, Asmo. Did you see what they did to our–”

“Yeah, I was sitting right next to you. You’re not the only one who’s upset–”

“Guys,” Lucifer raises his voice above their arguing. “Now is not the time.” He hands Diavolo his keys, grateful, for once, at his many attempts to bond with his brothers. “Will you please take them to the hospital? I have a brother to find.”

It doesn’t take him long to find Belphie, but it does take a toll on his knees.

“Belphegor.” He wonders how the youngest climbed on top of the press box without anyone noticing.

“The stadium lights are too bright,” Belphie says, “you can’t see the stars. They drown them out. It’s a bad omen, Lucifer.”

“Belphegor, please come back down.”

“I can’t see them, Lucifer.” His voice is thick with tears.

“They’re still there, Belphie. I promise.”

“We made them together, and I can’t see them.”

“If you come back down we can visit Beel and the two of you can find them together.” Diavolo’s Father help him, he is not climbing on top of that box to bring Belphie down himself.

“Promise?”

“On my life.”

The bad thing about the press box for the R.A.D. stadium, is that the ladder has rusted away. People never go on top of it to watch or film the game anymore because they started to use magic to get the good camera angles. The bad thing about the press box is that when Belphie makes to climb down he slips and has nothing to grab and lands on the concrete stadium seating with a snap that makes Lucifer’s stomach churn.

-

“I can’t believe you fell while getting down. That’s like, one hundred times easier than goin’ up.” Mammon is beside himself with laughter while he doodles on Belphie’s cast.

“Haha. Laugh it up Mammon. When I’m out of this thing, I’m going to break every bone in your body.” Mammon rolls his eyes at Belphie’s threat.

“The witches have used that one before. Try again.”

“What are you, a magic eight ball?”

“Reply hazy. Try again later.”

“You know,” Asmo says from his spot opposite Mammon, doodling on Beel’s cast, “it is kind of cool that you guys managed to break the same bone.”

“It’s because we’re twins.” Beel says, smiling brightly.

“Yeah,” Satan snorts, “or cause you’re both stupid.”

“I’m just glad you’re both okay,” Levi cuts in before Belphie and Satan can start in on each other.

“Indeed. Although, I believe it’s best that Fangol is heading into its off season.” Lucifer says, and there’s noises of agreement throughout the room.

—

It’s a simple fact of life that Lucifer doesn’t get sick. The Demon King is asleep, the Earth’s year is 365 (365.25) days long, the Crown Prince of the Devildom hates pickles, Michael is a massive loser, and Lucifer doesn’t get sick. He does not get sick or injured or cursed or hexed or anything of the sort because he does not have the time. Except. Except he is most definitely sick right now.

Belphie realized something was wrong when Lucifer didn’t come down for breakfast. He’s a stickler for meal times, always wanting them to share a meal together. Something about family and tradition and will you just do what I say for once that Belphie doesn’t care about or want to listen to. He comes to breakfast and dinner and lunch on the weekends anyway, because Beel does, not because Lucifer wants him to. So, when he looks up from his spot at the table, the cloth permanently drool stained despite the oldest’s best efforts, and watches all of his brothers leave except Lucifer, he gets confused.

“Beel,” he asks, tilting his head just so, “did Lucifer have a meeting today?” Usually he would tell them. Several times throughout the week if it was planned and then again in the morning before he leaves. He’s weird like that, he doesn’t like not knowing where everyone is. Belphie thinks he’s a control freak, even if he finds knowing his brother’s whereabouts comforting.

“No,” Beel says this around a mouthful of muffin, “I don’t think so.”

“Hmm. Well. I guess we’ll see him at school.”

-

They do not, in fact, see him at school. Mammon shares first period with him, which means he can never skip the first hour and a half of R.A.D. Except today, there’s no harsh pokes in his back whenever he starts to zone out, and there’s no pointed coughs when he pulls out his phone and starts playing games. He looks around and there’s no Lucifer.

Demon Brothers

Mams: ayo. where is. lucifer.

Catan: he’s not in class?

Mams: if he was I wouldn’t be askin.

Catan: the phone screen makes you bold, brother. watch yourself.

Mams: o7 aye aye cap’n.

Beel: Belphie says he wasn’t at breakfast either

Mams: is belphie’s phone broke???

Beel: he says typing is too much effort

Mams: understandable have a nice day

Asmo: o.o Lucifer not at breakfast? But he’s always weird when we miss it!

Catan: typical Lucifer hypocrisy

Levs: you know he can still read this chat right?

Catan: when has that ever stopped me -_-

Levs: you guys have hit like all of the Summoning Lucifer Bullet Points

Levs: 1. Mention his name fifty times

Levs: 2. Blow up his phone

Levs: 3. Text during class time

Levs: 4. Slander him at least once

Levs: 5. Ask about his private business/goings on

Beel: and yet

Mams: no Lucifer

-

The real header comes during the afternoon, when Lucifer doesn’t show up to the scheduled Student Council Meeting.

“Alrighty!” Diavolo says, chipper as ever, “when Lucifer gets here, we’ll start the meeting. He has all of the paperwork, anyway.” 

So they wait. And they wait.

“Yo, dude,” Mammon calls to Diavolo and he turns his head, Barbatos coughs into his fist at the lack of formality. “I don’t think Lucifer is gonna show.”

“Yeah,” Belphie yawns, “he wasn’t in school today, either.”

“Or at breakfast, apparently.” Levi says, though it’s hard to hear him over the music of his game.

“That is. Odd. Is he still at home, then?” Diavolo pulls out his phone and starts texting.

“No use,” Asmo says, “we’ve been bothering him all day.”

“Privately and in the group chat,” Satan adds. “Though, he may not have opened my messages because they were all cursed.”

“He didn’t open mine either,” Beel says. “I think he’s just been off his phone.”

“Unusual,” Barbatos says, stepping out of his shadowy corner. “Perhaps something is amiss?”

“With Lucifer?” Asmo sounds incredulous, lowering his compact just long enough to arch an eyebrow at the butler before tapping more powder on his face. “Nothing is ever wrong with Lucifer.” Belphie yawns before nodding in agreement and adding his own two cents.

“Even when we curse him things aren’t wrong. He always manages to make it seem so … normal.”

“I remember that time his pants kept falling down,” Levi says. “I thought it would make him less intimidating. I was wrong.” He shudders. “Very wrong.”

“Then why isn’t he here?” Barbatos says, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Why does he do anythin’?” Mammon stands up as he says this, grabbing his bag and his phone and making his way towards the door. “Lucifer does what he wants and shows no remorse for it.” There’s a pause where he remembers the Fall. “Mosta the time.”

“Well, if we aren’t going to do anything,” Asmo’s compact shuts with a click, “I have people to do and things to see.”

“It’s ‘things to do and people to see’, Asmo,” Satan says, following his brothers out.

“I know what I said.”

Barbatos and Diavolo watch as the brothers leave, one by one, all citing different excuses before sharing a look.

“Is it rude to stop by people’s homes uninvited, Barbatos?” Diavolo asks, pushing his chair back.

“Yes. But in cases where Lucifer is concerned, manners and politeness have never stopped you, my Lord.” Barbatos follows behind the Prince, steps silent in contrast to the clacking of Diavolo’s shoes on the Academy’s stone floors. Diavolo’s laugh echoes throughout the hallway.

“I suppose you’re right. Come, I believe I must pay a visit to my right hand.”

“Always.”

-

The House is cold when Diavolo gets there. He can hear Beel rummaging in the kitchen, and Belphie’s soft snores accompanying him. He can hear Levi and Mammon fighting over something and he can hear the thud of books falling over in Satan’s room. He can hear Asmo because Asmo greets him when he enters.

“Oh, hey!” He waves excitedly, before pointing at his feet. “Which shoes do you think look better with this outfit?”

“I think they both look nice,” Diavolo replies and Asmo pouts.

“Not helpful.”

“The ones on your left, Asmodeus.” Barbatos’ eyes peer from behind Diavolo’s shoulder and Asmo smiles in response.

“Thanks! Hey,” he tugs the shoe on his right foot off and tosses it into a pile next to the door before grabbing his left foot’s twin from seemingly nowhere, “you guys didn’t see Solomon out there, did you?”

“I thought I told you that he isn’t allowed within twenty feet of the front door.” Lucifer’s normal baritone is raspy with sickness, vocal cords raw from coughing.

“He’s not going to be within twenty feet. He’s going to stand an inch outside of the barrier.” Asmo turns and places his hands on his brother’s shoulders, spinning him around and pushing him back towards the living room. “I also thought I told you to lie down and sleep. I suppose we both aren’t good at listening, hmm?” Lucifer grumbles at him despite following Asmo’s guidance to the couch.

“I heard the door open.” Diavolo follows the duo towards the living room, Barbatos his ever present shadow.

“There are six other people who can answer it.” He watches as Asmo pushes Lucifer into a sitting position and shoves blankets around him.

“That’s what I worry about.” Asmo rolls his eyes.

“Stop being a baby and just lay down. How can you catch Mammon and string him up by his toenails if you can’t go a second without coughing?”

“I can,” Lucifer pauses to cough, “I can take any one of you down, even in this weakened state.”

There’s a snort from the entrance to the kitchen as the twins walk in, Beel carrying soup and Belphie carrying nothing.

“You couldn’t block even the lowest level curse from Satan at this rate.” Belphie says, curling up on the couch next to Lucifer and resting his head on his lap.

“I could–”

“You’re very strong, Lucifer,” Asmo placates, patting his older brother’s head condescendingly. “Now, eat your soup and shut up. I have a date to get to and I’m running late.”

“Maybe I should cough on you so you can’t go anymore.” The threat is empty, but Asmo’s smile still sharpens in response.

“Maybe I should take a seam ripper to all of your clothes,” he turns on his heel. “Oh, also. Diavolo is here.” The responding squawk Lucifer lets out sends him into another coughing fit, one that disrupts the sleeping Belphie on his lap.

“My Lord,” Lucifer makes to get up and is physically yanked back down by Belphie, “I apologize for not greeting you earlier.”

“No worries! You didn’t show up to the meeting today, and you weren’t answering your phone, so I stopped by to see how you were.” Diavolo gestures to the bottles of cold medicine on the coffee table and the bowl of soup being shoved at Lucifer by Beel. “It seems you are all taken care of.”

“Indeed. I appreciate your concern–”

“Beel, Lucifer’s boyfriend was worried about him. Isn’t that sweet?” Beel nods at Belphie’s joke, resting his head against the side of Lucifer’s knee from his newly acquired spot on the floor.

“The sweetest. Someone tell Asmo he’s being beaten in the best boyfriend competition.” There’s twin thunks as Lucifer smacks the both of them on the head, face now flushed with something other than fever.

“That’s enough out of you two.” He sighs and looks back up at Diavolo and Barbatos. “Would the two of you like to stay for dinner? Satan’s in charge tonight and he likely won’t poison it since I’m too ill to eat much of anything.”

“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Diavolo sits in an empty armchair that he thinks is Lucifer’s regular seat when his phone buzzes.

Emergency Chat ONLY

Belphie: hey satan, lucifer’s boyfriend is staying for dinner

Catan: man. now I can’t put this human world poison I found in it.

Belphie: probably wouldn’t work anyway

Beel: Barbatos is also staying

Belphie: my apologies Beel. you’re right

Belphie: lucifer’s boyfriendS are staying for dinner

Levs: this is great

Levs: I wanted to talk to Diavolo about the new chapter of the manga we’re reading

Mams: the rule is no loser talk at the dinner table

Levs: why do you open your mouth so much then

Mams: i’m gonna fucken get you

Asmo: if Lucifer gets to bring his boyfriends why can’t i bring Solomon

Catan: because Solomon sucks.

Catan: actually

Catan: would Solomon be able to con a fever high Lucifer into a pact

Mams: the downside here is that Solomon would be at dinner

Beel: I’d lose my appetite

Asmo: he’s not that bad

Asmo: and don’t lie Beel

Asmo: we aren’t going to let him cook

Asmo: we aren’t stupid

Lucifer: This chat is for emergencies only.

Belphie: i know. that’s why we’re discussing dinner

Lucifer: If I see Solomon anywhere near the House I will find a way to reverse his immortality.

Catan: wear a blindfold

Asmo: kinky

Catan: freak

Lucifer: I believe I also told you to stop referring to Diavolo and Barbatos as my boyfriends.

Mams: sucks 2 suck

Levs: L moment

Lucifer: I also believe they are in this chat.

Belphie: i know. that’s why we’re discussing dinner.

Belphie: keep up old man

Lucifer: I will remind you that you’re laying in my lap.

Belphie: what’re you gonna do

Belphie: cough on me??

Levs: chat, clip this

Mams: what was that scream???

Diavolo: Belphegor.

Barbs: Lucifer did more than just “cough on him.”

Mams: oh damn.

Mams: so what’s for dinner 

Beel: Lucifer says Belphegor stew

Mams: I thought it was Satan’s turn to cook????????

Catan: lucifer just tried to shove belphie in the oven.

Barbatos: With no seasoning? How revolting.

Diavolo: Demons taste better fried, anyway.

Mams: PARDON???

[cera-writes]

HII so I found your page the other day and I loveee your work😁😁. Anyhow I wanted to request if it was okay for me to ask for a story about gambit x reader angst/smut/fluff (it’s a lot I know😭🙏). And let’s say reader gets really drunk at a party and they’re making a fool out of themselves and gambit tries to help you out of the situation and the reader is being bratty in their drunken state refusing any help and it causes gambit to snap at them a bit but ends with some smut and fluff, BUT if that’s Okayy ofc🙏😁. Keep up the great work😁🤍

A/N: I love this idea! And thank you so much! I try! <3 pairing: Remy LeBeau "Gambit" x gn!Reader Tags: Swearing, intoxication, partying, fluff, angst, smut, spanking, reader has a bratty side, Remy punishes reader in all the good ways Summary: Reader is having the time of their life at a party thrown at the X-Mansion while Charles is off taking care of business. Reader gets carried away and has a little too much to drink and well, let's just say Remy is there to deal with the aftermath which eventually leads to smut~

Drunk in Love

The music pulsed through the mansion like a relentless heartbeat, the bass vibrating through your bones. Laughter, shouts, and the clinking of glasses filled the air. You were supposed to be having fun, but the world was spinning, and your vision was blurring at the edges. Each sip of alcohol seemed to send you deeper into a hazy oblivion.

It all started when you made a bet that you could outdrink Logan. You knew damn well you couldn't hold your liquor. But that didn't stop you. Morph was egging you on and hyping you up the entire time. Then, before you knew it, you were shotgunning a can of beer, which, in turn, led to the oncoming of disastrous events afterwards.

Logan, still somewhat sober after his sixth drink, smirked at you as you swayed back and forth after your third shot of whiskey. He knew he had won, but you weren't gonna take that loss by any means.

You found Charles' wine cabinet and poured a glass of Cabernet. You weren't completely drunk but damn were you feeling very tipsy.

A hand landed on your shoulder, steady and grounding. You swatted it away, giggling inanely. “Go awaaay, Remy,” you slurred, your voice a childish whine.

Remy LeBeau, your ever patient best friend, sighed. He’d been watching you for the past hour, his brow furrowed in concern. You were usually the life of the party, but now you were just a stumbling mess. “Mon cher, maybe it’s time to call it a night,” he suggested gently.

You scoffed, your laughter sounding more like a hiccup. “No, I’m fine!” you protested, your voice rising in pitch. “Best. Party. Ever!”

Remy exchanged a look with Scott, who was hovering nearby, a mixture of amusement and worry in his eyes. “Maybe we should get her home,” Scott suggested.

You turned on him, your face flushing an angry red. “I don’t need a goddamn babysitter!” you shouted, your voice echoing through the room. A few heads turned, and you felt a surge of embarrassment.

Remy’s patience was wearing thin. “Enough, mon cher,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re embarrassin' yourself.”

Your eyes narrowed. “Y-you’re e-embarrassing me,” you retorted, your voice slurring pretty badly.

A wave of anger washed over Remy. He hated seeing you like this. He hated the way the alcohol was taking control of you. He hated the way you were pushing him away. He'd always liked you of course, and just because the two of you hadn't made things official didn't mean he still didn't treat you like you were his, especially at times like this.

But seeing you dance on all the strangers at the party, giving them the attention he craved from you, struck a match in him. He wanted to be protective of you, but you were also pissing him off to no end.

"Jus' the alcohol talkin' cher. C'mon, I'll take ya home."

When he tried to reach for your arm, you snapped on instinct. You reared back and slapped him hard across the face.

The sharp crack of your hand against Remy's cheek echoed through the room, cutting through the din of the party like a knife. His eyes widened for a moment in surprise before narrowing, a flicker of something dark and dangerous passing over his features. He rubbed at his cheek, not in pain, but as if to confirm the reality of the slap. Then, he smirked, a wicked glint in his eye that sent a shiver down your spine.

"Don't touch me!" you spat, your voice thick with anger and defiance. But even as the words left your lips, a wave of regret washed over you. You hadn't meant to hit him, not really. It was the alcohol talking, fueling your actions with a boldness you didn't possess otherwise.

Remy stepped closer, his body pressing against yours, backing you up against the wall. The heat from his chest seared through your clothes, mingling with the warmth of the alcohol in your veins. Amidst the music still pulsating loudly through the room, he leaned in close to your ear. "Is dat how it's gon' be, cher?" he murmured, his voice low and husky, a challenge in every syllable.

You could practically smell the scent of whiskey and cigarette smoke lingering his lips. He'd never been quite this close to you before and it made your heart race.

You swallowed hard, trying to steady your breathing. The room spun around you, the lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of color. "I-I...," you stammered, your resolve wavering under his intense gaze.

His hand slid up your arm, his fingers tracing lazy circles on your skin. "Y'think ya can jus' hit me and walk away, cher?" he asked, his tone teasing yet threatening.

You shivered, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through you. "I... I didn't really mean it," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Remy leaned in closer, his lips brushing against your ear. "Maybe Remy liked it," he confessed, his breath hot against your skin. "Maybe he want more."

Before you could respond, his hand moved to your waist, pulling you flush against him. You could feel every inch of him, hard and demanding. "What're you doing?" you breathed, your mind racing as your body betrayed you, responding to his touch with a surge of desire.

"Showin' you what happens when you mess with me," he whispered, his lips trailing kisses down your neck. Each touch was light, almost playful, but there was an underlying intensity that made your heart race. "Don' think I ain't noticed the way you been dancin' all night."

You moaned softly, tilting your head back to give him better access. The alcohol had blurred the lines between right and wrong, making every sensation more acute, every emotion more raw. "Remy..." you pleaded, unsure of what you were asking for but desperate for more. You wanted whatever this was, desperately.

Maybe he'd had a bit to drink too, in all honesty. He just knew he had to have you, too. Right now.

He chuckled, the sound deep and resonant, sending vibrations through you. "Say my name again, cher," he demanded, his hand sliding up to cup your face. His thumb traced your bottom lip, his gaze locked heavily on yours.

"Remy," you repeated, your voice thick with need. You felt trapped, pinned against the wall by his body, but instead of fear, there was only surrender. You wanted this, wanted him, despite the chaos swirling inside you. You'd wanted this for a while, although you'd never been one to make the first move.

"Dat's right cher," he praised, his eyes darkening with satisfaction. "Now, let's see how much more you can take."

With that, he lifted you effortlessly, your legs wrapping around his waist as he carried you towards the stairs. The crowd parted for both of you, whispers and stares following your progress. But you were beyond caring, lost in the haze of alcohol and Remy's commanding presence.

He kicked open the door, stepping into a dimly lit room. You'd guessed it was his. It honestly wouldn't have mattered if you two had decided to fuck in a broom closet for all you cared.

The air was cooler here, a contrast to the heat building between you. He set you down on the bed, his hands gripping your hips tightly. "Ready fo' round two, cher?" he asked, his voice a seductive growl.

You nodded, your mouth dry, your body trembling with anticipation. "Yes," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the pounding of your heart.

Remy smiled, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "Den let's begin," he said, his hands moving to unbutton your shirt.

Remy's hands were rough as they tore at your clothes, the fabric rending under his urgency. You gasped as the cool air hit your skin, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from Remy's body. His lips found your neck, pressing hot kisses that quickly turned into bites, each one sending a shock of pleasure and pain through you.

"Remy!" you hissed, your voice mingling with the sounds of your clothing being discarded. His name was a plea, a demand, a surrender all at once.

He chuckled against your skin, the sound vibrating through you. "Ya like dat, cher?" he murmured, his tongue caressing the skin at your neck to soothe the marks he'd left.

You nodded, unable to form words as his hands roamed over your body, exploring, claiming. The room spun around you, the world reduced to the sensations Remy was creating.

Without warning, he flipped you over, your stomach landing on the bed as he positioned himself behind you. You felt his hand on your back, pressing you down as he whispered in your ear, "Y'need to be punished."

His words instantly sent a thrill through you, a mix of shame and excitement that pooled low in your belly. You whimpered, arching your back slightly, inviting him to continue.

His hand lifted, then came down hard on your ass, the slap echoing through the room. You cried out, the pain sharp and sudden, but beneath it, there was an undeniable rush of arousal.

"Dat's for hittin' me," Remy said, his voice thick with desire. He spanked you again, harder this time, the force making your whole body tremble.

You moaned, your hands gripping the sheets as he continued his assault, each strike more punishing than the last. The pain was intense, but it was laced with such overwhelming pleasure that you couldn't help but push back against his hand, begging for more.

"Please," you gasped, your voice raw. "More, Remy, please."

He paused, his hand resting on your reddened flesh. "Y'want more, cher? You wanna be taught a lesson?"

You nodded, your breathing erratic as you waited for his next move.

Remy chuckled, the sound dark and pleased. "Den let's see how much you can take."

With that, he slicked himself up with something you'd seen him reach for in his dresser drawer and entered you from behind, his thrusts deep and hard, each one hitting your core with unrelenting force. You screamed, the sound torn from your throat as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over you.

"Yes, yes, yes!" you chanted, your body moving in sync with his, lost in the rhythm he had set.

Remy growled, his grip tightening on your hips as he pounded into you. "You like dis, don't you? Bein' punished by me? Such a-mm!-good lil' slut you're bein' fo' Gambit." He bit back his own moan, biting down hard on his bottom lip.

You could only moan in response, your mind too consumed by sensation to form coherent thoughts.

He reached around, his fingers finding your center, touching you in all the right ways as he continued to thrust. The dual stimulation was too much, pushing you closer and closer to the edge.

"Come for me, cher," Remy commanded, his voice ragged with his own need. "Show me how much you love bein' punished."

That was all it took. With a final, desperate cry, you shattered around him, your body convulsing in release as he continued to thrust, chasing his own climax.

"Fuck, you're so tight," he groaned, his voice a mixture of awe and triumph. "S'good fo' me."

You felt him tense, then he was coming inside you, his seed filling you as his body shuddered with his release.

For a moment, there was silence, the only sound your heavy breathing and the pounding of your hearts. Then, Remy collapsed beside you, his arm wrapping around your waist as he pulled you close.

"I think we both needed that," he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear.

You nodded, too spent to speak. The alcohol had fueled your actions, but it was Remy who had taken control, guiding you through a night of passion and punishment that neither of you would soon forget.

[6lostgirl6]

Ties That Bind Part 1

Pairing: Yandere!Anakin Skywalker x Fem Jedi!Reader

TW: General Yandere Behavior, Kidnapping, Mentions of Murder

A/N: I am very excited to be sharing another wonderful collab with the amazing person @britany1997! She has been very supportive and an absolute joy to work with! We have shared many laughs together while working on this fic! She is a very talented writer and friend and you should send her your love! She deserves it! I love you Britany! ❤️

Word Count: 2.3k

Sweat pooled around Anakin as he sprang forward in bed, gasping in a haze of fear and anger. His head fell to his hands as he struggled to catch his breath.

Sleep had eluded him for months as every night ended the same, with visions of your corpse flashing through his tortured mind. 

Anakin discarded his blanket in frustration, grabbed your picture from his work bench, and sat on the floor to meditate. 

His brow furrowed as he attempted to squash his rage and uncertainty, to let them go and let the force fill him with the comfort he needed. 

But to let go of his emotion, would be to let go of you.

Though he mumbled to himself, ‘there is no emotion, there is peace, there is no passion, there is serenity,’ he couldn’t make himself believe that. You were his peace, you were his serenity.

He abandoned his meditation in a huff. Anakin liked to think he was a patient man, a good Jedi. Yet how could he sit back and do nothing? The visions would never stop, it was time to take matters into his own hands.

Despite his failures at meditating and stopping his mind from whirling, he was struck by a solution. He was deep in concentration, staring at the ground, your picture nestled against his uncovered chest.

The visions would undoubtedly stop if he could protect you and keep you safe from harm. What if the force hadn't been working against him after all? He was immediately filled with purpose, a fire in his eyes that couldn't ever be extinguished. He will defend you even if it means doing the unthinkable and abandoning the Jedi code. 

What other reason would there be besides protecting the one you loved the most, even if it required being selfish? Absolutely nothing was of greater significance than you, his long-time friend, whom he had been pining over for many years. The forbidden feelings he could no longer ignore. There was no greater reason, no other reason, than you. 

It was all for love. 

Despite the summons from the Chancellor, Anakin thought the Galaxies Opera House was well worth the journey through Coruscant. Though the visions of your impending death haunted him, Squid Lake, a strange ballet performed by a team of Mon Calamari acrobats, calmed his worries and enabled his mind to focus on something far more pleasant. He wished he could take you to one as lovers rather than as companions one day once you are away from harm. The Chancellor, however, required his attention once more.

His eyes were focused ahead as he said, "The Sith and the Jedi are similar in almost every way, including their quest for greater power." The Chancellor’s face bore a deep and serious expression.

“The Sith rely on their passion for their strength; they think inwards, only about themselves.” Anakin answered back firmly, turning his head towards him as he spoke.

“And the Jedi don’t?” asked the Chancellor, turning his attention towards Anakin without wavering, his eyes never leaving his face.

“The Jedi are selfless, they only care about others.” Anakin spoke strongly, turning his attention forward, just before the Chancellor continued to speak, making Anakin's blood run cold.

“Although they prevent you from loving freely in accordance with your own desires. They would never approve of your love for your friend or the things you would do for her.” He spoke with a voice filled with stomach-churning truth. “Your companion, (Y/N).”

Anakin turned to face the older man, his eyes wide with surprise as he whispered quietly. "How did you know-"

"I know many things, Anakin." He responded. "You say they are selfless and care about others. But what would the council say if they learned of your hidden desires, your affection that you have for your fellow Jedi?" 

For once, Anakin couldn't speak because the Chancellor's words struck him deeply. His eyes were fixed on the opera playing ahead of him as he slowly sunk into his chair. He wasn't watching the event, though; instead, he was fixated on his thoughts, his visions of your approaching demise, and the possibility that the council would learn of his feelings for you. They'd shun him. He couldn't save you if they were in the way. His heart was pounding, and his mind was racing. 

It was the Chancellor's voice that silenced his racing thoughts. 

“You ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?” 

No, he would not let them stop him from loving you, from saving you.

Your saber clashed against Anakin’s as you traded swipes back and forth. He smirked as you narrowly missed his shoulder. You stuck out your tongue in reply.

It’d probably be easier to spar with someone else, you and Anakin had trained together as Padawans, practically grown up together. He knew every move you’d make before you could even think to make it. But, unfortunately for him, you could anticipate his every move as well.

You leaped as he swiped his saber at your feet, “missed again Ani,” you teased. You noticed a strange expression cross his face when you uttered his name, but it quickly vanished.

“You’re lucky today,” he smirked, “but luck runs out.” Anakin swiped his foot behind yours, causing you to tumble onto your back, he stood over you, lightsaber pointed towards your chest. 

You groaned, “fine, I yield.”

He chuckled as he switched his weapon off and offered you his arm to pull you to your feet. “Better luck next time?” he teased. 

“Ha ha,” you mumbled humorlessly, as you allowed him to pull you up.

"Let's not pretend you didn't cheat, Ani." You continued jokingly. You leaned over to grab your fallen lightsaber when you failed to notice the unknown expression resurfacing on his face. However, it did not completely disappear, his darkening eyes fixated on your body, images racing through his mind of scenarios unsuitable for a Jedi.

He adored it when you addressed him as such. 

His expression returned to normal as you straightened up, and he had a mischievous smile on his face once again. "Never, ever underestimate your opponent." He chuckled as he extinguished his lightsaber and attached the hilt to his belt.

“Yeah, Yeah.” You replied, the smile refusing to vanish from your expression. 

"Come now; I only tease." Anakin remarked softly, staring at you with a more genuine smile, one that could compete with the sun if he so desired. Since you were both padawans, he has consistently been an enchanting man. He had a way of charming himself out of most trouble and making one's heart feel like it was going to burst.

This was a secret you kept hidden within your heart for many years, the sentiments you had for Anakin that were more than just friendship. However, according to the Jedi code and attachment regulations, you did everything you could to drive those emotions away. Your feelings got less difficult to disguise as you practiced meditation and late-night self-reflection. In addition, you knew in your core that Anakin was an exceptionally gifted Jedi and that your affections for him were never going to be reciprocated. 

“Everything alright?” 

You recovered from your subconscious, glancing at Anakin as he stood directly in front of you, his eyebrows furrowed in slight concern. 

"Yes, I'm sorry." You replied before reactivating your lightsaber, your eyes bright with purpose and your smile returning. "Let's continue."

After many long hours of trading blows, you and Anakin were huffing, your foreheads drenched with sweat. 

“Call it a night?” you asked as Anakin wiped his brow clean. 

“Mhmm,” he hummed in reply, “it’s late, want an escort back to your quarters?”

You laughed. He didn’t. 

“No Ani it’s fine,” you promised, “I think I can manage the couple of steps it takes to get there.”

“It’s on my way anyway,” he protested.

You shot him a confused expression, “on your way to where?” 

“To the archives,” he told you nonchalantly, “I needed to look into something.”

Your brow furrowed, “look into what?”

He groaned, tugging gently at your arm, “just let me escort you.”

“Fine, fine,” you reluctantly caved.

He offered you his shoulder, a smirk painted on his face. You scoffed and punched his arm instead, causing a soft laugh to fall from his lips. 

He smiled and shook his head at your stubbornness, you never made anything easy. But it didn’t matter, he’d never been one to back down from a challenge.

The walk to your quarters passed quickly as you exchanged stories with Anakin. You clutched your stomach as tears rolled down your cheeks as he told you the story of his last battle with General Grevious. Anakin had spent so much time with Obi Wan over the years, Anakin’s impression of his sarcastic banter was spot on.

“Well this is me,” you joked, gesturing to your door. Anakin nodded but didn’t move to head towards the archives. 

Your brow furrowed in confusion, “…so I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

He seemed to snap from his momentary trance, “yes of course,” Anakin hesitated, “do you need anything else before I go?”

Your head cocked to one side, “no, not really.” 

Walking you to your room had been strange in itself, this was ridiculous. “Ani…” you bit your lip, “are you ok?”

Anakin seemed taken aback by your sudden question, “of course,” he composed himself, “I better be off to the archives, I’ll see you for training in the morning.”

You watched him walk off before slipping into your room. You sat down to meditate, but you couldn’t rid your mind of Anakin’s weird behavior. Something wasn’t right. 

You sighed, coming to terms with the fact that you would not be one with the force tonight and crawling into bed. As you drifted to sleep a thought popped into your head.

Weren’t the archives in the opposite direction?

Anakin sent a glass flying into his wall in frustration. He watched as it shattered, spraying shards onto the floor around his work desk. 

He threw his head into his hands. He could monopolize your training time, walk you to your quarters every night, wake up early to be at your door every morning.

But it would only take one second, one second where he left you alone, one second where he wasn’t right by your side, one second and you were gone forever. 

If he balled his fists any harder, his fingernails would slice the skin. He knew what he had to do. You might hate him for a moment, but he could live with that.

But if you died? There was no living if not with you.

The Jedi Temple was destroyed.

Your fellow Jedi were slaughtered in cold blood. 

You could feel your heart frantically beating as you rushed through the halls of pure massacre, the walls forever tarnished by the horrors that had been committed. Fellow Jedi that you’ve trained with are lying on the floor lifeless, and some are in cauterized pieces. You felt like you could throw up at any moment, the hilt of your lightsaber held in your shaky grasp. You were in a state of delirium; your thoughts were filled with dueling lightsabers and people screaming in fear. However, there was one thing that was absolutely certain.

You needed to find Anakin.

‘Please, let him be safe.’ You thought to yourself as you managed to turn a corner, your other hand gripping your ribcage, your heart threatening to explode. ‘By the force, please protect him.’ 

You were anxious to find him, yet filled with dread. Your mind was racing with images of his form in pieces, his eyes lifeless without any warmth. It almost made the journey too much to bear. 

You rounded another corner that led towards the entrance of one of the temple’s many great halls. As you pushed through the entrance, a heavy feeling filled your chest, and you were completely unable to go any further. Your eyes were wide, and you could feel your breath failing you. 

As you gazed into the distance, you noticed a familiar figure, clad in a brown robe with a hood covering his face, that you had never failed to recognize, even at a distance. As the figure walked towards you, a large group of clone soldiers followed behind him, weapons drawn. In his hand was his own lightsaber, which he clutched tightly in his grasp.

Anakin.

"Ani!” You cried, disengaging your lightsaber and rushing towards him with tears in your eyes, prepared and ready to meet him with a sense of relief. 

You threw your arms around him, tears rolling down your face as you sobbed. He returned your embrace, arms wrapping around the small of your back, pulling you into his chest.

“Ani,” you muttered between sobs, “I’m so glad you’re ok, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”

He tightened his grip on your waist, holding you close, “I know what you mean…”

You sniffled as you tried to gather yourself, “Anakin, so many lives…” you hiccuped, “what happened.”

“Only what needed to.”

“What?” you exclaimed as you looked up to meet his eyes. 

The sight of his blood stained face made you gasp. No. This wasn’t the Anakin you knew. This couldn’t be happening.

But it was. The man you’d carried a torch for all these years, your best friend and confidant, stood before you, clothed in the blood of your friends.

You pushed against his chest, trying to escape from his grasp but he refused to let you go. He held you tightly against him with one arm, using his other hand to brush hair from your face affectionately. A gesture that once would have made you blush now filled you with malice.

“I know you don’t understand now, but you will my love,” he whispered, “now sleep.”

“Anakin…no…” you fought a losing battle to keep your eyes open. You were strong in the force, but Anakin was stronger.

Your head lulled to the side as you fell asleep in his arms.

Taglist:

@prettywhenibleed @leiasolo77 @britany1997 @misslavenderlady @arianamhm @rottent33th @slaasherslut

[art-missy]

Overwhelmed (Gekko x Reader)

Part. 1 Part. 3

Part. 2

Sorry in advance for my terrible English. I'm actually more of an English reader and listener than an actual speaker or writer. I also apologize for the dull writing style that could seem quite childish. I just wanted to test something by posting this.

If a few months ago somebody had told you that you would be spotted by a secret organization whose job is to protect your world against the threat of agents from another dimension, you would have laughed so hard that your guts would have spitted out. If that ‘somebody’ had continued with the fact that this organization would contact you in some way to recruit you just because you maybe took down a K-SEC facility by yourself and also because your skills interested them, you would have told them to sell their idea to a filmmaker. If that ‘somebody’ had then insisted that you would spend one of your days off with a few other agents of that organization by watching Disney movies and hearing them sing their guts out, you would have told them to stop.

Well, look at you now, exchanging astounded glances with Iso as Neon reached a note so terrifying that you were pretty sure she could have won the Oscar of the best scream in a horror movie. You were slightly worried about the state of her vocal cords. 

“And she’s not even drunk.” Muttered Yoru when he saw your dumbfounded expression as he finished his can of soda. Phoenix let out a booming laugh and nudged your and Iso’s arms playfully.

What the hell were you doing here ? You were so at peace in your hideout. How did Valorant find you ? Oh yeah. Cypher. No one can hide from the Moroccan sentinel and you understood it quite quickly when he appeared in each of your hideouts everytime you tried to run away. Hard to hide from someone whose eyes are literally everywhere. It has been quite hard for him too to convince you that the intentions of Valorant were noble when he appeared each time in the middle of the night like a sleep paralysis demon. The process of convincing you had been long and hard but Cypher was patient and quite stubborn. Especially when it came to visiting each of your hideouts (even the one under the Mediterranean Sea) and finishing all your different packs of tea. Well, at least you had now Big Brother as a mentor.

You jolted a little, startled when Raze and Killjoy suddenly stood up to start a duet while waltzing around the room. The level of love and affection in their eyes made you wonder if they weren't from a Disney movie themselves. You could literally see their eyes changing form to turn into hearts as their souls were screaming ‘I love you’ in their respective languages. And you found it adorable despite your exhaustion.

Jett playfully threw some popcorn at the couple, telling them to get a room. You’re pretty sure she didn't notice the few candy and crumbs of snacks in her ponytail. 

Clove were jumping on the different bean bag chairs, singing as if their life depended on it while Wingman cheered at their antics.

And you, you let out a small sigh as you took a sip of your bubbletea. All this chaos because of Frozen.

You swore that if you heard the songs ‘Love is an open door’ or ‘Let it go’ again, you would go apeshit.

You maybe should have join Deadlock for a reading session in her quarters instead of accepting Gekko’s invitation. Or just listening to music in your room. Or maybe drawing. You were certain that it would have been more peaceful and less mentally draining than this Disney night. And when you shared another glance with Iso, you knew he thought the same thing. It was visibly way too much for your introverted asses.

“Hey,” Gekko put a gentle hand on your shoulder. “Are you okay ?”

You shot him a tired look. 

You sometimes miss your old life. You missed your different hideouts where you could see the sunset over the mountains, the sea creatures under the Mediterranean Sea, the snow in the Siberian desert or the rain falling on the trees of a random forest. Where you didn't have to interact with people every single day of the week.

You loved the Valorant protocol and you got along with the people you met there. But sometimes it was too much. You took down this K-SEC facility because you knew how shady the experimentations they were running were, not because you wanted to attract the attention of a secret organization. You sometimes resented Cypher for finding you, for stealing you from these calm moments, even though you knew that you accepted to be an agent of Valorant of your own free will and for a good cause. 

“Hey,” Repeated Gekko. “Are you okay ?”

You gently pushed his hand off your shoulder and stood up from your bean bag chair.

“Sorry.” You muttered.

And you rushed out of the room as Gekko called for you, his tone full of worry. You speed-walked towards the garden of the base, putting your headphones on your ears and slightly relaxing when the music reached your brain. You took a deep breath and the wind caressed your skin as you finally walked into the gardens. You took off your shoes and let the grass tickle your bare feet. The night sky watched over you as you finally took a seat on a bench.

Better.

You felt better. You breathed better. You lived better. The music in your ears relaxed your muscles, and the wind murmured on your skin, bringing the fragrance of the different flowers of the garden. You definitely had to compliment Sky and Sage. 

Your phone suddenly vibrated and you noticed that Iso sent you a link to a playlist. 

⟨Here. To relax your nerves.⟩

You internally smiled and sent a text message to the Chinese duelist to thank him. You started the playlist and relaxed even more when the first note of the first song reached your ears. Iso really did have good taste in music.

You were about to close your eyes when you suddenly felt a finger patting your shoulder. You jolted a little and turned your head to the side to see Cypher’s blue lenses staring back at you. You pulled your headphones down and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Big Brother is watching me ?” 

The sentinel let out a small chuckle and sat down beside you, a trap wire traveling on his knuckles.

“Overwhelmed ?”

“No shit, Sherlock.”

“I thought I was Big Brother.”

You rolled your eyes but a small smile tugged the corners of your lips. You leaned on the backrest of the bench and let out a deep sigh.

“I’m not in the mood for a game of chess, Cypher.” 

The masked man nodded and hummed softly.

“I suspected it.”

“Then why are you here, Optimus Prime ?” You groaned, stretching your arms over your head.

Cypher’s head tilted slightly and by his body language you suspected a smirk to be present under his mask.

“To check on you, dear.”

You raised a skeptical eyebrow and your eyes squinted slightly.

“Right. And may I ask why, dear ?” You scoffed as you rolled your eyes again. “Wait. Let me guess. You saw me walking away from the common room through these cute little cameras of yours, got curious when you couldn't see me then came here.” You interrupted yourself then shook your head. “Nope. There are also cameras in the garden. Then why did you come here ?”

Cypher let out another small chuckle and patted your head with an odd but paternal affection. 

“Look who’s playing Sherlock, now.” 

You let out an annoyed groan as you tried to push his hand away from your head but Cypher’s mood stayed playful.

“What kind of mentor would I be if I didn't worry about my protégé ?”

You snorted but nodded with a sarcastic smile.“More of a stalker than a mentor.” 

“A stalker who is worried about you, then.”

You couldn't see it but you heard the soft smile in his voice. He leaned a bit more towards you, the brim of his long hat hid you from the night sky and the usual faint glow of his blue lenses looked like two little will-o’-the-wisps in the obscurity of the garden. It reminded you of the first time you met each other, a few days after you took down this K-SEC facility. It was in a dark alleyway and the first thing you saw was these blue lenses before you could make out his long and slender figure. But because of his long hat and the darkness of the alleyway, you had almost taken him for a mutated palm tree. Even today you facepalmed yourself when you remembered those thoughts as your eyes stared into his lenses.

“Who eats alone, chokes alone.” He finally whispered with a conspiratorial tone. Something was telling you that he winked under his mask.

“What ?” You facepalmed.

“It’s an Arabic proverb.” He leaned back and his head tilted again. “Loneliness is neither your ally, nor your enemy. It is impartial. In your case, you use it to recharge yourself, but it can also drain you without you noticing, making you depend on it. Use your loneliness but don’t be alone.” His voice dropped a few octaves lower and you felt his eyes sinking deeply into yours. “Use your balance.”

Something was telling you that he was speaking from experience. A slight twitch in his body language maybe. Or a tiny heaviness in his already thick accent, indication of the unusual emotions in his voice. And you realized just now how little you knew about your mentor.

Cypher nodded, as if satisfied by your visible confusion, stood up from the bench and started to walk away.

“Wait a minute, Darth Vader !” You exclaimed, pointing a frustrated finger at him. “I don't speak proverbial shit and neither does google translate. Come back here or I’ll tell Sky you put cameras in the garden !”

Cypher kept walking away, humming a soft tune.

“Speaking of balance…”

“I don’t understand the proverbial shit, you cheap Cyberpunk shit !”

“Have a good night, dear.” He turned towards you briefly. “Oh, and your strawberry teas are delicious.”

This fucker.

He kept walking away until going back inside and you suddenly heard hurried footsteps. You turned your head and saw Gekko and Wingman running in your direction before stopping in front of you. 

How did you know it was Gekko with the lack of light ? First of all, Wingman. Second of all, his hair.

Gekko was catching his breath with his hands on his knees while Wingman jumped on your lap, making a few garbling sounds. You raised an eyebrow and looked at them, confused.

“Are you dying ?” You asked Gekko and your eyes widened slightly when he started to wheeze. “Gekko ?”

“Dios !” He exclaimed as he finally caught his breath. “I looked for you throughout the whole base !”

“Did you have to run a marathon for that ?” 

Despite your dry tone, your eyes only showed concern for him. You patted the space beside you on the bench and he gladly sat down. He then looked at you and despite the obscurity, you were certain his brows furrowed in worry.

“Are you okay ?”

You shot him a deadpanned look.

“You put your legs through a nocturnal torture by running like a possessed fool throughout the whole base, found me here relaxing in the garden while the soft fragrance of flowers and the night sky kept me company, and ended up wheezing like a dying man about to spew his lungs out and you are asking me if I’m okay ?” 

You looked at his figure from head to toe as he chuckled at your small outburst. He was still a bit out of breath from his little run but he seemed quite fine.

“Damn ! Your descriptions are always so…special. Clove would definitely love you to be the Dungeon Master of their next DnD game.” His laugh calmed down and he nervously cleared his throat. “Anyway. I wanted to check on you. You didn't seem fine in the common room. Are you feeling a bit better now ?”

You shot him a bored look and let a deep sigh out of your lungs. Wingman made a few high chirped noises indicating his worry.

“You really love wasting your time, don’t you ?” Your eyes wandered on the night sky. “Aren't you missing the end of the movie ? Shouldn't you be inside with your friends ?”

Gekko frowned and looked at you funny.

“You’re my friend too.”

You let out a small snort that only deepened his frown.

“I’m serious.” He insisted. “We’re maybe not as close as you are with Cypher or Deadlock or… Iso, but I see you as my friend and I will always have your back.”

You looked back at him and even though you couldn't see him clearly because of the obscurity, you felt his eyes looking at you with a fierce determination.

“Plus,” he continued, “you always have my back on the field, fighting like a total badass against the enemies. Remember our last mission in Lotus ? I would have been dead meat if you weren't there.”

Wingman (who had gotten comfy on your lap) nodded with vehemence, agreeing with Gekko’s words.

“I’m not quite sure if you can be ‘dead meat’ when someone like Sage is around.” You said, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

Gekko made a noise between an amused chuckle and a sigh of frustration. You couldn't figure out what was on his mind, which is quite surprising since he was usually so expressive. He then suddenly got closer to you on the bench, grabbed your shoulders and leaned a bit more towards you.

“My point is : you got my back and I got yours. You're my friend and I won’t leave you alone.” His fingers gently squeezed your shoulders. “And I’m sorry.”

It was now your turn to frown as you did not understand why he was apologizing for.

“I invited you to this movie night so I could have an occasion to get to know you better, so we could get to know each other and bond on something that is not mission related.” He explained. “But you clearly weren't at ease. I thought you were about to have a panic attack, back there.”

You felt his thumbs caressing your shoulders as his hands squeezed you a bit more tightly.

“I’m sorry.”

You shook your head and let out another sigh. “Don’t apologize. Your intentions were innocent and sweet.”

You couldn't see the blush on his cheeks but you noticed the slight twitch in his body language.

“Everything's fine.” You insisted. “I’m perfectly fine. Plus, with the new playlist Iso sent me, I can just relax and enjoy the quietude of the garden.”

“Oh.” He said simply.

His voice showed disappointment, sadness even. You vaguely felt his grip on your shoulder faltering a little while Wingman made a few sad garbling sounds.

“Gekko ?”

You couldn't see his face, but his body language showed a slight dispiritedness that didn't match his usual playful and confident personality.

“You and Iso are really close, huh.” He said with an uncharacteristically neutral tone.

His shoulders were now slightly slumped.

“Well, we had heard about each other before we joined Valorant. It was funny to finally meet the infamous ‘Dead Lilac’ in this secret organization.” You chuckled a little, finding the circumstances of your first meeting with the Chinese duelist quite embarrassing. You remembered knocking your head so hard against his chest that it spinned a little.

“That’s…uhm…kinda cute, I guess.”

You wondered what was on the mind of the piece of sweet-woman-heartthrob-trope that Gekko was.

“Well I don't know if it’s cute, but we’ve been exchanging playlists and book recommendations since.” You shrugged and Gekko’s hands slided down your arms at your action. “He’s cool. He has a sweet ‘older sibling’ vibe that put me at ease.”

The young initiator seemed to perk at your words and so was his radivore critter.

“‘Older sibling’ vibe ?” He repeated. “What do you mean ?”

“Well, you see how siblings sometimes banter with each other but always have each other's back ?” You started to explain and you saw his figure tilting his head. “Well that's our relationship with Iso. You probably know what I’m talking about. I noticed that you had quite the same thing with Neon.” You shrugged again.

His whole demeanor seemed to relax when he let out a laugh filled with relief. You frowned a little, not understanding this sudden outburst of joy.

“You alright ?” You raised a worried eyebrow and squinted your eyes a little. “Maybe you should get some sleep.”

It was at this moment that the moon finally decided to come out of behind the clouds, illuminating both of your faces. You both looked at each other, admiring your features. Your eyes wandered on his freckles without noticing his lovestruck gaze on you. 

“Maybe I'm a bit tired.” He whispered with a lost tone, as if he didn't understand what he just said.

“Hm.” You looked down on your lap to notice Wingman shrinking and hopping towards Gekko’s shoulder. “Wanna go back inside ?”

“You’re going back inside ?” Gekko asked.

“No.”

“Then I’ll stay with you.” He got more comfortable on the bench and you felt him lean a bit more towards you. “Unless my presence is overwhelming.”

You shook your head and leaned against the backrest of the bench. 

“No. You’re fine.”

“Cool.” He nodded and let out a small sigh of relief.

A comfortable silence settled between you, slightly disturbed by the faint music from your headphones. Your eyes wandered on the night sky, unaware of Gekko’s longing glances in your direction. You were completely oblivious to his poor heart beating so fast and so loud that he feared you could hear it. You did not notice. You never did. Ever since you set your foot into the base for the first time, his eyes were always on you. At first it was curiosity. Curious about the agent recommended by the mysterious man that was Cypher. Then it was admiration for the fierce fighter that you turned into once on the field. And finally, it bloomed to be a small crush that never ceased to grow. Your charisma hypnotized him. His feelings for you were so obvious that his friends never stopped to tease him. Even Reyna said that he looked like a lost puppy everytime you were around and Harbor often asked him to focus when you were in his field of view. And of course, he was jealous of how close Iso was with you. The duelist could talk to you without any problem, he could receive your smiles, your laughs, your friendly fist-bumps while the only times Gekko could have a proper interaction with you was during missions or briefings. Even during training you stayed in your corner, avoiding interactions.

But right now, he felt so happy. This was the longest interaction you’ve ever had with each other and he couldn't help but smile.

He turned his head in your direction and softly called you.

“Yeah ?”

“I heard that you love to draw.” He nervously rubbed his neck but kept his eyes on yours. “We could someday, you know, draw together while chilling in my room. If it’s okay with you of course.”

You shot him an indescribable glance and he suddenly felt so stupid for not using drawing as a way to bond with you sooner instead of the movie night. But he relaxed a little when you ended up shrugging.

“Why not.”

It was a start. He will not confess his feelings for now. It was way too soon. But he will certainly enjoy these moments with you. He will enjoy bonding with you and get to know you better.

Anecdote : the Arabic proverb mentioned by Cypher is something the father of a friend once told me when I was a kid. It's stuck in my mind, ever since.

I'm not proud of the ending ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ But it's fine. It is just a test, after all.

I don't know if I'll post the part. 2. I'll most probably keep it in my drafts.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I wish you a lovely day/night.

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Not Ready - Part Three

Summary: Making your way back to the Marauder with Hunter and Omega

A/N: Hello lovelies,

In case you didn't realize, I should probably mention this is all set in the time of Season 1 but I'm sure you guys realized that. Also had a half day today because half our patients cancelled, love days like that, got a lot of stuff done and still had an evening to relax.

Love oo.

Italics - flashback

Warnings: Angst, irritations, yelling, lack of trust, fluff, running, evading capture, forehead kiss, feelings of guilt, fear, guilt, feelings of cowardice, I think that's it. Let me know if I miss anything.

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Now that you thought about it, those moments of you yelling at him probably weren’t the most productive moments between the two of you. You reached out and grabbed Omega’s hand when she slipped, as the three of you made your way back to the Marauder as quickly as you could, “You okay, M?”

“Yeah, my foot just slipped.” You watched as her whole body twitched, she was nervous. You kneeled down in front of her, while Hunter took a chance to scout out the way ahead. 

“Look at me sweetie,” you tucked her hair behind her ear, something you’d done numerous times. She slowly met your eyes, the two of you had gotten closer ever since you joined. In a way, she was the daughter you always wished you could’ve had. She had your love and devotion, without even a second thought. All you wanted was to protect her, and make sure she was loved and cared for, you cursed your heart. It wasn’t supposed to get attached, that was the agreement you had made when you initially went on the run, it was safer for everyone. You let out a soft sigh, as you offered her a reassuring smile, “It’s going to be okay, love. I promise.”

“I know. It’s just … do you think Crosshair is okay? What if he’s hurt?”

“M, it’ll be okay. If he’s hurt, he’s got people to look out for him. It’s us we should be worried about, we still have a myriad of stormtroopers to avoid.” She nodded, not quite able to forget about Crosshair, you pressed a kiss to her forehead, “It’ll be alright.” You held out your hand to her, “Come on, sweetie.”

Hunter hated how much his eyes kept following you, it didn’t matter that half the time, you argued with each other, or that you frustrated him so much sometimes all he wanted to do was shut you up with his lips pressed against yours. However, watching you with Omega, how motherly and kind you were to her and the others, even if you couldn’t stand him, you certainly were able to get along with everyone else. Sometimes the way you acted, reminded him of a rancor, fiercely loyal and protective of those it loved, but ready to destroy anyone who even dared to hurt you or those you loved. Maybe that’s why things had always been difficult between you two? Because he put you in danger from the word ‘go’. 

He let out a sigh, whatever thoughts or desires were confusingly roaming around his heart, weren’t likely to come to fruition. You both needed to keep your distances, and focus on the one thing that mattered the most to the both of you, Omega. 

“We should keep moving” he called down to you and Omega. You nodded and helped Omega up the slope. 

You watched as Hunter held out his hand for Omega helping her along the way. Despite his faults, of which he had many … okay maybe not that many, maybe a few. Okay, one. He had one fault. He thought he was always right. And sometimes he was … but a lot of times, he wasn’t. However, there was one thing that always pulled at your heartstrings no matter how annoyed you two were at each other, and that was how he looked after Omega.

Everyone was asleep, as you sat in the cockpit. You tried to sleep, but running into the two sisters who were actively fighting the Empire, made you begin to question everything. Here they were putting themselves in jeopardy, to do something to help the galaxy. Meanwhile, all you’d ever done was hurt it, and now you were trying to actively hide from the Empire like a coward. 

You rubbed your forehead letting out a sigh, when you heard shuffling behind you. You turned to see Hunter tucking Omega in, making sure Lula was close to her. After having to run away from Wrecker when his chip activated, you weren’t surprised to see her fall asleep as quickly as she did, the stress and adrenaline from the day definitely wearing her thin. You watched as he brushed Omega’s hair off her forehead, making sure she wasn’t having trouble sleeping. You let out a sigh, why did he have to be so sweet? Why did he have to do things that made your heart flutter?

You turned away, shutting down the feelings that were trying to brew. You closed your eyes, resting your head against the headrest. You weren’t meant for a life filled with love, sweetness, and comfort. It was never in the cards for you, and you weren’t ready for how your heart kept pulling and clenching. It was time to seriously think about leaving, you were getting too comfortable and too attached. 

“You alright?”

Hunter saw how meeting the two sisters threw you, it wasn’t just them though. It was hearing Rex’s account about what happened to his brothers, the chips that were in the clones brains; then the Jedi cruiser on Bracca, or more specifically the lab on the cruiser that made you uncomfortable. Something about being in a lab made you jumpy, made you nervous, he could smell your anxiety the moment you saw the lab. 

“Hmmm?” You turned to look at Hunter, not quite hearing his question.

“Are you okay?” Hunter took a seat in the chair directly behind yours, leaning forward resting his elbows on his knees, his bandana covering the patch on the side of his head, as his eyes found yours.

“Why do you care?” You followed his movement leaning forward, resting your own elbows on your knees. You didn’t mean for your words to come out as rude as it sounded. It was a genuine question on your behalf, why would he care about you after all the hassle you gave him. 

“You’re part of this crew, of course I’m gonna care regardless of how much you irritate me,” he smirked, “and you do irritate me.” You were thrown off by the fact he cared … the fact that anyone cared.

Hunter wasn’t blind, he could see something was bothering you, ”Butterfly, I … I don’t know what’s got you so shaken, but you can talk to me.”

“You’re better off not knowing.”

“What if I want to know?” He leaned closer, his fingers gently brushing against your own, almost by accident.

“Hunter, you can’t help me, and when you do one day find out what’s going on, you may not want me around anymore, and I’ll accept that. But not today, I - I don’t want to talk about it.”

He took a deep breath, as he reached his hand forward tucking your hair behind your ear, it always seemed to be unruly, sticking out the side of your head or clinging to your cheek, “You don’t have to be so strong all the time.”

“It’s not about being strong…” you leaned away from his hand, not wanting your heart to thump any harder or hope for more than it was. You let out a sigh, “Never mind, I should go rest.” You stood walking away from him burying the warm sensation in your heart deep down. As you walked past him, he reached out and grabbed your hand, holding it softly in his hand, getting you to look at him one more time.

“We’ve all done things we might not be proud of, doesn’t mean you’re alone. We’re here for you.”

You took in a deep breath as you looked at him, giving his hand a squeeze, “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

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[lou-struck]

Operation: Stay Away Cupid Pt. 2

OM Brothers & Datables x reader pt.2 

Featuring Special parts with Lucifer, Mammon, and Leviathan.

Part 2

Part 1

Part 3

Solomon's Prank has the Brothers worried, But they still don't want to tell you about the danger you are in. So they plan to still take out out as planned.

Tagging- @chaoticotaku, @nicksworld0715 , @ikevampharem, @ppichippi , @rabba-vee, @alexisjustheree, @scienceisfornerds, @rustybucketofghosts

"I don't know about you guys, But 'm' gonna go and keep watch over Mc," Mammon blurts, taking off in a sprint through the gates of RAD.

With a wave of his hand, Lucifer creates a barrier in front of his younger brother, the Avatar of Greed crashes into the red wall nose-first with a thud sending his sunglasses flying onto the pavement. "Mammon, Can't you be patient for once in your life?" he sighs, rubbing his temples in irritation.

Mammon tentatively touches his nose, wincing at the pain from the impact. "Oi, what's the big idea? If I don't get there, that thing will take away MY human."

Satan glares daggers at Mammon as he steps forward, "MC belongs to all of us, and If you go in there acting as stupid as you normally do, you're going to scare them."

"Precisely, we don't even know if this is a legitimate threat," Lucifer says with a frown. "So what we should do for now is make sure we go about our Valentine's plans with MC as normal and keep a watchful eye out for the signs Solomon told us about."

"So what are we supposed to do if something does happen, Lucifer?" Beel asks softly, wringing his hands together. "I don't want Mc to fall in love with someone else."

"Beel's right," Asmodeus whines linking arms with the eldest brother, "If anything, I should be the one to stay with Mc today; if they get hit with one of Cupid's arrows, at least they would have the pleasure of falling even more in love with me."

"Absolutely not, "Leviathan hisses, glaring up at the Avatar of Lust with an angry orange glare. "I am way more prepared. There's this anime called Protecting my Crush From Getting Hit by A Vengeful Love God's Arrows, and I have binged it four times."

"But that's just some Lame Anime," Mammon says, springing to his feet. "This is real life. Let me Protect them."

"No, it should be me." Satan bickers, his green eyes alight with emotion.

He puffs out his chest defiantly. "But I'm their first. I-"

"Don't make me laugh," Belphegor says, flicking Mammon on the forehead harshly, "you can't even protect yourself."

Lucifer watches as his six other brothers argue amongst themselves about who is the most fit to protect you from Cupid. He winces at the migraine that is already forming from their shouting. "Quiet down, all of you." He growls lowly, his power shaking the ground beneath their feet. "I have told you all the plan, which came directly from Lord Diavolo. Everyone else is on board already. So shut up, take your turn, and if anyone allows any harm to come to Mc, I will make sure you are suspended upside down into the next millennia."

The vein on his handsome forehead looks like it's about to burst in irritation as he waits for one of his brothers to argue back. But any objections they have, have died on the tip of their tongues as they begin to walk back towards the House of Lamination, where you are eagerly waiting to give them their valentines chocolates.

~

The House of Lamination is quiet, too quiet.

You were able to take everyone's custom-made valentines chocolates out of their special hiding place without any of the brothers finding you in the process. And although You know you are about to spend special time with everybody today, you can't help but feel a bit lonely right now.

Do you want her throughout the massive house trying to find someone to spend some time with.

Lucifer's study? Empty.

The kitchen? Empty.

The library? Empty.

You search the whole house and can't find anyone.

"Did they forget what day it is today?" You mumble, peering into Leviathan's empty room. The Otaku's gaming chair looks quite strange without him sitting in it. You wave at little Henry 2.0 and toss a small treat into his fish bowl. The goldfish swims happily in circles as he takes the pellet in his mouth, his big pleading eyes looking up at you, begging for another treat.

You sigh and glance behind you to make sure Levi isn't there to watch you overfeed his pet before tossing another one into the bowl. This time he takes the pellet and disappears into the little castle you bought him from a theme park in the human world to enjoy it in solitude.

It's then you hear the front door to the mansion burst open; your ears prick up, and you rush to the entryway to see who just got home.

You were expecting to see one, maybe two, of the brothers, so it was a bit of a shock to see all seven of them coming through the door.

"You all went to hang out together without me?" you pout, stepping into the room and crossing your arms in faux disappointment.  

"There ya are, Mc," Mammon says, rushing forward towards you, A look of worry on his features. "Are you feelin' alright?"

You blink at him confusedly, "Of course I am," you answer, forgetting your ruse entirely. "Why wouldn't I be?"

He starts to open his mouth only to be grabbed by the stuff of his leather jacket by Satan, who rolls his eyes at his older brother and sends you a smile. "Don't listen to him, Mc; we just are happy to see you. Happy Valentines Day."

"Yeah, he's just being stupid, Doll," Asmodeus purrs, wrapping his arms around you; Breathing in, you can smell the sweet florals of his cologne as he hugs you tightly. "Are you excited for our little date today?"

You nod, "I am; I am really excited to give you guys your chocolates today, too; I picked them out special."

Pink flushes the brother's cheeks at your words, and Beel licks his lips at the mention of special chocolates.

Lucifer clears his throat and stares at his brothers with a look you can't quite place. "Well then, Now that everyone is home, they can prepare for their dates with Mc." the underlying threat in his words makes his brothers go their separate ways, leaving you alone with the Avatar of Pride.

"They really don't need to do anything crazy," you say, watching them scatter. 

Lucifer chuckles, and you see him scan the entryway looking for something. "They just want to make Valentine's Day special for you." he says thoughtfully, "I suppose things are a bit different down here than in the Human world."

"You got that right." you laugh, thinking back to Valentine's Day when you were younger. "You guys have the flowers and chocolates, but you don't have those Cheesy Cards, Hallmark Movies, and no Cupid decorations."

His head picks up a bit at the mention of Cupid. "What was that third one?" he presses, his proximity seemingly forcing the answer out of you.

"Oh, Cupid?" you ask, tilting your head, "He's kinda like the Valentine's day mascot; it's a little winged baby that goes around shooting people with magic arrows that makes them fall in love with the first person they see."

"Interesting," he says "have you ever seen one before?"

You shake your head, "Only in movies; that kind of magic doesn't exist in the human world."

"So, these winged babies don't exist?" he frowns; for some reason, you see his brow twitch the way it does when he reads Mammon's Credit Card bill.

You laugh and shake your head, "Definitely not."

"Interesting." he hums, letting his features relax. With a smirk, he takes your hand, his Crimson gaze staring into yours affectionately. "Well then, I suppose I am up first. Give me a moment to prepare and stop by my room."

*Below are the First Three Dates; there isnt too much plot below, just romantic valentines day fluff and a bit of Cupid Panic from a few of the Brothers.

Lucifer~

You nervously fidget with the ribbon on Lucifer’s chocolate box as you approach his room. 

These chocolates from the human world are something the Avatar of Pride has never had before. And you’re a bit worried he may not like it.

Tentatively you knock on the door; Your nerves make the sound feel rather small against the thick wood. And you wonder if you should knock again.

But then the door opens, and Lucifer’s devilishly handsome face looks delighted to see you as he scans your frame.

“What’s with that face? You’re not nervous, are you?. He croons. 

“Just a bit,” you say softly, stepping into the room. Your honesty makes his features soften as he shuts the door behind you. 

“Come on now, you’re with me; there is no need to feel nervous,” he says, holding out a bouquet of roses for you. “A gift; I have a feeling you’ll be getting sick of chocolate today.”

“Thank you, Lucifer, these are for you,” you smile, breathing in the sweet aroma of the roses. You set them holding out the box. The bright red ribbon matches his eyes perfectly, and you can’t help but feel proud of your pick.

He carefully unravels the ribbon and opens the box. The bourbon-filled chocolates you bought for him seem to glow under the candlelight, the faint aroma of cocoa fills the air. “These look wonderful; I have never had anything like this.”

“There is some Burbon from the human world in the filling,” You explain, “you won’t feel anything, but it adds to the taste. I thought you’d like it.”

He raises one to his lips and takes a bite of it. The chocolate shell splinters and some of the filling falls into his mouth. “It’s delicious,” his eyes light up at the rich taste, and he holds out the other piece. “you must try this one.”

Opening your mouth, you let him feed it to you. The taste is heavenly, but you are more distracted by the way your bottom lip tinges from his gentle touch, even as he pulls away and fixes his gaze on the other side of the room.

“Let’s have some Music, shall we?” he says, taking a record out from his collection and placing it on the player; as it begins to spin, you recognize the tune from the human world. The smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra fill the room as he holds out a hand for you to take, “will you dance with me?”

You take it with a smile, “that’s pretty romantic of you, Luci,” you tease as he twirls you around.

“Would you expect anything less from me,” he asks, raising a brow and pulling you into his embrace. His elegant form swaying to the beat as you placed your head on his chest. 

“Never,” you murmur, feeling his arm wrap around the small of your back. The romantic ambiance of this moment makes you feel as if you are the lead in one of those black-and-white romance movies.

Wouldn’t you want to spend the rest of the night like this?” he murmurs into your ear.

“Tempting,” you hum, listening to the steady sound of his heartbeat. It pairs with the music beautifully, making you feel as if the two of you are dancing in the sky. “But that wouldn’t be very fair.

He chuckles lowly, letting his arm wrap around your waist, pulling you even closer, “When it comes to you, my dear, I don’t want to play fair. I’d prefer to keep you all to myself.”

You smile and gaze up at his handsome features, “that’s the Demon in you, I guess.”

He laughs again and gently kisses your forehead. “Happy Valentines Day, My Love.”

Mammon~

Until this morning, Mammon had been talking nonstop about how excited he was for your date to the Shadow Races; the magic horse races frequented by many in the Devildom's High Society.

But now, he seems more nervous than anything. His steps are small, and his eyes seem to keep darting back and forth anxiously as if he is looking for something.

"Mammon?" you ask gently, reaching down and taking hold of his hand that can't seem to stop shaking. "Is something wrong?"

He gives you a wobbly smile and tightens his grip on your hand. "It's nothing," he breathes, "just not feelin' too lucky today."

You little out a little giggle and press a soft kiss to his cheek. "The Great Mammon not feeling lucky? It can't be."

He laughs, and you see his frame looks a bit less tense. "There ya go again, Mc, makin' me feel all special. Yer such a good Human."

You beam at his words and see the rows of bleachers off in the distance. "Wow," you exclaim, looking at the massive turnout, "Who would've thought there would be so many Demons at the races today?"

Still holding your hand, Mammon stops in his tracks and stares at the crowd. "Too many people..." he mummers lowly, looking at you with glassy eyes.

"Are you feeling alright? You look sick?"

Shaking his head, he smiles at you, less convincing than the last. "Just thinkin' I should give ya yer gift before we get in there."

You don't really buy his excuse, but his hesitance probably has something to do with an unpaid debt from someone at the racetrack. "You got me something?"

He puffs his chest out proudly. "I did," He says, flashing you a grin of pearly whites. And taking a single Envelope out of his jacket pocket." Check it out."

You open the seal on the envelope to reveal not one but two golden slips of paper. Reading the printed text, you make out the letters W-O-N-K-A. 

"A-are these real?" you ask, staring up at the Demon in front of you. "The Wonka Factory is real?"

"Course it is," Mammon says, "I wanted to give you something special for Valentine's Day, so I worked overtime to get us some tickets."

I love it; thank you so much, Mammon. I can't wait to go with you.

His face flushes a deep red, and he looks down at the ground. D-did ya get somethin for me?"

"Don't worry, I could never forget My First," you smile, taking his gift out of your bag. His eyes light up when he sees the golden wrapper, and he opens it carefully, revealing the chocolate bar with edible gold flakes embedded inside of it.

"This is so cool," he smiles, peering closely at the gold. "Thank ya, Mc. You know me better than anyone."

In his excitement, he leans in to kiss you, only to stop, staring off into the distance in horror. You feel something fly past your wind, and Mammon begins to panic. 

"We gotta go," he says, taking your arms and dragging you in the opposite direction of the gust. 

"Wait, Mammon? What's going on?" you ask, feeling more concerned for the DemonDemon than yourself. Whoever he is in debt to must be really getting to him.

 "I can't lose ya like this," he mumbles, scooping you up and holding you close to his chest as he hops the fence to the race track and sprints past the bleachers. 

His powerful speed overcomes the horses that are currently racing on the track as he carries you away from whoever it was that was scaring him.

He doesn't let you down until the two of you are inside the gates of the House of Lamination.

"What was that about?" you ask as he catches his breath.

 "Jus… just.. Saw some witches," he says convincingly, "nothin to worry about. Now, Let's spend some time together, just the two of us." he winks, still hunched over. And your unsuspecting laughter fills the room.

Leviathan~

“This place is so cool; you’re going to love it, MC,” Levi says, following the directions on his DDD to the location of your Valentines Day date.

“I’m sure I will, Levi.” you chirp back. After your strange afternoon of running around with Mammon, sitting down at a cafe will be a nice change of pace.

“Okay, we’re here!” The purple hair demon says, gesturing to the completely empty café in front of you. Peering through the windows, you don’t even see an employee inside. “ Levi, are you sure this place is open? I don’t see anyone inside.“

He grins ear to ear, “ I know, that’s the best part. This place is ran by magic. There’s no employees. So when I order some thing, I don’t actually have to worry about talking to anyone.”

“Wait? Really?” You ask, pushing open the glass doors, “It looks like we have the place to ourselves then.”

“Yeah, isn’t it great? We don’t have to worry about any Normies interrupting us.” He says, practically skipping over to a cozy corner booth. And mumbling some thing else about you not being able to look at other people.

“What was that?” you ask, leaning in a bit closer to him

“N-nothing, forget i said anything.” He says quickly, Waving his hands. “ hey, let’s get a milkshake; my chatroom says they’re really good here.

“Really, which kind should we get?” You ask, staring down at the menu. The dozens of delicious looking treats catch your eye.

“Hmmm, We could try the devil cherry one” Levi says, pointing at a monstrous shake near the top of the menu.

“The one that comes in the TSL souvenir cup?" you tease.

He blushes and looks down at the menu shyly. “It’s limited edition.” he mumbles.

You comfortingly place your hand atop his own with a smile. “Well, it sounds tasty; we can split it."

"S-share a milkshake together like Normies?" the Otaku asks, trying his best not to look too excited at the suggestion. "Well, I guess we could share, it looks pretty big, and I still have to give you your chocolate."

Sounds good. Should we go up and order?" you ask, looking around the restaurant for some kind of ordering station.

"Nope, we said what we wanted out loud, so the kitchen is magically making our milkshake now." Levi replies with a smile. "A true Introverts paradise."

"That's convenient." you chuckle. "So now we wait. Let me give you your gift, I know you'll love it."

You bite the inside of your cheek as you reach into your coat pocket. You pull out his gift, "It's not chocolate, but I found some themed anime valentines day cards from a shop in the human world."

"These are so cool," he laughs, reading the little quotes written on each card. "I have your gift too."

He pulls out a pyramid shaped box of chocolates, “They’re Devil chocolates, the flavor changes when you eat them.”

Curiously you raise a piece to you lips and take a bite. The taste is initially creamy like icecream but then heats up to the temperature of a soft backed cookie.  "You’re right, Levi.” you smile, savoring the flavors. “The taste does change. Try it.”

You pop your half eaten chocolate in to his mouth playfully.

Levi exe has stopped working.

He has a cute, almost dazed look in his eyes as he is trying to process that his lips just touched something that you have taken a bite out of. “I-indirect k-kiss.” he says softly as a pink blush once again coats his cheeks.

 Looking around, you see some cartoony hearts fill the room around you. "Oh, these hearts must be part of the Cafe's decorations for Valentines Day."

"Hearts?" Levi says, blinking back to reality, now noticing them. The color drains from his face, and he stands abruptly. "Wait, I just remembered something." he says quickly, springing to his feet and pullin you up with him.

"What is it?" you ask, condused with his antics.

"We have to go. It’s a sign." he states urgerntly, tightening his grip on your arm and mumbling something you can’t quite make out.

"But our shake..." you say, following him out the door, looking back you see the  freshly prepared Milkshake that magically sits at your now empty table.

[dreamwritersworld]

Once innocent. Part 4. (Sully family x reader)

Hi! Just a reminder that this is a mini series to show the deeper sides of Y/n’s life BEFORE “The chore” :) 💕 I never said that the argument y/n had in ‘the chore’ was the only serious one she was in.🤫

Y/n waited patiently until it was her turn to hold Tuk. When Y/n did, she didn’t hold back tears, she didn’t care who saw her, the tears she left out were the first emotion she let anyone see in a long time.

She’s beautiful. Her skin is so soft, the way she smiled at me was so contagious and the way her small hand wrapped around my finger was perfect. She was perfect. “hello sunshine, aren’t you precious and innocent? How could Eywa bless us with someone so perfect? You’re my bundle of joy. I’ll protect you.” From then on, that’s all I ever did.

Soon my mother didn’t need to give constant care to Tuk, and that’s when I took in Tuk. It’s not like I wasn’t always there when she was just a newborn, because even when she was under my moms care, I’d take her any chance I’d get. She was the only one I spoke full conversations with, even if she couldn’t speak back, just seeing her smile at me was enough to warm my heart. When I noticed how mother and father slowly distanced themselves, tired of having to spend everyday with the clingy child. It only showed a reflection of what others saw with me and my parents. I would never let her endure or go through what I did. I will take care of her, that way when she returns in my parents arms they will ache for her. Tuk deserved that. Not a empty ache for their child, not the ‘care’ I received as a kid.

*Flashback*

“Dad? Mom?” Giggles erupted from the sweet girl as she hugged onto her dad’s leg. “I found you dad it’s been hours since we first started playing hide-“ her father looked at her suddenly feeling frustrated with how messy the girl was. “Y/n let go. Your hands are dirty. Go clean yourself up.” The child looked down at her hand and giggled once again “oh yea..sorry sir I was practicing outside and then I fell when I ran to chase you!” As soon as I cleaned up I ran back to cuddle next to them except they were all asleep and there was no room left for me so I had to sleep on the edge. “Mom? Dad? Guys?…I guess this is ok..It’s fine! Good night!” *

Please no, she’ll never experience the heart break I did. Tuk is only a toddler, she’s drawing right now. “Hey! What you drawing there sunshine? Can I see?…You know I’m no good at this game. But I’ll try to guess what it is, just for you! Just give me a second I’ll figure it out…is it me?” Tuk giggles and point at me after I said that “it is me! I knew it! Cmon can you say Y/n Tuk? Y/nnn.” Tuk just sighs smiling and looking back down at her drawing. “Not much of a talker are you sunshine? Grandmother told me you should be speaking by now, but don’t worry about it! You’ll talk when your ready! Maybe your hiding a special fun secret? Maybe…you found out i was the tickle monster!” I raise my hands to tickle her into a fit of laughter “rawr!!!” I laugh with her and come to a stop…her laugh is so full of life. I’ll keep going through life just to hear that laugh everyday. “We should start helping mom prep our meal shouldn’t we, sunshine? Let’s go!” We head to help mom and I prep Tuk down handing her the two toys I found for her, with crayons and a paper. I joined smoothly helping my mom prep. We didn’t talk much especially after she broke her promise. Call me dramatic but it hurt. My mother knew it was wrong too…hints why we don’t speak anymore. The one time where we’re able to find words to say to each other was when Tuk needed something but that was rare. I always knew when Tuk needed something or how she liked something. Majority of the times Tuk was just asking to return back to my arms. The food was done so we began preparing and eating our meal. I sat away from my siblings that were in the corner, to sit next to Tuk and help her eat her meal. Dad seems upset today…please no. “Y/n. Why is there crayons on the floor. Clean it up.” I look up and slowly get up to pick up the crayons Tuk had been playing with. “Why aren’t you watching your sister? She has crayon marks on her arm. You let her get dirty. You know when you were born I thought how the hell am I supposed to raise this messy kid. This hyper active little kid who’s reckless. You can’t be that way with Tuk. It’s not ok.” Cmon really? In front of Tuk. “I know, I’m well aware at how important it is to keep the child clean. Try not to abuse your power father. Tuk is here. You will NOT do this in front of Tuk. It’s just not gonna happen” I pass a smile and look at Tuk who was smiling at me pointing to our hammock. “No more food Tuk? You sure did eat huh sunshine? Let’s go clean you up and put you to sleep while Mom and dad eat.” I tried acting like I didn’t hear him talk about me to my mother. Maintained a smile on my face. How could they ever think she was going to stay dirty? I would never let it happen. She’s a kid, of course she’s gonna get dirty, but I’ll clean it up. I shower her as tears drop down my face. She grasp my face and points to my lips with her hands opening up and down motioning me to speak and then back to her toys. “we’re going on a…bear hunt. We’re gonna catch a…big one!” She giggles and I finish washing up to take her and I back inside. I place her in the hammock setting her with my parents, giving a kiss on the cheek and a goodnight before walking away. “Y/n! Y/n! Y/n!” I immediately freeze…she has such angelic voice. I turn around smiling as my parents watch by with shock…their daughters first words! Tuk crawls towards me with her hands out telling me to grab her. I giggle at her sweet actions and twirl her “oh sunshine-“ my father speaks up “Just take her tonight. Just be quiet and go to sleep.” He can be upset but I don’t care. Nothing can ruin this moment with my sweet angel.

Tuk was 5 when I started training her, I was going to teach her it all. She became a quick learner and she enjoyed it just as much as I did. We were on our way to my usual training spot until she spotted the place I had went to for pretty flowers and accessories. Maybe she can learn how to crown and bead first and then we can go to survival more. I was smiling at her until I saw she almost touched the neon flower. “Wait Tuk! Don’t touch that one! It makes you have this weird reaction and it’s gross!” Tuk laughs and look up at me “…Did you touch it?” I looked down with an ashamed face,not wanting to admit how I was left with a weird reaction all over me because I touched the flower “…i don’t know” We spent the rest of our evening crowning and beading. Then I told her i’d show her how to make the clothing, explaining to her it’s necessary in case you need extra or something happens. Then Tuk seemed to go more quiet…”what’s wrong…Tuk?” She looks up from the blanket she was making “hungry.” I was quick to grab her toy that was a shape of a food,thinking of something quick to change her mood “hey there Tuk! It’s me the famous hamburger word on the street is that you are hungry and you want to eat me! Do you want want to eat me?” She giggles and says “cmon y/n I can’t eat a toy!” I give her a good look and hold the toy up again to say “aw man, my feelings are hurt!” Tuk is quick to say “well my stomach hurts!” “mmh, sassy!” She giggles and I go towards my bag to see if I have anything to give her. I pick up a container of small leftovers I had set for when I was going to do extra work around the village, it’s fine I’ll just skip eating today. Something I’ve been doing a lot lately, and trust me not on purpose.

*Flasahback*

“You need to start picking up your work Y/n because this isn’t cutting it. What are you doing to even contribute to the village? Cause I see nothing. You are nothing because you do nothing.” Are you kidding me. He doesn’t care does he? The fact that his child is right there. “Tuk go with mom to sleep ok?….(Tuk looks at her dad suspiciously and leaves her sister with a hug) Tuk was here. I take care of Tuk. Remember? And I DO put my part into the village I just came from there! This argument that you’re trying to pick up isn’t happening right now. While you had the privilege to come home early as the ‘olo'eyktan’ I didn’t. There’s a clear defining difference between us Sir.” As I was leaving placing to go in my hammock, I could still hear him mumbling complaints. I turn to go get some rest “Y/n, Y/n! Good night sleep!” I giggle and say it back. But as soon as I turned there was no longer a smile on my face. How could everyone sleep so peacefully while I now have to work hours on end.*

“About all we got!” Handing her my small meal. Tuk looks at the lunch, saddened knowing she watched me make it in the morning, for more work my father ordered me to do. “…what about you?” I turn away from my beading and smile “go for it! I’ll find something else soon! I’m not even that hungry sunshine!” Tuk looks at me with her ‘thinking’ face. Oh Eywa, no don-“how about I go with you to help around in the village…you know as my…contribution? (She’s handing these words slowly REMEMBER she’s only 5 right now that’s why she’s taking awhile to remember the words she was taught)” To the hours that I’m up by? And the hours I have to wake up the next morning? This would not be a fair ask. She’s just a kid “After we are done with these blankets we can give it to the village and this will be your contribution ok? Your doing great Tuk! You’re quick!” Tuk laughs but is upset for her sister on the inside why does she have to always work?

We kept on dealing with our next days like that and I slowly introduced her into survival. Tuk was still eager to do more in her village so today she decided why not just follow her sister, instead of asking her? It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission! It’s only a matter of time before Y/n gets tired of working and wants to go away…leave.

I dropped Tuk off home with my shoulder still slacked down…I’m so tired. Only a couple of more hours and I can sleep. peacefully. “Ok Tuk good night, sunshine!” I turn to walk away but to my surprise she followed me back out of our home. What is she doing? “If you leave…I want you to take me too.” She’s confusing me. “W-what are you talking about?” She looks up again “Please don’t be mad. I don’t want to be alone. Not having you makes me feel alone. I can’t live with you not with me y/n. I know you want to leave sometimes. I also know that this work you’ve been doing is a lot. So just take me to work with you. I’ve been asking for a long time, I can help.” No, this can not happen , I will not take her helping hand. This is work my father gave me to punish me. I will not bring her down with me. I refuse. “If you have the time to fall asleep? You do it.” Tuk raises her voice with frustration very evident. “I said I don’t want to!” Throwing some tantrums here and there are and aren’t ok. I was never allowed to do it so dealing with it can be…confusing? Frustrating? This is technically my first time raising a kid. “I don’t care what you said. You will do it.” Tuk is quick to say “I don’t care what you say!” She can’t just deny what I’m telling her. This is for her. “Cmon Tuk!” Letting a frustrated sigh go before i kneeled down to talk to her and get her to understand. “You can’t break promises Tuk. You said you’d stop pushing the idea. You promised me.” She gives an ashamed look “…ik” she still has eagerness to come and it needs to stop. She can’t go through I have to do everyday, it’s not easy. “You’re not letting this go are you? Tuk I’m done. We’re not doing this anymore. You’re going to drop it or you’re in big trouble. I mean it.” Tuk rushes in to give me a hug. “Fine. Go to work, but take care of yourself ok? Oel ngati kameie, y/n” I sigh into her hug, relieved “Oel ngati kameie, sunshine….ok you should go inside to go to sleep I’ll give you a good night hug and kiss ok?” She grabs my hand and rushes me inside, I can feel my dad’s stare as I go by their hammock to give Tuk what I promised. After that I leave quickly, I don’t want to talk to them. They don’t know about my life now and they never will. Just a couple of more night and I’ll drop this stupid extra chores thing.

Tuk WAS 5…Now she was 6. I taught her a lot in the span of that one year except now, she feels like she conquered the world. Which I can admit is very cute! She’s been begging to ride my Ikran for MONTHS. Today I might just given in! She did so well during her practices and she’s managing everything perfectly. “Okkkk…fine. BUT you must know how they work and you need to remain calm ok? And hold onto me extra tight.” I explain to her that and more until it was time to ride it. “Hold on Tuk ok? Just like we promised!” We were doing just great flying, that was until my Ikran decided to do this small crazy scary drop I taught it a couple of months ago, this wasn’t supposed to happen. “AHHHH! Get me off Y/n this isn’t fun! Please!” I was already on it. I agree, this wasn’t fun to do with her, that should not have happened. “I’m so sorry Tuk, that wasn’t supposed to happen I didn’t mean for it to happen! It was just supposed to be a normal fly. Shhh sunshine, I got you. I’ll protect you. Remember?” Tuk’s crying calms down but that doesn’t mean dad didn’t hear it. He walked in as soon as she stopped, perfect. (sarcastically ofc) “Ok sunshine, go play outside for a bit ok?” Tuk is very hesitant until father grows impatient and give her a “Go Tuk. Now.” I give her a smile, knowing exactly what’s about to happen.

“I- it was just a short fly and a small drop I swear Sir she just got frightened, I calmed her down ok? She’s fine-“ he cuts me off AGAIN. “Small drop? Y/n I saw you. (It was a small drop, just happened out of nowhere and nowwww he wants to exaggerate it) You seriously flew an Ikran with her? she’s six. Of course she’s going to be scared?! Why would you be stupid enough to take her? To force her? It’s not ok. So whatever stupid training thing you two are on. It comes to an end. NOW!” He can not be serious. He’s acting irrationally now. Frustration takes over my patience. “Excuse me? You will not yell at ME. For training her the way she should be. She ASKED to go on the Ikran and I agreed. You didn’t even know she could do the things she’s done. She’s the greatest in her age division and you know what? I actually teach her the way it should be taught. Not like some soldier.” Anger was erupting in him. I can see it. “I will yell at you. You’re training her stupidly. Those records don’t prove nothing. You’ll make her weak and reckless just like you just did with her. I am the parent. You are the emergency call.” Words sliced deep. But it sounds like he’s telling me I can’t train her anymore and I’m not letting that happen so I’ll argue as much as I have to. “Who are you to criticize me? What have you done for her? Do not use the fact that you’re a parent against me. She’s as strong as she can be. She’s quick and smart. You’d know that if you were smart and actually cared. You are wrong. You will not tell me I can’t train her while you do whatever it is that you do. You can’t even spend more than full two days with her. You are the shittest father of pandora.” He shoves me into the wall like I was nothing. I lose my breath by how hard he shoved me. “Do not speak to me like that. I don’t know what type of ‘I can do anything’ journey you’re on but it stops now. You’ve never seen death, or had a world be cold towards you. So stop it.” I laugh. I laugh it all as confusion is written on his face “you really don’t know anything about me.” I push the hand he had a hold on me with and continue “I’ve had death held at my hands. I’ve had the only thing that actually cared for me AS A CHILD die, in my own fucking hands. Blood covered my hands. While I saw the only man I consider a father die. Rey’akana taught me everything YOU should’ve already done. You have never been there for me my entire life. I’ve handled everything you have given me, perfectly. Every pathetic attitude you threw and every order. So take it to someone else now.” He took a moment to answer, contemplating his next words. “Life isn’t fair sometimes Y/n ok? Get over it. He died for a reason, maybe he even died because of you. Ever considered that you distracted him? It’s was your fault. His fault.” He stabbed into me and I didn’t even see it coming. He wanted to make it clear I wasn’t going to be the reason Tuk would get hurt, he was going about it and in all the wrong ways. He let his frustration get in the way. So I shoved him back “you didn’t even know the warriors you fought with. With the way you’re going about this, I’ll see you in hell.” He looks to me like…like I was the one wrong. He put his hands on me first. He yelled at me first. He lost his ways, first. Now he thinks he’s going to bring this to an end. “You will not watch Tuk anymore. You are clearly a mess. You can’t do anything on your own. You’ll distract her too. She could’ve died because of you. You’ll be in hell for a good long time before I show up.” He’s using her against me. I don’t care what he says, I hold zero mercy. “I don’t mind waiting. If your going to take Tuk away from me…then you better bury me deep. Because when I come back, I’ll come for you first!” He didn’t hold mercy either “you need something to hit you, and hit you good too. Your not listening.” He threw a glass handle by my head. However I saw Tuk walk in at the same time it happening….

💞! Cliffhanger !🤭

any thoughts? 💞😭

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@zatarias-pandora @yeosxxx @arminsgfloll

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@nikotokitaswife @bucky1235 @detectivesparrow @kikosaurscave @octavias-next-meat-bite @midnightliacr @waitingforanotherpart @marybrown23 @ssc7514 @destinylb @lv9su @simp-erformarvelwomen

[andhumanslovedstories]

I’m looking for a second career after working corporate. I’d like something away from a computer, workin with people, in demand, and more flexible. I do have some autistic traits though (one therapist floated it but never officially diagnosed). Do you think nursing would be a bad choice?

Here's a useless answer: it depends! I'll also give my usual caveat that nursing is a very broad field and a school nurse versus a dialysis nurse versus an ICU nurse versus a home health nurse vs a community health nurse are all going to have different experiences. You'll probably spend more time at a computer than you might like (documenting......), but if you get efficient at it, you can blast through it alright. Except when you can't.

And you will work with people! In any part of nursing, you'll be working with people, often in intimate and vulnerable ways. You meet a lot of cool people and get to be there for a lot of cool moments, cool and funny and profound moments. Working with people when they aren't at their best can be exhausting. Working with people when they aren't at their best and also you're understaffed and also someone is complaining of new onset chest pain at the same time someone else is calling to be cleaned up because they've been incontinent--it's really easy to exhaust yourself out of compassion. You have to care and actively engage with people's often tragic situations, but you also have to protect yourself from secondhand trauma. It's okay if this is not something you're comfortable or good with, but if so, you should probably think critically about whether nursing is for you.

And flexible--maybe??? Again, different jobs will have different perks. A lot of nurses work prn which means they have to pick up a certain number of shifts a month, but they aren't on the schedule normally. You just pick up as you want. Very flexible! But also a lot of these nurses are getting their healthcare elsewhere, usually a partner. Like any shift work, you can always swap shifts with a coworker if you can find one who'll do it. When I worked in home health, it was very hard to adjust my schedule because there wasn't necessarily another nurse that could fill in. And often units in the hospital will have various schedule stipulations--work every other weekend, work a certain amount of holidays, work night shift until you get the seniority to go to days or become a nocturnal little freak (me). I currently work in float pool, which makes it way easier to call out and adjust schedules because I'm not assigned anywhere specific until like ten minutes before the shift starts.

And with regards to the last bit, the autistic traits, I don't know exactly which ones you mean, but none of them are an inherent obstacle to being a nurse. We need neurodiversity in nursing. Some patients might find you cold or awkward or weird or whatever way you worry you might come across. Other patients will resonate with those exact same traits. No one's the perfect nurse for all people. Some people want to that extra care, some people want competent work and then to have space for themselves, some patients want to learn everything about their situation, some patients don't even want to know what pills they're taking. Think of yourself as a specialty nurse. An oncology nurse can take care of a variety of patients, but they're most well suited and situated to take care of cancer patients. There's a patient type that is a perfect fit for you. And the same way cardiac nurses deal with strokes, and orthopedic nurses deal with respiratory infections, you work competently outside your specialty because you have a good base for your practice, but you also know that you have specialties that you are uniquely equipped to handle. Specialties like cheerleading through physical therapy, calming down dementia patients, knowing the shit out of telemetry, making sure patients get a bed bath and clean sheets, using a machine to pump a patient's blood outside your body--whatever you most like, you're most good at, what gives you energy to work. I think mine are working well with "difficult" patients, managing pain, and stealing cranberry juice from the patient fridge. for me.

I'll say too if you're worried like a lack of empathy or easy understanding of other people will be an impediment to care--I'm not saying I'm autistic, but I don't think I'm particularly empathetic. I NEVER know what people are thinking or feeling. I struggle to tell when patients are like "talk to me more!" versus "I am being polite to you, but please leave." I have never once been comforting a crying person and thought, "I am NAILING this. I am making them feel better." But I don't think I'm a bad nurse. I reverse engineer empathy by finding a situation that I was in that's similar to the situation a patient is in, and I think about what I would have wanted and appreciated in that situation. I think about what evidence says is a good thing to do in this situation. I think about what experience tells me has worked in this situation in the pas. I also just ask patients what they're feeling and what they want and why they do what they do instead of assuming I know. (That last one is so choice, we should all do it more.)

The job puts you in a lot of Situations that are hard for anyone to manage. So you can study up for a lot of Situations. I read conflict resolution books and writing by sick people, I think about how adherent I am to my own treatment plan when I get judgy, I ask patients a lot of questions in part so I can understand them but also so I can understand the next patient like them, I practice difficult conversations I can predict before I go into rooms, and I make sure I have certain phrases and reactions in my back pocket in case I'm caught by surprise. I've figured out my safe topics of conversations that I can chat about with patients that are personable but not intimate (cats, how long you've been in the area, how hard it is to sleep in the hospital at night). I periodically try out new conversation styles and topics to see how those work. I find people I admire and I try consciously to emulate them.

I make a shitload of rules too that help me structure my behavior so I can act like a person I'm proud of. If I can't get something for a patient, I have to go back and tell them that instead of just never returning to the room. Whenever I leave a room, before I go, I make sure the call light is within reach and I ask if there's anything I can do before I go. If someone is sad, ask if they want hot chocolate, and if they say yes, ask if they want it with hot water or milk. If I have a patient that is very chatty and always on the call light, allot conversation time with them like I'm scheduling wound care in case they're lonely. Whenever I tell a patient that they can't do something, I explain the clinical reasoning for that. If the only reason I can think of to tell a patient why they can't do something except "it's against hospital rules", I reconsider the refusal. I've got so many rules and guidelines I've developed for myself so I can best act in a way that I think a good nurse should act.

(usual disclaimer that this does not mean I always accomplish this or that I always behave in a way I'm proud of. but I do think developing these rules and following them makes behaving like I want to more habitual.)

All this to say--I care tremendously about my patients when they're my patients, but I don't take most of them home with me. I feel often feel very distant from the emotions of the situation. I used to feel like I was watching the world through glass. Now I still feel like that, but not in a bad way. I don't get mad when patients yell at me. I can view their problems as quests to solve. I'm engaged but I'm not flustered by distress.

look alllllllllllllllllll that to say is have you considered making nursing a special interest? works for me. oh and YEAH. The job security is AMAZING. It's such a weight off my mind to know that if I don't like my current job, it's so easy to get another somewhere else.

[tiny-tini-imagines]

Oh, hello— gosh dang a new writer? Instant support, sending love— mate, your writing Is awesome. Could I ask for a Legolas hc? (Lemme hop on the Legolas chain for a sec— his dad’s taking up way too much space in the back compartment—) Legolas with an elf s/o who.. ‘isn’t like other elves..’?’ OKAY— it may sound ridiculous but hold on— like an elf that does thing differently from other? You know how elves are usually quite regal and stuff.. has their priorities straight, mild mannered and all that?— take all that, and throw it out the window. Bc this elf believes that they should live their long-ass life span to the fullest and not really think too hard on how other view them and such? Chaotic and all that, but down to earth? The total opposite of what a normal elf would act.

Feel free to ignore this (and my incessant rambling) have a nice day!

Hey! Thank you so so so much for your support and kind words. I'm so happy that you enjoyed my writing, and let me tell you - I absolutely love your request! Funny enough, I once started a ff with a human character as Legolas s/o who had no manners, but imagining it with an elf sounds even cooler. Hope that's what you had in mind...

Headcanons - Lord of the rings

summary: Legolas and a s/o non typical elf

(added: what they would say to them, or about them)

Initial Antipathy: At first, Legolas might not get along too well with them, finding their chaotic and unpredictable nature somewhat jarring compared to his usual elven decorum.

Protective Streak: Despite their incredible strength and speed, Legolas can't help but feel protective of them. They often worry about their safety, which leads to some tension in their interactions. (They often insist that they don't need Legolas's protection and can handle themselves, telling him to go and take care of himself, but it's their way of shielding their true feelings for them.)

"Their strength and resilience are astounding, and I find myself in awe of their ability to face danger head-on, even when it terrifies me."

Eloquent Disagreements: Legolas and his elf s/o have a fair share of passionate disagreements, especially in the beginning. They engage in eloquent debates where they challenge each other's perspectives, making their interactions both fiery and intellectually stimulating. Anyway, Legolas would often find himself speechless, because they don't mince their words and says what they really think, over time he gets used to it and likes it a little bit more, especially since he can't afford to speak like them as the Prince of Mirkwood .

"I must respectfully disagree. While your unorthodox approach is certainly intriguing, I believe tradition and preservation of elven customs hold their own merit in our world." - legolas in an arguement between them

Archery Lessons: One way Legolas tries to bridge the gap between their personalities is by offering archery lessons. He's patient as he teaches them, finding solace in the shared moments at the archery range. (They might not be too good in archery, but have a very unique and stunning way to handle their sword.)

Language: They're known for their sometimes rude language, (which Gimli secretly appreciates). Legolas would just shake his head from time to time, but secretly thinking that it's kind of brave.(Legolas understands that this is their way of expressing emotions. He appreciates the sincerity behind their words and actions.)

Revealing Their Feelings: Eventually, it's them who reveals their feelings first, unable to contain their affection any longer. Legolas is taken by surprise but soon reciprocates with their own heartfelt admission. (They would say it in a very untypical way for an elf, maybe even curse, after Legolas has put himself in unnecessary danger, and pull him into a tight embrace in an unelvish way)

Surprise and Stunned Silence: Legolas is initially taken completely by surprise. He's used to elven decorum and the more reserved expressions of affection, so their outburst catches him off guard.

Conflicting Emotions: He experiences a whirlwind of emotions in that moment - surprise, confusion, but mostly a deep warmth in his heart.

S/o: "Damn! By the stars, Legolas! What were you thinking you fool, charging in like that? I thought I lost you, stupid elf!" They exclaim, their voice laced with worry and frustration, a slip of affectionate concern coloring their words. They immediately pull him in a tight embrace Legolas: His eyes widen in surprise at their outburst, the genuine worry in their tone catching him off guard. "I... I did not mean to cause you such distress. But know that my heart swells with gratitude for your concern."

The Impact of Danger: The fact that their confession comes after he put himself in unnecessary danger makes Legolas acutely aware of the depth of their concern and love for him. It's a realization that touches him deeply. + (This moment reinforces his protective instinct. Legolas becomes even more committed to keeping them safe, knowing how deeply they care for him.)

After Revealing Feelings: After their feelings are out, they share tender moments amidst their chaotic adventures. Legolas becomes more understanding of their free-spirited nature, and they appreciate his unwavering support.

"Meeting you has been the greatest adventure of my life, and I look forward to many more chapters of our story together."

Bridging Differences: As their love deepens, they learn to appreciate each other's strengths and differences. Legolas discovers that their boldness complements his wisdom, and he becomes more open to spontaneity.

Shared Adventures: Legolas is drawn to their adventurous spirit. He finds himself relishing the excitement of their escapades, even if they often involve unconventional ways and risks. (They have an insatiable thirst for adventure and are always dragging Legolas into daring escapades and exploration.)

Meeting Thranduil: Legolas knows that introducing his s/o to his father, Thranduil, won't be easy. The King of Mirkwood has high expectations for his son's choice and wants him to make a more traditional choice for a partner, but eventually, even Thranduil comes to admire their fierce independence and the happiness she brings to Legolas. + (They absolutely refuse to bow or show deference to anyone, not even to the King of Mirkwood. Their boldness both amuses and confounds Legolas and Thranduil.)

"Ada, I must admit, they are unlike any elf I have ever known. Their spirit is untamed, their heart bold, and they defy convention in a way that is both bewildering and strangely admirable."

Balancing Act: Their relationship is a delightful balancing act between Legolas's regal upbringing and their chaotic, down-to-earth approach to life. Together, they bring out the best in each other, forging an unbreakable bond.

Appreciation of Imperfection: Through his s/o, Legolas learns to appreciate imperfection and the beauty life's unpredictability. He discovers that perfection is not always the most fulfilling path.

"In your presence, I've come to understand that there is beauty in imperfection, and I cherish every moment we share, even when chaos reigns around us."

Respect for Individuality: Legolas deeply respects their individuality and appreciates the fact that they don't conform to typical elven norms. He admires their strength of character and their willingness to be true to themselves.

Encouragement and Support: He is a source of unwavering encouragement and support for them. Legolas understands that their unconventional approach to life is a part of what makes them special, and he never tries to change or suppress it.

A Gentle Hand: He has a gentle and caring touch, especially when it comes to tending to any injuries or scrapes they may acquire during their daring exploits (and especially since they're a bit chaotic and maybe somtimes even clumsly when paying too much attention to Legolas and not their surroundings.) Legolas takes great care in ensuring their well-being. (They would not admid that they need help at first, so Legolas does it without any words or asking, always making sure they're all right.)

Affectionate Gestures: Legolas is not one to shy away from showing affection. He expresses his love through tender gestures, whether it's a soft touch, a warm smile, or an embrace. However, the moment his s/o started feeling comfortable showing off their relationship, they'd often hug Legolas thightly (sometimes to his surprise, but he secretly enjoys them a lot).

Hair: He'd let them play with his hair, but don't expect them to braid it, since they can't do it and it would just get tangled (Legolas tried to teach them, but gave up after several attempts.) However he would sometimes braid their hair, if they asked him, tho they mostly like to keep it open

[maettymae]

The healthy person has many wishes, the sick person only one.

The right story captivates every reader, evokes emotions, even changes lives.

Writing this story was a challenge,

but whether it resonates with readers is another matter.

Many readers won't be able to relate to this story because healthy people generally don't worry about illness.

Doctors will find this story amusing and ridiculous.

Healthy people will not understand it.

Everyone will disregard this account precisely because of this story.

In fact, however, this story hits the nerve of the times, precisely because

Patients are looking for effective treatment and healing.

Doctors and support staff with their doctorates and medical degrees

believe that they can trample all patients underfoot and that they can neither treat nor help any patient medically.

A doctorate alone does not make a doctor. It is medical expertise, empathy, humanity, understanding for the illness, understanding for the sick patient with their fears and the person themselves that make a doctor.

However, basically all doctors do not have these qualities because they are only focused on money and their earnings, at the expense of other people's health.

Support staff such as medical assistants / nurses also lack these qualities.

They would rather aggravate a patient's condition than help in time.

This story should make so much noise in order to bring about positive change.

Because at some point we all get sick and then we want to be medically treated in the right way to get better without doctors laughing at us, getting rich off us and ultimately kicking us out of their practices/clinics despite being sick.

People who want to spontaneously make this account rich or send very striking pictures will be deleted immediately.

This account is anonymized for data protection reasons.

No requests will be sent

Direct messages and inquiries will not be answered.

All the best for the future.

Cheers folks

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[thewisaaaaad]

GOOD EVENING

i changed my mind im releasing this now >:)

i finally got to the cliffhanger

AND NOW Hypnos is offered a choice.

I told you it would be fine :)

...if Hypnos can bear to go on, after all that has happened.

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

Hypnos opened their eyes to darkness.

Their whole body ached, every part of them felt like it had been run over by a carriage. their face was sticky with blood and Ichor, and they couldn't remember why. Why do they hurt? Was Narinder playing with the kits again? Maybe they should find the fox, if he's here...

Then the events of the last few years started to flow back in. Shamura and their second betrayal, the torture, the rescue by Leshy's agents, the hasty escape into the sea, Kallamars ministrations, the training in curses, dodging and healing, the plan...

and how that plan went so horribly, horribly wrong.

fresh, warm blood, mortal blood, streamed down their face.

Narinder was probably playing with the twins. in the worst possible way. And it was all their fault.

Hypnos scrubbed their face with their forearm, no matter how it hurt, and took a look around themselves. It looked like the void, but it lacked the warmth they remembered it having when they were with the fox.

How long had it been since they last saw the fox? Were they worried?

Hypnos doubted it. Who would worry about an oath-breaker like them, anyway?

So this must be it. This is the fading of souls that happens to those who die in the after. the place beyond death.

Hypnos was surprised that they had died so soon. Shamura- no, the Purple Crown had been shure to You are not yet dead, child.

Hypnos opened their eyes, searching for the voice echoing in their head. Something was behind them, but the puppet struggled to turn around to get a look at it, feeling like they were floating with no anchors to steady themselves. The voice, to its credit, did not laugh at the lambs flailing, only letting the feeling of bemusement seep into the lambs mind.

Hypnos, for their part, felt no amusement at all. especially when they saw what the voice belonged to.

An eye. sitting in the darkness, floating just out of reach, at a massive scale. It seemed sideways, as if it was laying down, but as the false lamb slowly rotated in the void, the eye rotated with them, continuing to lay sideways to them. It was cream colored, with clouds of other bright colors danced at the edges, like a hidden aurora borealis.

But the lamb knew of eyes like this one. It belonged to a crown.

You merely dream. The voice sounded elderly, tired. A fine disguise for a horrible creature.

"What do you want!?" The lamb shouted, after staring at it with barely concealed hatred failed to elicit answers. Actually, it probably wasn't concealed at all.

The crown just blinked slowly at them, before finally responding.

Child, I have come to grant you a chance. a chance to save "I AM NOT BECOMING YOUR BEARER, PARASITE!" The lamb interrupted, swinging their arms down in impertinent rage.

The crown waited patiently for the lamb to catch their breath, seeming almost... sad.

the gall...

I know you have met the sins. I apologies that my compatriots were unable to protect their bearers.

This was... not what the lamb expected, but they kept their guard up-

I know you think us vile, child, and not without reason. but consider this: that we may not be the infection, but instead are infected ourselves by Sin.

All the wind had been taken out of out of Hypnos's sails at this point, as curiosity won out over caution. "what do you mean, 'possessed by sin'? I had been under the impression that the crowns controlled sin, using it to further their power. Or was that a lie too!?" Hypnos shouted, a bit of their righteous rage returning to them.

It was not a falsehood, child, but it was not the full truth either. We crowns were made to control Sins, yes, but as with all things, we are imperfect. Each of us has a Sin we are vulnerable to.

For War and Wisdom, it is Envy.

Chaos and Order, Their enemy is Wrath.

Plague and Cure's poison is Sloth.

Feast and Famine fell to Gluttony.

And of course, death must kneel to pride.

But even the Sins of Gods can be purified by another crown.

The lamb considers this. They were given an enemy. something that could be fought, something that could be solved.

there was only two questions left to ask.

"whats your sin? Your weakness?"

I cannot speak its name, lest I invite it to roost within me.

"...what do you get out of this?"

I get the chance to exist again, and serve a bearer once more.

A light began to shine from behind the crown, revealing its shape. It was pointed, resembling a mytre, the same kind of hats the followers used to command the refineries back at Kallamar's temple. The eye rested in the center, indeed set sideways.

they could save Kallamar. They could save the others.

they could save Narinder, and keep their promises.

the question was, did they trust it?

Promised liberator of The One Who Waits, will you take me, the crown of sleep and wake, as your crown, and command dreams and nightmares as you wish

to keep the promises you made?

ACCEPT ⟻⤛⦿ REFUSE

[that-green-haired-swordsman]

Found this on Pinterest and it's not meant to be taken too seriously, but yeah, I get where this comes from. Usually you see Zoro being pictured as either a sex machine or as aromantic/ace, and literally never anything in between, and I personally believe that either of these takes is true. It's a manga of the shonen genre and follows the respective, genre-based rules. My interpretation of the character is that he undoubtedly puts his goal(s) on top of everything else. Luffy gets to become the pirate king. Zoro himself is going to be the world's strongest swordsman. Period. BUT. These ambitions go hand in hand with a sacrifice, at least to Zoro. This is going to be a long read and I have to digress a bit so please be patient lol.

Zoro has lost the person most important to him and there was nothing he could do to prevent it. He couldn't protect Kuina. Now, we don't know his own knowledge of his parents, but I always assumed that his desire to become stronger and stronger is a direct result of the loss of his parents, something he witnessed, but couldn't do anything about it either. So he chose to follow his father's footsteps and became a swordsman, trained in Koushiro's dojo, driven by anxiety. He made friends with Kuina who died too. And then he swore to himself that never again he would anyone ever become close to him. He traveled alone and at first and kept his distance to Luffy, Nami and the others.

But there's no way to fight human nature. Slowly, he allowed himself and them to get closer and he found it comfortable to be around them, but accepting that they're his friends also multiplies his anxiety and ultimate weakness: losing someone again. He not only wants to become stronger to be the WGS, he also thinks it's the only way to protect his loved ones. When he struggles with an opponent, he can be seen training even harder afterwards. He takes the night's watch. He guards the ship. He only sleeps when someone else is awake. He tells the others to escape when it's dangerous. He tries to take incoming damage alone. He refuses that anyone sacrifices themselves and knocks them out should they try (Sanji @ Thriller Bark). He keeps things a secret. He holds back emotions to remain collected and supportive. The further along they travel, the more of his humanity he has to lose in order to keep them all safe.

Back to the original intention of this post. Zoro has kind of a soft spot for women who need help with something. They just trigger his protective instinct. But he also tries to keep away from any woman because they'd weaken him. And he can't afford to be weak. A woman by his side would mean he'd have to look after her, provide for her, protect her, make sure she's alright, take better care of himself in order to be there for her, all things he simply can't afford and which distract him from his goal (he would think that way, being a bit traditional). Maybe he doesn't trust himself to remain as determined as he was once he's in a relationship. Maybe he's afraid that his partner would try to talk him out of his goal and stand in his way. Which leads me to think how a woman has to be in order to be a good match for him?

We've covered that a woman often triggers his protective sense, I'm not sure though if that is what he finds an important trait. I like to imagine that a woman he'd be interested in has to be similar to himself - independent, strong, able to defend herself, not afraid to put him in his place, self-confident and courageous and most importantly be supportive and understand how he rolls. He wouldn't have to worry about her as much then (he'd still be worried though of course lol). So yeah, ZoTash all the way!

However, even if they'd fall in love during the series, he'd not give in to his feelings before he would have reached his goals, due to the above mentioned reasons. He'd ask her to wait or he wouldn't open up to her until he's the WGS, and then reunite with her and be like "Hey sorry you had to wait" and you know how loyal he is, he'd stay with her until the end of his days. And I think that's another reason why he's not dating a woman - he wants to make sure that she's THE ONE. He's not interested in an affair or something not serious. He's there for the long run. He doesn't give away his heart so easy. He could even play hard to get, to check if his love interest really means it. He wants to protect himself from heartbreak and loss, afraid to experience it ever again.

He wouldn't be a perfect lover, but try hard to be the best version of himself.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Covid-19: nurses concerned amid summer upsurge - Published Aug 16, 2024

Most nurses are worried about the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on health and care services in the UK amid an apparent summer wave of cases, a Nursing Times poll has found.

In a snap survey of almost 550 nursing professionals, 85% said they had noticed a rise in cases in their workplaces over the last few months.

Six in 10 (61%) said they were worried about how Covid-19 was currently impacting health and social care services.

A bigger proportion – 77% – said they were concerned about how Covid-19 will affect services this coming winter, when pressures generally tend to be higher.

One primary care nurse in England said: “It’s rising and I worry if we don’t become preventative now it could affect our ability to provide a service.”

The survey findings come as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned earlier this month that Covid-19 was “still very much with us” and that cases had been rising globally.

It said new waves of infection had been registered in Europe, as well as the Americas and the Western Pacific.

Available statistics in the UK also point to a potential upward trend in Covid-19 cases over May, June and July.

However, with testing and data collection being much more limited than they were earlier in the pandemic, Nursing Times wanted to ask nursing professionals for their direct experiences.

The survey responses suggested a big variance between organisations in terms of approaches to Covid-19 prevention.

Of the nursing staff who took part in our poll, 61% said there were no longer any specific Covid-19 prevention measures in their workplaces.

For those who did still have some precautions, these varied from testing all patients for Covid-19 before a hospital admission and then weekly, to only testing patients if they have symptoms.

In terms of personal protective equipment (PPE), some said they wore masks for all face-to-face patient contact, others said PPE was only used when dealing with confirmed Covid-19 cases or if they had the virus themselves.

One NHS hospital nurse in Scotland said: “No masks unless you are coming to work with Covid. No precautions if you have no symptoms. It’s quite shocking.”

However, nurses were divided on whether there should be a return of more Covid-19 precautions, although more than half were in favour.

In total, 58% said they would welcome more Covid-19 prevention measures in their workplaces, 19% said they would not welcome them and 22% were unsure.

One hospital nurse from Scotland felt standard infection control procedures, which were in place before Covid-19, were sufficient.

They said: “There is more than enough. Wards get closed if one person has it and they’re not really ill so it feels like overreacting, it causes more disruption.

“Infection control procedures are enough in most cases.”

Finish reading the report at either link!

[alicentsultana]

Hi! Sorry if im bothering you ,but since i will probably start the magnificent century ,i thought i could ask you question.

So ,ive seen a lot of Rhaenyra stans being baffled about the Hurrem .Alicent comparisons (Or Alicunt ,as they call her) .

Since i trust your opinion more than theirs ,what are your thoughts?

Have a good day and cant wait for your fic!

Hi! You're never a bother, don't worry.

So, mc is a roller-coaster ride get ready for your feelings.

Hurrem is a like a natural fenomenon, and the character in the series is based in rumors and short descriptions and considerations made from ambassador at the time she was alive. But I believe she experience the feminist kween effect like Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn, Mary Stuart , Catherine of Aragon and many others because of media exacerbation, when in fact they were just elitist women of their own time (no bashing, just a reminder). So i can understand the rhnr stans going feral over her.

The comparisons between Hurrem and Alicent you kind of can see an outline - innocent girl have to please the guy in charge and do things she doesn't want to do to protect herself and her children's right.

Alicent is a Lady, she have resources, and Hurrem was a peasant turned slave, that after some many slaps she finally managed to be respected and gain the title of sultana. Both had to learn how to stand for themselves alone and think about their survival and their children only, no matter the damages. In this story we can make a mention of how Hatice can be compared to rhnr - but you guys are not ready for this discussion yet (I'm waiting patiently for this day).

I understand why everyone is obsessed with Hurrem, I am too, and all because she was doomed by the narrative, she had to literally rise from the ashes and call it a day, did everything she could to become free, killed some people and cried for others, and she did it all serving face and looks, hairs, and a ton of personality.

She is not a good girl, she is the antagonist, she is there to make other people angry, she is there to look at you and almost whisper "I win". You can't help but simply adore her because of all of this things she is.

Anyway, everyone should at least get to know Hurrem, I believe is worth it, and in my opinion she is kind of a water divisor idk I just get this vibe there is a world before magnificent century and a world after it.

Enjoy! And don't fall into kween crap trap

I'm so excited for the fic too skskdkdkdkdkd though there's still a long way to go

[a-cloud-for-dreams]

nobody asked for this but here are mini headcanons of how jealous the Thorne siblings would be if you were in a relationship with them

Trystan: They're so naturally confident in themselves that I can't see them being jealous unless the other person in question was making MC uncomfortable. If that's the case, they would confidently stroll up to MC to wrap an arm around their shoulder or do anything to make it explicitly clear that MC isn't single to scare off the other person and probably go as far as punching them if the situation escalated. For the rest of the day, they would be at MC's side and make it clear that the two of them were dating. "How does my darling detective feel about the silver wine goblets" or would rest their head on MC's shoulder. Just anything to make it clear the two are dating, but again, this isn't something that would happen a lot since the two are close and trust each other depending on the MC, both may also be naturally flirtatious so this may or may not be a big deal

Vasili: He's a mastermind first and foremost, along with being extremely patient, so he would assess the situation first to see if he needs to step in. He would trust MC to handle it, but if necessary, he would make an excuse to get them away from the other person. He might get a little jealous, but he isn't someone to make rash decisions, so he knows he can trust his partner to as be loyal as he is

Lydea: She isn't someone who would ever admit she's jealous, in my opinion, unless MC was teasing her about it later. She also isn't someone who would seek out romantic relationships, so when she's officially in one, she might be a little nervous because relationships require some vulnerability. Of course, she knows how tough MC is and how deeply they care for her, so she isn't too worried about how they can handle themselves. That doesn't stop her from being protective of MC, though. If she needs to intervene at some point, she would probably do something similar to Vasili and find a believable excuse to get MC out of trouble without unnecessary violence. She won't hesitate to escort the stranger out personally if the situation escalates

Astrid: She would be SUPER possessive/protective of MC and make it super obvious if she was in a relationship with them, so there really isn't an excuse if someone is trying to get with her significant other. She would take it as an insult that someone would try to steal someone away from her, but she may also be impressed with herself considering how she was able to date someone as impressive as MC she literally killed one of her girlfriend's homophobic exes she doesn't mess around what an icon. She would walk up to MC, kiss them passionately right in front of the other person, and glare at them for the rest of the conversation until they left. If they still didn't, she would probably elegantly diss them until they're so embarrassed they would have to leave before the twins post about it online lolol

Sebastyan: Imao 100% have you met this man?? He doesn't have a lot of relationship experience if any, Marla Dean doesn't really count so when he actually meets someone whom he could be vulnerable and whom he is compatible with, he would be so nervous/insecure about doing the right thing to not scare MC away. He's smart and observant, so he would notice whoever they're talking to quickly, and with the background knowledge of the person and the present nature of the conversation, he would conclude whether or not he should intervene. If the person doesn't try anything, then at most he might innocently ask about who MC seemed to be engaging in conversation with to gauge their reaction. If they start bothering MC, he won't be able to focus on the conversation with whatever senator he was schmoozing and go to wherever MC is to make sure they're alright and maybe start a fight if his intense presence does not scare the other person away but obviously, MC would roll their eyes and say that they could have handled it themself regardless of how appreciative they were

Kaspar/Emika: The twins are always together, so if even one of them was in a relationship, they would all still spend time with each other and be super close. Like a "one twin is with MC even when the other is gone getting drinks or whatever." So if someone tried to flirt with MC it would be over. Emika would cyberbully the other person off the internet and make explicitly clear nobody gets in the way of their relationship how did they think they had a chance with MC when they were already dating Drakovian royalty smh. Kaspar is established as someone with literally no self-control so he would do something impulsive to embarrass the other person, saying or doing whatever is necessary. Both would spend the rest of the night with MC to make sure nobody tries it again lol. MC would be the one in the corner like, "I could have said I was in a relationship you didn't need to go that far," but if they're dating one of the twins they would appreciate how deeply they care for MC

Marguerite: She isn't someone I see as super jealous since she trusts and respects MC greatly. But she is also a super busy woman so she won't be able to catch everything, so someone might try to slither their way between her and MC. She probably wouldn't even have to step in, but I can definitely see her subtly tearing the other person apart without breaking a sweat if they won't leave MC alone. And she would do it all with a smile, she's more of a baddie than she lets on, and ofc, she would check in with MC to make sure she's okay

Patryk: I genuinely can't see this man in a relationship, but he would probably be super possessive or particular about how their relationship comes across in public. He would be jealous that the other person threatening their relationship is threatening a particular aspect of his brand if that makes sense, so he would do what's necessary to get them to back off