#the stupid hair tie thing on his beard

[matchavtea]

his outfit in mkx was so cool ugh

[shybluebirdninja]

Beard Wars

Summary: Logan’s been growing out his beard, and you’re starting to suspect it might be a little too attached to his face. Now it’s become a silent standoff between you, his beard, and the world’s dullest scissors.

Pairing            : Logan Howlett x Wife!Reader

Genre              : Fluff

You’d seen Logan do a lot of wild stuff in your time together. The man fought in wars, took bullets like mosquito bites, and still had the nerve to complain about your cooking. But nothing—nothing—had prepared you for the unholy battle brewing in your bathroom.

It had been growing… and growing. Logan’s beard, that is. The thing had practically taken on a life of its own. And sure, when it first started, it was rugged. Hot, even. You loved the whole “wild lumberjack with claws” look. But after a couple months, the beard went from sexy to Sasquatch. Now it was long enough to braid… if you dared.

You stood there, glaring at Logan as he sat on the couch, legs kicked up, flipping through channels like he didn’t have a forest attached to his chin. You crossed your arms. “Logan.”

“Hmm?”

“We gotta talk about it.”

He didn’t even look at you. “Talk about what?”

“The beard.”

He glanced up over the remote, raising one bushy eyebrow. “What about it?”

“Babe.” You gestured to his face. “It’s gotten out of control. It’s like… you’re turning into Chewbacca.”

Logan shrugged, clearly not giving a single shit. “What? It’s fine.”

“Fine? Logan, it’s a beard. Not a security blanket.” You shook your head. “I swear, it’s like you’re afraid of trimming it.”

He smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “Afraid? Nah. Just like the way it looks.”

You sighed, rubbing your temples. “Babe, it’s started curling up at the ends. It looks like a goddamn villain’s mustache from a silent film. I’m half-expecting you to tie me to train tracks next.”

Logan huffed and stretched his legs. “What do you want me to do? Cut it?”

“Yes! Just… trim it. Before it starts forming opinions and voting in elections.”

“Good one,” he muttered, still flipping through the channels. “But nah. I like it.”

You knew this was going to be harder than you thought. This wasn’t a normal beard. This was Logan’s pride. His stupid, stubborn pride wrapped around his jaw like a fuzzy security blanket. You didn’t have claws or mutant powers, but damn it, you had scissors. And a dream.

Later that evening, you were standing in front of the bathroom mirror, practicing your technique. You held up the scissors and snipped the air a few times. Yeah, you had this. Stealth, precision, quick reflexes—you’d get him in his sleep.

You glanced down at the pair of dull scissors in your hand, suddenly wondering if maybe this wasn’t the smartest plan. Those things couldn’t cut through paper, let alone Logan’s adamantium-grade beard.

“Whatcha doin’ in there?” Logan’s voice echoed from the living room, suspicious.

“Uh, nothing!” You quickly shoved the scissors into the drawer and tried to look innocent. “Just, uh, brushing my teeth.”

“Mmhmm.” He didn’t believe you for a second.

That night, you waited. Logan fell asleep on the couch, a beer bottle balanced on his chest. You crept up, scissors in hand, moving like a ninja. The beard was right there—so close. One good snip, and you could at least tame that beast.

But the moment the scissors touched one hair, Logan’s hand shot out, catching your wrist. His eyes opened lazily. “What the hell do you think you’re doin’, darlin’?”

You froze, caught red-handed. “Um… grooming?”

Logan sat up, still holding your wrist with that annoyingly strong grip. “We talkin’ dog grooming or attempted murder?”

You sighed, defeated. “Logan, c’mon. It’s gotta go.”

He grinned, clearly enjoying the hell out of this. “You really think you can take this thing down with those weak-ass scissors? Good luck, babe.”

You pouted, yanking your wrist free. “You can’t live like this forever. You look like a damn mountain man.”

“That’s the point.”

“What, you gonna move to the woods and start living off the land?”

Logan chuckled, getting up from the couch. “Might not be such a bad idea. Get away from all this.” He waved a hand around like civilization was an inconvenience he had to endure.

“Okay, Thoreau,” you muttered, “but can we at least compromise? A little trim? Just a bit so you don’t look like a cryptid?”

Logan thought about it for a second, rubbing his chin. “Alright. You get one inch. One. Any more, and you’re losin’ a hand.”

You blinked. “That’s not exactly what I meant by compromise, but I’ll take it.”

The next morning, Logan sat in the kitchen, grudgingly handing you a pair of sharper scissors. “Make it quick.”

You grinned like you’d won the lottery. “I promise it’ll be painless.”

“You better hope so.”

You gingerly reached for the beard, Logan’s eyes watching you like a hawk. The tension was thick—one wrong move, and you knew it’d be war.

Snip. You took off just enough to make a difference, but not enough to piss him off. He grunted but didn’t complain. Snip, snip. A couple more careful cuts, and you stepped back, admiring your handiwork.

Logan rubbed his chin, inspecting it in the mirror. “Not bad.”

“See? Didn’t kill you.”

“Yet.”

You laughed, putting the scissors down. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Logan stood up, stretching. “Maybe. But at least now I won’t get mistaken for Bigfoot at the grocery store.”

You smirked. “Who knew the Wolverine could be such a drama queen about a beard?”

He growled, but this time, you could see the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Don’t push it, babe. Next time you come near me with those scissors, you might lose an eye.”

“Noted.” You gave him a playful wink. “But seriously, thanks for not letting it grow legs and walk off on its own.”

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered, grabbing his jacket. “Now let’s get outta here before you try to cut somethin’ else.”

As he headed for the door, you couldn’t resist one last comment. “Don’t worry, the hair on your head is next.”

Logan shot you a look over his shoulder. “Don’t. Even. Think about it.”

[miguel-owhora]

tf141 but it's trans force 141

soap :333

someone might shoot me for this but i think soap's the hairiest within 141. price is a runner up, but soap takes the cake. he's fucking hairy all over, from the top of his scalp to his toes, this man is a bear, or a hound dog, prancing around the world with no care.

even pre-t he was hairy, and even before he came out lol. he probably has a lot of both older and younger sisters, and i like to think he's their only brother. he'd get so hissy whenever he was forced to shave; he hated how smooth his body felt, how he used to nick himself, how uncomfortable it felt when his hair used to grow back.

when he came out and got on t, he was so smug about not shaving. he's probably the type of person to slap his sister's shaved legs and make some stupid joke about it, grinning when he'd get smacked on the back of his head. some of his sisters are secretly annoyed that their brother doesn't have to shave, and envy that men's societal norms are different for him.

but sometimes soap does think about shaving when his sister's tug at his hair, either on his legs or arms or chest. it reminds him that he's still their younger brother, and they can and will terrorize him.

anyways :3

soap is hairy, and his hair is dark and thick, and it grows darker and thicker further south. he's especially hairy on his chest, belly, pussy, and ass! oh, and pits, too.

rarely does he do anything with the hair around his pussy; if it becomes a bush, so be it. he has good hygiene so it doesn't become 'bad.' but sometimes he'll trim it; not shave, but trim, so it's not poking out of his boxers and not as itchy.

you literally have to pry his lips apart to get to the good stuff, his pubes are so thick and hairy it hides his pretty cunt and even prettier tcock. his cunt is fat and yummmyyyyy

he's probably the type of guy to shamelessly jerk off anywhere and anytime, pulling his pants down and jerking his cock off in front of his teammates who try to pretend they don't notice, but by the end they're all having an orgy or something.

price :333

he also squirts!!! like a whole lot more than creams lmao. he loves not telling any new partner that he squirts, it's like a gamble. either some people are into it or some people aren't, and it's a risk he's willing to take. his tcock is average, it's not too big but not too small.

honestly, it's a tie between price and soap. price is soooo hairy, i mean bro has a beard and all. anyways, unfortunately he comes in second place.

that being said, he's still so fucking hairy it's insane. hair smothers his pecs and chest, and it runs all over his stomach and arms and shoulders and back, down to his ass and hole, around his thighs and legs and toes and at his pussy !!!

pre-t and pre coming out, he definitely used to shave whenever he felt insecure. but once he came out and started going on t, he stopped looking at razor blades. of course, aside from keeping his beard groomed and keeping his bush trimmed so it's not crazy, he doesn't really do anything.

i feel like his ass is hairier than his pussy. it smothers his cheeks and thickens n darkens around his hole, pretty fluttering thing hidden underneath the mass of pubes. so anytime you eat him out, expect for a couple of hairs to end up in your mouth.

i also think he has a bush, but unlike soap, he regularly trims it. not like to the point where he's, like, hairless, but enough to maintain it—much like his beard, he keeps his pussy hair groomed.

i think he has a pretty big tcock. like whenever he gets hard, it swells up and pokes out of its hood, and i can definitely see price leaning back on something, smoking a cigar in one hand and jerking off his tcock with tbe other hfnffbf

i don't think price squirts, he just creams or whatever. he's definitely into fucking people's mouth with his tcock, and praises you soooo good hgngfh, maybe even squeezes your head between his legs.

also!!! i don't price has a naturally slow metabolism, but the reason he isn't fat is because he's in the army and forced to keep in shape. that being said, once he retires and slows down, he definitely gains weight.

hgngh, price having a belly and thicker thighs and sitting on your face, probably drinking some rich whiskey as you eat him out, sucking on his cock GOD

gaz :333

someone's going to shoot me for this but i don't think gaz is all that hairy !!! sure, he has a couple of hairy spots, like his arms and legs, maybe a thick happy trail, but he's not hairy the way soap or price are.

i don't think he shaves but he's not smooth lmao, idk how to explain it but he's perfect, basically.

speaking of perfect, i think his hole is actually pretty hairy, mostly because im into that. and speaking of his hole, gaz's pussy could be hairy, but this mf trims it. not that he isn't into hairy boypussy, he most definitely is, but he just doesn't like when his own cunt is unhinged.

he refuses to shave so all he does is spend time trimming his bush until it's neat and well-put. he's talented enough to make little designs, like that one time he trimmed his pubes into a stupid little skull and it threw ghost off.

this man has a fat fucking pussy, and i headcanon his tcock to be the biggest. even when soft his cock pokes out a bit, which means it stimulates gaz and makes him fucking weetttttt.

he's the type of guy to lead a humping session with someone, or trib idk. he'll pin them down and slot himself between his legs, maneuvering them until their pussies are rubbing against each other. he won't cum until the other person does, and he'd probably talk them through it gooddddd

gaz definitely squirts!!!! only because i like the idea of folding his legs to his chest and fucking his cunt until he's squealing and gushing around your cock GOD the masturbation bonding moments between him and soap would be wet as hell 😭

ghost :333

im going to rip this off like a bandaid and say GHOST IS HAIRLESS

well, body hair wise. i think he has hair on his head :) bro probably keeps it cropped or something idk anyways

HE'S HAIRLESS FHFNFKFKG

i just cannot imagine ghost with any hair. maybe a very light coating, but he's also both 1. white + 2. has blonde hair, so it's barely noticeable.

idk man he's just hairless, including his ass and pussy. god, that just means he's more sensitive. it's easier for him to accidentally rub against something and it'll get him wet as hell, his decent-sized tcock swelling with desperation.

god imagine hitting his pussy; so pale and smooth, it blossoms red under your heavy hand, he'd be soo teary in the face.

i also think ghost is a crybaby during sex. he's so sensitive and it's quick to get him overstimulated, and don't let his tears fool you: he's absolutely into it.

he's also into people folding him in half and fucking him like he's just a fleshlight, and he'd be embarrassed but god he'd let you spread his puffy lips open just to watch your cum trickle out

[anarcoqueer1994]

"Go to prom with me?" He says softly, contently holding Steve, their bodies tangled together on his bed. His voice almost sounds shy, uncharacteristically anxious to even be asking.

Steve, head on Eddie’s chest, as he traced invisible lines on his torso, stiffened slightly. God, he would love to go to Eddie’s prom as his date. His own prom, he brought some girl he never spoke to again after that night. He would love to go with someone he loves, like half the straight couples. But he knew they couldn't. Boys like them didn't get to go to school dances together in small town, Indiana. "Eds... we can't." He says sadly, like he knew he would be disappointing Eddie. He tries to lighten the mood. "Besides, didn't peg you as someone that would want to go to prom."

"Honestly..." Eddie sighs, "You're right. A few months ago, you wouldn't catch me dead at prom, other than to sit outside and make a few quick sales. Never had anyone I really wanted to dance the night away and shit, with. But now," Steve can hear a smile in Eddie's voice. "I have someone that I want to do things like that with, princess. You know, do all the cheesy things, flowers and corsages, dancing together under those stupid crepe paper decorations hanging from the ceiling, kissing you softly as we slow dance to a song I hate. " There is a l giddiness in Eddie's voice as he talks, wanting to go with Steve so badly. And the fact that Steve knows they could never really go together, kills him. Sure they could go with Nancy and Robin, and everyone could use each other as beards, but they still couldn't be open like other people.

Eddie seemed to sense the tension in Steve’s shoulders and could practically read his mind. "Don't worry, Stevie. I'm happy just being with you, I know we couldn't really go together. Wouldn't be safe, I'm not that naive. Just thinking out loud..." He squeezes Steve tighter, seemingly leaving the conversation there.

But Steve couldn't stop thinking about how excited Eddie got talking about going to something like prom. And he knew he couldn’t give Eddie that. But he was determined to figure something out that was better.

--

It was the Saturday night of prom. Steve was supposed to pick Eddie up for a movie. Eddie was waiting in the livingroom with Wayne. About 6:30, there is a pound on the door before it just flies open. Eddie assumes it's just Steve letting himself in. He is confused instead by the sight of Nancy, hair and makeup done, wearing a poofy light pink dress. She is carrying a garment bag with her.

"Nance? What are you..." He starts, completely unsure of what to make of what is happening.

"Come on, Eddie. Steve and Robin will be here soon and you don't even have your tux on." She says, not doing anything to alleviate the confusion. Nancy simply makes her way down the hall to Eddie’s room. Wayne smiles from his chair, obviously in on whatever is going on. When Eddie looks to him for clarification, he just shrugs his shoulders and goes back to his newspaper.

"Eddie! Come on!" Nancy yells from his room, prompting Eddie to run down the hall to meet her.

When he gets in there, she is already pulling out a fancy looking suit.. but he doesn’t hate it. It had black pants and a black shirt, but the bow tie was red and so was the velvet jacket. She can feel him staring so Nancy just says, "Don't laugh, Steve picked it out for you when he went to rent his tux too."

Eddie can't help but smile. Steve saw this and thought of him. "I wouldn't. I'm kind if into it. But... I still am confused on what's happening." He puts his hand on the back of his neck.

"It's prom night, Eddie. Steve and Robin are getting ready and then they are picking us up." She sounds exasperated, like it should be obvious.

"Okay, Wheeler, I get that. But in case you forgot, I'm dating a dude. Also, you're dating a girl. We can't really walk into Hawkins's gym with them on our arms, can we?" He says sarcastically.

Nancy shakes her head, trying to hide her amused smile. "Don't worry about it, okay? Just get ready." She hands him the suit before leaving to give him privacy before he can press anymore.

Eddie reluctantly listens to her, slipping on the tux that seems to fit him perfectly. He looks in the mirror, feeling a little out of his element but still liking it. He does decide to add a chain to his pants and ditches the bow tie when he can't get it tied. He doesn't really own dress shoes, so he opts for black boots instead. Finally he ties his hair up in a lose bun with few stray pieces framing his face. He doesn't know what Steve has planned but he wants to look good.

He makes his way to the front room to find, to his "horror, " that Wayne had dug out the old camera, aiming it at him when he walks in. "Come on, man. What are you doing?"

"You think I'm not going to take pictures of my kid going to prom?" Wayne shoots back. And Eddie can't argue with that, can't help but smile when Wayne snaps a picture.

He sits by Nancy on the couch, but it isn't long until there is knocking at the door. Wayne opens it to let Steve and Robin in. Robin looks beautiful in a little one sholder blue dress with a poof on the shoulder, hair teased, and make up done. She instantly makes her way to Nancy, smiling as she does.

But Eddie can't focus on them, not when Steve Harrington is standing in front of him, pulling him up from the couch. He is wearing a very traditional black and white tux, with a red bow tie. As usual, his hair is perfect. He has a rose boutonniere pinned to his jacket and is holding another in his hand. He is staring at Eddie with the biggest smile.

"You look beautiful, Eds..." He says softly like they were the only two in the room. The girls were too wrapped up in their own conversation to even care. Eddie feels his cheeks turning red. It does not matter they have been dating for two months, he still gets butterflies whenever Steve stares at him like that.

"Thanks, princess. So do you. You look really hot, actually." He smirks, wrapping his arms around Steve's waist, careful not to crush the boutonniere in Steve’s hands as he does.

Steve is blushing as he starts to pin the almost matching rose to Eddie’s jacket, except with one small difference. On the stem is a tiny black bat lapel pin. "Do you like it?"

"Yea, I love it, baby." Eddie smiles before leaning in, pressing a soft kiss to Steve's lips. As he pulls away, he says, "But can you tell me what is going on? Nancy wouldn't tell me anything."

"Good, she wasn't supposed to. " Steve just smiles before pulling away, lacing his fingers with Eddie’s before pulling to the door, obviously not answering either. Before they can leave, Wayne stops them. He makes all of them take a million pictures, all posing in those silly prom couple poses... and Eddie is beaming through each and every one.

When they finally leave, everyone refuses to tell Eddie what is going on. Steve had made them promise not to ruin the surprise until they got to where they were going.

What Eddie does not expect was to pull up at Steve's house or to see so many cars there. Before Eddie can get out, Steve is out and goes to the other side of the door, opening it for him, Nancy doing the same for Robin. Nobody mentions that it's Steve's house, leaving Eddie even more confused as they walk to the door.

Everything clicks when they step inside. Eddie can feel his mouth drop open. All the furniture from the open living room/dining room had been pushed away into another room, except for the table, where there were some pizza, chips and punch. The room was dark, but in the corner sat one of those plastic disco light balls flashing colors throughout the room. Hanging from the ceiling were crepe paper decorations. The stereo was play generic pop songs that Eddie "hates." On the wall read a poster Hawkins's "Gay" Prom '86

But that wasn't the most shocking part. The room was filled with at least 35 people. Jonathan(brown suit and his camera) and Argle(in a powder blue tux) were there , talking, as Jonathan pushed Argyle's hair behind his ear, standing way closer than they would in public. Corroded Coffin was there. Gareth and Jeff were there with their girlfriends, obviously preferring to be with their friends, than regular prom anyway. Plus, technically Gareth wasn't a senior. Jared brought his boyfriend, who, to Steve's surprise, was a swimmer that used to be on the team with him.

More than that, the kids were there since they were high schoolers now too. Dustin is dateless, so he is manning the fruit punch/DJing. Max, El, and Lucas are all dancing together, while Mike and Will awkwardly try to not look like huge doofuses dancing together. Eddie thinks it's cute to see.

The biggest surprise, though, were a few random people from school and their dates. Being queer in a small town, you tend to know the others. There was, of course, Vickie and some girl she was dancing with from Eddie’s first period math class. There were also a few random juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, all here being unapologetically queer.

Eddie didn't realize he had been staring until Steve grabbed his hand and stepped in front of him. "What so you think?" He says shyly.

"I...I...love it." Eddie stutters, still dumb founded. "How did you do this?"

"Just had the kids and Nancy and Robin reach out to anyone at school they knew were... you know. I figured there had to be other people who wanted to go to prom but couldn't, not really. Not with the people they want to." Steve smiles and Eddie swears he has fallen even more in love with Steve. Nancy and Robin have made their way to the "dance floor."

"You're amazing, sweetheart. Thank you. " Eddie's eyes are glowing as he leans in to give Steve a little kiss. No one around them bats an eye.

They spend the night dancing together and just enjoying themselves with the others. Steve "requests" I'd Die for You by Bon Jovi and sings it at Eddie as they dance. They all slow dance to "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper (Robin's song to Nancy). Robin and Nancy "win" prom queens. It's honestly one of the best nights of Eddie’s life, and he is so grateful for Steve.

And the next year, they keep it going, opening up a secret queer prom for kids at the high school. It's a tradition. And now, in 2022, 36 years later, it doesn’t have to be a secret anymore. Hawkins's still has a queer prom, and the Hawkins's High guidance consoler and his rock star husband still chaperone it(grant it, in a much bigger venue than Steve's living room).

[radioroxx]

*slides you $500 in monopoly money* spare deets about the isafrin kids? i love them soooooooo much and would love love love to know even more!!!

like!! how did they get wished into existence? were they just There one day as small kids, or did they come as babies? did aurore come first and then eile? and isafrin!!! they look different!!?!!?! love love love love postcanon designs and would love to hear your thoughts on them (and! their bonding earrings??)

I WROTE THIS OUT AND REALIZED HOW STUPID LONG IT IS SO. ITS GOING UNDER A CUT. WOWZERS

Ok first- WISH BABIES!!!

uh. uhm. uh

ahah. oops!!

though we did get to discussing a few options after getting this ask (more like. i. asked them. and they provided. im not the thinker in this group. hehe!)

(@chromatasia )

for context on this one- i believe a while ago we also talked about wishing involving sacrificing? the idea of givinf up a piece of yourself (sometimes physically, like hair) to help power a wish! or link yourself to it?

a second option (three whole screenshots…)

(@unregisteredskybox )

carve your own baby!! yay!

general idea for our fankids though is that yes, they were created super young. and as babies. so aurore wouldve been crafted a few years before eilé :)

so yea ur two options <3 pick i guess lol. i dont have a solid idea there.

the second half of your questions- yes!! isafrin! theyre older and different!! wahoo!

the older isafrin designs were moreso. i wanted to have a little fun and made them. lawl. but now i get an excuse to share anyway :) so here!!

numbered the details to make it a lil easier. also dont mind these r quick scribbles,,

1- general outfits and stuff. siffrins i wanted to keep mostly similar to how i usually draw them. sleeveless top, horrible and unnecessary amount of belts,, knowing that hes maybe not as eager to change as some others might be. they are comfortable in their style and thats what matters. for isabeau i wanted to keep a familiar vibe, but still change it up. i think he would still wear clothes that are flowy-er etc etc, buuut yeayeayea. not an outfits guy really so jfkf theyre pretty simple.

2- themb!! they look different! siffrins hair is longer obv obv, and no lightless dye anymore. they tie it back usually, but he still likes it long. also some facial hair. important to me. (you may also notice lack of eyepatch,, personal hc that siffrin gets more comfortable without it after making up with bonnie some more. that he maybe depending on it a lot because he thought it would make them uncomfortable, which theyyy dont have to worry about. anymore! so less eyepatch. sometimes still though). isa on the other hand looks mooostly the same! except. ofc. bigger beard. you guys should know i love my beards by now. lawl. other than that mostly the same,, physical pain in me trying to think of a different hairstyle for him… maybe in the future but for now he gets This.

3- new cloak-thing for sif! his regular cloak is probably much more well suited for the travelling lifestyle, much less the domestic stay-at-home lifestyle, soo they changed it up! (and totally not an excuse for isabeau to try out craft stitching nooo definitely not as practice for the future whaat who said that.) they will still wear the old cloak occasionally, buuut not as often as they used to.

4- finally! bonding earrings!!! yes! the designs themselves are pretty simple. squares and change symbols for the design sif made for isa, and a star with bits that go ding-ding that isa made for sif. more importantly, siffrin carved the earrings himself! it is. hard. to do that. a design that is so small. there were many failed attempts and scraped ideas but they got it done! and isa loves them very much. for isas design, the main star part is glass, and the dangling bits are carved gems (picture isabeau, panicking because this is siffrin hes making these for so it needs to be perfect. and he gets odile to help him, because despite all the teasing she is ofc very fond, and helps him out with that aspect of the design.)

ok thats all - bye bye bye

[treedaddymcpuffpuff]

Beneath Miles of Stone - Part eight - John Wick x Plus Size Fem Reader

Summary: John has been in prison for nine months. He’s content to stay if it means appeasing the high table and keeping peace between the owners of each continental. However, he meets someone who erases that willingness. Peace be dammed.

TW: dub con ; slightly nsfw

All she can think about right now is how much of a dumb decision this was.

Michael disappears with a guy onto the dance floor, leaves her with his two friends who she has nothing in common with. She’s already three shots of tequila in.

No, she doesn’t want to dance, she wants to go home. She sips her drink, leans against the booth, and watches people in shiny clothes writhe under chaotic lights.

Michael’s friends—she forgets their names—get up and go to the bathroom. And now she’s completely alone, sitting in the sticky leather booth, uncomfortable and underdressed and trying to seem very interested in a phone with nothing on it. She pulls up Michael’s number to text him that she’s going to head home, but knowing him he’ll insist on getting her back safe, and then she’ll be ruining his fun. She shuts her screen off and shoves it back into her pocket.

She looks up to scan the crowd for Michael, and her eyes catch on a familiar face glowing neon under the warm dancing lights. Her heart stutters like it’s taking a picture…then jumping off a cliff. He’s shaved the facial scruff into a neatly trimmed beard and mustache. His black hair is thick silk framing the sharp angles of his face. He sits alone at the bar, dressed in a casual midnight suit, sipping a dark drink out of a crystal glass that looks small in his hand. He is looking directly at her.

Long legs, heavy shoulders. The tapered waist of his jacket flows elegantly from his hips. His tie is neat, and not a piece of him is out of place. He is John, but not the one she knows. Not the one handcuffed to the bed and smiling at her. She feels, for sure, that this John is the one who spilled all the blood that day in the prison—this is the grim reaper.

This is stalking—he doesn’t care. Some might mistake him for thick-headed, but John knows when he’s out of line. He’s very aware of what he’s about to do.

The first night he got out, he struggled. Not just with stealing his car back from Winston’s safe-keeping, but also with his emotions. The fact that he is here—rather than acting as testament to his lunacy—is proving he is in more control now than he has ever been.

He once spent decades in subservience, always putting his own needs last and bowing to those with power. He starved while watching others grow plump with satisfaction and victory.

And it’s because he never wanted anything…anyone. Never truly desired the taste of possession nor the means to get it.

Not until now.

He’s felt fractions of this before in moments and people and things and substances—this thing he feels for her. It’s too soon and too moronic to identify the connection as love. However, the bond is strong and natural and he wants it and he will have it.

His nurse immediately averts her gaze, shy just like how he remembers her. His mouth ticks up around the last sip of his drink before making his way over.

He slides into the booth across from her. She looks up.

He greets her using her name. She’s surprised he remembers it.

��Hello, John.”

His fingers itch to grab her chin and make her eyes look at him instead of darting around for an escape route. That is his fault, that she thinks she can run. He should have shut that inclination down the moment he started to admire her.

It’s only been a day since he disappeared into the city, and he is so much different now. Taller than she remembers. Well fed. The suit clings to his biceps. She watches the muscle shift under the fabric while her mouth fills with saliva and her brain screams at her stupidity.

“Can I get you a drink?” He asks, his deep voice never failing in making her fingers and toes ache.

“What?” She says. She really can’t hear what he says over the booming music, and she was only half listening to the question while preoccupied with drooling over how fucking good he looks. Here he is, out of handcuffs and free to a good home, and her brain is malfunctioning.

He gets up, sits next to her, pushes into her body and puts his lips close to her ear. She grips the table violently. “Can I get you a drink?”

He smells like a hint of musky cologne mixed with clean shaving soap. The heat and bulk of him intoxicate her more than the alcohol ever could. Everything is sharp and blurry at the same time. She is both too sensitive and too numb for his touch.

He has a lot to say, and the irony that he can’t because of the loud music isn’t lost on him.

He talks with his body.

John brushes her hair behind her ear, admires the velvet plush of her face and neck, the plump breasts hidden under her t-shirt. Every spot that she is soft and pillowy he wants to bite and suck. His cock agrees vehemently with this urge and thickens on his thigh.

She squirms, flustered and terrified.

The Baba Yaga likes both. The Baba Yaga likes her. John likes her, too. Finally something they can agree on.

“Can I?” John presses, mouth so close to her skin she can feel the damp heat of it.

“Wh-“ she clears her throat “-what?”

“Buy you a drink?” He repeats, patient with her because he knows that her body is coming to terms with him invading its’ space.

“Yes.”

“Excuse me, then.” He is gone faster than she can look to see which direction he goes in. She takes this moment to loosen her grip on the table because her fingers have been drained of blood. Now that he’s gone, she can think a bit clearer and the one reasonable thought she has is that this man, while being irresistible, can also easily kill her. She could leave. Walk out. Avoid whatever this is going to turn into, which probably does involve her dead. She’s a witness to what happened in St. Mercy’s—maybe one of only a few left to his DIY blood bath.

Before she can decide to run, he’s back, setting a glass of clear, bubbling liquid in front of her.

She takes a sip before she can really think about what she’s doing. Her brain regrets drinking, but her taste buds do not. The delightful mint flavor mixed with tickling carbonation is delicious. It’s too late now, so she takes another.

His liquor is caramel colored with a strong aroma. He holds it in his mouth before he swallows it. She can smell it sweet and bitter on his breath while he talks in her ear like they are good friends.

He plants one heavy arm around the back of the booth, turns his body toward her, and lays his other arm on the table in front of her.

Trapped, she panics. He feels her body tense like a spring, but he doesn’t like that. He wants her soft and pliant. He likes her clinging to him as if he’s the only thing that can keep her stable.

“No,” he chides, “it’s okay. You know who I am.”

That’s the problem, she knows exactly who he is.

Heat radiates from him in thick, choking waves. Sweat pools between her breasts and trickles down her belly. She takes another drink to cool down, regretting not putting the tank top on instead of this stupid sweaty Henley.

“You’re scared of me,” he says.

She nods, so easily admitting fear, and he simultaneously hates and loves this. He hates it because she can’t be wholly his while a part of her is terrified of him. He loves it because in that fear lies the admittance that she remembers him.

“Oh, honey.” It’s such a strange thing coming from his mouth, but the pet name sends pleasant little tingles through her tummy. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Because he’s an honest man, he amends this with, “not in a way that won’t make you feel good.”

She really wants to believe him, but she absolutely doesn’t.

She doesn’t relax at all. In fact, her shoulders get tighter as she leans away from him. Part of it is that her cunt throbs when he tacks on that last part, and it’s so violent and sudden that she’s afraid he can feel it resonate in the air between their hips.

“Please talk to me.”

She looks at his face. He wears big puppy eyes and a soft, sad mouth. That look makes her heart pause in its panicking to ache instead. He is close enough that she can kiss him again.

“I don’t know what to say to you.” Her voice is timid and small. He has to read her lips. “But.. thank you...for…saving me.”

There she is, the selfless heroin here to make sure his feelings aren’t getting hurt.

“The pleasure is all mine.” John rests his fingers on top of her own. It’s meant to soothe, but all she can think of is how long his hands are and how capable they would be of snapping her pinkie in half or reaching places inside her that she can’t find on her own.

She knows Michael’s friends don’t like her, but she wants them back. Her eyes scan the crowd for the two women.

“Why are you so terrified of me?” It’s a manipulative question, and he knows it. He’s had people be terrified of him for less than what she’s seen. But he wants to hear her say it.

She looks at him, incredulously, her expression calling out his bullshit question for what it is. “You killed…people.”

He thinks for a moment, trying to choose the right words to say. “I did it to get us out.”

She can’t argue with this.

“Are you going to kill me?” She asks him, shrinking. A flash of blue light catches her eyes and paints them glassy and beautiful.

His response is inappropriate, but he can’t help it. He chuckles, although a bit annoyed he has to repeat himself. “No. I said I won’t hurt you.”

“Then what do you want, John?” Her voice is high and tight.

He wets his lips, deciding to err on the side of simple and candid. “You.”

There are a couple possibilities:

He’s lying to get to her.

He’s telling the truth, which is unlikely.

Instead of killing her, he’s appeasing her so she won’t tell on him. Which is ridiculous. Who would she tell? The cops? If she hasn’t told them yet she’s definitely not going to.

Honestly, only one of these options appeal to her, and it’s the one that’s far fetched. A fever fantasy dream—literally. John wants her? This John? She wants to laugh in his face.

He rolls his thumb under the smooth skin below her ear and earns a full bodied shudder and a flinch. “Let me kiss you. Again.”

Her heart flutters, blushes, squeals, acts like it belongs to a 16-year-old girl in the height of puberty. Vivid and violent and wonderful, that moment when their lips touched. Her body yearns for the feeling, teetering on top of the rollercoaster drop, and not sure if it has a choice whether to fall or not.

“Here?” She gestures to the club around them.

“Anywhere,” he says, “take me somewhere. Let me take you somewhere.”

He watches patiently as she fights with herself. He wants her to say yes without persuasion, but the thought of her saying no is the opposite of appealing. It’s so unappealing, in fact, he just might have to drag her out of here anyway if she decides to decline.

To save her the trouble, he helps make the decision. “Yes,” he answers a question she never asked out loud, “if you say no, it will hurt my feelings.”

He knows it’s fucked up, to do that to her. She’s proved that she can’t put her own feelings above someone else’s—even if that someone else is scum—and he knows she won’t turn him down if she thinks it will upset him…Even him. But, the other option is to let her go, and that’s not going to happen. Kicking and screaming tends to get more attention than calm exits in crowded places.

“Where are we going?” She asks, trying not to sound defeated.

He takes the last sip of his bourbon. “Your place.”

“Just let me text my roommate,” she says

“Of course.”

She opens up the text chain that her and Michael share, unsure of what to say. She settles on telling him she’s getting a ride home with an old, good friend.

Is the old friend hot? 😉

She tilts her phone screen so John can’t see what she’s typing, even though he can.

Yes.

Once she’s satisfied that Michael isn’t going to be concerned, she sticks her phone back into her pocket. “I also have to close my tab.”

He slides her credit card across the table and pushes it under her hand. “It’s on me.”

She feels her pocket for money. “How much was it? I’ll give you the cash-“

He rests his hand on her own, stilling her search. His hot skin sears her hip. He sounds amused when he talks to her. “I said it’s on me. That means I’m paying for it.”

“Oh. Thank you.” He can tell she wants to press the issue, and is biting her tongue.

She tries to wave him away when he offers her his hand to help stand from the booth, but he takes it anyway and pulls her up. She’s unsteady, swaying. Her body has just realized that it’s drunk. He helps her navigate through the crowd, arm wrapped securely around her back. It’s easy for her to start hanging onto him again, almost as if she’s done it a dozen times. He asks her if she has to use the restroom before they leave, reminding her that her bladder was full thirty minutes ago.

He waits outside, leaning on the wall, watching the door, nervous that’s she’s going to try and get away from him. He is so relieved when he sees her come out of the bathroom, he immediately pulls her back against him, and startles her.

She grips onto his jacket to keep upright, unsurprised by how sturdy he is by now. He can hold her easily while walking them through the chaos of the club. He doesn’t stumble or falter even once as he ensures they both make it out the door. The outside air is cold and bitter, but John is warm. She huddles a bit closer into his side. It’s so strange, having someone that can handle her weight easily—very much something she’s not used to.

He wraps tighter around her, reassuring and solid, happy to provide shelter.

“My house is three blocks away,” she says, and it’s nice to hear her voice clearly. Snowflakes fall onto her pretty skin and melt away.

He shakes his head, pulls keys out of his pocket with the arm that’s not secured around her.

If she weren’t so nervous, she’d ask him how he scored such a pretty mustang.

John leaves her on the sidewalk while he opens the door for her. Carefully, she cuddles into the icy leather seat, bundling her jacket closer around her shoulders.

The inside of his car smells like gas fumes and leather. It’s pleasant, delicious.

He slides in beside her, turns the rumbling engine on, and flips dials on the dash. Cool air blows from the vents. She shivers. He takes off his suit jacket and drapes it over her, leaving him in only the silky black dress shirt and tie underneath.

“You’re gonna freeze to death,” she tells him.

“I like the cold,” he argues. “What’s your address?”

He seems to have no problem finding her apartment complex. She’s disappointed that he didn’t take at least one wrong turn because she likes watching him drive—it’s 100% the hands—and she wants to delay her possible death for a little while longer.

She grabs the solid metal handle to open her door, but he stops her.

“What are you doing?” He asks.

“Opening my door.” She doesn’t bother keeping the obstinance out of her tone.

“Let me.”

Reluctantly, and with an eye roll, she releases the handle and lets him open up the car door for her. He reaches for her hand and helps her step out of the vehicle. His arm is around her again before they walk into her building and up the stairs to the second floor. She pulls out the key, but he takes it, unlocks the door, and guides her inside.

Now he’s just being ridiculous while he finds and flips the lights on in her apartment and then pulls out a kitchen chair for her to sit in.

“I can do all that,” She says, frowning at him, crossing her arms defiantly and looking as intimidating as a hamster. “Are you one of those dudes that don’t let women use their hands?”

He will butt heads with that maverick attitude, although he’s grateful that she’s warming up to him again. “You mean a gentleman?”

“Sure, we’ll go with that.” And she smiles.

Despite her protest, she drapes his jacket over the back of the seat and then lets him help her push herself up to the table.

“Are you hungry?” He asks, opening up her fridge.

“No, I’m fine.”

He looks doubtful. “Have you eaten today?”

She laughs. He hasn’t heard it in a while, that melodic tinkling. “We ate McDonald’s before we went to the club. But if you’re hungry, help yourself to anything. There’s also soda in the mini fridge.” She thumbs to the living room.

He shuts the door of the fridge and takes the seat across from her, eclipsing the little budget friendly and thrifted chair and kitchen table.

John starts in with asking her about herself. She tells him what’s she’s comfortable with and leaves out the gory details. Most of his inquiries are simple: “how old are you?” “What do you do for fun?” “Where are you from?”

It gets a little dicey when he asks about her family.

“Uh, I don’t have one,” she tells him, looking down at the table. “I was in foster care for a while then got out as soon as I was 18.”

“No adopted parents?” He asks.

“Some.” She rubs her cheek where her bruise is almost gone now. “A lot. Never any that I stayed with.”

He hums, rubbing his fingers over the grooves in her table and wishing it was her palm. “Are you lonely?”

She stiffens, looks up at him. “Sometimes, yes.”

“Friends?” He asks.

“Michael,” she says, “the roommate you told me to adopt. Really, thank you for that.”

He smiles. “I’m glad I could help.”

“Your turn,” she says, tilting her chin at him.

He opens his arms up. “Ask away.”

She does not ask him what he expects her too. She wants to know his favorite color, favorite animal, his birthday, why everyone likes him so much.

He grins at the last question. “I guess I’ve just learned from experience how to charm people. Much like yourself.”

She snorts. “Yeah, okay.”

“You’re very kind. Brave.” He looks sincere while he elaborates this.

She tries not to be overcome with embarrassment and flattery while waving him off with a scoff. Him telling her that, whether he means it or not, makes her confidence turn from shriveled to swollen and leaking and she needs to displace some of the feeling before she gets addicted to it.

His eyes narrow at her inability to take the compliment.

She changes the subject, nervous. “Where’d you get that nice suit?”

He raises his eyebrows, allowing the deflection, but counting it as strike 2. “It’s custom made by a friend.”

Her eyes widen. “Fancy.”

“Something like that.”

“Can I guess your favorite drink?” She grins.

“Go for it.” He sounds amused.

“Scotch.”

“Close. Bourbon.”

“Damnit!” She cries. “Should have gone with my first guess.”

He makes a face at her that says ‘yeah, sure.’ She likes that, because she’s laughing again, and alerting every dopamine receptor in his brain to release.

“So, you’re Russian, you have custom made suits, you are…good at fighting. You’re like…James Bond?”

His smile wriggles into a grin. “If that’s what you want.”

She shrugs. “I’m more of an Indiana Jones gal’, to be honest.” Her grin matches his own.

He hums. “I can work with that.”

She raises an eyebrow, lips pursing as she rubs her hands together in uneasy gesture.

“Do you still think I’m going to kill you?” He’s nothing if not blunt.

She thinks about it for a minute. “Honestly? A little bit. Can you blame me?”

“No, but why am I in your apartment if you think that?” He asks.

“I’ve come to terms with my death…in the past hour.” she shrugs.

“Have you?” He muses.

“Yes, we all die. I’m a nurse, I know that. If I die, I die.” Really, she’s terrified of that unknown darkness that waits after her heart stops, but she doesn’t want to seem like a pussy in front of him anymore. Especially not him.

Also, she’s grown more comfortable with him now that they’ve been talking again. It’s like he’s John in the infirmary bed sans handcuffs. Just like at the prison, she doesn’t want to be afraid of him, even though he’s scary.

“How do I convince you I don’t want to kill you?” He asks, face serious.

“I don’t know.” She gives him an apologetic look.

He sucks his teeth. She watches his mouth and jaw move. Her lower body reminds her that it likes him, too, and is not afraid of him at all.

“Then I’ll just have to use trial and error,” he reasons.

She wonders what he means, but doesn’t have to be confused for very long.

He pushes his chair back, leans himself at an angle, and pats one thigh, motioning for her. “We can start with the kiss.”

Her heart pulls at her nerve endings like it’s stopping a wild horse in sprint. Her pupils get wide and her mouth scrunches like she’s trying hard not to make some kind of embarrassing facial expression. She looks at him, but it’s hard to keep his eyes in line with her own when his are dark and lowered at her like this.

“You don’t have to.” She tries one last bid to save herself from being completely obsessed with him—to let him back out and decide she’s not worth the effort. She doesn’t want him to force himself into doing this just because he thinks she’ll tell on him or otherwise. She doesn’t want to feel like she’s manipulating him into kissing her. Because that sounds much worse than death.

But every part of her body, besides her rational brain, wants to kiss him. Desperately.

His patience has run out. He gets up, grabs the back of her neck and threads his fingers through the sensitive baby hairs at the back of her scalp, tilts her face up.

He’s rough, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s an unyielding pressure that resonates in her cunt. He muffles her distressed grunt with his mouth.

He’s teeth, tongue, saliva. It’s hard to breathe with him in her throat. Her hands grip his nice shirt. He pulls her up by the back of her neck, and her moan dies in their combined throat.

The wet connection of their lips has her hips grinding into his thigh and his hands imprinting her scalp. She burns from her head to her toes. He struggles to get closer, use the blanket of her body to try and smother his own tumultuous fire.

Her phone rings, and she has to ignore it while he pulls at her hair and backs her up into the fridge. The cool at her back feels nice mixed with the heat of his body. She’s on her tiptoes, gripping his arms to let off some of the pressure in her scalp, trying to chase the ache between her legs with the sturdy muscles in the thigh he has pressed between them.

He pulls away with her bottom lip captured in his teeth, and she only has a second to whine about the sting until he’s back on her.

Her phone rings again. She has to try and push him off because twice means it might be an emergency.

He doesn’t budge, and if he knows she wants to stop then he doesn’t care.

Text message dings, phone ringing again. His lips move from her mouth to her jaw, nipping and laving at that delicate flesh. His scratchy facial hair tickles and chafes her skin.

She tries to form a coherent thought and translate it into a sentence, but all that comes out are wet mewls. Michael might be in trouble. She pushes harder against the solid rock of his body.

John takes the hint, but not very well. He releases her neck with a low gravelly sound that translates to a growl. His self control, usually unbreakable, fissures. He glares down at her, breathing deep and loud.

Reluctantly, he lets her push past him and look at her phone.

He leans against her fridge and watches how her eyes grow wide and worried in the bright light of her screen. The anxiety on her face turns his annoyance into concern.

She pulls up her phone calendar. Saturday. The weekend. The day that Benny invited her camping. And there he is; five missed text messages, 4 missed calls. Two voicemails.

John watches her skin drain some of its lovely color.

She reads the texts. They start off nice, then turn into vulgar threats.

The last one is him sending her a copy of her own address.

She slams her phone down, free-falling into the verge of a full blown panic attack.

She had forgotten to erase and block his number after he forcefully put it in her phone. While he was in her messages, he must have gotten her address off the text chain between her and Michael. He knows where she lives, and even if he doesn’t have the passcode to the front door and a key to get into her apartment, he can easily wait outside for her. Or around the block. She tries her best to not start hyperventilating, but her eyes inevitably swell with stinging fluid and her lungs constrict like snakes are wrapping around them.

“What? What’s wrong?” She feels John’s hand on her shoulder. It brings her back down to earth. The serpents twisting her insides coil away, hissing in fear. Her breathing gets easier. He wraps his hands around her waist softly, says her name. “Tell me what’s wrong,” he urges.

She’s so tired of protecting this asshole, but the two possibilities that will come from telling john are equally unappealing. The first one is that he doesn’t care and leaves because he thinks she’s a whore. The second option is that he kills or injures Benny, and that would mean blood inadvertently on her hands.

She doesn’t know if she should be grateful or terrified when he grabs her phone, types her passcode—how the hell does he know that?—and opens up Benny’s voicemail.

“John, stop - “

But the angry voice is already coming on over the speaker. “Hey Darlin’. I’ll be over in a few minutes. If you’re not ready, I’m dragging you out of there.”

He holds the phone out of her reach and plays the next. “I’m five minutes away from your house. You better be outside or you won’t enjoy yourself tonight.” Benny sounds drunk in this one.

John flips to the text messages once he’s done with the voicemails.

By the time he’s done reading them, his eyes are drained of light. Not even the bright phone screen casts a reflection in the pools of black matte. He looks up at her and presses the power button.

“Did he hit you?” He grips her chin and his big hand is wide enough to cover the entire bottom of her face.

“What are you going to do?” She whispers. He feels the vibration in the air from her quivering body, but can’t find it in himself to feel bad, especially when she’s committed to keeping a bastard protected.

He loved how altruistic she was when they first met, the care that she showed for everyone—especially he himself—was endearing and sincere. But now he knows he has to break her from that senseless kindness because she is too fucking nice for her own good.

“I’m going to kill him,” John tells her, words piercing like needles and threading her wild anxiety tighter.

She doesn’t like Benny, would even go so far as to say she hates him, but the thought of him dying because of her confession turns her stomach with guilt. And maybe not believing John would absolve some of that foreshadowed liability, but he had killed countless grown men with a bed rail in front of her, so she knows he’s more than capable of keeping his word and becoming the reaper.

She won’t condemn someone, even if they are a scumbag. He catches the look in her face that tells him just that.

And he does something that she doesn’t expect and doesn’t want to see cutting his usually serious face: He smiles, genuinely and viciously.

He is physically bigger than her, that much is true, but nothing makes her feel as small as that smile. It is the smile of someone who knows what they want and how to get it, consequences be damned.

Fear is like electricity in her veins, so cold it burns.

“I’m sorry,” she tells him, now actually crying.

She watches his jaw grind, backs away from him.

He catches her shoulder, pulls her into his chest so that he can talk into the top of her head.

“You will not leave this apartment,” he tells her, “you will not get in my way.”

And she can tell that he’s not someone who people usually disobey.

[sketch-twentytwo]

This is Melvin Sneedly, Harold Hutchins, and George Beard. Melvin is the kid on the left with goggles and freckles. Harold is the one in the middle with the T-shirt and bad hair cut. George is the one on the, right with the tie and flat top. Remember that now.

That’s the boys!

Aside from Melvin’s loss of bowtie, I don’t see them changing their attire too much in this AU. Also I changed my mind, George and Melvin would be rivals but both boys would still be independent pains in Krupp’s side.

George’s resistance to authority is because the school system hinders creativity and student imagination. Melvin’s defiance to authority is because he thinks he knows better than the administration and believes they hinder him, specifically. Harold agrees with both sides to an extent, resulting in him being totally on board with both parties' elaborate plans, at least unless they quarrel.

I see Harold being the unifying front for each faction: Melvin would be his best friend from kindergarten and George would be an ally he spends time with whenever he gets detention (either that or George bumps into Harold and recruits him in secret to join his student cause against Krupp).

————

I think the Authority-Event Horizon for Melvin occurs after he makes friends with Harold. He’d bear witness to the harassment Harold suffers at the hands of the school as well as the administration’s lack of handling it. It’d break his belief that the faculty (and adults for that matter) know best, and feed into his desire to make things better with his intellect.

RR!Melvin mostly follows the rules, mostly because it's convenient, and he rarely results to tattling, as he doesn't see it as useful anymore. Admin doesn't help the students, therefore they cannot exhibit proper justice.

————

When Melvin and George butt heads it's because they view each other as wasted potential. George thinks Melvin could use his inventions to help students in a more useful manner, such as overthrowing the principle or whatever. Melvin thinks George's antics are stupid and a waste of time. Harold really wants his two friends to get along, but he's a bit to timid to pull anything like that off.

Don't you worry, though, I have plans for these three in this AU....

Coming soon!

[kingscourthouse]

YOU'RE ALSO DOING AN EPIC THE MUSICAL HERMIT AU?? :O

TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT /nf ofc I'm just really curious as to how our ideas compare and contrast :D

I'll be honest it's not really set in stone. It started as a joke concept of Boat Boys since I was talking to my friend about how they're obsessed but infatuated like how Odysseus is with Penelope in the Odessey.

<Massive ramble incoming>

It's very loosely based on Epic since there's some things in epic that would be hard to work around and also I feel bad putting some people in certain roles. Since it's loosely based on it, everything I post about it won't always be following the story because I had this really stupid idea of Grian following Scar to the underworld after he died bc he's in love. /silly

Over all its a very stupid au.

Mainly its Joel fighting in the war for years so he can return to Etho. Unlike Odysseus though, Joel carries an oar given to him from Etho everywhere he goes. The end is sharpened into a spear and is enchanted with fire aspect. The bands wrapped around his arms are from Scar who believes they will bring him safety. Throughout the journey, Joel will cycle through a lot of looks as he grows in age and changes. Near the end of the war and beginning of the story, he's inspired by his Stratos outfit. As he's in the underworld his hair grows out and covers more, he looks more like (my design) of Bad Boy Joel from Limited Life. Only difference is that instead of his hair being wild, it's long braids that he's never touched. And then when he finally returns home he'll look more like his skins in the early Life Series with long hair, long beard and obviously out for blood. He's a man with a trail of bodies and isn't afraid to leave more.

Beef takes the place of Eurlylocus, as Joel's second in command and a brother in arms. Beef is the one of the people always by his side and knows what Joel is fighting for. He makes the most level headed decisions but won't hesitate when he thinks it's time to kill or leave. While Joel wants a peaceful way out, Beef will do what it takes to make sure their men survive. When perishing in the storm, Beef is found with Scar in the underworld. Speaking of llamas-

Scar takes the place of Polites. Throughout the story the amount of scars he has grows from his working on the ship. Most on his face and chest are from the war, but a good portion of the ones on his arms are from working on the galley. He uses a bow and his sharp aim had gained him a title in the war, but he's actually fairly strong, tying ropes around his arms and fallen men to drag them across the battlefield. He'll tie the rope to multiple oars on the ship so people can have breaks. A lot of his scars are barely seen as scars now and more as his stories. A walking display of honour and comradery. Some say he was blessed by one of the gods for his silliness and bravery. Sometimes being near him you can hear faint laughter. Some think it's the messenger god. Others believe it's the vex that haunt the lotus eaters. Scar is a mystery to a lot of them.

Now that we got the boring ones out of the way (/that's a joke, I love them)

THE GODS

From what ones I've posted so far there's a few that I think I've finally settled on.

Skizz takes the place of Posiden. And yeah yeah I hear you, Xb would've made a great Posiden he's literally known for guardian stuff. But while I agree, I think Skizz would make a better fit to match the energy and motives from the musical.

Instead of Skizz having a son and that's what sends him into drowning Joel's ship, Skizz made a friend. Which is odd for the gods seeing as they're above everything. Skizz found a cyclops one day on the shores with his sheep. He would spend his days around it til eventually the cyclops just told him he knew he was there. Weirdly enough, he ended up becoming really attached to this cyclops. They became close friends and something that Skizz really cared about, even if he couldn't see him that often without being caught or seen. When Skizz returns one day to see that his friend is blinded and suffering, he goes into a rage and follows Joel to make him pay.

The cyclops is Impulse. He's kind, but if you wrong him then it's over. His sheep were a gift from Skizz and to have them slaughtered is a crime that won't go unpunished.

Gem is Athena. I actually struggled with who to make Athena because so many of them would make a great Athena. Honestly all the female hermits I've struggled with. Gem is Athena, the god of wisdom and war. She helps Joel until she realises the mistake she's made and leaves him to suffer his own consequences. Gem can take the disguise of a deer and sometimes owl. She was gifted her two fish, Aylin and Lucien, by whoever will be Circe. One of the moon and one of light. They are disguised under her cloak as a part of the patterns she wears but are used as messangers and omens for those who look. Her fish are actually how she found out that Skizz had gotten attached to Impulse. She promised she wouldn't tell and mostly teases him about it.

GRIAN. Ough sorry but I LOVE how Hermes is depicted in Epic. There's no way I couldn't make him Grian. He has a habit of watching everything that's happening. Especially with Scar. He'd whiz through the battlefield unseen by the gods just to grant him small blessings at a time to aid his fight. When he returned eventually to the ship and found that a bunch of men had died, including Scar, he started taking longer trips to the underworld. It's not often he stops to sightsee. Always places to go, places to be, orders to be carried out and messages to be sent. But for once he doesn't take the quickest route. Will take detours. He won't get close, he never has and never will. But he'll spot Scar's spirit mindlessly singing and spreading hope throughout the underworld, and will enjoy it for only a moment before leaving. When helping Joel, he wants nothing more than to see him escape safely. Though he does mess with him a bit. Pulling a few pranks here and there until he reveals himself. After the underworld saga, Grian is seen carrying Scar's old bow that had been blessed by him. If anyone asks he'd just say that he was taking back what was rightfully his. He has no use for it, but it is his none the less.

Circe and Aeolus are still in the works because as I said before, I keep switching the female hermits to and fro and can't decide. Though I've got an idea of who I want them to be.

Idk man this whole au was supposed to be a joke to teach my friend about the Odessey through Epic and it somehow became serious and I really like it and like designing it and oh my god I cannot wait for Thunder saga because then we get to see more of the full pantheon and I already have ideas of who's gonna be who.

But yeah. That's ehhh.... That's all I can think of off the top of my head. What's hard is not confusing this with my Hades au which is a whole 'nother can of worms I do NOT wanna touch rn XD

[rynneer]

Blood of Durin: The Complete Edition

Chapters 1 & 2

Y/N doesn’t know how she found herself in Middle Earth, how she found herself among the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, or how she let herself be captivated by the elder Durin prince—but she does know one thing: She’s carrying his child.

Updated weekly, or read the full story here

Chapter 1: Don’t Think, Just Run

all eyes on you, so much to prove...

–Don’t Think Just Run, Beth Crowley

“What… who is that?”

“‘Tis a lass!”

“Do we tie her up?”

“Wait—she’s moving!”

“Out of the way!”

Unfamiliar voices rouse you from sleep. You shift in your sleeping bag, but freeze as something cold touches your neck. Opening your eyes, you find yourself surrounded by dark, looming figures. A blade presses into your throat—not hard enough to draw blood, but firmly enough that you know whoever wields it means business.

Your mind races, survival instincts kicking in. There are rangers around the park where you’ve camped for the weekend, but you set up your site in a remote part of the woods. Your phone is in your backpack. Your backpack is by your sleeping bag. If you make a move for it, they slit your throat. You swallow. Time to talk your way out.

“Who are you?” The tallest figure stands over you. Backlit by the rising sun, you can’t quite make out his face, but his voice is oddly familiar.

“Let me go, or I’ll scream,” you rasp, voice rough both from sleep and the blade against your neck. “My… my boyfriend is on his way back.” It sounds stupid and desperate. It is stupid and desperate.

“You are the intruder here,” he growls. “How did you get here?”

Intruder? “It… it’s a state park…” you stammer. Time to change tactics. “Look, I can’t see your face. Let me go, and I swear I won’t tell the cops!”

“Cops?” one questions. He sounds younger.

“I say we just get rid of ‘er,” another one grunts from behind you.

You start to shake. “Please just let me go,” you say, your voice very, very small. This is it. You’re about to become the topic of an unsolved true crime podcast episode.

A sigh comes from your left. “Let her up, Dwalin. Thorin, look at her. The lass is terrified.”

The blade withdraws from your neck. Your mind spins. Dwalin? Thorin?

With your eyes adjusting to the early morning light, you finally get a chance to sit up and look around properly. “No way,” you mutter. “This is a dream.”

Around you are four short, bearded men. But they’re not men, are they? They’re dwarves, and you know these dwarves. Standing over you is a dark-haired dwarf, glowering down at you with folded arms. Flanking him, two younger dwarves: one blonde, one brunette, peering at you curiously. And at your left, an old, white-haired dwarf with a kind face. Another one—bald and tattooed, it’s Dwalin—steps into view, running his thumb along the blade of an axe. He must have been the one holding you down. Past Thorin, you see the others crouched around a fire pit or rising from their bedrolls, all eyes fixed on you.

You back out of your sleeping bag slowly and lift a shaky finger. “Balin, Dwalin… Fíli, Kíli…” you point at each of them in turn. “Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Óin, Glóin, Nori, Dori, Ori… and Thorin.”

There’s a few seconds of silence as all thirteen dwarves stare at you in bewilderment. Then, in a flash, you’re pushed back down, a knife at your throat.

“How do you know who we are?” Thorin demands, his hand pinning your shoulder to the ground roughly.

“Is there a reason you’re holding a young woman at knifepoint, Thorin Oakenshield?”

That voice. You’d know that voice anywhere.

Thorin hesitates as a tall man cloaked in gray emerges from the trees, sucking on a long-stemmed pipe. Gandalf’s eyes are curious, if guarded as he looks down at you. He motions to Thorin to let you up. Reluctantly, the dwarf does so, and you scramble away, pressing your back against a tree. This definitely isn’t the forest you went to sleep in. All that remains of your campsite is your sleeping bag and backpack. No tent, and no car. Just thirteen dwarves, a wizard, and, stumbling into the clearing behind Gandalf, a hobbit.

“Where am I?” you whisper.

“The woods,” Bofur supplies.

“We’re still within the borders of the hobbits’ lands,” Ori offers more helpfully.

“You mean I’m in Middle Earth? Like, J. R. R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, Shire and Gondor and Mordor Middle Earth?”

Gandalf frowns at that last addition, but nods. “This seems to be distressing to you.”

“But… but you’re not real, you’re just stories,” you protest. Your mind races and you scramble for your backpack, digging around for the book. The Hobbit. You brought it along for some thematically appropriate reading.

Fíli smacks Kíli on the back of the head, making him yelp. “Seems real enough to me.”

“No,” you insist. “No, no, you’re fiction. You were made up by a brilliant man who wrote some of the greatest books of all time, and you’re not real, and–” you halt, staring down at your book in disbelief. The well-thumbed pages are blank. You flip to the beginning. All that remains is the first two chapters, just barely. The book falls from your grasp and you put your face in your hands.

Spying the book, Bilbo moves closer to you, though still maintaining a cautious distance. “Does that say… hobbit?”

“The Hobbit,” you reply, voice muffled. “It’s the title of the story. The story of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield journeying to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Told from the perspective of Bilbo Baggins. There and Back Again, a Hobbit’s Tale. A book for children.” Peeking over your fingers, you find Thorin’s face. His brow is furrowed.

“You are saying… you are not of this world?” he asks, slowly putting the pieces together. “And in your world, our quest is a mere story for children?”

You nod and clear your throat. “Have you gotten to the… the…” you trail off, racking your brain.

Something’s wrong.

“…I don’t remember what comes next.” Your heart pounds in your ears and your breathing quickens. “I know the story by heart, why can’t I remember what happens next?”

It’s silent as the dwarves watch you.

“Well, ‘tis no different than the rest of us,” Óin remarks eventually. “No one knows what’s to come.”

You wipe at your eyes and sniff.

“So…” Fíli scratches his beard. “What do we do with her?” He grabs your arm, pulling you to your feet and looking at Thorin questioningly.

“We can’t just leave her in the middle of the woods, Thorin,” Balin says quietly.

Thorin looks from you, to Fíli, to Gandalf, to Balin. “We leave her in the next village the moment she becomes a burden,” he grumbles. He leans close to Kíli. “You two keep an eye on her,” he mutters, just barely audible. “Pack up your things. We stop again at midday.”

That breaks the dwarves out of their silence. The morning fills with hushed voices as they bustle around, packing bags and rolling up blankets and bedrolls. Bombur pours a small pot of water over the fire.

Kíli jerks his head towards the ponies. “Flip a coin for who she rides with, Fee?”

Fili lets go of you and brushes you off. “I’ll take her—I’m the better rider anyway.” He pauses to let you gather your things. You were so exhausted after setting up camp the night before that you crawled into bed fully clothed. Seeing you struggle with your sleeping bag, he bends over and rolls it up, fiddling with the elastic cords to tie it shut.

“Thanks,” you mumble.

“No trouble.” He straightens up and gives you a small bow. “Fíli, at your service.”

“I know. I’m Y/N.” You keep your gaze lowered, hefting your backpack up on your shoulders and following Fíli to his pony. The tan beast snorts and stamps an impatient hoof. The others, even Bilbo, are already mounted and waiting.

Fíli plants a foot in the stirrup and swings his leg up and over. He holds out a hand. “Up you get, lass.”

Hesitantly, you grip his forearm, surprised at how easily he’s able to pull you up. You stand higher than the dwarf, but he clearly outmatches you in strength. The saddle doesn’t quite fit two, and you wobble, nearly slipping off the other side. Your arm flies forward reflexively to grab Fíli’s shoulder to steady yourself.

“Easy, there!” he cautions, scooting forward to allow you more room in the saddle. He looks back at you. “First time riding?”

You fidget, trying to settle comfortably. “It’s been a really long time.”

He smirks. “Try not to fall off, aye?” He moves your hand to his side and snaps his reins to catch up with the others. Gandalf brings up the rear.

Soon enough, the air is full of chattering and laughter as the Company trots along the path. Bofur starts up a rowdy riding song about a drunk horse. What a strange sight it must make for any passersby: thirteen dwarves with all manner of weapons, a stiff, nervous hobbit, a tall wizard on a great, white horse, and a young woman in strange clothing.

The April air is thick and humid, clouds heavy with the promise of storms to come. Woods gradually open up to rolling fields, back to more woods as your party leaves the Shire behind. Still clinging to the dwarf, you crane your neck and search your surroundings for anything to indicate where you are in the story. Your memories are fuzzy, something about trolls hovering at the back of your mind. All you can think about is losing supplies when a pony bolts and gets swept away in a river—how comforting.

“Lass?” Fíli elbows you, startling you from your thoughts. “We’re stopping.” He hops off the pony, holding out his arms to catch you.

You ignore them, sliding off yourself, but your heavy backpack causes you to stumble. Not completely zipped, its contents spill out onto the ground.

Fíli raises an eyebrow. “No shame in accepting help.” He crouches down to gather things up, but pauses with a puzzled expression. “What are these?” His hand lands on your phone first, staring at it in wonder as it lights up beneath his fingers. He nearly jumps out his skin when it vibrates, informing him that facial ID didn’t work.

You snatch it back from him and shove it in your pocket. “Later,” you grumble. With a sigh, your eyes sweep the rest of your stuff scattered across the leaves. A journal and pen, a few bags of trail mix, some granola bars, a bottle of water, and a half-finished soda from the drive up to the park. You hastily scoop them up and check your backpack for the rest. A fresh set of clothes, a hoodie, some pajamas, basic toiletries, and your solar phone charger. And, of course, The Hobbit.

Fíli frowns at the book. “Do you really know what happens on the journey? How it ends?”

You puff your cheeks out in a sigh. “I should, but it’s all… blurry. I can see the next couple days, though—we’re gonna lose a pony.”

“Fíli! Lass! Planning on joining us?” Balin calls from a short distance away.

You shake yourself, zipping your backpack shut and heaving it off the ground. Gandalf and a few others puff on long pipes, blowing out competing smoke rings. Ori and Kíli munch on apples in a circle of tree stumps. Thorin sits nearby, watching you through narrowed eyes.

“A lass looks good on you, Fee,” Kíli teases as his brother plops on the ground beside him. “Thought you’d never find love.”

Fíli rolls his eyes and punches Kíli’s arm.

You settle against a stump across from the siblings. Kíli rubs an apple on his shirt and tosses it your way. You catch it and nod your thanks. It’s large and sweet, sweeter than any apple you’d bought at the grocery store.

A shadow falls across your lap.

“You.” Thorin looms over you. “What is your name, daughter of Man?”

Daughter of Man? “Y/N,” you mumble.

“What skills do you possess? Can you wield a blade, a bow, tend to wounds? Fight, defend yourself?”

You get his point. “I, uh… I know how to throw a punch. And some basic first aid?”

He doesn’t look impressed.

Desperately, you search your brain for anything useful you could offer him. “I know a lot about Middle Earth history and lore?”

Across from you, a thoughtful look crosses Fíli’s face. “Y/N, what��d you say happens in a few days?”

“A pony bolts during a rainstorm and drowns in a river, and we lose supplies. Mostly food.” Your response is nearly automatic.

Fíli looks at Thorin pointedly. “Give it a couple days, and we shall see just how good of a prophet we have on our hands.”

Thorin presses his lips into a thin line. “We shall see.”

You knew the rainstorm was coming, but it’s still unpleasant. Your hoodie is soaked through, and you can only hope your things are safe inside the emergency plastic bag you keep in your backpack. Water seeps through your fingers from where you hold onto Fíli’s cloak. The wind tears at your hood, ripping it from your head. The only consolation is that the wind is breaking up the clouds, allowing a few rays of moonlight to filter through the woods.

At the head of the party, Thorin halts his pony. “We must find somewhere to take supper,” he mutters. “And where shall we get a dry patch to sleep on?”

“Should we not wait for Gandalf?” Bofur cries from the back of the group.

“What d’you mean, wait for Gandalf?” Kíli asks, puzzled.

“He wandered off a while ago,” you pipe up. “He’ll be back.”

Thorin grumbles something about “Mahal-damned wizards.”

Pulling their hoods tightly around their faces, Bifur and Glóin hop off their ponies, landing in the mud with a squelch and vanishing into the trees. Your butt is quite sore by the time they return.

“There’s nary a dry place to be seen,” Glóin reports. “We may as well camp as we stand.”

You slide from the pony with a groan. “Could’ve told you that myself.”

The rest of the Company seems no more pleased than you at setting up camp beneath the dripping leaves. To keep busy, you help Dori tie up the ponies, but you keep looking back over your shoulder off into the distance at the swollen river you’d forded.

Kíli frowns. “What’s wr–”

He’s interrupted by a screech from the pony Dori is handling. The rope rips from his hand and it bolts—straight for the river.

It happens in slow motion: Fíli and Kíli chase after it, ignoring your screams to stop. Kíli reaches the rope first, snagging it with a hand but instantly getting dragged to the ground. Fíli grabs his boot, only succeeding in yanking it off.

You sprint as fast as your legs will carry you, but Kíli’s already in the river, swept under. “Fíli, don’t you fucking dare–”

And Fíli dives in after, vanishing.

Footsteps pound behind you and a rope lands in your arms. “Move!” Thorin barks.

You run through the trees, chasing the current. Thorin pushes you forward. Your heart hammers against your ribs as you search the water. There!

You spot a dark patch in the water. You fling the rope at him. “Kíli!” you scream.

His hand shoots out and seizes the rope.

Thorin is at your side in an instant. “Pull!”

You yank on the rope for all you’re worth, bracing your legs against a rock. Thorin hollers back toward camp, bringing half a dozen dwarves racing through the forest. As they start hauling Kíli out of the water, you let go of the rope and scramble towards the riverbank. “Fíli?!”

A shout comes from further down the river. A yellow head pokes out over a log stuck in the bank, the dwarf clinging to it for dear life.

You struggle against the sucking mud, reaching out an arm. Fíli grips it tightly and you pull with all your might, clawing at his sopping wet sleeve. Strong arms wrap around your waist and heave, dragging you backwards, Fíli along with you. The momentum sends him crashing on top of you, and you both fall into the mud with a splat. The weight of the dwarf on your chest knocks the wind out of you. After fighting the current, the poor thing is too exhausted to do much more than collapse on top of you, his head resting on your shoulder.

You pat him on the back, chest heaving. “You alright?”

“I’m alive,” he wheezes.

You sigh and let your head fall back against the ground, for the moment not caring about the mud caking your hair. You’ll wash it out later.

Thorin’s face appears above you. He hauls Fíli off of you and offers you a hand. Pulling you from the ground, he wipes a smear of mud from your face.

“I told you,” you pant. “I told you we’d lose a pony.”

But Thorin doesn’t argue. He claps your shoulder. “Welcome to the Company,” he grunts.

Chapter 2: Quiet

Trigger warning: panic attack

and the heat and the shouting and my heart is pounding and my eyes are burning

–Quiet, the cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical

Something’s not right.

There’s a knot in your stomach that becomes more strained as you trek through the woods, yours and Fíli’s pony plodding tiredly beneath you. Thorin rides just ahead, grumbling under his breath. He’s been in a foul mood for days, under the combined stress of Gandalf’s sudden disappearance and the loss of the pony that carried a considerable amount of food. He won’t admit it, but you think Fíli and Kíli’s near-drowning has shaken him as well. It’s the first time so far the Company has encountered real danger, and for it to involve his closest family must weigh heavily on him.

Everyone’s nerves are strained, in fact. Even Bofur hasn’t felt up for a song. With one mount down, the dwarves are alternating between who gets to ride, and who has to walk. So far, you and Bilbo haven’t been in the line up—someone else is always quick to volunteer in your place.

“Something bad is going to happen soon,” you mutter in Fíli’s ear. “I can feel it.”

Thorin lets out a low growl. He may have accepted you as a member of the Company, but you can feel his patience waning. The warning you gave didn’t stop the pony’s loss, and since then all you’ve had to offer are vague, dark feelings.

Fíli reaches back and pats your thigh. “I’m sure we can handle whatever comes our way,” he says.

Thorin pulls back on his reins, halting his pony. “We’ll stop for the night,” he grunts. A sigh of relief ripples through the Company.

The knot of anxiety in your stomach tightens. Something about this decision feels wrong, but you try to ignore it as you slide off the pony and busy yourself setting up camp. But it only gets worse, escalating to physical pain. Briefly, you wonder if your period has come early. When you sit down next to Bombur’s small fire, you hiss. It feels like someone’s stabbed you with a hot poker.

“Something wrong, lass?” Bofur asks, dumping wood on the ground.

“I don’t know,” you reply through gritted teeth. “I don’t think we should be stopping.” As you say it, the pain eases slightly.

Thorin frowns from his place across the fire. “We stop when I say so.”

“Something doesn’t feel right about it,” you say again. “The story–”

Thorin’s eyes flash dangerously. “This is not one of your stories.”

“No, we have to keep going,” you protest. You can sense his anger about to boil over, but you press on. “You have to do what Tolkien said you’re supposed to do!” You regret your phrasing as soon as the words leave your mouth.

“I do not want to hear another word of this Mahal-damned Tolkien and whatever nonsense he penned in your world,” Thorin snaps. “I will not suffer a challenge, least of all from someone who is only on this quest by unfortunate chance!”

Kíli jumps to his feet. “Thorin, you shouldn’t speak to her like that!”

“Be quiet, Kíli!” Thorin rounds on his nephew.

Several others rise and the air fills with a clamor of voices—some coming to your defense, others supporting Thorin.

Shouts ring out.

It’s too loud.

The noise is overwhelming.

Get out.

You can’t hear anything anymore.

You’re useless.

Everything is blurry.

This is your fault.

Your hands begin to sweat.

You can’t change anything.

You’re consumed by just one thought.

I need to get out. Get out. Get out get out get out get out.

You scramble to your feet and bolt, ignoring the cries of the Company and running blindly through the woods.

Get out get out get out.

Your foot catches on a root and the ground rushes up to meet you.

Your pulse races. Your breaths come quick and shallow, barely taking in any air before it’s forced right back out. Somewhere, in a detached part of your mind, you’re aware of what’s happening, but you feel like a passenger in your body as waves of panic slam over you.

“Y/N?”

Arms find you in the shadows. You flinch away, curling into a ball and burying your face in your knees. “I can’t. I can’t I can’t I can’t I can’t–” you gasp, the words tumbling from your lips out of your control. “I can’t breathe, I can’t–”

A hand grips your shoulder, hesitantly at first, then more firmly. “Hey,” a voice murmurs. “Hey there. Easy, lass. You’re alright. You’re alright.”

Even as you stiffen against the touch, an arm works its way between your knees and your chest. It gently uncurls your body and pulls you into a tight embrace. The hand moves from your shoulder to the back of your head, pushing it down lightly. Your face is buried in a mane of soft hair, cool beads pressing into your cheeks.

“That’s it, lass. Breathe.”

With trembling hands, you dig your fingers into the back of whoever holds you. It takes tremendous effort, but you suck in a deep, shuddering breath. The scent in your nose is musky and sweaty, grounding you in the moment. This is real, a voice whispers in the back of your mind. This is safe.

Your stiff body finally loosens, and the hand lifts from your hair. You raise your head and meet a pair of kind eyes.

It’s Fíli. His brow is slightly creased as he searches your face. He eases his hold on you, but keeps his arm wrapped around your middle.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper, tears spilling over your cheeks. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry–”

He squeezes your side. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” There’s a dark patch on the shoulder of his tunic from your tears.

You duck your head, avoiding his face. “I knew this would happen,” you say softly, bitterness lacing your voice. As the adrenaline drains from your blood, hot shame replaces your fear.

“Does this…” he hesitates. “Does this happen often?” Fíli lowers his head to get in your line of sight. “Y/N?”

“Sometimes.” You pause to take a few more deep, steady breaths, and wipe your eyes with the back of your hand. “I ran out of my medicine last week. It was just a matter of time.”

“Medicine?” His eyes darken with worry. “Are you ill?”

You let out a hollow, mirthless laugh. “Mentally? Yeah. And all this…” you wave your hand in the air, “…it isn’t helping.”

“Nor is Thorin, I’m sure.”

“It’s not his fault,” you mutter.

Fíli shifts into a cross-legged position. He takes one of your arms and puts it around his neck, carefully pulling you into his lap. You sink against his chest, trying to match his even breathing and listening to his heartbeat. He rests his chin on your head and starts humming softly. It’s the closest you’ve ever been to him, to any of the dwarves, but you couldn’t care less. You’ll take comfort from any source. You close your eyes with a sigh.

“Uncle doesn’t mean it,” Fíli whispers after a long time. “He values you, I promise.” His chest vibrates as he chuckles. “If he didn’t, you’d have been left behind long ago.”

“Gandalf values me,” you reply morosely. “If it was up to Thorin, I wouldn’t be here in the first place. Or if it was up to me,” you add, voice small.

Fíli squeezes you. “Don’t say that,” he murmurs. “Kíli’s glad you’re here. Balin’s glad you’re here. I’m glad you’re here.”

You swallow down more tears. “Fíli, face it. The only thing I add to the party is a vague idea of what will happen in two or three days. And what good is that if Thorin won’t even listen?” You start to shake again as you finally put to words the thoughts that have plagued you for days. “I’m just dead weight.”

“You keep me going,” he whispers, voice cracking slightly. “You’re a member of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield. You’re our lass.”

Silent tears course down your cheeks. Fíli starts humming again.

“I won’t let him say anything like that ever again,” he promises. He pulls back and gives you a small smile. “…markhûna.” [she who is desired]

The meaning of the Khuzdûl is lost on you, but you weakly return his smile.

“Y/N? Are you…”

Kíli pushes through the brush. You expect Fíli to push you away hastily or try to explain your entangled position, but he makes no attempt to move you. He merely stands with you in his arms, your legs automatically wrapping around his waist to support yourself.

“Has he cooled off?” Fíli asks warily.

Kíli shrugs. “He hasn’t said a word since she, uh…” he trails off, giving you a careful glance. “Yes. He’s cooled off.”

Fíli nods slowly, and you drop your legs, letting him place you on the ground. “Will you be alright?” he whispers in your ear.

You nod, releasing your arms from around his neck and untangling your fingers from his hair.

“Don’t worry, Y/N. We’ll look after you.” Kíli grins and pats you on the back heartily. “You’re one of us now.”

[imyourbratzdoll]

𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 (ma lumière des étoiles)

valentine's day masterlist

summary - rick finds things for you out on a run, and it ends in a love confession.

the gif and headers I use aren't mine.

Warnings and Reminders - Please do not plagiarise, copy, repost/republish, adapt, or translate any of my work on any social media platforms, apps, or third-party sites. The only platforms I post my work on are: Tumblr and Wattpad. I do not own any character of any franchise (Marvel etc.) All my works are fiction and may be dark or triggering content: READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

Rick was scouring the aisles, looking for supplies for the group to survive. He looked up and down the shelves, stuffing some things into the large duffle bag he was carrying, Daryl on the other side of the store doing the same. Rick’s eyes landed on something that reminded him of you, his best friend, the woman Rick secretly loves. A large grin made its way onto his face as he grabbed the stuffed animal, knowing how much you loved them. The tiny fluffy pig clutched in his big dirty hands as he placed it gently inside the bag before moving along the aisle and stuffing a block of delicious chocolate into the bag, knowing you’d be extremely excited to have a taste of your favourite treat again. 

He walked around the corner, nearly bumping into Daryl, who scowls at him. “Got everything?” Daryl nods, eyes falling to Rick’s open duffel bag and raising a brow as he notices the stuffed pig, smirking a bit when Rick rubs the back of his neck, cheeks turning a rosy pink. “Shut up. C’’mon, let’s go.” Daryl sticks his hands up before the two leave the store, and Rick’s eyes glance over. Noticing a pretty arrangement of flowers in a field, he gnaws on his bottom lip, wondering if it would be too stupid.

Daryl grunts. “Go.” Rick looks over at him, his brow raised. “She’ll love them. I’ll watch your back.” Rick nods, thanking him as he ducks over and begins gathering as many flowers as possible while Daryl stands guard, watching for anything. Rick smiles and quickly runs back, both men hopping into the car and driving off to where the group is staying. He begins to tie the stems together, making a bouquet for you. “Ya gonna ask her out?” Daryl grunts again, huffing as he drives.

Rick looks over, playing with the stem of the flowers, and he shrugs. “I don’t think I will. She’s my best friend, and I wouldn’t want to destroy our friendship if she doesn’t return my feelings.” His head turns, and he gazes out the window, watching everything pass by as he thinks about you and how beautiful you are. He misses Daryl rolling his eyes at his words, and they finally arrive at their destination. Daryl’s eyes fall on your awaiting figure, smirking as you beam at the sight of their car, the worried look on your face finally washing away. Daryl hits Rick’s arm and gestures to you, huffing at the stupid grin on his face. The moment Daryl stops the car, Rick jumps out and heads straight toward you, chuckling as you run toward him, jumping up and wrapping your legs tightly around him as you bury your face into his neck. “Hey, are you okay?” Rick holds you close, his hand wrapped into your hair as he hugs you back.

“Missed you. You guys were gone for a long time.” You whisper into his neck, smelling the musky scent only he manages to have naturally. You pull back and look into his pretty blue eyes, taking in his beard and the greys making their way into it. “Did you find any comics for Carl? He’s been talking nonstop about it for a while.”

Rick nods, his eyes half-lidded as he stares at your lips. “Yeah.” He rasps, his voice so quiet you wouldn’t be able to hear if you weren’t so close. He blinks, eyes slowly moving up your face and connecting with your eyes. “I, uh, I found some things for you, too.” 

You beam, squeezing his shoulders a bit as your still wrapped around him, so lost in each other that you guys don’t notice the group staring and smiling, making bets to see how long it would take for the two of you to admit that you love each other finally. “Really?” Rick nods again, feeling anxious. “You didn’t have to! But, I’m not going to say no to gifts.” You smile cheekily, hopping down so he can show you. Your eyes finally take note of the bouquet gripped tightly in his hands. “Ohh! Who’s the lucky lady?” Your heart squeezes as the words fall from your lips because whoever she was, was so lucky to be able to catch Rick’s attention. 

Rick rubs the back of his neck, shyly handing you the flowers. “Uh, I picked them for you….” His stomach twists in a good way as you smile at him, your fingers brushing against his hand as you grab the flowers from him. 

You lean forward and smell them, eyes still connected with his. “They’re pretty, thank you.” You watch as Rick kneels and opens the bag, and a squeal escapes you as he pulls out a fluffy stuffed pig, handing it to you with a soft smile as you study the toy, hugging it close to your chest. “It’s so cute! Rick!” He chuckles, and you watch as he continues to pull out more stuff. A gasp escapes you as you notice the package in his hand. “You didn’t! Oh my god, Rick!” You smile as he hands you the chocolate and feel your mouth water at the treat you haven’t had in forever. You are too busy staring at the chocolate that you don’t notice him looking up at you with a sparkle in his eyes. 

Rick clears his throat as he nervously waits for your eyes to look down at him, and when they do, his breath hitches. “I… I found something else for you.” He slowly opens his hand, revealing a beautiful necklace with a small star pendant. Your eyes widen, and Rick begins to worry, “You don’t have to accept it! We can forget I even showed you!” He quickly stands, about to tuck the necklace into his pocket, when you stop him, unwrapping his hand and gently grabbing the jewellery.

“I love it, Rick. I love everything you’ve gotten me.” You turn around, moving your hair out of the way and holding the necklace around your neck, waiting for Rick to help. “Clip it for me?” He nods, clearing his throat as he grabs the necklace, clasping it for you. Both your breaths hitch as his fingers softly graze your neck. You turn back around, swallowing the lump in your throat as you notice how close you are, slowly looking up and into his eyes. You blink and test the waters, placing your hand softly on his chest, slowly moving it up until you cup his cheek. “Rick… I…” Your tongue flicks out, and you lick your dry lips.

He looks down at you, one hand falling to your hip, and the other slowly caresses your cheek. Rick slowly leans forward, fearing that he won’t hear what you say unless he’s closer to you. 

“I…” You swallow, feeling your heart in your ears as you stare into your best friend’s eyes. Your eyes dart down to his lips and back up again, a gasp escapes you as he leans towards you, your eyes closing as his lips connect with yours, and they move slowly. Rick cups your cheeks, deepening the kiss, swearing that fireworks are going off. 

He slowly disconnects and rests his forehead against yours, eyes still closed. “I love you, Y/n. I’ve loved you since I met you, and I will forever be in love with you.”

You smile, resting your hand against his cheek. “I’m in love with you too, Rick.” You both break out into laughter as you hear cheers coming from behind you.

thank you for reading!

feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

[unluckyhoneybee]

Marry you (Freddie Andersen)

There seems to be a way to save your relationship. Angsty. Note: I'm a little bit obsessed with this man.

Things were cold between you two. What usually was a warm and tight relationship, now was drifting apart and you didn't know what to do.

You closed the door and took your shoes off, watching your partner walk into the kitchen. His blazer was forgotten in the couch. You discretely followed him and watching from your spot in the shadows. He was deep on his thoughts, a glass of water untouched on his hand. You just came back from a dinner with some of his teammates and their wives and it had been exhausting. It was awful having to pretend that things were right when you barely talk anymore. The only thing you were glad was that you didn't fight. You didn't want to be like those couples that ended despising each other. If things were going to end, you didn't want to hate the man that had given you your best years.

Freddie left the glass in the counter, still full, and leaned over the marble with both hands. He was quiet, collected and serious. But he also had the sweetest smile and could make you laugh like no one.

You wanted this to end. You just wanted to he happy with the love of your life.

You walked closer and he didn't move. His hair was already undone, he had ran his hands over it so many times already. He gave you a side look and felt his chest tightening. When you circled his waist with your arms, he tensed. You feared he didn't want you anymore.

Tears came to your eyes with realization. You leaned your head on his back and Fred covered your hands with his. It felt warm and familiar. You missed his touch so bad.

"I miss you, Freddie" You said with thin voice.

His heart broke. You had never sound so sad.

Freddie lowered his head and took a deep breath.

"Talk to me, please" You whispered.

He took a deep breath.

"I want to marry you" Freddie hated this. He hated to have to do it like this.

Those words made you pull back. You made him turn around and look at you. There were tears in your eyes.

"What?"

"I want to marry you" He repeated louder. "But you don't want marriage"

You felt frozen. All this weeks for this.

"Fred..."

"And I understand. You know I do. But... It's stupid." He lowered his eyes.

"No. No it's not" You cupped his chin and made him look at you. "It's not stupid. Don't say that. Your... Your feeling matter too."

One of his hands came to rest on your hips.

"Fred. Please"

"I want it. I want to call you my wife. To have a ring on my finger, to put one in yours. I want to be your husband..."

You pulled him down for a deep kiss. He was hungry, you had barely kissed this last days. His hands gripped your waist hard and pulled you into him.

"Fred" You stopped him before he could take it further. You needed to talk first. "I will marry you"

"You don't want marriage"

It was something you had talked about when you were just friends, something he had heard you talk about and even joke with your friends. Do you think I want to tie myself to someone else for life?

You sighed.

"I... I don't care"

He chuckled a bit and scratched his beard.

"Then? What's that supposed to mean? Would you tie yourself to me only because you miss me?" He said.

"I wouldn't be tying myself anywhere" You said with a frown and looking into his eyes.

"You would. That's why you don't want it."

"Fred. Do you think I'll feel tied to you? Do you think I don't love this life with you and everything you brought to me?"

He stayed quiet.

"I don't care if we are married or not because for me it will feel the same. I love you like no one and I know that there is one else out there I would like to do this with. We live together, we bought a place to live together, we share a whole life. Everything that happens to you happens to me already."

He couldn't look into your eyes because it didn't still feel right.

"Freddie, love." You cupped his face with both hands. "From my eyes, life looks the same with or without a ring. Marriage wouldn't make me happier. But it would made you. And you happiness is what make me happy. If having a fucking dragon pet made you happy, I would built a dragon house in the garden only to see you smile. If you want to marry me because it would make you happier and your life better, then I'm in. I only want to be happy by your side."

He once though that couldn't love you more. How wrong he was.

With a hand behind your neck, he kissed you deeply. So deep it took your breath away. Your hands ran over his silky red hair and you felt the spark again.

"Come with me" Fred said with a soft voice.

He took your hand and pulled you to the bedroom.

You watched how he messed with his tidy drawer. And then he pulled a red velvet box. You gasped and covered your mouth. You couldn't have ever guess he had it. Never.

"YN" He walked slow in your direction. "This has been with me for months already. I bought it when I thought it would be okay to propose. Then... Then I hid it because I didn't want to ruin what we have. I can't loose you because you make me the happiest man alive. I just... I feel like I need this. This last step." He got down to one knee and you sobbed. You never thought a man proposing would make you cry in happiness. "YN, I need you to promise me that you will do this because you want to. Not because you feel you have to"

"I do. I promise."

He smiled and opened the box. You whispered an ow. That ring was perfect.

"YN YSN, would you marry me?"

You nodded and sat on his lap, hugging his neck and kissing his lips.

"Yes, Frederik Andersen, I would love to marry you"

Freddie laughed and cupped your lips. You kissed over and over again. But he stopped you.

"Can I?" He said showing you the ring.

You nodded and let him put it on you.

"It's beautiful, Freddie." You said still with tears in your eyes.

"It reminded me of you."

You made him look at you. "I love you. Don't ever doubt about this, okay?"

He smiled and pecked your lips.

"You promised me"

You smiled and caressed his cheeks. "YN YSN-Andersen sounds really good".

"It does"

You chuckled.

"Oh! There is something else..." You pointed with a smile.

"What else?" He frowned with a smile.

"You said you wanted this last step. Does it mean that we are against the idea of having a couple of little redheads around?"

He laughed and lifted you from the floor. He dropped you on the bed and climbed over you.

"I think we can make a couple of those, yeah".

"Do you?"

"Mhm" He kissed your lips. "Only a couple?"

"You are a big guy, Fred."

He chuckled and kissed you cheek.

"I love you"

"I love you more"

"I don't think so"

[melishade]

Attack on Prime Peaceful Timeline: The Marriage

Main Story

The Oshern Arc

I'm am so excited to write this simply because I want Ymir to be happy for once. If you want to catch up, make sure to see the Oshern Arc!

Oh a few things for newcomers: Optimus goes by Orion while Megatron goes by Matthew to the villagers. Ymir's Cybertronian name is IronSpark. Maria's Cybertronian name is Firelight. CW Miscarriage

And if you want to know more about the Peaceful Timeline, I have it all pinned to my masterlist on my blog! So Roll IT!

The villagers were worried for Oshern. They were afraid that love struck bread man was going to end up dead by dawn. Even though they told him not to pursue Ymir: the girl who lived up the mountains! Now he somehow managed to muster up the courage to ask to marry Ymir?! To the villagers' protectors and Ymir's guardians! What was he thinking?! But somehow, they agreed to let him come up the mountain for the night! And the stupid bread man accepted this!

It was now morning. Some of the villagers went to do their daily chores but couldn't stop staring at the trail that led to the mountain. Other villagers still remained at the bottom of the trail, waiting for any signs of life that would just come right down. Magnar was sitting down on a rock, playing his lyre to pass the time. His dark brown hair was long and tied into a man-bun. His beard was small and well groomed, and his dark eyes never left the strings of his instrument as his skinny fingers played.

Beini and Garth were sitting down on the ground and playing Hnefatafl together. The two muscle bound men were going back and forth against the board with one another. Both were clean-shaven, and while Beini had brown short hair that barely grew on his head, Garth had slightly longer blonde hair that reached his neck. Beini crossed his arms across his dirty apron as Garth played his next move. Once Garth was finished with his turn, he gawked at Beini taking out one of his pieces so swiftly and scratched the back of his head in confusion.

Meanwhile, Tove was standing right behind Thyra, braiding the woman's hair to calm her and herself down. The short-haired blonde braided the long-raven hair with ease, finishing the large braid that reached down the center of her back. Thyra turned her dark eyes to blue ones and told her a quiet 'thank you'.

Darrbey was biting his thumbnail, walking back and forth to try and calm his nerves, but it only made him more paranoid. Some of his long hair got into his face and he blew it away with a huff of his breath. Darrbey then took out his hair tie and re-tied his hair into a low ponytail before pacing once again. Idunn could only stare at her husband's pacing, not really knowing what to say in this situation. She fiddled with the edges of her own brown hair to calm her nerves. It was neatly braided and tied into a high ponytail.

"What are you all doing?" a voice demanded. They all turned to see Sigrid walking towards them with a basket in hand. The curvy woman with chestnut hair seemed annoyed at the antics of the others.

"Waiting," Thyra replied to the woman. Magnar noticed Darrbey's footsteps were beginning to synch with his melody and began to play to the tune of his footsteps.

"Waiting for a confirmation on Oshern's death?" Sigrid asked, "We have worked to do. Let's just assume he's dead and move on with our lives."

"You just want Oshern to be confirmed dead so you can get your winnings," Beini retorted.

"I never said when Oshern would end up dead. I just betted that he would end up dead," Sigrid declared.

"Maybe we should go up there," Darrbey suggested as he looked up the mountain.

"And do what?!" Beini demanded as he shot up and ignored his game, "We warned him repeatedly of what would happen, but he didn't listen! If he dies, it's his fault!"

"It's probably not that bad," Tove reasoned. The pale woman with short blonde hair forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

"They've tried to kill him," Garth deadpanned, crossing his large arms and turning to his wife, abandoning the game all together.

"And the only reason he wasn't killed is because of Solveig," Thyra shot back, "Honestly what special power does she have?"

"The power to not look at them with fear." Everyone jolted and snapped their heads to see Solveig staring at them all, using a cane to support herself.

"Sitting here isn't going to help," Solveig reminded.

"Darrbey was recommending to go up there!" Garth pointed at the man.

"You little-!"

"There are bodies up there and you know this!" Garth yelled at his friend.

"By the gods, there are no bodies up there!" Solveig exclaimed, causing her to go into a small fit of coughs. Tove quickly stood up and rushed to her side, but the old woman held out her hand to her to insist she was fine.

"And how do you know?" Sigrid challenged, "You said so yourself: you haven't been up there."

"Do you really think that they would raise a child on a graveyard?" Solveig asked them.

"To be fair, we know little to nothing about that family," Garth retorted.

"Because every single one of you keep on making assumptions," Solveig declared, "I understand. We're a small village and nothing exciting happens around here and that family is the most entertainment anyone has ever had. Orion and Matthew are-!"

"Weird," Thyra cut Solvieg off.

"Eccentric," Tove added.

"Fucking insane. I still have nightmares about what they did," Garth admitted.

"The point being!" Solveig cut them all off, "They still care about Maria and Ymir. All three of the adults are first time parents trying to figure out how to do it. They are good people and have aided the village more times than I can count. The least you can do is show some compassion and care."

"We do care, Solveig," Idunn declared.

"It doesn't always seem like it, Idunn," Solveig retorted in a serious tone, "You of all people should show some compassion to them."

Idunn looked away at Solveig's implication.

"But it always seems like you know more than you let on," Sigrid challenged.

"Maybe so." Solveig didn't deny her accusation, "But that is because I choose to interact with them and actually build a connection."

Darrbey stopped pacing and looked up the mountain before his eyes widened in shock. "By the gods."

Everyone followed Darrbey's gaze and were taken aback at the sight. Maria was running down the trail with a smile on her face. They were taken aback at the sight of Oshern still alive, walking in tandem with Ymir and even holding her hand, with Megatron right behind them looking rather annoyed. Optimus was right behind Megatron, but Solveig noticed how...worried he looked. He had his head down and he was deep in thought.

"You cannot be serious," Sigrid spoke up in shock. One by one, the villagers noticed their presence and stopped what they were doing to run to the bottom of the trail, children included. The family reached the bottom and faced the crowd before them.

"You're...still alive." Garth managed to muster. Tove smacked him in his arm while Thyra snickered.

"Yes, I am, and the two of us have an announcement." Oshern looked to Ymir for confirmation, and the woman smiled, nodding her head to him. He turned to the crowd and took a deep breath. "We're getting married!"

The villagers' eyes snapped open and their jaws dropped. Did...did he just say they were getting married? Married?! HOW?! They turned their attention to both Megatron and Optimus for confirmation, and the former rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"We had no control over what those two wanted," Megatron declared, but Optimus still kept his gaze away from the crowd.

Suddenly, someone started...giggling. And those giggles turned into full blown cackling. Everyone followed the noise to Solveig laughing her head off and clutching her side in delight, still using her cane to support herself.

"I've never been so happy to be alive than right now!" she continued laughing.

Maria quickly covered her ears when the villagers started screaming, specifically at Oshern and Ymir. Through the muffled noises, she heard so many questions being thrown around. How did this happen? This was impossible. You actually did it? Oshern tried to calm them down and explain, but they still couldn't get over their shock and panic.

"Alright! Everyone! Settle down!" Solveig walked forward and lowered her hands with her cane to ease the crowd from this revelation. She rested her cane on the ground and leaned against, "I know that we are all very excited at this wonderful announcement."

"You're excited because you won the bet!" Sigrid retorted.

"Oh very much so." Solveig gave a sly grin, "But who are we as fellow villagers to not provide a proper wedding ceremony for two of our own."

Oshern felt Ymir's hand tighten around his at her words. They...they were going to give them a ceremony?

"So here is what will happen." Oshern nearly yelped when Solveig pointed her cane at him, "Oshern, you will go with Darrbey and the other men to get you fitted into a proper outfit."

Solveig pointed at Ymir. "You will go with Idunn and the women to get fitted for a dress of your own."

Solveig pointed at Megatron, who looked annoyed at her antics. "Prepare the altar with Beini."

Megatron rolled his eyes in response while Maria giggled.

"As for everyone else! You will prepare food for the after party!" Solveig addressed the crowd behind her, "The wedding will be set in a week! Be sure that everything is ready! And if you still had a standing in the bet, give your winnings to me as agreed upon!"

Some of the villagers groaned at that.

"Don't complain!" Solveig slammed her cane in the ground, "And get to work!"

Darrbey, Garth, and Magnar quickly grabbed Oshern and yanked him away from Ymir. Before Ymir could even say goodbye, Idunn appeared behind her and pushed her towards Tove, Thyra, and Sigrid who beckoned them over. Megatron lazily walked over to Beini as the blacksmith spoke about his own designs for the altar.

"What can I do?!" Maria ran over to Solveig and raised her hand.

"You, dear beloved," Solveig began as she kneeled down, "Are going to gather flowers."

"Flowers?" Maria tilted her head.

"Yes, flowers are very important symbols in weddings. What you need to do is gather flowers for decorations, and lay a path for your mother when she walks to Oshern," Solveig explained, "Can you do that, Maria?"

Maria's face looked so determined to fulfill her task. "I'm gonna get all the flowers."

Solveig chuckled before patting Maria's back. "Find some flowers, but don't pick them up yet. We want them to be fresh for the wedding. I'll let you know when to pick them up."

"Yes Grandma Solveig!" Maria exclaimed before running off to the grass. Solveig then turned her attention to Optimus, who looked so tired. So much so that he looked ready to break, but he did his best to keep his composure. The Prime then took a deep breath and spoke.

"I will aid Matthew in preparing the altar," Optimus began. He was prepared to walk past Solveig, but she put her cane out, blocking his path.

"No, Orion," Solveig said, "The two of us, need to have a talk."

==

"You lost me so much money during that bet, you asshole!" Garth shouted at Oshern while Darrbey was searching through the clothes that Oshern had on the second floor of his home.

"You were betting that I was going to die!" Oshern retorted.

"Which almost happened!" Garth reminded.

"Why are you acting like this is such a bad thing?" Magnar asked Garth before placing a hand on Oshern shoulder, "He's getting married. We should be happy for him."

"You lost the bet early, so you don't get to say anything. Also, I'm more shocked that you somehow managed to pull it off," Garth confessed.

"The gods have either blessed him or cursed him somehow," Darrbey declared before shutting his closest, "You have no nice things in here."

"I didn't have a lot of nice things to start with," Oshern retorted, "Leaving home is nothing but my horse and the clothes on my back lead me to prioritize what I needed to survive."

"Well, when Idunn is done fitting your fiancée, she will be more than happy to provide you an outfit of your own," Darrbey declared.

"Why don't we just go right now?" Oshern asked.

"You don't bother the women when it comes to something like this," Magnar explained, "We learned this the hard way."

"So what should we do now?" Oshern asked, "We can't just sit here and do nothing, right?"

Darrbey thought it over before an idea came to his mind. "The three of us have some nicer outfits. We can get you to try them and if they don't fit, Idunn can fix it to make it fit."

"My home first!" Oshern yelped as Garth dragged him out of his home.

"By the way, do you have any recommendations for this wedding?" Magnar asked.

"Recommendations?" Oshern questioned in confusion.

"Yeah, like traditions!" Garth explained, "You're from out of the village, so you must have something different, right?"

"Maybe," Oshern replied with hesitance, trying to remember weddings from his old home. He gasped when he remembered a silver cup from a wedding he had witnessed as a child. It had two handles and was covered with carvings, "Do you guys know what a Quaich is?"

"A what?" Darrbey raised an eyebrow.

==

Ymir grew tense when Idunn forced her arms upward and began to measure it. She squeaked when the brown-haired woman raised her chin slightly and took more of her measurements.

"Oh this is so exciting!" Tove clapped with delight as she entered the room with Thyra and Sigrid, holding a small box in her hands, "I brought all of my make-up to make Ymir even more beautiful!"

"We also brought some of the clothes we don't wear anymore to make her a new outfit," Thyra explained as the raven haired woman placed the clothes on the chair.

"Thank you for your assistance, ladies," Idunn said before addressing Ymir, "Arms down."

Ymir placed her arms down, but nearly yanked her legs back when Idunn began to examine them. She was growing nervous. She hated having this much attention on her. And she never thought she would get it from the people who talked about her behind her back. Why were they acting so nice to her? She wanted to ask, but her notebook was sitting on the table. She couldn't reach it.

"Oh! Should we add flowers to the dress?!" Tove asked, "I think flowers would be lovely!"

"That would take up way too much time for Idunn!" Sigrid reminded, "The old woman only gave us a week to prepare for this wedding. It's not practical."

"I'm sure Solveig has her reasons," Idunn reminded as she measured Ymir's feet. The woman then stood up and took notes on Ymir's measurements. She walked over to the clothes that were given to her and started picking a few of them out, "Is there a particular color you want, Ymir?"

Ymir folded her hands and kept them close to her chest, not knowing how to respond to her. Thyra quickly noticed this and saw Ymir's notebook on the table. She picked it up and handed it over to Ymir, and she took it from her hands. She opened it to write down her response with her pencil, but nothing came to mind. Matter-of-fact, all the eyes on her made her feel nervous.

"Hey, Ymir, are you going to pick something?" Sigrid demanded, "We went through a lot of work to-!"

"Oh Sigrid!" Tove sang as she covered the other woman's mouth, "It's rude to be mad at the bride to be!"

"Stop it, Tove!" Sigrid ordered as she yanked Tove's wrists from her mouth.

"Ymir, I want to make you a nice dress for your wedding," Idunn spoke as she put down the clothes, "But this is supposed to be your day, and I can't make any actions to your dress unless you provide your input and what you want."

Ymir stared at Idunn before looking down at her notebook. She just felt...nothing but contempt for the people in this room. It wasn't like her, but for years they've talked about her and her daughter and Megatron and Optimus and it just made her...angry! Ymir wrote down a question before showing it to Idunn. The other three women looked in the notebook out of curiosity.

"'Why are you being nice to me?'" Idunn read aloud, "Ymir-!"

Idunn was stunned when Ymir raised a hand to them before she continued writing furiously into her notebook.

"Ooo, this is enticing," Sigrid smirked.

"Sigrid, stop!" Tove ordered.

"This is the most passionate we've seen Ymir," Thyra retorted.

Ymir practically stabbed the paper in the notebook before showing it to all the women. "I hear the words discussed when you think I'm not around. I hear the words discussed when I'm right there and you think I'm not listening. My family is odd. My daughter is unkempt and improper. Poor little mute thing; she can't speak. She's unfit to be a mother."

Idunn noticed how the other three woman looked so guilty at Ymir's words. Tove looked down in sadness. Thyra had a look of denial and looked to her left, and Sigrid grumbled and rubbed the back of her neck. Idunn kept a straight face and continued reading. "I have been through so much worse than you could imagine. I have been called worse. Nothing you do will ever compare to what happened to me before I met Orion. But you do not get to play nice with me and my family after years of fake smiles and gossip. You do not get to be nice to me for something that was beyond my own control. So why are you being nice to me now?"

Idunn straightened herself out and took a long, deep breath. She then grabbed the other three women and dragged them to the other side of the room. Tove noticed the way Ymir's ears turned red and shut her notebook. But she didn't leave the room. She just stood in the same spot.

"She's acting like a child," Sigrid proclaimed in a hushed voice.

"Sigrid, we haven't exactly been nice to her," Thyra retorted in a low voice as well.

"People gossip about each other in this village all the time. It's nothing new," Sigrid reminded.

"Well...we don't know a lot about Ymir," Tove reminded.

"Idunn," Sigrid addressed as the woman appeared to be deep in thought, "Idunn, c'mon, she's acting childish."

"...do you remember when those Eldians attacked the village, and Orion went to hunt down the rest?" Idunn asked them, "Ymir comes down from the mountain, here's the name from Garth and immediately panics. After Oshern came to our village and told us about the Eldian Empire and their ruthlessness, it makes more sense that Ymir has been a victim of them."

Sigrid grumbled in response. "But still, her family is odd."

"Every time she comes into the village, she no doubt only hears gossip about herself. It doesn't make her feel good," Idunn reminded, "Solveig is the only one who genuinely connects with her, but she won't be around forever. You all see how weak she's become over the years."

Tove and Thyra frowned.

"Ymir needs community and support, no matter how we feel about her," Idunn declared, "It's the right thing to do for Solveig."

"But Ymir doesn't trust us," Thyra reminded, "Look at her."

They all glanced back to see Ymir covering her face with her notebook, but her eyes still peered over the top of it.

"I see your point," Idunn agreed before her attention was drawn to the notebook, "But I have an idea."

Ymir didn't like this. She didn't like being in the same room as these women as they no doubt talked about her. What were they saying? What was she supposed to do? Ymir straightened her back, but still hid her face as the women approached her once more. Idunn took the lead and stretched out her hand towards Ymir.

"May we see your notebook?" Idunn asked her.

Ymir grew fearful and quickly clutched the notebook close to her chest and away from Idunn's hand.

"Told you it wouldn't work," Sigrid said.

"Ymir, we are being nice to you right now because a woman deserves to be treated like she's special for her wedding day. This is a wonderful occasion, and we want you to look as radiant as possible," Idunn explained, "But the way that we have treated you over the years hasn't been proper. So to make up for it...we are going to tell you our secrets and the rumors and gossip that has been said about us." Idunn declared.

Ymir blinked in surprise. They...they were going to do that? That...seems odd. Why would they do that? Were they were trying to...be kind...just like Solveig and Oshern? Ymir looked down at her notebook before opening it to a blank page. She still hesitated, but slowly handed the notebook to Idunn. Ymir watched with caution as she wrote something down. Once she finished, she flipped to the next page and handed it to Sigrid. She was reluctant, but still took the notebook and wrote her secret. She practically shoved it to Tove, who was more than happy to be part of this exercise. She wrote her secret down and handed it to Thyra. Thyra finished writing her secret and handed it to Idunn, who gave the notebook back to Ymir. Ymir looked at the page that Thyra had written on.

"I might have grown up in this village, but my parents came from afar to settle. My black hair color is not natural to the people of this village. As a result, I have been compared to dark and dreary things. When I was younger, I was even accused of doing evil things because of how I looked."

Ymir stared at Thyra with sympathy before she flipped back to the previous page with Tove's writing.

"I have had multiple suitors in the past based on my beauty. Because I rejected them, rumors were spread saying that I was promiscuous whore. Garth, my husband, was the only one who saw past the rumors."

Ymir turned her attention to Tove, who merely had a warm, accepting, smile on her face. She then flipped to Sigrid page, not expecting much, but...

"I lost my husband years ago. I have always tried to love another...but I never could. I cannot let my first love go."

Ymir saw Sigrid turn away in a huff, but she could see the chestnut-haired woman's cheeks turning red. She then flipped to the last page, Idunn's page, and nearly gasped.

"I had lost the child I was carrying in my belly. We had a hard time trying to get one in the first place, and when I had it, I was excited, but after it was gone, Darrbey and I never tried again. The villagers either looked on in pity, or said I was cursed. It was something beyond my control."

Ymir stared at Idunn, who merely kept a straight face. No emotion was shown. But she had been around Optimus and Megatron long enough to see the pain in Idunn's eyes. Ymir stared at the woman's writing before closing the notebook, walking up to her, and giving her a tight hug. The other three women were surprised by the act of compassion and looked at Idunn's face. They could see her trying to hold her composure as hard as possible. Her lips trembled and her eyes began to water. But Idunn quickly took a deep breath and recollected herself before Ymir let her go.

"Now you know our secrets," Idunn declared, "It doesn't fix the way that we treated you, but we do hope that it is a start."

"We're sorry, Ymir." Tove bowed in apology.

"Spoken apologies don't mean anything Tove. Action is better than words," Sigrid declared.

"I'd say it's nice to hear it," Thyra retorted.

"Of course you'd think it's nice." Sigrid rolled her eyes, "You're soft."

"And you're a stone head!" Thyra shouted at her.

"How dare you?!" Sigrid yelled.

"We're not perfect, Ymir," Idunn told her, "And despite the rumors, this is our community. And we will do our best to make you feel welcome, like we should have."

Ymir couldn't help but smile at Idunn's words. She nodded her head in response, and that managed to get a small smirk out of Idunn.

"Now." Idunn gestured to the clothes on the table, "Which color would you like?"

Ymir's eyes drifted along the table and fell on the lavender. The sight of the color reminded her of what the woman was wearing in the Eldian Empire when she got married. It was such a lovely color, and...she wanted that so much. She reached out and touched the fabric, feeling how soft it was on her fingertips. She pointed at it with the hand that held the notebook in her possession.

"I'd say that's a lovely color," Idunn declared with a smile, "Ladies, we have a choice. Now." She clasped her hands together. "We begin."

==

Optimus didn't like this. He didn't like...sitting and waiting for Solveig to finish making her tea. He should be checking in on Ymir, making sure Maria was alright, or making sure Megatron didn't threaten the humans. But no. He was stuck sitting at Solveig's table next to her kitchen as she poured tea into two cups. She walked over to hand one to Optimus, but he raised his hand to decline.

"I do not need it," Optimus proclaimed.

"It helps calm the body and the mind," Solveig explained as she sat down in the chair across the table, "And you have clearly been distracted as of late."

Solveig took a sip from her cup. "So, can you tell me what is wrong?"

"...There is nothing wrong," Optimus said.

Solveig rolled her eyes. "Even I know that's a lie. Ever since Oshern and Ymir have been seeing each other, you've been acting like a complete fool."

"I am not acting like a fool," Optimus stated, annoyed at Solveig's proclamation, "I am trying to protect Ymir."

"From what?" Solveig asked, "The Eldian Empire is gone and Oshern is a good person. What could you possibly be afraid of?"

Optimus sighed in defeat. "This is not something you would understand."

"Wouldn't understand?" Solveig challenged as Optimus stood up and walked over to the door, "Fine. I'll make this easier of the both of us. This wouldn't have to do with Ymir's hidden power, would it?"

Solveig watched Optimus freeze in his step, just as he was about to open the door and leave. Solveig couldn't help but feel terrified when Optimus turned to her, and glared at her with such fear and anger that it would make any grown man panic. But she didn't show her fear. She wasn't going to do that.

"Oh stop looking at me like that," Solveig scolded, "You're a grown man. Act like it."

"How long have you known?" Optimus demanded ominously.

Solveig thought it over and hummed. "That is a good question. I would say...since Maria was one."

Optimus' anger was replaced with confusion and surprise. "What?"

"At least that's what I recall," Solveig continued, ignoring Optimus' question, "My memory isn't what it used to be."

"You knew since Maria was one?!" Optimus demanded as he walked over to her.

Solveig sighed. "Yes, I did."

Optimus could only blink. "How?"

"Well," Solveig recounted, "Ymir being up in the mountains wasn't good for her. I wanted her to build community here. When Maria was one, I asked Ymir for help when she came down with the child. We went foraging for herbs and I saw her cut herself on some thorns. They were really nasty cuts too. I was going to go and help her, but it just healed like magic. Right before my eyes. Ymir didn't notice that I saw her and merely showed me her basket of items I asked her to collect.

"It did answer a few of my questions, such as why you chose to remain up in the mountains. But then I received even more answers when the Eldian Empire came. You completely lost it, and while you were gone, Ymir panicked at the sound of that name. Ymir told me before Maria's fifth birthday a little bit of her history, but I came to a conclusion long ago: Ymir is a girl with power, and she was taken advantage of by the Eldian Empire. You saved her, and you've been living up the mountains ever since as protection."

"...have you...told anyone?" Optimus asked.

Solveig deadpanned. "You know me better than that."

"Solveig, I have witnessed the cruelty of others when it comes to power and greed," Optimus declared, "I cannot take a risk for Ymir and Maria's safety. I need to know. Did you tell anyone?"

"No," Solveig answered with no hesitation, "And I will take her secret with me when I die. She will be safe."

Solveig could see Optimus' shoulders sag at her declaration, but he looked so concerned. "Now that we have the full context of the situation, let's have a proper conversation."

Solveig gestured to the chair across from her. "Sit."

Optimus' mouth formed a thin line before he complied with Solveig's request and sat back down in the chair.

"Good boy," Solveig smirked, "Now, what exactly is wrong?"

"...Oshern is aware of our secret," Optimus answered.

"Well that should be a good thing," Solveig proclaimed, "He's aware of Ymir's power and he still wants to marry her? If that's not love, I don't know what is."

Optimus didn't respond to that, causing Solveig to continue. "You know that Oshern is a good person. So why are you afraid?"

"...I cannot protect her," Optimus mumbled.

"Orio-,"

"Solveig, I cannot protect her in this!" Optimus declared, "I made a vow to Ymir: that I would protect her as long as she lived. But if she goes through with this, then I cannot protect her at all. People can change for better or worse over time. Unexpected situations can arise. Ymir falling in love like this, means that I cannot protect from harm or danger. If Oshern becomes cruel over time, or if Oshern does remain kind but dies before her, I do not know how I can mend Ymir's heart. I want her to be happy and safe. She has been through enough, but if she goes through with this, then there is nothing I can do if something goes wrong."

Optimus clutched the holoform hair and bent forward. "Solveig, I...I'm so afraid."

"Oh..." Solveig breathed out, feeling genuine sympathy for Optimus, "Oh dear." Solveig laughed a little at the situation before reaching out to Optimus and holding his hand, forcing him to let go of his head.

"Look at you," Solveig began, "You really do love that girl as if she is your own. You're acting as any father would in this situation."

Optimus removed his other hand from his head and stared at her, and Solveig could just see that he looked so upset and sad. "And you're afraid to lose her, aren't you?"

"...Solveig, I never expected my life to traverse this path," Optimus confessed, "When I came here, when I found Ymir, I had no idea that I would end up in this moment. And everything that I have worked towards could be destroyed. I have lost so much in my long life...I do not want to lose what I have built and protected."

"Orion, you are not going to lose what you have built," Solveig reassured, "And you are not going to lose Ymir or anyone else. You have a kind heart, and you care deeply for those around you. But...your concern is...it's not making Ymir happy. Not in this situation."

"Solveig-!"

"This whole time you've been searching for the worst in someone, but the way Oshern looks at her, and the way Ymir becomes happier around him, it's the best of someone. Oshern makes Ymir happy. She has found another piece of happiness she could hold onto. She loves you Orion, and she wants you to be happy for her, because you were able to help give her this chance. But Orion, you need to understand that she cannot be safe or happy in this situation. She deserves to be safe and happy. You keep her safe, and Oshern makes her happy. There is going to be uncertainty in this, I know, but it's not bad. It's good. She will be able to live a full and happy life with the people she loves and treasures dearly. I know you are afraid but trust me when I say this: it's going to be okay."

Optimus was stunned when Solveig reached out and hugged him close. He gently hugged her back, not wanting to hurt her frail bones. Solveig let Optimus go and patted him on the cheek.

"I...am still not sure about this," Optimus confessed.

"Then take some time, collect yourself," Solveig advised, "But you will be there for Ymir's wedding, and you will bring a gift."

"A gift?" Optimus was baffled at her order, "What would I even bring?"

"Well you are a god. I assume you'll figure it out," Solveig answered as she grabbed her tea and drank more of it.

"A g-god?!" Optimus stuttered, "Solveig that seems a little-!"

"You don't eat or drink anything. You and Matthew haven't aged in the last nine years, and Oshern told us about the 'Savior of Heaven' defeating the 'Devil of the Eldian Empire' which I assume is Ymir," Solveig listed, "Look at me, Orion: I am not stupid."

Optimus was at a loss for words and quickly shut his mouth. Solveig then got up and walked towards the door before opening.

"Your secrets are safe with me," Solveig declared, "I'll die and take them with me anyway, but please with your all-seeing wisdom, take the advice of someone who has lived the life of a human being."

"I...I will try," Optimus relented before walking out of the woman's home. He looked around to see the bustling life of the village as they prepared for the wedding. He spotted Megatron having a conversation with Beini, and the two titans locked eyes for a moment. No words were spoken, but there was an understanding between them. Megatron wordlessly turn back to Beini and Optimus began to walk up the mountain. He needed time to himself. He needed time to think.

==

Three days later

Ymir and Oshern were stunned at the display before them. Megatron's holoform was working on setting up the arch of the altar by the stream with Beini's guidance. Beini was talking about the placement of some of the support beams, with Megatron arguing with Beini on how it should be placed. Five rows of ten chairs were split down the middle of the grass to create an aisle towards the arch.

"I never realized how many people were actually in the village," Oshern remarked as Ymir grew nervous at the thought of the entire village staring at her.

"The village is excited for your momentous occasion," Magnar reassured as he appeared behind Oshern.

"Although, we are going to have to go over what the ceremony entails," Thyra declared as she walked up next to Ymir and placed an arm on her shoulder.

"It's going to be so much fun!" Tove practically popped up in front of them all and clapped her hands.

"Now, Oshern, you are going to stand right here." Magnar grabbed Oshern and guided him to the left side of the altar being built. "I will play music, and when that happens. Maria is going to be walking up the aisle and decorating it with flowers."

"I'm so excited!" Maria screamed in delight as she came in with Solveig, holding her book of notes on the flowers she found.

"It's a very important task," Thyra told Maria, "You have to make the way for your mother to get to Oshern. Idunn will put you in a nice dress for that too."

Maria screeched with delight and stomped her feet on the grass.

"I'll go over presentation with her later," Megatron informed them all.

"It'll be fine," Tove reassured before turning to Ymir, "Then Ymir will walk down the aisle after Maria and stand in front of Oshern. Solveig will give a speech, the two of you agree to your marriage and kiss! Oh, it'll be so romantic!"

"Before they kiss, they should do the 'Quaich' tradition from Oshern's homeland," Magnar advised.

Ymir stared at Oshern in confusion. Oshern saw that and walked over to her.

"Whenever someone got married in my homeland, they would drink from the same cup called a Quaich to celebrate their union," Oshern explained, "Usually it would be whiskey, but the village doesn't have that."

"I can make some dandelion wine," Solveig offered, "The process should be quick, and it's fairly sweet. Not too bitter."

Ymir was relieved at that. She didn't like alcohol at all. It was so bitter, but she could stomach drinking some of it for the wedding ceremony. Oshern wanted to carry the tradition of his people. She wanted him to be happy too.

"We're going to have to use a regular cup for that, because the way you described the Quaich, it's just something we don't have," Magnar declared.

"That's fine," Oshern reassured before turning back to Ymir, "You'll be fine with this, right?"

Ymir nodded her head. She...she could do this. It'll be fine. Despite the fact that this was so overwhelming, she could handle it. She's been through worse. She just...needed a break. Ymir grabbed her notebook and began writing what she wanted before showing it to Oshern.

"Of course," Oshern said, "This is...a lot. Just take as long as you need to and come find me, okay?"

Ymir gave a small smile and nodded before sitting in the chair in the front row.

"While Ymir takes a break," Tove turned to Maria and kneeled down, "Let's go over how you're going to decorate the aisle."

Maria squealed with happiness and followed Tove and Thyra. Solveig then walked up to Magnar and Oshern and began talking to them more about the arrangements. Meanwhile, Megatron placed the final piece of wood on top of the arch before stepping back to take a good look at it. It was so simplistic in theory. The arch was just the base structure for a house. Four pillars of wood in the ground while four more converged up at the top for support. There were beams of wood crossing between the ones planted in the ground and they were all tied with rope to keep it steady.

"It will be decorated with flowers on the day of," Beini explained to Megatron.

"I still don't think this is necessary," Megatron proclaimed.

"It's tradition," Beini said, "What's wrong with that?"

"It's stupid," Megatron declared.

"You're a hard bastard to please," Beini told him.

"Hm." Megatron hummed in response before looking behind him to see Ymir sitting down. She was rubbing her hands together trying her best to keep calm.

"Give me a minute." Megatron walked over to Ymir and kneeled down in front of her, "Where's Oshern?"

Ymir took out her notebook and wrote. "He's fine. I just needed to collect myself."

"This is all very ridiculous, isn't it?" Megatron smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

"This is...a lot of work," Ymir explained, "I still want this."

"You don't look like you do," Megatron retorted, "You look nervous."

"...so many people are going to be looking at me, Megatron," Ymir confessed, "I don't know if I can handle that. When people stare, it's always something negative."

"Your focus is not them, IronSpark," Megatron reminded, "Your focus is going to be on your conjunx endura."

Ymir raised an eyebrow at that.

"Your soulmate," Megatron clarified, "Focus on him and no one else. That is what matters in this situation."

Ymir gave a hesitant nod at that.

"Something else is bothering you," Megatron assumed.

Ymir's nod to his assumption was a little more confident. She wrote her question and showed it to Megatron. "Where is Optimus? I haven't seen him."

"He's at the ship," Megatron replied.

"Does he...is he upset with me?" Ymir asked him. Ymir yelped as Megatron flicked her forehead at such a foolish question. Ymir glared at Megatron while the former warlord rolled his eyes.

"This has nothing to do with you and you know that," Megatron declared, "He wants you to be happy. This situation, Oshern, is just something he didn't account for. And he's just trying to come to terms with that."

"Does he not trust Oshern?" Ymir asked, "Also, why do you look like you trust him more than Optimus?"

"It's complicated," Megatron explained, "I just didn't trust Oshern because I don't trust anyone initially. I grew up in a world of violence and deception. I had to question everyone's motives. Oshern is, sickeningly, a decent person. It still bothers me how nice he is. I genuinely want to get another emotion out of him."

Ymir gave a look of disapproval.

"Fine, I won't," Megatron proclaimed, but Ymir narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "But Optimus doesn't trust him because of what happened to you in the past. Your circumstances don't make this path easy for him. He does not want you to get hurt again."

"I won't," Ymir declared, "Oshern loves me, and I love him. I just don't want Optimus to be upset."

"Give him time," Megatron advised, "And when he's ready, he'll come for the wedding."

Ymir nodded her head at that, causing Megatron to pat her back in reassurance. Ymir suddenly jolted when Maria jumped up from behind and wrapped her arms around her mother's neck.

"Grandma Solveig needs you!" Maria exclaimed with excitement.

Ymir held Maria's hand for a moment before standing up, causing Maria to let go. Maria quickly ran back to the herbalist with Ymir following behind. Megatron then glanced around to make sure that no one was watching before activating his comm. link.

"Optimus, I swear to Primus, if you are not here because you can't get your emotions together, I will gut you like a fish and swing you around," Megatron swore before deactivating the comm. link and returning to help Beini.

==

Optimus didn't reply to that proclamation as he heard the comm. link get disabled. He could only lie on the berth and stare at the ceiling of the ship that he and Megatron had found. It was one of the few places in this world that they found where they could remain in their bipedal modes freely. It was their home away from home. It was their refuge and safety.

But right now, he just felt...uncertain...afraid. Over something so...mundane. At least compared to everything else he's been through. The war, the loss of their planet, the loss of comrades and family, should have encompassed this mundane situation. By the Allspark, everything that he went through with Ymir was difficult. Finding a place to call home, dealing with Ymir's pregnancy, undoing Ymir's brainwashing, mending his relationship with Megatron, raising Maria. A good portion of his life was nothing but loss, and what he did to protect Ymir was anything but easy.

This situation was nothing like that. It was a union, a show of love and compassion between two people. And Oshern...despite the Prime's misgivings, wasn't a bad person. His reaction to learning the truth about their family, was to ask for Ymir's hand in marriage. He didn't scream, cower in fear, or threatened violence. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Ymir because he loved her. And not just her, he actually cared about Maria. He had heard of situations on Earth where stepparents mistreat and hate children that are not theirs. But Maria had nothing but positive things to say. Oshern even said she reminded him of the brothers he lost.

Maybe...maybe he was afraid because...this was the most stability that he has had in...millennia. His responsibilities were different, simple. He was content with it. He knows that he was brought here to save Ymir and give her the life that she wanted, but...this could very well upend that stability he worked so hard to achieve.

Optimus sat up from the berth and rubbed his optics. He was being so unnecessarily afraid. Time and time again, Oshern has proven his sincerity and character, and Optimus was just...being selfish. Optimus widened his optics in realization. Was this selfishness? Him not wanting this marriage to happen because he was afraid? Was it really just him being selfish?

No. No! He shouldn't be! This was wrong! Sure, he was selfish in staying on this world to protect Ymir instead of going back home to Cybertron! But...he was allowed to be selfish after everything he's been through! He deserved a moment of peace and happiness as well! And so did Ymir!

But if...Optimus continued acting so closed off and selfish...then...he would be hindering Ymir's safety and her happiness. And she deserved to be happy! More than anything!

Optimus shot up from the berth, filled with more resolve than ever before. He was going to make this right. He was going to take this chance, no matter how it turned out, because he wasn't going to deny a chance for Ymir to live a life full of peace because of his own selfishness. Now!...now he needed a gift. But what was he supposed to get the both of them? Sparkbonding was a private matter in Cybertronian culture. It was never a public display that involved a party. What did Earth do for this type of occasion? There were similarities between this world and Earth when it came to the humans and their customs. There had to be something he could use.

Wait...he remembered Jack, Miko, and Rafael watching a romance movie at the base one time. Yeah...it involved...rings. Right! Humans used rings as a way to signify their union and devotion to one another. Them maybe...Optimus looked around the ship to see the broken and unused metals lying around. This was perfect. He had more than enough to work with. Now he had to make rings for the two.

==

Two days later

"Wow." Oshern couldn't help but marvel at Idunn's work as he wore it. After the men sorted through their own clothes to see what would fit him, Idunn decided to use the clothes they didn't wear to craft him something new. Right now, he was looking at himself in a small mirror to examine his outfit. In hindsight it was quite simple. The short-sleeved tunic was as green as the grass, with green diamonds in two black stripes surrounding his elbows. The brown belt that was wrapped around his waist also held up the brown trousers he wore. The trousers were tucked into fur boots, but it didn't feel constricting at all. A leather bracelet rested rather high on his lower arm, and around his neck was a dark fur mantle.

His hair was still tied in a bun, but he yelped when Sigrid came up behind him and began to fix his hair.

"Sigrid-!"

"I'm not letting you wear that ridiculous hairstyle," she declared as she began splitting his hair horizontally.

"That hairstyle is convenient for work," Oshern retorted.

"This isn't work, stupid!" Garth reminded.

"Yeah, I get that," Oshern said in irritation, "I'm just not used to owning nice things. Or even looking nice for that matter."

"Well after everything you've been through, especially with Orion and Matthew, you deserve to look your best," Sigrid declared as she tied to top half of his hair into a ponytail, "Perfect. Your hair is lovely. You should leave it out more often."

"Flour has gotten into my hair more often than not," Oshern explained.

"But you look great," Darrbey reassured as he walked up to Oshern and placed his hands on his shoulders, "Idunn did an amazing job for you."

"I'll be sure to give her my thanks," Oshern declared, "Your wife did amazing work."

"She's perfected her craft for years," Darrbey explained, "Almost to an obsessive degree."

Oshern was confused at that comment and wanted to ask more, but stopped himself when Magnar entered the room with Maria. The girl ran up to Oshern in excitement wearing a yellow and white apron dress with leather boots. The buttons of the apron were decorated with metal pins with flower engravings, and around her waist was a small, brown, bag.

"Look at me!" Maria hugged Oshern.

"Look at you!" Oshern exclaimed with the same level of excitement, "You look so pretty!"

"It's yellow!" Maria let go of Oshern, "It's yellow like dandelions! And!" She gestured to the bag around her waist, "I can use these to carry flowers!"

"You're really taking your flower job seriously," Oshern smiled.

"It is a great responsibility!" Maria declared.

"Anyone that can handle that kid's energy is amazing," Garth whispered to Darrbey.

"I'm glad to see that the dress fits," Idunn spoke up as she entered the room. Her hair was tied up and she was holding two curved pins in her hands, "But I can't have you running around in that just yet. I want it to be nice the day of. Go change back."

"Aw!" Maria whined, "I was going to show it to Papa."

"He'll see it soon enough. Now go change," Idunn ordered.

"Yes ma'am," Maria sighed in defeat as she walked past Idunn.

"Speaking of dresses, when do we get to see Ymir in her wedding dress?" Sigrid asked.

"Absolutely not," Idunn declared.

"I don't see why not," Darrbey reasoned, "Doesn't Oshern deserve an opportunity to see his soon to be bride in a lovely dress?"

"I'm not done," Idunn answered with warning, and Darrbey immediately dropped it. Idunn turned her attention to Oshern, "The tunic fits? Nothing too lose?"

"No. Thank you, Idunn," Oshern said, "Really. This is probably the nicest thing I'll ever own."

"I'm glad that you enjoy it," Idunn declared, "Go get changed and spend some time with the men. They want to plan your last day as a free man tomorrow."

"Free man?" Oshern raised an eyebrow at that.

"Your last day of independence before you're weighed down by the crushing demands of marriage and family," Magnar explained.

"I'm actually happy to get married," Oshern retorted, annoyed.

"Calm down. It's just fun," Darrbey reassured as he patted his shoulders once more, "Now go get out of that outfit."

"Once you're done changing, make sure one of you calls Ymir over," Idunn requested, "She's at Solveig's house right now."

==

Meanwhile, Ymir stared at the dandelion wine that sat in front of her. Solveig wanted to make a wine that wouldn't be bitter for Ymir to drink. Solveig knew Ymir didn't like it, but the bride to be wanted to participate in Oshern's tradition. Ymir lifted the cup of wine to her lips and took a sip. Her face scrunched up at little. It was still bitter in a way, but it was much sweeter than her previous encounters with alcohol.

"What do we think, Ymir?" Solveig asked, "Doable?"

Ymir nodded her head at that.

"Good," Solveig said, "I'll make more of this concoction. I can't get rid of the bitter taste. That's how all wine is, but I made it as sweet as I could. As long as you can drink it when you're on the altar."

Ymir grew a little tense at that. Right, the altar. She was going to get married in two days. And she was getting nervous thinking about it again. And Optimus...still wasn't here. It made her feel worse. The person who ever gave her the chance to have this opportunity wasn't here. Did he...did he not support her decision? Was he still upset with her? Megatron said that he wasn't, but doubt still clouded her mind.

"Ymir, is something wrong?" Solveig asked her.

Ymir shook her head in response.

"Are you sure?" Solveig asked her, "I can understand how exhausting weddings can be. I've helped out with many in the past."

Ymir couldn't help but nod in agreement at Solveig's statement. This still was exhausting.

"I'm sorry I made it so soon," Solveig apologized as she sat down next to her, "There was more help this time around, so I thought it would be sooner rather than later."

Ymir was confused at that, and opened her notebook to gesture to a written question: Why?

"Well, I'm not getting any younger," Solveig answered her, "I've been using a cane recently. I just...I just want to see you on your wedding day. I never thought I would live to see it, but you're going to be married soon. I couldn't help but be excited, and a little selfish."

Ymir shook her head at that. She wasn't being selfish at all. Solveig did so much for her and has been helping her out. She was the first outside of her family to accept her. Of course, she wanted her to be there. Ymir hugged Solveig out of comfort, and the herbalist couldn't help but smile at that before hugging her back. Ymir then let go of her, but Solveig still noticed a look of concern on her face.

"Are you worried about Orion?" Solveig asked, earning a nod at that, "He will be here. Do not worry. I talked with him a few days ago and I had told him to take some time to himself and get a gift for you."

Ymir quickly wrote in her notebook. "He's going to come?"

"Well I would certainly hope so," Solveig answered her, "If he somehow manages to miss his daughter's wedding day, I'd hunt him down myself."

Ymir couldn't help but giggle at that. It made her feel better, even just a little bit.

"He's just afraid." Solveig's words caused Ymir to pause and stare at her in shock, "He's afraid of giving you away to someone else. Just like any father would be."

"But I'll still be here," Ymir declared, "I'll still want my family here."

"He knows that," Solveig reassured, "He's just trying to accept it."

Solveig placed her hand on top of Ymir's. "He will be here. I promise."

Ymir smiled at that as the door opened to reveal Magnar.

"Magnar, knock," Solveig told him.

"Sorry, Solveig, but Idunn needs Ymir," Magnar informed.

"Ah, looks like someone needs to be fitted into her dress," Solveig declared as she stood up, "Come now, Ymir."

Ymir stood up and the two followed Magnar to Idunn's home. They saw Oshern being dragged along by Darrbey and Garth. The two managed to lock eyes, and Oshern gave a shy grin and waved, which Ymir politely returned.

"You can go with the others," Solveig told Magnar, "We'll be fine."

"I suppose it would be good for someone to be the voice of reason among them," Magnar declared before waving goodbye. The two women made their way to Idunn's home. Solveig knocked on the door, and Maria was the one who opened it.

"Hi Mama!" She smiled, "Hi, Grandma!"

"Hello, beloved," Solveig greeted, "Does the dress fit?"

"Yes!" Maria answered, "And it has a bag I can put my flowers in!"

"Wonderful," Solveig declared, "Tomorrow, you'll start getting those flowers you found, alright."

"YES!" Maria screamed.

"Alright, enough," Idunn told Maria, "Out. I don't want you seeing your mother and telling the others."

"Aw!" Maria whined again as Idunn pushed her out.

"Two of you, in here," Idunn ordered the women.

==

"You can't just keep breaking Maria's heart like that," Solveig remarked as she remained seated in a chair Idunn provided for her, "She really wants to see her mother in that dress."

"I don't trust anyone to not say anything about it," Idunn retorted as Ymir fitted the dress over her own body, "It's my policy."

"I'm here," Solveig retorted.

"I need a third opinion that won't tell the others," Idunn declared before turning to Ymir, "Is it loose anywhere?"

Ymir felt the dress and gestured to her waist. It was still fairly loose there.

"Alright, hold still," Idunn advised as she grabbed her pins. Ymir grew tense at the sight, which Idunn noticed, "I've done this for years. I promise I won't hurt you."

Ymir turned to Solveig for reassurance.

"She is very skilled at her work," Solveig told her. Ymir then turned to Idunn and held her arms upward, feeling the long sleeves fall down her arms.

"Thank you," Idunn said before she began to stitch the waist of the dress. Ymir couldn't help but look at the sleeves of her dress. There were very long. They went up to the wrist, but they were practically resting on her shoulders right now because the sleeves were so long and open. They weren't tight and fitted, and if she held her arms out to the sides, the sleeves hung downward a little below her waist. Was this intentional? Ymir looked down at the edges of her dress. At the very least, it only reached down to her ankles and didn't drag across the floor.

"I hope you've been taking breaks, Idunn," Solveig spoke up.

"I've been making outfits for Ymir, Oshern, and Maria in the span of a week," Idunn retorted, "I have to use as much time as I possibly have. Thankfully, Matthew stated that he and Orion don't need wedding outfits."

"You asked him directly?" Solveig asked.

"Yes, and he responded with 'I'm not putting that itchy fabric on my body,'" Idunn mocked the way that Megatron spoke.

"Hah! Sounds about right!" Solveig cackled with Ymir giggled a little.

"I do have a question for you," Idunn addressed Ymir, "Does he have attitude with everyone except for Maria? Because she seems to be the only person he actually likes."

Ymir thought about it before doing a so-so gesture with her still outstretched hand.

"Matthew is very selective when it comes to...people," Solveig had to choose her words carefully.

"I can see that," Idunn agreed before she finished stitching up the waist, "How is it now? Better?"

Ymir felt the sides of the dress and nodded.

"Twirl," Idunn requested as she spun her finger around. Ymir did as she was told, and was stunned at the way the dress expanded outwards with her motion. She could see the small, flower embroidery at the hem of her dress, stitch with a dark shade of blue. Her sleeves followed her along, and the edges of those were also stitched with a dark line of blue. The strings that were tied behind her back to hold the dress did nothing to restrict her movements as she slowed to a stop. Her hair stood moving along with the dress and rested on her covered shoulders.

"Oh dear, you look so beautiful," Solveig declared with a tearful smile.

"There are still somethings we need to add," Idunn proclaimed.

"Idunn, your work is brilliant! What more do we need to add?!" Solveig exclaimed.

"A belt needs to be around your waist." Idunn examined the dress with a hand on her chin, "Tove will handle make-up. Sigrid will take care of your hair. I believe Thyra has some jewelry. You won't be wearing that headband. You'll probably wear a flower crown. Maybe some fur to cover your shoulders."

"And that will be handled on the day of!" Solveig declared as she stood up, "Sit down, Idunn. Let me go make the two of you some tea."

"I...I suppose so," Idunn relented as she sat done in a chair and rubbed her ankles.

"Good," Solveig smiled as she got up and made her way into Idunn's kitchen. Idunn still felt eyes on her and looked up to see Ymir still standing there.

"Look, it's not like anyone can say no to that woman," Idunn retorted, "She'll find a work around."

Ymir picked up her notebook and wrote something down before showing it to Idunn. "I'm sorry for making you work this much."

"It's alright," Idunn reassured, "Weddings are a lot of work, and I meant what I said: I want you to look beautiful on your wedding day."

"Thank you," Ymir told her.

"You're welcome," Idunn replied, "Although, it must be weird, doing this out of order."

Ymir raised an eyebrow at that.

"Having a child before getting married," Idunn clarified, "Was Maria...from a failed marriage?"

Idunn could see the way that Ymir's face scrunched up into something that looked both angry and terrified. She...almost looked disgusted.

"I...didn't realize it was that bad-!"

"...monster..." Idunn snapped her head in Ymir's direction.

"You...you can talk?" Idunn asked in shock.

Ymir's snapped out of her thoughts and blushed in embarrassment.

"No wait! I'm sorry, I'm just surprised," Idunn quickly clarified, "I had...no idea. I also...wasn't expecting to hear that." Idunn couldn't help but laugh a little, but Ymir's expression of contempt returned before she continued writing. She then stopped and showed her words to Idunn.

"He hurt me in every possible way. And I was stupid to think that it was love."

"But you...love Maria so much," Idunn began, but she stopped when Ymir started writing her response.

"She has nothing to do with how he treated me. She never will. She is my daughter and I will love her until the day I die."

Idunn couldn't help but get emotional. There was no hesitation in her writing, and her face was full of confidence. Ymir really loved that girl.

"It...must be nice," Idunn found herself saying before looking away to hide her tears. Idunn heard the scribbles of writing and found the notebook in the corner of her eye. She raised her head slightly to see what she had asked.

"Can I ask what happened?"

Idunn sighed. "I don't know. Darrbey and I were excited. We weren't sick and we had plans and were getting things ready, and...then I lost it. There was no real reason as to why, and I had never been so angry before. My marriage was strained, and the village wouldn't stop giving me looks of sympathy while also talking about it when I'm not around."

"Did it ever stop?"

Idunn rubbed her arm and sighed in defeat. "Yes...when you came."

Ymir's eyes widened in surprise.

"The gossip about the family from the mountains finally got their attention elsewhere," Idunn explained, "I was invested in your story too. I was...frustrated when Orion can and asked the other women about child labor. Then I finally saw you come down holding your child. I've...never been so relieved and so jealous at the same time. The village finally stopped talking about me, but you were able to have a child. Something I've wanted and everyone else gets to have. It...losing that child made me feel like I failed."

Ymir decided to grab a chair and sit down in front of Idunn before she wrote her question. "Have you ever tried for another one?"

"...I've been scared to," Idunn confessed, "What if the same thing happens again? What does that say about me? Does it mean I'm cursed or something? I don't want to deal with the scorn and ridicule again."

Ymir thought over Idunn's answer before writing something down. Idunn was surprised at how long it took. The woman even flipped to the next page and continued writing down her thoughts. Ymir then flipped back to the last page and showed it to Idunn.

"'Carrying Maria was terrible?!'" Idunn read aloud in confusion. Ymir flipped to the next page and continued to read. "'I was always uncomfortable. I threw up. I couldn't eat certain foods. I had to go to the bathroom all the time. The weigh only got worse. It was a nightmare.'"

Idunn stared at Ymir, but the woman only nodded in response, causing Idunn to bust out laughing. Ymir wrote down 'It was!' and repeatedly gestured to it with her pencil.

"I just never seen you this lively about something before!" Idunn managed to recollect herself, allowing Ymir to continue writing. She then showed her response to Idunn.

"But even after all of that, I don't regret having her. I do think that you should try again, if having a child is something that you really want. And I can help. I can help with the process and make sure it goes smoothly."

"And...if it happens again?" Idunn asked her.

Ymir said nothing and wrote nothing. She placed her notebook down on the table and took Idunn's hand into her own. She looked Idunn dead in the eye and held her hand tightly in reassurance, as if to say 'I'll be here'. Idunn couldn't help but feel choked up and hugged Ymir in response.

"I'll think about it," Idunn said to her, "But...thank you, Ymir."

"I'm glad to see we're all getting along," Solveig remarked as she entered the room with tea, "Please get Ymir out of that dress so she doesn't mess it up."

Idunn let go of Ymir and helped her undo the strings on her back.

"The other women will no doubt have something planned for you for tomorrow," Solveig informed as she set the tea down for the two of them, "Similar to what the men are doing."

"If you are willing," Idunn insisted. Ymir thought it over before nodding her head with a smile. It sounded like fun.

==

Optimus still remained on the ship he and Megatron had found, hyper focused on the task before him. He was using a magnifying glass and even his holoform to craft his gift for the both of them. It was taking up so much of his time, and he had messed up a multitude of times, but he was going to get it right. He had to make this right to the both of them.

"How long is this little project of yours going to take?" Megatron demanded, leaning against the doorway in his bipedal mode. "You've been here for days."

"I have to make this perfect," Optimus informed him without looking up from the magnifying glass, "I could actually use your assistance."

"No," Megatron declared.

"Megatron, I need to get this ready for IronSpark," Optimus declared.

"And I don't think you understand that I needed your assistance!" Megatron exclaimed, "I have been helping plan this celebration the whole week. I am certain that Solveig is giving me mundane requests just to spite me, Prime! She will ask me to move chairs and then tell me to move it back to the original spot!"

Megatron placed his index digit and thumb close together. "I am this close to losing it."

Optimus stopped his work and turned to Megatron. "I am sorry, Megatron. I only ask that you give me time to complete this."

"It doesn't matter whether or not you complete that," Megatron proclaimed as he lowered his arm, "She wants you there. That would be enough for her. Just be there."

"I will," Optimus swore, "I promise I will."

Megatron stood up in response. "By the Allspark, I can't believe this is what we've been reduced to."

Optimus couldn't help but smirk at that before returning to his work.

==

The Day Of

The villagers couldn't help but stare as Maria dragged another basket full of flowers towards them. The girl was covered in dirt, some of it smudge on her cheek, but she was both determined and happy with her work. When Solveig had assigned Maria to this task, they all thought that she would just get a handful of flowers. Not six baskets worth of a variety of flowers! Megatron didn't look as terrified as the others. He just crossed his arms and looked proud.

"Maria...how many flowers did you get?" Solveig asked with hesitance.

"I don't know," Maria shrugged, "I just took notes on if they were poisonous or not and grabbed them."

"Some of these are not even native to the area," Solveig realized, "How far did you go?!"

"Um...far?" Maria guessed, "I looked down here and up the mountain. I made a trail in case I got lost and I had to scare off a few porcupines so they wouldn't eat the flowers."

"This is what we mean by unkempt!" Garth declared, "You do not do that for flowers!"

"It's Mama's special day! I will get all the flowers if I have to!" Maria exclaimed.

"Alright Maria, you've done your task well," Megatron praised as he walked over and picked up one of the baskets and put it over his shoulder, "Where should these go?"

"Altar!" Maria answered, "I also want to make the flower crowns for Mama!"

"Altar first, crowns later." Megatron picked up another basket, "Grab one and let's go."

"Yep!" Maria said before grabbing a basket and dragging it along behind Megatron.

"I need her cleaned up before the ceremony!" Idunn warned, "She is not going to be wearing her dress covered in dirt!"

"What is that family raising?" Darrbey asked.

"Someone who can survive," Thyra declared.

"What happened?" Oshern asked as he approached the crowd with Ymir by his side.

"We were just talking about your dau-What are you doing?!" Tove exclaimed.

"What?! What are we doing?!" Oshern asked in confusion.

"You two are not supposed see each other until the altar!" Tove explained, "It's bad luck!"

Oshern and Ymir snapped their heads at each other with worry. Ymir quickly covered her eyes with her hands with Oshern immediately following.

"Get the two ready!" Solveig ordered, "Everyone else, make final preparations!"

==

Megatron tied the final flower on top of the altar using the stem of the plant. He then climbed down and took a few steps back to examine the altar. It was completely covered with a variety of white flowers that Maria had managed to find.

"Anything else we need to add?" Megatron asked Beini.

"Looks perfect," Beini declared with a smile, "As for Maria..." Both looked behind them to see the girl sitting in the grass, having already made at least five flower crowns with the basket next to her. Meanwhile, all fifty chairs had a least one flower on it.

"She is preoccupied," Beini commented.

"Maria," Megatron called out to her. He didn't like using her human name, but there were humans around. It was the rule they had. "Go get changed and finish the crowns later."

"Oh! But I still have to-!"

"You need to get ready," Megatron cut her off as he kneeled down in front of her, "You need to look proper for your mother's wedding. I know that you are excited, but you need to act like a professional. Not a child in this situation."

"What would I do then?" Maria turned her body to face him.

"You can smile as you decorate the aisle, but no running," Megatron explained, "Stand up straight, and carry yourself with pride. There is a time and place for celebration and cheers, but there is also a place for calm and control. I need you to maintain control. Do you understand Firelight?"

Maria nodded her head as she stood up. "Yes, Papa." Megatron patted Maria's head in response.

"...Optimus is going to be here, right?" Maria asked with concern, "I haven't seen him that much."

Megatron sighed in contempt for Optimus' behavior. "He'll be here. You know how he is."

"Okay," Maria nodded her head, "Can you watch my baskets for me?"

"I won't let anything bad happen to them," Megatron swore, "Now go get ready."

Megatron nearly yelped when Maria placed a flower crown of dandelions on top of his head. Megatron couldn't help but stare in confusion while Maria giggled.

"I want you to look nice!" Maria declared before running off, "Bye!"

Megatron watched Maria do two cartwheels as she ran back into the village. He touched the crown that resided on his head and decided to leave it there. It wasn't took bad.

"She has you wrapped around her finger," Beini grinned.

"I will destroy that altar!" Megatron yelled at him.

==

Optimus couldn't help but marvel at his work. He finished it. It wasn't as extravagant as the other wedding bands, but it was forced from Cybertronian metals. It would last for generations to comes. The Prime grabbed the rings before stepping outside of the ship and transforming into his alt mode. He had a wedding to attend.

==

Everything was ready. Well, almost ready.

Solveig was sitting in a chair right under the arch. In front of her, a cup on a stump that had the dandelion wine that she made. Magnar was standing off to the right side of the chairs, holding a hand-crafted lyre of his own making. The rest of the villagers were coming in and taking their seats, talking with one another to pass the time until the ceremony started. Oshern was among the crowd in his outfit, saying thank you to all the people that congratulated him. Meanwhile, Megatron and Beini were setting up a make-shift curtain behind the chairs per Solveig's request.

As for Ymir...

The woman winced a little as Sigrid pulled the top of her hair back to tie into a high ponytail while the rest hung out underneath it. The headband she usually wore was now gone from her head. Tove was carefully applying blush to Ymir's face while Thyra applied the small fur mantle around Ymir's shoulders, using a round metal brooch and strings to hold it in place. Thyra then tied a dark belt around Ymir's waist. Tove then set the blush aside and pulled out her round container of pink lipstick. She scooped out a little with her finger before patting it on Ymir's lips.

"I thought you would have put some eye make up for Ymir," Idunn commented.

"It doesn't work for Ymir," Tove proclaimed, "Smack your lips together."

"You did that for me," Idunn recalled as Ymir did what she was told.

"Because it worked for you," Tove retorted.

"Finished!" Maria called out as she entered the room holding a purple flower crown she made. She was cleaned up and wearing her apron dress, with a dandelion crown on her own head.

"How did you get purple flowers?" Sigrid demanded.

"I have my ways," Maria narrowed her eyes at Sigrid before turning her mother, "...wow."

"Yes, your mother looks very stunning," Sigrid declared as she took the flower crown from Maria and placed it on Ymir's head, "Go make the bouquet for her."

"Yes, ma'am!" Maria said before running out the room.

"Your daughter is very devoted to this," Thyra remarked.

"It shows how much she loves her mother," Tove declared, "And I'm finished with the make-up."

Ymir stood up from the chair that she was sitting in. She stared at the mirror before her, and was stunned. She never thought of herself as particularly beautiful, but the way that she was dressed, genuinely made her consider otherwise. She turned to the ladies in the room with teary eyes before bowing in gratitude. She was really grateful to them all for helping her with this.

"Ah! Don't cry, we'll have to do the make up over!" Tove pleaded with her. Ymir raised her head and contained her tears while Tove used her hands to fan them away.

"If my work is done, I'm going to head out," Sigrid informed Idunn.

"If you need anything else, let us know," Thyra told her with a smile.

"I'll see you out there," Idunn said as they left. Idunn turned to face Ymir before placing her hands on her shoulders.

"I told you that we could do it," Idunn smiled, causing Ymir to mouth 'thank you', "Now, lets get your shoes on, and get you to the ceremony."

"So exciting!" Tove clapped her hands together as she followed the two out.

==

Maria organized the flowers before her with precision on the porch of Idunn's home. The women had recently left the house with her mother, and told her to come, but Maria said that she was going to wait for Optimus. Megatron said that he would come and she would wait for him. In regards to the bouquet, the tall flowers were in the back of the bouquet while the shorter ones were in the front. She then took the two strings she had in her possession and tied them into a bundle. The bouquet comprised mostly of lighter color flowers, like white and light purple. But there were some long leaves that surrounded the flowers in the bouquet, like a barrier. Maria was satisfied before grabbing some spare flowers, ripping of the petals and stuffing them in her bag before putting the stems back in the basket. They could be used later.

"Firelight, is that you?" Maria gasped as she snapped her head to see Optimus' holoform standing in front of her stunning at her appearance. However, Maria stood up in anger and kicked him in the leg.

"Firelight!" Optimus exclaimed.

"Where have you been?!" Maria demanded, "Mama's been worried about you and you're not here! Is this still about Oshern?!"

"Wh-No!" Optimus answered before rummaging through his pockets to show Maria what he made. "I made these for your parents. It took me time, but...I knew that I needed to make it perfect. It just took me time."

Maria picked up one of the rings and stared at it. It was a simple, silver looking ring. Both of them were.

"I forged them from Cybertronian metal," Optimus explained, "They will last multiple life times."

"Hm. I guess Mama will like it," Maria hummed in response before putting the ring back in Optimus' hand and hugging him, "Don't do that again. Okay?"

"I will not. I promise," Optimus swore as he wrapped his arms around Maria. Maria then let him go before taking his other hand and grabbing the bouquet that she made, "C'mon!"

Optimus let Maria guide him towards the ceremony before finally commenting on Maria's dress. "You look very lovely, Maria."

"This isn't about me!" Maria exclaimed, "But thank you!"

==

Idunn peered through the white curtain to see the crowd was now seated, still chatting among themselves. Oshern was now standing on the left side of the altar, hands folded in front of him in the outfit she made for him. Solveig was talking with him, no doubt giving Oshern words of reassurance. She and Magnar made eye contact, Magnar clearly wanting to know when to start, but Idunn simply shook her head before hiding behind the curtain. She turned her attention to Ymir, who looked so nervous, and Tove was trying her best to calm her down. This was bad; she couldn't be getting cold feet now! Was this about the crowd?!

"Ymir, I know this might seem daunting, but Oshern is right there," Idunn pointed to the curtain, "All you have to do is walk to him. That's it."

Ymir shook her head at that.

"Ymir, you have to-!"

Ymir shook her head again, almost as if to say 'that wasn't the reason'.

"Then what's wrong?" Idunn asked her.

Ymir thought it over before opening her mouth, surprising Tove, but before she could speak-!

"Mama!" Maria exclaimed in a hushed tone. All three women turned to see Maria with the bouquet in her arms and her dragging Optimus behind the curtain. Optimus was still distracted by Maria's pulling, but Idunn could see the shock and hope in Ymir's eyes. Realizing what this was, Idunn then walked over to Optimus before slapping him in the face.

"Hey!" Maria exclaimed as Optimus rubbed his cheek.

"We have been preparing for days for this wedding," Idunn declared, "And you haven't bothered to help or even be here for the process. Matthew has been more helpful than you, but the least you could do is be there for Ymir who has been worried about where you've been."

"I am sorry," Optimus apologized, "I was just..."

Optimus couldn't finish his sentence as his eyes fell on Ymir. His mouth hung open as he took in her appearance. Her dress was long and lavender, reaching towards her ankles and almost touching the grass beneath her. Her shoes were mostly hidden, but he could see that it was a brown leather that covered them. The hem of her dress was stitched with blue flowers and a blue line that ran right along the edge. Her sleeves were long and wide, instead of tight and fitted to surround her wrists. Those sleeves were also decorated with the same blue line that lined the hem of her dress. A fur mantle covered her shoulders and was held together by a brooch tied towards her chest. A dark belt was wrapped around her waist. Some of her hair had been tied back, and atop her head, resided a crown of purple flower. The Prime could tell that she was wearing make-up. Blush had adorned her cheeks while lipstick resided on her lips.

She looked...so beautiful. His daughter looked...

Optimus removed his hand from Maria's grip and approached Ymir, who stood frozen and slack-jawed at the sight of him. She was so stunned to see him here. He didn't mean to make her worry. He just...He could feel the holoform's eyes tearing up, and that reaction caused tears to form in Ymir's eyes. She bit her lips to try and stop her lips from trembling. No words were said, and the two ran towards each other and hugged each other so fiercely. Ymir's chin rested on Optimus' shoulder as she clung to his jacket, and a few tears slipped out and fell down her cheek. Optimus rested his hands on the fur and the small of her back. The tears slipped out and disappeared once they lost contact with his face, but thankfully, Tove didn't notice, as she was too busying crying and wiping her own tears at such an emotional moment. Maria was smiling at the sight, and Idunn couldn't help but wipe a few tears that slipped out of her own eyes with her hand.

The two let each other go and stared for a moment. Optimus quickly wiped his tears with his sleeve before anyone could notice before he gently removed a few from Ymir's face.

"I am sorry," Optimus apologized, but Ymir shook her head. There was no need for an apology.

"Oh! I need to check the make-up!" Tove exclaimed as she pulled Ymir away and examined her cheeks, "You're not supposed to get emotional just yet."

"Get ready," Idunn whispered to Maria before taking the flowers from her hands.

Maria fixed her dress and stood in front of the curtain with her back straight. She was going to look professional. Tove finished checking Ymir over before nodding her head to Idunn. Idunn then stretched her arm out to Magnar and pointed to him, and the man began to play his lyre.

"Ready?" Idunn asked Maria. as the crowd turned their attention to the curtain. Maria nodded her head, and Idunn pushed her forward gently. Maria was face to face with the village staring right back at her, but she kept a straight face. She opened her bag and pulled out a handful of petals. She walked forward and began decorating the aisle with petals. She continued this process as she reached the front. Oshern gave her a small smile, and Maria couldn't help but break face and smile back in return. Maria then walked over to the front row and sat down next to Megatron. The former warlord patted Maria on the head and the child giggled in response.

"Okay, back straight," Idunn told Ymir as she handed her the bouquet. Ymir held it tight in her hands, and that growing pit in her stomach came back.

"I will go search for Matthew," Optimus informed the women as they walked over to the curtains to pull them aside.

"He's at the front row," Idunn informed.

Wait! Ymir quickly reached out and grabbed Optimus' jacket, causing him to stop.

"What happened?" Optimus asked her.

"...Don't...go...," Ymir pleaded.

Tove's mouth dropped at the sound of Ymir's voice. She snapped her head to Idunn, hoping for an answer.

"Yes, I know, she can talk. We'll talk about it later," Idunn hissed.

"What is wrong?" Optimus asked with concern.

"...Crowd...eyes...," Ymir explained, "I...I need you."

Optimus turned to her fully before offering his hand to her. "I can walk you to him, if you wish."

Ymir looked up to him hopefully and nodded her head in confirmation. Optimus didn't say another word as he stood next to her right and offered her his arm. Ymir held onto his arm with her right hand and held the bouquet in her left. The two women stared at each other before pulling the curtain back at the same time.

Ymir felt her body freeze and her grip tighten on Optimus' arm as all eyes fell on her. She could hear the music still being played, but no one in the crowd spoke. They just stared. She had followed Megatron's advice and stared straight ahead, directly towards Oshern. And he looked just as dumbstruck as Optimus did when he saw her. That dumbstruck look morphed into a bright smile, tears threatening to spill forward. And Ymir couldn't help but smile back.

Optimus felt Ymir's grip ease and took a step forward. They walked down the aisle together, and the crowds' eyes followed them. But Ymir kept her gaze on Oshern. Not once did either break eye contact. When they reached the altar, Ymir let go of Optimus' arm to face Oshern directly. Optimus felt Ymir's hand rest on his own for a moment before her hand slipped out. Ymir stood on the right side of the altar, both hands on the bouquet, and kept her gaze towards Oshern before both turned to face Solveig. Magnar stopped playing as Optimus noticed a vacant seat and sat down there. Optimus briefly glanced at the person he was sitting next to, but he snapped his head back when he realized that it was Megatron...wearing a flower crown on his head. Megatron could see Optimus staring and merely held out his hand to Maria. Maria quickly placed a white flower crown in his hand, and the ex-con practically smacked it on the Prime's distracted head.

Solveig used her cane and stood up from her chair and addressed everyone. "So this has been quite a chaotic year, hasn't it?"

That garnered an immediate reaction out of the audience, everyone voicing their agreement at the statement.

"But we have made it here, have we not?" Solveig asked, "That in it of itself is a blessing. Especially in a world like this. This world has been shown to be chaotic and cruel, and life is never guaranteed to last, or even go as we have planned it."

Darrbey couldn't help but look back at Idunn, who still remained by the makeshift curtains.

"Even so, it is the simple moments in life that can make the adversities all the more bearable," Solveig declared before gesturing to the two before her, "These two are a testament of that. They have been through hell, but even so, they have chosen to remain kind in a world where kindness has been scorned and ridiculed. And through that, they have found each other. They have found love and comfort in one another. They are proof that despite the cruelty and hardships of this world, love and beauty can and still exist and thrive."

Solveig turned to the crowd. "This is not just a union of two souls, but this is also the day of strengthening our community. We must continue to support and encourage one another, no matter how cruel the world can be. It is with this shared communal spirit that I ask of you today, humble guests, do you now, all of you present, agree to continue to lend your blessings of support & encouragement to this couple?"

"Yes," Optimus found himself saying along with the crowd, along with Maria, and along with Megatron.

"Oshern and Ymir," Solveig addressed the couple, "Is it your wish before the gods, and these witnesses, to declare your marriage to one another?"

"Yes," Oshern answered while Ymir nodded her head.

"This promise you make to each other today are sacred," Solveig warned them, "And this is not the end, but the beginning of a long commitment to one another. Your marriage will grow and change over time. How it grows depends on the time, work, and commitment you place in each other. Always keep one another close to your hearts, especially if you must journey apart. Respect and honor one another, your partnership, family, and hearth. With your hearts true, may you weather any storms. May the gods watch over you both and always guide you safely home."

Solveig took the bouquet from Ymir's hands before gesturing to cup of dandelion wine before them. Ymir slowly picked up cup with both hands and turned her attention to Oshern. He looked at her with some concern, no doubt wondering how she felt about this.

"By destiny, the two have you have become align," Solveig spoke, "And may your love be eternal and true."

Ymir raised the cup to her lips and drank half of the wine inside. It was still bitter, but she had tasted it before and was prepared. It was doable to drink.

"No matter what challenges you face, may you find strength in your union," Solveig continued.

Ymir handed the cup to Oshern.

"By the sun, moon, and star, may your love be blessed." Oshern raised the cup to his lips with both hands and drank, "And may you be as happy as you are right now."

Oshern placed the cup back on the stump.

"Oshern and Ymir, it's time to join hands now. After I speak your declaration of intent, please answer 'I do' or with a nod," Solveig announced.

Oshern and Ymir held their hands together while Tove and Idunn looked at each other.

"Oshern, before the gods, do you take Ymir as your beloved wife, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, poverty or riches, to love, honor, and respect, so long as you both shall live?" Solveig asked.

"I do," Oshern answered.

"Ymir, before the gods, do you take Oshern as your beloved husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, poverty or riches, to love, honor, and respect, so long as you both shall live?" Solveig asked.

"I do," Ymir managed to muster.

Maria gasped with delight while Megatron straightened himself out in his seat. Optimus was baffled at hearing her voice while the rest of the village was loudly exclaiming and questioning if they had heard that right, or at all. Solveig's shock morphed into a warm smile, while tears almost poured out of Oshern's eyes.

"Alright, everyone settle!" Solveig addressed the crowd, causing them to quiet down. Solveig turned her attention to couple facing each other, and her smile only got brighter.

"A prayer. Blessed Be this marriage, with the gifts from the four cardinal directions. Blessed be this marriage with the gifts from the East. New beginnings that come each day with the rising sun, communication of the heart, mind, body, and soul. Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the South. The light of the heart, the heat of passion, and the warmth of a loving home. Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the West. The rushing excitement of a raging river, the soft and pure cleansing of a rainstorm, and a commitment as deep as the ocean itself. Blessed be this marriage with the gifts of the North. A solid foundation on which to build your lives, abundance and growth of your home, and the stability to be found by holding one another at the end of the day."

Solveig then raised a hand to the sky. "The union has been made and blessed! Before the gods that bless and curse our lands, that give and take, bring balance and chaos, creation and destruction, Oshern and Ymir are now bound together in this life! You are now husband and wife!"

The newlyweds couldn't stop the smiles forming on their faces as they moved and kissed each other. Maria covered her ears as the crowd erupted into cheers. She screamed with joy along with them, sensing this was the perfect opportunity to do so. Magnar played a riff on his lyre in celebration while Sigrid and Thyra were standing on their chairs and hollering. Megatron couldn't help but smile in contentment. He still thought this ceremony was unnecessary, but it had its perks. The former warlord then glanced over at Optimus, and was in shock to see the Prime's reaction.

He was smiling and crying. The tears that spilled from the holoform's eyes disappeared the moment they left his chin. The Prime's lips began to tremble, and he lowered his face into the holoform sleeve to hide his face and tears. Megatron sighed before placing a hand on his back and patting it. It was awkward for him, but Optimus needed it, and he didn't shun Megatron away.

Oshern and Ymir parted lips and finally let the tears of joy fell. They turned to Solveig and the old woman merely held Ymir's bouquet with the largest grin on her face. Ymir took the bouquet and hugged Solveig while Oshern bowed to her.

"Congratulations, to the both of you," Solveig told them, "You deserve good things." Solveig then addressed the crowd. "Let us celebrate everyone!"

Oshern held Ymir's hand and the two walked together down the aisle. The crowd was either throwing flowers in their direction or clapping for them. Maria quickly got up out of her seat, but stopped when she saw Megatron still comforting a crying Optimus.

"Papa?" Maria asked with concern.

"Happy tears, Firelight," Megatron reassured, "Go on."

Maria hesitated, but she saw the people getting up, she immediately followed her parents down the aisle. Solveig saw Megatron comforting Optimus and used her cane to walk over to them. As the crowd slowly left the field and the river, Solveig sat down next to Optimus, and held his free hand as he continued to cry.

==

Later

Candles were lit on the communal tables of the village. These candles also resided in small lanterns, and hung on lines that went across multiple rooftops. Magnar and a few others continued to play their musical instruments as the people continued to eat and talk among themselves. Oshern and Ymir were sitting with Tove, Garth, Sigrid, and Thyra. Tove shook Ymir's shoulders with happiness, congratulating her and Oshern on their union while Garth was commenting the fact that Ymir could speak at all.

"For years, you could have actually said something?! Why didn't you?!" Garth asked.

Ymir merely gestured to her own throat in response.

"It causes her too much pain to actually speak," Oshern explained in detail, "The notebook is easier."

"You could have said some nasty things without us knowing," Sigrid teased, causing Ymir to wave her hands to say no. Oshern slightly yelped when Maria quickly climbed up and placed a white flower crown on his head before running off.

"How many flower crowns does that girl have?" Thyra asked.

"You heard her answer. It was 'yes', and I don't know what to do with that," Garth confessed.

"Any other children in the future?" Tove asked.

"Um, that's something that we'll discuss later," Oshern answered immediately.

"Understandable, Maria seems to be a handful," Sigrid proclaimed.

"Maria reminds me of my brothers," Oshern explained before turning to Ymir, "I'm happy that she's here."

Ymir smiled in response and rested her head on Oshern's shoulder.

"I am still furious you made me lose the bet," Garth declared.

"Oh let it go, Garth," Tove scolded.

Maria continued running around the communal area with flower crowns hanging from her wrists. She managed to snag an apple and take a bite as she continued to put flower crowns on everyone. She noticed Idunn standing by herself with a cup in hand and walked up to her before handing her a flower crown.

"Thank you," Idunn said as she took the crown from Maria's hand and placed it on her head.

"Thank you for helping out my Mama." Maria bowed before running off.

"You did put a lot of work into this." Idunn glanced over to see Darrbey walking over with a plate of food in his hand before offering some to her. Idunn grabbed some bread and took a small bite out of it, "Yet you stand off to the side. You should have some fun. You've earned it."

Idunn swallowed her food and sighed. "I've been...thinking."

"About?" Darrbey asked as he took a bite out of his potato.

"...I want to try for a child again," Idunn declared, causing Darrbey to spit out the food in his mouth.

"Idunn, what?!" Darrbey exclaimed, "What spurred this on?!"

Idunn didn't reply and merely looked back to the communal area. Darrbey followed her gaze and saw that her eyes landed on Ymir and Oshern.

"This...this isn't about jealously, is it?" Darrbey asked with concern.

"No," Idunn replied, "Admiration."

Darrbey blinked at that.

"If someone like Ymir, who has been through so much in such a short time, managed to find a family and someone to call love, then...then maybe we...we could actually have a child of our own," Idunn explained, "If there's hope for her, then there's hope for us. Darrbey, I want to try again. If you are willing to,"

Darrbey set the food down and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I need you to be sure."

"Yes."

"Absolutely sure," Darrbey emphasized, "I know its been nine years since we tried, but I need to know how you really feel!"

"Do you want to try again, Darrbey?" Idunn asked.

"Yes, but I need to know if you do," Darrbey answered, "Because if it happens again-!"

"Then we have each other," Idunn cut him off, "To have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, poverty or riches, to love, honor, and respect."

"As long as we both shall live," Darrbey finished before taking a deep breath, "Okay. Okay we'll try again."

"Tonight," Idunn declared.

"T-tonight?!" Darrbey stuttered, "I mean I want to make it special and-!"

Idunn took the flower crown off her head and placed it on his own before kissing him on the lips forcefully. Idunn let him go and Darrbey was now blushing.

"Tonight," Idunn emphasized.

"Yep! Okay! Tonight!" Darrbey exclaimed, "But celebration first!"

"Fine," Idunn smiled as she finished the wine in her cup. Darrbey grabbed his plate before taking Idunn's hand and dragging her to the communal area.

Ymir raised her head when she noticed Solveig quietly beckoning her from behind one of the stalls in the communal area. She tugged on Oshern's sleeve, gaining his attention before she gestured into Solveig's direction.

"It seems like Solveig wants to talk to us," Oshern told the table as he and Ymir stood up.

"Don't be too long!" Tove smiled.

"We have a lot of dancing to do!" Garth added.

"We'll be right back!" Oshern reassured as he and Ymir walked hand and hand towards Solveig.

"You've been missing for a while," Oshern remarked.

"Well I was helping console an emotional father," Solveig explained.

"Speaking of," Megatron began as he approached Solveig from behind, "He wishes to speak with both of you in private."

Megatron gestured behind them, and the newlyweds saw the Prime waiting for them. Ymir's grip on Oshern's hand tightened before she pulled him towards Optimus.

"So...you've been aware this whole time." Megatron crossed his arms.

"Orion told you, I assume. But it's to an extent. Still, let's be clear, you're not very subtle." Solveig looked up at Megatron and smirked, "Or bright."

"I'll have you know I was feared for eons, human," Megatron retorted.

"Yet you buckle to the whims of a nine-year-old child," Solveig shot back.

"But still, you've known this and you've been ordering me around like I'm your slave," Megatron hissed at her.

"If it irritates you so much, then smite me," Solveig challenged.

Megatron narrowed his eyes at her, causing her to grin.

"You make an old woman spry, Matthew," Solveig declared as she walked towards the communal area with her cane.

"I hope your food tastes cold," Megatron said as he followed her, earning a cackle.

Oshern and Ymir stood before Optimus, and there was a pregnant pause between the three of them.

"I'm sorry, sir," Oshern finally managed to speak, "I...um...went right ahead and asked for Ymir's hand without waiting for a confirmed approval. I love her, and I just let my emotions get the better of me."

Oshern was surprised; however, when Optimus bowed before them.

"I wanted to apologize to the both of you for my actions," Optimus said.

"Wait, you don't have to do that!" Oshern raised his hands while Ymir stared in surprise, "Honest, sir!"

"I made a vow to protect IronSpark years ago," Optimus explained, "And in my desire to keep her safe, I ended up hindering more chances of her happiness. That was not my intention, but...I acted selfishly. And I am sorry."

Optimus raised his head before rummaging through his pocket. "I wished to give you something as a gift and an extension of my apology."

Optimus pulled out a closed once he grabbed the rings. "On our world, marriage does not exist. Acts of love and commitment to a significant other is through a sparkbond. Willing parties will expose their sparks, their souls, to each other. They will let their energies merge together, and they will become one being."

Optimus opened his palm to them, revealing the rings. "It is impossible for a human to perform an act like that, so I have created an alternative solution. These rings are forged from the metals of our world. They will not bend or break to the elements of this world, and they will last for generations to come, long after you have passed on."

Optimus took Oshern's hand and placed the slightly larger ring on his left ring finger. "Keep these close to you and keep them safe."

Optimus then took Ymir's left hand and placed it one her ring finger. "Let this be another symbol of your love and commitment to one another."

The newlyweds stared at the rings on their fingers, feeling emotional all over again. Optimus had done this...for the both of them. He...approved of their marriage. There was no other reason as to why he would do this.

"There was..." Oshern gulped a little, "There was one more thing I wanted to ask you."

Oshern raised his head to look Optimus in the eye. "The story that Marley has told, about the Savior from Heaven defeating the Devil of the Earth. The god would supposedly killed the Eldian Empire's weapon. I know now that the 'weapon' is Ymir, but...were you the 'Savior from Heaven'?"

"...I suppose so," Optimus answered, "I do not know the impact my actions have had on this world. I just know that..."

Optimus stared at Ymir. "I heard IronSpark crying for help, and I wanted nothing more than to save her."

Oshern felt his lips trembling as tears spilled from his eyes. Ymir yelped when Oshern fell to his knees and lowered his head to the ground, bowing before Optimus.

"Oshern-!"

"Thank you!" Oshern exclaimed, "Thank you, Savior of Heaven! Because of you, this world is free from tyranny! So many lives have been saved because of you! My family can rest peacefully, knowing that they did not die without meaning! We can live our lives in peace! And because of you, I got the chance to fall in love and marry Ymir! The good that has happened in my life is because of you! So thank you!"

Oshern let out a small sob and smiled, but still kept his head down. "And I swear to the gods and to you, that I will do right by Ymir, and be a devoted husband. I swear to you."

Oshern didn't know how long he was on his knees, but he suddenly felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Oshern raised his head to see Optimus kneeling down in front of him.

"Oshern, you have nothing left to prove," he declared, "And I do not need your thanks. You are accepted and welcomed into this family. And I thank you, for showing my daughter love and compassion."

Then, Optimus did something neither Ymir nor Oshern expected: Optimus reached out and embraced Oshern. Oshern froze at the simple action, and Ymir began to cry once more. Oshern returned the gesture to the Prime, and Ymir kneeled down and hugged them both. Optimus released one hand and wrapped it around Ymir, holding her close. The three sat there in the grass together, accepting this simple moment of love.

==

"What are you drinking?" Maria asked Solveig as she put a flower crown on her head.

"Dandelion wine," Solveig answered before offering the cup to her, "Do you want some?"

"Um, sure." Maria hesitated a little before taking the cup from her hands.

"I thought it was frowned upon for children to drink that," Megatron recalled as he sat down next to Solveig and Maria.

"Give it a moment," Solveig told him.

"Blegh." Maria stuck her tongue out in disgust before handing the cup back to Solveig, "It's bitter."

"Yeah? All adult drinks are bitter," Solveig declared as she continued drinking from her cup.

"So why do you drink it?" Maria asked.

"Well some drink it to do that." Megatron pointed to one of the tables, and Maria turned to see Beini singing his heart out to the music with a cup raised in the air. Magnar was laughing as he continued playing along to Beini's song.

"Heathens," Megatron declared.

"Oh, Beini deserves it." Solveig waved off.

Beini continued laughing before noticing Oshern and Ymir returning to the banquet. "Our guests of honor have returned!"

Oshern and Ymir were blushing as the crowd cheered them on. Some were drumming their hands against the table while others raised their drinks in the air.

"Magnar, a song for the newlyweds!" Beini told the musician. Magnar managed to get the crowd to quiet down. Magnar then took his lyre and played the first measure of the song. He nodded his head to the three other musicians. One of them played the drums, one played the rebec, and the last played the flute. As the musicians continued to play, Thyra grabbed Sigrid's hand to get her to stand up and dance. Garth climbed over the table and carried a giggling Tove over his shoulders.

Oshern and Ymir were stunned to see Idunn and Darrbey dancing in step towards them, clapping their hands in the air along with the music. They twirled in sync before getting right in the newlyweds' faces. Idunn grabbed Ymir while Darrbey grabbed Oshern and pulled them along. Maria yelped while Solveig and Megatron lifted their feet as the villagers moved the tables to create room for a dance floor. Oshern and Ymir were brought to the dance floor, and Darrbey and Idunn guided the newlyweds to the steps with ease. Oshern was able to follow along, but Ymir was still rather nervous about dancing. Idunn wasted no time in showing her the moves. She demonstrated the footwork that went into it, and Ymir did her best to follow along.

Soon, the entire village joined in on the dance. Maria ended up sneaking in to put crowns on people's head, but she was immediately caught by Oshern, causing her to laugh. Oshern then set her down and taught her the dance, which Maria followed along to with ease. Solveig laughed as the crowd cheered the flower girl on. The woman hit her cane to the music to join in on the fun while Megatron drummed his fingers to the rhythm. The former warlord glanced behind him to see Optimus watching the crowd from afar. Megatron stood up and patted Solveig on the shoulder before approaching the Prime.

"Well it happened again!" Megatron drawled on dramatically, "I have been saddled with doing all of the work, while you get the credit and do nothing to earn it!"

"Thank you for helping in my stead," Optimus told him.

"If Firelight ever decides to go through this ritual, we're switching roles," Megatron swore before pointing at him, "You're doing all the work."

"Will you shed lubricant when you give Maria away?" Optimus teased.

"Please, I'm a professional." Megatron rolled his eyes before looking back at the celebration. He crossed his arms and leaned against the support beam, "So this is a wedding...it reminds me of Kaon."

"I assume that you still think it is unnecessary," Optimus assumed.

"The humans are primitive. They do what they must," Megatron proclaimed, "...How do you feel?"

"Better, I suppose," Optimus decided, "There is still part of me that is worried."

"Worst case scenario, we kill him," Megatron shrugged.

"Megatron," Optimus warned.

"But I don't believe it will be necessary," Megatron proclaimed.

There was silence between the two as the music still played and the people danced.

"I never thought that we would be here," Optimus confessed, and Megatron hummed in agreement.

"But it's not bad," Megatron admitted, "...Have you ever thought about this?"

Optimus raised an eyebrow at that.

"Marriage or sparkbonding," Megatron clarified. When Optimus didn't respond, Megatron grew worried. "By the Allspark, don't tell me you were sparkbonded with-!"

"Elita and I decided against it, given the situation," Optimus explained, "If we had survived, then maybe, but..."

"...I am sorry for the role I played in her death," Megatron apologized, causing Optimus to stare in shock.

"You-!"

"I may not have killed her myself, but my actions lead to her demise," Megatron cut him off, "I can't that back, but I do feel remorse for it."

"...Thank you, Megatron," Optimus said, "I appreciate the apology, even though I never expected it."

"This stupid world has made us both soft," Megatron declared, "But I do mean it Optimus. I am sorry."

"I know," Optimus said.

"...so now what?" Megatron asked, "We've welcomed this man into our home. How do we adapt to this situation?"

"With time, we will see," Optimus said. He searched the crowd and found Ymir and Oshern dancing together. He could see the bright smiles on both of their faces, and the pure adoration they had for each other. He really did want them both to have a long and happy life together.

"But I wish them well," Optimus declared.

"So do I," Megatron agreed, "...By the way, how long has Solveig known about us?"

"I do not know," Optimus admitted with a baffled expression. Both turned their attention to Solveig. The woman noticed their eyes on her and merely grinned at them.

"She would have made a fine Decepticon," Megatron commented.

"By the Allspark," Optimus groaned as he face palmed.

"Papas!" Maria called out as she ran over to them, "Come dance with us! It's fun!"

"I am not one for dancing," Optimus insisted. The Prime yelped when Megatron wrapped his arm around his neck and dragged him to the dance floor. "Megatron, what are you doing?!"

"This is payback for making me do all the work and Firelight's seventh birthday," Megatron grinned wickedly as Maria followed them.

"You are still angry about that?!" Optimus exclaimed.

Solveig watched from the sidelines as Megatron dragged Optimus to the dance. She watched Megatron dance with such fluidity and ease, quickly picking up on the steps. Solveig couldn't help but snicker at the sight of Optimus stumbling to get the foot work right, but Oshern was kind enough to guide him through the steps.

The woman was...content. She had lived a long and full life. The community that she had grown up in would survive long without her. The gods would protect them all. And as for Ymir...

Solveig watched the way Ymir and Optimus made eye contact with one another. Not a single word was said, but a thousand conversations were had, and it ended with a quiet 'thank you' from the both of them.

Solveig slowly closed her eyes and smiled, intrigued with how life has played out for her. Ymir would be alright. They all would. Even so, Solveig wished that every single one of the villagers lived a long and happy life.

(...I fucking loved writing this. I even made a playlist. I have no shame!

Anyway I hope you enjoyed this! Now I have to work on Retaliation III and the Beloved Timeline Pilot as promised in the poll. And if you have recommendations for the playlist. Let me know and I'll add to it.)

[garthcelyn]

A little thing that's been buzzing around my skull for a while:

"The man who had prepared to kill the woman he loved. The man who was ready to be killed by her."

Casper Young preparing for battle. 598 Words

(technically a draft 0)

He looked in the mirror, and saw his father staring back. Blond hair cut down to grown out brown roots, swept back neatly. His beard trimmed, the fallen hair clinging to his bare chest, tangling in the hair already there. No longer the writer Casper Young, but the Lord Ton Pen Gaumor, son of the Sea Bear, Earl Espen. No longer the fearful, half drowned cub, he stood tall and broad, sea glass eyes heavy with what he knew had to come.     Ton brushed the hair from his front, shrugging on a pressed white shirt, fingers shaking as he did his buttons up to the top. The tie came next, a dark bloody red hanging like a noose. Trousers - a tan-green, not quite khaki, but not-not khaki - that Iarden had picked out for him the day they became siblings, embarrassed that he had worn out his every day suits along the bottom, one he found incredibly tacky with the brown and blue geometic deco design printed over it but she had loved. A dark brown waistcoat and a jacket to match his trousers, the tacky design larger and more deserving of hate.     If he were to die, which there was no doubt in his mind, he’d die as himself. Not as the Temple’s soldier, not as his father’s son, but as Ton, as Casper, the young man who dared to dream. The man who liked writing and pretty drinks, and too much coffee. The one whose fingers were forever stained with black ink, his fingernails chewed back to the beds in a way that stung. The once stupid boy who begged a lycan to change him, hoping that it would mean a real family, now the man who had the family of his dreams. The man who had prepared to kill the woman he loved. The man who was ready to be killed by her. As he brushed down any nonexistent creases in his clothes once more, the door swung open. Iarden made herself comfortable in what used to be his room when he was still a student, taking her place on the edge of the bed now mostly used as a barricade. Her armor neat, perfectly set and framed on her body, as she had designed. His opposite.     “You’re really going through with this?” she asked.     “We don’t have a choice. I’m not - I can’t risk you.”     “But you’d risk yourself?” Casper swallowed. He undid his tie and did it up again, the knot tight around his throat. “I’m no use to my father. If - when I die, the title will go to you. You deserve it, far more than I ever did.”     Finally, he looked at her head on, not through the reflection. She had quietened, eyes glued to the floor, fingers rubbing and pinching each other.     “Remember when you took me to my first school dance?” she asked, a sad laugh escaping her. “I used to hate you. Hated how you looked at her. Hated you even more that you were there, and not her.”     “And now you’re my sister, how times have changed.” He took his place beside her, his weight dipping the mattress down to the bedframe, the wood bringing no comfort. “I loved her. Hard not to, really. Tried not to. I knew she would never be mine though, and if all I was would be a friend? I’d take that. Knowing how it ends, I’d still make that choice again and again.”     “Even though it means you’ll have to kill her?”     “Yes. I’d do it all over in a heart beat.”

[xoxoemynn]

AM I ALLOWED TO ASK ABOUT MULTIPLES? BECAUSE I HAVE A BURNING NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:

STEAK KNIFE TIMELOOP?!?!?!?!

YOU AND ME, JUST US, AND OUR FRIEND STEVE ?!?!?!?!

WHERE THE DAYLIGHT BEGINS SEQUEL?!?!?!?!?!?!

The focus of the Where the Daylight Begins sequel is going to be about Ed finally working up the courage to go see his mom again, and then tying that in with Stede reflecting on his relationship with his lesbian aunt who was his original tie to the Sanctuary. I'd been deliberately holding off on thinking too deeply about it until S2, just in the off chance we learned anything else about Ed's mom in it, but it seems now I'm off to my own devices here! What I DO know is there will be a moment when Ed and Stede are talking about the house, and Stede will mention he's still looking for some of the things his aunt mentioned being there, including a dance studio she would spend a lot of time in. And then later as they're continuing to open up and reminisce and Ed starts speaking with his mom again, the room appears, and we'll have two dance scenes: one with Ed and Stede, and one with Ed and his mom. 💕

You and Me, Just Us, and Your Friend Steve was going to be a one-shot based on this Tumblr post I made ages ago that I was hoping to be able to finish before S2 obliterated it but ran out of time. But essentially it was going to feature a new pirate named Steve that the rest of the crew thinks is Just Some Guy, except for the fact he has a REALLY cool name. But Stede is EXTREMELY jealous of Steve because he can tell he's trying to make a move on Ed. And then jealous Stede just keeps bubbling over until he and Ed make out and bond over what a stupid name Steve is. This one I actually DID manage to write a little bit so here you go!

His long, dark wavy hair flowed majestically in the crisp salty air.

His tan skin, covered with tattoos, glistened beneath the hot rays of the Caribbean sun. When he gripped the rigging, his bicep flexed, revealing a perfectly toned arm that complemented his perfectly toned abs and perfectly toned shoulders and perfectly toned everything else.

His beard accentuated the sharp line of his jaw, making him look like a Greek god who happened to be standing at the helm of the Revenge.

And Stede was exercising every ounce of willpower not to shove him overboard.

“Cannot believe that Steve,” he muttered. “Look at him standing there, just… flaunting himself. It’s indecent!”

“I dunno,” said Oluwande. “I think he’s just surveying the conditions.”

“In leather pants?” Stede asked. “With no shirt on?”

“It’s hot out, half the crew isn’t wearing shirts,” Oluwande said. “And lots of pirates wear leather.”

“None of the original crew of the Revenge wears leather,” Stede said, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, well, we were mediocre pirates,” Oluwande said. “Couldn’t really afford leather.” 

“Why’re you so worked up about his leather, anyway?” Frenchie asked. “Ed wears leather, and you love –”

“Ed looks good in leather,” Stede said. “It makes sense for him. Steve is just showing off.”

[consistantly-changing]

[Image descriptions in order: a tweet by @AlikoDangote "Aliko Dangote" (verified) which says "Good morning! Write something special about africa.

@Osvaldocar12 "Osvaldo12" replies "In africa height depends on how tall you are".

Osvaldo replies again, saying "Africans with beards are just africans without beards, with beards".

Aliko responds "Why are people liking those comments?"]

[A tweet by Aliko, which says "This is what europe might gave looked like if it had been colonized. thoughts?" Attached is a political map of Europe, straight lines dividing the countries, some of which have names and sizes changed.

A related tweet by Osvaldo, which says "This is what Europe would look like if all the ice in my fridge melted". Attached is a screenshot of a satellite view of Europe.

A tweet by Aliko, which says "This water in Sweden is so clear it looks like there's none at all. fascinating!" Attached is a photo of someone's hand in water on a stony bed, the water being so clear you can't even see it.

A related tweet by Osvaldo, which says "This air in Brazil is so clear it looks like there's none at all". Attached is a photo of his hands, of which only the fingertips are visible.

A tweet by Aliko, which says "I'm aware of a certain user mocking me with stupid posts and nonsense statements. He's been doing that shit for a very long time and twitter seems to be ignoring the issue. I have reported him to the authorities."]

[A tweet by Aliko, which says "Beautiful aerial photo of Africa from an altitude of 2000 feet!" Attached is the aerial view, which looks like it's primarily farmland.

A related tweet by Osvaldo, which says "Aerial photo of Brazil from an altitude of 4 feet". Attached is a top down photo of him standing on a white tile floor. Only the front of his feet are visible, and he is wearing puma shoes.

A tweet by Aliko, which says "Bill Gates is not a doctor or a scientist. He is a man trying to play god."

A related tweet by Osvaldo which says "Bill gates is not actually a gate".

A tweet by Aliko, which says "When is @.TwitterSupport going to do something about this moron who keeps mocking my posts? This is ridiculous and unacceptable behavior."]

[A tweet by Aliko, which says "As a native of south africa, what is your number one favourite thing about south africa?"

Osvaldo replies "In africa it doesn't matter if you're gay, straight or bisexual, at the end of the day. it's night".

Aliko replies "That moron tweeting nonsense again in my posts. No idea why people keep liking that stuff. Blocked."]

[A tweet by Osvaldo, which says "Aliko Dangote is threatening me with my own address info. I already know where I live you bitch." Attached is a screenshot of their DMs. At the top of the screenshot, you can see that Aliko sent something at 20:03, but cannot see the message. Osvaldo sends "Most Africans are born on their birthdays." At 20:07.

Aliko replies "Very well, See you in court. I know where you live and all your personal information. [Censored] house [censored], Brasil- [censored], full name Osvaldo [censored]." At 20:32.]

[An Instagram post by aliko_dangotegcon which says "Public statement soon. All accounts sharing or supporting Osvaldo12's behavior are being reported, blocked and sued." Attached is a photo of him sitting in a grey suede interview chair, wearing a black suit and purple tie.

lukako_joao comments "people die when they are killed"

os_evertons comments "bald people are less likely to have hair".]

Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, has been tormented by a Brazilian man named Osvaldo for the last several years.

[casspurrjoybell-33]

Wreckless - Not My Daddy

*Warning Adult Content*

Finnegan

My week has sucked... I got poked, prodded and sucked 'not the good kind' on Monday morning which left me six hours of a very long afternoon to try to get caught up... I failed.

Tuesday was such a clusterfuck of suck 'also the bad kind' that I don't even want to think about it.

The highlight was Jesse, my head of accounting, giving his notice.

At least he won't be hitting on me anymore even though it means I have to go through the hiring process again.

With what time? I need to clone myself.

I almost made it to Emmett's last night but ended up staying very late and doing a conference call with Taiwan that started at eight pm.

The fact is that I put some things off last week in order to spend more time with him and this week, they bit me in the ass 'again, not fun'.

But today, today I'm going to see Emmett come hell or high water.

I've already told Megan I'm leaving and that she should too and I'm currently setting my phone to go directly to voicemail... Done.

I almost forget my bag but ten minutes later I've said my good-byes, told two people I met on the way out of the building that I will talk to them tomorrow and managed to make it to my car.

Closing the door feels like I just got away with something and maybe I did.

I should stay another hour but I'm mentally fried. There aren't any parking spaces, someone must be having a party or funeral.

I park two blocks away and regret not texting Emmett as soon as I get out of my car.

I will be fine... Positive thinking.

I make it to Emmett's gate without incident and Mrs. Lewis gives me a small wave.

"Hello ma'am."

I step inside, drop my bag, slip out of my jacket which I hang on the peg and then freeze.

Emmett is... Emmett is... his hair.

I mean it's mostly his beard but that's hair too, really.

I mean, WHAT?

"Emmett. You..."

He strokes his smooth chin.

"Didn't I tell you? Yeah, a couple of days ago."

I'm staring but I can't help it.

"What? I showed you a pic, you said you liked my face."

"I... I do."

He's right, he warned me when we first met that he shaves for the summer.

I guess I just didn't realize how disarming it would be.

I have no idea why I'm upset, I shouldn't be.

He does look good, hell he is maybe even hotter now although I'm not sure how that's possible. It's just...

"So what is it? Need a few minutes to adjust?"

He closes the distance between us and takes off my tie, then starts unbuttoning my shirt while I just stand there.

Maybe I'm in shock.

Maybe it's just my crappy, busy week and the fact that I thought everything would be better and easy once I got here and it's not, somehow.

It should be, it's just hair but everything is wrong, too.

"Finnegan?"

I try to look up at him but can't.

I kick my shoes off and find myself pouting, boo-boo lip in full effect.

He puts a finger under my chin and I lift my head but stare off to the side.

"What's wrong?"

"I missed you," I mumble. "And I've missed you."

But now he's not him, somehow, now he...

"You don't look like my Emmett."

I hate the words, hate how desperate and whiny they are but they're the only ones I have to try to describe the craziness going on in my head right now.

"Oh," he says gently, pulling me into a hug.

"I see. Well, Finn, do I sound like daddy?"

He does, even with my head nuzzled into his neck he does.

"Yes."

He maneuvers around and kisses me gently, then lets me hide again.

"Do I kiss like your Emmett?"

"Hmm." 

I've missed kissing him... a lot.. it's been too long.

"I promise that I still taste like daddy, too but you'll have to wait until the morning, my baby boy."

He pulls me tighter against him.

"Do I feel like your Emmett?"

God he does, yes.

"Yes and you smell like him too."

"That's right, that's right. And guess what? I can still take care of you, too. In lots of ways, Finn. You'll be okay, just trust me but I'm proud of you for telling me what's bothering you."

It was hard to admit that I was so upset by something so stupid.

"I know it's stupid, I'm sorry."

"It's not stupid, we're both new to this and I didn't realize it would bother you. I learned something today. Now, are you hungry?"

I am, I'm absolutely starving but I'm not sure if I need him or food most.

"Yes."

"I want you to get out of those pants and then I'll be right back to kiss you properly, all right? I was gonna ask you about this later but maybe it'll cheer you up. What do you think about going to the Zoo on Saturday? Does that sound like fun?"

The Zoo? In as much little space as I can manage?

"Yes."

I throw my arms around his neck and hug him.

"I love animals. I didn't know there was a Zoo here."

"The Baltimore Zoo is really nice but if you want to make a whole day of it we can go to D.C. They have pandas. It's huge though and honestly I prefer the Baltimore zoo since you can walk it without dying but I'll leave it up to you to decide."

Decisions, decisions.

"If we do the smaller zoo does that mean we'd have time and energy to play after?"

"Yes it does, Finn. I'd have lots and lots of time to play with you. I have something new I want to show you, would you like that?"

Well that more than answers THAT question.

"I think so, daddy. It's going to be a great day, I can't wait."

"Good, I can't either. Do you feel better now?"

"I do, thank you Em. Sorry I was so sad."

"Don't worry about it, darling. I'm going to go work on dinner, you can get comfortable."

"Okay."

I spend the rest of the evening deep in little space.

We have an amazing dinner and afterwards I build my Lego car and play with Marten.

He tucks me into bed and then reads me two chapters of Percy Jackson because he says I deserve it... It's bliss.

The next morning I wake up as I'm being rolled onto my stomach.

Emmett yanks down my undies and uses a knee to spread my legs.

I am instantly, a hundred thousand percent turned on.

"Shhh, I know you want to choke on daddy's cock but I have a present for you first. Would you like a toy, Finn?"

Oh, he's going to, oh.

"Yes Sir."

"Relax, here you go."

The lube is chilly but the toy, whatever it is, isn't that big and slides in easily. 

I'm not sure why him pulling back up my undies is so invasive or wonderful but it is.

"Such a good boy. That's it. Ready?"

"Yes Em. That feels good."

He turns on the vibrations and I'm glad he's holding me down because I jump at the sudden stimulation.

"Oh."

"There you go, that's what you get for being such a good little cocksucker. Now get down there, I know you want it."

I do and he rolls onto his side and so do I, slinking below the covers.

God my ass feels amazing, how have I never used a vibrator before?

I can feel it the whole way in my balls.

I want him to be rough because I won't last long and I want to come while I'm choking on my breakfast.

"Teach me master."

That should do it and it does.

He pushes in deep, pinning me against the bed as he fucks my face with abandon.

"That's it, fuck yes Finn, take it."

He's moaning and muttering under his breath as he fists my hair, every ounce of the sweet, considerate daddy from last night now funneled into something much different yet just as good and desperately needed

"I've been saving up for you for days... knew you'd need it.... Gonna flood your mouth.. choke you with it, babe... are you ready?"

I am but I'm not and true to his word I gag and sputter, my own balls erupting as he shoots deep down my throat.

Maybe I'll make it through the day now, I feel ready.