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abibliophobiaa · 1 year ago

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Epilogue: Golden, Like Daylight

summary: everything falls into place (4.2k)

warnings: mention of birth, allusions to sex.

eddie munson x pregnant!reader || strangers to friends to lovers, unplanned pregnancy, and then they were roommates, forced proximity.

masterlist || previous chapter

——

Elena Munson was born on June twenty-eighth, on what would be one of the warmest days the month had seen so far. Fitting, for a little girl who brought the sun along with her, filling the bustling hospital room with overwhelming love and light as she was lowered against her mother’s chest.

It was a swift labor, but he cheered you on and held your hand throughout the whole thing (only groaning when you nearly broke one finger), and Eddie Munson had decided he’d never seen anything more incredible than watching the woman he loved bring his daughter — his daughter — into the world. Kissed your sweat-slicked forehead as his hand raised to cradle the tiny, wailing body against you, both your tear-streaked faces upturned with the widest of smiles.

Eddie was certain the two of you cried more than your new daughter, his body crowded over yours, the two of you tangled up on that narrow hospital bed, peering down at the face both of you had dreamed of for months. Pouty lips, those perfect little cheeks, a curly head of hair that impressed the doctor, and ten tiny fingers and ten little toes.

Perfect, by every standard. In every single way. Completely and wholly yours, knitted together in love.

And later, after the nurses had cleaned the baby and done their routine checks and you were allotted time to enjoy the joy of being a family, both of you watched Elena take in the world with new eyes. Merely looked on at her in awe, neither of you wanting to let a moment pass by lest you miss anything. Concentrated wholly on her little wrinkly forehead, the furrow of her brow, fingers resting against her father’s clavicle from where she rested in the crook of his elbow.

“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” you asked, marveling at the beautiful human you carried within for nine months.

“Her mother is beautiful, I’m not surprised,” he teased, rocking Elena when she mewled a bit. “Thank you.”

For loving him. For giving him this moment.

“We did it,” you told him. “She’s finally here.”

He leaned down then, kissing her brow, those mystified eyes of her’s closing. “I love you so much,” he told her, the first of the promised many to come. You snuggled in closer, body still sore and tired from exertion, head resting on the other side of his chest. Then he leaned down, lips soft against yours, grinning into your skin, both of you still on cloud nine. Whispered, “And I love you.”

“I love you too.” Your thumb reached over to brush over the curve of Elena’s cheek, her head stirring, but not waking her from her slumber. “We are the luckiest girls in the world. Aren’t we, Elena?”

——

Welcoming a new baby into the home was an adjustment, to say the least. Your nights had definitely changed, both of you quickly growing accustomed to a lack of sleep with a crying newborn keeping you up all night. But Eddie helped out as much as he possibly could, feeding the baby to allow you extra sleep, changing diapers, and he always was excited to do it.

Seeing him become a father made you love him more, if that were even possible. He doted on his little girl all hours of the day, singing to her, talking to her, simply looking at her like she was the greatest treasure he’d ever stumbled upon. And she loved him back, always wide-eyed and cooing at him once she was old enough to do so.

Soon enough, you’d fallen into a routine. He worked during the day while you stayed with the baby, and when he got home you spent time together as a family. Often just laying on your bed like you were right now, staring down at your daughter as she kicked her feet and waved her hands in the air, oblivious to just how loved she was.

“I want another one,” Eddie mused to himself, blowing a raspberry on Elena’s chubby cheek, ringed fingers splayed over her abdomen, giving her a tiny wiggle. At your horrified expression, he added with a laugh, “Not right now. I just…didn’t think I’d love being a dad so much.”

“I was going to say that’s easy for you to say when you didn’t have to push her out of your body two months ago. But Eddie, you’re doing a great job. Really.”

Those first days and weeks had been trying. Eddie often felt helpless initially when Elena would wake, screaming bloody murder, unable to do much since she really needed you. And though that was true to an extent because of obvious reasons, he’d gone above and beyond in other ways, if only to make sure your burden was lessened. Cleaning around the house, cooking for the two of you, making sure you could get in a shower and nap when needed.

You knew that insecurity was brought on by years of neglect due to his father, but Eddie would never follow in that man’s footsteps. His heart was too big, his love too deep for his family. Eddie had taken to fatherhood in stride and an eagerness to make sure Elena knew he’d move the mountains for her every single day.

“I’ll think about it,” you mused, leaning down to give Elena another kiss. “I think I wanna steal your last name first, though.”

It was a newer development. Talks about marriage. He’d brought it up a few days after Elena had been born, wanting to ease you into the idea of forever, to see if it would be on the table. And you’d surprised yourself with an immediate ‘yes,’ fully believing that all that you’d gone through was meant to bring you to where you were now, with this man.

He proved to you every day that your initial fears were for naught, trust for the love he bore you running deep, his soul a security you’d never known before.

Eddie rolled onto his side, head propped up against his palm, elbow rumpling the comforter near Elena’s hip. “Yeah?”

You nodded, rolling onto your side, nose pressing into Elena’s cheek, grinning as her gummy mouth turned to seek you out. “I am the only non-Munson in this bedroom.”

“You’re a Munson. You know that,” he said, leaning over to kiss your furrowed brow, “but one day soon…officially.”

“Soon, huh?” Your nose grazed his cheek, lips barely touching his, relishing in his contented hum.

“Can’t be giving away all my secrets now,” he whispered, nosing along your jaw, mouth dancing at your pulse point. “I want it to be a surprise.”

——

That surprise came a week before Eddie was set to leave on tour. Months had flashed before your eyes, your newborn suddenly six months old and more vibrant than ever. Constantly smiling and babbling. Your home was filled with laughter — yours, her’s and her father’s, the two of them the brightest lights in your life.

That same father stood in the kitchen, bobbing his head to a song as Elena sat in her baby chair, blinking up at the fan circling up above. It was her newest fascination — watching the blades spin around and around and around, like it was the most entertaining thing on earth.

“Eddie, I just finished washing the rest of your clothes. They’re just out to hang dry on the line now,” you told him, slipping your arms around him from behind, hugging him close. Could feel his heat through your sweater, sighed into it. “What if I just hold onto you so you can’t get onto the tour bus? Cling to your ankles?”

Eddie turned off the sink, wiped his hands on a towel, and spun around. Shifted you so now his arms curled around your waist, sliding beneath the fabric of your sweater, calloused fingers dragging along your skin. You’d never tire of him in this way; his hands on your body, his form against yours, his lips, times — though understandably less frequent now — when he’d have you under him or over him in whatever way you’d liked, crying his name like a song.

“We’re going to miss you.” You pouted, pressing your ear to his sternum.

“You’re going to be at the first few shows,” he murmured against the top of your head, swaying you back and forth, “but I’m going to miss you both more. You better take pictures every day. I don’t want to miss anything.”

“Every day, I promise.” Something caught your attention out of the corner of your eye. A tiny little box nestled in Elena’s fist, hand waving it back and forth in front of her face. “Hey baby girl, what do you have? Can Mommy see?”

Legs kicked, kicked, kicked in her cozy little sleeper, her happy cooing sounds growing louder the closer you got. And then you dropped down onto the floor, leaning over to give her a giant smooch on the cheek, prying those pinchy fingertips from around the box, and replaced it with a rattle toy so she didn’t end up bawling.

Once Elena was satisfied, you lowered yourself down onto your bottom, thumb brushing over the velvet material. Eddie’s voice was warm behind you, “Open it, Buttercup.”

“Eddie…”

“Told you I couldn’t tell you all my secrets.”

Too stunned to do much of anything, much less speak, Eddie joined you on the ground, hand curling around Elena’s foot as she continued to huff and kick, the only sounds in your home her rattle and the clanging of your heart in your chest. Eddie took it upon himself to take the box from you, flipping the lid open to reveal a solitaire diamond on a thin gold band. Your hands cupped your mouth, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes as you choked out a sob.

“A little over a year ago I fell in love with a woman in a Princess Buttercup costume. You quickly became everything to me, even when you didn’t know it. There is no doubt in my mind that I wa —”

“Yes,” you whimpered, tears streaming down your cheeks now, Elena’s rattle growing louder with the fury of her movements.

“I didn’t finish,” Eddie laughed, grabbing your left hand in his, plucking the ring out of the box. It hovered over your finger for a moment as he continued, “You are my best friend, the mother of my child, and the love of my life. And I’d be a really lucky guy if you’d become my wife too.”

Your reply was a nodded cry of ‘yes’ and he pushed the ring up onto your finger, sliding it flush against the knuckle. It was a perfect fit. Arms circled his neck as you practically leaped onto his lap, giggling as his arms wound right around your waist and tugged you flush against him, lips sliding over yours.

Elena, seemingly unhappy with not being the main focus of all her parent’s attention, tossed the rattle onto the ground and cried. Pouty bottom lip wobbling as tears spilled down plush cheeks, her father was there to the rescue as you shifted off him to unbuckle her and pull the baby onto his lap, bouncing her until she giggled again.

“Someone was a little jealous,” you teased her, poking at her belly, “he was mine first, little missy, so you’re going to have to get used to sharing.”

He was yours. And you were his. From that very moment on Halloween, even if you hadn’t known it back then.

Eddie pretended to chomp on her baby cheeks, earning a loud, bursting round of giggles from his daughter. “Your mommy said she’d marry me. How does that sound, Elena?”

She shoved her fingers into her gummy mouth.

“I guess she’s happy,” you laughed, lifting her up onto your hip, clambering onto your feet. You held aloft your left hand, wiggling the glittering diamond as Eddie appeared at your side with a hand at your waist. “I love you and I can’t wait to marry you.”

“I love you.”

——

After a conversation later that night spent tangled in bedsheets, you quickly realized neither of you wanted to wait to get married. In a spur of the moment decision, you’d suggested a trip to get a marriage license that next morning, and that same day you were given the green light to go ahead with your nuptials at the local courthouse.

In the end, it had been a private affair just a few days later. Wayne was there as a witness, standing with your daughter in his arms as you and Eddie recited vows to one another. Made promises to uphold for the rest of your lives, in sickness and in health, until death did you part. You cried as Eddie breathed life into those words, as he declared those promises, and he silently cried as you echoed them back, sliding a simple gold band onto his ring finger.

Mr. and Mrs. Munson.

Later, you arrived at home to find all your closest friends packed within, there to celebrate the newly wedded couple. Chrissy, finally showing with her second baby, had gone all out and decorated as much as she could, and Robin directed the flow of traffic to the food buffet table.

Everyone took turns toasting to the Munson’s, reminiscing on memories they had about the two of you, both alone and together, and celebrating love. The room was full of it. All glowing faces under candlelight, friends and family alike enjoying the closeness and community.

Every so often you snuck glances over at your new husband, bent in conversation with one of his bandmates, his fingers wiggling in a wave your way.

Husband. It sounded so crazy to think after all this time that was what he was. You’d chosen one another now and forever. Decided that you were going to nurture and grow this relationship for the rest of your lives.

Your family.

That night, after your guests left and Steve and Chrissy took Elena for the evening, Eddie loved you gently in the dim light of your bedroom. Tenderly. Fingers curled with yours against your pillow, the room filled with soft sighs and rolling hips seeking the pinnacle of pleasure. He kissed you slowly, held you tightly as you shattered around him, tucked you away from the rest of the world. Whispered he loved you, punctuated kisses against your face and shoulders with sweet nothings.

Head nuzzling your neck as you both drifted back to earth, he asked, “How does it feel finally being Mrs. Munson?”

Right.

It felt right.

——

Two and a half years later…

——

The stage was bathed in dark shades of maroon and red, the anticipation on eager faces awaiting the last song of a sold out concert a ripple that rose with every passing second. Hands reached out to touch him and his bandmates, a sea of screaming fans huddled before him, and yet his heart only searched out one face. Fingers pressed against strings, the feeling familiar, so practiced, a part of him just as simple as breathing.

A spotlight drifted toward center stage, illuminating his bandmates. His friends. His family. Jeff passed him a knowing smile, Gareth grinned devilishly, and Murphy nodded his head. He’d never be here, standing on this stage, in a crowd of tens of thousands were it not for them — for the years of blood, sweat, and tears. The sacrifices made.

And then, as the room rose in volume, cheering grew louder and louder, Eddie’s eyes drifted off toward the side of the stage. Found you there, his wife, the love of his life, glowing with your support of him as always, lips tugged into the proudest of grins. You were beautiful, wearing his Corroded Coffin band logo across your chest, with a floral skirt fluttering with your every movement falling against your thighs.

In your arms, against your hip, you bounced his newest little. Benjamin Munson, nearly four months old now, with a giant pair of headphones atop his curly head of hair. You swayed him back and forth, one hand curled around his tiny fist like you were dancing, the baby’s eyes transfixed on the stage.

To your right, playing furious air guitar, head banging in all her curly headed glory with a matching pair of headphones to her baby brother, stood his now three-year-old, Elena. His first baby, the one who made him a father, the second love of his life, one of the pieces of his heart. You reached down to brush your fingers over her head, Elena’s head tipping upward just enough, eyes twinkling and dimples that mirrored Eddie’s as she looked across the stage and saw her father standing there with a broad smile on his face.

She smiled back in wonder, always so full of love. He never understood it — how much he could love someone who was a part of him, someone who he’d had a hand in creating, how much they could love him back. How his daughter looked to him like he was her whole world, her hero. But he lived every day trying to be worthy of it, knowing he was.

The first notes of his guitar rang out onto the stage, head bowing, eyes closed. He pictured your smiling face, sitting there in that darkened bar on Halloween. Could see you, just as the crowd roared to life, pulling out a stool and joining him at that table. It was easy to do so, being back in the city where he first fell in love with you tonight. You’d smiled at him, and it had been all over for him, from that very moment.

It was that same smile he saw when his head lifted and he looked your way once more, your beaming face, love and support grounding him in this moment, doing the thing he loved most with the people he loved most.

And as the final note rang out, clear and true into the magnetic energy of the crowd, surrounded by all the people he loved, his dreams now his real life — he knew he’d do it all over again, if only to end up right here in this moment.

Infinite.

——

You left the concert with the promise that Eddie would meet you and the kids back at the hotel once he’d signed endless autographs and merchandise to make his hands hurt. By the time he slipped into the hotel room, you were propped up beside Elena in bed, her eyes locked on whatever cartoon you managed to find on the television.

Ben rested in the crook of your arms, hand against your chest, freshly fed and looking like he’d fall asleep at any moment. Eddie always pleaded with him to stay up so he could wish him goodnight. Not that the baby understood, merely blinking at his goofy dad in reply.

You watched a smile stretch across your husband’s features when he noted the long lashes that fluttered against the tiny face that was shaped so much like his fathers, you’d jokingly cried, “Figures I do all the work and you look like your dad” in the hospital the day he was born as they’d laid him in your arms.

While Ben was serene and serious faced most of the time, Elena was still your giggly and boisterous little girl. Eddie’s twin in every way personality wise, though her features screamed you.

Said little girl hopped up onto the bed despite you telling her she shouldn’t be jumping on it. Ben stirred in your arms as Eddie dropped his things at the door and held his arms up like a Tyrannosaurus Rex, growling, “Daddysaurus is hungry and demands kisses.”

A routine. This had become a routine for them the past few weeks after Elena decided she loved everything dinosaur related. Eddie, wanting to encourage her desires wherever they lay, bought her countless dinosaur toys, books and stuffed animals to engage her curious mind. And then “Daddysaurus” became a thing and you were sure your daughter loved her father even more because of it.

Your big, lovable dork of a husband leaned down and wrapped his arms around his daughter’s middle, flipping her up onto his shoulder, their laughter echoing in the hotel room. Elena squealed in her excitement, hair spilling across his shoulders as she dangled upside down, his fingers wiggling at her sides.

Once properly tickled, he dropped her down onto his hip and kissed her cheek, beaming as her little hand settled against his chest and her head leaned onto his shoulder. “Miss you, Daddy.”

“I’m here now,” he reassured her, “it’s your bedtime though. How about you go potty and we’ll come help you get ready for bed, okay?”

“Do I hav’ta?” she whined, fingers twined in his curls, pouting when you nodded. God, your heart swelled every time she did that. “Benny sleeps too?”

“Yeah, baby, Ben is going to sleep too,” Eddie told her, lowering her down onto the bed.

Elena, still having no perception of how chaotic she could often be, jumped down to the ground and stirred Ben from the half-slumber he’d found himself in, before running off into the bathroom and slamming the door a little too loudly.

Chuckling, you handed Benjamin to Eddie, “You were amazing tonight. As usual.”

He grinned, arms coming up to cradle the baby in his arms, rocking him back and forth to soothe. “Helps that I had my biggest fans in the crowd. Hottest one, too. Wanted to flip her skirt up after the show in the green room.” He added that with a wink.

“Not while the kids are around,” you hissed, but heat still burned low in your belly all the same, craving the next time you’d be able to have some alone time. Luckily that would be tomorrow, when Micah and Jeremiah took them for a few hours so you could explore the city you’d fallen in love in years ago. “He did really well for his first concert.”

Eddie tugged the baby closer, pressing a kiss to his brow. “Is that right, Benny Boy? Just wait — in a year or so I’ll teach you how to play too. Just like your sister. We can start our own band.”

“Don’t tell the guys that they’re getting replaced,” you laughed, palm curling up and over his broad shoulder as he settled down beside you on the bed. Cuddled up to his side and staring down at your sweet baby boy, you added, “Robin and Vickie called. Chrissy and Steve had another girl.”

“Poor guy is in trouble. Three girls.” Eddie whistled, running his index finger along Ben’s slackened bottom lip, little sighs falling from the baby.

“Heard from my publisher too. We finally solidified the release date on my next book.”

He leaned over and kissed you, forehead resting against yours. “I’m so proud of you, Buttercup.”

All your dreams were coming true — together.

Every day you loved him a little more than the one that came before.

You had your two beautiful babies.

Your family.

Your friends.

Life was good.

“How about you put him down for the night and I go check on our girl?” you asked, just as Ben finally slackened in his father’s arms, lost to the waking world.

Eddie nodded, happy to do so, whispering sweet words to his littlest love as you made your way over to the bathroom, peeking in to find Elena already finishing up pulling on her pajamas. “Look at you. Such a big girl. How about we go lay down and get ready for a bedtime story? I bet if you ask Daddy real nice he’ll tell you a good one.”

A tiny fist came up to rub at adorable doe-eyes as you carried your daughter back to the bedroom, finding Eddie sprawled out on the bed, the comforter drawn back to make room for the two of you to scramble on in.

Elena, naturally, untangled herself from you and rushed past in her hurry to plaster herself to her father like a starfish. Limbs all sprawled across his form, trying to be as close as possible. His hand slid up and over her back, locking her against his chest. After brushing a final kiss to Ben’s forehead and wrapping him within a blanket from where he lay in his portable crib, you tucked against Eddie’s opposite side, head over where his heart thumped steadily within.

“Missed my favorite girls,” Eddie said, kissing the tops of both your heads.

Your fingers stretched across his chest to tangle with Elena’s, giving her a little squeeze as she sleepily asked, “Story now?”

His laugh rumbled beneath your ear. “Yeah, what kind of story tonight? The one about the bears maybe — or the one about Mr. Turtle?”

“New one please?” She shrugged, nuzzling further into Eddie’s chest.

“How about I tell you the story about the day your Mommy and Daddy met?”

Her eyes sparkled in the darkened hotel room, head rising and falling rapidly.

“Once upon a time, there was a giant Halloween party in a beautiful…uh, castle. A traveling minstrel — which is a fancy word for a musician — looked across the room and spotted the most beautiful princess in all the land…”

He told her the story of Halloween.

He told her the story of where it all began.

He told her the story of your love.

——

well, this is the end. thank you so so much everyone for all of your lovely comments every week, all of our conversations and just generally thank you for loving this story as much as i have. cannot wait to share the next eddie stories i have planned with you all. and please please — if you enjoyed this chapter, please let me know. it means the world to content creators, and i love getting to chat with you all. until next time, xoxo - luna. 🩷🩷

#lunaloveseddie #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson fluff #dad!eddie munson x pregnant!reader

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femstyles · 24 days ago

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I found One Direction when I was in high school. In the world of confusing teenage hormones and trying to find out who the hell i was. I found joy in their first album, and then found community through their fandom very quickly after. I remember sitting with my three best friends and replaying the first 2 seconds of Taken over and over again to hear Liams low note at the beginning.

I met a girl online who lived across the globe from me in 2013 because of that community. I have spent the last 11 years talking to her. We've both had children now. We still share so much of our lives even now.

My best friend in the world and I use to have sleep overs and listen to 1d and go on tumblr together to scream about 5 idiot boys. We spent years together giggling and crying about them. We flew together to a different state after we graduated High School to finally see them and I remember every moment of that trip even 10 years later. We drove across the state 9 months later to see them again on our first 'adult' trip so far away. Through our biggest fight and two years we didn't talk, 1d was a thread that stayed between us and eventually when we moved past our own shit, we came right back. We still loved these boys.

I had One Direction when I was at my lowest points. Sitting alone in my dorm in college, depressed (so depressed) and lonely and SAD. But I had my silly 1d blanket, and a blog on tumblr to keep me company. And I made it through the dark. I had these boys and this community through the death of two very close family members, watching the love of my life struggle with addiction (and overcoming it), a pandemic, and infertility.

But I also had them during the happiest times. While in labor with my kids I listened to 1d. While driving on long road trips I listen to them. I attended their movie premiere and had the time of my life. I got married and danced to WMYB at the reception with my loved ones around me.

And with all that, I knew those boys had made a sacrifice during their creation of that little world. They were worked so incredibly hard. They weren't given the support they needed to cope with the crazy shift their lives took. They did so much to provide those who adored them with joy.

Liam. He said it himself that he wanted to save people. I hope he knows that he did. So so many people. I don't sit here writing this pretending that these boys are perfect because they aren't. But they truly are part of the reason I'm here today and who I am.

Liam. I'm so fucking sorry your life ended so soon. You deserved a chance to turn things around. You deserved to be free from addiction. You deserved so much better than what was given to you all those years ago. I owe you an essential piece of me forever. Rest In Peace.

#sorry i needed to get some of my thoughts out #im still so fucking sad #liam #death tw

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zmbiesuga · 1 year ago

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I literally jumped with joy when you fallowed me back omg ily sm. So I was at the doctors and my doctor told me how he proposed to his wife and it was so sweet. He said he was stressed from finals and he had like a dream that his wife died and he dreamed of everything he couldn’t do with her. So when he woke up it was like 2 in the morning and he ran to his room to get the ring he had. He had it for two whole like years but ran to her dorm and begged her to say yes because he couldn’t wait. Could you write a fic of kuroo doing that with his boyfriend?

JUMP THEN FALL — k. tetsuro x m!reader

sypnosis: kuroo has always known that he wanted to marry you, and he's always said that he'll do it when he knows it's right. what's more perfect than asking after he had a dream about you dying?

warnings: mentions of death (nothing too graphic but still), kuroo being a fucking loser dork but i adore him so it's fine <3, fluff, happy ending!, angst if you squint really really hard, kuroo and reader are in their last year of college in this one, but i'm not in college yet so idfk how it works but i'll pretend i do!! use of the petnames 'babe' and 'baby'

notes: okay i'm so so sorry this took so long, i had a really bad depressive episode, i hope you like it, this request is really cute and i had a lot of fun writing it :D and two, that is so nice of you to say omg :( of course i followed you back, you always send me requests, you interact with my stuff a lot and you're just really nice so thank you for that <3

Kuroo has always wanted to marry you, it's the one thing he's been sure of in his entire life.

When you bring up marriage to him, however, he just tells you to "be patient" and that he'll "do it when he knows it's right" which constantly keeps you on your toes in case your dork of a boyfriend decides that the "right time" is during one of your lectures or at any inappropriate time really.

It kept Kuroo on his toes too, because what you don't know is that in the far-right corner of his sock drawer holds a small velvet box with a beautiful band inside of it. Every day he can feel his hand graze over the box, thinking to himself, maybe now is the right time.

But then he shakes his head, and decides it isn't.

And besides, as much as Kuroo loves you, he has finals to worry about. And they're really kicking his ass.

Although most people would peg Kuroo as the focused studious type (which he tried so desperately to be), the truth was that he tried so hard to procrastinate as much as possible. However, was it really procrastination if he needs the sleep?

When it was to avoid studying for finals, yes it was.

"Kuroo, sleeping to avoid studying for finals is not something you should do," your voice rippled out through the speaker of his phone, "especially if it's every single time you have them."

"Babe, you are the one who is constantly nagging me to sleep more," he rebutted, that stupid cocky tone he always had lingering in the back of his throat ever present, "I'm finally listening to you, I think you should take that as a win."

"Kuroo," your voice cracked again through that shoddy android speaker again, a certain firmness to it this time, "please promise me that you'll study, you're gonna hate yourself if you don't."

"Baby, I promise you I will, you know my word to you is good," he replied, you could hear that fucking cocky grin etching itself onto his face, "right after my little nap. I love you; I'll talk to you soon."

After you too bid your goodbyes, Kuroo made himself as comfortable on that dorm room mattress as he could, until his eyes got heavy, and he drifted off to sleep.

Kuroo could have sworn it was real.

The chase, your blood curdling scream, the way his stomach dropped to the soles of his feet when he realized he was too late.

It wasn't until he shot up in bed with that same nauseous feeling sitting in his chest as his breath came out panicked and labored had he realized it was nothing but a fucked-up dream.

Kuroo had never been so happy to wake up.

Slowly, but surely, he had calmed himself down. His breath returning to normal as the nauseous feeling in his chest disappeared, what didn't disappear, however, was that he didn't want to live life without you. He didn't want to graduate without you beside him, he didn't want to start a company without you there cheering him on along the way, and he sure as hell didn't want to imagine having a family with anyone else that wasn't you. Life was too short for hesitation, it was too short for his hesitation.

He quickly rushed out of bed, pulling an old hoodie over his torso, slipping on his shoes, and rifling through his drawer to grab that velvet box that had been sitting there for two years, begging to be let free.

Luckily for him, your dorm wasn't far from his. He hadn't even bothered to check the time on his phone, where the light flashed a large: 2:03 A.M. at him, he didn't care if his frantic speed walking down the hallway woke up everyone on that floor, he was only worried about getting to you.

When he got to your dorm, he rapped his fist against the door so hard he could've sworn that his knuckles would crack open. The door opened to a very annoyed you, but he didn't care if he interrupted your sleep, or your studying, he was just so elated to see you in front of him.

"Kuroo, what the hell?" you seethed, "It's two in the morning, what on earth —"

You were quickly cut off by Kuroo dropping to one knee in the doorway of your dorm room, pulling out that velvet box in all its glory, revealing that beautiful band you had mentioned liking to him once, you couldn't control the way your mouth slightly dropped in confusion, a wave of emotions hitting you like a tsunami.

"(Y/n), please, just listen to me," he blurted out in an almost pleading tone, "I've always wanted to wait until the right moment to ask you this, but recently, I've realized that the right moment was in front of me the entire time."

You tried to get a word in, but Kuroo's word vomit was faster.

"(Y/n), I've realized there is so much I want to do with you, so much that I can't do without you," he said, you swore you could see the tears well in the corner of his eyes, "everything from this point forward is useless if I can't do it with you by my side, so I'm begging you, even though it's two a.m. and we're both in our pajamas with messy hair and dark circles under our eyes, will you make me the happiest man alive, and marry me?"

It was your turn to be stunned, you stared down at your boyf — fiancée, in front of you with stained sweatpants and an old Nekoma sweatshirt barely big enough to cover his torso asking you to marry him at two in the morning.

You stayed quiet for so long, it scared Kuroo. Maybe this wasn't the right time, you two were still in college, this was all so sudden, so impulsive, he should have waited, he should have —

All these thoughts were expelled from his head as he felt your body weight push against his, squeezing him so tight in an embrace that he could barely breath.

"Yes," you whispered against the side of his neck, he could feel the tears from your eyes splashing there as well, "oh my god Kuroo, yes, a million times over."

He smiled softly at you, resting his own head against your shoulder as you held him in your arms. If this is what the rest of his life looked like, then god was he excited for it.

#love letters from leo #my dearest haikyuu #kuroo x reader #kuroo tetsuro x reader #kuroo x male reader #kuroo x m!reader #hq x reader #hq x male reader #hq x m!reader #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu x male reader #haikyuu x m!reader #kuroo fluff #hq fluff #haikyuu fluff #kuroo my love.#light of my life my sweet pie

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wandascrush · 7 days ago

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The Child

pairing: Agatha Harkness x Rio Vidal

Warnings: Agatha and Rio, mentions of birth, some sadness, overall fluff

A/N: My own theory/version of what transpired between Rio, Agatha, and Nicky!

Agatha Harkness had only ever cried five times in her long, long life. Two so far, but there were three more coming she was unaware of. Once, when she was being burned alive by her coven. The second time, when her love- Rio, left. A work thing, apparently. When you’re a witch who’s job is to collect souls, things can get a little complicated. And the third time Agatha cried was the most unexpected- out of joy. In the dimly lit, old bathroom within her secluded home, the air was thick with both anticipation and ancient magic. Candles flickered, casting shadows that seemed to breathe with her every laboring gasp. Agatha’s face glistened with sweat as she gripped the edge of the tub, her breath coming in ragged, controlled inhales and exhales, her body wracked by waves of pain.

The night prior she had cast spells for protection, spells for strength, and spells to quiet the outside world, shielding this sacred moment from prying eyes. Even the baby, not yet born, seemed to stir in response to the magic enveloping them both, the air humming with energy that was both fierce and tender.

As another contraction hit, Agatha clenched her fist, and a burst of violet energy flared from her fingertips, casting sparks that danced across the room like wild fireflies. She inhaled sharply, focusing her energy to draw the pain away, channeling it through her fingertips to dissipate into the air. Despite her exhaustion, she could feel her magic reaching out, surrounding her child with warmth and protection, soothing both their spirits.

“If I can handle centuries of dark magic, I can handle a little—oh, alright, maybe a lot—of pain…”

Finally, with one last surge of will, Agatha braced herself, hands glowing with ethereal light as she pushed with every ounce of her strength. Moments later, the air seemed to still, and the room fell into a hushed silence, even the witch’s breathing was silent- broken only by the sharp, weak cry of her newborn child.

Panting, Agatha looked down, eyes wide with awe and wonder. Warm tears spilled from her eyes and onto her cheeks, saltiness mixing with her lips. Tiny, perfect fingers grasped her hand, the hands that have caused so much chaos- and a spark of magic passed between them, an unmistakable bond forged in that instant. Mother and child-no, more specifically- mother and son. A soft, silvery glow radiated from the infant’s skin, flickering in response to Agatha’s own energy—a sign of the powers she had passed down.

Cradling the baby close, Agatha whispered a blessing, a promise woven in the old language of witches. The deep brown eyes that were always so hardened and sharp softened in an instant, looking at this perfect, brand new little life- someone to love and love her back fully.

“My son.”

Two years later

Nicky nuzzled his soft brown hair into his mothers lap, looking up at her with those big round eyes she loved, “shtowy ty?” He had meant to ask “story time?,” but couldn’t fully pronounce the words yet in his tender age. Agatha stroked his head softly, picking up the small book next to her, The history of witches, warlocks, and wizards. Truthfully, it wasn’t a very good book, but it was a friendly introduction into witchcraft for her son. As the sound of crackling wood burned in the fireplace, filling their small living room with warm, the little sorcerer dozed off on Agatha’s lap, wrapped inside her cardigan for warmth. It was nights like these when the witch could feel her heart nearly beating out of her chest with love for her child. She patted his back rhythmically, still reading the book and holding the little bundle curled up inside her cardigan.

But then, as if on cue, the calm shifted—a whisper in the air, a soft footfall just outside the room. Agatha’s eyes flicked up, already sensing who had entered.

“Still sneaking around, Rio?” Her voice was a murmur, barely louder than the crackling fire, but it held an unmistakable edge. She kept her tone soft, unwilling to disturb her son’s sleep. She gently lied him on the couch, draping a blanket over his sleeping form- maybe hiding him. Maybe not.

Rio Vidal, dressed in her usual effortless black, lingered in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the warm glow. She looked almost hesitant—an unusual look for her. Her dark eyes moved from Agatha to the cozy home she was in. Strange.

“I wasn’t… sneaking.” Rio’s voice was softer than usual, her usual dry edge replaced by something more uncertain. She cleared her throat. “I just—wanted to see you. Is that so wrong?” Her gaze settled on Agatha’s eyes, deep and unmoving.

Agatha stepped forward, encasing Rio into the doorframe, “Not everything is for you, y’know. You can’t just wander in here like we’re still…an item,” she replied, a hint of sharpness slipping into her voice. “Especially not anymore.”

Rio shifted, crossing her arms over her chest, her mouth twisting slightly, like she was trying to find the right words but refusing to lose her usual cool. “Funny how you haven’t blasted me out yet, Harkness” she murmured, the faintest hint of a smirk ghosting over her lips, though her eyes held a different story.

Agatha sat back down on the couch, voice barely a whisper, and took the blanket off of Nicky, revealing his sleeping form, “Maybe because things are different now.” She looked up at Rio, her expression softening just enough to reveal the faintest glimmer of vulnerability. If anyone else had been watching Rio, they wouldn’t have noticed a change in her expression. Agatha, however, watched her entire demeanor change, taking a step forward- and then back, “What’s that?” However, In her heart, she knew exactly who it was.

“Rio, meet my son- Nicholas.”

#agatha harkness #rio vidal #nicholas scratch #agatha all along #Kathryn Hahn #Aubrey Plaza #agatha all along theory #agatha harkness x rio vidal #agatha harkness fluff #agatha harkness angst #rio vidal fluff #rio vidal angst

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crisiscutie · 9 months ago

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Hi!! I love your work. I was wondering if you could write anything for Domestic Sephy where Darling actually gives birth to their children and it’s just a really sweet and tender moment? ❤️❤️🍼

-Anon

No problem~! Distant sequel to this fic/scenario..

Pairing: 🐈Fluffy Sephiroth/Domestic Darling🍳

Content Warning: None, besides focus on pregnancy/birth (not graphic)

Beads of sweat dripped down your forehead while your chest rose and fell, your breaths growing heavy by the moment. Sephiroth held you in a protective embrace, giving you a sweet kiss on your neck as you entered labor.

"I-I won't let you go..." His slit eyes were shut tight, as a singular tear trailed down his face. You forced a smile, attempting to reassure him as much as you were trying to reassure yourself. This wasn't your first time going through this, having experienced it four times already, but the discomfort and pain became no easier. Unlike the last times you two went to the clinic in the village, you and Sephiroth had chosen a home birth for the final part of your ten-year vow renewal.

"If this isn't a girl like you promised, you owe me big time," you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm certain of it," Sephiroth replied, attempting to force his own chuckle. While he appreciated your attempt to comfort him, his sole concern was your wellbeing. He had never enjoyed this part of your pregnancies, even with the assurance that nothing would go wrong. In his mind, something always could. When your whimpering started, he tightened his grip on you, hating to see and hear you in pain. Your midwife urged you to push more, prepared to catch your baby.

Your eldest children, especially Angelica, were watching your labor process closely and quietly. Sharing her father's love for science, Angelica in particular, was excited to witness this special moment and gain more knowledge. You gave her and the boys the opportunity to witness this moment, as long as they felt they could handle it. And thankfully, things had been going well mostly so far.

"Don't you want to see this part, Loz?" Angealica said, placing a soothing hand on her brother's shoulder. Loz had his hands covering his eyes, desperately trying to stay calm. He wanted to be supportive, like his siblings, but it seems even the star player of his school sports team had his limits.

"I can't look! You can just tell me what it looks like!" He croaked.

"...You ever seen a chocobo blink its eye?" Yazoo said to him. A piercing scream suddenly escaped your lips as you got closer to getting your child out. Even more tears trailed down Sephiroth's cheeks as he nuzzled into your neck. Oh, how much he wanted to relieve your burden of pain, or at least bear it alongside you. It's only right for him to do so as your soulmate. You screamed for so long, you lost track of time, silently praying for this agony to be over.

"Mother, Father. It's all over now!" Kadaj said, excited to see his newborn sibling now brought into the world, cradled in the midwife's arms. Both you and Sephiroth opened your eyes, beholding the crying baby before you. Once the baby was carefully attended to, the midwife swathed her in a gentle blanket and placed her into your trembling arms. Sephiroth's arms supported yours, allowing you to continue holding your pride and joy.

"Baby Lucrecia..." You whispered, holding her close to your chest for skin-to-skin. Sephiroth's hands caressed yours gently, as he rested his head on top of yours. "You were right, Sephiroth..." You murmured. A mixture of a heartfelt chuckle and a cry escaped him in response.

"I'm only glad that you're both here, my love..." He said. As you two took a moment to recover from the intense moment, Loz finally removed his hands and opened his eyes. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he saw on his newborn sibling for the first time. Meanwhile, the other three engaged in a lively debate over the perfect nickname for their little sister.

"Lulu should be her nickname," Angealica declared confidently. "because I'm the eldest and that's my decree."

"You may be our big sister, but I'm the one who leads us!" Kadaj retorted at her.

"Lucy sounds better. Much more dignified." Yazoo remarked in his usual monotonous voice.

You quickly shushed your eldest children while Sephiroth gave them a wary glance, conveying the same message to them. You two were in no rush for this beautiful moment to end so quickly...

Definitely didn't steal some of the dialogue from this clip, xD

#sephiroth #ff7 sephiroth #final fantasy 7 #ff7 #crisis cutie #sephiroth x reader #fluffy sephiroth #final fantasy x reader #reader insert #pregnant reader #female reader #x reader #fluffy angst #reader #remnants of sephiroth #kadaj ff7 #ffvii #tw: pregnancy

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darkestspring · 2 years ago

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Hello! Can I request a Yandere Aemond and Yandere Aegon force their niece to marry them?

you were rhaenyra's eldest child, born from both laenor and rhaenyra's labors and efforts. You were their pride and joy, the only legitimate child to come from their union.

Everyone had viewed you as their true heir, the beloved princess velaryon but none adored you more than your uncles, aegon and aemond.

their adoration had gone from pure to twisted after that night at driftmark. Your aunt had died and then it was your father, nothing was the same for you as you had locked yourself away, unwilling to see your mother marry someone else.

You had carried on with your heir duties, learning philosophy and strategy once you had perfected your high valyrian. You wished to perfect yourself. You had even taken up sword training from your great-uncle, the only time you ever talked to him.

It had all went from fine to worse, the night you had returned to king's landing. Your uncle Vaemond had insisted that driftmark be passed to you, seeing as you were the only child that laenor sired. It had led to him losing his head, you had not yet recovered from such a sight when your uncles cornered you.

"Sweet niece." Aegon's purring voice greeted you as you stared at him, unimpressed.

"Uncles." You greeted the both of them impassively unlike the care you held for them years ago. "Move out of my way, Aegon." Your eyes narrowed at him when he refused to do so.

"We missed you after you so cruelly abandoned us." He pouted at you as he reached out to twirl a strand of white hair between his fingers. "It seems you have grown more beautiful in our absence, don't you agree brother?"

"Hmmm." Aemond stared at you like he wanted to make a home in between your ribs and it unnerved you. You had always known that your uncles were dangerous. You had gone against your mother and father as a child to see your uncles, to spend your time with them. Watching them train, reading with aemond, flying with aegon.

"It was the both of you who pushed us away, with your cruel words against my brothers." You hissed at them, smacking aegon's hand away. "I will not be your toy. We are no longer children."

"No, we're not." Aegon agreed, stepping closer to you as aemond did the same. "You're of pure valyrian descent, what I wouldn't do to have a taste."

"You will never have one!" You refused, smacking aemond's hand away as he reached to touch your sapphire pendant. "There is no one in this world I loath more than the both of you."

"Oh, I imagine you love us just as much." Aemond retorted, an amused smile on his lips as he peered down at you. "You never forget a love that's etched into you."

You stiffened as a phantom pain went through the scar on your ribs. The scar where Aemond had carved his name into you.

'So that even if I'm far away, you'll never forget me.' He had insisted as you sobbed through the pain.

"You and I both know that was not love."

Aegon groaned, tired of this cryptic conversation. "Enough!" He hissed, his hands clutching at your wrists with force. "I don't care about my whore sister, our crazy uncle or your bastard brothers. I have had enough of you slipping from our grasp. Before anyone else, we'll claim you as ours." He pulled you down the hallway, hand over your mouth

"A septon has agreed to marry the three of us. Before morning breaks, you will be our wife, bound to us for all eternity. Struggle against this and I'll slit all three of your bastard brother's throats, do not test my patience."

You stilled, fear filling you. You had never been more afraid of them than you were right then.

"We already have a gift for you." Aemond purred into your ear, following close behind you. "Lord Cregan Stark's heart, for daring to pursue you."

You would never escape them. No attempt would even get you close.

#yandere house of the dragon #aemond targaryen x reader #aegon targaryen x reader #yandere aemond targaryen x reader #yandere aegon targaryen x reader #yandere aemond targaryen #yandere aegon ii targaryen

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sam-loves-seb · 2 years ago

Text

thinking about eddie, a decade later, maybe two, and corroded coffin has gone on to be a world famous metal band and eddie gets recognized as their front man everywhere he goes. he loves it, for a time, creating joy with his music, having fun on tour with his friends, listening to entire stadiums sing his words back to him. it's the life he always wanted, and he's grateful.

but it's not 1986 anymore, he's not some twenty year old kid with energy to burn. none of them are. jeff has two kids at home that miss him terribly when the band's on tour, and gareth is married now with a baby of his own on the way. they all still love the band that changed their lives, and the shitty lyrics from their first album they wrote in gareth's mom's garage back in hawkins, and all the music that came after. but now--it might be time for a break.

"We're not breaking up," Eddie announces at their last show. "Far from it. We just--we need a little time to be normal again. To enjoy this part of our life before it's gone. We'll be back, someday, I know we will," he says, and the band nods along with him, their hands held over their hearts as the stadium cheers around them. "Consider it a hiatus. And don't even think about forgetting us while we're gone."

So, Jeff flies home and gets to go to his son's first t-ball game, and Gareth heads back to LA to finish setting up the nursery before his wife goes into labor. And Eddie?

Well, Eddie goes home.

To a little house just outside of Indianapolis, bought in 1989 after they signed their first record deal. Three bedrooms, two car garage, one husband waiting in the driveway when his car pulls up.

(That last one didn't come with the house, but it is what makes this place a home. Eddie's home.)

It's not until Eddie collapses in Steve's arms does he realize how much he needs this. That he realizes how tired he is, and just how homesick he's become.

"I missed you," Steve murmurs into his hair, arms wrapped tight around his waist.

"I'm never leaving home again," Eddie whispers back, clutching onto Steve's polo shirt and letting the tears start to pool in his eyes.

"We both know that's not true," Steve teases, pressing a kiss to Eddie's temple.

"Not for a long while, then," Eddie tells him, lifting his head and cupping his husband's face.

Steve tilts his head, his brows furrowing a bit in confusion, a single crease forming between them. It's deeper than it was when they first got together, back when they were all still kids. His hair is different too, still floppy and styled and perfect, but shorter, only a little bit, and just starting to salt and pepper near his temples. It's barely noticeable, unless you're Eddie Munson and you spend every moment you can studying the planes of Steve Harrington's face.

"I'm retired," Eddie tells him, only half joking.

"You're thirty-nine."

"Semi-retired," he rolls his eyes, takes his husband's hand, and leads him into their house where their two cats are waiting for them. "And making the most of it. Starting now."

#should i make a part 2?#this isn't even what i initially wanted to write #part 2 is what i wanted to write #and yet #i cannot resist a setup #my steddie posts #my steddie hcs #my steddie fanfic #steddie #eddie munson #steve x eddie #eddie x steve #steddie fanfic #stranger things #stranger things fanfic #steddie au #steddie headcanon #steddie fandom

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jhuzen · 2 years ago

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Hi!! I wanted to make a request if you're taking them right now! (Sorry if you aren't, feel free to just ignore!!((in love with your writing by the way it's amazing)))

My idea is Zhongli with a partner who is very usually very cheery and chaotic but very emotionally closed off. Until they get drunk for whatever reason and sobbing to Zhongli about how much they're in love with him and how he's the best thing that ever happened to them etc.

Basically just very mushy drunk reader.

Anyway, hope you're doing well, make sure to drink water and be nice to yourself!

truth serum [gn/m.reader]

asmsiskdkcmeimcwdc?? not me absolutely having fun with this godsend ask. like. tysm anon. i love it. you have no idea how amazed and happy i am to see this ask. good shit. another big brained anon ftw. also i hope i did it some justice 😭 i really enjoyed writing their chemistry,, it’s so cute hehe

𖦹 a pinch of angst, drinking, alcohol, an attempt at a cute scenario

In all the years that Zhongli has known you, there was nothing short of joy and amusement that you brought into his life. Since the day he met you up on one of the mountains he’s shaped and created, you’ve enticed him and drew him in so effortlessly and he complied, growing closer like a moth to a flame. You were the sun that everybody looked forward to — him more so.

And he wasn’t wrong with his judgment, you gave what you offered. You were the gentle glow and the warmth that radiated on the nights that he’s cold. Always blessing him with that smile of yours — how ironic was it that he was the famed archon, and yet he looked to you and worshipped you far more than anyone in the people of Liyue could ever do so with him. To him, you were the unsung deity, the person that deserved a throne but never needed one, your benevolence exceeded anyone’s expectations and anyone wouldn’t be ashamed to have you.

You are Zhongli’s pride and joy, the only one capable of forging the embers of passion that sweltered within him. You are his everything.

And even with such a kind attitude, you were no downer. You exhibited a form of exuberance that immediately drew everyone in. With that warming smile of yours, everyone wanted to be near you for a chance (though Zhongli still with the characteristics of the draconic Morax would refuse anything closer, you were his even before he staked his claim).

Said exuberance of yours often turned you into a mad riot — a whirlwind of pure excitement that anyone could barely keep up with. Zhongli had to stifle a quiet laugh when he had to come get you from Wanmin restaurant, Guoba scolding you as you tried to beat Xiangling on who can eat the most Jueyun Chilis. You lost to young girl, but Xiangling wasn’t doing any better. You tried to reason out that you were losing on purpose, but with your labored breathing and your adorably red face, Zhongli could tell otherwise.

Often times, Zhongli would get dragged into such schemes, to the point that he has to save you from plummeting down into Osial’s prison when you tried to propose to him to be your lover in the stone forest. It truly was memorable for all the wrong (and right) reasons.

You’ve endeared him when you took the leap of faith and came to him with open arms, ready to finally have him after the long-winded pining, the hinting glances he would give you, and the way the former archon only seems to care about you and only you far more than anyone else.

Being with you was nothing short of delightful. Everyday, Zhongli would wake up to your breathtaking smiles and home-cooked breakfast. You entertained his endeavors and stories that could last for days, even making remarks of your own. You bought him trinkets that ranged from something simple, to something he knew even Tartaglia’s bank would quiver at. You were perfect.

Well. Generously speaking.

By all means, you weren’t a bad partner or a lover, you gave him everything, from the material possessions, down to the intimate moments you and him shared.

It was only that there are times, when Zhongli would be left in the silence of your shared home, he would zone into those moments that were so intimate emotionally and found… that it was only him that ever shared the appreciations, the loving gratitude, and the genuine love that he feels for you. And you accepted it wholeheartedly, only to turn the other way and continue on with what you’re doing.

It worried him greatly.

Even more when his thoughts were proven right as you held him so closely as you and him laid under the shade of the tree, with him comfortably resting on top of you. He could hear your heartbeat from your chest, as he laid his ear on it, quiet thumping can be heard and if he were to listen close enough, there was a timber of kindness and love inside it.

He sighed, content and at peace within your arms, “I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated life more than now…”

“Hm? Why do you say that?” You asked, hands slowly removing itself from his waist as you played around with the strands of his hair. “You’re not dying on me, are you?” You jested and he only scoffed with no malice. Ever the joker you are, it’s ridiculous how he fell for such charms.

“I am merely appreciating the finer things in life. Madame Ping has urged me to talk more about it,” a mere white lie for him to coax out your vulnerability. Madame Ping was far too aware of his happiness now that he has you — she was always the one on the receiving end of his talk of fondness about you.

“Oh? Then what makes you appreciate this life then?”

“Complications are far behind me now that I’m no longer the one in control… everything feels so much simpler yet so intricate,” he looked up at you, chin resting on your chest as he flashed you a small smile. “All of it because now I have you. I love you, [Name]. I would give you all the stars if I could, and slay a thousand beasts to keep you from harm… you are my everything and without you, I can no longer see myself as something…”

He watched with glee as your eyes widened at his words, no doubt taken by surprise. Zhongli can feel it, your vulnerability, ready to bare itself to him with the same level of intimacy as he’s displayed. Just that, and he can be the most content man in the world.

“I— ah, that’s good.”

Zhongli blinked owlishly as you stumbled over your words. Struggled even. He felt your muscles tense up beneath him.

“Good. I’m glad you’re happy, dearest.”

He couldn’t shield you from the way his eyes flashed a smidge of hurt at your response. And you weren’t an idiot. A bit reckless to the point of trouble following you, sure, but you were far from ignorant. Especially to your lover. You frowned a little and tilted his chin up, “Hey now, don’t make that face. I’m glad you’re feeling okay in the life that you’ve been living. And I love you too,” you tried to salvage what you could but even you were aware at how lacking it was.

Zhongli wasn’t unappreciative of your efforts, but he could only nod and stomach the gnawing worry inside him as he felt your lips brush against the skin of his forehead. Surely there’s a way to pry you open, right? There was something holding you back… and he doesn’t know what.

He was aware already that despite how accepting you seem, no one has ever seen you so vulnerable. You were an individual so full of life, but you never once wore your heart on your sleeves. And if people could look past those smiles of yours that are just so full of life, they would’ve known just how closed off you truly are. It was confusing, really, and Zhongli was starting to doubt things.

If he can’t even know your true feelings… then what’s stopping you from suddenly going up and leaving, only to never come back? Zhongli was heartbroken at the thought, he can’t lose you, not in a million years and even more than that.

But how… in Teyvat is he going to pry you open?

“ALCOHOL!!”

Zhongli almost yelped as he watched the poor you crash into the cobble streets of the harbor, jolting at the sight of the infamous Crux Captain on top of your back, with an incredibly huge smile on her face. He grimaced at your weak groan. He knows you can stomach a little pain. He knows that after he watched you confront Azhdaha to help the traveler into coaxing him to give them some materials for something important.

“[Name]!! I’ve arrived with a hundred souvenirs and a thousand more kegs! Courtesy of the rich lady up top, of course.” Beidou cackled as she finally got off of you, helping you up to your feet. “Oh! Hey there! Hope you don’t mind me borrowing your beloved for awhile!” She winked at Zhongli… but from her one eye, it only seemed like a mere blink.

Zhongli tilted his head a little as the look of confusion crossed his features, “Pardon? What do you mean by that, Captain Beidou?”

You dusted off the last bits of dust on your clothing and laughed a little, “Ah, I almost forgot. Y’see, before Beidou left, she told me I owe her a challenge.”

“A challenge?” The former archon cocked an eyebrow.

“A challenge!” Beidou parroted with a loud laugh, patting your back rather strongly to the point that you almost went back down to kiss the ground. “I challenged [Name] into the greatest drinking contest ever! Them against me, of course! It’s finally time for us to prove who’s the one that can hold the most liquor in the world!”

Zhongli looked at you questioningly, and you returned it with a shrug, “It’s what she wanted. And she won’t leave me alone until I say yes. If I didn’t I probably wouldn’t have been able to leave the ship.”

“Like there was even a chance for you to say no!” Beidou laughed again before patting your back and Zhongli’s shoulder, “Alright, I’ll see you in Liuli Pavilion! The booze is waiting and I don’t want my rival backing out!”

You had to rub your back from the soreness and sighed, “Though I doubt she’ll win, you have to admire the captain’s spirit. It’s hard not to honor her request.”

Zhongli stepped nearer and fixed up the lapels of your suit, smiling a little, “You know it’s a rather unfair match, right? While the Captain is amazing, you’re basically impossible to even get drunk.”

“That may be true, but hey, who knows?”

Who knows, indeed — is what all Zhongli could say as he gawked at the many barrels of alcohol that were stacked upon each other. The captain was not kidding, she secured barrels of it even, and the spark of glee that was within her eyes was relatively alarming. He merely tagged along so he can at least help clean up, but now curiosity was lingering at the back of his mind.

He’s never once seen you drunk. Often times, it’ll be him already mumbling about on the occasions that you and him would go out and drink to unwind (often in the company of one harbinger who would always challenge you and subsequently lose). He’s even seen you offer a handicap and drink Snezhnaya’s fire water in one bottle and Tartaglia still got wasted first.

You simply held your alcohol so well. Zhongli figured maybe this was the reason for Beidou’s challenge, to finally outdo you.

And Zhongli would have called it a night if it hadn’t turned for the unexpected.

But before that, expectantly, Beidou was out. She couldn’t beat you, and probably not even a million years. But she managed far more than any other human out there, swigging drink after drink with little to no care, keeping up with you all the more. It was almost inhuman, really, to see her empty the huge beer glass with so much gusto, the accompanying snacks as chasers left to the crew members who were also around to witness their captain’s victory.

And when she finally tapped out, surprisingly, you… you were already drunk.

Zhongli waited in bated breath as you and him were the only ones awake in the establishment. He was positive even the owners had to have dozed off with how long this competition has been going on already.

“Z…Zhooooong…zhongzhong…” you murmured and he was already by your side in a flash.

“Dear? Are you alright?” The concern inside him was quelled as he watched your flushed cheeks brighten even more. You’ve had one too many to the point that you were barely coherent. He was surprised to say the least — seeing you so feverish and so drunk.

“Zhonnnngggzzzzzzzli,” he blinked as you looked up, letting go of the beer glass you had in your hand. “Did I… win?”

“Sure did. We’re the only ones awake.” He laughed.

You raised a wobbly and weak fist in victory, “H….Hhhh…. Y-Yep. D-Das’right… I am the… undefeated champ,” your fist landed softly on the back of Beidou’s head, bonking her slightly with a slurred grin, “Take that… you… sea lady thing…”

Zhongli sighed a little, it was definitely in your fashion to get yourself into this kind of situation. Definitely your style to agree to something as ridiculous as a drinking contest and get drunk for the very first time. A smile tugged on the corner of his lips, “I will go get you some water and carry you home, yes?” He said and you nodded.

Only that when he did stand up to get water, you pulled him back down from his coattails, making him sit on your lap.

“[Name], I…”

“Shhhshshshshhh, no. Shush.” You huffed, enveloping his waist with your arms as you buried your face into his chest. He let out a breath, “Shush.” You chided and Zhongli obliged, trying to breathe quietly… however that’s done.

You and him stayed in silence, and he relished in the feeling of you within him. It was a sight to behold, something he will definitely remember for all eternity.

“Zhongli…” you murmured into the fabric of his coat, he only let out a quiet hum in response, playing with your hair like you did with him before. “I love you.”

“I know, dear. And I lo—”

“No!” You suddenly yelled and one of the crew members stirred at your volume, but you could care less. You lifted your head from his chest and held his shoulders, pulling him back a little as you looked at him square in his eyes. “I. Really. Love. You.”

Zhongli smiled a little and nodded. But you cut him off before he could say it back again, ��I don’t think you realize just… how much… I love you. It’s ridiculous. I love you so much that it’s soooo annoying,” you drawled and the former archon had to wonder what you meant.

Lucky him that you were going to tell anyway. It seemed as though a moment of sobriety and clarity came upon you, as your lazy slurring left your system while you spoke.

“You… are probably one of the best things that ever happened to me. I know I don’t say it much, but,” you hiccuped and Zhongli only then saw the tears cascading down your face, “I really, really, really love you so much. You have no idea how much it broke me when I saw your face before. You looked so sad, Zhongli, so, so, soooo sad. I’m sorry I couldn’t say it before, love. I don’t know what came over me, and I—!”

“Oh dear,” an airy chuckle left Zhongli’s parted lips as he watched you suddenly break open the emotions you held in your indestructible dam, flowing through like the tears in your eyes.

“I just— I just… I just!!! I just love you so much, man! Y-You treat me so well and give me all that I hope for!” You wailed so dramatically and Zhongli had to wonder if anyone woke up (he hopes not for the sake of your dignity and that he only wishes to be the only man to see this side of you), “Zhongli, I will marry you. It’s not even a want to do kind of thing anymore, I-I feel like if I don’t have you, I will die.”

It wasn’t even your intention, but soon tears pricked at the ends of his eyes, sniffling at your display, “Let’s hope we do not come to that point, yes?”

You pouted a little, “…Yes… Anyway… I’m… sorry I couldn’t say much… it’s hard for me, I guess,” you confessed and Zhongli understood. He always will for you. “But please understand… that if I also could, I would bring you not just stars but all worlds, that for your safety, I will not just kill a thousand threats but also build the strongest home… I will do it all for you…”

Suddenly, the fears within Zhongli were quelled and sent away as you finally gave out, letting him know that his worries were nothing but anxiety and that he will always have a place in your heart. He could feel his cheeks warm at your proposition earlier of tying the knot, even he couldn’t resist the giddiness that flooded his system at your drunken promise. It was enough for him to know that you still loved him even when it was expressed through a drunken honesty.

“…I love you… Zhongzhong…” you took your final shred of consciousness to breathe out your little declaration, eyes finally closing as you gave into the blissful slumber.

He cupped your cheeks and pecked your lips with a content smile, “I love you too, [Name].”

Zhongli was right about himself when you finally laid your feelings to him so openly. Because right now, he can confidently claim that he is most content man in the world.

#this fic is just me flexing my high alcohol tolerance too #shsjsidmc #genshin impact x gender neutral reader #genshin impact x gn reader #genshin impact x male reader #zhongli x gender neutral reader #zhongli x gn reader #zhongli x male reader #zhongli x reader #jhuzen’s stupid one shots

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flamigoat · 11 days ago

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Peaches 💖🍑👑 - A Far Off Future AU Fanfic

Themes: Friendship, Romance, Humor, Angst, Hurt Comfort

Relationships: Mareach (Mario x Princess Peach), Raypeach (Rabbid Peach x Rayman), and Luaisy (Luigi x Daisy <—Mentioned)

Content Warnings: Pregnancy, going into labor/ giving birth (not explicitly described)

Context: Far Off Future AU (The distant future and continued story of my Phantom Roommates AU for Mario Rabbids) + There are some Rabbid biology and fused Rabbid memory headcanons in this.

Plot Summary: Mario and Princess Peach are expecting twins!! Rabbid Peach is acting as her companion during the pregnancy. When the Princess goes into labor early, it’s up to Peaches (Rabbid Peach) to help her!

Find the fanfic underneath the cut:

Rabbid Peach had never expected to be chosen as her friend, Princess Peach’s companion during her pregnancy. I mean, sure, she maybe had experience in the Rabbid colony she was originally from, but for a human? It was unheard of! She couldn’t even remember that part anyway.

Was it really a good idea to trust her with this?

Though the cheerful smile of her princess was enough to melt her worries away. It was an honor to do this for her. It meant she trusted her deeply, making Peaches feel, ugh, embarrassingly bubbly on the inside.

Bwahaha! Oh it absolutely took everything she had not to burst into tears of joy upon learning her friend was pregnant. Mario would make a wonderful father to Princess Peach’s child. Possibly children! Yeesh, hopefully, humans weren’t like Rabbids in that department.

Anyways, she stayed by her princess’s side, preparing their baby rooms, putting together maternity photoshoots, etc. It all had to be perfect and Rabbid Peach was eager to do it. Anything to make the couple’s shoulders lighter until their babies came. It turns out, they were expecting twins!! Oh my Stars, how exciting!

Sure, some days were more stressful than others. Peaches was lucky her partner Rayman was there with her through it. She’d always be able to come home to him and vent. He’d always provide her a listening ear and offer all the sweet cuddles in the world. Seeing his pretty, goofy smile every day was delightful, having a partner like him by her side. He always loved making him laugh so she could see it. She never thought she’d have a relationship like this.

Flash forward to now and the pair of friends sat together on the balcony overlooking the palace gardens, enjoying their favorite cup of tea. Rabbid Peach was on her phone, scrolling through all the pictures filled with memories of her friend’s pregnancy. She documented every moment, even if she had to cover it up as just wanting to take selfies. She knew how much Princess Peach would love to look back at them, especially when she was due so soon. Only the calming clinks of teacups and the tapping of Rabbid Peach’s fingers on her phone screen broke their silence. Enjoying a peaceful day with her best friend like this, was nice.

The rabbid’s attention drew back to her friend, when their eyes made contact it earned a huff of amusement from her. The princess hummed in response, continuing to sew little decorations into her ever-growing scrapbook. It was filled with pictures of her friends, tidbits of notes depicting how her day went, what she ate, and who she spent time with. Most importantly, telling her babies how excited all their aunties and uncles were to meet them. They were all one big family. A gigantic family of heroes. That warmed Rabbid Peach’s heart immensely to witness.

Looking at her now, her stomach was swollen, visibly pregnant. Wow. How fast time had flown by. The royal doctors knew she was going to be due soon, so she was confined inside the castle walls for now. It was heart-wrenching, watching her friend sink deeply into the dread of boredom. The princess had always hated being treated like she was made of glass. At least the little distractions Rabbid Peach put together were helping. Well, she hoped they were anyway.

Hmph. Now that she thought about it… Bowser hadn’t even tried to kidnap her in a long time. You’d think he would, especially considering she was way more vulnerable now than before. The entirety of the Mushroom Kingdom had been on edge about it, but every day there was a scare for one, he’d never come. Maybe he’d moved on? Or maybe he got the knowledge that it wouldn’t be cool to kidnap somebody pregnant? Heh! Whatever would get through that turtle’s thick skull. It is a lot quieter this way. More peaceful, a nice change of pace for the princess and her subjects.

“Hey, Rabbid Peach? Can I inquire you about something?”, Princess Peach spoke softly, a strangely serious tone to her voice.

“Bwahh! Sure thing! I told you Peach, you can just call me Peachy or Peaches. No need to be formal, we’re friends, remember? Besties! It’s okay!”

Her friend giggled at her, face crinkling with joy. Good. It was nice to let her friend loosen up now and then. Peaches couldn’t imagine what image it’d take to run a country constantly with no breaks in between. She would’ve gone crazy by now if she was in the princess’s place.

“My apologies, Peachy~. Is that better, dearie?”, the normally proper princess stuck her tongue out at her. The rabbid shot back a playfully annoyed look towards her friend, “Yep!”, her voice making a popping sound after the pronunciation of the p to emphasize her point. “So what’d you wanna talk about?”, amusement purred out of her throat.

Oh. This could be good. Some gossip the princess heard among her workers. Oooo! Maybe some drama from the other kingdoms?!? She had been hearing a certain green plumber she knew had been seen out with the princess of Sarasaland. Rabbid Peach sipped her tea eagerly, trying to prepare her throat for a long session of juicy conversation. She’d need it. They could and have talked for hours before.

“Do you ever think you’ll want children?”, Peach purred out casually, earning a sudden coughing fit from her friend in surprise. Rabbid Peach choked on the half swig of her tea, battering her chest with a closed paw. Okay, she was not expecting that!!

Then guilt hit her at her reaction when she saw the worry-stricken expression of her human friend across from her. The princess reached out to her, shooting upwards from her chair to lean over to the rabbid. It was crazy how tall her counterpart was compared to her. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Peaches!! Are you alright, darling?”, her voice quaking with panic. Oh no. She didn’t want to stress her friend out! Ugh! Stupid body! Stop choking!!

“Yes.”, Rabbid Peach wheezed out, voice coming out strained and shrill. After clearing her throat, she turned to her friend, blinking away the tear pricking at her eye. “S’okay, princess. Sorry, I just uh, wasn’t expecting that question.”.

Princess Peach frowned slightly at her friend, a red flush of embarrassment pooling on her cheeks. “Oh Stars! I knew it was too sudden of a question to ask! Sorry if that was improper. I was just…curious is all.”. The princess slumped back into her chair, desperately wiggling around to find a comfortable position to sit that accommodated her pregnant belly. Oh no, she did upset her friend. Augh! C’mon Peachy, you can fix this!

“No, no, no!! It’s not improper or anything! Um. Just, what brought this on?”

“Well… you looked so happy caring for me during the past few months. Truly, I am grateful for all your help! It looks like it’s a natural thing for you, caring for pregnancies. So I figured, maybe you would like children of your own one day. That is all!”

Rabbid Peach’s eye twitched. Wow. Okay. She really could read her like a book, huh? Ah well! Maybe she could change the subject? Peaches leaned back into her chair, quickly trying to turn on her phone. In her nervousness, she fumbled uselessly against the buttons to unlock it. Not subtle at a girl!! She replied casually to cover it up, “Awww! Thanks! Welp! I’m happy to know all my hard work has been appreciated, princess.”.

“It’s Peach, not Princess. We’re, hehe, ‘besties’, remember? Looks like you are dodging the question, my dear.”, the princess gave her a wink. Dang it! She got her there. Oh well, it’d be nice to talk about it. No use in bottling things up. That’d be taking a page out of Rayman’s book. Bwahaha! Peach is right, she’d get nowhere with that mindset.

With a deep sigh, the rabbid relaxed, giving Peach an friendly, yet annoyed look. How dare she know me so well?!?!, Peaches thought. “Urghhh… fine! I don’t know! I hadn’t thought about it until I started helping with your pregnancy. Plus, me and Ray might not even be able to have kids! We’re two different species after all. That must be hard, right? Sides’, he might not even want a family with me anyways.”.

Princess Peach’s posture straightened defensively as if the rabbid had said something horridly offensive to her. She said, “Nonsense!! I think you two would make the most adorable family!”, enthusiasm clear in her voice. Peaches blushed, fur bristling from the compliment. Their family would be adorable?!?! Awww! Did she really think that? That made her so happy, embarrassingly so.

Then the princess leaned towards her counterpart, giving her a sly smile, and raising a brow. Peach moved her hand up to her face, covering the side of her mouth, as if she was about to say something positively scandalous. “Do not think I have not noticed the… ahem, looks he has been giving you as of late. Hehehe. Reminds me of the way Mario would glance at me when he was thinking about proposing! Who knows? You might have a ring on your finger in a bit!”. The princess giggled as if she recalled a fond memory, presumably of Mario. Wait. What was that?!?!? Does she think Rayman will propose to her?!?!

Peaches’s ears flushed beet red. Oh. OH. That’s the weird looks Rayman’s been giving her meant?!?!? That soft, enchanting look in his eyes… lidded in happiness, face flushed with warmth as his gorgeous brown eyes gazed at her.

Okay!! Nope! Nope! Nope!! Oh, Stars she was too sober to think about that!! Redirect the conversation to kids! Yeah! That’ll be easier to talk about. Maintaining her composure, Rabbid Peach leaned into the table, “Oh wow! Hehe! Awww, thank you! Huh, I wonder what our kids even look like? They’d probably be a hybrid species, I guess.”

To Rabbid Peach’s surprise, her friend gasped in pure excitement. “Oh! I know!! I know!! We could draw some possibilities of what they’d look like! It would be a delightful time!”.

The rabbid then watched as her pregnant counterpart excitedly waddled to the nearest drawer, sifting through her coloring supplies. On the way, the princess rambled about the possibile combinations of what the rabbid and thingamajig species could create. Would they have rabbid ears or no ears? What could their hair look like? Would they be limbless or have limbs? Oh! Maybe half of the limbs would be connected and the other half was not? So on and so forth as she rummaged through the drawers, picking out similar colors to the couple.

Peaches, hung on every word, imagining the possibilities along with her friend. According to her imagination, they’d be so adorable! She was picturing a girl, she’d probably look a lot like Rayman! Maybe with her hair color? Also, wavy, like hers, and have beautiful brown eyes like her father. Oh, she’d be wonderful! As she daydreamed, Peaches got up to grab some papers from the lower shelves, running her paws across fancy pastel and white paper. Hmmm? What papers should they use?

Maybe she could ask Peach? It was her idea, after all. So she began to turn to her friend, papers in paw, presenting them to her playfully. “So…y’wanna use the fancy papers or-”.

“AUGH!!”

A cry of agony erupted from her friend, sharp and sudden. As if it was laced with intense confused shock. Out of concern, Peaches whipped around to see her friend, dropping all the papers she had in her paws if she needed to catch her. What if something happened?!?! Was she hurt?!?

There she saw her dear friend, clutching her stomach. The princess’s teeth were gritted, clutching onto the drawer with her other hand. Then she breathed out a shaky breath, a pained expression on her face as she turned to look at her rabbid counterpart. “I- I’m fine, honey. I think it was just the babies kicking, o- or something.”. The princess raised herself, turning to face her body towards Rabbid Peach to reassure her she was okay. “Whew!! These troublemakers sure gave me a start! Looks like they have the strength of their parents, hmmm?”, she laughed nervously after she spoke.

Then the princess flinched again, sucking in a breath of pain. Her grip slipped off the drawer, causing her to lose her balance. Peaches shouted, “Woah!! Hey, hey, hey!!”, as she dove to her friend’s side. In an instant, Rabbid Peach caught her in her arms, holding her away the ground, making sure her belly did not make contact with the floor. Peach used the rabbid to stabilize herself, lifting herself off her shoulders.

Peaches couldn’t focus on her friend’s frantic mumblings of apologies. She had more things to worry about other than thanks!! Something was wrong with her friend!! Maybe she should get a doctor, one of the royal ones. Yes, that’d be the closest!! Okay, okay, then where should she go to get one? What would be the nearest room to here?

Her mind raced frantically as she helped to keep Peach upright. The fabric of her poofy maternity dress pressed against her fur. To her surprise, she felt a wet sensation against her. It made the fur on her leg damp, an uncomfortable sensation. She turned to look at the spot and-

Oh.

The princess’s water broke.

Oh @#$*.

Peach began to realize too, her breaths quickening with worry. “D-darling, I think that was my water. D- does that mean?”, the princess said shakily, tightly gripping onto the sleeves on Rabbid Peach’s shoulders in an attempt to ground herself. Peaches sucked in a deep breath, yikes, how should she deliver the news? “Okay, be calm, be calm. Casual. Cool about it. You don’t want her to freak out do you?”, Peaches thinks.

“Yeah… hon, I think the- “

The rabbid was cut off by the panic-filled voice of her friend, “The- the babies!! Gasp! They’re coming!! Oh Stars!! Oh Stars!!”. The princess held her friend close to her, awkwardly with her pregnant belly in the way. She held her tight as if she could crush her like a grape. Peaches didn’t know if it was from the pain of her contractions or out of sheer stress. It felt like it was the latter, her breathing becoming more rapid and her voice hoarse with terror.

Gently, Rabbid Peach rubbed her friend’s back, pawing at it in comforting circles. The way her friend had always liked it when the soreness of her pregnancy kicked in. “Hey! Hey…It’s gonna be okay, honey. Just take some breaths with me, like the doctors showed us, alright?”, the Rabbid cooed at her friend. To her relief, Peach followed her command taking a deep, shaky breath before exhaling. The human loosened her strong grip on her friend, clinging to the fabric of her blouse as she pulled away.

“Alright. This is official. The babies will be delivered today since she’s having pretty strong contractions. That’s cool! Unexpected, but we can work with this! Just get her to a safe place. Yeah! A safe spot to relax while you get the doctors, Mario, and all our friends here.”, Rabbid Peach thought, mind running a mile a minute.

This has to go well. She needed it to go well. Anything to ease her friend’s worries. Peaches moved to hold Peach’s hand, a strong, firm, comforting grip. The Princess held it back, continuing her breathing exercises. Her eyes pinched shut, fingers tightening around her friend’s paw. Maybe in an attempt to comfort herself.

Okay. Looks like Peaches will just have to lead her out. That’s okay! We’ve got this. So the Rabbid led her friend slowly out the door, alerting the Rabbid and Toad guards outside the room that the babies were coming.

Quickly, the Rabbid guards scampered off down the hallway, searching for the doctors and spreading the news. Peaches could feel her friend’s hand shaking. She seemed terrified, stumbling awkwardly as she walked. The Toad guards surrounded their princess, keeping her steady along with Peaches after their leader teetered a bit on her feet.

Rabbid Peach could hear the sounds of quiet, repressed sobs coming from her. It broke her heart, to see her friend in so much pain. Sure, she’d helped her counterpart with injuries in battles before. Horrible battles. This time was different though. This time, she couldn’t do anything to help her no magic, no healing, nothing! That thought frustrated her to no end.

Her friend’s tight squeeze on her paw broke her out of her spiraling thoughts. Ugh! Enough thinking about yourself! Think about your friend! Peach! She’s the one that needs help right now, not you! You still can help her! Just calm down, and comfort her dummy!!

“Okay. So the babies are coming. That’s okay! Everything is gonna be okay, hon! Now, just sit back, try to relax, and focus on not having the babies right this second. Got it?”, Peaches reassured her friend, rubbing her hand as they walked towards the delivery room, guards following closely behind. Luckily, it was close, just down the hallway. They just had to make it!! They can do this!

“Y- yeah! We can do this. I just… *phew* really need to sit down!”, Peach replied, teeth gritted in a forced, hopefully less stress-filled smile. Rabbid Peach winced when her friend suddenly squeezed her paw in a bone-breaking grip. Yeouch!! That must’ve been a bad contraction, Stars that hurt!!

Still, the Rabbid held strong for her Princess, biting her lip to prevent any noises of pain from escaping. Peach didn’t need any more stress right now. Slowly, the group led the princess to the delivery room bed, the doctors guided her away good!! That’s perfect! Okay, now what?

A sudden pang of dread hit her.

She was missing something. It was important, but AUGH!! What could it be?!?

…

Oh shoot.

Mario is nowhere near here right now.

=====================================

Mario felt the hot flare of a fireball barely streaking past him as he ducked behind the rubble of the entrance to Bowser’s castle. At least, he thought it missed him until he smelt the burning of his precious hat. Quickly he tore the hat off his head, throwing it to the ground and stomping out the flames in frustration. Oh please, of all the days Bowser had to try to take over the Mushroom Kingdom, of course now was the day! After all these months, now was the time? Seriously?!?!

Taking a breath, Mario accessed his surroundings, he had to make sure the citizens, now his subjects technically, were safe. As the Toads and Rabbids fleed around him, they remained scared, but physically unharmed. No horrid damage to buildings either, at least nothing they couldn’t fix.

So that meant…

Sigh… This was personal. Bowser was always the petty sort after all.

Bowser boomed out in a triumphant cry “HEAR ME CITIZENS OF THE MUSHROOM KINGDOM!! Today is the day, your RIDICULOUS PLUMBER HERO FALLS!!! BOW DOWN TO THE MIGHT OF THE NEW KOOPA-RABBID EMPIRE!! GRAHAHAHA!!”. His hovering clown car teetered loosely under his massive weight, standing a foot on it like a podium as he gloated his so-called victory.

Mario huffed in annoyance at the sound of the clown car’s cannon charging up another blast. Collecting himself, he reached into his satchel, pulling out his old reliable cape. His timing had to be perfect for this to work. And by the stars, he’d make it work.

The canon screeched as the flames charged, the plumber had about five seconds until it fired. He steels his courage as he counted down, blocking out Bowsers taunts being barraged at him. He stood up, concealing his cape behind the rubble so the turtle could not see it. Oh Stars, now its 3 seconds.

2, Mario decides to glare at the King of the Koopas, almost a look of disappointment. To think days like these would be over by now.

1, Bowser grins back at the hero, with a cocky grin. Not that he’d be smiling after this.

NOW!

The canon fired another ginormous ball of fire at him. The plumber could feel the white-hot heat blaring onto his skin. There was no time for fear, only action. So, with a simple flick of his cape, Mario deflected it right back at Bowser.

The ball collided with the Koopa’s vehicle, causing him to be launched straight into the fountain in the center of the plaza they fought in. With a loud crunch, Boswer’s body flung into the Princess Peach statue atop it, splitting it in half. As if in slow motion, his body went limp with defeat, sliding into the shallow waters below, causing waves to splash over the sides of the fountain.

Mario huffed a sigh of victory at the sight, taking in his frenemy’s defeat. While he knew he probably shouldn’t, he always felt a sense of pride one-upping the King before him. It had been months since their last fight, and Mario was pleased that he still had that sense of fight in him.

Dusting off his hands performatively, as if he was taking out the trash, Mario waved to the citizens around him that the fight was over, telling them to return to their daily lives and he and the Princess would make efforts to fix the buildings later. Finally, he took a moment to turn around to glance at Bowser, checking to see if he was alright. Sure, they fought, but he wouldn’t want him to drown or anything if he was unconcious!

What he found, had him holding back a chuckle with a hand. The massive turtle’s snout was just above the water as he laid on his belly, giving the red plumber a frustrated glare. A lily pad with a delicate flower on it was flopped between his horns, like a hat, the water boiling over with steam as fire burned within the Koopa’s body. He looked ridiculous to say the least. Bowser was always a sore loser, especially when it came to losing to Mario.

Bowser trudged through the water with a snort, smoke billowing out of his snout. “I WANT A REMATCH, PLUMBER! THIS ISN’T OVER YET!!”.

Mario smiled smugly, at him. Oh he seemed pissed off! Fine, he was still itching for a fight. Preparing a fighting stance, he braced himself, “Bring it on! I could-a do this all da-!”.

VRRRR VRRR VRRR VRR!!

He could feel the vibration of his phone in his pocket. Sighing, he held out a hand to Bowser, signaling him to wait. The turtle stopped in his tracks, looking at Mario in confusion.

“You need to take that?”

“Yeah, it’s from Peach.”

“Ah, I gotcha. You guys doing well? How’s the pregnancy going?”

“Good, good! They are doing great. I’ll catch up with you about it sometime, maybe over a game of golf?”

“Sure thing. Can I say hi to her?”

“Mmmmm… yeah. I guess that’s-a okay! I’ll put it on speaker.”

“Cool.”

The odd pair sat down on the crumbling rubble of the fountain, excitedly answering the call. Mario could feel Bowser bump against his side as shimmied in his seat, giddy to talk to Princess Peach.

“Hiya Princess-!“

“WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW MARIO?!?! PEACH IS IN LABOR!!”, the two were met with Rabbid Peach screaming at them.

The smile fell quickly on Mario’s face into a look of sheer horror. Looking over to his frenemy, his eyes went wide in surprise. Standing up, the plumber began to pace with his phone in hand, “Peaches! You can’t-a be serious, she wasn’t supposed to be due until a few weeks!”.

“Well she is now!! Peach needs you, so you better get your A$# over here NOW!!”

“I- Peaches I’m so far away right now!! Is she-a okay?!? Can they try to-a stall it or something? I don’t know!!”

“Yes, she’s okay. Yes, she’s safe. Yes, she’s with the doctors and NO they can’t stall it!! Just- figure something out!! STARS, I need to call the others- oh and Bowser, you get over here too! By-.”

The call cut off before she could even say bye. Mario was filled with dread for his wife. She was going through labor, without him to support her!! They had been planning out what to do about this for months! How could he slip up now, today of all days?!?!

Mario’s breaths began to quicken, feeling his heart beat uncomfortably fast. He needed to get to her- but how?!? How could he get to her all the way across the Mushroom Kingdom?!?!

His panicked thoughts were halted by Bowser’s massive hand on his shoulder. Stoically, the turtle said, “I know how we can get there.”. Picking the plumber up, he faced him towards the fountain, the clown car crashed into the stone pathway of the plaza, propellers still turning.

With a mutual nod of agreement, they raced towards the tattered vehicle.

=====================================

Rabbid Peach paced the hall outside the delivery room’s door. Her heart felt like it was beating a mile a minute, feeling her forehead clench with stress.

She called everyone. Luigi, Daisy, all of their friends were coming over, but out of all of them, of course it had to be the father of the babies being delivered right now that was missing!

Another shrill scream of pain erupted from her friend from behind the large door, along with the quiet reassurances of the doctors around the Princess. Rabbid Peach’s fur stood on end at the noise, bristling with worry.

Fine. If Mario wasn’t going to be there for her, she was!! Rabbid Peach shoved open the door, rushing over to her friend’s side. One doctor, a younger Toad, made noises of hesitaton at her action. “Wait! I’m pretty sure only family of the Princess can be here right now! I have to ask you to leave Miss… uh… Miss Rabbid.”

Just as Peaches was about to retort at the doctor, Princess Peach slammed her fist on the table beside her with a loud thump, causing all the people in the room to turn thier heads to her. To Rabbid Peach’s surprise, the Princess was shooting the doctor the nastiest glare she’d ever seen the her give. Clenching her teeth, the Princess spat out, “She IS family and she is STAYING here! That is an order from your Princess.”.

The toad gulped, sheepishly backing away from Peaches to continue tending to his Princess, “Y- Yes, your Majesty! Of course!”.

With a shaky breath, Princess Peach leaned back into the plush pillows of the maternity bed, pain returning to her once again, as if the high of her anger left her fast. It was heartbreaking seeing her friend look so… weak. The pain looked unbearable and Rabbid Peach found herself freezing, unsure of what to do to comfort her. She just wanted to take the pain far away from her friend, her family, but she couldn’t. The pained look of her friend gazing at her cleared away her thoughts.

“I-I can’t do it, Peachy. I can’t do this! I’m not ready. Mario’s not here, a- and- “, the Princess swallowed hard, tears streaming down her face as her lip quivered, weakly, her voice breaking as she whispered sharply, “I’m not ready to be a mother!”.

“I- I’m scared, darling.”, her voice broke as she sobbed weakly, clutching the bed’s railing in her hands. Gently, Peaches reached out to her counterpart, offering to hold her hand. The Princess accepted, gripping onto her paw firmly. A shudder of breath her friend’s body at the soft contact.

“You’re okay, Peach! You’ve got this. Just keep breathing, alright?”

“Okay, okay, huff… okay…”

Peaches didn’t know what caused it. Maybe it was the… strangely familiar look of pain and desperation in her friend’s voice. It was as if something snapped in, like a puzzle piece long missing fit perfectly into her brain.

She was flooded with memories. Her old colony, the warm, sweet smell of the Glade’s air. The soft touch of her mother’s paw as she walked alongside her. The rough texture of concrete against her feet as the colony met their new home. The smell of a once favorite food, far far away from this dimension.

Her sister’s sweet face as she held her kits for the first time.

Their proud smiles as she waved goodbye to them before entering that ever fateful washing machine.

It was weird how fast she acted. As if her body and mind were running on instinct. As if this situation was familiar, welcome, something that she had done once before. Many times before.

It was like, she couldn’t even think anymore. Just react. So she held the Princess’s hand soothingly, and spoke softly, at least, as soft as her normally harsh voice could manage.

“Hey, y’ wanna know why I knew so much about pregnancies?”

“W- Why?”

“Back in my old colony, my old home, I used to help Rabbids give birth. My mom, er- at least I think it was my mom, passed the position to me. So you’re in some really good hands right now!”

“Y-you actually remember that?”

“Bits and pieces sometimes, but all of the kits were super cute! You should’ve seen them, hon. They were real fuzzy, making such cute noises. Like yours will be soon!”

“Haha…hopefully not the fuzzy part…”

“Bwahaha! No, no, not the fuzzy part. Y’get what I mean though, right?”

“Mhm.”

“T- they’re called kits? Rabbids call their babies that?”

“Yup! Like little cute kittens.”

“Hehe! That’s…whew, that’s wonderful knowledge to have.”

“Adorable, huh?”

“Y- yeah. It is.”

“Y’know the cutest ones were when my nieces were born. Did I ever tell you I had a sister? I don’t know if I did.”

“N- no! You didn’t. C- can you tell me what she was like?”

“She was strong, like you. Her labor was tough, but she was tougher. Had a litter of six if I remember correctly! They were beautiful.”

“When she met them… h- how did she react?”

“It was the happiest I’d ever seen her. Her and her mate holding their kits. I was really happy for them. Proud. Like I’m proud of you now!”

“They’ll be beautiful, Peach. I just know it.”

“Thank you… Peaches.”

CRASHHHH!!!

An explosion at the other side of the door. In an instant, Peaches stood protectively infront of her friend, trying to shield her from any intruders that might come her way. It felt as if the world went silent as everyone stared in shock at the door. The door slowly creaked open revealing…

Mario and Bowser?!??!?

The pair stumbled out from behind the door, covered in tiny bits of rubble, dirt, and ash from seemingly an explosion, the creaking of the broken propellers on Bowser’s totaled clown car behind them. Mario and Peach stared at eachother, eyes glimmering with relief as their faces filled out with giddy love upon finding eachother again. Mario rushed to his wife’s side. The Princess pulled him into a hug, covering his chubby face with kisses.

“Where have you been my love? The babies are coming you know!!”

Mario turned to look back towards Bowser, who kicked a piece a rubble and looked awkwardly away from the couple. “I… had a bit of a fight with Bowser. He gave me a ride here though!”. The plumber gave his wife a thumbs up and a chuckle, as if that would try to make the situation better.

Rabbid Peach couldn’t help but stare dumbfoundedly at the massive turtle, as soon as Bowser met her gaze, he quickly looked away, seeming ashamed.

Softly, the Princess raised her voice, “Thank you, Bowser, for bringing my husband here. It really means a lot to me…”. It seemed genuine and sweet, as she stared up at Bowser with gratitude. The Koopa King blushed slightly and turned away her gaze, smoke billowing out of his nose.

“It was no problem, Princess…”, Bowser mumbled as he walked away from the pair, leaving the room.

The labor continued, Mario and Rabbid Peach supporting Princess Peach through every push. Everything was going well, she was in pain, but calming down. Baby A slipped out without any more problems. Peaches caught a glimpse of how happy Mario looked as he held his son in his arms. Joyful tears dripped onto the cloth the baby was swaddled in. Okay, first one done. Now, it was time to fight through Baby B’s delivery.

Without Mario to hold his wife’s hand, the Princess chose to tighten her grip on her Rabbid friend’s paw. It felt like her bones could crack from the tension. It took everything in her not to flinch in pain in her grasp, her expression fighting to remain cool and collected. Surely the Princess was going through worse, so she chose to toughen it out.

“One last push Princess!! Baby B is almost out. Keep pushing!!”

With one last push and scream of effort from the Princess, the second baby was out. It was over. They did it!! They actually did it!!

Relief overcame everyone in the room at the sound of the final baby’s cries. It was a beautiful baby girl. Gently, the young Toad doctor carried the infant to place into her mother’s arms. After swaddling up the baby in a pink, decorated blanket Peach and Peaches made, the princess cradled her baby in her arms. Happy tears streaming down her face.

The first baby, the boy, was also handed to her by Mario, now wrapped in a green blanket Peaches had made, little stitchings of powerups decorating it. Everyone in the room was sobbing, especially Mario, mustache drenched in his tears. His teary, puffy, immensely happy expression made his wife giggle at him.

With a nod to Mario, Rabbid Peach and Mario went to hug Princess Peach, taking in this sweet, priceless moment with her.

=====================================

After a beat of silence, Peaches spoke up, asking “So, what are you guys gonna name them?”.

With a relaxed sigh, Princess Peach responded, “For the boy…we decided on Lu. Heh, after Luigi, of course. For the girl, well…”. The Princess paused, smiling warmly, as if she was thinking about a cherished memory.

Looking back at her friend, Princess Peach finished her sentence, with the biggest smile on her face the Rabbid had ever seen, “Peaches. Peaches for the girl. That will be her name.”.

Rabbid Peach was taken aback. Peaches? No way. She must’ve misheard. The stress of the day weighing on her must be making her brain all foggy. They wouldn’t do that, would they? That’s her name! That’d be stupid. Having another Peaches around.

Wait…. Aha! That’s it!

“Ohhhh! Like Peach Jr., right?”

Mario chuckled, before gesturing with a hand toward Rabbid Peach, “No. She means Peaches. Like-a you.”.

“P- Peaches?!? Y- you’re gonna make this so confusing, hon. I’m already Peaches. Like, we all agreed on this.”

With an unladylike snort, the Princess replied with pride, “I know that, darling.”.

“Uh, yeah! Of course you know that. Then why-.”

Mario scoffed, cutting off the Rabbid’s rebuttal. How rude!! You know I’m right!! Peaches? Seriously?!? There’s already two people with the same name here! It was so much of a problem, they had to do nicknames to differentiate them! Peaches is her name! She claimed it!! So why was she going to name-

Wait.

WAIT A SECOND!!

Her quick dose of anger was extinguished. Not a trace left of fire within her. Only a mixture of confusion, shock, and a hint of the warm embrace of happiness. She was touched. Tears pricking at her eyes as her face scrunched up, ugly with raw emotion.

After a gross sniffle, Peaches choked out, “You- You guys wanna name your daughter after me? Seriously? Like, for real?”.

Peaches stood there, dumbfounded, looking at her friends. They smiled warmly at her, eyes puffy from their crying. The soft coos of their babies as they snuggled up in their mother’s arms. Their names, Lu and… Peaches.

Named… after her.

Tears began welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Her ears felt like they were on fire, overwhelmed with all the emotions she felt. She felt her face tense into what she was sure to be the ugliest form it could ever manage as the hot tears streamed down her cheeks.

The shock was just too much.

They were looking at her! Staring at her warmly with those stupid, genuine smiles on their faces!

She had to say something!!

“S- SHUT THE F@%# UP!! NO YOU GUYS AREN’T!!”

Laughter erupted from the couple along with the startled cries of their children at the loud noises. “P- Peaches! Dearie, do not curse in front of the babies!!”, Princess Peach said in between harsh laughter. She soothed her babies in a rocking motion, the biggest smile on her face.

From there, Rabbid Peach absolutely bawled her eyes out. The entirety of the heroes were slowly invited in, one at a time. She’ll never forget how much Bowser sobbed at the sight. Not with bitterness, like she expected, but pure happiness for the couple. Peaches left the room eventually, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders as soon as she began to exit, waving one last goodbye to the happy couple.

The Rabbid had no clue what overcame her in that room. The memories she had recovered were already blurry and fading fast. Though, whatever that was, she was thankful to relive them, even for just a moment. At least she knew at least a little bit about what her life, her family was like.

It felt like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. Letting out a satisfied sigh. Ah, she supposed it’s fine. The past is in the past and sides’-

Her family is here already. And, that’s enough, right?

Still, she was exhausted. It had already been a long day without the chaos of Peach’s sudden delivery. Peaches got there early in the morning to accompany her friend on her daily stroll, like she always did. Every day for almost nine months.

Nine whole months, huh? Wow. Time seemed to fly by so fast.

Y’know… now that this is over, she might actually miss this. Spending this much time with the Princess on the regular. The two learned a lot about each other over the pregnancy, good and bad. She wouldn’t trade that time she spent for anything. There were no regrets.

Rabbid Peach breathed out a sigh of relief as she finally was able to exit the delivery room. She felt so drained from the stress and craved even a second just to relax. To her surprise, her boyfriend Rayman was waiting outside the door, a goofy smile on his face, a cup of her favorite coffee in hand. “Hey, Peachy. Long day, huh? I got you your favorite coffee from the city!”.

“Oh you have no, idea.”, Peaches chuckled. The rabbid fell into his chest, taking in the familiarity of his smell. Pfft! Was he using her shampoo? Ah well, it smelled nice.

“Thanks hon.”, Peaches planted a tender kiss on his lips, pulling him close. He tasted sweet, a hint of caramel perhaps. Hm, I guess he might’ve gotten something at the coffee shop too. For a while, she held the kiss, pulling away as she delicately snatched the coffee out of his hand. She couldn’t help but giggle looking up at him, that dumb, lovestruck look on his face. “I missed you, Ray. Thanks for stopping by to pick me up.”.

“Heh! It’s uh- hehe… It’s no problem! I missed you too, sunshine.”, Rayman replied shyly, scratching a hand through his hair awkwardly. The poor guy had always felt shy about doing sappy stuff, but Peaches was proud to see it. He was trying his best and she found it adorable to she his flustered face every time she made a move towards him.

From there, they walked home towards the portal that would take them back to the Space Opera Network’s planet. From there, they could finally head home. Peaches was sure to pass out the moment she touched the bed they shared at thier apartment. As they quietly took in the gorgeous night sky among the beautiful scenery of the castle’s gardens, Rayman decided to strike up conversation again.

“Is the Princess okay?”

“Yeah. She’s okay. Just a stressful day is all. Better to leave them alone for now.”

“Wanna go get some takeout on the way home?”

“Oh you know I’d love to.”

Rayman bumped into her side playfully as they walked together, whisking a hand over to her waist to pull her closer to him. She leaned on him, cherishing the warmth of his hand and the plush softness of his hoodie. Being with him felt like home. He was perfect.

She… wanted to spend the rest of her life with this… beautifully goofy man. Raise a family with him. So, why not ask the question now?

“Hey, Ray?”

“Hm?”

“What do you think about… starting a family someday?”

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drewsbuzzcut · 1 year ago

Text

Babygirl Barzal

mat barzal x model!fem!reader

a visceral in doses blurb

warnings: mentions birth and babies

It’s the easiest birth you’ve had so far. You were in labor for a total of 5 hours. Your baby girl was delivered on 4 pushes. Her piercing cries bleed into the waiting silence. She’s also your daintiest baby, only weighing 6 pounds and 9 ounces. Mat’s forehead is leaning on the side of your head, he’s crying as he watches your baby girl get placed on your chest. He brings his hand to rest on her little back, instantly melting. You watch him as he watches her with heart shaped eyes.

“Mat, she’s here. She’s finally here,” you say all choked up.

“I know, baby. She’s here and she’s perfect,” he responds, kissing your lips.

“You did so good, y/n/n,” he adds.

“I love you,” you whisper, talking to both Mat and your daughter.

You let her wrap her tiny hand around one of your fingers, love radiating everywhere. You relax under her warmth to the point that you’re practically falling asleep.

“Can I hold her?” Mat asks shyly and nervously.

“Of course,” you hand her over to him, gently placing her in his arms.

“Oh my god,” he gushes, tears starting to fall from his eyes again.

He leans down to press soft kisses to her cheeks. You have to stop your tears from falling, in awe at the sight in front of you. Seeing Mat with babies is something special, but him holding your tiny baby girl makes you want to squeal and giggle like a schoolgirl with a crush.

“I’m your daddy, sweet girl. You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, adjusting her so that she’s cuddled into his bare chest.

As the minutes pass, Mat softly tells her different stories- even though she doesn’t have a clue of what he’s saying. He just really wants her to know his voice. You take multiple pictures of them two on the little side chair next to your hospital bed.

“Mat, I love you so much, baby. Thank you for making me a mommy. You have no idea how happy I am with our family,” you voice through your tears of elation.

“Baby, thank you. For literally everything. I love you more than life itself.”

He kisses the palm of your hand 3 times, a silent “I love you.”

The last thing you hear before sleep takes over your body is Mat’s soft voice saying, “Sloane Augustine, you have no idea how loved you are,” to the bundle of joy resting over his heart.

a/n: Miss Sloane Augustine Barzal has made her way into the world!! I hope you all enjoy!

#mat barzal #mat barzal fanfiction #mat barzal x reader #mat barzal imagine #mat barzal fic #mat barzal angst #mat barzal fluff #mat barzal blurb #mat barzal smut #nhl imagine #nhl fic #new york islanders #visceral in doses

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eemamminy-art · 6 months ago

Note

for the artist ask game:

3. your favorite piece(s)? 13. talk about a wip you like!

3. your favorite piece(s)?

This is tough, because I find that my favorites change all the time because I'm constantly improving! I think the ones I really like best currently are:

This all saint's day-themed estimeric piece, which was inspired by a really intimate and personal experience I had. Fandom has made it harder to enjoy this ship more recently but they are so special to me, I wanted to project a special moment from my life onto them. I also posted it on a really meaningful date for me, so it's like.. extra personal and special in that way 💕

This fordolyse beach artwork, because I feel like it's held up to my own personal scrutiny very well even though I drew it last August, and I just really love looking at it. I love the beach, and I find joy in drawing a simple beach and sky from my head. I love their body types. I think the composition works well even though it's super simple!

The little autumn-themed sketch page I did of my stardew guys, because it felt like such a labor of love to be working on it genuinely for two whole months and to not give up on it until it was perfect. I redrew some parts of it over and over and over, I wasn't sure I'd ever finish it. It was a real exercise in my ongoing attempts to stylize my art in a satisfying way while still keeping it feeling solid and proportionate yet interesting.

13. talk about a wip you like!

Well, this one I'd say I half like it, and I need to figure out what I'm doing with it… but I'm doing some like then vs now pieces with my stardew guys and while the lines are "done" on the past portion, I far and away prefer how sketchy the future part looks.

When I compare the finished lines to the sketch on the first half, I feel like it lost so much personality and I'm trying desperately to find a happy balance between cleaning up my sketches in a concise and balanced way while still keeping the energy and feeling of the sketch. I hate to feel like I wasted my time but I might end up just redrawing it, it feels so stiff to me 😭 I know this is a lot of complaining when it's supposed to be something I like, but!! I'm finding myself putting a lot more thought and going much more slowly with my personal art (working on it a little at a time over weeks instead of doing one or two several hour long sittings so as to not spend too much time on something "just" for me) which I think is helping me be more mindful of where I want to take my art, and also making the finished work more satisfying (since it's ultimately stuff I'm making for me anyway) :3

I think this wip probably has a long way to go and it might look totally different when it's done, but I find myself thinking about it and coming back to it the most! Like sometimes I just open it up on my second screen while I'm gaming and I just glance at it and try to figure out what's missing, or what can be changed. Or I just go ehehe at the smiles in the future portion of the set 🥰

#artist ask game #ask meme answers #sorry this was so long #I am an overthinker #but I like these kinds of ask games because I feel it gives me an excuse to talk about my artwork in a way that I don't really #get to do otherwise #so thank you for bearing with me!

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leah-halliwell92 · 1 year ago

Text

Shadowed Soul

Summary: Being in love is a wonderful thing...except when the heart's desire happens to be Papa.

Chapter 1: Primo

You have been Papa's gardening assistant for well over four years, and his understudy for a year. You started out merely following his direction, not knowing what you were getting into when it came to gardening. The more you did it, the more you found you enjoyed it. The seeds you would sew into the earth bear the fruit of her labor, taking with them all the energy and time she poured into them. This included her heart and what it carried...

You looked across your pink tulips to where Primo sat on a bench under a tree a book in hand his cane leaning against the trunk. You longed to sit at his side, hold his hand, and even share in a conversation. Well, you already did that last part. However, you longed for the sort of conversations that were deeper and more suited for couples than those held between friends. You longed to feel his hand on yours and the warmth of his gaze and smile on your person. You felt your heart skip a beat at the mere thought and shook your head back to task. It wouldn't do any good for you to make even more of a fool of yourself in his presence than you already were. The blood-red petals in your sink proved that well enough...

You watered your flowers tenderly, grinning pleased at seeing that your red tulips had begun to sprout. These would be perfect, you knew so.

You felt that familiar itch in the back of your throat as you watered each flower and vegetable bed. The strong urge to cough as if something was working its way up and out. And yet you didn't want to do that, not while he was there. Going to his beloved rose bed, you took extra care while watering them, these are his pride and joy after all. You nodded in satisfaction once the chore was finished and went to leave when a haunting tune reached your ears. You recognized the song, a haunting tune about love lost and never found again. Not unrequited yet never to last. The itching turned into a burning sensation as you felt long wiry tendrils crawling their way up.

You knew he's had a great love once, you knew he knew of your feelings for him though you didn't believe he knew how deeply those feelings went.

"Sorella are you alright?" You heard him ask, concern written all over his face.

You forced a grin onto your face and nodded.

"Yes of course Papa," you replied, keeping your voice light, "Allergy season is working its own dark magic on me is all."

"Sit little one," he commanded gently, his concern for you filling you with something warm, "You have been under the sun for too long and gone as equally long without drinking water."

He took the watering can from you and held your hand as he pulled you onto his side his other going to your waist.

You fought the urge to lean against him, to breathe his herb and earth scent in and just...pretend that this was more. You felt the chill of the stone bench through the skirt of your habit and breathed a sigh relishing in the last faint tendrils of his hands on you. The feeling would have to buy you time to hold off on the urge to cough out a lung until you got to your room. If not, then you did not think you would survive the blunt rejection he would try to set you down gently with. You sensed more than saw Special not too far away keeping an eye on things and risked a small cough. You were beyond grateful for the ghoul's presence, having become close friends through the years. It was this alone that convinced you he would keep your secret for as long as possible.

You let her head fall back, your eyes taking in the leaves as they danced in the breeze. You closed your eyes letting the calmness of the gardens take hold. You had come to understand just what Primo saw in gardening before you experienced such peace yourself, you thank the Dark Lord for having let you live long enough to experience it. The firey need to cough came back, this time you couldn't keep them at bay.

Special saw each cough shake your frame, your pale hands tainted red as petals, leaves, stems and blood worked themselves out of you. He hissed sympathetically, your pain not one he could have ever stomached despite what he is. You'd become like a sister to him and the thought that you were dying unsettled him more than he'd ever admit. He heard the shattering of glass and looked up to find his master making his way as quickly as he could to your side.

"Sorella!?" He gasped in alarm, having heard your coughing fit from his place in the little kitchenette.

Primo had never ran to another as quickly as he had at that moment, not since the death of his Elizabeth, and the sight that greeted him was one he'd never in a millennia thought he'd witness.

You were hunched over, your hands over your mouth as you shook with each powerful cough. Your hands were painted red in petals and blood as they poured out of your mouth. He recognized these symptoms...hanahaki. A pang of despaired sadness swept through him as he realized you have been fighting this for quite some time. Somewhere in the abbey was your love unaware that you were dying! This gave him pause as he went to your aid, you love someone! All you have to do is go to them and you would be well again.

He quickly took a seat at your side, his arms going around you steadying you while literally chocked on the very things you had learned to grow.

Coming to, you noticed you were warm. You looked up to find the concerned gaze of you Papa looking at you with sadness on his aged face.

"Papa?" You questioned, your voice hoarse as the sting of the thorns registered with you.

"Does this person know of your affections?" He asked plainly, fighting the panic that was building as he felt you lean against his frame.

"No," you softly breathed, "He knows I care, but not how much I love him."

"Is that who your tulips are for Sorella?" He gently prodded.

"Yes," you admit, a small defeated chuckle leaving your lips, "But I doubt he'll notice them much after I'm gone."

Primo shook his head in outrage, how could you say such a thing? Your tulips are the glory of the garden! They outdid his own roses a feat his more than proud to admit to any that would spare him an ear on how you had become a great master gardener.

"Why not tell him?" He asked, his hand going to your wrist where your pulse point lay.

"It wouldn't matter in the end," you replied, "I'll be dead either way, this way at least affords me the pain of rejection on top of the physical."

Primo closed his eyes tightly at this admission, you love this man so deeply that you would risk even more by not telling him.

"Are you sure this man, whoever he maybe, would reject you so thoroughly?" He asked curiously, he needed to know. He also found he needed to know whom this man was and give him a piece of his mind.

"He has had a great love already," you quietly confessed feeling tired as the burning feeling began anew, "He had a great love, we have spoken about it at great length and I know for a fact that there is no room for a another in his heart."

A severe cough shook your body in his embrace, this time a rosebud came out bathed in your blood.

Primo's blood ran cold in his veins, he knew this kind. Recognized it even while bathed in red...it is the same kind that he himself planted and catered to.

"(Y/N)–"

"Don't," you laughed breathily, "Just...let me have this."

Primo felt your pulse and breathing start to slow, your frame grow heavier in his arms as your life left your body before his very eyes. He'd known of your love, your affection, and care. But never had he imagined for you to have fallen for him so deeply as to contract Hanahaki.

"Stay awake little one," he said, voice sounding older than it usually did, "You need to stay awake...please."

You opened your eyes and weakly shifted your gaze to look at him one last time.

"It's ok," you said, voice soft as you lovingly stared at him, "It's not your fault. Sometimes we can't help whom we fall in love with."

Primo felt his heartbreak at that statement, you'd known for years thanks to him that there was no room for love in his heart. At least that is what he'd always told himself. He never allowed there to be a chance to really move on and now that you were here there would be no chance.

You smiled at him lovingly one last time before letting your head fall onto his chest.

'Finally,' you thought, breathing in your last breath, 'Peace.'

Primo knew you were gone the moment your head fell on his chest. Silent tears fell unbidden from his eyes as he held you tightly to him in the hopes that you would wake if only long enough for him to devote himself, prostrate himself at your feet if only so you could live.

"She loved you," he heard Special say as the ghoul approached them, "She made me swear not to tell you. She planted those tulips knowing you'd never see their meaning at face value, always saying that this was her way of proclaiming her affections for you."

Primo stared down at your body and with a trembling hand held you cheek as his own sobs took hold and thorned stems surrounded his own heart.

///////////

Let me know what you think! Like, reblog, comment...do all them lovely things.

/////////

Tag list: @sentientgolfball

#ghost band #papa emeritus i #papa emeritus i x reader #primo x reader #unrequited love #hanahaki disease #yes i made myself cry with writing it

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bala5 · 7 months ago

Text

The Cedar Waxwing symbolizes for us the need for change and movement to find the nourishment we need in life. Their sense of community and desire to share the fruits of their labor with one another, reflects our desire to engage our creative nature and joy in making something tangible for others to experience.

Spiritual and Magical meanings of encountering a Cedar Waxwing. Cedar waxwings play an important role in nature by helping to pollinate trees and plants. As totem animals, they remind us to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and to take time to appreciate the beauty around us. In addition, cedar waxwing spiritual meaning can teach us about balance, patience, and self-reliance. May you find peace and solace among the cedar waxwings. the cedar waxwing is often seen as a symbol of balance. This is because these birds are known to live in harmony with their surroundings. In addition, cedar waxwings are thought to possess great patience and fortitude. They are also considered very self-reliant, which is another important trait to embody. They often appear during turmoil or strife, reminding us to remain calm and find our inner center.

The Celts hold the cedar waxwing in high regard, seeing it as a symbol of hope and rebirth. In particular, they believed that these birds represented the spirit of hope and that the waxwing was a messenger of new beginnings. In some Celtic traditions, this bird is seen as an omen of bad things to come; however, this is typically only when the waxwing appears in large numbers. When this happens, it is often seen as a sign that something big is about to happen, either good or bad.

In Far Eastern cultures, the cedar waxwing is often seen as a symbol of good fortune. These birds bring luck and prosperity to those who cross their path. In addition, the cedar waxwing is also associated with longevity and wisdom. It is believed that these birds can help us to tap into our inner wisdom and to live a long and prosperous life.

The cedar waxwing is also seen as a symbol of friendship in many cultures. This is because these birds are known to be very social creatures. They often travel in flocks and are always seen working together. This makes them the perfect symbol for those who value friendship and teamwork.

The cedar waxwing also has a special place in Greek mythology. In this culture, the cedar waxwing is seen as a symbol of love and affection. This is because these birds are known to mate for life and to care for their young diligently. Additionally, the cedar waxwing is also associated with the Greek god Dionysus, the god of wine. These birds are often seen drinking fermented fruit in mid-flight and seem to have a great appreciation for all things sweet and delicious! Overall, the cedar waxwing has a special significance in many different cultures. Whether you see this bird as a symbol of balance, patience, or self-reliance, there is no doubt that the cedar waxwing has much to teach us.

When you look at the Waxwing’s head, it appears as if masked, another allusion to confidentiality with some mystery and the art of disguise thrown in for good measure. For nesting, Waxwings prefer the Rowan (Mountain Ash). The Rowan Tree represents courage, wisdom, and protection. A hardy Apple tree is the Waxwing’s alternative settling spot, indicative of health, happiness, and love. When the trees are close to water, it’s even better. They need plenty of water for processing the sugars in their diet. Sometimes the Waxwings gather overripe berries, becoming intoxicated and unable to fly.

A central message from the Waxwing Spirit Animal focuses on generosity. Ask yourself if someone in your life is genuinely in need. Alternatively, consider a charitable cause you can get behind in the way of support. Remember, giving is not always a matter of money. Time helps, extra hands help, your skills can help. The rewards from such efforts don’t have a price tag; they are priceless. Speaking of gifting, Waxwing Spirit Animal instructs taking an inventory of items you have but no longer need or use. If it’s sat on a shelf for six months without a thought, find a new home graciously. An extra benefit here is removing clutter and opening your space to the flow of positive energies. Third, Waxwing Spirit Animal reminds you to give means receiving as well. Many people find it hard to accept help. Pride or embarrassment gets in the way. However, the Universe values YOU too. Be thankful no matter how small or large the gesture.

Finally, the Waxwing Spirit Animal challenges you to take time in introspection. What masks do you wear in your life, and why? In Shamanic traditions, costumes transform. In other settings, they can deceive or protect. You should remain aware of the masks you don, checking for good intentions.

Words by Kimberly McGrath

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gladrial · 8 months ago

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The 90s X-Men cartoon was the beginning of my journey into fandoms. While I can point to earlier fandoms I was into as a child, I did not fully understand what that meant: what kind of rabbit holes I could dive into and communities I could be a part of until X-Men. It laid the foundation. So when I found out that they were going to do a continuation on the show, it may surprise you to know that I thought it was a bad idea.

At the time, the show was truly groundbreaking, with its continuing story that built over time and its focus on the characters’ interpersonal relationship. However, while I still enjoy watching it for nostalgia sake, I find its telenovela style very dated. The narrative often holds up, but the delivery does not.

I suspected this new season was going to give us some better animation and action sequences, but, being forced to keep within the style of its predecessor, wasn’t really going to work. It would be fun for nostalgia’s sake and some action-packed scenes, but nothing more.

And after watching the first episode, I felt it was exactly what I expected it would be. A lot of style, little substance. A lot of nostalgia, little new to build on. Many a ‘we did the thing you remember’ and ‘we said the line from the show.’ It was fine, but it didn’t particularly excite me.

That said, the second episode is absolute fire and left me yearning for more. Despite the melodrama, it somehow still worked for reasons I can’t quite explain. I would like to try my best to articulate what worked for me, what didn’t, and what I would like to see in the future.

Lots of spoilers ahead.

Positives:

- Getting to view the power levels of these characters as they were meant to be again has been such a treat. Live action can be held back in so many ways, be it time, money, or striving for something with more realism. But I prefer seeing the possibilities that often only animation can give us. Cyclops and Storm’s power sets both really stood out in these two episodes and it was a joy to behold.

- The action in general is much better obviously with the improvements we’ve seen in animation and the amount of backing this show has received.

- Jubilee’s dance sequence was oh so pretty.

- The look on Logan’s face when Jean went into labor was priceless.

- Storm, my queen, has gotten to shine in ways she hasn’t in the mainstream in years. In decades! And I’m not just referring to the ‘give them the forecast’ scene (which was epic), but every single scene she occupied. They showed her at her fiercest and her most vulnerable. They showed Storm the warrior and Storm the friend. “Do not think. Be silent, heed my commands and you shall survive.” - Yes queen. Whatever you say queen.

- Magneto! I love everything about every scene he is in. Yes, even those scenes. Especially those scenes, you cowards! (We’ll touch on that later. Pun intended.) I love how he’s striving to honor Xavier’s wishes while still clearly not being onboard and not even trying to hide it. He’s making the attempt, but not willing to let another man’s ideals compromise him as made poignant by the “Do not make me let you down” line, while he’s literally dangling his judges in the air. Perfection! Yes, this may all go sideways, but it will be on them if it does. Not him. He’s the most dangerous man in any room and not afraid to let you know it, even when he’s playing nice.

- The Rogue/Gambit/Magneto love triangle got me feeling feels! I saw a hint of something when Rogue defended Magneto’s presence to the chagrin of Gambit, but never thought they’d go as far with it as they did, especially in one episode. To everyone upset, I see you. I hear you. It’s going to be okay. We all know Rogue and Gambit are endgame. Calm down. Rogue doesn’t owe Remy anything (and vice versa). They are obviously very attracted to each other, but the relationship has purposefully been kept surface level by her. Rogue has set a precedent that she enjoys the flirtation, but has a history of shutting him down beyond that, so he’s kept to those rules. She does it to protect them both, not just physically, but emotionally. Then she gets the joy of helping her friend give birth to a child she’ll never conceive with a husband she believes she’ll never have…but back home there’s a man she has a history with. A man she respects. A man with charisma and charm. And it just so happens to literally be the only person she can touch. I do not blame the woman and neither should you. And Xmen has always been about the drama. Everyday, every way, all the time drama. If you don’t want drama, you’re watching the wrong show.

- Xmen has always been woke as hell. It’s kind of their whole deal. But it’s ever so nice that they don’t have to put on kid gloves while making their points anymore. To be fair, it was very progressive at the time, as much as it could have been. But I appreciate that they’ve upped the ante even more.

Negatives:

- Continuity is huge in this show, and since they insisted on continuing where it left off, you have to heed to that continuity. That means I shouldn’t see Angel in any pictures of the original Xmen (in this iteration), but that's a minor example compared to completely subverting the final episode. Xavier did not die and, while I might understand everyone acting as though he has in public for a variety of reasons, they continue to do so in private, which makes no sense. Additionally, Magneto was handed over the reins in the finale, so no one should be shocked that he’s there. Narratively it’s more dramatic, sure, but it’s not accurate for a show that has historically strived to keep continuity.

- The animation is better obviously, but not as good as it could be… Something looks off in a way that I can’t put my finger on, but I suspect that it has something to do with getting too modern with it would be too jarring from the original series.

- Cyclops fretting about leaving after losing Xavier makes sense. His uncertainty about who will lead in his absence does not. Storm is right there. She’s right there and the groundwork has been put in place for her to take on the role of leadership since season one. Instead, imagine the impact of Cyclops agreeing it was time to step back only for Storm to have been stripped of her powers and walk away, making him second guess whether he should stay.

- Look. I’m not sure why I have to say this, but even back in the 90s, a grown man going ‘NOT!’ was cringe as hell. It’s even more so now. Of all the callbacks, why that one? Bad joke then and bad joke now.

- I love that Magneto does something pragmatic for the Morlocks. His comments to the Xmen in regards to it would have been more than justified if not for the fact that they had been offered sanctuary at the mansion and declined it. Someone in the room should have brought that up.

- I respect Magneto handing himself over to authorities in a ‘I’ll play along’ sort of way. We all know if things didn’t go his way, he would have just turned the tables on them. To that end…I find it very hard to swallow that he’d voluntarily let them collar him. ‘Yes, yes, you may walk me around in your silly little handcuffs. I’ll play along. But I’ll be damned if I let you neuter me.’

- Granted this next one is a nit-pick, but…why didn’t they wait for Storm to get the mohawk until after she lost her powers? She first got the look after she’d been depowered in the comics as part of her learning to cope with the change. It gave her some feeling of control over something when she felt like she didn’t have control over anything. She lost her abilities in the second episode, so it’s not like they would have had to wait long. It’s a great look, don’t get me wrong, just feels like it could have added to the narrative more if they waited. (Update: I was incorrect about the order of events in the comics as pointed out in the replies. It’s a lot of lore to keep up with. Probably projected this narrative into my memory as a youngster. Apologies.)

What I’d like to see:

There’s one thing in particular that’s bugging me. I could probably write a book about why Wolverine is so beloved and, honestly, one of my favorite fictional characters. The 90s cartoon introduced me to him, but there was so much to explore beyond that. He’s one of the best studies in character development that I’ve ever had the pleasure to immerse myself in. This comes from having one person in control of your narrative for seventeen years, a luxury rarely found in the medium of comic books, but one he was fortunate enough to receive. We learn why he’s so guarded and little by little see his defenses being chipped away. Oh, maybe some of these people are okay. Oh, maybe I can call them friends. Oh, maybe they’re strong enough to protect themselves and I won’t lose this bunch like I’ve lost everything else. Oh, maybe I can call them family. Oh, maybe I’m good for something other than violence. Oh, maybe I can nurture this person. Oh, maybe I can help guide this man’s vision that I believe in so much because finally someone saw that I could be more. Oh, maybe I can be the one that carries on his mantle and passes his vision on to the next generation.

He is the best there is at what he does and, despite what he may believe, sometimes what he does is so goddamn beautiful.

I’m ready to see that Wolverine. I’m ready for the Wolverine in this show to grow up. I’m ready for him to get over the most boring woman in the room. Again, Storm’s right there! Or someone else. Or no one else. I honestly don’t care. Grow up. Stop constantly moping. Become more. It’s time. He deserves it. We deserve it. Give it to me. I want it.

#x men 97 #xmen #x men

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