#they could have gone with them being in their early-mid twenties

[livmightlive]

2 Adventures AU

I think it would be kind of interesting if the chain went on two adventures. What I mean by that is the first one would occur while most of the chain have only been through one or a few of their games. This could also be seen as a childhood friends au? The chain is pulled together when most of them are pretty young.

Time has just finished Majora’s Mask and is in full young teen angst, trauma, mode. He’s extremely mischievous and poorly adjusted. He’s only around 12 or 13 years old.

Wind has just been through the events of Wind Waker. He’s only 12 and is pretty shaken up but still pretty similar I’d say. Maybe even more hyper and desperate to prove himself.

Hyrule has just been through the events of Zelda 1. He’s quiet and jumpy. Dawn has gently been spending the past two years trying to help him adjust to a more social life but it’s been slow going. He’s extremely anxious to be around so many people. I’d say he’s around 14.

Four has only been through the events of Minish Cap so he’s not even Four yet. His age is canonically the most confusing to me but I really like the headcanons that he’s a young adult who has a baby face. In this he’d be a kid though, so maybe around 11?

Legend I can’t decide whether he’d have only been through A Link to the Past and the oracle games or if he’s been through Links Awakening by this point. I think it would be more interesting if he had just been through Link’s Awakening and is severely jaded. He’s 16. (If he had only been thru the oracle games he’d be 14 and a lot more light hearted)

Wild would have gone through the events of Botw being 17. He’d honestly just be pretty baseline with no crazy changes.

Twilight would have also just gone through Twilight Princess being 18. I think he’d be really hung up on Midna. 

Sky has also just completed Skyward Sword, I think he’d also be 18? Pretty similar to canon. 

Warriors was plucked halfway through his game and thrust into this adventure. He’s very stressed, worried he left his people behind when they needed him most. He becomes the group leader being the eldest at 20. 

They come together, pretty much a platoon of child soldiers, defeat the evil, say teary goodbyes, and return home. 

Years later they’re all shocked to be pulled into a second journey across time and get to reunite with their brothers. 

This time Time is his canon Lu age of being somewhere around his early to mid thirties being much more cool and collected than the actual child nightmare he was initially. He falls easily into a leadership role. He seems to have mended many of his mental wounds despite him being prone to grumpiness. This adventure after so many years of peace is pretty triggering though. 

Wind has gone through phantom hour glass and is freshly 15. He’s a little more mature now but very much so the same kid except now he’s like: “I see dead people”

Hyrule is a lot better socialized this time. He’s almost easy going and has a mischievous streak that the chain welcomes. It’s a fine change from the scared scrawny kid he was years ago. He still is exceedingly sweet and has a plethora of new talents to share. He also has crippling paranoid and a blood phobia. He’s around 18. 

Four, despite being the youngest the first mission, is now a young man being in his early twenties. He doesn’t talk much about his last adventure but he’s noticeably scatterbrained. Despite that, he can think outside the box like nobody else. It’s like he can think with the power of four people! He also goes by the name four now. 

Legend who has completed two more quests now is incredibly frustrated to have been yanked out of retirement/his wedding planning. Legend was able to manage a lot of healing over his last two journeys. He got engaged to the one and only Ravio who he was supposed to be working on wedding invitations with. He’s lighter now but still a grouch at times. He’s in his earlier twenties.

Wild has completed his mission from TotK and somehow his iPad can do EVEN MORE now. If lobbing bombs wasn’t enough last time, now he can crawl through walls. He is noticeably shaken in a way he wasn’t last time and has almost an unwilling clarity of the world around him. He’s 21 now. 

I so sorry but I don’t think Twilight would be much different. If anyone has thoughts pls lmk. He’s been able to move on from Midna and has thrown himself into shepherd work. I think he’d be courting Ilia and would be living a good country life while getting to brag about having tea with the princess. He’s fairly okay with being on another mission.

Okay this is totally just a headcanon but I picture Sky as that guy you knew in highschool who gets married really young and starts a family right after school. Sky is stressed after getting sent on another because he’s in the middle of building a kingdom and his wife, Sun, is pregnant. 

Poor Warriors. As mentioned the first journey happened for him when he was halfway through his war. Unlike many of the others, when he returned to his f ‘n c z timeline it was like no time had passed at all. For the second half of his war he met many new people and old friends. Mask (time) joined him, an older, almost grown version of Wind as his best friend and second in command, Ravio, Midna. When the war ends he’s saddened to say goodbye to dear friends once again. Warriors is whisked away to his second journey with the chain the moment his war ends. For him, it’s only been a year or less in some circumstances that he’s seen the chain. For most of them to had aged so much is jarring to him. The last time he saw them all it was him and a mostly non verbal group of children. Now it’s a group of almost all adults bar Wind, who was Warriors’ age last time he saw him. Most shocking of all is to see his baby brother all grown up and older than him. 

I haven’t put much further thought into the AU but I thought the dynamic of splitting the chain up by the amount of adventures they completed would be interesting. Most of the chain also had started their journeys as children so I thought it would be a fun dynamic for them to have all met younger. Poor Warriors though, leading 6 mentally ill teenagers and children was a huge task. And now they’re all either older than him or roughly the same age. I imagine they hit the pubs hard 😭

[orlissa]

I'll never come to terms with the casting of The Dressmaker (2015).

It's a great movie.

Kate Winslet is great in it as Tilly.

Liam Hemsworth is great in it as Teddy.

But how could the casting director/whoever is responsible for this think that anyone would believe that Kate Winslet's (who just turned 39 when filming started) and Liam Hemsworth's (who turned 25 a few weeks after filming wrapped) characters are the same age is beyond me.

[misspygmypie]

Age Difference

Pairing: Lando Norris x reader (slight age gap) Word Count: 1666 Request: Can i request something for Lando where reader is older then Lando by 5 or 6 years and reader worry's Lando will find someone his own age but he keeps on reassuring her he lover her so very much. Like a lot. And reder talk to max about it and how she thinks it's better if she leaves him so he can find someone his own age. But Max tells Lando who has noticed she has gone distance. Happy ending though please. Masterlist

Please do not repost, thank you, and leave some feedback :)

Y/N sat by the window, watching as the world outside went about its usual business, feeling uneasy and anxious. The difference in age between her and Lando was something she had always been conscious of but recently it had started to gnaw at her more insistently.

Lando Norris was vibrant, full of life and only in his mid-twenties, while Y/N was in her early thirties. It had never seemed like a big deal before but lately she had started to worry. The thought that Lando might want to be with someone closer to his own age, someone who could share his youthful energy and ambitions or was up to party until the early morning hours, had begun to plague her mind.

One evening while they relaxed on the couch together, Lando reached out to take her hand. He noticed the distant look in her eyes, the way she seemed lost in her thoughts. He had sensed her growing distress and wanted to address it before it became a bigger issue.

“Y/N,” Lando began softly, his eyes full of concern, “I’ve been feeling like something’s been bothering you lately. I just want you to know that I love you so much. More than anything. I’m not just saying that, I mean it.”

Y/N looked at him, her heart aching. “I know you say that but sometimes I wonder if you really mean it. I worry that maybe you’re settling for me.”

Lando’s face grew serious and he gently squeezed her hand. “I’m not settling. I’m with you because you’re everything to me.”

She could see the sincerity in his eyes and it warmed her heart but her insecurities still lingered. “I just don’t want you to feel like you’re missing out on something because of me. Especially now that you're growing more popular, you could have so many other, younger girlfriends.”

“You’re not holding me back,” Lando said firmly. “If I thought for a second that being with you wasn’t right I’d tell you but that’s not the case. You’re my partner, my love and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.”

Despite his reassurances Y/N found it hard to shake off her fears. As the days went by she became more preoccupied with the idea that maybe Lando would be happier with someone closer to his own age. She felt a growing distance between them, a distance that she couldn’t explain but also couldn’t ignore.

One evening she couldn't handle the overwhelming feeling anymore and she decided to talk to Max, Lando’s longtime best friend and the person who knew him best. Max had always been a voice of reason and she hoped he could provide some clarity.

Y/N sat across from Max in the cozy corner of her favorite café, her coffee cooling as she fidgeted with the edge of her napkin. The conversation had shifted from their initial casual chat to something more unsettling.

“I’ve been thinking,” Y/N said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe it’s better if I leave Lando.”

Max’s brow furrowed in concern. “What do you mean? Why would you say that?”

“It’s just… I can’t shake the feeling that I’m holding him back,” Y/N explained, her eyes reflecting the turmoil inside her. “He’s so young and full of life. I see him growing more popular and I worry that he’s missing out on experiences he could have with someone closer to his own age.”

Max took a sip of his coffee, his gaze steady on Y/N. “But Lando’s made it clear that he loves you and he’s with you because he wants to be. Have you talked to him about this?”

“I have,” Y/N admitted. “And he says he loves me and doesn’t want to be with anyone else but I can’t help but feel like he’s saying that to not hurt my feelings. If I’m being honest, there’s a part of me that thinks he might be happier with someone who’s more on his wavelength, someone who can share his lifestyle without these doubts.”

Max leaned forward, his expression serious. “Y/N, love isn’t just about shared experiences or age. It’s about how you connect, how you support each other. From everything I’ve seen, Lando values you deeply. He’s not the type to stay in a relationship just out of convenience or because he feels like he should.”

“I know,” Y/N said, her voice trembling. “But it’s not just about what he wants. I keep thinking about what’s best for him. Maybe I’m not the best person for him and maybe it would be better if we both moved on. He deserves someone who isn’t plagued by insecurities and doubts.”

Max sighed, shaking his head. “Look, I understand where you’re coming from. But you have to ask yourself why you’re so willing to give up on something that’s important to both of you. Sometimes, the hardest part of a relationship isn’t the age difference or the external factors, it’s facing the insecurities and challenges.”

“It’s just so hard, Max,” Y/N’s eyes filled with tears again as she spoke, “I love him so much, but I don’t want to be the cause of his unhappiness.”

Max reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on hers. “It sounds like you’re trying to protect him, but you’re also underestimating the strength of your relationship. If Lando has reassured you that he’s committed to you, then you need to trust that. If you really believe in your relationship, then you should be willing to fight for it, not just walk away because of fear.”

Y/N nodded slowly, her mind racing, but she still wasn’t convinced.

________

Max and Lando were hanging out at Max’s place, having a rare moment to unwind after a hectic week. Lando was in high spirits but Max had something on his mind that he needed to address.

“Hey, Lando,” Max began casually, “I had a chat with Y/N recently.”

Lando looked up, his interest piqued. “Oh? How’s she doing?”

“She’s been struggling with some doubts about your relationship,” Max said carefully. “She mentioned feeling like maybe it would be better if she stepped away. She’s worried she’s holding you back because of the age difference.”

Lando’s face clouded with concern. “She said that? I thought we were getting through it.”

Max nodded. “Yeah, she’s been feeling insecure. She loves you a lot, but she’s been thinking she might not be what’s best for you.”

Lando’s expression softened with frustration and worry. “I’ve told her over and over that I’m with her because I want to be. The age difference isn’t an issue for me. I just wish she could see that.”

“I told her the same thing,” Max said. “But you know how these things are, sometimes it’s hard for her to believe it, even when it’s coming from you.”

“I need to talk to her again,” Lando sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I want to make sure she knows how serious I am about this. If she’s feeling this way, it’s clearly affecting her more than I realized.”

Max gave a supportive nod. “Yeah, you should have another conversation. Let her know how much she means to you and that you’re not looking for anyone else. It might help her feel more secure.”

“I will,” Lando said firmly. “Thanks for letting me know. I just want to fix this before it gets any worse.”

“No problem,” Max replied. “I’m here if you need anything. Just remember, communication is key. Show her that you’re in this for the long haul.”

________

When Lando came home from training the next day he decided it was time to chat with her. “Y/N,” he approached her, “we need to talk.”

“What’s up?”

“Y/N, I know what you said to Max, he told me and before you blame him for saying anything, I am so glad he did, because now I can address this with you before you make any stupid decisions,” Lando said and he saw the anxiety creep up into her eyes. “Please, talk to me Y/N, what’s going on?”

Y/N took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his with vulnerability. “I’ve been worried about our relationship. About the age difference. I keep thinking that maybe you’d be happier with someone closer to your age. I don’t want to hold you back or make you feel like you’re missing out. I know I've said it before but I'm really struggling with these thoughts and I can't stop thinking about it.”

Lando’s expression softened immediately. He stepped closer and took her hands in his. “Y/N, it hurts me so much to see you like this. I need you to listen to me, really listen, and I need you to know that I’m not thinking about being with anyone else. I’m with you because I love you. The age difference doesn’t change that, it doesn’t change how I feel about you. I love you for who you are and I don't care how many years we have between us”

Tears welled up in Y/N’s eyes as she listened to him, the weight of her fears beginning to lift. “But what if you’re just saying that because you don’t want to hurt me?”

“No,” Lando said firmly, his gaze steady and sincere. “I’m telling you the truth. I’m with you because I want to be. You’re not holding me back, you’re making me better and my life better. You're my everything. I’m not looking for someone else or a different kind of relationship. I’m here because I love you.”

Y/N’s heart ached with relief as she threw her arms around him, tears streaming down her face. “I love you so much,” she whispered.

“I love you too,” Lando replied, his voice thick with emotion. “And I want us to work through this together. And we will.”

________

AN: Anon I hope you like it and if not let me know and I can rewrite 😊🫶

[personwhowrites]

Hey Mama

Task force 141 x pregnant!reader(female)

Tw: some suggestive language, mention of intercourse? Comment if I need to add more.

It was a one night stand with a good looking fella gone wrong. Too many things in your mind seem to stop as you saw the positive pregnancy test.

“That explains the late period” Your roommate Jessica pointed out. “Who’s is it?”

“It could be a false positive!” You utter out bitting your nail before looking at Jessica. “Right?”

“False positives are a low chance. If you want I can run down to the drug store and buy a couple more.” Jessica replies and look at you with some worry. “Girl.. do you even know who you slept with? Or were you too drunk to even remember?” Jessica pauses and looks you up and down. “..I have a feeling you open your legs too much.”

“Okay first off rude! I do not..” you mumble and stare at the test. “All the time..”

Jessica can’t help but shake her own head. She’s disappointed, she seen many friends ruin their lives with surprise pregnancies. Most of them just being in their early twenties. Jessica sigh and grab the test before looking back at you.

“So you gonna guess who’s the baby daddy?” Jessica asks while throwing the test in the trash. “Well?”

“It.. could be four people..” you mumble out as Jessica face palms. “What! Listen! Men in uniform are such a turn on!”

“If it was good looking men I would understand but.. I’m gonna guess they’re what? Late thirties maybe fourties’ you slept with?” Jessica blurts and looks at you with some anger. “You can’t just open your legs for any uniform man!”

You roll your eyes, annoyed by choice of words. Jessica and you walk out the bathroom, she can’t help but feel frustrated for you.

“What about collage? That lawyer degree your been working your ass for!” Jessica mentions while going to the living room. “All down the drain! Just because you couldn’t close your legs for some uniformed guy.”

“For your information those four were in the army!” You correct Jessica while following after her, yet it doesn’t help the situation as she lets out a frustrating sigh.

“Four?! Four! I still don’t get how you slept with four men and didn’t even use protect! Have you learned nothing with all the girls we been friends with!” Jessica snaps finally and points her index finger towards of all. “Do you even know their names!? Numbers! Anything?!”

“Uh.. yes! One of them.. was named Ghost, another Gaz an—” You try to explain but Jessica just puts her hand up to stop you mid sentence.

“You know what.. I don’t even wanna know.” Jessica mumbles holding the side of her head. “Christ.. I’m not the one pregnant and I’m stressing out about it.”

You look away, a bit ashamed of putting her through this. Jessica looks over at you finally, slightly calm and sighs.

“I’ll go down to the drug store down the street, I’ll get you more pregnancy test.” Jessica mumbles and presses her lips into a thin line. “Meanwhile you find out who’s the baby daddy, just.. don’t make it a bigger mess.”

Before you could even protest Jessica grabbed her coat and shoes. Leaving you alone in the shared apartment.

You just started down at the floor before doing what she said. You walk to your room, trying to at least remember who was the last guy you were with. Tension grew as you remember that night, you weren’t with just one guy but four making it now impossible to remember who was the first or last one to use you as their cum bucket.

“Fuck..” you whisper reaching for your phone. “..fuck..”

You open your phone, putting the classic passcode of your best friend birthday. The Home Screen loads up, the background being a photo of you and your pet back at home. You sigh as some notifications roll in from Snapchat and Instagram.

“..damn it..” you mumble as you go to your contacts. “..I know it was Gaz.. Ghost..” you pause reading all of your contacts. “..soap and Price..”

You exit the contacts app and go to your messages. You scroll around for their names before finally finding them. You bite your lip, unsure on what to do now, should you be contacting them? How would you even start this conversation! A lot of scenarios,  started to play in your head..then a text.

It was from Jessica, she sent two pictures of pregnancy tests. Then another text reading these shits are expensive, you better pay me back next time.

You just rolled your eyes, going back to see who of the four men you would text first. Then another message, it was from an unknown number.

Open the door mama.

You stare at the text, before hearing a sudden knock on the front door. You covered your mouth and got up quickly from your bed, slightly on edge as you heard the knocking. Another text came from the unknown number.

I know you’re there, saw your friend leave a little while ago.

You grab your phone as the knocking continues in the background. It wasn’t aggressive, just some friendly knocking before it stops for a second. You tried to walk to the front door quietly, but the floorboards gave you away and the knocking started again. Then you heard Jessica, talking to someone she didn’t sound happy. The movement of plastic bags were heard, probably two male voices maybe more?

“Yeah yeah that’s what they all say.” Jessica says opening the door, almost knocking you over. “Christ! Hey careful or at least say something..”

You glance behind her, now seeing who she was talking to. It was that guy.. well… guys. You couldn’t speak as Soap took out the pregnancy tests out the boxes and read the instructions. Ghost grabbed the tests back from Soap and put them back in the bag. Price shook his head, putting his head in his hand. While Gaz looked at you with an awkward smile.

“Hey mama..” Gaz whispered as you stood there motionless.

Mama.. maybe that name will fit good enough until.. they figure out who’s child you’re having..

[edenprime]

I keep flip-flopping on whether I like Liara's change in characterization post-ME1. Was she changed exclusively by the devs/writers so that she could be an action girl, which is considered more interesting/sexier? Was it a side-effect of her being put on the "everyone is now an edgelord" train? Or did it actually make sense?

At the present I'm inclined to think it's a mix of the last two. At the start of ME, she says that she's barely an adult by asari standards, that her work isn't taken very seriously due to her young age. We overhear, in ME2, an asari on Illium say that she's 60, so she's finally moved out of her parents' house. I'd say this makes Liara's 106 years around the equivalent of early to mid twenties. She suddenly finds her mother, an extremely well-respected woman in her society, betraying her people and going off with a rogue man who's rallying one of the galaxy's boogeymen to work for him, hunting down and killing innocents, turning them into monsters. Then, when she's gone to hunt her down to stop her, she finds out she's indoctrinated, that she set out to stop Saren, not join him. Benezia finds her mind for a few minutes, tells her she truth of the indoctrination, and attacks her and the person she's falling in love with (her first love, too!) only to die in front of her.

Whether Shepard rejects her or not, it's clear that she's in love with them, that her feelings are still there when the collectors attack the Normandy. And right then, she sees another person important to her, at best a friend and at worst a lover, die in front of her. She finds out there's a race to get their dead body, that it can be given to their murderer, or to a terrorist organization. She chooses, for better or worse, the second, the one who, as she says on ME2, gives her some hope. She admits to Shepard that her feelings got the best of her in that case. After dying for the cause, she sees their reputation be torn to shreds and every discovery they made be buried by politicians.

She loses Feron, another ally, another friend.

So yes, she changes. She's a 23 year old who went from exploring 50 thousand year old dig sites to being in the center of a belic conflict with her mother as an enemy. She sees her love die a horrible death, choking on nothing in front of her.

Of course she becomes obsessive and single-minded. Of course she adopts some of Benezia's worse traits. Of course she hunts down the shadow broker with such ruthlessness. And of course her behavior softens with Shepard - they came back. She's not stupid, I'm sure she knows her gamble, when she gave Shepard's body to Cerberus, was not without its dangers. She knows Shepard could rightfully be mad at her. She knows Shepard could have not come back at all! But she did it all anyway. Regardless of how her behavior can be seen as creepy or morally wrong, I can see where she's coming from, and I don't think she's all that wrong for feeling the way she felt. She stops being the saint she was on the SR1, but she's not an evil witch, and she's definitely not even among the top 5 squad members who needs the most atonement. Or jail time.

[salamander-spark]

Disguised forms for the other Basilisks!

(Including my interpretation of Number II's appearance)

+ headcanons, as well as backstory for my AU highlighted in green.

Number II, aka Tulip🌷

Age≈ late 20's/early 30's (~15 years older than Vee)

Goes by They/Them, Is the second oldest of the experimented Basilisks. They firsthand witnessed Number One(Greater basilisk that attacks Hexide)'s descent into madness and animalistic hunger. They were scared of what they could become, so they fought extra hard to retain their sanity, vowing to protect their younger kin. Tulip often risked taking punishments from the captors in the other's stead.

(Hight comparison for Tulip's true form (Vee for reference)

At around 15 years old, Tulip hears scouts talk about a new test subject that hatched recently and will soon be ready for experiments. Tulip breaks out and rescues the infant number five. A month of laying low later, and they are both hiding in a cave. Tulip finds a pool of Titan's blood trapped deep within, and they both enter into the human realm.

Tulip can't stay. They know they need to protect Treble and Ivy. So they watch in the shadows as Vee is taken into the care of a couple of humans before leaving her behind, where she can grow up in a place far from the Emperor's grasp. They absorb the remaining magic in the portal, severing this temporary link so that nobody can follow their child.

🎼Treble & Ivy🌿

Ages≈ Mid twenties

Treble: She/Her, Ivy: He/They

I got the idea to name her Treble from The Angel of the Owl house, by OwlHouseAngel on A03. I thought fit well, considering she's playing Eda's Citern in the finale, and the Idea of a basilisk playing instruments sounds cool. (even inspired some things for my AU)

Both were created from the same set of samples, making them almost like twins. They've got a close-knit sibling bond, very protective of each other. Treble gets headstrong and does risky things like attack coven scouts. Ivy often has to reign Treble in to prevent her from being too reckless. He tends to take an overly cautious approach to anything new.

I'm still not entirely sure how they play into the AU, but they meet Vee and are introduced to Camila to be accepted into their family

I loved this shot when I first saw it, I'm glad to see at least someone in the crew cares about them

& 🌺Viola "Vee" Noceda

I like to think she has a collection of different sweaters and chooses to wear them to keep her warm. Basilisks are mostly cold-blooded but passivly use up their magic to keep warm in cold temperatures. Vee likes to conserve energy by dressing warm during the colder months

She ended up in the human realm thanks to Tulip and was quickly adopted by the Nocedas. Not knowing about her origins, she's horrified learning what her kin has gone through.

She's less timid when confronting danger and hasn't gone through her canon trauma (minus a few fears like sharp objects and dark basements from ). She does, however, have trauma and grief from Manny's sickness and death.

[arctichotch]

captain john price x reader

angsty fic where price is MIA because it’s been stuck in my head for months and i had to write it down

wc: 2.7k

— —

It was a rare sunny day in Herefordshire with temperatures in the mid twenties. After a week of miserable rain, the weather Gods seem to have taken mercy on the people of the UK. A near perfect day, watching your three little boys out the back chasing each other around the swing set their father had built for them the summer before. The only thing that would make the day perfect was if your husband was in the garden, chasing them and hearing all four of your boys laughing and enjoying the sun.

But after seven years of marriage, you were well adjusted to the moments John missed. He’d been deployed early this month with very little warning. A mere text as you were both putting the boys to bed had him grabbing his go bag and rushing out the door with no time for anything more than a kiss pressed to the kids foreheads and a quick kiss on the lips for you. He said it shouldn’t take as long as some of his previous missions, hopefully only a week (which is one of your favourite things to hear, thinking back to the time earlier in your relationship where he was taken from you for nearly six months).

However, it was nearing the three week mark and it was still radio silence.

You shook yourself out of your worries when you felt them approaching. At this point you’re a pro at this military wife thing. You know how unpredictable things can be and you also know how capable John and his team are.

You get ready to tame the wild boys in the garden and get them ready for dinner when you hear a knock on your door. A knock that would alter your life in unimaginable ways.

——

Your heart dropped before even opening the front door. You could recognise that hulking figure, shrouded in black standing by his smaller counterpart through even the thickest of frosted glass. You almost turned around, not opening the door and returning to your happy, peaceful life with your children laughing and your husband away fighting his hardest to come home to you.

“Simon? Johnny?” Maybe John had sent them? Maybe they had returned before John and sent them to check on you and the boys? A rush of possibilities rushed through your head the moment you opened the door. You’ve known Simon long enough to know his face doesn’t exactly give much away but there was something in his eyes today that told you something wasn’t right. Johnny just stared at the floor.

“Price is MIA. We lost him.” Brief as ever was Simon. You almost didn’t compute his words. MIA? They “lost” him? But your world froze while your thoughts rushed even quicker. You didn’t know what to say or do. Could you even remember how to breathe?

Before you know it, you’re being guided by Simon into the living room to sit down while Johnny pushed a glass of water into your hands. You try to pull away from him, get more answers from them both because this couldn’t be possible. “Jesus, woman, you nearly passed out, let me help you.” Simon said, trying to get you to sit down.

“He’s missing? What does that even mean? How can he be missing?” You turned to Johnny as he almost forced you to take a sip of the water.

“Look, Simon will explain everything, OK? Where are the lads? They don’t need to hear all this.” You pointed to the back garden, feeling so extremely nauseous it rivaled your morning sickness from the twins. “Alright, I’ll go out and take care of them.” Johnny left the room and you turned to Simon expectantly.

“Right, look, I can’t tell you every little detail, but the basics are we were blindsided by an IED, and when Gaz and Soap woke up from being knocked out, he was gone.” He dropped his head in his hands and sighed (perhaps the most emotion you’d ever seen from him.)

“Didn’t see any bastard enemies nearby but they must have been lying in wait for us to trigger the bomb ready to take someone, and who better than the Captain of the taskforce trying to destroy their little gang.” He shook his head. “We’re heading back out tomorrow. We had to come home and regroup, gather more intel and shit. Gaz had to get his head checked but we’re going to find him.”

“When did this happen?” You asked, dreading the answer.

“Six days ago. We’ve been looking non-stop since though and we’ve got all the resources of the CIA at our disposal. You know Kate’s soft-spot for John. We won’t stop until he’s back in this house.” He looked straight at you, you could feel the sheer determination rolling off him in waves. John was his family too, you reminded yourself. They would fight just as hard as you would for him.

“You said he was taken, right? Who has my husband, Simon? Where did they take him from?” You begged him for answers, needing to fill in the gaps in your mind.

“Look, I can’t tell you for your own safety. We still don’t know all the players in this game so I’m not going to risk your and the kids’ safety. It’s not worth it. All you need to know right now is that we are going to find him. I promise you that much.” You felt the tears rolling steadily down your face, dropping off your jawline onto what you now realise is one of John’s shirts.

“What are they doing to him?” You whisper, not sure you even want to know. From Simon’s look though, it can’t be good. He doesn’t reply, as Johnny walks into the room with your youngest, Sammy, on his back.

“This little lad wanted his Mummy and wouldn’t wash up for dinner before he saw his second-best Uncle Simon.” He said hesitantly, fearing he had walked in before you were ready. But he wasn’t going to risk a three-year-old tantrum, you had enough on your plate as it was.

You wiped your tears quickly before Sammy launched himself at you. Your other two boys rushed in, their hands still wet, and threw themselves at Simon. You looked at them all with a teary smile, wondering what the next steps were for your family.

——

Johnny and Simon stayed for dinner, helping you with the kids before heading back to base with final whispered promises that they would find John and bring him home.

As you tucked your oldest boy, Thomas, into bed for the night, the twins already fast asleep across the hall, he asked “Are you alright, Mummy?” Tommy was wise well beyond his years. You should have known your tears earlier and your quietness at dinner wouldn’t go unnoticed by him. “Is something wrong with Daddy? Is that why Uncle Soap and Simon were here today?”

“Oh Tom, I’m okay, I promise. Daddy is at work and Simon and Johnny came to visit so they could go back and tell Daddy how good you boys are being. They’re like Daddy’s spies.” That made him laugh, which was all you could hope for right now. With a final kiss to his forehead, you left him to enter his little dreamland.

You felt awful lying to him, but he was just so young. You knew so little about what was happening right now with John, that it would be unfair to plague his little mind with such worries. You’d sit them down tomorrow and tell them the mission will take longer than expected, but that Daddy was fighting his hardest to get home to them. Which you knew wasn’t a lie. John would fight his absolute hardest to make it home, you knew that much for sure.

——

It was two months before you saw any of the 141 in person again. This time it was Gaz at your door. They had been in contact, sporadically and mostly through Kate, so you didn’t get your hopes up when you heard his knock. If they were close they would have said something.

You left the boys watching Bluey on TV in the living room and took Gaz into the kitchen, not wanting the boys to see him before you’d gotten an update from him.

“Well, don’t leave me hanging, Gaz! Are you close?” You questioned him.

“We’re closer than we have been.”

“Well, what the fuck does that mean?” You couldn’t take any more of this cryptic bullshit from the four of them. You wanted straight answers and nobody was giving you any.

“Look, you know I can’t tell you details. But we have some very promising leads and we’re getting closer every single day, ok? I’m sorry that’s all I’ve got for you.” He sighed, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

“I’m sorry, Kyle. I’m just… completely at the end of my rope here. I don’t know how much longer I can tell the kids he’s at work and everything is fine. Tommy can’t understand why his dad wasn't there for his first day of school when they’d had it all planned out. I’m at a loss for what to do.” You wiped the sly tears that had begun to fall and got up to fix Gaz a cup of tea. “So, not to be rude but if there’s no news what are you doing here?” You asked, hoping he’d ignore your little breakdown.

“I was over this way following some leads and we all figured Price would kill us if we didn’t check in on you and the lads every so often, so thought I’d pop by.” You smiled, knowing John would have their heads if they left you alone during this shitty time.

“Well, the boys will be delighted to see you, I’m sure.” You smiled weakly at him. He took his tea and headed into the living room, ready to entertain them for a while to give you a bit of a break.

——

It had been four and a half months now and your hope for John’s safe return was slowly wilting. Everyday was a struggle. You maintained your usual facade for the boys but at night you broke down. Every single night, you’d cry and scream into your pillow, begging whoever was listening for your husband to come home. The constant thoughts of the pain and suffering he was in kept you up all night long. That was on the nights you could still believe he was alive. Every morning you looked like hell doing the school run. It was an endless cycle.

You felt the boys were losing hope too. The communications became few and far between. Logically, you knew they couldn’t look forever. John was just one man. They had the whole world to protect. But this was your whole world and if they weren’t fighting to get him home, you had nothing.

You had told the kids at the six weeks mark. Tommy kept asking for his Daddy to come home and take him to school so you had to tell him something. You scoured the internet on how to tell a five-year-old that his father was kidnapped in a war by evil bastards and you didn’t know if he’d ever come back. Unsurprisingly, there was very little online on how to achieve this. You certainly didn’t know what to tell the twins. Honestly, you aren’t even 100% sure of what you said to them, but it stopped the constant questions of “when is Daddy coming home?” without severely traumatising them, which is all you really needed.

The last flame of hope within you had been extinguished.

——

By month seven, you felt like a ghost of your former self. You didn’t cry anymore. You kept the house as happy as possible for the kids. At this point John had missed the twins' fourth birthday and Christmas, which was hard for you all. But you had to keep going, you had no choice. There were three little boys relying on you for everything and even though half of your heart was missing, you had to keep fighting through.

It was a Sunday when you got a knock at your door.

It was Simon and Johnny again. They were going to tell you they had found your husband dead in some desert halfway across the world.

Or not.

“We got him.” Once again, brief as ever was Simon. “He’s alive, we got ‘im.”

“Right, bonnie, I’ll stay here with the boys, Simon will drive you to the hospital, alright?” When he saw you still frozen in the doorway he said, “Should kind of get a move-on, yeah? Gaz is with him trying to chain him down to the hospital bed before he walks here himself. Figure it’s probably better to bring you to him.”

You felt Johnny brush past you to find the boys, exclaiming as he went “Boys, your favourite uncle is here, come give me a hug.” As they came out to greet him, Johnny explained you were going out for a bit with Simon. “Go on, give your mum a hug, she’ll be back soon.”

You shook yourself out of your trance just enough to give them a quick hug and tell them to be good for Johnny.

You felt like a ghost walking out your front door with Simon. Was John really alive and at a hospital within driving distance?

Your silence seemed to freak even the famous Ghost out because he was the one to start the conversation when you were both on the road. “He’s not looking too great, but he’s not critical or anything. He’s awake and won’t sit still, the old bastard. He keeps asking for you.”

You were still in shock. Your ears were ringing. “He’s alive?”

“Mhmm. Yep. Not exactly in the prime of his health, all things considered. But he’s alive. He’s on the med unit at base, refused to go to an actual hospital because it’s too far away.”

“Sounds like him.” You mumbled a bit. At least they had the real John back and not a clone or something. “What did they do to him?”

You saw Simon glance at you for a moment before turning back to the road. “Ah… that’s not my place. Up to him on what he wants to share with you, I think.”

You both sat in silence for the rest of the drive, you still not really believing your ears that your husband was alive and mere miles away from you.

——

Despite being married for so long, you’d never actually been on base. It was an odd experience and you tried to take in as much visual information as possible while you followed Simon’s long strides, presumably to the med wing.

You heard him before you saw him. Well, more accurately you heard Gaz giving out to him then you heard him.

“You can’t keep me here. I need to see my wife and kids, Gaz. Let me fucking go!”

“Sir, with all due respect I don’t think you’re in any state to be anywhere but here. You need to sit down and let these doctors help you!”

Before John could say another word, Simon opened the door and you stepped in behind him. “John?”

He turned to look at you. Fuck, did he look awful. His face was covered in cuts and bruises, his hair and beard were overgrown and a complete mess. He had lost weight wherever he was too. But it was him, it was John.

You almost tackle hugged him, before thinking that’s probably not the best idea considering the state he’s in. But having him hold you again was unlike any other feeling in the world.

You cried into the hospital gown covering his chest. You couldn’t believe this was truly happening. After seven months of pure hell, you had your husband back in your arms, alive.

You felt his own tears falling onto your head as he pressed kisses into your hair, mumbling unintelligible words to you.

You knew the road ahead of you both was a long one, but you’re glad you have him by your side once again to fight your battles.

[galactickle]

Ruins of Us

Edmund Pevensie x reader

Summary: The reader has to take care of the kingdom after the Pevensies accidentally leave and is mad when they return.

A/N: aged-up edmund x reader story (like in their early-mid twenties) where time passes the same in narnia as it does in the real world, ok?

Masterlist

You still remember the day they left, at first you were in denial, sending out as many search parties as needed. Then, you were sad, how could they leave you and not say anything? Had they left on purpose? You had missed them terribly. But after months of them being gone, you finally got angry. How dare they leave their people, the people they were sworn to protect.

Soon enough someone had to step up and start making decisions, you knew it wouldn't be long until the other kingdoms found out the Great Kings and Queens of Narnia were gone, and that the kingdom was vulnerable. And you were right, you got word one morning that the Terebinthians were on their way to attack Cair Paravel, you saw the fear in your friends eyes, and you knew then was the time to step up, and you did.

“The palace needs to be evacuated, collect as much supplies as you can without dragging you down, we'll need food, blankets, and medical supplies, go now, and tell everyone you pass, we will need everyone out of the castle within the hour,” you spoke up. Everyone was shocked at first, but quickly nodded and hurried off, they all also knew they were not ready to fight a war.

You, Reepicheep, and his soldiers set off to evacuate everyone into the woods. You remember running through the woods, all the inhabitants of Cair Paravel running amongst you, as you heard the sound of the castle crumbling. You beg yourself not to turn around, to keep running.

Now, here you were, nearly 5 years later, Acting Queen of Narnia, fighting off yet another attack, although you were prepared for this one, the Archenlandians had been trying to invade Narnia ever since the loss of the Kings and Queens.

Your sword clashed against that of the Archenlandian General’s, he was a decent fighter, but you were better. You quickly disarmed him, pointing your sword at his throat, “Tell your troops to fall back,” you spat, “now.” You saw the Generals eyes flick to your right, a small smile on his face, and you quickly turned around and stabbed the attacking soldier in the gut, he slumped to the ground immediately. The General tried to run, but you grabbed his shoulder, spinning him around landing a punch right in his smug face.

“SURRENDER FOR THE KINGS AND QUEENS OF NARNIA HAVE RETURNED!” you heard from over your shoulder, you figured it was just a ruse one of your knights had come up with, so since the General was now distracted, you took the opportunity to knock him to the ground, foot on his chest, sword to his throat, “Tell. Your Men. To Fall. Back,” you demanded, at each pause you dug your foot further into his chest. Once again you saw his eyes flick beside you, you turned to your side, foot still on his chest, only to see a tall dark haired figure slice through another soldier who had been running towards you. The dark haired man turned to you. Edmund.

“Need some help?” he asked with a stupid grin planted on his face. You glared at him, and turned back to the General, who now had his hands raised in defence at the sight of the King of Narnia, “FALL BACK! EVERYONE FALL BACK!” he yelled towards his troops, they were quick to follow orders, and you slowly lifted your foot off his chest, but kept your sword trained on him as he retreated.

When you were satisfied with how far the opposing army had retreated, you turned around, intending to survey the amount of losses and injuries, as you always did at the end of a battle. But of course, he stood in your way, a confused look on his face, “I didn't need your help. I had it handled,” you stated simply, still glaring at him.

Then you stomped away, stopping to talk to your second in command, “Make sure everyone gets the proper medical attention,” you said quickly. She nodded and opened her mouth to respond only to get cut off by someone calling your name. You knew who it was, so you gave her a look and stormed off to the camp your troops had set up.

“Y/N!” Edmund tried again, jogging to catch up to you, only to be stopped by someone stepping in front of him.

“I suggest you leave her alone, your majesty,” the girl told him. He gave her a confused look.

“No, I just need to talk to her--” he started.

“And now's not a good time for that,” the girl in front of him insisted.

The rest of the Pevensies had caught up to Edmund now, wondering where their friend had gone.

“She’s not usually in a good mood after a battle, and I suppose seeing you isn't improving her mood either,” your second in command stated.

“She never used to be like that…” Susan wondered aloud.

“Why wouldn't she want to see us?” Edmund demanded, eyebrows furrowed.

“Hm, I don't know, maybe you abandoned her to run a kingdom that was the job of four people,” the girl stated sarcastically.

“Uh-- We didn't mean to!” Edmund countered.

“I don't imagine that matters much now,” she replied disdainfully.

The rest of the Pevensies seem to agree, all but Edmund, confused as to why his love didn't want to talk to him.

“Just give her some time, Ed,” Peter placed a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder.

“Yeah, I'm sure she'll come around,” Susan added with a small smile.

“I'm not sure if you remember me, but I’m Alanis, Y/N’s second in command,” the girl offered, “Let me show you around the camp.”

The Pevensies nodded, not really knowing what else they could do until they talked to you.

Alanis and the Pevensies stood by the strategy tent, talking amongst themselves, when a man with long brown hair came running through the camp, “Alanis!” he yelled upon spotting the girl.

“Yes, my prince?” she asked teasingly.

“Prince?” Edmund and Susan said simultaneously.

“Have you seen Y/N? Is she alright?” he asked, out of breath.

“She’s fine, has a cut on her leg, but I trust her to get it healed in time, I'm pretty sure she's in her tent,” the girl responded easily. Edmund gaped at the situation unfolding in front of him.

“Thank you!” Caspian said, already walking towards your tent, “You're the best!” he yelled over his shoulder at Alanis. She laughed, but stopped abruptly when she saw the Pevensies staring at her.

“What?” she inquired.

“Prince?” Susan repeated.

“Oh, yeah, Prince Caspian of Telemar, he's a good friend of Y/N’s,” she replied.

“Why would she want to talk to him and not me?” Edmund asked angrily, Alanis didn't know if he was talking to himself or not, but she decided to answer anyway.

“After you left, Y/N was quite upset, when Caspian stumbled into Narnia looking for refuge from his tyrannical uncle, Y/N took him in, and they sort of hit it off. Caspian’s really been the only one to get through to her over the years...” she said the last part solemnly.

Edmund let out a huff, but did not further question it, instead he turned to the direction Caspian had run off, the direction of your tent.

“Y/N?” Caspian called as he reached your tent.

The voice startled you out of your thoughts, “Who is it?” you asked.

“It's me, Caspian.”

“Oh, come in, Caspian!” you let out a sigh of relief. Caspian entered and instantly wrapped you in a hug.

“When I didn't see you helping the wounded, I worried about you,” he said into your shoulder. You let out a soft chuckle.

“I'm fine, just…. avoiding someone,” you said, pulling away and averting your gaze.

“Who? Wait, was it who Alanis was talking to?” you just nodded.

“Who are they?” he prodded. You just blinked at him, surprised he hadn't figured it out. When you didn't answer, it seemed to click, “ Those are the Kings and Queens of Narnia?” he asked, shocked.

“Yup,” you replied with a slow nod, not meeting his gaze again.

“Which one… I mean, aren't you happy to see them?” he asked, raising a hand to rub your back soothingly.

“Of course I am! But I'm also mad! They really think they can walk in here and think everything will be the same! UH! I just, I have a lot of emotions right now and I need some time to think before I blow up at them by accident,” you confided in Caspian.

He nodded, “Okay, that's okay, do you want me to stay and talk? Or would you rather work through it alone?”

You paused. “I think I want to be alone.”

“Alright, well if you change your mind, I won't wander far,” he said with a smirk.

You laughed slightly, and Caspian turned to leave.

“Caspian?” you called before he fully exited the tent.

“Yes?”

“Be nice to them, I may be mad at them, but they're still my friends,” you gave a lopsided smile.

Caspian smiled back at you, “You got it,” and with that he left you to your thoughts.

When Caspian returned to the group, Edmund couldn't help himself, “How is she?” he asked before Caspian even reached them.

“She's fine,” he said with a small smile, before he realized who he was talking to, he immediately dropped to a knee, “your majesties.”

“There's no need to kneel,” Susan told Caspian, a small smile on her face.

“Well, I don't know--” Edmund started but Lucy was quick to jab him in the side and fix him with a glare.

“It's lovely to meet you all, Y/N has told me lots about you,” Caspian said, a large smile dawning on his face now.

“She has?” the siblings inquired, being under the impression that you now hated them.

“Oh of course! Queen Susan the Gentle, Queen Lucy the Valiant, High King Peter the Magnificent, and King Edmund the Just!” he said pointing to each of them as he spoke excitedly, when he reached Edmund they both gave each other unsure looks.

Caspian averts his gaze from Edmunds, “She speaks highly of you all, she has told me all about your adventures,” Caspian continued.

Caspian made sure to distract the Kings and Queens for the rest of the night, knowing you need the space.

It was late evening by the time you left your tent, you walked quickly with your head down, and when you managed to slip into the healers tent without being seen, you left out a sigh of relief.

When you looked up, you could see Eloise giving you a firm look.

Guiltily you said, “I know, I know, I should have come sooner .”

The older lady gave you a slight smile at your humour, “Then why didn't you, Y/N,” despite the smile on her face, she fixed you with a hard look. She gestured for you to sit on the cot next to the door.

“I was… hiding?” you offer with a nervous smile as you sit down.

Eloise rolled her eyes, “You can't hide forever, my dear,” she said while getting to work cleaning your wound.

You let out a long sigh, “I don't intend to, I just… I just need tonight,” you look down, at the slice in your leg, avoiding her gaze, “I wasn't ready for this,” you mumbled. Eloise gently patted your leg, but didnt say anything else until you were all patched up.

“You're good to go my dear,” she gave you a knowing smile and you got up and left the tent.

Your next stop was to try and get some food, and on your way there, you were met with one of you Generals.

“My Queen,” the minotaur in front of you greeted.

“General,” you nodded at him, “We should start packing up at first light, I want to be back at the Capitol by nightfall,” you told him.

The minotaur nodded, “I will let the others know.” and with that he walked off.

After that, you managed to grab some leftover soup and sneak back into your tent, unnoticed by anyone else.

You were one of the first people up in the camp the next morning haven't hardly slept at all last night, too worked up about the return of the Pevensies and all your feelings. You quickly packed up your tent, after 5 years of setting up and taking down camps, you've gotten quite efficient at it. You kept your head down for the rest of the morning, silently helping your troops pack up, and slyly avoiding all your friends, even Caspian and Alanis. It wasn’t until you were walking through the woods that you felt the need to talk to someone. You knew that Edmund was trailing close behind you, but you could see Susan walking a little ways ahead of you, and opted to talk to her first. Picking up your pace you passed a few groups of soldiers, falling into step beside the brunette. Susan turned to you surprised, you gave her a small smile, Susan turned to look behind the both of you, and you knew she was looking for Edmund.

“So…” you began, “how was England?”

Susan looked perplexed, so you pressed further, “What is your life like there? Are you still in school? Have you found anyone?” you nudged her shoulder at the last bit, and she finally cracked a smile.

“I’ve finished school, I’ve been working as a secretary. And, no, I haven't found anyone…” she answered, adding, “and for the record, Edmund hasn’t found anyone else either.”

You sighed, of course she would bring it up.

“Y/N…” she continued.

“Thank you Susan, but I think that’s a matter for me and Edmund to discuss.” and with that you picked up your pace once more, leaving the brunette behind.

You caught up with Caspian, who was close to the front of the group.

He raised an eyebrow at you, “Have you talked to them?”

You nodded hesitantly, “Susan.”

“Edmund?”

“No.”

“Why not?” he asked, exasperated.

“I’m waiting until we get to the Capitol,” you replied simply.

Caspian rolled his eyes at you, “I didn’t blow that stupid horn for you not to talk to him,” Caspian spit out, then promptly clamping his mouth shut, instantly regretting what he said.

“You what ?” you turned to him, nearly stopping in the middle of the forest, but thinking better of it.

“I-- I just, I saw how stressed you’ve been over the past few years, I figured you could use the help!”

You were fuming now. “How dare you. That horn isn’t a toy Caspian!” When he didn’t say anything, and just stood there, looking at you with that pitying face, you huffed and stormed off, taking up the lead of the group.

Thankfully, you weren’t too far from the Capitol at this point. Some of the children who were playing in the streets of the Capitol saw you approaching and quickly yelled, announcing the arrival of the army. You walked through the streets of the Capitol, leading your soldiers to the castle that sat on top of the hill. When you reached the steps of the castle you gestured for the Pevensies to join you and Caspian in your greeting of your people.

“Citizens of Narnia, I am happy to announce that the Archenland Armies have retreated from Narnia. I am also happy to announce the return of your Kings and Queens. I present to you, Queen Susan the Gentle, Queen Lucy the Valiant, High King Peter the Magnificent, and King Edmund the Just,” you pause for the applause, “I hope that you all welcome them with open arms and kindness,” you finish. You turn to Peter with a nod and he begins addressing the people. You avoid the look Edmund gives you.

When Peter finishes, you are the first one to enter the castle. But Edmund is close behind, “ Welcome them with open arms? That's rich coming from you! ” he yells from behind you, you keep walking, knowing he’s following you, you really didn’t want to do this in front of the whole kingdom. You lead him up the stairs, “You’re still ignoring me! This is childish Y/N!” you were almost to your room at this point, you turn around to say “I’m not ignoring you, I just didn’t want to do this in front of everyone,” you turn back around, opening the door to you room, Edmund is quick to follow you in and close the door.

“So what?” he asks when you finally look him in the eyes.

“What?” you ask with raised eyebrows.

“What’s with you, I thought you’d be happy to see me!”

You scoff, “What? Did you expect to come in and save the day and for me to go Oh Edmund, my knight in shining armor I missed you so much ,” freigning a swoon, and then promptly standing back up to shoot him with a glare, you continue, “Sorry to break it to you, King Edmund , but it doesn’t work like that. Of course I’m happy to see you but I’m also pissed off. Do you know who had to pick up Narnia after you left? Do you know who had to take care of the people you so swore to protect? Me, Edmund! Everyone turned to me, I had no one to rely on and I had to run a country all by myself .”

“We didn’t mean to leave…” he replies weakly, and when he sees your annoyed expression, he adds, “And I tried to get back to you! I swear! I tried everything!”

There were tears in your eyes as you looked up at him, “I know,” you said softly.

“I missed you,” he whispered, at this point your faces were only inches away from each other. You leaned in, pressing a light, loving kiss to his lips, Edmund immediately reacted, arms wrapping around your waist, as yours tangled in his hair. You pulled away just long enough to say, “I missed you too,” before going back in.

The kiss grew more heated as the two of you realized how long it had been since you had touched the other, hands explored each others bodies and you pulled Edmund towards the bed, Edmund broke the kiss to remove both of his shirt and your corset top, he looked at your body, eyes lovingly scanning your face, “I love you so much.”

“I love you more,” you said, pushing him down onto the bed.

You climbed on top of him, “I never… got with anyone else you know, ever,” Edmund mumbled.

“Me neither,” you pressed a rough kiss to his lips, but he pushed you back lightly.

“What about Caspian?” he searched your eyes, which you rolled at the question.

“We’re only friends, I promise, well… yeah,” Edmund fixed you with a look that said he knew you were hiding something, even after all these years he still knew your tells. “Okay, well, lets just say that some nobles have taken a certain interest in me since I became Queen, and when Caspian started hanging around, their propositions cut back drastically,” you chose your words carefully as you spoke, and Edmund slowly nodded, “So, whenever there was an event, I would rope Caspian into joining me, as a form of, er, protection? We never did anything, we would just have some drinks, chat, and dance a little, basically as long as I was preoccupied the nobles were less likely to approach me.”

“Okay,” Edmund said, nodding slowly. A smile grew on his face and he pulled your back in for another kiss.

When the two of you had finished, and were cuddling comfortably in your bed, you heard a knock at the door, “If you two are done, dinner is going to be served soon!” the voice of Caspian came from the other side. You and Edmund looked at each other, and you shrugged, “I could go for another round before dinner,” a grin was plastered to your face, and Edmund had a matching one.

“Me too,” he said, pulling you on top of him.

Lets just say the others weren’t surprised when the two of you showed up to dinner late, giggly, red faced, and slightly disheveled.

[goatcheesecak3]

i just saw your post / reblog mentioning anger issues adam being under represented and ur so right why DOES everyone make him a pissbaby

this is me begging you !!! if you feel like it !!! as a formal request PLEASE !!!!! write a little something with adam’s anger issues and a reader who absolutely sucks with anger (like. cries when yelled at) and how adam might handle that AHDJSJDJ

Hot head

Adam Faulkner-Stanheight x F!reader

Click here for m!reader version!

Includes: angst, fluff, brief mention of physical altercation (not between Adam and reader)

Summary: after a brawl at a bar, Adam is left feeling hot-headed and angry, unfairly snapping at his partner.

A/n thank you so so so so much for this request!! It's really nice to be able to flesh his character out a bit more, like don't get me wrong, I love soft fluffy Adam, but he's such a complex character with so many different sides, so it's nice to explore a new one for a change :^)

"Adam please just calm down!" Y/n pleaded, her voice quivering.

"Calm down? Are you fucking kidding me?" Adam yelled, slamming the apartment door behind him as the two entered.

"Why do you always have to undermine me like that? I had it all under control" he continued.

"No you didn't, Adam you're hammered and you were gonna get yourself hurt" y/n insisted, tears welling in her eyes.

"I can't be around you when you're like this, I'm going to bed. Don't follow me" he snarled, as he huffed away to the bedroom and locked the door behind him.

Y/n's boyfriend, Adam, was a tetchy guy. He really was the loveliest guy you could ever meet, but he had issues with his anger. He'd had them ever since he was a kid, probably due to the fact that his dad was nothing short of an asshole, but as he grew older he managed to get his temper under control. That was until he reached his mid twenties and went through a particularly traumatic event; being kidnapped by a serial killer and only narrowly escaping with his life. Ever since then his temper had a hair trigger.

On this particular occasion, it was a Friday, date night for Adam and y/n. They'd gone to a hole in the wall bar just to have a few rounds before heading home, but of course, Adam had overdone it. He wasn't necessarily acting too out of the ordinary, just drunk, which was fine, it was a Friday and he didn't need to be up early the next day. But alcohol made Adam's already short temper even shorter, it took very little to get him agitated, and when a lairy drunk man nudged Adam and sneered "ain't you that guy from the news that went and got himself kidnapped?" Adam completely lost it.

"The fuck did you just say to me?" He spat with an aggressive shove

"You heard me" the drunkard jeered

"Baby, please let's just go" y/n whispered, tugging at Adam's arm, who immediately shook her off.

"You wanna take this outside asshole?" Adam yelled, drawing attention to their squabble now.

The man threw his head back laughing, "Fuck are you gonna do to me you skinny prick?" He shoved Adam back, and in his drunken state, Adam lost his footing and stumbled backwards.

Feeling humiliated and enraged, Adam lunged at the man, landing a hefty punch on his right cheek. The man, who didn't take so kindly to this, grabbed Adam by the scruff of the neck and punched back. This went back and forth until Adam and the man were practically a cloud of fists and hurled obscenities, all to y/n's horror, as she pleaded for them to stop through tears.

Eventually, a rather burly bartender got between them and peeled the two off of eachother. Y/n apologised for the commotion and dragged a still very firey Adam out of the bar.

The couple argued the whole short walk home, Adam adamant that y/n should have just let him knock that asshole out,  and y/n tearfully insisting that Adam would have gotten himself hurt, which brings us up to speed.

"I can't be around you when you're like this, I'm going to bed. Don't follow me" Adam snarled, as he huffed away to the bedroom and locked the door behind him.

Y/n sat down on the sofa and let out a few small, quiet sobs. She pulled a nightshirt and an old blanket out of the laundry basket and settled in on the couch, ready for a long and uncomfortable night.

Writhing around in the darkness, y/n wrestled with her racing mind trying to find sleep, to no avail. She hated when she and Adam went to bed mad at eachother, and she hated Adam when he raised his voice. She hated this entire night, and desperately just wanted to get to sleep so that it would be over.

Creeeeaaaak

Y/n became aware of floorboards creaking from down the hall near the bedroom, she figured it was just Adam getting up to use the bathroom.

Creeeeaaaak

That was strange, they were getting closer.

Y/n closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep, not wanting round two of the argument right at the minute. She heard Adam step closer still, until he was most definitely stood right next to the sofa, looking over her. Y/n wasn't sure where this was going, but still, she pretended to be asleep. That was when she felt something she didn't at all expect; Adam's arms began to cradle her body and lift it up, carrying her to the bedroom gently. Y/n felt herself be placed so very carefully on the mattress, and tucked in under the warm sheets. Adam sat on the side of the bed stroking her hair and whispering so quietly that she almost didn't hear him.

"I don't deserve you, but i want to. I'll get my temper under control, I'll be a better man for you. I don't wanna loose you baby" he breathed,  unaware that y/n was hearing the whole thing.

He pressed a soft kiss onto y/n's temple with the most quiet "I love you".

"I love you too" y/n whispered back.

Adam's face flushed red, as he looked down into y/n's now open eyes.

"H... how long have you been awake?"

"The whole time" she smiled warmly.

Adam's gaze softened at her smile.

"I'm sorry baby, I really am. How can I make it up to you?"

Y/n thought for a second, before she settled on an answer.

"Well for starters, you can get under here with me and give me a cuddle" she said, lifting up the blankets and patting the empty spot beside her.

"Sure thing babe" Adam whispered affectionately, his face angelic and soft.

He slipped under the covers next to y/n and held her tightly all night, as though he'd truly realised just how precious the girl sleeping next to him really was, and he was never going to let her go.

A/n requests are open! Check my pinned post for details and masterlist!

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Yeah, Scobie's chapter on Diana is an interesting one. It's all over the place so you just want to tell him 'Get to the point, man!'

I should quote everything you said. So agree. OS, MM, and H are so desperate to have a corner of Diana's .... I don't know what to call it - her shine, all the things the other anon wrote about her - that is their entire focus where she is concerned. She was an icon then, she is an icon now, and they all three want that for themselves. Without even having a clue what it was made of. And none of the three have even a corner of what she was made of. Not even her negatives.

While I'm sure CC would love to see her memory banished, her son, the one who really knows her and who actually protects her memory, will never allow that to happen. I am sure that one of his early acts when he is King will be to return her HRH. He actually loves her for who she was. The stuff you said OS wrote about the Bashir interview - the whole point of the revelations was that Bashir & Co. worked hard to bolster the feelings of paranoia she genuinely developed. The whole interview was a product of that. That was William's point. But at the end of the day, it wouldn't have mattered what William said. The three would have twisted it. William is brilliant for never getting near anything those three do or say.

When she was young, MM was obsessed with Diana. She would give anything to be Diana and all that entails. H is still 12. And OS is fame and power hungry. They use Diana's memory to try to get what they want and end up just tarnishing it. I will be SO glad when they all disappear from center stage. So sick of the whole lot.

Frankly, it wouldn't surprise me if Meghan lobbied hard to get some of Diana's charities and patronages, but was told 'no' and that played a part in who she hates/why she hates the BRF. I really can't wait until there's more time removed from Megxit and Meghan's reign of terror to get the real stories.

Charles does seem to have become a bit more kinder to Diana's memory as the years have gone by, especially more recently. He does have experience losing a loved one tragically and unexpectedly (vis a vis Dickie Mountbatten and Hugh Lindsay) so he was able to support William and Harry somewhat at the time of her passing but I don't think he truly grasped how difficult it was for them to lose Diana until he lost his own parents. I think that gave him some perspective, but that could very well be my own wishful thinking.

Interesting that you mention Harry being still 12. I read a paper once that theorized celebrities are emotionally stunted at the age they were when they became famous, and boy does that ring true for Harry. I'm sure he knew he was popular growing up because of all the cameras around him, but he probably became aware of just how famous he was at age 12 with Diana's passing and he got the double whammy of fame + tragedy. Fortunately William got him therapy so Harry was at least able to mature to mid-twenties, but then he met Meghan and he regressed back to 12 years old in some gross Oedipus fairy tale.

There's no excuse for Meghan and Scobie. Like the another anon pointed out, they just leeched onto the same host to resuscitate their dying careers.

[xmads-omensx]

What Happened To Your Band? - Dougie's Version

Requested

Word count:1,074

content warnings: angst, swearing

Dougie ran off the small stage with a smile on his face, handing his bass back to Stuart, his tech, before heading back to the green room to meet with the others.

Jane Eyre’s Journal had just performed their fifth show as a band, and it had gone great.

The small crowd in the even smaller pub seemed to have loved their songs, which were largely covers as they hadn’t really written many of their own yet.

Production wasn’t cheap in London, so recording was difficult without the private studio that Dougie was used to, or the budget to travel and record somewhere else.

Tyler, the drummer, was keen to get an EP out in the new year, but Dougie couldn’t envision that happening until closer to the summertime.

Songwriting took a while, and the only thing Dougie wanted to write about was McFly, which the rest of the guys didn’t want to record.

Fair enough, as they had nothing do with Dougie’s previous band and were much too young to understand the gravity of their breakup.

Tyler, Jesse and Matty were all in their early twenties whilst Dougie was in his mid-thirties.

He had met them by chance outside of his local gym.

They had been looking for a bass player who had previous band experience since they were new at the musician game.

At the time, McFly had freshly broken up, and Dougie was looking for an outlet.

His life had been stagnant.

Nothing was happening.

He was struggling.

The guys weren’t on speaking terms and Dougie had never felt lonelier.

Gi had been in touch to check in with him, but he hadn’t heard from the others.

The rest of Jane Eyre’s Journal didn’t really care.

They knew Dougie wasn’t dealing with it amazingly, but as long as they had their award-winning bass player, they didn’t really care how he was feeling.

Jane Eyre’s Journal.

Dougie hated the name. He didn’t understand why they had chosen that name, especially since he was convinced that at least half of the band were illiterate.

Jesse had told Dougie they had chosen that name to make themselves seem more intellectual and interesting, when in actuality, they weren’t

They were a terrible band if Dougie was being honest.

Matty didn’t have the same energy that Danny did.

Tyler wasn’t as funny on stage as Harry was.

Jesse didn’t have the quick wit that Tom did.

Dougie missed them.

Suddenly, the green room door burst open, the rest of the band piling into the small room.

“That was fucking sick!” Matty gasped.

“We fucking smashed it mate.” Tyler agreed, high fiving Jesse.

Dougie smiled at them. “It was fucking ace!”

“Ace?” Jesse laughed. “God sometimes I forget how old you are.”

The rest of the guys laughed.

Dougie hated how separated he was from the rest of the band.

It was something he could never change, and he would just have to get used to it.

“Hey, why don’t we work on that new song when we get to the hotel?” Tyler suggested.

“Yeah, that’s a great idea!” Matty agreed.

“Song?” Dougie questioned.

“Oh yeah, we bounced some ideas around the other day while Jesse was at his girlfriends, and you were at the gym. It wasn’t planned or anything, we were just bored.” Tyler shrugged.

“Yeah that sounds good. It would be good to get some songs going.” Dougie said, scratching the back of his neck.

The walk back to the hotel was cold.

Frost lightly dusted the pavement, making the walk slippery too.

It didn’t take as long as he expected to get to the hotel.

Grabbing the room key out of his backpack, Jesse led the way to the room he was sharing with Matty, which was a small, mildly run-down room on the third floor.

Ironic.

Sitting on the creaky bed, Dougie allowed himself to momentarily reminisce the early days touring with McFly.

He would always room with Harry or Tom. Danny snored too much.

He missed those days.

But since he was not on speaking terms with the guys, he would never get that back.

The breakup had been rough. Much rougher than their brief break following the McBusted split.

But Dougie had to move on.

He needed to.

“So here it is.” Tyler said, pulling a crumpled piece of paper out of his backpack and laying it on the floor in front of them.

The top of the page read ‘Eternal Mourning’.

“Bit heavy don’t you think?” Dougie questioned.

“Well, we’re thinking about switching up genres.” Tyler shrugged.

“You can’t just switch genres without talking to the rest of us.” Dougie said, mildly irritated.

“We did?” Matty said with a confused expression.

“No, Matty. We talked about that when we were at mine. Doug wasn’t there.” Jesse added.

Dougie was used to them hanging out without him and making decisions without him.

“Okay, but when were you going to tell me?” He asked.

“Now. We’re telling you now. Happy?” Tyler said, sounding irritated.

Dougie just sighed. It wasn’t like he was going to get much of a say in the matter anyway.

The three of them began discussing lyrics, whilst Dougie just listened.

He knew the others wouldn’t take his ideas into consideration.

The thought he was too “pop-minded” as Tyler had put it.

“That reminds me of this hook we did back when we were touring Motion In The Ocean.” Dougie began to explain before he was cut off.

“Okay, look Doug. We don’t care about what you used to do with your old band. You’re in this band now. Deal with it. Move on.” Tyler snapped.

Silence filled the room.

Dougie wasn’t sure what to say to that.

After all, Tyler was right.

“But it’s still a good idea to-“ Dougie began.

“Shut up mate. Stop talking about McFly, it’s just getting sad. You’re a thirty seven year-old man hanging out in a band with a bunch of twenty one year-olds. Go get a fucking life.” Matty sighed angrily.

That’s when it hit him.

He wasn’t in McFly anymore.

It didn’t exist.

After 21 years, it had ended.

He was raised in that band.

He became a man in that band.

Harry had taught him how to shave.

Danny had taught him his best pick-up lines.

Tom helped him set up his first bank account.

He did everything with them.

Now he didn’t have them.

McFly was gone.

[we-keep-odd-hours]

I was coming up with backstories for the guys, trying to use what the actors came up with since those histories informed how they played the characters, but I'm worried I went too dark/melodramatic for the source material.

So, moooooooore backstories ........

Also threw out everyone's ideas for Homer except the director's passing remark about him being the oldest (although she also said at one point that Severen is the only one who never turned someone, but I think that was more her forgetting about Diamondback [again] than insinuating she turned Homer).

Diamondback I've already gone into, dead sister she was named after to explain her never using the name again, an asshole father whose last name she shed, boot-legger turned bank-robber brother in jail taking the heat for something she did (sure it was murder in self defense, ironic given she felt no guilt and had no suspicions for the two cops she killed the night she went along with her brother's crew). [[Ngl, temptation to write her entire life story is STRONG but it would edge so close to original fiction that I do NOT have the time to do that I'm already waaaaay past deadline for my editor on original work]]

One of the fics I'm actively working on is expanding those first free paragraphs of "Morning" to make it more believable that she still had two years mortal. I did finally settle on her being from South Carolina, bc if I used the settings I know in North Carolina I'd get clocked immediately if someone I know found a fic.

Homer ran away from home over something pathetic. 1700s, talk of revolution in the mid-Atlantic, and city streets are dark between the few greasy oil lamps. Something grabs him by the collar and the next thing he knows is pain so bad on his neck that he thinks he's dead. Something spooks whatever it was, a lone monster itself with a similar story, no one to teach it that it's only threat is sunlight. He's not dead and a few hours later stumbles back home and is fretted over and put to bed. They draw the curtains when the light stings his eyes, and he claims he doesn't remember what happened between dying and his mother in a pool of blood, her throat torn open. Homer's father tries to keep him secret, safe, as the town hunts the monster that killed his wife and kidnapped his son, but eventually his father dies, no one left to inherit the secret and he took to lurking in mausoleums and crypts. One desperate night after a fuck up and with no better place to hide Severen and Jesse break into a crypt in the back of a graveyard and find that it already has a resident.

Severen's story is possibly the darkest and explains why he finds existence as a vampire so perfect. I'm keeping that one for now bc it's one everyone will want to hear the most.

Jesse's went off the rails because I realized (if he was turned DURING the civil war) * he would have been born in an era of American history I'm actually semi-well versed in for English major reasons. More or less common background for the coastal south, small house, maybe a little cabin, probably only a few rooms. He and his wife married when they were barely twenty (torn if I want them to have been cousins bc that was VERY common, and if he mentioned it in passing the rest of the clan could go "what the ACTUAL fuck") , had two children who were adults by the time the war started. A son who was a gifted sharpshooter volunteered and a daughter who spent time teaching in town and often had to stay nights with the other women at the little school to avoid the road at night after a union raid.

He, along with the rest of the modest fishing fleet, were now navy and in the fight too, early years before the ironsides and steam fully took over, when the near silence of sailing ships was still valued over raw strength.

After the battle of [I need to google this], he's home for a short time, told to keep an eye out for spies because how in hell could they have known the locations without an informant. He spots his daughter waiting on the docks, teary and nearly running towards the group of damaged sailors and wonders how she even knew he was-- but she goes over to a young sailor, a handsome fellow around her age, mid-twenties, and he sees her stuff something in his jacket.

She sees him and for a quick second he sees fear in her eyes but it never touches her smile, her voice, and he doesn't talk the entire walk back to their home, remote in the scraggly coastal woods, until he knows there is no one else to hear. Wants to know why she's willing to kill him and her brother.

She denies knowing what he's talking about, so she has a sweetheart she gave letters to---he cuts her off. Its insulting. Hand closed around her shoulder hard, and she pulls a pistol out of her apron. He knows damned well she's been involved with one of the other women at the school, isn't handing off love notes to a man with a poorly covered new England accent. She pulls back on the hammer. If he reports herbshe'll be shot as a traitor. They're so close to the house, his wife would hear. She won't do it. She can't really think *he* would do it. She's his oldest, staring back at him with his old cold eyes. He lets go of her. Tells her that no one needs to know her and the sailor were involved.

After he was turned he had no plans of going back, not sure how much control he really has over himself, but as he stalks from one hiding place to the next over the nights he hears about his son's troop, mowed down entirely by canon fire ambush, and goes to find him. That thing bit him. He had been lying to himself what he's become but he knows and maybe it's worth it for this, finding his boy in the field hospital dying and---

He and the boy make it home, and his son is starving, healed some, enough he's upright and walking, but he's getting worse and hasn't had more to drink than a rabbit, they found in a trap. They get to the door and his wife is standing there with a rifle, presses it right up to his chest--her horror only increases when she sees her son.

Their names had been listed in the dead in a paper before they made it back--he tries to tell her it's fine, and his son backs up slowly. Their plan was simple, to turn the other two, to exist bullet proof and stay together. First time in years the whole family was together at once. But hell breaks loose, his son screaming out shock more than pain, tripping forward with a hatchet in his back, his daughter pale behind him, trembling as she pulls it out, he hardly hears the shot through his lung, tearing an exit wound through his back, his wife shaking as she reloads, stuttering a prayer, and his daughter raises the axe again while her brother begs--- sounds the same as butchering a deer, the wet, the brief crunch as she gets through the neck.

The rest is a blur. He heads west, farther from the fighting, the only time he stayed in the same place more than a couple nights was to write to his daughter's school, posing as an old friend in the letter, asking about Mary and Laura Hooker, if they were still around. Laura died in the 70s, and no one had seen Mary in a decade.

If he spends another month on his own he's going to go insane, from a stretch of time between his son sitting up, not yet dead but apparently not fully changed, until---the rest of what happened--he thought he'd be out here with his family. They could pick off stage coaches and no union artillery, no confederate judge would threaten the kids again and Mary would have adjusted. She was tough, he always loved her for it.

Tombstone is full of other lonely travelers and outlaws no one will miss, and he's losing at cards to some bragging moron in city clothes and riding boots who keeps complaining about the sour beer, but he recognizes the stranger's scarf, that signal of being part of the gang that ruled this town. The stranger's eyes wander the room as he jokes, not looking for audience reactions but scouting for prey.

*[yes I'm keeping him a Confederate navy sailor, these people are serial killers who joke by CALLING A NINE YEAR OLD "PIZZA". They're evil. its honestly a joke to try to remove this part in the name of morals]

[goodheartedfool]

Verse: Honkai Star Rail

Nathanael was born on a human colony on a planet at the "edge of civilization". The colony there was established many generations ago by people who believed that technology was the root to selfishness, greed and other bad emotions and wanted to live a life free from that. So they found their way to a habitable planet (the trip there taking 1.5 generation by the way space travel were at then) and started their dream society.

The society was based on community, where everyone lived together and shared everything and everyone helped caring for each other. This led them to eventually becoming worshippers of the Abundance. Of course there were friction, but generally, it was a peaceful society with pretty much no illness and people living for around 200 years.

Then, they were discovered by the Xianzhou Alliance. They were given a chance to stop worshiping the Plagues Author, but they refused, ending with the entire civilization being wiped out by the Alliance. Or so it was thought. One young boy survived. Injured and alone, he should not have survived, but a kind woman healed his wounds and gave him food and drink. The woman came and went, taking care of Nathanael until six years later when a merchant ship made an emergency landing on the planet and found the boy, now around sixteen. They could not find any woman and thought that perhaps the boy had gone a little mad from being on his own for some time.

Having lived by himself, only having the woman as occasional company, something that had happened less and less as time went by, Nathanael was unused to other people, but also very curious. Thanks to having grown his own food the last few years, he was physically strong and having a pleasant personality, he managed to get around on his own quite well. He also had a penchant for healing and medicine, his own mother having been the community's main healer and the Woman having taught him further.

Though, it wasn't until nearly a year of travelling that he found out he also has a very specific ability: he can heal by touch.

Witnessing a child getting hit by a vehicle, he rushed to help only to discover that the child had died on impact. However, as he held the child, he could feel how something from him, some kind of energy, went to the child and suddenly the kid once again drew breath. Stunned and scared, he fled. Through trial and error, Nathanael would eventually find out that he can't raise the dead, but he can heal most injuries as long as there is life in the body. It will cost him though. The healing take of his own vitality, making him sick in the process, but the sickness is worth it. If he can help someone, he will.

He is now in his mid-thirties and travels through space as a wandering healer, both to help and to learn. He does avoid the Xianzhou Alliance, but not out of grudge. Yes, he do think they overreacted, but he also understands their hatred for Yaoshi, knowing about Mara. The reason he stays away is that he isn't sure they wouldn't kill him on sight, since he is quite certain that the Woman who saved him as a kid was no one other than Yaoshi herself and that the food she gave him probably is the reason he can now heal others by touch. However, he is also curious about these long-life species and maybe his healing abilities can help the Mara-stricken. Though, would they allow someone blessed by the Abundance to try and heal an illness caused by the same Aeon? Who knows. It might depend on which ship he goes to.

Thankfully for Nathanael, the universe is big and if he wants to, he can avoid the Xianzhou Alliance for the rest of his life. Not that he knows how long his life will be, since he hasn't seemed to age a day since his early twenties...

[gladiatorofthevoid]

Moments Chapter 4: Yoaki

Ao3 Link

Prev - Masterpost - Next

(I've failed this challenge but whatever, I'm going to keep going.)

Warning for kinda Unhappy Ending

Donnie had always known he and his brothers weren’t human. Anyone could have known that. Humans had five fingers on each hand; humans had skin without scales, humans had a body temperature of 36.5–37.5 °C.  

He and his brothers were not human.

When he had seen the hidden city for the first time, Donnie’s first thoughts had been: Oh me gosh! Oh me gosh! Oh me gosh!  

His second thought was: Wow! Wow! Wow!  

I had taken twenty or thirty thoughts before he had made the shocking realization.  

The people who lived there were like them.  

Yoaki. That was what the people in that city called themselves. That’s what he and his brothers were. The discovery had made Donnie start wiggling in place and flapping one of his hands. He had a name now, a label, a name for the “what” they were, to go along with the “who” they were.  

He felt the relief and excitement of a missing piece slotting into place, intensified by the fact that his family wasn’t a mystery anymore.  

They weren’t different anymore, they were just yoaki.

-

The first time Donnie questioned that theory was when Draxum revealed he had created them.  

Created. Made.  

The words carried an implication behind it. An implication that their existence wasn’t entirely natural. That they weren't born from the biological processes that were normally used to create life.  

But Donnie had put it aside. It was just the villain being dramatic. Besides, maybe yoaki reproduction was different than humans. Maybe yoaki were made instead of born.  

That must be it. After all, they were yoaki.  

-  

Donnie’s discovery regarding his and his brothers’ identity was next called into doubt on their second visit to Run of the Mill. When Mikey had chirped at Raph gratefully Raph had caved under Mikey’s puppy eyes and had ordered ice cream for the table. The waiter, some kind of snake yoaki, had startled at the chirp and stared at Mikey for a long second. Then had seemed to come back to themself and asked Raph to repeat the order.  

It had reminded Donnie of the early days with April, how she had to get used to how they acted. How she had walked in on them in a turtle pile and given them a look with a furrowed brow. How she had seen their old heat lamps and asked about what they were for and then had looked at them with pity when they said that they needed them for the winter months. How she had wrinkled her nose when she learned they lived in the sewer.  

April didn’t do that anymore. She had ended up with her own reserved spot in the turtle pile, she didn’t show pity or worry when they were resting under the heat lamps, and she had gone swimming with them in the sewer tunnels. Donnie didn’t feel “other” with her anymore. But the look on that waiter’s face had brought back all those memories, and Donnie felt himself sink into the booth, trying to hide.  

The others hadn’t noticed the waiter’s look, of course they didn’t, they never did.

-

Donnie had convinced himself that it didn’t matter. One weird look wasn’t enough to disprove his theory.  

His brothers and him were still yoaki.

-

The next challenge to his theory came from his father when he had told them about the lab and their creation, about how they had started as just tiny turtles, and how they had been made to be weapons.  

Donnie had sat and thought back through every memory he had, his life flashing before his eyes.  

He remembered Raph’s insane strength and the way he went Savage when left alone for too long.  

He remembered how Mikey would curl up in his shell and not come out for ages if he was scared, how he would stop talking mid-sentence to stare intently with a single-minded purpose at anything that moved.  

He remembered how Leo would always subtly check everyone’s pulses seemingly at random, and how he could sit underwater for minutes at a time and never come up for air.  

Donnie remembered how he would grit his teeth to push back the urge to just bite whatever was annoying him, how he could smell like a bloodhound if he wanted, and how he would-  

No.  

No. No. This didn’t mean that they weren’t yoaki. They were just turtles that turned into yoaki. They had to be.  

There was nothing else they could be.

-

The last thing that completely destroyed Donnie’s hope came from Baron Draxum.  

He had been doing his best to connect with Barry, at least for Mikey’s sake, and it had actually been going well. The two had found common ground in the realm of science. Donnie would almost say that he had been having fun with his...  

With Draxum.  

Then, Donnie just had to be an idiot and open his mouth.  

“So, why did you want turtle yoaki for your army? And why couldn’t you just find some in the hidden city?”  

Barry didn’t look up from where he was reading over Donnie’s blueprints for the Turtle Tank as he answered.  

“Well, for starters I didn’t make yoaki. Second, I-”  

The rest of the words turned into white noise in Donnie’s nonexistent ears. (Tympanum. His mind said.)  

“Yes, we are.” He said cutting off Barry, causing him to look up from his reading with a frown.  

“You are what?”  

“We’re yoaki. Me and my brothers. You’re wrong.” Donnie tried to sound confident and glare down the Baron, but he could feel his resolve cracking. Draxum looked back over his glasses with annoyed confusion.  

“I made you; I know what you are. And you’re not yoaki.”  

Donnie felt himself brake at the words.  

“Then what are we!?” He snarled at Draxum. The alchemist leaned back, surprised at the sudden change in Donnie’s tone. “What are we?! Because we’re not human! And despite how we act sometimes, we’re not animals either! So, tell me! WHAT ARE WE?!”  

Donnie was heaving and shaking staring down at the floor with wet eyes. He then slumped and fell into his chair, trying to calm himself.  

“You’re mutants.” Donnie looked up at Barry, who was looking at him with a look that Donnie couldn’t read.  

“That word doesn’t mean anything,” Donnie said, defeated. “It’s just another name for freaks.” The hope that he and his brothers could be anything more than accidents of nature and science dying in his chest.  

After a second the Baron leaned back with a huff and gazed at the ceiling.  

“I’m not going to try and challenge that idea; it seems to be buried too deep in your subconscious.” He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. “And I am sorry I don’t have a better answer to your questions. Somethings are just mysteries.”  

“I don’t want to be a mystery,” Donnie whispered. Barry didn’t respond.  

The two just sat in silence for a few minutes, the alchemist not knowing what to say, and the turtle not able to force the words out, then Draxum turned to his creation and took him in.  

“Do you wish for me to leave?” He asked, and Donnie nodded. “Shall I fetch your brothers for you?” Donnie shook his head, he needed to be alone to think. To accept this information. Draxum just nodded.  

“Try to talk to your family about this. They may be able to help you.”  

Don just curled up more and watched Barry walk away.  

-

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Thank you for reading. Let me know if there is anything I should work on.

Thank you to @sariphantom for hosting the Rise August Challenge, which this is inspired by.

@nickelodeon Please save Rise.

[thessalian]

Thess vs Tough Imaginary Choices

I posted a poll recently, of the "reblog to give prev the following" variety, and clearly my mutuals know me pretty well because one was "functioning government" and one was "chronic pain be gone!" And, me being me, I got to thinking. If I really had to make that choice, what would I pick?

Well, honestly, the functioning government. For a lot of reasons.

For starters, this is rife for some Fae bargaining loophole bullshit. See, for the country any one person is in to have a functioning government is not enough in this age of soft and hard power, global deals and all the rest of the messes. It doesn't matter if, for example, the UK had a government that actually cared about its people enough to do the job of ... you know, caring for the people. This because people are the problem. There's no point in having A Functioning Government if some wealth-hoarding assholes move against it.

So we'd have to get rid of the wealth-hoarding assholes. Or at least make them stop hoarding their wealth. And they'd have to not be able to use their hoarded wealth to get around it.

We would also have to get rid of bigots who refuse to vote for A Functioning Government for having the temerity to care for ... you know, POCs, people under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, the disabled, poor people, etc etc etc. They'd just have to ... not be bigots anymore.

And all of that would have to work for every country the one country getting A Functioning Government ever dealt with. And on and on in a six degrees of separation kind of thing to the point where no one could take advantage of the country getting A Functioning Government, or bully it into not being A Functioning Government.

All of the wealth-hoarders, bigots, and general assholes would just have to ... not, anymore. Everywhere. All over the world. Because if even one government could take advantage of these other governments, or pressure them into being shitheads in any way, it wouldn't work.

So the entire world would have to have functioning governments. Otherwise I'm not getting what I asked for in this theoretical Fae bargain.

Do I actually enjoy being in pain every single second of every single day? No. But y'know what? I've been in pain of one kind or another for most of my life at this point. Mental and emotional pain leading to self-harm as a child and teen, migraines from early adulthood on (on top of the mental and emotional pain until mid-twenties or so), and now the fibromyalgia. I can handle pain. I hate it, and I wish it was otherwise, but I can cope with it.

I cannot cope with what the governments, the bigots, and the obscenely wealthy assholes are doing to the world. And at least if there was A Functioning Government, I'd have more of the support I need in coping with it. I wouldn't be afraid of what will happen to me as a disabled person. I wouldn't be afraid of what will happen to me as a nonbinary person. I wouldn't be afraid. Really, if that fear went away, the chronic pain would get at least a little better anyway, because stress is a trigger and living here wouldn't be so stressful anymore.

So if one of the Fae came to me tonight and asked me which of those two I would choose, I would have the contract for "functioning government", with all appropriate explanations of how that would have to work, in their hand as fast as I could type it out. And even with fibromyalgia, I can type pretty damn fast.

(But thank you for wanting me to be pain-free. I appreciate it. /hugs)

[spooklia]

7, 12, 48 for clarabelle AND thrasher AND scapegrace. If thats not too much🎸

Thanks for the ask :))

7. Age/height/weight headcanon

Clarabelle: I imagine her to look in her mid twenties, but shes magic so she is a little over a hundred. Shes about 5'7, a little on the taller side, plus she loves wearing heels everywhere. Shes quite slight and skinny (she can be carried by scapegrace easily)

Thrasher: hes in his late forties, but honestly didnt age badly so he could pass for younger. Hes 5'4 and honestly loves being the smallest in the house, and hes a little chubby guy.

Scapegrace: looks to be in his early thirties but is actually close to 300. Hes a big guy, like 6'2 and beefy, so can really be terrifying if he wants to be but also makes a good big spoon.

12. Crack headcanon

Clarabelle: doesnt believe metal cant go in the microwave. Like, she believes it's a myth. Despite the fact that she has set fire to four microwaves.

Thrasher: never learned how to swim, he was born and raised in longford so swimming just wasnt really necessary. He still insists it's fine though, even though he has almost drowned before. Hes in denial about that incident, he thinks he would have been fine if scapegrace didnt help him hes wrong.

Scapegrace: once took a first aid course to murder more effectively and so they could have knowledge in case the victim injures them. He was quite good at it, and could have definitely gone into nursing if his personality wasnt so unpleasant and violent. But it does make them the designated nurse if anyone is unwell he has a nurses outfit.

48. Scariest moment of their life

Clarabelle: straight after the remnant left her, realising she has blood on her hands and who's blood it was crushed her more than anything she could have imagined. She was afraid of being arrested for it, she had just lost a job and she had killed a good friend and mentor to her. After kenspeckle died she was basically alone in the world until nye and then thrasher and scapegrace.

Thrasher: when he thought scapegrace had been killed, and with that the platform he had built his life (well, technically his death) onto collapsed. He was truly ready to leave the world in those few moments, because how could he remain there if his master wasnt with him?

Scapegrace: when he first moved to ireland as a young mage, as by that point they had rarely left the town he lived in, let alone the country. Unlike the others, it was fear of the unknown mixed with excitement, even if the latter was slightly crushed after a few weeks with no steady income, home or food.