#they have their dream of running away together and living peacefully with one another on a lake in the mountains

[justaz]

okay but have we considered morgana x freya?? two women who believed themselves to be monsters, hunted by the same man and his loyal followers, cursed, doomed to death the moment someone finds them out, alone. they wish for freedom, somewhere where they can be themselves, where they dont have to hide, where they can embrace their power and who they are without fear or without harming anyone.

[skywalkr-nberrie]

Apart from the fact that Padmé had said she knew she’d no longer be allowed to serve in the senate, Anakin saying he wanted to leave the Jedi and be with Padmé, and Padmé outwardly saying that she wanted to raise her and Anakin’s kids on Naboo, and run away with him to the Lake Country (it’s even stated so by Trisha Bigger in Dressing a Galaxy, when asked about what Padmé’s funeral dress was supposed to symbolize):

We do see a bit more implications within the ROTS novel that tell us how Padmé and Anakin were keen on leaving behind duty, to live together peacefully, and raise their kids.

In this scene of the novel, we see that OW is encouraging Padmé to watch over Anakin (as he’s growing more concerned of his mental state) and somewhat asks her to “leave him” because her relationship to him strains his position as a Jedi, and it would be a mistake if he left. Padmé insists that it doesn’t matter, because Anakin is said to be the chosen one, therefore he would remain a Jedi as so the prophecy states. But on the contrary, OW tells her that he’s scanned the prophecy and it’s no where said that the chosen one had to be a Jedi. At this point, the parts I’ve highlighted shows to us how Padmé begins to hope, that she describes as desperate and leaving her breathless. She now knows that Anakin, her husband, doesn’t need to remain in the Order to complete his legacy as the chosen one. Leaving more room for her to hope for the future that she and Anakin so desperately crave together.

Up until now, Padmé didn’t want to take Anakin away from his duty and responsibilities as a Jedi, partly because of the Republic and it’s reliance on him, but mostly because she didn’t want to take away his dream of being a Jedi. Part of this feeling also stems from the prophecy stating that Anakin IS the chosen one. Knowing how Padmé is very prone to justice, and helping the galaxy especially for those in need of saving. It’s not hard to put two and two together that she’d feel guilt for making Anakin choose her over fulfilling his mission as the chosen one. (Even though to Anakin, there was never a choice. He would inevitably always choose Padmé.) This passage alone gives her the hope and confirmation she’s always desperately wanted that Anakin didn’t have to remain a Jedi to be the chosen one. So she feels a sense of relief knowing she can still have him, run away with him, and at the same time, not take him away from the grand destiny he was always meant for.

In this passage^^ Anakin also mentions that he and Padmé have talked about what would happen now that she was pregnant, and he says that they’ve decided that they would remain in their respective positions for as long as they could until the secret was no longer concealable. Another implication of how they HAVE talked about leaving their duties behind in favour of running away together. The result was made from the circumstances Anakin was in of course. He wanted to stay in the Order longer to find a way to save Padmé. Padmé only wanted to keep it a secret to protect Anakin, so that he could stay in the Order. (No mention of herself or her duty.)

Padmé had already gone through the consequences her pregnancy would lead too, and she didn’t care for them. She says she’d be “relieved” of her senatorial duties, and she made her peace with it. She was ready to move on and begin her life with Anakin. She was only worried for what everything would mean for Anakin. She was worried what it would do for him, and he, of course, decided that he didn’t care either. He also just wanted to run away with his wife and be together as one big family.

In Padmé’s words:

“Come away with me, leave everything else behind while we still can.”

[matthewgaygoob]

Okay, but like imagine you don't like guns and spencer is very aware. You know he has training and has to use a gun at work, but they make you uncomfortable and you prefer not to have them in the home. Spencer has always been respectful of this, in the beginning he quoted a bunch of statistics like you're more likely to die of cancer or something, but you'd come to an agreement that you wouldn't ever have to be around guns.

Then, one night you're both asleep in bed (maybe you live together, maybe someone is spending the night) when a noise wakes you up, you lay there with your heart racing, your senses heightened as you wait for another sound. Eventually, you convince yourself it was just exploding head syndrome (something spencer had told you about the first time you shot up in the middle of the night with your heart racing.) Turning your head, you see spencer still sleeping peacefully, so you slide out of bed carefully and head to the bathroom. With a combination air-freshener nightlight you could see well enough to keep the light off. Its when you're finished and making your way back to the bedroom that you see a tall, broad figure hunched at the other end of the hallway; Your breath escapes you, your body freezing as your eyes lock onto the shadow, trying to make sense of it in the dark. You were spooked by your dream and now your eyes are seeing things that aren't there, surely, but you struggled to remember what you might've left sitting that would resemble a person so closely. If the body moved with any breath, you couldn't make it out in this light.

Every nerve in your body was screaming at you to run, and so you started once again toward your room, as fast and casually as you could, because if that figure was a person you didn't want them knowing you'd seen them. Your mind reeled with suggestions of what it might be as you tried once again to slow your heartbeat and reason with yourself, until you heard soft footsteps following your own.

You felt your heart stop, or maybe beat so fast you couldn't tell one from the next, part of you wanted to glance behind at your pursuer and the rest of you wanted to bolt toward the door – The bedroom, or exit, you weren't sure – and you wondered if you should scream. Yes, you decided quickly, half expecting nothing to come out like one of those awful nightmares you'd sometimes have, but the noise startled even you as it came out. Moments blurred and meshed together, you yelled for spencer, or maybe you had called him Reid as you sometimes did, and then you were struggling and fighting against arms that wouldn't desist, dropping your entire weight to the floor. It vaguely reminded you, for a moment, of when you would play fight with Spencer, as you twisted and fought your way out of the firm grip. The world seemed to slow as you realized this would not end as peacefully, your body now thrashing against the assailant, for what might just be your life.

You weren't sure how, but the man now stood across from you, your feet pushing you further away until your back met the wall. You felt like you couldn't breathe, but then, that was all you were doing. What else was there to do? there was no weapon, every exit lay behind the man who now towered over you, only feet away.

A loud noise rang through your ears, the man hit the floor and then there was another figure out of the dark, with his hands all over you.

"I'm so sorry, I am so sorry. I'm so so sorry" He rambled out, the tears shaking your body as you realized what happened, finally safe enough to let the fear take you. You can barely hear whatever comes out his mouth next as he pulls you into his arms, all you know is his voice is shaking with worry, and the rest of him is, too.

[snuggerudsz]

NAP TIME AND BABY FEVER l QH43

SUMMARY: Quinn comes home to his wife and children napping, and it leads to a very important talk.

PAIRING: Quinn Hughes x Fem!Reader

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hi!! I'm on such a Quinn phase always right now. And dad!Quinn actually owns my heart, so I needed to write some more for him. I don't know why the kids are always sleeping when I write these, but I have more dad!Quinn coming out soon, pinky promise. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. Likes and reblogs are always welcomed. Thank you for reading!!! <3333

The house was silent when Quinn got home. It was peaceful and quiet. That’s never a good sign with children, he thought, worried. If there’s one thing having children taught Quinn Hughes it is that silence is never a good sign. Upon entering the house, he felt immediately unsettled, his eyes darting around, searching for the little ones, who usually came running into his arms, celebrating his return as if he hadn’t left only a few hours ago. 

The defenseman left his equipment bag in the foyer, throwing his keys on the table and hastily taking off his shoes, hurrying up the stairs, looking for a sign of life from his wife and children. Worried, Quinn was skipping steps. He goes into your shared room immediately feeling his heart full. Quinn opened the door to the bedroom quietly and saw his wife, sleeping peacefully in the middle with their two children, Oliver and Aurora, snuggled up against her body. He looked over, a soft smile on his face, mentally wondering how was it possible to live such a good life, surrounded by so much love. Sometimes Quinn still couldn't believe this was his life. Not even his wildest dreams would come close to reality.

He hesitated for a moment, watching the peaceful picture before him. Taking a deep breath, he slowly stepped into the room, carefully made his way over to the bed, and knelt down, carefully brushing a strand of hair from your face. Quinn got up, preparing to turn away and let them rest when you stirred awake, sleepy eyes fluttering open. A bit confused, you quickly took in your surroundings, your gaze finding your husband's. You smiled up at him sleepily and beckoned him closer, doing your best to not wake up the children.

Holding out his hand, Quinn helped you get up without disrupting the two kids. You smiled at him gratefully as he guided the both of you out of the bedroom.

You and Quinn tiptoe downstairs to the kitchen, sitting at the table, drinking some tea. Quinn told you about his day, sharing the stories of the rink, the fun of living out his dreams, and also the hardships of being the captain; you talk about your day at home, telling him about the kids and about how far you've already gotten in the writing of your new book. The two of you stay there, laughing and joking as the afternoon sun casts golden light across the room.

Quinn looked at you with a loving gaze. He could feel a wave of emotion rush through him. Having that sweet moment with you, after seeing you and the children huddled up together had filled him with a longing he couldn't quite explain. He had thought about it before, but never seriously. Now, though, he couldn't help but imagine another kid. Another little one, the perfect mix of the both of you. The thought itself made him smile.

“What do you think about having another baby?” Quinn questioned suddenly, breaking the silence.

“Are you thinking about it?” You answer, looking back at your husband, waiting for his answer.

It’d be an utter lie to say you hadn’t thought about it, truth be told. Both of the kids had friends with baby siblings and you could feel the want for another one deep inside you, missing the baby days. Besides, the sight of Quinn with his teammates' babies always made your mind go blank, full of sinful thoughts. 

“I just,” The defenseman starts, unsurely, “I wouldn't be against having another kid if you're up for it.” He said shyly, almost afraid of your response.

You smiled softly, eyes sparkling in the light of the kitchen. Leaning in, you've kissed him sweetly, voice warm and affectionate, slightly flirty. “I'd love to have another baby with you, Mr. Hughes”

Quinn grinned, eyes full of relief and surprise at his wife's answer. “There’s no one else I’d rather be the mother of my children, Mrs. Hughes,” He answers, the same flirty tone you’d used.

He rises from the table, pulling you with him. He held you close, sharing a few more kisses. They stood in the kitchen, the same kitchen where they had shared so many memories together, holding each other and dreaming about the possibilities that lay ahead of them. They both knew that their family was about to get a little bigger, and they couldn't wait. The room was filled with a different kind of joy, one that was shared between two people who loved each other deeply and were excited for the future.

[gingersnap-17]

Eternal Love (Nanami Kento x Fem Reader)

Synopsis: After Nanami died, Y/N had never remarried and lived a long life. After she died of old age, she is reunited with her husband in the afterlife after years without him.

Contains: Possibly slight angst. Happy ending!

Y/N had never truly moved on from the day Nanami had left her in this world. It was a fateful day in Shibuya when he had been taken away from her, and since that moment, her life had been a bittersweet melody of love and loss. Nanami, her husband, was a man who had touched her heart like no one else ever could, and his memory remained etched in her soul.

They had been married for only a few years in the mortal world, but they have been together since high school. They lived a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Y/N had cherished every moment with him, and he, in turn, had been her rock, her protector, and her confidant. Their bond had been unbreakable, or so it had seemed, until the day when fate had taken him away, leaving her alone in a world that suddenly felt cold and empty.

Years passed, and the pain never truly lessened. Y/N was a woman who never remarried, who never sought solace in the arms of another. Her heart had been claimed by Nanami, and it would remain so until the end of her days. She wore her wedding ring faithfully, a constant reminder of the love they had shared.

As time went went by, Y/N grew old, her once-vibrant hair turning silver and her steps becoming slower. She spent her days surrounded by memories of her beloved Nanami. Their photographs adorned the walls, his scent still lingered on their shared pillows, and his laughter echoed in her heart.

One quiet evening, Y/N peacefully closed her eyes and drifted into a slumber from which she would not awaken. The world lost a devoted soul, but the universe had other plans.

When she opened her eyes again, Y/N found herself in a place that felt like a dream. She was no longer affected by old age, and she looked as if she were in her mid twenties. She blinked in astonishment, her surroundings a surreal blend of the familiar and the unknown. Before her stood a breathtaking garden, lush with vibrant colors and flowers she had never seen before. The air was filled with a gentle fragrance, and the soft rays of a warm, comforting sun bathed everything in a gentle glow.

Y/N turned around, taking in her surroundings with awe. The garden was vast, and she had also seen several building in the distance, with people walking about as if it were a normal day. A sense of peace and serenity washed over her like a gentle breeze. But what truly took her breath away was the figure approaching her from a distance.

It was Nanami, the love of her life, wearing a smile that could light up the entire cosmos. His eyes, so familiar and comforting, sparkled with joy. He was as she remembered him in his prime, strong and handsome. She couldn't help but run to him, her heart pounding with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming love.

"Nanami," she whispered as she reached him, tears welling up in her eyes. "Is this... is this real?"

Nanami's smile remained, and he reached out to gently cup Y/N's cheek, wiping away her tears with his thumb. His touch was warm, just as she remembered, and the world around them seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light.

"Yes, my love, this is as real as it can be." he whispered.

Y/N's heart soared at his words. She couldn't believe her eyes or her senses, but the warmth of his touch and the love in his eyes reassured her that this was no dream. It was a reunion beyond the boundaries of life and death, a love that transcended the limitations of the mortal world.

"I've missed you so much." Y/N confessed, her voice trembling with emotion.

Nanami pulled her into a loving embrace, holding her close as if he never intended to let go. "And I've missed you, every moment, every day since I left. But now, we're together again, and this time, it's for eternity."

Together, they stood, suspended in the boundless eternity of the afterlife. A world of infinite possibilities and endless love lay before them. With a sense of serenity that only true, eternal love can bring, they embraced, and the heavens themselves seemed to weep with joy.

Back in the world she had known, people mourned the loss of Y/N, a woman who had lived a life filled with love, and whose story had touched many. But those who knew her well could take solace in the thought that, in the end, Y/N had found her way back to the one who had always held her heart, and that they were bound to be reunited. 

As Nanami and Y/N stood together in the heavenly garden, their love blossomed anew, stronger and more vibrant than ever before. Time in this ethereal realm had a different meaning, and they spent what felt like both moments and eternities together, exploring the boundless beauty of their surroundings and sharing their stories of the time they had spent apart.

Nanami revealed how, in the afterlife, he had watched over Y/N throughout the years. He had been her silent guardian, protecting her from afar and sending her subtle signs of his presence. Y/N, touched by his unwavering love, recounted the moments she had felt his spirit nearby, comforting her during lonely nights and guiding her through life's challenges.

Their love was not just a reunion but a continuation of the deep connection they had shared in the mortal world. In this timeless paradise, they could practically do whatever their hearts desired.

As they ventured deeper into their heavenly realm, they encountered other souls who had found their soulmates in the afterlife. They met with many friends and family and family throughout their mortal years, finding no limit with time to spend with them. Their laughter and joy filled the air with a beautiful melody of love and togetherness.

As time went on, they walked through meadows of eternal spring, where the flowers never wilted, and the sun never set. They whispered secrets to the ancient trees, whose wisdom spanned millennia, and they gazed at the stars, which shone brighter in this realm than anywhere else. The universe itself seemed to sing in harmony with their love.

But most importantly, they cherished the moments of quiet intimacy, where they held each other close, their hearts beating in perfect unison. With every touch and every kiss, they reaffirmed the depth of their love, a love that had never truly left them, even in the face of death.

As they continued their journey through the infinite, hand in hand, they knew that their love would guide them through this celestial paradise, and together they would explore the mysteries of the universe. In a world where time had no dominion and their love was eternal, Nanami Kento and Y/N had found their forever home, bound by a love that was heavenly in every sense of the word.

[oh-stars]

Healthy Secrets

Love is being late to work because you can’t ever say goodbye in a reasonable amount of time

a @steddielovemonth prompt | 1012 words | CW: N/A | Rating: T

--

Marnie hates him. Steve can’t really blame her. The practice opens at 8:30 am sharp and for the other psychiatrists that’s a non-starter. Well. It’s not a rule, officially, at least, but Marnie’s a stickler. Her schedule may as well be a bible, dictating their lives and holding everyone to the highest standards. 

Except Steve. He uses the schedule as… a suggestion, a guide really. 

See why Marnie hates him? 

He tries to make it up to her. Honest. Steve is diligent about his appointments and doesn’t mind staying later than the others. He makes a point to keep fresh flowers in her vase at the desk (a tradition he’d started on behalf of her late husband) and he takes her out for lunch twice a month. 

None of that even softens her glare when Steve walks into the clinic with only five minutes to spare before his first appointment. Every day, like clockwork. 

Look. Steve’s a punctual guy. Really! Any other time he’d be sweating his balls off trying to get there on time or going ninety to nothing – always racing the clock. On weekends, he’s the one chomping at the bit to make it to brunch plans or hounding Eddie to get a move on so they can beat holiday traffic when they make plans to visit Wayne. 

Mornings are his weakness. 

He wakes up, twisted in sheets with his leg between Eddie’s and their arms splayed over one another. Eddie’s face is almost always close to his, either sharing the same pillows or nuzzling up to Steve’s collarbones. Their comforter is a delightfully heavy weight, although it creates a furnace beneath its shelter – one Steve never wants to leave. Can you blame him? He wakes up to his own dash of heaven every morning, just himself and the love of his life in the sanctuary they built together. 

His alarm goes off at six, then again thirty minutes later. He’s awake at the first trill, mind already racing as his itinerary for the day speeds through his mind. Steve spends these thirty minutes peacefully holding Eddie in his arms as they brace for the day. Or well, he does because Eddie never wakes to the first alarm, his heavy snores blocking out everything but Steve’s touch and his dreams. 

A bleary eye will peel open at the second blasting. Eddie’s glare lightened by the pile of curls on his head and the way he wiggles closer to Steve. “Five more minutes?” he says, syllables barely distinguishable. 

And Steve agrees. 

Eddie could ask Steve to fall off the edge of the world and Steve would do it, would sacrifice his own body if it meant Eddie would be happy, alive, and safe. 

So he sets a timer for five minutes, then another five that Eddie deems necessary and is exclusively dedicated to their good morning kiss. 

It’s arguably the best ten minutes of his day. 

“We have to get up,” Steve says, heavy limbs pulling away with the stubbornness of an elephant. 

Eddie whines, but pulls away to grab his pajama pants off the floor. “Why must you have a grown-up job?” 

Steve shrugs and quickly heads to his dresser for his gym clothes. 

They go through the motions – Steve goes for a quick run while Eddie smokes on the porch and takes languid sips of his coffee. He’ll slip inside as Steve turns back onto the street so the shower will be nice and warm by the time Stve makes it to the bathroom. Gentle hands scrub through thick hair, dragging washcloths over sud-lathered skin, all followed by sweet kisses. Okay, Steve may have lied; this is the best ten minutes of his day. 

While Steve finishes getting ready, Eddie makes a quick breakfast (usually just toasting bagels with whatever spread strikes his fancy that day and cutting up whatever fruit they have). They share their plans between bites as their free hands map out one another. Eddie doesn’t work for another few hours, so he’ll go back to sleep (even though he claims to be up for the day) but this means his fingers are still bare except for the matching band they both wear. Steve never misses a chance to feel those fingers against his. 

And then it's time for him to leave and Steve realizes it’s not Eddie’s fault. It’s his own. Because as he stands there, bag in hand and his shoes on, Steve wants to throw a tantrum and crawl back into bed with Eddie. He wants to be unreasonable and never leave their bed, ever, for any reason. 

“I love you,” Steve says against Eddie’s lips, between kisses. 

Eddie hums as he kisses him. “I love you. You’ve got to go,” he whispers. 

“I don’t want to.” 

“You’ll be home quicker if you go,” Eddie says. 

“But that means leaving now.” 

Eddie laughs softly as he kisses along Steve’s jaw. “I have to leave in a few hours, too. You wouldn’t want to be by yourself, would you, baby?” 

Steve sighs, but relents as he kisses Eddie one more time. 

All in all, Steve walks out of the door at 8:29am. One minute to spare. 

Steve drives the twenty minutes to work knowing he’ll barely beat his first client and Marnie is sure to give him hell for it. He doesn’t let it bother him, instead blaring the mixtape he made with Robin a few summers ago. It’s hard to care about appointments and being on time when his lips still tingle from Eddie’s kiss and Eddie’s aftershave and cologne still lingers in his nose. 

He’s floating on a cloud as he makes his way to work. 

And when someone asks them what time Steve starts in the morning, no matter the reason, Eddie will confidently say 9:00 am. 

Who is Steve to correct him? 

He walks through the lobby of the practice to Marnie’s icy glare. Steve just smiles and wishes her good morning. She’ll like him again come lunch, he’s sure of it. And if not? Oh well.

--

Ao3 Link

Thank you @lady-lostmind

[bluebayousblog]

RUMOR HAS IT (pt. 15)

(Drew Starkey one-shot)

Plot: in which drew and isobel address a false rumor in the most abstract of ways

Setting: christmas eve

Disclaimer: Isobel is an OC, 18+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Everything felt wrong as Drew watched Isobel run away from him—from their problems—until she was hidden behind her door in the confines of her room. There was nothing he could do so he just let her go because if he ran after her it would draw attention and that’s exactly what she didn’t want. Although, he could already feel Charles’ suspecting eyes on him when he chose to sit in the living with everyone else. It was the best option seeing as if he went up to the second floor where she was he would be at her door begging on his knees the first chance he got.

What he would be begging for he didn’t know in the slightest, but he knew her forgiveness or acceptance would fill the gaping hole he currently felt in his chest. He’d experienced how withdrawn Isobel could be in the years he’d known her, but after having her all to himself in situations where she’d bared herself to him, he never wanted to see that part of her again. Where he felt like a stranger in her eyes, or where she looked at him with fear because the sight haunted him—especially when she insisted on keeping how she felt burrowed inside. Leaving him to think the worst.

Another movie was starting when he sat down, and when he noticed the end credits rolling down the screen he realized he hadn’t heard a word of the film, let alone what movie it was. Everyone eventually began retiring to their respective rooms as it got later into the night, but Drew remained until it was just him sitting alone in the den as the sound of the television acted as white noise that did a horrible job of drowning out the thoughts of Isobel. The girl who’d unknowingly attached an invisible tether to his heart and dragged it out of his chest with her the moment she left him alone in the truck.

The next morning he didn’t want to wake up. He slept peacefully because he dreamt of Isobel, it was just the two of them in a world where she was his. He didn’t have to divulge the deep emotions he had for her because in that world she already knew, and he knew she felt the same—it was dancing in the glint of her beautiful eyes. That was what his dream consisted of, him staring into her chocolate orbs as he absorbed her every unspoken emotion, it was endless, but when she finally blinked he woke just when her gaze was about to return.

She stole his first waking thought just as she always did, the corner of his lips slightly tugging up at the feeling his dream had swirling around his stomach before his drowsy state evanesced as reality reared its head. He longed to go back to their last time together before coming home for break, when he woke up dreaming of Isobel and seeing her the second his eyes drifted open. That was a gift. A gift he wasn’t ready to give up, one he wanted to have for the rest of his life.

His awareness was practically nonexistent while preparing to go downstairs to have breakfast with the family. It was Christmas Eve and Catherine and Lora always went all out for it, he could already smell the aroma of their cooking seeping into his room through the cracks of his door. Drew seemed to be dissociating uncontrollably while he stood in front of the bathroom mirror and brushed his teeth, then once more when he pulled on some sweatpants over his underwear to make himself presentable to join everyone in the breakfast room. His mind was so easily escaping to the girl who slept down the hall from him, and it clung to his every thought as if it could make up for the absence he was feeling for her ever since their last conversation. Where she ran without sparing him another glance as the darkness of her room swallowed her retreating body.

He yearned to see her pretty face in that moment and all the minutes and hours thereafter leading up to this very moment as he swung his door open. He was about to put himself through a torture he could never prepare himself for, sitting in a room with Isobel while they acted like nothing was going on. Sure, they’d been doing exactly that going on a week but this was different, the knowledge that she was his when it was just them two in the back of his head no longer anchored him because now he didn’t know if that could be true anymore.

Still, he would take her ignoring him, ignoring the connection they’d formed together in such a short period of time rather than not seeing her at all.

“Isobel, breakfast is ready. Are you awake?” Lora Cooper said as she knocked and pushed the door open to her daughter’s room.

Isobel could hear the concern in her mother’s voice. It was expectant because Isobel never slept in past eight in the morning, yet here she was engulfed by her comforter in her bed. “I don’t feel well, I think it may have been a little too cold for me last night.”

She wasn’t lying—perhaps she didn’t feel sickly but her body felt heavy like if she even tried to lift herself from the mattress she would just fall flat back onto the feather stuffed quadrilateral, so she didn’t even try. And last night was definitely cold, but it wasn’t the weather keeping her in bed. It was the thought of facing Drew after running from him. Having to face him and potentially see the hurt she heard in his voice on his beautiful face made nerves swarm her belly.

Then there was Charles, she would have to face him too. Her stomach turned thinking of all the times she’d been around him this break and completely clueless of his knowledge of her involvement with his son. She hated the possibility of him viewing her any differently because of it. Isobel stubbornly wanted to remain as that same innocent girl he’d met all those years ago, not just one of Drew’s conquests. And this was just the tip of iceberg, Charles’ was just the beginning of the list of people she would eventually have explain herself to.

“Oh, Darling give me just a few minutes and I’ll bring some tea and food up to you.” Lora stated, the older woman already out of the door before she could even protest.

Isobel sighed heavily before somehow melting further into the bed. She hated the situation she was in. She hated when Drew realized she wasn’t coming to breakfast he would know it wasn’t because she was sick. Most of all she hated that she ran from him last night and was continuing to do it now, but she couldn’t help it. If she wasn’t with Drew, if there was nothing to show forth regarding their relationship she didn’t have to face her problems or face Charles. And Drew wouldn’t have to tell her father.

What would he say to him anyway? That thought scared her the most because whatever he shared could change the way Richard gazed at her, her favorite gaze, the one she never had to second guess her ability to live up to. There was only so much they could share with their families because they weren’t together. It had only been a few weeks, and they were just fooling around yet things felt so serious between the two, atleast for Isobel it did. And from the suffocating tension she felt thicken in the air of the car after he’d dropped that bomb, she knew it probably felt the same way for him as well.

Her stomach twisted in nausea as her mind raced in circles. Isobel was scared of being hurt again by another man, but changing the dynamics they’d built with their families over a relationship that wasn’t promised put her off more than anything.

Drew wasn’t waiting patiently for Isobel to gracefully descend down those steps like only she could. He was antsy and constantly moving and hanging on to every sound of any potential movement that came from upstairs or the kitchen entrance hoping for her arrival. He just wanted to see her.

Finally, the stairs began to creak and his heart sped up as the sounds increased the closer she got to the first floor. Drew had arguments with girls before, but when he saw them the next day he didn’t care. With Isobel he feared when she walked into the room he would fall to his knees and beg for her forgiveness—beg her to just try again with him—because there wasn’t another one woman that could come into his life that could replace the feelings she’d instilled so deeply in his being.

To his disappointment it was only Lora who entered the room without an Isobel trailing on her heels like he’d expected.

“Where’s Isobel?” Cooper asked with a furrow in his brow. Everyone knew Isobel should’ve been down here by now because she was always the first one down out of all the kids.

Drew was feeling guiltier than ever because everything Isobel feared would happen was unfolding right before them. They’d explored things with each other and now things were changing. He wanted nothing more than to possess the ability to stop the world from turning so things could be at a standstill where nothing would evolve and they could just be happy in the moment. Drew wanted to do the impossible for her.

“I think she’s feeling a little under the weather.” Lora answered.

“My princess could never take the cold” her father sighed, and in the moment Drew felt a pang of jealousy in his chest because just yesterday he thought that she could be his too.

He’d always looked up to Cooper, never feeling any negative emotions towards the man. If anything he was like a bonus father for him. Some little kids may have resented someone who took up a good majority of their father’s time, but he was family and he’d always made an effort to make him and his little brother feel that way.

But in this moment he’d envied him for the first time in his life because Richard Cooper was a man that had Isobel’s everlasting love. It was a love that was guaranteed—a love that she didn’t fear.

As a man, he didn’t think he ever wanted something so much in his life.

And where he felt envious he also felt immense frustration because he knew that Isobel wasn’t feeling ‘under the weather”, no, she was hiding from him. The thought of it made him want to march to her room and drag her downstairs because if anyone should be down here with family it was Isobel. This was the first time he’d wholeheartedly appreciated being around family for the holidays and that was all because of her.

As he contemplated sneaking up stairs to her room his father saying his name snapped him out of the mental battle he was having in his head, “Drew come around back and help me with something.”

“Thank God.” Drew heard his little brother Chandler whisper under his breath who was probably still pissed about having to chop wood in the freezing cold last night while Drew went out with Isobel.

Charles was already walking out of the kitchen presumably to the sliding doors that led to the heated patio, and Drew quickly stood to catch up with him. When he slid the glass door shut and looked up at him his face was unsurprisingly blank. The younger Starkey looking around in confusion as there was no wood that they’d left over to be moved inside. “What’s up, Dad?”

“Isobel isn’t at breakfast.” He plainly stated before sipping his coffee out of the Christmas mug he was holding in his left hand. It was a mere observation, a stranger would think there was nothing behind his words, but Drew knew there was always meaning behind everything his father said.

Drew had no interest in getting into all of this with his father, not when he hadn’t spoken to Isobel and this was the last thing she would want him to be doing. Conversing with Charles about a disagreement they were having when he shouldn’t even know about them in the first place.

“Yeah.” He said dryly as he racked in his brain for ways to get the man to let this conversation go.

“She never misses Christmas Eve breakfast.” Charles once again pointed out the obvious, but Drew swears he heard just the tiniest hint of sadness hidden in between his words.

The love for Isobel ran deep for both of their families, and being able to feel for her in way that they couldn’t allowed him to see the way they cared for her in such a different light. He could appreciate it because he felt it too, the love that so many people had for a woman he would do anything for.

“Dad.” He pleaded for so many reasons. For Charles to see that he was struggling with all of this. For him to understand that he couldn’t tell him exactly what was going on because it didn’t just involve Drew. For him to bring Isobel back to him like a little boy who begged their father to fix something they’d broken.

“You don’t have to tell me what’s going on, but you have to clean up your messes, Drew, especially if you care about how the mess affects everything around it.” His father’s eyes creased in concern. Drew could only imagine what he was thinking, but sympathy also present in the blue orbs they shared told him it wasn’t the worst.

“What if someone doesn’t want me to clean it up, Dad?” Drew couldn’t help but ask because he was at a loss. He knew he wanted Isobel more than anything, but he just didn’t know how to get to her. Because he could walk up those stairs right now and burst into her room, but that didn’t mean she would have him.

“You probably know better than I do. You know her in that sort of way, so only you can tell yourself what the right thing is to do.” Charles provided, implication laced throughout his tone, but in typical Charles fashion he still managed to give some helpful input, “Continue giving her space, but don’t let go.”

Drew’s throat closed at the thought of ever walking away from Isobel. It wasn’t a possibility for him, and that realization hurt more than anything because she’d done exactly that without looking back.

“I don’t think I can let go.” Drew mumbled to himself.

Isobel lied around in bed for the rest of the morning, but she couldn’t bring herself to spend the entire day ostracized from her family. She rolled out of bed and proceeded with the day as normal. She always wore red on Christmas Eve, so she wore a red braided Ralph Lauren sweater but dressed it down with a pair of comfortable leggings she knew would keep her warm. She sat in front of a mirror in her room and took her time doing her makeup, and when she was done and decided she looked pretty her mind drifted to Drew, wondering if he would think the same.

It was hard to accept once she realized, but while she lived for herself and her family, a great bit of her lived for him too because when you cared for someone you cared what they thought of you.

Lastly, she pulled a few black strands of her hair back with a silky red bow and let the rest of it flow down her back. She paced around the room, and thought of a million reasons why she shouldn’t leave out of the door before finally swinging it open and headed towards the stairs. The sounds of voices and laughter, her father’s the most prevalent, hit her ears as she slowly made her way down the steps as if prolonging her arrival would make any difference. When she entered the room everyone’s heads snapped to her, but she couldn’t help but noticed that Drew’s turned just slightly faster. Her eyes instantly fell to his, and her heart jumped at the look blatant in his unwavering stare. Just like that she knew that he thought she looked pretty indeed.

“Isobel you look gorgeous, baby, are you feeling better?” Lora asked from her spot on the couch.

All of the parents seemed to be playing cards while Drew and Chandler watched.

“Much better, I think I was just tired.” She smiled.

Isobel’s eyes dropped to the coffee table they were playing games on. It was also littered with mugs most likely filled with egg nog. She hated egg nog, but the sight of them doing their tradition without her made her smile droop a fracture. She felt awkward and out of place and was now wondering why staying cooped up in her room earlier made any logical sense.

“I got your Christmas mug down and sat the hot chocolate out just in case you came down, Isobel, there’s hot water waiting for you in the kettle.” Charles informed, nonchalantly clearing his throat like he hadn’t just done the sweetest thing ever. Another similarity she was learning he and Drew shared. When she looked at the younger of the two, his eyes were no longer looking at her—he was now gazing at his father.

“Thank you, Chuck.”

Charles just gave her an expected nod as their eyes met for a second or two before he focused his attention back on the game. She feared that things wouldn’t be the same, and that she wouldn’t be able to look him in the eyes again after Drew told her he knew. But just as always her sweet ones met his as he gazed back in a softer stare than what he gave his sons.

Isobel felt another set of eyes she knew belonged to Drew, but when she looked up he looked elsewhere. That hurt more than expected, but she was the one who chose to end things yesterday. Throughout the years he’d never made her do something she didn’t want to, and it seemed he was leaving her be to sit alone in the mess she’d made. When she turned to walk away towards the kitchen, like the hopeful fool she’d unknowingly let herself become when it came to the boy, she wished he would follow.

He didn’t.

But she waited. She grabbed her little Santa mug and waited a beat to hear him getting up from the couch where he was sitting in the living room. He didn’t come. She poured steaming water into the cup and went as far as emptying the hot chocolate packet into the liquid before she couldn’t help but listen for his footsteps. They weren’t there. When she finished preparing her drink and returned to the living room he remained just where he was before she left staring down at the card game. Drew was usually on his phone while their families did these sorts of things together, but today he was disconnected—to a point. Isobel could feel he wasn’t being fully present, and she knew the reason was because of her.

“Since my partner has finally arrived I think it’s time we start up a game of spades.” Her father suggested in a playful tone.

Figuring she should try to get into the holiday spirit for her own and her family’s sake she agreed, “Only if Chandler and Chuck are ready to lose.”

“You got lucky last time, Isobel.” Chandler mumbled as he cracked his knuckles like it would help his game. She’d never met someone whose ego continued to grow despite losing time and time again.

“And the time before that and the time before that…” she trailed off, her father’s thunderous laughter filling the room. Even Charles couldn’t help but smile despite her coming for his partner. That simple laugh could lift the mood in the room, at least it brightened hers anyway—Drew still seemed to be on another planet.

He felt far away yet he was right in front of her. To Isobel this was far worse than sitting across from him and pretending as if she didn’t burn for him because now she didn’t know if he still burned for her.

They started the game and his presence continued to eat up the atmosphere around her, but he paid no mind. She snuck little glances as his eyes continued to remained elsewhere, so she finally gave up and focused on the game. Calling it quits was easy, she knew it would be, it’s why she had to talk herself out of doing it so many times before when things got too real with Drew, hell he talked her out of it once. But it was what came after walking away that proved to be the hardest part of it all.

She became so engrossed in the strategy of spades and winning alongside Richard that she hadn’t even realized she’d been smiling nonstop as they played three different games. Things felt normal, it felt like it always did during the holidays when they all spent time together. It was how she wanted things to remain—the reason she took the cowards way out.

When she happened to look up after taking the winning book of cards from the center of the table her eyes locked with Drew’s twinkling orbs and this time he didn’t look away.

She was happy things were normal, but that normalcy costed everything she’d developed with Drew.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PART SIXTEEN

[somerandomcockroach]

Okay-okay-okay, I really need to put out some silly thoughts from "Autocracy" IDW and sleep peacefully Of course I liked it ha-ha, it is filled with revolution, double revolution, triple revolution Autocracy spoilers, I guess?

• They call each other old-timers if they are older pffht • Firstly, help, Soundwave's kids are CRAZY, I mean I saw them fighting good against autobots but when Soundwave was running away, he was just "Go, my pokemon", and his kids were absolutely destroying everyone on his tail • OH I ABSOLUTELY LOVED all dialogues between Megatron and Orion Pax, from future I got that they were friends, so they know each other, but somehow Megatron is much better at guessing how Orion will act. Megatron thinks as a real tactician, using bots as his weapon, having a backup plan even if it required lifes of other bots. Orion, even from his origin, never seemed a person of "plan b", he improvise but he relies a lot on his comrades, they are a strong team, they are his plan b, and while this whole corruption situation was irritating him more and more, he became more violent and less considerable about proper plans, it goes as it goes. I guess that's why Megatron was underestimating him plus added the fact of how much power he got. Yeeeet~ Orion is using what Megatron did write, quotes it, and I'm sure he meant it in the right way, while Megatron's way is violent. "Criminal posing as a revolutionary and revolutionary posing as a cop" is my fav ship. He is using Orion in his plans in pretty curly and good ways ○ OKAY, a little note, but Megatron finds Starscream as very useful and trustful liege, it started amazing me from Megatron's origin where they were coming up with plans on spot without discussing. Then Sterscream really is good with his talking, responsible for many-many things and achieves them successfully. It is so surprising for me after all the jokes about them pfffht

(Megatron in his happy dreams happily holding hands with Orion and destroying autocracy together, but then he wakes up because remembers he will have to kill him then)

I'm cackling again. "Protect autobots at all cost!". Decepticons "Huh, how worthy these bots must b- "*sees Orion* "Ah, no more questions"

When you want to get your beloved you must push to the very end pfffffht

• I KNOW RODIMUS. I know him from future series and AHAHHAH OH MY EMOTIONS WHEN I SAW THAT HE WAS THE BOMBER, and played a big part in this story, the absolute opposite side of his character! I remember reading fic by @/lush-specimen where Hot Rod was helping EVERY bot in need, decepticons or autobots, taking everyone in need. AND NOW I SO MUCH SEE IT. He was another kind of revolutionary, he was the middle, oppressed kind of bots. He is a pretty young one, he lived in golden era, in alive city, now bots are dying on his eyes yet he protects and stands for them. He DIDN'T join decepticons yet he was fighting against cops. BUT he saw that maybe Orion can help since he was against government. He helped decepticons to show the truth to the ones who could change something, because he saw that it can help them, not decepticons. He isn't that funny ha-ha boy I saw in mtmte and ll. He had to burst his own "family" so that they will not become the fuel for Zeta Prime's destruction tools. Their deaths were on him. He became the leader to get out his people and did bear their deaths on his shoulders. No wonder he became a good even if silly leader in the future, he knows the price of life.

Writers: "Let's leave a hint about him being the new ruler. BUT LITTLE DID THEY KNOW WHAT HIS CHARAcTER WILL BE AHAHHAHA"

• "Till all are one". The matrix. THIS IS WHAT KEPT ME IN CHOKEHOLD AHAH. This phrase come from here, the change of Orion come from here, it all is in here. LISTEN. THA MATRIX LET THE HOLDER FEEL SPARKS. HE FELT SPARKS OUTSIDE THE PLANET. I wonder if he feels when someone's spark fades/dies, does he feel something about it or he got so used to it. I was wondering how exactly and from what point Orion changed to his serious Prime. He could NOT NOT change. The matrix gave him an ability to feel everyone, gave him an understanding of the concept of what unity of bots is. He could never become his past again because he bears this burden of lifes that he will never be able to get rid of now. But what made me sad is that Metroplex recognised him as his "old friend". He didn't call him by name of that friend. I guess it is because he had decades of such friends. They all have pretty similar ideas and characters. They get matrix and the same idea gets in their head. They become someone who already was there, real side of you erasers even if not completely. PFhegfheg. Even the name he got. He himself can't get used to it, meaning he has to get used to it like he is forced to his new self

• Prowl ~ There are earlier times and I don't see that great tactician that I used to read about him. He is a good soldier, who follows orders, he trusts Orion, he follows his orders, he isn't the one coming up with plans. He still is more groundly on the "rule" side, but he understands what is bad for bots, he listens to Orion more, he is the one who gives final orders. He ends up going against government, siding with these dissidents, even siding with decepticons to get rid of what could have destroyed them all. It's just a bit unusual for me to see him be "in team", follow, don't have his own side plan, don't be beaten up wheeeeze

• That's a bit.... sad to see them like this, knowing who Shockwave was before. And now it is this.

• Oh, they yap at each other, shipped

• Don't look, kid, parents are fighting

Okay, ahaha, I feel like I've wrote something too messy to understand or too silly to be real, my only thoughts left are described by tsche-chu-chu-che-tsche

[genmui-to-infinity]

[GenMui week day 5: After the war]

Dear Nemi,

How are you? I hope that wherever you are right now, you are the happiest you could ever be. I'm sorry that we didn't have more time to spend together but I'm glad that even life was cruel, it gave us one last chance to be together before death took me.

But I won't talk about that today. Nemi, I have news for you.

Uhm, guess what, I got married today. Surprising, right? Hehe. What if I told you that I married the former Mist Hashira? Oh, I could totally hear you screaming bloody murder right now but it's true.

If somebody would tell me years ago that I will end up falling in love with the kid Hashira, and a boy at that, I would rather believe that the boar-masked weirdo is a genius. But I guess trivial things don't matter here anymore. Mui, I mean Muichiro, (that's what he wanted me to call him, okay?) had been there for me since day one. I thought that he would disappear forever but then fate threw him right back at me.

And then one day, he told me, "Genya, did you know that you could wish for anything here?" I wished that you and Mother were here with us Nemi, but Mui said, "In due time." and I guess he was right, so together, we wished for the next best thing, a home in a paradise we could call our own. A world we would also share with Mui's family. We thought of a big home, an abundance of trees and the sea and the sky.

It is beautiful and forever, Nemi.

Oh, you're curious how Mui and I fell in love with each other? *That is a story for another time.

But hmm, let's just say there were denials, tons of sibling teasing, an angry twin brother (shocking) and the realization that we were meant to be together. To become something more.

Life didn't give us the chance so death did.

Nemi, I am now married and Mui is right here in my arms as we watch the endless blue sea before us. Everyday he tells me how much he loves me and I make him the damn happiest ever. Children? We couldn't on our own but our siblings and his older twin brother are difficult enough for us to handle. Haha.

And from this moment on, everyday, I will wake up to my lovely husband, the golden sunrise will bathe his gentle sleeping face, the birds will sing us their morning songs and the trees will keep rustling in the wind to remind me of you. Then we, me, Mui my love, our siblings, Mui's family, would all run to the sea to greet the waves.

Dear Nemi, the memory of living in a rough neighborhood in a household filled with rage and abuse is long gone. As of speaking to you right now, we are all lazing together, laughing together. My rough, ugly scarred hand entwined with Mui's calloused battleworn one and he couldn't be more beautiful under the afternoon sun.

'I love you.' He says to me, I whisper it back to him.

Nemi, my dear brother, we are finally free.

"What do you mean, you want me there too, you jackass! And marrying Tokitou, really, Genya?!"

Few heads turn to the three men settled on a bench outside of a Dango shop. Rather, two men were busy grazing on snacks and one is peacefully dozing off on a separate bench beside them. Until an ear-splitting yell made everyone in the vicinity jump in surprise.

Giyuu Tomioka tries to shake the white-haired man awake and when he couldn't, Tengen Uzui opted to kick the poor wooden seat he was lying on. "Oi, Shinazugawa, are you sleep talking? Hahaha!"

Sanemi groans and slowly sits up, fingers rubbing the sleep away from his eyes. "More like a fucking nightmare. My brother got hitched to Tokitou." Uzui starts laughing hysterically and in confusion, bites his tea cup then attempts to drink his dango.

"Are you okay?" Giyuu asks in a low voice, only audible to Sanemi. Although he had formed a friendship with Giyuu and Uzui, it was only the former who knew about the dreams he had of Genya.

The dream he just had, were different from all others. Because somehow, it felt real. It felt as if it was Genya's soul talking to him.

Genya, living in some paradise with the people he love...Genya, living the life that Sanemi had dreamed for him, even if his partner was Tokitou, even if his children were their siblings....

Relief rushes within him. A lump forms in his throat and his light purple eyes start glimmering against the high noon sun..

"Tomioka, come help me pay at the register, I don't know how to money.." Maybe they have underestimated Uzui's way of understanding things. He and Giyuu wordlessly get up.

The moment they were gone, tears start cascading down the former Hashira's scarred face. Sanemi savors the feeling.

And only heard by the Wind, he joyfully sobs, "Congratulations, you morons."

[booboodaddysblog]

Disappointment

Part three

Warnings: smut, p in v, fingering, arguing, crying, slapping, drama

Words: 3242

———

Colin woke up and looked at his watch. It was 4 in the morning. He rubbed his eyes and looked at Marg lying next to him. She was sleeping peacefully. Her lips were slightly parted. He was tempted to touch her lips. He was already about to do so when he remembered what time it was. He couldn't wake her up after all. There was nothing left for him to do but watch her beautiful face and listen to her quiet breathing.

He rolled onto his back and looked up at the ceiling. He didn't understand how she could sleep so peacefully after what happened last night. He himself didn't know what it was. An argument? Or maybe it was just... the fear of letting her down. He wanted to give her so much of himself... and yet he screwed up. On top of that, twice more during that evening.

Colin hardly slept at all that night. His thoughts were running wild, trying to find a solution to the situation. Everything he thought about was negative. He was immersing himself and putting himself in a bad mood. He knew this was not good. He knew that nothing good would come out of this. It would only get worse and worse.

He desired to be happy. He desired to have a family. And that was going to happen in the near future. But... the longer Marg stayed in his house, the worse he felt. He was used to being alone, to living alone. He did not feel at ease now. On the other hand, however, he felt good with the knowledge that when he returned from work someone was waiting for him. It's an amazing feeling when you open the door and a loved one hugs you. All the stress and fatigue floated away as if by magic.

His thoughts were one big mess. He didn't know how he should deal with it. He was beginning to understand why his ex had left him. Probably because he acted the same way he does now with Marg. She had given up and left. She was really trying to save their relationship. She tried to talk to Colin... but he was closed off and focused more on work than his personal life. With Marg it's different, she understands his work... they work together. She can see what it all looks like. Stress, fatigue, thoughtfulness... trying to solve another case at work…

He looked at Marg again. She closed her mouth. Maybe she could feel him moving. It was almost 5 a.m... maybe they could try to fix their mood a little... just how... he looked at her again and smiled. He got up gently from the bed and stood in front of it. He started to go under the quilt from the side of Marg's feet. He hoped that what he wanted to do would succeed. He sighed quietly at the sight of her legs. He lightly kissed her left calf and moved higher. Suddenly he froze, Marg moved slightly and rolled over onto her back, still immersed in sleep.

- "That's even better” - he thought and licked his lips.

He started kissing her thighs, inch by inch. This was what he needed. He felt a hunger. He gently moved his hands over her smooth skin. He felt Marg move slightly and sighed in her sleep. Maybe she was dreaming of something really nice.

He was already really close to the spot between her thighs. He closed his eyes and kissed her there. He tried to spread her thighs slightly, but felt resistance.

- What are you doing? - said Marg in a sleepy voice, lifting the quilt to see who was disturbing her sleep.

- I... got hungry - he smiled innocently.

- And you claim to find something to eat here? - she said yawning.

- Of course - he whispered and moved his index finger across her stomach, sliding it lower.

- Okay, let it be - she sighed and lay on her back draping the quilt over Colin again. She pressed his head against her stomach. She heard muffled laughter.

He separated her legs and inhaled the sweet scent of his favorite place. He purred. He kissed her sweet and juicy pink lips. He felt her tremble. Her body was very sensitive to his touch, she felt everything with redoubled power. He sucked on her lips. He had to hold her legs because she wanted to escape him.

- Colin, oh God I can't stand it! - she moaned loudly and grabbed Colin's hair, forcing him to come out from under the quilt.

- What happened? - he asked surprised while licking his lips and wiping his nose with the top of his hand.

- I can't handle it. What you're doing is too strong for me. I almost peed myself - she whispered the last sentence.

- Oh... then how can I please you if you don't want to feed me? - he said pretending to be offended.

Marg pulled him close and pressed her mouth into his mouth. She kissed him deeply and passionately.

- I love your lips - she returned to exploring the inside of his mouth with her tongue.

An uncontrollable moan escaped his lips, and they were both breathing heavily. Colin, not knowing what to do with his hands, began to move them down her body. She wriggled under him feeling what he was doing. She moaned into his mouth and trembled even though he hadn't done anything yet.

- Oh you are so hot and wet - he moved his fingers over her clit - and hungry... - they kissed continuously.

- Yes... yes... Colin... - she moaned into his mouth.

- Yes?

He slid one finger inside her, with his thumb he continued to make circles on her pleasure button.

- Fuck me, Colin! Deeply! I need you there! Now! - Marg broke the kiss and drove her nails into his shoulders.

- Oh... okay... - he settled between her legs and spread them more.

Marg grabbed his dick and started moving her hands over it wanting to warm him up more.

- Oh my... Marg... - he closed his eyes and tilted his head back in delight.

- Enough of this, fuck me! - she pulled him to her and kissed him again.

Colin slid into her with a quick movement and immediately felt her clamp down on him. He moaned loudly and began to move. He didn't do it slowly, he was as hungry as Marg.

- Do you think our bean will be okay? - he asked, struggling to catch air.

- Of course not, don't be ridiculous. Fuck me! - Marg clung to his lips again. She put her arms around his neck and held him tightly.

Colin didn't say anything anymore. He carried out the request. He did not need to be told again. He moved quickly and entered her deeply. They both trembled in each other's arms. They felt they were close to fulfillment. They moaned loudly.

- Colin... I'm about to... - her back arched uncontrollably. She surrounded Colin's hips with her legs to pull him closer to her - deeper!

He entered her as deeply as he could. This made Marg scream and she reached the gates of paradise.

- Wow, that was fast - he stared at her without stopping moving inside her to give her even more sensations.

He didn't last too long. The sight of her trembling body and loud moans made him come deep inside her. He parted his lips and stared into her eyes reliving his orgasm. He fell back exhausted and sweaty on her still trembling body. He snuggled into her neck and kissed her lightly. He closed his eyes trying to catch his breath. They both slowly calmed down.

Marg stroked his back with her fingertips.

- Colin? - she asked quietly.

- Yes? - he answered still with his eyes closed.

- I have to go to the bathroom, my bladder is about to explode - she whispered.

- Haha, of course - he laughed, kissed her neck one last time and got off her laying down next to her.

With a smile, he watched Marg get out of bed, wrap a blanket around herself and go to the bathroom. He sighed loudly and rolled over onto his side and began to stare out the window. He was again consumed with overthinking. All the time these intrusive thoughts kept him awake. As if his brain was trying to tell him something. It was as if he didn't approve of what was happening in his life right now.

- Hi - Marg returned from the bathroom and lay down in bed again cuddling up to Colin's back.

- Hey... - he said quietly.

- How did you sleep today?

- Not good... and not the worst though... I’m not sure, and you?

- What happened? - she sighed.

- Just... I'm just upset about what happened yesterday...

- What happened yesterday? - she teased him.

- You know exactly what happened yesterday... - he sighed loudly.

- Can you remind me?

- Are you serious... Do I really have to? - turned his head slightly toward her and furrowed his brow.

- Yes, please.

- Fine... you know how... how did we have our little “fun”?

- Do you mean mine? You were just watching me… - she sighed.

- I didn't just watch... you know what happened before... before we even got to that part...

- You know what?! I was trying warm you up, but then you said “no”. I really tried my hardest. You just pushed me away. I wanted to pleasured you. I was so horny. Those fucking hormones! You didn’t even try to help me! You was just only “don’t touch me” - she started crying - I was so mad at you!

Marg sat down on the bed and moved away from Colin.

- I was trying to protect myself at that moment! And you just didn't give a damn about how I felt! - Colin also sat down.

- You were just tired! It's no big deal! - she shouted at him.

- And not just tired…

- And what else?!

- You really don't know why I didn't want you to touch me at all... - he whispered.

- So tell me!

- No... you'll get mad again...

- Tell me! - she slammed her fist on the quilt.

- No…

- Speak!

- Alright, fine…

- Go on! - she was at her limit.

- I don't want to tell you until you promise to stay calm - he said calmly.

- I am calm! Don't you see! - she shouted even louder.

- Please don't get upset with me for this.... it's just... it's really embarrassing... I warn you... - he watched her carefully.

- Gosh, say it… - she was a bit calmer.

- Do... do I really have to tell you about this? Won't you hate me for this?

- Colin…

- Okay... fine… but... but I told you... you have to promise to listen and not react until I'm done.... right?

- Okay… - she rolled her eyes.

- So... when I was younger... I... okay… so, I was very insecure and thought I was ugly and felt that no one could ever love me or think I was attractive... Then I entered puberty and my body started to change so much... and I really dealt with it badly.... I thought about many things related to my body, I felt that I was disgusting... I was ashamed of myself... - when he said this, he was not looking at her, he was looking at his hands, in which he was squeezing the quilt.

- Aha... that's it?! Colin, we fucked a million times! I saw you naked! This is nothing new for me! - she wasn’t calm, not at all.

- I know that, but it's still... - he sighed - still embarrassing for me to talk about it with you... Don’t you really understand? It's just still so hard for me to talk about it...

- Don't be afraid to talk to me. I’m here for you after all - she said a little more calmly.

- I know about it, but it's hard for me to say it now.... can you... can you be quiet and let me finish?

- I’m quiet - she rolled her eyes again.

- Okay... - he took a few deep breaths - can I... hold your hand?

- Okay…

He slowly took her hand, gripping it gently to make sure he wasn't squeezing it too tightly. He didn't want to hurt her.

He held her hand, letting his other hand also rest on her leg. He wanted to say something more, but couldn't get the words out. For a moment he watched them hold hands, enjoying the moment, which made him feel a little better.

- You are silent....then I have a question....

- Go ahead…

- Do you still love me? Do you still want to be my husband? Do you still want to have this child? I'm asking because you changed when we found out I was pregnant - she said, getting quieter and quieter.

- Of course I still love you... you know I do... and yes, I still want to be your husband... - he sighed quietly - as for the baby... honestly, I don't know why I act like I don't want to keep it... it's a very important thing for me, but I still don't know if I'm ready for it...

- You know… it's a little too late to say “I'm not ready for a baby” - she didn't look at him.

- I know... I realize that... but... I just don't know how I'm going to deal with it.... how do I even find time to take care of it, I barely have time for myself or you... - he looked at their hands.

- It's true, you don't have time for me... - she said with a sad face.

- I... yes... yes I know... I try to talk to you as often as I can... and I'm sorry if that's not enough....

- It’s not enough, Colin. I feel so alone…

- I know... I shouldn't have disrespected you like that when we found out.... I don't know why I did it.... I... I want to be there for you.... but sometimes I feel so overwhelmed that I don't know what to do about it... or how to behave... - he squeezed her hand lightly.

- Maybe I should go back to my place... to my home... - she whispered feeling tears coming to her eyes.

- Do you think it would really help you... or maybe you just feel that I haven't treated you the way you deserve to be treated? I've noticed that you've been upset with me all the time lately. I don't know what to think about all this myself... I wish I could just focus on you and the baby, but I can't... - he felt Marg trying to pull her hands out of his grasp.

- I feel that... you don't want me in your house - she whispered.

- I... I... but I want you to be here.... I'm sorry if it seems to you... - it was hard for him to say it - as if I didn't want it.... I just think I've been focusing too much on work....

- "I've been focusing too much on work”... What about me? - she looked into his eyes.

- That's the problem... I know I need to focus more on you and the baby... but I'm just trying to make as much money as possible so that we can have some peace of mind once the baby is here...

- Can't work remotely sometimes? - she looked at him hopefully.

- I could... sometimes... but would... yes, I would like to take care of you - he smiled slightly.

- I would take care of you too, you know it well.

- I realize that you may feel worse. Pregnancy has just started... God, it still doesn't get to me... - he groaned in displeasure.

- Yes, I'm still learning all about it too... we can do it together…

- I would like to make you breakfast and make sure you take all your pills - he laughed.

- I’ll cook, no worries. And I always remember about my pills.

- Oh… but what if you forget or something happens and you accidentally take a double dose?

- Colin… I won’t…

- But we still can't be too sure.... What if we accidentally end up in the hospital because of something like this?

He tried to sound serious, even if it was a pretty lame explanation. He really wanted it to sound more like something that might happen, rather than overprotective.

- Colin… stop…

- I... I can't help it... I... I'm so worried about you... and the baby... I just can't help myself...

- My pregnancy has just started, at the moment everything is fine.

- I know... It can be good all the time.... but what if it doesn't happen? Should we just sit here like this and wait, instead of preparing ourselves... mentally?

- I'm a positive person and I know that everything will be fine.

- I know this... but still....

It seemed hard for him to explain why he was so worried about it. There was really no reason to worry, maybe he was just overreacting. But it made him worry even more. He didn't like the thought that something could go wrong. Is that why he has been acting so strangely lately?

- Okay, stop thinking. Just hug me - she extended her arms toward him.

- Okay… okay…

He did as she asked. He hugged her. He tried to stop thinking about all the possible bad things that could happen.

- Everything is and will be fine - she whispered in his ear.

- I know... but I just wish I could get rid of these feelings, intrusive thoughts... I wish I could focus solely on you - he closed his eyes and savored her closeness.

- I love you…

- I love you too…

Colin sighed loudly and snuggled tightly into Marg.

- I guess, I have to go to work...

- Colin, I know - she whispered.

- I'll be back soon.

Reluctantly, he released Marg from his grasp and got out of bed. He went to the bathroom.

Marg didn't answer anything. She lay down again and covered herself with the quilt, listening to Colin's every step. When he returned to the bedroom to get dressed, she watched him. She still didn't say anything. She was sorry that he had doubts about their relationship and the baby. She had no choice, but to be patient.

Colin kissed her gently on the forehead, then on the lips. He put his hand on her belly and smiled.

- See you soon my love.

She smiled at him and watched him leave the bedroom. Then she heard him close the door behind him and start the car. She was left alone again.

——————

Part one

Part two

Part four

@robnovetre

[cc-cobalt-1043]

You're My Brother:

Sonic was sleeping peacefully in his racecar bed when he woke up to what sounded like muffled sobs coming from Tails' bed.

Frantically getting up Sonic quickly and as quietly as he could went over to his plane shaped bed.

In it the young fox was curled up in a ball his namesakes wrapped tightly around himself, his body shaking as the young fox sobbed.

Feeling his heart practically split in two Sonic gently rested his hand on the kit's shoulder.

"Tails, Tails." Sonic said softly trying to calm him.

This however had the opposite effect as Tails saw Sonic and gasped in shock hugging one of his Tails to his chest.

"S-Sonic, I-I didn't meant to wake you, I'm sor-." Tails mumbled still trembling violently.

"Woah bud, calm down, you've done nothing wrong." Sonic said in a soft voice that would have even surprised Robotnik.

Tails just whimpered and curled up on himself even more.

"Bad dream?" Sonic asked, already knowing the awnser.

Tails just nodded another sob escaping him.

"You wanna talk about?" Sonic asked, that usually worked for him anyway.

Tails simply shook his head, Sonic frowned and tried to think of something.

"Wanna grab a midnight snack?" Sonic asked.

Tails looked at Sonic pondering this, admittedly he was hungry, but didn't want to get in trouble.

"Are we allowed?" Tails asked.

"I won't tell if you won't." Sonic said winking at Tails.

Tails thought it over for a moment before nodding and getting up.

The two quietly snuck down into the kitchen and Tails sat down at the table, Sonic came over and put a glass of water on the table for him.

"What would you like to eat pal?" Sonic asked.

Tails shrugged.

"Not sure." He said.

"I know, you still haven't tried chilli dogs yet have you?" Sonic asked.

Tails shook his head.

"You're in for a treat buddy." Sonic said rubbing his hands together.

Sonic got up and went into the kitchen. After preparing the necessary items he got the chilli dogs cooking.

He then went and joined Tails, leading him over to the couch and sitting down next to him.

Sonic reached over and gently stroked Tails' bangs.

Tails teased slightly, but relaxed when he noticed it was Sonic.

This didn't go unnoticed by Sonic, but he didn't comment on it.

"You were there you know." Tails said softly.

"Where?" Sonic asked.

"My dream, the people from my old village, they took me away from you and the others...made me go back to my old village." Tails said shuddering.

"Hey, you aren't going anywhere bud, you're stuck with us for the long run." Sonic said.

Tails chuckled weakly and gave Sonic a small smile.

"Tails...granted I don't know the full extent of what those people did to you, but it was wrong, it never should happen to anyone, especially not someone as sweet as you." Sonic said.

Tails took a deep breath then spoke.

"The people in my village...they weren't nice, sometimes they'd pull on my tails, break my inventions, once they even threw me into a freezing river, they did...horrible things." Tails said, his tears beginning to renew themselves again.

Sonic pulled Tails into a hug.

"Well it won't happen here, mom, dad, me and Knuckles, we'll look after you." Sonic said.

"You promise?" Tails asked.

"I promise, you're my little brother Tails, and I love you bud." Sonic smiled gazing at the Fox lovingly.

Tails smiled and hugged Sonic tighter, even wrapping his tails around him.

They stayed like this until the timer announced the chilli dogs were ready.

Not wasting any time Sonic promptly brought them into the living room and handed a plate of them to Tails.

"They smell so good." Tails said, his mouth watering slightly.

"Go on, try one." Sonic said encouragingly.

Tails put one in his mouth and his eyes practically lit up.

"Wow, they're delicious." Tails spoke through a mouthful of food.

Sonic chuckled and the two ate their food in silence.

Soon they finished and Sonic put the plates in the kitchen.

They simply sat for a few minutes before Tails yawned sleepily, his eyes barely open.

"Sleepy bud?" Sonic asked.

Tails just mumbled incoherently and yawned again, rubbing his eyes.

"I'll take that as a yes, come on bud, time to go to bed." Sonic said.

Tails nodded, too tired to protest.

Sonic took Tails' hand and led him back up to their shared bedroom in the attic.

Sonic helped the extremely sleepy fox back into his bed and made sure the blanket was wrapped snugly around him.

"G'night Sonic." Tails yawned and almost immediately fell asleep the only sound in the room being his soft snores.

Sonic chuckled and watched him sleep for a moment brushing his bangs away from his face, he couldn't help but smile at the content look on Tails' face.

"Goodnight Tails, sweet dreams little bro." Sonic said smiling before heading over to his bed and getting in.

Sonic could now rest easy knowing his little brother was comfortable and happy.

[choiceswithmika]

Your Normal Daily Life Before A Shift At Edenbrook (FanFic)

Ships: Rafael Aveiro x Bryce Lahela (Open Heart)

Mention: Casey Valentine (MC)

Summary/Description: What is the daily early morning routine, before getting ready to work at Edenbrook and some wholesome moments with Bryce Lahela and Rafael Aveiro. 

Warnings: Slightly curses words but that is just it

Rating: Pg-13

Word Count: 1413

Fanfic For: @artbyalz

It was a beautiful day, another wonderful day in Boston. Bryce and Rafael have been dating for almost a year now, they are also living together in an apartment.  It was around like six in the morning, Rafael was spooning Bryce with his strong muscular arms. Bryce was in Rafel’s arms just cuddling as he nuzzled on Rafael’s chest still smiling in his sleep. They were sleeping so peacefully in one piece together. The alarm clock went off, Rafael opened his brown eyes, waking up with a stretch then glazing at Bryce for a little bit before he got off the bed and headed off to the bathroom for a shower. Rafael closes the bathroom door then locks it, he takes off his pajamas to begin to shower.  As Rafael showers, Bryce starts to stir in his sleep as slowly opening his brown eyes. 

Bryce groans but sits up on the bed to stretch, Bryce then turns to look at Rafael’s side of the bed and notice that he was already awake and not in the bed. Bryce hops off the bed and stretches, he decides to go outside to play basketball at their front yard so he puts on his jacket before going outside to play some basketball. As Bryce plays basketball, Rafael finishes his shower then steps out of it to dry himself with a towel then puts on his work clothes then combs his hair. Rafael walks out of the bathroom, he notices Bryce was up and not in the bed now. Rafael knows where Bryce went, he goes outside seeing Bryce playing basketball. Rafael showed a smile on his face, Bryce was distracted playing basketball but a few moments later Bryce looked at Rafael and smiled.

“Goood morninggg!!” Bryce says to Rafael in a flirty tone. 

Rafael chuckles and looks at Bryce in aw before he walks towards Bryce and wrapped his strong muscular arms around Bryce’s waist. 

“Good morning babe.” Rafael responds in a loving tone as he kisses Bryce softly on the lips. 

Bryce was kissing Rafael back, wrapping his arms around Rafael’s neck, savoring the moment. The kiss got deeper and more passionately a little over every minute. 

Rafael then slightly pulls away but still holding Bryce in his embrace. Bryce’s body was pressed against Rafael’s chest. Bryce looks up at Rafael smiling. 

“I hope you had a sweet dream.” Bryce says flirtatiously as he uses his fingers to run through Rafael’s brown hair grinning.

Rafael’s cheeks grew a little red on his face and smiled, “Oh well.. Yes I did, especially you there next to me..”  Rafael says in a soft tone. 

“I was playing basketball for the normal routine of working out.” Bryce winks at Rafael. 

Rafael blushes a little bit and let out a chuckle still looking into Bryce’s eyes, “I can see that.” Rafael responded. 

“I am about to make some breakfast and some coffee, you down for that?” Rafael asks.

“Yeah, it sounds good!” Bryce answers smiling at Rafael. 

Rafael nods in a response smiling before heading into the house, he goes into the kitchen to start making breakfast. Bryce kept playing basketball for a few minutes more before eventually heading inside himself to get ready for the day. Bryce heads to the bathroom and takes his shower. Rafael was making some protein like sausage and bacon including eggs for breakfast. Rafael could hear Bryce singing from the bathroom. Rafael’s facial expression turned into a genuine loving smile as he was still making breakfast. 

As Rafael was finished with making breakfast, he suddenly heard Bryce’s shout. 

“RAFAELLL!! WHERE ARE MY DOCTOR PANTS?!” Bryce shouts. 

Rafael heard Bryce from like three feet away from the bathroom. He then walks toward the bathroom door and leans in to communicate to Bryce. 

“You didn’t check your drawers before taking that shower?” Rafael asks through the door.

“Uhhh forgot?” Bryce answers through the door. 

Rafael sighs, “You want me to go get it for you?” he asks through the door.

“That would be great! Thank youuu my loveee!” Bryce says in his loving tone through the door.

Rafael chuckled before he went into the bedroom to grab Bryce’s doctor pants from his drawer. 

“This guy really needs to double check before doing something.” Rafael mumbled to himself, smiling. 

Rafael walked out of the bedroom with Bryce’s doctor pants on his hands then went back to the bathroom door.

“Bryce I got them, can you open the door so I can hand it to you.” Rafael says lovingly. 

“Yeah okay!” Bryce says.

A few moments later. Bryce opens the bathroom door. Rafael chuckled as he saw how gorgeous Bryce looked shirtless. He then shaked his head and hands the doctor pants to Bryce. 

“Here you go.” Rafael says as he is smiling at Bryce.

“Thanks!’ Bryce says in a happy tone as he takes his doctor pants. 

“You really need to remember to double check things before doing something.” Rafael chuckled lovingly. 

“Yeah.. but you know how I am though..” Bryce says being a little vulnerable for a moment. 

“Don’t worry about it, okay? I’m still here for you no matter what!” Rafael showed a reassuring smile. 

“What did I do to deserve you..” Bryce says softly. 

“By being my friend first and the good one before the moment we developed feelings for each other.” Rafael says in a grin as he places his hand to rub Bryce’s head. 

“And I thought I’m usually the flirty one.” Bryce chuckled. 

“Come on sportsman, hurry up and finish. Food is on the table.” Rafael says grinning as going to the kitchen. 

Time skip: 7:00 Am 

Bryce comes into the kitchen in his doctor outfit then sits down in a chair.  Rafael was already sitting down, taking some bites of his food and swallows before looking at Bryce into his eyes. 

“Looking good as always Bryce.” Rafael says with a small smile.

“Thank you.” Bryce smiles and responds cheerfully.

“Anyways, what is going on with you today?” Bryce asks as he looks into Rafael’s eyes. 

“Well I honestly think it will be like everyday but though.. I am helping a little girl named Ameila walk again.. She was in a car accident recently and needs physical therapy to improve her walks.” Rafael says in his vulnerable tone. 

Bryce places his hand on Rafael’s shoulder and smiles. 

“Hey! I know this is tough… but on your end, I know you got this. You’re still the most selfless person I ever met in my life and I always admire that about you.. I know Casey believed in you about still saving people. You are still doing that by helping them feel supported and encouraged to reach that goal.” Bryce says as looking at Rafael. 

“You know… I know we are still getting used to our relationship but.. I really do love you..” Bryce says softly.

Rafael smiles at Bryce, Rafael’s heart melted when hearing Bryce’s three words. At first Rafael did not say anything before he responded. 

“I love you too Bryce.. Thanks for making me feel like the happiest man in the world.” Rafael says as smiling. 

Bryce grins as he leans in to kiss Rafael softly on his lips, then Bryce leans back to eat his breakfast with Rafael. 

“So.. how about you?” Rafael asks. 

“Just a couple of surgeries on patients that I was told to do in the afternoon but uh I guess that is pretty much it besides doing regular checks up on patients.” Bryce answers.

A little while later, it was now past eight thirty and both of the couple realized they were running late for their shifts at Edenbrook. 

“Oh shit!!” Bryce cursed. 

“Okayyy we got to go-” Rafael says. 

Both Bryce and Rafael get up fast after finishing breakfast as they are now getting their extra clothes for the after shift. They rush out of the house making sure their doors and windows lock before getting into the car to head to Edenbrook for their shifts. Rafael gets into the driver seat as Bryce sits in the passenger seat. Rafael starts the engine as Bryce holds Rafael's arm. 

“I hope Emery won’t kill us…” Rafael says.

“Eh.. We’ll be fine… I think..” Bryce says. 

The car zooms off, Rafael is driving, focusing on the road and Bryce looks at the rears now trying to enjoy their ride to the hospital hoping they won’t get in trouble for being slightly late..

The End

[fe-fictions]

Alcryst is so precious, I wanna squeeze him like a squeaky toy. Would it be possible to do the morning after for him?

(Absolutely we can Q ___ Q )

Ever since he decided to be brave, Alcryst had only seen wonderful improvements in his life. He Dever before, and he was able to forge stronger, more open and honest relationships with so many of his friends.

Best of all, though, it saw the arrival of peace in the four kingdoms. With that peace meant a beautiful, elegant and boisterous wedding that was full of joy and color. 

The event rang in the union of the second prince and his beloved, the Divine Dragon Alear. It was truly a moment for the ages, a week-long celebration that was one for the history books.

The six days leading up to the wedding were wonderful, each day more memorable than the last. 

But none were perhaps as important to Alcryst than the wedding day. Exchanging vows with you, and promising yourselves to one another. And your first night together was just…a beautiful blur.

Alcryst was the first one to wake up, staring up at the canopy that drifted lazily in the morning breeze, like he was in a living dream. He breathed softly and deeply, taking in the scent, the sounds, and the sensations. He had never been so happy in his life.

There was a deep sigh next to him, suddenly reminding him of the tender warmth radiating beside him. Alcryst looked over to where his wife slept peacefully beside him.

His heart skipped about three beats; his wife was sleeping next to him.

The youngest prince of brodia had married the Divine Dragon. It was too good to be true, and yet here you were, snuggled up beside him and sleeping without a care in the world.

A lopsided smile lifted the corners of his mouth. He reached out, cautiously, running his fingers along your cheek. You were so soft, and so veyr warm. 

There was surely nothing better than what he was feeling. His fingers slipped away, tucking a strand of vibrant blue hair behind your ear. 

He would have gone for another strand, had his hand not been caught by yours. 

Alcryst gasped, startled by the undetected motion. You inhaled deeply before your eyes slowly opened, revealing eyes that sparkled like sapphires and rubies. 

“Good morning, my love.”

Your morning voice sent shivers down his spine. He was sure his face flushed the second you spoke. 

“G-good…good morning, Alear.” He managed to eek out a reply, earning a sleepy smile. You leaned in closer to him, so that you might lean up and kiss him softly on the lips.

As if he wasn’t already flushed and rosy.

“How are you feeling?” You asked in a gentle and tender voice, which he knew he could easily get drunk on. 

“I feel…I feel great. Last night…yesterday, I mean, all of it…it was wonderful.” He said, sounding just as breathless as he did when he spoke his vows.

You were beaming at him, the joy illuminating your entire face.

“Did you…did you have a good time, too?”

“Of course I did.” You giggled, “You were wonderful. And such an attentive communicator, too.” 

“C-come on!”

“I’m just teasing.” Your fingers brushed along his ear, quite proud of your ability to change colors. “I’m just so happy that I get to wake up beside you every morning…that I finally get to have you in my life when things aren’t hinging on the end of the world.”

“It’ll certainly be a nice change of pace…” He hummed, letting you pull him to your chest. Alcryst was happily the little spoon, burying his face in your warmth and wrapping his arms around you. You squeezed him close, reveling in the tender joy that filled the Divine Dragon’s quarters.

“How long do you think we’ll have until someone sends for us?” You broke the silence once again, “I doubt they’d let us stay up here alone for very long.”

“It’s the day after our wedding, Alear. I don’t think there’s anyone brave enough to try.” He whispered back, relaxing against the sound of your heartbeat.

He did have a good point, you figured, relenting your worries and snuggling in with your dear new husband. Alcryst was limber and toned, and his frame was deceiving. He certainly wasn’t as broad as his brother or father, but he had a lovely body…and certainly one that you were happy to keep your arms around.

To be fair, though, everything about him was lovely.

The fawning would have continued longer, but about half an hour later you were greeted to Diamant boisterously knocking on the door and asking when you two “lazy bones” were going to get out of bed and train with him.

Mercifully, someone dragged him away from the doors before you had slunk out of bed and thrown on some clothes.

You took the opportunity to snuggle back in with your husband…who now needed additional comfort to recover from the embarrassment of Diamant almost barging in on you both naked.

It was the start of an interesting life.

[thefangirlthatwaited]

Encounter (Chapter 166) - A Destiny Universe Story

Crow x Guardian

By the time my song ended, the twins were peacefully asleep. How I wished I was as oblivious as they were. To them, Crow was away on a mission and would be home soon. They didn’t know the dangers that stood in our way. I pulled my children close, closed my eyes, and tried my best to get a few hours of sleep.

“Ruby,” I turned away, the voice trying to pull me from my dream. “Ruby...”

“Crow...” I muttered.

“We’ll be together again,” Crow whispered, his voice filled with a love I yearned for. “I love you.” I desperately tried to reach out to him, but his voice faded away, leaving me lonely.

I woke up in a jolt, my body drenched in a cold sweat, my breath coming in ragged gasps. It was just a dream. Crow wasn’t here. “Mommy?” I turned to the sound of Rory and Ari’s voices, finding them quietly engrossed in their toys. 

“Mommy is fine,” I assured them. “Are you two hungry?”

“Pancakes?” Rory asked.

“Of course.” 

The next few days passed in the same way. The twins and I would sleep in the living room and spend the day together—anything to keep my mind occupied. The nights were another problem. After I sang the twins to sleep, I was left staring at the ceiling until exhaustion took hold. It wasn’t healthy, but it was all I could do to hold myself together in front of the twins.

“You need to speak to someone,” Stell said one evening while I was putting the twins to bed.

“And say what? Crow is gone, Stell and I can’t fall apart like I’ve done in the past. I have a family now.”

“And that’s very grown-up, but you can still talk to someone.”

I sighed. “Maybe. I’ve been hiding for a week. I’m amazed no one has come to check on me.” Stell refused to look me in the eye. “You’ve been relaying updates to the team.”

“I might have,” Stell admitted. “They don’t want to bug you.” 

“Thanks,” I fell onto the makeshift bed.

“Are you going to talk?” Stell asked.

“Probably. I need to gather the courage to do so.”

The following day was a rough one. Ari decided that he had enough of me and wanted Crow.

“Daddy!” He yelled while ripping apart boxes in the living room.

“Ari.” I hissed. “I’ll put you in timeout,” I warned. He huffed and tipped the box over, spilling its contents on the ground. “Ari!” He took off running for his room and slammed the door in my face before I could grab him.

“Fuck!” I growled, pounding my fist on the door while fighting back tears. Why did my son have to push my buttons? Didn’t he know I was barely holding it together? The doorbell rang, and I peeled myself away from Ari’s door.

“Want me to get it?” Stell offered.

“Please.”

While Stell greeted our guest, I tried to coax Ari from his room. “Little man, open the door.”

“No!”

I tried the doorknob again with no luck. “Ari, open the door this instant!”

“I WANT DADDY!” My head hit the door, and I wiped away a stray tear. This boy was going to drive me to an early grave.

“Need help?” I spun around to see Jolyon and Terna standing there with Stell.

Full Chapter on Ao3

[solarsong-writes]

It's crunch time right now for the semester, so it will probably be quite a bit before I can update again (and hopefully I don't get hit with writing burnout either). So here's a deleted scene from To Walk Where the Light Shines, a Kanamafu fic that takes place right after Saying Goodbye to My Persona and was written before the next N25 event. It's the canon contents of Mafuyu's dream in one of the chapters towards the end:

There’s a black bunny and a white bunny. 

The black bunny lives together with her family. 

The black bunny has an overbearing mother, who tells the black bunny what is best for her. The black bunny is grateful for the guidance, but feels uneasy sometimes. The black bunny wants to go outside and play, but her mother won’t let her because it’s too dangerous. Her mother tells the black bunny that there are so many scary things outside – the hunters, foxes, and only bad things that want to hurt the black bunny. Her mother tells her many terrible stories of other bunnies getting hurt because they wandered outside. Her mother tells her about scary awful things all the time until the black bunny wants to cry from fear. Her mother tells her that it will all be okay as long as the black bunny listens to her. As long as the black bunny is a good bunny. The black bunny learns to stay inside. 

The white bunny lived together with her family. 

The white bunny has a loving mother and father, who want what makes her the happiest. But then her mother became terribly sick and passed away. The white bunny lived together with her father. Then her father… her father got injured and taken away because of the white bunny. But it’s okay, the white bunny is not lonely. The friendly shiba inu living nearby occasionally visits to bring her gifts and food. The white bunny goes outside. The white bunny frolics in the grassy fields. The white bunny listens to the whistles of the wind on the grass. The white bunny collects flowers, arranging them into patterns. The white bunny isn’t lonely at all, there’s so much to do each day. The white bunny learns to be alone.  

One day, the black bunny couldn’t sleep. She tried counting dandelion seeds. She tried pacing around the cramped space. She tried and tried, but nothing could stop her from feeling like the walls of her home were closing in on her. The black bunny runs away to the outside.

One day, the white bunny couldn’t sleep. She tried playing with one of the gifts she received. She tried eating a midnight snack. She tried and tried, but nothing could stop her from feeling like the loneliness was crushing her. The white bunny runs away to the outside. 

The black bunny and white bunny meet each other under the gaze of the moon and stars. They are both surprised.  

‘Another bunny like me alone outside at night?’ they think. 

‘This bunny must be like me’ they think.

They become friends. They fall asleep next to each other in a hollow tree stump for the night. They wake up before the sun rises to return home, but not before promising to see the other again.  

They meet each other when the moon is high in the sky and play in the field together, eat together, and nap together. 

The black bunny realizes the outside isn’t as scary as it seemed.

The white bunny remembers what it’s like to be with someone. 

The black bunny and white bunny are inseparable from each other until the sun rises and they have to return to their respective homes. 

The days pass by peacefully, uneventfully, blissfully, like this. 

But one day the black bunny’s mother discovers this. The black bunny’s mother is furious. The black bunny is scared. But no longer scared of the outside. The black bunny runs away from home. 

The black bunny doesn’t know where she’s going. The black bunny finds herself with the white bunny –   

--

My original intent with this was to reflect on Kanade's and Mafuyu's dynamic from a somewhat more outside perspective -- the fic is written in 3rd person limited POV so it's rather difficult to pull back the perspective onto the bigger picture. I had actually planned a more objective reflection from Kanade in Chapter 9 for this purpose, but my hand slipped and you guys got all the fun stuff there instead. :) I also wrote this as an attempt to flesh out the picture book from Mafuyu's colorfes card given how important it is to Mafuyu.

I decided to remove this from the fic because 1) it was a sizable tonal shift 2) people typically don't remember the contents of their dream perfectly 3) the dream sequence felt too contrived and 4) it didn't add any new information -- it was rehashing something that the reader could already see demonstrated throughout the fic.

It's a cute scene though.

[riewritten]

"do you have a particular request aside from the ones suggested in the previous asks?"

Andnsnddmf frankly I sometimes used to construct alternative scenarios in my head regarding this fic. For example, in the last chapters, Erwin wants Mc to stay by his side and even said that her would relinquish his command for her (right? I was going to reread it but I forgot which chapter it was in) What if? Imagine the two of them run off and live peacefully in a wooden hut. Or Sarah, succumbing to Erwin's selfishness and agreeing to stay with him, but although she is happy, over time she misses her friends in the other world and slowly becomes depressed?

Absbsfgh I dreamed of these kind of what if au

Maybe you could write something from these perspectives.

"frankly I sometimes used to construct alternative scenarios in my head regarding this fic" ok wait hold up im just

and this whole time i thought im the only one in the world who did that in Dusk in the Brightest (linking for context) bc i was required to do so. AND YOU WERE EVEN GOING REREAD IT??!?!?

and omg so u wouldn't mind if i sprinkle an angst hm :) lemme say one of my what if scenarios ab that too!

to recap, you already surrendered to the commander's out-no-nowhere proposition brought by his desperation to make you stay. it's just that erwin retracted as soon as you started crying about leaving isabel alone.

under circumstances that you didn't do that hence he didn't lose the conviction of imploring your stay, he eventually would be the first person to realize how wrong he is. of course what he'd do instead is to prove (maybe drown in pressure too) that the said suggestion was never wrong to begin with.

both of you didn't have to run away together, after all — all he had to say was that he's resigning on his post. with all the contributions he had done to the regiment (and the current state of his body, too), not everyone could gather the audacity to disagree. he's an old man who just wants to finally live. someone who finally knows his limits. and you're alive — everyone at this point is aware of how erwin deems you. everyone that was too new to know had already died. with the new reform of the government, scouts retirees are given much more benefits too (not that both of you could be regarded as one, you still contribute a lot to the conversation, especially in unveiling the visions of the parallel). a residence much neater to the one your late brother had given, the leniency to visit the loveliest marie and her third child with nile, oh, the mothers around neighborhood joke around how their kids demand for your cradle more than theirs. and erwin would watch from behind as you shamefully apologize with the endeared mothers, endeared because you didn't get the cue that they were joking.

when they teasingly ask, "when will you and erwin have a child then? maybe once your hands are full, the children would crave for our cradles again!" you stopped in your tracks, aghast, and gave erwin a side eye.

he shrugged, sipped his coffee, and looked away with a small smile. for long you had known each other, it doesn't take long for you to insinuate his reply: whenever you want. he'd give it with no qualms if you ask. not even if you ask for it tonight would he budge.

you snorted in response, and as the peaceful mundanity ensued, erwin was filled in utter warmth.

but, taking into account that it was a suggestion brought by emotionality rather than the rational, any semblance of loneliness from you — of yearning for the friends you had left behind — would break him. he had so much regret as it is, how dare he pile up with another one, let alone to you? for long you had known each other, it doesn't take long for him to realize how the neighbors' question exuded a memory from you.

"isabel said that if i ever get to have a child, i'm required to introduce her as the back-up mom. she said she had no plans to have one, but she required the three of us to make our children call her back-up mom."

"really? i'm surprised isabel got that open with you with her short stay in the scouts. did she say it with levi and—" then he realized — oh hell, he would've realized either way, but it would be much bearable if he didn't do so through such a sad smile.

he fell silent and sound of chimney fire resonated. the candle at the table ruminated more of your yearning, too.

you miss them. you'd never take it against him — and you'll even reprimand him for assuming your lack of agency again — but you still miss them.

"so, when will i bear a child," when you look up to him again, the sad smile is gone. it's now one with a teasing one perhaps, "so i could give these youngsters back to their rightful mothers, hm?"

whenever you want. he'd give it with no qualms if you ask. he never thought of a possibility that this answer would ever change. he never imposed but he wanted it too.

but this time, he doesn't want to pile you up with further people to miss when you're gone—when you're back in your world.

"we could've had a child in the world where you came from."

"that'd still be us two whichever world. what difference would it make?"

"the back-up mom."

room fell silent again. when the chair creeked of the wooden floor, erwin thought you're calling this a day. but then you just walked to him, cupped his cheek 'til your eyes meet and kissed him quick. "she is an external variable, but it's still none but the same. the child would be weaved through our flesh either way."

erwin was the one to conclude it a day. he gave a peck on your forehead and ushered you to sleep. "fair point."

he didn't sleep that night. his office table was full of the documented researches about the history of the walls, of how the tree looked like, and hange's hypothesis that it can still be found somwhere somehow.

you were right; you two are one and the same. that's why it would make no difference if the child would live in the world where you came from.

you are going back there, back where no selfish erwin resides.