#villagers gossip about how much she obviously loves the baby

[leggerefiore]

thought about Cyrus in Hisui au again + him having baby Cyllene there

Like, you have to return to field work since there's only so much allotted time that Captain Cyllene could manage to give (and she absolutely gave you extra), so the baby is left with Cyrus, who has absolutely no idea what he's doing. Cyllene is having to walk him through things and basically doing half the work (because he's still honestly terrified of being a father, and she's absolutely enamoured with the baby named after her).

You come home to Cyllene scolding him about not supporting her head correctly and/or praising how far he's come.

[rhyske]

oh my god, Belphie is such a sweetheart! I love the little black spot on his nose and it looks like he has eyeliner and that is too cute! oh so when i called him escape artist i wasn't too far of huh? haha

I have 3 cats and one was an accident. My mom wanted a ragdoll so we got Tex, and we also got Slinky (a black house cat) so she would have a friend. Then I found a grey stray in my village and I took him in and named him Totmes, my baby. the girls don't like him very much (eww boys!🤢). Totmes and Slinky love the balcony but especially Totmes, he'll be there all day in the sun and I worry the sun will melt his brain or something.

So far Mass Effect is all right but I think I've come to the conclusion that I like fantasy more than sci-fi but maybe I am wrong and I'll be obsessed with it in a minute. The romance options for ME1 are... not great but I am planning to romance Liara in the first one at least and see how it turns out and then I might pursue someone else when the options open up in the second game. My brother played femshep and romanced Garrus so I want to do something different than that even tho he's so cool. For roleplay purposes I'll have Garrus as more of a best friend character to my femshep.

that's how I approached it in dragon age too. Varric was Hawke's bestie and Fenris was OBVIOUSLY the romance option cause he's just that good imo. In inquisition, Dorian was Lavellan's best friend and Solas was her romance option because of the DramaTM.

I try to play my characters as separate from me so sometimes I choose the mean option and I'm just like I'M SORRY I DIDNT MEAN TO BE MEAN BUT SHE WOULD SAY THAT AAAA. Lavellan was pretty grumpy at the end... well the beginning too because she never wanted to be the inquisitor.

ANYWAY mass effect has been difficult because the full dialogue isn't really what i expect from the little text option. sometimes it feels like the choices doesn't matter? idk but i'll figure it out!

this is the first time I've properly played D&D so it's a bit of a learning experience for me! what did you use to play as? ^^ 💜

He's precious 🥰 Haha, yeah, no, literally half an hour after I responded to you I found the front door open and him nowhere to be found. He's safe, he realized we found out and came running back 😂

Does Totmes have a lot of brain cells? Could be they are actually melting. I joke that Belphie killed his last brain cell when, the first day we got him, he forgot cars have windows and tried jumping out, only to smack his head into the window. I love when cats kinda choose you as their owner and not the other way around 😆 Your cats sound so precious 💕

I definitely think ME1 is the weakest of all the games. I wasn't super invested in it my first time around (and it's still a bit more of a chore to get through whenever I replay), so I don't blame you there. Just hold out until ME2, it's the game that made me fall in love with the series. Yeah the romances...are very lacking in 1. They branch out so much in 2 and 3.

GASP YOU ARENT GONNA ROMANCE GARRUS??? As someone who is a rabid Shakarian fan and can't romance anyone but the dumb turian boy, I am obligated to say you are making a mistake 😂 But if Garrus didn't exist, I'd probably romance Liara so 😆 Thane is also a good contender, you'll meet him in 2 😏

Dorian was my Lavellan's BFF too! I always imagine one going to the other like "GIRL GUESS WHAT." Tali/Liara always end up being my Shep's BFF. I imagine them having girl nights and gossiping a lot 😆

I didn't like how Inquisition just....ignored your origin. Like, when you play as a Lavellan, you don't follow the Maker. You might not even know how most shemlan cities operate! And you want me to be your religious idol??? No thanks! But nothing is ever done about it and it's frustrating.

I always tend to play as if I was in the MC's shoes. And it's helped me learn a lot about myself, tbh. But I can't be mean to most characters cause it makes me feel bad 😭 Unless they deserve it.

Choices do matter (: You'll see your choices echo through the games, in what ways you can approach missions (Paragon vs Renegade) and how people remember you (if you were rude or polite). How much attention you put into your teammates is a big mechanic in 2, for example. It's hard to see how your choices change things until 2, since y'know, first game and all. Keep at it!

I played as an elf rogue my first, and only time, playing DnD. That was my first ever exposure to DnD, so I knew nothing. Now that I know a lot more, I wanna play again and really lean into the roleplay and the shenanigans. Who are you playing as? :D

[springday-aus]

Disney Prince!AU with Seonghwa

★ Seonghwa as Disney’s Prince Charming ★

moodboard link

Group: ATEEZ 

Member: Park Seonghwa

Genre: fluff, romance, hints of angst 

part of the Disney Prince Series - could also be a prince!au

Type: Bulletpoint AU 

Word Count: approx. 3k

A/N: I had to spice things up a bit bc after a rewatch of Cinderella, I have realized they have no flavor and got a bit carried away—so enjoy! 

Warnings: family death + mentions of abusive family - you know the classic princess storyline. 

Seonghwa….. is not your average prince

but it’s not depicted in a negative light

so, he’s the prince other nations wished they had

he’s very involved with the state of affairs, often spends time in the villages and conversing with the townsfolk, and often visits schools to read to them or just watch them and it’s so……...wholesome

*cut to him struggling to sit on the carpet with the kids bc his legs can’t fold*

basically everyone loves him because he’s got this angelic aura around him that just makes you feel like you can trust him with anything

and I mean anything

mothers would probably offer him their babies if that was appropriate

he’s just super sweet and tries to remember what he learns in order to take it back and make use of it with the current policies that the parliament is trying to endorse or something

obviously, this is the main image of him to the public

and it’s not fake

but those in the palace know he can get a bit mischievous and sassy

it’s only really seen by those who are close with him, or have been around for a longer time

like assistant!Hongjoong and head butler!Wooyoung

since they’re all close in age and grew up together too, they’re much more comfortable with one another

Hongjoong: *hits his head on a doorway*

Seonghwa: “......... are you an idiot?”

guard!Yeosang and butler-in-training!San: laughing

no, but for real, all of them know he’s basically an angel

the amount of shit he’s putting up with them, but like they make for great entertainment lmao

anyways

the older workers at the palace find him adorable

like when Seonghwa tried to sneak-eat the freshly picked strawberries

“my prince, did you just eat a strawberry?”

Seonghwa with a mouthful of them: “no”

he’s like the grandson they all want (and are trying to get, but we’ll get to that later)

other than his charities and visits and public outings, he’s also known to be a good horseback rider

like real good

Wooyoung: “this is the most princely we’ll ever see him”

he’s kidding, but he’s also not kidding

bc lbr: Seonghwa in a horseback riding fit with the shoulder pads and the helmet and the wind and

Wow

many gather to see him in his glorious, sweaty state afterwards

it’s funny bc he’s so handsome and there are times when he’ll acknowledge it and other times when he doesn’t

especially since the ateez boys just ignore him or tease him

now it just depends on how he feels that day as to how he’d react

since he’s got such a good reputation, you know what that means?

lots of treaties and lots of marriage proposals

on one hand, many nearby countries know how nice Prince Seonghwa is—and some thought he was naive enough to be deceived by them

and that led to a few wars, but they lost real bad bc they assumed he was too nice

when, in actuality, he’s very knowledgeable since he takes a lot after the king and the queen

that allowed much more respect for the kingdom, especially since he’s the first in line for the throne once he’s married

which leads to the second thing: he gets lots and lots of marriage proposals

have you SEEN him?????

do you know how CAPABLE he is????

helloo?????

anyways

the royal family kind of milks this—not in that way tho

it’s in the sense that it’s because they want him to find someone soon and there’s more time for them to learn the ropes about ruling a kingdom

that means lots of balls are thrown in hopes of Seonghwa finding someone to ~catch his eye~ and whatnot

but Seonghwa just uses this as a diplomatic advantage, you know? like a chance for him to meet other royals and build these relationships

and while he has good intentions, the rejected royals are kind of bitter, but they know better than to mess with the Royal Family

meanwhile, party planner!Yunho is lowkey racking in the dough from these events, so he’s fine throwing all these balls lmao

this is where you come in

but, it’s not how others might think

so, you used to be the daughter of a well-of-ish family—you had money for a house and caretakers who adored you and you with parents who loved you dearly

you lived in your own little bubble of love

but then your mother died

when she died, it was almost as if she had taken the lively atmosphere of the household with her

your father buried himself into his work, rarely making time for you anymore and…. there was a drift

one day he came home with a mysterious woman, proclaiming her as your stepmother

along with her came her two daughters, who were as ugly outside as they were on the inside

while you could have done without her passive-aggressiveness, it was nice to see your father happy

but lo-and-behold, you lucked out and he died on a business trip, leaving you alone with strangers to become your only family

it only got worse from there as they openly started to mock you, shame you and push you beyond your boundaries

as they could no longer pay for the staff, they also forced you to clean after them, cook for them, and make all the arrangements that they demanded

or, as your oh-so-lovely stepmother said “you’re below us and you will always be below us”

at first, you put up with it because there’s nowhere else for you

but, slowly, the idea of running away was starting to sound better

and the opportunity came as the palace was starting to look for more servants who would stay in the servants’ quarters

you immediately packed away your things, which wasn’t much to begin with—your mother’s locket being the major trinket you possessed

and ran off to work as a housekeeper, who hid away behind the palace walls and the public eye

since you clean for the palace, it also means cleaning after the balls

other than television appearances, you never really saw the royal family

even as you did work in the palace because……………. they’re running a goddamned country

but, of course, there are rumors and gossip with the other housekeepers which all come from reliable resources

**cough cough definitely Wooyoung cough cough**

so there’s a lot of what you heard, not really from what you’ve seen, despite what some might think when working in the palace

that was until you were called to work at your first ball

which meant you were cleaning after the tables and in the kitchens, going in and out of the ballroom and between dinner tables

getting glimpses of some of the royals

and picking up on some of their juicy conversations

(apparently this one duke almost had an affair with this king’s secret mistress… all the tea)

anyways

you get the point

every once in a while you have to work at the balls when they need the extra help

but, there was one that was…………. different

a lot of the balls are for the royals to take and engage and whatever, but there have been so many and Seonghwa………….

Seonghwa hasn’t been interested in a single one despite the purpose being to help him find someone

Hongjoong: “what’s wrong with them?”

Seonghwa: “there’s nothing wrong with them, I don’t want just someone”

Seonghwa: “I want it to happen naturally—call me old fashioned but if this is someone I want to spend the rest of my life with, it has to be someone who knows me”

Wooyoung, in the corner: “that is old fashioned, hasn’t he heard of tinder?”

advisor!Mingi: “I don’t think it would be a good look for the country if the prince is on tinder”

guard!Yeosang: “we should test it out”

butler-in-training!San: “omg reverse pretty woman”

Hongjoong: “everyone get out, you’re all useless”

okay, but like real talk: he’s such a romantic and the whole unofficial arranged marriage is just………. too much

so, his parents were like: so, you want more options?

Seonghwa: “not what I said”

and they expanded the invitation list for one night, meaning ANYONE had a shot with Seonghwa and

well

he is very popular, so you can imagine how many people were planning on coming and the staff (i.e. you) had to prepare for everything

for the week, the castle was bustling and you were running around to help out and it……. it was all so insane

and then it happens

you’re minding your own business and working and eavesdropping as one does when one works

because everyone is there and who doesn’t love listening to drama that isn’t just from fancy people

but since everyone is here

you failed to remember that a certain group of people were also there

the group of people being your step-mother and step sisters

instinctively, you ducked and hid, moving away from the main room that was swarmed with people who were all trying to obtain Seonghwa’s attention

(who was also trying to hide from everyone else and instinctively failing)

eventually, you found yourself in the gardens, where you tried to make yourself busy

but it ended up being a small walk through the gardens, picking up the occasional liter and small talk with the gardeners

the garden is huge, so you get a bit lost as you wander—physically and emotionally

meanwhile, Seonghwa managed to escape from the others with the help of the other ateez boys

major shoutout to Yunho and Jongho, who insisted on leading the cupid shuffle and cha cha slide

also Yeosang for blocking off people who were trying to shoot their shot with a tired Seonghwa who did not want any of this

he ended up in the gardens as well, walking down a small path with Yeosang trailing a bit farther behind

he spots you on a bench, admiring the flowers under the bright moonlight

and you were absolutely breath-taking

not wanting to disturb your peace, he tried to leave

only to knock into a garden gnome and catch your attention as he tries to not break it

You: “um”

Seonghwa: “I’m so sorry, I was just going to leave, I didn’t mean to disturb you”

You: he looks familiar

You: “I know you from somewhere”

Seonghwa: literally in the most extravagant suit and sparkle make-up as he’s still crouched on the ground trying not to break a gnome that cost like $5 at a Target

also Seonghwa: “have we met before?”

you exchange names and that’s when it clicks

You: “OH MY GOD. MY PRINCE.”

immediately, you try to curtsy or bow or whatever the royals make you do to the ground bc Seonghwa’s still at ground level

and Seonghwa’s just…………. scrambling to try to get you off the ground with flushed ears at you calling him your prince

Seonghwa: “please, you literally do not have to”

You: “I don’t want to be beheaded”

You: “plus, isn’t it like, illegal for me not to?”

Seonghwa: “well, I’m technically giving you orders not to…..”

You: well, can’t argue with that

you slowly get up and dust yourself off, unable to look at him in the eye

even from the corner of your eyes tho, you can see what the fuss is about

bc Seonghwa in that suit and hair swept back is hot™

You: “Prince,  I apologize if I’m speaking out of line, but shouldn’t you be inside?”

Seonghwa: “couldn’t I ask you the same thing?”

You: “but this is in your honor, not mine”

Seonghwa: “is it tho?”

Seonghwa: “I keep telling everyone I would like to fall in love on my own and yet………. everyone keeps meddling and making plans and now everyone in the kingdom is after me when I’m just trying to do my best for our citizens”

you’re a bit silent, unsure as to how to respond

Seonghwa: “I’m sorry for just dumping this on you, but, everyone keeps telling me I shouldn’t be so worried”

You: “well, Prince, I think what you need to hear is that your feelings are valid”

You: “it’s only natural for you to want to find someone on your own—freedom is something everyone wants, which is why it’s so hard to obtain”

there’s a bit of an awkward silence

for one bc you didn’t know what he was really like and if you were allowed to say something like that

two being that you didn’t know if you should leave

but he speaks up

Seonghwa: “you’re right—I did need that”

the air loosens a bit between the two of you

Seonghwa: “so, are you also hiding from an influx of suitors?”

you laugh a little, playing like a twinkling melody to Seonghwa’s ears

You: “no, but I am hiding from people”

Seonghwa: “it’s okay, you don’t have to share if you don’t want to”

you two get to spend a bit more time together, just chatting and getting to know one another

he’s really sweet, but also kind of goofy with a handful of cheesy pickup lines that definitely comes from spending too much time on the internet but also Wooyoung

the time is short but sweet

bc, before you know it, it strikes 12 and Hongjoong has a hold on him by bulldozing past Yeosang who just blinks at the small gust of wind

Hongjoong: “Seonghwa! your parents are looking for you! we gotta go!”

he greets you hastily, before grabbing a hold of Seonghwa and dragging him away—in which Seonghwa is still trying to get one last look at you before you disappear off into the night

or, in your case, back to the kitchen to avoid your stepfamily

the rest of the night passes as expected, at least for you as you busy yourself with washing dishes in the kitchen

but Seonghwa found himself like a mercat, poking his head around trying to find you every once in a while

the time you’d spent together was short, but it was the most fun he’s had at these balls

and it showed, as noted by Hongjoong and Wooyoung with the week that followed after

he was spacing out, wondering what could have been if things were different

basically, homeboy was sulking bc he didn’t know when he could see you again or if you had someone or if you were even interested

Hongjoong: “how are we supposed to help him when we don’t even know who it is?”

Mingi: “didn’t you get a glimpse?”

Hongjoong: “I was busy with other things”

Wooyoung: “so you didn’t even ask for a name?”

Yeosang: “it’s (Y/N)”

all the boys:

Hongjoong: “how do you know that?”

Yeosang: “I was eavesdropping”

San: “um—”

Wooyoung: “wait, we know (Y/N)”

Yunho: “so am I throwing another party or?”

Wooyoung: “we can find (Y/N) first and then throw a party”

so, they kind of hunt you down to where you’re cleaning for the day

and Wooyoung asks you about Seonghwa

lowkey bc he wants the tea but also bc he wanted to make sure you’re not one of those insane people that are completely obsessed with him

(considering what he had to witness during that last ball)

and after passing his vibe check

he sends you to the library “to clean”

which is odd because you already cleaned it for the week but

Wooyoung: “I’m technically your boss, so go”

You: weirded out

also you: “okay”

little did you know, Seonghwa was already there, occupying himself with some new books while Hongjoong and Yeosang were keeping an eye out for you

who was lowkey trying to hide in the shadows and failing miserably bc of all the goddamned windows

Seonghwa spots your shadow, quickly getting up and following you

Seonghwa: “wait! (Y/N)?”

you turn around, a bit startled from the call out

Seonghwa: “I thought it was you”

you give a small bow to greet him

You: “my prince”

Seonghwa: “you can just call me Seonghwa”

Seonghwa: “I didn’t know you were here”

You: “I didn’t know you were here either”

he lets out a small chuckle

Seonghwa: “I meant I didn’t know you were staying in the castle”

You: “I’m not just staying here, I work here prin—Seonghwa”

Seonghwa: “well I guess that makes finding you a bit easier around here”

You: “you were looking for me?”

Seonghwa: “well, I like your company”

You: flushed

Seonghwa: “do you enjoy mine?”

You: “I’d be glad to bask in your presence”

and for a moment, it’s just the two of you

*cut to Hongjoong and Yeosang high-fiving in the back*

after that, the two of you spend more time together

it’s cute bc Seonghwa also likes to clean (which explains why there were never housekeepers needed for him)

so it means he also helps you clean and still have fun doing it

speaking of which, you got to find out how domestic he is and it melts your heart every time

especially when he’s interacting with children who visit the castle

so you can tell he really wants a family

bc he’s so good with kids and knows how to take care of people and what more can you really ask for

he’s also a great listener 

like he really knows what you need based on what you tell him

and when you opened up to him about what happened at home

he was just such a big sweetheart about it, asking if you’re okay and checking with you emotionally and it 

I LOVE PARK SEONGHWA SO MUCH 

anyways

so his parents did find out bc Wooyoung has a big mouth and def blabbed to San and everyone else in the goddamned kingdom who knows Wooyoung

rip Seonghwa

also rip everyone in the kingdom who found out bc again

Seonghwa is very desired amongst many

which also led to a lot of jealous people who gossiped about you but jokes on them bc you still have Seonghwa at the end of the day and they have jack shit :) 

back to what I was saying 

when his parents found out, they were totally accepting of it considering how happy the two of you are

(also you were lowkey fearful they were just gonna straight up kill you bc you aren’t royal, but also, they’re good rulers who care about people) 

which also meant they wanted to train you to help him run the kingdom but that’s a different story

anyways, prince charming!Seonghwa is indeed very charming

and gentlemanly and all that other good stuff

[murderousginger]

She’s A God - Part 2

Peaky blinder fic (Part 1 here)

Masterlist

Warnings: Sass. Alcohol. They’re criminals guys, they do bad things.

Word count: 3,954

Finn was standing at your desk, shyly smiling down on you exactly ten minutes after your shift ended on Monday. Most of the women had packed up and left quickly, shooting odd glances at you as you continued working past the bell. You might as well do more work as you waited for the boy.

Finn's face was flushed and he looked like he had just ran there -- probably from whatever errands his brothers had him on. His clothes were slightly baggy, probably to give him room to grow in, and his hat hung off his head at an angle that gleamed the razor sewn into the cap. Your face broke into a warm smile as you stood up from your desk. 

"Hello Finn, I'm (Y/N)," you said as you extended your hand to him. 

He smiled and shook it, surprise etched on his face you even offered. 

"Hello Miss (Y/N), Tommy told me to meet you here for lessons?" Finn fidgeted as you took his shoulder and guided him into Tommy's office, grabbing a book from your desk at the last moment. Tommy had been elsewhere most of the afternoon, so there was no awkward passing after his housewarming, thankfully.

"Shelly told him a woman had snuck into his study," Lizzie whispered to you at lunch, her face a mix of amusement and annoyance. "He had bought a London whore for the occasion and thought it might have been her. Imagine his surprise to find you there. Shelly knew it was you, of course. Jealousy looks ugly on all women."

"Yes," you said, trying to keep a kind tone. The poor boy seemed nervous and out of place. "Your brother said you had trouble with reading and asked if I could help. Is that alright with you, Finn?"

Finn looked at the floor and shuffled his feet. 

"I don't have no issues with reading," he grumbled. "The letters and words rearrange and get all weird sometimes. I can read."

"I have no doubts you can, Finn," you reassured as you motioned to one of the two chairs in front of Tommy's desk. "You seem like a bright boy. Maybe you can just read some of this book to me, then? You'll be doing me a favor, really. Tommy said he would pay me to help you out. And I brought candy, so any page you read, I can give you some."

You pulled a handful of hard candies from your pocket as you sat down next to Finn. He eyed you cautiously. 

"They treat me like a baby," he said. "I'm not. You shouldn't treat me like a baby, either. I'm 16. I've cut people. I'm a Blinder."

"I have no intention of treating you like a child," you said solemnly as you looked out the door and leaned into Finn conspiratorially. "I just thought, since you have no issues with reading, we could sit here and read together, eating sweets, and tricking that brother of yours out of money. You help me with this, and I'll happily bring you cookies tomorrow."

Finn leaned in with his brows raised. 

"Cookies?"

"Any kind you like," you said as you handed him a candy before popping one in your mouth. "Now read me a page or two, please."

Finn put the candy in his mouth as he squinted at you much like his brother had at the party days before. You held your gaze to his and pushed the book closer to him.

"It's about pirates," you lilted as you nudged him with your shoulder. "They have even better adventures than your brothers do."

He ran his hand over the front before he opened it. 

"Treasure Island," he read slowly, "by Robert Louis Stevenson." 

You nodded for him to go on and he began reading slowly. You let him read at his own pace, only helping him sound words out after he could not get them figured out himself. You praised him, handing him another candy after a particularly hard word or completed page. It was slow going, and you had only finished a chapter or two in an hour, but Finn was looking more and more confident in his reading and he was quickly becoming interested in the story. 

"I think that's enough today, Finn," you said as you reached for the book and dogged the ear of the page and closed it. "Tomorrow we'll start chapter three."

"But I want to find out why Billy Bones attacked Black Dog!" He said excitedly. "That fight was legendary. And why do these people like rum so much? Everyone knows whiskey is better."

"And how would you know that?" You raised a brow as Finn blushed. 

"Everyone knows it, (Y/N)," he said. "That's why all my brothers drink it."

"Maybe it's only pirates that appreciate rum," you mused as you nudged him. "Rum is for mischief."

"Whiskey is for business, and we are businessmen."

The low rumble reverberated, making both of you jump and look at the man in the doorway. Tommy leaned against it, watching you with a small smirk on his face. 

"Just thought I'd check to see how you two fared," Tommy said. "Finn, how do you like her, eh?"

Finn slowly looked between Tommy and you, giving you a mischievous curl of his lip before he grinned and nodded at Tommy. 

"(Y/N)'s a good tutor, Tommy," he said as he stood from his seat. "I think I'm getting better already."

"Good good," Tommy nodded before he jerked his head to the side. "Off you go."

Finn looked back at you to be met with your grin and nod goodbye. He bound for the door and his brother, only to spin and take his hat off to look down at it in his hand. 

"Can you make lemon bars for tomorrow, miss (Y/N)?" 

You chuckled at the boy's attempt at propriety in front of Tommy. 

"Yes, Finn," you said smiling. "Read me chapter three and four tomorrow best you can and I'll send you home with the whole pan."

"Promise?" He said excitedly before elbowing Tommy. "We never get lemon bars at home."

You nodded and Finn spun around Tommy and ran out of the room, excited for the next chapters and his reward. Tommy stood like a statue leaning against the frame. 

"Did he mind well?" He asked, searching his pockets for a cigarette and light. He took his eyes off you to light the end, shuffling the lighter back into his pockets and blowing the smoke above his head. He quirked his head to the side as his eyes found yours again and he waited for your answer. 

"Finn was darling, Mr. Shelby," you said stiffly as you gripped your chair. "He will be an avid reader with wonderful comprehension in no time. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll leave for my own home."

He didn't move, so neither did you. 

"I've talked to my brothers, (Y/N)," he said. "Arthur couldn't pick you out of a crowd and John said you've only ever been professional with him despite his normal comments. Michael works in the office ten feet away and he says you are the only woman in the office that doesn't gossip and keeps to your work when the bosses aren't looking. I'm convinced the lot of them only heard you say 'Yes Mr. Shelby' or 'No Mr. Shelby.'"

You mirrored the tilt of his head with yours.

"Yes, Mr. Shelby," you said with a raised eyebrow.

"Is there a reason you hate my family?" He said as he squinted his eyes. "Have we killed someone you love? Are you related to someone I'm not aware of? Or is it just me you actively despise?"

"Have you ever seen locusts swallow a field, Mr. Shelby?" You asked, meeting his eyes with the same intensity of a forest fire. "Without the right checks and balances, they'll decimate a field in a blink. You've swallowed Birmingham and you're already moving on to London."

"We've always made sure families were taken care of," he started. "Especially Birmingham families. And I've said to call me Tommy."

"In the aftermath, Tommy," you said as you stood up and went to grab your coat. "It's an afterthought. A reaction after your family hurts others. After your plans have consequences."

"And Finn is the only Shelby without blood on his hands, is that it?" He said as he kicked off of the doorway, taking up the exit as you stood under his gaze. 

You refused to flinch. You had been under a Shelby's nose your entire life, this wasn't new, just more literal than usual.

"Finn is a sweet boy that is willing to learn," you huffed. "I can find traits in all of you that I find admirable, but together you care for nothing but yourselves."

"Admirable traits, is it?" He said as he crossed his arms and raised his brow. "Do tell me. You've read enough books from the library I'm sure. Tell me about my family."

You faltered as your eyes went back to the ground and your tongue rushed to press against your teeth. 

"No," he stated simply as his hand tapped your chin to raise your eyes back to his. "I want to know. From a self-learned outsider, tell me about my family."

You sighed and rolled your eyes before you took a deep breath and straightened your back.

"Polly is strong but impulsive," you said quickly, as if reciting notes. "Arthur is obviously a sweet-hearted empathetic man that's been broken by his leaders and his vices to become the erratic explosive man he is today--"

Tommy scoffed as he raised his eyes to the ceiling. 

"Obviously," he said somewhere between a statement and a question. He waved his hand. "Go on."

"John wants the world handed to him on a platter and knows his charms and smile are the best way to get it. His aspirations barely go above women and drink. Ada, who I've seen rarely, is smart for wanting nothing to do with this operation. She tries to help those around her, from what I've heard of her in London. Michael was raised a nice village boy but has your ambition. I fear the day he actually gains power. And Finn is sweet and wants so badly for you to include him that he's willing to do anything. Dangerous for a young man his age."

"And?"

"And you," you exhaled tiredly. "Are very smart but your ego could suffocate anyone else in the room with you. Are you happy now? May I go?"

"No," he said as his arms dropped to his sides and he eyed you. His tone gentled to the point of startling you and you eyed him back. "You've noticed us, our strengths -- what you consider weaknesses--"

"Are weaknesses," you corrected as you crossed your arms and leaned on one hip to better look up at him. 

"Our weaknesses," he ground out. "Why?"

"You can't walk three steps in this town without hearing about a Shelby," you sighed. "You may not have noticed me but your family is impossible to avoid. Why do you think I work here? Better to work for the wolves than be preyed upon by them." 

"Is that some other latin phrase I should know?" 

Your smile held no joy as you watched Tommy Shelby finally remove himself from the doorway to let you pass. 

"No," you said as you stopped beside him and looked into his eyes one last time. "But here's one your family should learn if you ever want to stop ruling this town in fear: Ut ameris, amabilis esto."

"And that means?"

Your smile finally reached your eyes and you stepped out of the doorway. 

"You're a smart man," your mouth held in a tight line. "Look it up."

----

Tommy rolled his eyes and closed the door to his office behind her before he walked to his desk to put out his cigarette. He rummaged for another in his pocket and lit it. He inhaled slowly with his eyes closed before he sank into his chair and started shuffling the paperwork he needed to finish before he headed home. 

He looked at the door for a moment, knowing she would have been out the front door and walking through the city to get back to her place by now. He smiled softly as he leaned back and scoffed at the ceiling. He took another long drag of his cigarette and watched the smoke above him disappear. After a moment he finally leaned forward to work on his papers, pushing her and her words from his head. 

Once he got home, he nodded to the maid that greeted him and declined her offer for tea. 

"Not tonight, no thank you," he murmured as he moved silently through the house. 

He went into the study and poured himself a drink before he leaned on the shelf and looked back at his desk. The image of her leaning on it floated into his mind and he scoffed again, rolling his eyes at himself as if to shake her image away. 

Walking to the bookshelf that she had been looking through, he fingered a book out and sat down at his desk, taking a drink of his whiskey before he leafed through the pages. After quite some time, he chuckled and leaned back in his chair, looking at the ceiling. He closed the book, chuckling to himself as he finished the whiskey he had forgotten about. 

"If you want to be loved, be loveable," he said softly.

----

The next few weeks went as they ever did. Other than the addition of working with Finn for an hour after work and the extra roll of money once a week at your desk, nothing seemed to have changed. You did your work, kept your head down, and thankfully the other Shelby's returned to ignoring you. 

You enjoyed your afternoons with Finn, and had easily made enough baked goods to fatten the boy up had he not been so active otherwise. He was always hungry and you had no problem feeding him as a reward as he progressed. He was quickly devouring the first book -- reading faster and more pages every day -- and you had happily picked out a few more books you thought he would enjoy that now waited in your desk drawer.

Tommy had been polite and distant, always out of his office before Finn appeared. One afternoon, you had walked into his empty office to see a note folded with your name on it. You looked at it, frozen for a moment, before you picked it up and opened it. It was a simple phrase, printed carefully. 

Amore et melle et felle es fecundissimus.

"Love is rich with honey and venom," you murmur with a smile. 

You slipped the paper into your pocket before you picked up a blank piece of paper and wrote your reply, Vincit qui se vincit. He conquers who conquers himself. You folded the paper and placed it on top of his seat as Finn came in. 

"Ready for today?" Finn asked, sitting down in his seat. "I bet we finish the book."

"I think you can," you answered with a smile as you rounded the desk to take your seat. "I have another I think you'll enjoy for after."

Finn opened the book to his marker and started reading. You allowed yourself a moment as you bit your lip, looking across the desk to Tommy's chair. Were you smart to play this game?

After that, a note appeared on your typewriter. You smiled when you opened the paper to read 'Aut viam inveniam aut faciam,' I will either find a way or make one. You scribbled your response, 'Malum consilium quod mutari non potest,' Bad is the plan that cannot change, and left it on his desk after your lesson with Finn. 

You continued passing Latin phrases back and forth every few days. Some of them were silly, others were motivational, but all of them had an undercurrent of a double meaning that you couldn't quite place. You both continued to be proper and professional with each other in person, but the cheeky Latin notes felt like they should be between two people far more close.

One afternoon, Finn showed up with a lopsided grin on his face. 

"Tommy told me to give you this," he said as he shoved the paper at you. "I tried to read it but that's not English, innit?"

You opened it carefully to read a scribbled 'Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.'

If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell.

You smiled. 

"No, it's not English," you said before playfully glaring at him. "What are you reading other people's notes for anyhow?"

Finn smiled sheepishly. 

"They never tell me nothin'," he said. "I wanted to know if it was about me."

You laughed. 

"It's not about you, Finn," you reassured. "Now, let's start your book."

An hour later, you hugged Finn bye. 

"Finn!" You called as you finished writing and folded the paper. "Give Tommy this."

"Tommy?" He questioned with a smile. "I think that's the first I haven't heard 'Mr. Shelby.'"

"Just give him the note, cheeky brat," you laughed. 

Finn stuck his tongue out at you and opened the note. 

"Desti-" he read and knotted his face, "destitutes vent--"

"Destitutus ventis, remos adhibe," you laughed. "It means 'if the winds fail you, use the oars.'"

"What's that even mean?"

"It's not your note, is it?" You taunted. "You don't need to know."

Days later, you found a note stuck under a bottle of wine in front of your door. You opened it, immediately recognizing the messy writing that had replaced the clean letters of the first few notes as time passed. 'Audentes fortuna iuvat,' Fortune favors the bold. You smiled and looked around to find no one. You brought the bottle in and locked the door behind you. 

You wrote your response, unsure of how to give it to him after the bottle of wine on your door. You held onto it, hoping you would find a perfect opportunity. 

----

"I don't think you'll need me anymore after today, Finn," you said as you hugged the boy one Friday months later. "You've read through that last book with no problems. Just keep reading and you'll be great."

"If I woulda known that, I wouldn't have read so fast," he frowned as he closed the book he just finished. "I liked seeing you in the afternoons. I even looked forward to it after the weekends."

You laughed. 

"You can still see me around and we can talk books if you like," you smiled. "Tell you what, you can come around on Sundays. I'll feed you lunch and you can tell me what you're reading, how's that sound?"

"You promise?" Finn asked as his eyes lit up. "Deal."

"Inviting Shelby's into your home now?" Tommy called from behind them at the doorway. "Did Finn break the Shelby curse and warm your heart?"

"Tommy," you said evenly. "I was just telling our Finn that he won't need me anymore, but he was welcome to talk books with me anytime."

"If you think he's done, I suppose it's done," he said. "Our Finn, run on home and we can talk about your future once I get there. I'll need a word with (Y/N)."

"Yessir," Finn said as he looked at Tommy's serious expression. He gave you a friendly smile and was out in a flash. 

"Thank you for the wine," you said quietly once Finn was gone.

"Thank you for getting my brother's reading up to speed," he said. "In only a few months, too. I should make my other brothers see you."

"I don't think they would be as receptive," you laughed and he smiled. 

"Probably not," he chuckled. 

"I haven't found a note knocking around my desk," he said, taking a step forward from the doorway as you stood from your chair. "Did I lose it?"

You watched him carefully, but couldn't help but smile. 

"No, Tommy," you said. "You haven't lost it."

"Tommy, you say," he teased as he stepped in front of you. "I've finally lost the chill of using proper names."

"Tends to happen when you trade notes like children. Or spies."

"Well?" He said as he smiled and raised his eyebrows. "Where's my note?"

You tilted your head to look up at him to properly meet his eyes. 

"Do you pour over them by candlelight, trying to decipher them with your books you hadn't read until I upset you in your study?" You teased, smiling up at him. "Do you look forward to my responses, desperate for the challenge?"

"I've not been desperate in a long time," Tommy said, looking over your face as he leaned closer. "But I do look forward to a challenge."

"Happy to give you one, then," you said, looking down to his soft lips before meeting his bright blue eyes. 

"Are you talking about yourself or my next latin phrase, (Y/N)?" He growled as his own eyes dipped to your lips, causing you to smirk. 

"Acta non verba, Tommy," you said as you circled around him and out the door. "Goodnight and have a good weekend, Mr. Shelby," you called as you walked away. "I'm sure it will be filled with dubious adventures and women who find criminal activity all too attractive."

----

One afternoon a few days later, Tommy called for you and Lizzie from his doorway, leaving the other ladies in fits of whispers as to what was going on. Lizzie and you both shared a look, cautiously walking together into Tommy's office. 

"Close the door," he waved at you as he sat down, "I need to speak with both of you."

You closed the door quietly and turned as Tommy sat behind his desk. He shuffled some paperwork and motioned for you both to sit. 

"Now," he said as he cleared his throat. "I've been thinking about investing, or rather creating, a foundation for the orphan children of Birmingham."

Lizzie immediately stiffened before she went to say something. 

"Now Lizzie is already bogged down with my other ventures," Tommy said as he spoke over her before looking at you. "And you have a good head on your shoulders as well as an eye for bullshit. This foundation is to be above board and not to be mixed with my other operations, and I'd like you to set it up and run it." 

"Me?" You stammered, "I don't--"

"Lizzie will help teach you the paperwork and such," he said as he leaned back with his hands on the desk. "I'll trust you to set it up and keep it running. You'll report directly to me about it, and hopefully it will do some good around our city. What do you say, (Y/N)?"

"I don't-- I'm speechless," you said, looking between Lizzie's shocked face and Tommy's cool expression. "I'm not sure I'm fit for the job."

"You're fit as much as anyone else," he said evenly. "I trust you'll make yourself an expert overnight with that brain of yours. That'll be all, ladies, I'll fill you in more as I gather the pieces."

Lizzie stood up and went to walk back out the door but you sat shocked, still looking at Tommy's placid face. 

"Why me?" You asked barely above a whisper. "Why not Polly or Ada or Lizzie?"

"Someone once told me 'deeds not words,'" he said with a twinkle in his eye. "I fully intend on living by that."

[drwcn]

#9 【Carbon in the Steel】

cql au: everyone is an orphan except wwx; dark!twin jades

The Brothers Lan 

There was once a little house, on the outskirts of a farming village beyond the tiered rice fields south of Meishan, far, far away from Cloud Recesses. Both Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji remembered that house. It was the house Father had built for Mother, and it was there that they were born. 

It sat at the base of a hill where many tall bamboo trees grew, and in the garden, there had been gentians, indigo and violet, that bloomed beautifully every summer. 

Lan Xichen would dream sometimes of that house and of the wonderful days in those early years. 

Father, look! 

Excellent form, A-Huan. Very good. Much improved. Now, remember to keep your balance on your front… 

These days he could no longer recall Father’s face. His voice though, Lan Xichen still remembered as clear as a bell. On the other hand, his brother Wangji did not remember much of Father at all; instead, it was Mother’s smile that he could never forget. 

Mother, can A-Zhan and I stay with you and Father tonight? 

P’ease, Mo’her. 

Lan Xichen remembered hugging his baby brother like a doll and strategically weakening his parents’ resolve using his baby pout and big puppy eyes. A-Zhan was always a trooper, so cooperative, so excellent at looking like a perfect toddler.  Stoic though. So stoic for a baby. What a weird kid. 

We had a bad dream. 

Bad dweam.  

Those were obviously lies. They never had bad dreams then; those would come much later, when their reality became worse than any nightmare they could ever imagine.

Jiujiu never needed to tell them that Mother and Father were dead, or what death was. They’d seen plenty of creatures die: the village’s cattle they butchered for the new year, the spinster's kittens that didn’t survive the winter, and the pheasants they caught and roasted for A-Zhan’s birthday. 

Father had been a lifelong vegetarian, so eating meat didn’t agree with his stomach, but he never enforced such rules on his sons. In fact Father didn’t enforce any rules on his sons, except to show kindness where they could and to be true to their hearts.  

Father probably didn’t anticipate just how difficult it was to be kind when the world had been so wholly unkind. Nor did he anticipate that he would die in such a violent and sudden manner without even so much as a goodbye.

I don’t remember what were the last words Father said to me. Wangji would confess to Xichen one day. I don’t even remember what Father looked like. 

They were by the marsh catching lobsters with jiujiu when it happened. Mother suddenly appeared and spoke words that were foreign and frightening - Gusu Lan, cultivators, siege, pursuit, escape. Go. Now. She didn’t hug them or kiss them. Lan Xichen remembered Wangji reaching up towards her to be picked up and the confusion and heartbreak in his eyes when she pushed him back into jiujiu’s waiting arms.   

A-niang...

At a certain point, jiujiu must’ve done something to them, because neither Wangji nor himself remember any part of their journey out of that village. When they woke up, they were somewhere high up and deep in the mountains. His little brother had looked at him and he had stared back and they both knew then that their parents were dead. Curled in their jiujiu’s arms, they cried themselves into another fitful sleep, and all the while, jiujiu didn’t wake up once, too exhausted by the endless days of travel. 

To them, jiujiu - like all adults - was old, but it was not until they grew up that they realized that Zhao Zhuliu at the time of their parents’ demise had been no more than twenty years old, barely more than a boy himself.  

~

Life with jiujiu was quiet, but after some time, they were able to find a sliver of happiness. 

Zhao Zhuliu was a quiet man, always had been, and that didn’t change just because he now had two young children on his hands. But he loved them, his sister’s only blood left on this earth; by god, he loved them beyond reason. 

Jiujiu was not a talker, but he was never distant, and though he was strict in his training of their cultivation and their swordsmanship, he was never harsh. So yes, life was quiet, but at least for a while there was a roof over their heads and food in their belly, and they never had to wonder where they would be tomorrow…

When jiujiu failed to return from his night-hunt, Lan Xichen knew that something had gone terribly wrong. 

Lan Xichen was the older one; he was thirteen. Practically an adult, he told himself. If jiujiu never came back, then he was just going to have to take care of Wangji. 

Whatever it takes. 

His brother was not a needy child, but when he turned eleven, he seemed to have found his appetite and ate everything Xichen could get his hands on. Fishing was the easiest and hunting a big game lasted them a while if he could preserve it just right, but even if he collected berries in the mountains and wild herbs in the forest, he still needed grains, still needed new clothes for the winter, and still needed oil to light a lamp at night so Wangji could continue to practice his calligraphy. 

He did try; you must know. Lan Xichen did try to do things the right way, but there was only so much money he could earn by book-keeping at a shop, or running errands for merchants, or even waiting tables at an inn. He was a child, and desperate, and nobody would pay him a dime if they could get away with a nickel. 

It didn’t take long for Xichen to learn that the fastest way of earning money was often the most unsavoury and that he wasn’t above reaching for those means. There were no lengths Lan Xichen wouldn’t go to keep his brother safe and happy, no asset within his arsenal of skills and attributes that he wouldn’t hone and weaponize to make himself stronger. He got good at stealing, got great at cheating, and grew accustomed  to killing. Every so often...if there were other offers available, well...Wangji would never need to know. 

Morals do not matter if Wangji went hungry. I can’t let Wangji go hungry.

And, once a year, Lan Xichen would buy a box of osmanthus pastry, like the kind Mother used to make for them - flakey and fragrant, rich but not overwhelming - and he and Wangji would sit together under the stars and finish the box all in one go. 

“Happy birthday, didi.” 

Chewing slowly on the osmanthus pastry, Wangji would smile, and it would all be worth it. 

“Thank you, xiongzhang.” 

~

Then, three years after jiujiu was taken, a startling news broke out over the lands. 

After years of internal strife, the dirty politics of Lanling Jin finally fractured the once glorious reigning sect. Jin Guangshan’s many children and their scheming “little mothers” formed factions and allied themselves with subsidiary sects all vying for control over Lanling’s seat of power. (小娘 xiao’niang = little mother, what one calls one’s mother if one’s mother is not the legal wife. The “real” mother of any children would always be the legal wife, while their birth mothers are ‘little mothers’.)

The details of Jin Guangshan’s demise was not entirely clear, but eventually it was his third son Jin Zitao who became the new Sect Master Jin. Being only eleven years old, it was clear to anyone who had eyes that he was a puppet, completely controlled by the whims of his regent mother, Jin Guangshan’s once favourite concubine, and the ancient respected Qin family who had promised their daughter Qin Su to be his bride once they both come of age. 

People had praised Qin Su’s stepmother, Sect Master Qin’s second wife, for securing such an advantageous marriage for a daughter not even of her own blood, stating that with the Dowager Madame Jin’s clever mind and Sect Master Qin’s seniority and experience, surely the murky pond of Lanling would become peaceful once again. 

The bigger question now was with three of the five major sects being led by minors - Qishan’s 14 year-old Wen Yuefan, Yunmeng’s 13 year-old Jiang Wanyin, and Lanling’s 11 year-old Jin Zitao - who then would become the next Chief Cultivator. Qinghe Nie seemed the most obvious choice at first glance, for they were the fiercest warriors, but given Sect Master Nie Heqiu’s most recent close encounter with yet another qi deviation, it seemed perhaps the real day-to-day leadership role was fulfilled by his first son Nie Mingjue. At seventeen years of age, he was certainly older than his contemporaries, but still a far cry from what was required to be His Excellency.  (温越凡 Wen Yuefan = Wen Qing’s courtesy name) 

Naturally, all eyes were drawn then towards Cloud Recesses, whose previous chance at obtaining the seat of Chief Cultivator had been dashed when its sect master at that time, Qingheng-jun, mysteriously vanished more than a decade ago. Now it seemed that Gusu Lan’s fortune was about to change yet again, when what once should have gone to Lan Cenrong now fell to his younger brother Lan Qiren. 

News of his rise to power had spread far and wide, until every man, woman, and child knew his name. Until Lan Xichen heard from a gossiping bar-keep at a tavern. Until Lan Wangji heard from the children playing on the street. 

One morning Lan Xichen returned to their temporary home to see Wangji sitting in front of the breakfast he’d prepared (when did he learn to cook???) and a purse on the table filled with silver coins and small gold nuggets.

“Wangji...where did you -” 

“I don’t want you to go out at night again, xiongzhang,” said Lan Wangji bluntly. 

Taken aback by Wangji’s tone and his implications, Xichen quickly gathered his wits and tried to maintain control of the conversation. “That doesn’t answer my question; where did you get the money?” 

“I also went out last night, after you assumed I fell asleep and left.”  

Xichen’s blood went cold. “You...went out? Out? In the middle of the night?! To do what?!” 

Lan Wangji’s stoicism did not waver. “What one usually does to get paid at night. What you’ve been doing for years.” 

In three long strides, Lan Xichen strode up to his little brother - his baby brother - and yanked him up by the collar. Grabbing his arms with both hands, he forced Wangji to look him in the eye as he exclaimed in a mad panic, “You didn’t! Tell me you didn’t!!” 

God, Wangji, what have you done, what have you done - how could I let this happen - I should’ve done better - 

Wangji did not blink, but after a long terrible silence, he said, “No. I didn’t. I just followed you. I saw.” 

“You saw…” 

There had been a man who eyed him with interest. Lan Xichen wasn’t looking for business - hadn’t been looking for months - but winter was coming and Wangji was growing so much he would need several new sets of robes. Xichen hadn’t been working as many hours as he’d been previously. He needed to train, to cultivate - they both did - so that one day they could do what needed to be done. The core melting technique was not to be trifled with lightly, jiujiu had warned them. They needed time to practice, to perfect it, time that couldn’t be used to earn income. 

While yes he could steal and yes he could kill, Lan Xichen realized early on that those two options often caught the attention of local authorities or worse the local cultivation sect, especially if his activities were too frequent or too conspicuous. Sometimes it was just easier… 

“The money, then?” 

“Don’t you recognize the purse?” 

Xichen turned around. He did. He did recognize that silk embroidered draw-string purse. It belonged to the man from last night. He had taken money out of it this morning to pay Xichen for his time.  

And when they parted ways, Xichen had gone to a public bath house to get rid of any incriminating evidence on his body before going home to his brother. That was his routine... had been his routine for years… 

“I shoved his body down a well. That should buy us enough time to get out of this town. You weren’t planning for us to stay that long anyway right?” 

“Wangji…Wangji -” Lan Xichen turned away. He couldn’t face his brother, who now knew what he knew. 

“Xiongzhang, don’t do this for me anymore.” Lan Wangji’s hand found his own, squeezing it tightly. 

“It’s - it’s really not a big deal.” Lan Xichen tried to laugh it off. “I don’t do it that often. Really - I am your older brother, it is my duty to -” 

“No. No more. From now on, if you go out, I go out. I’m old enough -” 

“You’re thirteen, a child!” 

“So were you.” 

Lan Xichen closed his eyes. 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“I know I’m done waiting.” 

Lan Wangji was talking, of course, about their vengeance. It was what they spoke of on most nights when they couldn’t sleep. For mother and father and jiujiu, they swore they would not rest until they razed Cloud Recesses to the ground and burned the core out of every last one of their disciples before slitting their throats.  

Wangji came around to face him again and stared him down with his brows furrowed tightly above bright determined eyes. “It’s not fair. The Chief Cultivator was supposed to be Father! The heir of Gusu Lan is supposed to be you! Instead - instead...”

Tears welled up in his little brother’s eyes. “They hurt you, ge, I saw. I saw.” 

Choking with shame, anger and a pain he couldn’t describe, Lan Xichen pulled Lan Wangji into a crushing hug. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry Wangji. I’m sorry I couldn’t do better. I’m...” Words failed. As Lan Wangji cried into his chest, Lan Xichen looked up to their leaky roof and their bare, striped walls, and wondered what the ethereal Cloud Recesses would look like. All that should have been theirs, should’ve been his, belonged to someone else. 

Lan Qiren is Chief Cultivator now. He’s still holding jiujiu captive. He needs to die. The people who killed Father and Mother; they all need to die. 

“You’re right, Wangji, you’re right. No more.”

“So you won’t leave at night anymore?” 

“I won’t. The world has taken everything from us, I think it’s time we take what we are owed. Once we are strong, we will save jiujiu and avenge A-die and A-niang.” 

“And if people try to stop us?” 

“Then we will destroy them and anyone else that gets in our way.” 

[conaionaru]

Honor and Blood (IVAR THE BONELESS)

Sound of war

Synopsis: Vanya comes to a realisation and challages Lagertha (again), while the Ragnarssons make plan for revenge. 

Warnings: theorizing, poisons, badass Vanya, mentions of violence

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"I love your father with all my heart, Aros," Vanya whispered to the young Ivarsson in her arms. The toddler giggled at her tired tone and drolled over his fist. "But he can be tiring at times."

Aros giggled once more as his mother marched away from the hut where Sigurd and Ivar were fighting once again. The Ragnarssons were getting stir crazy, and if they don't stop, she might just go grey. What a joke that would be? Grey before twenty.

"I could hit them over the head. Knock them out and enjoy the quiet." Hoenir's gruff voice spoke from behind her as he grumpily glared at the ground. The princes fights keep interrupting him in his much-needed naps to gain back strength.

Vanya snorted and looked at him over her shoulder. "Don't tempt me, Hoenir." The tall Seer chuckled at her halfhearted response.

The plan for today was pretty easy. Gather resources and give them to the people. "Lagertha might see as a threat."

"She sees threats everywhere. I am helping hard-working people in a way that I am more skilled in. I never held a shovel."

"What do you royals do the whole day?"

Vanya smirked and looked at him innocently. "Drink and gossip, of course. Sometimes people get poisoned at dinner."

Hoenir shook his head and looked down at the smaller female. It was cowardly to hide behind poison, especially for a man. Poisons and herbs were woman's work. Speaking of... "Do you know how to poison someone?"

The ginger shook her head and fixed her hold on the giggling toddler. "I would never. It's not a pretty sight to see. I was taught how to do it, but..."

She let the words hang in the air. Not every poison was messy; some were more subtle and untraceable. Sometimes it looked like the person died in their sleep. Like Osmond did... Vanya froze in her step at the realization.

Osmond died after suffering for a long time. Some poisons can have the same effect... But who would do that? Mother? Silas? No, he wouldn't stoop so low. Waiting was more of his thing; without Stithulf, he wouldn't have even gone against Vanya.

But Siflæd was a cunning and ambitious woman. And the years she spent neglected by Osmond made her bolder. After he died, she was allowed to be somewhat happy. In the end, she got everything she wanted from his death. Expect a good new king. Instead, she got Silas.

But would she go that far and poison her own husband? After all, Siflead was schooled in poisons just like Vanya was...

"Are you alright?" Hoenir asked once again, shaking Vanya from her spiral.

She shook her head and smiled at the Seer. "Yeah... I just got lost in my thoughts. Let's got find Brynja and the thralls. We've got work to do."

Vanya walked among the people digging trenches, distributing food from a wooden basket. Hoenir and Brynja walked behind her, the older redhead holding Aros in her arms. Her red curls made him squeal in delight as he tugged at them, to Brynja's great displeasure.

"Here, have some bread." She smiled at the villager who took the loaf with a smile and split it with the woman digging next to him. She was pregnant and looked exhausted. "Hallr!"

The male thrall walked up next to her, ready to do as she asked. "Dig in the woman's place or a while. She looks like she is in desperate need of a break.

"No, Princess!"

"Nonsense! You are pregnant. The baby will thank you." She smiled and watched the man help her sit down to regain some strength, Hallr digging in her place.

Vanya continued, that's till she saw Ubbe in front of her. He was talking to Lagertha. The redhead carried on handing out bread and water till she reached the new Queen that watched Ubbe with hard eyes. Astrid and Torvi stiffened when they saw Hoenir approach behind her.

"Vanya." Lagertha smiled, making the girl's skin crawl. The fake niceness made her wary of the shieldmaiden.

"Bread and water to help you all in your efforts to protect Kattegat." Vanya ignored the greeting and handed her the bread.

"That is very thoughtful of you, Vanya. No wonder I only heard good things about you. It was hard to believe when we got off on the wrong foot."

Vanya laughed the jab off and shook her head, the smile on her lips fake and bittersweet. "I heard great things about you once upon a time too. No matter what kind of person you are, this is a good idea. The walls, I mean."

Lagertha smiled proudly, her back straightening at the praise. "It is nice, we agree. I wish we could better our relationship. If you need help with your son." Her blue eyes trailed to the happy toddler in the back. "I would be happy to give you advice."

Vanya smiled broadly at the Queen, putting her at ease for a moment or two. "I can assure you I learned a lot from Aslaug." The smile turned sour as she glared at Lagertha. "Before you murdered her in cold blood."

Vanya turned on her heel and slammed the wooden basket against Ubbe's chest. "I suppose you are done with her too. Come." She marched off, leaving the three shieldmaidens behind. Torvi tried to stop her and frowned.

"Vanya, please."

The princess shook her head and motioned towards Hoenir, who already had his sword ready. "I hope Asa and Hali are alright and healthy." With that, she marched off.

After a nice relaxing bath, Vanya planned to visit Ivar in the forge and spend some time with him while Aros slept. Hoenir, of course, followed her around like a tall, brooding shadow.

One would think that Vanya would have gotten used to the brother's bickering and fights over the year of marriage. What wishful thinking that was.  

Ivar glared at Sigurd; his axe stopped mid hack by the blacksmith. "What in Odin's name are you two doing?!" She hissed, drawing the axe from her husband's hands.

"Talking," Ivar replied coldly, watching his wife frown at him in dissapointment. And here, she thought she would be the only one to commit fratricide. At this rate, there would be only four Ragnarssons.

"Whoever would have thought that you two were brothers?" The blacksmith's words snapped the brothers from their trance. Sigurd marched off while Ivar sat there brooding and sulking at the same time.

Vanya sighed at their antics and turned on her heel to follow the angry Sigurd. "I do not need a scolding, Vanya! Control your husband."

The redhead huffed and tugged on Sigurd's wrist. Her eyebrows were drawn together in a frown as she glared him down. "I shall put a leash on the both of you! Why can't you just get along for once? Especially now. I know you care for him."

The Ragnarsson rolled his eyes and huffed in his dramatic way. Hoenir stayed behind with Ivar, figuring that Vanya would return when she was finished with Sigurd.

The taller male looked down at Vanya and saw the axe still in her hand. With a tired sigh, he reached towards the weapon to take it away from her. But Vanya pulled her hand back and huffed in frustration.

"Tell me." She insisted.

"I tried to be civil. But Ivar wouldn't take no for an answer. So I lashed out." Gods, why must men be so feral? Why can't they just give each other the cold shoulder and be done with it?

"What did he say?"

"Shouldn't you be more interested in what I said? Protecting your husband's honor and all? You have been doing that a lot lately. Playing guard dog doesn't suit you, Sister."

Vanya rolled her eyes at his harsh remark. "Ivar's honor doesn't need protecting. He is capable of doing that himself, obviously. What I want to do is defuse the situation before we have to bury you too."

"It was about Mother." Aaah. Well, that explains it. "He doesn't like that don't mourn her. She ignored all of us. She raised Ubbe and Hvitserk just fine, giving them happy childhoods. All I had was a year with her and Father. And then Ivar came along. And that cripple was all she cared about. Ubbe raised me more than she did."

Vanya's eyes softened, and she released her grip on his wrist. "I get why you are angry. And why revenge doesn't interest you-"

"Why should it?! Father abandoned us all. The people and his family. All Mother had was the memory of Harbard, duties, alcohol, and Ivar. I don't see the need to avenge either of them. You and Ivar both see her as some perfect image. Even Ubbe thinks her a mediocre mother. I am the only one not blinded by lies!"

He seethed, the snake eye looking like it was pulsating. The redhead watched him with sad eyes. "Just because I loved Aslaug as a mother doesn't mean that I don't get what you are feeling."

Their eyes met, and Sigurd shook his head, a confused look on his face. "You mourn her. You want revenge for her."

"For Aslaug, yes. Because she was nice to me. But if it were my mother..." She let the words hang in the air, Sigurd understanding what she wanted to say. "But this isn't just about revenge or parents. I worry for you."

"I am fine."

Vanya scoffed and pointed the axe at him. "Because the blacksmith stopped the axe from slicing your throat! What if he wasn't there? You two fight like dogs, and how long before one of you dies, and we have to bury another family member?"

"Stop worrying, Vanya."

"NO!" The musician stared at her wide-eyed. "You, Ubbe, Hvitserk, Ivar and Aros are all I have. You are my family, and I don't know what I would do without any of you. Especially you."

He swallowed and tried to calm her down. "Vanya..."

"We may butt heads because of Ivar. But I care for you. You have a gentle soul."

"Vikings don't have souls."

"A gentle heart then! And a brilliant mind! What a waste it would be if you died so young. Only because you keep egging him on. I can try to keep him calm, but I won't be there all the time. And I worry that one day I will get the news that one of you died."

Sigurd sighed and pulled his sister-in-law into a hug. "I will try. But I make no promises." She chuckled at his humor and sent him off.

When she returned to their hut, Ivar was sitting on the bed, sulking. Vanya sighed and sat down next to him, but he refused to acknowledge her. She understood his jealousy, but it was unnecessary.

She loved Ivar, not Sigurd, and Aros was the proof of that. Never before was Ivar bothered by her relationship with his older brother. After all, since the wedding, they were her brothers as well. She saw them as nothing more, and yet, Ivar decided to act out now and ignore her.

Was it the fact that she ran after Sigurd, or that she looked disappointed before she did it? What was she supposed to do? Look proud that he nearly murdered his brother? After all the times she stood up to the snake-eyed Viking, Ivar had the nerve to get jealous! The insecurities were there before, but normally it led to talks, not to brooding.

Some reasons were the fact that Sigurd liked to mock his ability to walk or his temper. Another reason was the fact that Sigurd was originally supposed to be her husband. If it wasn't for Ivar's disability, that is. Silas saw potential in Sigurd's eye being seen as a symbol of the devil. And any child born with that eye would be a devil spawn and rejected to the crown. But Ivar's condition was a better choice, and so Silas chose him.

As if Vanya had no choice in staying with Ivar. She could have divorced him and married Sigurd instead. But Vanya didn't love Sigurd. Instead, she chose Ivar despite all his faults. They were lovable to her, but at times like these, she questioned her patience.

"You have no reason to be angry with me."

"I am not angry." Right, and the cold shoulder and pout were a sign of utter adoration and attention.

Vanya rolled her eyes and laid Aros down in his bed. "I am not angry either. A little bit disappointed but not shocked. I expected it, but I still hate that it nearly happened."

Ivar sighed and turned to watch her bent over their son's crib. "Sigurd brings out the worst in me."

"I can see that. But you could try to restrain yourself from time to time. He is your brother, and he isn't Silas. Your feud with him is different from mine with Silas. That doesn't make it less important, but you shouldn't let yourself be controlled by anger. There are consequences for murdering someone!"

"Yes, banishment. I know."

"And guilt. You two can claim that you hate each other, but I see the love there. I see that some parts of you worry for each other. Don't throw that away just because you both act like children."

She stood up and walked towards him. Sitting down in his lap, Vanya smiled at him softly. "If not for yourself, then do it for me and my gentle heart."

"There is nothing fragile or gentle about you, Min dyrebare (My precious). You have a kind heart, but you also have a strong spirit." Vanya smiled so brightly like the sun that it made Ivar freeze. Never was her smile so happy and breathtaking.

"Flattery gets you nowhere, Ivar." She teased, swaying her hips over his lap. Well, so much to that. Flipping them both over, Ivar got to kissing a trail down her neck. The fire in the fireplace cracked soundly as the room filled with noises of pleasure.

Vanya laid under Ivar, panting as she watched his dark blue eyes stare down at her with the usual shine to it. His eyes were always her favorite part of him, so deep, mysterious, and powerful. The sweat on her skin felt uncomfortable, but his sweet sounds and gentle touches put her at her ease.

The gods gave her many challenges in her path, Ivar being one of them. But if he wasn't her favorite challenge. "Faster!"

[lia-jones]

Growing Pains - Chapter Fifteen - Wish Tree

Victor sat me on my bed, carefully, kneeling on the floor and taking my foot in my hands.

“It doesn’t look broken. Does it hurt when I do this?” Victor asked, rotating my ankle.

“I told you my foot is fine. Is this what all of that was about?” I asked coldly, referring to him insisting to carry me.

Victor raised his eyebrows.

“Are you mad? Why do you care what those people think?”

“Shouldn’t I? Aren’t you the one always telling me not to embarrass myself?”

Victor looked down, apparently lost in thought, absentmindedly massaging my foot in his hands. I remembered how he held me in my apartment, when I was falling apart. The anger miraculously vanished.

“The other day, in my apartment…” I started. “I’m sorry I dumped it all on you. It’s a heavy subject.”

Victor looked up to me, a touch of surprise in his eyes.

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

“It’s ok, I know that’s probably why you’ve been keeping your distance. It’s too much. It’s not the first time I had friends avoiding me because they didn’t know how to handle the subject. It’s hard to deal with, I get it. I actually don’t blame you.” I kept my expression and tone sweet and calm. I didn’t want him to feel guilty about it. However, as I looked in his eyes, I could see nothing but guilt.

“That’s… That’s not why.” Victor sighed. “The morning I saw you with Levi… And then when you asked me why I was there in the first place… It made me wonder if I have been forcing myself into your life.”

“Levi?” I frowned. “I told you before, I’m not that close to Levi. I haven’t even seen him since that morning.”

“He doesn’t know?” Victor seemed surprised.

“About my close encounter with Ted? No.”

“You didn’t tell him?”

“I didn’t need another person babying me. I have you already.” I feigned annoyance. Victor smiled.

“Why would you think you were forcing yourself into my life?” I looked him in the eyes. Victor sighed.

“It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“You mean the producer?” Victor’s eyes widened in surprise. “You know how gossip works.” I grimaced inside, wondering if he could track my words back to Goldman. But Victor was oblivious to that at the moment, his eyes low to the ground, a sad look on his face.

“Do you still love her?” I asked. Victor sat by my side on the bed, admiring the view through my window.

“She was an important and painful chapter in my life. And I did love her. I thought I wouldn’t ever love anyone else.” He paused, letting out a deep breath. “As far as I was concerned, she was the one I was going to spend the rest of my life with. It was fate, it was meant to be. No one else could take her place.”

“What went wrong?” I asked, already knowing the answer. But I wanted to hear it from him. See how invested he still was in his past.

“Nothing went wrong, exactly, because we had no relationship to begin with. Every time I would imply something more serious, she would blush or act embarrassed, and somehow I convinced myself it was because she was still very young and naïve. Truth is, it was all in my head. She had no problem dating another man and marrying him. I was the one forcing my way into her life, trying desperately to fit in there.”

“That must’ve been hard.” I felt like resting my head on his shoulders, give him some warmth. Obviously I didn’t.

“Yes. I wanted to be the one that would make her laugh, give her comfort, and it hurt to know that I wasn’t. It’s not that I have low self-esteem, but I know I am not an easy person.”

“Understatement of the year.” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Shut up.” I could see a faint smile trying to creep in. "Anyway, as time went by, I realized something.”

“What was that?”

“That I’m too stubborn for my own benefit. It dawned on me that, even though I did love her, or thought I did, I didn’t like her very much. She was a handful.”

“Well, some girls are high maintenance.” I quipped.

“Saying she was high maintenance would actually be the understatement of the year.” Victor chuckled. “She was extremely clumsy and innocent, always sticking her foot in her mouth, it was a disaster sometimes. And although I called it endearing, I hated it. To be honest, I think I created an image of perfection about her over the years and held on tight to it, but I didn’t stop to evaluate my feelings for her. I wanted so bad to reach the destination that I didn’t even care to see if I was enjoying the trip. And when I realized that, she simply slipped my mind.”

Even though Victor told me he didn’t love her anymore, I couldn’t help but feel jealous for the girl that was such a big chapter in his life.

“You must be tired from the flight. I should let you rest.” Victor cleared his throat, getting up. I felt my chest tighten. I missed him. I didn’t want him to leave.

“At what time should I meet you at the lobby?” I asked.

“Our visit to Mr. Mills orchard is scheduled to 10 am. Have a good rest. I'll see you at 9 am.”

“Victor?” I called, before he walked out the door.

“Yes?”

“For whatever it’s worth, you didn’t force yourself into my life. All the moments you were there, I wanted you there, even if sometimes I didn’t know it at first. And they wouldn’t be the same without you.” I mustered the courage to say.

Victor walked slowly to me. He bent down slightly and reached for my face, gently stroking my cheek.

“I mean it, I’m not saying it because…“ Because you showed me your fragile side, I thought.

“Thank you.” His hand was still on my face, tracing my jawline softly.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment. He tilted my head up and gave me a soft kiss on the forehead.

“Get some rest.” He looked me in the eyes, his expression one I couldn’t figure out. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I watched him walk out the door, my heart thumping hard in my chest.

 I woke up slowly the next morning, the rays of sunshine beautifully bathing my room. Unexpectedly, it was sunny outside. I looked at the clock, it was 8:20. I had overslept for 20 minutes.

I ran to shower and got dressed in record time. As I was leaving my room I was startled by Victor, standing right next to me, doing the exact same thing as I was.

“Where are you coming from?” I asked, surprised.

“Our rooms are adjacent. Didn’t you notice the locked door?”

“Actually, I was wondering what that door was for… Maybe a secret door to Narnia.” I said playfully, as we waited for the elevator.

“Narnia?” Victor frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“The Chronicles of Narnia? The movie?” Victor glared at me. “Ok, never mind.” I gave up.

“No heels today.” He looked down at my flats. “Wise choice.”

“We are visiting an orchard. I didn’t think it was wise. So, where are we getting breakfast?”

“I thought we could benefit from the sudden good weather and have breakfast outdoors. I know a great patisserie nearby. Are you ok to walk? Or do you need me to carry you?” Victor mocked.

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” I said, making Victor chuckle.

After breakfast, we drove to Mr. Mills orchard. The place was idyllic, beautiful trees still bearing the autumn colors in its leaves lining up on the sides of the road, and making infinite rows through the field. Mr. Mills greeted us like we were family, inviting us inside his manor, serving us tea and a fruit platter he made himself. Victor and Mr. Mills had a sort of odd familiarity with each other, like they knew each other for a long time, almost like they were good old friends. To make things even weirder, Mr. Mills addressed Victor as Boss.

“I was so happy when the Boss told me he would be bringing you here. Finally you get to visit my orchard.�� Mr. Mills smiled widely at me.

“It’s a pleasure.” I smiled back. “Your orchard is beautiful.”

“Maybe next time the Boss can bring you during Spring or Summer, during harvest season. Sometimes tourists ask us to participate in the harvest, and enjoy our after-work parties.” Mr. Mills explained. “We are between harvests right now, just taking care of the land. We have already finished the last summer harvest, and are waiting for the winter harvest, for citrus fruits. Eating an orange right out from the tree is a whole new experience.”

“If Andrea wants to come, I’m more than happy to bring her.” Victor quipped. I blushed, not exactly sure why.

We took a tour through the orchard, and Mr. Mills explained to us how everything worked: how fruits were picked from the tree with love, so they wouldn’t turn ugly or oxidize as easily when cut, or how after each day of work there would be a small party to show gratitude to nature, among other little superstitions that brought color to the life in the orchard and, surprisingly enough, didn’t make Victor’s eyes roll.

Mr. Mills led us to a pond from which the whole orchard was watered. By the pond, there was a weeping willow tree, almost naked due to the season, with colored ribbons tied to its branches. I was amazed by the tree’s beauty, and curious about the ribbons.

“Who decorated the tree?” I ask, my heart jumping with curiosity. “It’s amazing.”

“People from the village, the workers. They call it a wish tree. I like to call it Hope Tree. The ribbons have words in it, if you take a closer look. They write a quote, a wish, a thought, something positive that they are thankful for or want to see more of in their lives, and tie it to the tree, to connect it with nature and bond it with their lives. To make it natural, in more meanings than one.”

My eyes widened when Mr. Mills extracted from his pocket two purple ribbons.

“I would be honored if the Boss and you left a message on the tree. Anything you want, as long as its coming from your soul.” He handed a pen and a ribbon to Victor. When he gave me the same similar items, his hand lingered in mine.

“Do you know the meaning of purple, Miss Jones?” He smiled meaningfully.

“No, not really.” I grimaced.

“It can mean many things, actually. Purple is considered the color of strength, but not the strength that comes from here” Mr. Mills touched my arm. “But from here.” He touched my chest. “Also is the mix of two colors, red, that is a bridal color, and also means good luck, and blue, that represents growth and healing. Can you understand the message?”

“You wish me to heal, to grow and to love?” I smiled.

“You are very bright, Miss Jones. In more meanings than one.” Mr. Mills squeezed my hand. “Now don’t let an old man stop you. Go write your wish and tie it to that tree.” Mr. Mills said, pointing to a stone table with benches near the tree.

I sat and looked at my ribbon, pen in hand, wondering what I was going to write. I decided on a quote I read online. I took the pen and started writing on my ribbon.

“What are you going to write on your ribbon?” Victor asked, already done with his.

“I’m not telling you. It’s personal.” I joked, hiding my ribbon with my arm.

“Aren’t curious to know what I’ve written?”

“I am, but I’m not going to ask you because I know it’s probably personal.” I said, glaring at him.

“Fine, I won’t ask anymore. I’m going to tie mine to the tree so you won’t see where it is.” He joked.

I read my ribbon. It said: When surrounded by darkness, may you find the light in yourself.

I walked to the tree and, to my disappointment, noticed that the lowest branches had no space left for my ribbon.

“I can lift you, if you want.” I heard the low voice mocking me. I felt like sticking  my tongue out, but he was right. I could use his help.

“You don’t mind?” I asked casually, like having the CEO carrying me once again was the most natural thing in the world. It wasn’t.

He stood in front of me and bent his knees to make himself slightly shorter than me.

“Grab my shoulders to steady yourself.”

I supported myself on top of his shoulders and he lifted me with ease, grabbing the back of my knees, as I tied my ribbon to the closest tall branch.

“I need just a second more. Don’t let go of me, ok?” I warned, as I struggled with the ribbon.

“Never.” He spoke softly.

After I was done, he loosened his grip on my legs, making me slowly slide down, using his body as support. We stood like that for a moment, looking in each other’s eyes, our bodies touching.

“Thanks.” I broke eye contact, so I wouldn’t give in temptation and kiss him.

The trip to the hotel was a silent one. Victor was probably tired, and I had this whirlwind of emotions inside that I was trying to keep at bay. The last hours had been a beautiful experience with Victor, and it was almost over, since the following day I was flying back to Loveland. And for a minute I left myself wonder if these moments meant to Victor as much as they meant to me.

“What are you doing tonight?” Victor broke the silence.

“Well, if you have nothing else for me to do, pretty much pack and sleep.”

Victor was silent for a moment.

“Come have dinner with me.”

“Sure. What time should I meet you?”

“No. I don’t mean for work. I’m not asking you as your boss.”

I didn’t know what to say. Victor’s expression fell slightly.

“You are allowed to say no if you don’t want to.” His voice felt tired again.

“What if I don’t want to say no?” I smiled at Victor. He smiled back.

“I’ll pick you up at seven.”

[sableu3]

S3 Bellarke Baby Fic Idea

Beware this is long as hell since I kinda typed out the whole plot. But I know I’m never going to sit down and actually write it so feel free to write it if you want and shoot me a link so I can read it :)

So the REALLY short of it is that Clarke and Bellamy have sex sometime after she kills Finn because she’s upset and he’s comforting her and it got out of hand. So when she leaves at the end of S2 she’s pregnant. They eventually meet back up and get together.

The 2.4k version is below the cut because seriously, why the hell did I write 2.4k of just plot outline?!

Clarke thinks she’s a monster, that no one would ever be able to love after she kills Finn and Bellamy convinces her otherwise. One thing leads to another and they have sex when things get heated.

Clarke thinks he’ll regret it the next morning and is still kind of messed up about Finn anyway and tries to just pretend it didn’t happen. Bellamy is worried about her but takes it in stride. He knows this was just her way of dealing with things and he’s okay with that, even glad that he could be there for her. He follows her lead and she’s relieved that he isn’t making a big deal about it and shoots him a small smile. They’re okay.

Things happen as before and she still leaves after mount weather. She’s gone south and ends up at Shallow Valley. Madi would be 5 right now, maybe she can babysit or something. She’s there for five months before anyone finds her.

Bellamy was with Gina, the mountain still blew up, the grounders were searching for Wanheda, and Pike was still an ass but Lexa never sent the 300 warriors so they didn’t get killed. They are on the verge of an all out war when Octavia shows up with Lincoln because they heard a rumor of her down here.

Clarke only agrees to go back to try to prevent another war from breaking out. At this point Bellamy had been back for one month, was with Gina for two months, and she’s been dead for two months. So he’s not ‘in mourning’ right now though he is still sad and pissed about it. It takes a week to get back with Clarke’s slow pace and needing frequent stops for rest and pee breaks.

When she does get back the others are all shocked at her pregnancy and her mom asks who the father is but Clarke dodges the question as her eyes slide to Bellamy. Octavia notices but Bellamy is still too surprised to pay attention to the conversation. Abby drags her off for a checkup and Octavia lets her know she’s heading out in the morning to fetch Indra for peace talks.

Clarke debates with herself for a while but ultimately decides she needs to tell Bellamy and goes off to find him. When she does he’s talking to Pike and she frowns, having gotten the run down from O on the way home.

POLITICS rundown real quick- Azgeda are currently trying to hunt down Wanheda to kill her for her power. Lexa is trying to find her to save her from Azgeda. Shallow Valley honestly doesn’t give a fuck either way so told no one and gave her a grounder nickname to hide her. It was a traveler that saw her and brought gossip of a blond girl to Lincoln and O. Octavia wants Clarke to come home to try to talk some sense into Bellamy and because the grounders have listened to her before as a Skaikru leader. If anyone can stage a coup against Pike it would be her. Clarke doesn’t think it will work and is kind of scared to really face Bellamy again after leaving him at the gates. Bellamy for his part is pissed and we have the whole season three ‘you left me’ scene coming up.

NO ALIE. NO PRAIMFAYA. Jaha and Murphy return after finding Becca’s lab and that’s it.

So if Clarke wasn’t pregnant she might have stood up against Pike and tried to get the people to follow her but this is Skaikru and no one is going to follow a pregnant teenager and especially not one that the grounders either respect or hate(looking at you Azgeda).

So when Clarke finds Bellamy and Pike sees her coming and appears to warn him and then walk off, she approaches and asks if they can talk. She doesn’t even get the chance to tell him about the baby because he’s pissed and shouting that she left him and she apologizes and tries to explain but he doesn’t want to hear it. She tries to tell him that by the time she felt she could return it had been so long that she was scared she wouldn’t be welcome and then she wasn’t able to travel by herself safely and she didn’t know what to do except stay in the village that took her in. She tries to tell him about it but he cuts her off again. ‘So you’ll stay with a bunch of grounders but not your own people? We not good enough anymore?’ and of course she tries to deny that but he storms off.  

It takes about 6 days before Octavia comes back with Indra and they have a meeting away from camp. Clarke refuses the offer of extra protection against Azgeda, saying she couldn’t guarantee their safety against her own people. She strongly urges Indra and her people to stay away for now. Clarke tells Octavia it isn’t safe for the others with her there and that it’s bound to get back to Azgeda sooner or later. Octavia tries to convince her to stay but her points are valid. Lincoln tells her they’ll take her to Flokru because she doesn’t plan to go back and put Shallow Valley in danger too and Azgeda would never be able to reach Flokru in their oil rig.

Clarke tells her mother she’s leaving so she doesn’t put the others in danger but wont tell her where. Her mom loads her up with supplies and baby stuff after realizing she can’t convince her otherwise and that it probably would be safer for everyone including Clarke if she left.

She goes to tell Bellamy next. He just scoffs and says of course she’s running off again. She explains her reasoning and he doesn’t seem to care and Clarke hesitates again. This isn’t how she wanted to tell him after all. But she does. ‘You should know, the baby is yours. I don’t expect anything from you, obviously, but you deserved to know.’ He’s in shock and doesn’t react so she leaves.

He’s torn up about it. When Octavia gets back he begs her to tell him where she went but she refuses. She doesn’t trust that he wont bring war to the grounders hiding her. Eventually Pike gets out of hand keeping the grounders they were treating for sickness locked up and Lincoln helps them escape. He gets captured though and Pike plans to execute him at dawn. Octavia goes to Bellamy for help and is beyond furious when he says that Lincoln broke the law and has to pay for that so Octavia throws it in his face when HE shot the chancellor and Clarke got him pardoned for it. That all Linc was trying to do was free his people, he didn’t hurt anyone. He saved her so many times and how could her own brother refuse to help him. It makes Bellamy take a good hard look at what they’re doing. He’s heard all the arguments about the grounders and clans from Octavia before. He knows his own people aren’t always good either and can admit that some grounders are okay. Regardless this is his sister and he caves eventually and runs off to help. Of course Pike will know it was him and he knows he’ll be punished. Octavia thankfully convinces him that Pike will make an example of him and that he needs to run away with them.

They go to Flokru. So let’s say it’s been about 2 months since Clarke left. She’ll be about 7-8 months along now. When they get there Bellamy is awkward around the grounders. He doesn’t know what to think. Octavia just rolls her eyes and throws him to the wolves because she’s still pissed at him. Clarke helps him out though. She’s wearing Flokru styled clothes since hers no longer fit. She introduces him to some people, shows him around, shows him where he can sleep and how her room is just down the hall and he can come to her if he needs anything. He is still awkward and jittery and she doesn’t know what else to say so she decides to just leave him to it but he panics when he see her about to leave and holds her back.

Now we get the whole ‘I’ve been mad at you for so long and I don’t want to feel that way anymore’ scene maybe with a bonus of ‘I want to be there for the baby’ since he’s trying to hug her but the huge belly kind of gets in the way of it and you really can’t ignore it. So they hug it out and Clarke tells him to sleep and get some rest and that they can talk the next day.

They settle back into their friendship and Bellamy eventually loosens up and realises that he almost made a horrible mistake with Pike. They don’t get much news out here so they have no idea what’s going on. (But seriously, they need a break and they are just four people. They can’t do it all. Grow the fuck up and govern yourselves like the adults you claim to be, Arkadia! Ugh)

So then the baby is born and they take care of it together but soon realize that it would be a lot easier if they were sharing a room. So Bellamy moves in with Clarke. And yea he’s starting to really fall for her because this is his best friend who he might have been kind of in love with, that he’s just had a baby with, and is now sharing a bed with. It was bound to happen. And Clarke has kind of been in love with him since mount weather even though she never admitted it. But the mutual pathetic pining wont last long because Luna thinks they are ridiculous and smacks them over the head with it somehow. Octavia probably tells her that they still aren’t ‘together’ and the grounders had all assumed they were so Luna rolls her eyes and tells them they are in love with each other and frankly deserve each other since they are both morons. They blush, stutter, look at each other and quickly look away, you know the whole song and dance. But Luna grabs the baby to coo over and shoos them away to talk it out.

So they finally admit their feelings and agree to give it a real shot and within a month are getting married in a Flokru ceremony because why wait? They love each other and already have a family and just connect so completely and see no point in wasting more time. FINALLY

But there is still the issue of politics and life off the rig because they are going to want that eventually. Fuck being surrounded by metal walls again.

So every now and then scouts get sent out to bring back news for Luna and the rest of Flokru and on one of these trips they find out that Pike was assassinated by an Azgeda and Kane has taken control of Arkadia. He is currently in peace talks with Lexa but the grounders are still restless because of Wanheda. So Clarke agrees to go to the summit and bow to the Heda to show her loyalty and trust. They meet up with Abby and Kane who coo over the baby because it’s still too young to leave behind (breast feeding you know) but this stupid summit cannot be put off any longer. Clarke is nervous and Bellamy is FREAKING OUT which is hilarious to Octavia. Linc probably empathizes with him though.

So Lexa is all surprised that she has a baby and also finds out she is married via Flokru traditions which essentially makes her Flokru. The ceremony would have adopted both Clarke and Bellamy (and baby) into their clan in the process of marrying them.

Which now that I think about it, might not be a good move politically speaking because of Luna and her night blood status threatening the Heda but Titus didn’t seem to know where she was in the show so we are gonna assume no one realizes that.  

Anyway. So Skaikru has no problem joining the coalition now and Clarke, Wanheda, kom Flokru, kom Skaikru bows to the Heda. Girl got too many names now, shit.

Azgeda doesn’t want to back off and the fight that kills the queen still happens because seriously, fuck her. All hail King Roan! He agrees to the coalition and respects Clarke’s change of kru and backs his people the fuck off. Everyone can now go home and live happily ever after.

So they go back and on the way Clarke and Bellamy come up with the idea of building a coastal village around where they signal the rig from. They know some of the Arkers would like to be by the ocean and some of the delinquents would want away from the Arks rule. So they propose the idea to Luna who agrees to allow them to settle there so long as it doesn’t get too big. She doesn’t want a bunch of sky people overtaking their spot after all. AND they have to agree to shifts on the rig. Trade off every few months (like 3 months on a year for Skaikru and then her people have the option of 3 months off the rig a year which should be enough since the seem to like it there for some reason) so everyone can become accustomed to their way of life and some of the rig people can have time on land again. It’s a good mix of the two and they can teach each other things.

Hey, maybe Jasper can finally heal out here. Monty and Raven can play around with the old rig equipment and see if anything still works or can be salvaged into something else. Harper would love being by the ocean and Miller would finally get his beach. Abby would stay at the ark as their doctor and Jackson would probably travel back and forth for a bit teaching Clarke some things and learning grounder way in return. Bryan stayed with the ark so Miller eventually falls for Jackson if we do a time jump epilogue. Murphy stays with Emori but they make several trips out to the village until Flokru comes to accept her and they end up staying. (Skaikru already accepted her or at least didn’t care either way)

And they all lived HEA The End

P.s. It’s been a while since I’ve seen S3 because it’s honestly my least favorite season, so some plot points might be wrong and some might be REALLY wrong. Sorry, not sorry.

[thenamesseven]

Word count: 2.9k

Warnings: Mentions of death, murdering and blood.

A/N: It’s finally here! The first supernatural themed story in the blog! I hope you all like it and that the wait for it was worth it, enjoy it! ^^

                          --------------------------------------------------

Once upon a time a village where witches were being burnt at stakes. The situation was unbearable, some innocents died while really powerful witches were murdered without having done anything bad. It wasn’t their fault though, being born with that kind of power should be a blessing but it somehow turned into a curse when people started hunting them down. The village was submitted to an eternal chaos, happiness was nowhere to be seen and death was everywhere, following everybody closely.

Once upon a time a witch that was forced to isolation in order to survive, in order to save her own life. While her friends were being burnt and their painful screams filled the cold night, she managed to collect all her stuff and vanished from her home before somebody barged in it willing to capture her and throw her into the fire like they all have done with everybody. 

That night she ran breathless through the empty streets of the village, hearing men dragging women out of their houses, hearing babies cry in agony and little girls beg for their life. There was smoke in the air thanks to the torches people carried around along with the big fire that had been lit in the central square, where everybody could see it -even if they didn’t want to-. The scent was disgusting, the smell of human flesh burning was something not easy to forget, it was something that would haunt her forever, an unforgettable memory.

The forest that surrounded the village welcomed her, letting her hide into the darkness that it provided, allowing her to create her own house, her new home in the solitude of the scenery. It was hard at the beginning but the woman, the witch learned somehow to survive by herself. Magic was always there to give her a hand, helping her to find food and water when the forest wasn’t giving her enough supplies to survive. What her power couldn’t give her was company, somebody to be with her in her most loneliest times. There were animals around that sometimes visited her in order to get some food and believe or not, a cat had installed herself in her home sleeping besides her bed every single night.

Once upon a time there was a village that, during a certain period of time, families were destroyed. The situations were pretty different, some of those families didn’t want another child while other simply couldn’t afford to have another mouth to feed. Some mothers perished while giving birth and some of the fathers weren’t strong enough to keep going without their love ones, abandoning the poor little babies in the forest, willing they would just disappear.

Little did those families know that, no matter how hard they would try to forget, the sound of their baby crying alone in the forest would be engraved in their minds forever, torturing them whenever they were feeling any kind of happiness for what they did.

For some cultures and people, the number thirteen is a sign of bad luck, it is something people likes to avoid as much as they can but for the isolated witch, the number thirteen is an absolute blessing. Not because it had to do something with her magic but because thirteen were the additions, the kids that joined her and created her uncommon yet original family.

It was pure coincidence everytime that she found a poor, unfortunate baby that had been abandoned in the woods. Guided by their crying, the witch managed to find every single one of them and expanded her home enough for the fourteen of them to live in.

Despite the weird circumstances this rare family was formed in, the kids all grew up perfectly, having the happiness and joyful moments their original families had deprived them of. The witch felt like a mother and the kids, that once were orphans, felt the love they would have never had if the woman that raised them wouldn't have found them.

Everything has an end though and what once was a beautiful and peaceful home turned into a chaos similar to the one that destroyed the village outside the forest one day. The kids weren’t kids anymore, in fact, they grew up to be thirteen handsome gentlemen whose curiosity was out of control. They kept wondering why they lived in the woods and why they weren’t allowed to get out of it but the witch kept avoiding the questions one at a time, maintaining their impatient will to get answers at bay.

Unfortunately, that only worked for a couple of years though. Once some of them reached their early twenties breaking the rules didn’t sound so scary and dangerous as it used to sound when they were eight or nine, so one afternoon they all stole the witch’s grimoire and crafted the little spell that would make their mom fall into a deep slumber for some hours, hours in which they would all sneak out of the house and reach the village nearby.

That night was the best one of their lives. They investigated the whole town, learned about its story, about the witches that were once hunted down and burnt and they all got to understand why their mother lived deep in the woods, although they couldn’t understand why weren’t they allowed to get out of the forest when they weren’t like her. The fun part came when they discovered bars which had two of the best things in the world, alcohol and girls. That night, the thirteen of them discovered many amazing things that had been hidden from them for a very long time.

What was supposed to be a one time thing turned into a routine, they all felt bad for lying to the woman that had raised them but the girls that had stolen their hearts were waiting for them in the forbidden village and love, passion and lust were stronger than the fear of the gentle witch who had raised them. 

Mistakes are meant to be made though and one night, one of the brothers left the grimoire wide opened on the table after they had sneaked out to the village. Since that night, they all had enough fun to sleep for hours and unfortunately the witch woke up before them.

It took some time to find out what they have been doing, to believe the people she saved from death would betray her so easily. Rage overwhelmed her, the witch only saw red at that point. How could they do that to her? How could they choose some random girls over somebody who raised them up? Who saved their lives when their own families wanted them dead? Blinded by rage, the witch opened her grimoire and started chanting powerful rituals, powerful curses that would kill their love ones, that would end the lives of the girls who stole her kids away but that would also teach them a lesson, one that would seal their fates and turned them into living yet neverending nightmares.

She knew she would regret doing this at some point, that deep down, despite all the rage she was feeling, she still loved her precious kids but they needed to learn that betraying the one person who saved you wasn’t a good thing to do.

Blinded by rage, the witch used her magic to hypnotize the girls and brought them to her home.She welcomed them inside, sitting them down next to her sleeping childs who hadn’t woken up yet. When everybody was inside, she walked out of the house and chanted a spell, the one that change the thirteen’s men lives forever.

              “You, who betrayed the woman who loved you the most,

                 will now betray the ones that guided you to the worst.

                          Fate will change, your lives won’t end

         And you’ll relive the nightmare of murdering your love everyday. 

                          Don’t be relieved when you control it

              The beast won’t be tamed no matter how much you want it

                    The monster inside of you will instantly come out

                     If another woman you encounter in the future,

              resembles the one whose memories hunts you down”

Once upon a time thirteen kids that should have died but didn’t.

Once upon a time thirteen teenagers whose curiosity would get them killed.

Once upon a time thirteen men whose lives turned into living nightmares.

Once upon a time thirteen monsters that would terrorized towns, cities and entire countries.

Once upon a time The Originals.

Once upon a time death.

                                --------------------------------------------------                                   

Walking down the halls of the empty building, you couldn't help but let your eyes wander around curiously, constantly trying to get rid of the creepy aura that the place was giving you.

You didn't know if it was the immaculate white walls that only had the light switches on them as decoration or the mysterious little stains on the floor that made you suspect that no matter how hard you would scrub them, they wouldn't disappear. Letting out a resigned sigh, you let your eyes wander back to the man that was supposed to be guiding you around who was only telling you a bunch of rules you were supposed to follow.

Never ever use common bleach to clean, they deal with chemicals products and the gasses that bleach emits could screw one of their projects over. If you ever ran out of the special bleach they provided  you should stop cleaning and wait for them to get you more.

It's absolutely prohibited to take any pictures of anything, companies for other brands could used them either to copy whatever they were working on or to cause problems for them.

Obviously, do not talk about whatever you see around. Being only the cleaning girl doesn't mean you're allowed to gossip.

Last but not least, only clean the rooms which doors were opened. Rooms with closed doors meant that the room is being used or is not in disposition to be cleaned.

Some of the rules were a bit weird but wasn't their job unusual? The people working in this building claimed themselves to be supernatural investigators, people that researched about witches, werewolves, ghosts and all the creatures that haunts us in nightmares. At first, when you read the working offer in the internet, you thought you were going to be pranked really hard by really bored people but as soon as you stepped inside, you got the feeling that the prank was just a product of your imagination. 

You didn't have another option though, your parents had stopped giving you money as soon as you dropped out of Law school and bills were waiting to be paid at your door. Working as a waitress had turned out not being compatible with your schedule and wallet so when you saw the chance, you took it without hesitating no matter how weird it might seem. 

We all had a weird side right? Maybe these people were extremely friendly and outgoing outside of their work. You never know.

"That's all you need to know, some pretty basic stuff right?" 

The man in front of you suddenly stopped walking, making you almost walk into him since you still were too distracted scanning your surroundings to listen to whatever the man was explaining.

"Uh...Yeah" You muttered, clearing your throat to try and make your voice sound firmer and determined. It didn't work and the man probably noticed the confusion in your face because he sighed kind of annoyed.

"Do not enter any rooms with closed doors alright? Even if the door is not locked, do not open it, never" For some reason this rule seemed to be the most important and you, being your curious self, couldn't help but wonder out loud why. "We don't need people gossiping around about our work" He replied dryly, making you frown at him. "Most of us will have a break in a few minutes, there will be a couple of workers around but they won't bother you while you clean if you want to start now" 

You nodded enthusiastically, the sooner you start cleaning, the sooner you would have the oh so wanted money in your wallet.

                                --------------------------------------------------                     

After almost three entire hours of cleaning without a break you stumbled into the last hall in which most of the doors were luckily closed. Despite your enthusiasm for showing the people that hired you that you could do an incredibly good work, you felt tired and kind of wanted to head home already. The music coming through your headphones wasn’t motivating you enough at this point, only the thought of earning money was pushing you to the end of the hall, to the only door that seemed to be unlocked.

You hesitated for a moment, the door you were standing in front of wasn’t closed but wasn’t wide opened either like the ones you had been allowed to walk in to clean. This one was partially opened, only leaving a small gap between the edge of it and the wall.

“Hello?” Your voice came out weaker than expected, for some unknown reason a chill ran down your spine. It felt as if your own body was warning you, telling you to turn around and finish your task of cleaning for today. “Is somebody in there?” 

The second time your voice echoed in the room stirred awake the beast inside the thirteen boys bodies’. Thanks God they were too weak to move because if they had been free, you would have had thirteen hungry vampires launching towards you with their open mouths adorned with fangs waiting to sink into your immaculate skin.

For a moment you seriously considered the option of closing the door and walking away but the cameras in the hall forced you to shakily push the door a bit more open. You were not prepared for the sight that greeted you.

“Fuck!” 

Your heart stopped beating as your eyes scanned the thirteen coffins that laid there opened. What scared you the most wasn’t the sight of them, it was the sight of the people laying inside of those wooden boxes what made the alarm system in your body ring in alert.

“What kind of stupid joke is this? I almost had a fucking heart attack man, I swear to God” 

Maybe talking out loud was helping yourself to calm the pounding of your heart against your ribcage, maybe acting as if everything had been prepared to prank you made everything less scary, whatever it was you would regret walking into the room later, you would regret not turning around and running as far away as you could from that place.

But we’re humans right? Mistakes are meant to be made.

Slowly, hearing the sounds of your own steps echoing in the room, you approached one of the coffins, peeking inside to get a look at the doll laying inside of it. There was no name nor information, just a young looking man laying there. His hands were on his stomach, head looking up to the ceiling with his dead eyes opened...He honestly looked so real that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he suddenly sat up to scared you.

“Woah...It looks so real…”

You reached out, willing to caress the skin of the lifeless doll, willing to see if it felt as real as it looked when you heard a sound behind you, something similar to someone sighing. The sound caught you so off guard, so distracted that it startled you incredibly hard, making you stumble and fall down. Before you could avoided it, your head hit the corner of a table that was there, also making all the glass bottles and papers to fall down.

Everything was a mess, you had glass everywhere, small cuts on your skin and papers of a probably really important investigation were being destroyed right in front of you.

Your ass was definitely getting fired….

“Fuck...Fuck, fuck, fuck” 

You stood up, using the closest coffin as support not even caring about staining the expensive looking wood with your blood. You were prepare to start fixing the mess you’ve made, thinking of an apology that could save you from getting kicked out from this job when you noticed something weird as soon as your eyes landed on the doll.

Weren’t his hands on his stomach before? Why were they on his chest now?

They surely were on his chest before, right? They had to be...He couldn’t have moved...Right?

Your breath hitched when his chest moved. Was he breathing? 

“Enough with this stupid joke” You muttered, hands shaking as you stumbled, making your way back to the door to ran out of this stupid room.

Your steps echoed in the emptiness of the building. Unfortunately, nobody noticed the mistake you made, nobody noticed the stain of blood inside one of The Original’s coffin. They were weak but had enough energy in them to move if they really tried, that’s how the first vampire touched your blood, groaning in pain as he forced the stiff muscles of his arm to direct his stained finger to his mouth.

The flavor of your blood made him hum contentedly. 

He was awake and he was ready to wake his brothers up.

The Originals were back and since your blood is the first thing they’ve had in years, they want you...They need you.

You better run.

Because as a witch said one day….

                 The monster inside of you will instantly come out

                   If another woman you encounter in the future,

               resembles the one whose memories hunts you down

[pumpkin-lith]

Clone Wars Saved...ish

What the hell did I just watch ?

Let’s start by saying that 1) spoilers alert, not necessarily coherent but definitely there, I’ll put on a read more, but unspoiled mobile users, just in case it fails, scroll by and 2) @norcumii had warned me. And yet I didn’t quite expect that because, how could more clones ever be bad !

Oh boy.

Thanks to @shadow-spires for being my emotional support watchbuddy. I needed it more than I thought I would and we’re only three episodes in.

Some context : I’ve watched... only a few episodes of the show before, despite probably being able to give you the plot of all 6 seasons and quote lines and scenes, thanks tumblr and my own love for clones. And I hadn’t really looked at the bad batch half-rendered episodes because I still had trouble with the graphics of the actually finished show, so...

But I was ready for this, for feels, for finding Echo again and, finally, get 66 and murdered by Dave Filoni. Set up a meeting time to watch some eps with shadowspires, fun when there is a twelve hours diff between us and here we go.

Let me tell you, there was a lot of yelling in all caps in the chat side bar...

Trying to keep mostly in order of the episodes :

- WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO KIX’S HAIR ? Why ? Why hair and no more tattoo ??? Is this supposed to be red corsair continuity ? But then WHY IS HE HERE AND NOT ALREADY ABDUCTED ? Is this merch reasons ?

- Two seconds in and WOW I hate the Bad Batch. And this does NOT get better. I’m really tired of the Muscle is Dumb trope, Tech is like a human C3PO which urgh but fine but then KEEP CONSTANT (this is going to be a major point of my yelling), if Hunter says you chatter all the time THEN DO but no, we won’t here a single random fact ever again for three episodes, and Crosshairs chats and snarks a LOT for someone ‘not talkative’. 

- Regs. FUCKING REGS, urgh, I hated that word the INSTANT it was said. Canon isn’t as heavily into the Vode An fanon loves, but WOW fuck that. Strike team or not, you’re not supermen, you have to rely on intel, be supplied, you’re not a bunch of mercenaries, you’re a MILITARY STRIKE TEAM, you must interact with regs a lot so it means you’re a bunch of condescending assholes ALL THE TIME.

-Also fuck 1) that team’s dynamics and 2) the “two teams do not get along” trope, fuck it with a SHOVEL.  1) You’re a Commando Team. In an army three years deep into war. You’re comrades and probably have save each other asses hundred of times. So why can’t you behave ? And I know people do not always get along, or even best friends sometimes irk each other, but, look, consistency, if you think you’re with lesser people because regs (can you tell I’m not over that either), you present a united front and you don’t bitch at your teammates in front of them. 2) YOU ARE MILITARY. Trained for 10+ years, there’s DISCIPLINE there, even a maverick strike team, when Cody is down, you OBEY THE SECOND IN COMMAND. I don’t care if you have a better plan, you TELL the officer, you don’t just tell him to shut up and watch. AND YOU DON’T GET AT EACH OTHER’S THROATS.

-Did I mention I hate everything about Dumb Violent Muscles unable to control himself or follow a plan ?

-Of course the one time we could see Cody in charge, he’s hurt and useless.

-WHY. IS. THE MEDIC. GOSSIPING. INSTEAD OF KEEPING WATCH OVER THE WOUNDED BROTHER ???

AND WHY DOES HE HAVE HAIR DAMMIT

-The tactics Mess out of order :  Why is nobody blowing stuff up, a group able to single handedly take on 100+ droids is getting pushed back by thirty later on, why not trap the outpost to blow up the incoming droids, the analytical droid cannot comprehend why the clones would leave the outpost while in full view of the cyber center and it has to be pointed out to him, WHY DID NOBODY TRAP THE FUCKING OUTPOST TO BLOW, why does the tech guy LITERALLY NAMED TECH doesn’t hide/erase what they did to the computer, why if he didn’t have time DIDN’T HE BLOW UP THE COMPUTER. 

-And for a plot point being “droids analyzes our tactics so we always have to change them”, it means that no one ever attacked a front door and drew all the droids there for a second team to sneak by the back door. Somehow.

Ep2 & 3 :

- Why is “this may or may not be Echo” matters on a tactical PoV ? I get the emotional one, of course, but having the Bad Batch question it at the beginning and later on starting a fight over it has no other reason than to go for another round of We Do Not Get Along Trope. The Seps have either a PoW or an Algorhythm allowing them to win battle, no matter what it is, you have to go and rescue/take it. WHY ARE YOU ARGUING.

- I know this is the funny part of ‘Anakin and Padmé are the less subtle ever’ and it was funny (I didn’t hate ALL of the episodes, see ?), but why is she explaining to Anakin why he fights three years into the war other than reminding the public, this is the LEAST EFFECTIVE PLAN ever to hide from Obi-Wan with Rex obviously standing guard.

-Not a critic, just fucking amused : if someone isn’t aware that Padmé and Anakin are a thing, there is a lot of subtext to thing Anakin and Rex have a hidden fling. I don’t even ship it and I could see it x)

- Tell Padmé I say hello. TELL PADME I SAY HELLO. Obi-Wan fucking KNOWS, maybe not the whole “married and pregnant” but hellooooo that was blantant cue that he’s aware they’re together, at the very least so very close friends that they sneak private calls during a siege if Anakin is really dense, we have ONSCREEN PROOF that Obi-Wan SAID OUT LOUD something about it and it makes Anakin thinking Obi-Wan doesn’t know and couldn’t understand in RotS even STUPIDER. Good job Anakin.

- This Galaxy has the most efficient Google Translate ever. Either it’s a known language of the planet you’re going to, and then by doing research amidst the prep to go to the planet everyone or at least Rex as Captain would put the translator to the spoken languages there on his helmet, or it’s an unknown one and yet with two sentences, Tech’s tech (urgh) is able to translate and analyses it well enough to speak it back to them. Wow. 

- WHY. IS. THE. JEDI. NOT. USING. THE. FORCE. You’ve worked with Echo before but there’s no mention or even trying to feel him, fine, better have another fight of whether or not he’s truly here, two droids manage to get the drop on you, two droids manage to get the drop on you AND SOMEHOW AREN’T IMMEDIATELY BISECTED, Two droids manage to get the drop on you, survive, AND GIVE YOU ENOUGH TROUBLE YOU NEED SOMEONE TO SHOOT ONE TO GET OUT OF IT. 

- Echo, my poor baby TnT I knew this was going to hurt, and it does, it does so much. 

-And we’re RIGHT BACK to full on rage rather fast. We go from “he’s so weak he can’t walk, he doesn’t remember anything after the Citadel, he’s so out of it he doesn’t know where he is and ‘notices’ Rex being here two or three times” to “He can walk, he can be yeeted into a vent, he can tightpole walk, he can shoot while standing, he knows the whole base’s blueprints and also all the Separatist’s database.” in like. Five minutes. CONSITENCY FOR FUCK’S SAKE. Why is no one carrying him, why don’t we even get a fucking HUG ?

-Why was everyone yeeted by Dumb Muscles WHEN WE HAVE A JEDI HERE. WHY STILL NO FORCE ??? Clone-yeeting is like Anakin’s favorite pastime, he should have thought of it FIRST, My Moment Has Come.

- Oh FUCK NO. WHY did you even GO BACK TO THE NATIVES’ VILLAGE ? You got dragons, you fly back to your ship that wasn’t damaged in anyway, you evac fast and clean, DONE ! Why go back ? Anakin even says that the Techno Union will strike for helping them BUT UNTIL YOU WENT BACK THEY DIDN’T KNOW THE NATIVES HELPED YOU ! They had no problems until now ! DON’T INVOLVE CIVILIANS ! If they had gone with the plot point of having the natives pick a side and be the ones to save them from that pole by flying to get them, then yes, totally, stay and help and defend them against the retaliation massacre ! But since they didin’t, do NOT go there and draw to them a retaliation massacre.

-FUCK that speech. Sorry Rex, but FUCK THAT. Again, civilians. You are supposed to be the GOOD GUYS trying to STOP THE WAR, not draw innocents into it when it could be avoided. AND THEN LEAVE WHEN YOU JUST TOOK DOWN ONE ATTACK AND THE TECHNO UNION WILL SURELY COME WIPE OUT THAT VILLAGE FOR HELPING YOU AND THERE’LL BE NO JEDI TO SAVE THE DAY.

-Why is everyone suddenly dumb.

-Fuck that “good old days” bullshit. I’m sure there were good times, but your good old days are three years of war and losses. Gimme “now everything will be alright”, because for once someone survived, for once the future is looking hopeful, give me them hoping that it’ll be okay and then gut me with the sheer irony of it all because I know 66 is looming. AND FUCKING HUG HIM DAMMIT, he was almost catatonic thirty minutes ago, at least HELP HIM into the ship rather than leave him standing here alone.

-And no mention of Fives, of course. Idk it may be in episode 4, it BETTER be in Episode 4, otherwise this is “it be like the good old days, yay, btw Fives’ dead”.

I am SO ready for the damn Bad Batch arc to be over and hoping the actual original content is way better. I wished they had scrapped that disaster of an idea full of bad clichés. You want a strike team to go with Rex ? I’ve got a strike team for you : Jesse is an ARC, Kix is both a medic and seen many times with a rifle (AND THE COOLEST HAIRCUT, get us Bly there and give him a tracking speciality with the many ‘primitive’ planets he was on, and we have Aayla for the muscle. That would be badass.

[crystalldragon]

activating plan B: physical contact

"Genji wants to regain his joyful and affectionate side. Zenyatta helps him. Through physical touch.”

oneshot (2,158 words)

ao3 link | or read it down below ↓

The first thing Genji had learned about Zenyatta was that he was a welcoming presence to everyone in the monastery, at all times. It had puzzled him to the point where he'd thought of Zenyatta as some otherworldly creature, something beyond human understanding that was sent to earth to bless them. But as time went on, this figment made way for the small, but intense reason behind this phenomenon: Zenyatta loved and was loved with an unbelievable intensity. The fact that Genji watched an omnic give the most care and love ever seen in his life made it even weirder and more unusual.

He felt weak in comparison. Empty. Devoid of love, of trust, of empathy. The complete opposite of everything Zenyatta embodied.

At the monastery, he was confronted with this every day. Or more accurately, every day he spent with Zenyatta. The monk would greet his fellow monks with such warmth in his voice, while most times Genji could not utter more than a small noise or a quiet mumble that resembled a “Hey". The way they managed conversations were worlds apart. Zenyatta was an outspoken person, curious and sincere. Genji would struggle to find interest in anything, much less what the others had to say, and then he would remember how easy Zenyatta made keeping a conversation seem and feel like a complete loser. It hadn't been always like this for him. How could he sink from the cheeky young boy he was, to the bottom, where he was right now?

―

"How do you do it?" Genji asks Zenyatta after the two monks they've talked to left the room they were currently in. They had helped prepare a vegetable soup for Genji and the other humans in the village.

"Do what?" the monk asks with curiosity in his voice.

"Be like... that. I mean, how affectionate you are towards other people. I wish I could be like that too." Genji takes a spoonful of the soup and feels the warmth of it enter his body. He isn't as sensitive to the cold as a normal human being. Nonetheless he still appreciates the warmth of a freshly made meal or a thick blanket. Or the warmth of Zenyatta's nature. If only I could be that warm, he thinks.

"You will learn to be like that, in time," Zenyatta replies.

Genji stops in his eating to look at him in earnest. "But I don't want it to take so long."

"Patience, Genji. Healing take its time." Zenyatta has said those words so often. Genji understands the importance of them by now and yet he can't grasp why it takes so much time for him to get better at pretty much everything that doesn't involve killing.

"You would not tell a growing plant or a grub in a cocoon to hurry up with their development. Every new stage of life is preceded by a stage of slow and agonizing growth. And for you, Genji, that stage is exceptionally long, since you have been through so much."

Genji knows, he knows, Zenyatta will believe in his recovery, no matter how long it takes. But even with this tremendous amount of support, it's hard to see his own progress when everything's so hard. "I just want... to feel. Anything. To get out of this emptiness. If I just could feel deeply joyous for longer than a day... Then I could show others the same warmth you do. That's all that I ask for."

"If that is what you ask for, then we will focus on just that. Starting tomorrow."

"Eh? How?" Genji stares at him in confusion.

Zenyatta, instead, nods towards his meal. "Eat up before it gets cold. You will see, everything will be alright." He places his hand near Genji's, not touching him but undoubtedly in his vision, assuring him he's not alone.

―

After Genji finished his meal, they parted ways, him going to sleep and Zenyatta going to the edge of the village to meditate. In the end, he gives up on meditating and thinks about Genji instead. How can he help him more efficiently? He obviously hasn't tried good enough. Iris, he thinks, his impatience may has rubbed off on me. Or why am I getting so frustrated about his slow progress?

He can't remember ever being so involved in a student. Sure, he cared about his other students and fellow monks and their wellbeing deeply. But with Genji, something else in him woke up. A deep desire to see him get better, to leave this hole in which he is currently behind and embrace the beautiful man he is beneath that mask. He's already been close to losing him several times now, and he will not under any circumstances let anything like that happen to Genji again. Recovery has its ups and downs. He has learned that through students who were in similar situations. But none of them were quite like Genji. Maybe... Zenyatta thinks, I should be more honest to him and myself. Maybe I have not shown him enough how much he is loved and cherished. That will be it. He finishes his train of thought and goes to his room in the sanctum.

Zenyatta always encourages Genji, talks him through his fears and helps him find clearness. He also accompanies him to his meals; they often meditate together and help the villagers together. But through all that, the monk has been physically distant to Genji. With him learning to accept his new body and all that, he fears it would do more harm than good. Besides, he is his student and he knows he shouldn't coddle him like a baby when he's a fully grown man. He hasn't felt the need to do so before, so there wasn't any problem. Until he and Genji got to know each other better. Over time, it happened more often that Zenyatta wished nothing more than to hug Genji to hopefully make his problems disappear even if just for a moment. It wasn't anything the omnic had felt before - he used to do fine with just his teachings. The people before didn't have a new body to get used to, so Genji was new territory, sort of. And whoever it is, maybe his "brain", his "heart" or some part of his soul, it is telling him to be more affectionate to Genji. So, he'll try just that.

―

"Good morning, Genji," the omnic says as they meet the morning after that on their way to the village. The sun has already risen, and a blueish clear sky stretches out above them. "Do you mind if I hug you?" He asks.

"I, uh... no," Genji answers. He's startled at first, but once he sees Zenyatta's hesitation he nods again and moves closer to put his arms around him. It feels... nice. Which is unexpected.

He has avoided touch for so long, since the thought of anyone touching his... body, or rather Overwatch's gruesome idea of a body, made him want to throw up the remainder of his organic insides. He isn't what he used to be, nothing of him is what it used to be. He didn't trust his body to do anything besides killing. Affection, let alone love wasn't possible in this body. Or so he thought.

Zenyatta had changed something in him. The warmth and openness he radiated - he wanted to be like that too. If not for himself, then for his master. Not many things made him happy at first but doing or saying something that made Zenyatta proud or happy always made him happy, too.

―

They said nothing more after that and walked side by side to the village, their arms and hands brushing against each other every now and then. No one said anything about their displays of affection, but the villagers surely took notice. Amongst their people, the... bond Zenyatta and Genji shared didn't go unnoticed. Some found it cute, some even went so far as to make bets on how long it would take for them to enter a relationship.

"It would take veeery long," said Asha, one of the younger villagers. She was a specialist in gossip, though she would never spread anything that would seriously harm someone. But Genji and Zenyatta's love for each other was just that obvious. To everyone. Except to themselves. "They are both oblivious. And scared. Genji's been through a lot. He needs time."

In the end, nothing changed around them except for a few more sly smiles from the community.

"I'm happy you are finally getting better," one of the elder villagers once said to Genji, while he and Zenyatta were holding hands and passing him by. Genji had said nothing, only nodding in acknowledgement, but under his mask, he was blushing.

―

As time went one, their physical affections were pretty much ingrained into their daily routine. A hug every morning, holding hands while walking to the village or to the monastery, a hand on ones back when they were not feeling well, a pad on the shoulder when they had accomplished something, their knees touching during meditation and so on.

A hand on Genji's scarred but warm cheek, after he had shown Zenyatta his face for the first time.

His forehead pressed against the omnics glowing dots, feeling each other’s warmth.

Zenyatta holding Genji after one of his nightmares and letting his orbs chime around them in a soft glow until he falls asleep again.

And one day, something they both didn't expect.

It was after their weekly sparring session. Once they'd arrived at Genji's room, he took off his mask, steam puffing out of his valves at its release. They were both worn out but happy. Sparring was not only about staying fit but also a form of entertainment for them. It was about getting to know their bodies, its limits and capabilities. Oftentimes, their sparring sessions ended with one of them pulling the other one down and them falling down into the snow, fully exhausted but still laughing.

"You okay?" Genji asks Zenyatta with a slight smile on his face. Usually, he would be the one to be asked if he's okay. But now it's not just his fight anymore. It's about them supporting each other. Genji already knows that Zenyatta sometimes gets into fights with his fellow monks. It's never anything big, but they had some disagreements which saddened the monk. He had trusted Genji with this because they were equals now. Zenyatta wasn't just the perfect, calm monk that helped Genji. Genji wasn't just the depressed, angry cyborg that needed help. The more Genji became emotionally stable, the more they became like close friends and less like student and master. And so, more often they would just talk about their thoughts and feeling about various topics while watching the clouds pass them by.

Zenyatta nods and for a few moments they just sit there, side by side, looking at each other.

Maybe it's the adrenaline, maybe it's the sensations of their bodies falling onto each other at the end of their sparring session, but when Zenyatta looks at Genji and says, voice full of adoration, "You are so beautiful, Genji." He couldn't help but lean onto the omnic and kiss him softly on what would be his cheek.

Upon realizing what he just did, Genji blushes and turns his head away from him to look outside. He opens his mouth to apologize but Zenyatta wouldn't let him finish, instead touching his cheeks with his metallic fingers, the cyborgs warmth sipping through his cold fingers. And now, Zenyatta, the one who otherwise has something to say about everything, now feels like he's at a loss of words.

"Genji, I..." he starts, not sure what he even wants to say. He takes a deep artificial breath in. "Please... do not ever have any doubts of my feelings for you. I promise you, I adore you more than anything else in my life."

A small sound of happiness escapes Genji and he feels his eyes burning with tears. Wanting to hide this vulnerability, he buries his face in Zenyatta's neck and hugs him tightly. He feels the warmth beneath the metal plates and hears the quiet hum of machinery.

Zenyatta pats his back, quietly repeating phrases like "It's okay" and "I'm here for you". Genji maneuvers himself so his head rests in the monks’ lap and smiles up at him through his still wet eyes. Zenyatta brushes his messy hair out of his face and hums happily, continuing to stroke his head. Genji feels his eyes get heavy from exhaustion and his breath slowing down.

"Thank you... for everything," he whispers before he closes his eyes and soon enough, falling asleep. Behind them, the sun has already set, dipping the room in a faint pinkish hue. Zenyatta steals one last glance at the cyborg before going into hibernating mode himself, feeling happier than ever before.

[voyager-into-the-unknown]

This is my December 31 Contribution to the 2019 Pikelavar Event.

“All I Want for Midwinter is Meklavar” Chapter 6:

Wish

The dawn came too soon for Pike. The early morning sunlight that was filtered through the curtains of their bedroom window was enough to wake him. Meklavar was still asleep upon his chest. She was so small, warm, and cuddly that he just wanted to lay like that for a long time, inhaling her scent, listening to the sound of her quiet breathing, feeling the softness of her body against his chest. He gently stroked her back. “Meklavar,” he spoke softly. “Sweetheart, it is time to wake up.”

She made a soft little moan in her sleep, but did not stir.

“Mek, you have to wake up. We have to get dressed. Block’s village is only a day’s journey from here. Wake up.”

Meklavar stirred at last, lifting her head from his chest. Her hair was sticking up in every direction and her eyes were heavy-lidded from sleep. She squirmed in his arms, rubbed her eyes, and made herself comfortable while leaning on one elbow beside him and then stared down at his face upon the pillow. “It’s nice right here. What if I don’t want to leave this bed?” She looked adoringly at his handsome face. “I’m enjoying the view.” She smirked and traced the outine of one of his ears, which sent shivers down his spine. His breathing quickened at her touch. Her sleeping tunic was askew, and the top few fasteners has come undone as well. Pike was suddenly conscious of the fact that Mek slept with her breasts unbound and that he could see the cleft between them through the opening in her tunic.

He smirked at her. “I’m enjoying the view, too. There’s a valley and a lovely little pair of hills that I would like to explore directly in front of me.” She stared at him, not comprehending his meaning. Then she noticed the direction of his gaze.

“Pike!” She sat up abruptly, and tried to button up her tunic, but she was having difficulty. He laughed. She slapped his forearm playfully.

“Well the view was nice while it lasted.” He sighed. “That’s one way to wake you up in the morning.” He sat up, stretched, and pulled his own sleep shirt over his head. He yawned and scratched his chest and belly sleepily.

“I thought you were supposed to be a gentleman.” Buttoning a nightshirt was difficult when you were still half asleep.

“I am. I’m a gentleman with excellent taste in women, apparently. When we get married I am thinking of so many interesting ways to wake you up in the morning.” He licked his lips, looking like a predator about to capture and devour his prey. He pounced on her.

Mek was suddenly on her back, pinned to the mattress by Pike’s greater size and weight, and he was covering her face and neck with little kisses until he reached her ticklish spot. He nuzzled her there until she giggled uncontrollably. “Stop!” She exclaimed, her cheeks wet with tears of mirth. He kissed her tears away, then kissed her full upon the mouth, not caring that they both had morning breath. She ran her fingers through his hair, determined to mess it up as much as her own. He kissed her passionately until they were both breathless.

There was a knock on the door. “Lady Meklavar! There are important visitors here to see you,” a servant called through the closed door.

“I demand that you unlock the door at once, by order of Lord Samuel and Lady Colleena of Holt Manor!” a man’s voice bellowed. There was the sound of a key turning in a lock and the door swung open.

A pair of middle aged dwarves stood in the entrance way, pushing past the servant into their room. The man was dark grey of hair and beard and wore rectangular spectacles at the end of his straight nose. He was helmed and armored and was clutching a very large axe. Pike sprang up from where he had Mek pinned to the mattress. He was suddenly aware that he was shirtless and Mek’s tunic was askew once more. Their lips were pink and swollen, and they both looked quite disheveled. Even to the frightened servant who remained in the hallway, it was quite obvious what Pike and Meklavar had been doing.

“Father! I can explain—“

“WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL OF AURITA ARE YOU DOING IN BED WITH MY DAUGHTER!?” He bellowed at Pike, who was very red-faced.

“Sam! Stop it! Give them time to explain themselves,” said the middle-aged dwarf woman. She was dressed elegantly, in a traveling gown of rich green fabric, with an ermine-trimmed robe, and fine grey leather boots. Pike thought she was very beautiful, a graceful woman who appeared to be an older, taller version of Meklavar. Her huge golden brown eyes with their thick black lashes were much like her daughter’s, but her once-tawny hair was streaked with frost.

“Please, sir, ma’am, we can explain—“ Pike began.

Meklavar sprang from the tangled bedcovers, regaining her composure and adapting a regal presence even though she was barefoot and clad only in a half-buttoned sleeping tunic, which had gathered about her waist as a result of Pike’s frisky morning behavior, and which also gave everyone a glimpse of her underpants before she tugged it back down to her knees. She ignored everyone’s discomfort at her state of undress. “Father, it is my honor to introduce Pike, hero of the Battle of Darkland Woods, the co-defeater of the Corannic Dragon, and Honorary Paladin of the Temple of Light, knighted by Sir Jiro himself. He is my comrade-in-arms, dearest friend, and most importantly, you should know that he is my Intended, bound to me by ritual and tradition.” Pike, who had risen from the bed during this introduction, was red-faced, bare-chested, and as disheveled as she was, but not so calm or confident as Meklavar appeared. He gulped a said a tiny “hello,” which seemed a woefully inadequate greeting for dwarf nobility. Lady Colleena sized up his tall, slim, but well-muscled form with approval. There was the hint of a smile upon the older woman’s lips as she made eye contact with her daughter. Mek blushed, and Colleena had a knowing glint of mirth and approval in her eyes. Samuel, still red-faced with fury, appeared as if he were going to have an aneurysm.

“Father, Mother, please sit down.” Mek pulled out the chairs from last night’s evening meal by the fireplace. “Pike, these are my parents, Lord Samuel and Lady Colleena of Holt Manor, vassals to King Iverson the Cantankerous, First of His Name, and hopefully Last of His Kind. They are also the parents of Lord Matthias the Mathematician, my elder brother. Where is Matt, anyway? I thought he would be staying with you for Midwinter.”

Just then, as if summoned by Mek’s question, her elder sibling appeared in the doorway. “Mom? Dad? Our sleigh is rea—What?! Is that my baby sister?!” He scanned the faces of the four people in the room, taking immediate notice of his father’s fury, his mother’s amused delight, his little sister’s denial of her obviously humiliating situation, and finally, the tall, half-naked boy who looked more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Matt began to laugh at the awkwardness of the scene before him. “So the servants’ stories are true! They have been gossiping since last night about the naive young dwarf maiden who was staying the night here with her handsome would-be lover. The serving wenches all said he was quite the stud. It sounded like the stuff that bawdy tavern ballads are made of, a real bodice-ripper of a yarn. You, know, Mek, by this light, we can all see right through that nightshirt, but your studmuffin probably saw quite a bit more than that at the bathhouse last night, from what I heard. They said you gave your cat-boy a bath...” A blushing Pike reached for Mek’s robe and handed it to her, averting his gaze. She put it on while Pike searched for his discarded tunic. It was nowhere to be found.

Mek continued as if nothing were unusual about the situation. “As I was explaining to our parents, Matthias, Pike is my Intended, and soon to be a permanent member of our family, assuming our parents will bless the marriage.”

“Oooh, so you have begun the rituals without us? No wonder Father looks like his axe is bent. There was no one there to defend your honor last night, Mek, you naughty girl. But maybe that was your intention.”

“I am quite capable defending my own honor, Matt, and you’re being very rude,” she said haughtily.

“My apologies, dear sister, and to you, sir. I just couldn’t resist teasing Meklavar. She’s been stomping around this county in full armor and toting an axe for so long that I am surprised that you could tell that she’s a female. I always thought she was more interested in slaying dragons than flirting with boys.” He smiled and extended his right hand towards Pike, who shook it heartily.

“Actually, that’s how we met. We were on a quest with Block the Sorcerer, the Mystic Archer Valayun, and Shiro the Paladin. We slew the Corannic Dragon together,” Pike explained.

“Impressive! Well, that seals the deal for me. A couple that slays together stays together. You have my vote. And probably Mom’s as well. She really wants grandchildren. Good-looking ones are an added bonus, stud.”

Meklavar’s cheeks colored, and Lady Colleena laughed. “It’s true my dears. I had been praying that my little warrior would go off to battle and come home with a husband as soon as she was old enough to bind her bosom. She definitely won’t be mistaken for a boy anymore now that she’s filled out a bit.”

“Mother!” Meklavar was as embarrassed as Pike, who had finally found his tunic and pulled it over his head, momentarily hiding his flushed face. He turned to her father, who had been strangely silent during all of the teasing and banter. He bowed deeply, then went down on his knees in supplication.

“Lord Samuel, sir, I know you have been upset by how sudden this all seems to be, but I can assure you that my intentions towards your daughter are honorable. She is a clever, courageous young woman, and her virtue is without question. It is her honorable nature that inspired me to be a better man, and I am more than ready to dedicate my life to her happiness. It is my most heartfelt wish that you give our union your blessing, sir.” He turned to Meklavar’s mother. “And yours, as well, dear lady. I promised to be a most faithful and devoted husband to your daughter. She is the person that I love most in all of the world, and the person who has brought more happiness into my life than I ever could wish for, or deserve.” He bowed his head and closed his eyes. Mek covered her mouth and was stifling her sobs as she wept openly, her heart deeply touched by Pike’s humility and by the heartfelt eloquence of his words. Matt put his arm around his little sister and gave her shoulders a little squeeze.

Lord Samuel, who was no longer red-faced with fury, sat in silent contemplation of the scene before him, visibly moved by the young man’s sincerity and humility, his daughter’s uncharacteristic outpouring of emotion, his wife’s shining eyes and tear-streaked face, and his son’s obvious delight that his cherished little sister had found someone to love and be loved by in return. Sam remembered how difficult his own father-in-law had been and how grieved he had felt because no matter what he did, her father thought that no suitor would ever be good enough for the fair Lady Colleena.

Finally, Samuel thought of his daughter, and what she wanted. It was obviously this young man and none other but him.

He looked to his son, and nodded. Matt guided his sister to stand, then kneel beside Pike, who took her hand in his and squeezed it tightly. Pike looked upon Meklavar with the sweetest and most tender expression Sam had ever seen. His daughter was still weeping tears of silent joy.

Sam smiled upon them both, his own face streaked with tears. “My dearest daughter, and son-to-be, I bless this union of bodies, hearts, and minds, and wish you both every happiness.” He could not hold back a little sob as he took his wife’s hand in his own.

“Dearest daughter of my body and joy of my heart, I bless your joining with this young man. May your lives always be filled with love, laughter, and good fortune.”

“Thank you,” said Pike brokenly, and he turned to Meklavar who threw her arms around him and buried her face into his chest to sob as if a dam had burst to flood the world with tears of joy.

[birth-fic-lover]

Second chance with my teen crush

I was 15 when I saw Rai McCoy for the first time, I was new to the tiny sleepy english village and she lived in the house next door. It was so tiny that all there were just a few little shops and a lot of farms surrounding the area, me and Rai were the only teen girls in the whole village. Maybe that’s why she hung out with me, she was 17 and in the city I had grown up in she wouldn’t of looked twice at me. But here we would always be hanging out after school and at the weekends, she was tall with short brown hair. She didn’t seem to mind that I was shy and sometimes nervous around her at first, but the more time I spent with her the more confident I got.

We both went to the same secondary school and would take the bus together to it, but at school we were part of different worlds. She was a sixth former and I was doing my GCSE’s, but sometimes I swear she would give me a secret smile if we passed each other. When we were together we would spend hours listening to her music or climbing to the top of a tree and carving our names into it or swimming in the wide river that ran by our village. 

One hot summer afternoon we were taking turns jumping into the deep river, hoping it would cool us off. We had not planned on doing this so neither of us were in swimsuits, when we finally left the water her top was now see through. She caught me looking at her sports bra, it was the first time I noticed she had boobs too. It sounds silly but she had always been such a tomboy, suddenly it clicked that she was this amazing person but also an attractive girl. We had spoken about many things together, but never boys I guess because neither of us are really into them. I knew right then that I liked her because she wasn’t like the other girls who wore make up, she was my first crush.

I though she would get upset seeing where I was looking but to my surprise she took my hand and led me into the forest, “I’m getting a right rash, stay lookout while I take it off.” But to my surprise she doesn’t turn around, she takes off her top right in front of me. But she doesn’t look embarrassed she smiles a smile that puts a warm feeling in my belly, she takes off her bra and drops it to the floor. Then stepping towards me she asks for my permission with her eyes before taking my hand at bring it to her breast, it’s so soft and warm. I feel so safe and then with my hand still on her breast we kiss, I take my hand away and bring both my hands onto her back holding her naked torso close. When we break away she slips her shirt back on, then grabs her sports bra off the floor. I take her held out hand and we start to walk back to her’s.

From that point on it didn’t feel like anything changed between us but more our relationship grew, back then we weren’t able to even utter the word lesbian or bi or girlfriend but we didn’t mind what we were we just knew we belonged to each other. 

Being 2 years older Rai had always been a bit more advanced sexually then I was, but she never pushed me to do anything I wasn’t ready for. So the most of we did when hanging in the woods was kissing and the occasional exploring each others bodies, Rai told me she wanted our first time not to be a secret in the woods. But eventually it was time for her to go to uni, we both knew I wouldn’t be able to visit and long distance would never work. So we said goodbye tearfully hoping to see each other again one day, I kept hiding my sexuality focusing only on men until one day I saw her again.

After a bad breakup I was forced to move back in with my parents, I saw her in the back garden so I knew that she was still living next door. Usually I would rush over and find out how she was doing but I had a souvenir from my last relationship, I was pregnant and almost full term at that. It wasn’t that I was ashamed that I was pregnant it was that I had slept with someone else, although I was bi and had been with men somehow I wanted Rai to know that I had never felt closer to anyone as much as to her. 

I wanted a chance to explain myself before she assumed anything I guess, but then my mum told me that she had already told next door that I was back. I knew that I had to see Rai, I didn’t want her thinking I was avoiding her. So I took a deep breath and picked up the house phone, it hadn’t been since I was a teen I had rang Rai. I was surprised when she told me that her parents had moved and she now owned the house, I wondered if she had a partner or family to fill the house. My curiosity got the better of me and I asked her out to dinner, looks like she would be seeing me that evening in all my pregnant glory.

I got to the pub early securing myself a booth, the table hid my bump quite nicely. It wasn’t long before I saw Rai approach smiling. I only had a quick glimpse of her before, now I could see that she look pretty much the same just more mature. I wondered if she had a wedding ring on, I looked and saw her hands were clear of rings.   

We sat and the conversation flowed so naturally, it felt like no time had passed at all. She was so gorgeous in her check shirt and skinny jeans, I wanted her back in my life so bad. We ordered food and the hours passed so quick, a few times I caught myself staring at her wondering if she had someone at home waiting on her. I knew I had to ask, “What's been going on since the last time I saw you?” I asked.

"You mean since I was 18 and went to uni?" She said with a laugh "I moved back in with my parents after 4 years and a huge student loan, I started a business fixing computers and re-selling them. Then my parents moved south and I decided to buy my childhood home from them, I have too many good memories here to leave this place behind just yet. You were a part of many of them" she adds and I blush.

“Really, that's pretty cool. You a part of my best memories from here” I say before asking "so is it just you in the house?".

“At first it was" she says, and I feel my heart sink. "But then I did up the other 2 rooms and now I rent them out on air b and b. I thought it might be nice to have a bit of company".

“What do you mean?” I asked assuming she must of had girlfriends in the past or be dating.

“Well" she seemed to be the one blushing now "After I got back I didn't really have any substantial relationships so I've been a bit lonely, I met a few girls at uni but nothing that led anywhere. But enough about me, what about you?"

So I tell her about my job in the city and how I'm now back here, that I am also single. Leaving out my impending motherhood, but when I finished talking Rai gave me one of her no nonsense looks. "My mother told you didn't she?" I said.

She laughed "of course she did, I love your mother to pieces but we both know she's a gossip." I can't help but laugh, Rai is probably one of the few people I would let call my mother a gossip. So I tell Rai about how I was in but had been with only men, and how my last relationship had become boring and dry. But unfortunately one of our last attempts had caused my current condition.

“What did he say when he did find out”, Rai asked chewing on some bread from her meal.

"At the point I found out he's already moved on and found someone else, so he tells me he will financially support the child but that's it."

"So because he found someone else he doesn't want to even meet his child? Well at least he is paying his way" Rai says "but this is why I'm glad I never mix with men".

"I'm done with them, the only relationship I've ever enjoyed I was with a woman" I say with a laugh.

"I thought you had only dated men since I went to uni?" She asked rasing an eyebrow.

"I did" I say shyly "but you know, we were a relationship kinda".

Rai gave me a shy smile before starting to slide from the booth, “I’m done with my meal, lets go for a walk so we can stretch our legs."

I had already finished my food and we had paid when we ordered so I had no issue. Leaving the booth I revealed my large round and low hanging belly, Rai looked at me for a while a faint smile on her face.

She held out her hand and we walked outside, “how about a walk down memory lane?" She asked.

"Sure" I say wondering where she means, the pub was in walking distance of both our homes so we didn't have our cars with us.

Rai and I swing our grasped hands as we walk, she asks me "so why didn't you wanna tell me about the baby. I mean you obviously wanted to see me, but you didn't want me to know about the kid?"

“Well, I wasn’t sure you would go running off into the hills, I guess I didn't want to bring up my romantic history before I was ready." After a few minutes I know exactly where we are heading, and I smiled but Rai seemed to be thinking.

"It doesn't both me that your bi or that you've been with guys, I don't expect anything from you. But at the same time if something happens then I'd welcome it, I know that for some a child counts as baggage but not for me. We are both adults who've lived lives since the last time we were together."

"I'd like something to happen" I say before I can stop myself.

To my surprise Rai stops walking and let's go of my hand before, wrapping me in a warm embrace. “I have waited so long to see you again” she whispers in my ear and I feel like I’m back where I belong. 

We only part when my child gives Rai a large kick, “oh gosh sorry” I say embarrassed and disappointed the moment is gone. 

“No worries” she said, “that was a strong kick, how much longer do you have till the baby is due?”

“Any day now” I confess “since I’m so close to home I didn’t think it would be a problem”.

“Well as long as you tell me if it’s go time”

“Oh you’ll be the first to know after the little one let’s me know” I joke taking her outstretched hand and we keep walking.

"Even if it didn't happen today, i mean like would you let me be here for the birth" she asks looking a little nervous as she asks.

I can't help but smile, "Rai McCoy holding me as I gave birth, now that would really be something. I think if your truely seroius about sticking by us, then I would like nothing more".

We stop walking again and she tells me “this child doesn’t have to be a symbol of a failed relationship, it can be the start of a new one. Between you and me, if that’s what you want. Don’t decide anything yet, but think about it okay?”

"I already know I want you to raise this child with me". She smiles and we keep walking.

But the thing is I don’t want to tell her but I just then feel I dull pain, a bit like when I am on my period. I know I just promised but I don’t want our time together to end yet, especially if she is taking me where I think she is. While we walk I use my other hand to rub my belly, trying not to let on how uncomfortable I’m suddenly feeling. 

“Everything alright? The baby given you hell?” she asked laughing.

“Yeah” I said trying to put a smile on my face, I hope if I don’t think about it I won’t feel it anymore. But the prefect distraction takes my attention, the concrete path was turning into the dusty dirt one that lead to the river and forest we used to go to when we were teens. 

The memories came flooding back for both of us it seemed as Rai had a huge grin on her face too, we walked down the steep path that lead to the wide river. “I can’t believe we used to run down this path, how did we not fall head over heals”.

“I guess we were too busy falling head over heals in other ways” I said clinging onto Rai to keep myself from falling. Rai looked concerned for a second, but before she could say anything I said “I’m fine, just my centre of gravity has changed. So, when was the last time you went to the river?” I asked trying to distract Rai.

“Right after I got back from uni for Christmas during my first year, but it never felt the same. You had gone to your grandmothers, this place isn’t special without you” she said softly. We stopped at the bottom of the path, “what about you?”

“All the time, I would come here to remember you and us I guess. You were more then a first crush, you were my first love” I said. It felt effortless to tell Rai these things. 

“You were my only love” she said, “I guess I never got over you”.

“I tried but I never got over you either” I said, Rai stepped closer and then took my hand and pressed it against my belly her hand over mine.

"I can't believe your back in my life with a chance to be a family due any day now".

“I just don't want that family life to start right this moment ” I half joke and we kissed, my heart beat fast in my chest. I felt 16 again kissing my best friend, I felt 15 again seeing her for the first time. But now I was able to keep her and be with her forever. 

Another mild cramp clenches in my belly, I just need to keep ignoring it for a while longer. Then I have an idea, "why don't we have a dip in the river? Just like when she were teens, the weather is perfect for it. We can just wear our underwear, we will dry in seconds afterwards." I know that the water will help with the pain, plus it eould be nice to relive the memories.

Rai looks at me for a second and shrugs "I mean I suppose it woukd be nice". We start removing our clothes, Rai helps me with mine and we wade into the water hand in hand.

When we get knee deep Rai takes a proper look at me, my arms naturally wrap around myself. I know I don't look as hot as I did as a teen, my belly covered in stretch marks and breasts now long and heavy with milk. But Rai seems to be looking at me like I'm a piece of art, "pregnancy suits you." She says softly, then continuing, "its a shame i didn't get to watch you grow and develop with child".

"There's always next time" I hear myself saying, but I wonder where it came from. A next time? I hardly have finished being pregnant this time.

“Next time, I like the sound of that” she said, then after a moment or two passed she looked at the water. I squeezed her hands and we get deeper into the river careful of the tide, we don't want to be swept away.

She held me protectively and it felt great to be in her strong arms again, my breasts against her forearms both covered in little droplets.

I was right about the water helping, but I knew that once we were out the water I would have to tell her it was time. But till then I enjoyed splashing and chatting more, but mainly we floated next to each other.

"My belly looks so huge" I said,

Rai laughed, "it's very pregnant, I think you look beautiful. I think your baby will be beautiful, I'm just so happy”.

“Me too" I say, then I don't know who kissed who but our lips connected, and we fell into a deep passionate embrace both trying to stsy afloat.

"Maybe we should get back on land" she saud stroking my face.

"NO" I insisted, Rai looked at me curiously.

Her hand slid smoothly over my belly, "everything okay?"

I nodded "please" I say, for a second I don't know if she knows that I'm begging for this moment to continue for a little longer before rushing to the hospital or if she just thinks I want to enjoy the river longer. She draws me close, holding me with one arm and exploring my body with the other. The memories just kept flooding back, her exploring my body wasn't just sexual it was her way of showing me how much she loved me.

As our legs intertwined as I pulled her hips against mine, "I got you" she whispered. We kissed again and again, until I let out a moan againt her lips. I knew just then that these were contractions, my labour was progressing. I had hoped that I could pretend it was a moan of pleasure but my face gave me away twisting in pain.

"I know it’s time, I felt your belly just harden" Rai said and I just nodded. Without a word Rai gathered me and got me to the river bank.

“I’m sorry” I said “I just wanted some time just you and me before...” but Rai shh’d me.

“It’s okay, I understand. But lets get you to my car so we can get you to the hospital”. She helps me get dressed before I watch he dress herself, so rough compared to how gently she helped me get dressed. I felt my belly tighten again and Rai came straight over, she kept a hand on my back as we climbed the steep path. 

I kept stopping rubbing my low belly, “this isn’t helping, infact I think walking against gravity is making my labour progress”. 

“Once we get on the flat I can carry you” she offered and we kept moving, I looked forward to sitting in the car once we were outta here. I tried to pant though the pain but it was getting more intense, “this baby is in a hurry too meet you” I said and Rai looked worried. 

As soon as we got to the top of the slope I clung onto a bench, I started to feel a lot of pressure. I swayed my hips and released a groan I didn’t realise I had been holding inside of me. “Naaahhhhhhhh hooo hoo naaaagggggaaaaa”. 

Rai went pale, “are you pushing?” she asked.

“No no” I reassured her, “I think I’m gonna be okay now that it’s a flat path”.    

“Still want me to carry you?” she offered, but I shook my head. I didn’t want to risk any sudden movements that might squeze this kid outta me.

“Then lets hope walking isn't making it worse”, she said not hidding the worry that was conveyed on her face.

Just before I could respond I felt a contraction that was like a vice like grasp around my middle. "Ohhhhhh noooooo, no no nooooooohhhh gaaaahhhhhhh" I moaned. Rai put her hands on me to keep me steady, "gaaaahhhh the pressurrrrrrre its tooooooo muchhhhhhh" I moaned.

"Dam I wish we weren't so far from the main road, there is no way I can even explain to an ambulance crew where we are. But I honestly don't think we are gonna make it back home in time, let alone drive you to the hospital."

I put my head on her shoulder, "I wish we jad stayed down by the river, the water helped with the pain" I said glad my contraction was over.

"Me too, but we will have to make do with what we have around us. I don't think it's wise to move you much further". With that Rai carried me to a patch of grass in time for me to hold onto a tree as another contraction took over.

"Gaaaaahhhhhhh" I moaned "ohhhhh ohhhh GAAAAAAAHHHHH" and then something inside me realised as I felt my waters break and trickle down my leg before becoming a gush. I could feel gravity pulling the baby down into my birth canal, the primal urge to push took over. My legs bend as I sqaut slightly, I can sense Rai can see whsts happened as rubbing my back and letting me do my thing.

"That's it" she whispers, "just follow what your bodies telling you to do. Your gonna be an amazing mother, no wonder our baby is wanting to come meet you."

My contraction ends and I feel my body relax before it tenses up again for the next one. I keep pushing and breathing, it didn't take long until I felt the head against my cervix. "Gaaaaahhhhh, our baby is about to start crowning".

"Don't push anymore, we need to remove your panties" Rai reminded me.

"TAKE MY DRESS OFF FIRST" I shouted agreeing I needed to be able to push the child out without my clothes being in the way. The dress was easy to take of but my panties was another matter, I was in such a deep sqaut at this point and there was no way I could straighten up. "I can't" I explained in the precious few seconds between contractions “it’s too late the baby's coming out.”

I couldn't fight it, now I was pushing I had to continue. My lips parted more and more as my baby crowned, soon there was a bulge between my legs. Rai was now on her knees behind me and I held the tree for support, she put her hand on the hard round mass that was our childs head as it emerged. "Thats it, keep going." She encoraged me as I strained to deliver the child, she held my underwear out the way as finally the head popped out of me.

“Make sure the cord…” I started to say.

"Don't worry theres nothing around the babies neck" she confirmed and I continued to push, now battling the shoulders. I moaned as the baby's shoulders were hard to birth, but then I was surprised as I felt the baby slide out of me.

Rai seemed ready as she caught the baby pulling my panties down in the process, I turned around and leaned against the tree. She handed me back the child as it started to cry it also pinked up. Both of us were speechless, looking down at the new life in my arm.

"You did it" she said, "our son, our first child".

I laughed "yes first of many I suppose" because we both knew that we made a great team and we couldn't wait to do this again.

[buckybabybaby]

Mr Hollywood (Chapter 16)

Summary: Bucky Barnes, an underpaid teaching assistant in a small English village, dreams of a movie career back in his home country of America. He finally gets the break he's always wanted, and if it wasn't for you, his best friend, he wouldn't have been able to take it.

But is that fact enough to save your friendship when it's tested by the pressures of Hollywood?

Pairing: Bucky Barnes/Reader (Gender Neutral)

Word count: 1253

Chapter summary: first date with Bucky! 

A/n: I think the next chapter, which should be up next weekend, will be the last! And then an epilogue and it'll be over...

If you've stuck with it, thank you so much!!

(If the picture is all blurry, opening it in a new tab in browser helps!)

Warnings: little bit of bad language, little bit of a douchy ex manager being mean

Previous: Chapter 15

Mr Hollywood Masterlist | Main Masterlist

*****

The rest of the family are out when you get back to the house, meaning you can use the master bathroom uninterrupted to get changed for your date. It still hasn't sunk in that that's what it'll be. An actual, real, not-in-the-friendly-sense-of-the-word, date. A proper date, with Bucky. You can hear him in his en suite getting ready, humming quietly to himself, and you can't wipe the grin off your face.

Spinning in front of the mirror to check your appearance, you sigh, deciding that this is as good as it's going to get. The familiar insecurities about not being enough creep back in but you are quick to shut them up. Bucky likes you for you, loves you for you, and despite all the beautiful people he must have met and worked with in his new life, you're still the one he wants.

He's standing at the bottom of the stairs waiting when you've finished getting ready. Tapping away on his phone, he doesn’t notice you until you're halfway down, and the way he smiles up at you when he does is worth all the heartbreak and hurt of the past year.

“You look nice.”

“Just nice?” You tease.

“Gorgeous.” He sounds so sincere and you flush as he meets you at the bottom step, leaning in for a quick kiss.

“Thank you. So do you.”

He offers you his arm. “Well? Shall we?”

*****

The low lighting and soft music of the restaurant Bucky's chosen is a contrast from any place you've visited together before, a sign of how your relationship has shifted. This is all you've ever dreamed of and more, and you ignore your nerves to let yourself enjoy the date.

At first you two talk about anything that crosses your mind, from travel plans to school gossip and the new baby niece or nephew he'll soon have, until you mention wanting to build a bigger run for the chickens.

Bucky frowns. “Wait a minute. Where are they while you're here?”

“Peggy said she'd check on them, fill up their water and clean their nest box. It takes less time now there's only three.”

“Oh, Y/N. I'm so sorry about Dot. I should have said that before, Dayton did tell me.”

“I'm sorry too. I know she was your favourite.”

“Yeah, she was.” He smiles sadly. “I've missed them almost as much as I've missed you.”

“I'm sure they've missed you too.”

You grab your phone to show him the newest pictures you have off them, and the evening continues perfectly until his posture goes rigid on spotting something behind you, the look on his face causing you to tense up too.

“Don't look now, but my old manager is at the bar.”

Wide eyed, you reach out for Bucky's trembling hands. “Do you want to leave?”

“Yes. Please. Sorry to spoil everything.”

“Hey, no, nothings spoiled. We can go somewhere else for dessert.”

Ignoring standard etiquette and not bothering to flag down a waiter for the cheque, you make your way to the entrance podium as Bucky grabs your jacket from the cloakroom. When a server eventually manages to get a break and take your card, you refuse to let Bucky pay, not even for half the bill.

“You can get the ice cream.”

“Deal.”

Even all the way over the other side of the room you can hear Bucky's manager arguing with the bartender, not happy with the refusal of service on the grounds that he's plainly had more than enough to drink already. Any hope of you slipping out quietly is lost when, growing bored of fighting with the bar staff, he moves away to try his luck in the next restaurant and recognises Bucky by the door.

He staggers over to you both. “Barnes? Barnes! It is you! You fucking-”

He pauses when his gaze falls to you.

“And this must be the slut you were willing to risk your career for.” He looks you up and down with a sneer. “Don't see what all the fuss was about.”

Bucky sighs tiredly. “Get the fuck out of here, David.”

Going to leave again, Bucky is stopped in his tracks as a glass is thrown in his direction, shattering around his feet. You jump at the noise, gasping quietly as Bucky moves you so he's blocking you from view. Breathing heavily in fright, your hand twists into the back of his shirt, clinging on for dear life as you try to work out how to prevent any more violence.

Bucky clearly has the same wish as you. “Go home, David. You need to sleep this off. Haven't you got a court date in a couple of days? You'll want to be in better shape for then.”

David is swaying dangerously at this point, fists clenched. You are reassured minutely by the member of staff you can see in the background on the phone to what you hope are the emergency services.

“We're leaving. I suggest you do the same.”

“No! You and that brother of yours ruined everything! You can't just take that away from me and not-”

David tips too far forward finally, and as he's picking himself of the floor you force Bucky out of the restaurant and into the street. Stepping out of the way of a policewoman, you watch through the window as his old manager is pinned to the wall and handcuffed unceremoniously.

“If he was on bail, this isn't going to help his case,” You say, watching Bucky carefully.

“Good.”

He lets go of your hand and paces quickly along a side alley, running his hands through his hair. You follow hesitantly, not wanting to intrude on his personal space but also not wanting to leave him alone when he's so obviously distressed.

“Bucky?” You ask, worried. “What's wrong?”

He doesn't meet your eye. “Seeing him again brought it all back. Made me think, what if I hurt you again? Some other dick in Hollywood gets in my head and I push you away? I couldn't put you through that twice.”

You can't lie and say you haven't had the same thought. It's hard to trust again when you've been so badly hurt, but after everything that's happened in the last month or two, you're sure history won't repeat it's self in that respect.

“We'll get through anything, just as long as you're honest with me.”

“I will be, promise.”

“Thank you. But you needn't worry, I don't think Dayton would let you do that again.”

He nods shakily. “Day scared the hell out of me, not least just turning up in the middle of LA when I thought he was back at his home. And then to top if off he wasn't very nice to me.”

“I'll bet.”

“He was so angry I didn't answer his calls. Sam said I was an idiot too.”

“Can't say I disagree.”

“But he still helped me anyway. I wouldn't be here without him.” He collapses onto a fire escape hanging off the nearest building. “I wouldn't have got a second chance with you without him.”

“Remind me to thank him later then.” You rise up on to your tiptoes, leaning through the bars off the staircase to press a kiss to his cheek. “Do you still want ice cream?”

“I think I need something stronger.”

“Chocolate fudge cake it is then.”

He tips his head back in laughter at that and you think yeah, together the two of you will be just fine.

*****

Chapter 17

[cywscross]

got any f/f fic recs?

Okay so apparently not Final Fantasy but femslash. I’m stupid, sorry. Uhh I don’t read that many femslash compared to slash but I can name some:

NARUTO

Sing as their bones go marching in again by felinedetached  (Sakura/Ino)

Instead, it goes like this: Haruno Sakura is the daughter of two civilians, from civilian families. She is nothing and no one—smart, yes, top kunoichi, yes, but she will never be on par with clan kids. She is teammates to an orphan powerhouse from a dead clan and the last remaining Uchiha.

Haruno Sakura is nothing and nobody, but she breathes and grows and thrives and the forest thrives with her.

(She opens her eyes to wood, grown from nothing, and Hatake Kakashi stares in disbelief at the tree where his student used to be.)

Or, Haruno Sakura should have had the goddamn Mokuton and this author is mad.

No one there to shame me for my youth by felinedetached  (Sakura/Ino)

What she hadn’t expected was to be what is apparently next in line for Kakashi’s position—although, she supposes it was inevitable—or for the nurses at the hospital to look at her with such adoration.

Sakura’s not complaining, she just hadn’t expected it.

(She’s the medic on a team of powerhouses, the backline fighter to Naruto and Sasuke’s brilliance, and she never thought it would be her people looked at like this.)

But it is her; and as she gets glances and propositions from both civilian and ninja, from male and female alike, she wonders.

The Fair Maiden by Tozette  (Sakura/Ino)

Basically: Princess Ino has been kidnapped by the terrible dragon Sakura! Brave knights Chouji and Shikamaru must rescue her from the fearsome beast. It... does not go entirely as expected.

The Shinobi version of Pride by grit (Sakura/Hinata/Karin)

The coffee sways dangerously.

“Why,” Sakura interrupts, before the chaos can get any worse, “are you in my kitchen?”

every fire is a lesson learned by blackkat (Konan/Sakura)

Just when Konan has lost hope, she meets a hero.

three birds watch and the fourth flies by grit  (Minato!Sakura/Kushina)

There's a legend in her hands like clay, so she must work hard to be formidable, to be everything he was and she isn't, because what if she screws up the future, selfish enough to make space for her own?

She pours over heaps of sealing scrolls and tries not to think too hard on what happens if she fails.

Or: Timid Minato but this time around, she's Sakura.

throw it my way (all the love you keep) by amako  (Sakura/Ino)

The crux of the matter is: they don't have a Hokage, the one that could be Hokage is sharing a Moment with his soulmate or whatever, and when asked to take the mantle again, Tsunade had broken a few bones. Not hers, obviously.

will to live by justdoityoufucker  (Sakura/Ino)

Sakura joins the ANBU. The entire world seems a little tilted after that, but they all adapt.

Bumpy Future by Dovey (Sakura/Hinata)

It's her last year at the academy when Sakura hits her head. When she wakes up, she has a little trouble matching memories to the people in them- but she'll have to get it right eventually, yeah?

in which sakura pairs vague associations with the wrong people, and everyone is much happier because of it (Except Iruka-sensei).

the Rebel ‘verse by felinedetached (Sakura/Ino)

(Three things come after that:

The moment of realisation. The moment she realises Sasuke’s left the village, gone off to do who knows what with Orochimaru-

Her memory returns to her - she was useless against her teammate; taken down by a pressure point and unable to do anything to prevent him from getting at it.

Inner rages, throws herself around, cursing and screaming until finally, finally she calms and she says Uchiha Sasuke is a traitor.)

In which Sakura gets the character development she deserved.

shattered dreams into rhapsodies by blackkat (Kushina/Mikoto)

For the prompt "I’m a monster/guardian that the local village give sacrifices too and you’re the new sacrifice but don’t worry I won’t eat you, I’m kinda lonely"

-0-

HARRY POTTER

Four Walls (And the Right People) by blackkat (Lily/Narcissa)

“Is coming in there going to make me lose my will to live?” Lily calls, amused.

“No!” Harry protests, wounded, like she and Narcissa haven’t previously walked in on structural damage, fires, flooding, and mysteriously conjured cat-sized dragons. Sirius has been a terrible influence on them.

the girl who lived (again) by dirgewithoutmusic (trans!Harry/Ginny)

Molly tried her best. When Harry had told them, Arthur had asked excitedly, "is this a Muggle thing?" Hermione had hurried out a "no!" and a frantic history of gender diversity in the wizarding world.

"It's just that I'm a girl," Harry had said, and Arthur had nodded and asked her about how telephone booths worked. He would call her by the right pronouns until the day he died at the respectable old age of one hundred and thirty three, and he would make it seem easy.

But Molly had to try. Hermione explained things faster and higher-pitched every time Molly messed up a pronoun. Molly frowned and muttered and put extra potatoes on Harry's plate at breakfast. Harry slept in Ron's room, which didn't bother either of them but which made Hermione scowl.

Harry got boxes of sweets and warm hugs, as Molly chewed things over. For her fifteenth Christmas, the Weasley sweater she would receive would be a bright, friendly, terrible pink.

The next time Harry visited, Molly put her on Ginny's floor to sleep-- for some definition of sleep that involved Hermione hissing threats at three in the morning if Harry and Ginny didn't "shut up about Wronski feints, do you know what time it is."

-0-

GAME OF THRONES

When Warp Is Fire And Weft Is Ice by afterandalasia  (Dany/Sansa)

People tell many stories about them, the Mother of Dragons and the Queen in the North.

Some of them even have a grain of truth in them.

a strangeness of sunlight by musicforswimming  (Dany/Sansa)

Someone calls Sansa home, and sets her free in doing so.

Ivory and Dragonglass by madeinessos  (Rhaenys/Sansa)

For the valar-morekinks prompt on livejournal: "Rhaeneys follows in her father's footsteps when she and Sansa run away together to the free cities so they can be with each other . Both ladies left a letter to their families so that their absence wouldn't spark the embers of another rebellion."

Sansa in Dorne by sear  (Arianne/Sansa)

Alayne Stone wakes confused, in the body of the young maid she once was. She has returned to Winterfell, before everything went wrong. All she wants now is to be free, to never be hurt again. Dorne will give her that.

Mirror of the sun by myrish_lace (Dany/Sansa)

Daenerys arrives at Winterfell to attempt to treat with Jon Snow. She's immediately side-tracked by her fascination with Sansa Stark, and the two grow closer. Told from Daenerys's point of view.

-0-0-

And these are genderswap femslash, in case you’re not a fan:

TEEN WOLF

Utterly Appropriate by wynnebat  (Peter/Stiles)

There's only one person whom Stiles would marry, and whoever has asked for her hand isn't on that list.

Spin a Web of Silk by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids)  (Peter/Stiles)

“Darling, will you marry me?”

Stiles stared into the eyes of the light of her life, the one who held her heart- her love.

And then she looked back at the man who had asked the question.

“Yes.”

Sugar Babies Not Sugar Vaginas by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids)  (Peter/Stiles)

Stiles is a copywriter working for a service that's been contacted by a company that sells something called Passion Dust. It's so much worse than it sounds.

Free Birth Control by twothumbsandnostakeincanon (somanyofthekids)  (Peter/Stiles)

“I can’t believe they haven’t fixed the footbridge yet,” Peter said, disgruntled as she toweled off her feet, getting all the muck from the creek off of them.

“I can,” Talia said absently as she shelled peas on the front porch. “The only people who use that bridge are you, Stilinski, and Stilinski’s clients. And Stilinski does her best to avoid clients. Did you hear what she did to the woman who took out the bridge?” Talia settled further back into her chair. Peter immediately recognized it as Gossip Position, and leaned in eagerly.

“No, tell me everything.”

Ain't No Stranger (Been This Way Before) by pibroch (littleblackdog)  (Peter/Stiles)

Stiles loved orgasms, and she really loved the shuddery, mind-numbing orgasms Peter had spent months meticulously and enthusiastically learning to coax out of her. She also loved the relief from cramps she’d get from a good climax or four, and Peter had no complaints about blood. Definitely a win-win, all around. - Stiles has a period from hell, and Peter has a surprise.

On The Loose by SmartKIN (Peter/Stiles)

Stiles has a job to do; Hot Lady Sniper almost ruins it for her.

The Same Damn Hunger by Twisted_Mind (Allison/Stiles)

There’s no soft jazz, no flower petals or candles, because that’s not what this is.

-0-

MARVEL

Mightier Than The Sword by aloneintherain (Johnny/Peter)

Janey Storm freezes in the doorway.

Pen is half naked. Her boney, freckled shoulders and the faded sports bra she’s had since high school are on display. Bruises from this morning’s encounter with the Scorpion haven’t had time to heal yet—purples and sickly greens tesselate over her ribs and toned stomach.

Janey can see every unedited part of Pen: her open knuckles, blood a sharp red against her pale skin; her unbrushed hair, grown out past Pen’s jaw like a tangle of weeds; her loose jeans, slung low on her hips, with fraying ends and ripped knees. Janey stands there and sees Pen Parker, a half naked, wide-eyed girl choking on her heart.

“It’s occupied,” Pen manages.

--

Or: a universe where Johnny and Peter were born girls.

-0-

YOWAMUSHI PEDAL

One For The Road by Atropa Belladonna (WorldsJunk) (Onoda/Arakita)

Fuck her entire life on a cactus she’s a fucking loser. Not because Onoda’s boobs are bigger than her’s - ok, they’ve always been. Actually, everyone has bigger tits than she does, she is flat as hell and she likes it. Why the hell would she want a couple of Shinkai-style jugs waving around in the wind when she’s riding for fucks’s sakes, that’s impractical as all fuck. No, Arakita is a loser because now she can’t stop thinking about Onoda-chan’s tits and no way she is perving like this on an innocent girl that is all around too good for the likes of her.

[zizygy]

Covenant (Crowley Yells at God)

We all know that Crowley Fell because he Questioned. Sometimes Questioning isn’t enough. Sometimes you have to scream. 

cw: drowning, minor character death, major character discorporation, biblical genocide

Read it on AO3 "You did this you bastard," Crowley says glaring up at the sky. His condemnation is not particularly loud, easily drowned out by the water pouring down around him. The Ark's main door had slammed shut with a resounding thump a few minutes ago and though there were windows to look through, none of Noah's family wanted to look at what they were turning their backs on. 

Quite a large crowd had gathered, first to wonder at Noah and Naamah's attempts at herding the menagerie of animals, then to stare at the Ark. Japheth might as well have been a village gossip so everyone there knew what was coming, though perhaps not all believed it. Crowley hadn't believed it at first. 

It was the sort of thing his side was all over, causing mass panic and hysteria and the like. But they'd never go through with it. If they destroyed the world, there'd be no one left to sin and that just wouldn't do. 

God though, apparently She could do whatever She wanted. "Aren't you supposed to be Good?"

As the water continues to pound down, the humans begin to realize that this isn't all some prank. They get nervous first, trying to hold their feet above the cold water, shuffling and murmuring and looking around and up at the sky.

Crowley is familiar with this, the way a crowd moves. The panic would set in soon. The land is flat, there is no uphill to flee to and the rain isn't going to stop. Lightning cracks across the sky and a child screams. It's as if the sound broke a dam. Screams and wails rise over the rain. The child's father wraps an arm around him and all around Crowley families are beginning to gather, finding comfort wherever they can. Though there are just as many people in the plains, Crowley finds that he's no longer standing in the middle of a crowd.

"Does that make you feel better? Terrifying the humans before you kill them? Putting the fear of God into them? I don't know why I'd expect anything better from someone so obsessed with IMAGE!" His voice rises until he's screaming the last word. Thunder answers him and the rain begins to fall harder. "Yeah have your little temper tantrum because your glorious creation isn't doing what you want. You can drown us all and we'll still defy you! Starting over doesn't mean shit when you don't actually change anything!" Crowley pauses and realizes that the human screaming has faded. They’re all are staring at him, presumably because of the steam billowing off his arms and shoulders. He hadn’t realized how heated he was getting until the water literally evaporated off of him. He hisses at the onlookers, his tongue momentarily becoming serpent-like. They stumble back, perhaps for the first time acknowledging that this strange creature among them is a demon. Maybe he’s the one that’s causing the flood. It’s always easier to have someone to blame. Someone else, Crowley thinks, with another sharp look at the sky. 

Always easier to blame someone else. 

Crowley paces restlessly as Adonai Ish Milchama does Her very best to wipe another mistake off the face of this earth. The mistake, the humans that didn’t have the good fortune to catch HaShem’s eye, or maybe weren’t quite reverent enough (does even <i>he</i> know what happened to Lucifer?) are picking up their children, trying to raise them above the level of the water, as if that will help. As if the water will ever stop. A few are doing the opposite, lowering themselves onto their knees to pray for God to save them. Crowley wants to tell them to save their breath. God won’t listen. She never does.

It’s getting harder to pace, every step requires Crowley to lift his entire leg and drop it back into the water. It’s up to his hips. Really, he’s almost swimming.

He’s not having as much trouble as some others though. Whether it’s Her Great Divinity or because of the very large structure that is Noah’s ark very close, the water seems to have tides. Crowley can feel them pull at his legs and hips, as if God Herself is trying to pull him back into Hell. The sky darkens and the thunder gets more insistent, and if HaShem is going to yell at him than he’s going to yell right back.

"All of these people," he screams, as cold rain lashes down, "what's the fucking point if you're just gonna kill them all?” The wind picks up with the rain. Crowley knows better than to think it’s God responding to him. This was probably all planned. “Did they not worship you hard enough, is that it? Or did you just get bored of playing around with their lives, turned your back like you always do?"

Nothing, not that he expected anything. He got over that foolish little impulse a long time ago.

“BASTARD!” he screams, throat raw with the emotion of it. “You said you’d look after these ones! You’re killing them. You’re killing families, and children, and people who love each other. That’s supposed to be my job, what, in all of Your plans, could possibly possess you to do my job?” Crowley chokes - on rain, obviously - and this time not even thunder answers him.

The water is almost up to his neck and most of the humans are shorter than him. Parents hold their babies above their heads as they do their best to swim without their arms and the wails and screams have mostly been replaced by ragged breathing. Three men have gathered together, treading water as they help each other with the two toddlers between them. Farther back, a child goes under. Two adults immediately dive down to try to save her. They all resurface a moment later, coughing and sputtering as they search for anything to anchor themselves, to hold on for just a little longer. 

The same scene plays out everywhere Crowley looks; humans, seeing their death in the cold water and continuing to fight against the current, to cling to life.

He's about to turn away, there's nothing he can do here, when something catches his eye. A woman, not clinging, but swimming, or the next closest thing, when she has a toddler in her arms. Crowley watches, wondering what she could possibly be swimming towards.

He doesn't realize it's him until she's less than a foot away, panting and frantically kicking as she tries to keep herself and the boy above water. Her eyes lock with his, eyes filled with desperation, fear and pure human stubbornness and she pushes the soaking child into Crowley's chest. His arms fold around the boy almost reflexively. The boy shivers in the demon's grasp.

Crowley opens his mouth to... he's not sure. Protest? Ask for a name? Promise to keep the child safe? It doesn't matter because the woman's head sinks beneath the waves and this time she doesn't resurface.

Crowley holds the child tighter, hoping that some of his demon heat will warm the child. And then he teleports.

There's an infinitely long moment where he feels himself start to go and the child stubbornly stay. If he lets go the child will drown, but if he pulls he'll rip the child apart, bit by bit by bit until not even the soul is left. Pushing doesn't do anything either. He can't go in the other direction, not anymore. Would HaShem even let a human into heaven? After today he doesn't think so.

So he stays. He stays and he buries his nose in the boy's hair and holds him close as the rain pours down around him. 

Unlike the humans, when the current pulls him down, he doesn't fight it. Even so, demons don't die. A demon feels his lungs fill with water, his mouth desperately gasp for air and the cold settle deep deep in his bones. And when the child stops shivering, stops coughing, stops convulsing, well, Crowley does not die when the child does, but he does discorporate.

When he comes to in the hot arid valley of the demons, he feels hopelessly, helplessly hollow. "They prayed," he tells the ground, too shaken to remember how to stand. "They prayed for You to save them."