#why did i think they were holding hands ar first glance

[hellzfire]

they are so fucking ugly i cant (affectionate)

[kissitbttr]

you slam your purse down on the kitchen counter, heels clicking towards the fridge.

behind you, toji rolls his eyes and throws his head back with a loud sigh. he shrugs off his coat before hanging it on the rack. “here we go” he mutters tiredly,

you throw a glance over your shoulder and shoot a glare at him. “what?”

“nothing” toji strides towards you with hands on his hips. “just think that maybe you should act your fucking age for once, sweetheart”

and it makes you let out the loudest yet sarcastic cackle in the middle of the kitchen, unaware of toji’s clenching jaw as he stares at you.

“funny you should say that because it was definitely me who’s acting like my own age while my fiancée was out whoring himself out with a skinny blonde skank in green dress during the gala”

oh fucking—

“jesus” he sighs, rubbing his face up and down with both palms. staring at how your body turns away from him, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and closing it with your heel. “this is what is all about?!”

“yeah, what else?” you sass, looking at him while twisting the cap off. “got another bitch you’re flirting with i do not know about?”

thread carefully fushiguro he thinks, don’t forget how mean she can be

“baby..” he tries to talk softly with you, calming himself so he wouldn’t lash out. “she was an investor… it is my job to find a high quality investor so i would be able to extend my business overseas.. why would i be flirting with another woman when i got you there with me tonight, hm?”

you raise an eyebrow, hand on hip. “so are you saying you’d flirt with more if I wasn’t coming with you?”

he gapes. “what the fuck— that’s not what i meant! you’re my woman! why should i even look at other girls?!”

“you just did tonight!” an argument leaves your mouth. “right in front of me!”

“i fucking wasn’t!” he raises his voice. “why would you even think that?!”

“you were staring at her far too long” you point out, eye brows scrunching together, a sign that tells him that you’re not wrong,

toji shakes his head, “we were having a conversation!”

“so you had to look at her like that?!”

“where the fuck my eyes should be looking then?!”

your tongue clicks against your teeth, watching how your man becoming frustrated. “my tits”

and there it is. the smart comeback that toji loves and hate at the same time. fucking christ, he sometimes wonders how on earth could he put up with you for so long.

the answer? ask God.

“you’re being a smarty pants right now with me, mami”

“nope” you pop out the word, putting the bottle down on the counter it creates a sound. “dead serious.” you turn on your heel and move to the other side of the room,

“oh we are not finished” in quick seconds, toji is able to pull you by your hips and draw you to him. causing you to let out a gasp. “hey, hey—how long have we been together, hm?”

no answer. instead, you look away. arms crossed over your chest. but toji isn’t having any of that, his one hand moves under your chin to get you to look at him.

“come on—how long?”

“…three years” you mumble

he nods, locking his eyes with you. “exactly… and when you kept rejecting me because you weren’t saying yes each time i ask you out… what did i do?”

you sigh, eyes closing for a moment. “waited a whole six months for me. sent me details about your whereabouts and what you were doing because you wanted me to know that you’re serious about having a relationship with me”

again, toji nods. the grip he has on your hip loosen, palm squeezing the soft flesh over the fabric of the dress. “now… would i even be willing to throw away our three years spent together for a woman that I don’t even know about nor find attractive? do you not trust me, baby?”

the tone of his voice becomes softer, eyes pleading to let you know that he’s here for you. and it’s always going to be you. he sees a future together even far before the two of you hit your first anniversary. you’re it for him.

“i do, ji-ji” a pout forming on your lips, eyes looking down as you hold onto his arms. “never doubted you one second”

“then why did you do what you did, hm?” he pulls you in closer, arms snaking around your waist. “you know that I wouldn’t leave you—never in a million years—the thought of finding another woman has not even crossed my mind, gorgeous…”

your shoulders come up in a weak shrug, “just don’t like it when girls are attracted to you… it’s pissing me off that they know you’re hot”

he laughs at that, pecking your forehead. “while that might be true, you then know how it feels to be me when i see men gawking over my fiancée. it’s crazy.”

toji earns a small smile from you, blushing a bit. “i guess…”

“you know what goes through my mind when i was talking to the woman tonight?” he asks, watching you shake your head. “i kept thinking about wanting to fuck you in this dress.. so bad.. you were such a distraction I couldn’t think straight” he groans,

with a giggle, you ask “really?” hands moving up around his broad neck and shoulders. he nods with a half smirk. “do you still want to?”

he raises both of his eyebrows, before moving his hands down to your thighs and catching you off guard by throwing your body over the shoulder with one arm. toji picks up the cold bottle of water off the counter and easily make his way upstairs with a giggling soon to be wife.

“you’ll find out soon enough, doll”

[starboye]

pairing: loser!simon riley x male reader

request: You up for loser!Simon Riley who's supposed to be studying for something stupid but he wants you BAD, so reader make him rattle things off that he's supposed to be studying for while reader ride him, moans and whines and grunts in between almost every syllable he says, and every time he gets a question wrong reader stops. It eventually gets so hard for him to focus reader gets off of him and make him jerk himself off. Also reader calling Simon "Simey", which he absolutely fucking hates.

warnings: smut, cursing, random math questions, praising, edging, jerking off, unprotected sex

oh he was so down bad right now, simon was supposed to be studying for his upcoming test he had but instead he wanted to study every inch of your body and more, and as much as you wanted to leave him alone to study you couldn't resist that nervous face.

"y-y/n" he whines as you bounce up and down on his lap, cock plunging deeper and deeper into you with every drop down onto him "mhm si" you said as if you weren't doing what you were doing right now "can we just fuck normally" he pleads but you sgut that down.

"nuh uh since you wanted this hole so badly you need to earn it also, now what's the square root of 64" you question him taking a glance the his notebook just to make sure he gets it right "is it e-eight" he stammers out almost unable to even think at this point.

"correct, good boy see i told you you could get it you just have to put your mind to it" you cheer and simons mind was anything but getting it right now, he just knew the question so easily, but right now he was close to falling of the edge as he brain was turning to mush by the second.

and you just sat there looking all pretty while splitting your ass on his thick cock and calling him a good boy was almost the cherry on top to him abandoning the whole studying shit "simon" you yell at him "yeah baby" he answers snapping back to the present "are you even paying attention" you ask him.

"yeah obviously" he lies "so then what did i say" you stump him right there, he feels to good to make up any kind of lie right now "i don't know y/n can you just ride me without the studying" he begs, his hands riding up your sides to try and convince you but you know he needs this more than you do so you have to make him work for it.

"mm mm if you want to get any of this you have to work for it" you say getting off him making si whimper in defiance to your sudden change "no please m'so close, i'll do anything i'll study i promise just ride me more" he begs you put you still get off him.

"if you can answer five of these study question while jerking off i'll consider it" you say to him and he's quick to have his hand wrapped around his slick dick, ready to do anything to have you wrapped around him again.

"whats the derivative of 79" you ask him and watch as he racketeers his brain trying to find the answer "i- is it z-zero" he moans trying to focus on you bu focusing on you makes him want to cum even more "good job simey" you knew he fucking hated the name but it's not like he can do anything right now so why not play with him.

"next what is the first 10 numbers of pie" you say "3.14...1-5926535" he chokes out unable to think straight anymore but you push him over the edge when you lean down so close to his ear whispering a low but seductive "good boy simey"

he may have hated the name but when you said it like that he was feral, unable to hold back anymore he just cums, load shooting all over his face and shirt "who knew match was such a turn on to you" you joke but he obviously wasn't amused "but seeing as you did fail there's a punishment" you say climbing back onto his lap and sliding his sensitive cock back into you "you wont be able to think by the end of the night" you tell him.

taglist:@mailmango @spermeboy @ghostking4m @gayaristocrat @addictedtomalepits @staarb0y @crispysoup318 @its-ares @gargoylesworld09 @znerac

[gh0stsp1d3r]

Can you please write about a dark/yandere Luke x Child of Ares reader? The reader has anger issues and Luke is like totally in love. How would the reader act if they noticed how Luke is always following/stalking them? IF YOU LIKE TO CHANGE THE PLOT THEN YOU CAN DO SO! THANK YOUU!

𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓁𝓀ℯ𝓇

MASTERLIST

Warnings- LOTSSS of tension, mentions of stalking but nothing crazy,

“C’mon, You can do better than that!” You said to the kid, they picked up their sword and were breathing heavily, sweating.

“Can we just take a break?” The kid complained, leaning against a tree.

“No. Do the Gods take breaks? Do the monsters coming after you take breaks?” You replied. God, this kid was annoying. And if Chiron handed another one off to you, you were going to scream.

“No, but-“

“But nothing. You’re too weak, and you need training. No breaks.” You said. The kid huffed and you got in a ready stance again.

“You’re harsh on them.” You heard a voice say from behind you. You had just wrapped up the training. You knew that voice from anywhere.

“What do you want, Castellan?” You asked him, tone annoyed. You picked up your sword and tools, not even glancing at him.

“Easy, tiger.” He laughed, holding his hands up in defense. You ignored him. “Just wandering around and I saw you with the kid.”

“Mhm..” you rolled your eyes, standing up and turning to him now.

“Well, I’ll see you later.”

You furrowed an eyebrow at him. What was later?

“It’s capture the flag day…” he said, when he noticed your confused expression.

“Fuck.” You groaned, he smirked and left you alone for now.

You conversed with your team, and Annabeth was out sick, so you guys were going against fucking Luke Castellan.

You noticed him glancing at you from afar while you spoke to your team and he spoke to his. He had a shit eating grin that you wanted to wipe off his face, desperately.

You discussed the best plan, changing up some roles. “Any new campers, follow Clarisse.” And with that, Chiron explained the rules, the horns were played and game started. You and Luke looked at each other one more time, you flipped him off from afar and he just kept on smiling cockily before disappearing from your view.

You all went across the bridge, you looking for Luke, who you knew would be the biggest problem out of them all.

You ventured into the woods, you saw some kids, but easily brought them down and left them begging for mercy when they tried to pick a fight with you.

There was no sign of him, he usually didn’t go with the flag holder, because he was always looking for you. Of course you didn’t know that, but he did.

And that’s exactly what he was doing now. He creeped up behind you quietly, and put his sword to your neck.

“Found you first.” He breathed, his warm breath hitting the shell of your ear. His body was now pressed against yours as you stood, stunned.

“Great job, Castellan.” You said sarcastically. He was confused why you said it like that until you grabbed his arm from behind you, using all your strength to throw him onto the ground. He groaned, his helmet falling off next to him.

He went to grab his sword but you grabbed it before him. He looked up at you, cocky smile gone now.

You put your shoe on his chest, a smile of victory now on your face.

The horns started to blow again, and you both turned into the direction of the sound. You huffed, taking your foot off him. He stood up, brushing himself off.

You handed him his helmet and you walked ahead of him, glancing over your shoulder as you spoke.

“By the way, don’t think I haven’t been noticing you watching me, stalker.”

He stood still, stunned at your words. You just smirked as you walked away, already knowing your team had won by the shouts you could hear.

[herlondonboy]

i love you, clarisse la rue

summary: part two of unclaimed

warnings: none? it’s short, sorry…

wc: 1.2k

tags: @isnt-itstrange @valenftcrush

the day celebrating your birth came quick. all celebrations had been put on hold with the arrival of percy. clarisse was glad he was leaving so that everything would go back to normal.

once your bag was packed, you mindlessly walked around camp, kicking at rocks as people avoided you like the plague. like if they looked at you, you’d send them to the underworld.

your steps were big as you held a confidence you didn’t even know you had. then you were at the area cabin. before you had the chance to double guess or even raise your hand to knock, the door swung open, clarisse staring at you.

your throat was dry. all the newfound self confidence gone. you didn’t say anything, you didn’t have to. clarisse just knew. always.

“happy birthday,” was all she said. how did she know you didn’t want to talk about it?

tears gathered in your eyes and she pulled you forward into a kiss. a kiss that felt like it would be the last. why would she kiss you like that?

when you broke away, you hugged like there was no tomorrow. and maybe there wouldn’t be. your quest was to protect percy jackson and his friends in their quest. your quest was to get them in and out of the underworld unscathed. even if it meant you had to stay forever.

“i lo-“

“don’t,” clarisse cut you off. ‘i love yous’ we’re rarely said between the two of you. it was something that was known without being said. you love each other. you will always love each, even in death.

“please, clar,” you begged. you needed to say this. she stayed silent. “i love you. all the way to tartarus and back. i have loved you from the moment i first saw you. i will continue to love you even after i die. but i’m not going to,” clarisse caught onto the slight waver in your voice. “i’m not going to die in this quest and we’re going to live happily ever after, okay?”

“okay,” clarisse nodded.

your eyebrows furrowed. “clarisse, say it back.”

she sighed. “you know i do.”

“i know, i just- please.”

“y/n…”

“clarisse,” the tears in your eyes came back, but she still didn’t say it. nodding, you shuffled out of her arms, “i’m going to go find will.”

“wait,” clarisse said, reaching into her pocket. “for you,” it was a metal ring.

you didn’t thank her, just pocketing the ring and walking away. you didn’t go to will. you went right over to the far side of camp where you collapsed.

why didn’t she just say it back?

the afternoon sun bathed the camp in a warm glow as you sought out clarisse again, determined to make the most of your final day together. finding her near the training arena, you noticed a subtle furrow in her brow that betrayed the emotions she kept concealed.

"hey, clarisse," you greeted, trying to infuse a lightness into your voice.

she grunted in response, sparing you a glance before returning her attention to her weapon.

undeterred, you persisted, "i was thinking we could spend the rest of the day together, you know, make some memories n stuff before i go."

clarisse eyed you for a moment, and then, with a nod, she reluctantly agreed. as you explored the camp, you could sense her inner turmoil, but she wore a mask of composure.

in the late afternoon, you led clarisse to a nearby cave rumored to hold ancient secrets. the dim light cast shadows on the walls as you ventured deeper, the air growing cooler. spotting a serpent, you reached down, surprising clarisse.

"what are you doing with that snake?" she asked, a mixture of curiosity and amusement in her voice.

"just making a friend," you replied, holding the snake with a grin. "you never know when a serpent's wisdom might come in handy."

clarisse rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile.

as you left the cave, the weight of the impending quest hung in the air. determined to lift the spirits, you proposed spending the night in the ares cabin with her. wrapped in blankets, you both lay side by side, the subtle sadness lingering between you.

"i'm gonna miss you," clarisse admitted quietly, her tough exterior momentarily giving way to vulnerability.

"i'll be back before you know it," you reassured, intertwining your fingers with hers.

the night wore on, and as sleep eluded you both, you decided on a spontaneous late-night swim. sneaking out of the camp, you found yourselves at the edge of a moonlit lake.

the cool water embraced you, and laughter echoed across the still night. in the midst of the gentle waves, you promised clarisse that this wouldn't be the end.

"i'll come back, clarisse. we'll have more nights like this," you vowed, looking into her eyes.

as you emerged from the water, clothes clinging to your skin, you found a secluded spot on the shore. the moonlit night provided the perfect backdrop for shared dreams and whispered confessions.

with dawn approaching, you held each other close, speechless promises passing between you. the looming quest couldn't erase the memory of that night—the laughter, the promises, and the hope of a future beyond the horizon.

“i love you too,” clarisse murmured, eyes still closed. “that’s a confession, not a goodbye.”

the next morning, you were out of camp with a bunch of twelve year olds, playing protector. you lead them to the nearest bus station.

“you can stay with me, if you want,” you heard, making you falter. your turned your head towards the blonde and rose an eyebrow, willing him to explain. “when we get back to camp… there’s no hades cabin and you said the hermes kids don’t like you very much, and it gets lonely in the poseidon one, so…” he trailed off and you cracked a smile.

“okay,” you said softly. “i’ll keep you company.”

-

you, feeling an urgency in your heart, decided to make an offering to iris, hoping for a moment to speak to clarisse at camp. a small trinket and a heartfelt plea were left at the edge of the rainbow, a silent wish for a connection.

iris, almost immediately let you contact your girlfriend. a glimpse of clarisse appeared in the distance. as you approached, excitement mingled with anxiety. clarisse, always perceptive, furrowed her eyebrows when she noticed a cut on your face.

"what happened?" she asked, concern etched across her features.

you explained, "had to fight two furies. it got a bit messy."

clarisse's eyes flashed with a mix of pride and worry. "you're a magnet for trouble, aren't you?"

“i guess it comes with being a forbidden child.”

the encounter felt painfully brief. words exchanged in hushed tones, stolen moments in an alleyway. it felt like time conspired against you, and soon, you found yourselves parting ways again.

sighing, you left the alley, returning to the bustling street. the separation weighed on you. amidst the noise of the city, you couldn't shake the feeling of longing.

as you stepped back onto the street, you asked, "did you mail it?"

percy nodded, a subtle smile widening on his face. the idea to mail medusa’s head to the gods had been percy’s. you loved it. your only wish was being able to see their faces as they received the parcel.

“where to next?” the question fell deaf on ears as annabeth turned to some train tracks. it clicked immediately. a train from new york to los angeles… fun

[strqwberryscapes]

push and pull

summary -> why don't his bloodied hands on your body feel wrong? they should be. he should feel wrong, horrifying and evil. so why doesn't he?

content warnings -> suggestive themes, slight nsfw, corruption, denial

her heavy breathing echoed throughout the cave, as she tried to calm her breath. warmness of qimir's body only reminded her further of how wrong this all was, how she shouldn't be here. on this planet, with him at all. she didn't even remember how exactly she ended up like this, under him, in his cot. they were fighting- or at least she wanted to think that they were. that she was, in fact, pushing him away.

now that she came down from the pleasure that he, as the first one in her life inflicted, doubts started tugging at her chest. the hands that were tangled in qimir's hair fell down her sides, and suddenly the cave's walls seemed very interesting. oh how she wished to be taken away by the cold waves that were heard outside, on the shore. away from him.

qimir's expression was unreadable, even when she reached into the force for help. without a word, he shifted off of her, putting his black trousers back on. his back was turned when he ran his hand through his disheleved locks, and her gaze involuntarily dropped to his scar. she winced slightly. she didn't notice it before.

as if he could feel her stare, qimir stood up, walking off in the direction of stacked crates in the corner of his makeshift house, not sparing a glance.

she propped herself up, looking for her top, spotting it thrown on the ground without care. she couldn't say she hadn't expected that, for him to just leave her as she was. the air around suddenly became cold, and she couldn't help but miss his warmth. she still felt a little sore, but she stood up, a little wobbly.

"where are you going?"

qimir's sudden question caught her off guard. when she looked up, he was gazing at her, his head tilted to the side. she didn't know what to say.

with no further explanation, qimir guided her to sit back down, searching for eye contact. but she was distant, constantly avoiding him. he didn't press firther. instead he gently brought the damp fabric he was holding to her skin, wiping away the evidence of their earlier indulgence.

she almost couldn't move, her bewildered gaze noticing the glass of water next to the bed, that he brought too. her brows were furrowed when he withdrew his hands. was this some form of manipulation? it had to be. he wouldn't just do that. she let her guard down before and she fought with herself not to make the same mistake again.

"why are you so surprised?"

his velvety voice cut through the cool air. there was a hint of something in it, that she couldn't quite catch.

silently, she put her clothes back on, not wanting to be so vulnerable. but she was transparent to him already, wasn't she?

"i..." she hesitated "...expected you to take what you wanted and and tell me to leave."

she admitted truthfully. on the contrary, something completely different happened.

there was a pause.

qimir wasn't one to mince words either, so he replied directly. the harshness in his tone was more of a habit than genuine hostility.

"is that what you think of me?"

the question seemed silly to her. of course she did. he was a sith. a merciless sith, that somehow...

for some reason spared her.

"i- i did think that."

yet she wasn't so certain anymore. his attentive caresses were screaming otherwise.

qimir looked at her curiously.

"if you have, why did you let me take you here?"

she opened her mouth, just to close it seconds later. she didn't know herself... there was something about him that lured her in, like a prey. something that made her give herself to him, even if it would be ar her own cost.

or maybe, it was the promises that he had made. ones of freedom and acceptance. something the jedi would never give her if they knew her views on the force. if they knew what grew deep below the surface, rooted in her body. something, that they have inflicted.

even when she almost didn't know him at all, she had a feeling that he would understand her.

"i wanted..." she trailed off. "i wanted closure."

but it wasn't the entire truth. submerging oneself in pleasure and vulnerability, was a forbidden fruit for the jedi, one that she was deprived of for her whole life. and qimir had offered it to her.

he sensed her hesitance, uncertainty, fear.

his knuckles brushed against her cheek, and he tilted her head to look at him, his gaze unwavering.

"what are you afraid of?"

she couldn't look away anymore. run, like she always did.

"our paths are different."

yet she wasn't so sure of it anymore- it sounded like a reminder, but not for him. for herself.

a hint of a smirk tugged at qimir's lips.

"are they?" he questioned. "we are both doomed."

he pointed out, his hand idly tracing her jawline.

everything about him, his voice, his soft skin, and warm brown eyes, made her lean into his touch.

then a bitter thought appeared in her head.

"is this your way of ensuring i won't betray you?"

he let out a chuckle, at the remains of her self-restraint.

"i don't think i have to worry about that."

and he was right. with what he had shown her, what he made her feel...

"no." her answer came quick both because it was true, but also out of...fear. what would he do if she chose to leave?

he hummed in satisfaction. his thumb carresed her lower lip, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she can taste the blood on his hands. same hands that he used to make her see the force itself.

"you kill with such ease." the words that gnawed at her throat, finally left her lips. she stilled after she realised what she just said. that was a wrong move.

but qimir didn't seem affected.

"you knew that before you came to me. have you forgotten who i am?"

she looked down. she wanted to. there was so much contrast within him. how cruel he could be, and how tenderly he chose to treat her.

"no."

her reply came, same as before.

"then why question me now?"

her gaze involuntarily dropped to his full lips when he spoke. she couldn't escape him. and what was worse, she couldn't escape herself.

a smirk appeared on qimir's face when he noticed her looking at his mouth. without a word, he used his hand under her chin to pull her close.

"that's what i thought."

he sounded pleased as he pressed his lips against hers again. and same as before, she didn't pull away. he had her wrapped around his finger.

his first kiss was gentle, just like his demeanor towards her, attentive and careful. so much so it solved, at least temporarily, her inner turmoil. and once she let him do more, parted her lips, he used it, as if he was just waiting for her to give in. his hand moved from it's place under her chin to her neck, firmly enough to keep her in place, but not to make her struggle for breath. not yet, at least.

he urged her backwards, back onto the blankets, his movements decisive, and he followed behind, hoovering over her.

she wasn't dumb, knowing where this would lead. she gathered all of her will to pull away.

"qimir-" her breath was short. "we just-"

she was cut short, by his lips pressing fleetingly to hers, before descending to kiss her throat.

"you can handle it." he hummed against her skin, and she believed him.

satisfied, he let his hand trail down her body, enjoying the softness of her skin, before dipping between her legs.

she couldn't help but press her thighs together, still sensitive from earlier, and he smiled against her. he planted wet kisses on his collarbone and chest. as if trying to prove something to her, he used his knee to separate her legs.

it wasn't long before he left her trembling in his arms again. her eyes were watery from the intensity of the moment.

qimir looked down at her, taking in the sight of her dishelved form. he felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing how far he could push her. he gently brushed away a strand of hair that fell across her face, his touch surprisingly tender.

"alright?"

she nodded, but the same doubts as before gnawed at the pit of her stomach, replacing the warm, fuzzy feeling.

qimir didn't seem to notice, and even if he did, he didn't mention it.

she stayed still, with his arm around her waist. she felt dirty in a sense- there was no going back now. the jedi wouldn't take her in, wouldn't forgive her what she let herself do and feel.

she couldn't look back anymore.

being raised in the temple meant never changing your beliefs nor trust.

and now?

qimir's breathing became even after a long while that felt like hours.

she was the one fearing being left alone before, but the roles have changed now- holding her breath, she sneaked out of his embrace, desperately needing air, that isn't filled with his presence.

her ship was wrecked. she couldn't go there. but surely, surely if she focused, she could take qimir's. it wouldn't be difficult to just break in there...

leaving him for dead on this forsaken planet.

she should've done so. for all the jedi he had killed, for all the damage he has done-

yet she couldn't make herself to do so. his dark mesmerising eyes, and bloody hands that he commited so much evil with, were engraved in her mind, not letting her take another step.

or maybe it was qimir himself, who's presence appeared behind her.

of course he'd find her. she swallowed, and forced herself to sound firm.

"am i not allowed to leave?"

she swore she could see him tilt his head stupidly-

"leave or run?" he sounded calm, despite probably knowing her intentions.

she clenched her fists, cursing him.

"i needed to clear my head."

he crossed his arms. stubborn as ever, yet he could see through her. so much anger, disappointment with the order. just like his younger self...

"clear your head from what? from me?"

"maybe." she huffed, finally facing him. "you're in there too often." he could, and have, in fact, get into her head- during fighting and...not only that, seemingly.

qimir didn't deny it. she was intriguing, from the moment they fought for the first time in the ruined temple. her suppressed emotions, that spilled, when she almost buried him alive.

"yet you let me inside of more than just your head."

he remarked.

she tensed. oh, yes, she has, twice today already.

amusement flickered in qimir's eyes, and he moved closer, predator-like.

"and you enjoyed it." his voice was slow and deliberate, making sure she heard every sylabe.

she couldn't even deny that, the noises she made, and pleas she whispered, testifying against her. she took in a breath.

"your point?"

qimir took in her angry, helpless form. she had the resilience of a jedi, that was for sure. but it was only a matter of time until he breaks it down.

"my point is, you want me. you enjoy being with me. why try to run?"

there it was. the confrontation she wanted to avoid throughout all her years of being a jedi. she was raised to be pure, perfect and unwavering. but she wasn't. there must be something wrong with her, right?

she didn't feel like there was in his presence. she felt as if she found one of her own. but still...

"im not used to..." she gestured between them. "this."

qimir's eyes continued to study her, his gaze never leaving her face. he could sense her uneasiness, her uncertainty, practically taste her internal battle- the struggle between her jedi past, and the newfound emotions.

"to what? being desired? being wanted?"

her mouth went dry as he openly admitted that he desired her. this couldn't possibly be wrong, by how it made her feel.

"no need to be afraid. you're not with the order anymore. you're with me."

qimir's voice was laced with honey and as persuasive as ever. how could she say no to these chocolate eyes? how could he be bad, when he made her feel so good?

cold and warm tides in the ocean mixed together, creating waves that crashed onto the shore. waves that over time carved the rocks, that were able to make them fall.

and so have they.

masterlist

[michaelceraifhewasagirl]

I accidentally assaulted Clarisse

NEW SERIES ALERT

summary: A new girl at camp, but…. She’s different..

warnings: minimal swearing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ow. “Ow” is a onomatopoeia, I think, but it didn’t matter if I was grammatically correct, because I had just hit Clarisse La Rue in the head with a rubber axe during practice with the Stoll brothers, and she was now sitting on the ground in a fetal position, holding her head in agony, and staring at me with anger in her eyes.

“Oh my God” I muttered under my breath, as I slowly backed away. “Avery, come back, she’s, she’s not going to hurt you!” Connor Stoll pleaded, but then Clarisse began to get off of the grass and I sprinted towards the strawberry fields. I looked around frantically, trying to see if Clarisse was still following me, but then I caught a glimpse of Beckendorf scolding Clarisse, and I visibly relaxed. 

Okay, quick Backstory: two days ago I nearly got killed by a big bear-wolf thing. A goat-child told me that my mom fucked a Greek God and I’m the offspring. If that makes sense. I thought my mom was Hindu, can multiple Gods exist at once? Anyways, the goat guy brought me back to this cool camp and I got to talk to a horse man and a LITERAL GREEK GOD but he was an asshole so I don’t really care about him to be honest. Fast forward to now, this is my first day training, and I somehow managed to injure 5 people, including myself. 

I was sitting down under a tree, trying to catch my breathe after running a fricking marathon trying to not get stabbed by Clarisse, when I noticed one of the Stoll brothers coming up to me, Connor, was it? “Hey, Avery,” he greeted 

“My name is Aikaterini”

“…Can I call ya’ Avery?”

“No”

“Fair enough,” he nodded, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah” I responded “She’s just… She’s terrifying” and Connor chuckled.

“She’s not that scary, give her a chance, she’s tolerable” he said, and gave me his hand to take to get up off of the dirt, and I took it and dusted off my pants when I was off my butt, “She wants to kill me” I retorted and Connor grimaced. “Stay outta trouble, okay? And be careful”, I nodded and he offered a hand on my shoulder as comfort before heading off somewhere to scold an Ares kid, or kill a small child, one of the two.

I awkwardly walked to the Hermes cabin, in which I was staying in, since my father hadn’t claimed me as yet. I hope he does. I heard a lot of undetermined kids get stuck at the Hermes cabin because their bitch-ass parents didn’t claim them. Anyways, I was like, an Inch away from the cabin, before the boat goy came up to me, wait, no that didn’t sound right, anyways, he came up to me, “Chiron needs to talk to you” he said and he practically dragged me by my arm towards a big building “Who’s Chiro- woah! Okay, so I guess I don’t get to say no”

We arrived inside the building and I paled at the sight of the old horse guy. “Aikaterini Balakrishnan, how are you? Getting along well with the rest of camp?” I could tell that he was trying to make conversation, but I couldn’t focus when there was a 7-foot centaur standing infront of me “I… uh… yeah” was what I managed to choke out before glancing around the room, and noticing that the asshole of a Greek God was sitting at the table, with a irritable look on his face and I rolled my eyes.

The centaur sat down on his hind legs and offered me a seat at the table, where I noticed that they were playing a card game “You’re playing Pinochle.” Chiron raised an eyebrow “Why, yes, do you know how to play?” “Yeah, my mom taught me, well, actually, she taught me Bezique, but I taught myself how to play Pinchole” Chiron nodded in approval “You know how to play Bezique as well, that is quite impressive for a girl your age” I blushed in embarrassment, “Yeah, I guess, why did you call me in here?” “Ah,” he put down his pack of cards and looked at me.

“Do you know what tomorrow is?” He asked

“Friday” I responded confidently

“Yes!” He clapped his hands excitedly and I squinted my eyes “Huh?” Mr. D groaned and stepped out of the room, and Chiron waved him away “Don’t take him on. Tomorrow is Friday! Which means we are playing capture the flag!” He explained and I pursed my lips “You guys actually do things in this place besides trying to impale people or set people on fire?” And Chiron grimaced, “Now now, girl, what happened yesterday with Sanya was a mistake, she was just trying to make a sword and her hair caught on fire, it was a, what is it you children say now-a-days? No biggie” I raised my eyebrows “So why don’t you go find a group to be apart of, huh? Get out there, make some friends, I heard you were training with the Stoll brothers, cheeky bastards, aren’t they?” I furrowed my eyebrows “No, no, they aren’t cheeky, they seem really nice” I said and Chiron chuckles, “That is until they steal a family heirloom from you” “Why would they steal from me?” Chiron seemed suprised I didn’t know about these things, “Aikaterini, their father is Hermes, the God of thievery” “I thought he was the God of messengers?”

Chiron looked at me with a thoughtful look on his face, “Has your mother not thought you anything about your roots?” “Not really, I’m Hindu, I grew up believing in Hindu Gods, now, I don’t know what I believe.” If my mother knew that, that Greek Gods are real, and not just fiction, then why would she grow me up with a religion?” “I am sure your mother had her reasons, that of which, I do not know, but you will come to find out anyways, now, I’d like you to meet some people, if that’s okay with you,” I nodded. Chiron called the goat boy, in which I learnt his name, being Grover, into the room, “Yes?” “It would be appreciated if you could kindly locate our respective leaders, those being one for Team Blue and another for Team Red." Grover nodded and came back into the room shortly with a two girls, a pretty one, with long box braids, and then Clarisse.

“Ladies, we have a new camper joining us, I’m sure you have seen her around, I am going to be making a public announcement soon, tomorrow, before the tournament, but for now, you can introduce yourself to her, and maybe recruit her to your team,” Chiron smiled and I looked at them and awkwardly waved, “Hi, uhm, hi Clarisse, sorry for hitting you, uhm, at- at the uh, the axe throwing thing, sorry” I swallowed nervously “My name is Aikaterini, it’s long, I know, you can call me, Kat, or whatever” my voice cracked and I made a mental note to hit myself in the head with a bat later.

“Hi, I’m Annabeth, I’m blue team leader” “You’re not joining the red team”

“Clarisse.” Chiron butted in, “Atleast see what she can do before you make a decision, now go on, bond, I want to finish this game of Pinochle.” We left the building and Annabeth made conversation “So, do you have any special training? Or any training at all?” “Uhm, I can do kumon?” Annabeth looked at me, a puzzled look rested on her face “What is that?” “It’s like… maths” and Clarisse snorted, Annabeth glared at her, “I mean, physical combat. Do you know any form of self defence?” “I, I can dance?” Clarisse butted in “Yeah, no, Annabeth, you can have her on your team.” I looked down in embarrassment, God, I wanna go home. “What kind of dance can you do? Ballet?” “Kuchipudi,” “Okay, I don’t know what that is, how hard do you have to train for that?” “Not as hard as ballet, probably, but if you saw me do it you would be terrified” “You can’t be any scarier than any monster I’ve ever fought, if you put the same energy that you put into dancing into training, then you’ll be a pro in no time” 

I smiled at her, she was nice, unlike Clarisse, who was walking away, I didn’t mind though, being on the blue team seemed like the better choice. I guess we’ll see how the tournament goes tomorrow, but for now, I’m going see if I’m any good at hand-to-hand combat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ hey guise 😁 I hope you enjoyed the first part of this Pjo fandom seriesssss 💗💗 nones of the characters in this stories except my oc’s (Aikaterini Balakrishnan) that were used in the story so far are mine. I wanted to add a Desi character to this story because they don’t get enough recognition 💗💗 Please lmk what you think about this in the comments and lmk what else you would liek to see in this series 💗 idrk where I’m going with this but I am not gonna let this story go to waste, I’ll try to get it done but I got school and stuff so 😪😪 thanks for reading 💗

[mayullla]

Title: Another daughter

Character(s): Mozus Trein (Twisted wonderland)

Summary: Including Yuu, it seems that Crowley had found a small child too playing in the gardens of the school. Not knowing what to do with the little girl he gave you to the professors to deal with while he excused himself. They didn't know what to do with you at first but it seems that you slowly shackled their hearts.

Warnings/tags: Child! fem! reader, this is mainly fluff with tints of platonic yandere so obsession and possessive themes

Many wondered where the head mage went off to when the mirror was appointing each student to their new dorms. While the Prefects acted natural some not even caring a lot of the students could see the frustration in some of the teacher's faces as they continued to look at the door waiting for the headmage to come back from looking for a new student.

He was late, taking a while to find this student that supposedly ran away from the ceremony.

So when everyone thought that maybe he would not come the doors opened revealing the headmage and... some company.

It was the student that he seemed to be looking for… as well as a cat... and something in his ar- Why was the headmage holding a child!?

Crewel was so close to lashing out at the headmage at the whole situation but was somehow able to hold it in glaring at the poor man who had to explain where he went to the prefects telling the new student to stand on the platform as the cat gets kicked out of the building and then was unable to be sorted into a dorm because the student was magicless.

The small bundle from his arms laughed cheerfully at the whole situation. No one was able to get their eyes off the whole situation it was a mess.

A mess!

Yet somehow... somehow everything worked out in the end, as Crowley sent all the students away also telling this magicless student to wait as he hands the teacher the small kid that he found.

Almost all the teachers were glaring at him telling him to explain what happened the time he was gone, except he gave the most half-hearted hurried answer tossing the small child that he found in Crewel's arms and making a run for it to the magicless student.

"Won't you explain yourself?" Professor Trein's voice was low quiet but threatening as he glanced at the kid in the headmage's arms.

"Look I am as confused as you are. But look after this child for me while I deal with the other for now." Crowley started flustered "The small child is just the same as that magicless student and I can't seem to send her back too!"

Quickly the headmage managed to escape with the magicless student leaving in an empty room the teachers as they stare at the small body that was held in Crewel's arms. The doe-like eyes stared back at them, looking around rather confused.

They soon found out that you were from another world, that like that other student, you didn't belong here and were unfortunately unable to go back. "How did you come here little one?" "Hmmm? I don't remember... I just saw this big carriage that was pulled by a horsie that was soo cool!" You told them waving your hands to show how big it was. "It was so pretty!"

"What should we do with her then?" Sam asked pointing at you. "I am not really sure. To be honest, I still need to do some research to send them back to their own world." The headmage frowned as he crossed his arms, trying to think of some sort of idea about what they should do with you.

"Hah, you aren't saying that we must take care of the child? We already have to look after the students." Professor Trien sternly said, Lucius that cat meowed almost as if agreeing with his master.

"But then I must pay to send her to the orphanage, I need to keep up a face...." Crewel mumbled to himself reasoning as to what he should do with you, the voice was getting smaller and smaller as he continued to weights the pros and cons.

"What is he doing?" You asked Professor Vargas now in his arms after Crewel quickly tossed you to him.

"-Yes! Yes. Let's keep her here after all she was called here by the mirror so it should be our duty to take care of her and watch over her till she could get back home. Yes Most certainly, I am the most charitable person alive for doing this."

So somehow in the end much too many professors' headaches. You were to be watched over by one of them as the headmage figured out how to send you back to your world. Crewel threatened and so did the other teachers that the headmage better find the way back, leaving the headmage stuttering a promise that he would.

"So who is watching over the puppy first?" Crewel asked, Vargas was first to say that he would help, stating that he would train you to be fit and to build muscles just as his which was promptly ignored when they glanced at your small frame tinier than the man who was holding you and if not careful could probably squash you.

"Huff... I will take care of the small child. Unlike you lots I have daughters of my own that I took care of. She will be better off in my watch." Trein sighed as he told the other professors that he would be the one to watch over you. It made multiple teachers sigh in relief as they themselves didn't want to watch over you so seeing that someone actually volunteered for the positions made their hearts at ease.

Vargas placed you down telling you to head over to the professor who had a frown on his face looking at you. Most of the teachers wondered if you would be frightened by him seeing that he was after all feared by many of his students.

But took one glance at him and smaller cheerfully "Hello mister! What is your name? Your cat is so pretty and very fluffy!"

The cat made a dry meow at your comment while the professor himself stared at you. Quiet both of you were for a moment leaving the teacher anxious as to what would happen next but the professor only huffed stating his name as well as introducing the other teachers in the room along with the headmage.

"Follow me young one for now on you will be with me."

So you did.

It was interesting, to say the least... as the students all watched you follow Professor Trein wherever he went. Staying in a corner of a room drawing or maybe even studying after the professor made you something to do instead of sleeping in all his class feeling bored.

His steps slowed down a little for you giving the students a chance to run and make it to their next class with him. And while this was something none of the students believed when one of the guys saw it, they saw Trien have a small smile on his face as he looked at you.

Only to turn it back down to a frown when he noticed someone staring at him.

It was almost a funny image as you carried Lucius around in your arms. The cat was too big for you almost touching the floor with its hind feet while you carry it around. They wondered why the cat has yet to hiss at you some even trying to get you away from the cat only to be hissed at.

It was funny for most of the teachers really when you would ask Trein many questions, many that were really dumb while some repetitive. The cat Lucius tucked in your arms meowing in dislike at the fact that you are treating it almost like a doll yet at the same time rather looked rather comfortable.

And while they would laugh a bit if not pity the old professor they felt like they were silenced when they saw the affectionate smile the man had on his face when he looks at you. When you would eat a cupcake and have cake crumbs in your mouth, the old professor would lightly scoff at you while cleaning your mouth with a napkin he took everywhere with him.

They have heard that he had two children both of who were already old. That he was the one who take care of them alone as he was a widow. And pondered if all this affection was because of his past.

While they knew about it they never really saw it in their mind that Professor Trein would act so affectionate when he was so strict with all his students.

Vargas saw how the old man always glance back when he thought that nobody was looking to check to see if you were following along and not getting lost after you gasp at the students flying in broomsticks. You lightly pulled on the professor's clothes asking him if people could fly on broomsticks and if you too can also become a witch.

The old professor told that while yes people here learn how to handle flying on a broomstick he would not let you fly on them just yet stating that you were still too young to fly on them and that maybe in the future you could. The hope in your eyes as you raise your pinky finger asking him to do the same. You asked him to make a pinky promise with you and while the professor looked down at you for a moment he then squatted with one knee touching the floor as he raised his pinky finger.

The scene made a few students who were flying on brooms bump into each other in shock at what they saw. Some were unable to control their brooms when they saw the old man get down and show his pinky finger to you. Really that class had a lot of accidents as even some who were on the ground got hurt because they didn't check the sky to see another person on the broom heading towards them unknowingly as they continued to stare at the two of you in shock.

While Vargas had sent almost half of the students to the infirmary he could not get that memory of his mind while it was cute of a situation if not that mildly amusing. He could not help but wonder if it was alright to lie to a small child like you when you would at one point be sent to your home world where magic isn't real. That you would not be able to hop on a broom one day and fly.

You didn't belong to this world and you need to go back home. And making a promise like that was rather cruel.

But it seems that Professor Trein had a different idea. Because to him, you belonged to him now. You were his own daughter. 

It was a slow thing at first, he only looked after you because it was a duty that he placed himself in. He was the only one who could probably watch over you, lacking fate for the headmage or others to take care of a small child and not care for their needs. It was slow but he started to care for you as much as his own children, he grew to miss the past when they were small enough to fit in his arms.

There were too many mistakes that he had made in the past, as a single parent, and while if he could he wished to go back to the past he knew that it wasn't something possible less he wanted to pay a big price.

He thought that he could use his past mistakes as an advantage to watch over you better than he had done in the past with his own two children. When did he start to become obsessed over it was hard to pinpoint.

He treasured you, he treasure you so much as you followed him around with his cat right beside you. 

You had become a chance where he could right his wrongs.

Note: Yes I did write something similar to this and it is here. Only that this is more Professor Trein focused. Hope you liked it!

[caesarinsalata]

[BLOOD WARNING!] PART 1

Strap in for another short read!

I was planning to wait to post this, but I'm curious how this will translate to people 🤔

Part 1: 5 years later

“Hohenheim! Where is Hohenheim?!”

King Xerxes punched the arm of his throne, coughing right after. His subjects frantically whispered amongst themselves. Wondering who last saw Hohenheim.

“Your highness! He’s here!”

Hohenheim came into the throne room escorted by a guard, not looking too happy.

“Hohenheim! You know I detest waiting.” Drumming his fingers.

Hohenheim sighs, stepping up to the base stair of the throne platform. “Yes, yes, I know, your highness. What was it that you needed? I’m very busy with many of your requests.”

The King exhales through his nose. “I’ll choose to overlook that tone. How close are we to immortality? I haven’t got forever, Hohenheim.”

Hohenheim clears his throat, wiping his hands on his clothes. He hated these updates the King forced him to report every other day like this sort of thing he was attempting to give him was achievable overnight. “Your Highness, we’ve been through this. It takes time to gather the resources and the science is complicated.”

“You’re-” The King coughs into the back of his hand. “You’re just making excuses! Where is that Dwarf? He knows a lot more than you and doesn’t make excuses!”

“Everything we know about this immortality nonsense is from him! Of course he’d know!” Hohenheim was getting frustrated with this whole immortality thing! At first he was all for helping The King, but the more information he gathered about this supposed immortality was just driving their King crazy. Crazier than he already was, he didn’t particularly favor their King as the years went on. Too many people were way too obsessed with this immortality thing once their age began to surface.

“Hohenheim.” The King suddenly stood up. “I’m tired of waiting.”

“The Dwarf has already told you how this will work! It’s bound to take a handful of years. Especially when you order the death of your own people from all across the country!” Hohenheim was getting irritated. Why did he go along with this make believe? No King should live forever regardless. Being in power had a nasty habit of corrupting people.

“Hohenheim! Have you forgotten your place? Need I remind you? I am your King!” The King had a coughing fit and sat back down. The nearby subjects inched closer in worry. Wheezing out the words, “I’m fine…” and glaring down at Hohenheim. Seeming to think of something devilish, he turned to his right hand guard. Glancing to Hohenheim. “I think you need a reminder…” Clapping his hands at the guard signaling him to leave.

“What does that mean? Your Highness, just be reasonable!”

“We’re passed that now, Hohenheim. You obviously need some inspiration and a reminder of your mortality.”

Hohenheim was just confused now.

Moments later the guard returned with an 11 year old holding his hand. It was Edward. But he wasn’t bothered to look up from his book he was holding in his other hand. He was guided to the middle of the throne room.

“Edward? Why is he here?” Only then, Ed looked up and around. Not really caring about whatever was going on right now. His gaze went from the King to Hohenheim then back down to his book. “Your Highness, he can’t be in here.”

“You’ve left me no choice, Hohenheim. You obviously haven't sacrificed enough yet to understand the gravity of what immortality will do for this empire!”

Hohenheim’s breath caught in his throat. “What are you planning to do?”

“Don’t worry, I won't kill your eldest son.”

“Wha-?” Hohenheim lurched forward but was stopped by the other guards. “Ed! Get out of here!”

Edward whipped his head up, startled by Hohenheim’s exclamation. Feeling the tension in the room, he was only able to tug at the guards hold on him. “What the- What the hells going on here?” Dropping his book when another guard grabbed his other ar. He fought against their hold to no avail. Guided to the ground, they held him down despite his kicking and cursing.

“Good timing too. You haven’t been teaching your boy proper manners. Proceed.”

“What are you doing??!!” Hohenheim fought against the guards holding him back, one of them elbowing him in the gut causing him to double over.

A guard unsheathed his sword and stepped closer to Edward.

Understanding the situation finally, Edward’s eyes grew wide. He was suddenly scared out of his mind. “Get that thing away from me! What the hell is this?!”

“Ugh,” The King groaned, leaning his head on his hand. “Children are nothing but annoying nuisances.”

The guard held the sword in both hands over his head. Edward could tell from his face he didn’t wanna do this. Whatever it was he was going to do to him, it wasn’t going to be anything good for Ed. He couldn’t hear Hohenheim yelling his name while he struggled against four guards. His heart throbbed in his ear.

This is bad.

He’s got to move.

He’s got to do /something/.

NOW!

Ed started to kick and scream more ferociously, startling the guard and throwing him off his aim. Depending on what he was actually aiming for, that is. The sword came down and all Ed could hear was his screams and the slice of metal getting clean through flesh and bone. He choked on his own tongue when the sudden pain sent a shock through him. A moment of silence passed over him before he sucked in as much air as possible, stifling a choked gasp and screamed from the top of his lungs. The guards had let go of him and backed away, guilt plastered all over their faces. His hands shot down to his dismembered leg. Trying to lift himself to see how bad it was, the color of deep red was all he could see. Everywhere. All over the place. Barely making out Hohenheim sprinting right at him, tears in his eyes. He lifted Ed's upper half up, desperately trying to keep him from passing out, but the shock and pain were too much for such a small boy to handle.

[lumenflowered]

[A video is attached. It's unclear who's filming, but if the fact that Dee—currently wrapped up in a cozy-looking blanket—has her own device lying next to her is any indication, whoever is filming is probably using Maria's Pokégear, which gives it fairly high odds of being Ade.

"I... would like to ask a question, if that is... if that is alright."

At a glance, Dee still seems visibly shaken, which is kind of impressive considering she is literally a sentient doll. She's sitting on what seems to be some sort of pull-out couch bed, in what appears to be someone's spare room. Her Persian is sprawled over the rest of the bed, as well as her lap.

"Of course," Maria says. "More than alright."

Dee sighs. Her shoulders slump.

"...Why do you care about me at all? Mallory, I think I understand, even if she insists she's terrible at caring about anyone... but why you? I... I only exist because someone you trusted..."

"It would be incredibly unfair of me," Maria says after a moment, "to blame you for the actions of another. You aren't Gehrman. You aren't me, either."

"But... that nightmare..."

"It was sent specifically to harm you. As mailed nightmares so often are." Maria sighs. "You aren't the first who has been forced to relive what I lived, that day. Nor are you the first to take it poorly. I don't believe anyone would take it well, though I suppose some would be less affected than others."

"...Eileen. Right." Dee sighs. "Do you ever wonder what happened to our Eileen? Mallory doesn't know. Not that she likes admitting it."

"I... hope that, wherever she might be, she is alright," Maria says quietly. "Though I would settle for alive."

"As would I..."

"Well," Maria says after a brief pause, "I rather doubt I'm the only Faller who has ended up in another place by way of death. So it is quite possible, that if she died..."

"I hope so."

"As do I."

Both women fall silent for a time. Dee runs a hand through her Persian's fur absently, something he responds to with a sleepy mrrp and by rolling over. Eventually, she reaches for her own device.

"I should likely... let others know..."

"Wait," Maria says, suddenly.

Dee hesitates. "Is... something wrong?"

"I... not exactly, but..."

There's a look in Maria's eyes, suddenly, as if she's come to a decision. As if, on all levels but physical, she's decided: fuck it, we ball. Or she would have if that was one of the handful of modern phrases she'd decided she liked enough to incorporate into her own vocabulary, but the sentiment remains.

"I've had... relatively little connection to those I was unfortunate enough to consider my blood relations, over the years," Maria says. "Even before I died. Even before I left without looking back. My parents were... they cared more about keeping up appearances than about who I was. And the less that is said about Annalise, the better."

"Who... never mind," Dee says quietly. "I'm... not quite certain where you are going with this?"

"Fortunately," Maria continues, "family doesn't have to be by blood. The blacksmith working there did more for me than my blood family ever did—I sincerely hope he made it out, before the end—and... there was a time I, foolishly, considered my mentor within the Hunters to be family as well."

"...You mean Gehrman."

"Clearly, he saw things differently than I," Maria says with no small amount of bitterness in her voice. "I hope neither of us ever have to deal with him again, but that isn't... this isn't about him."

"I'm still not sure where this is..."

"This is about you," Maria says, and Dee immediately falls silent. "If I was someone else, this might be where I'd say something about how I'd always wanted a sister, but I'm not someone else, and I have no desire to lie to you. It was better that I was an only child, when I was young. That I had no siblings to protect, for I could scarcely protect myself in those days."

Maria breathes out slowly, and holds out a gloved hand to Dee, from where she's sitting on the edge of the bed. "But things are different now. We are both different now. I'll confess I don't have any idea of how this would normally work, but I don't believe either of us have to, and others have been assuming we are related for quite some time regardless."

Dee stares at the offered hand. She's frozen in place, and stopped petting Gascoigne the Persian, who mrrs in clear displeasure at the fact that she's stopped.

"We are related," Dee says quietly. "But not in the way that others frequently assume."

"We could be," Maria says, continuing to hold out her hand. "If you're open to it. I consider you to be family, perhaps the last I have left. Whether you consider me the same... that is not a decision I, or anyone else, can—or should—make for you."

Dee stares at the offered hand for a little longer. Gascoigne mrrps louder.

At last, she takes it, with a faint smile. "I... yes. I think I'd like that. But I do have a question related to this..."

"Of course," Maria says.

"...What is a sister?"

The video ends.]

[thevoicefromanotherworld]

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING BABE"

Another Logan story, cause why not honestly

(Here you have another soft and cute story about him @loganhowlettshousewife I hope you like it) ���

Logan has stolen Scott's bike, again.

But this time there is an explanation.

He had a date.

It turns out that the new chemistry teacher at the X-Mansion had not been oblivious to the glances he threw at her when they met in the hallways as she had led him to believe. Logan knew that she had feelings for him. He didn't know exactly if it was curiosity, fear or simply friendly affection.

Every time they talked, the sweet smell of tension that emanated was palpable, so he decided to ask her to spend the day together.

Despite being a teacher, a job that requires you to be outgoing, she was shy with him. Her blushes were common every time she spoke to him and her tongue was tangled, thus demonstrating how much his closeness affected her.

Howlett didn't think she would accept, but to his surprise she did.

That's how they had ended up on Scott's bike, heading to the forest outside the city. Logan wanted to take her to a specific place, so he left the bike in the parking lot and gestured for her to follow him.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked once. "You didn't bring me here to kill me, did you?"

"Believe me, princess," he murmured. "If I wanted to kill you, you'd know."

"Don't say that," she whispered timidly. Logan stopped, leaning against a tree in a casual manner.

"What?" he asked amused.

"Princess," he muttered, blushing violently. "I don't like you calling me that."

"Okay, keep lying to yourself," he paused. "Princess," he concluded, leading the way again.

"Logan!" she shrieked after him. He smiled amused. "How much longer?"

"We're there," he said, looking at the landscape in front of them.

She gaped at the image before her. It was a river.

A river in the middle of the forest. And he had brought her there.

"Logan," she murmured, moved. He could see the exact moment when one of the walls behind which she was hiding broke before him. "It's beautiful," she whispered, looking at him. "How did you know of its existence?"

"I came to see it a few days ago," he said. "In one of our conversations, you said that you felt more comfortable surrounded by your element." He pointed to the water and the plants. "This place seemed the most suitable for our date."

"Thank you," she whispered, noticing how her heart warmed inside her chest. "It's very kind of you."

The young woman raised her wrist with her palm facing up. Instantly, the plants in the place responded to her call, stretching and contracting until they formed a fluffy towel where they could both sit. Logan sat down next to her.

For the first few minutes, they devoted themselves to observing the river in silence. They just stood there listening to the sound of the water hitting the rocks, as well as the whistling of the air between the branches of the trees.

"I'm sorry," she said, breaking the silence. He watched her closely. "I'm supposed to say something, but I really don't know what to say." He sighed. "I'm not very good at these things."

"You don't have to say anything, babe," he reassured her. "It's okay."

"Okay," she sighed, raising her wrist again, this time to draw water from the river toward her.

Logan watched in fascination as she shaped the water into a rose. She handed it to him.

"It's for you," he said, "as a thank you for what you've done for me."

"It's beautiful," he whispered, holding it in his hand.

Suddenly, the air became thicker between them. Logan could feel his pulse racing, the blood pooling in his cheeks and lower abdomen.

-Logan… -she whispered as he slowly approached her lips without touching them-

-Hm? -she murmured, looking away from her eyes to her mouth-

-Kiss me -she muttered, causing a guttural growl to come out of Logan's throat-

His lips connected with hers in a tender kiss full of need. He held her face in his hands, bringing her closer to him, while she put her arms around his neck to support herself. He could feel her muscles contracting under his touch.

Suddenly Logan felt a great torrent of water soak them both. He separated from her for a few moments, holding her by the shoulders. The river water had poured over them, which had only one plausible explanation.

-I'm sorry -she murmured, looking at him with shame reflected in her eyes- when I'm nervous, it's hard to control my powers

-So nervous, huh, princess? -she smiled mischievously- I wouldn't call it that, I'd say you're…

-Don't you dare say it, Mr. Howlett -she reprimanded him, raising her index finger in the attitude of an angry teacher, which only excited Logan-

-Okay, I won't say it -she whispered, approaching his mouth again-

[isaacapatow]

* * #ARES' HOUSE CONVO WITH @aresmelaina

a simple task, derailed by the subject of lucien. ares figures out that renee got ike injured but presses to find out more. ike snaps his jaw shut on ares' throat.

Ares Melaina: -Ares had gotten up surprisingly early; he'd just made himself a cup of instant coffee when he heard some noises coming from the doorway; making his way to the front he saw Isaac currently making his way in- Hey, Ike, what are you- -he raises an eyebrow, glancing at the stuff Ike is carrying- Are you trying to build something? 

Ike: Uh, yeah I'm trying to build something. -gestures around with his hammer at the entirety of ares' house- I'm putting in a god damn door, first of all. How are you living without a door? Don't fuckin' ... animals and shit get in?

Ares Melaina: I used to have a door. The hinges broke. It's in the living room, now. And it's been alright with the animals, just a few cats. And a rat. Once. -Ares leans up against the hallway door as he eyes Ike- Didn't know you could... build things. Guess that's why you left so soon yesterday.

Ike: I can do a ton of shit you got no clue about, kid. I'm a one-man show. -heads into the living room to look for the door, inspecting the hinges with a grunt- Well, it's an easy fix, at least. The wood's still viable to just replace the hinges. Did somebody ... knock your door down? Little pig, little pig?

Ares Melaina: -he follows Ike into the living room, taking a sip from his coffee as he watches the older man, huffing out in amusement- Nah. I mean - I guess I knocked it down when I came home late. -from the bar, after that talk with Mayra, half-drunk-  Don't think anybody breaks into houses here. -he considers Ike curiously, carefully- You sure you're fit to work with- he gestures to his head, the stitches visible-

Ike: Yeah, yeah. It's good for me to keep up a little bit of work while I'm recovering, y'know? Physically and mentally. You can use all those muscles you're covered with and do the heavy lifting for me. -motions ares over- C'mon. Hold the door while I get these bum hinges off. We've had break-ins, from time to time. Nothing big, really -- mostly people pissed at each other, getting back at each other. Anybody liable to wanna get back at you, Ares?

Ares Melaina: Alright. You know what you're doing. -he walks over and grabs the door; the discomfort the comment causes almost makes him wince before he puts on a grin- No sir. Unless Silvy decided to go rogue. Or you changed your mind. -his grip on the door tightens ever so slightly; he wants to change the topic- Sounds like something you might have experience with. People wanting to get back at you.

Ike: Oh, I don't think Silvy would be likely to come for you. She talked to the Council, that's her speed. Firefighters don't go rogue. -starts unscrewing the hinges, prying them off once they're loose enough- I didn't change my mind on you. We squared it, didn't we? Out on the forest floor, me playing the tom-toms on that pretty face of yours? -glances up at ares, steadily, waiting till the younger man meets his eyes- We squared it. We're fine. You're my raider, you belong to me, so we're square. -inspects the splintered areas, making a sound of satisfaction- Yeaaaah, people don't like me much until they get to know me. Or they don't like me because they got to know me. But I don't own anything anybody would want to steal.

Ares Melaina: -he meets Ike's gaze after a moment, swallowing at the comment- Yeah. Guess we're square then. -he turns his attention back to the door and Ike's working hands- That happened to you? Somebody figured out who you were and then they stopped liking you? -his gaze turns back to Ike for a moment- Are you talking about Luc?

Ike: -his hands pause at ares' question, then pick up again, breaking off a small section of wood- Why would you guess Lucien?

Ares Melaina: -he notices the pause, his gaze flickers from Isaac's hands to his face- 'Cause Lucien wasn't too happy when you beat me up. And I'm figuring you guys argued and you told him some things about me. That he doesn't believe.

Ike: That's nice, isn't it? That somebody was unhappy that you got beat up? -his voice is slightly mocking, but then ike sighs, straightening and pressing one hand against the door, putting more pressure against ares holding it- We argued. He socked me one, said some stuff that wasn't exactly untrue. Did he tell you that part?

Ares Melaina: -he grips the door tighter- And he said he can't throw a punch. -he shakes his head, both in mild disbelief and in response to Ike- He was pretty vague overall. I figured you told him about the.. the shit I pulled at the Halfway House. -he eyes Ike curiously- What did Luc say about you?

Ike: You know your brother. Writers tend to cut to the quick with their words when they wanna. -leaves ares with the door to go fetch his other tools and the parts he's brought, sorting in the bag- That I'm an asshole, aims above my station, on a power trip... -finds some sandpaper and returns to the door, starting to work on the splinters- Rotten to the bone.

Ares Melaina: Jesus. -he grimaces slightly and turns quiet for a moment- I don't think he means that. The rotten to the bone part at least. -he watches Ike work intently, taking in the movements- He said you're still his friend.

Ike: I know. -slows his sanding, blowing away some dust, before giving it a few more passes- People like it that I'm rotten to the bone. It's comforting to be friends with somebody who you know is guaranteed to be worse than you. -points at ares- Keep holding it. I have hinges.

Ares Melaina: -his gaze turns from Ike's work back to the man himself- Jesus, Ike. What the hell? -he hesitates a moment before he leans the door back up against the wall- Luc isn't like that. He isn't friends with you to make himself feel better. I know my brother. He isn't the type. -he grimaces- You aren't okay, are you?

Ike: -makes an irritated, protesting sound when ares moves the door away- I was working on that. -he frowns deeper as ares continues, face going closed off by the end of it- I don't know what you're talking about.

Ares Melaina: -he steps up to Ike, getting just a bit into his space as he looks up at the older man- Something happened -he pauses for a moment- Or a lot of shit did and it's coming out now. The hell happened?

Ike: -more obviously irritated now, scowling at ares- Of course something happened. I got my head torn open, is what happened. It's put a tiny bit of a fucking damper on my otherwise sunny outlook.

Ares Melaina: So, you're upset because you got yourself injured on a raid? We get hurt all the time. -he narrows his eyes, his brain working- Something is different about this time. Something happened on that raid, didn't it?

Ike: -keeps staring at him, mouth set hard and jaw working, but doesn't contradict ares-

Ares Melaina: -he seems to be piecing things together- Renee got you hurt, didn't she. That's why we're not allowed to bring her. -his eyes are unwavering as he meets Ike's- What did she do to you?

Ike: -folds his arms, scowling harder, huffing out a heavy breath-

Ares Melaina: Ike. -Ares suddenly pushes in closer, his face hardens, his eyes narrow- What did she do to you? Talk to me.

Ike: -lifts his chin, very slowly, and regards ares with a narrow, glittering stare- I'm keeping you safe, not taking her anywhere. That's all you need to know. I'm not a fuckin' tattletale.

Ares Melaina: -he meets the stare, not averting his own gaze- No. No, I think I should know more. You said I belong to you. I'm your raider. If she tried to hurt you, then I gotta know.

Ike: She didn't... -relents, a little, at that- She didn't try to hurt me. She didn't listen. She ran off because she was mad at me, and went into the clinic before I had a chance to assess it.

Ares Melaina: -he listens, quietly- Jesus. Fuck. I mean I get why you're not wanting us to take her out again. But- -he shakes his head- That doesn't alone explain why you're acting like that. Like people only want you around because of what you can give them. Why- Did someone else hurt you?

Ike: Why the hell is this so important to you, Ares? I handle my own business. -sneers, his voice going lower, curdling with a sudden fury- I fucking handle everyone's business. This is just your first look inside the slaughterhouse.

Ares Melaina: -he seems taken aback by the venom for a moment, but quickly catches himself- So it's a lot of shit that built up, huh? This isn't the first time you're doing that. You're just tired of it now. -his mind is working quickly- You're scared that's all you are. Just someone who handles things.

Ike: -is in a full-on cold rage now, his mouth in a steep downturn as he steps up so close to ares they're almost nose-to-nose- Don't you goddamn think you can psychoanalyze me, boy. You don't understand a thing about how I work. Just because I was able to get into that worm-ridden little brain of yours and see that you miss getting put on your knees by the fuckin' lifers when you were doing time, it doesn't mean you can turn the tables on me. You're nowhere near ready to do that. You don't have what it takes. -grabs the back of ares' head, shaking him hard- Bring this up with me again and you'll wish you tore your tongue outta your fucking head before you said word one.

Ares Melaina: -he instinctively reaches to grab Ike's arm, wrapping his fingers around it as he meets his gaze as Ike gets in close: his eyes widen; he swallows, his heart thumping, pulse throbbing against Ike's hand; he stares at him for a few seconds, taking a moment before responding- Yessir.

Ike: -his stare dots back and forth against ares' face after the younger man concedes, and then ike breaks it, grinning broad and sharklike, sliding his hand from ares' hair to the side of his neck, thumb fetched up hard against his voicebox and digging in- Yes SIR! See, you do know how to get along with me just fine! I like having conversations with you, Ares. You need reminding of the rules every now and again, but it's never boring. And there ain't nothin' I hate worse than boring! -lets go, moving back to pick up one of the new hinges- Get that door again.

Ares Melaina: -he makes a choked noise when Ike presses down on his voice box; when Ike let's go Ares has to take a step back, eyes still widened as he seems to seize Ike up, adjusting- Yes. Sir. I mean Ike. -he responds, voice ever so slightly raspy as he pulls up the door again, heart still thumping in his chest to the point that it seems hard to hold his hands still-

Ike: -they finish up the work near-silently and hang the door, none of it too strenuous; ike collects his things and heads out, stopping to test the door one last time- See that you keep that chinny-chin-chin shut, little pig. Or I'll be back to blow your house in.

.end

[a-pink-beau]

FFXIV Write 2024 #4 - Reticent

Summary: A never ending stream of letters from family are repeatedly ignored.

Content Warnings: None

Spoilers: ARR, Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker

______________________________________________________________

Tataru waves down Momodi. Momodi, the proprietor of the Quicksand spots the small hand poking over the counter and walks over and peers down from her footstool to see Tataru waving up at her.

“Ah, Tataru! Here to pick up your mail?” Momodi asks, already fishing out the stack of letters from its hiding spot.

“As always!” Tataru cheers, pulling her satchel from her hip to in front of her, readying it. 

“The Drowning Wench is late again as usual, so you’ll have to grab them next time, but here is what the Quicksand and the Roost have received since you’ve last been.” Momodi hands two stacks of letters to Tataru.

“Thank you, Momodi. I’ll be back again in a week.” Tataru nods her head as a goodbye and turns and walks toward the exit, thumbing through the letters. “Bill, bill, Papalymo, bill, Lehon’a, Minfilia, oh!” A particular letter catches her eye. “Haven’t had one of these ones before.” She tucks the letters in her satchel and heads off back to the Waking Sands.

_ _ _

Tataru pencils something into her ledger, standing on her chair at the entrance to the Waking Sands. Lehon’a and Ar’beunti walk in the door, talking amongst themselves. Lehon’a gives her a friendly hello and a wave as they walk by, Ar’beunti flashes her hand but does not make eye-contact with Tataru. “Oh, um, Ar’beunti. You have mail.”

Ar’beunti stops in her tracks, confusion contorting her face.

“Why? -I mean, from who?” Tataru takes another look at the letter.

“Looks like it’s from an Ar’lapi Dah.” Ar’beunti’s confusion turns to concern. Lehon’a looks at Ar’beunti.

“Someone from the Ar clan? Someone you know then? Family?” Ar’beunti stands frozen, eyes looking back and forth from Lehon’a and the letter in Tataru’s hands.

“My mom…” Beau answers in disbelief. “How did that letter get here?” Beau asks, almost as if accusing Tataru of something.

“I pick up all the mail from the adventure’s guilds, anything addressed to me or any of the scions gets consolidated in Ul’dah and I bring them back here. It keeps our location a secret but we can still receive letters.” Tataru extends a letter each to Ar’beunti and Lehon’a. Lehon’a grabs his, looks at the sender and smiles. Ar’beunti just looks at her letter in disgust.

“You can just throw it out.” Beau says, and walks to the stairs that lead to the Waking Sands.

“Throw out a letter from your mom?” Lehon’a looks hurt, glancing down at the letter from his own mother. Ar’beunti doesn’t respond, and falls out of view down the stairs.

“I’ll… I’ll just hold onto this for now, I think. In case she changes her mind.” Tataru says, partly to herself, before tucking the letter away.

_ _ _

“Another letter from your mother, Ar’beunti! I kept the first if you’d like to read them both.”

“No, no need.”

_ _ _

“Letter for you, Ar’beunti. It’s from your mother.”

“No thanks.”

_ _ _

“Mail for you!”

“Nope.”

_ _ _

“Uh, Ar’beunti?”

“Don’t want it.”

_ _ _

“Mail for you, Ar’beunti. I’ll put it with the rest.”

_ _ _

“Mail for you, Ar’beunti. I’ll just put it with the rest.”

_ _ _

“Mail for you, Beau. I’ll put it with the others.”

_ _ _

“Mail for you, Beau. I’ll set it with the rest.” And on it continued. Every letter, ignored. But they persisted. Ar’beunti never replied. Even after defeating the Ultima Weapon, or after Nidhog and Thordan VII were defeated, or after helping liberate Ala Mhigo and Doma, or after returning from the First. Through all this time, the letters never stopped.

Then the Final Days arrived. And the letters stopped.

The Warriors of Light would defeat The Endsinger and bring an end to the Final Days, the people of Etheirys saved. For the first time in a long time, the Warriors of Light would get a taste of peace.

_ _ _

“...Tataru…” Beau said sheepishly over the counter of Tataru Taru’s Boutique. Tataru, folded some papers away and hopped up on the footstool behind the counter.

“How can I help, Beau?” Beau tries a few different words on her lips as she thinks of what to say.

“I know you’re not our receptionist anymore… but I was wondering if you’ve gotten any letters from my mom lately? It’s been a long while since you had mentioned anything.” Beau’s voice wavers ever so slightly as she speaks. Tataru’s smile fades upon hearing the Warrior of Light’s request. She pulls out a notebook from her pocket and begins leafing through it. Page after page she flips, until near the back of the booklet.

“Sorry, Beau, but it’s been months since I’ve gotten anything from her…” Tataru’s voice fades, trying to not imply what the absence of letters may mean.

“Since before the Final Days.”

“Yeah… before the Final Days. I’m sorry, Beau…” The two sit in silence for a moment, Beau takes a deep breath and wipes her eye. Many lives had been lost to despair. Those most susceptible to fear and hopelessness. Beau’s parents were not strong willed people. “I still have all her other letters stored away and the Rising Stone-”

“No thank you, Tataru. That’s okay.” Beau stands in front of the boutique for a moment longer, before turning and leaving. Maybe Tataru’s surprise gift for the Warriors of Light would be more suited for Beau in particular.

_ _ _

Lehon’a and Beau sit along the shore of their (well mostly Beau’s) Island Sanctuary, watching the sun set. Basking in the reward of months of (Beau’s) hard work getting the island into shape.

“Have you ever thought to actually go look for them yourself?” Lehon’a asks, playing with the drink in her hand. Lehon’a looks to Beau, who keeps her eyes on the setting sun.

“Wouldn’t do me any good. If they transformed… turned into blasphemies… there’d be nothing left to look for.”  Beau takes a deep breath. “At least this way, I can still hold out hope that they’re maybe still alive out there somewhere. Rather than confirm that they aren’t.”

“Wouldn’t you want to talk to them?” Beau sits in silence for a moment.

“I don’t know what I’d say. I never can seem to find the words to express how I feel about them. I was barely 18 summers old when I left. That was five years ago.” Lehon’a wants to say something, but it looks to her that Beau doesn’t want words right now. “I never said goodbye.” Beau brings her knees to her chest, her eyes slightly misty.

“Would reading those letters help?” Beau shakes her head.

“Definitely not. I’d probably hate whatever they said. ‘What you’re doing is dangerous,’ ‘come back home,’ ‘the world will only hurt you.’” Beau scoffs, swipes up some sand and throws it out in front of her. “Seeing the letters arrive was just a way to know they were okay.”

Beau catches some movement out on the water. It’s a small row boat. “Looks like your ride is here.” Lehon’a raises an eyebrow.

“What ride? The boat I came in is right there.” Lehon’a points to a similar sized rowboat parked further down the shore line. Both Warriors of Light now confused, stand up and look closer at the small boat rowing toward them.

There they spot a small pink-clad lalafell hopping up and down on the small raft waving her arms wildly.

The boat gets closer and they can make out that it is in fact, Tataru. A big smile on her face, and in one of her hands, a letter.

[aresmelaina]

GROOMING

where Vivienne grooms Ares, and Ares promises to come over to her house sometime @vivienneastor

Ares Melaina -With Lucien having gone home to take a shower and sleep and Nicki having gone out, Ares is bored. He's trying to focus on one of the books Lucien brought him when he hears footsteps and lights up as soon as he sees Vivy appearing in the doorway- Oh, hey. -he smiles, drops the book to the side and makes an effort to sit up- Did you get hurt or are you here to visit me?

Vivienne Astor I'm not hurt. I'm not likely to ever go where I'm liable to be hurt. -she comes over to him, glancing at the book that had been discarded so immediately in favour of her company, and pats Ares' hip- Move over. I'm going to sit on your bed with you.

Ares Melaina Hey, it can happen anywhere. -Ares almost immediately scoots, until he can feel the metal railing press against his shoulder.- I'm glad you're visiting me, though. I was gonna come find you once I was able to get up.

Vivienne Astor Were you now? -Vivienne regards him for a moment, then reaches to smooth his hair, tucking it behind Ares' ear- Why were you going to look for me, little one? Did you have something to tell me? Or show me?

Ares Melaina I don't know if you've went there yet. -Ares leans into the touch almost instinctively- I put up the cross for Hunter. You weren't able to go out while the Daybreaker stuff was happening. I, uh, put some flowers there. Hope that was okay. I don't know if he liked flowers.

Vivienne Astor -for a moment, Vivienne goes still, as still as if she'd been sitting on his bed touching Ares' ear from the beginning of time; then slowly she moves her hand to cup the back of his head- He loved flowers. He pretended they were for his wife, or for me. But he loved flowers. -slowly, she turns in the bed, her fingers against the back of Ares' neck as she kisses him, on the mouth first and then against one of his eyelids- Thank you.

Ares Melaina -He holds still, only letting out a little breath when she reveals Hunter loved flowers. The kiss isn't sudden, it's slow, affectionate in a way Ares isn't used to- No problem. I'm glad he liked flowers. Did he have a favorite? -His voice is quiet, because she's close. Ares raises his hand to gently touch her arm, then thinks differently and puts it back down, next to hers on the sheets- Do you like them?

Vivienne Astor Lilies. He liked all sorts of lilies. I wondered sometimes if he liked them because he thought of them as an Asian flower. -Vivienne smiles, bittersweet, and lets her eyes drift closed for a moment with how quiet Ares is; she misses his movement, that way, his rethought near-touch of her arm- I don't care about lilies. I like gerbera daisies. They're … silly. Cheerful. They don't know that they are and that's what makes them my favourite.

Ares Melaina You must've really loved him. -there's love and pain in her voice. He doesn't want to disturb her as she closes her eyes. There's a spark of recognition when she mentions daisies, there ever since the ranch- They're probably nothing like the regular daisies. I always liked those. -after a moment of hesitation, he shifts his hands, gently putting his fingers on top of hers- I put snowdrops on his grave. I can ask Mayra if she has gerbera daisy seeds. Or lily seeds. We could plant them.

Vivienne Astor But that's beautiful. Snowdrops. Quite appropriate as a funereal flower. -she lets his hand stay on hers, then curves closer to Ares- How hurt are you, little one? -Vivienne regards him for a moment herself, but then reaches to the side of the bed where she'd put down the zip pouch she'd brought with her, picking it up to open it*-

Ares Melaina -she doesn't pull away, just allow him to touch her, which he takes as a good sign- I'm okay. I mean, doctor says I'm over the worst already. Can't really leave the clinic for now, though. -he looks down at the pouch she's brought, looking at it curiously. He can faintly smell citrus, maybe coming from her- You brought something? Is it that oil? What was it called… negroni? Neroli?

Vivienne Astor Neroli. -she repeats it patiently, without an accompanying mean remark- The laundry scent that suited you so well. -Vivienne touches Ares' chin, tilting him about, and then tuts quietly- Aiya. Nobody's been grooming you. All stuck together. -producing a comb, she starts to swiftly part and comb through his hair in quick, masterful movements- I used to do this for Zack. And Hunter.

Ares Melaina Neroli. Right. -he relaxes, letting her tilt him around, taking the genle chiding in a stride- Sorry. -he offers, but she's already combing through his hair, quickly and elegantly. He melts a little into it- You did? I bet they enjoyed that a lot. It feels nice.

Vivienne Astor Yes, I believe they both enjoyed it very much. Boys do like being groomed, in general. -finishing combing out his hair, Vivienne wipes some neroli oil onto the comb and repeats the process again before putting the comb away- You should have your wounds tended with oil as they heal, too. So you don't get too many scars. -she sits back, regarding Ares' torso- Let me see.

Ares Melaina -Ares relaxes into the grooming, the scent of citrus filling the air, making him feel comfortable, relaxed as she puts him into shape again- Really? I didn't know that. -Ares doesn't hesitate, tugging up his shirt. His sternum is a bruised mess, small cuts and scrapes litter his upper body, already healing up- Does every oil work?

Vivienne Astor Not every oil. But even in this depleted world it's not hard to doctor some varieties that would help your skin knit back together soft… -Vivienne brushes her fingers against the edge of a bruise, the raised seam of a cut- …and smooth. -she does frown slightly after that, taking in the rest of the terrain- You have many scars already, Ares.

Ares Melaina -he breathes in softly as she brushes up against the bruise, so gently it doesn't hurt. Goosebumps rise on his skin from the touch. He notices the change in her expression, realizing she must've seen the rest of his body- Sorry. I got scraped up a lot of fights. Probably doesn't make much sense to use the oils on me. -he smiles, light-heartedly-

Vivienne Astor -her brows flick when he apologizes and her gaze goes a little fixed, like she's listening to a ghost from the past; by the time he finishes talking Vivienne's expression has firmed- I'll tend to your wounds myself. I know you have an unpredictable schedule, when you work. I can adjust to it. Think of it as -- a form of physical therapy.

Ares Melaina Really? -Ares lights up and meets her firm look, and it looks like she's already decided- I'd like that. That'd be great, actually. Thanks. -he smiles- I'll try not to be late. Do I come to your place? You, uh, live with Zack, right?

Vivienne Astor I've moved, actually. -Vivienne pushes further into the bed, taking charge and smoothing Ares' shirt down again, moving him so his head is rested against her collarbone so she can clasp him there- I'm in the green-roofed house by the supermarket. Recently vacated. You know it, I believe.

Ares Melaina -he soaks up the contact, relaxing against her with a soft sigh one arm draped around her.- Oh yeah, that's Fleet's house. -his brows furrows as he seems to think through what that might mean- So you don't live with Zack anymore? -he looks up at her- Is that okay for you?

Vivienne Astor It is not. Okay for me. -her tone is brittle, right up front, but then Vivienne shakes her head slightly, relaxing it- But it will have to be, and that might be the best thing in the long run. Since I'm here for the long run.

Ares Melaina Yeah. It might be. -he presses his face against her collarbone, squeezing her just a little more tightly- If you feel like you want somebody there, I don't mind coming over.

Vivienne Astor Is that so? -it's a question but Vivienne sounds smooth and unhurried in answering it, and she tips Ares' chin up so she can kiss his mouth; also smooth and unhurried, more sampling him than anything else before parting- You should, then. Come over to my house.

Ares Melaina -he doesn't protest, just like he didn't protest being shifted or touched before, both accepting and enjoying. When she kisses him, he kisses her back, warm and affectionate- Okay. Then I'm gonna come over. You just have to tell me when. -he settles right back against her- Unless you don't mind me showing up unannounced.

Vivienne Astor I'm often home. We don't have phones, at any rate, for you to call before visiting. You're a strapping boy, you can search for me if you want to come over. -she goes bck to petting him-

Ares Melaina Okay, I'm gonna. Once I'm out of here. Would you mind if I stayed the night? -he sighs contentedly. The warmth of her and the affectionate touches are starting to make him sleepy. His fingers trail over her back in circles-

Vivienne Astor You may. There's room enough in my new house for you to stay. And I like having someone in the house. -she pauses, surprised by the truth of the statement, and doesn't say anything further, waiting to hear Ares drift off into sleep before closing her eyes as well-

[lifewiththelulus]

Omg what if the kids sneak away to get them alone, thinking they’ll be doing whatever grown ups do on dates. But really Reef and Atlantis send the whole time trying to find them and worrying out of there minds. They eventually sit down to take a break and try to comfort one another about finding them.

Atlantis would freak out at first, and look absolutely everywhere calling for the three of them She probably gets so worried she gets sick in the bushes before sitting down. She's always been a little over protective of them and losing them like this was stressful as all hell. She apologized to him so much and promised that they normally don't run off when they're with her, she doesn't know what's up with them today

He tries to cheer her up by telling her stories. Saying this isn’t the first time Gulf ran off to God knows where. Once he just went across the street to watch TV with the neighbors. Another when he got on a bus to run away from home because he sent him to his room for sneaking extra dessert. The in the end he’s always back with him unharmed, and the same will happen with the twins.

It did help her a lot and she was able to breathe again after he started telling stories. He was right, they were in a group, and Mari and Gulf were both pretty loud they'd be fine if they're together. She felt a little silly for over reacting and apologized for the panic. She took the shades off her head and sighed "I'm new to the whole being a mom thing still. I don't know what I'm doing half the time, I'm just always scared I'm not enough." She paused and looked at him. "I-I don't know why I told you that. Sorry." She looked away and tried to hide her emotions again. It was easier not to embarrass herself that way.

Reef: Well if it means anything, I think your doing pretty well for raising two girls on your own at a young age. If anything I’m surprised how well you can hold it together for so long. At least I was over 18 when I started raising Gulf by myself. Can’t imagine what it must’ve been like for you at first.

It was like he pulled her right out of whatever pool of thought she was sinking into. She looked at him softly. "Tough. But… I wouldn't change a thing. They mean everything to me." Her eyes glanced across the crowds with worry for them. "You should be proud. Gulf is such a sweet heart, and he loves you a lot. You mean the world to that kid."

He starts to feel all modest all of a sudden. Reef: Thanks, little guy can be a pain in the ass, but he’s my little pain in the ass. Gulf pops out from behind one of the trash cans. Gulf: Your a pain in the ass! Mari: You blew our cover! And things were starting to get good. Lotus stands up with them looking guilty.

Atlantis gasps and stands up. "You've been here the whole time!?" She looked at the girls. "How much of that did you hear??"

Gulf: Enough to know you guys suck at dates. (They’re still too young to understand most of what they were saying.) XD Reef grabs by the arm and crouching down to his level. Reef: You and I are gonna have a talk when we get home. And apologize to Atlantis for taking the girls with you and scaring her. Gulf pouts a bit at him but changes his tone when talking to her. Gulf: I’m sorry

Atlantis sighs but gets down on his level, putting a hand on his shoulder. "It's ok, just don't scare us like that buddy. Any of you." She hugged Gulf then pulled her girls in, holding them all tight for a moment. She really was scared something might've happened the split second she had her back turned. "But you girls are still grounded when we get home. No video games for 2 days."

Mari: Aww What? Lotus: I’m never listening to you guys again. Gulf yawns and stretches. So Reef picks him up gives him a piggy back ride. Gulf: Hey I can walk! I’m not that tired. Reef: I know, but after the stunt you pulled I’m not letting you out of my sight. Gulf just laughs softly before rest his head. Lotus lets out her own little yawn and blushes.

Atlantis notices right away and holds her arms out. "C'mon you two, let's go get some food then we can go home and get ready for bed. I think that's enough excitement for one day." She kissed them each on the head before picking them up. "I Love you two, never scare me like that again ok?" She said it much more softly this time

Mari and Lotus snuggle up to her and enjoy the ride to the restaurant. Gulf is still a bit drowsy but perks back up when Reef mentions food.

They sit down all together at a restaurant and when the person is taking their order it goes like

"May I take your order sir?" "Yeah I'll get the ice chips and dip." "And for the Miss's?" simultaneously "OH I'M NOT-" "WE'RE NOT-"

Gulf jumps up to tease them XD “You arrrrre, You arrrrre!”

When they get back home Reef suggests they should hire a sitter so the next time they go somewhere it won’t be as stressful. Not realizing he unintentionally asked her out. XD

Atlantis froze up She didn't wanna say yes immediately… but saying no felt disappointing for some reason. She figured he meant just as friends since she had been pretty open about not wanting to date anyone. She finally nodded and asked if maybe he could teach her how to surf. She had never done it before, really going to the beach at all was a pretty new experience for her. She felt guilty that she wanted it to be a date, but told herself it was for the better.

A cute scene where he's guiding her how to surf a wave and she actually starts to have fun and show her real personality just a little, and she sees him in a much more relaxed and happy state doing his favorite thing They surf a few good waves together, then fall in and start splashing each other like kids and laughing. Then maybe they sit in the calm water side by side on his board and watch the sun turn the sky different colors as it sets

Having they’re younger years taken away from them, being able to act kids again would definitely be good for them mentally.

Atlantis never was allowed to behave like a normal kid She was always only supposed to be seen and not heard by her father

[idiotextraordinaire]

here it is!! im still trying to get into the groove of writing different characters accurately but i tried. I also originally wrote this at like, 1 am, so—

fic under the cut:

It had been a fairly uneventful mission for the four.

Well, if you don’t count the three uplinks which almost killed them.

Considering that they were still trying to recover from their previous mission when the Warden hastily dropped them down, they weren’t doing awful. They’d had to act as a diversion for another quad doing something more important, constantly setting off blood doors and having something unknown to them (but apparently extremely dangerous) just out of their sight, never able to be seen.

It had been an hour and a half of constant torture.

Woods specifically seemed to be the most affected of the four. He was mostly non responsive, basically just standing around until one of them snapped in his face to get his attention. He’d been off in his own world, his pale eyes blank as he looked at them without actually seeing them. Dauda couldn’t remember a time before their last mission, but he somehow knew this would happen. He couldn’t tell why exactly, but he found Woods familiar, beyond the one other time Dauda actually remembered the other prisoner. As if, deep down, Dauda knew he’d known him for years. How else would they be able to bounce off each other and work together so easily? Two strangers couldn’t often communicate with just their eyes, or instinctively know what the other would say.

Bishop and Hackett had been arguing about which zone to go to in order to get the ammo and meds they needed, and as they were, Dauda noticed Woods quietly slip away to the terminal they’d found. He watched him bend down to reach the keyboard, his absurd height forcing him to adopt an awkward position just to reach the keys. A moment later a terminal ping rang out, locating one of the boxes in the room. Bishop and Hackett glanced at it momentarily, then continued their arguing. Woods went over and opened the resource box, taking the medpack out and glancing over the other item contained in the chest before leaving it in there to go patch up whatever wound was bothering him. He sat down on top of one of the thick metal beams that scaffolded a large tube which went up into the wall; the refinery was filled with them. The only light he really had to work with was his flashlight and the work light near him flickering and cutting out sporadically.

Dauda walked over to him, offering to help by simply holding his hand out for the medpack, not saying anything. Woods glanced up at him, then hesitated. He gave him the pack and held his arm out for Dauda to see.

As Dauda gently lifted his patient’s arm, he saw the deep laceration, presumably from a grazed bullet. “Bishop?” he ventured, eliciting a short “mhm” from Woods. “Damn fool can’t control that AR to save his life,” the sniper muttered. Dauda simply chuckled, opening the first aid kit to grab some scissors to cut away the bloody cloth sticking to the bare skin and wound on Woods’ arm, working in focused silence.

He had no problem being silent around Woods. With Bishop or Hackett, they’d often talk to him, trying to banter back and forth like old friends. But with Woods, they usually sat in comfortable silence. He didn’t mind the talking of the other two, but sometimes it was too much. He did often wonder what Woods was thinking about, however. Dauda’s thoughts certainly wandered in between the lulls in conversation, often thinking about the nightmares he couldn’t shake, or the mutilated and infected corpses he and the others never talked about, always brushing them off and trying not to think about them.

Woods looked like he wanted to say something. Dauda gave him an opportunity to speak, then when he didn’t, pushed a bit further. “What is it?”

“W…” he hesitated again. Dauda wished he wouldn’t so much. “What do you think it’s like on the surface?”

Dauda paused. Whatever he expected, it wasn’t that. He sat in contemplation for a second as he picked the bit of shrapnel out of his shoulder. Woods sucked his teeth a bit, flinching. He dug his fingernails into his palms, taking a deep breath.

“I’m not sure,” Dauda said finally. “Certainly not as… metallic and.. depressing, I would hope.”

“Yeah,” Woods agreed, after a short pause. “Maybe not as bloody either.”

Another silence overtook them, slightly drowned out by the continued bickering between Bishop and Hackett. Dauda began disinfecting then wrapping his arm in the bandages from the pack. He could see Woods dig his fingernails into his palms again.

“Do you think everything looks as overgrown as it is down here? How it is in the floodways, I mean.” his voice shook slightly in pain.

“I’m sure that whatever people are alive up there are keeping places clean.. lived in. This place is sort of abandoned, after all.”

Woods glanced at him, then back away. “Not many people left up there, though, I’m guessing.”

“What do you mean?” Dauda looked up at him quizzically.

“Didn’t you read that log? About all those deaths. 3 billion people. All that from NAM-V.”

Oh. That. Dauda sighed. “Truth be told, I forgot about that.”

Dauda finished wrapping the bandage, patting Woods’ shoulder lightly. He sat up more, watching Dauda pack up the med kit. Sensing that their conversation wasn’t yet done (and not wanting to have to break up Hackett and Bishop), Dauda sat beside Woods. Another silence.

“Do you think we’ll ever get out of here?” Woods’ sudden question broke it.

“…I… am afraid to think about that.”

Woods let a small smile play in his voice. “Understandable. I just… don’t want to… I don’t want to spend the rest of my life down here, you know?” he confessed.

“None of us do,” Dauda replied.

“Only being for fetch quests and distractions, occasionally being considered useful enough to not be called ‘expendable’, I mean it… gets to me.” Woods shrugged. “I dunno.”

“It is a very… cruel fate.”

Woods glanced at him again. “Sorry for… getting really… I dunno. Personal. I guess.”

Dauda chuckled. “Do not worry. Me and you seem to see eye-to-eye anyway. Figuratively, at least.”

Woods scoffed at the joke. “I mean, we’ve barely even known each other for two missions and are already buddy-buddy,” he chuckled.

Dauda looked at him, with a strange glint in his eye. “I think we both know that’s not exactly true.”

literally about to clean up the fanfic i mentioned earlier and post it 👁👁 depends on when i actually do because social anxiety go brr but yk