#you and your family. and then i am covering it up completely to ensure that no one - least of all you - will ever know they exist.

[benevolenterrancy]

Congrats, now all I'm going to be able to think about all day long is Chifeng-zun being stunned into silence by the sight of Meng Yao's braids, the same as if he had never left. His hand reaches out and clenches in mid-air, while Jin Guangyao stands shell-shocked and panicking, or blissfully oblivious to how Nie Mingjue's world is tilting on its axis. He could be mad, the rage that almost let him call the Unclean Realm home making Hensheng thrum: because what right does Nie Mingjue have to want him now, when he finally has a place he belongs? And why does want to quit it all for him?

Anyway, now you can share in my brain worms~

In that moment, something was communicated

unfortunately, neither knew exactly what it was

[cxrrodedcoffin]

☆ 𝐎𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐧 ☆

Vigilante Older!Rafe Cameron x Fem!Reader (Part 1/3)

𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠!

𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐬 @bloodibambiidoll @babygorewhore 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐢 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡!! ໒꒰ྀི˶˃ᆺ˂˶ ꒱ྀིა ᯓᡣ𐭩

𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝♡

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: dom!rafe, older!rafe, age gap (rafe’s mid 40’s, reader is mid 20’s), established relationship, murder, mentions of past abuse, mentions of missing persons & kidnapping, handcuffs, condescension, praise, reader isn’t a virgin but experiences a couple firsts, daddy kink, breast play, oral sex fem receiving, fingering, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, pull out method, doggy style, overstimulation, squirting, pet names (doll, baby, babydoll, princess, sugar), rafe’s a smartass with a heart of gold, he talks you through it

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 4.8k

Rafe Cameron was your neighbor. That’s all he was ever supposed to be, but three weeks ago when he broke down your front door after hearing your pained screams echoing down the secluded street, everything changed. He held no hesitation in beating your abusive boyfriend to a bloody pulp, and by the time you had regained awareness of your surroundings, Rafe was dragging you out of the house, leaving your boyfriend’s lifeless body to rot in the house you once called home.

You’d had your flirtations in the past, in fact, that’s what you and your boyfriend had been arguing about before he tried to kill you that night. He saw the way you looked at Rafe, knew you had a crush on him, and his brain made the jump that you must have been sleeping with him. It’s not like you hadn’t thought about it back when you were single, he was classically handsome, but he was also twenty years your senior, and you surely would’ve been the talk of figure eight if the two of you had actually started seeing each other, so you’d resigned yourself of that idea a long time ago.

When Rafe took your hand and dragged you behind him out of that house you didn’t have any urge to try and run from him, it was like you knew he was doing what was best for the both of you. You followed behind him the entire time he spent scrambling to gather things around his house, packing up the most important parts of his private life inside an old duffel bag and pulling several large stacks of cash out of his safe before running with you in tow to the body shop down the road to hotwire the most inconspicuous car there. You were ready to go, to leave your mundane life behind if it meant being with him like you’d spent many sleepless nights fantasizing about.

There were many pressing issues at hand, tasks that needed to be completed to ensure you wouldn’t be caught. You needed aliases, a story to cover your tracks as you drove cross country to evade arrest, and what Rafe suggested after hours of contemplation made your heart skip a beat.

“If anyone asks what we’re doing on the road, I’m your dad, and we’re going to visit family, got that?” His left hand held strong atop the steering wheel, the strength of his grip making the veins in his forearm particularly prominent in that moment. You swallowed, eyes wide as he took his eyes off of the road for a split second to see you slowly nodding your head in understanding.

“Like anyone’s going to believe I’m your kid.” You joked, your voice cracking despite your efforts to disguise how flustered the thought of calling him dad made you.

“Believe it or not babydoll, I am actually old enough to be your dad. I doubt anyone will think it's that far-fetched of an idea.”

“We don’t even look alike.” You scoffed, turning to watch the expanse of technicolor trees climbing the mountain side directly out your window.

“No one’s gonna be paying attention to our family resemblance if we stay under the radar, just keep your pretty mouth shut and you won’t have to worry about it.”

That thought was the only one you could conjure for the next two hours on the road until Rafe pulled into the parking lot of a seedy old motel so the two of you could get some much needed rest. He had to go out for gas and to buy a change of clothes for you and him at the truck stop down the road the next morning, shaking you out of your slumber to drag you to the closet and handcuff you to the hanger rod in the small closet.

“Now don’t think I don’t trust you babydoll, I do, but these are an insurance policy in case that silly little mind of yours decides to go all rational on me, understand?” He locked the first cuff around your wrist before looping the chain over the bar and securing your other one, leaving you to struggle against the metal.

“C’mon Dad, just take me with you.” You teasingly pleaded, pushing your chest out as you tried to take a step toward him.

“Can’t, it’ll look suspicious if we’re with each other all the time. You have to stay here and I gotta get this done so we can get back on the road. I’ll be back in twenty minutes tops.” He left you there, slamming the motel room door behind him as a silent threat to be good. You did, staying in place and stirring over how you could manage to take this whole dad thing further to push Rafe’s buttons as much as you could. You were getting bored. As much fun as running from the law was, the miles of highway and generic gas stations and fast food places were starting to meld together into one monotonous blob in your head, and you wanted some good old fashioned entertainment. You made a plan, figuring you’d slowly execute it over the next few days.

The next thing on your fugitive checklist was a change in appearance. You dyed and cut your hair in a truck stop bathroom after a couple days of driving, knowing your face and signature long locks were likely all over broadcast television at that point. Rafe, on the other hand, wasn’t too keen on the idea of chopping off his beloved mullet. He’d grown accustomed to it, spent twenty years perfecting the length and cut to his liking, but he knew he had to part ways with it if it meant keeping you. He hadn’t had a buzz cut in decades, not since his early twenties, and he wasn’t sure how it would suit his more mature features, but your words of encouragement gave him the push he needed to grab the electric clippers and head for a mirror.

When he finally walked out of that old motel bathroom, you had to bite back a moan. He was hot before, no doubt about it, but with the buzzcut? You wondered what it would be like to feel that peach fuzz against your palms as you pushed his face further into your pussy.

“Thoughts?” He studied the look on your face, that glint of something desperate in your eyes as the corners of your mouth pulled into a soft smile.

“I love it! Very dilf of you.” You beamed, giggling to yourself while shifting to your knees on the creaky old motel bed as he closed the space between you.

“You realize you just implied you want to fuck me, right?” He folded his arms over his chest, toned biceps framing firm pecs and you had to swallow back a groan at the sight.

“I know exactly what I was implying, Dad.” You pulled him closer by the bottom of his shirt, the look of amusement on his stubbled face only emboldening you further.

He stood at the side of the bed, looking down at you as your hands found the back of his neck, rubbing over the soft patch of hair at the nape just to feel the velvety smooth texture for a moment. The sound of the nightly news droning on the television across the room quickly became drowned out by the white noise of both of your bated breaths. You couldn’t take it anymore, all the stolen glances and unspoken tension. You needed him, now.

“Rafe, please.” The words came out like a whine, more needy than you’d intended.

“Please, what?” He cocked his head to the side, the corners of his lips pulling into an inquisitive smirk.

“You know what.” Your hands moved over his shoulders and down to his chest, fingertips ghosting over his shirt.

“I need to hear you ask for it. I’ve made a lot of fucked up choices in my life and my morals may not be that sound but I do have some that I won’t compromise on. I need to know I’m not taking advantage of you.” He took your wrists in his hands, stalling your movements until you made eye contact with him.

“I may be young but I know what I want, Rafe. I’ve wanted to fuck you since the day I moved in next to you.” He wasn’t exactly surprised by your bluntness, but hearing those words in your angelic voice still threatened to knock the wind out of him.

“Fuck, baby, you’re breaking my heart here. You know how many times I fought the urge to knock on your door and just flat out ask to taste your sweet pussy?” He dropped your wrists, instinctively going to run his right hand through his hair only to be reminded he’d just buzzed it all for you.

“God, Rafe, I wish you would’ve, we could’ve avoided this whole thing.” You sighed, hands returning to his chest as you looked almost painfully into his tired eyes. There was so much built up energy between the two of you, emotional and sexual, and as a tear slipped down your cheek, all Rafe could think about was how pretty you’d look crying with his cock in your mouth.

“If we were still back in Kildare I’d be showing you off all over town, making every one of those little frat boy assholes jealous with you on my arm.” His tone dipped an octave as his rough hand met your cheek, brushing the tear away. His eyes bore into yours until you looked down to his chest to hide your flattered blush.

“I’ve wanted to pull the goddamn car over and pound you into the backseat on the side of the highway for three weeks.” He exhaled as he spoke and something broke inside of you, a chain snapping to let you finally crash your lips against his. It was crushing, all plush lips and slipping tongues, small gasps for air as your hands groped at one another, pulling at fabric until you’d both managed to discard your shirts.

“You’ve really been hiding these from me this whole time, sugar?” He sighed, large hands groping your breasts over your thin lace bralette.

“I wasn’t hiding anything, it’s not my fault I’ve been living in baggy truck stop shirts for weeks.” You shot back, arching into his touch despite your attitude.

“Didn’t know you had slutty little things like this on underneath ‘em.” He snapped the thin strap against your shoulder, taking note of the way you mewled in response to the short sting the action caused.

“I don’t want to talk anymore Rafe, just fuck me, please.” You whined, your hands haphazardly undoing his belt to allow his worn jeans to fall to the ground.

“That’s not how I do things, babydoll. We’re gonna talk until I say otherwise.“ He paused his movements for a moment, looking into your eyes and it took everything in you not to avert your gaze. You didn’t know why you suddenly felt so intimidated by him, you’d been firing back snarky remarks at him for weeks, what was turning you into this shy thing all of a sudden?

You just nodded, eager for him to keep going. He hesitated, narrowing his eyes for a moment before resigning to continuing his efforts to pull your bralette over your head, finally fully exposing your breasts. He flashed you a smile before pressing a kiss to your lips, gentle at first before devolving into something more hungry, his teeth grazing over your bottom lip as he made his way down to your neck. Your hands found their way to his hips, palming his half-hard cock through his briefs and the low groan that grumbled up from his chest made you reach for the waistband. His hands wrapped around your wrists, halting your movements as he pulled away from your neck, his face only a few inches from yours.

“Slow down, doll. I’m not losing out on the opportunity to see what makes you tick just because you’re impatient.” He chided, holding your wrists together with one hand while he opened the bedside table drawer to search for something.

“I thought guys didn’t like this foreplay stuff.” You sighed, trying to see what he was reaching for.

“That what your little boyfriend told you?” He pulled the handcuffs from the other day out of the drawer, clicking one cuff around your left wrist before moving your arms behind you, securing your right wrist in the remaining cuff.

”You’re gonna learn real fast how good this ‘foreplay shit’ can be for the both of us. I’m going to talk you through every last thing I do and you’re going to tell me exactly how it makes you feel.” The look on his face was serious, not a hint of insincerity in sight, and yet, you couldn’t quite believe what was being demanded of you.

“You want to hear me?” You clarified, the innocence and underlying hurt in your voice almost sending Rafe into another blind rage over how your boyfriend had been treating you before he took care of him.

“I need to, that pretty voice is what keeps me going every day.” Rafe wasn’t usually so sappy, that snarky attitude of his running rampant for as long as you had known him, but there was something about the softness you held underneath that opinionated exterior that made him want to be soft with you. You could go toe to toe with him in sarcasm any day, but he wanted to meet you in that softness you didn’t show very often. He continued his position at the curve of your jaw, leaving open mouthed kisses across your skin that made it feel like he would devour you whole if given the opportunity.

“You’re purring like a kitten and I’ve barely touched you.” You could feel his smirk against your skin along with the cockiness in his tone and as much as you wanted to retaliate, put him in his place, you couldn’t find the words. He was impossibly good, each nip and suck of his lips and teeth down the column of your neck drawing quickened breath and needy whimpers from your kiss-bitten lips.

He continued the trail down to your collarbone, ghosting his lips over your skin as his hand splayed out over your stomach, gently pushing until you took the hint and laid back on the bed. You could feel your cuffed hands digging into you, repositioning them to sit in the curve of your lower back, the slight discomfort quickly falling to the wayside as Rafe’s mouth returned to your chest, plush lips wrapping around your right nipple. His fingers found the left, brushing rough fingertips over your sensitive bud as he sucked softly, movements working in tandem to draw as much sound from you as possible.

You stretched your legs, thighs absentmindedly spreading to allow him space to slot his toned thigh between them as he continued to shower your breasts with attention, marking your skin with bruising kisses and tweaking your nipples until you couldn’t help but moan his name.

“So sensitive babydoll, you like when daddy plays with your tits?” He pulled away from your chest, shifting so his face was above yours, his pupils blown with desire as he took in the sight of you all worked up for the first time.

“Mhm.” Your face flushed at the bluntness, his confidence and curiosity such an interesting change of pace from the men you’d been with before.

“Speak up.” His playful tone turned serious again, his hands moving to your hips as he pulled your hips to the end of the bed, your clothed cunt pressed against the thick of his bare thigh. You gasped as he flexed the muscles in his thigh, rocking against your aching clit through your increasingly wet panties.

“I’m not him, princess. Let me hear you.” He gently gripped your chin, forcing you to look at him as he brought his movements to a halt, watching your face drop in disappointment from the lack of friction.

“I didn’t know it could feel like this, I love it, Rafe.” Your voice held a slight tremble as you forced yourself to share your thoughts, still so unfamiliar with the notion that a man could want to know how you’re feeling.

“God am I glad I killed that piece of shit. He didn’t fuckin’ deserve you.” He sighed, a hint of pride lacing his low tone as he ran his hands over your sides, feeling every curve of your body as he slowly dropped to his knees beside the bed. He slid his hands over your hips beneath the fabric of your underwear, pulling the thin cotton slowly down your legs.

“Look at me.” He waited for you to carefully prop yourself up on your elbows, the cuffs digging into your wrists from the angle. His eyes held your gaze in an almost intimidating stare, his hands moving to rest on your thighs.

“You ever had your pussy eaten baby?” His question caught you off guard despite how obvious it seemed given his current position, and you were sure he already knew the answer from the look on your face.

“N-no, every guy I’ve been with said it was gross.” As soon as the statement hit Rafe’s ears he could feel that anger rise to another level, the need to make you forget about every shitty guy you’d been with stronger than ever.

“Where are you finding these assholes? I’ll kill the rest of them too, just say the word.” His tone was lighthearted but you knew from the look on his face that he was the furthest thing from joking. You laughed him off, your attention pulling to his hands finally pushing your thighs apart, making space for him to slot his broad shoulders between your legs.

“Rafe, you don’t have to.” You tried to pull your legs together but to no avail, the action only spurring him on. He hooked his hands underneath your thighs, pushing your knees up to your chest to give him full access to your cunt.

“No shit, I want to. Need you to keep your eyes on me so you can see how much I’m enjoying tasting your sweet pussy.” He locked eyes with you as he dipped his head lower, watching the way your brow furrowed and a soft gasp left your lips when he gave the first drag of his tongue through your folds. He smiled briefly before diving back in, lapping hungrily at your dripping entrance before sucking softly at your clit, the way your thighs tensed under his grip a physical indication of how much you were enjoying it.

He glanced up at you, watching the way your bottom lip quivered with every whimper and moan of his name in response to his tongue expertly flicking over your clit. His right hand slowly slid down from your thigh, his pointer and middle finger prodding teasingly at your entrance before sinking into your wet heat, the new sensation making you buck your hips against him. He pumped steadily in and out of you, massaging your walls with each flex of his fingers as he pulled his mouth off of you.

“How does it feel babydoll? Everything you hoped it would be?” He smirked at you and you had to fight the urge to laugh at the almost ridiculous question. You knew he knew how good he was making you feel, and yet he still wanted you to stroke his ego. He sure was living up to the reputation he held back on Kildare, that’s for sure.

“Yes, fuck, it’s so good, just keep going, please.” You sighed in frustration, desperate to have his mouth on you again. He had the nerve to laugh, but you couldn’t find it in you to call him out on it, just relieved to see him lowering his head back down to your cunt.

He wasted no time, flicking over your clit at an impossibly quick pace, his fingers curling up to hit that soft spot inside of you until you were throwing your head back, barely able to support yourself anymore as your elbows gave out behind you, falling back against the mattress as your thighs began to tremble. He wrapped his lips around your clit, humming in satisfaction as he felt your walls clamp down around his fingers, the sound of his name falling from your lips in a desperate cry like music to his ears.

He continued lapping gently at your cunt, working you through your orgasm until he could slowly slip his fingers from you, his digits coated in your cum. He waited for you to catch your breath, taking a moment to recover before propping yourself back up on your elbows, looking down at him through half lidded eyes. As soon as your eyes met his he brought his fingers to his mouth, sucking your slick off of them slowly, savoring the taste. Your lips parted in a small gasp, barely even audible, seeing him enjoy going down on you just as much as you had enjoyed it.

He rose to his feet, putting his erection right at your eye level and your small gasp turned into something much more substantial, the sound drawing Rafe’s attention.

“Did that really turn you on that much?” You squeaked out, your voice much more unsteady than you intended it to be.

“I told you it would be good for both of us, I don’t lie about shit like that.” He took a step toward the edge of the bed, His thumbs slipping into the waistband of his underwear before pulling it down, his weighty cock slapping against his thigh as he did so. You bit your lip, watching him wrap his hand around the base of his shaft before tapping the tip against your sensitive clit, the action sending a jolt of pleasure straight to the coil in the pit of your stomach. He rubbed his shaft through your folds, coating himself in your wetness as he watched your expression change from confusion to curiosity to desperation.

“Feel that? It’s all for you, babydoll.” He leaned forward, his face only a few inches above yours as he continued rubbing himself against your cunt, teasingly brushing over your clit in a way that had you squirming and silently begging for more.

“What, baby? What do you need?” He asked, feigning ignorance to what he knew he was doing to you. This was the longest any of your sexual encounters had lasted and he wasn’t even inside of you yet.

“Need you inside of me, please.” You whined, trying to shift your hips to position him lower. He took hold of your hips, stopping your efforts before abruptly flipping you onto your stomach in the middle of the bed, your head almost hanging off the end. You felt the mattress shift under his weight as he positioned himself behind you, pulling your hips up to meet his so you were kneeling before him. Your cuffed wrists made it impossible for you to lift your upper half without assistance, your face and breasts resting against the mattress with your cunt on full display.

“Bet your shitty little boyfriends never showed you how to do anything other than missionary, that right?” You whimpered out a soft “yeah” as you pushed your hips back, feeling his head bump your entrance for a moment before he pushed fully into you, slow enough to allow you to get used to the angle but not torturously slow. He was over playing games now, all he wanted was to show you what you’d been missing with every man who wasn’t him. Your eyes rolled back, the unfamiliar angle stimulating your sensitive walls in ways you’d never experienced before. He steadily increased his pace, his balls slapping against your clit with every slam of his hips, that familiar pressure building impossibly quickly.

“Who’s that pretty girl on the tv? She looks awfully familiar.” His voice pulled your attention away from your impending orgasm for just a moment just as he took hold of the handcuffs and pulled your arms back, putting the tv right in your line of sight. The image that flashed before you made your stomach flip, a group of three photos of you with your physical traits and last known whereabouts listed beside them as the news anchor read off a teleprompter, “Nationwide search for missing Kildare, North Carolina woman continues as police expand their search into three new states.”

Your eyes glossed over, the sight all too surreal and the feeling of his cock hitting places so deep inside of you that you weren’t even sure they existed before this very moment too much as every nerve ending in your body erupted in euphoria, the strained cry of pleasure that ripped from your throat almost drowning out the news broadcast.

“You like seeing your missing poster plastered everywhere? Want everyone to know I own you now?” He teased, continuing to fuck into you as you mumbled incoherently in response, too fucked out to form a proper response.

“Listen to that, they’re saying I kidnapped you, callin’ me a monster. If only they could see how good I’m making you feel right now babydoll, how good your daddy’s making you feel.” His words pierced through your post orgasm haze, pressure starting to build in your tummy again.

“Oh my god, daddy, it’s too much, I can’t, please!” You begged, overwhelmed by the pleasure still coursing through your body as he brought you closer and closer to another orgasm with every thrust, his remarks only spurring you on.

“I know you can baby, your pussy’s gripping me like a vice.” He laughed again, but you could feel his hips starting to falter, his thrusts becoming sloppy, he had to be just as close as you were.

“Fuck, who’s your daddy, baby?” He groaned, watching the way your ass reverberated back against him with every thrust.

“You are!” You moaned, so close to the edge.

“Say it.” He commanded, a darkness present in his tone that hadn't been there before.

“You are, Rafe, you’re my daddy!” You cried out, a white heat unlike anything you’d ever felt before rushing through you as you felt a warmth gush from your cunt, your body going limp against him, his grip on your hip and the cuffs being the only things to keep you from completely collapsing into the mattress.

You barely registered him pulling out of you and cumming on your ass, the warmth of the white stickiness dripping down into your folds being one of the only things able to draw you back to reality.

“You ever done that before?” His voice sounded miles away, your ears still ringing from your release.

“Done what?” You asked sleepily, turning your head to look at him. When you saw the liquid dripping down his lower stomach and thighs onto the wet spot on the bed, your eyes went wide, trying to scramble to your knees the best you could with your wrists still cuffed.

“Oh my god, no, I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry!” The panic in your voice startled him, but that quickly turned to anger as he thought about what your shitty exes had done to you to make you feel like you needed to apologize for something so natural.

“Hey, hey, calm down.” He soothed you the best he could, grabbing the key to the cuffs and undoing them as he rubbed the red marks on your wrists to ground you.

“You’re not mad?” You asked, blinking back the tears that had gathered in your waterline.

“God, no. I’m gonna be making you squirt all the time now that I know you can.” He laughed, trying to lighten the mood again. You smiled, and his anger quelled. He had to remind himself that those assholes were in your rear view, he was your future. That’s all that mattered.

“What about the sheets?” You asked, standing from the bed to pull the wet linens off of the mattress, bunching them up in a pile in the corner of the room.

“I’ll just go ask for new ones at the front office, you go hop in the shower and I’ll join you when I get back.” He reassured, kissing you on the forehead and using the loose sheets to dry off his stomach before reaching for his scattered articles of clothing to get dressed to run to the office.

—

tagging: @starkeysprincess @rafesfawn @eddiesxangel @theeternaloptimistt @drewscoquette @rafesangelita @rafelust @bunbun-3 @poopiefartz @coquettebiatch @lilbunnyorwhatever @alejstarkey

please message me if you’d like to be untagged <3

[jawadfamily44]

🚨🚨Help us and donate to us, you are our hope and lifeline🚨🚨

Menna Allah, one of Jawad's children, a seventeen-year-old girl, lives in a small tent erected on the ruins of her family's home, which was destroyed by the war.

Menna Allah was a high school student, dreaming of becoming a nurse to help her family and countrymen who were exhausted by life under siege. Life was not easy before the war, but after its outbreak, it turned into a permanent nightmare.

Every morning, Mennallah sits on the sandy floor inside the tent, trying to focus on her books, which she could barely rescue from under the rubble. The book's pages are torn and some of them are burned.

Every time she tries to study, the sound of bombing interrupts her concentration and sows fear in her heart. Sometimes, her mother would sit next to her, but how could she continue like this? No electricity, no internet, and even writing instruments are a distant dream.

All she has is an old pen and a half-full notebook. Sometimes she had to walk long distances to the nearest abandoned school in search of extra papers or used books. There, she used to find volunteer teachers who helped the students as much as they could, despite all the circumstances. Insisting on the dream, every day, Menna Allah faced a new conflict: lack of food, fear of the unknown, and difficulty concentrating under bombardment. But hope was her driving force.

She kept telling herself, "If I give up, nothing will change. But if I succeed, maybe I can change my family's life."

Save the future of Mennallah so she can complete her education with a donation for her and her family and secure her minimal educational supplies.

Mennallah suffers from a lack of concentration due to a lack of vitamins in her body due to the lack of available food in light of the famine and the lack of flour.

Let us help together to save the future of Mennallah and secure a decent life for her and create educational conditions for her to help her succeed.

We urgently appeal for moral and financial assistance to cover the costs necessary to escape to a safe environment, where we can build a better future for our children and ensure the safety of our family. We urgently need your support. Any donation, no matter how small, can help save our lives. We thank you for your concern and support during these difficult times.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🍉🍉🇵🇸

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[sinnabarmoth]

Tribute for the Dragon (18/18)

(A/N: Just a quick thanks for all the love you guys have shown this fic! Means a lot! Love ya!)

Pairing: Dragon|Sylus x Fem|Reader

Summary: A happily ever after with your dragon.

Content Warnings: Adult language. Child birth.

Length: 2k

Chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17)

Read on AO3

The flight back to your kingdom was long and Sylus did not stop until you across the border. At that point you had told him to land near a stream. He didn’t question why, just dropped down as soon as he spotted some water.

“Are you alright?” he asked for the tenth time. “Do you need a rest? Something to drink? Eat?”

“No. I am fine.” you looked at him now, still covered head to toe in copious amounts of blood. It soaked into his hair and his skin. Every inch of him was died the same crimson as his eyes. “But you need to clean that off.”

Sylus looked down at himself and nodded. You gestured to the stream and he started washing the blood away. You tore off a piece of your skirt hem and dunked it into the water and wiped at his face.

You remembered being sat in the room underground when you heard the bells and alarms ringing. You had know immediately it was Sylus. The unending screams of pain and fear only confirmed it. Then that fucking general had come in to try and take you away, to try and threaten Sylus into letting him live, but his efforts were in vain. They had all died. Sylus ripped every last one of them to shreds just to get back to you.

You had been surprised for a moment when instead of the Sylus you knew a full dragon had busted in through the door. But you knew it was your dragon the second you saw him. He was large, black and red scaled armor with silver horns and spines down his back. His eyes were the same kind of molten red you had seen from Tengya on the beach, as if instead of eyes two pools of magma churned in his pupils. And all that you could think of was how happy you were to see him.

He was back to his normal form now, albeit completely naked, but that hardly mattered. Soon you would be home and all of this would be nothing but a horrible nightmare. You couldn’t wait that long to get this blood off though. So you helped him clean, wiping whatever blood you could off of him. Scooping water into your hands and scrubbing it out of his hair until it was silver again.

He reclined against you, staring up at your face. “I am so sorry.” he said. “I should never have left. They never should have been able to take you. This was all my fault.”

“No. It was not your fault, Sylus.”

“I left you. I left you all alone. I should have taken you to the village at the very least. I was insane to leave you by yourself.”

“Sylus--”

“What if they had hurt you worse than they did? What if they had done something to our child? I would never forgive myself. If…if the worse had happened…” tears cut rivers down his cheeks, “I don’t even want to think about it.”

“Then don’t.” you hugged him. “I am safe. Our baby is safe. What is done is done. We cannot change it. But you ensured that no one would ever come to harm us again and that is good enough for me.”

“I love you. I do.” he turned to face you fully, “I love you more than anything and I swear this will never happen again. I will defend you, body and soul with everything that I am.”

“Sylus…”

“You, the family we are growing, is my entire life. I love you both so much and I do not know what forces in the world allowed me to have you but I will thank them every day.” he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

“I love you too. I will love you forever and no matter what happens, I will always be here by your side. No force from the heavens, hells or this material world will take me from you. I promise.” You brought him close, kissing him tenderly. “I love you, Sylus. I will always love you.”

You sat there by the stream, half covered in blood and crying as you held one another. You were safe. You were together. That was all that mattered.

~~~

Sylus was anxious. He didn’t get anxious a lot but he was anxious as he stood pacing back and forth outside the room you were giving birth in. The women helping you had insisted it wasn’t a place for the men to enter and Sylus wanted to be respectful but with every pained cry that came from you on the other side of the door his agitation grew.

“You’re going to drive a rut into the floor.” your father warned him. “She’s in good hands. She and the baby will be fine.”

“I should be in there.” Sylus snapped. “Why can I not be?”

“Well, for one, your tail hasn’t stopped swishing like an angry cat’s. You’d probably hit someone or knock something over.” he explained, “But it is just how things are done. The women handle the birth, we cut the umbilical cord after they’re out.”

Every instinct in Sylus was telling him to get in the room. He needed to protect you. Protect you from what, he had no idea. But he felt so helpless and useless out here!

There was another loud cry from inside and Sylus snapped to the door. That was it! He wasn’t staying out here!

He opened the door to find you knelt on the floor. You looked up and smiled in relief, holding a hand out for him. “Sylus,”

He knelt next to you, “Right here. I’m right here.”

“He shouldn’t be--” one of the women tried to say.

“No! Don’t leave!” you squeezed his hand, “Please don’t leave!”

“I won’t. I’m not going anywhere.” Sylus shot a glare at the others, daring them to try and remove him. The others shrugged and went back to what they were doing.

“It hurts.” you muttered through clenched teeth. “It really fucking hurts!”

“I know. I know it does, little bird.” he wiped the sweat from your brow. “But it’ll be worth it. We’ll have our little one soon, you just have to endure it for a little longer.”

“Can’t believe I let you do this to me!” you snapped. “I hope you never have another rut!” He figured you were talking out of pain and didn’t mean what you were saying.

One of the women got behind you. “Alright, you’re ready. Time to start pushing. Deep breath, your body knows what to do. Gravity is gonna help us get this baby out quick.”

After several long tense minutes of you holding onto him for dear life, screaming and whimpering in pain as you pushed, the baby was out. A different kind of scream filled the air as your child took its first breath.

“You have a daughter.” the woman holding the baby said. “A perfectly healthy baby girl.”

Sylus cut the umbilical cord with his claw and let them wipe the baby off a bit before settling her in your arms. “She’s beautiful.” you were crying. The moment the baby’s head rested on your chest her cries stilled into little whimpers.

“Most gorgeous things I’ve ever seen.” Sylus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. This tiny thing was yours? They looked so normal, so human. “Hello, my heart,” he said. He receded the claws on his hands so he could hold her. “If you aren’t the most perfect thing in this world I do not want to know what could be better.”

“She is so little…” you cooed. “And she looks so human.”

“I told you she would. But make no mistake, this is a strong and fearsome dragon. That reminds me,” Sylus pulled a small jar out of his pocket. Inside was a small portion of the salve he had gotten from Tengya. He spread a small patch on the baby’s chest.

Once you had enough time alone, just Sylus, you, and the baby you began to let in the others.

“There’s my grandchild.” your father walked in. He came over and kissed your forehead. “You did so well, sweet pea.”

“Thanks papa.” you smiled. “Isn’t she the most precious thing?”

“That she is. So, did you two have a name picked out?” he asked.

“Selene.” you said. Your baby opened her eyes for the first time and you got a shock of brilliant red eyes, just like her father. You smiled, kissing her downy head. “Our little moon flower.”

~~~

As the years passed your family grew. You had two beautiful little girls and a third on the way. You were sitting at the mouth of the cave watching as Sylus was teaching Selene how to fly. Her wings had grown in fully and ever since there was not a moment she was on the ground. Your younger was sitting with you stewing in jealousy that she couldn’t go flying with them.

“Mama!” Ruby whined, “I want to go flying too! When will my wings grow in?”

“It will happen soon enough.” you assured her, “Besides, growing wings isn’t great. It’s really itchy and your back gets all scabby. Kinda like your horns did when they started growing, remember that? Don’t be in such a hurry.”

She crossed her arms and continued to pout until Sylus and Selene touched back down. “Did you see me mama!” Selene came running up to you. “I was flying all by myself!”

“I know! You did so well, sweetie!” you hugged her. “You’re getting to be real good.”

“She’s a natural.” Sylus came up and ruffled her hair. “Soon enough you’ll be flying circles around me.”

“Daddy!” your younger one yelled at him, “I want to fly too!”

“Ruby,” you warned, “Don’t yell. Ask nicely next time you want to go flying.”

Her frown deepened. “Mama’s a meanie!”

“I’m not being mean--”

“Meanie!”

“Hey,” Sylus snapped at her. “That’s not very nice to say. Your mama is just trying to teach you to be polite and now you’ve gone and hurt her feelings.”

“But--”

“No buts. Apologize to your mama and maybe I’ll take you out for a flight.” Sylus turned her around and pushed her towards you.

“I’m sorry mama.” she said, staring down at the ground. “Can I go flying now?”

“I forgive you, sweetie. But dinner should be finished cooking soon so maybe after you eat.”

“Oh, I think we have time for a quick flight around the mountain.” Sylus picked her up and put her on his shoulders.

“Sylus--”

Before you could object he jumped off the side of the mountain and flew up high, your daughter roaring with joyous laughter the entire time. You looked over at Selene who watched them with burning jealousy. You sighed. “Go on. Make sure your father and sister don’t stay out too long. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

“Will do mama!” Selene beamed and flew to join the others, albeit it a little slower and more awkwardly. She was getting there though.

You pulled yourself out of your chair and wandered back to the kitchen to check on the food. It was hard to believe it some days. Waking up with Sylus next to you, the girls running in to see you the moment they woke up.

It was hard to get alone time with those two tornadoes running around but there were days you sent them down to the village to stay with your father or their Auntie Tara. They were so full of life and joy. You couldn’t wait to have another even if you knew three of these little monsters was going to be exhausting.

Much like Sylus had said when you were pregnant with Selene, the girls were born looking exactly like humans but as they got older more dragon like features started to grow. Selene had horns and wings and her father’s bright red eyes, but so far no claws. Ruby though almost immediately started sprouting a tail which Selene didn’t have and was starting to grow in her horns. She wouldn’t have to worry about wings for about two more years, if she grew them at all.

You traced a hand over your stomach. You wondered what this one would be like. Maybe it’d be a boy this time.

A few minutes later Sylus and the girls came running back in, their faces windstung and bright. The girls immediately went to setting the table and Sylus walked over to you, hugging you from behind. “Smells good.” he said.

“Thanks. I decided to try this new recipe Tara gave me.” you gave the pot another stir.

“Wasn’t talking about the food.” he whispered before pulling your face towards his for a kiss.

“Ew! Daddy! Stop that!” Selene said. “You’re being gross!”

“I’m showing your mother how much I love her. What’s gross about that?” he shot back. “You two go clean up before you start eating.”

The girls ran out of the room leaving you alone. “Very subtle.” you elbowed him lightly. “I’m already pregnant, you can’t put another kid in me yet.”

“I know. But it is never a waste to practice.” his hands ran over the bump in your belly. “Just six more of these to go.”

“One more!” you elbowed him harder this time. “I have told you a hundred times I’m not popping out nine kids.”

“I can’t help it.” he spun you around, “You know how dragons like to hoard treasure.”

“Our kids are treasure now?”

He smiled softly, holding you close. “Of course. The most precious in the world, right next to you.”

[thedeviltohisangel]

All The Things I Did (Interlude): Like A Record Scratch

a/n: ok so this is a lot less lovey dovey than we are used to with cass and john and i am not at all sorry about it because we are building up to the big wisconsin fight moment between them. this fic has them in wyoming for the wedding of gale and marge and its our first glimpse into how they are doing post-war and how they are so not dealing with the trauma of being prisoners of war. please come yell at me for the beating i put them through in this interlude. love you!

tw: discussions of miscarriage

There was something exhilarating about walking into the lobby of a hotel. Cass had never been to Wyoming, or anywhere out West really, which aided in her excitement at every sight and sound and smell. She had resisted the urge to hang her head out the window of the taxi from the airport but had smiled at the scenery the entire way and squeezed John’s hand with every glimpse of a mountain or a horse to make sure he saw it too. It had been so long since she’d seen the rolling fields of America and the freedom that came on the back of a horse and she was feeling the sensation of life breathing back into her lungs with every inch traveled.

“Oh, John, isn’t it lovely?” There was a fire roaring to her left, exposed wooden beams along the ceiling and antlers lining the balcony above the reception desk. “It’s just as Marge described.” Cass turned to see her husband who was carrying two large suitcases. Perhaps a quarter of one contained the minimal items he would need for the weekend wedding of his best friend. The rest was a portion of what Cass would require.

“It is lovely, baby.” He kissed her cheek once he reached her. “You want to sit by the fire while I check us in?”

“No, I need to ensure my packages have arrived.” 

“Packages?” he asked the back of his wife’s head as she was already strolling confidently towards the desk. He had to admire the sway of her hips for a beat before following. She walked like she owned the place. Damn did he love her. “Good morning. Reservation should be under John Egan.” He made sure to catch up to her before she could check in. A husband should always take charge of things like this. At least, that is what he thought. Being a husband felt new to him even if it had been almost two years. There had been no time to learn or try and fail just to try again. Nothing about their marriage had been conventional and John felt he was on a tight rope in his efforts not to fuck it up. If that meant being a bit more forward, a bit more assertive, leaning into the traditions of the role a bit heavier then so be it.

“I see your name right here, sir. We’ve also received the trunks you had shipped and have already delivered them to your room.” He blanched at the word trunks.

“That is wonderful to hear, thank you. There are a few items in there that will require ironing,” Cass said. John had seen her iron before. He didn’t think there was any reason she’d need a member of housekeeping to assist her.

“Yes, ma’am. I can send a member of housekeeping up after you’ve settled in to collect those items from you.” 

“Wonderful, thank you!” John made sure to hand over the requisite bills to cover their stay before Cass could even think of opening the checkbook she had been reunited with recently. Her personal line of accounting to the Cooper family fortune. John still didn’t completely understand the vastness of their empire and the generations of wealth that resided at the other end of those account numbers. He doesn’t think he would until he went to South Carolina and saw it for himself with his own two eyes.

“I didn’t realize you were having things mailed here,” John broached as they boarded the elevator and it rose slowly to their floor.

“Everything that I considered wearing to the wedding was still in South Carolina. And then I started thinking about all the events around the wedding and making sure I had back up outfits for each possible outing and it led to me asking my mother and sister if they wouldn’t mind packaging a couple trunks for me.” 

“Trunks? Then what I am holding in here?” He looked down at the bags in his hands. 

“Simpler items. Toiletries. Nightwear. My curlers. Things only you will ever see me in and therefore I can wear on more than one occasion.” She didn’t understand why all this was so confusing to him. He had grown up with sisters and a mother, surely this was all par for the course in their lives as well.

“Cass, my love, I don’t think you’re understanding the differences between the society of where you come from back home and the one that is attending this wedding.” John knew for a fact it was no frills. That the wedding only costed exactly what it needed to. That Gale and Marge were just happy to be able to celebrate together and in one piece with all the people they loved. No one would care if Cass wore the same dress twice or didn’t have more than one shade of blue dress at her disposal. It was a concept so foreign to him and where he had come from, he couldn’t even imagine anyone noticing or minding such a thing.

“It’s our first…event as Mr. and Mrs. John Egan. Our first trip together. I just want it to be perfect.” He dropped the bags in front of the door that was theirs and held her upper arms in his hands, cascading his thumb across the skin to soothe the anxiety bubbling out from her. 

“I’m here in a beautiful hotel with my beautiful wife celebrating my best friend marrying the love of his life. We survived hell to be here, Spook. It’s already heaven.” Cass smiled and pulled him in for a kiss by the collar of his shirt and his arms wrapped around the small of her back and held her close like it was second nature.

“You sure you don’t mind me going a little overboard?” Was she already failing as a wife? Was she already too much for him to handle just as her mother had warned? Was there a reason no other man had ever wanted to put up with her until one as insidious as Sidney Landry had come along?

“I don’t mind anything as long as you are happy.” And he stood by that as they opened the door and he was, in fact, greeted to two trunks that looked to be made of real leather and were the color of an expensive bottle of cognac. “Cass…”

“What? I’m certain there is more in here than just clothes, probably even some items for you.” It was also the first tangible piece of her life in South Carolina that was back with her after all she had been through. Of course she had exchanged letters with them as often as possible and had managed to sneak in a brief telephone call once she had arrived stateside, but this was a trunk that had been packed by her mother and sisters. It contained articles of clothing she had left behind all those years ago. Clothing Cassandra Ann Cooper had worn. It had never been touched by Captain Cass “Spook” Egan. For the first time, her worlds would be merging. There was something much deeper than just opening this trunk going through her mind.

“Maybe we save the unboxing of the trunks until after the cocktail hour tonight?” He was looking at his watch and trying to do the math on how long Cass might need to get ready, how much time he might need to get ready without overlapping in the powder room with her and then any leftover time he wanted for breaking in the hotel bed. It was the first night together since London that they were sharing a bed that was issued by the United States military. He wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity to take his time acquainting himself with his wife.

“No, I think there is a dress in here I’d like to wear tonight.” A beautiful tan number with buttons up the front with an impossibly cinched waist that was decorated with embroidered flowers there, along the sleeves and the collar. “See? What did I tell you?” Cass opened the trunk to find it was partially full of men’s clothing. Dress shirts, pants, blazers and ties. If her nose was to be trusted, they’d find bottles of cologne tucked in between the fabric as well.

“Baby, I don’t need all this,” he said gently as he thumbed the material and looked at the tags. A brand he had heard of from the mouths of generals and Milwaukee businessmen. Never something he would have thought he’d own himself.

“Look, my mother wrote that she curated each trunk to ensure we don’t clash at all for the entirety of the weekend and she requests we mail her photos of her success,” Cass said with a roll of her eyes as she read the letter that had been enclosed. She wasn’t deliberately ignoring the discomfort in John’s tone but he took it that way anyways. 

“I might just fiddle with the radio then while you sort this all out.” He was certain she didn’t even register the words he was saying, too busy taking each item out with meticulous care and placing them in piles corresponding to categories that existed in that wonderful mind of hers. John opened his mouth to check she had heard. To make sure she didn’t want to change her mind and roll around with him in the sheets instead. But he saw the way her eyes were misting at the other trinkets in the trunk; photos, letters from her siblings, a pair of earrings that looked old enough to be a family heirloom. He didn’t want to interrupt that. This avenue of healing and reconciliation he knew she wanted and knew she needed and knew she now had. He didn’t want to interrupt that. No matter how much he missed her.

----

John was right to have been concerned about trying to share a powder room with Cass while they were getting ready. There were elbows everywhere. His toothbrush had been knocked from his mouth when she had leaned as close to the mirror as possible to apply her mascara. Her curlers had been jostled out of their meticulously placed arrangement when he had tried to nibble her ear playfully before shaving the stubble across his cheeks. “John.” Her scolding had sliced through him like white hot coals. It was a tone he hadn’t heard her direct his way before. He wanted to call her on it. Ask why she sounded tired of him. Why she seemed bothered by him wanting to love on her after he had accepted her indifference towards him the entire day. 

For two people who had learned to view the jagged edges of their heart as the edges to a puzzle only the other knew how to match, for two people who had thought nothing would ever test them again after the Stalag, a hotel room in Wyoming was proving to be a puzzle they might not be able to solve.

----

It had been wonderful, bringing her near to tears, to see John standing next to Gale during the ceremony’s rehearsal. It reminded her of the bond that had kept the man she loved alive through a war. The bond that was stronger than brothers tied together through blood. It reminded her of their wedding, if one could even call it that, back in London. Just them and a priest and mother with her daughter as witness in the nave of a blown out church. That wedding had signified the last moment of her life where she had that version of John Egan. The last moment of her life where she had thought they would escape this war unscathed and all in one piece. The last moment of their lives where their love was untouchable.

“You may now kiss the bride!” Cass laughed and cheered with the rest of the small group that was participating in the rehearsal and wrapped Marge in the tightest hug when she came to greet her. 

“Gosh, you are going to be the most beautiful bride ever tomorrow if this is how you look tonight!” Cass exclaimed as she admired the blue and white floral dress that Marge was currently donning. They had only first crossed paths a couple of months ago when they’d first touched back down in the states but the girls had become thick as thieves faster than John or Gale had even predicted. Cass had divulged to John that she didn’t have many friends back home, no one truly wishing to associate with the girl who broke the mold. So to meet Marge and feel a connection, a kinship, so quickly had sparked such joy within her. Another person for Cass to wish to never let go of.

“Oh, stop. It’s just a warm up for everyone before the showstopper you’re throwing in South Carolina.” Cass shook her head. 

“You and Gale…they try to write your kind of love into books and they can never get it right because there are no words to describe it. At least, no one’s invented them yet.” She squeezed Marge’s hands tight and tried not to cry when she saw her friend’s eyes welling up with tears. “An incomparable love. I’m so honored you’ve allowed me here to celebrate with you both.” Marge wrapped her in a hug instantly and they could both feel the other smiling into the crook of their neck. There would always be something special about two women who would never tear each other down and only ever boost the other up. It was something powerful. Something fierce. There was a reason they had survived all that they had. 

“What’s going on over here? Happy tears I hope,” John asked as the two men walked up to their sides. “Otherwise, Spook, I hope you’re ready for me to sing and dance a smile right back onto your face.”

“It’s my wedding weekend, Bucky, you have to sing?” Gale groaned at the mere thought of his friend gaining access to a microphone. 

“If my wife needs a little serenading to wipe those tears away, then I am afraid you have no chance, Buck.” 

It turns out the threat was unnecessary because the presence of her husband alone always brought a smile to her face. They danced and danced and danced and only took breaks to run and hide in the bathroom for a few kisses that bordered on indecent. John completely forgot about the tension from the day. Completely forgot about the lack of belonging he had felt while they were together earlier. The feeling of being on a different page than his wife when they were speaking earlier. He sighed as they danced to the softer music that was now flowing from the record player. His puzzle piece. Back in his arms once again.

“Miss Cass?” The peaceful bubble around them was shattered briefly as a tiny hand was tugging on the hem of her skirt. 

“Hi, William,” she answered. The little boy was the ring bearer in tomorrow’s affair, his mother a bridesmaid to Marge.

“Can we dance?” Cass giggled at the earnest look on his face and looked to John. 

“I think you should ask Mr. Egan, William.” 

“Mr. Egan, can I dance with Miss Cass?”

“You get one song, William. Only one.” The smile from the little boy was missing a tooth as he nodded and took Cass’ hand with a blush to his cheeks. She couldn’t help but smile as he held her hands and watched his feet to make sure he didn’t step on her, his happiness at such a simple act bringing a feeling to her chest that she couldn’t quite place. 

“You’re a very good dancer,” she mused as he found the courage to look up into her eyes.

“Thank you, Miss Cass,” he whispered. She squeezed his hands once and bent down for a twirl as he lifted their joined hands. Cass couldn’t help the laugh that sprung from her. It was so simple, so freeing, so perfect, to be the light of the night for little William. “You are very pretty.”

“And you are very handsome.” They matched unbridled smiles and she kissed his chubby cheek as the song came to a close. “Thank you for the dance, William. Maybe we can do it again tomorrow night after the wedding?” He nodded enthusiastically. 

“Yes, please!” He turned as a woman was calling his name off to the side and waved his goodbye before running to be collected by his mother. 

“You’re going to be the most wonderful mother one day, Mrs. Egan.” Cass turned to see Gale’s mother looking at her with admiration in her eyes.

“Thank you, ma’am, I hope I can be.” Something stirred in her chest at the topic of conversation. She thought back to bloodied sheets and a racing heart. The feeling of being alone and empty, her other half behind enemy lines where she couldn’t reach him. Half of him was stored inside her before the universe chose to rip it from her so brutally. A secret she was still keeping from her husband.

“Have you and John discussed that next chapter of her life? Found a place to settle down now that things are mostly back to normal?” 

“No, we are visiting our families before we settle.” She prayed their families wouldn’t push too deeply on little Egans. Not until she had the courage to tell John about the one they had come close to having but lost. Not until she found the courage to remember that night herself and realize everything she had lost. All the ways in which she had failed him while he had been fighting for his life in a German POW camp.

“Well, with the way you and John care for each other and the way all the little ones have just been gravitating towards both of you, you’ll have nothing to worry about as you grow your family.” Cass forced a smile onto her face and offered her thanks, just as she had always been taught to by her mother, before excusing herself to use the restroom.

She made sure the door was locked before she allowed her breath to escape in the pant that it wanted to. It was ragged and hoarse as her fingers found purchase on the side of the sink and she squeezed until her knuckles were as white as the porcelain. Why now? Why after she had pushed these feelings and those memories as deep into her soul as they would go? Deeper than even a Nazi interrogation or the image of her husband being dragged to his death through the woods.

“Pull yourself together, Cass, come on. You’re better than this,” she whispered to herself after sparing a glance in the mirror. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Not here, not tonight. Don’t ruin this time of happiness for him when you haven’t been able to give that to him in so long. 

“Spook? You in here love?” His voice was accompanied by a gentle knock on the door. Almost timid. When had John Egan ever been unsure of himself when it came to his wife?

“I’ll be right out!” Her fingers twisted the sink on quickly and she cleared her throat of the apprehension and dread residing there before physically shaking her muscles loose. 

When the door opened, the frame was filled by the wide expanse of his shoulders. There was no way out for her even if she tried. And it took all her training in emotional regulation to not complete fray into pieces under his gaze. 

“You seemed to leave the party in quite a hurry,” he mused as he leaned against the wood. John was settling in. He had nowhere else to be other than right here. With the woman he loved, his wife, who was slowly slipping through his fingers.

“Dancing and having conversations doesn’t leave much time to touch up,” she teased back with a little laugh. He didn’t return her laugh and instead lifted his arm to show that he held her purse. Her purse that housed her compact and mirror. Her lipstick and mascara. Everything that she would have needed to actually touch up in the mirror. 

“I know we’ve haven’t…we haven’t been great at just talking and checking in recently-”

“That’s my fault. Getting back and traveling and planning and trying to keep it all together. I’ll be better once everything settles,” she promised as her hands pressed to his chest. Because there was that word again. Settle. Settling. Settled. Would she ever find a place where it could be used in the past tense? Would they ever find such a place?

“It’s not on just you or just me.” He reached for her hand and brought her ring to his lips. The thin gold band was barely noticeable unless someone was looking for it. It had been all they could find on such short notice. And they’d told each other he would put his grandmother’s ring on her finger when they made it to South Carolina. “I think we’ve both felt a little lost recently,” he whispered.

“How do we fix it?” Cass had always been good at identifying things that weren’t right. That didn’t fit with her. But she had never gotten the hang of bending to their will in order to make it so.

“I don’t know,” he swallowed around a lump in his throat, “but I know I love you more than anything. I know that will never change.” A tear tracked down her cheek in anticipation. She had to tell him. There would be no forward without this last secret coming to light. They couldn’t begin to work through the ways Germany had changed them if he didn’t know that she had never been the same since that night in the hospital. If he didn’t know that it was that night that led her to that camp in the first place. For if she had lost the piece of him he had left her, the piece of him he should have been able to trust she would keep safe, then she didn’t deserve to live on the other side of that chain link fence.

“There is something I have to tell you, John. Something that happened before I made it to Germany-”

“Not here, love,” John stroked his thumb over her cheek, effectively silencing the confession that was on the edge of her lips like a plea. “Let’s go somewhere we can have some privacy.” She squeezed his hand like a lifeline as he led her out of the bathroom and down the hallway, her heart seizing as the sights and sounds of the crowd began to take shape. Her muscles twitched and she wiped at her face and forced a smile as she readied herself for battle. Readied herself to face a room full of strangers that she couldn’t show such a weakness to. That was not what a married woman of society did. Emotions were meant to stay behind closed doors. 

They turned away from the music and went through a door. Her worry had been for nothing. As he always had a habit of doing, John had assuaged her fears without her needing to voice them. Had taken care of her as easily as breathing. Her worries over telling him would be for nothing too. Her worries over this growing distance between them…he would fix those too. Nothing could ever break them. “We could go back to our room, if that would make you more comfortable.” He kissed the center of her forehead and looked into her eyes like they held all the answers. Cass just hoped they held more than fear.

“Maybe it’s silly but I always have considered my bedroom, wherever it may be, to be the most sacred place. A place to protect. And now that I have you, the space where we talk before we fall asleep, the space where we wake up in each others arms and make love and plan how to achieve our dreams…it is even more important to me that we protect that. Even in a hotel where it is temporary.” Her smile could probably be described as meek as she looked at him like she was awaiting his approval. 

“Cass, everywhere you are is a sacred place to me. The ground you stand on is the only ground I care to protect.”

“Even this dirty stairwell?” she sniffed.

“Especially this dirty stairwell, my love.” It was hard to pretend every nerve ending between them wasn’t completely and utterly on fire. But he wasn’t going to push her. The admittance of a secret between them, something they normally didn’t keep, was enough to worry him to the edges of his sanity. He would always be patient with her. Her love would always be worth waiting for.

“After London, after we were separated, I woke up one night with blood on my sheets.” John froze. His eyes traced over her face as if he could read or see beneath her skin and into her mind. “Mary helped me to the field hospital and…and they told me I was having a miscarriage.” There it was. Out in the open. No longer a secret for her to keep. 

“London. In London we…” The rest of his thought was choked off as silver lined his eyes. Cass nodded.

“We made a baby. And on that night I lost it. I’m sorry. For not telling you sooner. For not knowing and not protecting them and ruining something I know we both want so deeply.” His eyes were no longer looking into hers. They were focused on the wall behind her head. If his shirt was between the whites other knuckles, she would have thought he was trying to mist away. 

“It’s not your fault. The stress of the forest that day and the travel…that couldn’t have helped.” John spared her a glance before he stepped out of her grasp and cleared his throat. “Did you want to say goodbye before we go?” She was stunned for a moment before she internalized the words he was saying. 

“That’s all you have to say?” No words of comfort? No angst or sadness over the loss of the unknown? No anger over her inability to protect something as precious as their child?

“I think we should get back to our room.” God, he was cold and evasive and emotionless and all the things Cass had described previous lovers as but never John Egan. Never her husband. The man who so thoroughly brought her to life. “It’s Gale and Marge’s weekend. I don’t want to distract from that.” Slapping her would have hurt less. His words packaged all her emotions into a little box and prevented them from escaping. From relieving the pressure on her heart that had been weighing her down. That she had started this conversation in order to release. Maybe she had been wrong to think John Egan was the kind of husband, the kind of man, who wouldn’t mind if his wife enjoyed dancing and laughing and letting her hair down while she experienced life. Maybe she never should have assumed the freedom he had said he loved about her all this time carried back to America. A ruthless mistake.

“My coat-”

“I’ll grab it. You stay here, so they don’t have to see you like this, and I’ll be right back.” Shame crawled right up her throat and squeezed until she thought it would be her undoing. 

“Why was I so stupid?” she whispered to herself. “I should have known better.” She should have known better than to think she would be able to be a wife on her own terms. To think she could be a partner and an equal and never have to change the elements that made up her core. To think she had found the person, her person, to do all that with. To shield her and protect her from the overwhelming judgement of those around her. 

It had been time for her to learn John was just a man. And he was the same as they all were.

[lycheedr3ams]

Death's Angel

Part 8: On Angel Wings

royal!fem!reader x executioner!konig

Summary: It's 1554. You're one of the eight daughters of the Austrian royal family, and your parents do everything they can to ensure their kingdom is prosperous and peaceful. No royal court is complete without their hand-picked executioner, one who stands out against the sea of black, faceless bodies that make up the profession. It just so happens that your family's new executioner, one who has made a name for himself far and wide for his skill with the axe, has caught your eye and ruined you for good.

Warnings: MDNI! smut, mutual pining, forbidden love, death (konig is an executioner duh), mean sisters, mentions of medieval-type violence, overbearing parents, konig is brooding and a perv, some predator/prey dynamics, possessive!konig, maybe dark themes bc reader likes seeing him kill people and bc he's a perv?

Part 7

I can't thank you all enough for the support i've gotten on this fic! this fic is what made my blog big and i just can't believe it's been so well-received. don't worry, it's a happy ending!!! also I'm sorry this took so long...I hope you guys like the ending. I'm super nervous my writing quality on this story went down, but maybe I'm too critical of my work. in any case, I hope you guys enjoy!

.......

series inspired by the art below!

you weren't sure how much time passed when you woke up in a warm bed. you blinked open your eyes and rubbed the exhaustion out of them. you looked around the room, and noticed konig sitting right by your side.

"Engel?" he asked softly. you had never heard his voice so tender.

"what happened?" you asked. you tried to sit up, but were immediately struck with a sharp pain in your chest. konig gently pushed you back down on the bed.

"lay down, Engel. you are hurt. you need to rest."

you looked down at your chest, and realized that it was wrapped with bloodied bandages. your dress was nowhere to be seen, but the blanket covered your lower half.

"what happened? where are we?" you asked as you could feel panic rising.

"we are somewhere we will never be found by anyone who wishes to separate us," konig said quietly. "you..." he couldn't finish his sentence as he cleared his throat.

"i what?" you asked.

konig shook his head. "you protected me. it is not supposed to be that way. i am supposed to protect you, and i couldn't." konig's head hung low in shame, his eyes now completely obscured from you.

you suddenly remembered everything that had happened right up to when the sword fell. your heart raced.

"i...my body just acted on its own. it was like i didn't have control over myself. it just happened." you thought for a long moment, and it was silent. konig's head still hung low.

"i don't regret it, though," you said firmly. konig looked at you in confusion.

"i promised to protect you, and here you are, laying in a bed soaked in your own blood," he said quietly as his eyes glassed over.

you smiled. "it's okay. i would do it again if i had to. but where are we? what happened to the knights?"

konig was silent for a little while. you closed your eyes.

"we are in france now. a little countryside town. after the soldiers patched you up, they realized that you weren't lying. they agreed to pretend that it never happened. but they will be back in a week, to make sure this is what you really want." his voice was quiet as he spoke.

"so...my parents and siblings still think i've been kidnapped?"

konig nodded.

"no. they need to know that you are not in the wrong. they need to know that i chose this."

"i don't know if that's a good idea," konig said after a moment. "they will say I brainwashed you."

"i don't care what they will say. if they don't believe me, that's on them. i will have the soldiers take a letter to them once they go back, and i will never speak to them again," you decided.

konig stared at you for a long while. he gently took your hand and stroked it with his thumb.

"i am sorry things turned out this way," he whispered as he looked at your hand.

you shook your head. "i wouldn't have it any other way, konig. i'm with you, and we can have our own life here. what is this town like?"

konig still stroked your hand as he spoke. "there are lavender fields surrounding the town, and a small forest to the east. there is an empty plot of land where a house can be built. the people are kind, and it is quiet and peaceful."

you smiled. "it sounds perfect."

konig brought your hand up to his lips as he lifted his hood to kiss the back of your hand. "i will make it up to you."

"there is nothing to make up, konig," you assured him with a smile. "everything will be okay now."

konig shook his head. "i will give you the life you deserve, my princess. i will build a house for you, and you can have as many gardens and animals as you like. you will have the finest sheets once again, and you will never want for anything."

you smiled. "as long as i have you, i will never want."

...

several months later

You walk out of the cottage that Konig had built for you and him on this warm morning. the birds are chirping and a gentle breeze blows over the lavender fields to the right of your cottage. you smile to yourself as you breath in the scent of lavender, and hear your sheep, ducks, and goats already waking up for the day. your garden, fenced off with bushes and a trellis with roses, blooms brilliantly in the morning sun.

konig quietly comes up behind you and wraps his strong scarred arms around you. he nuzzles your head gently with his nose and smiles underneath his hood.

"good morning, my Engel," he whispers gently to you. he speaks those four words to you every single morning. some may regard it as just a morning custom, but you know that konig never wastes any of his words. those four words every day, reserved only for you.

"good morning, konig," you smile up at him and gently hold his arms as they're wrapped around your waist. your goats bleat a few times, and you and konig share a gentle laugh.

...

life has been peaceful ever since the hell you and konig had gone through. you sent the letter to your parents, telling them the truth about your relationship with konig: how you weren't brainwashed, you didn't like being a princess, and this was the life you chose for yourself. your parents begged you to come back, their handwriting betraying their nerves and worry. but you never wrote to them again.

konig built this cottage for you in no time, and you two built your life together in this small countryside town in France. you helped out at the local bakery most days, tended to your farm animals every morning, checked your garden several times a day. you cooked warm meals for konig, which he always ate gratefully.

konig was no longer an executioner. he decided to leave that part of him in the past for your sake to build a peaceful life with you. the strong, calloused hands that once gripped axes to chop people's heads off now gripped saws and hammers and other tools to build houses, make horse shoes, craft swords. konig never spoke about it, but the gentle look in his eyes that grew as he got accustomed to normal life was something you always noticed and loved.

you two make a modest living; no more silk and fine china, but you couldn't have cared less. living life every day, doing what you wanted, you forgot about the endless want that material possessions creates. for the first time in your life, you are happy. you no longer had to worry about perfectly adjusting your hair, tying your corset, or matching your dress to the occasion each day. your hair changed each day based on your mood, and your clothing was simple and comfortable. no one told you where you had to be or when, you no longer had to watch every word that was spoken. you are free.

...

you hand konig his lunch basket for the day with a sweet smile, packed with fruits and bread and some salted meat. he rubs your head affectionately and kisses your forehead through his hood.

"danke, Engel."

"have a good day," you smiled up at him as you hugged his muscular chest. you gently tap his chin over his hood, and he smiles at your little signal and presses a chaste, gentle kiss on your lips. you watch as he descends the porch and walks to town.

you weren't sure exactly where you and Konig's lives were going to lead, but among your farm animals and garden and cottage and his arms, none of that mattered. the only thing you cared about was living each day with konig, living a normal life. you taught him what it meant to live, to breathe, to create things that made life better rather than take it away.

and even though you are no longer a princess, you will always be his angel.

taglist: @kneelingshadowsalome, @plumdreadful, @dumb-dumb-idiot-girl, @elichisstuff, @konig-breedme, @tr4psta, @cutiecusp, @konigsleftkidney, @local-vampire-s1ut, @ihaveaproblematicbrain, @twice360noscope, @madzeesstuff, @crazy-phan-girl13, @babygirl-panda19, @warrior-of-justice, @eluffi, @mooniesthings, @elowynnlane, @zaxlrza, @red-bed-bug, @alexdoesntlikeyou, @helmipss, @11aplacesange11, @rouge-swears, @pasta-m1lk, @ghostinvenus

[seyaryminamoto]

COMMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Hello, everyone! My circumstances are getting a little bit more complicated and it's been fairly tricky to find a job over the past year (aaand it's only going to get worse...), so it's time for me to fully, officially, reopen commissions. Some prices have increased since the last time I did this, mainly in the hopes that this reflects my improving skills a little better. Some options are quite costly (particularly the animations and comics) because they demand a ton more work than one might expect. Terms are also more strict than they used to be in order to ensure a more professional dynamic between myself and anyone who commissions me.

Send me a DM if you have a commission in mind, but first, make sure to read through the Read More. I want to expand on what's stated in the final picture to ensure better clarity on the terms of my services:

I'm open to working with any fandom or OC, be it one I'm familiar with or not. I'm also open to working with crossovers, as well as making book/fic/album covers, and even drawing real people as characters of a fandom of the commissioner's choice.

I am open to drawing ship/romance content but, tied directly to the next point...

I reserve the right to refuse any commissions that make me uncomfortable in any given way. This does not mean that everything besides my OTPs and the headcanons I support is guaranteed to be rejected, but it does mean that, if the behavior of the commissioner or the specific subject of the commission does not sit well with me, for any given reason, I will decline the commission. I won't work on something that squicks me, nor with someone who displeases me. No artist should.

Animals, mythological creatures, gore and +18 requests are fundamentally valid but must be discussed thoroughly first. None of these areas are my forte as an artist, as much as I've dabbled in them here and there, so, in order to get it right, I may need extra time and I will most likely modify the base price for any requests that includes these elements.

Payments will be done through PayPal or Wise. The final, full-resolution piece will not be delivered until full payment is completed. Half payment is expected at the start of the process, the second half at the end. The client is entitled to two revisions of the art process to ensure expectations are met. If a piece does not match your expectations after the revisions, the commission will be considered cancelled and you won't need to pay the second half of the expense. Any commissioner who wishes to pay upfront from the get-go does so at their own risk. Revisions are always included, but there will be no refunds if the final piece is not up to the commissioner's standards.

The commissioner is allowed to publish and share the commissioned work across social media, provided it follows the rules of each site (as in, don't post any +18 artworks on sites that do not allow it, pretty much). I can offer basic Glaze and Nightshade in order to protect the artwork from AI theft, to no added expense. Credit MUST be given to me as the artist whenever commissioned pieces are posted elsewhere.

For anyone who wants a list of fandoms I'm better acquainted with:

Avatar: the Last Airbender

Legend of Korra

Bleach

Digimon

Code Geass

Inuyasha

Dragon Ball

The Mentalist

The Dragon Prince

Disney

My Hero Academia

Dragon Age

Hades (Supergiant)

Cowboy Bebop

Hollow Knight

Star Wars

Ghibli Films

Overwatch

Full Metal Panic

Artemis Fowl

LOTR

Farscape

Haikyuu

Fullmetal Alchemist

Naruto

Stranger Things

Spy X Family

Kaguya-sama

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness

Eragon

Thor

Harry Potter

Free!

ASOIAF

Shaman King

K-ON

Critical Role/Legend of Vox Machina

Dungeons and Dragons

Blue Eye Samurai

Arcane

Castlevania

Again, any fandom, character or OC is valid, but I'm far more likely to know what I'm doing and to have my own opinions, for better or for worse, when it comes to anything on this list.

If there are any further questions, feel free to DM me and we'll sort them out!

Thanks for reading so far, and I look forward to working with you!

[jangofettjamz]

Stay with me

Jenna Ortega x Autistic!Male!Reader

TW: Depression, Self Harm, General Unhappiness

Summary: Jenna discovers your ongoing depression.

2nd Person POV

Three weeks.... three long weeks of loneliness. You had all but isolated yourself from the world, not to be seen by anyone. Your family and friends constantly worrying about you and your whereabouts. But you didn't care. You just didn't care anymore.

Your sleeping pattern was completely destroyed, eating habits fluctuating between eating too much or too little or just not eating at all. Hygiene was at an all time low, snack packets littered the house like a landfill.

You felt defeated, conquered. You couldn't even get out of bed to check the time. The only thing you could hope for is the mattress to swallow you whole removing you from the world; not that it'd make a difference. So you kept telling yourself.

You lay in your bed staring at the ceiling for what feels like hours, only to be disrupted by the ringing of your cell phone on your nightstand. You almost didn't lean over to see who it was but curiosity had its way with you and forced you to look. It was Jenna.

Embarrassment radiated through your body having not even thought about how your absence might effect her. Your reached out your arm to pick it up and hovered your thumb over the answer icon.

Mustering up the courage, you finally answer the phone and gave the best performance you could to ensure her that you were fine. "Hello"

"Y/N? Baby are you alright? No one's heard from you for weeks! I've been trying to call you and went to your door multiple times, babe." Regret. Thats what you felt the moment she expressed her worry for your well being. How could you be so selfish?

Still you persisted in trying to convince her "I'm fine, Jen. Really I am. I've just been really really busy at work; barely any time to myself" you fake laugh.

Jenna saw right through your facade "Really..? Because I called your boss and they said you haven't turned up for work in about a week and a half and I haven't seen you for three. Honey you know I'm the first one to call if you ever need help, so why won't you let me in?"

She was pleading, something you had a very emotional reaction to. The last thing you ever wanted to hear from her was pleading. "Jen... its... *sniffles* "

Jenna doesn't back down "Y/N... please... Tell me what's wrong"

"I... I can't get out of bed... my bed is a mess and so is my room. I feel sick to my stomach and I..." you held back tears.

"Go on, sweet boy it's okay. Tell me what's going on" She says with pure softness in her voice. No hint of contempt.

"I hurt myself. I've been hurting myself, Jenna" There it was, an admission. With your pride broken and tears down your face you confessed to your girlfriend about your dangerous little habit.

"I'm coming over. I'll be there in 5 minutes tops." You can already here her bustling around her house looking for her car keys. You were sobbing from the guilt. "Hey Hey l sweet boy it's okay. I'm not mad I promise. We're gonna get you cleaned up and figure this out together, okay?"

"O-okay.... I love you, Jennie..." you sniffle as you call her your little affectionate nickname.

"I love you too, sweet bunny. I'll be there very soon." She blew a kiss through the phone before hanging up.

*Five minutes later*

Jenna opened the front door via the spare key, her eyes taking in the mess of the living room. She couldn't focus on that right now, instead she made her way up to your bedroom and knocked the door.

"Y/N? Bunny are you in there?" She called out to you but you refused ti answer, hoping that she would leave and not see you in your pathetic state. "Babydoll I'm gonna come in now, okay?"

The sound of the door opening made you hide under the covers from the fear of judgment; her judgement. However, that never came. The footsteps drew closer and closer and you felt a hand remove the sheet you were hiding under.

The state she saw you in broke her sweet heart, wanting nothing more than to just pick you up in her arms and shield you from everything despite the height difference. "Oh sweet boy... hey... it's only me"

That did it. The dam of tears collapsed on itself and you bawled like a child leaving Jenna to pick up the pieces. "Shhh, sh, sh, sh it's okay baby. You're safe I promise. It's only me in here, no one else." Her hands went through your greasy hair, evidence of your lack of hygiene the last few days."

"I-I'm sorry for n-not calling you J-Jenna..." you wanted to give her a thousand apologies and you didn't even know why.

Jenna shut down your apologies immediately "its okay bunny you did absolutely nothing wrong. You're just going through a very hard time right now." Even in the dimly lit room she could see the marks on your forearm, but didn't draw any attention to it; nit yet anyway.

"My love why don't you have a shower, hmm? Or bath up to you. While you do that I'll clean up your room and check up on you afterwards. You have any clean bedsheets for me, angel?" She asked sweetly.

"In the basket downstairs with all the other clean washing" you answered lowly.

She gave you a loving kiss to your forehead "Thank you. But before you take a bath, can I clean your cuts? I'll be gentle I promise" you were hoping she'd just ignore the cuts, but they do need to be cleaned. You nodded your head with lingering shame.

She helped you to the bathroom, which was thankfully clean and sat you on the toilet seat. Jenna grabbed the first aid kit and got to work "Honey I need to clean the cut of dirt first before I disinfect it. Can you put your arms under the sink for me?" You did as you were told "That's my good boy there you go. Just hold your arms under for a few minutes"

It stung but you weren't expecting it to be painless. After the wound was clean of any dirt she started to disinfect "You're doing such a good job for me, bunny. So brave for me" she praised. You truly did not deserve this woman

"These dressings are waterproof so you can bathe with them, but try not to get it too wet, okay?" You nodded at her instructions and she proceeded to run the bath. While the water ran she rubbed your back and rocked you to keep you calm and not overstimulated.

"Alright baby it's bath time" She helped you into the bath with a gentle guidance. The temperature felt just right, something you were very grateful for. The last thing you wanted was to be overstimulated from how the water felt on your sensitive skin.

While you cleaned yourself, Jenna cleaned the bedroom from all the junk and replaced the bedsheets. She wanted to ask so many questions but she knew not to overwhelm you in your extremely vulnerable state.

Around 35 minutes after you got in the bath you finally decided you were clean enough. Your hair was clean and fresh and the body odre was gone. You grabbed a towel and went back to your room to find Jenna sitting on the now clean bed inside your now clean room.

She tapped the bed signalling you to sit down next to her. Once you did she instantly wrapped her arms around your fragile body in a protective hold refusing to let go. "Sweetheart what happened?" The inevitable question was finally asked, you couldn't really narrow it down to one event since it's been building up for a while.

"I... its been building up for a while. I started feeling unhappy for about a year and it just escalated from there. You know I've been going to therapy and stuff but it just kept getting worse and worse... I didn't think I'd start hurting myself... *sniffle* I feel so stupid" you started crying heavily again

"Shhhhh you're not stupid baby boy, not stupid at all. You're just going through so so much and you felt like you needed some form of release from all the stress regardless of what it was. But please don't feel like you can't let me in, I wanna help my precious baby whether be physically or mentally." She wiped your tears with the pad of her thumbs and held your very close.

"I know you had your reasons for doing this bubs and they're completely valid, but please let me help you. There's better ways than this I promise. I don't wanna lose you, bunny. You're too precious to me to lose, I love you so so much and I need you here with me. I need you to stay with me baby."

You weakly nodded at her words, you knew this wasn't going to be an easy road ahead but she was going to help you navigate it together. "I won't leave, Jenna. I promise."

"That's my perfect angel..." the two of you share a loving deep kiss, only sealing the love you two felt for one another. She pulled back and looked into your eyes. "So gorgeous. My perfect boy" the praise made you tear up again which made her hold you against her chest and lay down on the bed.

"You're gonna be okay, Y/N. I'm here now, everything's gonna be okay. Such a good boy for me, it's all gonna be okay." And you really believed her, despite everything you've went through you fully believed her words. Jenna cradled you in her arms in whispered sweet words, pulling you into a safe space where you felt nothing was wrong.

"How about we get some pizza and chill for the next few days. Its the weekend and I've missed you a bunch. Maybe we can even go somewhere tomorrow, whaddya say?"

"Okay. Dominoes?"

"Whatever you want, sweet boy. I'd do anything to make you happy" Those words brought a smile, a small smile but a smile nonetheless.

And that made Jenna very very happy

A/N: This hasn't been proofread so the spelling/grammar/punctuation might be shit. Sorry I've been M.I.A but I've been really down lately and that's putting it lightly. I haven't forgotten about you guys and I hope this fic can make it to you.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Cartoon Movement

* * * *

A new way forward—for good!

November 5, 2024

Robert B. Hubbell

Nov 04, 2024

As we head into Election Day, I don’t want to tell you how to feel. Instead, I will describe how I am feeling. I hope it is helpful.

I am feeling confident because we have done everything asked of us—and more.

I am feeling confident because we have enthusiasm and momentum on our side.

I am feeling confident because Kamala Harris has run a nearly flawless campaign.

I am feeling confident because I know that women are determined to reclaim their status as full citizens under the Constitution.

I am feeling confident because Democrats have consistently overperformed the predictions of pollsters and pundits in every election since 2020.

I am feeling confident because pollsters and pundits have underestimated the power of the grassroots movement that has engaged tens of millions of Americans as never before.

I am feeling confident because of the professionalism and dedication of local Democratic Party organizations.

I am feeling confident because Kamala Harris has shown us a new way forward that focuses on the good in the American people rather than on their grievances and divisions.

I am feeling confident because I know that the new way forward that has emerged over the last eight years is a change for good that will persist and prevail long after we are gone.

I am feeling confident because I know we aren’t going back—no matter what happens in any race decided on Election Day 2024.

I am feeling confident because we are standing on the shoulders of generations of Americans who sacrificed their lives, liberty, and security so that we could arrive safely at this moment of opportunity and promise.

I am feeling confident because I know that we will ultimately prevail in the larger battle for the soul of America.

I know that we are not guaranteed success. I know that polls continue to show a race allegedly closer than any presidential and congressional election in modern history. I know we could suffer disappointment—but I also know that we can survive, endure, and prevail over any loss. We have done so before, and we can do so again.

In my moments of doubt and worry, I am drawn to the memory of 25-year-old John Lewis, who led 600 marchers across Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965. On that fateful day, state troopers cracked John Lewis’s skull with a club for daring to demand equal voting rights for Black Americans.

John Lewis could have given up when he awoke in the hospital with a bandaged and bloody head. He did not.

Two weeks after Bloody Sunday, John Lewis marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and thousands of others to complete the march into Montgomery.

Five months later, President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Whatever happens on Election Day, I am not giving up—and I know you are not giving up. It doesn’t matter whether we win a trifecta or suffer shocking losses, our work of defending democracy will not be finished. It never will be.

Yes, Election Day is critically important. But it is one of thousands of critically important days in the life of our democracy within living memory.

If we are fortunate enough to secure major victories on Tuesday, our reward will be that we get to do it all over again, starting on Wednesday.

Democracy is an ongoing, collaborative process. The good news is that we are working with one another to ensure that we preserve democracy for the next generation. I am honored to be working by your side!

Notes from the field (part IV)

Jill and I canvassed with Steve and Ellen Hill on Monday, covering 116 residences in Charlotte. It was a sobering experience. The areas we canvassed were economically depressed. We walked through some single-family home neighborhoods, where many homes were abandoned. Rental homes were dilapidated, with peeling paint and abandoned cars on the front lawns. But even in those neighborhoods, homes were being bulldozed at a rapid pace and replaced by two-story faux Cape Cod homes that would require substantial double incomes to pay the mortgage.

Especially sobering were the large apartment complexes that consisted of brick row houses surrounding a common area. The areas surrounding the apartments were strewn with trash and abandoned belongings left behind by renters who were forced out or moved on short notice. The bones of the old brick apartments were still solid, but window frames and doors were rotting. The residents of those apartments have been ignored and abandoned by landlords, the city, the state, and society. It is easy to see why some residents in those apartments feel hopeless and disconnected from presidential politics. And yet, we spoke to occasional residents who were strong and clear in their support for Kamala Harris and Democrats up and down the ballot.

It was disappointing that we were unable to speak to more residents. On the other hand, I felt that putting a door hanger on the front doorknob was a message to the residents: “We came to talk with you. You are not forgotten. Your voice matters. Vote.”

Jill posted a video on her blog that explains the technology of canvassing. See Every Day with Jill, Final Day of Canvassing: FOR KAMALA!

Concluding Thoughts

The astronomy photo below shows the Western Veil Nebula, a remnant of an exploding star. The early universe consisted only of two elements--hydrogen and helium, the basic ingredients of stars. On the other hand, humans are made of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium.

If the universe started as hydrogen and helium, where did the other “stuff” that makes up humans come from? Answer: From exploding stars. You are, therefore, made of stardust. Literally. Not figuratively. Not metaphorically. Literally. Nearly every atom in your body came from an exploding star.

So, as you anxiously wait for election returns, reflect on the fact you have the great fortune to be here in this moment because millions of exploding stars propelled matter into space that fortuitously, miraculously coalesced into you. How lucky is that?

Stay strong!

[hybeana]

COMMS OPEN: HELP ME PAY RENT!

Commission Slots: 3

Donator Doodle Slots: 6

Check under the cut for pricing, wills/wonts, TOS, examples, and more info!

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ABOUT ME

Hi there! I'm @hybeana! I'm a disabled artist that could really use some help!

Without disclosing too much specific personal information: my disability is mild-to-moderate depending on the day, which means I struggle with IADLs such as grocery shopping, cooking, driving, and cleaning. I also sometimes (but not always!) struggle with walking due to pain. I also deal with regular sensory issues that make daily living a struggle in general. As you can imagine, this prevents me from working most jobs.

I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis a year or two ago. (That's doctor speak for "heel pain we don't know how to fix.") I am an ambulatory cane user. I'm very certain that I also have an unknown autoimmune disorder, long covid, or god forbid both. I cannot afford to see a doctor. I also need to save money for an autism diagnosis. My autism often prevents me from working due to sensory issues, and a diagnosis ensures that I am fully accommodated. Although, I am unsure if I will ever be able to work a full 9 to 5. My long-term goal is disability payments.

No matter any of that, I still need to keep up with rent. My partner gets income to cover most of it, but they are in school and cannot work full-time. We need to earn about $300 USD minimum more than what they currently make per month to stay in our current apartment until December/January when our lease ends. And that's not even including utilities!

We have basic groceries and most of our rent covered, but feeding 2 adults and 1 cat can be a struggle. My cat is old and requires some supplements that are a little expensive to stay happy and healthy.

You can support me and my family by commissioning some artwork from me! I mainly do digital artwork, but I can also do traditional. Since I get so few commissions in general, I have recently upped my prices. Even a small commission is better than nothing!

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PRICES

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Timed 15 Minute Sketch/Doodle: $20.00 USD

This is a timed, 15-minute doodle of one of my OCs, Ascii! This is the option I offer for folks who want to support me, but maybe don't have as much cash to drop on a thermonuclear fully-shaded, fully-lined piece.

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Rough Lineart (No Color): $50.00 USD

This is a piece I did for my bestie @spearohero of her character Cecelia! The lineart is rough, but unfocused. If there is color, it is extremely minimal (if at all). I clean it up a little bit at the end so that it isn't a complete mess.

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Rough Lineart + FLAT Coloring: $70.00 USD

This is another one of my OCs, Xenarthron! The style here is rough, not as focused lineart with no/minimal shading. I mostly do these for myself for fun, so I don't spend as much time and energy on them as smooth lineart and shading.

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Smooth Lineart (No Color): $90.00 USD (THIS CAN GET ME GROCERIES FOR 1 WEEK!)

This piece was a gift for my dear friend @panther-os of his ATLA OC, Amaruq. I spent considerable time referencing real-life images, correcting anatomy, and focusing on line weight. You can see how differently it compares from the rough lineart in that everything is focused and purposeful.

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Smooth Lineart + SHADED Coloring: $120.00 USD

These are doozies for me because it requires so much effort and work - and I hate shading! Working with lighting can be difficult, but it's worth it in the end to see such a full, emotional piece. I did this one for @/hodagagenda of her sona. Thanks again for your support!

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What about complex backgrounds, multiple characters, busts, or other stuff not mentioned here?

CONTACT ME for pricing! I am 100% willing to haggle if it means the difference between making rent and... not making rent.

OTHER INFO

Thank you for your time and consideration!

[asmutwriter]

Just A Woman (Part 1 Section 3)

DESCRIPTION: After your weekend with the Bridgerton family you go back to your usual living. Bumping into a familiar face whilst at work

A/N - I have condensed partr 1 (which you can find here) into 4 smaller chunks so that you can have a better reader experience

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

WORD COUNT: 2819

From beginning / Previous / Next / Master List

WARNINGS: swearing, mentions of prostitution, time period sexism, mentions of sex work

DISCLAIMERS

- I wrote this in my knowledge of sex workers and I am truly sorry if I got it wrong and/or is offensive, that is not what I wanted to do and I’m sorry if that is the case

-  This is fiction. Please always talk to your partner before doing anything and make sure they are ok with what you are doing beforehand

The next morning you awaken late again. You get dressed and go downstairs. After you have had breakfast you go to find Violet. You bow to her slightly as you see her “Lady Bridgerton. I’m sorry to bother you but I was wondering if I could have your help. I’m not fully acquainted with balls and I am unsure of which dress to wear” she smiles and looks at you

“My dear, I’d be happy to help you��� you both go to your room, showing her your dresses she picks out the prettiest one for you. Holding it up against your body “Yes this one. The colour will suit you just fine” she smiles and lies it on the bed “get dressed about 10 minutes before it starts. It will ensure your dress stays as nice as it can be for when the guests arrive” you nod and smile at her, bowing as she leaves the room. You go over and gently trace the fabric of the dress.

The day seems to take longer than normal as you pace around the house. Anxious about tonight. You get dressed into the gown, one of the maids helping you do up your corset and put the dress on. You walk out to see all the Bridgerton’s and John waiting for you. You smile and go over to John. You see him put a finger up “I have something I want you to wear tonight. A gift from me to you” he turns and takes out a box. Opening it he reveals a beautiful necklace. The colours matching perfectly to your dress.

“Holy shit!” you cover your mouth. He tries hard not to laugh as do some of the Bridgerton siblings. He picks it up from the velvet box, 

“May I?” you nod as he places the piece around your neck. You lightly trace the jewellery. He smiles as he watches your face beam with joy as you hug him. Pulling away and straightening your dress again

“How do I look?” you twirl

“Beautiful” he takes your hand and kisses it

“Good. That was the correct answer” he laughs as he excuses himself momentarily. You see him go over to the older Bridgerton boys but you are too busy talking to Daphne to take into account what he says. That’s when the first guests start to arrive. You hide in the corner of the room, watching as the men and woman dance away. All beautifully choreographed. You have found yourself at a buffet table, indulging in the grapes there. Colin walks over to you

“Are you not going to dance?” you shake your head

“If I dance I fear I may fall over and make a complete fall of myself” he nods as you hear his name being called. You turn to see a young ginger haired girl approach you. You smile at her and bow slightly.

“Colin have you seen your sister? I’ve been trying to find her but I haven’t had such luck”

“No I haven’t Pen. I saw her earlier but not recently” she nods as she looks at you and smiles

“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure. I’m Penelope”

“I’m Isabella” she bows her head slightly to you as she looks at Colin. You see complete admiration in her eyes as she looks at him. You see a similar look when he meets her gaze. 

“I believe the next dance is starting” you say “It’d be a shame for you to not show off such a beautiful dress miss” you smile at the young girl. Nudging Colin “I would take her to the dance floor but it is not proper. Would you do me the honour of taking this beautiful girl for a dance?” he chuckles and offers his hand, you smile as she takes it and they head off. A few moments later you are met with Benedict. You look at him and offer him a grape to which he turns down. You pop it into your mouth as you watch the couples twirling and dancing. “What did John say to you earlier?”

“What do you mean?”

“He said something to you and your brothers earlier this evening. And I haven’t seen him tonight so I wondered what he asked you” you can see him about to go and change the subject but you interrupt him beforehand “if you don’t answer me I will ask your brothers. If they don’t answer me I’ll ask every single person at this party until I find out where he is” you smile at him innocently

“He said that he has an urgent meeting with someone so he will attend when he is free. He asked me and my brothers to keep you company and make sure you feel welcomed here” you nod and eat another grape

“Are you not going to dance?” he shakes his head “Why not?”

“No one here I’d like to dance with” you nod and look around “do you not want to dance?”

“I would but don’t you have to wait for someone to ask you?” you look at him as he nods. He puts his hand out for you to take

“Will you do me the honour?” you smile and take his hand. Letting him take you to the dance floor as he smiles at you, telling you the basic steps as he takes the lead. After the dance you bow to each other and go back to where you were standing. An older woman comes over to you and smiles

“Hello my dear. That dress and necklace is amazing”

“Thank you ma’am” you nod slightly at her in appreciation. She smiles

“Your dancing is amazing as well. It looked like you were having lots of fun” you nod and smile

“Oh it was great. I did nearly piss myself from excitement though” she looks shocked at your words but then laughs slightly. You look at Benedict who is also trying not to laugh at your words. “Where do I get a drink?”

“I’ll go get you a lemonade” you nod and smile as he walks away, leaving you with the woman. John’s mother walks over to you

“My dear. Why don’t you show Lady Danbury here your singing skills?”

“Oh no I couldn’t possibly-”

“I insist. It is my son’s ball so he will be happy for you to show your skills” Benedict walks over and gives you your drink. You take it 

“Thank you” you smile but lean closer “save me”

“Come on my dear” she goes over and calls out “everyone. My lovely friend Isabella will be singing a song for you all” she looks at you. You tighten your grip on your drink

“Fuck it” you murmur and take your drink as a shot. You walk over to one of the instruments the band is playing “May I?” he nods and allows you on it. You start to play a few notes, thinking of words to sing. You start to sing, your voice filling the now quiet hall. Afterwards they clap for you

“How would people like another song?” you shake your head

“Oh no I-”

“Go on, sing for us some more” Johns mother says. You catch eyes with Benedict who mouths ‘go on’ at you. You glare at him before nodding slightly and playing the instrument again you start to sing words. Everyone claps again and you bow slightly. Going back over to Benedict

“Amazing performance there” you playfully hit his arm

“Hush. How much longer before I can take this dress off and wear something less damaging to my organs” he laughs slightly “I’m serious. I think my torsos gone numb. Plus I’m overheating. I feel a little like a lobster in a pot” he laughs again, making you glare at him but smile.

“I think it’s about an hour or so longer to go”

“Fucks sake” you say just as Lady Danbury walks over to you again, raising her eyebrow at your as she overhears your swear. You smile at her and bow slightly “m’lady. Pleasure to see you again”

“You have quite the excellent singing voice. Where do you hear the songs you sing?”

“Oh I make them up as I go. My friend always told me I have a good ear for musical notes”

“Yes. The words though my dear. They really speak to the soul do they not?” you nod and smile at her

“I have to admit, my other friend reads romantic novels constantly and I always mock her for it. Tending to make up soppy words on the spot to make her embarrassed” she laughs at your words

“Makes sense my dear. She is lucky to have a friend like you” she smiles as she leaves. You look at the Bridgerton brother

“Was I ok?” he nods

“You were great” he takes a sip of his drink “I think she may be quite fond of you” that is when Eloise and Penelope walk over to you. Penelope watching Colin fondly from the other side of the room. Eloise looks at you 

“Danced with any men yet?”

“Only your brother. No one else has asked me to dance” she nods “have you two been in a dance yet?” they shake their heads. You look around, seeing if you can find a young man to dance with any of you. You make eye contact with someone who looks at you intensely. You break eye contact but before long he walks over to you four. 

“Don’t I know you from somewhere?” he looks you up and down

“I think you have me mistaken for someone else” you smile at him. He looks at your eyes and grins

“No I know you. You work in that little place down the road. What’s it called? You know. The place with the who-”

“Yes Mr Bridgerton I would love to have another dance” you say as you take his hand and go to the dance floor. You see the two younger girls try to ask the gentlemen questions but he dismisses them both and walks away.

“Where do you work?” you shake your head at the question.

“That is not relevant. And now is not the time or place to ask me” you smile at him slightly, meeting your eyes. 

The rest of the night goes slowly. But the following day goes by quickly when it is soon the evening and you must go. You are surprisingly sad to say goodbye to all the Bridgerton’s and John. But you make your leave, them driving a carriage back to your place of work. John allowed you to keep some of the dresses he leant you, noting he left you the money in one of the gowns. You get out of the carriage, walking home from the brothel. You open the door to your small and quiet house. 6 young girls running and hugging you. “We’ve missed you so much” they all start telling you about their days. You nodding and smiling at them all, knowing you must retire to bed soon as you are tired. The eldest notices

“I’ll put them to bed. Go and have a bath and go to sleep” you nod and do what she says. Falling asleep, memories of the past few days filling your dreams. The next morning you are awoken to find all the younger children crawled into your bed. You hug them all before leaving and getting dressed, going about your morning duties before they wake up. Once they have all awoken you all have lunch together and they go and play in the garden apart from Daisy who is sitting down reading a book. 

“Not more romances I hope”

“This ones more a psychological book”

“Does the girl and the guy end up married at the end?” she nods “Then it’s a romance” she rolls her eyes at you as she places the book down on the table.

“Tell me about the ball. Was it as good as we always thought it’d be?”

“Honestly, it was better. I felt like a queen the whole evening”

“What was the food like?”

“Delicious. I managed to swipe a box of chocolates from them” you go over to your still unpacked bags and grab out a tray of unopened chocolates, showing it to her before putting it in a high shelf so the younger ones couldn’t reach it. You pull out one of the dresses and show her “I was allowed to keep 3 dresses as well. I picked the 3 prettiest ones” she goes over and touches the fabric. Letting her look at it you look at the clock. “I need to go to work. I won’t be long. I need to let them know I’m ok and home safely” she nods as she admires the other 2 dresses. You hug her before leaving. 

Getting to your work place and entering it was a weird experience. You were so used to seeing people being prim and proper that it now seemed shocking to you for people to be grinding against each other half naked. You go and meet your friend who hugs you, cigarette in her hand “Isa! You’re back! You weren’t murdered” you shake your head as you get dressed into your working clothes. Some high stockings, a short skirt and a low cut corset. 

“Honestly I’m glad to be back”

“Oh was no one hot enough for you to get your freak on?”

“Not that. More they were all too pristine so they wouldn’t dare even look at you in the eyes incise it caused pregnancy” you laugh as you bid her farewell and go out into the crowd of people. You go over and sit at the bar, ordering yourself a drink. A few minutes pass and you feel someone sit next to you. You take a sip of your drink before turning. “Hey ther-” you see Benedict sitting next to you, ordering a drink before he turns to you. A slight shocked expression. You look away “I’m sorry I must go” he takes your hand quickly

“Isabella?”

“I’m sorry you must have me confused for someone else” you continue to look at the ground. He tilts your head up slightly by your chin. Meeting your eyes with his

“Why are you in a brothel?”

“I could ask you the same thing”

“I think mine is a more obvious reason”

“And mine isn’t?” you motion at your clothes as he looks at your body. You see him shift slightly in his seat before looking at you again

“Why are you working in a brothel?” he whispers. You look around, grabbing his hand and taking him to a private room and shutting the door

“I told you I worked. You seem surprised”

“I am surprised”

“Why? Is a girl not allowed to make money of her own? Is she not allowed to express her sexuality like how men do?”

“You are. I’m just surprised to see someone who seemed so shy to even look at a man working in a place where her job is to have sex with them” you turn red at his words. “How long have you worked here?”

“About 3 years” you look away from him as he nods and sits on the bed. “So John...?”

“He payed me. But don’t tell him I told you. Shit. Why are you here?”

“Although John is going back tomorrow and his mother is also leaving today they said that we could stay in their house for a week. Have a family week away”

“So you’re here because?”

“Because it is difficult to find a woman out here, if you must know” you chuckle slightly 

“You’re right. I can go get you one of our lovely ladies if you’d like?”

“I umm, I’d quite like to just stay in here and talk to you. If you’d be ok with that?” you nod slightly and go and sit next to him on the bed.

“I can’t be long here. I promised my friend I’d be back home soon. I said I’m only coming here so that they know I’m ok” he nods and looks at you

“Why don’t we go back now?”

“What?”

“I want to chat. You want to go home. I might as well come with you, right?”

“I’m flattered but I don’t know if my house is up to your kind of requirement” he shrugs and stands up, holding his hands out to you

“I don’t care. I want to see where you live” you nod and let him help you up. You excuse yourself and quickly get dressed into your normal clothes and then join him again. You both walk about a mile to your house. Once there you look at him, trying to judge his expression on his face as he sees your small house.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

[s0akie]

A friend of mine is trying to raise some money for his tuition! Please consider donating and spreading this around as well. Here is what he wrote: "Hello, my name is Abba. I am a second-year student in my last semester at the University of Plymouth, striving to build a better future through my education. Growing up, my mom and I faced numerous challenges, but we've always believed in the power of education to break barriers. With support from my mother , we've worked tirelessly to fund my studies, knowing it is the key to a brighter future. However, despite our efforts and a major setback, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The weight of outstanding fees threatens to derail my education and jeopardize my visa status. I have only a few days as I have exceeded my tuition deadline to come up with the sum or end my educational journey abruptly. The funds we're raising are crucial to ensuring I can complete my degree and secure my future. They'll cover tuition fees, living expenses associated with maintaining my visa status. Without this support, all the sacrifices made thus far could be in vain. The picture I used is of my current project I worked on to show my passion in my course which is architecture , my hope is to graduate and do more projects like the ones I have , and make a difference I just have one more year left to graduate please help me see this dream come true. Losing my education would mean losing the chance to create a better life not just for myself, but for my family too and make all the sacrifices seem like a hopeless effort. Your support isn't just an investment in my future; it is a lifeline that could change the trajectory of my entire life. Thank you for considering helping me on this journey."

[sukirichi]

me thinks tsumu didn’t actually get her drunk so she’d sleep with him. i think his blabber mouth let out the fact that the royal family is completely fucked and mentioned the affair - probably to get brownie points with the model or because he’s mad at rin for being likely to be king or something. and getting her drunk was supposed to be a safety net to ensure she doesn’t remember any of their conversations regarding that topic. she wakes up and feels blindsided that he’d try to do something so gross, she lets the info out? IDK i feel like something corrupt happened between the two that didn’t involve sexual relations…. maybe she was the one to take that photo and tsumu getting her drunk was his way of trying to erase it, like she’s drunk he takes her phone deletes pic - problem solved! i just feel like the amount of times he apologised SPECIFICALLY to sunarin… it’s just way too suspicious.

onto the man himself. y’know how i was talking about my nendoroid? imma cover his ears when i say this; if he’s genuinely so arrogant to think that sticking to his dogshit fuckass plan is the only option (because he doesn’t wanna damage his pride even more and admit he’s wrong) im gonna deck this man myself. sleeping with itinerary ON YN’S BED??? OHHHH BITCH YOU HAVE ME SO FUCKED UP RN. her only safe haven and it’s been tainted by that man whore and his woman crush wednesday…. i cannot WAIT for yn to fuck up iriler cuz she got on my last nerve like i genuinely didn’t think that was possible but damn. she deserves just as much heat as rin cuz atp do you not have ANY fucking sympathy for another woman?? you need to get some mediocre loveless dick wet so bad, you’ll do it on someone else’s bed in their locked safe space??

i have some theories but with the ending of the chapter i just need to take a few more laps, whew im like malding so hard rn. TAKING OFF THE FUCKING RING? LIKE THE AUDACITY OF THAT FIVE HEAD. it’s such a slap in the face because despite everything that happened - yn was STILL thinking of suna and how to help him and then the betrayal of them doing it in her room, AND HE JUST TAKES HIS RING OFF AND LEAVES??? IRIS HAS STOLEN EVERYTHINGGG, that line where yn was trying to reassure herself like “it was your ring on his finger.” and then cutting to that ring being left on the bed side table … suki you got me so fucked up i feel like i could run a mile rn.

there IS a way for their relationship to be redeemed tbf, idk how many readers would agree with it but i feel like the redemption would be something a little like how it was in the hamilton musical, like we just finished the reynold’s pamphlet track. i think with the redemption their relationship is definitely not going to be warm and it’s going to be a lot less loving (not loveless but yn isn’t going to give her love easily to him).

me personally, i’m just hoping if ushi becomes king he allows divorces so yn can get out of that relo and so can kiyoomi, they both deserved each other and i don’t think they could ever ignore each other for too long, especially not after that entire trip where they built their connection with each other.

i’m done rambling now, i’m sorry if my ask got a bit incoherent, this chapter had me fucked up more than any other one JUST because of the ring, like my heart actually broke when i read that. anyways im so sorry for the long ask 😭 enjoyyy

- shhh anon

shhh anon!! ah i’m always so happy to hear about your theories pls don’t think i am bothered by the long asks 🥹 for tsumu hmMMM lowkey shivering in my boots because i think you’re reading my mind and seeing all the secrets of dtd… hmm… can’t confirm anything as of now but i agree with you! he would definitely pull that just to get brownie points and get laid + getting her drunk was vv intentional on his part… i’m so sorry, he’s so horrible in dtd!! but you’re right, tsumu is one suspicious guy aafghsjkla

yes pls cover nendoroid suna’s ears!! canon suna does NOT have to hear any slander, and i’m so sorry to our pookie bear that i gave him such awful roles in this story... fr like out of all places, why on the reader’s bed?! the castle is HUGE he could’ve chosen anywhere but that (although we’ll see why he brought iris to reader’s bed in ch13 muehehhe.) AND THE NICKNAMES FOR IRIS IM CRYING IRILER?? ITINERARY? HELP 😭

OMG YES THANK YOU FOR NOTICING!! like reader’s monologue was like “that’s my ring he’s wearing even after all that happened” because that was like, her only source of comfort and reassurance that in SOME WAY, he’s still hers yknow? but then HE TAKES IT OFF AGAHJSK. but yes yes i see where you’re getting at – the redemption arc is not going to be warm at all. actually, tiny spoilers ahead, i’m not even sure i can call it a redemption arc (won’t give context hehe, you guys will see for yourselves.) but i cannot wait to see how things will change if ever ushi becomes king. he’s a very traditional guy too, so we’re not even sure if he would legalize divorce. he’s a stickler to the rules, and as much as he wants the best for his brothers, his main priority is to sticking to what the kingdom wants – so that’s a downside if he becomes king. kiyoomi though like pls i’m so in love with him, i want him to be endgame so bad!! they do deserve each other, and their chemistry + bond is just so natural for me. i think they would be happiest with one another ngl 🥹

and please don’t apologize for the long asks bb!! i actually get so happy whenever i see that people take the time to share me their thoughts, it means the world to me 🥺💫🌷

[manor-tea-time]

Finale -  Merry Christmas!

꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊❅.☃︎⋆⁺₊❅.⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆⋆꙳

Wayne awoke with a start, tumbling off of his comfy chair and collapsing onto the floor with a resounding thud. He sprung up, his chest heavy with cold air, as the fireplace was now nothing but cold ashes. Morning light trickled in through the curtains as he looked around the room.

“I am alive! By Jove!” He laughed, a true smile covering his face for the first time in years. “But was it all a dream? Could it have been?”

⋆⁺₊❅.☃︎⋆⁺₊❅.

As he looked to the window, he ran to it, bracing his hands upon the sill. The sun was still low in the sky but the rosy colors of dawn were beginning to decorate the snow covered cobble streets. Below him he spotted three carolers, one holding a candle, one dancing as she sang, and one with a hood covering their face. 

“You there!” He called out to them, “Hello! What day is it?”

The caroller holding the candle looked at their friends curiously, then back up at Wayne. “It’s Christmas?”

“Christmas! Indeed! Merry Christmas! I have not missed it! I have time to make it alright!” He left the window to spin around the room and sing, hot tears streaming down his face. He collected himself quickly, and ran back to the window to see the carollers long gone, yet a boy was outside shoveling snow in the streets in their place. 

“Boy!” He called out to the teenager, who about jumped out of his skin. “Merry Christmas, child!”

“... Merry Christmas?”

“Do me a favor! Go to the butcher and get the largest goose you can find! Tell them Strickland sent you! Oh and tell them all of their debts are forgiven!” He rustled around in his nearby desk to pull out a small bundle of coins. He threw them down to the auburn haired boy and smiled, “Use that to pay for the goose! And keep the rest!”

The boy looked at the great deal of money in his hands with starry eyes and looked up at Wayne. “I… I will! Thank you, sir! Merry Christmas!”

“Yes! And a Happy New Year!” He laughed as the boy dropped his shovel to run off and gather the goose. “Ah. I have much to do.”

⋆⁺₊❅.☃︎⋆⁺₊❅.

The rest of Christmas morning, Wayne spent writing a great deal of letters. Most of them were notes of loan forgiveness, ensuring that all who had borrowed from him in the past were free to move on without debt. He also wrote a great deal of apology letters to those he had been unkind to. And lastly, he wrote a letter to Jaime, apologizing and not asking for forgiveness, only to see eachother again one day. 

When the goose was delivered he set off, knowing that he had a great deal left to do before the day was over. His first stop, which was quite hard to find and required asking about, was the home of Alden. 

He knocked upon the flimsy wood door with a great deal of awkwardness that only expanded when his employee appeared.

“Mr. Strickland!” Alden startled. “What are… I know I have the day off, sir! We talked about it yesterday! Is there an emergency? I really can’t-”

“Alden. All is well… I just…” Wayne cleared his throat. “I know that I have been rather… Stingy as an employer and I wanted to ensure that you and your family would have a proper Christmas dinner.” He held up the goose.

Alden’s eyes went wide as he looked at the massive bird. “Oh! Wow! Thank you! Thank you so much! That’s so kind of you! Here let me hold that for you.” He rushed to take the heavy item away from the old man and bring it inside.

Wayne stood at the doorway and coughed into his hand. The first part was complete. “Alden. One more thing.”

“Yes?” He called out from inside the house as he scrambled to find a place to find the monster of a bird. 

“You have been an excellent employee. A wonderful man. I was hoping that you would join me in… Well. We used to be Crowell and Strickland. Now we are just Strickland’s Loans. Would you like to… Oh god wait, what is your last name?”

“... You want me to be your business partner?”

“Yes! Absolutely!” Wayne smiled as Alden hugged him and gave the younger man a good pat on the back. 

“Thank you so much, Mr. Strickland. This is going to change everything for my family! Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas, Alden.” Wayne decided he would just have to ask his last name again later. 

As Alden rushed off inside to tell the good news to his family, the old man smiled, knowing that they would be able to afford treatment for the little girl he had seen. That there would be no more Christmases Alden’s family spent unsure of the future. He hummed and walked off to his final destination for the day, a smile ever-present on his face.

⋆⁺₊❅.☃︎⋆⁺₊❅.

Soon he came upon a beautiful house decorated in holly, candles, candy canes, and many other festive things. He knocked upon the door and when his niece answered he smiled. 

“Hello,” he said, “I apologize for my rudeness yesterday… And the many days prior. I was wondering if I may still attend your party?”

“Oh Uncle!” Therese threw her arms around him. “I always save a place for you at the table! Of course! Please, come inside! Oh, what a wonderful Christmas this has turned out to be!”

Wayne nodded bashfully as he entered the room of shocked guests, all surprised the fabled and wicked Wayne Strickland had showed up. Yet, as the evening went on, every single person there including the old man himself had a merry time full of laughter, joy, and love. 

And for the first time in a long time, Wayne had a very merry Christmas. 

꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊❅.☃︎⋆⁺₊❅.⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆⋆꙳

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

And now, a quick word from Emma!

A/N: Hello! This is the end of A Very IDV Christmas! Thank you all for reading! I know the writing has had it’s ups and downs (FINALS GRRR) But I have been so happy to share this holiday experience with all of you. Happy Holidays!

⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆

[fishcurtains]

Madleen and her two children, Mohammed (7) and Nana (3), need help ensuring hope and stability in their lives

This american election cycle, the genocide in Gaza is disgustingly ensured no matter the candidate. The illusion of hope a Harris-Walz administration would bring is not justification for the genocide in Gaza FULLY backed by the Biden administration. A delusional Fascist (tr*mp) isn't the answer, and neither is a cop. So, keep this in mind as election day rolls around.

What it comes down to isn't who you vote for inside the polls, but what you do within your means outside it.

Mutual aid is one the backbones of resistance, because no one else is going to.

Mutual aid saves lives.

Five dollars can mean a bag of flour, or sanitary pads for menstruating women. A donation can mean a dose of medicine covered, or so much more. It doesn't need to be a lot, it just needs to be something. Governments shake in their boots at the idea of people coming together to help one another, and it's one of the most radical things a person can do. A manufactured happy ending post November 5th (no matter who wins) doesn't stop the apartheid's bombardment. It doesn't ensure the safety and prosperity of the targets of Western powers.

I'm not going to bait you, guilt trip you into donating, or anger you into interacting. I only ask that you engage with this post not as fodder for a doomscroll, but as a wake-up call and a liason to actively help someone. Hopelessness and despair is profitable- for social media, for governments, for imperialism. Having hope and fighting for a better world is something achievable.

You, the person reading this, always have a choice.

I'm imploring you to use what time you have in your day to aid my mutual from tiktok, Gazan mother of two, Madleen. The choice is yours. 20 days into the apartheid state's (isr@el) reign of terror, 23rd October 2023, Madleen and her children were trapped under the rubble in their neighborhood of Al-Remal. They've evacuated to the south of the strip, and have relocated MANY times. Her little girl, nana's first words were about the w*r. Vulnerability is exhausting, and their goal is way too close to completion. Pleading to the social media void for benevolence I can only empathize feeling exhausting and dehumanizing.

So in this economy of attention, I sell you humanity for a donation to ensure the safety and prosperity of Madleen and her children. Her GFM link is above, and they are also Line 676 on Operation Olive Branch.

[sambhavami]

The Lost Flute - Part 2 (What-Ifs Entwined)

Yashoda unravelled her long braid as she beckoned over Subhadra. Pointing at a matki hanging from the doorframe she said, "Do me a favour and pour a cup of milk for your brother and put it on that stove, please! He will be up soon, and I have to take a bath! do you know how to do these things?"

"I know all sorts of things, Maiya! I can fight, cook, hunt, drive chariots, build mud houses and camouflage in forests! Pouring milk is a cakewalk." Subhadra said excitedly.

Yashoda sighed, "I keep forgetting you are a child of war." She shook her head, "Anyway, you are such a talkative girl! You and Krishna, the two chatterboxes, must drive Rama crazy back in the city?" She exhaled from a blend of sadness and relief, her eyes watering slightly. It had been ages since she had said Krishna's name out loud. Most times, Yashoda couldn't bring herself to utter his name. It hurt too much.

Subhadra kept talking excitedly, "Oh, Krishna doesn't talk at all! Sometimes, it seems like he isn't even listening. I could talk to him for ages and he wouldn't remember a thing later!"

Yashoda turned to face the girl, "What do you mean he doesn't talk?"

Subhadra shook her head, "He's like an ascetic at heart. He takes all due interest in the happenings of the family, but something is always amiss. All his words are carefully measured. Especially since he and Rukmini lost the child-" Subhadra sighed, "Nevermind, I shouldn't talk so lightly of the tragedy."

---

Nanda stood on his balcony staring absentmindedly at the garden below. He knew the princess was innocent in the throes of his grief, but he could barely bring himself to look at her. So long as Krishna lived under his roof, Nanda had never allowed himself to think about the lost child lest he grew resentful toward the living one. However, ever since the brothers had left, Nanda had found himself questioning the divine plan again and again.

Many times over the past years, he had gone over that night, wondering if there was anything he could have done differently. He sighed. Yashoda had never truly forgiven him. After that day, they hardly spoke outside of necessity. He guessed he should consider himself lucky that she didn't leave him altogether, but he couldn't help but be resentful at times. It's not like he enjoyed making that choice!

Nanda's mind wandered back to one sultry summer night, a few months after Krishna's departure. He had just completed reading one of the rare letters from Krishna, "Yashode, the boys would be leaving to go to a great gurukul down south." He had walked up to Yashoda standing in the darkness and taken her palms in his, "Why do you not talk, Yashoda? Are you not happy for the boys?"

Yashoda had jerked her hand away, "It would take a very selfish mother to not be happy at her sons' success! However, given I have no children, my reaction hardly counts. As a distant aunt of the two princes, I am ecstatic."

"Surely, Yashoda, you can't blame me! I had no choice!" Even in darkness, Nanda had seen her eyes blaze with anger.

"Of course, you didn't!" She had said through gritted teeth, "You could not have done anything differently at all! You could definitely not have woken me up! We could certainly not have taken all three of them and ridden away under the cover of the night! Let us not forget, Kamsa did not saunter into my bedroom and rip my child from my sleeping arms. You did."

"It was part of a greater plan. How could I have gone against God himself?"

"What God, Nanda? I could have forgiven everything, only if you had not lied to my face for seventeen years! Everybody knew, even the boys, just not me! Yet, none of you thought I was worthy of being trusted with this knowledge. What did you think, Nanda? Would I have treated Krishna differently if I knew at what cost I'd gotten him? What did I ever do for you, my husband, to think of me so lowly?"

"Yashoda, I only meant to shield you from the pain! I wanted to ensure you didn't bear the blood of that girl on your hands as well!" Nanda had said through tears.

"All you managed to do was make sure I lost two children at once." Yashoda had said in a heavy voice, "Anyway, let's not do this anymore. I would hate to be another source of worry for the boys. Let us keep out of each other's way and carry on with our lives, separately."

Yashoda had then stormed out of their bedroom, and taken up permanent residence in their guest quarters.

Nanda pulled himself back to reality. There was no point putting it off any further. He had to face the girl sooner or later.

---

"Hello!" Nanda said softly. The girl turned to face him. She said, "Maiya has gone to take a bath. She asked me to keep an eye on the milk."

"And are you?" He asked.

Subhadra turned back and gasped, "How is it already boiling over? I just put in on there!"

Nanda pulled up his dhoti and squatted beside the stove, poking the matki with a pair of tongs."

Nanda could feel the girl hovering over him. "What use will that be, baba?" Nanda sniffed. He wasn't sure what was making his eyes water: the smoke or her words.

Subhadra laughed as she grabbed the pot with a piece of cloth, pouring it carefully into a bowl, "Shall I pour you a cup, baba?" She asked.

Nanda shook his head. Subhadra asked, "Something else then? I could whip you up a fast breakfast before Maiya returns."

Nanda smiled despite himself, "You're a guest in our house, dear. You shouldn't be doing any of this."

Subhadra squatted down beside him, "Weren't you the one who was saying how your children don't need grand gestures, and now you're treating me like a stranger!"

Nanda smirked, "You are just like your brother! Talking circles around me already! Fine, go make something, then we can eat together."

Subhadra laughed and immediately went prancing into the kitchen. Nanda followed her and sat down on the threshold. His heart felt like someone was squeezing till it hurt. If that child had survived, she would've been in her late thirties, surely married by now. Before that, maybe she would have cooked him breakfast just like this young girl dancing around in front of him. They could have had a perfectly ordinary life! No one would've known if he had turned Vasudeva down that night. No one would've blamed him. He would have eventually forgotten the nameless dark child that had turned up on his door on that ridiculous, stormy night. He could've dismissed it as a bad dream.

Nanda was jerked out of the trail of thoughts by Subhadra's lilting laughter.

Subhadra smiled as she arranged the plates, "You and Maiya both say such strange things about Krishna. It makes me think, either you misjudged him royally, or he needs help, like yesterday!" Nanda nodded, forcing himself to look into her hazel eyes for the first time. With a jolt, he remembered his son. The same dancing, deep, hazel eyes. Vasudev! Nanda smiled to himself, as he realized where she'd gotten them.

"You could come with us!" Subhadra said enthusiastically, as Nanda took a seat, "Krishna will be thrilled to see you both!"

"Will he? After all that I've done? Why are you so kind to me? Do you not know what I've done?" Nanda sighed.

Subhadra sat beside him, "I am not here to judge anyone, baba. I only know from all that Krishna says, or rather from what he doesn't say, that he misses you both terribly. Truth to be spoken, in all the years I've been alive, I've seen Krishna smiling all the time, but I've never seen him happy. When I finally started hearing bits and pieces of his story, I realized- rather, I hoped, the answer would lie here in this old village, with you two."

"You put me on a pedestal too high dear. I'm not worthy of such an honour." Nanda sighed.

"Just come with us. You both can come as my guests! Get to know the new Krishna, and see if you can find the old one hidden somewhere in there!"

Nanda said, "Fine. I'll think about it, but you will have to convince your Maiya. I'm afraid she has forgiven neither me nor your brothers after all the mess that happened."