#you don't harvest little sisters

[nemospecific]

So I went ahead and got They Came From Beneath the Sea! from Bundle of Holding because, c'mon. It was 13 bucks.

And while I'm still working my way through it (why are the trademarks scattered throughout the book? Why don't they have an organized list?) it got me thinking...

"Could I make Jack from Bioshock in this?"

And I think I might, once I read a bit more through the Encountered stunt selections.

... of course, this now has me thinking about what other systems I could do it with. Might be fun to spin up a side blog and post my attempts/approaches.

[pinescent-and-gingerbread]

I was wondering if you could do a little drabble where the reader breaks her leg in an accident and Arthur goes to help her by picking her up and taking her home. Please I want Arthur to hold the reader like a princess! 🥺💞

Here you go sweet anon! 🍑

Yes this was supposed to be a drabble but I got a little carried away as always and this ended up being a bit longer than expected. I hope you won't mind!! 🙏

˖✧To pick up a Peach

✦ Pairing: Arthur Morgan x Fem!Reader ✦ Warnings/Tags: Description of a broken leg and physical pain, otherwise this is pure fluff. Arthur being the sweetest gentleman he is in high honor. ✦ Words: 2,4k ✦ a/n: I don't know why but I got carried away with this one and I ended up really loving it. I changed it just a little bit and made Arthur carry you to the doc, cause you know, he wouldn't let you go home without minimum care. He's like that. I made the reader some sort of farmer's daughter AU? Anyway, hope you'll still like it, Anon! Credits. Arthur's pic is mine. Other pics are from Pinterest. Little doodles made by me.

You were screwed.

That’s the thought that was stuck in your mind. Your horse, which the stableman had sworn to you was a gentle and peaceful creature, turned out to be a wild furious animal who was extremely nervous and appeared to have only one idea in mind: go back to where it belonged, the plains of the Heartlands.

You were simply on a ride to Valentine. You would often go there with your sisters on Mondays and Sundays to sell what your family had harvested in your native town, Emerald Ranch, setting up your little stand next to the butcher’s. Usually, these trips were pleasant and you had grown to like them, relieved to see something else than the gloomy and weird atmosphere that had settled in your village.

But your treacherous companion had decided, after an encounter with a snake somewhere near the Twin Stack Pass, that enough was enough. After rearing up as if his life depended on it, he took off at full speed, ejecting you with a crash to the ground, making the wicker basket containing all your precious products fly up in the air like a colorful firework of fruits and vegetables.

An ominous, muffled creak as your body lands.

Stunned, breathless, it took you a few seconds to regain your composure, long gone and galloping off with your horse.

Of course, that had to happen the only time you had decided to ride alone for once.

Your left leg, broken. The fruit of your labors and harvests, your perfect peaches, flawlessly ripe tomatoes and carrots, promising seeds, and beautiful flowers, scattered and smashed on the floor. Your dignity, gone. 

Lying back on the dirt, hair spread like a star around your head, surrounded by an indescribable substance made of crushed fruits and flower petals reduced to a mush, you looked like the religious figure of Bad Luck.

On top of that, being a lonely young woman, unarmed, and hurt in the open clearly wasn’t an ideal situation. Any man with bad intentions could easily do the worst thing to you in your state.

You tried to get back in a sitting position. Every movement was igniting the pain in your broken bone, deep inside your calf, spreading it through your entire body like a burning trail of powder. You let out a short pained grunt, followed by a curse. Slowly tugging your skirt up your knee, you took a worried look at your leg. 

It looked bad.

Painted with deep colored bruises kind of bad. 

The sight of it along with the incessant stabbing pain coming from it made your heart beat faster, and you did your best not to pass out from the nausea that was flying over your head. The panic of not feeling your toes anymore didn't helped at calming your heart rate.

There was no way you could walk back to any town in that state, or contact the rest of your family already waiting for you.

Yes, you were screwed. 

Tilting your head backward, you looked at the sky, in an attempt to prevent your threatening tears from falling, or to throw a desperate call to the Heavens, you didn’t really know it yourself. 

A muffled sound suddenly made its way to your ears. It looked like your involuntary prayer had been answered sooner than you would have expected.

It was the sound of hooves.

You snapped your head in the noise’s direction and noticed an approaching form on the road, raising a cloud of dust in its wake, coming towards you. Your only hope. You were praying, for real this time, that this upcoming stranger was a gentleman and not a bad man.

Praying, praying, praying.

Praying again as the man was at voice’s reach, and as you screamed and begged for help.

“M-Mister!” Your voice sounded even more pitiful than what you had planned, and a bit hoarse from the pain. Your ego protested, but screw it, he probably was your last chance. “Mister, please! I broke my leg! I can’t… I can’t…”

Apparently, shouting didn't seem to help the nausea. The more you were getting air out of your lungs by screaming the more your head was feeling dizzy.

Luckily for you, the lonely rider had heard your desperate breathless words and was heading towards you, stopping his horse in a skillful maneuver before dismounting, his two boots hitting the ground.

“What happen Ma’am, d’ya need some help?” He asked you, voice powerful and worried frown on his face.

“My horse got spooked by a damn snake and he ran away… Making me fall and I… I think my leg broke…” Your tone was pained and way weaker than his as you did your best to explain the situation, a single tear now streaming down your cheek.

The pain, the panic, the frustration from having a month’s worth of work destroyed in just mere seconds… You couldn’t hold it anymore.

Slowly approaching you, the man lowered himself in a crouching position to take a better look at you, and talk to you at the same eye level. His deep blue eyes studied your broken leg, surely not missing the disturbing, alarming color the bruises were taking, your skin an odd mix of purple and green now. It didn’t seem to disgust him though, his face stoic as he scanned your wound.

“Alright Miss jus’... Don’t move too much.” He advised you in a softer tone. You could see he was truly concerned about your state. “What’s with all this mess? You trynna make some soup or what?” He asked in a deep sarcastic tone, as if amused by his own words.

You drily chuckle, which revived the pain you were still feeling in your bone, making you cut your laugh and groan a bit, your own features contracting in a pained expression.

“It is… It was my crop… I was going to sell it in Valentine…” You explained once again, feeling shame and exasperation hitting you. You were feeling so angry from this waste, so angry at yourself to be the only one responsible for it, you couldn’t prevent more tears from falling, trying hard not to let yourself go into sobs.

“Ah, shit… I’m sorry for ya.” He exhaled, contemplating the scattered and mashed jelly-like matter composed of what was once your yield, pieces of peaches and broken carrots lying there, like on a battlefield. His gaze came back to yours, full of compassion and probably pity for your state, before continuing. “Don’t worry Miss. I’mma take you up to the Doc, in Valentine. ‘Was goin’ there anyway.”

You nodded in order to thank him, feeling so relieved life had put him on your way. 

“Okay, I’m gonna help ya get on ma horse. It’s gonna hurt a little but we have to.” He warned you, getting completely down on his knees by your side.

You didn’t dare to move from one inch. He slowly wrapped an arm under your shoulders, his hand grabbing your side. Even more carefully, his other one slipped under your legs, and he gently lifted you up bridal-style, as if you weighed nothing, a fallen leaf in a gentle breeze.

 As if he was carrying injured people all day every day.

Your broken member didn’t like it as much as you did though, and you hissed in pain from feeling your own weight pull on the wound as your leg was hanging in the air. He noticed, and spoke again while getting up, just as easily as if he wasn’t carrying an entire person in his arms right now.

“Gonna be okay Miss, hold on a lil’ longer.”

As if taking his words in a literal way, you encircled his waist with your arms and rested your head on his chest. His work shirt was used and dirty, rough against the skin of your cheek, but right now it just felt heavenly to you compared to the dusty rock of the floor. You sighed, feeling calmer and way better now.

If you had brought up your gaze, you could have seen how a slight blush was spreading on the tan skin of his cheeks the moment he felt you getting comfortable in his arms.

You heard him call for his horse with a short whistle and a sharp noise from his teeth. His mount obeyed right away, getting closer to both of you in a happy trot. You wish your horse could have been as gentle as this one. He looked like a really strong and powerful, but very sweet on the inside animal. A bit like its owner, now that you were thinking about it.

As carefully as if you were made of porcelain, the man in question let go of your legs, and you took support on your valid one. He then picked you up again, by your waist, and lifted you on the saddle, helping you to get settled and as comfortable as possible. His large hands were very soft on you, cautious, caring. You could feel how his touch was light and measured, calculated to make you feel the least pain possible.

“You take the saddle, else your leg would get too bumped during the ride.” He explained before hopping behind you, grabbing the reins by bringing his arms from both sides of you.

He was basically enveloping you, his large frame keeping you warm and steady. Against your shoulders, you could feel his biceps, and thanked the Lord once again this man had good intentions with you because there was no way you could have resisted this mountain of muscles.

The silence fell as your gentle savior spurred his horse into a slow pace, keeping him calm and cold-blooded. You mentally thank him for it, every movement from your leg, even the tiniest one, would ignite the flames of your pain again.

The ride to Valentine was a quiet, peaceful one, just like it was supposed to be from the start. Your eyes kept closing and opening as if you were on the verge of falling asleep, but still needed to be alert until you'd be safe and sound in town. 

You only had exchanged a few words with the man, your names, and where you lived. 

Arthur Morgan didn't look like the kind of man to have the longest conversations but his presence was reassuring nevertheless. His heavy breathing, his body around yours, the calmness of the plains… It was all making your pain less vivid and way more bearable.

Once in Valentine, Arthur rode straight to the Doctor, and got off first, tying his horse's reins around the fence.

“Here we are, Miss. Let's get ya checked up for good, shall we?” He said while standing right next to the saddle, opening his arms to pick you up again, a gentle smile on his face, as if telling you all your worries were behind you now.

If you thought this man was going to let you walk alone to the doc’s office and head off to his own business, you were damn wrong.

Even through your terrible state, a grin curled up your lips and mirrored his own expression. You let your tired and injured body sink into his solid one, and he carried you in his arms once again.

His scent ran through your nose as you breathed, traveling all the way down your veins to your lungs and everywhere in your body, enfolding you and your soul. It was a strong smell, not a delicate one like those gentlemen would carry with their cologne, but you liked it regardless. A mix of leather, sweat, tobacco, and this early dew scent, the one you can smell just before dawn, earthy and herbal, as if he had been sleeping under the stars for months. 

The smell of the outdoors. 

Arthur opened the door with one foot, and entered the Dr Calloway’s office with you in his arms, careful not to let your leg get knocked while walking through the door. The doctor took care of you right away, ordering Arthur to put you on the chair in the little room where patients were treated.

His muscled arms dropped you, his hands gentle and attentive, as slowly as if you were a newborn filly he could hurt or scare away by using too much force. There was such kindness, such gentleness and care in his gesture that it left you feeling all bubbly on the inside.

You kept on looking at him during all the time it took for Dr Calloway to treat you, waiting for him to just go, but he didn’t. He stayed, casually leaning his back against the wall to leave some space for the doctor, his eyes voyaging from your injury to your face, then away from you, as if he was feeling guilty about staring at you like this. It made you giggle.

You paid the doctor, thanked him goodbye, and before you could process it, here you were, freshly gifted with two crutches and a wooden splint around your injury in front of his door. Perfect. For a farmer family, a hurt worker was a curse.

“You gonna be okay now, Miss? D’ya need another ride home?”

Arthur’s deep voice dragged you out of your thoughts. This man was so special. He looked used, strong, and intimidating, but had been nothing but kind and delicate with you. Right now, his deep azure gaze was staring right at yours, making you feel even weaker in the knees than you already were.

“Oh, don’t worry, my family is already here. We have a wagon and all. Besides, you have done plenty for me, Mister Morgan.”

“Ah, don’t ya worry. 'Did what any man would have done seein’ a pretty lil’ lady like ya hurt on the ground.” He answered with a subtle grin.

Before you could realize it, his hand was reaching out for a strand of your hair, and his fingers brushed against it.

You froze, feeling a dark red settling on your cheeks, your eyes looking back at his in surprise and disbelief, searching for an explanation, even if your heart didn't want it. It wanted more of it, no questions asked.

“You hum… You still got some… pieces of peaches or somethin’ in your hair, Miss…” He explained himself, his voice a little less self-assured than before.

You blushed even more. You indeed must looked like a total mess after your accident, and mentally noted to go fix yourself as soon as possible.

“Oh, God I…” You started, feeling embarrassed and flustered, words mixing and blurring in your mind instead of lining up properly. You just sighed, closing your eyes, giggling a little. You then spoke again, keeping your tone as calm as you could. “Thanks again, Mister Morgan.”

“Please, jus’ call me Arthur.”

“Alright, Arthur. Thank you, for everything. I don’t know how I could thank you enough.”

“You know, maybe I could come someday, at your farm I mean, and buy some of your stuff. You could give me a rebate on those, unless everythin’ you sell actually looks like jam…” He added with a mischievous, low chuckle, gaze sparkling.

“Hey! My crops are perfect, Mister. I promise you won’t be disappointed.” You said back in an equally amused tone, a toothy smile completing the picture of your precious blushing face.

“I'm sure I won’t be, lil’ peach.” 

His voice had turned just as soft as his touch had been when carrying you; for Arthur, you really were starting to become his sugary, soft, and delicious favorite fruit.

[charlietheepicwriter7]

"Mr. Bubbles, Mr. Bubbles-"

A little boy's voice--the first little boy that Tim had discovered in the labyrinth city below Gotham--echoed through the cavernous halls. Tim crept over the rubble of a broken stalagmite that had fallen through the ceiling, destroying the white and gold decor and dripping water inside. The room up ahead was lit only from glowing green tubes of liquid that lined every wall of Amity, the ectoplasm that powered the entire city.

"Are you there? Are you there?"

He peeked out from behind a crumbled wall. On his own, the little boy was crouched over corpse, fresh enough that it's blood was still wet on the floor. The boy's giant needle, the go-to weapon of all the Little Sisters that Tim had seen so far, was jabbed into the corpse's stomach and, slowly, ectoplasm and blood filled the glass jar on the end.

"Bring me a lolli-"

There was no sign of a Big Daddy, but Tim knew there was one nearby. These children were never without their protectors after all.

"Bring me a toffee-"

And at this point, Tim had killed enough of them to know for certain that one was around.

His left arm, marked all over with the needle marks of constant Plasm and ecto-dejecto injections, tingled, like there were ants under his skin. Or more accurate, he mused grimly, electricity-

Don't Think About It.

"Teddy bear, teddy bear."

He kicked his bare feet excitedly as he finished harvesting ectoplasm. Screwing off the jar, the child lifted it up to his lips like a cup and drank the viscus liquid down in huge, chest-heaving gulps like his life depended on it. Unlike Little Sisters who wore gore-covered dresses, the Little Brother was dressed in a white medical gown, relatively clean considering his filthy surroundings. His arms and face were free from dirt or blood, and even his hair looked suspiciously washed and combed.

Tim tightened his grip on his gun.

The Little Brother sighed, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. Brushing off his skirt, he yanked the needle out of the corpse. Then, like he could sense him, the boy looked straight at Tim. He froze.

Blank eyes covered in a green flim stared at him... and the Little Brother smiled at him, his teeth stained brown from the muck. "Mr. Helper! There you are, I've been waiting soooo long! Big Sister thought you'd never catch up!"

[redtsundere-writes]

Part 6: Harvest Season

King!SukunaRyomen x Servant!FemReader

Summary: You used to be just another servant among the army of humans operating under the command of the terrible king, Sukuna Ryomen. An ordinary human who only knows how to wash, clean and cook. Until one day, he notices something in you that you hadn't seen before.

Tags: MDNI. +18. Murder. Blood. Cannibalism. Sukuna Ryomen Is The Warning Itself. Nudity. Sexual Display. Vaginal. Fingering.Sometimes fluff, sometimes angst.

Word Count: 5083 words.

Beginning. | ← Previous | Next →

The cold morning tickled your toes protruding from the blankets that barely covered your body. You curled into a ball as you slept with your five sisters while the sun peeked through the hills of the green valley. They were squashed together like sardines to make the most of the small bed's cramped space. The room in the cabin where they lived was practically empty, they only had a small closet with all their clothes, some stuffed animals for decoration and a semi-transparent white cloth that served as a curtain. You were in your fifth dream when you felt a hand pulling your foot. You snapped your eyes open to see your mother at the end of the bed. 

“Let’s go to the market,” she asked you as you whittled your eyes wide awake. 

You nodded in response so as not to wake your sisters. You carefully slipped out of bed to get dressed in a brown dress, you wore it so much that it already had holes in the skirt. Your mother had sold most of your fancy dresses, so your sisters could buy new ones for the dances they were invited to. Your mother was always obsessed with the idea that one of her daughters would marry a rich man and take them all out of the misery in which they lived. Every morning she used to repeat the same thing: “Up my future princesses because men don't flirt themselves.” You quietly left the room and picked up the old worn-out basket they used to carry the loaf of bread and potatoes they could afford to buy. 

Since your father died a couple of years ago, money was always tight. Your mother, to keep her hopes up and not starve to death, had slowly sold all the furniture in the house. She started with the living room, then the dining room, then her bed and then the decorations. Little by little, they were running out of options. Someone had to sacrifice in the work field, and your mother would not be one of them. 

The sun was barely rising over the green horizon. It was too early to go to the human market, but you just followed your mother without question. The grass crunched under your worn boots and the cool air ruffled your hair. As you walked along the path you had created from the many times you had gone to town, your mother was quieter than usual. She was a hard woman to keep quiet, always having to have an opinion on something. “The mornings are horrible,” “it hasn't rained in months,” “everything is more expensive.” She always prattled on about any topic that crossed her mind, but today she was different. She just looked straight ahead, walked hurriedly and hadn't even wished you good morning. “Maybe she wants some peace,” you thought. You should have realized it at the time. 

You knew you reached the main town when the smell of fish intensified. Every morning, fishermen set out to sell their booty among the busy main streets of the Sukuna kingdom. A place full of humans who were ruled by curses. Since King Sukuna had conquered their lands along with his army more than five hundred years ago, the humans who had already lived there for centuries became easy prey for the hideous deformed monsters. Half of the population was eaten, while the other was left alone as soon as their stomachs were full. The only thing that stopped them from eating more was their own limits. From then on, the curses began to coexist with the humans. Only instead of treating them as equals, it was a cow-butcher relationship. 

Since the curses owned the main town, it was rare to see so many humans walking down the street. They were all heading in the same direction, the gloomy castle of King Sukuna. A striking architectural structure of charcoal color and huge windows with blood-red roses. It was so large that despite being surrounded by towering walls, you could still admire the rest of the castle and its imposing watchtowers. Your astonished gaze kept going up to admire the terrible place. Your eyes could not continue because the top of its towers were hidden among the gray clouds and the vultures flying overhead. 

Unfortunately, they had not arrived at the market but at the gigantic wooden bridge that led into the castle. Several curses in fine armor paraded around the perimeter as you watched two of them lead a lady into the castle. Your breath hitched as you realized what day it was. Today was harvest day. Once a year, King Sukuna asks those who want to work for him to report to the castle and in return their families would be rewarded financially, but everyone knows it's a trap. No one knows exactly what goes on inside the castle, but a tyrant who mistreats his people does not usually offer “work.” All the people know that once you enter his castle, you don't get out. Even though it is known that entering his castle was like entering a torture machine of your own free will. People in need of money or resources send older relatives or children they can't support to get rid of them. 

You dropped the basket in shock at why your mother had only woken you up so early and was so quiet. She was about to sell you. As soon as the basket creaked against the floor, you ran away to avoid your painful fate as the daughter who was betrayed by her mother. You didn't manage to run that far, because two curses pinned you to the ground. You screamed, kicked and twisted your body in failed attempts to escape. Your eyes filled with tears as soon as the curses lifted you off the ground to drag you back to the castle. It was the end, you knew that for a fact. 

“We must part ways, my adorable daughter,” your mother said goodbye without looking you in the eye. 

“Are you really going to sell me to the tyrant? You know what happens to those who enter!” You yelled while tears fell desperately down your cheeks. 

“Don't be like that, you know we need money. The king may be a tyrant, but sometimes he is generous,” she said as he showed you the sack of gold coins the curses give her for you. 

100 gold coins. That was all you were worth. All your years of life equaled a year's worth of food. Not even luxuries, expensive furniture or beautiful clothes. Your mother had traded you to eat one more year without worry. You hang your head in defeat. She was treating you as if you were a nuisance. One more pitiful mouth to feed. 

“I can work at the market, at sea, in mining, in anything!” You protested. 

“How are you going to work there? I educated you as a young lady so you could marry a rich man, and you failed me,” she emphasized, spitting in your face the disappointment she felt. 

Your chest ached, snot was building up in your nose and your eyes were beginning to redden from the hot tears coming from your sad heart. Your head was starting to hurt, you couldn't believe this was happening to you. You were always a good daughter. You were the perfect daughter, polite and compliant. What have you done wrong? The frustration of not being able to do anything was eating you alive.  

“Think of your sisters. With this money, they will be able to buy new dresses to impress rich men. Next week there is going to be a ball, they say King Gojo will be there,” your mother said excitedly. 

“Say goodbye to your mother, we must get you to the castle.” A curse ordered you with a harsh voice. 

“I don't have a mother anymore,” you mumbled between sobs. 

“My sweet daughter, don't be like that…” your mother called you with disappointment. 

“And you no longer have a daughter,” your mother gasped, surprised at the minimum act of rebellion. 

From the time you were a little girl, your parents knew you would be a good girl. You always did everything orderly, knew what to say to stay out of trouble and educated your sisters when they were wrong. You were the perfect daughter in their eyes. The only thing you weren't good at was talking to men. At dances none of them would come up to you and none of them would catch your eye. While the sister next in age to you, Yorozu, danced with almost everyone, you always stood on the sidelines as you watched the night unfold. Your mother always scolded you on the way home for not being good enough to get a husband, but that never mattered to you. You knew inside that someday you would marry a good man who could see your true potential. 

Curses threw you into the parade ground and closed the gate behind you. You felt worse than dirt itself, you wanted to lie on the ground where you belonged. You wished the earth would swallow you up and disappear at that instant, anyway, you had nothing left to fight for. You didn't even have the strength to cry anymore. 

A loud sobbing sound reached your ears, causing you to look up. A little blond boy was crying his eyes out as he desperately searched for his mother. You were in the same situation as him, only you didn't have a little teddy bear to cheer you up. In a place full of old people, no one wanted to pay attention to you. No one had enough energy to soothe the crying of a frightened child. 

You stood up and dusted off your dress. Quietly, you approached the child with a red face from crying. He was dressed in a torn white shirt and dirty overalls. He couldn't have been more than 10 years old. You got down on your knees to stand by his height and wiped away his tears with your thumbs before shaking off his clothes.

“I want my mommy,” the boy shouted as he sniffled. A lump rose in your throat. You wanted the one you used to have too. 

“She'll be back. You just have to be a good boy, alright?” You asked with a weak smile. The boy nodded as he rubbed his watery eyes. “Whatever you do, just behave well and she will come back.”

 “Do you promise me?” he asked you between sobs, raising his little pinky towards you. 

“Of course,” you answered, intertwining his little finger with yours. 

An old woman approached you both. A granny with a cotton head, raisin skin and a sketchy smile, handed him a piece of candy she had in the pocket of her once-white apron. The boy gladly accepted it, forgetting for a second why he was crying in the first place. Children were always easy to please. 

“Poor little boy. He hasn't even started his life, and he's already this lucky,” the old woman whispered to you as you watched him eat the candy and play with his teddy bear perched on the grass. You could only nod in sorrow.

After an hour of waiting and watching the curses hurl more sold humans onto the parade ground. The doors of the gigantic castle opened. A white-haired person with a red stripe and splendid white robes made an appearance along with a scroll under their arm. You stepped in front of the boy to hide him behind you. 

“Welcome to this year's harvest. Thanks to your relatives or communities, you have been chosen as the most useless beings of this year. So the great king Sukuna has decided to give you the opportunity to work for him as servants,” The person began to read the scroll aloud in front of everyone. 

A collective sigh was heard when he read the word “useless”. Most of them, being elderly, already knew that they were only a burden to their families. Therefore, there was no need to stress it further. It was like squeezing lemon on an open wound. 

“As every year, we give those who are completely useless a chance to leave. King Sukuna needs real servants and not stupid dogs.” Along with that announcement, the castle gates opened.

There it was, the door that would lead them to freedom right under their noses. Hearing that, most of them ran towards their escape route, desperate to return home to their loved ones. You took the child in your arms and were about to run away until the thought that the offer was too good to be true settled in your mind. “Those who go in, never come back” you thought. 

“Come on, dear, let's go,” the kind old woman asked you while she pulled you by the arm to escape quickly. 

“If they do this every year, why doesn't anyone come back home?” You asked her. “It's a trap, I can feel it.” The old woman looked at you puzzled at first, but understood your point after processing it for a couple of seconds. She was so blinded by the brilliant exit that she hadn't boasted about it. 

Once the first to escape was about to reach the door, the grille slammed shut. The evil laughter of hundreds of curses echoed through the place like a war chant. In less than a second, a gigantic flock of armored curses began to eat all those who were about to flee. A massacre, desperate screams and blood spraying everywhere. You had never seen anything like it in your life. You knew the curses were evil and ate humans, but you never thought it would be such a disastrous sight. You covered the child’s eyes. The lady covered her face as she realized the hell they had been sent to. 

“Traitor dogs do not deserve to live,” the white-haired person said as soon as no human who had tried to escape was left alive. 

“You were right…” the old woman whispered next to you between silent sobs. 

You looked back at the front of the castle while your eyes were still drowning in tears. The person who was summoning you was glaring at you, as if offended by your mere presence. You looked around, less than half had stayed. The other elders were crying, vomiting and some lucky ones hadn't even turned around to see what was happening. Your arms were shaking from the cold of the morning and the terror that consumed you whole. You squeezed the child against your body to protect it. A little creature was not to blame for being in a place like that. You had to protect him, it was the only way he would have a chance to survive. 

“I congratulate you for surviving the first round. My name is Uraume, and I am the right hand of your king, Sukuna Ryomen,” they introduced themselves in a loud, monotone voice so that we could all hear them. “Next you will introduce yourselves to the king. He will have the final word as to your fate,” they explained before returning to the castle. 

After finishing their feast, the other curses rounded up the survivors to form a line in front of the castle gates. They were sheep being led by shepherds who were also wolves. No one said a word, they only obeyed by bodily proximity to where they were supposed to be. You did not let go of the child at any time, you had already proclaimed yourself as his guardian. Maybe it wasn't the best idea in hell, but you knew it was the right thing to do. You were willing to protect him as if he were one of your little sisters. 

Your beloved little sisters. You hid your face in the little boy's hair so no one would see you cry. Once you entered the castle, you would never leave, either by slavery or death. You would never see your lovely sisters again. You would never see them play, comb each other's hair or sing happily after dinner. You cursed the time when you had grown up and were not woman enough not to marry someone. In your mother's eyes you were a disappointment and were to be discarded. You only prayed internally that your sisters would not have the same fate. Yorozu was only a year younger than you. If she did not marry soon, she too would be sold. 

The survivors passed 5 at a time into the castle. The walls were so thick that they could not hear what was happening on the other side. There were 5 more people left, and it was your turn to pass next to the old woman, who was repeating the same silent prayer several times. The curse at the front of the line signaled the 5 people to pass, making everyone move in sync. 

“The child must enter,” the curse ordered you. 

“But they already let 5 in. It's his turn to go in when I go in,” you defended, holding the little boy tightly. 

The curse smiled maliciously before snatching the child from your hands. The difference in strength was crazy. You managed to grab the child by his white shirt to prevent him from being stolen. The child began to cry out loud because the curse had hooked its claws into his back. The curse pulled harder on the boy, leaving you with only the torn piece of cloth in your hand. As you tried to reach him again, the curse kicked you in the stomach so that you fell to the ground. Your body fell, and your eyes could only watch as the boy was mercilessly thrown along with the others. 

“Just do what they ask you to do!” You shouted at the boy between sobs before another curse kicked you in the face to shut you up. 

The last thing you could see was his face full of tears and snot as you bled from your nose incessantly. The castle doors slammed shut as the curses taunted you. You didn't care what they had to say, you just wanted the child to be okay. The woman you had befriended helped you up as your chest closed, and your eyes hurt from crying. You couldn’t do it anymore. 

After about 10 minutes, the doors opened again. The curse kicked you in the back to get you inside. The old woman and three other old men followed close behind. A servant with a grim face welcomed you and led you into the king's hall. A room filled with luxuries along the walls, costly works, candles bathed in gold foil and glowing obsidian candelabras. It was a pity that the beautiful room was bathed in the dark blood of your kind. The walls were splattered, some candles had been extinguished because of it, and there were several dismembered bodies all over the room. 

Despite being surrounded by light sources, the deepest part of the room was in complete darkness. Where you assumed the throne was supposed to be, there were many curtains that kept the king in the shadows. The only thing you could see was one of his giant feet being struck by the light of a nearby candle. 

The servant asked them to stand in a side row so that the king could get a good view of them all. Once they obeyed, the servant retreated at a brisk pace. Everyone was silent. You could only hear their breaths being disturbed by the situation they were in. Your eyes traveled around the room. The bodies of the discarded individuals were cut into hundreds of cubes, making your blood run cold. It was an extremely perfect job, almost impossible to do. Had the king done that or was someone else in the room with them? You didn't want to see, but it was like a morbid exhibition of what an abominable being could do.

Your eyes roamed around the room in curiosity and terror, until they saw a teddy bear soaked in blood. The teddy bear of the child you swore you would protect. The child's head had been cut off, his eyes had popped out of his skull and were held in place by its corneas, and the rest of his body was completely mutilated into perfect rectangles of flesh. You closed your eyes and clenched your skirt to keep from screaming in despair. The frustration and disappointment in you could not be compared to anything else. You could do nothing to save him. You were pathetic. 

“5… 4…” The king started the countdown. For what? You had no idea. 

You knew you wouldn't have the answer if you asked him because of his reputation as a foul tyrant. You didn't know much about the dastardly king who reigned over the land of your birth, the only thing you knew was that he hated humans more than anything else in the world. You looked around for answers as to what exactly the king wanted. Nothing about the decorations gave you answers, the only thing that kept catching your attention were the bodies. “If he has servants, why are the bodies still here?” you thought the servants would get rid of them before bringing in any more prospects. 

“3…” His deep voice echoed through the walls along with a devilish smile. 

Sukuna watched you comfortably from his large stone throne, hand carved by the best sculptors in the region. He was amused to see your eyes darting everywhere. “What a fool,” you thought disdainfully. Nothing in the room could help you know what to do. 

“2…” You could hear a small smile escape his lips as he approached 0. 

You analyzed the bodies before you and they all met the same characteristic. None of the heads were connected to the rest of the body. Their heads had been cut off before they were mutilated. If none of them had heads, it is because they must have been at the same height, that is, they were standing when their heads were cut off. Standing in front of a tyrant? Complete blasphemy. That was it. That must have been it. 

“¡1!” 

“Get down, ma'am!” you yelled before pulling the lady down to the floor with you so she could kneel. 

You knelt with your head on your hand as a pillow while the other still held the lady's arm. A thin slice rang through the room. It was so fast that you didn't hear a scream or even a whimper, you only heard the bodies of the others in the room fall to the floor under their own weight. The blood of the old man next to you began to trickle down to your fingers. You didn't dare look at the result of what had happened. You were just relieved that you were in one piece. 

“Finally… Someone with manners,” the king uttered with disdain. You tried to swallow the lump in your throat, but it wouldn't go away. “The one in the middle, come closer,” he commanded. You were dead, you sensed it. 

You struggled to your feet and walked towards him without looking his way. You entered his little sacred place in the middle of the dark, but you could see him clearly. His pink legs were gigantic. His thigh was thicker than your legs put together. That already gave you hints of the giant in front of you. Despite being dressed in a large white robe, he still showed enough skin to be considered vulgar. As soon as you approached, his hand took your head easily as if it were a ball, directing your gaze towards him. Your eyes widened at the eerie sight in front of you. A malevolent face split in half that watched you morbidly. His four eyes roamed your body shamelessly. His half-naked body tattooed with different lines astonished you at a closer look.  

“How old are you?” He asked you while he moved your joints with his four arms as if you were a doll he could play with. You answered obediently between stutters. “Tell me, did your husband sell you?” he answered with a mocking tone. 

“I am not married, my king,” Sukuna arched an eyebrow at that response. You decided to elaborate your answer to that reaction. “My mother sold me because I didn't marry.” 

“You are still old enough to get married,” Sukuna said, still not letting go to observe you better. 

He turned and moved you around like a globe to inspect you completely. It's been a long time since I've seen a girl of your age, to be always in the castle or conquering lands, she always sees young men but almost never women. For someone of the lowest possible class, you had your certain charm. Sukuna saw you as if you were a strange doll in an antique store, odd but striking in your own way. 

“We were starving, my king.”

“It shows,” he replied with a certain mocking tone. “You know… I'm not used to seeing girls like you around here. They always send me decrepit old men or children who didn't die in their mother's womb,” he explained, annoyed. 

Despite the terrifying distance and the fact that your heart was pounding a mile a minute, you were glad he wasn't hurting you. He grabbed you by the head as if he were examining a fruit to dictate whether he could eat it or not, but he didn't squeeze you as if he were squeezing you between his claws. 

“I keep the old people because they work the hardest for their daily meal and I kill all the children because I hate how loud they can be.” You quickly realized right there that you never had a chance to save the child. An unruly tear rolled down your cheek, taking a second to mourn the little boy in silence. “So tell me, what should I do with you, kill you outright or give you a chance?” he asked you with a sinister smile. 

“Dying before I live through hell doesn't sound so bad,” you thought pessimistically. What was the point of going on living? Your mother had sold you, and you trusted that your sisters would marry before you, especially Yorozu, so you didn't have to worry about her. You no longer felt you had any value, but you were afraid of dying. That inexplicable, but useless fear left you frozen. Why did you want to keep breathing if you weren't going to live anyway? Your mind couldn't make up its mind. 

“I trust your decision, my king,” you replied in a sigh of surrender. 

Sukuna's smile disappeared, he did not expect that answer. I thought you would beg him for mercy for your life, but you had completely surrendered to him, leaving your fate in his hands. He smiled again, this time, satisfied. 

“Why?” he asked curiously. 

“Because you always have the last word.” 

“Interesting,” He answered before pulling you by the neck to bring you closer to his face. “You are someone special, aren't you?” Sukuna asked with eyes full of interest in you. He had found a gold nugget in a pile of shit. 

Your eyes slowly drifted to his. Have you heard correctly? Had he, an almighty king, called you special? You no longer knew if your heart was pounding from the flattery or being so close to the king. You were so close that you could decipher what he had for breakfast that morning, probably people. 

“Do you know how to cook and clean?” he asked quietly. You just nodded. “Well, you better not let me down,” he reluctantly let you go, making you stumble backwards. “Now get out of here with that old bitch so you get your uniforms,” he ordered with a harsh tone. 

“Thank you, my king. I will not disappoint you,” you thanked him with a weak smile as you bowed several times before retreating from his presence. 

Sukuna couldn't take his eyes off you. You ran to the shocked lady to help her out of the bloody room. She laid her head on her fist as she followed your anatomy. There was something about you that caught her attention. You were submissive, but you were not stupid. You were perceptive, but not rebellious. He liked what you had offered him so far, he just needed to do a little more observing. 

“Thank you very much, thank you, child, you saved my life!” The old woman cried once they left the room into a candle lit hallway. A small smile crept onto your face. You may not have saved the child, but you saved your new friend. “I am forever in debt with you.” 

“No need, ma'am,” you said so as not to make her feel guilty. 

“Mrs. Inoue,” she introduced herself in tears as she bowed politely, you did the same as you let her know your name. 

They both walked until they reached the end of the hallway where the few survivors were. An uncomfortable silence ruled the place. Mrs. Inoue and yourself sat down on a small bench to wait for instructions. Uraume and a group of servants carrying piles of clothes arrived not long after. Sukuna's right hand looked at everyone with disdain as the servants handed out the uniforms to the new servants who would be under her command. “So she survived…” they thought interested of you as you changed out of the old brown dress into the new uniform. 

You lifted the wet apron against the sunlight to check it for any unwanted stains. Your first anniversary as Sukuna's servant was a month away. You couldn't believe that you were about to complete one lap around the sun since you survived the harvest and received your maid's uniform. A long black dress with a contrasting white apron with black boots and a scarf in your hair to keep your hair off your forehead. You returned the apron to the sink to continue washing it by hand with soap and water. A small smile crept in as you realized you had survived the worst, you just hoped you had the same luck for the rest of your life. Now, you could rest for a very deserving week. 

Next →

Open fanfic commissions!

Masterlist.

[muffinsin]

Hey, it's platonic anon again, I hope you don't mind me asking, as I have been feeling a little bit insecure lately, if you do one with alcina + daughters separate reactions to a fem head maid reader slowly getting deeper in depression because she has a little pudge that she doesn't like, but it just makes he look like a teddybear, and the maids have been making fun of her recently, and then she stops showing up to work all together, staying in her room and only eating one meal a day?

-platonic anon

Awhh, this is hella adorable, absolutely! :) Imma have to remove Alci though, hunny, I don't write for her though might occaisonally include her in pieces when I feel like it

Also oops, this got way longer than I thought it would, so imma have to split it into 3 parts. This one’s Bela’s

Let's get into it! :)

Masterlists found at pinned; rip, my linking is busted

Bela

Being involved with the maidens by far more than her sisters, professionally so even, Bela notices when you don't show up for work immediately

And at first, she's willing to turn a blind eye to it, thinking that maybe you're simply too tired too work, or in need of a vacation

She does admit, there isn't all that much of that at the castle

But, she likes you

And as such, she's willing to ignore that you aren't working as you should be

That is, for the first two days, at least

She is sure: you know to come to her when in need of a break

It's not like she won't grant you one, so long as it isn't harvesting season or the beginning of winter and all staff members are needed

But it isn't, and your disappearance starts to feel a little...odd

Now, she wouldn't describe herself as someone caring for the maids, head maiden or not

But, she likes you

A kind, loving, hard working woman

Someone she finds: she enjoys spending her time with, and someone she has enjoyed getting to know

Not showing up to work is so...unusual for you. So out of character

And as such, despite what she's sure her sisters would say, she seeks you out

Knocking on the door to your room- despite not having to knock at pretty much any door in the castle due to her status- she waits patiently until you open the door for her

What she takes in has her gasp in surprise and take a step back momentarily

Your room is warm, yes, but the air has adapted a strange scent that has her scrunch up her nose. She never thought she’d want to open a window

You’re curled in bed, underneath the blankets, but she still sees the thick clothing covering you

Briefly, she worries this might be too warm for a little human, but drops the thought again

- temperature wise, you seem well and healthy enough

She takes a step closer again, her golden eyes finding yours at last

You seem…off

Yet now that she stands in front of you, she seems at a loss for words, unsure what to say

It’s not like she’s used to cheering up anyone but her sisters

Glancing to the side, she sees multiple plates by your nightstand

One for each day you spent in your room

Is that all you’ve eaten?

In her mind, she recalls: humans are supposed to eat three days a meal. Especially those hard at work

You don’t speak, only stare at her, as if too tired and drained to do much

For once, she doesn’t mind the lack of respectful bows and what not

For once, she supposes she can let this be a casual, friendly conversation

Still unsure of what to say, she sits by your bed, her flies buzzing anxiously

You look up for a moment, your eyes trailing across her face, down her neck and to her exposed collarbone, her chest and slim hips and waist

You can’t help but fiddle with the blankets, can’t help but compare her build to yours

Normally, you don’t care

But the words from the maidens, the mockery aimed at you, hurt recently

You almost wish you could be like Bela, so confident, so strong, so strikingly beaufiful

You only ever want to be that, you think

“Did…something happen?”, she asks eventually, frowning slightly, as if unsure about her words

She really isn’t sure about this, or how to go about this, and just hopes her awkward words come out right

For once, she wishes she was a little more like Daniela and could effortlessly keep this conversation up and ask whether you’re alright without this awkwardness

You gulp, pulled from your thoughts

It’s a little unusual to see her like this- so…out of her element, almost

Still, you treasure her company, and see what she’s doing

“I’m fine”, you lie, pressing your eyes shut and refusing to whimper

You don’t want to lie to her

You want to tell her all about it, want to even throw your arms around her and cry

Bela’s just always had this aura about her that made you seek her favor and praise

At the same time, you don’t want to drive her away now, don’t want to “bother” her with your problems

She frowns, confused. Hearing your heart quickening and picking up the scent of your sweat, she’s hardly fooled by your answer

Only does she not quite understand why you’d lie. Especially to her

Instead, she does what she often does when her sisters lie to her and she sees through it. She stays quiet

You whimper as her golden eyes stay on you, a gentle gaze, but one that tells you she’s awaiting your response and giving you the opportunity to correct yourself

And, wise enough, you do so

You feel tears welling up in your eyes as you pull away the blankets and pull the hoodie covering you up just slightly, just enough to show her the small pouch at your belly from under your top

Alas, she doesn’t react, unsure what this means

While having been taught to express herself always, Bela is almost a stranger to insecurity- at the very least as it comes to her body

She’s never felt worried about the way she looks, paying little mind to it

You envy her

Then, just when you cover yourself up again, she asks again;

“Did something happen, little one?”

You crack

The nickname is enough for tears to run down your cheeks and- to your surprise- you feel her arm wrap around you

You’re pulled to her, sniffling

You pick up her scent, her elegant perfume and the metallic scent of blood lying underneath, only picked up this close to her

And briefly, just briefly, you have a dark thought, wishing she could just kill those that treated you so unfairly

With her arm around you, you feel impossibly safe- likely unlike most others that are this close to her

You begin to talk, begin to tell her of everything

Of the mockery, of the laughter

Of the little, stabbing comments made here and there

Of the looks

Of the mean glances and words

Of your insecurities and the growing feeling of anxiety and emptiness in you

And Bela?

She doesn’t interrupt, doesn’t talk. She only listens to you, humming occasionally to let you know you have her full attention

It’s a wonderful feeling

As you elaborate and cry a little more, she holds you tighter

She seems a little less awkward now, as if used to hold someone when they cry, and briefly you feel a strike of envy, wondering if there’s other maidens held by her and comforted like this. Then, the feeling fades when you figure; it must be Daniela, her younger sister, who you know cries easily from own experiences of holding and comforting the young woman after one of her episodes

You find, Bela offers the best hugs, though, and likely quite the rare ones

You stay close to her, breathing out a sigh of relief when you finish talking

It’s almost like speaking about it helped

She doesn’t quite understand their behavior, writes it off to the general behavior of scum

She finds, as such, they deserve to be treated just as certain way, too

You’re granted another day of staying in your room until Bela insists you return to work

More surprisingly, though, you find a maid, one of the newer ones, a little shy, but friendly, bring you a meal three times a day that day

She doesn’t say a thing, too nervous in the castle still, but you’re certain she was tasked to do so by Bela

And when you do return to work, anxious and dressed in slightly bigger clothes than normal, as if you could hide away, you find no trace of those who mocked you

Perhaps wickedly, you wonder what happened to them, whether they’ve been dragged away, killed, mauled, toyed with my the sadistic Dimitrescu sisters

Whether Bela in particular killed them. Is killing them. Is hurting them

But it’s like they never even existed, instead

You hear no screams at night. No whispers of what might have happened at all

It’s almost like your problems dissolved into thin air…

And you know you have none other than Bela Dimitrescu to thank for it

[onskepa]

Stxeli: Silly demon

Here is another chapter to keep you guys occupied while I type the next request! Enjoy!

Stxeli series

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

“Hhhmmmhhmm~” Stxeli hums in content as she returns home from her little yovo adventure. Harvesting a good amount, many will eat well tonight. As she passes by, many greet her, some gifting her little trinkets or snacks. All that stxeli happily accepts and gives them yovo in gratitude. 

Arriving at her home, making sure the fruits are away from direct sunlight and in a cool nook, stxeli snacks on one of her gifts. There is still plenty of daylight left, her mother doesn't need her assistance and her father is important with his duties. Neytiri, her poor big sister, left to teach the ugly demon. 

So what can she do now?

“What to do, what to do…” stxeli wonders as she walks around the village. Doing bits here and there, helping young mothers or playing with children around her age. Even helped one of the girls to braid her long hair. A skill stxeli is coming to be an expert at. Her family can proudly tell. 

“Stxeli!” 

She turns around to see Tsu'tey running up to her. Greeting each other, she smiles. 

“Hi tsu’tey! Aren't you going to train the others?” stxeli asks. 

Tsu’tey nods but grins a bit mischievous, “yes, we are going to ride the pali’s, would you like to come?” he offers. 

Stxeli loves pali riding, but the logical side of her speaks, “I love to, but I don't want to get in the way of your training” 

“You won't, your sister is already there with the demon” 

That instantly clicked in her mind, understanding tsu’tey now. Her grin matching his own, stxeli raises her arms up. 

“Up please!” 

“Again!” Neytiri demands, her patience running thin. 

Jake sighs tiredly, getting up from the ground groaning in pain and exhaustion. To think riding a pali would be easy. Not everything is easy in Pandora, Jake guesses. If this is the easier part, he fears the future challenges he has to face. 

“Get up!” Neytiri looks down at him, showing her very obvious disapproving look. 

“I'm up, I'm up” Jake says. 

Getting back onto his feet, dusting himself off, “I know you are making this difficult for me, isn't there a better way?” he asks. 

“No, now try again” short and straightforward, something jake is taking notes about neytiri. 

He does again, this time he succeeds on getting on top of his pali, calming down the creature, he bonds with her. It felt odd yet amazing,  he can feel what the pali is feeling, feeling her heartbeat. Gathering the courage to go further, “HYAH!” he yelps, only for the thrust of the pali to be too quick. 

He falls once more, his face meeting mud. 

It took a lot of strength from neytiri to not laugh at his failure. 

Groaning in pain again, jake suddenly hears the sound of multiple hoof sounds. All coming to his direction.  So getting up and turning he sees none other than Tsu'tey and his students. Along with a tiny someone. 

“You should go away!” Tsu'tey sneers at jake. Speaking in clear english. 

“No, you’d miss me” jake talks back, a bit in a joking manner as he gets closer to tsu’tey. By instinct, tsu’tey turns his pali to cover stxeli from jake’s eyes. 

Ignoring what the warrior is doing, jake points at him, “I knew you speak english” 

Neytiri walks to jake, gently guiding the pali back. Tsu’tey speaks something to neytiri, something jake doesn't understand but chuckles it off.

“He will not learn. A stone can see better. Look at him” tsu’tey tells neytiri, who just smiles. Shaking her head, she gives jake a little break to clean himself off. Jake happily does. 

“What are you doing here? I told you I don't want you to be anywhere near him” neytiri asks as she sees stxeli sitting comfortably in front of tsu’tey, while munching on some yovo fruit. 

“He offered!” stxeli was quick to point at tsu’tey. 

Neytiri glares at tsu’tey, grunting disapprovingly. 

“Are you two just here to watch Jake fail and laugh at him?” 

“Yes” her sister and friend both answer quickly and honestly. 

Sighing, neytiri places a hand on stxlie’s leg, “sister, please be careful, you as well tsu’tey. If she is joining you, then you will be fully responsible of her while I am busy”. 

Tsu’tey nods, “she is always safe with me,” he reminds.

While keeping a safe distance, stxeli was enjoying her time. Seeing the dream walker fail time and time again was very amusing. And the silly faces he makes! He may be ugly but his goofy falls make up for it. 

However, because of the constant failures, it is getting on Neytiri's nerves. Clearly the dream walker is not improving at all. 

“Bah! You are pathetic! You will never learn like this!” Neytiri shouts in frustration. Up on one of the branches, stxeli was observing the whole ordinal. Neytiri is looking a lot like their father when angry. Down to furrowing their eyes. 

Jake was huffing and puffing, exhausted beyond his capability. 

“Done, we are done for today. Bathe yourself! You reek!” Neytiri shouts as she walks away. 

“Stupid dreamwalker, stupid ugh!” Neytiri mutters in frustration as she chops the vegetables. The other na’vi kept their distance so as to not tip her anger even more. Mo’at took notice of neytiri’s emitting anger, and how it is frightening the others. Before she can ask, stxeli appear beside her. 

“Tsmuke is mad because the alien constantly fails. He is not improving sa’nu” mo’at’s youngest tells. Now finally understanding the situation. 

“You go on ahead, do what you like until dinner” mo’at says, nodding happily, stxeli leaves. 

Taking a deep breath, the tsahik gets up from her position to go speak with her eldest child. Knowing how much she takes after her father, mo’at prepares for a long talk

“DAMN IT!” Jake curses out in anger. 

Once again Jake falls on his ass from trying to ride a pali. Groaning out in anger, he slams his fist against the ground. 

“The hell am I doing wrong?” He asks out. Letting his voice echo throughout the forest. 

“Theenk tu demon!” a voice was heard. 

Jake turned around, his ears twitching, trying to search for the voice. It sounded like a little child speaking, with a very heavy accent. 

“Hello….?” he calls out. 

“Theenk na’vi!” the voice speaks out again. 

Jake gets up, trying to find the source, “where the hell are you?” 

“STAY AWAY!” the voice screeches. 

Jake does so, feeling very confused. “Ok, ok I won't move” 

“Theenk na’vi!” the voice repeats. 

Aaaah, Jake now understands. Grinning a bit, he asks, “are you helping me?” 

“Halp tsumke” the voice replies. 

The voice no doubt belongs to neytiri’s “little sister”. The child, Jake suspects, is a human. Neytiri and the other na’vi would do their best to hide her from his view. Seems the child is doing the same. 

“Halp you, halp tsmuke” the child’s English was very broken, can barely understand her words. Her na’vi accent is very thick. 

“Ok…think na’vi you say..” Jake understood more. How the hell does that work? 

Stxeli wanted to slam her whole head against the tree. Why did she think it was a good idea? Any of this? Maybe she was better off with tsu’tey. But seeing neytiri upset didn't sit well with her. No doubt she will be in big trouble for being this close to the demon, and alone non the less. Stxeli would do anything to ease her family’s tension. 

Too bad she didn't think it through that she had to speak in english to the demon. 

English is so hard! 

Stxeli only knows a few words from trying to repeat what her family says. Half the time she doesn't even know what it means. 

That demon better learn the peoples language soon because right now she sounds like a baby. 

“Theenk na’vi! Pali theenk!” the child continues to say. 

Jake tilts his head, trying to code what she meant. 

“Thump…!! To thump! Beating!” 

“Are you talking about heartbeat?” Jake asks. Remembering what neytiri said. Feel the pali’s heartbeat. 

“Theenk na’vi! Pali theenk!” the child continues to say. 

Jake tilts his head, trying to code what she meant. 

“Thump…!! To thump! Beating!” 

“Are you talking about heartbeat?” Jake asks. Remembering what neytiri said. Feel the pali’s heartbeat. 

Looking at the pali, Jake takes a deep breath. Heading over, slowly raising his arms, displaying no threat. The pali takes notice, hesitant at first. 

“Easy…easy girl…” Jake soothes. The pali snorts out, letting jake get closer. 

“Bond! Kuru! Thump!” the child instructs. 

Rolling his eyes, jake carefully gets on the pali, being steady to not scare her. Feeling how calm she is, jake connects his kuru with the pali. Feeling what she is feeling, the thump of her heartbeat, the dirt from her hooves, the air in her nostrils. He can feel it all. 

“Theenk! One! Move!” 

“Ok…” taking it slow, jake thinks of what he wants to do. The pali starts to walk slowly around the area. Even taking a bit of jumps in glee. 

“Woa..!” he smiles, seeing as he has not fallen off to the ground again. 

“Ok let's try it” he mutters, his smile growing. The pali walks a bit faster, then faster, to the point where she begins to run around the area. Feeling her strong legs, her lungs taking deep breaths. It felt great, it was as though it was Jake who was running. 

“Woohoo!!” he cheers. 

“You what?!” mo’at couldn't believe what she just heard. 

Stxeli looked down, feeling guilty. 

“I'm sorry sa’nu! I just didn't want tsmuke to be angry any longer” she tried to excuse. Mo’at wasn't hearing it. When her sweet child told her of how close she was in Jake's proximity, how it was so easy for him to see her. Mo’at was shaking in fear. 

One wrong move, that is all it can take, one wrong move and stxeli would be taken-

“Sa’nu?” 

Stxeli grabs her mothers hands, letting her smaller ones reach her warmth. 

By instinct mo’at pulled stxeli close to her chest, feeling her tiny heartbeat. Quickly it soothes mo’ats anxiety. 

“Ma’ite, that was very reckless of you. If neytiri told you to stay away from him, you do so. He is still considered dangerous ma’ite. I dont want anything terrible happen to you” mo’at says. 

Stxeli huffs a bit, “as if that demon can hurt me. He fell off of the poor pali multiple times” 

“I dont care. From now on you will be either with me, or your sempu. Do you hear me? If jakesully is close, you hide. I am serious ma’ite. Not until he is deemed trustworthy” 

Stxeli nods. However, seeing her mother behave like this is new to her. Not one did her mother display such uneasiness. It worried stxeli very much. 

“Sa’nu? Why are you and everyone so worried that the demon seeing me? Is something wrong with me?” stxeli couldn't help but ask. Mo’at was quick to shake her head, sharing a light kiss on her little head. 

“No, there is nothing wrong with you, my child. There are just things outsiders have no reason to lay their eyes on things that don't concern them”. 

Mo’at holds her child tightly, her golden eyes staring out into the world. Sharp and steady. She may allow Jake to stay in her village, but she will not hesitate to take him out if he ever dares to get close to her little one. 

Aaaaaaaaaand that is it! Hope you all enjoyed this new chapter! Until next time! See ya!

Like the story? Click HERE to put your name in the taglist!

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Taglist:

@alastorhazbin @spookymomfriendtm @moonchildxoxx @thehoneymushroomhealer @kat-the-kit @galactict3a @my-skeleton-hats @hoodiepandaninja16 @sugurupookie @vivangothic @thepotatoislost @ceylon-morphe286 @victoria2054 @tulipatheticee @iwannabeapinkaesthetic @skittlebum @iaoisiwqk @ikeyniofthetayrangi @xx-kaitlyn-trixx-xx @that-of-stars-and-flowers @baybaybear1 @imunkowndepressedandhorny @l-nectarine-l @poteitalouca @ayedomino0 @eternallyvenus @jane-3043 @jamie-rose @angrycoffeebean @that-of-stars-and-flowers @yuuseok-san

[fleemotional]

By all means - part 1

AgedUp!Neteyam x Tsakarem!Reader

cw : no use of y/n

The Sky People attacked your village, killing everyone of importance, including your parents. You go to the Omatikaya tribe to seek uturu for what is left of your tribe. With only few to offer in return, you ready to make it enough, by all means.

It was night and dark when you finally found them. The Omatikaya People. A forest tribe hiding in the floating caves of Pandora since the Sky People returned.

Toruk Makto stood tall in front of you, a very tired young Na'vi, and what was of your tribe of harvesters. He was visibly lost.

"- How did you found us ?

- A Na'vi has a way to find its kind.

- What brings you here ?

- Our tribe as been decimated by Sky People. We've come seeking uturu."

A hubbub raised from the crowd surrounding you and your tribe. Their cheif looked at you in disbelief.

"- But... you are so many.

- We have no olo'eyktan. No tsahik. Nobody to guide us. Nobody to protect us.

-We are warriors. You are harvesters.

-Give us shelter. We'll give you a farm.

- What can you offer us in thoses sterile caves.

- Don't underestimate my people."

Toruk Makto's mate, as you knew to be Neytiri te Tskaha Mo'at'ite, appeared behind him, snarling.

"- We already have all we need."

She approached you, responding to your boldness with mistrust.

"- We have one more thing you don't."

She paused, searching your eyes for signs of weakness. Finding nothing.

"- If I am not mistaken, you have no tsakarem."

Toruk Makto sighed. Laying a hand on Neytiri's shoulder, appeasing her a little and taking back the lead.

"-You're right.

- Your first born will soon be of age. If he wants to be olo'eyktan, he'll need a tsahik mate."

Your gaze turned to Turuk Makto children, standing behind him and Neytiri.

You recognized him immediately. Tall, with broad shoulders, towering over his younger sisters. An important scar on his chest, warrior paint on his face. Bright eyes, of a color you only saw on the ripest fruits you used to harvest with your mother.

"-Our tsakarem in exchange of uturu for our entire tribe.

- Whoa. Slow down, kid. Nobody will be exchanged for anything.

- I am no "kid". I am olo’eyktan daughter.”

Toruk Makto looked at you for a second, realizing something.

"-Wait...Who is your tsakarem?"

Everybody turned to you. You closed your eyes and sighed deeply. This was your last chance to turn back, remove your offer, preserve yourself from whatever was awaiting you. But everybody needed you. And you were not about to give up on everything you'd built now.

"- You are something my people craves. I am something your people needs. Do we have a deal?"

He looked at you with mixed feelings.

"- Let's discuss it privately."

He walked to you, taking you under his arm and guiding you to a tent nearby, used for war eatings. This is starting to stress you out. Once inside, you spoke.

"- Toruk Makto. I am sorry to have spoken so frankly but I will be restless until my people is safe. I ...

- Hey hey. Calm down. You can speak to me as equal, you are leader of your tribe. Call me Jake.

- Okay...Jake. My people trully needs your help.

-And your people will have my help. I just want to make sure that you know you're not forced to anything. We could use your talents as a tsakarem, but your training will be harsh. Our tsahik is ... well, I am still scared of her sometimes. And for Neteyam, I ..."

A very tall women you'd recognize in a thousand entered the tent theatrically, Neytiri behind her, cutting Jake in his sentence.

"- Where is my new student?

- Mo'at!

- I see you, Great Tsahik of the Omatikaya tribe."

You bowed, looking so small compared to her.

Why is everyone so fucking tall in this family.

"- Oh, please, keep the boot licking for Neytiri."

She cradled your face in her hands with a strange delicacy, looking into every feature as Jake started to speak.

"- It is settled. Tell them they have uturu. Give them a tet or two to sleep in for tonight."

Neytiri nodded and walked out of the tent.

"- She is very pretty. Just like him. You'll be a great mate for Neteyam.

- About that !"

Jake sliped in between you and Mo'at.

"- This is out of the question for now. We have plenty of time to think about it."

Mo'at rolled her eyes.

"- To be tsahik you have to be olo'eyktan mate. Do you want to be tsahik?"

She seemed to know exactly what to say to trigger your determination.

"- Yes !

- They should at least meet first !

- Chief ! "

Some warrior visibly coming back from a violent altercation entered the tent in a rush.

"-Chief ! Tsahik ! Three wounded ! Hurry up !"

Mo'at turned to Jake.

"- Looks like she'll have to show me what she is worth has a tsakarem first."

The three of you ran after the warrior outside the tent to see three young Na'vi groaning and bleeding on the floor.

Too young to be warriors.

Neytiri screamed behind you.

"-Lo'ak!"

She ran to the youngest. No older than 16 years old. He was bleeding from his right side and mouth. Bruises all over his body.

"- Mom, I'm okay. It's okay."

The boy tried to stand on in his elbow, wincing.

You kneeled next to him.

"- Looks like your not.

- Who are you?

- She's my new student. She's the one who will be taking care of you tonight."

You all turned to Mo'at in shock.

"- What ?

- He is the least wounded of all."

You looked around to see broken limbs, deep cuts and bullet wounds.

"- Plus, what a great test. I trust you with my grandson, don't disappoint me."

Nice. So reassuring.

You started to examine the boy, palpating his chest. He winced once more.

"- You have a broken rib. Maybe a few."

Neytiri, above your shoulder, snarled.

"- Is it one or a few ?

- Ma'am, I understand this is your son but I need you to let me do my job."

She walked away to Jake, visibly upset, mostly worried.

"- Congrats. Nobody ever succeeded at shushing my mom like that.

- I'm not quite sure it's a good thing.

- You're new here.

- I am the new tsakarem.

- Wait ... That means you're ..."

You cut the conversation short before entering more intimate territories.

"- Can you cough for me ?

- I can but it will hurt."

He sat up and coughed in his hand. No blood. You closed your eyes, lifting your face to the sky, sighing in relief.

"- Oh... Thank you, Eiwa."

Suddenly, he arrived.

"- You reckless little man ! What happened ? How did you ended up like this ?"

At first, you couldn't help be stare at him. Gorgeous, yet in this moment, terrifying. He didn't seem to even notice you.

"- We were following your orders, brother ! Stealing weapons ! You just forgot to mention their would be a squadron guarding them !

- I didn't know that ! How many were they ?

- 4.

- And you're in such bad shape because you had to fight 4 humans !?

- We had to make sure they wouldn't follow us !"

Their father intervened.

"- Congratulations boys, you both failed at your first solo mission !

- Sir !

- Dad !"

You couldn't help but answer to the screaming with more screaming.

"- Can everybody stop shouting at my patient ?"

They all went quite, looking at you with round eyes. You soothed your voice.

"- It ... can damage the ribs even further. Be happy, he's lungs are safe."

They looked at each other and decided to walk away as you started to apply yalna bark, a sanitizing and soothing ointment based of plants, on Lo'ak's wounds. Once far enough, Neteyam talked.

"- Sir, is it .../

- Don't ask a question you already have the answer to."

He scoffed.

"- She's temperamental.

- Like your mother.

- And moody.

- Like you."

The boy said nothing, looking at you wrapping his brother's chest with care.

"- You sure you don't want to give her to Lo'ak ? Seems like they get along pretty well.

- Son ? Is that a hint of jealousy in your voice ?"

Neteyam looked at his father in disbeleif, flustered.

Has you had finished your bandage, you walked up to them.

"- If you want to, you can help me bring him to your nursery. He needs a lot of rest."

The two man followed you, helped their not so little one to stand up and walked him with him to the nursery.

Once arrived, Lo'ak laid down on the first bed he saw and fell asleep almost immidiatly.

Jake walked out to go see the rest of his troops. Living you two alone.

"- I believe we weren't introduced to each other. I am Neteyam.

- I ... I'm sorry. I have to go help Mo'at with the others. I'll talk to you soon."

~

It's finally heeeeere. Thank you for your returns on the trailer, you all are amazing. I have so much inspiration for the next parts. Hope they'll be here soon.

Thank you everyone and see you soon ❤️

Flee

[anemicjellyfish]

About Stella

Been thinking about her character every now and then. This post was initially 100% about how her behavior left me thinking she was a spoiled brat for most of her life. But it evolved into something else. Sorry. I do still think she's a spoiled brat, though.

In Western Energy, Striker returns and successfully kidnaps Stolas. It isn't a surprise to us, as we remember Stella hired him previously in the Harvest Moon Festival.

This is a surprise to Andrealphus, however.

What gets me is that Andrealphus coddles Stella for a portion of their conversation. He also tries leading her to make a conclusion by herself without directly telling her what to think.

He gently brings his sister to the information that's most important: that the death of her husband wouldn't necessarily leave her in a good position, just Octavia.

It's only when Stella can't seem to connect the dots that Andrealphus has a little outburst of irritation (and sibling energy, like with the "you stupid cow" line).

After that, Andrealphus goes right back to his previous tone. He once again tries to bring Stella to the point without saying it directly. And when he eventually does get around to it, he's only making it as a suggestion.

Something about the way Stella is sitting, the way Andrealphus circles behind her, and the way he is still trying to convince her through suggestions instead of beinf direct... I have a feeling Stella has had this happen to her most of her life.

As much as I don't want to "go to bat" for Stella right before I go to sleep, I do get the feeling that she's been in this type of situation before. I feel like others, even if it's just her brother, have manipulated her into doing things that they want her to do.

I really think the rest of the Goetia will have a lot of subtlety in their social circles, and that social cues could be complex to navigate. Stella is direct with both her language and her feelings. I'm curious if she's an outlier due to that. And I'm wondering if she's been kept in this mentality on purpose (again, by her brother and/or other Goetia).

I do still think she's a spoiled brat. Her behavior is immature and crude, even before Stolas cheated on her. But I wonder if the reveal of her backstory (which we are supposed to get eventually) would shed some light as to why she is this way.

[cybermanoloart]

6th video in our month of plants serie!!!

And this one is of a plant we both love (those little pompoms)

We're two sisters collaborating on this video serie

@cybermanolol is in charge of the art and the editing 🎨 📽️ and @_chalulu_ is the one doing all the plant research and she's also the voice 📝🗣️

@_chalulu_ my sources are:

- Le régal végétal by François Couplan

@cybermanolol Getting the hang of gouache, don't you think? Loving these earthy, dull colours with the pops of bright yellow :)

Choose your harvesting location well:

Do not enter private property and never harvest in a protected area. Also avoid roadsides or polluted sites.

Be sure to correctly identify everything you pick so as not to damage a rare species or poison yourself.

When in doubt, abstain or call someone with the relevant competence.

Harvest plants sparingly, only where they are abundant and never collect too much.

Take only as needed and do not pull out the entire crops.

Wash before eating.

Carefully sort and wash the crop. Be careful, only cooking can prevent certain diseases or parasites such as echinococcosis or liver fluke.

[thewritertiger]

strawberry shortcake au!

i can't believe i'm actually going to bother you with my recurring hyperfixation, but here we go,folks!

world building:

This Pinescone au is based on the 80s Strawberry Shortcake series. but with some modifications that I made to adapt to the au and the characters and at the same time taking elements from the other reboots

In this version, Strawberryland is a quiet, remote small town where the tiny habitants spend all seasons harvesting their fruits and vegetables. At the pace of the series, there will be no villains, but there will only be simple problems in the town that end well in the end. (like the children's series of those times. Take reference from My Little Pony (the first generations), the Moomins, the Smurfs)

All the habitants are smaller than fruits, each one has their own job or house in a shape of a sweet (like a cake house, etc.). and each inhabitant is characterized by its fruit flavor and aroma. what makes them unique and differentiable

Everyone in Strawberryland has a specific skill in cooking. (For example, Wirt specializes in the sweets served in cafes.)

There are other towns depending on the flavor and taste (a vegetable town, another of flour, another of ice cream) but Strawberryland focuses on fruits.

pinescone headcanons:

They both met like it happens in the 80s series, except that Dipper would get lost trying to find the town and Wirt would offer him a hand. (just look at the damn video and imagine wirt and dipper singing this adorably!. don't tell me this is not a big deal)

2. Wirt runs a coffee shop in the village and lives there. It is his home and his coffee shop at the same time.

3. (NOT DECIDED YET) Dipper being a strawberry his sister Mabel is a blueberry. Together they are the Berry twins (Help I don't know what fruit to give Mabel I'm between blueberry, cherry, raspberry or like the canonical sister in the 80s series "Apple Dumplings". I need help with this part). Mabel specializes in cooking with excessive sugar dishes and is also the town's fashion designer.

4. Mabel forces Dipper to wear the clothes she creates for Dipper. Dipper is embarrassed and frustrated to walk around the town like that. Wirt finds it adorable and cute, and is always curious to know what cute clothes Dipper will wear.

5.Wirt loves cooking for Dipper, it's one of his favorite things because he loves every tender expression of joy that the little strawberry puts on when trying his new and improved desserts.

6.Wirt has the personality of a spoiled and affectionate mother. She loves her friends very much (especially Dipper) and will show her affection through actions.

7.Dipper is considered Wirt's favorite customer at the cafeteria. He sometimes helps him taste his new or improved desserts.

8.They both give each other affectionate nicknames, Dipper is "little strawberry" and Wirt is "orange pie"

9. Dipper doesn't know how to cook, every single thing he cooks burns. It's considered weird not to know how to cook or specialize in a recipe in Strawberryland. But Dipper doesn't care, his true talent is writing. He writes diaries and books and works for the town newspaper (the poor thing has a lot of writer block)

10.Wirt tries to suppress the desire to kiss and pinch those chubby, pink cheeks that the strawberry has. He is so adorable that sometimes he can't control himself.

11. They both like each other, Wirt knows his feelings perfectly while Dipper still doesn't admit it. They both didn't declare themselves for fear of ruining their friendship.

12.Wirt writes music and poetry in his freetime, he shares it with Dipper after closing at night. All his poems and music are dedicated to Dipper but he doesn't realize it yet.

13.Dipper is very absent-minded and clumsy lol

that's all you can go now pipipipi

[lilap20]

Chapter XI: News from Driftmark

@koobratzy @beebeechaos

In the year 120, Princess Rhaenyra had three children, Princes Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. A rumor spread by the Greens, saying that the three children had Ser Harwin Strong as their father, the striking and identical resemblance. In that same year, the Lady of the North, Princess Nymeria, was still with child. Lord Cregan's wife had already borne two children to the Lord. Robb Stark, born in the year 115, he had everything of a Targaryen except the facial features, his hair was silver like his mother and his eyes purple, his little sister Lyanna born in the year 117 had the features and her mother's hair but her father's gray gaze. Two eggs were brought to Winterfell, only Robb's egg hatched. In that same year, Princess Laena was again pregnant with the Prince Daemon. Rhaenyra: 31 years old Nymeria: 29 years old

I walk the halls of Winterfell with the fabric of my dress pulled from my obvious pregnancy. I have just visited the Maester where I have just learned that a white crow has been sent, a sign of coming winter and above all a letter from my sister and cousin Laena was waiting for me.

With a smile on my face, my silver hair tied with a dragon-shaped brooch, I go to the courtyard, where Cregan is talking with his Sub Master, observing the wood harvests. Robb and Lyanna are at his feet, my shy and reserved little daughter looking at him with her big gray eyes, Robb playing with his direwolf.

I smiled unconsciously passing a hand on my stomach before going down to join them. Robb is the first to see me, he gets up from the ground running towards me, his big purple eyes shining with joy. His cub direwolf is behind him trying to bite his feet. Robb jumps on me clutching my stomach and kissing him, I run a hand through his silver hair

-I don’t dare ask why you’re not in class. I say while stroking his hair and he looks up at me.

-I escaped the instructors. He tells me with a small smile and I roll my eyes

-Robb. I say taking his chin in my hand, stop making your instructors run

My son purses his lips and I sigh.

Damn me and Cregan for being so tender to him. As soon as he makes that face, neither Cregan nor I can resist. I kiss his forehead and my son smiles like he won the fight. I look up and see my husband, carrying Lyanna in his arms, his gray gaze on me almost making me blush. Two children, years of marriage, and I still feel shy and excited when our eyes meet.

Cregan walks over, frowning when he sees Robb stuck to my stomach, I smile.

-Robb escaped from his class. I inform you when it reaches my level

-And it's clearly hidden so I don't see him. Said Cregan looking at his son who is still glued to my dress

-He was right behind you, I smile, caressing the back of my daughter who smiles at me with her big gray eyes.

Lyanna has always been shy, since birth. She never wanted to leave my arms, cried whenever a nanny or even Cregan touched her. Now she is glued to her father admiring the world while being on him or through his eyes. Both of my children have silver hair, and while Robb has my purple eyes, Lyanna is the one with my Valyrian features.

-I didn't see him. Cregan replies, kissing my forehead and then looking at Robb who is hiding behind me. I will take care of you after young boy. He said with a commanding but amused voice.

I smiled softly, almost forgetting why I had come to see him. Seeing my husband with my children makes me in love and weak in feeling. Cregan is such a good father that I didn't hesitate to give him Lyanna right after giving birth to Robb. Unfortunately my second pregnancy was more complicated than my first, Lyanna coming prematurely. I wonder what this pregnancy will be like, my stomach is rounder than normal, my fatigue is greater, I am worried about my future birth.

As if reading my thoughts, Cregan takes my hand in his, stroking the back of it.

-How are you today? He asks with a careful look

-Heavy, I answer before sighing, apprehension has become my best friend.

Cregan smiles sadly before kissing my cheek.

-I'm sorry to hear that, my dear. What do you want me to do to relieve you? He asks his voice more tender

-Hold me while I eat cake? I suggest, raising a silver eyebrow which makes him laugh.

He places Lyanna on the ground who automatically comes to hide in my skirts, I caress her silver head before looking at my husband more seriously. He frowns.

-What's going on?

-A white crow has arrived. I respond looking him in the eyes

Cregan tenses up immediately, it’s subtle but I know him well enough to realize it. The arrival of Winter was always a great tradition for the Northerners, it was carefully prepared especially for House Stark. Cregan as Lord of Winterfell and Governor of the North will have to inform the Houses of the North of the arrival of winter, and they will have to send him what they need for the winter.

-Winter is coming. Cregan says with his commanding voice and Lyanna looks up at her father.

Gently I squeeze his hand and his face relaxes slightly, he looks at me with intensity before caressing my stomach, his gaze fixed on it with a dreamy smile.

-His first winter. He whispers, caressing my stomach.

-One of his many winters. I say smiling when screams alert us

We turn our heads towards the screams, Sara is chased by Robb and his cub pulling her dress. My smile melts on my face and I call my son.

-Robb, stop now. I command, walking towards him in the courtyard.

My son immediately stops looking at me slowly with his eyes shining with mischief and above all with joy. His cub comes running through my legs and as usual I grimace when I see him. His animals grow much too quickly for my liking.

-Mama, you saw, he wants to play with you. Said Robb excited

And I would like Nightmares to cook him so that he stops causing my sister-in-law to scream and, above all, helps my eldest son in his mischief.

As if Cregan hears my thoughts, he approaches us, and I turn to realize that my daughter is running behind him, she crouches down and scoops up my son's cub in her arms.

-Apologize to your aunt, Robb. Said Cregan coming to my side.

Robb blushes from ear to ear, but looks at his aunt and apologizes in a small voice, Sara on the other hand cannot blame her nephew and opens her arms, Robb running into her arms. I sigh, shaking my head before running a hand over my stomach.

-Robb always comes out on top. Cregan whispers, chuckling before looking at the letter in my hand. What is it about? He asks raising an eyebrow.

-A letter from cousin Laena. I answer, opening the letter, She writes to me, my voice cuts off and my eyebrows furrow. From Driftmark.

My gaze quickly finds key words in the letter and my eyebrows furrow. Cregan automatically places a hand on my wrist asking me to look at him.

-What's going on? He asks worried trying to find an answer in my gaze.

I look at him dazed, my hand crumples on the letter. The greatest fear of us woman, royal, Targaryen, good family or bad family. The pain of childbirth, the fear of losing your life.

-Everything is fine. I respond, a confident smile on my lips.

Cregan is not fooled I know, he looks into my violet eyes and asks me to answer sincerely. But I withdraw from his grasp with a desolate smile, before heading towards the entrance of the castle.

Talyssa sees me and strides over.

-Nymeria? What's going on?

-My cousin Laena is in great pain, the contraction pains alerting Rhaenyra. Daemon asked us to join her. I rub a nervous hand over my stomach as I walk towards my rooms. The letter was written a week ago, the crow took a while, she must have been in labor since then.

-If she is in labor, her husband the Prince and your sister the Heiress must be at her side. Try to reassure me Talyssa, everything should be fine.

I smile grateful that my best friend is trying to comfort me, but my heart can't stop pounding in my chest reminding me of the fear singing in my ears. I enter my rooms, opening a wardrobe containing my riding clothes.

-Think twice Nymeria. Talyssa said from right behind me, watching me choose my riding outfit. Nymeria!

-My cousin is suffering at the moment, I turn around furiously facing her gaze, if my presence can help her then I will go to Driftmark, pregnant if I have to. I respond, my tone determined, my violet eyes shining with conviction.

Talyssa tenses, looking at me with wide open eyes, she has become so beautiful over time, her red hair silkier than ever, her eyes representing the island she comes from. Her gaze softens then she sighs. She walks over to my wardrobe pulling out a riding outfit suitable for the size of my belly.

-What are you doing ? I ask watching her choose my outfit.

-I can never say no to you, said Talyssa, taking the boots, not when you look at me with that fire in your Dragon gaze. Nobody can.

I smile at his words then my body cools hearing this voice:

-I can. Said Cregan's voice entering the room, his hands behind his back.

I look at my husband who has arrived, my gaze fixed on his. His facial features are relaxed, which is worrying, I can't read anything in his eyes, this emotionless wall he builds when he is in front of the Northern Lords building himself in front of me.

-Husband…

-Leave us. Cregan said to Talyssa, his eyes on me.

Talyssa nods then looks at me before leaving, closing the door behind her. The sound echoes through the room as Cregan looks at me, his gray eyes filling with emotion synonymous with irritation. I don't take off my clothes, I turn to my riding outfit.

Talyssa nods then looks at me before leaving, closing the door behind her. The sound echoes through the room as Cregan looks at me, his gray eyes filling with emotion synonymous with irritation. I don't take off my clothes, I turn to my riding outfit.

-I will go. I only say and that one statement breaks his emotionless wall.

-That's a no. Said Cregan approaching me with a hard look.

-I'll go Cregan. I say looking at him my tone reflecting my determination.

-And I told you that you will stay here. Cregan said, approaching me, his furious gaze on mine.

I hold his gaze while his grandeur dominates me, I don't look down and we lock eyes. I know he's worried, I know he wants me to stay here in Winterfell, surrounded by all his servants, midwives, Maester and others. He wants the baby to be safe, wants me to be safe. But I have to help my cousin Laena. I must stand by his side.

-Cregan, I begin in a whisper taking his hand in mine.

His gaze goes down to our intertwined hands then back up to my eyes.

-I know you're worried, I whisper, looking into his eyes, I know you're not reassured and you want the baby and I to be okay. But Laena needs me.

-Laena is with her husband and your sister. Said Cregan, shaking my hand nervously in a serious tone. Would having you really be useful to him? He asks, his voice softening.

-We are never too many in this kind of situation. I respond, my face relaxing, but my determination still in my eyes, then I sigh. I won't be long. Driftmark is not that far away on the back of a dragon… And then his whole face tenses.

-On the back of a dragon? Nymeria we have already talked about. He said with a frown.

-Taking a boat would take too long, I explain, approaching him again, my hand still in his, the letter is a week old, anything could have happened since then. I say, placing my free hand on his chest.

-So you are risking your life for your cousin Laena? He asks with a frown. Without considering that your children will lose their mother, that your husband will lose his most precious love.

-Nightmares will never bring me down. I say with a convinced and authoritative tone, I will be very attached to him.

-Your dragon hates seals. Cregan says frowning again and I run my finger between his folds making his frown even more.

-He will understand. I respond making a mental note that I need to convince Nightmares to wear a more complex sigil. I promise I'll make it to Driftmark in one piece. Me and the baby.

Cregan closes his eyes with a sigh and I know I have it. He rests his forehead on mine before placing his other hand on my stomach, it is firm and authoritative with care and love.

-Promise me that you won't put yourself in danger, that you will see a maester every day. I prepare to cut him but he continues. Promise me Nymeria, on what is sacred to you because I know that making you promise on the Old or New Gods is futile.

His gray eyes find mine purple and they are filled with emotion and worry. I remove my hand from his taking his face between both hands before kissing him gently. Our mouths separate with a wet noise.

-I promise, on what is most sacred to me.

Cregan sighs then solemnly kisses my forehead several times before resting his chin on the top of my head.

-I really can't refuse you anything. He whispers.

-Mama, are you leaving tomorrow? Asks my son climbing onto my bed.

Lying in the large bed that Cregan and I occupy, I watch my son climb directly against my stomach. Cregan arrives carrying Lyanna who clings to him, a dragon-shaped toy in her hand. He gently places her on the mattress and she automatically comes against me.

-Yes, I respond to my son stroking his head, I am going to visit your aunt Laena. I respond smiling.

-Aunt Laena. Lyanna says smiling and I kiss her forehead, Cregan coming onto the mattress.

He takes my daughter on his knees kissing her forehead, my son traces circles on the bump that my stomach forms against my nightgown.

-I don't want you to leave. Robb admits playing to caress my belly and I smile tenderly at his confession.

-There are two of us, my little wolf. Cregan sighs theatrically and I roll my eyes.

-Me too Mama, said Lyanna, stroking my silver wavy hair. Mama has to stay, it's three to one. She said smiling.

I stroke my daughter's hair, sighing with a smile on my face. I kiss her cheek and she laughs when I tickle her in her father's arms.

-Don't seduce my daughter. Said Cregan a smile stretching his lips, she's on my side isn't she my little wolf. Said Cregan to our daughter and she smiled affirming her words.

I sigh with a hand on my forehead, my son Robb bursts out laughing at my acting.

-At least my little one inside is on my side. I respond by stroking my belly.

-No, little sister is on our side. Robb laughed before kissing my stomach a few times. You're on our side, aren't you, little sister? He asks looking at my stomach.

My heart melts at the sight, and I fight against the tears that almost fall down my cheeks. I stroke my son's hair, feeling Cregan's tender gaze on me. Lyanna yawns softly before leaning against Cregan's chest. Robb still seems excited but when Cregan calls the midwife, he doesn't grumble and follows her with his sleepy little sister in the midwife's arms.

Once we're alone, Cregan closes our bedroom door and looks me in the eye. Over the years his hair has grown, but so has his beard. His gray gaze is as hungry as ever and I laugh when he climbs on top of me, leaning on his elbows, he kisses my forehead.

-Are you letting your beard grow? I ask, stroking his black beard which grows from moon to moon

He kisses my forehead and nose before lying down next to me.

-Yes, until the little one arrives. He said while caressing my round and tense belly, his gaze softening. How are you this evening? He asks and I smile

-The hot bath did me a lot of good, and this evening strangely everything is calm. I respond, looking at my stomach.

He smiles then kisses my smiling neck several times against my skin caressed by his hungry lips. A heat settles in my lower abdomen and I shiver feeling the hard and painful tip of my breasts rubbing against my nightgown.

-Are you sure it’s not painful? Cregan asks, becoming more insistent in his kisses.

The discomfort I may have felt melts under the heat of desire that ignites my heart. I become more and more responsive to his touch ending quickly above him, my lips capturing his in a fiery dragon dance. His hand comes to hold the back of my neck, his thumb stroking the back of my hair as my hand comes to hold his cheek. Finally he removes his mouth from mine, a wet sound echoing around the room.

-Nymeria, he said slightly out of breath looking into my eyes, are you in pain? He asks with seriousness in his eyes.

-I'm not, I answer in a voice choked with desire.

-Nymeria… he's about to ask me the question again and I swear if he does I'll get out of this bed.

-I have pain between my legs. I respond by kissing his neck, his beard caressing my cheek.

Cregan shivers before a gurgle leaves his mouth and he grabs the back of my neck so our lips meet. As our kiss becomes more feverish, I feel his hands climb under my dress raising it on my hips. He growls against my lips when his hands caress the bare skin of my ass, tugging at my lip.

-I want you to ride my face. He whispers against my lips, and I moan just thinking about it.

He pinches my buttock, giving me a quick pat before helping me sit up against his thighs. Our lips are red and swollen, wet with saliva as he helps me remove my nightgown. My breasts are heavy, my nipples pink and pointy. Cregan's eyes light up when I lean over and he sucks with tenderness then ferocity on my nipples which harden even more in his mouth.

-So sensitive. He hums while licking my breasts like his favorite dessert.

Moisture pools between my legs as Cregan's name tumbles from my lips like a plea. My hips move alone against his erection, wetting his underside, making him grow and grow against me.

-My love, Cregan whispers, holding my hips, comes against my lips as I taste you.

I moaned immediately, standing up to position myself above him, my legs framing his face, my thighs being scratched by his beard. Cregan caresses my ribs and the taut skin of my stomach, lowering me gently against his lips, his hands clinging to the flesh of my buttocks.

-Cregan. I immediately moan, cursing in high Valyrian, my thighs already trembling.

-Are you already shaking, princess? Cregan sneers against my swollen, wet cunt. I've only just started.

-You coming back in a long time? Robb asks as we walk towards the dragon cave.

-In a few days. I answer by stroking his silver hair, and he tries to escape from my hand.

Cregan is silent as he is by my side, Alyssa walks beside him hand in hand. My little girl still has her dragon toy, it almost never leaves her side, probably a sign that she wants a dragon. I sigh at the thought, caressing my stomach.

-Cregan. I whisper as I take his hand in mine

-Love? He asks as he squeezes my hand

Since the sun rose, his body is tense and his gaze stern. He doesn't want me to leave, but when I decide something I do it. Despite all our orgasms the day before, Cregan still seems to be upset with me.

We quickly arrive at the Dragon Pit. I spent months searching around Winterfell for a cave big and warm enough for Nightmares to rest in the cool summers, my dragon guided me to a secret cave whose river is cold but the inside is warm and soothing. Of course we brought in dragon keepers from Dragonstone, and above all the cave is constantly warmed by torches and fires lit in every corner.

When I got pregnant, it became clear that an incubator had to be set up in the cave, and more guardians had to go to the North. The locals didn't like this choice made by Cregan, and I can't blame them. The dragons are the ones who took their crowns from them and now they host them in their homes.

We arrive at the dragon pit, passing behind the waterfall. Automatically the warm breath of the constantly burning fires and volcanic stones brought back from Dragonstone warms us. A burnt and charred flesh scent floats in the air, and the ash tickles our nostrils.

-Dārilaros (Princess) Hail a dragon guardian, My Lord. He says bowing to Cregan

-Iksis nightmares ziry iksos ready? (Is Nightmares ready?). I ask as I put on my gloves.

-Se zaldrīzes accepted hae olvie seal hae īlon could (The dragon accepted as many seals as we could). The guardian replies with a hand on his heart.

I smile grateful that they tried to put Nightmares' seal. It's not easy, Nightmares has a nasty character like Caraxes my uncle's dragon. They are more alike than you might think.

-Mama, can I see Nightshades? Robb asks excitedly

-Of course my dragon. I answer taking his hand and my son jumps with excitement

I glance at Cregan who still with a closed face now carries Lyanna who observes the cave with bright eyes. Cregan is not delighted with this place, for him, Robb and Lyanna are children of the North and should not have a dragon, only direwolves. But I wanted to give them the chance to know my heritage and now Robb has his dragon.

-Do you think about bringing more eggs here? Cregan asks watching me caress my belly which stretches my riding outfit.

-You know my opinion on this subject. I answer looking at him with my tender but determined violet eyes.

-And if the eggs don't hatch? He asks caressing Lyanna's back

-Then it won't be wanted by the gods and the North won't know any more dragons. I answer with a small smile passing my hand in his.

I let go of my son's hand as he runs towards the entrance of a cave, the cool wind rushing in with it the smell of burnt flesh and charred bone. Cregan stands a few paces behind me as I approach with my son.

I gently hold his shoulders with both hands as he calls out.

-Nightshades, dohaeragon nyke (Nightshades, serve me).

The dragon guards surrounding us, two in front of Cregan three on each of our sides and two in front of us hold their pitchforks in their hands as a low, high-pitched growl is heard.

A hot breath extinguishes the torches of the guardians in front of us and a large ten year old dragon stands climbing up the rocks having been smeared with dragonglass and hot ash. I instinctively back away with the guardians as Nightshades' piercing gaze finds us, another growl taking hold of him.

I turn around, and see Cregan holding our little girl tightly who hides her face in his neck. Only Robb smiles with all his teeth calling:

-Nightshades, dohaeragon nyke. And the dragon raises his head

A softer growl comes from him as he leans his head closer to my ten year old son's face. Nightshades is a pure mix of both his parents. When my aunt Rhaenys brought him to me from Driftmark I couldn't believe my eyes. Meleys had given birth to a litter of two eggs, one red and white, and one blood red. I had no doubt about the father like my aunt, these eggs had been conceived by the mating dance of Nightmares and Meleys.

"Gevis." Robb whispers as the dragon comes to headbutt him against his belly.

Robb takes a few steps back before laughing and stroking his dragon's thorny neck. The dragon was mostly white, the backs of its red wings reminiscent of its mother.

"Nightshades." Robb smiles as the dragon sings. It has grown even bigger. Said Robb

The dragon was indeed large for his age, Syrax wasn't this big when she was his age, it's probably because of the dragon pit in Port Real, the dragons have slowly gotten smaller since they got there. Here in the north, Nightmares and Nightshades are mostly free.

-Honey, say goodbye to Nightshades, Mama is leaving. I whisper to him, stroking his hair.

As Robb says goodbye to his dragon, I head towards the entrance of Nightmares' cave. My dragon is already there, growling at the guardians. He grows bigger every year, becoming as big as Caraxes. His seal is already on and I smile as I approach him.

Nightmares stretches his long, thorny neck towards me, automatically asking for my touch. I stroke his thorny crest with a smile on my lips. His neck circles my waist and he sniffs against the bump of my belly.

-Iksi returning syt ñuha vȳngar gevives (back for another trip, my dear). I whisper against his neck and he growls in response, detaching himself from me.

Nightmares looks me in the eye, his gaze burning into my violet eyes. He puts his muzzle against my nose before getting ready for me to mount him.

I then turn around to say goodbye to my family. Cregan who is holding our daughter in his arms, a hand on Robb's head has pain in his eyes. I approach and kiss my son's forehead who takes me in his arms kissing my neck.

-Mama promises to come back soon. I whisper, stroking her hair.

-Mama comes back soon and in good health. Lyanna says, holding out her arms to me.

I take her in my arms and kiss her cheek several times, my gaze fixed on my husband's. When I put Lyanna down, Cregan comes closer, one of his hands comes to my waist, the other on my stomach. He gently caresses it, his gaze on mine.

-I will keep my promise. I whisper, trapped in his gaze.

-You better. He answers with a soft but firm voice.

He kisses my forehead several times, our eyes closing when we feel the contact of our skin. My hand caresses his on my stomach, then when our lips meet, my heart melts in my chest.

-Come back to me. He whispers against my lips, his gaze burning me -I promise. I answer, kissing him one last time.

[marbl3z]

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Maybe I've Fallen for you. . .

Lyney + GN!reader || modern au ;; romantic Fluff || summary :: You and Lyney stop by an Apple orchard that also grows pumpkins, there's a little festival going on for the Autumn season, Lyney is unsure what he's feeling for you... maybe he finally fell for you.

"so..." he starts, flicking a card through his fingers. "I've never been to one of these before, what should I expect?" He leans on your shoulder, the bumpy road on the bus makes the two of you rock a bit.

"hmm~ probably a lot of things, Ive only been to one when I was younger." You grab a card from his sleeve, attempting to flick it through your own fingers.

"is it fun?"

"I remember it being fun but to be honest, I was a child. So who knows?" You laugh a bit, glancing down at Lyney. "You look cold," you mumble, pulling his beanie over his ears. The tip of his nose dusted pink from the chill in the air.

"it is almost winter." He scrunches his face as he flicks his violet eyes up to meet yours. He studies your face as you turn back to look out the window.

strange... he thinks to himself, the back of his neck feels hot, luckily his hoodie covers his nape.

The bus comes to stop and you glance at your phone, "it's our stop, Lyney." You stand grabbing your backpack. Lyney does the same, following you out of the bus.

The pleasant chill of autumn passes through your frame, Lyney scrunches his face bringing his hands to his face to heat them up. He glances over at you, a gentle shiver goes through your spine. You glance down at your phone before grabbing his sleeve and continues to walk down a path, soon small wooden signs that say things such as "Apple Orchard - Harvesting." And cute pumpkin and apple wooden signs with a man sitting at the entrance, welcoming everyone who walks in.

"Ah, Good evening!" His face creases as he smiles nodding to you and Lyney. Lyney gives a small wave with a friendly smile as you also smile. "Enjoy your time!" He calls as you two past the decorated entrance.

"what do you think so far?" You glance at the blonde man next to you, the gentle crunch of leaves beneath your feet and the sounds of children laughing and screaming ahead of you fills your heart with joy.

"it seems fun, I've never been to something like this. I'm sure Lynette and Freminet would love going to a place like this..." he trails off, sending a text to them showing them pictures and even video calling them at one point.

You two are at the pumpkin patch, picking out pumpkins for your friends and his siblings. You pick up a small white one, Lyney is at another end of the patch, on the phone with Lynette. You decide not to disturb him but you put it in the basket they provided.

Lyney is showing Lynette all the apples you two picked along with some ciders to try and sweets the orchard sells, collaborating with small businesses.

"Lyney," Lynette starts, her voice is hoarse and wobbly. She has a cold and that's why she couldn't join you two, Ferminet decided to stay with her to help her feel better. "You know, when will you show your true feelings?" She sips her tea.

"Haha.. what could you mean, my dear sister?" He smiles as he glances over at you picking pumpkins.

"that." She deadpans, setting her cup down. She pulls her blanket further up her lap, she was wearing the sweater you got her before you two left for the harvest. "Looking at them like that,"

"like what?" He blushes, adverting his gaze as he turns away from the patch going up to one of the many makeshift shops. Lynette rolls her eyes. Lyney gets a hot chocolate from the lady working at the shop.

"you like them, don't you?" Lynette watches as Lyney coughs on his hot chocolate, burning his tongue. "Perhaps you're in love?"

"Not so loud, Lynette!" He whines, sticking his tongue out to cool off. You took notice of him coughing and quickly hurried over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"hey.." he turns to you, his tongue still sticking out like a cats. "Are you alright?— oh hello, Lynette!" You smile waving to his phone.

"Hello," she sips her tea, stifling a giggle as Lyney sends a soft glare at his sister.

"Oh! I'm okay.. just burnt myself on the drink... I wasn't expecting it to be so hot!" He smiles embarrassingly, "how was your adventure picking pumpkins?" He notices you have three small pumpkins in your basket.

"it was good, I haven't found any good big ones to carve with everyone yet... I found one for everyone else though!" You mumble the last part in his ear, wanting to surprise Lynette when you two are home.

He blushes faintly underneath his beanie as your breath tickles his ear. Lynette rolls her eyes, snuggling under her blanket more. He nods sending you a knowing glance and a thumbs up.

"Also! Lyney, I heard there was a haunted house attraction we can go through!" You grin.

"what??" His eyes widen, taken back from your suggestion. "Don't tell me.. you wanna go through it?"

"why not? Lynette said you liked attractions like them!" Lyney gives Lynette a glare, Lynette smiles.

"... I, I mean.." he sighs, not wanting to disappoint you. "We can go if you want," he pretends to be excited.

"really?!" You smile excitedly, your eyes basically sparkling. He nods, dreading as you take him by the hand to the haunted house.

Lynette gives Lyney a wink before hanging up the video call. He blushes as he follows your lead to the over exaggerated haunted house, he sighs of relief... it doesn't look that scary. Yet your smile never seems to fade, he squeezes your hand as you two talk with the employees of the house, before walking in.

Cliche scary music plays, it's dark and he only knows your there by the squeeze of your hand. Suddenly a loud noise makes him jump and basically cling onto you. A zombie actor jumps out in front of you two, making him release a high pitched yelp. You scream too, but it was replaced with laughter and it was a game of clinging onto each other as the actors continued to jump out and make loud noises.

by time the two of you are out of the house, Lyney is holding your arm. His cheeks are flushed and his heart is racing. "That was terrifying..." he breathes out, you lead him to a bench nearby. He sends a quick text to Lynette, presumably one along the lines of "I hate you so much" in a loving way.

You smile as you notice the way he acts with his siblings, it's endearing. You catch your breath checking the time, "do you want to go pick out the giant pumpkins?" You lean over his shoulder, he shivers slightly turning to face you. The red streak in his hair looks out of place and his hair is messy.

You raise your hand to move his hair out of his eyes, faint blush is visible along his cheeks. He blinks a few times, the temporary tear tattoo on his cheek looks cracked. A faint smile tugs at your lips, despite the cold weather he made you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

He takes notice of the sweets shop behind you, an idea sparking in his head as he laughs, "do you want to go try the sweets they are selling? I'm intrigued by the 'Autumn's Delight'..." he smiles, still holding your hand.

You nod, coming to a stand, you two walk to the small shop. The lady operating the shop smiles as she notices you two holding hands, you look like a couple. Lyney orders the autumn delight and you order simple donut holes with pumpkin spice and cinnamon sprinkled on them.

You two go back to the bench you were sitting before, you offer one of your donuts holes to lyney and he opens his mouth as if asking you to feed him. It was a wholesome sight, honestly. The faint blush on his cheeks, his lips are red from the chill, you almost hold yourself back from doing something that may change the coarse of you and his friendship.

You smile, bringing the pumpkin spiced donuts to his lips. He takes a bite and his eyes basically sparkle from how the flavors melt on his tongue. "You did a wonderful job choosing, darl—" he stops the sentence short, pushing back the urge to call you an endearing petname. He takes a bite of the crepe he bought, it was covered with powder sugar, drizzled chocolate and cinnamon with slices of apples inside.

A huge smile grows on his face, savoring the sweetness of the crepe. He notices your looking at your phone in your lap, texting someone. He immediately turns his head, not wanting to read your messages.

"do you wanna try mine?" He says adverting his gaze from your phone, holding up the crepe to your face.

"sure!" You smile, taking a small bite of the crepe, your eyes swirl with stars and sparkles as you hum, kicking your feet back and forth. "That's so good Lyney!!" You smile, he notices a bit of powder sugar on your cheek and his eyes soften as he uses his thumb to wipe it away.

You and him blush as he turns away, the tips of his ears burning from how close he got with you. "S-sorry! You had sugar on your face.." he mumbles continuing to eat the dessert.

You blink a few times before you respond, "it's alright, thank you," he nods his head shyly. A soft ding emits from your phone which makes you both jump. "Lynette said Freminet wanted to know if we were having fun" you mumble showing him the text.

"Tell them we are! And to be prepared for when we come home" he grins, he eyes sparkling. You nod sending Lynette a quick text In which she responds by sending a cat with it's thumbs up.

"ahh, we should get going, hm?" He sighs, finishing his crepe. He stands helping you up, you carry the pumpkins to the bus stop, after picking out some trinkets and other goodies for everyone at home.

"today was fun," you yawned, holding the pumpkins close to your chest. Lyney sat down next to you on the bus, his violet eyes softened at the sight of how sleepy you were.

"it was very fun, thank you for taking me," he bumps his forehead against yours, it was a silly thing you two started doing, you both saw a cat doing it to another cat and it stuck ever since. "I had a lot of fun," he purrs.

You smile tiredly, leaning your head against his shoulder, he rested his arm on your shoulder as he texted Lynette and scrolled through social media. The soft rumbling of the bus as it made it's way back to home kept you close to him. He twirls your hair through his fingers, holding back the urge to brush them away and give you a gentle kiss. Your eyes were closed and you looked so comfy at his side.

The bus pulls to the stop, he gently shakes you awake. You groggily carry two pumpkins and Lyney carries the other two. Stepping out of the large vehicle to the cold air sends a shiver down both of your spines, a soft "Brrr" noise comes from both of you. You quickly make your way to Lyney's home, you were spending the night so it didn't matter how you stayed.

Lynette opened the door as you two hurried inside and walked to the dining table, both of your hands were crisp and cold. You placed the pumpkins and your bag down and ran over to Lyney to place your cold hands on his face.

"AH!" he squeals like a girl, his eyes widen as you giggle chasing Lynette to do the same. Lynette runs up the stairs and you don't chase her, Lyney comes up behind you and places his hands underneath your shirt at the base of your neck.

"EE—!" you jump watching as Lyney laughs and rubs his hands together, something in you churns. Your heart flutters as you grab his hands, placing him over your mouth and you breathe, rubbing them gently.

His laughter calms and he looks at you with curious eyes as you warm his hands up. If it wasn't for the cold his face would've been ten times more red. You hear Freminet come down the stairs.

"Oh, you're back..." he gives you a soft smile and you let go of Lyney's hands.

"OH! We have gifts!" You basically jump up and down as you slide off your hoodie, now wearing the thin sweater you stole from Lyney. Freminet and Lynette follow you to the dining table as Lyney stays behind.

He has a smile on his face as he recalls what you did, "Lyney?" Lynette calls.

"Oh, sorry! I'll be right here! Lemme go warm up," He gives her a convincing smile and climbs up the stairs. His slides his beanie off, his normally styled blonde hair, askew and messy. He throws it on his bed as he walks to the bathroom.

He looks at himself in the mirror, his cheeks were flushed and his nose was dusted red. He looked silly, and it made him smile. He can hear your laughter downstairs and he feels warm and fuzzy inside.

His eyes flutter close as he turns the light off, opening once more as he realizes the flutter in his heart from hearing your laughter, wasn't because you two were such good friends... it was perhaps something he wasn't used too,

Maybe it was love.

--

RAAHHH I'LL MAKE A PART TWO MAYBE, PROBABLY—

[witch-oftheflowers]

Twins??

AN: ALRIGHT THIS IS IT. THE LAST BABIES- WE GOT TWINS ON THE WAY!

TW: Violence and angst ahead

And thank you to everyone that has enjoyed this series! I'm excited to do this final chapter. It's a long one so enjoy!

Masterlist

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

Simon remembered the day well. It was leading up after Los Almas and everything after. And finding out Laswell was zoning in on Makarov recently. It sent him a bit worried, his family and his wife, being high targets on Vladimir's list. He knew it. His wife knew it. They had two exciting kids, both enjoying the childhoods they were having so far.

When he came home. Hearing the little steps as he let a soft groan out. His eldest squeezing her arms around his waist. Her face buried into his stomach, and the flood of blonde hair trailing behind her. Those bright brown eyes gleam up to him as she spoke up

" 'Elcome home papa!" Anna sang the words out. Another thud on his legs as he glanced to the side near his daughter. The sea of brown curls tossed around till he noticed his son beaming with joy at him. A toothy grin as he spoke

"Papí. Papí we missed you-" the toddler sang as he smiled. Softly bouncing on his toes as he snug his face into his dad's side. Both kid were tall honestly. For their ages even, as he engulfed them into hugs. His bags to the side as he didn't care. The black paint smear over his eyes still, he was worned out. But that didn't stop the brute of a man as he carried them into the living.

He caught sight of his small wife cooking away. Even a pie on the counter as he took in the messy kitchen.

"Oi! You gone mad chef on me?" He teased his wife. His voice boom a bit as she flinched at the surprise. Turning around, flour on her tan skin. Her eyes shined as she rushed around the kitchen island. Practically throwing herself into the family pile as she squeal in joy

"Aye por dios! You're home!" She smiled as the kids let out roars of laughs. Getting out their father's grasp as they didn't wanna be buried in their hug.

Anna squeeze out as she pulled her brother from the grips. Both kids laughing as they ran to the couch. A small 'Ewww!' as they let their parents have a lovey dovey moment.

"They're so gross-" Anna said as she gag a bit. Johnny laughing a bit as he mimiced his sister.

But the two didn't care. Enjoying each other as Ximena was kept to date about everything. Even helped with the General Shepherd's situation as she knew something was wrong.

Simon clung to her as he let a sigh out. Getting a whiff of her vanilla shampoo. His large hands manhandled her hips as he held her closer.

"You saved us some 'rouble ya know 'hat?" He teased her slightly as he pressed a firm kiss to her forehead. Pulling back Ximena nods her head as she hums. A bit of love dazed in her eyes as she pressed a firm kiss to his lips. Savoring his taste as she hums.

"Mhm.. at least you're home right?" She whispered as she pinched his cheeks a bit. On her tippy toes as he winced.

"Go clean up. I don't need my kids to know bad hygiene Simon." She demanded as she went back to the kitchen.

Anna and Johnny were settled into the couch enjoying their movie. Simon stole by as he gave them both kisses on the head. Even little head rubs as he snuck to their room. Taking a moment to decompress and be able to be just Simon Riley-

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

A week would fly by as they settled back in. Getting used to the domestic aspect of their lives. The lads visiting as they had a big family meal to celebrate their return home.

Ximena was in the garden with the tots as they picked fresh vegetables and fruit for the dinner that night. Anna was helping Johnny as they pulled the carrots out the garden. She smiled as the kiddos got excited with their harvest.

Ximena had Luna, her military pup, with her. As the pup was on high alert lately. A small scream filled Ximena ears as she noticed her daughter held her ear. Luna quickly ran off into the forest that was their backyard.

And mama mood kicked in as Ximena checked Anna. A small wound to her ear, a clean shot but still-

"Simon!" She cried out as she yank Johnny under her arm. Rushing them inside, her eyes filled with fear as she heard a grown man yelling and Luna's growls behind her.

Simon was simply cleaning the living. But his eyes widen the second he heard the scream and Ximena's voice

"Fuck-" he scurried into the kitchen a gun was safe kept away. As he loaded it and ran out, rushing his small family in.

Ximena let him. Knowing one had to stay with the kids.

Both were crying and freaking out. Ximena had to stay calm as she grabbed the medical kit from the kitchen. Getting to work as she checked Anna for anything else. Her hands held her daughters as she gauzed her ear. Cleaning the wound as she softly sang to the two trying to ease them

The words shook out, trying to remain the trembling fear she had. Someone found their home... Their kids. A one fear they had since day one.

When she finished up the job. Looking to Anna as she had a small frown on her lips. Big blue eyes stared into her mamas as she sniffled a bit

"Did I loose my ear?"

"Aye no.. Mija no. Just a small cut..." She laughed a bit as she rubbed her daughters head bringing her in for a hug. Holding her close as Johnny snuck in and they hugged

"We're ok... We're ok... Alright?" Ximena said as she gave each a kiss on their head. The backdoor opened as Luna trot into the house. Simon behind as she disarmed his gun and locked it away. He looked grim as he held his phone in his hand.

"Lads are coming over now... I contacted Laswell about a clean up and investigation... You're not allowed to be home alone without someone here Xi..." He whispered to her as they stood in the kitchen. His brown eyes bore into hers as he boxed her into the corner.

The kids were put down for a nap in the middle of the day. Especially Anna who was scared afterwards.

Ximena stared up to Simon. Her eyes shook a bit as she nods a bit. Softly she bit her lip as she was thinking.

"I'ma... Need you to go with me tomorrow..."

"For what?"

"I'm renewing my birth control Simon... We don't need to bring more kids into this..." She said as she met his gaze. And honestly he agreed, seeing as one of their worst enemies was seeking their family. And even behind bars he was planning to harm them. It was a simple decision, no more kids till after this was settled.

And that night when the lads came over. The kids got loads of love. Anna was a bit spoiled as she was a tough girl after everything. Johnny was the little brave brother who was with his sister-

And they had a fun family meal. Eventually a small dance party to cheer the kids up.

Anna was dancing with her mum to some Spanish music. The two having fun as the lads were playing a game of cards. Lil Johnny on his papa's lap as he was playing.

Soap laughed a bit as the tot showed his cards

"Anyone got ones?" The little lad said as Johnny and Gaz smiled to him.

"He's playing Go Fish." Gaz said as he ruffled the sea of brown curls in the kid

Price chuckles a bit as he sipped his drink. A firm smile to his face

"Lads we're playing Poker..."

"Little man ain't. We ain't either" Soap said with a grin as he gave the kid an ace card

The tot grabbed the card as he finished his deck

"I win!" He said so innocently as he smiled.

Simon laugh a bit as he put his cards down.

"I lost a long 'ime ago little man..." He said as the table roared with laughs and cheers for the kiddo. It was a simple night to forget the terrible events from earlier.

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

And honestly they didn't think they'll be here. Hearing those words as Ximena sat in the doctor's office.

"Ximena you're already two months long-"

"I shouldn't be I've been on the pill. I've been injured a few times a month ago I should of known then -"

"Ximena you have a medical degree like me. And you know this like me that it can always be a fault of medication oopps, or you missed a pill or even just a simple antibiotic mixed with the normal pill you take."

"Wait what do you mean by antibiotics?" Simon said as he sat besides his wife. Who honestly looked pale, her eyes were a bit wide as she was trying to stay calm. And her grip on his large hands didn't help him much

"If you take some medications it can cancel out the birth control..." The gynecologist stated as she looked to the two

".. I was on some a few months back ..." She sighs as she remembered now. And how-

She softly swat Simons arm as he flinched at his wife's reaction.

"You couldn't wait one night Simon Riley-"

"I didn't do bloody shit "

"Well you clearly did because we're two months in a pregnancy Simon" she said as she glared at him a bit. He gulped a tad as he rubbed her back. Trying to calm her down as she sighs a bit more.

"Well you two do have options..."

"We don't... Do those options you know that doc..." Ximena said as she softly smiled to her long time doctor she had since Anna.

Simon nods his head as he sighs a bit.

"Yeah... We'll be ok 'hough." He said as he pulled her in for a small side hug. Giving her a squeeze as the doctor smiled to the two.

"Well here's the game plan then." She said as she gave them the details for their appointments to come.

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

When they got home. Ximena was a bit guilty as she thought they'll be ok. Simon noticed his wife being off.

"hey... It's nothing different. We'll be ok... Just have to be careful is all..." He spoke softly as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

Her shoulders slumped as she buried her face into his chest. Her eyes pooled with tears.

"But they won't be safe... None of them will-"

"Oié. No none of 'hat right now." He firmly tilted her chin up. Making them keep eye contact, his eyes soften a tad seeing her cry

"We'll be ok... 'he lads offered to help... If we get deployed or anything we'll have safe guards in place ok.. if anything changes we'll fix it as we must... I'll inform Laswell too. See if she can help.." he whispered as they stayed in the entrance way.

He engulfed her into a tight hug. Lifting her up a bit as she let a soft giggle out. Her curls swaying around as she clung to him.

"Ok... ok we'll be ok. Aye you do make me worry less.. thank you..." She whispered as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she clung to him. He held her up as he snuggled into her soft hair.

"Mm 'hats what 'm here for...."

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

As if the universe itself wasn't giving them a hard time. As the new year rolled in, and they were able to enjoy some peace for another few months.

Ximena was five months long now. And the lads were on deployment. They had tighter security around the cottage, Luna was alert constantly now since that day.

Anna was inside as she didn't like going out much. That day changed the usually bubbly child a bit. Johnny would try to cheer his sister up even. But it wouldn't work often sadly.

Ximena was showing a bit. Her clothes getting tighter around her waist. As she opt for Simons clothes.

Her phone rang that day, constantly. She eventually picked up as she noticed several missed calls

Laswell

Ximena left the living as she stood in the hallway. Phone to her ear as Laswell voice rang through.

"Ximena! Thank God you answered." Her voice was a bit worried filled. She ran a hand through her blonde hair as she sighs.

Ximena was confused as she spoke up. Feeling the anxiety on her end

"Kate what happened?"

"Makarov got out."

Ximena froze in her spot as she was thinking.

You're fucken kidding me...

"Kate how long ago?"

"18 hours. I already contacted the boys. I'm already here in the UK. Please get to base with the kids. We'll go from there-"

Ximena was softly panicking. She usually didn't, she had a strong head on her shoulders. But the fact her family was in danger already again. Her feet moved as she packed bags for the kids.

"Ximena please- I know this isn't good timing with you and all."

"Kate you think?!" She burst out but sighs as she didn't wanna let her emotions bubble over

"I'm sorry... Just... Been stressful... Anna hasn't been the same..."

Laswell listened in as she was waiting for the helicopter to land. Her eyes soften as she sympathized with the woman

"Ximena I know the kids are not handling this. And I know you alone can't do it.. come to base. I know we have a temporary safe place for you three here... I gotta go but just hurry." She said as she ended the call.

Ximena placed her phone down as she grabbed the bags and got the kids dressed. Anna stared to her mum as she saw the stress and worry.

"We'll be ok mama. Right? Plus we might get a glimpse of papa." Anna said as she tried to cheer her mum up.

"Maybe.. maybe after all this. But ya know, nothing isn't impossible with this family hm?" She said as she load them all into the Jeep they had. Luna was in the back as she was keeping her ears up. The pitty was excited as she noticed her mum in the car.

Leaving their little home as it was locked up and dark now. Seem weird as if something was gonna happen....

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

How did she get here?

Laswell asked her kindly. As the group stood in the heli shelter. Her hair was rushed up into a ponytail as they heard about General Shepherd's inquisition.

Her eyes shut a bit as she listened to his random rant. Looking away a bit as she stood by Nikolai.

"They always talk much big talk?" He asked her softly as she nods. A small smile to her lips.

"Always..." She whispered as she looked back to the big screen.

"If it isn't Ximena-" General Shepherd's voice boom as he said her name.

She rolled her eyes as Ghost blocked his view.

"She's just here for information. 'Eave her out 'his." He said clear and stern. Glaring behind his mask

"Come on send her back out. He keeps looking into her. Trying to find the woman that rat him out."

"She's not going anywhere. He already got a hold of one kid." Price bumped in as he was firm. His eyes narrowed as he glared at the man.

Gaz and Soap were quiet. But nodding along, this wasn't a thing the lass needed.

"I propose this. Shadows and 141 with Farrah's group. But Ximena would be great for doing Intel we all know that. Those men would be praised for bringing her in." Graves said and butt in.

Fucken Americans

Kate cleared her throat as she ignored the idea.

"And you said General that there was a dam they were thinking about exploding too?"

"There is as well..."

Ghost looked to Soap as he smiled behind his mask.

"Kate I'll send you the details. We'll keep in contact."

Ximena was zoning out as everyone kept talking. Her thoughts drifting off as she looked to the floor.

Nikolai gave her a soft shake. Seeing she wasn't there.

"Come on I'll escort you back." He said as she nods.

Ghost and Soap beamed with their plan..but noticed the lass walking away already.

"Kate why you bring her in?" Ghost asked as he was concerned

"She's... Been off since they came to base. All of them. The little one doesn't get what's happening but he's trying to comfort the two." Her voice was soft as she tapped away on her laptop

"Go talk to her before you and Soap leave. Please." Laswell said as she looked up to the boys.

Ghost was thinking as he sighs and left the area. Quickly on his feet before she climbed into the Jeep.

"Hey." He was huffing as he looked at her in the seat.

"Hi...." She whispered as she leaned over.

"Come back safe.."

"What's wrong...? Kate said."

"You know what's wrong.. just fix it." She said as she looked to him. Her curls swayed in the wind as she sighs.

"Get that man before I go out and do it my self." She said as she pressed a kiss to his masked forehead.

"Go you gotta go protect people. Don't worry about this little woman here, I can handle myself." She said as she smiled a bit.

"Go Ghost I'll be ok..."

"Now I don't wanna go. You pregnant on the field?" He teased her a bit as she giggled.

"I did it before."

"Bloody hell 'm not letting you."

"Ghost go!" She teased him as she shoved him away from her passenger side.

"Fine.. at least I made ya smile." He teased her, pulling up his mask a tad. Popping a kiss to her lips as he quickly vanished as he came.

Nikolai chuckled from the side as he began to drive. A smile to his rugged face as he noticed her smiling

"He's a good man.."

"Always been one..."

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

When they heard about Makarov was on their home turf. It scared Ximena honestly. She helped the units with intel as she was brought back into the tuff of it.

All hands on deck, even her.

The kids stayed with some privates. A Gary Anderson was eager to help the Captain. Even if he didn't know how to entertain kids.

She was quick to assist. Hearing the commotion in the train tunnels. She was worried as the teams split up.

Hearing the fire fights, and the amount of trains that were hacked sadly. Her team on their end blocked new trains going in and out. All the public transportation was shut off for the train systems. Making sure no other civilians were exposed to this.

As she heard the radio chatter. Trying to stop the other trains. It was chaotic in their war room.

Ximena was calm, the best she could. As the sounds of one the bomb ticking away.

Her eyes shut as she heard the boys chatter about it being stopped. Along with the sad sound from Price.

"We have one KIA."

Her heart stopped for a second. Her eyes blinked as she asked for Price

"Price. Repeat that last comm." Her voice shook a bit. The lads on the other end stared to each other as they heard her voice.

"Captain Riley... we have one KIA. Send assistance if able. Our target got away." He was cold as he sighs. Knowing that wasn't gonna help the woman.

"Understood. We've already contacted for public services, the team will give control over after Captain. Let them do as we must." She said as she sighs. Sitting down as she knew none of them would be the same.

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

Her eyes soften when the Task Force came back. Softly she rushed through the crowd of soldiers as she noticed the lads. Her curls were up still, as she noticed them.

Gaz, Price, Ghost

"Where's Soap...?"

The three stared at her as Ghost came besides her. Trying to pull her in for a hug.

"No no... Where's the lad? Where is here?" She said as her head whipped to the others. Softly she panicked as she noticed Price grim face. He felt guilty as he shook his head.

"He's not coming home Xi..."

She stood there as she slump into Ghost. The man engulfed her in his arms as she sighs. Letting the tears pool and drip as she remained calm.

Gaz sighs as he walked over and gave the lass a hug. Honestly they gave her a group hug as they needed it.

"We came home though... We'll make sure he suffers for what he's done..." Price whispered as she nods.

"I'm going..." She stated softly.

The three pulled back as Ghost stared at her.

"You're not .."

"I am. I'm who he wanted originally. Soap just didn't kill him when he had the chance..." She walked away from them as the boys stared.

Price sighs but softly chuckled as he pat Ghost shoulder.

"She's stubborn...."

"For Johnny... She will be..."Ghost said as he went to follow the woman.

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

The lads were planning a trip to spread Johnny's ashes.

Before that they got their first ultrasound done.

"Oh look. Two sacks..." Her doctor said as she twirled the wand over her stomach.

Ximena was looking as she knew what she meant.

"Twins??!" She said the words as she squeezed Simons hand tight. The man flinched a tad as he looked at the small screen.

"Bloody hell... Two?" He looked to his wife as she shrugs.

"we'll they're twins, not identical but fraternal. They have the two different sacks, so two different sperms then. You two have strong babies it seems." She joked a bit as Simon stared at the screen

"I didn't know we could have 'wins..." He whispered as he softly smiled. Looking to his wife as Ximena she softly hums.

"It's like a gift ain't it?" She whispered as she looked to Simon.

"I'll let you two have a moment and we'll continue alright?" Doc said as she left the two alone for a second.

"A gift? What you mean by 'hat?" He asked her as he rubbed his hand over hers. Softly soothing her as she looked over to him

"Like Johnny wanted us to have twins..." She whispered as she leaned into him. Her eyes shut as she was thinking about their life.

He sighs as he nods his head, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Mm maybe. Does sound like a joke he'll make. Give us 'wins, 'wice the work." He joked a bit as he closed his eyes. Trying to ease his feelings and concerns.

"You'll be ok while we're gone?" He whispered as he rubbed her hand again.

"Mhm I'ma have to be..."

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

As the last month dwindled. Ximena was home constantly, her stomach peak underneath Simon's shirt.

She radiated a happy glow around her. And just a day to their caesarean date. She felt a soft nervousness as she was scared Simon at anytime would be called for deployment.

Her eyes soften as she saw her husband coming in alone. Dropping off their tots with her parents for the weekend. He looked really irritable-

She softly shook her head as she smiled. Thinking her hormones were all over the place. Her eyes crinkled as he came over, wrapping his strong arms around her stomach.

"I love you..." He whispered a bit as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. Her curls swayed around her as she hums.

"I love you too....Are we all ready for tomorrow?" She whispered as she leaned into him a bit. Her hair swaying as she pressed her swollen stomach into his. A soft chuckle left his lips as he rest a large palm over her stomach.

"Mhm... All set; extra clothes, babies wear, I got your comfy nightgown too." He spoke as he pinched her cheeks lightly.

"Ya old lady." He teased her as she swat his arm a bit

"Im not old, it's just nice during the baby year and labor, hush it." She jabbed his chest slightly as she smiled to him.

"I'm just excited to get this over with...." She humed the words as she rested into him. His hands resting on her back, pulling her in for a tight hug

" 'Een 'hrough to much 'his year..." He whispered into her hair. Softly playing with it to ease her anxiety. His eyes flutter shut as he got a whiff of her scent. Vanilla with a hint of dirt.

Her eyes flutter shut as she hums. Letting him cradle her against him

The two has a small meal. Especially since she couldn't eat after midnight. As they crawled into bed, her eyes shut softly. Snuggling into Simon, onto her side as the baby bump snug into his side.

Her leg was thrown over his waist. Her arms clinging around his free arm. She felt her chest ache as she knew her body was ready for the pregnancy to be over

Simon let her be, his eyes shut as he dozed off. Letting his wife ease next to him. He just hoped they'll be ok.

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

As they checked into the hospital. Getting into their private room.

Ximena was in her hospital gown. Sitting on the bed as she whines softly. Her head resting on his shoulder as he sat besides her. His large hand resting on her knee, rubbing soft circles on her skin.

"Mmm it's ok dove... 'M right 'ere..." He whispered.

The nurses came in and assisted the two. Getting the lass down as the very English nurses helped her. Got her in a hair net along with Simon.

Made the nurses laugh a bit seeing the large man in scrubs and a hair net.

" 'His not my style...." He stated as he gave Ximena one more kiss before they rolled her off.

Letting him follow and watch as they started the C-section on his sleepy wife. Who decided to take a nap during the procedure.

But once the first cries filled the room. Ximena's eyes flutter awake as she smiled to Simon.

"Hi.. our lasses are 'ere..." He whispered to her softly. The nurses showed them both one of the girls

Her dark tan skin like their mother's. Curly curly brown hair on her head. And her wails of being born as the nurse took her to check her health

As they pulled the next one. She was so quiet, her hands squished into fist as she was resting in the nurse arms.

As the twins were pulled away and given their shots. Along with tears ran on them. They wheeled the four of them to the room. Letting them have a moment together.

Ximena held both twins in her arms. Softly humming. She was thinking, ignoring the searing pain in her stomach. And the way she just wanted to nap after a intense procedure.

Simons stepped out as he called his wife's mum. Letting them know the twins were healthy and born. And a visitation was on the table for the family in a couple of days.

Ximena was lost in thought. Loving the twins as she observed the little details. Their cute noses, the adorable yawns they gave out, the way they snuggled in her arms-

She didn't hear the hospital door opening. Or the sobs from the nurses outside. Kinda surprising Simon didn't hear it either-

Steps echo in the quiet room as the man came over. A smirk on his face as he stood besides the hospital bed

"look at you..."

Ximena's eyes widen as she slowly glanced up. Seeing the one man she's been working so hard to hide from. Her brown orbs shook as she clung the girls closer to her.

"You need to get out ..."

"No I don't. Your husband isn't here to protect you..." Vladimir said as he sat on her bed. Giving her covered leg a pat. Showing off his power in the moment

"I just wanted to visit my favorite person.... Congratulations to the twins..." He mocked as he saw her clinging to the babes

His eyes eyed her over. Trying to stay calm and his demeanor shifted. His hand touched over hers as he whispered

"You're lucky I won't do a thing now. But just know.. I can always get my hands on you or your family..." Vlad spoke as he smiled to her warmly. Getting back to his feet as he fixed the suit he don often.

"Till next time..." He said as he left her hospital bed.

Moments later. Simon burst in as he huffed, the nurses were killed. Along with multiple people in the hospital.

Just to send a message.

The two knew. Their lives were never gonna be the same.

Especially since after Ximena was released from the hospital a week later.

And they swiftly took her in for interrogation. Why?

Ximena was a spy. That's what they were told...

[desultory-novice]

Apologies AU - Good Ending Drop

Hey, everyone. It was my goal to finish Apologies in tandem with the Tournament, but for health reasons, I won't be able to as I planned. Because I tied the story to the tournament and don't feel like untangling it again and making everyone wait more, I'm going to give you all the ending spoilers, as I promised I would if I became unable to finish the story.

What I'm about to describe is THE Good Ending. The True Ending I had planned out almost from the beginning!

-

In the main-verse...

Susie, who sees too much of herself in Adeleine, decides to take matters into her own hands to bring the girl's older brother back.

She takes the vial of Dark Matter Swordsman DNA that was harvested from King Dedede. Meta Knight catches up with her and argues against it. It's foolish, dangerous, and liable to be nothing but painful to all parties involved. But Susie anticipated interference and asked Zan to bodyguard her. When Zan arrives (late) to the lab, the argument has caused the vial to begin to react to all the negativity in the room. Zan recognizes its contents as Dark Matter and insists on calling Lord Hyness, who in his own quirky way, analyzes their problem and suggests that while the contents are too weak to survive on their own, a resurrection could be possible, using Void's powers to mimic a hive queen, supplying whatever creature emerges the power to survive on Popstar without burning up into ash...

-

In the tourney-verse...

White-Haired Noir is at peace with his life and has come to accept the death of his precious little sister many years ago, but...a part of him still wishes to make Adeleine happy.

Using his fairy-born dimension sight, he discovers an Alternate Noir who is 98% percent compatible with main-verse Noir. This is the Purgatory!Noir from the Re_Birthday post. And he drags this unstable, utterly clueless Noir out of this peaceful void without his permission and secretly "volunteers"  the massively confused, un-alive but un-dead teen boy for the Kirby OC Tournament.

It is White-Haired Noir that is the "good" voice on phone and in Noir's head, encouraging rationality. His goal? Get Noir some friends. Get him to face up to/open up to people about his past. And get him caring about his life enough that he wants to live...! 

White-Haired Noir has seen what the main-verse Star Allies are attempting and knows that the odds of them actually bringing "Noir" back instead of just an emotionless monster are low without a compatible "Noir Soul" (haha) to inhabit the new vessel.

Over the course of many in-tourney events, including Noir learning to have faith in the sibling bonds he built with Gooey despite being Dark Matter at the time, learning to separate himself and Adeleine as individuals instead of clinging to her to his own neglect, privately opening up to King Dedede, who put the pieces together post-possession, about some awful stuff Noir put up with for years in secret from Raquelle's father (who privately loathed Neichel AND her kids and took it out on Noir) to "pay" for Adeleine's good life...

And lastly, using the power of wishes to interrogate if THIS Noir's true wish is to die and be free, to have never been born, to have had a normal "perfect" life, or if he simply wishes for a second chance to be with those he cares about... White-Haired Noir determines that Tourney!Noir is ready and reveals his plan to him. Noir confesses to him that he really does want to live and be with his family again and offers up his stronger soul for Susie and the gang's vessel.

-

Back in the main-verse...

The experiment is a success! They have brought, well, something back. It is not quite like Dark Matter Swordsman in form, nor is it exactly a human boy. It looks a little bit like a spiky haired-Gooey.

After some tense questioning of the emotionless, memoryless, unresponsive goo, it...suddenly seems to awaken. With the voice of a deeply shaken and scared young boy, the violet-eyed blob questions the mad scientist, cultists, and masked man surrounding him... Where the hell is he? And where are his little brother and sister?

Meta Knight welcomes Noir back to the world of the living.

Later, after Noir has time to dress himself in an appropriate scarf, Adeleine and Gooey are brought in and it is a happy and tear-filled reunion all around as Noir confirms that, while this form is strange, it's not dangerous and he's not in pain. He is then re-introduced to King Dedede, whereupon it's revealed that even though Noir likes him, he's still a snarky teen punk at heart, as he sasses the king horribly. (Dedede has gained another kid, but at what cost? XD)

...And that's it.

That's the ending to Apologies I've held onto for nearly a year.

For reading through all that, here is a short comic I drew a while back of the reunited family having a snowball fight in White Wafers.

-

(Not to unnecessarily over-explain the story but because the comic is a little vague, I have to tell you that no, Noir does not ever return to human after his revival. I meant it when I wrote in several places that their parting on Shiver Star was the last time they'd see each other "...in this form." This is merely meant to depict a moment in which Adeleine, seeing her brother alive and smiling and laughing and having real fun for the first time in so long, is able to imagine his old self smiling and is at peace that her brother is finally free from the hurt and misery he bore up with for so long.)

(...And yes, he has a long, silly tongue just like Gooey. Which is why he hides all but his eyes behind the scarf. Gotta keep up that cool older brother look even as a little goo creature! While Noir can't become human - frankly, he doesn't miss having a human body, given the stuff in his adolescence and being over-stressed, underfed, under-slept and just overall sick all the time in his later teens - he does eventually acquire the ability to shift into his old "Swordsman" form for short bursts of time.)

-

(Lastly, you might wonder how I could have had this exact ending in mind from almost the beginning when so much of it is tied up in recent posts like the tourney? ...Well, originally what was going to happen to allow Noir to be properly resurrected into the Dark Matter Goo body is that the Dream Rod from Star Allies was going to appear in response to a grieving Adeleine's wishes to see her brother again, bringing Noir-as-Swordsman back. At least for a LITTLE while, as it would be revealed that with Zero dead, Noir, who was entirely composed of Dark Matter at this point, couldn't survive on Popstar. Every moment he was there, his body was burning.)

(Still, he lasts long enough to have one final talk with Adeleine that helps heal him from the torturous events of DL 3 - in which we learn a highly disappointed Zero drove Noir to the absolute breaking point, shattering his mind and his newly regained soul. Adeleine also tells Noir she has finally realized everything he did for her during their childhood and apologizes to him for not seeing it before. With dawn on the horizon, Noir asks to look over Adeleine's sketchbooks with her before the end... He dies one last time, peacefully, while Adeleine finally gets to properly mourn him.)

(Then, all the "main-verse" sections proceed to happen as stated above!)

-

(...Okay, okay. One last thing. There was also an alternate ending planned where Magolor, taking advantage of the fact that Merry Magoland was built on a nexus point, finds a way to reunite Adeleine and White-Haired Noir - still a teen in this version - using his theme park as a union point, as special birthday gift for Adeleine.)

(I was kinda fond of this one for reuniting the timelines, but it opened up a lot of questions such as, if Magolor made it so that Noir and Adeleine from two different dimensions can see each other as long as they're both in Magoland, could others from the WH Noir-verse see the main-verse this way? It invited too many questions, so that's why I scrapped that one and just let White-Haired Noir grow up instead.)

[crooked-wasteland]

Women in Helluva Boss

How many times does a writer have to poorly write a female character before you have to just consider the idea the writer hates women.

Every single female to female interaction in Helluva Boss exists on a sliding scale of hostility, ramping up from Harvest Moon onward. In Harvest Moon, Millie has the most meaningful interactions for her character between her mother and Sister Sally May.

Millie and her Mother do not have a great relationship. Millie's mom is constantly scrutinizing and criticizing everything Millie does. Millie is given a blatant double standard compared to her other siblings. Anything Millie does has consequences while MtF transgender sister Sally May is spoiled by both the family and the writers.

Sally May condescends her older sister constantly. Being given a position of superiority by just her attitude while the way she is allowed to get away with the same things Millie does but can't be excused for shows a clear golden child and scapegoat child. However, none of this ever gets addressed. We are meant to believe that this is what healthy and good female to female familial relationships are supposed to look like when it hinges on unfair family dynamics.

This could have been the plot to the episode. Millie is seeking a constantly critical mother's approval while watching a younger sister get preferred treatment. It would allow a ton of character for Millie. Constant scrutiny and unequal treatment have a psychological effect on children.

Madrano insists there is a sibling rivalry between Sally May and Millie, but doesn't seem to realize where rivalries come from in family dynamics. If it was a competitive outlet like a sport, that would be one thing. However, the only comparison we see throughout the episode is that mom lets Sally May do whatever she wants while Millie is left out. That kind of sibling rivalry is not healthy on a fundamental level. Kids in healthy families get treated fairly. That means that kids should be held to the same expectations in broad strokes while making room for their individuality. Punishing one kid for doing the exact thing the other one is doing without consequence is not a loving, healthy family dynamic, and it says a lot that the criticism is leveled solely on Millie. The only cis female child.

Then there is Truth Seekers. The pilot was the only point where any suggestion of tension between Millie and Loona was expressed before the two had basically no interaction with each other in the series proper. However, it is written like we should just assume they have a not-great relationship as they make little jabs at one another. Like, there is this presumption that women just naturally don't get along that colors their entire interaction. We are supposed to get this idea that they are growing closer throughout the mission but have no foundation of where they are growing from, and every "bond" made is generously coated with backhanded compliments.

Even when being kind, the characters can't help but hiss at each other with insults towards female sensitive issues like aging. It's up there with making fun of someone's weight. It's an issue unfairly targeted towards women that is a genuine source of distress in Western society. Madrano, being a woman, especially one who has openly struggled with aesthetic concerns of her own body, finding nothing wrong with characters attacking female characters for their looks says a lot.

There are additional quips of just blatant misogyny throughout season 2. The character assassination of Stella from being a potentially abusive, cold, and selfish partner to being hyper emotional and screeching all the time with no ability to have a complex throught beyond the level of a toddler. The repeated insults of "bag of holes", "pussy face" and "tit haver" by Blitz as female side characters are boiled down to nothing but the sexual qualities which are then used to demean and belittle them.

The true zeitgeist of Madrano's attitude towards female relationships is seen best in Episode 8. The early interaction of Loona and the poodle hound is vapid, which makes the hostility feel less personal between the characters and more a continuation of this female misogyny. The reasoning for Loona to become so upset is weak throughout the episode but is simultaneously felt to be justified while being a character flaw.

The poodle shows an embarrassing picture of Loona with the same vapid reasoning as Stella: I hurt you because it's my enjoyment. Seeing how this is the second appearance of this characterization, this is where I begin to believe that Vivienne had a hard time making friends with other girls in school. Instead of any level of self-awareness towards maybe herself being an unagreeable person, she assumes this was just how women are. The way she frames Loona in a lot of these scenes feels too personal. It almost feels she assumed we all had this kind of experience growing up as young women, and that is why it never gets fleshed out more.

The scene could have been used so much better with being specifically targeted towards Loona and her character. Have the poodle say something like, "Loona? Lunatic Loona? Is that really you? We thought you, like, died or something!"

Have Loona feel awkward and out of place, unsure if it's an insult or a legitimate concern, and have her toe that line of neutrality as she tries to assess the atmosphere. It shows a desire to be accepted, a very raw inner self that is quick to be triggered, as well as her lacking in interpersonal skills. She can simply pull in with a defensive, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Then, have the poodle respond with something like, "I dunno. You got adopted one day and then totally disappeared. When they didn't return you, we all just assumed you died or some shit."

It is a cruel joke that says way more about Loona than anything we have been given. It can get a laugh as well as open the door to so much unspoken lore that fans could actively explore. It actually establishes Loona's fear of abandonment that never gets set up at all throughout the series. Even Seeing Stars doesn't establish that fear, yet still tries to act like it is present in the story.

This sort of cold disinterest in Loona better fuels the level of insecurity needed to have Loona lash out the way she does. Instead of being so thin-skinned that embarrassment alone triggers her to blow up, have it be the utter loneliness that people she knows don't care whether she is alive or dead and that she lacks fundamental worth to others.

But this isn't the only massive train wreck of escalation seen in the episode. Beelzebub is a genuinely sweet character throughout the episode who does nothing to even hint at selfishness or malice. She graciously accepts an embarrassing defeat in front of everyone while Loona can't so much as laugh at herself. Loona uses Blitz's win to then elevate herself socially in the party, not actually spending any time with her adopted father.

I am genuinely confused by people claiming that Loona was defending Blitz as Beelzebub is simply telling her that her dad is not doing well and that she should check on him. Telling someone their friend or family member is self-destructing is not something anyone needs defending from. That goes into the fanbase more than the writing however.

Back to the actual episode, the line that causes Beelzebub to snap at Loona isn't when Loona accuses her of being jealous or petty, but when Loona merely states that everyone loves Bee. For some reason, that comment is what triggers a fight. It shows a fundamental lack of understanding basic human interaction. That women are too emotional that they blow up for no reason. It almost feels more at home in a JustPearlyThings fever dream than an actual serious exploration of human emotion. Add to it the deescalation doesn't come from communication or finding common ground, but by elevating the comfort of a man.

I'm not sure how many times it needs to appear in action and be so forced to the point that it doesn't even bother to justify itself, by acting like this is just everyone's experience with women, before we can call a spade a spade.

[pixeldolly]

Walden BACC

"One more harvest before the winter."

It was either that or having it delivered, and plasma fruit had gotten outrageously expensive.

Still, a small price to pay for a vampire who wished to live in civilized society.

"Hi, mom! Just wanted to let you know that I'm having the first treatment this evening."

"Yes, of course I'll be monitored throughout the whole process."

"No, I don't think I should come to Sim City and ask Uncle Bart to do it. Tess and her team are fine doctors, as fine as you'll find anywhere."

"All right, talk to you later! Just think, you might become a grandma before too long!"

"Hi there, Toby! How would you feel about maybe getting a little brother or sister soon?"

Toby purred contentedly, expecting his usual morning treats.