#you've made their day miri-

[dr-demi-bee]

Day 29--------------------Read on AO3--------------------------

Pairing: Miri/Gale Prompt: Restraints Soft dom Gale, vocal Gale, light bondage, overcoming fears, late game/established relationship, NSFW

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"I was thinking..."

Miri's eyes flit up to his curiously from where she had been working at her alchemical bench. Gale had joined her in her tent for the evening, laying back on her soft pile of furs and reading a book. Well, trying to read. Watching Miri work, mostly. She could always drive him to distraction.

And earlier she had said something about wanting to please him that had been tumbling in his mind for hours. There was something he'd been dreaming about trying...

"That's always a good sign," Miri returns with a quirk of her brow.

Gale snorts softly. "I'm in earnest," he retorts with a wry grin.

"Then what about, vhenan?" She sets her mortar and pestle aside and turns fully to him. Her patience and willingness to give him her attention always made his heart swell.

"Well," he pauses briefly to clear his throat. "I was wondering...if you've ever considered restraints."

"'Restraints'?" Miri repeats with confusion. "This word means?"

Gale swallows back a laugh that might be mistaken for teasing, a smile growing on his lips.

"Restraints," he repeats, the word rolling off his tongue. "Ways to keep someone from being able to do something. Restraining their movement, specifically. With rope, or other methods. Have you ever experimented with such things...?"

Miri's brow furrows briefly with something like hesitation.

"I have been restrained, yes," Miri replies, sounding perplexed. "You know of this."

Gale's heart squeezes tightly at her words. He did know - her history with slavery was a topic he was all too familiar with. But he was optimistic restraint was something he could help her make new, better memories about. Something that could help bring her some measure of healing. He sets his book aside and sits up, crossing his legs as he watches her.

"No, my love. I mean consensually. Have you ever experimented with them willingly?"

"Willingly?"

"Yes," He says, nodding. "There are some people who...find it pleasurable, to be restrained. To give over control. Either just to be held in place, or as a part of larger play. I was wondering if you'd ever experienced this, or if you'd considered it for us."

"I have not," Miri replies thoughtfully. Her eyes drift to one side, clearly thinking about it. "This is something you would enjoy?"

"Yes," It's a simple answer, and a simple truth. "But only if you would too, Miri. I want to...explore new possibilities, ways to please. For both of us."

He watches her, observing her reaction. His heart beats faster, hopeful but cautious.

Miri hums thoughtfully, leaning her elbows against her bench and gazing at him with a soft smile. He knows well enough by now she's studying the reactions of his body with those heightened senses of hers. Gale tries to remain still, not moving so she can more easily read his body. 

"I am intrigued by the idea," she answers earnestly, and Gale's heart skips a beat. Her brows furrow slightly before she adds, "Though a bit nervous."

His breath catches. She is interested. The thought is both thrilling and soothing all at once. He smiles at her, his love for her swelling in his chest.

He's hopeful, and more than a little aroused at the thought of trying this with her. He was already a very tactile lover. To explore restrictions...it's not a new idea, but it's new with Miri. And that thought makes heat bloom in his stomach.

"There is absolutely no pressure for us to do so," he tells her, reaching to take her hand and rubbing his thumb over her skin. "Being nervous about it is a perfectly normal reaction. We can test the waters, with something simple."

Miri's lips tilt up in an affectionate smile and she squeezes his fingers gently. He squeezes her hand in return, heart pounding faster in his chest.

"I am willing to try with you," she returns. "What did you have in mind?"

A small, breathless laugh escapes him, a little giddy with excitement. He leans forward to caress her cheek with his other hand.

"You are so perfect, my love. And so brave," he tells her, his voice soft and sincere, "Thank you for considering it."

He leans forward to press a kiss to her forehead before his voice drops lower, a note of sensuality in it.

"There's a few different things we could try."

Miri huffs a soft laugh in turn at his sweet gestures. Her cheeks flush slightly at his husky tone.

"Something simple?" Miri suggests. "I can tell you have ideas."

"Something simple," he agrees with a smile, his own cheeks a little flushed and voice low as he rubs his thumb along her hand. "There are many ways we can start simple."

Gale considers for just a moment. He had a few things in mind, but was trying to decide how he wanted to test the waters.

How did he most want to see her? At his mercy? Held tight in his hands? Bent to his will and completely his?

"Let's start small. I was thinking perhaps a silk scarf? To secure your hands. Something you can easily tear through if it gets too much. And we can stop at any time."

Miri watches his eyes, captivated by his desire. While the idea makes her a bit nervous - the idea of doing it with Gale (or for him) makes it easier. Appealing, even.

"Alright, fenor," Miri murmurs, "I will try this with you."

His eyes darken, a rush of heat going through him at the consent he can see in her eyes. He swallows hard, excitement and desire building in him. He's already half-hard at the simple idea of this.

"Thank you, my love," he tells her warmly. Another shiver of desire rolls through him - already desperate for her. To hold her, to touch her. His body thrums with impatience. He takes her other hand, guiding her to join him on the furs.

"You don't know how grateful I am that you trust me this much," he whispers, his voice a little breathless with excitement as she settles beside him. He kisses the side of her neck

 up to her ear, his voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur, "Are you alright to try this now?"

Miri shivers in return at the feel of his breath and lips on her ear. The pitch of his voice has heat coiling in her stomach, awakened so easily by his voice.

"Yes," she agrees, returning a soft kiss to his temple and cheek.

A soft groan escapes from his lips as he feels her mouth against his skin, his hands gripping her waist. He has to resist pulling her close and pressing his body against hers, to feel more of her.

He can wait though. Wait until he has her desperate and needy.

Gale stands up, tugging gently at her hands. "Up. Stand up for me, dearest."

Miri quirks a soft brow at him with a smile, but complies - rising to her feet in a fluid motion. Gale's heart skips a beat as he watches her, his eyes roaming over her body. He's seen her a hundred times, in hundreds of different states of undress. But it never fails to leave him in awe. It seems like every day he notices something about her that leaves him stunned.

Gale gently caresses his hands up her arms to her shoulders, then down her sides to her hips. He move to stand behind her, his chest pressed to her back.

"You are so beautiful, my love. I adore you..." he murmurs. 

Miri hums a soft contented sound, leaning her head back against him. "And I adore you, vhenan."

He makes his own contented sound, holding her close, his hands splayed over her stomach. His lips go instantly to her neck, leaving little kisses here and there, just because he can.

He should be focused on his plan, on her hands. But her scent, her skin under his lips, the feel of her body against his has his mind distracted for a moment.

His hands slide up her stomach to her shoulders, then gently down her arms. "Arms up, love."

Wordlessly, she lifts her arms up. Giving him a cheeky grin over her shoulder she pats the top of his head. He snorts out a sound of protest, the cheeky grin on her face now on his own. 

"Oh, now you're just trying to give me a hard time, love..."

"Me? I would never," she returns with a grin. 

"Don't you smirk at me," he threatens with no real heat in his voice, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He gives her a light squeeze as a reprisal for her teasing, before his eyes flicker to her wrists, to her hands, already mapping out a few ideas of what he wants to do. Probably a few dozen more ideas than he'll be able to act on tonight, but that doesn't stop his mind from wandering.

"Keep your arms up. I'll be right back. No looking."

She keeps her arms held over her head as she waits. "Should I close my eyes?"

"Keep them open." He gives her a pat on the rear, drawing a cute giggle from her, then turns away to collect a few items. He tries to keep out of her line of sight as he gathers the scarf, a few more things to use from his pack.

He pauses to quickly glance back at her, admiring the sight. She leans her weight into one hip as she waits with her arms up. The pose he left her in has him feeling hot under the collar.

Gale returns quickly with his collected items. He circles around her, coming to a stop in front of her. His eyes rake over her body. She's relaxed, seemingly a little amused by the whole thing, waiting patiently for him.

He steps in towards her, gently catching her chin between his thumb and forefinger. He lifts her face up to his, studying her face for a moment before he speaks.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Miri? It's okay to say no if its too much."

"I want to try this with you, Gale," she answers softly, smiling up at him with nothing but tenderness.

He sucks in a breath of air, heart racing again. The sincere trust in her eyes, her smile, the way she looks at him...

Gale closes the distance between them, capturing her lips in a brief, heated kiss. His free hand moves to her waist and pulls her in against him. When he pulls back his smile is fond, and he breathes a soft huff of air.

"You're perfect, Miri." He presses a soft kiss to her forehead before he pulls back, a spark lit in his eyes. "Hands together, my love. In front of you."

Miri moves her hands together, lowering her arms to present them to him in front of her. He glances down at her hands, gently taking her wrists in his hands, feeling the strength in them, the grace. His mind drifts to all the times those hands have touched and caressed his skin, leaving him shuddering.

A part of him almost doesn't want to restrain them, but the thought is quickly squashed. To have her at his mercy, his fierce warrior helpless, is a thrilling realization. And he knows she will thrill at it too.

He lifts the scarf, his gaze moving back up to her face.

"Hold still, dearest."

"As you wish," she murmurs back.

Another little rush of excitement ripples through him at her response, her obedience. The thought sparks another flame of heat through him, his stomach clenching as he gently lifts the scarf and begins to wrap it around her wrists, binding them together.

When he's finished, he looks at her face. Her expression and demeanor are seemingly unchanged - a good sign, but he wants to hear it.

"Too tight? Too loose?"

Miri tests it with gentle tugging. He smiles down at her as he watches her test the binds. It holds fast, but the material is soft and pleasant against her skin. The bindings around her wrists are tight, the scarf pulled taut, a visual reminder that she's his. To touch and tease as he pleases.

"Neither," she confirms.

He pulls her closer and guides her hands up to his chest, holding her tightly against him.

"Very good," he murmurs against the top of her head. He runs his nose along her scalp and into her hair, inhaling deeply, drinking in her scent. "How are you feeling? Are you comfortable?"

"Still alright," she answers, "With you I am comfortable."

He almost melts at her words, his heart clenching. He cups the side of her face gently, thumb brushing over her cheek. 

"Thank you for trusting me, my love." He kisses the top of her head again, taking another deep inhale of his favorite scent in the world, before he continues. "Now turn around."

Miri looks up at him through her lashes with a coy smile before turning about on her heel. He takes a moment just to admire the sight of her. His eyes roam over her figure hungrily, moving from her head all the way down to her feet. 

"Spread your legs for me, my love," he murmurs in a rough tone.

Miri steps her feet shoulder width apart and Gale hums his approval. He moves to stand behind her, once again pressing himself flush against her. His hands smooth down her sides, then over her hips, before he slides his hands up the insides of her thighs. Teasing - never quite touching where she almost certainly wants him to. 

He nuzzles his nose into the side of her neck, feeling a shudder run through her. Miri leans back against him slightly, tilting her head to bare her neck further to him. Gale holds her hips tight against him. He's tempted to simply hold her like this, as tight as he can. 

But he wants to drive her wild. Make her a needy mess for him. 

One of his hands slides up her stomach to her chest and settles over her heart. Her heart pounds a steady rhythm beneath his hand - eager, excited.

He smiles against her skin at the feel of her racing pulse. A few more moments, and a little more teasing, and she'd be begging for him to take her.

Gale takes advantage of the arch of her neck to press his lips and then his teeth against her skin. He knows she loves when he does - it's one of the many little things he can do to drive her wild.

Miri breathes a soft moan, a growl echoing the sound in her chest. He grins against her skin, the sound reverberating through his own chest.

"Good girl. I love those sounds you make," he praises huskily against her neck. 

His hands slide up to her shoulders, then down her sides to her hips. He pulls her back as he presses his hips forward so she can feel his hardness against her back - feel how badly he wants her. Miri breathes a soft moan, a low growl echoing in her chest.

"Keep your legs spread for me. And don't move." He holds her for a moment, letting her feel his body against her. 

Gale tucks a finger under her chin to gently turn her head towards him. Their heated gazes meet -stoking the flames of desire between them. The look in her eyes as she gaze up at him is wild - dark and primal. 

"Think you can hold still for me, my love? At least for a few minutes?"

"Anything for you, fenor," she replies throatily. That alone nearly makes Gale moan. Her expression, her tone. It makes his head spin and his groin ache.

"Very good...." he breathes, his voice low and rough.

He's trying to restrain himself, to control himself - but he's already tempted to pounce. To tear both their clothes off and take her like an animal. He clenches his jaw, forcing himself to stay in control.

Her lips curl with that predatory grin - no doubt she knows exactly how he's reacting and delighting in it. Always thrilled by the way his body craves her, reacts to her. The way she's looking at him now with that smirk....

If she's trying to rile him up, she's doing a good job of it.

Gale groans an approximation of a growl, gripping her hip harshly. He shifts against her, pressing his hard length against her more firmly. Miri groans softly and leans back, rolling her hips against him. Another deep moan escapes his throat before he can suppress it. He leans down to bury his face in her neck, biting lightly on her skin.

He moves both hands to grips her tight and prevent her from grinding on him. It feels good, yes, but it's not what he has in mind.

"Don't tease me, love," he mumbles against her skin.

"Alright," she returns with an almost playful sigh. Her grin is still cheeky, but she stops moving her hips. He smiles faintly against her skin and huffs a soft laugh. Gods above, but he loves this woman...

"Thank you, Miri." Gale presses a kiss to his bite mark before straightening. He takes a moment to regain his composure, his breathing a little labored.

"I'd prefer you be good until I give you permission otherwise," he informs her, his voice husky.

She wiggles her fingers dramatically as she replies, "I will be on my best behavior, vhenan."

He chuckles quietly, his arms wrapping around her waist in a loose hug.

"I certainly hope so...though you are cute when misbehaving."

He brushes his fingertips against her sides and abdomen, his touch gradually moving from feather light to firm with each pass. He's careful not to touch any more sensitive spots yet. Miri's back arches at the teasing touch, leaning back into him. Her breath hitches and sighs most deliciously.

"You know by now I cannot help but be a bit mischievous," she sighs. 

"Oh, I do, love," he answers, a smile in his voice.

He presses kisses to her shoulder before moving to her neck, planting several kisses up her throat and to her ear. His hands continue their journey over her body, his touch growing a little firmer.

"You are being a good girl right now, though." Another kiss on her ear, this one open mouthed. "You're being still..."

Her mouth falls open with a moan and her eyes flutter shut. He grins at the reaction. Oh how he loves those sensitive ears.

"There's that sound... You know I love it when you moan for me." As he speaks his kisses go back the way he came - down her ear, to her neck, to her shoulder. His fingers follow the path his lips take, touching and teasing every inch of skin. "And the way your eyes close... I could eat you up when you do that."

"Mmm...would you, please?"

The words make his breath catch, his hands on her body stilling for a moment as surprise and arousal course through him like a jolt.

"Gods above," he huffs out, the words almost a whine, "You know what it does to me when you say things like that."

He nips at her shoulder then, a little harsher than before - but it just draws a needy growl from her.

"Is that not the goal?" Miri returns between breathy sounds.

"Cheeky little thing," Gale grumbles against her skin, nipping and licking every little inch of her skin that his mouth can reach.

Miri whines softly under his onslaught. "Gale, please-"

He's losing more and more of his control. The urge to push her down and just claim her gets stronger with every touch and sweet sound he draws from her. But he wants to be in control. To have her at his mercy...

She's not making it easy, though.

"Please...what, my love?" He continues his trail of kisses and bites down her skin, moving from her shoulder down her back, pausing to leave love bites every few inches. His left hand moves in a path of his own, skimming down her side to her hip, then further down her leg where his hand grips her thigh.

"You are driving me mad," she returns, "Take me, please..."

A low moan falls from his lips at the desperate plea. He wants to, gods, but he wants to. He takes a few deep, heavy breaths to calm himself, his hands smoothing over her sides.

"No yet, love," he replies, trying to regain his control. "Be patient for just a while longer. I have something I want to try."

Minutes pass.

Gale's fingers feel nearly everywhere - touching, stroking, teasing. Never touching in a way that brings relief. Endless teasing. 

She breathes a growly moan, the anticipation driving her mad. 

"Please, touch me," she whines, "Take me."

"Patience, love. I told you I have something I want to try." His voice is slightly shaky as he teeters at the edge of his own patience. He takes another breath before continuing. "You trust me?"

"Completely."

Her trust quells some of his own impatient desire. He can make this good for her - even better... He just has to be patient.

"I'm going to help you out of these." He motions to the shirt and trousers that still cover her, pulling back from her body to give her room. "After that, I need you to get on your knees, love."

Miri lets him help her take everything off - briefly removing the ties at her wrist before replacing them. Then she obediently sinks to her knees, gazing up at him with curious anticipation.

His breathing stutters at the sight of her, naked and kneeling at his feet. The view is mouth watering to say the least. And he has to pause for a moment, just to breathe.

Gale cups her jaw, his thumb running gently over her lips.

"Gods, you are gorgeous. Do you trust me to take care of you?"

"I have never trusted anyone more," she replies earnestly.

Her words make his chest ache, the amount of trust she's showing him. Gods, he didn't deserve it, he didn't deserve her...

He pushes those thoughts away, not wanting to ruin the moment. Right now he's in control, and he's going to make sure she has a good time.

His hand brushes over the top of her head then through her hair, massaging her scalp.

"Good....open your mouth for me, love."

Miri hums softly at the feel of his hands in her hair. But she parts her lips and opens her mouth.

"My good girl..." He gives a satisfied smile at the sound and the sight of her, obedient and on her knees before him. It's almost enough to make him weak in the knees.

He slowly moves his hand to his trousers, undoing his laces. Miri growls an eager, appreciative sound at the sight. Her eyes flicker between his hands and his face.

"Keep your hands in your lap for me, love."

It's obvious what she's watching, and it's almost a little too arousing, having her watch everything he does. Gale's breath grows ragged again, his fingers slightly trembling at the attention. Once loose, he pulls them down just enough to free himself.

"You know what I want, love."

"Yes," she agrees, raising onto her knees to move closer. "It's what I want too."

The proximity and her eagerness have his pulse racing. His hand moves to the back of her head to gently guide her. He groans low in his chest the moment she gets within reach.

"Gods, you're so perfect..."

Miri doesn't waste any time - already desperate with want, desperate to please him. She gives a few teasing kisses and licks before taking him in her mouth greedily.

The sight and the feel of her makes his breath catch - a strangled moan escaping from his throat. Gale tightens his fingers in her hair, his body shuddering.

"M-Miri...." It's the only word he can manage, her name a prayer and a curse all in one. "Gods, Miri....that's....ohhh, gods...."

He gives a gentle tug on her hair, a wordless command. 

Miri growls low in her chest - need and self-satisfaction both. She sets a steady pace, increasing her speed each time he gives her a gentle tug.

He's lost all the control he was trying to keep to stick to his plan. All he can focus on is her - her mouth, her tongue, her teeth....

He gives another harder tug on her hair, the hand not in her hair clinging to her shoulder to keep himself upright. He's trying to remember the little trick he had in mind, but it's getting harder and harder to focus on anything other than what she's doing.

"Miri...Miri, I..."

She looks up at him through her lashes with another moaning growl and he can feel it vibrate through him. Gale clenches his teeth at the jolt of pleasure it runs through him. She teases along the underside of him with her tongue as she slides up and down, and it's enough to make his eyes roll back with a desperate groan.

"Gods- I'm not going to....to last long...like this...."

His hands tighten further against her shoulder and in her hair. His legs are getting shaky, his chest heaving as he desperately tries to keep from losing control. She just feels too good.

Like this she's in control.

Gale uses the last remnants of coherent thought to pull her back by her hair, a strangled moan escaping his lips. She releases him with a wet pop and a grin. 

"On the bed. Now."

Miri moves quickly, somehow not awkward even with her hands tied together. He watches her scramble to the bed, his breath catching at the sight of her - at the way she moves to obey him so quickly. She eagerly flops on her back into the pile of furs that make up her bed and lifts her arms above her head.

"Gods, you're gorgeous..."

His hands fumble with the fastenings on the rest of his clothes, nearly too eager in his haste to throw them off. Once undressed he moves swiftly to join her,��settling above her and running his hand over her bare skin.

"Are you doing alright, love?" Gale murmurs, admiring every last inch of her. Her checks the scarf around her wrists with a soft tug. "Too tight on your wrists?"

"I am perfect," she answers with an eager grin, "Save that I need you more than I can bear."

He smirks at the words. Gale marvels at the way she can simultaneously make his heart swell and his cock jump.

"You are perfect," he agrees in a rough murmur, "But so very impatient."

He settles between her legs, one hand going to her hip while his other caresses her cheek. Gale's heated gaze holds hers - equal parts desire and love.

"You're not leaving this bed until I'm through with you."

"Good," Miri returns with a grin.

He grins back down at her, pausing only to kiss her deeply before moving down her body. Gale gives the same attention to her body with his lips and tongue that she had given him. He starts at her neck, then down to her shoulder, then down her chest. Teasing one breast and then the other, lavishing them with ample attention until she whimpers and squirms beneath him.

Only then does he trail his kisses lower until he's finally between her legs. Gale pauses there, his gaze moving back to her face, a smug grin on his lips.

"Look at me, love. And don't you dare look away."

And it's a long time before Miri can look away again - coming unraveled beneath Gale time and time again. 

@lanafofana @waterdeep-weavemoss @12thhouse-sun

@crimson-and-lavender @feedthepheasants @spooky-lil-bee

@femmefuck @heartfluttered

[nemolfc]

𝐢 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 - 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬

・𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬

( 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 )

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐲𝐲, ( 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐧 )

" Hermano, Serge! "

The Spaniard blinked as he noticed his sister waving her hand in front of him, he hadn't realized the fact that he'd been spaced out for the better part of their conversation - the pair had met for lunch, and while Sergio appreciated the time he got to spend with his sister, especially now at this part of his career, his mind had been rattled by a deep rooted issue for the past few months, an issue that involved the feelings he'd harbored for someone for the past three years, someone he couldn't see himself living without.

It all started when he made his triumphant return to Sevilla, his home town club, the place where his career started, he'd managed to win La Liga as well as Copa Del Rey; despite his contract being a one year deal, he'd been convinced by the manager Diego Alonso to renew, the renewal decision mostly prompted by his desire to be around her, the club's bubbly photographer - he still recalls their first encounter; it was that encounter that set his unrequited love ablaze.

" I'm sorry Miri " He murmurs in shame.

Mirian raised a brow, " What's your deal? you've been spacing out a lot? "

He looks down then looks back up with rosé colored cheeks which caused her eyes to widen in shock, with a soft smile across her lips as she said. " No ... you're in love "

" What! " He retorts defensively, and shakes his head. " No, No ... "

" Serge, I'm your sister ... and your cheeks are exposing you " Mirian giggles. " So come on, tell me ... who is she? "

He seemed hesitant for a brief moment before he finally relented, he lets out a soft sigh. " It's the photographer in the club "

Mirian frowned in confusion, before her eyes widened in recognition. " You mean that gorgeous girl I saw during your introduction ceremony "

He nods leisurely, recalling how he was so enchanted that he wasn't able to speak properly for the first few minutes, " Yes, and I ... I mean, we are close, but we're just friends "

Mirian raised a brow, " You didn't tell her? "

" How can I Miri? she's ... " He trails off with a soft sigh, " She's gorgeous "

Mirian grew silent before giggling, " I never thought I'd see the day where you become so flustered over a girl, I don't think I've ever seen you like this since ... Sofia back in high school, come on tell me about her "

He blushes then began to gush over her, recounting every bit he had noticed about her, " Miri, I can't even begin to explain how I feel " he chuckles in embarrassment before adding on, " Every time I see her, I feel like a love sick teenager "

" I bet you do " Mirian giggled, " And why didn't you tell her? "

" Well, there's the fact that she's nine years younger than me and the fact that she gets along with the younger players which makes me self conscious " He murmurs.

Mirian rolled her eyes, " I think you of all people should know that nine years isn't that much, she's what twenty eight, and on top of that, you are a catch hermano and any woman who doesn't see that, ... well it's their loss, I say .. you should invite her for dinner, or maybe ask her out, to try and see how things should go "

" You think she'll accept? " He wonders.

" Of course she will " Mirian said, " I trust that she will "

_

Since that conversation, he'd tried to muster up the courage to admit his emotions, only for hurdles to come in the way preventing him from doing so each and every single time - Until, on one unexpected rainy night as he was on his way to run some errands, he found him self thoroughly soaked which caused him to seek shelter under a bus seat, he was about to phone Mirian when suddenly he heard a soft familiar face.

" Sergio! "

He looked up to find her approaching him, carrying an umbrella - she joined him under the bus seat and said. " What are you doing? "

" I was -uh- ... -um- ... " He struggled before chuckling, " I was running some errands and then rain happened "

She giggled, which drew out a smile from him. " Why aren't you driving? "

" My car is getting fixed, and I was going to phone my sister to come pick me up " He chuckled, his face red from embarrassment.

" I can take you home " She offered with a soft tone, before adding quietly. " Or ... if you'd like, I make a very nice hot chocolate "

He smiles to himself, as the distance between them lessened - their arms touching every now and then; just as he turned to respond, their lips collided in a soft peck causing both of them to widen their eyes then look away, both blushing from the sheer embarrassment of what happened, she opened then closed her mouth, " I'm ... I'm sorry, I ... "

" No, I ... I'm sorry " He said with an embarrassed tone before his face shifted. " You know what, I'm not sorry "

Her brows knit in confusion, " What do you mean? "

He didn't respond verbally, instead he pulled her in for a searing passionate kiss that lasted for about a minute before he pulled back and licked his lips, " I've been wanting to do this for the past three years "

" What? " She whispered in shock.

" Muñeca " He smiles softly, " I've been in love with you since the day I saw you, and I tried to hold myself back, I really did but I can't do it anymore "

" Oh ... I had no idea " She giggled, " in fact I .. I've been harboring my own feelings but I thought someone like you wouldn't feel the same way "

He chuckles, " I guess we both held back, but not anymore "

She kissed him, " not anymore "

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

sashmiranetra with pop girlies 🌸

Song is...These Walls by Dua Lipa

Because of the song's context, this got a tad angsty. Oopsies

Maybe we should switch careers 'Cause, baby, you know no one beats our poker faces And when the night ends up in tears Wake up and we blame it all on being wasted

Mirage woke up early after a night of heavy drinking at the bar across town, the bar Anetra won't shut up about. Her girlfriend suggested they go out since their nights together have gotten mundane.

Anetra makes dinner, they eat in silence, Mirage cleans, and then they watch reruns of Masterchef. It's this routine, every single night.

So Anetra convinced her to go out, which Mirage was surprised by. Anetra was the quiet one that looked like a tough, scary, wallflower. She wasn't surprised anymore when she saw her all over a woman at the end of the bar. Anetra introduced Mirage to the woman, Sasha, whom she met in the self-defense class Anetra taught.

Anetra passed out as soon as her head hit the pillow, Mirage knew she was a lightweight. But the alcohol turned Mirage into a crying mess until she was too tired to stay awake.

Mirage heard Anetra stirring awake behind her, as she's been staring at the blank wall since waking up.

"Mhmmm," Anetra's arms wrapped around her waist, and Mirage didn't know whether to recoil or get pulled into her touch. "Can we get IHOP for breakfast? Pancakes sound amazing for this hangover," Anetra asked.

Mirage put on her best closed-lip smile as she turned in bed. "Sure, we can do that," she said, not bothering to mention that they usually went to Waffle House instead.

"Great, Sasha said that the one downtown is better than anywhere else she's been to," Anetra smiled as she spun out of bed to get ready for the day.

Mirage rolled her eyes after Anetra left the room. The mention of this woman made her want to fall out of bed and hit the hardwood floor.

It's not supposed to hurt this much Oh, if these walls could talk They'd tell us to break up

Sasha started coming over to their place over the next few weeks. She usually brought red wine that Mirage could never afford, and she and Anetra would giggle at their own inside jokes.

Mirage felt stupid for her jealousy since she was the one to suggest inviting the woman over. But Sasha made Anetra happy, and that's what Mirage wanted, right?

She sat at the end of the couch, her and Anetra's pinkies hooked. Close enough for them to touch, even though she was leaning closer to Sasha's side.

Mirage shouldn't be feeling like a third wheel in her own relationship. But her and Anetra's relationship has gotten lukewarm at best, and this was the best thing she could come up with for Anetra to have what she deserved in a relationship.

Any sane person would tell her to just break up with Anetra already. She was the only thing stopping Anetra from getting into a relationship with Sasha. If they broke up, nothing would be stopping her.

"You've been wanting to watch this one, right Miri?" Anetra's voice pulled Mirage from her thoughts. She almost didn't catch the nickname Anetra hadn't called her in months.

She looked at the television screen to see a new rom-com selected. Anetra didn't care for the genre, and Mirage planned to see it with Xunami while it was still in theaters.

"Oh, it's okay. we can watch something else if you guys want," Mirage shrugged with a small smile.

"I've been dying to watch this. The trailer looked really good, and I haven't got the chance to see it yet!" Sasha said, leaning to talk to Mirage. Her smile warmed her insides, and Mirage wasn't sure how to feel about it.

Maybe after everything was over, she and Sasha could be friends. All she had to do next was get this break-up over with.

They tell us, "Go and face your fears" It's getting worse the longer that we stay together We call it love, but hate it here Did we really mean it when we said forever?

Mirage didn't know why she chose to break the news when Anetra was getting ready for work. She knew her girlfriend liked quiet mornings, and Mirage was about to ruin it.

"Can I talk to you about something?" Mirage said as she offered Anetra fresh black coffee, exactly how she liked it.

"Sure, what's up?"Anetra tried to sound natural, but her eyes said otherwise.

Mirage took a deep breath, "I noticed that when you are with Sasha lately, you seem to really like her,"

"She's my friend, of course, I like her," Anetra said, hands wrapped around the mug.

Mirage looked into Anetra's eyes, "No, like more than she's your friend,"

Anetra didn't say anything but nodded solemnly. Mirage decided to continue, "She makes you happy. I haven't seen you happy like that in a long time, and that's what you deserve,"

"What are you saying?" Anetra asked her. "You make me really happy too, Mire."

Mirage ignored the tears welling behind her eyes, "I think we should break up. I really don't want us to end, but-" She tried to muster up something to say, but Anetra cut her off.

"I don't want to break up," Anetra put her free hand over Mirage's. "I still love you, and I really want to get to know Sasha like how I did with you. I know we haven't talked about an open relationship before, it's something I really want with her."

Mirage thought for a moment. She and Anetra would still be together, and she'd be able to see her be really happy. Maybe the jealousy would die down if she knew that Anetra was still hers.

"Okay, maybe we should talk to Sasha about it, together." She offered, and Anetra smiled at her.

These walls are going to see a happy relationship soon again.

[thatbigbisexual29]

Play with us, Papa Rei! (Buddy Daddies)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM ALL OF US TO YOU! WE WISH IT WAS OUR BIRTHDAY TO WE CAN PARTY TOO HEY! Ayooooo happy birthday to my dearest and bestest friend on this site, @giggly-squiggily !!!!!!!! Gonna be honest, I had this one saved and unfinished in my drafts and thought "She would love this!" so HERE WE ARE!!!!! Like I said in a message before, I'm super glad to have you as a friend! I truly appreciate you and your friendship, you've even inspired me to post some of my own fics! (Which was not as scary as I thought it would be XD Sorry this is a bit late, but I hope you enjoy it! This one is for you :3 And again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

The days when Miri was home from school were probably the most eventful days Rei’s ever experienced in his life. She was such a wild bundle of energy that he could barely keep up sometimes. Thank god Kazuki was there to help out. Even though he barely acknowledged it or said anything, he genuinely loved and appreciated the help the older man gave. And now was no different. She asked, no, demanded that the two build her a massive pillow fort to her liking. And since they couldn’t say no to her cute face, they got to work. Soon enough, all the couch cushions, pillows, and blankets in the house had been used to make a, quite honestly, impressive pillow fort in their living room. And Miri was so overjoyed.

“Thank you Papa Rei! Thank you Papa Kazuki!” she squealed, diving into the opening. Kazuki momentarily panicked as she jumped in with no caution for the structure of the fort! But, he soon relaxed as he saw their girl laughing happily.

“Papas! You need to come in here!” she claimed, grabbing Kazuki by the wrist and pulling him in, giggling loudly at his grunt of surprise. He chuckled and cuddled close to her, making her laugh even more.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Miri! I was afraid I would go cold and hungry this night, but you have saved me! How can I ever repay you??” The blonde man played up, relishing in his daughter’s squeals. Rei lifted up the blanket entrance and watched them, the slightest smile on his lips. He was proud of this. It wasn’t a shabby job, at least not to him, and Rei knew he was going to be invited in by both Miri and Kazuki. As comfy as the inside looked, it would probably heat up real quick. Not to mention he was wearing a long sleeved shirt. So he dropped the blanket curtain and attempted to make his leave.

“Papa Rei, wait!” Miri cried, poking her head from the fort. Rei sighed. Busted. “You need to play with Papa Kazuki and me in the fort! Pleeeeeeeeease???”

“Yeah, pleeeeeeeeease Papa Rei?~” Kazuki also poked his head from the blanket, smirking and egging the former assassin on. With a quiet groan, Rei obeyed their orders and crawled into the space with cheers from the two invitees.

“So! What are we gonna do now, Miri?” Kazuki asked, a big grin on his face. With a starry-eyed look, she ran out the fort yelling behind her, “Let me get my things!” Rei glared at Kazuki, mentally cursing him out for the fate the younger man just exposed them to. The little girl rushed back with an armful of bright hair clips that immediately made the men cringe.

“Let me do your hair Papas!” she asked loudly. And it was less of an ask and phrased more like ‘I’m going to do your hair whether you like it or not.’ Kazuki, of course, didn’t mind. Rei was against this idea entirely. But, like always, he couldn’t say no. Kazuki was first and mixed in with sitting still for Miri to finish his hair, he also had to keep Rei from escaping constantly. After Miri was done making Kazuki a “pretty lady” (Rei chuckled at that), it was Rei’s turn to have all the attention on him. Miri held up a bunch of sparkly bows that she could put in Rei’s hair. The man sat still for several moments as he took in the sight of the bows… then he raced for the exit.

“Wh- REI GET BACK HERE!!!” Kazuki exclaimed, grabbing the former assassin around the waist and falling to the floor with him. “If I have to put silly bows in my hair, then you do too!”

“Never!” Rei shouted as he reached for the door, so close to the outside! Then, Rei felt a poke to his armpit that made him shoot his arm down with a squeak. He turned to look at Miri, who poured angrily yet adorably at the man.

“Papa Rei!” she fussed. “You promised you would play with us! Good daddies don’t make bad promises!”

Kazuki grinned immediately while Rei furrowed his brows with guilt. She was right. He had promised. But then again, that was when he had gotten home from a long day and was half asleep. It technically didn’t count! But he couldn’t let her down… it’s decided then. He will play with his family! … That doesn’t mean he won’t be hard to get though!

“If you tell Papa Kazuki to let me go…�� he looked at Miri with a mischievous half-grin. “I’ll tell you where he hides his chocolate pudding!”

Miri gasped excitedly while Kazuki made sounds of betrayal.

“Rei!!! You can’t just do that to me! And Miri! Don’t even think of switching sides! We’re putting bows in his hair whether he likes it or not!” Kazuki declared as he now wrapped his arms around Rei’s chest to keep him in place.

“But Papa Kazukiiiii! I want chocolate pudding!” Miri whined. Rei struggled in Kazuki’s grip, he was stronger than he remembered, as he kept his grin. The pair knew she would start helping Rei as soon as she could. To get her back on track, Kazuki reached out one hand and quickly scribbled his fingers against her belly. Miri squealed with laughter and backed away, holding her tummy as she giggled.

“This is no time for chocolate pudding, Miri! We have to-” Kazuki paused. An idea formed in his head. Rei acted as if he’d read Kazuki’s mind because they made eye contact and the former assassin shook his head feverishly.

“Kazuki, no!” Rei said in a hushed panic. Kazuki only grinned evilly.

“Kazuki yes!! Miri, help tickle Papa Rei!” Kazuki quickly sat on Rei’s thighs as he forced his arms above his head. Huh, he was faster than Rei remembered too.

“Will I get-?” Miri began before Kazuki shouted, “YES you’ll get chocolate pudding!”

“Weeeeee!” Miri squealed as she ran over. Kazuki already started on scratching over Rei’s ribs, giggling at how Rei immediately squeaked at the touch. The former assassin pursed his lips together and puffed out his cheeks in an effort to keep the laughter in. Miri, who began repeatedly poking his side, laughed at his funny face.

“Hahaha! Papa Rei’s making a pooping face!” Miri exclaimed. Kazuki immediately started laughing at her declaration, as he found it hysterically accurate. And with the combination of Miri’s joke, their combined laughter, and the hands tickling over his ribs and sides, tipped the scales a lot quicker than anyone anticipated. Rei started giggling and quietly laughing with his family.

“Aha!” Kazuki barked as he caught these adorable sounds. “Hear that, Miri? He’s laughing! We’re one step closer to getting him to surrender!”

Miri squealed happily and began to use both her hands to poke Rei’s sides, all the while she chanted the words ‘chocolate pudding’ over and over again. Rei shook his head back and forth with glee, smiling wide and freely as Kazuki turned his hand into a claw and vibrated them in between his ribs.

“Khehehehehehe! Ahahahahahahahaaaa! Sttthhahahahahahahap! Get off mehehehehehehe! M-Mirihihihihihi, quihihihihihihit it! Kahahazukihihi, knock it ohohohohoff!” Rei wheezed with laughter as he addressed the man above him and the girl beside him. He rocked his torso back and forth as the two continued to tickle the former assassin silly.

“Papa Kazuki! Let’s get his tummy!” Miri said. Kazuki gasped with delight as Rei groaned in despair.

“That’s a great idea Miri!” Kazuki said as he shoved Rei’s shirt up to his neck. Rei continued to shake his head no, but his smile didn’t leave his face at all. “Alright, Miri! Should we do raspberries or nibbles?”

Rei’s eyes shot wide open at the question and he tried to sit up and pull his hands away. Miri placed her finger to her chin and pondered, humming in thought. Rei tried hard to yank his wrists from Kazuki’s hand, but that bastard just kept him still using his other hand! Rei growled at him and Kazuki stuck out his tongue.

“Raspberries!” was Miri’s decision.

“Raspberries it is then! You ready, Rei?~” Kazuki cooed at his partner, wiggling his eyebrows at the younger man. Rei attempted to scowl at the blonde, but his wavering smile would not leave his features. Then he jerked and barked out a laugh as Miri blew a raspberry on the former assassin’s side. Miri giggled hysterically at his reaction.

“That’s not funny Miri!” Rei fussed, blushing like no one’s business. Kazuki and Miri began laughing again.

“Of course it is, Rei!” Kazuki exclaimed. He was next to dip his head down to Rei’s smooth belly and blow a torturous raspberry.

“GAHAHAHAHAHA! Ohohokay- ohokay. Thahat’s enough. That’s enoHOHAHAHAHAHAF! NOHOHOHOHOHOHOOO! Ehehehehehehehehehe! C-C’mohohon! Youhu guys!” Rei tried to argue, but he was interrupted by the two taking turns and blowing raspberries until his wheezy laughter turned silent.

After one final raspberry from Kazuki, the blonde man let go of the former assassin and scooped Miri in his lap so they could give him a break. The younger man immediately curled up after being let go and panted, still giggly after the whole ordeal. Miri covered her mouth and giggled with him while Kazuki took in the sights and sounds fondly.

“So,” he started, “you gonna actually play with us now?”

Rei peeked his eye open and looked at the two, noticing how big Miri’s eyes were, hopeful that he’d say yes. Rei just chuckled and pat her head.

“Yeah, I’ll play.”

“YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!” Miri squealed at the top of her lungs. She wiggled out of Kazuki’s grip and jumped onto Rei’s arm, flopping over him and laughing while he grunted. The older man growled in a playful manner and caught the little girl in his arms.

“I’m gonna eat you!” he exclaimed as he nuzzled his face into her ear, lightly nibbling it and making the girl squeal and laugh like no tomorrow. Kazuki  leaned his head on his knee and watched on lovingly, thinking that his life couldn’t get better than this. In truth, it could, especially when he saw their reactions to pulling out three cups of chocolate pudding.

Happy Birthday, Rei, he thought.

[amourkive]

CLOSE | JHS

a/n: okay I haven't written angst in a long time, and I wouldn't call this angst just...sad with a happy ending, I mean kinda? you'll see what I mean but, my angst writing is defrosting rn :/ mention of death btw oki. stay gold ⁷ -miri

masterlist

/ᐠ• ㅅ •ᐟ\

You had just gotten off the phone with your mother, with devastating news. You knew it was coming up to that point in life, but you had wished you had more time. Losing a family member, especially your parental figure hit a lot harder than you expected.

It took a lot for you to not fall apart on the phone with your mother. You promised to stop by to talk about things, and what the next step was. Then she asked about Hoseok and you had completely forgotten about him.

So now you sat in yours and Hoseok's shared apartment, just overworking your brain over every single thought that you had conducted in your head. You were so caught up in your head, that you hadn't heard the door open or shut close.

"Hey baby, practice was hell today." Hoseok muttered, walking over to you, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head, running his fingers through your hair. You focused back into reality, standing up, legs moving like jelly as you turned to face him.

"Hobi..." you started, not really knowing how to even bring up such news. He smiled, not seeing your face as he was busy trying to take off the layers of clothes he had. "yes? I'm sorry honey - I'm just really sweat-" "Hobi, my father passed."

The silence was quick to invade, as you watched Hoseok drop a piece of clothing. Without a beat, he was quick to be by your side, holding you in his embrace.

"What? Wh-I'm so sorry for your loss, baby." He muttered against your skull, holding you close, wishing he could take everything you're feeling away. You couldn't do anything but just melt into his embrace, letting yourself let go of the heartbreak you've been feeling since the phonecall.

Even though it was your father, Hoseok had obviously become very close with your parents. Visiting them when he had the chance, with and without you. His and your parents holding date nights together when they were free. Your father was like a second father to Hoseok, and how his heart was feeling from hearing the news, he couldn't imagine how you were feeling.

"Hobi" holding onto him tighter, your chest shuddered as another sob left your lips. You can feel his shaky hands rub your head and back, comforting as best he could. "I know, I know...let it out baby" was all he said, and it made it all that much easier to express your sadness.

It's been a month since then, and it's been a couple weeks since you guys held the funeral for your father. As much as you didn't like it, it was well needed. A closure you didn't think you wanted, but instead needed at the end of it all.

Hoseok watched you as you layed on the couch, picking at your nails. You didn't do much these days, not finding the motivation to do so. It was even hard to just sit and not do anything because then you'd just think a little too much.

But having Hoseok. Amazing, empathetic, Hopeful Hoseok by your side helped a lot. When days got particularly hard, he never pushed. Never got impatient, never tried to quicken your grieving process, gave you space when you asked, invaded your space when you needed.

You knew it was hard on him too. Differently, but still the same in cases. So when he found you crying behind the couch because you wished you could make things easier on him, he just cooed, picking you up from the floor, right into your bedroom, cuddling with you under the duvet.

"you're so cute you know that? Don't worry about me, 'kay? I'm okay, you just....you just focus on you right now, baby. I'll make things easier for you. you can rely on me for now."

You looked at him for a moment before grabbing hold of his face, smiling for what seemed like the first time in a while, "Thank you, hobi...you don't understand how much you've done for me, I appreciate it so much. Especially right now. Thank you for making it easier to wake up, and just function."

He couldn't help but reciprocate your smile. "of course, baby..." he muttered, pulling you closer to him, hand tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, "future's gonna be okay." with a small kiss to your forehead, you both fell into a comfortable silence.

A silence where your thoughts were finally quiet.

[not-krys]

WIP Wednesday: Miri Receives the Ring of Light

What had started off as a well-intended effort to make notes of various lessons so I can use them for inspo points for Miri, turned itself into a fic while in the process of note-taking.

Not even sorry. It was, as Bob Ross calls them, a happy accident.

As such, I'm putting this under the category of a WIP Wednesday as I have intentions to make a fic based on this scene in particular, this just needs be reworked so that it can be fic and not just glorified notes.

Raw, unedited writing down below, Major spoilers for OG Obey Me Season 2's end (lesson 38 specifically), angst-flavored, some of it might seem choppy as it originally started as note-taking (and I also add in some thoughts and asides in parentheses), I made Solomon a little harsher than he was in the original as this was written before I had fully came over to the liking Solomon side of the fandom and I guess it hadn't clicked for me yet that Solomon is a silly softie sometimes, especially towards MC, and I'm kinda regretting that here, him staring down Lucifer not so much that can stay forever thanks, colored text is also featured in the original scene so I thought it was fitting to include it as well.

----------

Lucifer is still experiencing amnesia and answers Mammon's challenge to a card game. If Mammon wins, he gets unlimited use of Lucifer's credit card for a day. Lucifer wagers that if he wins, he gets to spend a day with MC/Miri. Mammon is flustered by this but still agrees to those conditions.

In the end, Lucifer wins and gets his day with Miri. A passing Solomon informs them of a traveling carnival in town and their last day was today, so if they wanted to get in on this, they'd better do it today. He also says that he'd like talk to Miri later, as he didn't want to interrupt their date. (Foreshadowing much, Solyman?)

(Insert carnival date shenanigans that I'll def look up later, lol)

When Miri returns to the House of Lamentation, she finds Solomon in her room, waiting for her, with the Night Dagger resting innocently on the table before him. (def not sus at all, Solyman)

Solomon tells Miri how the Night Dagger would be a way to sever her bonds with the seven brothers so she can stop her powers from going completely whack, but it's not as powerful as it used to be. The only way for it to get back to full power is to kill a powerful demon with it, namely one of Lucifer's caliber, if not Lucifer himself.

Miri is shaken. Would she have to kill Lucifer in order to save herself and the Three Realms?

No, she refuses and pushes the knife back towards Solomon.

"No, I refuse to kill him. I can't kill him! I won't!"

"Miriam. You have to."

"There has to be another way! Any other way, Solomon, please!"

"The fate of the Three Realms, and your life, is in your hands right now," he said, his voice steady. He pushes the knife towards her again. "The fate of many over the life of one. Surely you can't be that selfish, Miriam."

"Any. Other. Way. Solomon. Something other than that!"

"I'm sorry, Miriam. I've already exhausted every other avenue. It's this or losing everyone and everything you've come to hold dear."

Her head hurt, and her eyes burned with tears. She smacked the knife off the table, making it clatter and spin on the floor.

"Another. Way. Solomon."

"Mir-"

The door slammed open, Lucifer's scowl darkening the room. Both humans looked up.

"I couldn't shake the feeling that something was going on here that I wouldn't like, so I decided to come see what was going on."

Lucifer moves to put himself between Miri and Solomon, pushing her behind him.

"Is what you said true?"

"…Yes, I'm sorry."

Lucifer glanced back at Miri, still with tears in her eyes and holding her head, clearly upset and in a lot of pain.

"That's enough for now, Solomon. Go home."

"Wait, hold on, we're not finished here-"

"Leave. Now."

Solomon furrows his brow, staring down the demon. Lucifer glared back at him, refusing to let him even look at Miri.

"Fine." Solomon sighed. "We'll continue this tomorrow."

"We'll see about that." Lucifer still stared him down, making sure he was completely out of the room before turning toward Miri, guiding her to the bed. He also eyes the dagger on the floor, now close to the both of them.

Miri sits, still clutching her head, whimpering.

"Miriam, look at me."

"I… I don't want to kill you. I don't… I don't…."

Lucifer looks on, helpless, as she clutches her head.

"Look at me, please."

She struggles but finally manages to get one eye open, seeing that damned dagger again, this time in Lucifer's hands. His face had turned gentle.

"No…. no no no….Lucifer!"

"I may not have all of my memories any more, but the strongest feeling of wanting to protect you and my brothers still remains."

"No, no please…"

"To protect you is the strongest feeling of all. So, if it means you don't have be hurting anymore. To make sure that you're safe and not in pain anymore…"

He places the blade in her hands and aims the tip to his heart, wrapping his hands firmly around hers.

"Right here. Stab me as hard as you can."

"NO!" Her hands shook, struggling to pull away. "You don't need to die! There has to be another way! I don't want to kill you!"

"Save everyone, Miriam."

"What world is worth living in without you in it!? It's me that's the cause of all of this! I should be the one to die, not you!"

"Don't talk like that."

"You don't talk like that!"

Her hands shook, both with struggling against him to turn the blade away and with fear, her heart beating loudly in her ears.

"Don't do this, Miriam."

"No!"

"Kill me!"

"No!"

"DO IT!"

"STAY!"

Their shared pact mark glowed on Miri's chest, her tears glimmering in the cool blue light. Lucifer grunts, brought further down on his knees, but not fully on the floor like the spell had done before. Lucifer chuckled.

"You're not calm, Miri. You can't concentrate on the spell enough to fully bring me down. All that new power and all you can do is bring me to my knees."

Her hands were moving again, but not of her own volition. Her arms were tense and sore, trying desperately to pull away from Lucifer.

"Lucifer," Miri pleaded weakly. "Lucifer please…"

"Take care of my brothers for me, alright?"

He leaned towards her, as though he meant to give her a small kiss goodbye. The tip of the dagger barely pressed over his own heart, only making a small indent in his clothes.

"And… don't forget to take of yourself. I love you."

"LUCIFER!!!"

The next few seconds were a blur. Miri closed her eyes tightly, her hot tears burning her cheeks. She choked on the last syllable of Lucifer's name.

Her hands were moving again, but not in a direction she was expecting.

They were moving towards her. As if another set of hands was pulling on her wrists. They were warmer than Lucifer's hands but she still felt the familiar texture of gloves.

Miri dared a glance down to see black gloves pulling on her wrists. And not the black gloves of Lucifer's hands.

She then saw a white sleeve at the corner of her eye, the same as if an angel wing had caught her attention.

All three sets of hands were moving in her next blink, the Night Dagger flying across the room once again, clattering unceremoniously on the floor as it had the first time.

Miri then felt arms wrap around her, pulling her into a warm hug.

"It's all okay now." A soft, familiar voice whispered in her ear. "There's no need for that anymore."

"Simeon-"

"You've been very brave, Miri. I can't imagine how hard this has been for you."

"Simeon, what are you-" Lucifer started, seeing the angel take gentle hold of Miri's left hand.

"Now then, I have a little something here for you."

Simeon then slipped an old ring onto her finger, blinding light blasting through the room once it settled. Miri slumped suddenly, her body rolling forward. Simeon and Lucifer caught her before she hit the floor.

"Miri!" Lucifer called her name and wretched her away from Simeon, cradling her in his arms. "Miri, say something!"

She didn't say anything. Lucifer shook her.

"Damn it, Miri, say something!"

He placed one of his fingers into his mouth, smoothly pulling off his glove and placed two fingers on her neck, sighing in relief when he felt her pulse still beating strong. He then held her mouth to his ear, feeling her faint breathing tickling him.

"Still breathing."

"Thank goodness." said Simeon, kneeling beside the pair, trying to get a closer look. Lucifer glared at him as he pulled Miri closer to him, livid barely adequate enough to describe the anger in his eyes.

"What, in the three realms, did you do?!"

Simeon leaned back and held his hands up, almost overwhelmed by Lucifer's ire.

"Let's call it a back up plan if the Night Dagger idea failed."

"The Ring of Light, Simeon! My Ring of Light! How did you even find it?! It was lost in the war! How did you even-!"

Thankfully for Simeon, Miri stirred again, distracting Lucifer from questioning the angel any further.

"Lu…ci…fer?"

"Miri!"

Her eyes were slow to come into focus, barely aware of hearing the other brothers coming into her room to worry over her. Lucifer's voice was the clearest of all, as it always was.

"Would all of you just SHUT UP?!" He nearly shouted, "Or would you rather end up on your faces again when Miri uses the Stay command on you!?"

'Lucifer's memory came back,' Miri thought faintly. 'Thank goodness…'

She tried to sit up, to reassure everyone that she was okay, but her strength failed her, falling back into Lucifer's arms, startling him and her other brothers.

"…ring's affects… strong for… her rest for now…." she faintly heard Simeon saying gently, his words broken up in her fatigue.

"…the Chihuahua… look… fter her." Lucifer's voice wasn't reaching her either, her consciousness leaving her again as soon as she felt her cool pillows next to her. She could also faintly sense when Luke was nearby though not knowing exactly when he was around. Lucifer stayed with her through the night, cradling her again as sweet dreams enveloped her, finally free of the headaches that had been plaguing her for weeks. She was finally feeling good again.

[ruins-and-rewritez]

DAY 8: KNIFE WIFE: Kanej

Sometimes it's hard to know whether the skills that you've adapted to survive are something to be proud of or not. If they've allowed you to keep going shouldn't they be seen as a badge of honor rather than a mark of shame.

Inej often walks that delicate balance between the two never able to decide which side to fall to if she'd ever lost her footing. The choice will be made later, after she's had enough time to make a proper decision, but for now she lets her newfound skills shine.

Her family can't seem to believe that these abilities she's gained with a knife are real and not some sort of trick. As performers they all know quite well that seeing and believing are two very different things.

Inej hits the target, marked on the trunk of a tree, again and again. One blade after another, slice into the bullseye, until the bark in the center has all been chipped away, and her collection falls to the ground with a clang.

Her parents, cousins, the whole family, take a collective pause before bursting into applause. Her uncle (a former knife thrower) gives her a pat on the back for her dexterity. Her cousin Miri asks with bright eyes if she can teach her how to do that (at 8 years old Inej is inclined to say no).

Everyone appears to take this new talent of hers in stride not questioning the reasons behind it or where it was learned and refined. The adults not wanting to turn the conversation to something unpleasant and untouchable, and the children only knowing the Inej was 'away' and not the circumstances that led to her being gone for so long.

Inej knows that the story is probably something they'd want to know, they don't refrain from letting her talk about her trauma but they don't ask either (save simple 'how are you' interactions). Inej can't blame them, she doesn't, they're there when she needs them but they still don't try to force it, it's something she has grown to appreciate, especially on the rarer growing bad days.

They might not ask for the story, but she can't help but watch it replay in her mind with every throw.

Kaz's dark attic room, an over cast sky, training dummies on the far end, bright splotches of red where their hearts would be.

"If you're going to make yourself useful to me, you need to be able to protect yourself when the time comes."

When he first pressed the handle into her palm she flinched, steeled herself, and tried to focus.

"Think as though its and extension of yourself."

Inej grips it better, making it comfortable in her hold, he doesn't correct her, so it must be sufficent.

"Put the weight behind it when you release."

He circles behind her to correct her stance, fear rises in her throat, being unable to see him, but she's the one holding the knife, and that helps.

"Bend your wrist. Like this."

He stands besides her, curling his own small blade toward his arm. She doesn't know whether him not touching her is for Inej or himself, but a small part of her is grateful.

"Dominant leg first."

She follows.

"Sight the target. Breath in. Pull back. Throw. Out."

She watches his every move filing it away, catalouging it, memorizing. It hits the target, a little right of the center.

"Now you."

His instructions are meager, straight to the point, and somehow, all she needs. She visualizes and follows through. She hits the target almost dead on.

Kaz seems relieved at this, or maybe angry, she can't read his expressions, not yet anyway. But the practice continues, and for the most of it she is near perfect. A natural.

He eyes her as their session ends, calculating something in those cold eyes of his.

"No doubt you'll be deadly with a knife. Wraith."

And no doubt, she is.

[kosmicpowers]

Okay okay I'm not gonna go batshit insane like in the Tenma argument (which I'm cringing just thinking about) but I don't really like how some people in Astro Boy fandom portray Jetter Mars as just copy pasted Astro Boy plots and by extension Mars as just a mean bully Astro. Because he's so much more!

Unlike Astro who takes time to follow the rules and act like a saint even at times where it's detrimental to him or his adventures, Mars just simply doesn't do that. He's not that kind of hero, he enjoys playing by his rules. And when you've got a well meaning yet still ultra-strict dad like Yamanoue who can blame him? Plus he was just thrown into the world and told he'd be a ultimate weapon, most of his early education coming from being left alone with the learning machine. He doesn't do things out of malice, he doesn't know any better. Because he's a child.

Okay take episode 1 for example, Mars is tasked by Yamanoue with picking up Kawashimo and Miri who are visiting. Of course since he has no common sense and was just born, plus the fact that in both JM and AB cannon early robots had to have exact instructions to function, he fucks up. Since Yamanoue never really specified he just took it as "pick up the car and carry it there." He didn't do it because he wants to hurt Kawashimo or Miri, infact they're two of the people he loves most. He was only following vague orders to the best of his ability.

Then Kawashimo starts getting hurt, but Mars doesn't understand that it's he's causing harm. He just thinks it's funny. But when Miri starts crying he immediately stopped and ran away. Because he realized it was wrong, because he doesn't want to harm those who don't deserve it.

Mars is rowdy and self-centered sometimes yes, but only because he has a bit of a narrow worldview as most kids do. He doesn't quite grasp the concept of responsibility, he's still developing.

The reason Astro in comparison to Mars seems more moral was because he had years of development and being taught by Tenma before his abandonment and rise as a hero. Mars didn't get that, the day he was born he was thrown into the hero role with no time to think, he immediately started fighting evil because that's what he was made to do.

Mars is a good boy, he loves his friends and family and fights for equality and peace. He fucks up sometimes, he makes mistakes, but he keeps going because he wants to improve.

[redrocketpanda]

20 Q's for Fic Writers

Thanks @spacejammie-eimmajecaps fren for the tag :3

1. How many works do you have on Ao3?

I currently have 12! 11 from this year, and 1 published in 2014

2. What's your total Ao3 word count?

78, 238! (75, 322 from this year)

3. What fandoms do you write for?

I mainly write for Haikyuu, My Hero Academia and Bluelock, but have also published for BG3 + Buddy Daddies. And I have some JJK in the wips

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos? 

Just the Way You Like It (kngr, bllk): 150 Miri's First Swimming Lesson (buddy daddies): 133 Cater to You (kngr, bllk): 116 Interlude: The Senses of You (kazurei, buddy daddies): 113 Strategies for Play (bokuakakuroiwa, haikyuu): 85

I am still a baby writer but I hold all of my little kudos to my heart very fondly

5. Do you respond to comments?

Most of the time I will respond, yes!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Oooh... I don't know that I write angsty endings. Usually it's angst all the way till the end. Maybe Interlude: The Senses of You as although there's comfort at the end there's also lots of crying? I think overall it's my most angsty fic as well

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Hmmm... most of them have happy endings so idk... maybe Strategies for Play bc Kuroo's "masterplan" worked and it ends post great sex with everyone cuddling in bed being super cute?

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Nope, not ever received hate on my fics but I have received hate about my fics on here (the Astarion one)

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Most of what I write tends to be smut lmao. And I guess all kinds but usually with some kind of bdsm/kink dynamics to them? 4 of my published fics are smut (cater to you, he was made to be broken, strategies for play, and the miya atsumu humilation show), and an additional 1 has some sexual content in it (just watch me). My more "risque" content is currently languishing in my wips waiting to be finished (yeah i'm looking at you inumaki/itadori/sukuna fic)

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Yes, but none of them have been published yet LMAO. I can't tell you about one of them that'll be published soon for the They Were Roommates big bang, but I did/do have a bluelock/D&D cross over that's probably the "craziest" one (and also SO much fun to plan). Deep in my wips I also have a BokuAka Greek Mythology AU and sketches for a Haikyuu/Dirty Dancing AU

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Hope not!

12. There was no question 12 so I'll make one up myself: What's the longest you've ever spent working on one fic? And the shortest?

LMAO. I love this because who made this one up? idk! If we're going by published fics then The Miya Atsumu Humiliation Show took me from May to October 2023 (5 months), and I've been working on my TWRRMs bang fic since May (currently 6 months). I've also been planning/writing Fire On the Horizon since Jan 2023!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I've co-created a fic, as in coming up with the idea with another person, and I've also co-created in the sense of working with beta readers for bang fics. I've not co-written anything yet though, but I would love to!

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

Nooo... what a cruel question. I'll give you my top 5 bc I simply cannot choose: krbk (kirishima/bakugou), stsg (gojo/geto), skts (sakusa/atsumu), bkak (bokuto/akaashi), bokuroo (bokuto/kuroo)

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

gods. So many of them tbh... I might one day muster the will to finish he was made to be broken. I want to finish the kunichi (kunigami/raichi) one but idk if I will ever get round to it. And the bllk/D&D one would take a lot of work, but maybe if/when I get back into bllk that'd help

16. What are your writing strengths?

I always struggle with this question bc I have really bad writing insecurities but recently I've been able to conclude that I think I'm reasonably good at comedic writing (people tend to find my fics quite funny), emotive writing (I make people cry/feel Emotions, even if said people don't usually when reading fics), and descriptive writing (I get lots of compliments that people can visualise exactly what I've described)

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

idk if it's a "true" weakness but I'm always paranoid that my dialogue is weak as balls. I also don't have much experience with writing long fic, and thus also character + plot development, but this is something I wanna work on. Oh, the biggest one is probs confidence in myself though!

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I think it sounds like a cool idea if it works within the context!

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Hahaha so technically I think the first fandom I ever wrote for was Spyro the Dragon when I was like... 6 or 7. On Ao3 though it was Harry Potter in 2014. When I returned to writing in 2022, the first one was My Hero Academia

20. Favourite fic you've written?

Oooooooooh. I think my favourite is Strategies for Play. I adored writing it and it was the easiest one I've ever written. Plus writing Bokuto/Akaashi/Kuroo/Iwaizumi dynamics was *chefs kiss*. Otherwise, the [redacted] TWRMMs bang fic I'm writing at the moment is one I've had lots of fun with and am excited to share (very, very soon!) Just Watch Me is also one of my favourites bc krbk my beloveds and it's the one that brought me back to fic writing so its v dear to my heart Tagging some of my fave writery friends as I'd love to read their answers, but join in too if ya want!: @mari-writes, @mooifyourecows, @axreliono, @ciunasboinin, @howlsmovinglibrary

[silverwings22]

Caught in the Crosshairs: Chapter 41: Hands- Jewel

Series warnings: Smut, mind control, canon typical violence, childhood trauma, language, chronic illness

Chapter Warnings: Chronic illness, talk of death, suicidal ideation, injury, abandonment, religious trauma, the horror of war and it's aftermath

Translations: riduur: spouse

Previous Chapter:

Next Chapter:

The cup of tea sat in Miria’s hands, the Jedi looking quietly out at Ord Mantell as she sat on the ramp of the Havoc Marauder. The Batch had gone into the bar and she'd declined to join them, instead spending a few moments with the cup Tech had made for her.

It was lidded, with a gravity straw to prevent her from spilling if she dropped it. It reminded her in a numb kind of way of the sippy cups she'd once given crechelings.

That felt like a lifetime ago. Back when she'd tucked little ones into bed and thought she'd be content, before she ever dared dream of a future spent in a sniper’s arms. 

Before it was all snuffed out; both those little lives and her dreams.

"You okay?" Hunter's voice cut into her thoughts. She'd been sitting here longer than she'd realized, heedless of her nails bending as she dug them into the metal of the cup. Not that she could feel them. 

"Just thinking." She said quietly. 

"You looked like you were a million lightyears away." Her Sergeant, her faithful friend, sat down beside her. "We're all worried. You've been like this since Kamino."

Miria shuddered against her will at the memory of Tipoca City, crumbling around her at the Order of the Empire. Just like everything else. "You saw what happened, Hunter."

"That's why I'm worried." He leaned a little into her shoulder, where he knew she could feel it. "I don't know what all that Sith did to you."

"Vader wasn't the most painful thing that day." Miria lifted her cup to her lips quietly. "Cruel as he was, I've been tortured by the Dark Side before. He didn't break me."

"Something did, Miri. I can see it in your eyes." Hunter frowned. "Talk to me. Please."

The Jedi closed her eyes, like she could hide what he saw in them. She knew it was fruitless. "Crosshair did."

Hunter shook his head. "You said you think that chip is still in there. Don't listen to any lie that comes out of his mouth."

"But he was right, Hunter." She whispered. "Everything he said, he had a point."

"You can't really believe all that shit about the Empire-"

"Not the Empire. About him." She sighed. 

"What do you mean?" Hunter's tattooed forehead creased. 

Miria fumbled the cup and he caught it and set it aside. Frustration splashed across her cheeks for a moment before the melancholy returned. "I hear his words constantly in my head." She finally breathed. "And I know he was right. We weren't loyal to him."

Hunter jumped. "Miri, he tried to kill us. That's the only reason we left him on Kamino the first time. It wasn't safe for you to have him on board with the chip."

"Damn my safety." She snapped tiredly. "I'm dying anyway."

"Miri…"

She shook her head. "I know why you had to make the choice, Hunter. In your position, I'd have done the same. But… we made a mistake after that. And we kept making mistakes. I kept making mistakes. And the love of my life is paying for them."

Hunter softened. "You didn't, Miri. You did what had to be done to protect everyone."

"I didn't protect everyone. Do you honestly believe, if anyone else in the squad's chip had been the one to go off instead of Crosshair, that he'd ever have stopped looking for them?" She put her face in her hands. "Instead, we put our efforts into building a life. Disappearing for safety. We abandoned Crosshair. I abandoned Crosshair…" A crack in her voice made Hunter twitch. "No wonder he hates me now… I deserve this. But it hurts, Hunter… Like a wound that cannot ever heal. It will kill me… and his name will still be the last one on my lips."

"Miria, no." Hunter put an arm around her. "We need you."

"What about what Crosshair needed?" She was trembling under his hand. 

"What would you have done differently? Storm Kamino and steal him while he was hostile and armed? Sneak in and chloroform him?" He was so patiently logical sometimes. It usually helped, but today it grated on her. 

"We did it for Echo. And Gregor. Didn't he deserve our loyalty, after all we'd been through?" She whispered. "I thought… I was doing what I should. What was expected of me. I've always done what was expected of me… except for with him. And when he needed me to show that spine, to save him like he saved me, I failed him."

Hunter didn’t know what he was supposed to tell her, as she slowly lifted her head and cleared her throat. There was a stormcloud brewing in her eyes that he barely recognized as the mild and kind Jedi he’d known for years. All he could do was gently hug her as she took her time to put herself back together. He couldn’t help but think of the quiet strength it took; the same strength she’d used to defy Vader when he’d threatened to destroy her once. 

Now he understood what she meant when she’d told the Sith he couldn’t break a broken woman. 

Miria wiped her face on her sleeves and took a sobering breath. “There’s nothing left to do but fight, I suppose.” She finally cleared her throat. “And pray to the Force that there’s still some hope that it’s not all lost.” She tried to think of the little vision in the Force, telling her she was a Mandalorian’s riduur and she couldn’t give up. There was hope somewhere on the horizon, past the pain and hopelessness of the last time she’d seen her sniper with his back to her. 

Hunter nodded. “Yeah. We just keep fighting and it’ll be okay… we’ll figure out a way to bring him back, one way or the other.” He didn’t say what he thought, that he wasn’t as certain as she seemed to be that Crosshair’s chip was still in place. She was coming apart, held at the broken edges by nothing more than her surety that it was only the chip holding Crosshair to the Empire. Hunter was more convinced it was spite. 

“Hunter, do you remember the promise I asked of you, before Pantora?” She leaned over her elbows on her knees, eyes downcast.

“I intend to keep that, Miri. If he comes back, he belongs.” Hunter promised her. 

“I have one more favor to ask of you.” She didn’t look up. 

“Anything.” He let her go, shifting to face her more. Miria didn’t ask for much, so the least he could do was pay attention.

Miria finally brought her eyes to him, a sort of tired acceptance in them. “I know it isn’t your burden to bear, but… if it happens. If I get to the point where… I can’t go on, and we both know it’s the end… Please take me to Naboo. If I can’t die in Crosshair’s arms, then I’d like to end it there and be buried near my parent’s farm.” 

Hunter swallowed hard at the stauch reality that he might be planning his best friend’s funeral. “I promise…” 

“Thank you.” Her tired shoulders relaxed, closing her eyes as the tension that held her upright went out of her spine. “I’m sorry about worrying you. I’m doing my best…”

“I know. No one’s upset with you, we just worry. We love you.”

Miria smiled sadly. “I love you all… I just… miss him.” 

“Get some sleep.” He helped her up and handed her back her cup. “You haven’t been getting enough. Everyone will be out at the bar for a while, you’ll have some peace and quiet.”

Miria nodded and shuffled up the ramp again, that faraway look returning to her eyes as she disappeared. Hunter could almost hear what voice was running through her head, and what it was saying. 

“You weren’t loyal to me.” 

 The beach felt so peaceful, so exotic and comfortable. It was the exact kind of place Miria could imagine herself, comfortable on the sand with a cocktail while she watched Omega and Wrecker build sand castles and the other guys swim or collect shells. It might even have made a perfect honeymoon spot for her much-dreamed of wedding that didn't seem to be coming. 

Instead, she was running in full armor, pursued by crab. 

"We went over the plan 5 times!" Echo groaned. 

"I got the package, didn't I?" Wrecker laughed. 

"And now we're running for our lives. Again." His little General grumbled, firing her rifle over her shoulder. "Plasma isn't touching these things!"

"It's too dangerous to try to use your saber, Miri." Hunter huffed as her fingers started to inch towards her hip. "Tech, we need a pickup."

"Copy that. We're on our way." Their faithful genius was on the comms, sounding somewhat amused. He'd stayed behind with the ship to continue Omega's education, though Miria did wonder what kind of skewed learning they were providing the little girl when all her teaching came from soldiers and a battered Jedi. Still, the upturned note in Tech's voice told them those two were having a pleasant time. 

"Make it quick. We're outnumbered." Hunter sighed. 

"They sound like they're having fun." Miria hooked her gun on her back despite his best advice and drew her saber. 

"Miri-"

She ignored his concern and turned on her heel, wielding the saber more like a club. She missed the days when saber combat was an art, when she could feel her hands and wasn't so dog-tired all the time. Even frequent comms to her family on Naboo, the luxury the guys so lovingly tried to grant her for peace of mind, only did so much. She hacked off a crab claw before running back to the retreating clones. 

"You've gotta quit ignoring me, or I'm gonna start leaving you on the ship." Hunter grumbled. 

"I'm afraid I'd hardly listen to that either."

"You spend too much time talking with your aunt. Her Mandalorian attitude is starting to rub off on you."

"Aren't you Mandalorian?" She backed up, back to his as another group of crabs cut off their way forward. 

"Tech, where's that pickup?" Hunter hissed, deciding he was not arguing with a five-foot stack of sass and trauma. 

"Coming in now." The Havoc Marauder came into view, with a concerning new addition hanging from the tow line. 

"Is that Omega?" Miria blinked. 

"Why is Omega hanging off the ship?!" Hunter groaned. 

"It was an unexpected study break."

Miria shook her head tiredly and hopped into the crate Wrecker was carrying, extending her hand for the line. She awkwardly closed her fingers around it and passed it down to the big clone to secure the crate, knowing he could make it more secure than she could. Once the carabiner was clipped into position, the four of them piled together on it to be hauled aboard. 

"Nice work Omega, but try to stay in the ship next time." Hunter ruffled the girl's hair as they got secure and out of the planet's atmosphere.

Miria sat down next to Echo as they hit hyperspace, rubbing her chest unhappily. She felt sick… overstretched and flimsy. It had been months since Kamino, months that showed in new inches to Omega's height and new paint on reconfigured armor. Echo had had to reweld his to account for putting on muscle, finally, since Skako. The others had repainted theirs in new shades of gold and orange. 

Miria had privately cried over covering the red paint on her own. It didn't feel like Bad Batch armor anymore… it didn't feel like she could look around a corner in the ship and find Crosshair sitting there. 

"How are your hands, General?" Echo looked over as she pulled a pair of wristlets off to check the skin. 

Echo and Tech had come up with a set of external prosthetics for her that looked like a complicated array of connected rings hooked together and secured by bracelets. They responded to wrist movements, and while her burnt nerves didn't seem to be recovering no matter what herbs her uncle suggested she soak them in, she could at least not fumble every single thing she picked up. She couldn't wear her ring with them, though, so it went on a chain around her neck. "No damage. Not that it would matter."

"An infection would matter." Echo patted her knee.

Miria nodded, looking up. "I know. Sorry, dear… it's been a rough couple of months."

"You're gonna be okay. We're still looking for a cure between missions." 

Miria nodded again, but couldn't look him in the eyes. Yes, the guys were trying so hard to save her life… and it wasn't that she was ungrateful, but she was having a harder and harder time finding it to be a life worth saving. Her only goal was a sad one, to find enough credits to let them disappear for good. To let her family here build real lives for themselves somewhere safe, and then throw her body between their escape and the Empire. Maybe she'd take a couple of those rotten Imperial bastards with her in the light of her demise. Maybe it would be enough to wake Crosshair up, and her beloved sniper could come home… even without her, he'd have a place. Hunter had promised. 

Miria didn't really want to die, but she didn't want to live like this anymore either. 

Echo nudged her like he felt the weight on her shoulders. "I'm gonna go check and make sure the crabs didn't damage the ship."

"Alright, dear. I'm not going anywhere." She nodded, and he headed off to the bridge. 

Omega popped up at her elbow as Miria rubbed her hands against her thighs. "I used some of the acrobatics you taught me on this mission." She grinned. 

Miria smiled. "I'm guessing that hanging off the ship wasn't your only feat while we were out?"

"No. I got pulled down and ended up jumping to the beach to shoot them with my bow."

"Strong girl. You're turning into the best of us, just like I said." Miria reached up, cupping the little girl's cheek gently. She missed the feeling of warm skin like a voyager missed home. "I'm so very proud of you. Hunter is too."

Omega smiled, nuzzling into her palm. "Can we go over sparring forms today?"

"After we get back to Ord Mantell."

"Okay." Omega grinned and gave Miria a quick hug before heading to her room in the gunner's nest. 

Miria headed for her bunk, eyes downcast, and shut the door behind her before breaking into a coughing fit. The telltale blood in her palm was easy enough to clean away with a bacta wipe, but it wasn't a good sign. I have to hurry. I have to find them a home… a real one. 

She touched her private comm lightly, pulling up a frequency she'd taken to calling often. "Aram."

"Hey Miri." Her cousin's cheerful face appeared. "You okay?"

"Exhausted, I'm afraid. We just finished up a mission."

"You gonna be coming back for weapons soon?"

"I don't know. But… could I ask some advice?"

"Sure. What's up?"

Miria hesitated. "... I've never planned a will before. Aunt Irene said you were studying law before the war ended… you wanted to be a politician, yes?"

"Yeah…" He looked at her suspiciously. "Is there a problem, Miri?"

She lowered her voice. "I'm getting sicker, Aram… I fear I don't have much time. And… before, in the Temple, the Order would have handled my affairs. I don't have much, but there are a few things that must be settled…"

Aram sat back in the chair he was in, hair spilling out everywhere. "Okay. Go on."

Miria glanced at the door. "Mother mentioned an inheritance set aside for me, in the event I ever returned from the Jedi like Uncle did. Could you tell me what it entails?"

Aram nodded, tapping on his datapad for a minute. "20,000 credits, half of the perfume business split with me which is worth about half a million, and half the family farm. Also split with me. We're the only grandkids."

Miria chewed her lip. "... if I chose to… liquidate those assets, would it be feasible? I wouldn't want to put the family into a poor position."

"We could sell your half of the business to another partner, probably. Dunno how Ba'vodu Anna would feel about it, but it's doable. My father would probably kill me if I suggested selling half the farm, though. Why?"

His cousin looked so tired through his screen, she shook her head. "That isn't necessary. That is family land… if it's okay with my parents and yours, I'd like to keep it within the family. So in the event of my death… any money should go to the Batch. And they could come to the farm, and live in peace."

"Why don't you all just come now? You don't have to die for them to have a place here." Aram pointed out. 

"I wish that were true." Miria shook her head sadly. "But… it's too dangerous for you, to have a Jedi in your midst. The Empire believes the clones are dead. I am… slightly more recognizable. And a strong enough Force-sensitive could pick up my signature if I remain there too long, with my ability to shield myself becoming compromised. I've tried to send the Batch to the farm before, but they're good men. They won't leave me, even when they should. I'm afraid the only time I'll be able to stay on Naboo is when I'm buried, as much as I wish it were different."

"You'd stay if that clone of yours was here." Aram said sourly. 

He was right, of course. She'd stay anywhere that Crosshair was, except in the Empire. The one place she couldn't follow him, and the one place he chose to be. "That's not fair, Aram…" She whispered, tears stinging her eyes. "If he were there… I would have different priorities. I wouldn't be so concerned with striking back against the Empire, because… I would have a chance to build something else. Our own legacy."

"A baby." Aram wrinkled his nose. "You really wanna still have a kid with the guy who ditched you on Kamino?"

"I want nothing more." Miria, for a moment, looked like the hopeful young Jedi she must have been before the collapse of the Republic. The woman she'd described when she'd told him she'd planned to leave the Order and arrive on Naboo with a sniper’s trigger hand in her own, damn the illness that had consumed so much of her life because it wasn't taking this away too.

Aram couldn't find it in him to blame her for the dream. He was contrary enough to want what he was told he couldn't have too. "Just don't die, okay? But I'll set this up for you as insurance."

Miria nodded, rubbing her face. "Thank you… Hunter promised to take me to Naboo… at the end. To be buried on the farm." She finally murmured. "I hate to be putting this all on you both, but you're my most trusted people. And you can give the guys what I won't be able to."

"What's that?"

"Time."

The Batch brought their cargo into Cid's office, surprised to find her with another client. A pretty, dark skinned woman was kicked back with her boots on the desk. "So this is that top squad you were talking about?" She grinned, sizing them up before standing. "The rogue clones and Jedi survivor."

The squad removed their helmets, moving immediately to surround Miria. "You told her?" Hunter hissed. 

Cid smirked. "Easy, Dark and Broody. Phee is a friend, you can trust her with secrets."

The woman leaned in, examining the men, Omega, and Miria. "I thought all clones were supposed to look the same. This one's too big, that one's too little, and he's got a face tattoo."

"We are genetic mutations." Tech couldn't resist a good info dump. 

Phee leaned back on her hip, grinning. "You come here often, Brown Eyes?"

Tech blinked. "It is my current employment, and the phenotypical color is clone eyes is brown. Our iris color was not-"

Phee shook her head and cut him off. "Let's just get that package moved, fascinating as this is. C'mon, big guy."

Wrecker picked up the crate for her and followed her out, Tech trailing behind with a doe-eyed confusion. Miria crossed her arms over her chest. "He has no idea she was flirting with him, does he?"

"Not a damn clue." Hunter tried not to snicker.

Phee looked over her shoulder. "Hey Cid, don't forget that intel isn't free. You get anything in that haul, I want a cut."

Miria watched her walk out, a prickle coming across her neck. "Haul, Cid?"

"Your next mission, and it's a big one. This would pay more than every mission you've pulled for me so far." The trandoshan grinned. 

Echo leaned over his General's shoulder as Cid pulled up a holo. "Where?"

"Serenno."

Miria's stomach hit her boots. "What in the Force could be on Count Dooku's homeworld?"

Omega tugged at her kama gently. "Who's Count Dooku?"

Miria gritted her teeth. "He was a former Jedi… he left the Order, became a Sith, and started the Separatist Confederacy." 

"What's a Sith?" Omega frowned.

"An evil version of the Jedi." Miria sighed. She hadn't forgotten that chilling mission, so long ago it seemed, where she'd done the unimaginable and sat down for tea with a Sith. Or how he'd rattled her down to the bone with his questions, his insistence that the Order was the real enemy. 

The Order wasn't perfect, but they didn't deserve this. To be slaughtered, their friends enslaved, and their memories dragged through the muck.

"To answer your question, Stripes, it's Dooku's war chest."

Miria blinked, eyes widening. "War chest?"

"Collected treasures from all the worlds he controlled. The payout would be huge for even just a fraction of what he had. The Empire has been taking it, but there's still plenty of it for you guys to get to." Cid nodded. 

Hunter stiffened. Miria bit her lip. That kind of money could save them. But the Empire…

Hunter shook his head. "We've stayed off the Empire’s radar since Kamino. It's too risky." 

"Look at the opportunity, Dark and Broody. You guys could disappear with that kind of haul. You could buy your freedom, and have a future."

"We're already free." The sergeant frowned.

"If that's what you think, you're not paying attention to what's happening out there. It won't be long before the Empire comes here, and my operation goes under. Then there's nothing left for you. This could set you up. No more living hand to mouth." Cid was surprisingly compassionate as she laid it out, glancing at Omega. She really did care about them, as hard as she'd tried to keep it strictly business. 

"It's too risky." Hunter repeated, nodding for Echo and Omega to follow him out. Miria hesitated, looking after his back and then at Cid.

"Talk some sense into him, Stripes."

Miria sighed. "I will… see what I can do." She turned and hurried out. 

Hunter settled at the bar with Omega, showing her a couple ship blueprints to quiz her on. Miria sat beside him. "Hunter."

"Don't try to talk me into this, Miri. It's too dangerous." He said firmly. 

Miria sighed, fiddling with her hand braces. "I'm just trying to think of what's best for you all."

"Getting found by the Empire isn't what's best." He turned to look at Omega, who'd already scampered off to join an impromptu squad huddle over by the dejarik table. "She deserves a better life."

"I agree with you there." Miria nodded. "If you won't take the mission, then please, take them to the farm. I'll be fine here." She softened her voice. "Please, Hunter. If Cid is right and the Empire does come here-"

"We're not leaving you. Especially not if they're coming here." Hunter put a hand over her shoulder. "I know you mean well. But we don't leave our own behind and you know that."

Miria's eyes fell to the side. In her mind, she could still see perfectly the lone figure standing on a Kaminoan platform months ago, back to her as she watched him get smaller and further away. She still heard his voice, lingering long after her bruises from that day had faded. "You weren't loyal to me."

Before Hunter could address the gaping hole in her heart, he overheard Cid mutter "Now you've just gotta convince Dark and Broody."

He groaned. "Convince me of what?"

Wrecker rubbed the back of his neck as the sergeant and General joined the huddle. "We took a vote… we wanna go after the war chest."

Hunter rubbed his face. "You do understand why this is insane, right?"

"If accomplished, it would be significant." Tech poked a finger into the air. "But… I do believe the general should have the final say. The Empire is most dangerous to her, personally."

Every eye turned to Miria, who rubbed her hands together with a clicking sound. "...I think, if the team is willing, I can't argue." She finally whispered. "I know it's dangerous, Hunter… but if we pull it off, then Cid's right. It's… you'd be safe. I can't give you safety otherwise."

Omega ran to hug her, and Echo nodded thoughtfully. Hunter just groaned again. "Fine."

Miria sat with Omega in her room, brushing the girl's hair for her gently. "You're growing so tall, little love. It won't be long before you're taller than me."

"You're just short, Miri." Her favorite tiny blonde teased. 

"Size matters not." The Jedi started to laugh, then caught herself choking on a sob she hadn't realized was coming from her lips. 

"Hey… are you okay?" Omega turned around when the brush hit the floor, finding her much-beloved big sister with a hand clamped over her mouth. "Miri?"

"S-sorry, sweetheart… I caught myself off guard." Miria swallowed hard. "That's just… something the grandmaster used to say. Most of the time, I don't let it bother me so much…" 

It was mostly true. Most of the time, she could pick herself up when something reminded her of the loss. Everything did, after all. The galaxy as she saw it was forever colored by her life in the Order, no matter how she'd intended to leave. Lately, her defense felt a little too thin. At the end of my life, I have nothing but regrets. Too many to count. That I couldn't help Anakin, that I didn't tell Obi-wan about the Tuskan village, that I didn't stay in the creche to protect the younglings. If Crosshair was going to abandon me anyway-

Oh. This wasn't sorrow, she realized as Omega crawled into her lap. It was bitterness. She pushed the feeling down to cradle the one child she still had left to love. "I'm sorry, Omega."

"It's okay." The blonde head lay on her chest, seeking love as much as she gave it. "It's okay to be upset about things, you know."

"Wise padawan mine." Miria kissed her hair, and settled into the silence between them. She was just starting to wonder if she should suggest Omega nap when she heard Echo’s voice. 

"I know why you agreed on this mission, Hunter. But it's not enough."

She and Omega looked at each other curiously before leaning in to listen. 

Hunter sighed. "What do you mean?"

"We should be doing more. If we take a big haul from this, we should be using it against the Empire. Look at Miri, what she's been like since Kamino. She's got nothing to fight for without Crosshair, and it shows. We can give that back to her. That money could buy help and weapons."

"That's no kind of life for the kid, Echo."

"Omega is the reason this is our life."

In Miria's arms, Omega went stiff. Miria hugged her closer as she heard Hunter pulling Echo further from the gunner's nest, continuing their conversation where it wouldn't be overheard.

"... it's my fault?" Omega whispered. 

"No, sweetheart." Miria shook her head immediately. "You may have been the catalyst for how it came together, but you didn't cause any of this. Your brothers love you."

Omega didn't look like she believed her, but snuggled back into the Jedi’s arms. Miria rubbed her back soothingly, closing her eyes. 

No, little love. It's not your fault. It's mine. 

Serenno didn't look like she remembered it. The city surrounding Dooku castle was shrapnel and debris, Imperial ships pulled right to the stronghold and loading up crates. "What happened here?" Omega whispered. 

"Orbital bombardment, just like Kamino." Echo muttered. 

"Three ships containing the contents of the war chest have been loaded. One has already left the planet, so our window of opportunity is closing." Tech looked at Hunter. 

"Get what you can. I'll go down as ground support. If you get into trouble, I'll cause a diversion." 

Miria nodded. "I'm with Hunter. I'm not much use for heavy lifting."

They slid down the ridge as the rest of the team headed for the large cargo ship. Hunter and Miria might have had very different ideas about the future, but there was one thing they could always agree on. How to approach. 

Three years of seamless teamwork had them carefully creeping through brush to the hangar lot. Back to a retaining wall, he passed her a thermal and gave a series of hand signals. 

You break left. I'll break right. Plant and come back here. 

Miria nodded, turning as he did and taking off for an unattended escort shuttle. She affixed her detonator to the underside carefully and armed it, poking her head cautiously around to check for patrols before heading back to the retaining wall. It didn't take long for Hunter to join her. "You good?" He whispered. 

"Yes." She nodded. "Just anxious to get out of here as soon as possible."

"I thought you were all for this mission."

"I'm invested in the after. The actual mission is nerve wracking at best." She shrugged.

"You and I need to talk when this is over. Echo mentioned something I'm concerned about."

"I heard very well what Echo said. And so did Omega." Miria gave him a hard look he felt more than saw before touching her comm. "Tech, report?"

"We have reached the cargo ship. We encountered a small roving patrol and disabled one trooper."

"They're going to notice when he doesn't check in. Hurry, dear." 

Hunter sighed as they retreated back to the treeline to wait for a signal. "Echo didn't mean the way it came out, Miri. He wasn't blaming Omega for anything."

"What did he mean, then?" She crouched, catching her breath and cursing her failing body. 

"He thinks we should be doing more. Fighting back directly against the Empire."

Miria looked out at the troops, circling the landing zone as ships were filled with stolen treasures that once belonged to a madman. "And you don't."

"It's not the life Omega deserves." Hunter sighed. "We have to be better, for her."

Miria nodded. "I understand your perspective, dear."

Hunter's heart sank. "You don't agree."

"It's… complex." She looked at her braced hands on her knees. "No, Omega doesn't deserve to be caught up in what's coming. But so many people will be, deserved or not… and the Empire won't go away until someone destroys it. That much, I'm sure of."

"So Echo was right. You do want to fight."

"What I want doesn't matter any longer, Hunter. What I want left me on a landing platform on Kamino. My only consolation is that it seems he didn't tell the Empire we survived, or they'd still be hunting us. Vader would never willingly let a member of the Council live. And Rampart was far too interested in the squad serving the Empire to leave you be."

Hunter crouched beside her. "Miri. Echo said he was worried you were giving up. That if we weren't fighting back, you'd start looking for a way to sacrifice yourself. Tell me if it's true."

Inside her helmet, Miria grimaced. Oh, sweet and grumpy Echo knew her too well. It surprised her a little, with him being the last on the squad… but it was endearing to feel so seen. Even if it threw a wrench into her entire half baked plan. 

"We're running out of time, we need that diversion!" Echo’s voice in the comm broke her out of her thoughts.

"Get out of there. We'll get their attention." Hunter muttered back before offering Miria a hand. "We'll talk about it later."

Miria nodded and let him haul her up, pulling a detonator stick from her pocket. She and Hunter both pressed their buttons, and the ships they'd rigged below went exploding into smithereens. "Get out of there, boys. That should distract them."

They waited anxiously for the rest of the squad, until Wrecker’s footsteps sounded behind them. "Where are the others?" Hunter hissed. 

"They're still in the cargo ship."

Miria gritted her teeth and hit her comm. "Tech?"

"We've been locked in. Echo cannot get the door open, it is external only. And we've are taking off."

Miria glanced up. "... shit."

"I still believe profanity sounds strange in your accent, Miri."

"Come on, we've got to catch that ship." Miria drew her rifle off her back. "They already know we're here."

"Now you're talking!" Wrecker grinned, and they opened fire as they booked it for the cargo ship. 

Hunter made it first, catching the outboard ladder with Wrecker right behind him. Miria took a Force-assisted leap behind them, the three of them dodging plasma shots between rungs. Above her, Hunter was knocked loose and Miria had a sudden, agonizing flashback to Daro before catching his hand. He dangled a moment before grabbing a rung below her and sparing her shoulder from dislocation. "We're not going to make it like this!"

She glanced down at Dooku's castle, the upper ramparts only a few meters below. "Wrecker, jump!"

"What?!"

"Jump!" She she Hunter let go, the scared-of-heights muscle joining them with a series of curses. Miria tucked into a roll and popped up, breathing heavily. "Tech, are you three alright?"

"Considering the circumstances, yes."

"Can you get into the main ship and commandeer a life pod? We can pick you up from the Marauder, but we weren't able to get into the cargo ship ourselves."

"That would be the most logical course of action."

"You know what to do then. Take care of each other." She looked at Hunter and Wrecker. "I did hope I'd never have to come back into this dreadful castle, but… let's go."

They nodded, taking off inside. They'd have to trust the others to find their way to safety while they got the ship. 

"Every Jedi is a family who decided they could live without them. The Order convinces them they must give their children away, and then they send them to die on fools errands for a Republic who doesn't even permit them voting rights. Does that seem fair to you? I remember you, Miria Halcyon. I know what happened to you on Illum. What would your mother think if she'd known the Jedi would send her daughter to an early grave?"

"It was my fault, on Illum. I was careless…"

"You've been so blinded by your belief in the Order that you've let them convince you that the fault lies in a little girl looking for a kyber crystal, not the adults meant to be watching over her."

"But the Jedi serve the light…."

"They're meant to. Perhaps some do. But the Order itself is lost. This war will teach that, regrettable as it is. But you…."

Miria shuddered in the face of memory, moving slowly through the castle as she and her men tried to find their way out. 

"Don't you remember the way, Miri? You were in here once." Wrecker mumbled uneasily. 

"It's… been a while, dear." Miria whispered back. She may have forgotten the twists and turns of the hallways, but Miria would never forget how this place made her feel. Lost, confused… questioning her very identity. An unwavering Jedi dedicated to the principals of the Order, if not their every practice, had come in here once. A terrified and unsettled woman had run out as fast as her legs could carry her, into Crosshair’s arms. 

He wouldn't be there to comfort her this time. 

"Imperials, ten o'clock." Hunter snapped, firing over her shoulder. Miria spun around to shoot as well, and recognized a painting on the wall. 

"The study's this way." She grabbed Wrecker’s belt, pulling him after her and breaking left before they ducked into the triangular door. "Bloody triangles. Just lIke the Imperial ships. Why is evil always triangles?"

Wrecker laughed. "You're gonna have to ask Tech that one."

She scanned the room, holding her chest and trying to bite back a coughing fit. The last thing they needed was Hunter going dad-mode on her like he did Omega. "... there's a console. Over there, by the window."

They quickly ducked over the desk as Imperial troopers started pouring in. Under their boots, Hunter's sharp ears made out a hollow noise. "There's a lift under here."

Miria rested her rifle on the console top. "We'll cover you. Get it open."

He typed furiously at the cracked screen, cursing under his breath. "Can't you go any faster?" Wrecker grumbled. 

"Gimme a minute. Tech usually does this- shit. It's jammed!"

"Not for long. Swap places with me." Wrecker’s voice betrayed a smirk. 

"Wait, Wrecker. What are you-?" Miria started, watching in horror as the big clone jumped and slammed his full weight into the lift top. It wobbled under them. "Don't-"

He jumped again, and the lift gave way. She, Hunter, and Wrecker went tumbling down the lift shaft with a cacophony of screams and reckless laughter. As it always did when Miria was pretty sure she was about to die, her mind wandered to Crosshair. This time, it was when she'd last left this planet. She'd felt so lost, but he'd been there to hold her and reassure her that even if she wasn't a Jedi and couldn't be a Sith… that she was his. 

"I've got you." 

"And you'll always have me?"

"If I ever say no to that, I've lost my fucking mind."

The crash of the lift was deafening, so unlike the soft pulse of a lover’s heartbeat punctuating a promise. Miria landed hard on her side, a rib screaming it's displeasure at her. By some miracle, they weren't dead. 

"C'mon, they'll follow us down here soon." Hunter's hands were urging her up too soon, but she got her feet under her. "We'll use the city ruins as cover to get to the ship."

She nodded, dazed, as he pulled out a rappelling hook. Wrecker groaned unhappily. "It's okay, dear… we're nearly through…"

"I hope whatever we're getting from this war chest is worth it." He grumbled. 

"Me too, dear. Me too."

As they worked their way down, she tried to keep her head level. "Tech, Echo, Omega? Are you alright?"

"They jettisoned the escape pods, but this ship model is equipped with re-entry thrusters in the shipping containers. We're taking one down." Omega chirped.

"We have no control on landing, so I will transmit our coordinates once we are secure." Tech clarified. "But it was Omega who remembered the re-entry thrusters, so my education plan seems to be going well."

Miria smiled. "Good work, Omega. Be careful, and stay safe."

She and her team landed on the ground securely and disconnected the line from their belts, taking off into the city ruins.

"How you holding up, Miri?" Wrecker frowned as she lost her fight and started coughing. 

"I'll be -hack- alright." She muttered. "Bad landing, that's -hack- all."

Hunter didn't like that at all, but he couldn't do much about it right now. "Stay low. They'll be sending aerial sweeps."

They tucked themselves into the shadows of the broken out buildings, heading for the ship. Miria tried not to pay too much attention to the everyday items strewn in the rubble… pots and pans, a child's broken toy, a laundry line… 

People had lived here. Serennian people, just trying to live their lives. They hadn't all been Separatist. They hadn't all been culpable for the destruction. 

There's so much senseless death… I have to do something. A Jedi should help, somehow. 

Her hands were so small and weak, but… they were her own to fight with, if she could.

[spkyscry-aa]

It was, of course, a confirmation that it wasn't Miranda that time. That was very clear. Miranda wouldn't have been so foolish in her dissuasions when it came to Vera. If that answer hadn't enraged her so much, it might have made her laugh. Though, no, it did the exact thing anyone that knew Vera would have known it would do. She was always a spiteful one, of course, and got awfully protective as well. So it would be a surprise to no one that by the time the next string of texts had come, the gorgon was already in the back of a car and on the streets to get to the castle.

When she did see the texts, of course, it did seem more akin to what she'd actually expect out of Miranda. Tensions loosened, just a bit, but now there just begged the question of why there was some sort of divided control of the princess's phone. At the very least, the inclusion of 'don't mind her' gave Vera enough to gauge, likely, that it wasn't one of Miranda's servants. Which was still something she didn't quite feel like unpacking, no, but the gorgon very much doubted they would be spoken of in such a light.

No, now Vera was just questioning the entire situation as a whole. What could be occurring that was keeping someone at Miranda's side for so long and why she would simply be fine in but a few days. There's a beat, then another, before a curious thought came to her. Miranda did have an unblemished reputation that must be upheld, of course, for the public. Vera can't actually recall when she's seen her sick, save when she stumbled upon her once before in the school's stalls. It wasn't a nice situation, she recalled, but...

Well, it wouldn't hurt to prod in that direction.

[To: My Miri 💗] [txt] Love, if it's all the same to you, I would genuinely like to be there, if but for a moment. [txt] You've come to console me when I'm an absolute mess, no? I wouldn't feel right not at least making sure my love is well by extending that same gesture. [txt] If you really don't want me to be there, I'll respect it if you reply so again. Though I'm just wanting to be there for you if you want me to be.

[ TO: If’n ruatt-y'trsc'iil 🐍💘🐟 ] [ txt ]: That is not necessary. Come here and you won't be permitted past the gates. Cease now and save yourself the embarrassment for us both.

That reply came instantly — no pause for council and for determination. Instead, that came in the moments after, moments which Vera likely would have missed anyway, already having an answer. It started as pestering, then shying, then pestering again, and then an answer, which led them back into the discussion of the council. Arguments were made, petitions strung along, grasps for the phone made instantly. Bedsheets were rustled, pillows knocked askew, and it was only by supplication of the phone back that any were helped back into place. Spoils were ruined by a furious nip, and then came more bickering, and then it settled for a brief peace.

It took a while, in short, for anything to come back around, none of which made the rest any less confusing or frustrating to endure. Even a return to form only made the back-and-forth worse, with equally as few explanations as to what it was playing out on the other side.

[ TO: If’n ruatt-y'trsc'iil 🐍💘🐟 ] [ txt ]: Vera, my love, do not mind her in the least. [ txt ]: I am quite alright! There is no reason to fret, I shall be absent for some time and I shall have to reschedule our date, and I should return in a few days' time. [ txt ]: That should about cover it.

[dr-demi-bee]

WIP (Wednes)day!

Thanks for the tag @feedthepheasants!! 🥰💙

Feeling like an absolute menace, so here is a brain worm snippit that doesn't have a full WIP yet. Maybe you degenerates can help me find motivation to make it into a full one-shot hehehehe

Miri x Gale ~ nebulous post-BG3 ~ teasing, established relationship

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

“You know, there's a fatal flaw with spellcasting,” Miri hums, examining Gale as he works.

“Excuse me?” He looks imperiously at her over his work. “And what is that?”

“It's too easy to disable you,” she purrs, smirking. She had thought up this point the other night, and had been turning it over in her mind carefully for hours. And as her patience for his late night working was growing thin, the thought was hard to ignore.

“I find that hard to believe,” Gale answers, turning back to his work.

“I can show you, if you like.” She stands and saunters to where he leans over the desk in his study. He turns to her with a questioning brow, making a small gesture of invitation to humor her.

“The somatic component, for example.” Miri reaches down, quicker than he is prepared for and grips him about the wrists, lifting his arms up. She presses her thumbs with an alarming precision against the tendons of his wrist and his fingers curl almost limply into his palm. “If I control your hands, no luck.”

She leans into him and presses his back and wrists against the wall, pinning him quite effectively. Miri gazes up at him with dark eyes.

“The verbal component, even simpler,” she breathes, leaning up on her toes but never relinquishing her hold on him. “I just have to occupy your mouth...”

He chuckles low. “You've made your point, my love. But I don't think this is a strategy you can apply to other spellcasters so easil-”

She cuts him off with a rough, devouring kiss that leaves him breathless.

“Not as pleasantly, no.” She grins, trailing kisses along his jaw and down his throat. “But what other spellcasters am I trying to incapacitate?”

She nips the skin of his neck on the firmer side of affectionate, before soothing away the sting with her tongue. Gale groans under her ministrations.

[jaedreaminn]

My Snack

Pairings: Reader x Jaemin ♡

Genre: Fluff, Crack.

Word Count: 2.6k

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

Stupid. That's what you call yourself (Jaemin too and your parents and your friends and your neighbour and the lady down the street) on a regular basis.

There standing in front of you laughing his ass off was your best friend, Na Jaemin. You were standing in the middle of your school courtyard, covered from head to toe in your long awaited lunch- spaghetti. Such a pity.

It wasn't your fault that the loud sounds from Renjun and Haechan trying their best to taunt the other were distracting, or the fact that Jeno was near them trying to befriend a cat (where had it even come from) who kept hissing at him and was this close to scratching him had caught your attention, so you could help but slightly worry or the fact that the youngest two devils, Chenle and Jisung had brought a fake can of worms and were dumping them in Haechan's satchel and the thought of how Haechan (who hates any form of insects) would react was playing in your brain. Maybe it was also the way Jaemin had smiled at the two 'Angelic Devil's' as he liked to call them but then noticed your arrival and winked and blew a kiss towards your direction like the flirt he was, was what made you trip on your own feet. Launching your favourite dish of spaghetti high into the air and land straight on your head a second later. Nope, no you definitely didn't trip because of a kiss. It was the other thing distracting you, and it was gravities fault the plate fell back onto your head.

Somehow, you couldn't seem to get mad at the fact that Jaemin was laughing at you instead of helping you because of how his eyes lit up when he laughed and how his low chuckles calmed you.

So instead you did what anybody else would do in that situation. You stood there stuck to the ground and pouted.

Looking at your sulking state Jaemin beamed at you and made his way towards your spaghetti covered self taking off bits of it off your hair.

“You know,” he said his infamous smirk playing on his chapped but pretty lips “I get that your stubborn, but I didn't think you'd go that far t- OW!” As realisation on what he was saying dawned on you a punch to his gut was all you needed to shut him up. Maybe not. “You know what you said and now-ow ooowwwww ow ow ow OK I'll shut Ow OOW UP!” You glared at him as you threw a series of punches his way to make sure he shuts up. Plus, he was a dramatic ass, and you knew none of your punches ever hurt him.

“I know what you're going to say,” you said and Jaemin opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could “Don't you dare say that” you cut him off, venom in your voice and Jaemin knew better than to anger you more than he already had.

“Oh well,” Jaemin sighed in defeat as he wiped the sauce off your face. How romantic. “Lunch is coming to an end, and you need to get changed. So I'll buy you a sandwich from the cafeteria and sneak it to you during Maths” and he smiled. Cute you thought, in a platonic many years of friendship way of course.

You simply nodded and made your way towards your locker where your spare change of clothes was when you had a thought which made you smirk in victory crossed your head. You immediately turned on your heels and yelled in a devilishly sweet voice “Jaemin-ahh”

He looked at you confused and so did the rest of your friends who didn't do anything to help and just laughed at you and go back to the bickering.

“You're the first person to approach me,” you said, and you could practically see the screws turning in Jaemins head “You know what I said.” you said in a sickeningly sweet tone and Jaemins jaw dropped as low as Felix's jaw when he realised he's terribly screwed in the year-end UNO tournament, and Jaemin stood there dumbfounded finally realising what's happening.

“You know what this means” you sang out more than said as you waved at him and sent him a wink and a flying kiss, turning on your heels and skipping away. You liked to think that maybe after years of watching the master flirt you've learnt a good amount to have actually made Jaemin blush.

You definitely weren't affected by what you said AT ALL. If anyone said you tripped a bit more with each skip you took they were as blind as your principal Lee Soo Man.

Jaemin on the other hand did. He really did blush as you walked away.

Jeno walked up to the now shyly smiling Jaemin “So what did y/n say?”

Jaemin didn't answer staring off into the distance, so Jeno pinched him making him yelp and glared at the boy who glared back, and let's be honest no one wants to be caught in a glare down with Jeno so Jaemin simply sighed and said “She said she's a snack” and Jeno raises an eyebrow as if asking Jaemin to go on not convinced that just all she had said.

“So I obviously denied it and y/n being stubborn as she is said that guys would like her even if she's covered from head to toe in actual food” by now everyone was carefully listening to the conversation.

“I told her she's delusional”

“Then” Jisungs soft voice asked anticipating what was to happen next.

Jaemin sighed and looked at the floor “She bet that she would do it and the first person to approach her when she's covered from head to toe in food is the person she's going to date” there was a one-second pause.

And then the loud laughter coming from their group made a lot of heads turn. Chenle fell to the ground laughing, dragging poor Jisung who he was earlier leaning on with him too. Hyuck had tears in his eyes and was holding onto Jeno who was doing the same all while hysterically laughing. Renjun tried and failed not to laugh and instead tried to comfort Jaemin but his red face and watery eyes weren't exactly subtle.

However, between Renjun’s laughing or chocking no one could tell he managed to get out a “That's why the great flirt Na Jaemin was flustered” and somehow the laughs got louder. Jaemin just stood there turning all shades of pink and red.

Finally, when the laughter calmed down a bit Haechan looked at the pouting Jaemin “Aww poor Nana got himself into a mess again here let me give you some candy to cheer you up” and reached into his satchel. Jisung and Chenle sat up straight looking at Haechan in anticipation and Renjun and Jeno also looked.

Haechan on the other hand was clueless and was just trying to pull out candy from his never ending stash of candy when “It should be right- AAAAAAHHHHH!” The bag flew five kilometres away from the way Heachan launched it across the ground upon seeing this 'slimy legless wiggling poop insects' as he likes to call them in his bag.

Chenle and Jisung immediately snickered and gave each other a high five giving themselves away as the culprits to Haechan who was glaring daggers at them. They realised that they were discovered when Heachan yelled and charged at them ready to strangle both, so they started running away from the very VERY angry Haechan yelling all sorts of profanities at them.

This time Renjun didn't hold back his laughter instead, he laughed so hard he fell on his but causing the demonic duo to stop and laugh but run as soon as they realise Haechan is still trying to murder them.

Jeno shook his head at the sight and smiled. He then turned and walked towards Jaemin who was zoning out again.

“So....” Jeno started and Jaemin looked at him “You and y/n are dating now?”

Jaemin sighed.

Jeno tripped and fell onto the floor.

Jisung had crashed into Jeno.

He was laughing at Chenle who had tripped over the Renjun who was laughing his ass off on the grass and fell face flat while running away from Hyuck.

Haechan couldn't stop himself from running.

He tripped over Jeno and Jisung too.

Everyone was on the floor.

There was lots of shouting.

And laughing.

And Jaemin answered Jeno's question as this all took place in sequence like Domino's.

He whispered a quite 'yes' and walked away.

No one noticed.

Everyone was now on the floor all tangled up yelling at each other to get up first.

No one noticed Jaemin's smile as he walked away either.

...

You got your promised sandwich in your shared math class with Jaemin. You felt a little too bold today, so you sent another wink and flying kiss his way.

You may have also overly enjoyed his flustered face, so you held his hand as you walked to your next shared class P.E. and you may have smiled in triumph when Jaemins cheeks turned pink and he got all shy.

You also may have been a little too bold so when no one was looking you kissed his hand and then skipped away. And maybe that felt a little more than Platonic to you.

That's the thing it was always maybe, you never had a definite choice of words because you were always confused, so it was always maybe.

School soon ended, and you waited for the only person who walks home with you because you go the same way- Jaemin. You knew that he would be late. He always was. Every Wednesday. He shared his last class with Oh Miri, and he always helps her pack up and carries her things for her to her locker. It's because he obviously likes her. And you think they'll be a cute couple and you'll be happy if Jaemin finally asks her out. You really will be happy for him. Really.

You bid goodbye to Renjun and Chenle as they both head home. You said bye to Jeno too as you pass the turf where he has his practices. You see Haechan at the gate and wave bye to him too. Jisung and you talk about a new way to prank Renjun this time before he too has to leave.

You frown now and look at the time on your phone, was Jaemin latter than usual? Turns out he wasn't late and the low voice that whispered “missed me?” which startled you a bit, confirmed it. You turned around to come face to face with Jaemins smile that you are convinced produces light because of how bright it was.

“So...babe, how was your day?” Jaemin asked cheeky smile on his face. You shook your head and chuckled slightly as you answered him “It was good Nana you can stop joking around now”.

You saw Jaemins smile falter for a second. Or maybe you just imagined that. Nope, no definitely did not imagine that because now he was full on pouting.

“You're already breaking up with me y/n? But I thought we loved each other” he said using his sad baby voice.

You roll your eyes at his antics and held onto his arm ready to drag him “Come on Nana we need to go home”

“Aww but today's our first day! Shouldn't I get a first kiss!” Jaemin protested still not moving as you tried to pull him. Thank god you were facing another direction so he couldn't see how much that made your face heat up and how flustered it made you. You knew he was only joking. Right. His tone didn't sound the least bit serious. You're just imagining things.

You gave him, what you hoped sounded like a small laugh instead of a strangled one “Seriously stop kidding I'm pretty sure it won't help with your Oh Miri situation”

It was weird to see Jaemin so confused, but maybe it was because he was confused about how you knew about his crush when he hasn't told anyone yet.

“What situation with Oh Miri...?” Jaemin asked still confused. Still keeping up the act huh.

“Oh please, I know you like her and chill I'll help you out if you want. I don't really see any reason for you to hide your crush on her. She's really sweet and you two would make a cute couple and if you keep up this act it might be misleading to her considering she's still around and will think you're taken” you kept in rambling but stopped when you saw Jaemins blank expressionless face.

The atmosphere felt awkward, so you said a “yea...” to kind of end your entire ramble and to cut through the sudden silence.

“Oh” was all that Jaemin said.

“Yep”

“So I win?”

“Huh?”

“I win don't I?”

“What?”

“The bet”

“Bet…?”

“You didn't date me, you owe me” Jaemin simply said shrugging.

Then realisation dawned on you, you bet him that you would date the first person that came up to you.

You sighed in defeat “Fine you win. Where do I treat you this time”?

“Not just treat me” Jaemin shook his head “Take me out on a date where you of course pay” he smiled that stupid smile of his and your jaw dropped.

“If you think about it you're losing without actually loosing” he smiled.

And you kept looking at him in shock. But what about Oh Miri...?

“See you didn't date me” he fake pouted “But I wanted to date you and since I won the bet and could ask for whatever I'm asking you to date me” Jaemin smiled his mischievous smile.

”I-” you started but couldn't form a single sentence.

“It's okay I know my genius left you speechless.” he said putting his hand on your head and leaning on it.

“I got a free meal and a girlfriend because you can't win bets” he smirked and ran for it because now you snapped out of your dazed moment and were ready to jump him.

Jerk played you like a guitar.

“THIS IS CHEATING” you yelled as you chased him all the way home.

You did catch up to him enough to throw your pencil case at his head. He whined. You smiled. He smiled. Things went good.

You went on that date. The two of you were official now.

You were always indecisive about your feelings and always stuck on maybe so Jaemin just made the right decision for you.

“You know you should ask me to be your girlfriend properly” you had said on your date.

“You want dramatic?”

“No-”

“I'll give you dramatic” Jaemin had replied with a smirk.

You should have known not to trust that smirk because trouble (for you) always followed it.

Trouble happened Friday morning.

There in the center of the hallway stood your boyfriend with a shit eating grin. The reason for that grin being the hallway that was entirely covered with posters of your face poorly edited onto a burger with the wordings 'My Snack' on it.

You shut your eyes and slowly inhaled and slowly exhaled through gritted teeth.

Your eyes snapped open.

“I'M BREAKING UP WITH YOU JAEMIN NA”

“YOU CAN'T YOU LOVE ME” was heard at the end of the hallway form Jaemin who had already bolted.

“Then you better run cus I'm breaking your Legs!”

“Already running!” The now barely audible voice of a rapidly retreating Jaemin was heard.

Bonus:

You brought Jaemin coffee because you felt bad for attacking him.

“I can kiss you now but what more has changed” Jaemin sat pouting with his coffee in his hand after being attacked by you.

You laughed and kissed him.

[stormlit]

❝ proper training, ❞ miri repeats, somewhere between disbelief and wonder. is there such a thing? logically, she knows there must be other people in the world who can do such strange things, but if there are any nearby, it's not something spoken about, even among folk who live outside of what's considered proper society. she should know, after all; once upon a time, she wasn't a legitimate worker but someone who ran with a gang, even if her heart was never in the outlawing. at best, she reckons the gang would have turfed her and the twins out, but at worse, they'd have killed her, strung her up like they did with witches in the old days. can there really be such a thing as proper training? ❝ that's...somethin' people have? i-i just figured shit out on my own. ❞

hasn't she always? miri's been figuring shit out since she was younger than nine. there's never been anybody to ask about regular day to day things, let alone anything this extraordinary.

at the risk of seeming like a parrot, miri echoes, ❝ a gift, ❞ pausing to look down at her hands. yeah, she guesses it is. it's just sometimes a curse, too. ❝ so you just...travel around for fun? you seem like you've been here before. —how come you speak english? ❞ as if realising what she's said, miri screws up her face. ❝ sorry, that was real rude of me. it's just...people from this world don't speak it, so i imagine it hasn't made its way to bein' the main language on other planets, but yours is better than mine. sorry. uh. you don't gotta answer that. ❞ stupid, stupid girl.

quickly, trying to move past the absolute embarrassment she's feeling: ❝ it's ready, your jacket. good as new. ❞

" outlaws. " he repeats, with a grin & a nod. happy to have something to occupy his mind. of course, the american wild west, a veritable treasure trove of outlaws, renegades & various ne'er-do-wells. her eagerness to say that... does make him wonder. wouldn't be the first time a former outlaw tried to settle down, live a quiet life. " not always. with enough practice & proper training... who knows where that gift of yours could lead you. " it's not an exact science. even his people, as advanced & awe inspiring as they are, aren't close to knowing all there is to know about the depths of psychic ability.

bit of a groan, " i may have hyped up my ability to wait, just a little bit. " truth be told, he's gotten worse with time. aren't you supposed to get better with patience as you get older? he can hardly imagine having to settle down for years, like he did centuries ago, with this face. just not suited for it. " it is, isn't it? " just a little bit proud, right there. this life he leads, it never ceases to amaze.

" oh, tons, miri. endless places... some planets, some times, they consider it a gift. something to be treasured, nutured. not something to be the subject of fear & scorn. besides that even, there's so much to see out there. i've never quite stopped. "

[dandorishipping]

✉️worm?

@ticketsfortwo

Miri, Have you been doing well lately? I'm sorry I haven't been around as much, work in the lab has been getting a bit hectic- but I've made some big discoveries! I'm not sure how much of it I can fit into this tiny little letter, I would much rather talk to you about them in person, but I hope that you're excited to hear them as much as I was excited about discovering them!

I hope you've been taking care of yourself, my love- I know things can be a bit difficult sometimes, but I know that you can pull through- you're strong, and I love you for that. Your strength was always something that I found endearing- not necessarily your physical strength per se, but more so how you're able to pull through, even when life gets difficult. It's something I find myself wishing I could have in myself some days, especially when the work gets hard- but I'm glad I can find a motivator in you.

Even though I'm the one that's considered the genius all the time, you inspire me in more ways than you could ever imagine. And I'm glad you're in my life, Miri, even if I don't really say it all the time. I really love you a lot. And I hope that we'll have a happy future together... I really mean it. I don't know what life would be like without you. I hope that you'll be here with me, for the small steps and the big steps we'll make together.

Yours, Jayce Giopara

[sea-moon-star]

Stay Gold- Jeon Jungkook (BTS)

About: You have a massive crush on the boy next door. You always cross paths with him but are too shy to make a move. You meet him everyday when you both step out to walk your dogs, at 6pm sharp everyday. Your golden retriever loves hanging out with his poodle. Will they be able to push y'all together? Will they be able to do what the humans don't have the courage to do? // Word Count- 1k ish.

A/N- A fluff or should I say floof story about the golden maknae & a golden retriever that brings him together with the girl of his dreams. I wrote it as a gift for a friend of mine, who is JK biased. I liked it alot, I'm pretty sure I'll do a part. 2. Bangtan with dogs is the best concept ever, this run BTS episode was a blessing . 🌊🌙⭐️

You heard your phone buzz, your alarm blaring that it was 6PM. This is the moment you'd be waiting all day for. Every evening, you'd take your golden retriever, Yuki out of a walk at this exact time. I mean, Yuki loved walks but you were more excited for this than her. You would always end up crossing paths with Jungkook & his poodle, Miri. He lived a lane away from yours & y'all walked the same path in the evenings. To say you had a massive crush on him would be an understatement. Everyone, from friends to family knew you liked that golden boy, with his doe eyes & wide smile. Everyone knew about it except probably him.

You were beautiful, smart, the same age as him. Ideally, there should be no problem in y'all getting together. Except that you got tongue tied everytime you were infront of him. There was just something about him that made you shy & even when he tried to make contact with you, you'd end up running in the opposite direction. But this was still the best part of your day, he would always smile at you as you walked past each other. Maybe today you'd be able to muster the courage to say hi & wave to him. It was dark & stormy outside but that wasn't going to stop you. You called out for Yuki but to your surprise, she was nowhere to be seen. You started feeling scared, Yuki wasn't one to run away. On confirming that she wasn't home, you ran out, checking everyone's yard for any sign of her. You'd reached the end of the lane, asked every neighbour but there was no sign of her.

You could feel the panic building up, where could she be!? That's when you feel a light tap on your shoulder, you can't believe your eyes when you turn around to see Jungkook. "Hey! I came looking for you. Actually, your puppy ended up wandering into my backyard. I thought you'd be looking for her so I wanted to come inform you." He says sweetly & you sigh in relief, as you say, "That's where she is! Oh thankgod. She knows better than to trust strangers. Then again, I'm glad she's at your place." "Do I not count as a stranger?" He asked perplexed & you bite your tongue. How could you confess to him that you knew enough about him to write a thesis. Your friends, family, your social media, you made sure you had all possible info about his life. Even though he didn't know it, you knew him & trusted him inside out. "I mean, I've seen you walk with Miri everyday. You're a neighbour, you're good with dogs, so she must know you can be trusted. She's quite perceptive & clever!" He flashed his trademark bunny smile & it took you everything you've got to not pass out.

As you walked to his house, he asked, "So is she your first dog? She's quite young isn't she? So is Miri. I think that's why they get along so well." "Yes, she's still a baby. I got her when I moved to this city but back home, my parents take care of my other dog, Pasha. He's an oldie, 12 this year! What about you?" You continue the conversation, even though you already know his answer. "I have another dog back home named, Gureum. What a coincidence! I wanted a girl this time & miri is perfect. I guess it's the same with you. That's why you chose... I'm sorry, I don't know her name..." Ofcourse he doesn't know her name, isn't like he has stalked you on SNS the way you stalked him. You smile, grateful that he doesn't know what's going on in your head & reply, "Her name is Yuki, it's a Japanese name." "Smart choice! She's a golden retriever & her name means good fortune/luck which is equivalent to gold." He smirks & says & you can't help but be surprised as you say, "You must know your japanese well! Most people don't realize there are two meanings to Yuki, the more common meaning is snow. But I named her after the other one. No one has ever gotten that right!" You both turn red, realising that you just praised each other in the same breath.

You walk the rest of the way in silence, thankfully his home isn't too far away. You get there & you're about to take Yuki home when it thunders & starts pouring. Both the puppies get scared & run into the house. "Looks like it's gonna be heavy, why don't you just wait it out? You don't have an umbrella, come inside before it gets worse." He invites you in as you stand at his doorstep. On any other day, you would've never had to guts to do this but he's right. You can't leave Yuki, plus there's no way you can get home without getting drenched. This is the best option. You hold your breath as you step foot into this house. You giggle as you realise in a span of one day, you've had a conversation, been praised & found yourself inside the house of Jeon Jungkook! You can't help but feel grateful towards Yuki, maybe this was her master plan afterall. You realise your dog might be a better wing woman than all your friends & family combined. It's a rainy day, there's no one home, just Jungkook, your dogs & you. Could it honestly get anymore perfect?