The skin-mask stays on during sex

GUIDE AL LYSANDER EPISODE 5

I posted the french version too

Hello! Here is the solution of the dialogues! You also have the french version ❤️

2 possible illustrations : one with Lysander and one with Castiel and Lysbaby (NSFW)

1° Castiel: It's unbelievable. We'll never change you, will we...

A. Yes, one day he'll forget his head! B. It's not for lack of trying... C. Why would we want to change him? It's perfect! (+5 with Lysander)

2° Castiel: So, I didn't even kiss you!

A. Don't worry, it's not necessary. B. Well, what are you waiting for then? C. What do you mean? Don't I get a hug, too? (+5)

3° Castiel: Even if in your case, Sucrette, you don't really have the choice to refuse I think...

A. It's not like I can kick you out now that you're here... (-5) B. Don't worry, I wouldn't have refused even if I had the choice (+0) C. You're kidding! You can stay as long as you want (+5)

4° Candy : (I hadn't done much work... I was busy looking at it while daydreaming...)

A. (One thought led to another, my gaze slipped to Lysander) (POSSIBLE ILLUSTRATION WITH LYSANDER) B. (I wonder how Castiel is doing...) C. (But this time there are two of them... Twice as many reasons to let my gaze wander (+5 with Castiel) (POSSIBLE ILLUSTRATION WITH LYSANDRE AND CASTIEL)

5° Castiel: If ever it doesn't start again with Crowstorm...

A. I'm sure Lysander would be happy to have you on the farm! He has plans for the future... (+0) B. You want to talk about it again? (+5 with Castiel) C. It would be Coll if it didn't start again! (-5)

6° Castiel: To see if you like it, if you want to do things together again...

A. It doesn't commit you to anything, Lysander: it could be fun to try... (+5 with Castiel and Lysander) B. I could do it! C. Don't you think it would be easier to find someone who is already motivated?

7° Castiel: So this is the perfect opportunity for both of us to get back on stage!

A.  Maybe you should have started there...? (+0) B. It's true that it's the ideal occasion... (+5 with Castiel) C. But you tried to con him by taking him by the feelings, there? (-5)

Before you go to the Salon to help Lysander and Castiel prepare a song for the concert, go to the Meadows! Auntie will give you a cute straw man! 🍁

8° Castiel: It's a bit...weird? To put the name of the band in a song? A. I don't think so. At least it's consistent (+5 with Lysander) B. Personally, I think it's a bit weird too, yes (-5 with Lysander) C. It's happened before... Not often, but it has happened (-5 with Castel)

9° Candy : Wait, I might have something...

A. I hope Zack dies...So does Leo (I laughed so hard at the one 😂 SAVAGE) B. I broke my ties...From a storm of crown C. I heard the lies...But I kept my oath (+5 with Castiel and Lysander)

10° Candy : (The atmosphere is completely crazy, the crowd is unleashed)

A. (I can't take my eyes off Castiel.) B. (My gaze keeps going from Lysander to Castiel) (POSSIBLE ILLUSTRATION WITH CASTIEL AND LYSANDER) C. (I am unable to take my eyes off Lysander) (POSSIBLE ILLUSTRATION WITH LYSANDER)

11° Castiel: In the end, I am very happy, when I see you both.

A. (There was a silence. Maybe I should go out) (ILLU NSFW) B. (Well, I've heard enough.) (ILLU LYSANDER)

11.1° If answer A to 11: A. (Even though there is no way anything will happen with Castiel, obviously) B. (I wouldn't mind a rapprochement against a...rapprochement. If Lysander is tempted...) (ILLU NSFW)

11.2° If B to 11.1   A. (The impression that it is the ideal moment to try something new; a new experience) (ILLU NSFW) B. (But it makes me a little uncomfortable too, it's better to go to sleep soon)

11.3. A. (And he doesn't like the idea, better to go back) B. (And he likes the idea, and that turns me on even more) (ILLU NSFW 👀)

Lysander: I remember it like it was yesterday... Do you remember what I said to you then?

A. Did you say something particularly memorable to me? B. You said you were delighted to meet me (ILLUSTRATION LYSBABY PROPOSAL) C. You told me you weren't a ghost.

If I made any mistakes or if you have any solutions, don't hesitate to leave me a message!

Don't hesitate to like and share! Thanks ❤️❤️

How does it feel to have the most correct opinions in the whole TLT fandom?

As a butch, the way the series treats Gideon felt so... Unkind (?), she's clearly a very good person, a love starved and big hearted individual with a yearning for freedom. Always denied of everything, of even a shred of happiness. Don't get me wrong, i love tragedies, and this is extremely tragic, but idk, there's something uncomfortable in there. The level of carelessness? It's hard to explain but i think you're one of the very few people in this fandom that gets me

It's a burden to be sure but NO LISTEN so.. We get that Gideon's own inner monologue and perspective, the one that we are reading from throughout the whole first book and a little of the second, is naturally self flagellating. And she uses comedy to entirely conceal her deeply heartbreaking situations and losses and longings, right? So, yes, this innate brutal tragedy that is her life would be FRAMED narratively as funny. And honestly that would be a really cool way of using the narrator and could lead to some deeply cathartic moments down the line for the reader, perhaps seeing moments from another pov and understanding exactly how crushingly sad they were.

But it's not just the narrative framing that encourages us to laugh at Gideon's tragedies, the bare bones things that happen in the book do as well. The one I think of most is when Gideon realises she's met her father, who is god, and that no one, not even her parents, ever loved or wanted her. That revelation is something you have to read between the lines for, since the actual scene ends with John turning to Gideon and reciting a very hamfisted 'hi I'm dad' meme that makes me cringe just thinking about it.

Harrow's tragedies are acknowledged, even if she never finds any comfort, even if it only gets worse, there are people around her who see how much pain she is in and you the reader know it as well. Gideon never gets any of that, her personhood is non-existant, she is there to be thirsted after or laughed at. She is never allowed to feel any of the things that happen that don't involve Harrow. She doesn't even care that she died.

And listen!! If we're all waiting for a book four revelation that Gideon as POV wasn't just self flagellating but ALSo a deeply unreliable narrator and she specifically shielded herself from emotionally poignant moments and remember them as jokes instead, that would be cool! But the way Tamsyn Muir talks about Gideon in interviews leaves me with very little hope on that score. Harrow's mind is barbed wire... Gideon is clumsy and slapstick.

In the end, the book cares about Harrow's pain but is callous of Gideon's, it IS unkind, and I have this incredibly complex relationship with it where like... I'd never ever read a book with a GNC lesbian main character before, it was really impactful for me, I genuinely identified with her. But that made the ending hit so unbelievably hard and I really wasn't prepared for it, I've said this before but it actually made me depressed for like a month afterwards, it wasn't the normal emotional rollercoaster read kind of stuff, I was depressed in a bad way because of how brutally Gideon was treated after identifying with her more than I ever have with any main character I've ever read before or since.

The world on my wrist —

soulmate!au

Pairing: Oliver Wood x Slytherin!fem!Reader

Summary: When your soulmate’s favourite thing appears on your wrist, it can become a big confusion.

Warnings: fainting, oliver being a sweetheart, fluff

Words: 1400

A/N: Hello lovely people! I’ve worked so hard on this one, I intend to make it a series with multiple characters. Let me know if you’d like it! Oliver is my favourite character so I loved writing this. Anyways, good reading!

The myths about soulmates are known for thousand of years in the Wizarding World. It's told that the day a person turns 16, a word appears on their wrist. That word is their favourite thing and it's written on your soulmate's handwriting. By the day it appears, the person shall search for their soulmate everyday until they find it, or it would be considered a rejection and it could be fatal. I've always dreamed about meeting my soulmate. I couldn't wait to find out who my second half was. So when I woke up on my 16th birthday, the first thing I did was to roll up my sleeves and check the word "Quidditch" on it. Strange, there were so many possibilities. But I immediately thought of my teammate Scot Fearn. He was my left hand as I was the Slytherin Quidditch Team captain, of course, but I never thought of him as more than it before. The feeling was odd. My friends told me I was supposed to feel a very strong random emotion, but I didn't feel anything extraordinary. Maybe that was my random feeling: numbness.

"Hey, Fearn! Can I get a word?" I said by the end of that Saturday's practice. He followed me outside the changing room with a bag filled with a bunch of badly folded uniform. I stared at his eyes for a moment. He was indeed a good friend, maybe I always knew we completed each other.

"First of all, happy birthday. Second of all- Well, I don't know, you haven't said anything yet." Scot said, brushing a hand through his light brown hair. We both giggled. I took a deep breath and tried to say something.

"I’m sorry but um- What... What does it say on your, um, on your wrist?" I stubbled myself through the words, looking down at our feet. He didn't say anything for a second, but then gasped for air.

"Quidditch." His wrist was showing. The calligraphy wasn't exactly like mine, but it looked similar. I showed him mine.

"Mine too. Do you think we are think we are...?" I glanced at him, biting my lip trying to hold my anxiety.

"I think we are..." He smiled widely at me. I could feel the fresh breath against the top of my head. I smiled at him too, as he took me around his arms. I've found my soulmate, but something felt strange.

—

The month went by. Me and Scot were officially dating and almost everyone in Hogwarts knew about it, as it usually happened when soulmates met. I got sick at the first week of the second month, one day before our first game against Gryffindor. I spent the day in bed, trying to get better for the next day. Scot stayed with me the whole day, of course. He seemed sick too.

The game was about to start. We flew to our positions on the pitch while Madam Hoch prepared herself. I needed to greet the Gryffindor captain. I looked at the team: the beater twins on the right, the chasers: Angelina, Alice and Katie around the captain, the seeker Harry Potter was higher than everyone else, and Oliver Wood right in front of me. I stared at his eyes waiting for the game to start. As I continued to stare into his dark orbits, I started feeling dizzy and suddenly everything was a blur.

"... I think cinnamon? But strawberry tea is great too." I heard a feminine voice speak. I opened my eyes a bit, looking around. I was laying down a bed in Hospital Wing, two persons were sitting a bit far from me. I recognised Katie Bell and my boyfriend in their Quidditch Uniforms. I didn't had the strength to talk yet. "Um, do you want to go to the kitchen or something? I don't think they'll wake up any soon and it's kind of getting late." She continued and he only nodded once, grinning widely at her. I watched them leave, slightly uncomfortable. Their hands were interlocked.

"What?" The word left as a whisper from my mouth, as I tried to get up.

"Oh, you're awake." A Scottish accent filled the room. I then noticed Oliver Wood in the bed in front of me. "I've been pretending to be sleeping for a couple hours. It's good to finally have someone to talk to. Though I don't have good news."

"What happened? Why are we here?" My voice, again, failed me, too low that if there were a single noise in the room, he wouldn't hear me. He got up and walked to a chair beside my bed. The moonlight that entered from the windows reflected on his brown hair.

"You don't remember either? Well, I spent some time trying to figure this out. I remember seeing you fall from your broom and then I felt sick and fell from mine too. I've been sick all week, actually." His gaze followed my motions as I got up and stretched a bit, feeling much better.

"Me too..." I furrowed my eyebrows a bit, hoping he wouldn't notice in the lack of light. "Are you feeling better now? Whatever Madam Pomfrey did to me, it worked. I feel like I could run a marathon."

"I am, actually. That woman is unbelievable good at her work. By the way, they replaced us and Slytherin won. Katie told me they played really well, I've always admired you." I smiled at him, as the realisation crossed his mind. "As- as a captain, that's what I meant."

—

Me and Oliver bonded throughout the following month. It felt good being around him. It made me feel more alive than I've ever felt. I only saw Scot during meals and our relationship was great, I just happened to make friend just like he became friends with Katie Bell. I was studying for potions exam with Wood, when I remembered I needed new strategies as the next game was near. I searched for a new piece parchment and dipped my quill on the ink. I started writing.

"Hell's bells! What's this?" Oliver exclaimed slamming his hand on my parchment.

"Stop! You'll stain it!" I slapped his hand, making him back away. "These are my strategies, which, by the way, you're not supposed to see. We're still rivals."

"No, no. The title." He pointed at the word 'quidditch' and raised his hand to me. "Look. It's the same calligraphy." He showed me his wrist and the word in it. "We're soulmates Y/N!" I laughed at him until I realised he was being serious. It couldn't be.

"Are you out of your mind? I turned 16 last month, we would be dead by now! It's just a coincidence, I'm sure Katie's handwriting is exactly the same as the one on your skin, mine is just similar." I explained to him in a quiet voice, since the other students at the library were already looking at us.

"Are you rejecting me?" The emotion in his voice made me shiver. Oliver seemed devastated for a second. I could tell he truly believed that.

"No, of course not! I can't reject you because we're not soulmates, Wood."

"I've been wanting to tell you that for a long time. Since that day in the Hospital Wing, I knew I liked you. I thought it was impossible and that my feelings were messy because I shouldn't be able to fall in love with someone else but this is it. You are my soulmate and I know that deep down you think I'm yours too."

"I don't th-" In a fast movement, his hand held my neck, pulling me into him. I couldn’t think fast enough to deny it nor I wanted to. Our lips met quickly as a electric current stormed inside my body. It was like every cell of mine was exploding at the same time, but in a very good way. From the top of my head head to the point of my toe, I was automatically euphoric. He broke of the kiss, staring deeply into my eyes, hands still on me, I noticed his pupils dilate as I saw my on reflect on them.

“Oh, so we actually are.” We laughed, kissing again. And again. And again. And many more times that evening and the following years.

Here's a prompt I've been thinking about writing but never will Ruby finds that whenever she checks out a book from the library its been checked out before by a W.Schnee as well. Like every book she chooses. So she's suuuper curious as to what type of person she is. She thinks theyre really similar because they have the same tastes in books.And they meet and she finds out that Weiss is nothing like her at all.And cute shit happens? Idk I didn't think this through 😂

BRUH WHAT THIS IS SO FUCKING CUTE I went ham on this lmao thank you so much for the prompt idea!! I picture Ruby and Weiss in their twenties in this as a PSA lol ---------- The library was solemn that afternoon. Ruby wandered the stacks, breathing in the paper and leather from the shelves around her. The tips of her fingers skimmed the spines, silver eyes drifting over with no real clarity behind them. She pulled a book free from the shelf with the title The Beast of Vale, automatically flipping it open and skimming the inside cover. Someone sneezed with the force of a gunshot in the distance and Ruby nearly dropped the book, a flustered apology whispered out of sight. She recovered with a soft giggle, tucking it under her arm. Arching up onto her toes to glance at the other covers, there was a second sneeze and another hasty apology. Ruby bit her lip to stifle another laugh, pulling a second book free, Dust Below Dawn, and set to reading the inside cover. She pinched that to her side too, reaching for a third book - and a third sneeze rocketed through the quiet library. She heard a soft swear nearby and shuffled her books into her hands, curiosity pricking at her skin. She slunk to the end of the aisle, poking her head around the corner. “Bless y-” She choked off mid-sentence, her eyes widening. The woman seated amongst the thick red leather couches was far too pretty to be real. Stark white hair draped over her shoulders in silk waves, braided at the temples and leaving the rest to fall loose. White bangs framed her brow, partially covering a thick pale scar over her left eye. Most of her face was covered by a pale blue handkerchief furiously rubbing at her nose, but Ruby could still catch the gem blue eyes squinted against the pressure. They matched the dark and light blues of her three piece suit and matching heels. She had a sleek looking laptop on the coffee table in front of her, a lipstick stained coffee cup set beside it. Accompanying the laptop were several blue-bound books stacked as far away from her as possible, without the threat of them falling off the small table. The woman sniffed daintily, catching Ruby’s movement and hastily folding her handkerchief back into her inside pocket. “Oh -” “Oh um -” Ruby stammered at the same time, nearly jumping out of her skin as those blue eyes focused completely on her. “Did I -” “Bless you!” Ruby blurted out in a panic. The woman paused, blinking at her. “...Thank you..?” “You’re pretty - Welcome!” Ruby squeaked, her heart pounding so hard she was sure she could feel it through the books clutched to her chest. “You’re pretty welcome. Yep.”    An almost invisible smile pitched the corners of the woman’s eyes, amusement coloring her tone. “Pretty welcome. That’s a new one.” Ruby flushed red to the tips of her ears, a clumsy little laugh bursting from her, unchecked. “Well I’m uh, a new one. New-new person, I mean. We’ve never met before. So I’m new. To you.” The working percentage of her brain immediately wished to crawl into a hole and never come out again. Thankfully, her flustering seemed to amuse the woman further, prompting a light, stuttering laugh from her red lips. Ruby was surprised with herself, amazed she was still standing beyond the force of that smile. “You are.” The woman said evenly. Ruby immediately wished she’d worn something nicer to the library, as the weight of those blue eyes skimmed over her attire. Big black boots and black rose stockings lead up to a simple short black dress cinched at the waist and deep red cardigan thrown haphazardly over her shoulders, the tattered ends reaching down to her ankles. The soft red sleeves were pushed up her forearms, black bracelets around her wrists and a simple black choker wrapped around her throat. She didn’t bother with make-up that day, and she bemoaned it silently. “S-so um.” She shifted awkwardly, the woman’s eyes snapped up to hers immediately, the words sticking in her throat. She swallowed and tried again, clutching her books tighter for sanity. “A-are you um. Okay? Those were some pretty powerful sneezes.” The woman’s spine stiffened a little, crossing her legs at the knee. Her hands folded over on her lap. One of her heels drifted a little loose, cruxed at the ball of her foot. She had the presence of someone three times her actual size and Ruby could only watch the transformation in awe. “I’m fine, thank you for your concern. It seems I’m mildly allergic to the dust in these books. And not the useful kind.” Her lips pursed in the semblance of a frown. “Oh, that’s tragic.” Ruby flushed back up her eyes. “I-I mean, not tragic tragic. Just, um. It sucks you can’t smell the paper without sneezing.” “Yes I...thought the same.” She tilted her head, a few strands of her hair curling over the sharp line of her shoulder. Ruby wondered absently if meeting someone gorgeous was supposed to feel like dying. “Have you read those books before?” “These?” Ruby looked down at the books in her hands like she’d forgotten they were there. Honestly it was hard to remember anything now that she could breathe. “Uh no, not yet. I was planning to check them out though.” “Dust Below Dawn is enjoyable, as long as you don’t mind egregious prose and flowery alliterations.” The woman hummed, her spine relaxing as she reached for her coffee cup. Ruby tried not to stare too hard as her pale throat bobbed with a sip. “Wow, words.” Ruby murmured under her breath, shell-shocked that she’d missed her entire sentence. “Alternatively,” The woman continued, either ignoring or missing Ruby’s lack of attention, “The Beast of Vale is a masterwork. The author spent a dangerous amount of months near Mount Glenn just researching the properties of the city and grimm surrounding.” Ruby snapped out of her daze, glancing down at her copy of The Beast of Vale in wonder. Her feet were moving before she even realised it, cardigan sweeping out in a flutter behind her as she dropped into the opposing red couch. She leaned over the books now relocated to her lap, leaning forward eagerly. “Wow so you’ve read both of these before?” It was only after a beat of silence that Ruby realised how pink the other woman’s cheeks were, how wide her eyes had grown. “I- well yes. I wouldn’t know anything about them if I had no interest.” “Do you research the authors of all the books you read?” Ruby asked curiously. “Only the ones I care deeply for. I like knowing the process involved.” “That’s super neat!” The woman blinked like she’d just been blindsided. “Thank you?” “On a scale of one through ten, what would you rate Dust Below Dawn?” Ruby bulldozed on through the conversation, gaining confidence now. “Six.” The woman replied, almost startled by her own quick response. “The Beast of Vale?” “Nine.” “Okay okay, how about - are these books yours too?” Ruby prodded the small stack closest to her, careful not to jostle the stained coffee cup. “They are.” “Have you read them already?” “...Yes.” The woman’s flush crawled higher on her cheeks, her sharp scar imperious amongst the pink. “Okay,” Ruby flipped the top book over, skimming the title. “What would you rate - oh hey, I’ve read this one! What would you rate Atlas Knights?” “Ugh, two.” The woman wrinkled her nose. “I read it faster because I wanted it over with. The main character was unbelievably whiny.” “I dunno, I was under the impression she had a hard time expressing herself.” Ruby hummed, flipping the cover over to the library checkout slip.  She found her name, R. Rose, and another below hers, W. Schnee. A bit of recognition itched at the back of her mind. The woman scoffed. “Well what rating would you give it?” Ruby’s attention switched on a dime. “Mm… probably a five.” Ruby frowned. “The world was cool. But if the main character had a hard time expressing herself, the author also didn’t give her a chance to be better. It’s like, she’s saved by her knight, but still a brat. The other characters all know she’s a brat, but none of them talk to her about it. She isn’t given a chance to be a person, she’s just given a flaw and stuck with it for the entire story.” The woman hummed in reticent agreement, reaching for her coffee again. Ruby pointedly didn’t watch this time, sliding the book aside to look at the one underneath. She made a little curious hum under her breath. “I’ve read this one too. What did you think about Song of Ice and Rust?” “Probably rated a seven or eight. I enjoyed the twist immensely.” Ruby looked up at her with a bright grin, heart thundering uncomfortably in her throat. “It was so good, wasn’t it!?” She received a small but genuine smile for her enthusiasm. It made her feel like she could fly to the rafters. “The dragon really sold it for me, I wasn’t expecting it to be the ancient king.” “Gods I read that and almost screamed - it was like three in the morning though so I had to contain myself.” “That must have been hard for you.” The woman said with false sympathy, though her smile remained curled. “Hey! I’ll have you know Miss -” Ruby glanced on the inside of the cover, finding again her name and the same W. Schnee underneath. “Schnee, I’m perfectly capable of containing myself.” “This conversation has proved otherwise.” She replied smoothly, though a bit of stiffness had returned to her spine. Her gaze seemed to be searching for something, but Ruby wasn’t really sure what it was she wanted. Shrugging it off, she moved on to the last book on the table, a small frown gracing her face. “Man this is so weird, I’ve literally read all of these.” Ruby said, tilting her head curiously. “We must have similar tastes in literature.” “We must…” Ruby squinted at the inside of the cover, spotting the same W. Schnee below her name. Something itched at the back of her mind again. She dropped the cover closed, swinging open Dust Till Dawn’s cover. There was the same simple cursive of W. Schnee. “Have you read The Nevermore’s Quarry?” Ruby asked, suddenly, looking up at her. She knew full well that book wasn’t anywhere near their little table. The woman blinked, leaning forward curiously. “Yes, I have. How did you-?” “The Harbinger Sons?” Ruby asked, silver eyes widening. “...Yes?” The woman looked equally as mystified. Her eyes drifted above Ruby’s head in thought. “Have you read Of Bones and Evil?” “Yes,” Ruby breathed, her grin growing wider by the second. “Fortune’s Fallacy?” Ruby just nodded, her entire body lighting up with a different kind of energy. “What in the world…” The woman murmured. “I think you might be my library soulmate.” Ruby said. She had no idea someone could turn so red in such a short time, admiring the flush under the woman’s scar. Ruby was almost entertained, watching as she sputtered in the cutest kind of fluster. “Y-you can’t just say that to someone!” She stammered. Ruby’s confidence came roaring to life. She pouted. “So that means I can’t ask you out either?” “I- what.” Blue eyes blinked rapidly, the very picture of an error message written in human form. “I thought your name looked familiar. I’ve been reading the same books as you for almost a year straight.” Ruby tried not to show how much her palms were sweating, nerves shuffling in cold versus the warm wake of her momentary confidence. Predictably, her mouth started running without her permission.“I think we have a lot in common and I’d like to get to know you and maybe possibly talk more about books when I don’t look like a scrub. You’re like, other-worldly gorgeous and you’re so far out of my league but my sister says I can’t write anything off without trying it first and I figured I’d try it out y’know, benefit of the doubt and holy moly I’ve been talking for way too long-” “You only know my name from the books we’ve read?” The woman spoke it more like a statement, almost like she couldn’t believe what she was saying. “Um. I mean I’d like to know your first name. But, yeah.” Ruby gave in and brushed her palms down the front of her skirt, fingers starting to shake with adrenaline. “Weiss.” She replied absently. “Weiss Schnee.” Ruby’s lips twitched into a nervous smile. “Ruby Rose.” Weiss gave her a once over, the astonishment fading into something entirely different. Her gaze carried a weight to it that had Ruby’s palms sweating double time, her twitchy fingers immediately fiddling with her red cardigan. “...Alright.” Weiss gave a slow, smooth smile. Ruby almost passed out. “Wh- really?” “Do you have a pen on you?” “I- yes!” Ruby all but evacuated the library ten minutes later, a number written on the back of her hand next to a clear, red lipstick stain. She nearly ran into a pole, but she knew it’d be ten thousand percent worth it. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Yang’s face.

Early bird {Tony Stark x reader}

You reached out for a large bowl next to the kettle that you'd put on for tea. Your apron was in flour as you tried to sift it with baking powder. Two other bowls next to the plate, the smell of a formed dough already filled your nostrils.

Living in the Avengers facility had its perks. The avengers often called you their "landlady", the landlady of the crew, or an "early bird" because of all people in the facility you were the one who woke up before everyone else. They always joked about it saying that even Vision didn't wake up that early. And he never sleeps. Or so you thought. And when you did wake up early, you'd usually make breakfast for the crew. The "landlady" came from it.

So, early in the morning, with the first rays of rising sun you were standing in the kitchen at the counter, mixing the components and humming the song that you'd heard on the radio in Tony's car the previous day. Speaking of Tony. Maybe you were the avenger like others, but he didn't treat you like everyone else. His behaviour with you was special. He'd be all flirty and clumsy at the same time around you, he'd always try to get you in his car whenever you and the rest of the avengers would go to the party or return from there; just to be alone with you. Or he'd throw you a party whenever you got back from a mission, when you got a driver's license, on your birthdays and so on.

Though you were against such things and as much as you were grateful for that kind of attention, you often felt uncomfortable with him spoiling you so, and when he'd noticed that, he tried to be more discreet with the presents.

You knew he loved you, and that would be a wrong thing to say that you didn't love him back.

"Ah, early bird." You heard Tony's voice somewhere behind you.

"Tony! Did I wake you up?" You continued stirring the mixture slowly until smooth.

He reached into the fridge to grab the bottle of orange juice.

"No. Actually, I was up all night. Couldn't sleep." He took a step forward and leaned over the counter.

"And why is that?" You put a lightly oiled griddle on the stove. You looked around for a ladle when Tony noticed it beside him and handed it to you. "Ah, thanks."

"I've got this.. puzzle here. I think I solved it." He took a sip and watched as you scooped the batter onto the griddle.

"That's-, that's good, Tony. But don't be too hard on yourself. It's just... a "puzzle", you know." You looked up at him as he approached you.

"Anyway. What are you cooking?" He looked down at the table.

"Pancakes."

"Mmm, it smells good." You carefully lifted the pancake and checked if it was golden-brown before turning over.

"Wanna try?" You put one pancake on a serving plate and picked up the fork from the drawer. You cut a slice of the pancake and brought it to his mouth. He opened his mouth, eyes locked with yours and tasted it before closing his eyes in bliss.

You giggled as he opened his eyes again. "Unbelievable." He uttered.

"It is so delicious, Y/n. My taste buds are thanking me right now." He took a bite of the pancake again and groaned.

"Thank you." You laughed at his silliness, completely forgetting about the other pancake on the stove.

"I tell you what, you should try selling your pastry."

"Really? You think so?" You made a thinking face, putting your left hand under your chin.

"Yes! And you should try selling them in front of this facility. To attract kids." He said and you burst out laughing.

"Right." His smile became wider as he saw you laughing. You stood there in silence for a while until you smelled something burning.

"Oh no." You tried to pull the burnt pancake out of the griddle with a spatula. Tony opened the window to air the room.

Steve walked into the kitchen yawning and saw you at the counter. "What's for breakfast today?" He smiled as he sat leaning over the counter.

"Always spoiling the moment, Rogers." Tony came back and sat beside you.

Finding Family

"Family is not an important thing.

It's everything."

"I've never seen anything like it before in my life. They have this wall and it's all concrete, and then the crops and live stock! everything is so meticulously organized, their armory is stocked in ways you couldn't even imagine." Rick rambled, ducking beneath a low hanging branch as the rest of the group followed behind. They'd been on the road for over 11 hours when Rick had finally instructed them all to pull over through the walkie.

It was nearing close to another hour since they had all started walking through the poorly shaded woods, the Atlanta sun burning their skin and stray walkers hiding in the brush. Daryl had never seen this part of Atlanta before and he couldn't help but be impressed with how well this supposed "miracle community" was hidden.

"If I hear bout' this damn Georgetown one more time, I'm throwin' him all the way there." Merle grumbled from beside him, cutting down the far too tall grass with the chiseled saw he called a hand.

"Just keep ya mouth shut and keep ya eyes on the path." Daryl hissed at his brother, moving to walk a few feet ahead. Their relationship was beyond strained and some days it was worse than others, there was a deep seeded resentment amongst the two brothers, most days Daryl couldn't even look Merle in the eyes.

Everyone knew the reason why.

"Are we almost there?" Glenn panted, leaning into the hand Maggie was massaging his achey neck with.

"Almost." Rick promised.

"They gonna see us comin'? Ain't gonna attack or nothin'?" Daryl fell into step with Rick.

"No. They seem to be good people, they know I'm bringing my people to talk. I've only spoken to their leader Charlie and a few of the residents, it was Charlie's idea to bring you all for a visit. He wants to see the type of People Alexandria produces." Rick explained.

"So best behavior folks!" Abraham chuckled and slapped Eugene on the shoulder sending the mulleted man stumbling into Carol and Michonnes backs.

Carol whipped around and raised a brow at Eugene, Michonne laughed as the socially awkward man scrambled back to Abraham's side with wide, frightened eyes.

Almost half an hour later the sounds of muffled voices broke through the silence of the woods, Rick hadn't been lying , the concrete wall that blocked the community from the outside wall was incredible and large and so tall there it seemed to tower over even the tallest oak tree lining the woods.

"Holy shit." Jesus stopped abruptly, his jaw practically on the floor as he stared up at the dark grey, smooth concrete slab.

"That's unbelievable." Carol whispered

"Carl's going to be so mad he missed this." Michonne added

"Rosita too." Sasha stepped forward and pressed her hand against the wall tugging Tyreese alongside it.

Merle elbowed Daryl in the ribs and grinned

"Looks like that old burned down factory we used to store our huntin stuff in' with the cracked concrete and tall ass walls."

"Yeah. S'also where you started sellin' the meth and damn near got me killed by a tweaker." Daryl mumbled, dodging another elbow from Merle.

Wasn't that always how it was? Every good thing daryl had ever had was tainted by Merle's reckless and stupid behavior. It was that way then and it hadn't changed, it never would.

The heavy welded doors opened slowly in front of all of them and out stepped an older man who was so tall even Tyreese had to look up to catch his eyes.

"Hello Alexandria, I'm so happy you all could make it. The ride here was smooth I assume? No trouble?"

Rick stepped forward, extending his hand to the stranger and grinning.

"No trouble at all. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to say our piece, and Thank-you for giving my people a chance. I know how difficult it is to trust someone you hardly know, especially in this world."

Rick would have been one hell of a politician if the world hadn't gone to shit, it was amazing to see the easy way he talked to anyone and everyone never giving away even a piece of himself.

"Well of course, of course. Come on in then, you never know what's lurking in these woods." The man Daryl assumed was Charlie ushered them all inside the walls of the community, signaling to a group of men on top of the walls to close the doors.

It wasn't real.

There was absolutely no way something as prospering and lively and god damn beautiful could exist in the world they lived in now. Behind the walls of Georgetown was row after row of blooming and blossoming crops, farm animals grazed behind fenced fields, families tended to the fields and satellite panels stood tall on poles surrounding the beautifully kept homes. There were children playing and mothers knitting on porches, men were lugging lumber though the sidewalks and someone to Daryl's left was patching up the roof of a tiny yellow cottage.

"I told you." Rick whispered in his ear "I've never seen anything like it."

Neither had Daryl, not in this life or his last.

It felt welcoming and clean and homey..

It felt safe.

Maggie was the first to speak

"This place is beautiful, it's like a different world. I can't believe how much food y'all have! And the protection from the barriers and fences.. it's truly amazing."

Charlie smiled proudly

"Yes, we've worked very hard to achieve all that we have. But Rick tells me you've all worked hard as well. I'd heard of the saviors from passing travelers, fortunately we never encountered any at Georgetown. We're far too hidden to be found, of course we do have a plan of action in place should the time come we're threatened." His tone held a hint of a warning and Daryl felt Merle shift uncomfortably beside him, he got all fidgety when the saviors were mentioned. Daryl just got nauseous.

"You said we'd be able to meet more of your people? Not that I'm in any place to rush you but clearly we can see how well this place is run and I think we're all curious as to who's behind it." Rick smiled brightly and nudged Michonne until she was smiling just as wide.. albeit a bit more awkwardly.

"Well to be fair every single person who lives within the walls of our community is responsible for the progress and safety of our home. But if you mean my counsel, let me introduce you." The taller man pulled a walkie from his utility belt

"Hey team, meet in the corridor. Emergency meeting."

A chorus of jumbled

"Okay... got it.. be there in a sec."

sounded through the device.

"I haven't told them I was bringing you in, they would all be too anxious. They're going to be the deciding factors on whether I agree to the trade so I feel it's important they look at this with fresh eyes. It's better they don't have time to think on it." Charlie winked.

"I was in the shower. Someone better be dead."

A petite woman with short hair and tattooed arms came sprinting down the steps of the large white building that Daryl and his group were standing in front of. She was beautiful but the way her eyes landed on Michonne and lingered for just a moment too long made it fairly obvious she would not be interested in Rick, Daryl, Merle or anyone of that particular gender.

"You were in the shower? I was in dreamland. I was out all night scoping for walkers, you said I could sleep in." A mammoth sized man with a scarred face and dark blue eyes followed the smaller woman, trailing after her and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Charlie chuckled and shook his head

"These are a few of the people I wanted you to meet. They've come looking to trade with us, I wanted them to come by and meet you before we get into any details." He explained.

The tattooed woman reached a hand out to Michonne and the huge blue eyed man instantly reached for a high five from Rick

"I'm Tucker and that's Ruby. I run construction and head most of the supply runs, Ruby runs the armory she knows everything there is to know about guns so if you guys think you can ever get one over on her you're sorely mistaken." Tucker's laugh filled the air before he clapped a hand onto Glenn's shoulder nearly drilling him to the ground with the force of his grip. Merle snorted and Daryl had to fight to keep the smile off of his face.

"Aidan is tied up in the kitchen right now, he's got to get lunch out before we hit the road for our next run. He said he'd come by after."

Charlie nodded in understanding before turning towards The front doors of the white building again

"Where's Lil, I thought I heard her say..."

"I'm here! Sorry I got stuck with stitches on an eight year old not fun at a.."

Daryl's head snapped forward at that voice, he knew that voice, could pick it out of a million people. He never thought he would hear it again.. he never thought....

"LiliAnna?!?" Maggie practically squealed, dropping her weapons and running towards the blonde currently staring slack jawed at the group standing in front of her.

"Maggie?" She choked, falling back onto the steps of the stairs as the short haired brunette tackled her to the ground, squeezing her tight and rambling in her ear.

"I can't believe it's you! It's been almost two years! Look at you! You look amazing! I've missed you so much!" She babbled, tears leaking from her eyes as she held tight to her former best friend.

"I've missed you too." LiliAnna whispered, cupping Maggie's face and dropping her forehead to hers. When Maggie finally stepped away Rick was there to take her place, wrapping his arms around LiliAnna and smiling

"I had no idea you lived here? I've been back and forth for the past few weeks and I haven't seen you once." He pulled away and gave her a once over for injuries, Daryl had seen him do it countless times and it made his heart ache to see the familiarity playing out right before his eyes.

"I run Medical here, I'm The head nurse and we had a bit of an accident on our last run. I've been tending to the injured all month trying to get them back on their feet.. not to mention how busy I am typically." LiliAnna smiled softly before squeezing ricks hand and turning to greet the rest of the group, lingering a little longer on carol and wiping the older woman's tears with the sleeve of her jacket, they had always had a special bond.

"I feel like I'm missing something here." Ruby scratched her head.

"Ditto." Tucker shrugged, smiling at all of the happy faces "doesn't matter much though, look how happy they are. Can't bottle that up."

LiliAnna hugged Abraham one last time before finally turning towards Daryl.

"Daryl Dixon." She smiled softly, her eyes slightly misty with tears.

"Lili." He breathed, the name coming out no louder than a whisper. She looked beautiful, if possible even more so than he had ever seen her. Her long blonde hair was left loose at her shoulders, sky blue eyes big and bright on her sun kissed face. She was still too skinny, she always forgot to eat and it drove Daryl crazy, she was always too busy looking out for everyone else she often forgot about herself. But still she was beautiful, perfect. Except for..

There was a jagged light pink scar that stretched from the temple of her right eye all the way down to the corner of her top lip and when she walked towards him she walked with a limp, it wasn't all that noticeable but Daryl could see it, he'd memorized it as she walked away two years ago.

"Didn't think I'd ever see ya face again." He swallowed.

"Didn't think you would either." She answered honestly, her eyes were just as warm and beautiful as he remembered and her skin looked just as soft, he reached a hand out to touch her cheek when suddenly the shadow of a figure covered his back.

Almost as if she had been burned Lili flinched away, eyes casting over Daryl's shoulder and narrowing dangerously before she stumbled backwards and away from him. Daryl whipped around to see Merle standing directly behind him, eyes wide and apologetic when He noticed Daryl's hand still raised.

"Sorry little brother.. I didn't think."

"Ya never think." Daryl growled, harshly turning away from the man who had single handedly destroyed his happiness more times than he could count.

"LiliAnna! We gotta show you something."

Someone was coming towards them from a few feet away. Daryl couldn't make out the face yet but the voice sounded strangely familiar.

"That's D." Charlie explained "he's part of our combat group.. teaches our residents how to defend themselves."

D...

Dwight.

Sure enough the mangled man came rushing forward, a child in his arms with wild blonde curls and bright blue eyes, a huge smile on the child's face.. the kid couldn't be older than a year and he looked nothing like Dwight.. actually he looked more like..

"Mama!"

Mama? Did that mean..

"Hi sweet boy! How was your nap? Did Uncle D keep you up again?" LiliAnna reached for the baby in Dwight's arms and cradled him to her chest pressing sloppy kisses all over his cheek while he giggled and squirmed.

"You have a baby?" Michonne let the severe sharpness of her features lessen for just a moment as she stared at the mother and her child.

"I do. His names Greyson and he just tuned one." She smiled proudly.

"Oh my god Hershel Jr. just found himself a new best friend." Maggie tugged in Glenn's sleeve in excitement and even the lanky Korean couldn't keep the smile off of his face. LiliAnnas eyes softened immediately and she grinned

"It was a boy?" She asked Maggie.

"It sure was.. just like your little angel." Maggie moved forward to squeeze the chubby little ones cheeks. Rick was talking to Charlie and the rest of the group was either admiring Greyson or asking Ruby and Tucker questions.

"You see it don't you?" Merle asked from his space beside Daryl.

"See what?" Daryl refused to take his eyes off of the baby in LiliAnnas arms.

"Those are mamas eyes." Merle chuckled making Daryl snap his head towards his older brother.

"What?"

Merle shook his head at his brothers obliviousness

"That boys a Dixon through and through."

Dwight's body stiffened at the sound of Merle's voice, he whipped around and drew his gun the instant his eyes caught sight of Merle.

"Woah!" Ruby shouted

Everyone turned towards the commotion and Charlie rushed towards Dwight

"D, what are you doing.. these people are our guests.. you can't just pull your.."

"Guests?!" Dwight scoffed "why the hell is he in our camp?! Why would you let him in here!"

LiliAnna handed Greyson off to Maggie and moved to stand beside Dwight, placing her hand in his arm she spoke quickly

"It's okay.. I'm okay. It's fine Dwight, put the gun down"

"Are they here to do business? They want to trade? Fat chance!" Dwight kept his gun trained on Merle but spoke directly to Charlie "you cannot let these people in here, you cannot do business with them. They took in that.. that monster." His hands were shaking around the trigger of his rifle and Daryl couldn't move, his feet frozen to the spot. Merle seemed to be in the same position because he hadn't even drawn his gun yet.

"What did he do? What's going on LiliAnna?" Tucker came to stand behind Dwight as back up and Ruby soon followed, her hands tight on her pistol.

"He.. it was the past.." She whispered, her eyes darting to her son behind her.

Suddenly images flooded Daryl's brain.

Dwight carrying a nearly lifeless Lili through the smoke and ash, her face so bruised and bloody it was almost unrecognizable.

The screaming. Her cries of pain and desperation as Hershel attempted to stitch her up and set her bones.

Her wide, terrified eyes when she looked up at him from the cot as Hershel relocated her shoulder

"Merle." She had croaked "it was Merle."

"I'll tell you what happened." Dwight growled, the click of his trigger sounding through the almost silent air "that bastard beat Lil to death and made me watch. She survived because she's stronger than all of us but he was trying to kill her... slowly.. he wanted her to feel it."

Daryls eyes met Lilis from across the field.

She looked him dead in the eye for just a moment before she raced over to Maggie, scooped up Greyson and rushed back up the stairs to the big building.

Charlie cleared his throat and placed a hand on Dwight's raised Gun.

"It looks like we may have more to discuss."