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dragon-kazansky · 3 months

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Symphony of dreams

Morpheus x Female Reader

Death has one more gift for Dream. A friend. A human who will deny death and live forever. Finding the claim amusing, Dream agrees to meet with this man every hundred years to see if he still wishes to live. You had faith in this man.

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Warnings: First couple meet-ups are straight from the episode. Then Dream brings you along. Have fun passing through the centuries with your husband 🤭

Chapter Seven - Hob

☆☆☆

1389

The first time Morpheus met Hob, he was with his sister. He had long hair back then. It was around that time he met you. He had left you in The Dreaming to meet with his dear sister, Death.

She had something she wanted to show him.

"Was the girl not enough?"

Death smiles.

"You will come to love her, I promise. No, this is someone different. While I granted your companion immortality so she may spend eternity with you," Dream rolled his eyes, "this case is different."

They head inside the tavern.

He was sitting at a table. Morpheus could hear him quite clearly.

"Look, I've seen death. I lost half my village to the Black Death. I fought under Buckingham in Burgundy. It's not like I don't know what death is. Death is... stupid."

Morpheus was intrigued.

"Novody has to die. The only reason people die is... is 'cause everyone does it. You all just go along with it. But not me. I've made up my mind. I'm not going to die."

The other men at the table laugh at him.

"Hobs, death comes for every man."

"You don't know that."

Dream looks at his sister.

"I might get lucky. There's always a first time."

Or second, in this case. Death had already given you such a gift so he would never be alone. How silly.

"There's so much to do, so many things to see. Women to swive. Ale to drink. People to drink with."

"Why would any sensible creature crave an eternity of this?" Dream asks Death.

"You could find out."

"How?"

I could grant him his wish."

He knew it. Another you. Perfect.

"Do that, and he will be begging for death within a century." Dream says, amused. He was waiting for you to grow board in his realm, if he was honest.

"This will prove very interesting," Death smiles.

They both look at Hob.

"Are you gonna tell him, or should I?" She asks.

"I shall." Dream smiles slightly.

Morpheus appraiches the table. Leaves him to it. This was going to be very interesting indeed.

"Did I hear you say you have no intention of ever dying?" Dream asks the human.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, that's right."

"Then you must tell me what's it like. Let us meet here again, Robert Gadling. In this tavern of the White Horse in 100 years."

Dream looks up at his sister. She nods. He nods back.

"A hundred years' time, on this day?" Hob asks. Dream nods. "I will see you in the year of our Lord 1489, then." Hob smiles.

Dream walks away with a small smile.

Robert watches him go, confused.

☆☆☆

1489

"How did you know... that I'd still be here?" Hob asks, looking at the man he saw a hundred years ago. "Who are you? A wizard? A Saint? A demon?"

Dream looked at the other man.

"Have I made a bargain with the devil?"

"No."

"Then why aren't I dead long since?" Hob asks. "Is this kind of a game?"

"No game." Morpheus says, slightly amused. What he had with you had been a game of sorts. You won. In less than a hundred years in fact.

"But why? Who are you? Why are you here?"

"I'm here because I'm interested." Morpheus tells him.

"In me?"

"In your experience."

"What do I have to do?"

"Nothing. You love your life as you choose. Then, on this day, every 100 years, we will meet."

"Because you want to know what it's like."

A moment passes between them as Hob starts to understand.

"All right. I'll tell you what it's like."

Dream leans in slightly. He is so sure this man will beg for death.

"It's fucking brilliant."

That was unexpected.

"It's all changing."

"In what way?" Dream asks.

"Uh... Chimneys. Not having your eyes watering all the time from the smoke. And now we have these little cloth pieces for tour nose. In the old days, we just used our sleeves."

A man grunts from the next table over. He just lost a card game.

"Oh. And playing cards."

"What will you people think of next?" Dream says, not sounding too enthusiastic. He can almost hear your excitement, though.

"With any luck, something to get rid of fleas."

"But what have you been doing for the last hundred years?" Morpheus asks.

"Um... Same as before. Soldiering, mainly. A little banditry here and there if I couldn't find a war. Uh, but now, I've started in a new trade. It's called printing."

Morpheus looks at him. He's amused. "So you still want to live?"

"Oh, yes."

Dream stands. He looks at Hob.

"A hundred years then?"

"Oh, yes." Robert nods.

Morpheus leaves.

"You never told me who you are."

Dream does not answer.

☆☆☆

1589

"Who is he?" You ask. Your arm is looped with your husband's as you enter the tavern. It's been a while since you walked among the Waking World.

"A human who has no desire to die. Unless, of course, he has changed his mind this time."

"He is immortal?"

"Granted the same gift you were by my sister. You were given to me so I could love. This man is here so I can hear his experience."

You smile at Dream softly. "I see."

The pair of you pass a table where two men sit, one young than the other. He appears to be an admirer of the older gentleman. You only catch a glimpse of their conversation as you pass. Art and dreams.

It seems your husband heard too.

"My friend!"

You both look up to see a man sitting a table full of food. You look at Dream, who nods at you and takes you over to the table. He pulls out a chair for you and you sit down.

"Hello," the man says, looking at you.

"Hello."

Morpheus takes a seat beside you while the other man, who you presume is Hob, pours some wine.

"I didn't realise you were bringing a plus one."

"This is my wife," Morpheus states.

Hob looks surprised, yet amused. "Is that so?"

You offer him a smile in return.

"You've had good fortune, I take it?" Morpheus asks, getting straight to business.

"The gods have smiled on me as they smile on all England where no man is slave or bonds man."

Hob offers Dream some food. Dream doesn't take it.

"Let's see. Last we spoke, I was working for Billy Caxton. Made some gold from that. Put it to work in Henry Tudor's shipyards. I made a small pile. Then I went north for a year or so, came back as my son. Done that twice now."

Hob requests more wine from the girl nearby.

"When fat Henry had gone for the monasteries, I bought my estates, and a healthy gift of gold to the Crown saw to... a knighthood!"

You look between Morpheus and Hob. Your husband's expression does not change. He just sits there listening.

"That's not all. Here." Hob pulls out a framed painting. "My fair Eleanor and little Robyn. My first son born in over 200 years on this Earth, that I know of."

Hob chuckles softly. "It's funny. This is what I always dreamed Heaven would be like. Way back. It's safe to walk the streets. Enough food. Good wine. Life is so rich."

"God's wounds! If only I could write like you." You hear from behind you. To glance over your shoulder to see those two men you passed earlier.

The younger man is now standing and seemingly reciting a part of a play.

Dream is watching him.

You watch your husband quietly as you listen to man recite the play. People cheer when he finishes.

"I would give anything to have your gifts. To give dreams that would live long after I'm dead," the young man says to the other. "I would bargain like your Faustuas for that boon."

You smile softly.

He inspires to give others dreams. Now you understood why Dream was watching so intently.

"Who is he?" Morpheus asks, turning back to Hob.

"His name is Will Shaxberd. Acts a bit. Wrote a play." Hob explains.

"Is he good?"

"No, he's crap. Now, that chap next to him with the broken leg, he is a good playwright." Hob sees that Morpheus' attention is on the other table. "Anyway, I've saved the best bit for last. The Queen herself slept at my house this summer. That was expensive."

Morpheus holds his hand slightly to stop Hob from speaking. He then placed it on your shoulder as he rose from his chair. You watched him walk over to the other table. Morpheus began to speak with the other man, taking him away.

You turn back to Hob. He watches your husband walk away. You rise from the chair, his eyes flicker to you.

"Who is he?" He asks.

You simply smile and take your leave.

Until next time then.

☆☆☆

1689

You sit beside your husband, holding his hand. He smiles as you talk softly to him. He had grown his hair out again, and you were admiring how handsome he looked.

A ruckus had you turning away from him and looking up. Hob had been brought in looking worse for wear.

A hundred years ago, he had a fortune. Now he was without it.

"I knew you'd be here." Hob gulps from a goblet on the table and stuff his face with the food Morpheus had arranged for him. "Do you know how hungry a man can get? If he doesn't die, but he doesn't eat."

You glance up at Dream quietly. He's watching Hob.

"I lost it all. My land. My gold. My Eleanor. She died in childbirth. The baby, too."

You drop your gaze to the table. You couldn't even imagine losing Morpheus. You'd be beyond lost without him beside you.

"My boy, Robyn, died in a tavern brawl when he was 20. I didn't go out much after that. They tried to drown me as a witch. I'd lived there 40 years, overconfident. I got out with my skin a little more. And then it got worse. And worse and... worse. I've hated every second of the last 80 years, every bloody second, you know that?"

You look at Hob, still silently. Your husband gave nothing away beside you. You found yourself squeezing his arm a little bit for comfort.

"So do you still wish to live?" Dream asks.

Hob looks up at him, tears in his eyes. "Are you crazy?"

For a moment, Morpheus wonders. Has he finally changed his mind?

"Death is a mug's game. I got so much to love for," Hob says.

Morpheus' expression changes subtly. He looks... fascinated. Amused. Just slightly enough for you pick up on.

You smile softly.

Hob winks at you with a grin of his own.

All the while, you're all oblivious to the man upstairs sketching away.

☆☆☆

1789

"I heard something funny the other week," Hob says, sitting across from your husband. You were sitting between them at the small table.

"Bloke said to me, he said, 'If only the French nobles had played cricket with their men the way we do, they'd never have had this trouble.' You know, first the colonies, now France. You ask me, this country will be next for a revolution."

You listen to him talk.

"I've been salting my money away all over the world. Firet sign of trouble, I'll be out of here like that. In the meantime... I'm in the shipping business." Hob smiles proudly.

He had really come into himself again. Hob explains the business he's doing. You and Morpheus listen to him quietly. You narrow your eyes slightly as he explains. What they do does not sit right with you.

"Slavery?" You ask.

"It's a poor thing for one man to enslave another," Dream says, looking right at Hob.

Hob looks between you both. "It's just how it's done."

"I suggest you find yourself a different line of business, Robert Gadling," Morpheus says.

"You're giving me advice?" Hob sounds surprised. "After 400 years?"

"I would take it," you suggest. Hob glances at you.

"What happened to 'live your life as you choose?'" He asks.

"The choice is yours." Morpheus states. "But would you take that choice away from others?"

"I will consider your advice."

You smile at Hob. He looks pleased when he sees your approval. Your husband does not give him much, so when you show your approval, Hob takes it.

"I saw a production of King Lear yesterday," Hob changes the subject. "Mrs. Siddons as Gonreil. The idiots had given it a happy ending."

"That will not last. The great stories will always return to their original forms," Morpheus tells him.

"That lad, Will Shakespeare. He turned out to be a half-decent playwright after all." Hob smiles.

You glance at your husband with a small smile. Morpheus glances at you and then returns his gaze back to Hob.

"You made some kind of deal with him, didn't you?"

"Perhaps."

"What kind of deal? His soul?"

"Nothing so crude."

Hob chuckles. "Four hundred years now, I've been meeting you here, and there is so much I still don't know. Who are you? Truly? What's your name?"

Morpheus stares at him for a few moments. You almost think he's going to answer when someone comes down the steps and stands in front of your table.

The woman wears a long cloak, the hood pulled down.

"I might ask both of you that same question, gentlemen," she says. "Please, please, do not trouble yourselves to rise."

Two men join her.

"These are Michael and Tobias. Smugglers by trade. Although, they're only too glad to augment their earnings by slotting throats. If you move, they'll slit yours."

You glance at the two rugged men.

"They tell of a tale in these London parts that the Devil and the Wanderkng Jew meet once every century in a tavern."

Your companions glance at each other as she speaks. The woman then pulls out a sketch, dated a century ago.

"Is that meant to be me?" Hob asks. "Oh, I look terrible. You look worse," he jokes with Morpheus. You chuckle softly.

"You return to this pub every 100 years, striking bargains with men, sharing gifts, immortality, which you will now share with me." She says, looking right at your husband.

You feel your jaw clench slightly.

Jealously was not a colour you were used to.

"Well, have you nothing to say?"

"I am no Devil," Dream says.

"And I'm not Jewish," Hob adds.

"Fine. What manner of creatures are you then?" She asks.

"Who wants to know?" Hob asks back.

"I'm Lady Johanna Constantine. You will both follow me, sirs. My coach is without. I can see there is much you can tell me. So much I can learn."

"No."

You glance at your husband. He is staring at her with his ever stoic expression. He is so calm, so unworried.

You do not worry either. You know he will not let anything happen to either you or Hob.

"No, I think not."

Johanna allows the two henchmen forward with their knives drawn. You can not help but look to your husband in slight concern. One knife is pointed at Morpheus, the other right at Hob.

"Get up," one of them says.

The next moment, Hob throw tea up into one of their faces and smashes the cup into the head of the other.

Morpheus watches him. He does not move except to reach for your hand.

As Hob moves over to Constantine, she draws a knife of her own at him. Morpheus let's go of your hand and stands.

"Wait."

You watch as he pulls sand from his pocket and blows it at Constantine. She drops her knife and falls to her knees, muttering away. "No, not you. I'm sorry."

"What did you do to her?" Hob asks, inspecting her.

"She has old ghosts that I've shown to her." Morpheus explains.

Hob looks at him, thoughts clearly running through his head.

"You need not have come to my defence," Morpheus says to him.

"Clearly." Hob smiles. "Stull, I didn't want to be drinking alone here in 100 years' time."

Morpheus cracks a smile.

"I don't suppose you care to find another pub tonight?" Hob asks.

"She may have told others about our meeting. It will not be safe for you."

"I'm perfectly safe. I can't die, remember?" Hob grins.

"Aye. But you can be hurt or captured," Morpheus reminds him. "We must be cautious."

"Always."

You join your husband at his side and reach for his hand. Morpheus looks at you. He brings your hand up to his lips and kisses it softly.

Hob watches you both quietly.

You smile and lean in closer to your husband's side.

"A hundred years then?" Hob asks softly.

"A hundred years," Morpheus confirms. He then gently pulls you along to exit the pub.

Hob leaves in the other direction.

☆☆☆

1889

Morpheus has you on his arm as you both walked down the street. You were stopped outside of the pub by a young lady. She didn't seem to take much notice of you as she spoke to your husband, but Hob called her off you both when he came over. You followed Hob inside.

"Sorry about Lushing Lou."

"Lushing Lou. Is that what they call her?" Dream asks. You were all sitting down now.

"Well, in here, they call her 'The Hospital.'"

"Why?"

"Because she's in 'em a great deal, and becauses she's sent so many men into 'em." Hob explains. "No idea what her real name is."

"Lousie Baldwin. Her father was in the British army. Her cousin raped, impregnated and deserted her when she was just a child." Morpheus told him.

"How do you know all that?" Hob asks, looking at him.

"Your cup is empty. You need more wine," Morpheus dodges the question.

"You knew Lady Johanna. You know Lushkng Lou. You know everyone, don't you?" Hob points at him.

"We saw her again, you know."

"Who? Lady Johanna?"

"She undertook a task for me and succeeded admirably, I might add."

"That might be the only thing I've learned after 500 years," Hob says softly. "People are almost always better than you think they are. Not me, though. Stille the same as ever."

You chuckle softly.

"I think perhaps you've changed," Morpheus says with a slight smile.

"Well, I may have learnt a bit from my mistakes. But, uh... doesn't seem to stop me from making them."

Morpheus smiles slightly.

"I think ita you that's changed," Hob points out.

Morpheus stops smiling. "How so?"

"I think I know why we still meet here, century ayer century." Hob leans forward and his seat. You glance at your husband curiously. "It's not because you want to see whether or not km ready to seek death. I don't think I'll ever seek death. By now, you know that about me."

You look between the two curiously. Dream's expression has changed slightly.

"So, I think you're here for something else."

"And what might that be?" Morpheus asks him.

"Friendship," Hob says simply. "I think you're lonely."

"You dare..." Your husband speaks with a light warning tone. His aura has definitely shifted. You watch him carefully.

"No, look, I'm not saying-"

"You... dare suggest one such as I might need your companionship."

"Yes. Yes, I do."

Morpheus stands. "Then I shall take my leave of you and prove you wrong."

Hob stands. Before he can do anything Morpheus takes your hand and leaves the pub. You say nothing as you follow him, feeling bad for Hob.

You had assumed yourself that they were friends.

Morpheus leads you down the street, rsin now pouring down. Hob exits the pub and follows you.

"I'll tell you what, I'll be here in 100 years' time." Hob calls out. "If you're here then too, it'll be because we're friends. No other reason, right?'

Morpheus pays him no attention. He keeps hold of your hand as he marches away.

You dare not speak about what happened.

☆☆☆

1989

Hob arrives in the pub. He orders a drink and sits down. He is so sure Dream will show up. He's bound to come in with you on his arm. You and your cheerful smile, and your brooding husband.

Friends. They were friends even if Dream denied it. Maybe Hob will even get your names this time around.

He waits.

And waits.

Neither you nor Dream come through the door. Hob wonders if Morpheus really meant what he said last time.

This was him proving he was wrong.

Robert feels a fool.

Meanwhile, the king of dreams is locked up in a glass prison down in a basement. And you are trapped in a long slumber, unable to wake without your husband.

Hob has no idea how his friend's are suffering. He is left to think their friendship is over.

☆☆☆

Which brings us to today. The New Inn. Unfortunately, the old pub has been closed down for a while. Supposedly it was going to be flats. All those years suddenly gone in the blink of an eye.

However, you had seen the sign on the fence. A smile on your face. You follow the direction it was leading to.

This new place was nice. You could definitely get used to meeting here. Perhaps more than once a century. You head inside and look around. He wasn't hard to find. You smile when your eyes land on Robert Gadling. He was working on some papers in front of him.

Slowly, you walk over to his table. You cough gently into your fist. Hob raises his head.

He smiles and stands up.

"It's you."

You nod. "It's me."

He looks behind you, searching. You know who he is looking for. You smile and get his attention back on you.

"He's on his way."

That's all Hob needed to hear. He gestures to the chair opposite him. You sit down and smile. He orders you a drink.

"I was worried when neither of you came last time," he confesses.

"We are sorry about that. There was a complication."

Hob seems to understand.

You talk with him for a while, waiting for your husband to arrive. You hope all went well with his sister. Hob does most of the talking between you, but you know he's saving the good stories for when Morpheus arrives.

A familiar hand settles on your shoulder and you smile. He is here.

"You're late," Hob says, smiling at the man behind you.

Morpheus chuckles softly. "It seems I owe you an apology. I've always heard it impolite to keep one's friends waiting."

You chuckle.

Morpheus pulls out the chair beside you and sits down. He takes your hand in his and Hob calls for more drinks.

You watch your husband as he listens to his friend. You smile.

Your Morpheus was back.

Happy wasn't enough to describe how that made you feel. He squeezed your hand gently. Everything was okay.

☆☆☆

@missdreamofendless - @mischievousvillainy - @kpopgirlbtssvt - @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy - @emarich7 - @lollipopsandlandmines - @mouth-whore -

#morpheus x reader #the sandman #symphony of dreams #female reader #dragon writes

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theskysungqueen · 3 months

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to make things brief cause I suck at organizing what I have to say, the live action was definitely Something™.

Cast: 10/10 kinda biased personally but yall can't take this from me

Gordon as Aang and Dallas as Zuko were the standouts imo. Gordon needs some direction on line delivery and the angstier scenes but overall he's very charming and I'm so proud of him for getting so much exposure!

Ian as Sokka was great, I just wish he was allowed to be more...messy? like Sokka pretends to be chill and all that but he's actually dramatic so I hope that gets improved in the next season if there is one

speaking of improvement, Kiawentiio as Katara brought out a softer side to the character but sadly diminished her spark and passion. I like that Katara now actually feels like a younger sister, it makes sense within the context of the story that Sokka and Gran Gran would shelter her after what happened, but as someone said, her anger is so central to her character and I just wish that got shown more. It's more of a script and direction problem tbh, if you look at Kia's interviews she has the sass and feistiness Katara needs

Lizzy as Azula is great, the writing is a bit clunky though so she did the best she could with it. Can't really comment on Mai and Ty Lee yet because they're kinda just there but it's a nice setup

Maria as Suki? perfection show stopping never the same she is a queen and I love the tidbit of Suki backstory which she never really had in the og show. I love her being such a loser around her crush we love to see girlfailures girlfailing. I wish the writers didn't make them KISS though 😭 slowburn ftw

the adults were great

Writing: 6.5/10

There were genuinely good moments and I love the concept of mixing up certain plot points to condense the story

But they just suffered from too much Telling instead of Showing WRITERS PLEASE LISTEN TO THE CRITICISM YOU HAVE TIME TO IMPROVE PLEASE

Omashu, mechanist, and Jet plot mixing as a concept was fine, but it dragged on and my friends and I got bored of it. I like it in theory but if it was going to take THAT long couldn't they have just separated one of those storylines for a different episode?

I appreciate that they tried to develop the water siblings' relationship by making them the stars of the Secret Tunnels, but I would've changed the way they "conquered" the problem (really? badgermoles respond to love? cute in theory but like why). If anyone's watched Barbie: A Fairy Secret there's a part where Barbie and her frenemy accuse each other of why their friendship failed, and it helps them make up and breaks the curse put on them. So that's what I would've done, force them in a life or death situation in which they have to say the unsaid things, maybe hug it out and boom

The way they handled Koh and the Spirit World was a Mess™ but the effects were decent

Zhao meeting horrible ends in every incarnation is so deserved

Yue having more agency was a welcome change AND I LOVE THAT SHE WATERBENDS. Then waterbends even when the moon is gone. It's such a nice visual nod to the fact that she has the moon spirit within her

That said, the show could definitely use more visual storytelling, less weird dialogue. Like it's so strangely common for shows or adaptations these days to exposition dump. Like they did not have to make Yue say that the ocean spirit was angry, literally just show me the dead moon fish and I'll get the idea. Then Iroh says "That's Wrath" that's just redundant now isn't it

I like that they saved Katara bringing Aang out of the Avatar State until last even if it could've been done better

HOW DARE THEY MAKE ME LIKE HAHN HE WAS A JERK IN THE SHOW BUT THEY MADE HIM A GENUINELY GOOD CHARACTER. Yes to brown men not being portrayed as jerks but also in the original it was a nice contrast to how far Sokka had come because Hahn reflected who he used to be. But live action Hahn </3

I like that they showed the deaths and blood. I wanted a live action that was both lighthearted but more realistic when it came to the injuries and death, and that'd kind of what I got

Other thoughts + overall

You can tell they put so much heart into this show, watching the bts, the bending boot camp with the correct martial arts, the easter eggs, the nods to the comics, the beautiful adaptations of Cabbage Merchant and Secret Tunnel nomads, there's so much passion behind the show it's a shame it suffered in its writing

which is why if they read reviews and criticism from the bigger name fans (TheAvatarist, HelloFutureMe, etc.) it would really help them improve for future seasons! The cast is stunning already and they have great chemistry (hopefully gets improved too!)

The live action is just a different angle to the show. And I'm saying this as an Avatar fan–the original wasn't perfect, either. I had some problems w it but the overall show was genuinely so good and heartfelt, those problems weren't glaring enough to put me off (unlike The Dragon Prince, sorry). The live action definitely wasn't perfect, but it tried to give us a new look into Avatar. Again, no adaptation will ever be a 1:1 remake and none should be. Where's the fun in that? But while the show is so full of heart and with actual fans working behind the scenes, I doubt if they listen to any criticism that they can't pull this off better next season.

#atla #avatar the last airbender netflix #avatar netflix #netflix avatar #avatar the last airbender #netflix atla #avatar live action #aang #katara #sokka #zuko #iroh #azula

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scintillyyy · 6 months

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so let's convoluted make some people alive again (even though they're probably/definitely dead):

so we have dana winters, tim's stepmom, who was having a sadness episode when bludhaven went kablooie. probably died, because tim and alfred never mentioned her again. but wait! shortly before chemo got dropped on bludhaven, she actually wandered away from the hospital--they were about to call a code when things went majorly south and they were suddenly all hands on deck and she just got lost in the shuffle, okay?--and was out in the forest surrounding the city when the ground shook from the explosion and a tree branch landed on her head. disoriented and confused and bleeding from her head injury, she stumbles around and misses seeing the hole in the ground in front of her. she falls in.

and falls and falls and falls and falls until she falls into a portal and...

she lands in ~skartaris~ dun dun dunnnnn

now obviously she is quite scared and is probably in some area with dinosaurs, so she snaps out of her sadness episode real quick when she has to start running and screaming for her life. she's cornerned and facing her impending doom when the carnivore after her gets shot by some bolt. who is her savior, you ask? why it's a mysterious woman with a crossbow. who could it possibly be? my god, is it....

janet drake?!?!

but what!! she's dead. her black lantern body rose during blackest night, right?

or did it? because, as it turns out, the woman who died in haiti with jack 4 years that we thought was janet...

was actually her evil identical twin sister catherine!! you see, a few months before haiti janet found out her soon to be ex-husband was having an affair with her estranged sister. she went to confront her sister and her husband to show them she knew (she was going to squeeze every last penny out of jack if it killed her) and in the ensuing argument she got thrown from the hotel balcony into the sea below, never to be seen again. afraid of the consequences, jack and catherine decided that they would hide the murder and catherine would assume her sister's identity and jack and "janet" would stay happily married. her previously happy affair with jack was no longer happy, however, as they start fighting more and more, paranoid that the other was going to sell them out for the murder. jack and "janet" are fighting again. nobody questions that, that's status quo.

janet was not murdered, however! before she could hit the water she was teleported to the magic realm of skartaris where she's been stuck for the past 4 years, learning how to fight and survive in that cutthroat world. she was out for her usual patrol, killing slave traders, when she happened upon a woman getting chased by a dinosaur. "come back to my cottage" she says "i'll patch you up". they get to talking and wow, they're both from gotham! dana's all "my husband died. i just feel bad for my stepson, tim. he's going to wonder what happened to me." "we have so much in common," janet says. "my son is named tim too".

"wow" dana says five minutes later. "i can't believe i was married to such an asshole." "right??" says janet. "such a motherfucker." anyways janet patches up dana and teaches her how to survive in the world of skartaris. janet has her crossbow, dana a spear. there's homoerotic tension. they fall in love. "we really should find a way out of here to get back to tim" they agree, laying together under the stars one night. "now that dana is healed". so they do. this is probably a good thing for tim overall, but he wishes dana would stop trying to barter for lower prices at the mall with her spear.

#dana winters #janet drake #jack's deader than a doornail though. tragic. (not)

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utilitycaster · 12 days

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I don't know how you feel about it, but I was extremely frustrated last night when I found out that break was called after around 3 hours. I just felt that at that point they should have just made it a Crown Keepers episode instead of promising that BH would be back and then them barely being in the episode. I don't know, I'm usually really go with the flow with CRs creative choices, but this was just a real big swing and a miss for me. I wish this had all just been its own episode

So here's my feelings:

My thoughts on EXU Prime, and later Kymal, were that I love the player characters and their relationships and much of the worldbuilding (notably all of Niirdal-Poc and the Qoniira Tetrarchy) and I liked many of Aabria's NPCs but there were some pretty big gaps left in "what the fuck is going on" that left me feeling as though I wouldn't mind seeing the characters again but I didn't feel strongly about continuing the story in-world, if that makes sense. The Aevilux reveal, for example, was sort of what the main plot of EXU Prime hinged upon (ie, that was Myr'atta Niselor's motivation; that was what the deal with Ted was) and so the fact that didn't come out for over 2.5 years irl after it ended meant I'd just kind of said "well, some weirdo from Syngorn really wanted to do shit to Opal for some reason related to her sister, who is also her patron, and we don't know why either of these things is the case, and I guess that's what happened" and made my peace with it. Similarly, I don't know what the Nameless Ones want, and never have (other than, at one point, the circlet of barbed vision, and I don't know why they want it). I made a joke that Myr'atta, Poska, and Otohan are all kind of the same and honestly that is the thing: if you don't know why a villain is doing something - even if the reason is "because I love to be evil and terrible!" it's hard to care, and if those are only villains, it's hard to be invested in the story about the heroes either, even if you like the heroes as characters.

When I say I like how this ended, I mean it - I think it could have gone only a few ways, but I like that Morrighan and Opal have both become divine champions, Morrighan willingly and Opal less so (this is yet another case of "the gods don't do take-backsies on oaths", but also, I do feel for Opal despite it all because of Aimee's excellent work throughout). I mentioned how I felt about the exact details of Cyrus's death but I don't mind that he's dead. Fy'ra was a highlight throughout, as she frequently is, and I think she was faced with two extremely unpleasant choices and made a fascinating decision. But I'd have preferred to see this as a flashback (see next paragraph) or like. Just decide what happened. If I'm being extremely honest a lot of my issues with the Crown Keepers portion is that it felt like there was a very specific desired ending (Opal's complete corruption and Cyrus's death); I also said at some point well before that you can only do so much with the Crown Keepers while Dariax is there because Matt does, even if he's turning his brain off to play our Charisma-only kinda short king, know all the cheat codes for the main campaign. It's kind of like why how, even if the DM will control an absent player during RP, they usually have another player control in combat.

I don't mind that the Bells Hells portion was short. I think the choice to break where they did makes sense given everything else that went on. But I think that, criticism of the actual Crown Keepers portion aside, while you might have lost some of your audience for a Crown Keepers-only episode on the main feed, you would have preserved the drama of FCG's death better and gotten people more excited for the Crown Keepers if you had essentially run things exactly as done here but then just cut the two episodes together, which, as a pre-taped medium, they can now do! Hindsight is again 20-20 but: Run the first half of 92 as is. Break and tape a full Crown Keepers episode. Return to Bells Hells and narrate the message back from Dorian saying he'll be there, play out the rest of Bells Hells in the camp dealing with FCG's death, and then have Dorian arrive at the very end of that episode and end the episode when the party asks him what's been going on with him, then reveal there will be a Crown Keepers episode. Air your full Crown Keepers episode as episode 93, and then return to the main campaign with 94. It would have been better balanced in terms of time, people who wanted the Crown Keepers to return would have gotten hyped up, and people who dislike them or are neutral would have at least known what to expect and frankly if they skip the episode that's their choice to make. Hell, since there were 2 weeks? Could have even been like "hey, we'll do a Crown Keepers Marathon on Twitch and Youtube on some random weekday" to build up some hype!

So overall my answer is that I agree this wasn't a great creative choice. I don't think this means they shouldn't take big swings! But some will be misses and this was, while not an entire miss for me, at best a walk.

#answered #minxie-the-sabertooth-kitty #cr spoilers

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dearsnow · 2 years

Text

MONSTER

- ⚠️ LAST EPISODE OF HOTD SPOILERS AHEAD! the tragic happenings surrounding lucerys valeryon spark conflict between you and your dear husband. (aemond targaryen x fem!reader, lots of angst and barely any fluff, might make another part?????)

a/n - i’ve had so much aemond brainrot these past few days omg he is my evil lil boo boo bear

The small slip of paper warps under your shaking fingers, tears slipping their way down your face. Lucerys Valeryon is dead, and the fault lies on your husband.

You were close to the young boy. Rhaenyra had always regarded you as an older sister to him, despite the tensions between her family and your betrothed. You took care of him, played with him, brushed his hair when he was in his “no-hair-brushing” phase, and now it’s all gone.

The lump in your throat scratches your insides as you sob.

“It was not my intention-“

“Fuck if it was your intention, Aemond! You killed him. He was fourteen, just a child. Not only that, but you started a whole damned war.” You think nothing will ever overcome how your throat tightens as you yell, voice much louder than a volume befitting someone in your position. You don’t care though. You care about the boy torn to pieces and cast down onto unfamiliar grounds.

“You’re acting like I did it with my own hands.” He spits.

Your eyes burn with angry tears. “You might as well have. Vhagar is your dragon, or have you forgotten?”

“He took my eye.”

“And you took his life! That is not an equal exchange, not in the eyes of the gods and not in the eyes of me.”

Aemond’s hair is frazzled and he paces around the room like a caged beast, showing an intense display of anger- whether the anger was towards himself or you, you do not know. “I will not be a broken record. I did not mean to kill him. Now will you stop pestering me about it?” The sneer in his voice sounds almost childish, like a toddler crying when they don’t want to leave their playhouse.

“I wish I was never betrothed to you, you fucking monster.” You say, hastily scrubbing the wetness from your eyes. You know how it will hurt him, how it has hurt him in the past. You just can’t bring yourself to take it back.

You did love him. Even “do”, though the warm and fuzzy feeling has no place in your argument. You traced his scar with your fingers and your lips, tangled your fingers in his hair, and laid in his arms when the nights became cold. Every feeling of love, every spark on a dreary day, will be long-wilted until Luke springs back to life and hugs you with a proclamation of “Auntie, I am alive!”. Everything feels so surreal, like he really is waiting just outside the door. Like you and Aemond are the perfect couple, Rhaenyra is the queen, and sunlight filters over warm pastures. Your fantasy world crackles and shatters bit by bit until your knees can’t take standing.

You sit down on the floor and cry.

Aemond is suddenly worried. He has seen you angry, sure, and terribly sad, but it was nothing compared to the desolate state you’re now in. He stops his pacing, eyebrows creasing in the middle.

“My love?”

“Don’t call me that.” Your voice wavers. “I have no love left for you.”

He feels a burning in his gut, like every negative thing he has ever thought about himself is discovered to be true. The grip of sadness on his throat does not cease.

“I’m sorry. I’m… I am regretful. I meant only to scare the boy, but Vhagar took matters into her own hands.” He takes a seat next to you, not worrying about the creases sure to form on his clothes. Despite his efforts to rid himself of it, he carries the burden of care deep in his heart. No amount of training or acting better than others could ever cure him of this ailment.

You’re silent as he slides a hand across your back, movements slightly awkward.

“Do you truly think I am a monster?” He asks, voice cracking towards the middle of his sentence. As always, he didn’t mean to let emotion dictate his tone of voice.

As much as you want to be mad at him, as much as you resent his actions and his family, you gently shake your head. He may be many things, but he is nowhere near as bad as some of the true monsters you have faced in your life. He is just a scorned little boy.

You lean your head into his shoulder, so tired from arguing that you forget your anger. It will come and go. Right now you just need the comfort of another warm body, even if that warm body is the person that started the whole mess in the first place.

Aemond leans back, letting your head slide into his lap.

He may not be a monster to you, not yet anyways, but he knows he has much more to do to win back your heart.

Reblogs are greatly appreciated!!

#solar eclipse.#aemond targaryen fic #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond x you #hotd #aemond targaryen imagine #aemond targaryen x you #house of the dragon #hotd x reader #hotd x you #aemond one eye #aemond x y/n #aemond fanfiction #aemond fic #aemond x reader

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romana-after-dark · 1 year

Text

The Wrong Way: Chapter 8

Dark!Joel Miller x Fem!Reader Tommy Miller x reader (secondary)

Masterlist

Spotify playlist

Summery: You are sold to Joel to clear up some of your fathers' debts, and he takes you back to his house where him, Tommy, and high ranking members of his raiding trope stay. Joel is mean, cruel, and hash, but had small moments of softness that confuse you in your venerable state. Over time, you get to know him and Tommy, and see different sides of each, and both are hiding secrets. Was it possible to fall in love under these circumstances? Or was that just another way Joel was fucking with you?

Aka: my mom sold me to One Direction

WARNINGS FOR FULL FIC, NOT CHAPTER BY CHAPTER UNLESS SOMETHING NEW IS ADDED AFTER MASTER WARNING LIST: DEAD DOVE DO NOT EAT!!!! Fic contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, rape, molestation, dubcon/non con. Blow Jobs, PIV sex, lose of virginity, sex trafficking, past incest, death/people dying everywhere, Stockholm syndrome, falling for your rapist, victim blaming, torcher, branding, physical abuse, rape (not Joel), somno, dub con on tommy? idk he's not really into it but feels like he has to, self-harm/depression/suicidal thoughts (not a lot) but fair warning, major age gaps, love triangle, pregnancy/birth, threats of abortion, major character death, mentions of potential csa/child abuse but does not even come close to happening, forced pregnancy, forced housewife shit, breeding, breeding kink?!?!

I wanna add we're really heavy on the birth/pregnancy, forced birth, choking, domestic violence, threats of hanging and murder. Can't say I didn't warning yuh (unless i missed a warning of course. then please let me know so i cant edit ASAP) Like this is a rough chapter, a lot of violence to a pregnant woman. but I wanna say right now...

The baby will not be harmed in anyway. Baby will be born healthy, and live and have a good life in both the main ending and alt ending.

5k words (sorry not sorry lol)

Also to clarify a few things I guess i didn't make clear enough in previous chapters!

Joel only 'guessed' that Tommy and LO slept together. He had suspicions but thought he could trust Tommy and his 'girlfriend'. When LO rushed to stop Joel from hurting Tommy, that was his 'evidence'. Joel was beating Tommy because he found out about Maria.

Joel only heard part of the conversation between Zach and Little One. Nick said way back in chapter 3 the wall are thinner than she thinks. He didn't know Lorenzo had any part of it, and because LO didn't rat him out, he never will.

Thats my bad for not being clear!

Can you catch the Superstore homage? (aka i rewatched two episodes just to take it line for line lol)

***************

Month 3

No one warned you about morning sickness.

You knew fuck all about sex before you came to Joel’s, just a thing or two from your friend back at the ranch and how to get a man off with your mouth or hands, but pregnancy and birth was next to nothing. You didn’t even know how pregnancy happened really, other than a penis in a vagina until you asked Tommy early on if you were going to get pregnant. After a very uncomfortable talk for both of you, Tommy explained that Joel told him he pulls out, so you should be good… Lorenzo said you can still get pregnant that way, but thinking back to the night Joel almost killed Tommy and you… Joel finished inside… the timing added up.

Pregnancy and birth were entirely unknown to you, and you wished someone would just give you a heads up. Joel had a daughter and no doubt had been through at least once pregnancy, and Lorenzo had mentioned 4 of his 6 older sisters got pregnant before leaving the house… something about no sex education, men too old for them, and their religion not believing in birth control or abortion… but you didn’t know what half those words meant, and after Lorenzo mercilessly made fun of you for days about not knowing Joel’s song for you was actually a very famous song, you didn’t dare ask him about the words, or anything with pregnancy. You didn’t want to ask Joel either, not wanting to give away how terrified you were, not wanting him to think you didn’t want to… But you did! You did want this baby, you reminded yourself again and again and again, because Joel was good to you, Joel took care of you, Joel would care for this baby too. You’d be bound to him, and he’d never get tired of you this way, and he wouldn’t hurt the mother of his child, right?

The birth was something you tried not to think about.

So here you were, puking your gut out before you even had breakfast and Joel held your hair back.

“Shhh, shhhhhhh” he coo’d and you heaved, yellow bile and acid coming up from inside you since the little food in your stomach from dinner had been thrown up 5 minuets ago.

With a final spit into the toilet, you sink back and Joel wipes your mouth for you. “I think that’s it.” You mutter, and Joel carries you into your shared bedroom, laying you down with the care of an infant before kissing your forehead.

“Don’t worry about breakfast, little one. I don’t need anything this morning.” He says before kissing your cheek. But you were worrying about breakfast, because you wanted it… but the only way you’d be getting food is if you made it. Tommy wasn’t here to care for you anymore. “I’ll be gone until the evening, what's for dinner?”

The thought of cooking, the thought of raw meats and the strong smells of spices made you want to vomit again. “I dunno…”

“I think a few of them chickens is ready to be butchered, you ever made chicken parmesan? We got that cheese I brought back yesterday, you could make something like that.”

You groan a bit, exhausted and tired despite being only 3 months in. You didn’t sleep at all last night, nightmares of the past and the future plaguing you. He knew that you didn’t sleep, you had told him… “Joel I can’t, the butchering, I feel so-”

“I’ll make Lorenzo do it.” He promises. “Chicken parmesan it is then?” He decided for you. What he didn’t understand is it wasn’t just butchering a few chickens. To make chicken parm you need chicken breasts, not the rest of it. You didn’t waste meat, so Lorenzo kills (you could do it on a normal day, but not with your heightened smell) then you pluck, clean, Lorenzo butchers, then you have to separate the different parts and put them into hygienic storage and take them to the freezer locker, then thoroughly clean yourself, all the tools and surfaces (and Lorenzo) to prevent illness. It would take hours. But Joel didn’t see that, he only ever saw the food at the end of his day.

“Okay” You agree reluctantly, and he begins kissing your neck and groping you, no doubt wanting a quicky before a long day of unspeakable violence. “Joel, please, I don’t feel good.” You beg him not to, but you learned in the past that this never got far.

His morning breath wasn’t helping anything as he tugged down your shorts. “I’ll be quick.”

You knew what that meant. Joel slid into you with no prep, no lubrication, and it burned. The steady rocking was the last thing you needed right now, and with his head buried in your neck, you covered your mouth as the nausea took over. You threw up, but like everything the last several months, you just swallowed it down again to deal with when Joel was gone. When he came inside (wasn’t he worried about you getting pregnant again?) you quickly pull up your pants and run to the bathroom, pushing past Lorenzo no doubt on his way to babysitting duties with you.

As he watched you run past and heard the sounds of throwing up, Lorenzo caught Joel’s arm as he brushed past. “Peppermint or ginger. Find it, whatever form it's in. Oils, drops, whatever. If you can find the leaves or the root we can make it into a tea. Just find it, it’ll help her nausea.”

Month 4

“Okay Lorenzo, I got a question for you, and you can’t make fun of me.” You say as you cook, the swell of your belly beginning to show now.

“No guarantees.” He says, sitting his drink. How did he find so much alcohol?

“Fine. Okay… when Joel and I have sex-”

He visibly cringed. “Since when do we talk about our sex lives?”

“Renzo.”

“Fine, go on. But remember I’m not exactly an expert on female anatomy.”

You take a deep breath. “Okay. Well I told you he always pulls out right? Um… ever since I told him im pregnant… he doesn’t.”

Lorenzo waits for you to continue, but you don’t. You think that’s it. “What the problem?”

You continue to avoid looking at him, stirring the soup. “Well.. what if I get pregnant again?”

He stares at you like he’s trying to make sense of your question before the recognition sets in. “OH!” But before he explains what he means… his face shifts… theres something sad in there, a hint of pain in his eyes you only saw once, the face he had as he looked at you in disgust while Joel carried you from the bedroom to the bath while you were covered head to toe in spit and cum and period blood… was it pity? “Jesus kid… No one really taught you anything, did they?”

“C’mon, just tell me.”

Scrubbing his face, he sighed. “No, you can’t get pregnant while your already pregnant.”

Oh. “Wait… really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Ah. Okay then.”

There was a long, long silence before he spoke again. “If you got any other question about, like… pregnancy and birth… I can try and answer.”

Joel had been trying to find a doctor, a midwife, something for you… but it was slim pickings in Wyoming.

Five minuets later, you were squealing, covering your ears, but laughing. “Ew! What the hell is a mucus plug! You know what, I don’t wanna-”

“IT’S A PLUG FULL OF MUCUS IN YOUR VAGINA WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS?!?!” He yells loud enough to get past your attempt at blocking your ears.

“NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH!!! I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” But you still could.

“Honestly in the last month or two all kinds of weird things are gonna come out of you including but not limited to a very slimey and weird looking baby.”

You gasp, feigning indignance. “How dare you insult my unborn child!”

“It ain’t personal, sweetheart. All babies look ugly as fuck as newborns. Now, let’s get back to the gritty details.”

With a squeal, you try to run away. “No! I know enough!” But you’re laughing. It felt like you were messing around with Zach back in your childhood home.

“My sister Elaina lost like 4 teeth.”

“AAAHHHHH!”

Month 5

Joel had finally found a midwife of sorts. Well, technically, Jack did, as it was his cousin. Maura had been a nurse in the birthing wing a short time before everything went to shit and had been helping women deliver babies ever since. Initially, she told Jack to keep his mouth shut. She hated Joel and didn’t want a thing to do with him, but when no one else showed up and you were in your 5th month, she relented, purely for the sake of the innocent kidnapped girl.

“Put the fucking gun away, Joel.” She said as she entered your room, grabbing the barrel in Joel’s hands and pointing it to the floor. “Point that shit at me again and I’m not helping your child bride.” She stared him down, head tilted up only slightly to reach his eyes. If she was intimidated by Joel, she wouldn’t

Joel glared at her, but he didn’t have many options. “If you hurt her-”

“From what I hear, you’re doing enough of that yourself. Now, you stand up against the wall and watch if you want to, but don’t interfere, and do not try to intimidate me, understood?”

You watched in awe as she stood her ground… It had been months before you had done anything of the sort against Joel, only standing up to him when Tommy’s life was in danger. Joel gave a curt nod and she turn to approach where you lay, sat up against some pillows.

A gentle smile was on her face, but it was clear she was here for business. Still, her confidence and certainty put you at ease.

“My name’s Maura, I’ll be helping deliver this baby.” She was beautiful, with long black hair and a light smattering of freckles on her face, but got straight to the point. It was clear she knew what she was doing, asking you questions you hadn’t even thought of yet and examining you. When she was done, she stood up, looking at you, not Joel. “It seems despite the circumstances-”

Joel tried to interrupt. “The fuck’s that supposed to mean”

But Maura ignored him, keeping your attention with her bright brown eyes. “Despite the circumstances, everything appears to be progressing naturally, theres no cause for concern as of right now. But you need to keep things low stress.” It was then she turned to glare at Joel, to emphasize her point.

Maura said she’d be staying near-by and Joel was paying her a hefty price for her services. When you’d go into labor, Joel was to send a man on horse to fetch her, preferably Jack, but she warned she would armed, and she’d be there shortly.

That night, Joel held you close as you discussed baby names.

“How about Loretta? Like that singer you liked?”

Joel hums, none commital. “I always liked Dorothy, we could call her Dolly as a nickname. I know you like Dolly Parton” Joel had been teaching you about old country music, and you certainly had a few favorites. Not knowing many women in general, your pool of girl names was not strong so you drew from singers he’d mentioned.

You scrunch up your nose a bit at that. “I like Dolly, I don’t like Dorothy.”

“It was my grandmas name, I’d really like to name our daughter after her.” His voice had that tone to it, the one that left little room to argue, but you tried to push past Dorothy.

“Maybe June? Like June Carter?” You knew how particle he was to Johnny Cash, but also... that was the name of the only friend you had before Tommy.

“That’s beautiful, little one, June it is.” He smiles into your skin, and you think you’ve won, when he says. “Dorothy June.”

He had already decided, and there was no real option to argue or change his mind. You’d just call her Dolly, then.

You had one thing you really, really wanted for boy name, and you desperately hoped you could get it, but you couldn’t tell him why. You didn’t want any more kids so this was your only shot. You hadn’t even wanted this one, but as your stomach swelled with life, motherly love came with it and you decided you’d make the best of the situation. The child inside you was your number one priority. “Okay, boys? I really like Caleab… It’s my favorite boy name…” You didn’t have to tell him that was Zach’s middle name.

“I like it, bebita.”

You got what you wanted. You knew Joel was hoping for a girl, so you figured he was less particular on the boy name.

“Got any ideas for the middle name?” You ask him.

“Nothing in mind, really. I’m open…” He kisses your neck. “Anything you want?”

You keep quiet. The name you wanted… he’d never go for.

Joel pulled you closer, nuzzling his face against you as he whispered. “Ah. I see.” You freeze. Tommy hadn’t been so much as alluded to since he barely made it out alive and you thought for sure Joel would have a fit, and you began to prepare yourself to feel a hand wrapped around your throat… But he tucked your hair behind your ear and kissed into your locks as he settled down for bed. “Caleb Thomas”

Month 6

Lorenzo was getting on your fucking nerves today, and you were about to fling the frying pan, bubbling grease and all, at his face.

“Will you shut up?”

“No, I’m not going to shut up because you are being fucking stupid!” Instead of his usual spot sitting at the kitchen table, he’s standing, arms crossed, in the doorway as you tried to get diner done. “I told you the first day, you are a dumb. Bitch.” he was drunk, three sheets to the wind and absolutely no filter.

“You have no fucking idea what I am! I am trying to fucking survive, Lorenzo, I am trying to keep myself and this baby-”

“You are playing housewife to a serial murder and a rapist!” He yells at you, clearly frustrated. “You are rewarding all the bad things he’s ever done you just give positive reinforcement-”

“Don’t fucking blame me! I’m not reinforcing the bad, I’m reinforcing the good!” You storm over to him, glaring Lorenzo down. “You have no fucking idea how bad things were! I used to dream about killing myself, about dying, about Joel finally snapping and doing it! I am doing the best in the conditions I have!”

“You could have left! You could have left with Zach and gone off with him for fucks sake!”

With a burst of anger you didn’t know was even in you anymore, you shove him, hard, causing the drunk to fall over. “You wanna know what he did last time I tried to run? He caught me within 10 minuets, dragged me back and chained me to this table-” You point at the table that you and Joel sit at most evenings now for diner. “And raped me in front of everyone, Lorenzo! Then he branded me and left me to be gang raped by all your little buddies here! And no one could stop him, not even Tommy! All Tommy could do is stand by and watch, and unchain me after Joel left before anyone could do anything more!”

Lorenzo was not deterred. “That’s my fucking point!”

“If I leave and he catches me, I am dead!”

Scoffing, Lorenzo rolls his eyes from where he’s slumped against the floor. “Yeah, that’s why”

Unsure how much more you can take from him, you motion him to continue.

“You just don’t wanna admit you fell in love with your rapist.”

That was enough. You begin to walk away from him, but he follows after you.

“What about when you give birth, huh? What kind of father is he going to be? Are you going to stand by while he beats your kids?”

“SHUT UP!” You scream, still walking away.

“And what if you have a daughter? You just gonna let him molest her like your dad-”

You wipe around so fast you don’t even have time to blink. “No, Joel isn’t like that.”

Lorenzo laughs at you, cruel and loud. “You are 20 years younger than him, he raped you! You really think he’s above-”

“YES! He will not hurt her like that!”

“And if you have a son? Do you really wanna raise a man like Joel? The kind of man who beats and rapes innocent girls?”

Tears prickle at your eyes now, a terrible tightness in your chest bubbling with stomach bile. “N-no, that’s not gonna happen, I won’t let-”

“Oh, because you’ve had so much choice the last year, havn’t you. Sooooo much control.”

“I won’t.” You shake your head vigorously. “I won’t let anything happen to my baby, Joel won’t hurt them.”

“So, say he doesn't. You really gonna raise a kid here? Half the men here would’ve raped you, given the chance! You really think your child is safe here?”

You can’t argue with him when he’s right. But he doesn’t get it. Joel is good now, Joel protects you, Joel will protect the baby… Joel is gentle now… soft, kind… he thinks of you, he sings you songs… he plays music for you, he’ll be a good dad… You’ll be okay…

You shut down, going into autopilot. You don’t look at Lorenzo as you walk back to the kitchen to finish frying the chicken. Joel would be home soon.

Month 7

“JACK! GET MAURA!” Joel shouts as you groan on the bed, the tight contractions hurting.

“Joel, it hurts!” You call for him, and in a flash Joel is at your bedside, letting you squeeze his hand.

“I know, little one, I know…” He pets your hair, having flashbacks to Sarah’s birth…. He wanted another girl so bad, but god, he just wanted a healthy baby and for his girl to make it out alive. Birth was dangerous in modern medicine, nonetheless a post-apocalyptic shitstorm.

Lorenzo stood in the doorway, biting his nails. “You’re not due for another 8 weeks!”

Grunting through the pain, you let a rare bout of sarcasm slip. “Oh yeah, that’s right, never mind.”

“Could be false labor, you know? That’s called Braxton-Hicks contractions?” Lorenzo looked more nervous than you.

Joel ignored him. “It’s gonna be okay, Maura’s on her way and I think even out here 32 weeks is gonna be okay.” Joel wasn’t entirely sure about his own words. 32 weeks meant a premature baby, and pre-mature usually meant NICU… but there was no NICU to go to… if the babies lungs were under developed or anything like that, there were no options.

Lorenzo was chewing through his nails enough to draw blood. “Or maybe it’s Braxton-Hicks”

At that, Joel finally acknowledges Lorenzo. “Okay, we get it, you know the term Braxton-Hicks, we’re all very impressed.”

“AHHHHHHH” You yell, wishing to get there was something for the pain.

Lorenzo wouldn’t shut up. “Okay, contractions are getting longer, that means your in active labor?”

“Her water hasn’t broke yet!”

“Is she dilated?”

“Does it look like her pants are off to you?”

“Well check!”

“I don’t know how to tell! Weren’t you bragging last month you helped your sister give birth in a Walmart?”

“That doesn’t mean I know how to check if she’s dilated!”

“You know more than me!”

“I’m not sticking my fucking face between legs!”

“Oh, because you’re gay you’re suddenly scared of vagina’s?”

“What are you talking about?”

“So you’d rather let her just die?”

“DIE? Joel she’s not gonna die because I’m not looking at her fucking cu-”

“GUYS” you shout, causing both to turn and look at you. “The contractions stopped.”

There’s a moment of silence before Lorenzo speaks. “Oh. Huh. That’s uhhh… Braxton-Hicks I guess. False labor.”

As Joel kissed you that night, sex was the last thing you wanted, but you knew there was no point in fighting it.

Joel sucked on your throat, already bruised with dark marks from the night before, now sore and aching with new licks and bites, his hands roaming to expanse of skin presented before him. Gripping, feeling, pinching, tugging, some things felt good, some hurt, but that didn’t matter. He’d get you off, he always did, at night anyway, but you knew sometimes he just liked to feel you, feel what he owned. The pain is mine. Your cries are mine, your cunt is mine. And if you bleed? Your blood is mine.

Your belly round and swollen with child, he could not hardly keep his hand off it, every time his hand traveled to explore, it quickly found itself returning to its home, never wanting to miss a kick. He slithered down, nestling his face between your legs and devouring your pussy the way he did your neck, the way he did every piece of you, body and soul and until there was nothing left but this subservient version of you, weak and obedient to his hands. He lapped you up, skilled tongue exploring through your folds only pausing to nibble at the soft skin of your thighs or kiss the round stomach above him. He felt extra possessive today, a desperate, anxious way about him as he devoured you so hungrily you wondered if he intended to eat you, swallow you whole to keep you with him forever; a communion, and you were the eucharist, a matrimony of cannibalism.

You wanted to tug at his hair, you wanted to entangle yourself in him but your belly was in the way, so you simply laid back and enjoyed as he tongue fucked you, prodding at your entrance, his hands on the globe where your child waits to be born.

“Fuck, Joel, need you, need to cum, please.”

You beg for him, plead, and he devours. Joel knows you love when his perfect, plus lips such at your mound and your clit with long fingers fingering into you, and you yelp when they curl up and hit that spot inside you. “Keep moaning, little one, let me hear you.”

You obliged. Sometimes you wondered how sick everyone in the house was of hearing you, but they weren’t the ones you needed to please; pleasing Joel kept you alive.

“I need you inside me, please” Nudging him with your leg as you cry for his cock. “Joel, I gotta have you inside me, I need to cum on your cock, please? Please, Joel-”

A wet, sloppy sound as he detached from you, and his eyes looked just as hungry as he acted while he crawled up. “You beg so pretty, little one, such a pretty little cock whore.”

But you didn’t have time for his talking, you needed him inside you, now; the hormones of the pregnancy had a mind of their own. You take a chance and push him down, watching Joel smile as you straddle his waist. “God, I just- just need you.”

“The take me, little one, take me”

You cry out as you sink down onto him, feeling your cunt split on him. “Fuuuck!” Sobbing, you take him fully and begin to fuck yourself on him.

“Just like that, pretty girl, fuck, taking me so well, gonna have you all stretched out to have this baby, huh? Gonna give me a child, little girl? A baby of our own? Fuck, fuck you look so pretty like this, swollen with my child, stretching your stomach as I stretch your cunt, fucking perfect, my perfect wife.”

Wife.

Wife?!

You knew Joel was delusional… but fuck, Lorenzo was right… you were playing house wife. Joel thought of you as his wife…

“Gonna fuck you full of my cum, again, and again, keep you constantly knocked up, make our happy little family, you and me and a dozen little kids running around, FUCK, our family, our family.”

You continued the pace, you couldn’t falter, you couldn’t slow down, you couldn’t hesitate; you couldn’t give any sort of reason for him to think you didn’t want this…

But it suddenly struck you

You were trapped. Joel trapped you with a baby, knowing you’d need him to protect it, knowing you’d never leave your child… and now he was going to keep you pregnant. You could never leave with 5,6,7 kids, it would be impossible.

“Yeah, fuck yourself on my cock little one, just little that…” Joel reached out to touch you, roughly manhandling your tits that were swollen and engorged.

You begin to cry, but that wouldn’t give away anything for Joel; he fucking loved that shit.

One hand on your breast, one on your clit. “Cry on my cock, baby girl, cry when you cum.”

You did, you sobbed as you came, your body betraying the horrors you felt at his hands.

Month 8

“Hey Joel? Can I talk to you about something?”

You had to do it. You had to. And it had to be now. You two had fucked less than half an hour ago and he was currently eating your food, humming contently. He was always lovey-dovey after sex, and was always much happier after food… The pair didn’t line up often, so now was your chance.

“What’s on your mind, little one? Nervous about being a mother? You’ll be a great mom; I just know it.” He smiled at you with puppy dog eyes, looking up from his plate, and you couldn’t help smiling back, not when he showered you with compliments.

“Well… you’ve said before you wanted lots of kids… but we… well this little baby was an accident.”

“A miracle, not an accident.” Joel corrected you. You didn’t see how conceiving a child the night he was threatening to blow your brains onto a wall for sleeping with his brother if you didn’t shoot said-baby’s uncle was a miracle… but you digress

“Right. Well… we never really talked about more kids… and although I’m over the moon about this baby, I did initially not want to have it.” Joel’s face began to darken, but you powered through. “Maybe we could see how we feel about one kid after a few years before thinking about-”

Joel slammed down his silverware. “What are you trying to say.”

But you freeze. This was a bad idea, you needed to placate immediately, you needed to calm him down. “N-nothing, Joel, just thinking out loud.”

He stood up, a deadly, blank stare on his face, so far removed from the adoration as he bestowed kisses on your ever-growing belly. Joel walked around the table, standing behind you and placing firm hands on your shaking shoulders, leaning into your ear.

“You say’n you don’t want my kids? Don’t wanna be their mama? You don’t wanna be my wife?”

“No, no that’s not-” But you don’t get a chance to finish, his hand is wrapped around your throat and insane strength pulling you up and out of the chair, the wooden furniture toppled to the side in a loud clatter. He slams the back of your head against the drywall, you’re toes barely touch the ground; struggling to breath, you claw at his hand, but he doesn’t even blink.

The panic begins to set it.

“YOU ARE NOT IN CHARGE! YOU DO NOT GET TO MAKE CHOICES!” He screams, and out of the corner of your eye you watch as a few men hesitantly gather, like vultures waiting on the next piece of deadmeat. You couldn’t see who, but it didn’t matter. Even the good ones couldn’t intervene.

Joel’s face was suddenly right in front of yours. “Everything you have, any freedom, any luxuries, any power you think you have is because I have given it to you.” Black spots appeared, your vision blurring, sinking into the unknown and god, did it feel sweet. Was it finally over? “I bought you, I own you, you have no rights! You are nothing! You are nothing but a toy for me to play with, a breeding bitch and you should be so lucky to sit at my table!”

He let go, but as you gasped for breath, Joel yanked at your hair and patched you across the room, not letting go of his grasp on you as you flung into the counter. What he didn’t know, what he could never understand was how the handle of the draw rammed into the brand on your side. Suddenly, all sense, all rational went out the window, and you were violently thrust back to last year as he burned his initials into your skin. The flashbacks were triggered, and the result was nothing short of hysteria. You cry out for the only person who would step in.

“TOMMY!TOMMY!TOMMY!TOMMY!TOMMYYYY” You scream, the fact Tommy was miles away didn’t matter, nor did the fact this would only anger Joel more. This didn’t matter; you wanted him, no one but him, and all sense was knocked out of you.

Joel pulls you up by your hair and slaps you hard enough that you taste blood and screams at you to not say Tommy’s name, but you can’t stop, you scream and scream and scream for him to come save you and your baby, the precious little life inside you that has never done anything wrong.

You fight and claw and panic, hysterics drowning out the one or two voices telling Joel to stop; who they belonged to, you couldn’t say.

Joel stopped listening, and the voices grow louder as Joel drags you, kicking and screaming, outside; rope and a chair in his hand, your hair in the other, and Joel walked with long strides to a tree outside.

****************

YEEEEEEESSSSHHHHHHHHHHH Cliiiiiff hanger, hanging from a cliiiiiiffff thats why he's caaaaallled, Cliff Hangers!

Who else used to watch Inbetween The Lions? Anyway.

Who wanna guess what happens!

Only two chapters left!

For the sake of credit, if you didn't find the superstore reference or dont watch the show, most of the dialogue between Joel and Lorenzo and LO was between Amy and Jonah from two birth related episodes of superstore

Also, Maura is named after my dear dear friend @maura-honey who although is not generally a fanfiction girlie, made a tumblr so she could read, like and reblog this series and always sends me such lovely messages <3

Reblogs are the best way to spread and support, but comments mean the world. I know not everyone likes to share dark content on their blog, but even a kind anon is such support!

for those who voted you dont like or hate or Lorenzo, I hope that doesn't mean you hate him as n he's a bad character. I got a comment on AO3 that said "i cant tell if i like lorenzo or not, but i like him in the story" which makes sense! His victim blaming is really fucking shitty.

no poll today, sorry!

MoonBanana said they think LO copes by lying to herself until she beleives it, what do y'all think? is she as delusional as joel?

@my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @howaboutcastiel @tidlewav3 @bunnnyy-dummy @slutfortimotheechalamet @foggymoonbanana @dinsbaby @miraclesabound @jenna-ortega @primosworld @marclovers @threeheadedlamb @secretwriterpp @the-fox-den

@bitchyglitterfox @0bsessedwithfictionalcharacters @alloftheboysivelovedbefore @not-a-unique-snowflake-blog @lunar-ghoulie @pedritosdarling @dreamonseems @alwaysdjarin @amoramorquetepintas @milla-frenchy

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corvusalbus93 · 3 days

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Thoughts & Feelings after the TBB Finale

Loved the show, but there are a couple of things I wish had been different/added. We still got damn good finale; pretty tense at times, action was great, Hemlock died (and Hunter and Crosshair got to do it together. Remember; sharing is caring), the way Rampart and Nala Se met their end, we even had a pretty happy ending for once, lots of good stuff.

However, I am disappointed Rex and his rebellion didn’t really play a part, despite being the reason Echo was gone for so much of the show and the screen time they got in season 2. They were also looking for Tantiss, determined to free their brother, so I’d been hoping Echo would manage to get a message out. Just imagine Rex with his boys showing up clutch, keeping troops occupied, evacuating the prisoners, giving the Batch the opening they need to get to Hemlock or something.

While I like how the show stayed focused on the Bad Batch, and didn’t drag in too many characters from other stories, this could have made Echo’s absence/working with Rex feel more vital. Maybe the Rex-storyline was dropped and they’re saving some of these plotlines for another Rex-centred show; those might also show when Wolffe switched sides or what happened to Cody, after he went AWOL.

Now, am I sad Tech is really dead? Yes and no.

While I am sick of every other character in Star Wars returning from the dead, part of me had hoped he’d survived somehow. As mentioned in previous posts, it felt like he died in the middle of his character arch (which his death certainly didn’t complete); Romar in the first episodes of season 2 gave him inside into the value of culture, and how people weren’t defined by what side they were on during the war. Phee added to this with her own love of history and culture...and then it didn’t go anywhere. They also teased the possibility of a romance with her, but it was ended with an awkward goodbye and we didn’t see her react to his death. She mentions him, but its business as usual for everyone at that point. Tech could have been on vacation the way everyone acted most of the time in season 3.

Seriously, the main reason I’m unsatisfied with his death is the lack of reaction and consequences in this season. Even in the episode he died in, it was kinda overshadowed by Omega’s abduction 5 minutes later. Not to mention that it ended with Emeri revealing she was her sister; you lost a science-inclined sibling with glasses? Well, don’t worry, here’s another. Bit overdramatic on my part, I know, but I really didn’t like that reveal, not at the time. Should have been in season 3. Though honestly? Emeri didn’t need to be related to any of them; just have her be a not morally bankrupt person and the story wouldn’t have changed. She didn’t need to be related to the other kids to care about them, so what really was the point of her being another clone?

Going back to Tech, it’s a shame we didn’t see Crosshair or Phee react. Like, did Crosshair blame himself for what happened? I’m sure he did on some level, but we have not really seen it. Even in episode 5, when he argues with Hunter, Crosshair says he risked everything to send the message, but Hunter ignored him and allowed Omega to get abducted...but nothing about Tech’s death. They all just silently look down a few episodes later, when Tech is mentioned, and in the final episode Crosshair points out the team died with Tech. It’s something, but I wish there had been more. Maybe show different ways they deal with loss and how to support each other. Maybe Phee and/or Shep show them what funeral rites on Pabu are like, as a way to say goodbye to the departed. Compare how clones and civilians handle death, something like that. We had a little mourning in season 2, but again, was abruptly ended/undercut by Omega’s abduction.

Concerning consequences; the team operated pretty normally, once Crosshair was back with them. I think it would have added weight, if there had been more things they weren’t able to do at all without Tech. Really make his loss be felt/shown in the way they approach their missions, but there was only like one instance, when they were trying to find out about M-count and otherwise they operated pretty much as usual.

Now, even if Tech had survived there still should have been consequences. I have made posts like a year ago, talking about the possibility of him being permanently disabled (e.g. paralysed below hip/unable to walk), but still able to help the team, as his mind has always been his greatest asset. Still, I’m okay with him staying dead, so I’m not going expand on this further here.

Moving on, we never learned why Omega was created the way she was. We know why she was useful for Hemlock, but why did Nala Se made her to begin with? Did she have similar goals/did the Kaminioan have a similar project at some point? Was Emeri like a failed test-version of Omega? Just things I wish they had answered, rather than spending two episodes on finding out what M-count means, something the audience already knows.

Which brings me to my next point: why Ventress was in the show? The Batch found out what the M-count was, which honestly is a piece of information Shand could have given them at the end of her episode. Testing if Omega was force sensitive or the taming of that sea creature, didn’t set up anything in the finale as some suspected, so despite enjoying Ventress’ episode, I wish they’d used the time on other plot points.

We also never did find out what exactly Project Necromancer tried to accomplish (though we got a good idea), or how close Hemlock was to achieving his breakthrough. Could have added tension, if we’d known how far along he truly was, added catharsis to see him fail so close to his goal.

Overall I’m not quite happy Omega got brought to Tantiss and escaped twice with minimal help (really undermining the place as a whole). Why did infiltrating Tarkin’s “summer home” feel more dangerous/consequential than the secret mountain-base they built up so much? I love we finally got a happy ending, but one named character on the good guys’ side should have died, not just nameless prisoners we only just met. This is where the clone rebellion could have come in, some sacrificing themselves, helping the Batch, or maybe have Phee (who felt underutilised) get shot down, after getting them to Tantiss.

If you’ve seen previous posts, you know I’m pretty mad about what they’ve done with Scorch overall. What happened in the final episode can be summed up like this:

He’s unrecognizable from the games and books, to the point I wonder why they even bothered to include him. He didn’t even really do anything. Was it just because he was recognizable? And where is the rest of Delta? We never got closure concerning Sev and now this, a waste of a pretty fun character.

Speaking of clones working for Hemlock.

While I don’t mind the CX-clones being no one special, they had no personality, and except for CX-2 perhaps, no rivalries with the Batch either. They didn’t even get voice lines, so they looked cool for 5 minutes of screen time and died, but were pretty forgettable overall. They are this far down on my list, ‘cause I legit forgot about them. If only they’d been introduced sooner.

Anyway, those are some of my thoughts. I still like the show and would recommend it to any Star Wars fan, but there were a few things I just needed to get off my chest.

#the bad batch #bad batch #tbb #tbb thoughts #tbb season finale

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damn-stark · 1 year

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Part 8 The never changing fate & The friends who never say goodbye

Chapter 8 of The Lion and The Dragon

A/N- I’m sorry to say but after this chapter I will put this story on hiatus since it follows the show plot line :( but there is small inquiring at the end so read the story and find out :)

Warning- Violence, blood, talks of baby stuff & death, fluff, Aegon, forced marriage, swearing, ANGST

Pairing- Aemond Targaryen x fem!Lannister reader

Episode- 1x09 & 1x10

(Let me know if you want to be tagged)

————

The early breeze was bitter, but soft as it traveled through the windows creaks. There was darkness as the last candle light was blown off, leaving hints of smoke in the air. There was an unshakable solemn silence, but that was quickly broken by the cry of the baby.

You slowly open your eyes to begin trying to get up and walk to the crying babe, but before you can even push yourself off the bed, Aemond gets up first to reach her. And it seems that at the mere sight of him Visenya goes quiet, Aemond proceeds to mumble something in Valyrian before he returns to the bed to lay the baby in between him and you.

When he lays back down you meet his gaze through the darkness and offer him a small smile before he cradles your cheek and leans over to press a kiss on your forehead. He then stays there close by you, close to Visenya, and keeps you both in his arms. You close your eyes as you’re in the comfort of his embrace to try and go back to sleep, but a knock then raps on the door.

When Aemond walks over to open the door for the early morning visitor, you hear a soft yet panicked voice. “Lady Y/N is needed for an urgent council meeting by her Majesty the Queen.”

The sun is not even out yet, what could have happened that it could not wait?

Regardless, you go, no matter how early it is, and it seems all the other Lords share the same confusion when they enter the meeting room.

“You my dear niece,” your uncle Tyland says as you both walk towards the table with the other Lords. “Do you happen to know the matter for this early meeting?”

You shake your head. “No,” you answer truthfully and notice Alicent already at her seat at the end of the table; her hair is down, and theirs this look in her eyes, a sad one that makes you feel pit in your stomach.

“Good morning,” you greet her softly once you reach her side.

Alicent looks up at you and tries to offer you the best faint smile she can muster. “Good morning, y/n. I am sorry for pulling you from your bed so early.”

You scoff softly and shake your head. “Do not worry, Visenya had just woken us up.”

“Well,” she sighs. “I am happy you could make it.”

You offer her a soft smile before grabbing the orbs and giving them to each Lord that takes his seat.

“What is it that could have not waited an hour?” Your uncle asks the council. “Was Dorne invaded?”

A silence follows briefly before it is broken by the Lord Hand. “The King is dead.”

You go rigid and feel your breath catch in your throat. That’s why Alicent had such a glum look, why this meeting was called so early.

It was inevitable, the King’s death, but it doesn’t mean it’s still not sad. Mostly because Aemond just lost his father. Sure he might have not been so great to Aemond, but the King was his father nonetheless, and he was the King.

Now….

Now everything is going to change.

“We grieve for Viserys the Peaceful,” the Hand continues to say. “Our sovereign…our friend…”

You drop your head and swallow thickly.

“…But he has left us a gift. With his last breath, he impressed upon the Queen his final wish: that his son Aegon…should succeed him as Lord of the Seven Kingdoms.”

You slowly lift your head as you feel slight disbelief over this news.

It's like Aemond said, it was always the plan to make Aegon King over his sister, but one thing you knew, one thing a lot of people knew but chose to ignore is how much the King loved his first born daughter. He never changed the heir because of that same love, so why would he say that now? On his dying breath?

Did he really have some change of heart before the gods took him?

“Then we may proceed now with the full assurance of his blessing on our long laid plans,” your uncle interjects in the silence.

“Yes,” the Lord Hand answers and moves from his spot beside Alicent to walk to his seat. “There is much to be done as we've previously discussed. Now, there are two among the captains of the City Watch that remain loyal to Daemon, let us remove them. Lord Lannister.”

“The treasury is well in hand,” he answers, causing you to slightly squint your eyes in confusion since this is nothing you have heard discussed before—“the gold will be divided for safekeeping.”

“Let ravens be sent to our allies, Riverrun and Highgarden,” the Lord Hand adds.

“Am I to understand that members of the small council have been planning secretly to install my son without me?” Alicent finally asks as her own confusion and disbelief passes.

Lord Wylde at her side sighs and answers for her father. “My Queen, there was no need to sully you with darkling schemes.”

You scoff under your breath in defense for Alicent.

No need to sully her? If it’s her who has also wanted her son to be King? How pathetic of them. All of them.

“I will not have this,” Lord Beesbury interjects. “To hear that you are planning to replace the King’s chosen heir. With an imposter?”

“His firstborn son is hardly an imposter,” your uncle chimes in.

“Hundreds of Lords and landed Knights swore fealty to the Princess,” Lord Beesbury continues. As if that was going to change anyone’s mind.

“That was some twenty years ago,” your uncle argues. “Most of them now dead.”

He is right, but you also understand the old Lord's argument. Mayhaps if you had not been married to Aemond, you would have supported Princess Rhaenrya—it’s just to have a Woman on the throne? That would have been an actual dream come true, but alas you are faithful to your husband, to your new family, and to your old one, so you support them. Always.

“You heard the Lord Hand,” Lord Wylde adds. “Plot or no, the King changed his mind.”

At the sound of the comment Lord Beesbury stands up from his chair to make himself heard. “I am six-and-seventy years old, I have known Viserys longer than any of you who sit at this table. And I will not believe that he said this on his deathbed, alone, with only the-the boys mother as a witness.”

You scoff and step towards the table to narrow your gaze on the old man and then interject. “Lord Beesbury, are you calling your Queen a liar?”

Eyes snap to you, but quickly snap to the Lord to wait for what he would have to say in response.

“Th…this is seizure!” Lord Beesbury answers. “It is theft! It is treason! At the least, it is—”

“Mind your tongue, Lyman,” the Grand Maester cuts him off.

But to no avail.

“The King was well last night…”

You huff out softly and catch Ser Criston walk over behind the Lord as he continues with his ballsy accusations.

“…by all accounts. Which of you here can swear that he died of his own accord?” He asks.

You lift your head and continue to interject. “Who are you accusing of regicide Lord Beesbury?”

“Whether it was one of you, or all of you,” Lord Beesbury continues to throw out. “I care not. I will have no part—”

Before Lord Beesbury can finish Ser Criston approaches him and exclaims, “sit down!” Before he shoves the old Lord down to his seat, causing the man to hit his head against the table so hard that he instantly dies at impact.

You gasp softly and step back out of shock to what just happened, to what you just heard and saw.

And once the shock passes, Ser Harrold unsheathes his sword and points it to Ser Criston, before approaching him and making your uncle get out of his chair to get out of their way.

“Throw down your sword and remove your cloak, Ser Criston,” the Knight orders.

In response Ser Criston pulls out his sword and points to his Lord Commander.

“I am your Lord Commander, Ser Criston,” the Knight continues. “Cast down your sword.”

“I will not suffer insults to Her Grace the Queen,” Ser Criston argues.

“There was no insult to me, Ser Criston. Y-Put aside your blade,” Alicent interjects. And without a fault Ser Criston does so, letting the other Knight slowly put down his sword and return to his previous spot as he begins to protest.

“Has it come to this?”

“Lord Commander, enough,” the Lord Hand interjects, and the Knight doesn’t argue and puts away his blade, letting the Grand Maester now stand from his chair.

“Let us have Lord Beesbury removed,” he suggests.

“No,” the Lord Hand snaps. “The door remains shut until we finish our business.”

The Grand Maester meets the Hands gaze and doesn’t argue either, he sits back down and lets the meeting continue as it was before the incident.

“Storm's End is of concern,” your uncle interjects only once he has sat back down. “We may not assume the loyalty of Lord Borros.” He then meets your gaze and says, “but he does have a newborn son, the right proposal—”

“What of Rhaenyra?” Alicent cuts him off, and pulls your uncle's gaze away, but you continue to focus on your uncle, on his suggestion that you knew he meant to you with his shared look alone.

There is a s possiblity be could be referring to Helaena’s daughter, but he wouldn’t meet your gaze when he mentioned his concern and proposal. He…He wants to marry off Visenya, without even talking to you about it? She’s just a baby. She’s just a four month old baby. No. No.

No!

“You mean to imprison her?” You hear Alicent ask once you focus back on the meeting so as to not let your anger distract you right now.

“She and her family will be given the opportunity to publicly swear obeisance to the new King,” the Lord Hand explains to her, letting you in on who he was referring to right away; the Princess.

“She will never bend the knee,” Alicent argues. “Nor will Daemon, which you know.”

Her father goes silent and she sighs before grasping what you knew already.

“You plan to kill them?” Alicent asks, and no one answers. “And all of you accede to this?”

“Your father is correct, your Grace,” the Grand Maester interjects for everyone. “A living challenger invites battle and bloodshed.”

“It is unsavory, yes,” the Lord Hand chimes in. “But a sacrifice we must make to secure Aegon’s succession, and then there is Daemon to consider. The King wouldn’t wish for an unsavory—”

“The King did not wish for the murder of his daughter!” Alicent cuts him off angrily.

But he is right. As sad as it is to admit. It’s only if they’re dead that it can all happen right. But you know that they won’t go without a fight.

“He loved her. I will not have you deny this,” she continues.

“And yet—”

“One more word, and I will have you removed from this chamber and sent to the wall!” She cuts off Lord Wylde whilst she gets out of her chair, causing him to go quiet and for the room to fall in a tense silence for a brief moment before your uncle interrupts.

“What do you suggest, Your Grace?”

Alicent looks over at your uncle and just sighs in response, letting her father cut in. “Time is of the essence.”

Alicent continues not to answer, so her father continues.

“Lord Commander Westerling take your Knights to Dragonstone. Be quick and be clean.”

Yet the old Knight doesn’t leave or follow orders, he proceeds to take off his cloak and puts it on the table to resign, saying he has no place there until there is a King. However, you all knew he objected because of his loyalty, otherwise he would have done it and been faithful like Ser Criston. But alas he left with no other objection, nor an objection from anyone else.

The meeting then continued for a bit longer with talk about allies and more plans, nothing interested you more though than what your uncle tried to suggest before. He didn’t bring it up again, but you still thought back to it and hated the idea. Visenya was a baby, your baby, your only daughter she…

She can’t be matched already.

“Y/N…”

She’s just a baby…

“Y/N,” the Queen's voice breaks you from your train of thought as you walk out of the meeting room.

“Yes?” You probe and glance at her.

Alicent comes to a stop, and you mirror her action to then face her.

“Do not tell anyone besides Aemond what you heard in that chamber, all right?”

Without hesitation you nod. “Of course.”

She sighs and grabs your arm with one hand. “Please will you do me the favor of telling him? I will tell Helaena, but please tell Aemond.”

You nod softly in agreement. “I will,” you assure her. And before long you depart and go your separate ways.

The moment you get in your chambers, it’s still quiet, Aemond is awake and watching Visenya sleep in her crib. He likes to do that, watch her sleep just to make sure she’s breathing and safe. If he could he would watch her sleep for hours, that’s why he liked to have her sleep in your shared quarters, he said no one could keep her safer than him.

He’s a good father, it’s surprising and fascinating. Admirable too, considering he didn’t have such a good one.

“Aemond,” you make yourself known.

Said man turns around and meets you by the entrance of the room to grab your arms before cupping your cheek to stroke it gently. “What did the council want that could not wait?”

You slowly lower your gaze and sigh. And Aemond right away notices your conflict without having to be said anything.

“What is it?” He insists.

You slowly meet his gaze and frown deeper before grabbing his hand and pulling him out to the balcony. When you come to stop, Aemond keeps his gaze on you and waits patiently, but in concern.

“Aemond,” you finally manage to say and grab his arms. “It’s your father,” you continue slowly and quietly. “He passed away last night.”

Aemond stiffens and drops his gaze. You don’t add anything else, you give him time to process the news, you let him step back and turn to watch the sight of the town miles below the window, but stay there. You watch him grip onto the railing and drop his head, making long strands of his silver-white hair fall over his face.

Silence is such a common thing that it doesn’t usually bother you, you actually quite enjoy he’s not as loud as his brother is, or as loud as your siblings once were, you like his calm and soft spoken persona. But now? After giving him the news about his father, the long silence begins to unsettle you rather quickly even if you were willing to wait just seconds ago.

“Aemond,” you break the silence and grab his hand. “Talk to me.”

Said man let’s out a deep sigh and picks up his head. “My father…” he pauses and turns to face you. “He was never much of one to me or my siblings. No one could compare to his first born…” he pauses again and slowly meets your gaze, showing off a saddened look in his gaze. “Yet…” he trails off.

Your heartstrings churn at the sight of his look, at the sound of his soft voice, so you gently brush his hair back before caressing his cheeks and pulling him for an embrace. Aemond quickly returns the hug and balls the material of your dress in his hands, making you press a kiss on the side of his head before you squeeze him tighter.

“My mother,” he says and breaks the short silence. “Where is she?” He pulls away and grabs your arms to wait for an answer.

“With Helaena,” you tell him. “She was going to tell Helaena the news.”

He hums and breaks away to grab his eyepatch and tie his hair back, before going to Visenya and leaning down to press a kiss on her forehead.

“Do you want me to come with you?” You ask him as you walk back inside.

Aemond looks up from the crib and nods, making you bring in the handmaidens so they can take Visenya to the children’s room before you follow Aemond to Helaena’s room.

“What else was said at the meeting?” Aemond asks.

You eye the people that pass by and whisper. “I will tell you when we reach your mother. I can not say now, but I can say one thing.” You slowly come to stop and clench your hands into fists. Aemond slowly comes to a stop and turns to face you with confusion.

“What is it?” He queries.

Your eyes fill with angry tears and you have to swallow back thickly before sharing the news. “My uncle made a suggestion today at the meeting regarding Visenya.”

Aemond blinks and clenches his jaw.

“He said that in order to secure The Baratheon’s alliance,” you continue. “We should make a proposal since Lord Borros has a newborn son. My uncle didn’t say if it would be Visenya or Jaehaera, but that’s what they want to do.”

Aemond sighs and closes the gap between you to grab one arm and hold your chin. “Visenya is a princess,” he says as if he can read your mind. “It will be her duty to be married off.”

You shake your head. “She’s just a baby,” you argue.

Aemond grabs your face with both hands and leans his face closer to yours. “She will not be a baby forever.”

“But,” you try to continue inputting but he shakes his head and cuts you off.

“No, my love, let us not discuss this here. Besides it has not been decided yet, it won’t be until we have a say in it.”

You drop your gaze and don’t say anything, you just look at the ground and sigh. He takes that as a sign to drop the conversation and pulls away to continue towards his sister's room. Of course you follow, and once you reach the room, both his sister and mother immediately look up at him in pity.

“I’ve heard,” Aemond says to his mother.

Alicent gets off her seat and walks up to Aemond, whilst you walk over to Helaena at the couch.

“There is a beast beneath the boards,” she says once you sit down beside her.

You hum softly and add, “I’m sorry about your father, Helaena.”

Said girl looks up from her stitching and meets your gaze with a soft smile. “Thank you,” she says. “Do you want to see my stitching?”

You nod and lean over as she shows off the spider she’s been stitching—-“that’s excellent,” you compliment her. “I like it. You have yet to show me how to stitch a spider.”

Helaena smiles at you and puts her things on her lap. “Soon I hope, if time is in our favor,” she says.

“Y/N,” Aemond calls.

You look over at him and he points to the door with his head, making you grab Helaena’s hands to end the short conversation. “We will speak later, yes?”

Helaena nods in agreement, so you get up and bid her a goodbye before you follow Aemond to his mothers quarters to privately discuss what was said, and what happened in the early morning meeting. All whilst Alicent waited for news on Aegon’s whereabouts.

It seems he hasn’t been seen anywhere in the castle, so Alicent sent Ser Criston to investigate, and you waited with Aemond until he heard some news. And it’s the wait that made you want to discuss with Aemond about what he put on hold earlier since Alicent was in the same room. But with all the tension that there was as they waited for news, bringing up your subject didn’t seem right yet.

So instead you choose to wait in silence with them, you let Aemond take your hand as you sit by the fireplace together.

“Mother,” Aemond speaks up in their wait.

Alicent hums so Aemond can continue.

“What is this I hear about Ser Tyland wanting to match one of the girls with Lord Borro’s son?”

Or it will be discussed now.

Alicent pushes herself off her chair, and from the corner of your eye you catch her gaze—“it was brought up,” she explains. “But, I cut him off with other matters before he could finish.”

Aemond hums. “Next time I want matters about my daughter discussed with both y/n and I present. Nothing will be decided without our consent,” he says, causing you to snap your gaze towards him in slight shock.

“Of course,” Alicent doesn’t hesitate to agree.

Aemond glances over and catches your stare. He then proceeds to lift your hand to his lips to press a kiss on your knuckles. “<Do not worry,” he adds in Valyrian. “I will take care of it.>”

You let out a slow sigh and nod in comprehension.

Only seconds later there's a knock on the door before Ser Criston walks in.

“Prince Aegon’s not to be found within the castle walls. Your Grace,” Ser Criston announces as he enters. “Your father has sent Ser Erryk into the city to find him.”

“Ser Erryk knows Aegon. He has the advantage,” Alicent says before you hear her footsteps recede from where Aemond and you are. “I trust again to you, Ser Criston, and to your loyalty. Aegon must be found and he must be brought to me. The very fate of the Seven Kingdoms depends on it…”

Her voice trails off, but when you look back you see Alicent leaned in closer to Ser Criston. You try to make out what they’re saying, but Aemond then interjects.

“I’ll come with you,” he volunteers himself.

“That will not be my desire, Aemond,” his mother argues as she turns and approaches him as he gets up to meet her halfway. “If anything has happened—”

You get out of your chair and face them.

“Cole needs me, Mother,” Aemond counters. “Ser Erryk isn’t the only one who knows Aegon's doings.”

Alicent looks over at the Knight for reassurance. And you see him right away give it to her, letting Aemond turn to face you now.

“I need you, my love,” he says and walks over to grab your arms. “For whatever reason we cannot find him in the Street of Silk, I’ll need you and the information you receive from your…little birds.”

You smile with pride and gratitude. “Alright,” you assure him. “I'll take Ser Erwin with me then,”

Aemond clenches his jaw and drops his gaze as he hesitates.

“Unless you wish me to go alone,” you bring up. “I am more than happy to do so.”

Aemond’s eyes flicker up to you and he sighs. “Fine, take your Golden Knight.” He smirks. “Don’t let him get harmed,” he quips.

You grin. “I’ll keep him safe and I’ll find your brother,” you assure him even if losing Aegon wouldn’t be such a disgrace—“we will find him,” you say and look to Alicent. “I swear.”

Aemond pulls away and you both leave the room to go to your quarters and put on clothes that blend in more within the city. After you get Ser Erwin to agree, and you all begin to head out of the castle gates, there is one man who doesn’t seem so comforted by you tagging along.

“My Prince, are you sure you want your Lady Wife to come along?” Ser Criston interjects. “The city is a dangerous place.”

You scoff and Aemond immediately responds, “you need not worry, Ser Criston, you and I both know y/n is more than capable of taking care of herself.”

Ser Criston doesn’t answer with anything, he just takes in what was said and accepts Aemond’s choice as the gates of the castle open, and let you all walk out.

Before you could go your separate ways albeit, Aemond stops to address you. “We’ll meet here once we find anything,” he informs you.

You nod. “Okay, be careful.”

Aemond hums and presses a kiss on your forehead before he turns and walks off with Ser Criston, leaving you with your Golden Knight.

“Where is it you’re going first, my Lady?” Ser Erwin asks.

You begin to lead him down the street and peer over at him. “Uhm, a tavern at Flea bottom. I have friends who work there.”

“Flea bottom?” He asks if you were just jestering.

You nod. “Yes. They work at the castle too, they’re the people who you pass by without taking a second glance. People who don’t call attention to themselves, and are forgotten.” You offer him a smirk and pull your hood further over your face the further you walk down the streets of Kings Landing.

And unfortunately much to your craving for some excitement, Ser Erwin and you make it to the tavern without trouble. It seems being seen accompanied by a man doesn’t invite the attention of disgusting men.

“You can sit,” you tell Ser Erwin as you take your hood off once you’re inside the tavern. “I won’t take long.”

Ser Erwin glances around and studies each dirt covered man and woman, every person with blades attached to their hips, and spots every gawking stare.

“I’m not so sure I feel comfortable with you by yourself,” he whispers.

You lean in closer to him and offer him a mischievous smirk before assuring him. “Do not worry, no one here will hurt me. Everyone in this tavern is my friend.” You step back. “Everyone here would take a sword for me Ser, they’re fellow tourney companions, friends from the castle, and associates.”

“Is that what we are?” You hear a familiar sweet voice cut in, in her thick Dornish accent. “You wound me, Lady Lion.”

Your lips turn to a happy grin and when you turn you see your friend, Yvette; her shiny mischievous smile, her alluring dark brown eyes, and her short wavy hair that still doesn’t go past her ears.

“You know exactly that’s not we are,” you tell her right away and leave Ser Erwin’s side to approach the bar and take her forearm as she takes yours.

Yvette snickers and nods. “I was just jesting.”

“Ser!” Someone exclaims beside you in a booming and graveling voice.

You look over and see a fellow Knight over the bar. “Hedge,” you greet with a smile.

“Have you come here with your Husband?” He asks excitedly.

You shake your head. “No, he's busy today. Actually I came here for something. Eyes and ears.”

“Aw, I hoped I’d meet the great Aemond Targaryen who lets his Highborn Lady Wife wield a sword—you have a dragon yet?”

You sigh. “No, only in my dreams.”

Hedge grabs his large wooden cup from the table and stands up seven feet tall, towering over everyone inside, and walking over to you to try and offer you his cup. “Drink?”

You shake your head. “No, I’m sorry Hedge, not today.”

“Are you with child again?” Yvette asks.

You glance at her and shake your head. “No, I am not.”

Yvette scoffs and grins down at the wooden surface. “I was about to say, it’s been four months, why so eager?”

You grin and shrug innocently. “Oh, you know, not eager but my paramour and I do like to keep busy and have fun.”

Yvette smirks and gets closer to you, whilst Hedge walks over to Ser Erwin as he continues to lurk behind you.

“Do not worry, little man, y/n here is…” his words trail off as he takes the Golden Knight off to the corner of the tavern.

“Someone was asking about you,” Yvette shares in a low voice.

You snap your eyes to her and narrow your gaze out of confusion. “Who?” You probe.

Yvette sighs. “Issa did not get a name. She only said that the man’s hair was silver-white. That it stood out even in the darkness of the night. Like moonlight she said.”

A Targaryen?

Couldn’t be Aemond he was with you the entire night, and he had no reason to. Aegon wouldn't bother to be so secretive, so…Daemon Targaryen.

He’s the only man with that hair description you can think of. Only one who made sense.

“What did he want? What did they tell him?”

Yvette shrugs. “I don’t know what he wanted. Issa cut the conversation short, you know we support you down here.”

You hum and offer her a faint smile. “I will have to thank her then.”

“What do you want then, hm? You said you need information,” Yvette finally investigates.

You sigh deeply and lean closer to her to share what you need. “I need to know if anyone has seen my dear Goodbrother Aegon. He’s gone missing. The…King is dead.”

Yvette holds your gaze for a moment before she lets out a deep breath and grabs a cup of ale to take a large swig. “To the King's memory. May the Gods give him peace.”

“Don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret until it’s publicly announced.” You let her know.

Yvette nods in agreement and then shows off a half grin. “Prince Aegon has been seen around the streets. With the White Worm.” She snickers. “Even she and her little workers have grown to forget about what’s below them. Hm. Some of our friends have said that they saw her take him to the Sept. It seems the bastard wants to run away from his duties. I hoped they’d want him gone. Gods know what he’s done.”

You hum in agreement and pull out a heavy pouch of gold to hand it to her. “Thank you, I hope you can give everyone their portion….There’s also a bit more for you and your mother.” You offer her a smile, and Yvette grabs your hands to press a kiss on your knuckles before stroking your chin.

“Thank you my Sweetling. May the Gods bless you and your sweet little cub.”

You grin at her and press a kiss on her cheek before you pull away and offer her a nod. “I will see you soon enough,” you tell her.

“You better!” She exclaims. “I want to see that ass again.”

You smirk and meet Ser Erwin’s gaze to point to the door.

He understands your meaning and excuses himself from your friend Hedge.

“Leaving so soon, Ser,” Hedge shouts at you as Ser Erwin walks to you. “When will you compete again? The lads and I miss you!”

“Soon!” You throw out as Ser Erwin opens the door for you. “I promise you that!” You wave at your friend before putting on your hood again to head back to your meeting place.

“Ser,” you break your short silence once you’re a few feet away from the Tavern. “I hope my business here is kept just between you and I. I value my privacy and I would hate to lose your trust after a year together.”

Ser Erwin’s gaze lands on you, and from the corner of your eyes you can spot a certain sparkle. “Does your husband not know?”

“He is the only one who knows besides some other trusted few,” you let him know, and see him swallow thickly.

“Right,” he sighs. “Well, you can trust me, you know that.”

You smile at his comfort and pat his shoulder. “Thank you my friend. I hope I can repay your loyalty.”

“No need,” Ser Erwin continues to assure you. “It’s my honor. It really is.”

You smile softly and nod in comprehension, finding no need to argue with him since you know he’s only sincere. It’s why you continue down your path in silence, and once again, unfortunately, there’s no obstacles in the way.

Once you begin to reach your meeting point, you already spot Aemond and Ser Criston waiting for you. The moment Aemond spots you under your cloak, he breaks away from the Knight, and you break away from yours to meet each other halfway.

The moment he reaches you he grabs your shoulders and studies you first for any injuries before he meets your gaze, and cradles your cheeks. “‘Cause any trouble my love?”

You pout and shake your head. “No. Sadly. You?”

Aemond shakes his head. “No.”

You quirk your brow and hide your smirk that threatens to show. “Find anything?”

“No,” he deadpans. “You?”

You hold his gaze and begin to smirk before you lean over and whisper in his ear. “A little birdie told me they saw him being taken to the Sept by the White Worm.”

Aemond pulls back and grabs your face again to stare at you in awe for a moment before he grins at you and pulls you in for a deep kiss.

You snicker and don’t fret to kiss him back with more passion, making sure to bite his bottom lip before pulling away.

“I love you,” he tells you softly.

“I love you,” you mirror his words.

Aemond offers you one last smirk before he pulls away and begins to lead the way. “Come,” he tells the other two Knights. “My Lady Wife has found my brother.”

You side eye Ser Criston and join Aemond’s side to walk by him towards the Sept.

Luckily enough, the Sept is not far from Red Keep, so you all make it rather quickly. Yet, when you do reach the Sept, the twins are already there and with them is Aegon struggling to be let go.

The moment Aemond and Ser Criston notice they both run to the stairs, and Ser Erwin follows his fellow Knight, leaving you behind to wait.

Some words are exchanged from the top of the stairs, before Aegon suddenly shoves Ser Erryk back and snakes out of his grasp to run the opposite way of where Aemond is waiting by the flight of stairs, forcing to rush down to follow. Whilst Ser Criston and Ser Erwin stay behind to fight against Ser Erryk.

When Aegon reaches the bottom he breaks into a sprint ahead, not catching any glimpse of you until it’s too late and he’s too close. He tries to swerve, but you grab him by his arm and shove him back to Aemond as he charges at Aegon.

Aemond then tackles Aegon to the ground, but Aegon resists some. He doesn’t actually manage to fight, he just tries to struggle against his brother's hold, but fails and gets dragged back by his foot. And unsurprisingly enough Aegon begins to laugh.

“I was hoping you disappeared,” Aemond tells Aegon.

“Is our father truly dead?” Aegon asks as he continues trying to push Aemond off.

“And they’re going to make you King,” Aemond mutters.

Without hesitation Aegon pulls his head back and sucks in his cheeks before spitting at Aemond’s eye, causing him to exclaim and fall back and let Aegon go.

Aegon tries to run then, but Aemond catches him right away.

“No!” Aegon exclaims as Aemond pulls him off the ground. “Let me go! No, let me go! Let me go! Brother!” Aegon yells and continues to squirm. “Let me go! I have no wish to rule! No taste for duty! I’m not suited.”

“You’ll get no argument from me,” Aemond retorts, and Aegon manages to turn around and face Aemond.

“You let me go,” Aegon continues to try and sway Aemond as he grabs his face. “I will find a ship and sail away, never to be found.” Aegon pants and waits for Aemond’s response as he stays quiet, as if debating his proposal.

Nevertheless, Ser Criston approaches Aegon and cuts off any opportunity for an answer. “The Queen awaits.” Ser Criston grabs Aegon by the shoulder before pulling him off Aemond and dragging him back to the castle. Ser Erwin follows them when he sees you’re not moving, leaving Aemond and you behind as he lingers there for a brief second before he looks away from where his brother was and meets your gaze.

“Let’s go,” you break the silence.

“Was it a mistake?” He asks.

You sigh and close the gap between you. “Perhaps,” you can’t lie. “But this was not for you, but for her. Your mother.”

Aemond holds your gaze and hums in agreement.

——

*LATER*

“Tell me,” Aegon mutters with food in his mouth. “Sweet Goodsister...”

You pick a sleeping Visenya off Aemond’s arms and glance at Aegon sitting around the table.

“Have you ever dreamed of being Queen?”

You gently rock the baby girl in your arms as you slowly make your way to her crib and give him the honest truth. “Perhaps once when I was a child, but I have never really dreamt of it. I…” you pause and carefully place Visenya down, making sure to stroke her cheek so she could not wake up. “…I had other dreams,” you continue.

“Like?” Aegon probes.

You sigh and slowly turn away from Visenya to face Aegon’s back as he keeps eating. “Like becoming a warrior like Queen Visenya. I wished to wear ringmail, wield my own sword…” you sigh and walk towards your rack of dresses that you needed to choose from for tomorrow's coronation. “While also being a decent Lady.”

Aegon hums, and you can feel his stare as you get in his pherial view. “Well,” he says. “You’re halfway there—“ he stuffs his mouth and adds a muffled snicker. “You’re just missing the title.”

You scoff and pull out a dark black dress that in certain light seems dark green. The sleeves were long and parted in the middle so skin would show, and the sleeves hung off your shoulders. While the neckline was deep, and around the lining of it was embroidered by a golden dragon. The tail of the dress was long, but not long enough that you’d be tripping over it or have someone else do so.

There were more; red ones, green, more black ones, but the one you have in your hand called your attention, and well…it coordinated with Aemond’s outfit for tomorrow.

“I like that one,” Aegon comments.

You side-eye him and catch him smiling from ear to ear.

“Watch your tongue Aegon, I can have you locked in my closet all night.” You remark and walk over to hang the dress in your closet. “Then again it seems you’re accustomed to confined spaces so, it might feel like home.” You smirk.

Aegon chuckles. “Such a sharp little tongue,” he counters. “I like it.”

You roll your eyes.

“Aegon,” Aemond warns.

You hear a shuffle before you hear Aegon scoff and laugh. “What?” He retorts. “I am only jesting with her. She knows that. You know that. I swear I have never looked at your wife in such a manner brother.” He snickers.

“No,” you scoff and walk out the closet. “But you did look at Nyra like that.”

Aegon turns back and nods. “Nyra…Nyra,” he clicks tongue. “I liked her. It was a shame she had to go.”

You let out a deep annoyed sigh and make your way to Aemond’s chair.

“Anyway,” Aegon comments. “I’m just saying, sharp tongues make for great Queens. At least…” he pauses and takes a long sip of water since Aemond made sure to have the wine taken away. “That’s what I think. If you don’t take anyone’s shit then people will not dare cross you. They will respect you.”

You prop your arms on the chair and let your hands hang off the head of the chair. “You think?” You entertain him.

“Yes,” Aegon agrees and pushes his chair back to stand up. “I mean I know I would. I’d rejoice in having a Queen like you. I mean,” he begins to laugh and walks over to the fireplace so he could be closer to Aemond. “The way you so quickly got ready to fight Baela. Did you see it, Aemond?”

Aemond turns his head and looks at his brother. “Partially.”

Aegon snorts and stifles his laugh before he points at you. “Well you should have seen her, she was ready to join you in the fight, it’s a damn shame Rhaena held Baela off. It would have made for a great girl fight.”

Aemond scoffs. “It would not have been a fair fight. Y/N would have embarrassed Baela. She might have a dragon and a quick temper, but y/n has the training, she would have dragged Baela without breaking a sweat.”

You smile and gush whilst you squeeze his shoulder as a speechless thank you.

Aegon scoffs and nods. “See…such fiery makes a great trait for leadership.”

You roll your eyes and sigh. “We will not let you leave Aegon. You are to stay here and be crowned at dawn. That’s what your mother said.”

Aegon lets out a deep sigh and sits down. “So what?” He grumbles. “I’m going to be treated like a child until then?”

“Maybe if you stopped behaving like one you would be in your own quarters now, so,” you comment and step back from Aemond’s chair.

Aegon sinks in his chair and lets the room fall silent.

At least it was silent for a bit until Visenya began to cry. “It's okay, I’ll get her,” Aemond says before he stands from his chair and walks to Visenya to pick her up.

And right away, once in the comfort of her fathers arms, Visenya's cries begin to silence until there’s nothing but the whispers of your voice as you approach her and Aemond.

“Did you have a nightmare?” You smile at the baby girl as she rubs her eyes. You then rest your head on Aemond’s shoulder whilst you gently rub his back. “<Don’t worry Little Delight, your father is going to slay all those scary monsters.>” You comfort her in Valyrian and gently stroke her cheek with your finger.

Aemond’s lips tug to a faint smirk before he presses a kiss on your forehead.

——

*THE NEXT DAY*

“People of Kings Landing, today is the saddest of days our beloved King Viserys the Peaceful…is dead.” Lord Otto announces to the audience of people all crowded in the Dragon pit to watch Aegon’s ceremony. “But it is also the most joyous of days for as his spirit left us he whispered his final wish that his firstborn son, Aegon should succeed him.”

The crowd murmurs at the sound of the announcement moments before clapping in acceptance. However, the sound of marching Knights then cut off the short sound of celebration as they marched and lined up towards the stage.

“Halt!” One of them orders loudly, and every single one does as they’re told. “Turn!”

Trumpets then begin to sound and the announcer continues. “Present…arms!”

The sound of the trumpets goes quiet, and murmurs fill the room until there at the other side of the line of Knights is Aegon walking out. He’s slow with his steps, and as he passes every pair of Knights, they lower their blades.

“It is your great good fortune and privilege to be here to witness this a new day for our city,” the Lord Hand continues to shout as Aegon approaches. “A new day for our realm. A new King to lead us!”

Once Aegon reaches the stage, you let out a small breath and watch as his mother presses a kiss on his forehead. She proceeds to lead him back to make him get on his knees so the Septon can approach him now.

“May the warrior give him courage.” The Septon spoke as rubs oil on Aegon’s forehead. “May the Smith lend him strength to his sword and shield. May the Father defend him in his need. May the Crone lift her shining lamp and light his way to wisdom.” The Septon finishes and hands back the oil to hand Ser Criston the Crown of Aegon the Conqueror.

Once the Knight approaches Aegon, you clench your jaw.

“The crown of the Conqueror passed down through generations!” Ser Criston shouts and carefully places the crown on Aegon’s head, making you lower your head and sigh.

“Let the Seven bear witness; Aegon Targaryen is the true heir to the Iron Throne!”

There’s a moment of silence, and you lift your head to once again look over at Aegon, catching him standing up now with the crown on his head. And as the silence continues to linger, with not even the crowd murmuring, Aegon glances at each one of his family members as if looking for their comfort or showing off; and each one of them bows their heads when gazes meet.

When he meets your gaze as you stand beside Aemond, you offer Aegon a faint smirk before bowing your head.

Once he finally looks away the Septon finally exclaims, “all hail His Grace Aegon. Second of his name. King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men! Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the Realm!”

Aegon partially turns to face the silenced crowd, and the bells toll.

“Aegon the King!” Ser Criston shouts, and finally the silence breaks as a slow clapter ensues before the people erupt in excited cheer, and louder clapping.

Aegon finally seems to break from his brooding demeanor and begins to be swayed by the support. Yet it makes you uneasy. He is family and your support is on his side, but honestly, you would rather see Aemond, or even Helaena rule. It’s disappointing really that Aegon is King.

Alas, as you clasp your hands tightly together and watch the cheering crowd, suddenly the ground beneath them erupts, making you gasp, and making Aemond instantly pull you and Helaena behind him.

Screaming breaks within the cloud of dust and then a loud dragon roar tunes it all out.

Once your own shock slightly passes, and you make sure your uncle standing behind you is fine, you grab tighter onto Aemond’s arm and look over it, managing to catch a glimpse of a red dragon and Lady Rhaenys within the cloud of dust.

She’s….

Oh...

Oh!

Your eyes widen from shock before they snap to Helaena as you remember what she had been telling you recently, “there’s a beast beneath the boards.” That’s…them, the Dragon Meleys and Lady Rhaenys.

Helaena was right, she was mumbling this incident before it happened. And all this time no one tried to understand, you didn’t.

“Open the doors!” Lord Otto exclaims. “Open the doors!”

The dragon then begins to approach closer, causing your breath to catch and your heart to pound faster, whilst Aemond steps back so you can get further away from the approaching dragon since she was unpredictable. Since she wasn’t Vhagar who’d keep you safe by Aemond’s demand, and Vhagar wasn’t here to defend him.

And as Meleys only gets closer, Aemond can only pull you further behind him before the dragon opens its mouth and lets out a loud and deafening screech that’s so powerful that it makes Aemond’s hair blow back. You on the other hand press your face against his back and grab onto him tightly as you expect the worst, as you expect flames to come out and burn everything down.

Yet, the dragon then goes quiet and flames don’t scorch a thing or melt everyone in front of her to nothing but a pile of bones. As you slowly look up you see Lady Rhaenys and her dragon turn before charging out of the dragon pit and flying off, leaving nothing behind but the disbelief that filled the room.

——

*THE NEXT DAY*

There was once a desire, a deep longing to return home once. As ignored as your father left you, as alone as you felt amongst your step-sisters, that desire to return was still deeply implanted. As time passed and the relationships you had developed, as you grew to love the husband you were forced to marry, now….now there wasn’t anything you wanted more but to stay home, with him and Visenya. That’s all.

Because as long as you had them then everything felt fine, you were happy and comforted. Safe. But now they want to take her. They want to take Visenya from you, from Aemond. They want to offer her up like livestock. All for what? For a war for some King that doesn’t deserve the title?

It can’t, they can’t take her; not from you, not from her home. Now like how they took you.

Yet….while you made your way to the council meeting, Alicent comes out of the hall you needed to turn to and immediately calls out your name as if it’s you who she had been searching for.

“Y/N.”

You slow down your pace and let her walk beside you as you’re determined to march in the room and demand every pompous Lord gathered around the table to change their word.

“Before you storm in there let us talk,” she says and grabs your arm to pull you aside to some empty room.

“What about?” You probe and glance back at the wooden door. “Aemond is waiting for me at the council meeting.”

He chose to leave earlier because of some excuse that his grandfather needed to talk to him privately. So he left you behind.

Alicent nods. “Yes. I know. We will go in a moment, let us talk first.”

You sigh and clasp your hands together in front of you. “All right.”

Alicent swallows thickly and walks over to a small round table to take a seat on one of the wooden chairs. You’re hesitant as you see that she seems to want to take her time, but time isn’t going to speed up faster if you stay up, so you let out a small breath and fix the chair beside her to be able to face her.

“Is everything okay?” You ask softly.

Alicent nods. “Yes, everything is fine…I just wanted to discuss what we will be discussing about in today's meeting.”

Oh. It should've been predictable.

You scoff and blink to watch your hands as you twist your ring around. “Did…Aemond send you to talk to me?”

Alicent sighs, and when you look at her, her lips form to a small frown. “No…he wanted to talk to you himself, but I thought that maybe it would be better if we talked.”

You drop your gaze and gently bite your lip before you huff out of your nose and jump to what this conversation is about. “Visenya is a baby. She is only four months old….” You let out a small shaky breath, and clench your jaw so you could fight back your tears.

“She’s my baby and they want to offer her away…” you pause and sniffle. “I don’t want them to take her away.”

Alicent let’s out a soft breath before you feel her hand on yours. “I know,” she whispers. “I know exactly how you feel….”

You lift your gaze and meet hers.

“…I am a mother too. I too have a daughter who was once as small as baby Visenya,” she continues. “I swear to you I know your grievance…but…you have to understand that Visenya is a Princess with Dragon Blood in her. She is a High Born Lady with Lannister Blood. She has duties that she must follow, as you did once too. As you still do.”

“I know,” you mumble. “I know that but I cannot fathom being apart from her, marrying her off to some stranger. To someone who might hurt her.”

Alicent scoffs softly as if it’s amusing. “I don't think you need to worry about her getting hurt, she already has a dragon born to her,” she tries to assure you. “With time I am sure both you and Aemond will teach her to wield a blade even if people are against it.”

The corner of your lips twitch to a smile over her words.

“She will be fierce just like her namesake, like her mother.” Alicent smiles. “And if it’s a stranger you’re worried about…Aemond and you were once strangers, and look at you now, you’re both inseparable. My son loves you. I could have not asked for a better Gooddaughter. So maybe that’s what awaits for Visenya too. If not she will be a Lady of her own home. A mighty one at that.”

Alicent lifts your hands and cradles them tighter, she leans forward to be closer, whilst you stay quiet and listen to her every word.

“She will be promised a good life, and she will not leave until she comes of age, years from now,” Alicent continues. “Aemond will not let that little girl out of her sight so young, you know that. And…think of the advantage this match could bring. This alliance might be what keeps your family safe, and bring the power we need to fight what could come.”

No one could protect her more fiercely than you and Aemond, but…

“If you do not have a desire to fight for Aegon,” she says in a whisper. “Then do it for the love you harbor for my son, for my granddaughter.”

…she’s right. About it all. Even if it pains every muscle in your heart.

“I’m sorry,” you mumble and drop your head. “I just want to keep my daughter safe….that’s all I want.” Tears escape past your eyes, but you quickly pull your hand from Alicents grasp to wipe them off.

“I understand,” Alicent interjects before she wraps you in an embrace. “I do.”

You’re caught off guard a bit by her embrace, but once the surprise passes you wrap your arms around her and sink in her arms.

She lets you stay for a moment, she lingers in the embrace as well and doesn’t pull back until a knock raps on the door. When it’s relieved who was at the door, a servant announces that The Hand is demanding her presence at the meeting, so…you both go.

You both head towards your previous destination, to the chamber full of men, all of them already lost in conversation without having the manners to wait for Alicent. They only pause once she walks in because of courtesy, but if she had been someone else, if you had walked in alone that same courtesy would have not been shared.

Albeit you must exclude Aemond from your judgment, he was sitting amongst them but was quiet, only listening to what had been discussed, and only in attendance because Visenya was going to be talked about, otherwise he wouldn’t have shown.

Then again…war is an unavoidable thing so he might be attending these meetings more often.

“We were just discussing the alliances in our midst,” Lord Otto shares once Alicent takes her seat; this time beside Aegon since he was now the head of these meetings.

You on the other hand take your spot behind her, just like how it was in every meeting since she asked you to accompany her.

Yet today there was another wine fetcher in the room, and beside Aemond was one empty seat.

“Please,” Aegon interjects with a smug smile. “Take a seat, My Lady.”

You blink in confusion and look to Alicent, who offers you a faint smile, and then to Aemond, who offers you a single assuring nod before he stands up to wait for you to take your seat.

You’re hesitant at first though and slowly approach your seat before you sit and get pushed in, joining everyone around the table this time. As one of them.

“From now on,” Aegon continues, and pulls your still slightly shocked gaze to him. “I want you to be apart of these meetings as one of my advisors. You and my brother.”

Even after all the teasing? All the banter? All the discreet side eyes and dirty glares? You? A woman?

“Thank you,” you tell Aegon in disbelief. “Truly. I am honored.”

Aegon smirks before he leans back and drinks from his cup of wine, letting the previous conversation continue.

“The houses that will stand with Rhaenyra if need be are The Starks; they’re loyal to their oaths,” Lord Otto shares. “House Arryn because of the blood they share, and of course House Velayron.”

“That leaves House HighGarden, House Tully, House Greyjoy, and House Baratheon,” Lord Wylde continues for her father.

“We will send a raven to each House, remind them of their oaths to the Crown, and tell them to pledge loyalty to Aegon,” Lord Otto says.

“Perhaps along with our message to Storms End, we can send a proposal. Lord Borros has children, all free to marry after all,” your uncle suggests. Once again. “I’m afraid Prince Jaehaerys is too young to marry his daughters, that leaves his newborn son.”

You lower your gaze and clench your jaw as you know where this is headed.

“I suggest we offer to match my niece, Princess Visenya,” your uncle continues; and you feel his stare on you. “She carries Targaryen blood as well as Lannister blood, it’s a far worthy match.”

You slowly look up and meet his gaze for a brief second; with no anger, no happiness, just…sadness and acceptance.

“Yes,” the Lord Hand agrees. “Borros won’t turn down the offer. Especially not when it’s known the princess already has bonded to her dragon.”

Alicent turns her head and looks between Aemond and you. “Aemond, y/n, what do you think?” She asks.

Aemond and you share a gaze that you both understand without needing to speak since he knew his mother had convinced you already.

“Yes,” you interject for the both of you, feeling Aemond’s gaze on you. “I agree, we should offer to match Visenya to Lord Borros' son. It should be an honor to him to receive such a highly valuable match. Besides, it would secure his alliance with Aegon.”

Aemond hums in agreement, and as you keep your hands on your lap, you suddenly feel his warm and soft hand hold yours. When you look over at him his gaze is already on you, making you smile softly in relief.

“We will go and give him the proposal in person,” Aemond adds and looks back to the members of the council without even thinking twice, or even asking about letting you accompany him.

“Yes,” his grandfather nods in agreement. “That would work excellently in our favor, it would show we value their allegiance. Aegon?”

All eyes go to him, and he slowly lowers his cup from his lips and hums before speaking, “yes, that would be great. Go, the both of you, it will be more favoring that way.”

You let out a small sigh and look between all of them, and feign a smirk. “Thank you,” you say out of courtesy. “We will not let you down.”

——

For him. For her.

You sigh and look up at the grand tower on the rock by the water. Just like Casterly Rock.

Except here the sun didn’t shine brightly, clouds covered the sky and made the day look like night. Wind thrashed violently, and the rocks that surrounded the castle seem sharper, violent.

This is Visenya’s future. This one tower.

“Oh gods,” you murmur as you walk away from Vhagar. “<This is where my daughter is going to live?” You comment in Valyrian in case there was anyone lurking nearby.

“<It’s so depressing,” Aemond adds to the judgment as well. “Perhaps her dragon will eat her betrothed in due time.>”

You hum along, and once you walk undercover Aemond stops you. “<It’s you who once told me not to let your emotions get the best of you, no?”>

You drop your gaze and slowly turn to face him.

He closes the gap that’s left between you and caresses your chin before he cradles your cheeks. “<I love our daughter, you really think I want to marry her off to some Baratheon dimwit? No. But this is what is best. It is our duty, as it will be hers. We cannot let our emotions blind us.>”

The corner of your lips twitch to a smile, and you simply nod in comprehension. Aemond holds your gaze and offers you a faint smirk before he steals a kiss from you.

When you pull apart you smile faintly at him before stroking his lips with your thumb as you hold his gaze. He proceeds to smirk and looks at you up and down before he leans in and whispers.

“<You look fucking beautiful in your riding outfit.>”

You grin and bat your lashes. “<Do I?>” You probe sweetly.

He hums.

You glance at his lips before you grab him by the back of his neck and pull him in for a deep tender kiss. Aemond grabs your face with both hands and kisses you back with more passion.

“Come on,” you say between breaths. “We shan't keep the Lord waiting.”

Aemond kisses you one more time before he meets your gaze and agrees, letting you both pull away completely and continue towards the castle gates.

Once upon them, guards come out and don’t ask who you are, they notice Aemond’s silver-white hair, his eyepatch, and step aside and open the doors to let you walk inside the cold and dimly lit castle. The moment you stride inside the Maester meets you.

“Prince Aemond,” he greets and bows his head. “Lady Lannister, welcome to Storms End. Lord Borros is waiting inside.” The man stands up straight and turns to walk the both of you to the grande hall.

And as mentioned the grand Lord Borros was already sat upon his chair, four dark haired women stood at the side, his own council stood close by, and all their eyes landed on you the moment the guard stepped up to announce your entrance.

“Prince Aemond Targaryen, son of Late King Viserys, and his Lady wife, Y/N Lannister!”

Aemond and you stride towards the Lord with confidence, without falter.

“Lord Borros,” you break the silence once you stop in front of the stairs. “Thank you for receiving us in your home on such short notice.”

Lord Borros hums and lifts his chin. “I am quite curious as to why I have the honor of receiving you today, so out with it.”

How kind.

“We are here as envoys for King Aegon,” Aemond says. “As you well know, my father passed, and in his last breaths he wished for his firstborn son to be named King. Your King. Now, hm,” he sighs and clasps his hands behind him. “It seems Rhaenyra Targaryen wants to usurp my brother's title.”

“And what?” Lord Borros quips.

You scoff. “King Aegon wants you to pledge loyalty to him, he hopes you could give your swords and bannermen to ally with him if it’s a war Princess Rhaenyra wants.” You continue for Aemond. “In exchange…” you breathe out. “We offer a proposal, when our daughter Visenya Targaryen comes of age, she shall marry your son. Let us join our houses Lord Borros.”

Lord Borros let’s out a deep breath and scoffs as he smirks. “So the Lion bows to the Stag, here I thought the day would never come. What would your father say?” He chuckles.

You scoff, and feign a soft smile. “It was my father and uncle who suggested it. So I’ll say they are quite honored, Lord Borros.”

“Hm.” He shifts in his seat and glances at Aemond. “What keeps me from accepting an alliance with the Princess if she bothers to show?”

Aemond clears his throat and steps forward. “Whatever it is you need. But I do hope you know, with our pact comes no…dishonesty,” he snickers. “When our children come of age, my daughter will be accompanied by a dragon. When they have children of their own, our grandchildren will each have one of their own. And is there no greater glory than joining three grand houses?”

You keep your eyes on the Lord and see him glance at his people for a brief moment before looking back at you.

“All right, I will accept the King's proposal, I will give my swords and bannermen, and accept the match between my son and your daughter.”

Both Aemond and you smirk, and you nod and add, “thank you, Lord Borros.”

“Did you bring the babe with you?” Lord Borros asks. “My wife might be curious to meet our daughter to be.”

You shake your head and can’t help but smile at the thought of her. “No, unfortunately. Visenya is home. Perhaps we can return another time so the children can meet.”

He scoffs, and changes the subject to matters of money and dates, and doesn’t let you even say a peep, he makes Aemond talk the entire time. Actually you’re quite lucky he actually even addressed you today and didn't just view you as Aemond’s accessory.

Regardless as they talked, sometime later an announcement then cuts them off. “Prince Lucerys Velaryon.”

You turn around and see the boy alone, surrounded by Baratheon Knights. Aemond also turns before slowly walking to your side to look over at his nephew, as he looks at him…with shock

“Son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen,” the Knight continues.

Thunder claps in the sky and breaks Lucerys from his stupor. “Lord Borros, I brought you a message from my mother, the Queen.”

Aemond and you share a judgemental look over the boy's words.

“Yet earlier this day, I received an envoy from the King,” Lord Borros says. “Which is it? King or Queen? The House of the Dragon does not seem to know who rules it.” He proceeds to chuckle alone before finally questioning the boy's intentions. “What’s your mothers message?”

Lucerys puts out the scroll in his hand so the Knight can take it to his Lord. And once the Knight walks off, Lucerys glances over at Aemond again, as if he’s afraid your husband will just disappear to then attack him.

“Where’s the bloody maester?!” Lord Borros exclaims.

And in the wait, you see Lucerys hold his swords handle before looking ahead again as he waits.

“Remind me of my fathers oath,” Lord Borros says. “King Aegon at least came with an offer, my swords and banners for a marriage pact.” he glances over at Aemond and you, causing you both to show off a sly smirk as Lucerys looks and pieces together what the offer was, who you were matching together.

“If I do as your mother bids,” Lord Borros continues. “Which one of my daughters will you wed? Boy.”

“My Lord,” Lucerys interjects. “I am not free to marry, I'm already betrothed.”

“So you come with empty hands,” Lord Borros says. “Go home, pup. And tell your mother that the Lord of Storm’s End is not some dog that she can whistle up at need to set against her foes.”

Without any falter Lucerys responds, “I shall take your answer to the Queen, my Lord.”

Aemond sighs, and Lucerys turns to begin heading out. Yet, Aemond then stops him. “Wait. My Lord Strong.”

You glance at Aemond out of surprise and slight confusion, but don’t show it when you return your gaze to Lucerys as he turns and walks back.

“Did you really think that you could just fly about the realm trying to steal my brother's throne at no cost?” Aemond throws out.

“I will not fight you,” Lucerys tells him. “I came as a messenger, not a warrior.”

“Fight will be little challenge,” Aemond counters. “No.” He then surprises you by pulling off his eyepatch and showing off the sapphire underneath it. “I want you to put out your eye. As payment for mine.”

You stiffen at his threat and take a step closer to Aemond.

“One will serve,” Aemond continues without breaking eye contact, whilst he pulls back his coat to unsheath his dagger and throw it at the boy's feet. “I will not blind you. Mm.” He smacks his lips. “Plan to make a gift of it to my mother.”

Lucerys looks down at the blade before slowly looking back at Aemond, and snapping back, “no.”

“Then you are craven as well as a traitor,” Aemond rebuttals, making Lord Borros interject as he senses the tension rising.

“Not here.”

However, Aemond then charges at the boy as he exclaims out, “give me your eye, or I will take it, bastard!” He picks his blade off the ground and Lucerys pulls out his as Aemond continues to charge at him.

“Aemond,” you exclaim and step forward. “Not here! Not in this hall.”

Without hesitation Aemond comes to a halt a few feet away from Lucerys.

“Prince Lucerys came as an envoy to Lord Borros,” you remind him. “Not as a warrior.”

“I will not have bloodshed beneath my roof,” Lord Borros interjects. “Take Prince Lucerys back to his dragon. Now.”

Lucerys sheaths his sword and the Knights then accompany him out, letting Aemond flip his sword around in his hand before putting it away.

Yet you don’t feel at ease, you know him, you can read him now. You know this wasn’t going to stop him.

“Our apologies,” you say outloud and turn to face the Lord. “Lord Borros.”

Said man sits back down and releases a deep breath.

“We must go now,” Aemond adds. “Thank you for your loyalty. I hope we return in time so our children may meet.” Aemond turns around without adding more, and you turn after him to match his quick stride out of the castle.

“Aemond,” you call out, but to no avail. You step out into the rain and call to him again, but he continues to storm over to Vhagar. “Aemond!”

Said man stops just under the archway and turns to face you right in front of him. “Stay here,” he says and grabs your arms. “I will return.” He presses a kiss on your forehead and steps back.

“What will you do?” You ask before he can turn. “Take me with you.”

He sighs and holds your gaze. “No, my love, this is something I must do alone. I can not fathom the thought of you getting hurt—”

“Don’t,” you cut him off. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“Never,” he scoffs with a playful smirk. “Just a small…jest, is all.”

You clench your jaw and huff out. “Don’t let your emotions cloud you, Aemond.”

Said man smiles and reaches you again to caress your chin before kissing you once more. “I’ll be back for you,” he assures you.

“All right,” you whisper and watch him walk to Vhagar.

From the top of the dragon Aemond looks at you one more time before he makes the she-dragon fly off high into the sky. You watch them quickly disappear into the thick storm clouds, in the sheets of rain that fell down, and between the clapping thunder.

You wait for them in the same spot he left you at and watch the sky without daring to look away out of fear. You initially thought it was because of what Aemond could do, but you quickly know that the fear is for his life.

Lucerys might not be willing to fight, but the dragons tell a different story, they don’t follow those same rules their masters do. So yes, you fear for Aemond’s life because losing him now…would be like death.

So the longer you wait, the harder you feel your heart pound, the more you fidget with each ring on your finger, the more you worry grows. Until, finally there, coming down from within the clouds is Vhagar. She comes down and lands as close as she can get, but Aemond doesn’t get down, so you climb up.

Once you reach the top, he doesn’t meet your gaze, he lets you sit in your spot behind him without even saying a word. He just keeps his gaze downcasted , and his lips formed to a pursing frown.

He doesn’t seem hurt, neither does Vhagar, so this was something else. Something else made him quieter than he was already, something else made him frown and upset.

“Are you okay?” You try to ask.

Aemond nods stiffly and then makes Vhagar fly away. And the entire flight back home was painfully quiet. Aemond didn’t speak a word about what happened between him and Lucerys, nor did you ask him in that moment. Not even when you planted your feet back on the ground. You were going to give him his time, let him talk when he wanted to.

In the meanwhile you did talk to Vhagar.

“<You are such a good lady,>” you tell the dragon as you caress the side of her face as she leans in your touch.

“Y/N,” Aemond murmurs, making you pat Vhagar one last time before turning to face Aemond.

And that’s when you finally see it, read the emotions in his gaze.

His eye is wide. He looks baffled, but deeper than that he looks scared. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth, to see him so upset.

“What is it?” You ask as you get close to him.

Aemond swallows thickly and lets out a deep sigh. “It was…Vhagar, she ate Lucerys.”

Everything in you goes rigid; your thoughts, your muscles. All you feel is disbelief, worry for what was to come from the council when they knew. Yet when you can begin to progress what Aemond said, you blink repeatedly and let out a deep breath before you close the gap between you and grab his arms.

“Okay. That’s—we will deal with it together.”

Aemond’s eye begins to cloud with a tear, and his frown seems to deepen.

“We will have to send her away,” he blurts out, referring to only one person; Visenya.

He was referring to her. Little baby Visenya.

Once again you go rigid, this time denial begins to infiltrate, as well as anger.

“She…” his words trail off as your eyes fall to the ground and you repeatedly blink in disbelief, as you swallow down his words, as you gather your thoughts.

It just he couldn’t send her away. Not her. She couldn’t leave—she needs you. She’s just a baby. She needs him. You need her. She can’t leave.

“No,” you cut him off and blink to meet his gaze. “No,” you repeat. “No!” You shove his hands off you and shoot him a burning glare. “You said she would stay! She isn’t supposed to leave me yet! She—-”

“They will demand blood for blood,” Aemond interrupts you and grabs your arms now. “Justice for what I did.”

You shake your head. “She’s a baby! She’s just a little baby! If they come for her I will kill all of them.”

Aemond sighs and grabs your face now. “Y/N. Listen to me. She cannot stay here, I will not let her stay here and risk having something happen to her. I will not allow it,”

Tears cloud your eyes as you grab onto his hands. “Then protect her. You can do it. I have friends, you’re skillful, just please don’t make me send her away.”

“My love,” he whispers softly. “My love, that is not enough. It pains me too, having to send our daughter away, but she will be safer—”

“No,” you cut him off as tears stream down your cheeks. “No place is safer than with us.”

Aemond let’s out a deep breath and doesn’t agree or get assured, he keeps his frown on, he stays looking sad. He doesn’t come up with a different plan.

“It will be with someone we can trust with our lives, someone who won’t be swayed by money or power. Someone loyal. Someone who can and will protect her with their life.” He says instead. “She cannot stay at Casterly Rock. No matter how many men your father has. She cannot go with my brother Daeron, she needs to go with someone no one will suspect.”

You slide your hands off his, drop your head and sniffle.

You know he’s right, you know it deep in your heart, but it doesn’t mean it hurts any less.

“Y/N,” he says and lifts your head so you can meet his gaze. “You—”

“I know,” you cry, “I know someone. I know…I know people, but please she’s our baby, she needs us.” You grab his face in hopes that would sway him away from his already made up mind.

“I know.” He nods. “I know. But if something happens to her because she stays here, I will never forgive myself. If I lose her I won’t be able to endure it because she is blood of my blood, because she is my delight, our daughter. So send for them, those people you trust.”

You cover your mouth and clutch onto your stomach before stepping away from him and turning around to give him your back.

“Y/N,” he whispers, “I need you to understand. Say you do.”

You let out a stifled cry and then turn back around to face him with a faltering scowl.

Yet you can’t hold it, you can’t be mad or blame him. So you drop your head and let him approach you again to cradle your face and wipe the tears off your cheeks.

“Tell me,” he says.

You let out a shaky breath and meet his gaze. “Ser Robert,” you reveal the first person, and only person who you can fully trust without a fault to protect your daughter with his life.

“And…Nyra.” She may have chosen Aegon a year ago, she might’ve been sent home because of it, but if there’s anyone you trust to take care of Visenya, to trust to not let her forget you or Aemond, it’s her. The girl who never stopped being your friend.

“I’ll summon them,” you whisper.

Aemond nods in agreement before he leans his face closer. “She will take her dragon as well. It may be a hatchling, but it will grow, it can protect her too in time.”

You draw in a deep breath and nod slowly before sighing.

Aemond then caresses your cheeks before pressing a kiss on your head and pulling you in for a tight, comforting embrace.

“Do not worry my love,” he begins to assure you confidently.

You hug him back, clutch onto him so he wouldn't go. Like if your life depends on it.

“…we will kill them all so we can be together again,” he continues, making you pull back to face him.

“You swear?” You ask him as you hold his gaze.

He smirks and presses a kiss on your forehead one more time before he presses his forehead against yours and assures you, “we will kill them all.”

A/N- since I will put this on hiatus, maybe I can write a few side stories like the baby’s first kick, stuff like that??? Yes??

Tagged: @winter-soldier-101 @whateverooooooo @xcharlottemikaelsonx @blue-serendipityy @aistheamazing @lawlerek @hydrationqueensworld @out-of-life @claudie-080102 @ameagrice @stargaryenx @joniinoj

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skylaryozora · 2 years

Text

Unpopular Opinion: Why I prefer the way Bloom gained her Enchantix

Yet another thing I realized while rewatching the show.

But I guess we need to start with the episode where Faragonda told Alfea's students about the final fairy form.

Faragonda: The test will find you at a critical moment in time. You will need to rescue someone from your own world and it will require a great sacrifice. If you succeed, then and only then you will achieve the final transformation.

As much as I love Enchantix as the brand new fairy level and aesthetic (the soundtracks, the concept of Fairy Dust, and the wings, omg, I would die to have Stella's or Flora's ones), there is one thing about it that has always bugged me, namely, the way it is earned.

Now, please refrain from throwing stones at me for the time being, and give me a chance to elaborate on that. I do not have a problem particularly with girls proving how noble, selfless, and courageous they are, I absolutely love that. I am strictly talking about the... technical side.

The ultimate condition determines that in order to achieve Enchantix one has to rescue someone from their own realm. I see two problematic aspects of that:

This is clearly an external factor, something a fairy does not even have an impact on. What if a fairy is "unlucky" enough not to encounter anynone who would need their help? What is she supposed to do then, create such an opportunity? (XD) And also, what if she tries her best to save someone, but fails for some reason? The default way to gain Enchantix implies putting oneself in danger and even sacrificing your life if necessary, which makes it a very precarious trial, and maybe some fairies could dare consider it an awful chore to get over with and mark as completed, which kind of brings me to my next point. Digression: See, the condition to gain Charmix was to overcome personal fears and anxieties, which makes more sense to me because it is an internal factor. It is different for everyone and it gives great value to the next fairy level, because it celebrates the fact that a fairy managed to grow as a person and step out of her comfort zone.

The limitation regarding the rescued person's origin is just plain ridiculous for me. Honestly, it makes little to no sense, and I dare say it is even discriminatory. What if it was Bloom or Musa who saved Flora's sister or Stella's dad for some random reason? It would not count as an Enchantix-worthy deed, because Bloom's planet is dead in S3 and Musa has her own different realm she should "focus" on? But what about Tecna then? She activated her Enchantix through self-sacrifice but not directly for Zenithean citizens' sake, but rather for the whole magical dimension, which just makes it a bit confusing. In that case, Bloom could do the same thing, in fact, she was ready to do so (only together with Aisha, Tecna, and this Androsean sage Tabok who was eventually useless), but Tecna decided to do it of her own accord (Tabok prevented Aisha from stopping her by saying she must fulfill her destiny... Honestly, what destiny all of a sudden? If I remember correctly, we never hear about Tecna's destiny before and after that episode). Also, what if a fairy detests her home realm and its inhabitants (and let's assume she has a legitimate reason for that), and wants to break free from it for good? She unwillingly comes back there and gets a chance to rescue someone, but it is a person whom she absolutely despises for the same legitimate reason. Is such person simply not able to achieve the final form? I know it is an extreme example, but it is still possible.

The second condition has a considerable impact in Bloom's case, as it makes her feel excluded and deprived of a chance to evolve into a full-fledged fairy. She genuinely wishes to become stronger, and she asks the headmistress for guidance. This is what Faragonda tells her:

Faragonda: There's only one place you can go to become stronger, Bloom. It is called Pyros. The island of dragons. The power you can acquire there is great, but the dangers are severe and your survival is far from certain.

Leaving aside many aspects which confuse and upset me about this turn of events and Pyros arc (like this small dragon Buddy existing just for one episode, or Bloom not being told how exactly staying on Pyros can help her acquire this great power), Bloom is teleported to a place where she meets a new mentor, Maya, the only one who offers her some concrete instructions.

Maya: If you want to get stronger, you must open your heart and your mind. (...) Your magic is more focused, and you're able to control your fear. Your powers reached a whole new level of sophistication. (...) Every magical place has a unique kind of essence and not just every place, but every magical being too - and that includes you. Just like Pyros, you are defined by the particular blend of magic which lies deep at your core. What you must do is allow your own essence and that of Pyros to come together and work as one.

During her training with Maya Bloom learns how to medidate, which is officially proven to be a major performance booster if done well, and also does some physical workout, which I also appreciate because I imagine that growing more powerful implies it is an all-encompassing process which enhances both your body and mind.

Besides, no wonder why Bloom will always be considered the strongest in the show: she seems to get more opportunities to hone her skills and even learn secrets related to spiritual development after all. I am aware it is partly because she herself is big on self-improvement because she often feels not good enough in comparison with her Enchantix squad, but still, the other girls do not get opportunities to acquire this kind of knowledge, which would benefit them too and make them even more powerful. Bloom is later seen using the knowledge she acquired during her quest on Pyros in order to understand how to approach the guardian dragon of the Omega Dimension, which clearly gives her an upper hand in understanding how the magical world works.

Maya even gives Bloom a vial containing the essence of Pyros, which basically becomes Bloom's Fairy Dust (!). Of course, it is not said that Bloom is now bonded with Pyros forever, which would make sense, but it is something I find especially interesting.

Maya: All the energy you possess was totally focused for one perfect moment, and that's what set your Enchantix free. It can only happen to someone who has the Dragon Fire within. (...) You found yourself, Bloom.

Faragonda: Bloom, I'm not going to lie to you, your Enchantix power is dangerously incomplete. The others have a power that was born out of sacrifice, yours was created by the pure force of will, it's not the same.

So, Bloom made her way to Enchantix through refining her mind power, achieving inner peace, learning how to focus her energy, and becoming one with the realm of dragons, not to mention going through various physical trials, sometimes without using magic and wings. Basically she forced herself into Enchantix form using the honed strength of her character and the ungiving power of her will... and you are telling me that her Enchantix is incomplete (to make it worse, this is repeated like ten times throughout the show, which I find incredibly annoying) just because she had no choice but to do it in her own untypical way?!

This is where I need to state I do believe that the way Bloom got Enchantix is more fascinating and just deeper when you think about it. I adore the idea of gaining the final magical form through understanding what is inner peace and achieving the ultimate focus, which in fact translates to more effective performance (let me remind you that Valtor was medidating too!). It kind of resembles spiritual awakening which could be a huge milestone in fairy's evolution, right after conquering one's fears. Bloom went out of her way to prove she is uniquely gifted, after all she acquired the final form by herself, without being granted it by some external source.

And yet, Bloom is told that despite her being unique, one of a kind, super powerful and what not, she is still not good enough, and Faragonda does not specify what actually makes Bloom's Enchantix a demo version.

One last but random thing, you know what might have been cool? If teachers had not revealed to them that such a final fairy form exists and how to acquire it. This way Aisha's transformation would have been an even greater surprise for the girls and all of the Alfea students, and a moment of enlightenment of what it takes to achieve this level (and they would need to figure it out by themselves!).

That is all from me, and I am eager to read about your take on Bloom's case and Enchantix in general.

#winx bloom #winx enchantix #bloom enchantix #winx #winx club #winx commentary #fairy evolution #enchantix

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avathebestx · 1 year

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My Thoughts on The Bad Batch Season 2 Finale

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Techs Death

This hit me so hard, I am so affected I can’t even return to who I was before, no jokes. Tech dying just destroyed my heart, destroyed me as a person. I can’t recover, I just can’t. I knew it was coming, he got so much screen time and attention and when Hunter picked up his goggles, i knew it was end game. I had hope that he would return, like echo but seeing his goggles made me lose all that hope. Hunter was so devastated when he saw his little brothers glasses in pieces cause he had hope that Tech could be out there, but just like me, the goggles made him lose all hope. Rest in peace Tech, we love you. (My Eulogy’s at the end) 🥺💔

Cid’s Betrayal

I hate Cid with all my heart. This is why I made a petition to kill her. I hated her so much and that guy that warned them was right. I called it, I knew she would betray them to spite the batch. Even after they lost Tech, she just decided, fuck it let me just reck their lives more. She wasn’t sorry, she never has been. She just wants money and she’s so selfish and greedy it makes me sick. I hoped she would do the right thing but again, I was proven wrong. 💔

Omega’s Capturing

Since we just talked about Cid snitching on them, let’s get to Omega. She is the reason Omegas there, she’s the reason that they went through hell and they lost Tech. They were doing fine, all they needed was Crosshair back and they could live peacefully. Just like what everyone wanted. It breaks my heart seeing her back with the Empire and we will get into that doctor in a bit but let’s focus on Omega still. She is so strong, she fought for her brothers, risked her life for them because she knew they have done the same and that if tech died saving them, why couldn’t she? Omega is such an incredible strong girl who shows how much a sweet girl can turn into a sweet but tough girl. I wish Omega nothing but safety.

The Doctor

Welp, that’s Omegas sister now?? Jennifer make it make sense?? Does that mean the doctors a clone because according to the information we received in S1, Omega and Boba are the only first gen clones of Jango so where does she come in? Is it because they knew each other or because they were created both on Kamino? I still have very high hopes for the doc and I pray that she helps Omega and Cross get out of there. She reminds me so much of tech it hurts and I know it would hurt the batch if they had someone who reminds them of the brother they lost in battle.

Saw Gerrera

Honestly, I always disliked Saw but now it’s so high it’s overflowing. If he wouldn’t have been so inconsiderate and put others needs before himself, Tech would still be with us. He says he wants the fight the empire but doesn’t do what’s necessary to do so?? He’s so caught up in the moment he doesn’t care. He killed Tech. And I will always blame him for Techs death and nothing will change my mind regardless.

Crosshair

I’m shocked we didn’t get any valuable Crosshair scenes in the finale, like they whole point of last weeks episode was Crosshair? I thought he would play a bigger part but again, I was mistaken. It’s honestly heartbreaking to know that he doesn’t know Techs dead. It hurts me because he warned them, he put his life on the line to help them yet one of the smartest people on the squad dies? I already know this is going to hit him so hard when he finds out cause he already lost Mayday, someone he just met and if he loses someone he’s known his whole life to a cause he always supported?? He is going to have no remorse. He is going to kill and I can feel it. He is going to avenge Techs death and cherish the time he had with one of his oldest brothers.

My Eulogy for Tech

Tech, my smarty little Tech. I can’t believe your gone, the smartest of them all dies? Ironic to me. You put your life on the line when no one else could. You did what you needed to do for the safety of your family, and for the future you never got to live. I thank you for the amazing knowledge you always shared with us and the flying lessons with Omega. I thank you for you “Tech Turn” cause that’s all I will ever call it. I thank you for the love you showed, even when you thought you didn’t. I thank you for trying to understand your family members when they were going through hard times and always staying by their side to comfort them. I thank you for putting your life on the line, regardless of what was next. And I mean when it came to you and Omega in the cave and you in the finale. I’ll miss your smile and your amazing racing skills. I’ll miss your voice and your walk. I’ll miss your data pad you used to share your amazing discoveries. And most importantly, we all thank you for the fun we got with you for the (almost) 3 years we had. We love you Tech and we miss you. Also if you see Fives up there, tell him Echo said hi. He misses you both terribly. We love you Tech. Goodbye…💔

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burgundybmw · 2 years

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Munson's Mixtape

Mixtape Masterlist

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Cunningham!Reader

Word Count: 2,663

Warnings: Mentions of drugs, Canon character death (RIP Chrissy), Discussion of the handcuffs, Mentions of abusive parents.

Summary: Chrissy has been acting weird, and like a good big sister Y/N drives to Hawkins from Notre Dame to check in on her. Only to find out she has plans to meet up with Eddie Munson. Things take a turn for the worse and now Y/N gets wrapped in to the horrors of Hawkins. Hey, at least she has the company of the guitarist she was sweet on back in high school for comfort.

Author’s Note: How is everybody feeling after Volume 2 dropped? A certain major spoiler popped on my phone as a Twitter notification so I haven't watched the last episode yet. Without saying too much, I'm personally gonna square up with the Duffer Brothers.

Track Four

The campaign was an overwhelming success. It was a bit touch and go towards the end, with most of the party falling to the infamous Vecna's curse. Only Henderson and Y/N remained, and while the rest of the group wanted to flee, they both decided to fight to the death. In the end, it was Y/N's roll of 20 that sealed the win for everyone. Eddie was ecstatic, not only did Y/N have fun playing with the party, it was her that won it all. The boys all huddled around her, cheering her on for the excellent win, and despite Eddie's brief flash of jealousy, he was happy for her. The smile she had on her face lit up the entire room, and Eddie wished he could write a million campaigns for her to win so he could see see that smile again.

The campaign finished up a bit earlier than the championship game, Henderson and Wheeler headed off to the gym to see what Sinclair was up to, and Jeff and Gareth got in their cars to head home. Leaving Eddie and Y/N behind.

"It was a great campaign Eddie, I had a lot of fun" Eddie turned to Y/N, adrenaline still high from the evening.

"Why thank you my fair lady, t'was an excellent win" Eddie bowed at the waist, opening his hand toward the champion of the night.

"I really needed that. School has been stressful and all of this stuff with Chrissy has been weighing on me. It was definitely needed" Eddie had completely forgotten the reason she was at Hellfire in the first place. So caught up with spending time with her, he neglected the plan they set forth all together.

"Yea well, you're welcome. Um, speaking of. We should quickly head to my trailer, get you set up before I swing back to get Chrissy." Y/N nodded, and followed him to the parking lot. When they got to her car Eddie opened the door for her.

"Why thank you Eddie, apparently chivalry isn't dead after all" as she got in her car Eddie couldn't stop the boyish grin on his face. He shut the door and raced over to his van. Mentally preparing himself for the evening ahead.

All of the light hearted feelings Y/N had during the campaign slowly began to dwindle inside of her. As she followed Eddie to Forrest Hills, the nerves began to settle in again. Knowing that within the hour she would have to confront her sister about what was going on with her, terrified to find out the truth. As she pulled into the trailer park Eddie instructed Y/N to park further away from his place, so that Chrissy wouldn't see it. Once parked, she hopped into Eddie's van to drive the rest of the way to his trailer. Y/N had never been inside Eddie's van before, only briefly catching a glimpse inside when he searched for the mixtape he made her. The smell of weed and motor oil remained, but she was surprised to see that there wasn't any garbage on the floor like last time.

Once they pulled up to the trailer, reality set in. She was about to go into Eddie Munson's home. Where he lived, ate, and slept. Y/N was about to have an intervention for her little sister. Her sister who has woken her up in a panic every night this week. It was overwhelming, she felt her chest begin to tighten, breath coming in and out a bit took quickly.

"Hey, are you okay?" Eddie asked, his big brown doe eyes staring into hers. Y/N took a deep breath, now wasn't the time to freak out.

"Yea I will be. Let's just get inside." Eddie nodded and got out of the van, walking on the other side to open the door for her. He did the same to the front door of the trailer, and Y/N was surprised to see what was inside.

The trailer itself wasn't very big, there was some mugs hanging around the place, a couch and old tv in the corner in between two doors she assumed were Eddie and Wayne's bedroom. It was cozy, and had a more lived in feel to it. Unlike her childhood home, where it looked like it was up for sale rather than occupied with a family of four.

"I know it's not the Ritz but.. hey it's home" Eddie said has he shut the door behind him. He looked embarrassed, but he didn't need to worry about it. Y/N didn't care.

"It's fine Eddie. Um, where do you want me?"

"The bedroom." Eddie quickly responded, but realized the implications of his statement as soon as he said it. "I mean, that's the best place to hide out when Chrissy gets here." Y/N nodded and willed the heat in her face to go away. Eddie walked past her to open the door to his bedroom, quickly picking up some dirty laundry that littered the floor.

"Sorry, didn't expect the company of a lady tonight. I would have cleaned up more." Y/N shook her head, unbothered as she took a peak around Eddie's space. The walls were covered with posters from different metal and rock bands. An amp was placed in the corner, his beloved electric guitar hanging on the wall beside it. To her right was Eddie's single bed. The sheets looked clean enough so she sat down, making herself comfortable. It was then she noticed something else on the wall besides posters.

"Are those handcuffs hanging up there?" she asked, and Eddie froze. He looked like a kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar.

"Ugh yea they are..." he stammered out.

"Why do you have handcuffs on the wall?" Had Eddie been arrested before? Were they some part of his look. She knew he liked to wear chains around his belt loops, maybe it was something like that?

"Well, ha, you see.. um.. do you want the honest answer or the PG-13 version?" Y/N's eyes widened at that, the dots slowly connecting in her mind. The previous heat in her face back in full force, and an unexpected shiver went down her spine.

"The PG-13 version." Y/N didn't think she could handle anything else. Especially while she was sitting here, on Eddie's bed, the place where he could be using those handcuffs, whatever purpose they served.

"I ugh... use them when certain guests come over." Y/N's imagination ran wild. Eddie used those cuffs, on people, plural. The little green monster on her shoulder made an appearance again, claws digging into her, laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. So what if Eddie got laid? He was a grown man, he could do whatever he wants. So what if he had kinky sex, has brought people to the very bed she was sitting on. Wrapped the cold metal around their wrists, waiting for whatever Eddie was going to do to them next. Y/N needed to stop that train of thought immediately, now was not the time for girlish fantasies.

"Oh.. um cool?" A lovely rose blush graced Eddie's cheeks, he nodded fixated on cleaning up the place. An awkward silence filled the room, Y/N so desperately wanted to break it. She just couldn't stop thinking about those handcuffs on the wall.

"What time are you picking up Chrissy?" Y/N asked, something to fill the never ending silence.

"I should leave now, wouldn't want to keep her waiting. When I let her in just stay here till I come get you, then you ladies can um, talk it out." Y/N nodded, watched as Eddie walked out the door to his bedroom. After she heard him turn the ignition on his van, Y/N got up and decided to snoop around. She knows it's wrong to invade Eddie's privacy, but she really wanted to know what he's been up to for the past 2 years.

Eddie's room was very cluttered, there were cans stacked on shelves, magazines thrown over the place, his bookshelf covered with different knick knacks so you could barely see the titles. Y/N noticed a notebook resting on the edge of Eddie's nightstand and picked it up. It was filled with a variety of different notes, schedules for band practice, ideas for campaigns, song lyrics written on some of the margins. As Y/N flipped through the notebook the overwhelming sense of guilt returned, this was some type of journal for Eddie. She shouldn't be looking at it, knowing if he looked inside her diary she'd be mortified. But she just couldn't stop herself.

Once she got closer to the middle of the notebook, she noticed Eddie liked to draw a lot. There were so many sketches of just little things. Work ups of the Hellfire logo, cartoons of the teachers of Hawkins High, they were fun. Nothing too serious, very Eddie.

It wasn't until she got to the dead center of the notebook when she realized Eddie had some more serious art talent. There was a photo realistic drawing of his beloved guitar in pencil on one page, a drawing of DnD dice in charcoal. Y/N smiled to herself, Eddie was really good. She always knew he was a more artistic type of guy, maybe after he graduated from Hawkins High he could pursue art and music. Get out of Hawkins, move to some big city where people were more open to guys like him. As Y/N flipped through some more, she noticed that two of the pages were taped together towards the end, curiosity took over as she gently undid the old masking tape.

It was a watercolor piece. An elf with pointed ears, a long flowing navy blue and gold gown. She was sitting in a field of clovers with a book in her hand, and she looked beautiful. As Y/N looked on she noticed that herself and the drawing had similar features. Same hair color, skin tone, body type. Her heart started pounding in her chest as she looked at the elf girl in the notebook. There was no way this could possibly be her, it had to be a coincidence. Maybe she was a character from some fantasy book Eddie had read, she picked through her brain, trying to recall if there was anyone in The Lord of the Rings who was described in such a way, but she couldn't remember.

She couldn't think too much about before she heard a car pull up to the trailer. Y/N immediately put the book back in its place, patiently waiting for Eddie and Chrissy to walk in. She could hear them talking, but couldn't decipher any words. Before she knew Eddie opened the door to his bedroom.

"Okay Chrissy is in the other room, how do you want to play this?" Y/N should've taken the time Eddie was gone to think about how to confront her sister, but she was too busy being nosy and prying into his business.

"I think I'll just... wing it?"

"Wing it?"

"Yea I'll wing it." Eddie sighed, running his hands over his face.

"You know I've never been to an intervention before, but I doubt any them just wing it."

"Well I don't know! I've never done this before either!" The lights of the trailer began to flicker. Both Eddie and Y/N looked up and back to each other.

"What was that?" Y/N asked.

"The electricity here is shit, goes out all the time." Y/N nodded, she didn't have time to shoot the shit with Eddie. Chrissy was in the other room waiting.

"Okay let's just go." Y/N was the first person to walk out the bedroom, Eddie following quickly behind. Chrissy was standing in the center of the room, motionless. The lights around her were flickering, eyes milky and white. Something was wrong, seriously wrong.

"Chrissy? Chrissy what's wrong?" Y/N ran up to her sister, hands gripping onto her shoulders. She looked like she was in a trance, the lights were flickering more furiously now, and it scared Y/N half to death.

"Did you give her anything!?" Y/N shouted to Eddie.

"What? No! She was fine when I walked into the bedroom I swear!" Eddie began shaking Chrissy now too. The lights were going haywire, Chrissy's eyes were rolling into the back of her head.

"Chrissy.. Chrissy wake up! I don't like this!! Chrissy wake up!!" Eddie looked terrified. All of the sudden Chrissy's body began to levitate towards the ceiling. Y/N let out a scream.

"Chrissy!!" She tried to reach for her sister, pull her back down to Earth, but her body suddenly launched itself to the ceiling. Eddie was screaming now too. Y/N grabbed a chair from the small kitchenette to her side, she stepped on top and managed to grab a hold of Chrissy's shoulders.

"Chrissy please!! Come on!! Please I'm begging you please!!" Y/N had no idea who she was begging to, what the hell was happening to her sister. She refused to let go, pulling against her body with all she had in her. The chair suddenly knocked under her feet, and Y/N was hanging there by the strength of her fingertips. She refused to let go.

"Y/N!" Eddie shouted, but Y/N couldn't hear him. Her ears were ringing, panic settling deep in her bones. She felt Chrissy's bones breaking underneath her hands, warping in directions they shouldn't be in. Y/N took one last look at her sisters face, before her jaw dislocated, and both of her eyes ripped out from the back of her skull. Blood splattered on Y/N and before she knew it, both girls were falling to the floor.

Eddie was screaming again, Y/N still couldn't hear him clearly. The ringing in her ears was so loud, and the weight on her chest was heavy and cold. Y/N closed her eyes, pretending this was just a nightmare. Chrissy was fine, of course Chrissy was fine. She's always fine. Y/N was gonna open her eyes and she'll find herself back in her dorm room in Notre Dame. This is just a horrible, vivid nightmare. All of the sudden the weight on her chest begin to lift, and she saw Eddie holding Chrissy's body trying to get to her.

"Don't touch her!" Y/N yelled, tightening the grip on her sister. Eddie's face was filled with tears, eyes wild with panic.

"Y/N, she's... Chrissy is..."

"No! No! Chrissy is okay! She's fine! She's safe with me! Don't touch her! Don't take her away from me!" Y/N was crying now. Her hand running through Chrissy's blood soaked ponytail, something she used to do when they were little.

Whenever their mother was being especially cruel, both girls would hide in the bathroom on the second floor. Their mother would pound on the locked bathroom door, yelling at her daughters to let her in. Chrissy would cry, hold on tight to her big sister. Y/N would be terrified, praying that their mother wouldn't come in. She always had to stay strong for Chrissy, because Chrissy was always a bit sensitive. Easily scared. She couldn't afford to show weakness, scare her even more. Y/N would hold her little sister tight, and run her fingers through the ponytails she always wore. Try to comfort her as their mother's yells got louder and louder. Chrissy loved The Wizard of Oz, anytime they had a showing at the theater she would beg their parents to see it, Over the Rainbow was her favorite song. When their mother's screams would ring through the old wooden door, fists pounding away, Y/N would sing, and it always calmed her down. During the past few days, Chrissy called her every night when she woke up, and asked her big sister to sing for her again. It didn't matter what time it was, Y/N always did it. Y/N began to sing again.

"Somewhere over the rainbow... way up high... There's a land that I heard of... once in a lullaby..."

Taglist:

@imchangkyunned , @creativedogs , @nightless ,

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson x cunningham!reader #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie munson fanfic #stranger things fanfic #stranger things s4 #stranger things eddie munson #stranger things season 4 #stranger things fanficton #chrissy cunningham

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