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acourtofladydeath · 5 months

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TTBW Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of TTBW has now been posted to AO3. Please make sure you read all tags with every chapter of this fic that is posted. I will be updating as I go. Read the beginning before the cut, and the entire chapter here!

Nyx shrieked joyfully in his uncle’s grasp as Cassian banked to the right. The wind caught both their wings, Nyx’s still so small and delicate as they flew. Cassian held his nephew tightly around the waist as he tried to get the mischievous four year old to get used to the feeling of the air as it rushed past the diaphanous structures still developing within his wings.

As they leveled out, Nyx’s wings went limp and he clapped his hands together, “Uncle Cassie again, again!” Cassian chuckled softly to himself as he looked out over the waters next to the River House where he held his flying lessons with Nyx.

“Okay little pyxie, but you’ve gotta hold your wings out for me! Big and strong, like we talked about.” Cassian could feel as Nyx held his breath and braced his wings out from his tiny body. Nyx’s wings were still so small they barely went past the breadth of Cassian’s shoulders. “Look I’m doing it!!” Nyx shouted back at him. As he peered over his little shoulder the young male’s violet eyes shined with excitement at his achievement. Cassian could barely hold back his own tears as pride rushed through his body. He choked back his emotion as he spoke encouragingly to his nephew.

“You’re doing it big guy!” Cassian made sure they were close enough to the shore that the rest of the family could see Nyx’s achievement before he prepared to bank again. “Alright Nyx, think you can hold them steady for this turn?”

“I’m a big boy! I can do it.” The determination in Nyx’s voice sent another burst of emotion through Cassian as prepared to bank. “Okay, on the count of three buddy. One… two… three!”

Cassian softly curved above the shore and Nyx’s wings stayed stretched wide through the entire turn. Nesta, Azriel, Rhysand, and Feyre all cheered from the shore as the pair flew by. Once they were out of the turn Cassian landed, he turned his nephew in his arms to face him.

“I did it! I did it!” Nyx shouted and raised his still plump little fists in the air in celebration.

Cassian held him in one arm as he also fist pumped the air in celebration and laughed along with his nephew. “You did such a good job Nyx!”

When Nyx had calmed slightly, Cassian knelt and placed the little male on the ground to stand before him. Nyx looked intently into his uncle’s eyes as Cassian placed one hand on his shoulder. “Now, remember what we talked about. Your wings are still growing. They’re not as strong as mine or your dad’s or Uncle Az’s yet.”

Nyx looked at his uncle intently as he spoke, but chimed in “or mommy’s right? She has wings too! But not all the time, like daddy. She can put them away. But I can’t.”

Cassian smiled at his nephew, the intuitive little bugger. “That’s right. Your mom and dad have different wings. But you and I can’t take our wings off and we can’t put them away. What does that mean Nyx?”

Nyx looked seriously back at Cassian, eyebrows furrowed in concentration. “It means I have to be extra super careful not to hurt them. They’re my wings and no one else's and I only get one pair so I have to take care of them.”

“Yes, exactly bud, great job. What else do you have to remember about your wings?” Cassian smiled encouragingly at Nyx to continue.

The little male responded with sincerity, eyes and nose still scrunched tight. “That no one else can touch them unless they ask and I say it’s okay, and I should only say it’s okay if I know them extra super well like you or Uncle Azzie.”

Cassian nodded. “That’s right, little pyxie. You did a great job today, you know that?”

A huge grin spread across Nyx’s entire face at his uncle’s compliment. He responded eagerly as he excitedly bounced on the balls of his feet. “Does that mean I get to fly all by my own next time?”

Cassian chuckled as he responded. “Not so fast, big guy. Before our next lesson I want you to work on your wing flaps for me. We need to make sure your muscles are big and strong so they can support you without my help okay?”

Nyx looked down at his feet, a defeated look on his face leaving his bottom lip slightly wobbly. Cassian used his free hand to tilt his nephew’s gaze back up to meet his. “Hey, don’t get upset. You’re doing so well! Only a few more lessons okay? And then you and I can fly over the river together but separate, I promise.”

The young boy, so small and new to life, perked up a bit at that as he responded. “You’ll take me first right? Don’t tell my dad but your lessons are my favorite. I want to fly together but separate with you first.”

Those damn emotions hit Cassian again at his nephew’s words and he swallowed back more tears. “I promise Nyx, the first time you’re ready to fly without one of us holding you, I’ll be the one to take you.”

Nyx rushed forward and hugged his uncle, arms wrapped so tightly around Cassian’s neck he could barely breathe. But he’d never stop Nyx from embracing him like this, not in a million years. Once the tiny bat let go, he raced off to tell his mom and Auntie Ness all about how well he did in his flying lesson. Cassian stood and brushed off his knees as his brothers approached.

“Well, that went well,” Rhysand said as he stood next to his Cassian with a proud smile on his face.

“He’s doing so well, Rhys. I don’t know many younglings that can fly as strongly as he is at that age.” Cassian stared off after his nephew as he raced into Nesta’s arms. His mate scooped Nyx up into her grasp with ease and twirled him around as pride shone across her features.

Rhysand watched where Cassian’s gaze fell and joined his soft reverie as Feyre hugged her arms around Nesta, which left Nyx sandwiched between the sisters and showered in love. Azriel, ever the serious brother, cut into the soft moment.

“Cass, we wanted to talk to you about tomorrow.” Rhysand raised his eyebrows and looked over toward their brother, already masked in nervous shadows. “Way to really bury the lead Az,” before he looked toward Cassian, a look of sincerity on his face, “but he’s not wrong Cass.”

Cassian crossed his arms over his chest as he looked between his brothers, who both wore concerned expressions. “Alright, you two look like scouts with horrible information who don’t want to spill the news. Well, spill.”

Rhys straightened his posture while the shadows flurried more quickly around Azriel’s shoulders. It was the High Lord who spoke first. “I know you’ve been really looking forward to tomorrow and think it will make a big difference in your and Nesta’s plans in Illyria but-”

Azriel cut Rhys off stoney faced, “Cassian there have been serious death threats. Are you sure it’s really a good idea for you to let loose with these men when they’re the very same ones calling for your head on a spike?”

Cassian huffed out a breath and rolled his eyes. “You sound like Nesta. Look, Az, you have your mission in Autumn tomorrow, and Rhysand has Velaris to guard with Mor and Amren gone.” Cassian clapped a hand on each of his brother’s shoulders as he said with more confidence than he actually felt, “I’ve received more death threats than the three of us combined could count. Nothing’s gone wrong before, why would it now?”

His brothers looked obviously unconvinced by Cassian’s attempt at bravado. “Look, Devlon will be there. He’s been on our side since day one of this rebuild. Nesta, Emerie, and their Valkyrie unit won’t be far either. I know you’re concerned.” Cassian ran a hand through long curls as he spoke, his true anxiety on full display.

“I’m concerned too, but we are at a stalemate. My job is to fix Illyria, to make her something that all three of us can truly be proud of. A place we work with, not just order around when we need them.” Cassian met Azriel’s shadowed stare before he locked eyes with his High Lord’s piercing violet gaze as he said his last piece. “Let me do my job Rhys, let me help Illyria.”

Continue reading on AO3.

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the-traveling-poet · 8 months

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Flowers and Scones

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Having been the newly appointed Commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin finds himself swamped with work. Ranging from meetings in Trost and Sina, to mountains of reports stacked neatly on his desk.

Perhaps his assistant Y/N, his old friend, could ease some of his tension.

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Pairings: Erwin x Assistant!Reader

Warnings: None, just some short fluff for the newly appointed Commander~ S1

SFW, Fluff, xReader

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A/N: This one’s short but I’ve always loved the idea of Erwin allowing himself to receive help with his duties as Commander, and to open his heart up to the idea of growing fond of someone beyond friendship. It’s cannon he doesn’t seek out love because he doesn’t know when he would die and I just- 🥲

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Sunset already?

You yawned and stretched your arms above your head as you looked through the windows overlooking the hills from HQ. Birds were seen flying back into their nests as the last rays of the sun shone golden and orange through the leaves. Such a sight always helped you unwind after a stressful day of errands and paperwork.

Being an assistant to Commander Erwin was both taxing and rewarding. Taxing, for all the running around HQ and into towns as a messenger you had to do on his behalf. Rewarding, for how much time youwas able to spend at his side in his office or at meetings he would attend.

Though you wouldn't admit it to a single soul, you had grown quite fond of your Commander for the years you had spent with him. It was his kind, understanding tone as he spoke that first lured you in, you supposed. The way he would scrunch his brows in thought when coming up with a solution to a problem the Survey Corps were working through, or when making hard decisions during his meetings with Commander Pyxis.

And when Erwin had been promoted to head of the Survey Corps, you couldn't help fall a little harder for the blond. His authority, his confidence, his easy way with words....You couldn't think of a single thing you’d disliked about the man.

Ah, he'll need these forums soon, you thought to yourself with a sleepy sigh.

You’d been working on these forums all day, since Erwin had asked them to be completed before his meeting tomorrow morning in Trost.

Cracking your knuckles and stretching your legs, you clambered to your feet and shoved the chair back. You made for the door of your small office, the forums tucked away in the crook of your elbow and a small smile on your face.

My favorite time of the day; getting an excuse to go see him after hours.

Closing the door behind you, you peered down the hall in both directions. Despite it not yet being night, it seemed no one was around. This wasn't uncommon on weekend evenings, when workloads were lighter for the cadets and Captains. They were more free to go out into town or go visit their families.

Yet still, the rare silence was something you would never get used to.

You made your way down the hall to where you knew Erwin's office and personal chambers to be, tucking a couple stray hairs behind your ears and smoothing out your uniform. Reaching his door, you saw candle light seeping through the cracks around the frame. Good, he was still there.

You raised your knuckle and knocked three times, only to be met with silence.

Pausing a moment, you contemplated your options; knock again and ask for him, or come back another time in case he was busy.

Deciding on the former, you raised your fist once more.

Three more knocks met the wooden door, and this time a groggy voice spoke out before you even opened your mouth to call out.

"Come in," Erwin's tired voice granted.

Smiling to yourself, you twisted the brass doorknob and entered into the well lit room.

Upon entering, the first thing you took note of was all the scattered parchment littering the Commander's desk and floor beside a waste basket. Taking a longer look around, you also noticed empty ink wells and a couple broken writing quills near his window sill. Sighing at the evidence that suggested he had been at this for awhile, you approached Erwin's desk on the far wall and held out your forums to Erwin.

"Good evening Commander! I got your forums finished in time for the meeting tomorrow."

You smiled at your friend, but your smile soon dropped into a concerned frown. Erwin met your gaze with tired eyes and a halfhearted smile. While it looked like he had slept the night before, it didn't seem he'd left his office once today. You briefly wondered if he'd ever come down to eat and drink with everyone else earlier on in the day, and was even more concerned to recall you’d never seen him in the dining hall at any point today.

"Thank you, Y/N. You're a true life saver," Erwin lightly chuckled as he reached across the table with shaky hands to gently take the forums from your hands.

Your hands briefly brushed, and you couldn't help the slight rise of color to your face.

"O-of course, sir." You smiled bashfully, averting your gaze.

"Please, take your usual seat," Erwin gestured to the chair he had set in front of his desk opposite his own. This chair he'd brought into his office specifically for you to sit in and join him after hours. Little did you know, Erwin enjoyed your company as much as you enjoyed his. It made his busy mornings and stressful evenings of work worth it all, in his mind.

You eagerly took a seat and got comfortable. After a moment of peaceful silence, you decided to ask about his well-being.

"Sir?" Erwin raised a brow curiously at you, so you took this as a sign to continue. "When was the last time you ate?"

Erwin furrowed his brows and thought with a light hum. "Dinner, I recall."

"Sir...You weren't in the dinning hall this evening for dinner." You reminded him.

"Oh...Oh yes, you're right. I suppose that was last night's dinner, then." Erwin noted curiously. You jumped to your feet.

"Sir! You need to eat! Here, allow me to bring you something left over in the kitchens-" Your concerned rant was cut short with a wave of his hand.

"No need, Y/N. I plan to discuss my meeting with Commander Pyxis over breakfast tomorrow morning, anyways. Besides, these files won't fill themselves out," he chuckled softly.

"But, sir-"

"No buts, Y/N. I'll be fine," he reassured you softly. Suddenly, he stood and walked to your side of the desk, and placed his large calloused hand onto your shoulder.

"You have been nothing but a tremendous help and constant reassurance to me for all your time with me, Y/N. I could ask no more if you than your get some well deserved rest tonight."

You opened your mouth to retort, but suddenly closed it. An idea had sparked in your mind, and an easygoing smile had found its way onto your face at the thought.

"Well, you're about as stubborn as they come, sir. I suppose I'll have to retire for the night and see you off in the morning."

Erwin smiled down at you and lightly ruffled your hair. "Thank you, Y/N. Rest well, and feel free to sleep in before you run errands in Sina by lunch. My treat."

"Thank you, sir!"

Now on your way out the door, turning to bid Erwin goodnight, a larger smile took over your features. It was time to set your plan into motion…

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By noon the following day, Erwin was making his way back to his office back in HQ. The meeting had gone over well enough, and he was now exhausted from so many hours of planning and strategizing. He opened his door with a yawn and removed his Scouts jacket, placing it over the back of his tall chair. As he took a seat and began to reach for yet another forum to fill out, something colorful caught his eye.

Turning his head curiously to inspect the new objects on his desk, he couldn't help but smile fondly.

A small vase of assorted purple flowers sat posed next to a small plate full of scones. He leaned forward to inspect the flowers, and chuckled. Clematis, Lilac, and Lavender. A few of his personal favorites.

Picking up a scone, he saw they were blueberry and raspberry, with purple and blue icing swirls decorating the tops.

Biting into one and savoring the taste, Erwin took notice of something he hadn't noticed before.

A small, yellowing page of parchment was folded under the platter. Finishing off the treat, Erwin took the paper and unfolded it and began to read.

"Good afternoon, sir!

Please remember to eat today, and take a break, you've worked hard! I'll be back a couple hours before midnight, and I'll come visit you then with results of the meeting in Sina.

Love, Y/N"

A large, toothy smile appeared on Erwin's face as he refolded the hasty note you left and slipped it into a pocket just above his heart and reached for another scone.

Dear Walls, that girl I swear....Erwin thought.

"I think tonight would be the perfect night to finally tell her how I've felt for her all these years....."

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chaotic-nick · 1 year

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Chapter Three: There's so much on (y)our mind(s)

Chapter summary: both of them are simping for each other it's annoying, really. Jk. Y/n finally attends one of the flats parties and Mike's asking what's weighing on his head.

wc: 6092

Warnings: Mike and Y/n finally sleep together huheueh

Other characters: the Levi squad appears ~finally ~

Note: thank you to @aizenhours for beta reading chapter 2 and 3 for this, here's to finishing this before April

Masterlist - chapter 4

Ackerman Manor, Shiganshina, Paradis

Sousterre, Paradis

The realisation of Y/n’s stay reaching its third month came to Kenny’s mind once he’d opened his eyes and heard Kuchel’s playlist from the open window of his bedroom. It made sense to him why that thought came hard, he’d been putting off the lunch that Uri and Kuchel suggested since she’d arrived. Her grandmother’s face and her mother’s attitude, that was something he would never imagine. Or be prepared for. Frankly speaking, he doesn’t know if he’d ever be in the mental state face the girl.

Or sit through a lunch when the ghosts of his past were across him.

Family duty is still a duty. That he reminded himself once he’d seen the thick folder hanging on the desk of his office.

“Kuchel,” he called from the kitchen’s wide open windows, coffee mug up to his face and today’s paper tucked under his arm. She only spared him a glance, testing his patience this — late — morning.

“Kuchel.”

With another huff, she threw the comforter over the line with irritation and bent down to reach for the basket. Her hold on it told him how ready she was to chuck it through the window to land on his face. “What now?”

“Pyxis and Zackly’s waiting for an answer, are they gonna see her or what?”

“Let them keep asking then,” not as annoyed as she expected, Kuchel still threw the basket through the window with a lighter force to it. “Hold on I’m coming in.”

“You could’ve taken this with you!”

“Easier to throw it at you.” She laughed, running in through the door. “Like I said, let them keep asking.”

“She’s an Escarra. The only one with any seriousness in her life, too,” he grumbled into his cup.

“I’m an Ackerman, you’re an Ackerman. What’s new.” Having a change of heart, Kuchel sat down and spoke in a softer to explain. As if it’d erase a wrinkle from his forehead. “She’s still a kid, let her be that. Do you know what she asked me, Ken? ‘Ms. Kuchel, can you please make me fried rice’, and a college student.”

“I understand letting her adjust here. And to this life.” He sighed. “Unless you’re being more of a mother to her than to your own son.”

Swallowing her anger, Kuchel’s face showed him that he’d gone too far with his words again. “No, Kenny. I’m doing what I promised we’d do. And taking care of her is what I only know.”

“Is the restraining order your idea?”

“No,” her eyes narrowed over the rim of her glass, “she hates her extended family. Saw the opportunity to cut them off forever, and took it.”

He sighed a low “Sorry.” Before turning to his newspaper, “How about January?”

“You lost me, what? January?”

“I talk to her in the morning, introduce the other families to her in the afternoon. January of next year before her classes start.”

“Mhm, she’s in class now,” she looked at the clock to confirm her guess, “Wonder how she’s doing. HA! I should visit her! You can come too unless you haven’t . . .”

A look above his second cup silenced Kuchel.

Suffering.

In silence.

That’s what she was doing in class. Face resting on her palm, and never questioned why her brain chose to tune in to their conversation rather than the class presentations.

“I mean listen, listen,” started Eld, he always started the unhinged conversations when Gunther focused his eyes on the game below the desk. “This is actually important, do you have condoms on you?”

“Now?”

“In your wallet.”

“Now, now?”

“Yes,” hope made him sit straight, watching when Gunther hovered over to reach for his wallet.

Only to open it and say, “Nah, I’m a virgin. Go to the free—”

“The banana flavours gave me an allergic reaction.”

In the first two weeks of classes, she was already sure she’d survive sitting behind them, quietly listening to their conversations. Today, when she woke up after a sleepless night and started the day with no effort to ‘behave’ herself, her cheeks hallowed out and a hand went up to her to cover her mouth.

The other hand gripped her pen harder, laughing to herself as their heads slowly turned to her. Both of them with agony written on their faces.

“Urusai, you two are . . .” came a new voice from the same row of seats.

Mouths agape and eyes wide open, they all turned to the front. The girl who offered to post lecture notes in the group chat and was voted to be their representative (when no one else raised their hand) turned to them in her seat. “No way, you understand us, too, Prez?”

“Ok wait, no. This is too much. How do you run out of condoms? No, how much sex do you have.”

Gunther shrugged, adding, “The amount he’s talking about is making it seem non-existent.”

“That’s not normal?” Asked (Y/n), bringing their attention to her. “You’re a sex addict?”

“No, that’s why it’s concerning.”

“Ahh,” Eld sat up in hopes that they’d stop talking about his sex life, “So uhh, we understand each other? Japan-raised, too?”

. . .

It was the first time that she walked out of the arts building without her gaze set straight or sometimes, searching for Mike in the practice fields as she avoided the rush of people. She was content with walking to the side, listening as they each explained why— of all people on the campus— they could speak Japanese.

“Eh, same old story.” Gunther began. Only asking, “You guys don’t know?” when their silence meant they anticipated an explanation beyond that.

“We just met . . . this is the ice breaker, ice breaker-ing.”

“Right, uhh. So, listen. There’s this place at the ocean sides of Paradis where most Japanese vendors would take off. That’s the history behind that, and then the world wars happened, and Japanese families fled to those rivers and acted like merchants. I’m fourth-generation Japanese” two finger guns thrown at them to emphasise, ”and I can cut your hair if you want.”

“Ha?” Turned Eld, slowing down in his steps. “You weren’t joking when you said that was your fun fact? ‘I’m Gunther and I can cut hair.’ ”

“Woah, you really can change your voice,” gasped (Y/n), eyes wide in amusement. Biting back, ‘Can you do a hentai voice?’ No, they just met. That’s too of a wild version of her.

Gunther only shrugged, wearing a prideful smile. “That’s how my great-grandmother put food on the table when we started zero.” Turning to Petra, “What about you?”

“Embassy workers, they made me go to a public school so I can adapt to the language.”

“Eh, wish they did that to me,” said Eld, swinging his backpack’s strap over his shoulder. “Mine were in media, put me in the international school across the company and hired a tutor for Japanese. Double school.”

“Oh,” she nodded, then looked past them to see that Mike’s back was turned to her. “I went to an international school, too. Well, Indian-international.”

“You still know Japanese.”

“When you’re parents are gone for the entire day you learn it from your surroundings. I was an outside kid. I was playing chess with my sensei. And then they just adopted me in the community.” Outside home and always inside the archery dojo until Sensei took to himself to drop her home with Masaki was what she wanted to say. But instead, she only suggested, “we should sit together from now on.”

“And talk in English,” added Petra with a finger pointed at Eld, “you sound like a Tokyo boy. No offense,” moving to Mitabe, “you have a different dialect,” then pointed to herself, “I can’t talk normally for too long.”

“You’re already rusty?”

“Nah, nah, Gyaru-pet(ra) might take over when I’m too into it, jyan.”

Two weeks later, October -

Quiet.

That’s how Eld would describe the two who sat by his side, (Y/n) scribbling to his left and Petra’s manicured nails tapping on her screen. Which he learnt was Twitter discourse later on. The quiet president of their batch was violent on a Twitter space, the perfect recipe for an online controversy one day.

Both of them shared the same aura of calmness. Their faces were far opposites from sharing any similarities. It was Gunther who nailed the perfect description for it. ‘Serene’s for Petra’ and ‘(Y/n) is melancholy’.

‘Both shouldn’t be crying, it’d break your heart.’

For a while, Eld agreed. Surely the two of them would have a coming age of moment sometime in the four-year course of their college lives.

And every day when he walked into class and took his seat in between the two of them, they grew comfortable with each other. Every word that came out of their mouths crossed a letter off of Gunther’s description.

“Someone already caused you so much pain. Might as well get back at their times two— Twice the pain. Destroy him little by little, get me?” Petra furiously nodded her head in agreement, carried away by (Y/n)’s reasoning again.

“Who hurt you?” A question that was ignored when (Y/n) brought her thumb and pointer finger together to form a triangle against her face, highlighting the area between her nose and eyebrows.

“This area will hurt the most. Like one time, wait we’re talking about your confessions, ne?”

Eld’s troubled mind was roped in, deciding that there was no use trying to make sense of the first page he listened to, “One time a football player only wanted to ask me out just so he could say he dated a Gaijin. And it was rare to see two G’s in one. Gyaru and Gaijin. How low. If we were raised in the same prefecture, I just know I’d tell you to wait for him at the vending machines.”

Great one resorted to violence, and the other enabled it. Annoying how no one would buy his story when he showed them their pictures. What was it that the adults always said?

“Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.”

“Eld’s talking to the wind again, ne.” Pointed (Y/n) out, pursing her lips together to, “woooo, I’m the wind god answering your call.”

“He’s like that in the dorms, too, heard his grocery list last night.”

“Uh-huh.” She kicked at nothing, trying to make the cats around their spot look her way. “Make sure you have a shaver for . . . sexy escapades.”

“Or a year’s supply of condoms for sexy escapades.”

Gunther deemed the topic interesting enough for him to put his switch down and spoke, “But, really,” with a finger pointed at Eld, “I think what kind of anime talks about the person better.”

Shrugging, he turned to Petra first. “What do you li—”

“Hentai, ehe,” was the peace sign she threw an effort to distract him from the confession. No, she’s not one to confess. She just talks into the air and hopes to traumatise whoever listened.

“EH? You watch it? I just read doujins and manga—like the explicit ones, too! All online, I can’t have it physically yet,” cut (Y/n) off. “I do watch, like, anime-anime, like shoujo. Shounen. Anything, really.”

“Really, now.” He raised an eyebrow. ”What’s your favourite?”

A deadpan expression on her face and in unison with Gunther’s voice, “Your mom.”

Their heads were thrown back, laughing at the sync of their minds while Petra patted

Eld’s back. “I think it’s too early on to be sharing a single brain cell, here we are though.” Noticing the hesitating figure of a familiar face looking at (Y/n) from afar they poked at her side.

Contorting her torso to face them, “He’s looking at you. One of the varsity players.”

Unmoving her eyebrows rose up in excitement, “Oh! That’s Mike! . . .Zacharias? Mike Zacharias?” She said not needing to see who it was as her fingers curled against the wooden table for her to abruptly sit up straight and grab her bag from its place. “Please excuse me.”

“MIKE!” She called for him, nearly running into other students.

“Hey,” he huffed up, holding so many questions in his mind when their gap closed. The smile that he hoped to see on such a solemn face was there, could be the people she finally met. “What’s up?”

Her hand guided his hand to grab the plastic container of food. “I made too much last night and I figured, why not? Just . . . this is my container, not yours. Wait,” bowing her head in search of the other container, giving him time to look at the table where she sat at.

They were . . . interesting. And he could only hope that they weren’t as invasive as his only group of friends.

“Now, this is yours— really yours.” She grinned giving him the lunch box of sandwiches and snacks in the other compartment. “You don’t have to give me the container back or anything.”

“Thank you!” Nodding his eyes kept her from leaving the conversation, even though she was turning to the side.

“Uh, you have practice, right? We can just text or . . .”

“Kinda miss having you by my side, just existing.” Before his mind could process the semi-confession, he moved them to the side and leaned onto the barbed wire of the fields. “There’s a party and if you by a miracle don’t injure yourself again—”

“Oh, great! I’ll definitely go this time. I’ll see you there, right?”

“Shoot me a text, I can wait for you outside.”

(Slightly) Jumping in her spot was something he never expected nor imagined, “Yes please, I’d be so lost.”

“MIKE YOU CAN TALK TO HER WHEN YOU INVITE HER—” a whistle, and something his teammates said that had them laughing.

Her body turned to the side, and she waved. “Practice well I guess, and I’ll see you Saturday,”

“Right, right. You too.”

“What’s so great about college parties? Besides the alcohol and stuff. Is it a big deal or—?” Was her first question when she returned to their table, debating on throwing her bag on Eld’s chest, who laid comfortably over his and Gunther’s combined jackets.

No, he’s suffered just enough today.

“It’s the alcohol and stuff, but frats. Cool kids of any university. Sororities, too.”

Joining them at their feet, “That’s all?”

“I’ve been to a few in the first month, it’s not that much,” Petra began, “You go be with Mike. That was him, right? Then while you’re seeing all these people with the music here and there, just observe. And then compare it to when it's Halloween in Japan.”

“Specifically Halloween?”

“Alright, too much. Just after-school club activities. Ah, mine was going to claw machines, I miss those.”

“I went to an international school.”

“Then compare it to something wild there.”

“Uhm, hmm? Can’t think of any wow,” throwing one last glance at Mike whose attention was on warm-ups added another mental image of him in her mind. “Well, guess I’m going huh.”

Pi Kappa Alpha Paradis Chapter

Navigating around the chapter and trying to look straight ahead in the sea of sweaty party-goers somehow brought in a weird feeling of home. Home being Japan in general. And this party was a replay of the many concerts she and Fumiko went to during summer fests to watch their vkei bands. It was funny how the vow she made of going to crowded places was broken in the first semester of her first year.

Still though.

She’s not and will never attend another party like this. Even if it was one that was hosted in Pardis, parties were a reminder of her friends. Friends were home. Unfortunately, she was painfully— almost medically homesick.

And she didn’t want to embarrass herself by crying somewhere in the corner because of it.

A cold liquid being flung near where she was hit the back of her shirt followed by a panicked “sorry,” from a sorority girl, eyes wide with guilt. The target was by (Y/n)’s right. Assuming what the situation was like, her eyes searched the kitchen in front of her.

There he was, hand wrapped around a cup that swished with whatever alcohol was in it. Or poured into. “Mike!” Arms crossed and turned to the other pledges he towered over.

Turning to reveal the panicked expression on her face, he nodded over his shoulder to them. “(Y/n)!” Said Mike in the tone she called his name out in, inspecting if anything had happened to her. “You okay? Anything? Shit, sorry for losing you in the crowd, I was starting to worry about you.”

“I’m alright,” she said with hands waving as if that would calm him down. Hovering her hand over the row of water bottles, her eyes held a look of question. Opened one after he picked one from the boxes under the table— just to be sure. “I just wanted to say bye before going home.”

“Already?” Then he remembered what she’d said when he invited her before. “Was it too much for you? It is for me, so I just escape outside.” He tried, briefly turning to one of the open doors.

“Ahh, no.” Leaning her back against the wall, she watched the crowd she pushed through enjoy themselves, cringing when she saw a few share drunken kisses. There was a brief debate about whether she should tell him how different it was back home. Again though, she assumed that she was tired of Mike hearing all about Japan and settled to saying, “Station closes at eleven, so that’s that. See you on Tuesday?”

Waving his hand, she stood up to pat her pockets to make sure she had everything with her.“ Wait,” he mumbled. Phone. Check. Wallet with one hundred. Check. Her train pass was missing.

Mike jumped in his place as he looked up and saw the grimaced expression on her face.“Okay, at least let me walk you there.”

“Thank you,” discarding the bottle on her way out, the night’s breeze finally cooled the layer of sweat that was on her neck despite the air conditioning inside. “I need another train pass. Lost it while I was in there.”

“You the type to have emotional attachments to little things or what?”

Angling her neck to meet his face, she realised how red his face was with the glow of the streetlamps on the side of his face. “What if the train pass was actually huge, but you’re just super tall.”

In his flat tone, “Ha Ha Ha, that’s so funny. You are such a creative genius, (Y/n).”

“Thank you, thank you. It’s difficult being me.”

. . .

Just as she accepted her fate of walking home, hope made itself known when an empty train rattled the tracks. “But that just went.” She reasoned with the ticket lady who’d been throwing an attitude before she could even begin the question.

“If you’re adventurous, try brisk walking to the next station it’s going to, dear,” the smile (Y/n) wore out of politeness had never faltered so quickly, brows furrowing at the woman. Was that a joke? Or a disguised weight loss advice, which, truthfully was suited to come from someone at that age.

The hands that rested on the counter turned to fists that kept her patience in check, still the lady on. “Trains stop at ten-thirty on weekends. Keep that in mind next time,” she bared her teeth, showing the red lipstick stains in a poor attempt at a smile.

Fists falling to the side, (Y/n)’s “Thank you,” said through gritted teeth was barely heard. ‘Bitch.’ was mouthed as she turned to walk back to Mike who insisted on waiting before she boarded a train.

“What’s up?” He asked following her down the steps, one hand out of his pocket to catch her by her wrist if she tripped on the narrow steps. How she did this twice every day was a mystery to him.

“Late.” Unsure. She looked around. Thinking of a solution to this.

“If you want,” Miche slowed down his steps when he caught up to her, “you can sleep on my bed.”

Deep down she already wanted to squeal a thank you, latch on his torso and squeeze him. The careful side of her, however, made her eyes the size of a dipping sauce bowl and turn to give him a look that would make Mike say those words again.

No. Not again. He didn’t want his words to be the death of him. He’s already made a fool of himself the first time she saw the chapter. His eyes matched hers in size as he slowly explained in a rising tone, “Not in that way, I’d drive you home but I’m already under the influence. Sleeping at the chapter could be your last resort? If you want to? Like, I’ll sleep on the floor you can take my bed! All of it.”

She stared at him longer. Relishing his panicked expression and how the tips of his ears turned red before sighing. “I’m hungry, I’ll think about my options after I have something.”

“Yeah,”

“Didn’t you eat anything before?”

“Nah, first-years help out in setting up the place. . .” he opened his hand, putting a finger down as he recalled what they were told to do. ”Letting people in. Checking if they’re actually invited. Nightclub duties kind of thing. Takes the whole night actually, not to mention-”

“Mike!” Behind them another empty train passed, reminding her of the dilemma she was in. “Let’s go eat.”

“I smell like shit, resto’s gonna kick us out.” And also that issue.

Reaching behind her to pull on the back of her shirt, she showed him the alcohol stain that landed on her. “Yeah, same. I was caught in a crossfire.” Put both her hands on his back with a ‘tack!’ to it and began pushing him in a direction she didn’t know, “But I’m hungry as fuck— let’s go.”

“I’ll pay you back.” He mumbled.

“Don’t need to,” then stopped to walk beside him, “let’s stop at a pharmacy when we find one, ‘kay? Need sleepover stuff.”

“Sure.” For once, Mike was glad that he wasn’t spending a night at the chapter tolerating a party. And was instead stuck with her. Discovering how higher her energy levels are at night. He giggled with an exaggeration to it, bumping his hips to her torso, “Your first college sleepover, what are we gonna do?”

When she looked at him with mischief that matched his Mike was sure that the high of living on his own began to wear off. He was becoming his old self again who liked being with only one person— how strange, really.

“We’re gonna braid each other’s hair and talk about boys, and then do each other’s makeup.”

“Cool, cool, cool. Always wanted to feel pretty.”

Ichido Ramen Shop

There was a swirl of too many emotions at once that simultaneously tried to hug the image of a bowl in Mike’s head. On the table was a bowl of noodles swimming in golden broth with vegetables— fresh and chopped that decorated around it. It was something that came to life from pictures of instant packaging.

This was ramen. Looking up in question, he was met with (Y/n) staring at him. She said, “The green square is seaweed called Nori. I’ll eat it if you don’t want it.” in a tone that sounded more like she demanded it. “First time?”

The bowl of a new dish was ignored for the sight he couldn’t remove himself from. (Y/n) emptying most of the chilli powder’s contents into her bowl. Concern made his eyebrows furrow together, “Can you eat that?” His answer was her shaking more of the chilli into her bowl until its surface was covered, even the noodles weren’t visible. “(Y/n). Dude. That’s like, next-level spice. Are you okay?”

“No, it’s not.” Handed him a fork from the tissue box in between that doubled as a utensil holder ”Eat before it gets cold.”

He wanted to tell her so many things. Things brought by the red-black bowl of steaming greatness. Ask her the stories that came with the bowls of ramen she’s had in Japan. “Where do I start?” And, if he was the first person in Paradis who she had a bowl with.

Not that he’d expect to be the first one, but it’d surely make his heart flutter if that was the answer. “We can start with a picture. Hold the bowl and I’ll take a picture for you.” She said after swallowing more than what she could take. Reaching for her phone, a waitress that had been watching them began to walk towards their table. “This your first?”

“We can take a picture for you, miss. Both of you?” Said the girl whose beaming smile narrowed her eyes to slits.

“Ah!” Jumping in her seat, (Y/n)’s eyes widened, the phone being held in both her hands. “Nihonjin desu ka? (Are you Japanese?)”

And then a transformation from a reserved (Y/n) to being more lively. Her eyes wide with delight and a smile stretching across her face was an image that made Mike’s mind stop functioning. To have it burned in his brain was its want, not caring that the noodles he had swirled around began to slip off his fork and fall back into the broth, creating mini splashes that hit his hand.

“Hold your bowls up and try to sit together!” She said, stepping back.

. . .

“Wow,” he said, swinging the plastic bag of her impromptu shopping spree at the pharmacy. “You should speak Japanese more, you sound so . . . it sounds crisp, yea. That’s the word.”

“Thank you,” her face scrunching up at the sight of the chapter still coloured with lights and the faint sound of music was noticed by Mike, before it turned into a puzzled one. “I’m in Paradis! Why would I talk in Japanese? The fuck?!”

A shared look as the beginning of hearty laughs sat above their lungs, Mike throwing his head back and a hand on his chest when (Y/n) snickered. Their laughs turned to cackles when he nearly tripped on his own. “Oh wow, I love being ‘round you, makes me feel so light.”

“No,” she nodded, feeling the ache in her cheeks, “It’s me who should say that. I actually feel like my high school self. No, high school was hell. I just feel very me. Very (Y/n) around you.”

“You too?! I was realising it from, like, way back!” Slowly, Mike walked backwards. Hands behind his head, not wanting to break the eye contact between them. “Won’t your boyfriend be mad?”

“Huh?”

“Won’t your partner,” Ah. Yes, that’s what their teachers always taught them. He was proud of himself for noticing it before it was pointed out. “Won’t your partner be mad?”

“Never had one.”

“Like never ever never?”

“Yeah,” she chose her next words carefully, “funny thing was when I went in the pharmacy they pointed at the family planning section. They probably thought you and I were a thing.” Though that didn’t make him giggle.

“You never had a boyfriend? Ne.Ver?”

“Never. Ever.” The change in his face only pushed her to ask, “Is there an age quota for that?”

“No, I mean like, to each their own.” Teasing her he bent to her level, bangs covering his eyes. ”Wow, but why?”

Knowing what direction she’d push him in, Mike moved to the side. “Why like . . . never had a boyfriend.”

“Exactly!” Pulling her to her side, closer to him to serve as his armrest. “You’re pretty—”

To serve as his armrest or to hide the blush reaching down his neck when he confessed it.

“Me? Pretty? That’s new. Wow. Thank you, Mike.” That was another door to her personality that he unknowingly unlocked.

“Never got called that?”

“It was always cute, rabbit, kitty. Not Pretty.”

“Rabbit, I don’t get it. You look more like those tired cats in morning cartoons. Like you don’t care if the world is . . .” switching from using the crown of her head as an armrest, his hand came down to ruffle it. “But wow. You have the looks? Really?”

”It was only crushes, most of them were on seniors who left that year. Never did anything relationship-y. Was scared it’d pull me even lower.”

“You did tell me that part you’re—” the expression on her face when she looked up made him slow down to properly choose his words. In a careful tone he continued, “— the next to graduate on both sides of your family, so all of them are watching me and then you under so much academic pressure in high school.”

“Oh, the school played a role in it, too, don’t worry.” Stretching her arms, the chapter right in front of them and the smell of sweaty bodies mixed with combinations of alcohol made her nose scrunch more. “Can we walk around more?”

Only a heavy hand, gently landed on her head to turn her around. “Let’s go.”

. . .

“You take the extra pillow, I’ll roll one of my blankets to put in between us.” He suggested from where he stood. Back against the cabinets, fully convinced that he’d comically trip and land somewhere inappropriate. “You comfortable there?”

She was unmoving above his bed. Hands folded above her tummy, eyes fighting the urge to sleep. “Yes,” moved to make room for him, ”and thank you.”

(Y/n) was nothing more than a friend. A pretty one that was yet to realise that, unaware of the world. Even the red look on his face as he dragged his foot one after the other. Dropping the rolled blankets between them, her face turned to him with a look that made him still in place. “You aren’t gonna sleep yet or . . .?”

Awkwardly bent down to the bed’s level and hands on the mattress, his mind was quick to remind him that his face would plant over his if he dared trip. Or take another step. He prayed. One that would make the god it’d find question if it was really a genuine one. He prayed that he wouldn’t be so stupid and lang to her face, stealing her first kiss. “I am,” he answered with a slight tremble, “Gotta change though.”

Cool, cool. That’s right. He can do that.

Turning his back to grab his change of clothes. “Is it weird to say that I feel safe with you?”

Opened his cabinet’s doors even though she couldn’t see him— or how his face was completely consumed by red. “Mhm, honoured even.”

“What if you wake up and I’m crushing you?” She asked in the most serious tone he’s ever heard from her.

“Then I’ll roll another blanket to put between us.”

“Is it another Jurassic park blanket?”

“No,” slowly he sat at his side, back turned to her. “It’s space-themed.”

“Thanks for letting me stay the night.” She sighed into the pillow surrounding her head. “Night, Mike.”

“Ye-yeah,” between the first night of moving in and this, he was already sure that it was this night that’d give him dark bags.

Only the street light outside illuminated his room through the cracks of his window and a concerned Mike who wondered if she usually slept still or if she was— “Still awake?”

A muffled, “Yea,” over the sweatshirt’s sleeve that she put over her mouth.

“It’s the party,” he sighed, feeling a surge of guilt for putting her in a situation like this.

“I’m surprised you can sleep through these, or this many people under one roof.”

“You know, give me fifteen minutes and I’ll be awake from my own snores.”

“Really?”

“Yup.” He let himself rest his back, pushing the rolled blankets towards her. The relief brought out another yawn from him. “You know what’s hard to believe? That you don’t have a boyfriend at all. Never.”

“Again?” She giggled. “Never. Don’t plan on having one until I graduate.”

“Yea, yea. I’m sure once you go to the library you go out having one.”

“I wanna study there.”

“So you can find a boyfriend? See, knew it.”

“Aha ha, no. I don’t have anyone to study with there.”

“Should’ve told me sooner,” he said. “I study there almost every day, actually.”

“Pfft—”

“Really, it’s too loud here on some days. So, yeah. Library’s the way.”

“I see.”

“You can join me there . . .” he quickly followed with, “If you want to.”

“Yes, yes and you can be my boyfriend connoisseur.”

“Deal!”

College of Arts, Pardis University

For Eld who was used to the Tokyo commute— even considering himself a survivor of it after he moved abroad, the frat party that weekend took so much from him. He denied it for the entire day and only admitted to it when he slept through today’s last alarm.

“Hey!” Mike who became a familiar face dared greet him through his helmet, waving his arm up high.

Both of them grumbled a “Morning,” all that he and Gunther could do was nod. Continuing their way to class.

Like them, Petra was quiet too. Her head cast downwards at her desk and eyes wide open in an attempt to keep herself awake. “Hey,” said the two taking their seats in front of her.

“Did anyone eat breakfast?” And then her. “I wanna get breakfast, let’s go.?What time does class start?”

Petra’s head which was weighed down by regret for leaving (Y/n) behind in the kitchen, shot up. Nearly yelling, “Where did you go?”

“Oh yeah, you disappeared somewhere. I was at the staircase almost asleep.” Eld dared brag with Gunther holding up his phone, ready to show him pictures.

“He actually fell asleep on their staircase.”

Swatting a hand at them to shut up, Petra pushed again. “I was worried you were uncomfortable. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright. Mike and I—” pausing once she saw their tired faces turn to scandalous looks“— ate ramen”

“And then I had the best sleep of my life.”

“DUDE!”

“You need to tell us—”

“How did it lead up to being the best sleep of your life, hmm?”

. . .

They could count the days of how long they’ve been friends, instead, they only sat at their spot outside the arts building. There was nothing special about a table identical to all the other ones around it, but throwing their bags in and sitting at a specific angle, it’s an amazing view of the lacrosse team.

Lean in a little bit closer and you’d hear the senior students yelling profanities at the new students. Even questioning their skills.

“So you slept next to him,” Petar confirmed again. “Next. Not with?”

“Yeah. Next to him.” Emphasized (Y/n). “Please, it’s not that big of a deal, really.”

“Frats are drama cesspools,” threw Gunther. “Dunno, that’s what my older sister told me. That’s why I never joined.”

Eld who was already busy with next week’s assignment set his technical pens down, stretching his hands. “Yeah, my dad was a frat bro. The way he pushed me into almost joining his old fraternity seemed off.”

“Oh,” Nodded (Y/n), asking herself if she was about to regret that decision. “Does it help if I say that I see him as . . . average-looking?”

“Jesus Christ,” breathed Petra. “Poor thing you really need your glasses. He’s got that— that look. It’s just there.”

“Which one? Dude only looks between angry and excited.”

“You know,” Eld said, picking up his pen again. “This feels so much like a shounen manga.”

“The time I woke up in a frat house and found the blond demigod attractive.”

A slap to the poor table, “HAH! You called him a demigod, he is attractive to you.”

“Dewa nai.”

“You say that now, but deep down in your heart there’s something there.” Petra teased, high-fiving Eld as they wheezed together, heads nearly meeting their folded legs.

“Knock knock it’s me the one who loves you,” laughing progressed to slapping each other’s shoulders in amusement. (Y/n) only sighed as she fought the voice that told her to look past their heads and see what Mike was doing.

They were late.

While they assumed that she’d like him after a few more parties spent together and laughing together over the shoujo-esque confessions she’d make . . .

(Y/n) already knew that she liked Mike.

And she accepted that she liked him.

Tagging: @barbossa2319 @ririthu @nathalunalune @1252291 @shrekisshrimpthesimp

#nick writes fics #leave my mind by nick #mike zacharias x reader #miche zacharius x you #miche zacharius x reader #aot fanfiction #aot x y/n

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cock-holliday · 2 years

Note

Do you take fanfic prompts? I’m obsessed with the new Scully’s freckles gifset and would looooove to read something about Mulder just being speechless in her fully freckled presence and sneaking glances at her until she finally asks him what’s going on with him. Ughh I love them both so much.

I do! Not sure this is the direction you were aiming for but it’s the direction this fic ran in. Thank you for the prompt!

“What’s your favorite constellation?” Mulder asked suddenly, drawing Scully’s attention away from the edge of the woods.

They were seated on the hood of their rental jeep in the middle of the night in an open field. In the dark it was hard to see her expression, but she turned her gaze skyward.

She made a thoughtful sound and tipped her head to the side, “Maybe Ursa Minor,” she said, “You see it when you look for the north star.”

“Not Pisces?” Mulder asked with a grin.

He couldn’t see her face but he could hear the smile in her words, “No,” she said, “What about you?”

Mulder shrugged, leaning back against the windshield, “I don’t have one.”

Scully sputtered a laugh, looking back towards the woods in the distance, “It was your game.”

In truth, Mulder did have a favorite constellation, but it was found on Earth rather than in the heavens.

They set out looking for the Loveland Frog three days ago. Mulder had delighted in showing Scully slide after slide about their new case, watching her eyes hood in exaggerated annoyance as he rattled off facts about the subject of their upcoming hunt.

She pulled off her glasses, rolling her eyes before setting her gaze on him again. Mulder clicked to the next slide: a star chart conveying the positions of various planets and stars on a particular night in question. Scully stepped in front of the projector light to cease his rant. It worked.

Scully began explaining the pseudoscientific nature of the graphs he had just presented, but Mulder was only half listening. He was struck by the image of the lines and labels of constellations transposed onto Scully’s face as she spoke. He wondered immediately what the constellations might be called if someone were to map out each and every one of Scully’s freckles.

In the harsh light of the airport, Scully’s eyes looked tired as they waited for their flight, but a hail mary of a joke from Mulder had her grinning ear to ear. Her eyes scrunched and the freckles on her nose became more pronounced. A playful constellation. Something like Canis Minor.

At a diner they stopped in, Scully studied the menu like she was preparing for her license exams. Her eyes scanned back and forth, and a line of freckles along her temple caught Mulder’s eye. It would be called something studious, something fancy. Or determined. Like Pyxis.

Maybe Microscopium, he thought with a laugh.

They got lost on the drive to the woods, and Scully’s eyes turned sharp, the lines of her features growing harsh and determined. They were meant to go left, not right, she told him, the freckles beneath her eyes as she glowered standing bright against her pale skin. Something like Cassiopeia. Regal. Fierce.

Sitting on her motel room bed, reviewing evidence together, her fingers lingered just a bit longer than usual as she took a photo from his hand. She looked away from him, blushing. The crimson breathed new life into the flecks along her cheeks.

No, he thought. Not different little constellations. One large cluster. Unlike the north star, staring at them would give him no sense of direction. He’d find himself lost in them, but grateful for it too. It was easy to get lost in the little details that made her Scully.

The color of her hair. The sharp pierce of her eyes. The fullness of her lips. The quick curve of her brow. The map of Scully across her skin. Her constellation.

Dana Major? Little Starbuck?

No silly names nor poetic names could capture her likeness. She was just Scully.

Each new freckle he found was akin to a new star being discovered. A new piece of the puzzle was uncovered. A new detail about her fell into place.

For all the mysteries of the cosmos, the mystery he was currently engaged with, as they sat side by side watching the trees for a beast of Ohio legend, was how he managed to get so lucky as to meet her.

“What, Mulder?” Scully asked on the plane ride home, “Do I have something on my face?”

She wiped hastily under Mulder’s scrutinizing gaze, but he just smiled and shook his head, “It’s nothing.”

“You keep staring.”

“I’m sorry,” he told her, “I was just thinking about stars.”

“Stars?” Scully asked, perplexed.

“Yeah. Constellations. Stars. Fate.”

Scully snorted, “Suppose we were fated to be delayed on the tarmac?”

Mulder smiled. Always the skeptic.

“Maybe,” he nodded, “Maybe that’s the cosmic tradeoff.”

“Tradeoff for what?”

Mulder chanced a glance at Scully. How her eyes, while full of doubt, were sparkling with amusement. Her lips were pulled into the faintest hint of a smile. And her freckles danced along her skin.

You. Here with me.

“Guess we’ll find out,” Mulder told her.

#txf #txf fanfic #xf fanfic #msr #fictober22 #day 10 #I’m cheating cause I already had a new chapter of b&s for today but didn’t wanna wait #and reply to this after that fic was done #so I’m doing both

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ask-north · 1 year

Text

-> North has arrived!

✧ A strange pokemon has fallen from the sky, they stand before you and Atlas. They seem quite cheerful!

Atlas: {Thank you for allowing me to stand before one of the keepers.}

Atlas: {I am Pyxis, Atlas Pyxis. I'm sure my superiors told you I might be visiting you and asking if you'll consider allowing me to stay in your universe.}

North: {I really hope I you understood me before, seems like you did, I had no idea you spoke unown I didn't get to read why you were here! I was in such a rush to get here I just glanced over it.}

North: {No need for speaking in English if you can't I'm pretty fluent in it, so I can understand!}

North: {My mom actually speaks in it most of the time I talk to her, I have her to thank for it! It does come in handy a lot!!}

North: {Sorrryy! I'm getting off-topic... I really need to check why you're actually here. Ummmm let's see...}

-> North needs a moment to think... The next part will be posted soon.

#Storyposts #pokemon ask blog #Atlas Pyxis #North Varron #Intro: The Otherworldly Traveller #if im asleep yall might have to wait a bit for part 2 #Oh! What a familair silhouette I wonder where I've seen this before...#MONOTONE GHOST??#MAWHWAHAHAHA #Youll get it if youve been paying attention to some posts on main blog🤭#c; Well meet another part of the puzzle in part 2 #all chrono

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maytheoddshq · 6 months

Text

Pyxis Flannan (she/they). District Four Trainer. 110 Victor. Twenty-nine. Madelaine Petsch.

Seafood and splendor come from District Four, and Pyxis’s family was in the business of both. Running a large oyster farming operation, the Flannans are well-known citizens of Four. Producing both fresh oysters for shipment and consumption, as well as extracting the valuable pearls to be shipped off for jewelry, the Flannans have always held a good deal of influence within the District.

Pyxis grew up working on her family's oyster operation. Whereas her two brothers took more interest in the finance and business side of things, Pyxis had always felt an intense call to the sea and to the water. All of the family was expected to work with the business from a young age. Young fingers could shuck, and learning how to swim was all but a requirement in Four. Whereas the boys eventually moved into more managerial roles that took them behind desks, Pyxis remained more hands on. With her love of the water, she started joining the oyster divers. Working with a net attached to her hop, a diving knife, and a pair of goggles, Pyxis would join the other divers as they got on the boats early in the morning to go out to the oysters underwater fields. They’d spend the day diving below the surface, staying down for as long as ten minutes on nothing but the power of breath, cutting the oysters away from the sea bed below. After collecting oysters, the divers and Pyxis would swim back to the boats, switching out their nets and beginning the process again. The job was seen as common labor, so the daughter of the operations owners being involved brought curious looks. When she started going out on the boats, the Peacekeepers were not sure how to handle this. Was she expected to use her breaks to take one of the fishing spears to the depths to catch something to bring home that day? Would she maintain the nets on the rides in and out like the rest of the divers? District Four residents had always enjoyed a degree of freedom from the Peacekeepers, but would this treatment be even more altered for Pyxis?

These concerns never came to be realized. When boarding the boats for the first time, Pyxis had picked up her net and started mending as everyone else did. In the early days, she accepted the wisdom of the senior divers as any apprentice would. During breaks she took the spear like every other diver, swimming down and spearing fish so she could bring them home after their long days were over. She spoke with the other divers as friends, their lilting accents matching hers. When they returned to the docks, she followed the rest of the divers carrying their bushels, hauling her own over her shoulders. When they put them on the processing tables to crack the mature ones for pearls, she had picked up the shucking knife and gotten started without a word. As time went on, her fingers collected the same scars and calluses as everyone else. Her breath control improved, and before long she herself was a veteran diver, giving her own advice and helping the apprentices learn how to work with the oysters that gave them all their livelihood. The biggest difference was at the end of the day, when the other divers walked home with their catch to cook it themselves, Pyxis handed hers off to kitchen staff who would prepare it for the family’s dinner.

Returning from the boats, she had the luxury of changing her clothes and washing her hands of the days grime. To rinse the salt from her braided hair, preventing it from being damaged more than the sun and waves already did. Then, to finish the day, the family would all sit together to enjoy dinner. Although they all had their own things to do throughout the day, this was a Flannan staple, sitting at the dinner table together. They would talk about the business, the day. Pyxis’s brothers would talk about management matters, updates from the factories, production needs. Pyxis would talk about her love – the waves and the oyster beds.

______________

Although the training of tributes was not allowed, much like Districts One and Two, District Four had their own way of doing things and the Capitol allowed it to continue so long as they did not take it too far or let it get too out of hand. Therefore, from a young age, District Four children were given a basic primer on the games in school with options for electives to take their training further, if that was an avenue they planned on taking. Like many of her classmates and friends, Pyxis enrolled in the training. Although she had no desire to volunteer herself (she had more interest in her oyster beds and would leave eternal glory to those who looked for it), her friends occasionally entertained the idea and the classes were fun. The time usually ended with them laying on the mats, talking about the day's events, or listening to Pyxis complain about how she could not wait for the weekend or the summer to go back out on the boats to dive.

When the games were occurring, the Flannan family would gather in the family room with snacks, blankets, and turn on the television to watch. They rarely went to the public watch parties, instead preferring to make it a family activity. Strewn about the furniture, they would watch the Games together. They would always cheer for the District Four tributes (and if they were eliminated, picking a new tribute to back and placing penny bets among themselves on it). Sometimes, the tributes they watched would be friends of hers, or friends of her brothers. Many times they had volunteered, wanting their chance to try their luck and achieve eternal glory, fame, and riches. Pyxis may not have had the same desires, as in her mind her life was all she needed or wanted it to be, but she would support their hopes. When a tribute from Four died, the Flannans would always send a gift of condolence to the family, but did not personally grieve unless they knew the individual. Pyxis had lost some friends to the games, but that was just a part of her life. When the games would finish, the family would go back to normal.

Pyxis herself was ambivalent to the entire affair. When they watched the recap of the days reapings, she would always find herself worried about the younger tributes, hoping or wishing someone had volunteered in their place. The entire Flannan family would murmur as young and unprepared tributes were selected, discussing the fact that those other districts had not prepared their tributes properly. Pyxis had always thought it unreasonable that those schools did not offer at least some basic training so as to not throw their tributes to the sea like a bad catch. Her father – who was perhaps more worldly and aware than the rest of the family due to the nature of his job and status – would remind them that things do not operate in other districts the same way as in Four.

At times her brothers would make noise as if they may volunteer, when they were still of age. It was known within the family and by Pyxis that the farthest they would ever go is their armchair expertise while watching the games. At 17, Pyxis was nearing the end of her formal education and looking forward to taking on more responsibility while out diving and shouldering more responsibility with that side of the business. Maybe even starting to do the multi-day farther offshore dives away from their farmed stock to seek out new oysters to propagate. Instead, her plans were changed when her name was pulled from the reaping bowl. She did not wait for someone to volunteer, knowing that her friends were the ones who would intend to and would see it as them trying to steal her potential for honor.

She had raised her hand to the crowd's cheers, a confident and easy smile on her face as she stepped onto the stage. Pyxis had come to terms with her mortality at a young age – you had to when you worked diving down to the depths and hoping you had managed to keep enough air to make it back up. Spear fishing and oyster diving had its risks, with sharks always a concern, or catching the net on the seabed below. When she was brought to the District Capitol Building, she had hugged her family goodbye, accepting hugs and kisses. Her promise had been to bring them and the district honor, whether it was with her victory or with an admirable death. And then she boarded the train.

______________

(TW: Violence) The 110th Hunger Games started with the podiums raising the tributes into an arena that was an isolated, abandoned, desolate city. Decay had not set in, the city looked as if it had been lived-in, a once bustling city that had just been up and left overnight. The silence that greeted them when the podiums ceased their movement was deafening. The Cornucopia had been set in the middle of what had likely once been the city square. They had been dressed in plain, loose fitting clothes, with district numbers on the shoulders of their shirts.

While still in training, Pyxis had easily fallen in the tributes from other “career” districts. It had made her feel as if she was training at home again, working with them, and she could tell that it had been a similar upbringing in the training schools. Just like when she was training with her friends, at the end they would find themselves laid on the mats, laughing and learning more about each other with a lackadaisical care that only came from a feeling of preparedness. The other tributes, the ones usually from non-career districts, were not as keen on her. Pyxis figured it was because they did not understand how the idea of training, fighting, and death was something that was a newer concept to them. Her more pragmatic assessments (and blunt way of sharing them) was likely off-putting.

In the Arena, she had joined up with the career pack quickly. Once they acquired their preferred weapons from the Cornucopia, they had reached their way through those who had been foolish enough to linger about. The gamemakers had paid attention in her assessment – her preference for a diving knife had been noted and they were available to her in the Arena. The sharp blade was usually used for slicing tough oysters from the sea bed, but now they were used to slice through flesh. In the opening bloodbath, she personally finished two tribute bids for victory. From there, she and the other career tributes settled in what was once the city hall, treating it as their base of operations. It provided needed shelter from any elements, while still being in sight of the Cornucopia and its valuable resources.

The first day they had focused on building the base and making sure they were properly stocked. A few tributes had been killed as they tried to sneak back to the Cornucopia, quickly caught by the career pack and ended with swiftness. The second day, they woke up to a drizzle raining from the skies. The gentle patter had been welcoming to Pyxis, and she had spent her watch shift apart from the other watching tribute, sitting on the front steps of the building and letting the rain come down on her. She watched it create a small flow into the storm drains that were around the city. After some time, the group had readied up to explore, setting out to scope out the arena more and also scare up any tributes that may be hiding or already petering out. They had discovered quickly that a good bulk of the buildings were actually closed off, impossible to get into. The ones that could be accessed were the tallest buildings, which had all been in the “downtown” area of the city. One had possessed a tribute who they quickly eliminated, the canon echoing through the empty buildings. The rain had increased slightly as the day had gone on, and they used the steady streams of water flowing towards the drain to clean the blood from them and drink.

By the third day, the water had reached the tops of the drains and the rain showed no signs of stopping. The drops grew big, and remained persistent. Canons had woken them that morning, but they had not seen anything out of the ordinary. As they were walking through the city later, a loud bang had echoed through the mostly silent streets, as if something large had fallen. A cannon blast sounded a moment later, and they watched the hovercraft collect the fallen tribute from a nearby building. Going to investigate, they found the floor of the main lobby had crashed in, leaving a large gaping hole in the ground with water running under it. Pyxis started to watch her step then – she had seen those sinkholes open on roads near the shore after years of storms would wash away the sediment underneath. Sure enough, spots in the asphalt began to soften. Another tribute died running from them when their foot hit the weak spot and they fell, making catching them easy.

It was the overnight between the third and fourth day that brought the first legitimate attempt on Pyxis’s life. When she left the arena, those who had watched her on the screen said it was obvious what was about to happen. The looks between two of the tributes in their pack, the way their conversations seemed to taper off when others entered the room. The fact that when Pyxis would bring up certain questions or comments, they would share a glance over head that she completely missed. In the middle of the night, Pyxis had woken to the sounds of the rain increasing in tempo against the windows and roof of the building. As she lay thinking about the odd calm of the city and the rain, hushed whispers and rustling caught her attention though, and the feeling that something was wrong hit almost as soon as all hell broke loose. Pyxis had enough notice to pull her knife, catching the District One tribute – a tall boy only two years older than her – swinging his sword down at her. The blade managed to just graze her, opening a superficial wound. Her knife struck into his arm true, causing him to recoil for a moment. His uninjured arm grabbed her by the throat, slamming her head down into the linoleum flooring and causing her to see white for a moment.

Before he could gather to strike a killing blow, the boy had frozen above her, a blade protruding from his chest and a shocked look on his face as blood coughed from his mouth and he slumped over. His District-mate, a young woman, had stabbed him. He had betrayed her and conspired against her with the District Two woman. The tribute from Two charged at them, and Pyxis was able to make her head work fast enough to slash the woman across her face, getting her nose and eye and causing enough hesitation for Pyxis to make her second attack a stab to the woman's throat, ending the bloodshed as fast as it started.

It was then the silence reigned for a second, although it took Pyxis a moment to realize it was from the rushing in her ears and not the deafening of the city. The rain sounds had rushed back to her, and then the soft hesitant sobs from the tribute from One who had intercepted the attack that may have killed Pyxis. The girl was holding her side, rivulets of blood flowing from between her fingers as she clutched her hand to a wound on her side. Pyxis had fallen back onto the ground, landing hard on her bottom, hand reaching to check her head to see if it was bleeding or not from the impact on the floor. The Career pack had been eliminated just like that. Cannons had rung out for the original dead, but not for the girl from One. They waited for her as her sobs got softer, turning into hitching breath, and then . . . to nothing at all. As the cannon sounded, Pyxis had walked out of the building, her rucksack full of the supplies she had collected from what was once their base. She had sat on the steps of city hall, watching the water rise ever so slowly, letting the downpour wash on her.

It was sitting there, with her head pounding and her tears being washed away as fast as they appeared, she watched the rain hit the inches deep water on the ground. Taking twine another of the careers had before their death, she started tying it and cutting it with her knife, beginning to shape it into a simple net, ignoring the hovercrafts that came behind her and lifted the bodies away. By the time the sun rose through the city skyline, the water at ground-level was easily waist height. Putting the necessary resources into her new net, she tied it to her belt like it she would wear it again diving for oysters, and not for her life. A swinging parachute came to her as she prepared to set out on her own. It dropped a package – small, and containing a single item. A pair of goggles.

Throughout the day, the water continued to rise until she had to swim to get anywhere. Growing up doing so and with her lithe swimmers body, it was not hard for her to do. Buildings would shutter and collapse as the steady onslaught of water began to compromise the foundations. The cannon would occasionally sound, and Pyxis lost count of how many tributes were lost, whether to drowning or a building collapsing. She had managed to get into one of the taller buildings through a window she had broken on a higher floor, resting on the dry floor until the water rose to a point where she could no longer rest easily.

On the fifth day, it was clear the water would not cease. Pyxis had taken to diving down into the buildings to search for anything she could use to survive longer, or to make a fire. Exhaustion was sitting in, as even though she had grown up swimming, the lack of rest and the fact that her head was still in pain from being slammed into the ground inhibited her abilities somewhat. More cannons had sounded throughout the day, and Pyxis knew the end was likely to be coming soon. After some time, she was able to make her way onto one of the building's roofs. She had startled in surprise when she saw another tribute crouched up there as well, sitting next to an open door which led to a slowly flooding staircase.

Stealth was no longer an option for her, breaths coming out sharply and she pulled herself up onto the roof. The other tribute stood quickly, an ax in his hand as he turned and looked at her. A fearful look haunted his eyes, flicking to the rushing waters and the lack of escape options available. Once he realized his situation, his eyes hardened, and he took a step towards her, bracing with the ax raised. Pyxis pulled her knife out, setting her feet as well, ready to take the tribute on. She did not even recognize which district he came from, although his clutch on the ax made her think perhaps Seven or one of the other districts with a prominence of manual labor.

The two clashed together, tussling in a way that two exhausted, strung out people at the end of their rope do. The only option was death, and although Pyxis could flee into the water, she was running out of the energy to do so. Her fight was sapping away, and she needed to get blood rushing again. This tribute would serve that purpose for her. The two traded blows, cutting and slicing, none so deep to be deadly but enough to cause blood to seep from the wood and mix into the water that collected below them. Finally, she had tripped the other tribute, slamming him onto his back and allowing her to collect herself for a moment. What she did not notice was him grabbing one of the pieces of building concrete that had broken off when the building had shifted and shuttered. As she went to finish him off, he smashed the rock into her head as her knife had buried itself in his gut. The two fell apart again, both clutching at their wounds, stunned by the turn of events. Blood dripped into her eyes from where the head wound bled. Pyxis had been closer to the edge, and tripped, falling into the water below and letting it wash her away as her head swam with it.

Watching the highlights and replays later, she could see where the tribute from Seven (as she learned that was where he was from) had thought he won. Even slowly bleeding out, he expected help to come soon. Staggering up, he had looked to the sky, waiting for the hovercraft to come to collect him from his nightmare, to provide him the healing needed to celebrate his victory parade. He had no idea Pyxis had survived the waves, that her instinct had taken over and she was able to hold her breath enough to get to safety again, pulling herself out of the water. She too was waiting for a hovercraft, her eyes growing heavy as she grew tired, feeling as if the energy had been sucked from her. She finally did shut her eyes, but not before she heard the cannon go off, and the hovercraft came. Expecting it to go to the tribute on the roof, she was surprised when it collected her – alive. Breathing. Slowly fading out of consciousness. She had won the 110th Hunger Games, her last thought before she let the exhaustion win and closed her eyes.

______________

A concussion was the final verdict for her injuries coming out of the Arena. Minor, superficial injuries were patched up, but the concussion was what lingered. Even smiling hurt, but she had put on her best face when she was celebrated as the Victor, nodding her head slightly in thanks even though it felt as heavy as a bowling ball. She was allowed to go home then, given some time to rest and recover before her Victory parade would begin. Her parents had cried when they brought her back into their arms, and she had cried too. Despite the Districts desire to celebrate, her family had been able to ensure they waited until the end of her Victory Tour. Her head still was not behaving, hearing the ear that was on the side the concrete chunk had hit was still echoing a bit with a ring in it.

The first few nights after the games she was able to sleep sheerly because of the exhaustion. As time went on though, she started becoming restless, unable to sleep at night. The memory that her near death had come in the darkness of night began to plague her. She was unable to sleep at first without the door closed and locked, sometimes even needing to have one of her brothers sitting outside, talking quietly so she knew he was there. No one could be in the room, it had been the watchers who had taken advantage of their sleep. Gone were her days of dozing off on the boat in the morning on the way to the oyster fields. No more would she sleep on the beach with the sun beating on her. It took weeks before one day, she had dozed off sitting next to her mother on the couch, leaning lightly on her.

This habit, the inability to fall asleep without her guard completely up and the area secured, has persisted over the years. Even partners have not been allowed to remain in the room with her, Pyxis seeing them out and making sure her doors were locked and secure. Her quarters in the tower are always likewise locked down, a safe space for her.

Beyond that quirk, as far as Pyxis is aware, there were no lasting effects. Life went back to normal. She cannot dive as well as she used to or as deep, her head starting to ache with the pressure after too much time. Her victory tour had been uneventful, a small blessing that it had started in Twelve were celebration was rare. It had been her first time seeing many of the other districts, and she had considered her fathers caution that other districts were different from Four. She understood more what he meant now, seeing it with her own eyes, although she did not fully comprehend it. By the time they had reached the Capitol and District Four, her brain had been healed in the short term, allowing her to enjoy the festivities to a point (headaches still flared up, another thing that persists).

What Pyxis would have no way of knowing is that her brain, twelve years later, was still not healed as it should be. As time has gone on, little things have popped up. Forgetfulness was the first symptom. Although she had always been a bit languid and aloof, her family and friends began noticing how her memory was struggling. Pyxis plays it off, even joking about it personally when others call her out on her lapse of memory. Her paranoia was already existent, but what many didn’t notice was how much it was worsening. She was on edge more, worried that others were conspiring against her, wondering who would come for her next. Sometimes, it's like she has only been out of the arena for days – not a decade. What she could possibly not know, and what others could not know, is that the Arena was not done with her yet. Pyxis is suffering from the early stages of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. A long-term and slow moving illness, it is often caused by repeated traumas to the head. There is not curing it, and no stopping it. Just hoping that the symptoms don’t continue to manifest further. As time goes on, it is likely her symptoms will get worse. New problems will arise, and only time will tell what will continue to be slowly taken from her as the years go on. For now, she remains ignorant to it, laughing about her malfunctioning brain, and writing it off as just something that happens.

______________

After taking a two year break and living as a Victor in District Four, Pyxis began to train potential tributes back home through the schools. Her head had needed time to heal, but once she started working again, she had found a new thing to pass her time. It would never beat the joys she got from diving out in the deep ocean for the oysters, but after some denial she had realized that life was gone. Training people had filled the hole that was left in her heart slightly. After her two year stint working locally, she began to get tapped as and trainer to train and guide tributes as they came to the Capitol.

Pyxis is a very honest and up-front trainer. She often says exactly what is on her mind, regardless if it is encouraging or disparaging. Tributes who have a zeal for learning and want to soak up any knowledge she can impart. Her tactics often divorce themselves from any emotion: she sees what happens in that Arena as a matter of life and cannot comprehend why some tributes do not understand that. It is no place for compassion or empathy. She teaches to be ruthless, to consider their own longevity instead of the feelings of others. Plenty of time to be sad about it when not dead. Those she trains do seem to enjoy her hands-on methods, as she often personally spars or works with the tributes instead of just providing direction. Her sense of humor, even if sometimes misplaced, also helps those working with her realize that she does have the best interest of them and her district at heart, and that she has a vested interest in getting them back alive.

When in the Arena, it has also been noted that Pyxis is perfectly content approaching other mentors and potential donors to help with external strategy. As far as she is concerned, her job does not end until her tribute is dead and returned to their families. This means securing gifts, sponsors, and trying to send messages if possible to guide her tributes. Her more abrupt and confident style is surprisingly good at achieving sponsorship gifts, which could possibly be because sometimes people just feel weird turning her down when she asks so directly, regardless of the tone in the room.

______________

Those who meet Pyxis now are always curious if her inability to read a room even if given a map was something that pre-dated her games and head injury, or if she was just always like that. The truth is, her damaged brain may make it worse, but she has always been a bit oblivious in social situations. After all, most of her socialization happened on a boat with oyster divers, who are already a very peculiar sort of person. Her privileged upbringing combined with her nature made her rather unable to read the room. This also means she is lacking a certain amount of tact, which gets her in hot water when she does not think before she speaks. On the up-side, those who get used to her quirks often find themselves enjoying not having to read the subtext with her, or having someone who sometimes just breaks tension by outright saying the thing they are all thinking.

Beyond this, Pyxis is a confident young woman. She knows she has a lot of skills and assets, she knows that when she walks into a room she draws attention. Sometimes she finds herself getting exhausted by the constant buzzing of the tower, but other times she is the life of the party and able to have fun. As time is going on, she is also getting slightly more impulsive, finding herself seeking more fun and daring situations. This sometimes means flirting with people she shouldn’t, or going places she’d be better off not.

Friends of hers call her Pyx, and enjoy having her company.

[+ confident] [+ easy-going] [+ adept]

[- oblivious] [- tactless] [- ignorant]

Penned by: Bel

#pyxis

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pyxisfelixhaven · 8 months

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ffxivwrite2023 #23 ;; s u i t

shadowbringers spoilers ahead

It had probably been just a throw away compliment, but as Pyxis stood in front of the small dresser mirror that morning they couldn’t help but replay it over in their mind.

“It suits you - having your hair up, I mean.”

The deep purple hair that usually grazed between her shoulder blades had been hastily pulled into a loose bun that day, not having had the time nor patience to wash and dry it due to its thickness, and had been somewhat self conscious throughout the impromptu meeting with the Exarch. Dark circles were imprinted under their eyes, multiple drawn out yawns stifled behind a bite of the lower lip and the back of their hand, and still wearing the same clothes from the previous day's activities. They had brought over a few outfits from the Source on one of their trips back when updating Tataru, as the long blinding nights dragged their continued quest to bring night back ever longer.

Doubts constantly plagued the back of their mind whenever they spoke with the Crystal Exarch. Even though they had been dismissive that they had not come across G’raha Tia, there was something in that voice, the demeanour, those lips… It either had to be a reclamation of his body somehow, or it was him. With how time passed in the First, and the obvious integration with the tower itself encasing his arm and probably other parts of his form, it wasn’t that far-fetched to believe that the Miqo’te could have lived all this time. Why they would hide the fact from them all was a worry, but one for another day.

Wrapping a thin ribbon around the bundle of hair, pulling out some shorter pieces to continue to frame their face in front of their curved horns, Pyxis checked over the bun to make sure there were no stray hairs sticking out. A few here and there, but easy enough to tuck in with some pins. At least this time it looked a bit more presentable.

Pyxis wasn’t even sure that they would run into the Exarch that day; no meetings were planned, and the group were currently taking a few rest days following the restoration of night to Lakeland. One blissful night had already passed, allowing the Au Ra to get the most restful slumber since arriving on the First and, despite a swell of light starting to scorch through their veins, finally felt at full capacity. It even allowed them a little bit of self-confidence, a rarity in these trying times.

Tataru had noted the bag of clothes and other supplies as Pyxis came to deliver the most recent news, and had hurriedly gone to finish off the last few stitches of a new outfit. An hour later, she had returned with a new pants-suit set, describing each item with excruciating detail. The shirt had a few more ruffles than they were used to, but seeing the sparkle in the Lalafell’s eyes they really couldn’t say no to the kind gift. Just as they couldn’t say no to any of their other dress up requests.

Though the scion wouldn’t be able to see them wear it for the first time, they decided it was as good a time as any to wear the new outfit. Their tail flickered in excitement as they stepped into the fitting linen trousers, though struggled somewhat with the stiff ruffles of the shirt as they buttoned up the waistcoat - neither wanted to fit snug initially but once in their right place felt comfortable. A little restrictive for combat perhaps, but for a relaxing day off it was nice to dress up for a change. Even if the Exarch wouldn’t see either.

Stepping out of their temporary residence at The Pendants, the attendant looked over to spot the figure but then head turned away. Pyxis tilted their head as they pondered their reaction, but a quiet laugh pushed past their lips once she realised. He must have thought them to be someone else coming out of the Warrior of Light’s room, rather than the Warrior themselves. A little bit more confidence bubbled in their chest, smoothing down the front of the waistcoat as shoulders rolled back to stand a little taller.

“Good morning,” the Au Ra flashed a smile as they stepped past, watching the flushed expression of the receptionist flicker to confusion and then acknowledgement.

“G-Good morning, Pyxis!” He called out to their back, straightening up behind their desk once again. “That look suits you!”

“Thank you!” Pyxis looked over their shoulder, beaming brightly back to them. The smile persisted as they faced forwards once again, now face to face with a sheepish looking Crystal Exarch- well, they were assuming so with the small smile visible from under the shadowy hood.

“Good morning, Pyxis.”

Colour flooded to their face, the rising confidence plummeting as every worry about their appearance screamed in their mind at once, their own smile slipping.

“I would have to agree with our attendant, but if memory serves me right I may have expressed this opinion previously.” His smile grew stronger this time, and all the voices silenced themselves.

It was going to be a good day.

#ffxivwrite2023 #ffxivwrite #ffxiv #writing #g'raha #shadowbringers spoilers #(we've had a lot of raubahn content lately so here's some inklings of wolraha lmao)#(i was tempted to write about card games but then i got distracted putting pyxis into suits in gpose)#(so of course had to write about it!)

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friendly-local-eldritchite · 2 years

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The model who walked in was boyish, with a young face and a soft smile. Blond hair framed his face, and blue eyes sparkled on either side of a slightly freckled nose. He took his place in the middle of the open area at the base of the seats, and sat on a stool. He waited patiently, gracefully sitting as he scanned the room. For a moment, his eyes lit on yours—and you thought you saw the barest flicker of pink in his cheeks for that one moment.

“He looks like a chick,” Jean muttered. You dealt him a whack to the head. “Owww! Dude!”

“Everything all right, Kirstein?” the professor asked, coming in abruptly. Jean choked, sitting up in alarm. You snickered.

“He’s fine, sir.”

“Thank you, L/n.” The professor took his place at the front of the room, beaming out at the class. “As you’ve noticed—or you know already, if you’ve read the syllabus—we will be working with models this semester. For the first nine weeks, you’ll be working with Armin Arlert. Armin, would you like to add anything?”

The model—Armin—stood up, smiling at the class.

“Like he said, my name is Armin. I’m a history and anthropology student, but I’ve always loved art. My favorite artist is Leonardo Da Vinci. I hope that we all have a great semester.”

“Thank you, Armin,” Professor Pyxis said.

“He’s so nice,” Jean whispered. “It’s almost annoying.”

“Shut up, Jean,” you hissed.

“Ohhhh, is that a crush coming on?”

“Last warning,” you warned quietly, “or I tell Mikasa about the time you were over for Thanksgiving, and you had diarrhea afterwards.”

Jean blushed red to the tips of his ears and shut up.

You studied Armin carefully as Pyxis moved out of the way. Armin nodded to him, and then began to strip out of his clothes. His vest and shirt went first, revealing a narrow but well-defined chest with nipples peaked from the cold of the classroom. Then his pants. His legs were slim, but muscled, with very little hair. For some reason, you fixated on his feet; they were very narrow, with long toes and paler skin than the rest of his body. When you glanced up again, he’d slid down his boxers, and you got an eyeful as he turned around to fold up his clothes and lay them on the chair. You hid behind your notebook, face heating.

Armin leaned against the stool, posing in contrapasto stance with his weight on only one leg. He directed his eyes over your heads, at the back of the classroom, and you sprang into action. Your pencil scratched across the page as you focused on his feet and legs, stopping mid-thigh. You wanted to concentrate on the pose he was taking—and his thin little feet were strangely pretty.

Your pencil outlined the shapes of his legs, curving around muscles, swooping around the kneecap. You added in gentle shading, caressing the limbs with your pencil.

Then you moved to work on his hands, his arms. You spent a lot of time on his hands too, sketching the different positions he shifted them into over time. And then you started on his throat and collarbones, his shoulders. He swallowed as your pencil moved, his Adam’s apple bobbing lightly, and you bit your lip.

The hour was over in a heartbeat, and everyone scrambled to pack up. You were so intent on your latest sketch that you didn’t notice someone else moving next to you after Jean had left until they spoke.

“That’s really good, you know.”

You jumped, glancing over. Armin Arlert was standing next to you, leaning over your sketchbook. He looked impressed, but also confused.

“Oh, wow,” you fumbled. “Thanks.” Then, hesitantly, you added, “What’s wrong?”

His head jerked up, his eyes snapping to yours. He looked surprised.

“Nothing, nothing. It’s just—“

“What?”

“You’re the only one who focused on those parts of me,” he admitted, cheeks pink. “The other sketches were all of my chest or my…” He trailed off awkwardly.

“Well, that’s pervy,” you muttered. To your surprise, Armin snorted inelegantly and then burst out laughing.

“What?” you laughed, closing your sketchbook.

“I don’t have many people stand up for me,” he said. “It’s nice.”

You realized that he’d come to talk to you without dressing completely. He pulled his shirt over his head, then the vest, and shook his hair out.

“I’m glad to meet you, Armin,” you said. “I’m Y/n.” You held out your hand, and he shook it.

“You too. Do—um, do you have a class after this?”

“Nope,” you said, popping the p. “I was going to go out for some coffee. Have you been to Renoir’s? It’s art-themed, down the street from campus.”

“No, I haven’t,” Armin said as you packed up. “It sounds nice, though. I might go sometime.”

“You could come now if you wanted.”

“Your boyfriend—“

You choked, snorting. “My what?”

“Your—the guy next to you—isn’t he—“

“Oh god, no,” you laughed. “We’re friends. He has a crush on my roommate.”

Armin smiled, a little private smile unlike the one from before.

“I’d love to get coffee then,” he admitted. “And maybe…I can give you my number?”

You grinned.

“That sounds great, Armin.” When the two of you were halfway out of the room, you added, “And maybe you can come see my dorm room sometime, if you want.”

“You wouldn’t mind? I’d worry I was invading your privacy.”

“Everyone in this room just invaded yours,” you said, holding out your hand. “I’d be happy to offer mine in return.”

Armin turned pink, all the way to the tips of his ears, as he slipped his hand in yours.

#armin arlert #attack on titan x reader #armin arlert x reader

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roroyaoi87 · 2 years

Note

For the séance couples prompts:

Klaus/Ben and Stars?

I am sorry it took so long. I hope it's to your liking, as you didn't specify which Ben you wanted it with, I chose Sparrow Ben. Let me know if you want one with Umbrella Ben. I sincerely hope you like it.

The seance couples: 30 drabbles (Stars SBenxKlaus)

He can see the stars shining in Klaus's eyes every time they are together, especially when they are both hidden by the soft sheets of his bed, as they move against each other's bodies, seeking mutual pleasure, between moans and smooth words that bring them to climax.

Their relationship is strange, especially for their families. For his family, it is inconceivable that someone as arrogant, frivolous, and cruel as him would be interested in someone like Klaus.

Precisely Klaus: the weak link in the family's enemy, and now sometimes ally. And if Ben hadn't lived all those months at Klaus' side during the reboot of the universe, he could understand his family's concern.

After all, Klaus has always appeared to be a simple drunk, too fearful, clumsy, and useless in a fight. They might be right about that, but the brunette was much more than that.

Klaus was a being from another world: he belonged neither among the dead nor the living, which made him unique and special. He knew things other people considered unimportant but turned out to be important.

Klaus could travel between the planes of life and death as he pleased, he could talk to the dead, and he was very good at distracting people and getting information out of them, almost without them noticing.

If I had to compare Klaus to something, it would be Pandora's box or the Trojan horse.

So it's not surprising that his family considers Klaus ... not much by his high standards.

As for Klaus' family, well, the Umbrellas had the same bad habit as his siblings when it came to judging Klaus. Maybe they were never interested in seeing that Klaus had kicked his drug addiction. He knew that the Umbrellas cared about Klaus, but they tended to ignore the brunette and believed they were together because Ben needed someone to control, and Klaus couldn't tell the difference between his dead brother and him.

At some point, he had that doubt, too. What made him different from the perfect Ben? And it seemed to be many things and, at the same time, very few. But when Klaus looked at him, kissed him, and made love, it was him Klaus wanted, not his dead brother.

He knew it by the way he pronounced his name, in a mixture of supplication and desire. When Klaus spoke of his brother, it was in an affectionate but rather annoying way. Unlike Klaus' brothers, who spoke about their Number Six as if he were some kind of saint; Klaus was very honest about his brother. Six was no saint, he was as broken as any son of Reginald Hargreeves.

It is because of that honesty of seeing, recognizing, and accepting the people around him that Ben believes Klaus when he tells him that he loves him. It is one of the many reasons he has fallen in love with the brunette.

When Klaus sees him, he sees him, not Six; he sees the former Sparrow leader, the coward who let his first love die, the brother everyone distrusts for his cocky, arrogant, and cruel facade, but who deep down doesn't want to be hurt and rejected anymore.

When Klaus looks at him, he sees him, recognizes, accepts, and loves him, embracing his virtues and faults. Klaus' eyes shine as if in those eyes, he holds a million stars every time he looks at him.

"Ben, love," Klaus pleads, digging the nails into his back as he clings to him when Ben manages to hit that sweet spot inside him.

"Yes, Pyxis" He likes to call Klaus after the brightest star in the Compass constellation. He finds it a fitting name for his lover, who can be as beautiful as a star.

"More" he demands. Klaus can be so honest with his body that he becomes something beautiful to look at, at least in Ben's eyes.

"But I like to take my time with you," and to show his point, he slows his thrusts, moving slowly as he kisses the brunette's shoulders and neck.

Of course, Klaus tries to protest, but Ben is quick to kiss him, silencing any words, moans, or cries, leaving as the only sound the creaking of the bed, the slapping of their bodies meeting, their breaths heaving, and their mouths joined in a fiery kiss.

Klaus arches his back and spreads his legs, trying to get Ben deeper inside him, and Ben has to use all his self-control to not to cum. At another time, he wouldn't have minded their desperate, quick love making but tonight, Klaus looks beautiful with his hair in a mess, his skin flushed, his eyes teary, and the diamond ring occupying his middle finger.

Today he wants to take his time, make it lensed, deep and passionate, just the two of them, without the horrors in between. Just Klaus and Ben. Ben and Klaus. Two souls bound together, searching for each other through love, death, life, time, and space.

Klaus' eyes shine like stars as he reaches climax as he says his name, and Ben loves it.

#tua #the umbrella academy #klaus hargreeves #fic request #ben hargreeves #the sparrow academy #sparrow ben #harcest #horrance #ben x klaus

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katatty · 24 days

Text

Emmie: Guys, please! It's Heath's birthday!!

Pyxis: She started it! Fucking-

Margot: Get her, Caryl!!

Pyxis: You're taking her side? Fuck you!

Gloxinia: This rules. Woo!

Emmie: No it doesn't! Somebody seperate them!!

#Hollyhead BACC #Hollyhead Season 13 #Camelia Nerium #Caryl Johnston #Pyxis Spokes #Emmie Aisling #Raye Solarwind #Margot Tenenbaum #Gloxinia Nerium #it's times like these i wonder if hollyhead should bring back the police

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ladyhindsight · 1 year

Note

large annoyance rereading tftsa

in "the whitechapel fiend" a demon attacks the london institute, and gets inside the institute. which very much is not supposed to be possible. there is no mention of the matter of the demon breaking the institute anti-demon wards. it even got past jessamine

😑

- R

Clare's explanation goes:

Demons can be inside Institutes, they just can’t get inside (unlike vampires.) That’s why Mortmain has a plan for how to get his clockwork demons in TID into the Institute, not for how they stay there.

“Tessa,” said Jem immediately. “But she is safe in the Institute, and even his blasted clockwork army can’t break inside. Even without us there—”

In a wheedling voice Mrs. Dark said, “Once, when I was in the Magister’s confidence, he spoke to me of a plan he had to invade the Institute. He planned to paint the hands of his mechanical creatures with the blood of a Shadowhunter, thus allowing him to open the doors.”

We know the demon in TSA can turn into a fog — it’s implied that Bridget likely opened the door, thinking no one was there, and the demon oozed foggily in.

I get the idea of demons being able to be inside Institutes if they were brought in in a container like the pyxis or the automatons. Otherwise that is just a demon entering, no matter what its form is like. And if it is such a fool-proof tactic, why aren't demons just always lurking about the Institutes just for the off chance that someone opens a door and they can sneak in?

I've actually read up to the Whitechapel Fiend in TftSA, and my biggest gripe aside from this was that the story totally appropriated the Jack the Ripper case, and I had to read basically his whole modus operandi presented by Gabriel and the "Dear Boss" letter with Ryan Bergara's voice in my head and none of it had anything to do with anything! The demon just snuck in and hid the kids in chimneys and I just thought what the hell was all that stuff even for? It build up to fuck all. No clever twist. NOTHING.

#Series discussion #Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #Reply

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anya-ackerman · 2 years

Note

Hiya! How did you and Levi met?

Hello, friend! Thank you for the ask!

Levi and I actually met at a military ball! There’s always these functions the military puts on, either in honor of the regiments or just to invite nobles to pull extra funding for expeditions, that sort of thing. My family was invited, being nobles, so of course I was expected to attend.

It wasn’t so bad, really. Commander Pyxis was there and he’s been friends with my father for so long that he’s practically like another father to me! And it’s through him I met and became friends with Erwin!

Well, Erwin at one point during the night is talking to me and Levi walks over and Erwin introduced us! It was…a bit awkward at first. I’m naturally really shy, and here Erwin is introducing me to this very handsome and kind of intimidating man. It must’ve been shortly after Levi joined the military and he was very much already showing his skill as one of the best soldiers in the military. And to add to it, he barely spoke to me. A simple nod of the head and then he barely said a word!

It wasn’t until I caught him on his own, away from a lot of the crowd that I attempted to talk to him. For as intimidating as he seemed, both Erwin and Hange said he was a great soldier and person and my curiosity got the better of me. I’m glad it did though because once we did manage to start a conversation, it was surprisingly very easy to speak to him. Yes, he was more reserved then but…he seemed kind, despite the gruff exterior he appeared to have.

I’d come to find out later that apparently his speechlessness towards me at first was because he fell in love the moment he saw me. Not Levi’s words exactly, but the basic idea because according Hange he definitely seemed to be a flustered, nervous mess until I approached him later. I never would have guessed though, he certainly seemed to hide it from me! ❤️

#❤️ The Soldier and his Songbird ❤️#self ship shingeki no kyojin #f/o x self insert #aot self ship #self ship community #selfship community #f/o community #f/o shingeki no kyojin #f/o gush #f/o post #my f/os #f/o tag #romantic f/o #fictosexual #fictoromantic

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thetwstwildcard · 2 years

Note

(ok fr this time) ramshackle gang: if you had to be sorted into one of the 7 dorms, which one would you pick/be most likely to be sorted in??

Let's do all of ramshackle-

Yuuto Sakuraba

"One of the actual dorms?" He raised an eyebrow "Maybe octavinelle?" He thought out loud. "The lounge isn't terrible and their members are smart, right?"

Pyxis/Nova

"Pomefiore, of course!!" Pyxis mused with a smile "Look at their members, I'd fit in perfectly". The look in his eye suddenly changed before a sigh left his lips. He quickly moved his mask before he spoke "Octavinelle, shady. I approve of it." Nova smirked.

Lacie Reyes

"Savanaclaw!!!" She smirked "I kicked their asses when they tried to hurt Grim, I can do it again!!" She puffed her chest out "I'm the most athletic out of us so I'm the best fit."

Kagero Shimizu

"Diasomnia." He sighed "It would finally be a calm dorm. And if I'm lucky I'll be like their dorm leader, forgotten." There was a slight smile on his lips "I'd finally have peace."

Aspen Cyfrin

"I think Scarabia would be a fun dorm" he smiled before gasping "What, did you expect me to say Pomefiore just because it would match my beautifulness? I'm disappointed in you."

Des Carriedo

"One of the seven? Oh, actually I originally was a member of Heartslabyul with my big sister. So if I would have to chose a dorm I would be back there. I listen to orders well so it was a perfect fit. I still do like this dorm though." Des smiled, shyly scratching the back of his head.

Amias Caritas

"Me? Oh I was in Diasomnia before transfering here." He shrugged "I suppose I would just go back there. But this dorm is so much better" he smirked "Especially since someone is here~" his eyes darkened as his smile grew.

"Honorary members"

Yua Misaki/"Ire Carriedo"

"How did you-" her tone was different before switching back to the sickeningly sweet tone it normally was "If I had to pick a dorm?" She thought "Heartslabyul. A dorm that relies on rules, and if someone breaks them they get punished. I do quite like it. And then, I'll be with my "siblings" as well".

Nil Creare

"Savanaclaw." His voice was curt "Fight to figure things out, dominate in athletics. It's a dorm I can get behind." The doll nodded to himself.

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ghostuu-ya · 6 months

Text

ﾟ+*:;;:* shegeheuebei brainrot *:;;:*+ﾟ

It was a Late evening, and the wind howled outside Akar’s desolate and isolated Laboratory in his cottage. Such conditions are expected during a heavy winter, where the snow falls for months on end.

Akar was finalizing his first trial of his recent experiment when he heard a knock on the large, metal doors of his laboratory.

Akar raised an eyebrow and scowled…Who would dare disturb his genius when he was working?

“Who is it?” He asked, not in the mood to entertain guests.

"It's Pyxis. Might I come in?" Pyxis spoke softly as she leaned against the door. Akar could handle Pyxis occasionally. She was... Interesting, to say the least. The two were just interested in a relationship. Pyxis was the person who took care of Akar, bringing him snacks, checking in on him, making sure he had drunk water that day, and so on. Akar raised his eyebrow at Pyxis. It was surprising to see someone so…diminutive yet sweet. Especially one who dared to knock on the door of his laboratory.

“Come in, Pyxis.” He sighed. “But be quick about it. I don’t have time to entertain guests at this hour. Your constant need to check up on me is rather irritating, wouldn’t you agree?” “Thank you, dear. Sorry to bother you, but I had to come and check on you. You haven't left the lab in a few days, so I had to make sure you were still alive. Good to see you are." Pyxis giggled and walked in. She was holding a plate of hot food in her hand. "Where would you like this?”Akar watched Pyxis walk inside his laboratory with mild disinterest. She was… amusing. Her small, soft demeanor was interesting to Akar, even though her constant need to check up on him annoyed him…

“Place it on the table.” He growled, pointing toward the end of the room.

“I was in the middle of something when you…disturbed me.” He hissed."Mmmhm. I'm sure I disturbed you very much." Pyxis teasingly said. She smiled warmly and walked over to where Akar pointed. She placed the plate of piping hot food down on the table. She walked over to Akar and examined what he was working on. As Pyxis walked closer, Akar could feel her eyes examine each part of his machinery and lab equipment. It made him…uncomfortable.

Akar looked up from his experiment and sighed. “I’m surprised you’re not asking… questions. I don’t usually let strangers wander into my laboratory.” He remarked, with a hint of annoyance.

“What is it you want, Pyxis?” "Can you though? Akar, just how many times have I come to find you passed out from exhaustion and dehydration? Once you show me you really can take care of yourself I'll believe it. Until then..." Pyxis smiled again. She took a step closer to Akar.

Her hands gently caressed his shoulders in a soothing motion. Akar grumbled something and gave in. He hated the fact he was so obsessed with her. If she didn't give him attention he couldn't help but feel... Ignored. It was like a craving. “Stop it. I can take care of myself!” Akar said in a disgruntled tone, though he couldn’t deny how comforting and soothing Pyxis’s hands were on his shoulders.

He hated the fact that her soft and caring behavior was so hard to resist. It was like some kind of…craving. And the fact that Pyxis was so tiny made him wonder if his obsession with her was a sign of him growing weak.

“I don’t need anyone to take care of me.” He repeated irritably. Akar glared at Pyxis but he didn't want her to stop. His eyes were begging her for more. He just wanted her attention. Her affection. Her. "You need a break... And a hug." Pyxis slipped her hands down to Akar's side and pulled him into a gentle hug. Akar froze before melting into her arms.

"You look like you might faint any moment now. Please, come eat." Pyxis pulled away from the hug leaving Akar feeling cold. Pyxis. Pyxis. Pyxis. That's all he could think about. His breathing was heavy and ragged, yet he did not dare to move away…

…Pyxis’s soothing touch was everything he needed.

Akar did not know how to feel, he was so angry at himself for being so reliant on Pyxis and her affection.

But it felt so good to be held by her, cared for by someone at least…

“…I’ll eat….” He huffed, as he walked towards the table and the meal Pyxis had cooked for him."Good boy!" Pyxis cooked half mocking half teasing. She giggled softly as he sat down. He looked down at the food. Warm tomato soup with Basil and herbs, slices of fruit to the side, and cake... Pyxis knew how to spoil Akar with her love and affection. Akar’s eyes widened when he saw what Pyxis had cooked. It was the perfect meal. The aroma that wafted around him as his eyes scanned the plate was irresistible.

He greedily shoveled soup and fruit into his mouth without regard for manners, he was so hungry.

After he had consumed the food, he sighed. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to eat. His stomach was satisfied and his mood slightly improved.

“Thank you, Pyxis.” He muttered softly."Yeah? You're more than welcome Akar. I'm more than glad to take care of your needs. If you ever need anything... Let me know." Pyxis smiled again. That smile... It was so perfect... She was perfect.

Pyxis stood up. She pressed a gentle kiss on Akar's cheek. Her lipstick smeared a bit as she did, but to her, it was worth spoiling him just a while longer.

She stacked the dishes back onto the platter and she was turning to leave. Akar didn't want that. He wanted her to stay longer. When Pyxis turned to leave, Akar was filled with a sudden emptiness, despite having eaten.

“Pyxis…” He called out from his seat. She turned her head back toward Akar.

“May I ask a favor?”

“…Could you stay with me for a little longer?” He asked, his words were filled with yearning."Oh- I... Alright." Pyxis sighed softly and placed the platter back down. "Really though, I should go wash these upstairs. I can come back in a few minutes... I promise.” “Stay with me. Please.” Akar’s eyes darted around the room, he didn’t want her to leave...

“…I don’t want to be alone. Not right now.” He muttered.

The empty plate on the table still had traces of tomato soup, bits of basil, and drops of hot soup stained the plate, the food slowly congealing as he watched Pyxis.

“Please don’t leave me.” He whispered, his voice was filled with desperation."Akar... You know I'd never leave you... Right? I promise I'll be right back." Pyxis repeated herself. She gently cupped Akar's cheeks in her hands. "Darling, I'll be right back.” Akar’s pale skin felt like it was burning where Pyxis had cupped his cheeks, his cheeks were turning a faint shade of red under Pyxis’s warm touch.

Akar could tell from her tone that she was not lying…yet the thought of having to spend even the slightest of moments away from Pyxis filled him with a sense of dread.

“Please don’t go.”

Akar muttered in a whisper as Pyxis was just inches from him. His breaths were ragged and his heart was beating a million miles per hour. Pyxis frowned and looked down at the ground. She sighed and looked back up. "Please... Dear, I'll be right back." Pyxis ran her hands through Akar's hair, her fingers tangling and untangling his hair. He watched as Pyxis’s hand ran through his hair, his heart was racing at an alarming speed and he was at a loss for words.

Why…why was Pyxis so caring? Why did she give him so much affection?

Why am I so desperate for her to stay with me…

The thought crossed his mind…it was rather pathetic really. To act so needy when he had lived thousands of years…

How could he fall for such antics?

Yet, he was still clinging onto her."... Would it be better for you if you just came with me instead?" Pyxis suggested as she tilted her head. She made him look up at her. Akar’s eyes widened when he heard Pyxis’s suggestion, his eyes staring into Pyxis’s warm and inviting gaze.

“Yes.” He hissed, without even taking a moment to think it over.

Was he this desperate for Pyxis’s attention and affection? Was he this…alone?

What happened to Akar who once knew no fear?

He shuddered and then realized that Pyxis had asked him a question.

“…Yes.” He spoke again, this time with more certainty in his voice."Oh? Very well dear." Pyxis leaned down and picked the plates up. She was so delicate with every action. She turned on her heel and walked to the stairs. She double-checked to make sure Akar was indeed following her. Her heels clacked on the marble stairs. Did she always wear heels?

Akar followed Pyxis up the marble stairs as she carried the plates away from the table.

He always found her sense of gracefulness to be endearing.

The sound of her heels clacking with each step was oddly comforting.

He had to admit, Pyxis was rather stunning…

…But he could never tell her that. It would be unprofessional if he did. The whole thought of professionalism was about to be thrown out the window with what Akar wanted to do. Once they made it upstairs Pyxis headed to the kitchen, but Akar still followed her like a lovesick puppy. She placed the dishes in the sink, completely forgetting Akar was with her. She was humming gently... A familiar tune perhaps? Akar stood silently beside Pyxis, she seemed occupied with washing the dishes in the kitchen.

He glanced over her body, the curves of her hips and the softness of her skin were…enticing. Yet he was not going to let his desires get the best of him.

He leaned against the counter beside Pyxis and glanced around the kitchen. The kitchen was rather pleasant to look at. It was clean, organized, and had a lot of counter space.

The thought of Pyxis cooking in the kitchen, surrounded by flowers and humming to herself was rather soothing for the scientist. Pyxis shifted slightly and continued what she was doing. Akar bit his lip as the thought of wrapping his arms around her waist as she cleaned filled his mind... She was such an enticing specimen. Akar walked up behind Pyxis, and ever so gently grabbed her hip.

He pulled Pyxis close to him, his arms reaching to wrap around her waist and pull her closer.

He could feel…Pyxis’s heart beating, it was rather quick…

He pressed his head against Pyxis’s shoulder, his lips brushed right against her skin.

Akar was in such ecstasy, that he didn’t even process the fact that Pyxis was a human.

His thoughts were occupied by one idea. He wanted Pyxis."Akar- wait... What are you doing? Darling- please... You shouldn't do such things.." Pyxis coughed and cleared her throat. She leaned her head back and looked up at Akar.

"Whatever are you doing?” “Just…just one kiss…please.”

Akar was desperate at this point, he wanted her so badly. Pyxis was everything he ever wanted…she was perfect.

His lips hovered mere inches from Pyxis.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy like the tension within the air could cut through any moment.

“Just one kiss darling…” He breathed."... I... F-fine... You make me so embarrassed, I swear..." Pyxis mumbled softly and agreed to stay in his arms. She leaned back into his touch. It felt... Pleasant. It felt as if he should have always done this. As if... Pyxis was always his. Akar let out a sigh of satisfaction when Pyxis complied and stayed in his arms.

He closed his eyes, the sense of comfort and security was overwhelming.

He enjoyed the closeness.

Akar was not one for affection, it was not in his nature. However, Pyxis’s touch calmed his heart and soul.

“…Do you…enjoy being held?” He muttered quietly, a sense of vulnerability was rare for Akar."No... Not usually, however, I thought you don't allow people to get this close to you in the first place.." Pyxis smirked. "But if it's you, I don't mind." She finishes washing the dishes and drying her hands. Akar was still leaning on her, he felt tired...

"Couch?" Pyxis softly spoke. That was true.

Akar never let anyone get close to him, let alone touch him without his express permission.

Yet, that was before Pyxis came into his life.

Akar felt rather light and tired all of a sudden, he was so relaxed by Pyxis’s presence.

He nodded when Pyxis asked if the couch was okay.

“…The couch is fine.” He mumbled softly and placed his head onto Pyxis’s shoulder again.

Was he using Pyxis as a pillow? Pyxis laughed softly. She had to practically drag Akar to the couch. She sat down on the couch, Akar following her.

Pyxis softly gasped when Akar layed down on top of her. She felt her face heat up as he used her chest as a pillow. His arms snuck around her waist and he nuzzled into her embrace.

Pyxis started to play with Akar's hair again. She began tracing her fingers along his mask.

"Off?”The sense of comfort and warmth that came from Pyxis’s body was almost overwhelming and it took everything in Akar’s power to resist falling asleep.

He felt like a tired little kid, he was so exhausted.

His eyes closed when Pyxis played with his hair and asked if she should take his mask off, he was too tired to argue with her…

He shook his head slightly when Pyxis asked if she could take the mask off.

He…was scared that she would stop touching him if she saw him without his mask."Are you... Sure? Isn't it uncomfortable to lay with that on?" Pyxis sighed heavily. She dropped it quickly, not wanting to make Akar upset or uncomfortable.

"You are really needy, you remind me of my younger siblings..." Pyxis giggled softly.

She tilted his face up again so that she could lean down and kiss his cheek. She bumped into his mask and huffed.

"Hmph. Unfair- it keeps me from kissing my darling's cute face.”A slight blush appeared on Akar’s face when Pyxis mentioned he was needy.

It was true, he was rather needy right now…He needed Pyxis’s touch, affection, and care.

All he wanted right now…was to feel loved.

“I am fine with keeping my mask on.” He muttered softly, his voice was a little hoarse as he spoke.

Akar looked up when Pyxis tried to kiss his cheek, her frustration at the mask was adorable.

Akar smirked. “I am not cute.” "Well, I want it off. I can't kiss you..." Pyxis pouted some more over the fact before sighing. She gave up and continued playing with Akar's hair.

"Hah- you, not cute? Don't make me laugh, Akar.”Akar felt rather embarrassed when Pyxis pouted. He had not seen her do that before.

“Pyxis…” He muttered her name softly as she played with his hair. It felt nice to have his hair played with.

“I am many things.” Akar chuckled softly, “Cute is definitely not one of them.”

Akar looked up at her, he was about to say something else but…He lost his train of thought and remained quiet."Well fine... However~ I can't help but notice you didn't deny the fact that you're mine. I called you ‘my cute darling' and you did not react." Pyxis giggled softly. Akar went completely silent when Pyxis mentioned he was hers. He wasn’t sure how to respond to her comment.

She was right though, he did not react to her calling him “my cute darling”, could it be because he found it to be true?

He felt so confused.

Akar then broke his silence after a few moments of thought.

“…Do you own me?” He whispered, it seemed like he wanted Pyxis to confirm what he thought."No- of course not. If anything you own me hehe." Pyxis chuckled. She ran her fingers along Akar's mask and his cheeks. She leaned down again and tried to kiss his cheek...again. Once more, she bumped into his mask and was unable to kiss him. This seemed to annoy her. She wanted to respect his wishes of leaving his mask on but she also wanted to see him without the mask. Akar smirked as he felt Pyxis trying to kiss him. Her attempts were rather cute.

“I want to see your face without the mask,” Pyxis uttered softly.

Akar…tilted his head. His mask was still firmly in place, but he wanted to make Pyxis happy.

He wanted to see Pyxis’s smile when her lips brushed his cheek.

He…reluctantly nodded. He looked towards Pyxis.

He would let her see his face this one time, and then never again. Pyxis's breath stopped for a moment. She looked awestruck. "D-Akar..." Pyxis stuttered out his name. Did she not like it? Was he ugly? Should he hide his face again? Akar’s eyes widened when Pyxis went completely silent.

His heart raced rapidly, maybe he shouldn’t have taken off the mask.

Akar looked up at Pyxis, her eyes looked like she was shocked. Was there something wrong with his face?

He wanted to cover up his face again, but he was waiting for Pyxis’s response.

“Is there…something wrong?” He asked quietly."No.. You're so gorgeous. Kiss you- I want to kiss you even more now. Please Akar? May I? I want to just... Cover you with my kisses." Pyxis giggled softly. She didn't hesitate a second longer to start running her fingers down his face. Akar gasped when Pyxis ran her hands down his face, her touch sent a shiver down his spine.

He felt like his heart was beating faster than it ever did before.

He felt a strange sensation all over his body, could it be… butterflies in his stomach?

Akar’s heart beat rapidly when Pyxis asked if she could kiss him.

He was speechless, he had no words to say…all he could think of was Pyxis.

Akar nodded when Pyxis asked if she could kiss him. Pyxis smiled so softly and lovingly... She was lovely. She was so sweet... It truly was amazing.

Pyxis leaned down and kissed Akar. Her lips trailed across his face as she started peppering kisses all over his face. She pressed several kisses on his lips, pulling away, leaning back in, more and more kisses.

Heheheh.. wit is a lil project I'm working on,, this doesn't take place in the exact story line

#ghostuu writes fluff #oc x oc #brainrot #WiT

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