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modernhetaliafangirl · 2 years

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Chapter 1. The Reign Of Belladonna

Part 2. Belladonna’s First Flower

Hetalia America x Yandere!Reader

ATTENTION: If it wasn’t obvious I don’t endorse any of the actions portrayed in this fanfiction! And I don’t own anything!

Triger warning: Rape/Non-con

Human, School AU, (Basically Gakuen Hetalia but incited of nation they are people. That’s why this fanfiction takes place in an unnamed country)

( A\N In this fanfic Y\N is Belladonna Night. An OC of mine that you can read about on my DeviantArt gallery. But of course, you can imagine your OC instead)

Y/N woke up bright and early, just like every morning. 4am to be exact, her classes started at 8am. In those 4 extra hours she made sure that she looked presentable, in her eyes. She started with a quick, cold shower. It wasn’t pleasant, but to Y/N that didn’t matter; all she needed was water so she could shave. Despite her morning showers being unpleasant, Y/N fawned that they were oddly relaxing. They were the peace and quiet before her hectic day and a remainder that life isn’t always pleasurable, but going through a bit of discomfort is worth it for the final result. In this case the reward was smooth skin, and the confidence to show it off.

Seconded was the hair style and make up. On most days she wore her fair in a ponytail or a messy bun. The classic Y/N hair style. Ragdoll, stay on track! But that day was special, it was the day where she would see Alfred for the second time! So she wanted to look her best so Y/N just let her hair down. Yes, sounds boring but there’s an interesting idea behind the simplicity. As women one of our most feminine attributes is our long hair, heterosexual men are attracted to feminine attributes, so letting hair down is just a simple way of making her more attractive without braking the dress code.

When it comes to makeup Y/N was quite the expert. But not in the way you might think. Instead of a perfect eyeliner or a beautifully blended eyeshadow, she opted for a more natural makeup look. But again, it’s not what you think. The ‘’ no-makeup ‘’ makeup looks were somewhat close but not really. Everything from the not-so-natural-looking soap eyebrows and the very obvious contouring to the noticeably over-lined lips that are supposed to be natural because they are lined with a pinkish berry color. Didn’t look right to Y/N, yes she thought it was beautiful but not natural. To her, the perfect natural makeup was achieved the following way.; for a makeup base she always used sunscreen. Then she color corrected underneath her eyes with a gradient of yellow and orange concealer, yellow and orange neutralize the blue and purple on her under-eye area. The next step was a concealer that matched her skin tone perfectly that she plaid with a beauty blender, trying her best not to swipe the product around. Then she would apply a thin lyre of BB cream. To set everything she just lightly dusted loose setting powder all over her face and neck, even shoulders if they were showing. She kept her eye makeup very minimalistic, just some brawn eye pencil on the inner part of her eyelid and a colorless mascara. For her cheeks, she would use just a little bit of pink bush higher than the apples of her cheeks. And finally, lips are kept very simple with just some red tinted lip balm. This all sounds so basic, so why did I call Y/N a makeup expert? Well, it might sound simple and easy, but what I’m sure you didn’t notice is her knowledge of color theory. Y/N has blue and purple under eye circles, yellow as opposed to purple, and orange is opposed to blue on the color wheel so she used yellow and orange to neutralize them. Also, she used a very specific shade of red for her lips, a shade that worked perfectly for her skin tone. But the most jennies part of Y/N’s makeup routine is that by the end she still looks just like herself, just with a more even skin tone and a slight flush to her cheeks. She loved the way she looked with makeup and she loved the way she looked when she took it off, all the same.. Dame, she sure is picky about everything. Ain’t she, our dear reader.

After changing into her school uniform and eating her breakfast, Y/N usually takes her time when walking to school. But that day was special, she would probably see Alfred again and she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. So she powerwalked to school. And when she got to her classroom, expecting to see her one and only love she was met with an empty classroom. Y/N stopped at the doorway and thought ‘’ huh, well that’s odd. I’m sure that it’s at least 7:45.’’ She took her phone out of the pocket of her uniform and looked at the clock; it said 6:30. She clicked her tongue and thought ‘’ of course, I came in an hour and a half earlier! Now, what am I supposed to do, sit on my ass and wait for him?! “ Y/N, in a fit of rage punched the classroom’s door and murmured ‘’ the writer should have patch this. ‘’

‘’ guess I’m going to the newspaper club. “

Now in the newspaper club, Y/N felt a little bit calmer. Walking slowly, she took in every corner of the once art room turned NP club. It looked just like every other classroom in Gakuen high except it had a small storage room in the back. The storage room, now the precedents office, had no windows, but the fluorescent lights on the ceiling caped the room well lit. The floorboards were made of dark wood and the walls were painted white, but they have yellowed over time. The door, which was also made of dark wood, was in the left lower corner, and to the right of it was a really nice leather chair and a decent-sized desk; on it was Y/Ns school laptop, and a small red notebook – Y/N used it to wright things that she didn’t want to write in her school laptop out of fear that one of the teachers might find something… suspicious. Don’t worry you’ll know soon, dear reader.

Y/N sat in her office reviewing article ideas, and thinking of Alfred. <3

Y/N went through the inter-day, not paying attention to the teachers, her classmates, and the others in the NP club; they all seemed so unimportant. But that was part of being in love for Y/N, the faces of those she had worked, laughed, and even cried with have turned blurry; her whole world was being washed away and turned into a muddy mess, just because of a boy. It was tormenting at its peak. Even when she wanted to focus, Y/N couldn’t, thoughts about Alfred rushed into her mind burning her attempts to focus with their scorching flames of passion. But at the same time she didn’t mind, to Y/N being in love means suffering on both ends.

For three days this torturous cycle continued. But on the fourth day, Y/N had a golden opportunity.

It was Y/N’s last period; in which she really didn’t pay much attention. She was way too enamored by Alfred, who was sitting in front of her. Until ~ ‘’ All right class, I will be splitting you into pairs for this assignment ‘’ they all look at their teacher, including Y/N. ‘’ this is my chance! ‘’ she thought. ‘’ First pair Alfred and Y/N ‘’. ‘’ YESSS!’’ Y/N screamed in her head and almost jumped out of her sit. Alfred looked at her and gave her the cutest smile she has ever seen.

‘’ Guess I’m going home with an angel today ~ ‘’

Storyteller pov:

Hello, dear reader, you may be a bit confused, and rightfully so. Let me clear some things up. First of all, why is the storyteller and Y/N self-aware? There are three main recons. Number one, it fits the theme '' The Rain of Belladonna '' and to that extent, all of the fanfictions from the '' Book of Flowers '' are meant to be horror fanfics discussing the deformed said of love so, the auteur thought that making some of the characters self-aware would make her fic creepier. Second, it's original, according to the writer. And treed, it shows a clear hierarchy between the characters, characters that don't belong to the auteur, in this case, Alfred, who belongs to Himaruya Hidekaz, can't break the fourth wall, but characters like Y/N and I can.

Second, who are we? Well, I'm glad you asked! My name is Ragdoll, despite what my name might suggest you can't throw me around like, well, a ragdoll. And if you try prepare to get a bullet your skull. I am the more outgoing and mischievous said of the writer, so she chose me to host all of her platforms, more info on me on me DeviantArt ( https://www.deviantart.com/modernhetaliafangirl ) and if you have any ideas for a fanfiction, headcanon and or fanart please tell us on our blog, just don’t get too mad if the creator rejects your idea. Anyway, it's your turn now, Y/N.

Hello, my name is Y/N, as you know. God, talking without the help of the writer feels so odd. I don't have a set appearance or personality I just assume the character that the auteur wants me to play and I'm fine with that. Being nameless and faceless doesn't bother me. That one thing that stays consistent is the fact that I am a female. So, I guess… goodbye.

Huh, she left in a hurry, didn't she? Well, I guess yours truly, the one and only, me; Ragdoll, will finish this off!

I'm so grateful that you desisted to read this weird, little fic, so let me play a little song for you.

youtube

#hetalia world stars #hetalia america #hws america #yandere #fanfiction

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mariesid · 8 months

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My characters:

Phoenix: brat

She is 5'5 with orange wavy long hair that reaches her stomach. She usually has it in a braided bun. Her eyes are dark brown. Her lips are downward turned. She is a hourglass figure however, she is a little chunky with muscle underneath. In other words she has a belly but if you poke it it's clear she has muscle. Her body does have scars, two long ones down her back sides and a claw mark on her stomach. Her hands also have small burns. She dresses more feminine, like asymptomatic skirts and short sleeved shirts.

Cici: switch

5'0. They have lavender, curly hair that go to their shoulder. Depending on if they are presenting more masculine they will have it in a low ponytail and feminine will be low pigtails. They are blind and have a scar covering their eyes. Their lips are wide. They are shaped like a triangle. Depending on what they present as they will either. A) go for a white button up with a tuxedo corset and slacks. Or b) a frilly Lolita fashioned after a kimono.

Midnight: pillow princess

5'6 she has thick brown curly hair that goes to her neck. Her eyes are light brown. She has a heavy bottom lip and lower fangs. She has a cello shaped body. Her style is more flowy. She has Bohemian pants and a tank top.

Roslyn: novice sub

Lilith and Roslyn are the same person just different forms. Roslyn is human looking. She is 4'9 and at first glance looks like a 10 year old child (she's over 200 years old really). She has dark black hair that goes to her stomach but she pulls to one side. Her eyes are light green and in the sunlight they turn to slits like a cats. There's barely in white in her eyes as well. Her lips are thin. She's very slim, board figure. She dresses in a dark green corset with short sleeves and a hood on the back. The skirt is long and flowy.

Lilith:

Roslyn and Lilith are the same person just different forms. Lilith is 6'4 with horns shes 8'8. Her horns are a long spiral that slant towards her body, similar to an addax horn, they are placed in her hair line a inch above her hair line. Her hair is wavy and just past her breasts. Lilith has deep brown eyes with no white. Her lips are thick and a burgundy color. She has fangs as well. Her wings match her lip color and constantly touch her heels. She's an hourglass figure with splotches of tiger fur all around her. Her shins down are tiger feet and she had a tiger tail. She likes to show off her body so she wears a copper bikini top and an asymptomatic skirt that matches

Crimson: dom

Crimson is 6'0. She is a neko. Her fur is in the pattern of a Siberian tiger but blue instead of white or orange. Her hair is breast length and ALWAYS in a high ponytail. It's blue with black throughout also straight as a board. Her hair hides her bad eye (left). She has one working eye, it's deep blue. Her other eye she lost in a battle, it's got a claw mark running past her eyebrow to her cheek. She has bottom heavy lips, the top being black, bottom is a pink. She has a pear shaped body and she is somewhat muscular (think 2 pack). Typically dresses in more masculin, think kimonos or hakamas.

#ocs #my ocs #original character

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soupbabe · 3 years

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🔫 mythical creatures La Squadra x gn!reader hcs -Your Favorite Diori.

👀 possibly with stuff important to each species like helping a Naha through shed or taking care of a werewolf’s coat during the full moon pls.

Monster Boy AU! La Squadra Being Taken Care of by Reader

Hehe my mind is going rabid I love monster boy AUs 🥰🥰 Also this has to be one of my favorites omg I love it

Warnings: Monsters x Human! Reader, mentions of playing with/running fingers through reader's hair in Sorbet + Gelato's part (ik things like that can make some readers feel uncomfortable or take them out of reading the x reader, so I'm putting a small warning), mentions of blood/wounds in Melone's part

Harpy! Sorlato

They usually have each other to look after themselves and clean, but ever since they started dating you they finally decided to let you join them

Preening each other is a very intimate ritual for them and to have you help is a major sign of trust within the relationship

It's not just you looking after your boyfriends' feathers, Gelato loves "preening" your hair to return his affections too

It's usually just him playing with it, lightly running his claws through it and if your hair is long enough he might play around with a couple of hairstyles like ponytails, buns, etc.

Sorbet mostly observes while you and Gelato bond, finding it a special moment to see. A warm feeling spreads through his chest at how soft you are to each other

He does join you two on these moments usually, but for now he'll just look on and coo about how cute his boyfriend and s/o are at the moment

Satyr!Formaggio

Satyrs are known to be creatures who enjoyed parties and drinking, so seeing drunk Formaggio at your door is fairly common

Drunk cheese goat care is certainly not for everyone though; he can get (very) grabby and talkative, slurring about how much he loves you and how hot you are

Sometimes if you're lucky he's just lovey dovey and not so much horny. He just follows you around, his little goat tail wagging when you look back at him or smile

As expected, you also have to make sure your hungover boyfriend is alright too

He can usually handle himself when he's hungover, but it's very common for him to get migraines so you always leave out medicine and water on the table next to the couch he slept on

Although he knows how to handle his alcohol, Formaggio knows how he is when he goes overboard and is thankful Every time he wakes up on your couch coddled up in a warm blanket

Gorgon!Illuso

Although his pride got in the way of him asking for your help, his snakes were able to send the message out to you on his behalf

Snake maintenance can be tricky, it's something Illuso is glad to have you for

Not to mention these are the rarer times you could observe your boyfriend's face safely

You two usually sit in front of mirror when doing his hair and the reflection in the mirror is the only thing keeping you safe since he can't have any eye coverings on when working with hair

Snake care for a gorgon involves making sure they keep fed and that their shed goes well since all a gorgon's "hair" can do is grow

The snakes usually love this time too, they coil around you constantly, glad to spend some time outside the confines of the ponytails

Zombie!Prosciutto

There's not much to do to help Prosciutto tbh

His self care is top tier for the most part. He has expensive colognes that cover up his natural decomposing smell well and his hand sewing is impeccable for the moments a limb (or 2) falls off

But something he loves about you is the warmth you had

He isn't one to outwardly ask for affection, but you notice how he stays close to you or how he always convinces you to stay in bed when you two wake up everyday

Prosciutto cracks a smile every time you hold his hand or hold onto his arm when you're with him

If he still had a heartbeat, it'd be pumping fast when you indulge him in his unspoken wants

Merman!Pesci

Fish in general are pretty low maintenance, so just like Prosciutto his needs are mostly just for comfort/psychological

Due to how drastic your lives are and how clingy Pesci is, please just bring him human items

He always gives you various shells, a big blush across his face as he tells you how each one reminded them of you

So when you do the same, it makes him so happy that he unintentionally splashes the water around him with his tail

Vampire! Melone

How Melone went by before he met you was he commonly visited the local nightlife scene, drinking the blood of the men and women he'd meet

But now he has you and he would pester you to let him get a sip of your blood non stop

He'd come up behind you from behind, giving your neck a small lick "C'mon darling, not even a small taste? I know you'd be sweet~" You only shoved him away, "How many times do I have to say no? I just bought you some cow blood too, why can't you busy yourself with that ?"

But eventually you gave into his peer pressure and he was able to drink a tiny bit

His eyes light up at the metallic taste of the red liquid, whispering a "Di Molto!" Before tasting it some more

Seriously you had to pry him off and wash your new wound so you wouldn't pass out

Werecat!Ghiaccio

Every full moon could be considered hell for Ghiaccio, especially when it's time for his claws to shed

It's not like he could use a standard scratching board like a domestic cat, he turns into a 5'9" bobcat. Finding things to accomadate him is difficult

But when you entered his life, you wanted to help him as best as you can and make his transformations easier

Ghiaccio and you agreed on trimming his claws to make the shedding process quicker and it surprisely works

Of course it's never pleasant, you earn plenty of growls from your feline boyfriend and on rare occasions you had to restrain him with rope or chains to prevent him from lashing out

But it's worth it to see Ghiaccio less tense and him giving into purring at the attention you give him after the stressful manicure

Minotaur! Risotto

The care Risotto gets is mostly you encouraging him to take care of himself

It's usually the small stuff though like brushing through his fur and cleaning any new wounds he got from a recent fight

It was easy for Risotto to let you be this close to him and it felt nice to be treated with such gentle care

He literally melts if you pet him behind the ear

it's almost off putting to see such a naturally more defensive and aggressive creature be this soft, you're just happy to see him actually enjoy himself for once

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captainderyn · 3 years

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22. From the 101 ways to say I love you ♡

Thank you so much for the ask @elveny ! I was very excited to take on this prompt for Ryn and Garrus lol.

(This is cross posted on AO3 (CaptainDeryn) )

Prompt 22: "Let me fix your hair."

Ryn didn’t make a habit of looking fancy.

She already put in enough effort every day putting on her armor and dealing with the stress of one mission after another. In the off chance she got a day to relax, she wasn’t going to waste precious time and energy on looks.

If she could get away with sweatpants and a crop top, her hair thrown up into a messy bun, then she damn well would. It didn’t matter where she was going: if they could handle Commander Shepard in her armor, then they could handle her in these civvies.

Maybe, if others were lucky, she would put on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Maybe a sweater if she was feeling crazy.

The rare exception she made was for Garrus. For him, and for their planned date with two full days of shore leave, she dug through her meager clothes she had with her on the Normandy to pull out something exceptional.

Garrus, she decided, as she wrestled herself into something far beyond what she usually considered acceptable for off-duty, was the luckiest of all aboard the Normandy.

Together they’d decided their date night was going to treat the other right. In reality, they’d both suggested the same upscale restaurant when they’d been brainstorming ideas. Supposedly it had the best view on the Citadel, and if Shepard gave away all the cards in her hand: she wanted the chance to see Garrus clean up nice without the stress of a formal gathering.

Of course, after some bickering back and forth about who was treating who right, they’d settled on splitting the check fifty-fifty. And most likely getting one of the food vendors on the lower levels, the real best food on the Citadel, as the night wore on.

Ryn made a face at herself in the mirror as she finished her eyeliner. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had the chance to willingly put on a full face of makeup and her eyeliner showed it. If she wiped off her attempt one more time no amount of concealer would hide the red blotchiness that would stain her pale skin.

Good enough, she decided, doing one final inspection in the mirror.

A full face of makeup was probably a strong word. She was too rusty to do anything too exuberant and she hated hiding her freckles too much to cake on enough foundation to hide the realities of being an N7 and fighting a war on her skin.

She’d managed a smokey black and gold look to make the grey of her eyes pop and piercing and put on a dark red lip without too many makeup wipe casualties to fix mistakes, that was a win in her book.

There were, of course, a few bruises from their last mission to hide on her face from where she’d so elegantly cracked her helmet into a rock in a graceless throw from a biotic. They weren’t perfectly covered, but she hoped they would be good enough in the harsh lighting of the Citadel to avoid any questions.

The real struggle was figuring out what to do with her hair. Her go to hairstyles were down and messy, a messy bun, or a messy ponytail. The most refined thing she’d done with her hair over the last year since Saren was put it in a bun that fit Alliance marine regulations.

She’d spent far too long after her shower laying on her bed in a towel scrolling the extranet for inspiration. She’d finally settled on something she figured was within her rusty skill set.

As she’s taken a curling wand and elastic bands to her hair, she’d missed the days when she was in her twenties and going out every few nights, where her makeup and hairstyling skills had become second nature.

Now, at thirty-two with more combat tours than nights out under her belt recently, she was thrilled with the simple curled half up-half down look she pulled off.

She didn’t look too shabby, and she gave herself a confidence boosting smile and thumbs up.

All she had to do tonight was be a civilian.

She pulled her black heels on and called Garrus up to her quarters. It was better than roaming around the ship looking for him and dealing with the rabblerousing of her crew. While she’d gone through the attempted effort of painting her nails, another luxury she hadn’t had in a long time, she didn’t want to show them off by flipping off her crew.

It didn’t take long for Garrus to knock on her door, and she let him in, stepping back to admire him.

Blatantly so, not trying to hide the way her eyes roamed.

He did in fact, clean up quite nice.

Quite nice indeed.

She hummed in approval, eyes drifting over the well fitted trousers and dark navy shirt that hugged his body. He had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and the shirt unbuttoned at his collar.

Garrus gave her a charming smile as he walked up to her, eyes also roving across her body in turn.

She would be lying if she said she hadn’t dressed to get a reaction. Where was the fun in wearing the same old business-formal black and red dress she wore for formal functions? The whole point of tonight was to be civilians.

And this dress certainly was not in regs.

While the dress was floor length, both sides were slit up to her hipbone, revealing a scandalous amount of her skin. The dress had sleeves yes, but the neckline dipped down to below her breasts.

And Ryn had spent far too long finagling the dress so that she wouldn’t accidentally reveal them to the public. The potential headlines had tormented her for the entire time she’d been getting ready. Not that Garrus needed to know that.

Garrus leaned down to kiss her, innocent enough, but his hands ran up her hips, catching at the slit fabric and pulling it up. He made a noise somewhere between excitement and surprise and pulled back enough to look at her again.

“Is this a human’s way of seducing?” he asked in amusement.

“Perhaps,” Ryn shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest to accentuate the lack of fabric there. Turians, of course, would not have the same reaction as humans to her show, but that didn’t matter. Too much confidence was coursing through her veins to really care. She was reveling too much in her own self-image to particularly care about his reaction. “Is it working?”

“Oh, there are multiple things about you right now that are working.” There was still a slight rumbling chuckle in Garrus’ words, and she shot him a look, “You want something.”

She contemplated and then gave him a wicked smile, “I want you to kiss me.”

Garrus’ hands curled more tightly around her hips. A small thrill went through her as he ducked his head, pausing just before their mouths met, “Do you?” his breath whispered across her skin and goosebumps prickled on her arms.

Breath catching, she licked her lower lip, “I really do.”

She reaped the energy that she sowed as her back connected with the cold glass of the wall length fish tank and Garrus’ mouth met hers in a fiery kiss. His hands pressed her back against the tank and a gleeful laugh broke from her between breaths at the thrill that went through her.

She draped her arms across his shoulders, her hands resting against the back of his neck and pulled him closer.

They could miss dinner; she really didn’t mind if they missed dinner.

A date night in was as much of a date night.

Garrus gave her one last long kiss and went to move back. Ryn caught him, her arms tightening around his shoulders, and yanked him right back for another kiss.

He laughed, the sound bright and merry in her ears before he wrestled himself away. When her grabby hands went for him again, he grabbed her wrists, and pinned them above her head.

From the sly grin he gave her, it was entirely intentional. Ryn squirmed against his grip.

“You are causing trouble.” His attempted sternness failed to meet its mark.

Ryn looked him up and down once, “Yeah.” she agreed. Then offered him a sweet smile, “You should join me in causing it.”

Garrus’ head dipped with a sigh that was more a breathy laugh and released her. He took a step towards the door and motioned for her to follow, giving a low chuckle as she stuck her lower lip out in a pout,

“We already have a reservation. At least let me treat you to food and drinks before I…treat you to other things.”

He made a face as he stumbled, as if he cringed at the words that slipped from his mouth. Ryn gave a bright, full bodied laugh and hooked her arm into his.

“We will treat each other.” she corrected, kissing his cheek. Without her heels she was nearly as tall as Garrus. Wearing them, she was just a smidge above eye-to-eye with him.

She led him out the door, tossing a coy glance over her shoulder, “Besides, I want to flaunt a little bit. Put aside being Commander Shepard for a while.”

Garrus tugged her to a stop just before she slipped through the doorway, pulling her back to face him. With a gentle touch he brushed away strands of red hair that had fallen across her forehead and reached up to tighten the ponytail that kept half her hair up.

“Stop squirming,” he chastised, “and let me fix your hair.”

“I’m excited.” Ryn complained, beaming up at him, “I can’t help it.”

Garrus shook his head at her with a laugh and slipped his hand into hers, finally leading her out the door and to the Normandy’s elevator. As the elevator shuttled them to the command deck, Garrus’ eyes didn’t leave her.

“You look stunning, Ryn.” he said, and she couldn’t help the blood that rushed to her cheeks.

The view from the topmost level of the restaurant might well be the best view on the Citadel, Ryn decided during dinner.

Their table was a simple, dark wood two-person table. Above them patio lights glimmered with warm light. It was beautiful, but the real awe began when she looked up.

From between the arms of the Citadel, space swirled above them. Stars blinked in massive swaths, dark black of far space and near space blending together like paint on an artist’s palette. It was mesmerizing and the same call to be among the stars that had drawn her to the Alliance tugged in her chest.

As beautiful as the view was, it couldn’t hold her attention for long. Garrus kept too much of it in the way the light caught in the planes of his face and the way his hand stayed on her thigh. In the way their conversation was easier than breathing and her laughter fell from her like renewing spring rain.

They dined on fancy food and fine drinks until the call of the night swept them up and brought them to the lower levels of the Citadel. Where they walked arm in arm, orders from one of the food trucks in their hands until they found a bench to sit on.

Where Ryn took off her heels and let out a sigh of relief as her aching feet thanked her. Garrus swept up her legs and set them across his lap, laughing along with her when she almost slipped off the bench.

Until the wild urges of the night took over and they were swept to their feet by the strings of music slipping from the restaurants and clubs all around them and danced in the courtyard. Not the sort of elegant dancing or the feral dancing of a club, but simply moving together and moving to the music.

Until their laughter created their own music and Garrus’ hands were cupping her face and hers were looped around his shoulders. Until he leaned in to kiss her and she leaned into it. Until his hands slid into their hair he had so carefully fixed and tousled it with his touch.

Until their unabashed joy underneath the whorls of stars became the best view on the Citadel.

#captainderyn writes #mass effect #mass effect fanfiction #femshep x garrus #shakarian #garrus vakarian #femshep #commander shepard #oc: Ryn Shepard #otp: Keep Me Grounded #looks like this is a Ryn/Garrus blog now sorry guys #I've written more fanfic for them in the past 3 months than in the past two years of any other fic combined #i think this is the most fic I've written since delavairess and I parted ways #and it feels WONDERFUL

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thr-333 · 4 years

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Just Another Class Trip :) Part 4

Marinette has a nice peaceful night, besides from having to outrun Batman, but come on thats just normal field trip stuff, and after that absolutely nothing remarkable happens.

First< Previous >Next

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“It wasn't just me right?” Marinette asks her Kwamis, “Aunt Selina was acting really strange,”

“She dragged you through secret tunnels in one of the most prevalent companies in the world,” Kaalki deadpans, as she hangs something up in the wardrobe, “Everything was strange,”

“Yeah, I’m not really one to judge,” Marinette says, to the god that can fit in her pocket, “Done,”

She straightens out the portable house she had made for Tikki and Kaalki. It was made out of fabric with just a few pieces of cardboard for better support. It had bedrooms, living rooms, even a little kitchen. It was quite like the ‘doll house’ she has for them back home. She had made a replica of that one for Tikki to bring into the miracle box as a gift for the other Kwamis.

“Oh the others would love this!” Tikki squeaks, flying around inside, Marinette can see her through the little cut out windows.

“Well I can’t hold all of you,” Marinette laughs, falling back on her bed, “I guess I should get some sleep,”

“You aren’t going out for patrol?”

“I thought that was a one time thing?”

“But you had so much fun,” Tikki looks at her with thos big round eyes, “You should go again Marinette,”

“You know Tikki I was actually about to make a responsible decision and go to bed early,” Marinette sighs, getting back up, “But you ruined it,”

“It’s midnight and we both know that you would just keep designing dresses,” Kaalki pushes away one of the many wads of paper littering her bed and room.

“Touche,” Marinette pulls over her mask, “What about the miracle box?”

“It’s your choice Marinette,” Tikki assures, her smile telling Marinette there would be no hard feelings either way.

“Well it was safe last night, Hawk Moth isn't around to try and steal it,” She puts on her cape, “And it would be pretty bad if it got damaged during a fight,”

“So you’ve made your choice?”

“Yeah,”

Starling finishes zip tying the crooks hands when she feels eyes fall to her. She doesn't directly look around, instead stretching and yawning to survey her surroundings. Above. A flash of color, yellow, Robin.

Instead of going back up to the roof as planned she turns and walks out the alley into the street. The victim of the mugging is there waiting and she smiles brightly, letting them relax. When the police arrive she slips away, having no illusions of Robin, or whoever else is watching, actually losing sight of her.

Obviously they wanted her alone for whatever reason. That just means she has to stick to populated areas. Luckily she is in a seedier part of town but not enough that people are too cautious of roaming the streets. There's a few drunk people around, she’d have to find denser crowds if she wants to give them the slip.

She sees an older woman struggling with her bags, full of fresh produce.

“Hello,” She steps out of the shadows, “Would you-whoa!”

She backs up from the gun that is pointed right at her head.

“Tell your boss to fuck off,” The woman scowls

“Sorry, but I don’t have a boss, Milady,” She smiles kindly, “But I can leave if you want, just thought I’d offer to help with the bags,”

“You a bat?” She raises and eyebrow looking over Starling.

“No Milady,” She can dodge a bullet right?

“Good guy?” The gun inches closer.

“Good enough to not get shot, I hope,” Starling smiles a crooked grin.

“Eh, you would have tried to disarm me if you were a threat,” She puts the gun into her cardigan pocket decorated with embroidered cats.

“Try?” Starling picks up the dropped bags.

“And fail,” She nods, taking the bags from her.

“I’m starting to think I need your help more than you need mine,” Starling chuckles, rubbing her neck.

“Well you can still carry all of this,” She passes the bags back.

“Is there a market at this hour or something?” Starling asks, following after her leaving enough distance.

“Well you see dear late at night is actually when it’s safest,”

“Oh I see,” Starling nods along, scanning the rooftops, “Bats,”

“And you can sell nasty looking fruit in bad lighting,” The older woman cracks a grin, Starling mirroring her.

“I guess that's true,”

“Plus also works as a front for drugs,” Starling chokes out a laugh.

“And you would know,”

“Of course, your now an accessory to crime my dear,” There's a sparkle in her eye and Starling can’t help but laugh.

“I never seem to be able to stay out of trouble,” Starling sighs dramatically, sagging to the side.

“That's because you wander Gotham's streets in a costume my dear,” She says kindly, then turns a shrewd eye to her, “Just who are you?”

“Starling, nice to meet your acquaintance,” Starling bows, easily managing even with the bags.

“You’re not from around here are you dear?” The lady raises her brow.

“Am I that obvious,” Starling chuckles, a skip in her step.

“Cheerfulness is a dead give away,” Starling nods along to the advice? “You’re either from out of town or crazy,”

“I’ll pick out of town then,” Starling tilts her head to the side, “Tho I can’t guarantee the second one,”

“Batman is not hospitable to rouges my dear,” She ignores Starlings hopefully-a-joke.

“No kidding,” Starling mutters, glancing back up to the rooftops, she was definitely still being watched.

“... Well if you wanted to help more old ladies with their groceries tonight just head back the way we came go straight and take the first right,” She stops in front of a door holding her hand out to take the bags back.

“Thank you,” Starling smiles, giving another bow, “I think I will,”

“Stay out of trouble my dear,” The woman calls as Starling heads down the street.

“Sorry!” Starling calls over her shoulder, “I’m a really bad listener! Have a good night!”

She sees the older lady shake her head before disappearing into the building. Taking her advice Starling walks towards the markets. Those watching don’t approach her on the way to the market. Either they don’t know she’s aware of them or are confident enough that they can keep track of her. She’ll have to check for bugs regardless.

She reaches the market, weaving in between people. She waits for the perfect moment where she's sure she’ll be in a blind spot. The people milling around watch her curiously and cautiously, a high chance she's a villain a higher chance she's a vigilante. This unfortunately means people give her some personal space, not ideal for hiding.

It’s when a group of tall built men walk past her she sees her opportunity. She darts behind them, none backing off from her, a brief glance or two then just ignore her, part of some gang or rather. In a fluid motion Marinette pulls off her cape and scarf with one hand, flipping the skirt inside out to hide the distinct patterning. With her other hand she brings her bun down into a ponytail, being able to just pull it out.

She must of lost them for a second so she quickly but discreetly leaves the spot, not letting them connect her build to Starling. Now that she's out of costume she is able to hide in crowds. She dips behind some people pulling on her skirt quickly and zipping it up, she then unzips the hood to make it look like a pattern against her skirt. With the scarf in place around her neck turned to the pink side and a pair of glasses, she is sure she looks to the world like a different person.

The next hurtle are the bugs. They probably can’t track her in the market if she stays close to others. There's one on her skirt, shoe, elbow, and belt. She drops them off in any crates that are full of white powder that is certainly not flower. Might as well send them after something useful.

When she’s sure that she’s untraceable she heads back to the hotel a spring in her step. She does indeed run into someone on her way home that needs help with some groceries. If Marinette does indeed notice something suspicious in their bag no one needs to see her slip in the number of some people that can help out.

“Tikki! That was so great!” “My costume worked perfectly! They didn’t even see it coming!”

“Great job Marinette!” Tikki cheers, flying out of her pockets as they enter her room.

“I wonder what they wanted,” Kaalki asks, as she settles on the bed.

“They were probably going to be like,” Marinette brings her fingers up to make 'bat ears', “Get out of the city Starling' or 'don't stand on that gargoyle its my brooding gargoyle,”

“Probably shouldn’t have wrote ‘Starling was here’ on it,” Tikki sighs, more of a piece of advice than a lecture.

“Well I wanted to write ‘dibs’ on it, sooo,” Marinette falls back on her bed, lowering her voice so Adrien sleeping next door wont wake up.

“At least you’re having fun,” Tikki giggles.

“I did, but I need a sleep in,” Marinette snuggles further into the bed.

Tikki flys off over the edge of the bed. Probably to get her little sleeping bag or something.

“Marinette!”

"What?!" She darts to Tikki's side, to see an empty backpack. An empty backpack where the Miracle box should be.

“Where's the Miracle box!”

Fuck

-----------

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357 notes · View notes

bts-trash-blog · 4 years

Text

My protector: Min Yoongi

Summary: People don’t know how to keep their months shut, thought you know how to shut them up.

Paring: PantherHybrid!Yoongi X RabbitHybrid! Reader

Warning: Fluff, slight angst and some hints at some insecurities on Yoongi side

Quarantine request! I hope you like it!!

The soft feeling of fur, of a thin like tail made you hum softly as you slowly stretched your arms out in front of you. Making the body behind you tighten their tight hold around your waist, slowly sitting up your look over to see a sleeping Yoongi. Watching his slightly pointy fluff balck ears flicker as his eyes slowly open, the yellow brown color of his eyes peeking through his partially open eyes as his fingers slightly kneaded into your waist. Your hand moved to cup his well defined jaw, as his sharp canine teeth peek through his lower lips as he yawned your way his legs stretching as you felt his the tip of his tail flick slightly as his eyes open all the way.

“Morning bun.” He mumbled making you smile as you lean in and press your lips to his for a quick peck making him let out a purr like sound and you trail your lips down his chin to his jaw, slightly nibbling as you felt his hands rub your back. As you lick at his neck, and nibble slightly at his skin he couldn’t help but shiver and then giggle as he slightly pluss you away making you pout. “Feeling cuddly bun?” You couldn’t help but nod as one of your hands moved to slide under his neck and around his shoulder as the other wraps around his waist. “Any reason for these cuddles?” His question made you look down as his hand was trailing against your arm that was resting against his waist, watching his fingers trace shapes into your skin made heat spread around your neck to the tops of your cheeks.

“Love you, that's all.” Your words made him chuckle as his nose nudge against the top of your head affectionately, making your heart thump rapidly against your chest.

“Love you too bun...so much.” Pulling away from you, made a whine pass your lips as he rolled out of your bed, sitting up you watched him stretch as you huff and slightly thump your hand against the bed making him freeze. “Don’t you thump at me, it’s time to get ready for the day.” huffing you slam your hand against the bed again making him slightly glare at you as you watch his black tail swish behind him. His ears flick as you slam your hand against the bed again, making him slightly growl and roll his eyes. “Don’t be a brat bun, it's not cute.” Thump. “Bun we need to get ready, I have work and you have school.” Thump. “Out of bed.” Thump.” “Stop being a brat.” Thump. “Y/n, I said stop.” Letting out a huff you stand from the bed and stomp off to the bathroom making Yoongi let out a small sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as his tail flicks behind him. “Don’t fall for it..don’t fall for it..” Thump. “Fuck it.” He rushed to the bathroom to see you standing next to the shower as you let the water warm up. Your black fluffy tails slightly twitched made him smile as he moved forwards and grabbed at it making you squeal out a surprised moan. Turning around you slap his chest making him let out a belly laugh.

“Leave my tail alone you cat! Go and get dressed, since cuddling me for ten more minutes is so hard.” He lets out a small huff as his fingers move to play with your floppy ears, your hand pushing his arm away as you back away. His eyes close, as if he was in slight pain only to shoot back open as you begin to push him out of the bathroom.

“I need a shower.”

“You showered last night, go get ready.” You grumbled slamming the door in his face, the sound of the lock clicking made him growl as he slammed his fist against the wooden door. “You don’t scare me you big stupid kitty!”

“You’re such a brat!” He growled and walked away, leaving you smirking as you crawl into the shower. This is gonna be fun.

Walking out of the bedroom after getting dressed, you walked out to the kitchen your damp hair was pulled up in a ponytail, shorts and a large sweater of yours. As you do your greeted by a suit and tie Yoongi, his white dress shirt tucked into some bacl slacks as he finished tightening his tie, you wanted to melt and give him a kiss right then and there, but you fought your need, and grabbed your book back and a bottle of water from the fridge.

“Bun.” Yoongi mumbled, making you turn away as you go to slip on your vans, his body slipping behind you as you nudge his hand, that he placed onto your shoulder, off of you. “Oh really this is the game you're playing. Fine. Enjoy your day.” He mumbled kissing the back of your head, as you rolled your eyes and left your shared apartment, you heard him whine, thinking that you’d turn around and give him a kiss, that you'd break that easily. How wrong he was.

__________________________________________________________________

When lunch time rolled around, you and a few of your classmates were sitting in the courtyards of your college campus books in laps as you talked about your shared morning lessons. With the twitch of your nose you smelt the familiar cologne, and then you heard him huffing as you watched your friends slightly tense as he stopped about a foot or two behind you. Though hybrids and humans were almost equals, there was now the issue of predator and prey breeds and their natural instinct that fought against each other. Prey feared the predator. Feared that they would become feral at any time. Especially the big cats. The hunters.

So your relationship was unique.

He poked your shoulder making you shrug it off as you heard and felt him bend down behind you. Poke. Making you hunch forward as your friends watched, some with fear, some with disgust and some with slight want. As from what you could tell from the sound of his lips pratting, he went to speak, but one person spoke up, cutting him off with disgust laced in every single one of his words.

“What is the panther doing here?” They were newer in your friend group, not really knowing about your relationship, only knowing that you had a boyfriend that you lived with, and that he didn’t enjoy selfies. They were a mouse hybrid, small, and plae, but from before this point they seemed sweet.“You’re not wanted here.” he followed, making you and your friend Soojin scoff, as you glare at them, even though you wanted to continue your silent treatment till you were home and he was pouting at you on the couch. Your relationship, and the pride you take in it, comes first.

“He is wanted here, he is the love of my life, come here baby.” You mumbled turning around, arms open, making the frozen panthers blink slowly as he cleared his throat shaking his head as he leaned forward and pressed his lips to your cheek.

“I actually got to get back to work, just wanted to drop off some of your favorite veggie stir fry from that one pace..um I love you bun.” He mumbled as he handed you a bag, the smell of your favorite meal made your nose twitch as you cup his cheek leaning forward as you push your lips against his.

“Love you, have a good day at work.” He nodded sadly, standing up he pats your head as he softly waves at the group of you and walks away. You watch him till you not he can’t hear the conversation you knew was coming.

“You’re dating a thing like him?” Yana spat out, her already big sugar gliders eyes widened even more as the mouse hybrid, Minho nodded in agreement. “He could go feral on you at any moment,he could really hurt you just because you surprise him or something. Also he calls you bun isn’t that like degratting or something.” She continues not noticing the anger fuming from the tips of your ears, your bent knees giving you an advantage to actually thump your foot hard against the ground.

“Yeah and it's just wrong, he’s a predator he should be with a predator like how you should be with a prey.” You thump again, making it more noticeable as Soojin joined in. Dangers being glared at the two.

“My Yoongi is the kindest, most gentle creature I know. Those feral rumors aren't true, they only do that when they have been hurt or abused. Just like how we could go feral. Also isn’t that like saying you and your human boyfriend is wrong?” Her lips parted as you started to shove your books into our book bag, standing Soojin followed.

“No it’s not wrong, humans and hybrids have been dating since we were bred as pets three hundraed years ago.”

“Most weren't in relationship with the humans they were forced to sleep with. My relationship with Yoongi is just a imortrant, and should be just as respected as your own. Now go kindaly fuck yourselves with a catus and delete my number.” You said with a smile as you and Soonjin walked off, but not before Soojin turned her head and smiled brightly at them with her middle fingers up at them.

“Suck our fluffy cute tails bitches!” Her words made you laugh as she turned back around and wrapped her arm over your shoulder as you moved away from the two. “Are you gonna share that stir fry?”

___________________________________________________________

As you walked through your apartment door, you saw your boyfriend spread out on the couch, sweat pants, and a loose tank top his hair fluffed out from a shower. Smiling, you dropped your book back and launched yourself onto his chest making the air leave his lungs as he chuckled softly at you, his arms wrapping around your shoulders as you pressed your forehead against his, making him shut his eyes as he relaxed.

“Why are you apologizing?” His question made your heart speed up, loving that he knew your small animal traits. Your hand rubbed against his chest as you open your eyes to stare at him, making you giggle as you straddle his stomach and sit up, his hands falling to the tops of your thighs.

“For being bratty...and for what those two asshats said to you.” He rolled his eyes slightly as his thumbs drew circles into your bare thighs.

“Isn’t anything we hadn’t heard before.” You sigh at him as he looks at you and closes his eyes, a painful sigh leaving his lips as he opens them back up. Sadness and insecurities swimming in his iries making you frown down at him, your hand moving to his forearms as you rub at the skin. “Don’t say it.”

“I’m gonna say it.”

“You don’t need to.”

“Yes I do.”

“No you don’t, I know my thoughts are stupid.”

“Stupid yes, but they’re real and I don’t like you thinking them.” You said, as you lean down to rest your head against his neck making his hands move to the swell of your butt up to your back as you kiss his neck. “I love you, and I could give two shits what people think, you are my protector not some predator to me. Do you understand, my kitty?”

“Yes I do bun..I love you.”

I love you too.”

1K notes · View notes

carminecalico · 3 years

Text

Eren X Armin “Fuck Away the Pain” Chapter 2

“Angel Among Humans”

The next morning leads to an interesting story to Eren's past.

This chapter uses the song “Somebody Out There” by A Rocket to the Moon

*also quick note.

My story is also on Ao3 the link is below I would love it if y’all showed it some love on there too

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28809192?view_full_work=true

Eren woke up groaning burying his face back into the pillows. "Reiner!" Eren waited for his roomate's response and when he got nothing, “Seriously Reiner? What the fu-" Eren finally sat up and rubbed his eyes before realizing this wasn't his room. He looked around the Ocean blue room and took in the decor. Various sized seashells covered the dresser and windowsill, by the window there was a hammock hanging from the ceiling. Looking above him he saw the strings of lights covering the ceiling. Eren smiled at the charm the room held before furrowing his eyebrows and rubbing his head, "What happened last night?" Just then Armin, just wearing sweatpants, walked in with two mugs in hand and everything came flooding back. His eyes widened as he looked down at himself and saw he was only in his boxers.

"We didn't do anything if that's what your little freakout's about." Armin chuckled, "You just came over to sleep. I guess you lost track of your roommate after the show. Coffee?" Armin sat down next to Eren on the bed before handing him one of the mugs. Eren smiled taking the coffee before leaning in and pressing his lips to Armin’s gently. Wrapping an arm around Eren’s neck Armin signed softly into the kiss. "Good morning to you too Eren." Armin said as they pulled away from the kiss. The two of them chuckled leaning their foreheads’ against each other's. They finish their coffees setting the mugs down on the nightstand. Eren grabs Armin by the waist pulling him onto his lap. Armin's face goes red as he wraps his arms around Eren’s neck.

"Kiss me.” Eren all but demands as he looks deep into Armin’s eyes. Armin leaned down pressing his lips against Eren’s sighing. Eren groans as he trails one of his hands up Armin's back pulling him closer. "I wouldn't be able to convince you to skip the library today would I?" Eren breathes out in between kisses. Armin giggles as he pulls back. "I'm taking that as a no?" Eren frowns and falls back on the bed.

"I'm already behind on my thesis, and you have yours to work on too!" Armin smiles as he pulls his hair back and puts it up in his signature messy bun. "You can come back over tonight if you'd like. But I need to get dressed." Armin leans down pressing a chaste kiss to Eren’s lips before getting up and walking over to his closet. "Do you need to go home and change?"

“What you don't like my look anymore?" Eren chuckles folding his hands behind his head, "Yea I need to get my laptop and everything too, I'd like to come back tonight if the offer’s there." He looks up at the lights, "I want to see these at night." Eren got up and started getting dressed in last nights’ outfit.

"Oh quiet, you know that's not what I meant." Armin walked out of the closet with a yawn. He had a white button-up on under a blue striped sweater, paired with faded blue skinny jeans. Armin walked over to his dresser and rummaged through one of the drawers for a pair of socks, "I just don't know how well a mesh crop top goes over at the library. I'd offer something of mine but I think you're a little too tall to fit." Grabbing a pair of navy blue socks to match his sweater he walked to the bed and sat down. He pulled on his socks and grabbed his phone from the nightstand. "I don't think Mikasa came home last night, hope she's okay." He went to his messages and shot Mikasa a text.

Eren chuckles, crawling on the bed behind Armin before kissing his head, "I think you just don't want others to see. I'm ready to go whenever you are blondie." Eren nuzzled his face into Armin’s neck, "I just hope Reiner doesn't embarrass me at my place. Please don't take anything he says seriously okay?" Eren wraps an arm around Armin’s waist feeling him nod. “You ready to go?" Eren asks as Armin finishes putting his black doc martens on.

"Yea let's get going to your place, I want to get a window seat at the library." Armin grabs his keys and school bag, slinging it over his shoulder. The door opens to reveal a disheveled looking Mikasa. She groans and drops her keys on the table. "Mikasa! You're okay! Where were you?! I was worried sick!" Armin rushes over to her and hugs her tightly. "You look like you got hit by a bus."

"Thanks Armin, that's so nice of you." Mikasa rolls her eyes as she rubs her head. "That bassist sure knows how to put them down and here I thought I had a-" Mikasa notices Eren walk out of Armin’s room and her eyes widen. "Oh my god, Armin! Are you feeling okay? You never go out and all of a sudden you bring a guy home?!?"She places her hand on his forehead as a mother would before being swatted away by Armin.

“Knock it off Mikasa, nothing even happened, he just slept over. But you must be perfectly fine seeing how you can still flip out over nothing. Eren c'mon let's go." Armin walks out the door and heads downstairs. Eren scratches the back of his neck before following after him. Armin grunts as he tosses his bag in the back seat of his car. "I love Mikasa but my god is she suffocating." He slams the car door shut and sighs.

Eren chuckles, "I think it's sweet she's so caring. Not everyone has a friend like that." Eren walks to the driver's door and opens it for Armin. Armin smiles at him walking over to his door going up on his toes pressing a kiss to Eren’s cheek. He gets in the car and fumbles with his keys as Eren walks to the passenger side. As Eren gets in, Armin starts the car and starts driving towards Eren’s apartment following the GPS's directions. Eren reaches over placing a hand on Armin’s thigh gently rubbing his thumb in little circles. Armin smiles and grabs his hand intertwining their fingers bringing their hands up to his lips. He presses his lips against the back of Eren’s hand. Eren blushes slightly and looks out the window.

~~~~

"Reiner please be dressed!" Eren called out as he opens the door to the apartment, he walked in with Armin in tow. Reiner rolls his eyes from the couch and stuck his middle finger up at Eren. "Oh thank god, for once you're decent. Reiner this is Armin, Armin this is my roommate Reiner he's kinda like my big brother." Armin and Reiner nod to each other before Reiner turns his attention back to the TV. "Good talk." Eren shakes his head grabbing Armin’s hand leading him to his room down the hall.

Armin looks around Eren’s room, the walls covered in band posters of Rock and Grunge bands Armin’s never heard of, the ceiling outlined with a color-changing light strip. One wall seemed dedicated to trippy posters that change colors with the lights and one corner by the bed had an acoustic guitar propped up on a stand. Even just looking at the two rooms all Armin could think is how different they are. Armin sat down on the bed while Eren slipped off his shirt. Armin stared pulling his lower lip between his teeth. He lets his eyes wander down Eren’s back before Eren walks to his closet and is out of view.

Eren walks back into view putting half his hair up in a ponytail. He's got a black button-up on with a white band t-shirt over it with black ripped jeans. He walked over to his vanity and opened his little box for his piercings. He changes out his eyebrow ring for an all-black one and put in his lip rings, one on each side of his lower lip. He quickly adjusted his skewed nose ring and grabbed a pair of socks from the drawer. He sat next to Armin who was just staring, "Like what you see love?" Eren winked at him before pressing his lips against Armin’s roughly. He ran his thumb along Armin’s cheek before pulling his socks on quickly and sliding on a pair of worn black vans. "Okay, I'm ready to go." Eren grabs his backpack then Armin’s hand and walks out of the apartment.

~~~~

"Oh perfect! There's still window seats open!" Armin drags Eren to the tables at the window and sets his stuff down on the table. He opens his laptop and rushes over to a section of books and grabs the few books he needs. Eren sat himself down at the table pulling his laptop out along with studio-grade headphones slipping them on his head leaving one ear free. Armin came back and set the books down and sat down himself. He went to start working on his thesis before pausing and looking over at Eren. "Hey, you never told me your major, or what your thesis is on."

"I'm a music major, big surprise, my thesis setup is probably a little different than yours. It’s for my composition class so basically, I'm composing a song. Though I'm struggling, they want it to tell a story." Eren leans back in his chair, scratching at the back of his neck, "Problem is,the topics we have to pick from I have no experience with." He looked over at Armin who was resting his head on his hand smiling gently. Eren looked down awkwardly and cleared his throat, “Heh, sorry I didn't mean to prattle on like that...." He looked back up at Armin smiling, "You're really easy to talk to, Blondie.”

"No I know you a little better now. Besides I guarantee my thesis will sound dull to you in comparison." Armin chuckled as Eren gestured for him to elaborate. "Well, I'm doing a thesis on Upper Ocean and Submesoscale Processes." Armin laughed lightly seeing Eren’s raise an eyebrow in confusion. "It’s interactions of ocean currents with other bodies of water, to put it simply. I'm an oceanography major after all remember?" Armin tucked one of the bits of hair that fell out of his bun behind his ear. “When you finish your song, will you show me? I'd love to hear it." He smiled as Eren nodded before he grabbed one of the books and opened it.

Eren taps his pencil on the table to the instrumental playing through his headphones, and his eyes drift to Armin. He fixes his gaze on Armin’s eyes, smiling at the faint glow behind them. He lets his eyes wander down Armin’s face as he rests his head on his free hand. His eyes catch on Armin’s lip he's chewing on in concentration before taking in the whole view; Armin flipping through pages of 3 different books while taking notes on his laptop, more strands of Armin’s hair having fallen from his bun now frame his face. Armin looks up catching Eren’s stare and his cheeks flush pink as he smiles. Eren felt his heart stop and skip a few beats seeing Armin as nothing short of an angel. "That doesn't look like you're getting any work done." Armin teased giggling lightly before turning back to his book with a small smile.

Eren dragged a hand down his face as a sole thought makes its way to the front of his mind. He scrolls through his recorded instrumentals settling on a simple light sound and putting it on loop. Eren pulls the assignment up on his laptop and stares at one of the possible prompts intently. 'A longing love story’ Eren‘s face drops and he grabs his lyric notebook and titles the new song, ‘Somebody Out There’

"Oh hi Professor Ackerman, what brings you to the library on a weekend?" Armin asks his head slightly tilted to the side. Eren's eyes shoot open before he brings a hand to his forehead to try and hide his face.

"Armin please you can call me Levi, Professor sounds old." Levi says dryly with a stack of books under one arm. His eyes shift to Eren and one of his eyebrows flicks up before he rolls his eyes. "Believe it or not I still enjoy coming to the library to read. Working on your thesis?" Levi asks causing Armin to nod. Levi lets out a sigh. "I can tell it's you Eren. Glad to see you're doing well." He deadpans as Eren lowers his hand shifting his gaze to the table. Armin's eyes shift between the two confused. "Well, I'll quit intruding on your guys’ little study date. Armin, I'll see you in class Tuesday." Levi saunters off to a far corner.

Armin looks at Eren seeing his unease and deciding it not be the best time to ask. "Hey, I'm getting kinda hungry, wanna take a break and go grab some food?" Eren nods silently and puts away his things. Armin takes his books to the shelf he found them on and walks over to Eren, ”You don't have to tell me but are you okay?" He asks cautiously as he places a hand on Eren’s shoulder. Eren places his hand on Armin‘s letting out a sigh and nodding. He stands up as he gently pushes Armin’s hand off his shoulder.

"What do you wanna eat? It's my treat." Eren asks as he walks to Armin grabbing his hand. Eren frowns seeing Armin’s distressed look before sighing. "Levi's my ex-fling, we ended things a few weeks ago. That's all Blondie." Eren groans seeing that the distressed look didn't leave Armin's face. "You know what I'll just go." Eren throws his bag on his shoulder and rushes out of the library before Armin can say anything.

~~~~~

That Thursday Armin let Historia talk him into getting coffee with her and Ymir. Ymir rests her head on her hand frowning at Armin. "I can't believe Eren’s still keeping out of touch with you. He was so smitten with you the night we all met." Armin shrugged running his thumb along the brim of his mug. "I get his ex showing up makes things awkward but still." Ymir lifts her head up as an idea pops into her head. "Why don't you come to his performance? Part of our grade is performing our originals and he's performing tomorrow. I can sneak you in and you can talk to him after, I mean he'll be pissed at me but at least you might be able to talk it out."

"You know what? Yeah, besides he owes me lunch." Armin chuckles before sipping his hot cocoa. He smiled watching Historia’s eyes light up while she talked with Ymir. "Hey did he tell you what his song was about? I never had a chance to ask." Armin asked to which Ymir shook her head.

"Guess we're both in for a surprise."

~~~~

Armin’s sat on the ground in front of Mikasa who's braiding his bangs and pinning them along the side of his head while they wait for Ymir to get Armin. He's got on an emerald green t-shirt under a black cardigan with a pair of black chino pants. Armin slips on a pair of black Chelsea boots and checks the time. ‘She should be here.’ Just as he finishes his thought he hears a loud knock come from the door. Armin grabs his messenger bag and walks to the door. He waves to Mikasa before opening the door and leaves the apartment with Ymir. They sneak into the classroom and sit in the middle of the classroom.

~~~~

"Eren! Wake up!" Reiner throws a water bottle at Eren to wake him up. "You've got your thesis performance today!" Eren groans raising an arm to flip off Reiner before sitting up. "I'll make some coffee. Good luck today bro.” Reiner leaves the room to make Eren some coffee. Eren signs as he gets up and walks to his closet. He grabs a random grey sweater and a pair of black jeans with holes in the knees before quickly getting dressed. He threw on a black beanie,a pair of black socks, and his worn-out black vans. He grabbed his backpack and guitar case leaving his room to be greeted with a travel mug of coffee. He mumbles out a 'thanks' before taking the coffee and heads out the door.

Eren quietly drinks his coffee on the bus with his earbuds in, his current obsession being 'You Me At Six'. His mind wanders to Armin and he frowns as he looks out the window. 'He's too good for me.' is the main thought that takes over his brain when he thinks of the precious blonde. He finishes his coffee and tucks the mug in his bag as he tries focusing on the music blasting in his ears. But, a certain blonde has taken residence in the forefront of Eren’s brain. Resting his head against the window Eren becomes plagued with the sound of Armin’s laugh and the way Armin looked at him as they pulled away from a kiss. He lets out a frustrated sigh, 'I hope he doesn't resent me for Saturday, I just would've hurt him eventually. I always hurt them no matter what I do...’ He gets off the bus at his school and makes his way to his classroom with his head down. He sits down near the front and rests his head on his hand taking out one of his earbuds.

"Today we will be finishing the performances and out of the remaining students who have to go looks like only one is here. Looks like it'll be a short class today so Yeager you're up."

Eren grabs his guitar out of his case and makes his way to the front of the class. He sits in the chair and quickly double-checks the tuning on his guitar. He takes a deep breath before he starts playing looking down at his hands. "You deserve someone who listens to you, hears every word, and knows what to do. When you're feeling hopeless lost and confused, there's somebody out there who will."

Eren looks up with his eyes closed and a small frown on his face. “You need a man who holds you for hours, make your friends jealous when he brings you flowers. And laughs when he says they don't have love like ours, there‘s somebody out there who will.” Eren opens his eyes as he looks around the classroom. His eyes meet Armin’s and his heart skips a beat, keeping eye contact with Armin he continues singing “There's somebody out there who's looking for you, someday he'll find you, I swear that its true.” Eren’s eyes tear up as he sings the next line. "He's gonna kiss you and you'll feel the world stand still, there's somebody out there who will."

Armin’s eyes are glued to Eren the moment he walked in the door. While Eren was getting ready to perform, Armin folded his arms on the table in front of him and rests his chin on top of his hands. He lets out a small hum as Eren starts playing, Armin’s eyes wandering down to Eren’s hands. Slowly becoming mesmerized by the way his hands bend to play before shaking his head and looking back up in time to lock eyes with Eren. Armin lifted his head off his hands as he refused to break eye contact. His eyes widened seeing the tears form in Eren’s eyes.

Eren looked away from Armin closing his eyes tightly causing his brows to furrow. “He'll take you dancing and pull you in close, spin you around, and won't let you go, till they turn the lights off and he'll take you home. There's somebody out there who will." He opens his eyes looking off to the side the pained expression still present on his face. “There's somebody out there who's looking for you, someday he'll find you I swear that it's true. He's gonna kiss you and you'll feel the world stand still, there's somebody out there who will."

Eren looks back at Armin with a sad smile before continuing. “Tossing and turning and dreaming at night, about finding him and praying and hoping you might. 'Cause you deserve someone who knows how to treat you right, I know he's out there he's looking for you. Someday he'll find you I swear that it's true, and he's gonna kiss you and you'll feel the world stand still." He keeps his eyes on Armin as he finishes his song. "Oh, you need some who'll miss you, hold you, and kiss you. There's somebody out there who will." He stands up and puts his guitar back in its case.

The class erupts in applause, Eren’s performances are always something the class looks forward to, as Armin gets up and runs up to Eren. Armin throws his arms around Eren’s neck pulling him into a tight hug. "You're a damn idiot, Eren.” Armin mumbles resting his head on Eren's shoulder. "You owe me an explanation."

Eren chuckles as he wraps his arms around Armin’s waist tightly, "Yeah, I've heard that before." He leans his head against Armin’s holding the blonde as close as he can. Eren lets his eyes flutter shut while running one hand up to the back of Armin’s neck. "I know I do, I just can't believe you're here right now."

The class gets dismissed, Ymir hands Armin his bag before giving Eren a 'Don’t fuck this up again' look and she walks out the classroom calling Historia. The two settle on a small, quiet coffee shop near the college to talk. They sit in a corner booth practically closed off from the rest of the coffee shop. Eren sighs as he gathers his thoughts, before he can say anything Armin speaks up. "Look, I think I kinda get what happened, especially after your song, but I don't like when people make my choices for me." Armin looked over at Eren, "I mean no one has ever made me feel so special before, and I was with Jean since sophomore year in high school.",

"I'm not a good person Armin, I don't even know how to do the whole dating or boyfriend thing." Eren cuts Armin off before he can say anything else. "I've never done it. I mean I- I banged Levi for 3 months just ‘cause I thought it'd be fun, knowing he wanted more. You're an angel in comparison, I don't deserve that not after how many people I've hurt." Eren fixes his gaze on his mug refusing to meet Armin’s eyes.

"Who cares? Eren there's a reason it's called the past. It's past you, what good does it do to sulk over it? All you can do is learn from it now, you can't change it." Armin grabs Eren’s chin gently turning his face towards his before he leans in and presses his lips to Eren’s. As he pulls away from the kiss Armin gives Eren the same look that's plagued his mind since they first kissed. Resting his forehead on Eren’s, Armin smiles, "Just so you know I do plan on making fun of you for the whole 'sleeping with my professor' thing for a while." Eren chuckles lightly, a smile forming on his lips. "You want to be with me, yes or no?" Armin asks leaning closer so their lips are just inches apart.

Muttering a 'fuck it' under his breath, Eren grabs the back of Armin’s neck and closes the distance between their lips in a rough kiss. Eren pulls away just enough to talk, "More than anything Blondie," Armin hums in agreement as he grabs Eren’s collar before pulling him back into the kiss, both of them smiling against each other's lips.

'Damn Blondie what’re you doing to me?'

#eren x armin #attack on titan #attack on titan fanfiction #eren yeager #eren jeager #armin arlert #eremin #justjoccesaotfic

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mytwilightimagines13 · 3 years

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Memories from the past (Part Eleven)(Caius Volturi)

I want to thank @aro-is-gay-af for helping me with this idea!

Masterlist

First part Previous part Next part

Word count: 1640

“Where are we going?” I asked my mates as each of them held one of my hands in theirs, leading me through the hallways of the castle. It was a sunny day in Volterra and I couldn’t wait to go outside and enjoy the sunlight. Heidi had helped me pick out this quite, blue summer dress with matching flat shoes for the day. She even put my long, brown locks in a high ponytail and decorated my face with a small amount of make-up. I swear that woman loved to dress up people. But I couldn’t complain. As a matter of fact, I knew that she was shopping for me right now. Dora had given her instructions to do so once I had made it known I was going to stay with them. My wardrobe was awfully empty and in need of a filling. When I walked out of my room and into the shared living quarters with my mates I had found them waiting for me, snuggling together his arms protectively around her small waist. Dora was wearing a red summer dress, hugging her curves perfectly while her long blonde locks where half up in a bun while the rest fell over her shoulders in natural waves. Her dress was slightly low cut and her Volturi crest laid perfectly on top of it. She was wearing red flats to finish off her look, yet even without her wearing heels she still was taller than I was. Caius on the other hand had switched his usual dress pants for a pair of black skinny jeans, still wearing a form of dress shoes though. He also still wore a white dress shirt but the sleeves where rolled up showing off his musculair arms (with the veins very present might I add) and the first two buttons where open. His Volturi crest also laying on his bare skin. When their eyes landed on my small frame their faces lit up even further and they quickly approached me. “You look beautiful my love.” Dora had said as she grabbed my hand and gently spun me around, making me show my entire outfit, a small giggle escaping my lips. Caius took my other hand in his before dragging me along.

Soon enough I found myself in the most beautiful garden I had ever seen. I slowly stepped out of the shadows, letting go of the hands of my mates, and into the sun, the warmth of the rays hitting my bare skin immediately. My feet slowly made their way over the vibrant green grass towards the marble fountain in the middle of it. Flowers in the most vibrant colours accompanied the vibrant colour of the grass while a small circle of cobble stone surrounded the fountain, the only stones visible in this tiny piece of paradise. On the side, near a beautiful, old Oaktree lay a blanket with a basket on top. I chuckled softly and turned around to look at my mates, only for my heartbeat to stop for a moment. Both had stepped into the sunlight as well, the sunrays hitting their pale skin fully. They had looked beautiful before, but now in the sunlight, they looked like a creature so perfect it was hard to believe it actually exists. Their skin shone brightly, almost like they were made out of a million small diamonds. They quickly approached me and Dora giggled softly. Her finger moved to under my chin and gently closed my mouth. “You might catch a fly, my love.” She said as she gently grabbed my hand, leading me towards the blanket. Caius followed us and sat down on it, quickly tossing his shoes to the side. Dora gently pushed me down beside him and kneeled down. She gently placed her hand on my calf and slowly raised my leg up while Caius wrapped an arm around my waist, gently pulling me against his chest while watching his wife intensely. Dora gently removed my shoes one by one, enjoying the feeling of my bare legs against her skin. A blush crept over my cheeks and I could feel my heartrate increase. With a playful smirk she removed her own shoes and quickly took her spot on my other side. “I hope you are hungry, amore. We were not sure what you liked so we asked the chef to make some different things.” Caius said as he grabbed the basket and opened it. It was way too much food for one person. The basket was filled with fruits such as strawberries and grapes, chocolate, and hearty food such as small sandwiches and wraps. All with the freshest ingredients local to this country. And finally there were four wine bottles next to the basket. “I sure am.” I said eyeing the food. Caius smiled and handed both Dora and I a wine glass. “Bianco o rosso, amore?” he asked me. “Bianco, per favore.” I replied without thinking about the language he just spoke. “You speak Italian?” Dora asked, seemingly impressed. I blushed. “A bit. I took some classes back in high school.” I said sheepishly. “So you could understand us the entire time?” she asked again, a small smirk around her lips. I simply nodded and before I knew it I was gently tackled to the ground, a small squeal escaping my lips, and she was on top of me. “Oh you little minx.” She said making me giggle. I gently wrapped my arms around her waist looking into her eyes. Her smirk softened and she gently leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on my lips. I smiled into the kiss and gently caressed her back, loving the feeling of her close to me. She soon pulled away and helped me sit up again. Caius soon gave me a glass of white wine and I thanked him by gently kissing his lips. But I soon figured out Caius wasn’t usually the type for anything too simple. When I was about to pull away he gently pulled me closer and held onto my lips for a moment longer, savouring it. He slowly pulled away and pressed a small kiss on my nose, making me giggle softly. Caius handed Dora a glass filled with a red liquid, too thick to be wine. Blood I guessed. “Grazie, mio guerriero.” She said before also kissing him. And just as he had done with me, he pulled her closer, not letting her escape his grip. The thing that surprised me was the lack of jealousy I felt. I only felt content seeing my two mates loving each other as well. It made me happy seeing them happy. They broke apart and they both looked at me, smiles of contentment on their faces. Caius poured himself a wineglass of blood and wrapped his

arm back around my waist. Dora did the same and soon we simply started talking and them feeding me the different little snacks. “May I have another strawberry, Caius?” I asked. We had been here for a few hours and the sun still shone it’s warm rays on us. I was now leaning against Caius’ chest while Dora had laid her head down on my lap, her long hair draped behind her. I occasionally brushed my fingers through her locks, fascinated by how soft it was. “Of course my love.” He said as he grabbed the strawberry from the basket. I opened my mouth gently for him to place it between my teeth, but instead he gently moved my face towards him. A playful smirk found its way around my lips as I saw he held the piece of fruit between his own teeth. I slowly leaned forward and gently took the fruit form his mouth, brushing lips against his before biting down. The sweetness of the berry filling my mouth and after swallowing I pressed my lips against his more firmly, savouring the taste of the fruit on his lips. I slowly pulled away and let out a small sigh. “Anything the matter, my love?” Dora asked as she looked up at me. A small blush painted my cheeks as I gently played with her hair, trying to buy myself some time. Caius looked at me concerned and he gently massaged my neck, trying to calm me down. “Is it weird that, even though we met two days ago, I…. That I love you two already?” I mumbled softly. I looked down at my hand that was gently tangled in blond hair, not daring to look at either of them. Maybe I had overstepped some boundary. Maybe this was too soon. Something in my head screamed that it was too soon to tell if I loved them. But my heart knew. I loved them. But my worries quickly melted away as Caius captured my lips with his own. His kiss almost felt desperate in a way. As if he wanted to pour all his feelings for me in this one kiss. Dora had gotten off of my lap and instead straddled it now, he face deeply buried in my neck and hair. Her fingers gently releasing my brown locks from the grip of the ponytail and her fingers combed through them. Caius moved his lips towards my neck as well and both their lips left small kisses upwards. “Ti amo tanto anch'io.” They both whispered in my ear. They wrapped their arms tightly around me and one another while purrs escaped their chests.

Caius and Athenodora could not have been happier than in that moment. Their mate had not only accepted them, but she had told them she loved them. They wouldn’t have to hide, or be scared their affections might scare the human girl away. They not only purred in content that their mate was near, but also to reciprocate her love.

#volturi #volturi imagine #caius volturi #athenodora volturi #vampire #twilight imagine #twilight

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kenzies-love-stories · 4 years

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Self Care? Self Care. (Ledger Joker x Reader)

A/N: Thank you again to the people from before! You all are very sweet. It honestly warms my heart to see that there is still good in the world today. I finally got in some much needed self care today and wished that J was there with me. This is very self indulgent but I left the name open so everyone can enjoy! I am pretty proud of this piece but it is unedited because I just could not wait to share it.~ Kenzie 🖤

Posted: July 1, 2020

Warnings: cuteness. Vulnerability (for you and J), you may cry (I did while writing it), a insecurity that is reading out loud. J may seem out of character but let’s say he is very comfortable with his S/o.

Word count:1684 ( I got a bit carried away)

Gif Cred: X

Y/N’s POV:

I bend over in my bathroom at the hips while brushing the back of my hair, starting to pull it into a ponytail. When I get all my hair bunched up to the crown of my head I stand up straight, slowly so I don’t get light headed. I take a normal hair tie and put my hair into a high pony. There is a small bump in front of the hair tie, but it is okay because I take my favorite red scrunchie and twist my hair into a messy bun hiding the bump of hair.

As I am putting chap stick on my lips out of the corner of the mirror I see J walking into the bathroom, I shortly feel him place his arms around my waist. He sees the bun and slightly frowns as he can not rest his chin on my head, as he is too tall to rest his chin on my shoulder.

“What's with that look J?” I ask teasingly

“What is uh with this thing on your head doll, it is in my way.” J says while turning my around to face him.

“J, it is the beginning of my self care routine.” I state as a matter a fact.

“Self Care?” he raises his caked eyebrows in confusion.

“Yes, J self care, wanna join me?” I request sweetly.

“Now that’s not fair, doll. I have trouble saying no to you. You just have a uh way of making do things that I don’t do normally.” He says then lovingly kisses my forehead with painted lips.I smile and turn back towards the mirror and giggle when I see the red kiss mark on my forehead.

“Please, but if you really don’t want to participate you don’t have to.” the reassurance in my voice is very present.

“I will join you but ah I am doing it for you.” J while reaching for a towel to wet under the water.

Before he could get the towel wet I grabbed his wrist and said, “ No, J if you are going to do self care it has to be for you. You do self care to make yourself feel good about who you are. So don’t do it for me, Do it for you.”

I kind of expect him to go sit down and let me do my thing but I am shocked when he turns on the water,wets the towel, makes eye contact with me and starts to take off his face paint. “I’m ah doing this for me too. We are a team, what you do I will also do, what I do, I can’t let you do.” J uses a serious tone of voice.

With a laugh I turn on the other sink to a temperature hot enough to wash my face. I put both of my small hands under the stream of water and lean over the sink then I splash the water on my face. I reach over for the face wash that was made for sensitive skin and put about a quarter size amount. I rub my hands together then I gently close my eyes and rub my face as gently as I can. “J, be sure to be gentle.”

After my face is washed I reach behind me blindly for the towel that is hidden on the rack. When I feel the plush material I pull the towel forward and to my face. Gently patting down my face out of the corner of my eye I see J start to rub his face with the towel. With a gasp I exclaim and pull his hands away “Pat! Pat gently babe! You will irritate your face!”

With a smirk on his pale lips “Why don’t you teach me babydoll?” He hands me the towel, with a blush I pat the water off his perfect bare face.

“Thank you,” I say and put the towel down.

“For what?” he asks as his bare eyebrows raise in confusion.

I place one hand at the nape of his neck and the other on his right cheek, “For trusting me, for allowing me into that beautiful heart of yours, for letting me love you like you deserve.”

I place my forehead on his, savoring the rare but much loved skin on skin contact.I feel him reach up and cup my left cheek slowly bring his lips to mine. Kisses with no makeup or face paint were rare and far between, but that is what makes them so special. So many emotions are conveyed through the kisses that couples take for granted. I pull away and my eyes flutter open.

Smiling I start to pull away from J’s body but a grunt of slight annoyance stops me.“Babe, we need to continue with our routine, the face is almost done. I promise.” I peck his nose and he reluctantly loosens his grip around my waist.

Turning in his arms I reach for a new makeup sponge and my favorite moisturizer. I place various dots on my face and blend it into my face evenly. Seeing as I finished my face I turned around and gently placed dots on J’s face. “What does this do baby doll?” He asks while I very gently blend the moisturizer.

“The moisturizer keeps your face soft, face paint can be very drying. I am not saying your face is dry because that is not the case I think you are perfect.” When I am done blending I just admire the handsome man in front of me.

“Can I really ah be perfect, with a face like this?” He asks with the rare vulnerability.

I reach up on my tippy toes and place a kiss on the scar on his left cheek, then his right, and on the scar on his lower lip. “J, your scars are a part of you. I love you and every single last scar on your body. You are more than your scars, most people only see what is on the surface. You are deeper than that though you are a human being who has been hurt one to many times by society. You deserve all the love and care in the world. And I want to show you that love and care, I have seen how other people treat you J. They lack morals to think that is okay, I am here to love you and make you forget about the bullshit that is waiting for you outside our front door. J you are so strong but you can’t be strong all the time and that is okay. Emotions are valid, you are valid. You are allowed to feel however you please. So yes you are perfect to me please don’t ever forget that.” By the time my speech is over I have tears trickling down my face and J has one that trails down his face.

His eyes squeezed shut to try to trap in the tears that have been bottled up for most likely years. I place my hands gently on his face and run my thumbs on his cheeks gently, “It is okay J, you can let it out. I am never going to judge you.” I whisper.

He relaxes his eyes and pulls my body closer to his. A face is planted between the space where my shoulder meets my neck. I feel his hot tears flow down my shirt and onto my cold skin. I wrap one of my arms around his broad shoulders and the other around his neck so I can play with the hairs at the nape of his neck in a comforting way.

Some time passes when he pulls away and wipes his eyes with his hands. “Thank you, I ah I honestly really needed that.”

“Of course Babe, this is one of the many reasons why I am here.” I say while staring into his bloodshot eyes.

With a smile he picks you up bridal style and says, “Now it is your turn.”

“For what?” curiosity fills my tone.

“You helped me with my biggest insecurities. Now, now I am going to help you with yours.” He says and places me on the couch, then reaches for a book off the bookshelf.

“J, you don’t have to do this, you do not know the pain your ears are going to be put through.” I say with my palms starting to shake slightly.

He sits down next to me and turns to lay his head on my lap, “Y/n/n a lot of people don’t like how they sound when they read out loud. It takes time and practice but it will get easier and I am here every step of the way.”

With a nervous smile I look down at the book A clash of kings- George RR Martin “J I am already 157 pages into this book, which happens to be the second in the series.”

“I do not care where you are at in it, just please read it out loud for me, and for you.” He says while rubbing the back of his thumb in a comforting manner on my knee.

With a shaky breath I open to page 155, to not only give myself some background but also J. “ Azor ahai captured a lion to temper the blade..” (A/n: skipping to keep some of the book a mystery) “Nissa Nissa (his wife), know that I love you best of all in this world ...Azor Ahai thrust the smoking sword through her living heart.” I read a total of ten pages out loud in my shaky, slow, uneven tone.

“You did very well, doll I am proud of you. Know that I uh I would never kill you for a magic sword, not even for a million.” he says while gently playing with my fingers.

I smile down at him, because I know that he may not be ready to say those three words but this is his way of saying I love you. “I would not kill you for any amount of magical swords too.”

#heath ledger joker imagine #ledger joker imagine #ledger joker imagines #ledger joker x reader #ledger!joker imagine #ledger!joker x reader #ledger joker oneshot #ledger joker fluff #joker x you #joker imagine #joker fluff

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theowriteswhatever · 4 years

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Zuko Story That Has No Title Part 2

So I already wrote most of this story, because my friend asked me to. But I’m just going to release it in chunks so I don’t overload your dash.

-Your pal, Bubbles

I told no one that I had saved Zuko all those months ago. I knew they’d probably be pissed at me for saving the life of someone who repeatedly tried to kill us.

But I couldn’t just watch him die. He was still human.

Now we were in Ba Sing Se and everyone was bored of waiting to talk to the prince and was still trying to figure out the mysteries of this weird town.

Katara had taken Toph, a new member of our group, to a makeover day. Aang was helping with some kind of zoo. And Sokka was wandering around probably thinking about Suki.

I had heard of this nice tea shop in the poorer area of Ba Sing Se, but I wasn’t really allowed near there. So I devised a plan.

I put my (Y/H/C) hair in a braid and then into a bun, which I had never done before. I did my make up differently too. I then found a knee length green dress with flowers in my closet and put it on with a black cardigan. I looked completely different and knew Joo Dee wouldn’t be able to stop me.

I poked my head into the hallway and made sure no one was there. Everyone was gone. Even Momo. I made my way out of the house and onto the monorail system.

Once I had arrived at the immigrant slums of Ba Sing Se, I made my way to where the supposed tea shop was. When I arrived at the opening to the tea shop, I practically gasped. I ran to hide outside the shop.

Zuko, with no ponytail, was working with his uncle around the tea shop. He seemed angry to be helping, which wasn’t out of character.

I wasn’t recognizable, so I knew I could go in. But I wasn’t sure I should. But I took another look and the tea looked so good. And Zuko didn’t look as focused on regaining his honor, but more focused on helping his uncle and forcing himself to be upset about it.

I came out of my hiding spot and walked into the building to sit in the front corner so I could make a quick escape if need be. Zuko approached me and I could tell he was forcing a smile. It took all my effort to not laugh.

“Hi, welcome to our tea shop. What can I get you?” He said in the most bored voice imaginable.

“2 chamomiles please.” I responded with a smile.

“2?” He asked, “But you’re alone.”

“I thought maybe you could sit with me for a second. Unless you don’t like chamomile. Then I’ll take 2 of whatever you like.” I said as if it was no big deal.

He obviously thought it was a big deal. He practically stumbled backwards at the offer and his face went red. Even though half of it already permanently was. My face grew a little red too, but I stayed calm. He was still kinda in shock and it was a little adorable. Just a little bit.

“You don’t have to.” I said through chuckles.

“N-no it’s ok. I w-will. And um. . .chamomile is fine.” He said while stumbling over his words. He then rushed off to the back and started to make our tea.

I could tell from where I was sitting that his uncle was laughing at his awkwardness and nudging him teasingly. I laughed a little bit, because not only was it sweet, it was unexpected. We had always seen them as ruthless people that were practically evil, but I had to remember they were still humans with emotions. All humans could love, except Azula.

He headed back and set the tea in front of me and the chair opposite mine. He sat down and almost fell in the process. I giggled at it, but covered it with my nad. He smiled awkwardly and looked down at the table in what looked like shame.

I took a sip of the chamomile to hide the continuous laughter and my eyes went wide. “Is it bad?” He said in a panicked voice.

“No! No no no. It’s delicious. It’s probably the best tea I’ve ever had.” I said quickly so he wouldn’t worry. Lord knows this boy doesn’t need more worry in his life.

He cracked a near invisible smile. I had never seen him even come close to curling his lip, but right now I could tell that he was actually. . .happy. Which was weird. But nice.

“What’s your name?” He asked while scratching the back of his neck nervously. I had almost forgotten that I didn’t look like (Y/N) anymore. I hadn’t thought of what I would say my name is.

“Leeane.” I stammered out. He chuckled a little bit and I got scared for a second. What if he knew it was actually me? What if he knew and was about to give me a burn identical to his? “Wh-what’s funny?” I whispered in fear as I looked down at the table like Zuko had done just seconds ago.

“I just thought that was funny, because my name’s Lee.” He said with a smile. I completely forgot that he would be in disguise too. Although it was hard to not recognize his scar. Not that I would mention that. I let out an unintentional sigh of relief, but turned it into a laugh to play along. I looked up and became more confident. He smiled more when he saw me look up.

“I thought you were going to make fun of my name for a second there.” I lied. He chuckled a little bit and I did too.

“No. It’s a um. . .it’s a beautiful name.” He said nervously before clearing his throat. I smiled and put my hand on his while I leaned forward.

“Why are you so nervous?” I asked with concern in my voice.

He was honestly worrying me with how awkward he was. The group had always seen him as heartless and evil, but evil people can’t be like this. He can’t be so worried about messing up without caring a little bit. He had to care about me just a bit if he’s so shy and awkward. That or he doesn’t care and we just never realized how quiet he is. I guess when he isn’t talking about honor, he doesn’t have much else to say.

“I’m not a people person.” He stated quietly and in an ashamed voice. I felt bad for him. Which while it’s normal for me to care for people, I doubt he was used to being cared for. Except Iroh always treated him like a son. But Zuko needed someone to treat him as something else. A friend.

* * *

Zuko and I sat for what felt like hours and talked, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for not telling him who I really was. But he wasn’t honest with me either, so I guess we were equal.

I eventually had to leave before the group got worried about me and had two missing group members to look for. I politely excused myself and promised to come back soon. Zuko stood at the door frame and waved goodbye before his uncle wrapped his arm around him and led him inside.

Once I made it onto the monorail, I let my hair down and brushed through it to look remotely normal. I would probably look weird to them in green compared to my usual blue and my makeup was still a little different, but I doubt they would care. Katara might, but that wouldn’t be unusual. She always found something or someone to worry about.

I got back to the house quickly in an effort to avoid Joo Dee and any Dai Li. I finally made it without anyone stopping me and saw everyone gathered in the living room. They all looked exhausted and sad. Whether it was Appa, the impending war, or whatever happened today, I couldn’t guess. Katara looked up and smiled before running towards me to engulf me in a bearhug. “(Y/N), where have you been? I was worried sick!”

“We were worried sick.” Toph corrected in a sassy tone. Katara rolled her eyes and let go.

“Why were you worried? I was fine.” I reassured all of them. But I could tell Katara wasn’t buying it. My change in clothes and make up also hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“We didn’t know that. Now where were you?” Katara demanded.

“I just explored town a little bit, like all of you did.” I said in my “as-a-matter-of-fact” voice. But Katara still didn’t seem convinced. She raised one eyebrow and took another look at my personally unique outfit.

“Then why are you dressed like that?” She pressed.

“I wanted to explore the slums and didn’t want Joo Dee stopping me. So I disguised myself as someone else.” I admitted sheepishly. I knew she’d be mad that I went where I wasn’t supposed to go, especially in such a mysterious city. But I wouldn’t regret what I did.

“You can’t do that! The Dai Li could find you and we would have no idea. They could’ve captured you or hurt you or. . .killed you! You have no idea how dangerous that was.” She screeched with her hands placed firmly on her hips.

I wanted to run off in an effort to not upset her. The last thing I wanted to do was make it worse. I wanted to maybe stay silent and not make her more mad. Everyone was watching and waiting for what I would do and I didn’t want to let them down.

But I couldn’t this time. I love Katara. I do. But she was being ridiculous. She was acting as if this was the worst thing in the world. And she was looking at me like I was the scum of the Earth. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I had to say something and this time I would not just apologize.

“Really? I go across town to go and explore a town we have nothing better to do in and then I’m in danger! We’ve been traveling the world going from one life-threatening situation to the next and the one day I can do something fun or nice or even remotely enjoyable, I come back to be told that I was in danger? I’ve been in danger from the second this all started and now’s the point where you decide to mention it? I had my first day in months today where I didn’t have to worry about getting burned, or crushed, or drowned, or being hurt by some kind of crazy freak and you decide to tell me I was in danger!” Katara was taken aback by my anger and looked like she felt bad. I took a deep breath and continued with more of a calm tone. “I appreciate that you care about me Katara and I know you mean well, but I finally had one day that I legitimately enjoyed. Please don’t ruin it for me.”

Katara looked down and kicked some kind of rock around on the floor to distract herself. I sighed and made my way to my room.

I shut my door and locked it and then began to wipe my makeup off on my sleeve. I took off my dress and looked at my old southern water tribe gear. I didn’t want it right now. It didn’t feel right. I crawled into my bed into just my undershirt and shorts and sat there staring at the ceiling.

Soon enough I heard Katara knocking on my door, but instead of answering the door like I know I should have, I rolled over and forced myself to sleep.

#zuko x reader #zuko imagine #zuko #atla #avatar the last airbender #atla x reader #katara

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snk-oc-guide · 3 years

Text

Please review my OC?

Danica Orlov Name meaning: "Danica" is the latin word for Danish, but it is also the personification of the morning star in slavic mythology. "Orlov" means "son on Oryol" in Russian, a nickname meaning eagle. Nickname(s): Red(for her hair color), Dani (by her yearmates)

Species: Human Gender: Female Age: 16 (850) Height: 170cm Weight: 60kg

Relatives:

Radek Orlov (father)

Francine Murphy (mother)

Birthday: June 3rd, 834 Birthplace: Mitras Residence: Wall Rose Status: Alive

Occupation: Soldier Affiliation: Survey Corps Former Affiliation: 104th Training Corps

Former Occupation:

Seamstress Apprentice

Medic Apprentice

Field Medic

Thief

Scullery Maid (Dishwasher)

Graduation Rank: Outside Top Ten

Titan Kills: During Battle of Trost

Solo: 0

In Team: 0

During 57th Expedition:

Solo: 0

In Team: 0

APPEARANCE: Danica is a juvenile female with thick, auburn hair that sweeps down to her shoulders which she wears up in a bun or ponytail and amber colored eyes. Standing at a height of 170cm, she is broad-shouldered and narrow-hipped, fairly muscled and not very well-endowed. Her fair skin is heavily freckled, as if someone generously sprinkled breadcrumbs on a plate, and the stress and small numbers of sleeping hours of the past years have painted crows feet and dark circles permanently on her eyes.

As a soldier, Danica wears the standard uniform with the badge of the Survey Corps. When off duty she dresses in a loose, boat-necked green shirt with the sleeves rolled up, black opened vest, black tights and knee-high sturdy boots.

PERSONALITY: Danica is a reserved, mature, pragmatic and intelligent girl whose caring heart and kind nature have hurt her heavily after the fall of Shiganshina.

As a child she was open and expressive, unafraid of taking risks and getting hurt. Surrounded by people she loved and who loved her in return she led an idyllic childhood. Unafraid of work, she was completely in her element when helping around her foster family's bakery or later in her apprenticeship.

From an early age she showed restraint over her anger, not wanting to hurt those around her and preferring to just back down from an argument, although she couldn't always keep a lid on her emotions. For her to get really angry took a good reason or a buildup overtime, but when it happened she would stop caring about the feelings of others and use her words to strike where it hurt most. After reducing others to tears, Danica would feel ashamed and renew her effort to temper herself. Her self-restraint was noted by her foster family who encouraged her to always be levelheaded.

Sensitive and empathetic to those around her, Danica craved a greater understanding of people and the world in general, although she never entertained thoughts of going outside the walls. She was content with her lot in life, with her work and with her family and friends, even if they weren't related by blood. Despite wondering now and then who her real parents were she never gave it much thought as in the end she felt it didn't matter.

After the fall of Shiganshina, Danica retreated into herself, becoming listless and apathetic. It didn't help that the Beckers blamed her for living, while their daughter did not and had ceased all relations with her. That the only person in her life who remained committed soon afterwards suicide when both of them were drafted among the refugees for the culling of '46 made things even worse for Danica. She felt abandoned, lonely and depressed. Her thoughts and dreams gave her no rest, when she wasn't thinking about Adele (the Becker's daughter), she was thinking about Gigi (a seamstress and friend).

The world felt old and decayed, she was constantly tired and weary and only got up every day out of bed because she could not stand the thought of wasting away. It also helped that her new employer in Trost had taken a liking to her and had started her on a crash course in medicine, to increase her chances of coming back. Not wanting to disappoint him or to be useless she persevered. A larger part of her simply didn't want to die.

The horrors of the expedition that came from both Titans and people who had nothing to lose and no restraints anymore, left a lasting mark on Danica. Unable to view humanity with kindness or concern anymore, Danica grew to have problems relating to those around her. The loss of the man who had helped her and later her partner in crime only made her sink further in her depression. Had Hannes and one of his officer not been notified of Elia's body and found her alongside him, Danica might have just remained there until she wasted away. Hannes kindness however rekindled something inside Danica who realized she still wanted to live and that she was tired of being tired, sad, weary, guilty, ashamed, lonely and always having to start again.

Her decision to join the Garrison changes after the Battle of Trost however when she begins piecing the puzzle in front of her and realizes that things are not what they seem. Wanting to learn the reasons behind the war, but more so about the Colossal and Armored Titan who had ruined her life she decides to join the Survey Corps, even if she would come to regret it.

HISTORY: Radek Orlov was a Military Police officer whose affair with Danica's mother, the youngest daughter of a noble non-Eldyian clan affiliated with the ruling government, saw him transferred to the Survey Corps when it was discovered Francine was with child. As for Francine, herself, she was forced to go into hiding until Danica was born then give her up so that the Murphy's wouldn't be affected by scandal and that her engagement to the eldest heir of another noble clan could go through.

(rowan) you say her mother, francine, is from a non-eldian clan. that isn't possible, as all the residents within paradis are eldians. even the members of the ruling government are eldians

Francine's father wasn't completely without mercy however, even if he sent Danica as far away as Shinganshina, he also arranged for his bastard granddaughter to be taken in by a foster family as well as an apprenticeship to a seamstress when she reached her tenth birthday.

Danica grew up with the Beckers, knowing nothing of this, in a cheerful, lively and loud environment. She was best friend's with the Beckers middle daughter, Adele and often time helped around the family's business, the bakery. From an early age she developed a curiosity for herbs, brought on by Beckers varied recipes that included them and when she left their household for Madam Girard's, she was very happy to receive a book on botany from them. This passion slowly turned into gardening which became her hobby, as she would from there on always keep a small pot to grow mint in it (using the leaves alongside baking soda to wash her teeth or to chew to keep her breath fresh).

At Madam Girard's, a local seamstress of some renown inside and outside Shinganshina, Danica would spend most of her days sewing alongside her teacher and the other girls in her employment. Despite the long hours of work, she grew quite close to the other girls, the two she roomed with, Yulya and Gigi, especially. Whenever given free time, she would more often than not find herself in their company or visiting the Beckers. Sometimes Yulya and Gigi would join her at the Beckers and soon Yulya and the Becker's oldest son, Gregor grew close to one another much to Danica's great joy, as she had been the one to introduce them.

(rowan) i think it should be noted that just because danica is apprenticed with the seamstress, it doesn't mean she lives with her. it just means she basically has an internship, and will treat it like a job, except she is only getting paid in knowledge/experience. if this was a farm, i could understand having to live there, otherwise i find it kind of weird.

STORY: On the day the Colossal Titan appeared, Danica and Adele were out together. The frightening sight made them lock hands. When the breach occurred, Danica was blown back by a piece of falling debris. Adele was not so lucky and Danica was left to stare in shock at the disembodied arm she was holding hands with. Her best friend being a mere smear on the floor, Danica was on the verge of going into shock when she was jostled by the panicked surge of the fleeing crowd into dropping the arm and running. To this day she cannot remember how exactly she managed to escape to the boat, but when she came to all she could do was tremble and cry.

Upon arriving in Trost she tried to find anyone she knew and eventually stumbled upon Gigi who was quite a fright, having been witness to a Titan devouring Madam and crushing Yulya underfoot. Eventually Danica managed to reunite with the Beckers who asked about Adele. Claming up, all Danica could find in her power to do was shake her head much to the family's horror. Asked to leave and not come back by a grieving mother and father, Danica went off and she and the Beckers never spoke again. Returning to Gigi's side, the two of them eventually found work, Gigi with a local tailor and Danica with a doctor thanks to her knowledge of sewing and botany.

(rowan) i can understand grief making the beckers react unfairly and out of emotion, but considering they've raised danica since she was a baby and have treated her like she was their own, i'm surprised by their reaction. it makes it seem like they never loved her in the first place. if that's the case, i think their behavior towards her should change a bit, and danica should come off as a bit more neglected. since before it seemed like they loved and cared for her.

When the culling in 846 was called, both Gigi and Danica were drafted from among the refugees. Gigi unable to cope and fearful of a terrible death, hanged herself, much to Danica's horror as she was the one to find her friend.

(rowan) while i think this is an interesting idea, during the culling, only men were selected out of the civilians to take part in it. the women and children were left alone. it doesn't state that specifically, but if you go back to look at the images about the event, you don't see any women or children. just the male civilians and the members of the survey corps.

even if that wasn't the case, however, i don't see why gigi and danica would be selected. the world needs children to grow and take place of the older generation. they also need women to keep the walls populated. so why would two young girls be sent off to die, when the government knows they could be potential future mothers? it makes more sense to weed out the old, since they're going to die anyway.

this is just my take on it though! since nothing is officially stated regarding the people they selected among the civilians, you're free to do as you like.

Dr. Owen, despite his gruff and cantankerous personality, was in his own way of great help to Danica especially concerning the upcoming expedition, emphasizing that her medical knowledge no matter how limited might just be her ticket home. As it so happens he was right and Danica was placed among the soldiers of the Survey Corps, alongside their own medics when the expedition began.

Danica would be among the few civilian survivors who returned from the culling. Changed by the horrible things she had seen and the many wounded she could not save, Danica decided she would never again step a foot outside the safety of the walls and that she would not pursue a career as a doctor. Returning to Dr. Owen to take her few belongings back, she was dismayed to find out from his neighbors that the old man had died, knifed for trying to break up a fight.

Alone and without anything to her name, Danica is forced to sleep on the unsafe streets. In the days to come, unable to find employment and going hungry she begins stealing food to survive. Soon she encounters a young boy, Elia, a thief and pickpocket, who suffers of pneumonia. Like her he is a refugee forced by circumstances into such a life and his sickness makes it even harder to find honest work.

The two of them team up to survive and grow quite close to one another, Elia going as far as to teach Danica parkour so that they can make easier escapes during their heists. This partnership does not last as Elia takes a turn for the worse and dies one night. Once more alone, Danica realizes that nothing in her life has had any stability ever since Shiganshina, that the past year had been nothing but hunger, pain and suffering. Weary and tired of this lifestyle, but not knowing what to do she remains alongside her friend's body until two Garrison officers come upon them.

Elia's body is taken away and one of the men who found her, Hannes takes Danica to a pub for a hot meal, going as far as to secure a job for her there as a washer in the kitchens. The kindness shown to her, leaves Danica in tears and she decides then and there to enroll in the military the coming year and join the Garrison on her graduation.

When the time comes she signs with the 104th Cadet Corps. The intense training as well as her own continued practice of parkour, leave Danica exhausted more often than not at the end of the day. Despite her growing skills, she does not care much about grades as she is still quite set on the Garrison and makes sure to put in enough effort to pass, but not overtake anyone. More concerned to learn how to defend herself, she focuses only on improving herself without putting effort into any exams, not caring about the instructors opinions that she could do much better. This coupled with her own reserved nature, her inability to connect to her peers or relate to their worries, paint Danica as stuck up and someone who thinks she is better than everyone else. When she eventually learns how others perceive her, she is both mortified and distressed. Until that moment she had not realized how much she had changed the past two years and as the situation is something of her own doing and she has no idea how to change, Danica remains on the outside more often than not. Eventually as team building exercises are introduced, her natural abilities as a leader shine through and her relationship with her yearmates becomes friendlier, although she is still seen by most as stuck-up.

(rowan) danica seems like she doesn't care about the people around her, and she is only focused on reaching her goals. i thought she also didn't get close to people, as a way to protect herself, since up until now everyone she was close to either left her or died.

that brings me to wondering why all of a sudden, danica cares how others perceive her. since she never took time to get close to her yearmates, i find it weird that she suddenly cares about what they think of her.

unless, her becoming "mortified and distressed' has more to do with herself, and her realizing how much she has changed. and less to do with her finding out what they think of her.

this is just an observation i made when i read her backstory and etc, so i could be wrong in the assumption. either way, i hope me pointing it out helps in some way.

Graduating outside the top ten, Danica is stationed alongside the other cadets in Trost. Despite having lukewarm relations with most of her yearmates, she is buoyed with happiness, knowing that she would join the Garrison soon. This is remarked by the rest of her teammates: Vera Fermi, Leon Mikaelsson, Theo Durand, Kathrin Beckert and Felix Grey. Assigned to patrol the six of them, get to know one another a bit better but the appearance of the Colossal Titan puts a quick stop to Danica's joy and her first honest attempt in years to make friends. Her reaction isn't missed by the rest of her squad, who despite their shock and horror have an easier time, never having seen titans before and still somewhat optimistic as to their own chances. They manage to get Danica moving to HQ where they receive their orders. Despite her shaking, Danica is aware enough to order Theo Durand to requisition additional gas canisters and blades to carry as the possibility of running out is quite high. She assigns him and Felix Grey to divide the burden among themselves, placing the remaining Vera Fermi, Leon Mikaelsson and Kathrin Beckert as the scouting/vanguard of their squad, with the two logicians and herself as a medic behind.

Surprised but seeing the merit of her idea, they prepare and head to their assigned position only to find that the Titans had advanced. Realizing that the first line of defense had fallen, Danica has an outburst of nerves, cursing everything in sight. Devising a plan to separate and pick them off one by one, using her and the logicians to lure them in while the three assigned to the vanguard take them out works for a while. But as titans fall, her squad mates become overconfident and bite more than they can chew. Vera is caught and Leon and Kathrin jump to her rescue. They are promptly killed by titans and Felix and Theo try to make a break for it, overcome by fear. Their mistake costs them their lives but allows Danica to use their death to make her escape. She doesn't stop until she finds more of the 104th cadets and as they hopelessly watch the advancing enemy, Danica is filled with dread. Unable to stop wondering how much time they have until the Armored Titan appears, Mikasa's sudden arrival and lousy speech emboldens her and she joins the rest of her yearmates in making a break for HQ to resupply. (Things go more or less as they did in canon at HQ)

The Rogue Titan's leaves Danica without words, more so after Eren emergence.

Keeping a close eye for the appearance of the Armored Titan as they flee for the safety of Wall Rose, Danica makes a few realizations:

The Armored Titan was nowhere in sight.

The Colossal had appeared as suddenly as it did in Shiganshina and just as suddenly dissipated, much like the Armored.

Eren's titan form was already discomposing when he emerged.

(rowan) i thought danica didn't remember much after the fall of shinganshina? i thought she just remembered her friend dying, and then somehow making it to one of the boats and arriving at trost?

that being said, i find it weird just remembers something like the armored titan appearing, nonetheless disappearing. especially considering the chaos that was taking place. it'd be hard to keep track of something like that.

Although her mind is in a jumble and she hasn't yet come across what exactly is wrong with this picture, she asks Mikasa and Armin to allow her to stand with them when defending Eren. Despite their skepticism about her intentions and Mikasa's threat that she would die if she were to make a move for Eren, she is allowed to defend him to the panicked Garrison. Once Commander Pixis arrives on the scene and agrees to Armin's plan, the three ask Danica why exactly she stayed with them. The only thing Danica thinks to say is that "The Armored Titan hasn't appeared." This confuses them, until Armin straightens all of a sudden as of just now noticing the same thing. Both Armin and Danica come to realize that the Armored Titan might not appear at all, that those two titans had already found what they wanted.

(rowan) very confused as to why danica would want to put her life on the line for people she doesn't know. i'm surprised she even knew their names lol but it just seems very random for her to want to suddenly stand in defense of eren. what is she gaining? what is the point to it?

also, her assumptions revolving around the titans are weird. at this point, no one knows anything about the titans other than the fact they are out to end humanity without rhyme or reason. thinking of the armored titan and colossal titan as things with "motives" or "reasons" is not fitting for the current timeline, where they don't know anything. so her thinking that the two titans "have already found what they wanted" is weird, as titan's don't have thoughts. and as far as they know, the colossal and armored are just that: titans.

another thing i don't think fits, is danica putting the armored and colossal titans together as a pair. as in, if one appears, then the other one isn't far behind. titans don't work in teams or anything, so to expect that from them doesn't add up. even if they had showed together during the fall of shiganshina, that was just one instance. there isn't much of a pattern to turn it into something predicable.

Danica is left frothing at the mouth, her mind working overdrive as she suspects the Colossal and Armored might both be like Eren, shifters, and that the people who died five years ago were merely collateral, instead of their main objective.

(rowan) again, this is something no one knows about yet. in the current state the word "titan shifters" hasn't even been discovered. they all think eren is an actual titan who has adapted to fit in with the humans to kill them all. very far fetched, but again, they don't know much about titans except that they kill humans. eren having been a titan is enough to confuse and scare them.

the fact that the intelligent characters such as armin, hange, and erwin, took a bit to discover there were others like eren says enough about how unbelievable the theory is. according to these people, there is no world outside the walls. how could they even imagine something like titan shifters existing?

so, unfortunately, i don't think it'd be fitting to have your character draw that conclusion. no matter how smart they are, i doubt they're smarter than the aforementioned characters. if anything, danica needs more evidence before jumping to such a conclusion.

Burning with anger, Danica is quick to interrogate Eren about his transformation and how it came about to see if Armin's plan had a chance. As he tells what he remembers, Danica realizes that Eren's intent, his desire to kill the titans might have been a trigger and advises him to think only "I will pick the boulder and seal the breach" and only that. She is quick to point out that if he loses control of this power, even if he's never before realized he had it, things could take a turn for the worse not only for himself but Mikasa and Armin too. Eren agrees readily, but can't stop asking why she is so fired up. Danica tells them that she too comes from Shiganshina and that she too has lost everyone, to the trio's surprise as Danica has never even hinted at her past before. With a better understanding of one another, they part ways. The mission is a success from the start as Eren takes Danica's words to heart as well as minimal loss of life on the part of Eren's protectors. Not long after Eren and the rest of his team's triumphant return, the Survey Corps arrive. As the battle comes to a close and the Garrison and Survey Corps join forces in cleaning the town of Titans, Danica becomes aware that her suspicions were right and that there's more going on than what can be seen at first glance. Although she cannot point to why exactly the two titans waited so long to mount another attack, especially as the Armored could have just made a run for Wall Rose and no one would have been able to stop him, Danica realizes that she wants answers. Knowing that if she joins the Garisson she might not ever find out why they attacked, why so many had to die (why did she have to suffer so much), she tears up and laughs bitterly knowing that her only option is the Survey Corps if she plans to go ahead with finding answers. Even as she shakes with fear, a much bigger part of her burns for knowledge.

(The rest would be spoilers when I get to writing as it steadily turns AU, since Danica manages to save some people (Mike [by agreeing to tell Zeke everything about the VME in exchange for their lives], Gelger, Nanaba [by being there on orders to inform them about the Beast Titan, and being able to help, also by realizing that Henning and Lynne's blades and canisters might still be of use after Gelger gets injured and she and Nanaba run out]) and even befriend them. Her past also comes under scrutiny in the Uprising Arc and that is when she learns about her parents.)

(rowan) i highly doubt zeke will spare mike if danica tells him about the 3dmg. if anything, i could see him killing them both/leaving them for dead right after getting the information. the only way to spare mike, is to not let zeke get a hold of him at all lol

as for her past, i have to ask, will it really change anything? if she discovers her birthright, what will it mean to her? you said her family is a noble one, but why are they so important? what is it exactly that they do? i feel like, to have such a background, it will have to mean and result in something important. otherwise, it would have just been better to make her a random orphan in shiganshina, rather than a bastard noble child.

STATS Combat: 7/10 Initiative: 7/10 Wits: 9/10 Teamwork: 7/10 Agility: 10/10

(rowan) i think some of the stats are bit high considering the information i was given. i would make initiative, a six, considering so far i've seen her having to receive a "push" before she does anything.

teamwork, is also a little high, considering her standoffish attitude. i would make it a six.

A/N: I'm sorry for giving you more work, but I've had this idea stuck inside my head for a while now and I really need some advice if the OC is worth actually writing in the story. I've tried to give her constant character development and a believable reason for joining the Survey Corps and I don't know how much of my ideas come across since English isn't my first language and there might be some spelling mistakes. I've also added the characters I would like to save and possible explanations about how she goes about them, but I'm a bit unsure if Mike's is even possible, because while Zeke does seem practical, he's also kinda ruthless.

(rowan) no problem at all! thank you for submitting this to us, and i hope i was at least a little bit of help.

as always, i like to remind everyone that you don't have to listen to my critiques, but they are honest thoughts and observations i made. and i also say them with your best interests in mind! :)

#submission

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lu-undy · 3 years

Text

Chapter 87 - SBT

Here it is!

Keys jingled and finally entered the lock. Perle and Soot jumped to their feet and trotted to the front door as the tall man entered.

"Lu', I'm home, love."

Both cats meowed repeatedly and brushed themselves on Mundy's legs.

"Hey, babies…" He crouched down to pet them and they purred.

"And what time do you call this?" The voice with the French accent answered from the living room.

Mundy kicked his boots away and threw his sleeveless jacket on the coat hanger before joining his lover on the sofa.

"I know, it's taken ages, I'm sorry… Oh-?" As soon as Mundy sat next to his lover, Lucien cupped his face and inspected it. "What's wrong? Lookin' for lipstick marks? I'm not the sheila magnet, you are!"

Lucien smiled and chuckled as he shook his head.

"Non, I was just trying to see how it went. And I can tell that it went well in the end, even though you had very strong doubts somewhere about the middle of the discussion."

"What the hell…? How on Earth do you see that on my face?!" Mundy asked.

"Mon loup, you forget I was a secret intelligence expert…!"

[My wolf]

"Yeah, well, that's spooky magic alright!"

Lucien chuckled.

"Nah, seriously, how did you know?"

"Your eyes are still red from the tears but your comment about the lipstick mark shows that you are in a good mood. You cried, but it went well in the end." Lucien explained.

"Ah, yeah, makes sense…"

"I made some dinner, would you like to tell me more as we eat?"

"Sure, I'll lay the table." Mundy stood up, followed by Lucien. "What did you make?"

"Lasagna."

"Oh?"

"I thought that whatever the outcome, you might enjoy your favourite." Lucien added with a wink.

"Thanks, love, really… C'mere…" Mundy pulled him from his waist and kissed him.

"My pleasure."

A few minutes later, they were at the table and enjoying their dinner.

"And yeah… My Dad ended up… accepting? I don't know, but I used the thing you told me and it got to him."

"What was it?" Lucien asked as he sliced more of the lasagna in his plate.

"That I might not understand him, but I respected it. I told him that and I think it got to him. He said he himself couldn't wrap his head around what he had done but he was scared to the bone for Mum and him."

"See? I told you. Fear and situations of extreme stress will change a man." Lucien nodded to himself. He put his fork down for a second to do his bun again as his hair was falling in front of his eyes.

"Yeah, you're right. And yeah, he said the same to me. He didn't understand how I could torture a man and kill him… Said he himself wouldn't have the guts to do half of what I did…"

"I can believe that indeed." Lucien said.

"What?"

"I don't mean it about your father in particular." Lucien poured some red wine for his lover and him. "Not any man can kill and even fewer men can torture their fellow humans."

Mundy took a sip of the wine and put the glass back on the table.

"Guess so."

"Oh for sure. I have seen men drafted during a war that no one knew when it would end, men who had nothing in their heads yet, and I saw more than half of them at least hesitate before a kill; that, or faint, get into some sort of seizure, fits of nerves collapsing… And that was just to shoot a man far away, I am not talking about torture."

"But you… You felt like a fish in a pond." Mundy said.

"Unfortunately so, oui."

"How d'you… I mean, how does it work in your head?"

"Don't get me wrong," Lucien wiped the corners of his mouth elegantly. "The uneasiness and disgust never go away. I learnt to mute them during the act and let them out after the mission is accomplished."

"Oh… Right…"

"But enough about 'spooky business' as you call it, let us come back to your parents. Did you tell them that you work for Maurice now?"

"Yeah, I did. Dad said he uh… He actually said he was proud of me…" Mundy raised glistening eyes to Lucien whose eyebrows jumped with excitement. He took Mundy's hand across the table, between both of his, and Mundy clenched his grip on his lover.

"This is excellent news! Hahaha! You see? I told you it would go well! I told you! Whatever happens, your parents are your parents and they love you!"

"Yeah…" Mundy wiped a tear of joy and chuckled. "And uh… I told them a bit about you too."

"Oh? What did you say?" Lucien asked.

"Told them you helped get Duchemin and now we work together for Maurice."

"Ah, very well." Lucien let go of his lover's hand and his eyes returned to his plate.

"I also said we uh… We live together."

Lucien's eyebrows jumped.

"Oh… You might have wanted to tell them about that later, non?"

"N-no, I didn't say it like that. Mum asked me where I live, told her I was rentin' a place with you as a… well… a housemate…?"

"Ah, I see." Lucien nodded. "They don't know for…?"

"Nah, they don't. They assume I only fancy sheilas."

"Fair enough."

"They want to see you, y'know, get to know the bloke I live with."

"Mh-hm." Lucien nodded. "Anything else you told them about me or would rather me not tell them?"

"Told them you're French, but I didn't tell them you were a spy. I don't wanna scare them or anythin'."

"Wise decision."

"Oh and I told them that the reason why you were after Duchemin was because of your fiancée and son. I think that's all I said."

"Fair enough."

Mundy wiped his mouth and finished his glass of wine.

"Are you uh… I mean d'you… Would you be ok to meet with my parents?"

"Of course, I would love to." Lucien's face beamed up with a sweet smile. "And don't worry, we are housemates, nothing more."

"Y-yeah, sorry about that… So yeah, no holding hands or anythin' like that…"

"I know and I understand." Lucien nodded. "Let us clean this mess and go to bed if you want, you must be tired."

"Yeah actually."

They cleaned the table and Mundy filled the water bowl for the cats. Later on, as the sky was now dark, both Lucien and Mundy were in their bed. The Aussie laid his head on Lucien's shoulder.

"I imagine you feel empty now, hm?"

"Yeah… it was hard. Dad nearly called the police on me to get out."

"Did he?"

"Yeah, when I told him we killed Duchemin. Said he didn't want a murderer to set foot in his house."

"So much for that, he is about to let a former spy in…!"

Mundy and Lucien chuckled.

"Guess so, yeah. Also, uh… They loved the pastries."

"Glad they did." Lucien answered as his arm laced back and his hand dangled above Mundy's head. He scratched his lover's scalp softly through his hair.

"Told them it was your idea."

"Oh? You could have told them it was yours."

"I could have, but I'm sure they wouldn't have believed me. I'm not that kind of guy." Mundy left a kiss on Lucien's chest and started stroking it slowly.

"When do you want us to meet?" Lucien asked.

"I told Mum we'd be free in a few days, over the weekend or something. Is that alright with you?"

"Parfait." Lucien turned to kiss his lover on his forehead.

[Perfect.]

Mundy raised his head and they exchanged a good night kiss, while they locked their arms and legs together.

"Mundy?" Lucien whispered.

"Mh?"

"I am proud of you, and proud to be the man you choose to spend your days and nights with."

Mundy hummed low and smiled against Lucien's chest. He peppered a few more kisses there with his eyes closed.

"You are a very brave man, a good human being. Please, never change."

"I won't, love, don't worry."

The hug tightened on both parts and they fell asleep with a smile of their lips.

-- A few days later --

"I'm home, love."

"Mundy! Finally!" Lucien answered from the bathroom or bedroom, Mundy wasn't sure.

"What? What's wrong?" He answered while removing his boots and jacket.

"Come and see, I need your opinion, please!"

Mundy frowned and looked for his lover in the house. He didn't have to really put any effort as Perle and Soot showed him the way. The Aussie found his lover in their room with at least half his suits on the bed.

"What's happenin'? You're opening a backyard sale of your suits?"

"Non! I cannot bring myself to choose which one is best suited for the occasion!" Lucien answered, wearing a pair of black boxer shorts with matching socks and garters, as well as a white tanktop. "Black or white are too formal, Burgundy red might be a bit too colourful, grey is too dull, beige might not be formal enough… Arh…" He sighed and leaned on the cupboard that contained his clothes.

"Aw, poor princess…" Mundy came to his lover and put his hands on his waist, he kissed his lips and went for his cheeks and his neck. "Don't know what dress to choose?"

"Mundy, please, help me…" Lucien looked up with his feline eyes and Mundy's smile widened.

"You don't need to put on a suit, love. Just come as you are."

"With a pair of boxer shorts and a white tanktop? Non, Mundy."

"Nah, of course not like that, I meant normally."

"Normally I wear a suit, mon loup. But that doesn't help…" He sighed. "Which one do you think they would prefer?"

"Either beige or that navy blue one. Both make your eyes stand out, they're gorgeous…" Mundy nuzzled in his lover's neck.

"Mh… Are they…?" Lucien teased.

"Lu'... Don't be like that…" Mundy dug his fingers in Lucien's sides.

"Ooh, or else…?"

"Or else we'll be late for dinner with my parents cause I'll take care of you first…"

"Fine, I won't tease you further… for now." Lucien answered and met with Mundy's lips. He felt the Aussie's hands slither down his back and grab two handfuls of what the Aussie preferred. "Oooh…!"

"That's just to remind you how good it feels, eh."

"Liar, it was for you to remember how good it feels, non?" Lucien cocked a playful eyebrow.

"Might be… But yeah, go for beige maybe."

"Beige it will be then. And what about my hair? I was thinking of either a low ponytail or a braid, something neat and tidy."

"Both are nice but the braid is extra nice. Ends up being salt and pepper all along, it's beautiful."

Lucien raised an eyebrow. He didn't know Mundy paid attention to his looks as much.

"Well then it is settled." The Frenchman put his suits back in the cupboard except for the beige one.

"I can braid it for you if you want."

Lucien's eyebrows jumped.

"You know how?"

"Yeah, it's not hard."

"Let me put on my clothes first and then, yes please, I would love it." Lucien answered with a smile. "And what about you? Will you go like this?"

Mundy looked down at his polo shirt and brown trousers.

"Yeah, why not?"

"Your top is beige, it would be strange for us to wear matching colours, mon loup." Lucien buttoned his white shirt up before putting on the trousers and the vest.

"Ah, yeah… I'll get a quick shower and a change. See you in a bit luv'."

"See you."

Lucien finished dressing up and varnished his shoes again before Mundy exited the shower. He saw his silhouette cross the corridor and couldn't help but go after him, back in the bedroom. He leaned on the doorframe and watched the tall Aussie put on his clothes. First, his boxer shorts, which now covered a part of Mundy's body that always beckoned Lucien, may it be dressed or naked. Then, came a light blue polo shirt, which slid on the back with the scars - none from Lucien however, the Frenchman noted it and thought he should change that. Finally, Mundy slipped a pair of brown trousers on and slid a belt in. He was staring at his waist to adjust it when he saw two pale hands slithering from behind and lacing around his sides.

"Oh? You're here?"

"I have been, oui."

"How long've you been watchin' me?"

"A few minutes." Lucien leaned his head on Mundy's back, hugging him from behind.

"You creep…" Mundy chuckled as he finished with his belt. He then turned to Lucien and cupped his face. "You've been starin' for longer, eh?"

"I might have." Lucien smirked, his head raised to his lover.

"Pff, c'mere…" Mundy bent down to take Lucien's lips between his own. "Now, follow me."

"Oh?"

Mundy took Lucien by the hand and they went to the living-room.

"Sit down here." Mundy pulled a chair and Lucien obeyed. "Gimme a minute."

A few seconds later, the Aussie was back and stood behind Lucien.

"Right, so we said a braid, right?"

"Oui, please."

"Meow…?"

"Viens, mon bébé." Lucien tapped his lap and Perle jumped on it.

[Come, my baby.]

She lay lazily and purred while he stroked her fur.

"Right… Here we go…" Mundy was mumbling behind his back while Lucien felt his fingers part his hair and start braiding. "On top, below, on top, below, on top, below…"

Lucien smiled and tried to not move his head at all. It lasted for about a minute of Mundy chanting "on top, below" and Lucien felt his lover's fingers brush and move his locks to his will, which he adored. He relaxed and closed his eyes during the entire process until he felt that Mundy let go of his hair.

"There you go, gorgeous."

"May I see?"

"Course."

Lucien stood and headed for the bathroom, where the nearest mirror was.

"Not bad at all…"

"Oi, don't sound too surprised!"

Lucien came back with a wide smile.

"I just did not know you had a talent for hairdressing."

"Not really a talent, eh."

"It is, and a beautiful one." Mundy smiled and blushed. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, let's go." Mundy headed for the door.

"Attends."

[Wait.]

Mundy stopped sharp, the door knob still in his hand, and turned to Lucien. The Frenchman went to the tip of his toes and pushed his lips against Mundy's.

"I am delighted to go and meet your parents."

"Yeah, me too. Though I wish I could tell them the truth."

"Each thing has its time, as we say in French. First, you need to make sure that your relationship with them is good. They can learn about us later." Lucien was brushing Mundy's sideburns and cheeks with his thumbs.

"Yeah, you're right…" The Aussie let go of the door knob to pull his lover's waist against his own. He rested his forehead against Lucien's. "I hope they'll like you."

"Of course they will. I charmed the son, I can charm the parents too."

"You plannin' on seducing my parents now?"

Lucien moved to pull the door open and stepped out of the house.

"Your mother at least." He winked.

"Oi! Get away from her!"

Lucien snickered as they both went to their motorcycle and put on their helmets.

"I shall try my best…! But go ahead, you drive."

"You'd better…! She's my mom, bloody hell! Right, get on, darl'."

Lucien hopped on behind Mundy and hugged him tightly. After that, they flew by in the streets. But again, at some point, Lucien tapped Mundy's shoulder and the Aussie followed his favourite GPS.

"Right, this isn't pastries, eh?"

"Non, this is a flower shop, and over there, across the street, a wine one."

"Ooh, that's great."

"Come along."

Both men entered the florist's.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I help?"

"We would like a bouquet, it is for an important family meeting." Lucien answered and Mundy's insides burnt when he heard him talk about 'family'.

"Any precise idea or requests?" The florist asked.

"It has to have daisies." Lucien answered. "But other than that, you are the expert."

"Very well."

"We will go shortly to the wine shop opposite you, would you mind keeping the bouquet until we come back?" Lucien asked.

"Of course. It will take me a few minutes to make it anyway. See you in a bit!"

"Many thanks. Come, Mundy."

They crossed the road and entered.

"Wow…"

They were surrounded by dark bottles, shelves of them entire rows and columns, nicely organised, of bottles that all looked the same to him.

Lucien went straight to the shopkeeper and started having a chat with him while Mundy was still observing the bottles. A lot of them had French names on them. He tried reading them, deciphering each letter and following them with his index finger, like a young boy would. He frowned. French was a nightmare to read. Too many silent letters, or letters that should be pronounced in an odd and absolutely counter-intuitive way.

"Mundy?"

Mundy's head jerked up.

"Huh? Yeah?"

"Do you have any idea what your mother will cook for tonight?"

"Uh, no idea, no…"

"Very well." Lucien turned to the shop owner again and finished his chat. A minute later, he paid for the bottle and they exited the shop with an elegant glossy paper bag in his hand.

"I'll go and grab the flowers, get ready to go." Mundy said.

"Parfait."

[Perfect.]

A moment later, they were back on the motorcycle, heading for the suburbs, and it only took them a few minutes before they reached their destination.

"Right, here we go!"

"Mundy, wait."

Mundy stopped sharp, his fist in the air, about to knock on the dark brown, wooden door.

"Yeah?"

"How do I look?" Lucien adjusted his own jacket and pushed a thin lock of silver hair behind his ear. Mundy bent down to his ear and whispered.

"You look gorgeous as ever…"

"Merci."

[Thank you.]

Mundy smiled, he moved forward to kiss Lucien but the Frenchman backed off and shook his head.

"They might see." Lucien whispered and Mundy nodded.

"You're right. Let's go."

The Aussie knocked at the door and a few seconds later, Mike opened.

"Hey Dad!"

"Micky!"

They exchanged a hug.

"Dad, this is Lucien, my housemate. Lu', this is my Dad, Mike."

They shook hands and Mundy blushed. It was absurd. He wasn't introducing Lucien as he should but still, the image of Mike and him shaking hands made the Aussie weak. He wished he could capture that image and frame it somewhere, to look at it later, when his mood would change.

And it was absurd how oblivious Mike would be and in fact was. But so was Mundy himself when he had first caught a glimpse of Lucien. Never had he imagined for one second that that man he had seen through his scope, beaten up and tied to a chair in that hangar where the alligators were to be swapped trucks - never could he imagine that man in the ski mask would be his reason for happiness.

"Nice to meet you, son." Mike said.

"The pleasure is all mine." Lucien answered.

"Come in, boys, don't stay at the door. Caroline? The boys are here!"

"Ooh! Micky!" Caroline erupted out of the kitchen and threw herself in her son's arms.

"Hey, Mum…! How's it goin'?"

"Alright-ooh! I suppose this is Lucien, isn't it?" Caroline wiped her hands on a towel and adjusted her glasses to examine the Frenchman better.

"Yeah, it's him, Mum. Lu', this is my Mum, Caroline."

"I am delighted to meet you, Madame." Lucien took Caroline's hand and bowed down to leave a polite kiss on it.

"Wooh! Good manners that is!" She said. "Mike, come and take his jacket…!"

"Would you perhaps have a vase for these flowers?" Lucien handed her the bouquet and Caroline's eyes popped out of her head.

"Of course! Of course!" She excitedly answered. "Ooh, look at these daisies…!"

"Mundy told me they were your favourites."

"Thank you, dear."

Lucien's smile was a sight to behold for Mundy, but even Caroline looked to be under his charm!

"Mike, this is for you, I hope you will enjoy it." Lucien handed Mike the bag he was holding.

"What's that? Oh, that's some wine! Hold on, let me grab my glasses to read this, come in, c'mon boys, Micky, get your friend comfy at the table…"

"Right, thanks, Dad. Mum, d'you need help with anything?"

"No, you sit with your father and your friend, I'll bring some nibbles. Are you ok with beer, Lucien?"

"Of course, Madame."

"You can call me Caroline…!"

The men sat around the table and Mike put on his glasses.

"Right… What do we have here, eh…?" The old man adjusted his glasses and put the bottle of wine a bit further from his face to read it better.

Lucien raised his head and his gaze crossed Mundy's eyes. He winked with a flash of his pearly white teeth and the Aussie melted as his face turned red.

"Here, some fresh beers, and a few nibbles to snack on…" Caroline placed them on the table. "C'mon, Mike, the wine isn't a newspaper, serve it and then read it if you want!"

"Micky, tell your Mum to gimme a minute!"

"Mum…"

"Mike, if you don't serve them the wine, I won't let you have dessert…"

"Right, I think it's time for the wine, boys, eh?" Mike uncorked the bottle and served everyone.

Lucien watched and tilted his head on the side. So that was Mundy's family. He took a second to observe them all one after the other - spooky habits die hard, as Mundy would probably say - and it made Lucien smile.

It was true that Mundy didn't share any visual resemblance with his parents. But they loved him very clearly. From the way Mike was handing his son his glass of wine, to the way Caroline ruffled his hair as she passed him, like a reflex, yes, their love was very clear.

"So, Lucien…?" Mike raised his glass. "Let's all try your wine, shall we?"

Lucien raised his glass along with Mundy and Caroline.

"Let us indeed!"

#tf2 sniper #tf2 spy #sniperspy #SBT

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thistangledbrain · 3 years

Text

Ok y’all, I’m sorry I’m having to catch up! We got a new foster in a few days ago - a particularly broken soul - and my mind has been *entirely* on him. But he’s settling in a little now, so here’s the last 3 days in one post ☺️

Autism Acceptance Month

Day 10!

“Sensory Life”

This is sort of hard to describe, but I’ll try! This is different from the next entry about stims, though both are sensory related.

It’s like being on microdosed ‘shrooms *all the time*. If you don’t know what that’s like, I’ll try to describe (this is collaborated with a friend who regularly does this - I don’t...it would probably be far too overwhelming).

Colors are far sharper to me & I emotionally react to them far more than most people. That results in some colors being genuinely offensive - not just “I don’t like that color”, but it will make me intensely angry or physically sick. This makes me curious about chromotherapy, but I haven’t really looked into it that much. My tolerance of certain colors can ebb and flow depending on my emotional state/mindset. (This crap is so sharp, I’m actually getting a twinge of irritation just *thinking* about my most hated colors LOL 😂 🤦🏻‍♀️)

Textures/skin sensations are another big one. (By now you may be asking, how TF did this chick manage Marine Corps training/exercises?!) I guess if you want something bad enough, you can shut down some of the overwhelming aspects of the sensory thing...this ability to disassociate probably isn’t what NT’s would call “healthy”, but it’s quite handy if you’re autistic, and those of us who have been through real trauma seem to be especially skilled with our ability to just shut off all circuits and “embrace the suck”). Like...I’ll nearly panic to get out of a store or something if my underwear starts feeling uncomfortable, but I’ve literally been soaked head to toe, covered in mud and sand in my *everywhere* (and I HATE SAND anywhere but on my feet) AND I pissed myself, because nobody’s gonna stop shooting/training just because you have to go potty 🙄), and I remember literally giving zero fucks about it...so it really is entirely a mindset thing. But let’s talk about when I’m NOT in “Marine mode” (cuz let’s face it, it’s been close to two decades since I got out, and I no longer HAVE to tolerate overwhelming sensations).

Sensory input is just basically dialed to 11 & the knob’s been snapped off. Bright lights, loud discordant noises, too much touching/not touching the right way, things like that. I am particularly sensitive about body hair (my own). I *strongly* prefer to have my head shaved on the back and sides (but I leave the top long). The only time I haven’t done this, was in the Marines (it was considered “eccentric” and not allowed, so they made me grow it out). Even though I leave the main part long, it’s *always* in a bun or ponytail - well, unless I’m super dressed up for something, but even then I prefer some sort of updo. Despite the fact that I like my long hair (well on the top anyway), I can’t *stand* the way it feels on my neck or especially my face - I HATE IT when my hair touches my face. If I wasn’t married...there’s a decent chance I’d just shave it all off and be done with it LOL 😆 My ponytail pulled through the back of a baseball hat is I guess what they’d call my “signature look”.

And you think NT’s have bad misophonia? *I’ve jumped out of a moving vehicle before* to get away from the noise of someone chewing loudly/smacking their lips in the back seat (he was a coworker and punching him in the mouth - which is what I DESPERATELY wanted to do - would have gotten me fired 😕)...but humans eating, or dogs licking their junk, makes me want to crawl out of my own skin. It’s mostly humans though....you have *no idea* the level of self discipline it takes to keep me from either rage crying or actually getting violent around someone smacking their mouth during a meal. I *cannot* be around my husband when he’s eating breakfast cereal even though he’s a very mannered eater - I don’t know why, but it’s *so loud* (and I’m terribly hard of hearing) - it sounds like he’s chewing rocks. It took us years to work this problem out LOL - he thought it was dumb that I had such a deeply emotional reaction. Then he tried to “chew quietly”, which all that did was slow down the rock tumbler inside his mouth 😂...gradually, for everyone’s sanity, we realized that cereal eating should not be done in close proximity to each other lololol....and now, when it’s time for family meals around the table, I’ve learned to either keep the range hood fan going (white noise is definitely my friend), or have the TV on. If it’s just mainly the sound of everyone chewing, I simply won’t eat at the table. I lose my appetite. (And all of my dinner guests/family are very polite diners. It’s MY hangup.) Phone calls are another big one. I could probably come up with several reasons why I hate it...I LOATHE it. This is one sensory hangup some people in my family just refuse to accept. I don’t think they realize I equate unexpected or immediately demanded phone calls to running naked though a mall or getting a root canal. Hissssssssss!! Give me some time to prepare myself for this shit please - you’re actually asking a *lot* from me. (And when I do have a call? Ugh I babble and am so awkward, because I’m so effing uncomfortable, which I also hate.)

But here’s an area where my “sensory overload” serves me very well:

Dogs.

I am usually *intensely* dialed into the energy and body language of an animal, but particularly dogs. I’m *so* sensitive to them, that I often actually can feel things even happening behind my back - can basically sense the energy in the area shift. (Roughly 75% of the time. I’m spacey sometimes too LOL.) The work I do with “behaviorally challenged” dogs is the biggest area where I am *grateful* for my autistic mind. I don’t think I could really do the things I do without it, successfully. (I can do this to a large degree with people as well, as can my youngest son. You cannot lie to that boy about your feelings or mood.)

We all have different levels of sensory sensitivity and different triggers, but every autistic I know has several “sensory hangups”. It often is one of our biggest hurdles to deal with, when it comes to “normal functioning”. So, many of us constantly have headphones (or muffs) on, some of us wear sunglasses *all the time*, etc (I wear a baseball hat - and I genuinely don’t like going anywhere where I have to get dressed up and can’t wear my hat. Been like that since my early teens. That hat shields me from all sorts of real and imagined sensory triggers.) You do what you can to mitigate, you know? But my “microdosing shrooms” and “knob dialed to 11 and snapped off” is really the best way I can summarize. (And that’s not all bad - my trips into a new natural space, like the redwoods, is an absolute *thrill*. I also occasionally love sensory overload - many auties do - like rollercoasters. My youngest son and I can ride till we pass out LOL!) So sensory life is love/hate, really....but I don’t think I’d change much about it.

Except the fucking misophonia. I hate that I go into almost a murderous rage over someone just chewing food loudly 🤦🏻‍♀️ - but seriously. It’s impolite anyway. Don’t do it. 😆

———————————————————

Day 11!

Stims

This is one of the biggest areas where neurotypicals struggle to understand us.

We all have stims. Stims are basically any stimulus that brings us joy or comfort. It could be rocking, flapping, walking in tight little circles, clicking your fingernails together, spinning, making weird sounds or whistling, etc. And it’s usually repetitive - that’s the part that gets on people’s nerves.

I’ve found that most *women* hide most of our stims. We only let go and stim our little hearts out when we’re alone. I do that, because some of my stims grate on my husband. Sometimes I don’t WANT to feel “watched” anyway...I’ve noticed males don’t have quite the same issue with that.

I have quiet stims I do to soothe myself, and happy stims. One of my quieter stims when I’m trying to soothe myself (like in public) is clicking my teeth, particularly my right canines. I also have this silicone bite stick I wear around my neck sometimes, that I chew on (my sons like the bite sticks as well). I carry a little bag of fidget toys in my purse, to soothe myself with when I’m stressed. There’s a thing sort of like a fidget cube, a little cowrie shell and twine bracelet that I fiddle with almost like a rosary, a small stuffed axolotyl (her name is Blossom), and a few other toys. My little stash also comes in damn handy when I encounter a bored child LOL!

One of my sons makes funny little sound effects randomly (and he’s grown & still does it). The other used to randomly shriek when he was younger - then he learned how to whistle, so he couldn’t say a whole sentence without punctuating it with little whistles (we actually thought it was adorable).

My favorite stim is putting my headphones on, putting on some favorite music, sitting with my legs crossed, closing my eyes, and rocking. I’m happy to TELL you about this stim, but it’s one I do alone, because I like to get completely lost in it and I can’t do that if I feel I’m being watched...and you’ll damn near give me a heart attack if you touch me while I’m lost in that world. (And boy does it irritate me to get yanked out of that before I’m ready, for some bullshit non emergency reason.) Better to just isolate myself (except my dogs are always with me). Another one I do alone - and I have no idea why i like it so much - is squeaking my bite stick across my teeth. (This one is weird to me because I usually HATE my teeth being touched...yes dentists are a problem.) This one I enjoy doing kind of mindlessly while I read, but damn would it irritate anyone in listening distance LOL...I mean, it would irritate the shit out of ME if someone else was doing it, because *other people’s* repetition, especially if it makes noise, gets on my damned nerves. 🙄 Figures lmao!

Stims can be damaging sometimes, though. Like I used to twist and twirl my hair when I was younger so much that the areas I usually grabbed were frayed and broken (I also chewed my hair sometimes). One stim I cannot break myself of even though sometimes it’ll make me bleed, is chewing the insides of my cheeks or my lips. That’s my most frequent (several times a day) one, and the one that is both gratifying *and* soothing. It’s also the one that’s hardest to suppress.

Some auties are either unaware or literally don’t care how you feel about their stims, but I am and do. I’d like to think I’m pretty “appropriate” *most* of the time with my stims and other people around, except the lip/cheek chewing. If my husband notices I’ve gotten pretty furious about it (even using my hand to push my cheek into optimal biting position), he’ll gently put his hands on mine to bring me back to awareness - if I’m gnawing away, I’m either super stressed or way lost in thought. Either way, I can accidentally hurt myself, so he gently guides me away/distracts me.

Stimming is an important part of Autie life and should not be discouraged unless it hurts Your Pet Autie ™️.

And if you’re looking for a neat gift for an Autie? They actually make stim toy packs. Get them one, they’re fun. ☺️ (Most stim toys are designed to withstand being put in mouths and bitten/chewed, too - LOTS of us have oral fixations.) And hey, even if you’re a NT, try stimming sometime (lots of normal people have stims, they just don’t realize that’s what they are - like nail biting. Bite your nails a lot? Get a bite stick!! God they’re so satisfying!)....

Happy stimming!

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Day 12!

“Favorite Autism Charity”

This one is short and easy: ASAN. Autism Self Advocacy Network.

“The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a nonprofit organization run by and for individuals with autism. According to its mission statement, the Network’s goal is ‘to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us.’”

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Day 13!

“Family”

Well that’s kinda ambiguous, isn’t it? 😒

I’ll start with this tack:

Being an autistic mom with autistic kids.

I mean for years, none of us KNEW LOL - and maybe that’s what took me so long to get around to pursuing a formal diagnosis for my youngest. To me, for the longest time, he was just sensitive and different like me (same with my oldest, for the most part, but I’m pretty sure that was me buying into the “brilliant people are just fucking weird ok” mindset also), yannow? So it was like, “well mama always told me I’d have one like me & then know what I put her through” 🙄 My oldest got lumped into the “all bright kids are quirky” category - but as I learned about ASD through my youngest and myself, it became damn obvious the oldest was also in our camp. (He’s taken the prelim test now anyway, but is not formally diagnosed.) I genuinely believe that our “shared weirdness” binds us very tightly to each other - and I’m super pleased about that.

It brought a whole new level of understanding and awareness within our little family when we realized it was ASD I guess - and acceptance. (I 100% believe that diagnosis - or even affirmation - is critical to our self acceptance and understanding.) I wouldn’t trade my little family for anything, and consider myself remarkably blessed. I can talk about how complex and brilliant my boys are ALL day (and often do LOL). Hubby is neurodivergent, and can identify with (or at least sympathize with) MANY of our hangups....but he’s “normal” enough that he’s been able to guide us (mostly me) with things like how to use tact (not often a skill we naturally possess lmao). My heart breaks when I read posts by auties whose families either don’t understand or don’t accept them & are constantly trying to basically mute who they are. Auties “live out loud”, and some people find that off putting. I know growing up, I was constantly getting my ass chewed for being “dramatic” or too sensitive, too, so I shut down and hid my sensitivity far, far away. I’m only *lately* (last few years) discarding that silly tough girl mask. (I can still be quite the little wolverine at times, but I’m not afraid to show my soft sensitive actual self anymore...to stay soft in today’s fucked up world takes actual courage - a lot of it - and strength. I was looking at the concept of being “strong” entirely the wrong way.)

I swear my husband has lived with nearly as many phases and facets, as years we’ve been together. Sometimes I ask him if this ever bothers him. He says no, because who I am at my core never changes...and he grins and says “and you damn sure aren’t boring” 😂

But since I’ve known I’m autistic, I’ve given myself more freedom to discover who I am without these socially dictated parameters. And permission to be precisely who I am, without cringing apologies when the real me shines through awkwardly.

And my husband and boys have been there every step of the way, embracing me, as we do with them. ♥️

Yeah. I love my family. We’re some pretty cool people. 😁

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aelowan · 3 years

Text

Special Delivery – A Books of Binding Short Story

Cian woke in the dark to an urgent rapping on his bedroom door. Winter’s low voice carried through the wood. “Cian, we’re on.”

Cian sat up in bed, trying to parse that. On? On what? English wasn’t his first language and sometimes idioms — he hoped it was an idiom — tripped him up. He pulled his jeans on and made his groggy way across the spacious room to find Winter on the other side of his door, dressed in her usual loose dress and cardigan, her purple bag over her shoulder and her surgical bag heavy in her hand. She hadn’t taken the time to put her hip-length white hair up in a bun, and it rode one shoulder in a careless braid.

She was lovely.

He pushed his own long, sleep-tousled hair out of his face. “What are we on?”

A small, exhausted smile played about her lips, and he wanted to kiss her until the shadows under her ice-blue eyes faded away. “’On’ means it’s showtime,” she explained, not terribly effectively. What was a ‘showtime?’ “We have a delivery to attend. Corinne’s started bleeding heavily, and Doc says she can’t stop it.”

Cian’s brows shot to his hairline. The Lion Queen? Oh shit. “Is it the placenta previa? She’s five weeks early.” Which wasn’t too terribly early for a human or a vampire, but with a therian’s five-and-a-half-month gestation it could make things complicated.

Winter nodded. “Which means that either she got pregnant during an earlier heat than we thought, or the placenta’s started pulling away from her uterus, which I think is the more likely. Either way, I suspect we need to deliver the baby tonight. If she’s having contractions it will tear the placenta apart, leading to hemorrhaging. Now, you get dressed, and I’ll wake up Etienne so he can drive you out to Xanadu on the motorcycle. I need you at the top of your game, and making you ride with me in the Bug with its old steel chassis won’t help with that.” She sighed. “I really do need a new car.”

Cian shuddered at the thought of riding in the Bug. He’d ridden in more than one older model vehicle and gotten sick in the process. He was sidhe, though, and not a lesser fae, so sick was the extent of it. A lesser fae might come away with more serious injury or even death. The little pixies in the gardens here on the Point avoided Winter’s vintage car at all costs. “Yeah, a new one would be good. Maybe we can go shopping for one this weekend?”

Winter gave him a tired smile, but tired as she was it still reached her eyes. Cian couldn’t have said that only a few weeks ago. “Yes, maybe.” She checked the time on her phone. “We need to head out as soon as possible. Doc is perfectly capable of performing a c-section if she needs to, but I’d rather be there in case things get complicated. I’ll meet you in the foyer in five minutes.”

Cian shut the door as Winter moved toward Etienne’s room and turned to get ready. It was just the three of them rattling around in this huge house, where once there had been dozens of wizards, all part of the extensive Mulcahy family. He could tell that Winter liked having the company, and he liked it, too. So did Etienne.

Long hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, worn boots and a new sweatshirt against the mid-November chill, his silk-lined riding chaps to protect him from the Harley’s frame, and he was ready to ride as soon as he got his helmet and riding jacket together. Worry for Corinne dueled with excitement. This would be his first time attending a birth. He’d assisted Winter with several surgeries already, but Corinne was the community member closest to delivering and currently the highest-risk pregnancy. She was also one of Winter’s closest friends, and Winter said she felt better knowing he would be backing her up with his healing gift. Cian was happy to help.

Etienne was still putting his auburn hair up into a ponytail in the high style he preferred as he hit the stairs and nodded to Cian. “Get your things. It’s going to be a cold ride, even for you.” His red plaid overshirt was slung about his neck and the new black gun rig for his old Glock jostled lightly against his chest with each stairstep he took.

Cian stood at the bottom of the double staircase beside Winter and watched the faerie knight descend, his bootheels thudding softly on each wide tread. He waved a hand indicating the Glock under Etienne’s left arm. “Expecting trouble?”

Etienne smirked and pulled on the overshirt as he touched down from the last step. “Always. This is Seahaven, after all.”

Winter shook her head and offered a rueful smile but didn’t disagree. “I’ve got the car loaded and ready to go. Be careful out there. The roads might be a bit slick after that rain.”

Etienne’s smile stretched into a rake-hell grin and Cian felt his belly flop. By Dagda, Etienne had a sexy smile. “A little rain isn’t going to stop us. Now, let’s go help Corinne.”

Cian handed Etienne his helmet and his old worn leather coat before getting into his own, new, silk lined coat. Winter’d had it made for him when she’d noticed he was showing about an inch of wrist below the cuff of his old one.

Winter hitched her bag up higher on her shoulder, determination showing in her eyes. “Okay, let’s do this.”

The rain had subsided to a sprinkle, which did nothing for making the ride out to Xanadu any safer. Etienne sat a little higher in his seat, vigilant, and managed to avoid most of the puddles.

Most.

Cian tried to ignore his cold, wet boots as the three of them pulled into the covered Xanadu employee parking lot, Winter leading the way in her yellow Bug. They were met at the back entrance to the primary hotel that crowned the largest island in the resort complex. Corinne owned all of the islands in Eriksson Bay, and employed both the dolphins and the selkies as well as her entire large pride of lions. Scores of humans worked in the park, too, but they were offered only limited access. No need for some curious teenager to die just because they got a peek behind the Veil of Secrecy.

Santiago, Corinne’s husband, mate, and Chief of Security, waved as they approached the private elevator. Worry etched deep lines into his brow, cutting into his light brown skin. Cian noticed that he’d shaved his head, but it was already showing fine stubble with the force of his therian regeneration. “Winter, thank god you’re here.” His English was flavored with rich Cuban Spanish, as were most of the lions he had brought with him from Miami to merge with Corinne’s lioness-heavy pride.

Winter offered up a confident smile and gave the Lion King a quick hug. “It’ll be all right. I can get little Bella out in under a minute if I need to.”

Cian knew that Winter’d had to perform emergency c-sections in the past and knew what she was doing. Therian couldn’t get sick or infected, but they could develop conditions that put a pregnancy at risk, like Corinne’s placenta previa. Most therian lived on the edge of society, victims of poverty, abuse, and malnutrition. Pregnancy loss and high infant mortality were common.

But that wasn’t a concern with Corinne tonight. The Lion Queen led one of the biggest groups in Seahaven and was one of the most powerful and wealthiest therian on the West Coast.

Santiago ushered the three of them into the elevator and swiped his resort ID through the reader, granting them access to the private floors and the penthouse where the pride lived. “Doc says Corinne and the baby are both holding steady, even with the blood loss. She’s got both of them on monitors.”

Winter looked to Cian. “With heavy bleeding, what is keeping Corinne and Bella stable?”

Cian thought about that for a moment. “It’s Corinne. She’s strong enough that her healing ability is regenerating blood before she can lose too much, so Bella isn’t being stressed.” He paused. “Yet. There’s a limit to how long her body can heal itself and maintain the baby at the same time. She’s burning through an incredible amount of calories, and once she’s depleted, she’ll be vulnerable.”

Winter smiled her approval. “Excellent. You’re picking this up quickly.”

Etienne looked pleased but said nothing.

Santiago listened intently, tension singing across the backs of his hands, stress making his dark-eyed gaze intense. “But you can save her — save them — can’t you, Winter?”

Winter exuded confidence even as Cian could feel her exhaustion through the veil of his healing gift. “I’m here to fight. We’ll get Corinne through this.”

They exited the elevator one floor below the penthouse where Corinne and Santiago lived and travelled at a brisk pace past closed doors and the soft sounds of sleeping lions until Santiago pushed open a set of frosted glass doors at the end of the hall.

Doctor Gloria Park’s domain.

Glass, chrome, and bright lights, the small clinic and surgery suite gleamed like a shrine to modern medicine. Winter’s backroom clinic was smaller and homier — and a lot busier — but Cian could tell by the way she glanced around that Winter admired it and all of the shiny toys Doc had to play with.

Cian had to admit that he did, too.

“Doc, they’re here.” Santiago raised his voice just enough to be heard on the other side of the two frosted glass doors that bracketed the main room of the clinic.

Doc emerged from the door on the right, butting it open with a hip, her gloved hands marked by blood and ruddy betadine. A bloody streak smeared wet across her white coat at the waist, but she ignored it. She flashed a quick smile of greeting at the new arrivals, her slightly hooded eyes crinkling at the corners and tugging at her small epicanthal folds, her short, no-nonsense, black hair tucked beneath a surgery bonnet. “Excellent timing. I’m prepping Corinne now. How do you want to do this?”

Winter took her surgery bag from Etienne and began moving toward the surgery suite. “I think we should first administer my painkiller potion, and then once it kicks in, we can take a closer look.” She gestured to the blood on Doc’s coat and hands. “Is that all hers?” In any place other than Seahaven that might have been an odd question, but Cian was quickly learning that chaos seemed to reign above all, here.

Doc made a short shrugging gesture. “This time, yes. Contractions started about an hour ago.”

Winter nodded, all business. “Then we’ve got no time to waste. Santiago, do you want to come in and keep Corinne company?”

Santiago smiled, visibly relieved. “Si. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Etienne crossed his arms and leaned a hip against a table. “I’ll wait out here. Haven’t attended a birth in a while, but I bet it’s going to be crowded enough in there as it is.”

Winter flashed the faerie knight a warm smile of gratitude and pushed through the door, Cian close behind her, Doc and Santiago bringing up the rear.

The surgery suite was small, but airy and brightly lit. Corinne sat reclined in the center of the room, gravid belly painted a lurid yellow-red with betadine, long red hair tucked into a surgery bonnet to keep it out of the way, full lips looking pale. Even still, she was glamorous. She opened her eyes as they entered the room, and she smiled a tired smile. “Hey there.”

Winter returned the smile with one of her own as she pulled out a surgery bonnet for herself and passed another to Cian. “Ready to have a baby tonight?”

Corinne chuckled softly and reached out for Santiago’s hand as he reached her side. “You have no idea. But someday you will.”

Winter’s smile turned a bit wistful. “Maybe.” Cian wanted to hold her, just for a moment. He knew she expected to die young, like the rest of the Mulcahy line. She was the last.

Cian found a chair and brought it to Santiago so he could sit at Corinne’s head.

Santiago took the seat and stroked Corinne’s forehead. “Mi corazón.”

Winter tucked her long braid into the surgery bonnet and Cian followed suit. “This is going to go very fast. Your contractions tore the placenta and that’s what’s causing the bleeding. It’s still a total occlusion, still entirely blocking the cervix, as we saw on the ultrasound during your checkup last week.”

Corinne gave a single nod, exhaustion and worry etched into the corners of her eyes. “Did I do something wrong? She’s so early.”

Winter shook her head no and dug into her surgical bag. “Sometimes babies just come early. Nobody’s at fault.” She looked at the monitors showing both Corinne and the baby’s vitals and Cian followed her gaze. Both were holding steady so far. “But Bella’s at a good weight. She should be fine. And your strength is keeping her that way. But I still want to get her out with all speed. We need your bleeding to stop.” As she spoke, she pulled a tumbler from the bag, filled it with cool water, and added three drops of light blue potion, drops that never quite mixed in, instead swirling about like whisps of metallic smoke. “Here, drink all of this down as fast as you can.”

Corinne took the tumbler and knocked it back, then locked her jaw as her entire body shuddered. “Good lord, what was that?”

Winter retrieved the tumbler before it ended up on the floor. “Painkiller potion. It will last for a few hours. It also gives us the ability to go in after little Bella without you feeling any pain and without giving you enough human anesthetic to knock out the Fifth Fleet.” Cian knew from Winter’s explanations that therian could burn through human drugs at an alarming rate. Only magical solutions could withstand their incredible metabolisms.

Corinne shuddered one more time, and then leaned back with a sigh and closed her eyes. “Oh. Oh, that’s much better. Thank you.”

Winter gave her friend’s hand a squeeze. “Good. Now let’s meet your daughter and get that bleeding stopped.” She shrugged out of her sweater and pulled a couple of scrub tops out of the surgery bag, handing one over to Cian. “This is going to be pretty straight forward,” she began to explain, mostly to Cian. Doc already knew what she was doing. “Cian, I want you as tech on this so you can get as much experience as possible. You’ll suction the amniotic fluid out of our way, and I’d like you to use your touch healing to tack Corinne back together once we deliver the placenta, so she heals correctly. Corinne is strong enough that she’ll probably heal faster than I can suture her. Doc, if you can keep the incisions open long enough for me to go in and get the baby and the placenta, we can get her delivered in the next few minutes.”

Doc gave a thoughtful look at her queen’s belly and then to the monitors. “I think that’s reasonable. The bassinet’s already warming, so you can just plop the baby in there while you deliver the placenta and we get the bleeding stopped, and then as soon as the umbilical cord stops pulsing, we can cut it.” She cast a grin at Santiago, who was massaging Corinne’s temples. “Feel like cutting the cord?”

A smile spread across Santiago’s handsome face. “Si. I thought that was just a TV thing.”

Doc let out a soft chuckle. “No, it can be a dad thing, too. Bella’s welcome to the world.”

Winter handed Cian a clean absorbent pad, and he replaced the blood-soaked one beneath Corinne, tossing it into the operating room trash with the rest of them. He could only thank Dagda that she was a therian, and a queen. A human would be in dire straits by now.

Doc lifted an electrocautery scalpel from its tray, the steel glinting under the bright lights, a long wire stretching to the base of the machine beside her. “Ready when you are.”

Winter explored Corinne’s belly, feeling out the position of the baby within. “She’s breech, which is normal with placenta previa. First incision down here, across the lower abdomen, and then we very carefully cut into the uterus.”

Doc snorted. “Don’t teach me to suck eggs, kid.”

An amused smile tugged at Winter’s mouth. “Yes, ma’am. Cian, get ready with the suction, please.”

Cian flipped the machine on and held the wand at the ready, tucking himself against Corinne’s side opposite of Santiago so he could both reach and stay out of the way. He’d done this in surgery with Winter before. There had just never been a baby involved. It didn’t make him nervous, though. Winter had faith in him.

Winter shifted just a little to the side to give Doc more room. “All right, let’s do this.”

Doc spread her fingers across Corinne’s lower abdomen, her hands rock-steady, and made the first deft incision, a tiny whiff of smoke rising as she made the long cut, stopping bleeding before it could start, exposing the flesh of Corinne’s uterus. “Get the retractors ready,” Doc murmured to no one in particular.

Winter reached around her and picked up the two steel retractors, looking for all the world like salad tongs to Cian’s mind. He’d used them before, but the first impression was always the lasting one.

Doc carefully centered her scalpel and indicated a small band of muscle just to the side of her hand. “Pay attention to this, Cian.” Her voice was low with concentration. “Corinne is a lioness, and her uterus works a little differently than a human’s. Instead of basically just being nestled in place by the other abdominal structures, it’s held in place at two points, acting as shock absorbers. She’s built to hunt and fight while pregnant.” Doc shifted the position of her scalpel. “We don’t want to cut those, so we’re making a bit of a smaller incision instead.”

Cian nodded, absorbing the lesson. “Will the baby still fit through?”

Doc nodded. “It’ll just be a tighter squeeze, but she’ll be fine.” Doc deftly nicked the edges of the first incision, pushing against Corinne’s healing ability. “Cutting now.” She pierced the uterine wall without hesitation, drawing another long, bloodless, horizontal line across Corinne’s abdomen.

Immediately a tiny foot appeared, pressed against the intact, translucent amniotic sac. Winter smiled as she applied the retractors. “Very nice.”

Doc grinned. “It’s what we do. Ready to catch?”

Winter nodded. “Trade you.”

Doc and Winter traded tools in a dance born out of years of practice. Doc had been Winter’s primary teacher as she learned trauma surgery, after the death of her Aunt Curiosity.

Winter cut into the amniotic sac with a delicate touch, careful of the moving baby beneath. Cian shifted behind her, suctioning fluid as best he could, until Winter slipped her hands inside and began to ease the baby out.

Corinne’s eyes widened. “Oh, that feels weird. How does she look?”

Winter slipped a hand further into Corinne’s uterus, sloshing fluid over her wrists and onto the pad. “Well, all I see right now is her little butt, but her head is coming free… right… now.”

Corinne raised her head, eager for a peek. “Can I see her?”

Winter mopped the tiny baby’s face off with a pad that Cian handed her, suctioned her little nose and mouth, and held her where Corinne and Santiago could see just in time for Bella to raise her first vigorous objections to being pulled from her warm retreat. Winter beamed. “Look what you two did.”

Santiago’s eyes reddened with joy and he kissed Corinne’s cheek. “She has your hair, mi corazón.”

Corinne grinned, unable to take her eyes off the baby. “She’s beautiful. Just beautiful.”

“And messy.” Winter handed Bella off to Cian, who wrapped her in an absorbent pad and carried her to the cozy bassinet. She was so tiny, and so fierce. “Let me finish this with Doc and Cian’s help and then she’s all yours.”

***

If you like this story, check out our other free short fiction and all things Seahaven at https://www.aelowan.com.

#The Books of Binding #therian #lion #wizard #fae #sidhe #childbirth #pregnancy #placenta previa #premature baby #premie #Winter Mulcahy #Cian #Corinne Lyons-de Vera #Santiago de Vera #Doc Gloria Park

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rotten-games · 4 years

Note

would you mind posting the visual descriptions of the ROs ? i'd like it for future reference!! also i love the demo ALSO i love childhood friend arke thank you for my life sweet author

I don’t mind at all, I’ve been meaning to redo the ROs descriptions for a while now so this just got my ass into gear. I’m glad you like it!

Ardwen: Ardwen isa lithe high elf, with long platinum blond hair that almost appears to glow inlow light. He could be described as pretty, with a slender frame and manicurednails, but it’s often better not to trust the man at face value. He has buckteeth and some freckling across his nose, his ears almost looking too big for histhin face.

Arke: Arke is awell-muscled young human man with burn scars that cover almost half of hisbody. His eyes are an unnatural gold, something that has unnerved countlessover the years, that give him an almost feral look. His brown hair is messy andlong, his face covered with some stubble. He has countless other scars thatcover his chest, though there almost always seem to be scabs on his arms.

Bex: Bex is a largehalf-orc, as most half-orcs tend to be, but he is probably a bit smaller thanaverage. The tusks that jut out from his mouth are quite thick and large, hisbody comprised of muscle and fat that is common amongst his people. His earsare quite pointed, perhaps alluding to an elven parentage and his eyes are awild yellow. His face is covered with a bushy beard, his hair long but kept outof his face. His nose appears to have been broken one too many times, and he hasbeen branded with the mark of a criminal on his neck, something he tries tohide.

Calyssa: With themuscles of someone who has spent her life training and riding, Calyssa is knownas a monster on the battlefield for a reason. Her curly brown hair was shavedshort but is now growing in, her eyes narrow and dark. What scars she has seemto be paid no mind. She wears an ornamental dagger on her hip, a memento fromher late wife.

Druvel: Druvel istall, and strong, though more graceful than a typical soldier. His black hairis tied into a long braid he wraps around his shoulders and his eyes are a verydeep purple that almost appear black. Like all infernals, his mouth is full of razor-sharpteeth, retractable claws coloured black and a pair of horns that curl atop hishead, though his resemble that of a ram. His tail drags behind him as he walks.He has many tattoos down his back and chest, often marked by scarring. Perhapsthe most prominent is a jagged scar that is cut across his jugular.

Emil: Emil is asmall human man with a face covered in freckles and neat ginger hair. His eyesare green and though once he may have had little to no muscle, he has put onsome weight over the years spent as a mercenary. There is a large scar runningdown the side of his face that looks to be from some kind of wild animalattack.

Ettia: Ettia is tallwith little musculature, her body more suited to the pursuits of magic thananything else. Her blonde hair is thick, usually tied into a braid thatcascades down her back, and her eyes are a pale blue that never quite appear tobe looking straight at you. Her back is covered in whip lashes, raised scarringfrom a past she seems detached from when asked about.

Gwyn: Like his sister,Gwyn is tall and blond, with the typical appearance of a wood elf, though hishair is cut short and his blue eyes are perhaps a bit deeper than hers. He hasan average amount of musculature, probably lither than built like a brick houseand more suited to stealth and strategy than frontal assaults. There’s somethingfaraway about his gaze at all times, like he isn’t quite there.

Herron: Herron isof average height for a human, with messy ruddy brown hair pulled back into anequally as messy low ponytail. He wears a pair of broken spectacles, which do nothingto hide the dark bags under his eyes. His robes never seem to quite, his face always covered in stubble that he gave upshaving long ago.

Keller: Tall andmuscled, Keller is the very model of an Atmari leader with mastery over her weaponof choice and her people’s healing magics. Her hair is almost always tied back behindher head so it doesn’t get in the way, revealing her brown eyes and the tattoosthat cover one side of her face. The tattoos extend down over her back, as ifher skin is a canvas.

Korrin: Korrin isthin, almost to the point of looking unhealthy, their body all skin and boneseven standing taller than most half-elves. Their black hair hangs over theirshoulders and their milky eyes are unseeing. Golden piercings cover their face,fangs quite obvious in their mouth. They are a half elf, just what their non-elfhalf is, is unknown.

Lokeira: Lithe andsmall, Lokeira prides himself on his ability to blend into the background, ofgoing unnoticed in a crowd, which is quite hard for an infernal to do in aplace like Hadaria. His skin is mottled with scales, a long, thin, tailextending and dragging on the ground. He has a pair of fangs jutting up out ofhis mouth much like orcs do, his eyes bright red that appear to glow in thedark. His hair is silver and long, always either tucked up into a loose tail orleft hanging over his shoulders, his horns curling over the back of his headare a deep red colour.

Necrolym: Ofaverage height, Necrolym is well-muscled and proud human man. His body is litteredwith small scars, his hands calloused from years of use, though most notably hehas a nick in his right brow from an old wound. His eyes are a grey-blue, hishair a shaggy and messy dirty-blond. He has a mole underneath his left eye.

Nox: A tiny womanstanding at 4’0”, Nox is made of mostly of the muscle and fat of a gladiator.Her body is covered in scars that she doesn’t bother to hide, her body markedwith the usual dwarven patterns of bioluminescent skin that might have lit herway in the dark tunnels her ancestors built. Her hair is black, thick, andwild, but tamed into a short style with an undercut, her chin lightly stubbled.Her eyes are bright yellow.

Qora: Qora issmall and compact, with strong arms and an impassive face. She could never passfor human—her ears are too long and her hair is too short—but she’s neverparticularly wanted to. Her eyes are a dark green, her hair a dull brown, andall her clothing seems absolutely suited to blending in with her surroundings.Due to recent events, she wears an eyepatch over her left eye, which is mutilatedbeyond repair.

Severa: Severa is madeof hard angles and muscle, standing at around 5’4” but not allowing it to makeher seem small. Her shoulders are broad and, being a half-elf, her ears areslightly pointed, but she could pass easily as human if she so wished. Her hairis dark and long, typically pulled into a loose bun atop her head, but she cannever be bothered to brush it as she probably should. Dark brown, almost black,eyes are framed by an equally as angular face marred by scarring.

Spotter: Short andthin, Spotter is comprised of skin and bone and not much else. Their entirebody is covered in freckles, eyes green and curious, while on their head sits amessy bed of curly red hair that never agrees to be tamed. Their clothes areshabby, always having holes or burn marks in them, and they never seem to bewithout their fair share of bumps and scars.

#ROs #Emil is a manlet confirmed #im just gonna put thishere but Druvel was once an actor #going from being an exotic dancer and actor to joining a cult to then being a pirate #wild life #ratellini

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