#as a child mine would have been a tiger for sure | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

writingcold · 7 months

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Hi. Welcome to Chapter 25. We are nearly there. I will be posting the Epilogue around noon, CST today.

If you are just joining us, you can find the Master List to the series here

@lvnterninthenight, @gardensgatedaisy and @whitesuitjake, thank you. Just thank you.

This is a work of fiction, and is totally mine. Please do not take it for your own personal use. I’ve put in hours of research, hours upon hours of writing, re-writing, screaming, yelling and vomiting over this epic of a story. But it is mine.

Content warning: 18+ only story. Violence. Angst.

Word count: approx. 6800

Chapter Twenty Five: Safety and Endings - Cora POV

The ragtag family wearily stepped onto the platform in Arbor Vitae nearly seven days after their flight from Iron Mountain. Instead of taking the passenger train that would have had them to their destination in less than a day, they had meandered across the landscape of the Upper Peninsula, down through the state line of Wisconsin and nearly touched the Minnesota border before taking the milk train back to the east. The goods route stopped every eight to twelve miles to gather materials or distribute them in a long drawn process that had left the family exhausted.

Unlike Cora’s previous trip, Dotty and Lucas were unaware of their presence and were not there in town to welcome them. Instead, the careworn family would walk the nearly seven miles to the north to reunite quietly with their family. Cora caught sight of wary eyes as they walked through the snippet of town. She was sure they looked rough. Instead of concerning herself with the suspicious gazes, she turned her attention to Georgie. The boy did not complain a single peep, despite nearly dragging behind Sam’s heels. The man held his hand, keeping an eye on the youngest member of the clan.

Following the trail north, Sam seemed to know the route to take and the others just followed in kind. The late July sun was unforgiving as the day progressed. Cora’s heart ached. She wondered if her mother would comment on the ultimate failure that pulsed at her daughter’s fringes. Their current state was questionable at best. It was not supposed to be them walking this dusty, hot path, jobless, homeless. The boys should be in school, not nearly dropping from exhaustion. She should be working in the mercantile shop and general store - not the Tiger, not the bank. She had stretched her wings for fifteen months only to have them clipped at the worst of moments. Jacob had given her the support to fly, and his forced absence only depleted the family all the more.

“The boys need a rest,” Molly grumbled as she wiped at her brow.

“I’m good Mrs. Molly,” Georgie piped up, his voice a trill across the hot breeze.

“You’re as stubborn as your sister, kid,” she said back with a sharp look.

“I’ll take that as a good thing,” the child said back with a thick strain of sass. “My sisters are strong.”

Daniel set the three bags he carried down before helping Molly to sit. Sam nearly dropped where he stood. He looked painfully young as he yanked his hat off and pushed back the thick hair from his face. Georgie had developed quite the fondness and decided to plunk down beside his friend. Sam flopped back in the grass and the young boy mirrored him. Cora wondered if he would ever recover from losing Susannah. The violence of the moment would be devastating enough, but as events unfolded, the time to heal had been sprinted across and ignored.

Cora sat next to Molly, their hands entwined without her even realizing it. The once boisterous woman had been replaced with an ill-ease and quietness. She wondered if Molly could shift, grow into the life that was before her. A glance to Daniel betrayed her thoughts, though it would seem he also was sharing her concerns. She remained crisp at times, but it was like the stuffing had been taken out, leaving behind a shadow of the friend she had known.

She could not ignore her constant hollow sense that Jacob’s absence had left behind. It was as if half her breath filled her body, half her blood nourished her flesh. And yet, she pushed herself on. Put one foot in front of the other. Showed no slowness, or hesitation as Samuel and Daniel led them on. She could not, however, hide her search every stop the slow train made - every eight to twelve miles in hopes that Jacob had caught up to them. Walking in a foreign land, though it was not too different from Kingsford, he surely could appear at the bend of each corner, or be waiting atop the swell of a hill.

It took the rest of the morning to walk the remainder of the way to the Baroski farm. Cora felt her insides clench as they walked up the hill towards a tall, white painted wood clad house. A thin woman appeared on the porch, an infant in her arms. Another woman stepped off the stairs, her arm in the air in a wave. Her heart skipped at the sight.

“Junebug!” Georgie squealed, tearing off before the group in a sprint.

Jon, followed by Matthew, took off like shots towards their sister. Cora heard her mother let out a soft sound of relief. Drawing closer, she felt her chest swell as the boys swamped their sister. In Dorothy’s arms, a beautiful baby girl curled her chubby, pink fingers through wisps of her hair. The child’s starling blue eyes were just like Junie’s had once been - full of joy and the love that surrounded her. Cora introduced Rosemary to the woman as she moved towards them.

Dotty grinned as she moved closer to Rosemary. “This is Cora Rose,” she said as the baby bounced against her. “Best little girl ever.”

Rosemary’s eyes were liquid as she looked upon her daughters. She whispered a coo of disbelief at the beauty before her. The child fit right into her arms, her bright eyes instantly studying the face that was close. Cora felt a snap break free in her chest as Junie moved for her, her arms out to grasp hold of her. She could feel her body trembling against her sister.

Dotty was quick to assign corners and areas so as to keep the peace among all the dynamic personalities. Sam and the boys holed up with Lucas in the bunkhouse. Cora squeezed in with Junie and Cora Rose. Daniel and Molly took the front bedroom until such a time a place could be procured for the newlyweds. Rosemary was assigned her own space next to Dot’s room. The first night was wild with tired tempers and the family looking to just stop. Cora was caught off guard by Danny as she walked between the bunk house and the main house. He sat on the porch, his face drawn with weariness. He grinned sheepishly as she approached.

“How is Molly?” she asked as she sat down in the chair next to him.

He shrugged. “Exhausted, like the rest of us.”

Cora pulled her arms tight around her middle. She breathed into the moment. “I’m worried about her,” she admitted, her voice quiet.

“I am, too,” he returned. “I’m worried about us all.”

Her brows pinched. He grinned in her direction but remained quiet for a stretch. Daniel had always been a presence, a spirit that seemed to support everyone he was near. Though they had spoken on occasion, it was never beyond pleasantries. However, within those lines of conversation, Daniel instilled a silent structure that the whole family had built itself upon.

“At least for the time being, we are here,” she sighed. “A little work and a comfortable home seems to be right for now.”

He raised his brows. “I’m not sure how long we’ll be here. Molly needs…”

“Not to be on a farm,” Cora remarked with a nod.

A tide of laughter spilled out of his mouth that warmed the air between them. Cora grinned. His sound was infectious and she realized she needed to absorb some of his sudden lightness. She loved her friend with all of her heart, but the idea of asking the woman to help milk the cows, feed the chickens, or muck out stalls would bring a fury the likes of hellfire would surely be jealous of.

“I will be watching the papers, Cora,” he said, his tone turning serious. “I think for now, we need to rest. I’ll take Sam and see about purchasing a truck to make going to town easier for you all.”

“Will you stay in town?” she asked as her hands swiped away a mosquito. “I don't think it would be best if you are too far removed.”

“Oh, I don’t think we’ll go far,” he answered. “I think out here will be good for Sam, though. I appreciate how your brothers have taken to looking after him. It’s good.”

“Georgie has been something, hasn’t he?” she remarked, a soft grin pulling at her mouth.

Daniel shifted, his dark eyes growing troubled. “You know that we are essentially dead, Cora. That has been our price in all of this. We have chosen for our fathers to walk away. To strip them of their sons.”

She sat back against the chair, folding her arms across her chest against the sudden chill under her skin. “It cannot be for always, Daniel, but for now that you remove yourselves, correct?”

“Susannah and Sam used to say that about the Lantern,” a look of stark grief passed through his features that made her breath catch. “She was so ready to be done with that life. She was ready to be a wife and be settled. Sam would tell her that it was just for now, not always. She needed to just endure a little longer.”

She watched as he leaned over his legs, his hands swiping across his eyes before he stood with a soft sound from his throat. “I guess we are the ones who must endure now. Start new. Perhaps when we are old men, we will be smarter than our fathers and be able to hold on to our families.”

Cora frowned as he leaned forward against the rail. “Jacob said your fathers had no choice when approached by Diamante’s men.”

“There’s always a choice,” he grumbled. “There’s always some kind of choice, even in the bleakest of moments. My father could not see a way around it. Mr. Kiszka wanted to gather us all and disappear that moment where they knew there was supposedly no other choice. My father’s choice was because of my mother’s fragility. Life on the road would not have been gentle. Why Mr. Kiszka chose to remain at his partner’s side in light of this, was his own decision.”

“Loyalty?” she asked, her voice meek.

He snorted, but turned back to look at her. “He is much like his sons in that manner, I suppose. I am sorry that the likelihood of you meeting Jacob’s family is thin.”

“I just need for him to come home,” she whispered to keep from expelling the bottled emotions that were threatening like a soda eruption.

“Oh, he’ll get here,” Daniel grinned as he reached out to touch her hand. “Of that, I have no doubt.”

The warmth of his gaze flooded her as he moved towards the screen door. She listened to his soft interaction with his wife before he entered the house leaving her alone. Cora watched the horizon, projecting all of herself to evening like a beacon for her love to return.

Routine had settled in quickly. Mornings found everyone in the barn with a task to complete. By midmorning, Lucas and Sam had the boys under their wings on some project while the women would be in the garden. Afternoons were about getting evening meals ready while the men took care of the end of day barn work. The need to remain close outweighed the need for space, so the men were putting up a small cottage for Daniel and Molly on the edge of the yard that Dotty could then pass on to Lucas when time for a family arose. The blush that crossed Junie’s cheeks at the notion had left little in the way of who could provide that family.

Daniel had found news rags that had blurbs about the upset in Kingsford that outlined what supposedly had happened. Sam scoffed over every other word that framed the Kiszkas to be murdering scum that were presumed dead having disappeared from the city, away from the clutches of the U.S. Marshals and Sheriffs Porter and Moore. After the bloody aftermath that revealed an abandoned speakeasy and crooked ties to the bank, the family had run like the dogs they truly were. A few days after the sensational splash, there was a small article with words from Doctor Boone that stated he had attempted to treat the twin brothers, but neither survived. Cora’s body had jolted from the porch as Sam had read the words as if they were comical. Despite knowing that this was part of the ruse did not lessen the blow that the existence of her Jacob was questioned.

The nights had begun to stretch longer, the air turning cooler as August rolled through. The sky was violent with lightning as Cora stood side by side with Junie, cleaning the dishes from the evening meal. Junie had changed. Her entity was quieter, more protective of herself. Her eyes would stray to her daughter in times where she could not discern panic from joy, whether she needed to run or hold her ground. Cora felt her heart break a little more at the way Junie was always looking around her, seeking validation to allow herself to laugh, to talk, to participate in the family around her.

“It was supposed to be you,” she whispered as she stacked the plates and bowls after she dried them. “Harold had talked with Mother about you first. Pastor Butterman directed that man to our family. Said that you, Cora, were strong of body and meek of spirit. A good choice for a man such as he.”

Cora had known. Archer had proclaimed it that day in the bank, but she had known even before then. Butterman’s slip on the wedding day had never sat well. Cora’s stomach churned as she tried and failed to bring words to her lips. There was nothing that could be uttered to soothe the moment.

“I heard that failing every day while I was in that house,” Junie continued. “It was my fault I was not you. How dare I not have the body to take him and give him what he needed. How dare I not just take it and be fine. It was a nightmare from the moment I woke up to the moment I woke up. There was no respite.”

Cora felt a touch, featherlight on her hand in the dishwater. Looking down, Junie had slid her hand into her own. Looking into her sister’s face was like looking into the eyes of a stranger that held some glimmer of familiarity, but not enough to let her heart know that she knew this person. Her sister was no longer the girl that shivered in the heat. Nor was she the frail spirited slip of a girl that would gasp and giggle and turn beet red as they read amorous poetry on the backside of the barn that they knew they should not be reading. This was a woman who knew hardness. Viciousness. She had survived. She had been reborn into this being that Cora was going to have to learn and discover how to prove once more to Junie that she could be a sister.

“He said that I wouldn’t remember what happened, not with what he drugged me up with. But he lied. I remember each and every face that I was forced to take. That includes the bastard minister who wanted Harold to have you. His was another voice that I was and would never be as good as you.”

Cora’s stomach clenched in pain. Her brain knew it was bad. Her spirit had whispered that Junie survived unmentionable horror. She felt the prickle of anger and tears and sorrow behind her eyes. But the absolute depth of the depravity that had etched into her sister’s skin was raised like fresh scars that had been lit aflame. Feeling the rigidness next to her, she knew she could not betray her sister’s strength by showing her that her older sister was weak in the moment. Swallowing hard, she shored herself up.

“I wanted to hate the lot of you. I wanted to curse Mama for placing me in that situation. For her to be so ignorant and so stringent in her own convictions that she would offer me up like a lamb to slaughter just to continue her assumption that she could retake her own dream; her comfort.” Junie fell quiet for a while, letting go of Cora’s hand and reaching for the drying towel once more. “I wanted to break her, Sister, for not being patient enough to just let you run your course to see us through the mire that she had sowed. I saw it was happening without me - that you were guiding our family out of that pit that Kilbourne kept us in. You did it. You created a new foundation and Jacob was going to be your future and you had love. I will never understand why she chose that you could love and I could not have that, not ever.”

Cora tasted blood in her mouth, realizing that she had bit into her cheek. These were words that she also recognized to be her own. Those thoughts that were hard and even more blazened in her mind. Unlike Junie, she had seen the regret in their mother’s eyes over the choices that she had made. Unlike Junie, she had seen and heard the heartache that their mother thought she hid from the children in those long moments at night when the woman was ruminating on her failings.

“As a mother, I will never allow myself to be in that situation, Cora,” Junie whispered, her tone resolute. “I understand her better now. I cannot forgive her for placing me in that environment, but I understand her reasoning. I can only see it for what it was - desperation. Knowing that, I will never allow myself to have to choose between children. I will always stand before the fire first and take whatever comes. I just wish she would’ve been strong enough to do that herself.”

The beginning of September found Cora growing in despair. The cottage was complete and Molly was nesting the best she could with three rooms and a scratch of a kitchen. She joked that it didn’t matter since her feet were always under Dorothy’s table anyway - who really needed a real kitchen. The men were busy with the harvest, while the women were putting up jars of beans, tomatoes, and whatever preserves they needed for the winter. Cora escaped the heat of the kitchen to the edge of the barn, hiding away so that she didn’t bother anyone with her tears and woe. Happiness was taking root all around her. She did not need to sully the sentiment.

Her eyes focused on the edge of the woods, how they skirted the field with a breadth of tall grass and wildflowers that splashed a bit of color to the otherwise green landscape. It reminded her of the little noll that Jacob said was his refuge. She imagined it was what the ground would have looked like if she was looking upwards on the bluff to his vantage point. Her skin missed his touch. Her mouth longed for his kiss. She prayed, cursed, begged and toiled in her thoughts to bring him back to her safely. She could only imagine the state of his being if he could not reach her in the present.

She roused out of her melancholy at the sound of her name. Turning, she saw Dotty on the porch waving at her. Wiping at her inflamed cheeks, she did the best she could to clean her face up before she started back towards the house. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Georgie running out to the back field where the others were harvesting corn. The boy’s feet were racing like he was on a mission from above. Curious, her own tread increased in speed. Through the kitchen for a drink of water, she found Dot, Rosemary and Junie waiting on the front porch for everyone. She made a silly face at her niece who instantly wanted to be cuddled by her. The way the baby fit so snuggly against her side brought a smile to her as she slowly danced around to entertain her.

“Must be important to bring everyone in,” Cora stated before she pecked a kiss on Cora Rose’s cheek.

“A letter,” Dotty said with a smile.

Cora froze, her eyes instantly on the woman’s hands. “Jacob?”

Her eyes softened as she shook her head. “It’s Joshua.”

The men were slow to arrive, but the air shifted when Dot explained the reason for calling them in. She cleared her throat after they asked for her to read it to the collective.

“My dearest family,” she started, her tone strong…

We’re in some town that I do not remember the name, but we are safe.

Cora blew out a breath of relief, starling Cora Rose. Smiling into the baby’s face, she was quick to soothe, despite the tears that were shining in her eyes.

I must keep this brief, but know that our thoughts and hearts are with you. We continue to ensure that our path will not bring harm to what is most precious. Once all is safe and our ties fully severed here, we will return to you.

“Oh,” Dotty said, holding out something to her. “Cora.”

Rolling her lips between her teeth, she handed Cora Rose off to reach for the thick card. It was a postcard with a finch on it. She felt Junie’s fingers against her elbow, tugging her to follow. The others were silent as she forced her feet to shuffle behind her sister. The screen door snapped shut as Junie led her into the kitchen. A delicate touch brought her to sit at the stout table.

“I’ll let you be,” Junie whispered.

Cora’s eyes took in the card with the little yellow finch on it. Her fingers trembled as she traced it. Turning the card over, she sobbed at the sight of his handwriting. It was two words. Three words that she needed and he had delivered at her most low.

All my love.

It was enough. It was enough to carry her. The hours stretched to days that shuffled into months. The winter was not as brutal in terms of storms, but the iciness was harsher; the snow was crisp and unrelenting. Cora watched as the family mended wounds and shared bonds that needed repair for some time. Samuel seemed to grow stronger under the mentorship of Georgie. His heart appeared to lighten with the few moments of daylight that began to be added to the days after the turn of the new year. 1928. It was hard to not be reflective. Her father had been gone for nearly five years. The occasion had plunged her family from dark times to a starving era that she could only hope to never happen again. But, also in that same era’s breath, a flicker of flame, of heat and love and acceptance and… Jacob.

The whirlwind that she could never have imagined happening spun around her a web of emotions and life that she had only read about in stories. Friendships turning into family bonds had extended her breadth to the near point of bursting. She scarce knew what to call this in-between time where everything felt like it was on hold for normal to return. Life on pause despite moving forward. Despite moving through days and weeks and months without him. Without her Jacob. In the end, Cora knew it was not life. It was like she was some form of automaton - functioning but not quite feeling the world around her. Every morning, and every evening, she would touch the postcards that he had held in an attempt to tether her to him. Ground herself through an artifact that he had possessed for moments before sending on to her. It was all pathetic. Of that she was certain. As the winter lingered on, she took solace in books, family and the thought that Jacob would once again be hers.

Chapter Twenty Five Pt. 2: Jacob

Somehow Jake had stumbled through the turmoil; through the dark; through the shooting between the marshals and the Cresci men and made it back to the hospital. He had lost count how many times he had fallen to the pavement and how many times he had to pause. Tears mingled with the blood on his face. His heart felt like it was pumping sludge as his grief stabbed in his chest. But he crawled through the door of the hospital, yanking himself across the floor as the remnants of his strength oozed from the wounds that riddled his body.

He awoke in the morgue. The chill had invaded his bones and made his skin feel like ice. It took moments to realize that he was not among the cadavers, but he was most definitely in the morgue. Josh welcomed him with a sardonic laugh and explanation that Doctor Boone had hidden them quite well. They just needed to accept the damn cold and not complain. The nurses brought hot water bottles to keep their legs warm, along with extra blankets, but little else.

Cora and the family were safe. He could picture her, Rosemary, and the brothers reuniting with Junie. He could scarcely think of how old her child would be, but to see the look on Cora’s face upon meeting her niece was easy to picture. He imagined her all full of light and love and awe. His heart hurt in her absence, but was full of all that she was and all that she held for him in the future.

Day three of convalescing, and Josh was talking about how they should take the time to sell everything off and fully cut ties to the UP. Jake felt warm around his edges, but instead listened as his twin planned, jotting notes and asking questions. Somehow, his eyes began to grow heavy and his stomach sickened. Like a slow, roiling flame, swallowing his toes, across his feet, and up his legs, he knew it was a storm that was capturing his body. His brain began to feel fuzzy as Josh continued mapping out a path. He could feel his cheeks begin to blaze as he slipped down into his mattress.

Nearly 43 hours he had been out cold. His eyes fought to stay closed. For some reason, he could see Susannah, her lovely eyes full of a fading smile. In his mind, she was telling him to hug Samuel close for her, and to watch over Molly, and give all her love to Cora. She cooed about family and babies and a forever love. He felt like a wrung out cloth as she disappeared from his dreams.

“Josh,” he had mustered, fighting to focus on anything that was not moving in his vision. His tongue felt like it was stuffed as he tried to call out again for his twin.

To his surprise, Josh stood at his bedside, his dark eyes tracing over Jacob’s features before turning away and calling for the nurse.

“You scared the hell out of me, Jake,” Josh ground out as he returned to the side of the bed. “Doc had to go back into your arm. There were a few fragments that he hadn’t seen and they got infected something fierce.”

“What the fuck did he pump me up with,” he managed as he tried to move his head to look at the new thick bandage on his left arm, wincing as he moved.

“That would be the morphine. You were in some pretty distinct pain,” Josh remarked as he slid back into his bed. “Alright, since you’re mostly back from the dead, perhaps we should try this map out again…”

What needed to happen would take months. All his emotions lay bare in his throat as the idea of being away from Cora struck. He did not want months. He was barely surviving the minutes apart. The weight of the drugs in his body amplified everything, making it impossible to hide his feelings. Josh was quick to comfort, standing at his side with words of warmth and support. Instead of receiving the offering from his brother, he closed his eyes and drifted on his tide of woe.

The brothers had utilized the refuge of the morgue for three weeks. Doc Boone finally said that Jake could travel, however, produced the daily newspaper with the twins splashed across the front.

“It feels weird that we’re officially dead,” Josh remarked after he read the article out loud. “Fitting that we’re in here, then, yeah?”

Jake groaned as he buried his face in his pillow. Marcus appeared the evening before they were to leave. The man looked grizzled, but put together in a tidy suit and tie. He played the part of top dog well. He brought them the keys to a car, a few suits each and a satchel full of cash - a parting gift from Sastrato Torello, to ensure they had comfort in their new lives away from the family.

Marcus, ever the presence, had realized their need for a legitimate path to continue on, had approached the boss regarding a way to cut ties with the Kiszka and Wagner sons. Torello lent his support as long as Marcus took over operations on the UP, with a subtle shift, moving operations to the Mountain Lodge in Iron Mountain to resume distribution. Kingsford had gotten too heated, too close for business at hand. He smoothed issues with Papa Diamond and covered for his former future son-in-law. A return of peace, and a chance to start life anew. However, Jake had wondered if the enforcer’s main goal was to provide for Cora. The fatherly instinct that the man presented towards her was admirable. Perhaps his aid was more to see to it that Cora led a life out of the shadows, with a man who could be at her side - always.

“Jacob,” Marcus said, capturing his attention with a gruff tone. “Cora’s going to be a beautiful bride. Give her reason to smile and shine. It’s what she does best.”

The twins had watched the man leave without a goodbye. Jacob could not help but wonder if perhaps they would ever see Marcus again. They left early the next morning, and the question of Marcus was left behind. They had to leave their past in Kingsford, and only look forward.

Working through a network of brokers and contacts and lawyers, they steadily sold off their holdings so as not to flood the market and ruin their profits. All monies were funneled through a lawyer into a trust that would support their families for a long, long while - no matter what happened. The last of Joshua’s market shares was finally sold off in March of 1928, while the final stretches of farms and residences were completed in May. All the while, Josh would send letters, with Jake enclosing picture postcards for Cora to hold on to. He did not trust himself to sit and write anything to Cora, himself. To put pen to paper seemed to suggest that it was going to be all the longer of an absence from her side which felt more like a permanence of absence.

June. Too many days had separated Jacob from his Cora. He knew it. He knew it was time for the distance to be closed. He allowed his heart to race ahead, stretching across the roads they flew over. The lush greens of farms and primordial old growth of oaks, maples and pines blended with fractured earth and dotted lakes and ponds sped through his vision. Each mile he drew closer a piece of pain drifted away from his flesh. Passing through the town of Arbor Vitae, Josh laughed as the sudden burst of speed sent them north blatantly showed his brother’s need. Though they had not been to visit Aunt Dotty since they were boys, Jake seemed to remember each stitch of road to gain him to his future.

Up the drive, he pulled to slow stop. His eyes traced across the front porch in search of the familiar faces he desperately needed to behold. Josh wiped at his face before patting Jake’s arm.

“Made it,” Josh said with a big smile. “You ready?”

Dotty was stepping out onto the porch just as they got out of the car. She let out a whoop as she stepped down, welcoming them with open arms and affection.

“Where is she?” Jake asked before anyone else emerged from the house.

Dotty’s slow, knowing grin made him blush. She pointed back towards the barn and he found that his body would not wait any longer. He didn’t bother to hide the urgency of his steps. Josh’s belly laugh echoed behind him as more and more family swelled out of the house. He moved around the broad side of the barn, his eyes searching. Behind the building, there was a little dip in the ground, leading to a small meadow before the ground met the treeline. He stopped at the crest. His breath froze in his chest. Cora stood in the tall grass, her hands being held onto by a toddler who babbled and giggled and cooed as her auntie aided her walking. Cora was echoing every sound back to the precious one. The beauty that lay before him was more than his body could handle. Overwhelmed, he stood for a long time, watching. The sun caught in the loose strands of her thick hair, casting a wispy aurora all around her. Cora’s twinkle of laughter made his heart swell.

She lifted the small child up into her arms, giggling about what a sleepy girl she held. Cora turned to walk up the hill towards him but stopped. Her face warmed with surprise. His feet moved him forward, down the hill and straight to her. His hands reaching, landing around her to capture and pull her close. Without hesitation, he moved into her with a yearning kiss. The heat of her mouth, the softness of her lips, the smell of her hair and skin filled his senses to capacity. His thoughts began to melt into nothing but her until… Tiny hands started to strike the side of his head with sharp babble.

“Cora Rose!” she laughed, stepping back to rescue him from her niece’s fury.

He felt his heart explode as he held firm to Cora, not allowing her far. He held his hand up for the baby to touch. “She’s beautiful. When can we have one?”

The flush of pink across her cheeks sent shockwaves through his body. She leaned into him, keeping her face close to his, all the while her eyes were on the baby. Cora was a beautiful woman, but in the moment, she became more - she had been his fabric, but somehow with the distance, she had become his armor, his shelter. Future. The word struck him as he brushed a kiss against her hair. Future. Everything and all of it in between.

“You have to marry me first,” she sighed as Cora Rose reached out to touch his hand, playfully patting and swatting at it before shying away.

“What if I can get a preacher here within the hour?” he asked, touching the little girl’s thick hair.

A soft laugh mingled with dewy eyes as she looked upon him. He kissed her once more. This time, the baby lulled at her side as if it was the most natural of things. The kiss was slow, deliberate, but tender as if seeking comfort for all the wounds and scratches that being apart had inflicted on them both.

To be returned to the family was a blessing beyond measure. Days had been turned into a fluster of activity while evenings were spent around Dotty’s table and porch, colored in laughter and tears. Letters from their parents were shared, stories of growing up were regaled. In the midst of it all, Jacob knew that there was healing between them all. Sam had become a teacher and mentor to Jon, sure that the young man would be an engineer the likes no one had seen thus far. His youngest sibling had found his smile again, albeit slower, and not as wide. But he was becoming the man he was meant to be.

Aunt Dorothy and Rosemary had convinced them to give them two weeks to plan the wedding, and to transform Cora into a bride. Jacob could scarcely wait, but Josh was quick to point out that housing would be needed for the future Mr. and Mrs. Bara. At the sound of the name, Cora frowned, her eyes darkened.

“We agreed,” Josh reassured. “We all agreed - the moment we left Kingsford. Taking our Grandmother’s name was safer. The fact that Daniel has chosen to also be a Bara, gives us the brother we knew we always had.”

It was a thin point. One that Jake refused to allow to mar the pending day. The excitement he felt increased exponentially with each passing moment, very unlike the previous experience with Bea. It was hard not to compare. It shaded his world a bit differently at the realization of how different he viewed the nuptials. With Bea, he knew it was a strangled attempt to escape. Cora. Cora was something else. There was no struggle. There was no question or doubt or hesitation. One look at her and the path out of any form of darkness, any form of strife, was clear.

The day of the wedding had arrived. A beautiful, mid-June Friday afternoon that held a perfect windswept sky and a warmth that soaked into the skin and stirred the spirit. Jake stood with Joshua at his side while Samuel sat at the organ. Daniel smiled from next to him, his soft baritone voice shyly bringing lyrics that spoke of love and truth to the small chapel. Georgie sprinted from the back of the chapel, his face all aglow of what was to come. Jake let out a surprised gasp of breath as the boy wrapped his arms around his center.

“You didn’t forget the rings did you?” Jake teased, holding the boy close.

“No,” Georgie said, looking up at him. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

Josh ruffled the boy's hair as he pulled his small body away to be closer to him. “I think you were supposed to walk real slow like, Mr. George,” he remarked with a mock glare.

Jacob’s eyes snapped to the back of the chapel as Sam started the processional. It was to be as simple as could be. Junie stood on the opposite side of the altar, no flowers, no fuss at all, waiting for her sister with a soft smile. The air stilled as he tried to exhale. Cora stood at the back of the center aisle, waiting to walk in on her mother’s arm. Her dress was lovely - all lace and airy around her body. Her hair was unconventional. A choice made by her and twisted around by Molly in a loose braid that sat over her shoulder, allowing its soft waves to fall against her face, and without a veil, instead replaced with the tiny white flowers that seemed to be everywhere on Dottie’s farm. Breathtaking seemed to be too harsh a word for her presence.

He felt moved beyond reason as she walked towards him. His entire focus was her and her alone. Even as he took her hand to bring to his side, he was unable to look anywhere but upon her grace. The ceremony was a blur, but each touch, each breath shared stretched to eternity. His tongue felt as if he were struck dumb the entire time, he was so thankful that he only needed to repeat what was spoken to him. She reached to wipe at the tears that sat unaccounted for on his face with a warm smile and mirrored emotions. When he reached for his wife for the first time, he promised himself to never let her go. No prolonged absences. No trips without her. No distance between. His path was pretty clear - and it resided all within a farmgirl who took a chance to work in town for a family of bootleggers. Touching the delicate wildflowers in her hair, he did not hide the tremble of joy that crossed his face, nor the love in his chest.

*sigh* The Epilogue will be up noon today. See you in a bit.

@lvnterninthenight @doodle417 @luverleaver @jakesgrapejuice @fictional-duchess @whitesuitjake @milkgemini @positivegvfthings @songbirds-sweet @streamingcolors-gvf @gretavanbitches @samsurfgreenbass @gardensgatedaisy @babyhoneygvfarchive @myownparadise96 @josh-iamyour-mama @starcatchercarol @loveisonaroll @jakesstarlight @reesetrippingthelight @builtby-gvf @ignite-my-fire @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @wetkleenex-gvf @gold-mines-melting @starsasone @puzzle-gvf @mysticalstarcatcher @montenegroisr @takenbythemadness @way-to-go-lad @cal-a-bungaa @lightmylove-gvf @thewritingbeforesunrise @leftjudgeempathsuitcase @brokenbells11 @imborrowedshesblue @vanfleeter @sammysvanfeet @jakekiszkasbuttsweat @jaketlove @redsierra1960 @gvfmarge @becinabubblegvf @wildbluesorbit @sinarainbows

#greta van fleet #gvf #jake gvf #jake kiszka #josh kiszka #josh gvf #sammy gvf #sam gvf #daniel gvf #danny gvf #greta van fleet fanfic #greta van fleet fan fiction #greta van fleet fanfic au #greta van fleet au fic #greta van fleet x ocs #bootleggers and wildflowers

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nevadas-night-time-novelist · 3 months

Note

Oh, speaking of those madcom x knocked up reader, I’ve been meaning to ask… Do you think you could do some with Chopper Dave, Q-Bert and Skinner? You don’t have to ofc just. Asking

Cant be any characters left surely @_@ xD

Dis gon be looooong, get a snack or two, and some water.

Knocked up [Chopper Dave, Q-Bert, Skinner]

CW: AFAB reader, gender neutral, pregnancy warning

Dave

You were lounging on Dave's bed, waiting for him to finish fetching his charge back, a strong grunt with powers unmatched by any. They were highly favoured by all in the building, and your boyfriend shared in that admiration.

Killing time by playing games on your tablet, awaiting your man to ambush him with the news. You'd missed a cycle, and decided to take a test, which sat in the bathroom bin wrapped in toiler paper, cross marked. Positive.

It's not like you'd been actively trying for a child, but you weren't being careful either, let nature take her course and that course was parenthood. The door slid open, and your lover stepped in, beaming when he saw you. "Ello love,"

He removed his hat, placing it on the coat rack before strolling over and giving you a sweet kiss. "hope you 'aven't been too bored waiting for me, pigeon." His love of the sky invaded everything in his life, even his pet names for you, always something to do with birds.

"Hi Davey." You greeted back, nuzzling into his palm. "No, I've been playing GruntCraft. Built some silly things in creative mode. You wanna see?" He took off his jacket, revealing his sweaty t shirt, when he was out of the sky, his jacket cooked him.

"Sure thing, hen." He sat next to you, his hand massaging your back instinctively, his love language being physical touch. His fingertips sent pleasant shivers up your spine.

You shifted your character around and showed off some of the builds, getting a laugh as you showed off your giant wool sheep, with actual sheep inside it's hollow body. "Davey, there's something important I need to tell you."

"Your sheep building skills are baaahhdass. I already know." Dave grinned at you, his suave British charm making your heart flutter. You rolled your eyes and kissed his cheek, he was a goofball and you loved that about him.

"Its important, Dave." He lifted his arm, and you cuddled close into him, his familiar scent calming you down, yet exciting you too. "We're gonna have a baby."

Confusion crossed his features. "You what bird?" His brows knitted together. "That's a daft joke."

"It's not a joke honey. You can check in the bathroom bin, there's a test in there. You and me, we're having a baby." Dave's eyes lit up and he covered your face in kisses, his stubble scratching up your chin.

"We're pregnant? Really? Oh pidge we're gonna have a little aviator! Ach, we can paint their room to look like the sky, hang little planes up, and and-"

"Easy tiger," You laughed, music to his ears. Just when he thought he couldn't possibly fall deeper in love with you, you were going to carry his child. "we've got months to prepare. Besides, what if he or she prefers boat?"

Dave let out a dramatic gasp. "Then they're no child of mine!" He snorted and chuckled, unable to keep his fake shock up for a mere moment.

News quickly spread about your immanent baby, Dave gushing to everyone about his wonderful partner and their soon to be physical form of love for each other.

Bossman seemed to zone out when he talked, nodding along with the occasional "Mmmhmm."

Q-Bert rolled his eyes anytime the subject was brought up. "Are ye actually gonna buy somethin' or are ye jus' gon' waste my time again?"

Skinner was amused, letting him talk freely as much as his heart desired. "It's very rare that babies are even conceived in all of Nevada, let alone one right in this base. I'm sure they'll be a wonderful boost to morale."

None of the chefs gave him the time of day, he wasn't there for guns, so they had no interest.

Doc seemed sceptical to begin with, but would sometimes offer his own advice, having had a hand in Deimos' birth, and raising the little ankle biter. "Best advice I can really offer? Sleep when the baby sleeps. Don't try and sleep regularly, you'll be on baby time until they settle."

The mysterious grunt who seemed to build up the SQ didn't speak to anyone most of the time, would silently listen to Dave going on about anything and everything. "Hey listen, if uh, y'see anything sweet out there, like candy or chocolate, would you mind bringing some back? Pregnancy cravings are a bitch when you don't got much to work with." And faithfully, they'd always end up with something you'd enjoy.

Evenings and nights were blissful for the most part, a snack in hand while Dave talked about his day, interesting things he saw while flying, or a brief rundown of whatever the leader was up to that day. He was always massaging your feet which ached thanks to the added weight, or your tummy so he could hopefully coax a kick out of his little one.

"Does it hurt? When they kick." He perked up one night, hand over your active baby's writhing.

"No, but it's weird. Nice, but weird. At least we know they're healthy." You smiled, and Dave rested his head on your stomach.

"Aye, want nothing more than to have a healthy mite."

"What about yours?"

"Ey?" You poked Dave's gut.

"Your baby, does it kick?"

His cheeks turned red. "Oi! Cheeky bird! Don't insult my love handles. I'll have you know I worked very hard to get this dad bod for you."

Sleeping together was nice, you'd sleep on your side, a pillow between your legs, since it was most comfortable, and Dave would have an arm around your belly, spooning you from behind, keeping you safe in his grasp.

He'd cut back slightly on his drinking, slowly but surely becoming less indulgent on intoxicants to have a good time, enjoying just living in the moment with you, working towards the future.

Decorating the new nursery was a lot of effort too, he'd always work up a sweat painting, decorating, building baby essentials, it helped slim down his figure a little, but he was still plenty squishable and lovable.

He still had a job to do, indebted to the silent boss of the building, always flying them back and forth even if he wanted to hang around the closer your expectant day came. Alas, he was out flying when the action kicked off.

Bossman luckily had been passing by when you called out for help, and he rushed off to get Skinner, who easily picked you up and carried you to his office with care. You cried out for Dave, but he was absent, and Bossman was constantly pacing, calling him over the radio constantly.

"Don't worry, even if Dave isn't here, you're in safe hands." Skinner reassured you, wiping your forehead with a damp cloth.

"Why did he have to go out today?" You sobbed, this was scary, you had to face this alone, and he promised he'd be here for you. But he wasn't. "I hate him!"

Skinner nodded to his nurse, who took over caring for you while be busied himself at your other end. "You don't hate him, you're just upset he's not here." The nurse was kind, he was doing his best to soothe you. "I'm sure he's on his way as soon as possible."

Hours later, the door slid open, and Dave came running in. "PIGEON!" He yelled, running to your side. "I'm so sorry, boss wanted a lift to the otherside of Nevada and I-I I'm sorry!" He was crying, clearly upset about not being here the whole time.

"You're here now at least." You took Dave's hand. "You're here for the worst of it." He didn't leave your side, even as you crushed his hand. Eventually, you successfully delivered a baby girl, which Dave had insisted on naming Ava.

Q-Bert

You and Q-Bert weren't dating, more of a situationship. Both had urges, and could help each other out, and that worked fine. Until it didn't.

He was at his usual post, chewing tobacco behind his shop, legs crossed and propped on his desk, arms folded behind his head. You stepped up to his space, and he lifted his head, shadows cast over his eyes.

"Alright lovely?" Bert greeted you with a grin, his brown stained teeth coated in fresh poison. His accent was intoxicating, everything about him was. From a foreign land, with a strange voice and weird customs, like .... Haggis.

"Hope you've brought your wallet, 'coz I ain't able to scratch yer itches right now, as nice as the break would be. Mmmhh, actually, scratch that. Maybe if yer wantin' somethin' quick."

"Not right now, Bert. There's uh, a slight issue with our... thing." You felt flustered, even when he was being a perverted bastard, it was still charming. Bert spat his chew into the bin to his left and sighed.

"Yer callin' it off? Guess I should'a seen it comin'." His lip stuck out, he'd have to find someone else to bunk with now, which was gonna suck. But of course a pretty thing like you would move on and find someone willing to commit with them. He knew he couldn't, and he'd told you that. Commitment issues, never one to settle down.

"No, hear me out Bert." Rip off the bandaid. "I'm pregnant, and you're the father." That made him freeze up.

"Ye... yer sure about that?" You nodded to him, throwing your positive test onto his desk. "...'Ow do I know it's my wee bairn?"

He was starting to get under your skin. "You think I've been getting cosy with the other guys? Really? You think that I'm like that?"

Q-Bert got to his feet, raising his hands. "Nay 'course not. I just.. Shit.. Look I've had a few flames who pulled a stunt like this, they were lying just tae get tae me money."

"I don't give a fuck about the money!" You snapped at him. "I thought you knew that." Turning you back to him, you heaved out a sigh. "Look, I can do this myself if you don't want a part in it. Bossman, Skinner and Doc will be more than happy to help." As you began to head back to your room, arms wrapped around your middle.

"Nae, don' go. I'm sorry. A've been fucked over a lot in life, orite? Gettin' close to people ain't really been ma thing. But you, fuck, a've let a few of me walls down fer you. I canne promise you commitment, that's a big ask and I canne agree, but I'll do everything I can to keep you an' our wee bairn in good hands."

As previously stated, Bert isn't a good support system, unless you directly tell him what you need. He doesn't take hints well, but you can tell he's trying his best. "Ye look like ye could use a drink."

"I can't drink while pregnant, remember?"

"Oh.. right yeh." Bert would visit your quarters more often, bringing snacks he'd gotten in exchange for a few favours. His profits were biting a little, but a few bullets in exchange for your favourite candy was a worthy sacrifice. "Look, I got some of yer favourite crisps."

You graciously accepted his offerings, feeling like a dragon atop a snack hoard while your knight added to your pile.

Even when he was behind the desk, he'd have time for you. You could have the comfiest chair in his little room, or if he was laying back and lounging, you could cuddle into him, he'd rub your aching back and hips. Even as you got heavier, he didn't complain too much, just adjusting himself slightly to deal with the baby weight.

Sometimes he'd invite you back to his room to sleep next to him, missing the company. Despite saying he'd probably find someone else to share his time with, he didn't.

Other times you'd fall asleep alone in your bed, and wake up to his arms around you, his face buried into your back, hair, or shoulder. The distance between you and him made his heart ache, as much as he hated to admit it. He'd grown too fond of you, and he felt insecure, worried that something would ruin this piece of happiness he'd come to enjoy.

But... the pain never came.

With you, god with you he felt secure. He felt safe. And for the first time, in a long, long time, he felt genuinely happy. Of course you were different, you were carrying his baby for christ-sake. You'd sheltered and protected him, loved him like no other, and he finally opened his eyes to the fact.

One night you were laying in bed, and he entered, expecting you to be asleep as usual as he settled next to you. "Och..." His hand grazed your arm, softly and sweetly. "I love you so much." His stubble scratched your cheek as he kissed it.

"I love you too Bert." You mumbled tiredly, and he froze.

"Yer... awake?" You let out a noise of confirmation, and his face turned beet red, but it was thankfully masked by the darkness. "I.. dunno what tae say."

"Nothing, I'm tired and want to sleep, we can talk about it tomorrow, okay?" You carefully rolled over, facing him, seeing his expression soften in the dim light of the room.

"Alright love," He leaned in, kissing you tenderly, a hint of minty mouthwash on his lips.

It was another day in his office, lounging on him while he stroked your hair, chewing his tobacco and humming away when something ran down your legs. "Did ye just piss on me?" Q-Bert looked mortified. "If ye needed tae go ye shoulda said!"

"No, that's... You need to go get Skinner." The walk around the base would've been too much for your tired legs, so it was easier, and safer, to have the big doc carry you around.

Skinner suggested an epidural, which you decided to take. It hurt like hell to start with, but he swore it would make delivery easier for you. After hours and hours of body straining work, the G3 proudly announced. "It's a boy! And a chubby one too! Look at his fat little face!"

You looked at Bert, face sweaty and flush. "Magnum it is then." He'd asked you if you'd consider naming the child after a gun, which ... was weird but hey, why not.

Laying with a now settled newborn in your arms, Bert leaning over the bed to rub his cheek softly. "I'm gonna need tae get a beby holster."

Skinner

It started a few months ago, your favourite doctor snuggling you into the crook of his arm as you prepared to sleep, him absentmindedly scrolling down his social feed until something caught his interest.

"Hmm.. Seems an old friend of mine birthed a child recently." You were nearly in dreamland, his sudden voice waking you up slightly.

"Really? Interesting." You yawned, not out of disinterest, but pure exhaustion.

"What's even more intriguing is the fact she's a G3, like me. And her partner is just a normal grunt. It would seem my kind is capable of producing offspring after all. Curious." Sitting up slightly, you glanced at his screen, seeing a proud looking G3 with a baby in her arms, her partner equally as delighted with their little hybrid baby.

By all accounts, it was just like any other baby grunt, tiny enough in size, the only large feature from their mother they currently possessed were the thick, long eyelashes. "Drs. Eleanor Porter and Malicious Magnificent welcome their newest family member.. Proving once again life overcomes all in Eden.

Porter and I used to study together, both preferring to aid the hurt instead of shed blood like our other G3s. I'm glad she's doing well." Skinner's eyes lingered on the child, the beaming smiles on the tiny family's faces.

"Do.. you want a baby?" He looked at you, his smile carved permanently into his features. To some, G3s were Frankenstein monsters, to others their defining features made them more beautiful.

His massive hand cupped your cheek, eyes softening. "With you? Of course. I could think of nothing greater than being the one who gets to create a life with you."

"C'mere beautiful," You held his face in your hands too, giving him a loving kiss on his teeth. "you're gonna be the best dad."

Skinner set his tablet down, getting comfortable next to you. "We're going to have to closely monitor your heat cycles, picking out the best time to....Procreate." He was incredibly embarrassed about it, being posh and prudish was by default built into G3s.

A few months of trying and you could now share the happy news. "Hey smiles," You wandered into medbay, seeing him rummaging around in his new supplies.

"Hello dear!" He set the box down, coming over to greet you with a hug and a kiss, his usual greeting to you. "I got some new bits from our friends, something you might like!" He took your hand and guided you over, pulling out prenatal vitamins. "It took a while to find these, but I managed to strike a deal with an Employer, and she helped me out."

"An Employer? Honey, are you sure you know what you're getting into? They're... Not the best people." You wondered what this had cost him.

"This one is! Dreamer is a compassionate one, I told her about our dreams and she offered to help."

You knew vaguely of the Dreamer, the sandman of Nevada, one who walks in dreams. "No strings attached?"

"None! She's very nice, if you make the effort to seek her out. But it is a lot of effort, let me tell you that."

You got on your tiptoes and kissed Skinner. "Okay, I trust you. I guess I should start taking these now, right?"

"Hmm? Oooh!" Skinner looked excited. "Are you-?"

"Yes!" He picked you up in his arms and spun you around, his face glowing with pride.

"We're having a baby!!" He stopped spinning and nuzzled his face into your neck. "Oh, boy, girl? Both? There's so much to cover! At least I get to do this with you, my other half, my better half. You're in good medical hands, only the very best for my sweet partner."

Being with him was a breeze, everyone loved the medic and his partner, and would lend a hand at any chance to either of you. Bossman agreed to paint the nursery, going with a yellow theme since it's a rare colour out in the world, and it's gender neutral. Plus he has a box of rubber ducks he can use for more decor

A few old crates from Q-Bert with a little TLC made a stable crib, stuffed with anything soft the team could find, from pillows, to blankets, to stuffed toys. This baby was going to have the whole base lending a hand to raise it, a sense of community and duty falling on everyone.

Skinner made sure to get you into his office routinely, checking up on both you and baby, quivering with excitement every time. "I think it's about time we can use the ultrasound machine to have a good look at our little one!" He was an excited puppy, eagerly patting the medical bed while pulling the machine over.

"This will be cold, fair warning." Your stomach chilled as he carefully applied the gel, and the two of you looked to the screen as he guided the device over your womb, catching sight of a little figure wriggling around inside.

"Oh my, so tiny." You smiled sweetly, seeing the budding life inside of you for the first time. "Half of you, half of me, all perfect." Skinner put the device down and kissed you tenderly.

"All the perfection comes from you, my dearest." You interlaced your fingers with his, his massive hands making yours look tiny by comparison.

"Nope, you're a perfect man, you were built to be perfect." You kissed him back, giggling slightly as his eyes widened before closing, he leaned into you and let out a content sigh.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Skinner's eyes were half lidded, he was maddeningly in love.

"A few times, here and there." You joked, this man told you daily of his affections, how you were absolutely everything to him.

Months flew by, your expected date drawing closer and closer, all while doted on your massive man. There was nothing in this world he wouldn't do, foot rubs, pregnancy cravings, massages, holding your hair as your body went through morning sickness. Sweet butterfly kisses on your belly, music to help stimulate your daughter, time spent cuddling up and talking to the little one... Who was getting rather big.

"I think she's growing a bit too much, don't you?" You looked mildly concerned at your latest ultrasound, and down to your stomach. "What if she's getting your genes? How am I gonna deliver a massive baby?"

"Well... I suppose. She is sizeable, I could induce you, she's a little early for sure, but we have the means to support her if she is." Skinner tapped his chin. "Entirely depends on what you think is best for you two.

I could also perform a C-section, which would negate the need for a natural delivery with such a huge baby. That would put you out of action for at least six weeks however. It's quite a burden on your body. But equally, I suppose the natural route could do that too."

"I think... Induction would be easiest. Do you think we could maybe.. do it sooner rather than later? Like... Today? I'm just worried if she gets any bigger, it's really going to do a lot of damage to my body."

"T-today? I'll have to call my nurse in, but yes, I could do, if that's what you want." Skinner kissed your cheek. "I promise you dear, I'm going to do everything to make this easy for you."

Skinner made sure you were well medicated though an epidural, he was careful and considerate, as he promised he would be. Delivery was slow, making you weak and exhausted, but eventually, your baby girl was welcomed to the world.

As expected, she was a large baby, tiny claws at the end of her fingers, a tuft of grey hair already forming on her head, she had a set of lungs on her, wailing out for the base to hear.

A darkness came from the corner, an Employer taking shape, had you not been so numb and sore, you'd have freaked out. Purple eyes full of stars formed, and a soothing voice rolled out. "You've done well, I'm proud of you." She was ethereal, almost made of smoke, body gliding over the tile floor.

Carefully Dreamer laid a hand over your forehead, and at once you felt relief and relaxed. "I figured it only right to visit my gift to you, life is truly precious, especially at such a tender time" She turned to Skinner. "Take care of them, I know it doesn't need saying to you, but, all the same." And she was gone.

In that time, your baby had stopped crying, still in her father's arms, swaddled safely in a purple star covered blanket, and he handed her to you. "She's happy, she's healthy, she's absolutely everything I'd hoped for. My darling, there's nothing else in this world I could ask for."

"How about... we call her Celestial?" You smiled with tired eyes and Skinner kissed you.

"Blessed by the dream-weaver, I see no other name befitting of such a wonderful infant, gifted by the stars above." And baby Celeste was truly a blessing.

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archaeocommunologist · 11 months

Text

@watercolourpeony

OK. Let’s take as a given 1.) that shrimp do suffer, and that they suffer in a way that is meaningfully similar to human suffering and 2.) that because individual shrimp are capable of experiencing suffering, it is incumbent upon us as ethical actors to prevent or mitigate that suffering.

If both of those things are true, it’s easy to see how veganism as an ethical commitment falls out! But veganism is definitely not the only implication of these premises, and that’s where the problems start to crop up.

One problem is: what about everything else that eats shrimp? If the reason for me, as a human, to avoid eating shrimp is because it causes suffering to the individual shrimp I am eating, I don’t see how we can be blasé to all the fish, turtles, seals, and penguins who spend all-day-every-day eating shrimp. Shouldn’t we be doing something about that suffering? If not, why not? After all, even if every human stopped eating shrimp today, there would still be vast numbers of shrimp dying horrible, painful deaths!

Another problem: what about consumption that harms other humans, but indirectly? For example, we know that some large proportion of the world’s cobalt is mined using child slaves. Are you doing everything in your power to make sure your electronics don’t have child-slave cobalt in them? If not, how do you explain your ethical priorities? Shouldn’t the suffering of human children be at least as important as the suffering of shrimp?

In my view, the answer to both of these problems basically boils down to feasibility. We don’t do anything about the on-going genocide against shrimp that occurs in every ocean of the world every day of the year, because, well, what are we supposed to do? The penguins need to eat, and it’s difficult to see how we, as a human society, would helpfully intervene. Similarly, it’s very difficult to function in the developed world without a phone and laptop, and the supply chains that provide the cobalt for those electronics are obscured, so it’s hard to verify whether or not child slavery has been involved. Most of us it seems (including all the Tumblr vegans) buy what we can afford and hope for the best.

And that’s all fine, as far as it goes. But if you permit the feasibility exemption, it seriously weakens your categorical assertion that it is always wrong for humans to eat shrimp. If it’s OK for a penguin to eat shrimp because it must, and if it’s OK for you to have a smartphone because it’s hard to tell whether or not child slavery has been involved in its provenance, it seems a bit weak to then make strong claims about the moral necessity for all people to prevent the suffering of tiger prawns.

All of which is to say: you’re actually admitting that causing suffering is acceptable if it’s “necessary.” But then you need to work to define what is “necessary” because that definition will change wildly between people. Is it “necessary” for me, as a white person living in a developed country, to eat shrimp? What about a brown person from a fishing community in the developing world? What about a poor white person from a fishing community in the developed world who is working to revitalize their fading industry through aquaculture? And on and on. It’s disingenuous in the extreme to position yourself as the arbiter of “necessity” for all people everywhere.

I really do think that the suffering argument is the very weakest one that gets marshalled in defence of veganism, despite its enduring popularity.

#vegan #acti-veg

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medtech-mara · 10 months

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Chae-Rin is the Pepe Silvia of LoNC@imaginarycyberpunk2023

The SHINS!!!! Okay, so Chae-Rin is another old character of mine that got ported into the world of Cyberpunk. Originally, Chae-Rin ran a illegals arms trade website on the dark web, where she ended up meeting Jago and pulling a 90 day fiancé kinda visa with no romance in mind, but wanted his help taking over the city. Things had gotten too rowdy in little Seoul (this original version of Chae-Rin & Jago are from Los Santos. Aka gta5) and she wanted to show them who really held all the power. Thus, Chae-Rin started Okkangpae, or the Jade Mafia as they were called by other gangs. The only thing that stands true with Gta5 Chae-Rin and Cyberpunk Chae-Rin, is the attitude and love of guns. Let me introduce you to THE TECHIE of Heywood.

So Legends of Night City, the Shins, Sang-Il (Appa) and Yong-mi (Umma) came to Night city from Busan, the city was suddenly erupting in violence from the extermination of a prominent family in the area backed by Arasaka, creating a power vacuum during the 4th corporate war. Kang Tao was responsible for all of this. See, Kang Tao didn’t like the fact that Arasaka was sitting pretty in busan with the help of the Jung crime family. So they had decided to frame Arasaka for turning against the family (as rumors had been that the Jung’s had married off one of their sons to a prominent Militech family can you guys who I’m talking about yet?)

Settling down in the Wellsprings, Sang-II and Yong-Mi had spent their whole life savings, uprooted their lives, to give their child a better chance at life. They opened a weapons shop called Shin’s Cache and carry, where life would resume as normal. Well… until Chae-Rin turns 27,and is now running the shop mostly by herself.

One morning, just after the shop opened. Chae-Rin was doing some restocking, listening to (tbd station name) which was playing the hit song Spring Day by Korean pop group BackTheScene [I’m a huge K-pop fan, I can’t help myself.] and she used this time to dance and sing, trying to drum up some excitement for another boring day.

Without her notice, a Tall, muscular man, leaned against the counter watching the display, he smiled slightly at the display, and when she noticed, her first instinct was to point out how the man had a crooked smile, or that his smile seemed unnatural to him. However, at second glance, her stomach dropped. This man was dangerous.. he had blood stained knuckles that she couldn’t discern if it was his blood, or someone else’s. That same stomach dropping feeling she experienced at her second glance of the his man, who has now greeted her in her native language, was replaced with excitement, curiosity.

The man’s smile fades as soon as the sour petite girl arrives at behind the counter. He began to ask her if her shop sells a certain gun he’s having trouble getting his hands on. The Malorian Arms 3516.

Kicking a case under the counter slightly, covering it up as if she was leaning against the counter, Chae-Rin informs this strange man, who she’s pretty sure is a street samurai at this point, she doesn’t (she does) have that model in stock, but she does weekly trips to the nomad market, she’d be willing to acquire one for him. The man then flicks his finger at the young woman, sliding over his contact info.

A new contact notification was added to her internal agent: Jago and a his holo icon is that of a Tiger with fire coming from its eyes. Knocking on the counter one time, the man then leaves the shop. Only to return each morning. Which clued in that he must live near by if he is willing to come by every morning.

After about a week, she finally decided to let him off the hook, she sold him the Malorian she hid. The man thanked her, and left. She'd held her breath out that she'd see him again.. but She never did. Until 2 months later.

He'd come in, Bigger, chromed, and dressed as if he was doing well for himself. Nothing like the shape he'd shown up at her shop the first time.

So, Jago wanted to know about this bar owner he had gotten a gig for. He had seen her going in and out of the place pretty regularly, so he figured she'd be the best person to ask. With a sinister smile came across the younger woman's face. She agree'd to give him such information, only if he agreed to go out on a date with her. The rest was history. These two were madly in love with each other.. Except.. Jago wasn't accepted by the Shins. They tried their best to prevent her from seeing that dangerous man, but nothing worked.

You might ask yourself, Chae-Rin is 27, why doesnt she move out? Well, thats because she wants to take over Shin Cache and Carry, if she upsets her father, than she might never get ownership, crushing her own dream to expand the brand with her own drones that she's been making since she was 8. During this time, you had to be in good with some Nomads to keep a good and interesting stock alive, and if Chae-Rin burned that bridge with her parents, the contact with the Desert Foxes ceases.

So I wish I was done with this girl, but im not.

So, Lets Fast Forward to 2065, Jago meets his tragic and untimely demise by the hands of Tetsuo Okada, one of Wakako's sons. Chae-Rin see's that Jago's biomonitor they have linked suddenly flatlines but the GPS signal is still pinging. This meant it didn't mean EMP disruption, Which prompted Chae-Rin to jump on her bike... only to find that Jago is in two pieces in a parking lot, and the only people around who might know what happened, are leaving. Collpasing, holding Jago's head and bringing his body close to her, sshhe craddled him and sobbed, screaming. Mara, who is a pillar of the Wellsprings community, is so recognizeable, that the second Chae-Rin sees her, she knows who she is. Mara, who was in a rush to meet with Wakako and anxious to discuss the events that took place just minutes before. Just slid her details over to the girl, and told her that she would explain everything the second she got home. (oops..... Mara got wasted that night and met Jihzzy).

So fast forward to a few weeks after Jago's passing. Mara is 3 sheets to the wind, tore up from the floor up (because this girl doesnt drink anything but coffee and beer) and lost in her feelings that she wasn't being seen as a woman, because undoubtedly due to her large stature. (Hard being a 6'2 muscle mommy, but reality is that this girl didnt know who she was until she became a merc and learned she's damn good at it too. she hit a glow up, i didnt even notice it til Jihzzy had pointed it out). She's laying on the couch feeling sorry for herself when she gets a ping with just cords from Chae-Rin. This is how Chae-Rin becomes a legend of Night city.

Wanting to get Jago's birth certificate that was at his apartment in the combat zone near city center, so that she could have his remains sent to South Korea with the rest of his family, she had gotten attacked by a group of Lazarus mooks patrolling the area and were itching for a fight. She's barely gotten out, and was about to pass out from blood loss, when Mara shows up and collects her in Blue Remedies repurposed Meatwagon.

Much like an animal you nurse back to health, Chae-Rin chose to stay with Mara, never asking, no. She just stayed there to heal up without worrying her parents, but ended up just never leaving. Becoming Mara's roommate.

Currently, she works as a freelance techie, does some work for Night Raid when requested, she had adjusted Mara's Sigframe. She is also being groomed by Kang Tao by the man the Shin's desprately want Chae-Rin to marry. Cheol Gong-Ji. Who is happened to be the son of the family who exterminated the Jung Family.

[Chae-Rin & the Shins(a shame too cause they would let him be with her if they knew) never learned about Jago's real idenity, nor does Gong-Ji (he has his own thing in the AU going on.... holy fuck) Chae-Rin also never learns of Jago's playboy ways. She never learns about his marriage to L. ]

#Cyberpunk red campaign #Legends of Night City #LoNC #My OC: Shin Chae-Rin “Dart”#i honestly didnt think it would get so long winded #but i have nothing really written about this girl #My techie babes #I hope this gives you clarity in WHO Chae-Rin is #She has a much bigger role in the AU

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dragoneyes618 · 2 years

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What so you think Tiger Peony would think of my oc, Hannah Hook?

So this probably isn't what you had in mind and I don't know if this makes sense, but I thought of a thing:

Tiger Peony crisscrossed her way through the hallway full of students heading out to recess until she found her target.

"Hannah Hook," she said.

The younger girl looked up. "Yeah?"

Tiger Peony put a hand on her arm. "Come with me."

Tiger Peony cleared her throat as she read the formal initiation. It was long. She already felt hoarse, and she was only halfway through. “....to be inducted as a full member of the Never Child Club, with all rights, obligations, and privileges therein-”

“We have privileges?” Danny whispered to his sister Jane. “I’ve never noticed any.”

“Ssh,” Tiger Peony said. “-equal to us all, and will be treated as such. Thus, said inductee insert name of inductee he-I mean, Hannah Hook, will now be considered and is therefore-okay, who came up with this?”

“My uncle Michael,” Jane said.

“Of course,” Tiger Peony grumbled. Michael Darling had been the one who had come up with the idea of the Never Child Club in the first place; he and his niece Jane, who had then been only five or six, had been the first two members.

Twelve-year-old Moira Darling, the only one of Michael’s children who were old enough to attend Auradon Preparatory Middle and High School, giggled.

“Anyway!” Tiger Peony said. “Do you, Hannah Artemis Hook, agree to abide by all laws and regulations thus pertaining to the Never Child Club-okay, I’m going to have a talk with Michael about the initiation, I don’t remember mine being so long-winded-to uphold the legacy of the Land of Never, to act in a manner befitting the Land of Never, to represent the Land of Never wherever you go?”

Instead of the expected response of “I do,” Hannah held out her hand and said, “Can I see that?”

Tiger Peony handed the paper over, and Hannah skimmed it, to make sure that the words on it matched what Tiger Peony had said. Tiger Peony didn’t ask why - Hannah claimed to be half fae, and faeries were very wary about their contracts.

Finally Hannah handed it back and said, “I do,” it having apparently met with her satisfaction.

“Good!” Tiger Peony said. She quickly found her place. “Then, by the powers vested in me to uphold the honor of the Land of Never, as the third chair and second chairwoman of the Never Child Club, I hereby grant you admittance into the Never Child Club! Welcome!”

She shook Hannah’s hand. Moira cheered. Danny gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder, and Jane offered her a hug.

“So, this Never Child Club,” Hannah said. “Anyone whose parents were part of Neverland automatically gets inducted to be a part of it?”

“Yep,” Tiger Peony said.

“Well, technically Uncle Michael went to Neverland himself, but he was still a toddler,” Jane noted. “He formed the club in the first place.”

“Oh.” Hannah said. “So. I have a brother and two sisters.” She paused. “Well. Three.”

Tiger Peony, chairwoman of the Never Child Club, shrugged. “They can join too, then. Just as soon as we meet them.”

“You want to meet them?” Hannah asked. “How? They’re on the Isle. And...why?”

Tiger Peony shrugged again. “We’re all Never, you grant that? We’re all of Neverland. We’re all united, in a way. Your father tried to kill my mother, but if, like, Wonderland would invade, we’d all unite against them.”

“Wonderland’s going to invade Neverland?”

“No, Moira, it was just an example, don’t worry. Anyway-so, yeah. We’re all Never. You know Neverland is formed of children’s dreams? Everyone dreams, Hannah. We’ll induct your siblings into the Never Child Club soon enough.”

(I think I meant to put some children of John in here but they somehow never showed up. I also meant to put in some of Danny teasing Jane about her name one day being Jane de Chateaupers, in line with your headcanon about Jane and Zephyr, but that never happened either. I also meant to put in something about how Tiger Peony can never remember Jane and Danny’s surname/Wendy’s married name, despite them having that name for as long as she’d been alive, but that never happened either.)

(You can tell I wrote this in a hurry, no?)

(If you’re wondering, Michael was the first chairman and Jane was the first chairwoman. When Jane graduated she ceded the position to Wendy.)

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whatisthismandoinghere · 2 years

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So, I’ve come up with an idea to kinda combine Hogan's Heroes and The Office. The idea is to have a camera set up in Hogan's quarters and have the guys talk to the camera in The Office fashion, giving their thoughts on whatever’s been happening. I’m thinking maybe an episode-by-episode kind of set up, where I’ll give a brief description of the scenes and then write out what the guys would say to the camera, if that makes sense. I’m skipping the first episode just because the set up was so different from the rest of the episodes and I feel like it would be kind of hard to work with some of the characters that we didn’t end up seeing much of and also Carter’s role was completely different.

Season 1 episode 2 Hold That Tiger

*Hogan has just told the men that they are going to indeed steal a Tiger tank*

Newkirk: The man has gone round the bend, if you ask me. Where are we going to put the bloody thing? Complete disaster waiting to happen.

LeBeau: *just angrily screaming in French*

Kinch: *deep sigh* I regret joining this operation.

Carter: I mean, sure it’s a big operation, but I think the Colonel knows what he’s doing… most of the time. *whispers* Is he going to see this?

Hogan: I don’t really understand what the big deal is. The plan is simple: steal the Tiger tank. I don’t see why everyone’s making such a big fuss.

*Schultz sees the men tearing apart the barracks, Newkirk in a Gestapo uniform, and learns of the plan to steal the tank*

Schultz: Why does Colonel Hogan feel the need to tell me such things?! You know what, I’m just going to forget about it! I know nothing, NOTHING! *scurries out of the room*

Newkirk: You know, I think me accent is pretty spot on. Boy, you should’ve seen the luck on ol’ Schultzie’s face! Priceless.

Carter: You know, sometimes I think we should give Schultz a break, the poor guy. He does an awful lot for us. Being a traitor is hard work.

Hogan: You know, sometimes I feel bad for putting Schultz in these situations. But it’s just so entertaining. *evil grin*

*Hogan informs Klink of “Gestapo officer” in the camp*

Klink: Why is there a Gestapo officer in my camp? I’ve done nothing wrong! I’m a loyal German, and there’s never been a successful escape from Stalag 13. Ever! *shakes riding crop at camera*

Hogan: *chuckles* Oh man, this is too easy.

*Newkirk shows up in a Tiger tank dressed as a Gestapo officer and LeBeau takes off to meet the agent, code name Tiger*

Schultz: I KNOW NOTHING!!!

Klink: I don’t remember asking for a Tiger tank, but I don’t question the Gestapo.

Newkirk: Driving that tank was great. I might buy me one after the war is over, drive it around the block. If somebody gets on my nerves I’ll just fire it at ‘em.

* Everyone meets Tiger for the first time*

Hogan: Great, this is just great. What am I supposed to do with her? I have an operation to run here and this could ruin everything! I can’t believe this, I mean come on, how hard is it to- *camera cuts off his rant*

Newkirk: I don’t know what the Colonel’s so upset about. I think it’s quite lovely. *smirks*

LeBeau: Newkirk can say all he wants, but that girl is French and she is therefore mine.

Tiger: Well that was a warm welcome. Do you know what kind of missions I’ve been on? This is nothing. Child’s play.

Kinch: *eating popcorn*

*Newkirk is tailoring an outfit for Tiger in Hogan’s office, Hogan and Tiger bicker, and then Schultz comes in*

Schultz: There was a woman! In the barracks! I don’t know about you, but last time I checked this was an all-male camp. *sigh*

Newkirk: How am I supposed to tailor in these conditions?! First Colonel Hogan and Tiger won’t stop arguing, then Schultz comes in and interrupts. Blimey, this has gotta be against the Geneva Prisoner of War Convention.

Tiger: I don’t understand. I’m taking big risks here! And then they just let the guard walk in like it’s nothing?? What kind of operation is this?

Hogan: Tiger is unbelievable. How could this happen? She does look nice in red though. Did I just say that out loud? Cut that! *cameraman runs off while Hogan chases him*

*Klink talks with Hogan in his office, he’s upset about the escape that was not an escape, recreation hall is padlocked for a week, Klink has conversation with General Hofstader about missing Tiger tank*

Klink: The Frenchman never even escaped! Can you believe that?? I mean Colonel Hogan comes and tells me a prisoner is missing, we go search for him all night, just for him to have never left the camp. Notice the escape proof record is still intact though. And don’t even get me started on General Hofstader! Hogan’s up to something… *asks cameraman* Do you know what’s going on? *camera shakes back and forth as if shaking its head no*

Hogan: I do kinda feel bad about the escape that went wrong. *bursts out laughing* Ok, not really.

Hofstader: I send a tank to Klink and he can’t send it back. I mean come on, it’s common courtesy. When you’re done with the tank you send it back!

*LeBeau complains about his coffee pot being used as a radio, Hogan and Tiger share a tender moment*

LeBeau: My coffee pot! My beloved and only coffee pot! Could Kinch not use anything else?? *continues to ramble angrily in French*

Kinch: I could use something else for a radio, but LeBeau is so funny when he’s mad. *evil smirk* Also, can we talk about Hogan and Tiger? I mean one second they’re screaming at each other and the next they’re *holds fingers a centimeter apart* this close to kissing.

Hogan: No comment.

Tiger: Why didn’t he kiss me? He had the perfect opportunity! *Kinch in the background: I know right!*

*Hofstader shows up, Tiger waits in roll call for diversion, tank busts out of rec hall, chaos ensues and Tiger escapes (right after kissing Hogan)*

Schultz: Was Newkirk in the roll call? No. Were there still 15 prisoners? Yes. Is that good enough for me? It has to be.

Hofstader: Klink has the audacity to tell me he doesn’t have my tank and then it comes rolling out of his recreation hall! *stands up, angrily throws gloves on the ground, then walks out*

Klink: I’m too overwhelmed for this right now.

Hogan: Tiger is a good kisser. *wipes lipstick off of face*

Tiger: Colonel Hogan is a good kisser.

*Hogan smashes nuts with Klink’s helmet and drinks some of his wine, goes on to explain the whole tank situation with the fact that the Gestapo are trying to discredit Klink because he’s too efficient*

Klink: He comes in and eats my food and drinks my wine! Unbelievable. *scoffs and rolls eyes* You’d think he was running the camp. *Cameraman: Isn’t he though?* That’s enough out of you! Ten days in the cooler!

Hogan: The wine was okay, but I’ve had better.

#hogans heroes #the office #colonel hogan #peter newkirk #louis lebeau #andrew carter #james kinchloe #colonel klink #sergeant schultz

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daphnedauphinoise · 2 years

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What are some things you and others like about yourself (can be physical or personality wise)

My favourite physical trait would be the fact that I literally have tiger strips. I am sure we are all familar when everyone was calling stretch marks 'tiger marks but mine genuinely look tiger stripes. The stretch marks on my lower back look like they have been ripped and they sit nicely on top of my venus dimples; it looks quite cool. Everyone who has seen them has always commented on them and I adore them.

Personality wise, what my friends love is my leadership skills. I was very stubborn (still am lol) and often had the ' my way or.. no way :) ' approach as a child which now as an adult I have changed that into something that has has saved me and my friends from being taken advantage of. I like that my friends seek me out when they have troubles and they know they can count on me to help them no matter what.

D xx

#you ask for daphne's answers

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prose-among-the-trees · 7 months

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I won’t let you hurt me anymore. You can’t hurt me anymore. Of course, I say that long after your window to hurt me and be near me has expired, but I think saying it is important. I already lost the battle with you, but I announce it like I’ve figured out my safety is paramount. I haven’t, and it isn’t.

I don’t know how I’ll ever explain to you that you are the reason I don’t trust adults. My parents first introduced the idea to me, but when you promised to be like a mother I never had I leapt into your arms without hesitation. I was such a stupid kid, to think that adults would be adults, and reliability was common, like makeup. You could pick it up at near any store, as long as you knew where to look.

I remember calling you one night. I was worried about the future of my heart. I was worried about the future of my heart.

I knew then and I know now how you feel about matters of circulation, of valves and arteries, about which way my blood flows. I’ll be sure to get my shit together for you, I promise “mom.”

That’s what everyone called you. That’s what every single one of them called you. I don’t think I can call anyone outside of family that again. The sweet idea has been soured and tainted by your lack of understanding of what it means to be a person.

Someone from one of my classes put her contact in my phone as ‘mama.’ I told her I wouldn’t text her if she did that, because adults never actually cared. The ones that want to adopt you do it for their own selfish gain, and no one wants a child, even if only symbolically, that they’ll regret later. She didn’t mind, and I ended up texting her anyways. I don’t think you’ve changed. I know I haven’t either, else why would I reach out to her?

I’m sorry that I wasn’t them. I’m sorry for not being them. I’m sorry that I hurt him. I’m sorry that his infidelity and desire to have it all was my fault. I’m sorry that your children don’t know what it means to worry about whether their hearts will beat come morning.

I feel for every labored breath you’ve had to take, honestly, I do. The sacrifices you have had to make for the sake of family are admirable, and I’m sorry there was ever a need. Your children grew up to be beautiful nuanced people who never had my best interest at heart. I’ve come to terms with that.

You used to laugh when I was scared to eat at your house. Laugh at the absurdity of being afraid of something so fundamental just because the food wasn’t mine. I wish you wouldn’t have laughed. I wish you would have cried at the burden of a child I was, how I practically ripped the food out of my poor family’s mouths, how i schemed and stole every paycheck they made for useless clothes and school expenses. I wish you would have cried for the person I grew up believing I was, evil and gluttonous and immoral. You laughed though, and I always gave little nervous smiles back. Maybe it was okay to eat, to breathe in your presence.

It wasn’t.

Thank you for the tiger’s eye by the way. I know you regret giving it to me. You regretted it even then but assured yourself that I needed it more than you. I wish you would listen to the part of you that still loves me, even if it’s dead now. I feel in it the love you used to have in your heart for me before you killed it for the sake of real family, and I cherish that appreciation every day. I love what you used to be for me. I know I should love you for who you are, point blank, but I’m not strong enough to do that, so I’ll love who you used to be, selfishly, for me.

I wish you knew what I go through when I talk about my heart. It’s not some metaphorical way of describing how I’ve been hurt emotionally. It’s deadly for me. Always has been. I know you didn’t care about it, and I know you all thought my operations were excuses to ignore responsibility. They weren’t. I had one the next day. You heard about it actually, though when you asked about it, it had already passed.

Be safe, out of state and out of the range to hurt me. I’ll always love the idealistic version of you that you gave to me.

-🌲

#goodbye #found family #personal vent

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thedelusionreaderbitch · 3 years

Text

Kaz Brekker x fem! mute! reader - Dancing eyes

(Image not mine)

A/n: I just thought about this and here we are. Also! I will have at least two more imagines coming out today or tomorrow! I'm also sorry if I offended anyone I really tried to make a good representation of the reader and I did some research but I'm not mute so I don't know exactly what's that's like. So if you guys could tell me if I did anything wrong, just some feedback that would be nice!

Warnings: Mentions of trauma, death, angst, blood, gore, the reader is mute, fluff I think that's it? You have been warned!

Summary: Kaz falling in love with you

(The sign language is in italics bold!)

All rights go to leigh bardugo, netflix, and you! I just own the plot!

She was dancing when he first saw her.

She did a few twirls, her leg went into the air flawlessly into a arabesque to the side. It was powerful and controlled but it was graceful. The girl did a paw de chat and jumped high into the air turning around and landing with one leg behind her perfectly straight and pointed, one leg on the ground and her hands in front of her like she was presenting something to the audience.

The crowd clapped and applauded her but she did not smile, not till she did a low curtsy and while she did her y/c/e orbs meant his. Kaz's breath got lodged in his throat when he saw her beautiful eyes. Then they lit up like all the stars were in her eyes and her lips curved upwards forming a small grin.

Kaz shook his head, she wasn't valuable to the dregs so she wasn't worth looking for, so he turned swiftly on his feet and started walking towards the slat.

But you wish she was.

Kaz started looking for her everyday, and everyday she would be in her spot near the slat doing a dance. Her graceful movements often caught his eye and he would often find himself watching her from his window.

Weak.

But one day something else caught his eye about her, she had enough money for shoes and clothes, it didn't look like the girl ate much, barely enough to keep her alive. Thought still, she bought food.

Or did she?

He observed her in a different way now - for a week and to say the Brekker boy was surprised would be an understatement. The little dancer had been stealing.

Sometimes she would steal food, money, and do a few magic tricks here and there but the thing was he never saw her steal only saw the people leave with empty pockets.

Kaz could admit to himself that she was good, possibly better than him - which was dangerous. But could she kill someone? Maybe he could train her but he found he didn't want to force that upon the girl that danced outside his window everyday. Stealing food, money and even clothes sometimes.

Saints, I'm growing soft. Kaz thought to himself.

The next time he saw her was three weeks later well, the thing is he didn't see her outside his window dancing all day from 6:00pm sharp all the way to 3:30am.

He wondered how the girl slept.

He was limping down a street and he turned a corner only to hear a voice and it wasn't recognizable so he quietly limped over and peaked his head out.

It was the little dancer.

She had a grisha steel dagger pressed up against a man's throat. The man was trembling in fear, and the little kitten that once danced was gone and her claws were coming out.

"Please-please! I did can-can pay-pay you back! Please! I-I know people who-who can help!"

The man looked young but was definitely a sleaze ball, with his brown hair that looked like it was decaying, his round bodice, his fat arms and legs and he retched of alcohol and young girls.

He was nothing compared to the girl.

The tiger had a snarl on her face, but she didn't make a sound as she stabbed the dagger threw his forehead killing him. Then she pulled the knife and grabbed a piece of paper presumably writing something down on it.

She spun on her heels and she faced him.

Shit.

She just blinked at him and made some weird hand movements which Kaz identified as sign language.

Oh he did know what sign language was, he knew how to use it too.

If you wanted a show, you could have just asked dirtyhands.

The girl smiled when he rolled his eyes.

"I don't want a show, but I would like you to join the dregs." He said out loud in a monotone voice. She looked taken aback that he could understand her but she grinned even brighter that he could.

Of course. It's better.

She signs, using just those words and not adding anything else - just it's better. Though he knew actually what she meant.

"What are you. You seem to know your way around here, not to mention the stealing and killing."

I'm a assassin. I Trained somewhere... not in Kerch, and I escaped and went here.

Her signing his precise and graceful almost like her dance movements. She starts to walk away but she pause's and turn's to him.

You can call me Nemesis.

Then she walks away. He didn't even know the time or whether she was even going to show up. He didn't even know her real name - not a single thing about her real identity really.

Only that she dances.

After that day he dreamed of her every night. Sometimes she would be dancing outside or she was working on a job with him. On the occasion he would get a dream about her in a meadow holding up a flower and showing it to someone. But that seemed more like a memory more then anything because she looked younger - a child only five maybe seven.

He longed for the sleep.

Once after a job with the Crows she came to his room and her hair flowed down her back as she climbed into his desk chair while he was on his bed.

He didn't even hear her come into the room.

Writing something down on the paper she turns around and hands him it.

My name is Y/n.

That's when he knew she trusted him.

After that moment they slowly began to come together - slowly but surely. Whether it be a small brush of the hand or full on skin to skin contact they we're there and then they weren't. Technically, they weren't dating - not officially anyways but no one (not even the Crows) could find where Kaz or Y/n began or where they ended. It was like they we're on one big loop, they we're on person yet they we're different.

The first time he kissed her she was coming back from killing someone.

Y/n was his personal assassin, because of that she killed a lot of people and had to be never seen, no evidence, not always clean kills. But Y/n had already admitted to killing many people and she signed that she probably had killed more people in her childhood then he will ever tell her to kill in his lifetime.

So when she came back in tears after a murder he was rightly confused. Her bright y/c/e eyes we're filled to the brim with tears and the eyes that usually danced with emotions were almost dead looking. Though to Kaz they still looked beautiful.

That's not what she needs right now.

Kaz sat on the bed staring at the assassin that stood in the middle of his room, that looked nearly like the little dancer that he once thought she was. But her eyes looked shattered like glass spread across the floor in pieces.

He patted the room beside him on the bed and she reluctantly followed where his hand was and sat down. She kept her eyes cast down, and it killed Kaz to not see those beautiful eyes that danced. The only thing the left of her innocence in his opinion.

With an ungloved hand he lifted her chine up to his and slowly her eyes meant his. Her breath stuttered, she breathed in and started moving her hands using sign language to talk.

There was a child.

She started, always trying to get to the point fast enough.

They went up to me and...

Her hand movements came to an erupt stop and she slowly breathed in a breath preparing.

They called me a monster.

Kaz looks at her and the tears in her eyes. She needs comfort or something at least but he's not so sure he can give her that. He's not sure if he's even ready for that.

Yes you are. And Kaz could finally agree with the voice in his head.

He slowly brought their lips together and brushed them together in sync. He lifted his hand to go to her cheek and he stroked it. They pulled away, it was barley a kiss but it was enough.

"You could never be a monster Y/n." He whispered as their foreheads touched again.

__________TIME SKIP_____________________________________

Knives, arrows, and bullets were flying though the air. Some hitting people and some not. Kaz looked over to Y/n, he knew he shouldn't have brought her on this job.

She had an air of royalty around her, she killed whomever she liked out of the Blacktips.

That's if she granted them mercy.

If she didn't you would die a very painful death. Her hair was blowing in the wind making it look like she was floating, and for all Kaz knew about her, this girl was full of surprise's. She might as damn well been.

Her reflects were quick and graceful but deadly. Just how she dances. He thought. Her eyes were on fire and they seemed to burn everything around them.

She really was a Saint.

Focus. He scolded himself.

You can think about her more later and maybe tell her what you think boy. It was a different voice this time, and it vaguely sounded like his father but he pushed the thought away and kept on fighting.

The heist was over and he looked around for Y/n because usually on mission's like these they would go together and just sit. Sometimes they would talk, sometimes they would just enjoy each other's presences. It was all they needed, just a reminder for them that they we're still alive.

"Did you see Y/n." He said flatly not wanting to seem worried although he really was.

"Ya, I saw her slip away earlier she looked fine." Nina supplied.

He gave her a quick nod and started walking back to the slat. At the least he knew she was fine.

They couldn't find her.

It had been a week and she didn't show up, they were all desperately trying to find the assassin but she was no where to be found. She silent girl was gone, they didn't even know if she was captured or not.

After another week the others had given up saying if their was a lead they would be there. Then Kaz found a note on his desk.

Dear Mr Brekker,

Hello Kaz this is Y/n, so I'm sorry for doing this but it had to be done. I'm not captured no, and I'm safe for now no ones really safe in the barrel. I have many enemies and they will find out you and the Crows are my weakness and I can't have that. You mean so much to me in words I could never describe and it pains me so much to leave knowing - I love you. You are some much stronger than me and a considerably better person then I ever could be although you fight against that statement. You put your Armour down for me and I couldn't do that for you. I'm sorry.

May the stars watch over you,

with love Y/n

Kaz didn't know what to do, Y/n was gone the loop was broken and everything was back to the way it was. He closed his eyes and thought about her eyes - those dancing eyes.

Like for part 2!

Words 1930

-thedeluisonreaderbitch

#six of crows #kaz brekker #Soc #shadow and bone #grishaverse #inej ghafa #kaz brekker x reader #kaz rietveld #matthias hevlar #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #wylan van sunshine #crooked kingdom #x reader #Y/n #angst #fluff

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smallblip · 3 years

Note

Okay, but (sorry for my english) I just really love modern hc where they perform as the band No Name during their school festival (their identities are already known and that people know they belong to one of the most famous group in the school /with nanaba and erwin/).

Levi’s the face of the group and almost half of the fans have him as their bias but they really thinks he’s asexual or bi or even gay since they never knew anyone who had been his girlfriend and he doesn’t seem to be that person to be involved in any romance.

But then he surprises everyone when during their performance, he just grabs hange’s ponytail and kissed her deeply.

And people were just like—oh, shit, wait, what.... levi just—kissed his friend....his....friend.....Hange....the Hange

Then the crowd went wilder and even Levi’s fans just gasped with excitement because—damn that’s hot!

Even Hange herself were surprised but she couldn’t do anything since levi’s grip was too strong, lost in his own world as he ravishes her with kisses as if he doesn’t give a shit about everyone watching them

she doesn’t even know how long it lasted.

Then there’s Erwin in the crowd, capturing every moment with a camera because he’s the only one who wasn’t surprised about this

Stop the presses!

“Breaking news! Levi Ackerman frontman of No Name is having an illicit love affair!”

“It’s not breaking news if everyone already knows...” Porco rolls his eyes. Connie groans. Great. Now Porco is in his shot. The school’s journalism club is essentially him and Sasha with her phone’s camera. They do not have the skill nor the budget to edit him out.

“Who’s he dating then?” Sasha shoots back.

“Heard it’s a girl from another school.” Porco shrugs.

“Heard he’s gay...” Reiner offers.

“You just want him to be gay...” There’s sniggering and Reiner wants to punch Porco, but he’s a man of discipline, so no violence before breakfast.

“It’s just a rumour! He isn’t dating anyone! Levi’s too cool to date.” Eren says, gagging at the mention of the word. A literal child.

“Who would wanna date him?” Mikasa scoffs.

“Everyone in the school apart from you, Mikasa...” Petra says, “he’s dreamy...”

Connie urges the discussion on, Sasha capturing all of this. This is the best content they’ve gotten all week. “Come on! There are no bad answers!”

“Maybe he’s dating a fan?” Bertholdt says.

“Maybe he’s dating Hanji... They do seem rather close?” Pieck says, and the silence and scowls are intended to shame her. Connie looks at the aluminium foil on Pieck’s head. Right. The Signs movie screening organised by the conspiracy society is today.

“No bad answers except that one...” Connie says.

—

“You’re the talk of the town again...” Mike says, “they were discussing you on the school’s YouTube channel.”

Levi tsks. He doesn’t know why Mike bothers with that crap. It’s a pretty high quality production... he had justified, but there’s nothing high quality about Sasha’s shaky hands and Connie’s head covering half the frame. Everyone knows Mike enjoys the gossip, and there’s no one that enjoys it more. Except maybe Erwin.

“Do tell! Who is the enigmatic Levi Ackerman dating?” Erwin teases. He knows he’s not getting anything out of tight-lipped Levi. But it’s still worth a shot. Also worth seeing how annoyed he can get. Plus it’s not like they don’t already know.

If the canteen hadn’t been so goddamn full, Levi would’ve relocated long ago. Then again, his lunch groups hasn’t changed since his first day at school. The routine works.

“I’m sure you boys would be the first to know...” Nanaba chuckles. She had been the first to know and frankly. Levi’s inability to confess has been getting stifling. The only thing that really breaks the conversation though? Hanji tripping and landing face first on the table, lucky for her Levi moves her tray out of the way, saving her lunch, “watch it four eyes!”

“What did I miss?” Hanji asks, eyes already gleaming at the possibility of new knowledge.

“We were just talking about Levi’s illicit love affair.” Mike says. This is getting interesting.

“Awww Levi! You didn’t tell your ol’ pal Hanji that you were seeing someone?”

The rest of them exchange looks. God she’s so goddamn oblivious.

“Eat. We’ve got band practice before class.” Levi says, fingers already working to peel Hanji’s orange for her.

Nanaba winces. So goddamn oblivious.

—

“So we enter school today and Sasha what do we see?”

“Merch!” Sasha pops in front of the screen and does jazz hands with Connie.

“In the lead up to the big No Name concert, everyone’s donning their best No Name merch! First, let’s speak to the best in the game, Armin Arlert.”

Armin fidgets awkwardly, “ahaha I’m just a fan who just happens to make high quality merch.” Modest for someone earning big bucks from his enterprise.

“Ah... And you have competition this year!” Connie says into the microphone, which is really just rolled up newspaper.

“Well... The quality of my work speaks for itself...” Armin smiles sheepishly at the camera, but there’s something insidious in his eyes. Armin has to admit having sole monopoly over No Name merchandising in school has gone a little stale. Surely a little competition will spice things up.

“So Zeke, care to tell us more about your entry into the merchandise game?” Connie asks the bearded boy. Who has a full grown beard at their age? Connie makes a mental note to insert “sells bootleg merch” in the little panel that runs below Zeke’s interview. The whole school is also pretty sure Zeke had been behind the whole oregano debacle last year- someone had been passing oregano off as weed and selling it to the younglings.

“What’s there to say? Mine’s cheaper.” Zeke winks.

“So, satisfied customer. Why did you choose to buy Armin’s merch over Zeke’s?” Connie asks.

Pieck glances down at her Hanji shirt, “Armin got Hanji’s nose right.” She smiles.

In the background Armin and Eren are yelling at one another.

“How could you Eren! I thought we were best friends!” Armin says. Maybe the competition spiced things up a little too much.

“It was cheaper Armin! So much cheaper!”

Eren is wearing the ugliest shirt in school so, is it really worth it though?

—

“We are absolutely not blowing our budget on a confetti canon!”

“But Levi!” Hanji whines, “you already rejected so many of my ideas...”

“May I remind you that your previous ideas include a guillotine on stage, you repelling from the ceiling-“

“A tiger...” Mike adds and Hanji shoots him a look, traitor...

“It was two tigers...” she mutters under her breath. “Aww Levi you never let me do anything fun!” She pouts and Mike watches as Levi’s resolve slips an inch. There’s nothing more disgusting than the weakness of a man in love. Mike rolls his eyes. He had told Erwin if he wanted in on the action, he should join their band. There’s just so much to see that Mike has honestly had his fill. Or maybe he’s just saying it. Damn Nanaba was right, he enjoys this more than he’d care to admit.

“If you shut up through the next five songs, I’ll buy you dinner.”

“What about me?” Mike huffs.

“Deal!” Hanji shouts triumphantly, “and if you let me sing the chorus with you on this next song at the concert I’ll buy you dessert!”

“Almost as if I’m invisible...” Mike mutters.

“Fine... Deal... If you can hit the notes that is...”

“Ohhhh snap!” Mike says, and Levi turns to him for a high five. Mike smashes a beat on his drums. Hanji deadpans.

Ba dum fuckin tiss indeed.

—

“So it’s two days before the festival and the big No Name concert. Today, we’ve got a special treat for you. Roving reporter Jean Kirschtein will find out more about Levi’s love affair, straight from the horse’s mouth!”

Jean shoots Connie a dirty look. But the pun had not been intended. Connie mouths a quick apology before continuing, “but first, a word with the people closest to him-“ Connie nudges Jean towards the general direction of Erwin, Nanaba and Mike. Remember you owe me Jean! Connie whispers harshly when he senses his friend’s hesitation, now go!

Jean groans once more. God his reputation was going to take a hit. He’s vice captain of the soccer team for God’s sake. He doesn’t need this.

“Erwin Smith! A word? Uh... Thoughts on the rumours surrounding Levi Ackerman’s love life?” Jean asks. “Erwin Smith, football captain, history club president, student council treasurer, overall overachiever, and Levi Ackerman’s friend” appears on the screen. They all know if anyone’s likely to spill, it’s going to be Erwin.

Erwin’s eyes light up, he’s finally going on the channel he watches religiously with Mike. There’s so much he can contribute, so much gossip to share, so much insight. Maybe they would even invite him as a panelist on their show. The sheer power! He looks at Nanaba and she frowns at him and shakes her head. Ah damn it! He knows she’ll tear into him if he divulges too much.

“That’s strictly on a need to know basis.” Erwin grins.

“Well... Can you give us anything at all?” Jean asks. Please for the love of god he needs to pay Connie back somehow for setting him up on that date with Mikasa. God is generous but he can easily take it all away.

“We have good, solid guesses, but other than that... No... We can’t confirm anything...” Erwin answers, but not before glancing at Nanaba. She’s nodding. Good, that’s a good answer. Ambiguous enough to keep people wanting. Erwin is relieved. Jean isn’t however, he’s now certain that his debt is going to be rolled along a tab he will soon never be able to pay.

“Oh and the history society’s having quiz night next week, be there or be square!” Erwin plugs.

“Nerd!” Nile yells from across the hallway and Mike chortles.

It doesn’t take Jean long to find Hanji, after all she’s president of the biology club, so why wouldn’t she be in a lab elbow deep in a vat of something Jean doesn’t want to know the name of. It’s her kingdom with a whopping total of four subjects.

“Hanji Zoë, I’m here to ask for the latest on Levi Ackerman’s love life-“

Hanji Zoë- the school’s resident oddball, the genius herself, in the flesh, eating a checkerboard cookie. She looks up at him and there are crumbs on her face.

“Oh! Hi Jean!” Hanji looks up momentarily, “that’s easy, Levi’s in love with me.” She winks at Jean and chuckles. Jean’s jaw drops, surely she’s kidding. Hanji’s known for that after all- her quick wit and dismal personal hygiene. He chuckles awkwardly. “Yeah... Okay...”

“See you at the concert?” She beams at him and he replies enthusiastically. Is she kidding? Everyone’s gonna be there. But Jean remains strategic, he leaves right before she gets the chance to talk his ear off about joining her club again. “Shoot... There goes another one...” she says under her breath as he exits the lab.

Jean bumps into Levi when he’s leaving the lab, odd, what’s Levi doing here, no matter, Jean has a job to do.

“Levi Ackerman! Care to comment on the recent rumours surrounding your-“

“No.” Levi interjects and heads off.

Jean flips the camera so he’s in it, “well, that’s the scoop. Back to you Connie and Sasha.”

—

“It’s the day of the festival! But really the whole school is buzzing with anticipation for the No Name concert!” Connie announces into his makeshift mic.

“Will there be another accident on-stage this time? Will Levi Ackerman reveal more on his secret romance? Is there even a secret romance to begin with? More importantly, will Porco Galliard finally pay for his own food at the festival?”

“Hey!” Porco whips his head around to glare at Connie, “did Reiner get you to say that?”

Connie shrugs, “we’ll find out after these messages...”

The concert is a blast, from a spectacular entrance (choreographed, no doubt, by one Hanji Zoë), to Mike’s drum solo, to Levi’s vocal riffs. But there’s an anticipation of another sort- will Levi Ackerman finally address the rumours of his love affair?

“My Levi-Hanji senses are tingling Nanaba...” Erwin says mid-concert. As the self-proclaimed expert on school gossip, there’s no gossip sweeter than that which surrounds his two best friends. Nanaba thinks it’s an overstatement of his abilities.

But Nanaba feels it too- the electricity in the air, “i think it’s finally happening!” She says, nothing short of a vision.

Levi announces the last song for the night, and he makes his way over to Hanji during the last chorus.

HUH?

Sasha’s cameras are rolling. She holds her breath, for what she doesn’t know, but she feels it coming, call it director’s intuition if you will.

Hanji looks at Levi and beams past the bandages over their eyes, now upgraded to a material they can actually see through, ever since that one accident with Hanji trying to execute a stage dive completely blind. It’s not fun explaining to the ER nurse how you managed to fracture your arm in so many locations.

Hanji’s expression changes to one of confusion when Levi closes the distance between them. This isn’t part of any plan. Her lips part in a gasp. The crowd falls silence, breath collectively held in anticipation. It’s happening. The most significant and exciting moment of their young lives.

What in the name of Maria, Rose, and Sheena!

Levi grabs Hanji by her ponytail and crashes his lips into hers. She forgets how to function, her guitar now hanging limp and forgotten. But her arms find their way around Levi’s neck. It’s just Mike on the drums now, roaring with laughter.

“Hell yes!” Mike exclaims and it’s captured by one of the mics, joined by Nanaba and Erwin at exactly the same time. There’s a flash from Erwin’s phone, there, immortalised in a photo forever. He knows it’ll come in handy one day. For blackmail or for a future wedding montage. Either is fine.

What just happened?

Connie’s jaw is hanging.

“Levi Ackerman and... and... Hanji Zoë?” Connie says, more for his own benefit than for his audience. Because this is Hanji they’re talking about? The Hanji Zoë? Resident evil genius, overall weirdo, oddly magnetic and popular amongst both the boys and the girls, Levi’s childhood friend Hanji Zoë? The answer had been staring them right in the face! Levi at the biology labs, Levi glowering at her, the bickering, the chemistry on and off stage.

Connie whips his head over to Pieck, and she winks at him, told you so!

“I don’t believe it! Stop the presses! Levi Ackerman, frontman of No Name, in love with the brilliant, the magnetic, the one and only... Hanji Zoë!”

Hanji is kissing Levi back with fervour, until they’re both blushing and giddy, the music long forgotten, and when everyone is done gawking, the crowd erupts in violent cheering. Who would’ve thought emotionally constipated Levi, Levi whose private life has been kept a secret for so long, safe from the prying hands of the school press and his loyal fans, would choose to make an announcement like this. What a night! What a spectacle!

“I guess that’s all for tonight folks, and what a fantastic and surprising evening it has been!” Connie laughs, “I’m Connie Springer, and you heard it here first!”

The confetti canon goes off. And Hanji watches with uninhibited joy as confetti rains down on the stage.

“So... Tigers next time?” Hanji says, unwrapping the bandages from her face, her eyes glazed over and more beautiful than anything Levi has ever seen. He scoffs, pressing another kiss to her lips for posterity.

“Don’t push it...”

(A/N: prompt so good I had to write a mini fic! Thank you anon💖💖💖)

#yes it me pretending the manga and its spoilers don’t exist #thank you anon💖#anon #inbox #Drabble #levihan #levihan fanfic #Levi x hange #Hanji Zoë #hange zoe #Levi Ackerman #mine #shingeki no kyojin

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art-i-know-yes · 3 years

Text

HIHIHIHIHI IM LITERALLY GOING TO CRY BECAUSE I CAN'T GO HOME RIGHT NOW BUT LIKE IM GOING TO WATCH IT TONIGHT MAYBE IT'LL DRIFT INTO TOMORROW BUT LIKE IMMA DO IT. IM SO EXCITED AND SCARED I DUNNO WHAT IMMA DO AND THATS ABOUT IT. RIGHT NOW I HAVE TO WAIT AN HOUR AT LEAST AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*2 1/2 Hours later*

AAHHHHHH

DNDADDIES FINALE

I have a headache but irrelevant

Radiolab is very close to death

Byebye Lance

WHHHEEEEEWWWWWW DARRYL FAKE SCARED CHILDS

OOHHHH BETH WHAT DID YOU DO MHMMHM

DEMIPLANE AHHHHHHHHHOOOHHHHHH SNEAKY

Mmnnnnnhhhgggghhhhhhmmmmmmnnnn YES

OH U SLVT

WHHYYYYY WALTER 5 D12 EXCUSE MOI 102 DAMAGE

POWERWORD KILL IS SO FUNNY

BYEBYE RADIOLAB

SEXY LINE HENRY I LOOOOVE WHEN THEY DO SHVT LIKE THAT "YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR DAD I'LL TAKE CARE IF MINE"

KILL BARRY PLZZZZZZ

Mcfvck Barry

"Actually uno reverse"

WE GON DO THE NECK

17 ROLL IT D12 AHHHHHHHH UR SEXY BETH A 12

"He's taking a big sip of water"

EWWWWW

A 9 PLUS A 20

I think that was the most confident Beth has been about any spell

Fvck whoever dad killa is

We should take care of like the NUKE right

OOOOHHHHHHHH FVCK ANTHONY

"You hear the 3 different colored wires"

NATURAL 1 ON M O R A L E

BYEBYE LANCEALOT

LETS GET REVENGE

Down to 80 bvtchboi

Of course slow-mo

AHHHHHHH FAILED DISSONANT WHISPERS

AHHHH SO SMART GLENN FREDDY

Suddenly Ron's head just pops up

AHHHHHH IT'S WHAT WE WANTED ALL ALONG

The nuke

16 plus 7

WHAT DID HE DO

MCFVCKIN PARDON

They gotta book it

It would be so hilarious if he actually meant Nick Jr.

Very unsexy

SPIRIT SHIELD AGAIN

BARTHOLOMEW

Whoops

YASS WALTER

Noooooo. YESSSSS

THERE'S STILL A NUKE

These ads damn

I'm only listening to these ads because I'm nervous

AUTUMNNNNNN

DARRYLLLLLL

Can you polymorph him

My heart

He sure has

Bye kids love ya! That's the best thing

Gasp in scared this isn't good? This is GASP

WIVES? GUNS? SWORDS? WAAAAHHHHHH? AHHHHHH? NAKED?

HUMAN GUNS

It was the other way

This is great

"Cop sized"

Thanks Freddy

They might not make it

THE ROAR OF A TIGER

The noise I just made

"NO... I was AMAZING"

What are you doing

"Vwhere's the nuke! Wvhere's the nuke! If you have an insult, I have a rebuke!" This bomb will go kaboom! I love so much

IT'S THE DISNEY CASTLE

"I learned that one from Satan"

"Dad Max Daddy Rouge"

I'm literally going to have a stroke over these ads

Imma need better help after this

"The servants can poor wine"

Disappointing Henry

Thank fvck

DID NICK GO THROUGH THE PORTAL

Love that

You piece of shvt Dad Killa wtf

HOT SAMANTHA

AWWWWWWWW "Hi Ronny" "Hi Sammy"

AAHHHHHHHHH HELL YAH

That was tense for no reason

FVCK U BVTCH OCEAN SALT SPRAY

That LINE Henry

"I use smugness as a self defense mechanism"

DUMB BVTCH

Hell yeah

Wtf happened to Bill

CERN BABY U MIXED EMOTIONS

Another nod

EPILOGUE SCENES

Naked crying crystal hugs

Now THAT'S a long story

Wear a skirt Ron

GASP SCAM OMGOD

ROUGEEEE

I love that so much for you Darryl

HAHAHAHAHAHA

AWWWWWWW

Everybody's ducked to the ground

"Honestly yeah"

Every other weekend he hangs with Satan

I'm going to kill myself that hurt me emotionally Jimmy

"It was an honor"

HELL YEAH AUTUMN

Mmnnnhhhh

"His ex? wife"

It wasss

Awww not the slow version

"Played..."

Straight called out

BANANA BOIS

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww TJ and Grant

Aww does he still hate him

PARDON

WHAT HENRY IS WHAT

AHHHHHHH THIS ISNT GREAT

Ok season 2 ummm

OH AND THAT'S THE END OK OOF

WELL I LOVE THIS SHOW AND UM WILLY IS A BVTCH TO THE END

I mean Lark seems like he regrets it at least????Sparrow's crying, Henry is still worried and isn't angry.

Well guess I'll go do my homework now.

With the end of THAT, thanks to everyone who liked my stupid rants that I used to process this show

#you could and should absolutely ignore this #random rambling #dndads #dndads spoilers #dungeons and daddies spoilers #dungeons and daddies #MAJOR OOF

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iamdarkness · 3 years

Text

To Feed a Tiger. Forces of Will.3

Chapter 3

Alfonse x Summoner, Alfonse X Summoner X Lif

And one sided (as of now) Dimitri X Summoner X Alfonse X Lif

Triggers for talk about mental health. It is Feral Dimitri after all. Mentions of death and depressive thoughts.

Sexual Harassment and maybe more than that.

Incest. (Freyr and mentions of Freya). Rater R for a little graphic scenes of battle and character death. Nothing we have not seen in the game itself.

-Hrid…- You hear Sharena say under her breath and it feels like all the happiness has been drained from her voice. Of course she would feel sad. Her big brother meant so much to her and seeing him suffer would make her suffer as well. They were so close. He was her best friend, confidant, protector and hero. Watching him so defeated had been a shock and more so that she herself had not reacted fast enough to prevent this. In a way she felt responsible as well.

-Summoner _______. Princess Sharena. Heroes. It is a pleasure to be your guest again.- Hrid says when he is close enough to take your hand and Sharena’s. His hand lingers on yours and you take it back to take Princess Laegjan’s.

- It is indeed as King Hrid has said, a pleasure to be here again.- Laegjarn says as she takes your hand and Sharena’s, her piercing red eyes watch you searchingly.

You greet them equally and introduce your heroes by name and title. You will not have them be nameless heroes to no one. They deserve to be treated, like the heroes that they are. As if sensing your unrest and because he has dreamed of your pain Freyr comes and stand by your side . He blocks Hrid from getting too close to you. You hear young Claude snicker behind you.

-How was your trip to the beach Summoner? I would have liked to come sooner so we could meet you there, but we had a little delay.

- It was great! We even had a sand castle contest and a nice nap.

-They even got a great tan!- Said King Claude nodding to Freyr in particular and you turn to give him a fake angry look. You notice he is watching Alfonse and he winks at him. Alfonse looks like he understands something unspoken.

- I will cherish mine. It was a wonderful and invigorating nap.- Says Lord Freyr to bring attention to his chest and he “looks” sideways to smile at you.

- I can’t say the same about mine my Lord! It stings a lot!- You tell him smiling.

- Yeah we got the wrong lotion, so now we need to go to the infirmary to get fixed up.- Said Sharena sheepishly. You notice Alfonse and Hrid are looking at Freyr’s bare chest. They can clearly see the white mark of your arm on it. Hrid looked a little scandalized and Alfonse… he looked amused. He looks sideways at Hrid.

-Is that…?

-Oh it’s my hand. I kind of hugged him while I was sleeping. Now if you all don’t mind. We need to get to the infirmary. I’ll see you all at the meeting.- You say and leave with the rest of your group to the infirmary. You hear Alfonse talking to Hrid.

-Everyone loves our Summoner. Some more than others and in different ways.- And there is a hint of humor in his words. <<At least he is having fun.>>

~*~

The meeting lasted three hours. Besides the heroes Anna had asked to attend, you had asked Hero King Marth, who was the oldest of the Marths and with more experience, Micaiah, King Claude and Lord Freyr. You were sitting between the former two. They had sat themselves with you in between before Hrid had claimed the chair next to you. You had seen Claude talking to Alfonse and thought they had a plan to distract Hrid or may be just make him re think his life. There was no announcement about the engagement, but Hrid said the royal ball that was supposed to take place in two wees was pushed back for two months. This would give them all time to prepare and gather more information.

- I also hope that by then it will be two good news to announce and not just one.- He tells you and Fjorm when the meeting was over. You feel Fjorm’s cold hand take yours and give it a squeeze.- Dear summoner, would you be so kind to sit by my side at dinner? I would very much like to talk about some important things with you.

-Sure.- You agree to it because, you want him to give you a reason to tell him you are not interested. Alfonse and Fjorm did not sacrificed themselves, for this man to think you are going to fall at his feet after a dinner. Besides, you were sure Claude and Alfonse were planing something and you trusted them. You turned to Fjorm and winked to let her know you got this. She blushed at this.

Once at dinner you do sit by his side. Commander Anna is sitting at the head of the table.Alfonse is sitting about three chairs from you, between Fjorm and Sharena. The chair next to you is the other head of the table and it is still empty. Suddenly, you see F Dimitri come inside the dinning hall. He seldom comes in here and you signal for him to come and sit by your side. He complies. Claude and Freyr sit on the chairs in front of you and Hrid.

Dimitri was dressed in a dressy black suit with blue cape that Forest had designed for you to give him. His hair was up in a ponytail.

-Dimitri. You look so handsome! Did you like the clothes?

-Thank you _______. I…they feel comfortable.- He says and his face is crimson red.

All through dinner Freyr and Claude kept on talking to you and taking your attention from Hrid. Claude was blatantly flirting and Freyr...you were looking at a different side of him, to be sure. It must have been because as someone who could be in your dreams, had the ability to see things others didn’t and know things about you that no one else understood, but he got your sense of humor. Something even Alfonse had, had trouble to adjust to, not understanding your references and knowledge. You had to read his same books to be able to make new references and jokes. After years of being together he had taken your humor and understood what you meant and some of the heroes even used your slang. Freyr was different. He knew stuff and he used the obscure references to make you laugh and it gave the conversation a more intimate feel.

Still you were giving Dimitri all the attention you could because he was important to you and wanted to make him feel that he was cared for.

-We should go to the beach tomorrow and make it a drink contest.- Says Claude smiling at you.

-Oh my Lord give me patience! I am not taking you to get drunk Claude. I have never seen you drunk, but let me tell you; you do not need it.

-I can not give you patience child. Only good dreams and many children.- Lord Freyr says smiling at you. Hrid stops eating to look at him. You notice Claude and Dimitri are doing the same. You laugh at it. You keep forgetting he is the god of fertility as well. Freyr turns to them and says amused.

-I am the god of dreams and fertility. Do you want my blessing?- He turned his closed eyes at Claude who laughed out laud and bring his hands off in a guarding motion.

Everyone seemed to breath again.

-Wait have you given ______ your blessing?- Claude asks and winks at you. You feel your cheeks heat up.

-I would give her, as many children as she desires.- He answers Claude. The wording is very on purpose and it seems it is not lost on the people sitting at the table. You hear Hrid chock on his food.<< Oh God! What are these guys doing!?>> You spy a look at Alfonse and he looks amused if not a little red faced and concerned, but amused non the less. You give Hrid your glass of water to drink and wait to see if he needs you to perform the whatever maneuver. He drinks the water and start breathing right. He thanks you with a blush to his cheeks. He looks mortified about the incident.

-Yes Claude. I’ll be having thirteen children.- You say the first number that comes to your mind.

- I’m going to need a bigger table at home then.- His eyes twinkle with mischief.

-You better. My whole soccer team and I will be visiting you often.- You hear sounds of laughter coming from various sides of the table.

-Hey! I meant children with my beautiful green eyes.- He wiggles his brows.

-Well you better start looking for a wife then, because those are a lot of kids to have. You better start soon.

-That is so mean!- He says fake hurt, dramatically touching his heart.

-You gave Dimitri your blessing.- Dimitri says suddenly, breaking the conversation and looking at Claude in a cold and annoyed manner. He is asking Freyr about baby Dimitri.

-May he never lack good dreams. They are the rest of the mind and the refuge of the soul.

-God, that is so true. I’m tired of dreaming of going to battle and finding my self back in school butt naked - You hear a noise like someone almost spit their drink. Hrid by your side actually laughs.- or zombies in the battlefield eating my heroes. The living dead. - You elaborate after you see Hrid’s confused expression.

-Are you afraid of school and the risen?- Asks Hrid trying to catch your attention away from Freyr and specially Claude.

-Heck no! Zombies are rotten corpses that eat the living like wild rabid animals. I used to watch a lot of moving pictures about them before coming to live here. I’m cool with risen. I even like the red eyes. I like red eyes. They’re kind of sexy, depending of whoever has them.- Of course you are talking about Lif.- And school…I mean…the bad part is finding yourself butt naked in a public place.

-I wonder what that dream means if it is a recurring dream.

-I think it means…- You get cut short by the conversation in the table next to yours.

-Oh You heard that Lord Corrin? The summoner finds red eyes sexy!- You hear Nile’s voice loudly tell Corrin.

-What the hell Niles! Why are you listening to my conversation?- You throw him your balled up napkin. He only laughs. Corrin who is sitting by his side, hits him with his elbow. You hear an “Ouch” followed by Niles laughing.

-Summoner you were talking loud enough for the whole kingdom. This makes you laugh too.

You look sideways at Alfonse who is talking to Fjorm. She seems to disagree with something he said, sighs and nods.

After a while when some of the heroes start to get up from the tables you hear Alfonse clear his throat. Claude is looking at him and you turn just in time to see Fjorm say something to Hrid.

-_______. Would you care to sing something for us?- Asks Hrid.

-Right now?- <<Are this guys trying to kill me of embarrassment?>>

-Yes _____! Sing that song you sing with the guys on campaigns! - That was Claude.- Make it to Freya like last time! You don’t mind, do you?- He asks Freyr. Freyr shakes his dead.

<<WTH is he talking about?>> there are many songs you like singing with the heroes when in campaigns by the fire light so you are kind of confused. He makes a gesture and you get it.

-Oh…Fine.- You agree mostly because that song does not need the best of voices. You lean in to talk softly to Dimitri.- Dimitri. It is going to get loud.- He nods at you like he is ready.- You look around and catch Shigure’s eye and signal to him. He goes pink but nods.

-When a humble bard…-There was a choir of whistles, “Yeah!”s and shouts.

Graced a ride along

With Geralt of Rivia

Along came this song.

From when the White Wolf fought

A silver-tongued devil

Her army of elves

At her hooves did they revel . - Freyr does look entertained.

They came after me- Shigure stands and sings alongside you.

With masterful deceit

Broke down my lute

And they kicked in my teeth

While the devil's horns

Minced our tender meat

And so cried the Witcher

She can't be bleat

Toss a coin to your Witcher -Everyone starts singing. Hrid’s brows are knitted and he is looking around to see everyone singing. Even some of the heroes like Tibarn who had gone out had come back to sing.

O' Valley of Plenty

O' Valley of Plenty, oh

Toss a coin to your Witcher

O' Valley of Plenty

(Rest of the verses here)

Toss a coin to your Witcher

O' Valley of Plenty

O' Valley of Plenty, oh

Toss a coin to your Witcher

A friend of humanity X3 - You leave the last choir to Claude who has the perfect voice for the part. ( 1)

By the time you finish the song everyone starts screaming. You have no idea why they like that song so much but every time you all sing it; it feels like you are all pirates or something.

-Goddess! I love that song. For a minute I felt I was in a tavern somewhere in a town far away riddled with monsters and villains.- Says Claude.

-You mean Fodlan taverns anywhere?- Asks Dimitri. He sounds serious, but the gruffness of his voice is gone and it makes you happy to see him put the effort to joke around. Claude laughs out loud and can only nod to agree.

All around you could hear the heroes talking excitedly about one thing or another. Some where inviting others to the town tavern. Others like Lady Camilla is heard telling someone something like “We should dress like pirates next Pirate Festival dear!”.

-That was something, you don’t see every day.- Says Hrid smiling and he looks entertained.- You are something else summoner. Who is the Witcher?

-Freyr.- Says Claude at the same time that Freyr says your name.

- It is a story about a monster hunter called Geralt of Rivia, that is sent to fight a half goat or ram and half man who was helping some elves, who were the “terror” of the nearby towns. I changed it for Lady Freya and her dark elves, who we had to fight in our dreams some time ago, with the help of Lord Freyr. I say the Witcher would be Lord Freyr. He was the one who gave up his life to save us. I summoned him some time ago.- You raise your cup to him in a toast. He smiles at you.- Besides he has the long white hair and beautiful golden eyes.- Hrid looks at Freyr and Freyr opens his eyes to reveal his beautiful eyes. They are a liquid, luminous gold color. They glow as if with the light of liquid fire but not quite lava.

-I thought he was blind.- He says in wonder. You could understand him. Lord Freyr was a beauty to behold. Even in his animal form he was the most beautiful being you had ever seen. Even the ethereal beauty of Lady Freya was nothing compared to him. Everyone was either a little jealous of him, felt intimidated by him, or had a crush on him.

-Just sleeping. - Freyr says calmly.

-Talking about sleeping. I need to get the younglings to bed. Dimitri what are you going to do?

-Whatever you ask of me.- He says readily eyeing Hrid. He has noticed how clingy he seemed to be with you and he does not trust him.

-I would like you to come with me on my patrols tonight; if that is alright with you. -His brows furrow and he gives Alfonse a long look. Alfonse seems to be listening but avoids looking at you.

-I will come with you.

-Hey I thought I was coming with you my dear!- Says Claude.

-You can come to get the kids to bed if you want to. I am going to need a handsome prince for tonight’s fairy tale and Marth is busy.- You tell him teasingly. Hero King Marth who is walking by looks your way and blushes.

-That is so cruel.- He says and pouts.

-Summoner. I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me in the gardens or I could take the watch with you.- Says Hrid.

-Omm, I really need to take Dimitri. There are things I would like to talk about with him, but if you do not mind you can come to story time and then take a walk. Since my prince charming is sulking right now. It looks like he does not want to cooperate.- You notice Claude is looking at Alfonse and you have this distinct feeling that surprises will keep happening before the night was out.

<<Seriously guys? Like my heroes need to be told to do weird crap.>>

Dimitri went to prepare for your watch together, but before he left, you saw him frown at Hrid who returned it with a cold look. This of course annoyed you to no end because no one treats your babies that way. You go to the living area where the children gather every night for a hero to tell them a tale. You do this twice a week, usually with Alfonse by your side. You really wanted to be petty and reenact Frozen with Hrid as the prince, but you remember Anna and Alfonse said to treat him right.

<<Fine>>

When you are done with the kids you and Hrid go take that walk in the garden and decide that if he starts coming on to you; you will have to nicely let him down. You are even waiting for the chance. You are sitting on a bench around the entrance that lead to the Eastern stables. Hrid has like the spot to take a rest and sit as close to you as possible. Lucky for you the hour was still early enough that many heroes are still around and you do not feel uncomfortable.

- The heroes are very fond of you _____. It is very impressive to see. I have been told so many things about you and I thought it would be impossible for someone to posses so many qualities like you; but I can see that not only are all of those rumors true…they do not make you justice . I can see what you do for the heroes and for the people. I was told you aided in a birthing yesterday.-You nod but say nothing when he keeps talking.- I remember the first time I saw you. You came to help heal me and ask if I needed anything. My sister Gunnthra was so fond of you. She believes you are destined to be part of our family. I can only agree with her good judgement.

- I feel very humbled by her favor towards me. I…- Just thinking about her, and her horrible demise brought tears to your eyes.- I wish I had, had more time to know her better. Sometimes… I wish I could see her in a dream and see her happy again. I also wish I could save Fjorm…from everything. -He looks moved by your statement but he has no idea that he is the one you want to save her from.

-It may do her good to spend a weekend at home. You could come and visit with her. It would bring us happiness if you did. It would make me very happy.- He says and takes your hand in his cold one.

-I think it would be good for her to do so, but I am afraid that as long as there is a war; my place is here and I can’t take more than a day off every week. You see…I…-There is a pause since you were distracted by someone walking on your far left, as if trying to not be seen.- Hey!! Valter? You are back!. What do you have there?- You get up and walk towards the tall man.

-A shake…- He says . He has heard you say that to other people jokingly. He is not turning around to face you and has something big on his shoulder.

- Valter?- He finally turns around and you see he is all bloody from a wound on his arm and leg. There are gashes as if from big paws.- Oh god Valter! You are hurt! Let me see! You’ve been gone for three days! I know you came early but look at you!

-I am fine summoner. I will go to the healers in a while. Here.- He lowers the thing he has been holding on his shoulder.- I gift you the man eater,that has been plaguing the villagers in the Western villages.- He places the mountain lion at your feet. His tall figure kneeling on one knee to better show his prey.

- A fine prey Valter. I could not have chosen a better hunter. -He smiles with pride. At first you and Valter had not see eye to eye, with his way of trying to make you be afraid of him and calling you prey. Alter he had a lot of talking to by Alfonse and Leon/ Fomortiis, you had come to an understanding and now It was a better relationship. You may not trust him as a person but you trusted him to be himself and now you had a better understanding of his motivations and personality. You also valued and respect his skills.- I thank you for an excellent job.- You take our your handkerchief and clean his mouth. It is dripping with blood and it is not his.

-Will you partake of it Summoner?- He asks lifting it up to his shoulder again.

-Of course, but only after it is cooked if you don’t mind. Are you going to skin it in the kitchen? -He nods- I’ll go take a look during my watch. Valter don’t eat it raw! Those cats have worms in their meat. - He nods and smears your cheek with blood. - Valter…- you whine at his retreating back. He gives a loud laugh.

- Was he drinking its blood?

- Yeah, probably.- You say whipping the blood off of your face.- I’ve told him not to eat it raw. I am afraid he is going to get sick in the long run, but he told me he was not going to live that long. Now I am seriously thinking of not returning him to his world… I’m gonna have to adopt him or something. - You notice now Hrid is looking at you a little open mouthed.

<<What did I do?>>

-Summoner!- You hear the shout of a familiar voice. You see a mop of white hair shinning bright in the light of the torches. His red eyes burning with annoyance.- Naga’s brat changed his patrol to be my partner. Did you allowed this?

-No Mr. Grima. I didn’t know about this. Which of them?

-The first one…the one from the river.- <<Oh Marth>> He says it pouting. You take his hand.

- Grima, dear. You have to understand that sometimes people may want to be your friend. Has he ask you about Robin?

-No. Never.

-See? He is not interested in returning Robin like Chrom wanted to, not only because he has never been friends with Robin before, but because he knows quite well there is only you in that body. What he wants is to be your friend. You see, like you; Hero King Marth was summoned after death. He will be staying here after the war, like you. I have talked to him already Grima dear. He has no evil intention towards you. He just wants to be your friend.- He looks to his side and thinks for a moment.

-Fine worm; but if he so much as thinks about “bringing back” Robin, I’ll eat him.- He is still kind of pouting and kind of bashful about it. You ruffle his hair playfully. He growls but lowers his head to rest on your shoulder.

-Come here you grumpy dragon. -You give him a hug.- Give the man the chance you gave me and Alfonse. And if he so much as hurt a single hair of my -You whisper so only he can hear- Baby dragon ( 2 )…I will personally behead him or something.

-Don’t call me that worm!- then he adds in a softer tone-…eat him…- He sounds angry to other people but you know him well. He does not move his head. You don’t know it, but he sends Hrid a venomous look.

-I’ll eat him whole Grima. He’ll make some great tacos or burgers, sausages…Ug! I grossed my self out now.- You say laughing. He gives you a low laugh as well.- I didn’t see you at dinner Grima.

-I was busy training.

-I know. Here if you go to the kitchen and get something to eat’ I’ll give you this candy…but don’t tell Gaius about it.- He lets go.- Oh Valter is there with this mountain lion he killed. We ate roasted beef.- He makes a face. He dislikes Valter and mountain lion.

-I don’t like mountain lion. Fine. I’ll eat him instead.- He says smirking and turning to leave.

-No Grima! You’ll get sick!- You say laughing hard. You know he is kidding.

-That…That is the Fell Dragon Grima?- Asks Hrid when Grima is gone. You nod smiling.- The terror and destroyer of the world?- He looked at your face and can almost see pride in them, like a mother showing off his child who has done something great. And of course you feel pride. Grima was loved and happy. He no longer wanted to avenge himself, he wanted to be loved and be accepted. This was a big win for you.

The rest of the walk is spend like this. You walk for a while and then a hero shows up and take your attention away from Hrid. He seems a little frustrated but at the same time, that look he gives you, like you are something precious does not fade from his eyes. It is the time for you to go and you are about to say good night when he asks something of you.

-This night has been wonderful. I have seen you work your magic and the more I see, the more I think you would be a great queen.

<<Oh crap!>>- I am just a regular person who wants what’s best for her people and home. -<<Yeah sound more patriotic why don’t you?>>

- I know. That is the reason. I - He makes along pause and seems to change his mind on what he wanted to say.- I know, I asked this of you before but, I really would like to hear you sing. Only this time. Would you sing a love song? What would you sing to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?

-I really am not that great a singer. I just like music a lot and since I came here I lost my… music so I sing it, to not for get it… besides I…that is very personal.- You say uncomfortable. This was going sideways fast and you knew it.

-I understand. I also understand you do not know me enough to fall in love with me. You must know by now I wanted ask for your hand in marriage, but I will not push it. I just want to hear what Fjorm has heard. It would make me really happy.

You think about it and realize that how worst could it really get? It was not like you were going to accept him any way. -OK, let’s walk this way.- You tell him and start singing when you are almost under Alfonse’s balcony.

I say I'll move the mountains

And I'll move the mountains

If he wants them out of the way. -- It did feel like you had to move a mountain to reach Alfonse, when you had just met. Now

look at you now. You could barely part from each other.

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love, I say.

I say I'll go through fire

And I'll go through fire -- There are flashes of you fighting alongside Alfonse to beat Surtr.

As he wants it, so shall it be

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love, you see.

Like the wind that shakes the bough

He moves me with a smile -- Yo see him in your mind’s eye smiling that rare sweet smile he has only for a few precious people and you.

The difficult I'll do right now --Well you did gave him an army of heroes and manage it well.

The impossible will take a little while -- And you will end the war and win it for him.

I say I'll wait forever --You look up to his window. Up till now you had been looking at the starry sky but the light in his room had gone out. He was surely looking out the window.

And I mean forever-- That was your promise. You will wait for ever for him.

If I have to hold up the sky

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love am I

Crazy in love am I. ( 3)

Luckily Hrid had not been here long enough to know where your room or Alfonse’s room lay. He did not know he had witnessed your promise to him.

-That was beautiful. That song… I could imagine you fighting against Surtr…Saving my land and my people.

<< Oh Lord! You have to be kidding me. This is what he got from this?>>

-You have to remember your highness, that I was not alone and I did the least of the fighting. You have Alfonse to thank for that and The Order. -<<And your sister’s sacrifice…>>

- I was lost in the song I have to confess. You look so beautiful right now. It is easy to forget everything else.- He steps closer to you. You are hit with the urge t to step back, but you have to stand your ground.- _____ I want to get to know you better. I want to be more than just acquaintances. I want to be..

<<God I hope he says best friends! Why can’t someone just come and save me?>>

-...more than just your ally. I want to be there when you need me and be the one you can count on.

<< Sir you are describing Alfonse…>>

-Hrid. I appreciate the sentiment. It is always a good thing to get to know the people that are important in our lives. I do agree with that, yet I need to tell you; that with the war and all the work I need to do; I can not offer you more than friendship. My priorities..

-She tells us all the same thing. Can you believe that? So very cruel Summoner.- Says King Claude from behind you.- I apologize for the intrusion, but princess Sharena has need of your help. Delthea drunk a kettle of coffee and is now running around playing pranks on unsuspecting heroes. I think she hid in the tower. Also Dimitri said he will be waiting for you in the library in half an hour.

-Oh Lord! Hrid, please forgive me for leaving you. Delthea is a very powerful and very imaginative witch, I can’t have her do this at this hour.

-I understand completely ______. In fact I would like to be of assistance.- Hrid said eyeing Claude.

-That would be amazing. I just need to warn you about the consequences; but if you are alright with cat ears, be our guest. -Claude points to his head. Sure enough there lays a set of black velvety cat ears.

-Oh for God’s sake Claude! Wait. Is there a tail to match?…Oh what am I saying. I’m sorry Hrid. You better sit this one out. There are just so many guys with cat ears and tails I can manage in one night. I will see you tomorrow. Have a good night.

-As you wish. Good night and pleasant dreams.- You thank him and go away with Claude.

- You look so cute Claude.- You say and laugh.

-Mm interested in petting my ears _____?

When you two are far enough, Claude takes his fake cat ears off and meet up with Freyr and Delthea who is not really playing tricks on anyone.

- I almost didn’t make it. I apologize ______ . I did hear you tell him you are not interested. That is good. I don’t think it will stop him though. It feels like no matter what we do, he can’t seem to mind that the heroes flirt with you. I mean I understand. I see you do this every day. You care for everyone and they can’t help but adore you and I understand it quite well and it only makes me love you more.- He says it matter of fact like he is not baring his feelings in front of other people.

-Claude…

-I know ____. I should have considered it. He just looks so stiff, controlling, possessive and well cold, I thought he would find it uncomfortable. Make him re think his choice. I’m thinking even you telling him you are not interested in a relationship may be making him more persistent. Like whenever you tell Valter not to eat mountain lion raw…He already ate the liver by the way. I saw him a couple of minutes ago.

-What?- Face palm <<OMG Valter. I feel like I’m dealing with toddles!>>

-Well. It is done. We will see what we can do tomorrow.

-I suppose. - You start walking towards the library where Dimitri would be waiting for you, but make some space to talk to Delthea quietly. -Oh Delthea. Did you ever find out what the book was about?

-Oh…I did ask Alfonse but he could not open it. He asked me where I had found it and I showed him. He had never seen it or heard about it before. He did not tel me the exact translation, but said it was about the first King of Askr. I asked him if I could help him find out how to open it and he said it was fine by him, so as soon as the Ice King takes off we get to work. I also told him I wanted to help him with his project and I managed to convince him to let me help. Like you say: “ Two heads are better than one.” he just told me not to tell you. ______ he is very upset. I am worried about him. I mean if he asked Claude to help him it means he is very desperate. That man better leave tomorrow or I will bewitch his underpants to be itchy for a month! What?! I can guarantee you he will never know it was us. Just like the time I turned Lord Virion’s undergarments pink. -she giggles.

- Was that you? Oh my God. -Virion was still looking for the culprit.- Please don’t do that. I don’t need more trouble for the Order or Askr. We can leave it as last resort though; in case we can’t find a way to break the deal.- You tell her to settle her down. When you finally meet up with Dimitri, you notice he is talking to Freyr and offering him something. On a closer inspection you see it is one of the key pendants to the tree house.

- I can not guarantee you she will not follow in a way, but no one will be getting in there but you, _____ and I, so there will be less chance of someone spiking your drinks. I am taking dreamless sleep pills and can’t dream. She will not tempt me.

- I feel touched by your gesture. I will take you up on your offer if you are sure of it.

-I am. I thought about it. I figure it would be hard to return to your room.

-Then I will stay with you. Thank you. I will wait for you reading in the library until you are done with your patrol.

- You can join us, if that is your wish.- Says Dimitri. Freyr seems to be thinking about it.

-I thin it is better for me to wait here. There are books here I have never read before.

Claude says his goodnights and leaves. Delthea stays to tell Freyr about the awesome book she found and where she found it. You are crossing the door to the outer grounds to talk to the inner wall guards. It is half past midnight.

-Dimitri. What you did back there for Lord Freyr. I am really touched and thankful for it. I thought about changing his room, but you know how all the rooms are the same except for Alfonse’s and mine, so it would be all the same. I was thinking to take him to my room and sleeping on the study. I was sure he would not agree to that. Then I thought to let him stay in one of the rooms at the infirmary.

-I thought about it when you told me what had happened to him. I am sure it was much more serious than what you mentioned.

- It is. It is much more serious.

-He seems to feel safe around you.- <<As do I>> He thinks.

- I wish I could save him from her.- << I already watched him die once…I could not take it if he were to die again because I failed.>> You do not voice your fears with Dimitri. It is better for him not to trouble himself with your fears.- I could have offered to sleep with him, but even voicing this sounds bad. Askr is so very conservative. - <<Although…We could camp out in the tree house with Dimitri! Wait…that sounds like a threesome or better yet a “treesome”…Damn!>>- we could…- You get cut short by your messaging pendant getting too warm. Something is wrong. Then you hear someone shouting your name. It is Gordin.

-______!!! Lord Freyr told me to tell you the Elmblan Empire is crossing our borders! They are about to attack the keeps in the Northern towns. He saw it some moments ago and sent Delthea to tell Commander Anna.

-Thank you Gordin! Dimitri. I need to tell Alfonse and Sharena.

-I can tell the princess!- Says Gordin seriously.

-Thank you! Let’s go Dimitri.- You feel the pendant again. It was Anna. The message was to get ready.

You are running down the hall to Alfonse’s room when his door opens up. You see Hrid and Fjorm getting out of her room down the hall.

-Lord Freyr saw Embla crossing the Northern border and attacking the keeps.

-Let’s get ready. Inform the heroes on rotation. We will wait for you in the War room.- You nod and walk yo your room to get to the list in the study, but you get waylaid by Hrid and Fjorm who tries to persuade him to wait until they are called.

-Are we being attacked?

-Not ourselves. The keeps in the Northern border are about to be attacked. We will probably march in a while. I’ll keep you posted. I need to call my heroes on rotation.

You enter your room and then the study. You hear Dimitri say something and then shut the door.

-_______. I am not in rotation, but I want to fight. Is Lord Freyr fighting too?

-Let’s see. He is in rotation…but…

- Let him go. It will keep his mind off of his troubles. I will fight too and keep my eye on him.

-If you are sure; I’ll add you to the rooster.- You start sending the magic signals to the heroes in rotation and once you are done you take the list with you to the War Room. On your way out you see Fjorm and Hrid are meeting after preparing themselves to fight. They follow behind you to the War Room.

-Fjorm, you are not in rotation. You are part of the base defence today. You want to come with?

- Yes. I already changed my turn with Mathilda. Oh and I found Valter on the way. He said he will be ready when you are.

-He is not on rotation. In fact he was supposed to still be off today, but returned early…well I guess. He can come.

- What is this about rotation?- Asks Hrid. He is dressed in full armor and ready to go.

-It is the way to manage the heroes. One part fights, another part is left as reserves and the defence stays to defend the castle and the people of town in case there is an attack while we march off. The heroes change every battle. Right now we are about to see where we are about go and what we are about to do and decide if we need to do some changes in the groups. Just like the Royal army.

-You manage it all by yourself? Impressive.

-Well it is my job to get to know the heroes abilities and weaknesses . Then decide who works better in what situation and what they should be doing and who to send them with. You know, tactician’s planing. I make the suggestions and then Alfonse, who is the brain decides if the draft is right for what he thinks the enemy is doing and stuff. He’s a genius. Then Anna makes the final decision… but I mean I also like to have other opinions. Like Robin’s and Soren’s for example. It is all simple and regular army managing.

- Well. Not really. Remember when we fist met and you had suggested this to Commander Anna, because you were afraid someone would try attacking the castle when you were away, just like the time Embla had tried to destroy the Summoning Ruins? I also remember Anna apologized to you for not taking your suggestion of having a fire brigade before Surtr attacked into consideration. It was also your idea to make the Heroes their Order Cloaks to blend in with the surroundings and re designed the Regular Army’s new camouflage uniforms. The Royal Army even changed theirs as well! (4)

<< God Fjorm! Don’t help me look good now!>> Hrid looked impressed. Fjorm looks sorry.

-I saw the changes. I like the new uniforms and their usefulness. Amazing!

-Well none of those ideas are mine. I just took them from what the armies use in The World of Steel. I mean, sometimes Alfonse lends me his brain cells and I do come up with some good ideas, but mostly it is him doing the job. I just help along.- Fjorm laughs at this. She knows what you mean, but the two men look at you with different levels of confusion. You finally arrive to the War Room and after asking if you wanted him to wait outside, you let Dimitri stand by your side during the briefing. Fjorm had stood on your other side and signaled Alfonse to stand by her. After a moment she whispers a quiet “sorry” in your ear. She moves from between you two to go talk to Laegjarn. You can feel Alfonse’s hand lightly touch yours when she leaves. God! How you wanted to touch him. Hold his hand and disappear from the world.

Since Lord Freyr’s dream was a forewarning you had time to get to the site and wait for the enemy to attack. It would be an ambush. You fear you will have to spend the trip avoiding Hrid and stealing moments to talk to Alfonse. During the first part of the night when you were walking besides F Dimitri, you remember he had wanted to talk to you about something important.

-So Dimitri. What was it that you wanted to talk to me about?- Dimitri looked taken aback for a moment and then he looked around to see if anyone was hearing you.

- I…I have been watching Lif when he comes to watch you…- He says and suddenly you are attacked by the memories of your last encounter.- I apologize for not telling you directly…I did not know if he was real or not.

-Lif…-<< My Alfonse>> the thought passes your mind faster that lightning and you had no time to question it.- I… I can see why you would think that. He is… He looks so …-<<Beautiful>>- different. My regret. -You had know he had seen Lif. Of course you did, but you wanted to let him tell you in his own time after that one time he avoided the subject.

-I saw him go inside your window…I am sorry. I was not thinking strait. I let him in, not sure of who he was until you mentioned him. I just knew he loved you and he wanted to be near you… so I let him. I wanted to know what he would do. Understand him.

You lower your head before someone notices your watery eyes as they fill up with tears. Those words were breaking your heart… and now he was gone.

-Don’t worry about it Dimitri. I practically invited him. I also understand you… and I can see your instincts are working just fine. I trust them and I trust you. Besides. I wanted to see him so badly. I was not sure if he had survived and now I know he is…still fighting.

- You love them both…

- I… I do…Do you think me wicked?

- At first. When I did not know who he was. I understand now. Would you tell me how it went? All of it? I want to know about him.

- I don’t blame you for wanting to know. He is an interesting person. I mean, he is Alfonse but…They are the same, but different. Alfonse plays the violin you know. He plays like the angels in heaven…They are both violin music, but different pieces you see? Both highly intelligent and both seriously passionate in everything they believe and do…but like music Alfonse is intense but contained, controlled, like Vivaldi’s Winter And Lif is just as intense but unbound like Devil’s Thrill…Both beautiful to behold but …Oh crap I forgot you don’t know what I’m talking about. The music sound kind of like - You hum the music and explain the differences in rhythm and tempo. You look at him to see if he gets it and you see him smiling. You have never seen him smile.- Heh… I got a little carried away didn’t I?- He nodded.- Were you there when he left?

- Yes.

-I still have to tell Alfonse. I forgot to do so with the…arrival of our guests and everything else.-You backpedal to not tell him about the engagement.

-You will tell him? Everything?

- Of course. I don’t want to keep secrets from him. He knew what I was doing. That was the reason he was not home. We wanted to help him. We even had a plan on how to do so and…you saw. It all went sideways. Alfonse knew Lif would decline our offer, but I wanted to believe. I could not even tell him the plan… I felt so selfish asking him to stay.

- It would be painful to be around you and not be near…

- (sigh) yeah…and let’s not forget Sharena.- You start telling him how everything had started. How you all had thought he was the first king of Askr and then found out the truth. You tell him about Sharena’s flowers he had placed in that shine he had made. You tell him about your Summoner’s coat folded neatly among your favorite flowers. His parent’s crowns. How he had built the shrine because there was no bodies to bury and no tombs to take flowers to. You explained his plans and how he had changed his mind to help you. How he had been used like a marionette by Hell to kill you and how you had finished her with the his most precious possession. His Summoner’s Breidablik…you omit it was your own weapon or so you thought.

After a while there is a pause in the trek for rest and meals. By this time the sun was already coming up. While you are talking to the men,you are interrupted by Hrid who wants to be your guard during the battle.

- King Dimitri is her guard today. He is her support.- Says F Dimitri in his gruff voice. Hrid looks coldly back at him, and you sense he is about to retort. There is tension in the air and you have to intervene.

- I appreciate it and you are welcome to stay, but he is right, Dimitri is my baby sitter this time.

- I understand you already have your support, but it would ease my mind if I could stay by your side. This way I can protect you and observe the way you lead your men. If needed I will assist in battle of course and like I said before in the meeting; you can use my men as if they are your own. As I wish you will see them one day.

-I… Thank you your Highness…- Dimitri was scowling and you could tell he was beginning to get angry.

-Were we not on first name terms _____?

-I apologize for interrupting, but I was wondering if his Highness would help me out.- The voice came from behind Hrid. It was Charlotte. Her huge soulful eyes were fixed on Hrid.Her voice was all sweetness and her demeanor bashful and coy. To her side Groom Marth stood looking at Dimitri.- Your sister said you could help me.

<<Oh Thanks GOD! I could kiss Fjorm right now!>>

-Oh Hrid this is Lady Charlotte of Nohr. She is a trusted friend and ally.- It had taken a while to warm up to her after the incident with Alfonse. He had to explain to her, in the coldest of voices that he was not interested in her in any sort of way and that, what she was doing was harassment and it was punishable in Askr. Prince Xander had been called as well and he had been even less lenient. After working with her you found out she was actually pretty cool when she was not obsession with someone. You even gave her pointers on what she was doing wrong with guys. Everyone knows guys do not like desperate women and she radiated desperation.

-I would help her, but I am afraid I am not tall enough.- Says Marth. Hrid excuses himself and goes to help Charlotte. You can tell he is very annoyed by the redness on his cheeks and ears. Charlotte turns to you and winks. Marth gives you a small smirk and asks if he can talk to Dimitri. They both leave to where King Dimitri is waiting for them. As soon as they leave, you feel someone tap you in the back. You turn around and King Claude takes a finger to his closed mouth and signals for you to follow him.

- Please tell me I am not as persistent and annoying as that man!- He says in a quiet hiss. You walk a little into the wooded area by the road and see a figure dressed in white waiting for you.

-Thank you Claude. I owe you. And for the record. You are not annoying at all and I enjoy spending time with you.

-Then minutes Alfonse. Make the best of it.- Claude says and winks. You turn around and Alfonse is blushing.

He walks up to you and takes your hand. He says nothing but his eyes speak volumes. His other hand comes up to your face and caresses your cheek. You lean into his touch and close your eyes. He kisses your forehead and then embrace you. You circle his waist as he cradles your back and head.

Meanwhile King Dimitri, Savior King Dimitri and Marth are talking to Fallen Dimitri. F Dimitri had gone to ask them what was happening to you and what was the deal with the king of Nifl. K Dimitri and G Marth had weighted the options of telling F Dimitri what they knew. They decided to tell him about the treaty and that he should be patient and threat the King with respect so that Askr could gain the aid they will need if they were to be attacked by another kingdom. They will tell him about the engagement after Hrid leaves.

-Yes. Apparently he is interested in building a relationship ending in marriage with her, but we all know she is not interested in anyone but Prince Alfonse. Still, we have to be careful and polite with him.- Explains Marth.

-Fine ,but if he so much as breathes wrong, her way I will cut his head off.- He is about to go when he is stopped by his other self.

-It is not wise to project your feelings towards her. She will not return them. Better men than us have tried and failed. She wants only to help you and it will only hurt you both.- Says King Dimitri.

-I understand who her heart belongs to and I would not come between them.- He wondered if any of them had seen the way you looked at Lif, or had seen how much you love each other, or if they only knew about Alfonse. The way he saw it; he knew better than any of them who your heart belonged to. Divided as it was.

Dimitri found you talking to Alfonse just at the edge of the forest by the road you were taking; but he did not approached you. You were looking at a map, but seemed to be talking about something else. He spied Hrid talking to the blonde girl who wanted to marry a rich man. Her charms were being neglected by the prince who kept scowling and sending you furtive looks. Dimitri could hear you talking thanks to his finer sense of hearing.

-Can we talk about that after the battle?- You ask Alfonse. He scowls.

- What did he do? Did he hurt you?

-What? No! He refused our help, just like you said he would. He left…for good this time.

- There is more.

-We should focus on the battle ahead. I don’t want to mess up something important because our head is in another matter.- Alfonse closes his eyes. He is loosing his patience and probably thinking there was something worst than what actually happened. You sigh.- I wanted to wait until later to tell you. The truth is just that, he refused our help, said he could never be my friend and that even if he agreed to be helped, he doesn’t believe we can help him. He showed me his face…then kissed me. - Alfonse palled and rubbed his face. He looked annoyed but at the same time relieved.- I did not tell him about my “memories”. I don’t know what he would do, if what we think happened to me, is real.- Alfonse looked even more relieved by that. Dimitri wondered what that meant.

-We will talk about this when we get home. Hrid will be your guard today. He asked Commander Anna. -His jaw muscles were moving with tension.

- Goddammit! Well so will Dimitri. I am not changing my plan. He is lucky I did not choose Grima. I’m being nice here Alfonse…a good girl Alfonse.- You smile coyly at him and at first he is confused, but you see him redden. He has no idea of your real meaning, but just looking at you giving him that look is enough to make him melt. He knows you are flirting, but he does not know the context. He is about to say something when you both hear Anna give the command to start the march.

After a meal brake, Fjorm comes to talk to you.

-_____. I heard my brother has asked to be your body guard. You have to deny him.- You look at her confused.- _____ remember our traditions. If he saves your life or Alfonse’s; you will owe him a life debt. I…do not understand him. I would not have thought him capable of using something like this or even demanding it of you, but he seems so different. I am not sure if it is because he has been alone without mother and Gunthra to guide him or something, but he looks different. I am just doing this as a precaution. I swear to you he is a good man and a honorable one, but I also know that he is stubborn and will fight for what he wants and what he thinks is best.

-I believe you Fjorm. I actually like him as a person. I just can’t help be angry at his ideas and the outcome of his requirements for the treaty. I will appeal to his warrior pride and make him be in the battlefield, just not close to Alfonse or Sharena. Deal?- She smiles and blushes when you take her hand in yours.

That night there is no time to put tents up. You put your roll up by Sharena and Fae who sleeps between you and Grima. You have noticed Grima had given the small dragon some of the candy you had given him. Fae is slowly becoming a younger sister of sorts to him. She started following him around and he let her after he was told she was alone in the world and had been isolated for a long time. She had been well taken care of, but had no living family. Although she had people who loved her and knew some half dragons, she was immediately drawn to Grima after she had heard of how he had been treated and how he had been isolated and alone. She had told you she wanted to help him. They were both alone.

You were awaken by a soft voice.

-The family has grown.- Alfonse’s smiling face is looking down at you from his sitting position by your head. You look around to find Fae had moved to Grima’s side and some time in the night, young Tiki had laid down on his other side.

<<OMG! What do I do?!>> You did not want Grima to wake up to find her there and get angry. You look at Grima and see that his eyes are open. He moves his hand from under Tiki’s head just a bit and signals you to not make a noise. <<Oh OK then..>> He closes his eyes again.

-Care to patrol with me?- Alfonse asks and you get up to join him. Hrid had, had the last watch and was sleeping now. You would be leaving in a few hours and arrive at the keeps before twilight.

-I guess it has grown. I wonder why the dragons just leave their kids so young wander around in the world, all alone like that.

-They probably have their reasons to do it.- He says quietly. You were thinking of arguing your point but remember that he himself was not as close to his parents and had had a more or less lonely childhood. If it wasn’t for Sharena he would have been much more of a loner. You decide to change the subject.

-Free for some hours then?- You ask. He looks back to where Hrid is laying asleep by his sisters.

-At last. Care for a tea after the patrol?- He asks you smiling. You take his hand and look him in the eyes.

-I’ll be happy to.

You do the patrol and drink some hot water since you could not find the tea. You talk for a while and fall asleep together sitting by the fire. This is where F Dimitri finds you to wake you up to re start the journey.

The second day goes on just like the first. Hrid comes often to talk to you and more often than not some heroes come to take you away for one reason or another. You walked alongside K Claude mostly and Grima who was followed by young Tiki and Fae. At some point Hero King Marth came to walk alongside and carried a sleepy Tiki who had placed a flower on his tiara. Fae pouted until Grima carried her as well. You looked back one time to find Chrome watching longingly at them.

You arrived past midday to the Keeps and after you help them all to settle and then seek Hrid out. You did not notice Alfonse had followed you and stayed in the shadows to wait for you.

-Hrid. I wanted to talk to you.

-Oh?

-You see… I don’t know how to say this… It is just, I wanted to ask you something. -He he looks at you expectantly with a small smile adorning his face. You also try not to sound flirty but keep it as interested.- I was thinking back at the time we found you in Muspell and remembering how you were fighting. Well the reason I was reluctant for you to be my guard was that I was curious about your style and I wanted to see more of it.

- Oh! I see. I was desperate and not at my best.

-Being desperate to save a loved one is probably when people are at their best in my opinion. Maybe not technique wise but at least morally.- He reddens and bites his lower lip a little.

-I would love to show you my style. Where do you want me?

<<Is he…?>>

-Umm. I was thinking of placing you, if you are alright with it of course; on the right flank, by Lord Seliph. That way you are in the fray and still close enough.

-It sounds good to me.- He says.

- We can talk about it after the battle. - You say because you knew he would want to hog the time again and because now at least you had something to talk about that does not sound awkward to you.

You attended the meeting with the Royal Army Officers. Alfonse had sent a messenger before hand to warn them. They had arrived some two hours before you.The plan was laid out for the officers and and after some debate it was approved. The Royal Army was very set in their ways and your suggestion on an ambush by militia attacks was taken with skepticism. You had met this kind of drawback before and it was always smoothed over by the heroes and Alfonse. The later had avoided your gaze every time you had asked for his opinion and you notice he looked angry. He had stood as far away as possible from you. Meanwhile Hrid had stood next to Claude which was as close to you as he could get.

As soon as the meeting was over, you sent out the mages and scouts to set up confusion wards in case enemy scouts came and saw you already there. Then mines were placed by the mages for when the enemy arrived. Not explosive mines but paint. The paint was magic and it help to immobilize , by temporally blind and confuse the enemy warriors; giving you precious time to attack them or retreat as needed. They also had the side effect of giving people hives. You seek out Alfonse to talk to him. You find him in the armory.

-Alfonse. I need to talk to you.- He does not turn to you and keeps on checking his gear and weapons. He looks like he wants to ignore you.

- I have no time. We can do this after the battle…unless you have someone to talk to later instead?

<<???>>

-Yeah… I promised Hrid we would talk about his sword style and technique…and that is what I need to talk to you about.

-I need to go check on the men.

-It will be just a minute…why are you so angry any way?

-What do you mean angry? Why would I be angry? Did you do something to anger me?

-I don’t think so…Look any way; Fjorm came and told me not let Hrid be my guard…- He looked at you now.- because she did not want him to save me or something and then I would owe him a life debt.

-What? He wouldn’t dare...- Now he looks even angrier.

-Yeah she doesn’t believe that either, but she says he looked different in a way and it is a “just in case” kind of thing, so I went to talk to him and ask him to fight. I was afraid for you as well as Sharena. It is better neither of us owe him something. - He nods. He still looked annoyed but at least he did not radiated that miasma of doom he does when he is really angry.

- I.. heard you talking to him.

-Oh! So that is why…Oh Alfonse!- You look around to see if someone is watching and take his hand. He leads you a little away until he finds a small door that he opens and you find yourself in a small closet full of weapon polishing products.

-I’m sorry I should have told you I was going to do that, but I didn’t found the time with so much stuff to do.

-No…I should not be jumping to conclusions. It is just…- He suddenly hugs you and kisses you on the forehead.- I…I love you so much…- He lowers his face and is about to kiss you. You feel like the butterflies in your stomach are having a party in there.

(Knock, knock)

-You two. It’s time to go!- Alfonse jumps back at the sound of Niles’ always suggestive words. You open the door and frown at him. Niles looks around inside the closet and smirks.- So…how was the sword polishing?

<<Oh I wish Niles!>> You roll your eyes at him.- We were only talking. You look back at Alfonse but he is looking down at his feet. You have never seen him look so guilty before. <<Adorable!>>

-Just talking huh…I love “just talking” with people inside closets too.

-Oh I wish Niles, but you went ahead an ruined it by knocking at the door. Besides we were in there for only like thirty seconds! Oh wait…Is that how long you “talk to people in closets”?

-______!!- Comes Alfonse’s voice behind you.

-.…Oh you got me good Summoner!- He says and starts laughing out loud.- I forget you are not afraid to use that tongue.

<<Oh Niles if only you knew… That’s exactly what I was trying to do.>> He looks at your face sees that little smirk and he just knows and laughs harder.

-Don’t worry your Highness. I am an expert at keeping secrets. I would give you fifteen minutes but we really need to go.- Alfonse comes out after you and his face is redder than a tomato.

-Wait. Let me fix your cloak.- He stops and lets you fix his scarf part of the cloak. You linger around his neck and then pass your fingers through the locks of hair loose from his crown. He is looking at you and you see his lips part and look at your lips for a second. His tongue comes out slowly to lick at his lower lip. The moment is so intimate Niles turns around to give you privacy and for once keeps quiet.

-You look good.- You tell him and his cheeks redden a little more.- Let’s go.- You say and both of you follow Niles out of the armory to Anna who is waiting for you.

~*~

The Emblian Empire attacked at midnight. The Askrn forces had let them get close to the bait, which was the keep where the the town people were hiding. Then the militia attacks were started in the enemy rear. Your surprise attack was successful and when they tried to retreat the mines enclosed them in where the men were not stationed. The battlefield was alight with fires suddenly burning, this way you could see where the heroes were and what they were doing.

From your position on one of the highest hills outside of town you could send the signals to the men and not be reached by enemy fire. King Savior Dimitri was by your left side monitoring the danger and the rear. Waiting for the moment he had to act.

Although you had smoother over the problem with Alfonse, he seemed still to be in a bad mood. He fights with the same skill as ever, but you could see there was something else in there. The same quality to his strikes that Lif had in his…like he really wanted to hurt something.

-Beruka tell Innes there’s an enemy sniper hiding far to his right flank over the tallest tree. - You mouthed over to Beruka who could read your lips. She nodded and before taking of to warn Innes.

Once in a while you look over to Hrid to check on his team and actually evaluating him so you would have something to talk about later on.

Next is Valter whom you had told to stay and rest after being on that hunt he went on. He seemed just as efficient, but there was a slowness to his strikes that if not corrected could end in a bad situation. You touch your medallion and say his name. It would let him know you are watching him or have something to tell him. He turns to you after making sure there is no danger.

- Are we the prey or are we the hunter?- That did it for him. No one would call him prey. He seemed to regain vigor, speed and strength.- Good. That’s my hunter boy.- You could hear Azura and Shigure singing over the noise. You turn to watch the others. Michaelis, Minerva, Seliph, Olivia,Eliwood and Roy, Hector, Rath , Eirika, Lyon and Ephraim…

You take your spyglass to watch the farther part of the field and spy on Xander, who is the leader of the Emblan army. He is watching you it seems, so you wave at him. He lowers the spyglass and for a second it looks like he is about to wave back but thinks better of it. This makes you chuckle. That man is actually a good man and you could understand his position. He not only kept Veronica company and keeps the vultures that try to make her their puppet away from them, but he had smoothed out some problems that could have escalated without his help. Without him the war would be worst and who knows where Veronica would be or what she would be doing. He kept her human.

Then from the North Eastern side of the Keep the flank breaks and reinforcements pour in. You knew about them and were prepared for them, that was what the mines were for. What you were not prepare for, was one of the heroes in the enemy lines. Adrestian Emperor Edelgard, dressed in her Reds and golds armor lead the reinforcements. You hear a hiss from S K Dimitri at the same time you feel your medallion warn you. It was Alfonse. You turn to watch him but you know full well what he meant. He points to F Dimitri. He has isolated himself as he always does. His backup Marth, is blocked form getting to him by a couple of lancers. Alfonse made his way to him, but before he reached him Dimitri looked up. It seemed like he could hear orders being given and recognized the voice.

Dimitri saw Edelgard and he froze for a second. Then he started to walk her way and he looked like he was not paying attention to his surroundings. Alfonse started to make his way towards him and so did Marth. You signal King Claude who is near by covering Alfonse, but he had already seen the scene unfolding. He started felling the enemies that were about to hit Dimitri. You signal Dimitri himself. At last he seems to react, but instead of returning your call, he started to relentlessly and brutally kill the enemies on his way.

You hear SK Dimitri growl in anger. You reach for his hand and squeeze it gently.

You can see with the spyglass that Edelgard has taken notice of Dimitri. She stands for a minute watching him and you see her close her eyes. The face she makes is almost one of regret. She turns around, then signals something to her men and she starts attacking the opposite flank. On her stead another hero is sent. Death Knight.

-Oh FUCK… Death Knight.- You had seen him before. That man was insane and brutal. He did not listen to orders and actively has tried to kill your heroes any chance he has. You see him make a bee line to where F Dimitri is trying to follow Edelgard.

You see it as if in slow motion. Ferdinand came down on Dimitri even before Death Knight arrived. You had not even seen him coming. He drove his lance with enough force to behead someone and the speed to not miss. He had the advantage of surprise. Dimitri could not deflect or evade; but before Ferdinand’s lance hit its mark; a golden shield came up to protect a falling Dimitri. Alfonse had reached Dimitri just in time to jump on the way of the strike and effectively striking the blond out of the way. Alfonse almost fell down with the force of the strike and the effort not to step on the fallen blonde. He stood with his legs on either side of Dimitri’s upper body. Then the second strike came just as he was trying to gain his footing. The force of the second strike almost made him stumble and had him straddling the blonde. Alfonse could do nothing but shield himself and Dimitri. He turned to see if Dimitri was alright and his faces were inches apart.

He was about to tell him to get up when they heard a yell. Ferdinand was falling down his horse and an arrow was stuck on the horse’s flank. Claude was covering him while trying to keep from getting hit by enemy arrows. This gave Alfonse the time he needed to get up. Alfonse was standing up when Death Knight’s scythe came sideways and hit his shield on the side enough to fling it and his arm away form his body. He deflected the rest with the sword.

Sparks like fireworks flew from Folkvangr. Death Knight was poised to strike again. Watching from the ground Dimitri was struggling to get up. He was backing away so he could get up and not be on the way.

You watch it all from your post. Unable to do anything about it. You feel like the life is draining from you with every beat of the heart. Hel’s scythe; coming down slowly and yet so fast. Just like it had done for Anna and Sharena before. It strikes Alfonse to behead , but the angle and motion playing their part have another idea. The scythe misses badly. He is falling down…

-ALFONSE!!!!!

…..He is falling….he is …. outside the Order's castle in a training arena. You followed him to see him train. He is doing something you had not seen him do before. He jumps and twirls his sword to gather power and at the point of the strike there is a beam of power coming out. The attack is one of the most powerful you had ever seen. It may even rival Aether.

-Incredible…- You say behind him. He turns and smiles at you. His naked torso glistening with sweat. In another time he would he dying of shame from being found with so little clothes.

-Do you like it? I am trying to create something powerful to kill her.

-Alfonse that is amazing! How do you call it?

-I don’t know yet…I want to make a future for us with it. Maybe then we can end this absurd war and get married,- He gets close to you and touches your cheek with his fingers. - My beloved _______. He kisses you slowly on your lips and then kisses your forehead.-…I might call it…

-DOOR TO THE FUTURE!!!!- Your yell resonates over the cacophony of voices and yells of the battlefield. Breidablik lights up…

A/N

This program is messing up my grammar instead of helping, especially names. I have no idea how many times I have gone and fixed them. When I transfer it to the page it gets messed up again. I think it gets confused because I write in different languages XD

As a side note, I am trying not to make Hrid sound like he is an asshole at all. I like him a lot, but the guy is in love and is very possessive and jealous of Alfonse who he believes belongs with his sister and passes most of his time with you so…He just wants a chance for you to get to know him and fall in love maybe…and maybe…and maybe…

I have this head canon that if Valter ever hears Guren no Yumiya from Attack on Titan it would become his National Anthem XD. Bless Natewantstobattle and his covers.

Have you ever wonder why Lif’s face and original skin only covers his nose and his mouth seems to be lost and to have no bone inside?….yeah…I do.

1. The song I am referencing here is the metal cover by Dan Vasc:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS4Q-WWyl3Q

2. It is said that Grima is 2000+ years but I seriously think that he can’t be that much older than Tiki was around the time of Shadow Dragon. So to me he is still a kid. A very neglected and abused kid who is lashing out in the worst way, because he is so powerful. I am doing this because I think that a gown up Grima would be more a love interest and I don’t want that in this story. Also I ship him with Evostrashbin’s Summoner. BTW I’m so happy Evo got Halloween Mr. Grima! I love it!

3. Crazy He Calls Me. Natalie Cole’s version. I love this song all thanks to my father. I choose it because I could see the co-relation with the story line and situation.

4. I mean. I get that the order is supposed to be the good guys but dressing in white all the time in battle? That works well in winter and Nifl, but that’s it. That Lord of the Rings cloak, the Lorien Elves gave The Fellowship would be awesome to have for the Heroes on more stealthy missions. Camo uniforms would also work wonders on the Order’s favor.

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