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saabbi · 3 years

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Regret part 9

Light in darkness

Genshin Impact Adeptus! reader

warnings: self-deprecation, imposter syndrome

word count: ~1.7k

notes: please remember that you are loved, and not just in the fic itself.

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No words are needed to exchange. Zhongli must surely be curious, worried even, to find out what happened in Snezhnaya. But he remained quiet, pushing away the rampant thoughts running across his mind.

What’s most important isn’t digging out what happened, but that you’re alright and safe.

Zhongli doesn’t miss the pale complexion on you, making sure to swing by Bubu Pharmacy to ask Baizhu for some antiseptic cream and aspirin just in case you’re still feeling unwell.

He brought you to his residency, which is unsurprisingly close to the funeral parlour. A few sprouting flowers in the interior caught your eye, the blue distinguish colour resembles that of a jewel. It must be a good season for glazed lilies to grow and bloom.

“Would you like tea?” Zhongli turns his head to you, holding up a few cups.

“Yes, please.” He also takes out some cakes, but you didn’t have the heart to tell him that you’re way too full for some tea snacks.

Zhongli is definitely inquisitive, his occasional glances and slight frown shows that he has much more to say apart from asking if you want tea and snacks.

But he didn’t ask you any questions, never pressuring you into telling him. He decided to wait until you feel ready to talk about it. For you, he can always wait.

You hold the cup in your palms, the warmth gradually spreading to your whole body.

“Zhongli,” you take a sip of the refreshing tea, making up your mind. “Can you ask Ganyu and Xiao to come? I… have something to tell you all.”

Zhongyi nervously nods with his heart thumping, not sure if he’s ready to hear what you have to tell them.

Silence fills the room, then your sharp inhales, the unsteady voice and shaking pupils as you begin to speak.

Your shaking voice, your spilling emotions, your trembling hands. The suffocating feeling in your heart and the bitterness in your throat. You keep on going, you can’t think straight, you feel light headed and exhausted, but you want to keep going. You want to tell them, the things you saw, the things you felt, the worthlessness eating you away.

Ganyu tugs your arm and hugs them tightly, Zhongli and Xiao each resting a hand on yours to remind you that they’re here. They let you keep going, even if you look like you’re in pain.

They listen in silence, allowing you to spill everything in the safe space. You stop for a second, hearing sniffles from the horned girl next to you.

Ganyu shakes her head, telling you that she’s okay, and that you can go on.

With trembling eyes and hoarse voice, you tell them, how you thought you would be okay even if the Tsarista didn’t need you anymore, thought it would be okay even if she throws you away. But you weren’t, your heart sunk to the bottom when she implied that you’re no longer needed, as if all the time you spent by her side as a faithful subordinate meant nothing to her.

You mentioned that you know the Tsarista is only interested in the power you possess, you repeatedly told yourself that if it’s what the Tsarista desires, you shall comply without any hard feelings, for you are her harbinger, her title-less twelfth harbinger.

So why did it hurt so much? Why did you feel something worse than physical pain? Like you were stabbed with thousand swords, mercilessly piercing you without a break, making you lose your breath and vision cloudy.

It felt like the world crumbled, blood rushing to your head and the sudden heaviness taking over your body.

Oh. In the midst of talking your own feelings out, you realised- you felt angry, desperate, hurt, betrayed.

You realised, that over the years, loyalty is not the only thing that sprouted. You always brushed it off, pretending like it never existed, but deep down, you felt angry.

Angry at the Tsarista for pulling you away from Liyue, angry at her for letting you go through terrible things, even if you can’t remember clearly what happened.

The mixture of admiration, loyalty, desperation and anger has always stuck within you whenever you see her cold yet graceful figure.

But you had nothing except her, so you clung onto your loyalty towards her and repressed other thoughts of her, ignoring the tingling senses and blindly telling yourself that you’re always loyal to the Tsarista.

Every single word that comes out, Zhongli takes them in all, even if it pricks his heart like thorns. He takes a deep breath and shuts shis eyes, he wants it to stop. But he knows he has to listen and share your burden.

He wants to listen, even if it hurts, lamenting for the times he couldn’t be there for you. But now, he could. And the least he could do is to listen to you.

In the past, Zhongli failed miserably as a guardian, but now he has the chance to be with the three of his beloved adepti once again. He’s the listener, he’ll always be willing to listen to you if you confide in him.

Zhongli takes one last gulp of his tea. He embraces the crushing pain in his heart and clasp your hand tightly.

You stutter and choke out some incomplete sentences in the process, words tying into knots, but it’s okay. There’s no need for you to rush, they have all the time and undivided attention for you to tell them whatever you want.

Your right hand feels like it’s about to be crushed, somehow. You glance over to the side and is met with another pair of amber eyes.

Glossy eyes filled with uncertainty, concern and shock. His mouth gaped open, unable to find words, so he chooses to hear instead of responding.

The way you described your journey in Snezhnaya feels lonely to him. Xiao is no stranger to the feeling of solitude, but your gaze feels far, far more lonelier than what Xiao has ever been through. He watched as unfathomable emotions swirl in your eyes, your gaze shifting every so often in trying to find the right words.

A part of him thinks that, perhaps he should’ve sought for you, or even just send a single letter millennia ago instead of pathetically dreaming in the Wangshu inn, then perhaps you wouldn’t have to always feel like you're all alone without anyone to rely on.

Xiao holds your other hand tightly. He doesn’t know how to show affection, but he hopes that this reassures you that you’re no longer alone.

Your lone narrative went on for minutes, then hours, until you lost track of time. You then mutter the last few sentences.

“I lost my powers, I don’t feel qualified to be an adeptus anymore, I-“ this part is harder to say than anything else. “I don’t know why I’m here, or anywhere anymore.”

“I feel like I…lost my purpose.” First was your abandonment from Zhongli, the bane of your misfortune. Then was the Tsarista, the one who broke you more than anything else. You feel lost in life, wandering without a purpose.

“I’m just a… nobody.”

Slam. The sudden impact on the table made you jump. You look up at Xiao who suddenly stood up and slammed his fists on the table with brute force.

His frown is deep, eyes burning with fury and looking at you with disbelief. He is livid.

“Don’t you dare say that one more time.”

Confused, you furrowed your eyebrows and tilt your head a bit. At first you thought he’s mad at the fact that you willingly let your powers be taken away from you, but that doesn’t seem to what he’s mad at.

“You are not worthless, not a nobody. I won’t forgive you even if you say that one more time, even if you said it yourself.”

Xiao clenches his fist tightly, glaring at you. He rarely gets mad at you, it makes you feel a bit guilty.

“Xiao’s right.” Ganyu joins in, her palms squeezing your arms with force making you turn to her. “Please do not say that, ever again. You mean everything to us, how could you- how could you say you’re worth nothing?”

Ganyu has a sorrowful look instead. You don’t know how to respond to them, you can’t figure out whether the present incompetent you means everything to them, or the you they once knew and adored.

You think of the latter one. After all, there’s nothing much on you that is actually worth something.

Zhongli seems to know what you’re thinking, as he slowly opens his mouth. “My child.”

“Nothing changes the fact that you’re an adeptus, one of us, with or without your adeptal powers.”

“No matter the past, present or future you, will always be the one we love.” His gaze firm and solemn, trying hard to convey his feelings to you.

“You don’t have to be perfect, it’s okay to be incomplete.” Zhongli stands up and treads towards you.

He stops next to you, bending down a bit before enveloping you into a tight hug. You stiffen up.

“Because no matter what, you are you, and nothing will ever change that. And the fact that we love you will always be true.”

Hic. You let out ugly voices from your throat, breaking into a ugly sob and staggered breathing.

The warmth warping you increases, with Ganyu and Xiao joining.

Zhongli soothes you by brushing your back softly, Ganyu patting your head and lightly ruffles your hair. Xiao appears to be quite awkward at first, but decides to rest your head on his chest and warp his arms around your head as you sob.

It’s so warm, so warm that it feels unreal. Words of affirmation and love is such a stranger to you, the words and actions they display makes your chest hurts.

Your heart tugs at you, but you know it’s not because you’re sad, it’s because you feel relieved, happy, and thankful.

You are loved. Even if you don’t realise it.

Love is not determined by how much one spends time with each other, nor will it diminish with time or distance.

Forgive does not mean forgetting. The past cannot be reverted. The resentful decisions Zhongli has made in the past remain embedded in history and cannot be undone.

However, it does not mean that relationships cannot be rebuilt. A step at a time, as long as you’re willing to, as long as you are here and with them, things can start over.

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val-aquenta · 3 years

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I’m on fire posting these fics. They have mostly been languishing in my drafts, so I really just have to spruce them up a tad to post them ahahah.

Here on ao3

Qui-Gon is the first to call him Ben. Obi-Wan is a name that is too long for him to yell, so he is nicknamed Ben. At least, that’s what he said. Obi-Wan thinks otherwise, obviously.

“Why Ben? What’s wrong with Obi-Wan?” He wonders, not noticing he’s said it out loud until he hears Qui-Gon chuckle. “What?” He flushes, affronted by the cheeky grin on his Master’s face. It is a look that screams trouble.

“A little long, Obi-Wan, huh?” Qui-Gon pauses for a moment from where he is preparing for flight. “Not exactly perfect for yelling when I need your attention.”

Obi-Wan puffs up a bit, not dissimilar to a loth cat Qui-Gon notes with amusement. “Obi-Wan is a good name.” The boy defiantly tries not to pout while saying this. “It’s not like I call you… John.” He mutters softly, voice sounding put off.

“John?” The older man’s wrinkles crease around his eyes as he smiles. He shrugs. “Ben is a good name regardless.” He defends.

“Obi-Wan’s better.” He opposes tetchily, eyebrows furrowing. “What’s so special about Ben anyways?” He asks with curiosity, always eager for new information.

“Well, Ben technically means son of my right hand, a phrase from my homeworld’s main religion.” Qui-Gon murmurs, willing to try and satisfy Obi-Wan’s need for answers. “The religion is… complex. I don’t even understand it completely, but I do understand the meaning of the phrase.” He pauses.

“Well… what’s the meaning of the phrase?” Obi-Wan fiddles with his hands, eyes alight with interest. He flushes self-consciously when Qui-Gon lifts his eyebrows as though proving a point. He ducks his head, a hint of red on his cheeks.

“Well, in the religion, there is an entity called God. And the phrase to be at the right hand refers to being in a space of special honour, the right hand, of God.” He explains, enjoying the way Obi-Wan seems to brighten with the new information. “Being the son of the right hand should mean that you will grow into this space of importance. Rather fitting, don’t you think?”

“Oh…” Obi-Wan flushes, freckles disappearing into the deep red colour. Qui-Gon swears the tips of the boy’s ears are red. “That is kind of you to say, Master.”

“It is the truth, my Padawan.” Qui-Gon smiles, clapping a large hand on his shoulder and tugging the boy in for a hug. Obi-Wan startles, tensing for a couple of seconds until he relaxes, shorter arms just barely managing to reach around Qui-Gon.

::::

Satine was the next to call him Ben. You see, Bant never truly latched onto the name that Qui-Gon christened him with, preferring to stick to her shortened form, Obi. Therefore, Satine is the next. She hears it once when they’re getting shot at and Qui-Gon has a plan that has an 80% chance of ending up with all three of them dead, but it’s better than their current odds. Qui-Gon yells it at him to get the boy to pay attention.

At first, Satine is startled, thinking a new ally has joined them but is surprised that it’s just a nickname for Obi-Wan. Granted, she doesn’t call him Ben for that long because she, like Bant, prefers to call him Obi.

She does call him Ben when they’re parting ways, and Obi-Wan’s chest aches something fierce. Qui-Gon watches, eyes somewhat sympathetic as they follow Obi-Wan. He pretends not to notice as they share one small, sweet, innocent kiss. It’s everything Obi-Wan wants, but he hesitates and glances back at his Master, and then pulls away from the embrace, head bowed. It is almost everything he wants, and that makes all the difference. If he stayed, he would abandon his Master and his family in the Temple. More than that, he would abandon his path as a Jedi. Even Satine, for all he cares about her, is not enough to sway him from his path. The Force whispers in his mind, sorrow and apologetic, thankful for his sacrifice. The choice cements and he lets go of Satine.

“Ben…” Satine whispers, the word almost lost in the wind. “I… good luck.” Her blonde hair, carefully arranged on her head, moves as she bows. “Thank you, Master Jedi, for your protection.” Obi-Wan bows back, though his head remains tilted down, not willing to look at the woman.

“It was our pleasure,” Qui-Gon responds, sending a little pang of comfort down the growing bond with his Padawan.

“Do be careful.” She says, deviating from her formal script. “Farewell, Master Jinn, Padawan Kenobi.” The names fall easily onto her tongue as though she hadn’t spent almost a year calling them something else with much more familiarity.

“May the force be with you, Duchess Kryze,” Obi-Wan murmurs, and he walks away from Satine, from the comfort of that life, and into the Jedi transport, his Master, a steady and strong pillar in the Force, ahead of him.

“… Ben?”

“Yes, Master.” Qui-Gon looks as though he wants to say something, wants to spill some secret, but he thinks better of it, instead closing his mouth and opening his arms, catching Obi-Wan as he falls into them.

“I’m sorry.” He murmurs into the pale ear, his hand stroking circles into Obi-Wan’s shoulders. The boy, because that’s what he is, does not respond, only tightening his grip and inhaling the comforting scent of his Master.

::::

Mace is the third Jedi off the transport ship. He is also the third to call Obi-Wan Ben, though that happened a while back on a joint undercover mission with Qui-Gon. He reverted to calling him Obi-Wan, but then he reverts once more. He’s older and wiser, and, has been a friend ever since Obi-Wan was a small young child of the creche.

“Obi-Wa… Ben.” Obi-Wan’s heart cracks just a bit more. Never again will he hear that familiar voice whispering that name to him. The deep baritone voice rumbling it. It hurts worse than leaving Satine, Cerasi, or Siri, or losing Reeft had. “Sit down with me and let’s talk.”

“Yes, Master Windu.” The response is immediate, drilled into him with years of training.

“Tell me how you feel, Ben.” Mace rumbles, voice not as deep as Qui-Gon’s, but very close. Obi-Wan is certain that if he were to press his ear to the bald Jedi’s chest, he would feel the voice vibrating.

“Fine…” That response is nailed into him out of fear. Fear of not being good enough.

“Really?” Mace murmurs disbelievingly, leaning forwards and taking in the red-tinged eyes. A hand reaches out and takes one of Obi-Wan’s hands, feeling the slight chill that seems to emanate from him. “You don’t look fine to me.” He says in a frank manner that only he can pull off without sounding overly rude.

“Well, what do you want me to say?” Obi-Wan responds, more exasperated than he thought it was going to sound.

“Ben… you’re not wrong to be sad. It isn’t wrong to feel loss or to grieve.” Mace says, voice closer to whispering than to speaking. The man scoots closer to Obi-Wan who, in the eyes of the Republic is also a man but, in reality, still feels like the thirteen-year-old being sent to Bandomeer, or the sixteen-year-old who left Satine, or the- “You’ve just lost a man who has been by your side for twelve years. It will hurt.” Obi-Wan laughs, but it is more cracked and painful than any laugh Mace has heard. He desperately scrubbing at his eyes as though he wishes to scour them away.

“I know it hurts, Master. Force, my chest feels as though I was the one who was run through with a lightsaber, not Qu-” His voice breaks around the name, and he devolves into small sobs. Mace observes the boy being thrust into Knighthood with something close to helplessness. He had lost Cyslin in a less brutal manner and yet it had hurt all the same. All Mace can do is offer some comfort to the man. “There’s a hole where he was and I can’t-” Obi-Wan's voice cuts off as he cradles his head in his hands.

“Ben,” Mace says it curtly, as though fully taking advantage of how short it is. Qui-Gon dragged it out a bit, seemingly relishing the way the name made his mouth shape. Satine’s lips always made the name sound sweet. Short and filled with emotions. “Observe and release your emotions.”

“I can’t,” Obi-Wan admits. He tries to look at his emotions. He can understand, but he can’t release and make them go away. There’s just too much. He says as much to Mace.

“Let me help, Ben.” And it is as though Obi-Wan is a youngling once more, trailing behind Padawan Windu in cream coloured corridors. As though they’ve been transported to a time when Mace’s forehead did not have the stressed wrinkles it does now. As though Obi-Wan hasn’t just had a piece of his heart carved out with a sith lightsaber. Together they sink into meditation, aware of each other, and acknowledging one another. With a little flick from Mace, Obi-Wan begins to reveal his mind warped by guilt and self-loathing and anger and pain and… it’s too much, Mace admits to himself. So, he starts small. A small statement, I was too slow, is given to him, and they watch it together, understand it together, and accept it together. Then, he moves to another, unwanted. And to the dozens that remain. Mace does not judge, and his heart aches at the knowledge of the burdens Obi-Wan is thrusting upon himself, but he says nothing about it, only reaching for the boy… man after their meditation and bringing him into a hug that lasts a full minute.

::::

Cody is a really good researcher. Sure, he’s great with a blaster, and hand to hand combat, and anything to do with the military really. He was trained under Jango Fett and the Kaminoans. But, one of his greatest strengths is his efficient diving into the Holonet. He can splice information from different databases, even the Jedi Temple’s database. Technically, he could just go to the Archives and find the information, but he could be seen there, so he doesn’t. Instead, he sits at the main console of his barracks and begins to get information regarding his new General. The Jedi, Kenobi, seems nice enough, but looks can be deceiving. In this case, however, it seems that they’re not. The little ginger seems to have a kind streak about the size of Ryloth.

“What in the world…” He mutters as browsers pop up. Multiple mission reports that he skims through to reveal another thing. Apparently, the General has a penchant for injuries. A really bad one if the reports are not a joke. He digs through one that was co-written by one Qui-Gon Jinn, and he spots some errors. At least, he’s sure they are errors because he’s pretty sure the General’s called Obi-Wan… not Ben. However, he doubts that the General would let that slide.

“Ben.” He forms the name under breath, making some multi-syllable word from it. “Ben.” He says it curtly. It is more efficient than to say General Kenobi or, Force forbid, Obi-Wan. The Jedi have the oddest names.

“Commander…” He jumps, turning to look at the man in question as he walks into the barracks completely unannounced. “I was, ah, wondering if you would like-” He squints at the console’s screen. Cody flushes deeper than before, the crimson stain spreading around his neck and up to his ears. Caught researching his General by the General in question. Rex will never let it go.

“General Kenobi, sir.” He plants his feet and straightens his back. Obi-Wan looks at the report and then at Cody and then back to the report.

“Did you… hack into the Temple?” He questions curiously.

“Well… I do have the access codes…” He trails off.

“Is this… the mission to Joonta?” The General strokes his beard, leaning forwards to read his report. “Force, my diction was horrible back then. So was Qui-Gon’s.” He scrolls down.

“Sir…”

“Yes, Cody.” He seems oddly enthralled by the report, scrolling rather quickly through the pages.

“Is your name Ben?”

“Sometimes.” Obi-Wan… Ben? Hums. Reading through the report absently. Noticing the silent prompting from Cody, the General shakes himself a bit. “Oh. It’s a nickname given by my Master. Almost no one uses it.”

“Ah.”

“Cody… you can call me Ben if you’d like. I don’t mind.” He stops the frantic scrolling to look at Cody.

“The vod will better understand if I call you General Kenobi, sir,” Cody says while ticking the name onto the General’s name. General Obi-Wan ‘Ben’ Kenobi. Jedi and their names.

“If that is your wish.” Obi-Wan smiles. “Now, I came here to offer you tea in my quarters. Would you like to come?”

::::

Ahsoka’s always heard of the famous Master Kenobi or Padawan Kenobi or Knight Kenobi in pairs. Padawan Kenobi was always paired with Master Jinn, Knight Kenobi was paired with Padawan Skywalker, and Master Kenobi is paired with Knight Skywalker. Knight Skywalker is now obviously paired with Padawan Tano, so they're all connected. Contrary to what Anakin would think, Padawan Kenobi is the term she’s much more familiar with, and therefore is more familiar with the pairing of Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi. Even though she knows so much about Anakin and Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are within all the stories that the Crechemasters say. She knows of the most interesting missions that the duo took and is somewhat embarrassed to admit the amount of hero-worship she has for the two.

“Master Obi-Wan, is it true that you had to drink pirates under the table to rescue Master Jinn?” She asks out of the blue one day, noticing the way Anakin’s hand tightens ever-so-slightly, blue eyes dashing to Obi-Wan’s pinched expression. She’s new to her apprenticeship and she still feels overwhelmed if she thinks too hard about the fact that she’s the Padawan of The Anakin Skywalker, and is part of the famous lineage.

“… Yes. Where did you hear that, Ahsoka?” He frowns while stroking his beard, a habit he can’t seem to break. He doesn’t look too annoyed by the question. Instead, he looks amused and rather curious.

“Ages ago, Master, in the creche.” Obi-Wan shrugs and continues, waving off Anakin’s worried words. The smile on his face is nice to see. Ahsoka thinks it looks bad when the Frown is in place, and that is all that has been in place since the invasion of Ryloth began. She’s happy that she could coax a smile out of the typically austere looking man.

A few months later while they’re travelling through hyperspace on Obi-Wan’s ship, Ahsoka blurts another question. Obi-Wan had offered to teach Ahsoka some jar’kai during the hyperspace travel, and Anakin had assented, remaining on his ship while Ahsoka trained with her other Master. “Master Obi-Wan, is it true that you once were eaten by a large squid and then spat out?” She asks at the mess hall. Cody, who was rather peacefully eating his meal thank you very much, chokes on the ration’s he was chowing on. Stitches, the medic, appears to have swallowed water down the wrong pipe and is sending a concerned look at Obi-Wan. The man in question deflates, shrugs, and answers quietly.

“Yes, Ahsoka. On Fuleya. Master Jinn thought I was dead for two minutes. Nearly screamed his throat raw trying to cut me from the beast's stomach.” He shrugs and then proceeds to tap on his datapad as though the clones in the immediate vicinity aren’t looking as though they’re having heart attacks. They’re very… protective of their General sometimes. Ahsoka shrugs as well, turning back to her meal. “Was this also heard in the creche?” He asks with the very amused glint in his eyes. The smile also seems to brighten his face.

Ahsoka feels a warmth in her stomach at having brought another smile to the man’s face, especially considering the stress he seems to be under with the war. “Yes. I heard lots about you.” He shakes his head fondly. She thinks that the smile on his face is worth the possibility that the clones might wrap him in blankets and lock him on the ship. Not that that would be a bad idea thinking about it…

“Master Obi-Wan,” She starts, her head tilted in wonder. This time, they’re alone. They are at the Temple, in Obi-Wan’s living room, sharing some tea. Anakin, ever the disliker of tea, had opted out, likely going off to see Padmè. “Is it true that your second name is Ben?” At this, Obi-Wan chokes on his tea, spraying the liquid around the room as he coughs.

Ahsoka startles, putting her own cup down and scooting closer to offer some assistance. “What?” He asks weakly, bringing a hand to his chest. This has been the most intense reaction so far. She rubs her hand softly on his back. Humans are ever so slightly warmer than togruta, and she delights in feeling the warmth through his Jedi robes.

“Barriss told me that Master Unduli told her that Master Windu told her that your second name is Ben.” Ahsoka chatters, looking curiously at the man who lies on the couch.

“Technically, Ben is not my second name. I don’t have one.” Obi-Wan runs a weary hand down his face. “Ben is a nickname given to me by my Master.”

Ahsoka perks up. “Oh, really? Like I’m ‘Snips’ to Anakin?” She questions, excited to learn more of the rather mysterious Master.

“Well, I suppose? Ben probably has more thought put into it than Snips.” He smirks playfully.

“How so?” At this Obi-Wan flinches. Ahsoka casts him another worried look but he waves it off.

“It’s a name meaning that I‘ll be special, essentially. It’s native to Qui-Gon’s homeworld.” He smiles softly at Ahsoka. “Much better than ‘Don’t get snippy with me.’” She laughs, happy to once more bring another smile to his face.

“Maybe.” She concedes. “I like Snips though.” Obi-Wan lifts an amused brow.

“I like Ben too.” They smile at each other.

::::

Luke never knows Obi-Wan as Obi-Wan. The thing is, Obi-Wan is dead before Luke is even born. In his place, Ben Kenobi is there. He knows the rough and weathered hand of Ben, not the smooth hand of Obi-Wan. He listens to the voice of Ben, not Obi-Wan. Because of that, there is no need for Luke to call Ben anything but Ben.

“Ben… why are you called Ben?” He asks one day. Owen is feeling in a more forgiving mood and Beru probably took pity on the sad old man, and they have allowed Ben to visit for a bit.

“The same reason you’re called Luke. I was named Ben.” He responds with a slight smile.

“Your Mom named you Ben?” Luke asks head tilted in curiosity much like another youngling tilted her head while asking about the name Ben. He wonders where the young togruta is, or even whether she’s still alive.

“No. My… father named me Ben." He swears that there is the gentle hum of laughter in the deep rumbling voice of his Master floating through the air. He looks around, but just the typical homestead surrounds him.

“Oh. That’s cool.” And that’s that. The boy runs away to the deeper parts of the house, a smile on his face. In his hands, a soft blue blanket flies in the wind.

::::

Vader knows who Obi-Wan Kenobi is. He is the man who took everything from him. He took his unborn child, his wife, his limbs, and his potential. Vader is sure that most of his problems stem from this Obi-Wan. Vader, however, does not know who Ben Kenobi is. You see, Anakin never knew Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan together long enough to know of the nickname. He wasn’t there as Qui-Gon whispered the name softly before his death. He never listened to Master Windu sigh his name as the two were chatting as they walked the halls. He never listened to the now-dead Duchess whispering nicknames into the ear of his former Master. He never listened to Cody jokingly calling the ginger, Ben. He never noticed how Ahsoka would whisper to Master Ben sometimes. Because of this, he misses the Jedi Master in his hiding spot.

“Darth Vader. Have you found your former Master as I asked?” Sidious sits on his throne of lies and steeples his fingers, wretched features obscured by his long, dark robe.

“No, my Lord.” The man bows stiffly at the waist, metal limbs not allowing anything truly graceful. “Kenobi is elusive, but he is old. Soon, he will be dead.”

Unknown to the two, Ben Kenobi, not Obi-Wan because that man died alongside the thousands of Jedi in the Purge, watches as a boy, the son of his fallen brother, plays in the sand, a toy spaceship in hand. Ben sits on the tip of a dune, smiling at the happiness the boy unknowingly projects as he wooshes the ship around above him. Ben’s hands are busy, carving a new ship for the child. He plans to make a Nubian for the boy.

“Ben!” The boy shouts across the desert, waving his hand. “Hello!” Ben smiles, and waves his hand in a silent greeting before he stands, joints creaking as he does, and turns back to his hut. Another day and the boy is safe. Cocooned in the silence of Tatooine, Ben takes comfort in the setting suns.

“Ben.” He hears the wind whisper, joining the deep baritone of Qui-Gon, the dulcet tones of Satine, the curt voice of Mace, the kind voice of Cody, and the young voice of Ahsoka. Luke’s toddler voice adds itself to the litany of voices, and Ben grins, watching the ever-changing dunes. Today was a good day. Seeing Luke usually makes his day, and this is one of those instances. A visit from his Master would do him good, he thinks. Soon, he will be too old for the lessons that the man has planned, but he plans to enjoy them while they last. Ben walks into the dunes, towards his hut. He might only have the ghost of one of the people who called him Ben, but he carries the other four close to his heart, carefully adding one more to that collection. The newest addition has a clear voice that is destined to deepen as he ages.

“How was your day, Padawan?” Qui-Gon is standing in front of the hut, serene as he was in life. Perhaps even more so.

Obi-Wan smiles wryly, feeling at peace for one of the first times in a while, “Quite nice, Master.”

Qui-Gon smiles indulgently, pleased that Obi-Wan still finds some joy in his life, “That is comforting to hear, Ben.��

#fanfic #star wars fanfic #duna writes #obi wan kenobi #mace windu #qui gon jinn #satine kryze #The slightest hint of obitine #obitine #Ahsoka Tano #commander cody #anakin skywalker

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itssuppertim3 · 3 years

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Second Chance (Miraak x Reader) Part 4:

The truth,

Before we knew it, a week had already flown by. Much like a mother educating her child, I taught Bjorn many things he might've forgotten about the world. I reminded him about the war, to which he was thoroughly shocked over, I demonstrated how to plant various plants and crops, and I even gave him a few spell tones to study.

The two of us sat in the shade for a while, chatting away. I remembered Elsbeth throwing several mischievous glances my way throughout the week. In my own confusion, I let it be and pretended to act aloof. "Did you know that you can even heal plants?" I flipped over to a certain page in the book and ran my finger across the wording.

I provided him a quick example by plucking a dandelion from the ground and snapping its stem in two. I focused a small percentage of healing magic over the damage and let the energy flow from my palm. With a swipe of my hand, the flower was replenished in seconds. "How interesting, though I fail to see how it can be beneficial," he confessed. "It usually helps with alchemy, but judging from how skilled you become, you could even fasten plant growth and create a barrier for defense!" He truly seemed to be intrigued by the lesson. "You're a good teacher, Y/n." My cheeks burned at his compliment and I scratched the back of my neck bashfully. "I'm really not that good. I just read a lot and work hard. Plus, there's still so much I need to learn," I clipped. "Hey, you two! I have some jobs for you to do," Elsbeth called from the porch. Bjorn rose to his feet and lended me a hand, which I gladly took.

Once we made it back to the cottage, we were both given a task. Bjorn was requested to cook dinner, and I was sent to feed the chickens. One would only think our roles would be the opposite. "I'm gonna visit Alvor for some supplies before it gets too late. Don't let me down!" We waved her goodbye as she slowly retreated down the hill. "Would you like for me to help you with the feed?" he asked. "No. I think I can manage," I laughed. "Just make sure not to set the kitchen on fire."

When he retreated into the house, I went to fetch the chicken feed. Roosters and hens combined, they swarmed around my feet, demanding their supper. "Alright, Alright! No need to get aggressive!" Their attention diverted in a flash as soon as I began to scatter their food around. While they were busy pecking away, I exited the pen and headed back towards the cottage. Before I could reach it however, I saw two figures approaching.

It seemed to be a woman and a man dressed in gawdy uniforms. "You there," the man snapped. I stood my ground and flashed a cautious smile. "Yes? Can I help you?" They both stopped just feet in front of me. Now that I could see them more clearly, they looked like something straight out of a nightmare! Their apparel was oddly fashioned, both torn and sloppily stitched. But what frightened me the most were the masks they wore over their faces. I gulped and tried to remain calm.

The woman retrieved a rolled up slip of paper from her pocket and held it to my face. My stomach flipped upon examining the illustration of a character with the very same mask that I still had in my bag. "Have you seen someone who looks like this?" he interrogated. I was somewhat able to maintain my stoic facade, though I could feel it cracking. "No. I haven't," I said, stiff as a log. "She lies, just as that deceiver did," the woman hissed. "I will ask again." I yelped when he grasped my shoulder. I sucked in a breath after feeling a dangerous heat emitting from his hand. "Where is our Master Miraak?" My eyes grew as wide as stones at his words.

"What...?"

My blood ran cold as he ignited a flame into his other hand. My shoulder started to burn painfully. "I don't know what you're talking about," I whimpered. Still, the man refused to release his hold on me. My heart drummed against my ribs and my throat ran dry. These people were going to kill me. I didn't even have enough time to watch my life play out in front of me.

Suddenly, I heard the door open from behind me and a heavy pair of footsteps marched over to us. The two culprits beamed in delight at his presence. "Master Miraak--!" A large hand swooped in and clutched the exterior of the man's face, while another shielded my eyes. I could hear my attacker kick and squirm under my savior's deadly grip. I flinched in terror as his entire body burst into flames. The heat completely overwhelmed me, licking my face as it did. And oh, the screaming. That agonizing screaming. My ears couldn't take anymore.

I knew the other one had been running by now. I cringed at the thought of being forced to endure the same awful shrieks of pain again. I tried to claw my way to safety, but I couldn't move. I was completely and utterly paralyzed under Bjorn’s touch.. "Fus, Ro Dah!" A deafening force reverberated through my very bones and melted through my skin. I couldn't even begin to comprehend it. Was that what a shout sounded like?

Although I was finally granted permission to see, I didn't dare open my eyes. I couldn't. But eventually, I did. All that remained was a pile of ashes, though there were no signs of a second one. Bjorn, or Miraak, had already left my side and was now facing away from me. I peered at him in a mixture of fear and disbelief, and something else. Sadness. I was sad. I was so terribly sad because I knew he was going to leave us; he was going to leave me. Now that his secret was out, there was no reason to stay. We were both aware that I was scared, but I wasn't scared of him. I was scared for his safety, I was scared of those people that were after him. But most importantly, I was scared for myself. I didn't want to say goodbye to someone who had brought so much light into my tiny world. And I was selfish for it.

On impulse, I ran forward and threw my arms around him. He stiffened sharply, but didn't utter a word. "Don't leave. Please don't leave." My voice was barely above a whisper, so I was certain that his ears didn't catch my plea. But he eventually tilted his head down at me in a sullen silence. My chest panged at the sight of his face. He didn't want to leave, but his words spoke the opposite. "There will be more. Your life has already been endangered once, and I can't let that happen again. Let me go, Y/n," he demanded. "I won't," I cried. I only held him tighter. "I know I'm selfish and naive and foolish, but I won't let you go!" One by one, tears slid down my cheeks and bled through the fabric of Miraak's shirt. I always loathed the way I sobbed. They were a loud and ugly mess, but that didn't stop me regardless of how embarrassing it was.

I soon found myself trembling on the ground with my hand now clutching the hem of his trousers. The tall ravenette slowly crouched to my level and reached out. However, he stopped himself and went to retract his arm away. Before he could, I grabbed his hand and held it against my damp cheek. He traced his thumb over my eyelid to rid of my tears, but frowned at his unsuccess. "What would your sister think? She'd have my head for making you cry like this," he said suddenly. "Yeah, she probably would. Don't tell me that's why you're so eager to run away," I jested. He was relieved to see me revert back to my cheerful self, but the corners of his lips flattened once again.

"You are hurt because of me. If I stay, then..."

His sentence escaped him when I shuffled closer to where we were only a breath apart. "Then take me with you." I then leaned in and softly connected our lips. I was fairly inexperienced with kissing, so I didn't know if I was doing it right. All I could do was scrunch my eyes shut and pray that he understood. My heart leapt when he returned the kiss. His lips were chapped and his scruff tickled my cheek. Everything felt so surreal. It was as if I was under some sort of hazy hypnosis. Miraak's hand cupped the back of my head while his other squeezed the small of my waist. I enclosed my arms around his neck in wild euphoria. We both seperated with great reluctance, exhaling heavily. I giggled as he began to peck every inch of skin of my face starting from my jaw to my temple. Knowing him, he probably hadn’t even held a woman in centuries.

I grimaced, instantly reminded of my current delima. Miraak threw his arms back as if he was the cause for my pain. "Come, let's go back," he recommended. I nearly released a squeal when he hoisted me into his fit arms. "What are you--what are you doing?" I stammered, face as red as the evening sky. I knew our body comparisons were different in both height and size, but this was the first time he made me feel so tiny. "I am carrying you," he stated a-matter-of-factly. "It's just my shoulder. I-I can still walk!"

“You’re still injured. It’d be shameful of me not to at least take you off your feet for a short while. Such a gentleman! Miraak's bicep curved against my back and my other shoulder bounced against his broad chest as he walked. I wasn't convinced that my face could get any redder! After acting so boldly a moment ago, I should've expected the embarrassment to catch up with me. I couldn't help but voice out a squeak after his fingers slid a bit further past the bend of my knee. "Are you alright?" It was an easy question to answer, but my mind was so scrambled I couldn't form a single syllable!

I buried my face into his shirt and shook my head. "Are you in any pain?" How could I be? I was far too distracted by my current situation, I couldn't focus on anything else! Again, I managed a silent 'no'. Miraak stood in contemplation before resuming towards the porch steps. He placed me down with great care before sitting down beside me. I avoided eye contact as he closely examined my face and held his forehead against my own. "You're warm. You must be running a fever," he concluded. I fidgeted under his touch. "Um, I don't think I have a fever," I timidly denied. Miraak's confusion roused. "Then why are you so red?" He was so close, it was like he was trying to see through my soul! "I just--," I stumbled. "I'm just a little embarrassed, is all..." He sat there a minute before also averting his gaze. "Oh. I see." The First Dragonborn cleared his throat. The two of us sat there quietly, a blushing mess.

Once Miraak was able to regain his composure, he slowly etched forward once more. He then directed his finger to my shoulder. "May I?" I nodded curtly and steered my sights to the floor. Miraak gingerly tugged at the neckline of my blouse and inspected the raw burn on my skin. I waited with interest to see how skilled he was with Restoration magic. He probably had hundreds of years’ worth of experience. A soothing warmth enveloped the entirety of my arm. It reminded me of the many hugs and kisses Pa gave me on the days before he left for yet another journey. The nostalgia brought a smile to my lips as I continued to reminisce back on my childhood.

Alas, with a snap of a finger that warmth had abandoned me. I peeked at my injury, which vanished without a trace. "If I would've known how good you are, I wouldn't have wasted time teaching you things you already know," I chuckled. The man hung a light smirk over his features before drawing me in for another kiss. "You've taught me many things, Y/n. And I am hoping for you to teach me many more." By now, the only thing I could hear was a high-pitched ringing with Elsbeth's voice echoing in the background. Wait, Elsbeth's voice? "Well, well~! I'm hardly gone for thirty minutes and you two are all over each other," she taunted, clearly amused by the display in front of her. Miraak and I both jolted away from one another and fiddled our fingers in ungodly embarrassment. “El...! When—when did you get back?” I stammered. “Oh, not long. But just in time to see the juicy bit! Tell me, how long have you been together?” Knowing that she had already seen him kiss me was humiliating enough, and she wouldn’t be my sister if she didn’t make it worse by talking about it!

That night, I told her everything, well, almost everything. Miraak and I decided that it would only complicate matters further by revealing the truth to her. Even now, she was terrified of the stories. I couldn’t even begin to imagine her reaction after realizing that it was him the entire time. I neglected to mention the assaulters, as well as the ash pile on the ground outside. As odd as it was, Elsbeth was completely unbothered by our newly founded relationship. “Y/n, you’re my little sister. Sure, I’m mad. I’m mad that a man succeeded in stealing your heart, but I’m not Pa. If you two are in love, who am I to stop you? I want you to live a full life, as well as a happy one,” she had said. In a matter of seconds, I took her into my arms and thanked her profusely. In addition, she even consented in allowing me to travel with him.

Although Miraak was paranoid, we stayed at the ranch for another week before packing our gear. I searched around my room, collecting an assortment of knickknacks and storing them into my bag. As I opened my satchel, a certain mask greeted me. I held it gingerly in my hands. The eye slits peered up at me in such an eerie way, yet I felt no fear. If anything, staring down at the pitiful thing made me feel almost melancholy. That damaged wood carving was once a shell of such a wonderful person. I brought the mask to my chest and held it there a moment with a somber smile. “Is something the matter?” I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, causing me to turn around. “No, I’m good. You’ll probably be needing this back, huh? I’m sorry I kept it so long,” I chuckled. Miraak examined the worn face piece with uncertainty. He ran his thumbs along every edge and crease and even tipped it upside down. “How do you feel?” I asked him. His green orbs met mine in a look of puzzlement. “I feel... nothing,” he stated simply. “Seeing this mask after so long, I imagined I would be more impacted. But instead it just feels silly to be haunted by it for so long. It all feels like a tucked-away nightmare.” My lips stretched into a grin as I leaned forth and wrapped my arms snuggly around him. "And that’s exactly what it is. It’s all a tucked-away nightmare.” Miraak hummed, smiling at me with adoration. He then bent down to my level and gave me a soft Eskimo kiss.

When we left home that day, we bid our farewells to Elsbeth and I made sure to do the same with all of the cows, goats, chickens, and pigs as we went. Once we reached the gate, I looked back at the ranch one last time. I thought about all of the many times I walked past this gate thinking about how extraordinarily dull my life was. Everyday, I fantasized about romance and adventure. I didn’t think someone with my position would be blessed with such an opportunity, but here I was, madly in love and on my way to start an adventurous life of my own. “Did you leave something behind?” I faced him and shook my head. “No. Let’s go!”

——————————————————————————

Yayy, finally finished the 4th part (this took me freaking forever)

#miraak #skyrim #fdb #elder scrolls #fanfiction #part 4 #romance #x reader #y/n

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diamcndgirl · 3 years

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all your friends are so cool, you go out every night in your daddy's nice car, yeah, you're livin' the life got a pretty face, pretty boyfriend, too i wanna be you so bad, and i don't even know you all i see is what i should be happier, prettier, jealousy, jealousy all i see is what i should be i’m losin' it, all i get's, jealousy, jealousy...

i’m so sick of myself, i’d rather be anyone else.

under the tag is a self para based on the friday the 13th curse placed on penelope. trigger warning for: self loathing, jealousy, and parental issues.

it was late in the evening when penelope got home. she spent most of her day with wally and talking to them about the strange day they seemed to be having. something in her just wasn’t right as she collapsed in her bed. head falling into silk sheets as she stared up at the pink crystal chandelier above her bed. this wasn’t right. she was never this clumsy, this out of touch with herself. it felt like she was an awkward child again. a lump grew in her throat as she thought back to the days running around the school grounds. the chubby girl who no one seemed to like.

it had been years since she’d been like this. it was making her feel small again. like nothing she was doing was right. she worked so hard to be perfect, to plan her whole life and make it go exactly right. she didn’t trip in her heels, bump into strangers, she didn’t drop things out of no where.. that wasn’t her.

she needed someone to talk to.. someone to vent to. someone to help her reverse this curse francesco spoke of.

howl. they were magic they had to know. maybe if she called the shop he’d pick up.. or someone would it wasn’t too late right? who cares.. she’d leave a voicemail if she had to.

grabbing her phone she scrolled her call list and then her finger slipped and she called her mother... dropped her phone.. and it began to ring.

“shit!” she cursed, rolling over to pick up the phone. but, when she reached to get the phone she fell right between the bed and the wall. thankfully she could reach her phone but it was too late her mother was already answering on the other side of the line. but when she went to try and get up she was stuck between the frame and the wall.

“hello?!” her mother called out, “penelope, answer me this instant.”

“mama, i’m sorry. i didn’t mean to call you so late.” she sighed.

“of course not. why would you bother?” her mother grumbled, “what are you doing anyways, dear? it’s late you need all the beauty rest you can get.”

penelope went to shoot a comment back but instantly felt small again. “sorry mother.” she said, “i’ll let you go. you’re right i need to get my rest.”

without hesitation her mother hung up and penny just laid there stuck.

she felt tears welling up in her eyes because she knew no matter what she did that woman would treat her just like little miss piggy. the chubby girl with no grace.

she wanted to be one of those perfect girls with a perfect life. penelope was trying so hard. she’d lost the weight, gained the ‘friends’, and even started dressing differently to fit in.. she did everything.. she even changed her personality. but it was never good enough. somehow everything she changed seemed to reverse with this curse.. and it was killing her inside.

the thought of being less than perfect was eating her alive.

so what did penelope do? she just cried. laid there and cried. “i’ll never be good enough. i’ll always just be miss piggy. ugly, lousy, miss piggy.” she cried out, sobbing as she buried her face in her arms.

it took her a while to stop crying. like... almost two hours she laid on the ground stuck between the bed crying. until she finally got pissed off and forced her way out of her situation.

she squeezed her way out from between the bed and wall and got up. going to the bathroom to clean off her face. she was not going to let some stupid curse make her feel this bad. not penelope hainline.. she’d been through too much to revert back to her old ways. nothing, not even her own body, would make her feel small again.

clumsily she grabbed a wash cloth from under the counter and started to wipe away her makeup stained face. dropping her skincare products left and right as she tried to make it through her skin care routine.

“you’re not going to beat me curse.” she spoke out... believing whoever placed it on her must hear. “i’m penelope hainline and clumsy or not i’m still amazing.” she said with a ‘ha’ at the end. until she tripped over spilled water from the mess she was making. she landing flat on her butt and sighed.

“i’m perfect either way.. even if i’m just clumsy and odd miss piggy.” she reminded herself. and she meant it.. no matter a curse, a evil boy, or anything else would stop her from being perfectly herself. she might not be the most graceful, talented, or whatever you want to say.. but she is still herself and she wasn’t letting anything stop her.

#event: friday the 13th #this isn't good.. but uh lets just say penny has had an awful time being clumsy #its made her feel very small and accidentally calling her mother was the last straw #but at the end of the day self love is what broke her curse #i might not have made that super clear but im tired af and i have to work tomorrow lol #ignore any typos and errors or i wont be ur frirends anymore

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friendship-ended-with-pokespe · 4 years

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Kirby and the Big Race in Dream Land! Chapter 9

Kirby made it back safely to the clifftop. Everyone surrounds him in a clamor. “Great job, Kirby!” “We have to treat them quickly!” “Please step back, everyone. I will take it from here.” Ordered Kurron.

His words and attitude have an undefiable force. Everyone watched him and Kizario with their breath held. Kurron began chanting in a low voice. With it, a strange thing happened. Having laid down with its consciousness lost, Peperon’s enormous body began shrinking little by little. It is getting smaller and smaller. A body that was as large as a huge tree became the size of a cow, then a dog, and finally, a mouse.

Seeing the shrunken Peperon, everyone was wide-eyed in amazement. “A bear......?” “It’s a tiny little bear, just like a plushie. So cute.” “The identity of that ferocious monster was......this tiny bear?” Kizario, who was embraced by it, was thrown down to the ground. Kurron ceased his incantation and murmured. “This will do. Peperon has reverted back to its normal size. Next is to treat Master Kizario.” Seeing such a strange event, everyone was dumbfounded, but came to their senses from Kurron’s words. “Right, we’ve got to treat the young master.” “Have him spit out water. Check his breathing!” “It’s okay, he hardly swallowed any water. It’s because we were quick in rescuing him. With their efforts combined, the staff massaged Kizario’s body and treated him. Kizario regained consciousness before long. Everyone sighed in relief and called out to him. “Are you awake?” “You alright? How do you feel?” Kizario was in a fog for a moment and gazed at everyone's faces. He asked, his consciousness finally cleared. “What about Peperon? Where’s Peperon?” “No need to worry, sir. If you’re talking about that bear, it became tiny and......” Said the staff, and looked around. But Peperon is nowhere to be seen. “......Huh? What happened to that bear?” Hearing that, Kirby and the others also realized for the first time that Peperon was gone. Everyone searches around the shade of the trees and behind the rocks, but cannot find it. “That’s weird. It shrank and got to be lurking around here somewhere.” “It disappeared while young master recovered his senses.” “Don’t tell me......” One of the staff looked beneath the cliff. “Did it fall down again? With how small it became, while no one paid attention to it......” “It wasn’t fully conscious, you know. It might’ve staggered and fell off.” “No way!” Kirby sped up his ending in a panic and flew down the cliff. He searched even to the lower reaches, but couldn’t find Peperon. “No good......it’s not anywhere.” Having returned, Kirby removed Jet and reported. Kizario then started sobbing with his shoulders trembling. “That jerk......why did he try to save me......and I said all those horrible things to him!” “You still don’t realize it, sir? How foolish.” Kurron said in a stern voice. “Hasn’t Peperon always been by your side? Ever since you were a small child.” “......” “To you, Peperon may have only been a pet, but to Peperon, you were the one and only friend of its.” “Friend......” Kizario sidled up to the edge of the cliff. Everyone had to hold him back, where he seemed like he could plunge into the rapids at any moment. “Peperon......! What happened do you. Peperon, come back......I’ll make sure to cherish you dearly this time......” Kizario sank down and wept like a small child. His sobs continued for a long, long time, where Meta Knight said right when it came to an end. “Explain to us the whole story of what you’ve done, Kizario.” “That is the only way to apologize to Peperon, sir.” Added Kurron as well. Kizario raised his face smeared with tears. He looked miserable, completely different from his usual snobby self. “Peperon is......a miniature bear that I bought many years ago for my birthday.” “A miniature bear?” “Yup. It’s a bear small enough to hold on your palm. Its size doesn’t change even as it grows, so it’s very popular in my star as a pet.” Kizario at last wiped his tears. “Me and Peperon were like best friends. We would always play together. But......one day, I felt very ashamed after talking with my friends.” “Ashamed?” “All my friends had cool-looking pets. You know, big and strong ones like Hornhead or Fire Lion. They laughed at me, saying that a miniature bear is for girls. I was so frustrated that I couldn’t stand it. So I thought of making Peperon a big and strong bear.” “How?” “I asked Kurron, of course.” Nodded Kurron, and said. “I am a babysitter for Master Kizario.” “Don’t say babysitting. I’m not a kid anymore!” “Simply put, I have been continuing to look after him.” “Kurron has a certification in using magic.” “Why, I am but a beginner.” Kurron shook his hands in humility. “I only wanted to make it huge with Kurron’s magic, but he refused.” “Of course, sir. As it is against the law to enlarge a living creature.”

“So I secretly read his magic book and tried using the magic myself. It went smoothly......too smoothly. Peperon grew even bigger than I expected.” “Peperon ran away, where its whereabouts were unknown. As a result of a great search, we came to learn that it took refuge in Dream Land. “Why to Dream Land......?” The residents were perplexed, where Kurron then answered calmly. “By nature, Peperon has an optimistic peace-loving heart. I dare say that it was drawn to the most carefree atmosphere in the universe that Dream Land was filled with.” “I was planning to find Peperon before Kurron does and undo the magic. Thinking that I would be bawled out by Kurron if I was beaten to the punch. But it’s no use with my strength alone. So I......” “Cooked up a plan to get the people of Dream Land involved.” Said Meta Knight, and Kizario lost heart. “......Uh-huh. I thought I could get the people involved and have them run around Dream Land to lure Peperon out if I were to produce a program......” Kurron was the one to continue off. “Even so, it became a huge topic before he knew it and couldn’t pass it off as a lie. Master Kizario therefore sent for the staff and had to produce an actual program. I am late in saying this, but Master Kizario is the son of the CEO of Comet TV. To put it another way, he is the son of a prominent family.” “My mom is the CEO. Since I love TV, I have some experience from asking my mom to let me make shows several times.” “Although they were nothing but terrible shows.” Whispered one of the staff. Kizario became irritated and talked back. “I can’t help it! I’m the heir to the CEO! I’m more fit for managing a company than producing a show, you know!” “And, well, we staff were called because of that and were to make the program. Although Young Master Kizario was the one to come up with the contents of the race.” “It was all a plan to track Peperon down. The super spicy gourmet has the special seasoning blended from me reading the magic book in secret. By eating that, you were sure to have gained strength several times more than usual. It was a strategy to power you guys up.” “It seemed to have an opposite effect as there was way too much.” Said the staff. Kizario was let down once again. “......Well, you know. The next singing challenge was for what I remembered from reading the magic book, “Spell of Awakening.” Once hearing the spell, the magical creature would get aroused and start running wild. I thought it would be able to lure out Peperon in hiding......” “That was very foolish of you, sir. Thanks to that, the meek Peperon began rampaging like such......” Told harshly by Kurron, Kizario became more and more crestfallen. “The next chocolate challenge was as I explained. Peperon loves chocolate, so it would get sleepy after eating lots of chocolate. That’s why I had you all smeared in chocolate.” “What an awful plan!” Chef Kawasaki was the one to lose his temper. “I was nearly eaten by that thing!” “Peperon only eats sweets, so I thought that there wouldn't be any danger......” Right when Kizario made an excuse: With ding, ding, ding, ding......a low sound was heard. Taking out the communication device in his pocket, the staff talked about something in a low voice. Cutting the communication right away, the staff informed Kizario. “It’s a message from the HQ, sir. The front-runner will reach the goal shortly, so please make haste......they said. Since the award ceremony can’t start without young master......” “......Eh?” Everyone was stupefied. “The top runner? Who do they mean?” “But all the athletes are gathered here.” Kirby shouts abruptly. “Ah......! It’s Waddle Dee! Waddle Dee isn’t here!” “Whaaaaaaaaaat!?” Yelled King Dedede.

”That prick disregarded me and is in the lead!? He’s got nerves for a subordinate!” “Don’t tell me that Waddle Dee will win!?” “No, that’s not possible.” Said Kizario. “That athlete didn’t meet the condition of the final checkpoint. That is to say, he didn’t encounter Peperon.” “I see. So Waddle Dee is disqualified then.” The athletes were in relief. “Can’t sit here like this. The race will resume.” “Alright, I ain’t losing!” “I’m gonna win~!” The athletes got onto each of their machines and started running. The TV staff also boards the wheeled vehicles for staff use. Kurron called out to Kizario standing still on the edge of the cliff. “Let us go as well, Master.” “......Sure.” Unwilling to give up, while looking over his shoulders several times, Kizario finally left that area.

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Table of contents

#kirby novels #kirby of the stars #light novel #translation #kirby #waddle dee #king dedede #meta knight #walky #meta knights

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justkurotingz · 4 years

Text

agent y/l/n (2)

the second part of the series! tbh i planned to write this later but quarantine has got me sooooo bored :’c hope you enjoy <3

angsty, lil fluff <3

A/N: half of this is probably super inaccurate so i guess this would be more of a canon/alternate universe, but bear with me!

word count: 1.6k

“our unsub is TEN?!” morgan did a double take, and garcia sighed. “yup baby boy. ryan carter, 10 years old. he has dark brown hair, freckles and green eyes.” spence spoke up, directing your attention to him. “for an unsub to be this young, some form of immensely early childhood trauma must have severely impacted him. he may be suffering from a psychotic break.”

your heart ached for the poor child that had suffered so much it brought him to kill two people for a peace of mind. “wait a second.” you peered at the pictures of the victims spence had pinned up. “kyla neyers and tori luis look awfully similar. the eyes, the hair, look at the way their noses arch. the boy-” “ryan.” hotch corrected and you bit your lip, “sorry, ryan must be targeting people that look like someone from his childhood.”

“well, from his family history I can tell you his mother died in childbirth so ryan never would have met her.” garcia’s voice floated in and hotch turned to the team. “try relatives on the moms side. aunts, cousins maybe?” garcia sighed, “mom had no siblings, and her parents live in russia. ryan probably would have never seen them face to face.” “alright, dad’s side then.” emily shrugged, and garcia sucked in air through her teeth.

“apparently, his birth certificate never lists a father. single mom maybe, the father dumped them?” spence frowned and you spoke up. “we’ve got to find his father.” “already on it sweet cheeks.” “thanks pen.” you smiled and cut the intercom.

“so ryan could be living with his father.” emily pondered, and jj nodded. “he couldn’t have survived on the streets as a baby, and no adoption records exists. his father might have abused him causing ryan to act out and run away.”

“what if his father has been killing women and forced ryan to help? he might have a type, blue eyes, brunette, high arched nose bridges....” you trailed off and spence’s eyes lit up. “right! and after ryan escaped, he went back to doing the only thing he knows, killing women that look like kyla, tori, and possibly other women his father killed.”

“that’s awful.” jj whispered and you nodded. “i know. we need to stop him, he’s probably just a scared kid.” “who killed two women.” hotch interrupted, and grabbed his coat as garcia’s voice crackled through the intercom. “alright, i found a string of murders in the early 2010′s with victims that look like ours. the suspect was a william gale, but he escaped before arrest. sending his last known address now, he’s local and he definitely could be ryan’s father.”

“got it, let’s go.” hotch said, and everyone rushed to the cars. as morgan drove, you glanced out the window. “you ok?” spence’s voice transported you back into reality. “yeah, just...” “i know, it’s sad.” your best friend spoke up. “studies show the child is unable to escape from the abusive, damaging childhood dynamic. it occurs before the child’s sense of self is formed, therefore ryan is reverting back to what he knows, his father.”

“we’re here.” morgan’s voice cut through spencer’s spiel of facts and you nodded. “federal agents!” no answer. morgan breached and we checked the rooms of the house out. “clear!” you sighed until you heard the soft cock of a gun.

“ryan?” you turned around very slowly to come face to face to a young boy, about 10. he was about 4 feet tall, and had a gun pointed at your torso. his freckles contrasted his bright green eyes and your heart sank. “ryan, i’m agent y/l/n. please put down the gun.” your voice was soft, calm in contrast to his shaking arms.

“i-i didn’t mean to kill them. i didn’t mean to hurt anybody. i don’t know who i am anymore. i’m a monster!” he cried and without thinking, you tossed your gun aside. “y/n!” hotch hissed behind you, and you realize everybody was watching.

“don’t look at them, look at me ryan. you can call me y/n. i set down my gun, look.” you pointed to your gun, a foot away from you both. “can you set down yours? i just want to talk to you. put down the gun.” “no! you’ll hurt me!”

“i promise, nobody is going to hurt you. we just want to help you ryan. i know you didn’t mean to kill anybody.” he faltered, hope spilling into his eyes. “y-you do?” “yes.” you confirmed and moved on, “and if you set down the gun, nothing’s going to happen to you. you have to trust me baby.” you whispered and he shook his head.

“i know you’re scared, look, i’ll take off my vest. i know you’re not going to hurt me.” moving slowly, to the shock of your team, you slipped your vest over your shoulders. “it’s just me. just me i promise you, there’s nobody else here that matters. i know what your father made you do. he made you kill those women and bury them after he did bad things to them didn’t he?” ryan nodded and you closed your eyes, taking a shaky breath.

“put down the gun ryan. we’re gonna get him. i swear, we’re going to catch your father and he’s going to go away for a very long time. but you’re not like that. you’re just a small boy. can you put down the gun baby? please, for me?” he paused, lowering the gun, but didn’t drop it.

“ryan, baby you have to set the gun down. all the way down. i promise, nothings going to happen to you.” “wh-where’s my mom?” he whispered and your heart broke for the third time today. “oh baby, what did he tell you?” “he said mommy didn’t want me, so mommy ran away.” you looked sharply to the left, the tears in your eyes now streaming down your face.

“don’t cry!” he said in concern and you opened your arms. he dropped the gun and rushed into your arms, giving you a big hug. “no sweetie, your mommy wanted you. she wanted you so so much. ryan, i went to college with your mom.” you heard the intake of breath of your entire team behind me, and continued with the story. “she was the sweetest person i ever know. she looked exactly like you. she was funny, smart, and wore the craziest socks ever. she even had four pairs of pizza socks.” that brought a smile to ryan’s face and you smiled.

“she died baby, she died after giving birth to you.” “i-i killed mommy?” his face fell, tears leaking out of his eyes. “oh no baby, no. no, you didn’t kill mommy. it was just mommy’s time to go. she loved you very very much and i know she’s sorry she couldn’t be there for you and help you.” he was quiet, then wrapped his arms tightly around you. “i’m so sorry.” you whispered, kissing his cheek, holding him tightly. “it’s ok auntie y/n. i know im gonna go to jail because that’s where bad guys go. can you come visit me?” “’all the time, i promise.” you smiled and he beamed, slipping out of his arms. “bye bye!” he waved and you gently waved back as he walked out with emily. as soon as he was out of sight, you fell to the floor, sobbing. “hey, hey, hey.” spence gently lifted you from the ground, but you couldn’t even stand, so he had to hold you tightly to him.

“i didn’t know. i didn’t know ryan was her child. but i saw her in him. he’s just 10.” you wrapped your hands around spence and the two of you stayed like that for a long time, until hotch came back in, telling you both it was time to leave.

the trip back was quiet, and only when you were back in the office hotch turned on you. “do you realize how incredibly stupid that was!” he hissed and you nodded, staring at the ground. “it worked.” jj spoke up and emily furrowed her eyebrows. “that was one of the most moving moments i’ve ever witnessed. the boy was 10, and practically related to y/n.” “she did good.” morgan confirmed and spence’s smile said wonders.

“if you ever attempt something like this.... i was so worried about you.” hotch sighed, his hand dropping from it’s menacing position and you smiled at him. “i’m ok, i just really want to go home.” “and that you will. goodnight y/n, i’m glad this didn’t go sideways.” with that, hotch left and the team hugged you. “that was so selfless.” jj whispered in your ear, giving you an extra squeeze, and then it was just spence and you. “let’s go to your place.” spence wrapped an arm around your waist and you two walked back to his apartment in silence, staring at the sky.

“i thought he was going to shoot.” spence admitted a while later when you were sitting on his couch. “spence, he’s 10. he wouldn’t have shot.” “you don’t know that!” he snapped, his irritation and frustration finally showing. “kids with severe childhood trauma can be dangerous and unpredictable! you almost died today!” “spence...” you trailed off, looking at his face. “i thought i lost you.” a tear trickled down his cheek and you hugged him tightly, crying yourself.

“i’m ok, i promise. i’m not that stupid.” your job took determination, compassion, wit, bravery and strength, but today your display of selflessness was the one that hit home that most.

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numbaoneflaya · 3 years

Note

Hiii can I get 3,14,15, and 16 for Felria and 1, 17, and 18 for Valkya? And 19 for both if you're feeling up to it? <3

3. How did you choose their name?

I have noooo remembrance I just. Thought it sounded pretty? I think it was originally something much longer but I cut it down to be simpler and suit her better

14. If you had to narrow it down to 2 things that you MUST keep in mind while working with your OC, what would those things be?

-she is very friendly and easy to like, able to get along with anyone by changing her performance to suit them. Most only know her as a sweet and giggly girl, not too bright but kind and gentle.

-Shes a self serving, manipulative and sadistic actress who delights in deceiving others, more than anything relishes the look of betrayal and realization when someone realizes the giggly little simple minded girl is the one flaying the skin from their bones.

15. What is something about your OC can make you laugh?

Imagining martin septims reaction when they realize why she was arrested (dead body bangin). She has an entire sob story planned on how she was a “poor orphan child who had to kill off bandits to save her sick mother and got caught by the guard who roughed her up and stole her family heirloo-” and hes like “so i heard you had relations with a corpse :/” and shes like “ :/ >:/ u ruined the fun”

16. What is something about your OC can make you cry?

Its not ALL her fault shes like this, she was raised in a daedric cult for mephala when she was very young. Her adoptive mom killed her real mom and dad and took her in when she saw a “spark” in her, she now considers her parents murderer to be more a parent than her real ones, even though she and her “mom” have a playful relationship where they constantly gaslight manipulate and try to murder the other one for fun to see who “wins”.

19. What is your favorite fact about your OC?

Shes a nasty blood drinking dead body bangin sadistic little thotty with a phat ass. She only worships the night mother, sithis and mephala. When shes drunk her vampire fangs give her kind of lisp and she reverts to her morrowind dialect so people are like “what in the name of fuck are you saying”

-----------

Valkya

What was the first element of your OC that you remember considering (name, appearance, backstory, etc.)?

I remember when I started ESO i had never played a nord in game before so i was like, im gonna make the biggest, most nordy nord to ever exist. And so she was born

17. Is there some element you regret adding to your OC or their story?

Not a lot, but sometimes I regret making her have like 14 siblings and an extended family that breed like rabbits bcs i get them all confused AF. i know she has a hard time remembering too gdfgsdf

18. What is the most recent thing you’ve discovered about your OC?

The dark stuff she wears around her eyes to look cool during battle isnt warpaint most of the time. Its not even eyeshadow. She just takes dirt and blood and whatever shit she can find and smudges it around her eyes. Shes dumb

19. What is your favorite fact about your OC?

Hgdfhgd she fucks everything that moves. She cant go a whole day without flirting with someone, she doesnt even realize shes doing it it just comes naturally. I mean yeah it goes hand in hand w the hero thing; if a giant, big titty super strong warrior woman came in and carried me out of danger while fighting my enemies, id probably fuck her too. It makes for good drama bcs a lot of the time shes on her way a few hours later and theres a lot of pining hearts out there. Valkya simp club

#THANK YUOP BELOVEDS...#ocs #valkya #felria #fel and val: evil hoe vs stupid hoe. fight

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thepandapopo · 4 years

Text

Absolute Truths

This idea wormed its way into my head and for the life of me I couldn’t get it out.

This oneshot is a little longer than the stuff I usually write (a whopping 8539 words), but I loved every minute of it. I tried editing it to the best of my ability, but honestly I suck at that. No beta, we die like Glenn. #SorryNotSorry #TooSoon ?

Please note this is non canon. The time frame for this is sometime after the Battle of Gronder post time skip and it is a mash up of the GD and BL routes (ie. Dimitri joins Claude and is no longer crazy; Rodrigue still dies. RIP).

Cross posted to ao3.

Pairing: Sylvain x Felix

Warnings: mentions of child abuse and PTSD

Synopsis:

When Felix and Sylvain get hit with a dark magic spell that reverts them back to children, the Resistance Army gets a deeper look into their bond and learn 5 absolute truths that form the foundation of their relationship.

5 undeniable facts of Sylvain and Felix’s relationship.

Word Count: 8539

“Felix!”

Fuck. Sylvain loses sight of him for only a minute but that is all the enemy needs to overwhelm the already bombarded swordmaster.

Pulling the reigns sharply to the left, the Paladin charges across the battlefield, skewering any unfortunate enemies that dare block his way, the lance of ruin glowing like a beacon of fury despite the thick coating of blood on it. The air is heavy with the smell of smoke and dark magic, making it hard to breathe and blurring the red head’s vision. Regardless, Sylvain presses on; determined to get to his best friend in time before the group of mages over the hill finish casting… whatever ominous looking spell they are aiming at Felix.

“Sylvain, get out of here!” Felix shouts angrily, not even pausing his fighting to face the sight of Bella charging her way through the throng with her master astride her.

Shit. Felix cuts down another enemy.

It is never ending. No matter how many falls to his blade, another two enemies take their place. Felix isn’t stupid – he can see the group of mages prepping a dark magic spell in the distance, which makes him even angrier when he spots Sylvain riding to his aid.

Like hell he’ll give his childhood friend another reason to toss himself into harms way. Felix isn’t weak. He doesn’t need protection. And he sure as hell doesn’t want Sylvain to be the one who gets hurt trying to fix his mistakes just because he got a little too cocky and split from the rest of his battalion.

“Fuck.” Felix grunts and pushes his sword hard to disengage the thief that has him in a sword lock. He doesn’t bother to see if he is being pursued and dashes towards Sylvain who is now dismounting a short distance away, Lance of Ruin making quick work of anyone who strays too close for comfort.

Sylvain was undoubtedly within hit range of the spell now. If that idiot insists on being his usual self-sacrificing self, then the least Felix can do is use his own body to shield the older man and take the brunt of the damage.

The tell-tale crackle of magic behind him sets the hair on his nape standing.

Shit. Shitshitshitshitshit.

He isn’t going to make it. Damn Sylvain for being so slow – this is exactly why he keeps telling him to take his training more seriously-!

“Fe!”

The last thing he knows before succumbing to the darkness is a hard chest plate knocking the wind out of him and warm, strong arms that remind him of summers spent with a heart lighter than air.

----

1. Sylvain always has, and always will protect Felix until the day he dies.

Leonie is one of two on the first shift of babysitting duty.

Undeniably, the orange haired paladin would be the first to admit that she wasn’t the greatest with kids, however there is only so much the tiny, and thankfully unconscious, Fraldarius boy can do given his current predicament.

No one really knows what happened after the enemy spell envelops Felix and Sylvain, the larger of the two curled protectively around his companion as they fall. No one even knows what the spell is.

But what they do know is that now, instead of a regular sized Felix Hugo Fraldarius and Sylvain Jose Gautier, they have a chubby cheeked blue haired cherub and an unfairly-cute-even-as-a-child ginger.

It is in the middle of bemoaning her poor luck at drawing straws when the mini-Felix begins to stir and she feels panic clawing its way up her throat.

“Ngghh…” small, unscarred hands balled into fist come up to rub at bleary amber eyes before they widen almost comically as they take in his surroundings.

“Uhh… hey.” His gaze snaps towards Leonie and she can feel her terror rising with mini Felix’s hysteria, clearly evident by the shiny glaze beginning to cloud his eyes and the fat crocodile tears gathering at the edges of his almond eyes.

“It’s okay, Felix. It’s just me.” She reaches out a hand tentatively in a placating gesture, but quickly withdraws back as young Felix lets out a squeak and scurries as far back into the corner of the bed as he can get, taking his older self’s wool Fraldarius crest blanket with him, as if it could shield him.

“Wh-wh-who are you?” The poor thing is absolutely terrified and damn it, Leonie wants to comfort him, but she is equally as distressed here and this is exactly why she didn’t want to babysit.

“It’s me, Leonie. You don’t… you don’t recognize me?”

It comes out sounding more like a statement than a question.

It’s so painfully obvious that little Felix has no idea who she is.

Which means he doesn’t have his memories.

Which means they are down two of their best generals.

Which means they are well and truly fucked.

So, Leonie does the only thing she can logically think to do.

“Come on,” She says, rising from her bedside chair and reaching for his arm. “We need to go tell Linheartd that the situation is much worse than we had originally thought.” But as soon as her hand wraps around his forearm, Felix screams.

“Oh shi-! Felix! Calm down, I’m not going to hurt you!”

If anything, this just seems to have the opposite effect and the wails increase to near piercing.

Leonie thinks it may be a trick of her mind, and probably her ears because holy crap does little Felix have a set of lungs on him, but she is pretty sure that Felix is screaming out a name.

Specifically, a name belonging to a certain red head that is, the last time she checked anyways, unconscious two doors down from his room and currently being watched over by Caspar.

“Fe!” The door bursts open and suddenly there is chaos.

Was being watched over by Caspar, Leonie amends in her mind.

“Get back here!” The blue haired warrior lunges and swipes his arm out trying to catch mini Sylvain who is slipperier than a fish in water, using his short height to duck between legs and launch himself onto the bed.

“Leave Fe alone!” Honey brown eyes that are so very familiar yet also so different, are glaring holes into Leonie and Caspar, proudly defiant and blazing with determination. Short arms stuffed into the smallest adult shirt they could find on short notice stretch out protectively, completely shielding Felix from sight.

“S-Sylvain,” comes the little sob from behind him and the older boy spares a second to throw a comforting smile behind him. “Don’t worry, Fe. I’ll protect you.” And Goddess, he sounds so genuine and earnest that it makes Leonie wonder what happened to cause their Sylvain to hide behind fake laughs and charming lilts of the tongue.

“Sorry, Leonie.” Caspar is gasping for air like he has just run a marathon. “I tried to keep him in his room but as soon as he heard Felix screaming, he was out faster than I could blink.”

“Ugh. Just go get Ingrid and the Professor.”

----

2. Sylvain hates himself and his crest, but Felix likes him in spite of it.

A day later finds Ingrid watching over the five year old Felix (“What?! He’s five? But he’s so tiny.” “Don’t let him hear you say that or he’ll cry again.”) and seven year old Sylvain.

“Just stay in this area, okay?” She calls out over the din of raucous laughter echoing throughout the courtyard. “I don’t want you two wandering off and getting into trouble.”

The play wrestling pauses for a brief moment and little Sylvain sticks out a tongue at her.

“We don’t get into trouble! You’re just a party pooper!”

“Yeah! Party pooper!”

Shoving down the urge to smack her childhood friends into the next moon, Ingrid settles for watching with pursed lips as Felix dissolves into giggles, Sylvain’s grabby hands finding purchase in his sides and tickling him relentlessly. The look of such carefree happiness on their faces makes her heart clench and eyes sting.

If Ingrid is being completely honest… she misses this.

She remembers what it was like not carrying around a broken heart for a man buried six feet under, his remains not even whole enough to bring home. Back when she could play wrestle with Fe, Sylvie, and Dima in the dirt and then go to Glenn to kiss her knee better when one of them inevitably accidentally activated their crest and used too much strength, resulting in tears and scrapes and bruises.

It doesn’t do her any good to dwell on the past.

The dead should be left to rest, and the living should move on.

For an emotionally constipated guy, Felix is dead on with his philosophy.

Though she has long come to terms with her betrothed’s death, the small sliver of envy she has for her two oldest friends still lingers in the deepest, darkest recesses of her heart.

They’re lucky that they still have each other, even though they spend half the time bickering and denying their feelings.

“Is that the Gautier boy?”

Two monastery staff members stop beneath the path archway and look with undisguised admiration.

“So handsome at such a young age!”

“And I hear he’s incredibly charming too.”

Ingrid knows that Sylvain and hear them. He has always been keen of hearing, especially when it involves others gossiping about himself, for better or for worse.

Felix takes advantage of Sylvain’s distraction to get the upper hand and rolls on top, completely oblivious to the onlookers.

“If I were his mother, I would have secured him a betrothed as soon as he was tested for a crest.”

A hum of agreement. “Yes. His family is blessed with good looks so it would not be hard to secure an advantageous match. The Gautier line will likely continue on stronger than ever with such a prized heir.”

“Sylvain? Why did you stop?”

Felix is all wide eyes and adorable pouty cheeks, staring confusedly down at his best friend underneath him who has gone strangely silent with a strangled expression.

“Don’t you have duties to attend to?”

The two gossipmongers snap to attention at Ingrid’s sharp tone, her expression clearly telling them to get the hell out of here or risk facing her wrath.

With rushed replies of “yes, sorry miss!” and “our apologies”, they scurry off down the pathway and disappear around the corner.

But unfortunately, the damage is already done.

“Sylvain? What’s wrong? Why are you sad?”

Gently, the older boy extricates himself from Felix’s death grip of a grapple and stands up with his eyes cast downwards. “Sorry, Fe. I… I don’t want to play anymore.”

“What? What do you mean? Where are you going?”

“I’m tired. I want to go back to our room.”

It only takes one look at Sylvain’s expression before Felix is latching his fists into the fabric of Sylvain’s pants with a scowl on his face.

“You’re lying to me. Why are you lying?”

“I’m not lying, Fe! I don’t want to play anymore.”

“We’re best friends aren’t we?”

“Well, yeah, of course we are.”

“Best friends don’t lie to each other.”

Ingrid has patiently watched the exchange between Felix and Sylvain to this very moment, hoping that they can sort out this argument without her intervening like she always did as a child, but through years of experience, she can sense that one of them is about to snap and she would very much like to avoid that.

“You know the only reason we’re best friends is because our parents are friends and we both have crests.”

There it is.

It’s absolutely heart breaking how Sylvain has already learned to self destruct at the tender age of seven. If Miklan were still alive, Ingrid would skewer him a thousand times over for instilling the mantra of ‘you’re not worthy of love’ into Sylvain’s head.

“Hey guys, do you wanna go-“

“You’re a stupid head if that’s what you think.” Felix’s interruption shocks her. His usually bright amber eyes are fixed in a watery glare leveled at the boy opposite him. Right now, Ingrid may as well be invisible for all Felix cares.

“What?”

“You’re a stupid head!”

Sylvain looks absolutely affronted.

“No, I’m not!”

“Yeah, you are!” a few tears have managed to slip beyond the barrier and trail down Felix’s cheeks. “I don’t care that our parents know each other. And I don’t care about any stupid crests.”

Felix marches up to Sylvain with all the anger he can muster in his five year old glory and reaches up to smoosh his cheeks together. “I’d still pick you to be my best friend in the whole wide world because you’re funny and nice and I’m always happier with you than Ingrid or Dima.”

Sylvain can only stand there with his lips parted in round ‘o’ from his cheeks being pushed together and a dazed look in his eye. Felix takes this as a sign to continue his little tirade.

“And I know you’re smart so you should stop being such a stupid head because I don’t care what you think. You’re my best friend and I’ll always pick you over any stupid crest.”

“Fe…”

She recognizes that tone. Ingrid looks away then because she fears that if she doesn’t, the part of her heart that belongs to Glenn might just twist its way into her throat and choke her with envy.

Sylvain is giving Felix that look that she has seen many times throughout their lives whenever she watches her two friends from afar. It’s one that everyone, except for Felix, has seen a million times and knows that to Sylvain, the world around him has fallen away except for one person.

“You’re my best friend, Sylvain. So, don’t lie to me.”

For the first time since the gossipers appeared, Sylvain lets a smile slip through.

“Okay. I promise.”

Felix eyes him warily and searches for any hint of a lie in Sylvain’s expression. Once satisfied, he loops his own pinky around the one outstretched to him.

“Good. Now let’s go play Knights and Bandits!”

Perhaps it is because Felix is always looking ahead that he never sees how Sylvain looks at him like he was the one who hung the stars and moon in his dark sky, illuminating his life with happiness and love.

----

3. Felix feels so much and Sylvain is the only one who understands him even without words.

A collective sigh echoes throughout the monastery when they find out that mini Felix and mini Sylvain aren’t too picky with their food.

Granted, even as a child, Felix shows a proclivity towards eating meat; but with a little friendly jostling from his best friend, even the youngest Fraldarius son can be convinced to eat his brussel sprouts.

Which is exactly why Claude is so baffled when Felix starts to protest eating during mealtimes.

“What do you mean he won’t eat?”

He’s well aware that he probably sounds like an idiot, if the exasperated look Lorenz is giving him is anything to go by; but they haven’t had any trouble before so it makes absolutely no sense that Felix would start being picky now.

“It’s exactly as I said,” Lorenz frowns. “We were all simply sitting together enjoying a meal, when Felix stopped eating and refused to finish his dinner. I’ve been told this is now the third occurrence in a row that his has happened.”

“Was he full?” Byleth pauses from looking through some supply requests to chime into their conversation. Although she has not outright said anything, Claude knows his love well enough to tell that she is stressed about their current predicament. Felix throwing a silent protest against food is just one more thing to add to her pile of worries that she doesn’t need.

“Don’t worry, Teach,” Claude winks and flashes his signature grin. “I’ll get to the bottom of this. You just worry about securing our supplies for the next moon, yeah?” His chair lets out a deafening screech as it drags across the floor, drowning out any protests their former professor may have and providing Claude the distraction he needs to usher Lorenz out of the room with him.

“Claude, are you sure you know what you are doing?” The doubt rolling off Lorenz would have offended a lesser man, but Claude has spent his life being the underdog and he lets the words bounce harmlessly off him. “Felix is not an enemy to be outsmarted. He is simply a child who only adheres to emotion.”

“I am aware of that, yes.”

“Then why do you look as though you are about to hatch a scheme?”

Because he is.

And although Felix is not an ‘enemy’, per say, doesn’t mean that Claude can’t use his usual tactics of watching and observing his opponent until he has hatched a plot to take them down. Hence, leading to Claude’s current position tucked away in the far corner of the mess hall during the following breakfast.

Even on his off days, Claude is always watching and learning. He knows the favourite foods of all his fellow comrades in arms and he also knows whom everyone’s preferred companion is.

There is very little that escapes his notice, and the Resistance Army leader is confident that he will have a plan by sundown at the very least.

It is a little past 8am when the two children sleepily trudge their way into the dining hall with Bernadetta, their ward for the day, close behind them.

Nothing seems particularly strange or odd when they join the line to retrieve their meal; and nothing remarkable happens either when Bernie leads them to the only empty table left in the middle of the hall.

“Good morning, Bernadetta!” Raphael greets cheerily and shuffles his mountain of food over to join the trio at their table. “Good morning, Felix, Sylvain!”

The little ones mumble back a greeting, but their voices are lost in the din of the morning meal chatter.

So far, so good. Felix is still eating his porridge (albeit with an adorable frown on his face) and talking animatedly about goddess knows what with Sylvain, who occasionally turns to answer a question from the adults.

“Oh, good morning, Bernadetta, Felix, Sylvain!”

Slowly but surely, the table begins to fill as their friends meander into the building in search of food to start their day. Greetings are exchanged and unsurprisingly, Felix and Sylvain garner a lot of attention due to their current forms. Sylvain, ever the chatterbox that he is, fields most of the questions; Whether it is because he is being considerate of his quieter friend or if he simply relishes in the attention is debatable, but Claude cannot help but notice how his eyes constantly dart back towards Felix who grows increasingly frustrated.

“Oh, you’re just too adorable!” Annette’s squeal of delight reaches even Claude’s remote corner and he assumes that the wince he sees from Felix is due to the sheer volume of the orange haired mage. Sylvain, the current object of attention, just flashes her his prize winning smile; his dimples making him look even more endearing than he already is.

The adults gathered around the children don’t even notice that Felix has stopped eating. Nor do they see Sylvain quietly reach below the table to grab Felix’s smaller hand in what looks to be a gesture of comfort.

In fact, it takes another five minutes of cooing and fawning before Raphael, of all people, notices that Felix is now glaring with teary eyes at his bowl of half eaten porridge.

“What’s wrong, little buddy? Not feeling well?”

Immediately the attention shifts to him and the effects are just as disastrous as Claude predicts.

“I’m not hungry.” Some of the porridge finds its way onto the table as Felix pushes his bowl away with such ferocity, Claude is half surprised it doesn’t completely tip over.

“What do you mean you’re not hungry?” Annette frowns. “This is the fourth time you’ve left a meal unfinished. Are you not feeling well? Do you need to go see Mercedes?”

“No. I don’t wanna eat anymore.”

“Are you sure you’re feeling okay, Felix? We just want to make sure you’re not getting sick.”

“I’m fine.”

It’s a big fat lie and anyone with half a brain can hear the distress and frustration in the blue haired boy’s voice. One lone tear manages to squeeze its way out of Felix’s water logged eyes and that’s all it takes for the table to burst into a flurry.

Claude almost feels bad for Felix as the adults descend on him like a pack of vultures, all of them crowding him and trying to coax the reason for his distress out of him. The Almyran prince has half a mind to go over and rescue his friend in arms from a situation that is probably in his top ten worst fears, but before he can even get out of his seat, Sylvain is already bounding out of his chair with a teary Felix in tow.

Sylvain shouts something about ‘Knights and Bandits’ and they’re out the southern doors before Bernadetta can even process what has happened.

Felix’s half eaten bowl of porridge sits on the table completely forgotten.

----

At lunch, Claude decides to test a hypothesis.

He asks Mercedes and Hilda to sit with the kids at lunch and pay special attention to Felix.

To everyone else, he gives them strict orders to leave their table alone.

Satisfied with how his experiment is set up, Claude finally seats himself back in his observatory spot with his own lunch sitting in front of him.

He’s not expecting amazing results. In fact, he’s not expecting his first hypothesis to be a success at all, but he wants to try it none the less because there is always the possibility that mini Felix fundamentally operates much differently than the Felix that he is used to.

What he doesn’t expect is for Felix to immediately shut down the minute Hilda tries to engage him in some conversation about the games him and Sylvain play in the courtyard.

Today’s lunch special is Daphnel Stew and Claude has it on good authority that it is a favourite of Felix’s (technically Dimitri is a reliable source, right? They were childhood friends after all).

Sylvain tries his best to jump into the conversation and pull some of the attention to himself, but Hilda is every bit as smooth of a talker as Claude is; deftly maneuvering the conversation back to Felix no matter what Sylvain does.

This time, it is Felix that reaches for Sylvain’s hand under the table.

Except instead of just holding Sylvain’s hand, Felix starts to pull at it every time Mercedes or Hilda asks him a question, as if pleading for his friend to save him.

At least Claude could now say for sure that Felix is not, and never was, a fan of being the center of attention.

When the first afternoon bell tolls signaling the end of lunch, Felix’s stew remains uneaten and untouched. On the way out of the hall, Claude looks the other way and pretends not to notice when Sylvain steals an apple from the pantry.

His experiment doesn’t exactly succeed, but he cannot write it off as a failure either. The information gathered from his two observation sessions is plentiful and a solution is forming within his mind even as he makes his way up to the war room to meet Byleth for their afternoon strategy session.

By the time he pushes open the door to his usual haunt, Claude is absolutely certain of two truths.

One, that Sylvain knows Felix better than anyone could ever hope to compare, and two, Felix Fraldarius is incredibly lucky to have an attentive best friend like Sylvain because stars above, does he suck with using his words.

----

When the hour before dinner time rolls around, Claude makes sure to talk to everyone he passes by and give them the order that no one is to approach Felix and Sylvain’s tables at mealtimes anymore. He tells them to pass the word around and it doesn’t take long before the entire monastery is in the know of their Leader’s command.

“Care for company?” Byleth smiles and sets her tray down beside his own without waiting for a reply.

Claude does a quick survey of the area to make sure no one is looking before leaning in to land a quick peck on Byleth’s cheek. Joy flutters in his stomach at her rising blush and he merely laughs and winks at her stuttered protests.

“Check it out,” Claude quickly changes the subject and nods his head over to where Bernadetta sits exhausted with a now cheerful Felix and Sylvain. The latter nodding enthusiastically to their conversation with the occasional laugh and both of their plates near devoid of food.

A tiny rush of pride swells when he sees the relived expression on Byleth’s face.

“Told ya I’d take care of it.”

Underneath the table, he flips his palm facing upward so that he can intertwine his fingers with her searching ones.

“Yes, you did.” The unspoken thanks lingers in the air between them, louder than the constant buzz of activity in the room.

For the first time in a while, the former professor looks more at ease. And Claude, being the shit stirrer that he is, cannot help but toss a little fuel into the fire.

“So… who do you think will wear white at the wedding? Between the two of them, I think Felix is the better choice.”

“What?!”

----

4. Felix has an unwavering faith and belief in Sylvain that he’s not afraid to stubbornly stand by to the bitter end.

“Annie, are you sure this is a good idea?”

If Mercedes is concerned, then Lysithea is absolutely certain that no, this is most definitely not a good idea.

They are at the part of the training grounds where the various magic users can come to practice and hone their spells. The ground is singed with charred marks from stray thunder and fire spells, the black streaks contrasting starkly with the pale stone underneath. To the side, there is also a sand pit where mages can practice some more destructive flame based spells.

“I’m just a little curious, is all!” Annette whispers back. “I know Sylvain is really good with magic even though he never uses it. He was the one who helped me understand that magic formula that I was stuck on for a week, after all. I was thinking maybe he might show an aptitude for Reason as a child.”

“That’s fine and all; but I’m not really sure how safe it is to teach a child how to conjure a fire spell. That just seems like a recipe for disaster.”

The orange hair mage cannot help but look slightly put out by Lysithea’s comment.

Yes, maybe it wasn’t the safest idea ever… but Annette just really wants to find out the extent of Sylvain’s inherent abilities. Even after she makes him promise to take his training more seriously, she still feels like he is holding back on her when they are paired together.

“What kinda magic are you gonna show us?” Felix is eager and bouncing on his toes. The House Fraldarius specializes in swordplay, not magic, so this is a treat for him and he can barely contain his excitement.

“Oh well, I was thinking we could start off with a basic fire spell!”

“Oooh, fire!”

Annette really hopes that Felix doesn’t have a penchant for pyrotechnics.

As much of a bad idea as this is, Lysithea can’t exactly bring herself to leave them in case something goes terribly wrong. She is the strongest, most advanced Gremory the Resistance Army has; with her around, she’s confident that the worst that could happen would be some singed eyebrows and possibly an impromptu need for a haircut. But even that is an outcome that she is hoping to avoid.

Once the target is set up, Sylvain and Felix eagerly make their way over to the sidelines to watch Annette demonstrate a basic fire spell.

It’s nothing special really. Even the older Felix and Sylvain could probably cast it without much problem, but to their younger versions, the small ball of fire is so grand and spectacular that it warrants oo’s and ah’s and enthusiastic applause.

“Wow! That is so cool! Isn’t that so cool, Sylvain?”

Felix is pulling on Sylvain’s sleeve and the older boy nods emphatically with admiration shining in his eyes.

“Do you think you could do it too?”

Lysithea is startled to hear the question Felix asks Sylvain. Of course, Annette was already planning to ask the Gautier boy to attempt the spell, but that was out of curiosity.

From the shining look on Felix’s face, Lysithea knows that he is asking because in his mind, there is nothing that his smart, talented best friend in the whole wide world cannot do.

“Magic is difficult to learn and takes time. It can take years for some to learn just the basics.” She cuts in before Sylvain can answer.

She doesn’t want Felix to unwittingly trap him with an unrealistic expectation that he cannot meet and she figures it is better to disappoint him now rather than allow the red head to try and then feel guilty when he disappoints his friend.

“Sylvain is smart. I bet Sylvain could do it!”

Felix is pouting in that way that they are all quickly learning means ‘I’m right and you can’t convince me otherwise’.

“I’m sure Sylvain is very smart!” Mercedes agrees and gives the boys her best placating smile. “But I’m not so sure that a person could learn how to cast a Fire spell in one day! Why, it took Annie and I at least a week of practicing before we could do it!”

“Yep, I remember I almost burned my eyebrows off the first time I tried! But I can teach you the basics maybe and then we can bring you here again next time to practice?”

The urge to verbally reprimand the warlock for her relentless pursuit to satisfy her own curiosity rises and Lysithea has to physically clutch her biceps to stop herself from bursting.

Fine. If they were so eager to set themselves down this path, then so be it.

“Yeah!” Felix is literally vibrating with excitement and Sylvain looks nervous but determined to not let his admirer down.

Heaving a sigh, Lysithea moves to settle next to Mercedes who sends her an apologetic smile.

It was going to be a long afternoon.

----

Unsurprisingly, Felix does not do so well with learning the basics.

The diagrams and symbols are a little too much on the side of complex and it becomes apparent rather quickly that there is a reason the Fraldarius men carve through the battlefield with swords instead of magic.

��Aw, it’s okay Fe! You’re still the best with a sword anyways. You don’t need magic!” Sylvain ruffles his hair and smiles. “You’ll always beat me at swordplay.”

The small admission is enough to cheer Felix up and after a bit more nudging from the older boy, he runs off to play around with the wooden practice swords they have on the other side of the training room while Annette and Sylvain continue to work on creating basic magic circles.

It’s only after the third hour and Mercedes has long left to attend to various chores that Lysithea turns to watch Felix go through rather crude sword forms instead.

“You need to spread your feet farther apart.” Using her own foot, she nudges Felix’s left heel to the side to widen his stance. “Try striking again now.”

The wooden sword wobbles a bit in its trajectory, but the swing is undoubtedly much better than before. The sheer delight that lights up in Felix’s eyes almost makes Lysithea laugh out loud because she recognizes it as the same gleam she sees in the older Felix’s eyes when he executes a particularly hard maneuver.

“Why aren’t you watching Sylvain and Annie?”

For a five year old, Felix is incredibly perceptive.

Rather than lie to him, Lysithea opts for honesty because she is sure that’s what older Felix would have wanted.

“I don’t think he’ll succeed.”

Felix frowns. “You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. I know how hard it is to learn magic. I’m sure Sylvain is very intelligent, but it takes a lot of hard work to use Reason.”

“Sylvain can do it. I know he can.”

She sighs and turns a baleful eye down at Felix. “You’re a stubborn one aren’t you.”

“Glenn said that to me too when he didn’t believe me that I could stay up all night waiting for Sylvain.”

“And did you prove him wrong?”

Felix turns to full face her, expression full of gravity.

“Yup.” The dead seriousness of his tone looses Lysithea’s first laugh of the day and she cannot help but be drawn towards this little boy, the same way she was drawn to his older self.

Deigning not to continue a lost conversation, the cake loving Gremory opts to turn back and watch the progress that the other two have made, leaving Felix muttering to himself about his steadfast belief in his best friend.

----

“Alright, let’s see what you’ve got!”

The sun is setting and it is nearly time for dinner by the time Sylvain and Annette break away from Magic and Sorcery: Vol 1. to actually put some practice to the theory they have spent all day studying.

“Now, don’t be too disappointed if you can’t get it.” Annette says while moving out of the way. “You did just learn the basics and it takes a lot of practice!”

Lysithea has not moved from her perch from a nearby bench. She’s still extremely skeptical that Sylvain will manage to do very much at all. Yes, it is true that he had a budding talent for Reason during their academy days, but Sylvain hardly ever applied himself to any of his studies. The professor had to literally force him to attend one on one magic lessons with her before his aptitude for spells finally emerged.

Although, she muses, this younger Sylvain seems to be more enthusiastic to participate in things he was interested in. Even now, the scrunched up look of concentration on his face is indication enough that the Sylvain Lysithea is used to is a much different creature than the one before her currently.

House Ordelia does not really have any established trade routes with the Gautier territory, but the Ordelia heir has heard enough to know that the current Margrave is an arrogant, crest-obsessed prick.

It doesn’t take a prodigy to connect the dots and surmise that Sylvain’s carefree attitude and refusal to apply himself to anything is a product of his father’s suffocating expectations.

Fuck Margrave Gautier.

Maybe Lysithea does want Sylvain to prove her wrong and succeed; then at least he can go back home and light his father’s breeches on fire.

She’s only slightly disappointed when her expectations prove correct and the best Sylvain can conjure is one tiny flicker from a lone flame in his hand. However, it is still much more than she thought Sylvain would be able to do and for that, she is genuinely impressed.

Annette is also very much awestruck with Sylvain’s quick learning and happily informs the boy of this all the way to the dining hall. Sylvain is uncharacteristically quiet as he listens to the older mage praise him, but he is not yet skilled enough in the art of hiding behind a mask and the slight downward tilt of his lips does not go unnoticed.

“You really did an amazing job learning so much in such a short time, Sylvain! Don’t be too disappointed that you couldn’t do it.”

Sylvain gives a weak smile in return, but it is Felix who ultimately responds; one hand clasped tightly in the Gautier’s and the other one balled into a fist.

“Sylvain can do it. Just watch.”

----

Dinner passes without much fanfare and the boys are eventually tucked in for the night. Claude and Byleth have long decided that a full-time night chaperone is no longer necessary; although occasionally, one of their friends will peek into the room in the dead of night before they retire, but very rarely do they find anything wrong that requires their attention. A week has already passed with no incident, so there should be no need to exhaust their soldiers by keeping them up at night.

Except this time, when Petra nudges the door to their room open – being extremely careful not to open it too fast lest the hinges squeak – she does not see any sign of Felix or Sylvain anywhere.

It is the dead of night, but Garreg Mach Monastery blazes alive with a flurry of panic at the toll of the emergency bell.

“You’re absolutely sure no one saw them leave their room?”

Seteth slams his palms on the table and interrogates the night shift guards; his brows furrowed and mind racing a mile a minute.

If the enemy has somehow managed to sneak into Garreg Mach and kidnap the children, then they are well and truly fucked. They may have to abandon their home base or at the very least do an extensive investigation of their current ranks and re-evaluate their current passive defense.

“There were no signs that a struggle was happening.” Petra voices from her place around the war table. “I am having confidence that they left with willingness.”

“Goddess, please keep them safe.” The situation leaves a bad taste in Flayn’s mouth; it is much too reminiscent of when she was kidnapped and although it has been years since the incident, the memories still plague her.

Byleth’s voice leaves no room for discussion, “everyone split up and search the grounds. Most of our facilities are locked up at night so that should help limit the number of places we need to search.”

Everyone dashes out of the room with their orders and branch off at the second floor corridor. Those once belonging to the Black Eagle house comb through the main hall while the former Blue Lion students check all surrounding independent buildings; the Golden Deer fanning out to cover the outdoor grounds of the monastery.

An hour passes. Then another. And another.

Soon it is 3 in the morning and the panic is truly beginning to set in, giving rise to an unsettling fear clawing its way up from the depths of the night.

“Dimitri, Dedue! Have you found anything?” Ingrid pants and skids to a halt just below the stairs to the Sauna; the rest of her Blue Lion classmates run up to join her and debrief their findings.

“Nothing,” Dedue’s tone is flat as usual but his strangled expression is enough to betray his underlying worry. “We have searched all the open buildings and the grounds. There is no sign of them at all.”

Annette is near tears now and Mercedes places a hand on her shoulder, offering her silent support even while she herself is fiddling with her shawl, an attempt to keep her mind occupied before it spirals.

“It’s not like them to run away,” Ashe frowns. “Did anything happen today? Were they acting weird at all?”

“Not really. All we did was practice magic at the training grounds.”

Mercedes frowns. “Perhaps they left something there and went back to retrieve it?”

“The training grounds should be locked at 11PM. No one should be able to get in or out until sunrise.” Dimitri shakes his head.

“Well then we’re clearly running out of ideas here!” Ingrid throws up her hands in frustration and rakes them through her hair which is on the verge of looking like a bird’s nest. “We’ve checked the dining hall and the greenhouse but –“

“Your Majesty.” Dedue’s raised voice cuts Ingrid short and they look over to see the doors to the training grounds swing open slowly with a slight push of the man’s hands. “The doors were not locked as we thought.”

It takes only a heartbeat for them to scramble through the large wooden doors and down the hallway, their rushed footsteps echoing like thunder in the stone corridor.

“Oh Goddess. I smell smoke. Does anyone else smell smoke?” If her heartbeat accelerates any more, Annette is pretty sure she will have a heart attack.

“It’s coming from over there!” Their King leads the charge towards the magical training arena where the smell of smoke is the thickest.

When they burst into the open area, they are prepared for the worst. Weapons are drawn and hands raised with spells on the tips of tongues, but the sight they are greeted with is enough to shock them into stasis.

There in the middle of the sandpit, hunched over and panting hard, albeit with a brilliant grin on his face, is Sylvain. The practice dummy a few feet in front of him is alit with flames, illuminating the room with an orange glow, casting shadows along the stone walls that flicker like a live audience.

And off to the side bundled up in a woolen teal blanket that they all recognize, is a tired, but extremely proud looking Felix Fraldarius staring directly at the newcomers.

“I told you he could do it!”

----

5. Sylvain has given Felix all the pieces of his fragile, fractured heart, even if he isn’t aware he possesses it.

Although once his greatest secret, Ignatz no longer hides his passion for art from his fellow Resistance Army members.

It’s not uncommon these days for people to find him at random places in the monastery with his art supplies sketching away at preserving a moment in time on blank paper forevermore.

Today, he is sitting on a bench next to a large oak tree, just a stone’s throw away from the main grounds. Beneath the shade and tucked between two large roots lie Sylvain and Felix, both completely tuckered out from their earlier attempts at climbing the towering tree. Sylvain is starfished on the ground with his arms stretched wide; to his left, Felix lays curled away from him with his head pillowed on the outstretched limb.

Sylvain and Felix have been the talk of the monastery for the past week and it is pretty obvious why. It’s not every day that you see two high ranking generals revert back to their child forms. Especially the most notorious bother-me-and-I’ll-bite-your-head-off and if-it-breathes-I’ll-flirt-with-it Generals to boot.

Of course, stories of their shenanigans and troublemaking usually fill the daily meal conversations, but there is one topic that floats above all else; the one that makes the maids in the kitchen giggle and even the burliest of knights crack a smile:

It is clear that even from a young age, Sylvain Jose Gautier and Felix Hugo Fraldarius are absolutely smitten with each other.

The two are inseparable and Ignatz is pretty sure that even a blind man would be able to see the absolute trust and unspoken devotion they have towards each other.

Ignatz has spent the day watching Felix and Sylvain, not just because it’s his turn to babysit, but also because he is fascinated with their bond. He had once thought that the Goddess was the most beautiful thing in the world, but the rawness and purity of their relationship fills him with more piety and awe than any portrait or statue of Sothis ever did.

It is like they are two parts of a well-oiled machine. Where one gives way, the other will step in to fill the gap; whenever Sylvain’s insecurities flare up, Felix is always there to chase the demons away with clumsy words and a physical display of affection, using his own body to ground his best friend and keep him close. Likewise, whenever tears well up in the youngest Fraldarius’ eyes (which is unfortunately quite often), Sylvain is there to wipe away the salty tracks and light up Felix’s heart with a smile warmer and brighter than sunshine.

Ignatz’s original plans were to draw the oak tree and the beautiful meadow of primrose flowers, but it seems that there will be a last minute change in muse.

Taking up his piece of charcoal, he begins the outline of what he thinks will be his fondest work to date.

Ignatz doesn’t know how long he spends sitting on that bench hunched over his sketchbook in silence with only the occasional birdsong floating through the silence. It’s so calm and peaceful that he doesn’t even notice that Sylvain has begun to stir until he looks up to find one of his subjects in a different position.

Leonie had warned him that Sylvain has a tendency towards nightmares. She had discovered that unfortunate fact in the first three days when each time she tip-toed into their room to check up on them, she found Sylvain wide awake with wild terror in his eyes and a sleepy Felix clinging to him comfortingly.

Strangely enough, Sylvain also does not startle awake from his nightmares. Instead, he slowly rouses himself as if from a deep sleep and if it weren’t for the glaze of lingering fear in his eyes, none would be able to tell that he had just woken up from a night terror.

That same glazed look is now flickering rapidly around him as if searching for the shadow of a monster that exists only within his mind.

“Sylvain…?”

Wild brown eyes finally settle on steady molten amber ones.

“Fe.”

“It’s okay, Sylvain. I’m here...”

Felix yawns and shuffles around until he is half wrapped around Sylvain with his left hand settling over Sylvain’s pounding heart.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you…” Small hands curl around the material of Sylvain’s shirt in a death grip. Felix’s loyalty and protectiveness so painfully evident even when the boy himself is half asleep. He manages to cling to the realm of the conscious for a little while longer, until the rapid thump thump thump of Sylvain’s heart slows to a steady lulling rhythm, pulling Felix back down under the veil of sleep.

Ignatz has silently watched this entire exchange and to be honest, he’s not really sure that Sylvain or Felix even remember that he is here with them. He cannot bring himself to make his presence known, so he continues to watch and observe.

He watches as the fear that was once in Sylvain’s eyes slowly recede again, the monsters inside his head vanquished in the company of his best friend. It only takes one more glance at the boy cuddled up to him with a hand protectively hovered over his heart to melt away the chains that bind him to the expectations of the people around him.

Here under this oak tree in a field of blooming young love, there is no crest or Miklan or nobility. There is only Felix and Sylvain.

Sylvain holds onto that truth as he wraps his free arm around the younger boy, tucking him more securely under his chin, letting the cool summer breeze lull him back to a dreamless sleep.

Ignatz pulls out a new page and starts a fresh outline. It takes him a little longer than anticipated to finish his drawing, but he figures it’s not such a bad thing since he likes this new version much better.

Later, as he trails after the now energetic boys back towards the monastery, Ignatz tucks his newest masterpiece securely under his arm, being very careful not to smudge the drawing or crease the paper.

After all, Claude did mention something about a wedding and Ignatz thinks that his drawing will make a fine gift.

----

Bonus: They’re just two idiots in love.

“Go away. Can’t you see I’m trying to enjoy my meal?”

“Aww, don’t be like that, Felix! You know, the younger you was much cuter. Definitely less prickly, too.” Dorothea pokes his cheek and snatches her hand away before Felix can stab it with his steak knife.

It’s been roughly a week since Felix and Sylvain have returned to their normal sizes, the dark magic having run its course and fizzling out without so much as a final spark. To the rest of the Army, this is a joyous occasion as it means that two of their best generals are now back to normal and can command them again. But to the last class of the academy… it is bittersweet.

Of course, they want their friends to return to normal. But that also means that Felix will go back to hissing and spitting with all the fury of a spooked cat and Sylvain will go back to seducing any individual that makes eye contact with him for longer than half a second.

“Better do as he says, Thea. Felix’s looking extra grumpy today and we wouldn’t want you to lose a pretty little finger.” Sylvain winks at her as he sets down his own meal and settles in the seat across from the swordsman.

The opera singer snorts, “right back to the flirting as usual. Save your hollow words for some other girl.”

“Ouch. Give a guy a break! I just recovered from a dark magic spell after all. Doesn’t that warrant some pity?”

“The only pity is that you immediately lost all your innocent and cute appeal when you reverted back to your regular body.”

Felix scowls at them, “if you insist on continuing your flirting, I’ll just eat my meal elsewhere.” He moves to stand but Sylvain is quicker and grabs his wrist, preventing him from moving.

“I’m sorry. I’ll stop. Just stay, okay? Please? For me, Fe?”

Sylvain is looking at Felix with that expression which he knows he cannot resist and Dorothea takes this opportunity to slip away while the two engage in a silent conversation with only their eyes.

“Fine.”

Their meal continues with little fanfare and easy conversation. Around them, their old classmates are scattered in their own little groups and if they notice, none of them mentions anything about how everyone seems to avoid sitting at Felix and Sylvain’s table.

Easy conversation flows into dessert, or more specifically: Felix wordlessly giving Sylvain his peach sorbet and Sylvain beaming a rare genuine smile and promising to join him at the training grounds first thing tomorrow morning.

The sun is slowly dipping below the horizon when Sylvain and Felix gather up their dishes. On their way out of the dining hall, Ignatz stops them with a heartfelt congratulations and a bundled up package that looks suspiciously like one of his works.

“Congratulations? For what?” Artfully tousled red hair shifts as Sylvain tilts his head in confusion and reluctantly accepts the gift.

“O-oh, well Claude just said…”

Dread rises up from the pit of Felix’s stomach. “What did that schemer say this time?”

“…He said that you two were getting married.”

“What?!”

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tokoyamisstuff · 4 years

Text

AN: Happy Pride, my sweet little Anon! Feel loved and may you have all the strenght and joy in the world. 💟

A/N 2: Sorry that it's so short. I'm on vacation right now and can only use the App. But feel free to request again! I'd love to write more for you.

Your fathers deep sigh interrupted the straining silence that had followed your confession.

Loki sat on the edge of your bed, struggling with his breaths ad he held his distance, not even biding you a look as he would stare a hole in the ground.

What kind of curse had your words brought upon you?

You thought him to be disappointed beyond relief, furious even - at his son, his heir to have those kind of feelings.

But quite the opposite was the case.

He was ashamed of himself.

Just how long did you burden yourself with that newfound knowledge about yourself, without anyone noticing?

In the World of Gods, neither gender nor sexuality were that big of a deal. But for you, a half-bred human on Midgard, life had already been hard enough.

He covered his mouth with his hand so you couldn't misinterpret the smile that crept onto his face when he remembered the day of your birth.

The pride that made his heart swell as he held you in his arms, your tiny hand grabbing his index finger was the fay he found enlightment about what was really important.

Nothing would stand between the two of you, ever. Loki would protect both of you with his very own life.

And all he ever wished for you was to be healthy and find happiness. Didn't you know that -or maybe he couldn't express it well enough?

His only goal was to become a better father than his own, yet here he was, unable to guide you or find any advice.

"I'm sorry, father..." Every syllable pierced his heart like tiny daggers as you mangled them out in between quiet sobs.

He can't simply sit here and do nothing but pondering and pitying himself.

Your father knew that this was probably the most important moment in your life up until now, and that how he'd handle it would determine your way of dealing with it from now on.

And in an instant, his Asgardian exterior began to disappear, leaving him with the plain blue appearance of a Frost Giant.

"Did you know, that-" he began, clearing his throat as his red eyes darted between yours, "After my true heritage was made public, many would ask me 'Why won't you show us your true self? You were born a Jotun, so why hide behind something you're not?'. They meant well. But they didn't understand at all, my dear."

Loki kept on explaining, folding his hands in his lap. "It's not about how you've been born, the way nature molded you. And neither about how narrow-minded people would see you, or want you to be.

This outer shell is only a small part of ourselves, and tells only a little about who we truly are on the inside. As a shapeshifter, I can take on any form I desire, but I always revert to that one.

And do you know why?

Because after so many years full of confusion and rage as is struggled with my identity, I finally found peace with who and what I was.

No matter how I was born, this is the form I feel like myself in.

To many people, it's a fake, a mere disguise to distract from my true nature - but those persons don't matter. They don't know me.

So I carry it with pride."

Your father would cup your cheek with his palm, reassuringly wiping away one tear with his thumb.

"My daughter" he spoke again and you jumped under how he adressed you. "I will always be proud of you, little one. And no matter what form or name you might choose, I want you to carry it with pride too."

"Father, I-" Lokis finger ghosted over your lips to keep you from trying to explain yourself.

There was no need for words at something as natural as the love between father and child.

He would place a soft kiss on your forehead, putting his arms around you as he found you to be content to it. You remained in that hug for as long as you needed it to last, enjoying your bond which had only strenghtened.

"Always remember: Nor a mortal body, neither your birthright can determine what's inside of you. It's your deeds, your joy and friends you choose wisely on your way.

For your soul is free, Y/N. It is not bound by mortal limits"

_______

Taglist:

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If you want to get on the taglist (or deleted from lmao) feel free to ask! ♡

Feedback is always appreciated!

#Dad! Loki #Loki #Loki Odinson #Loki Laufeyson #Loki Friggason #Self Insert #Child! Reader #Marvel #Avengers #God of Mischief #Pride #LGBTQ+#Trans #TransIsBeautiful

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dragonrajafanfiction · 3 years

Text

Dragon Dancer IV: Breaking the Chains

I stood leaning against Zihang, looking down at Pompeii. Tears running down my face. Sorrow weighed on me. Even though I hadn’t known him, and he didn’t know me, he’d fought hard and I never would have escaped without his help. And what was I going to tell Caesar?!

My sobs started up again and Zihang nuzzled my hair. “We have to go.”

“No, I don’t want to leave him here!”

“Gunships will be arriving from Cassell any minute how to burn this place and the servitors roaming it to the ground. We have to go.” Su Enxi spoke in a sad and quiet voice.

I walked away from Zihang and removed the pistols from Pompeii’s robe. It was the least I could do for Caesar. As I did so, a small photograph fluttered to the ground.

The picture was taken from a distance, but the shot was beautiful. On the shores of the gulf of Genoa, Caesar and Nono stared into each other’s eyes under a garland of flowers. Caesar in his pristine white suit and Nono in her sheer white dress.

Pompeii had not been invited to the wedding. I remembered. The hurt actually ran that deep. But Pompeii had to have attended anyway. I looked down at him. He really did love Caesar. And now...

A tug on my arm. “Come on.” Zihang coaxed me gently and this time I followed him.

Su Enxi jogged ahead of us. “This way. Hurry!”

We exited down a long flight of emergency stairs and down a long hallway that opened up to a delivery entrance. A large truck was waiting.

“What took you so long! They’re almost here!” Lancelot’s golden haired head stuck out of the cab of the truck. “Let’s move!”

Enxi helped me climb in as I was holding Ru’Yi and Zihang leaped in after me. The four of us, squeezed into the truck and Lancelot drove away as the first dark shadows of the helicopter gunships swooped in from the sky.

There was a hiss followed by a loud bomb and the light of the explosions turned the skies red. I turned my face into Zihang’s shoulder, letting the tears soak his jacket.

“Do we have something in here for her to eat?”

“Just a few granola bars sorry, it was all I could grab on such short notice.”

Zihang reached into the glove box and handed them to me. He never stopped holding me, stroking my hair as we rattled over the crumbling access and maintenance road that would take us to the airport.

Enxi’s phone suddenly rang and she picked up. “Speaking. Yes, we just left. We’re on our way out of Italy soon.”

My mouth was full of granola bar but I tried to speak. “Mmf, they know about Memfei!” “Shh... don’t talk with your mouth full or you’ll choke.”

Enxi continued to speak and her voice continued to grow lower. Her expression grew grim. “Got it. Lancey, pull over right now!”

“Don’t call me, Lancey!” He snapped as he pulled the truck over to a shadowy shoulder covered with trees.

Once we stopped, Enxi turned and spoke directly to me with a sigh. “I’m going to explain as best I can. You may not understand all of it, but just listen, okay?”

I nodded, the gravity of the situation not lost on me.

“The Secret Party is on their way to the village where Erii and Lu Mingfei are still hiding. Mai Sakatoku and Von Frings are heading with Caesar to Japan. But I need you to go and retrieve that girly Gen brother and take him to Mingfei. It’s urgent. They’re planning on using the wood block sound to drive Mingfei and Erii to the brink of madness and kill them.”

“But... the Gattusos are dead... shouldn’t everyone be listening to Caesar?” I asked.

“Caesar declared his independence from the Secret Party just now. He’s gone full rogue.” Enxi sighed. “Anyone who opposes him is going to be met with deadly force. The school board has labeled him a traitor.”

Enxi lifted one hand to her forehead. “He’s an absolute maniac right now, but frankly, that is what the Japan Branch needs to survive. At any rate, Nono will probably survive. But that won’t help us just yet.”

“If Caesar’s not the head of the School Board then who is giving the orders?”

Enxi’s lip curled up in disgust. “A representative from the Beowulf family.”

“Beowulf?” Zihang’s head lifted in recognition.

“I’ll keep it short.” Enxi said, fidgeting with her hair. “Before the Industrial Revolution, dragon slaying was an extremely dangerous thing. The Secret Party could only rely on its own blood, alchemy, and dragon slaying swords handed down from ancestors. It was a glorious, if tragic time. The members of the Secret Party wandered around in black robes and candlesticks like a bunch of cultish monks.” She pulled out a cigarette, stuck it in her mouth and went to light it, but Chu Zihang, snatched it out.

“Mind the baby.”

“Oh... right. Damn, I guess I’m a really nanny now, huh?” She said with a bitter smile before continuing.

“Anyway, Beowulf was one of the more prominent names in that era. You’ve studied the poem, so I don’t have to explain it to you. The poem ends with the king being killed by the dragon’s poison after laying eyes on its treasure. But we know the real ending.”

“They’re actually the cruelest dragon slayers. They feed a drop of dragon blood to every child that’s born.” She glanced down at Ru’Yi.

“Only one in every 100,000 are able to withstand the dragon’s poisonous blood. And every member of the Beowulf Family can! But not only that, they’ve become addicted to it. Hungry, like Servitors. Every Beowulf family member seeks dragonblood like it’s a drug. And they’ll stop and nothing until they have it.”

Enxi’s voice lowered further as if speaking the words would some how summon these people. “That’s why the Secret Party calls them Dragonblood Thirsty.”

“They showed up right after Anjou was hospitalized. They’ve been working behind the scenes to hunt you down. They’ve watched as you’ve escaped their grasp again and again! They’re convinced that Mingfei is a Dragon King. They’re not going to listen to reason, and they’re not going to show mercy to anyone who stands in their way. Once Erii and Mingfei are under the spell of the Woodblock and become draconized, the Beowulfs will throw everything at them and feast on their blood after the battle.”

She turned out the window. “God, I want to smoke.”

She steeled herself, “So... my dear, that’s where you come in. Mingfei has to attain his full abilities before the Beowulfs arrive. There’s only one Hybrid who can withstand the woodblock sound after Herzog’s tampering and that’s that girly Gen brother.”

“Chime?” My eyes widened.

“That’s right. We have his location from the little monster girl. I need you to go there and get him to come to her village.” She scrolled through her phone and showed me the message on it with an attached image. The image was of a building tucked away behind tall trees. Its ornate tiled roof swept up at the corners where lions stood guard, mouths open.

“You have the ability to teleport there. You’re our only hope.” She pressed the phone into my hands.

I turned and looked at Zihang. “He knows you. You can do it easily.” He said.

“What about you? What are you going to do?”

Zihang turned and looked at Lancelot who was staring out the window, not saying anything.

“I’m going to stay with Lancelot. We’ll make our way back to Chicago and try to revert EVA to her former self.”

My heart dropped. Separated again. But I took deep breath and straightened my back. I handed Ru’Yi over to him. “Okay. Leave me here on the side of the road.”

Enxi’s eyes widened as I unbuckled myself.

“Meixiu.” Zihang gripped my arm and rested his forehead against mine. For a moment, we stayed that way, saying a silent prayer in our hearts.

“Ordinary life... with you.” I whispered.

I forced myself away, I didn’t look back at Ru’Yi. Enxi got out. I got out after her. Her eyes were wide and after we got a short distance away she stopped me. “Hey. I...”

“What is it?” I asked with a touch of impatience. Wasn’t she just hurrying me out right now?

Her gaze lowered to the ground. “I have to say. I’m sorry.”

“For what?” I asked confused. “You saved us back there...”

“You’ll find out.” She rubbed the back of her neck and turned and walked away. She climbed into the truck. I listened to the gravel crunch under the tires. It motored off into the distance.

I raised my eyes to the sky and then I closed them, focusing on the image. Immediately I felt the cool shade of the trees. I took a deep breath and could smell the moisture in the air.

I had the coordinates. I took a step forward and immediately was plunged into the dark and the cold and the nothingness of the void between spaces, spanning thousands of miles in a few seconds.

When I reemerged, the building was before my eyes. A young boy looked up at me, eyes wide.

“Uh... Uh... K... Konnichiwa!” I chuckled, waving.

The boy ran off, screeching and then I realized I was covered in blood. “Oh my god. I didn’t even...” I looked up and several men thundered down the steps, leveling rifles at me. I raised my hands in the air. “Tomodachi! Tomodachi! Ruri Kazama no Tomodachi!” I said, regretting the fact that I never bothered to really learn Japanese.

They seemed to get the message through and grabbed me, escorting me inside the building. I hopped on one foot to remove my shoes and tried to smile at them. The place looked run down and old on the outside, but everything inside was brand new. The tatami mats had that sweet straw odor, the red paint on the pillars carved with dragons burned bright. The walls were painted with murals of traditional Japanese art. Potted plants were in every small window.

They still held their guns to me. They were all young men and women. Their eyes were shifting around as they spoke to each other, reflecting fear and confusion, not anger. They must not get a lot of guests here, after all Chime used the same digital Nibelungen to hide from EVAs prying eyes. I tried to smile pointing to myself. “Hao ren... I mean... Ii... uh how do you say person in Japanese...”

“You can speak English.” One of them, with russet brown hair lowered his guns.

“Ah! Thank you... thank goodness.”

A young woman came out of a back a hall. She said something in Japanese and they all reacted in cries of astonishment, shouting questions.

I just smiled. “Believe me, we’re friends.”

The young woman beckoned to me. “This way. Oh!” She looked down at my dirty stockinged feet and then hurried over to get slippers for me. They were a bit ill-fitting and flapped about as I walked.

She took me by the hand and led me down a hallway until we came to a door. She knocked twice and then opened the door.

Sitting on a small pillow in a simple shirt and slacks, his red eyes smiling from his pale face, Chime Gen looked like the least threatening person on the planet. He leaped to his feet when he saw my tattered white clothing, the blood and my haggard expression.

He sprang into action, pushing me towards the pillow and making me sit while sending rapid fire orders to the young woman. “Are you hurt? What happened?”

He’d grown out his hair, long and white. His rapid movement sent strands of it forward to veil his face, his concerned eyes.

“Chime. You’re the only person who can help us. The Secret party has found Erii and Mingfei and they’re coming over to use the woodblock against them.”

“What?!” He hissed. Immediately, the soft concerned look turned into a hard burning hatred. His face creased, the folds sent dark shadows that shattered his face like a mirror. “Who?! Herzog?!”

My heart leaped in my throat. “No.” I swallowed. “Herzog is dead. But there was another man, Bondarev, who worked with him. Herzog thought he killed him and assumed his identity as Tachibana... but he was still alive and working within the Secret Party.”

The story was confusing, even to me, but Chime’s sharp eyes took in he information. His gaze turned distant. Thoughtful.

“Turns out that he was an agent of the Gattusos. He returned to Japan again. This time under the name Shinnosuke to pursue Mingfei and I. He killed Crow.”

“Okay...” His brief fury had gone as soon as it had arrived. His expression was grim, yet calm. It astounded me that he had no further questions, grasping the situation in a single go.

The girl returned with a tray of tea and rice and vegetables. She saw us close together, saw Chime as he stroked my face reassuringly. She looked between us in stunned silence unsure what to do until Chime nodded for her to place the food and tea on the table.

“There’s no time Chime, they’ll reach Tibet soon!” I said after she had left.

He cut me off, raising his hand. “We have... defenses.” He smiled. “Even if they have an idea of where we are. The village is still remote enough that it will take time for them to get there.”

“But we shouldn’t wait. We need you to help Mingfei and Erii break the influence of the woodblock sound, like you did!”

Chime was listening, but he was still bringing me the tea. “Here.”

“Chime... there’s no time for tea!”

“I know you’re scared. You should be. We both know the consequences if Erii loses control and Mingfei... who knows?” He looked at me gravely. “But this... release... you’re seeking. That’s not something I can force. I can provide the circumstances to help. But it will be up to them to succeed.”

“What... why?”

Chime sat, one knee against his chest. “Herzog used an alchemical procedure, along with a special surgery, to divide the aspects of one’s personality. The good aspects were concentrated in one person. The bad aspects in another. Because he was looking for weapons, he concentrated all the power in the bad side.”

I tried to imagine my sweet Mingfei, my frightened Mingfei, my silly Mingfei as a bad person and couldn’t. What Chime was telling me rang true. Sure Mingfei had some annoying personality traits but he wasn’t bad. All the badness in him was concentrated in another personality.

The one with all the power.

"Mingfei... was... with Herzog?”

He nodded once. “He doesn’t remember and no one bothers to tell him.”

My mind flashed back to the boat, where Mingfei was desperate to see his ‘father’. He said his ‘father’ had called him from a mysterious phone in a bookstore. But perhaps it was someone connected to Herzog? I shuddered to think what might have happened had I not intercepted him.

“There’s something else.” Chime continued. “If we are successful in reuniting his mind and freeing him from Herzog’s woodblock, you won’t know him any more. You might think you know him, but he will be the person you should have met... not the person you know.” Chime’s stare sounded deep into my heart, like he was looking into my very soul.

I lowered the teacup. “Then... you are not the Chime... I remember?”

“No... I’m not.” He gave me a small smile, a subtle maliciousness glittered in his eyes, a quiet cunning.

“You’ll... help me right?” I asked, my heart beating faster.

“For Erii... of course. She loves Mingfei.” He paused and took a small breath. “Unfortunately... Mingfei is not real.”

My shoulders dropped and my eyes widened. “But...”

Chime gave a deep sigh. “Do you still want me to help?”

I rested my forehead in my hands, filled with despair. Enxi’s apology. Was it for this?!

“Who sent you here asking for this?” He asked.

“Her name is Enxi Su.”

“Oh...the owner Takamagahara... or... I should say... former owner.”

“I thought she was Mingfei’s friend...” I said, my voice hoarse with emotion.

“Well... Maybe she is. But not friends with the Mingfei you know.” Chime reached for his own cup of tea.

My face grew suddenly hot. “I don’t want to lose Mingfei... I don’t want to lose him.”

Chime moved to sit next to me, wiping my face with a cloth. “You’ve lost a lot of people. We all have. This is not an easy decision. But whatever you make... I’ll support you.”

I struggled to regain control. “They’re going to turn him into a dragon lord and kill him. I can’t let them do that.”

Chime nodded once. “I suppose then... he will agree?”

“Yeah... there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for Erii.” The pain of loss assailed me to the point of physical pain. I reached up and gripped my chest, gritting my teeth. “This sucks.”

Chime let out a breathy laugh. “Mingfei has someone who cares about him. As for myself... Let’s just say things were already so complicated... my recombined personality was just one more wave in a stormy sea.” He sipped his tea. “After we do leave here, I have to ask you never to return. I want to keep this place a secret.”

“What is this place?” I asked looking around. Musical instruments leaned against the wall. There was a small laptop, headphones, microphones and bookcases filled with notebooks.

“It’s a Kabuki school. I teach the orphans from the Japan Branch. The unstable ones.” He lowered his cup to the table. “My brother enacted many reforms to re-integrate Devil Clan members back to the Hydra Clans. But so many died in the war that bad blood still remains, and many young Devil clan members have no one to go home to.”

“So this place is a haven them. And also a school. Because no matter what my brother says, unstable hybrids are simply not offered the same educational opportunities as stable ones.”

I nodded. “That’s really kind of you. Okay. I’ll keep it secret.”

“Thank you.”

“Maybe someday... Maybe someday Cassell will change and they’ll be able to study there too.”

“Hmph. Maybe... but still, unstable hybrids have issues stable ones can’t possibly understand... unless they’ve been there.”

His eyes shifted outside the door. His expression tender. He then turned to me. “Once you’re finished eating, we can go. Though, it doesn’t look like it will take you that long.”

My chopsticks were already tapping the bottom of the rice bowl.

#Dragon Raja #Fanfiction #Chime Gen #Chu Zihang #Su Enxi

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unsure-writer · 4 years

Note

could you write a yandere Laito and Yui scenario where Yui tries to leave Laito because she gets pregnant and knows he won’t be a perfect father? if you wouldn’t mind, could you write it with Yui as the main character? thank you so much!

WARNING: Yandere, some violence

______________________

Despite the fact that Yui sometimes was completely oblivious to her surroundings, even she had noticed the change that had occurred in Laito over the last month or so. Laito being his usual self included constant touching, sexual innuendos and occasionally petty behaviour if he was trying to make her jealous.

However, in the recent weeks, he had rarely left her side and when he did it was for no more than 10 minutes. Yes, Yui knew she was considered fragile in a vampire’s mind, but this was something else entirely. Any sense of independence that had remained throughout her time at the Sakamaki mansion had now been diminished.

It had taken a while, but she’d made a kind of mental list, trying to think of anything that may be the cause for this sudden attentiveness. Maybe a new enemy that she didn’t know about? Or maybe Ayato or Kanato had said something rude about her and Laito didn’t feel safe leaving her alone.

Yui’s list remained short until one afternoon when she’d been in the kitchen with Reiji and Laito, preparing for the monthly family dinner. Laito wasn’t being helpful, he seemed to just be monitoring her and Reiji and even snarling whenever there was any kind of contact between the two. It was off putting to say in the least.

They’d been prepping for about half an hour before Laito suddenly moved from his spot on the counter, winking at Yui and mentioning something about an early birthday gift. Of course, this left Yui and Reiji alone in the kitchen, and there was a thick silence for a few minutes before Reiji said something.

“You’ll be coming to my lab after we have finished preparing in here. I have some vitamins for you to take that I have manufactured specifically for your needs.”

“My...needs?” Yui asked, pausing in her chopping. “Uh, does Laito know? I’m not sure if he’d be pleased with this.”

Reiji scoffed, “ As if I would do something so careless as to ask you to test some random drugs. Laito asked me for this, and I have taken great care in putting these together specifically to aid your pregnancy.”

Pregnancy. Yui felt the whole world stop around her as Reiji stood there waiting for her reply. How could she be so stupid? So careless? Her and Laito had never once used protection, and he’d once mentioned something about humans and vampires being unable to reproduce together. Then again, she was no regular human, was she?

There was a tinkling laughed as Laito returned to the kitchen, pushing a buggy in front of himself. “I see Reiji has let the secret slip. Congratulations, Little Bitch, you’re pregnant. With my baby.”

“I didn’t kn- how is this possible?” Yui cried, dropping her knife and pressing both hands to her cheeks. She felt as if she was floating away and she needed to ground herself.

Laito’s eyes flashed cold for a second before reverting back to their usual light green. “You don’t sound happy about this. Why? We’ve been trying for weeks and you’ve made it past your first month so-”

“We?” Yui exclaimed, “No, you’ve been trying. I -we cannot have a child. I can’t have a child with you!”

Yui swiftly exited the kitchen and headed for their shared bedroom. The feeling of betrayal shook her down to her core and she placed a tentative hand on her belly. How much longer before she would show? Would it be dangerous for someone like her to carry a vampire’s child?

She covered her mouth as a sob rose from deep inside her. Laito’s child. Laito, who even after they’d been together for almost a year, still made jokes about sharing her with his brothers. Who still flirted with any and every girl they came across. Who had killed young girls like Yui before. Would their child even be safe?

She tore into their room, pulling a suitcase off of the top of the wardrobe and began stuffing it with clothes as fast as she could.

Laito’s cold voice stopped her in her tracks. “Little Bitch, what exactly are you doing?”

Yui whirled around, clutching a skirt to her chest as her heart thundered in her chest. “I can’t stay here, Laito. I can’t have your child.”

“But you would happily have someone else’s. Right? Right?!”

“I-I’m too young.” Yui stammered, taking a cautious step back. She had never seen him act like this. His eyes glowed a luminous green and his entire being seemed to shake as he stalked towards her.

Cold hands landed on her shoulders, pulling her close before she could push away. Laito murmured into her hair, “Ah, you’re worried about your age? Don’t worry, I’m old enough for the both of us. I watched Christa raise Subaru, I know what to do.”

Yui wanted to argue further but she knew it was pointless. Laito was now muttering sweet nothings into her hair as he swayed on the spot, his grip on her waist not letting up at all.

“We won’t raise them here, either.” he suddenly said, “I’ve been looking at houses but haven’t decided yet; next time I go, you should come and we can chose together.”

“W-why not here?” Yui didn’t exactly want to raise a child around the tempestuous and unpredictable Sakamaki brothers but she had to admit that with Laito’s recent behaviour, there was perhaps safety in numbers.

Laito pulled back sharply to took down at her and growled, “I don’t like the way they look at you. I put up with it before, played along, but I won’t allow my child to grow up like this. Though, perhaps we could stay a few months, just so they can see you grow round with my child and see how you are completely mine.”

Yui gasped as Laito suddenly wrapped her hair round his hand and pulled her head back, exposing her neck for his hungry fangs. His eyes rolled over the pale skin, scars from past rough feedings catching his eye and filling him with a deep sense of satisfaction.

“Yes. Mine.”

#yandere #diabolic lovers #laito sakamaki #vampire #pregnancy #reiji sakamaki #possessive #anime

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sadwsocc · 4 years

Text

Hanahaki [Akaashi Keiji]

word count: 1,915 words

Warning(S): Bad writing and angst

authors note: I speed wrote it at midnight to try to get rid of my writers block,,,, idk how it turned out. i’m too scared to read it. midnight me was wild

‘It hurts’, the only thought filling your head as you stared off at your friend, Niyou, as she went on rambling to your deskmate.

Why would a random conversation between your classmates hurt you so much? It was odd, you always thought to yourself. You never believed in the ideals or the very thought of love but just staring off at their idle talk makes your chest hurt and your mind burned with jealously.

It took your stubborn self a solid month to accept the fact that you liked him, your desk mate, Akaashi. You were in denial to say the least, you didn’t want these feelings bubbling up inside you, it hurts. Everytime he looked at you, the little smiles he’d give you, his gorgeous greenish eyes that you couldn’t seem to look away from, it felt like heaven, you really really liked it, you liked him.

The many months the two of you had known each other was enough to make your heart go wild and thank the gods you had met him but why? Why were you so stubborn that you wouldn’t, couldnt come to terms with it. You liked him but you just couldn’t bring yourself to accept it.

He was amazing, he truly was. You transferred to Fukurodani High School a few months into your second year, not having a single clue who anyone was, you heard it was a powerhouse school for the volleyball team but that was all. You didn’t know anyone there and the only reason you transferred was because of your parents shift of work. You weren’t too bummed about moving and transferring, if anything you accepted it like it was just any other small matter. Sure, you were sad you had to leave your long term friends but you would still keep in touch. After all, it wasn’t like you were going to die or anything.

You were truly scared the first day there, everyone was a stranger and getting lost on your first day was really one of the worst things that could happen in your books. Standing near the school gates, you looked around the students there, the students you would be seeing for your next two years, most of them seemed happy, with friends around them, some couples walking about. It was truly a peaceful and happy sight. You forgot everything about the fact that you didn’t know anyone there or your class. You were snapped out of your trance when a tall, rather buff looking student tapped your shoulder. The male had spiky white hair with black roots and next to him was a tall, black messy haired, really, really handsome guy.

“Hey hey heyyyy!!!! You’re a new student right? Are you a second year?” He asked. You stared at the male then to his friend who was looking at him with much annoyance. Your eyes reverted back to the guy who had questioned you and answered, “y-yeah...”.

His eyes sparkled and turned around to his messy haired friend, “aKAASHI, IS THIS THE STUDENT THAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT?”

“I don’t know, Bokuto-san. Why don’t you ask her?” The messy haired boy replied.

You took note that the messy haired boy was called ‘Akaashi’ and he would probably be your classmate. The rather owlish dude was noted as ‘Bokuto’.

You decided to interrupt by asking them where your class was, this resulted in Bokuto screaming out “SHE IS THE STUDENT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT” and a firm nod from Akaashi.

Your question was answered by Bokuto when he said “Akaashi will be your guide then, I’m heading to class now!” Firmly patting his friends back, he walked off to where you assume his class would be. He seemed rather suspicious to you yet you just couldn’t point your finger at it.

It was from your first encounter with Akaashi that the two of your friendship started to blossom, slowly. Thanks to a certain third year. You soon began to make friends of your own, mostly acquaintances but it still counted.

Niyou was the one who stood out most in all the times you’ve spoke to people in your class. She seemed a lot like the Bokuto guy you’ve met once, loud, optimistic, out going. Something you couldn’t relate to. But they said opposites attract and somehow you ended up becoming her closest friend.

While on the other hand, you and Akaashi were still friends, rather close ones if you could say so yourself. Often times, he would complain about how much of an annoyance Bokuto is and things like the volleyball team and such. You always listened intently whenever he spoke, his calm voice and demeanour, the very his eyebrows would scrunch whenever the topic of Bokutos everlasting antics and the way he would smile whenever your little comments seemed to enlighten him. You fell for him and you fell hard.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to confess to him, it was because you knew that Niyou liked him too. She told you early on that she liked Akaashi and was rather jealous of how close the two of you were. She would often interrogate you if you ever had feelings for him to which you denied, you knew it would break her and you knew that you might ruin your once in a lifetime friendship with her, or confessing to Akaashi and then being rejected. You didn’t want to ruin the perfect relationship you had with the both of them, you couldn’t. You wouldn’t know how to act if either one starts drifting from you.

You agreed to Niyou one day that you would try to stay off Akaashi for awhile so that she could try to get closer with him, she didn’t know your little bubbling feelings for Akaashi, it would ruin your friendship so you never told a single soul.

Every damn minute of seeing them together and how much Akaashi seemed to enjoy her presence made your heart churn and your chest hurt. It felt like thumb tacks pining every crevice of your chest, breathing would hurt sometimes, coughing felt like you were trying to push out needles.

Blood started appearing two weeks into your chest pains, you knew why, you didn’t want to accept the fact though. You spoke lesser and lesser to your two friends, often times telling them you didn’t feel well and that you were tired but in actuality you were hurting, so much. Every glance you send them seemed to make your eyes water and your face hot from jealousy. You felt angry, not to Niyou, not to Akaashi, but to yourself for feeling like that, for being so pathetic, for liking someone you knew you could never be with.

You were too afraid to tell anyone, you found it hilarious sometimes, it was so cliche of you to like your friends crush. It almost made you forget the fact that bloodied petals would appear every now and then. What would your parents think? You? Lovesick? It seemed impossible in their books, their obedient child who never once mentioned anything romantic. They didn’t even notice those nights where you would lay on the side of your bed, trash can next you, choking on your own sobs as the pain in your chest seemed to grow, blood spewing out everyone once in awhile.

It took you another week to accept that you had it, the Hanahaki disease. You felt like dying, that was because you were, slowly and painfully for that matter. All you had to do was confess, it was so easy in your head but the thought of the mess that would happen afterward, you couldn’t bare it. Surgery was also an option but how can you do it in secrecy? What would you do if you stopped feeling anything all together? You didn’t want that, anything but that.

A stalk of rose appeared one morning, the pricks edging your throats as you pulled it out, it was an unpleasant sight to say the least. Tears welled up, you couldn’t bare it, your end was near and no one knew. You took a good look at the bloodied rose after you coughed out the extra blood. It was beautiful in a messed up way, a rose with blood on it. A hilarious concept to be honest. You smiled at it, god the things love does to someone. After that, you threw it away, there wasn’t a need for a beautiful rose for you, you didn’t deserve it.

You decided you’d write a letter to your parents, your friends too, you supposed. You knew death was near, might as well write a farewell letter. It was short and simple, a little thank yous to everyone and how happy you were because of them, nothing too deep. An apology was next, telling them how sorry you were for not being able to bring yourself to tell them and how much of a hassle you made. Perhaps you were a coward, choosing death than facing your problems but it was too late.

It was any other day in school except the fact that Niyou was absent, she had texted you that she was sick and wouldn’t be going to school the day before. A worried Akaashi asked you, of course he did. You smiled and told him she was nearly sick. The look of relief made your heart squeeze, it hurt to even look at him but you still mustered up a smile.

He then proceeds to talk about how Niyou was making him worry and how much he felt for her, he was honest with his feelings. He liked Niyou and he was going to confess to her one of these days, he told you that. You were happy for him, for her too. It felt wrong that you had such thoughts about Akaashi, so you forced yourself to never tell a soul about these unrequited feelings.

“(Y/n)-san, Im going to confess to her,” Akaashi said with a soft smile playing on his lips, you grinned.

“You two are meant to be!” You mustered up, the words felt so wrong, it felt like venom. Each word felt opposing to you, you hated it. Your chest hurt, you started coughing, tears forcing themselves out of your eyes, rolling down your cheeks. It was so sudden, Akaashi was taken aback.

“(Y/n)-san, are you alright. (Y/n)-san!” By then you were unresponsive, lightheaded, numb from the pain.

You fell onto the floor as you continued your coughing fit, more and more blood coming out each cough you let out, you throat felt like they were being scratched by barb wires, you couldn’t stand it. The pain stopped and a single red rose came out, you knew you wouldn’t have any other roses anytime soon, it was over.

The now kneeling Akaashi that was next to you looked at you with bewilderment and concern, fear too. He was sorrowful, filled with regret and confusion. You looked up at him and gave him a small smile as he held onto your tear stained cheeks.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell anyone.”

There was a moment of silence before you continued, by then Akaashi was sobbing, he’d finally put two and two together. You liked him, but he was so oblivious to it.

“Akaashi, I-“ and you never got to finish what you always wanted to say.

#haikyuu!!#haikyū #akaashi x reader #hq akaashi #akaashi haikyuu #akaashi keiji #akaashi keiji x reader #akaashi is suffering #hanahaki #haikyuu oneshot

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freddiefcknmercury · 5 years

Text

Freeze/Family(Ink/Self-tober)

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Enby/Genderless Reader; *Mutant/Super reader with Ice Powers! Word count: 700+ Warnings/disclaimer: Family abandonment; depression; anxiety; cursing; slight violence(???) A/N: This is work 1/5 for my randomly selected 2019 Ink/Self-tober writing challenge. I’m gonna try to keep everything fall related but I wouldnt bet the farm on it lol. Summary: Reader checks in on their “family” against Bucky’s wishes.

As always, be nice to me I’m delicate. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The house was dressed for the holiday the exact same way you remember. There are fake cobwebs and plastic spiders strewn about the square bushes that framed the porch. They’d hung witch’s hats and plastic jack-o-lantern shaped candy pails from the two large trees in the front yard. On either side of the door, that was covered in “blood”, are elaborately large painted wood signs that read “TRICK OR TREAT”. The warm glow of an old yellow bulb poured out from the window framing the kitchen. At the short plastic table inside sat a family… your family, just sitting down to dinner. You watched them laugh and tease and happily pass each other food as if no one was missing.

The Winter Solider would never be this fucking loud but Bucky made sure you knew he was there. Right where you said you wouldn't be caught again... you sigh.

"We never used to do this."

You tug absentmindedly on a loose curl near your ear. He shifts closer behind you.

"Y'know they have dinner around this time every single night. All of them, together... like a family."

He came and pressed a firm palm against your back.

"Fuck em."

Just then you realized you'd iced your lower half to the house. You shook yourself back into the now and glanced at him quickly a few times. "Stop... they're my family."

He sits on the edge facing your direction, his back to the house. Fearless; not that the fall would kill him.

"Are they?"

You snapped your head in his direction, eyes locked. He folded his arms across his chest; relaxed, nonchalant. "YES. They are."

Eyebrow cocked, you tried to sound as stern as possible.

"They left you, Alone. You had to track them down like a dog because they packed up and moved without telling you."

You shook your head, in denial quite frankly.

"All this was sudden, I couldn't hide it anymore. They just got scared-"

"Afraid of their own child?"

Your blood started to boil. You could both see your chest heaving.

"They wanted me to get help. So I could control it, so I could come back home..."

Your voice had slowed into a whisper.

"They didn't know what else to do..."

"So they abandon you? Y/N they just didn't want this-you, to be their problem anymore."

"Please stop."

You kneel down, hands firm on the gutter.

"You call and you write and you tell them over and over that you're 'better'-"

Even his air quotes were frustrated.

"Bucky."

Your grip tightened and ice climbed over your knuckles.

"-and they haven't come looking for you once. Y/N, they don't like what your are and they just don't want you."

"I SAID STOP!"

A thick jagged spear of ice crawled from your body and sprang straight out from the roof, stopping just as it reached his neck. He didn't even flinch. You fell onto your side, sobbing.

"...this is why! This is why they left me... I'm too dangerous."

"No, you're not-"

"I ALMOST KILLED YOU BUCKY."

Your eyes sting, voice dry; hoarse from crying.

"You were never going to. You know I don't wanna hurt you, so you wouldn't hurt me. This-"

He used his flesh hand to snap off a foot long piece of the ice and toss it aside. It all shattered instantly into a number of tiny pieces, it almost resembled glitter:

"-would be a really good threat if I didn't know any better."

He crouched down to your level, to look you right in the eye. Determined to make it sink in this time. "You have to stop. There are people who actually care about you, people who love what you can do and want you around. But you can't keep doing this."

Bucky is the only person who hasn't hurt you. And you keep letting him down.

"I just want my life back."

You revert your attention back at the house, just in time to catch your mother draw the curtains. A surge of pain runs down your spine.

"I understand."

Of course he does. He offers you a hand back up onto your feet.

"We need to go. Before somebody sees us."

He leaves you to trail a few feet behind him and fix your face. They're happy without you, they don't even remember you're gone. Maybe you're not. This could be exactly where you're supposed to be and you've only just realised it now. You wipe the last trace of sadness from your face and a ay goodbye to your family for the last time.

#Inktober #selftober #Bucky Barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x reader #Bucky x genderless reader #bucky x enby reader #Bucky angst #enby reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes drabble #bucky headcanon

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shewolfofficial · 5 years

Note

Hi 😊 Can I request a Levi x s/o AU where the reader gets pregnant during her the time he spends time with Levi after confessing to him, but she's way too scared to tell him about it 'cause you know how the situation is in the corps. So she goes to Hange for help and Hange summons Levi & s/o to her room in order to talk through this with Levi. I also would like to see Levi getting sad over the fact she didn't tell him about it first and kinda disagrees with the idea she gives birth. Thanks ^^

Warning: Angst, Cursing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Survey Corps had been marked as not wanted anymore, meaning you didn’t have to run and hide since the Inner MP pigs were after you and your friends. Reading the letter over Levi’s shoulder surrounded by your friends, Levi held up the page to his face as you all towered around him.

‘‘And there you have it… The coo was successful, Premier Zachary now has full control of the capital and government… For the time being at least, the nobles seem to be staying in line’‘ Hanji says looking to you, Armin, Connie, Jean, Mikasa, and Sasha gaze into the letter quietly. Armin flicked his head towards Hanji ‘‘Okay but what about the incident with Mr.Reeves?’‘ he asked puzzled, Hanji grinned in return to the blonde. ‘‘We got a public confession out of one of the Interior Police, Reeves and Flegel really pulled through for us, it’s all written right there!’‘ Hanji’s grin didn’t falter ‘‘the abuse of power, the bogus charges against the Scouts! And that King Fritz was both a puppet and a fraud! It’s clear that we only acted in self-defense, in short… We’re no longer criminals’‘ the woman finished.

My face lit up as I looked towards Jean and the others, a grin creeping onto my lips. Next second the six of us erupted in cheers and roars of happiness, jumping into the air from delight I excitedly fist pumped the air as Connie joined me. ‘’Take that MP’s! We’re no longer criminals!’’ I screech, the grin not faltering, I could feel Jean pick me up and spin me around as I laughed. Sasha clung to Mikasa as the raven-haired girl smiled gently. ‘’Come on guys! Y/N! Group hug!’’ Sasha ushered as we all huddled up into a little hug, Levi and Hanji watched us have a little celebration. A soft smile tugging on her lips seeing us cry out from joy.

A few minutes later we all calmed down, except for our beaming happiness that plastered each of our faces. Hanji held out some book to Levi ‘’We need to find Eren and Historia quickly’’ Levi said to her as me and the others stood there after departing from the hug. Levi hummed in confusion looking to the woman ‘’right, let’s et there and put an end to this fight’’ she said fiercely.

// Time Skip \

It’s been five months since we weren’t marked as criminals anymore, Historia was now queen and things seemed to be getting better. The day Historia became queen was the day Levi had actually confessed to me, ever since then we’ve been together.

But the thing is…

Levi got me pregnant one night.

The expedition to retake Wall Maria was in a few days.

That’s where I began to worry, it turned from small tummy aches to nearly getting sick in the toilet and I went to see a doctor, only to be told I was pregnant. Levi is already busy enough, I don’t want to stress him to the point where he gives up on me.

He wouldn’t do that to me though

Would he?

I was currently sitting on top of the wall, knees up to my chest as some Scouts were helping Garrison soldiers help move the cannons around the wall and reloading them. Hearing boots click from beside me I turn and see Hanji walk towards me with a smile, sending me a little wave she appears next to me looking down to me. ‘’Hey Y/N, how have you been? Levi was telling me about you been sick lately’’ she says as I sigh, biting my lip I knew I had to tell someone. ‘’Hanji… Can I t-tell you something in private? A-away from here?’’ I suggested as she quirks an eyebrow but nodded anyway. Watching me get up she motioned for me to lead the way. I began to walk the opposite way from Levi and the others with the Garrison soldiers.

Soon arriving at a deserted part of the wall, everyone was now like miniature versions of themselves they were that far away. Hanji rose an eyebrow at me as I rubbed my forearm looking down to the wall below me. ‘’What’s wrong Y/N? Is it Levi?’’ she asked making me fire my head up shaking it violently ‘’nonono! It’s not Levi… It’s just.. that I’ve recently…’’ I trail off as her concerning gaze gets worse. ‘’I’ve recently found out I’m pregnant with Levi’s child Hanji’’ I blurt as she gasps lightly ‘’you two did it? I never knew shorty could get some action’’ the scientist chuckled as I paled lightly. ‘’I’m scared Hanji! No screw that, I’m fucking terrified! I have a child growing in me! What would Levi do? He can’t handle a child along with the stuff that’s going on! What is he doesn’t want it, I can’t kill my own child!’’ I began to tear up as Hanji immediately drags me into a hug gently rocking us back and forward as I force back the sobs that threatened to escape past my lips.

‘‘Y/N it’ll be alright, you know Levi isn’t the man that wouldn’t get a woman pregnant then immediately walk out on her, you’re probably just overthinking this.. Don’t worry..’‘ she cooes as we pull away. ‘‘Thanks Hanji.. I just really needed to tell someone…’‘ I mutter as she rubs my shoulders in comfort smiling down to me. ‘‘Trust me, you’ll be fine… Now, how about we get back to Levi and everyone? They probably think we disappeared to slack off’‘ Hanji chuckled making me laugh inwardly nodding she begins walking with me trailing not too far behind.

We arrive back at the group a couple of minutes later, Levi raises an eyebrow at us but Hanji waves it off as he clicked his tongue and returned to pulling a cannon by himself. ‘’Hey Y/N!’’ I turn to the call of my name, my orbs landing on Armin who waved me over, walking over I clasp my hands behind my back as Armin leans against the cannon. ‘’Can you help me with this? It’s heavier than I first thought, I asked Jean to help but you know how he is.. Trying to impress Mikasa by doing a cannon by himself’’ Armin snickers as I let a laugh slip before happily agreeing to him. Standing next to him we both start to slowly push the cannon, Levi was up ahead moving his cannon with ease as the muscles in arms appeared, I started to gawk at the fabulous sight before mentally scolding myself.

Biting my lip at the image I revert my gaze to the cannon in front of me. Soon enough Armin and I had managed to move the cannon to its destination. Sighing Armin stretched ‘’Thanks Y/N, I owe you one’’ the blonde says as I shake my head ‘’nah it’s fine Armin, call me if you need me ‘kay?’’ I say as he hums in acknowledgment.

I spot Levi and Hanji discussing something in the distance, Hanji was looking down to him with a serious look plaguing her face. Levi frowned in thought as Hanji’s mouth was rapidly moving. Gulping from nervousness I turned and walked away, as I began to walk away then suddenly, a voice called out to me. ‘’Y/N! Would you be a dear and come over here?’’ Hanji’s cheery voice echoed from behind, my heart sped up as I turned around offering a weary smile as I strolled over to the two. Arriving in front of the two, Hanji smiled to me placing a hand on my shoulder and shot me a reassuring smile before she walked off.

I flicked my anxious orbs to Levi who had his arms crossed, staring intently to the empty plains beyond the walls. He drove his gaze to me before his face softened into an upset looking one ‘’why didn’t you tell me..?’’ he questioned, I let my head drop to the ground like a scolded puppy. Levi tilted his head to the side ever so slightly ‘’Y/N? Hanji told me what you told her’’ Levi said again, sighing I knew there was no way out of this situation. ‘’I was scared, I was worried that you would leave me since I can tell you’re already going under a lot of stress since the plan to retake Wall Maria is happening in a few days, I didn’t want you to worry about that and me being pregnant and I don’t want you to leave me..’’ I mutter to him, silence floods the space between us.

Hearing Levi sigh made my shoulders slump, he let his arms drop to his sides. ‘’You’re right.. I am going through a lot of stress and having a child wouldn’t exactly help either, Y/N we’re only a few months into dating and I already got you pregnant… We can’t have a child’’ Levi said, each word feeling like it tore and ripped through me, his words run in my ears like a ringing sound.

Biting harshly down on my lower lip, some tears managed to slip free, streaking down my pale cheeks as I looked to Levi. Noticing his eyebrows furrow in concern he attempted to walk to me but I had already taken a few steps back away from him. ‘’Y/N look-’’ Levi was cut off when I shook my head ‘’no, Levi it’s fine… You’re right, we c-can’t have a child’’ I say before walking away, desperately trying to wipe away the tears that stained my cheeks.

// Time Skip \

A few hours passed, Hanji had stuck with me to make sure I was alright after I told her but she had to get back to work with Moblit leaving me alone as I sat in my room. I didn’t even bother crying, Levi didn’t want the child but I refuse to kill our baby. Even if it comes to us actually splitting up, I’d have to go with it whether I like it or not. Looking down to my tummy I gently pat it.

A knock echoes from my door, thinking it was Hanji I call out for whoever to come in. The door opens and Levi walks in quietly shutting it behind him. Instantly adverting my gaze from his I watch him walk over to my bed from the corner of my eye. I sat at the edge of the bed watching Levi crouch down in front of me, looking up to me with guilty looking eyes. ‘’Oi..’’ he mumbles loud enough for me to hear, locking my distant gaze to him I look at Levi as he rests a gentle hand on my knee. ‘’I’m sorry about being an inconsiderate bastard earlier… I didn’t think about what you wanted and I was being a prick… Y/N I don’t care about the stress that the upcoming Expedition will give me, I want this child… When I saw you fucking crying I knew I immediately fucked up and I regret it.. So basically what I’m trying to say is can you accept my shitty apology?’’ Levi spoke looking up to me pleadingly.

Quietly I nod to him as he instantly latches his arms around my waist, snuggling his face into my stomach. ‘’If this little brat inside of you causes any trouble, tell me and I’ll have a chat with them nine months later’’ Levi says cuddling into my stomach as I chuckle at him holding onto me like a child. Delicately placing my hand on his dark raven hair I pat his head smiling down to him. Levi lifts up his head from my stomach and hovers above it ‘’don’t cause your mother any hassle or else you’re grounded the second you get out of her got it shi-’’ I cut Levi off by flicking his forehead resulting in him frowning up to me before rolling his eyes. ‘’No cursing in front of the kid Levi’’ I scold him like he was a young child ‘’fine.. no cursing in the presence of the kid’’ he shot me a playful pout as I leaned down and lightly kissed his head.

// Time Skip - 7 Months Later \

I lay on the king sized bed next to Levi who was gently pecking my tummy, pouring his affection to the child in my stomach. Behind doors, Levi would be the most affectionate person but when we’re out with everyone else we keep PDA to a minimum. Softly laying his hand onto the bottom of my stomach I lay there watching him peck and snuggle up against the bump that formed in my stomach, I was now 7 months pregnant and I’ve never seen Levi like this. Softly moving the palm of his hand over my stomach he tried to get the baby to shift position at his touch. ‘’Not as lively as yesterday huh?’’ Levi said looking up to me, smiling I shake my head suddenly feeling something shift in my stomach I glance down to Levi and my stomach and he already had his grey orbs concentrated on my stomach.

Grazing his hand over my stomach again, his eyes widened partially before letting out a low chuckle. ‘’Little brat just kicked my hand’’ he said as I snickered, Levi planted a soft kiss to my stomach and I felt my stomach churn again, seeing a slight movement in my stomach where Levi had just kissed making me smile. ‘’Fiesty little one hm?’’ I snort to him as he nods his head cuddling to the baby bump. ‘’Are you going to kick or move again in there or what? You bet you’re never going to hear the end of my rambling about the expeditions I’ve been on… You’re going to be in for one hell of a ride brat with daddy telling you about his stories’’ Levi tells the little human inside of my stomach as I lay my head back on the plush pillow, my hand gently going through Levi’s hair.

Life couldn’t get better, having a loving boyfriend and a lively little child getting ready to appear in the world.

#Levi ackerman #levi #Captain levi #levi ackerman x reader #levi x reader #captain levi x reader #X reader #snk #aot #shingkei no kyojin #Attack On Titan #fanfic #fanfiction #anime #manga

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shikamarubase · 5 years

Text

Shikamaru Week 2019: Day 1→New Year

[Summary: Amidst the festivities, Shikamaru recalls the first winter he spent without Shikaku]

No matter how much you beg, the cruel hands of time do not stop for anybody.

Shikamaru’s eyes gravitated to the window as the sound of fireworks went off in the distance. He glazed over the spectacular colors decorating the night sky and went back to staring at the dust accumulating in the ceiling, uninterested.

Choji, Ino, and the rest of the gang must be having fun at the festival. He absent-mindedly mused to himself. They had invited him, of course. Shikamaru could still remember how the sparkling hope in Choji’s eyes faded when he refused to attend Konoha’s first New Year’s festival since the war. Naturally, Ino chewed him out for being a wet blanket, nagging him about how the New Year symbolizes new beginnings and the anticipation of what’s ahead, but Shikamaru could tell it was her half-hearted effort to act her normal and lively self.

In that split second, he thought Ino was incredible. She had lost her father the same time he had, and yet she’d already gathered enough strength to keep moving forward. Where does she get the will to smile and act like everything’s alright, when it felt like his entire world came apart the moment the war ended.

When the realization of his father’s—and countless others’—death had sunk in, his knees wobbled under him. It took his all to remain standing, rooted to one spot, because he was afraid his body would feel like lead if he moved. When months had passed Shikamaru finally settled down to a semblance of his old life—a life he knew his dad could never return to.

To have fun in a festival, when he knew Shikaku would get no share of, was something Shikamaru could not fathom doing. It didn’t matter if it was the New Year, Christmas or any other insignificant events, Shikamaru took it upon himself to distance himself from whatever could sever his connection with his dad. If it meant shying away from things that made him happy, then so be it.

“Dad...” Almost like a reflex, he turned his head towards the picture frame on his night stand. It was a family portrait they had taken years ago. The golden frame was smooth against his fingers when he lifted it up over his head and looked at it for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

His 8-year old body slumped lazily against his father’s. Young Shikamaru made it a point not to look directly in the camera, scowling with both hands jammed inside his pockets. Shikaku had an arm wrapped around his son’s neck in an effort to make him cooperate. A mischievous smirk curled at his lips as he stared down at his son with affectionate eyes. Oblivious to the other two’s shenanigans, Yoshino grinned brightly into the camera, wearing her famous rare smile.

Shikamaru brushed a thumb across the glass, over Shikaku’s face. Deep in thought, he didn’t hear the knock coming from the door. He could only look up in alarm when his mom’s voice floated over to his ears.

“Shikamaru, I’m coming in.”

Before Shikaku passed away, Yoshino used to have a habit of barging into his room without knocking and nagging him for lazing around the bed. These days, she was softspoken and patient, her usual scowl replaced by gentle eyes.

There was a time when Shikamaru would welcome these changes with open arms, but nowadays he would take one look at his mom and wished she would pull his ear and scold him just like old times. Maybe then he could act like everything was right and normal in his world.

When Yoshino entered the room she found her son lying down on his bed, clutching a picture frame in his hands. She wordlessly sat by his side and took the photo from his hands.

“I remembered getting angry at you two for ruining our family picture,” Yoshino reminisced fondly, even as tears welled up behind her eyelids. She didn’t dare blink—afraid to shed tears—as her son carefully observed her expression.

If Shikamaru caught her crying, she knew he would blame himself for something he could not control. It was a trait both he and his father shared, though the latter overcame his weakness by gaining more experience in the field.

Shikamaru might’ve been a survivor of war, but he was still a child.

“Why didn’t you go to the festival?”

He casually sat up and stretched his arms over his head, careful not to meet her eyes. “Too troublesome.”

“You’re a horrible liar.” Yoshino placed the photo back on the night stand and turned to meet his eyes. “I know you avert your eyes when you lie, Shikamaru. Tell me the truth.”

Shikamaru felt a lump form in his throat as he fidgetted under her heated gaze. “I...how do you do it?” He blurted out in haste. “How do you get through the day knowing dad isn’t here with us anymore? It kills me to see a shadow of him everywhere in the house, knowing he’ll never be coming back. And I know it kills you too. I saw you clutching the shogi board he always used the other day. So how can you still act like everything’s okay?” He choked out, every word dripped in heavy sadness. His fingers dug into the mattress in an effort to keep his emotions in check, but he felt his self-restraint loosening when he looked into his mom’s clear eyes.

Yoshino settled comfortably in his bed before speaking. “I met your dad when I was just a young girl, and I had the worst impression of him. He was lazy, foul-mouthed and a chauvinistic brat. I hated him with a passion. We had an awful hate-hate relationship.” She laughed at the memory.

Shikamaru faintly wondered where she was going with the story. He did not particularly want to listen to his parents’ love story, but he stayed silent.

“Imagine my surprise when he asked me out on my 18th birthday.” Shikamaru winced when a moony look came over Yoshino’s face. As far as he’s concerned, she was off in her own world. “I didn’t make it easy for him to win a date, of course. He had to work off all the horrible things he said to me over the years. When we finally went on our first date, I have to admit I was beginning to see him as more than a jerk.”

Shikamaru cringed at the tone of her voice. If he didn’t stop her now, who knows when her story will end. “Mom!” He impatiently cried out as he snapped his fingers in front of her face. “Your point?”

She grinned at him, clearly aware of what was going through his mind. “The point is I’ve had all my firsts with your father, and I remember every single memory we have together. I keep them all within me, and use them as the motivation to keep moving forward. One day you’re going to meet someone who’s going to impact your life in ways you’ve never imagined. When that day comes, you’ll underand what I’m talking about.”

She gently patted his shoulder. “Do you remember your father’s last words?”

Shikamaru nodded without a word. His throat closed up as tears spilled down his cheeks. Yoshino circled her arms around his neck and pulled him into a warm embrace. Shikamaru wrapped his arms around her torso and sobbed into her shoulder.

“Remember, he will always live on in our hearts,” she soothingly murmered into his ear as he continued to wail in anguish.

Shikamaru finally understood how Ino could still smile and how his mom could face reality bravely, without cowering or hiding.

Women have incredible willpower.

*******

“Dad, wake up!”

Shikamaru’s eyes flew open when he felt hands shaking him awake. He automatically grabbed his temple as a memory of long ago surfaced into his mind.

It’s been a while since he’d dreamed of the past.

Bleary-eyed, it took a while for his eyes to adjust and focus on the figure leering over him with impatience.

“You’re finally awake,” Shikadai sighed in relief, his disapproving sharp eyes cut into his dad’s groggy ones like a knife.

“Grandma’s here,” Shikadai answered his inquisitive look matter-of-factly.

Shikamaru shot up as if he’d been struck by lightning, ignoring the dizziness that washed over him from the sudden effort.

“Mom’s here? Why?”

Shikadai looked at him strangely. “She told us she was coming over for a New Year’s visit. Did you forget?”

Shikamaru winced at the slight accusation in his son’s voice. It’s true he’d been busy with the holidays, so it’s only right for Shikadai to call him out for not paying enough attention.

“I remember.” Even thought he didn’t. “You go ahead. I’ll catch up with you, son.”

Shikadai took one more look at Shikamaru before shrugging and leaving the room.

Shikamaru shook his head as he watched him go. Sometimes he wondered if his son took after his mom a little bit too much.

After a few seconds of fixing himself, Shikamaru followed Shikadai out. The latter casually strolled towards the middle-aged Yoshino, whose face broke out into a giant smile at the sight of her grandson.

“Hi grandma.”

“Oh, Shikadai!” The small Nara barely had time to catch a breath before Yoshino tackled him into a fierce hug. “Look at you, you’re turning into a dashing young man.”

“Grandma, you’re suffocating me!” Shikadai cried out in protest, but Shikamaru could clearly see the corners of his lips turn up into a grin.

“You just woke up, didn’t you?” Temari’s voice murmured knowingly into his ear, her teal eyes displaying the same disapproving look his son shot him a few minutes ago. Shikamaru couldn’t help but chuckle at their similarities.

“I’m awake now and that’s all that matters.” He winked, to which Temari rolled her eyes to.

“Shikamaru!” He looked up to find his mom glowering at him with her hands in hips. “Are you not going to greet your own mother?”

He sighed loudly. “You didn’t have to come all the way here, mom. We could’ve picked you up before heading to the festival.”

“I’m not old enough to be babied by you just yet.” She scowled.

Ever since Shikadai was born, Yoshino reverted back to the hardass she used to be. She would shower Shikadai with countless presents but remained stern with Shikamaru, even going as far as to scold him every time they see each other. Sometimes he wondered if the gentle and understanding mom from his memories was just a sweet dream. If it was, he wished he never woke up.

The sharp sound of whistles snapped him away from his thoughts. He turned his head to the window and saw beautiful fireworks going off in sequence.

“What a drag, the fireworks started!” Shikadai whined out loud. “I promised Boruto and the others I’d meet them there before then.”

“We better hurry then.” Temari rushed to get her things while Shikadai quickly put on his winter coat.

Shikamaru was left alone with Yoshino.

“So...” her eyes glinted under the house lights. “I‘m assuming you understand what I was talking about all those years ago?”

Shikamaru nodded as he watched his wife and son move around, completely oblivious to their conversation. “Even though I have my own family now, dad still lives on inside me.” He clutched his chest. “And he’s never going away.”

Yoshino smiled in approval at the maturity she sensed in his gaze. Finally, she can relay the words she’d kept close to her heart since that fateful night.

“Happy New Year, Shikamaru.”

The End.

—————

A/N: Guess who had to cram an entire day just to finish this :) I was planning on skipping out today, but I couldn’t. It’s the first day of Shikamaru Week, I had to post something!😫It’s not a fluffy piece but I hope you guys get what I’m going for. I didn’t get to edit much, so sorry in advance if there are typos😫Happy Shikamaru Week y’all and thank you so much for reading!<3

#shikamaruweek2019 #day 1 #shikamaru #nara shikamaru #nara shikaku #nara yoshino #nara shikadai #nara temari #shikatemadai #this is so needlessly long ;-;#it’s NOT angst btw :)#not my best work gah!!

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