#UGH military AU is always so >>>>>>

[heyimkana]

You know what would be hot?

Enemies-to-Lovers, Teacher-Student AU, based on Top Gun Maverick.

Commander Sung Jinwoo is the brooding, always silent always composed, terribly strict Top Gun instructor. Call Sign: Reaper. He's a legend, the deadliest pilot the Navy had ever trained. Earned his call sign because every time he showed up in a dogfight, someone was bound to die by his hands.

Reader is the fierce, utterly talented yet very cocky pilot, and the only one who's not intimidated by him. Call Sign: Siren. Beautiful and dangerous, luring enemies to their deaths. The best flyer in the new batch. Always has something to prove and zero interest in authority. Gives Jinwoo a terrible fucking headache (and then just gives him head later on 😌 ASDFSJJ)

[lavender-butterfly-cookie]

TA DA, my next masterpiece y/n as a belly dancer, I never seen anyone make this au of them so here's one. It's with the theme for burning spice and golden cheese.

In a fanfic how would they reacted to this along with the other beasts cookies and the gang.

Golden Cheese cookie and Burning Spice cookie are fighting ruthlessly as their friends (Followers) watch from the sides. Y/N is also watching, but she's unamused and bored.

Golden Cheese cookie: MINE! They are MY dancer! Gtet away you insufferable brute!

Burning Spice cookie: They were mine first! Or need I remind you of who's power you hold?! Come at me dumb bird!

Y/N cookie: Ugh... Their arguing combined with the heat wears me out quicker. I need a break from this.

Mozzarella cookie: You could always go to the kingdom?

Y/N cookie: Which one? Cuz as far as I know, I live in two.

Nutmeg Tiger cookie: Obviously you should return to ours-

Smoked Cheese cookie: Fat chance, your spice storms are too harsh for them-

Nutmeg Tiger cookie: And you castle is too bright, we even!

Y/N cookie: Hm... I think I'll just do the responsible thing.

Burning Spice cookie and Golden Cheese cookie stop fighting for a moment and all cookies look at Y/N, anticipating their next choice.

Y/N cookie: I'm going to my siblings house.

All: WHAT?!

Golden Cheese cookie: B-but- why?!

Burning Spice cookie: You shouldn't leave! I have yet to pound this bird to the ground!

Golden Cheese cookie: Why you insolent-

Y/N cookie: That's why.

Both: Huh?

Y/N cookie: The heat, the arguing, it's all so draining. I've grown used to it, yes, but even I need a break. 3 days. 3 days and I'll return. Got it?

All the cookies glance at each other before glancing at Golden Cheese cookie and Burning Spice cookie. The two glare at each other, than cross their arms and sigh as they quickly avert their gaze once more.

Both: *Mumbling* Fine.

And that settled it. The next day, Y/N cookie was off to live at their siblings place. Even though it'd only be for 3 days, there was a whole farewell thing where the cookies granted them luck. After a long day of travelling, they made it. They walked up to the door and knocked. Soon it opened and Original Y/N greeted them.

Original: Hey Belly Dancer Y/N. Wait- why are you-

BD Y/N: I'll explain later, can I come in? I just travel a heck of a long way just to get here.

Original Y/N: And how exactly did you make it in a day?

BD Y/N: I realized half way that I had some magic dust from the kulfi's in the pocket. I teleported here after having a hell of a break down for realizing what an idiot I am.

Original: Well... uh... You know what, just come in.

The next day the house sounded like it was bustling with activity, causing BD Y/N to wake up. They leave the room to see the Twin Y/N's arguing with Military Y/N and 350 Kilos Y/N. Original Y/N is trying to be the voice of reason, but to no avail. Realizing how similar it was here than when they were in the desert, BD Y/N decided it was better if they excused themselves from the house.

Whilst outside, BD Y/N lounged in the hammock. Always dancing, always in heat, always hearing argument. This quiet atmosphere was a nice change of pace. But just as they were relaxing-

BD Y/N: Gya?!-

A ball hits them straight in the face, causing them to spin around in the hammock in a twist before ultimately falling off and face first into the dirt. They bring their head u with an upset expression displayed on their face before their eyes land on the ball. As they get up, they hear voices approaching.

Gingerbrave: OMG- I'M SO SORRY!

Strawberry cookie: A-are you ok?!

Wizard cookie: It was an accident!

BD Y/N looks up at the three- no, five cookies approaching. One of them goes to their side and helps them up before brushing of their shoulder nonchalantly.

Chili Pepper cookie: Eh, you'll be fine. A little bit of ball and dirt never hurt anybody- gah?!-

Custard cookie iii: *Hits her in the side with his scepter* You can't just say that! We're super sorry!

Strawberry cookie: Are you hurt?

BD Y/N needs a moment to look at them. 4 kids and one teen. Despite their original displeasure, they could see that they really meant no harm. B/D Y/N puts on a soft smile and shakes her head.

BD Y/N: No no, I'm not hurt. And it's ok, it was an accident after all.

The kids: Phew.

Gingerbrave: Say, who are you? We've never seen you around before.

BD Y/N: Oh, right, my mistake. I'm Belly Dancer Y/N. I usually reside in the desert, but I'm staying here for the next three days.

They all exchange glances before the barrage of questions comes crashing into BD Y/N faster than they can react. They're faced with several more questions before eventually Original Y/N comes outside to assist her a bit. The day goes by in a flash and soon it's night time, mean BD Y/N can finally rest.

Unfortunately, "rest" isn't something any Y/N can do, aside from tired Y/N. Their short slumber is cut off soon as she wakes u to the sounds of air rushing past them. Before they can react, a vortex of sorts extracts them from their bed and brings them to another place, one which they're partially familiar with.

Shadow Milk cookie: Ah! there we go! All in one piece. Sleep well fellow performer?

BD Y/N: I- How'd-

Mystic Flour cookie: Questions for later.

BD Y/N: Why am I here.

Eternal Sugar cookie: well *yawns* Burning whatever his name is asked us- *yawns* to look after you.

BD Y/N: Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh of course he did. And where's the quiet one?

Shadow Milk cookie: Beats me. But I suppose we should keep ourselves busy until you return to our spicy fellow, hm?

BD Y/N: Ugh, I just wanna rest! Is that too much to ask for?!

Eternal Sugar cookie: Omg, relatable.

BD Y/N: You know what? Screw it! I'M GOING HOME!

Mystic Flour cookie: And where would that be?

BD Y/N: ANYWHERE BUT HERE!!!

They walk off in a huff. After long hours of walking, they made it to beast yeast somehow, remembering they still had the kulfi dust. Without even greeting their companions, they walked of to a tomb, got in, closed it and slept in hopes that maybe the others will think they're dead and leave them alone.

[wisteriagoesvroom]

☔:))

☔Is there a fic concept you have that you'd like to just explain and share because you're not sure you'll ever write it? If so, what is it?

814 royal and bodyguard AU 👑

so lando is a prince. but a harry sort, not always making smart moves in the media, mouths off a lot, heavy is the crown, but he is the heir and he shows up when it counts.

oscar’s hired as his new bodyguard and obviously off the bat, lando is like: who put this guy who looks six kilos soaking wet to be in charge of my security detail? oscar is actually put on special assignment cus he finished an early mission out of military school with flying colours, and also lando’s parents think a change of security detail to someone who isn’t gen x might mean lando is more responsive. they are initially wrong about that.

the opening scene is probably oscar dragging lando out of a night club, cus lando is supposed to be at a charity thing in the morning… (oscar doesn’t know that lando always shows up and is switched on even if he’s hungover tho). oscar is like: why me. lando is like: ugh why him.

lando thinks oscar finds him burdensome and annoying to look after. he might even do things that play into this perception of him on purpose. oscar doesn’t really understand why this guy has everything in the world but still won’t take his responsibilities seriously. both ignore the fact that they think the other is cute because. why does that even matter, right? as if.

there’s definitely a lot of lando teasing and testing oscar’s patience until they actually get into a sticky situation and oscar has to use his skills and get them out of trouble. lando usually handles himself fine, but maybe he's let his guard down or it's such a public situation that it needs the two of them to puzzle it out.

there might even be a gala or a heated moment or two here and an almost kiss but they get interrupted by idk, zak brown the visiting congressman from the US or something.

and at some point lando’s parents lose patience and are like: you are going on tour to australia, you had better get your act together.

cue australia. the last chance for lando to get his act together. before that, his grandma, the queen, is very sick and they have a close relationship and she asks what lando really wants. truly, is the crown something he really wants. he doesn’t know the answer, only knows it’s something he’s supposed to have wanted. oscar stands at the periphery, but hears the entire thing.

then, tour to aus. the public are, somehow, charmed by lando. oscar shows lando around the parts where he grew up in australia and lando thinks, maybe i could give it all up and come live here. but… there are people who need me too.

and there’s an emotional reckoning on k’gari island surrounded by sea and sand and sky and they’re just asking each other what’s going on? how do we progress from here? ‘cus they’re like. wildly in love. but duty has to come first, they both care about their work, what would the future even look like, are they compromised because of their feelings etc etc etc.

from

[aphroditelovesu]

⸻ The Lost Queen - IX ⸻

— summary: You woke up near a military camp without remembering how and why you got there, you didn’t understand why they were dressed like ancient Greeks, all you knew was that you weren’t safe and you needed to get out of that place as soon as possible. Too bad for you that you found yourself attracting unwanted attention from the Macedonian King and he won’t let you go so easily.

— genre: yandere, dark!au.

— warnings: time travel, obsessive and possessive behavior, murder, mention of torture, kidnapping, angst, fluffy (very rarely), dub-con, eventual smut, pregnancy.

— pairing: yandere!alexander the great x female!reader, yandere!generals x female!reader.

— word count: 1,600.

— tag list: @devils-blackrose, @faerykingdom, @hadesnewpersephone, @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 , @kadu-5607, @zoleea-exultant, @borntoexplore11-blog, @silmawensgarden, @elvinapandra, @jennifer0305 , @his0kaswife, @animetye-23.

— the lost queen series masterlist.

Chapter 9

A few days passed and everything remained the same except for a few changes. The atmosphere in the camp was slowly improving and Alexander seemed to have recovered after your decision.

You still regretted your choice, but you knew it was the right thing to do.

Cleitus finally woke up, to everyone's surprise, and he was recovering slowly, but that was to be expected. It was almost a miracle that he had woken up and that was both a good and a bad thing.

You had prevented his death and changed history.

You sighed and looked around you. There was a lot to be done for the imminent wedding. Alexander wanted to get married fast because they would soon go to Sogdiana Rock and everything had to be done as quickly as possible. Knowing that he would soon meet Roxanna filled you with hope and fear. You hoped he would still marry her, as he was supposed to, but you were worried.

You knew Roxanna's story and you knew what she had done to Alexander's other wives. Honestly, you were more nervous about meeting her than marrying Alexander. And if there were children...

You shook your head, it was better not to think about it for now. There was no guarantee that you would get pregnant with him so quickly and you didn't even want to think about it, the idea of getting pregnant filled you with dread, not because having children was a bad thing, but rather the circumstances and who you would be getting pregnant by. It was all very stressful and you felt like you were going to throw up if you kept thinking about it, so it was better not to think about it, no matter how hard it was.

Nor was there a guarantee that he would marry her because history has already been changed and could change again.

Your head throbbed as you thought of the countless possibilities and chaos that your presence here could have caused in the future. But there was no point in thinking about it now, you would leave soon, you were sure, and you would find out for yourself. You just hoped it wasn't too serious.

''Ugh...'' You grumbled and massaged your temples, trying to ease your headache.

There was still a lot of work to be done. Alexander left you in charge of organizing the wedding, along with some servants and slaves, because according to him, it was something women would do better at. You were tempted to throw your shoe at his head, but you didn't.

Too bad.

Honestly, you never thought your marriage would be like this, that is, if you ever got married. You definitely never thought you would marry Alexander the Great.

And you always imagined that you would have your family and friends present at the occasion, that your mother and friends would help you organize everything, it would be with someone you really loved and it would be a happy occasion.

Instead, you were being forced to marry a man who was supposed to be dead a long time ago, in a place in the middle of nowhere? You weren't sure and it was a very sad atmosphere.

The reality was harsh and painful.

You looked at some colorful fabrics left on your cot and regarded them with apprehension and perhaps disgust. Your wedding dress wasn't what you wanted either, it wasn't white lace or those beautiful dresses you only saw in movies or magazines.

You should get married in black at once, to symbolize your mourning.

You took one that was deep red in your hand and stared at it, taking in its details. It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't what you had in mind. It had some gold features, which you knew was real gold, and a very discreet neckline. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

Sighing, you prepared to try it out.

Two days passed and everything was ready. It would be a simple but beautiful ceremony, everyone was eager and excited. The atmosphere in the camp changed radically and it was as if everyone had forgotten what had happened to Cleitus and were focused on the wedding and the fact that they would have a Queen and, if the gods permitted, an heir soon.

Alexander was being prepared for the wedding. He had already showered and was putting on the final adjustments, the red tunic he would wear and some jewelry that would complete his appearance. His hair was drying naturally, he wore some kohl on his eye, highlighting his beautiful eyes of different colors, and perfumed. A sweet, soft scent radiated from his clothing.

In general, he was attractive and well dressed. There were no longer any traces of the defeated and drunken man he had been a few days ago, but of a King and a conqueror. And his men were grateful for that.

Hephaestion entered Alexander's tent and smiled to see his friend looking happier and healthier. The image he had of Alexander would still haunt him for the rest of his days.

''You look good, Alexander.'' Hephaestion commented and sat down on a chair and took a jug of water and poured it into a cup, sipping it.

Alexander looked at Hephaestion and his gaze softened and he smiled, ''You look good as well.''

And indeed, Hephaestion was well groomed, as were all the guests. He was dressed in a dark blue tunic with a few ornaments, but enough to make him look more handsome than he already was. His long hair was braided and he also wore kohl, highlighting his blue eyes.

Hephaestion smiled but there was a sadness lurking in his eyes. Alexander noticed and went to his closest friend and placed his hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. He knew that today was a painful day for him.

Hephaestion touched Alexander's hand with his own and shook his head, ''I'm fine. I just... I still don't know how to deal with this properly, but I'm fine, I promise.''

''I know it can't be easy, but it's something I have to do. As a King and as a man.'' Alexander whispered the last parts, feeling sorry for his friend. It wasn't easy, neither for him nor for Hephaestion.

''You are the King. You must marry and have an heir, I know that.'' Hephaestion smiled and faced Alexander, ''I always knew that. From our days in Mieza to when you became King of Macedonia. I always knew that.''

''Hephaestion...'' Alexander sighed, suddenly feeling melancholy.

''Do not worry about me. I am fine. The wedding will start soon, don't be late for your own wedding.'' Hephaestion stood up and placed the cup on the table and walked towards the exit, ''I'll be fine.''

Alexander smiled sadly, ''I know you will, after all, you are also Alexander.''

Hephaestion's face lit up and his face looked a little red, but he smiled and waved at his friend and turned away. Alexander watched him with regret, feeling guilty for causing his friend pain, but he couldn't shirk his duties.

And his desires. He wanted to marry you, it was a necessity and he couldn't ignore it.

The sun was setting over the war camp, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, while the gentle breeze blew through the olive trees and poplars that surrounded the camp.

There was music and dancing involved. Some musicians played instruments, such as the harp and lyre, and dancers danced and enchanted the audience who watched them.

The bride, (Y/N), looked beautiful. Her clothes highlighted her beauty even more, a heavy red and gold tunic draped over her body, with jewelry adorning her and a red veil hid her hair, her face was clean and her natural beauty was highlighted. Her soft, wistful eye was alluring, with the kohl highlighting her color.

The ceremony began with a colorful procession, led by flutists and dancers. (Y/N), draped in a magnificent red robe, gracefully paraded through the camp, crowned with jewels. Her radiant face and eyes sparkled with joy or sadness. Alexander, dressed in a deep red robe, waited anxiously on the table, surrounded by his generals and soldiers watching from a distance.

The priest, a man of great wisdom and a white beard, led the ceremony. With the blessing of the gods, they exchanged vows of eternal fidelity and deep love. As the flame of the eternal candle burned before them, symbolizing the eternity of their commitment, the couple exchanged gold rings, a promise of love that would never lose its luster.

The wedding celebration took place under a starry sky, with long tables filled with Greek delicacies - olives, feta cheese, bread and red wine. Everyone danced to traditional music, celebrating the union of (Y/N) and Alexander. It was a night of joy and communion, where generals, friends and soldiers shared stories, laughter and wishes for eternal happiness.

This was a time of great joy and promise. The promise of an heir and the joy of a marriage that would be talked about for centuries to come.

As the night came to an end, the most awaited hour would arrive. Finally, the consummation would be made and if the gods bless the newlyweds, a child would come from their union.

Only the gods, the children born and the bride would know how cursed this union would be.

— lady l: and that was it! The wedding night is coming and I promise drama in the next chapter, this one was calmer and based on the wedding. I'm not good at describing weddings, but I did my best! I hope you enjoyed it and wait for the next chapter because it, my readers, promises to be CHAOTIC!! 😈 Hope you have liked and feedbacks are always welcome! ❤️

[slytherinshua]

SEVENTEEN ATLA HEADCANONS

genre. headcanons. avatar the last airbender au. warnings. none. featuring. ot13 seventeen. wc. 1.6k. (around 100 words each) request. no. a/n. obviously i've been on a svt atla kick since burnt promises, second chances. i'd be open to writing fics for any of these small headcanons if anyone is particularly interested :)

SEUNGCHEOL

Ugh, Cheol is really hard. I kinda see him as any nation and also none at the same time. For the lack of other Water Tribe on the list, I’ll give him Water Tribe, but I don’t even think he’s a bender. He’d be a passionate hunter of the Southern Water Tribe, and a very good one, but not a bender. He’d always be eager to help out and fit his role as a true leader. He’s looked up to because he protects his people without fail. He’s good at strategics and known for his bravery. I see him fitting a role like Sokka’s father, but I don’t see him as anything glamorous like Water Tribe Royalty. He’s down to Earth and humble and honest. He leads and the people follow.

JEONGHAN

Jeonghan is an airbender. He’s witty and intelligent, and a great asset to his nation. He’d be in an Air temple close to the Earth Kingdom, and he often helps out with strategics if they ever need it. Definitely a kind and angel baby, but if there’s anyone who needs dealing with, he will personally take the task up. He’s world renowned and has allies and friends in every single nation. When he’s not busy, he’ll spend his time travelling around and immersing himself in the different cultures of the nations. He’s beaten Water Tribe hunters at their own hunt, evaded earthbender attacks in the ring because of how light he is on his feet. And his agility and wit proves to be useful whenever he goes head to head with a firebender. He can often predict their next moves and avoid attacks before they’re even fired at him.

JOSHUA

Joshua is Water Tribe!! Definitely a Water Tribe prince, or even a poor boy from the Northern Water Tribe whose parents couldn’t afford water bending lessons for him, so he would sneak around and watch lessons without getting caught. He’s mostly self taught, so he’s not exactly the best, but he can still hold his own. If he’s a Water Tribe prince, then he probably got bored with water bending very quickly as a child and started figuring out ways to skip his lessons lol. He knows clever ways to bribe or fool his masters into letting him slack off, but he also has to build enough skill to show at least a little improvement. He’s probably more interested in carving proposal necklaces to give to his future girlfriend than improving his bending skills.

JUNHUI

Jun is Fire Nation, and he’s extremely talented at Fire Bending. He probably runs a tea shop with his family and takes lessons on the side; just a regular middle class kid. He’s not aiming for a military position or anything high up, but he uses his skills to help him in daily life. He might have friends from places higher up in the city, and because of that, he got to take a visit to Royal Fire Academy for Girls. Definitely turns some heads— practically the whole school is crushing on him by the end of the 2 hour visit, and he enjoys the attention that he wouldn’t usually get at home. It’s safe to say that he’s invited back given the significant improvement in attendance and performance after his initial visit. 

SOONYOUNG

Another airbender, only because he’s so agile. Like the spider choreo really makes me see him as someone who just likes to swing around upside down for fun. He’ll play pranks on the older monks, or just anyone he can get his hands on. He’s a lot like Aang in that way. He definitely creates his own airbending moves, because he is a choreographer!!! Somehow takes a trip to the Earth Kingdom because it was his life goal to see a tigerdillo in real life. Once he meets one, he somehow adopts it, and settles down in the Earth Kingdom from there on! He’s perfectly happy, and can he even pose as an earthbender if he’s smart about it.

WONWOO

Anyone could probably guess that I see Wonwoo as Fire Nation. I wrote an entire 14.5k fic about it which is expecting a part 2, but I just think he fits it so much? Especially in a role like the Fire Lord or some notable higher up who is skilled at firebending and definitely owns a dragon (if we’re talking a time period before/during the dragon hunts). He’d be the type to just be a natural at it and reach a high mastery at an early age. He’s such a skilled fighter, and definitely knows how to control his flame. He prefers to study directly from dragons instead of old masters, whose teachings feel regurgitated and watered down, which sounds pretentious, but it’s one of the reasons why he got so good.

JIHOON

I see Jihoon as an Earth bender. He’s short and stout but HE'S SO BUFF. He definitely has the density in him to move some rocks, he’s practically built like The Boulder but without the height????? I definitely see him as part of the royal guard, but definitely not an Earth King. He might teach Earth Bending or get posted out on the coast near the Fire Nation or something— but he definitely has a military position. Somewhere where he can use his earthbending to its full potential. Not the most talkative, but definitely the most efficient, so he climbs the ranks like nobody's business and everyone knows to respect every word that comes out of his mouth. If you say even a word about his height, he’ll throw a rock at your head before you can finish the sentence.

SEOKMIN

It was hard to pick between Water Tribe and Fire Nation for Seokmin, but I think he’s ultimately Fire Nation. I see him as an actor for plays, and he definitely uses his firebending to win over the audience. It got to the point that even though he’s from a small town in the Fire Nation, he became a household name and got increasingly popular until he eventually found himself acting in front of the Fire Lord. Once he got rich enough from it, he got a spot in the most infamous acting troupe in the Fire Nation. His favourite role to play is, of course, the Dragon Emperor in Love Amongst the Dragons.

MINGYU

Just a bulky earthbender I don’t know what to say. He probably got recruited to some military position because he’s fit and can hold his own in a fight, but boy’s just really a sweetheart. He doesn’t enjoy smashing people with rocks, so he tries to get out of the military as soon as possible. He instead works as a carpenter of sorts? Builds elaborate structures with his earthbending, and has a surprisingly artistic touch to his creations. Popular with the older ladies because he is a gentleman.

MINGHAO

I see him as an airbender, but I cannot imagine him with a bald head LIKE HELP. But let's say he is, and for aesthetic purposes, keep the long haired Minghao. He practically floats and flies through the air with his airbendings. He’s probably more of a lemur guy than a sky bison guy. I can imagine him having 1 or 2 lemurs who he spends most of his time with. Obviously very light on his feet and into meditation. He’s one of those star students in the class that the teacher picks as an example for the other students to watch and learn from.

SEUNGKWAN

A waterbender, and he’s good because he focused and studied the traditions of it. He knows the importance of the basics, and when he’s teaching, he can get mad pretty quick if he catches a novice waterbender doing a technique lazily. He teaches them the hard way, making the floor an ice rink or slapping in the face with a water tentacle if they make a silly mistake. But he’s a respected master. (Not to say that he’s old, but he holds the respect of an old master). Also a great healer for the Water Tribe. He thinks it’s important for the men to not just learn how to fight with spears and slices of water, but also to heal the tribe, and he offers his lessons to the women of the tribe as well.

VERNON

Another Fire Nation boy. He’s so skilled he can redirect lightning and all that jazz. He’s a worldwide guy too, so he’s definitely familiar with the other nations and their bending to a certain extent. (Like Iroh, studying the Water Tribe helped him with creating new techniques within firebending). He has a dragon because he’s hot like that, and would hold master firebending classes lol. Definitely has connections to the Royal Family and I could even see him serving as a personal guard or something of that sort. His skills aren’t to be wasted, so he can snag a high paying position practically anywhere he wants.  

CHAN

Earth Kingdom kid from a poor family™, I mean it’s just so clear in my mind. I imagine his mom runs a corner store, and he likes to use his very limited earth bending skills to make the shop look prettier. If the wooden tables break down over time, he’ll earth bend a makeshift counter to display the trinkets for sale. He’s quite charming even though he doesn’t have much to say about himself. In the lower class of the Earth Kingdom, practically everyone knows him because he likes to go around and make new friends when he’s bored. He’ll help out the elderly if they need it, and flash a toothy grin to anyone he comes across.

↳ svt taglist: @kangtaehyunzzz,, @eternalgyu,, @ddeonudepressions,, @hannahsophie0103,, @minholing,, @shuabby1994,, @icyminghao,, @98-0603,, @weird-bookworm,, @candewlsy,, @wonwooz1,, @cyberpunksunwoo,, @haecien,, @amara-mars

[animalsalvationassociation]

Octonauts Redesigns …

Part 3: Captain Barnacles

[ DO NOT REPOST, ALL ART & CONCEPTS WERE MADE BY ME ]

Digital Illustration Time: 5hrs 38min

✨ Old Design ✨

Barnacles Headcanons ( 1 & 2 )

I PROCRASTINATED ON THIS MAN SO HARD!!!

I was so nervous about drawing Barnacles that I literally shut down any time I thought about it. But dang I am so glad I was able to do it today. AND it didn’t take me 7 hours like the other two!!!! SO THATS KINDA NICE!!! 👍

[ Headcanons Ahead ]

I believe I mentioned a little about Barnacles and his family but I have a strong headcanon that they are tied to this world’s version of the Inuit/Inuk tribes. Unfortunately due to changing times Barnacles and Bianca grew up in a household that had a hard time accepting their culture and it wasn’t for lack of trying.

I did so much research for this man (I kid you not it took me an ENTIRE day just to find the same answer 40 different times) just so I could be accurate to his culture. However when it comes to Kakiniit (Tattoos) only women are able to receive them. For the most part they are a sign of womanhood, grief, family, life trials/changes, and so on.

It has only become a modern concept that men are able to receive the blessing of getting their kakiniit. There was a quote that’s stuck with me from one of the documentaries I listened and it was something along the lines of, “If getting them in the chair (to tattoo) will help them talk about their struggles, then we feel it’s more important to help them rather than closely follow with tradition (but still hold respect for those traditions). We want to help our people by allowing them the space to be safe and allow them to be at peace through the trials of their life.”

(This is mostly by memory but that was basically the gist of it I watched too many documentaries to be able to pinpoint which one it actually was)

Ofc you’ll notice that Barnacles’ tattoo doesn’t look anything like the styles of kakiniit and that’s on purpose. In fact it more resembles something you’d get if you were in the military/navy/etc, or it at least has those vibes. And that’s because it is. Barns got his tattoo right after he received the role of Captain of the Adelaide. He’s always been open minded about getting one based on his culture, but I think a part of him is hesitant. Modern society has pushed away and shunned a lot his people’s traditions to the point where many of them were forgotten.

I’m still trying to decide how I want to do it but I at least want Barnacles and Bianca to accept their culture within the story. I think it would add a nice touch of character development to everything and would show how beautiful accepting who you are really is. There are some other things I want to add as well but I feel they should come later so it feels genuine, instead of slapping something together and calling it a day.

My main goal for the A.S.A. is to show how beautiful family and lineage can be. This whole show focuses on animals evolving to the constant changing of their environments. So why not show the same for our characters?

Anyways thanks for making it to the end of my rant, I’ve been so nervous about this redesign because I mean—it’s Barnacles what can I say? He speaks for himself! (Ugh I love him so very much)

@calamaroo thanks for the support wifey~

Kwazii / Peso / Dashi / Tweak / Shellington / Inkling / Vegimals

[ This is a Octonauts AU, in no way is this canon to the OG storyline. ]

[cameronsbabydoll]

Military ex husband Rafe

Like he’ll always be coming over because he wants to protect his family even if he doesn’t live there

Or how he’s always threatening any potential lovers, he tells them that he has the right connections to get him out of trouble

He’s constantly trying to get reader to take him back, or he’ll still tell everyone that they’re married just having a spat (reader probably still has his dog tags, he still has a picture of her in his uniform)

👨‍🦲 Anon (lowkey you cooked on that one 🔥🔥)

ugh he’s so condescending and mean like need him tho. new au anyone

[skitskatdacat63]

Prince Jenson of Somerset

+ process & lore

Yayyyyy omg finally have drawn portraits of the four main characters!!!! I'll show the process of Jenson's first and then them all four together. Though it's a shame the Seb/Fernando ones are older, I think it's hopefully obvious how much I've improved since November?

Look at him in all his handsome, princely glory 🥹 It's funny, I'm always happy with the second sketch and initial lineart, and then I start coloring it and I absolutely hate it, and it takes a significant amount of time into the painting for me to like it again. And then I reach a certain point and I'm in love with it again. Ugh though I gotta say, I love drawing the curls, it's just so 18th century, but at the same point, man I always will love my original lineart for the hair the best ah. Also yes I absolutely had to give him a big ass hat with feathers, he really is that kinda guy to me. I originally drew a bicorne and then realized that those don't really exist until basically almost a century later oops, so tricorne it is!!

Okay now omg look at them all together 🥹

Haha wow I have improved a lot! Just like the Seb/Fernando ones, Mark and Jense's were meant to be put together. I think there's a lot of inherent characterization in their poses that highlight the difference between them. Mark is looking up, very wistful, looking up to greater people, greater things. Jenson's head is tilted down, almost looking at the viewer, he is very satisfied with his role and revels in it, he's here to slay!

Okay, yes, lore, characterization, sorry that it is so far down on the post!!

Jense would probably be the fan favorite if this AU was an actual book or show or something. He's the guy you randomly find while browsing Wikipedia and you're like, woah this guy is so cool??? Unlike Sebmarknando, he doesn't really have the same level of angst, he's kinda just chilling. He's a bit harder to write a lore post about, because he's basically that character who is always magically around the corner, ready to witness some crazy thing and just breeze past it.

He is less linked to Seb than people like Mark and Fernando, because he's basically just his personal minister of transportation(read: horse fucker), so he avoids a lot of the relationship complications and drama, but that isn't to say he's completely uninvolved. He really likes Seb, and loves to hang around with him and serve him, but he's not as beholden to him. He's who everyone goes to air their grievances or to get away from the others, and he's very happy with this role. He's generally willing to play any side in an argument, but does tend to have a pretty big soft spot for Seb overall(Seb also gives him cuteness aggression, and he wants to bite him. Especially when Seb puffs himself up and acts super bratty when he gets offended at not being seen as a proper ruler.)

He's royalty from other kingdom, but pledged his loyalty to Seb's kingdom when he was quite young and has served him(his father first) ever since. He started off somewhat low in the military, rose to a pretty high rank, was a renowed war hero, and then ended up retiring pretty early to tend to Seb's horses. That's an oversimplification, but yeah. He liked the military life, was very good at it, but decided he had done enough, and wanted to be involved in more direct service, albeit more laid back. As I mentioned in Mark's post, Mark *really* doesn't understand his choice to do this, because if Mark had been in Jense's position, he can't ever imagine being able to let all that go and living the quiet life.

He is the palace whore, everyone has been with him honestly. It'll be like, some man walks into his bedroom, only to see Jenson in bed with his wife, but instead of being angry, he's like "wow you couldn't even wait for me??" He's just very carefree, and happy to just slut around and tend to Seb's horses.

I think he definitely still advises Seb, and would go to battle if truly need be, but generally seems to be living in a different world than the weird psychosexual homoerotic political drama that the others seem to be living in. But as I said, it's not like he doesn't contribute to it! He loves to goad Fernando, and constantly plays devil's advocate in "debates" between Fernando and Seb. He's also obviously the one that keep "accidentally" locking them in rooms and forgetting where the key is.

Sorry if this isn't very explanatory, I hope it gives a general idea to the type of character he is???? As always, let me know if you have any questions! I kinda struggled on what to write here because I'm finishing this at almost 8 am 😭 so I'm not sure if it's great or not. But basically you need to know: horse fucker who is generally breezy and carefree but also can be a bit of a menace to society every once in a while.

[dreamerofvalyria]

Omg omg omg omg I just read both of your Deamon AU fics???? They are so good!! And beautifully written!!!

please please if not too much trouble, can I please request for that Au?? Maybe like all of 141 meeting each other and Deamon’s for the first time?? I picture Gaz has some kind of bird like a mourning dove or a humming bird and Price has a stronger dog breed- like a Shepard of a sheep bearding dog — y know something protective?

UGH I LOVE THIS AUUU A

((sorry if you aren’t taking requests on this, I just wanna say it’s the best thing I’ve read💕💕💕))

Requests are always open! (I just might take a while because I'm slow af lol)

I wanted to get this out this weekend just passed, but I got a fresh 'rona shot on Friday and it took me out with more precision than a sniper bolt to the face jfc. I absolutely adore the thought of Gaz with a little birb (a pretty one ofc), but I'd actually already picked something out for him, so I hope you like it almost as much as your idea. Regardless, I hope you enjoy!

Summary: John Price has hand picked every member of his Task Force carefully to create the perfect team we have today, even if it hasn't always felt like that.

Notes: Written from Price's POV reflecting on the team's past.

Pairing: John "Soap" MacTavish x Simon "Ghost" Riley

Series Masterlist: Here

CoD Masterlist: Here

Prev | Next

Taglist: @heyitsropi

The first time John met Simon, he was only that, Simon Riley. The Ghost was yet to exist, and in his place, was a young man still full of life. He was friendly enough to the men close to him, but with a weariness toward anyone unknown.  

That caution, of course, extended toward John in the early few days. The first few times they interacted, he was strictly professional, his daemon even more so. The panther would stalk along beside her human, remaining in silence throughout all discussions, coming and leaving as quietly as a shadow. 

But over time, the younger man gradually began to settle. Simon certainly wasn’t the only person in the military to suffer from a rather poor childhood riddled with trauma and pain, and his team were kind enough to never push him too far. He would always maintain a slight distance between himself and the rest of the men on his squad, but he was often quick to smile and joke with them, telling what very well could have been the worst “dad jokes” known to man.  

Both Simon and Elanor seemed to revel in the pained groans his terrible jokes could invoke, smiling innocently as if not understanding why everyone was so upset. It wasn’t a surprise to learn that Simon had a younger brother, he certainly had the annoying-older-brother act nailed down perfectly.  

After a few good missions together, Simon was less reluctant to talk about his family with John in the room, discussing what he planned to get his nephew for Christmas, where he wanted to take his mum out for lunch during leave, and how he was going to get Tommy back for getting a stain on his ManU jersey.  

Simon was a good man and a great soldier, and John was disappointed when the time came for him to return to his own unit. John was to travel up north toward Herefordshire and Simon was to meet with some of their American contacts to help root out a cartel down in Mexico.  

Ghost was not the same person as Simon. He had the same daemon, the same brown eyes, but he was not Simon. He lacked the underlying gentleness in his eyes, and he’d grown to be cold and closed off toward everyone around him, friend or foe.  

If Simon’s daemon had been quiet before, she was dead silent now. Liz would trot over to the cat with a slowly wagging tail and try to greet her, but the panther would just look at her, before slinking off to go rejoin her human. It was heartbreaking to see a daemon who had only just started to come out of her shell become so walled off again.  

Sometimes he wouldn’t even see the animal in the same room and couldn’t help wondering where the daemon could have vanished to. Just seeing a daemon so far away from its human sent a shiver down John’s spine whenever he thought about it, his fingers instinctively curling themselves into the soft fur of his own.  

The reports he had seen about what had happened to Simon to create this Ghost, some of them first-hand from Simon’s own therapist, sent his stomach rolling uncomfortably, and the parts about their treatment of Elanor? He had sweat beading his forehead and Liz pulled into his lap. The rough collie did her best to comfort him, but he could feel her own distress at just the thought of such a thing happening.  

It took well over half a year before Ghost and Elanor were comfortable with turning their backs on John and Liz, and several before they were comfortable working alongside them. The Ghost and his daemon worked alone, but John and Liz were gradually, slowly, at the rate of a melting glacier, becoming an exception to the rule.  

This made it particularly difficult when Ghost was introduced to Soap.  

John MacTavish was, and still is, a loud and confident man. He doesn’t tolerate nonsense and will proudly stand behind his own personal morals and beliefs, even if it’s to the detriment of his professional career. He stands for what’s right, regardless of the consequences, and he’s entirely unapologetic of that fact.  

Soap’s daemon, Gwen, is a perfect match for him. A honey badger, just as unconcerned with the thoughts and feelings of others, and entirely fearless, even when up against daemons easily twice her size. They share a fierce aggression that would have most shaking in their boots, and John has seen firsthand even lions fleeing from their warpath.  

To say that Soap was a bit... much... for Ghost would be an understatement. Soap is so openly friendly with every team he works with, both verbally and physically, and his rather emotional responses to things seem to constantly have the masked soldier on edge.  

Since their first meeting, Soap has learned to reign in his emotions and has matured greatly with the help of experience and the guiding hands of more seasoned soldiers. But several years ago, fresh out of SAS selection, he was far too much for a quiet Ghost who could hardly stand having even John working with him at the best of times.  

While their first meeting didn’t exactly go swimmingly, it ended amicably enough since Soap didn’t seem to take Ghost’s reluctance to socialise to heart. Meanwhile, Ghost just appeared glad to have a break from spending time around someone so bright and bubbly, almost immediately vanishing on a solo mission for a week.  

Kyle was a much safer bet for working alongside Ghost. The young man, while inexperienced, was the top of his class and always eager to learn more. He was like a sponge, soaking up every little piece of advice he’s given and doing his best to apply it to his work. He always asks the right questions at the right times, and always thinks on his words before speaking.  

His daemon, a friendly marbled polecat by the name of Milly, was the first daemon Elanor was willing to open up to. She wasn’t insistent like many of the other daemons in the military, providing the panther with plenty of space, but always choosing to sit beside her, greeting her with a happy chirp. These simple greetings were eventually returned with small nods or pleasant rumbles, and over time, and two daemons fell into the rhythm of being at one another’s side.  

Gaz was always seeking out new things to learn and Ghost had plenty to teach. No matter how difficult the lesson, he would always have the determination to see it through to the end, and his mature, competent nature was gradually winning over the stubborn lieutenant. On the rare occasion where Kyle wasn’t with John, he could be confident that Ghost would have the younger man’s back.  

But Gaz brought more than plain professionalism to their team, he also brought the fun, youthful spark that the group had been missing. His sassy remarks during OPs and cheeky behaviour off the field was worming its way under Ghost’s thick skin, and John could see it in the way his lieutenant began to offer banter of his own in return.  

It was like watching a grizzled old dog interacting with a friendly young pup, slowly relearning what it meant to actually enjoy life here and there. Sometimes Ghost still needed that time to be alone with Elanor, but Kyle and Milly were drawing them out of the dark and back into the light again.  

More often than not the two could be found sitting peacefully together, doing nothing but enjoying the company of their fellow brother in arms. Whether it was eating meals together in private where others wouldn’t see Ghost removing part of his mask, running on the track first thing in the morning to wake themselves up, or claiming the bench under the old tree where they could discuss upcoming schedules or laugh at the young recruits just learning to walk, it was all done by each other's side.  

John could see the pride in Ghost’s eyes whenever Gaz managed to get an upper hand on him in training, he could see how Elanor now greeted Milly with a gentle headbutt, how trust was building between them and their team was solidifying into something unbreakable. Gaz was a loyal man, almost to a fault, but he had awarded that loyalty to John and Ghost and, in return, had been given it back tenfold. 

But the team was yet to be complete, and it wouldn’t be, not until John MacTavish joined them.  

John was admittedly still not certain how well Ghost would take to working so closely with Soap after finding the other man a tad overwhelming the first time, but with Liz’s encouragement and seeing how much Ghost was beginning to come out of his shell, he had no choice but to commit to the selection. Soap’s file reported nothing but constant rapid improvement. He was a talented, driven man, and precisely someone John wanted on his new task force.  

The offer was sent out and immediately accepted.  

Soap and Gaz were, understandably, complete menaces. Two young men eager to prove themselves and have a little fun while they’re at it. They’re thick as thieves and both just as determined to inconvenience John as much as possible while dodging reprimands like the plague. “A bunch of children” he’d called them one day, earning a grunt of agreement from Ghost, Liz and Elanor sharing a look of endless suffering. 

As for the relationship between Ghost and Soap, the best John was hoping for was for them to learn to accept one another, even if that was just enough to be able to put their best foot forward during missions. And it worked well enough, until Las Almas happened. Until Sheperd happened. 

Until Simon happened.  

Years of hiding away, and suddenly it wasn’t Ghost standing before him. It was Simon.  

Soap was looking right at him, and Simon was looking right back.  

Something had changed between them. From the report he got from the two soldiers about the events that transpired he couldn’t tell what, but it was clearly something significant. It had changed them from work colleagues to something far more dangerous. A better man would have nipped it in the bud before it had the change to potentially ruin them, but John has never claimed to be a good man, good men don’t last long in their line of work.  

If he and Gaz are a good team, Ghost and Soap are unstoppable.  

When they think he’s not looking, John has caught how Gwen excitedly jumps around Elanor’s body, learning against the dangerous predator and covering her with affectionate licks. More surprising, is how Elanor returns the behaviour, nipping playfully at the badger’s feet and tussling about on the carpet like a pair of kittens.  

It isn’t until he sees Soap’s bare hand brush through Elanor’s fur that he knows the depth of what they are to one another.  

He just hopes he hasn’t made a horrible mistake.  

[angryaggoria]

Huuuuuughhh saw your werewooves AU. I need to know the details about this AU’s wooves. What are the romantic implications (like Crozier/Sophia) - is marrying a woof taboo or considered honorable? Do some wooves try to hide their lycanthropy or is it obvious to everyone. Do they turn on the full moon or can they control it? Do you need to get bit to turn? WHO BITES JOPSON TO TURN HIM???? PLEASE I GOTTA KNOW!!!!!

oh boy let’s go (or, as i’ve typed it initially, let’s ho)

it turned out quite lengthy (1k words what the FUCK????) so i'm putting it under a readmore

1. ROMANTIC IMPLICATIONS

this one has puzzled me the most because there are a LOT of possible layouts and it feels too important to ignore or blur out or be careless in hope of retconning it later if some better idea comes. still not sure that i've dealt with it the way i'm 100% satisfied with but it's a start nonetheless.

the safest statement is that commonfolk werewolves are allowed to marry one another rather freely -- there is always a community of civilian lycanthropes and you cannot just... enlist them all at once or something. you have to let people live a relatively normal life, or there may come larger concerns than just a relatively small and idle population of half-wolves. i guess it is also possible to marry into such, but it is considered a taboo -- there are superstitions, and there is also collective memory of times when the relationship with lycanfolk was not that peaceful.

now, we also have completely different breed, all military and navy officers -- that's quite a decent party here! the church made terms with the idea a long enough time ago for such a marriage not to be scandalous nor innovative, and it requires a reasonable amount of registry paperwork. however. it is one thing to be born into a 'military' or 'naval family' and be likely to follow it the steps of your ancestors and completely other to have to do it. you're already born a perfect soldier, my dude, there is no way around it, and no-one lets you downshift straight into the slums and ghettos.

and this is not a social contract that most of the families -- and women -- are eager to comply with.

(i'm specifying women because, well, for obvious reasons it is a gendered question. it also leads me into thinking about what happens to girls born into such families but it's a matter for another... ugh... processing-through-a-longpost session.)

this is what, among a plethora of other things, influenced crozier and sophia's relationship! at the back of her mind she's rightfully afraid of what might come when they have kids and she has to send them out to who-knows-where, while sir john and lady jane are too familiar with this life to wish it for their beloved niece.

2. SECRECY & STATUS

victorian society is all about manifesting social status and disposition (as well as ranks, attitudes, etc.) through material attributes and fashion codes, so lycanthropy should be demonstrated in some way. for institutionalized werewolves it may be certain insignia, like an ornament or a badge on their epaulette. in daily life, maybe some fabric colours and patterns are considered to demonstrate their imposing and beastly nature lol -- that is sure to be popular among 'lycanthrope and proud' kind of guys; maybe it is considered an act of conscientiousness to wear something as a warning of your state or, on the contrary, to appear normal. it's a plethora of things to think about really! (and i'd be glad to hear your thoughts! because as enthralled by fashion i am, costume design and visualization has always horrified me)

speaking of physical differences between lycanthropes and ordinary people, i don't think there are any, so hiding your identity is entirely possible -- after all, that is why it has been an issue for years back. a person might lead a life without anyone knowing that they may somewhat effortlessly maul a sheep with their teeth and their teeth alone. however, if they get caught, they are certain to face repercussions, extant of which is defined by the amount of time they have lived like this and possible connection to crimes previously committed.

and it is happening -- way more often than they would desire, in fact.

3. MOON FRENZY & CONTROL

irresistible influence of the (full) moon is a cheesy little detail that i really like so why not! yet again, it adds to the whole 'werewolves are dangerous and need to be stopped contained under watch' thing. and oh boy do they get creative with the ways to suppress the thing.

to be clear: werewolves are able to control it themself but it takes training and a lot of self-discipline to resist a compulsion like this. the ways are taught inside the community, or by peers and superiors. and there is always a chance of failure, whether it be ill fate or external influence like certain substances or environmental variations (namely: prolonged moon exposure in the polar regions. yeeehaw).

that's why you need to know your werewolf suppression 101 kit!

first and foremost, we have good old physical restriction -- straps, shackles, cuffs, you name it. it is the cheapest and widely available way but they must be really sturdy. to tie them down before it's too late may be the safest option; maybe they will even ask you to do it themself! it is also possible to lock them up until it's finished, but watch the door. werewolves don't get dumb, you know -- they know it opens.

however, it renders a lycanthrope immobile and mostly insensible for a good deal of time -- and it is not easy to treat someone dear to you like this. that is why apothecary solutions and concoctions have proven to be instrumental in moonly matters. there is nothing impossible for a dose of laudanum! be careful with the measures though -- it is a nasty habit, especially for someone big and toothy.

4. SPREAD

of course you need to get bitten. at first i thought that there must be some difference between a bite and a bite in order for werewolves to be useful in combat & the spread to be really controllable, but that’s my vampire admiration blending in i guess. no such shit in our wolfish business. we’re talking BIG stakes here.

any bite may pass the infection. there are various theories on the exact principles of the process; regardless of them, in medical practice the method considered most effective to cease lycanthropy development is bloodletting -- however, it must be done during the first hours and does not guarantee success.

there is always a risk of occasional bite -- some lycanthropes are rather liberal in following Royal Medical Society's Guidelines, and even the most responsible individuals are not immune to misstep or wicked blunder. in such cases bite victim is devoid of punishment and offender's perspectives depend on their remorse.

if it was consensual intent, then well... you are considered equally responsible. don't attempt turning into a werewolf folks it's bad for your life expectancy

4a. who bites jopson?????

it is crozier who orders the promotion so imo it's only right, both in moral and administrative sense, for him to offer the bite. not laudanum nor coca wine could be as successful at relieving this simmering pain as gratitude and -- that jopson would have denied -- pleasure of sensing his devotion being returned.

[dubylou-draws]

*Aggrieved pufferfish noises*

[Translators note: "You’re always whining about not wanting to go to work, you’re always hitting on girls, and you snore SO loud!"]

(no, I don't know what a pufferfish sounds like either)

____

Merman Zenitsu and pufferfish Chuntaro!

I was backing up some files earlier, and stumbled across this dumb AU doodle from a few years ago. Seemed appropriate to colour it with watercolours!

Cute little Chuntaro is a prickly pufferfish in this AU... but that raises the question: what marine species would the rest of the corps use to communicate underwater?

Swordfish are extremely fast swimmers, have convenient weapons/ letter clips stuck to their faces, excellent eyesight, are highly migratory loners with a massive range, and... ugh, fine. They're the obvious choice, aren't they?

Most members of the seaman slayer corps use swordfish.

Further fishy ideas beneath the cut:

Tanjirou:

My first instinct is to say sunfish, but the mental image of one of those massive creatures drifting menacingly behind him at all times is just too ridiculous.

And yet... somehow it makes perfect sense? A gentle giant that acts like a shield, patiently sheltering his sister from the sun whenever they travel near the surface.

Shinobu/ Kanao/Kanae: Butterfly fish, of course! All with polite and graceful personalities.

Shinobu fights using a variety of marine animal venoms including stonefish. Stonefish stings are treated with the applicaton of heat to denature proteins in the venom... so if Douma's an ice guy in this AU too, he's in for a rough time.

Inosuke: Briefly had a cute little pigfish, but he ate it within a day. Now he just has a regular corps- assigned swordfish. They're also tasty, apparently... if only he could catch it!

Tengen: Really wanted a Fireworks fish/ some other absurdly flamboyant tropical fish. Instead, he was assigned a bland- looking, tiny little fish that's well- suited to stealth missions.

It's been thoroughly ✨bedazzled✨by now and loves him. The most popular family member by far. Very plump and spoilt.

Gyomei: Green humphead parrotfish. These guys are massive, pretty docile, and spend most of their time crunching through rock- hard coral with big teeth to scrape off yummy algae, pooping out the rest as sand. They are cleaners that are instrumental in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.

Gyomei's parrotfish is no exception; however, it used to be an insatiable glutton, to the point of destroying the coral reef it once resided in and being ostracised by its peers as a result. Wracked with guilt and with nowhere else to go, it received an invitation to serve in the corps. Its new master helped it learn self control.

Rengoku: There's no shortage of bold, flame- coloured fish species out there... but I reckon this guy just has the same generic swordfish species assigned to the rest of the corps. The only difference being that his used to be his father's loyal companion, and it's aged a bit, so it's not as speedy as it once was. It should've retired years ago, but refuses to abandon its self- imposed duty of keeping its master's son on the right path.

Was a rebellious playboy in its youth. Now it's a straight- laced military type, follows corps rules to the letter. Doesn't trust that slimy sea slug Nezuko one bit.

Sanemi: SAILFISH, hands down. Aggressive, vaguely wind- themed predator, and the fastest swimmer in the ocean. Both of them are pretty smug about that last point.

Genya: An archerfish would make sense thematically... but again, Genya just seems like another corps- assigned swordfish kinda guy to me? He definitely has a pet snapping turtle though. It's very small, and VERY grumpy.

Muchiro: A sweet natured blue- ringed octopus who wants nothing more than to be friends, but suffers from crippling social anxiety that makes it seem aloof and unapproachable.

Everyone is TERRIFIED of it except Tengen, who thinks it's flamboyant as heck, and Shinobu, who is simultaneously obsessed with it and wants to stab it dead.

Muchiro just ignores it, for the most part.

(Giyuu can relate).

Mitsuri: Blobfish lacking in self- confidence. Mitsuri thinks it's cute, and is absolutely correct in her opinion. Accepts cuddles from Mitsuri and Obanai only, and blushes at compliments. It's also insanely flexible, just like its master. Copes well under high pressure!

Giyuu: This man has a manta ray, no doubt about it. A creature of few words with a serene and peaceful disposition... yet inexplicably a huge social magnet that effortlessly draws everyone's attention (away from Giyuu). Especially popular with young merchildren, whom it often allows to ride on its back. Holds a deep respect for both its master and Urokodaki (who has a manta ray too, by the way).

Obanai: Had the toughest time deciding this one. A striped beakfish would match his colour scheme perfectly, but... I just don't think it suits him. A striped marlin, maybe? Anyone with more ideas, let me know!

Kaburamaru is a sea snake, obviously. A black- banded sea krait.

[meepthemeeping]

Cat Cafe (Lambert X Aiden, Modern AU)

Aiden was scrubbing the kitchen down after a failed cooking experiment. The souffle he was making had popped while he was sending an email. He had someone watch it while he was gone, but his sous chef was horrible. His little brother was at the dining room table typing on his laptop, being oh-so-helpful. Not willing to take this lying down, Aiden grabs a rag from the sink and wets it. With a quick twist of his hand, he wields his makeshift weapon.

There's a whacking sound followed by a yelp as Gaetan crunches up like a shrimp.

"Feel like helping?" Aiden gets a death glare from his brother, which only makes him smile wider. His eyes scan over the screen of the younger man’s laptop, then he frowns. “You’re supposed to be off.”

Gaetan was supposed to be on an involuntary break from work. After nearly being stabbed by a client, Guxart forced him to go on vacation. Even if Aiden didn’t agree with a lot of his decisions, the old man was right about this. Plus, it was nice finally seeing his brother again since Aiden moved up north.

"Ugh, I’m finalizing some documents; get off my back," Gaetan says, wiping his neck. "Ew." Gaetan's under-eyes were practically visible from a mile away; he'd been on this case for weeks now. While Gaetan is one hell of a lawyer, everyone has their limits, and the company he's with is quite demanding.

"Thank you," Aiden trills. The moment of victory was then swiftly cut off by his phone.

He can feel sharp, judgmental eyes on the back of his head. Deciding to finish cleaning, he ignores the sound of a notification. Knowing his luck, it's probably work. Or maybe it was Coen? He shakes his head, focusing on cleaning the dishes.

"So, anything interesting happened today?" Aiden asks.

"Same thing as always, a lot of reading, and Letho called to check on me," Gaetan says, smiling slightly.

It takes willpower not to groan about hearing Letho's name again. Ever since Gaetan met him, he had been drooling over that guy. Aiden already wasn't a fan of his brother's past boyfriends; he didn’t want a repeat of the last one.

Now there’s Letho, Gaetan's crush or possible new boyfriend. The older man was far too reserved for his liking. While trying to find information on Letho, like a respectable big brother, there was nothing. He had no social media, no police reports, and no old records of any kind; it's like the man never existed. The only thing he knows for sure about him is that he’s been in the military for a long time.

Aiden had never even met the man in person before. He knew Gaetan could handle himself and, more importantly, defend himself, but that still didn’t settle that feeling. "You’ve been going easy on yourself, right?"

"I'm fine. I’m still kickin’." Gaetan sighs, and he wiggles his fingers in Aiden's face to prove his point."

Aiden tries to bite one, and Gaetan quickly pulls it back with a small yelp. “I don’t think you need all of them.”

"Weren't you the one who said we needed to clean?" Gaetan points out.

"You're no fun."

"How am I-?" The younger man groans in frustration, turning back to wipe the kitchen countertops down.

After finishing cleaning, they both head for their phones again, sitting on the couch.

Shockingly, it was Lambert. If he were being honest, he thought his flirting scared him off. Part of him wondered if the other man even understood that he was flirting.

All Lambert starts with is, 'Hey, it's Lambert.'

The guy across the hall was something else. He had bright brown eyes that flashed under his dark eyebrows. He had a widow’s peak and a low-trimmed beard, which covered his dimples. His slightly hooked nose was still bruised, and a scar ran on the left side of his face. He’s hot; rouge-looking might be the best word to describe it.

He had met Lambert's type plenty of times. He’s just the usual snappish guy who acted all tough. There was only one thing that caught him off guard. He’s terribly cute. He didn’t expect how easily flustered his neighbor got, he turned damn near tomato red from just a little teasing. Part of Aiden would absolutely love to make him do that even more, but trying to fuck his neighbor is probably not the best idea…

"Is that a hookup or something?" Gaetan looks over at him on the other side of the couch. "You’ve got that look on your face."

"No, he’s a new friend."

"Oh, it's that guy you like, huh?" Gaetan looks at him with a judgmental stare. "Hooking up with your neighbor is a horrible idea."

Aiden sometimes told Gaetan more than he should.

"I’m not going to." Aiden huffs before curling into a spot on the couch. He quickly texts back, hearing Gaetan climb over to look.

AIDEN: Hey, Lambert! I'm still in town tomorrow if you want to grab some food.

"Oh, already going on a date?" Gaetan laughs. Aiden chooses not to reply, side-eyeing his brother. "Hey, he's texting."

Aiden whips his head back, and to his relief, Gaetan wasn't joking. Those three gray dots bounce around on the screen.

LAMBERT: Where?

AIDEN: The House of Cats, maybe around 1?

LAMBERT: Yeah, that works.

AIDEN: I'll see you later.

He stops himself from adding a winky face at the end. Or, more accurately, Gaetan wouldn’t stop laughing until he did.

Lambert sits in a nook in the corner, drinking a cup of black coffee. He watches the light rain that runs along the windows of the cafe. It was spacious and quiet, aside from the soft music playing in the back. Most of the people there were women and children, and some couples too. No one bothered him about his still-healing nose. The only attention he got was from a skinny blonde waiter with many, many piercings.

The tables were made of light wood, with matching chairs. Ferns were hanging from the rafts, supported by a complicated string pattern. All the cats were wandering around, some friendlier than others. He could get the appeal of spending time with cats without the commitment of ownership.

His eyes keep moving around, refusing to stay in one place for too long. He wasn’t nervous as he fought his leg to stop tapping on the floor. He had no reason to be.

"Ow!" Lambert is brought out of his thoughts, looking down at the mass of fur in his lap. The cat was chewing and then licking his hand like a toy, holding him down with its tiny black paws.

He would roll him off, but the fuzzy bastard looked like he was having fun mauling his hand.

He never had a pet that belonged to him before. All the animals he took care of were normally Eskels, which were mostly forest or farm animals.

The closest Eskel got to owning a cat was when he let a skunk into the house when he was seven years old. He thought it was a cat, and when he tried to clean it, all hell broke loose.

Judging from the story, Vesemir probably still has nightmares about the smell.

"You've made a friend." A voice interrupts his thoughts. Lambert didn’t even hear or see him coming in.

Looking up, Aiden is on the other side of the table, resting his face in his hand. Aiden leans in to look at the cat, his hair spilling onto his shoulders. "That’s Jasper; he’s the friendliest cat here. They’re not sure what his age is; my guess is two years old. He's a bit of a bastard but in a lovable way."

To his relief, Aiden was wearing baggy blue jeans and some kind of flowy white button-up. His top buttons were undone, showing off the muscles of his neck. This time, the fucker didn’t catch him off guard. Lambert had on his tactical pants, which, if his ex-girlfriends weren’t lying, made his ass look good… Not like he wanted to show it off or anything, he just felt like settling the score is all.

"Hm. This place is okay," Lambert says as he strokes Jasper's head, trying to think of something to say.

"Thanks; my friend Dragonfly spent so long trying to buy this building. I decided to help decorate it for its grand opening to celebrate."

"My niece would love this; she would annoy the piss out of her dad to come here. It’s perfect."

"Pft, please do," Aiden giggles. "I’m guessing she’s a big fan of cats?"

"All animals, including spiders for some reason," Lambert shivers.

"Dragonfly is like that; she partnered up with the animal rescue," Aiden beams. "All the cats here are adopted." He smiled big and brightly, showing off his teeth, and his eyes crinkled.

"Uh. That's, uh, cool." Shit. Fuck.

“Nervous, neighbor?” Aiden teased him.

“What? No. So, uh, what have you been up to?" Lambert asked. He has no idea why the hell he's being so awkward, but making direct eye contact with Aiden is getting more and more difficult.

"Work and more work. How about you?"

Lambert snorts. "Same. I swear my clients are trying to send me to an early grave."

"Clients?"

"I'm a private security guard."

"That explains the muscles."

"Thanks," Lambert nearly choked. Okay, it's just a compliment, no big deal.

There’s a long pause as Lambert does everything in his power not to squirm. The tension was broken when a waiter came to take Aiden’s order. The shorter man took this as a chance to focus somewhere else. He shifts to trying to drink his coffee as slowly as possible.

Aiden looks over, then cocks his eyebrow, examining his mug.

"It’s black coffee," Lambert says, letting his eyes drift around the café.

"I can’t stand the bitterness of that." Aiden scrunched his face, looking ridiculous.

Lambert simply rolls his eyes and asks, "So, what do you drink?"

"Mochas," the taller mews. "I've always had a sweet tooth."

Before Lambert could say anything, Aiden's eyes snapped to the floor as something caught his attention. "Oh, wait one second." Aiden makes a 'Pspsps' sound, but the silliness of it seems to be lost on the other man. Soon a creature trots over to Aiden and then jumps into his lap. It was kissed square on the forehead, which they didn't fight.

"What’s with the cat?" Lambert says this with a raised brow. The cat had a thin, long face, massive ears, and a skinny body.

Aiden snorts, "This is Milo. She's an oriental shorthair, they just look different. Don’t tell Jasper, but she’s my favorite." The man who kicked his ass was kissing the cat's foreheads and drinking expensive coffee.

"I promise I won't," Lambert says, smiling down at Jasper, who has fallen asleep in his lap… It’s nice. Maybe he should get a cat one day...

The waiter returns with two dishes, announcing, "Two white honey cakes."

One was placed in front of Lambert, causing him to blink at the waiter. "It's on the house," the blonde guy says.

"Thanks, Axel," Aiden said, corking his eyebrow at the waiter, who smiled devilishly. "This is one of the best cakes in the café; try it," he says gently as he puts Cleo on the ground. He waves her off like the cat would give two fucks.

"Uh, yeah, sure," He chooses not to think anymore, grabbing a fork. The man wasn’t fucking kidding, it was stellar. Lambert assumed the bitterness was from the tiny amount of burnt honey. It's just right in terms of sweetness. Aiden smirks more as he takes another bite.

"Good, huh?" he says, looking all too pleased. He keeps fucking looking like that.

"It's okay," is all Lambert bothers to say. The shorter man could feel his face burning.

"Hm, my favorite thing here is the carrot cake." The man says to him. It is confusing how this guy is so built when half his diet sounds like sweets.

"Is your blood made of sugar at this point?" Lambert mumbles swiftly.

"Probably."

"Your metabolism will catch up with you," Lambert says.

"I'm 35 and it hasn't failed me yet," Aiden says, smiling.

"You’re younger than me?"

Aiden playfully kicks him under the table with a grin. Lambert's eyebrows scrunched before he let out a small laugh. "Ow. My skincare routine must not be working." Aiden scratches his chin. "I’m going to have frown wrinkles like my dad."

Lambert just smiles and kicks back. "You'll survive."

Aiden cheekily nudges Lambert's foot with his, causing him to laugh. Lambert goes to kick him in the knee but his neighbor catches his foot. "Got ya."

"Fine you win! Now I would like to finish my cake."

They don't say much else after that, but both have a dumb grin on their face. Lambert watches Aiden finish the last of his cake, as he tries to balance a half-asleep cat on his lap. He wouldn’t admit this but the place was not that bad, especially compared to where he normally wasted his days away.

Once they were done, Aiden looked at his phone with a frown.

"I have to head back home; I need to pack for a work trip. Where did you park?"

"The Main Street parking garage," Lambert says as he moves the lazy cat on his lap. Jasper looked unamused after losing his newfound bed.

"Me too. Let’s walk there together."

Lambert doesn’t find himself arguing as the men go to the register and pay for their drinks.

A blonde woman wearing baggy pants, with her hair in a loose ponytail was standing near the front. She smiled coyly and said, “It’s on the house, Aiden.”

“Dragonfly, is there something I should know about?” His neighbor looks at her suspiciously.

“No, no.” Her face clearly said otherwise.

“Hm. Thanks,” Is all Aiden says before making the motion of I’m watching you.

The sidewalk had turned dark from the rain, and every step caused a small splash. The sun had begun coming out of hiding. Lambert tried to keep his eyes on the water pooling in the drains along the road; he did.

The feeling of sharp, almond-shaped eyes was hard to ignore. Aiden walked with a strut beside him, his chin held high—huh, he walked like a cat. Lambert huffed at the silly thought.

"Something wrong, Lambert?"

"It’s nothing."

"Are you sure? " Aiden’s voice has a smug flare.

"Yeah."

He tosses his hair over his shoulder, letting the light kiss the now honey-looking strands. "You know, some people there were checking you out. Maybe you can get a number or two there? Assuming you don't have someone."

"I'm single, but I don't need help getting women." Lambert snorts.

"I'm sure you don't; you're handsome, Lambs," Aiden said.

' Did he call me handsome? Did he just call me Lambs?' Lambert thought to himself. His face twisted, trying to decide his reaction to what Aiden said. "Thanks." Lambert puffed out trying to avoid another awkward silence.

They step into the parking garage, then head up the concrete stairs. Lambert stops when he feels a hand on his shoulder, for some reason, Aiden had the balls to touch him.

"This is my floor; see you around," Aiden says as he walks away, winking.

Lambert sputtered, but by the time he thought of a reply, his neighbor was gone. "Uh, bye, Aiden."

That was … Gods.

Getting to his truck, he sinks into the driver's seat. Today was weird. It took him longer than needed to finally leave the garage; his mind was caught in a loop. Lambert had no idea how to feel about today…

Getting back to his apartment, he collapses on the couch, knowing work is in a few hours.

It was just him and the silence now.

The next few months went by differently.

Lambert was lying on his couch again. He tried to make it through a movie that was rapidly getting less interesting. He frankly has no idea why this became so popular on Netflix when ninety percent of it is sex scenes and arguing.

His phone goes off from the other side of the couch. This better not be Eskel complaining about paperwork again. Lambert would be more inclined to do it if half of it weren’t disclaimers and safety agreements.

He finally moves to grab his phone, it’s Aiden. Whenever Lambert bumped into Aiden while jogging, he would let him tag along, and they would shit-talk for the most part.

The playful flirting Aiden liked to do still messed with Lambert for whatever reason, but he knew not to take it too seriously. Then Lambert started messaging back and forth with Aiden. It’s just kind of boring with him gone. He was easy to talk to, that's all. Nothing seemed to bother him too much, he didn’t have to put so much effort into coming off as likable. Even if Aiden’s cocky face was annoying, there was a respectable level of confidence in the man.

They talked about silly shit, mainly revolving around whatever Aiden had going on. Sometimes he would even get photos of things Aiden thought were interesting. Lambert would even rant about the bullshit contract he had for the day or talk about babysitting Ciri.

AIDEN: [image attached] Check this out!

From what he could gather, Aiden was standing on top of a building, looking out over a massive city. Why is he in Korath?

LAMBERT: Why are you in the desert?

AIDEN: Aw. Miss me? ;)

Lambert snorted.

LAMBERT: You fucking wish

AIDEN: I’m visiting some family for a wedding

AIDEN: What’s my favorite neighbor up to?

LAMBERT: I’m trying not to die of boredom. How about you?

AIDEN: I'm getting ready, and I'm not sure If I’m overdressing. [Image attached]

The outfit wasn’t terrible. The suit was a velvet red, which complimented him nicely. The jacket hugged tightly to his chest, then tapered down to his waist. It made him look taller; it showed off his lean yet toned form. It had to be tailored to fit him so well…

LAMBERT: Meh. It’s a bit much.

AIDEN: Damn, it’s too late to change. Oh well, I’ll be here for two weeks, so I can’t dress to the nines all the time.

LAMBERT: Sweet, sweet freedom for 14 days!

AIDEN: Yeah, yeah. Such a kind soul

It is all up in the air where Aiden is at any given moment. Most of the time, his job sends him all over the continent. All Aiden told him about his position was that it had something to do with “information.” He gathered that it pays well from how Aiden dresses and the collections of rather expensive knives he likes to buy.

It wasn’t like it was his business what Aiden did with his life.

LAMBERT: Whatever. I’m going to sleep

AIDEN: Night Lamb

LAMBERT: Fuck off, ‘Aidey’

AIDEN: Lol! Wow, that’s awful

Lambert smiled to himself as he walked to his bedroom. Sure, he didn’t see Aiden a lot, but it was nice having someone around. It was a break from the hell he found himself in. He tried not to think about the quietness of the apartment or how repetitive his days were. He tried not to think about how he’d done this to himself. At least his neighbor liked him, for whatever reason.

Lambert wobbles up the stairs again; he swears they get longer each time he gets shitfaced. The world is unhelpfully swirling around as he tries to open the door to his apartment. After leaving the pub, he winded up dinging his leg on a fire hydrant, which fucking sucked. Thanks to the gods, he still had his keys and even went to the right door this time.

Today was the usual: a shitty contract, then coming home to be alone. That's exactly how he likes it. Aiden didn’t even text him today, not that he wanted him to.

The problem now is getting the fucking keys into the lock; his hands won’t stay still. After maybe six attempts at opening the door, he begins cursing loudly.

The door could be heard behind him—of course, Aiden shows up now. Lambert’s heart raced in annoyance, mentally saluting Aiden’s respect for him dying.

“Lamb, something wrong?”

“The key,” Lambert mumbles, feeling his legs nearly give out.

“Having trouble with the door again?” Aiden walks over to him, reaching for his key. “Can I help?”

"Uh…yeah."

The door wasn’t an issue for Aiden; getting Lambert’s legs to function was the problem. Aiden wraps his arm around him, getting him to his busted-up sofa. His bruised legs brush the side of the couch, causing him to hiss.

“You’re hurt?” Aiden squats to his level, eyeing his legs.

“I hit… my leg. I’m okay.” He fumbled with his boots, letting them fall anywhere.

“I want to check your leg, Lambert. Mind if I roll up your pants?”

“I don’t need your *hiccup* help.”

Aiden sighed. “Sure you don’t.” The sarcasm was thick in the air. Lambert peeks an eye out from the cushions, seeing Aiden again. Aiden gives him the sternest stare imaginable.

Lambert glared at him in silence, feeling his face burn. “Fucking fine.”

“Good, thank you.” He says, rolling his eyes. He moves up his pants legs, examining the damage. A finger follows along the lining of the bruise, gently touching it. Lambert's toes curl at the twitch of pain; he chooses to blame the noise he suppressed on the alcohol. “This will sting for a day or two, but you’ll be fine. Have you had any food?”

"No," Lambert said, pushing his face back against the couch.

"Stay right there," Aiden says as he stands up and walks out the door. Lambert would get up to lock it behind him, but the couch was too comfortable for that. It took twenty minutes for him to return with a plate in hand, and the steam from it was slightly coming off. “Here, waking up hungry and hungover blows.”

Whatever was on that plate smelled amazing. With a sigh, Lambert moved to sit upright. “You’re not poisoning me, right?”

“Unfortunately, no. My brother and I made this for lunch; he had to leave before he could eat it all.” Aiden placed it in his lap; it already had a fork.

It was salmon with a side of asparagus, and without further instruction, he began eating. Aiden disappeared off into the kitchen to get him water, then went back. The food melted in his mouth as the taste of the savory salmon combined with the orange sauce on top. Fuck, the guy can cook.

“Do you like it?” Aiden calls from the kitchen; the sounds of running water and dishes being moved fill the air.

“It’s fuckin’ good!” Lambert says with a mouth filled with food.

“Pfft, thank you. My mom taught me everything there is to know about cooking,” Aiden returns, wiping his hands on his pants.

“Were you washing my dishes?”

“I was cleaning the kitchen... You looked like you needed some tidying up.” The man notably keeps his eyes from looking around the apartment. He knows the place looks like shit, and his room isn’t much better; there's no need to beat around the bush. “Now, how did you get here? Did you drive?”

“Nah, I left my truck at the pub... I’m there all the time. The owners know me by now, so they don’t care.” That didn’t seem to ease Aiden at all.

"It's three a.m.; you get some sleep," Aiden says with a heavy sigh.

"3 am? Fuck, I was out that long?" He scoops his legs up on the couch to get comfortable.

"You're not going to sleep on that couch, are you? You should go to your bedroom."

“Yes s- sir. Of course, sir,” He groans as he tries to stand up, making seven steps toward his room. The world spun too fast, causing him to tumble; the only thing stopping him was Aiden.

"I've got you, Lambert," Aiden says as he pulls him into his chest and balances him. “Gods. You could have cracked your head on the staircase.” Loose strands of Aiden’s hair tickled him as they whispered across Lambert’s bare shoulder. That’s when a smell hits him, it’s something tangy like an orange mixed with a mystery spice. He stopped himself from leaning into trying to guess the unknown scent, knowing he was being weird.

It took a bit, but Aiden managed to toss him on the bed. He doesn't bother to remove Lambert’s jacket.

"Drink some more water in the morning, and only take pain pills when you're sober," Aiden says as he pulls the covers over him.

“Gods, are you going to give me a goodnight kiss next?”

"Perhaps next time," Aiden says dryly. “Good night, Lamb.”

“Mhn! Don’t call me that," Lambert says with a loud groan, rolling away from his neighbor. Being both drunk and full, Lambert found sleep quickly.

He woke up to a cleaner apartment and a note on his dining room table.

‘Drink some water, Lamb - Aiden’

It was a month later when Lambert decided to go on a jog again. When he opened the door to his apartment, he was met with Aiden trying to balance groceries while opening his apartment door. Is he still here?

"I’ll help," Lambert says, grabbing the gallon of milk about to fall. "I thought you were out of town this week."

"Thank you; work got canceled last minute," Aiden chirps, finally getting things in order. For the first time, his neighbor looked tired; his hair was quickly put in a ponytail. He was wearing a plain white shirt and black pants—no jewelry even. "I might just be working in town for the week. Were you about to jog?"

"I was thinking about it."

"Well, I was planning to make coffee; care to join?"

Skipping jogging to have coffee with his neighbor doesn’t sound too bad. He looks at Aiden's soft smile, then huffs. "Sure, I can kill some time."

He follows Aiden inside his apartment and is immediately hit with shame. The place was clean, for one. It looked like something out of those house magazines Yennefer liked to look through and sometimes whack him with. There was a Polo black leather couch facing a nice flat-screen TV. The walls were covered in abstract paintings that took up any parts that would have been too naked without them. The most eye-catching thing is the glass display of impressive throwing knives near the open kitchen. An expendable Kunai, a fighter knife, a Bowie knife, a Ridge runner...

"Plan on killing someone?" Lambert whistled. He'd seen a few of the knives Aiden bought over text but had never seen the display before.

"Thank you; Gaetan said it was ominous," Aiden says as he walks over to the kitchen island. "Now onto more pressing matters, coffee! Want it hot or cold?"

"I only drink it hot, like a normal person."

“Ever had it cold?”

“Nope.”

"You sad man," The taller man shakes his head. "I’m making you my specialty."

"The fuck is your specialty? And do I get a say in this?"

"No!" Aiden laughs.

The thing Aiden called coffee was a mix of chocolate, milk, and whipped cream. It was a dessert with coffee flavoring. Lambert sat on the couch beside Aiden while he stared at the concoction he was expected to drink. The tension built as he brought the mug to his lips, and with one last sigh, he drank it.

He paused for a moment; it wasn’t awful, so he took a second sip.

"See, Lamb, new things aren’t that bad." Aiden beams, nudging him with his shoulder. He laughs when Lambert flips him off, sipping his drink.

Two weeks later, Lambert finds himself at a store, looking for something to pay him back. He found a cat mug in a cozy little shop near downtown since Aiden seemed to like stuff like that, and all he needed was one more thing to even the score. If Aiden liked chocolatey stuff, then he probably liked cookies. There’s only one way to find out. He moves to the display of sweets, picking the best-looking bag he can find.

"Hey, Lambert!"

"Ah, fuck me." Lambert turns to see Eskel for some reason. It didn’t make sense; he lived 30 minutes away from here, near the mountains, like Geralt. He had a bag of cornmeal over his shoulder, the nice kind. Chances are it’s for Lil’ Bleater; that goat was spoiled like a show dog. "Why are you here?"

"Love you too. I have a meeting at the office later. Now, what are the gifts for?"

"A friend," Lambert rolled his eyes. "They helped me, and I wanted to give them something, officer."

"Mm., that's nice," Eskel says doubtfully. "Are they a girlfriend?"

" I said a friend, dickhead," Lambert said as his brother followed him down the aisle.

"I'm sure you've heard the news about Geralt," Eskel says, looking down at his younger brother.

"About Yen's friend?"

Eskel pulls up a picture of a brown-haired guy who looked weirdly preppy for his brother's taste. "He is quite the character."

Jaskier was Geralt's newfound piece of ass. The fucker was even minor nobility. It wasn't unusual for Geralt to go out and find a dom, but he never kept them. The man would much rather live out in the woods for the rest of his life. The only thing stopping him from rotting in a cave somewhere was his daughter and them.

Ciri had spilled the beans about Jaskier, thank the gods.

"Maybe getting some ass will make him social again," Lambert grunts.

"I'll try to talk to him about it," Eskel sighs.

"Good luck with that shit," Lambert rolls his eyes.

He finally makes it to the checkout lane with a little more bullshit from his brother. Thankfully, the cashier was quick.

"Bye, Lambert. Good luck with your… friend."

[radicaldreamer017]

The thing is, the writers couldn’t get along on what to do with… or even what to think of the ship.

There were, disappointingly, quite a few anti/non shippers in the writer room. And turns out the Beneath the Surface writer was one of them, much to my utter surprise and disappointment (I mean… Beneath the Surface ? The episode with « feeling feelings » and all ? How ? Whyyyyyy 😫 ?) when the interview popped up.

The Thera/Jonah situation really didn’t scream or fit a « whoops, we’re actually just bros, my bad » scenario. Everyone (well, almost eh) always assumed they found each other again (and gravitated towards each other first) because SJ’s love was one of the rare things that endured memory loss… which will always come across as extremely romance coded (plus, I’m sorry but these characters were engaged/married twice before in AUs… implying they mistook the nature of their affection later on would have felt like a weird retcon if it had made it on screen). And any « this feels like we shouldn’t be doing this » vibes (which was definitely there during the cuddling scene) were about their « not allowed to be together » dilemma/personal tragedy back at home.

But, yeah, while one of the writers (Malozzi) was friendly to the ship, others were not.

Cooper, who did s9/10, didn’t seem to care one bit about them… and then there’s plain stated recent examples like that BtS writer we talked about… who seems to think it’s misogynistic for a main male and female character to hook up and be happy. Overdone ? maybe. But done really well ? rarely… but that’s why we need BETTER attempts , not LESS.

Brad Wright, who is probably the biggest writer of the show (I mean, if we have to pick a head chief among TPTB, I guess he was) is, I guess, what I would describe as ambivalent. He seems to agree something happened eventually between the two… but… Did it last ? Were they happy ? I was under the impression we would have gotten a « got together and separated off (ugh) screen » scenario (with a *will they/won’t they hook back up* tension on top maybe… or maybe not… I’m just theorizing based on whether or not they still care to dangle carrots in front of shippers’ faces… but it’s a known tactic to keep shippers watching in general, so… maybe yeah) if a new show had been made.

Because we STILL « can’t piss off the antis » (who’ll get pissed anyway if they have to watch them interact on screen), apparently. Yippee for sabotaging the writing before it even starts.

I really think the rules were a convenient excuse, not just for Sam but for the writers THEMSELVES because it obviously wasn’t the only reason they never made them properly canon. The SJ ship just wasn’t loved enough and disliked too much to receive good proper treatment… and it doesn’t help romance wasn’t the show’s forte either. It was mostly above all about the male characters vibing/bonding/snarking during whacky military space adventures in the end. Rest’s optional. Atlantis was even more obvious at this. Had a much bigger ensemble cast, slightly more women and diversity, but it was still mostly about Sheppard and McKay’s shenanigans in the end.

I don’t even believe it will ever happen tbh… the new show with Wright and co on board, I mean (with MGM putting more light on the old movie than the shows these days). Which is almost a blessing. Maybe it’s better not to potentially ruin things (further). But at this point, they either do it now or never because the SG1/Atlantis/SGU cast will continue to age and die as years go by… which leaves you with a reboot as the only distant possibility for this « universe » to come back. And whether they reboot the shows or the movie’s universes, it will never be the same as you remembered (we all want reboots/remakes until we don’t want them anymore and we get homesick for the familiar old).

Fanfics are good anyways.

It's been interesting getting back into both Sam/Jack and MSR at the same time, I get to compare and contrast really similar themes (secret duty, dangerous truths, aliens, government oversight, honor, loss of family, pining, devotion etc) from really different framing. The X files is a much darker show overall and Chris Carter's misogyny problem and hand of fate baby arcs are frustrating and painful, and yet the MSR fic has so much more room to be much sweeter and more openly domestic and a lot of times the stakes are lower because as much as it affects their own lives, the Syndicate and the threat of Colonization is much bigger than what they personally alone can bring about or prevent. They have guilt and repression and fear of losing each other or the work to contend with, but we're also shown that as long as they have each other they're generally okay even without the work -- I mean aimlessness and depression (and out of character writing choices) yes, but the Syndicate operations aren't that closely affected by if Mulder and Scully are in the basement office or not, so you can conjure up a wide variety of believable paths for them to be together with or without 'the files.'

Meanwhile Sam and Jack could literally be prosecuted for disobeying orders/getting involved within the same chain of command, they could get their team or the whole program taken apart thanks to that excuse in the hands of Simmons or similar, they're directly on the front lines for 8 years and they're repeatedly shown via the quantum mirror that Sam and Jack both being active members of SG1 is the only reason Earth wasn't decimated in a hostile Goa'uld invasion so they can't just resign and be together. For a second you think there's a window but then there's a new war and they make Jack everyone's boss and send Sam to a different galaxy and then put her up on a ship, and you go; Oh. So that's an endless set of circumstances, then. There's so much 'be miserably, honorably apart, serving and pining forever or the destruction of Earth will directly be your fault' baggage baked into Sam and Jack's narrative setup that you're boxed into either character-bending wish fulfillment (which is satisfying to read but hard to commit to writing ime) or the soul excoriating 'hanging on waiting for what can never be' flavor of overly believable quiet tragedy.

I'm finding I'm spending more time with the show where the skinny grey aliens with big eyes are a lot more evil and the themes are more bleak but the characters are less entirely trapped by their own best intentions 💀😭😭

[cherrycola27]

false god

Series Warnings: Mythology!AU. Language, alcohol, drinking. Military inaccuracies. Mutual pining, unrequited love. Allusions to and eventual smut. Minors DNI. 18+. Individual chapter warnings will come as needed. Banner Credit @thedroneranger

Masterlist Previous Part Next Part

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Chapter 3: Roses and Gold

"Minthe? What are you doing here?" You repeat as you take a seat at your breakfast bar.

"I came to see you, silly!" She sing-songs as she flits about your kitchen.

"What's wrong? What bad news have you brought me?" You huff, hoping to get straight to the point. "Why do you assume it's bad news? Can't I just come to check on you. It's been a while since you've been home and Hecate, and I are worried about you. Now, where do you keep your wine glasses?" She pivots.

It's always bad news

"Second cabinet to the left from the stove." You instruct her. She claps her hands before bringing down two of them and pouring both of you a glass. "I know that mortal stuff doesn't do it for you, so I brought a bottle of Dinoysus' special blend." Minthe chirps as she sets the glass down in front of you.

You thank her and take a long drink of the maroon liquid.

"So, spill, I want to hear all about this Rooster you're crushing on." She presses you.

You almost choke on your wine when she says his name. "Bradley is a coworker of mine. A colleague. A friend." You tell her.

"A friend—huh. So, I guess you were just being friendly when you saved him today." Minthe chuckles. You glare at her.

Just a friend

"Come on, Hay. I'm your best friend, you can tell me." Minthe takes a seat beside you and hits you with her pleading puppy dog eyes.

"Okay, maybe I have a few feelings for him." You relent.

"Yes! I knew it!" She whoops.

"It's just—" you trial off. "It's just what? Hades you, more than anyone deserves to be happy, especially after what Persephone did to you." Minths grumbles.

"Minthe, I know you never liked her, but I'm the one who hurt here. You saw the burn marks yourself." You remind her.

"Yes, but I don't think Little Miss Spring is as innocent as she claims. She did something, I just know it." Minthe huffs out.

Minthe was nothing if not loyal. She'd been wary of Persephone since the first day she'd met her. Never fully trusting her. And after what happened between the two of you, Minthe was one of the few still in your corner. She and Hecate had been your support group, and they were currently watching over the Underworld in your absence.

"Minthe, do you really think Persephone had me burn her on purpose? Do you think she chose to be scarred for life? " You counter.

"I don't know. All I do know is you were so in love with her, and you had never lost control of your powers like that before, and you would never hurt someone you love." Minthe finishes before downing the rest of her drink.

"But, that's in the past. Tell me about Bradley." Minthe shifts the topic.

"He's kind, smart, and funny. He's genuinely a good person. He reminds me a lot of Persephone, in the best way. But at the same time, he's different. He doesn't shy away from the pain he's felt in life, he over comes it. He doesn't let his scars, mental or physical ones keep him from being his true self. Bradley is just—he's different." You sigh. It's been so long since you've let yourself feel like this.

"I think he sounds wonderful. Maybe he is your soulmate." Minthe takes your hands and squeezes them. The smile drops from your face and you pull away from her.

Soulmate, ugh, you hated that word

"Minth, he's not my soulmate." You tell her. "You know I don't even believe in those. Not after Seph." You sigh.

"Persephone isn't your soulmate. She wouldn't have said those things about you if she was." Minthe defends.

"Even if she wasn't, I've been wandering Earth for three thousand years. If I had a soulmate, surely I would have met them before now. 'Soulmate' is a stupid word made up by the Gods and mortals to give them hope that there is someone for everyone, when their really isn't." You almost shout at her. You sigh and take another drink. The wine warms you from within and calms you.

Good job, Hades, push away one of the only friends you have left

"Sorry. I just—" you shake your head.

"It's fine. You have strong feelings about it. You're allowed to have them." Minthe reassurances you.

There is a long pause. "Hades, I know you think that you don't deserve to be happy or have someone in your life who cares about you, but you do. If you like Bradley, you should pursue him." Minthe tells you.

"How would I even begin to explain to him what I am?" You ask her. "I don't know. But I'm sure you'd figure it out." Minthe offers.

"He's just so good. Too good for me. I'd never be able to live with myself if I hurt him. I mean, what if he saw my true form and it terrified him. I don't think I could live with him calling me a monster or being afraid of me." You sigh.

That would be a fate worse than death

"Hades, you can't let fear hold you back." Minthe takes your face in her hands and kisses your forehead before hugging you. You lean into the hug. It really is good to see her.

"Now for the bad news." Minthe says as she takes a step back.

Of course

"Ah ha! I knew it!" You proclaim as you jump up from your chair. "I knew you were coming with bad news. What is it this time? What's got Zeus' lightening bolts in a twist?" You ask her.

"It's not about Zeus or the other Olympians, Hades. It's about you." Minthe settles into a seat across from you with a serious look on her face. You sit back down. You've never seen her look like this. She almost looks afraid.

"You know how we have assumed that you were still immortal after being cast off of Olympus because you reincarnate every time you die?" Minthe began.

"Yes." You nod your head.

"Well—Hecate and I were visited by the Fates a few days ago, and they took us to the lifeline temple." She continues. "And the Fates showed us your lifelines."

"Lifelines? That's impossible. I only have one. Everyone only has one." You tell her.

"That's what we said. But apparently, when all the Gods were cast off, their lifeline split into thousands of pieces. Each time they died before completing their quest, a line would snap. But they would reincarnate because another line was there. When the Gods completed their worthiness quest, the lines fused back into one unbreakable line." Minthe tells you. The gears start turning in your head.

"And because I haven't completed my quest, I never got the unbreakable line of immortality. I've just been burning through the lifelines." You say.

"Exactly. And for the others, it wasn't an issue, but because you've been on Earth so long, you've used several of them. But that's not the bad news." Minthe cringes and takes a long drink of her wine.

"Well, what's the bad news?" You press her. She hesitates.

"You only have one lifeline left. Hades, if you die again, you become a permanent resident of the Underworld, and not as it's queen. Your death would be the end of the line for you with no chance of reincarnation." Minthe drops the news on you. You suck in a breath as the realization hits you.

You aren't immortal, like you thought. You'd been so careless for so long, and now you only had one life left.

"Okay. I guess I'll have to be careful then, won't I?" You say.

Careful, sure

"Extremely careful. Hades, the next time you're home, I want it to be because you're taking back your rightful place as queen. I know you said you were done trying to complete your quest, but you need to. Please." Minthe begs you.

You promise her that you will. She gives you a smile and hugs you once more before she leaves. After she's gone, the scent of mint still lingers.

"Well, you two, it looks like Mommy is going to have to tone it down." You say as you look at Cerberus and Hydra, who are curled up together on the ridiculous large pet bed you bought for them. Cerby cocks his head to the side, while Hydra holds eye contact with you. You throw your head back and laugh.

"Who are we kidding? We all know that I don't know how to tone it down." You shake your head laughing before going to grab them some food for the evening.

Maybe dying wouldn't be the worst fate

It might be freeing

You get Hydra squared away with her dinner before opening the pantry to get Cerberus his. That's when you see it. "Oh no, Cerby, it looks like you've got just enough for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. I'll have to head to the store across town to get you a refill tomorrow." You tell him after giving him a head scratch. Even though he didn't have three heads, Cerberus ate like he did. While your fur babies ate dinner, you decided on a quick bite yourself.

After all of you had your bellies full, you showered before tucking into bed. Hydra and Cerberus curled up at the foot of your bed and the three of you drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, you woke up early for a quick run. Cerberus came with you while Hyrda preferred to stay home. After a quick shower and breakfast for the three of you, you opted to slip on a simple blue sundress and tie your hair in a ponytail. You weren't in the mood to match pants and a shirt today. You slipped your feet into some sandals, grabbed your keys and headed out.

You made a day of your pet food run, stopping to get your nails done and to pick up some groceries. You were missing home a little extra today, so you decided to pick up everything you needed to make moussaka for dinner when you got home.

When you arrived back at the parking garage for your apartment complex, you knew you didn't want to make two trips to bring everything in, so, using all your strength you gathered all of your groceries and pet food and headed to the elevator. Someone had just gotten on, and the doors were about to close when you shouted, "Hold the elevator, please!"

You had a hard time seeing over the giant bag of dog food, but you could just make out a hand holding the doors open. You dashed through the doors and let out a sigh of relief as you leaned the bag against the wall. "Thank you so much." You breathed out.

"No problem, Hades." You froze when you heard his familiar voice. You dropped the dog food and turned around slowly.

"Bradley? What are you doing here?" You asked him. He chuckled and leaned against the wall. You gave him the once over. He was in gym shorts and an old UVA shirt.

"I could as you the same thing." He fires back. "I live here." You tell him matter of factly.

He nods approvingly.

"So I ask you again. Why are you here?" You asked, praying that his answer wasn't along the lines of him visiting his significant other.

"I live here too." He shrugs.

"Wait—what?" You look at him with wide eyes.

"So we've lived in the same apartment complex for almost two months and didn't know?" You're shocked.

"Looks like it. I live in 1113." He tells you. "No shit? I live in 1013. You're my upstairs neighbor." You both laugh.

Oh, good grief

"What are the odds. Hey, do you need some help with that?" He gestures to your things. "If you don't mind, that would be great." You say just as the bell to your floor dings. Bradley picked up the massive bag of food and follows you down the hall.

"So you have a dog." He says as more of a statement than a question. "And a cat." You tell him.

You pause outside your apartment door and unlock it. You're just about to tell Bradley to set the food by the door, but he marches inside right past you.

"Careful!" You warn him, but it's too late, Cerberus is bounding towards Bradley. You're waiting for him to start barking, but instead, you hear the sweet sounds of Bradley talking to him.

"Oh, who's a good boy, you are. Is that your food? No wonder it's such a big bag because you're such a cute, big boy, aren't you!" Bradley scratches Cerby's ears and pats his head.

Never one to be left out, Hydra weaves through his legs and begins to purr. "Oh, aren't you a pretty thing!" Bradley praises her.

Obviously, your animals like him, why wouldn't they?

You drop your keys on the table and chuckle at the sight.

"What are their names?" Bradley asks you as he moves to sit on your couch, and they both join him.

"Cerberus and Hydra." You tell him.

"You're kidding? Your call sign is Hades, and you have a dog and a cat named Cerberus and Hydra?" He laughs.

"Well, if you didn't notice, Cerby, my Rottweiler is a tripod, and Hydra is a six-toed cat. So, they fit." You laugh as you start putting up groceries.

"How long have you had them?" Bradley asks you.

"About three years. I was in South Korea on a detachment. One night, we went into the city and stumbled upon an animal fighting ring. We called the cops and helped get the animals safe and relocated. Cerberus and Hydra wouldn't leave each other, and no one wanted to take both of them, so I did. It cost me a fortune to get them here, but it was worth it," you say.

"Wow, that's amazing." Bradley says. He thinks that he likes you even more now. You shake your head and roll your eyes as you unpack your groceries.

"Are you hungry?" You ask him. "I could always eat." He responds truthfully. "Well, I'm making dinner. Would you like to stay? It's the least I could do after you helped me." You tell him.

"I'd love to." He smiles as he takes a seat at your kitchen island.

You begin to flit around the kitchen, chopping, mixing, and sautéing. Bradley watches you with wrapped attention. You grab a bottle of wine and pour a glass for each of you. Even if you can't get a buzz from it, you enjoy letting the fruity notes dance across your taste buds.

"So what are you making? It smells amazing." Bradley asks you as you're layer the dish into a pan to bake.

"Moussaka." You tell him. "It's Greek comfort food."

"Greek?" He quirks an eyebrow at you. "Yeah, I'm Greek. First-generation American. My whole family is from Greece." You tell him. It's not a lie, but it's not the whole truth either. "Kolasi is Greek for inferno." You continue.

"That's amazing. Is that part of the reason why your call sign is Hades?" Bradley asks. "That and I used to have a pretty fiery temper back in day." You reply.

Bradley nods his head and takes a sip of his drink. "So your whole family is from Greece. That's pretty cool. Do your parents live around here, or are they back home? Do you have any family around here, or is it just you?" He continues trying to make conversation. You stand in front of the oven and freeze. He sees your shoulders tense up and knows that this is a touchy subject for you.

Your voice drops. It's barely above a whisper when you say, "I—I don't have any parents, and I don't have any family around here. It's just me."

"Oh." Bradley breathes out. There's a pregnant pause. "I get it. It's just me, too. I lost my dad at three, and my mom when I was nineteen." He tells you. You sigh. Bradley thinks you're an orphan like he is. Maybe that's for the best. Honestly, he isn't totally wrong. You stay with your back to him for a long moment.

"I'm sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to. You're just—an enigma, Hades. I feel like I only know you on a surface level. I want to know more about you. Especially if we are going to be working together." Bradley tells you.

No, you don't

"Well, there isn't much to know about me. I joined the Navy at eighteen, graduated at the top of my class in the academy, and in Top Gun. Thirteen confirmed kills, but I've never been in one squadron for too long." You sigh. "That's about it."

"If I wanted to know your Naval career, I could have read your file. Tell me something deep about you." Rooster prods.

"Deep? Hmm. I have a lot of tattoos. Does that count as deep?" You chuckle.

"I mean, it's not ocean deep, but it isn't as shallow as a puddle." You both laugh at Bradley's comment. "What tattos do you have?" He continues.

"I have the rose and dagger on my arm. Kardiá tis fotiás on my ribs. It means 'heart of fire' in Greek. I have a poppy behind my ear, and then I've got a thigh sleeve of every place I've been stationed." You explain to him. You decided to leave out the details about your last tattoo. You didn't need him asking questions about it.

"Is that deep?" You ask him as you take your moussaka out of the oven and grab a few plates.

"Yeah, and now I feel like mine is stupid." Bradley snorts. "You have ink?" Now it's your turn to quirk a brow at him.

"Yeah." He slides the sleeve of his UVA shirt up and flexes his bicep to show you the Roman numerals etched into his right arm.

You gingerly reach out and trace the black numbering. "Thirty-two?" You question him.

"My mom was into tarrot cards and fortune telling. Thirty-two is the number for strength. I got it for her after she passed. The last thing she told me before she died was that she loved me and to be strong for her." There's a thick tension between the two of you as his words settle around you. "I don't think that's stupid at all, Bradley. It's sweet." You smile at him as you rub a soothing hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks. I've shown you mine. Does that mean I get to see yours now?" And just like that, his somber tone is gone, and his happy personality it back.

"Rooster, are you trying to get me naked?" You joke with him.

"Only if you're offering." You smirks. You shake your head and shove a plate at him before you can do or say something stupid.

He digs in a groans when the food hits his tastebuds.

"This—this is one of the best things I've ever eaten." He tells you appreciatively.

"I'm glad, I think I do a pretty good job with it." You smile at him and revel in his praise as he scarfs down his first plate before sheepishly asking for seconds, which you happily give him. Gods know you cooked more than you could ever eat.

After both of you finish dinner and polish off the rest of the wine, you pack up some leftovers for Bradley. He insisted on helping you with the dishes, so the two of you found yourself side by side working on them. Well, if you were being honest, the two of you were goofing around and playing more than you were cleaning. You were blowing bubbles and splashing each other and giggling like children.

"I hope you know that you're not going to be able to get rid of me now." Bradley tells you. "What do you mean?" You ask him.

"I'm like the neighborhood stray. You've fed me twice. You're stuck with me now." He tells you with a goofy grin. You throw your head back laughing, and Bradley swears it's the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. He loves the way your wide smile curls over your face and how your nose scrunches up and how the tips of your ears turn pink. You look so at ease.

He could get used to seeing you like this. Happy and carefree. It's a stark contrast to the rigid pilot he sees at work.

Soon, the two of you finish up, and you dry the last plate off before handing it to him to put in your cabinet. You turn to toss the dish towel on the counter, but slip on some soapy water the two of you had splashed on the floor and lose your footing. Bradley immediately reaches out for you and grabs your waist to steady you. Your hands attach to his biceps as you regain your balance.

It takes you a moment to catch your breath, and when your brain catches up with the rest of your body, you realize what an intimate position the two of you are in. You can feel the warmth radiating off of him, and his plush, pink lips are right there.

It would take hardly any effort on either of your parts to close the distance between the two of you. Your heart is screaming for you to do it, but before you can, Bradley clears his throat and drops his hands.

"Are you okay?" He asks. "I'm fine." You say in a deflated tone.

"Well, it's getting late, I should probably get going. Thanks again for dinner." He says as you walk him to you door.

"No problem. See you at work on Monday." You call as he walks into the hallway.

"See you Monday." He chimes back as you shut the door and lock it. You press your back again the cool wood and sink to the floor. Cerberus and Hydra both walk over and look at you with knowing eyes.

"Don't look at me like that, you two. It's not going to happen." You tell them.

"It's not going to happen." You repeat, this time as a reminder to yourself. You could let yourself be friends with Bradley. You could even let yourself have a crush on him. But you could never let yourself cross that line.

It's better that way

Taglist: @roosterscock @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @mayhemmanaged @wkndwlff @roosterforme @daggerspare-standingby @dakotakazansky @startrekfangirl2233 @hecate-steps-on-me @cassiemitchell @na-ta-sh-aa @milestellerlover @katieshook02 @mak-32 @je-suis-prest-rachel @soulmates8 @sometimesanalice @diorrfairy @eli2447 @xoxabs88xox @djs8891 @roosters-girl @sebsxphia @rosiahills22 @dempy @callsign-magnolia @alchemxx @gretagerwigsmuse @sunlightmurdock @withahappyrefrain @lt-spork @multifandomlover4life @lewmagoo @bradshawsbaby @seitmai @kmc1989 @bcarolinablr @roosterisdaddy36 @itsdesiree86 @waywardhunter95 @hisredheadedgoddess28 @whatislovevavy @asshlyyyy @inkandarsenic @lillyrosenight @tomanybandstolove @jiminie-08 @dingochef

Join my taglist

[randomficrecss]

Eruri fic rec <3

Part 1

ugh they are so perfect, this is one of my most fav ships ever!!

these are gonna be all longer fics like 90K+ words but i’ll definitely post another part with shorter ones!

The Blue by bowowline

E | 176.1K | 14/14 | Hitman Levi, AU modern setting, Slowburn, Smut

“Look, kid. Don’t listen to what Uri says, you hear?” Kenny combs his hair with his hand, although there’s not a single strand out of place. “Don’t ever listen to him. You only have one kinda people you have to listen to. You know that, yes? Who do you listen to? Tell me,” he orders, kind of frantic.

“I only listen to the Family,” Levi says absently.

As a child, Levi refused to finish a job. He has not made one blunder after that. Twenty years later, fate catches up to him again.

Birds of Paradise by obiwhat12

No rating (check tags) | 94.9K | 14/14 | Hurt/Comfort, Sick Levi, Domestic Fluff, PTSD

On an expedition gone awry, Erwin and Levi find themselves stranded in the forest, fighting for their lives. They are graced with no other option except to put their faith in one another, despite their vast differences.

Under the same bright stars, they discover a new kind of consolation in each other that neither has known before.

In These Fallen Leaves by masksarehot

E | 210.2K | 32/32 | Temporary Character Death, Post-Canon, Hurt/Comfort, Smut

[Post-Basement canon-divergent AU] Ten years after the end of the war, Levi, still heartbroken over Erwin's death, is living out a quiet existence with a few Survey Corps survivors. But signs are beginning to surface that Erwin is not truly dead, and they're getting too vivid to ignore...

This fic explores (canon-divergent) choices that the survivors made after Erwin's death and their consequences for the world. It's also about healing, and Erwin and Levi learning to put words to things that have always been unspoken between them. And beneath it all are the paths, whispering to them that the fate of Paradis still rests upon their shoulders...

Corps-à-Corps by onthearrow (loved this one)

E | 223.6K | 25/25 | AU fencing, Slowburn, Smut

Meeting people in New York City is hard. When Erwin’s last good friend moves away for greener pastures, he joins the local fencing club in his Upper East Side neighborhood in hopes of rekindling both an old hobby, and his wilting social life.

-OR-

The newest member of Levi's fencing club has it all it all-- money, a highly successful career, overbearingly good looks. Levi doesn't have any of that. But he sure as hell wants Erwin Smith anyway.

The Means by calacreda

E | 130.2K | 16/16 | Post-ACWNR, Pre-AOT, Prostitution, Slowburn

'He hears him say “Do not tell a soul, Levi” and wants to laugh. Tell anyone? To what end? So that others have the images that Levi now has running through his head; of grabbing hands and harness marks, hard words and soft lips, of lies upon lies upon lies in a desperate attempt to get to the truth?'

Levi begins to notice Erwin leaving HQ alone and not returning until the dead of night.

Slow-burn, pre-show Eruri.

He Chose Titans by masksarehot

E | 486.1K | 43/43 | Semi-Canon Prequel, Truama, Fluff, Smut

Erwin swore he would never again be distracted from his fight against the titans, but when an unexpected bond begins to form with Levi, he must decide whether he will follow his heart or his head.

Mail Order Spy by 35g (Jaackdaw)

M | 230K | 24/24 | Slowburn, Espionage, PTSD, Fake/Pretend Relationship

2091. Titans are no longer the frail oddities they once were. They're changing, growing. Governments aren’t changing with them. The International Military Police is tightening their leash. Erwin Smith orders a spy.

Dresden by hedera_helix (one of my all time favs)

M | 334.4K | 26/26 | AU, Historial, WWII

When Levi acquired his false identification he knew that the key to survival would be to stay unnoticed and to contain the bitterness and anger he feels inside himself. As the tides of war start to turn against Germany, however, Levi finds himself in a position to make a choice.

CODA by crownlessk_ing

M | 222.2K | 27/27 | AU 80’s, Musicians, Canon Disabled Character, Period-Typical Homophobia, War Flashbacks

France, 1986 - The last time Erwin was in Paris, he had it all. Youth, love, success, and his place in some of the most prestigious orchestras of the world. His cello had been his faithful companion through it all, and many said Erwin was the most talented cellist of his time. With such a bright future, it was easy to pretend everything was perfect.

But a lot had changed in ten years.

Now, all he had left were ghosts in his shadows, blurred memories of what used to be, and a body broken beyond repair.

He hoped going back to where it all started would be enough to recover what he’d lost: his ability to hold a cello, to feel, to love. He’d been wrong so far. But there may be another soul just as broken as his, someone who was also wandering in search of their own missing pieces.

Final Tour by gouguruheddo

M | 131.9K | 22/22 | Friends to lovers, PTSD, Modern America, Mid-Life Crisis, grief/Mourning, Trust Issues, Hurt/Comfort

It's been twenty years in the army, and Levi is finally home--retired, bored, directionless. The world has moved on without him, including his friend Erwin. He struggles to learn to adjust, to deal with his nightmares, to flourish in a world he's never understood, only to find that Erwin is dealing with the same thing.

Pledge by EllaBesmirched (El_Bell)

E | 123.9K | 15/15 | AU college, Frat Boy Erwin, ex-thug Levi, Slowburn, Light Hazing,

Levi is not in a fucking frat.

The Laws of Survival by pasiphile

E | 120.8K | 7/7 | Slowburn, Dom/Sub Undertones, PTSD, Non-binary Hange

His friends are dead, and now he’s trapped in a world where he has no voice, no control, and no one on his side except for the bastard who forced him to join in the first place.

Trust doesn’t just grow in one day.

Vespers by Valisi (series)

E | 109.5K | 12 Works | read tags

A series of stories detailing Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman's private life together. Pieces can be read individually or as a whole.

Some pieces will reference things that have happened in past parts of the story, but it's nothing so major that you'll feel left out.

[be-the-glenn-to-my-maggie]

The fact that nobody has thought of a fastfood au where Spider is this neglected teenager working at McDonald's so that he can save up to like move out and get away from Qauritch (he's so desperate to get out that college isn't even on his radar atm) and Neteyam is this popular boy at their school who's is a year younger than him and comes in to McDonald's with his little sister frequently and Spider doesn't think he even knows his name but one day on their way out Neteyam turns to him and says "have a good day Spider" or some shit like that and the romance only grows from there with Neteyam figuring out his problems and trying to help him/get him into a good collage and I mean honestly people the fic just writes itself.

UGH I LOVE IT, I am simply shocked no one has written me personally a nocorro fic yet. A nice long one with all the pain and drama we've been describing but I want the COMFORT TOO PLEASE.

But anyways, you've brought up something I've been mulling over for a while now for one of my headcanon posts. Part of Neteyam's pressure and expectations come from him being the next Olo'eyktan. I can't figure out how to translate this into a modern au. Most of the time it'd be easy to make him the heir to a big company or the son of a politician in a weird Young Royals way, but clown couple Jake and Neytiri Sully simply do NOT have the vibes for that, nor does it fit their characters. I've thought about maybe Neytiri's family running a large non-profit that Neteyam is somewhat expected to take over, or perhaps something like the free clinic in my other au.

Either way, the reason I bring it up is because I love the idea of them both having similar but fundamentally different problems to bond over. This is what I mean, bear with me:

-Spider works at McDonalds to save money like you said. He's barely got any friends because he just moved there from another one of his dads deployments, and he's so busy picking up every possible shift he can that he can. He needs the money. He opens before school and closes most nights.

-Neteyam picks up Tuk from ballet practice at night on Wednesday's, because it is his parents Date Night. He gets his sister McDonalds one night because he stayed up way too late studying for an exam last night and he's far too tired to cook. The drive through is manned by the prettiest boy ever.

-By the third Wednesday Tuk is suspicious, but he keeps buying her McDonalds as a bribe to keep her mouth SHUT about it. At least, she keeps her mouth shut to the family. She won't stop talking to him about it. It's always "Neteyam, did you see McDonalds Guy today? I think he goes to your school, he has to. Neteyam, if we go to McDonalds tomorrow will he be there too? Does he only work Wednesdays?" She's like his inner thoughts because he wants to know all those things too.

-I mean, it's only a matter of time before Tuk opens her big fat mouth TO Spider. She rattles off personal questions like she's the goddamn census, and Neteyam wants to die.

-But, he learns quickly that Spider is a military brat and he wants nothing more than not to be in the military. It sparks something for Neteyam, because he wants nothing more than to be like his parents, and do what they do and do it just as well. It's the same sort of long shadow, just a different tactic for getting out from under it.

-Tuk is sick the next Wednesday mysteriously, but Neteyam is still craving McDonalds.

-It becomes a regular thing, but not on Wednesdays. Wednesdays he starts sometimes bringing Tuk home for a regular adult meal. But Thursday's he spends at McDonalds, and he brings Spider real food in Tupperware containers marked with the name Sully like Spider has other Tupperware to mix it up with.

-Somehow it becomes almost every night. Doing his homework in a booth, Spider joining him when he's free, sliding in and out. Neteyam's full attention on him every time he has a free second.

-One night Neteyam invites him over. Neteyam stayed until closing time and suddenly can't bear the thought of Spider going home, to no one if he's lucky and his dad if he isn't. Spider refuses and after that they don't speak for a couple days, silence in the booth. No one says anything but Neteyam still shows and brings Tupperware, and Spider still slides in to join him when he has a free moment.

-Eventually Spider agrees, and Neteyam is forced to show up at close to nine pm with a stranger that he has never mentioned but Tuk is DELIGHTED to see.

-Jake and Neytiri are confused but can recognize a tired, fairly neglected kid when they see one so they offer up the basement couch with no fanfare at all.

-Neteyam is slightly peeved because he was going to have Spider share his bed, it's a king it's plenty big enough, but Neytiri wasn't born yesterday lol. Even Jake is like nah nah, you've been gay since we watched the first Percy Jackson movie kid. Go have a sleepover with Tsireya or something.

-I think Jake Sully has a fairly excellent gaydar, honed from time in the military. You gotta know which guys to fuck. @dinas-bracelet this is the bi Jake Sully agenda.

This is a bonus because this is already FAR too long:

-Neteyam gets increasingly exasperated because no matter how many nights Spider is there or how long into their relationship it gets, Spider downright refuses to move from the basement couch. He will cling to it like a cat if Neteyam tries to move him. He goes boneless and becomes a dead weight.

-Finally Neteyam just sleeps down there one night. This concept has clearly never occured to Spider, who upon realizing there is no moving Neteyam (he can go boneless too, damnit), lays there stiff as a board mummy-wrapped in blankets to keep Neteyam's hands off of him. When he falls asleep though, Neteyam gets in there. Spider is unconsciously tactile, and basically spoons him the entire night.

-The next morning Neytiri walks into the basement to check that Spider is awake for work, turns around and goes back to the top of the stairs, and then walks down again really loudly to alert them to her presence.