shards-of-mortality

[shards-of-mortality]

my only toxic trait is that i flirt thru arguing

[shards-of-mortality]

“I don’t doubt it.” She laughed as she watched Armin make his way to the exit. She couldn’t blame him for leaving now. Hell, she wanted him to if only so he didn’t get bullied by their captain again. There was no doubt in her mind that he might very well “visit” her again just to make sure she was alone…Though that wouldn’t be such a bad thing…Rolling her eyes mentally at herself she heard Armin’s parting words. Even though she knew it wasn’t going to happen, she didn’t want to leave him with a false promise after being beaten verbally. “Of course! I’ll try anyway.”

She watched him go before she turned back to the task at hand. After finishing up in the stables she moved on to the dozens of other things on her list. Hours passed and before she realized the time she saw the rest of her fellow scouts moving toward the mess hall. Christ, where had the day gone? If her dearest Captain didn’t let up on this childish regiment she was going to quit. Or so she thought for all of five measly seconds before resigning to the fact that if she did it would mean going back to poverty and feeling worthless. After dumping the soapy water from the bucket she had and throwing the sponge into it she headed to take care of her last remaining task of the day.

The walk to the kitchens hadn’t been far but still enough to make her realize how tired she was. The day had been brutal and back breaking. Nothing she couldn’t handle of course but the toll it would inevitably take was something that plagued her. All because of one little sentence she had already apologized for. After grabbing her Captain’s dinner tray from one of the cooks she made the journey to his office. After a short pause at the door to calm her sudden fraying nerves, she raised her hand and knocked once as instructed before walking in. Setting the tray down on his desk she then just stood there.

“Will that be all Captain?”

Watching Armin all but buckle under the weight of their fierce captain's presence made her wonder why the sweet kid was even in the corps. It was certainly a strange place for him to be. Maybe he had a reason to be here? It wasn't her place to judge in that aspect. She was just happy she could fend off the irritatingly beautiful tyrant and get them both out of a mess. Mostly anyway. Now she had fifty other things to deal with and her whole day was now gone.

Hearing his words brought her out of sea of thoughts. He was so sweet to offer her socialization. It was more than anyone else had done. "Only if Eren keeps to himself. I don't want to have to put him in his place again." A laugh then as she continued to brush out the horse had been tending to before this whole squabble happened. "But seriously. Get out of here before he sees you again or we'll both be in even more trouble and my day is already spoken for. I don't want him to take my night too."

That. Had sounded personal.

It took her everything to not start blushing herself now, though it was for an entirely separate reason. Her mind was thrown back to the other night when she had almost garnered an apology from the man. The moment had almost been strangely intimate for what it was. Probably about as intimate as they would ever get. Much to her begrudging dismay.

[shards-of-mortality]

His words brought a soft smile to her face and she hadn't missed the small tinge of color in his cheeks. It caused the same to happen for her though it was much more pronounced. Her lips pursed and for a moment she wondered if this whole situation had been far too inappropriate. After all, she wasn't royalty and even being in his presence in such a state of undress seemed scandalous suddenly. No never mind that she had been touching him. Pushing all of her sudden pressing feelings to the side however, she managed a soft spoken answer.

"It's quite alright your majesty. And I have healed all your physical ailments my king. Anything that might have been plaguing you is no longer and will remain that way. My magic is not for harm. At least it wasn't meant to be."

She moved to stand then as if she didn’t want to intrude on him any longer. The very prospect making her far too nervous now. What if he didn’t take kindly to the gesture? Worry painted her features as she rose from her knees. She moved no further however, as she didn’t want to offend him too much. After all, she hadn’t been dismissed.

cont. from [x] @shards-of-mortality

As vulnerable he was in that moment, he couldn't bring himself to pull away, needing this tender moment, his hands in hers. As if she was bringing him back down to earth. The nightmare had rattled him to his core, and though he couldn't give way to much rational thought right now, it felt as though this was what he needed, to keep him here in the moment. Grounded, safe in the reality of this moment, unable to give way to the sinking feeling in his heart, that moment of pure, true terror that he had felt in his dream. Right now, in this moment, hands together, everything was alright.

As she rose, keeping their hands gently clasped together, he wondered what she might do or say. In his intensely vulnerable state, he did worry - if only for a moment - that she might point out how inappropriate this all was. After all, he was a King, and this was hardly kingly behaviour. But when she spoke, she spoke so softly that he was again put at ease.

"Oh?" he asked, unconsciously stroking a thumb over her fingers. "Yes, of course. I permit you".

[shards-of-mortality]

Continued from here x @handfulxfhearts

She waited in silence for his answer and it seemed to take him a while to work through it. To find a suitable answer that wouldn't give everything away. Did she know what he might've gone though? She could give a few guesses and none of them were good. All of them boiled her blood. Whoever had triggered this spiral would pay and potentially with their life if he answered a certain way. He would be none the wiser and free of one more trigger.

When he finally spoke she felt the absolute violence inside of her snap, boiling just below the surface though it wouldn't reach her eyes. She wouldn't let it. Never let him see the monster hiding just behind the blue. He'd run. Hide. She wouldn't be able to blame him. For a moment she stayed quiet to just absorb his words and reign in the beast. She could only muster a few words after. Though they were just as gentle as the rest had been.

"What happened? Did they say something?"

[shards-of-mortality]

he definitely fucks but there’s no way he fucks normal

[shards-of-mortality]

It was near impossible not to sense his presence. It gripped her even before she turned the corner. A feeling she had hoped she would never feel again. What had brought him back here? Though the question had entered her mind, it was quickly met with an answer.

Her.

He would never leave her alone for as long as she lived. Maybe that would be her reason for death. Or maybe it would be the knife she had to his throat now. It had been almost too easy to approach him. He wanted her here and he always got his way. It would never change would it.

"You and I both know that I don't listen that well. But you're one to talk about old times. You just can't let me go can you?"

{Closed Starter - @shards-of-mortality}

As the sun slowly began to disappear behind the hills, casting the streets in an eerie golden glow, footsteps could be heard along the cobblestoned paths. Even as the light was quickly beginning to fade, the man didn't feel the need to remove his sunglasses at all. If anyone had been around, they might have had the chilling revelation that he might have been able to see through them.

With black colored clothing, he blended into his environment as a silent trespasser - merely waiting, watching for anyone that might pass by. He stood there as still as a statue, until his head tilted just a fraction - as if he'd heard something. Or felt something.

"Don't move."

Just as he'd gone to apprehend the woman, something sharp poked against his jugular, permanently freeze-framing the two in a dangerous standoff. It was almost enough to make him smile. If he had any doubt this was who he was looking for - he was all but certain now.

"Come now, woman. You know that won't kill me - and if you were fool enough to use it - the consequences of your actions would be tenfold. One would almost think you want me to bring you to your knees."

His hand twitched, leaning a little more onto the sharp edge.

"Just like old times."

[shards-of-mortality]

"You're not paranoid Sid."

Should she really tell her that she saw her asshole boyfriend not but ten minutes ago threatening her in a parking lot? Would it really be good to stir the pot right now? Questions swirled through her mind as she let her response hang in the air for a moment. It wasn't like her to lie to Sidney but what would come of telling the truth? A fight and then what? What if Billy decided to go after Sid next. Would she be able to stop him in time?

It was her turn now to be paranoid. But she shook it off and decided to side step, if only a little. "I'm sure he's just busy and he'll call you later. But if you're that worried maybe we should go try and find him." It was an offer she really didn't want to make but if she wasn't thinking clearly then she wouldn't have her wits about her. Something no one could afford with a murderer on the loose.

"Come on. There is no use sitting around here when that's all you're going to be thinking about." Getting up from her seat she offered Sid the coffee she had bought her and urged her gently toward the door. It would be better for the both of them to not sit around and think. And if they found Billy doing something incriminating? Even better.

cont. from [x] @shards-of-mortality

Sid sighed with a soft smile as she sat down in the seat opposite Kiki. She should have known that she would instantly be able to read it on her face that she wasn't quite okay. Kiki was exceptionally good at that. It made it nearly impossible for Sid to hide anything from her, which, really, was a good thing.

"Yeah, no, I mean..." she shook her head, feeling stupid for worrying so much. "It's probably nothing but... Billy and I were supposed to meet up to hang out for a bit before I met you and... with the new curfew and everything we've just managed to find much time to see each other lately, so it was just supposed to be a quick catch up but... he never showed".

She rubbed her hand anxiously over the back of her neck, as though trying to work out a knot. She felt ridiculous for seeming so much like the girl who needed to know where her boyfriend was all the time, but right now, when people had died... was it really that ridiculous to worry?

"I mean, it's not that he stood me up, that's not the issue, not really" she continued, wanting to jump in before Kiki had the chance to say anything - Sid wasn't stupid; she knew Kiki wasn't exactly keen on Billy. "But... what if something happened?" she lowered her voice. "Y'know, with what happened to Casey and Steve... what if something happened to Billy? It's... it's not like him not to call..."

She trailed off, almost laughing at herself, shaking her head again and running her hands through her hair.

"God, I sound paranoid, don't I?"

[shards-of-mortality]

He was slightly shocked she hadn't jumped him. She was positively vibrating just from the sight of his blood and he couldn't lie, it was kind of an enticing thought to split his finger open further just to see if she would give in to her instincts. But that was reckless and would be dangerous for both of them. So he simply watched her down the glass with the faintest bit of control left. It never got old seeing the effect he had on people.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He chuckled as he met her heavy gaze. "There is more where that came from if things keep...Progressing the way they are." Was he teasing her? Sure. But she seemed to like it and he was more than in the mood now. If she kept showing such measured control he would definitely have a nibble. "I bet you taste even better though."

cont. from [x] @shards-of-mortality

She felt her breath instantly catch in her throat the moment he made the incision. That scent. It was intoxicating, like nothing she had ever smelled before. What was he? So many questions swimming around her head, and yet all she could focus on right now was that delectable, alien aroma. As he handed her the glass, her pupils dilated, so much so her eyes almost turned black. It was taking every ounce of control she had in her not to go into some sort of frenzy and then make a b-line for his finger. Cautiously, she took the glass from him, the closeness of the scent filling up her nostrils and causing her to visibly shudder with anticipation.

Dark eyes studied the liquid within the glass. Not only was the scent unlike any she had ever had, but the blood itself... so thick and dark it was practically black. The colour was the only thing that made her take pause for a moment - was this safe? Should she be worrying that there was something wrong with this? But another whiff up into her nostrils and all concerns subsided. It just smelled so enticing.

Attempting to show a little control, she brought the glass slowly to her lips, which she could feel were trembling. As the blood passed her lips and oozed down her throat she had to all but stop herself from knocking it back and pouncing on him. It was like nothing she had ever tasted before. As she emptied the glass completely, she savoured the taste in her mouth before swallowing the last of it and licking her lips, where a little had stained them.

She looked up at him through partially-lidded eyes, her pupils slowly beginning to return to normal, as she tried to find the right words to describe the experience.

"That was... intense" she breathed.

[shards-of-mortality]

Watching Armin all but buckle under the weight of their fierce captain's presence made her wonder why the sweet kid was even in the corps. It was certainly a strange place for him to be. Maybe he had a reason to be here? It wasn't her place to judge in that aspect. She was just happy she could fend off the irritatingly beautiful tyrant and get them both out of a mess. Mostly anyway. Now she had fifty other things to deal with and her whole day was now gone.

Hearing his words brought her out of sea of thoughts. He was so sweet to offer her socialization. It was more than anyone else had done. "Only if Eren keeps to himself. I don't want to have to put him in his place again." A laugh then as she continued to brush out the horse had been tending to before this whole squabble happened. "But seriously. Get out of here before he sees you again or we'll both be in even more trouble and my day is already spoken for. I don't want him to take my night too."

That. Had sounded personal.

It took her everything to not start blushing herself now, though it was for an entirely separate reason. Her mind was thrown back to the other night when she had almost garnered an apology from the man. The moment had almost been strangely intimate for what it was. Probably about as intimate as they would ever get. Much to her begrudging dismay.

cont. from [x] @shards-of-mortality

Armin consistently felt himself between a rock and a hard place - he wanted to please the Captain, to do well within the Survey Corps, and he wanted to be seen by the higher ups as someone worthy of being there. But on the other hand, he felt it so unfair the way in which Levi was treating Kiki. He wanted to do as she did, and tell him exactly what he thought. But as always, that sinking, cowardly feeling in his chest became overwhelming, and he hadn't the heart to dare.

He sighed at her words, wishing he could give a better response than 'sorry'. All he ever seemed to be any good at was apologising. He cursed himself inwardly for being such a wet-blanket.

"Yeah, I know... I just... I just wanted to help". He knew that she understood, and it was clear that she harboured no ill will against him. He just really wanted her to know that he was trying to help. The last thing he had wanted to do was get her into more bother. As such, she was right... he ought to find something else to do, until Kiki was finished with the mountain of chores Levi had bestowed - unfairly - upon her. He didn't want to get either of them into more trouble.

He blushed a little, thinking it sweet that she was thinking of him, and not wanting him to be shouted at by Levi again. At this point in his life, Armin was used to everyone shouting at him, or picking on him. Aside from Eren and Mikasa, it was something he had come to expect from most. But it seemed like Kiki had his back too. He smiled at her, though his cheeks were still bright pink.

"Thanks, Kiki. I might go and see if Hanji needs a hand with anything... I'm sure she'll appreciate someone to listen to her crazy science" he said, with a soft laugh. Armin was wasted on tasks that required any sort of strength - brain power was where his true prowess lay. "You, er... can come find me later, if you like? Maybe we can hang out or something?"

[shards-of-mortality]

She could tell he was having a hard time with believing her words. While it was painful it was also understandable. This had happened before after all and it mattered little that she meant it this time. But it was relieving for him to still be here and pulling her so close...He had every right to leave her. She just hope he never would.

"A friend needed my help..." A pause as she fought back more tears. "But she's gone now and I no longer need to return." The answer was cryptic at best. She just hoped he would accept it so that she wouldn't have to elaborate further. The situation had been traumatic and she wished to process it in peace.

Pulling away just enough she met his gaze once more. "I won't be going anywhere again and I hope with time you can see that. But I swear to you I will never stop showing you how much I love you. Not with just my actions. But my words. Every promise I make you from now until the end."

cont. from [x] @shards-of-mortality

He honestly didn't know how much he believed her promise, and he knew it was unfair to make her make such a promise, but he wanted to believe it. Believe that she would be content just to stay with him, not to leave again, for whatever reason. But he couldn't bring himself to fully accept her words, no matter how much he wished he could.

With a sigh, he pulled her close to him again, his arms wrapped tightly around her as though he physically wanted to keep her by his side, unwilling to let go.

"Why did you, Mami?" he finally found himself asking, not entirely sure if he wanted to know the answer. "Why did you leave?"

[shards-of-mortality]

"Please. Don't be afraid."

Her hands parted from his before gently cupping his face. There wasn't really a way yo make the process of healing him look less...Odd. Blue eyes glazed over white and for a moment they held a green glow. A warmth radiated from her touch as she whispered her incantation, silently hoping he wouldn't bat her hands away. Throw her to the floor and call her a monster. It seemed unlikely but her hands still shook from fear.

A moment later her touch fell away and her eyes returned to normal. "You no longer have to glamor yourself my king. This is my gift to you for being so kind to me. I owe you a great deal and would like to start here." Was that too bold? The question hung in her mind as she braced herself for his reaction.

cont. from [x] @shards-of-mortality

As vulnerable he was in that moment, he couldn't bring himself to pull away, needing this tender moment, his hands in hers. As if she was bringing him back down to earth. The nightmare had rattled him to his core, and though he couldn't give way to much rational thought right now, it felt as though this was what he needed, to keep him here in the moment. Grounded, safe in the reality of this moment, unable to give way to the sinking feeling in his heart, that moment of pure, true terror that he had felt in his dream. Right now, in this moment, hands together, everything was alright.

As she rose, keeping their hands gently clasped together, he wondered what she might do or say. In his intensely vulnerable state, he did worry - if only for a moment - that she might point out how inappropriate this all was. After all, he was a King, and this was hardly kingly behaviour. But when she spoke, she spoke so softly that he was again put at ease.

"Oh?" he asked, unconsciously stroking a thumb over her fingers. "Yes, of course. I permit you".

[shards-of-mortality]

Sometimes I wish I could go back to absolute euphoria that was 2017. I haven’t known a hyperfixation like that since.

[shards-of-mortality]

Maybe tomorrow I will make that side blog…

[shards-of-mortality]

That’s hot…

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“As stupid as you looked when I wore your sweater~”

“Oh I’ve got more than your number dear shark. Let’s not lie here~”

[shards-of-mortality]

“Oh I’ve got more than your number dear shark. Let’s not lie here~”

“Some people are into that. I mean you definitely are.”

[shards-of-mortality]

“Some people are into that. I mean you definitely are.”

"All fuckin' crazy."