#'poisoned daggers'???? surely that wasn't the best i could come up with

[kmenkea]

Bloodlust - Part 4 "A night of passion"

Summary: For the first time in days, Astarion and Leeith have an evening free from any burden; an evening they'll spend in each other's cold embrace, laying on a pretty clearing in the forest.

Content: NSFW chapter. (finally) pretty tame sex and a bit of orgasm denial/teasing (the real kinky stuff will come later, dw, I just think their relationship needs to develop more for that). Blood sucking because, you know, hot.

Please comment and tell me what you think or if you have any critiques.

Word Count: 5.5k

Read on AO3

Leeith was in charge of cooking that evening at camp. A few pans were in front of her, frying fresh water fish with a side of mushrooms and carrots. A few times already, someone had jokingly asked if poison was her people's special spice or if she could serve antidotes instead of wine and beer. She really wanted to throw some broken glass in the dinner, since that could kill everyone without it being technically poison, but she still needed her companions. No mass killings today, unfortunately. 

Besides, she wanted to enjoy eating the food she prepared: in the underdark she only had two choices, either go to a tavern where no one had ever heard of her - pretty hard since she led a group of criminals - or learn how to cook. Any other food was probably laced with poisons and it was better to starve and be safe. 

After sunset, everyone got round the campfire for dinner. They inspected their dishes and smelt them conspicuously, except for Karlach and Lae’zel, who ate without a fuss. The drow kept smiling at her companions, explaining the properties of different poisonous mushrooms they had in the underdark, but a certain sense of resentment and loneliness flared up her bile, turning into anger. Sure, she did play into the stereotypes of her people sometimes, especially against her enemies, but not once she had laid a finger against her party, except for Gale, who really only got threatened. If this was going to last much longer, filling up the food of whoever crossed her with poison would be the least she was going to do. 

She glanced at each and everyone of her companions, studying them as they drank and laughed. Few had done nothing to cross her, but it was probably just a matter of time before they too, would betray her trust in some way. It was better to be ready to act and free herself of dead weight before they’d try to cut her in half or make her head explode… or place a dagger in her throat. Astarion was staring at her from behind the fire with a knowing smirk. He wasn’t eating for obvious reasons, but still partook in conversation. 

He wasn’t trustworthy either. His personality would have fit well in the underdark, so sly and agile, the perfect backstabber. Leeith smiled back at him. He was fun though, so he would get a pass for the time being. 

The first to leave the gathering was Lae’zel, who wanted to be ready for the morning, then Shadowheart, after finishing a last cup of wine. Gale, Wyll and at last Karlach went away to take care of things in their tents. Leeith remained in front of the fire pit, readying her small alchemy set. Along with her was the vampire, who was lost with his eyes pointed up, stargazing. For a while, she ignored him, getting ingredients ready in different little pots, glancing between the notes and a small scale to weigh the right amount of herbs and oils. Only when everything was put over coals to heat up gently, did she sit beside the vampire. He noticed her presence getting closer and twisted his head to look at her. There wasn't an expression on his face, neither happiness nor rage. 

"How are you feeling, Astarion?" She crossed her legs, showing him a gentle smile. 

"I'm brooding. Nights like this are made for reliving the best moments of your life." If he was sad or genuine, she couldn't tell. 

"Don't you get enough of that in your trance?" She giggled a bit to ease the atmosphere.

"You see, my memories are not what you could call… charming, darling. But they are quite striking." He didn't seem to pay much mind to what he said, waving his hands in the air like a drama actor. Leeith shrugged: telling him to just remember other things while trancing probably wasn't the greatest advice she could give, so she was left with the next best solution after ignoring the problem.

"Want to get drunk again tonight? Properly this time. And then you can try to beat me at a knife throwing competition." She made the knife spin in the air, the blade still stained in green from some alchemy ingredient. Before she could catch it again, Astarion snatched it by the blade, pointing its handle towards her. 

"I had something better in mind." He sat up to get closer to her. His voice was lower both in tone and volume.

"And what might that be?" She returned a coy little grin, leaning towards him. 

"It's a quiet evening for once. Perfect for two people who want to take some time for themselves, if you catch my meaning." He caressed her jaw with just one finger, lingering for a few seconds on the soft flesh connecting her head and neck. "And I do mean sex, to be clear. We've been waiting long enough." He laughed, letting go of her. Leeith smirked: if it was up to her, she would have already jumped, pin him to the ground and taken her pleasures. A glance around the camp changed her mind.

"Alright, but where will we go?" She held his hand, feeling his cold skin under her thumb.

"Let's find our own little place of nowhere. Somewhere we can lose ourselves and forget all this madness." He motioned at the camp and their heads, trapping her gaze in his. The vampire reached for her shoulder, pulling her closer as if to share a secret. His lips barely grazed on her ear. "There's a secluded place nearby that should do nicely. Wait until the others are asleep, then come find me there."

"I'll see you there." She purred in his ear, tightening her grasp on his hand.

"Indeed you will, my love. I can't wait." They let go of one another, and after one last glance, they both went in different directions. Leeith returned to brew her potions, biting her lips in anticipation and daydreaming about the night to come. 

One by one, candles and torches were snuffed out, plunging the little camp they had in darkness; all shades of grey and black for the drow, but all perfectly visible up to the edges of the hill. Even her campfire had mostly died down, but she didn't care to fix it since she would be going away shortly. The drow was thinking of what they would be doing together, but had very little knowledge of what the vampire actually liked or wanted, except her blood. Even though she had many partners in her life, she was never good at reading what they wanted or preferred. Long term relationships were better for that, but those came with a long list of other problems, ones much harder to deal with. 

Even whilst laying down, she saw Astarion quietly sneak away, in a flash of white. A burst of energy ran down her spine, telling her to jump up and follow him… but it would have been funnier to let him wait, get a bit desperate and arrive just as he realised this might have all been a fluke. And so she waited, getting herself ready for him, fixing her eye liner in the mirror he used, wearing delicate jewellery and a light perfume. If she wasn't camping out in the forest, she would have worn her best underwear, something lacey and silky. The softest thing she had here was her bare skin. 

After making sure everyone was truly asleep, she went for the forest, throwing a long cloak over her shoulders. She didn't really know where this place was, but it couldn't have been too far. The drow paid close attention to any nook and cranny for a silver flash or anything alerting her of the vampire's presence, but even with that knowledge, she was surprised when he appeared right in front of her, wearing only a smile and his trousers. His slim body stood out from the darkness of the trees, almost shining as bright as the moon. He opened his arms, getting closer.

Leeith took a deep breath, letting go of all her worries and grievances for tonight. She wasn't going to let anything spoil her fun: only the gods knew when another moment of respite was going to come and she didn't want to ruin what could have very well been her last one. She bit her lip, feeling a certain tingling sensation build up in her lower abdomen. 

"There you are, I've been waiting. Waiting since the moment I set eyes on you." With each word he took one small step closer, filling her vision with his presence. "Waiting to have you." He smelled of citrus and rosemary cologne.

"Mhh, you don't have me yet." She smirked, taking one small step backwards. His words were so inviting for the occasion: picture perfect, as if he knew exactly what everyone wanted to hear. He was going to need a bit more effort than that. 

"Don't I? You're here. And, I don't think you want to talk." He lifted his eyebrow in a knowing gaze. "I think you want to be known, to be tasted." His voice turned low and silky, while a hand reached up for her chin, raising it to have a better look. 

"And what do you want?" She reached up to intertwine their fingers, feeling the skin of his hand, every little scar and wrinkle. It was cold like the night, but as soft as autumn air.

"What does everyone want? Pleasure. Yours. Mine. Our collective ecstasy." In a rush, he grabbed both of her hands, placing a kiss on each of them, and then on the wrist, running his lips upwards the inner part of the forearm. Leeith was pleasantly surprised by all this fanfare: she was expecting a much more… detached approach to the night: lay on the ground, have fun for some time and be on their way. She wasn't expecting the vampire to still court her.

"Isn't that what you want? To lose yourself in me?" He tensed up as if he was afraid of something, maybe being rejected again, thought the drow. Leeith rolled her eyes at all this cloying sweetness and, with a smirk, unclasped the pin holding her cape. The woollen cloth fell at her feet with a soft thud, revealing her naked body, covered only in a few golden chains. 

The vampire raised an eyebrow, looking at her from head to toe and back: he was surprised, but certainly content with how things were going. Without another moment lost to talk, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. Leeith shivered when their naked chests met: she expected heat, what any partner had offered her, but this was closer to hugging a soft marble column. Not that it mattered now, as she crossed her arms above his shoulders, pulling him down towards her. 

His lips were soft and the drow could feel his fangs pressing on her. She grabbed his face, pushing herself closer, so that he'd open his mouth. The taste of his tongue, of his teeth, it was so metallic, like iron and copper. She liked it, and went ahead to twist their tongues together. 

The vampire wasn't going to stand there and take it passively. His hands ran down to her hips, feeling the curve of her bottom, his fingers sank into the soft flesh of her thighs and then swiftly he lifted her high. The drow gasped when she suddenly lost the ground from below her feet, looking down with a smile. The elf pushed her against a tree; The bark was rough against her back, but she had worse in the past; a few scratches weren’t going to intimidate her. 

Astarion kissed her again, but it was just a small peck, enough to have all of the attention back to him. “I’ve got more cards up my sleeve.” He caught her gaze and went for her mouth, clinging to her warm body, pushing himself ever closer. Leeith locked her legs tighter, not because she was afraid to slip, but to feel all of him. His hard muscles, tensed from lifting her, the little scars all over his back, from ancient battles or… something worse probably. No reason to think about that now and bring down the mood. 

No, what she was concentrating on was much more appealing, firing her mind with images and possibilities. With her legs so tight around his hips, she could feel his hard length pressing on her core. It must have been painful to have it so constricted, but it was even more painful for her to feel it rub against her clit, sparking a faint pleasure that inflamed her, rising so slowly it almost annoyed her. She was greedy and already wanted a lot more than just some kisses and his hands groping her ass. 

She planted both her feet on the tree behind her and pushed them. Astarion lost his balance, stumbled back a few steps, and fell down on the cold grass. The drow lunged on top of him like a feral beast, placing her hands at either side of his head. Her short hair cascaded in front of her face, wild like the look on her eyes. She grinned and bit her lip, admiring Astarion below her. His curls were a bit less perfect and his face had a tinge of shock. It disappeared in an instant, as he grabbed her hips and forced her to sit down on him. She tasted iron and copper again, as they both claimed each other’s mouth. 

And then the vampire raised his hips, rubbing his length on her and earning a small moan. Leeith felt so turned on: she didn’t know if it was the fact she hadn’t fucked in so long or if she just wanted him that much, but she was sure her pussy had started to throb and claim more. She sat up, panting and licking her lips. If it was any normal man, the drow would have already tied his hands up, slashed his trousers and pants and taken her pleasures. Any male drow would have been more than fine with that and she wouldn’t care about a surface dweller, but the vampire was another problem: whips and ropes or any other fun tool were probably out of the picture. She took one deep breath to calm herself, then grabbed his right hand, gently raising it up. 

“Is there anything you don’t like, Astarion? What is it that you don’t want me to do?” Her thumb again went to feel his skin, slowing the pace of their act. 

“Darling, if I’m bedding a drow it is because I want it wild and risky. Where’s all the energy from earlier, mh?” He tightened his grip on her hips and tried to push her to the side, but she stood her ground and smiled gently. Leeith broke eye contact to look at her finger following the wrinkles of his palm, caressing them gently. 

“I don’t want you to pull out any dagger or weapon - except the ones in your pants and mouth, to be clear - nor cast any spells without asking.” She locked her eyes on his again. His expression had mellowed out, from a cocky and pompous one, to serious and huffed. “Show a blade anywhere near the vicinity of me, and I’ll be the one to blast your body against a tree.” He took a few seconds to answer, his hand following the line of her thigh down to the ground. 

“I- I don’t want you to pose as my mistress or owner.” There was pain in his voice, but an instant later his defences were up again and all the sorrow was hidden behind a snarky smirk. “Like asking a fish not to swim, I know. Woe is you, little drow.” He chuckled and, this time with more force, managed to get back up on top of her. Leeith laughed, letting him take control. 

Astarion was gently following the curves of her body, avoiding the many little scars that punctuated it. His soft touch made her shiver when he reached the waist, yet his fingers kept creeping downwards, past her navel, threatening to give her pleasure at any moment. She needed that, but she wanted something else before, something that could make the whole night a lot more magical.

The drow raised his head by the chin, and with just a smile, freed her neck from any hair, exposing the puncture scars. 

“Why don’t you take something? A little boost of energy for the night.” He stopped dead in his tracks, travelling back up with both his eyes and head, up to her face. He pressed his cock back between her legs, making her just imagine what would await. Without a second thought, Leeith crossed her limbs behind his back, pulling him even closer to grind on him. The faint pleasure made her pussy drool and protest, growing more and more uncomfortable. 

“You’re such a delectable little pet.” He huffed, ravaging her neck with kisses and tiny little bites. Astarion lifted her head up to give himself more space and, an instant later, the bite arrived, along the mind twirling, ravishing pain that came with it. The drow loudly moaned, arching her back as her blood flew in his mouth. She grasped at his locks and shoulders, needing something to keep her stable while he sucked on her skin. 

God it felt so good! The blood turned him on fire, it seemed like it would give him the energy to do all that he wanted the whole night. He felt his trousers grow way too tight and uncomfortable, so much so that, while still attached to her neck like a tick, he had to kick them off. Their souls were meeting and just as he grew more and more excited, she followed, no doubt feeding on each other's desire. The vampire’s hand cupped one of her breasts, twisting and squeezing her nipple harshly. She whined and moaned, sinking her nails in his back and raising her hips, rubbing her wetness on his now uncovered boner, almost able to catch the tip, slide it deep inside them and finally free them. She already wanted to give in, to pierce her wet cunt and fill her with his cum by the end.

He never had a woman be that needy below him: desperately clinging to him for any amount of pleasure, wetting his cock so much, without it even being inside, and above all, pushing his head on her neck to suck more. For a moment it felt… nice. But it was fleeting. 

The connection broke and her body went limp, tired. Dizziness overtook him and he knew he had his fill. It was the time to respect his part of the deal. 

His tongue ran up on her neck, still bloodied and red, trying to clean as much as possible. Leeith was more than burning. She needed to get her legs spread and cunt filled instantly. She cupped his cheeks, not caring about the blood running down her shoulders and breasts, and forced their lips together. She had to agree, as their tongues danced together, fresh blood was delicious, but like a savoury broth, not honeyed wine. 

His hands were running everywhere on her, sometimes caressing her, giving her shivers, others clenching and twisting, holding her down by the waist or pinching her thighs and ass. His tongue trailed down from her lips back to her neck, following the droplets of blood past her collarbones and on her breasts. The drow bit her lips as he started to play with her nipples, twisting it around his tongue and suckling the blood that had run off. She stared at him half lidded, running her nails on his back, feeling his bumps and scars. Her hands went down to his crotch, feeling the lower part of his abdomen with her thumbs. She tried to get closer to his manhood, but the vampire stopped her, pinning her wrist to the ground. 

“Just relax and let me take over, darling.” He whispered in between kisses and soft bites. “My debts are way overdue.” 

Astarion’s fingers began caressing her inner thighs, up and down, each time getting closer to her core. They traced the outside of her lips, making Leeith squirm and moan in anticipation. But every time he’d get near, he would remain just shy of her clit, instead biting harder on her nipple, so that she’d feel his fangs leaning on her flesh. 

“Stop- teasing me, elf.” She said, annoyed at how long it was taking to get to the main course. The elf lifted his head and stared at her smirking. At once, his fingers went deep, down to the knuckle, and then out, swiping upwards and flicking her clit on the way. She yelped in surprise, melting under his touch. All the displeasure though returned, when he stared at his shining fingers against the moonlight. 

“But I enjoy teasing so much. How else would I be able to get you this wet?” He kissed her jaw, then started whispering. “Gods, how can you be so aroused? Is it all because of me, mh, pet?” He fingered her again, this time taking his time to explore all of her folds, putting only the softest of pressures. Her pussy was so slick, as he went up and down it, circling her clit, then inserting just the tip of his fingers, enough to coat the rest of her in juices. Leeith tried to ease her muscles, to relax and drown in the pleasure. She shut her eyes, concentrating on his motions. With every circle he went just a bit deeper, a bit faster, until one of his slender fingers was deep in her, touching the sensitive mound inside of her. She moaned when he added another finger, all the while still taking care of her breasts. His fingers curled and cut, feeding the flames. 

“Astarion.” She whimpered. Her hands were shaking, but she grabbed his head all the same, to look in his eyes. “I want more. I want you to- fuck me properly.” She tried to keep her voice steady and assertive, but it was hard while the vampire fingered her so frantically and her skin was covered in goosebumps. Astarion just smiled, and added another finger to the mix. The drow threw her head back and tried clenching her thighs, but Astarion was firmly in the middle. 

“You squirm so gorgeously, darling. But I am an understanding man.” He took away all of his fingers, leaving her cunt to clench around nothing. “You just have to say the magic little word.” His hands went back to roam about her skin, while he better positioned himself between her legs. Gods, she could feel his hard cock swipe up and down her slit, barely pressing in her entrance, just to move up again. She couldn’t help but grind her hips a little. She felt her pride torn to shreds for being in this position under not only a man, but a surface elf at that. Lolth would have not looked at her kindly. But he was a vampire, so maybe he had to get a pass. 

“Ugh… Please.” She bit her lips and furrowed her brow, but her reddened cheeks still gave away her arousal and loosening conviction. 

“Mh? What did you say?” The vampire pushed her hips down to the ground, so that she couldn’t move anymore, removing even the little bit of respite that came from grinding on him.

“Please, I would like to get fucked now, blood sucker.” She huffed, pulling him closer by the waist.

“Tks, still a bit too feisty, but I can work on that.” Astarion spread her legs apart, sliding his cock on her wet folds, stirring small shivers of pleasure in the drow. The tip of his dick tested her entrance. There was some resistance, as the tight walls of her cunt adjusted to him. Leeith whimpered against his ear: She knew he was big and she hadn’t had any fun in a while, but didn’t expect it to feel so… shattering, almost unable to fit. He slowed down, moaning for how tightly his girth was being swallowed. 

“You’re not a virgin, are you?” The question puzzled the drow. 

“Uh? I mean, I can act as one. I’ve heard virgin blood tastes better.” She chuckled, crossing her legs above his back and arms behind his nape. 

He closed the gap between their faces and bit her lower lip, enough to draw blood with his fangs. “You’re already delicious enough” He purred. 

With all doubts cast aside, he slammed himself down on her. She saw stars and arched her back, yelping in surprise. That didn’t stop the vampire, who simply bit her lip again, the taste of blood reinvigorating his cock. He pulled out slowly, making her feel every inch of his dick leaving her body. And then she had to endure as he pushed his length back in her, down to the hilt. A few tears left from the side of her eyes, as she bit her hand, the pleasure coursing through her. But he was still toying with her, probably enjoying how her thighs clenched around him and her walls pulsed around his girth. The drow raised her hips to meet him and pushed him inside with her legs. Astarion grinned and pressed his thumb on her clit. 

“Alright alright. I’ll quit the games. Just don’t start crying when it gets too much.” His voice dropped to a husky tone, whilst his free hand pinned her wrist on the ground. 

“Be glad I’m not the one riding you.” She moaned back, urging him to move. Without a second thought, he began thrusting in and out of her, one hand at the side of her head for support, the other pleasuring her clit in tempo with his motions. She moaned and grappled him closer, raising her hips to give him a better angle. Judging by all the noises her pussy was making, she must have been a wet mess, drooling all over his thick, long cock. It was reaching deep in her, stretching her walls and filling every sensitive crevice. His pace was constant and steady, fast enough to pleasure the both of them without getting overwhelming. The pace of an expert, who had done this again and again. His thumb circled around her clit, never giving it a moment to rest, keeping Leeith's entire body locked in pleasure.

Her voice grew higher and her hands went everywhere on his body, now slightly warm thanks to the fresh blood coursing through. His cock felt the warmest, still pumping relentlessly, pushing further and further, breaking each and every barrier. The drow trebled in pleasure, feeling a weight raising in her core. It was very hard to keep herself from digging her nails into his flesh.

She opened her eyes and playfully bit his neck, wanting to also leave a purple bruise on his perfect ivory skin and hear a moan or groan escape from his closed lips. Astarion didn't react, his eyes lost somewhere deep in his mind. Leeith cupped his cheek, gently caressing his smooth face . 

"Are you alright?" She whispered. Maybe he was just concentrating on his thrusts. The vampire looked down, dumbfounded at first, then smirking. 

"How could I not be, darling?" He sat up, trailing his hands on her thighs, down to the ankles. "I think we both just need a little bit more excitement." with that he lifted both her legs on his shoulders and tugged her closer, hitting his thighs with her buttocks. 

“Gods, I love where this is goin- ahh!” she was interrupted by him plunging his cock back inside of her, thumb back on her clit and ramming in her like nothing had ever happened. Her cunt was quick to fire up again, clenching around his boner even harder than before. The sensation of being full, the pleasure stemming from her insides and coating her brain in a soft, fluffy glaze. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her blood rush through her ears. The vampire’s hands were rough on her, one relentlessly pleasuring her, the other sinking in her flesh, reddening it. Her noises were uncontrollable, no matter how hard she bit her lip or covered her mouth with her hands; she decided not to even care, moaning and calling for gods like her life depended on it.

The pleasure was so deep, always shy of touching her cervix and hurting her, but pounding her sweet spot again and again. With each thrust, some juices left her, drooling down her ass. With each thrust, the weight in her core built up, as if more and more chains were locking it.

She admired Astarion, who was looking down at her legs, preoccupied with his motion. Even him though, no matter how hard he was trying, judging by his furrowed brow, couldn't contain his moans and groans much longer. The more her pussy squeezed his cock, the less thin his lips became, until they finally parted and a moan escaped them, followed by a sigh of relief. His thumb pressed harder on her clit, circling and flicking it vigorously, not a second to rest and let her come down from the high. 

Leeith was trying to meet his thrusts, while she held his hands, just gently following them. The closer she got to her orgasm, the harder it was to concentrate and move at the same pace, her hips rolling quicker, in an effort to release sooner. Astarion steadied them, but even he was getting more sensitive. The chains in Leeith’s core grew and grew, but the lock was finally getting undone. Her pussy throbbed and squeezed hard around his cock, wanting to keep him in. It was amazing he still managed to move inside of that clamp. 

“Astarion-” She breathed out at last, clenching his forearm. “Keep going… I- I’m about to come.” She loosened her muscles, ready to let herself reach her peak. 

“Oh, I don’t fucking think so.” He almost growled. He grabbed both of her wrists, pushing them above her head. He leaned in on her, bringing her legs down with him. “You’re holding on until I am ready.” He spanked her ass before squeezing it. “And then I’ll want to hear you beg.” The drow chuckled and held his head with her free hand. 

“Now it’s getting good, blood-sucker!” She forced his mouth open, crashing their faces together. His hips were completely lost, the urge to come making them erratic and brutal. He was ramming her without any care in the world, plunging his cock balls deep. If a few minutes ago he was trying to carefully pick her locks, now his desire was just that of smashing the door down. She was dangerously close to coming, but so was him for how much his cock throbbed. 

“Ast-arion… may I?” She whispered directly in his ear, breathy and low. It sent shivers down his spine, his cock hardening and ready to burst. 

“Come for me, pet.” He groaned. He glanced at her neck, still crimson with blood. He couldn’t resist. 

Leiiths felt his fags sink deep. The pain overwhelmed her just as much as the pleasure did, all in one moment. She shut her eyes, blood rushing to her ears and to her shoulder. Someone called his name right in his ear. An overwhelming pleasure consumed him as the drow tensed and squirmed under him. He could feel her come around his aching length, squeezing the life out of him like a succubus. The blood spilled into his mouth, coating it like a syrup, breathing life into his long dead lungs and heart. For just an instant, he felt his heart flutter alive. An instant later, he moaned: bliss, the most he had ever felt in two hundred years, finally saturated his body, making his muscles shake and tremble. He sank both his fangs and his cock more in her, as he came, filling her with his thick, warm cum, just as he was drinking her scarlet, sanguine liquor. Their brains were fuzzy and inebriated. Their pleasure mixing and multiplying against each other.  At the end, his muscles gave in, falling on her, cock still throbbing gently. She was warm and soft. 

The drow panted, her fingers caressing Astarion’s back gracefully. It seemed like he didn’t want to move away from her. The drow tapped his shoulder, wanting to shift to the side: now that it was calm, she discovered soreness in her back and the weight wasn't helping. Fortunately the elf rolled to the ground, extending his arms to the sides like a snow angel. Without asking, she rested her head on his forearm, gaining a weird glace from the vampire. In all answer, she extended her own arm, sliding it behind his head. 

Her cheeks were still flushed, giving them a purplish hue when mixed with her blue skin. 

"It's much better than bare earth, no?" She smiled.

[kachikirby]

GranEssex Chronicles: Chapter 19 - A Free Man's New Life

The next day Meta, Fettuccine, Mercury, and Rebecca arrived at the GranEssex. When asked why she was coming with, Rebecca replied that she wanted to see her old friend, even if she was nervous about it. Understanding this, the entire group allowed her to come along and of course, Erhard and Kurabe were waiting for them at the front of the ship when they arrived.

"Sensei, I'm back!" Meta waved towards his mentor as he ran up to her.

Kurabe smiled. "I see that. Welcome home."

The youth then turned to Erhard. "Well, Erhard. How does it feel to be a free man?"

"It feels good. Of course it's only been a day, I still have a lot of adjusting to do."

But that wasn't all that the puff was told. There was one other thing he was told on the way back to the ship by Kurabe.

"So, you're going to be the head doctor here then?"

"Yes, it was Kurabe's suggestion." The doctor then looked at Fettuccine and shook her hand. "Thank you."

"It's not just me you should thank, you should also thank Meta. Honestly, I probably would have been dead if it wasn't for him."

Erhard nodded in understanding after a moment of silence. "I see. I was already going to thank him, but I wanted to thank you first."

She giggled in reply. "Well, thank you for thanking me first then."

"What do you mean when you say that you would have been dead?" Kurabe asked, an aura of concern now emanating from her.

"I'll tell you about it later, sensei. But right now, there's someone that wants to meet you, Erhard." Meta said.

"Really? Who?"

It was then that he noticed Rebecca, who looked at him nervously. "Hello, Erhard..." She uttered in a voice that really did show how she felt about the situation.

The man's eyes widened. "...You're alive...you're actually alive. When I regained my memories, I was so sure you would have been gone, just like the doctor. It's truly good to see you again, my old friend."

The woman hugged him as she began to cry. "It's... so good to see you, too."

"If I could cry, I would be doing so..." Despite these words, his voice made it sound like he was and after a moment, he spoke once more. "I take it you helped them free me?"

His friend nodded. "Yeah, it was my testimony that helped you."

"Thank you."

"It's not a problem. I'm just happy that you're no longer locked up. I hope you can live a happy life now."

"I believe that won't be a problem." He smiled.

"I'm glad!"

"What will you do now, Rebecca?"

"Honestly... I'm not sure. I think I might go back to being a doctor. It's the most I can do to make up to those who died because of my brother and step uncle."

"Well, you can always work here if you'd like." Kurabe offered quickly.

"I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll do it at a later point."

"Well, the offer is always open. Can never have enough doctors."

"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."

"Will you be staying for the day at least?" Erhard asked.

"At least long enough for you to comfortably move in." She then chuckled. "Which might be more than a day, knowing how you are."

"Very true."

"Besides, I want to catch up with you after all these years."

"As do I."

The two smiled at each other before walking into the ship leaving Meta, Kurabe, Mercury, and Fettuccine.

"Now Meta, what happened?" Kurabe immediately asked, slightly startling her student with how sudden it was.

"Fetty's life was in danger twice. The first was an assassination attempt that was easily thwarted. The second time, Fetty was stabbed with a poison dagger by Wade Forde. She would have died if I didn't use my lighting magic to slow the poison down while Rebecca worked on the antidote."

Both of them seemed to noticeably blush at the last sentence. Instantly, Kurabe picked him up in a hug.

"I'm proud of you, Meta. You did the best you could and saved two lives. Be proud of yourself."

"I... thank you, sensei..."

With a smile, she let go and turned to the interrogator. "Now with that settled, Fettuccine, Reedy sent me a message. He says you can stay here for one day, but you must return to him first thing in the morning tomorrow." The warrior said.

Fettuccine smiled. "I understand!"

"Good, because while you are still here you are still technically under my supervision. I have a mission for both you and Meta."

"What's that?" Both of them asked.

"The two of you, and you too, Mercury, will be showing Erhard around the ship. I'd do it myself, but I'm needed for a meeting with the General."

Her student tilted his head in questioning. "What does the general want?"

"Monthly check in about the budget, our division, etc. Boring stuff that is necessary to get through." She then smiled as she looked directly at Meta. "Don't worry, I'll have plenty of time to make you chicken parmesan for dinner later."

"Alright, I'll look forward to dinner then."

Kurabe only smiled.

"Well, should we get going then?" The youth asked his friend and the vice captain.

"You're free to join the tour if you wish, Rebecca." Mercury said.

"I think I'll be naturally joining you because I want to spend more time with my friend."

"Then let's get moving. We'll start with the most important place first." The vice captain said.

The two looked at each other before nodding and following the group.

"What is the most important place, Mercury?" Erhard asked.

"The cafeteria."

"...well, I guess that's a bit obvious for Star Warriors." Rebecca said.

"...It was Mercury that called it the most important place." Meta mumbled.

"I thought that it was Star Warriors who ate a lot..." Erhard nodded in agreement.

"We're soldiers. We also need food for energy, it has nothing to do with enjoying eating. If we're not training or sleeping, we're eating to refuel." Mercury explained.

"I guess that is true."

"There's no guessing. The three most important places are the cafeteria, the training room and the infirmary. But everyone needs food, even for crew members that don't fight."

"I think we get it now."

"Besides, Erhard, when was the last time you had a proper meal anyway?"

The man took a moment to think about it. "...over 100 years ago, I think."

"Then that's another reason to go there first."

"As long as it's better than the food in prison, that'll be enough for me."

Mercury chuckled. "Don't worry, the food here actually has flavor."

"I see..."

The rest of the group seemed to chuckle at that reply.

---------

In a few minutes they arrived, the cafeteria was as busy as ever.

"I've never seen so many people in one place, besides that tournament." Erhard said in surprise.

"Well, there's a lot of people in the combat division. It's one of the largest in the Organization. Not only that, but this place is also almost never empty. There's always a group of people here at all times."

The doctor seemed to look at Mercury in a questioning manner. "Is there any reason for that?"

"People returning at various times for food."

"What do your soldiers do then?" He then asked.

"The usual schedule for them is train, eat, sleep, train, eat, sleep. The only time this gets disrupted is when there's a mission, but even then, the first thing people usually do upon returning is either eat or sleep."

Rebecca gave a sad look at that reply. "...that sounds like a sad existence."

Mercury shrugged. "Not really. Everyone here is allowed to do whatever they want. Some people only train for a few hours, some not at all. A lot of people tend to spend a lot of time just relaxing. Kurabe lets everyone, with a few exceptions, make their own schedules."

"I assume Meta is one of those who trains a lot?" Erhard asked.

"I am. I have to be strong in order to protect everyone."

"Anyway, our soldiers' training regimen aside, it's time to eat."

The group nodded.

"So, what's being served today?" Meta asked.

"It's buffet day. Meaning just go and pick whatever looks tastiest." Mercury replied.

While Meta and Fettucine looked happy, Erhard seemed to look nervous.

"What wrong?"

"I'm not sure what I want..." He uttered shyly.

"Oh, is that all? Just pick something at random. Here, try this egg roll." Mercury said, handing him one.

"But there's still so much food..."

"And? Just eat man, this is your first meal as a free man. Pig out a little."

The doctor only continued to look nervous.

"Mercury, I think I understand what's wrong." Meta said. "He's not used to having so much choice."

Mercury smiled. "I know, but Erhard, that's why I said pick stuff at random. Don't think, just act. Enjoy yourself."

"But still... I'm not sure..."

The woman sighed. "Then I'll make a plate for you, but only this once. You need to relearn how to be independent."

He silently nodded. The female Limet stepped away for a moment and returned with a tray of food.

"Here, take this plate." She said, handing him a stack of food.

"Ah, thank you." He replied as he sat down at the table with the rest of the group. "What all is it?"

"I don't know, I picked at random. I know I grabbed some mac and cheese, that's always the first to run out of stock."

"I see..." He said as he took a bite.

"So, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure if this is just because I'm so used to prison food, but this is really good."

"I told you the food here was actually good."

"It is."

"Well then, keep eating, Erhard. You've earned a good, real meal."

"...It's been far too long. I honestly forgot what real food tasted like."

"And just think, you'll be able to eat food like this every day now."

"I think I like the sound of that." He replied with a smile, something he's been doing a lot more often. It made Meta himself smile as well. "Shouldn't you be eating a bit more, Meta?" The doctor then asked.

"...I'm saving room for dinner."

"Ah, I see."

Mercury giggled. "It's because Kurabe's going to spoil him."

"Ok." Was all Erhard could say, seeing as he had no clue about what kind of relationship Kurabe and Meta have.

The woman seemed to notice this and explained. "Let's just say Kurabe can sometimes be less like his teacher and more like his mom."

"I see."

"Isn't it also because he's her star student?" Fettuccine asked.

Mercury stared questioningly. "...No? For all purposes she is his mother, she did adopt him after all and would be his legal guardian."

"She's my mentor. That's it." Meta replied bluntly.

"Don't need to be a lie detector to tell that's a lie." Fettuccine smirked.

"Enough about me, we're here for Erhard and making him feel comfortable."

"Well, having conversations with him will make him feel comfortable, isn't that right?" Rebecca asked.

"Then change the topic." He grumbled.

"Ok, what would you like to talk about, Erhard?"

"What is the purpose of this division?"

Mercury immediately answered that quick reply. "We're the muscle of the Organization. We do escort missions and anything that requires fighting."

"And how many doctors do you have?"

"Depends. We have 6 people who can perform medical treatments, but they also do other chores. We don't have a dedicated doctor."

"You do now."

"And we're grateful for it."

"I'm the grateful one. I can do what I want as a free man now. It'll be strange sleeping in a place that's not a fridge, though."

Mercury chuckled. "I mean, you can change the temperature of your room if you want."

"That's not really the point I was making, but yes that's true."

"Plus, you have an actual bed now."

"That's another thing to get used to."

The group nodded.

"I have a question, will Erhard be forced to participate in battles?" Rebecca asked, concerned for her friend.

"He will be required to have some form of self-defense training in case the ship is invaded, but he will be specifically relegated to treating the ill and injured."

"So, he's going to be safe from conflict for the most part?"

"Yes. Again, he'll need self-defense training, but he won't be sent into battle."

"Then that's fine."

"I assume he's fine with self-defense training then?"

"Yes, as long as he doesn't get sent out to fight in a war. He's a healer."

"He won't. It's only in case of invasion."

"Then I have no objections, but what do you think, Erhard?"

The man took a moment to think. "...as long as I'm not required to fight, it'll be fine."

"You won't be forced to fight. Only those on the ship designated as knights and warriors will."

"I see. Thank you for letting me know."

"You're welcome."

The group then continued to eat in a comfortable silence.

---------

In a few minutes, Erhard was done with his plate. "Thank you for the meal. I quite enjoyed it."

Mercury smiled. "You should say that to the chefs then. But that can be later, now we have to take you to our next destination."

"And where is that?" He tilted his head.

"The infirmary. That's where you're probably going to be spending most of your time at."

"Indeed. I'd expect to spend the most time there."

"Then let's get moving. I'm sure you're excited."

He nodded and followed after Mercury.

"So, Erhard, how skilled of a doctor are you?" Mercury asked.

"I believe I'm quite skilled."

"In what fields? Like your specialties?"

"Surgery. I'm very good at surgery."

"That's an understatement and you know it. My father always said you were the best surgeon in the galaxy!" Rebecca commented.

"You're the best!?" Meta asked in awe.

Erhard's entire body turned pink. "I'm... I'm not that good..."

"Yes, you are, and you know it."

"N-no, I'm not..."

"Well, at we least we know he's modest. Erhard, do you any fears or phobias that we need to be aware of?" Mercury asked, hoping for a way to make him feel comfortable.

"Not that I know about..."

"You mean nothing that can be controlled, don't you?" Rebecca added.

"Yes."

The entire group instantly knew what they meant by that.

"I see..." Fettuccine was the one to break the brief moment of silence.

"It's fine. I have no phobias, or any allergies or anything that will require special assistance."

"I see. That'll make things easier." Mercury nodded.

"I would ask the same of you, but I guess I'll find that out when I do your patient intake form."

"I suppose you will. Are you a licensed psychologist, too?"

"Yes, I am."

"I see. I'll keep that in mind..."

Erhard tilted his head in curiosity. "Do you need my help for something, Mercury?"

"Maybe, but that's a topic for behind closed doors..." The woman replied, lowering her hat to cover her eyes.

"I see. I would be happy to have you as my first patient."

"Hey, Metty, what is she talking about?" Fettuccine asked innocently.

"...Sorry, but that's not something I should reveal lightly. You should ask her yourself."

"Oh... hey Mercury, what are you talking about?"

Mercury glared at her, but quickly looked away. "PTSD. That's all I'm telling you."

Fettuccine looked at her for a moment but just shrugged. "Probably just bullying..." She thought.

Meta seemed to notice this. "Did Reedy not tell his crew about what happened?"

"Now, should get we back to moving?" He was broken out of his thoughts by Mercury.

"I'm fairly excited. Which is saying a lot, I haven't felt excitement in such a long time." Erhard said.

"That's because you haven't had a reason to be excited." Rebecca giggled.

"Yes, that's true. Even the times I was let out of my cell weren't exciting, since I would be quickly put back in anyway."

"What, so you weren't excited when you heard we were going to prove your innocence?" Fettuccine asked with a pout.

"That's different. I was excited, but that kind of excitement was because of hope. My current excitement is that of getting to experience a new office."

"Besides, I think you can already tell he's not the best with emotions." Rebecca added.

"That too."

"Sounds like someone I know." Fettucine giggled.

"Who?" Meta asked.

She only continued to giggle, to his confusion.

---------

Soon they arrived, Erhard getting a good look around, his face gaining a whimsical look.

"So, this is my new workplace."

"Yes, and you'll be able to decorate it however you like whenever you start."

"Decorate?"

"Yeah. Decorate. To make it more custom to you."

"I see. I don't know where to begin with that."

"Well, just put around books, plants, photos, whatever."

"That's not what I meant, but yes, that's true."

"What do you mean then?"

"I have no belongings. I need to buy items for decorations, but I don't know what I want."

"Oh, don't worry, Kurabe bought you a few things to get you started and you can collect more as you work."

"When did she get the time for that?"

"Online shopping..."

"...What's that?"

"She bought things on the computer and had it sent to the ship."

"It seems that a lot of technological advancements had been made while I was imprisoned."

"Yeah, especially in the medical field. So you'll have to read up on that."

"No, that won't be necessary. One of the few things they actually allowed me to do was to keep up with advancements in the medical field. They needed me to still be a skilled doctor, despite me being a prisoner."

"Good. Now I won't have to hear Kurabe whine about how she wasted money on the latest equipment for you..."

"Yes, that is good. What else did she buy me?"

"A couple of books to help you with diagnosis and some picture frames."

"That is very nice of her."

"If you have any other interests, just let her know."

"I will. I will need to gain some interests first though."

"Ok."

"Did you not have interests before?" Meta asked.

"I did, but it's been so long since I actually had interests. I don't know if what interested before interests me now."

"Well, we'll help you find some interests." Mercury replied.

"I'd appreciate that."

"Maybe reading would be a good place to start..."

"I'd rather not something related to my job. I'll have to do enough reading as is."

"What about cooking?"

"Where would I cook?"

"Realistically, you can use anything to cook, but we'll worry about thinking of interests for you later."

"Right."

Meta turned to Mercury. "Where are we going next?"

"The training room. While you're not a soldier, you still need to know where it is. Sometimes our soldiers get carried away with training, if you know what I mean."

"I understand. Lead the way." She nodded and left the room.

---------

During the walk Erhard couldn't help but notice the looks people were giving him, or rather the lack of looks. He had gotten used to people looking at him with disdain, but there was none of that now. It felt, nice. Rebecca also seemed to notice this and smiled.

"It's moments like these that show me just how good it is to be free."

"And I'm happy for that." She replied.

"Alright, we're here. Go ahead and take a look around." Mercury told them.

The doctor nodded in reply and started looking. "And I thought the training facilities back at the school were impressive. The equipment here is truly extraordinary."

"Of course it is. The combat division is arguably the most important division in the Organization."

"Says who?" Fettuccine spoke up, slightly annoyed by that comment.

"No arguments please." Erhard quickly interjected.

However, the woman pouted. "I would like to know who said that!"

"I did, right now." Mercury deadpanned.

"No! Who said your division is the most important!"

"I said arguably. For someone who is supposed to be good at making people talk, you sure are bad at listening."

Meta rolled his eyes as an argument broke out.

"I said no arguments." Erhard said again, this time his gaining a dangerous edge to it that made them both stop.

The youth seemed to be slightly amazed by that.

"A good doctor must be able to control any situation." He explained.

"Indeed." Rebecca nodded.

"Is that why you two are always so calm?"

"More or less."

"And why you didn't seem bothered when treating Fetty's poison?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"That and after a while, you just get used to certain situations." Erhard added.

"Even people dying?"

"No. That's the one thing someone should never get used to."

Rebecca nodded. "Even if we seem to not be affected by it, it actually hurts us a lot to see a patient die."

"Once death no longer affects us, that's when a doctor loses their soul. That's what my teacher taught me."

"And that's the reason why you were absolutely innocent, isn't it?"

"No, the reason I was innocent was because I didn't do it, but that is a good way of looking at it."

"Of course. You didn't do it because you couldn't have done it."

"Yes, that is true. Meta, what is your opinion on death?"

The youth became silent for a moment before replying. "Well... that's difficult for me to say. I came from a planet that was full of death and at first, I thought it was simply a part of life that I didn't think twice about. Not that it isn't a part of life still, just that it's not something people should be used to. Like... I don't worry about my own death if I'm completely honest, but I'm more worried about the deaths of the people I care about, if you know what I mean."

"That's very much like a doctor. The operating table is very much like a battlefield. We put everything on the line to save our patients lives. Our lives are of no importance, only that of our patients. However, that's only when on the battlefield. Make sure to value your own life when you can. You can't protect others if you don't take care of yourself."

"I see..."

"Let me put it this way. Say you lose a hand. You would still be strong, but nowhere as strong as you once were. Meaning you'd be worse at protecting. You need to value yourself just as much as you value others."

"Ok."

"Good. Now then Mercury, where to next?"

"Oh right, we need to show you your room."

"Very well. Lead the way." He said as he followed her out the door.

---------

Due to Erhard's more delicate job, his room was very different compared to the bedrooms that the normal soldiers had. Inside his room, he had a desk and a mini-infirmary in his bathroom. He also had a softer bed than usual.

"I understand the mini-infirmary and the slightly larger desk, but what's the reason for the softer bed?" Fettuccine asked.

"Normal beds are specifically used to help our soldiers get used to sleeping on any kind of surface. Since Erhard isn't a soldier and we need our chief doctor to be at full throttle, Kurabe decided a more comfortable bed would be better." Mercury explained.

"But both me and sensei's bed are also really soft..."

"In your case, that's because your current room was a former guest room."

"And sensei?"

"She's the leader. Believe it or not, it's actually a rule made by the General that the captains and vice captains of every division have soft beds. Don't ask me why, not even Kurabe knows why that's a rule."

"...why do I have the feeling that was specifically meant for her...?"

Mercury shrugged. "As far as I know that's always been a rule, even before she became a captain."

"Certain members of the intelligence division are also exceptions." Fettuccine said.

"Like who?"

"Generally, anyone that use their brain a lot like me, Parmigiana, Granita, Minestrone, and Bicerin."

"Well, that makes sense."

"Yup!"

Erhard sat down on his new bed, feeling how comfortable it was. "It's been so long since I've sat on a bed."

"Now lay on it and see how it feels."

Erhard did so, staring at the ceiling. "Soft. I like it."

"Is it comfortable enough for you?"

"Yes, this will do nicely."

"Alright, is there any other place you want to show us?"

"Really only one area left that's super necessary. The meeting room."

"Come on, let's go." Rebecca said as she pulled her friend off the bed.

"Of course. Lead the way please."

His friend turned to Mercury and nodded.

"So, what do you think of the ship, Erhard?" Meta asked.

"I think it's quite a nice ship. Honestly not what I was expecting from a combat force."

"You have Kurabe to thank for that. She works hard to make sure the GranEssex is the best ship it can be."

"Yeah, it is. It's also not overly clean like the VictoriousArc, which is an extra bonus." Fettuccine said.

"How is that an issue?" Erhard asked.

"It's a bit blinding."

"I see. That's, strange."

"My older brother is strange..." Mercury sighed.

"Your brother is the leader of that division I take it. Why work here then?"

"Kurabe invited me and she's my best friend."

Erhard smiled. "I see."

"Yeah. I also just need a break from him at times."

"Why's that? Is it merely a sibling thing?"

Mercury stared at him for a moment. "Yeah. I lived with him for most of my life and, as much as I love him, he can be a bit overprotective at times."

"I get it. He views himself as your protector, or something like that."

"Yeah, because he has been my protector since we were kids."

"I see. It makes sense you would want to branch out. Like the cells of a body, they began in one spot, but spread out as time goes on."

"Indeed."

---------

Soon, they arrived at the meeting room.

"There's not a whole lot to see, but take a look around if you want."

The room was the same way it was when Meta first saw it, but the doctor seemed to be particularly interested in the area.

"What's up, Erhard?"

"The ceiling. Oh, you didn't mean literally. I'm just remembering the lecture room at the school. The doctor's hour-long lessons and speeches. I can still hear them clearly."

"...are you ok?"

"I don't appear to have any physical abnormalities. Oh, you didn't mean it in that way. Yes, I'm fine. Just feeling... nostalgic."

"Are you sure?"

"You need to understand. I haven't felt nostalgic about anything ever since I lost my memories. Right now, being nostalgic at all is the greatest feeling."

"I know, but aren't you sad or emotional?"

"Emotional, maybe. Not sad though."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm happy. Happy to have a past to remember again. I know if the doctor was here, he'd be patting my back and telling me to celebrate."

"I see..."

Admittedly, Meta didn't really understand it. If something like this happened with his mentor, he probably would be unable to handle it.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm sad he's gone, but I already sorted my feelings about it before you all arrived. I'm fine, so there's nothing to worry about."

"I see..."

"Alright that's pretty much it. Meta, Fettuccine, you're both free to go." Mercury said.

"Ok. I hope you enjoy your stay here, Erhard."

The two younger soldiers left the room, with Rebecca following after them. Mercury was about to leave, but was stopped.

"Mercury, I believe we're behind closed doors now."

"There are better places to talk about it, Erhard." She replied simply.

"You're right. So let's head to my office, shall we?"

She froze for a moment before simply nodding.

"Then let's go."

---------

Upon returning to the office, there was a brief moment of awkward silence.

"Let's not make this more difficult than it needs to be. Tell me, Mercury, what is troubling you?"

"This is difficult for me to talk about even though it's been probably a couple months at this point... but... I was attacked..."

Erhard looked at her, studying her body language. "By attacked, you mean to say someone, or something attacked your core."

"Y-yes..."

"A hivemind tried to assimilate you, am I correct with that assumption?"

She began to shiver. "Yes..."

"That explains everything then. You tried to hide it, but I noticed you've been wary around me. I take it you find it hard to trust other Limets?"

"That I'm unfamiliar with, yeah."

"Because you're afraid one of them might turn out to be another Hivemind, yes?"

"Of course! I never want to experience that again!"

"Of course, that's completely reasonable. However, I ask that you try to remain calm, Mercury. Now listen, your fear is completely rational. But you cannot allow yourself to be a slave to that fear. It will get in the way of your daily life. If you wish, I can prescribe you some medicine to help you deal with this."

"I'm not a slave to it!"

"Oh really? Then are you saying you can walk up to a random Limet and talk to them without freezing in fear?"

"I can!"

"Mercury, calm down." He told her, making her snap out of it.

"I said I can."

"Then care to explain why you haven't been sleeping for the past few weeks?" He asked.

"How did you?"

"Kurabe told me."

She paused and then huffed. "I'll be fine now that we had this talk!"

"No, you won't." Erhard interjected. "It's obvious that this is still affecting you. Mercury, I am not your enemy. My job is to help you. So please, relax and tell me everything that's on your mind." He told her, his calm yet powerful voice making her listen to him

"...Are you sure you want to deal with all of that?" She asked him.

"I wouldn't be much of a doctor if I wasn't prepared to listen to my patient."

"I'm not a slave to it, though. Even Meta thought that and he was wrong."

"You may not be a slave right now. But you will be if this keeps up. ...Mercury, did you know that I had a sister? Like you, she was the victim of a hivemind attack. She survived, but the mental strain caused by it drove her insane and left her in a comatose state. She passed away shortly after."

Mercury was left speechless.

"My sister tried to act as if it didn't bother her. She tried to carry all of her baggage on her shoulders. She refused to involve others with her issues. Does this remind you of anyone?"

"...Me." She slowly admitted.

"Mercury, I don't want what happened to my sister to happen to you. Please, I'm only here to help."

She became silent. "...is that true?"

"Everything I say is the truth. It's my code as a doctor."

"I didn't know you had a sister."

"My family all died before my incarceration. Given that many of my family records were destroyed, that's not surprising. I didn't know I had a sister until I got my memories back."

"...what happened to your family?"

"My parents died from an incurable disease. What happened to them and my sister were part of why I chose to enter the medical field in the first place. Other than wanting to help people of course."

"I see..."

"Mercury, you can only get so far shouldering everything by yourself. Please, let me help you." He said, holding out his hand.

She remained silent.

"It's alright if you're scared of me. Honestly, I would be surprised if you weren't. But I'm just here to help. You may not trust me and that's fine, but I'm serious when I say I just want to help."

"I know..."

"Then please, take my hand."

She nodded silently and took his hand slowly.

Erhard smiled. "Very good. Now Mercury, I cannot make this decision for you, but I suggest you and I meet up once a week to talk about your issues. Will that be doable for you?"

"Yes."

"Then I look forward to working with you."

"Same."

Erhard then looked at the clock.

"My, would you look at the time. I believe today has been quite productive. Thank you for showing me around."

Mercury smiled. "No problem. I hope that you like it here."

"Yes, I think I will enjoy my time here, in my new home."

"I hope so." She then and walked out of the room.

In a few minutes, Rebecca entered.

"So, what will you do now?" Erhard asked his friend.

"I think I'll continue medical work."

"That's good. Will you be staying here, or will you travel somewhere else?"

"As much as I want to stay here, I think I owe it to those who died because of my brother and Veno to help their families."

"I see. That's very much like you. I hope you can come by and visit sometime."

"I plan on doing so."

"Good." He then hugged the woman. "Take care of yourself, old friend."

She hugged him back. "I will. You take care of yourself as well."

"I will. It was good seeing you again, Rebecca."

"It's good seeing you, too." She then chuckled nervously. "It's funny... I plan on staying here a few days but we're acting like we won't see each other again..."

"Well, it has been quite a long time since we've last seen each other. Though that might be an understatement."

"Yeah, I know... is it fine if we just spend some time together?"

"Of course." She then blinked. "Oh, right. I managed to get you something for your room. Do you want to go see what it is?"

Erhard blinked too. "Yes, I do."

She smiled and took his hand before walking out.

---------

When they returned to his room, Erhard instantly saw what was different. There was a plant in his room.

"Yeah, I thought I would pick up a Christmas cactus for you. I remember you saying how much you loved it when dad's bloomed."

Erhard smiled at his friend and at his new plant. "I love it, thank you Rebecca."

"No problem. I just hope you have enough time to take care of it."

"Time management is one of my specialties."

Rebecca giggled. "Right, right. That's why you were my father's star pupil, anyway."

"You weren't too far behind you know."

"Yes, I know."

"Right. You're free to sleep in here if you wish. I can take the chair at my desk."

"No, there are open guest rooms. You deserve to sleep in a bed after what you've went through."

"Very well. But you can stay in here until it's time for you to sleep."

"Very well."

"In fact, we can both share the bed. I don't mind."

Immediately, Rebecca blushed. "Do... do you even know what you said?"

"That we can share the bed. Is there something wrong with that?" He asked, completely clueless.

"How can you not know if you're a doctor!?"

"Pardon? I don't see what being a doctor has to do with sleeping."

Rebecca facepalmed at how innocent and oblivious her friend was.

"Do you have a headache? Perhaps you should lay down."

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"No, I insist. You must be tired."

"I'll just head to my guest room then."

"Or you can sleep in here. This bed is more than big enough for two people, if you're worried about space."

"I know, but aren't you embarrassed!?"

"About what? It's not as if we'll be doing anything other than sleeping."

"I know but... it's still embarrassing..." She said, blushing even harder.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright? Your face is burning red."

"I'm just embarrassed, that's all."

"Why?"

"Just... being so close to you..."

"But we're close now, aren't we? I don't see much of a difference between standing next to each other and sleeping next to each other."

"It just feels more intimate..."

"Rebecca, I haven't slept in the same room with another person in decades. Please, just for tonight."

"...why are you so insistent?"

"Well, you said you wanted to stay with me for a little longer, yes? That's why."

"...is that all?"

"Do I need another reason?"

"That you simply don't want to be alone tonight?"

"I feel that better describes you."

"What about you then?"

"I wouldn't mind the company."

"...when you say that, it means yes." She sighed.

"I see. Fascinating."

"Yes, it is."

"Then shall we partake in the activity known as sleep?"

"Sure, you first."

Erhard nodded, laying down flat on his back. Almost immediately, he fell asleep.

"...he must've been more tired than I thought."

He could then be heard snoring, a sign that he was truly unconscious.

"...yeah, he really was tired." She smiled. "Not that I can blame him."

Sighing, Rebecca laid down next to him.

"Good night, Erhard."

As if knowing what she said, the man himself mumbled a "good night" in reply. Erhard smiled, for he finally was at true peace.

[countrymusiclover]

15 - True Rumplestilskin Fashion

Princess Red Thief

Part 16

Tag list - just ask to be added @mystrey101 @melvia-ito @kmc1989 @tallrock35

Once I had been discharged from the hospital with everyone awake now and being concerned with reuniting with their loved ones.  My mother had run off to find my father Fredrick so we agreed that we would meet up with them later in the day.  Rumple and I had gotten everything settled back at the house and I was currently watching the twins sleep inside their crib. "You know for all the trouble they put me through they are the best thing I could have asked for."

"And here I was thinking that us finally being together would make you the most happy." Rumple commented standing in the doorway of the bedroom.

Glancing over my shoulder at him I flashed him a half smile. "You know I love you and our babies."

"I do and I'm sorry you nearly had to die because of our very special little ones growing inside your belly." His brown eyes lowered his gaze sadly to the floor.

Crossing the room to meet him I placed my hands on his shoulders seeing how much it had hurt him. "Rumple, it's not your fault."

"It was though.  I should have had you place your magic into my dagger so that they never wanted to feed off the magic running through your veins."

Moving one hand up to his face he leaned into my palm. "You didn't make my body react the way that it did.  You didn't freak Henry out with Emma leaving so he ate the poison apple."

"Everly, what are you trying to tell me here?" He asked me not sure what direction I was going in.

Focusing my gaze on his eyes I responded. "It was Regina.  She put me and the babies in danger."

"I suppose she did.  But what are you suggesting?"

I know I didn't want her dead since Henry cared about her for some reason I wouldn't understand.  Yet she had tried to unintentionally destroy my family until Emma had broken the curse and we had brought magic to this town. "I want you to know what it feels like to be hurt."

"You mean you want me to kill her. Eve, this isn't like you-"

Shaking my head, I changed my words. "Don't kill her.  Just send her a message so she knows we're in charge now and she can't hurt our family."

"Are you absolutely sure that's what you want?" He questioned me.

Nodding my head yes I replied. "Down the road she could come after our children.  I don't want her to think that she runs this town now that the curse has been broken."

"I'll take care of it.  Meet me back at the shop a little later.  I have something for our little ones." Rumple kissed my forehead gently.

"You didn't have to get them anything.  They're only newborn infants right now."

He squeezed my hand in his slipping into the hallway going to do something to Regina. "I already lost one son.  Now I have two children with you and I want to do better. Be a better father than I was in the enchanted forest."

It was around five o'clock when I heard the doorbell ring a few times meaning it was my parents outside on our front doorstep.  Rushing down the stairs I fling the door open and barely got it open before my father scooped me up in his arms twirling me around in circles of laughter and happy tears. "Dad-"

"Ohhh.  There's my girl." He mumbled into my ear lowering me down onto my feet, with us holding onto the other by their forearms seeing tears welling in his eyes. "Eve, I'm - I'm so so sorry.  I never would've laid a hand on you the way I did at the hunting cabin.  I don't know what had gotten into me-"

Bringing a hand up to his shoulder I sniffed through some tears remembering the night that Rumple had been arrested. "Dad, it wasn't the real you.  We all acted differently under the curse."

"So you forgive me?" My father asked with a nervous tone in his voice.

Wrapping my arms around him in a tight hug I buried my face into his neck and he wrapped his arms around my body holding me until I broke it giving him a verbal answer. "Of course I forgive you."

"So can we meet our granddaughter and grandson now.  Is Rumple here I thought he would be here with you?" My mother Abigail asked me with excitement.

"He's back at his shop.  Had to take care of some things." Waving them around the corner we walked inside the nursery of the twins who were laying in the crib now awake after hearing people talking in the living room. "So our little girl is Valerie and the boy is named Robin."

"They're beautiful." My mother wiped away some happy tears.

My father heard something vibrating on the side table handing my phone over to me seeing Gold's name appear on the screen. "It's Gold, dear."

"Thanks. Hey Rumple, what's going on?" Putting the phone to my ear.

He responded through the device. "I took care of the thing you asked of me.  Would you mind coming here for a bit?"

"Sure, just one second." Eyeing my parents I sent them a soft smile on my face hoping they'd help us out the first day we had reunited. "Could you watch the twins for an hour?  Rumple, needs my help with something."

Mom smiles at me. "Of course."

Waving my hand a cloud of smoke moved around me before I stumbly appeared standing on the wooden floor inside the pawnshop.  "Yes, yes, yes!" I cheered to myself not sure how good my magic would work here as it did in the enchanted forest.  Throwing my hands up in the air I was on cloud 9.

"You sound really happy, lass." The back room curtain got pushed open revealing Rumple watching me.

Dropping my hands I grinned ear to ear. "I have missed my magic dearly."

"So have I." He snapped his fingers creating a red rose that he tucked in my hair and behind my ear. "Now I can spoil you and our kids rotten. What can I do for you?"

Rumple and I turned our heads hearing the bell ring revealing the Charming family all in toe.  Emma stomped up to the glass countertop we were standing behind. "What you can do, is tell us what you did."

"I'm sorry. You're going to have to be more specific." Rumple replied.

Charming raised his tone. "You know damn well what we're talking about."

"You double-crossed Emma, you, uh, took your...potion, from her." Snow waves her hand in the air.

Charming bared his teeth at him. "And did who knows what to this town."

Emma snapped back. "And, worst of all, you risked Henry's life."

"Well, that is quite a litany of grievances now, isn't it?" Rumple chuckled looking in my direction while I leaned my elbows on the counter.

Emma threatened the dark one. "Maybe I don't need answers. Maybe, I just need to punch you in the face."

"Really, dearie? Allow me to answer your questions with some of my own, alright? Did your dear boy Henry survive?" Rumple lowered his head briefly using his former Dark One voice.

"Yeah." Emma replied.

Rumple points his index finger at the blonde. "Is the curse broken? And let's see. Uh, Miss Swan. How long have you been searching for your parents? Looks like you're reunited. Seems like, rather a punch in the face, I deserve a thank you."

She rolled her eyes. "Twist my words all you want. What was the purple haze that you brought?'

Rumple waved his index finger around in the air. "You know... Magic."

"Why?" Snow asked him.

"Not telling." He wickedly smirked at her.

Clasping my hands together I had no shame in telling why he brought it here at least for me anywhere. "I'll gladly tell them.  He had to bring magic so my siphoning magic babies didn't kill me."

A loud explosion rocks the whole pawn shop causing me to lay flat on the glass countertop. ""What the hell was that?" Emma asked, holding onto the counter until her father ran over to the door.

Snow rushed over to the window to find that all of the transformers are blowing up outside. "That... Is my gift to you. That... Is going to take care of Regina."  We hadn't talked about what exactly he had sent after the evil queen for me nearly dying to birth my children.

Snow gave her daughter a nervous look on her face. "Emma, come on."

"We need to go take care of this." Her father explained worried about the safety of the small town.

Emma growls at him. "We're not done."

"Oh, I know. You still owe me a favor." Rumple smirked at Emma before she stormed out slamming the shop door behind her leaving me and him finally alone like we were a few minutes ago.

I let some silence fill the room before my nervous curiosity got the better of me so I had to know what he had done to her.  "Now that it's just us I need to know something. What exactly did you send after the Evil Queen?"

"I summoned it with the dagger."

Raising a brow I caught his simple sentence response. "And what? Come on, I know there's always more with you.  It's going to try and kill her isn't it?"

"I kept my word.  I will not kill her." He responded to me always having a thing for any loophole he could get through that still benefited him in the long run of any deal.

Glaring a little at him I went into the back room to call my mother and see how the kids were leaving him alone for a few seconds. "When you do meet my parents you better not toy with words around them otherwise you and I are going to have problems." Stepping inside the back room I laid down on the old cot recalling just the type of man he would be now that the curse was finally broken.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[foxounderscorecube]

Foul Lady Fortune - Chloe Gong

4½ ⭐

This was a good story!

I don't read many spy novels, so I don't know if it was especially tropey or anything like that, but the political climate in this book is so complex and really fun to try to unpick. I think there's a lot of foreshadowing and breadcrumb trails that'll be more obvious on a re-read - there was certainly enough of that that I was able to piece some bits together (and feel very proud of myself for doing so!), which was really cool.

The romance element is incredibly cute and agh, they were both so silly… I wanted to be like "just kiss!" except they'd already kissed. "Just kiss but with your real feelings", I guess? On the face of it, where it's ice queen and playboy and oh no, they have to pretend to be married, I'm sure they certainly won't catch feelings, it didn't really appeal to me, but their relationship grew naturally and I got really invested in it. When it turned out Orion was the one committing the attacks, and his guilt and horror at what he'd done - not just in general, but also how he'd betrayed Rosalind - ah, pain! Just awful!

I think the only thing that I wasn't a big fan of was that, although the vast majority of the twists were great, I wasn't wholly convinced by the reveal at the end. Maybe on a re-read it'll seem less like it was pulled out of Gong's arse that Orion's mum was behind it, but as is, it was just kind of like. Oh. Huh. Whereas a lot of the other reveals I responded to out loud or at least did a :O kind of face, you know? Nonetheless, I am absolutely going to read the sequel because I HAVE to know what happens next.

Phoebe/Feiyi is the best character. Absolute brilliance in bimbo form. A queen. Her being Priest was a reveal that I didn't see coming, but makes perfect sense. So in character for her - right down to her acting jealous that Silas was listening to recordings of Priest so often. I love her. I'm a big fan of Alisa, too, and Celia and Oliver are adorable together. Honestly, I enjoyed all the characters a lot - and the fact that you're perpetually side-eyeing all of them because there's so many double-agents and secrets and layers to everything.

One thing I will comment on, although I don't know if it's a piece of criticism or not myself, is that I thought some of Rosalind's poison weapons were a bit silly. They were good fun and I liked them, but for a book that overall seems to want to be taken seriously, it seems a bit too campy and pulp fiction-y to have, like, heels that snap off and if you hit them just right a dagger comes out; or an entire blowgun and darts that are just sneakily hidden in a qipao. Most of them are just fine with a little suspension of disbelief, but a few are like, okay, you had fun thinking this up and I'm glad, but come on.

Basically, I liked this novel a lot. I do think it could have been a bit shorter, maybe? but then again, I suppose better that than it feeling rushed.

[mar-bluu]

Anyways don’t mind me re-uploading this incoherent ramble about that magic/fantasy/gang au from like almost 2 years ago, the link to the previous upload doesn’t work anymore

and who knows, maybe this’ll get me back into writing the rest of the 10 chapters i had planned out for this?

Powers:

People with powers are very common, they are usually born with them but can develop later in life. Kids usually take on the power/s of their parents, (e.g. a pyrokinetic and a hydrokinetic have a child, that child will have both powers though one power will develop stronger).

However, people can learn a different power by training with someone else. They will take a while to actually develop, and it can take months or even years for trained-in powers to even start to work/appear.

Powers will ‘lock in’ by 21 though they can grow stronger, they cannot change. People can permanently have two powers (occasionally three but that’s incredibly rare) but they either won’t be as strong compared to if they had just focused on the one, or one will be stronger than the other.

Elemental magic is by far the most common and some of the most powerful (meaning the ‘main’ elements i.e water, earth, fire air). Hydrokinesis is the most common, followed by pyrokinesis, then aerokinesis, with geokinesis being the rarest, taking the longest time to control properly. (other ‘elemental’ powers are branches of the others; Ferrokinesis-earth, cryokinesis- water etc.)

Powers such as invisibility, shapeshifting, revivals, and time/interdimensional travel being the rarest and often the most taxing, not unknown for the occasional death.

There tends to be large influxes/groups of people with the same powers. This can be because of families and genetic similarities in the area, environmental factors, or because people learn from each other.

Key:

(name)- Most important/main character (appearing in fics or possibly larger  chaptered story)

(name)- Secondary important/ main character

(name)- Won’t appear the most but does have relevance to the (possible)  larger chaptered story

 Characters*:

- this is a brief and fairly basic summary of some of the important characters and their powers, think of it like a list you can go back to if/when you see a character and are like ‘who the fuck are they again??’

*NOTE: These are just the ‘main’/canon characters, and a few others that may be important if I can find the energy/time to do a multi chapter thing (I’ve had to make up so many other filler characters to pad each gang, e.g. ‘Zip’ so I’ll be excluding a LOT of them 'cause they don’t really matter lol)

Manhattan Ink and Thorns

·       Jack Kelly- ;)

·       Crutchie Morris- Psychic, agrokinesis (used for potions and spells, he works with Davey)

·       Davey Jacobs- Linguistics (sigils mainly, but works with spells and potions with Crutchie. He also has extensive knowledge on ‘magical’ history and artefacts)

·       Les Jacobs- He’s quite young, so his powers are still developing, but he does have a tendency for pyrokinesis

Pins and Needles

·       Sarah Jacobs- Sews charms and spells into clothing (protection, strength, spotty invisibility. She knits blankets and sews clothing for those in need eg. Homeless people, infused with heat and relaxation charms.)

·       Katherine Pulitzer/Plumber- Partial persuasion on people (she stills works for The World)

Poisoned Daggers

·       Racetrack Higgins- Shapeshifting,

·       Albert DaSilva- Invisibility

·       Finch- Teleportation, Deadshot

·       Elmer- Energy/power absorption,

·       Buttons- Electrokinesis/ energy manipulation

·       JoJo- Manipulate gravity (mainly his own, but can manipulate it for others with great strain/effort)

·       Specs- night/x-ray vision, basic future sight (in the sense of heightened reflexes)

·       Romeo- Hydrokinesis, aerokinesis

·       Mush- Teleportation, barrier creation/manipulation

·       Blink- Increased strength, minor healing abilities

·       Henry- Flight, intangibility (phasing through walls/objects)

·       Sniper- Toxikinesis, revive (Toxikinesis is very taxing, and people can only be revived if they’ve been dead for under ten minutes)

·       Mike- Increased agility, wall running, pyrokinesis

·       Ike- Increased agility, hemokinesis, hydrokinesis

·       Boots- Hydrokinesis

·       Snitch- Increased agility, shadow mimicry

·       Itey- Photokinesis/light-bending

·       Skittery- Aerokinesis

·       Bumlets- Illusion manipulation

·       Zip- Increased speed, pyrokinesis

·       Tommy Boy- Electrokinesis, hydrokinesis

Brooklyn Bloodhounds

·       Spot Conlon- Telepathy, telekinesis

·       Myron- Freeze time, rewind time (up to an hour)

·       Bart- Hydrokinesis, cryokinesis

·       HotShot- Ferrokinesis, hydrokinesis

·       Kenny- Regeneration

·       York- ??

·       Graves ??

·       Split ??

·       Tilly ??

 Richmond Ivory Pistols

·       Adela Yates ???

·       Moira Blane- Hydrokinesis, magnetism

·       Mitts ??

·       Bitters ??

·       Anja ??

·       Honey ??

Bronx Glass Skulls

·       Smalls- Shapeshifting

·       Dauncey ??

·       Plex ??

·       Aster ??

·       Cicada ??

Other

·       Marjory/Maggie- ???

·       Veera- ???

[kiame-sama]

What if shigaraki has lived his whole life as a die hard incel where no girl has ever even looked at him, let alone dated him, then all of a sudden he meets a cutie at the cash register who is not only pleasant but gives him a little compliment on his coat?

(... So cannon Shigaraki before his primary interaction with Stain?)

Warnings; yandere, Fem reader, obsessive behavior, angry gremlin Shiggy, kidnapping, stalking, incel behavior, reader is doing her best to not get shanked, misogynistic behavior, sexist talk, item theft, drugging,

... Wait, was she talking to him?

Shigaraki's eyes darted to the woman behind the counter. This wasn't the usual guy who worked the register, who the hell was this?

Standing at the cash register was someone who was very feminine appearing, and exactly the kind he could never get with no matter how hard he had ever tried. He came here to get away from people like her, not have to talk to them regularly! This place is the only corner store that carries his energy drink of choice close to Kurogiri's bar, no way in hell he would back off because of some female.

"Is this all you would like today, Sir-?" "Yes! Don't ask me stupid questions like that." "Understood, I will not ask again."

He glowered at the new employee behind the counter, practically daring her to make a snide comment or some kind of insult. Instead, she continued what she was doing with a pleasant looking smile, either ignoring or not noticing his poisonous glare. When she had put all of his items in a bag she looked at him with those stupid doe-eyes and he braced for what he already knew was coming as she examined his hooded face.

"Sick hoodie, really adds to the general vibe you give off." "And what kind of fucking vibe do I give off?" "Eh, cool looking gamer who needs sleep?" "I don't need-! Wait, what did you say..?" "A... Cool looking gamer who needs sleep?"

It took a moment for the sentence to really register in his brain because it actually sounded sincere instead of the sneer he was expecting. Unexpectedly, he felt like she wasn't messing around or mocking him, she had given him a genuine compliment. He... Hadn't been expecting that so he was honestly caught off guard. Usually chicks just said something about his hair or his chapped lips, just stupid things like that.

Wordlessly he picked up the bag and kind of grunted in acknowledgement, feeling his face absolutely burn. Maybe he was screen burned from being by the computer all day? That had to be it, sure as hell wasn't that chick.

"Have a nice day." "Fuck off."

~~~~~~~~

For countless days it was the same routine for Shigaraki every time he went to that corner store. Grab what he wanted, see that cashier, get a genuine compliment, feel like his face is on fire, leave, and repeat. Even when he wouldn't talk at all she still said something or talked about the weather like he wasn't glaring daggers at her.

He kept going more frequently, sometimes several times a day all while convincing himself it wasn't just to see that stupidly sweet smile and hear her annoyingly nice voice. There were plenty of reasons he went to that specific corner store any time it was her shift and none of them have anything to do with her. At least, that's what he tells himself.

It wasn't really until Kurogiri commented on his constant in and out of the bar that he noticed he was even going out more.

"Are you heading out? Master said to keep a low profile." "I'm just going to the damn corner store." "Again?" "The hell's that supposed to mean?" "You've said that you're going to that corner store five times today." "And? Mind your own business."

As the young man practically slithered out of the bar, a deep chuckle sounded from the screen at the side of the bar. The sound almost startled Kurogiri, as he didn't know his master was listening in or even connected to the screen at that moment. Luckily he responded well to random interruptions and didn't fumble despite the sudden appearance.

"He is quite driven over this." "Are you certain this is alright, Master? A carnal distraction could be too much for him to handle right now." "It's fine. If anything, I am pleased. He should calm down quite a bit now that he has found someone to vent that energy of his into. Ensure he gets and keeps this new pet of his, Kurogiri. It will be easier to reign him in with a distraction like her." "Of course, Sir."

~~~~~~~~

You occasionally cast glances over your shoulder as you walked home, feeling that sensation like you were being watched. Ever since you started that job at the corner store, it has been one thing after the other.

It started with the feeling of being watched while you're at work even though you worked later hours. Then you felt it everywhere you went, like someone was watching every step you took even when you were home. Belongings started to randomly go missing like bottles you drank from or random pairs of underwear. You were really starting to consider moving out and just trying somewhere else.

When you got back to your apartment you noticed the lights were still on, even though you distinctly remembered leaving them off. While you were setting your things down, your phone pinged impatiently with several notifications. You almost thought it was funny before you read the first line of the unsaved number's text, finding line after line of what seemed like obsessed rambling.

It was enough of a concern to you that you wanted to do something about it, but no one would take 'creepy messages' as a proper reason to reach out for help. Weighing your options, you stared at your screen and turned towards your room without seeing the silent figure watching you. You only knew someone was there when you felt a sudden sharp jab into the side of your neck, body feeling as if there were hands grabbing you and holding you still.

The effects were almost immediate as your vision blurred and left streaking trails, feeling your limbs weigh you down more with every passing second. A low buzzing in the back of your mind morphed into a sinister laugh belonging to someone behind you, the sound distorted and sluggish. As your vision spun away you felt chapped lips against the shell of your ear, whispering to you.

"Feeling tired? Just relax, (y/n), I'll get to have you soon enough."

[kenjakusbrainstem]

Goodnight (Kenjaku x Reader)

Contains: mentions of suicide, death, throat slitting, piv sex, painplay, degredation, gagging, choking, hair pulling, fingering, spanking, forced orgasm, clit torture, face fucking, oral (m receiving), dacryphilia, face slapping, creampie, biting to bleed, cervix fucking.

Yo! This has been on my mind for about a month and I admit I was afraid to write and post it. I don't have much to say other than writing this sure did make me feel many emotions. Hopefully someone finds it as enjoyable to read as I did to write. Please reblog and let me know what you thought of it! I love you.

It was sometime after midnight and the city was mostly silent, which is to be expected following the attack on Shibuya. Your goal had been simple, clear out some of the weaker sorcerers. You did your best, but your body had never felt more broken.

If someone were to look at you now, it would be pretty hard to guess that you'd been a worthy opponent. Propped up against a destroyed car, you sat waiting for death. You'd been stabbed by a cursed tool that inflicted poison damage to you, cut off from any others you were with and with no reverse curse technique.

You'd sat down to rest your broken leg, but the pain and throbbing in your veins kept you from trying to get back up. A dagger rested in your hands. You normally used it in close combat, but you had drawn it now with the intention of ending your own life. As painful as the poison was however, you were too much of a coward to go through with it.

Over the sound of various curses wandering around, you heard soft footsteps on the road behind you. Turning your head around to see who or what approached, you gripped your dagger tightly in case the sorcerer had come to finish you off.

"Are you hiding like that to attack? I though I chose better allies than that," a soft voice from the other side of the vehicle said. How did they approach so quickly and without you noticing?

Everything was processing slowly for you though, the voice and words should have given away the identity of the man behind you. Yet your pain addled mind was slow at connecting things at the moment. He took a step around the broken car, and you felt relief fill you.

"Master Geto! I can barely move right now, could you help me? I haven't seen any other curse users in over an hour," you admit you felt a little frantic as you spoke. The first person to come across you is the man that you'd been following, what are the odds? A lack of worry on his face at the sight of your body did alarm you however.

You sat the dagger on the ground near him and held out your hand, expecting him to help you up. He did not.

Squatting down, he picked up the dagger before studying you more closely. His hand reached out and touched your obviously broken leg. The hand sliding up your shin to you knee, the skin there purple and swollen.

For a moment, you thought he was going to use reverse curse technique to heal you, even if you'd never seen him use it. Even more unexpectedly, he squeezed the damaged flesh causing you to cry out in pain. Jerking your leg away wasn't an option, so you just squirmed under his painful grip.

"This isn't your only injury, you've been poisoned haven't you?" Geto's grip on your leg lessened as he spoke. Hand now reaching out to your forehead. There was a burning cut above your eye, several others littered your face and body. They'd all been from the poisoned weapon.

The new pain in your leg had taken your voice away so you just nodded in agreement. You knew the cuts had looked worse due to the poison, which was probably how he could tell.

Wiping some of the blood off of your forehead, he brought it to his nose, as if he could tell the poison based on the scent. A sound of acknowledgment left him before he brought the finger down to his lips, sucking the blood from it.

"If you'd only been stabbed once, this wouldn't be a fatal wound. The concentration of the cursed poison in your blood shows that you've surpassed the limit of what would be a fatal dose. I'd say you only have about two hours left to live," Geto stood to his full height while he spoke.

Of course he wasn't going to help you. Of course you were just going to die here. You could feel tears welling up in your eyes at the confirmation of what you'd already known.

"There's nothing you can do? Please, I'll do anything, I'm too scared to die," you begged. Knowing it was pointless made you beg harder, in a way. You weren't particularly strong, so there was no serious motivation in saving you.

A wicked smile you weren't used to seeing from him graced his lips. He stared down at you with a hungry look in his eyes. He lifted the dagger in front of you, turning it in his hand as if to study it.

"Why ask for help? You weren't waiting to attack with this, you were planning to kill yourself," his voice condescending, as if he hadn't expected someone on his side to choose this end.

You thought for a moment, staring up at him.

"I was too afraid, Master Geto, I just don't want to hurt anymore. Suicide is too much to bear, but you could help me, couldn't you? I can't offer you much, but I need you to finish me off," your begging had turned a corner into something much darker. Surely he'd at least grant you this? You had nothing left to offer him though and you knew he didn't just hand out favors.

He laughed, a light airy sound you weren't expecting to hear. While pleased, the implication made your head throb with confusion.

"Most humans beg to be saved when faced with death, they beg til the bitter end. Very few have begged me to just kill them, even with how afraid you are, you still want that? You're trembling already and I'm just watching you," Geto said. You were unsure how to answer, if he had done this before, why the hold up now?

You were even more confused by the tone he used, it was far too suggestive for the situation. Plus, now that you thought of it shouldn't he be somewhere more important? He'd put so much planning into this attack, why was he just standing above a resigned-to-death nobody like yourself?

It hurt to move but you sat up straighter, hoping to look more resolved despite the pain coursing through you.

"Maybe, maybe you could make my end less painful than the poison? You can use my body however you like, I know I'm just a lowly curse user but you can still do anything you want to me to motivate you," perhaps the poison had done more damage to your brain than you realized. The words coming out of your mouth surprised you almost as much as the widening grin on his face.

The ominous grin on his face widened, Kenjaku had already set his plans into motion after absorbing Mahito. He was on his way out of Shibuya, and not in too much of a rush. Perhaps this could be his reward for a plan well executed and good stress relief for his vessel?

"Offering up your body? Not new but I still think it's tempting enough. It isn't like you're good for anything other than pleasures of the flesh, and I'm sure you worked so hard for me," he stepped forward, feet resting on either sides of you knees. "Since you're so afraid of death, let me ease you into it."

The adrenaline in your veins momentarily overrode the pain, the thought of him agreeing to help you was surprising. You hadn't served him for long, but the thought of him using you for pleasure had crossed your mind.

Unfortunate that it was while you waited at death's door.

"Thank you Master Geto," you let out a nervous breath you hadn't noticed you were holding. Leaning your upper body toward him, you reached out to tough his thigh. The movement had you dizzy though, your mind spinning at the slight exertion. Either the blood loss or the poison was affecting your mind, it was hard to form a sentence.

His hand laid atop your own as he moved his robes enough to expose himself. The thick cock in front of you was nestled in a small patch of groomed curls, it was only semi-erect. Another hand came down to fist itself in your hair, forcing you to sit up straighter.

"I've finished using that name tonight, as another gift to you, I'll allow you to use my name, call me Kenjaku," he spoke as he stepped a little closer, forcing closeness upon you. You could smell his scent, sweat and something earthy you couldn't quite place.

Opening your mouth without resistance you allowed him to guide his cock into your mouth. You chose to ignore the revelation of the man's name, focusing on the weight of the bulbous head on your tongue.

What did it matter to you anyway? The stitches across his forehead should have clued anyone into the fact that there was something different about him. No matter his real motives or identity, he was showing you mercy, and you'd worship this false idol for the honor of being between his legs.

Despite your best attempt at taking his cock into your throat, it was hard to breathe due to your wounds, causing you to gag around him. The hand he held atop yours squeezed, making you grip onto his thigh harder. It then moved to rest on the back of your head, guiding you steadily up and down his cock.

"Open your mouth as wide as you can for me. Make sure to get this vessel's cock nice and wet," Kenjaku paused for a moment, to allow you to open your mouth.

You whined around the thick cock in your mouth at the stretch on your jaw, feeling one of the cuts on your cheek opening back up. The pain had tears springing up in your eyes again.

The hands on your head eased you all the way down, til your nose was pressed into the curls at the base of his cock. The head pressed its way into your throat, blocking off oxygen.

You looked up through glossy eyes, in your hazy mind he looked like a god. Long hair flowing down his shoulders and sharp eyes staring a hole into you. The way his robes were spread exposed a thin line from his built chest down to his exposed cock, he truly was a divine sight to see.

You gagged as Kenjaku's cock pressed even further into your throat. The hands slowly pulled you off him though, relief filled you but only for a second, before he slammed your face back into his pelvis.

The pace at which Kenjaku fucked your face almost made you regret begging for this. The sound of his hips meeting your lips was obscene, especially when paired with the constant stream of your gagging whimpers. Your throat was burning from the way his thick cock pressed too far down it, forcing you to choke.

You tried to relax and allow him to fuck your throat but it was too much, you pressed into his thigh, trying to get him to slow down. The hands in your hair tightened their grip, stilling your face. You thought for a moment that he'd shown you even more mercy.

Unfortunately you were wrong, holding your head still this time, Kenjaku buried his cock into your throat again. He forced you to stay still, nose pressed into his pelvis as he ground his cock as far into the back of your throat as he could press it. A small moan escaping his lips, barely audible to you over your own noises.

Kenjaku thrust a few more times deep into your throat before pulling his cock out of your mouth. You harshly gasped for breath, trying to fill your aching lungs. With every breath though you were reminded of the situation you found yourself in. Breathing hurt as it put pressure on your sore, possibly broken ribs. Bringing a hand up to your face, you held your abused jaw, fingers also trying to cover the reopened cut on your face.

"Did that hurt? You were just begging to be used, you didn't think I would be gentle did you?" Kenjaku teased while he lazily pumped his wet cock.

You hadn't expected him to be gentle, especially considering this was payment for him to put you out of your misery. However you hadn't expected to enjoy the lack of mercy in the way he treated you.

Looking up at him, you were filled with a desire that overrode your pain filled body. You leaned back, resting against the car behind you. He watched silently as you used your hand to lift and spread your broken leg. Hiking up your torn skirt, you exposed your underwear to him.

The poison was making you feel odd, much harder to focus on anything other than Kenjaku before you. Hopefully he's fuck you quickly, before your wounds took you.

"As useful as you were tonight, who knew the best use for you would be my personal slut? But don't forget, this part is for me," Kenjaku reached out as he spoke. One hand wrapping around your arm and the other under your ass. Before you knew it he'd lifted you into the air and pressed you into his body.

Kenjaku had lifted you effortlessly, his strength would have amazed you had you not been in so much pain from the sudden movement. The yelp that left your lips at the pain was silenced by his mouth on yours. It was as if he was trying to silence your screams.

His teeth bit into your bottom lip, biting hard before kissing you violently. You whined into his mouth at the pain shooting up your leg and the blood seeping into your kiss from the lip wound. Craning your neck up into the kiss made your head throb, and trying to kiss him back was so hard when he was devouring your moans.

The pain of standing was too much for you however, stumbling into him further, you broke the kiss. The only thing keeping you from falling was his tight grip around you waist.

Kenjaku pressed your bodies together tighter, supporting you for a moment before moving his hands to your hips and lifting you off the ground again. It was as if you were a ragdoll or a puppet to him with the way he manipulated your body.

"You can barely stand, I should just fuck you and get this over with," as he spoke Kenjaku pressed you up against the car you'd been laying on. The metal was cool but sharp at the angle he'd pressed you into it.

You moaned as the pressure was taken off your broken leg and at the sensation of Kenjaku pinning you with his body. His cock grinding into your thigh turned you on more than him fucking your mouth had. You were eager for him to fill you regardless of how this would end.

"Please, Kenjaku," you begged hoarsely against his chest. Leaning into him again you nipped at the exposed skin on his chest.

Craning your neck up you moved to kiss his neck, but the thick fingers against your scalp made you freeze. Your head was violently jerked back by your hair, ripping you out of the idea that this would be peaceful love making. The man before you was merciful, kind at times, but the hollow kindness should have set off alarm bells in your head before you even joined him.

Kenjaku forced your body up onto the car hood, slamming your body down with more force than he needed to. Your body ached at the rough treatment. Grabbing your thighs he pulled you toward him, keeping your ass hanging off the car.

You wanted to sit up but the looking up at him you could tell it would be unpleasant for you. So you laid there as he manipulated your body. Roughly, suddenly he flipped you over, your chest slamming into the car and taking the already shortened breath from your lungs.

"Please? Are you begging me to fuck you or kill you? You don't even know do you?" Kenjaku chuckled darkly as he spoke. He pushed your skirt up, hand smoothing over your clothed ass before sharply smacking it.

You yelped in response to his spanking, even through the material it felt painful. You felt something cool against your skin followed by the night air on you bare ass. Looking behind you, you saw Kenjaku holding the dagger you'd previously used, he'd used it to cut through your panties.

You opened your mouth to say something but the thought was ripped from your mind by a hard slap to your bare ass. Your shout of pain turned into a moan as Kenjaku roughly thrust two thick fingers into your pussy. The stretch of sudden penetration hurt, but not as much as you'd anticipated. It had been quite some time since someone had filled you, yet he slipped inside with ease.

"I'm surprised how wet you are considering how weak your body is right now. Good for you that the poison didn't stop your body's reaction to pleasure," Kenjaku's words were more of an observation than anything meant to arouse you. The fingers inside you scissored and probed around, preparing you and searching for the spot that'd make you scream for him.

The thick fingers felt so good, emptying your mind of the aches all over your body. It was regretful that you'd never thought to proposition him before this moment. Kenjaku's fingers felt so nice as they rubbed against your spot, your vision going fuzzy and a moan leaving your lips. You heard him hum in acknowledgement behind you as he jammed his fingers harshly into your spot.

The whining moan that left your lips was broken by another violent slap to your ass. You could feel yourself clenching hard around the fingers inside you. Another swift set of slaps to your ass had you pressing your face into the hard metal below you to stifle the sounds leaving you.

All of a sudden, Kenjaku's fingers were gone from your body. You barely had a chance to turn and see what he was doing before you felt the thick head of his cock pressing against you.

Kenjaku thrust inside of you, filling you completely with one hard thrust. A choked moan fell from your lips, his cock was too big for what little preparation he'd given you. Not giving you any time to think, he set a fast pace, thrusting into you harshly.

While Kenjaku fucked into you, a steady stream of cries filled the air, it felt like every nerve in your body was on fire. The smacks against your ass now had lost any of the gentleness the others had. Your cries turned to screams as he split you open and continues to steadily amp up the force of his spankings.

As if the pace of Kenjaku's fucking wasn't enough, your sore body was so overwhelmed. The pleasure he was giving you lit a bright fire in your guts, while the force was digging your body back into the metal and banging your broken body against the side of the car.

It hurt so bad, but felt so good.

His hand wound itself in your hair, tangling at the root once again, yanking your head back. The gesture cause your back to arch, arms flailing as you moved them to support your upper body. You felt a would on your forehead start to bleed again at the pressure on your scalp, blood running down your face.

Kenjaku's other hand came up to hold your chin, keeping your face still before squeezing your cheeks, forcing your mouth open. You opened your mouth without hesitation, not wanting him to squeeze your cuts anymore.

His fingers shoved violently in your mouth, the taste of your own juice and blood coated your tongue. Three fingers filled your mouth as he kept fucking into you at a brutal pace. You tried to suck on the fingers but your jaw still hurt from earlier. Drool spilled out of your mouth and down your chin.

You moaned in pain around the fingers as they pressed further into your mouth with each of Kenjaku's brutal thrusts. They pressed in so far that it felt like you were choking on them. Breathing was already so hard, trying to breathe with his fingers in your mouth was next to impossible.

"You should- be quiet. We don't want- to be interrupted- do we?" Kenjaku said between thrusts. You whimpered around the fingers as they pressed into your tongue. The hand in your hair loosened, leaving you to hold yourself up with your arms.

Trying to appease him you greedily sucked on the fingers, hoping the pressure would stop. Kenjaku's hand that had been in your hair pressed in between your shoulder blades, holding you steady as he fucked into you even harder. The cock deep inside you slamming against your cervix with every thrust.

The hand on your back, grounding just a moment ago turned violent in an instant. Nails digging into the already bruised flesh and raking down our back. You could feel the skin tearing as he brought his hand to a stop at your tailbone.

You tried to scream around the fingers in your mouth but they slid out, Kenjaku's hand clamping over your lips to keep you quiet. Tears slid down your cheeks, mixing with blood and drool.

Kenjaku fucked into you hard, burying his cock inside of you and not moving. His cock jammed up against your cervix was pushing you to your limits. Slapping your ass one more time, he pulled his hand from your mouth.

Screaming wasn't worth it, you didn't want help after all, this is where you wanted to be. Quiet sobs left you as he gripped onto your hips with both hands before lifting up your body and flipping you onto your back.

The sudden movement, the pain and the poison in your body all mixed together to form a dizziness in your mind. The world was spinning around you, sounds and sights blending together. You saw a darkness at the corners of your vision and had the brief thought that this bust be the end for you.

A slap across your face brought you back. The cuts on your face and now back stung. Looking up you saw Kenjaku, his face slightly flush with a smirk still plastered on his face.

"You can't die yet, not until I'm done using you. Besides you haven't even gotten off yet. Once you cum on this vessel's cock I'll finish you off," the hand that slapped you held your face as Kenjaku spoke. Like he wanted to make sure you knew what was coming.

You nodded dumbly, not fully paying attention to him as he spoke, but understanding that it would all be over soon.

As Kenjaku began thrusting inside of you again, he lifted your broken leg up onto his shoulder. The angle allowing him to press his thick cock further inside, you'd never felt this torn apart before.

Through teary eyes you watched as he continued fucking you, his hair flowing messily around him and robes that had opened further. It would be an honor to die with him inside you.

Kenjaku's hand on your leg slid down to the swollen knee and squeezed again. Pain filled your body again and it was hard to even focus on the thick cock fucking into you. You brought a hand up to muffle the moans coming out of you.

He smirked down at your broken body, squeezing you knee once more as his other hand dropped to your clit. Roughly circling the nub with his thumb, Kenjaku was focused now on making you cum.

In between your sobs of pain, moans started to force their way out of you, the pleasure from his cock and fingers was too much.

Kenjaku's fingers pinched and squeezed your clit, even slapping the poor, sensitive nub a few times. Pressing the blunt nail of his thumb into it, he settled on grinding his thumb down harshly. Kenjaku fucked into you with a force that took your breath away.

You felt yourself torn, the pain thrumming through your veins and the fire of pleasure burning a hole in your gut, a dam inside you broke as you felt yourself spasm and gush, cumming all over Kenjaku's cock.

The feeling of your pussy squeezing his cock was too much, Kenjaku continued to fuck you through your orgasm as he finished inside you, filling you completely with his cum.

Thrusting in to the hilt one last time, Kenjaku dropped your broken leg as he leaned over your battered body. Blood caked your face and clothing, you were still shivering from your violent orgasm.

Kenjaku's face was just above yours when you opened your eyes. A soft smile you had never seen before graced his handsome features. Truly angelic was the way he looked to you.

He lowered himself to your lips, kissing you with a gentleness you wouldn't have thought him capable of. Tongues twinning together as you felt his arms shuffling around you.

You were too distracted by the kiss to notice the dagger he brought to your neck until the cool metal bit into your flesh. Gasping into the kiss as he sliced the blade deep across the meat of your throat.

Your mouth filled with blood soundlessly, he continued kissing you softly until your body stopped moving. Lifting his face from yours, he saw a surprisingly peaceful look on your bruised features.

"Good night," Kenjaku whispered.

[colorfulbard]

Showtime

Summary: Housewives in a small town truly have nothing else better to do.

Pairing: Lifeguard!Eren x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Small themes of NSFW

Words: 1.6K

A/N: I saw an ask that I think was from @sleepysnk blog and I couldn't help myself. This one-shot was based on this video. Sorry in advance to her for not asking permission, but I really wanted to write this. I hope you like it!

~~~~~

Summer was a time for new beginnings in a young kid's life. School was out which meant three whole months full of time to make self-improvements. Or to just goof off with friends. During this time of experiencing the blazing sun, the first thing to come to any kid's mind is to be the first to hit the pool.

Not that it mattered who came first. In the small town of Shiganshina, eventually, the community pool would be full of family's trying to cool off from the summer heat. Whether some of the families were there by choice didn't fully matter. Mothers from all over town were dragged by their children regardless of what errands needed to be done.

In the past five summers, that's how it was. Mothers had no reason to come to the pool by choice ever since their eye-candy had left to college out of state. This summer, however, the housewives in-town were less reluctant to the idea of a day at the pool. As kids ran around the pool, ignoring the lifeguard's whistle, and whacked each other with pool noodles. Housewives found other ways to enjoy their time under the hot sun.

Amongst the loud splashing and laughter, a familiar ringtone chimed. This particular ringtone, however, was only familiar to every housewife that had been to the pool since the beginning of summer. The phone the ring was coming from lit up, an alarm displayed on the screen labeled as 'showtime'.

Practically every woman who had been to the pool since summer began had a Pavlovian response when that alarm rang. They all immediately sat up in their chairs, grabbed mirrors to fix their makeup or hair, and relaxed back into whatever sexy stance they could think of.

Out of all the women who waited for the show to start. None of them were nearly as excited as Debbie, whose phone alarm was still ringing. There wasn't much a housewife in Shiganshina had to look forward to. Especially during the summer.

Debbie truly detested summer with a passion as fiery as the sun. School was no more which meant her alone time was over. Three kids were now constantly on her ass with her husband either at work or napping.

She almost bristled at the mere thought of having to deal with them later in the afternoon but maintained her composure. She couldn't afford a single hair out of place. It'd taken her two hours to perfect the look she was going for. The amount of effort couldn't go to waste. Not when she had to compete with seven other housewives for his attention.

"Look alive, ladies," proclaimed Debbie as she readjusted her boobs and put down her sunglasses. "The show is about to begin." She smirked as the current lifeguard began to step down from her tower to switch.

Debbie felt time slow down at the sight of a door opening at the other end of a pool. She was sure the other housewives were feeling it too as they all began to tense in anticipation. If any of their kids were drowning at the moment, none of them would notice. It's not like it mattered considering Mikasa was still watching anyway.

Even if one of them did drown, it wouldn't hurt to watch them being saved by the notorious Eren Yeager. He was the one that currently had every housewife on the edge of their seat. The man was an Adonis in the eyes of every housewife in Shiganshina. The absolute perfect man of their dreams.

When that door fully opened, they all felt the air leave their lungs. His silky brown hair was tied back into a bun with the right amount of fringe framing his face. Abs chiseled to perfection glistened in the sunlight. To top it all of, with a flick of a wrist, he took off his sunglasses to reveal the most gorgeous eyes that suck any woman in.

Debbie could go on and on about Eren. She even bit her lip at the thought of them, together. Having invited him over for dinner as thank you for saving one of her kids from drowning. They would be all alone after she forced the kids into bed early. Her husband would be working late, so, who knows? Anything could happen.

None of the housewives' eyes left him for even a second as he walked to relieve Mikasa of her shift. Some could barely manage to remain composed as he offered a nod and greeted them with a "ladies".

Debbie put on her best sexy pout the moment his eyes were on her. She waited for the inevitable nod and compliment on her new sunglasses only to receive a nod. No compliment.

Her eyes widened and she cast a glance at the other wives. It seems they were suffering from the same thing. It was like that ever since he came back from college out of state.

Debbie's perplexed expression turned to a sneer when she remembered why. Turns out after coming back home to visit his mother, a college education wasn't the only thing he came back home with.

"Eren!"

Speak of the devil and they shall appear. Debbie scoffed under her breath at the sight. You weren't much of a looker in her opinion. Everything about you screamed basic in Debbie's eyes. From your hair to your outfit. But that didn't stop Eren's eyes from lighting up whenever he saw you.

~

You had to be honest, at first, summer in the small town of Shiganshina was boring. The only reason why you were even here was due to Eren's insistent begging. That boredom lasted until he mentioned he had gotten a side job as a lifeguard. The same job he had the summer before he left college. He had mentioned it to you before in passing, but you'd never forget the stories Armin told you of all those housewives who drooled at the sight of him.

The moment the job began you gave him time to settle before you came to ruin it all. The time you spent waiting was worth it. Every housewives' eyes were on you as you confidently strode up to Eren on his lifeguard chair and asked for a kiss. Their faces were to die for, you wished you'd taken a picture. Especially Debbie's.

You knew for a fact she hated your guts. It wasn't like she tried to hide it anyway. She glared at you every chance she got. Which is why you were at the pool visiting Eren again today. You giggled as you glanced back at her while leaning against Eren's lifeguard chair.

"What are you laughing at?"

You looked up to the object of your affections and shook your head. "Nothing," you said innocently while rubbing his knee.

Eren rose a brow, not believing your tone for a second, and followed your previous line of sight. He rolled his eyes when he spotted Debbie waving at him just moments after she finished glaring at you. "Do you have to cause trouble with every housewife you meet?" He teased, shoving your hand away.

You placed a hand on your chest and gasped in mock disbelief. "Me? Cause trouble?" You asked rhetorically, "I would never." You crossed your arms and frowned.

Eren leaned back in his chair, "yeah, okay," he said sarcastically with a scoff.

You scoffed back at him and smacked his thigh, "okay, come on. You have to admit it's pretty funny." You barely held in a laugh at the sight of a whole row of housewives glaring daggers at you.

"Not gonna be funny when they finally poison you," Eren joked while stroking his abused thigh.

You gave him an incredulous look. "Yeah, because I'm dying to eat Debbie's casserole," you said sarcastically. Those housewives had been sending casserole after casserole to Carla's house ever since he came home. You hadn't bothered to eat a single bite of any of them. Neither had Carla.

Eren gave a small wave to Debbie, who was still watching the two of you. "What's with you and Mrs. Carter anyway?" He asked with a raised brow.

"More like what's with Debbie," you corrected, "she's hated me since she figured out I'm your girlfriend."

Eren smirked and leaned back in his chair with his arms behind his head. "Can't blame her, I am a catch." He winked down at you.

You rolled your eyes, "whatever you say, Casanova." You stepped away from the chair. "I'm gonna get going, don't wanna keep distracting you considering they're not gonna save their kids anyway." You gestured to the housewives who had their eyes glued on Eren.

He rose a brow but soon nodded after glancing at the housewives. "You have a point, get outta here." He leaned down to swat your ass.

You punched his leg in response. "Oi, watch your hands, Yeager!" You scolded.

"You know I can't control myself." He smirked and tried to rest his hands on your waist.

You hummed and laughed to yourself. Eren rose a brow at your laugh but said nothing as you stood on your tiptoes to grab him by his whistle. He was frozen as he waited for your next move and spellbound the same way those housewives were with him.

The tips of his ears were hot, you could feel it on your lips as they gently grazed his ear. "Let's hope you'll be able to control yourself until after your shift." You gave his ear a small kiss before pulling away and quickly walking away before he could recover.

You gave him one last look over your shoulder and giggled at the sight of his flushed cheeks. You also gave Debbie a passing glance and waved at her. "Hot day isn't it, Mrs. Carter?" You asked.

You didn't miss the way she attempted to murder you with one look. "Immensely," she said through gritted teeth.

Yeah, summer was a fun time.

[babygirlkiki1016]

Masterlist

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Company

"Do you have to leave?" Lani asked as she handed me my bag, she was always the nervous one.

"Yes, it's important. Take care of things while I'm gone, I have faith in you Lani. I'll be back before you know it." Lani was like a younger sister to me, the one always hiding behind the older one. While I was going to be missing, I put her in charge of the kingdom. She knew how everything worked, she was always there next to me when I was taking care of business anyhow. Of course, after a few days of traveling to the shire I wanted to turn back to see if she was alright, but I knew I had to keep going. And eventually, I stood in front of the green door with a dwarven letter carved into it. Taking a deep breath I knocked, and the voices I had heard went quiet. It's just a bunch of dwarves, nothing to be worried about. The door opened to reveal a hobbit, not as tall as me but he was up to my shoulders.

"Uh, c-come in." He steps to the side, and I walked forward, they must've been expecting me. Setting my bag down by the front door, I took in everything. It was small and cozy, I wish my home looked like this. Continuing on I came across the thirteen dwarves Gandalf had mentioned.

"This is Y/n Y/l/n, I believed she could be a wonderful asset to our quest." The raven-haired man couldn't keep his eyes off me, it was like he was dazed, now that I think about it every dwarf's gaze was still on me. Including a young man about my height, maybe even taller. I smirked, hello handsome, my cheeks burned a shade of crimson as I realized my thought process. Gandalf nudged the man to get his attention, and he snaps out of his trance.

"My name is Thorin Oakenshield, it is a pleasure to meet you, my lady." He bowed his head slightly, giving me a small smile.

"You won't be saying that in a few seconds," I muttered, Gandalf swallowed nervously as he said his next words carefully.

"I should mention, that Y/n is also...The Queen of The Digonisks. The Soul Of The Black Dragon." Everyone's eyes widened, but no one said a word except the blond man in the back.

"What's a Digonisk?"

"There dragons, and murderers." Thorin glared at me with a fire in those blue orbs. I just rolled my eyes, of course, that's what he thought of me. Yet how could we be the murderers when their kind slaughtered mine? "I want her out, that filth cannot come on this quest with us."

"'That filth' has a name you know, and for your information, it's not really up to you now is it?" I exclaimed, he went to protest but Gandalf held out his hand to silence him.

"She can help us Thorin, she has the ability to take down Smaug. She might be the only one who can."

"I don't care." He abruptly stood, not even a foot away from me. "Leave, or I'll strike you down where you stand." Silently, I conjured a dagger and placed right against his side making him gasp.

"You'll be dead before you can even draw your sword, you should be thankful I came to help. I could've easily said no and let karma continue it's pace. Especially after what your kin did to us, you took my home, killed my people! Your no better than Smaug himself. Now sit." I forced him back into his chair, his hand gripped tightly on his blade. He wants to play does he? Bring it on.

"Enough!" Gandalf stood, making the room fill with darkness. "I brought her along, and so she shall stay, if you try to lay a hand on her I won't hesitate to lay one on you." He was furious, but as he sat back down the room turned back to normal. Each dwarf was scowling at me, except the two in the back. Right, they don't know the history between us.

"It was nice meeting you, your majesty." I bowed, and turned back towards the door. "I'll be outside, tell me when we're leaving."

"Wait! You haven't even heard about-" Gandalf stands but I raise my hand, silencing him. "At least stay and listen." I stopped, I already new of their quest, there was no reason for me to be in this room. And none of them probably didn't want me to stay anyhow.

"You can sit by us." The man in the back offered, patting the seat next to him with a smile. The other's hissed at him but he ignored their comments, making my way to the end of the table, I sit between him and the blond. Both were slightly blushing, and staring at me with those beautiful eyes though trying to make it less obvious. Thorin continues to eat his stew, making very little eye-contact with me.

"Perhaps we could do introductions? I still only know two of the people in this room."

"Right, that would be best." Gandalf agreed, and he pointed to each individual as he named them off. "Here you have Thorin, the leader of our company. Bofur, with his brothers Bomber and Bifur, then Dwalin, Balin, Gloin, Oin, Dori, Nori and Ori. Then last but not least the two next to you, Kili and Fili." None of them seemed happy, if looks could kill I would've been dead the moment Gandalf mentioned what I was. When Gandalf named off Kili, he winked at me while slightly smirking. I winked back making him look away embarrassed, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

"What news from the meeting in Ered Luin? Did they all come?" Balin asked, looking over at his king, who nods.

"Aye, envoys from all seven kingdoms."

"And what did the dwarves of the Iron Hill say? Is Dain with us?" Dwalin asked, Thorin hesitated as he stated his answer.

"They will not come." The other dwarves become visibly upset, I decided that this might take awhile. So I played with the little flame that came from my finger, it didn't burn me for I was immune to fire. I was in my own mind, my own little world while humming a melody.

"Can she please leave?" I heard Thorin whisper, leaning closer to the wizard. "She does not belong here." Gandalf knew nothing would get done if I stayed, so he gives me a pleading look. Happily I left the table, and headed back outside, it felt nice out here. Sitting on the pavement I watched the stars, they were a lot farther away now. My kingdom was high up in the sky, higher than the mountain of Erebor. It's far above the clouds where no eye can see, Gandalf made it that way with the help of my mother's grimoire. He made what's called a floating island, only digonisks and wizards can enter. I heard the hobbit door open, and out came Kili with a bowl of food.

"Here." Kili smiled handing me a bowl of stew. "I thought you would be hungry, so I brought you some stew."

"I'm not eating that, especially not from a dwarf." He slowly brought it back to himself, he seemed upset for some reason.

"It's not poisoned if that's what your worried about." He muttered, sitting down next to me. "Here I can test taste it." He quickly took a bite, showing that it wasn't fatal. He handed it back to me with a look of hope.

"Thank you." I took it from him, and hesitantly took my first bite. It tasted delicious, even my people didn't have soup made like this. "Did you make this yourself?"

"Ah no, Bombur made it, mostly for us but I figured you were hungry." Well at least he had some manners, he's certainly more nicer than Thorin. "Don't worry about my uncle, he just, he told me why he hates your kind. Even though that happened, you weren't the one doing the killing."

"Of course he's already spreading rumours." Kili glanced over at me with curiosity. "How about you hear my side of the story. Believe which ever one you want, it won't matter." Cause soon my people will be set free, and each and everyone of you will be filled with guilt. "My kin aren't killers, the village of Hargen had been over run by orcs. We were the first ones to respond to the crisis, and we had driven out the enemy. Yet when the dwarves showed up, Thror believed it to be us who slaughtered them. That wasn't the case, blinded by rage he started rumours about us, saying we weren't peaceful and that we were murders. There already had been rumours, but that was mostly because Digonisks are extremely powerful. The people of Middle Earth knew that if we tried, we could over power them. When they started making rumours, they thought that we would go hide in the shadows. Yet we stilled stayed strong, and when that wasn't enough..." A single tear slipped down my cheek, the horror that occurred in that building was enough to make someone insane. I quickly wiped it away, I can't let him see me weak. "...The dwarves became the true monsters, them and mankind had invited us to the grand ball. I was only a child then, but I remember I was so excited to see the tiny men that roamed our world. Most of us had showed up, and when the doors closed the explosions started."

"...I'm sorry you went through that, but if you hate dwarves so much. Why come and help us?"

"There is something in that mountain that proves my kin is innocent. Reports from Thror himself about what really happened that day. And I intend to find it, so my people can be free once again. That's the main reason why Gandalf brought me here, he showed me a letter from Thrain. Explaining where to find the reports." He looked back to sky, wondering what to say next. I continued to eat my stew, and once I was finished he offered to take the bowl from me.

"Come back inside, surely if you explain to my uncle what's in that mountain he won't hate you as much." I hadn't thought of that, but what if he decides to go burn the papers before I get there? Though he seemed like a respectful man, and if we are going to be working together on this journey then he has to see me as an ally.

"Alright, might as well give it a try." He smiled and grabbed my hand dragging me along with him. "K-Kili wait!" He seemed more excited than I, as we passed each dwarf grimaced at the sight of me.

"Uncle!" Kili exclaimed catching Thorin's attention, he immediately separated our hands. Stepping infront of his nephew he pulled out his sword, pointing it at my neck.

"I suggest you put that thing away, wouldn't want a wizard and a Digonisk fighting you now do you? I have come to show you something, it might make this trip a whole lot easier." He didn't budge, reaching into my cloak I pulled out the same scroll Gandalf had brought me. Thorin slowly took it from my hands and undid the ribbon, his eyes widened in shock at his father's handwriting.

"How did you get this?" He looked back to me, he had hope that his father was alive.

"Gandalf gave it to me, it's the main reason I'm here." Thorin seemed to be more at ease with me in the room now. Did he actually believe his father's words?

"What does is say Thorin?" Balin asked coming closer, Thorin couldn't believe his eyes. Gradually he handed the scroll back to me, and all I saw was remorse in those blue orbs.

"It was written by my father, he says that in my grandfathers room the truth about her kind remain. The real reports about what happened that day in Hargen, if this is true then..." He couldn't finish his sentence, a thousand emotions appeared at once.

"This doesn't mean anything, it could be a lie. Those reports could show something different, but we still don't know if the evidence lies in the mountain." Dwalin interrupted, making the furious look on Thorin's face return. Well so much for that, Gandalf sighs in disappointment. Even he had hope that Thorin would be reasonable, I went to head back outside but Thorin grabs my arm.

"If your coming with us, then you have to sign the contract. I won't be responsible for your death, nor do I feel like dealing with a bunch of angry dragon slayers." Balin, kindly handed me a piece of paper, inside read the rules and what not. They would not be responsible for anything that happens to me, which was fine but if I were to die who would set my people free?

"I want to add something to this, if I am to go on this journey and I die. You must set my people free, get the reports from your grandfather's room and show everyone that my people are innocent. That is all I ask." He seemed shocked at my request, although I didn't want to trust him with this kind of task it was the only way my people would be safe after I'm gone.

"Get me a pen." He grumbled, using my magic I summoned an ethereal white feather. He watched as I wrote down my terms and signed it, then when I handed him the pen he couldn't help but stare at it. It glowed brightly in his hand, never had he seen something like this. After examining it he signed his name on the line, then handed the pen to Balin who signed it as a witness.

"Welcome, Queen Y/n to the company of Thorin Oakenshield." He smiled, that made me feel somewhat welcome. At least he has manners like Thorin's nephew, maybe all dwarves aren't so bad.

"Your welcome to stay inside, get as much sleep as you can. You'll need it for the journey ahead, I have a feeling we're going to be needing those wings of yours." Gandalf suggested but Kili and Fili perked up at his comment.

"Wings? She has wings?" Kili asked coming closer, taking off my cloak I spread them. "I didn't even realize the you could fly!"

"They look a lot smaller when folded, but yes I have wings. There easy to hide under a robe, and not very noticeable." He reached over to touch them, I flinched slightly as his fingers ran over the scales.

"May I?" Thorin asked with a light blush on his face, how could the king under the mountain have rosy cheeks? I nodded, watching him cautiously as he ran his hand over my skin. He let out a small smile as he stretched them farther to get a better look. "They're huge, how could they be so small when tucked away?" He muttered, but when he realized he was getting a little into this he stepped back. That stern look returning to his features. "Get some sleep." That was the last thing he said before walking away, at least he's somewhat warming up to me. I settled in the corner of the hobbit's house away from everyone else, surrounding myself with my wings to keep me warm. After a few minutes of silence, I heard voices again except this time it was the dwarves singing a song. "Far over the Misty Mountains cold. To dungeons deep and caverns old. We must away ere break of day. To find our long-forgotten gold." Thorin's voice was most audible, and for some reason, it soothed me.

"The pines were roaring on the height, the winds were moaning in the night. The fire was red, it flaming spread. The trees like torches blazed with light." I sang along, which made the dwarves silent. The song wasn't unknown to me, everyone outside of the shire knew the story of Erebor. After a moment they sang along after I joined, but softer than before. Maybe because they loved my voice? Or maybe my voice soothed Thorin and he wanted to hear more, as he reassured me.

@fili-is-my-lover @lunariasilver @kirenia15

[hannahthedragon]

I was talking with my friends about the knew champion, though we all have some mixed opinions the general consensus was we're pretty excited. One thing lead to another in our rambling and I mentioned that why would she make a doll with the royal crest? Was it for her or maybe a child? It was a sad theory but even in the trailer Isolde and Viego are both looking at her stomach. Eitherway struck with inspiration I wrote a fanfic around this idea.

⚠️So major warning!⚠️ This features pregnancy and the death of the carrying mother. Don't read if these are sensitive topics for you!

◇~~~~~~~~~~~~~◇

Viego sat at the head of a long table, advisors, treasurers and practically everyone else with any authority in the kingdom sat along the sides. They all debated back and forth about what to do next, something about the financial situation of the kingdom, but their king couldn't bother to listen, instead, he sat there with his head resting upon his hand. He dreamt of his queen, his lover, and the only girl who could seem to hold his attention, Isolde. She had been feeling sick lately, was she going to be okay while he was away? How dare this meeting keep him from more important matters, he thought. 

"Your highness." A voice snapped him back to what was happening around him, along with a tap on his shoulder. Kallista, his trusted General was who the hand belonged to, she stood behind him like a shadow whenever his kingly duties were to be fulfilled, being a far larger help than Viego ever was. "What is it you want to do?"

"Whatever you all can come to agree on. It matters not to me." Viego half-heartedly replied.

"You are the king. And this is your kingdom. It does matter to you." The treasurer replied, barely holding back his anger. Luckily however someone else spoke up suggesting a compromise of their plans, taking the heat off Viego for the time being. Finally, after what felt like an excruciatingly long time, the meeting was over, the king being the first to stand and leave. 

Although Kallista followed at first for his protection, he waved her off, requesting to be alone or for better phrasing, alone with his love. She did just that, having other duties she could attend to with the time. Now alone he entered his chambers, he couldn't help but smile at the sight of Isolde. She sat at the end of the bed seeming to be waiting for him, she looked happy, though nervousness filled the cracks in her smile. "Viego… there is something that I need to tell you."

His smile morphed to concern as he shut the door behind him, moving to sit by her side, "what is it my stars?" 

She took a long pause and a deep breath, then spoke, turning to look Viego in the eyes. "We're going to have a child." A warm smile grew on her face, clearly happy about the announcement. 

Viego seemed just as happy, leaning over to wrap his arms around her, kissing her on the neck. "Finally someone to love just as much as you." He whispered in her ear. Finally leaning away getting his joy contained he asked a question. "How can you be sure?" 

"All the signs were there. So I went for testing. All the best they could offer. Every single one said yes. I should have told you sooner but I wanted to be sure."

"The surprise was well worth the wait." He said, unable to stop himself from kissing his love again.

"I'm sure she'll be strong and kind. Just like you." Isolde ran her fingers through Viego's long hair, hoping to see his face better. 

"She?" He raised his brow.

"Yes. Many of the tests pointed to a girl."

"That's lovely. I'm sure she'll be just as beautiful as you are." Isolde could only reply with a light-hearted chuckle at the complaint, something she received from Viego daily. 

"I can't wait to meet her." She smiled looking down at her stomach, still yet to show any sign of a child. 

"She'll have a kingdom when we do." He said looking as well. Despite the arrogance he knew he was not fit to rule, he never was. This was his brother's throne, cast upon him unexpectedly. He didn't know what to do. So he could only hope to raise their daughter to be better. The lovers spent the rest of the night talking about their future, and the future of their child. This had to be the second happiest day of their lives, only beat by the night of their wedding, and just as they did then, the two fell asleep in each other's arms. 

Time passed, though the king, holding little concern for those of his kingdom made no effort to announce the news to the kingdom, word had gone around inside the castle of the Queen's expectancy. Though little of them could be excited with the kingdom's trouble still being front and center, this only serving to distract the king more. Isolde remained blissfully unaware of these issues while Viego actively ignored them. Mutters went around of how this problem might have been avoided if the king had chosen to marry another royalty as they advised, the kingdoms being able to partner and help each other. But his heart was set on the peasant lady he had fallen for at first sight, and no one could deter him. 

Now Isolde sat in her workshop, a small room filled with her many supplies from her days as a seamstress. A hobby she had kept even when ascending upon the throne. It was obvious to anyone close to her she loved her days before belonging to the kingdom, often dressing in surprisingly casual clothes when not among the public. Simple dresses with aprons atop them. All sewn herself. Even Viego couldn't convince her to ease up on this part of herself. Despite having more than enough resources and power, Isolde sat alone in her workshop sewing small garments for her soon to be daughter. Though it was possible the test could be wrong, such a thought never even passed her by. Blinded by the idea of raising a princess with the world ahead of her. Never having to work long tiring nights as she had done before her new life. 

A candlelit up the simple room, as a music box slowly turned on the desk as music, the same she had received as a wedding gift, and treasured since that day. Isolde and Viego dancing to its tune on late nights, twirling endlessly. Having now made enough clothes to last the first year of the child's life at all stages, Isolde had to start making other things for her to fill her excitement. Laying on the table in front of her was a doll. Cute as she could possibly make it. The spitting image of everything Isolde thought of a princess, something she struggled to see herself in. She was almost done, large bright blue yarn hair filling her head, a frilly dress adorning her body, and button eyes smiling towards the sky. She was just finishing the last touches, sewing to it the ribbon brooch she wore with many of her formal outfits. It carried with it the crest of the royal family, a sign that she would be part of theirs. Viego entered the room just as the music came to a slow, the door creaking open to announce him. 

"Hard at work my love?" He asked, laying his hands over her shoulder to look at what she could be making now.  

"Yes. I just want everything to be perfect when she's here." Isolde smiles, brushing his hands off and standing. Bringing the doll across the room to sit on the pile of clothes she had made. 

"You shouldn't have to work so hard, let others do the work for you." 

"I know, I know. But I enjoy this. Really. This is more than I could have ever asked for." Isolde commented, looking over the collection of colorful fabrics she had access to. 

"Just don't tire yourself," Viego advised, stepping behind her once more resting his head on against hers, one hand resting on her stomach, which had now formed a small bump to it. "Come. Rest with me. You can return here another day." 

"Mmh." She nodded in agreement, resting her hand atop Viego's, they were tired and worn from her grip on the needles and scissors she had worked with all day. She blew out the candle and left the dark room by the side of her beloved.

However the day she returned to her workshop didn't come. Instead collecting dust along the shelves of clothing and the doll of the little princess. The kingdom had enough of the king who was casting their land into ruin, attempting to strike him down, they failed, taking Isolde instead. Though the dagger only grazed her arm, the strong poison acted quick. She wasn't quite dead. Not yet. Instead in a state of lasting sleep. This was a twisted hell for Viego, watching his queen's life drain day by day, as he could do nothing about it. He never left her side but commanded everyone who could to search for a cure. He was advised against this, begged to stop as every last resource of the kingdom went into saving her. He didn't care. What was the point of having a kingdom if his queen couldn't rule it by his side? If his daughter wouldn't be here to see it. 

Everything he could do wasn't enough though. Isolde silently passed one night, Viego by her side. He couldn't accept this. Never. He had seen magic before. Even rumors of immortality, something he remembers hearing his uncle ran to pursue. He knew there was still a chance. He grew more hateful by the day, locking himself away with his wife's body. 

Finally, Kallista, his most trusted General had arrived back from her searches. The torment of the situation had made the king come to despise her, the one who deflected the attack to his stars. He would have killed her on sight if not for her news. An island of blessed water, able to heal the queen. Though when she heard the news of the queen's fate she resisted helping, she gave in. Viego carefully lifting Isolde's body, he carried her to the docks, sailing off to their last hope. His last hope for his family and the last hope for Isolde's hard work. 

The rest of the kingdom joined the workshop in collecting dust after that.

[valberryy]

efficacy. — zhongli

hi!! this started out as an oc fic, but i thought i'd convert it to a reader insert!! i tried to change some of the more "explicit" oc info, so hopefully it's fine now!

pairing: zhongli x gn!reader

content warnings: mentions of blood/injury/death, contemplations of/vaguely attempted murder, slight swearing. if these topics are sensitive to you, i'd recommend clicking away.

i. 

[Name]'s life would be nothing without order. They found a certain comfort in routines—working at the bookshop with Jifang in the afternoons, working for their less-than-legal clients once night fell. There was an odd kind of safety they found in it, in completed contracts and crossed-out bounties on a board: as they wiped the blood off their blade at sunrise, they found themself glad they no longer lived at the whims of ice, and snow, and migrating deer.

Tonight was odd, though. 

A dagger twirled deftly between their fingers, and [Name] raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the informant sitting before them. A mask and hood alike obscured his face, and he seemed almost to hesitate slightly beneath their burning gaze—a newbie, then, or a fool.

"So?" they asked, their voice like a whip-crack in the silence. "Don't waste my time."

"Apologies," he said, and [Name] had to resist the urge to scoff. At another raised eyebrow the informant dug through his things and passed them an envelope. 

Gingerly, they tore it open. "...Wangsheng?" they muttered to themself, before glancing back up. "I trust you have the right compensation?"

A stiff, "Of course," was their only response. 

The knife between [Name]'s fingers stilled, before it became embedded in the cheap wood next to their now-client's head.

They stood, gave an almost-mocking flourish of a bow, and walked off without another word.

ii. 

[Name] did not glance up from the shelf they were restocking when the footsteps of another customer coming up the stairs came into earshot, only saying a gruff, "Welcome," as they grew closer.

Their only response was a content hum, and they resisted the urge to sigh in relief that this particular patron wasn't a chatterbox. 

The minutes trickled by in comfortable silence, as the man—for he was a man, [Name] learned, as soon as they looked up and towards his direction—browsed through their selection. The only sounds to be heard were the blowing of the breeze and the idle chatter of people walking past.

"What a fine collection you have," he said, and turned to face the counter they were seated behind. At the sight of his face they were thrust back into two nights ago—an unpleasant evening in a dingy old house, an envelope in one hand and a cheap knife in the other. 

Not now, they thought to themself. Not now, when the blood can seep into the floorboards. The smell will hang for days.

"Thank you," they elected to say in reply. "...Will you be buying?"

He nodded, a thoughtful hand on his chin. "Indeed. The entire stock, actually."

[Name] faltered. "The entire…?" They coughed into a fist, regaining their composure and leaning forward on the counter. "That's going to cost you, sir."

They could almost see the excited sparkles around him as he opened his mouth to speak again, and whatever thoughts they had on how elegant and refined he seemed were thrown out to sea.

"Yes, of course," he began, "there truly is no treasure greater than knowledge, after all—there is a subtle nuance to the art to capturing a moment in time so vividly using just words alone…" 

As he continued to ramble, [Name] rested their chin on their palm. The daggers concealed beneath their clothes were cool and heavy on their skin—a constant reminder, a subtle threat. 

When his voice trailed off they gave a small, polite smile, standing upright again. "If you have the Mora, there should be nothing stopping you, sir."

The faraway, almost dreamy look in his eyes grew lucid at the mention of Mora. "Ah, of course. Mora," he said, and started patting his pockets searching for his wallet.

When neither of them heard the telltale clinking of coins, they glanced at each other almost exasperatedly. 

"My deepest apologies—"

"...No, it's okay—"

The knife still burned against their skin, but they brushed it aside for a moment to grab an unwrapped copy of a book under the desk. They held it out to him, their face blank but the faintest, faintest hints of amusement dancing in their eyes.

He was…interesting. Dead men can rarely boast as much.

 "Take it," they said, simply. 

His eyes seemed to widen in pleasant surprise. "Are you certain?" he asked, and at [Name]'s casual shrug in the affirmative he gingerly took it from their hands. 

"Thank you kindly," he said, raising the package in the air and inspecting it. "I'll have to repay you, for this."

They looked at him again, and thought of the envelope from the other night, thought of how they could almost feel his pulse as their fingers brushed just seconds prior.

"I'll hold you to it, then, sir," they elected to say.

Not now, not now, not now.

iii.

On his lips played a gentle smile that [Name] couldn't help but to distrust. 

"There's a restaurant I believe you'd like," he had said. "Allow me to treat you for lunch, as thanks."

Their head had thus begun to swim with backup plans and what-ifs. Did he know? Was this some elaborate ruse to poison them? Surely not, right? They had been so careful up until now, too…

They blinked away their initial surprise and canted their head to the side. "Where?"

At that he went off onto another tangent, just as long as the ramble he had gone on a few days prior. [Name] found themself zoning out, glancing at where they knew his jugular was beneath his collar—or perhaps poison during their impromptu outing would fare better?

No, they scolded themself, there would be witnesses at a restaurant.

"...Don't worry, of course, I'll be sure to bring the Mora this time around," he said with a velvety laugh, and [Name] suddenly found themself back in the present.

They leaned forward on the bookstore counter, an eyebrow raised. "I don't even know your name, Mister Philanthropist." 

Another smile graced his features, then—apologetic this time, and he outstretched a hand for them to shake. "My apologies," he said. "I am Zhongli, consultant for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

Gingerly, they took his hand in turn. They could feel the rhythmic beat-beat-beat of his pulse under their fingers.

Soon, they thought. 

"Call me [Name]," they said, and forced themself to smile.

A few days later, it just so happened that both of their schedules were free. 

"Would you still be willing to indulge me?" Zhongli asked—he had been visiting more often lately, and it just so happened that many of his visits happened to be on the days [Name] was there, as well. Jifang seemed curious, and honestly they were as well—did he enjoy their company? Was there something about their short, curt responses that didn't turn him away?

Or maybe he was planning something, too?

Nevertheless, despite their raging paranoia, it wasn't like they were in much of a position to complain. Jifang seemed content at their new, distinguished guest, and [Name] took it as an opportunity to learn more about him for the time being. 

"...If you so wish," they said, plucking the book he was holding out of his hands to wrap it for him. 

"Only if you do, my friend." Damn him and his deflection. "But it is my firm belief that the generous receive what is due to them, in time."

They hummed idly as they thumbed through the book he had chosen—something or other about the natural beauty of Inazuma—and then glanced back up at him.

And that was how they found themself here, they supposed.

Their table was relatively silent compared to some others, but it was by no means uncomfortable or awkward. With the idle chatter of other people and the clear sky above as a backdrop, the two dined in comforting silence—only the clinking of ceramic against each other to be heard, and to [Name]'s surprise, no traces of poison to be found whatsoever.

As the sun began to dip down the horizon, and all their food had been finished and the bill paid, the two found themselves taking a stroll down by the docks. Zhongli's gaze was trained ahead, while [Name]'s flitted about cautiously.

"Forgive me if I'm prying, however…" he began, "...But you're not a native, are you, my friend?"

A jolt, then, a bolt of white-hot fear running through their limbs. Did he know? Did they give themself away? 

"I'm not," they said. "I was born abroad." 

A satisfied hum was their response, and when they turned to glance at him, they found the smallest of smiles on his face.

"It's getting late," Zhongli said. "Thank you for today. I'd like to do this again, with you."

[Name] took pause at that. They thought once again of the envelope hidden under their drawers, and the knives hidden under their clothes.

They thought about the way Zhongli rambled on about whatever tale it was the storyteller across the street had spun—how "that indeed is one interpretation of it, but in the original text, the author actually meant to imply that…" 

There was a pang of what almost felt like guilt in their chest, at that. 

"...And I, you," they said, finally, "...my friend."

iv.

Perhaps stumbling into your supposed assassination target's home half-bloody with an arrow sticking out of your side was not the brightest idea, but in [Name]'s defense were two things: first of all, they had no fucking clue it was Zhongli's in the first place, and secondly, they couldn't exactly keep running from their angry former client with an arrow sticking out of their side.

And thus whatever levels of discretion they normally would have had were thrown out the window as they climbed into Zhongli's in the dead of night, and probably knocked something over in the process (if the new bruises were anything to go by). 

(To be fair, they had been calling each other friends for a while now. Is this what friends did? [Name] couldn't be sure—their shady friends weren't exactly the best examples, after all.)

They had just sat up and groaned in pain when Zhongli came in, alarmed first at the noise and then at their sorry state. 

"...Sorry," they muttered through gritted teeth. "Thought the place was empty—ow, shit! I can—I can do it mysel—"

"Nonsense," he said, his voice and hands firmer than they had noticed before. "...I still haven't repaid you for your favour to me, after all."

They stopped for a moment, at that. "...I thought the lunch was repayment?"

Somehow, Zhongli found it in himself to laugh, albeit tensely. From where they were sitting, they could see his face a lot more clearly than they had before—the tenseness in his brow, the flecks of gold in his amber irises, the way his nose crinkled at the density of the smell of blood.

"No," he replied, "that was a thank you."

They hummed, before hissing in pain again. "Pull the other way; the arrowhead went in at an angle—"

"Ah, yes, my mistake…"

[Name] continued, "I suppose this is your repayment, then?"

They only barely hid their surprise when he shook his head again. 

"I'm doing this because I want to, [Name]."

(Somehow, they liked their name better when hearing it from him. Was it the timbre of his voice? Was it the appeal of hearing your name from a man who was supposed to be long-dead?)

"...I see."

As he sealed the last of the bandages and allowed them to adjust their clothes, he helped them over to what they assumed was a guest room, of sorts. He helped them to take a seat on shaky legs, and placed a firm, almost comforting hand on their shoulder.

"Promise me you'll be more careful, my friend."

They glanced away, their face oddly warm. Wasn't blood loss supposed to do the opposite? "I can't guarantee that, Zhongli."

He followed their gaze over to the floor, and then glanced back at them. "If not that, then I'd at least ask you to…rely on me more," he said, and something about the sincerity in his voice struck them as odd. 

They almost wanted to burn that envelope in their drawers when they went home.

[Name] glanced back up at him, forcing themself to face his questioning gaze.

"...I'll try." 

But only for you.

+1.

In [Name]'s life, there exists a line they do not dare themself to cross. On one side stands sweet Jifang from the bookshop, the tenacious Traveller and their friends, and the ghosts of their loved ones from Inazuma; and on the other stands themself and their other shadowy benefactors. 

The first to tread the line between the two was Zhongli—who, despite the bounty on his head, still managed to maneuvre his way into them somehow being able to call him their friend.

Honestly. The Seven damn him and his stupid charisma, and his stupid voice, and his stupid encyclopedic knowledge of silk flowers.

When [Name] woke up, they were not in their home. 

Through their shock they failed to register the bandages wound around their torso, and bit back a yelp of pain as the wound threatened to reopen. In the dark they could see their overwear folded neatly on the bed next to them, and Zhongli asleep, slumped over in a chair.

Suddenly, they were acutely aware of the old bone knife under their clothes—their only souvenir from home, unstained by blood for years, and years, and years.

Would Zhongli be its first, then?

Quietly they stood and dug through their folded clothes until they felt it—the uneven blade, the worn-down grooves near the hilt. They skulked their way over to where he slept, and tried to ignore how painfully peaceful his slow, even breaths were.

His eyes fluttered open just as they pressed the blade to his throat. He seemed too calm, though, not even a twitch of his hands or a hitch in his breath to give away any surprise at all. All he did was place a loose grip on their wrist—a stark contrast to their white-knuckled, shaking hand—and ask,

"What are you doing, [Name]?" 

They grit their teeth. "...I'm sorry," they said, "but I have a contract to complete."

Something in Zhongli's eyes softened at that. This was his domain, they realised—contracts, and contingencies, and wordplay. 

His grip on their wrist tightened, ever so slightly, and he traced his free hand over their clenched jaw. "But so do we," he replied. "I've still never paid you back, after all."

There was a pause, then—a long, pregnant silence. 

"May I kiss you?" Zhongli asked, his voice like a whip-crack in the space between them. [Name] said nothing, but the crease between their brows deepened further. 

The dagger embedding itself into the floor and the soft, firm press of their lips against his was enough of an answer.

[sereia1313]

Discord Drabble Nights November 2021

Banner by the wonderful @yumanichan.

Also available on Ao3, Dokuga and FFnet.

Summary: A gathering of friends leads to unexpected discoveries

Cornucopia

It had been a last-minute thing.

Kagome ran around in a tizzy, trying desperately to make sure everything was perfect—as perfect as a large gathering could be in the feudal era, anyway.

The table was set, the fire roaring, and the cornucopia of offerings ready to be served.

All that was needed were the guests.

She checked herself in the mirror one last time, enjoying how the deep hue of her kimono made her eyes stand out in her reflection. Shippou had helped with her hair, his tiny claws strangely nimble when it came to intricate up-dos.

The night would be a success—one way or another.

Tradition

Dinner was meant to be a quiet affair, but Kagome was never one for tradition.

She preferred everyone chatting and sharing stories to the stilted and forced pleasantries that were expected.

Everyone chose their own seats, finding places next to those they wished to converse with, and it wasn't until everyone was settled that Kagome realized the only place left for her was in between Inuyasha and—

"Oi, who invited you, ya bastard?"

Not wishing to wreck all her hard work by sending her best friend crashing into the table, she settled with yanking hard on his ear.

"Behave! Sesshoumaru is family too."

Herbs

Grumbling under his breath, Inuyasha glared at his brother over her shoulder, then turned away, pulled into Miroku's current—and completely fabricated—story about their latest demon encounter.

Kagome shook her head in exasperation, then seated herself beside the Western Lord, giving him a sheepish smile.

"I wish I'd known you were coming. Do you want me to find something fresher?" She grimaced as she looked at the array of thoroughly cooked meat. "Maybe something with fewer herbs—"

"Do not distress yourself on my account, miko. What has been provided will do."

"But—"

"Your concern is appreciated, though."

Cranberries

The firelight must've been playing tricks on her, as she could've sworn Sesshoumaru had just smiled at her.

Shaking her head, she watched those she cared about set aside their squabbles to enjoy the night.

Well, almost everyone.

Inuyasha kept shooting daggers at his brother until Kagome finally grabbed some berries off the table and hit him square between the eyes.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"I told you to behave! That includes facial expressions!"

"Keh!"

She turned to apologize again to find Sesshoumaru holding a berry between his claws.

"These are poisonous."

Kagome giggled softly. "I know. But cranberries don't grow in Japan, so I had to improvise. They're just for decoration."

Archery

A pale eyebrow raised before he placed the berry back on the table.

"It seems you have been practicing. Your aim with drupelets is almost as accurate as your archery."

Kagome felt her face get hot.

How did he know that?

She tried to play it off, not meeting his gaze. "I've had a lot more free time now that Naraku's gone."

"Perhaps you require a new purpose to occupy your day."

"Who says I want anything to occupy my day? I spent an entire year looking for shards, then another three dealing with high school before I could come back here. I'm really for a break!"

Blessing

"Negligence will lead to complacency, miko."

Incensed, Kagome forgot who she was speaking to and poked him in the chest. "I don't need to hear that from you. I shot your armour off back when I could barely hold a bow."

His lips pulled back into a smirk, fangs flashing. "And what a blessing that was."

Her mouth dropped open.

Sesshoumaru, Lord of the West, the Killing Perfection, is not flirting with me.

Their proximity was suddenly too much, and she scooted backwards, feeling the backs of her ears heat again.

"You say that like it was a good thing."

Second Chances

Golden eyes lingered before glancing towards the fire.

"Indeed."

Her tongue felt thick, unable to form words even as questions threatened to overflow.

She'd always wondered about that day too.

Why she'd been able to hit him.

If she'd been more than a passing thought once his armour had been repaired.

Second chances could happen, right? They'd both grown and evolved since their first meeting.

The absence of said armour caught her eye, and she smiled again.

"It's nice that you can relax once in a while too." Motioning to his chest and shoulder when confusion pinched his brow.

Laughter

"No one can be on guard all the time." He looked behind her, then leaned in. "Especially when it causes my brother so much ire."

Kagome covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, Inuyasha's glare already burning the back of her head.

"Trust you to see it that way."

Claws reached out, snagging a lock of hair that had come loose from her elegant braid.

"I am glad you are able to show such joy as well. Especially in the present company."

Kagome felt her heart stop as he brought her hair to his lips, his golden gaze holding her captive.

Friendship

The expression on his face was not one of friendship.

The fire continued to blaze in the distance, but it was nothing compared to the heated gaze currently focused on her.

"Oi, K'gome! Stop wasting yer time with the emotionless bastard. You said the whole point of tonight was to have fun!"

Sesshoumaru's eyes iced over, his mask sliding back into place, and Kagome felt a pang in her chest.

She went to pull away, but he tugged on her hair, bringing their cheeks together as his lips brushed against her ear.

"Perhaps we can create our own fun later. Kagome."

Memories

Blue eyes widened as skin turned crimson.

Much to the chagrin of her friends.

The string of curses that exploded out of Inuyasha's mouth was smothered, the hanyou struggling against the grip of someone. Kagome wasn't sure, her attention still locked on silver hair and magenta stripes.

Memories of blindly following Inuyasha during their search for the Shikon shards flashed through her mind.

She'd been lured by the promise of a happy ending—the possibility of forever.

Forever now shone back at her from the eyes of a lethal daiyoukai.

Maybe she'd been preoccupied with more than just tonight's dinner preparations.

Family

After making sure everyone had been fed—and placating Inuyasha—Kagome found herself wandering to the edge of the forest, the smells of spices and roasted meat giving way to fresh air and pine.

Youki teased her senses, sliding up her back like a caress.

She stepped up to meet him, Sesshoumaru's pale silks glowing in the moonlight.

"Did my brother give you any more strife?"

Kagome chuckled and shrugged. "Family is supposed to do that. It's kind of in the job description."

"Hnn." He considered her for a moment, the heated glow returning to his eyes. "What are your expectations for tonight, miko?"

Biting her lip as her cheeks darkened again, Kagome shrugged once more. "I'm not sure. A walk could be nice though."

The harsh lines of his face softened, then he offered his hand—his claws seeming less dangerous when they weren't dripping with poison.

Accepting the invitation, Kagome allowed Sesshoumaru to lead her deeper in the forest.

And onto a new path.

[ashenbun]

-= Daoine Sìth =-

Eilidh's hushed tones of worry had faded into soft snores at her son's side. The fever brought on by the toxin had broken through the night and he was finally sleeping soundly after the Anui spent two solid days making sure to keep him alive. 

Rhes' groggy eyes opened to the dull interior of the seer's tent. Everywhere he looked there was some form of dried herb bundle or carved talisman or strange tools and bowls. The blanket was scratchy and carved with the magic symbols Anui said the spirits liked. He wanted to learn one day so he could write them letters.

"..Halò."

Rhes twisted the best he could on the fur pile to stare down at the bottom of his bed. There sat a peculiar looking man with long brown ears and wild orange hair. Rhes had never seen him before but if he was in the Anui's tent then he must belong here. No other males were allowed near the village until Choosing day. So his mother had said.

"Who's you?"

"Me? A friend. Call me…" One dirty hand wrapped in bandages came up to tap at the man's chin. "Call me Abara. Nice t'meet you, Rhes."

"Y'know my name?"

"But of course! Your mother's been telling me all about you. How you like to go adventuring, finding treasures, telling stories~ Wonderful stuff, wonderful."

Rhes couldn't keep the small smile from sliding into place. His mum really told this man all those things? Maybe she wasn't mad at him after all. He tried to push himself up to see the man better but found his arms and body felt like they had a mill stone on top of them.

"Now, now. Don't go moving about just yet, you've been through the wringer, child. Poisonous frogs are a dastardly thing. Lucky your mother is fast." Abara nodded. "Might as be she has the wind's blessing."

"Mammy's th' best runner 'ere! Is only two- no three- wha can beat 'er." Rhes beamed proudly.

"My how impressive!" Abara grinned, leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice. "What about you, Rhes? What sort of blessing do you have?"

"Me? Dunno. Don't think've got one."

"Oh, now that is a pity… Hm. What if you could pick? I could grant you one right now."

"Because yer th'Anui's helper?! Y'can do that!?"

"...Sure~."

Rhes frowned thoughtfully up at the ceiling as his mind spun. What sort of gift should he choose? To be the greatest hunter ever? No, too boring. To fly like a bird! ...No, he wouldn't be able to see anyone above the trees. Just like he wouldn't if he could be a fish. Several minutes passed with Abara watching him in curious silence.

"I got one!" Rhes declared, clapping his hands together weakly. "I wanna b'safe from all th'traps tha' comes wi' treasure huntin'!"

Abara rose a brow and leaned back again, a wide smirk curving into place. Nodding he rolled up the sleeves of his raggedy shirt and held both hands out, palms upwards, towards Rhes.

"Excellent choice! Now, place your hands on mine and lets make some magic."

Rhes had to wiggle his way down the bed a little in order to reach the man's hands. When he plopped his small gray ones on top he felt an odd tingly sensation along his fingers and up his arms. It made him feel warm, like the feeling of slipping into blankets on a cold winter night.

Abara's thumb curved over the back of his hands to keep them there and the strange man closed his eyes. Rhes felt compelled to do the same and instead focused on that warmth creeping its way up to his elbows.

"From this moment forward, I do so declare this boy untouchable by any known or unknown trap. May every dart miss his head, every boulder stop before squishing him and every collapsing floor wait until he has passed~" 

Abara's voice came in a slow rhythm. Almost a pulse. Rhes had heard that type of flowing speak before when Anui needed the help of the spirits.

"May he tread fearlessly where others dare not in search of fortune and secrets both. Unto he I do bequeath this blessing... and this curse."

A sudden sharp pain in his hands made Rhes open his eyes in startlement. He had snatched his hands back the moment he had felt something break his skin and glared daggers up towards Abara. Only the strange man wasn't there. It was only the darkened wall of the tent and an array of mixing bowls stack precariously.

Rhes frowned and rubbed his hands together. He looked quickly around the room but, sure enough, only his mother was here. Still fast asleep and propped up against the tent pole. He was about to dismiss it all as a weird dream when his eyes caught a glisten on the back of his hands.

Dead center, almost exactly where the V made by the bones of middle finger and ring finger met, was a puncture the size of a small claw. Rhes snatched his hands in with a gasp.

"We'll be keeping a close eye on you," Came Abara's voice from the foot of the bed. "'S e ur beatha, anam air chall."

[depressedtransguy]

if you’re not @angelwiththeblue-box and you read this than the dilf in my pfp will kill you and not in a good way like I’d like to be killed by him you understand me

"Could you please just come back home?" Loki whined as he rubbed his palm over his thigh, sitting in his master bathroom in front of his toilet that he had spent the last hour throwing up in. "I know you have a 'job' or whatever, but I'm your husband, and that means you have to ditch it because I'm sick." 

Stephen sighed gently on the other end of the phone. "I wish I could darling, I really do, but the universe could collapse if I leave now. And you're in the universe, so I can't let that happen." 

Loki groaned, knowing his husband was right, but he felt like shit, and was therefore not up to listening to reason. "It's been three weeks I've been throwing up, and a month since you've been gone. Why is this mission so long?" 

"Three weeks? Loki, go to the hospital, that's not normal!" 

"I don't want to go to the hospital, they'll just drug me up for the stomach pain, and I want you to rub my back as I puke," Loki murmured with a little pout. "You're my husband, isn't that part of the criteria?" 

"If I'm available, yes, but I'm sorry I can't easily and safely access you for at least another day. I promise I'll do my best to get back to you as quickly as possible, but you'll have to survive on your own until then." 

Of course, Stephen was right. Loki knew that. So he wasn't going to complain anymore and make his partner mad at him. He was doing his best. "Fine. Just... be safe. Please. I need less to upset my stomach." 

The crack of Stephen's smile was practically audible through the phone. It triggered Loki's own for the first time that day. "Of course baby. And take care of yourself too. Please, go to the hospital, or at least do some research as to what you can do at home. Maybe you can even figure out what's going on," he suggested. "Do you have any ideas yet?" 

"Not in the slightest. I thought maybe food poisoning for the first day or two, as I had had some semi-old take out in your absence, but it's glaringly obvious that that's not it anymore. I can't imagine what it could be tho-" He suddenly realized something. 

There was a pause on the other end as Stephen waited to see if Loki would complete the sentence that he abruptly stopped. He didn't. "Loki? Are you okay? Are you throwing up again?" 

"No! No, I- I just have to go. I'll talk to you soon, okay? And no pressure to come back, I know you have your job, and it's incredibly important and all," Loki rambled out, jumping to his feet and speed walking out of the bathroom, a hand on his slightly enlarged and still badly hurting middle. Fuck. "I love you!" 

"I love- um okay, I love you too. Get well so-"

"Bye!" 

As soon as possible Loki hung up and shoved his phone in his pocket before finally reaching the library filled with tons upon tons of books of magic. And there was one exact one that he was looking for...

It took him 10 minutes, but the god of mischief did find it. A thin brown book with yellowing pages and faded letters was it, but it was intelligible nonetheless, and therefore useful. Most likely had it not been touched in centuries except when others around it were shifted. 

Why? 

It was a book of pregnancy spells. 

Loki plopped down at a creaky wooden desk covered in Stephen's papers and quickly flipped through the pages, eventually discovering the section for pregnancy tests, and soon enough finding the page for intersex Jotunns. 

The potion was thankfully simple enough and he concocted the liquid in a round glass bottle within a matter of minutes, only pausing when there was one ingredient left to add. A single drop of blood from the possibly expecting party. For that he spawned a tiny dagger in hand and hovered it just above his slightly trembling finger, trying to stab down just enough to bubble up a bead of blood, but finding it near impossible. 

Maybe because it was the last ingredient. The one that once he dropped it inside the bottle, he'd be confirmed as either pregnant with an unplanned child that he wasn't even sure his husband would want, or nonpregnant and confirming that he had been throwing up for so long for something besides morning sickness. Loki was practically praying to every god in the universe that it was the latter. 

Thankfully he eventually managed to pierce his skin and let a drop of blood splash down into the potion bottle. Then he squinted his eyes shut and hoped- prayed -that the liquid would turn red. Not green. 

So of course when he cracked open his lids and took in the appearance of the glass container, it was green. 

The god of mischief quite literally fell out of his chair and he ended up splayed out on the floor, staring at the ceiling, with his heart speeding a hundred miles an hour. His hands flew to his stomach. 

It wasn't possible. Well it was, he and Stephen had had sex (many times) before he left for his mission, and he could actually even pinpoint the day that it happened on due to the little he knew about his body. It was during a time when they had both temporarily lost their powers, meaning that Loki's magic contraceptive was most likely not working. Fuck. He should have been smarter. Oh my god, I got pregnant in Stark's Tower?!?!

Somehow that made everything worse. 

Even the pain that was currently making him curl in on himself and clutch where the baby was physically abusing his father. "Little bitch," Loki hissed as his nails dug into his palms almost deep enough to draw blood. 

How was he going to tell Stephen? How on earth was he going to tell the man he had loved for almost seven years that he had their baby? How would he even react?

To be honest- Loki had no idea. They had talked about kids, and although Loki had discussed him being positive about it, Stephen hadn't really taken a clear stance on it. At least not in Loki's mind. It could have been that he was in the negative and didn't want to disappoint his partner, or maybe he just thought that it wasn't something that they had to worry about for a while, but the former was what was currently eating at Loki's brain. 

What if he didn't want kids? He was a busy man, and Loki would understand not wanting to have to take more time out of his schedule than he already had to do for his partner. His head slammed into the wood of the floor from the mixture of mental and physical torture. He thought he might throw up again. 

But then he heard footsteps. 

"Holy shit, darling." 

And it was Stephen's voice. 

Soon enough Loki felt himself being slowly lifted up and his face pressed into a familiar shoulder, unfairly comforting arms wrapping around him. Loki was helpless to it and sunk into the feeling of him. "I'm so glad you're here," he whispered against his collar. "But also why the fuck are you here." 

With a small chuckle Stephen pulled back- to both of their dismays -in order to face him as he explained. "I managed to pull a few strings, and let me just say I owe Wong a huge favor now." 

"Oh come on darling, I may whine a lot but you're not supposed to actually stop everything just for me," he debuted with a little guilt growing over his pain. The latter of which was thankfully ebbing, most likely to the painkiller spells Stephen was sending to his abdomen as he rubbed his back. They were hard to self administer, so Loki couldn't be more thankful. 

"Well too bad, I'm here to take care of you," Stephen insisted, attempting to move one of his hands down to his middle, only for Loki to grab it and press it against his cheek. "It's a husband's job after all." 

Loki let out a weak smirk. "It's also a husband's job to not drag his partner away from his very real job of saving the universe." 

"Oh, that gig? That's just a day job. You're my first priority darling." 

There was so much goddamn love in his eyes as he stared adoringly at his husband, lightly dragging his thumbs over his cheekbones with a tiny but still beautiful smile, that Loki practically thought he was going to burst. He couldn't tell him. Not yet. Even the small chance that that love might fade just slightly was too much of a risk. So Loki just pulled Stephen into a hard kiss and ignored the life currently growing inside him. (After magically cleaning his mouth first, he was not kissing him with throw up still on his lips.) "Can we go lay down?" 

"Of course, Dewdrop." As gently as possible did Stephen lift his husband up bridal style and carry him to their bedroom, doing his best not to hurt him or make him feel any worse than he already did. 

Stephen whispered sweet nothings to Loki as he was laid down, telling him how much he was loved and how adorable he looked in his Columbia hoodie, turning him a crimson red despite him and Stephen having been married for over two years. The sheer amount of love the sorcerer supreme had for him would never cease to amaze and fluster him. 

They were cuddling face to face in a honeymoon hug, bodies pressed close together, which did worry the enceinte god, but even though Stephen could most likely feel the small bump pressed up against him, he didn't say anything. What a gentleman. 

~~

Loki woke up alone in bed. It was a little disappointing at first, but after he realized the slight tingling of a lingering painkiller and anti-nausea spell on his abdomen, the negative emotion turned to soft happiness. God he loved his husband. 

Not being in pain or feeling the need to throw up for the first morning in weeks, Loki tossed the covers aside in order to find Stephen and cling onto him like a koala bear. 

Predictably, he was in the kitchen. "Tea?" he offered with a small smile, dipping a bag into the cup of hot water after Loki responded positively. He already had a cup of coffee for himself in hand. 

'For Fox Sake'. The dad joke was fitting. It made Loki feel like all the spit in his mouth vanished at once. "Thank you." 

"It's the least I could do, Dewdrop. How's your pain?" Stephen thankfully spread his fingers over his ribs instead of his stomach, most likely thinking it was due to sensitivity and not... size. 

"It's pretty minimal," Loki honestly answered. "Thanks to you." 

Stephen wrapped his arm around his back and kissed him softly. "Good. You're just lucky to have your own personal doctor magician to help," Stephen teased, to which he received a cute nose scrunch and another kiss for. 

"It's only fair, as I certainly didn't get married for money." 

After a loud WOW Stephen nosed into his neck and bit down lightly on the sensitive part under his jaw, getting him to shut up while he marked his territory. "A little rude, baby, but I suppose I can let it go for someone as cute as you."

"You married a hot criminal, you did sign up for it." 

The sorcerer supreme kissed the corner of his mouth with a grin. "I signed up for everything when I said 'I do' just as the roof was blown off by the zombie demons, I promise you." 

Loki's stomach twisted despite the magic. Would their vows come crashing down? Because of him? He suddenly felt like throwing up again. But Stephen was staring at him with a raised eyebrow as he sipped from his cup. He could read his face. Of course he could, he was perfect. He had to say something. He had to say it. Now. He was looking at him. Could he see it? Did he already know? Was he already thinking of leaving? "I'M PREGNANT!" 

The smash of his mug was imminent. It was like everything suddenly shifted into slow-mo as Stephen's face grew shocked and his favorite mug was falling quickly to the ground. Yet he still couldn't save it, and the sound of ceramic meeting the wooden floor made him wince gently and take a step back. "Could you run that by me one more time?" he whispered gently. 

"I'm... pregnant," Loki murmured with much less power in his voice than before. "It's why I've been so nauseous and in so much pain lately. I only found out last night. Just minutes before you came back. And I didn't know how to tell you without possibly shattering everything we already have, so I didn't say anything. ...Would you say something? Please? I feel like I'm dying inside despite the fact that there's a second life there- please say something." 

Stephen still didn't say a word- only stepping over the mess and cupping Loki's face in his slightly trembling hands. The god couldn't figure out what emotion he was feeling. "We're going to have a baby?" 

"Uh- yeah. We are. I mean we shouldn't make it concrete until three months, and it's only been six weeks, but yeah. We're... we're having a baby." 

The silence crushed Loki's windpipe as he stared expectantly at his husband. 

Until finally a huge grin bloomed on Stephen's face- practically stretching from ear to ear -and he grabbed his husband tight, kissing him hard until they were both breathless. And then they kissed more. Relief exploded in Loki's chest and allowed his body to relax from the tight coil he had winded himself into, and letting him hold onto his husband as he kissed him stupid. 

"We're having a baby," Stephen whispered to him with nothing but glee radiating off of him, pulling him into a hug that time until he suddenly jumped back with a gentle hand on his stomach. "Oh- sorry. I should be careful." While still smiling like crazy Stephen began to carefully explore all the differences in his abdomen that he had missed in his absence. "God I love you." 

"Not as much as I love you," Loki retaliated with an adoring expression that Stephen had to kiss. "Why was I so worried?" 

"Because you haven't realized that my love is not in any way conditional, and I will quite literally never stop loving you. No matter what." Stephen pressed his lips together in a small smile as his fingers traced over his abdomen once more. "Never stop loving both of you. No matter what." 

The rest of the day was spent in bed. Spooning that time so Stephen could hold his stomach and whisper to his husband about how great they'd be as a little family of their own; just him, Stephen, and their own little bundle of joy. "I'll teach them medicine, you'll teach them how to commit crimes, it'll be perfect," he whispered with a few gentle kisses down his neck. "We'll become so much more insufferable than usual, and they'll be too." 

It was perfect. The universe fell away as they curled together in their bed- the three of them actually -and just whispered and kissed and loved each other like nothing else mattered but them in that moment.

[fire-ash-rebirth]

Danbeau Fic Recs part 1

(part 2) (part 3)

Wanna Go Halves? by Siancore

The first time Carol Danvers saw Maria Rambeau, both women were covered in dirt and sweat: Basic training was no joke. It was hot and dry and exactly what they each expected. The guys were jerks to them, so they stuck together throughout their first day. One jerk in particular made some disrespectful, lewd comment about Carol as she started up the ropes course.

Maria called him a sad prick, and said to Carol, “Hey Danvers, you wanna go halves on kickin’ his sorry ass?”

Carol slid down from the obstacle, walked over to Maria as they each stared daggers into him, and said, “Fuck yeah.”

Pilots’ Baby by SilverMyfanwy

Monica Rambeau-Danvers' first word was wrench.

We Must Make a Sense Here to Living by phnelt

“I’m not just here for the easy stuff, Maria.” She sounded slightly reproachful, which, fair enough. Co-parenting long distance is hard enough without having to pretend one of them is dead.

Never Easy by sporkmetender

It wasn't easy, being secretly married to a woman who had forgotten you. But Maria had risen to a lot of challenges in her life. She could rise to meet this one too.

Per Aspera Ad Astra by Saanak

“You…,” Carol sighs, words failing her, “you mean a lot to me.” That’s probably as close to the truth – the whole truth – as she’s ever going to get. She blames the tiredness in her muscles for that confession, the way the light from the TV illuminates Maria’s face and the aching that never goes away when she thinks of what she could have with Maria.

Sunday Dinners with the Skrulls by queercapwriting (queergirlwriting)

au where carol never leaves for space and her and maria live their life raising monica in the country with fury and the skrulls coming over for sunday dinner

Omelette by dc4me

Carol learns to adjust back into her old life. She sometimes uses Fury as her taste test buddy to make sure she doesn't poison Maria and Monica with her cooking.

beat the odds together by QueenWithABeeThrone

 Nick says, trying his damnedest to hide the gleeful mirth on his face, “You’d have better luck finding a Ring-Pop to propose to your girl with, Danvers.” 

“I take it back, retirement does not suit you at all,” says Carol, smacking her best friend (who she isn’t in love with or the stepmother of) on the shoulder. Nick, damn him, laughs like an asshole.

or: Carol proposes to Maria. it takes some time, because she has to find a ring first.

[itoshit]

Everyone was connected with headsets as we navigated into the building. Gun shots quickly reached my ear but strangely enough, I haven't met anybody yet. My knife and my gun in my hand, I was on guard, ready to shoot. A door opened quickly behind me, and turning around, I saw her. Natalie. She hasn't realised I was here yet so i kept silent, ready jump on her. Looking behind her frantically, she sighted and finally, walked ahead, right on me. Head connecting with my chest, she raised her eyes, and I could see it. The fear. Smirking at her, I just gave her enough time to do a 180°. Giving her the impression of being able to escape, I waited. But soon after I took a fistful of her hair, and forcefully banged her head against the nearest wall. I didn't care anymore, I was mad.

Please I-

Shut. Up.

Pinning her against the wall, arm choking her, I approached my face and observed the blood running from her nose. Pouting, I patted her cheek.

Did I hit too hard? My bad baby.

Hearing some loud noise from my headset, I listened attentively.

Manjiro? We found your girl. Our sniper shot the fucker right in time, he was ready to blow her brains out. The guys are gathering now, where are you?

Hiding my relief from Natalie, I answered quickly.

Will come later. Take care of her.

Don't do anything stupid yeah?

Taking the headset off and tossing it away, I smiled smugly.

You're gonna come with me Nat. Have some surprises for you.

Dragging her by the hair to the empty room she came from, I pulled my gun out and pointed it at her.

Sit on the ground

Leaving her no room for discussion, i watched her kneeling.

You wanna know where you fucked up? I'm gonna explain it to you briefly. Your father died months ago, his body was found in Tokyo's Bay. Well, more like parts of his body. Then...

Tapping the tip of the gun on my chin, feigning reflexion, I snapped my fingers.

Then you assumed I would fall for your trap, giving me Vee. That would have been convenient for you yeah? I'm sure you didn't even know I would come that early. Lemme tell you something sweetheart, I want Venus. And not only for her body. What you failed to acknowledge is the fact that I could get attached. Unfortunately for you, it happened. So now, what I'm gonna do, is bring you back. Vee will decide what to do with you, you were one of her best friends after all, weren't you?

Why didn't you... didn't you tell me for my father...?

We were going to, but only after destroying Yamaguchi-gumi. If you would have waited a bit more, you could have had opportunities to buy yourself a dignity. I was gonna play nice, not telling you the state we found your father in. But no. You were so impatient.

Crouching at her level, I tugged at her hair harshly, making her head go backwards.

You're lucky Vee is still alive. I would have feed you to my dogs if she wasn't. Stand up.

Hearing her sobs made me want to throw up. Now she was playing the victim?

Stop crying, you're the one who took all the bad decisions. Don't make me laugh with your acting.

Pressing the knife on her throat and restraining her wrists, I exited the room. Directing myself to the exterior, I was cut by rapid footsteps behind me. Throwing Natalie on the ground violently, I drew my gun from my holster, turning off the safety.

I was wondering when you would show yourself, Yami.

Eyes focused on him, I pressed the gun on his forehead. Raising his hands in abandon, Yami smiled at me.

Oi oi oi Sano! You should relax. Why couldn't we-

I knew it. It was expected. Bending his arm and hitting my hand with his elbow, Yami picked up my gun in the air. But before he could aim at me, I took my knife and stabbing if strongly in his palm, I took his head and kicked him with my knee. Blood staining my black pants, I smirked at him.

Don't fuck with Bonten, traitor.

Shooting him in both of his knees, I slammed my foot on his face, surely breaking his nose in the process. Hitting him until making him faint, I was panting, a maniac smile on my face. I was enjoying the cracking noises and the whimpers. Red splashing all over my body, I stopped when I assured he was out.

Turning back to Natalie, I dragged her by her hair, ready to finish it. After a long walk in the dark hallways, I eventually found the exit. Opening the door, I was met with my men, Dante and his subordinates.

Sanzu, go find Yami. He's laying somewhere in the corridor. You'll deal with the interrogation.

No one commented on my physical state. I assumed I had blood all over my body and face. My hands were all red so I figured it was the same for the rest.

Now, where's Venus?

-Mikey

I was so slow I couldn't find the right words so I might have made grammar mistakes with verbs and stuff 😭 how are you today ?♡

i’m good, actually have to go out later tonight so I have to get ready for that but how are you?? and ps you’re fine!!! this was so good!!

My eyes were shut tight, not wanting to stare my certain death in the face. I waited for it, breath held and head foggy.

Say goodnight! Koda laughed madly, then there was a bang so loud it rattled my head. Something thick and viscous splattered around my face, making me feel dirty as it dried on my skin. My hearing went in and out, ringing in loud blares. Is this what death was?

Clearly it wasn’t, because the next thing I felt was being untied. I slowly peeled my eyes open to a a heterochromatic man with a scar across his face, gazing at me with equal worry and relief. My heart raced. Mikey’s men were here.

…alright? His voice came in and out as I tried to regain my senses. Venus, are you with me?

I let out a loud groan that must’ve pleased him. The second I was free I was hoisted into his arms, carried out to where the rest of them were. In and out of it, I saw many unfamiliar faces, but they all more or less exuded the same amount of power. The same authority. Bonten executives, perhaps.

Where’s the medic? My savior gruffly asked. Perhaps they pointed, because I didn’t hear an answer, lightly bouncing around in his arm with every brisk step he took. He lowered me on a table that was metal and cold; I shivered the moment my skin made contact with it. The doctors immediately got to work on me, combing through my hair and shouting things like concussion and head injury from the car accident.

But something was happening to me that I couldn’t quite speak on. All I knew was that I was cold, freezing even, but I could also feel the sweat soaking through my clothes. My head was dizzy. My body felt like it weighed tons.

A doctor noticed my state, and went to patch up my thigh, thinking the wound was responsible for it. I could barely feel as they patched it up, but I sent what I hoped was a grateful smile toward them. Then I heard them talking again, speaking about how my condition wasn’t stabilizing.

It doesn’t make any sense, we cut off the blood loss, one said. Other than her head and minor scratches on her face, she’s without injury. She should be showing signs of bettering.

The other one questioned the person who took me out of the room. What was in that room? Any gas? liquids?

Nothing but the corpse, a gun he didn’t get to use, Venus and the knife in her thigh.

I could hear the frown in the doctor’s voice. She was in that torture room for atleast two hours and they only used a knife? That’s absurd why would they… shit. Poison. Check if the dagger is poisoned!

There was silence, a pretty bad one I supposed. The doctors started spewing orders rapidly. Get Mikey! Quick!

Mikey? I raised my head at the name, smiling loopy. I like Mikey, I muttered mindlessly. I could barely see now, black dots swimming in my vision. I waved a hand toward where I think scarface was, pulling him down to meet my lips. Tell Mikey, t-tell him that I—

I’m glad to have met him. I can’t wait to see him. I-

My body fell limp right before I could finish the thought.