#8 people burnt alive

[number-one-hog-hater]

Just kinda saying shit

[nvirskies]

sand - c. la rue

idea taken from one of @star-girl69 's asks about married clarisse and immediately went to think about how the vast majority of greek demigods didn't get to live past their 20's or even teen years... and the survivor's guilt that would come with being one of the few lucky enough to live longer.

warnings: angst, hurt/comfort, traumatic nightmare flashbacks, descriptions of violence, descriptions of blood + war, spoilers for TLO, set after both reader and clarisse leave CHB about 6-8 years into the future, google translated Greek term of endearment, crying, survivor's guilt, platonic RueGard, ooc Clarisse, she's matured more over time and more articulate with her feelings and words

summary: clarisse wakes up from a particularly bad nightmare in the middle of the night, reader comforts her through a breakdown

wife!fem!demigod!reader x wife!clarisse la rue

word count: 2.2k

καρδιά μου (kardiá mou) - my heart

Η καρδιά μου είναι η καρδιά σου (I kardiá mou eínai i kardiá sou) - my heart is your heart

"but you have more pieces of me than than desert has sand, and I have less pieces of you than I can hold in my hand" sand, alchemical: vol. 1, dove cameron

taglist: @lvrue @star-girl69 @azrielsdiary @petitegavotte @b0ok-lover

men, nsfw, non-sapphic, 16-/19+ dni

Greek demigods fell in love hard and fast with an unmatched intensity. They normally didn’t live long enough to even envision themselves in their adult lives, and why would they? Every day was a struggle to stay alive with monsters coming in from all angles and quests most didn’t come back from.

And that was why, as soon as the two of you graduated high school, Clarisse got down on a knee and proposed with the knowledge that you were the one she would want to spend the rest of her life, however long or short, with.

When you two had graduated college, the next thing in the books was to make it official in the courthouse, and that was what you had done. No extravagant party or ceremony, just a quiet day in the courthouse and a night in to celebrate.

But no matter how far the two of you ran from Camp Half-Blood, the nightmares never went away, never got better. As the years passed, more of the people you had considered friends died. One after the other, falling like cursed dominos, helplessly standing by as they all tumbled down.

Soon, the nightmares became more about the people that were lost than the monsters themselves. Nightly plagues of searingly painful memories from watching the life drain from so many demigods’ eyes burned themselves in both of your psyches.

All you could do was hope Charon would be kind enough to ferry them across the Styx without his payment of a silver coin.

And tonight certainly hadn’t been anything out of the ordinary with the two of you and your limbs interlaced in a protective embrace while sleep claimed your minds, as if the both of you could protect each other from the monsters both in and outside.

Your head, nestled into her chest. Her deep, rhythmic breathing made your hair flutter ever so slightly as she exhaled. Her arms, wrapped loosely around your waist, hands not-so-sneakily under the baggy shirt of hers you had stolen to wear as pajamas for the night. It was all perfect. Too perfect.

You would be damned fools to think that peace would last for so long. Demigods didn’t get peace, they didn’t get tranquility, and they especially didn’t get uninterrupted domestic bliss.

Unbeknownst to you, Clarisse��s face contorted into one of distress. Her arms pulled you in closer subconsciously as the all too familiar face of Morpheus greeted her with a sly smirk on his face in her dreams.

In moments, she was transported back to the Battle of Manhattan.

She was seventeen again.

Blood was everywhere. Abandoned weapons lay on the floor, the hands that once gripped them tightly, now loose and limp. Shrill screams echoed throughout the air, all cut short by gut-wrenching sounds of fatal injury. Metal cut through flesh. Acid burnt through metal. Flames licked and greedily consumed anything and everything as fuel.

Her feet felt heavy, her hands numb. She could do nothing but stand and watch it all unfold before her own eyes, forced to relive the carnage and devastation that had ripped through Manhattan on that fateful day.

Morpheus’ voice whispered in her right ear, the sound of it sending an uneasy chill down her spine. “Daughter of Ares. A fitting dream, no? Your father must have been proud of you for the way you fought after… well, I’ll let you relive that, too.” Before she could blink, she was transported to the moment right after Silena had been sprayed by the Lydian Drakon.

Clarisse was too late. She had always been too late.

She was back on her knees, choking and weeping bitterly as Silena lay in her arms, watching as life slowly left her once-lively eyes.

What kind of a warrior even was she? So weak that she couldn’t even protect her friend? Too weak to protect the girl who had adorned her armor and led her siblings into battle?

Just as Clarisse reached out to touch Silena’s face to wipe away the one mark of smudged eyeliner that the Aphrodite girl normally would never have even allowed to happen in the past, she was jerked back to consciousness, eyes flying open and arms almost crushing your sleeping form momentarily as she came to.

No longer was she in Manhattan, instead sheltered in the familiarly adorned walls of your shared bedroom. Upon the walls hung framed pictures of joyous times past and her sword collection, among other things.

Familiar faces stared back at her, some faces that would never age again. Immortalized memories of times that would never happen again. Everyone was dead or scattered across the globe.

A particular picture caught Clarisse’s eye. It was a portrait of Silena that she had commissioned one of the Apollo kids to draw for the daughter of Aphrodite’s seventeenth birthday.

She never lived to see that day.

Her eyes locked with Silena’s in the drawing for a moment, and that moment was one too much as hot tears began to prick in the corners of her eyes.

She had inadvertently woken you up with the way her arms tightened around your waist in a near vice grip, slowly coming to your senses. No longer were her breaths slow and rhythmic, their steadfast pattern replaced by one that was erratic and shallow. The once-steady thumping cadence of her heart as it beat in her chest was now quickened, all of which you could hear with your head having been nestled into her chest.

Craning your head to look up at her, you were greeted with the sight of Clarisse desperately trying to silently blink back tears and control her own breathing.

Hurriedly, you pushed yourself up off her chest and tugged the blankets off the two of you before sitting down on her lap. You took note of the way her hands had never left your waist, holding onto you as if she were drowning and you were the last life ring thrown out.

It wasn’t anything you and Clarisse hadn’t dealt with before. The nightmares had been a part of your lives as far back as you could remember, it just came with the territory of being a demigod. But they never got any easier as time went on.

She watched silently with eyes brimming with unshed tears, pleading wordlessly with you to do something, anything to make it all go away.

“Let’s switch, yeah? You can lay on me and completely cover me if you want, love,” you offered up, a melancholy smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. Wordlessly, she nodded and you slipped off her lap, laying back where she had just been moments ago.

Gently patting your chest, you motioned for her to rest her head on it, knowing that the rest of her body would soon follow, completely engulfing your form with hers. After she had positioned herself, her arms snaked around your waist again as she simply held you for a few moments, her face pressed into your chest as tears slowly soaked into your shirt.

One hand reached out to gently run along the length of her back, the motion meant to soothe. A few beats passed in silence before you spoke in a hushed whisper, the bedroom devoid of sound beyond the two of you breathing in tandem with each other.

“You hear that, love? That’s my heart,” you murmured softly, craning your neck to press a gentle kiss to the top of her head. “It’s beating, beating for you. Η καρδιά μου είναι η καρδιά σου.”

She didn’t respond beyond releasing another shaky sob into your chest and tightening her grip around your body, but you didn’t mind. You didn’t need her to talk just yet.

“You’re also η καρδιά μου, you know that, right? My heart, my wife, my love, my everything. And I’m yours. Entirely yours, and I”m not going anywhere.” You craned your neck again to press another kiss against the crown of her head, hand never stopping its path of running gently along the length of her back.

“I would go down to the depths of Tartarus for you. I would challenge Hades himself to a fight if it meant I had even a glimmer of a chance in getting you back.”

Never once did you try to rush her into talking or shushing her tears. You knew her better than you knew yourself, and giving her time to let everything out was the best thing you could do for her at the moment.

You were her safe space, the one woman that she could let her walls down around. She wasn’t Ares’ star daughter in your arms, she was just Clarisse. No expectations dangling over her head, just open arms and understanding.

After another few quiet moments, she finally spoke up in between half-choked sobs, whispering so quietly that her voice was nearly inaudible, “Silena… Manhattan… should have been able to save her,” before letting her face fall back down onto your chest, releasing another pained cry.

“She’s gone- a-and everyone else too- why me?”

Her question left you speechless, mouth partly opened in an attempt to come up with a reassuring response, but nothing seemed to come to mind immediately. It was rare for this to happen, as you normally had just the right words at the top of your tongue, weaving them as Arachne once wove tapestries on her loom.

“They’re all gone and- and- ”

“Shh, love…” you cut her off, gently pulling her head up to look her in the eyes, your other hand leaving her back to wipe the tears that were still streaming down her cheeks with the pad of your thumb. “Please, don’t go back into that self-sacrificial spiral. Talk to me, tell me what the dream was about?”

She only shook her head in response, unwilling to divulge details of the memory that had shattered your night of otherwise perfect proportions.

Deflating back on top of you, she whispered, “They’re all gone, and we’re one of the only ones remaining. It was like every time another one of them died, that small part of myself that I gave to them died as well.”

Her arms that were wrapped around your waist tightened for a moment before going limp along with the rest of her body as she lay atop you, her head pressed against your chest.

“Love…” you began softly as one of your hands found its way to her head and carded gently through her curls. “You can’t blame yourself for what happened. None of it was your fault. We didn’t ask to be born, to be thrown into this mess of a world and tossed around like pawns in the gods’ game of chess with our lives.”

“We didn’t ask for this life, and we were so young at the time. For fuck’s sake, we were only seventeen- we hadn’t even made out yet. We hadn’t graduated high school yet, there were so many things we couldn’t control.

“None of it was your fault, I promise you. You were so brave, and you did everything you could.” She stayed silent as you spoke, the only sounds coming from her were the soft, shaky breaths as she sniffled and burrowed her face further into your shirt.

“I can’t explain to you why so many things had to happen, that’s up to the Fates. I can’t give you the pieces of yourself back that you lost when we kept losing everyone,” you murmured whilst your hands kept on with their idle motions.

It shattered your heart to give her such an incomplete answer when you knew it was tearing her apart inside to live with it all, but there was nothing you could do beyond offer solace and comfort. “And for that, I am so, so sorry. But the one thing I can do is keep the piece you’ve granted me to keep, safe and sound.”

She only nodded in response, not trusting herself to speak in fear of her own vulnerability. Her tears soaked into your shirt, but you didn’t care. All that was important was that Clarisse was here, in your arms, and slowly calming down.

Clarisse knew just as well as you did that everyone had done the best they could with the circumstances given, and that the loss affected you just as deeply. But she didn’t dig into that, it would be a can of worms to open for another time, another sleepless night where your own troubles caught up with you after running from them for so long.

And so, the rest of the night stretched on into early morning, the two of you half-awake, seeking silent solace in each other until sunlight crept into the bedroom through the cracks of the curtains the next day.

The two of you might have been running from your trauma like runners to a marathon, but at least you were running hand-in-hand with matching strides.

[batty-pham]

Daily Fic Rec Master Post

DPxDC/BatFam

November

Nov 1 - Some Kind Of Miraculous Bind

Nov 2 - Who's Old Now

Nov 3 - A Ghost in the Family

Nov 4 - Wanted: Dead and Alive

Nov 5 - To Hear, To See, To Smile

Nov 6 - Danny the hungry, hungry ghost

Nov 7 - Death Echoes

Nov 8 - Leap Before You Think

Nov 9 - Say Uncle

Nov 10 - Dad from Mars

Nov 11 - Alien Boys

Nov 12 - Fever Dream

Nov 13 - I've Been Erased Yet My Shadow Remains

Nov 14 - Happy Families Kill People Too

Nov 15 - Ghost Kid in Gotham

Nov 16 - Run Ghost Run

Nov 17 - Grave Promises

Nov 18 - A Little accidental adoption never hurt anyone! Right?

Nov 19 - Royal Hot Potato

Nov 20 - persephone's in hell

Nov 21 - Bus to Nowhere

Nov 22 - I Just Wanna Talk

Nov 23 An (almost Foolproof Lie)

Nov 24 - Who Else Is Also Real

This month's master list is color-coded! DPxDC fics are green and just DC/BatFam fics are in yellow!

As you can probably also tell, I didn't finish this month. I sorta got burnt out this month so...for the sake of my mental health I'm stopping doing my daily recs

[sinner-sunflower]

P.2 HH Lucifer-centric AU 4/?

STORY 1, PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 5, PART 6, PART 7, PART 8, PART 9, PART 10, PART 11, PART 12, PART 13, PART 14, PART 14.5, PART 15, PART 16, PART 17, PART 18, PART 19, PART 20, PART 21, PART 22, PART 23, PART 24, PART 25, PART 26

More on the siblings' program.

-----------------------------------------------

Lucifer stifled a chuckle as he observed his brother's expression. If only Michael knew that Lucifer had already been informed of his impending demise. He's more shocked that Heaven might be the cause of his death.

Heaven's really keen on killing him, huh.

Lucifer: I'm immortal! You're being ridiculous.

Michael: And you're being a fool! These threads just made a divine move. This had never happened before!

Lucifer: Then why tell me, huh?! Last I checked, you and Heaven could barely give a rat's ass about whether or not I'm still alive.

Michael: Because believe it or not, I do still care about you! You're my little brother, Samael!

Lucifer: I said my name is L̴͎̭̥͎͊̀u̷̧̨̟̻͓͗̍c̷̢̪̱̄̀̊̎̀͝ì̷̘͚̰̖̦̱f̴̻̮̲̮͈͈͑̓̃̃̊e̸̫̒͑͒͊͗͆r̸̨̤̀̂̚͝ͅͅ!

Sue him if he couldn't control the fiery words that erupted from his mouth. Michael always had a knack for provoking him, intentionally or not.

Lucifer: And you have a funny way of showing it. Did you know that the Fall almost killed us?! Lily and I had to lay there, surrounded by darkness, bodies so burnt we couldn't move for weeks.

Despite the looming threat posed by the King of Hell, Michael refuses to back down. Instead, he straightens his posture and closes the distance between them, showing the unwavering protector of Heaven that he is.

Michael: You don't understand! I- it was such a hard decision! It was the best option! I'm Heaven's protector and-

Lucifer: You were my protector too!

The Archangel was taken aback, a rare moment of vulnerability revealing itself in his features. Lucifer, observing this reaction, knows he has struck a chord. Despite Michael's claims of caring for his family, it's evident that Heaven had, and always has been his top priority.

Michael thinks about a lot of things too. Like how everything would've turned out different if he was never given this duty- this purpose.

Michael: They were going to kill you.

Lucifer couldn't remember the last time he had heard his brother speak to him with such softness.

Michael: Your original punishment was death. They wanted you killed. By my blade. We begged them to reconsider. You should've seen it-

The warrior of Heaven laughs wetly.

Michael: -the Archangels of Heaven, on their knees in front of people other than our Lord. It took so many meetings for them to relent. That's why you and Lilith spent a long time held in the Garden.

Lucifer: Shut up.

Michael: So, I'm really sorry that we let you down.

Lucifer: Shut up, Michael.

His brother once again composed himself, his gaze turning cold as it met Lucifer's.

Michael: But if I had the chance to go back, I would do it all over again.

Of course. Heaven always comes first.

Lucifer: You should've killed me when you had the chance. And now you think you can beat me at my own game?

He attempts to crush the thread still held in his hand, its glow resembling the purest gold. It seems to almost be trying to talk to him, to reason with him like Michael every time they meet. But it all sounds like mockery to his ears.

He hates it.

Lucifer lets out a manic laugh.

Lucifer: Divine move? Divine move? You think you have any moves at all?!

He begins to yell at the threads.

Lucifer: Maybe then, Heaven could've killed that weak, naive angel. But me? ME?! Ì̶̢̤̉'̵͙͕͑M̷̱͋̀ ̵̬͌T̴̥͠͝H̸̫́̑E̶̳̠̐̎ ̴̠̣̎̐D̷̼̕E̵̢̳͆V̶̳̩̉̋Ì̶̬L̴̥̗̾ ̴̮͝F̸̝̓̀Ų̸̠͗̑C̵͚͗K̷̺̚̚I̵̠̋̕Ň̸͎͈G̵̘̔ ̵̤͛I̸̩͐N̷̥̰̋C̸͓̒̍A̴̙̓R̵͍͛N̴̤͎͠A̵͇̟̓Ṯ̴̯͊Ḙ̴͑̇,̴̰͆̑ ̵̤́ͅÝ̴̙̫̈́O̵͚͐͒U̵̙͂ ̷̱̆͜͝Ċ̸͍̌Á̷̰́N̸͉̈'̶͇̎͂T̵̠̒ ̶͖́K̶̛̲̮̆I̸͎̘͐̃L̴̟̙̔̿L̴̜̾͊ ̶̱̥̌M̵̳̕E̵͈̯͋́!

Lucifer's disguise falters, his emotions resonating through his disguise as his golden hair reverts back to the darkness Roo had cursed him with.

The threads began humming. Were they afraid of them? Of him? That's funny, Fate itself, afraid of him? He wonders if even Death would tremble in his presence.

Michael splutters in disbelief at the sight of Lucifer's transformed appearance.

Michael: Lucifer—what? Why do you look like that? What did you-

The younger doesn't grace his brother with an answer or allow him to finish. Instead, he summons Keekee once more and swiftly opens a portal back to Hell.

Lucifer: Don't worry, Mika. I won't die that easily because I'll be there to watch Heaven fall.

Nothing matters. Not his brother's shouts of concern, not the short thread, not Roo's cryptic words. What matters is Charlie and her future.

He'll defy Fate if he has to.

-----------------------------------------------

Michael slumps on a chair in exhaustion after Lucifer left. He fears for the worst of Heaven and his brother's fates.

He grabs an orb from his pocket dimension and starts to recite and incantation to call his siblings. He knows he should tell the others, to discuss The Fates, Heaven, and Sa-Lucifer. Lucifer who is clearly hiding something.

But he hesitates.

'Knowing them, they would go down to Hell to confront Lucifer and it might just make things worse with their little brother than it already is. '

Before he could make a decision, there's a loud crash from beyond the door.

Michael: Hello?

He vaguely hears shushing on the other side and a bit of arguing. Slowly, he approaches the door. He grabs the knob and swings it open swiftly.

Michael: Gabriel, I told you not to-

Michael stops in surprise as he stares at his eavesdroppers. One lets out a squeak while the other saluted him.

'A young Seraph and a winner?'

Emily: Archangel Michael! We-uh- we can explain!

Sir Pentious: Your Heavenly Grace!

----------------------------------

A Shameless and Teen Wolf reference??

I miss season 3b. Nogitsune Stiles was the best villain to come out of that show.

Edited some stuff! Moved a few dialogues

[levis-coffeecup]

chapter 29| Turning Page

WC-6.5k

Summary

The underground is filthy and dark. Dim lights, dull alleys, and desperate hearts. A place Levi knows as well as the back of his hand, and a place he would do anything to get out of.

Chapters of life roll by and with the turn of a page, things drastically change. In front of him is the opportunity to live on the surface. And the flimsy bridge that he has to cross. From an uncivil criminal to a disciplined soldier.

But life on the surface seems tougher amidst all the mockery, civilities, and the gaping hole left in his heart, after the demise of his dear friends Isabel and Farlan.

Content/Warnings

canon- compliant, canon-typical violence, spoilers for No Regrets OVA, descriptions of PTSD, grief, depression, heavy angst and themes, strong language, self-hate, physical assault.

Author’s Note

OMG hiii guysss!

Can't believe that this is the last chapter!! There's so much gratitude in my heart right now. This has been a long long (irregular🤡) ride, and I'm grateful to everyone who's sticked around!

I've tried my best to write an amazing chapter since its the last, which is why this got so delayed. (And I might also have been overworked to the core at work lol ) But there's going to be a long ass note at the the end of the chapter about everything!

Song for the final chapter is by Turning Page by Sleeping at Last!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Chapters

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Masterlist | Playlist | Other Works

APRIL 857

It’s an hour past 12, and Levi sits on his balcony looking at the midnight sky.

The thick veil of pollution prevents the stars from being visible. Instead there's street lights and high beams from cars, twinkling on the ground.

He misses the stars from Paradis. It was the first thing he fell in love with once he came to the surface. And he wonders, whether Mae is looking at the stars and thinking of him as well?

The world outside the walls is beautiful.

There are soaring cathedrals that almost reach the sky, and beautiful temples with the most intricate architecture. There’s snow capped mountains and beautiful cherry blossoms. And everyday, from his tiny balcony, he gets to see the sun sink below the sharp silhouette of the towers.

He’s getting to experience the world his comrades died for.

But as beautiful the outside world is, it isn’t home

The development of technology seems unfamiliar. And the people around him haven’t lived their entire lives caged in fear. These people don’t know the cost of freedom.

It has been so long since he’s been back home.

It’s been so long since the Rumbling too.

The earth was left razen. Mountains crumbled to dust and forests burnt to ashes. Countries had simply been wiped off the face of the earth. Years of civilization and developmentsnuffed out in an instant, with no one to record their names.

But against the odds, humanity managed to survive. Traumatized and beaten, but still alive.

Miraculously Levi made it too.

Jean and Connie found him half dead, on the foot of Fort Salta. He was lapsing in and out of consciousness. Devoid of the strength to even stand up.

Tents were made into makeshift hospitals, food was meager. And his first few months were spent on a wooden cot,bed ridden with the stinging pain of his knee and his yearning for Mae.

He yearned to see her when he was trapped with Zeke for a month, he yearned to see her when he woke up with searing pain and bandages all over his face. And now the war was over, but he couldn’t get back to her.

The Rumbling destroyed everything humanity had ever strived for. Rail tracks, roads, ports, farms… everything was abolished as an aftermath.

It was impossible to get to the other side of the world.

Gradually Levi recovered, it took him almost a year. But his strength never returned. The tiniest task would turn him breathless, and the sight in his right eye was gone for good.

The doctors diagnosed him a plethora of health problems. And he was never allowed to look weak, but now he was in a wheelchair, needing help to pick things up from the floor. Life dealt him one blow after another.

Armin, Jean and Connie became busy, making peace with the remaining nations. Mikasa never returned. And Levi found himself, all alone. With a chaotic mind, and too much time on his hands.

Soon the Allied Nations rescued all the survivors from the Titan Waste Lands. Marley was no more, so most refugees ended up taking asylum in Hizuru.

And by the courtesy of Kiyomi Azumabito, Levi was gifted an apartment in the center of the city hall, and citizenship. A tiny apartment in between a lush square, in the city center.

It was tiny, but homely enough. And he would love sitting on the balcony and watching the outside world.

Life got more comfortable and Levi got to see the sights his comrades died for.

But there were still days where he barely had enough strength to pick his remaining fingers. Those days were the worst. And he felt like the walls of his apartment would swallow him up.

The purpose of his life was over. Hange was gone. Erwin was gone. Life came crashing down.

And sometimes, under the flicker of a candlelight, at his tiny desk, he would close his eyes, and imagine that he’s back in Mae’s old house. Learning the alphabet, listening to the soft scratches of her pen as she corrected his writings. It seemed like lifetimes had passed since then.

Mae was always with him, through all his hurdles he faced on the surface. And now he had to face an awfully big one, without her.

So he decided he’ll start to learn writing again. With two fingers of his right hand gone, he had to re-learn how to hold a pen again. He told Onyaknapon to get him books, so he could trace over letters, trying to perfect every curve. Just the way Mae had taught him.

It gave him a sense of purpose, and it also made him feel close to her in some way.

It took three years for the Yeagerists to finally agree to a cordial discussion with the Alliance. Historia sent letters to everyone. And this morning the Alliance left, back to their hometown.

Armin did extend an invitation to him too. But Levi didn’t want to be associated with the world anymore. He didn’t have the strength for it nor the will. His job was done.

“Captain,” A voice pulls him out of his thoughts. Behind him is a sliding door that leads to his room. And on the bed sits Onyakapon.

He points at the three thick journals that take up most of his space in his briefcase.“Are you sure you want to take these back?”

And Levi contemplates. Paper doesn’t spoil, and he should rather carry some spare clothes to keep himself clean.

“Leave the journals there.” His voice comes out gruff, and then it turns wispy. Everything he’s ever felt in these years without her and his limbs, is penned in these flimsy sheets of paper.

“It’s letters I have written to her.” There is no need to clarify. There’s no need to carry his journals all the way back either. But he does it either way. The war has changed him. And Levi realises he doesn’t have to torture himself anymore.

“I’m surprised you never got her to meet us.” Onyakapon smirks. He could have never guessed the captain had a lover.

And a faint smile appears on Levi’s lips as the curve of her smile plays on his mind. He wonders if she found the pearl ring and his letter. He never found the courage to directly hand it to her.

It’s been three years. Three long painful years. Perhaps, she’s forgotten all about him.

“Tch, as if I’ll let you filths near her.” He brushes his feelings off. Masking his thoughts with harsher words. Some things truly never change.

A flight passes over his head, he’ll probably sit in the next one.

“I hope everything is safe out there, hope there’s no hostility.” Onyakapon mumbles as he closes the briefcase.

And Levi gets off from his wheelchair, limping towards his bedpost. “No harm from a guy in a wheelchair.” He tries to joke, but there’s a prick in his heart.

He can’t pick things from the shelf. Some Days he also needed help to get to the toilet. And even though he’s returning back to Mae, there’s nothing he can do for her now.

And while happiness was never a part of his destiny. He hopes she’s happy. At least one of them must be.

“Well if things are bad, you can always come back here captain.” Onyakapon’s voice cuts through the constant torture of his thoughts.

The words bring him enough solace to take him through the night. A rare smile tugs on his lips. “Thanks Onyakapon.”

It’s going to be a long trip.

_________________________

It’s 10 am, and it’s sweltering hot in Mitras. Sweat clings to Levi’s skin, and he wipes it off with the back of his hand.

His briefcase sits on his lap. And he pushes his wheelchair through the dirt road,

Vast meadows stretch in front of him. The air is fresh, and a plethora of apple trees border the sides of the road. Its shade is very welcome in the sun.

Farmhouses are scattered at a distance, crops grow in structured rows. And Levi taps his heel, as he moves past them mindlessly. His thoughts are only set on one.

Historia told him Mae’s house was at the end of the apple plantation. Luckily the terrain is flat, and he’s able to maneuver his wheelchair with ease.

Nonetheless, it’s been a tiring ride.

The royal guards did offer to escort him to Mae’s house, but he declined the offer. The moment approaching was too personal to share with a bunch of strangers.

Soon, what he’s searching for comes to vision, and eagerly he moves forward.

100 meters away from him, down the mud path, is a humble home. Its stone walls are smooth, worn out by time. And the roof is thatched with wood and straws.

There’s a small garden at the front, with saplings that are beginning to sprout. And a few meters away from it all is a park. The sight of which bubbles a bittersweet feeling in Levi's chest.

“This is it.” He exhales, cherishing the cold air on his lips. It’s a breath that he’s been holding in for too long. A yearning that has been living in his heart for years now.

His mind jogs back to a small trip they took 5 years back, on Mae’s birthday. She had booked a small cabin nestled in the middle of farmland.

He still remembers the smile on her face, and the way her eyes crinkled in the sunlight.

Her hair flowed in the wind, and he thoughtlessly followed it. Too enamored by the happiness she radiated.

The birds sang, and the lillies seemed to beam.

Stories were told by the fireplace, and they would stargaze from the flower field. Cuddling under the sheets of the stiff bed, and eating lunch under a tree's shade.

She laughed, then he smiled. And for a fleeting moment, Levi had escaped from all his responsibilities.

He realized he could spend his entire life this way, under the shadow of the sun, and the warmth of their love. He couldn’t care less about saving the world, or his tea shop even…

He just wanted to be here with her.

Forever.

But time stopped for no one. And Levi’s prayers had a habit of going unheard.

And now, 5 years later, life has brought him here again. In a secluded countryside so full of beauty and peace, and so unlike him.

This is the kind of life Mae had always wanted to live. Away from the bustle of the city, where she could spend countless hours looking at the stars.

The door to her house softly clicks. And Levi leans forward, with his breath caught in his throat.

He has felt her caress in the warmth of the sunlight. He’s heard the faint echo of her laughter in the rustling of the leaves. Every breath, every movement, was just in the hopes that he’d get to see her again.

Seasons passed by like shadows, and now finally he’s finally here, moments away from her. The journey has been staggeringly hard.

Time passes at a lumbering pace, and Levi feels like he can almost hear the creaking of the door, as it gets swinged open.

Out steps a man with a basket in his hand. He’s well built and tall, and donned in a casual attire.

And Levi’s heart drops to the floor as a sickening feeling of jealousy takes over. All of a sudden the blood is thunderous in his ears.

He feels like he can’t breathe And his heart burns at the thought that her gentle smile turns to a man who isn’t him.

A moment later, a toddler comes out, chasing behind the man.

And Levi clutches the sides of his wheelchair so tight, that his knuckles turn white.

Fuck

He feels like he’ll vomit.

Like salt to his wounds, the man picks up the child. And she smiles so bright, he can see her sweet giggle, even though it's barely audible in the distance.

The man kisses the toddler’s cheeks, and takes her to the park. And Levi watches the scene with a sting in his eye.

He was her lover once but now he's a mere bystander. A powerless man who can do nothing but just watch. The realization is like a punch to his gut, and a bittersweet memory comes to Levi’s mind.

On their last night in the cabin, he told Mae he didn’t have the time to get her a birthday present. And then she shed a silent tear, telling him how she felt like she’s carrying the entire relationship.

It wasn’t too far from the truth. He had too much on his mind as a soldier. And life was not easy when the weight of humanity rested on your shoulder. Some days he didn’t even have the time to think of her.

And Levi knew he was being selfish by keeping her chained to him, but his heart didn’t know a way of living without her.

He asked what he could do to make it up to her, and she asked him to run away to a peaceful place.

All she had ever wanted was to stay next to him.

The decision was clear in his head then, but now he wonders if he should have just eloped with her… It's not like all the wars he’s fought have turned this world into an ideal place.

The impermanence of life… It’s something that he still can’t comprehend.

What is born shall die, what has started shall end. People come and go out at their own pace. The good moments turn stale, and eventually everyone ends up alone, with only memories to comfort them. Time is truly a fickle piece of shit.

The man places the toddler on the swing, before he heads the other way. And Levi gets consumed by his thoughts.

He had people who he once held close too. Erwin, Hange, Isabel, Farlan. But they left.

He wasn’t prepared for their deaths, but somehow he made his peace with it.

But he's not ready to let Mae go yet.

Not when her name is etched in the depths of his heart. Not when her thoughts have troubled him day and night. His heart yearns for her so deep, it doesn’t know another way of living.

It was supposed to be his kid, she was supposed to be his wife. He wanted to start his tea shop too. Life just had some other plans after all.

There were days when he didn’t have the strength to get out of his makeshift bed, there were days where his injuries hurt so much, he thought he’d prefer death over the pain of living like this. But he pushed and pushed.

Because at the end of this tunnel, he saw her.

The sweet end of his tiresome journey, The reward for his unyielding perseverance. His home after years of loneliness.

But it’s been three years now. And she’s not his anymore.

A part of him wants to throttle this man, for laying his hands on her. And a part of him wants to hate on her too. But it isn’t her fault as well.

His heart has been placed in the palm of her hand for far too long. And if she decides to break it, then he’ll just have to disseminate.

He guesses he’ll just have to live with the weight of being all alone.

The silence consumes,

And Levi taps his heel in frustration.

Time passes by painfully slowly. And one minute turns into fifteen.

The man and toddler are long gone now, but Levi still continues to bleed on the edge of his seat. He continues to sweat in the heat. Too nervous to move forward, yet too regretful to turn away.

Old habits die hard, he guesses.

The strength to move forward wanes from his body and every breath he takes only shatters his composure into pieces. He never thought he’d have to taste defeat, after winning over the entire world.

There’s some shuffling in the woods, and he swivels around aghast. His reflexes are not as sharp as he used to be. And he’s too exhausted to put on the act of a stone cold person.

He tries honing on the sound of movement but what use would that even be?

Back in the day he had the strength to beat any person to a pulp. But now with his crippled leg, he’s more of a burden, than a lover.

His hands trace back to his scars, a habit he has recently developed. And insecurity floods his mind.

He feels stupid pondering over something as trivial as his appearance. He wouldn’t even pay it a thought when he was in the Survey Corps. But he’s on the way to meet the love of his life and there’s these scars on his face that make him look fucking hideous.

The pit he's falling into is not unfamiliar. It’s something that bothers him everytime he looks into the mirror.

And in the haze of his insecurities. A sweet voice finds him.

“Dadd-a?”

He gasps, slowly turning towards the voice.

A little girl peeks at him from behind a tree trunk. He can’t see much of her, as she’s a few feet away, partly covered between the dense layers of trees. But he recognises her as the same child, who stepped out of Mae’s house a few moments ago.

The silence stretches, and she continues looking at him. With her eyes all wide and beaming. And Levi sighs, not knowing how to react.

He decides he doesn’t have it in him to see Mae or her happy family. He’ll just come back another day, when his heart hurts a little less.

And so he turns his wheelchair around, almost taking a U turn. But the same innocent voice stops him again.

“Dadd-a,” the girl squeals, and her tiny shoes squeak as she waddles towards him.

And Levi feels stumped, when she wraps her tiny body around his leg.

He’s always been quick to react to situations, but now he’s frozen.

He wonders why this little girl is hugging his leg, and how she’s not scared of how scary he looks with the huge scars on his face.

And as much bitterness his heart holds at the cruel turn of fate, her purity washes it away. Slowly, gently, deliberately. His features soften, and he decides the least he can do is drop her back home to safety.

He huffs, bending down to pick her up. And as he lifts her up by her armpits, his eyes are met with the same shade of silver.

Her skin is pale, papery white in complexion and her hair is the same shade of midnight black as his. Everything from the shape of her face to the shade of her lips comes from him. And there’s also a little cravat tucked inside her red polka dot dress.

“Daddaaa,” she chimes as if she recognizes him.

And a shuddered breath escapes his lips. Her smile… It comes from Mae.

She is his. Theirs. A part of him and a part of Mae.

And Levi has faced strong emotions before. He’s had his stomach churn with anxiety, and he’s had his heart overrun with grief and loss. He’s always anticipated all the things that could happen in his future, trudged every moment with caution. But no amount of preparedness could prepare him for the moment in front of him.

His hands tremble, as he puts her down on the floor. He’s a father now… he’s been a father for the past 3 years. It's too much to process. And his heart beats so fast in his chest, he’s afraid it will break out of his ribs.

“Lilly, Lilly,” A familiar voice cuts through the moment and his heart skips a beat.

“How many times have I told you not to-” Mae steps out of the trees, panting and worried. But the sight in front of her makes the words on her tongue scurry away.

Levi is a few meters away from her, in a wheelchair with 2 long scars running down his face, just the way the Queen had foreseen in the paths.

Everyday, she has stared at this road for countless hours, waiting for him to show up. It feels like she’s waited a lifetime to see him again.

The years of separation pass by her eyes.

Countless nights were spent crying into his shirt and every breath felt like a burden.

Everyone was ecstatic about the liberation of their island. And Mae was condemned to be alone, with her dwindling will to live.

Then she met Samuel and Claus, the soldiers who showed empathy to her, in a world that had become too hostile for anyone who supported the alliance.

They took her to the Queen, and the Queen recognised her instantly, as the doctor who helped when Trost was breached.

And as a Survey Corps Soldier who was once a part of the Levi’s squad, the Queen made it her mission to protect and provide for the ones who were close to the Alliance.

That’s when Mae moved into the peaceful countryside, with Jean and Connie’s mom.

Living with people who dealt with the same grief surely gave some solace, but life was still painful. And in the midst of her pain, like a beam of light into stark darkness, her baby came into this world.

And Mae never thought she’d get to see Levi’s eyes again, but they were right in front of her. Resting so peacefully against her chest.

That night she cried tears of gratitude. Life crashed into her as peacefully as it could.

“Mama mama, dadd-a has come back,” Her daughter squeals, with her tiny finger pointing towards Levi. Her grasp on her leg is still tight, and her eyes sparkle with joy.

And Mae tries to smile, but it gets dissolved in the trail of her tears.

This moment has haunted her every second, wrecked her entire being. And as she steps closer to the dream of Levi she’s had, every night since she was pregnant, the details of him come to life.

Her eyes follow the strong curve of his jaw, chiseled as if it has been carved by an artist. The ridge of his nose is sharp as always and his thin eyebrows are slightly disheveled.

She caresses him with her gaze, before her touch can even come close.

Two different Levi’s look back at her now. On the left, his face is marred, with two long scars running down his face. He is hurt and hidden away. And she can never see him through his cloudy iris.

But in his other eye, there are flecks of hope. The black of his pupil has expanded, and his iris shines blue in the sunrays. He wears his heart on his sleeve, Mae swears she has never seen him this vulnerable before.

And she might have lived without him for 3 years, but he has lived inside her every second, in her every thought. Her hand extends towards him out of deprivation.

Life hasn’t been the kindest to her.

But when the pads of her fingers reach the hollow of his cheek, her heart steadies itself. Whenever her eyes met his orbs , her ears met his voice, and her body met his touch. His familiarity always envelopes her. As if the hearth of a warm house, always welcoming and open.

Her hands reach to his lips, the shape of which she can trace on paper, even with her eyes shut close.

And Levi closes his eyes in alleviation.

There’s a search for words. Words for the longing, words for the separation.

And Mae shudders, as the pads of her fingers skim over his skin. They trace over his scars, the old and the new. From the top of his forehead, down to the edge of his chin. From the curve of his necks down the length of his arms.

Three years have passed by, but his features are still as strong.

Her caress reaches the end of his arm, and her fingers find the indents of his knuckles. Gingerly she takes his palm into hers,

And Levi is quick to wrap the 3 fingers that remain on his hand, around her.

Her touch feels both foreign and achingly familiar. He has craved this so much.

Mae’s eyes widen at the gesture, heavy with tears. And she kisses the spot where his 2 fingers once used to be. Levi is as real as ever, she can feel every divot of his skin against her lips.

The realization breaks her, and she drops to the floor. With her head on his lap, and her arms sprawled all over his thighs.

There’s disbelief, there’s elation. The feeling can never be put into words. Her shoulders wilt, heavy with the pain of separation, and she cries into his lap.

“I missed you… You weren’t there.” Her voice is muffled against his skin. “I thought I’d never see you again.” Her sobs pierce through the quiet of the farmland.

And he stares wide eyed, biting back his tears as well.

The pain she has carried with her all these years, is right in front of him. Laced into the heavy sobs that rake through her frame.

And Levi knows he should pick her up and kiss the shit of her, but he’s frozen. For his gaze is stuck on the familiar pearl ring that rests on her ring finger.

Words fail him, and his heart spasms in his chest. “D-did y-you ? He can only stutter, as his touch lingers over the pearl. ”A-after all this time?”

The question hangs in the air, but the answer is right in front of him. In the grief that occupies her heart, in the love that still brims in her eyes. And in the tiny girl who looks exactly like him.

It feels like all the sacrifices he’s made in life have finally come to fruition. His directionless quest has finally found its destination. His exhausted soul has found its shelter.

There’s such mercy in this moment, all he can do is shudder and let out an exhale. Maybe in exhaustion, maybe in fulfillment.

And Mae looks up at him, her eyes tinged red with tears. “I was only going to wait one more year, good that you came back in time.”

He puts his hand on her head, and her body trembles beneath his touch. All the grief she has held onto for so long, slows paroles in the form of her tears.

The scene is as heartbreaking, as it is rewarding.

“Ma-ma,” Lilly babbles, her voice as bright as sunlight cutting through storm clouds. And Levi looks at her as she tries to fit herself in the space between Mae’s hunched frame and his legs.

She settles into Mae’s lap, and Mae is forced to look into her eyes full of wonder.

“Mama…” she coos, and her tiny hands wipe the fat tears that roll down Mae’s face.” Dad-da’s back, don-t be sad.”

And Mae smiles at that, certainly she takes a lot from her father.

“You’re right, my love…let’s take Dada home shall we?” Her voice turns gentler, and she gets up with Lily in her arms.

“Levi?” Mae questions, gesturing towards his lap.

And Levi hesitates, a little too afraid that he’s too scary for the delicate human being.

“You’ll be a great father, don’t worry.”

The second time he looks at her, he knows he’s doomed. Her cheeks are round and full, as if there’s food stuffed inside them. And her eyes are just like his, but there’s a brightness in them that he never had.

She settles on his lap. And as he wraps his arms around her waist, she places her tiny palms on his scarred forearms. And Levi realizes there is nothing he wouldn’t do for this tiny person that he’s just met a few moments ago.

His heart feels full of love.

Mae starts pushing his wheelchair forward. And he closes his eyes, as he feels the wind against his face. It’s a moment that makes him feel grateful to be alive.

In a span of a few minutes, they’re already outside the veranda to her house. And Levi can smell the Lavender she has planted in the front garden.

“It’s not a big house but it’s enough. I stay here with Jean and Connie’s mom… Luckily for us though, they’ve gone to Trost for a bit.” Mae speaks, as she picks Lily from Levi’s lap, and places her inside the house.

“It’s a very sweet place though. All the farmers staying around often visit. It’s like a big family. Borris was here too, half an hour back. You might have seen him…he wanted to take some cookies for his son.”

“Ahh,’ Levi drawls, as if he didn’t spend fifteen minutes hating on that man. “I don’t think I saw him.”

She takes his briefcase in one hand, and hooks her other arm around his waist. Slowly helping him up the short flight of stairs. And he wants to do nothing, but melt in her embrace

“I can walk for a few minutes.” Her murmurs, almost embarrassed.

“You’re not walking anywhere until I check your leg myself.” She reprimands, but the softness in her eyes contradicts her strict tone.

As it turns out, Mae’s house is very much a home.

The interior is simple and modest. There’s a couch, two wooden chairs and a table in the front room. The wooden floor creaks as he steps in. And the walls are filled with the crayon marks.

“I’ll get your wheelchair inside.” Mae mumbles as she seats Levi on the couch.

And when Mae comes back in again, Lilly has already managed to climb on the couch. She’s standing on Levi’s lap with her hands on his cheeks. The faintest of smiles plays on Levi’s lips, and he holds her by the waist, making sure she doesn’t lose balance.

The sight makes Mae’s heart swell. Her entire world is now in front of her. Her heart feels so full and so heavy at the same time. And her eyes turn misty again.

“Oi oi, don’t start with all the crying again?” Levi mutters as he notices her standing by the door.

And Mae sniffs, overwhelmed. “I’ll make you some tea?”

“Yaa- Da-dda love teaaa.” Lilly squeals, before Levi can even respond to Mae.

And Mae smiles. Her family is finally complete... a few years back she would have never believed she’d get the privilege of experiencing this.

And just as she’s about to turn towards the kitchen, Levi stops her.

“Mae…” His voice drawls, and he pats the spot next to him. “Tea can wait.”

_________________________

The world outside fades into a quiet hum as the bustle of the morning stretches into the lull of the afternoon.

The sun has draped itself over the earth, like a soft blanket. And Levi rests on the bed. He’s just finished his lunch, and he allows himself to sink into the mattress.

Time seems to have been caught in the gentle sway of the trees, and Levi takes his sweet time looking at the things around him.

Lily's soft toys are stacked on top of the cupboard. And there's a wooden cabinet, filled with all of Mae's favorite books.

The curtains are made of colorful crocheted patchwork. And somehow Mae has managed to bring most of her things from her house in Trost here.

But it's not just that. Levi's stuff is here too.

There’s a cupboard next to Mae with his clothes folded and organized just the way he likes it. His favorite novels and teacups are kept in a separate cabinet. And right in front of the bed, there's a wall with paintings of the three of them together.

It feels like nothing has changed, like he was never away.

And everytime he closes his eyes, his heart begins to race. But for the first time, the adrenaline that flows through him isn’t nerve-racking. It feels exciting

The curtains above his head billow softly with the wind. A mild breeze enters the bedroom and Levi tilts his face to bask in its warmth.

His whole world now lies in his arms. Snoring peacefully, with her hand wrapped around his finger. She's so tiny, that all of her body fits on his torso.

And he lets out a sigh as he feels the subtle rise of her tiny chest against his own.

“Are you not able to sleep, because all of a sudden there’s a child on your chest, and you don’t know where she came from?” Mae steps into the room, quietly shutting the door behind her.

“I can clearly tell where she comes from.” Levi comments as he looks at his dear daughter. “Is this why you were crying so much the day I was leaving for Marley?”

“Mhmm… “ Mae nods, as she rests her back against the door. And Levi closes his eyes, listening to her voice.

“You had to save the world Levi, you had to give it your all. And you would have died hating yourself if you knew you had a child coming into the world, that you weren’t going to be there for… As much as I was dying to tell you about my pregnancy, I thought it was best to keep it from you…” It’s an uncomfortable topic that defines the rest of their future, Mae’s eyes fall to the ground.

If only she would look up, she would see Levi with the faintest of smiles, thinking of how he can actually see her instead of imagining her.

“I know a child was never something you wanted… So I understand how complicated this situation can be for you.” Mae goes on and Levi lays still with his eyes shut in contentment, hoping for time to slow down.

“What?” She gasps, finally looking up at him. “Say something? I’ll never know how you’re feeling if you don’t tell me about it.”

Finally his eyes flutter open, and he looks at her through the curtain of his lashes. A faint smile plays on his lips, and his cheeks turn pink as he stretches out his other hand towards her. “Come here.”

In an instant, her features soften, turning into one of relief. And she smiles as makes her way to him.

She rests her head on his shoulder.And he drinks in every detail. As if he’s a parched man, dying of thirst. His heart pounds in his chest, and then his gaze falls towards her lips.

It doesn’t take too long for their lips to fuse together. It’s a simple kiss, but it’s been years.

They part in bliss.

And Levi brings her hands to his lips, pressing a doting kiss on her skin. She’s his to keep, his to salvage.He can’t put his gratitude into words.

“Thank you.” His voice is heavy. “ I-I…” He wants to tell her how happy he is to be next to her. He wants to tell her how exhausting it was without her. And that he can’t believe she’s all his. He wants to tell her about all the letters he’s written to her. But his heart is lodged so deep in his throat that he can’t squeak out the words he desperately wants to say.

“Rest my love.” She keeps her thumb on his lip, tracing his bottom lip. “We have time.”

His eyes flutter shut at her words, and her hand reaches to the top of his head. She starts combing out the hair that falls on his forehead.

His old scars have faded, almost blending into his skin. And the hard muscles on his chest have been replaced with soft dimpled skin. The lines in the corner of her eyes run deep.

He’s softer now. Marked by age, but just as beautiful.

Her finger traces down his cheek, following the scar that runs across his face. The feeling of his skin dipping under her fingers almost feels overwhelming.

“Levi,” she calls, caressing the side of his face. And he responds by leaning into her touch.

“I can’t believe you’re real,” She murmurs.

The silence is blissful.

And Levi feels his heart flutter, just like it did when she held his hand for the first time.

“Mae…” his voice trails off and he gulps. “How did Lily recognise me?... It feels like she knows so much about me?”

And Mae tilts her head up. “She’s heard stories about you ever since she was in my womb, of course she knows a lot about you… We even got someone to draw a portrait of you last year, because she wanted to see you for her birthday.”

“She thinks you’re some kind of hero Levi.” Mae yawns, “A few months back, she was trying to eat food by herself, and she ended up making a mess… which was fine because she was just learning, but she started crying frantically, and I asked her what happened? She said Dada wouldn’t like her, because she made a mess and Dada hates messes.”

Mae’s eyes trail to the way her daughter sleeps, with her cheek squished against Levi’s chest, and her eyes are shut close in peace. “She thinks you’re some kind of hero.”

And Levi remains silent. Afraid the words will ruin the tender moment.

It might seem like he’s dozed off, but the pink crawling on his cheek tells otherwise.

And Mae looks at him with the softest of smiles. For the first time in a long while, her heart feels complete.

“Actually she is right… you are a hero.” She mumbles as she closes her eyes in peace.

And a single tear slips past his eye.

He’s finally home.

Thoughts? Thoughts? Thoughts?

I know its a very simple, cliche, happily ever after ending, but I really REALLY wanted Levi to have a family of his own, and experience a normal, happy life, which is why I made Mae pregnant lol.

To anyone who has made this far. I would love to know your thoughts on the entire story. Things you liked, didn't like. Your feedback is crucial.

I'm going to start editing this fic from now on, and whatever you say will be considered. So I would love to know your thoughts on what could get better and be improved.

Something else, I'm very excited about is designing and illustrating a book cover (since I am a graphic designer lol) and get a few hardcopies printed for myself!! I'm assuming I'll be done with it by DEC 25th, so right now I do plan to post an Epilogue/ bonus chapter and share the book cover designs on Dec 25th. (I don;t know if anyone is interested in this, but I'm just doing it for myself hehe)

I would like to thank the many people who have been a constant support while writing this. I don't think I can tag everyone since they are on different platforms, so I'll just mention their names here. @Alexandra218943 , Cupidcup, @musumusuhasi and Abha , I wouldn't have completed this without you, so thank you <3

And to all the people who have commented, and interacted with the story at any point. I want to let you know that I've had a shit month at work, my self esteem has been at an all time low , and the only thing that's made me feel capable of something are your comments, and I keep going back to them! So thank you for that, I am immensely grateful!

[sunnyhvnny]

Imagine if all Maegor’s kids inherited their mother’s appearance. They eventually have like 8 but not a single one has silver hair or purple eyes.

There should be more dad!Maegor content out there

Maegor’s children are loud, and rambunctious and fill up every space they step into. Not because there are so many of them, which there are, but because they all seem to him with the sort of energy that a dragon has.

When he has to break up a fight between his eldest two boys, Aegon and Reanar, he doesn’t get angry because they are only acting like two young hatchlings would. Or when his daughter of three hides behind his wife’s skirts he only sees a newly hatched dragon trying to find safety and comfort in their mother. Despite his own wife not being a Targaryen, he sometimes wonders if a small drop of the blood of the dragon has made its way into her because when people look at their children with raised eyebrows or make pointed comments, Maegor doesn’t have time to do anything before his wife does.

Sometimes at night Maegor will lay in bed beside his wife and think about his child. Eight children, more than he could have ever hoped for, and all from his beloved. He wonders why it took until his last wife for him to finally have a child that lived. His other wives carried his children but they were either born without any breath in their lungs or deformed and monstrous.

His beloved had no such problems. She had started swelling with their eldest, Visenya, soon after he had married her and when she was born she was screaming and pink and alive.

Every year since then, Maegor has held his breath as his beloved wife swelled with a new child and brought them into this world. He waited for something horrible to happen. For his children to all catch a sickness and perish, the Gods deciding to give him a taste of fatherhood before ripping it from him. He thought maybe the next one would be born scaled and burnt and silent, but each one was healthy.

Perhaps that is why Maegor didn’t give in to the rumors that floated around the court. The Lords and Ladies loved to talk about how all of his children are missing those distinct Targaryen features. He hears the word stupid when they refer to him sometimes and he doesn’t let it bother him. If it is stupid to love one’s children then he must be the stupidest man in all the land. When he hears the words ‘bastards’ whispered, that is when he does something.

His wife will destroy them verbally amongst everybody and he will watch with a proud smile on his face but later, Maegor has two of his kingsguards bring the person before him. In the dead of night, he will bring them to the dungeons.

He may have softened with fatherhood but his desire to hear those who slander him or his family die screaming has never gone away. When he is done, he always goes back to his wife, but before he does he stops by the chambers that hold his children. He looks in on them and watches them sleep for some time. His eldest barely makes a sound as she sleeps but she splays across the bed, his eldest son and second child, snores loudly and he laughs quietly that a boy so young could rumble so loud in his sleep that he could wake a sleeping dragon.

When he confirms that all of his children are asleep, safe and sound, then does he go to his last and most loved wife. She is asleep as well and splays out on the bed like their daughter but she is quiet as she sleeps. He admires her beauty before he crawls into bed next to her. She is plumper than when they first wed and there is a tiredness that is always with her but that comes with having children. In his eyes, she has only grown more beautiful as the years have gone on.

Before he falls asleep, he glances one more time at his wife. People may whisper that his children don’t look like him. They would not be lies. All of them take after their mother, but they don’t see the young Targaryen’s in the small moments. They may carry their mother’s features but they hold the blood of the dragon inside of them.

[ryttu3k]

Having some Thoughts about Astarion and his perceived intelligence, or lack thereof (it was largely in the tags of this post, which I absolutely recommend reading, but it was getting overly long).

Astarion is perceived as… not very bright. Like it's kind of a running joke in fandom at this point, and it's been bugging me for a bit, so…

INT 13 isn't actually low

INT 13 is actually a fair bit above average! Of the main six Origin characters, only Gale has a higher INT score at 17, which is what you'd expect from a wizard and Actual Nerd (complimentary). Wyll has INT 13 as well, Lae'zel and Shadowheart have the average score of INT 10, and Karlach has INT 8. Of the secondary companions, Halsin and Minthara also have INT 10, and Minsc and - interestingly - Jaheira both have INT 8.

So, far from being one of the dumbest companions, stats-wise, he's actually one of the most intelligent.

Poor planning skills aren't a reflection of intelligence

Yes, Astarion is notoriously terrible at coming up with long-term plans. You know what he also hasn't been able to do for two hundred years? Come up with long-term plans.

He spent about forty years living a normal life, then five times that duration as a slave, being punished for any show of thinking for himself. He tried to make a plan that went against his master's orders, and he spent a year buried alive for it. His only purpose was "to seduce anything with a pulse"; thinking outside of that wasn't just discouraged, it was punished. He's out of practice!

Also, there are a lot of incredibly intelligent people who can't make plans for Assorted Reasons, even without two hundred years of being a puppet to someone else's will. Dyspraxia, ADHD, all sorts of things.

The whole smooth brain thing

This one does bug me, but I also suspect it was a nod to fandom perception. The epilogue has Bing-Bong in it, there were at least parts written well after the game release, and the subsequent fandom response. It's entirely possible, if not likely, that parts of the writing were influenced by fandom perception.

He had low INT in early access

Yes, and they changed it, and he no longer does. Wyll was essentially rewritten between EA and now. Karlach wasn't even a main character in EA. The Dream Visitor was extremely different in EA! Astarion was below average intelligence in EA, and now he's above average ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Neil Newbon says Astarion is intelligent

"I see him as being very intelligent — very erudite — and highly manipulative when he wants to be."

From this interview. I figure he'd know better than anyone save Stephen Rooney, y'know?

The trauma

I mean we can't understate the trauma. The trauma would do a number on your cognitive abilities (and your everything else lbr). And on top of two centuries of going through The Horrors, Cazador repeatedly belittled and infantilised him, hard not to internalise that when Cazador had complete control over his entire existence.

This isn't really meant to be an essay or aimed at anyone in particular and also quite possibly my 'burnt-out gifted kid who valued their intelligence above everything else' is showing but that may be more a Gale thing! Just that the whole 'lmao Astarion is so dumb' trope was bugging me for this, that, and the other reason, so. A post.

[obliqueblade]

End of Season 9 + health update (kinda)

So, I finally got a chance to watch most of the Hermits videos about the end of season nine, just finished with Grians, and I was not anticipating that I would cry.

I did. An embarrassing amount.

Something that I haven't talked about in a while, is the recent really bad health crisis I had a few months ago. For those unaware, or who don't remember, I was diagnosed with a form of Lung Cancer almost three years ago.

A few months ago, one of my roommates, allowed her partner into our apartment knowing that they had Covid and didn't tell me or our other roommates. I got sick. Really sick. I don't want to go into too much detail, because it is not pleasant, but since then my doctors and I had to change almost everything about my treatment plan, but the major thing we were unsure of was how would it affect one of my upcoming surgeries.

Originally, this was set for mid-January, but my doctors wanted to run some more tests and make sure that I would be strong enough to undergo it. At the time in late October, they told me they would know for sure by December. And, a few days ago I got the call to go and meet with them.

I'm not strong enough.

Which, essentially means that without this surgery, all they are really going to be able to do is keep me comfortable until I pass.

Obviously, this sucks, and not at all how I had intended things to go. I've not told any of my family, mainly because I don't really know how to at this time. Tomorrow being Christmas it feels wrong to do it now, so I'll probably wait till after the holidays.

Do not worry, I am still making progress on the fic, as it isn't strenuous to do.

Anyway, I felt that I needed to write this with the end of the Hermitcraft season. I had only started watching Hermitcraft during season 8, not long after I had gotten my diagnosis. So season 9 was my first time watching a full season- start to end.

I think that might be one of the reasons I got so emotional towards the end. Realistically, depending on when they start season 10, I won't be alive to see it, let alone the end of it.

Obviously, I'm not saying "they need to start the new season now because I'm dying, and screw how burnt out you guys might feel". That would be ridiculous, and not the point I'm trying to make.

The Hermits introduced me to so much joy, such much creativity, and so much strength. The days I felt like were the end, were made so much brighter, because of the Hermits.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I probably wouldn't have made it through the past two years without them.

So, in the only way that I hopefully can with the time I have left, I want to complete this fic. I want to attribute something back to this amazing community, and the people that got me through so much.

Thank you, Hermitcraft, for making the last few years of my life feel like they were worth living.

[hadeslegacyhephgirl]

So this ain't da soulmate au. Its coming, promise. in the meantime, witness the evil of my brain and have some major angst.

TW: Character death, HEAVILY implied - idk how far that goes, so maybe it's not even implied - self-harm, grief.

~*~ 6:58 when the patient is admitted 7:20 when the heart-rate monitor flatlines 7:22 when Nico receives the call that destroys him. 8:13 when the shroud is burnt 8:17 when the wooden marker is shoved into the ground

8:20 and Nico's world is in pieces.

Rest in Peace William Andrew Solace 1993-2017 Beloved Brother, Medic, Friend, Lover.

~*~ 9:43 and Nico is laying on his bed 9:44. His Will is gone. And he's never coming back

~*~ 10:36 has someone knocking on his door 10:37 and Jason's sitting next to him on his bed.

Nico can't look at him Because he's got blonde hair and blue eyes, but not the curly blonde hair and cerulean blue eyes that he loves. Loved. Still Loves.

10:42 when Jason finally starts talking

Nico doesn't hear a word of it.

10:45 and Nico is alone again. He's empty Because without his Will, there's nothing left for him. Not anymore.

~*~ 2:41 and he hasn't moved. 3:20 and people are talking to him, talking at him. He doesn't hear a word.

3:36 when Reyna, Hazel, Kayla, Cecil and Lou Ellen show up. They don't say a word.

3:38 and he finally breaks down, sobbing into Hazels shoulder. Because they all knew Will. These are the people who considered Will family above everything. They know his pain He knows their pain.

3:52 they're sitting in a circle. They still haven't said a word, but somehow have said everything they'll ever need to.

~*~ It's 2:38(am) when Nico has his first panic attack without Will. 2:39 and he's drowning in those haunted waters. It's a new kind of torture. Because now Wills voice is part of his chains.

2:43 A flash of red A cry of pain Blood accident. sharp. ow.

~*~

9:18 he makes his first deliberate cut 9:19 he watches in facination as the drops run down his arm 9:22 when he finally bandages them 9:32 and for seven minutes he could breath, could forget, could drown out everything but himself

9:24

Will has been dead for 10 hours.

And Nico is broken.

~*~ 10:37. A month later. Nico is scarliy thin from eating virtually nothing exept what was forced into his mouth

10:38 and he finally pulls out the ring The one he was going to propose to Will with on the day Will died.

10:40 and he's moving, feet taking him outside and down to the docks 10:43 and his arm draws back, throwing the ring as far as possible into the water 10:44 there's a splash. Nico is not around to hear it.

~*~ 11:55 Percy finds the ring 11:56 he realises what it is. Nico had talked to them about proposing to Will. This was that ring.

12:10 Percy, Jason, Annabeth, Hazel, Frank, Reyna, Lou Ellen and Cecil are gathered at the dining pavilion 12:20 they agree.

They need to get Will back And they're gonna make it happen

~*~ 1:34 they have a plan 1:52 they're meeting up with Grover and Apollo (disguised as Lester) in Central Part 1:57 the passageway to the Underworld is open, a yawning pit of darkness and cold. 11:58 Percy goes first 12:00 Apollo and Grover decide to follow

~*~ 12:23 They arrive at Hades Palace 12:34 when Hades greets them, hears their request 12:35 when Hades and Apollo exchange looks 12:37 when Hades sighs, rubs his forehead

'You'll have a ten minute window. Do what you must'

~*~ 12:38 finds them at the Elysium gates 12:41 Will is following them out

~*~ 12:42 and they're running out of time 12:43 and Will stops, exhuasted 12:44 Annabeth is yelling "Nico is in trouble! He's dying Will!" (and it's true, it really is)

12:46 Will is the first out of the Underworld, alive and solid and desperate because where is Nico, if I know him he's really in trouble and I know what he'd do and I need to stop him before he goes to far.

12:49 Apollo dissapears 12:52 the demigods are in Apollos chariot, racing toward Camp Halfblood and Will wants to go faster, faster, please.

~*~

1:02 Nico hears the knock on his door 1:03 and it's open 1:03 and he can't move because 1:03 Will is back. 1:03 Will is standng, there, Nico's proposal ring in hand and another one, a silver band with the moon phases etched into it. 1:03 they stand there, unable to comprehend it

~*~ 1:05 and they're on the floor, Nico pressing butterly kisses all over Will - face, hands, arms.. 1:07 they simply lay there, basking in the fact that Will is there and alive

~*~ 1:10 Will pulls Nico into the cabin 1:11 Nico's sleeve is rolled up and Will is heartbroken over the bandages on Nico's arm 1:12 His arms are re-bandaged and they lay on the bed 1:13 Nico asks the question he desperaltly wants to ask, the one he never got to before Will died 1:13 Will is the one pressing butterfly kisses on Nico's faces, whispering yes, yes, one thousand times yes. I'm never leaving again

~*~ 6:32(am) there's a dawn ceremony, with Apollo leading them through a simple exchange of rings and vows 8:43 when the celebrations start 9:31 when the newlyweds make it back to Cabin 13, now decorated, cortesey of Hades, Persephone, Apollo and Aphrodite. 9:46 when they finally get to lay down, simply be next to each other, Nico spooning Will as the exhaustion of the last few days catches up.

Above the bed, the promise is carved into the wall.

I'm never leaving you again. Promise.

~*~ Authors notes: they're like 23-24 yrs old here. So. Just cause.

If you don't get it, the question Nico asks in the second-to-last section is will u marry me. that's what the ring was for.

the rings- Nico has the gold band carved with the sun all around: ☀️. ☀️.☀️.☀️.☀️.☀️.☀️- like this but a LOT more elegant. think the sun pattern from Tangled/Rapunzel Will has the silver one with the moon cycles: 🌑.🌒.🌓.🌔.🌕.🌖.🌗.🌘.🌑. - again, a lot more elegant. and in solid silver.

headcannon - Will plays the flute- he got one for the wedding presents. U know. Doctors hands-piano hands-flute hands. Also its just sweet, so we go with it.

Promise, I'm workin' on dat soulmate au. ITS COMING I SWEAR 😥😥😥😥

[daydream-cement]

Silly Questions About Gwen’s Characters Pt. 1

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10

This was a team effort between @bri-sonat and I (of course with help from the wonderful babies in the gc @na-shoba, @booitsrue, @funky--lesbian, and @margot-the-lesbian-god). He will be posting the next part! We will go back and forth with these fun little questions.

If they were an animal, what would they be? What is the first thing they’d do when they learn they’re an animal?

Brienne: Dragon, maybe? A force of nature to be reckoned with in human form and animal form. She’d fly around Westeros, looking out over the mountain tops, enjoying the freedom. Maybe take a little stop in Dorne, who knows.

Larissa: A cat. Larissa would appreciate a day where she could wander around Nevermore unnoticed or greeted happily by her students. Most likely she would nap in a window somewhere and forget about work for a bit.

Lucifer: A snake because uhm duh?? Snake :)

Phasma: A Sarlac or an Exogorth. Two foul ass monsters who feasts on human flesh, just like Phasma for real, except she doesn’t feast on human flesh, she just burns and cuts it instead.

Miranda: She’d be a cat, because she’s all “look how small, and their little whiskers and their little paws” and that’s so Miranda core, she is a cat. She’d be off on the adventure of her life, or she’d take a cat nap.

Do they pick wildflowers?

Brienne: Yes. Lovestruck Brienne would do anything to see her partner smile, and that includes picking small wildflowers with the edge of her very big sword.

Larissa: She has been known to pick a wildflower or two on her walks between meetings. Some days it's always nice to have a vase of pretty wildflowers on your desk, right?

Lucifer: Kills wild flowers to make God upset

Phasma: What wildflowers? That thing is blasted, burnt, charred in a single laser shot. Hates the sentiment of giving flowers as a gift of any kind, saying “flowers are for weak people who need to give plants to express love.” And then she’ll scoff.

Miranda: ABSOLUTELY, softest girlfriend ever. If her partner tells her she likes a type of wildflower ONCE, you bet your ass she’d have a full on bouquet the next time she sees them.

How do they like their eggs? (Fried, poached, soft-boiled, etc.)

Brienne: Miss Girl needs her protein for those MUSCLES, so she’ll just eat them however they are presented. Easiest way is a hard-boiled egg, but if she’s feeling a little bit fancy she’ll fry one.

Larissa: Poached fs. Over toast. It makes a fabulous breakfast and is simple enough to make. She doesn’t really like to cook so this meal works perfectly for her culinary abilities.

Lucifer: Perfectly over easy- like plastic-looking over easy eggs fr.

Phasma: Our Captain enjoys things the classical way, the old-school way, so she prefers a soft-boiled egg, and if it isn’t to her liking (aka the exact way she wants it), she’ll throw a fit. “Shoot someone just for fun” fit.

Miranda: LOVES scrambled eggs. Adds a little cream in there just to spice things up a little and thinks she’s so crazy for doing so.

How do they see themselves in their head, and how is that image wrong?

Brienne: Well, where do we start with this one? Miss Ma’am has been told her entire life that she is ugly, unconventional, unattractive, a monster, a beast. She’s been mocked, humiliated, made fun of, etc etc. She thinks that she is “the ugliest girl alive” and she fully believes that. BUT SHE’S WRONG, CAUSE SHE’S SO SEXY AND HOT AND BEAUTIFUL AND GORGEOUS and all those things, but she can’t understand that because she has been told so many times that she’s not. But she’s wrong and people are dumb, and blind, and morons.

Larissa: She thinks of herself in a professional capacity more than anything, but ‘image is everything’ as she would say. She would consider herself attractive, but nothing more than that. Compliments that refer to her as anything more are usually met with a roll of the eyes.

Lucifer: Gods ex fav, self conscious about it, but knows they’re hot shit and are v sexy.

Phasma: Power does a lot to a person's confidence. Captain Girl knows that she’s hot, attractive, powerful and deadly. Knows that she’s the baddest bitch around and IT SHOWS!

Miranda: We all know what the deal is with Mirandy Baby. She’s treated like crap by her co-workers and even by her so-called “friend”, and with all those negative comments about her makes her doubt herself and her abilities, even if she tries her best to not internalize. For her looks, she would not call herself attractive, which is where the aspect of male validation comes into the picture. However, positive affirmations from others go a long way for her, ESPECIALLY if she finds them attractive herself.

If they talked in their sleep, what weird jumble of words would come out?

Brienne: Something really boring and honorable. Something around the lines of maybe “my sword is my vessel”, or something that makes no sense whatsoever, “I turned and then I was gone?” You just know her dreams are nuts.

Larissa: Something work related. Something about “I forgot the email”/“I’m late”, or something about a certain misbehaving student “Oh, god, what have you done?”. She doesn’t talk much in her sleep, however.

Lucifer: “You shouldn’t have done that” “I hate you” “God can’t save you” but like mumbled and sleepy so it’s more cute than scary.

Phasma: Phasma does not talk in her sleep, her stormtrooper training regiment made her become comfortable with sleeping on her back, and absolutely no sleep-talking or snoring. They got it rough over at the First Order, for real.

Miranda: Something really out of pocket. I’m thinking of that sleep walking scene in “Step Brothers”. I.e. “I'll kill you, Leonard Nimoy.”

(For good guys) If they were a villain, what would their evil dark lord name be?

Brienne: Probably a spin on her swords’ name, “Slayer of Oaths” or something that has to do with her mockful nickname, “Brienne the Beast” or “Merciless Brienne”. I don’t know, I can just see her killing everyone with no remorse if she were to be a villain.

Larissa: The Headmistress. She would be the hottest super villain. Holy Shit.

Lucifer: “Cute.” - Lucifer to this question.

Phasma: ….Captain Phasma

Miranda: This sweet bundle of joy couldn’t hurt a soul. With that said, she’d be a righteous and justice focused one. Only killing those that deserved to be killed. Earning her the evil dark lord name of “Angel of Judgement” cause she’s an angel of DEATH AND JUDGMENT.

Muffins or cupcakes? Explain

Brienne: Miss Gurl doesn’t even know what a baked good is. She had to make due with some dry ass bread made from water and flour during her time. HOWEVER, if she were to live in modern days, she’d love a gooey muffin.

Larissa: Ms. Sweet-tooth? She will take a cupcake of course. Larissa: “There is a proper way to eat these, you know?” She then proceeds to take the bottom off the cupcake and make herself a little cupcake sandwich.

Lucifer: Muffins. The frosting is too messy for them, they’re like: “dude what I can’t eat the frosting in one bite without this getting actually everywhere on my robe sleeves.”

Phasma: “Sugar is not in my strict diet, I must stay on top at all times. I can not allow myself a ‘cheat day’, as you call it”

Miranda: Cupcake, duh. BUT THE MINI ONES. bc she can just eat them in one bite like a giant!!!

Do they prefer arm day or leg day?

Brienne: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh, we all know. She needs some big guns to hold that heavy and large sword of hers, so arm day all the way BABY. Also, for Brienne, arm day and shoulder day is every single day with the metal she’s carrying around, yeesh.

Larissa: Neither of these options are suitable. If you let her pick, she will choose cardio.

Lucifer: Leg day in stilettos

Phasma: You just know she has the most defined legs ever seen in the history of mankind and she loves maintaining them. Despite this she’s more of a shoulder-back day kinda gal, wanting to keep that back refined as hell, looking like a marble statue of a greek goddess.

Miranda: She has once chanted “Leg Day!” over and over again when Robin agreed to hit the gym with her once. Robin didn’t join her again, but her enthusiasm for leg day remains.

What is the longest they’ve ever slept in?

Brienne: 7 am. And when she did all hell broke loose. Panicking about how she’d slept for far too long, when she was actually on bedrest for getting harmed in battle and was told to sleep for as long as she needed.

Larissa: 10am. It was when she had the flu, but she did fall asleep around 9pm so she was impressed with herself. Otherwise she gives herself until 8am to get up in the summertime.

Lucifer: What’s sleep?

Phasma: What’s sleeping in? You know that she’s up and at ‘em hours before the space cock sings the song of its people. She has never overslept a day in her First Order life and will wake up at 5 am sharp every single morning.

Miranda: Miranda has slept multiple days in a row. After a 12+ hour shift, she can sleep forever and not bat an eye. But once she is well rested, she is go, go, go. There’s no stopping her.

They’re on their way to the hospital when they hit a parked car. They can’t stop, and don’t have paper for a note. They drive away without telling anyone what happened. How do they ease their conscience?

Brienne: By finding that person in some way, apologize a hundred times and ask if she can be of help in any way to repay the damages. But, if requested, will pull out her coin pouch and flex her wealth. Or, they’d see that she was a tall, strong and lean Lord Commander and not dare demand anything, shaking in their little boots and saying how it’s okay and that there is no need to pay them back.

Larissa: She will make an effort to find the person, but if the car looks banged up already…. She may shrug and not stress about it too much, especially if no one will notice. 

Lucifer: Have the person who’s car got hit killed by some horrible accident so that way they aren’t responsible for the minor accident because of the major accident overshadowing it 😋

Phasma: Conscience? What conscience? Nah, Phasma is a gaslighter all the way. “I didn’t hit your vehicle, you hit mine” *points blaster at them* “now give me the money to repair it”

Miranda: Takes a thousand pictures and calls a friend/coworker to find the car and exchange information. She will not allow her ‘crime’ to go unpunished. She must right her wrong otherwise she will be unable to sleep at night.

[thedreamworldlibrary]

Magia Chap. 8- I'm Done With You

T/W Blood WARNING!!! Not a lot, but still...

Next chapter is here! I cried writing this chapter, and you'll see why!

Big thanks to @gigilefache for being my beta reader.

Enjoy!

In the early morning hours, before the founders came in and continued building the place, Winnie was walking towards what would be the arcade section of the facility.

Once he entered, Litho was waiting for him. “So, what have you found out?” He asked.

“A lot.” Winnie answered.

Litho turned glaring at the pegasus animatronic with his many eyes. “Explain?”

Winnie smirked, “Well let’s start with your lovely partner Sara. I’m sure telling you her powers won’t be a waste of time.” He explained.

Litho growled, “I don’t have time for your jokes, Carlos!” He spat.

“Oh I’m not joking.” Winnie chuckled. “Our little Sara’s powers are time-related.”

Litho’s eyes widened, “how do you know that’s her powers?”

“Well, after you told me to go after Eric, Sara followed him to Lewis’s house which I burnt.” Winnie started. “I had a choice to leave Sara to die because her actions were a betrayal, but suddenly the whole house was frozen in this pink aura, and Sara and Eric came out alive.”

While explaining, Litho glared, growling as he remembered someone from his past. In his memories, he remembered a young girl wielding a pink gemstone and was able to use the time powers from it to protect herself from him.

“I should’ve known it was her,” Litho growled.

Winnie blinked, “O-Oh you knew?” He asked.

“In a way, yes,” Litho replied. “Sara reminded me of an…old adversary in the past. I just thought it was a coincidence, but you know the saying "An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” He snickered, running his claws on the wall, almost scratching it. “Maybe I’ll pay our little “friend” a visit when she arrives with her little termites.”

A bit later, Sara and her friends came by and decided they would go back to where they started before she made her deal with Litho and Winnie. This time Wiatt offered to help out, when it was usually Eric.

“Eric’s not coming today?” Sara asked.

Lewis shook his head, “he’s still shocked he was able to heal so quickly. To make sure, he and Carly will be staying home.” He explained.

Sara sighed, “That’s good.” She looked at her best friend, and wanted to bring up last night.

After telling Lewis what she saw, the founder couldn’t explain why she saw two different people, one who looked like him. The only theory that came to his mind was maybe Sara could unlock secrets of the gems and jewelry box from time to time.

Though Lewis wished his best friend’s powers would’ve shown her what powers he had. So far his powers haven’t activated yet, which disappointed him.

Sara sensed her friend was still disappointed his powers hadn’t come through yet. “Your powers haven't been activated yet?” She asked.

Lewis shook his hand, “I’m more concerned if my powers would be helpful like yours or if it would harm others like Oliver’s.” He explained.

Sara warped her arm around her best friend, “Hey, don’t worry darling.” She joked. “Your powers will activate somehow.”

“Hey.” Lewis groaned, seeing his best friend use his phrase on him. He removed himself from Sara’s hold and gave her a light push, which made her laugh. “I’m surprised you're taking this rather well, yesterday you complained about all this magical power nonsense.”

“Well,” Sara sighed, “my power is why Eric’s alive in the first place.”

Lewis smiled, happy to see his best friend back to her old self.

Oliver came in with Wiatt, who was now wearing one of the many uniforms for Dreamworld. This was his mechanic uniform, a blue and yellow vest themed after the Starlight animatronic over a white shirt, he also wore a pair of dark blue pants as well as a blue hat with an orange bill on top of his head.

“Well, what do you two think?” Wiatt asked.

“I-I figured, Wiatt would make a great mechanic for Dreamworld. We need the extra hands.” Oliver explained.

“Plus, I’ve helped my dad fix arcade cabinets, so I have the skills needed,” Wiatt added.

Lewis smiled and hugged his boyfriend tight. “Your uniform looks amazing on you darling.” He commented, blushing.

Wiatt blushed, giving a nervous chuckle, “Thanks.” He replied. “Although do you need a different uniform for every attraction at Dreamworld? It seems a bit much.”

“Don’t ask me!” Lewis exclaimed. “Sara thought it was a good idea, and we stuck with it.”

“I should add it was my-“ Sara was about to say a bright idea, but Lewis glared at her knowing what she was about to say. “G-Greatest idea ever.” She corrected herself giving a sheepish smile.

Lewis smiled seeing she avoided making the pun.

“Still, I could see just one uniform and maybe a button or pin that would show where people work,” Wiatt commented.

As Wiatt explained, Sara spotted Winnie spying on her and her friends in the distance before leaving. She glared and decided to ignore the Pegasus animatronic for now.

“Uh, Sara?” Oliver spoke up. Sara turned to her friends, who looked nervous seeing her glare.

“Oh sorry.” She apologized.

“Is everything alright?” Oliver asked.

Sara nodded, “Yeah. Just getting used to ignoring him.”

Lewis put his hand on her shoulder and gave a comforting no smile. “It’s going to be a long process, darling.” He started. “But we’re willing to help you along the way.”

“Thanks,” Sara replied, smiling.

~~~~~~~

Lewis decided it would be best to continue Wiatt’s tour around Dreamworld since it was interrupted due to the whole incident.

In her office, Sara decided to research Wiatt's jewelry box. Sadly her research led to nothing except photos of random jewelry boxes. During her research, Winnie would try and call her, but she ignored them and continued her research.

Soon, she heard her door open and later slam. Sara gasped and looked up, but didn’t see anyone there. She kept on working at her computer, till the lights flickered and soon Litho appeared behind her.

“Sara,” Litho growled.

Sara gasped and got out of her chair, fearful of the demon in front of her. She stepped back as Litho went towards her, cornering her to the wall.

“You TRAITOR!” Litho yelled, growling as he tried to attack her by using his puppet strings.

Sara screamed and dodged the strings. She ran straight for the door only for Litho to use his strings again and grab Sara arm before throwing her against the wall. Pain rushed through her body, as she slowly got up.

“I thought THIS is what you wanted you incompetent fool!” Litho yelled, making his way towards her. 

Sara slowly backed towards the wall. She couldn’t escape, and even if she tried Litho’s puppet strings would just pull her back or worse.

“I’ve seen you kill before, I thought you’d be the perfect pawn in my plans!” Litho yelled.

“I’ve done enough!” Sara yelled back. “I wasn’t going to have Winnie kill the ones I love and care about behind my back! I’m done! I have enough blood on my hands already!”

Litho chuckled and glared, “You signed my contract and agreed to help me.” He stopped as he leaned in on Sara, who sunk back down, “humanity is cruel, dear Sara. You’ve seen it yourself, kids picking on you, hurting you for what?” He started.

Sara whimpered as the memories of her being bullied and hurt played in her head. She remembered three bullies in particular who took their bullying to the next level, really crushing her.

“Your wealth!” Litho finished, his eyes glowing red.

The memory of that fateful day in the woods played in her head. 

Sara sobbed as she pulled her legs close to her chest, hoping it would protect her. The girl didn’t notice that Litho’s many red eyes were surrounding her.

“What about your friends, that pathetic excuse for a teacher, and even that Nicholson kid.” Litho listed down. “How do you think they’ll feel if they know?”

At that point, Sara realized Litho was trying to break her down into pieces. Like he did when they first met, and she accepted the deal. Sara looked up and glared, “I’ve told Lewis and Eric my past! They accepted it!” She exclaimed.

Litho laughed, “You think they accepted it?! Really!?” He asked. “How can you keep this from your best friend for years and he forgives and understands you?”

“That’s how Lewis is!” Sara exclaimed.

“But didn’t he try to end your friendship with you?”

“Only because of you and Winnie! I’ve been locked up in my office for hours and you kept me from talking with them!”

Litho glared as more eyes surrounded the woman. Sara saw she was surrounded as the demon chuckled. “What if he regrets his decision?” Litho asked.

Sara’s eyes widened, “what are you talking about?” She asked.

“I mean, does he really forgive you?” Litho asked. “What if he only forgives you out of pity?”

“I’ve known him since middle school, he’s helped me out more than you or Winnie did!”  

“You would say Lewis is a nice man. However, he could be saying what he truly feels about this to the Nicholson kid and the Acrimony boy.” Litho explained.

Sara gasped, her eyes turning a dull pink for a moment.

Litho smirked seeing he got his puppet right where he wanted her. 

Sara’s eyes widened as she imagined that scenario in her head. Lewis tells Wiatt and Oliver about her past, even though he promised her he wouldn’t tell. The boys hear about this and confront Sara calling her a monster or the worst person ever, and Lewis agrees to it.

The thought of Lewis lying to her just to make her feel better mocked her. Her eyes turned a dull pink at the thought of it. Sara shook it off pushing the thought away, which made her eyes back to normal.

“I don’t believe you,” Sara whispered.

“What?” Litho asked.

“I don’t believe you!” Sara growled. “I’m not listening to what you have to say, I’m moving on from this Frankenstein bullshit you're trying to pull!”

At first, Litho was shocked, but he let out a chuckle before laughing maniacally. Sara was frightened and confused as she saw the many eyes of Litho disappear. 

“Oh, so that’s the game you wanna play?” Litho asked. “No matter, I guess it’s my turn to make my move. I got Winnie setting up a little…gift for a certain shy and pathetic boy.”

Sara’s eyes widened realizing Litho meant Oliver.

“That’s right. I should’ve brought that up.” Litho started, “Winnie told me about your powers, and I just so happened to be there the day that horrible girl and her pests used those against me.”

Sara was shocked to hear Litho had knowledge of the jewelry box. “You know about it?” She asked.

“Of course! I’ve been around since the day that girl created that box to destroy me! However, it turned me into THIS!” He growled as many of Litho’s eyes covered Sara’s office.

Sara shivered, but she knew Litho was talking about Clara.

Litho’s many eyes disappeared as he let out a sigh. “But back to your pathetic friend.” He started, “Winnie told me about your powers, and has been keeping an eye on you since. So he mentioned closets and I just so happened to send your little friend to go there.”

Sara’s eyes widened as what she saw from her powers played in her head. The sickening crunch of the tv falling on Oliver’s head echoed in her ears.

“N-No.” Sara whimpered. Oliver was in danger, if what she saw was going to happen she had to stop it. “Oliver!” She tried to leave, but Litho’s puppet strings grabbed her hand and threw her to the wall, harshly. Sara yelped in pain, and struggled to get up only for Litho to pin her to the wall with his claws. She screamed as Litho’s claws started to pierce her skin, feeling blood starting to trickle down her arm.

“Oh Sara, you're cornered again,” Litho spoke. Sara was breathing heavily as her eyes flashed from brown to pink. “This time you can’t push me away,” the demon lifted his hand, targeting Sara’s heart, “and you can’t run.” Litho’s puppet strings went to Sara’s heart where her soul was located.

Sara struggled and screamed in pain, but soon her body glowed a pink aura, which made Litho scream in pain as a pink pulse pushed him back stunning him. 

The female founder felt pain in her chest, as she held it almost like she was pushing her soul back in. At that point, her eyes glowed a bright pink as she was sent through time again.

Sara saw what appeared to be a wasteland. She couldn’t tell if this was the past or the future, but froze as she saw two silhouettes at the entrance at what appears to be a gateway.

“Ed! Don’t do this!” A younger boy yelled.

Sara’s eyes widened as it dawned on her. When she was touched she saw the person’s future or past. Because Litho attacked her she wondered if one of those boys was Litho before turning into a demon.

Ed, or Edmund, as that was his full name, chuckled, as he put his hand on the switch to activate the portal, “Sorry brother, but I need to gather more souls, think about it! I can change the world! We can change the world” He yelled.

“How is killing people and using their souls going to change the world?!” Edmund’s brother shouted.

Sara gulped, getting her answer, that Ed was Litho in the past. She continued to watch, taking one step closer to the two.

Edmund’s brother growled seeing he wasn’t getting through to his brother, he tackled him, preventing him from opening the gateway. The two pushed, punched, and shoved one another, but during the struggle, the gateway turned on as a red glow appeared from it. It started to suck the two brothers in, even Sara felt like she was being pulled in as she grabbed onto something as she continued to watch.

Edmund’s brother was about to be sucked into the portal, but he held on to the edge of it. “E-Edmund!” He yelled. “Brother help me!”

Edmund showed no emotion as his brother cried for help. He slowly walked over to him and held his hand, before grabbing it tightly. “I’m sorry Agnus. I thought we were a team. I guess I was wrong.” Edmund whispered.

Sara and Agnus watched in horror as Edmund/Litho spoke, “If you won’t help me. I’ll find someone who will carry out my plans, and if they don’t.” Edmund paused as he pushed his own brother into the portal to who knows where before following after him.

Sara watched in horror, realizing Eric was right! She was just a puppet in Litho’s plans. That there were people before her and Winnie killing innocent people to harvest souls for Litho. She was still horrified as she awoke from her time visions.

Sara gasped as she saw Litho struggling to get up, he was still stunned by whatever Sara just did. She got up and quickly escaped her office and ran, hoping to grab Lewis and the others before Litho or Winnie did.

“SARA! You can’t escape me! SARA!” Litho’s voice echoed out.

She didn’t look back, she kept on running and hoping to find her friends soon.

Meanwhile, Oliver got a message from “Sara” about grabbing something from the storage closet. He was confused as to why, even though Sara warned him not to go into one. She claimed she left some important files in there accidentally and he just needs to quickly grab them.

Oliver figured it wouldn’t be too much of a problem and went into the closet where the files were located.

Sara quickly ran as fast as she could, opening doors through every closet to find Oliver and calling his name. “Oliver!” Sara yelled, opening the 5th closet. He wasn’t there and she went to the next room, “Oliver!”

She was scared at this point, at this point it would’ve been too late. Sara kept on running till she heard a door open around the corner. Quickly she ran and saw Oliver walk in. “Oliver,” Sara whispered.

Oliver went in and saw the files on the table. He did see a TV above him, but saw part of the bottom was removed. He gulped and brushed it off as nothing. Oliver saw the files on the table and picked one up, not knowing there was a string attached to the TV.

“Oliver!” Sara yelled.

“S-Sara?” Oliver asked, as he held the files, which in turn set up the TV trap.

Sara’s eyes widened in fear, “Oliver, look out!” Sara screamed, running to her friend and pushing him out of the way. The TV fell on Sara’s back with a sickening crunch.

Oliver was pushed towards a nearby cabinet and groaned. He looked up in horror seeing the TV that almost fell on him, fell on his best friend. “S-SARA!” Oliver screamed. The founder went over to his friend, and pushed the TV off her back. Horrified, he saw blood leaking through the female founder’s clothes, what’s worse she wasn’t breathing.

“Sara,” Oliver whispered, shaking her a bit, but she wasn’t moving. He went in to feel a pulse, but nothing. “Sara! Sara!” He yelled, shaking her as much as he could. Tears were coming out of his eyes at this point as he yelled Sara’s name louder and louder.

Oliver’s cries got the attention of Lewis and Wiatt who ran to where he was and they stood in horror seeing the female founder bleeding on the ground.

“O-Oliver! What happened?!” Lewis yelled.

“I-I was called here to find files, Sara came and pushed me, she was trying to protect me from the TV, and it fell on her.” Oliver cried.

Lewis looked down at his friend and kneeled down, shaking her. “Darling.” He said, but no response. “Sara! Wake up!” He yelled, yet still there was no response. Now, Lewis started to cry too, not noticing his hand was glowing blue. He just made up with his best friend, and now he was going to lose her. “Sara! Wake up!” Upon yelling, Lewis’s eyes glowed blue as ripples of the same color went through Sara’s body.

Oliver and Wiatt stared at the founder seeing his powers activate. “Y-Your powers,” Wiatt whispered.

Lewis looked down seeing the blue ripples going through his best friend’s body. The boys watched in worry not knowing what Lewis’s power was, and if this was harmful to Sara. 

Soon the ripples disappeared, and Sara let out a groan before slowly opening her eyes. Upon doing so, she saw Lewis’s eyes glowing blue. “L-Lewis?” She asked, groggily.

Lewis and Oliver gasped seeing Sara was alright. “Sara!” Lewis exclaimed.

Sara groaned as she slowly sat up. Surprisingly for a TV hitting her in the back, she felt no pain. “W-What happened?” She asked.

Soon she was tackled and hugged by Lewis and Oliver. Sara was confused seeing her two friends cry and hug her as tight as they did, before seeing Oliver was okay, and without a TV on his head.

“You're alright. You're alright.” Oliver cried hugging his friend close.

Sara felt tears in her eyes seeing she saved someone with her powers, again. She hugged her two friends close to her, “I’m glad you're alright too.” She whispered.

“You should thank Lewis,” Wiatt spoke up, as the trio turned to face the boy. “His powers activated, and it turns out he’s a healer!” He exclaimed.

The Founder Trio let go of their hug. Sara and Oliver looked at their best friend seeing his eyes were still blue before fading away. 

Then something clicked in Sara’s mind, if the TV fell on her she’d be in pain or worse by now. To be sure, she faced Lewis and asked, “if you can, could you check my back?” She asked.

Lewis nodded and slowly lifted up the back of her shirt, and was shocked. There was no gash or scar on her back, she was perfectly healed.

“Well?” Sara asked.

“You're fine, darling,” Lewis said. He put her shirt down. He then pulled her into a hug, “You're fine.”

Sara smiled and hugged Lewis back, “thank you, Lewis.”

Oliver didn’t want to feel left out and went to hug his friends back.

Wiatt on the other hand wanted to join in on the hug, but held back. Seeing his boyfriend and his best friends hugging each other close, made him feel hurt. Like a part of him felt jealous, but he also wanted to be part of that hug. This feeling made his eyes glow a dull yellow for a bit.

With all the chaos, Sara realized they were still in the facility and were in danger. “We need to get out of here!” Sara exclaimed.

“W-What?” Wiatt asked, his eyes turning back to normal.

“No time for questions, just run!” Sara then sprinted off with the boys not far behind her.

“D-Darling! May you please tell us what’s going on?!” Lewis asked.

Sara looked back, “I’ll explain once we’re somewhere safe! I promise!” She reminded her friend.

As the four continued to run, they suddenly skidded to a halt seeing the door was blocked with puppet strings; Litho’s Puppet Strings.

“Oh no.” Sara whispered.

“S-Sara what’s going on?” Oliver asked, frightened seeing their only exit was blocked.

Sara turned to her friends, and before she could explain a familiar voice spoke up.

“Well isn’t this a nice reunion!” Litho exclaimed.

The four turned and were in horror seeing Litho and Winnie grinning at them.

[grimtruthes]

Simon “Ghost” Riley

These are my head cannons for this bitch. Fight me if you don’t like them, my 4’11 ass will beat you into submission :)

Proof read but I make mistakes and 9 times out of 10 I miss them

Have fun reading

Simon “Ghost” Riley

This dude snores, and loudly or not at all and it doesn’t even sound like he’s breathing, or alive at that matter.

This guy’s sleeping schedule is all over the place as well, like he cannot get a normal 8 hours rest without waking up at least once. It has gotten to the point where he just expects it and sets his alarm to wake up that early and train before going back to bed for a little later.

Simon Riley has a hidden sweet tooth, he will eat anything slightly sweet just for the hell of it. Cookies? Gone. Brownies? Inhaled. That slightly sweet treat you were saving? You bet your ass Simon got ahold of it.

Simon definitely has gotten his clothes at Spencer’s or Hot topic before no doubt. Those gloves? Got them from Hot topic. and he has a secret matching pair of boxers 🤫

Simon absolutely hates coffee with a burning passion. He is only a tea drinker through and through. He tried drinking Price’s coffee once and he was sick for days. He vowed to never try any coffee ever again.

This guy loves dogs. So so much, if he ever were to retire I see him becoming a dog owner of multiple different breeds. All of their names would be after loved ones. Like Johnny, Kyle, Tommy, etc.

Simon swears he hated cats but the moment one comes up to him he’s a huge softie, picking them up and placing the cat into his sweater and keeping it warm and cozy. Without a doubt he would own a cat eventually and probably give it some stupid common name like “Luna” or “Garfield” or something like that.

Simon hates salty food, he isn’t too sure why himself but he just using a huge fan of salty food. Saltines and soup and stuff normally with a little salt is fine, but he won’t go out of his way to go and eat like soy sauce or any fish either. Or any type of salty meats like Ham, salami or specific types of sausages. He hates ham more than the dirt in his shoes.

Simon wears strictly black clothes if given the chance. Black to light gray are his favorite to wear without a doubt. He loves the color black so much all his gifts from other people always have something tied to the color black.

Simon has the music taste of a teenager who just found out who LINKIN PARK is: Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Three Days Grace, Skillet etc. if he could he would strictly listen to 2000’s rock music strictly

Simon is pretty gentle with kids surprisingly, he loves them actually. Always wanted kids himself but he never really got the chance considering he became a soldier right out of his butchers job and never cared much about romance or caring for another person besides his teammates.

He loves giving gag gifts all the time. It’s dumb but to him it’s the most hilarious thing ever, random non matching Socks, random shinny stones or bullet casings he found, gifts tied to inside jokes. He loves it all and gives them to the people he likes. On the other hand if he’s made to give a gift to some he hates, he will get the most generic brand cookies that are years old off the shelves of your common store and give them to that person.

Simon fucking Riley, will eat anything under the sun (given it’s not coffee or too salty) your mom’s cooking? He loves it, your burnt water ramen? He’s had worse. This asshole will steal you’re food then point and laugh at you.

His comfort food is mashed potatoes and gravy. He doesn’t even like gravy?? But yet gravy and potatoes are his favorite. Literally no one knows why.

[sonicasura]

Regal Bloodsucker

Official name for GranDracmon!Kafka AU as the idea won't leave me alone. It's holding my ass at gunpoint to conjure the most insane shit possible so I'm gonna deliver. The first being the timeline of sorts.

I decided to refresh my brain a bit on major pre-canon events. One thing being when No.6 attacked which was 10 years ago. At most, Kafka would've been 22-23 at the time while Kikoru is 8-9. (Important detail for me to fix the young Shinomiya's age for the Ghost AU.)

I'm highly tempted to have Kafka come into his eldritch heritage at 21 instead of 28. Why? To up the Defense Force's blood pressure even higher by having him fight and kill Kaiju No.6. Although I would have to change somethings first.

No.6 is a known danger to the Defense Force as they been steadily monitoring this particular monster's movements. The catalyst for the fateful catastrophic attack is a territorial dispute with the newly emerged Kaiju No.7. It kills the offender but the rage set off wasn't ready to ebb away until more blood is shed thus the attack on the city.

Any other situation, Kafka would've been in a shelter with everyone else. However since he has power here... The Defense Force gets unexpected help from the mythic 'Vampire King'. For those who don't know much about Digimon, GranDracmon is a very powerful Demon Beast type Digimon. I'm talking stronger than the series equivalent to the demons who represent the 7 Deadly Sins.

The fight between Kafka and No.6 was very ugly but there were a lot less casualties that day. However this feat had major consequences for him in return. Kafka is the most wanted by the Defense Force as he essentially became 'King of the Monsters' for killing the previous one aka 6.

Second is he been harshly weakened from his injuries. A few Defense Force officers decided to use the reflective nature of No.6's ice to increase the effectiveness of their light cannons against Kafka during the battle. This has left burnt patches across his body specifically the hind legs, left shark head's maw, right upper chest, upper back, right side of his chin to the neck down and left wing. (He retains those upper body scars in human form.)

Weak spots that allow others to harm Kafka in monster form without needing concentrated light. It also lessened his time in human form since it will take years for this side to recover. Finally there's the public opinion of him. Everyone is split 50/50 on what they think about the Vampire King. Some see him as a guardian while other believe he's a gigantic threat.

Even the Defense Force wasn't left unscathed since one of the lives Kafka saved that day is Hikari Shinomiya. The attack left her wheelchair bound, her spine took serious damage, so she can no longer fight. Hikari is one of the main advocates who want Kafka to be taken alive. She fully believes he fought No.6 to protect people than a territorial dispute like others claim.

You can say Tiny didn't make Kafka's situation any better either. He can't join the Defense Force as one of the changes caused by his hybridization is his human form's blood became a musty orange. Something our himbo wasn't happy to discover upon cutting himself the next day.

Another change is a 8 ft tall bipedal hybrid form of his GranDracmon heritage. It isn't as strong like the full form with the best fortitude estimate being around 6.4. Kafka can raise to a 9.8 by drinking kaiju blood so he usually keeps a vial on him.

Between the Defense Force, the 3rd Division aim to capture Vampire King while the 1st rather kill him on sight. Kafka will become a vigilante as it's the only path left to fulfill his promise to Mina. He shall fight by her side but in the form of a monster than man.

[willameena]

15 questions for 15 friends

Thank you @sky-kenobye 💖

1. Are you named after anyone?

No

2. When was the last time you cried?

3 days ago

3. Do you have kids?

Yes, I have 3. They are 6, 4, and 2, but they are all having birthdays in the next few months.

4. What sports do you play/ have you played?

I was not allowed to play sports as a kid, because I had to play an instrument (I played cello for 8 yrs) but I like to run now. Idk if that really counts

5. Do you use sarcasm?

No. Never.

I wish sarcasm was easier to use in writing, haha. Yes, I do.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people?

I don't know... general appearance? It depends on who the person is and the context of meeting them.

7. What's your eye colour?

Green

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings because I don't like scary movies but what I really love is sad endings 🫠

9. Any talents

I don't think so? I am told often how incredibly patient I am, which I don't know if I entirely agree with nor do I think that's really a talent haha

10. Where were you born?

Southern California

11. What are your hobbies?

I have a lot of houseplants! I also tried making my own candles recently and that was very fun. I like to read, I'm reading Fight Club right now. I like to hike and run, and be outdoors.

12. Do you have any pets?

No, my kids really want a black cat, but I can't handle keeping an animal alive in addition to them. Maybe in a few years.

13. How tall are you?

5'8" but I kind of wish I was a little taller!

14. Favourite subject in school?

I always enjoyed English and history and did well in those subjects, I liked biology too.

15. Dream job?

This is hard, I don't know. The past two-ish years I've been reassessing my life and I don't know what I want to do with my career, or what used to be my career (I used to work in residential care, for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as a licensed administrator but I burnt out really hard). Most recently, i worked as a patients' rights advocate representing people receiving behavioral health services. My best friend and I joke about opening a thrift store or going off grid and running a farm. I guess that's the dream!

No-pressure tagging: @trannakinskywalker @lesbianakins @dragon-on-ice @palfriendpatine66 @kenobster @somethingsteff @kato-neimoidia @underacalicosky @darthplodder @howlbrooklyn @fulcrum843 @heretolurkandnothingmore @wandering-not-lost04 @bisexualobiwankenobi @dark--whisperings 🩷

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

🌳 and 🥝 for the jumbo ask game?

Heyo thanks for the ask! (From this jumbo OC ask game)

Gonna go with George for this one because I do not talk about him individually much.

🌳 Compare your OC to themself from 10 years ago. How has their mental state changed since then, how have they aged and grown up? Would they say they’re in a better place than they were back then or do they need help? What advice would they give their younger self? What advice would their younger self give to them now?

Ten years ago from the start of TSP Pt1, George was not in a good state. He was only eight, orphaned for a few years, and recently pseudo lost his sister to an accident, though she is still alive. None of the adults around him seem to care to find a way to save her, and those that do don't think it's possible. He was young enough to where he was still naïve, but he was mourning and experiencing a strong drive like he never did before or after this. He had to save his sister.

George drove himself to the brink and almost crashed and burnt out, somewhat literally, for years. At age 8, he had not experienced those years, but he is in a better state at age 18. Overall, George is not in a dark place, not deep into depression like he got in his preteen or early teen years. He's found a way to cope. His job has flexible hours and he loves it anyways. He spends time with his sister all day and while there's now more people coming into his life, he doesn't find himself that overwhelmed.

George would give his younger self space, mostly, since a lot of the adults did not understand his feelings. He hated being asked if he was okay, so George would not do that to himself. He would encourage a physical outlet, exercising, but most importantly assure his younger self that it was okay to feel like he's being unreasonable or weirdly emotional or if he's confused. His younger self may not be in the place to give advice, but I think he would tell George to find a strong purpose.

🥝 What does a bad mental health day look like for your OC? Walk us through it with them. What kind of things can help them out of this slump and what kinds of things comfort them when they start to feel like this?

What starts George to have a bad mental health day is feeling controlled, monotony, no alone time, emotionally high situations, and lack of validation. This causes George to become overwhelmed, which blocks any important information from the front of his mind, which just makes him more stressed. Without that knowledge accessible, he feels powerless, and becomes self-conscious and cautious, and eventually has an emotional outburst.

He can get out of the slump with alone time, exercise, and excusing his out of character behavior.

Thanks for the ask!

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

@nebula--nix @literarynecromancy

[randomvoices]

YOU'VE INTERACTED WITH MY MUTIES POST:

Obscure Fadom(s) you need to talk about

That song that you have a mental break down to and then kill a man to in the same day

Why are you so cool?

Something in your immediate vicinity that would look so much better if it was bedazzled

Favorite type of tit

Your favorite thing you've ever created (meme, art, writing piece, ect.)

Character you would love to kiss (romantically or platonically)

Person you want to meet so badly, alive or dead

Favorite meme ever (I would ask vine but some people don't even know what vine is)

Food you would currently devour of placed in frontof you

Favorite weather in detail

Hyper specific color appreciation

Uh...

1: Witherburn Afterschool News (a podcast I just started)

2: Peacemaker

3: Nonhuman swag

4: the entire classroom

5: the bird? Great Tit.

6: this fanfiction: here (WIP)

7: forehead kiss for Agnes Montague

8: literally any of The Mechanisms (don't care that they'd probably kill me)

9: dunno

10: pizza and/or lollipops

11: soft rain at sunset

12: sage green and burnt orange