#Garnet Run 3

[shanastoryteller]

Happy holidays! Do you have any zagreus interacting with other gods? Thanks so much

a continuation of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Other people are learning about Zagreus.

Not that they know it's him, of course. He goes by the moniker prince.

Just enough to direct prayers and pay tributes, but a nameless god standing against Demeter? It's enough to send the whole pantheon in an uproar.

It's enough to send Demeter to heights of rage that Artemis previously thought her incapable of reaching.

There are gardens that her frost can't touch. Fruit she she has no hand in growing.

There are people who will not submit and die as she wishes it, blaming mortals for her daughter's death and so making them pay the price for a lost goddess.

Not even Zeus has rained destruction upon the mortals like Demeter had and not even Zeus can stop her.

It's too much. Too much taken, too much suffering.

Persephone was a sweet girl. But her loss is not worth the life of every mortal upon the earth.

Artemis is with Aphrodite, both of them having been evoked powerfully enough to send shivers down their spine. She leans against her spear and tried to think of any other way to fix this.

It's a town on the edge of collapse, a thick forest between them and the rest of civilization. In spring the journey is long but easy enough, but it hasn't been spring for a long time.

There's no game to hunt. Loved ones are dying. They beg and beg to any god that will listen but while every god can hear them no god can save them.

None but one.

But how would they know? This far out, there only contact is other isolated villages too deep in the world.

"I'm tired," Aphrodite whispers, knees pulled to her chest, something about her coltish in her helplessness.

Artemis has never tried this. She doesn't even know if it will work. But he won't ever find his way here on his own. "Can you keep a secret, Aphrodite?"

She shifts her head enough to look at her with a single garnet eye. "What secret do you have, sister mine?"

"Aphrodite," she says warningly.

She huffs, amusement aging her. "Yes, yes, my silence or my life. What is it?"

Artemis hopes she doesn't regret this. She hopes it works. "Prince Zagreus!"

"What's Zag going to do?" Aphrodite blinks. "He can't even-"

She cuts herself off and Artemis knows she's thinking through the first part, coming to the obvious conclusion and rejecting it out of hand.

"Artemis?"

They both turn and Zagreus is standing there. Not as image or projection like he was the last time they met face to face, but solidly beside her in the flesh.

He grimaces in pain and raises a hand to his side before straightening and forcing his arm down. Whatever it is that keeps him in his father's realm still has some hold on him, it seems.

"I'm kind of in the middle of something," he says. There's blood on his teeth. There wasn't any a couple seconds ago. "Oh, hi Aphrodite. Er. Please don't tell anyone."

"It's you?" Aphrodite demands. "You?"

"I am me," he agrees.

Artemis would beat him if they had the time for it. "Can you help them? This village will die. Word of you hasn't reached them and your temples are too far to travel too even if they had."

He grins it's all red. His blood drips down his chin. "It's not going to be pretty."

Artemis has never thought about how exactly the god of life and blood spreads his blessings. She thinks she's regretting that now.

"Pretty's my domain anyway," Aphrodite snaps. "Help them."

Zagreus moves too quickly for Artemis to stop. He grabs her spear and slices down his chest and then there's blood everywhere, pouring out of him, more than should be in any one body.

Aphrodite screams and Artemis wrenches the spear away, horrified. "This is celestial silver! You can't - even gods can't heal from it!"

"Death heals all wounds," he says and there's blood down his chin, spilling out his mouth with his every breath.

Then he's running.

They talk off after him and it's easy to follow his trail, the deluge blood and smell of copper filling her nose as they chase him.

Zagreus is mad. When she wasn't looking he went insane and now she's killed him.

They have to slow him down, have to get him to Hermes. It should be easy, they're goddesses and he's dying, but he stays fast enough to stay just out of their grasps.

He's lose a body's worth of blood a dozen times over and yet still more flows.

He finally trips and falls, giving gurgling breathes.

"Zagreus!" she shouts as she and Aphrodite fall into the snow beside him. "Zagreus, hold on, it's going to be okay."

He laughs and pats her cheek. He's too pale. "Relax. I die all the time."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Aphrodite demands, trying to put her hands over the wound but it's too long to stem.

Zagreus doesn't answer.

His body goes slack and it takes Artemis several seconds to realize the person screaming is her.

Aphrodite is sitting there shell shocked and bewildered and then Zagreus's body sinks into the earth, not even reacting to Artemis's attempts to hold on.

"Oh."

She looks up and Aphrodite is looking behind them. Artemis slowly follows her gaze.

Every place blood touched the ground, there now grows bushes of bright purple berries, more vibrant than any fruit she's seen grow that shade. They grow thick and fat on every branch and if there anything like the other food in Prince's gardens, it will keep them alive and they'll be able to grow more themselves.

If they're willing to sacrifice the blood.

The next time Artemis sees Zagreus, she's going to kill him.

[fishnapple]

CRYSTAL READING: What would bring you good luck?

Book a personal reading for you.

Reading for each group below :

1. Trolleite group

There is a contrast of two sides.

blue vs. red

personal vs collective

A hidden fire underneath a calm blue surface.

Wearing or using white and blue objects during travelling, especially long journey, dealing with a large crowd or going to public institutions, religious or spiritual places, the banks etc. would help you navigate the surrounding environment more smoothly.

It could be the colour of the clothes, vehicles, bottle, backpack etc.

Bringing a book and a notebook with you while travelling is also very beneficial.

Going near a large body of water, the ocean, the seashore, fish, and shells will help calm and ground you.

But for your private home, planting lots of flowers, paint the wall in warm pale tones of pink or pale orange, yellow will bring wamrth and vitality.

For harmonious communication, you could use a pink phone or a pink phone case, a pink notebook and pen, and pink accessories.

As I have said above about a hidden fire, intimate connections would stoke a creative fire within you, bring in more inspiration and life force to your projects.

Show a more vulnerable and soft side of yourself to the world and see how that would lead you on an unexpected, lucky journey.

2. Citrine group

There is a sense of an overall blessing draping your life. It's soft and jubilant.

You should surround yourself with soft, pastel colours and oceanic motifs.

Having a kaleidoscope and occasionally looking through it can unwind some restrictive thought patterns.

Travelling will bring lots of luck and valuable lessons. Schools and learning are also very important steps.

The more you study broadly but also deeply, the more depth and value you will find in life and in yourself. There is a calling from the depth of the ocean. To go deep, your life is not meant to be spent in a light, breezy, superficial way.

Have an exercise routine, not necessarily something vigorous, but just move your body around, writing or practising something with your hands daily will also assist you in this journey.

A teacher with masculine energy would also help you transform your fundamental way of thinking, building a more solid and vibrant inner core.

I also see that keeping yourself warm and monitoring what you eat closely would bring positive changes to you.

Bright red, orange, soft purple and blue, black would be your lucky colours.

3. Garnet group

Some period of wandering by yourself, away from familiar faces and environment, would do wonders to you. Especially when you feel quite lost, confused, or aimless.

Allow yourself to be guided by your intuition.When the urge strikes, just pack your things and go without too many thoughts and concerns.

It would be like a spiritual cleanse.

Things that relate to cleansing would also help you. Soap, salt, something smells of lavenders, lemon, rose, and water.

After some long walks or runs, taking a shower with soap or shampoo of these scent.

Take good care of your hair. Our hair is one of the most visible signs of life growing, of progression. I would usually imagine it as inverted roots of the tree that is our body.

A healthy root system would make a healthy tree.

I'm also see that some objects with cradle-like shapes are quite beneficial for your financial and physical growth. A bowl, a basket, a candy dish, something that can hold others.

The colours to bring you luck are jade green, sky blue, lilac, and dark red.

4. Rose quartz

When I saw your spread, I immediately heard the sound of wind chimes. More specifically, a brass wind chimes, the one with no frills, just simple tubes of brass swaying gently in a place with lots of dark trees. The place feels simple, quiet, serious, and solitary.

Hanging some objects like wind chimes, dream catchers, or something light, delicate by the door or windows. Or wearing earrings with that kind of shape would bring good luck to you.

Even more so if it was made by your own hands. I even saw some kind of transparent panel make of glass or acrylic with painting on it, dangling in front of the window, sunlight striking through, making rainbow dance in the room.

Light and sound would affect your energy profoundly.

When things feel unstable, difficulties arise, you could go to places that are old, with lots of history, have big, strong, square structure, or anywhere that has 4 walls surrounding you to feel more grounded.

Number 2,3,4 would show signs of blessing.

Things or beings that come in pair, in groups of three or groups of four.

Consider using things with contrast, a combination of complementary colours ,

dark and rich colours combine with light, soft colours such as green and pink, light blue and brown black, lilac with dark red, orange with cold grey.

5. Carnelian group

For this group, it's not really about something physical like a place, an object that could bring you good luck. It's more about words, thoughts, and emotions.

When dealing with others, sometimes not revealing yourself entirely would actually achieve more peace and honesty in that relationship.

You have an intense inner world, you see clearly the hurts, the vulnerability, and the darkness in yourself and others. Your words would have a heavy , serious trigger. It's not easy to always bring that heaviness out into the open because it would create misunderstanding and anger in others.

So, not showing yourself too much, wait and observe, until you and the other person reach a certain understanding of each other.

An outward elusiveness and detachment sometimes would help balance out the inward gravity.

Having a psyche like that would manifest as sensitivity in the physical body such as allergies, so avoid eating too much spicy and hot food or strenuous activities so as not to aggrevate the body further.

A healthy bridge between bodily nourishment and the psyche should be established. Observe how some food would affect you.

The biggest message is to take good care of your health. No amount of blessings is enough if you are not actually healthy to receive them.

For colours, dark earthy and creamy tones would make a nice comfory blanket for you.

❤️

[greenwitchcrafts]

January 2024 Witch guide

Full Moon: January 25th

New moon: January 11th

Sabbats: None

January Wolf Moon

Known as: Bear Moon, Chaste Moon, Cold Moon, Disting Moon, Goose Moon, Moon of Little Winter,  Moon of Strong Cold, Quiet Moon, Snow Moon, Stay at Home Moon, Sun Has Not Strength to Thaw Moon & When Snow Blows Like Spirits In The Wind Moon

Element: Air

Zodiac: Capricorn & Aquarius

Nature spirits: Brownies & Gnomes

Deities: Freya, Hera, Innana & Saraswati

Animals: Coyote & fox

Birds: Blue Jay & pheasant

Trees: Birch & Hazel

Herbs: Cones, holy thistle &marjoram

Flowers: Crocus & Snowdrop

Scents: Mimosa & musk

Stones: Chrysoprase, garnet, hematite, moonstone, onyx & jet

Colors: Black, blue-violet, grey, silver & white

Energy: Adventurous, ambitious, awareness, beauty, beginning & conceiving; business, career, conserving energy, energy below the surface, organization, political matters, potential, protection, recognition, reputation, reversing spells & spirituality

The name for the January full Moon is believed to have originated from Celtic and Old English roots, which European settlers then brought to the New World.

At one point, gray wolves were among the most widespread land mammals on our planet. According to the Wolf Conversation Center, gray wolves “inhabited most of the available land in the Northern Hemisphere.” Habitat destruction and persecution by humans have reduced their range by about a third worldwide and 90 percent in the lower 48 states.

The wolf’s adaptable nature to survive in a wide range of habitats and ability to prey on the largest mammals living in those regions made it widespread. Basically, if there are enough deer, moose, elk, caribou, bison, and musk ox, wolves can survive. Predation of domestic animals caused friction with European settlers and early Americans who aggressively hunted the wolves.

Werewolf myths can be found in ancient Greek and Roman societies, throughout European history and among some Native American tribes. In modern storytelling the transformation from man to wolf has been closely tied to the full Moon in films like “The Wolf Man” and “American Werewolf In London.”

Howl at the Moon means to waste energy pursuing something unattainable. It’s shorthand for doing something crazy. However, howling is hardly a waste of energy among wolf packs. And they aren’t howling at the Moon. The Moon just happens to be shining during times when wolves most often howl.

A wolf’s howl can be heard miles away. The vocalization helps wolves locate separated members and even communicate between packs marking their territories. One study recorded spontaneous howls and responses happen most often between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The cry of wolves doesn’t play into the Sioux name for the January full Moon, which is known as “The Time When Wolves Run Together.” Wolves do plenty of running to defend territory that can stretch hundreds of square miles to find enough prey to support the pack.

Other Celebrations

• Hogmanay | January 1st: is the Scots word for the last day of the old year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner. It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year's Day (1 January) and, in some cases, 2 January—a Scottish bank holiday. In a few contexts, the word Hogmanay is used more loosely to describe the entire period consisting of the last few days of the old year and the first few days of the new year. For instance, not all events held under the banner of Edinburgh's Hogmanay take place on 31 December.

The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances of the winter solstice. Customs vary throughout Scotland and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with particular attention given to the first-foot, the first guest of the new year.

• Compitalia/ Feast of Lades | January 3-5: was an annual festival in honor of the Lares Compitales, household deities of the crossroads, to whom sacrifices were offered at the places where two or more ways met.

Dionysius said that Servius Tullius founded the festival, which he describes as it was celebrated in his time. Dionysius relates that the sacrifices consisted of honey-cakes (Ancient Greek: πέλανοι) presented by the inhabitants of each house; and that the people who assisted as ministering servants at the festival were not free men, but slaves, because the Lares took pleasure in the service of slaves. He further adds that the Compitalia were celebrated a few days after the Saturnalia with great splendor, and that the slaves on this occasion had full liberty to do as they pleased.

During the celebration of the festival, each family placed the statue of the underworld goddess Mania at the door of their house. They also hung up at their doors figures of wool representing men and women, accompanying them with humble requests that the Lares and Mania would be contented with those figures, and spare the people of the house

Sources:

Farmersalmanac.com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Llewellyn's 2023 magical almanac: practical magic for everyday living

Wikipedia

Encyclopedia Britannica

[muneca-lemon-steppa]

Interviews for New Beginnings: Part 7

Alfie Solomons x Fem! Reader, 3.7k words, WARNINGS: mentions of blood, injury, stitches, cursing, violence

Guys... is it weird that I'm crying a little? This is the first series that I've ever done. This is from the first post i ever made on this blog, and I feel like I've met so many amazing people from this series. I did spend a good amount of time thinking of a good way to close this series, and I can only hope that I made it good enough for you guys. My heart breaks leaving these two behind, but I don't think this is the end for them. I do see myself writing some one shots or other things for these two. But regardless... I love you guys so much. I hope you enjoy this final installment. Sending all of my love always. - Mo

---

Any soldier worth his salt knows what getting shot feels like. Either through their own experience or staying beside their brother. They all say the same thing.

A hard punch.

The immediate all encompassing burn.

Your body feels like you’ve been run over by a train.

Your body on fire.

Air sliding through your lungs like glass shards.

Alfred Solomons has been shot five times.

Six counting this one. The first time was when he was 14, and he was caught snatching sweets from the corner store, and the old store owner with the bad eyes shot at Alfie, grazing his left thigh. The other four times were in the war. Foot and shoulder and once in the lower back, which is still troubling him to this day. All of those were the same. Rage inducing. The bloodlust burning brighter than the flame of the pain. In hours he was fixed up. Rusty scalpels and pliers pulling out the shrapnel as he numbed the cuts by drowning in drink and breaking metal bars with his teeth.

This one was different. The burn and hit was memorable. As memorable as a betrayal. But the bloodlust that got him through that burn wasn’t present. Like warm oil being poured over his mind and body he felt the exhaustion of the tears settle over him. And look. An angel has come to take him to stay with the forefathers. Wow… what a mercy… the angel looks so much like you. Sounds and smells just like you. Like lavender. Like spilled ink and fresh paper. So soft and tender. What a mercy God has given him. That the angel to walk him to the other side would look like the only woman he has ever truly loved.

Tommy and Ollie rush over, as John pulls you away from Alfie's body. You screamed and kicked, trying to get free from John's grasp. "It's alright love it's alright. They're going to fix him up I promise love! He's gonna be ok!" John tried to calm you but you were inconsolable as you saw Alfie's lifeless body being carried out. It takes four men to life his large and hardened body off the ground, a pool of garnet the only sign of the King of Camden’s presence.

John’s attempts at soothing and assurance are met with deaf ears. What point is there for calm and rationalization when Alfie might be leaving you. What point was there to breathe, if breathing meant prolonging a life on Earth that may not have Alfie. Your mind was blank. And you body could do the only rational thing it could do. Wail and preparation for the certain mourning to come.

With a hard smack across your face you suddenly cease, as you see Polly's face in front of you, "Enough! This is not the time for screaming!"

Your lip quivered, never had you been smacked like that before. With a wave, Polly dismissed John to assist Ollie and Tommy, and took you to a chair to sit. Polly wiped your tears, "I am sorry for slapping you, usually I don't smack friends till we are at least 3 months acquainted, but I felt you needed it and I'm sure our friendship will survive. But you need to pull it together darling."

You nodded. It was needed. Even if your ego was now bruised. Polly sighed, "I know you're scared. We all have been in your shoes. But you cannot lose yourself. We need to be there for our men. Yes?"

You nodded. Your man. Your Alfie. Polly stroked your face, "He will live.”

“How can you be sure?”

Polly gives you an embarrassed look, attempting to push up the corner of her mouth, “They always do darling. Try as they might to die, they somehow always make it out. I think God may think these episodes are more of a punishment than Hell.”

A defeated chuckle pushes out of your chest. Alfie would say something as dark as that. And for some reason that makes you feel better. Makes you feel more centered. Polly grabs a bottle from the ground and takes a long swig before passing it to you. You take a longer one, pushing to suppress the sick face you make. Polly’s eyes are glassy, looking at your young face. Thinking and considering how you would handle this. Handle this life. Because if her intuition was right, and it always was, this wouldn’t be the last time you experienced this. This wouldn’t deter you from being next to Alfie. As if Alfie would ever let you go.

Polly stood up suddenly, looking in the gilded mirror on the wall nearest to her, smoothing her dress and repinning those loose curls that fell out in the fray. She holds out a regal hand to you, “C’mon dear. I know where they’d be taking him. He’ll want you near I wager.”

You nod and stand up, not making anymore to wipe the blood or tears off your face. Though it doesn’t stop Polly from straightening out your slip and placing your hair more akin to how you came in. As you begin walking to the door, you see a familiar glint in the shadows and wet of the floor.

Alfie’s signet ring. Small. Small for Alfie at least. You knew him to wear it on his left pinky amongst the rest of his rings. Pure gold, with a royal S engraved onto its front with ivy and thorns. You pause to pick it up and hold it in your hand. It must have slipped off in the scuffle and removal of his body. Polly looked behind herself to see what had made you stop, and marveled at how you had even caught it, “How did you even see that?”

“I suppose I’m just good at looking for his things.”

Polly smiled softly, a familiar ache in her chest reappearing. “Well make sure you don’t drop it hmm? I’m sure he’ll want it back.”

You nod, immediately slipping it onto your left ring finger. You knew innately it wouldn’t budge. It was a perfect fit.

The Shelby family had a trusted physician who routinely dealt with these sort of things. Stand. Cuts. Gunshots. The occasional childhood scrape or concussion when the children needed a good scolding and scare to not be stupid. Dr. Hendricks had been the Shelby physician for many many years. So when he was called for ‘a slight emergency’ he knew that he needed to make immediate preparations.

The Shelby boys and Ollie bashed in the ornate door of Dr. Hendricks’ door, and were immediately met with Mrs. Hendricks pushing the men into the dining room. Already prepped and cold with sterile air Dr. Hendricks directed further with a low and booming voice, “Right here Mr. Shelby, hurry, can’t risk anymore blood loss.”

Alfie was pale, but was still breathing and choking out small groans. Mrs. Hendricks worked diligently alongside the Doctor, who asked questions and made conversation with the men, trying to bring down the tension. “Mr. Solomons boys? Why the sudden fit of charity.”

Mrs. Hendricks hushed him and his sore mouth. But his cheek was what made him so beloved by the Shelbys. Even in what seemed like dire moments, the good Doctor was never one to shy away from a joke or jab. Suddenly Alfie groaned under the crowd. Tommy looked down, shocked Alfie was awake now. Alfie, through the pain and blood, groaned and moaned your name through his teeth. Tommy grabbed Alfie’s arm, “Alright Alfie alright. She’s coming. Took a little bit of a hit didn’t ya old man? You stay awake now for her yeah? Can’t let the girl see ya like this.”

The pain was a hell of a drug, and Alfie could only slur out, “She ok? That little viper make it out ok?”

Tommy could only smile. Even with all the blood loss he was still himself. “Yeah Alfie. Yeah she’s alright. A right harpy screaming out for ya. Now you gotta get fixed up for when she comes back alright?”

Alfie nodded, slipping in and out as the final fragments were being removed, “As soon as im stitched up… I’m killing every Sabini I see. Then I’m fuckin marrying her… you hear me?”

Tommy smiled as Dr. Hendricks scoffed, “I hear you Alfie. I know you will.”

Alfie passed back out on the table. Dr. Hendricks nodded at Tommy and Ollie, “He’ll be alright. Nearly hit some vital organs but it’s alright. Have a nasty scar though, I’m sure he won’t mind. He’ll probably sleep for the rest of the night and into the morning. You all stay here, let’s keep an eye on him yeah? Mrs. Hendricks? Would you call the kitchen to make some supper for the gentlemen here and ladies to come?”

Mrs. Hendricks and the kitchen must have indeed been witches in a past life, or in the present. because there was no logical reason that such a warm and delectable feast could have been prepared so quickly. Soup and bread and cold chicken brought up with strong tea and coffee. When John Shelby asked for gin, his head was swiftly smacked by the effervescent Mrs. Hendricks, who quickly reminded him that she knew where all his sore spots were.

Polly and you arrived soon enough, and were embraced by the Doctor and his wife. The Shelby men stood up quickly, nodding to you in respect. Ollie shucked off his coat to drape over you. It was warm in the house. But your shivering wasn’t for cold.

Before you could look to Dr. Hendricks, he gruffed out from behind his thick salt and pepper beard, “No need to fret Miss. He was a model surgical patient. Nearly slept through the entire thing. In fact that stomach of his is a model for good stitchin’ would you like to see?”

Before Dr. Hendricks could pull back the clean and crisp cotton laid over Alfie’s bare torso to show you his no doubt fantastic work, Mrs. Hendricks stopped with a cherub like hand on his thick arm, “My dear, I don’t think the lady would feel keen on seeing her darling cut and stitched. Maybe some other time yes? Why don’t we let her have time alone with Mr. Solomons? It’s late. I think we should all retire yes?”

With a look around the room everyone nodded, giving their best to you and expressing incredible thank to the Doctor and Mrs. Hendricks. The Shelby boys tipped their hats to you as they filed out. Ollie nodded to you, assuring you that he’d alert your family of your whereabouts. Polly gave you a motherly hug, kissing the tip of your head, “Chin up dear. Must be strong when he wakes up. I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

As soon as you came in, you were left alone. With the soft voice of Mrs. Hendricks pulling out of your numb trance. “Let’s get you cleaned up dear. Get you in something a little more comfortable. My daughter was about your size, and I have some of her clothes in her old room.”

Like a child who just woke out of a long slumber, you were lead down the short hallways littered with photos and paintings and certificates to the now guest room of the Hendricks home. Once she realized you had gone nearly despondent, Mrs. Hendricks helped you out of your stained dress, and into a soft cream colored night gown, with pink ribbon threaded through the top. She called one of the maids bring up hot water to wash the makeup, dirt, and dried crusted blood off your face and arms. Your dress was taken to be washed, and Mrs. Hendricks un-pinned your hair, getting it loose and out of your face. She sat you back in the make shift hospital room once she assured your were comfortable and clean. She poured tea for you. Something strong. Something hot. Your thumb rubbed across the delicate ridges on the cup, incredibly interested in the greenery hand painted on the china. Unable to face the near stillness of Alfie on a table.

“You love him don’t you?”

You feel those tears welling up in your eyes. Unable to speak any louder than a whisper, you confess, “Very much.”

She smiled softly, placing her thick soft hands on your knee, “He called for you.”

You looked up, “Did he?”

A soft chuckle left her, and she sounded so much like your mother, “He did. That’s the thing about these military gangster men yeah? Big and strong and tough. Till they get hurt. Then they cry for their women. I think we are the only things that help.”

You nodded, a pained smile sneaking on your lips, hands gingerly slipping into his rough hands. So much gentler now in sleep. Your eyes never leave his hands as you ask, “How do you stand it? How does any woman stand it?”

Mrs. Hendricks just sighs. Remembering the old days with her dear husband James. Back when he running with the Lee boys. When the medical practice wasn’t just a medical practice. There was a reason he was so good at stitching people up. Mrs. Hendricks leaned back in the chair, “By trusting them. By scolding them. Telling them off when they’re being outrageous. By standing by them. Because we know even a little bit of time with them is better than a life without them.”

Mrs. Hendricks then stands up, “It’s nearly 2 sweetie. Why don’t you take Jeanine’s old room? He’ll be there when you wake up.”

You shake your head vehemently, “No. Thank you Mrs. Hendricks. Thank you very much for your hospitality. But I want to be here when he wakes. I just… I don’t want to leave him here alone.”

She softly smiles, a tear slipping by, “Alright sweetie. That’s fine. I’ll bring you a couple blankets then. And a pillow just in case. Feel free to walk around the house if you need. Kitchen is all yours.”

You’re not sure how long you stayed awake after the gifts of the blankets were delivered. But you never laid down. You sat on one of the chairs placed on the dining room table where Alfie laid. You brushed the hair out of his face and ran your fingers over his beard and scars. You rattled off the notes you had for the gaming club. You whispered to him about the set up, the prices, and how he should really be more affable with the customers. But mostly you whispered how much you loved him. How much you wished you had told him sooner. How much he scared you doing that. You chastised him for putting himself in such grave danger. And for every insult and admonishment you kissed a knuckle and scar. Every kiss an oath that you would not leave him. Not willingly. Not before death.

It was mid morning when Alfie’s gruff voice woke you, “Well ain’t you a picture.”

You gasped and sat up straight, hand clutching Alfie’s warm hand. His hand squeezed back tiredly, “Now I know I’m damned… but this sure don’t look like hell… too nice ain’t it. And I know the devil wouldn’t let an angel like you in hell with me.”

“Oh shut up you wretched old man please.”

You crashed your lips into his, relishing even in his slightly chapped lips as he chuckled into you. You feel him move under you, “Now now sweetheart easy on the old man. Don’t go popping my stitches now. Oh treacle why are you crying my dove? I’m here ain’t I? Old Alfie’s alright.”

You couldn’t help the tears falling, “I… Alfie I… you nearly died.”

He sneered, “Nah. The bastard barely nicked me. What about you eh? No bumps or bruises on you?”

You shook your head and sniffled. You knew you looked pathetic but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. Not when Alfie was alive. Not when you got to see him in the morning light like this. Alfie groaned as he pushed himself off the table. You moved to help him as he motioned you to settle. He got up, limped to another chair to sit down. The stitches held and he looked good. Still a bit pale but good. “Do you need water Alfie? Tea? I can call for breakfast.”

He shook his head, “No not yet love thank you… but come here.”

The wood floors were cold on your bare feet as you softly walked over to him. He stared up at you, as he tugged on your nightgown, signaling you to sit. Carefully… oh so carefully you sat on his lap, legs swinging over the side, wrapping your arms around his neck. Alfie leaned back with a sigh, bringing you closer, “This is all I need treacle. Just need you near.”

Stroking the scar on his jaw you whispered, “I was so scared Alfie… I thought we’d lost you.”

With half lidded eyes Alfie stared at you. Your sweet lips and teary eyes. A picture of beauty and serenity. The rough callouses on his hands caressed up and down your bare arms, “You’re never going to lose me dearie. I’ll always be here. No matter what. You know why?”

The way his eyes become like fire makes your heart beat faster, “Why?”

He brings your hand to his heart. His own hand dwarfing yours as you feel the strong and steady heartbeat in his chest, “Because this sweetheart… this belongs to you… No matter what happens… in this life the next one and every other fuckin one… I belong to you. You ain’t ever got to worry about what might happen because I’m with you. You got it?”

You smile, nodding, feeling as though your heart is going to burst, “My heart belongs to you Alfie.”

“You don’t have to say it back treacle.”

“I do if it’s the truth.”

A blush rose in his cheeks, barely concealed by his beard and the smile that broke out on his face. “Well… treacle… if that’s the case… I wanted to ask you in a more romantic way…”

“Alfred Solomons…”

“But this seems like a good time…”

“I swear if you dare ask me…”

“And we never know what’s to happen next…”

“Alfred Solomons I am in a night gown!”

“Woman if you do not be quiet I am trying to ask you to be my wife!!”

Your hand flies to your mouth in utter shock. Alfie’s brows are furrowed but he’s trying to keep the smile off his face, “Marry me sweetheart. Be my wife please. I can’t promise that I’ll suddenly be a tame boy but I can promise you that I love you more than any other man ever could love a woman. You can scold me all you want and I’ll never be cross with you.”

He watches you bite your lip and think, and he thinks he’s died and gone to heaven for real this time. You cheekily smile, “I do like it when you’re cross though.”

A dark glint flashes in his eyes as he pulls you in for a bruising kiss, which you all too willingly return. When you come up for air he asks you again, “Is that a yes? You going to be my wife?”

You laugh, “Yes Alfie. Always yes.”

Laughs escaped out of you in a stampede as he presses a million prickly kisses to your cheeks. He mumbles out onto your face, "I need to get you a ring. We'll go to the shop yeah? You pick out any ring you like, I'll resize whatever I need to. Fuck we'll design it for ya yeah?"

You push him back from his assault on your face and hold up your left hand, The one holding his signet, "One could say I have one already. You dropped it on the way over."

Alfie grabbed your wrist to inspect your hand. When he finally recognized the ring and noticed his own was missing, his laughter roared out, "Fuck me you are always so prepared. Always two steps ahead of me ain't ya? Well alright treacle. There's your engagement ring for now. But on our wedding day, I'm giving you a dazzling rock you hear me?"

You laugh again as he rants and raves for his idea of a ring for you. Knowing inside that it didn't matter what he gave you. If he gave you a ring at all. All that mattered was that he was here. He was yours. And you are is.

6 Months Later

The slow sea air dances in through the open window, sending the gossamer curtains floating around you. The radio scratches out something slow and tantalizing from America, the notes sending shivers down your spine. You're dizzy from the night you've had. The butterflies and bubbly drinks and spinning along the floor. You can't believe it happened. You can't believe your wedding day arrived. You feel as though you're amongst the clouds. The only thing keeping you anchored to the Earth is Alfie's grip on your white satin slip as you sway against him to the music.

Late at night. Early morning. Too much work to tell. But it was the first time in a week that you've been able to be alone with Alfie. Your husband.

"What're you thinking about my love?"

You press your face against his chest, shirt long discarded, "I'm just so happy. I didn't think I'd have this. That we'd have this.'

He hums as he presses his lips to your hair, smelling the perfume that had been brushed through your hair. "But we have it now. This is the greatest gift I've ever received. This is the life I've always dreamed of sweet."

You continue to dance with your husband until your bodies couldn't take it anymore. Soon enough he carried you to bed, quickly drifting off into deep sleep in Alfie's arms. In the morning you would wake not as a secretary. Not as a scared girl. Not as someone who felt as she didn't belong. But as Alfie's wife. Alfie's partner. A confidant. A capable woman running a business alongside her best friend. Tomorrow you would wake up excited for this next part of your life. Waking up to a new beginning.

Tag List:

@jokersqueenofchaos @hoodeddreams13 @satur9-saturnalia @autumnleaves1991-blog @mysteriouslydeafeningwerewolf @character---obsessed @solomons-finest-rum @cookiez56-blog , @teapartydreams , @sciencewithottsnpotts , @6asm0ne , @purrrrfect, @bluejellyfiish @jassiefayee , @galactict3a , @il0vebeingdelulu @enretrogue @j23r23 @mulletmcghee @afuckingdisasterreally @graceisinloveagain

[haphazardlyannotated]

So I was thinking about how Steven, Connie and Stevonnie all have a duet with one of the main Crystal Gems and I realised how masterfully these songs are deployed to tell us things about them.

First of all, On The Run for Steven and Amethyst.

Amethyst is the Crystal Gem who relates the most to Steven's experiences and vice versa. They're both the 'juniors' in their household, they've both been struggling with being respected by the older Crystal Gems for a while now, and though Amethyst is very much Steven's guardian when it comes down to it, she's also Steven's peer in a way that Garnet and Pearl just aren't even when they try to include Steven.

And now this song sets them up as parallels in other contexts, too. They're both from earth! They both don't wholly belong in one category (Steven as a half gem, half human, Amethyst as a Crystal Gem who never fought in the rebellion and whose existence runs against the Crystal Gems' original wishes for Earth), and as we are about to learn, they both came into existence at the cost of other life and might harbour guilt about it, even though they had literally no say in this.

And then later on they continue to be parallels, especially in season 3 (though they share the child of divorce energy during the Sardonyx Arc). They both compare themselves to impossible standards of what they 'should' be (Steven to the idea of Rose, Amethyst to Jasper) and it is their recognition of their own struggles in each other that allows them to at least partially overcome them. No wonder Smoky Quartz is Steven's first fusion with another gem!

Next up: Do It For Her, sung by Pearl and Connie.

Speaking of parallels! It's pretty obvious watching the episode that Pearl is spending some time in projection city regarding absolute devotion to a beloved, if not revered partner, but she might actually be closer to the truth in some respects than she realises.

Remember Lion 2: The Movie? When Connie said that she didn't understand why Steven would hang out with someone as normal as her? Doesn't this remind us of someone else who feels like she's objectively inferior to a special (in several ways) someone? Someone who stepped out of the predetermined role she was supposed to fill to join her loved one on their dangerous path? Who lived a double life to avoid retribution from controlling authority figures? Couldn't say.

Also, they're both the knowledgable planner to their all loving goofball partner.

With all of this, I think Do It For Her both draws parallels between Pearl and Connie as well as Pearlrose and Connverse, and shows us how the example of Pearl and Rose's unresolved dysfunction could stop Steven and Connie from falling into the same trap before it was too late. I think seeing Pearl demonstrate the end of the road they were beginning to walk was what enabled Steven to step in before they got to Pearlrose's point, where Pearl was to deep in her self sacrificing mindset for Rose to reach her.

And finally, Here Comes A Thought for Garnet and Stevonnie.

First of all, obviously, Garnet and Stevonnie as an embodiment of the love and harmony between Ruby and Sapphire and Steven and Connie respectively.

It also draws parallels between Ruby and Connie and Steven and Sapphire though. (I saw a great meta about that in my lurking days, which I will link here if someone could kindly direct me to it). Sapphire and Steven as people who would rather bury negative feelings, like Sapphire tries to in Keystone Motel and Steven in... the entirety of suf to name just the most prominent one. Which of course only leads to more problems in the long run, because they haven't processed the feelings at all.

On the other hand, the comparison with Ruby draws attention to a trait of Connie's we maybe wouldn't have noticed otherwise: She is, for the lack of a better term, much more confrontational about things that make her unhappy. Just look at The New Crystal Gems.

Also, letting Ruby and Sapphire demonstrate their conflict resolution for Steven and Connie gives us an insight into what goes into keeping Garnet together through everything. Love takes work indeed. It's also worth pointing out that Connverse have been paralleled with both Pearlrose, Rupphire and (a little bit in We Need To Talk) Gregrose this way.

This show has so many layers, I swear, I'll be on my deathbed and I'll still find new nuances to write an essay about. Well done, Crewniverse.

[happyhauntt]

➡ gold rush masterlist.

here you can find all content for the gold rush universe, a nikolai lantsov fanfiction featuring anya kamenev, an original character. their story is told through a series of connected one-shots and is cross-posted on ao3.

─── summary:  She calls herself Anya Kamenev, the future Duchess of Balakirev. It doesn't matter where she comes from, or where she goes  ━  there will always be a child named Nastya in her heart, a little girl with grubby hands and a sweet smile, the kind who climbs trees and runs, giggling, through the rose garden. They call her soldier. Nobility doesn't save you from the draft, and Anya would sooner be an army grunt than the alternative. If she must go to war, then she'll do it well  ━  for this country that sits in her gut like a stone, for the family who will always be proud of her, always, until the first day she makes a man bleed without a weapon in her hands. She'll swallow that secret until the day she dies. Let her be a soldier. He calls her darling. The only one to know the truth of her, the only man who looked at her with gentle eyes and swore he'd give up his throne just to spend forever in her arms. But they are both too smart to be so naive  ━  their country is an open wound, and the pair of them have duties to fulfil. He, to rule. She, to fight. It doesn't matter what she calls him. Pirate, privateer, prince, sobachka. As many names as faces, her heart aches for a man she knows she can never truly have. Nikolai Lantsov, the hope of Ravka. Anya Kamenev, Ravka's bane. Oh, what a pair they make.

─── warnings: disability rep, ptsd & mental health, canon-typical descriptions of injury, war, trauma. angst, fluff, more angst. swearing. specific warnings will be included in each fic.

𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. works will be posted in chronological order of the timeline.

forgiveness with teeth [1.6k] ➡ there's something about nikolai lantsov that makes her want to break things. (pre-shadow & bone.)

give your tears to the tide [2.8k] ➡ nikolai learns the truth at the heart of anya, for better or worse. (pre-shadow & bone.)

and i am coming home to you [2.5k] ➡ there are some things that cannot be saved. nikolai swears she won't be one of them. (pre-shadow & bone.)

if my wish were granted [1.4k] ➡ anya likes teasing nikolai. it’s far too easy to get under his skin. this time, enjoying some peace aboard the Volkvolny, anya claims that she prefers sturmhond’s rugged looks over nikolai’s princely features. (pre-shadow & bone.)

stay, i pray you [2.1k] ➡ nikolai has a decision to make. anya makes it for him. (during seige & storm.)

keep my hand in yours [2.4k] ➡ nikolai sees anya all dressed up for the first time since they were children. he doesn't handle it well. (post ruin & rising/rule of wolves.)

everything i touch turns sick with sadness [3k] ➡ anya still believes, sometimes, that nikolai made a mistake in marrying her. he’ll spend every day for the rest of their lives proving her wrong. (post ruin & rising/rule of wolves au.)

garnet & silver [0.9k] ➡ requested. nikolai has a gift for anya. (post ruin & rising/rules of wolves au.)

five fun facts about anya.

modern!anyalai headcanons.

𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬.

gifsets ➡ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

videos ➡ 1 / 2 / 3

misc. ➡ 1 / 2

[deathmetalangel]

Helo! It's me again '^^

I loved your "Bad Joke" hcs so much that I want to request another bunch of headcanons for this cartoon! (Only if you want tho-)

What about some platonic headcanons of Rose Quartz, garnet, pearl, amethist and Steven (sepparetly if it's possible) reacting to a fem!gem! reader who is 13 years old (yeah, I'm obsessed with fem early teen readers) puffing herself for 3 weeks due to sadness because she felt unwanted.

You can totally ignore this request if it makes you uncomfortable or if the topic is triggering! Have a nice day/night!

POOFING HEADCANONS (GEMS X FEM! READER/PLATONIC)

warnings: slightly depressive talk, abandonment issues if you squint, kind of angsty but not really?

y/n wasn’t as strong as her older companions, and thus wasn’t involved in as many missions or brought along all the time. that feeling can make anyone feel very unwanted. and sometimes desolated.

tysm for liking my writings and requesting. i’m really glad you liked the last headcanons :3 i hope these are just as good.

ROSE QUARTZ

- when y/n first poofed rose thought she had just run off

- perhaps she wanted a break from everyone

- eventually after not long of looking she finds her gem hidden away

- rose is so worried! how could she not have noticed

- keeps her gem with her at all times waiting for her to reform

- when she does rose’s motherly instincts kick in and she just hugs her so tight

- “i’m so sorry! why on earth would you do such a thing.”

- and when y/n explains her feelings rose is on the brink of tears

- how could she have failed as a leader to make her youngest recruit feel unwanted

- goes on for hours explaining why y/n is wanted and why she’s a valuable part of the team

- “you’re so strong and funny! what would we do without you y/n? not even just battle, what would we do around the temple without you. i love seeing you everyday y/n. i want to help you grow and change and embrace earth!”

- rose is a sap and they both cry together (she mostly cried because y/n was crying and she was wanted her to feel better)

GARNET

- of course she noticed her change in behavior

- how dejected she would get when her and steven had to stay behind

- but the infinite possibilities sapphire foretold never considered this path

- steven had found y/n’s gem and quickly brought it to garnet

- she is so so worried how could her future vision fail her

- she had become your mother in a way and this just broke her heart

- carefully kept her gem in her room, which no one ever entered, and counted the days she remained in her gem

- when she inevitably reformed garnet was struggling to hold herself together because she immediately began crying

- sapphire was scolding herself while ruby just wanted to help

- allows her to take her time before coaxing her out of the ball she had curled into

- when y/n explains garnet carefully removes her visor

- “i don’t care what you think, you are never unwanted here. you’re apart of the crystal gems even if we can’t always bring you along. i was only trying to protect you. i’m sorry y/n.”

- when she hugs her garnet cries even more

- she was so worried, but she was so glad y/n was back

- “you and steven are important to all of us, so please keep yourself safe. when you’ve trained more you’ll be on every single one of our missions i promise.”

PEARL

- pearl had a busy schedule almost all the time

- but she did take notice of y/n’s absence rather quickly

- pearl panics when steven is out of her eyes sight for a minute, but she really gets anxious when she hasn’t seen her in hours

- when she finds y/n’s gem she freaks out

- places it on a pillow and watches anxiously sort of like steven did when she got poofed

- pearl genuinely stayed in her room almost the whole time waiting for y/n to reform

- when she does she cries so much

- “y/n! what happened?”

- explaining everything made pearl feel so guilty

- “why would you ever think that? we all love you so much y/n. i’m sorry if i get sidetracked or overly indulged in my work, but i promise you that you’re never unwanted.”

- she cries in pearls arms while pearl ugly cries

- she was just genuinely afraid of loosing y/n like she did rose

AMETHYST

- amethyst would never say she was worried about y/n, but yeah she was always concerned

- she just always seemed distant

- amethyst tried her best to make her feel included

- when she finds her gem amethyst is so mad

- not at y/n, but at everyone else

- “how could you guys not see what was happening? even i seen it! this happened because you guys failed to make her feel like she was apart of the team!”

- she knows the feeling of not being wanted very well

- amethyst was very anxious waiting for y/n to reform

- especially as the weeks started to drag on and on

- when she does reform amethyst does not let her out of her bear hug

- “i’m not gonna say i don’t get it, i do. but y/n, you gotta believe me when i say that you are wanted here. the other gems just get busy with dumb stuff they forget about us sometimes. but even if pearl and garnet are busy, you still have me.”

- they are inseparable from then on

STEVEN

- steven is very oblivious, he’s a kid obviously

- but when he finds y/n’s gem he doesn’t stop crying

- worse than when he cried over snakes

- “pearl bring her back. please.”

- when the gems tell him that he has to wait on her to reform he cries more

- does not leave her gem alone

- even when garnet tries to tell him to give y/n space and time he refuses

- when she reforms steven starts crying again

- “what happened?!”

- hugs her so tight while he cries

- “what do you mean you feel unwanted, i want you here all the time y/n.”

- he doesn’t fully get it, he’s used to feeling belittled but not unwanted yk

- “i promise y/n you will never ever feel like that again. i’m so sorry.”

- now she starts crying because he’s crying so much

- but it did make her feel better after

[mara-tevith-solo]

It Takes Two

This is my second failed attempt to do a short, simple one-shot for this guy, Jeez Louise. Enjoy! Part 1, Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Pairing: Eventual Miguel O’Hara x Enhanced ex-Avenger Reader

Warnings: They’re idiots, full dance around your feelings and gaslight yourself about them idiots, injury, blood, violence, mention of miscarriage, Concussion Confessions, Mayday being a cutie pie, Peter B being the Dad, use of Spanish as a none-native speaker but i tried finding actual Mexican Spanish terms 

Rated: PG-13 but still, please no minors

Words: 1.6k+

Miguel O'Hara was an enigma. At least to you he was. To everyone else he was stern, stoic, even unpleasant and harsh. To you he was... different. It's hard to ever imagine the man as soft, but with you he very much was. He was always making sure that you were alright, that your workload wasn't more than you could comfortably handle, that your mental and physical health stayed a priority to you. He even went out of his way to make sure you never skipped a meal, especially when you were so thrown into a project that you forgot what day it was.

You weren't even supposed to be there, in the Spider Society. You weren't a Spider-Person. You were an enhanced ex-Avenger from Earth-199999 that he'd... taken pity on? You weren't even sure why he'd initially invited you to join the Society. No one was, not even Lyla. You just knew that he had a habit of seeking out your proximity, even if neither of you said a word.

"Y/n! There you are! Get suited up! Boss man needs you on deck!" Peter B materialized in front of you as you worked on a random engine you'd found lying around, earning a small yip and a quick juggling of the wrench you'd been using. Mayday found it entertaining at least, giggling her cute little cheeks off and clapping her little hands.

"B, you're lucky I like your kid, 'cause sometimes I'd like to sucker punch you whenever you scare me." You were joking, of course, and he knew it too, chuckling as he stroked May's fiery mane.

"Oh no. Can't have me face the consequences of my own actions. That would end the world!" His sarcasm kept her little giggles going as he lifted her high in the air. You couldn't name the intense emotion blooming in your chest in that moment, it was consuming and aching, like a sailor's widow looking for him to return every day up on a windy cliff. It felt like something was getting sucked through your chest as your gaze on the little toddler turned melancholy. Peter B was many things, and surprisingly observant was definitely one of them, though he had more than enough practice when Mary Jane was pregnant. He knew longing when he saw it, and he'd seen it on you more than once when interacting with Mayday, though he could swear they were getting less frequent and less intense the more time you spent with his little bundle of joy. He knew your life hadn't been all sunshine and roses, he knew that you'd once been expectant of your own little bundle, but Thanos had brutally taken that from you to hurt your then husband. And when you thought no one was looking, he saw the glances you centered on Miguel. "They're gonna be ready to go here soon, so you should get a scuttle on." He hinted with a warm half-smile.

You snapped out of your daze with a solid nod, offering the Spider and Spiderling a warm smile before quickly making your way to Miguel's office, where you knew that the tall futuristic man liked to start from. It didn't take you long to get there, your mask in hand as his gaze found you over the heads of the others, warming to a garnet shade from its usual intense ruby "Now that we're all here, we need to get a move on. Remember, we're dealing with two different Doc Ocks this time." Everyone nodded to him in understanding, his eyes lingering on you for a moment longer before a portal appeared with a deep thrum.

The city on the other side was in chaos, several flipped and destroyed cars on fire, people running and screaming in all directions, understandably so. Jess already had wheels on the ground, waiting for you as you hopped on the back and crouched, ready for her to slingshot you at the closest adversary. Your Volto mask suddenly felt claustrophobic, cutting off part of your peripheral vision, but right then wasn't the time to fix it. The click of the gearbox was your only warning that you were about to be catapulted, Jess bringing the bike down to neutral as she kicked out the backend right as you jumped, sending you sailing through the air and into an Ock who looked like he'd come straight from a silent hill horror film. He cried out in frustration as you latched onto him, immediately dodging his bladed mechanical arms, coated in fresh blood as you began scrambling to disable the arms. "Get off of me you halfwit!" He snarled at you with a voice like gravel and grit, the flash of his teeth reminding you of a shark's.

"Not until you stop rampaging in the wrong Universe, genius!" You snapped back, ducking wildly to avoid getting scalped. Other Spiders joined you, red and white webs trying to take control of his arms so that you could work in relative peace. You had the tip of your knife in the neural link, prying it out of his flesh as he began crying in pain and fear, his arms whirring and snapping frantically, trying to get to you. A strangled cry was your only warning before something solid hit you like a freight train, sending you flying away from the fight, a weird pressure just under your right collarbone, one that simultaneously stung and felt cold. You didn't have time to contemplate why as your back made hard contact with a concrete pillar, knocking the breath from your lungs without mercy as you fell the short distance to the ground.

Your ears were ringing so loudly you almost forgot what sounds were, your eyelids too heavy to work properly as you struggled for breath. You were in pain, bone deep, radiating pain that made you want to curl into a ball and sleep for a year as you laid there on your side in the dirt. You tried getting up on your hands and knees in a bid for air and to relieve some of the pain, your ears still ringing and your eyes barely opening, but blinding, shooting pain on the right side of your chest stopped you in your tracks. You could hear someone shouting, you couldn't hear what they were saying as your fight for air became more desperate, something rattling in your chest with every attempt. Your eyes finally opened fully as hands made contact, large warm hands that helped to center you against the pain. Miguel was crouched over you, his mask still in place but you could see the panic in the eyes of it "...'me on! You can do it, Y/n! Just one breath." You were shocked at how panicked he sounded as the ringing dissipated, but your body obeyed, sucking in a ragged, greedy lung full of air before repeating the process over and over. "Good, good. Buena chica."

You watched as he shrunk in on himself, taking big breathes of his own, his relief clear "Miguel..." You breathed, licking your lips under your mask "did we..."

"We got 'em." He nodded, one of his hands petting your hair "Let's get you back home." He was gentle as he picked you up, cradling you as close to his chest as he could, not letting anyone take you when they offered. He was adamant that none of them could see how afraid to lose you he'd suddenly been, how afraid that he had lost you he'd been. He couldn't stop that small vibrating purr he made as your head tucked itself in the crook of his neck, his hands clutching you closer in silent response. He felt guilty, like absolute shit, that you'd gotten hurt because his web had snapped, that little voice that liked to reside in the back of his mind telling him that you needed to go back to your Universe and stay there, that you'd be safer there. But the more rational part of him reasoned that at that moment, he needed to focus on getting you to medical, getting you better. He'd deal with the after later. "Stay awake, Cielo. Need you to stay awake right now." He could feel your breathes beginning to deepen, feel you relaxing into him more than you should have as he stepped through the portal.

"'M so tired, Mig." You mumbled your argument, nuzzling your masked face deeper into his neck "'N you're so comfy."

Any other situation he would have found somewhere comfortable for him and taken a nap with you, held you the entire time. But you were hurt, concussion was too heavy a possibility for him to just let you rest "No, come on, Y/n. You need to stay awake a bit longer. We're almost there." He let his concern and fear temper his tone, trying to get your hurt brain to understand the severity of the situation.

"You worry too much, Mig." You hummed softly, your filter long gone and your ability to worry about it gone with it "You should relax, you're so pretty when you smile." He couldn't feel your dopey little smile, but he could certainly hear it, feel how it made his heartrate spike wildly. His mind felt frozen, unable to fully process that you at the very least liked his smile.

"You're delirious." He huffed as he quickened his pace, trying to pass off your words as just concussed nonsense.

"Maybe," You conceded "but it doesn't change the fact that I've had the biggest crush on you this past year." He wondered, in his stuttering thoughts, if you realized that you were admitting all of that to him, if you were aware of what that mouth of yours was doing.

He was relieved as he passed the threshold of the Medical Wing, several Spider-Doctors rushing to take you from him "We'll talk about this when you're better, Cielo. Until then, survive." Without another word he was passing you to the nearest medical professional and watching as they whisked you away as quickly as possible, talking in medical jargon that he couldn't fully understand.

[unicorncornflakes]

Little One - Story AU! | Chapter 3

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Paring: Reader x Aemond Targaryen.

Summary: You are the only daughter of Jacaerys Velaryon, future lord of the tides. After the victory of Aegon and his side in the war, your family suffers the rejection in Driftmark. There you must always give an account to the king's new hand, Aemond Targaryen. However, when the time comes, Aegon and his court claim you as Queen Helaena's lady-in-waiting. As a new piece of the Greens' strategy to coerce your father, you are taken to King's Landing to begin your life in high society. Aemond will be, much to his pleasure, in charge of guiding you in this new stage.

Tags: Alternate Universe/ Enemies to Lovers/ Emotional Hurt/Comfort Drama & Romance/ Eventual Smut.

Warnings: This fic includes noncon, dubcon, manipulation, violence, death, forced marriage, and inc3st, at some points.

Tag-List (If you wanna be tagged in thi series or all of my work, let me know): @thedamewithabook @bluevxnus @tempt-ress

Author´s note: Pls, enjoy! Feedback, shares and comments are always welcome!

Word Count: 5K

The jaws of that dragon were approaching you. There was no escape. There wasn't. It didn't exist. Had it ever existed? It was a golden dragon. His scales glistened in the sunlight and he was chasing you. You glanced back at that Driftmark cliff for a moment. His wing membranes were pale pink. While you tried to run barefoot, that monster was chasing you with its mouth open, ready to spit fire at you if you didn't stop. But you weren't going to stop. To stop meant to die. Something inside you told you. You kept running. Run. Run. Run. That was all you could do. Your feet ached and began to bleed from the sharp rocks of that cliff. The threads of blood clung to the rocks. Sticky and garnet. Dense but recent blood. The dragon growled, frustrated that you wouldn't give in, that you wouldn't hold back. He was going to spit all his fire on you.

Just as he was about to expel a hot, destructive mass, Vhagar appeared. The old dragon caught him by the neck, and she squeezed. She squeezed until the other dragon ceased its attempt to destroy you. He made a plaintive sound. A roar that was heard all along the coast of Driftmark. However, the older dragon did not relent in her grip, and she kept squeezing him. You finally stopped. Bloody feet on that cliff as the two dragons fought to see who possessed you… you could feel it, you could see the tension in both mounts. The golden dragon kept screeching. Vhagar squeezing until a sound, a nauseating crack was heard... the golden dragon's neck gave way to that deadly grip and then Vhagar roared at the sky, only to end up looking at you. His reptilian eyes fixed on you. So you did feel it, you shouldn't have stopped. You were sold. She roared, lunging at you.

Helaena screamed at the sight of her vision and Aemond held her close in the dead of night. The prince didn't know what was up with her, but he knew that the days after a dream that woke her up screaming were always difficult for her.

And then your eyes snapped open. You wanted to scream, but you just covered your mouth to suppress it. You let out a plaintive sound. A muffled moan in the middle of that empty room in the Red Keep. You breathed hard and cried. You wanted to come home. However, at that moment you felt a pinch in your lower stomach very similar to... No. No. No. No. Your body couldn't do this to you. It Could not. It was being a full-blown betrayal. You felt betrayed when you just pulled back the sheet and saw the big bloodstain emanating from between your legs. Not only did it hurt more than other times, but it was twice as abundant. What was happening to you? Your body betrayed you. The blood came out sticky and thick maroon. You cried even more bitterly. And you quickly got out of bed. Sore. Your stomach was pricking. Your breasts looked like they were going to burst from the tension... your whole body reacted badly to the evidence that you were bleeding more than any other month. It seemed as if your body wanted Aemond to know that you were already bleeding… What would become of you? You got up as fast as you could. You felt how the blood slipped down your legs and you tried to convince yourself that you could eliminate the evidence. Yeah. That was. You would remove the sheets. You would be able to burn them if by doing so you avoided being discovered. You didn't want anyone there to know you were already bleeding. Even less after the terrible dinner the night before. The king did not take his eyes off him while he drank and ate as if he had no measure. Aemond thought he was more discreet, but you had also seen how he looked at you. The mere prospect of ending up in one of his beds or even both of them made you sick, and made your stomach hurt even more. You removed them with difficulty, drenching them even more in your blood. It was being a disaster. Then you heard the door creak right behind you. You froze, afraid to look at who was behind you.

"But what the hell are you doing?" Mistra scolded you, slamming the door behind her. The maid scrambled up next to you, and she gripped the sheets even harder than you did. "The one-eyed man said you didn't bleed," she hissed, pulling back the sheets.

"And I don't" you told her forcefully while you also pulled the sheets in pain. "I have a wound..."

"Yeah, sure. Do you intend to keep lying until you're fifty?" said the woman pulling the sheet just like you. She looked at you for a moment and saw the fear in your eyes. You were still nervous removing them from the bed, but you realized that you had stained even the mattress. You wanted to die “I have to tell someone. This is a mess. It takes more than two hands to clean this up here.” With difficulty and breathing hard, the old woman went to the door of your chambers, ready to ask any other of her companions for help. You squealed, plaintive with tears in your eyes.

"No, please, no" You pleaded, kneeling down. “Please don't tell anyone. No one can know" was what you told her, not daring to look at her. Defeated in that situation. The old woman looked at you. She looked at you pityingly and turned to you. Lifting you up with a sweetness that you didn't think possible in that woman.

"They're going to find out sooner or later, girl. What's the point of hiding it?" she whispered to you. And you looked into her eyes, looking for complicity that you knew you shouldn't look for.

“Please…” you whispered to her, remembering your father's words. You shouldn't trust anyone. In absolutely no one. Yet there you were pleading with a woman you barely knew. She had simply helped you get dressed one day and she had helped you with your bath. It was already more than anyone else had done. Aemond had put her at your service for something. You knew that, but you expected female complicity from her, sisterhood. After all, she knew what the fate of any woman was in those days. She herself must have suffered.

"Do you want the one-eyed man to hang up on me because I haven't informed him?" she hissed, in case you weren't understanding her situation. Your fate when they found out you were bleeding, would be rape at best. That woman's if they found out that she had betrayed her lords would be her death. For a poor palace maid, who had lived through what she had lived through, she knew which of the two fates was worse.

"I beg you. Don't tell him" you insisted again. And she just sighed, turning back to bed in defeat. You saw that she was taking her sheets by herself and you helped her in silence. You knew that she was going to help you at that moment. She groaned as she picked up all the sheets and loaded them into a sack.

“I am going to prepare a bath and I will bring you some rags so that you can put them on today. If anyone finds out about this, I don't know anything” she told you with little love and pain as she left the room. She was tired of the green ones, and she felt that the one-eyed man was going to kill her, even if she spoke or not.

Already dressed and arranged by Mistra, the old woman silently guided you through the corridors of the Red Keep. No one had bothered to show it to you. After all, no one really knew what you were there for. But, that same morning, the one-eyed man had told Mistra to take you to the queen's chambers, and so she was doing. She always faithful and well commanded. Dressed in green and yellow, she trudged for her age, but she was still one of Aemond's most trusted women there, even if she always called him one-eyed.

She kept walking while you followed close behind, aching from your lunar blood. She looked at you out of the corner of her eye just to check that you were following her. She stopped dead in front of the door to Queen Helaena's chambers and turned to get a better look at you.

"I suppose they did teach you protocol in Driftmark, right?" she asked you trying to catch her breath. She had tried to get as fast as she could to meet her masters, but you and your lunar blood had not made it easy for her that day. Now she was afraid that any of them would suspect her treachery.

"Yes, I have to revere the queen when I see her" you said, tilting your head in a subtle and sweet movement, and Mistra thought that you also had the same problem that Helaena had had all her life: Lack of lights . The woman frowned.

“You won't last here, little one. They're all going to devour you” was the only thing she said when she opened the door, and you froze at her words. However, you didn't even have time to respond. She opened the door and pushed you into the Queen's chambers. You swallowed hard as you saw Queen Mother Alicent scowl at you as she noticed your presence. She sighed and you bowed to her as she looked back at her daughter who was sitting on the bed, staring blankly at the wall. Alicent caressed her daughter's face gently.

"You're late" was all Alicent said. Her voice cold and her eyes even harder. You didn't even know what to answer. You did not expect that no one was waiting for you. "My son informed you of your duties, right?" she said, getting up and placing herself with difficulty in front of you. Age had wrinkled a face that should have been beautiful, and she had turned it into a grimace and pain. Alicent hadn't lost any children in the war, but she certainly hadn't been victorious in that contest either. What was left to her was only offal. The remains of three children. The remains of a daughter who barely made any sound.

"Yes, my lady" you said sweetly. "He told me…"

"'Yes my Queen'. This is how you have to address me” she said diligently, soberly, haughtily. Alicent was not going to allow a daughter of traitors to speak to her in a disrespectful manner. She was your queen whether you liked it or not.

"Yes, my queen" you answered with a scared and intimidated voice. You wanted to come home. You needed to come home. There you were not going to get a single ally.

"Good. You will come here every day at dawn. You will accompany the queen so that she does not feel alone. You will watch that nothing happens to her. You will feed her. You will accompany her. You will have lunch with her every day. You will go for a walk with her…” Queen Alicent began to list all your responsibilities. You almost looked like a caretaker, more than a lady-in-waiting. The poor queen continued with her eyes lost against the wall while the old queen continued with all the great list. You kept looking at her while she continued talking. She went on and on instructing you until Queen Helaena seemed to make a plaintive sound. She almost seemed like she couldn't breathe. Alicent stopped talking to you and she ran to see what was wrong with her daughter, her face full of concern. You stayed put while that poor woman nearly convulsed in bed. Her eyes rolled back and she nearly foamed at her mouth. You've never seen anyone like this before. You understood that your father had shielded you too much from the real world. The Queen Mother looked at you in disbelief.

"What's the matter?" she asked you in a scream. “Are you going to come help me or are you going to just stand there?” she told you and you ran to meet her even though you didn't really know why. The queen kept ordering you before what you had to do. She asked you to bring a piece of wood closer and place it inside Helaena's mouth while Alicent opened that same cavity for her. Everything had the function that she did not bite her tongue while she had that attack. You watched the queen writhe on her bed, screaming and wailing as she rolled her eyes. “This is all your family's fault…if they hadn't killed her children…my sweet girl…” And you went pale as the queen continued to convulse. You knew who the greens in your family had killed, but you didn't expect that anyone in your family could have killed two small children. You needed to come home. Another seizure. Another muffled scream. You really needed it.

"Don't dare to tell me that you brought her here to help Helaena." Aemond heard his mother's voice behind him. His hands resting on the balustrade of that balcony that overlooked the palace gardens. At the same time, he was watching you strolling in the distance with the queen. You led her in silence, followed by a bunch of maids. You had noticed that, for being a queen, Helanea had no lady-in-waiting but you. It seemed as if the rest of the great houses of Westeros, whether big or small, weren't the least bit interested in joining the new royal family.

Aemond continued to watch you. At the time putting his hands behind his back while he ignored his mother. Alicent sighed heavily and moved to her son's side, undermining Helanea with concern.

"What have you brought her for, Aemond?" she heard him sigh with pity and sorrow. "That girl... that girl is only going to bring us trouble" she said, looking at him while her son kept staring at you. Alicent had always dreamed of knowing what was going through Aemond's heads, as if he were the most difficult to decipher of all her children. Just when her mother was going to give up and leave, Aemond spoke, looking at her sideways.

"I have plans with her" was all he said and Alicent looked at him confused. The queen mother raised her chin, as if she at that moment had understood why her son had really taken you to the king's landing.

“Are they like the same plans you had with the witch you found in Harrenhal?” her mother attacked him, and Aemond looked at him without love. As if reminding him of his own weakness and stupidity with Alys, he made him feel like a mortal and not the deity that he was for being a Targaryen.

"No," he hissed through his teeth, hurt that Alicent, his own mother, had reminded him of that. "I'll never fail the realm like that again" he spat without any love, wanting to mark his authority, but, he had discovered that the only one he couldn't do it with was her. And, perhaps it was better that way.

"That time was enough for us to be like this now" Alicent snapped just before leaving. He stopped looking at you. You didn't need supervision. You were very sweet. You would end up getting along with what was left of Helaena. He only returned to his chambers to run his kingdom. If they were in that situation, it was his fault. And Aemond knew it very well.

Sitting back in Queen Helanea's chambers after a short walk, you looked up at the ceiling. You needed to get away from there. However, at that moment when both you and the queen were alone, Helaena made a plaintive sound again. You were afraid, what if she had another attack? You were alone, if it had been difficult for you to control it while the queen mother was there, what would become of you if she gave it to you while you were alone? But, only at that moment that you got up to see what was happening to her, she suddenly looked at you, fixing her violet eyes on you. You stood still while those violet eyes, with tiny pupils, scrutinized you in silence. "Watch out for the dragons, little one" she whispered.

"What?" you asked scared. But, she did not speak again. She made no sound. She just cried and you dried her tears. You could only think, sore from your lunar blood, that this was the best thing that could happen to you. After all, at least you weren't warming anyone's bed.

"The girl can't wear a dress like that today." Mistra broke up the conversation the tailor and Aemond were having in his study. This first one was showing him the dress that he had ordered for you. In the next tournament, you would wear a dress with green and gold transparencies that covered your buttocks, your breasts and your pubis at most. The rest of the skin would be exposed. The Hand was dying to see you in that dress that he had ordered almost from the first day he had seen you swim naked on the beach of Marcaderiva, two years ago. He had patiently waited for you to have bled. A pity they hadn't told him. He would have given you that dress for your birthday himself. Aemond sneered at Mistra, raising a single eyebrow. Not only had she interrupted him, but she was denying a direct order of his and she hadn't even addressed him by his title.

"Why not?" he asked to the old maid. The tailor was silent, displaying the dress on his arms. At Mistra's silence and her penetrating gaze, Aemond sent the tailor out of his study. The little man complied, clutching the dress, and only when he was gone did Mistra speak. Aemond sat in his study just to continue writing edicts. He was the only thing he dedicated himself to those days. He was the law.

“She has bled this morning. Just when I entered her room she was trying to eliminate the evidence” Mistra told Aemond and he stopped typing abruptly. He just looked at her silently. Silence always invited the other to continue speaking. The silence made people uncomfortable. He leaned back in his chair, while Mistra continued talking "she made Me promise that I wouldn't tell you anything" commented the old maid "she was scared".

“They have been telling me for two years that she does not bleed. I would be too if I were her” Aemond smirked as he lifted the glass to his lips. He took a small sip. It was the right moment that he had been waiting for too long "But... let's continue her game..." Mistra looked at him confused and he continued speaking. “You are going to earn her trust. I'm going to pretend you didn't tell me anything. I want… I want to know what it tells you about her life in King's Landing, about my family… about me…”

The old maid made no gesture, but she also knew what Aemond wanted from you. She must have known better than the one-eyed man himself, who was beating the air trying to avoid her true intentions. But, the old woman was as old as the devil and she knew even more than he did. She knew that the one-eyed prince's plans passed through your bed and between your legs. Although he did not want to admit it.

"As you wish" the maid answered sincerely. She was a servant of Aemond, who should truly reign, though she was now content to be merely her brother's hand. A true loss to the kingdom. Mistra could have been faithful to you, but that put her head in danger. With that you would learn, she told herself. You would learn to play the way they played in the capital.

“Tonight, I will have dinner with her. Prepare everything so that she is ready. You may retire,” was all Aemond said to her, and Mistra wondered if tonight would finally be the time when you would know the true feeling of being a woman in King's Landing.

You helped Alicent take one last bite of her dinner for Queen Helaena. After their outburst that morning, Aemond had decided that they would all dine separately. Aegon would dine quietly and alone with his whores. Jaehaera and Daeron would dine in the former's chambers. You had noticed that they spent a lot of time together. Alicent would dine with Helaena… And Aemond would do it by himself. You thought he was always alone. But you didn't care. If you were there, it was his fault. He was the one who had taken you to King's Landing. You thought it would have been nice to have dinner with Alicent and her daughter, but you really knew better. So you decided that she would have dinner alone. With no one to bother you, you once helped Helaena to bed.

Once all your labors were finished, you went to your chambers. However, Mistra intercepted you on the way and told you that the one-eyed man wanted to see you. You looked at her confused, what if she had blabbed and told Aemond? No, it couldn't be. You trusted her. It must have been a coincidence. You walked after her again, for the second time that day. Following her like a slaughtered lamb. Was it that you were something else?

Aemond lifted his wineglass to his lips with a smirk as he watched you enter the doors of his chambers. You were beautiful, but you always were to him. Mistra nodded goodbye to him and you timidly entered his chambers. You were dressed in green and black on that occasion, with a discreet neckline, but one that would delight many. He got up as soon as he saw you and fixed his only eye on you. His face completely stoic.

“My prince" you greeted him with a bow of the head and the sweet voice that Aemond imagined you would have when you were tangled between the sheets of his bed. 'My prince'. He imagined that you whispered it with a smile in his ear while he was kissing the skin of your neck. He could see that you were afraid of him. You were still standing in front of him, even when Mistra had closed the door behind her. But that didn't bother him. Rather the complete opposite. That turned him on.

"(Y / N), you look very beautiful tonight" he told you as Aemond with his hand invited you to sit next to him at a small table in his private chambers. On the table were two plates, a few meats, and fruit. He didn't throw the big feasts that Aegon did to impress a woman.

"What do you need from me, my lord?" you spoke in a sweet voice, but without moving from the same place next to the door where the maid had left you. Aemond looked at you confused. The old woman should not have informed you. She only should have told you that he wanted to see you. Nothing else. You grabbed the skirt of your dress. You obviously didn't want to be there, but Aemond…he wanted you to be.

“We could have dinner together. Both you and I would have dinner alone tonight if not” he told you as he offered you a seat again. And you doubted so much kindness. That arrogant smile that he outlined as soon as he saw you. That cold purple eye that you didn't think could be happy with anything.

You slowly approached and sat next to him. You weren't going to deny him what he wanted, no matter how much you wanted to run away from there. Aemond always terrified you. He always did. Once in the chair, the prince sat back down as well. You pursed your lips when you felt him so close to you. He smelled of steel and leather. The scent of a man who, despite his skill at arms, still continued to train every day.

"Why don't you serve me wine?" he asked you, looking at you with an arrogant smile and you nervously picked up the jug of wine, almost trembling. You had never been alone with him. That must have been one of your father's worst nightmares and… one of Aemond's best dreams. You served him in silence while he pinched a few grapes and put them in his mouth with amusement while he watched you in silence. Seeing how you didn't pour wine for yourself, he took the jug himself. Willing to serve you. He would show you that he could also have nice gestures with you. Yet you put your hand on your cup. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “It's a fine Dornish wine. I'm sure you would enjoy it."

“No, I… I don't feel like it” you whispered. You took the jug of water and served yourself. He sighed, setting the wine jug back on the table. You didn't intend to drink that night. You couldn't afford to dull your senses with the enemy so close. You took a sip of water and helped yourself to some of the little meat that was on the table, Aemond did the same.

You began to dine in silence. You could only hear the night sound of the city at the foot of the Red Keep and the cutlery you were using. You saw that Aemond barely ate or drank, it seemed as if his presence manifested itself only from the air he breathed. He was methodical even in his way of eating. He was even disciplined in that. You both dined on the balcony that was in their rooms. You thought that he must have seemed like the best place of all those that existed in the sobriety of his rooms.

"Do you like the dinner?" he asked again, trying to talk about something with you. You didn't even know what to answer. Everything tasted like ashes. Things had stopped smelling and tasting since you'd left Driftmark, and really, you were glad. King's Landing just seemed to smell and taste like a rat's nest. It was better to have neither smell nor taste in this city. You just nodded your head and took a couple more bites. Aemond spoke again “I have asked for figs. I know what you like” you looked at him incredulous. How did he know that? He had only seen you eat at your father's last birthday celebration. You knew he hadn't taken his eye off you, but that…

At that moment, a dragon much smaller than Vhagar but still imposing, passed through the red keep on its way to the Dragonpit. You stayed silent. Admiring him. They really were beasts that scared you. You had only seen Vhagar. She was the only one you'd seen, but that's why you weren't going to be shocked to see another. Aemond chuckled sweetly. It was the first time you heard him, a different laugh than the arrogant one he always had.

"They're impressive, aren't they?" he asked, bringing his hand to yours, but you quickly pushed it away, hiding it under the table, much to Aemond's disquiet, who drank his wine again in a vain attempt to hide the shame he felt for such a bold move with you.

"I don't like dragons" you said as you turned your attention back to the food, ignoring the young dragon that kept flying to his home. "One murdered my uncle Luke, another two my grandmother Rhaenys, another my grandmother Rhaenyra" you blurted out without thinking, looking at him full of contempt, in a gesture you never thought you could do... and that turned Aemond on again. If before he had found you fascinating, now he found you irresistible, although he would never accept it. He was too proud for it. He just smiled at you as he amusedly leaned back against his chair. He went back to take another sip of his drink without even stopping to look at you with his only eye. You also had him for a Kinslayer. He would never have thought of you, but certainly, what did he know about you? Beyond seeing you naked on the beach a couple of times, or seeing you read in your rooms in Driftmark, or seeing you dance at your father's last birthday party…gods, He was crazy about you. He realized at that moment that you were trying to reveal yourself against a dragon.

"I see... that your father has told you about the Dance, even briefly" he smiled amused. "I'll tell you a secret..." he approached you and whispered in your ear. “History is written by the winners, and in this case, the losers were also jerks. It could be said that those who died won…” all your skin stood on end as you felt his hot breath against your skin. You lifted your chin arrogant and haughty. How could a man like Aemond cast a spell on you like that? It was impossible. He smiled when he saw your reaction, and at that moment, he gently caressed your bottom lip. In a gesture that he would never have thought himself capable of doing, he joined his lips to yours.

As you experienced your first kiss with your father's enemy, Helaena stared at the ceiling with unfocused eyes. Aegon was choking on a sip of wine that he tried to drink with his misshapen mouth. Your father silently mourned the death of your little brother. Jaehaera and Daeron held each other silently in her chambers. Alicent lit two candles in the sept. One for each dead grandson…everything had been torn apart by the Dance with Dragons. But right now, while the rest of the world suffered, Aemond Targaryen, a Kinslayer, was kissing the woman he liked... who happened to be the daughter of his worst enemy.

[ladykailitha]

Oh For a Muse of Fire! Part 15

We are nearing the end, my lovelies. I have about one or two more parts to go (depending how far part 16 takes me) and then we’re done. Which makes me so sad. I love this story. It made me so happy. I don’t even know what sparked the idea.

I named it after a muse for three reasons. Steve becomes Eddie’s muse. Eddie becomes Steve’s muse. And my muse caught this story and refused to let go until I completed it.

Normally I have the next part completed before I put up a part (if I post part 8, I’ll have part 9 already done type thing), but I got a really bad migraine last night and didn’t finish part 16. I hope I’ll get it done today, but I’m not sure. So part 16 might not go up until late tomorrow or early Monday.

Also and this is important, lovelies: THE TAG LIST HAS OFFICIALLY REACHED MY LIMIT OF 50. ALL FUTURE REQUESTS FOR TAGS WILL BE IGNORED. Thank you!!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9 Part 10  Part 11 Part 12  Part 13 Part 14

*

Steve was working with Crystal who was by far the chillest dude he had ever worked with. Bar none. Steve was pretty damn sure that he was stoned most of the time.

But since it didn’t affect his work, Diamond looked the other way.

Crystal and Steve got into a rhythm that got them a lot of attention. Steve’s showy style of bartending mixed with Crystal’s flare created quite the show.

After a particularly complex set of maneuvers, Diamond came over to Steve and patted him on the shoulder.

“Are you sure I can’t convince you to stay?” Diamond asked, his voice rough with emotion. “You really are the heart of this team. You get along with everyone, you know how to put on a show, and you’re a great worker. I’d even triple your rate, man.”

Steve blushed. “As tempting as that sounds with that being more than I would make as a teacher...it’s what I want to do. I want to be that influence for good in teenagers that might not get that from anywhere else.”

Diamond gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You’re a good man, Garnet. Don’t let anybody change that.”

Steve grinned. “Thanks, Boss.” He ducked his head bashfully, scratching his cheek. “Besides it would be a disservice to my host teacher. He’s really put himself out on a limb for me.”

“You’re going to be a teacher, bro?” Crystal asked. “That’s pretty freaking amazing.”

“Art teacher,” Steve clarified.

“You draw, too?” Crystal murmured. “You’re going to do awesome!”

Steve just shook his head and got back to helping the next customer in line.

*

Steve and Eddie walked into class together bantering back and forth when Joyce came running to them both. She hugged them tight, one arm around each of them.

“I’m so glad you guys are safe!” she cried.

They hugged her back.

“I’m fine,” Eddie murmured. “Steve had my back.”

She pulled away and glared at Steve. “Jim said that you were trying to take on five boys with just your nail bat.”

Eddie mouthed ‘Jim?’

Steve mouthed back ‘Hopper.’

Eddie’s eyebrows shot up.

“I was just stalling for time until Hop showed up with reinforcements,” he promised Joyce.

“I really wish you wouldn’t get into fights like that,” she admonished gently. “You know how much it scares Jim.”

Steve shook his head, holding up his hands placatingly. “I wasn’t fighting, honest. I was just stalling for time like I said. I tapped him twice on the back of his heavy letterman jacket as a warning and nothing else.”

Joyce’s face softened. “If you’re sure?”

“I can attest to the fact that Steve just danced around the guy and never engaged directly,” Eddie said, putting himself a little forward to place himself between Joyce and Steve.

She looked back and forth between them and sighed. “I’m glad everything turned out well then.”

As Steve and Eddie walked to take their places, Eddie said, “You are giving me the complete rundown of everything I did not understand in that conversation over coffee and you’re paying.”

Steve laughed. “Fair enough!”

*

“That was by far the most confusing conversation I have ever been in,” Eddie said after taking a sip of his black coffee. “And that includes the time my guidance counselor told me that after three times I was actually graduating from high school.”

Steve chuckled. “What do you want to know?”

Eddie laced his fingers together and rested his chin on them, using his elbows to prop him up. “Why does Joyce Byers know the chief of police well enough to call him by what I am assuming his given name?” He batted his eyelashes at Steve.

Steve raised an eyebrow and took a long sip of his iced coffee. “Because they’ve been dating for years?” He gave a little half shrug.

Eddie’s eyes widened. “How the hell did I not know that?”

Steve pursed his lips and then licked them slowly. “They don’t like people to know usually. The only reason I know is because Hop was the FBI liaison after my attack and Joyce was acting as my parental advocate until I turned eighteen.”

“Huh.”

“Anything else you want to know?” Steve asked.

“You lied to me pretty boy,” Eddie began. “You said you couldn’t beat Nick if he chose to start a fight.”

Steve laughed. “I said a fist fight. I can’t even begin to tell you how many of those I’ve lost.”  

Eddie tilted his head thoughtfully. “So then why did both Joyce and Hopper admonish you like you’d done this kind of shit before?”

Steve ducked his head to hide the flushing of his cheeks. “I’m not sure how much you remember about what I was saying to Jason and his gang. You were pretty terrified out of your mind.”

“Which part are we talking about?” Eddie asked. “You goading Jason for not being able to swing properly or before that?”

Steve laughed again. “Before that, when Robin threw me the bat?”

Eddie ran his tongue over his teeth slowly. “Something about it being an anti-homophobe bat?”

“That’s the one,” Steve said with a grin. “I take it to Pride festivals and LGBTQ+ events to ward off assholes like Jason and his gang. Sometimes it takes more than just swinging it around to get them to back the fuck off.”

Eddie put his hands flat on the table. “How the hell have you not been arrested?!” He leaned forward into Steve’s space.

Steve pushed him playfully. “My notoriety and my relationship with Chief Hopper, if I’m honest. It’s the only time that’s ever worked out in my favor. But now I’ve got a reputation for taking on homophobes.”

“That is objectively the most hilarious thing I’ve heard,” Eddie said, sitting back down.

Steve grinned. “Yeah, I like to think of it as karma if I’m honest.”

“Steve Harrington, the avatar of vengeance, is that it?” Eddie asked, in all seriousness.

“I never intended to be,” Steve defended. “It just worked out that way.”

“Uh huh.” Eddie winked at him.

Steve looked down at the table and rubbed a finger along the surface. “Since we’re answering questions. Can you answer one for me?”

Eddie’s expression became guarded. “You want to know why Jason Carver was playing ‘hunt the freak’?”

Steve nodded. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

Eddie reached across the table and lifted Steve’s chin. “It’s okay. I want to tell you. It’s just not my story to tell.”

Steve cocked his head to the side. “Chrissy.” It wasn’t even a question.

Eddie nodded. “He seems to labeling under the delusion that I turned her gay.”

Steve started laughing and couldn’t stop. Eddie tried to not join in, but one side-eyed look at him and he was busting up, too.

“God are all straights this stupid?” Steve asked when he was able to catch his breath.

Eddie grinned. “No, just too many of them.”

“Fair enough,” Steve said returning the grin.

*

Eddie noticed the dwindling number of students the closer they got to the last day of class. Soon it was down to Steve and a couple other students.

“Hey, Joyce,” he said, bounding up to her after class. He was waiting for Steve to finish cleaning up.

“Hey, Eddie!” she greeted cheerfully. “How are you doing?”

“I’m great,” he replied and then pursed his lips. “So I was wondering where all the other students have gone?”

Joyce frowned for a minute. “Oh! I guess I forgot to tell you. When the students finish their final they don’t have to keep coming to class.”

He rocked back on his heels. “Oh. So Steve hasn’t finished his final yet?”

Joyce giggled but quickly covered her mouth to stifle it. Eddie glared at her.

“No, sweetheart,” she said fighting to keep her smile in check. “He turned it last week.”

Eddie frowned. “What do you mean?”

“He stays because he wants to spend time with you.”

He turned to where Steve was cleaning his paint brushes and then back to her. “So what is he working on if not his final?”

She gave him a half shrug. “I would assume a personal project.”

Eddie hummed. “You don’t find it weird that he’s still painting me nude?”

“Why? Do you?” Joyce asked with a raised eyebrow.

He ducked his head and blushed. “I mean, it’s flattering. But at the same time...I don’t know. I feel seen I guess.”

She took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I can see that both of you are so smitten with each other, I don’t understand why you two aren’t together.”

Just then Steve came up and put his hand on Eddie’s lower back. “Hey, Eds. I’m done. You about ready to go?”

Eddie nodded and let him lead him away from Joyce as they both waved goodbye.

Once they were out on the pavement, Eddie asked. “So Joyce was telling me that you already finished your final.”

Steve grinned. “Yep! It’s going into the art show they have for all the graduating art students. You should totally come.”

“Does that mean that people are going to be staring at my naked ass all day?” Eddie teased.

Steve laughed. “Well there will be a 18+ area that little kiddies aren’t allowed to go into. But, yeah those that want to will be able to see you in all your naked glory.”

Eddie huffed out a laugh. “Yeah, all right. I’ll be there. If only to see Karens clutching at their pearls at the mere thought of nudity near their precious children.”

Steve laughed again. “I can’t wait for you to see my painting.”

“I’m excited too,” Eddie agreed. “But you know I’ve got to ask...”

“Why I haven’t just not come to class like everyone else?” he asked and Eddie nodded. “I know it might come off a little creepy but I just liked spending time with you. And I know that you’re working hard on your music and trying to get a record deal and technically I could just meet you after class and go for coffee, but I just–”

Eddie grabbed Steve’s arms and said firmly. “Steve.”

Steve finally took a breath.

“Hey, sweetheart,” Eddie murmured. “You were starting to spiral again. You need to take a breath, okay.”

Steve nodded and then ducked his head between his hunched shoulders. “I just didn’t want you to think I was being all creepy and gross about wanting to continue to paint you after my turned in my assignment.”

Eddie frowned, wondering where this was coming from. And then it hit him. The very first thing he had thrown at Steve that first day of class was that he had only taken it because he was there to leer at the model.

He gently cupped Steve’s cheek. “Oh, Stevie. I know you’re not like that. I’m flattered, okay?”

Steve leaned into Eddie’s touch. “Okay,” he breathed.

“I was only curious, no judgment.” Eddie pulled him in for a hug and Steve just melted into his embrace. “Come on, let’s go get that coffee, huh?”

Steve nodded and reluctantly let go. Only to be pleasantly surprised when Eddie slung his arm around his shoulder.

And if Steve leaned into it, that was no one’s business but his. And maybe Eddie’s, too.

Part 16  Part 17  Epilogue

Tag List: @artiststarme @allbymyselfexceptformycactus @spectrum-spectre @estrellami-1 @swimmingbirdrunningrock @gregre369 @itsall-taken @m-owo-n @zerokrox-blog @runyousillydetective @grimmfitzz @wonderland-girl143-blog @sapphirecobalt-1 @scheodingers-muppet @victor-thee-corvid @apricottree @bookbinderbitch @sleepyboosstuff @biatcgh @pixiefallingupthestairs @grtwdsmwhr @thepainisspicy @carlyv @eboyawstenn @bisexualdisastersworld @bidisastersworld @abstractnaturaldisaster @evix-syne666 @nerdsconquerall @lololol-1234 @goodolefashionedloverboi @chaoticlovingdreamer @a-little-unsteddie @val-from-lawrence @i-must-potato @elluminis @tailsfromthecrypt @danili666 @plyerice27 @alittlegreyfish  @n0-1-important @no-upper-limit-to-stupidity @maya-custodios-dionach @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @heaven428 @thedragonsaunt @ceaselessly-watching @imfinereallyy @messrs-weasley @sharingisntkaren @nohomoyesbi

[maximwtf]

“Defenselessness”

                                         Peridot  x gem reader

words: 1930

google docs pages: 3

Warnings: None?

opening: You watch Peridot struggle to walk and in general exist without her limb enhancers. In an attempt to make her feel better, you gift her a new pair. 

AN// they/them used! I was legit upset when Peridot never got them back, so I’m fixing that by writing this :”D!

                                  “Defenselessness.”

It had been a while since you joined the crystal gems. It still felt like not all of them trusted you, but at least you had Steven. He seemed to trust you, even without making you prove yourself in some way. Not that the other crystal gems were waiting for you to do something in order to really accept you, but that's what it felt like. 

Recently though, their attention had been on something else. From what you had heard, this ‘thing’ was a homeworld gem, who had been sent here to do something. Mission by mission, you had figured out enough pieces to know that the gem was a Peridot. Funny enough, before you had crashed on earth, one of the gems you had been working with had been a Peridot. 

Before having to come to terms with the fact that you were never going back home, you had been sent on a mission. This mission included a peridot and some amethyst muscle. Your job had been to go and clear the area where Peridot would have been working in, and make sure that no one was going to be there. But as you had begun getting closer to the landing spot, something had gone wrong and the ship crashed down. It didn’t take long for the crystal gems to find out, and before you were able to escape or fight them off, you had been trapped. 

The gems never took you with them on their missions, so just like usually you were left in the house, by yourself. There was not much for you to do during these times. Eating food seemed disgusting, and so did the other human activities. This time though, not a lot of time passed before the warp pad lit up, bringing light to all the dark corners of the room. The crystal gems appeared on it, soon all of them spreading around the house. “We caught her!” Steven yelled, running towards you. “Yeaah, she had weird bits attached to her.” Amethyst laughed while digging through the cabinets. “Weird bits? Did she have limb enhancers on?” You asked curiously, tilting your head. “I guess that’s what those were.” The amethyst replied, showing something down her mouth. Could have it been the same one you were teamed up with? “So it was an era 2 gem. They were given to those who lacked power, like the era 2 peridots who were made for quantity not quality.” You spoke mostly to yourself, but loud enough that anyone interested would hear. “Where is she now?” You then asked, looking up from the floor. “Bubbled.” Garnet replied quickly, which you replied to by slowly nodding. 

If this Peridot had been sent here to take samples from the kindergartens, there was a high chance that this was the same Peridot that you had briefly befriended. Not that you deeply cared for her, but knowing that she was bubbled and without her limb enhancers felt wrong. What if she ever got out? She would have no way of defending herself, if she could even walk without them. You shook those thoughts out of your head. Even if you wanted to check if it was the same gem, you couldn’t. One wrong move would end you up in a bubble like hers as well. Being the newest member meant that you didn’t have space to step out of line, not that you even knew where the bubbled gems were being held. No one had told you, and you doubted anyone would even if you asked them. 

It was the night of the same day. Because you didn’t have a room, you’d just lay on the couch with your eyes closed. Steven says that that’s not how sleeping works, but you bet ‘real sleeping’ would feel the same. It was only when the gems started to move again, that you opened your eyes for a moment. They had gathered around the kitchen countertop to talk, mostly ignoring you. You gave them the same treatment and closed your eyes again. This time you had to open them back up rather quickly. The door at the back of the building opened up and a peridot ran out, Steven chasing after them. That’s the gem! You sprang up from the couch. To your horror, the crystal gems all pulled out their weapons. You gave a quick look towards the peridot, trying to figure out if it was the same one. Her gem seemed to be in the same place, but that wasn’t enough to determine anything. It was only when she quickly looked at you that you could confirm, it indeed was the same one. She turned to look at you before making a run for it, and as she did, her mouth fell open a little. She recognized you too. But before she was able to shout out anything, she had to lock herself in the bathroom. 

You listened to the gems try to force her out, but knowing the green gem, she wouldn’t come out like that. Especially now that she was scared. You took your chances and climbed to where Steven’s bed was. There you knew you’d find a part of her old limb enhancers. Steven had showed it off to you, still unsure as to why he had kept it. 

You waited for the gems to give up on trying to force the gem out, and once Steven had gone to bed too, you sneaked to the door. “Peridot.” It took her some time to respond, probably shocked to hear your voice. “Traitor! Why are you on their side?!” You then heard. “Can you let me in, so we could talk?” That wasn’t going to be enough to convince her. “I have something in return for your time.” The small leftover of the limb enhancers wasn’t going to be a lot, but it might just make her open the door for you. 

You saw the door creek open, and when her eye spotted the boot of her limb enhancers the green gem grabbed it and left the door open. You stepped in, taking that as a welcome to do so. After turning the lights on, you locked the door to make sure Peridot knew the gems weren’t in on this. “Traitor! You’re the same Y/n that was supposed to be helping me!” The now small gem hissed at you from the corner of the room. “They’re not as bad as they seem. My ship crashed and I lost all contact with the rest of the team.” You mumbled the last part, eyes wandering before they locked on Peridot. She truly was small, it made you giggle. Almost all the era 2 homeworld gems wore limb enhancers, and now seeing one without them made you giggle. “What are you laughing at, traitorous clod?!” The green gem yelled out. “Shh, you’re going to wake up everyone.” You hissed at her, taking better control of yourself to stop the laughter. Peridot shut her mouth, clutching onto the last piece of her old leg. “Look, you can trust Steven. He’ll make sure the gems don’t harm you. But you have to get out of here.” You told her, kneeling down. “And if you don’t want to get along with any of them, I’m here. The crystal gems don’t necessarily like me either. They’re just fine with having me around.” You told her, standing up. “So?” You offered her a hand which she took. You pulled her up and walked the green gem to the door and out from there. 

Some time had passed since then, and a lot of things had happened. Peridot had been accepted to stay with the crystal gems on earth, but you had noticed something. You’d often see the bright green gem run on all fours, and stumble as she tried to walk normally. No one said anything about it and some had even found it funny, but you knew better than that. The poor gem had had the limb enhancers on her whole life, and now that they were taken away from her it was hard for Peridot to exist normally. It must have felt the same if someone took half of your legs away suddenly and made you defenceless, and then laughed at you. 

Watching her try to stay as her normal self was hard, because you could often hear her curse under her breath for having to crawl like an animal. 

You couldn’t bear to watch her have to live like this anymore, there must have been something you could do? And with that in mind, you began to make a plan. There was no way to go back to homeworld and snatch a new pair of limb enhancers, but there was one place on earth that still might have had them stored. 

As the sun began to go down and the crystal gems had started to settle, you headed to the warp pad. Since no one was around, you warped to the spot your ship had crashed in. All the systems were messed up, but the door that led inside the ship still opened, barely. You had to push it a little to get it fully out of the way. No lights were turning on anymore either, but using your gem as a source of light worked just as well. 

You made your way to the back of the ship, and opened one of the ‘doors’ on the sides of the ship. All of the extra supply was stored in these, and if you remembered correctly there had been an extra pair of limb enhancers in one of them. After going through a few of these locker-like storage spaces, the light from your gem lit up exactly what you had been looking for. A brand new pair of limb enhancers. 

With the items in hand you left the abandoned ship and walked back to the warp pad. It took you straight to the house you had left earlier, and where you expected Peridot to be as well. You had told her to meet you there, and after some convincing she had agreed to come. You stumbled a little by the weight in your arms as you walked outside the house where you expected her to be waiting for you. “Peridot!” You called out and she turned towards you. It was dark already, since it had taken longer than you had expected to get the limb enhancers. The sun had set, only the moon shining some light over Beach city. “I got you something!” You smiled. It was only when you were closer to her that she finally realised what you were carrying in your arms. They were all in one pile, so it must have been a little hard to make out what they were. “Are those-” The green gem started, stars slowly forming in her eyes. “New limb enhancers!” You finished her sentence, happily offering them to her. With shaky hands she took them, immediately trying them on. “I had some in the ship I managed to crash.” You laughed silently at your mistake. “Thank you.” Peridot said, looking up at you with tears in her eyes, which she tired to wipe away, but it was no use. They kept appearing back every time. “I couldn’t stand to watch you crawl anymore.” You said, but there was no further reply. Your eyes stayed on her, the green gem now slightly taller than you were. “I’m not cute anymore.” She laughed. 

[melonishus]

Good evening melon. Got a prompt for you to consider if it should please you: Ruby finds out that Weiss is leading a secret life as a AAA ranked v-tuber. And not any V-tuber, Ruby's personal favorite v-tuber!

Please, have a nice evening.

Snowrose -[as her stream starts] Hi everyone. It is I [places hand on her chest] Your beautiful and wise Snowrose, come to grace you with my presence in this wonderous subathon. We'll start off with a timer of [pushes finger against the bottom of her lip] Let's say...8 hours [fllicks finger] And for every 10 subs, I add 30 minutes onto the stream [The stream timer appears in the upper right hand corner of the stream] Snowrose- I will be taking small breaks for sleep and eating but my OFFICIAL duties in my kingdom are all on hold so I can show my dear followers the attention they deserve . So lets get this started [Ruby hides her face on her teddy bear] Snowrose - And remember ! [lifts up finger] All official proceeds from my subathon go to the Belladonna Action Coalition ! They provide legal and financial aid for faunus in need of a hand ! Remember ! If humans are getting you down , they’ve got your BAC

[Ruby chuckles in her room]

Ruby - Snowrose is almost as bad as Yang !

-Winterpleasesteponme69 has followed you ! -

Snowrose - [sighs] Thank you Winterpleasesteponme69 for the follow , welcome to our little slice of dignity you degenerate

[She runs her hand down her face]

Snowrose - Anyway , today I am playing Baldurs gate 3. Why you ask ? [brings hands together and pulls them apart , causing a rainbow with “I’m gay” to appear between the hands of her model]

[The game starts]

Snowrose - While I’m making my character , let’s get the important questions out of the way shall we

—- Who should have the privilege of having my hand in marriage -

Ruby - Shadowhearts kind of cute ….she reminds me of Weiss [As Snowrose creates her character , the votes pour in, Ruby casting her vote for Shadowheart . As Ruby watches , she notices Snowrose character has taken on Ruby’s own appearance]

Snowrose - Absolutely beautiful. If I didn’t know any better I’d make her a rogue because I do think she’s stole my heart

Ruby - What the

Snowrose - Now what should we name her ….

[Names start pouring in]

Snowrose - GARNET

Ruby - A GEMSTONE ?!

[Blake and Yang look at her]

Ruby - Sorry …good stream

Yang - Rubes I know you have a crush on her , but if Weiss was here she’d throw you out the window

Ruby - I DONT HAVE A CRUSH [throws her teddy bear at Yang , who catches it easily] And Weiss is never here on the days she streams so I am safe

Blake - Regardless , I still want to sleep. So inside voice please ----

Writing Requests are OPEN

[chic-a-gigot]

La Mode nationale, no. 4, 25 janvier 1902, Paris. No. 8. — Groupe de toilettes pour dames, jeunes filles et enfants. Bibliothèque nationale de France

(1) Robe pour fillette de 12 à 13 ans, en homespun beige. Jupe en forme rayée à mi-hauteur de galons marron foncé, fixés par un large biais piqué. Chemisette en panne marron foncé. Boléro carré rayé de galons comme la jupe. Col de panne. Manche écourtée sur un bouffant de liberty blanc; revers empire en panne.

(1) Dress for girls aged 12 to 13, in beige homespun. Mid-length striped skirt with dark brown braids, attached with a wide stitched bias. Dark brown distressed shirt. Square bolero striped with braid like the skirt. Pan collar. Shortened sleeve on a white liberty bouffant; reverse empire broken down.

Matériaux: 3m,50 de lainage; 1m,75 de panne.

—

(2) Peignoir simple pour jeune femme, en cachemire prélat. Des plis pincés vont du col au bas de la jupe; le devant s'ouvre sur un dessous en velours violet très sombre et sur les deux côtés se piquent de petits boutons de velours du même ton foncé. Col et revers en velours; manche évasée.

(2) Simple peignoir for young women, in prelate cashmere. Pinch pleats run from the collar to the bottom of the skirt; the front opens onto a very dark purple velvet underside and on both sides there are small velvet buttons of the same dark tone. Velvet collar and lapels; flared sleeve.

Matériaux: 5 mètres de lainage; 1m,50 de velours.

—

(3) Manteau pour jeune femme ou jeune fille, en drap écossais de tons un peu vifs. Collet mi-long, orné de straps de drap noir dessinant des crosses; petite pèlerine très ajustée sur l'épaule par des pinces et bordée de straps.

Toquet de drap blanc garni de velours noir.

(3) Coat for young women or girls, in tartan cloth in slightly bright tones. Mid-length collar, decorated with black cloth straps forming crooks; small cape very fitted on the shoulder with darts and lined with straps.

White cloth cap trimmed with black velvet.

Matériaux: 0m,75 de drap noir; 2m,50 de drap écossais.

—

(4) Dos de la figure 2.

—

(5) Manteau pour jeune femme ou jeune fille, en homespun vieux rose, mélangé, autour, straps de drap noir. Pèlerine avec croisillons de straps; col en forme et col rabattant.

(5) Coat for young women or girls, in old pink homespun, mixed, around, black cloth straps. Pilgrim with cross straps; shaped collar and turn-down collar.

Matériaux: 5 mètres d'homespun, 0m,75 de drap noir.

—

(6) Dos de la figure 1.

—

(7) Robe de réception pour jeune femme ou dame d'âge moyen, en serge mélangée "banane". Robe princess garnie en échelle transversale irrégulière de straps de taffetas noir, grand col en forme faisant aussi revers, bordé de velours; écharpe de velours nouée devant et tombant en deux pans très longs; manche finissant au coude sous un parement Louis XV; bouffant de soie ivoire.

Chapeau de feutre beige, garni de plume de coq et de velours vieux rose.

(7) Reception dress for young or middle-aged ladies, in “banana” twill blend. Princess dress trimmed in irregular transverse scale with black taffeta straps, large shaped collar also turning up, edged with velvet; velvet scarf tied in front and falling in two very long sections; sleeve ending at the elbow under a Louis XV facing; ivory silk bouffant.

Beige felt hat, trimmed with rooster feather and old pink velvet.

Matériaux: 6 mètres se sege.

—

(8) Manteau pour jeune femme ou jeune fille, en zibeline écossaise de tons fondus. Collet ample bordé d'un large straps de drap grenat et d'une frange. Empiècement frangé et bordé d'un straps. Col roulant doublé de velours grenat.

Tricorne de feutre blanc à bords de velours grenat; nœud aigrette en velours.

(8) Coat for young women or girls, in Scottish sable in melted tones. Loose collar edged with wide garnet cloth straps and fringe. Fringed yoke edged with straps. Roll neck lined with garnet velvet.

White felt tricorn with garnet velvet edges; velvet egret bow.

Matériaux: 3m,80 de zibeline; 0m,30 de drap.

—

(9) Dos de la figure 7.

—

(10) Costume de garçonnet de 10 à 11 ans, en serge bleu marine; culotte collante; blouse rentrée dans la ceinture; manche serrée au poignet par des plis.

(10) Suit for a boy aged 10 to 11, in navy blue serge; sticky panties; blouse tucked into the waistband; sleeve tightened at the wrist with pleats.

Matériaux: 3m,75 de serge.

[love-takes-work]

Steven Universe episode titles

Steven Universe episode titles that are exactly what it says on the tin

Laser Light Cannon

Cheeseburger Backpack

Together Breakfast

Cat Fingers

Steven’s Lion

Arcade Mania

Lars and the Cool Kids

Onion Trade

Beach Party

Rose’s Room

Island Adventure

Watermelon Steven

Future Vision

Sadie’s Song

Steven’s Birthday

Barn Mates

Steven Floats

Too Short to Ride

Restaurant Wars

Steven vs. Amethyst

Three Gems and a Baby

Steven Universe episode titles that sound pretty epic and actually are 

Giant Woman

Steven the Sword Fighter

Mirror Gem / Ocean Gem

Rose’s Scabbard

The Return / Jailbreak

Sworn to the Sword

We Need to Talk

Cry for Help

The Answer

Message Received

Gem Drill

Storm in the Room

Are You My Dad? / I Am My Mom 

The Trial

Lars of the Stars / Jungle Moon

A Single Pale Rose

The Question

Reunited

Legs from Here to Homeworld

Change Your Mind

Steven Universe episode titles that don’t sound very epic but THE EPISODE PUNCHED YOUR FACE

Coach Steven

An Indirect Kiss

Space Race

Lion 3: Straight to Video

Alone Together

On the Run

Keystone Motel

Catch and Release

Super Watermelon Island

Mr. Greg

Bismuth

Earthlings

Bubbled

Mindful Education

That Will Be All

Stuck Together

Off Colors

Lars’ Head

Can’t Go Back

Made of Honor

Steven Universe episode titles that sound like epic main plot developments but THAT’S A LIE

Garnet’s Universe

Rising Tides / Crashing Skies

Hit the Diamond

Kindergarten Kid

Last One Out of Beach City

Gem Harvest

The New Crystal Gems

Back to the Kindergarten

Sadie Killer

Escapism

Steven Universe episode titles that you need context for or are just vague af

Tiger Millionaire

House Guest

Secret Team

Fusion Cuisine

Maximum Capacity

Story for Steven

The Message

Full Disclosure

Keeping It Together

Chille Tid

When It Rains

It Could’ve Been Great

Log Date 7 15 2

Same Old World

Alone at Sea

Crack the Whip

Beta

Steven’s Dream

Adventures in Light Distortion

Doug Out

Dewey Wins

Gemcation

Pool Hopping

Letters to Lars

Familiar

[f1blrcreatorsfest]

fest credits & acknowledgements;

an author’s note by yours truly, ames ivettel <3

"oh, wow..." was pretty much all i could say as i scrolled through the f1blrcreatorsfest23 tag on the evening of august 1st. i was in a hotel room with some of my best friends in the world, all of us piled on a single bed, my laptop balanced precariously in the air as i passed around tumblr posts like a blunt, and already, i was floored by the initial response to the fest. little did i know that my mind would continue to be blown.

not to ruin the illusion, but going into the month, i was so stressed and scared that things wouldn’t happen—literally, the day the festival launched, we were still doing prep work. fio and i had committed to a morning of Getting Life Shit Done, and while she did more important stuff, i was on after effects finishing up the launch post and rushing through the caption (and bothering her 💀). i hit post and went to touch grass, already kind of having given up on things going smoothly… and i came back to the best chaos i’ve ever seen, along with the feeling that i was completely out of my depth.

honestly, if i’d run this behemoth of an event completely by myself, i’m sure it would have flopped early. not for lack of trying, mind, but simply because running a community festival is a team game at heart; you need input from others if you want to make something big for others!

so, with that said, i’d love to give credit where credit is due. i hope you’ll join me in giving a standing ovation to these stellar individuals!

first and foremost, a massive shoutout to barbi @brawn-gp for kickstarting the idea in the first place: a racing sideblog that prompts community challenges for motorsportblr. the very foundation this fest is laid on is because of you! thank you also for running the queue for most of the month and being so meticulous with the tagging system—our blog would not be here without you!

next, thank you to kyle @princemick and riel @azrphales for your work doing posters and being active members of the exec team! as i tried to chase people down to vote on big decisions, your quick input was a sigh of relief—a sign that others wanted this fest to happen just as badly. your promo work was literally invaluable in getting this to take off and stay strong. thank you both for your work post-launch (additional planning + sideblog modding)! a special thank you to kyle for being so active in the discord server and supporting our participants, also for participating so much in the fest itself <3

another big thank you to garnet @garnetaldebaran! your suggestions were incredibly insightful and thoughtful while trying to create the fest’s schedule and events. you really came through with the organization of our first sprint, which proved so helpful when organizing the second and third. and the creations you made for the fest on top of it all? absolutely gorgeous!

to nico @userscuderia and fio @maranello, thank you for lighting the inspirational fire we needed to get ideas flowing on what we could do in addition to weekly themes! the very concept of our sprint challenges, our silly f1-themed guidelines, and our motivation for most of july are thanks to you!

finally: nami @boyfrombarbados, emma @dannysricciardo, and ginevra @leclerqued, thanks for rolling with the changes to the video editing server / joining the pitwall on the fly! your comments were great and helped us define how we wanted to shape our fest identity.

i set out, initially, to try and change the culture around f1blr—to show noncreators that there is so much talent that exists in the fanbase, and that to keep us going, pretty much all we ask for are reblogs. maybe even a nice comment or two! it’s been made pretty clear, however, that the lack of interaction and interest in supporting creators stretches far, far beyond our reach.

that said, not all hope is lost! if this fest has done anything, i think it’s encouraged people to try new things artistically and really push the boundaries of what it means to make a #f1edit. at the end of the day, isn’t that what this is all about? being on the side of art, encouraging creation, fostering support? if we can continue to push ourselves—and really enjoy the act of creating—doesn’t our spirit count for anything? 

so i’ll sign off on this by saying one last thing: stay passionate about the beauty you give to the world. it matters, regardless of the notes, the likes, and the comments; it matters, and most of all, you matter.

thank you, everyone! a gold star for each of you ⭐️

-xo ames

[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

3

A few days had passed and the raven remained holed up in his room; only emerging for meals and to silence nature's calls. You didn't blame him though. The whole situation raised a lot of questions you'd probably never get the answers to. It had to be stressful and heart breaking to leave everything and everyone he loved in such a tragic manner.

The last two nights he'd woken up and called for you asking you to stay with him. Surprising yourself you obliged, it seemed the only way he'd get through the night was clinging to you while you twisted his waves around your fingers. You didn't sleep much anyway and his serene sleeping face was rather soothing. Watching him snore softly against your side, his arms wrapped firmly around your waist, you sort of regretted what you were about to do.

It was 3AM and the end of the pay period, you still had work to get done. You wiggled out of the raven's grasp sitting up on the edge of the bed. Quietly you stalked to your room firing up the PC on your desk and removing documents to enter into the database that had been shipped to you. The office chair creaked under you as you settled turning on some music.

An hour into your work Kuma trotted in followed by the sound of your duvet sliding over the top sheet.

"Sorry I still had some work to do." You swiveled around watching Ace crawl into your bed like it was something he'd done a million times.

"S'ok." He yawned, garnet eyes shifting from you to the flat screen mounted on the wall beside you.

"You wanna watch TV? There's probably nothing but infomercials on right now." You stood picking up the remote and powering on the television.

He sat up watching as you flipped to an episode of Bob's Burgers.

"You didn't have television where you're from?" You asked.

"Something like it." He mumbled eyes glued to the screen as you turned it up for him.

When you were finished working you slipped under the covers tugging a pillow away from Ace while he snuggled into you.

"You're awfully cuddly for a pirate." You commented.

He hummed suppressing a yawn.

Running your hands through his soft black hair you began twirling locks around your fingers. Maybe it wasn't just comforting for him. Your eyes traveled around the room trying to ignore the soft morning light forcing its way through the opening of your blackout curtains before sleep finally welcomed you.

                                                                      _________________

The smell of bacon pulled you from your slumber. You panicked briefly still not used to having another human in your house.

"You should have woken me up if you were hungry." You said rounding the corner into the small kitchen.

"I can do it. Besides you needed the sleep, you were snoring so loud." He chuckled while your face heated up.

"Shut up. What are you making?"

"I can only do the meat and eggs."

You stepped around him pulling out a small sauce pot placing it on the back right burner as it clicked to life. He watched you pour milk and drop a few pats of butter into the heating pot occasionally breaking his gaze to tend to what he was cooking.

"What are you doing?" He finally asked as you stretched for a canister of stone ground grits in the cabinet above the stove.

"Grits... um it's like a porridge? I guess." You measured out a cup of the grain and dumped it into the pot following with salt and lots of pepper making sure to stir constantly.

When it was a consistency you were happy with you added a tad more milk and butter followed by a healthy amount of cheese.

Ace looked at the bowl of grits skeptically but not being one to turn down food he scooped up a spoonful. You watched carefully for his reaction. A pleased hum rumbled through his chest making you smile.

"So, can I ask what the devil fruit was that you ate?" You hadn't brought up much regarding his past afraid you'd be triggering more trauma but since he actually left his room today you thought you'd try your luck.

For the first time since he'd arrived, a grin broke out across his face.

"Mera mera no mi." You blinked at his response waiting for more information, "Fire. I could turn my whole body into fire."

"Like Johnny Storm." You mused.

"Who?"

"The Fantastic Four... It's a comic. Never mind." You blurted.

He smiled again. Your flustered expression was... interesting.

"Very few things could get through me." His eyes clouded briefly as he stared passed you, "I guess I let my ego get the best of me. They didn't want me to go and I did it anyway."

"They?" You dared to ask.

He nodded sharply, "Pops...my brothers."

"Pops." You echoed.

"Whitebeard." He replied, voice distant.

"Oh, your captain."

"My father." He corrected smile ghosting his lips, his ruby orbs settling back on you, "I tried to kill him like a hundred times."

You bristled.

"I'm a pirate." He reminded you with a smirk.

"What changed?" You almost whispered.

"Marco, he sort of helped me see why they all loved pops so much."

Marco...you'd have to save questions about him for later.

"And why's that?"

He paused for a moment a flicker of pain threatening to keep the words in his throat, "We're his sons."

It was a simple but deep enough response that weighted your heart.

Not wanting to push the emotional conversation any further you rose and began gathering the dishes.

"Let's go on an adventure today." You suggested.