#I am SUPER enjoying this fic

[happyfoxx-art]

I am SO normal about this fic by @unorthodoxx-page mmmhm xD This scene was so SO good, I’m having the time of my life seeing Donnie interact with Azula. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41884155/chapters/105109353

[non-un-topo]

To the next adventure...

Image description and details under cut

I.D.

[A drawing of Nicky, Joe, Quynh, and Andy from The Old Guard. They are all in profile, walking in a straight line facing the sun. They are dressed in medieval clothing and armour, and each carry their own weapons and bags. Nicky has his sword, a crossbow, a quiver of bolts, a dagger at his belt and another strapped to his ankle. Joe is holding his sword, a bag, and a coin purse. Quynh's bow is over her back, and her quiver is at her hip. Two daggers are strapped to her belt, one of them matching Nicky's. Andy is holding her axe, two bags, and a dagger. They each have serene expressions and closed eyes, as if they're not in a hurry. In the background, the seasons change from winter to spring, summer, fall. There is an old tree behind them, and its branches change with the seasons.]

[peaches2217]

“Mario?”

There’s something different in Peach’s tone this time. She’s muttered and gasped and cried and sounded out his name through gritted teeth a thousand times in the past several hours, more a knee-jerk reaction to distress than for any actual purpose, as if checking to make certain he’s still there. This particular utterance is quieter, more vulnerable, meant for and directed towards him alone.

He tries to pull back to assess what she needs, but she tightens her grasp on the arms encircling her; he relaxes and rests his cheek on her head, wordlessly assuring her that he’s not going anywhere.

“I’m scared,” she whispers at last, her voice cracking on the final syllable.

The words strike Mario through the heart with deadly precision, because Peach isn’t the type to be scared of anything. Even up until now, though she’s made no secret of her misery, she’s done her best to smile and laugh and exude gracious patience.

“Scared of what?” he asks, though he knows exactly what she means — she’s scared of the pain, scared of what’s about to happen, scared of the million ways it might go wrong, scared of how much their lives are about to change either way. He’s every bit as afraid as she is. But if she puts those fears into words, he’s certain he’ll be able to find some string of words to comfort her, at least temporarily.

Peach doesn’t elaborate. Maybe she tries, but suddenly she grunts and hunches forward and blindly scrabbles for his hand, and then an answer is the last thing on Mario’s mind. 

He tightens the arm supporting her back and meets her right hand with his, and then it’s back into a familiar routine: she squeezes his hand hard enough to restrict circulation and digs her nails into his skin, and he squeezes back just hard enough to meet that pressure, taking deep, loud breaths that Peach almost manages to match, at least at first. Each contraction is more difficult to breathe through than the last. By the time her grip goes slack, she’s mostly just gasping, and Mario trades the now-pointless breathing exercises for whispered words of reassurance.

Eventually, Peach lays back against the raised bed and Mario’s arm once more, and he follows her, pressing kisses to her hair and bringing their conjoined hands to her face so he can catch her tears on his thumb. Then she gasps again, and suddenly she’s sobbing, quietly but openly, too exhausted to fight for composure.

Tears prick hot behind Mario’s eyes, and his gaze flicks frantically around the room in a bid to find someone, anyone who will look his way and assure him — for both of their sakes — that this will be over soon. Even the strongest and most stoic can only handle seeing someone they so desperately cherish in such pain for hours on end before they break too, and Mario’s hardly the strongest and not at all stoic. 

But he’s not in any position to break. However badly he’s hurting, it pales in comparison to that which Peach is experiencing. She needs him, and he’ll be damned if he lets her down.

The foreign human doctor leading a team of more familiar Toad nurses finally spots him, turning away from a table laid out with ominous-looking medical equipment to acknowledge him, but all she’s able to offer him is a sympathetic smile. Not just yet.

With a heavy sigh, Mario wriggles his hand free of Peach’s grasp and cradles her cheek, leaning in so she can rest her head on his shoulder. Hot tears seep through the fabric of his shirt, yet the sobs ease once she’s situated, and she trades jerky hiccupping gasps for soft, tearful moans.

And that lasts for all of ten seconds before the next contraction overtakes her.

“Breathe with me,” he implores when she doesn’t even attempt their silly exercise, but she doesn’t. She buries her face fully into his shoulder and whines through clamped lips, hard enough that it borders on a full-fledged scream. So Mario instead focuses on the pain she’s unwittingly inflicting, because the sensation of his skin breaking beneath her nails is just about the only thing keeping him grounded.

Peach falls into another series of soundless cries once her body relaxes, and Mario shushes her between kisses, because he’s really not sure what else he can do. “Andrà bene,” he soothes, half to put her at ease and half to drown out the unbearable sounds of her agony. “Mia forte, bella, meravigliosa principessa. Ti amo così tanto. Lo sai?”

His hand is squeezed again, much more gently this time, and to his shock, Peach actually responds. “Lo so,” she confirms, her voice weak and scratchy but heartwrenchingly earnest.

She looks up at him as he leans back. Most would not consider the sight a pretty one; her eyes are red and puffy, her skin is sticky with sweat and tears and flushed from exertion, her hair is mussed and erratic. But to Mario, she’s still the most beautiful sight his unworthy eyes could ever hope to take in, especially when she manages one more smile.

There’s fear in her eyes, fear and a thousand other unpleasant feelings, and yet her smile is effortless. Sincere.

I’m scared, but as long as you’re here, I know things will be okay. She doesn’t even need to say it. Mario hears her loud and clear.

And somehow that’s enough to calm his nerves and refocus his attention. The words of love and reassurance that spill from his lips as she tenses again feel less randomized, more intentional, because he knows she’s taking each and every one of them to heart. He knows for certain now that his presence and his comfort makes the pain and the fear just a bit more bearable to her.

And that makes it just a bit more bearable to him, too.

[nightmarevore]

a switch flips in Rowan's head. where he was standing and talking to luke, his expression falters. his eyes are distant as he looks up from his beloved and where they are. when did they get in public? where are they? he knows luke is in front of him. he can see him and smell him. he’s right in front of him. but who are all these people that surround them? the smell is overwhelming. his stomach churns as dread over takes the predator. this isn’t home. this place isn’t safe. luke needs to be inside him. luke is safe inside him. wouldn’t it be easy to swallow him down now and take him some place they can be safe, where rowan can protect him from the pain of the world? from all these strangers who stare at the two like they’re freaks….

“rowan? are you okay?” luke’s voice chimes through rowan’s panic. the predator’s eyes shoot towards his boyfriend. his face flushes, and he grabs luke’s arm tightly. rowan’s stomach growls in quiet desperation to keep its prey safe. “what’s happening, love?”

without much thought, rowan’s mouth opens wide, and all luke sees is the back of rowan’s throat before he’s shoved into the darkness of his maw. he’s desperate, almost as if eating luke is a requirement to staying alive. as if he didn’t have his beloved boyfriend within him, the two of them would cease to be. luke’s left dazed and confused, his body tensing up as rowan stuffs him into his gullet. 

“rowan?!” he calls out, pressing his hands up against his partner. he attempts to push him away. they’re in public, why would he do this now?! his words are left on deaf ears as a loud swallow pulls luke into the predator’s throat. 

loud gasps. a few people in the crowd watch what happens before them. a man, out of nowhere, began swallowing the person next to him. predators exist, it’s not a shock that they have to eat another in order to sate their appetite. in public, in such a crowded space, though? people couldn’t help but look on in some kind of shocked horror.

rowan holds luke in place as aggressive, panicked, and desperate swallows pull his head and body deeper within him. luke hears how fast and panicked the predator’s heart is beating. something is wrong, and it’s too tight for luke to call out to him and ask what’s going on. even if he could, he didn’t think he’s getting an answer. it… feels like a fugue, but something tells him it’s not. he wouldn’t be in such a panic. 

luke’s flavor blesses rowan’s senses. his scent fills his nose as he swallows him down in an act of love and protection. in an act of pure desperation. he thinks he’s hungry, or maybe he isn’t, and this is just what his mind is demanding he do. it’s tight as his cherry slips down further his gullet. his body squeezes him from all sides and holds him in place. each swallow leaves luke more and more immobile. his arms are pressed up against his own body, constricting him. 

love luke. crave luke. devour luke.

protect him from everything and everyone.

another swallow squeezes and massages luke’s being further down, his head forcefully being shoved into his stomach. his middle visibly expands as the shifter begins to be deposited inside. 

“rowan, what’s going on?” luke finally takes a breath and speaks. it’s a relief that it’s easier to speak in his stomach. “what happened?” 

the predator purrs, continuing to swallow his partner down. he lifts him up, one hand reaching for his middle. he feels it grow as more of luke is forced inside. 

right where he’s safe. right where he belongs. right where he needs him.

his stomach expands more and more. luke’s entire being is forced into the chamber, quickly and desperately. he attempts to shift amidst all of this, trying to figure out what to do and how to sit. rowan would never just suddenly eat him in public like this. rowan hates doing any of this in public. something is terribly wrong.

aggressive and hard swallows send luke’s legs down the predator’s throat, his shirt rising over his middle and growing at a fast pace. both of his hands reach down to his middle and hold tightly onto his skin. he needs to feel the weight of luke inside him, whether it’s the shape his stomach takes, the sensation of luke entering him. of the weight inside his expanding middle. his hands hold a tight grip as his fingers sink harshly into his skin. his nails dig into the layers of skin as he attempts to support the weight of his middle. 

one final swallow sends the rest of luke down, and his head remains tilted upwards until he feels the love of his life finally and fully slide down to his center. it’s marked with a rumble and luke’s muffled voice, but he can’t make out the words. even if he wasn’t muffled, would rowan be able to pay attention to what he’s saying in the first place?

rowan’s eyes shoot open. they’re wide yet glossy. rowan himself isn’t all there. he growls, keeping his hands glued to his middle as the scent of every living person that surrounds them fills his nostrils. it’s overwhelming. it makes him sick.

people are staring. they look on to the predator, some in horror. some people back away. rowan begins to walk, forcing his way through the crowd. a woman, someone he doesn’t know, someone so unfamiliar to him he doesn’t know her name, gets TOO close to him. too close to his middle. his stomach. his luke. his world, his everything. 

the pressure of his hands sink deeper into his belly as the low growl in the bottom of rowan’s throat turns into a snarl, and sharp teeth snap at the strange woman. she sees a monster who swallowed a man whole not just a moment before, and the predator wants to keep it that way. she screams, fearful that this man was going to bite her and strike her down. drool drips from his lips as the rage in his eyes burn deep like a fire. 

“rowan! what the hell is going on?” luke calls out. 

rowan can't hear him. he squeezes his middle with teeth out for the world to see. nobody will hurt him, or his cherry. 

[marimbles]

at the risk of sounding like really entitled….

does anyone else have a fic that is their most popular, but you don’t want it to be, because you don’t think it deserves it, and you have better stuff, and while ofc you are grateful that people like something you wrote, it’s almost annoying that for some reason That one is the most popular. lmao

[fiona-fififi]

...

[uhbasicallyjustmilex]

four walls playlist

[perpetually-confused2]

I definitly did not just spend the last 2 hours imagining a sasunaru wedding, nope not something I would ever do

[fleetsonourgecentral]

A request: Ebony celebrates Fleetway Super birthday along with the freedom Fighthers celebrathing Sonic's birthday (so Super and Sonic share a birthday celebration :D) but Scourge IS jealous because he doesn't get any gifts

Adfjdasfjds Scourge being jealous for petty reasons my beloved

~~~

"This doesn't seem fair," Scourge grumbled, folding his arms and glaring at his surroundings like he could set the decorations alight with his eyes alone. Unfortunately, getting zapped by the Master Emerald didn't seem to grant him those powers, but hey, it was always worth double checking.

"Life isn't fair," Sonic said, smug smirk fully plastered on his face as he lounged on his throne for the day. The throne in question was nothing more than an old armchair fished out of the dump, and was covered in rips and clearly falling apart, but it was clean (thanks to Tekno's efforts) and it was the nicest chair the Freedom Fighters owned, so they made do.

Scourge was surprised they were putting in the effort at all. Sonic's ego was so big it was a wonder his head didn't swell and become too heavy for his body to carry; there was really no need to stroke his ego by giving him a throne.

For some reason, though, the Freedom Fighters, despite usually being extremely enthusiastic about keeping Sonic's ego in check, had decided today was an exception. It was his birthday, after all.

"How did you even get all this?" Scourge said. Thankfully, none of the cheesy "happy birthday" banners had been strung up on the wall - those were dumped on Ebony's doorstep - but in their place were custom-made banners proudly congratulating the Hero of Mobius on another year of victory over Robotnik. Over the top and unnecessary, considering the victory in question was mostly just his continued survival, and thus his continued ability to be a future pain in the ass.

Not that Robotnik didn't have it coming, but still.

"We made them!" Tails chirped from where he was stringing up another banner, this one declaring today as Sonic Day. "Tekno designed most of the banner so it would look cool enough that Sonic won't complain, and then Amy and I helped decide what they should say, and then we all painted them together!"

"And you didn't invite me?"

"We both know you would've told us all to fuck off if we asked you to help," Amy said, although the teasing smile on her face showed her comment was light-hearted instead of irritated. Gross.

"These aren't new, anyway," Tekno said. "We made these before you arrived, so you couldn't have helped. Unless you found a way to time travel. If you find an easy way to time travel, let me know?"

"Sure, whatever."

And now that Scourge was looking, the banners did seem a little worn. Small rips on the edges, colors dulled, the paper crinkled; obviously reused over the years. He nudged one of the banners crumpled on the floor with his foot, then picked it up to inspect it, holding it with his thumb and forefinger. Sonic's painted winking face greeted him, and Scourge sneered at it. On the back of the banner, he could see a cluster of signatures. Some he recognised - Tails and Amy - while some he'd never heard of - who in the world was Shortfuse? - and some... well, some were just initials, none of which he recognised. He certainly didn't remember any friends of Sonic's who went by J.L.

"Are you going to stand there, or are you going to help?" Amy said, lightly elbowing him as she passed, snatching the banner from his hands.

"What's it look like? I'm gonna stand here."

"No you're not. Help Tekno bring the gifts in."

"I'm not participating in this. You do shit like this then wonder why he's an arrogant dickhead."

"Is it arrogance if it's justified?" Sonic said.

"Justify my foot up your ass," Scourge said, just as Tekno dragged him away.

The pile of presents was bigger than it had any right to be. The Freedom Fighters didn't have much money - apparently fighting for the safety of the entire fucking planet doesn't pay well, or at all, which is bullshit and all the more reason for Scourge to find the whole thing stupid - so none of them could really afford to go all-out with the presents, but the bulk of the pile came from local civilians who had caught wind of the celebration and wanted to express their gratitude. Over the past week during their travels, civilians would stop them, shyly handing over presents and telling them they were for Sonic's birthday, a token of their appreciation for constantly saving their asses, because they couldn't be bothered to do it themselves.

No one said that last bit out loud, but Scourge always made sure to mentally add it.

Why they couldn't express their gratitude with some fucking cash, he did not know.

"Grab the presents by the table?" Tekno said, scooping presents into her arms. For what it was worth, although the pile was bigger than one would expect, at least most of the presents were small.

Groaning with all the contempt he could muster, Scourge shuffled over to the table and started tucking presents under his arms.

"Did you drop off everything at Ebony's?" Tekno said. Her voice was low, hidden by the rustle of the presents, only loud enough for Scourge to hear. Not that he thought Sonic could hear them when they were out here, but better safe than sorry.

"Whaddya take me for? Of course I did," Scourge said, voice equally low, although that was more for Tekno's peace of mind than his own. She'd shush him if she thought he was being too loud, but she was also really bad at shushing people quietly, and ended up attracting attention with her shushes more often than not. It was really counterproductive. Scourge didn't know why Sonic had let it slide for this long.

"Just making sure."

Scourge grunted, but he did give the rest of the presents an obligatory once-over, just to be sure there weren't any that shouldn't be there.

Super's birthday fell on the same day as Sonic's. It was why all the cheesy banners had been dumped on Ebony instead of in the trash where they belonged. The Freedom Fighters - okay, mostly Tekno - thought it was a good idea to send a few presents over from all of them, as a gesture of goodwill and minor bribery to please not turn evil and try to kill them all again. It was a plan Sonic had been conveniently left out of; even with their less strained relationship (although that really wasn't saying much) it was blatantly obvious he still wasn't fond of Super. He wouldn't stop them from giving him birthday presents, or wanting to wish him a happy birthday, but he would wrinkle his nose and mutter a comment under his breath, which was apparently a problem, although Scourge hadn't figured out why.

Ebony had asked if they wanted to stop by, even tentatively offered a joint birthday celebration if that would make things easier, but she was swiftly turned down. Presents were a safe bet, the Freedom Fighters had agreed, because they could be dropped off at any time, and Sonic would never have to know, and they could wish Super a happy birthday without ever leaving Sonic's side on the actual day. And they could send Scourge to be their little delivery boy so none of them would have to do it; despite the olive branch, Tails and Amy were still wary of Super. Apparently Scourge and (somehow) Tekno were the only ones who weren't little bitches about him.

Well, Sonic wasn't a little bitch exactly, but he wasn't as cool and casual about Super as he wanted to be. So he didn't count.

"I'm just saying," Scourge said, hefting as many presents into his arms as he could, "if you're going to make the decorations look like a 'congrats on kicking ass without dying' celebration, we should all be getting presents."

"It's not your birthday, though."

"I'm his boyfriend, though. Shouldn't I get, like, a solidarity present?"

"No, because it isn't your birthday."

Scourge bit back a comment about how if Super got to have a birthday just because he was another Sonic, then logically, so should he. Because, well, it wasn't his birthday, even though all the celebration really made it feel like it should be. He thought birthdays for Sonics were the same across all dimensions - he was pretty sure he shared a birthday with Prime, eugh - but apparently not.

With another exaggerated groan, he shuffled back into the living room with the presents towering high above him, because second trips were for chumps, and dumped them at Sonic's feet. His own gift wasn't in there, but only because he'd already given it to Sonic this morning. The moment he woke up, in fact. Scourge wasn't about to be beaten by anyone in anything, including being the first person to give Sonic a gift.

Not that it was anything special. Scourge wasn't exactly rolling in money either, and Sonic was a pain in the ass to shop for. Humiliation had nipped at his heels when he handed the gift over, ready to burn him, but Sonic seemed to really like it - underneath the obligatory layer of snark - so it was fine.

Probably.

He eyed the pile of presents again, and tried not to gnaw on his lip.

Some of the civilians who gave them presents looked... well, not well-off, but comfortable. Not rich, not even close to rich, but able to at least afford something nice for the Hero of Mobius. More than Scourge could afford.

More than any of the Freedom Fighters could afford, though, and Sonic didn't really give a shit about his fans outside of the inherent bragging rights that come with having fans in the first place. None of those civilians knew what Sonic liked. The Freedom Fighters did. Scourge did.

He doubted any civilian signatures were on the back of the banner he picked up.

A party thrown by civilians probably wouldn't look like this at all. That would be far more elaborate, with more people pitching in to help, even more vomit-worthy banners and decorations hung from every wall and banister, singing the praises of Sonic the Hedgehog. Over the top, and licking his ass, and making a huge deal out of him. Exactly the kind of celebration Sonic would like; he always loved it when people lavished him with praise for his efforts in saving the world, the arrogant bastard.

Sonic didn't have any of that, this year. Oh, sure, the party would stroke his ego, but it wasn't lavish. Compared to what he could have, it was almost humble.

But. He didn't look upset by it. Didn't even feign annoyance that it wasn't as big as it could be.

Scourge couldn't remember any of his own birthdays looking like this growing up. No friends surrounding him, bickering as they hung birthday banners or fetched presents or argued over the cake. No shitty birthday chair fished out of the dump. No lavish party to sing his praises. His birthdays weren't humble like this one, but they weren't extravagant, either.

They were... cold. Empty. There was no soul in the presents, no warmth in the candle of the cake. No signatures on the back of a hand-made birthday banner.

Scourge swallowed down the ugly feeling in his stomach.

Whatever. He didn't need any of that shit. He was Scourge the fucking Hedgehog, he knew exactly how great he was. Who needed a giant party? Not him. He wasn't that fragile.

"Scowl any harder and your face will get stuck."

Scourge flipped Sonic off without even looking. "Eat shit, birthday boy."

"Are you sulking because Pixel Brain jumped on you this morning when he came to wish me a happy birthday?"

"He crushed my fucking ribs," Scourge complained, glad for something to focus on. The interruption had been rude, and Tails was fortunate they were already awake; had he done that shit while Scourge was still asleep, he would've gotten an ass full of quills.

"Right. And you're definitely not sulking because you wanted to cuddle."

"I don't cuddle."

"Bullshit you don't."

"I don't. You have no proof."

"Then you're gonna start."

Before Scourge could say a word of protest, Sonic grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him onto his lap.

"Fuck off and let me go," Scourge snapped, shifting to get comfortable.

"It's my birthday," Sonic said, smirking his stupid, smug, victorious grin. "That means you have to do what I say."

"I'm not doing shit, you can't tell me what to do, birthday or not," Scourge said, leaning further into Sonic when he wrapped an arm around his waist to pull him closer.

"You'll get the chair when it's your birthday, if it's any consolation."

"Fuck the chair! What about my presents?"

"We'll see."

"Asshole," Scourge grumbled, biting Sonic lightly on the shoulder to emphasize his point, but he only got an amused chuckle in return.

"You're getting off when the cake gets here," Sonic said.

Huffing, Scourge snuggled further into Sonic. They'd see about that.

[butchfalin]

i have an idea for a mini comic based on three whole sentences from a fic that ive read 10000 times. we'll see if i actually do it but it is rent free

[standfucker]

I got so many nice asks recently I feel so giddy and so so deeply flattered that people would stop to tell me what they liked ><

[silveredsticks]

x

[nancywheeeler]

ao3 history is between you and your gods and i respect that but also i am so noisy and thirsty and would love to know what you think your most reread fic(s) of the year would be

[keylovesstuff]

Alright I'm posting so that must mean I'm sharing another fic lmao

Finding A Balance

They really tried to find a home and proper humans to raise Peach. Granted their map was more than outdated of the neighboring worlds that surrounded their area but, they were sure her species despite how little there were, inhabited the places. With all that info they took the last known warp pipe that connected to the place of the day. They spent about a week following the same routine:

Take Peach to a town

Talk to the locals to see if anyone had recognized her or reported a child of her description missing. 

The second step took up the majority of the day as they underestimated just how needy traveling with a three year old could be and two, just finding people who would let them get more than one word out. It was something every two or three minutes. She would tell them she was hungry, they'd step into a cafe or food court,  and pay a few gold coins once they found something suitable. They had a couple of close calls when it came to frequent potty breaks but they managed.  Rarely would she voice aloud of being tired, they often had to go off of Peach's body language or sudden change in mood. Anyway they would find a moderately quiet area and take turns staying with her while she rested. They would end the day watching her play with children (in a park if there was one) as they talked to a few more stragglers about their way.

finally they would take the pipe from which they came back to Toad Town and Peach would always go home with Toadsworth.

They came close to finding her a family once on their last day. A kind couple willing to take her in and give her a wonderful life. Peach interacted with them well and with her addition fit in the picture perfectly with those two. The toads felt bittersweet happiness as they were actually able to give her what they felt she deserves. It was only when both groups of people started heading separate ways, Peach with the couple that she started to cry, reaching out  frantically to the Mushroom people. The person put her down and she ran straight into Toadsworth's arms hugging him as tightly as she could.  Both sets of people came to the same conclusion almost immediately...This child knew where and who she wanted to be with.

The Toads adored her and when it was announced that they would be taking care of her permanently, They gathered all their talents together to provide her with the necessities. They had already washed and dried the clothes she arrived in daily, while she wore a t-shirt and slightly big pants at night. Now that she was living with them, Tailors got together and crafted a variety of different outfits and even shoes. Toadsworth shared with them his vast knowledge about humans so they all could be more attuned to her needs. Some took special interest in hairstyling, took the time to better develop their vaccines and medications in case she became ill, and educate her on their customs.  They eventually put her in their school system with all the other children and she continued to flourish.  Peach loved everyone just as much as they did her but, anyone would be lying if they said she didn't favor her primary caretaker Toadsworth above anyone else.

When not in school, the girl was practically his shadow and if he was alone, she wasn't too far behind.  Peach took great joy and pride in everything she presented to Toadsworth. A drawing? He was the first to see, Learnt a new skill? She showed him as soon as she got home,  Had a particularly amazing day? She'd tell him all about it in great detail. Peach, like all children, also sought him out for comfort when experiencing distressing emotions. Had a bad dream? She'd still crawl into bed with him even though she grew much taller, Lacking confidence with something new? She'd go to him for encouragement, Had a bad day? While it took some coaxing, he would go through it all with her and promised a better tomorrow.

It was that bond they shared, the natural leadership, love, and small acts that she showed to everyone that caught the newly formed councils attention. After coming across a book titled "What all best Kingdom's had" , They had been going over potential candidates for leaders as their people were growing in numbers. They wanted someone who everyone would gather under and follow loyally. If the history books were anything to go off on and news of neighboring kingdoms, some humans made amazing rulers. With a bit of convincing they got Toadsworth to talk to a young Peach of the possibility of leading them all one day, on the condition that once her training was done he'd be her second in command.  Peach accepted the proposition at the age of eleven and a half, promising to give it her best to ensure that everyone had a peaceful and happy life when she was in charge. It seemed as though the first year of training drove a wedge in between their bond.

At first Toadsworth assumed the distance forming between them was due to her reaching the age of puberty that all humans experienced and he was holding off on discussing that with her till he did more research on the topic. Maybe it was a little bit of that but, some days after training she'd close herself off into her room. Peach would sometimes slip up sometimes when addressing him, at some point he insisted she call him by his name and not father.  It hurt him to do this but he had to remind himself it was for the benefit of the future. So many times throughout just the first year he wanted to pull her out of it all with the visible emotional toll she showed. That would bring about consequences for the future if she didn't go through all the formal training is what he would tell himself. It was for the future of the kingdom they were trying to build that he had to change their dynamic, while it was hard, it was for the best.

Now here she was nervously sitting at the table eating her breakfast after coming home late for another night this month. He gave her a lecture about it all before the two went to bed. Peach looked like she wanted to share something with him, but failed to find the right words to start. Toadsworth settled on reminding her to fix her posture and stop chewing her nails at the table, which she quickly followed with a yes sir. He had to get her to lessons in thirty minutes and be in a meeting in an hour. While going over a brief guideline of her schedule for the day she interrupted him, finally telling him what was on her mind.

"I met the Prince of the darklands last night and they offered to fix the houses. I'm going to meet him when I go on break." Peach told him slowly, getting no reaction she continued. "He also promised to help us with resources around the areas no one else goes and that he'd be our first ally" she added. That got a reaction from him.

"You are in no way permitted to be making alliances as you please without the supervision of the council" He told her slightly raising his voice. "You will nullify any contract you have with this Prince when we meet him." He stated not leaving any room for further discussion.

That was one of their first arguments and a decision that he had wished he made her follow through with if he was able to see the future. To her credit, this guy, Prince Bowser was a man of his word and that was one thing Toadsworth could respect. In no time his charge, Kamek, was called to restore the damaged houses to their original states with his magic. The pair decided to stick around for a little while after that to see just what kind of training they had their future Princess doing. It was laughable and Bowser said as much while adding that it would not prepare her for enemies in other worlds, she could navigate his world without almost dying before he joined her. They were all taken aback for a moment by his bluntness and then explained to him the process of what they had Peach going through. The Koopa Prince shocked them again when he offered up not only his knowledge of other worlds but his own minions to aid her in becoming better at combat.

The council while skeptical at first huddled up and considered the pros and cons, finding more benefits, they agreed. Bowser even sweetened up the deal with what he told Peach that night. This guy along with his people would venture into the unknown lands and guide them in conversing with other Kingdoms when it was time. This is what they were working up to, it did help to have some assistance., and opportunities like this don't come by very often. Again, Toadsworth was just amazed at how well Bowser held up his end of the bargain. They ended up uncovering red mushrooms that increased their size and strength for a little while and that came in handy for producing new buildings, one of those being the castle. Toadsworth was apprehensive about Bowser introducing Peach to his minions who did not hold back in training sessions.

"Please, if she can't handle the most simple people from my world with mushrooms. You guys might wanna rethink who you want as a ruler." Bowser scoffed at Toadsworth's ridiculous question if 'all this was really necessary' "Hey what part of all you jump on their heads don't you get?" He asked Peach as she fell off the course from a Piranha plant reverting back to normal. The elder toad was about to say something about how he addressed Peach but she spoke first.

"Not everyone is some mutated fire breather. I want the fire flower now" she told him with a pout.

"Nope you need to complete it first with the mushroom since it's your primary power up here, then I'll think about giving you the flower" He said nodding towards the fire flower on the ground. With the toads supervision, they allowed Bowser to assist with the training. "Oh and you'll have to do it all again in heels and dress. What do you think the environment will give you a chance to change?" He added waving her back to the course with a laugh as she grumbled rubbing her arm.

This was the first of many instances throughout the years that had Toadsworth questioning the 'friendship' that the two had. Sometimes he would come in at the end of a conversation where Bowser would be giving her backhanded compliments. Peach, for the most part, would laugh it off and when Toadsworth addressed them about it, they would tell him it would better prepare her for conferences with other rulers and that they'd be more brutal in their deliveries. The elder toad could somewhat understand the point but that didn't mean he had to like it and he doubted it would be appropriate for an advisor to speak out of turn. Another thing about Bowser that started to grind his gears was just how egotistical he could be at times and how Peach would just brush it off. One particular day where the Koopa haggled a toad merchant to give him food for the simple fact that they would not have that specific item if it weren't for his connections. Outrage overtook him at first and then the thought that his behavior influenced their new Princess to act this way. 

When he shared this information with Peach, she assured him that she would handle his behavior and that his actions didn't mirror her own. He was shocked months later, she had come to him, telling him that the King had proposed to her and immediately interjected.

"Absolutely not, a brute like that is far from fit to rule by your side you will go to him at once-" Toadsworth all but commanded pacing back and forth in her private quarters. She spoke just loud enough to get through to the advisor before his blood pressure could raise any higher.

"I did reject it. I personally don't like him in that way enough to marry" She told him while brushing her hair at the vanity stand. Seeing him relax in the reflection of the mirror.

"Oh well, I will commend you for that decision. Your people will be most satisfied without having to answer to his orders." He nodded contently, taking a seat in his designated chair.

"Well to be honest I didn't have the Kingdom in mind when I said 'no'" she continued wiping off the day's makeup "I mean I know what you're going to say-" she added mouthing along as he started.

"When you become a Princess your people's well-being comes first." He recited as he's done time and again. "We will find you an appropriate suitor when the time is ready" clearing his throat.

"While I appreciate any advice you and the council share, I'm sure I can choose someone with great qualities" Peach told him while organizing her beauty supplies.

"Well my dear, choosing who you're friends and allies with is far different than choosing a romantic partner."  He cautiously said adjusting his glasses.

"Are you really on this again? You're acting like I accepted his proposal" she complained, raising her voice slightly. "He really is a good friend and I've talked to him. We wouldn't be where we are right now without his help." She stood and walked over to the bookcase and scanned it for an interesting pick.

"I understand that Princess but, now that you're in a leadership role you should really consider the company you keep around. Sometimes it's best to leave old friends in the past." Toadsworth offered, much to Peach's growing annoyance.

"Look Toadsworth, can we talk about this some other time? I already told you I rejected his proposal, He's been a huge help, and I'm old enough to make reasonable decisions. " She loaded onto with a roll of the eyes and then gave a soft sigh. "Look I'm sorry for the outburst but I want you guys to start trusting me, your Princess. This is what you guys trained me for remember?" She walked towards him and led the elder to the door.

"Very well, please do think about what I said and be ready tomorrow morning by 7am sharp we have a meeting in the grand hall" He reminded her. Peach nodded and added a few "okay" to let him know she was listening before closing the door with a goodnight.

Toadsworth had a hard time pinpointing when it became harder to have a conversation with Peach. Perhaps now being a Princess she was feeling the pressure while trying to explore her independence.  Was he crowding her too much? This advisor position was just as new to him as her role was to her. He wanted to do the job well and watch her prosper.  Maybe he should change his approach, give her more positive validation and give her advice to push her in the right direction when she comes for it. That's exactly what he did when she anxiously asked him a week later on how the people seemed to be faring as she hadn't been in contact with him.  Toadsworth for the most part was honest in his response, everyone was thriving but for some reason she didn't believe it.

This went on for a few more weeks at most and Toadsworth was honestly glad he hadn't seen Bowser around in a while. After the last discussion, Peach would never bring him up as a topic and Toadsworth never asked about him either. He was about to break their silent agreement by assuming the King was responsible for her prolonged anxiety. One day after finishing all her duties she excused herself and an hour later, she and Bowser were sipping tea together on the balcony. Later that night he did ask about things and she just brushed it off saying it was nothing too serious and they had worked it out. While unconvinced, he didn't press further and the days that followed she returned to the confident young leader she was taught to be. The next two years went by with little hiccups here and there but otherwise no problems especially when it came to interacting with other diplomats.

Meeting Prince Haru of the flower Kingdom had been a breath of fresh air not only for Toadsworth and the citizens but for Peach as well. Sure she kept Bowser around but the advisor could settle with that due to Haru's positive influence. When he saw the two of them together, his heart swelled with pride. The two were similar in their values,  mannerisms,  and morals which was perfect in his eyes. Though surprised at first, he quickly recovered when the gentleman asked for his blessings.  He would have liked for the two to be involved a little while longer but they were so happy together and he was sure his answer would be the same now as well as in the future. Peach had shown remarkable leadership skills as a Princess that she would make a fabulous Queen for both kingdoms.

Going as far as telling her such, days and even weeks into her engagement. Toadsworth thought that would bring her excitement for the future, but it seemed to make her more worried. He also assured Peach that they would still be there along with Haru to guide and teach her how to be an exceptional Queen.  Still she wore a look of uncertainty at his words as the big day grew closer. Two days till the scheduled day she had a breakdown insisting that she just wasn't ready and wanted to call it all off. That night was probably the first time in awhile the two reverted to the original days. Peach cried in his arms all through the night and once she calmed down enough, they spoke through everything.

They worked out the best way to let everyone know that things were canceled and that they appreciated all the efforts that went towards it so far. Peach later told him that Haru, while saddened, took it well and they mutually agreed to end their relationship but promised to be there for each other and their Kingdoms. After that the Princess spent months doing all she could to make the mushroom kingdom great on its own. Toadsworth thought there was another disagreement at the time but Peach told him she wanted to see what she could as a leader on her own without being tied to anyone.  Bowser still came to visit from time to time but they became less frequent as duties for both took priority. The most confident she had been in years, not only were her people proud of everything she was doing but her reputation spread to other kingdoms. One particular day, she took a visit to the Ice kingdom and the council had complete faith in her to handle the meeting on her own.

Toadsworth was in his private office finishing the final calculations of the Kingdoms finances when there was a knock at his door. That was unusual since everyone had gone home or returned to their private chambers within the castle for the evening. In fact, the only reason he was still up other than putting in some overtime was to wait and greet the Princess when she returned. Thinking that it was her, he opened the door to reveal the Koopa King at this late hour. Shocked, he told him the Princess wasn't available for an audience especially at this time of night and that he could return tomorrow at a more convenient time. He gave no chance for him to respond, starting to close the door before it was abruptly held open in its place by Bowser's large palm. The King requested a conversation with the elder toad and although he was hesitant he allowed him to enter leaving the door slightly ajar and sit in the chair in front of his desk.

"Absolutely not. The Princess is not looking for any commitments at the moment and you would be the last on the list of candidates if I have any say." Toadsworth sternly slammed his fist on the table after the King told him that he would be marrying Peach.

"That wasn't me asking for your permission, gramps." Bowser responded coldly with a low menacing laugh.

"Over my dead body will you force the Princess to do anything against her will." He growled and glared unafraid at the King three times his size. "Get out now!" He demanded, pointing at the door.

"If that's all it takes" he started standing up slowly with an evil chuckle. Slamming a fist in the desk breaking it in half. 

With little reaction time Toadsworth was able to push the rolling chair he was seated in away from the intended area of impact. He wasn't quite lucky with what came next as Bowser retracted into his shell spinning around and towards him. The force knocked the mushroom back into the wall. Before he lost consciousness,  he faintly saw the King standing over him claws up ready to finish the job and heard the sound of a glass breaking along with Peaches scream. 

The moment he awoke he was met with the white ceiling and the steady beeps coming from the monitor. Slowly he turned his head on the pillow and was met with the sleeping form of the Princess at the desk facing towards him. Head in her arms he saw that even with her eyes closed, her eyebrows were furrowed with worry and that her cheeks were stained with a streak of dried tears. A yawn he didn't know he was holding in was what caused the Princess to abruptly wake up. It took her a moment to take in her surroundings before she faced him, water filled her eyes for the few moments they held eye contact with each other.

"Toadsworth" she cried out moving first causing the chair she was sitting in to fall on the floor as she quickly jumped up. "You're ok. I thought, I thought you were" Peach started, arms wrapped around the man, hiccuping a bit as she started to cry, not daring to finish the sentence.

"I'm not going anywhere as long as you need me my Princess" Toadsworth promised her, wrapping his arms around her and combining his hands through her hair in comfort.

"Then you'll surely live forever cause I'm always going to need you" She tightened her arms more around him more but not enough to cause him any discomfort. 

Like her duties, Peach made it a priority to visit Toadsworth room every time she had a break until he was fit enough to be released. He had tried to ask her what had gone down between her and Bowser that night and she insisted that he not worry about it and focus on recovering. Peach told him once he was back in good health, she would tell him everything. So now, here they were in Toadsworth private quarters, both of them sitting beside each other on his bed. 

"After I restrained him with the Ice flower I bought back, I grabbed the halberd from one of the toad guards that came." She paused hands twitching a bit. He put his hand atop of hers and the action immediately ceased. "I was going to end him right then, I didn't care if his people would retaliate...in that moment I promised to fight them with all I had for my people" Peach told him staring at the floor, she closed her eyes and sniffled. "But I couldn't do it." Unsuccessfully she let tears fall.

"You're ok," he told her, rubbing her hand. It took about five minutes before she calmed herself down. "What happened next?" he urged her to continue.

"He mocked me for not being able to go through with it and proposed to me again. Said that as his wife he'd show me how to follow through with the action." Peach now had her hands clenched in fists. "I told him, I wouldn't marry him if he had the most powerful weapon in the world" she finished. 

Toadsworth only hummed in response. Knowing how determined that guy could be, he wouldn't put it past him to do just that. The advisor took a mental note to do some research on other powerups and if he found something of interest to bring it up with the council at a future meeting. He looked at the Princess as she once again started talking.

"I told him that I no longer wish to have an alliance with him and he said, If you'd rather be an enemy than an ally, then I'll make ruling impossible" she said his statement a shudder and it sent a shiver down his spine.  Another note to come up with solutions to up the security around the entire Kingdom. "Then he called for Kamek, who appeared and poofed them both out of there. We all ran over to you, a couple of guards went to wake up the medics and we took you to the infirmary" with that statement her story was finished and she looked him in the eyes. "I should have listened to you over the years. I'm sorry that it took him attacking and almost killing you to realize that." She removed her hands from under his and leaned down to hug him.

"Of course I forgive you my dear, you have a good heart and that makes you a great leader. This is something you'll grow from" He returned the hug and they stayed like that for a while.

It had been a quiet five years since the encounter. They put many precautions in place starting with blocking the pipe to the darklands. No one was able to go in and nothing was able to come out. They relied on communications with allies that were still in contact with the darklands to know about their movements. Currently it looked as though his army was searching for something as they kept going back and forth to different worlds. With all the research they still weren't able to pinpoint what exactly as they crossed out everything they came across due to its rarity. Toadsworth was approaching his 50th birthday and as luck would have it he won a sweepstakes to the beautiful isles of delfino.

He hadn't taken a vacation in forever and everyone including the Princess insisted that he deserved it with all the work he put in on the daily. With all the encouragement around he decided to take it, Buying his plane ticket and Packing his bags. It came to the day of his departure and as he was heading down the corridor he was approached by the Princess, who had just finished up with everything for the day.

"Oh is it that time for you to leave already?" She phrased it as more of a statement than a question. "Um well I hope you have a good time. I'll do my best to make sure everything stays in place while you're away" Peach told him, feigning confidence. He smiled and walked toward her holding onto her hand.

"I know you'll be able to do it Princess. We will figure out what he's planning and make sure everyone is protected." He promised, squeezing her hand.

"Right. I'll try to keep you updated with the letters. Stay safe and have a nice time. I'll miss you." She squeezed his hand back and leaned down to kiss the top of his head. Thinking about it for a moment she then bent down all the way and gave him one final hug.

"A month will be over before you know it my dear. You can do it, we're all here for you" He hugged her back and she nodded against him.

A day later, a council member came bursting into the throne room telling everyone the Ice kingdom had fallen.

[ssreeder]

Chapters: 10/? Fandom: Avatar: The Last Airbender Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Sokka/Zuko (Avatar), Aang/Katara (Avatar), others to be tagged later - Relationship Characters: Sokka (Avatar), Zuko (Avatar), Aang (Avatar), Katara (Avatar), Toph Beifong, Jet (Avatar), Suki (Avatar), Kyoshi Warriors (Avatar), Iroh (Avatar), Jee (Avatar), Hakoda (Avatar), Bato (Avatar), A bunch of OCs, Long Feng, Joo Dee (Avatar), Azula (Avatar), Mai (Avatar), Ty Lee (Avatar), Ozai (Avatar), General Fong (Avatar) Additional Tags: Violence, Blood and Injury, War, Minor Character Death, Rape/Non-con Elements, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, Attempted Sexual Assault, Major Character Injury, Amputation, Implied/Referenced Suicide, possible major character death, themes similar to the first two books, Sexism, Racism (like has already been written in first two books), dark themes, Human Trafficking, Slavery, Just a lot of dark war-like themes, there will be a battle, Torture, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Injury Recovery, Healing, Underage Sex, Underage Drinking, Animal Death, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Warnings each chapter, Hopefully some healing for Zuko finally, no promises, but that’s the goal, Reunions, hopefully a happy ending, Sokka gets some healing too, Non-Consensual Drug Use Series: Part 3 of Leaving It All Behind Summary:

-This is the last book of the series LIAB, please go read the other two books before this, or you will be very confused-

Zuko has been taken by the Earth Kingdom army to who-knows-where, and Sokka is determined to get him back.

But he can’t do it alone.

With Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors by his side, Sokka is headed to Ba Sing Se to find Katara and Aang so they can go rescue his fire bender.

Things aren’t as easy as he had hoped. Corruption, lies, and unknown horrors await them inside the city’s walls. None of this is helping Sokka’s mental well-being.

Hakoda and his men face a problem of their own as Azula approaches with the intentions of making it rain fire.

Sokka and Zuko will both find themselves having to reintegrate back into a life they thought they left behind, with people they hardly remember. It isn’t easy for anyone, especially when they don’t recognize the person standing in front of them.

[girlscience]

I hate getting into something that has a canon(ish) sapphic couple, but I only end up caring about one of the two women 😭😭😭