#I am prepared for my siblings to yell at me

[randaccidents]

Tentative Heartless Playlist baybeeeeee

These are just songs that I am pegging to them. It can be either vibes or lyrics (most of the time its lyrics). I'll probably post a better one one day. Enjoy the implications folks! (by folks I am looking at kitkatriel and tallyhoot EDIT AND tadsstrange).

Heart songs:

Evl Ppl - Chonny Jash cover (yes I failed to avoid CJ rip)

Scum (it eats you alive) - Lovejoy

Home - Cavetown

If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking - Honkai Star Rail OST (not officially released or smth?)

Goodbye to a World - Porter Robinson

Shinkai Shojo (Deep Sea Girl) - Yuuyu BUT SPECIFICALLY this cover here by Lizz Robinett for the english lyrics I want (the vibes are also impeccably sad)

Perseverance songs:

MKDR (DSCF) - DECO*27

Throwdown - Milgram: Shidou trial 1

花に風, Wind Over the Flower - balloon (?)

Penitence songs:

Cosmic Rendezvous - DECO*27

Consequences - Lovejoy

quiet room - Yoh Kamiyama

Perseverance and Penitence songs (duo):

Weight of the World - Nier:Automata OST BUT SPECIFICALLY this cover here by Amalee and Peter Hollins for the VIBES

Hated by Life itself - Iori Kanzaki (please please listen to the relay chorus tho)

Regression - Honkai Impact 3rd OST performed by Ayanga

Song that I have no idea if it should go to Heart or to Penitence:

我問天 (I ask Heaven) - Theme song for a Taiwanese Love drama? apparently? I only know it for the memes (I wish i could give yall an english translation for this hokkien song but I only found this one here and its still pretty inaccurate)

Also head in hands I couldnt quite fit it but go listen to JJ Lin's 修炼爱情 (Practice Love) I swear to god that it fits the story of Heartless entirely or something. I'm just. Not Entirely Convinced Yet. But I swear the vibes are too strong for it not to. This is me shoving old chinese songs at my audience go listen to chinese songs.

[obguro]

The Pretty Boy

A KNY x Male Reader —— !?

> Going back to Tanjiro’s trial, what if he had a brother?

> warnings; mentions of blood/stabbing, y/n is a cutie pie, hes also kagayas biggest fan, a tinkle of angst :3

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“Wake up! I said wake up!”

Tanjiro started to hear as he started to awaken. “Hey! Can you even hear me?!” A kakushi known as Goto, yelled as he started to get irritated with the boy laid on the ground. “Come on, get up! Are you going to sleep all day?!” Goto yelled once more. The burgundy haired boy jumped awake at the sound of the yells.

“I heard he was a demon slayer with a demon in tow, so I was expecting someone with more flair. Only for it to be just some ordinary-looking kid? Lame.”

“We must see that this boy is put on trial to be judged!”

“To think that he’s been protecting his siblings who has been turned into demons..What a brave and beautiful display of sibling love!!”

Tanjiro opened his mouth, preparing to speak before he felt his head being shoved into the rocks below him. “Don’t open your mouth until you’re told to do so! You are in the presence of the Hashira!”

Tanjiro opens his eyes to glance at the people who were introduced as The Hashira. “The Hashira.. What is that? Who are these people? Where am I?” Tanjiro’s mind raced with questions that were unanswered. Suddenly a lady with a butterfly hair piece started to speak. “This is the Demon Slayer headquarters. You’re here because you are to be put on trial. Before we start, why don’t you explain the crime you have been accused of-” The lady was then interrupted.

“There’s no need for a trial!”

Flame Hashira; Rengoku Kyojuro.

“Protecting not one, but two demons is a clear violation! We can deal with this on our own! We should end all three of them!” Rengoku stated in a loud tone, before another voice was heard.

“In that case, I’ll decapitate them with style!”

Sound Hashira; Uzui Tengen

“I’ll show you the most dramatic spray of blood you have ever seen!” Uzui stated before another voice was heard.

“No way! You’d really kill such an adorable child!”

Love Hashira; Kanroji Mitsuri

“Such a thought fills my heart with sorrow..” Mitsuri stated with a sad tone, before another voice was heard.

“Alas to see such a pitiful creature as this..”

Stone Hashira; Himejima Gyomei

“I grieve for him. Perhaps it would have been better if he hadn’t been born at all.” Gyomei stated as tears ran down his face, before another voice was heard.

“What was the shape of that cloud again?..”

Mist Hashira; Tokio Muichiro

“What was it called?.. I can’t remember.” Muichiro stated in a low tone while gazing up at the sky.

Tanjiro started to look around trying to spot the box which held his younger and older siblings. Goto noticed this and started to question him. “What are you looking at? Your focus should be on them. They’re the highest ranking swordsmen in the corps.” Tanjiro stared at the 6 people standing before him, before starting to look around again. “Nezuko! Y/N! Where did you take them?” Tanjiro asked out loud, sitting up from his position. He started to call out for his friends as well, before a voice from above was heard.

“Nevermind the boy, what will we do with Tomioka?”

Serpent Hashira; Obanai Iguro

“From what Kocho stated earlier, he is just as guilty for breaking the corps rules. Seeing him without restraints makes me feel ill. What do you have to say for yourself, Tomioka?” Obanai asked while pointed his finger at someone. He was met with silence.

“…”

Water Hashira; Tomioka Giyuu

As Giyuu stayed silent, another voice spoke up for him.

“I think it’s fine, he did come here without any resistance.”

Insect Hashira; Kocho Shinobu

“Let’s come up with a penalty later!” Shinobu stated cheerfully. “What I’m more interested in, is this boys story. He’s been traveling with demons, even as a demon slayer.. I want to hear why. What he did was unquestionably against corps rules!” She kept her gaze on Tanjiro, who then looked at her. Tanjiro let out a gasp of shock, not knowing this information. “Why are you traveling with demons despite being a demon slayer, Tanjiro Kamado? You can take your time, just answer the question.” Shinobu had asked in a confused tone, waiting for the boy to answer.

Tanjiro started to answer the question, only to realize he couldn’t due to the pain from his throat. Shinobu kneeled down in front of him a gourd of water, holding it out to him. “It looks like you need some water.” Tanjiro looked at it before grabbing it with his teeth and drinking it. “It seems you have injured your jaw so please be careful! I added an anesthetic to help with the pain.” Shinobu stated as he gulped down the water. Tanjiro finished the water in a few seconds, feeling some relief. Shinbou spoke up again, “Are you ready to tell us your story now?”

Y/N’s POV — Location: In The Box

As I woke up, I could hear some lady shouting at the person carrying the box Nezuko and I were in.

“Please Master Shinazugawa! I must ask you to put down that box!”

So his name is Shinazugawa?.. Pretty name.. I wonder where Tanjiro is..

I glanced at my younger sister, who was still asleep.

Nezuko.. You’re okay.. You had me worried when we were fighting that Lower Moon.. He was such a poor soul.. I hope he was able to meet his family in the afterlife.

I started to zone out, thinking back to the fight that occurred a while ago. I guess I got too distracted by my thoughts because the next thing I knew, I felt a sharp pain through my shoulder. I couldn’t help but let out a large muffled yelp from the sudden pain.

Glancing down, I noticed a green and black colored sword going through Nezuko’s and I’s shoulder. I looked at her with a worried expression basically asking, “are you alright?” She nodded a little bit, still wincing from the pain.

“Anyone who harms my siblings answers to me! I don’t give a fuck if you’re a hashira or not!”

Oh there you are Tanjiro.. I’m so glad you’re okay.

“Oh how very nice for you!” A deep voice says with a chuckle. The sword was then ripped out of the box completely. I let out a gasp as blood started to drip down my arm and chest, slowly regenerating.

“Cease this! The master will be arriving shortly!” Another voice shouted.

There was a loud sound before I could feel the box hitting the floor, accidentally hitting my head on the side of the box. I could hear a commotion from outside the box, consisting of multiple gasps and sweet sound of a giggle followed by a “pardon me.”

“If you can’t tell the difference between good demons and bad ones, then you shouldn’t be a hashira!” I heard Tanjiro yell from the box.

Tanjiro… I let out a smile. You’re still protecting us no matter what… You’re the best younger brother anyone could have.

“You little..I’ll destroy you!” The same deep voice that was holding the box earlier was heard. Before anything else could happen, a unfamiliar feminine voice spoke up, “The master of the mansion has returned.”

Master of the mansion? Where are we right now?..

A gentle, warming voice then spoke, “My beloved children, I thank you for coming here this day.” I could hear different pairs of feet walking, then the same voice spoke again, “Good morning to you all, the weather is strikingly nice today. Perhaps with a blue sky?”

His voice puts me at ease.. It’s so gentle and comforting.. I wonder who that is

“Finding ourselves here at the semiannual gathering with all the same faces, It brings me joy.” He spoke before the box was hit again. I then heard Shinazugawa speak up, “I’m pleased as well to see you in good health as well, master.”

I’m so sleepy.. Why am I so tired? It shouldn’t hurt to take a small nap… My thoughts faded as I started to doze off, falling into a dream.

Y/N’s POV — Location: In the Dream

I opened my eyes and looked around, noticing it was nothing but a black void. A voice spoke up behind me, “Y/N dear..”

I turned around to see a lady. A lady with black hair and purple eyes. My mother.

“Mother…” I let out in a soft tone. She smiled at me, holding her arms open. I knew what this meant. I would always give her hugs.

I then walked right into her arms, starting to tear up. Why wasn’t i the one who died?.. why couldn’t you be the one who lived?… She wrapped her arms around me, feeling the same as it used to. Warm. Comforting.

“My son, I am so proud of you. You protected your siblings.” She stated as she started to run her fingers through my (h/c) hair. “Please keep making me proud and continue to protect them..” I let of a nod against her shoulder.

“I promise I will.”

Y/N’S POV — Location: In the Box

I woke up from my dream immediately from the scent of blood.

Was someone hurt?

I open my eyes to see crimson blood dripping into the cracks of the box. I look over at Nezuko to see her starting to drool through her muzzle.

“Nezuko.. calm down.” I let out in soft whisper, hoping to calm her hunger.

“Hey demons! It’s time for your dinner!” I heard Shinazugawa shout from outside the box. Nezuko started to claw at the box and let out growls of hunger. “Don’t hold back. Show us your true colors.” Shinazugawa spoke again.

Another voice spoke up, this one unfamiliar. “It’s the daytime, no good doing this now. It will only show up in the shadows.”

I don’t like where this is going..

“Master, Please forgive me for the discourtesy I’m about to commit.” Shinazugawa spoke from the same spot. I could feel the box get lifted and slammed onto the ground once again. The same sword from earlier stabbed into the box again, going through the shoulder of Nezuko then out again.

I’m starting to get irritated.. He keeps injuring her… I look at Nezuko worried.

“Stop it!” I heard Tanjiro yell.

Suddenly, the door of the box was opened from the outside. Nezuko started to stand up, growing to her full size.

This is such a pain..

I look up from the box at who I assumed was Shinazugawa. White Hair. Violet Eyes. Scars Everywhere. I took in his appearance, not affected by his blood in the slightest.

I don’t have the desire to drink blood..but Nezuko can’t help it.. You got this, honey.

I heard Tanjiro yell out our younger sisters name. I look at Nezuko to see her stop struggling but had a lost look on her face. She stood there for a few seconds before turning away with a look of digust.

The comforting voice from earlier spoke up again, “Tell me what happened.” The unfamiliar feminine voice then explained.

“There it is, undeniable proof Nezuko won’t attack a human.” The soft voice explained to the other voices I heard prior to falling asleep I assume.

Nezuko looked down at me and I just let out a closed eyed smile at her. Then Shinazugawa spoke up, “What about you?! Huh?! You know you want it!” I look up at him to see him glaring down at me.

I guess it’s my turn.. I stood up, growing to my full size.

3rd Person POV

The other Hashiras shifted their focus to the other demon that started to come out of the box, taking in its appearance in shock. It was a male with (h/l) (h/c) hair tied up, (e/c) with slitted pupils, and he was dressed up in a black kimono. He was the definition of pretty. They noticed something different though, there was a gentle look in his eyes.

The (h/c) male looked at Shinazugawa, before reaching for his bamboo muzzle. The other hashiras reached for their swords just in case. They watched as the demon took the muzzle out of his mouth, letting it rest around his neck.

“Are you alright?.. You’re bleeding.” The males voice came out soft. Shinazugawa stared at the male in confusion and shock at the question. He then let out a growl of anger, “Why are you asking me that?! Why aren’t you affected by my blood?!” Y/N just simply smiled at him slightly before reaching into his kimono, pulling out a roll of gauze. “You shouldn’t injure yourself.” Y/N stated as he gently took the white haired males arm, starting to wrap the gauze around the open wound. Shinazugawa was too shocked to speak or move away from the male.

Y/N finished wrapping the olders arm, then he turned towards the others. The first thing he noticed was a man dressed in striped clothing was pinning down his younger brother to the floor with his elbow.

“Excuse me, the man with the snake.. Would you mind letting my brother go please? Neither Nezuko or I are not going to attack any of you.” Y/N asked in a soft tone to the other male.

Obanai scoffed and replied in a harsh tone, “No way, I’m not taking orders from a de-” He was interrupted by the tall male inside the house, known as Kagaya Ubuyashiki. “Obanai.. Please release the boy.” Obanai stared, wide eyed at his master but followed the orders given.

Y/N looked at the Master, noticing the sickness that was on his face. No matter, he still thought the male in front of him was gorgeous.

“Do tell me what happened with the other demon..” Kagaya spoke curiously. One of his daughters spoke up from next to her father, “The male demon smiled at Shinazugawa before wrapping his wounds for him, the blood seemingly not affecting him at all.”

“Well my children.. That proves that Y/N nor Nezuko will not harm humans.” Kagaya let out a soft smile towards his Hashiras. “I hope this will be accepted by all that these two demons will stay and work for the Demon Slayer corps. Tanjiro go out and defeat a Twelve Kizuki, do that and you’ll be accepted by all.”

Tanjiro sat up, looking at the master. “Alright! Me and my siblings will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji!” Y/N covered his face in embarrassment at his younger brothers bold claim, knowing well that they barely survived their last fight. “Let’s start with defeating a twelve kizuki first.” Kagaya said towards the boy with a slight chuckle.

The other hashiras let out some giggles as Tanjiro bows his head in embarrassment. “We have concluded our business with you, Tanjiro.” Kagaya stated. Shinobu then requested that the three siblings would stay at her estate, Kagaya agreeing.

Y/N walked over to the shared box, shrinking to fit in with his sister. Climbing in the box, Y/N shut the door behind him. The kakushi lifted the box, carrying it away towards The Butterfly Mansion, not before apologizing to the master for the intrusion.

Y/N held his sister close as he fell asleep with one thought in his mind.

“Everything will be okay, your big brother is here.”

[blue-sadie]

Misleading

Sorry this was a request but Tumblr being Tumblr I lost the post and had to rewrite it, I don't do part 3s but I made it very similar to it

Sully Family x Sibling Reader

Summary: the sullys always protect one another especially the baby (you)

Warning: platonic

Yn/3rd person pov

The adrenaline was wearing off, my panting breath was the only thing I could hear through my ringing ears, i looked through my blurry eyes up to the top of the hill which I fall down.

I was a long ways down I groaned as I slowly rose to rest on my elbows so I could see my surroundings I don't know where I am nothing looks familiar, I raised one of my hands to my forehead letting out a shakey breathe as I felt the hot crimson liquid.

"F-fuck" I cursed bringing the hand infront of my eyes, the blood dripped down my fingers I watched a drop slide down the palm of my hand.

"I'm never gonna be let out again" I muttered breathlessly and brought my hand to the communication device attached to my neck "d-dad" i sighed in pain and closed my eyes tightly.

"What's wrong yn are you hurt" his voice sounded fizzy through the radio but I could still hear the concern in his voice "I was out l-looking for stuff for mom and I I fell" I murmured and groaned as i sat up straight.

"Are you hurt my yn" mon spoke "just a little but I'll live" I said and slowly tried to stand up but lost my balance each time "where are you so we can come get you" this time it was neteyam speaking his voice somewhat panicked.

"I don't really know the last thing I know was just passed the abandoned shack where we get the nice fruit I like from" u sighed I heard faded voices through the radio probably lo'ak and kiri "ok we're on our way hold on tight".

Neteyam and jake both rushed to their ikrans and lo'ak came closely behind trying to reason with their father "dad I know where she is" he tried going to his ikran but jake stopped him "enough, go home and stay put do you understand me".

Lo'ak sighed and nodded defeatedly watching them mount their ikrans and dive into the afternoon sky, his eyes twitched debating his next move "fuck it" he muttered running to his ikran and flying out, lo'ak made sure to avoid his father and older brother in the sky using all the short cuts he knew.

Lo'ak was the first to get to me "yn" he yelled jumping off his ikran and running to my side "l-lo'ak where's dad" I felt dizzy from the loss of blood, my body trembled as he held me "close i-i think" he stammered looking towards the sky I looked up at him he differently gonna be in trouble.

He grabbed some cloth from his satchel and wrapping them around my wounds somewhat slowly the blood flow "thanks-" I was interrupted by the sound of dad's ikran "lo'ak" dad called making lo'ak cringe.

Dad and neteyam hoped off their ikrans and came towards us dad's eyes fill with anger intill he saw my wrapped wounds "good job but next time listen to me" he hissed and lo'ak nodded "let's get you home baby girl" dad turned to me, neteyam and lo'ak grabbing my sides helping me to my feet.

They brought me over to neteyams ikran and helped me on "don't fall... again" lo'ak tried to joke making me love sarcastically "funny" I muttered and groaned as neteyam settled behind me.

"Are you ok" he murmured as he wrapped his arms around me preparing to fly "just dizz-" my vision slowly turned black and my body limp "yn" his voice faded into nothing.

-Time skip-

My eyes slowly fluttered open and a pained groan left my lips as I felt a dam cloth being layed on my forehead "w-who" I whispered trying to left my hand but he clasped my hand gently keeping it down.

"You need to rest sister" his voice was low and caring as I heard water being rung out and another cloth pressed over my shoulder "neteyam" I hissed the medicine stinging my wound making him chuckle lightly "next time maybe watch where your going".

I huffed rolling my eyes "next time I'll just make you get the stuff for me you skxawng" he chuckled again shaking his head as his arm moved under my body helping me to sit up.

"Maybe next time tell me where your going so I can go hunting while you collect things ewya knows moms never letting you leave alone again"

[ist4rgirlo]

─── 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 - 𝐜.𝐟 : 𝐈𝐈

Summary: Being Belly & Steven’s older sibling has it’s pros and cons. protecting them and taking care of them is a must, but do you really have to put their feelings first instead of your own?

Prev ; Next || Conrad Fisher x fem!reader || My blog

Warning: angst, fluff, swearing(?), smoking, conrad being a two timer. (lmk if i missed anything!)

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It was the night after me and Conrad talked. We were now in the dining room, eating the food Susannah prepared for us.

“So, I want to continue on your guys’ portraits tomorrow. Are you guys free?” Susannah smiled at us.

Susannah was almost done with our portraits. She just needed to put a little bit of touches, more color to it. We’d love to stay home and let her continue it but it was almost the end of summer, we all had our own plans.

Steven looked around the table, waiting for our answer. “Well I am free tomorrow, you can continue mine” he smiled.

I smiled at Steven and started to look around the table too. “Anyone else that’s free? it’s okay if you guys are not, it’s summer, you guys are supposed to have fun not be stuck here” Susannah reached for my hand and smiled.

“I don’t think i’ll be free tomorrow” Belly said, stopping herself from smiling. Trying to cover her mouth with her hand. That smile, I knew there was something going on. I just knew it.

Susannah and Laurel looked at her, confused while Steven looked at me like asking me if I knew what was going on. I shook my head no even though I knew.

“Wow! Belly is finally going out!” Steven teased Belly. I laughed “Shut up, Steve! Don’t tease her like that” I nudged him with my elbow and looked at Belly winking at her.

Belly smiled big, “Well whether you believe it or not, I am going on a date” she bit her lip — trying to contain her giggle.

I knew it. I knew Conrad was going to ask her anytime soon. This is what I wanted right? but why am I hurting? am I sad about it? I don’t think so.

I smiled, “So who’s the lucky guy? huh?” I asked — acting like I didn’t know, I definitely knew and Susannah knew that I knew.

Susannah who was still holding my hand, started to caress my hand. I looked at her, I nodded and smiled, as a way of saying that it was okay, that I was okay.

“Well, It’s Conrad” Belly said, trying not to giggle. My mom smiled, she looked excited, “Oh really? that’s nice!” finally, what she wanted was happening.

Steven looked at me, confused — trying to comprehend what was happening. He was confused with how Belly and Conrad happened, how it started, when it started.

“What the fuck, Conrad! Really? my sister?” Steven teased. “Hey! Don’t be like that!” my mom said glaring at Steven. Of course she’d defend them, this was something that she always saw back when we were little.

“Well, what about you Y/N? are you busy tomorrow? Jere?” Susannah said looking at us with a gentle smile.

I looked at Jeremiah, he was looking at me too, “I think i’m-“

“Me and Y/N actually got something tomorrow, Mom” Jeremiah said, cutting me off — smiling at Susannah.

I looked at Jeremiah — raising my brows at him. He just smiled and shrugged.

“What?! where are you guys going now? why am I not included in whatever this is?” Steven yelled while pointing fingers at us. I laughed at him along with Jeremiah and Belly.

“Oh come on, Steven. Let your sisters have fun without you!” my mom laughed, looking at me and Belly. Steven groaned and slumped on the chair he was sitting at, “This is not fair!!”

It was funny how he always acted like he knew everything, like he was the shit but when it comes to things like this, he acts like a child. He doesn’t like it when he feels left out.

“Well I guess it’s just you and me, Steven” Susannah smiled gently. I looked at Conrad, noticing that he was already looking at me, I looked away and turned my attention to Belly.

Belly looked back at me and smiled, I smiled back. She wanted this, this was her dream, to be with Conrad. She deserves this, she deserves to be happy. She is happy and I am happy too. That’s what matters.

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After the dinner, I went up to my room and changed into my swimsuit. I decided to go for a swim, since it was something that always eased my mind.

It was such a nice night to swim, not that cold and not that hot. It was just the right temperature.

I went in and swam for a while. As I returned to the surface, I saw Conrad, smoking.

“Hey, there. Didn’t know you smoked” I tilted my head, smiling a little bit. It was the first time I saw him smoke, he never smoked.

Conrad smirked, taking a drag of his cigarette before answering me. “Well it just helps me sleep well” he shrugged.

“Yeah sure, It’ll kill you too.” I rolled my eyes and swam away from him.

This was different. Conrad was acting different, this wasn’t normal. I wanted to act like I didn’t care but I did. He’s my bestfriend too, I can’t afford to lose him.

As I returned again to the surface Conrad asked me, “Are you happy?” he titled his head, taking another drag of his cigarette.

“All of a sudden?” I asked him. I ask myself the same question, am I really happy? am I putting up a front? is whatever i’m doing right?

Conrad shrugged, “Yeah? Just wanted to ask, you seemed kinda off earlier” he looked at me in my eyes, trying to read my emotions. He always said I was an easy read, but he wondered why he can’t read me now.

I remained silent for a while — I didn’t know what the answer was because even I ask myself that. “Well we’re all complete. It’s summer, no school, no problems. I guess i’m not fully happy because of what Susannah’s going through right now but we’re all together so somehow I am happy.” I smiled gently, Conrad smiled back.

“Well I am glad you are happy because me too. I feel the same way” Conrad said, smiling at me — taking another drag of his cigarette. Looking at me while he blew the smoke out of his mouth.

I can see that he was happy but there was a glint in his eyes, I knew he wasn’t fully happy, how can he be happy when Susannah’s sick? — he made it so hard not to care for him but I knew I needed to stop this feeling, I needed to do it even if it hurts me.

I looked away from him, “So… where are you taking Belly?” I asked as I swam away from him, turning my back on him, trying to change the topic.

There was silence, I guess he didn’t want this conversation. He never expected to jump into this topic. He didn’t want to talk about this with me.

“Uhm, I’ll be taking her to her favorite restaurant and probably go to the arcade too or something” Conrad shrugged throwing his cigarette away, not really sure with his answer.

I turned, “That’s nice, Belly will absolutely love it” I smiled at him. He just looked at me with his brow furrowed,that look like I was crazy — like I was someone he didn’t know — all because he couldn’t figure it out, he couldn’t read me — it was so hard for him.

It was silent again not until Jeremiah came out of the door.

“Y/N! Go inside, it’s getting cold!” Jeremiah walked towards me with a towel in his hands. I swam all the way to the end of the pool where Jeremiah was, he lend a hand out and he helped me get out of the pool.

“Thank’s Jere” I took the towel and smiled at him gently. I wiped my face and rubbed it on my head then wrapped it around my shoulder.

I look back to check if Conrad was still there but he already stood up and started to walk inside the house.

Jeremiah looked at Conrad then looked back at me, I looked back at him, his brows furrowed, “You okay, Y/N/N?” I smiled at him and nodded, “Come on, let’s get back inside” I said — Jeremiah nodded and guided me back inside the house since I didn’t have any slippers on, we went inside the house and watched a movie with the moms.

There was a lot of things that happened today, my talk with Conrad, Conrad asking Belly out, and me and Jeremiah going out which I didn’t even know that we were, I am honestly glad that Jeremiah was there to save me. As of right now, if my sister is happy then I am happy too. As I said, that’s what matters.

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taglist : @maybankslover @urmomisafinewoman @user3729107491 @melllinaa @anthgoldenhrry @arunabrak

if you want to get tagged for the next part just let me know !! enjoy :))

[leah-lover]

My mommy. Alessia russo x daughter! reader.

Reader is jealous of her mother's pregnancy.

You loved your mama. 

Obviously everybody loves their mom but with you it was different. You wanted to be on her, near her and in her eye sight at all times. When you would wake up she was the first thing you thought about, and you wanted her to be the last thing you saw before you closed your eyes. Alessia loved you too, she loved your clinginess, your smile, your strawberry like smell, and laughter. 

Today started out like any other day. You woke up, washed your face, took your stuffed bear and headed to your mommies’s room. They were still asleep, tangled up in one another. You stood up at the foot of the bed and jumped on their sleeping bodies. 

“Honey I told you to stop doing that.”said you mommy half asleep. 

“Come here bear, I still want to snuggle.” Said your mama, Alessia, opening her arms for you. You always looked up to these moments with you and your mommies tangled up in bed. 

“We love you so much baby bear, you know that right.?.” Said your mom. You worry in her voice but you didn't give it much attention. 

“I love you too mommy.” You add.

Your mommy gets up to go make breakfast and you stay in bed with your mama. 

“We have a surprise for you baby bear today.” She says with the biggest smile on her face. “ We are gonna spend the day together at the park just you mommy and me.”she adds. 

“But mama no training today, no football?.”you ask. 

“No care bear, just you mommy and me at the park. Let's go get dressed then.” she says before picking you up and taking you to your room. 

Today was the best day in your recent memory. Mommy, mama and you went to an amusement park, a real park where you and Alessia played football. You had lunch at your favorite place, went to the mall and bought some new toys and ice cream. It was a perfect day. When you came back home all of you were tired. And just when you thought the fun ended Alessia turned the TV on and put on your favorite movie and you had a family doing along. After one of your performances you looked at your mommies only to see Alessia's hand on your mommy's belly. You knew what that meant. Ight mean that mommy was pregnant and that a new sibling was china come and share your mommies with you. You then felt your chest rise and tears built up on your eyes. 

“No.” You yelled. “ No, brother. No sister, just me, mommy, mama, and footy.” You say before storming off to the stairs.

Your mothers didn't expect this huge of a reaction but they still ran after you. 

“ Baby bear please calm down deep breaths my love is okay.” cooed Alessia rubbing your back. You couldn't control what was inside of you and you didn't know what it was you just wanted to cry. 

“It's okay baby we are your mommies we love you we always will.” Said your mommy. 

“No, mama mine. Mine alone.” You say stomping you get on the ground. 

“I am yours baby. I will always be yours and I will always love you, play with you and hang out with you baby.” says Alessia trying to get you to calm down. 

“Baby Olive sleep on aunt Beth. Don't want brother to sleep on you. I sleep on you.” You say referring to Beth and Viv's new born baby. 

It was clear that jealousy was the reason behind your outburst. “But baby Olive is so young she still needs her mommy to help her to sleep. You will sleep next to us if you want to.” says your mommy. 

You busy your face on Alessia's neck crying even more. “I only have one baby bear in this world that I love and that you. It will always be you. I  promise. I will love both of you so much.” says Alessia rubbing your back and giving you kisses all over your face. 

“ Are you okay now buddy.”says your mommy. 

“Think so,”you reply.

“Okay lessi is gonna give you a bath while I prepared your bed is that okay.” She asks. 

“Please bear pjs mommy.” You demand which is granted as your mommy gives you a kiss and walks past you 

About an hour later you find yourself in bed with both your mommies reading you a story. 

“It's okay mommy. I can have a brother. You will love me the same.” You say and put your hands on your mommy's tummy. 

This gesture brought some much needed heart warming Emeryville in the room. 

“Yes we will.” Says Alessia tucking you in bed before giving you a kiss before heading out of your room to let you sleep.

[httpsserene-main]

‧͙⁺˚･༓☾　late night flying　☽༓･˚⁺‧͙

notifications ☽︎: feelings of inadequacy, stress, near death experiences, na'vi body descriptions, fem!na'vi!reader, sully's being teases

developer's notes ☽︎: hey i did say it would be out around this time :/ i'm doing my best. first work on tumblr since like 2016 be kind i'm supplying my thirst. i was just checking the word count to paste it here, and i genuinely thought lo'ak's was shorter than neteyam's, i was wrong 💀 prepare yourself, it's a novel lmao and yes this is a reminder that i consider these drabbles. also if you find yourself loving this work send me an ask for a request and i'd be thrilled to fulfill it!

much love, <3 kirby !!!

⋆☾ NETEYAM SULLY - 1.8k words

it’s difficult for neteyam to have the time and energy to be an impulsive and disobedient kid like his brother. he spends most of his time shadowing his parents learning how to lead or chasing after his younger siblings and making sure that in their shenanigans they don’t get hurt. so, most of the time he’s only disobedient when he’s making sure his siblings are safe, which is honorable and cute. neteyam is also disobedient when he finds himself wanting to spend more time with you.

the fifteen years neteyam has been living, he’s constantly had people tell him that he’s a perfect son. that he’s smart, compassionate, strong; that he's going to be a great warrior–and a great olo’eyktan. however, he hasn’t heard that he’s the perfect son from his parents, but he doesn't have to hear it to know that they’re thinking it. he sees in how they scold lo’ak after another stupid stunt he pulled, “why can’t you try to be more careful? or, better yet, less reckless?” his dad would ask. neteyam knows the only thing lo’ak heard is, “why can’t you be more like your brother?” and it’s starting to be the only thing neteyam hears too. when he was younger he probably wouldn’t care so much about the jealous and now defeated looks lo’ak throws his way, but recently, neteyam is feeling every molecule of pressure from the village, his siblings, and his parents to continue being perfect. it doesn’t help that lo’ak has seemed to become resigned in his role of irresponsible-impulsive-brother, too, it only magnifies the pressure on neteyam to be better.

spider, lo’ak, kiri (and even tuk!), tease him for being a “goody-two shoes,” an english phrase their father had taught them. and today neteyam has had enough of hearing it. he woke up early with his father to prepare their ikran for patrol, sparred with him for hours, had his bow and flight technique nitpicked by his mother, and now he has to supervise his siblings scaling the mountains to make sure they don’t die exploring without the permission of their parents. and when they all tease him for being a “goody-two shoes,” for not wanting to venture further, he snaps. neteyam hisses and stalks his way over to the edge of the mountain, “whatever. go ahead and get involved in some dangerously stupid situation that you can’t get yourself out of and when i’m not there to save you, like i always am, have fun calling mom and dad to save your ass! and i’ll make sure to be back to enjoy seeing your dumbassess getting yelled at for your lack of brain cells, as usual.”

he calls his ikran, initiates the bond, ignores the calls apologizing and telling him to stop, and takes off into the sky. neteyam flies for what feels like minutes to him–feels the wind cascade through his braids, the cool air rushing across his skin, the sun battling the breeze to warm him, the complete understanding between him and his ikran, not needing to a single word or thought to guide. as he’s gliding through a spattering of small mountains and makes out your form and ikran ground atop of one, his curiosity gets the best of him this time, and he lands next to you. 

you’re on the ground leaning against the body of your ikran, it’s wing shielding you from the strong rays of the sun, keeping you cool. the freckles on your smooth blue-toned skin are glowing a soft white under the shade of the wing, a false replication of night. your legs are comfortably stretched-out and crossed in front of you, along with your arms crossed over your chest, your head and back resting on the warm ikran. as neteyam walks closer he sees your chest rising and falling slowly, eyes gently shut, and a look of bliss on your face. he sighs, relieved, greets your ikran with a bow of his head, and gets a welcoming coo of acknowledgment and a head shake in return, jostling your body and causing you to rouse. 

a soft groan leaves your lips, ears and tail flicking in displeasure, before your eyes flutter open and drowsily make contact with his own. you blink a few times, making a small sound of confusion, “huh?”, and your hands come up to rub at your eyes, as if seeing him here is a figment of your imagination. neteyam smiles, a warm laugh escaping him, amused by how adorable you are, even though he disturbed you from your little nap. his amusement lets you know he is in fact real, his laugh awakens the butterflies in your stomach, and your tail hides in embarrassment at being caught hiding (by him, of all people) away from everyone else, as your cheeks darken into an indigo-tinted blush. 

you shyly make an effort at eye contact and fail as you try to explain your situation to him. “i was just–”, he waves off your voice and states with a small smirk, “no need to explain yourself, it’s not like you’re in trouble with me.” you shrug, muttering a few deprecating words to yourself and are about to stand, when neteyam sits next you. he pulls his knees to his chest, arms wrapped around himself, chin resting on his knees, sighing deeply, eyes fixed ahead on the skyscape, his strikingly handsome faced furrowed with anger? stress? hopelessness?

your eyes widen, shocked at how small he manages to look. it’s incredibly rare that he allows anybody to see him this vulnerable; he’s usually impeccably composed–attractively confident and sure of himself–but the idea that he’s allowing you to see him like this is a privilege you will not take advantage of. you scooch closer to him and place a gentle hand on his shoulder and softly ask, “are you feeling okay?” there’s silence for a while before his lips parted and shut, hesitating, before he shook his head, so faintly it was almost unnoticeable. you nodded, “ do you want to talk about it?” and received a verbal response this time, “no.” with a light rasp to his voice. with another nod, you delicately squeeze his shoulder and offer comfort, “then we will not talk about it. but, if you ever find yourself needing someone to talk to, you can always come to me. the circumstances do not matter. if you want advice, i’ll do my best to advise. if you want me to simply listen, my ears will be open. if you want to sit in silence, ill sit silently with you so you are not alone.”

neteyam turns to you in disbelief at the sincerity within your words, and surprises himself with how close you are, faces only inches apart. your eyes widen and you lean back a little bit, hand slipping off his shoulder, but the earnest look in your gaze remains, trying to gauge his response to your pledge. neteyam shakes his head at you, a happy scoff escapes his lips, and he calls you stupid for resigning yourself to a one-sided promise. you put your hands on your hips and tilt your head at him, not falling for the insult. “all that matters to me is that you have someone to speak your true feelings to and not allow them to eat at you from the inside out.” neteyam observes the seriousness in your eyes, the way your ears are turned towards him, the way tension coils in your tail, the way your eyes shift from his to the ground as if you’re just now considering the possibility that he may reject your offer.

neteyam stands, and nods affirmatively, tail flicking, “okay. i do not wish to talk about it. but now as my newly designated comfort person, you have to fly with me.” he offers you his hand, and gently raises you to your feet. you giggle at him, head tilted up to meet his eyes, “there has to be a better title besides ‘comfort person’ but i’ll take it! uh…are you going to let go of my hand so we can get flying?” neteyam drops your hand, and scratches at his head, now it’s his turn for his cheeks to turn indigo. you mount your ikran, and call down to him with a smirk on your face, “trying to race?” neteyam laughs at you, goading, “when i win, don’t hurt yourself trying to eat my dust!” you kick-off getting a head start, and neteyam is quick to mount his ikran and follow you into the sky.

the challenge you had set began with adrenaline-pumped blood, heavy breathing, sharp turns, dives and peaks, free-falling, frivolous chasing after one other, the lead switching between the two of you often, screams of glee and awe when one of you pulled off an unreal maneuver–and turned into cruising instead of racing. eclipse had long since passed, somehow going unnoticed by you and surprisingly, neteyam. your gliding had turned into intertwining flight paths–swirling, flipping, mixing, turning, all synchronized as if it were a dance you two had practiced many times before. neteyam finds himself distracted from guiding his ikran, as his whole thought process becomes consumed with the image of you.

the bioluminescent freckles twinkling on your face in an unknown pattern, and he wonders if his match yours. the way you let your eyes drift shut, how your head is tilted back, how your arms raise and spread into the air as your ikran coasts through a flip in the air. a soft smile remains constant on your lips as you fly, and grows larger when you open your eyes again and turn to him. you pick up speed to overtake him, and set the path through a few cliff sides, while neteyam raises his hand to his face and realizes that he’s been grinning like a madman the whole time he’s been with you. when you two escape the maze of terrain, he coasts right next to you and sees the moonlight hit your lithe body at the perfect angle and allows himself to accept the fact that he’s falling in love with you. and then his heart drops into his stomach, his ikran shrieks and comes to a sudden stop, wings flapping frantically to remain in the same space– sending you and your ikran into a panic, as you quickly turn back to him, and worriedly question him, scared at the paled look on his face.

neteyam buries his face into his hands and silences your bewilderment by pulling a hand from his face and pointing into the sky, finally bringing your awareness to you guys messing around way past eclipse. you eyes widen and your mouth drops open, a groan of despair escaping you, and you look at neteyam, and both of you say,

“we’re so dead.”

and as you two start to race home, debating whether or not to lie about how you guys ended up losing track of time this badly, neteyam can’t help but think that any punishment he receives from his mom and dad wouldn’t matter, in light of the discovery he made today. the fact that he’s falling in love with you, and the fact that he doesn’t want to do anything to stop it.

⋆☾ LO'AK SULLY - 2k words

lo’ak’s just finished being scolded by not only his mother and his father, but also his grandmother after his latest stunt of nearly killing his younger sister, tuk, unintentionally of course. how was he supposed to know that she was going to sneeze and fall off the vines connecting the mountains plummeting to the ground only to be saved by neteyam on his ikran…again. in his anger of being banned from patrolling and flying for two weeks he sulks into the jungle and comes across you.

lo’ak retreats into the jungle after being dismissed by his father, angered and simultaneously exhausted. it’s like his parents think that he purposely tried to kill his little sister–why would he want that?? and at the bare minimum, why don’t they scold tuk for tagging along and blackmailing him all the time? “if you don’t take me, i’m going to tell” she’d singsong at him. even though he’s breaking rules anyway, they should at least tell tuk not to partake in it with him. 

he wasn’t even planning on getting in trouble today! tomorrow,he was supposed to join his parents and neteyam on checking the borders of their land, and he just wanted to share the news with his ikran. so when tuk wanted to come along to see the ikrans, he thought nothing could possibly go wrong, they’re all grouped next to their main dwelling in the mountains. he helped tuk climb to the top, and they both greeted the flock and made their way to his mount. he bring his hand to his forehead and gestures towards the animal, and tuk does the same. the ikran leans towards tuk and snorts at her gently blowing stray grass on to her face. she shrieks and giggles freely–happily, and lo’ak gently laughs at them as he bring his hand to pet the playful animal.

tuk mimics her older brother and gently pats the ikran on the snout a few times before she becomes distracted at the others milling around uninterestedly. she goes off to examine a few juvenile ikrans and lo’ak prods her, “hey! make sure to stay where i can see and hear you!” tuk nods vigorously and begins to play with the babies. lo’ak watches over her quietly for a few minutes, trying to determine whether or not any of the birds are going to try and swallow her whole, and nods acceptingly after witnessing the mature ikrans grumble and waddle away from her instead of attacking her. 

with his sister’s safety secured he turns around to face his ikran (his ears still pinned in her direction) and forms the tsaheylu with his ride–amber pupils blown wide as the bond is initiated. lo’ak loses himself in his thoughts, illustrating them for the animal, and is only shaken from it when he hears his sister sneeze, which is quickly followed by a bone-chilling shriek. his body snaps around so quickly that his braid rips from the bond, and he see his little sister fall in what seems like slow-motion. lo’ak screams her name as she falls over the edge, and instinctively reconnects with his ikran and flies over the edge to try and catch her. he’s diving straight down, gaining on her but not quickly enough for the panic and fear to subside in his chest. he’s reaching out– his hand a few feet apart from tuk’s, and he misses the first grab, the second grab, and then her body is snatched out freefall and into neteyam’s arms. 

lo’ak levels out and speeds towards them, tuk clinging onto their brother–head buried into his chest, sobs wracking her tiny form. neteyam’s hand cradles her head, and he turns to lo’ak ready to yell at him, but the expression on his younger brother’s face stops him. there’s fear in his eyes, tears running down his cheeks and he keeps trying to wipe them away but he can’t seem to stop himself from crying. neteyam smoothly guides his ikran right next to lo’ak and gently detaches tuk from his body and into his brother’s who hesitantly accepts her onto his saddle. she clings on to him crying erratically, broken “sorry’s” falling from her mouth in between sobs, and even as lo’ak comforts her pulling her close and rubbing his hand down her back in a soothing manner, the look in his eyes betrays him; that’s he's feels undeserving of her apologies. neteyam gently rubs lo’ak on the back, and does nothing besides giving him an understanding nod, and coasts in front of him to lead them home. 

“my parents only heard the fact that tuk fell, and not the fact that i feel like shit for letting that happen to her!! it’s like they genuinely think that im putting her in dangerous situations on purpose! like i find some sort of satisfaction in it! i’m not a psychopath, i’m her brother! i care about her safety more than my own! i’d literally die for tuk!” he rants to you. he stumbled across you sitting on a river bank sharpening your knife, and as soon as you saw him you cringed at his expression and asked a simple, “you going to tell me what happened this time?” and now hear you are, listening to lo’ak repeat the same argument against his parents’ for what had to be hours. you glance at the sky and see the sun beginning to bridge the horizon, eclipse will fall upon you two soon. 

for the first time you interrupt and ask, “did you tell your parents that?” lo’ak throws his hands up in the air and begins pacing back and forth exasperatedly claiming, “i tried!! multiple times! and they just spoke over me–they didn’t want to hear it! even neteyam came to my defense trying to explain for me, and they dismissed his words too!!” your eyes widened as you said perplexed, “they ignored what neteyam had to say?” lo’ak screamed, “yes!” in complete disbelief. 

“and now you’re banned from flying,” you clarify.

“yes!”

“and patrolling.”

“yes!!”

you nodded at him, “well it could be a lot worse—”

“what??! what do you mean a lot worse?! this is terrible!” he cried out.

“they could’ve banned you from flying forever,” you smirked at him.

he sighs, a petty little “not funny” escaping from him, and you laugh, letting him know that you thought your joke was funny enough. you watch him continue to pace, his body language still unsettled (you just can’t determine if it’s from his punishment, or not being enough to save his sister), his fingers rake through his braids tugging and pulling at his scalp frustratedly, and you’ve had enough when you see the deep blue skin on his hands start to lighten with the force and grasp he has on his hair. you intercept his path, place an unyielding hand on his chest holding him in place, and with a firm look on your face you demand, “stop tugging at your hair like that. you’ve spent so much time growing these pretty braids it would be a shame to see you rip them out of your own skull.”

lo’ak freezes, eyes wide and locked onto yours, as he releases his braids and his arms fall limp at his sides. he’s not sure if he stopped because he was listening to your instructions, or if because he short-circuited when you called him pretty (okay, you called his braids pretty–it’s a miniscule difference). you state confidently, “if you are not allowed to fly for the next two weeks, that does not mean that i am not allowed fly. which means that you are allowed to fly with me.” lo’ak balks at your bold statement, “uh…” hesitantly calling out to you as you step away from him (your hand just now falling from his chest, yes he noticed) and summon your ikran. he goes, “uhhhh, no! nope! i do not think that is what that means at all!” you climb onto your saddle, and plead, “lo’ak, please let me try to make you feel better. they won’t be wondering where you are until eclipse, and we only have a couple hours left before we lose daylight. fly with me one last time until you really can’t?”

he shifts his weight, battling with himself before he sighs and allows you to help him onto the back of the saddle, “alright, but only until eclipse, okay?” you cheer, and commence a quick take off, causing lo’ak to shout and hurriedly wrap his arms around your waist, and how is this the first time he’s noticed how small you are compared to him. you continue to direct your ikran upwards and into the clouds bringing him further away from his troubles on the ground.

your waist is enveloped completely by just one of his arms, and in order to make the ride more comfortable he pulls his hands backwards and just grasps carefully at the sides of your waist instead, his fingers almost close enough to touch across your stomach. it seems you’ve just become aware of the situation and he feels your breath catch, and stomach tense, but you say nothing, content to avoid addressing it and let him handle it. he sees the deeper shade to your cheeks and smiles boyishly and he knows that you know that he’s cheesing at you, but you refuse to acknowledge his amusement, keeping your eyes fixed forward but the blush becomes noticeable on your ears, and begins to spread to your chest, and he can’t stop himself from audibly laughing. in retaliation, you command your ikran into a sharp flip, and lo’ak’s gasp interrupts his laughter, and he tightens his grasp on your waist to stop himself from sliding.

when you level out it appears that night has finally overtaken day, but the both of you are too busy squealing internally at the fact that his agile, strong, trained, veiny hands are gripping your waist. the bioluminesce begins to sparkle over your body, and he merely leans back to get a better look at you. you turn to look at him and see a soft smile on his face, his eyes overflowing with feelings he has yet to speak with you about; and nevertheless, you understand completely, and you’re sure it’s reflected at him in your own gaze. you shyly face frontwards again, recognizing that you embarrassed yourself enough around him today with bold words and touches, but lo’ak does not let you hide for long. he scoots forward completely, no longer worried about maintaining the space between you. his chest envelopes your back and he leans forward to gently place a fleeting kiss on your cheek, your breath catches again. instead of teasing you as before, he pulls back–dropping one hand to the body of your ikran and allows the other to wrap across you more firmly, his hand pressing against your abdomen encouraging you to rest against him, and you breathe deeply, allowing yourself to be embraced. his chin goes to rest on your head, and you allow your ikran to guide you home, fully at ease in lo’ak’s arms. 

lo’ak gently offers, “let’s spend a little more time out here. just you and me, together.” you begin to half-heartedly reject, reminding him of the circumstances of his punishment and curfew. he waves you off, “it does not matter, you said it yourself. they can’t ban me from flying forever, what’s another week of grounding to the two i have already?” you twist to make sure of his decision, before nodding and turning around again, settling yourself even deeper and more comfortably in his hold.

you suggest to your ikran to take the longest path home.

© killakirby - piracy and plagiarism are not allowed. no reposts on any form of media.

[stomach-bugg09]

sully siblings x sister!reader

summary: [y/n] is back at it again, bringing her siblings entertainment... except this time, she has a little bit more planned.

([I/N] means Ikran's name)

You'll Have to Catch Me First

[Y/N] held the beautiful face of her ikran in her hands. Her fingers felt along the scales, the texture bringing a sense of familiarity and happiness, almost like it was a reminder that this creature — this beast — was so much more than she appeared.

“Okay, [I/N], you remember the drill,” she began, her voice hushed as the two pressed their foreheads together. [Y/N] could only snort as she felt a vibration rumble through her ikran’s body, a deep hum that reminded her, ‘Yes. We have been over it a solid eight-hundred times.’

“Alright, alright,” [Y/N] huffed in mock annoyance. “Whatever you do, though, please do not let me freefall to my death. That is extremely embarrassing.”

But, before [I/N] could respond in her signature exasperated manner, a rustle of leaves made both creatures look up. [Y/N] stared at the shaking leaves of the large tree that they were sitting underneath.

In preparation for what she had been initially planning for, [Y/N] rose from her squatting position, her stance wide and ready to run as soon as she caught a glimpse of her siblings’ familiar faces.

The leaves rustled some more, this time with voices attached to the movements.

“Who decided Lo’ak was in charge?” A familiar deep voice asked, his tone exhausted if not from walking, then from the constant talking from his younger siblings.

“Uh, I am not in charge. Tuk is!”

Tuk’s giggle emerged from behind the leafy entrance, happiness omitting from the soft yet rapid pads of her small feet.

“Even better.” [Y/N] could hear Kiri comment, already imagining the roll of her eyes.

With that, [Y/N]’s four siblings cleared the leaves from their path, allowing themselves entrance into the sunlit section of the forest that [Y/N] had claimed.

“Ah hah!” Tuk declared, raising her index finger in an accusation before she turned around to catch the eyes of her older siblings. After receiving the prideful glances that she initially searched for, Tuk turned back to look at [Y/N]. “We are here to… we are here to… to… Lo’ak what am I supposed to say?”

The older boy chuckled, leaning down to whisper in her ear.

“Oh! Yeah.” Tuk nodded, almost as if affirming her message before relaying it. “We are here to arrest you!”

[Y/N] gasped, her hand pressed to her chest in order to entertain the fantasies of her younger sister. “Arrest? Me?” Tuk nodded, her smile smug. “Oh, dear. Well, I am afraid, Officer Tuk…” she paused, taking a breath to lengthen the silly moment. “I am afraid that you’ll have to catch me first!”

With that, [Y/N] spun on her heel, smiling to herself as she noticed that [I/N] had already flown away. She began with silly, stumbling steps, almost as if she was trying to remember how her legs worked. Luckily enough, she was a quick learner.

It didn’t take long for her to begin lengthening her legs, quickening her steps and her pace. [Y/N] was fortunate enough to catch her siblings off-guard, allowing her extra time to run as Neteyam threw Tuk on his shoulders before they could start pursuing their sister.

Part of this scene, [Y/N] running with a smile stuck on her lips, was absolutely and utterly beautiful. The scenery was gorgeous, as it was all over Pandora, but there always seemed to be a new-found appreciation for it when all [Y/N] could feel was the dirt beneath her toes, the leaves brushing her arms, the breeze blowing back her hair, and the sunlight beaming down on her face. She loved every moment of it.

She laughed joyously as she ran, the sounds of her entertained siblings gracing her ears as they yelled out playful insults and comments as if they could slow her down with words. [Y/N] jumped over roots, ran through a stream, ducked under branches, and didn’t fall once (that’s a new record!)

Well, that is, until she reached the cliff. Of course, that had been her goal since the very beginning. Reach the cliff. As her feet left the softness of mulch and dirt, she began to track muddy footprints on the rough surface of the rocky edge. Once she felt the change in texture, the change in give, she began to calculate. How many steps until the end?

One.

She felt the presence of her siblings catch up to her, their huffs of breath and screams of excitement becoming louder by the second.

Two.

She swore she could see her parents, Neytiri and Jake, in the camp across the way. She did not miss the combined look of curiosity, concern, and possible anger start to make its way onto their faces as they watched her run closer and closer to the edge.

Three.

She wasn’t gonna make it. She needed to make her strides longer, legs stretch even farther than they had been before.

Four.

Oh, shit. What if she didn’t make it? Or worse, what if everything didn’t actually work out?

Five.

Well, it’s too late now. Here comes the moment of truth!

[Y/N] felt her legs launch her off of the rocky cliff into a free-fall. She pressed her eyelids together, her mouth closed, and fists tight. It felt like a billion years and like two seconds all at the same time, all until she felt her body jolt against the surface of [I/N].

Like a habitual response, [Y/N] grabbed her queue and made the bond, distributing and balancing her weight across her body as she stood up on her feet, stuck in a crouched position.

[Y/N] couldn’t help but let out a howl of joy. It worked! It actually worked! And she got to show her parents her capabilities — unfortunately, she was well aware that it would come with future punishment for being reckless, but at least she knew there would be a small amount of pride hidden beneath their stares.

The girl laughed madly, stuck in an adrenaline high of the moment as she soared up, turning right past the cliff where her sibling stood, stuck in awe.

“How ‘bout that,” she teased pridefully, a smile etched on her lips. But, of course, as siblings tend to do, the moment is ruined quicker than it started.

Tuk huffed, her arms crossed in front of her chest. “That’s cheating.”

Heyyy!!! Okay, so this is my first time writing + publishing on tumblr, and to say that I am a tad confused and nervous would be an understatement. It's not at all my best work, given it was written in forty-five minutes, but it was fun and I had to do something else with my life night rather than do homework or study for midterms.

I'm honestly not entirely sure how this whole thing works, but I would love to keep writing for the fun of it. I don't know how requests work (like at all), but I seriously appreciate them as inspiration to keep me writing.

But, anyway, all that is to say: thank you for reading!! I hope you stick around (and I hope I keep writing on here!!)

[we-love-dilfs]

HC of Having a Baby With Rio

A/N: Thank you all for 100 followers! I know that it’s not much and so many people have thousands and thousands, but it’s more than I thought I would get :)

A/N 2: I also created a masterlist that is pinned on my page for all my Rio and other character stories. If there is another concept or character you would like me to write for, just let me know!

• when you first found out you were pregnant, you were worried as hell

• you knew what Rio did and how dangerous it was

• but that wasn’t what scared you most

• what scared you the most was telling Rio

• you knew how much he loved Marcus, but he had never mentioned having another kid

• your mind kept racing with thoughts of him leaving you

• you knew that he loved you, and realistically he would never leave you

• but your fears grew too big to be deflated by rationale

~~~

• he found you sitting on the couch

• he heard Marcus in his room, but he was too worried about the sight in front of him to go greet his son

• there you were, on the couch, staring blankly ahead with tears in your eyes

• he crouched down in front of you to ask what’s wrong

• you couldn’t help it

• you just blurted it out and prepared for the worst

• he didn’t know what to say

• having a baby was a happy thing, but you seemed terrified

• so he just scooped you up into his arms

• that’s when you broke

• you started sobbing and expressing your fears

• he couldn’t believe what you were saying

• he spent the entire night reassuring you that he was happy, and he was not going to leave you

~~~

• he spent your entire pregnancy doting on you

• he even did most of his work from home to be with you

• he refused to let you even lift a finger

• at first you thought it was cute

• but after a while you began to get annoyed

• you were pregnant, not helpless

• still, it did come in handy in the middle of the night when you got a craving

• it didn’t matter what time it was or what you wanted, Rio was prepared to get it for you

• one night you were craving a milkshake from a specific place, but the nearest restaurant to get it had a broken machine

• so he drove another 30 minutes (on top of the original 10) to get you one

• it didn’t matter to him that he spent over an hour driving at 2 am

• he was determined to get you your milkshake, and even brought home fries, because he knew when he got home, you would regret not asking for them

• but despite always being willing to help with your cravings, he didn’t always understand them

• one day you mentioned that you really wanted both peanut butter AND pepperoni

• he didn’t show it, but Rio was disgusted by the idea of it

• still, he dutifully fulfilled your request, albeit horrified by the fact you enjoyed it

~~~

• when it came time to deliver, you were scared, but mostly in pain

• Rio held your hand the ENTIRE time, refusing to let you go, even when you were swatting at him with your other hand

• he spent a lot of time yelling at the doctors to give you something for the pain

• he hated seeing your tear-streaked face contorted in pain

• when the doctors told you it was time to push, you practically froze

• you had been screaming at them for hours to get the baby out, but now that it was time, you began to worry

• you started sobbing to Rio about how you weren’t prepared and you couldn’t possibly be a good mom

• but he squeezed your hand, rubbed your head, and gave you a kiss on the cheek, assuring you that you would be the best mother

• when the baby finally came out, it brought tears to his eyes

• and just when he thought that he couldn’t get any happier, they let you hold the baby

• he knew then that he was a goner

• after you and the baby were cleaned up and you had a moment to rest, he had his grandmother bring Marcus in

• he was just as excited as his father was

• and when Rio saw his son cuddling with you while cradling his new baby sibling, he knew that he’d be perfectly okay with having as many children as you’d give him

[hollyhomburg]

(Cw: vent post) We reached a new level today in our discussion about me moving and leaving mostly because I got my official acceptance last night (yay, I’ll be moving to Seoul in August! I don’t know how much I want to talk about it yet so maybe don’t send me any asks about it!) I expressed very calmly to my mom that no- I don’t want to leave, but yes- I am leaving because I am not willing to tolerate the abuse from my grand parents or take a trial period living with them.

And she kept going on about how I’d wanted to move at one point (but didn’t because I realize I need more support than I would get at the time) and she’s saying that I’m being unfair and making her feel guilty- because in her mind she has no choice but to provide housing for her parents (this is not entirely true: she has 6 other siblings- two of which own more than one house that could easily provide for them.) She feels obligated to house them however since we live in the same community that they used to live in and 20 years ago they helped her buy our house- money that she has sense paid back.

But my grandfather and I but heads- he yells a lot no matter how much I tell him to stop. He has told me on several occasions that my life will be worthless if I do not have kids, that I am obligated to serve him as the patriarch of the family- tads yada yada.

I have made it clear to her many times over the years that I will not live with this man. She knows this, and is preparing a place to live for them anyways. So fine- I accepted it and about 4 months ago I started making plans for myself to leave because I knew she was going to make the choice regardless of my feelings.

It sucks, I feel very abandoned and like my feelings aren’t valued by her, but that is like- the bare minimum of the situation. Like I feel very much like I was like “please don’t do the thing , if you do this I will be hurt by it” and she’s like “but I will do the thing” and I’m like “okay, I am hurt by it” and then she has a freak out. It’s very simple.

She wants me to absolve her from her guilt about not choosing me- and not convincing one of her other siblings to take care of them. She says I’m making her feel guilty when I’m seriously not- I am just Litterally like- having feelings. I cannot absolve her from something without betraying myself and what I feel and saying things that aren’t true.

I understand the rational behind her actions and I am still hurt by them. I understand that she will not change her mind about the necessity of them moving in and I am unwilling to change my stance on my grandfather.

I was very transparent in that I forgive her for choosing her parents by default over me, reader- I even verbally said “I forgive you, I am still hurt by this, but I forgive you because I understand you view this as your only option” but she still said? I’m making her feel guilty?

Tell me why she’s saying that- like I understand why things are happening they are. but just because I’m not willing to say that her actions don’t hurt me she’s saying I’m guilt tripping her.

there’s nothing to be done about my hurt feelings other than prioritizing myself and taking myself out of the situation that she has made untenable. She keeps being all like “I don’t want you to leave.” “I don’t want to leave either but you aren’t willing to do what it will take for me to stay, I forgive you for this but I am still leaving.”

In my mind this is a totally compassionate and reasonable thing to say, but she still??? Says I’m guilt tripping her??? and then she gets angry. I’m trying to be very mature about this. I’m trying to be very thoughtful. I don’t honestly know what else to say to her or what to do.

[acourtofmishapandmistakes]

Under Summer Stars

Azriel x Reader Fic

Summary: In Under the Summer Stars, the scene unfolds at the illustrious birthday celebration of Tarquin, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Summer Court. As the night descends into a playful chaos of laughter and drunken antics, the story centers around the heartwarming and sometimes chaotic experiences of a pregnant protagonist, you, her close-knit circle of friends, and their significant others, as well as your mate, Azriel. From navigating the complexities of motherhood and friendship to rekindling sibling bonds with Tamlin and igniting old flames, this fic covers a lot of ground. Amidst the revelry, unexpected moments of vulnerability and hilarity ensue, leading to a night that promises to be unforgettable.

Warnings: Mentions of sexual activity and brief nudity, along with pregnancy.

Word Count: 5.2k

Authors note: This includes only info from ACOTAR and does not include any background from Crescent City. Also, this is my first more lengthy fic so please read with that in mind! As much as I read, and reread this, there are bound to be typos so if you see them.... no you didn't.

“My love, you can't exactly camp out on the couch all day,” Azriel says. I glance up at him with a package of raspberries neatly arranged on my very pregnant belly. With a grand gesture towards the pile, I pop another berry into my mouth. “I’m not just hanging around—I’m busy making a baby here.”

Azriel grins as he snags a berry from my fingers and eats it himself. I shoot him a playful scowl, the kind meant more in jest than anger, and focus on devouring the rest of the berries.

“I do appreciate you taking a break from your hectic schedule to grow our little one,” Az jokes, his hands gently caressing my belly, “But we've got plans tonight, and you need to get ready.”

I let out a heavy sigh and dramatically flop my head back over the chair’s armrest, letting my hand, still holding a berry, dangle to the floor. “I really don’t wanna go,” I moan, while Azriel steadies the berry basket that's perilously close to sliding off my bump.

“You have to,” he chuckles softly.

“You can't make me,” I shoot back, my head still draped lazily over the back of the chair.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Azriel retorts, picking up the basket of berries and giving me a quick kiss on the forehead before taking them back to the kitchen.

I hear the tap running as he starts on some dishes—my ever-busy, nesting mate, who’s more prepared for this babe than I am, while we still have three months to go.

“What are you wearing?” I call out, curiosity peaking.

“What?” he yells back, sounding puzzled.

“Your outfit,” I clarify, pushing myself up with a grunt and swinging my legs around. While I still had time, this belly was proving to be a real hassle.

Azriel calls back, “Um, pants, a sweater and socks?”

I shuffle my way into the kitchen where Azriel stands, washing a plate with a tea towel casually thrown over his shoulder. “I mean, what are you wearing out tonight?”

Azriel dries a plate with the towel, then hangs it back over his shoulder before leaning casually against the kitchen counter, his palms resting on either side. His fingers tap rhythmically against the surface as he considers his wardrobe for the evening. “Probably the black button-down, slacks, and boots,” he decides with a nonchalant shrug.

I respond with a noncommittal “hm,” and swing open the fridge to scout my snack options. My hand lands on a jar of rhubarb jam. I pop the lid off and swipe a finger through the sticky sweet contents, humming in delight as I taste it. Azriel's chuckle floats over from the sink.

“It’s just not fair,” I complain, scooping another dollop of jam and licking it off. “You toss on anything that isn’t stained, torn, or stinking, and you’re gala-ready.”

Azriel, still busy with the dishes, throws a playful retort over his shoulder, “Are you suggesting I wouldn’t look good in a dress?”

I replace the jam in the fridge, leaning against it as I try and ponder that image. “Oh, you’d be stunning, no doubt. But let’s be real, the choices for females? Endless. Short dresses, long ones, off the shoulder, petticoats, sleek lines, just the right amount of lace…” I trail off, knowing he's smirking without even looking.

He finishes up, turning off the water and tossing the towel onto the counter with a flick of his wrist. I sigh, grabbing the towel to fold it neatly on a cabinet knob. Azriel rolls his eyes but his expression softens as he draws me close by my hips. I rest my chin on his chest, looking up into his hazel eyes that crinkle with amusement.

“What?” I inquire, feeling his hands smooth a stray hair behind my ear.

“You’re gorgeous, whether in ball gowns or in nothing at all,” he says earnestly.

“You’d think I'm gorgeous in nothing,” I retort, half-teasing. “You’re feral.”

He presses a soft kiss to my nose. “Only because I love you.”

I close my eyes, basking in the warmth of his words. “I love you too. But I still have no clue what I’ll wear tonight. Nothing fits since you knocked me up.”

He steps back, feigning offense. “Hey, it takes two to tango, particularly the naked tango. It’s not like I was alone in this.”

I glance down at my swollen belly, half-joking, “Well, you’re the responsible one. Should’ve warned me about the perpetual sweat and swelling.”

Azriel chuckles, striking a mock-serious pose. “Nothing fills me with more hope for our baby than hearing their mother call me,” he gestures to himself, “the responsible one.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “I’m sure you have something, love,” Azriel reassures me, nodding towards the lavish extension we jokingly call 'the second closet.'

I scoff, a smirk teasing my lips as I walk past him, giving his chest a light tap. “Guess I’ll just have to try on everything,” I tease, pausing in the doorway with a sultry glance over my shoulder. “You know, strip down, wander about in the buff, slip into something, despise it, peel it off...” My voice trails off, my smile growing more provocative as I catch the shift in his gaze—lips captured by teeth, eyes deepening with interest. “I might just need a second opinion.”

Azriel’s response is a deep, throaty sound that rumbles through the room, his playful side unfurling. “I’m certain I could be of assistance,” he quips, his tone laced with promise as he begins to close the distance between us.

Before he can reach me, I slip into the hallway, my steps light and teasing. I hear his footsteps quicken, a hint of urgency as he follows me up the stairs to our room, anticipation building with every step.

______________________________________________________________

By the time I settle on an outfit, Azriel has left me breathless no fewer than three times, each interlude accompanied by a chorus of compliments—beautiful, stunning, irresistible—every synonym for 'ravishing' that he can think of. The silver lining to this pregnancy, aside from the obvious, has been the noticeable spike in our libidos. Azriel's hands are seemingly glued to me, and barring the occasional wave of nausea or the fact that my toes have become a distant memory, I'm game for his advances nearly anytime, anywhere. It was actually our rampant escapades that clued us in on the pregnancy before Azriel noticed the shift in my scent—we were both equally wild, seeking out secluded spots in the River House, shadowy alleyways in Velaris, and once, rather riskily, an old woodshed in the Autumn Court while Rhys and Eris were busy hunting nearby. 'Feral' might be an understatement—I was downright voracious.

Emerging from the bathroom, a cloud of steam billowing behind me, I find Azriel sprawled across the bed, as naked and carefree as ever despite our looming engagement. He flashes a lazy grin. “Round four?” he proposes, propping his head on his palms against the headboard.

“You're the one who insisted I get ready,” I remind him with a chuckle, tossing the towel onto the bed and striding toward the closet.

As I delve into the sea of clothes, Azriel's voice floats in, tinged with mischief, “And then you stripped, and suddenly, I stopped caring.” I can't help but laugh, sifting through hangers as I search for something that will accommodate both my bump and the sweltering heat of a Summer Court party in August. I wanted a word with whomever planned the date for this. 

I pull out a floor-length, champagne pink silk gown that gleams with a light pearlescent chiffon cascading down the front. The dress, cinching just below my breasts, seems ready to accommodate both myself and the growing babe. The slit running up the side promises a hint of breeze on what I accept will be another warm evening. As I touch the fabric, memories of wearing it to Nyx’s first starfall flood back—Azriel and I, not yet mated, laughing under the twinkling lights while Cassian, wine glass in hand, serenaded the night with a mix of folk songs and his own tipsy renditions.

Slipping the gown over my head, the bump causes the hem to rise slightly, creating an unintended high-low effect. Nothing a good pair of heels can’t fix. I reach behind to fasten the top but struggle with the buttons. "Az," I call out softly.

"Yeah?" His voice drifts from the bathroom, mingling with the sound of running water.

"Can you come here for a second?" I ask.

Azriel appears, his hair tousled and falling into his eyes, which light up as he sees me. “You still have that one?” he remarks, a touch of nostalgia in his tone.

"I haven’t worn it in a while, but it seems to still fit, right?" I motion for him to help with the buttons at my neck, which he does with practiced ease. He stands behind me, and we both gaze into the closet’s full-length mirror. He wraps his arms around my waist, gently lifting the weight of my belly for a moment. I lean back against his shoulder, relieved by his support.

"Just like I said," he murmurs, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror. "You look beautiful." He eases the weight back down and sweeps my damp hair over my shoulders, leaving a kiss on my temple. "Half an hour," he reminds me before disappearing back into the bathroom.

I take another moment to smooth the dress over my bump, admiring the silhouette from the side.

Azriel returns from his bath, towel-drying his hair with a shake that reminds me of a playful puppy. I'm securing my hair into a low braided bun, trying to keep as cool as possible. I pull two strands to softly frame my face, catching glimpses of Azriel in the mirror as he parades, unabashedly bare, back into the closet.

From the depths of the closet, Azriel's voice floats out playfully, "Hm, what to wear, what to wear—so many options." His mock contemplation sends a chuckle through me as I clasp on a pair of simple pearl earrings.

He emerges moments later, his black shirt hanging open, pants secured, and socks in hand. "It was a tough decision," he remarks, catching my eye in the mirror as he settles on the edge of the bed to slip on his socks. "But I managed to pick the perfect ensemble." He flashes a cheeky grin, and I roll my eyes playfully as I fasten a silver necklace with a tiny blue sapphire pendant—echoing the color of Azriel’s siphons—around my neck, adjusting it to rest just right.

Turning back to him, I see Azriel buttoning his shirt, meticulously placing his siphons into the custom slits designed for them. I step closer to assist with securing one on his left hand.

Giving him a thorough once-over as he completes a slow twirl for my inspection, I adjust his shirt slightly, smoothing my hands over his shoulders. "Do I look great?" he asks, half-jokingly.

"Beautiful," I reply, grinning. "Can you grab my shoes for me?"

He strides over to the blanket chest at the foot of our bed, retrieving the tan, two-strapped heels I'd selected for the evening. He juggles them in his hands, skeptical. "My love, there's no way you're going to keep these on all night."

I shoot him a defiant glare before setting the heels on the floor and sliding my feet into them. "I plan to."

But as I lean forward to fasten the straps, my belly firmly intervenes, making me pause and push a strand of hair behind my ear. I look up at Azriel, who's barely concealing his amusement. "Little help?" I ask, sheepishly.

Dropping to one knee, Azriel secures the straps for me, his fingers gentle. He plants a kiss on my thigh and mutters, "I’m not carrying these all night."

I nudge him away playfully, marching back to the closet to grab a pair of flat sandals. I hand them to him with a mock-serious tone. "Here, ask Rhys to stash these in a pocket realm in case I need them."

Azriel laughs softly, tucking the flats under his arm as we head out of the bedroom together.

______________________________________________________________

We converge with the rest of our group at the River House where Rhys and Feyre have arranged to winnow us directly to the Summer Court. Unlike Rhys, Azriel encourages me to maintain my normal activities during pregnancy, thus making winnowing an accessible choice. Cassian, Nesta, Rhys, Feyre, Azriel, and I begin our descent from the manor, with Elain cradling Cassian and Nesta’s baby girl, Nyx playfully tugging at her dress and waving eagerly to his parents. Feyre sends Nyx a blown kiss, which he theatrically catches and presses to his lips before launching one back her way. Rhys places a hand on Feyre’s lower back, open to the breeze from its low cut to bring her focus on our departure. Lucien appears in the doorway, his son perched high on his shoulders, as they wave us off. “We’ll be back later!” Cassian bellows toward the house.

Lucien shouts back with a teasing tone, “No rush! And be on your best behavior!”

Cassian responds with a vulgar gesture and Elain slaps her hand over Nyx’s eyes to shield him from it. After enduring a pregnancy marked by relentless morning sickness, Nesta found solace in the ocean's breeze. She spent much of her time at Tarquin’s castle, situated atop a cliff with sweeping views of the sea. Tarquin, empathetic and familiar with the challenges of parenthood, graciously readmitted Cassian into the Summer Court, with the strict caveat that Nesta keep him in sight at all times.

With an arm slung around Rhys, Cassian is the first to be winnowed, followed swiftly by Feyre and Nesta, and then Azriel and me. Although I can still manage the winnowing process, a twinge of motion sickness usually follows. Nonetheless, I prefer it to flying, which only prolongs the discomfort. As we materialize on the steps of the Summer Court palace, Azriel steadies me with gentle hands at my waist as I lean forward, taking a deep, stabilizing breath.

“You alright?” Azriel inquires.

I nod, the fresh ocean breeze helping to soothe my senses. Once assured of my steadiness, I take a moment to absorb the breathtaking view. Tarquin has chosen his "Summer House" for his hundredth birthday celebration—an amusing choice given its grandeur. Situated on a cliff opposite his main castle, easily visible across the bay, this secondary residence is no less opulent. Sandstone columns and marble steps lead to grand doors beautifully inlaid with blue and pink seaglass, while orbs of faelight suspended in fishing nets add a whimsical touch. With the sun dipping below the horizon, the sky is aflame in vibrant shades of pink and orange, creating a spectacular backdrop as we ascend the steps.

As we proceed, Azriel casually hands my sandals to Rhys, who offers me a knowing smile before they vanish into a pocket realm.

The grand doors swung open, revealing the entrancing melody of a live band in the foyer. The interior of the house matched the exterior in opulence, with a domed glass ceiling that bathed the marble floor in the sunset’s spectrum. Seashells were intricately embedded in the floor, and the familiar columns from outside now stood amidst streams of crystal-clear water that seemed to flow through the hall and cascade down the stairs. As we advanced, I marveled at the pearl mosaics adorning the high ceiling, a grandeur that left me nearly speechless.

Pulling gently on Azriel's arm to draw him closer, I whispered conspiratorially, “I want to change the theme of the nursery.”

Azriel chuckled, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “It took Cassian and me a week to paint it the color it is, and you mulled over those two shades of yellow for three weeks beforehand.”

Cassian's voice floated from behind, tinged with mock horror, “If you’re asking me to paint again, you’re on your own.”

At the top of the grand staircase, the crowd below melded into a vibrant tapestry of colors and movement. Feyre, in her flowing turquoise gown, descended gracefully with Rhys by her side, navigating through the crowd with practiced ease. Azriel and I followed, his hand a constant presence on my hip, grounding me.

I scanned the sea of faces for a particular one, but as the crowd parted, I found myself face-to-face with Tarquin instead, his smile broad and slightly tipsy.

“Look who brought in the bats!” he exclaimed jovially.

Rhys clapped Tarquin on the shoulder, wishing him a happy birthday. He then picked up a glass of champagne, offering one to Feyre, and they toasted to Tarquin’s continued health. After the brief exchange, Tarquin turned his attention to us. Azriel exchanged a firm handshake with him, while Cassian, standing slightly behind Nesta with his hands on her shoulders, received a more personal summon.

“Cassian,” Tarquin slurred slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief, “I want to show you something.”

Cassian looked down at Nesta, who responded with a nonchalant shrug. He then followed Tarquin out onto the balcony, his curiosity piqued. Azriel watched them leave with a guarded expression.

Nesta, catching the look, nudged Azriel gently. “Just go make sure Tarquin doesn’t throw him off,” she urged.

“On it,” Azriel replied briskly, striding after them with a determined pace.

Nesta grasped my hand, weaving us through the bustling crowd, muttering how she was going to need a stiff drink to get through this night. Since the birth of her daughter, Nesta had been grappling with intense separation anxiety, rarely managing a few hours away. She and Cassian had attempted a weekend trip getaway and she made it only four hours before returning in tears, taking her young babe from my arms and sobbing into her jet black hair. Since then, Nesta had promised she was going to stop being “mama” all the time and start being herself again. 

We reached the bar located near the grand staircase, where a fae female was expertly crafting cocktails. Nesta ordered a “Seabreeze,” and I opted for a lemonade.

“I can’t wait until you can drink with me again,” Nesta said, picking up her drink. The swirling glitter within the blue liquid looked delicious and I found myself licking my lips as I watched her down it. “You’re the only one who can keep up with me when we dance.” She said before ordering another. 

“Not too much longer,” I responded, caressing the babe within me. 

Nesta looked at me thoughtfully, the blue glitter swirling in her glass, “I want you to have a girl, so Elora can grow up with a friend. Not surrounded by Feyre and Elain’s boys.” 

I smiled at her, I had asked the healer to keep the baby’s sex a secret from everyone but Azriel who, as spymaster, kept that information under lock and key. 

My gaze returned to scanning the crowd, and finally, I spotted the familiar broad shoulders and gleaming blond hair of my older brother. I tugged at Nesta’s hand, leading her over toward Tamlin. As he sensed my approach, he turned swiftly and enveloped me in a hug.

“Careful!” I cautioned, a mix of surprise and laughter, before he gently set me back down on my feet.

Tamlin scanned me from head to toe, his eyes alight with surprise and mirth. “I didn’t know you’d be here!” he shouted, his speech slightly slurred from the drinks.

“I wasn’t sure I would make it, but I figured why not enjoy myself before the baby arrives,” I smiled back at him.

Nesta, still holding a subtle grudge against Tamlin for the whole “cauldron fae thing”, glanced at her nails and offered a cool, “Hello Tamlin.”

Tamlin, ever the optimist about winning back some favor, took her hand and kissed it—a bold move he’d likely reconsider sober. “Nesta, lovely to see you. You look stunning.”

And stunning she was in her pastel green gown with its daring neckline and slits, revealing her long, toned, cream colored legs— her dress, much like mine, but tailored to hug her figure perfectly. “You’re drunk,” Nesta quipped, pulling her hand away with a laugh.

Tamlin’s smirk widened. “Only a little. I would’ve paced myself had I known my favorite sister was coming.” 

“For what? It’s not like she can party hard right now,” Nesta pointed out, gesturing towards my pregnant belly.

Realizing his faux pas, Tamlin’s eyes widened, and he awkwardly placed his hands on my stomach. We were never a family that embraced often, and his sudden affection felt out of place. “I forgot!” he exclaimed. “Hi, baby!”

Trying to stifle her laughter, Nesta shot me a look that triggered my own snort of amusement.

“Tam, maybe it’s time for some water,” I suggested gently. “It’s still early, and you’re already peaking.”

Shaking his head, his blonde locks falling into his eyes, Tamlin pulled me into another hug, elongating the word “great” as if to emphasize his point. “I’m great,” he insisted.

“I just miss you, that’s all,” he murmured, his voice muffled by my hair. “I miss the name-calling and our hunting trips. Remember those?”

“Like asshat and idiot?” I replied, finally managing to extricate myself from his grip. His nostalgia often painted a rosier picture of our past than my own memories did.

In a moment of pause, he suddenly asked, “You promise you’ll bring my niece to see me?” he asked earnestly, searching my eyes.

“I promise, Tam, though I’ve told you—I don’t know the baby’s gender yet.”

“It’s a girl,” he slurred confidently. “I’d bet on it.”

Nesta joined in, “You could make that bet. Rhys and Cassian think it’s a boy. Feyre and I are betting on a girl.”

Attempting to high-five Nesta, Tamlin found no takers and ended up clapping his own hand. “Hell yeah, team girl!”

“Where’s Lucien?” he then asked, trying to shift the topic.

“Home with the kids,” I informed him.

“That old man,” Tamlin scoffed, his drink sloshing dangerously. “Has one kid and thinks he’s too good for a night out.”

Laughing, I couldn't help but tease, “Tam, you’re really drunk.”

“Am not,” he protested weakly. “You’re drunk.”

“Sure,” I agreed, rolling my eyes indulgently.

He squinted across the ballroom, waving vaguely. “Gotta go see a guy about a thing,” he declared, stumbling slightly as he made his exit after a quick, affectionate peck on my forehead.

As he sauntered off, Nesta and I couldn't contain our laughter. “I haven’t seen him this plastered in ages,” I noted, reminiscing about our younger days spent lounging by the lake in the Spring Court.

Catching her breath, Nesta added, “He’s actually tolerable when he’s like this.

I wiped a tear from my eye, still laughing, though each breath was a bit strained around the edges due to the baby pressing up against my lungs. Just as I managed to catch my breath, I heard my brother's boisterous shout, "Who do I have to screw to get a screwball around here?" Sending me into another peal of laughter.

Nesta, pulling herself together, wiped the smeared eyeliner from under her eyes and snagged a champagne flute from a passing waiter.

My laughter seemed to stir a frenzy of activity within me; I placed a hand over my stomach as a particularly vigorous kick landed just under my lungs, knocking the wind out of me. I doubled over slightly, laughing through the discomfort, while Nesta leaned in with a worried look. "Are you alright?"

"Totally fine, the little one just got a bit too excited," I assured her, patting my belly. Nesta reached out, asking to feel the kicks, and when my baby delivered another strong jab, her face lit up with a mix of awe and amusement. "Certainly strong," she remarked.

"Unfortunately for me, yes," I agreed, sharing a knowing smile.

Her eyes filled with nostalgia. "I so miss that."

I gently placed my hand over hers. "I try to remind myself I’ll miss it too. Usually I do a good job, until she decides to kick my bladder and I end up pissing myself."

Nesta chuckled, her hand instinctively resting on her own stomach where her little one had grown not so long ago. I squeezed her hand affectionately. "You doing okay?" I asked, noting the slight tension in her expression.

She offered a tight-lipped smile, her eyes betraying a hint of her inner struggle—the pull to return to her child who, despite adoring her father, seemed to reserve her deepest affections for her mother. "Just say the word, and I’ll fake a headache, or actually wet myself, and we can bolt."

Nesta shook her head slightly, more to reassure herself than me. "No," she paused, then stronger, "No, this is good for me. I know she’s fine."

I squeezed her hand again, offering a gentle reassurance. "Just because she's okay doesn't mean you have to be," I reminded her softly. Nesta wiped a stray tear from her cheek, still clutching her champagne, before quickly finishing it off with a relieved smile.

"I am glad I can do that again," she said, nodding towards her empty glass before setting it on a passing tray.

Together, we continued weaving through the ballroom, exchanging pleasantries with various courtiers—some of whom were so tipsy they scarcely remembered who we were. Throughout my pregnancy, I'd never been offered so many drinks that I had to politely decline. It seemed every mother and elder fae woman felt compelled to touch my stomach, causing my little one to energetically respond.

Every so often, I bumped into my brother, and we playfully stuck our tongues out at each other. However, as we mingled through the crowd, neither Cassian nor Azriel crossed our path. Eventually, we found Feyre, just as a Summer Courtier excused themselves from her company. She gave them a warm, promising touch on the shoulder before turning to face us. With a deep sigh and a quick roll of her eyes, Feyre shot back her drink—a twirling pink concoction that made her wince from its potency.

"Having fun?" Nesta inquired, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

Feyre, still recovering from the fiery liquid, nodded. "Absolutely. I love playing the diplomat at other courts. I can't really start drinking until everyone else is well into their cups." She then snatched Nesta’s wine glass and drained it. "Can't afford to make a fool of the Night Court."

I chuckled to myself. Feyre might have been slightly tipsy, but as High Lady, she only truly relaxed around family. After many evenings spent with her, I knew her tolerance was notably high—we'd even had a shot contest when I first came to live with them. In my enforced sobriety over the past seven months, I had observed the high fae's love for maintaining a facade of sobriety, despite obvious inebriation.

"Have you seen Az or Cass?" I asked, scanning the room.

Feyre glanced around, her brows knitting slightly. "No, I haven't, actually. Not since they stepped out onto the balcony with Tarquin."

"Where's Rhys?" Nesta chimed in, her voice laced with mild irritation.

Feyre threw her hands up, nearly clipping a waiter bustling by with more drinks—which she quickly commandeered. "Don’t know. He wandered off somewhere when I was chatting with what's-her-face. Haven't seen him since."

"Fantastic," Nesta remarked dryly, "We’ve been here an hour and the boys' club has already managed to vanish on us."

While Nesta and Feyre chatted, I slipped into a corner to send a gentle pulse through our bond. Receiving no response, I intensified the signal, only to get a slight jolt followed by Azriel's slurred, "What's up, pretty lady?"

I turned back to Nesta and Feyre with a grin. "They're drunk."

I messaged Azriel again, asking, "Hi my love, where are you?"

His chuckle echoed down the bond, "Beach."

Realizing that was all the information I was likely to get, I informed Nesta and Feyre, "They're on the beach."

"They left?!" Nesta half-yelled, frustration mounting. "I want to leave!"

Seizing our hands, she led us through the crowd, up the stairs, and out the door. Outside, her braid loosened, hairs springing free as they often did when she drank. Spotting a sign for the beach, she marched us in that direction. Feyre, slightly tipsy, giggled and leaned on me as we followed Nesta.

Reaching the sandy path, Nesta kicked off her heels and hiked up her dress, staggering forward. Feyre and I quickly followed suit, Feyre removing her own shoes and then helping me with mine before we continued on with Nesta, the tall seagrass swaying in the night breeze.

The pathway was lit by fae lights, and the cool ocean wind caused goosebumps to rise on my skin. Feyre held my hand for balance as we walked, with Nesta leading determinedly ahead.

When we finally reached the beach, Nesta scanned the bonfires for our mates. Feyre, losing her footing in a dip, fell onto the sand with a shriek of laughter. I couldn't help but laugh as she lay there, the sand clinging to her dress and hair.

Her laughter contagious, Nesta turned and joined in, stumbling over to help Feyre up as the wind pressed her silk dress against her legs. Without warning, Feyre threw back her head and called out, "Rhysand!" Nesta shouted “Cassian, get your ass over here! I want to go home and drink without clothes on!” This promptied laughs from other partygoers.

When Nesta tried to yell again, I quickly covered her mouth, accidentally getting sand in her mouth, which she spat out as Feyre howled with laughter.

Down the beach, Rhys's voice called back, "Feyre Darling!" Pointing in his direction, Feyre declared, "That one's mine," and staggered off toward the boys.

Nesta, wrapping an arm around me, leaned on me as we followed. Soon, Feyre charged into Rhys, sending them both into the sand, while Cassian's laughter boomed over the crashing surf, nearly toppling him from his driftwood seat. Tarquin, adding wood to the fire, doubled over with laughter.

Nesta settled next to Cassian, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the ocean. "Hi Ness," Cassian slurred, pulling her into his lap and showering her with kisses despite her protests. "Stop, stop," she laughed. "I'm supposed to be mad at you."

"You can't resist me!" Cassian declared, landing another sloppy kiss.

Meanwhile, Azriel sat in the sand, a bottle of wine in hand, his smile lighting up as he saw me. Dropping beside him, I laid my head on his shoulder. "Hi," he whispered.

"Hi," I replied, seeking a kiss which he tenderly delivered, his lips tasting of sweet strawberry wine.

Azriel stashed the bottle in the sand, wrapping one arm around me and lazily stroking my stomach with the other. Together, we took in the serene scene—Feyre and Rhys wrapped in each other's arms, Cassian and Nesta chatting with Tarquin, all of us enjoying the moment.

There, with Azriel and our soon-to-arrive baby, I soaked in the beauty of our world, filled with anticipation for the new life we were about to welcome.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

Am I the asshole for being verbally abusive to my father?

✨ Leaving this here for future findings

So I (16f) got into an argument with my father (48m) pretty recently. Basically, he made a comment while preparing dinner about how his father ate all the meat while he was left with the bones, but here he was eating the bones so his children could have the meat. Of course, I felt guilty because of that and did not want to eat the meat, instead warming up some leftovers of fish (that I had wanted for lunch but did not pack). My father got mad that I wasn't eating and said he didn't mean it that way, but I still felt really bad for it since he has vented to me before about his childhood. I should mention that I am the eldest of three and am used to being a third parent, even being referred to as such by my parents and siblings, and oftentimes give up things to "better my family." I kept refusing to eat, since I already had a food that needed to be eaten and felt bad for my father, and he said I never let things go and was guilt tripping him. This escalated into a situation where he said I was being verbally abusive to him and he didn't warrant this behavior from me, and that I needed to respect him.

Later he came to me to apologize, and normally I would accept it, except he was "bottling up all the disrespect my mother and I have been giving him" and let it all out today where he said I was abusing him emotionally and treating him like garbage. Without bias, I did not yell back at him. I was calm and said that I was acting more mature than him in that situation and did not warrant being called a girl who calls her father terrible. I said I needed more space. He went upstairs to shower.

I cannot ask my mother about this because she will just get mad as well, and that will only add fuel to the fire.

Am I the asshole?

[obguro]

Our Last Goodbye

A KNY x Male Reader —— !?

> The Final Battle came to an end but so did most of the others..

> Warnings: angst, survivors guilt, gore descriptions, manga spoilers, characters deaths, Y/N sees the characters as family here

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

“Tanjiro, you’re back!”

Y/N heard as he stirred awake. He looked around his surroundings, seeing the many corpses of his comrades.

Did we win?.. Is Kibutsuji dead?.. Y/N’s head raced with questions.

Y/N started to sit up slowly, wincing in pain as the slashes on his body start to ache. A kakushi took noticed of the boy gasping then yelled, “Master Y/N! You’re alive!” A few kakushis went running over to him, beginning to treat his wounds.

Are the others okay?.. Y/N started to wonder, as he started to fall unconscious again.

TIMESKIP — A Few Months Later

Y/N opened his eyes, expecting to see the gruesome sight of his deceased comrades, only for him to see a wood ceiling above him.

Weren’t we fighting Kibutsuji? Why am I in the Butterfly Mansion? Thoughts filled his head as the boy started to sit up, resting his back on the bed frame behind him.

He looked around the infirmary, noticing he was alone in the room. If I’m here, where is Shinobu? She would always stay by my side when I got injured.. Y/N wondered.

I should go find her.. She might be worried about me.. The (h/c) haired boy slowly stood up from the bed, sore from being bedridden for so long.

Y/N carefully walked towards the door, sliding it open. Shutting the door behind him, he started to walk down the hallway towards Shinobu’s office.

Why is it so quiet? Where is everyone? Y/N was deep in thought, not noticing the figure that froze in place at the sight of the awaken male. The surprised voice of a woman spoke up from behind him.

“Y-Y/N.. You’re awake..”

Y/N turned towards the voice, recognizing it. It was Aoi, someone who he thought of as a sibling. He let out a gentle smile at the blue haired girl. “Hello Aoi.. are you alright? You’re crying.” The male walked towards her, cupping her face to wipe away her tears. Aoi almost collapsed at the sight of her older brother figure before pulling him into a tight hug. “I- I didn’t think you would wake up! I’m so happy!” Aoi yelled out in happiness, crying into the taller male’s shoulder.

Y/N softly smiled at the words of the girl, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting manner.

Y/N was known for his soft and caring manner. He was a soft spoken boy who always loved and cared for everyone.

The male pulled out of the hug after a while, gently smiling down at the girl. “Don’t cry, It makes me sad to see you tears in your eyes..” Wiping away the tears from her face, Aoi smiled back at him. “Well, I should go check on my other patients. I’m glad you’re okay.” The girl said before walking away from him and into one of the many infirmary rooms.

Y/N watched as the girl walked away, still smiling. He then turned to keep walking to his original destination, excited to see the woman he thought of as a one of his mother figures.

Opening the door to the office, he walked in. He glanced around the room to see nobody in the room.

That’s weird.. Where could she be?

Y/N walked out of the office space and in back into the hallway. Suddenly a kakushi turned the corner, freezing when they saw the familiar figure of Y/N.

Y/N tilted his head at the kakushi before asking, “Excuse me, do you know where Miss Shinobu is? I would like to see her.” The kakushi gulped at the question, realizing the boy had no idea on what had happened. Nothing could’ve prepared Y/N for the words that came out of the kakushi’s mouth.

“You don’t know? Most of the Hashira have passed, only Master Tomioka and Shinazugawa survived.”

Y/N froze in shock at the information.

Passed? As in dead? They’re all dead?

Shinobu. Gyomei. Obanai. Mitsuri. Muichiro.

They’re all gone?..

Y/N let out a weak smile at the kakushi. “Oh.. Thank you for telling me, I didn’t know.” The kakushi could see the pain the information caused on the boys face, no matter how much he tried to act strong in front of them. “If you’d like to, you can visit their graves. They’re rested in the same place as Master Rengoku.” The kakushi stated with a small sad smile.

Y/N just weakly nodded at them, before excusing himself. The boy walked back his room with head hanging low, his usual face that was usually in a happy state was now in one of pain, sadness and guilt.

The boy sat down on the side of his bed, lost in the memories flashing through his head of his passed loved ones.

A memory of him and Shinobu when Y/N had accidentally fell on his face flashed first. The boy was training then he had suddenly tripped over a rock, falling face first into the other rocks. Blood ran down from his nose, turns out he had broken it from the fall. He then walked to the infirmary to find Shinobu to help him with his injured nose. He found the woman and she just giggled at his clumsiness, starting to clean up the youngers nose.

“You need to be more careful Y/N. I don’t like seeing you hurt, you know.”

The next memory was him and Gyomei playing with Hashiras adopted cats. The younger boy held a grey and white patterned cat while the other held an orange printed one. Y/N liked cats as did Gyomei. Y/N looked at Gyomei as the older was stroking the fur of the many cats.

“Young Y/N, thank you for your help today. These cats can be a bit of a handful sometimes, so I thank you.”

The next one was one where him, the Love Hashira and the Serpent Hashira were out to eat. Y/N considered these two as parental figures to him. The boy and Mitsuri can be seen talking, both laughing a bit as Obanai just watched them with a small smile under his mask. Y/N felt at peace whenever he was with these two. He felt safe.

“Y/N, the three of us should go the festival in the Entertainment District and watch the fireworks together! Right Obanai? I think so too, it would be fun.”

The last memory showed him and Muichiro sitting in the middle of a field of flowers. The two boys staring up at the clouds in the sky, occasionally pointing out the shapes of them. Y/N shifted his gaze to the boy that he saw as a younger brother. Muichiro noticed the eyes on him, then shifted his gaze onto the male in front of him.

“I feel safe with you.. because no matter what, I always remember you. It’s new to me but it must be a good thing.”

Y/N’s usual calm demeanor crumbled and switched to one of anger and sadness. The boy got up from the bed, stomping his way over to a vase that sat on one of the tables in the room.

With little to no hesitation, the boy started to destroy the room around him. He didn’t know how to cope with all these losses, so he had resorted to letting his anger out.

A little while later, Y/N is curled up into a ball in a corner of the room. The room around him destroyed to bits, nothing left unbroken.

It should’ve been me, not them… Y/N kept thinking from his ball as tears fell down his face. He stayed in that position till nightfall, motionless.

A knock was heard from the door, before it slid open. It was Aoi coming to check on him.

“Y/N.. What happened in here?” Aoi questioned as she looked around the room. Bed out of the frame, glass and wood shards covering the floor. Y/N didn’t respond from the corner, still lost in the memories of his loved ones. Aoi approached him, making sure not to go to fast so she didn’t trigger any ill emotions. The sight of his state broke her heart. Y/N’s usual (h/l) (h/c) hair that was tied up was now down, some parts of his hospital clothes ripped, and some cuts decorated his skin from all the glass thrown.

Aoi’s frown deepened before reaching out to grab the males shoulder. Without a word shared, the younger girl pulled the older into a comforting and warm hug. As the boy was embraced, he started to tear up again. The hug reminding him of when Shinobu would embrace him when he was feeling down. Even though the memories caused hardcore emotional pain, he melted into the embrace of his younger sister figure.

As Aoi questioned in her head what could’ve caused the usual calm boy to have an outburst this large, her answer got answered when she looked at the item in the hands of the boy, the boy held a photo of him, Master Kagaya, Lady Amane, his children and all of the Hashira.

In the photo, it showed Master Kagaya in the middle with his children while holding the hand of his wife, all showing a small smile. The rest of the Hashira and Y/N surrounded around them, some caught off guard and some smiling brightly. To the left of the Master, Sanemi is seen next to Shinobu who was clearly teasing Giyuu. To the side of expressionless male, it showed Rengoku and Tengen smiling brightly towards the camera. To the right of the Master, Gyomei who had his hands in his usual praying position, was the closest to the master. Next to him was Muichiro, who was gazing at Y/N. Y/N was positioned in front of Mitsuri and Obanai, smiling a big smile at the camera. The two behind the male each had a hand on the boy’s shoulder, Mitsuri letting out a big smile and Obanai who was caught admiring the girl of his dreams.

Aoi knew how much everyone meant to the older boy, he loved them like they were his blood related family. Aoi shut her eyes and just held the boy close to her, as he started to sob into her shoulder.

TIMESKIP — A Week Later

After the anger outburst, Y/N refused to do anything. He wouldn’t get up. He wouldn’t eat. He wouldn’t talk.

He also couldn’t bring himself to visit the graves of the ex-hashira, as the guilt was eating him alive. Why was he allowed to live but not them? It wasn’t fair. The boy just stayed cuddled up in his bed, staring at the photo.

I miss them so much… The (h/c) haired boy wanted to cry but there were no tears left to cry. Y/N kept making up scenarios in his head about things he could be doing with them if they were still alive.

He could be drinking tea with Shinobu and Gyomei.

He could be cloud gazing with Muichiro.

He could be flower picking with Mitsuri and Obanai.

There was a knock on the door, pulling Y/N out of his thoughts. The door slid open to reveal a tall male, Tengen Uzui. Y/N continued to stare at the photo, like it was going to disappear if he looked away.

Tengen was the first to step forward with a sad smile. “Oh Y/N.. are you alright?” Those words. Tengen was always treated him like a little brother, and Y/N saw him as an older brother. Whenever he was down, Tengen would always try to put a smile on the face of the boy.

The male didn’t respond to the white haired male as he sat down. Now sitting next to the male, Tengen pulled the youngers head onto his lap gently, beginning to run his fingers through his hair.

Tengen glanced at the photo the male held, a sad smile was shown on his face. He looked down at Y/N before speaking, getting straight to the point. “You know they wouldn’t like to see you like this Y/N.” He spoke as Y/N tensed at the words. He knew that, he knew it very well. He couldn’t help but feel extreme guilt.

“You can’t stay like this forever, and you know very well they would be yelling at you if they saw you like this over them.” Tengen continued. Y/N stayed silent, listening to the words spoke towards him.

The two sat in silence for a while, enjoying each others company. Suddenly, the sliding door opened to show Tengen’s wives. “Lord Tengen, we have to get back to the estate.” Hinatsuru spoke, as her eyes fell soft at the sight of the two. Tengen nodded before standing up, gently placing Y/N’s head back onto the pillow. “Feel better kiddo, always we remember we’re here for you and we all love you very much.” Tengen said with a sad smile, before exiting the room with his wives.

Y/N stayed in his spot, thinking about his words.

I can’t keep being sad.. They wouldn’t want that..

Y/N sat up in the bed, (h/c) hair sticking everywhere. He threw his legs over the edge of the bed, standing up and dragging himself to his newly replaced desk.

TIMESKIP — Location: The Cemetery

Y/N gulped as he reached the entrance of the cemetery, guilt creeping into his stomach. He takes a deep breath while glancing at the things he had in his hand. A bouquet of flowers and a bag consisting of 6 letters.

He made his way into the cemetery consisting of all of the deceased demon slayers, walking towards where the 6 deceased hashiras were put to rest. Looking down at the graves, he could feel his eyes starting to water again.

He then kneeled in front of the first grave.

It belonged to Rengoku Kyojuro. Y/N wished he had more time with him, though it seemed he had bad luck because Rengoku had passed before he could.

Y/N let out a shaky breath, pulling a white rose from the bouquet then placing it on the grave. He then reached into the bag of letters, searching for one that was addressed to Rengoku and pulling it out.

“I hope you don’t mind if I talk with you, Rengoku-san..”

Y/N shakily started to read the letter out loud.

“Dear Rengoku-san, I hope you’re resting well and have found peace. I only knew you for a little while yet you fought to protect me and my friends. I am entirely grateful and in your debt, I’ll be sure to repay it if we meet again. Your smile was the most contagious one I have encountered, it could light of a room of pitch black. You were one of the most kindest people I have ever met. You were strong yet precious soul. Please continue to smile forever.

Sincerely; Y/N L/N.”

As Y/N finished reading out the letter, a tear fell down his face and onto the paper. Y/N let out a sad smile towards the grave, folding the letter and placing it next to the white rose.

Standing up, he then bowed a low bow in deep respect before moving onto the next grave.

This one belonged to Himejima Gyomei. Y/N kneeled down before placing the same rose on the Stone Hashiras gravestone. Reaching into the bag, he pulled out the letter he wrote to Gyomei.

Y/N started to read out loud again.

“Dear Himejima-san, I trust you are at peace and this letter find you well. I just wanted to say how entirely grateful for the kindness you showed to me. Even though me and my friends had shown up with a demon in tow, you still treated us with kindness and so I thank you again. You fought to protect everyone, probably knowing you weren’t going to survive in the aftermath. You were so strong and brave, I wish to obtain that level of bravery. Thank you for your service.

Sincerely; Y/N L/N.”

Y/N finished with a shaky tone, mind flashing through the memories with the tall man. Placing down the letter next to the rose, he stood up and bowed into another bow of eternal respect. Y/N walked to the next one, kneeling down.

This one belonged to Tokito Muichiro, though his body was never found and just some of his stuff was buried. Y/N felt his heart start to ache just at the thought of Muichiro never getting found. Ignoring the feeling, he had placed a white rose also onto the young boys grave. Y/N hoped that Muichiro would still be able to hear his words as he pulled the letter out of the bag.

Y/N started to read out loud once more.

“Dear Tokito, I hope you are resting in peace. I wanted to write this letter to you to tell you how much I appreciated and respected you. You were so young yet you fought so bravely to protect. I admire you greatly for that. You were such a beautiful soul, I hope you were able to reunite with your family. I will forever see you as my little brother Muichiro. I hope to find you in the next life.

Sincerely; Your Big Brother, Y/N L/N.”

Y/N finished the letter with a sad smile, placing the letter down. The male stood up before bowing in respect for the younger male before moving to the next grave.

This grave belonged to one of his closest friends, Kocho Shinobu. The tears in his eyes threatened to fall as he kneeled down in front of it. Letting out a shaky breath as he placed a rose on the grave, pulling the letter he prepared out of the bag.

He started to read.

“Dear Kocho-san, I trust you are resting well? How is Kanae, if you met her? I’m sorry it took me so long to visit, I just couldn’t bring myself to do so and I’m sorry. I wanted to say how proud I am to able to know you. You were so smart and strong and please don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Everyone misses you at the mansion, including me. Please rest now, don’t worry I’ll take care of everyone.

Sincerely; Y/N L/N.”

Y/N choked out the last bit of the letter. He let out a deep sigh, attempting to calm his breathing down before placing the letter in its rightful place. He stood up with shaky legs then going into another bow, mentally preparing for the last grave.

He stumbled his way over the the shared grave of Kanroji Mitsuri and Obanai Iguro, his two parental figures. Kneeling down before the grave, he grabbed the last two roses and placing them down. Y/N stared at the grave in silence for a few seconds, then grabbing the letter written to Obanai.

Choking back a sob, he started to read.

“Dear Obanai-san, I hope you and Mitsuri are resting well together. You of all people deserve it, you have suffered so much. I hope you know that you are one of the most important people to step foot in my life. Dare I say, I considered you as a father figure. I hope to see you in another life. Please rest peacefully and don’t worry, I’ll take care of Kaburumaru.

Sincerely; Y/N L/N.”

Y/N finished, a few tears escaping and falling down his cheek. He started to wipe his tears with the back of his hand, attempting to make them stop. He grabbed the last letter with shaking hands and unfolded it.

Y/N started to read out.

“Dear Mitsuri-san, I hope you’re resting well. Maybe even with Iguro-san. I wanted to write this letter to tell you about how you have changed my life and how I am so grateful for you. When I met you, I was in a dark space. I had witnessed my family die in front of me and thought I would never feel that feeling of parental love ever again. Yet you and Iguro proved me wrong. Everyday you two would make sure I felt loved. I consider you two as my parents and I am so proud to do so. Thank you so much for for everything, Mitsuri.

Sincerely; Your Son, Y/N L/N.”

By the time the boy finished, he was a sobbing mess. Tears fell down his face as he let out loud sobs, resting his head against the gravestone. Y/N held the letter close to his heart as he cried. The boy cried till he fell asleep. The (h/c) haired boy was resting peacefully,

Not noticing the 6 see through figures behind him, smiling at him and his words.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Taisho Era Secret

> Y/N got reborn as one of Mitsuri and Obanai’s kids.

[chibimui]

Link to the original tweet: https://twitter.com/kusuriya_ten/status/1818845657505185993

The Apothecary Diaries official twitter account shared a short story that Natsu Hyuga wrote specifically for the account. I decided to translate it and share! It's just a cute casual conversation between Jinshi and Maomao about what they were up to as 10 year olds.

Disclaimer: this is a fan translation, I am in no way a professional and may have made some mistakes. Please do not use this translation elsewhere or claim as your own.

(translation under the cut)

The Apothecary Diaries (Hero Bunko) 10th Year Anniversary Short Story

10 Years Old

“Maomao”, Jinshi called to Maomao. This was after he’d called her in today asking for the details of another random case. Apparently the case was solved after she shared recollections of similar cases, and Basen had been sent to clear things up.

“What is it?”

Maomao drank her tea quickly with the desire to return home to prepare dinner.

“What did you do when you were ten?”

“That’s quite an unexpected question. Wasn’t that the age you began posing as a eunuch?”

“...that was later. I’m just curious what childhood could have led to your personality. Ten is a significant age, but eight or nine is fine too.”

Maomao grunted. “At ten years old things were pretty normal for me. I helped out at the apothecary shop under my adopted father Luomen.”

“Could you be more specific?”

Jinshi had asked Suiren for more tea and was now drinking it.

“That was around the time I was finally given permission to make my own medicines. Before then, I was yelled at for making things on my own, so I was really happy.”

“Don’t make things on your own.”

“Also, the madam taught me to do calculations and I was shocked at how messy my dad’s numbers were. I wondered why we always earned less than we sold, and I learned there was someone who was sick and had no money who he’d always give the medicine away to for free.”

“I see.”

“I followed them and found out they were a dirty little re-seller, so I enlisted one of the male servants and brought them with me to the marketplace to secure a spot. I took back our goods and told other buyers if they wanted stuff for cheaper to buy it directly from us instead.”

“Is that really something a ten year old should be doing?”

While Maomao had been speaking, Suiren had prepared her a new cup of tea and so she remained in her seat.

“If I hadn’t, the madam wouldn’t have given me my dinner.”

“She gave it to you?”

“She put it on my tab.”

There isn’t a single person more stingy than The Madam of the Verdigris House.

“Now I understand why you’re so particular with money.”

“What about you, Master Jinshi? What did you do as a ten year old?”

“Me?”

Jinshi grunted. “I was usually at my mother’s, the Empress Dowager’s, palace. How should I put this. Because of the odd proclivities of the previous Emperor, I was shielded from a lot of things while being raised.”

“I’m sure even a ten-year-old Master Jinshi was already sparkling with beauty as a child and was surely mistaken for a young girl.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Of course not.” Maomao denied such nonsense.

“I was taken care of by my nursemaids, and tutors were called to give me an education. The Ma brothers were my milk siblings, and Gaoshun would occasionally teach me martial arts.”

“I heard that Master Gaoshun was a military official back then.”

“That’s right. Since the Emperor was only the crown prince at the time he was guarded by another member of the Ma family. These were orders from the Empress Regnant and had to be followed, but it was still quite a lot to endure. Still, Gaoshun would occasionally visit the Emperor and make time to see me so he must have been quite busy. I remember frequently hearing him say ‘My daughter hates me’.”

Maomao recalled Mamei to mind and could understand.

“Even so, I couldn’t stay in the palace forever so sometimes they’d let me go outside.”

“Oh?”

“I was told everything is an experience and was brought to military training camps, and during summer retreats I remember having fun jumping down waterfalls. Although I was yelled at afterwards.”

“Summer retreat......, waterfalls. Ugh! H-How were the training camps?” Maomao appeared troubled, and attempted to refocus the topic of conversation.

“The training camps? I would join the soldier's in their regular training routines. This was also arranged by Gaoshun.”

Gaoshun’s paternal influence was strong.

Now that Maomao thought about it, Jinshi had mentioned something similar while eating chicken skewers before.

“Normally I’d only eat meals that had been carefully prepared, so I never realized grilled skewers flavoured with just salt could taste so good.”

Maomao could feel her mouth filling with saliva.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was thinking maybe my dinner can be paired with chicken skewers tonight.”

“Chicken skewers.”

It appeared that Jinshi’s mind had wandered in the same direction as Maomao’s and he held his stomach.

Just then--

“Young Master. Maomao.”

While smiling gently, Suiren appeared holding a large chicken.

“How do you two feel about chicken tonight?”

“Please and thank you!”

“Yes please!”

Both Maomao and Jinshi exclaimed loudly.

[dreamwritersworld]

Once innocent. Part 2. (Sully family x reader)

Just a friendly reminder that is a mini series showing more back story of Y/n past and all her hardships in life! 💗

Her grandmother was the only one who heard Y/n’s screams and prayers to Eywa and it’s a moment she would hold dear to her. A moment so precious and harmful to Y/n’s heart. So private.

That’s how Y/n became…private. She made sure to learn how to braid her own hair memorizing the words Rey’akana told her, describing everything he was doing. She kept on practicing at the same time every day. She tried hanging out with the other kids but she stopped because when one girl had a bad day and she decided to pour her own rain of sadness over Y/n for no reason, lashing out on her telling her something that deeply hurt her, realizing other people saw what she was scared to always hear.

“Your dad is olo'eyktan and he can take of everyone else but you! Your too oblivious, weak and stupid !”

The mean girl made Y/n gasp with her words and the shove she sent to Y/n but Y/n made EVERYONE in the room gasp at how quick she was to punch and fight the girl. Y/n threw a couple of punches until she saw the girl had enough “what my dad is, what my family is, has fuck all to do with you!” She kicked the girl to the side and walked away quickly sprinting in the forest.

‘Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t fucking cry.’ There it was. Her body rejecting emotional emotions. ‘crying is weak. It should not be acknowledged.’ If Y/n was preventing herself from feeling the way she felt it would soon lead to her silent frustration. She yelled frustrated screams before realizing she left a crowd of people back there…dad was gonna figure it out. She was going to get yelled at again. This time it wasn’t even her fault, she wasn’t gonna let herself get pushed around. She waited it out, drowning in her mind. Blood sliding down her knuckles until she decided it was time to go home, preparing herself for the hits she was going to take.

Her father didn’t even allow her the chance to breathe. “Y/n. Where have you been! We have rules set for you for a reason. You are not allowed to throw hands. You broke every rule. You embarrassed this family. Stressed your mother out. She is pregnant. You’re going to need to Grow up.” I looked down afraid the next words will just prove the girl I had punched correct.

“Look at me when I’m speak to you! I swear to Eywa Y/n you’d be nothing without me because I had to go out there and cover your stupid actions.” I looked at my dad with tears threatening to come out as I was digging cuts from my fingernails into my hand. “are you crying? You better not cry. Don’t be pathetic y/n. Warriors don’t cry. You will never be a warrior crying like that.” There he goes using own dreams against me. I immediately turned away blinking my tears away

“No sir, I am sorry for causing harm to your family.” He held no remorse “You are grounded so you are not allowed to fly your ikran. You will stay close to your mother. Or just stay home for all I care. Your a mess outside by yourself. Do you understand?” I looked into my fathers eyes accepting what he had just said, to get it over with i said “yes sir.”

I walked away, walking past my siblings and mother to go towards my small kit of healing supplies shaking and searching for healing ointment to cure my wounds. I began quivering feeling like my world was closing up, my lungs struggling to breathe. I soon was drowning in my own tears, at least that’s what it felt like…drowning. I tried calming myself. Memorizing the words Rey’akana gave me. “I need you to live Y/n. I need you to that for me Y/n, that’s your job now.” Hearing his voice over and over again brought me peace, I only saw him in my dreams. He was the way a father should be. He was my father figure when I slept. I missed him until I closed my eyes. Dreaming was the feeling I searched for all the time, because suddenly the world went quiet. It felt peaceful. I was at peace in my dreams but right now my body won’t shut down and it’s making me frustrated.

Everyone just seems to be ok with it. ‘The anger, the level of anger’ it feels like everyone’s just out to make me not feel normal. Maybe this is just my punishment for always running after my dad. Never learning my lesson. Maybe I do deserve to just take the hits for causing so much harm. I’m just fucking exhausted. This is so draining. I just need a really long sleep. If I could have a different past I promise you I would…my eyes start to get heavy and I hated the the way my eyes burned when they closed but I’ll endure it just for a couple of hours of sleep.

*y/n’s dream*

“Hey sunshine. Why the forest? You always pick the forest.” (acknowledging the setting) Y/n laughs unsure as to why she always picked this part. “I’m not fully sure. Maybe it’s because this is where it all started. Where you taught me to shoot, do my hair and learn how to survive.” He agrees acknowledging how she was always eager to learn and quick at it too. “So what happened this time?” Y/n twiddled with her fingers “I’m sad Rey’akana, my dad is closing in on me, getting tired of me and I don’t know if everything I’m doing is right. His ideas go against my morals. What I taught myself, what you taught me. He’s wrong.”

He sighs “You are a handful but I didn’t ever get tired of you. Trust me Y/n, it’s not your fault. you’re father always had a difficult and frustrating idea of how life should be for you. You’ll pull yourself out of drowning. I know you get those panic attacks, sunshine. The ones where you feel like you can’t breathe. But You’re a survivor and I firmly believe that.”

Y/n looks up again and smiles “Your right. I just needed to hear you say it.” I begin crying looking at him so close yet so far…? “Why are you crying, sunshine?” I let out a sob. “I just really miss you. I wish you were here Rey’akana. He hugs me saying “Memories exist outside of time and have no beginning or end. As long as you live I’ll be with you forever.” He comforted me for a minute before saying “Eywa’s sending you a gift Y/n. You have to be strong. Remember your job, live Y/n. You can come back to me anytime Y/n but for now push through, sunshine.” Chiming could be heard “It’s time Y/n.” I give him one last hug and we say our goodbyes. *

Y/n woke up head pounding because of how many tears she let out. Time to come back to reality. I have to follow Mom around perhaps I can try talking to her.

It’s only been thirty minutes with her and I’m sitting in my own puddle of nervousness…is this normal? I can feel some type of frustration sitting within her, some type of confusion or tear is she ok…? I’ll just ignore it, if it bothered mom she’d tell me…right? She would never be mad at me and not tell me the reason, she wouldn’t hold resentment towards her own child the way dad did.

..No this just feels wrong. Why is she staring at me like that…? Whatever I’ll just ask.

“Mom…Are you ok? Is it the baby? I’ll go call grandmother or if that’s too much I’ll get my supplies I know a few things on pregnancy’s from what I’ve observed.” Neytiri gives a shocked face, her daughter noticed her concerns and Neytiri is too scared to confront Y/n afraid of hearing the truth.

“Mom? It’s ok you can tell me! What’s wrong mom?” Neytiri stumbles upon her words finally deciding to just let it out “I- are you ok my child? I know what your father said may have cause a little bit of frustration, I heard you. I was the only one that heard you my child. Why do you do that? Why do you hold your breath?”

Y/n looks up confused “W-what? No mom I- I’m fine truly. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I just I ran out of oxygen in that moment it’s ok mother I- I really didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just…”

I stopped myself …if i finish this sentence right now and if mom doesn’t completely agree with it. Dad will know. But right now I feel like maybe someone cared..it’s been awhile…maybe mom can do something?

“It’s just what my child…? What’s hurting you? Tell me it’s ok.” Ok this is it I can finally get my point across gently “mom words hurt, I- I didn’t mean to get so mad at the girl but- you should’ve been there to hear what she said. How much scary truth there was lying in her words. And then Having to come home to dad not allowing me to even catch a single word in to explain myself , just yelling to no end, talking down on me. It’s not easy mom. I was innocent in this situation. I was just defending myself.” Neytiri eyes gaze at her daughter could this really be what caused her child to be in such a deep panic when she left the room..? “Oh my child I’m so sorry, I should’ve done something. I’ll defend you next time. I promise.” I breathed out a laugh and smiled. I’m happy. This is it. My mother was finally going to defend me…she heard me. I’ve been heard.

I believed that until I got ungrounded a week later from that moment. I was about to leave from training until I heard people talking about me..? “I mean all of the olo'eyktan children are good but uh…. y/n? There’s something cold behind her eyes.” I’ve never even seen this girl in my life…? Why is she talking about me? “Don’t get me wrong, shes great at everything but something happened and that makes her completely separated from the rest you know..?” I can’t hear this conversation anymore. They have no right. They don’t know what I’ve been through. They don’t know me. I’m going back to home.

“Y/n! Again? Why are you out doing nothing.? Watch your siblings! Do something for a change. Loak almost got hurt today everyone was there BUT you. Where were you. You should’ve been there to stop your siblings!”

I barley even walked through and I was being yelled at AGAIN about something I didn’t even know occurred. I was doing something. I was training. I was doing duties throughout the day what is he talking about..? I look to my mom while she’s standing next to my dad pleading her to defend me for something I didn’t even do. She just shook her head at me…? What do you mean no..? My heart breaks once more. I’m being failed by them. Again. And im left to go against my dad again by myself.

“Sir I didn’t mean to. I was doing chores around the village I can assure you I-“ he didn’t even let me finish my sentence. “I do not care. I do not want to hear your excuses. Y/n go somewhere rn and think about what you did wrong before trying to defend it.” I look up absolutely in disbelief and walk away. I can’t wait to receive the gift Rey’akana mentioned. What is it? A way out? Please be a way out.

💗!

Tag list: @noodlesfics @eywas-heir @itshype

@zatarias-pandora @yeosxxx @arminsgfloll

@abbersreads @tsireyak @neteyamforlife @aimsro

@elegantkidfansoul @goodiesinthecloset21 @nikotokitaswife @bucky1235

[honeyjars-sims]

3.3 Time to Pretend

It was a sunny Wednesday morning in Evergreen Harbor. David and Solomon had invited Cece and Chantal over for a mid-morning brunch. Everyone chatted as David prepared the meal, except for Johnny, who was slumped on the counter still half-asleep.

“Oh, I found out Kayla Flemming is a regular at my new gym,” Chantal told the others.

“Really? That's cool, did you talk to her?” Cece asked.

“Yeah, it was nice having a conversation with her about something other than the lawsuit. Although we did have a laugh about how much SNOOT's profits have dropped now that everyone knows what a snake Ambrose is.”

"Maybe you two should start a business together," Cece suggested.

“I’m definitely keeping that possibility in my back pocket, but I don’t want to rush into anything. One thing I’ve been working on in therapy is living more in the present.”

“That’s great, honey!" David opened a bag of flour. “We’re proud of how hard you’ve been working in therapy!”

“Yeah, unlike some people who are hungover on a Wednesday morning,” Cece teased her brother.

“Do you really have to start with me?” Johnny sat up and rubbed his temple. “I wasn’t even talking, I’ve just been minding my own damn business.”

“Exactly!" Cece threw her hands up. "Not everything is about you. It wouldn’t kill you to pretend like you care about someone other than yourself.”

“I do care! I’m just going through a hard time time right now.”

“How long are you going to use that as an excuse? You’re not even trying to do better.”

“Cece has a point,” Chantal said, in a much kinder tone. “It seems like you’re giving up on yourself. We’re all worried about you.”

“All you’ve been doing is sleeping all day and getting high all night.” Cece started again.

“Yeah, it really helps my self-esteem to be told over and over again what a piece of shit I am.” Johnny glared at Cece.

“Well, I’m just calling it like I see it—”

“ENOUGH!” David slammed his hands on the counter and yelled so loudly his voice echoed across the kitchen. “Can we have one meal as a family without it ending in bickering? This has gone on long enough.”

“Your dad is trying to make a delicious breakfast for you guys," Solomon added. "You should thank him for his hard work.”

“Thank you, Dad,” the siblings grumbled nearly in unison and hung their heads.

“You’re welcome," David replied curtly. "Now let’s try to be civil to one another.”

Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next

[50calmadeuce]

Ch. 32: Christmas Eve

Warning: Mention of miscarriage. Some chapters have sex.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Top Gun: Maverick world, trademarked by Paramount Pictures Corporation. I do not claim ownership of the characters and the world that I am borrowing.

The story and situation I am creating are a work of my imagination and I do not ascribe them to official story canon. This work is for entertainment only and is not a part of the storyline.

I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story, but I do hope it gives you happy thoughts.

These stories are my own, so please do not take them and use them for yourself without my permission. If you see them somewhere else, please let me know. :)

The next couple of weeks flew by in a blur. Between Christmas shopping, a doctor's appointment with Jake, and still working, you were busy and exhausted by the evening.

Jake's family arrived a week before Christmas, filling the house with activity. They constantly asked how you were doing and if you needed anything.

You found comfort in the bustling activity of the house. The presence of Jake's family added a warmth and joy to the atmosphere that was infectious. His parents, always attentive and caring, made sure you were never left wanting for anything.

Jake's siblings, with their lively conversations and laughter, filled the house with a sense of normalcy and cheer. They were genuinely excited about the baby, and their enthusiasm was contagious. The twins loved feeling the baby move in your belly and constantly asked to feel it. At one point, Audrey had to yell at them to leave you alone, but you smiled and told her it was okay. When you stood back and watched all the chaos, you pictured more kids with Jake.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting day of shopping and wrapping gifts, you found yourself sitting in the living room when Jake’s mom, Cindy, walked in and handed you a cup of tea, sitting down beside you.

"How are you doing, really, Y/N?" Cindy asked sincerely.

You sighed. "I'm doing good. I'm not looking forward to Jake leaving after the New Year, but what can I do?"

Cindy placed her hand on your shoulder. "You call me, and I'll be here."

You smiled, grateful for her support. "Thank you."

"Now, tomorrow's Christmas Eve. If you get overwhelmed with the cooking, you let me know."

"Overwhelmed? You do all the cooking anyway!" you laughed.

Cindy laughed with you, then gently placed her hand on your shoulder. "I'm so glad you're okay and that you and Jake worked things out."

You smiled. "Me too."

The two of you hugged and then let go when Jake walked in from outside.

Both of you looked at him.

"What were you doing?" you asked.

"Chuck has been working on that old John Deere he found in the wood line. We got it hauled up to the garage. Hopefully, we can thaw it out and get it started," he replied cheerfully.

Shaking your head, you stood up. "Boys and their toys." You stretched. "I'm heading to bed." You walked by Jake and gave him a quick kiss, leaving him in the living room with his mom.

Jake walked over to his mom. "And what were you two talking about?"

Cindy smiled. "Girl stuff."

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "Girl stuff, huh? Alright, I won't pry."

Cindy smiled warmly at her son. "It's nothing you need to worry about, Jake. Just know that she loves you very much and she's doing her best to take care of herself and the baby."

Jake nodded, his expression softening. "I know she is. And I appreciate all the help you've been giving her, Mom. It means a lot."

Cindy reached out and patted his hand. "That's what family is for, sweetheart. Now, go check on your wife and get some rest. You've got a big day tomorrow with the Christmas preparations."

Jake gave his mom a quick hug and walked down the hallway to the bedroom. As he entered the bedroom, he found you already in bed, looking relaxed and peaceful.

"Hey there," he said softly, as he walked over to the dresser and started to get into his pajamas. "Everything okay?"

You turned to him with a sleepy smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just tired."

He crawled into bed and pulled you close, wrapping his arms around you. "I'm here, darlin'. Just relax and get some rest."

You nestled into his embrace, feeling safe and content. "Thanks, Jake. I love you."

"I love you too," he whispered, kissing the top of your head.

As you both settled into the quiet comfort of the night, the warmth of the holiday season and the love of family surrounded you, making everything feel right in the world.

The next morning, the smell of food woke you up. You rolled over to see that Jake was already out of bed, so you sat up, slipped your slippers on, and trudged out to the kitchen.

Chuck and Cindy were at the stove, laughing and talking as they cooked. You glanced at the plates of food.

Jake and the twins were at the kitchen island, eating pancakes and fruit.

He smiled when he saw you. "Morning, darlin'," he said.

"Morning," you responded as you tucked your hair behind your ear.

"Doc, everyone got their checks the other day. We've got five ranch hands that didn't go home," Chuck said.

"Great. You know what to do for them and the others," you responded.

Chuck nodded and you went and sat by Jake.

"What do you do for them during the holiday?" Jake asked, curious.

"Each rancher gets a $5,000 check and then for Christmas, they all get a small gift under the tree."

"How do you know what they like?"

You smiled. "My ranch hands have been with me long enough that we know," you responded as you grabbed a plate and started putting some fruit and pancakes on it.

"Before I forget to say it, thank you," Jake said.

A confused look crossed your face. "For what?"

"For paying off my plane. I'll pay you back the rest in installments like I was paying," he said.

You looked at him. "Jake, you don't have to do that. We're fine." You took a bite of your pancake. "Let's just call it your early Christmas gift." You took another bite. "And after breakfast, you'll see how our finances are."

Jake nodded. "That's fair."

After breakfast, you and Jake walked into the office. You sat in your chair, and Jake sat in his, pulling it closer to you as you turned on your computer and brought up your finances page.

Jake leaned in, watching as you navigated through your finances. His eyes widened at the amount of money in the accounts.

"You've been smart," you explained. "I've been putting your money into a nice CD. You don't spend a lot living off base."

"The inheritance I received from my parents and my book royalties are over here. Yes, I spent a bit on building the house, but it's slowly getting paid off." You paused. "The vehicles are all paid off, along with your plane now."

Jake nodded, absorbing the information. "You've really been taking care of things. I didn't realize how well we were doing."

You smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "We've both worked hard, and it's paying off. Plus, with the baby coming, it's important to have a solid financial foundation."

He leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. "I know you’ve been handling most of this, but I want to be more involved. Especially now."

"Does that mean I'll be getting more phone calls like the last deployment?" you asked, a sly grin on your face.

Jake leaned forward. "Most definitely."

He leaned in closer, and the two of you kissed.

Just then, Wyatt came running into the office, interrupting your moment. "Uncle Jake! Mr. Chuck told me to ask if I can ride the new pony."

Jake grabbed him and sat him on his lap. "Sure thing, buddy," Jake said with a smile. "Let's go see that new pony." The two of them stood up and headed out of the office.

"I'll be out just as soon as I get dressed," you said, just as you heard the doorbell ring.

You put on a pair of fleece-lined maternity leggings, a turtleneck, flannel, and wool socks. You had just pulled the socks on when you saw Jake at the bedroom door.

"Darlin', you need to come to the door," he said, seriousness written all over his face.

"What's wrong?"

"The Sheriff is here."

Shock lined your face as you stood up, and the two of you walked to the front door.

The Sheriff stood waiting patiently in the foyer. He nodded when he saw you. "Doc."

"Is something wrong?" you asked him. You had known the Sheriff for a few years now, since moving to the county and also being the veterinarian for his animals.

"I apologize for doing this on Christmas Eve, but I figured I'd get this done and over with and do this personally." He held out some papers. "I'm serving you these court papers from Wyoming."

You took them.

"There's also some for a Lieutenant Jake Seresin. Is he your brother?" he asked, confused.

"No, Sheriff. Meet my husband, Lieutenant Jake Seresin," you said, turning to Jake while reading the subpoena. "Well, that didn't take long."

Jake and the Sheriff exchanged a handshake.

"I knew the Doc was married, but you never know in this day and age," the Sheriff said.

"It's no problem. I understand," Jake replied.

You looked at the Sheriff. "Thank you. I'll get this info to my attorney."

The Sheriff nodded. "No problem. Have a Merry Christmas, Doc." He turned, opening the door, and you closed it behind him. You then turned to Jake. "You'll be deployed, but I'm sure the attorney can deal with that."

"Well, this makes for a Merry Christmas," Jake said solemnly.

"I'm sure Dorian had this done intentionally. We're not done with him yet."

Jake made a face.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't want to leave you with this, and I feel bad," he said.

You reached out and touched his arm. "Jake, it's okay. I've got this. You go be a badass pilot, and I'll take care of this."

He stepped up to you, cupping your face in his hands and kissed you. "How did I get so lucky with someone like you?"

"Inquiring minds want to know," you said with a smile. "Come on. Let's go check out this pony and then get this Christmas started. Max should be here soon."

Hooking your arm into his, the two of you walked towards the kitchen and to the mudroom.

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