#I thought she would give the entire fortune to eve

[violetrainbow412-blog]

hii, I wish to request a Willy Wonka x reader 😭🙏 where reader doesn’t like chocolate at all because it’s too cloying, so Wonka tries to make the right candy (or chocolate) to give it to the reader at Christmas Eve (he wanted to gave reader a small gift before Christmas day, like a form of confessing his feelings to the reader). And reader also prepares a small gift to Wonka bc they also want to confess their feelings to him

Reader can be gender neutral, or however you want

English isn’t my first language so sorry any grammar mistakes, also sorry if I didn’t explain myself well

have a good day and thanks for reading 😭🫶💐

The Bittersweet Gift of Love [W. W]

Willy Wonka x gn!reader

word count: 1.8k

note: don't worry! English is not my first language either. I have to admit that writing with neutral readers is always a challenge for me because I translate my texts directly, but I think this time it's a decent thing. I hope you like it!!

taglist: @dyieying @reallysparklychaos [Timothée masterlist]

What could a chocolatier give to a person who didn't like chocolate? That was the question Willy had been asking himself for the past few weeks.

You hadn't specifically said that you didn't like chocolate, rather it was a matter of not liking the excessively sweet or sticky taste that some had. That is, most of the chocolates he made.

“Maybe it's just that you haven't found the right flavor,” he had told you once, while the two of you were talking.

And he was quite convinced of that, even thinking that if he managed to make something special for you maybe he would earn some affection from you. It would be as if he gave you a certain part of himself, so that you could make it yours.

So it was that Wonka, after reflecting a lot, decided to try all kinds of combinations until he found one good enough to satisfy you. Christmas was approaching and he believed that the occasion would be perfect not only to give you the present, but also to take an important step for which he had not yet had the courage: he wanted to confess his feelings for you.

The man didn't know much about love, however, he knew that he liked you a lot and he wanted you to know it. It was just that he was pretty nervous about it and he hoped everything would turn out as perfect as possible, after all, you deserved it.

Christmas Eve came when he was least expecting it and then it was time to dress in shades of green and red to attend the party that the Smith family would throw, as a thank-you to everyone after Dorothy had heard what the entire group did for help Noodle when she needed it most.

Willy put a lot of effort into buying, with some of the few coins he had left, a cute outfit appropriate to the occasion that he combined with his characteristic coat. When he was in front of the library door he felt the little purple box in his hands extremely heavy and he thought it would be a better idea to put it in his pocket, or else you would realize ahead of time the surprise he had for you.

“Mr. Wonka,” Dorothy greeted, as she opened the door “Come in, come in. It's freezing outside”

“Good night, Mrs. Smith,” he murmured cordially, removing his hat and placing it on a rack in the entryway. Apparently he was the last to arrive, since everyone else was already talking happily in the room.

Of course his eyes went directly to you, who was wearing a green sweater that highlighted your beautiful skin tone and you already had a huge smile on your pink lips from the cold.

“It's good to see you, Mr. Wonka,” said Abacus, being the first to speak “Sit over here.”

He smiled internally at the good fortune that the place the man had left him was right next to you and when you gave him a look, he felt himself blush.

“Hi,” he murmured shyly.

"Hello! I'm so glad you could come."

“I would never miss it,” he responded smilingly. His knees collided with yours and suddenly your warmth seemed to invade him as well, perhaps because of the closeness, but also because of the overflowing love he felt for you “How are you?”

With this question you began a pleasant and private conversation, which developed between close whispers and giggles that made him increasingly nervous. The others didn't mind too much that you didn't participate in the general talks, as they knew that certain unresolved matters probably needed time.

You ate the delicious dinner that the family had prepared, you drank punch, you sang some Christmas carols and when the night had advanced enough you returned to your previous place, although now with fewer people around.

“This is so nice, I love Christmas. The atmosphere is always so homely and warm” you said, with your eyes resting on the simple tree that adorned the room.

It was almost midnight and the others were in the kitchen sorting through some of the cookies that Noodle had put there an hour ago, which only left you and the chocolatier in the living room.

“I guess I believe you, your eyes are literally shining now,” he said happily. He felt like sliding his hand into yours and this time, steeling himself, he didn't hold back. You flinched slightly when you felt that.

“What are you doing?”

“I have something for you,” he breathed, feeling strangely excited by what he was about to do “It's a gift.”

“Oh, Willy,” you responded, a bit incredulously, as you bent down to grab something from your bag on the floor. “I have something for you, too.”

He chuckled when he saw the box lined with bright red and a purple bow decorating it, since it was a pleasant coincidence that you had also prepared something for him.

“But don't tell anyone, because he didn't bring gifts for the others,” you added, quietly, and then he helped you up, still holding onto your hand.

"Come with me"

He led you to an empty room and he closed the door behind you, hoping he only needed enough minutes to not raise suspicions among the rest of the guests. You were nervously holding the gift, with both hands now that he had let go of you.

“Okay, listen. I wanted to do something special for you today,” he began to explain, as he pulled the box out of his pocket. “And I also added, uh… a note. You don't have to read it now or anything, but it says something in it that I want you to know."

“You're starting to scare me,” you stammered, obviously nervous. Willy was going to ask what you meant until he saw you take a small envelope out of your pocket, which you placed on the red paper. “Because I have the same thing for you.”

He stumbled a little at the second coincidence of the night and he wondered what your note could be about. He knew that he had written a little poem confessing how he felt about you, but... what if you were just wishing him a Merry Christmas? He was going to look like a complete fool.

“You can read mine in a more… private place if you feel comfortable. Maybe alone,” he suggested, though he knew it was more for his comfort than yours.

“Huh, how about we just open the gifts and leave the notes for later? I wouldn't want you to read mine now either” you murmured, just as shy as him.

Willy agreed and you extended your gift in his direction, hinting that he would be the first to open. He undid the bow, carefully, and then opened the box, revealing a beautiful scarf.

“Wow, I…”

"Do you like it? I made it myself”

“I don't believe you,” he said immediately, looking even more surprised. “It's beautiful, I really love it. Thank you so much"

He wasted no time and placed the garment around his neck. Curiously, it matched the rest of his outfit.

"It looks pretty"

“Mine is also a gift made by me. Feel free to tell me if you don’t like it, I… I’ll understand, okay?” you looked a little confused at that and then he took out the piece of chocolate, carefully placed inside the box “I know you don't like chocolate, but I don't think anyone should live without consuming such a great delicacy. So I made you this, because it doesn't have those things that you don't like. It's... different, but I hope you like it”

With some shyness he offered you the sweet and you put it in your mouth, under his watchful eye during the process. You tasted what he had offered you: it was a little bitter, but not in that way that makes your head hurt or leaves a bad taste on your palate, but with just the right touch. It was firm and didn't melt in your mouth, but decent enough to chew on. And finally, it had a touch of something indecipherable to you, but that gave it a certain exotic flavor that was pleasant to your senses.

He, without knowing everything you were experiencing, kept looking at you because he wanted to analyze your reaction to know what you really thought, and luckily your reaction showed agreement with what your chocolate lips said:

“It is the best chocolate I have ever tasted”

Willy felt that like the greatest compliment in the world and he couldn't help a smile crossing his face, satisfied with himself for having achieved his goal, but above all for seeing the happy expression on your face.

“You will never have to eat chocolates you don't like again, I have a jar full of these just for you. They will even bear your name."

It was inevitable not to take a step towards him to hug him and the boy, although at first he seemed surprised, soon responded to you.

“No one had ever done anything like this for me. I appreciate it a lot"

“Well, it's my Christmas gift. I wanted it to be something special,” he confessed, feeling his heart beating in time with yours “Merry Christmas, Y/N”

“Merry Christmas, Willy,” you said. The note in his hand felt extremely heavy and he was eager to read it, but he knew he would have to wait a while.

Suddenly you heard Noodle calling your names and you got out of there before anyone else noticed your absence, which worked because the girl was walking around the hallway when you were closing the door.

“It's going to be midnight, come here,” she said and you obeyed.

Dorothy revealed that she had a small present for each person and you began to look under the tree, eager to find out what would be in those little boxes. It wasn't something very ostentatious, but you were grateful anyway.

So, when no one was looking, you ran to the bathroom to finally read whatever he had written to you, hoping it wasn't as embarrassing as the confession you had made. You were stunned to learn the content and for a moment you feared you were dreaming, but you weren't.

When you left you knew well what your intentions were and your heart stopped for a moment when you noticed that Willy was nowhere to be seen, until Lottie told you that she had seen him heading to the kitchen. You rushed over and when you opened the door you noticed that he was about to do the same, with a bright expression on his face.

A second later he had already pulled you inside and without saying another word, he kissed you.

[cherryflavoured7777]

okay i’m thinking a fic where you’re spending your first christmas with Hazel 🥹 and making a gingerbread house while drinking hot cocoa and watching movies… like TONS of fluff im in love with her.

PS i love u and ur writing so much 🩷

THANK U SM ANGEL <3 ily.

(THIS IS PURE FLUFF. BORDERLINE TOO SWEET BUT I AM A very cheesy hoe IM SORRY, you have been warned)

You and Hazel spend your first Christmas Eve together. <3.

word count: 2k

⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️🎄⭐️

December 24th, Christmas Eve, found you spending the entire day at your girlfriend Hazel's house. The two of you totally immersing yourselves in a festive atmosphere, indulging in baking sessions, adding last minute decorations to the space, and listening to a blend of both classic Christmas tunes and your personal favourite songs.

You stood at the kitchen island, putting the finishing touches on a round of baking.

"Smells amazing, baby," Hazel sighed as she wrapped her arms around you from behind, observing you intently as you worked on mixing your second batch of cookies.

"Yeah?" you hummed.

"Mhmm, can't wait to try them." You felt the comforting weight of her chin resting on your shoulder, a warmth spreading through your body.

In the oven, your initial batch of Christmas cookies baked, ready to accompany the gingerbread house you were about to create.

Hazel snakes her arm in-front of you, dipping her finger into the cookie batter you're mixing.

"Hey! no tasting the batter yet." you protest.

"It's not for me, I already snuck a taste when you weren't looking. Open your mouth. You gotta try it."

Hazel’s hands met your waist again, and she gently spun you around.

She drew you a bit closer, fingers gently encircling your waist as she slid her batter-covered finger into your mouth, inviting you to taste. Her eyes grew slightly darker as she watched you slowly suck the batter off her finger, pupils fixated on your mouth. With raised eyebrows, she watched you expectantly.

"See?" She removes her finger from your mouth and licks the excess batter off her finger. "My girl can bake."

It all feels incredibly domestic, and merely being in her presence evokes a flutter in your stomach, a sensation that persists despite the fact that you see her almost every day. Love with Hazel unfolds in unexpectedly simple moments, and you can't help but feel fortunate, a sentiment she shares. The idea of experiencing such a pure connection once seemed unlikely to her, until she met you.

Your eyes stay fixated on hers before for a moment before she speaks.

"I love having you here,” she blurted out.

“I love being here,” you replied.

"No," she seemed a bit frustrated, as if you didn't fully grasp how deeply she meant it.

"Seeing you here gets me excited. Excited about what the future holds for us, you know? I know it sounds insane, or maybe like I’m thinking too far down the line, but I can't wait to come home to you existing in our place one day. Our kitchen, with the stuff we picked out together." Though confident and intentional, you could tell Hazel’s words were laced with vulnerability and a tad of insecurity.

Hazel’s words didn’t freak you out, though, they actually did the opposite. You never imagined you could feel so deeply enamored with another person. Truthfully, you would give her whatever she wanted.

"I know, Haze. Me too. I think about it so much, more than you know," you reassure her.

Hands still on your waist, she lifts you onto the countertop, adjusting slightly to stand between your legs.

Your hand instinctively reaches up to hold her face. You were both so young, and perhaps naive, but you never let that stop you from having these thoughts. You felt you owed yourself a completely lovesick, teenage romance, not tainted by fears of the future, not yet at least.

Your hands brush a strand of brown hair from her face, and you lean down to kiss her.

Whenever you kissed Hazel, you understood why people wanted to kiss, why they chased this feeling.

Growing up, you never quite understood it as much. But here in this moment, and every other one like it, you finally did. The warmth of her lips against yours, the subtle taste of cookie batter lingering between you—it's a simple joy that seems to encapsulate everything sweet and pure in your shared world.

You pull away, leaving her chasing you for more “Alright we gotta get these out of the oven, get out of my way,” you playfully command.

Walking over to put on your oven mitts, you take the tray out, carefully placing it on the stove. The sugary sweet aroma of the cookies envelops the kitchen with a rich warmth.

“I think we make a pretty good team,” Hazel says, smiling at you and admiring your baking.

“What are you talking about? I did all the work,” you tease, giggling as you await her response, turning back around to face her.

“Hey! That’s not true, I-” You cut off her protest with another kiss, choosing to indulge her instead of teasing her further. She smiles into the kiss, grabbing your waist before before her fingers start to trail along your spine, igniting a electricity against your skin. Letting the heated exchange linger, the playful banter transforms into a more intense moment as she slowly walks you backward and pushes you against the counter again.

The kitchen's warmth now feels more noticeable as ever as Hazel's lips leave yours and find their way to the sensitive curve of your neck. Soft, breathy sighs escape your lips, and you feel the air thicken around you. Hazel's hands move with purpose, exploring the contours of your body, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

The magnetic pull between you intensifies, making it momentarily hard to focus on anything but the rising wanting in your chest. Yet, amidst the heat of the moment, Hazel manages to steer the energy back to your task, her lips lingering near your ear.

“Okay, ready to tackle this beast?” she asks, motioning to the unopened gingerbread house. The mischievous glint in her eyes tells you that she knew exactly what she was doing.

“Absolutley.” you smile, trying to seem unphased and ignore the growing heat between your thighs.

The next half-hour is spent constructing the gingerbread house with Hazel around her kitchen table. She eventually pulls you onto her lap on her chair, her arms encircling you as she reaches behind with the frosting, guiding your hands to steady them as you outline the bodies of the gingerbread men. Laughter reverberates through the room as you and Hazel engage in a frosting fight, adorning the gingerbread with colorful candies and sprinkles, not really paying too much attention to where you're putting them.

“This looks like shit,” you say, staring at your handiwork. Hastily, you reach to save the drooping roof thats caving in.

You can feel Hazel’s breath against your ear behind you as she lets out a laugh, her arms wrapping around you to help salvage the falling structure. The shared moment becomes a sweet memory, even if the gingerbread house didn't turn out as planned.

"I think it's perfect," Hazel declares, placing a gentle kiss on your cheek.

You glance around the room, the glow of Christmas lights casting a warm ambiance. The sound of holiday music playing softly in the background adds to the sweetness of the moment.

“Come on, I’m getting sleepy, let's go watch a movie,” she says, lifting you off her lap, interlacing your hand with hers as she pulls you up the stairs to her room.

You make your way up to Hazel's room, quickly discarding your T-shirt in exchange for one of her oversized sweatshirts, carrying her comforting scent.

Entering the bathroom, you find Hazel already brushing her teeth. You grab your toothbrush from the cup beside her sink, one that you kept there all the time because she insisted.

Staring at each other in the mirror, you both giggle as you brush your teeth in tandem, finding joy in the simplicity of shared routines. When Hazel finishes, she comes up behind you, grabbing a hair tie to keep your hair away from your face as you wash it. She mindlessly held your hips as you bent over to splash water on your face.

You and Hazel were both extremely clingy, but you couldn’t help it, always wanting to be close.

After both of you finish your skincare, you make your way over to her bed, clicking on the remote to her TV as you get comfortable under the covers.

“Okay, you have two choices, Home Alone or The Holiday?” you say as she climbs into bed beside you. She smells like soap and cookie batter.

“Why only those two?” She shifts under the covers, positioning herself beside you.

“Because those are my favourites,” you reply.

“I’ll watch whatever you want, babe,” Hazel says, a yawn escaping her mouth as she wraps her arm around you.

“If you fall asleep, I’m gonna be sad,” you warn. “I want to stay up with you until at least midnight. It's our first Christmas together, and I have to go home in the morning.” You pout.

Hazel’s eyes reflect a certain sadness in them, like she didn’t know how much you wanted her to stay awake. All of a sudden, it's as if her tiredness is gone as she sits up and walks across the room. She opens her closet and pulls something out, a large, flat, wrapped gift.

"Okay, I have something for you," Hazel grinned, excitement dancing in her eyes.

“But, my gifts for you are at home, I thought we were waiting until tomorrow.” You say, a pang of guilt hitting you.

“Shh- it’s fine. I want you to open it now, it’s just a small thing, I have more for tomorrow.” she says.

Her hands trembling slightly with anticipation, Hazel handed over the gift, a hint of nervousness in her smile. Your eyes light up as you accept the package, curiosity mingling with joy.

"Oh wow, Hazel, it's so beautifully wrapped," you say, carefully unwrapping the present.

As the paper fell away, revealing a sleek and elegant box, Hazel couldn't help but hold her breath. You opened the box to find a delicate frame containing a customized star map. The night sky on the night you first met, immortalized in a celestial display.

"Oh, Hazel," you gasped, your eyes welling up with emotion. You recongized the date immediately "Is this…?"

Hazel nodded, her heart swelling with affection. "It's the night we first met. The stars above us that night," she explained, her voice tender.

You and Hazel constantly argue about your first official time meeting. The truth is, she’d watched you from afar for months, never thinking she’d actually have a chance with you. You didn’t officially talk until the first night of senior year, at the annual senior campout. You’d spent basically that entire night with Hazel, following her in awe as she pointed out different constellations to you, her infatuation with astronomy becoming quickly apparent.

You traced your fingers over the constellations, a smile playing on your lips. "This is incredible. I can't believe you did this."

Hazel leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on your cheek. "I wanted us to have a piece of that moment forever. Something to remind us of where it all began."

The room seemed to shimmer with warmth as you pulled Hazel into a tight embrace, the framed star map cradled between you two.

“Thank you, Haze. I love it.” You whisper into her hair.

“Your welcome, baby. I’m glad you like it” she whispers back.

You spend the next two hours tangled up together watching The Holiday. Completely content in eachothers presence. As the credits roll, Hazel’s hands find yours, lightly toying with your fingers. “Hey, pass me your phone.” She whispers.

You reach for it beside you and hand it to her. She turns it on, the clock showing 12:13am, December 25th. She turns to look at you, beaming.

“We made it,” she says smiling, pressing a quick kiss to the corner of your mouth.

“Merry Christmas, baby.” She buried her head in the crook of your neck, peppering warm kisses all over.

“Merry Christmas, my love.” You whisper, hands finding her hair.

She coaxes you onto your side, pulling you into her, gently stroking your hair. The movie soundtrack faded into the background, replaced by the quiet cadence of your shared breaths. Hazel's fingers traced soothing patterns on your back, and as the clock ticked away the minutes, you succumbed to the gentle pull of sleep.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

NAHHH CAUSE I NEED A GF THIS CHRISTMAS NOW. WILL I EVER FIND LOVE??

[brooklynislandgirl]

Advent Calendar: Day 13 @devilinthekitchxn​ ​

“Hodie scietis, quia veniet Dominus, et salvabit nos, et mane videbitis gloriam eius.” Today, you know that the Lord will come, and He will save us, and in the morning you will see His glory. On one hand, Beth thinks that’s grossly unfair to Matt who has just finally joined her. Fortunately she’s sitting in a space at the back of the church, having given up her seat in the front to an elderly pair of ladies when she realised her friend was going to be late. His suit is rumpled in places, it’s hastily tucked in, and she can practically smell the bruises he covered with it. It breaks her heart that even on Christmas Eve, he can’t catch a break. That there are people willing to do evil and violence even on the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace. She can’t make herself angry with him for being late, for being hurt. She waits until he’s seated himself beside her on the pew before taking his hand. Beth doesn’t presume Matt needs the help unless he asks for it, or at least his body language gives it away. To anyone else it might seem cruel, but they don’t know him quite the way she does. Her fingers intertwine with his and she gives it a small squeeze. She knows if she stays close to him for the rest of Mass, her mana will eventually find its way around him. It will dull the worst of his aches and pains, seeking to undo some of the damage he’s done. The entire congregation raises their voices. “.....Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis….” She leans in toward his shoulder, whispering gently to not interrupt the people in front of them, but mostly not to give away any of his secrets. “Thought I was gonna hafta send out search an’ rescue into local bars. Or a’least text Foggy an’ yell a’ him in all caps.” He breathes something that sounds like a laugh, but it feels more like a groan. She almost wishes that his devout nature would have allowed him to go home. Use speech-to-text to give her a heads up, and she’d have come over. Maybe even wait til morning, bring him the gifts she’s got wrapped for him under her tree, and breakfast too. She might still do that, but what she is absolutely going to do is drive him home and see him up to his apartment before heading over the bridge to hers. Unless he invites her otherwise. And maybe he can feel her cheeks grow pink at the impropriety of that sort of thought here of all places. “For wha’ its wort’ Matt’ew, I’m glad you’re heah. I really was worried.” This isn’t a lie, even if her heart picks up its pace. It’s dangerously close to other feelings, softer ones she’s not sure she’s comfortable with, or that he is, either. Still, she’s not yet let go of his hand when they rise at the Father’s bidding.  

[dudemanauthor]

Getting in to Character

Author's Note: This was seasonal when I originally posted it for Xmas 2017. For that Nondescript Winter Holiday, Ruby is given the responsibility of delivering presents to the students of Beacon Academy and she is fully committed to taking up the role of Jolly Redman, both in body and holiday spirit.

Ruby Rose was making what most people would call ‘a mistake’. Most people would definitely have considered the many packets of cookies that Ruby had just eaten excessive and would consider the sore round belly proof of that. For Ruby, that was just a sign that she needed more practice at overeating cookies. At least that was her explanation for the exasperated Weiss.

“And why is that something you need to practice?” Weiss asked, rolling her eyes.

“Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch made me the present deliverer for Nondescript Winter Holiday, so I gotta get in character. Do you know how many cookies Jolly Redman has to eat in one night? I gotta eat an entire school’s worth of holiday cookies,” Ruby exclaimed in surprising moment of clarity.

“Ruby, that is…” Weiss let out a sigh. “You know you don’t have to eat all the cookies, right?”

“If I don’t, who will? They’ll go all stale and stuff if they get left out all night and everyone will think that Jolly Redman didn’t show up,” Ruby explained. “Besides, I gotta get in shape if I wanna be Jolly Redman. If someone catches me, I gotta look like the real guy, not this twig,” she added, gesturing to her body as she lay in her bunk bed. The taut round belly was somewhat undermining her message, but it was very well contrasted by the rest of Ruby’s petite frame, especially with how snug her winter pyjama top was around it and how ready one of the buttons were to try and escape.

“Well, if you’re certain…” Weiss began.

“Oh, I totally am. Coco even gave me some stuff to make me really big really quick and she’s gonna give me some stuff to make me slim again afterwards. So, yeah, no need to worry about me being too big to be a Huntsman.”

“Fine. But you’re getting the bottom bunk. I don’t want you coming back from delivering presents and crushing me,” Weiss relented.

“Ugh, fine. I’ll move once my stomach stops hurting.”

-

Nondescript Winter Holiday’s Eve was soon upon Beacon Academy and Ruby was ready to be the best Jolly Redman Beacon had ever not seen. Being seen, however, certainly wouldn’t be the end of the world thanks to Ruby’s new physique. This thought was brought to Ruby’s mind by how stretched her Jolly Redman costume pants were, as they would probably have looked like they had been painted on to her expansive rear if not for the bunching above her wool-lined boots. The top was a tight fit, with the belt being more to keep her belly under cover than to make the coat fit. As Ruby waddled out of the dorm room, her thick thighs rubbing together, she also noticed both sides of her hips brushed against the door frame.

‘Heh, guess I might’ve overdone it,’ Ruby thought to herself as she adjusted her fake beard and red and white hat. ‘Oh man, am I even going to be able to walk after all the food tomorrow? Eh, that’s a future problem.’

Ruby collected her first sack of presents and made off towards the dorms for her first delivery run. Fortunately, with her speed semblance, her run was much quicker than anyone else in the school would have been able to do. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as quick as it used to be, back before she took on much larger and much rounder proportions. The couple of cookies and most of a glass of milk at each dorm room certainly didn’t help Ruby’s speed. The second and third runs got gradually slower and slower as Ruby got fuller and fuller. She was still so proud of herself for handling her cookies and milk so well, even if a small number of the rooms had left, of all horrible things, oat and raisin cookies and skim milk. Still, she soldiered on with her final delivery run. Her semblance enhanced sprint had been replaced with a waddle of impressive speed, but it had definitely slowed down from her breakneck speeds earlier in the night. The impending sore stomach, both from reaching capacity and from being constricted by the costume’s belt, was beginning to rear its inconvenient head as she reached her final delivery.

As the milk-and-cookie laden Ruby returned her delivery sacks she lumbered back towards her team’s dorm room with barely an hour to spare before sunrise. Her packed belly sloshed and bounced ahead of her, threatening to break free of her belted coat.

Soon, Ruby arrived, nearly out of breath, and quickly headed for the bathroom so that she could escape her confining costume and slip in to an almost equally confining set of pyjamas. Her winter pyjama shirt had well and truly given up on her, leading Ruby to wear it open over her summer pyjama tank top, which was only really useful for maintaining decency, as her belly, even when not packed with a school’s worth of cookies and milk, poured out below the hem of the top. Even the sleeves barely fit her, being skin-tight around her flabby biceps and appearing to be a hair-breadth from bursting open at all times. Her pyjama pants didn’t fit much better, as her belly hung over the tense elastic waistband and her thighs had begun working on small holes between the two, partly from slowly tearing seams and partly from even slower holes caused by friction. The skin-tight fit over her ballooned rear was another issue, but the pants still, by some miracle, fit enough for Ruby to not consider buying new pyjamas, even if it was at least partly stubbornness and partly optimism regarding her ability to fit it properly again relatively soon.

As Ruby filled her bed and drifted off into a food-coma induced slumber, her heart was lifted by the thoughts of her fellow students’ reactions to her work and the holiday cheer it would bring with it. A slightly more selfish side to her had to admit that the mountain of cookies of all type was also a major bonus to the night’s work, even if it would be a long road ahead of her to work it off.

[hourglass-full-of-stars]

the final gambit PASSES AND SOMEWHAT EXCEEDS MY EXPECTATIONS

[originalfireemblemscenarios]

Hi! Can I get a deviation of a Cinderella AU with Xander and a Female Corrin? Like, Corrin just walks into the ballroom during a Nohrian party not knowing if she came to the right place. Since she seems so lost, she inevitably stands out or something idk adsfwobjaidn

I had an idea so sorry if I messed it up and it wasn't what you wanted :x

[kind of cinderella AU] Xander meeting Corrin at a Nohrian ball

Corrin here is female

Corrin, being part of Hoshido royal family had to get through a lot of barriers to get to the Nohrian ball.

Her family is overprotective, ever since she almost got kidnapped at a young age she wasn't allowed outside.

Not only that, Nohr and Hoshido weren't on friendly terms either... But Corrin couldn't help but want to go.

Fortunately a certain dragon who was rescued by the princess some time ago was by her side.

Lilith heard her desperate calling and decided to help her. That's the least she could do for Corrin.

Considering the fact that Corrin stayed in the castle her entire life nobody from the outside knew what she looked like. But just to be cautious Lilith made sure she couldn't be recognized even by her siblings right away.

There was a little magic involved and the final touch were glass shoes... Although Corrin didn't like that final touch to be exact, she still put them on to honor the dragon's effort.

After getting ready she needed to sneak out, which would be a hard part if Lilith wasn't there to help.

Corrin wasn't exactly on time, but she also knew limits of Lilith's magic. She didn't complain about having less time though, she was grateful that she could at least come. Not only that she'd probably have to get going by midnight either way considering she had to be home before anyone noticed her being gone.

She had no idea how to dance so at the start she was observing how others did it.

She didn't have enough time to look before she got invited to dance. She had no idea that who asked her was none other than prince Xander.

He noticed her some time ago and wondered why she was standing all alone. And as he wanted everyone to enjoy the party he decided to step in.

Needless to say he was surprised when she asked him for his name. He started wondering where did she come from. Still he gave her his name, hoping she'd do the same.

She wasn't sure if it was his charming face or was it her panic of being found out but she froze up.

He waited for her answer patiently, but he thought that if she was this nervous around him it'd be better if he left her alone and ask Elise to warm her up to the ball instead.

Before he could do just that, Corrin apologized. She didn't explain her silence, and she didn't give him her name in the end. Instead she changed the topic.

They decided to continue their conversation while dancing. She did warn him about not being able to dance, and he thought it was a good opportunity for her to learn.

She had troubles especially because she wasn't used to the shoes but she knew how to follow up well.

Yet still, her being nervous didn't help her much and Xander could see that. Since he was rather interested in her he asked if she wanted to go somewhere else if the crowd bothered her.

Even though she had fun dancing, she thought it was a good idea to take a break.

Xander leaving the ballroom didn't go unnoticed as both of his sisters saw him leave. They definitely were going to ask him some questions about the girl he was leaving with for sure.

At the courtyard they had a very pleasant walk. Unfortunately he didn't learn much of her origins or where he could find her.

He didn't expect to fall for her this quickly, but that's just how love works: it shows up when you least expect it.

But as he was about to ask if they could meet again, Corrin noticed the time and panicked. She thanked him for the wonderful time but she had to go.

He didn't want to stop her from leaving so she could stay longer, he just wanted to know how he can find her again.

Corrin however was in a rush, so she couldn't even stop to gather her thoughts. She couldn't even tell him if she wanted to, at least that's how she felt about it. She ended up just running away.

At the stairs one of her shoes feel off and after she got off the stairs she took off the other one.

Xander yelled after her and all she said that she was sorry and that she couldn't tell him anything about her home.

After hearing that he let her go. He thought it meant she didn't wanted to spend more time with him and their fun was very much one sided.

It was a shame but he decided to respect her wishes. As he was walking back he had noticed that she left her shoe.

So he had an excuse to see her again... But he had no idea where to look for her. As he didn't recognize him as Royalty she could be from outside Nohr entirely... He could only wonder where she went off to.

Fortunately she got to Hoshido on time. Just as she entered her room, all of the magic stopped working. All that was left was the shoe she was holding.

In the meantime Elise kept asking Xander questions about the pretty lady who he spent most of the time with.

She got quite pouty when her brother told her that he doesn't know much about the lady. But she decided to help him find her.

So they ended up thinking about it together, to be honest by the fact that Elise was so eager to help with it made him have some hope... But he just couldn't stop thinking whether Corrin wanted to see him or not.

In the end they ended up thinking about each other almost every night wondering if they will ever meet once again...

~Mod Bernadetta

[sgesges-current-reads]

Here is my fourth and probably last The Final Gambit update. After the last post I feel the need to clarify that this is not a review, it’s not very nuanced at all, it’s basically just word vomit of my opinions. The quality will be questionable but hopefully this will be at least somewhat entertaining. If you are not particularly interested in reading me complain and celebrate random details feel free to keep scrolling. Now honestly I don’t mind debates in my comments as long as they are good natured and don’t include rude behavior and such. Moving on, this will have spoilers for chapter 68 to the end.

Spoilers below

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

“It was never just the idea of you, Avery.” This might be the only Grayson Avery crumb I get

“That sonofabitch” My thoughts exactly Nash, now I get everything the boys ever said about the old man, I’d hate him too.

“And now that Gray is okay,” Jameson said close behind me, “now that he’s so delightfully human and ready to move on from Emily…” “Don’t finish that question.” Again, if this isn’t the most toxic relationship ever

For a second there I thought Avery was gonna bet her entire fortune on the chess game but then I remembered she’s not a stupid idiot

Nevermind! She really is a stupid idiot! The deal was that if Eve lost both matches she’d have to serve someone, if she won one she’d get a seal, and if she won both she’d get all five seals. If Toby lost both he’d be stuck with the Blakes, if he won one he’d be able to leave but he’d have to admit he was alive, and if he won both he’d get to leave freely. If Avery lost both she’d give Blake a blank check, if she won one he’d release Grayson and not take anyone hostage again, and if she won both he’d also keep Sheffield Grayson a secret. This is basically just the prisoners dilemma to anyone familiar with it, the most logical thing to do is to let each of them win one, sure it’s not perfect and things would blow up but it’s the only solution. But what does Avery do? She beats Toby, sentencing him to life as a Blake 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Shes a double stupid idiot because she did actually bet her fortune on this, it payed off but still, if she doesn’t find a way to free Toby I’m gonna be so, so mad

I only have 2 chapters left! How is this gonna be fixed in 2 chapters!? Also if Grayson hasn’t happened yet I don’t see it happening 😒

😐 not going to lie with the huge buildup I expected the big announcement to be something more interesting then Avery giving away the majority of her money

Oh I love how she’s making her own game

I’m reading the B&N exclusive chapters and Tiramisu Panini Hawthorne is the cutest thing ever.

“Grayson Hawthorne drew the line at eyeliner. Or at least, that was where he drew the line until Thea brought in reinforcements.” Okay at least Gray is doing better

Well, I finished it. Toby is still a Blake. Team Grayson is still dead.

Ngl I’m pretty disappointed by the ending of this. I liked book 1 and 2 more, I did not like how Grayson was basically tortured throughout this and how in my opinion Jameson had some toxic aspects. At least I can sleep at night knowing that Xanders dad is NICE. Though I’m not sure if we will ever know who Jamesons dad is, imagine Jennifer reveals one day that you have to solve a riddle imbedded in the books to figure out who his dad is or something, would be very on brand for Jameson. Still debating my star rating so it’s not set in stone yet but at the moment it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.

[agustdakasuga]

You Never Walk Alone | Chapter 1

Genre: Werewolf!AU, Poly!AU?, Mate!AU, romance, fluff

Pairing: OT7 x Reader

Characters: Student!reader, Omega!Seokjin, Alpha!Yoongi, Beta!Hoseok, Alpha!Namjoon, Omega!Jimin, Beta!Taehyung, Alpha!Jungkook

Summary: You live a quiet life in your late grandfather’s cabin in the woods. You go to school just to graduate and get your diploma, not to make friends or stand out from the crowd. That was until one day, you enter your home to see a pack of wolves that need shelter.

Your life is either uneventful or really sucks. No one really notices you as you live your everyday life. Loneliness has become your best friend. 

Chapter warning(s): Bullying is mentioned, reader is alone. Please read at your own discretion.

((Bolded words are spoken through mind link))

You pressed the button as you saw the bus coming to your stop. Tapping your card, you stepped off, with your headphones in your ears, playing a song. You watched as other students met up with their friends to enter the school together. You weren’t like them. 

“Move aside, loser.” Someone bumped into your shoulder. He snickered and hi-fived his friends before walking away. Sighing, you shook your head. 

“Ugh, a sore sight to see in the morning.” Your usual bully, Kira, snorted as you opened your locker. You rolled your eyes, ignoring her as you arranged your books. 

Thankfully, she didn’t cause much harm and was mostly verbal, which meant it was easy to block her out. She only picked on you because you were alone. 

“Don’t you ever get tired of just talking, Kira?” You sighed as you closed your locker. 

“If I’m one step closer to getting rid of you, I don’t mind.” She shrugged, laughing with her group of girls. You just walked away, heading to your class. You sat in the back, away from everyone else. 

“Class, let’s start.” The teacher came in with a bored look on his face. No one wanted to be here, including you. But before your grandfather passed away, he made you promise him to at least graduate high school before you did anything else. You didn’t have to go to college but you had to at least graduate high school with a diploma. 

“Hey, loner.” Someone threw something at your head but you ignored it, kicking the paper ball aside with your foot. 

“Why do you eve bother showing your face?” The guy behind you kicked your chair. You sighed, knowing this was their tactic to try and get a reaction out of you but you weren’t going to give them the time of day. 

“Yah, I’m talking to you. Are you deaf?” He continued. 

“You think you’re all that?” His deskmate snickered, throwing another paper ball at your back. 

When the lunch bell rang, you slung your bag over your shoulder and went out the backdoor of the school. You always took your bag because one time, you left it in class, the other students thought it would be funny to throw your things into the pond. 

It was a quiet, small field, your usual spot being under the big tree. This had been your secret spot for a long time. Well, it wasn’t really a secret. It’s just that no one comes here. 

“A few more hours to go.” You sighed as you sat down and took your lunch box out. It was just a mix of leftovers from last night. 

You slowly ate by yourself. At first, it felt really lonely and sad but you’re used to it now, after years. 

“We’re running laps today.” Your gym coach said and everyone let out groans. He didn’t care about anyone else so he blew his whistle and went to take a seat by the bleachers. You wordlessly began your run with the other students. 

-

“Hyung!” 

“Jimin! Run!” Jimin fell to the side, letting out a whimper. He pushed himself to stand up, shaking his head to get his vision straight. Looking left and right, he saw his brother fighting.

“RUN JIMIN!” 

“But-”

“We’ll find you again! Just run and don’t look back!” 

His older brother howled and Jimin took a small step back before running off. He needed to find help or his brothers were going to die. The forest never seemed to end and all Jimin saw were the same tress and shrubs. The sounds of fighting were gone and it was silent now. 

“Hyungs? Tae? Jungkook?” 

He let out a whimper when he heard nothing on the mind link. Jimin wanted to turn back but he remembered his brother’s words to run and hide. Being an omega, he wouldn’t be able to help much. 

“I swore I heard something.” There were voices behind him with footsteps. Fearing that people knew he escape, Jimin took off again. 

“Shelter!” 

Jimin saw a small house there. Even if he risked humans finding him and killing him for trespassing, he knew this was his only hope now. He saw an open window by the side of the house and used his hind legs to push him in. 

As he ducked down, he noticed how dark the house was. He didn’t smell anyone currently here. 

“Please... hyungs... Taehyung... Kookie. Please say something.” Jimin tried to connect with his brothers but there was no reply from their side. He could only pray that the worse didn’t happen. He hide his head between his paws, his ears pressed against his head. There was a wound on his side but that was the least of his worries now. 

“Only one more year of hell.” Jimin heard footsteps approaching. It was a female. He stood up, looking around in panic. Where could he hide? 

You took your keys out, opening screen door followed by the main door. Work always left you tired, drained and hungry but you needed it to survive. Plus, the restaurant owner always let the staff take leftovers home. 

“Ugh, I need a shower.” One thing you hated about working at a barbecue restaurant was the smell afterwards. 

You dropped your bag when you saw something on the ground. Frozen, you leaned down to touch the small drop on the ground. The crimson colour was a dead giveaway. 

“H-Hello? Is someone here?” You called out. 

“Are you hurt?” You asked. 

*CRASH*

You jumped and turned around to meet a pair of eyes in the dark. Squinting, you reached for the light switch and turned it on to see a wolf or very large dog. He was trapped under the folded chairs that he knocked over, struggling and whimpering pitifully.

“Hey, hey. It’s alright.” You rushed over and helped lift the chairs up. The wolf was quick to back away, as if he was the one scared of you. 

“I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.” You sat down, holding your hands up in surrender.

Slowly, he took cautionary steps towards you, sniffing you slightly. You let him sniff your hand and that was when your eyes caught the deep, bleeding gash on his side. 

“You’re hurt.” You pointed out. He just stared at you. You stood up, startling him slightly. You went to your kitchen to grab your first aid kit. Your grandfather got hurt often so you had put one in the house to treat him. 

“Will you let me help you?” You asked before you got closer. As a sign of trust, he laid down, exposing his side to you. 

“It’s going to sting.” You shook the antiseptic spray. You didn’t know why you felt the need to explain each step to the wolf as if it would understand you. Maybe it was just the nerves. Sighing, you sprayed the purple spray, making the wolf hiss slightly. Taking some gauze, you cleaned the wound like you would with a normal human wound. 

“I should be googling this.” You took your phone out to research how you should be treating an animal wound. Fortunately, you weren’t too off. 

The wolf stood up to let you wrap the bandage around his ribs. You secured it and it was done. Then, you proceeded to clear the area and throw all the used gauze away. 

“It’s so late.” You went to take a quick shower. When you came out, you made some fried rice for yourself and sat by the couch. 

*whimper*

“Geez! I forgot you’re here.” You nearly dropped your plate of food. The wolf sat next to you, eyeing your food. He looked at it then looked at you, blinking before returning his gaze to your food. You weren’t dumb to know that wolves obviously cannot eat kimchi fried rice. 

“Let me see what I have.” You put the food down and went to the kitchen to retrieve the chicken. As you waited for the water to boil, you saw the wolf getting closer to your fried rice. 

“Yah!” You shuffled over and hit his snout. He shot you a glare, growling to expose his canines. 

For a second, you cursed yourself for forgetting that you’re dealing with a wild animal. You cleared your throat, making the wolf look at you. 

“I’m already making chicken for you. Just be patient, alright? You can’t eat that, you might die or something.” You told him, standing up and rushing to the kitchen. When the chicken was done, you placed it on a paper plate and slid it over to the wolf. He stared at it, before looking at it and sniffing it. Lifting his head, he gave you a flat look. 

“What?” 

“Stop looking at me like that. Animals can’t have seasoning on their food so appreciate it. I could have left you hungry.” You sassed. You swore the wolf scoffed at your words. 

Still, he took a bite and it wasn’t long until he polished the entire plate. You threw the paper plate and washed your own bowl. 

“You can stay the night if you want. But you’re staying down here.” You headed to the storeroom to get some spare blankets that your grandfather had kept for the winter. 

“Here.” You laid it on the ground in a cozy corner with some pillows from the couch. The wolf sniffed the material putting on hesitant paw before sitting down. You watched as he turned around in the spot, pushing the things aside before he got comfortable. 

“Goodnight.” You wished the wolf and went upstairs to your room. You didn’t sleep yet, you stayed up for a while more to finish your homework. 

Only when the clock hit 2 am, then you realised that you needed to go to bed or you wouldn’t wake up for school tomorrow. As you stacked your finished papers and put them in your bag, you thought about the wolf. 

Was he okay?

“He’s a wide animal, he has probably lived in conditions much worse than this. This is a luxury to him.” You laughed to yourself. As you settled in bed, waiting to fall asleep, a cry made you get up. 

“Wolfie? You okay?” You turned the lights on and went downstairs. He was sitting on the blanket, a tensed look on his canine face. 

“What’s wrong?” You asked softly, sitting in front of him. What he did next totally caught you off guard.

He suddenly came close to you, standing in between you legs and leaning into you. His head was on your shoulder, his muzzle nuzzling against your cheek slightly. With shaky hands, you wrapped one around him while the other stroked his back. You never thought you would be sitting in your living room, at 2 am, comforting a wolf with hugs. 

“It’s alright.” You cooed. 

He seemed to be better when he pulled away, even licking your cheek, which made you cringe a little. 

“Go to sleep.” You stood up to leave when there was a tug on your shirt. He bit the end of your shirt, pulling you back gently. He didn’t want you to leave him alone. Sighing, you tugged your shirt back. 

“You want me to sleep here?” You interpreted. Looks like you were correct as the wolf let out a small bark, letting his tongue hang out of his mouth. 

“Ugh. Fine!” You went upstairs to grab you pillow and blanket. You laid down beside the wolf when he decided to get under your blanket and squeeze under your arm. It almost looked like you were spooning him, with him being the little spoon while you were the big spoon. 

“I swear, you could be a human.” You rolled your eyes as his ears twitched. He scooted back so his back was flushed against your front. 

“It’ll be okay...” You yawned, mumbling from the pure exhaustion. 

It felt weird that someone was in the house with you. You were used to the quiet, the loneliness that even having another being, human or not, felt different. 

The last person that was here with you was your grandfather but he died two years back. Even then, you were alone in school and at work. The only person you felt you needed was your grandfather. Now that he’s gone, you were truly alone. The sudden appearance of the wolf made you feel self conscious but at the same time, a part of you wished he would never leave. 

It was about 5 am when the wolf was whimpering and kicking around slightly in his sleep, waking you up. He looked like he was having a nightmare. 

“Hyungs! Please don’t go! Tell me that you’re all okay. I didn’t mean to abandon you.” Jimin cowered in fright.

“It’s okay.” You stroked his fur in attempt to calm him down. Lifting the blanket, you noticed that he bled through his bandage from all the moving. You pushed yourself up and went to get the first aid kit. 

“Wake up. Let me change your bandage.” You shook him and his eyes fluttered open. You swore you saw tears in his eyes. 

“Were you having a nightmare? Do wolves have dreams?” You thought.

“I’m crazy to think you even understand me.” You chuckled to yourself as you cut away the bandage and replaced it with a new one, securing it with the metal fasteners. 

This time, you didn’t clear the things. You just pushed everything aside and laid down to sleep. You definitely needed more sleep but you only had one hour left, which would have to suffice for now. Casually, you threw your arm over the wolf, snuggling into the warmth of his fur. 

“You’re nice and warm.” You mumbled sleepily and began to drift off again. 

BEEP BEEP BEEP

You and the wolf jumped at your sudden alarm. You felt him slip out from your grasp, sniffing your phone and pawing at it in annoyance. Chuckling, you reached over to turn it off. 

“I have to go to school. Which means you’ll go back, hmm?” You hummed. Holding a hand out, you let the wolf put his head under it. 

“Breakfast?” You giggled and he barked. 

Standing up, you gathered your blanket and pillow, bringing it back to your room before you washed up. You brushed your teeth and combed your hair. When you entered your bedroom to change, you saw the wolf walking around, sniffing the area. 

“Are you done?” You raised an eyebrow and he turned around to face you before snorting and sitting down on the carpet. 

“I need to change and no way are you staying in here.” You pointed to the door. It looked like he was rolling his eyes at you before he strode out of there and you closed the door. You changed into your school uniform. 

“Breakfast time.” You went to the kitchen. You made a sandwich for yourself, not having much time. 

*whimper*

“Fine, you can have one piece of bacon.” You tossed him one. He jumped up, catching it in his mouth before gobbling it up. He obviously wasn’t happy with the boiled chicken yesterday but you didn’t really have anything else to give him. You knew he was over it when you dropped the chicken into the water and he gave you the same flat look with his ears folded down. 

“I’m sorry, okay? I don’t want a dead wolf in my hands.” You scoffed and bit into your sandwich as you waited for his food. 

“Here you go.” You placed the plate of food down and sat in front of him as he ate. He stopped and looked up to meet eyes with you. There was a blush on your cheeks as you were caught staring by a wolf. 

You coughed and looked away as he continued eating. Subconsciously, you reached out to pat his head again. 

“I’ve always been alone here. But with you here, even if it was only for one night, made the house feel that much more lively. It felt nice. So thank you for that.” You whispered. 

“You don’t have to always be alone.” Jimin said softly in his head.

“Alright. Let’s go.” You quickly stood up. The wolf followed you as you wore your shoes and locked the door behind you. 

“Goodbye. Stay safe.” You bent down in front of him. He licked your cheek, nuzzling against it softly. His soft fur tickled your skin, making your laugh. You turned to walk to the same bus stop that you go to everyday. But the crunching behind you made you turn around. 

“You can go! Your friends might be looking for you.” You chuckled. He walked forward, standing beside you and looked up at you. 

He followed you all the way to the bus stop. He kept his distance as he saw an elderly couple also waiting for the bus but you could see him sitting there, watching you. 

Soon, the bus came and you turned to look at him. You waved at him with a small smile and stepped into the bus. Looking out the window, you saw him turn around and enter the forest once again. 

~~ 

Tag list

@georgie-me-myself-i​ @tatastaetaemainblog​ @dragoste-lunes​ @lil7bluedragon​ @amber-thumbs​ @greezenini​ 

[maddiwrites]

Family and Hope

Pairing: Routledge!Reader x JJ (Kinda) 

Summary: A month after your brother disappeared, you’re confronted by someone you never thought you would see again, forcing you to come to terms with reality.

Note: I made this a reader x JJ pairing but the focus is more on the relationship with the person who’s introduced in this fic! Also if you haven't yet, go over to my page and read my OBX rewrite and let me know what you think (:

Word Count: 4.2k (Do I know how to write a short fic? No.)

You’ll never forget the day that Shoupe told you he and the FBI “lost” your brother. “Lost” them. Like they were a toddler’s toy that had just been misplaced. No one knew if they were dead or alive, but most made the conclusion that they were never coming back. 

You were ultimately left with no family. After you dad disappeared, all you had was John B. And just like that, he was gone too. Your legal guardian, Ward Cameron, obviously threw you out. But it didn’t take much effort because you weren’t going to go back there anyway. See Ward, whether it be on the streets or on the Local News, nauseated you to no end. You knew he was the reason your dad and brother were gone. The greedy mother fucker would do anything to sit on the highest throne of success and fortune - even going as far as murder. And you knew this world well enough to know that he would never face the consequences of his actions. Because he’s wealthy with an outstanding reputation on this island. And if that wasn’t enough, people now felt sorry for him because his daughter was gone, and everyone blamed that on John B.

Although you were left with no blood relatives, you continue to be surprised by how far your real family would go for you. Mr. Heyward, although always disapproving of you and your friends’ antics, offered to take you in. He promised a roof over your head and food on the table until you turned eighteen so you wouldn’t have to experience foster care. You couldn’t be more grateful especially knowing that he already struggled to support his wife and only kid. 

You tried your hardest to continue living your life as normal as possible. Most days, you pretended like your brother wasn’t even dead. He was just gone. On vacation. Living life. He was coming back. That’s what you told yourself, anyway. You sound like John B when your dad first disappeared. The police called you crazy. Your friends felt sorry for you. But you didn’t care. You weren’t going to give up hope.

Your boyfriend, JJ, tried his best to be supportive, but he was drowning in his own sorrow and grief. He lost his best friend too and truly believed he was never coming back. It was hard for him to get out of bed in the mornings. He was fired from his hotel job, and the couple of people who still let him mow his lawn barely talked to him. The beatings from his dad were worse than ever. Luke almost killed him when he heard it was The Phantom that had sunk. The only reason JJ is still breathing is because the police showed up after one of their neighbors called in for a noise complaint. Since the Chateau was no longer a safe escape - always being investigated by the police - he was stuck in his own home. Luckily, his dad was gone most days, which allowed you to sneak in every once in a while.

You brought him food and water whenever you could, always checking for Luke’s pick up truck before sneaking in through the window. Although you hated how depressed JJ was, it gave you something to focus on. Helping JJ with his every day tasks helped distract you from thinking about your own feelings about John B’s loss. 

Even though it was hard to tell, JJ worried about you. You were running from his house, to Kie’s, to Pope’s, finding anyone and anything to avoid your own feelings about your brother. He was afraid that one of these days you were gonna break. And he was terrified because he didn’t know what would trigger that reaction. 

~ ~ ~

“Oh, good. You’re up,” You crawled through JJ’s window and watched him sip on a PBR can as he looked for a shirt that didn’t smell completely awful. You forced a smile when JJ barely glanced at you and set the coffees and two granola bars on his night stand. “I know it’s not a lot, but it’s all I could afford right now.”

Kie’s father basically fired you from the Wreck, telling you nicely that you were scaring people away. At the end of the day, everyone on the island thought you helped a murderer escape. A murderer you were related to. So you’ve been working for Heyward behind the the counter, making less than minimum wage. 

“Okay...” you drawled out. “Well, I have to get going. Heyward needs me their early, but maybe we can go somewhere tonight? Smoke on the beach or something? Just the two of us.”

JJ looked at you sadly, wanting to say something. But he thought maybe tonight would be better. You were in a good mood - a facade he knew you put on every day to avoid talking about your family. He hated seeing you cry, but he thought if he broke down your walls now, it would help you heal faster. Even if you thought you didn’t need to heal.

But instead, he just nodded and let you leave without saying “goodbye” or “I love you.” A phrase he hasn’t mentioned since John B disappeared. 

You kissed him on the cheek and walked yourself out the front door, ignoring the crack in your heart when JJ turned away from you.

~ ~ ~

A couple hours later, JJ was waking up from another nap when Pope blew up his phone with missed calls and text messages. At first, he immediately thought of the worse possible case scenario. Something happened to you or maybe even Kie. He even let his mind wander to the possibility that they found John B’s body. But instead, what he read, only left him completely confused. 

He rushed over to Heyward’s, hoping to beat you there. 

~ ~ ~

Mr. Heyward didn’t know what to expect when his former friend showed up at his door. He was mixed with all different emotions. Relieved, confused, scared. Behind her was a man about his age. Tall, fair skinned, hair slicked back, and dressed in slacks and a button down shirt. 

“Caroline....what are you doing here?”

“I hear my daughter is living with you now. I was hoping I’d be able to see her,” Your mother admitted, feeling sheepish and a little embarrassed. “May I come in?” Heyward told himself he should slam the door in her face and tell her to go back to wherever the hell she came from. She used to be his friend, then out of nowhere, she up and left her entire family behind, without another word to them or any of her friends. He was hurt and betrayed, and he knew if he was feeling this way, he could only imagine how you would feel. 

But although Heyward loved you like his own, he felt wrong hiding your mother from you. It wasn’t his decision to make whether or not you got to confront her. 

He opened the door wider for her and her husband, he assumed, to enter. Heyward ignored their judgmental gazes as they inspected his home and called out for his wife. 

Mrs. Heyward stopped in her tracks when she caught a glimpse of the blonde hair she remembered so clearly. You were a spitting image of your mother. Long blonde hair, a button nose, and perfectly straight teeth. The one thing you didn’t get from her though was her selfish personality. 

“What the hell are you doing here?” She seethed. Mrs. Heyward loved you like a daughter and felt protective when someone who hurt you so badly in the past came back. 

“Honey...” Mr. Heyward placed a light hand on her shoulder to comfort her and then motioned for the two seats at their kitchen table for your mother and her husband to take.

“Y/N’s not here,” Mrs. Heyward glared. 

“Anne, I know you don’t think I have any right to be here -”

“Right?” 

“But she’s my daughter!” Your mother protested with tears in her eyes. 

Your mother grew up on the Cut too, and just like you, she was able to charm her way into anything. A job, a relationship, a better test grade. There was a time when Caroline, John, Anne and Heyward would cause mischief in Kildare County. But unlike the rest of the group, she was always interested in getting out of the Outer Banks and starting a life somewhere else. She knew she was settling when she married John Routledge so the second a better opuurtunity came around, she didn’t hesitate to take it. Even if it mean’t leaving her family behind. 

“Mom...” Pope walked out from the hallway and looked between Caroline and the man next to her who had his hand on her thigh. He never met Y/N and John B’s mother. Never even seen a picture of her. But looking at her, it was clear to him that this was their mother. You looked just like her, he thought. 

“Pope, this is Caroline...” Heyward hesitated and looked at the woman for clarification. 

“Bennett.” She confirmed and placed her hand on top of her husband’s, interlacing their fingers. “I’m Y/N’s mom.”

Pope noticed how she didn’t even mention John B. He wondered how cold a woman had to be to not even mention her dead son’s name. 

“Go to your room, Pope,” His mother said softly. 

Pope nodded and glanced one last time at Caroline and the man next to her before pulling his phone out of his back pocket and texting JJ. He knew Y/N wasn’t going to take well to the news that her mother was in town. All her life, he heard Y/N saying nothing but horrible things about the woman. You hated her. 

He waited in his room until he heard the familiar revving of JJ’s bike outside his house. Pope ran to the front door before his father could push JJ away. JJ stormed into the house and stopped when he was face to face with the woman he’s grown to hate too. Just like you had with his mother. 

“JJ -” Heyward stood up and approached the boy, but JJ flinched out of his grasp.

“You shouldn't be here,” JJ pointed at her. 

“I- I’m sorry. Who -”

“This is JJ. Pope’s friend -” Anne tried explaining.

“And Y/N’s boyfriend, and I’m telling you right now, she won’t want to see you.”

Caroline nodded as if she understood where JJ was coming from. But Caroline was use to getting what she wanted. Now more than ever. And she wasn’t leaving OBX without seeing her daughter. Maybe even convincing her to come home with them.

“JJ -” Heyward tried to say again, but the room grew silent when the front door creaked open again, which only meant that you were home.

“Hey! Who’s car is out front? I’ve never seen...” You slowly came to a halt when you were met with Heyward, Anne, Pope, and JJ all staring at you with pity and concern. You laughed nervously. “What -” But then you saw her. The woman and her husband at the kitchen table as if they were here for a glass of wine and friendly conversation. 

You recognized her mom immediately from old photographs your dad refused to throw away throughout the entirety of his life. You use to think she was beautiful. Sometimes, you were even jealous of how she was able to look amazing in every picture. Extremely photogenic. 

You never thought about what you would do if you ever saw her again. You never thought the day would come where you would be face to face with the person you grew up hating more than the entire population of Kooks. But you stared into the same pale blue eyes you saw every time you looked in the mirror and your skin burned with rage. 

“What the hell is this?” You looked at Heyward for some answers, ignoring her presence overall. 

Heyward coughed awkwardly. “Caroline was hoping to speak with you.”

“About what?” Heyward glanced back at Caroline. He truly didn’t know why she was here. They hadn’t gotten there yet. 

JJ stepped in front of you and pulled you in close so his mouth was next to your ear. “We can leave.” 

“No,” You shook your head and stepped away from him to get a good look at your mother. “No. I want to know what you’re doing here. What makes you think I want to talk to you?”

“Sweetie, I know you have every right to hate me. But I come here in peace -” Your mother tried explaining, but you cut her off.

“Peace?” You scoffed. “Where the hell have you even been?” “Georgia,” She said. Your mouth dropped open in shock. She was only a couple states below you. “This is Byron, my husband.” You clenched your teeth together and held your stare on the two of them. You didn’t know who you hated more. Your mother or the man who took her away from you. Your mother sighed and looked down at her intertwined fingers with her husband. “I heard about your brother on the News.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” You rolled your eyes. She sounded more like a sympathetic neighbor than a mourning mother. She talked about John B as if he wasn’t her blood too.

“I came here as soon as I could -”

“That was a month ago!” You raised your voice.

“I know,” Your mother choked, starting to get flustered. “I got caught up with work and -” It’s been a while since someone put her in her place. 

“Work? You knew about John B and you cared more about your work? What the hell do you even do, Martha Stewart?”

“Y/N...” Anne said softly, pulling you out of your dark head and reminding you to take a breath. Anne didn’t like her either, but all this yelling wouldn’t get either of you anywhere. 

“Fine,” You took the seat across the table from Caroline and leaned back on it with your arms crossed in front of your chest. “Your here now. So tell me what for. We’re not having a funeral for John B. Not until I see a body.”

Caroline looked at her husband for some sort of encouragement. Although he was unsure now more than ever, Byron subtly nodded his head for his wife to tell her daughter the reason they came up here. “Byron and I...we want you to come home.”

“Home?” You cocked a brow.

“With us,” Byron added. 

You couldn’t help but chuckle - really belly laugh at what you were hearing. You couldn’t believe the ridiculous suggestion she made. You were astounded that she even thought you would agree. 

“We’ve seen the News and read the papers. I mean the stuff you kids have been through -”

“That’s enough,” You stood up.

“We have a beautiful home. You’d have your own room, a pool in the backyard. We even have two other daughters! Ten and seven. They’re excited to meet you.”

You tried your best to ignore her as you grabbed JJ’s arm to pull him out with you. But everything she said was like a ringing in your ears you couldn’t escape. Little did Caroline know, each luxury she threw at you felt like a stab in the back. 

“I’m outta here -”

“Y/N Y/M/N Routledge! I am your mother!” Caroline stood up, her chair screeching against the hardwood. She slapped her palm against the wooden table and narrowed her eyes at her daughter. In her own head, she couldn’t believe how ungrateful you were. She was offering you a new and better life - one that wouldn’t make you dress like your entire wardrobe was from the thrift store, or sleep on your friend’s couch, or be looked at every day as a criminal. She was offering you a new beginning with the only blood relative you had left and you were gonna turn your back on her?

You swiveled on your heels so fast that your head started spinning. Your vision clouded with the color red and your fists clenched against your side. You glared at the woman who gave birth to you - hating how she acted as if she knew what was best for you when she didn’t even know you at all. 

“I don’t have a mother!” You screamed. “She turned her back on us when we were three! I don’t even know you. The only reason I recognized you is because my dad kept pictures of you in frames in his office.” Tears pricked at your eyes and you shook your head. “And I felt sorry for him that he still held onto memories of the woman who seemed so useless.”

Your voice cracked and you hated that you sounded so weak. You wondered what John B would say if he was standing next to you right now. He’d probably be more calm. He’d probably listen to what your mother had to offer and then kindly tell her that the two of you were better off without her. John B use to always keep you grounded. He calmed you down when you were on a rampage or feeling panicked. He taught you reason and discipline. Without him, you had none of that.

“You left,” You continued. “You turned your back on us when we were three. And Dad? He had no idea what he was doing. The man could barely hold a job let alone two kids. But unlike you, he did it. Hell, he even bought me my first box of tampons! He held me through my first heartbreak and taught me how to surf. And just like that,” You snapped your fingers, “he was gone. And you, my so-called mother, still didn’t show up. So John B and I...we became our own parent. We paid the bills, worked our asses off to pay the rent, and passed our classes. I learned to fend for myself because you weren’t there! You didn’t do shit for our family.” You pointed to yourself. “I did. I took care of us.”

“That’s not fair...” Your mother’s voice shook. She couldn’t even look at you as she became so overwhelmed with shame and guilt. 

“Not fair?” You bent down so you were eye level with her and looked at her like she had just grown two heads. “You just listed off all the amazing luxuries you have while I was left with absolutely nothing and you want to talk about what is fair?”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Bryon stepped in and stood up from his seat, placing a hand on your mother’s shoulder to try to comfort her.

“No, I’m just getting started,” You glared at him. “And I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but this is between me and her. And I know she grew up on the Cut and is more than capable of fighting her own battles.” You averted your attention back to your mother. “You don’t get to waltz into my life over ten years later and pretend like nothing’s happened. My dad’s dead and my brother probably is too! I have no one left, but the family right here.” You point to the people behind you. Mr and Mrs Heyward, Pope, and JJ. “And I’ll choose these people over you every single time. So no. You’re not my mother.” You looked her up and down. “You’re nothing to me.”

You spun around on your heels and grabbed your back pack on the way out. 

“Y/N...” Mrs. Heyward tried calling out to you, but no one really tried to stop you. They knew you needed to get out from under the same roof as your mother, the woman behind all your anger. 

“I got her...” JJ told the Heyward family quietly. He glanced at Pope, who nodded once at him, before walking out of the house to find you. Only you were already gone and your bike was missing. 

Your feet moved faster than your head. You didn’t know where you were going, you just knew you had to get as far away from that woman as possible. Your tears made your vision all blurry and your brain pounded against your skull. Your throat felt like sandpaper with every heavy breath you took. 

You practically fell off your bike in front of the one place you had been avoiding for weeks. It looked just like how you had left it, only now it was wrapped in yellow caution tape. Shockingly, no one was here. No police, FBI, or any other government official. It was just you and your thoughts. 

You pulled the squeaky porch door open and were immediately flooded with memories. Empty beer cans and the butt of old cigarettes and blunts littered the floor like you were all lounging here yesterday. Guess CSI doesn’t hire a clean up crew when they are done. 

You took another step into your house. Your brother’s room was to your right, his door open, enticing you to go in. But you couldn’t. Your heart twisted in your chest at the thought of John B. He should have been here. He should have never left! How could he? He was your brother. Your older brother, even if it was only by a few minutes. He was supposed to protect you. He was supposed to scare off all the boys who showed interest in you, yell at you when you’re bathing suit showed too much skin, take care of you when you were sick, help you with your homework, be the cool uncle to your kids one day. And he was gone. Everyone was gone!

You didn’t remember how it happened, but you were in your dad’s office. This place use to be a mystery to you - a room where your Dad hid most of the time and locked when he wasn’t home. You always wondered what was so special about this room. Now you knew it was nothing. It was a curse. This room was the reason your dad and brother were gone. 

A screech ripped from your throat as your swept your arms across your father’s desk. Everything on top, papers, paper weights, pens, folders, all clattered to the floor. With all your strength, you flipped the desk over on its side. The wooden floor rumbled under your feet when it fell with a bang. 

Your breath hitched in your throat and you felt like you couldn't breathe. You stepped back until your back hit the wall. Your fingers raked through the hair near your scalp and you pulled on the roots. You body slid down the wall until you were on the ground. You cried into your knees, weeping for your brother and dad. You have never felt pain like this before. You were physically healthy but it felt like someone took a vacuum into your body and was sucking the life out of you. 

You didn’t even hear anyone else come into the house over your loud sobs. It wasn’t until you felt arms wrap around you that you looked up. JJ pulled you into his chest, curling you so that your body fit perfectly against his. He whispered against your head and kissed it after every sentence. He told you it was going to be okay. 

“He can’t be gone,” You cried into JJ’s shoulder. “It’s not fair!”

“I know,” JJ mumbled against your hair and pulled you in tighter. “I know. I’m sorry.” He felt like the worst boyfriend ever. He knew this day would come and he took advantage of you avoiding your own grief by drowning in his own. He should have been taking care of you, making you open up about your brother so that it didn’t all hit you at once like it did now. 

“I have no one.”

“No,” JJ shook his head. “That’s not true. You have me. Pope and Kie, we’re all going to be here for you. And screw your mom. You don’t need her anyway.”

For a split second, you forgot about your mom and how she wanted to take you back to Georgia. But you knew she wasn’t your real family. Not anymore. You were right when you said you had all the family you needed. The Heywards, Pope, Kie, JJ. You weren’t alone. You still had them.

“I’m sorry,” JJ said again. “I should have - I should have done something. I should have been there for you -”

“It’s okay,” You placed your hand delicately under his jaw to make him look at you. “You’re here now and that’s all that matters.”

“I love you.” Your heart swelled, forgetting the way those three words made you feel. Safe, loved, comforted. “And if John B’s out there, he’s going to come back.” JJ remembered the promise John B made him swear by before he left with the Phantom. How he made JJ promise to protect you no matter what. Even if you were to go through a nasty break up. He was supposed to be there for you. “There’s still hope.”

“Hope,” You repeated, tasting the word on your tongue. You still had hope.

[hangekitty]

Hiii, I wanted to ask if you could write a f!Hange x fem!reader one shot where the reader is outside the Walls for a mission. Usually hange would be with them being their Partner and everything but for some reason can't. So when they come back they stand in the front row and search for their girlfriend but can't see her and the group is so much smaller so they already know what happend and there is only one thought in their head something like...nonono this is not happening right now.... a few days later a small group stands before the Walls and explain that they got seperated from their group when Titans attacked but managed to hide, find their horses and ride back at night. The reader goes to Hange and finds them in their shared room. Broken and hopeless, ready to give up and when the reader starts talking they think they are going crazy but when she touches them they realize that the reader is real and alive and just throws themselves at her and very gentle smut and fluff happens.

Okay sorry for my english and this was way too long😅

But I hope you decide to write this and if you do thank you soo much❤❤

Hange x f!Reader - Lost without you

Oh my I loved writing this. The thought of a grieving Hange is too much so I’m glad this is contains fluff and smut! Shoutout to @sweetfaun for grammar and editing checks! 🌸

Genre: fluff, smut, 18+

Warnings: subtle mention of suicide, fingering, tribbing

Word count: 3417

A/N: I listened to the “falling in love with Hange Zöe” playlist on Spotify by ObviouslyMoss whilst writing this if anyone is interested. I might keep music a running theme on my work. AFAB Hange - I may have accidentally made them a bit softer than usual but come on they are a big softie.

The life of a soldier in the scout regiment is one of duty and dedication. At any moment you could be asked to give up your heart, your life, and your soul for humanity. It is strongly advised that upon becoming a scout you are to leave behind all personal feelings and relationships as there is a possibility you will lose everything in a blink of an eye. This is something that is easier said than done, as despite the consequences each soldier is still only human.

Regardless of any warnings, there was no stopping squad leader Hange Zoe falling for their fellow squad leader – you. Perhaps it was the way you laughed with them, or how you helped them with their elaborate experiments, or maybe that one time you convinced Hange to shower with you. Hange was smitten, and fortunately so were you. Only the Gods knew what Hange would do without you, and if they were ever to lose you…. It simply wasn’t worth thinking about. You were everything to them, their reason to be alive; so, if there ever was a day that you were no more it would feel as if Hange had lost their entire world.

The two of you had dated for little over a year. The way in which Hange had asked if their feelings for you were reciprocated was adorable. They had thought to surprise you by naming the four titans being held in captivity ‘Will, Yew, Bee and, Myne’. Moblit had assisted with the entire thing, having taken the time to write up each name on an individual plaque and arranging them accordingly. Hange had everything set up, ready and waiting for when you were leaving a meeting and had sent Moblit to escort you back to the research labs. Upon your arrival, Hange grabbed your hand and excitedly announced that they had successfully caught four titans for experimentation. As you looked upon them, noticing the quaint plaques that featured a tidy penmanship – you assumed it must belong to Moblit, as Hange’s scrawl was illegible at the best of times.

“Will…. Yew…. Bee…Myne?” You read aloud and before you even had the time to process the play on words, Hange let out an astounding “Yes, of course I will!” and wrapped themself around you. Admittedly, you were confused at first, but you soon caught on and admitted your feelings for real.

From that point, you were always together. Whether it was on expeditions or within the lab, it was a rarity to see you two together. Commander Erwin had granted you permission to share a room together. Fortunately, so, as the constant charades of having to sneak into each other’s rooms at night were beginning to get exhausting. Soon it had got to the point where sharing your space with Hange had become second nature, and that you were unable to sleep without them by your side.

---

It was the Summer of 849, and Erwin had organised an unexpected expedition. It hadn’t been that long since the last and you wondered why there was such a rush to go beyond the walls once again in such a short period of time. The unexpected nature of Erwin’s plans meant that Hange wasn’t able to attend this expedition on account of two titans that were being held in the research facilities. Hange had named them Charles and Domery – peculiar names, but that was to be assumed of Hange Usually you would be expected to assist Hange with their research, however on this occasion your presence on the field was required due to you being a Squad Leader.

“It’s just two days, sweetheart,” you cooed as the both of you rested in bed. You were sat up, lounging back within the abundance of pillows, whilst Hange’s head rested in your lap as you attempted to hush them asleep by stroking their hair. Despite your attempts, it was inevitable that Hange would spend a majority of the night lying awake due to the anxiety pooling in their stomach. You two were practically joined at the hip by now, and every time you had to separate Hange found themselves unable to sleep. They had wrapped their arms around your leg, hugging it tighter with every minute that passed. They were so scared of losing you, and so any moment they had left with you they wanted to stay conscious.

“But, y/n, I won’t be with you,” Hange whined, the irregular softness of their voice tugging at your heartstrings. This was always the worst part of the job – having to leave your loved ones behind, unsure whether or not you would ever see them again. However, it was important. You had to do this for the sake of humanity; it’s what both you and Hange had understood and had committed to upon signing up for the Survey Corp. Sometimes you wished you could just run away together and leave it all behind. You cup Hange’s face in your hands, delicately stroking their soft cheeks with the pads of your thumb.

“I know, my sweet, I know. I’ll be okay, I promise,”.

---

Despite their being an air of doubt in their mind, Hange believed that you would keep your promise of returning unharmed. Whenever Hange was unable to attend an expedition, they were sure to stand in the front row of bystanders that were awaiting the return of the scouts. Five squads had left just two days ago, but it seemed that only three had successfully returned today.

“Erwin… Levi… Miche… Gelgar,” Hange listed off as they could see their companions passing through the gates. Their eyes frantically darted through the hoard to see whether you had snuck in, to see whether they had simply missed your arrival. Panic began coursing through their veins, but it soon began to settle as a majority of your squad came into view. Evidently, the group was smaller than when you had initially left for the expedition; and the remaining members were beaten and brushed – with one unfortunate soldier missing both an arm and a leg.

“No no no nonononono, this isn’t right. Where is she?!” Was all Hange could think. Blind panic took over, and Hange found themselves moving towards one of your squad members and demanded to know where you were.

“Where is y/n? Where is she?” Hange practically screamed. The looks on everyone’s face was grim; this wasn’t looking good at all.

“We were separated. The last we saw of Squad Leader y/n they were fighting off an abnormal. We waited for them at our usual checkpoint, but no one came”. One dishevelled soldier finally answered. At this point, Hange decided to just leave immediately – not even bothering to welcome their friends back. They crawled into your shared bed, curling in on themselves and taking hold of the sheets. Tears fell down their face as they attempted to conceal a painful, horrifying wail.

“This can’t be happening” they whimpered “You promised,”.

---

A couple of days later, Hange was still in the bedroom. The numbness they felt only allowed them to drink something that Levi bought in every few hours. He never said anything during these visits, only sitting on the bed with Hange for a while and then silently taking his leave.

Despite the agonising feeling in their heart, Hange still found it funny how they’d gone from being unable to sleep without your presence to continuously sleeping throughout the days. Perhaps it was as close as they could get to being with you, as you had seemingly passed into the next realm. Or perhaps it was just a sad coping mechanism as being awake felt far too painful. They were on the edge of just giving up and considering finding a new life away from the scout regiment. Admittedly Hange had felt disappointed in themselves, having allowed themselves to develop feeling and leaving them vulnerable to heartache. Through the darkest moments, they considering just ending it all in order to be reunited with you.

---

What Hange hadn’t realised is that you and the rest of the squad had returned days after everyone else. Albeit you were all looking a little worse for wear, but overall, you were okay. Upon hearing of your arrival Moblit had immediately sought after you. He clutched your hands into his own. A worried expression was painted across his face.

“y/n, you’re okay! What happened?”

“We were intercepted by titans and my squad had to split. We had no choice but to hide and wait until it was safe for us to come back. We all had to find and gather our horse – it wasn’t an easy feat. Then we had to ride back home during the night. I’m sorry we worried you”. You let out an exasperated sigh. Being a squad leader was difficult, made even more so by being left out in the field with no food or water.

Upon receiving news of your arrival home, Levi and Erwin had come to the courtyard with a few others, all armed with bread and water hoping to nourish both you and your squad.

“y/n, you’re alright” Levi began. Despite his apathetic face, he was pleased to see you. Before allowing you to gulp down your water he placed a firm grasp on your shoulder and looked at you directly. “Please let Four Eyes know you’re okay. They’re not doing too good, and it’s been quiet without them.”

You choke on your water upon hearing this. Oh Gods, how you have fretted about Hange and how sick with worry and anxiety they’d be. Honestly, you’d half expected them to rush out and greet you. However, you already knew that Hange had probably assumed the worst and went straight into mourning. Feeling a burning sensation in your throat as tears began to prick your eyes, you excused yourself from your captain – determined to not cry in front of him. Despite the deep exhaustion you were feeling, pure determination allowed you to rush back to your living quarters and towards your own bedroom.

---

Once you reach the entrance to your room, you have half a mind to slam open the door and leap straight onto the bed where you assumed Hange was currently laying. You imagined planting them with a million kisses, but you knew you had to take a gentler approach than that. When Hange was feeling fragile, all they needed was a soft touch.

You opened the door a little, only to be met with a groan.

“No thank you Captain, please leave me alone,” Hange muttered, curling in on themselves even more. Oh, how hollow their voice sounded, full of sorrow and guilt.

“Hange?” You gently called out. Immediately their head turned towards you. Was it really you? “I’m here, darling.”

Hange shot up immediately, staring at your face and drinking in your presence. You were smiling, ready to give them a hug, but Hange’s face wasn’t that of love but instead one of panic and confusion.

“No no, you aren’t real. I know you’re not there; you’re gone! My brain must be having a breakdown I- “

You interrupt their murmurings and reach forward to take hold of Hange’s hand, placing in onto your chest directly over your heartbeat. Their eyes dart between your face and their own hand. You could feel them trembling under your touch until realisation had set in.

“y/n, it’s really you!”. Their eyes began welling with tears, causing you to begin crying all over again. This time, however, it was with a smile. Hange lunged forward and held you tight to their body.

“WAAAAHHH!” They yelled out before tackling you to the bed, crying and wailing the whole time. “Y/N YOU’RE OKAY! YOU’RE OKAY!” they repeated, not realising you were practically suffocating under their intense grip on you. There they were arms around your chest and stomach whilst rubbing their face into your neck and squirming with pure joy.

“Hange!” you giggled “Hange, I can’t breathe!”. A little alarmed, Hange let go a little and positioned you in front of them. They cupped your face with both hands, smiling at you before kissing you intently. You would have thought it would be as rough as passionate as the hugs had been, but instead this kiss was gentle and meaningful. Hange pulled away and their eyes began studying your face.

“How…What happened?” They asked, their voice gentle and soft.

“Some abnormal titans had us cornered. We had to hide and then find our horses again. We couldn’t ride home until nightfall the following day, but I’m back now. I’m safe”

That was all the words Hange had needed to hear before pulling you into another gentle kiss. Whilst you were lost in such contentment, Hange reached down to touch your thigh; earning themself an excited yelp just because they took their chance and pushed further to stick their tongue into your mouth. This gentle, romantic kiss gradually became one that was more desperate, steamier. Their hands wandered down your body, touching every inch possible as if they still weren’t completely convinced you were real.

Hange pulled away, looking up and down your body with a mischievous look in their eye. Although you were tired, you felt an immense desire to just be taken there and then – to connect your bodies and become one. And how could you resist with the face Hange was giving you in that moment? They moved down your body, planting kisses and gentle nips whilst removing any fabric that they met along the way.

“It must have been tough out there,” Hange began as they removed their shirt – their binder soon following. “I missed you greatly,”

“I…I missed you too Ha-“ Your train of thought was interrupted as Hange began nibbling at your thighs. You could feel blood rushing to your cheeks as their dark brown eyes met yours.

“That’s what I like to hear. Now lay back and let me reward you for being a brave little soldier,” Hange purred before diving headfirst in between your thighs, laying further kisses and kitten licks at your soft, sensitive flesh. If Hange was to have glanced up to your face, they would have seen the stars in your eyes - your face to full of love and admiration. And it was all for them.

Noticing as Hange was getting close to your wet pussy, you shook yourself out of your trance. Panic shot through you, and you held a rather surprised Hange’s face in your palms.

“I…I don’t think I want that. I have only just got back and I…” You could barely finish your sentence. You were embarrassed. Several days of fighting titans without any opportunity to efficiently clean yourself had left you feeling self-conscious. Hange cocked their head to the side. You could see the cogs turning in their head as they worked out what exactly the issue was.

“Oh! Don’t worry, you’re absolutely fine. But if you don’t want that…” Hange lifted themselves above you, cupping you through your underwear. “Would something like this make you more comfortable?”. They smirked as you let out a squeak before nodding eagerly.

Hange leaned in, laying hungry kisses against you as they played with your clothed clit. The whines you let out against their mouth only made them increase the pressure through the fabric of your underwear, and you could feel their smirks as they did so. As Hange’s mouth travelled further south to latch onto a pert nipple they took the opportunity to slip a couple of things through the elastic of your underwear, stroking along your folds and now aching nub. You attempted to cross your legs at the sensation as you were already beginning to feel worked up and sensitive. Amused by your squirms, Hange let out a small giggle and moved their free hand towards your other nipple. You could already feel a build-up, a hot and heavy sensation as your lower abandon appeared to coil and tighten. They then slipped two digits inside of you, ensuring their thumb remained circling on your clit as they arched their fingers inside of you. Your soft moans became deep and shaky, you were sure you were getting close to your release.

“Hange~” you purred. Your words were golden to your lover, and you could feel them relentlessly pick up the pace until you reached out to pull their hand away from you.

“y/n?” Hange asked breathlessly against your chest.

“I want to try something together,” you cooed. Hange looked at you, their face both full of lust and curiosity. You began to reposition yourself, so you were now over Hange. Giving a cheeky grin, you pulled down their trousers and underwear. You then quickly whipped off your own underwear, leaving the both of you completely naked with no barriers between your skin. Manoeuvring Hange onto their back, guiding them to rest upon the abundance of soft cushions at the top of the bed, you nudged their knees apart to reveal their glistening sex. Hange was already wet and raring to go ahead with whatever you had planned. After a few strokes of your fingers against their folds, you positioned yourself between their thighs so that your own pussy was aligned with theirs. You reached your lips forward to suck and lick Hange’s tanned nipples before pressing yourself against them, rocking your hips back and forth; your clits throbbing as your slick rubbed against each other.

Whilst still sucking at Hange’s breast you reached under them and pressed their back up, increasing the pleasure below. It was a strange position, something you two hadn’t tried before, but neither of you were complaining. Undeniably, this level of intimacy was appreciated considering recent events. You couldn’t help but moan out, and you shot a look up towards Hange’s face which was contorted in pleasure as they let our their own breathy moans. To add to the intensity, you slipped one hand between the two of you, stroking your fingers against either of your clits. You turned your focus onto Hange, although both of you were feeling incredibly sensitive.

“I love you; I love you,” you moaned. You could feel the knot within your tummy releasing, and you clamped your eyes tight shut and moved to mark Hange’s neck with dark bruises. With a few more thrusts of your hips Hange soon released against your own fingers, letting out a shrill wail as they did so. You held Hange in a tight embrace, arms wrapped desperately against each other as if you never wanted to let go and basked within each other’s post-orgasm glow.

After your breaths levelled out and you calmed down, you flopped to Hange’s side on the bed. You scooted over, bringing their back against your chest as you spooned them. Continuing to wrap them tight in your embrace, you left quick desperate kisses against their throat whilst letting out soft words of affirmation against their skin.

“I thought I’d lost you,” Hange sighed, squeezing your hands as they rested against their chest. You left a gentle kiss against the back of their head and nuzzled into the crook of their neck.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, I never want to put you in that position again,” You said, beginning to stroke at Hange’s hair. You wiggled further up the bed and laid Hange’s head onto your lap once again. As you looked down at them you felt nothing but pure adoration. However, as Hange looked up at you you could see the beginnings of tears in those big brown eyes. They gave your hand a soft squeeze.

“Please tell me you’re going to stay for the next experiment. If you don’t I’ll just have to fight Erwin to keep you for myself,” they exclaimed, all traces of previous sadness now gone from their face as they punched their arms into the air.

“I promise I’ll stay. Anything for you, my titan crazed maniac,”. You planted a soft kiss against their forehead and relaxed back into the pillows. “We really should shower though”.

“Do we have to?” Hange groaned against your lap, barely audible against your legs. Even now you were convinced Hange was hydrophobic, but you knew exactly how to lure them into a warm clean shower.

“I mean, we could shower together?” you said, your voice sounding tempting. This clearly piqued Hange’s interest as they looked up with a cheeky grin.

[dialovers-translations]

Diabolik Lovers VANDEAD CARNIVAL ;; Azusa Route ー Chapter 4

ー The scene starts on the Carnival’s venue

Yui: Phew...

( The wound on my hand has completely healed. I’m surprised. )

( However, Azusa-kun collapsing from soaking in the hot water for too long might have just shocked me even more... )

Azusa: Yui-san...I’m sorry for what happened earlier...

Yui: Oh no, I’m just glad you’re okay. However, don’t be so reckless again, okay?

Azusa: Yeah...I’ll be careful...

So...Where do you want to go next...?

Yui: Eh...?

I thought we were going back to the castle? You’re not feeling the best either...

Azusa: ...I’m okay now. So let’s hang around a little longer?

Yui: B-But...

Azusa: ...It’s fine. ...Okay?

Yui: ( I wonder if he really is feeling fine...? )

( However, I want to explore the Carnival together with Azusa-kun as well. )

( Just a little longer won’t hurt, right? )

ー The scene shifts to the wagon area

Yui: Seems like there’s a bunch of wagons lined up over here.

While we’re here, let’s start from one end and work our way across!

*Pop*

Yui: ...Hm?

( What was that sound just now...? )

*Pop pop pop*

Yui: ( Seems like a crowd has formed... )

( I’m honestly a little curious... )

Selection

→ Go check out a different wagon

Yui: ( However, it seems busy right now...So choosing another wagon might be wiser. )

Azusa-kun, why don’t we go to the shops on the other side for now?

Azusa: ...

...Eve, I want to go check out where the noise is coming from...

→ I want to check it out  (☾)

Azusa: I wonder what that sound just now was...?

Yui: It’s a little intriguing, huh...? There seem to be a lot of people gathered as well.

Yui: Yeah, let’s go take a look!

ー The two of them walk towards the wagon in question

Yui: ( I’m glad we made it to the right wagon but... )

( I can’t see very well because of the large crowd... )

Azusa: Say, Eve? Should we try going a little more to the front...?

???: Oh~? Who do we have here?

???: Yo, fellas!

Yui: ...Hm? These voices...

Azusa: ...Kou...Yuma...

Kou: A wild Azusa-kun and M-neko-chan have been spotted~!

Yuma: Hmm, seems like ya two are gettin’ along just swell.

Azusa: Why are you guys here...?

Kou: While passing by here earlier, we couldn’t help but notice the crowd of people, you see~

So the two of us decided to drop by and see.

Yui: I see...! Say, what’s the big buzz about?

Yuma: What? Ya came here without knowin’?

Azusa: There’s so many people, we could only hear the sounds...

Is someone being hit...?

Kou: That’s not it~! They’re playing a balloon popping game!

Yui: Balloon popping...?

Kou: Exactly! But the stall owner is a big bully, you see~

He adds in a few balloons which are quite hard to pop...

We gave it a try earlier as well,

but we didn’t do a great job.

Yui: I see...

( It must be quite a difficult game if even Kou-kun and Yuma-kun struggled with it... )

Azusa: I wonder why such a difficult game...is attracting this many people...?

Yuma: I won’t deny it’s tough, but the prizes are no joke either.

If ya manage to put down a nice score, you’ll get somethin’ nice in return...Which makes people wanna give it a shot.

That bein’ said...Most of the people here are just here to watch.

Kou: Ahー! Right! Now that you’re here anyway, the two of you should give it a try as well!

Yui: Eh!?

Yuma: Why not? You’ll never know until ya try.

Yui: But...

( Not even Kou-kun and Yuma-kun managed to do a good job... )

( I wonder if I’ll be able to do well...? )

Kou: I want to give that shop owner a run for his money! I’m still frustrated after all...

Yui: Hm...What should we do, Azusa-kun...?

Azusa: ...A knife polishing set...

Yui: Eh?

Azusa: I’d love the knife polishing set amongst the prizes...

Yui: Eeh!?

Yuma: Oh, seems like Azusa’s totally up for it!

Come on, ya should give it a shot as well!

Yui: ( ...Azusa-kun’s staring closely at the prizes... )

( I’m not very confident...But I suppose I’ll give it my best shot as well...! )

Okay then. I’m in!

Kou: That’s the M-neko-chan I know!

Now that it’s settled...!

ー Kou drags her along

Kou: Come on, move aside~!

Mister! This lady is up for the challenge!

Stall owner: Well, well, if it isn’t Karlheinz-sama’s...

Who is the next challenger...Could it be...That human...?

Yui: Ah...Yes...

Stall owner: ...

Yui: ( I wonder why...? He’s really staring at me... )

Azusa: ...Don’t worry, Eve. Leave this to me.

She isn’t just an ordinary human...

Stall owner: ...Hm?

Azusa: She’s the Queen of the Carnival after all...

Stall owner: ...

...Hmph.

Yui: ( Ah...Again... )

Stall owner: ...Oh dear. My apologies. In that case, you are more than welcome to play.

...Come on, go ahead.

*Rustle*

Azusa: ...Eve, don’t worry. Let’s try our best together...

Yui: ...Thank you, Azusa-kun.

Azusa: ...Don’t mention it.

Yui: ( ...He was so kind to help me out, so I have to try hard for Azusa-kun’s sake as well. )

Azusa: ...The knife polishing set...

Yui: ( ...Yeah, and for the knife polishing set as well... )

Explanation: Pop the balloons in the order indicated by the numbers by tapping the screen. 

If multiple balloons appear at once, tap until they are all gone. 

If two balloons with the same number appear, tap them simultaneously. 

You can play this game in EASY, NORMAL and HARD mode.

Yui: ...I did it!

Azusa: Eve...Amazing...

Kou: Heeh~! You got a high score, M-neko-chan!

Actually, you scored way more points than I did!

Yuma: Look at ya go!

Yui: Eh? ...You think so...?

Stall owner: Now this is surprising...Nobody has scored this high before!

Yuma: Ya heard him! Good for ya!

Yui: T-Thank you...!

Stall owner: Well then, please choose a prize of your liking.

Yui: I’d like the knife polishing set, please!

Azusa: Eh? ...You can choose whichever prize you want, you know...?

Yui: No, this is fine. Let me give it to you as a present?

Besides, it’s thanks to you I was able to succeed at the game!

Here you go, Azusa-kun!

Azusa: ...Eve, thank you.

Yui: You’re welcome!

Azusa: ...Did you have fun with the game?

Yui: Of course!

Azusa: I’m glad...to hear that.

Kou: Hmm~ You’re making me jealous.

Yui: Eh!?

Yuma: Look at ya guys showin’ off!

Yui: Ah...Um...I didn’t mean it like that...

*Rustle rustle*

Yui: ( Wah...Azusa-kun grabbed my hand... )

Azusa: ...Eve is mine so...

...Right?

Yui: ( I can only nod when he looks at me with such serious eyes... )

Y-Yeah...

Kou: Haah-aah~ ...Well, guess we should take our leave soon then.

Yuma: Good point.

Kou: That being said...See you guys~!

ー Kou and Yuma walk away

Yui: They left...

Azusa: We have to thank them later...

Yui: Yeah.

Azusa: We were able to enjoy the game together because they told us about it after all...

Yui: Fufu...You’re right.

Well then...Shall we go to the next place?

*TIMESKIP*

ー The scene shifts to the Carnival’s venue

???: Dear customer!!

Yui: ...Hm?

Stall owner: Customer! Aah, thank god. I’m glad you were still closeby.

Yui: Is something the matter...?

Azusa: ...

Stall owner: Yes...I actually forgot to hand you something earlier...

Azusa: Something you forgot...to hand us...?

Stall owner: Here you go. ...It’s this.

*Rustle*

Yui: ( This is...? )

Cotton candy...?

Azusa: ...!

Stall owner: Here you go! You get it for participating in the game earlier!

Yui: Waah...! Thank you so much!

Aren’t we lucky, Azusa-kun? It’s cotton candy! I’m sure it’s delicious!

Azusa: ...Fluffy and...

Yui: Eh? What’s wrong, Azusa-kun?

Azusa: ...Fluffy and...sweet...

...

...Thank you very much.

Karlheinz-sama.

Yui: Eh...?

Stall owner: ...

Yui: Azusa-kun, ‘Karlheinz-sama’...?

Azusa: ...You are Karlheinz-sama, aren’t you?

Stall owner: ...Good grief.

ー The stall owner transforms back into Karlheinz

Yui: Eh...!? 

Karlheinz: I did not expect you would see through my disguise...Azusa.

Azusa: ...

Yui: Eh? Um...Hold up, Azusa-kun!

I’m not quite grasping the situation...

Besides, who is Karlheinz-sama...?

Karlheinz: Aah...My apologies. It seems I have startled you a little.

Yui: ...

Azusa: The owner from earlier...Was Karlheinz-sama in disguise...

He is the one who made the four of us a family.

Yui: A family...!?

Azusa: But why did you do this...?

Karlheinz: Hm...I suppose I have no other choice now that you have found out this much.

I shall reveal the entire truth.

...To celebrate Eve...and you as well, Azusa...

I decided to hold this banquet.

Yui: Eh...?

Karlheinz: However, it would be dull to simply hold a party, no?

That is when I decided to invite you as the Queen of the Carnival.

Hoping the two of you would have a good time together.

As part of said plan...I had a small curse placed on the pudding, however...

It seems like it was a little too powerful...

Yui: ( Ah... )

Azusa: ...

Karlheinz: I deeply regret hurting you in the process.

Yui: Ah...No, it’s nothing...

Azusa: ...Ah...So that’s why...

Karlheinz: Trying to help out where I could, I appeared in front of you two as the fortune teller.

And healed the wound.

Azusa: Then...Are you perhaps behind...the lack of people at the spa as well..?

Karlheinz: ...Hmph.

Exactly. I received word from my Familiars that the two of you were being targeted by other Vampires, due to the wound which had been inflicted on Eve.

Therefore...I figured you two at least deserved some peace while letting your injuries heal, so I made sure the place was empty.

Yui: ( Ah...So that’s why we were the only two people there... )

Azusa: ...

...Actually...I had a hunch.

That perhaps the fortune teller was actually you, Karlheinz-sama...

Yui: Really...!?

Karlheinz: Hooh...?

Azusa: ...Because long ago...There was a time where you instantly...

healed one of my wounds, remember...?

When I saw that the injury on your hand had healed at the spa...

I started wondering...That perhaps...

Karlheinz: Now that you mention it...I once did such a thing, didn’t I?

I see. You were on the right track this whole time.

Azusa: ...Yes.

Karlheinz: ...Very well. Then let me give you...what you are truly looking for.

Although Azusa already seems to have an idea of what I could be talking about...

Yui: Eh...?

Karlheinz: Fufu, this...

Azusa: ...

Karlheinz: Azusa...This cotton candy is what you have been looking for, no?

Yui: Eh? ...It wasn’t pudding!?

Azusa: ...Sorry, Eve...You were being so considerate towards me but...

I felt so bad about it...That’s when I decided to tell you it was the pudding...

Yui: Ah...I see how it is now...

You really shouldn’t have though...

Azusa: ...I didn’t want to sadden you...

...I’m sorry...

Yui: Oh no, don’t worry about it.

I’m happy you found the food from your memories as well.

Azusa: Eve...Thank you.

Karlheinz: ...Hm...Well then, I shall take my leave first.

Azusa: ...Karlheinz-sama.

Karlheinz: Azusa. If you make such an expression, it will make Eve sad, no?

You should return to the castle. We have a party prepared for the two of you.

The Carnival has yet to end. Enjoy it to the fullest.

Yui: ...Thank you very much!

Karlheinz: ...Hm.

...Azusa.

Azusa: ...Yes.

Karlheinz: Your future...lies in your own hands.

Azusa: ...

Karlheinz: I shall simply watch and confirm...The destiny you two decide to choose.

ー Karlheinz disappears

Yui: ( Ah...He disappeared... )

Azusa: ...I’m sorry, Eve...That must have shocked you, huh...?

Yui: Eh...?

Azusa: About Karlheinz-sama...

I was still a little skeptical at first as well...

Yui: Ah...No. Well, it did surprise me...

However...He did all of that for us, didn’t he...?

When I look at it like that...I feel like we should thank him...

Azusa: ...I’m glad to hear you say that...

...Say, why don’t we use the opportunity...To enjoy this cotton candy together?

Yui: Eh? ...But it has a nostalgic value for you, so...

Azusa: That’s exactly why...I want to eat it with you...

Yui: ...If you say so...!

Azusa: ...Thank you.

ー Azusa moves closer

Yui: You should have the first bite?

Azusa: Okay...Well then...I’m digging in...

...Nn...Nom...

Yui: ...How is it?

Azusa: ...Fluffy and...sweet...

Eve...This is what I’ve been looking for...

Yui: I’m glad...!

Azusa: Then...I’ll give it to you next. ...Open your mouth...?

Yui: Eh...?

Azusa: ...Please...?

Yui: ( Uu...But he won’t offer this every day, so... )

Just one bite, okay...?

Azusa: Yeah...

Yui: ...

Azusa: ...How is it...?

Yui: It’s sweet and delicious.

Azusa: ...Fufu!

Yui: Also...Somehow it has a very gentle taste.

Azusa: A gentle...taste...?

Yui: Yeah! I’m sure it’s because it has your feelings packed inside.

Azusa: My...feelings...?

Do you mean...this cozy feeling?

Yui: Yeah. The kind that warms your heart, I suppose.

Azusa: ...

...I didn’t know that when I first ate this...

...If only...you could have been with me back then...

...

Yui: Azusa-kun.

Azusa: ...?

Yui: We can’t go back in time to when you first had this but...

From here on out...I’ll always be by your side.

So...Please don’t look so sad...?

Azusa: ...!

You’re absolutely right...I’ll be with you as well...Forever...

Yui: Yeah...!

( I’m glad he finally smiled. )

Azusa: ...Right, we have to go to the castle...

Yui-san, we should get going soon...

Yui: ( Karlheinz-san said he would hold a party for us at the castle... )

I wonder what kind of party it’ll be? I’m excited.

( ...However, I can’t help but wish. )

( The two of us could be alone together like this just a little longer. )

( However...It would be selfish of me to say that...right...? ) 

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

← RETURN TO CHAPTER 3

→ PROCEED TO FINALE ENDING

→ PROCEED TO NORMAL ENDING

[slapshot-to-the-heart]

Gold Rush

Finally venturing into writing for Brock, and so excited to put this out there!! Very appreciative of the encouragement I’ve gotten throughout this from @brockadoodles who had (rightfully so, man deserves it) made loving Brock her BRAND. If there was any hockey who’s made to be a dad, it’s Brock Boeser, and I’ve genuinely loved getting to put this together. Love hearing feedback and what your favorite parts were, so reblog and pop into my inbox!

word count: 3.8k+

Brock had loved kids his whole life. Being around them, looking after them, the first day a kid asked him to autograph his jersey was burned into his brain alongside precious few other memories, most of the others involving you. And anyone who had ever seen him with Easton could tell that Brock Boeser loved babies. He had wanted kids since he was old enough to know what being a dad was, and knew so strongly that was a path he wanted — needed, honestly, there was too much love in his heart to not share it with everyone he could — that he wouldn’t ever have let things get serious with you if that wasn’t a life you wanted for yourself. Parenthood wasn’t for everyone, and he never held it against the women he had dated who didn’t want to be moms, but it was for Brock Boeser. 

He remembered the day he brought it up with you, his voice soft and hesitant as your head rested on his shoulder, a blanket thrown haphazardly over their laps as Return of the Jedi played on the TV. “Do you want kids someday?” Brock asked. He spoke gently, not wanting to scare you off with thoughts of the future coming too fast for you to handle, wondering if maybe seven months into a relationship was too early to bring up the type of commitment that lasted a lifetime. But he had to, had to protect himself from getting more invested and one more broken heart in a relationship that wasn’t just headed down the wrong set of train tracks, it was going the opposite way entirely. But, as you spoke, it turned out that he never had anything to worry about, and Brock wasn’t sure if he’d ever been more relieved in his life. 

“I do,” you said, looking up at his face, trying to read his expression. “Always have. Not sure how many, I’ve always thought two or three sounded good. But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” 

Brock couldn’t help the way his heart absolutely swelled, the way you spoke of him in your future, with such ease and certainty as if you weren’t even entertaining a possibility that he wouldn’t be a part of it, that he wouldn’t be the one you would have children with. He twisted his neck, dropping a kiss on the top of your head. “We will.” 

So Brock loved kids, and you loved kids, and it had been established over a year before he put a ring on your finger that they were something in your future. You bought a four-bedroom in Shaughnessy, the idea being that one would be a guest room and two would be reserved for the kids, whenever they came along. “We can always add on,” Brock had said as you signed the papers, the real estate agent dropping the keys into your palm with a warm smile. And you knew that he would, you knew that Brock wanted as many kids as you were willing to give him. But you’d start with one. That was the plan. That was the plan, so a few months after you got back from your honeymoon in Scotland you went off of your birth control. Kids would happen when they happened, but you both knew you’d rather them sooner than later, and thus had begun your journey towards starting a family. That was the plan, so a year and a half ago you had swapped the pill for a stock of pregnancy tests, taking one a month and whenever you were feeling even slightly off for good measure, sure that your nausea and headache wasn’t the beginnings of a flu but rather your baby making themself known. 

When six months of trying came and went without a single positive test, you both started to get a little antsy, but you knew that these things took time, and you knew that it hadn’t been long enough for there to be any real cause for concern. But you still called your doctor, started exercising more and taking folic acid like she recommended, you and Brock both cutting down on your alcohol. “If you’ve got to do all this, it’s only fair I have to make some changes, too,” he had said. You loved your husband for many reasons, chief among them being the fact that no matter the circumstance, where you were or who you were with or how people were acting, he never made you feel like you were on your own. Everything was a team effort in the Boeser household. 

It was six months, and you were doing okay, and Brock was genuinely winning the award for the world’s best husband with how deftly he could calm you down every time you saw the words not pregnant show up on a pregnancy test, but then it hit a year of trying without success and you started to get worried. It was July, and you knew it was common in the NHL to try and time births for the offseason — if you got pregnant in the summer, your baby would have been born in the middle of a playoff push — but you honestly would have settled for any timing. So you visited a fertility specialist at the Mayo Clinic, a quiet recommendation Brock’s mom got from a friend’s daughter. You loved your own mom, but Laurie truly had been your saving grace in everything. A quiet, steady presence who offered more love and support than you could ever ask for, giving her advice only when asked and never once betraying your trust by telling anyone. But Dr. Gonzalez got the tests back, both yours and Brock’s, and said that nothing was wrong. “Unexplained infertility,” they called it. It was nothing anybody was doing wrong, nobody’s fault, not a matter of hormonal imbalances or obvious lifestyle factors or anything that would have let you blame it on yourself. Which, on one hand, was so good and so relieving, so desperately needed. You needed to know that it wasn’t your body, and it wasn’t Brock, that was keeping the two of you from finally being able to grow your family. But on the other hand, there were few things more hopeless or frustrating than hearing that they couldn’t find a cause. That meant that there wasn’t anything you could have done differently, true, but that also meant that there wasn’t anything you could do. It was a waiting game, and you were never good with being patient. 

Pregnancy scares were more common than people might know, if the experiences of you and your friends were anything to go by. There were high school boyfriends, college roommates, half of the people you knew had worried they were pregnant or had gotten someone pregnant far before they were ready. But now, when you were settled down and established and were building a life with the most amazing man you had ever had the fortune to love, and you wanted a baby, it wasn’t happening. The clinical definition of infertility was the “failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.” You had committed the definition to memory over the past 14 months, and whether you knew it or not, Brock had too. You had always been good at tests. Good grades, always the essay the teacher used as an example in class, graduated top of your class at UBC. But this was one test you couldn’t study for, and one you couldn’t believe you had failed time and time again. 

Which brought you to December, normally one of your favorite times of the year but one that you had recently begun noticing all the doom and gloom in that others had always mentioned when speaking about the winter months. You still loved the holidays, Christmas and New Year’s and everything in between, but you thought that in your second year as a married couple, you wouldn’t still be a family of two. It was a year and a half since you and Brock had started trying for a baby, and there was still no luck. It was a year and a half, and you had started talking about options. Vancouver had some amazing fertility specialists, and adoption was something you had discussed looking into, but you had both agreed on waiting a few more months before taking that route.  

---

Which brought you to almost three weeks later, two days before New Year’s Eve, your head in the toilet and your husband leaning up against the doorway. “God, I feel like shit,” you said, leaning up against the wall when your nausea had finally seemed to subside. “I bet, last time I threw up was our honeymoon,” he said, trying to make you laugh. Brock had insisted on trying haggis in Scotland, saying he needed the “full experience,” but regretted that decision as soon as he spent the better part of the second night of your honeymoon in the hotel bathroom throwing up from food poisoning. You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, gratefully taking the cup of water Brock handed you as you leaned up against the bathroom counter. 

You caught his eyes searching yours as you set the glass down, his face wearing an expression you had come to know well in the four years you had been together. There was something on his mind, but he wasn’t sure if he should say it. “Yeah?” you prompted, raising your eyebrows. 

He gave a tiny shake of his head. “It’s nothing, seriously.” 

Now it was your turn to look at him. “Brock, it’s going to eat you up if you keep it all inside. Spit it out.” 

“How long has it been since you took a test?” Brock asked gently. 

You should have known. God, you should have known that’s where his mind would go, and the worst part of it all, the part that made you feel even worse for getting your husband’s hopes up that maybe this was finally it, maybe it had finally worked, was that you couldn’t even blame him. You had been snappier at Brock the past few days, something both you and he had attributed to your overall weariness about the whole process, you had to practically slap his hands away from your breasts the other night while you were having sex, and this wasn’t even the first time you had thrown up this week. But it was flu season, and you worked with kids, and seemed to catch it more years than not despite taking the flu shot religiously each October. You’d be looking for a missed period, but they had always been light and you had experienced some spotting when Brock was on a road trip the week before. 

You pressed the heels of your hands into your eyes, shaking your head. “I don’t know...A month? A little over? I just hate that it’s getting so clinical, that’s not what it was supposed to be about, that’s never what it was supposed to be about.” 

Brock ran his hands up your arms, back and forth, the same way he had been comforting you for years. “I know, baby. And I’m so sorry if I ever made you feel that way, more stressed or disappointed in yourself, because it’s not your fault. It’s not anyone’s fault. We’re going to have a baby one way or another, because I love you and I’ve never met anyone who’s more excited, and ready, and made to be a mom quite like you. And whether you have the baby yourself, or we adopt, or whatever path we decide is the right one for us, they’ll be ours, and they’ll be so loved.” Brock ghosted a kiss over your forehead, his eyes closing. “You don’t have to take another test if you don’t want to, the last thing I want to do is make you more anxious over all of this. But I think it might be good. I think it might help.” 

You breathed out deeply through your nose, shooting your husband a weak smile. God, he was so good to you. “I’ll tell you if I do.” 

Brock nodded, stepping towards you and wrapping you in his arms, whispering your name as he leaned his forehead against yours. “No matter what happens — tomorrow, next week, next year, I don’t care — nothing you do will ever make me love you any less. We’re good. We’re gonna be okay.” You could have filled a hundred books with the reasons why you loved Brock Boeser, and this was one of them. The way he loved you, so selflessly and sacrificially, without an ounce of ego and never expecting anything in return aside from your heart. You didn’t know what you had ever done in this life or any past one to deserve him, but there wasn’t a day you didn’t thank God for the privilege of letting you love this man. 

---

It was finally New Year’s Eve, festivities having taken over the city — really, they hadn’t stopped since Christmas — and hardly a flat surface was left undecorated with posters or metallic tinsel, or both for good measure, including almost the entirety of yours and Brock’s house. He had volunteered your place weeks ago as the site for the team’s New Year’s Eve party. It didn’t generally draw a crowd as big as the holiday party earlier in the month, which usually had not only the players’ partners, but children and whatever family was visiting at the time, so Brock had asked if you’d be willing, and you agreed easily. You loved getting to spend time with the team, and you were even more inclined than usual to gravitate towards any kind of distraction that would take your mind off of the stress you were under. The stress that you put yourself under, to be fair. So you threw yourself into planning and preparation, pulling out the ice chest from the garage and filling it up, making sure people were bringing enough champagne, cleaning every inch of the house with Brock until it was spotless despite the fact that you both knew you’d have to do the same thing in the morning. 

Some two and a half hours into the party and most everyone who was drinking was sufficiently drunk, the TV in the living room flipping back and forth between the broadcast from Times Square and Youtube karaoke that nearly everyone had been roped into at some point or another. You sipped your soda, half-sitting on one of your barstools next to Holly. “You’re not drinking?” she asked curiously. 

“I had some earlier, trying to pace myself” you said, waving your hand. “Someone’s got to look after that one.” You nodded towards Brock, who was having what looked to be the time of his life in your living room while badly singing along to One Direction. Holly nodded. You knew she probably wanted to ask more, but she was too tactful to push. “It’s so nice to see them all like this, just letting loose, having fun. It’s hard to remember sometimes that these are just guys in their 20s and 30s when they’re constantly off travelling or away at games, doing things most people their age only dreamed of. They don’t get the chance to be normal hardly ever. And the season can get stressful...It’s just good to see,” you said. 

“It is,” she agreed. 

You checked your phone. Twelve minutes till midnight. “You want to help me get the champagne ready?” 

Holly smiled. “Let’s do it.” 

Nearly twenty flutes of champagne later — you had no idea where Brock had managed to find all of the glasses — you walked around the corner, your head poking into the living room. “Champagne’s in the kitchen, everybody. Five minutes till midnight!” 

“Haven’t seen you in a while,” Brock said, leaning in for a kiss after walking over. 

You scrunched your nose. “Babe. It hasn’t even been ten minutes.” The second you had gotten back from refilling your drink earlier, Brock had dragged you into what turned out to be a very endearing but not-so-successful rendition of I’ve Had the Time of My Life in the living room, minus the lift. He wanted to go for it, and you trusted your husband with everything, but you really didn’t feel like spending your New Year’s Eve in the ER after having crashed into the Christmas tree. Dirty Dancing was one of the first movies you had ever watched together, so there was more than a little meaning behind the choice, but you doubted you were exactly making Jennifer Grey proud. 

“Ten minutes away from you is ten minutes too long,” he said, nuzzling his head into your neck. 

The fingers of your free hand carded through the hairs at the base of his neck; you loved it when he let his hair grow out like this. “Okay, babe, I believe you. How much have you had to drink tonight?” 

Brock pulled back, rolling his eyes at you in exaggeration. “Only two beers since the night started. I’m not drunk, I’m not even tipsy, I just love my wife.”

“Could be worse,” you quipped. You squeezed his hand as the two of you walked into the kitchen, after half of the guests had already grabbed their flutes and made their way back into the living room for the countdown. Grabbing your drink from the other side of the counter, you held it in your far hand as you and Brock turned back around, taking your place by the Christmas tree. You glanced towards the TV, where the Times Square ball was slowly inching towards the ground. “Anyone else think it’s a little weird that we’re all staring at a TV waiting for something to happen that already happened 3 hours ago?” 

“I don’t believe in tape delay,” Elias said. 

Quinn nodded seriously in agreement, but the corner of his mouth twitched up. “It doesn’t exist. That little notice in the corner, saying ‘this is a recording of an earlier broadcast? Fake.” 

You snorted into your glass as everyone’s attention turned back to the screen. Three minutes till midnight. “I was a little apprehensive at first when you said you’d put us down to host,” you said, leaning back into Brock’s chest, “but I’m glad you did. This is nice.” 

“I’m glad we’ve got everyone around,” he said, looking down at you. “What are you drinking?” he asked curiously. He hadn’t noticed before, too caught up in the euphoria and exhilaration of the night, but the more he looked at it, the more he realized that your glass looked different than everyone else’s. 

“Sparkling cider,” you said, your heart rate picking up. “I brought it in case any of the kids came.” 

“But there was plenty of champagne left?” Brock questioned. “We’re at our own house, it’s not like you need to be playing designated driver.” You let out an airy laugh, the kind that made Brock’s eyes immediately snap to yours because he knew you so well, he could read even the slightest actions, the smallest shift in tone, and he knew what that particular laugh meant. It was your nervous laugh. “What is it?” he asked, guiding you around the corner to the darkened hallway, the residual glimmer of the lights from the Christmas tree glowing softly on the walls. 

You looked up at him, the purest most radiant smile you had ever given him crossing over your face. “You’re not supposed to drink when you’re pregnant,” you whispered,  your top lip trembling and letting you know that you were only moments away from tears. 

Brock was speechless as he looked at you, the near-silence of the hallway a strange contrast to the growing noise in the living room as the clock ticked closer and closer to the new year. “And you’re...You’re not drinking because…” He faltered. 

You gently took both of your glasses, setting them on a side table before taking his left hand in your own, running your thumb over his wedding band. “I’m not drinking because I’m pregnant, Brock,” you repeated, your voice cracking. 

“Are you sure?” he asked. You felt a twinge in your heart, but you knew you really couldn’t be upset with him for not being sure. It had been a year and a half and there had been more than once where you both thought it was finally it, that it had finally taken. 

You nodded, squeezing his hand. “I took a test the other day, after you had asked me if I was going to. God, I wasn’t expecting anything different, Brock. I wasn’t expecting anything,” you said. “But three minutes was up, and I turned the test over,” his hand tightened almost imperceptibly around yours, “and I saw a plus sign. I’ve never seen one before, Brock, it’s never been positive.” You didn’t realize you had started crying until Brock reached up with the hand that wasn’t holding yours, wiping away a tear that had fallen onto your cheek. “But I didn’t want to get my hopes up again. Not until I was sure. So I found a midwifery center online, called — thank God they had a cancellation — and went in yesterday. I wanted to get it confirmed, but I didn’t want to do anything without you. I didn’t even look at the ultrasound, all I had her tell me was that everything looked absolutely perfect for seven weeks along.” 

It was your husband’s turn for tears now, neither of you paying any mind to the deafening countdown that was happening just steps away. “You’re really pregnant?” 

You nodded again. “We have an appointment again in two days. They’re going to show us the heartbeat.” 

That was what broke him, bringing Brock down to his knees in front of you, his hand slipping from yours as he brought it up to rest on your lower stomach. Where his baby was. Where your baby was. “I’m finally going to be a dad,” he said, as if the knowledge that both of your lives would be changed forever come next July was just now hitting him, as if he’d never known purpose and fulfillment quite on the same level until you spoke those words to him. 

You knelt down next to him, dropping a kiss on his lips just as the clock struck midnight. It wasn’t like any kiss you had ever shared before, not overwhelmed with passion or desire or want, nor the small, steady sort of kisses you had grown to love in your years as a married couple, the kind that said you’re my best friend in not so many words. This was a kiss of adoration, of devotion, of pure reverence for your husband and the life you had finally created together. “We’re having a baby.”

[theramenbandit]

The clinic sat on the corner of a moderately busy street in the uptown business district. It occupied the entire ground floor of the redbrick commercial building, large neon letters on the offset wooden cladding:

Pawsitively Awesome 

Veterinary Care

Whoever came up with that name did not deserve to name anything else ever. 

Lena drove up in her Acura, checked her hair in the mirror, then checked the carrier in her passenger seat. The… 'dog' had six eyes and a flaming tail. At least that's how Lena would describe it. Its lush fur changed between green and blue and orange without any discernible pattern, like a lava lamp, and it was looking at her in a way that was slightly disconcerting. Like it knew what was up. Lena wrinkled her mildly suspicious brow at it. 

“Okay, Sparky, let's get you to the vet.” 

The receptionist Eve was perkier than Lena had the energy for, so she tried to keep the small talk small and sat in the lobby with her number slip. The fluffy lava lamp was still looking at her from behind the bars of its plastic cage. It wasn't that it was threatening or anything, it was just that its eyes (all of them) seemed to see right into her soul. Thankfully, her number came up and she didn't have to think about whatever that was about. 

"Hello, Ms. Thorul," the blonde smiled in greeting, reaching out to shake her hand. "I'm Kara, what can I help you with today?" 

For a moment Lena thought that the world had stopped spinning. It was like looking into the sun. Wavy golden locks cascaded down to her shoulders, and her eyes radiated such warmth that Lena suddenly found her breath snatched from her lungs. 

There was no way she was ready for That.  

Her hand finally made it to Kara's outstretched one and she took the moment to regain her composure. 

"Lena, please." She said in the lowest, smokiest voice she could manage. "And, well, my cousin Mike passed away and he had this um, 'dog', and now it's up to me to take care of… it." 

Lena was fairly certain that the doctor's (Kara, her name was?) face literally lit up as she extracted the creature from the carrier. 

"Hey there, little fella!"

"The thing is, I don't know what it is." 

"Well, it is a he, and he is an Arkanian flaming fox.” The fox immediately took to licking Kara’s face, eliciting a childish giggle from the blonde. “They're rare, he must've cost your cousin a fortune. And he's mostly fine, just mildly malnourished. When was the last time he was fed?" 

"I… honestly don't know. I'm not even sure what he eats… Oh my god, what does he eat?" 

Kara chuckled and Lena thought it odd that it was a sound she rather liked. "It's herbivorous, don't worry. This species has a particular inclination towards certain indigenous plants, but carrots and apples should do just fine." She said as she examined the ears, looked through the fur, checked the eyes and mouth with a flashlight. 

"What's his name?" Kara pulled up a clipboard and started noting things down. 

"I don't know." Lena shrugged, hands in her back pockets.

"He didn't have any papers?" The blonde flicked her eyes up at her. 

"I have no idea, I just got saddled with him three days ago." 

Kara seemed to remember herself then. "Sorry, sorry. You just lost your cousin, that was insensitive of me." 

The way she said it was so sincere, so pure. And it made Lena feel like she'd kicked a puppy. Huh. 

"Well, you can give him a new name, if you want." Lena responded, again in that sultry voice, smiling for maximum effect. This was nice and all, but she was getting impatient. 

Kara cleared her throat, looking very flustered. "Yes um... What do you think about Chewie?" 

"Like the candy?" 

"No, like the wookiee," Kara beamed.

Lena had no idea what the hell a wookiee was. 

"Chewie sounds great." 

Kara gave her a prescription and some vitamins (on the house 'because he's so adorable'), then set a follow-up appointment for two weeks from today. The consultation ended and this time Lena shook with both hands, a finger discreetly brushing over Kara's wristwatch. 

Lena waved goodbye to Eve on her way out, carried Chewie back to her car, and drove three blocks away to an abandoned parking garage. She took Chewie's carrier and hopped into the back of a white van labeled TankTastic Cleaners. 

"Nice." Sam held her hand up without looking away from the monitors. Lena high-fived it.

"My cousin Mike passed away?" The indignation in his tone was hilarious, and Lena only made an eh face in reply.

Chewie was staring at her again. 

Sam tapped away on her keyboard.

"Tracker online."

[villainousshakespeare]

Putting It Back Together Chapter 2

Chapter 1

Adam/OFC

Rated M (will probably change to E) - Grief, angst, eventual smut, mention of characters dead before the start of the story, blood, slow burn

Summary: Since the death of his beloved Eve, Adam had been barely living, only alive due to a promise he made to her. Then one night he meets his new neighbor, a woman dealing with grief of her own. Will they help each other heal or drive each other crazy?

@yespolkadotkitty @just-the-hiddles @hopelessromanticspoonie @wine-and-whines @arch-venus25 @caffiend-queen @devilish–doll @enchantedbyhiddles @hiddlesholic @i-do-not-fangirl-i-fanwoman @kellatron55 @ladyoftheteaandblood @latent-thoughts @gorgeous1974 @maryxglz @myoxisbroken @nuggsmum @nildespirandum @pedeka @redfoxwritesstuff @sinfully-lustful-darling @vodka-and-some-sass @wrathkitty @kingtwhiddleston @wolfsmom1​ @poetic-fiasco​ @shiningloki​ @dangertoozmanykids101​ @bookworm-christina​ @thecutestlittlebunbunfairy​ @amwolowicz​ @delightfulheartdream​ @frostbitten-written​ @what-a-flammable-heart​ @tom-hlover​ @nonsensicalobsessions​ @myraiswack​

If you would like on or off the tag list, please let me know!

Hunched over his desk, Adam scowled at the blank staff on the music composition page before him. In his mind he could hear the notes that he had composed two nights ago but when he tried to concentrate and write them down they refused to stay clear in his brain. Twice already he had crumpled up the dried out old paper and hurled it across the room. Now, after his pen scratched through another mistake, he swept the entire pile of paper off the desk.

Leaning back in his wingchair, he glared across the room. It was all the fault of that thing. There against the wall, clashing with his dark hued room, sat a garishly bright neon yellow tool bag. It was not just that it was an eye sore, though that was bad enough. Really, who in their right mind would purchase anything so hideous? It was the knowledge that it belonged to her. That horrid, sobbing girl who had cried all over him last night.

Adam suppressed a shiver as he remembered it. She had clung to him like a python, face buried in his chest has he flailed to find a way to calm her. He had been so startled by the way she melted into him he had not known what to do. He was no longer, he realized, used to experiencing any form of physical contact.

She was tiny. That had been his first, irrelevant observation. Her watery face had only come up to the middle of his chest. She was also surprisingly warm. Holding her felt so different, so very different than holding Eve had felt. His late wife had been nearly as tall as he was, and like him she lacked the blood pumping through her veins to warm her in the night air.

Blood. That was the next, unshakable realization. She was full of throbbing, pulsing blood. Adam could sense it coursing through her, adding a flush to her face and a beat to the chest pressed against his stomach. With her hair piled as it was on top of her head he could see clearly the blue tinted vein running down her long neck. Staring at it, he felt his animal side begin to stir within him.

It had been ten years since Adam had eaten from a living person. On that desperate night in Tangier it had been a matter of life or death, him or the young woman unfortunate enough to cross his path when he was literally starving. He had turned the girl, and Eve had done the same to her lover. They had given them immortality, curse or gift depending on your mindset. In the end, it hadn't mattered. Both of them had died along with Eve when tainted blood had been sold to them. Adam would have been dead too, had he not been out scouring a rare bookshop for a gift for his beloved.

Years later, the proximity of a carotid artery, just there for the taking, caused a physical sensations within him. Adam could feel his fangs fighting to descend. Alarmingly, he could also feel his cock hardening in his jeans. Live feeding was not the only thing he had gone without for years. The small woman in his arms, so helpless and so unaware of her peril, was all but begging to be devoured in all sorts of ways. He could imagine tearing away her clothes and sinking into her, first his cock then his fangs, as he satisfied his cravings upon her unsuspecting body. Had Adam been other than what he was, had he not had all of those centuries with Eve to civilize him, she would have been done for.

Instead, he had clumsily patted her on the back, eyes rolling in his head as he did so. He could not quite bring himself to mouth the platitudes he knew she would expect of him, but he did his best to bite back the sarcasm that was his defensive habit. She had lost someone herself, and while the pain of losing someone known only for one short lifetime could never compare to the loss he had suffered, it still touched a chord within him. He knew the deep, unending pain of love taken too soon.

When at last she had managed to breath regularly again, Adam had quickly walked her back to the hatch that led to her own home. She had uttered a ceaseless string of apologies that he neither wanted nor needed, and he had mumbled something inane in return, sounding for all the world like just another zombie. The relief he felt when he shut the hatch behind her had almost brought him to his knees. And yet...

She had been so very warm. So warm and so alive. Irritating and encroaching, yes, but her questions about his electric system had been intelligent, and her observations startlingly apt. He was used to zombies being disinterested, focused so inward on their own petty problems that they didn't see what was right in front of their faces.

Her face had been pretty, the thought ran through his head. A little older than he had expected at first, though they all seemed young to him. Big eyes, full lips, high, almost elfin cheekbones.

With a growl, Adam stood up and stalked over to the offensive yellow tool bag. He should have left it up on the roof. She would have realized it was missing eventually and gone back up for it. But the skies had looked threatening, and he didn't want her tools to rust. It was a matter of conservation, he assured himself. Not wanting to do something nice for a zombie. Certainly not that.

He obviously was not going to be able to concentrate with the hideous thing in his home. He would take it back over to her. The home she lived in had a double style doorway; if he was lucky the outer door would be open and he could leave it between them. No need to see her again. The last thing he needed was to be dragged into another encounter with her.

Pulling his leather jacket on without bothering with a shirt, Adam grabbed the tool bag and headed for his front door. Best to get this over with. Yanking open the door in his rush, he collided with something soft and with a shock watched the very person he had been hoping to avoid fall backwards off of his front stoop.

"Fuck!" she yelped, as she toppled down.

Adam blinked as she looked up at him from the ground where she sat inelegantly on her ass.

"Are you alright?" he asked as sense returned to him.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," she smiled unconvincingly at him. "Luckily I don't have too far to fall."

"I was going out and didn't expect you to be there," he mumbled.

He heard the accusation in his voice, but didn't seem to be able to help it. What the hell had she been doing there?

"Of course not," she blushed. "Um... would you mind?"

She held out her hand and Adam gasped. Her palm was scratched from breaking her fall, and a small pattern of blood was beading up on the skin. Instinctively he took a step back at the same time his head moved forward with a will of its own. The woman looked at him with confusion, and he forced himself calm down. Why the fuck hadn't he put on gloves?

Working hard to control the trembling of his hands, he reached out and helped her to stand. Hyper aware of the siren call of her blood he pulled his hands back as fast as he possibly could, hoping she didn't notice the way they trembled. Fortunately for him she seemed too concentrated on her own discomfort.

"Did you want something?" he asked brusquely when she had gotten her balance back.

"Not really. Well, I mean, yes. To... to apologize. For last night. For crying all over you. Sorry."

"No need," he told her "Forget about it. I have."

"Oh. Well, okay then," she stood for a moment worrying at her lower lip, and he noticed again how full her mouth was. "Were you going somewhere?"

"Out," he said tersely, old habits dying hard. As he saw her flinch, he made his tone soften. "Actually, I was going to see you."

"Really?" he eyes lit up, and Adam felt a panic that he could not place.

"Yes. You left this on the roof last night. I thought you might want it back."

"Oh," she said again, face falling once more. "Thanks."

"Think nothing of it," he said, grimacing. Why was she just standing there? "Well, see you."

"Yeah," she blinked up at him.

"Alright then."

Honestly, wasn't she ever going to move? Giving up, Adam gave her the closest he could muster to a half smile and turned back inside, shutting the door behind him in her face.

Only when the wood was solid between them did he shakily raise his hand in front of his face. There, crimson in the dim light of his apartment, was a smear of her blood. Unable to control himself any longer, he brought his hand to his mouth and desperately sucked the sticky liquid off, moaning with the taste of it. So fresh, so pure, so sweet.

Falling back on the sofa conveniently behind him, he realized he was hard again. Licking to make sure he had gotten every last drop, he stroked himself with his other hand. If he was picturing a certain set of wide eyes and lush lips, it was only because their owner's blood was still hot in his mouth. There could not possibly be any other reason.

***

Well, that had been an unmitigated disaster.

Lilly held the bag of frozen peas to her ass and tried not to dwell on how thoroughly she had humiliated herself. If that was an example of her improving her image she obviously needed to never leave the house again. She was not fit to be around other people. Certainly not fit to be around someone so flawless as her neighbor.

Good lord, when he had walked out the door and into her, it was like being hit with a load of bricks. Lying there on her backside staring up at him, Lilly had been almost stuck dumb by the sight. She had thought he was beautiful from a distance, or in the dark light of the roof. Standing as he was in a halo of porch light he was almost god-like. It did not help that his black leather jacket was parted to reveal a very well muscled chest and abdomen. Lilly's eyes traveled the length of him from the bob of his adam's apple, over his defined pecs and six pack, and down to the thin trail of hair and the vee that drew her eyes past the edge of his low slung jeans.

Sweet bajeebas, but he was perfect. She was hardly the same species. What had she been thinking?

The playing began sometime later that night, around midnight. Lilly was hunched of a jigsaw puzzle she had found in a cupboard. Her Grandmother had loved to do them, and Lilly had caught the bug. She had lost count of the number of nights she had stayed up obsessively putting them together, unable to go to bed until she had found just one more piece, only to see the sun rise as she finished it.

The wail of a guitar came through the wall, sounding plaintive and introspective. Lilly had been drawn to all of the music she had heard from him so far. His melodies were complex, and he seemed to favor minor keys. Her Grandmother would have liked it as well. No doubt she had enjoyed hearing the strains come through the thin walls. Certainly she would have preferred it to the fighting and drunken antics of the students that had always assailed them before.

Lilly found herself humming along to his playing. She loved music, even if she was self-conscious of her voice. Having a Grandmother who had made a career of crooning songs in smoky clubs made her all too aware of her own deficiency.

There was something so comforting about music. It was almost mathematical in the way it worked. Patterns created and repeated, only to be subverted and return in a new and unexpected ways. If the composer was good, that was. Her neighbor was very good.

Of course he would be good. God forbid he be less than perfect at anything.

So when he kept reaching the end of a delicate passage, only to end on a note that didn't quite resolve the phrase. Lilly could hear the frustration in his fingers clearly through the layers of sheet rock that separated them. At first it amused her; so he was fallible after all. Good. She allowed herself to take a superior pleasure in his failure.

By the time it was approaching two in the morning, she was ready to scream. She was over halfway done with her puzzle - a scene of Paris at night, all lit up - but was finding it increasingly hard to concentrate. Her gorgeous, grouchy neighbor must have played through the piece a hundred times, and every time it ended wrong. It was driving her insane. He was so close to finishing it. Every time he hit the not quite right note she felt her entire body twitch. She could only imagine how he was feeling.

It started one more time. Lilly held her breath, willing him to find what was right there, waiting to be put in place. The final phrase started, she scrunched her face, waiting to hear it fixed. The note he played was achingly close, but not quite what the song cried out for.

"Half a step lower!" she screamed out, unable to resist any longer.

The music stopped. Everything went silent on the other side of the wall. Now she had done it. Lilly could see him, glaring at the wall with that intense, closed off set of blue eyes. She was inordinately happy now that a solid hunk of material kept them apart. Any hope of a friendship developing between her and her haughty crush had surely been dashed now. And all because she could not control her stupid impulses.

After a stretch that seemed like forever, a length of time where Lilly died and was forced back into existence repeatedly, the music started up again. She made herself a small lump in the corner of her sofa, as if somehow she could hide even though it was impossible for him to see her. If she could have fit below the cushions she would have.

He reached to end and after the slightest of pauses he played the note she had suggested. It sounded perfect. The chord rang out, slowly fading, and she felt a small smile fighting to exist on her lips.

The music stopped abruptly again, and for the rest of the night only silence greeted her through the wall between them.

[magicalicefairy]

𝔹𝕖𝕪𝕠𝕟𝕕 𝕄𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔸𝕘𝕖𝕤 -  ᛒᛖᛃᛟᚾᛞ᛫ᛗᛃᚦᛋ᛫ᚨᚾᛞ᛫ᚨᚷᛖᛋ

Chapter 1 “The Beginning”

Pairing: Sigurd Styrbjornsson x OC / Tyr x Persephone

Warnings: strong language

Word Count: 3.8k (sorry, not sorry)

Chapter 2  AO3  Wattpad

​

The floor I was sitting on was wet, cold, and slippery. The room was dark and I could barely see my surroundings. How long have I been down here? Two days? Curse this priest! Thinks I'm a witch just because I know how to take care of wounds and heal light illnesses by mixing a few herbs. “Witch!” He screamed and then locked me down here. Now I am waiting for my execution, which fortunately has not been approved yet.  Apparently King Alfred had better things to do than sentence young women to death for mixing herbs. If I ever get out of here, by the gods, i will strangle this priest with my bare hands. But how i high are the chances that I would ever see daylight again? Was it the day I was brought to the scaffold? But I couldn't think any further, because my thoughts were disturbed by the ringing of the bells in the church above me.

I heard screams. What was going on here? I moved a little to slide closer to the dungeon door, but I couldn't get very far because iron chains were holding me to the wall. I heard hasty footsteps and trampling outside. Clinking noises, metal on metal. It was a fight! The soldiers of this abbey seemed to be fighting off a battle. Hopefully the attackers didn't come down here, because then they would surely give me a quick death, but before that the bandits would surely assault me. I heard footsteps coming down the corridor and the rustle of a bunch of keys. The priest! That bastard! What was he doing down here? Trying to hide? I heard nervous rustling at the door lock, hasty steps behind him and the roar of angry men. The next moment the door flew open, slammed against the wall with such force that it fell off the hinges and crashed onto the floor with a loud thump. The priest who held me prisoner flew through the door and a bearded northerner with an ax followed him. Blood dripped from the weapon and the silver seemed to light up the dark room. The north man pressed the priest against the wall.

"Where do you hide your treasures?" He said aggressively while holding the ax on his throat.

“You stupid pagan! You will burn in hell! ” He just screamed and wanted to insult him again, but the blood was already spurting from his throat and speckling the ground with red paint. The lifeless body fell to the ground like a sack of flour and lay there like an empty shell.

"That's what I wanted to do," I said, without even thinking about what was going to happen next. The north man noticed me for the first time and if I hadn't said anything, then I would probably have remained hidden in my dark corner.

"That would have been a bit difficult for you" He pointed with his bloody ax at my hands. These were still chained to the iron.

He took a few steps towards me and I had to admit that my heart was racing with fear.

"They have a big chest with treasures down here in the crypt," I quickly gushed out.

He just grunted something unintelligible and then he came closer to me. I pressed myself against the wall and watched every step oh him.

"Why are you locked up here?" He said to himself rather than to me. "You must be special" he knelt next to me and I could smell the blood that was all over his clothes.

"The priest" and I nodded my head to the sad piece of meat that lay lifeless on the floor next to us. "Thought I was a witch just because I know how to treat sick people and I mix herbs"

"I understand. You can heal wounds. So you are a kind of a healer? ”He asked, tilting his head. I hardly recognized him, but he seemed to have light eyes.

"Yeah, I think i am something like that." I replied, trying to sit up, not wanting to show my fear.

"I have a friend who needs help with a stab wound, can you treat something like that?" He turned the ax in his hand.

I paused for a moment and wondered if I could help him, maybe he'll let me live and I can go? Or he would kill me afterwards, but what choice did I have? To remain chained here while the bodies of at least 20 priests and two dozen soldiers rotten in the sun above. No, I had to take the chance and assure him of my help, that was the only way to get out of here alive.

I nodded and held out my hands to him. "If you have a solution, then I'll be happy to help." He grinned and showed me his silver ax. Was he really going to use it to break the chains? Is he insane? That’s going wrong. Never and eve-

I heard a loud clink and already felt the chains slip from my wrists. He did cut the iron with one precise blow. I rubbed my hands and got on my legs. Getting up quickly made me dizzy and i staggered a little.

"Are you okay?" The man held my arm to support me.

I just nodded. “Yes, I just got up too quickly and my legs are a bit shaky, but otherwise I'm fine.

"Good," he muttered and let go of me. "If you take care of my friend, you're free to leave" I nodded in agreement.

We went to the door and climbed the stairs. The light of the sun hit me like a blow. My eyes ached from the brightness, but what else should I expect?

I haven't seen the sunlight for two days and now I was exposed to it ruthlessly. Little by little, my vision improved and I saw the appearance of my Savior for the first time. He was a little taller than me. He had blond hair that he had tied in a braid and the sides were shaved. His clothes were covered in blood and he had a few splatters on his face. His blue eyes fascinated me, they were deep blue and reminded me of the waves on the sea, wild and untamed. He seemed to be staring at me too and I looked away.

"Follow me" and pointed to the massive wooden door at the end of the room. It led into the front yard of the abbey and when we got outside I inhaled fresh air for the first time in a long time. But there was not only the smell of fresh flowers in the air, no, there was also iron, blood, to be precise. And then I noticed that a few dozen corpses were spread out in the courtyard. This man's men had done a neat job. We went out of the garden, down the hill to the river. The huts of the priests and sisters burned and the smoke rose far into the sky. The fire could be seen several kilometers away. I heard the men before I saw them. They stood together in a group. The treasures of the abbey, gold and silver, which could certainly be sold or used well, passed through their hands. A man was sitting on a bench not far from them, his hand on his lower stomach. That had to be my Savior's friend that I was supposed to help.

"Eivor! There you are! ”His call sounded pained and his features cramped, but he tried to smile. The blond rescuer responded to his call. So his name was Eivor.

"Dag, I brought help with me" and he pointed at me.

The man named Dag looked me suspiciously.

"She's a healer, she can look at your wound," said Eivor, kneeling next to Dag.

“It's nothing, believe me. It's just a scratch. It'll be all right soon. ”But he was still holding the wound and it was definitely not just a scratch. The blood was on his clothes and on his hands. The wound seemed to be deep.

"That looks bad to me," I said to him and also knelt next to him. "I have to look at it, otherwise it could get worse."

"Is she one of the nuns here?" He looked at Eivor and raised an eyebrow.

Eivor was about to answer when I said: "No, as he had already said, I am a healer and not a sister."

He growled like a bear. Eivor assured him that I just wanted to help him and Dag agreed. He raised his hand and immediately blood came out of the wound. It was deep, but it had been stabbed clean. I should be able to treat his wound with a couple of bandages, but we weren't in the best situation for wound care. Materials for treating the wound were probably burning in the houses around us.

"We have to get him out of here, there are no clean cloths or clean water to treat the wound with," I said while looking at Eivor.

Eivor looked around and decided I was right.

"We have to get Dag out of here, let's go home!" Eivor roared through the crowd and pointed to two men who helped Dag up and took him to the river shore.

I wasn't sure what to do. How far was their home from here? How would it go on for me? And would they kill me after that? I had to take care of this man because I owed something to Eivor, he had taken me out of the dark dungeon and saved my life.. But Eivor didn't seem like a man who killed innocent women, since he got me out of there, he had been quite neutral, if not friendly, to me. I decided to follow them. Eivor walked by my side and we arrived at a large longship. The men helped Dag in and he sat down. Eivor stepped into the water and I followed him. The water was freezing and I got goose bumps. I pulled myself awkwardly into the boat and sat down next to Dag. I tore off a piece of my dress and folded it up.

“Here take it, press it on the wound. It will stop the bleeding temporarily. ”I held out the folded piece of cloth. He still looked at me suspiciously, but carefully slid his hand away from his wound. I immediately pressed it onto the open area, took his hand and pushed it onto the fabric.

"The wound looks bad, but I can manage it" I smiled at him and tried to give him some courage.

He just mumbled a little thank you and turned away.

I looked around and saw Eivor standing on the stern of the ship. The men took their places and hit the river bank with the huge rounds. We drove downhill and the abbey got smaller and smaller. By the gods, what exciting minutes those were.

"Are you scared?" I heard Eivor ask and he pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Well, you've just robbed an entire monastery of its soldiers and the treasures too. I was helpless and unarmed, and even with a weapon I would certainly not have been of great help. Of course I'm scared. I wonder what will happen after i helped Dag. ”I looked at Dag, who was watching me with a curious look.  I'd prefer to get out of this alive. ”I look at Eivor seriously.

"You really think that after I got you out of there and you helped my friend, i'm going to kill you?" He seemed amused. "I could kill you on the way to the river or leave you in the dungeon"

He was right about that. He was still smiling at me. Did he find the whole thing funny?

"What's your name anyway?" He asked.

"Ella, my name is Ella" I replied.

"Ella? You're not from England, are you? "

"No, neither are you," and I showed my sarcastic smile.

He laughed and agreed with me. I let my gaze wander over the water. The river was dark and the water was clear. The drive wasn't long and I saw a village approaching in the distance, but it wasn't really a village. It was more like a bunch of tents and run-down huts. The boat docked at the dock and the men began to heave the chest and boxes out of the ship. I climbed out of the boat and followed Eivor into the village. In the center was a large oak, the branches of which hung heavily. She looked just beautiful. Behind it you could have a look at a very large longhouse. It seemed well preserved. I suspect the northerners hadn't been here long. There were a lot of different people here. Men worked in the harbor, women chased their children around. We passed a house where a tall man was working on a sword.

"Ahh Eivor, back again? I hope you found something nice, ”he laughed.

“Gunnar! Yes, we found a lot, you are welcome to take a look at the longship. Dag is injured, we'll take him up to the longhouse. Ella ”he pointed to me“ will take a look at the wound ”

Gunnar’s gaze wandered from Eivor to me and a smile formed. He seemed like a warm man to me. “Welcome Ella! Nice to meet you! "

"Nice to meet you too" I replied with a smile.

Eivor and I said goodbye to Gunnar and went to the longhouse. As soon as we entered it, I noticed the long tables and the benches. At the end of the hall on an elevation stood a single chair. It was adorned with furs and appeared to belong to the leader. Where was he? Would he tolerate me here? If not, could Eivor prevent that? How high was his position here so that he could change the mind of the leader? Again I was torn from my thoughts. Dag sat down on a bench and Eivor called me over to him.

"What do you need for the wound?" He asked.

"I need a bowl of clean water and clean cloths, please," I knelt next to Dag and took the provisional wound pad from him. It was not bleeding as badly as before, but I should quickly make an envelope.

Eivor ordered one of the men to fetch the required utensils. He apologized and disappeared into the room behind the throne.

Dag was breathing hard, probably because of his pain. After a short time the man appeared with the requested materials and I started my work. I cleaned his wound and made a poultice that I put on him. “So that should be enough for now, but I would need a few more herbs to cleanse the wound and take some of the pain away from you. You shouldn't try so hard now. "

"Oh, I'm fine," said Dag, trying to get up, obviously in pain. But he slumped back on the bench. "Okay, maybe not"

He looks up at me and I raised an eyebrow.

"I told you"

"Yes, yes, I know," I heard him say grimly. "Thanks"

I looked down at him and nodded. "With pleasure"

I heard footsteps behind me and saw Eivor approaching us, accompanied by another Northman. He was tall, illegally tall. He was almost two heads taller than me, had rust-red hair that, like Eivor, wore in a long braid. There was a tattoo on his forehead, as well as on his shaved sides. He had a beard that was neatly trimmed. His eyes were a beautiful light blue-gray. They had something like bright rain clouds. I don't know how tosay it, but this man knew how to an appearance. I knew right away that this man was in charge here.

"Dag, you don't look really good," he patted Dag gently on the shoulder.

“I'm fine Sigurd, just a small stab wound. But thanks to Ella, that will soon be a thing of the past. He whispered and looked first at Sigurd and then at me.

Sigurd followed his gaze and now noticed me for the first time. His gaze made me shiver. A smile played on his lips. “Yes, Eivor mentioned you. Got you out of the abbey. I am Sigurd, the Jarl of Ravensthorpe, ”he said. "Thanks for helping Dag"

So he was actually the leader. The Jarl. I knew it.

“Eivor saved my life. I owed him something. And my name is Ella. ”I explained. "But I still have to treat the wound with herbs."

"Where do we get them from?" Eivor asked. I could hardly avert my gaze from Sigurd. He just looked impressively handsome.

“I have some in my hut. But I don't know whether it is still there. After the thing with the priest. ”I said, looking at Eivor.

“Where is your hut located? Is it far from here? ”He asked.

I told Eivor that my hut is near Grantebridge in Grantebridgescir, but that the Danes had been evicted there.

"I suppose my house was ransacked, but it would be worth a look." I look from Eivor to Sigurd and he clapped his hands.

"Well, off to Grantebridgescir!" He said to the group.

Eivor seemed confused and said: “Are you coming with us? Isn't it better if you stay here? "

Sigurd shook his head. "The more the better" and he looked at me with a grin. What was going on in his head right now? Eivor agreed, with the look from Sigurd to me and we made our way to the longship. We took the ship for a while and the crew sang a beautiful Nordic song. I didn't understand a word of what they were singing, but I thought it was very good. The landscape passed us. Green and Fresh. The sun warmed my face and I enjoyed the wind in my hair. Eivor and Sigurd were talking about something, but I couldn't hear what they were talking about. I watch them for a while until they both looked at me. I smiled and looked at the water, embarrassed to have been caught staring at them.

After what felt like an hour we arrived at the Scir and after a short time we were standing in front of my hut. If you could still call it a hut. The roof had burned down, the door kicked in, and the front yard trampled. It looked worse inside. Every chest and cupboard was cleared, items were scattered on the floor, and some of my notes were torn. I knelt next to a torn recipe and slowly picked it up. What kind of men rob a woman of all her possessions just because she helps people. This priest deserves what he got. I let my gaze wander around the room sadly. I didn't live here for long and I didn't build a real life here, but I had something and now that had been taken away from me. I tried to gather the remaining pages when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Eivor had knelt by me and was helping me collect the scraps of paper.

"I'm sorry about what happened here Ella," he said sincerely.

“It's okay, I wasn't really at home here. It's just a shame cause all of my recipes, but I can still use some of them. So it isn't that bad ”I assured him and gave him a grateful smile. He replied. It didn't seem as bad as I initially suspected. Where was Sigurd anyway? His presence makes me nervous and I didn't know why.

"Do you have what you need?" I heard Sigurd call from outside.

"We'll have it in a moment!" Replied Eivor and stood up to hand me the pages.

I folded it carefully and put it in the bag that i found in a corner of the room. Fortunately, it was still intact. I opened it and discovered dried herbs that I could still use for Dag’s wound. Unfortunately, the rest, including the one in the front yard, had been completely destroyed. Eivor had already gone outside and I looked around again. To say goodbye, I think, because I couldn't stay here. The Saxons would get me back and probably kill me right away. I looked one last time at the broken furniture and decided to go outside.

Eivor and Sigurd were talking when I stepped into the sunlight and they saw me, they both fell silent immediately.

"I have everything, we can go." I let them know, pulled the strap of my bag tighter around my shoulder and held it tight.

Both nodded. We were silent on the way to the ship, nobody said anything. Until Eivor broke the silence.

"Ella? Where will you go after you helped Dag? ”He asked.

That was a good question. Where should i go now? I had nothing left. No family, no friends and no home. I would probably have to look for work somewhere. so i don't have to sleep on the street.

"I dont know. I can't go back. The Saxons will look for me and then probably kill me. ”I said and my steps felt heavy.

"I see" Eivor stopped. “You know, Sigurd and I talked earlier. Our settlement is still young. We only got here 3 days ago and we could use a healer like you. You'd have a roof over your head and food in your stomach. In return you help the people in Ravensthorpe.

"What?" i looked surprised from him to Sigurd, who just nodded. I didn't know what to say. First he saved me and then he gave me a home. "I don't know what to say .."

Sigurd laughed and said, "How about yes?"

I had to smile and Eivor held out his hand. "Deal?"

I didn't think twice and accepted. Sigurd held out his hand to me and I took it too. When our hands touched, I could literally feel the sparks spray. My head was buzzing. It felt like I was in a different place. I saw golden fields of wheat, green meadows and I felt like i was at home. Then I was in a city, made by gods and a man held my hand. He smiled and then I was back on the river bank with Sigurd's hand in mine. I let go of him and looked at him. Did he just experience the same thing as me? His look said nothing, but something just happened between us. This is going to be interesting. I was sure.

[astraljedi]

Oblivion | Part I (The Mandalorian)

Summary: The Mandalorian was summoned to Nevarro by Greef Karga for a specific quarry after one of his favorite hunters is presumed dead.

Pairing: The Mandalorian x Reader (she/her)

Rating: 18+

Warnings: Mention of death, lost of memory, violence, blood, abuse, curse words, drugs and some traumatic shit. ALSO SOFT DIN 

Word count: 3K+

A/N: I’m new to the Star Wars fandom and to be honest I’m a little scared posting this. Please don’t scream at me if I made any mistakes, I’m still catching up with everything. Also, this is going to be a two part story and It has taken me about three days to fully finish the first part, so I hope you guys enjoy and happy new year’s eve! 

The warm volcanic air of Nevarro greeted The Mandalorian as he exited the Razor Crest and headed towards de cantina to meet with Greef Karga. As per usual, everyone's eyes landed on the shiny beskar helmet while The Mandalorian quietly walked by himself with his Amban sniper rifle on his back. 

Walking into the busy cantina, Mando moved towards Karga, sitting on the room's far end. "Mando!" Karga greeted him, ushering him to sit down on the opposite seat before Karga. 

"What's the job?" Mando asked, cutting straight to the point and skipping the "friendly" welcome. Karga sighed, his hands landing on the beverage on the table. 

"Right to the point, okay." Karga began. The Mandalorian watched through his visor at the man before him, who leaned in closer, not wanting anyone to eavesdrop on the private conversation. 

"No offense, but you're one of my faithful hunters who knows how to get the job done, no questions asked. But I also have my favorite hunter, similar to you, without the beskar armor." Karga announced, his eyes wandering around the others surrounding them inside the cantina. He didn't want to drive more attention to the table, more than its already been drawn by the beskar armor. "She's strong, straightforward forward, and never fails me. Reasons why I gave her the quarry only her or you could've handled, especially when the rich would pay any amount to end any theft from their fortune. You were away with other pucks, and she was free, so I gave it to her."

"Let me guess, she failed you, and now you need me to do the job?" Mando sighed under his helmet, crossing his arms over his chest. 

"We presume she's dead; some members of the Guild found her ship raided and full of blood. It's a loss we all felt deeply, which you don't see a lot in here. She cared for everyone, and it rubbed off on some of us. Her death is on that quarry's life, and I count on you to avenge her death." Karga was resting his back on his seat, waiting for a response from the hunter in front of him. 

"Do I need to bring them in alive?" 

"No, only bring the body for confirmation." Karga disclosed, sliding the puck over to Mando with the tracking fob. "It's double the amount of what I originally offered. It's going to be a heavy payday for you, Mando."

"She was that good, huh?" The Mandalorian stood up from his seat, hanging the sniper rifle again behind his back. He was a bit curious about the girl and how comparable she was to him. 

"You might have seen her before. She used to work here from time to time in the cantina. And now that I think of it, one time you came here to meet with me, and she was serving me the drinks that day." Karga remembered, and so did The Mandalorian. "The bounty's last known location was Maldo Kreis. Good luck, Mando."

On the way back to his ship, Mando was deep in his thoughts. He remembered that day very clearly. 

He remembered the girl. How could he forget? 

"I don't want to be rude, but I would offer you a drink, but I know you can't take that shiny bucket off." Y/N chuckled, grabbing Karga's empty cup to replace it with a new one full of spotchka. She had watched him arrive earlier into the cantina; her older brother used to talk about The Mandalorians when they were children. She had never seen one in person before. She watched him glide through the people in the cantina towards Karga, how only a few dared to look at the man in the beskar, and others had their eyes on the floor. Too scared to even look at the feared hunter. 

Karga chuckled at her comment before taking a sip of his new drink. Mando tilted his helmet at her in curiosity. She wasn't intimidated by him and made a light joke about his armor. 

When The Mandalorian didn't answer, she sighed and looked away from the tinted T shaped visor. Y/N walked away with Karga's previous empty cup and headed towards another table to serve them with her funny jokes instead, where others will appreciate them. 

Thankful for the helmet, he heard Karga tell him about the previous bounty Mando had captured, how he never disappoints in getting the job done. "You might give my favorite hunter a run for her credits." Karga joked, emptying his second drink of the day. But The Mandalorian's eyes followed the girl. She was behind the bar now, laughing with her other customers as she leaned herself on the counter. Her mid-length dark hair bounced around every time her shoulders moved from her laughing and her tiny figure moving around the back of the spacious bar, gliding through without a hassle. "Y/N! Get your pretty face over here with another refill, sweet face." Mando's eyes shifted to the very drunk customer far away from the bar where Y/N stood.

She laughed at the drunken state he was, filling up his cup with some water instead, cutting him off from his usual drink. "That's enough for the evening, Gyan. You have a family to get to, remember?" Her sweet voice passed right him, the sweet scent from her hair hitting him with a whiff. 

Y/N, now the girl who he watched over had a name.

Many people were intimidated by the beskar armor, but she didn't even flinch from making a joke about it. Even after he didn't answer her, she didn't shake in fear, and she walked away disappointed. Was she expecting something else? The Mandalorians came across as cold and people of not many words. She knew that, but deep down, she didn't believe it entirely from all the stories others would tell about them and their creed. 

Mando landed on the ice planet two days ago.

Tracking down the bounty was surprisingly too easy, Mando thought. The tracking fob immediately started going crazy on the first day while he hunted around the planet. Once he found him, he watched his every move. 

Not only did he want to assure a good plan, but he also wanted to figure out how the girl got herself killed for a simple quarry that didn't even bother hiding. 

Maz was wanted for theft, and he owned a lot of people's credits. The usual. Maz had the same routine strangely; he visited the markets early, creating chaos with innocent villagers, and then spent the rest of the day in a cantina with possibly other bounty's.

One of the things Mando noticed first was that Maz wasn't ever alone. He always had to be surrounded by people to praise him and make sure he felt he had the power. Maz still had six guards with him. Four of them guarded the outside. While two were by the back of the cantina, the others guarded the front door. And that left the Maz and two other bodies with him inside. 

Mando could quickly grab the guards in the back successfully and then attack the ones in the front before dragging them with the rest of the bodies behind the cantina. He liked those odds. 

Part of his evening entourage, he brought one woman with a metal neck collar hooked on to a chain for him to drag her around like some pet. The woman had barely any clothing on for the shivering weather, and it was torture and cruel. 

They had her wearing a tiny leather top that did nothing to hide the purple bruises on her neck and shoulders. Mando also noticed marks that could only be caused by a whip on her exposed back. She also wore a torn skirt that didn't cover much of her barely functioning legs. But Mando never saw her face. They always dragged her around with a bag over her head. 

The Mandalorian prepared for his attack on the third day. As planned, he managed to seize the men on the back of the cantina without any problems. And then he followed with the other two guards by the front door. Maybe the guards were for appearances because they went down quickly and quietly, or The Mandalorian was that good. Mando swiftly dragged both bodies towards the back and huddled all four of them in a pile against the bar's walls.

The cantina's door unlatched and revealed The Mandalorian standing under the frame while the snow flew into the cantina. Immediately, all eyes were on Mando as his eyes scanned the place, looking for Maz. The air in the cantina stiffened at The Mandalorian's presence. Every single pair of eyes followed him while he proceeded to take a seat by the bar, a safe distance to the corner of the room where he spotted Maz with the girl sitting down on his lap miserably. 

"Two chowders to go," Mando ordered, trying to blend in as he wasn't there for a quarry. He passed some credits to the bartender while his eyes caught a glimpse of the girl's face when she moved uncomfortably on Maz's lap. 

"Y/N." Mando thought to himself, how could he forget her? Her hair was longer, and she looked slimmer, probably caused by the lack of meals Maz didn't give to her. Mando's blood boiled as he watched the dirty man's hands caressing Y/N's bruised and sensitive skin while he chatted away with another person sat on the table as well. 

Y/N dozed off, her head feeling heavy, and her exhausted body was about to give out on her. She couldn't even remember how she got there and what they gave her to tame her down. Everything was a blur. 

If she could, she would've blown up the whole bar into ashes. Make every living being that touched, drugged, and tossed her around to burn into oblivion. 

Mando had a plan to grab Maz, but it flew out the window once he noticed who the girl was. The seat that Maz's "friend" occupied was now free, and while "waiting" for his chowder, he slipped into the empty chair. 

He regretted his change of plan the moment his eyes landed on the poor girl. The open wounds that would heal into scars horrified him. It angered him the most. Mando was going to make Maz pay for every mark he left on her body. "A Mandalorian? Thought those only existed in stories." Maz tried to hide his widened eyes from the hunter. Mando smirked under his helmet, sensing the fear in Maz's eyes. 

Mando's hand rested on top of his blaster that rested on his side. Tilting his helmet, he studied and watched Maz, and he knew the guy would never be the criminal to carry a blaster. He needs a pack of guards because he didn't even know how to handle a blaster by himself. He was all about appearances and less about his fighting skills. "And now they are going to exist in your worst nightmares." 

The first shot from Mando's blaster went off and hit the closest guard to Maz in his chest. The first guard's body fell to the floor with a loud thud while others either stared at the fight that was about to break down, and some decided to leave the bar. Before it, all got a little too messy for their liking. 

Maz shot up from his seat, not caring that Y/N had fallen to the floor. He gripped on the metal chain tied to her neck collar and dragged her up to her feet as he made a run for the door. Mando had purposely let Maz get a head start; he knew he couldn't get too far with Y/N's weakened state. 

The final guard, who was the furthest, made a run towards the hunter, but Mando was quick to his feet and grabbed one of the knives on the table and flew it across the bar for it to land on the guard's shoulder. Stomping his way towards the guard, he hovered over his unbearable body and sent his final shot from his blaster to his chest. 

The bartender rose from behind the bar, where he had found shelter from the fight. He watched as the hunter exited the cantina to catch up to Maz, who hadn't gotten very far as Mando had anticipated. 

One thing The Mandalorian didn't expect was seeing Maz holding a blaster to Y/N's temple. "God, she can't even lean on him for support from the pain she's in." Mando thought to himself, his grip tightening on the snipper he pulled out from his back. He aimed it at Maz, taking slow steps towards his quarry. 

"Give up, Maz. We both know you don't stand a chance." Y/N heard Mando's filtered voice from afar. She was thrown around by Maz for a long time, that the little hope she had of being rescued from the torture had faded every time the sun left the horizon and left her in complete darkness. 

Maz had the safety on his blaster. What an idiot. 

Mando was about to shot at Maz's shoulder when suddenly, from the corner of his eyes, he watched Y/N slip out a blade from the waistband of her skirt. She must have gotten it after she fell from the first guard laid on the floor after Mando shot him. Maz didn't even know what was coming for him. 

Y/N used the little energy she had and pushed the knife into Maz's abdomen, causing him to force her out of his grip and fall on to his knees from the sudden pain. He shrieked in pain while holding the knife still pressed into his body in shock. "He did tell you that you didn't have a chance." Y/N coughed only a few feet away from him, looking straight at Maz as the blood-stained the pale snow underneath him. 

"Should've given you a painful death the night we took you." Maz groaned,  pulling the knife out of his stomach. "You were worth-" Maz's words caught short, Mando shutting him up with a shot to his chest. Maz's eyes rolled back, and he fell onto his back on the snowy ground. 

Tears spilled out of Y/N's eyes. She never thought she was going to make it out alive at all. "Hey, we need to get you out of this weather." Mando knelt to her level on the floor, wrapping his cape around her shoulders to bring in a little bit of warmth to her body. She nodded in response, but before she could force herself to stand up, he already had her in his arms pressed into his chest. 

Instead of going to his ship, he preferred getting those chowders he had ordered earlier for her to eat before the flight back to Nevarro. "You might want to eat first." His voice was soft, caring for the petite hunter before him. 

Food. Y/N hadn't had a warm meal in such a long time that she devoured the first bowl of chowder too quickly for her liking. Mando sat silently across her, watching her finish up the first bowl in minutes. "Want the other one?" Mando asked, sliding the second bowl towards her. 

"Please, I'm starving." It was good that she was eating. The drug that made her doze off was wearing off quicker thanks to the food. The other great news was that Mando had managed to break off the metal collar from her neck. She was free to walk and eat without the cold metal pushing up against her neck. "Thanks again for everything." She went from living a nightmare to finding some peace. Maybe it won't last that much longer, but she enjoyed it a little bit. She enjoyed the hot meal. 

After she finished the second bowl, Mando brought the empty dishes to the bar counter a few feet away from the table where he previously sat with her. He tried passing the bartender some extra credits for the mess he caused earlier, but the bartender refused to take the credits. He was merely glad that Maz was gone from his cantina.

 Mando nodded as a thank you towards the bartender when he gave them extra food for the flight. "She suffered a lot in the hands of those criminals. I'm glad she's safe now." The bartender explained to the hunter as they both watched her from afar snuggled up into Mando's cape. 

After Y/N and The Mandalorian said their final goodbyes to the cantina's owner, he pressed her close for her to lean on him as they walked to her rhythm towards his ship with Mando dragging Maz's body behind him with the same chain Maz had tied up to Y/N neck collar. Y/N was grateful for the food, but she was even more when Mando's ship greeted her with its warmth. "I have never been this excited to see a Razor Crest before." She chuckled, her cheeks gaining a slight red tint. 

Mando moved around the ship, trying to gather up a couple of blankets he had stored away. "I don't have a change of clothing, but I did grab these for you." 

Y/N mumbled a thank you to Mando and pulled off his cape from her shoulders to replace them with a slightly thicker material to keep her even warmer. "I suggest you rest for a while if you can." He suggested, sitting on the pilot seat and getting the ship ready for departure. Y/N made herself more than comfortable on the chair behind him by the right side of the cockpit. 

Y/N relaxed her shoulders as she let the soft material of the chair rest snug to her body. "Thanks again for rescuing me, metalhead." She mumbled, sleep consuming her quickly. 

Mando snorted under his helmet. Even after going through what she did, she managed to make fun of him. He watched her over his shoulder, her chest rising up and down while she faded into her deep sleep. He pulled himself away from staring and sent the Razor Crest into hyperspace after placing the coordinates to Nevarro. 

"You don't need me to rescue you. You saved yourself out there." Mando whispered, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.