#SAS troops

[stairnaheireann]

#OTD in 1988 – At Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast, a gunman kills three mourners and injures at least 50 people attending a funeral for IRA members Maireád Farrell, Daniel McCann, and Sean Savage executed in Gibraltar.

Loyalist gunman Michael Stone kills three people at a funeral for IRA members (Maireád Farrell, 31, Daniel McCann, 30, and Sean Savage, 23) who were executed in Gibraltar by SAS troops. Stone wanted to kill Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and others whom he believed to be members of the IRA. He claimed the attack was in retaliation for the IRA bomb in Enniskillen on Remembrance Day which killed 11.…

[anneapocalypse]

On wards and the Waking Sands.

Edited to add: Please look at this version of the post, as there's some additional context I neglected to include in the original post.

I can't say whether this was intended, but there's something very interesting, and somewhat heartbreaking, about looking at the Garlean attack on the Waking Sands in light of certain plot points in the Warring Triad storyline.

In the latter, Urianger takes great pains to ward the containment bays on Azys Lla specifically so that the Garleans sniffing around the isles can't get into them and take control of the primals contained within. So certain is he that his wards are impassable by Garlean invaders that when they get past them regardless, he figures out pretty quickly that someone else must have taken them down, and that that someone is Unukalhai.

I wove the ward in accordance with the most closely guarded teachings of the archmages of Sharlayan. Naught was left to chance. Naught.

It's not surprising to me that Urianger, an Archon and arcanist, would have knowledge of such things. What is notable is that there were seemingly no such wards upon the Waking Sands when Livia sas Junius marched through its doors in ARR, slaughtering most of the Scions present and taking Minfilia and several others--those others including two Archons and talented mages--captive.

The Garlean attack has always stood out to me as highlighting the weaknesses in the Scions' operations in ARR. Far from mentioning any magical wards, Minfilia's shock is that Livia knew where to look for them at all. Clearly, the Scions believed their headquarters to be a far better-kept secret than it actually was, and this is well before the defeat of the Ultima Weapon thrusts them into the public eye. (In fact, after playing through this myself for the first time, every time I was called back to the Waking Sands thereafter I kept shouting at my screen, "NO! That location is compromised!" 😂)

It speaks to how the Scions had been operating before and during ARR, I think, that they really seemed to have believed secrecy alone would protect them.

And I can't help thinking of how this particular mistake must have haunted Urianger, in particular. After the bloody banquet, it's noted that he has cast a glamour over the Waking Sands to make it appear abandoned--a spell which Tataru says he has been preparing since the Garlean attack.

Though he rarely speaks of it, I think there's no doubt the attack affected him. I've written before of how I think this incident contributes to Urianger's subsequent downward spiral, considering that prior to the attack we see him socializing with many of the Scions who are later killed by Livia's troops. In light of the magicks he later employs specifically against the Garleans, I cannot help but think he probably holds himself responsible for failing to protect his friends and colleagues, one of many regrets that drive his later actions.

[sydsixxftm]

Why Did Syd Sixx Leave Porn?

TW for SA I originally wasn't going to say anything, because of how painful the situation is. I didn't want to speak out at all at first because of the social pressure not to speak up on these type of things.

In February of 2024 I was vaginally raped by a trans woman. She was homeless, I opened my home to her out of trans solidarity, and she raped me in my own bed.

After the she violated my body I couldn't have sex or even touch myself for about 4 months. I made the decision to leave the porn industry because it was too painful to keep going. Even with my own intimate partners in my personal sex life I began to have panic attacks when touched.

Not only was the sexual assault damaging to my 6 year long career as an adult performer, it ruined my sense of self. I was so dysphoric and suicidal. My entire world, everything I knew, was ripped away from me.

When I had mentioned being raped by a trans woman, I was met with multiple dogpiles telling me to detransiton, death threats, and other harassment. I tried to be very clear that I do not view all trans women as rapists, but they attacked me viscously anyways. I spiraled into a deep depression.

I left the porn industry behind because I couldn't force myself to keep going. And honestly? It was the best decision I have ever made for myself. For the first time in my life I am developing a healthy relationship to sex and a healthy relationship with my body. My dysphoria has also improved since leaving modeling behind. The porn industry was keeping me in a cycle of psychological abuse. Studies show that being a sex worker is more traumatic than being a EMT, being an ER nurse during covid, and even worse for the mind than being a troop who saw combat. It's no longer worth it to be to let myself be sexually abused for money. I can look back fondly on some of my performances. but overall... the sex industry is nothing but abuse, rape, and death. I watched it chew up and spit out so many trans people. I've watched the industry push young trans people to suicide attempts. I can't ever go back. I don't hate sex workers, I hate the sex industry.

Side note: yes I'm still upset about the how toxic the trans community is to survivors of rape by a trans woman. There is a SERIOUS issue of intracommunity sexual violence that we cannot even address without being called a transphobe and told to detrans or to unalive myself. You should be ashamed about the way you treat survivors in your own community

[moody-alcoholic]

Cross My Heart

Part 18 - Epilogue

Summary: poly141 x reader. Enemies to lovers, mini fic.

CW: +18 MDNI explicit content. Sex, PiV sex, oral (F receiving), fivesome (MMMMF), cum play??, mention of weapons.

AN: I'm going to be re-writing this and turning into a full length fic, as well as continuing the story. Don't know when that will be, until then this version will remain.

Previous parts - masterlist

Enjoy <3

3 months later

You genuinely have no idea how John manages to do the things he does. Even when you first got into the UK and he helped you with all the paperwork, he seems to have a contact for everything. Before you knew it you had a flat and a bank account, you were staying in London, almost every day for the first month Johnny and Kyle would take you out. 

After a few weeks you talked to John about wanting to join the army. You expected nothing to come of it, you would need to be a citizen first and that wasn’t happening any time soon. To your surprise John came to your flat the next day with a stack of paperwork and a week later you were being sent to basic training. 

It all happened so fast you hardly got time to process it all, you still don’t know what he did or who he spoke to but you’re not one to complain, it’s a new life and that's good. You got on well with the other girls in your training troop, you didn’t talk much about what happened in Urzikstan or about 141 but they were all interested in hearing your stories. 

Your head snaps up as your name is called. Emily walks out the office and smiles at you giving you a thumbs up. You smile back at her blowing out the nerves and walk into the office. 

“Sit down.” Captain Wilson says. You nod sitting down across the desk from her. She’s been your troop’s CO, she’s nice, her hair is always pulled back into a slick bun, she always manages to keep it perfect. You all started to wonder if she kept a bottler of hair spray in her bag. 

“You still haven’t picked a specialty.” She says looking up from the papers she’s reading. 

“No, I’m still not sure what I want to do.” You reply. 

“Well, we always need more medical staff and given your history you would be a good fit.” She says smiling at you. You’d thought about it, there were so many options the only one that sounded remotely interesting was being a combat medic. You’re just not sure if you want to dedicate that much time to studying though. 

“I’m just not sure.” You reply. 

“If you want I can schedule for you to shadow someone from the medical team, it will give you a better understanding of how they work?” She offers raising an eyebrow. 

“I think I just need to sleep on it. I’ve spent the past few weeks focusing and training for pass out. I haven’t put much thought into it.” You say, you don’t know if it will be a satisfying answer for her or not. 

“Well. As for your general performance I am very impressed. Only one note on file for attitude, and contraband.” She says, you remember that day, you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed and snapped at her for some reason. It was your only disciplinary. 

“You’ll be joining an SAS unit.” She looks up at you and frowns then back down at the paper. “Very unusual for private’s to go straight into a unit like that but I’m sure Captain Jonathan Price will be lucky to have you.” 

You smile at her and nod. You got a few days off over Christmas but that was it. You’re looking forward to seeing them again. You didn’t ask them to come to your pass out ceremony but John said he would pick you up. 

“Do you have any family coming today?” She asks. You shake your head. “Well. I will wish you luck with your new unit, and the rest of your career. Do you have any questions?” 

You shake your head  and stand up saluting her before you leave. You’re still not too much of a fan of the rules, the properness of it all. It’s better than you thought, and at least you managed to stick it out for 3 months. 

“So what unit are you going to?” Emily asks as you step into the dorm room. 

“Just some medical corps.” You lie going over to your bed. She’s already half dressed in her formals. You open your cupboard pulling your top off over your head. “What about you? Still going for engineering?” 

“Yeah, got another few months of training then I'll be qualified.” She says buckling her belt up. “I think you’ll be a good medic Pepper.” 

“Please don’t call me that.” You plead looking over at her. 

“Sorry mate but you’re never going to live that down.” She says chuckling and coming over to you. You kick your boots off. 

“Check my bun?” She asks, turning her back to you. You watch as she secures her cap. 

“It’s fine.” You say. She smiles and turns to you. 

“Meet you down there?” She says heading to the door. You nod and look back at your uniform laid out on your bed. 

…

You’re nervous as Captain Wilson hands out the dummy weapons. Drill was definitely one of those lessons you hated the most. You liked it when you were out doing something. Even if it was a 10k walk with a full kit, it was better than 4 hours of a drill instructor screaming in your face. 

Everyone is getting excited, checking out the crack in the doors to the grandstand where family members and friends are all taking seats. You have to do this parade then you’ll get your badges and it will all be over. All you care about is seeing them all again. Johnny, Simon, John and Kyle, you would think of them when you were down or having a bad day.

You would remind yourself that they could do it so could you, although you imagine SAS training is a little more intense. You get into position and look round the rest of your troop, a lot of people dropped out, or at least it felt like that. Some people got rolled back for medical reasons and it doesn’t feel right moving on without them.

You’re not listening to the short speech Wilson is saying but you start looking for Emily in the lines of people. She had been your closest friend, and slept in the same bed next to you for 3 months. Her mother and sister will be here today, her father works on an oil rig. 

You hear the call to attention and straighten yourself up resting the weapon over your shoulder. Things go smoothly, you don’t bother paying much attention to the crowd of happy family members clapping and cheering for their loved ones. 

You wonder if your parents would have been happy for you. No, they wouldn’t have been happy unless you became a doctor. Now you’ll still probably end up fighting in the same war they died in, only this time you picked a side. 

You all come to a halt in perfect lines facing the grandstand. Captain Wilson steps up to a podium and begins a speech, when she finishes everyone claps, then you’re called up one by one in alphabetical order and given your new private badges then a picture is taken with you and Wilson. 

When your name is called you walk over to her. “Private.” She says handing you the badge.

“Thank you.” You say taking it and turning for the camera. 

You hear loud whooping and cheering. Your eyes snap over to the person calling. You know it's Johnny before you see him. Your eyes find him standing off to the side waving. You feel yourself blushing, you told them not to come. You turn back to the camera and smile then go back into your position in line. 

“Who’s that?” Emily mouths at you from across the way. You shrug, you’re still trying to get rid of the embarrassment. The rest of the names rush by and before you know it you’re all being marched back.

…

As soon as you’ve handed the weapons back you’re all allowed to relax and leave to go catch up with family, then you all get to go home. You scan around the crowds of people, you see people hugging and crying. Caps being thrown in the air like this is some college graduation. 

“Good day Private.” You hear a familiar voice behind you. You smile, turning to see John standing behind you. You want to hug him, you want to throw yourself in your arms. Then you see Johnny come up behind him throwing his arms around you. It almost knocks you off your feet, your hat flies off your head. 

“Look at you! Fucking sexy lass.” Johnny says, breaking from the hug. You smile at him, but you’re not sure what to say. 

“I told you not to come.” You say looking past Johnny at John, you see Kyle and Simon now. Simon’s just wearing a black mask over the lower half of his face. 

“Pepper!” You hear Emily behind you. 

“Pepper?” Johnny asks, throwing his arm over your shoulder. You reach down and pick up your hat. 

“I told you not to call me that.” You say through gritted teeth smiling at her. 

“This is my mum and sister. I’m going to show them the dorms, want to bring your-” She doesn’t know how to finish the sentence. 

“Friend.” You say. 

“I’ll come!” Johnny says excitedly, extending his arm out to shake Emily's hand. You nod then follow her, with Johnny on your heels. 

…

You were glad when you finally got to leave, Johnny helped you pack the last of your things then you head out to the car. John is leaning against the hood. Johnny insisted on carrying your bag. You can see other people getting into their own cars, family members. 

When you get to him he hugs you. “You look good.” John says. You smile at him and he reaches over opening the door and you get in. 

“Where are Simon and Kyle?” 

“Stealing muffins.” Johnny calls slaming the boot closed. 

“Muffins?” You ask, looking at him as he gets into the car next to you. 

“The chocolate muffins from the mess. I don’t know what they put in them but man they’re good, we’ve never been able to find them anywhere else.” He explains.

“It’s not that big of a deal.” John says. 

“But enough that you want to steal some?” You ask, raising an eyebrow. Before anyone can respond the boot opens again. You look back to see Kyle and Simon putting a box in the back. Kyle comes to get in the back next to Johnny and Simon gets in the front. 

“You took a whole box?” Johnny asked. 

“They’re not going to miss them.” Kyle says. 

“Are they really that good?” You ask. 

“I’m pretty sure they put crack in them.” Johnny says. John chuckles then starts to drive. 

“So what’s with the nickname, Pepper?” Johnny teases. You sigh.

“Nothing, just something silly.” You say nudging. You’re lucky you’ll never have anyone calling you by that again. 

“Oh c’mon love, we won’t laugh. Promise.” Johnny says. You let out a sigh, maybe if you tell them they’ll leave you alone. 

“Okay, one of the first nights we were in here I accidentally sprayed pepper spray in my eyes. The name just kind of stuck.” You explain. Johnny does chuckle, you elbow him. 

“Sorry, how do you do that accidentally ?” He asks. 

“I thought it was deodorant!” You protest. 

“Why were you spraying that in your eyes?” Kyle asks, smiling. 

“I wasn't-” You tut folding your arms and looking out the window. Johnny chuckles again, his hand coming to rub your thigh. You let him touch you, you haven’t seen them in 3 months, you’ve missed their touch.  

…

Before you even make it into John’s flat Johnny and Kyle are all over you. 

“Missed you so much love.” Johnny says his tongue runs up your neck. Kyle’s hands are up your shirt, your bra already unbuckled. 

“You two have no patience.” Simon says taking your coat as they pull it off you. 

“We haven’t seen her in 3 months.” Johnny calls his hands around your waist pulling you towards the bedroom. You trip on your feet stumbling into Johnny’s arms. 

“Calm down.” John says coming over to you. His hand lands on your back. “Not your turn anyway.” John pulls you out of Johnny’s arms and into his. His hands run up your arms to your shoulders, then up your neck. 

His thumb brushes your lips, you look up at him. He doesn’t look as tired, maybe he got some good rest. 

“You are amazing. I’m so proud of you, we all are. We’ve booked a restaurant later, to celebrate.” John says. “But first, you look uncomfortable in those clothes.” 

“You didn’t warn me how much the dress uniform itches.” You smile, he reaches down and kisses you. His hands wrap around your face pulling you into the kiss. His touch is soft, you feel someone come up behind you, their arms wrapping around your waist. 

You break from the kiss looking up at him. He leads you to the bedroom. There are always hands on you, pressing on your skin. John guides you over to the bed, you’re pushed down. Simon comes round your head stroking your face brushing hair out your eyes. John and Kyle’s hands run over your thighs pulling the rest of your clothes off. 

John pulls your chin up to look after he’s finished pulling the rest of his clothes off. “Look at me baby.” 

You blink up at him, as his hands run over your body. John leans over you, you feel other hands on your skin, other voices muttering praises into your ears. 

John’s mouth works its way down your chest and your stomach. You look over at Simon slips in the bed behind you grabbing your shoulders and resting your head on your knees. You’re propped up watching as John works his way down your thighs kneeling at the end of the bed.  

He looks up at you as you spread your legs for him, he smiles before leaning in and pressing his tongue through your folds. You moan arching your back, his hands grip your hips stopping you from squirming. 

Johnny and Kyle climb on the bed next, one on each side of you. You flick your head between them reaching out as John circles his tongue over your clit. It’s not long before Johnny and Kyles hands land on your chest. Their fingers squeezing your nipples, they look up at each other. Johnny licks his lips before leaning forward to make out with Kyle.

“Christ,” You breathe, Simon chuckles as you squirm in John’s mouth. Johnny and Kyle’s hands don’t stop playing with your breasts though, even though their mouths are locked together. You relax against Simon, John’s fingers grip your waist tighter. 

“You close love?” Simon asks, his voice is low like butter. You nod your breathing turns into pants. 

“Already?” Johnny asks, you look up at him, Kyle’s face is buried in Johnny’s neck. 

“You try to last 3 months without sex.” You say between pants, John tongue speeds up flicking against your clit. You squeeze your eyes close and arch your back as much as you can as you cum. John’s hands stroke your thighs as he rides you through the orgasm. 

“Not even a cheeky wank?” Johnny asks. Simon tuts. 

“There’s no privacy in that place,” You say relaxing down on the bed. John comes up from between your knees. 

“Johnny doesn’t care about privacy.” Simon says, Johnny winks at you before both him and Kyle look down at John with puppy dog eyes. 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” You reply, you watch as John comes over to Kyle his lips shine in the light. One of his hands wraps round the back of Kyle’s head pulling him in for a kiss. Johnny makes a disappointed noise as Kyle steps off the bed with John. You look up at Simon as you hear clothes being removed, Johnny pulls his shirt over his head and you run your hand across his stomach. 

“Fuckin stunnin love.” Johnny says one of his hands reaching down to brush your head. You smile at him feeling heat build up in your face. “Prettier when you blush like that.” He teases. 

You feel hands land on your thighs again, you look over to see Kyle naked at the end of the bed. John is stood behind him, his arms wrapped around him, his hands running up and down his chest. Kyle looks over at you, one of his hands runs up your thigh tracing the marks John left. When his fingers brush your clit you whine spreading your legs further for him.

He smiles at you pressing two fingers against your entrance, you almost want to beg him to push them into you. You keep your eyes fixed on him as he moves to line himself up with your entrance. When he eases into you moan, your hands gripping fistfuls of the bedding. You hear Kyle moan too, you look over watching John pressing kisses on his neck. 

Johnny reaches over, pressing his fingers on your clit. You reach over to grip him clenching round Kyle which makes him moan again. 

“Fuck Tav.” Kyle says looking blissed out. 

“What? Fucked out already?” Johnny teases. 

“Na, he can take it.” John’s almost growling in his ear. Simon chuckles and he reaches down to play with your breasts. Johnny attention fully on your clit as he teases Kyle. Simon’s hands are gentle, his thumbs brushing your nipples each time it sends throbs down your body. 

“Seems like you’ve really missed us.” Johnny says, you nod moaning in response as his fingers rub your clit in time with Kyle’s thrusts. 

“You’re one to talk.” Simon says. Yeah you missed them, everyday. Not even the sex though, just the company, just being around them. Basic was lonelier than you thought, John came and spent Christmas with you but Simon, Johnny and Kyle all went home to family. It was nice to see him, even if it was only just for a few days. 

Kyle’s hands grip you tight, angling you up slightly. It feels good, has you squeezing the bedding and gritting your teeth. You squeeze round him again which makes him moan, speeding up his thrusts. Johnny chuckles pressing his fingers harder on your clit.

You're out of practice and tired, with all their hands on you pressing each of your sensitive spots in time it's almost too much. You close your eyes letting yourself enjoy each feeling, each persons hand's on you. Simon's praises in your ear, John's mumbling in Kyle, Johnny's fingers teasing you, he knows how much to give you, but not to push you over the edge. 

It still happens quickly though, “Kyle-” You call as you cum. Johnny presses down on your clit as you pulse round Kyle. This time Simon doesn’t let you arch your back, his arms pressing you down. Johnny and Kyle ride you through the orgasm. Kyle didn’t cum though and after a few seconds he starts fucking you through the overstimulation. Johnny’s hand leaves your clit and you whine. 

He chuckles coming over to kiss you. 

“Fuck-” You almost miss Kyle moaning your name. Johnny pulls away and you both turn to watch Kyle pull out of you as he cums. Hot ropes shooting over your stomach. John reaches round to grip his cock stroking him until he starts twitching against him. 

You can hear him muttering praise in his ears, it makes you smile. Johnny lets out a sigh running his tongue across your stomach collecting some of Kyles spend in his mouth. He winks at you leaning back down to kiss you. He doesn’t get a chance though, Simon grips his hair pulling him up to his mouth instead. You let out a breath as they tower above you, the wet sounds of their sloppy kiss fills the room. 

“You broken?” John asks from the end of the bed. You open your mouth but you don’t know what to say, instead you just let out a sigh. You hear him chuckle and he goes over to grab a towel passing it to Kyle. He comes over and starts to wipe your stomach. 

“Aww.” Johnny whines, breaking from the kiss as you sit yourself up off Simon’s knees. 

“Down Johnny.” You hear Simon say as he pulls him away from you. “There'll be plenty more.” Kyle chuckles standing back up as John is looking round for his clothes. You yawn rubbing your forehead scooting to sit at the end of the bed. 

“Nap?” Simon asks, his hand rubbing your back. 

“What about the restaurant?” You ask.

“It’s not for a couple of hours, you look like you could use it.” John says handing you some fresh clothes. You nod standing up off the bed and handing the towel to Simon who walks round you. 

“Might join you.” Kyle says stretching. 

“We’ll wake you in an hour.” John says leaving the room with Simon. 

…

When you wake you see Johnny in the bed too. Your mouth is dry, you’re thirsty, you slowly slip out of bed. Johnny murmurs but his hand finds Kyle and he pulls himself next to him. You tiptoe out the room pulling a dressing gown round you. You look out into the living room, you can see someone standing on the balcony. When you get closer you can see it's Simon.

You smile heading over to the door. He turns as you open it, taking the cigarette out his mouth. 

“Hey,” he says. 

“Hey.” You reply, it’s still dark out, there’s a chill in the air, you only have a thin robe on. You walk up next to him and he wraps his free hand round your waist. “I’ve missed you all.” 

“Yeah, we missed you too.” He says. 

“Where’s Price?” You ask looking back into the kitchen. 

“Had to go to work, he didn’t want to wake anyone.” Simon says, you let out a sigh. 

“Why did you lie about the nickname?” He asks. You freeze all of a sudden. 

“What do you mean?” You ask, trying to play dumb. He just sighs looking down at you. You lean your head against him. 

“Emily bought a bottle of pepper spray in. The CO found it, and said we’d bought an illegal weapon on the base. Told us if the person who didn’t own up we would all face consequences. It was implied we might all end up being kicked out. So I said it was mine. She made me spray it in my face as punishment.” You chuckle, it was kind of funny now you’re thinking about it. “I wasn’t exactly in the mood to be kicked out on the second day.”

“I like it, Pepper, spicy just like you.” Simon says, taking a puff of his cigarette. You tut and nudge him. 

“I hate it.” You say. 

“It’s better than Soap.” Simon chuckles, pulling you tighter against him.

“How did you know?” 

“Price was keeping tabs on you.”

“I was getting special treatment?” You ask.

“No, just keeping an eye on you.” He says, you sigh, reaching round to hug him. He turns to face you. 

“What happens now?” You ask. 

“Now we catch the bad guys.” He smiles. 

“Jamal and Khaled.” 

“And many more.” He says. You relax against him looking out into the dark black sky, you can see the buildings light up the skyline. You’ve never been in a city this big before. 

“You never choose a specialty.” Simon says as a matter of fact. 

“My CO wanted me to go the medical route.” You reply. 

“You don’t want to?” He asks, looking down at you. 

“It’s another 8 months of training.” You say, looking back out at the city. “Longer if I want to be a CMT.” 

“We could use a CMT.” He says. 

“I’ll think about it.” You say. He smiles, reaching down to kiss you. He tastes of smoke but you don’t care. He breaks from the kiss first. 

“C’mon Pepper, we should wake the others, John said he’ll meet us at the restaurant.” He smiles. You huff following him inside. You turn around taking one last look at the London skyline. 

“I fucking hate that nickname.” You say smiling as you follow him back into the flat.

Banners by plum98

[zvaigzdelasas]

President Trump said this week that Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have been “decimated by the relentless strikes” that he ordered beginning on March 15. But that’s not what Pentagon and military officials are privately telling Congress and allied countries. In closed briefings in recent days, Pentagon officials have acknowledged that there has been only limited success in destroying the Houthis’ vast, largely underground arsenal of missiles, drones and launchers, according to congressional aides and allies. The officials briefed on confidential damage assessments say the bombing is consistently heavier than strikes conducted by the Biden administration, and much bigger than what the Defense Department has publicly described.[...]

In just three weeks, the Pentagon has used $200 million worth of munitions, in addition to the immense operational and personnel costs to deploy two aircraft carriers, additional B-2 bombers and fighter jets, as well as Patriot and THAAD air defenses to the Middle East, the officials said.

The total cost could be well over $1 billion by next week, and the Pentagon might soon need to request supplemental funds from Congress, one U.S. official said.

So many precision munitions are being used, especially advanced long-range ones, that some Pentagon contingency planners are growing concerned about overall Navy stocks and implications for any situation in which the United States would have to ward off an attempted invasion of Taiwan by China. The U.S. strikes, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth named Operation Rough Rider after the troops Theodore Roosevelt led in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, likely could continue for six months, officials said.[...]

The Biden administration carried out strikes against the Houthis, but at a smaller scale and mostly against infrastructure and military sites. Trump administration officials say the current strikes are also aimed at killing senior Houthi officials.[...]

Unlike President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Mr. Trump has delegated the authority to strike targets to regional and local commanders, allowing them to attack Houthi sites more quickly and efficiently, commanders say.

Houthi officials say the strikes have hit residential areas and buildings in the heart of Yemen’s capital, Sana, resulting in more than 60 civilian casualties.

According to a report released on Thursday by Airwars, a British organization that assesses claims of civilian harm in conflicts, a woman and four children were reported killed in one of the strikes on March 15.

Unlike President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Mr. Trump has delegated the authority to strike targets to regional and local commanders, allowing them to attack Houthi sites more quickly and efficiently, commanders say.

4 Apr 25

[on-a-lucky-tide]

Gaz and Soap use Nikolai as attitude adjustment.

cw: canon typical violence, mild sexual content towards the end.

If Gaz and Soap really want to humble a new trooper that's got a bit arrogant, they won't escalate them to Ghost or Price, because any fresh recruit would expect to be obliterated by fully trained operators at some point during their training; it would be viewed as a privilege to be crushed by the one and only Bravo Six, and Ghost is legendary.

Instead, they put them in a room with Nikolai.

It was Gaz's idea originally. Nik isn't SAS, he's precisely the type of unhinged, formidable opponent these little fucks are going to have to face in the field. In fact, he was one life decision away from being one of their actual enemies. Every time Soap and Gaz have to go toe to toe with the Russians they're sure to thank whatever higher power that they haven't got Nikolai running rings around them rather than waiting to bail them out.

They have one particular scrote who has been pissing them off all week. He thinks he's Billy Big Bollocks and, while he follows the letter of an order, he always likes to think he knows best and... interprets their words to better suit his own ideas. The sergeants told him to focus on endurance and cardio in his workouts and he continued to build strength, he navigated a river crossing wrong and ended up stranding his crew. Lots of little things that mean if he doesn't shape up then he's gonna fail.

Gaz and Soap take him, and the friends that are beginning to get ideas, to Nik's hanger.

"Nik, fall in," Gaz calls at the Black Hawk.

Nik drops from the top of the heli where he had been doing some maintenance on the main rotary engine, and Soap has to work hard to keep his face serious, because fuck does Nik play his part well.

He's shirtless, sweating from the exertion of turning the big wrench in his hand, and there's grease spattered on his stomach, up his arms. That gold chain really tops off the look, nestled in the fur on his chest, and he looks every bit the Russian mobster. Gaz can see why the captain thirsts so much.

(Not that there's anything wrong with that, sir. You hit that, uh... man, umm..)

"Sergeants," Nik greets them respectfully, and then those dark eyes turn to the trooper standing at their side. To his credit, the kid squares his shoulders and meets Nik's eyes, which is a pretty big ask given Nik's reputation on base. "Between one and ten?" Nik asks, still the very picture of affable civility. They warned him ahead of time.

"Four," Soap says, pulling a baton and a coil of rope from his belt. He throws them both to the floor in front of the trooper they've brought for a lesson in respect and listening skills. "Subdue and apprehend."

"What?" The trooper asks, stunned.

"Subdue and apprehend the target," Soap repeats, and then juts his chin after Nikolai. "'E's yer target."

Nik places his wrench down and uses the rag on his workbench to wipe his hands. He is completely unarmed, dressed only in his combat trousers, belted low on his hips, and boots. He glances at the baton and rope on the floor, and then to his intended adversary. "When you are ready, comrade."

The trooper picks up his weapon, glances at his sergeants, the rest of his troop and then flicks the baton out. Nik stands there placidly, hands down by his sides as he flicks his fingers in a little come on gesture. The trooper runs in.

The slap Nikolai lands across the lad's face echoes around the hanger. Even Gaz and Soap grimace, while the other two troopers flinch, their shoulders rising around their ears. The trooper recovers after being forced into the work bench with the force, and leans in for a swing to the gut, which Nik swerves, shoving the incoming shoulder down.

With each failed or blocked attack, Nik retaliates with precision, administering openhanded slaps to the jaw, shoving away or ducking poorly timed swings, before landing a gut punch and then swiping the trooper's boots out from under him. The lad recovers with a decent enough roll and dives in for another, but Nik grabs his shirt and slams him into the side of the Black Hawk. It would have cracked his skull if he hadn't braced his forearms. He makes it look easy.

The trooper groans and staggers. Nik growls, irritated. "Pochemi ty tebya ne perestat vyyobyvat’sya, eh?"

"I wouldnae take tha' rookie, he called yer ma a bitch," Soap calls over.

Gaz huffs. "No he didn't."

Soap shrugs then forms his mouth into a grimacing 'ooh' when Nik lands a knee to the bollocks, proceeding to dissect their trainee's defences with brutal efficiency now that he had run out of patience. He grabs the wrist holding the baton, twists and throws his opponent like he's nought but a cheap stuffed toy from the local carnival.

When the lad scrambles to his feet, now without defence, Nik is already waiting with a right hook that sends him down to his knee and three swift kicks to the ribs that takes him the rest of the way to the floor.

Nik rests a boot on the trooper's face, and reaches for the spanner on his workbench. Gaz clears his throat, flashing four fingers with a single shake of the head to remind Nik of the agreed scale, and Nik nods, lifting his hands apologetically before clasping them before his hips. He tuts down at his felled opponent. "Ah, it appears you have been killed, comrade. A shame."

"Nikolai!"

Soap swaggers over, his hands tucked inside his carrier vest, and crouches down by his trainee's head. "An' that was him at a four. Can ye imagine wha' 'e woulda done to ye at ten, eh, hen? Because that's what's waitin' fer ye oot there. Lads like Nikolai who'll take yer baws fer a wee cockpit decoration. Ye gonna listen now?" Soaps answer is a groan and a gurgle.

Soap stands abruptly, Gaz straightens and the two intact troopers smack their boots together, backs rigid. Nik looks up more leisurely, his placid, Labrador eyes, now empty of malice, settle on Captain Price, who stands in the shadows of the hanger door, his arms folded. "That's quite enough. I think Reynolds has learned his lesson. Let 'im up."

Nik steps back and tucks his hands behind his back. The way he stands at ease reminds Gaz and Soap that their favourite Russian arms dealer used to wear a uniform instead of a leather jacket, and they're again thankful he bats for their team. Ha, in more ways than one, as it goes.

Reynolds climbs to his feet slowly and rejoins his mates as Gaz dismisses them.

"Get them to mess. It's dinnertime," Price says to his two sergeants, and then looks at Nik. "My office."

Someone unfamiliar with the captain might have missed the way he looked Nik up and down before he turned his back, from scruffy boots to sweating, grease-slick chest, his blue eyes aflame like pilot lights in a bloody gas boiler, but Gaz didn't. He smirks as Nik swaggers past, his jacket slung over his bare shoulder. "You dog," Gaz mutters as he walks by.

Nik winks at him before he disappears with the - his - captain.

"Really?" Price asks, with a kind of tired exasperation, as they step across the threshold into the pokey little cubby hole he occupies on base.

"I was teaching," Nik says, shoulders rolling in a shrug.

"Yer take far too much joy in slappin' 'round my soldiers, Nik." Price leans against his desk, arms folded, his eyes raking over Nik's body with a white hot desire roiling in his gut.

"You must enjoy your work to perform it to a high standard." Nik strolls up into Price's personal space like he belongs there, nudging the captain's boots apart to make room, gaze dropping to his crotch. "And, perhaps, you enjoy my work too?"

Price chuckles low in his throat. "Yer sick bastard," he growls, reaching to wind his hand through that golden chain and yank Nik down.

The kiss is fierce, tongue licking possessively into Nik's mouth as Nik slots between his legs. Nik's filthy hands find Price's waist and then slide down to his arse for a greedy squeeze, moving to Price's thighs when his knees hook up and over Nik's hips.

"Hng, bloody 'ell, get those fuckin' kecks down and fuck me," Price snarls, still keeping Nik in place by his chain even as he yanks open his belt and fly.

Nik had wanted to finish his repairs, but railing Price over his desk when he looks about ready to devour him feels like a far better use of his time.

[northgazaupdates]

14 April 2024

Concerning reports coming out of north Gaza this morning

Resistance News Network claims on Telegram that the occupation supposedly allowed some women and children under the age of 14 to return to their homes in north Gaza via Rashid Street.

However, journalist Hossam Shabat says that the IOF has denounced this as completely false, advising people not to approach the area or try to return to the north, as it is still an active war zone. RNN provides photographic and video evidence, while Hossam directly cites the words of the occupation.

Journalist Anas Al-Sharif reports this on his Telegram channel as well, citing the same evidence.

Meanwhile journalist Saed Al-Zaneen reports on Telegram that some people are trying to return to their homes in the north of their own initiative. Some occupation squads *may* be allowing this in certain areas, but it is not sanctioned by IOF leadership and could change at any time. He warns that the troops may suddenly attack the people trying to return, and that the occupation is not to be trusted.

We will continue monitoring the situation, but advise our followers not to spread word of any return of displaced people to the north right now, at least until circumstances are much more clear

UPDATE AT TIME OF PUBLISHING: Hossam Shabat reports occupation vehicles are now advancing on Al-Rashid Street in Gaza City. Saed Al-Zaneen reports this as well. He now also reports one martyr and one wounded person have arrived at Al-Awda Hospital in north Gaza after they tried to return to the north via Al-Rashid Street. He reports they are being attacked from helicopters and provides documentation. Resistance News Network reports this as well. Journalist Momin Abu Owda also documents this Journalist Ismail Al-Ghoul is at Al-Nabulsi Roundabout on Al-Rashid Street and reports no sign of people being able to return.

The situation is obviously in flux. I need to go to bed, but I will review the situation when I wake up. Please follow the cited sources and use a translation software as needed.

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

I finished reading the novel that The Prisoner of Beauty is based on: The Marquis is Innocent. You can find it here then here and here.

Content warning: most of the sex in this novel is dubcon, but in a very period way. Wei Shao does not have a concept of consent and at first is just like, "That is what a wife is for." Xiao Qiao does not like him, does not want to have sex, but does it anyway because it's her duty as a wife. I thought the author did a good job trying to get into the mindset of people who hated each other in an arranged marriage hundreds of years ago. There is also dismemberment, near SA, and actual SA.

The novel and drama are very different. Xiao Qiao is the reborn soul of a random woman who died at the same time as XQ, but has all of XQ's memories. XQ was originally married to her childhood fiance and became empress, but Wei Shao overthrew the empire and XQ committed suicide with her husband. Also, XQ's cousin was married off to WS but he never accepted her and she died. WS took the throne and made the empress-fate lady his wife. Later, Bi Zhi, who is a rebel, arrows him and he dies young. That is Life 1. Life 2, XQ gets her cousin to elope with Bi Zhi not expecting that she will be forced to marry WS. But then she does.

Anyway, highlights and spoilers below (not explicit):

XQ is called to tend her husband because he was hit with a poisoned arrow (he's so pathetic!):

Wei Shao wondered how he should behave in front of her when she arrived. Is it better to tell her that he is alright so that she no longer has to worry about him, or is it better to make a show to win her pity. This decision was difficult. It was more difficult than going to war and arranging troops. Wei Shao thought for a long time.

When they discover XQ is pregnant:

"Man Man! You are going to give birth to my child! I am going to have a baby too!" His expression was ecstatic and smug. Kisses fell like rain on her forehead, cheeks, and lips. After kissing her for a while, he stopped abruptly.

"I forgot! Just now, you smelled me and threw up!" He released her and carefully put her back on the bed. Then, he got out of bed. He still could not restrain the ecstasy in his heart and walked out quickly...

The bewilderment she felt when she first learned the news, and the strange feeling that she didn't know what it was, suddenly disappeared. From the bottom of her heart, she was finally filled with joy, slowly but thoroughly.

Why the drama title is a good one:

The Qiao family had laid a beauty trap on him. He knew he was caught in the scheme but couldn't help himself. He could only ask for pleasure and satisfaction from her. She brings enough, more than enough, to make him forget the hatred in his heart.

XQ's Aunt being awesome and having her nephew use her as a hostage:

Mrs. Ding said, "That old thing is heartless and unrighteous. He does not recognize my daughter and son-in-law, and I do not take him as my husband, so what blame do I fear from him? There are hundreds of guards and barriers outside. You couldn't escape alone. Hold me hostage and kill your way."

Qiao Ci immediately refused: "How can I endanger you?"

Mrs. Ding shook her head, lovingly stroked Qiao Ci's hair, and said, "Don't worry. Although that old thing and I have long lost the love of husband and wife, I expect he would not dare to kill me in public. When we get out of the city gate, you can escape."

WS just conquered the world but he's more excited about his daughter being born:

But Wei Shao had already wandered into the nothingness. The day before, he had received news from Yuyang. Xiao Qiao gave birth to a daughter successfully. His grandmother named her Fei Fei.

Fei Fei, forget the sorrow.

Wei Shao imagined his daughter's soft little body in his arms, and his gaze unconsciously became gentle. The corners of his lips also curled slightly.

Wei Shao embarked on the road to the north. The war was fierce, and he could not have much leisure time. When he saw the letter, he could no longer restrain his longing for her and the joy of becoming a father that overflowed from the bottom of his steel heart. So much so that he felt he could not hold off any longer.

Wei Shao at one point is convinced XQ is mad at him just because she wants to visit her poisoned father...

Later WS and XQ's father drunk:

She heard her father say: "...... My family Man Man, I'm not boasting, oh. She was beautiful and intelligent. Only a few people can compare to her. She was only ten years old, but people that asked her for marriage reached the threshold ......"

Wei Shao "bang" put down the wine cup: "Who dares to steal her from me?"

Also, the funniest thing is that Wei Shao is like, opium-levels of addicted to Xiao Qiao, but he's all conflicted so he's going to leave her for six months. She is SO EXCITED to have a break from sex and him and his family (she'll be alone at home) and starts all these renovations projects... only for him to return in 3 days to pick her up. She actually refuses to leave and he has to drag her into the carriage.

Wei Shao refuses to take any concubines by saying this:

Annoyed, Wei Shao turned around and said, "If I take the daughter given by Guo Quan today, what if another one comes tomorrow? Do you want me to accept them again? Where do I get the infinite sperm from? No more words!"

But he frequently has sex with XQ like 4 times a night so I think he's lying about not having infinite sperm.

Also, WS comes to XQ and is like, "I love you so much, I'll never hurt your family if you promise never to leave me and to have my children" and she's like, "K." because she still doesn't really like him and he just accepts that!

Anyway, the novel is cool. Check it out.

[lisbetadair]

So, in the UK the 7-10 year old girls' scouting group is called Brownies, and their leader is usually called "Brown Owl" and other assistant troop leaders are also named after owls. And I've been thinking that there might be mileage in this, if, say, through a comedy of errors, a Brownie six (like the SAS, the large Brownie troop is split into patrol sized units led by the most senior child, called sixes) find themselves lost, and accidentally wander into the middle of a large, special operations exercise in the Brecon Beacons.

Needless to say, the girls are not immediately reassured by the apperance of two burly men in camoflague gear burdened with all the accoutrements of war, particulary when one has a skull for a face.

"Who are you?" squeaks the bravest Brownie, courageously threatening them with a stick.

"Well done for getting here!" reassures Soap, who is familiar with the concept of Girl Guiding "We're here to help you with your…. er…. Special Operations badge!"

"There isn't a Special Operations badge!" counters the Brownie, still brandishing her stick.

"If you knew about the Special Operations badge," says Soap, patiently "It wouldn't be special now, would it?"

She frowns at him, and the stick lowers a little as she considers this, but another dissenting voice pipes up.

"You're an owl?"

"Yes! I'm Soap Owl and this is Ghost Owl!" says Soap. He winces, sensing that Ghost is looking at him extremely sarcastically.

There is muttering amongst the Brownies, and then they turn, as one, to the tallest, gangliest Brownie bringing up the rear, who pulls out a birdwatchers guide and confirms that whilst there is a Ghost Owl, Soap Owls do not exist.

Ghost sighs "Bathed Owl was taken" he growls, and the girls fall silent. Then crounching down, he brings himself level with the assembled children, "Now, how many of you have handled a bayonet before?"

Many hours later, because calling off a major military exercise in stealth and guerilla warfare at short notice is quite hard, especially when everyone is off comms, lying low and set a bunch of traps with blank landmines, a helicopter finally lands nearby.

Several army medics, and three middle-aged women in Brownie Leader uniforms jump out to find two SAS operatives, six extremely smug little Brownies in matching skull-printed balaclavas, their uniforms covered with cam cream twigs and moss, and four trussed up paratroopers looking extremely forlorn at their circumstances.

A few months later, six hand sewn, dagger-themed badges arrive at the church hall where the 4th West Malvern Brownie Troop meets, and in Aldershot, the paratroop regiment swear never to speak of Exercise Joint Warrior 2024 ever again.

[red-riding-wood]

PSA - Community Predator

Over a series of months, myself and other Tumblr users -- fic writers, gif makers, fans of created content -- have been victimised by @mrkdvidal1989, who has extensively lied about who he is, preyed on multiple women and denied involvement -- therefore ruining friendships, reputations and feelings, and promised me life-saving medical treatment that he never followed through on.

More information including mine and their stories under the cut.

The reason I am going public with this is twofold:

A) To protect others from being hurt. He is known to reach out to many tumblr users, especially young women in the Cillian Murphy fandom -- but he may have a wider reach beyond this circle. B) Since his "disappearance" three weeks ago and the unravelling of his lies, this man has ruined my life and the only hope I had of obtaining treatment for a condition that has been plaguing me for four years.

Killian Vidal is the name he has chosen to give us, and has claimed to be both a officer commander and general in the mobility troop in the SAS (the general rank does not even exist), has beaten cancer a while ago (but said to another mutual that his "time was running out" and he is currently struggling with it), and a plethora of other life experiences and general knowledge about him that varies in consistency when talking to different people and is questionable in its validity. He has also shared pictures of "himself" that when reverse image searched, belong to different people.

I got to know Kill when he reblogged one of my fanfics (as the story seems to start with a lot of his victims) and he reached out via DMs. We quickly became close friends who called nearly every day on Discord and when I told him about my health issues, he immediately offered to pay for my medical treatment wherever I could find willing doctors.

I was hesitant to believe this at first since all of this seemed too good to be true (and was). He claimed to be very wealthy, enough to afford private jets like it was nothing and to rent me an apartment in the UK in the same building as him. Over time, I grew to trust him because he felt like such a genuine person and friend, which was made all the more believable by the fact that he has such a huge following on Tumblr and was, at the time, part of a vast social network of fans and friends (one of which he even claimed to know IRL -- who will remain anonymous unless they decide to speak out). I decided to ignore the little red flags because I was so desperate to receive this treatment that for me would be life-saving.

For four years, I have been plagued by an array of (mostly) undiagnosed digestive issues that have made my life almost unbearable and have on numerous occasions nearly killed me due to malnutrition. I've spent months in hospital, endured years of malpractice and misdiagnoses, undergone heart surgery, and have tried absolutely everything I can to get better. In the winter of 2023, I was told by my doctor that I was refused in the TPN program (a treatment that may have slowed or stopped my weight loss) and that with or without it, I was looking at mortality. Refusing to stop fighting but having exhausted the public health care system in Canada, I went into 2024 not really having much hope of anything anymore.

So, when Kill came along, that changed. He promised -- and I mean, from the bottom of his heart, promised -- that he would help me get treatment, that he would get me out of my abusive home and fly me to the UK, that he would be there for me as my friend, etc. I was beyond grateful, and as my trust with him built, so did my hope.

The travel plans kept getting put off; originally, he would fly me out as soon as the apartment became available, which was the 11th of Feb, 2024. He kept finding excuses to not book the jet. Finally, it seemed as if around the 15th/16th I would be flying. My health had been declining rapidly and the situation was becoming all the more urgent, and he said he was in contact with a pilot and would send the ticket soon and call me.

That was the last I heard from him. The 16th.

Initially thinking he had ended his life (he had discussed thoughts of suicide with me prior to this), I was beside myself with worry not only thinking one of my closest friends was gone but also that my chance at life was. I reached out to his other friends, and I made several calls to the UK authorities and emergency services and ended up requesting a welfare check be made to see if he was even alive.

They reported that no one under the name Killian Vidal was in the records of the building name he gave me -- the same building that I was meant to live in within that week.

After reaching out to my now beloved friend @kittenonpluto (A.K.A., Cas) on Tumblr, I learned that Kill was in fact alive, and had told her that he was in hospital for digestive issues in Indianopolis, United States (though again, no record of his name in their medical system). He still wouldn't talk to me, but told her to tell me that he would reach out when he was out of hospital.

Cas and I compared information he'd told us (her story will be attached to this post) and looked into the mystery more. He constantly dodged confrontation and questions about the fake photos and information he'd sent her, and seemed to use his completely fabricated hospitalisation as an excuse to not fulfil his promises to myself and her, as well as a means to garner sympathy.

It was quite obvious that he didn't know how the American medical system worked, and he even incorporated elements of my actual story and used them in his. When asked about his treatments, he responded with medically false information. He reported digestive issues, reflux, and having both an NG tube and TPN -- both of which I have experience with -- and let me say, I am beyond disgusted and infuriated that my real life trauma was used as a ploy in all this.

How do we know for a fact this is false? I checked the police case for his welfare check again, and they said that they confirmed him being in the UK at the same time he had told Cas he was in hospital in the States.

After a final confrontation from both Cas and myself (and a desperate final plea for the medical aid he promised me), he was never heard from again from either of us or our friend circles.

I'm now having to pick up the pieces he's left me in and to be honest, I have little to no idea of what the hell to do or how to save myself. The fact that he strung me along for a month and built up my hope that I was going to live only to abandon me without even a word is deplorable to me.

And mine isn't the only story. I've heard from four women on Tumblr (who, again, will remain anonymous unless they choose to speak out) who he has been romantic or sexually involved with (and lied about his involvement, made them out to seem insane or toxic, created rifts in our friendships, toyed with their emotions, and made false promises to of relationships, marriage, and finances).

And that's not including the ex-wife who came back to Tumblr to claim that her and Kill had never met nor married. She was promptly silenced by a "lawyer threat" that we have strong reason to believe was a bluff.

At the end of the day, there are so many lies, half-truths, inconsistencies, etc. this man has wrapped himself in and we don't know for the life of us what his motives are, but from the information that we do know is false, he isn't genuine. He toys with people. He hurts them. Myself and the others that have been affected by this want that to stop.

And at any point, he has the ability to make a new account, and take on a new persona, pretend to be someone else. Tumblr is a wonderful place and I have met so many cool people on here, but please be careful about who you interact with and what you share, because aside from making this post, it is beyond my power to stop him from doing what he does. But after what he did to me, I could not remain silent.

Other Stories

If you have an experience or story with Killian that you would like heard, please reblog it on this thread or make a post. With your consent, I can include a link to it below.

kittenonpluto's story

aurorag98's story

everyoneisawhore's story

your-nanas-house's story

hllywdwhre's story

Final Note

Lastly, if you have read this far, thank you.

If you want to reach out to me about this issue -- whether it's to anonymously share your experience, ask questions, ask for evidence (of which I can back up these statements with), or anything at all --, please do not hesitate to do so. <3

For those who may be worried about the potential legality of this post, everything that I have stated as fact is fact and it is not my intention to slander or spread false information.

[blaxcunicorn]

𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓜𝓮

Length: 11.5k

Content: fem!reader, smut, character death, attempted SA, kidnapping, pregnancy, some graphic descriptions of violence.

Authors note: Hii!! This is part.2 of my Tarzan!Eren fic. Here is the link, to pt.1 if you haven't already gotten the chance to read it. I also want to thank @lovereren and @annefolklore for the inspo for this part.

Credit: @unicornlandsposts for the photo and @kodaswrld for the divider.

As you and Eren emerged from the water, his fingers found yours, intertwining them as if he was afraid to let go.

Armin walked beside you both, shaking water from his hair, with a smile tugging at his lips.

Eren glanced at him, and for the first time, there was no hesitation, no wariness only gratitude.

"You’re staying," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he still couldn’t believe it.

Armin chuckled. "Yeah. Guess I am."

A smile broke across Eren’s face.

He wasn’t alone anymore.

When you reached the gorilla troop, a ripple of surprise spread through them. Some paused their activities, heads turning toward you and Armin, taking in the sight of the two humans who had chosen to remain.

Then, excitement erupted.

Many of the gorillas let out happy grunts and hoots, thumping their chests or clapping their hands. Some rushed forward, surrounding Eren, patting his back or playfully tugging at his hair. You could hear their murmured words in their own tongue.

"He won’t be lonely anymore."

But not everyone was pleased.

Standing off to the side, were three gorillas; Malcolm, Isaiah, and Peter whom remained silent. Their bodies were filled with doubt. Unlike the others, they did not celebrate nor they did welcome.

Eren noticed them. He didn’t say anything, but you could feel the tension in his body.

The moment was interrupted when Carla and Mikasa approached.Eren instantly straightened, and you caught a faint pink dusting his cheeks. You smiled softly, watching as he gestured toward the older female gorilla.

"This is Carla, my mother." He said.

Carla stepped closer, looking at you with kind  eyes. She gave a slow, approving nod, her large hand briefly resting on your shoulder in acceptance.

"And this," Eren continued, "is Mikasa. My sister."

Mikasa circled you, studying you intently. You held still, unsure of what she was looking for. Then, unexpectedly, she reached out and gently pulled at one of your braids.

Your eyes widened slightly, but before you could react, Mikasa turned back to Eren and gave a single  nod.

Eren exhaled, almost in relief.

"She’s protective," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But she’ll come around."

You smiled, nodding in understanding. If you wanted to earn Mikasa’s trust, you’d have to prove yourself.

A sudden tug at Armin’s clothes made you both turn.

A group of baby gorillas had gathered around him, tiny hands grasping at his pants, their wide eyes full of curiosity. They wanted to play with him. Armin blinked, momentarily surprised, then grinned.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his flashlight. and with a click a beam of light flickered onto the ground.

The gorillas gasped, their heads snapping toward the mysterious glow. Then, as Armin slowly moved the beam, the babies squealed in delight, chasing after the glowing spot like it was the most magical thing they had ever seen.

Laughter bubbled from Armin’s chest as he playfully guided the light, watching as the tiny gorillas scrambled after it.

Eren watched in quiet awe, his expression softening. His new friend was bonding with his tribe. And for the first time in his life, everything felt right.

As the excitement settled, Carla gently took your hand in hers, her touch was warm and kind of comforting. Without a word, she led you away from the group, guiding you toward a secluded area by the lagoon. The jungle was quieter here, the only sounds being the soft rustling of leaves and the gentle trickle of water against the rocks.

She motioned for you to sit, and you obeyed, watching curiously as she settled behind you. You barely had time to react before she started sifting through your braids with careful, practiced movements.

Your cheeks burned with sudden realization.

Gorillas groomed one another to form and strengthen their social bonds. This was Carla’s way of welcoming you  as part of her family.

You swallowed thickly, allowing her to continue, your heart swelling with something you couldn’t quite name.

When Carla finished, she moved to sit in front of you and said something in gorilla, You were confused. Before you could ask, you caught movement from the corner of your eye.

Eren stood a few feet away, his face burning red, his fingers running through his hair. He looked almost… embarrassed.

Your gaze flickered between him and Carla before you turned to him. "What did she say?"

Eren groaned under his breath, mumbling something incoherent before finally muttering, "She told you to treat me good because I have a fragile heart."

Your lips twitched.

Eren huffed, crossing his arms. "Which I don’t," he quickly added, shooting a glare at Carla. He then said something back to her in gorilla, but by his facial expression you guessed that he told her not to embarrass him. 

Carla only laughed, a deep, rumbling sound full of warmth.

Smiling, you turned to her and, in gorilla, said softly, "I will treat your son good."

She reached out, gently resting a large hand on your head before leaning forward, pressing her forehead against yours. It was a gesture of trust as this very moment Carla was over the moon that her son had finally found his mate.

Eren gently took your hand, his fingers warm against yours as he guided you through the jungle. Soon, you found yourself in a quiet clearing where a large nest sat, woven expertly from thick vines and soft leaves.

Eren stopped, gesturing to it proudly. "We sleep here. " You side-eyed him. Then the nest. Then back at him. Then at the nest again.

“I can’t,” you blurted out, shaking your head. “I refuse to sleep there.”

Eren blinked, completely caught off guard. His lips parted slightly in shock, his eyebrows furrowing as if trying to comprehend why you would reject such a fine nest.

Behind him, Jean’s loud, unmistakable laugh echoed.

Eren scowled as Jean approached with Armin and Mikasa, who had been searching for you. Jean didn’t need a translation to figure out what was happening, your face said it all.

You turn to Armin in panic. "We didn’t think this through! Where are we even supposed to live?"

Armin, trying to be optimistic, raised his hands in a calming gesture. "We could always sleep in the tent until we figure something out."

 "It could rain, Armin! And I am not living in a tent for the rest of my life!" you said, dramatically pointing at the sky. 

Mikasa, noticing your growing frustration, took a step forward, ready to intervene, but Eren gently held a hand out, silently telling her to wait.

He was thinking, but then he remembered. 

Without a word, Eren grabbed both your hand and Armin’s, pulling you along. Jean and Mikasa followed curiously as he led you further into the jungle. The walk wasn’t long before you saw a a beautiful wooden treehouse, built securely into the thick branches of a massive tree. 

You and Armin exchanged wide-eyed, excited looks before scrambling toward the built-in ladder. 

The air inside was thick with dust, untouched for what must have been years. The treehouse was sturdy, crafted from thick wooden planks with large open windows that allowed the jungle breeze to sweep through. The walls were lined with wooden shelves, some still holding old books and trinkets. There was a long dining table with a few worn chairs, a small wooden stove, and even a large balcony overlooking the jungle.

Two separate bedrooms branched off from the main space, their doors slightly ajar. The beds inside were old and simple, the mattresses long since worn out.

Eren stepped inside after you, watching your reaction carefully. "Do you like it?"

Overjoyed, you turned and threw your arms around him in a tight hug. "I love it!"

Eren smiled, relief washing over him. If you were happy, then so was he.

The rest of the day was spent cleaning. You and Armin replaced the old mattresses with the ones you brought from England. You moved your belongings inside, making the space feel like home. Eren and the other gorillas helped bring in supplies, ensuring that everything was secure and livable.

As Armin rummaged through one of the old wooden closets, he suddenly stopped.

“Y/N,” he called, his voice oddly soft.

You walked over, glancing at the iny blue baby onesie he held in his hands.

Your breath hitched as your fingers brushed over the fabric. It was old, but still intact. Next to it was a small wooden toy.

You and Armin exchanged looks, both whispering the same thought at the same time.

“…Eren.”

Eren stepped closer, his head tilting in curiosity as he looked at the objects in your hands. He didn’t seem to recognize them. 

Armin exhaled deeply, sitting down in an old wooden chair and rubbing his temples. "This must have been where Eren’s biological parents lived before they vanished."

Your chest tightened.

“How did they vanish in the middle of the jungle?” you murmured, gripping the onesie a little tighter. “And how did Eren end up with Carla?”

More importantly…

How did they end up in Africa in the first place?

Eren stood silently, watching you both with a slightly puzzled expression. Not entirely sure why Armin is rubbing his temple or why you look concerned. 

Six months has passed and Eren had changed in ways you never expected. His English had improved remarkably; he was a quick learner, soaking up vocabulary like a sponge. Talking with you and Armin was no longer fragmentary or slow. He was now confident in expressing himself. 

He had also improved his writing and reading skills, which was something he struggled with in the beginning. Every day sans exception, he outlines letters and writing down  different thoughts, memories, and even mini notes to you. He would sit with you rigorously trying to grasp attempting to achieve the right word. 

Beyond just languages, his willingness to learn integrated into watching Armin carefully. His efforts gave him a more refined posture at the dining table, alongside responding with genteel phrases, which were absurd for the jungle's context. Although slightly uncomfortable at first, Armin found flattery in Eren imitating his every gesture.

The golden light of the oncoming evening filtered through the open windows of the treehouse, warming the wood floor with golden patterns. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves outside, filling the air with the scent of fresh rain and wildflowers.

Eren slumped over the wooden table, mindlessly reading through one of the books that Armin owned.. His eyes furrowed as he was in deep concentration.

You, however, were gathering soap and towels in preparation for your bath in the lagoon. Whistling softly under your breath, you stuffed them all into a small woven basket tidily before turning to face Eren.

"I'm ready," you said with a small smile.

Eren closed the book and looked at you, Then he asked, "Do you want to marry me?"

Your heart skipped a beat.

You blinked, completely caught off guard. "W-What?"

Eren rose up, and stepped forward. "I want to marry you." He said short, as if he had long ago made the decision. "I want you to be my mate… my wife."

Your cheeks burned hot with heat as warmth flooded your chest.  You were searching for doubt in his eyes but the only thing you could find was love.

You swallowed hard, your mouth wide as the words rushed out in a rush. "I want to marry you, too."

Eren's face lit up, a boyish grin that spread so wide before he yanked you off the floor. You screamed, arms wrapped around his neck as he spun you round and round, both of you busting out laughter.  He then carried you out of the treehouse, as he strode through the jungle with you tucked in the crook of his arm, you laughed. "You're not going to set me down, huh?"

"No," he said, smiling.

You cuddled in closer, your hands playing with the loose strands of his hair. Then, at random, you let out a breath, "I'm craving a coconut."

Eren stoped, "Coconut?"

You nodded. "Yeah. I've not had one in a while."

Still holding you, he looked around and spotted a tall coconut tree nearby. Without a word, he put you down gently on a flat rock. "Wait here."

Before you could make a sound, he was already climbing the tree, his muscles flexed as he went up. He was in the top in a flash, shelled off a ripe coconut, and slid down just as fast.

He smiled smugly and opened it on a rock, dividing it cleanly in two before handing you both halves.

You took them, muttering a small thank you. 

Eren just smiled as you consumed it, content with the uncomplicated pleasure on your face. Once you had finished, he picked you up once again in his arms, and pressed a gentle kiss on your forehead.

Now, he said softly, taking you to the lagoon, "let's take that bath.".

The afternoon sun casted golden rays that danced on the surface of the lagoon.

Eren had made sure no one would come near, ordering the gorillas to stay away whenever the two of you bathed. He had learned early on that humans valued privacy, especially when it came to moments like this.

Now, standing waist-deep in the crystal-clear water, you watched as Eren rubbed the cocoa butter soap into a lather against a soft scrub. He took a step closer, his wet skin glistening under the sun, and placed a warm hand on your back.

“Turn around,” he murmured.

You did as he asked, exhaling as he pressed the scrub against your skin, moving it in slow, circles.  When he reached your shoulders, he abandoned the scrub, kneading his fingers into the knots of tension there. A soft moan escaped your lips before you could stop it, and you instinctively leaned back, resting against his chest.

Eren chuckled softly, his breath warm against your damp skin.

Tilting your head slightly, you met his gaze those deep green eyes. His arms slipped around your waist, his thumbs brushing against your stomach in slow, soothing strokes.

He looked at you like you were his entire world.

A small smile tugged at his lips before he leaned down, pressing them gently to yours.

The kiss was warm, slow, un-rushed that kinda kiss that is full of the kind of love that needed no words. The scent of cocoa butter and the sounds of the jungle surrounded you, but you could barely focus on anything other than him.

The  kiss that started softly, but it didn't stay that way for long. Eren's hands grip your hair, pulling you closer, his mouth opening to deepen the kiss. You can taste his desire, his need, and it sparks something within you.

Your tongues clash, battling for dominance. Eren's kiss is messy and hungry, but that only makes it hotter. He explores your mouth with his tongue, growling low in his throat as he does. You suck on his tongue, drawing it deeper into your mouth, and Eren groans, his cock hardening again against your stomach.

You moan into his mouth, your body pressing closer to his. Your kiss grows sloppier, needier. Teeth clash, lips are bitten, and your breaths come in ragged gasps. Eren's hands roam your body, gripping and squeezing, his touch rough and desperate.

You reach down, wrapping your hand around his cock, feeling it throb in your grasp. Eren bucks his hips, grinding against your hand, his mouth never leaving yours. You can feel his precum, slick and hot, as you begin to stroke him, matching the feral rhythm of your kiss

Eren lifts you up to take you to land. When you get there you kiss is neck whispering to him to stand still.He listens to his surpise he sees you on your knees. He tilts his head in confusion until you kissed his tip. You stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his chest. His muscles tensed under my touch, and you could feel his heartbeat quicken. He was nervous but eager, his body already responding to my proximity.

You leaned in, pressing your lips to his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin against yours. Eren let out a soft gasp, his hands coming up to rest on your shoulders. You trailed kisses down his torso, feeling his breath hitch with each touch.

As you knelt before him, you looked up into his eyes, seeing the raw desire burning within. You unfastened the makeshift loincloth he wore, letting it fall to the ground. His cock, already hard and ready, sprang free. Eren's breath caught in his throat, and he looked at me with wide, uncertain eyes.

You took him in my hand, gently stroking his length. Eren let out a deep, guttural moan, his hips twitching slightly. You could feel the tension in his body, the coiled energy ready to burst free.

You leaned forward, taking the tip of his cock into your mouth. Eren jerked, a strangled cry escaping his lips. The sensation was entirely new to him, and he couldn't help but move his hips, seeking more of the intense pleasure.

You took him deeper, your lips sliding down his shaft. Eren's hands fisted in your hair, his grip firm but not painful. He was already starting to lose control, his body driven by primal instinct.

You began to move your head, drawing him in and out of you mouth. Eren's hips moved in unison, his moans growing louder and more feral. He was tweaking, his body writhing with the overwhelming sensation.

You picked up the pace, taking him deeper with each stroke. Eren's moans turned into growls, his body shaking with the intensity of his pleasure. You could feel his cock pulsing in your mouth, a sign that he was close to the edge.

You reached up, running my hands over his chest, feeling his muscles ripple under your touch. Eren threw his head back, a loud, wild cry escaping his lips as he came hard in your mouth. You swallowed every drop, continuing to suck him gently until his body stopped trembling.

Eren stood there, panting heavily, his body slick with sweat. He looked down at you, "That was..." he began, his voice rough and breathless, "amazing."

"I'm glad you liked it," you whispered still seated on your knees.

The intensity of the blowjob has left Eren panting and shivering with newfound pleasure. He looks down at you, his eyes wild and hungry, his body already stirring again. The taste of his release still lingers in your mouth, and you can see the primal desire building within him once more.

Eren's hands grip your shoulders, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "More," he growls, his voice rough and feral. "I need more of you."

He turns you around, pressing your body against the rough bark of a nearby tree. You can feel the heat radiating from his skin. His hands roam your body, squeezing and gripping, exploring every curve and contour.

Eren leans in, his breath hot against your ear. "I want to take you like this," he murmurs, his voice low and husky. "You are mine, right?"

You nod, your heart pounding with anticipation and desire. Eren's hands move to your hips, holding you firmly in place as he grinds his growing erection against your ass. You can feel his cock hardening, the primal need building within him.

He reaches around, his fingers finding your clit, rubbing in slow, deliberate circles. You gasp, your body jolting with the electric sensation. He continues to stroke you, his fingers dipping into your wetness, gathering the slick juices and spreading them over your folds.

The sound of your wetness fills the air, like a symphony of desire Eren growls, his cock now fully hard, pressing insistently against your entrance. He takes his time, prepping you, making sure you're ready for him. His fingers slide in and out of you, drawing moans of pleasure from deep within your chest.

When he finally enters you, it's with a slow, deliberate thrust, filling you inch by inch. You cry out, your body stretching to accommodate his size. Eren pauses, giving you time to adjust, his breath hot and heavy against your neck.

Then, he begins to move. His hips thrust against yours, his cock sliding in and out of you in a rhythm that is both wild and controlled. The sound of skin against skin fills the air, a primal, erotic symphony that echoes through the jungle.

You can feel every ridge, every vein of his cock as it slides in and out of you, the sensation sending electric shocks through your body. Your moans grow louder, more desperate, as Eren's pace quickens, his thrusts becoming more aggressive.

Suddenly, he pulls out, turning you around to face him. Before you can react, he lifts you off the ground, your legs wrapping around his waist instinctively. He enters you again, his cock filling you completely, and you cry out, your body shaking with pleasure.

Eren's hands grip your ass, his fingers digging into your flesh as he holds you in place. He begins to fuck you in earnest, his hips thrusting against yours, his cock sliding in and out of you with a feral, untamed rhythm.

You cling to him, your arms wrapped around his neck, your body moving in sync with his. The pleasure is intense, overwhelming, consuming every fiber of your being. You can feel his cock throbbing inside you, the sensation pushing you closer and closer to the edge.

Eren's breath comes in ragged gasps, his body slick with sweat and desire. He growls, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more aggressive. You can feel his release building, his body tensing, his cock swelling inside you.

And with a final, powerful thrust, he does. His cock pulses, his release filling you, the hot, slick sensation sending you spiraling over the edge. You cry out, your body convulsing with the intensity of your orgasm, your pleasure intertwining with his.

Eren holds you tight, his body shaking with the aftershocks of his release. You can feel his heart pounding against your chest, his breath hot and heavy against your neck. In that moment, you are one, your bodies joined, your pleasure intertwined, your spirits connected.

As your bodies slowly calm, Eren pulls back, looking into your eyes. His gaze is soft, tender, a stark contrast to the wild, untamed passion that had consumed him moments before.

"You are mine," he murmurs, his voice low and husky. "And I am yours."

You smile, pressing your lips to his in a soft, gentle kiss. In that moment, you were building something beautiful togheter. 

As you and Eren walked back to the treehouse, the birds sang in the distance, but your thoughts were elsewhere on what Eren had told you at the treehouse.

You came to the treehouse and found Armin seated in front of the small wooden table, reading through one of the books left behind by Eren's adoptive parents. It was a familiar sight his eyebrows furrowed indicating that he was concentrating. 

He glanced up at the sound of your footsteps. His eyes darted between the two of you, noticing the way Eren's fingers were still intertwined with yours, the happiness stuck on your face.

"We want to get married," you exclaimed.

Armin’s mouth parted slightly, his cheeks tinged with the faintest blush. For a second, he seemed surprised maybe even a little emotional but then a warm smile spread across his face.

“If there was anyone you’d want a blessing from… it’d be me, huh?” he mused, shaking his head fondly.

You nodded, grinning. “Of course.”

Armin let out a breathless laugh before smiling. "Then you have my blessing. Not that you need it, you two are obviously meant to be."

Without hesitation, you hugged him, holding him tightly. Armin hugged him back with the same enthusiasm.

Eren awkwardly fumbled for a second before stepping forward, extending his hand. He has read somewhere that many men prefer not to be hugged. 

Armin snorted and hugs Eren, thumping Eren hard on the back as they exchanged an awkward but beautiful hug.

Retreating, you went over to the little wooden dining table, already planning in your head. Grabbing a piece of parchment, you dipped your quill into the inkwell and began writing.

Dear Pastor Nick,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to you with something of very great importance.

You have known me since birth, and you know that my parents were on close terms with the Queen, my mother was especially one of Queen Charlotte's closest friends. I now seek her blessing upon something that means everything to me.

Eren and I would like to be married.

I understand this is not orthodox whatsoever, but my heart has spoken. Should there be any way of going about asking the Queen for permission, I would be eternally grateful.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]

Satisfied with your words, you folded the letter and put it in an envelope.

"Now how do we go about delivering this to Pastor Nick?" you murmured, looking up at Armin.

Armin rubbed his chin, and then clicked his fingers. "We'll get one of the messenger pigeons to deliver it."

Your eyebrows shot up. "Messenger pigeons?"

Armin nodded. "Jean and I set up a system a few months back. We trained some pigeons to carry messages to the closest outpost where European explorers moor. From there, letters can be sent back to England."

Eren, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward. "Birds… deliver messages?"

Armin chuckled. “Exactly. It’ll take time, but if all goes well, the letter should reach Pastor Nick within a few weeks.”

You exhaled, feeling a rush of excitement. The wheels were in motion. If all went well, the Queen herself would acknowledge your marriage, granting it legitimacy in the eyes of the world.

Eren leaned over your shoulder, peering at the letter. “So… this means we’re really getting married?”

You whirled excited around to face him. "Yes, Eren. We are."

And like that, the first brick to a future together was officially laid down.

Today was a special day, as it was the day of the annual summit meeting, where the tribe would discuss the future of the tribe, settle disputes, and solve problems.

You sat among them, watching as Eren stood at the center, commanding and negotiating among his tribe. 

You couldn't help but feel a wave of pride. To see him in such a leadership role, doing the whole job himself and shouldering the entire responsibility for his tribe, it was so attractive. Even Armin, sitting beside you with his notebook open, was captivated, his quill pressing against the parchment as he transcribed every decision made.

There was a freeze of uncertainty since the tribe was about to vote on a critical matter. Arms rose one after another in unison. You and Armin, however, did not move.

Jean, who sat beside you, looked at you both with inquisitiveness. "You're not going to vote?"

The attention of the entire group shifted towards you and Armin.

Armin flushed under their stares, and you stammered, "I—I didn't know we could. We're not… well, we're not gorillas."

Eren locked eyes with you. "You're part of this group. That makes you one of us."

You were going to argue with him when he cut you off before you could utter a word.

"I'm not a gorilla myself," he stated, his green eyes still locked on yours. "And you—my future wife—are the mate of the leader of the tribe. You must be involved with them. With us."

Mikasa, nodded in agreement, her dark eyes flicking towards you in a silent nod of acceptance.

You glanced to Armin, and he glanced to you, both of you exchanging a hesitant but friendly smile before raising your hands.

The moment was special. The tribe had received you in ways you hadn't expected, and yet, some were still resisting.

A sneer came from Malcom, ruining the moment.

Malcom with Isaiah and Peter exchanged a glance before proceeding.

“This is the very issue," Malcom snarled. His black eyes flashed with anger as he gazed between you, Armin, and Eren. "You have allowed outsiders contaminate our lifestyle.

Isaiah's head moved in agreement, his tone biting. "You speak of unity, Eren, but are you even part of our ranks? Are you a human or a gorilla? And what of them?" His gaze fell on you. "She and the other one brought Floch here, and we all see how that went."

Eren's hands curled into fists. His anger smoldered beneath the surface, but he controlled it today. He had to show leadership and be level headed. "Keep them out of this," he snarled, his voice threatening.

The air was charged with tension like fire through dry leaves.

Then Mikasa stood up.

Her presence alone caused the three  gorillas to freeze.

"You're saying you want them dead?" she asked, ready to attack.

Your breath caught. You and Armin exchanged glances as the conversation jumped too quickly in the gorilla tongue for you to follow. You crouched in, whispering, "Did you hear that?"

Armin remained focused, whispering, "They think we're dangerous to the tribe."

Your eyes widen, what will that mean for Eren?

Peter edged warily forward, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "Calm down now, Mikasa. You have a great responsibility being the strongest of us. But your protecting of Eren is clouding your mind." His eyes returned to you. "They are harmful. They don't belong here."

"Enough of that," Eren growled. He moved forward, looming over them. "If the tribe does not want me as leader, then let them decide. End it once and for all."

There was a shocked whisper of concern among the seated gorillas. Carla, being amongst them "Eren, no." she whispered, reaching out to clutch him.

He met his mother's worried eyes and shook his head. "This is the only way," he said in a low tone.

And so they voted.

There were only three opposed to him.

Malcom. Isaiah. Peter.

The three of them stood in stunned silence as the size of their loss struck home.

Eren let the judgment sink in before he spoke. "In the name of peace," he said cold, "I excommunicate you from this tribe."

There was a shocked gasp from the crowd.

Malcom's face twisted with rage, but he made no protest. Isaiah's lips pressed into a thin line, and Peter clenched his jaw. 

When they turned to go, you let out a pent breath, your fingers still knotted in your lap.

“I can't help but pity them," you leaned over to whisper to Armin.

Armin nodded, his face solemn. "Me too."

But there was no going back from this and the meeting went on. 

The moon hung low in the sky, swollen and golden, its reflection rippling across the secluded lake. Fireflies drifted lazily through the air, their soft glow flickering like fallen stars. 

You waded into the water first, the cool water kissing your skin, sending a shiver up your spine. Eren followed, his movements fluid, the water parting around him like it belonged to him just as much as the trees, the sky, and the very earth beneath your feet.

He came up behind you, his hands finding your waist beneath the water’s surface. He pulled you close until your back met his chest. His breath was warm against your neck, sending a wave of heat through you despite the cool night air.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. There was no need for words, only the sound of water shifting around your bodies, the way his fingers traced slow, languid circles against your skin.

Then, he whispered with a voice low.

“You are the only thing I have ever truly belonged to.”

Your heart clenched.

He turned you in his arms, and his green eyes were softer than you had ever seen them, like the first touch of spring against winter’s cruel end.

“You heard what they said today,” he murmured, his fingertips grazing your cheek, tucking a damp braid behind your ear. “They questioned if I was human or gorilla. They questioned you.” His jaw clenched, and for a fleeting moment, a bit of frustration crossed his face. “But I need you to understand something.”

You cupped his face, your thumbs brushing over his cheekbones, silently urging him to continue.

“If they ever turn on you, if they ever cast you out,” his voice cracked slightly, “I will leave with you.”

Your breath hitched.

Eren’s hands slid to your arms, gripping them gently, grounding himself in your warmth. “I have never belonged anywhere, but with you, I do. And I will never-never disappoint you.”

Tears burned behind your eyes and you felt your chest tighten.

The moonlight kissed the water droplets on his skin, making him look almost otherworldly, like a god carved from starlight and shadow.

You pressed your forehead to his, “You will never disappoint me,” you whispered. “And I will never leave you.”

Then, slowly, his lips brushed against yours a ghost of a touch, a question, a promise.

And when you pressed closer, when your mouths molded together, it was as if the whole world melted away.

The wind held its breath.

The jungle grew still.

There was only the night, the lake, and the two of you entwined like unbreakable roots beneath the soil. 

When you finally pulled away, his forehead rested against yours, his hands trailing slowly down your back.

“Come,” he whispered. “Lay with me.”

Hand in hand, you emerged from the water, the cool air prickling against your damp skin. He led you to a patch of soft grass near the shore, where the sky stretched wide above you, a canvas of deep indigo and scattered stars.

Eren lay beside you, one arm draped over your waist, his other hand tracing slow, absentminded patterns against your arm.

For a while, you simply watched the heavens, feeling his steady breaths against your shoulder.

“This place,” you murmured, voice quiet as if speaking too loud might shatter the fragile magic of the moment, “it feels like a dream sometimes.”

Eren hummed in agreement. “A dream I never want to wake from.”

You turned to look at him, your heart swelling at the expression on his face, he seemed more at peace than you had ever seen him.

And as the stars continued their silent dance overhead, you knew without hesitation, without doubt that with him was where you were meant to be.

Eren's gaze met yours, he leaned in, his lips finding yours once more, but this time, there was a different hunger. It was a need born not just of desire, but of love, that kind of connection that went beyond the physical.

His kiss deepened, his tongue exploring your mouth with a sensual, languid rhythm that mimicked the dance of the fireflies around you. You melted into him, your body pressing against his, feeling the hard planes of his chest, the strength of his arms as they wrapped around you.

Slowly, he moved down your body, his lips trailing kisses along your jaw, your neck, your collarbone. Each touch was a whispered sonnet, a declaration of love written in the language of the flesh. He took his time, savoring you, worshipping you as if you were a goddess under the moonlight.

When he reached the apex of your thighs, he looked up at you, his green eyes filled with a mixture of reverence and desire. He parted your legs gently, his breath warm against your most intimate place. You gasped as he began to pleasure you with his mouth, his tongue moving with the same slow, deliberate rhythm as his kisses.

Your fingers tangled in his hair, your body arching as waves of pleasure crashed over you. He took you higher and higher, his mouth and tongue working in harmony until you were crying out his name, your body convulsing with the force of your climax.

As you came down from your high, Eren looked up at you, his lips glistening with your essence. He took your hand, guiding it to touch yourself, to feel the wetness he had created. Then, he brought your fingers to his mouth, sucking them clean, his eyes never leaving yours.

He rose up, his body covering yours, his arousal evident against your thigh. Using your cum as glide, he slowly entered you, a low groan escaping his lips as he filled you completely. You wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him deeper, feeling the exquisite friction as he began to move.

Eren's strokes were slow and deliberate, a dance as old as time itself. He whispered words of love in your ear, his voice a low, sensual melody that blended with the whispers of the night. You moved together, your bodies in perfect harmony, your hearts beating as one.

The world around you faded away, leaving only the two of you, lost in a dance of love and passion under the starlit sky. The moon and the stars bore witness to your union, their light casting a silver glow over your entwined bodies.

As your pleasure built once more, you looked into Eren's eyes, seeing your future reflected in them. 

The three outcasts sat in the dim glow of a small fire, their faces cast in flickering shadows.

“We need to start building a tribe,” Malcom muttered, his fingers digging into the dirt. “But how? We have no women. We can’t multiply.”

Isaiah exhaled. “The gorillas won’t let us near their females. Not without a fight.”

Silence stretched between them until a slow, twisted smirk formed on Isaiah’s lips. “But Eren’s mate… she lives further out. She’s not always surrounded by them.”

Peter’s brows furrowed. “You’re talking about taking her?”

“Why not?” Isaiah shrugged. “Eren stays with her for five nights, but then he returns to the tribe. If we strike while he’s distracted, she’ll be alone.”

A cruel glint flickered in Malcom’s eyes. “Then it’s settled. We take her.”

The sun was warm against your skin as you lay on the wooden platform outside the treehouse, basking in the afternoon heat. A soft breeze rustled the leaves above, and the distant calls of jungle birds filled the air.

Eren had been reluctant to leave you alone, even for a few hours. He had insisted on posting two gorilla guards nearby an extra layer of protection while he and Armin attended their lessons with the tribe. You had laughed at his concern, telling him you could handle yourself.

But now, lying here, completely at ease, you realized too late how vulnerable you truly were.

A sudden, guttural snarl shattered the peace. You sat up instantly, your heart pounding through your dress.  Before you could react, a heavy shadow loomed over you. A sharp pain exploded at the back of your head, and your world went black.

A dull, throbbing pain pulled you back to consciousness. Your wrists ached, bound tightly with thick, twisted vines. You gasped, blinking rapidly, your vision swimming in the dimly lit space. The air was damp and musty, the walls rough and uneven, you were in a cave.

Panic clocked at your throat. You struggled against the restraints, twisting, pulling, but the vines only bit deeper into your skin.

"Help!" you screamed, your voice was filled with terror. "Eren! Armin!"

"Shut up," Peter hissed, stepping closer. 

Your breath hitched, chest heaving. The other two, Malcom and Isaiah sat nearby, whispering among themselves. 

All you could hope is that someone will be looking for you. 

Mikasa arrived at the treehouse, expecting to find you ready for your gorilla lessons. Instead, she froze at the sight before her, two of the gorilla guards lying lifeless on the ground.

Her heart pounded.

"Y/N?" she called, scanning the area, but there was no response, nor a sign of you.

Her hands clenched into fists. She didn’t need further confirmation…someone had taken you.

Without hesitation, she turned and sprinted through the jungle, leaping between branches until she found Eren and Armin. They were training, Eren was guiding Armin through a series of drills meant to build his confidence and physical strength.

Mikasa  didn’t waste time. "You need to come now," she said breathlessly. "Y/N’s been kidnapped. The guards are dead."

The world around Eren blurred as his vision pulsed red.

Armin took a step forward, eyes wide. "What?"

Eren's jaw tightened, his body rigid. "Summon the others," he ordered Mikasa, his voice like stone.

Armin looked between them, confused. "Eren?"

"She’s been taken," Eren said, his voice softer now. He placed a firm hand on Armin’s shoulder. "I’ll get her back."

With that, they ran toward the gorilla tribe.At the emergency meeting, Eren’s rage was barely contained. "Y/N is gone," he announced. "We’re going to find her."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Armin chased after him, his heart hammering. He found Eren crouched on the ground, gripping a thick wooden stick. Eren lashed a sharpened rock to its tip, securing it with vines.

Armin swallowed hard.

"Eren…"

Eren didn’t look up. "I never wanted to be a killer," he murmured. "But I won’t be weak. Not when it comes to the ones I love." His eyes lifted, burning with resolve. "If she’s going to stay here with me, she has to know I’ll protect her. No matter what."

Armin exhaled shakily but nodded.

A sudden flutter of wings interrupted them. A hoopoe landed on Eren’s shoulder, chirping. Eren listened, then stood.

"They found her," he said. "She’s in a cave in the mountains."

Your breath came in ragged gasps as you kicked and struggled, your bound wrists useless against Malcom’s grip.

"Let me go!" you screamed, thrashing against him.

"You’re going to help us build a new tribe, whether you like it or not."

Your stomach turned. "You’re disgusting."

He only smirked, hands gripping your dress.

As terror clawed at you, you squeezed your eyes shut. But then you felt  warm spray of liquid on your dress and the gorilla above you slumped.

You opened your eyes just in time to see Malcom’s body collapse, a jagged spear of stone buried deep in his chest. Blood pooled beneath him.

And standing behind him was Eren. His chest heaved, he looked enraged. 

Armin rushed forward, slicing through your restraints. As soon as your hands were free, you scrambled to your feet and flung yourself into Eren’s arms, sobbing against his chest.

"It’s fine," he whispered, pressing a hand to the back of your head. "You’re safe. But you need to leave now! Go with Armin!"

You hesitated, your fingers tightening in his shirt.

"Go," he said with a softer voice. "I’ll handle the rest."

Armin grabbed your hand. Together, you ran from the cave, your legs barely keeping up with the frantic pace. As you emerged into the jungle, you spotted the gorilla warriors led by Mikasa marching toward the mountain.

You didn’t dare stop to ask questions.

Back at camp, you turned to Armin. "I need to bathe," you murmured, still feeling the sticky warmth of blood on your skin.

He nodded, walking with you but stopping a few meters away from the lagoon, turning his back as you waded into the water. The coolness enveloped you, washing away the grime, the fear, the blood.

When you returned to the campsite, the deep, guttural sounds of gorillas filled the air. You and Armin rushed toward the commotion.

What you saw made your stomach drop.

Eren walked through the clearing, a spear in his hands, three severed gorilla heads impaled on its tip. His expression was blank, his green eyes void of warmth. 

Behind him, Mikasa, Jean, and another gorilla carried mutilated bodies.

You and Armin stood frozen.

Eren didn’t see you. It wasnt until the evening when he finally approached, you ran to him without thinking, throwing your arms around his body.

"Are you okay?" you both asked at the same time.

A breathless laugh escaped you.

You nodded. "I’m fine. I just… I feel better after the bath."

Eren smiled, his expression softening for the first time. He lifted a hand, gently resting it on your braids before pressing a kiss to your forehead.

"I’m fine too," he murmured. "Just needed a nap." He chuckled lightly, as if he hadn’t just carried the heads of your captors through the jungle.

You swallowed. The image of him, his cold-eyed, flashed in your mind.

"What… what did you do with them?" you whispered almost.

His thumb brushed against your cheek. "Don’t worry about it," he said simply. "They’ll never lay a hand on you again."

Before you could say anything else, he lifted you effortlessly into his arms, carrying you in a bridal hold toward your bed.

A month had passed since the letter was sent. The waiting had been agonizing. Every day, you had found yourself glancing toward the horizon, hoping to see a messenger bird return with news. And today, it finally came.

The Messenger pigeons landed on your stretched out arm, a neatly folded parchment tied to its leg. Your breath hitched as you carefully untied it, fingers trembling.

Armin stood beside you, equally anxious. "Well?" he asked.

You inhaled sharply and unrolled the letter. Your eyes scanned the words, heart pounding in your chest. Then you breath you ot relief. 

"The queen approved it!" you gasped.

Armin’s face lit up. "She did?"

You nodded, voice breathless with joy. "She’s giving us her blessing! The king himself will be coming here in two months to oversee the marriage!"

Armin  grabbed your hands and twirling you in excitement. "This is huge!" he laughed. "Eren is going to lose his mind!"

"We need to tell him," you said, already stepping forward. "But first, we need to send out the invitations."

The next morning, you and Armin got to work.

With carefully pressed leaves and ink made from crushed berries, you both wrote invitations for the grand wedding. Some were sent to the Queen’s court, others to the gorilla tribe, and a select few to the humans who had become allies along the way.

"This is really happening," Armin murmured as he sealed an invitation. "You're going to be jungle royalty, Y/N."

You chuckled, shaking your head. "Royalty or not, I'm just happy I'll officially be with Eren."

He smiled warmly. "I think that’s all he cares about too."

Once the messages were sent via messenger birds, you could barely contain your excitement.

You found Eren near the waterfall, spear in hand, deep in training. His muscles flexed as he moved, he was so focused he didn’t notice you approaching.

"Eren!" you called.

He turned swiftly, a glint of concern in his emerald eyes before his expression softened at the sight of you. "What is it?"

You grinned. "The queen approved."

For a moment, he just stared.

"She what?" His voice cracked slightly.

You laughed. "She approved the marriage! The king will be here in two months to make it official."

Eren dropped his spear. His mouth parted slightly, as if trying to form words but failing. Then, he  quickly surged forward and grabbed your waist, lifting you off the ground as he spun you in the air.

"She actually approved?" he breathed against your ear.

"Yes!" you giggled, clinging to his shoulders.

He set you down and cupped your face with both hands, his eyes searching yours. "We're really getting married."

You nodded, warmth spreading through your chest. "We are."

A rare, boyish grin tattooed itself across his lips. "I need to tell my mom."

Without another word, he turned and bolted toward the nest. You laughed as you watched him go. 

A week later you sat cross-legged on a woven mat, hands moving through your braids, undoing them carefully. Each tug made your arms ache more, and after a while, you sighed in frustration, dropping them for a moment of rest.

"Want help?" Armin's voice was gentle, familiar.

You looked up at him and smiled. "Please."

This was nothing new between you two. Ever since childhood, Armin had always helped when you struggled with your hair. Whether it was detangling after long days or taking out styles your fingers had grown too tired to undo, he had always been there.

So, without hesitation, you moved between his legs, your back resting lightly against his chest as he took over. His fingers worked quickly, undoing the tiny knots with ease, careful not to tug too hard.

"You’re gonna look amazing at the wedding," Armin murmured as he worked.

You chuckled. "You have to say that."

"I don’t," he said, a small smile in his voice. "But I mean it."

Eren and Mikasa made their way back to the camp after gathering supplies, speaking in low voices about last-minute preparations for the ceremony. But as they stepped past the tree line, Eren froze.

There you were, sitting in front of Armin, his hands working gently through your braids.

Eren felt something tighten in his chest. It wasn’t just the sight itself. It was the tenderness of it, the quiet intimacy of Armin’s fingers moving through your hair. He knew Armin was your childhood friend, knew how close you two were. But still, something about it made him hesitate.

Mikasa, however, didn’t hesitate. "What the hell—" she started, already moving forward to break up whatever was happening.

But Eren reached out, stopping her with a firm grip on her wrist.

"Let it be," he said quietly.

Mikasa turned to him, brows furrowed. "Eren, it looks—"

"I know," he admitted, glancing back at you and Armin. "But I trust her. And I trust him."

Mikasa didn’t look convinced. "It just feels—"

Eren exhaled. "They're close. Always have been. I don't want to start a problem where there isn’t one."

He looked at you one last time before turning away. "Come on. Our mother probably needs more help gathering food."

Mikasa hesitated, her protective instincts clashed with Eren’s logic, but in the end, she gave in. With a final glance in your direction, she followed Eren back into the jungle.

And you, completely unaware of what had just happened, continued sitting between Armin’s legs, letting him undo the last of section of your braids.

The shore buzzed with anticipation as you, Eren, Armin, and a few of the gorillas stood waiting. The waves lapped gently against the sand, the salty breeze tousling your curly hair as you shaded your eyes, scanning the horizon. Then, finally, the boat appeared.

The vessel cut smoothly through the water. Your heart swelled as you spotted Hitch waving enthusiastically, Marlow holding their baby close. Reiner stood near the railing, arms crossed with a smirk, while Annie and Bertholdt stood beside him. Historia and Ymir leaned together, whispering, their eyes scanning the island with curiosity. Pastor Nick and Dr. Hange were deep in conversation, and Armin’s grandfather stood with Avery, both looking eager yet slightly overwhelmed. And finally, standing regally at the bow, King George  and Queen Charlotte.

Eren adjusted the cuffs of Armin’s suit, a small frown on his face. He was still getting used to wearing more clothing, but he'd found he enjoyed pants, they are comforting, the practical. The jacket, though? That was another story. Still, for today, he endured it.

The boat docked, and one by one, your friends disembarked.

You stepped forward, beaming as you introduced Eren. “Everyone, this is Eren.”

Eren stood tall, he was calm but he tried to be observant. He wanted to make a good first impression. He shook hands with Marlow first, then Hitch. He hesitated slightly when she gave him a mischievous smirk but shook her hand firmly.

“You’re the famous wild man, huh?” Hitch mused, her eyes scanning him up and down. “Gotta say, I wasn’t expecting this.”

Eren arched a brow. “This?”

“This,” she gestured vaguely to his entire being, then leaned in closer to you, lowering her voice. “Okay, I shouldn’t be saying this as a married woman, but damn. A wild man? I bet the sex is amazing.”

Your face were burning instantly. “Hitch!”

She only laughed as you playfully shoved her. To distract yourself, you quickly reached for her baby, cradling the tiny bundle in your arms. “Oh, he’s so precious,” you cooed. Looking down at his sleepy face, your heart melted. “Hi, little one. I’m your auntie. I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

Eren watched smiling before you turned to him, a bright smile on your lips. “Eren, come meet Peter.”

Eren stepped closer, peering down at the small baby in your arms. Gently, he reached out a large hand, his fingers brushing against the infant’s tiny ones. Peter instinctively gripped one of Eren’s fingers, and the sight of it made Hitch and you awe.

“Wow,” Hitch whispered, nudging you. “He’s a natural.”

Eren blinked down at the baby before glancing at you, as if silently asking if he was doing it right. You smiled at him warmly, and he seemed to relax. He carefully ran a finger along Peter’s cheek, watching in fascination as the baby squirmed slightly.

Then, Armin cleared his throat. “Eren, I’d like you to meet someone else.”

Eren turned as Armin gestured toward Annie. “This is Annie,” he said, his voice softer. “My fiancée.”

Eren’s eyes flickered between the two of them before he extended his hand. Annie hesitated briefly before shaking it.

“I’m happy for you,” Eren said simply.

Armin smiled, a slight flush on his cheeks.

One by one, Eren met the rest of the group—Reiner, Bertholdt, Ymir, Historia, Pastor Nick, Dr. Hange. And when he stood before the King and Queen, you held your breath slightly, unsure how they’d react to him.

But to your relief, the Queen gave him a nod of approval. “It is an honor to meet the man my dear has chosen,” she said warmly.

Eren bowed saying“Thank you.”

And just like that, the world between your two lives began to blend into one.

After everyone had settled in, the atmosphere around the camp was warm and lively. Laughter filled the air as old friends reunited, sharing stories and memories from their time apart.

As you sat near the fire, Reiner approached with a smirk. “I got you something,” he said, pulling out a small confetti-wrapped package and handing it to you.

Your eyes widened in excitement. “No way!Reiner! Is this?”

“Your favorite chocolate from university.”

A squeal escaped your lips as you quickly unwrapped it. The familiar rich scent hit your nose, bringing back countless memories of late-night study sessions. 

You turned, searching for Eren. “Eren! Come try this!”

Eren, who had been standing nearby observing the interactions between the newcomers, walked over. You held up a piece of the chocolate. 

The moment you extended it toward him, his expression changed. His eyes narrowed, and in a swift motion, he slapped the chocolate out of your hand.

You blinked, completely shocked. “Eren?!”

He looked at you like you’d lost your mind. “Why would you try to feed me poop?” he asked, his voice dead serious.

Silence. Then, you slowly glanced down at the fallen chocolate. 

A snort of laughter bubbled out of you before you doubled over, clutching your stomach. “Oh my God! Eren! It’s not poop, it’s chocolate!”

Eren still looked unconvinced, his lips pressing into a line.

You wiped a tear from your eye, still giggling, and reached into the box for another piece. “Look,” you said, holding it up for him to see. “It’s sweet. I used to eat this all the time back home.”

Still hesitant, Eren narrowed his eyes. “And you’re sure this isn’t some kind of animal waste?”

You rolled your eyes playfully. “Just trust me.”

Before he could protest, you popped the chocolate into his mouth.

Eren’s jaw tensed as he chewed. Then, his eyes widened slightly. His chewing slowed, savoring the taste. He swallowed, looking down at the remaining chocolates in your hand.

“This…this is sweeter than mangoes,” he admitted. 

“See? Told you!” You beamed.

Without hesitation, he grabbed another piece and popped it into his mouth. Then another.

Reiner crossed his arms, amused. “Looks like he’s a fan now.”

You giggled at your fiancé’s sudden enthusiasm, watching as he happily ate more. 

The morning of your wedding was filled with an air of anticipation and quiet excitement. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden hues over the jungle clearing where your closest friends and family had gathered.

Inside the treehouse, Avery carefully refreshed your three days old French braids with some hair product, her fingers gentle yet precise. As she finished, she stepped back, admiring her work with glassy eyes.

"You look beautiful," she whispered, voice thick with emotion. "I can’t believe my little girl is getting married."

You smiled at her reflection in the mirror, reaching for her hand. “Thank you, Avery. For everything.”

Historia, sitting nearby, let out a dreamy sigh. "This is like something out of a romance novel a wild man and a lady from civilization, defying all odds for love. It’s poetic."

Hitch, on the other hand, was grinning as she adjusted the last touches of your dress. “I bet the ladies at court lost their minds when they got the invitations. Imagine their faces when they found out you were marrying a ‘jungle man.’” She snorted. "They probably needed smelling salts.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Probably.”

With the final touches complete, you took a deep breath. You were ready.

The grand tree stood at the center of the gathering, its ancient roots stretching deep into the earth, as if bearing witness to countless stories before this one. Now, it would witness yours and Eren’s story. 

The gorillas and your human guests formed a semi-circle around you both. Flowers, vines, and woven fabrics adorned the area, blending the beauty of the jungle with the elegance of your upbringing. 

Eren stood before you, his broad frame dressed in the suit Avery had brought him from England. Though he had grown accustomed to wearing clothes, there was something but it didn’t hide the wilderness within him. The way he stood barefoot on the jungle floor, it was clear that no matter what, Eren would always belong here. And so would you.

Pastor Nick stood between you, a warm, knowing smile on his face. “We have gathered here in the heart of nature to witness the union of two souls. A love that crosses borders, customs, and expectations.”

The ceremony blended both human and gorilla. The tribe’s elder blessed the union first, holding out a bowl of sacred water, which he poured over both of your hands to signify unity and protection. Then, Pastor Nick took over.

Eren cleared his throat, shifting slightly. He had practiced his vows for weeks with Armin, going over them until the words felt right. He stole a glance at Armin, who stood off to the side. His best friend gave him an encouraging thumbs-up, his expression proud.

Eren exhaled deeply before meeting your gaze. His green eyes held nothing but love. 

“I was never meant to know love the way humans do. I was raised in the wild, free from rules and expectations. But when you came here, you changed everything. You taught me what it means to build a life with someone—not just to protect, but to share, to grow, to dream. I vow to stand by you, to fight for you, to cherish you in every way I know how. Even if the world turns against us, I will never leave your side.”

You felt tears prick at your eyes as you reached for his hands. You squeezed them gently before speaking your own vows.

“I have lived in two worlds. One filled with books, courtly manners, and expectations. And one filled with wild beauty, danger, and the unknown. But of all the places I have ever been, I feel most at home when I’m with you. You are my love, my safe place, my greatest adventure. I vow to stand beside you, no matter where life takes us. To love you as fiercely as you love me, until the end of my days.”

Eren’s fingers tightened around yours, as  he broke into a soft smile.

Pastor Nick turned to one of the gorilla elder, who nodded in approval.

“Then, by the laws of man and nature, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Eren didn’t hesitate. He pulled you into a deep, passionate kiss, his hands framing your face with such care that it melted you completely. The crowd erupted into cheers. The gorillas let out deep, rumbling calls of approval, while your human friends clapped and whistled.

Mikasa smirked proudly, Jean nudged Armin, who simply smiled with satisfaction. Historia sighed dreamily, while Hitch nudged Avery and whispered, “If that isn’t the hottest thing I’ve ever seen…”

As Eren finally pulled away, his forehead resting against yours, he whispered so only you could hear, “Mine. Always.”

And with that, your new life together began.

For the next two nights, the camp was filled with celebration. Feasts were held, songs were sung, and laughter echoed under the moonlit sky. It was a beautiful blend of human and gorilla, united by the love between you and Eren.

One by one, your guests prepared to leave. Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie bid their farewells, though Annie lingered behind with Armin, both not wanting to part just yet.

Dr.Hange, chose to stay longer, eager to explore the jungle’s hidden medicinal plants.

As the final boats departed, you stood hand in hand with Eren, watching the waves ripple against the shore. The world you once knew was now a distant memory. This wild paradise was your home now.

And you wouldn’t have it any other way….You believed. 

The days had grown longer, as the warmth of the season settled in. Something about the air felt different, though neither you nor Eren could quite place why.

You had been more tired lately, exhaustion settling deep into your bones. Certain foods didn’t appeal to you anymore, while others, the ones you never cared for before all of the suddenly consumed your cravings. Armin had noticed the way you often held your stomach subconsciously, how your fingers would linger there as if your body was whispering a secret to you.

Hange, had taken it upon themselves to care for you. They’d prepare special meals, ones filled with rich nutrients, urging you to eat even when you didn’t feel like it. They guided you through breathing exercises, gently rubbing your back when nausea overtook you in the mornings. And when you complained of the strange tightness in your lower belly, they insisted on oil massages to ease the tension.

Eren did notice, at first, he was grateful. Hange was helping you, making sure you were comfortable, taking care of you in ways he didn’t quite understand yet. But as time passed, he couldn’t ignore the pang of jealousy curling in his chest. You spent so much time with Hange, whispering things just out of his reach, requesting privacy, shutting him out.

Armin was busy with his research and Annie, and for the first time since you arrived…he felt lonely again. 

And it all came to a head one evening.

Eren had been looking for you, wanting to steal you away for a quiet moment, just the two of you. But when he stepped into the hut, he found you lying on the woven mat, your dress pulled slightly up as Hange’s hands moved in slow, circular motions over your stomach, spreading a fragrant oil along your skin.

Eren’s jaw clenched. His chest tightened in an unfamiliar way.

“What’s going on?” He asked flicking is eyes between you and Hange. 

You glanced at him, surprised by his tone. “Eren—”

“Can I talk to you?” His gaze flickered between you and Hange. “Alone.”

You hesitated, this was something you still needed time to process. You weren’t ready to tell him yet. Not until you found the right words.

“Can you give us some privacy, Eren?” you asked softly.

You reached for Eren’s hand, but he pulled away, his expression unreadable. He left before you could explain.

Later that night, Eren was sitting by the river, his arms resting on his knees as he glared at the moonlit water. He hated being left out, especially when it came to you. He had spent so long protecting you, keeping you safe, and yet, you had pushed him away tonight. He didn’t understand why. Have you changed your mind? Do you long after England?

When you finally approached him, he barely spared you a glance. You knelt beside him, your fingers fidgeting with the hem of your tunic. The sound of the rushing water filled the silence between you two.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered.

Eren let out a sharp exhale through his nose. “For what?”

“For not telling you sooner.”

That caught his attention. He turned his head slightly, locking his eyes with yours. 

“I didn’t want to shut you out,” you started, voice gentle. “I just… I needed a moment to process everything.”

“Process what?”

You took a shaky breath, guiding his hand to your stomach. His warmth spread through you instantly, grounding you, anchoring you.

“I’m pregnant, Eren.”

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, Eren exhaled, his hand pressing more firmly against your belly as if waiting to feel something, anything. His other hand cupped your cheek, his touch reverent, as if you had just told him the gods themselves had blessed you.

“You—” He swallowed hard. “A baby?”

You nodded, eyes stinging with unshed tears.

Eren let out a breathless laugh, his forehead dropping to yours. “You’re carrying our child,” he whispered, as if saying it aloud would make it more real. He pulled away slightly, sliding down so he could press his ear to your stomach, his large hands covering you protectively.

“Hello, little one,” he murmured. “It’s me. Your father.” His lips brushing over your belly. “You don’t know me yet, but I swear to you, I will love you with everything I am.”

Tears slipped down your cheeks as you ran your fingers through his hair.

Eren looked up at you. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “For doubting. I should have trusted you.”

You shook your head, cupping his face. “You just didn’t know.”

His hand covered yours, pressing it tighter against his cheek. “I will be a good husband to you, a good father to them. I will protect you both with my life.”

He swallowed, his voice thick with emotion. “I hope they have your eyes,” he murmured, his thumb brushing against your lips. “Your smile. Your kindness. The way your laughter fills the air like the sweetest melody. I hope they carry your fire, your warmth so that even if I were to fall into the darkest abyss, just a glimpse of them would bring me back to life.”

A sob broke past your lips, and Eren caught it with a soft kiss as he is sealing every promise he made. And as he held you that night, his hands never strayed far from your stomach. 

The next morning you were seated at the the small wooden table with Armin sharing breakfast. The soft chirping of birds echoed through the jungle, blending into the distant sounds of the river.

Armin was mid-sentence about something about his studies, when you placed your hand on your stomach. 

“Armin,” you said. 

He looked up, “What’s wrong?”

 “I’m pregnant.”

For a second, Armin just stared at you, as if his mind was still processing the words. Then he smiled. 

“You—” He choked on his words, eyes glassing over. “You’re having a baby?”

You laughed, nodding, and before you could say anything else, Armin rushed over, pulling you into a tight hug. 

“This is amazing,” he whispered, pulling away to look at you. “You and Eren… You’re starting a family.”

You smiled, wiping at the tear that slipped down his cheek. “I know. It still feels unreal.”

Armin let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head in wonder. “He’s going to be ecstatic.”

At that, your smile softened. “He already knows.”

Armin’s brows shot up. “And?”

You thought back to the night before, the way Eren had held you, whispering his promises against your skin, swearing to protect you and your child with every fiber of his being. 

“He was… emotional,” you said with a small smile. “He’s really happy.”

Armin’s smile widened, and he reached for your hand, squeezing it. “I’m so happy for you both.”

There was a moment of silence, then, Armin’s expression turned a bit more serious.

“There’s… actually something I wanted to talk to you about.”

You tilted your head slightly. “What is it?”

He was thinking, his fingers drummed against the table and his lips pressed together 

“It’s about Eren,” he finally said. 

Your stomach flipped at the way his tone shifted.

Before you could ask, before he could explain, something interrupted the moment a distant rustling in the trees, a call from one of the gorillas and  the sound of Eren approaching.

And like that, the conversation was left unfinished.

[northgazaupdates2]

12 May 2024

Journalist Saed Al-Zaneen reports that the occupation is dropping incendiary bombs—bombs which cause massive fiery explosions—on civilians in Jabaliya.

Saed and a group of fellow journalists were targeted by the IOF while working in the area, injuring 3 members of the journalist team.

To the south in Zaytoun, Gaza City (still in north Gaza), quadcopters, drones, and snipers firiring constantly in the area around Salah al-Din Mosque and Hariya/Freedom School. Anyone and anything that moves is targeted, leading to numerous casualties.

He also reports shooting by ground troops in Beit Hanoun.

Fire belts continue to be laid nonstop throughout the entirety of northern Gaza

[captain-price-unofficially]

22 SAS Trooper from B Squadron Mountain Troop during a tubular assault exercise. 1990s

[macwantspeace]

Mini Me sends National Guard to San Antonio in advance of protest. "The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources to uphold law and order across our state." Mayor and Chief of Police doing Presser now at 9am June 11. Anti-ICE protest sched for June 11. Pish. I'm gonna stand in Travis Park for No Kings 5pm June 14.

[muddyorbsblr]

friday nights & hot dates [kinktober 2023: slow & soft]

See the full Kinktober 2023 Collection here! See my full list of works here!

Summary: A few months after he first showed up at your house to keep you company on your birthday, Conrad finally tells you how he feels. | sequel to 'you deserve better'

Pairing: James Conrad x Reader

Word Count: 6.1k [please prepare drinkies & snacks accordingly]

Warnings: 18+ | smut (minors & pearl clutchers, get on outta here i won't ask twice); unprotected p in v sex; language; insecure reader; the smut scene is 1.3k words long idek if i should say sorry for this… [let me know if i missed anything!]

Things to be aware of: simp Conrad; a touch of aftercare in the end 😳🫠

Dick-tionary (aka smut guide): smut starts at "Once he realized what you were about to do" and ends at "We're nowhere near done"

A loud chime boomed across the Monarch training field, announcing the top of the hour. The setting sun only barely blocked by the visor atop former Captain James Conrad's head and doing a piss poor job of straining his eyes as he watched on the first troop of soldiers assigned to the lab.

He'd been tasked to train the few handfuls of privates to be able to face the challenges that Skull Island would have in store for them throughout subsequent missions. They were decent enough, but to handle both navigating the hostile, monstrous terrain and serving as protective detail for the scientists on their tasks to obtain more samples and document its ecosystem, they would need to be exemplary. At the top of their game.

Especially if they are to be protecting Y/N, he thought to himself. Then again, he probably wouldn't let any of them anywhere near you. He would see to your protection personally. Make sure that there was little to no room for error when it came to your safety.

But they all had a long way to go before he decreed any of them ready for the field. And none of them would be closing the gap on their endurance or their agility within the next few minutes. The chime that rung out through the field not only signaled the top of the hour, but the end of your own work day, and he wanted to at least see you off to your ride home. Perhaps walk with you to the pick-up point.

"Alright, that's enough for today," he called out to the privates, everyone standing to attention at his word. "We'll resume on Monday morning. Get adequate rest this weekend."

He took off his training jacket and his visor, haphazardly running his hand through his short cropped hair. While he took a quick inventory of his belongings before heading off to your lab, one of the women privates approached him.

"Do you need anything, Pearson?"

She began to shuffle her stance, somewhat incapable of meeting his gaze as she spoke to him. "The other guys and I were going to check out the new Mexican place that opened up a few blocks from here. I was--I mean we were wondering if you'd like to join us?"

Pearson straightened her stance in a particular manner, jutting her chest out in a blatantly clear attempt to draw his attention to it. You're fresh out of luck, my attentions are for one woman and one woman only. And she's in the lab.

"Thank you for the invite, Pearson, but I have what you and your peers might say a…'hot date' tonight." He fought against the smile playing at the corners of his mouth at the thought of being on a proper date with you.

"Oh." She barely tried to hide the disappointment in her voice. "Okay then. Have a good weekend, Sir."

"Don't look now but he's here again," Brooks muttered from across the lab, the sound of him clacking away on his keyboard taking the briefest pause to tell you that once again, the former SAS tracker James Conrad was right outside the door. "You ever gonna share with the class how you two became a thing? 'Cause we have a bet going on in the lab about who made the first move and--"

"There's nothing to share, Brooks, because we aren't a thing," you cut him off, taking on a snippy tone while you ran the genome of the last flora sample from the set you collected in Skull Island against every recorded organism known to man so far. "We're friends, that's all. Give it time and he'll get tired of slumming it out with me and go back to haunting pool bars and nameless hookups."

"I don't know, Y/L/N…I never had a friend look at me like that."

The results from your test finally came up on the screen, confirming that the flora on the island were all, in fact, undocumented. You took a quick screenshot and placed it into your report. "Looks like we're getting funded," you announced, your half-deadpanned tone met with a mixture of excitement and fear. "Don't everyone stand up at once, I know how pumped we all are to get back to the island of death."

You finally stood up from your desk, looking outside the door and seeing Conrad outside giving you a little smile when your eyes met. You tried to ignore how your heart started doing backflips in your chest at the sight of him, keeping your expression fairly neutral as you gave him a small wave in response. Once your computer had finished shutting down, you grabbed your things and bid everyone goodbye, stopping at Brooks's desk last.

"If what you mean is looking at me like a barnacle he can't scrape off his boat, I hope you never have friends that look at you like that, my guy."

Before you stepped through the door, your fellow scientist let out a final remark. "You know, Y/N, for someone so smart, you're a bit of an idiot sometimes."

"Takes one to know one, Brooks," you shot back, stepping across the threshold and almost immediately becoming face-to-chest with the tracker that towered over you effortlessly. "Hey Conrad," you said slowly, trying your best to keep a hold of your composure. "Did you need something from us? I think I have Bryant running CMP for the guys you're training you should have the results tomo--"

"I didn't come here for the blood tests, Y/L/N," he cut you off, giving you another little smile that had your pulse thumping violently at your throat. "I erm…it's Friday." His eyebrows scrunched together in the slightest wince at his words.

"It is…" you echoed lamely, starting to tap away at your phone to get an Uber home, holding back the urge to sigh in relief seeing that your ride was only a few minutes away. "Have a good weekend, then," you tried to wave him off, pointing vaguely at the pick-up area, starting to awkwardly shuffle away from him.

He reached out and wrapped his hand around yours, stopping you before you got away too far. "Actually, I was thinking…perhaps we could go and grab a bite to eat? There's a new place that opened up just a short walk from here. Maybe we could try it out?"

As if on cue, your stomach let out an audible grumble, rudely reminding you that the last time you ate was this morning before you left your house. Before you could dwell on it any further, you canceled your Uber, giving him a tiny smile of your own. "Lead the way."

Dinner was a rather quiet affair, the two of you starting off by sharing a plate of nachos before you ordered your mains. Sometime before your entrees were served, a small group of people you recognized as the privates being trained as the Monarch Defense Team walked through the doors, the women immediately spotting Conrad and tossing a scornful dismissive look your way.

"What's wrong?"

His voice took your attention away from the group, the motion of him reaching across the table to take your hand in his causing a resounding stomp from across the restaurant followed by a barely contained "What the fuck?!"

"It's uhh…it's nothing," you waved off, trying to slowly pull your hand away so as to not elicit a stronger reaction from the group and grab his attention. "Just…thinking about work. I have to put a recommendation for another mission to the island in my report."

"We'll be better prepared this time," he reassured you, his thumb rubbing across the back of your hand in a soothing motion. "We have a better idea of what we're to face when we get there, and what not to do. And with enough time the troop that I'm training might even be field ready, so you and your team would have better protection."

Your neck twitched at the idea of the woman with the derisive eyes being tasked to protect you. Might even just throw you to the gigantic insects voluntarily. "Right…at least the team will be safe."

"And you, Y/N," he insisted, giving your hand a light squeeze. "I'll see to it myself, I promise you."

You nodded at his words, feeling your face strain at the smile you tried to give him before slipping your hand out of his and standing up. "Ladies room, I'll be back in a few."

While you were in line for the restroom, your thoughts wandered to how you could potentially word your recommendation so that maybe you didn't have to go with the rest of the team back to Skull Island. You weren't physically cut out to be in such a high-stress environment, and frankly you would be more of a liability if people had to look out for you on top of trying to survive a hostile environment.

When your turn came up in the queue, you were stopped in your tracks by someone wrapping their hand around your arm in a claw-like grasp, yanking you slightly backwards. "We need to talk, Y/L/N," a woman seethed.

You swore your blood chilled to near freezing point when you saw the woman private from Conrad's troop, her hateful eyes and vicious sneer too close for comfort.

There was something troubling you, Conrad could tell that much as he watched you in line for the restroom. Much as he usually found it adorable when you were muttering to yourself over your research, he had to fight to resist the urge to stand up and do what he could to somehow put you at ease.

He knew that you weren't all too excited that you had to return to the island, but his gut told him that it was more than just that. You seemed almost fearful when he mentioned the troop that he was training, and not in the way that told him it was simply because you doubted their ability to guarantee your safety.

Did you not realize that he would never even think to put your safety in anyone's hands other than his own? Didn't you know how valuable you were to him? Of course he would keep you safe. He'd put you in the same tent if he could just to make sure you'd never leave his sight.

The sight of a woman marching towards you as if on a war path had him leaving his seat within seconds, immediately recognizing it to be Pearson. When she stopped you from moving and he clocked the vice grip she had on you it had him seeing red. He saw the way you flinched back when she started hissing in your face, her words making every muscle in his body tense and burn with the itch to protect you from someone so obviously spiteful.

"Don't tell me you're the hot date that Captain Conrad turned me down for, this has to be the biggest crock of shit I've ever heard in my life," she spat out. Your face contorted with obvious discomfort from her talon-like hand tightening around your arm, nails undoubtedly digging into your skin.

"Listen, Private Pearson, I think there might just be a misunderstanding," you spoke softly, your tone laced with caution. "He's probably gonna go to said 'hot date' after this, I'm just his friend. We're friends…I think…"

Silly sweet girl, he thought to himself. Are you really so unaware of how I see you?

"Do you really think I'm that stupid, Y/L/N? I don't need to have a PhD in God knows what the ever loving fuck to know that you're into him. The only thing I can't figure out to save my life is what the fuck he sees in a mousey jumpy little thing like you, and where you found the goddamn audacity to steal him away the way you did."

"I'm not trying to steal anyone," you insisted, trying to wrestle your arm out of her hold. "We're just friends, Private Pearson. Anyone with a functioning brain can see that he doesn't want me like that. You want him, he's all yours, you won't hear a peep out of me."

"You better be right," she scoffed, releasing you with a slight shove, causing you to stumble backwards and fight to find your balance for a few seconds before righting yourself on your feet again. "If you know what's good for you, you'll stay the fuck away from him. Preferably before you see what happens when your stupid little face gets me triggered."

Rather than give her a verbal agreement, you simply nodded your head, scurrying off into the restroom, your face looking as if it had been drained of color and your bottom lip quivering with an obvious concern for your own safety.

So this was why you were concerned over your protection detail if you had to return to the island. Of course. Who would ever feel safe if someone assigned to the team that was tasked to protect them behaved the way that Pearson was behaving now? Who was to say that it wasn't beneath her to intentionally endanger you out of sheer spite?

The private let out an arrogant huff, flipping her hair and standing up straight with a smug look on her face before making her way back to her table with the rest of the privates in her troop.

"Pearson," Conrad spoke, letting his irritation over the entire encounter lace his tone. She stopped in her tracks, turning slowly to face him with a touch of fear in her eyes. Good, you should be afraid after the way you just spoke to the woman I love.

"Cap…Captain Conrad, hi!" Her cheeks strained with the smile she tried to keep plastered on her face despite the obvious nervousness that remained in her eyes. "We're so glad you decided to join us after all, we're seated over--"

"You're dismissed. Don't bother coming in on Monday." Her face fell immediately, indignation coloring her expression. "If you cannot treat the people you're expected to defend and protect with professionalism and respect, then you're not fit to stay on this team, let alone be deployed to the island."

"Come on, all this for a shifty little nothing? This is completely unfair!" she scoffed. "You could do so much better than her--"

"Hold your damn tongue, Pearson. I won't have you disrespect her--"

"She can't even hear us!"

"But I can." He began to raise his voice, calling the attention of the other patrons in the restaurant. "That's the woman I love you're talking about. It would be wise for you to choose your next words very carefully."

All the color drained from her face and she stood up straight again, back at full attention. "I apologize, Sir. I'll have my locker cleared before the weekend's over." And then she made her way back to her table, heavy footsteps sounding throughout the whole restaurant.

As Conrad sat back in his seat waiting for you to return, he replayed his own words over and over in his mind. After all this time keeping his emotions bottled in for the sake of preserving what friendship he had with you, the words had finally formed and solidified what had been building ever since the day he met you on the way to that forsaken death island.

He loved you.

By the time you made your way back to your table, you spotted Conrad signing a receipt and placing his credit card back into his wallet.

"You know I keep a tally on how many times you've refused to let me pay, right?" you sighed, taking out your phone and once again trying to book for an Uber home. "I'm perfectly fine with and capable of splitting the bill."

"Next time."

"I also keep a tally on how many times you've said exacty that." You shuffled your feet awkwardly where you stood, avoiding looking at both him and the table that sat his trainees, including the cruel witch that was Private Pearson. "Well uhm…I should get going, it's getting late. Enjoy your weekend, Conrad."

He reached out before you took another step, placing his hand at the curve of your waist. "Walk with me back to the lab and I'll drive you home."

The sound of a fist slamming down on one of the tables made you take a step back from his hold. You didn't have to look to know who it was or what caused the outburst. "I-I really don't wanna be a bother, it's fine. Really. I can take care of myself."

You tried to step forward again, making him stand from his seat, placing a large hand on your shoulder before running down the length of your arm to lace his fingers between yours. "You could never be a bother for me, Y/L/N," he spoke softly, lightly touching your chin with his other hand. "Come on."

For the most part throughout the drive to your place, he was touching you. Whether it be holding your hand between stoplights to make you stop picking at your fingernails, or rubbing circles on your knee to stop you from fidgeting, all the while keeping his other hand steadily on the wheel.

It was hands down one of the most illegally distractingly attractive things you'd ever seen. A sight that you thought was only reserved for leading ladies in those romance books you read, definitely not something you were supposed to experience in your lifetime.

It had you fighting back the urge to pout when you saw your house start to come into view, knowing that in a few short moments it would all be over. He gave your knee a light squeeze once he'd pulled up in front of your hourse, making quick work to make his way around the front of his car to open the door for you and undo your seatbelt.

The combined scent of his woodsy citrusy cologne and something that was just uniquely him seared itself into your brain as his face was mere inches from yours. He made it even worse reaching for your hand to hold you steady while you stepped out of the car.

"Thanks, Conrad," you muttered when you got to your door, your mind spinning from the feel of him running his thumb across your knuckles. "You should uhm…probably get going. Don't wanna keep you from any other plans you might have tonight."

You felt your pulse start beating furiously at your neck when he answered you. "What plans?"

Didn't Pearson have a full blown meltdown over him talking about a hot date and then seeing you with him at dinner? What the fuck was he going on about?

"Come on, Conrad, you don't have to pretend, it's just us here. Pearson practically yanked my spine from my throat earlier at the restaurant harping on about you having plans tonight so really, I'm sure you have better things to do on a Friday night you don't have to feel like you're…I don't know, obligated? To spend time with me. And at least you'll stop looking like you're doing some weird pity charity work, too--"

"Y/N, stop." He took a step toward you, closing the distance and framed your face in his large hands. "The only plans I had for tonight were with you. Do you remember what I told you all those months ago, that first night I came here?" You only stared at him blankly, wordlessly prompting him to answer it himself. "I wanted to let you know that I'm here. For you. And I still am. I always will be."

Before you could respond, he leaned in, pressing a delicate kiss to your lips. Fleeting, but it resumed the near violent fluttering in your stomach from the contact. He gave you no time to react before he pressed his lips to yours again, wrapping his arms around you and cradling your head with his hand before pressing you against the door.

"Look at me, sweetheart," he breathed out when he broke the kiss. Your breath hitched in the back of your throat when you saw how dilated his pupils had become after that kiss. "How is it that you're so observant of everything around you and yet you fail to see what's right in front of you?"

"Conrad what--"

"How could you look at me and not see a man so desperately, so irretrievably in love?"

You swore all the air left your lungs at his words. In love? No. This couldn't be real. This was beyond simply improbable, this was impossible.

There was no way on this Earth that he felt the same.

"I can almost hear the gears in your brilliant mind turning, Y/L/N," he said softly, weaving his fingers into your hair as he proceeded to press tender kisses on your temple and the side of your face. "Invite me inside. Let me take you to your bedroom. Let me show you what you mean to me."

Before you could think about it any longer, you wordlessly slipped your key into his hand, slowly nodding your head. The only response you got from him was him latching his lips onto your neck, groaning into your skin as he lifted you off the ground with one arm, unlocking your door with the other.

He'd carried you all the way upstairs to your bedroom, constantly pressing a kiss wherever his lips could reach. When he started fumbling for the light switch, you tried to hold out your hand to stop him. "No lights," you muttered. If you wanted this to go anywhere even remotely good tonight, that would require him not running for the hills the second he got you naked.

"Without the lights, I can't see you, sweet girl," he said back teasingly, kissing along your jawline until he captured your lips, smiling into the kiss.

"Exactly," you murmured against his lips, causing him to chuckle against your skin.

"Seeing you is the best part of my day," he told you simply, flipping the switch on and bathing your bedroom in a warm white glow. Your heart skipped a beat at the sight of the brilliant smile he gave you once he saw your face. "There you are."

He set you down on your feet, touching the top button of your shirt with a question in his eyes, only proceeding to undo the button when you have him a slight nod. Once enough skin was exposed to him, he started to trace a line of kisses across your collarbone, running his hands down your arms to strip the shirt off from you. And then he sent your mind racing as he gave you the same treatment working both your pants and panties down your legs.

"I've dreamed of this since the island," he whispered into your skin, kissing his way back up to your lips as he reached behind you, unclasping your bra. "Lie down on the bed, my love. Let me see you."

He kept your hand in his as you lowered yourself to lie on your back, your heart thundering in your chest and your lip quivering as his eyes hungrily roamed your body. Thoughts began to swim in your head again, of how different, how much less toned nearly all parts of you were compared to him. Compared to the women he'd been with before. You tried to pull your hand away from his, to start to cover yourself.

Once he realized what you were about to do, he moved to hover over you on the bed, placing his hand in the space between your arm and your torso to block your way. "No," he said simply before leaning down to press a kiss to your lips. "Don't hide yourself from me." He kissed his way down your neck to your chest, paying close attention to your breasts, holding you steady as you squirmed under him while he kissed and sucked your nipples into stiff peaks.

"Conrad…" Your voice came out faint, the air too thick to breathe while you drowned in his attentions. His lips moved down your stomach, peppering kisses along your mound before placing his hands on your inner thighs and gently parting your legs, opening yourself more to him.

You clenched around nothing watching him lick his lips before his eyes found yours, desperate whimpers coming out of you when he started kissing along your inner thighs. The ache between your legs started to grow stronger the closer his mouth got to where you craved him.

"Conrad!" Your back arched off the bed when he licked up the length of your slit and pressed a fleeting open-mouthed kiss to your clit.

"Lay back down, sweetheart." Your back immediately met the mattress again at his soft spoken order, your stomach fluttering violently again at the sight of him standing over you and pulling his shirt over his head. "You are the most breathtaking sight," he breathed out. "My love…"

"Could say the same from here," you shot back, still struggling to breathe properly under his gaze. The air was practically stuck in your throat the second his hands went to his pants, taking his time to undo his belt and pants, every muscle on his perfectly sculpted body moving and flexing as if he was trying to seduce you with such a seemingly mundane action.

As if he needed to seduce you.

The sound that came out of you was borderline inhuman the second he pushed his pants down his legs, and you'd gotten a good look at the sheer size of him. There's no way that's gonna fit, you thought nervously. "Conrad, I don't--" You huffed out a deflated sigh. "It's been an embarrassingly long while since I've--"

"It's alright, sweetheart." He quickly made his way back to his position on the bed, pressing a line of kisses along your jaw until he reached your lips, making an almost relieved sound against your lips. "We'll go slow. Please just tell me if I hurt you, that's the last thing I'd ever want."

Your eyes flew open at the feel of his length pressing against your entrance, your walls stretching just shy of the point of discomfort as you accommodated to his size. Any other thoughts and doubts in your mind took a backseat to the sound of Conrad's soft groans as he inched his way into you.

You'd never felt this unbelievably full.

He moaned your name in your ear. "Like you were made for me." He pressed his lips to your temple, the gesture somewhat calming your erratically beating heart. "I'll keep going now."

"Wait Conrad you what--Oh!" You felt a thrill at the back of your head once he pushed even further in, more arousal rushing and slickening your inner walls clenching around him as if pulling him deeper into you. All you could utter over the overwhelming pleasure he was subjecting you to was a faint whimper of his name.

"I love you, Y/N," he sighed in contentment, his warm exhale hitting your already heated skin before he resumed kissing along the side of your face.

"Don't say that," you blurted out. "You don't have to--"

"I want to," he cut you off, moving his head to capture your lips in a heated kiss, his tongue licking at your bottom lip. "I've wanted to tell you for so long please don't tell me to stop. I can't--"

"No one's ever said it. Not to me. I'm not--I've never been--"

Your words stilled him. He rested his forehead on yours, the tip of his nose brushing against your own. "All the more reason for me to tell you." He muffled your moan with a kiss when he inched in even more. "I love you." He kissed up your neck, gently capturing your earlobe between his teeth before kissing the same spot. "I'll say it so often everyone around us will be sick of hearing me say the words."

"Conrad…" you cried out when he finally bottomed out, your hips flush together. "Please--"

"I love you." He started moving his hips in slow grinding circles, repeating the words every time he fully entered you.

The words were lodged stubbornly in the back of your throat; all you could utter was his name while your body trembled trying to raise your hips to meet his thrusts. Meanwhile a vicious voice in the back of your mind questioned if this was even real, refusing to accept any reality where a guy like James Conrad actually genuinely fell in love with you.

You lived by the saying that if something sounded too good to be true, then it probably was. And this…this sounded like a chick lit romance novel where the devastatingly handsome decommissioned soldier fell for the nerdy scientist that most days couldn't even bother to check if her hair looked alright from the back.

This was definitely too good to be true. And all you could do now was allow yourself the fleeting opportunity to lose yourself in the pleasure he was more than capable of and seemed quite willing to give you.

And brace yourself for the moment he pulled away. The moment he finally realized that yes. Yes he could do better, actually.

Before you could dwell on it any further, he pulled you out of your spiraling thoughts when his fingers made contact with the throbbing bundle of nerves above your entrance, rubbing at the spot with the same languid pace of his thrusts.

"You feel divine, my love," he moaned in your ear, pressing his lips to a spot behind it that sent your mind reeling, the tension tightening in your stomach even further. "Come for me, Y/N." He upped his pressure on your clit, still keeping the pace with his slow, deep thrusts.

The coiling tension finally snapped when he started sucking at your skin, your walls convulsing around him while your body shook under him, your hold on his shoulder blade weakening until you finally let go, arm landing on the mattress with a soft thud. He stilled his movement inside you, capturing your lips in a tender kiss while you came down from your high.

"I love you," he kept whispering between kisses. The words had you feeling the traitorous tears prickling in the back of your eyes, every part of you filled with the overpowering urge to say them back. Tell him that you felt the same.

Instead you wanted to slap yourself for the question that slipped from your mouth. "Wait what about you?"

The smirk he gave you in response had thrills shooting throughout your body, feeling the faintest tinge of embarrassment in the back of your mind when you felt your pussy clenching around him at the sight. His mouth stretched into a devilish grin as he thrusted into you in return, his eyes filled with an obvious mix of sexual and romantic intent.

"Don't you worry about me, sweetheart," he rasped, starting to slowly grind his hips again. "We're nowhere near done."

He's not coming back. He left the bedroom and give it time, you're gonna hear him leave the house.

You were being irrational, and most of your mind recognized your thoughts for what they were: absolutely batshit crazy and dead wrong. For one, Conrad left the room without a stick of clothing covering him, telling you he was going to get water. He didn't know how to navigate most of your house so it would reasonably take him a few minutes to actually go get it and come back up.

That didn't stop you from making your way to the head of the bed, and crawling under the covers, drawing your knees to your chest as if you were bracing yourself for emotional impact. You caught a glimpse of your reflection on the full-length mirror, instinctively bringing your hand up to your hair to start working at the knots and tangles that developed over the last few hours.

Conrad came back to the room at that moment, holding a water bottle and two cups, giving you a soft smile as he looked on at all the effects from your lovemaking. "You look like an angel…perched on a cloud." He handed you your cup before pouring one for himself, raising an eyebrow at you when you remained sitting motionless and staring at him blankly. "What is it, sweetheart?"

"I just--I thought you were just gonna get for--"

"Myself?" You nodded at him once he finished for you, making him click his tongue in disappointment, realizing what kind of experiences you'd had before. "You're making it too easy for me to spoil you. I could never be so selfish." He briefly touched his glass to yours, the clinking sound filling the room before you both downed your drinks.

Even while he climbed back onto the bed, situating himself beside you and pulling you into his arms, your irrational thoughts that he'll redress himself in a few minutes time and leave plagued your mind.

"You're looking at me like you expect me to disappear," he murmured, lightly tracing along the lines of your face with his fingertips. "What's wrong, Y/N?"

Come on, you stupid little scaredy cat just tell him. Three words. Three monosyllabic words so simple a kid can say them. Just say it.

"You're still here," you blurted out, immediately wanting to swallow your tongue when his face dropped.

Wrong three words, you fucking idiot.

"Do you want me to leave?" His words came out strained, as if it physically hurt him to say them.

"No, I don't. It's just…I expect it. And if I can be honest I'm still kind of…waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

You pursed your lips, a part of you already feeling silly for the words about to come out your mouth. "Post-coital clarity?"

He let out a slow sigh, his hold tightening around you while he cupped your face with his free hand, stroking along your cheekbone with his thumb. "And what in the world is that?"

"It's this--Honestly it's silly, really--"

"It doesn't seem silly to you." He leaned in to press a soft kiss to your lips, pulling you closer when you melted against him at the gesture. "So it's not silly to me. Tell me what it is."

You took a deep breath, your fingers absentmindedly tracing along the lines on his abdomen while you explained. "It's this phenomena that…once you've slept with someone, the attraction goes away. Your mind's more clear, you're no longer overpowered by this attraction and you realize that the person you just had sex with isn't as appealing as they were before you got together."

It took him a few seconds before he spoke again, maneuvering you so that you were now on top of him, straddling his stomach, his hands skimming up and down your sides.

"Why is it so hard for you to accept that I love you?"

The question seemed so ridiculous to you. "Because nobody ever has. Nobody does--"

"You're wrong," he cut you off, pulling you close until your chests were pressed together. "I know it might not happen often but it's happening now. You're wrong, and I'm living proof of it. Because I'm here. I'm here and I love you. The only clarity that came to me is that I want more than anything for us to become more. For what we shared tonight be more than a one-time thing."

He wrapped his arms tighter around you, pulling you into a tender kiss that had your heart fluttering when he licked into your mouth, his tongue gliding against yours. "I'm no good with words," you said breathlessly when he broke the kiss, his chest heaving against yours. "I've never been able to say how I feel, I can't--"

"Shh it's alright, sweetheart," he breathed, holding you by the back of your neck to rest your forehead against his. "You don't need those fancy words you use in your report. It's just us here. Whatever you wish to tell me, in the plainest words--"

"I love you, too."

A/N: I've finally finished this mega chonker of a piece! And I've given 'you deserve better' Conrad his happy ending with his precious bb 🥹🥹

Next up is the final story in the Kinktober 2023 initial goal: Fingering with President Loki 😳👀 And lemme just tell y'all now…it's gonna be at least 2k words long because I haven't even gotten to the smutting yet 🥴

'everything' taglist: @simplyholl @loopsisloops @imalovernotahater @coldnique @loz-3 @huntress-artemiss @salempoe @vickie5446 @athalialaufeyson @lokiprompts @kats72 @kikster606 @asgards-princess-of-mischief @lokixryss @thomase1 @mischief2sarawr @peaches1958 @lovingchoices14 @lunarnights95 @goblingirlsarah @iamlokisgloriouspurpose @creationsbyme @maple-seed @mjsthrillernp @ladyofthestayingpower @mygfloki @sititran @glitterylokislut @ozymdias @fictive-sl0th  @lokidbadguy @mochie85 @silverfire475 @joyful-enchantress @elizabethmidnight2017 @holdmytesseract @smolvenger @gigglingtiggerv2 @lokidokieokie @superficialdomina @anukulee @kmc1989 @november-rayne @goddessofwonderland @buttercupcookies-blog

Kinktober taglist: @azula-karai-27

[on-a-lucky-tide]

So, I've been doing some reading and I think John Price is based on John Thomas "Mac" McAleese. He was a Scottish soldier who fought with the Royal Engineers and the SAS.

He joined the Royal Engineers in 1969, and in 1973 passed the AACC, which earned him the green beret and a transfer to 59 Independent Commando, Royal Engineers. In 1975, he transferred into the SAS.

He was a lance corporal in 1980, serving in Pagoda Troop, 'B' Squadron, 22 SAS Regiment, when he led "Blue Team" in the storming of the Iranian Embassy in London during a hostage siege in May 1980 (his most famous contribution). The guy literally busted in with a submachine gun and a bunch of explosives. It was broadcast live.

McAleese was also involved in the Falklands War in 1982, and in The Troubles and served as a bodyguard for three Prime Ministers.

Oh, and the kicker? This is him. He died in 2011.

Maybe Macmillan is a dedication to his name and Price is a dedication to his... everything else?