#The tournament for Nappy

[mandatorycommunistbrunchhour]

The tournament for Nappy (winner)

They won yay (I’m dead inside)

Their marriage did not exactly go as planned. . . they immediately started fighting over Nappy.

A wild Russian tsar has appeared, gasp

The actual winner, tsar Alexander

[hot-take-tournament]

(So... hi! It's me again! Well, kinda - I should be asleep by now... I just put together a queue before I went to sleep so hopefully (if tumblr decided to play ball) you should have been getting polls for the last couple hours, and that should continue for a little while. I need my beauty sleep, but I promise I'll catch up with you all soon <3)

HOT TAKE TOURNAMENT

POST PRE PRELIMINARY #126

Submission 433

i think the feeling like youre falling thing as youre abt to sleep is really fun and helps me relax

its just good?? like idk why people say theyre woken up by it. to me it always felt like i was floating away on my silly little boat to the dreamland of nappies and i cherish the feeling bc it means my sleep will be good

Shh...! Pre-preliminaries will be used to determine what qualifies as a hot take! Propaganda is encouraged!

Also, remember to reblog your favourite polls for exposure! Sweet dreams <3!

[nuatthebeach]

you knew that i'm a mastermind, and now you're mine

comment here on AO3.

mastermind may be an unlikely choice from Taylor Swift's Midnights, but i hope this short fic explains why it's the right one. more on that here.

gifted to @corneliaavenue for ranting with me about this damn album and finding new ways to apply its songs to hinny every day.

At first glance, the press can feel quite irritating.

Not in the she's-Harry-bloody-Potter's-wife sort of way - though there is plenty of that kind too, don't get her wrong - but in the you-are-famous-so-you-must-be-asked-all-sorts-of-intrusive-questions kind of way.

Over the years, she's come up with methods to circumvent those, and she finds herself fairly satisfied with the results.

Ginny flicks her eyes to her watch and claps her palms together. "Right, you lot. You know the rules: one hour, free for all," she raises her eyebrows in question, "Except for?"

"Respect boundaries, no use of passive aggressive questions, don't bring up Mr. Potter, limit discussions to Quidditch but deviations are allowed if not intrusively personal," the small press group chants obediently before one adult with rough skin tacks on, "And absolutely zero tolerance for any - and I quote from you directly - '1950s shite that implies anything about being the Chosen One's baby factory.' We should know better, and we should be better."

She grins, eyes brightening. "Correct, Peter! You learn quick! How are the kids, by the way? Sarah finally crawling?"

"Yes, Mrs. Potter, but we've got a new problem, unfortunately. Changing her nappy has become a bit difficult."

Ginny can tell. The man's hairline is already beginning to recede at the tender age of thirty eight, poor thing. She's not too much of a cow to point that out, of course.

"Ah, well, changing a nappy is a two person job," she states instead, "Maybe get Meghan to hold her arms down?"

"That won't stop her kicking, I suppose. But it is a start."

"And you, Sully?" she turns her attention to the lanky man standing in the back right, the words 'Highway to Hell' spilled colorfully on his shirt, ever the lover of Muggle music that he is. "Did you try that Indian restaurant I told you about last meeting? Remember we talked about expanding your palate to something a bit more…tasteful?"

He smiles a gap-filled smile, his remaining enamel a perfect match to the withering gray of his hair. At least one can't sue The Daily Prophet for ageism, she thinks off-handedly.

"Yes, I did. The curries were to die for. I've got a recommendation for you too, if you'd like."

Remembering his past insistence that she should give a taste for haggis, a quite fascinating Scottish delicacy of a sheep's heart, liver, and lungs mixed intricately with oatmeal and onions, Ginny fights to keep the smile on her face.

"Er, yeah, Sully, let's circle back to that, for sure."

One woman in the front raises her brightly manicured hand, practically bouncing in her eagerness to ask her first question. Ginny obliges, noting that she's among the newer, younger faces. "Hi, Gi - er, Mrs. Potter…I'm Jasmine! I've been cheering for you since your starting position with the Harpies! As someone who has also grown up in a testosterone-fueled house, I can tell you that seeing you earn a place in every league, every tournament you've been in has just - I am honor - I mean, you're just so amazing, and I - fuck, okay, I'll wrap this up."

Ginny laughs, startled but pleasantly so. She mouths a quick 'thank you,' touched beyond words.

Jasmine takes a deep breath and struggles to morph her expression to the likes of the other serious faces around her, self-consciously tucking a piece of chestnut hair behind her ear. Ginny wishes she wouldn't. Her energy is refreshing. She promises to tell her this one day.

"Since your projected wins have been accurate thus far, my question is, what do the stats say about the likelihood of the upcoming game resulting in the Chudley Cannons ranking above the Ballycastle Bats for the first time in seven years? They've certainly pulled their weight this season."

"Well, if you asked my brother, he'd say 100%, but since I'm obligated to tell the objective truth…" They all laugh appreciatively, and Jasmine's smile returns to the avid nature it once was. "On a more informative note, though, I'd say the realistic chances are…"

And this goes on for a while, the push and pull of conversation and banter, like gentle waves yielding to an easy tide, and this, this is the energy Ginny wishes she had been surrounded with throughout her professional life so far. She had never once blamed this particular lack on Harry, of course, for only a dimwit would believe he had somehow orchestrated this whole thing.

And if he still believes this sometimes, he's her dimwit, so he doesn't really count.

And it's not like she cares about what other people think.

Though it is another thing entirely to say it can't be a pain in the arse sometimes. A nail in an already infected foot.

But she refuses to let that bring her down.

It's her life, and she weaves the web of her own destiny. After all, she's spent enough time letting people use shears to tear them down.

"Mrs. Potter, I don't believe you ever addressed your oldest rumor back in your Hogwarts days?"

Ah, she spoke too soon. The Shear Personified.

"It's been overheard from several of your old classmates that Mr. Potter has identified you in his Amortentia during potions class." Oh, Jeffree, don't do it. You were quiet for so long. As you should have remained. "I mean, has there ever been an instance where you slipped in a love potion, let's say, in his pumpkin juice during breakfast? At least once?" I could have introduced you to Aunt Muriel, and you could have been miserable gossips together. "It's just a bit hard to believe - "

She doesn't even have to open her mouth because all of a sudden, the small crowd starts to chatter angrily, glaring at the admittedly social-cues-lacking middle-aged man.

"Boo," gap-toothed Sully chants, throwing his unlit cigarette butt in an aimless direction.

"Poor form, mate," Peter's head shaking causes a child's toy to go off in his nappy bag. "You should know the rules by now."

"Get. Out." This high-pitched but firm squeak is from Jasmine herself, and it's honestly more effective than any of the group's efforts thus far.

Ginny looks around at the mayhem, touched that her little fan circle is responding so strongly on her behalf.

It means the world, truly, considering that she'd gotten comfortable with the accusations and hate for so long, she forgot it had ever bothered her.

The turn of her lips, though slight, is full of awe, taking in the sight around her.

When the din finally quiets enough, she catches the end of Jeffree's defensive words: "All I am saying is that they were adolescents when they first got together, and reports say - "

"Who gives a damn what reports say?!"

"Er, thank you, Jasmine. Reports say that he was soon on the run for months, and - and - " he falters when he sees Ginny's cutthroat eyes, clearing his throat, "even at the last game, there are images of Mr. Potter staring in a 'daze that rivals a sacrificial victim ensnared by an enchantress,' to quote your own colleague Rita Skeeter - "

"Well, I'm glad Rita finds me enchanting," Ginny cuts in dryly, "But what are these images that you keep babbling about? At least have the gall to put your money where your mouth is before throwing accusations in the middle of a private press meeting."

With irritatingly un-shaky hands, Jeffree pulls out the "Exclusive Celebrity Papers," a Rita Skeeter new edition - as if she's written anything else in the past - and jabs at the pictures with one stubby finger.

She narrows her eyes, observing grainy-image-Harry gaping at grainy-image-Ginny, who had been commentating that day for the recent Appleby Arrows and Tutshill Tornados match, his gaze utterly distracted and…unfocused.

That is peculiar, Ginny wonders. Was it possible that he was stupefied earlier that day at work? No, the spell doesn't usually last that long, and he would have told her if he was, and besides, she's seen that look before she just can't place it -

And then, Ginny sees where exactly he's ogling at, and everything immediately clicks together.

"I know love potions are supposed to bring about feelings of lust, but I hate to break it to you, those trousers are known to do the same."

Her crowd laughs appreciatively, and Jasmine lets out a hearty whoop.

At this point, Jeffree's cheeks are a deep maroon.

"That - that's not very appropriate."

Ginny rolls her eyes. "Neither are your questions. I have a fit arse. My husband knows this. The sun rises in the east. Celery is a shite vegetable. Life goes on."

"Oh, please."

Great, here comes Ginny's least favorite part of these press meetings. She had been foolish to think it was put in the past, but alas.

When a man feels hurt that their ego isn't stroked, they spend their time feeling the need to let everyone know, thinking they'll care.

Like a child crying for attention. Only with these types of men, it's not a phase.

"Let's not pretend that everyone here is not wondering the same thing," the prat starts, "What, you think they care what restaurant taste you have? Your daycare advice? We all came here for one thing. A story."

This sends the room in a heated flurry again, but Ginny cuts it short, her biting remark a crisp breeze on a two-in-the-morning walk home.

"I don't need a love potion for my own husband to want me. And I don't care what you think your opinion is."

She skips, of course, the rant thrumming deep within her veins about how she, of all people, would know on a personal level what it's like to lose autonomy and would be the last to take it away from someone else. Such an obvious argument would only go over this dense sack's head.

Besides, she doesn't owe anyone any explanation.

Instead, she settles the building friction in the room with a cool: "But if you dare insult anyone in this room again, you'll find that the next story you cover is the one outside the toilets of the Ministry. And spoiler alert, entries into the departments are not all they use them for."

The rest of the press - no, her friends - cheers in delighted unison, Jasmine going so far as to hold the door for Jeffree's exit.

Sully swipes Rita's paper from his hand and rips it in two.

xxx

Harry laughs, listening attentively to Ginny's recount of the entire debacle, peppering remarks of "it is a great arse" and "if I see Jeffree covering the toilet entries I'll be sure to leave the seat up" and "ah, classic Sully. Maybe we should try the haggis he's always talking about," to which Ginny replies "or maybe we shouldn't" and grins as he affirms "yeah, maybe we shouldn't."

When their low-lit living room falls to a hush, Harry leans into Ginny's side, refilling her wine without her asking, and she ponders at how being with him just fits.

Like dominoes cascading in a line.

She puts her glass down and snuggles under his chin, preferring his clean scent as her method of intoxication instead.

"It's amazing," he breaks the companionable silence after a while, rubbing her back.

She lifts her head curiously.

"Only you could turn around a whole group of paparazzi and make them not only respect your boundaries but adore you. As a person. You just win over people so easily."

Ginny laughs and playfully nudges her elbow into his side, pressing her forehead to his. She knows he's really saying You win me over too, you know. Every day.

And all the rich colors of the grass around the world can't capture the natural comfort that his sage eyes make her feel.

She just has one final, teasing question to ask him.

"I mean, are you really surprised?"

His smirk is wide.

"Not in the least."

[armagnac-army]

How will you deal with pathetic wet cat Nappy when he’s crying in your arms at 2pm because he lost an internet poll

Bonaparte its just a stupid internet ballot and look at all those people who voted for your stupid ass they all think your sexy for some reason!

Stop crying and come hug your best friend you stupid nerd!

And besides

ill win the tournament for both of us >;]

[helenaheissner]

Love During Robot Fighting Time: Chapter 1

Hello, lovelies! This is just a fun little side-project of mine that I’ve decided to start serializing. It’s a little off my usual beaten path, as it’s a realistic romantic comedy story (albeit about some very nerdy subject matter), but I hope you enjoy it just as much as my other stories!

Just a quick reminder that you can support my work by becoming a paid subscriber, as well as by purchasing my ebooks for “A Dream of Summer Rain” and “Magical Girl Exorcist Squad.”

***

Chapter 1

Keith

“No, no, NOOOO!” I screamed as my robot took a drill to the undercarriage. Frank’s Dai Guren, an orange and red abomination of five drills on four wheels, penetrated my Polyphemus, a purple and green vertical spinner with a hacksaw blade that had been obliterated within the first minute of the match. And that was before Frank had gotten under me with his rotating maw of drills and pinned me against the wall of the arena and started going right on into me. 

“OH MY GOD, CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS! DAI GURREN IS PERFORMING OPEN HEART SURGERY ON POLYPHEMUS! Frank Watanabe is eviscerating Keith Calloway right now! Absolutely destroying him!” Marty Weston, a tall and stocky white guy who was clearly on a lot of cocaine whenever he was on the job, bellowed from behind the plexiglass screen of the announcer’s booth. 

His compatriot, Derek Benes, an absolutely shredded black man in his early thirties with a shaved head and a voice lower and smoother than an old time radio announcer’s, responded in a mildly calmer manner, “I think this is the first time we’ve seen Keith Calloway speechless this whole tournament, Marty!”

I grimaced. I hated my name enough without hearing other people say it. Couldn’t they just say my robot’s name instead? What was so hard about that?

Not that there was much of a robot left at this point. Dai Guren was tearing Polyphemus to shreds. I was gonna have to build an entirely new bot at this point. 

“Well I think this is the first time we’ve seen this much of a reaction from Frank Watanabe, Derek!”

He was referring, of course, to the fact that Frank’s normally steely stoicism had finally cracked at his sheer fucking delight of having beaten me like this. I grinded my teeth and tried my hardest not to swear that top of my lungs as Frank threw his head back and cackled. 

Maybe going into this match bragging about how I was gonna humiliate him and his team had been a bad idea. 

… Look, someone has to play the heel, okay? 

Frank was a short, skinny Japanese-American boy who shared my twenty-two years of age. His shaggy black hair constantly threatened to cover his face. His girlfriend, Olivia Root, a curvy and shapely black girl with a wild mane of nappy hair, flanked him in the copilots section of the blue square, alongside their friend and chief mechanic Zeke Underhill, a tan young man with neatly-trimmed raven hair. A smile had finally appeared on Frank’s normally blank face, all smug and self-satisfied as he finished me off. 

“AND THAT IS IT! DAI GUREN and Frank Watanabe have done it! The twenty-two year old genius from Loyola Marymount University has won his first Robot Fighting championship, during his first year in the pros! Can you believe it?!”

I sure as shit couldn’t. 

I watched as the attendants scooped up the obliterated remains of my crowning glory, my beautiful, beautiful Polyphemus off of the arena floor and began moving it back into the pits. I slinked away with my head held low, my gaze so fixed on my shoes I could barely so I didn’t have to look anyone in the eyes. My chest was an empty cavity of shame and disappointment; part of me wanted to cry, but the tears just wouldn’t come. They hadn’t in a long time- I honestly don’t remember the last time I actually, openly wept. Maybe when I was like… Eleven? When my first dog had died? I guess that’s a more appropriate death to cry over than an inanimate machine, but still, winning this tournament had been my dream since I was at least eleven, so you’d think I’d at least be able to shed an errant tear or two. 

Oh fucking well, I guess. 

My hands jammed in my pockets, I skulked away from the spotlight and the cheering fans… and the jeering ones hurling obscenities at me. Not surprising- I played my part a little too well, and there are few things as satisfying as watching a conceited asshole completely fail to deliver on his own self-imposed hype. 

Maybe I shouldn’t have said, ‘I’m going to make everyone cry for mama’ on camera at the beginning of the tourney. 

I crawled into the pit, a brightly lit room with rows of LED lights hanging overhead. I’d like to think nobody in there was staring at me, but like… I’d just lost. It didn’t seem likely they were staring at the empty doorway behind me.

Nate Haverfield, a portly middle-aged white guy with a big bushy black beard, was on my left tinkering with his ‘bot, a behemoth of an all-black horizontal spinner called Ansible. I’d beaten him in the first round of the tournament, and his eyes lit up with delight when he saw me. 

“Well, well, wellllllll, look who it is,” Haverfield said, “If it isn’t big bad Calloway. How you doing, Princess?”

I grinded my teeth as my heart-rate spiked and my fists balled on reflex. He’d taken to calling me that since day one on account of my long, messy brown hair. 

“Hm,” I grunted. Good, that would throw him off- don’t give him anything to work with, he won’t be able to give me any grief.

“What’s the matter, too chickenshit to say anything?” Haverfield said, throwing his head back and laughing. 

Ignore him, ignore him, ignore him-

I stared down at the broken pile of shrapnel my bot had been reduced to. I grabbed a wrench and started loosening the bolts, letting myself get lost in the work. 

A few people talked around me as I disassembled my robot into as many salvageable components as I could muster. By the time I was done, I had maybe enough left to turn into a quarter of a regulation-sized machine for next year. The rest… I could make some money selling it as scrap metal. The cheapskates in the engineering program at my old community college would probably rip me off, but it was worth a shot. 

I put everything on a cart and started hauling it through the now-empty garage. Only one overhead light was on every half-dozen feet, and the silence in the garage was, to use a time-honored cliche, deafening. Everyone had cleared out an hour ago- the crowd, the crew, the announcers, and all the contestants. The season was over, the victor was crowned, everyone was either out partying or at home with their families. 

I sighed. I wasn’t particularly interested in the former, given the amount of mocking I’d probably be subjected to, and it wasn’t like anyone was waiting for me at home with my folks both out of town. I wondered if they’d had the pleasure of watching their son get humiliated on cable television. 

I trailed across the empty garage, where I found, of all the damn people in the whole damn City of Angels, Frank Watanabe leaning in the doorway with a haunted look on his face. Hands jammed in his pockets, shaggy black hair practically covering his face. He was staring at the ceiling like he was looking for something, the orange glow of the exit sign casting a harsh light onto his sallow, acne-marked face. 

I gulped. Oh joy to the freaking world, this freaking guy had been standing there waiting for me to show up so he could gloat without fear of anyone seeing him and judging him for going too far. I was in for it now. He hadn’t even brought the rest of his team- he’d wanted to do this personally. 

What an ass. 

May as well get this over with. Try to retain some miniscule portion of my dignity.

“Hey,” I said. 

Frank just stood there, staring up at nothing. The only sound was the faint buzz of the electric sign. 

“Uh, good fight,” I said. 

Still nothing. 

“You, uh, you really gave me a good beating,” I said. “The best man won.” The word, the ‘m’ word, felt weird. It always did. It had gotten worse in the past five years, since I’d turned eighteen, and it had started applying to me. The ‘b’ word had always been weird as well- I’d never been able to put my finger on why. Just would have rather been called a person, I guess. 

I guess Frank had a complicated relationship with the word too, because that was when he started crying. Not much at first, just a few strings of tears falling down from his eyes, but then one of them hit his forearm, and he started blinking and looking down, as if finally realizing he was crying. 

“Hey, uh, are you alright?” I asked.   

He turned to me, as only then registering who I was, and his normally blank face twisted into the most irate scowl I’d seen since high school. “FUCK OFF! JUST FUCK OFF ALREADY, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE! FUCK! OFF!”

I stepped back, gulping. I blinked rapidly, my heart-rate shooting way, way up and echoing inside my ear drums. My hands started shaking, and a tightness went through my chest. I wanted to scream, wanted to hurl obscenities, wanted to step over a line and get very personal and brutal with my insults… But the energy just wasn’t there. 

I wanted to cry too, but the tears were still nowhere to be found. 

“Just let me through, I’ll be out of your way,” I mumbled, not making eye contact. 

“What?!” he sneered. 

“You’re blocking the exit, idiot,” I glared. 

His jaw dropped, but then he did a double-take. “Oh. Um. Right.”

He made way, and I ambled out into the darkened, mostly empty parking lot. 

“Frankie?” a masculine voice trilled behind me. “What’s- oh boy. Hey, hold up a sec!”

I stopped beneath the light of a streetlamp, the Los Angeles air and light pollution blotting out the stars in spite of the otherwise clear night sky offering no obstruction. I turned around and faced Zeke Underhill. 

“What?” I demanded. 

“What did you say to h… Him?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I said. “Just… It was a good fight. The better bot won. That’s all.”

“That’s all?” Zeke said. “You didn’t say anything else? Nothing needlessly hostile? No grandstanding or attempts at dick-measuring?”

“What? No, why the hell would I do that?”

“Because you’ve been a complete dick most of the season. I wouldn’t put it past you to be a sore loser,” Zeke said. 

I opened my mouth, and a dull sort of grunt came out, but I stopped short of actually offering a rebuttal. He wasn’t wrong. Still… He wasn’t quite right either. I had to defend myself. And I was officially sick of being pegged as something I’m not. “I play to the crowd. The audience loves a heel, so I give them one! That’s it! Why does everyone always think I’m like that when the cameras aren’t rolling?” I said.

“Because you don’t really give us much else to work with, dude,” Zeke said. 

I flinched. There was another epithet I hated. “You know what? Fine You’ve got me. That’s who I am, I guess! Clearly you all know me better than I know myself! Fine. I’m the asshole. Tell your little buddy that he can rest easy knowing he killed the big bad jerk and his ugly fucking robot.”

Zeke hesitated, then said, “Okay, look, why don’t you just tell me what happened then-”

“You don’t care,” I said. “None of you do. And I don’t need you to. I’m a one-person band, and that’s how I like it. I’ll see you next year, and your stupid friend and his stupid girlfriend too.”

“Hey, um, maybe I was a little rash here. I’m sorry for-”

“Save it,” I said, hauling my wagon over to my beat-up blue pick-up truck. I loaded everything into my trunk then climbed into the front and drove myself home. 

My parents and I lived in Venice Beach, and before you say anything, no, we’re not rich. Quite the opposite, in fact. We owned a small clothing shop a handful of blocks from the water and lived in the cramped apartment above it. 

With the folks out of town for a small business owners convention, it was just me. 

I thought about getting drunk by myself off of my parents’ liquor cabinet; thought about turning on some heavy metal and letting the shower pelt me with water so long it turned cold; thought about ordering an extra large pineapple, bacon, and jalapeno pizza and eating the entire damn thing myself in one night. 

Instead, I decided to get to work. 

But not before a bit of balm on my wounded vanity: I went into my room and dug out the bra and panties I had stashed away in the back of my closet. I stripped, slid them on, and then redressed, and, save for the slight bump in my chest afforded to me by the empty bra, nobody would be the wiser even if they saw me. 

Not that they ever would. This was a part of me that didn’t leave my house, didn’t leave my room unless my parents were both gone. It started at my twelfth birthday party. We’d been playing truth or dare, of all things, and my then-friend dared me to go into my parents’ shop and try on a pair of panties. I don’t think he’d actually expected me to do it, and the look on his face was the funniest thing I’d ever seen (granted I was twelve, so the bar was lower back then). What was less funny was the way it had made me feel: good. Nice and warm. Comfy. Cute, even. 

So cute it gave me a… Reaction. 

Pretty perverted, right? There were real, actual trans people out there in the world, struggling every day to be the people they wanted to be, and then there were sick little freaks like me who appropriated that struggle for some weird fetish. Unfortunately, one taste and I was hooked, and I managed to acquire an underwear set for myself a couple years later through a place in Santa Monica I knew would be nice enough not to tell anyone. 

Warm and fuzzy in my undergarments like the dumb little pervert I was, I went down into my garage and got to work. I had eleven months to prepare for the next tournament, and by God, I was gonna show those Team Dai Gurren assholes what for. They thought I was a heel now, they ain’t seen nothing yet. 

Eleven Months Later

The small but passionate crowd cheered in the stands as the first fight of the season ended. I was up next, and it was the match I’d been hoping for, praying for, begging for. Team Dai Gurren. 

Assuming they weren’t gonna miss the match through their damn tardiness!

I looked at my new bot: Polyphemus 2.0 had a few new tricks up her sleeve, not the least of which being the katana protruding from her front. Okay, more like a short-sword, but you get the idea. The point was, I now had a melee weapon that wouldn’t break as easily, wouldn’t short out, would be just fine. And that was in addition to the flamethrowers strapped to both sides, modified super-soakers filled with gasoline and with a flint attached to the front that would spark whenever I squeezed the trigger. 

I waited in the wings, controller in hand, bot at the ready. I made sure for the millionth time that my black Gundam t-shirt was tucked into my baggy blue jeans. I didn’t need anyone seeing my panties. I’d taken to wearing them outside occasionally, just as a mild stress-ventilator that went with me wherever I went. And stress-relief was something my stomach ache had been demanding that day, so I decided to take a risk. 

Honestly, it felt pretty great wearing them outside the house: like I was getting away with something, putting one over on everybody. There was a weirdo with a cringey, offensive, culturally-appropriative fetish walking amongst them, and nobody had any idea. Hah. Idiots. 

Finally, I got the go-ahead, and stepped out into the crowd. The cheers turned to boos and laughter within seconds. I winced as I piloted Polyphemus towards the battle box. Whatever, I deserved this. May as well have fun with it. 

I found a bubble of maniacal laughter in the chaos of my aching stomach, and let it rise to the surface. I cackled like the maniacal supervillain my enemies demanded I be, plastering a fake smile to my face as I drank in the rush of it all. 

  I took my place in the red square as my name was called and my introduction delivered. 

I looked over towards the blue square, and found the familiar face of Zeke Underhill. He’d grown out his hair a few inches, traded the shaggy beard in for a light smattering of stubble that showed off his tan face. His skin had cleared up, and he was wearing a tuxedo, of all freaking things, along with a top-hat and carrying a damn cane! You’ve gotta be kidding me with this hammy weirdo! 

I mean, it was a good look for him, though. Objectively, he looked good. Really good, in fact. His face was honestly quite handsome. Objectively speaking. Said as a fellow male capable of recognizing what looks good as far as male faces go (ie, not mine, but apparently his).

Was I jealous?

Didn’t feel green. 

What was it, then? 

But where was-

“And look at that, Derek, looks like there’s been a few more changes to team Dai Gurren’s lineup,” Marty Weston said in the announcer’s booth on the opposite side of the battle box. 

“No, Marty, I think that’s just a picture of personal growth going on here. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the new and improved Faith Watanabe!”

I’m sorry, what?

Towards the battle box marched a very, very cute girl. She had long black hair worn in a French Braid trailing down her back, was clad in a red sequin mini-skirt and a blue sequin halter top middled by a solid white belt and punctuated by high-heeled white boots. She had golden stud earrings and wore a golden chain necklace, and her gorgeous face was accented perfectly by immaculate, natural-looking makeup. 

I almost, ALMOST, let the single syllable deadname fall out of my mouth, but I caught myself and stammered, “Faith?” instead. She gracefully stepped up to the blue square across from me, shaking her braid and giving it a light tug. 

“Yes, that’s right, Marty, the captain of team Dai Gurren came out as transgender and started her transition between seasons,” Derek said. 

“Good for her!” Marty said. 

I couldn’t stop staring. She was like… Really freaking pretty, okay? It was mesmerizing. 

Fr… Faith looked over at me and gave me a positively EVIL smirk, and then a wink so condescending it may as well have come from a third-rate attorney on a winning streak. 

“LET THE BOT BATTLE BEGIN!” Marty bellowed. 

Faith slammed her hand on her button. 

I yelped and did the same. 

I grabbed a hold of my controller and had Polyphemus charge full-speed ahead for Dai Gurren. The battle box was a perfectly square arena, a floor of concrete with occasional slits within for the rising kill-saws. A rotating set of screws resided on the wall of the left-hand side, while on the right side was a giant metal mallet designed to smash unsuspecting bots from above. 

I dove right in, making it to DG within seconds. Perfect- rebuilding with a lighter shell had given me an edge in terms of speed- DG wasn’t able to dodge in time to completely avoid the first blow from my katana. It cut across DG’s side as the bigger bot swerved out of the way, conjuring a burst of sparks and a harsh scraping sound as a line of metal was carved out of DG. 

“YES!” I screamed without thinking. I pivoted my Poly, letting the blade slice across the front of DG while unleashing a massive burst of fire from my dual flamethrowers. I missed the drills, but carved another scar across DG’s beautiful, perfect face. “HA! SUCK IT!” 

“HAPPILY!” Faith screamed back at me. 

I balked. She didn’t used to chirp back. This was all gonna take a lot of getting used to.

“Keep it together, Faithy,” Zeke said. 

Faithy? What was that- a pet name? Were they dating? Was she taken? 

“CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT, HUH, GIRLY?!” I said, the ugliest smile possible no doubt sprouting on my face like unwanted back hair (aka, back hair). 

I poured on the fire, while DG backtracked and revved up the drills. I was on them like a bulldog with my fangs sunk in, loosing fire and charging with my katana, but DG kept just out of range of my melee weapon. 

I pivoted left around the kill-saws as they plunged up out of the ground, spinning, serrated wheels erupting from slits in the floor, while DG backed directly into them and took a massive buffeting and nearly flipped over. “HA!”

“I swear to God, Calloway, I am gonna make you eat your words!” Faith shouted, her voice dropping to a lower octave that caught me off guard. 

Just long enough for the drills to start running at full speed and for DG to charge straight at me. I charged back, screaming as loud as I possibly could.

Sword met drill. 

Sword won. 

The drill shattered and fell apart after getting hit by the sword. I pushed forward, and this time it was me penetrating her. 

Unfortunately, Zeke pushed further forward while Faith fired up the remaining rotating drills, and suddenly we’d both penetrated each other. 

“OH LOOK AT THAT, DEREK! WE’VE GOT A MURDER-SUICIDE GOING ON HERE! BOTH TEAMS HAVE STABBED THE CRAP OUT OF EACH OTHER AND ARE NOT LETTING UP!” Marty said. 

“Murder-suicide my ass!” I said, laying on more fire and back up. I wriggled free of DG’s hold, then circled around and charged from the side. My katana plunged into the left hand side of DG and pinned it against the wall just under the horizontal hammer as it started whacking from above. It slammed onto DG as I backed out of the way. 

Back up, back up, get some distance, then go for one final charge. Deliver the killing blow, gloat in front of the camera like crazy. “YEAH, THAT’S RIGHT! I’m coming for your crown! I’ll steal it right off your freaking head!”

That was when the kill saws erupted from the ground and took out both my tires on the right hand side of Poly. The rubber around the wheels was eviscerated, and the wheels themselves weren’t in much better shape.  

I gasped. I hit my wheels’ controls, rounding myself out of the way of another blow from the saws, but DG was already charging at me by that point. I went in circles once again, narrowly avoiding the drills while spewing more and more fire. 

And then I stopped moving. 

I blinked. Then I noticed one of my remaining wheel axes caught in the gap in the ground that the kill-saw was supposed to emerge from. 

I spun, and I spun, and I spun. 

“LOOK AT THAT, MARTY! POLYPHEMUS IS STUCK! That insane mobility that Keith Calloway boasts about has worked against it! OH, AND DAI GURREN going in for the killing blow!” Derek said. 

DG rammed into me with its remaining drills and punctured the side of Poly and sent gasoline pouring out onto the arena floor. The drills struck through the canister and against metal, and the spark caused my bot to go up in flames. 

DG pulled back out of the way. When the flames cleared, I was back down to a charred husk of a bot sitting immobile on the arena floor. 

I swore. Loudly. I’m not proud of it. The editors would no doubt bleep it. But still. Not a great look when you’ve just gotten beat up by a girl. 

Why do I say things? I thought. 

Then I looked over at the blue square and saw Faith and Zeke doing a freaking waltz! Are you kidding me!? They had a victory dance now! They dressed like they were going to a party and they danced together to celebrate!?

Dammit! That looked so fun. That was definitely green- I could feel the tinge of jealousy in my mind. I groaned as I slunk away and put the remains of my bot onto a chassis, then slowly hauled it back to the pit while the winners got their interview.

[justswim1209]

Swimming Classes For Adults In Chennai- Just Swim

I've always found swimming to be a challenging skill to learn. Overcoming my worries of maybe drowning was challenging because I had never learned the skill or technique properly. The value of learning to swim will improve my stamina and confidence. Swimming constantly ranks among the most popular public pastimes, particularly in the summer. Swimming is an organized sport with local, international, and national tournaments. It has techniques and advantages. Also, I made the decision to overcome my phobias and learn to swim in a nearby pool while on a summer holiday with family and a coworker. Swimming Classes For Adults In Chennai.

A swim suit is a necessity:-

 While your child would undoubtedly enjoy swimming in swim diapers, which are excellent and don't retain water, in most swim schools, regular diapers are not permitted. Thus, you cannot wear them to swim lessons. Only when wearing the proper clothing, such as swim trunks, a wetsuit, or a good swimsuit, which you can easily purchase at any supermarket, would swimming be fun.

Go swimming prepared:-

Before leaving your house to go swimming, dress your child in a swim diaper. If your baby needs a nappy change while you're driving to the pool, make sure you pack a spare or two. Once you get to the pool, you can cover their wetsuit with trunks or any other type of swimming outfit. This can make your journey a lot simpler. The same applies to you as well, but keep in mind to take extra diapers for your child in addition to your regular pair of pants and your bra.

It is not a good idea to change oneself first, while you are shivering in your swimsuit and leaking chlorinated water all around your infant. It is advisable to wrap your child initially. A mere two and a half hours a week of aerobic exercise, such as jogging, cycling, or swimming, can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. Those who have diabetes and heart disease may also experience better health as a result of this. Comparing swimmers to inactive people, their chance of death is almost half. Swimming Classes For Adults In Chennai.

[theechudar]

I'm in the semi-finals but still have nappies to change: Tatjana Maria

I’m in the semi-finals but still have nappies to change: Tatjana Maria

German Tatjana Maria said it was crazy to be in her first Grand Slam semi-final at the 47th attempt but that being a mum was still her proudest achievement. Maria, 34, came from a set down to edge her young compatriot Jule Niemeier, 22, in Tuesday’s quarter-final at Wimbledon. Before this tournament, Maria had only once gone beyond the second round of a major in her 15-year career. She missed…

[lildevyl]

Egotober Day 26: Nightmare (Part 1)

Summary 1: Little Theo (Tommy) has a nightmare about his past self and runs to his new Dad Dream and Papa Gogy.

Inspired by: Hotel Arc ChildInnit Au by @deyageka.

Author Notes: This is part of my Second Chance AU that I will be starting here soon! I'll probably start writing it and posting by January, so keep an eye out for it!

Right Now, it's for the Second Chance: Dream (Will be posting the Prequal to this AU part Whumptober Day 2: Talking Is Overrated in a day or two!)

But I might rewrite this for the Second Chance: AwSamDude/Dad!Sam.

Not sure which Second Chance I'll be writing this for, it all depends on you Fiends feedback! Let me know if you want this to be part of Second Chance: Dream or Second Chance: Dad!Sam.

Okay, enough of the Author's Notes! Enjoy the Story!

ChildInnit AU/Second Chance AU: Dream?/AwSamDude?

(L’Manburg, Theo’s Nightmare)

Theo doesn’t understand what was going on! One moment he was in his room getting tucked in by his Dads and falling asleep. The next thing he knew, Theo was in this strange scary place!

Thunder and Lightning were echoing all around him. Rain was pouring down soaking him but he doesn’t feel cold? Loud bangs that reminded Theo of Creepers explosions were all around him but there were now Creepers. Instead there were two very scary and very terrifying men standing above Theo on top of a very strange box in the sky. Red things were starting to come down with the rain making all that noise and making the ground below it very large holes.

The two very scary and terrifying men were looking right out at Theo as if they wanted to hurt him! One had large black wings, glowing light yellow hair, and glowing cold dark blue eyes. This man’s eyes almost looked black! Black as his giant wings that the man spread out! All Theo knew was, he had to run! This man wants to hurt him or worse! He doesn’t know this man, nor does Theo know what he did to this man. All Theo knows is, this man is a Bad Man and he must find his Dads!

Theo ran! He ran as fast as his legs would carry him. He had to find his Dads! Dream and Gogy would save him! They would protect him! They said they would! Where’s Uncle Sappy Nappy? Did the Bad Man with Black Wings hurt them too? No! His Dad was the best fighter ever and his Papa was right behind him! Uncle Sappy Nappy even told stories of cool travels that they all did and the tournaments that they won!

But where was his Dad Dream and his Papa Gogy? Where was Uncle Sappy Nappy? Where was Grandma Puffy?

Theo came to a halt and slipped in the mud as someone else came into view towering over him. The man was even scarier than the other! Very big and tall, nearly touching the sky. Long pink hair in a braid, skull mask covering his face, glowing red eyes and dark red cape flowing in the rain and wind. A crown on top of his head. And a glowing sword in one hand and black skull in the other hand.

“You think of yourself as a Hero?” The man said in a very terrifying voice. “Then die like one!”

(Theo’s Room)

Theo woke up screaming and shaking from head to toe. Looking around Theo finds himself back in his room, in his house, safe with his Dads and Uncle. A bad dream, a nightmare, that’s all. Theo started to breath slowly trying to catch his breath. It was just a nightmare! It - it can’t hurt him! Then why did it feel so real?

Maybe he should go sleep with his Dads tonight? Yeah, not because he’s scared or anything! Theo’s a big boy and he doesn't get scared of a silly nightmare! But - but he just wants to make sure that his Dads don't have nightmares tonight! Yeah, that’s it!

Climbing out of bed, Theo opens his door and goes down the hallway to his Dads room. He quietly sneaks in so as to not wake his Dads up and then quietly closes the door behind him. Theo goes over his Dads bed and starts to take the covers off so he can climb in without waking his Dads up. Only to be met with very vibrant green eyes staring back at him and a worry look in his Dad’s face.

“Theo? What are doing up this late? Is everything alright?” Dream asked.

“Want to make sure you and Gogy don't have nightmares tonight.”

“Oh, okay. Well, it's best to be close so that we can keep the Dream Monsters at bay.”

Theo quickly climbed into bed and snuggled up to his Dad. Theo heard a light chuckle from Gogy as he held Dream close to him. Yeah, Gogy will protect Dream and Dream will protect Theo from the Dream Monsters!

“Night, night Dad! Night, night Papa!”

“Good night son.”

****

@weirdmixofweirdness, @dezzydynamite, @nightfuryobsessed, @isa-ghost, @a-humble-narcissus, @huffletrax

[comfortwriting]

A Triwizard Baby Part 4 - F.W

Masterlist, Requesting Rules, Writing Prompt Masterlist

Fred Weasley x Fem Reader

Part 4 of my ‘Triwizard Baby’ mini-series, please read Parts 1, 2, and 3 if you haven’t already. Want to be tagged? Let me know!

Warnings: Swearing, Mention vomiting, and food/eating.

"Girls" you sighed, watching them finally stop jumping on their beds and dropping their pillows "There's something I need to tell you."

You and Angelina shared a glance, she knew and so did you - you were finally ready, to tell the truth. Hiding this - hiding the truth about you and Fred had caused you enough pain, and the longer you decided to hide this, the worse the pain would get.

"What is it?" Katie asked, already concerned, no longer giggly or excitable.

Staring and picking at your fingernails, you finally looked each of your friends in the eyes, your heart thumping in your chest with each breath.

"I'm ready to tell you" you sighed again "who the father is."

They all stayed silent except Matt's little sister, "who is it?" she asked quietly.

"Fred," you blurted out, unable to hide his name for much longer "Fred Weasley is the father."

"I've told you" Fred hissed "don't bloody speak to me!" he stormed in front of George, stamping his feet, furious his backstabbing brother would dare to even speak to him.

Fred was exhausted from sleeping in the room of requirement alone and no one to talk to, he was pissed off with his brother, frustrated that you weren't his and that everyone around him avoided him as if he had a curse. For the first time in his life, he left as if he had run out of luck.

George grabbed him by the arm "Freddie, please-"

"No!" Fred shoved George's grip off him "You're jealous, you always have been."

George opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't get a word in.

"You always have been, every girl I've been with, you've chased after when I'm done with them. You can't stand the fact I fucked her, and you've rubbed it in my face that you've knocked her up!" Fred's voice cracked "And I told you, I loved her!"

"Fred, I-"

"Do me a favour, Georgie, don't speak a word to me at the baby shower, unless you want a crib smashed against your stupid head!"

"Keep those eyes closed!" Angelina grinned, her hands covering your eyes as she walked you through the rented restaurant covered in banners, balloons, a buffet table and presents.

"I am!" you smirked, feeling slightly nervous, smelling the mouth-watering fruit juices and pies.

"Okay," Angelina smiled, removing her hands "open in three, two, one!"

Opening your eyes you looked across the huge room, your friends were all huddled together with party poppers, yelling "Surprise!" and pulling the string, confetti shooting across the room, Fred sat alone across the room, trying his hardest to show support and be happy for you, but his heartbreak was breaking through his persona better than he thought.

You were bombarded with presents for you and the baby: the new crib, clothes, socks, bottles, nappies, monitors, teddy bears, and blankets - you unwrapped everything which brought the biggest smile to your face and tears of happiness to your eyes.

Everyone made bets on whether you would have a girl or a boy, what time and day they would be born on, and how long the labour would be. Even you had to admit, you were having a good time and for the first time in a while, the smile on your face was genuine, not forced.

After hours of present opening, games, bets, and food, you and the girls cleaned up the confetti, empty plates and scrunched up wrapping paper. Fred slowly approached you and tapped you on the shoulder, turning around to look at him, your heart pained.

Tell him, everyone knows but him, just tell him!

"Freddie-"

"Y/N, can I have a moment?" he murmured.

The girls looked at the two of you standing in the middle of the room, they exchanged looks and nodded, leaving to give you both some privacy.

"I wanted to give this to you in private," Fred said softly, handing you a large faux dragon scale photo album "I ran out of time to wrap it, was up all night finishing it."

You stared down at the photo album and opened it, your heartbreaking with each turn of the page. Pictures of you and Fred throughout the years, followed by his little notes of when and where the picture was taken until you flicked to the empty pages, you stared up at him.

Tell him, now is a perfect time-

"Fred, please-"

"The blank pages are to fill with pictures of us and the baby," he said softly "that's if the father won't mind."

George entered the room again, not knowing his brother was still there.

"Y/N, I was thinking-" he stopped in his tracks, looking at his brother's face dropping.

"Congratulations, again." Fred walked away, pushing past his brother and out the door.

"They are Braxton Hicks, my dear." Madame Pomfrey waved her hand, helping you to your feet in the hospital wing.

Your hand rested on your bump "I'm sorry, what?"

After your little moment with Fred, your womb contracted and relaxed, disturbing your baby, causing it to lash out and kick against your tummy in discomfort from the contractions. You were frightened and sure you were going into labour and George rushed you to the hospital wing.

"Is she going to be okay?" George asked nervously.

"False labour pains" she replied "and if you go to the tournament tonight you'll be experiencing more of them!" she stressed.

"I can assure you I won't be doing backflips," you grumbled, "surely it will be safer for me if I sit down."

Madame Pomfrey held her nose up in the air, feeling slightly defeated "I can't stop you from going, but as long as you're sitting down and surrounded by a responsible group of friends, I don't see why you can't go."

"I'll take good care of her, I swear."

"Your brother couldn't!" Madame Pomfrey hissed "she's in this mess because of him, and I better not see you two back in here until that baby is ready!"

The loud band played along as everyone got seated high up in the stands, the girls on your left, and George on your right, you held onto his hand, still on edge from the sudden Braxton Hicks. You rested your head against his shoulder, Fred stared at the back of your head, his hands bunched into fists, regretting his decision to sit towards the back.

Everyone was on the edge of their seats, Fleur had failed, Krum evidently had too - now - it was between Cedric and Harry, the champion being a Hogwarts student was certain, but still, undecided whether that champion would belong to Hufflepuff or Gryffindor, like many others in the stands, your fingers and toes were crossed for Harry taking the win.

Out of nowhere, Cedric came stumbling out of the maze, covered in dirt, sweat, and blood, his shirt sticking to him and his hair ruffled, scratches across his delicate face. He crouched down, clearly out of breath, but so startled and shaken up that he was shaking and green in the face.

The crowd jumped to their feet, cheering for Harry and Gryffindor, holding their red banners and waving their flags in the air whilst Syltherin scowled and hid their faces in their hands.

"We need to go and see if he's alright!" Angelina panicked hearing Cho shriek, the girls got on their feet and hurried down the stairs, running out to Cedric who was now on his hands and knees on the grass, throwing up.

"Well, are you coming!?" Angelina asked George, holding out her hand.

George looked at you, he didn't want to leave you on your own and you knew it.

"Go," you reassured him "I'll be okay."

You watched Cedric gain the courage to speak, you tried to lip read but he was too far away for you to even make out a single word, but whatever he had said panicked the cheering girls and proud lads because now they were muttering, whispering and all appeared to be frightened and anxious, no longer in the mood to celebrate Harry's win.

Katie who didn't leave you behind shot a scowl at Fred who continued to stare at you, she moved closer to you whilst Angelina and George hurried back, horror across their faces.

"What's happened?" you panicked.

"It's Harry" George frowned "The cup, it was a portkey and he's gone, Cedric said-"

Angelina nudged George with her elbow, glaring at him and shaking her head "not now, George."

"No, what is it?" you demanded.

Just as George announced the news that the dark lord had returned, you felt major discomfort and a dull ache in your back and lower abdomen, along with the pressure that increased in your pelvic, you gripped onto your bump and winced.

"George!" you panicked "It's happening!"

The father of your baby watched as you went into labour, Katie and Angelina helped you to your feet as George hurried over to Madame Pomfrey, everyone around you started to panic and gave you all the room you needed to evacuate safely back into the hospital wing - the one place you didn't want to end up twice in one day.

Leaving you behind, George stared up at Fred who was sat as still as a statute, if you weren't going to tell him, George had to, he wouldn't allow his brother to miss the birth of his child.

George stumbled over to his brother and shook him angrily "I don't want to bloody argue but listen to me!"

"George, I told you-"

"You're the dad, alright!" George yelled, "She's having your baby, you need to get to the hospital wing now!"

"What are you on about?" Fred argued, not believing the word "are you seriously-"

"Think back to the party when you played truth or dare! Think for Merlin's sake!"

Fred shut his mouth and suddenly, his world began to spin so fast his heart could've stopped.

“I want you.” you breathed, pulling away from the kiss “I want you to fuck me like you do everyone else.”

“I want you too” Fred replied, taking your hand and fleeing from the party.

“Are you ready, Y/N?” Fred asked, pulling away from your breasts.

“Yes,” you breathed out, slurring slightly “I’m ready Freddie.”

The memories suddenly flashed before his eyes, the sight of your naked body beneath his, the two of you climaxing, Fred pulling out and falling into your arms, only to wake up the next morning in an empty bed that smelled of your hair and perfume. It reminded Fred that he had forgotten to put a condom on, George wasn't lying, he is the father of your child.

Fred's eye widened and he bolted from his brother, shoving everyone aside and sprinting for his life to the hospital wing, no one and nothing could stop him now.

The doors of the hospital wing swung open, laying in your bed, tears rolled down your face as the contractions worsened, Madame Pomfrey urging you to keep pushing. Fred pulls out a chair and sits beside you, holding your hand, comforting you, kissing your forehead and encouraging you.

You opened your mouth to speak: you wanted to say sorry, to tell him you loved him, you wanted to explain everything all at once, but you were unable to - the pain increasing, causing you to scream out, tears rolling down your face.

"Almost there Y/N, you're crowning!" Madame Pomfrey announced.

Fred planted another kiss on your sweaty forehead "keep pushing sweetheart," he said softly "you're doing so bloody well!"

Within a few moments, the sound of your babies cries rang out through the hospital wing, Madame Pomfrey placed the baby in your arms, encouraging you to sit back and relax - but you couldn't you still had the urge to push.

"I need to push again, "you cried, gritting your teeth "I'm not done!"

Madame Pomfrey's mouth dropped, causing her to take the baby from your arms and handing the newborn to Fred.

"What's going on?" Fred panicked, gripping onto his child, already feeling the protectiveness kick in.

"There's another baby..."

"She's having twins?!"

Fred held the elder newborn in his arms whilst the younger and smaller newborn rested in yours, both of them just like their father; a full head of ginger hair.

"They're yours." you croaked, your. throat sore from all the screaming and crying.

Fred smiled, tears forming in his eyes as he rocked the baby in his arms "I know, they look just like me... their hairs..."

"I'm so sorry, Freddie, I didn't tell you because... because I didn't know what to do, you're my best friend and I've had feelings for you since the beginning and I felt as if you didn't feel the same, I thought that me forcing a child upon you would... would ruin what we had."

"Of course I feel the same," Fred replied "I just didn't know if you did."

The two of you went silent for a moment, the twins sleeping -  they were exhausted from being brought into the world earlier than expected.

"Do you still feel the same?" you asked Fred, staring into his pride-filled brown eyes.

He nodded "Yeah, do you?"

Everything you had ever wanted finally arrived, the children you were carrying - so eager and excited to meet, and the man of your dreams, finally on the same page as you - who had been in love with you for all this time.

You looked down at the baby in your arms and then back up at Fred, "I do too."

"Shall we have a fresh start?" Fred smiled "As parents and that."

You broke out into a light laugh and smiled "I'd like that, Freddie. I'd like that a lot."

There was another silence, it felt as if the world was sleeping.

"So, when can we make another one?" Fred winked.

"When we graduate from Hogwarts!-"

"Next year?" he raised an eyebrow.

"You didn't let me finish! We need to graduate, get stable jobs and have a house with enough room!"

"So next year then?" Fred smirked, still cradling the baby.

Your furrowed your brows, unsure whether or not he was bluffing.

"Okay then, since you're all confident, let's make a bet." You smirked back.

"If I win, we make another baby, if you win... we get married," Fred said softly as the baby opened his eyes and let out a cry.

"Alright," you agreed, taking your baby from Fred, trying to breastfeed "but what is your obsession with making another one?" you asked, "we've just had twins!"

Mr and Mrs Weasley were slowly approaching the hospital wing, George following not far behind.

"Yeah, which I've only just found out are mine!"

The hospital wing doors opened, Molly and Arthur standing in the doorway, staring at you, their son, and their grandchildren.

taglist: Taglist: @amourtentiaa @horrorxweasley @alwaysnforeverfangirl@reeophidian @inglourious-imagines @sebby-staan @onlyfreds@pandaxnienke @xmalfoyweasleyx @manuosorioh@cosmiccomicloverqueen @the-romanian-is-bae @fhhsposts@cavalinhox @purple-vodka-99 @simpforweasleys2@dracoismybabey @statellitespidey @xuminghaosworld @michael-loves-chickens @simpforweasleys2 @freddie-weaselbee @itsnottlilly

[mariposalass]

Sora’s Time to Shine

Summary: Mari is already not putting too much expectations going into watching the Final Smash Presentation when someone close to her besides Kirby and Edelgard’s beloved Professor pops out of nowhere in said Presentation. All hell breaks loose (but in a good way).

Setting: Mari and co.’s house in Daly City, California; October 5, 2021

Notes: I was pretty behind in seeing the reveal since I was pretty tired when it came out and I had to check a friend’s post on Plurk to make sure that it was not all for the jokes before watching it on Gamespot and writing this story down. And yes, the Byleth in my S/I verse is the female version in case anyone is curious. And yes, it took me until around 8 AM to write this up. Featuring Luther Vandross. Here is an ask I made on Sora’ behest during a F/O takeover long before he got confirmed recently. #SakuraiHasReachedtheImpossibleDream #Sora4Smash

Tags: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Smash Bros., Swift Keyblader, Smash Reveal, Sakurai has reached the impossible dream!, Sora for Smash, #Sora4Smash

“Hurry Mari, you’re about to miss it!” Kairi is dragging me out onto the sofa to see the final Smash Ultimate Presentation on the living room pretty early before plopping ourselves onto the sofa.

“Look, Kairi, guys. I hate to be a party pooper, but I have no clue about who could it be,” I try to be realistic in my views.

“Well, at this point, my beloved, it could be anybody from the video game world,” my dear Philip chimes in while trying to reassure me, “Besides, as soon as it is done, we shall try to reply back to this non Smash invitation that El had found in the mail today.”

“Huh, is that correct, El dear?” I asked my regal adopted daughter for confirmation.

“Why yes of course, Mother,” she replies as she passes me the invitation, “I believe that a friend of yours has sent us one, but I didn’t want to open it immediately since this is addressed to you.”

“Okay then, I will get to read it and reply back once the Presentation is over and see who gets to fight with Kirby and Professor Byleth,” I smiled back at her.

“I couldn’t believe that there was a leak that just came out before this Presentation video and it is about music. Who was that dense enough to do it at a time like this?” Riku mumbles as he gets the video streaming on the Nintendo Direct page in his laptop.

“You know, Riku, sometimes people can act very idiotic at times, so there isn’t much we can do besides ignoring and avoiding that as much as possible,” Harry sighs as he is bottle feeding and gently rocking Serena as she had cried a while ago to be bottle fed.

“Guys, have you guys seen Sora lately?” Issa asks us while carrying Chris in her arms, “I haven’t seen him in the last few days. He didn’t even reply back to either my or Kairi’s texts and calls. Do you think he’s off to visit Jack and Sally in Halloween Town? It’s nearing Halloween soon.”

“That’s really a good question, Issa,” Ahk agrees, “I had given up trying to find him by calling over on the phone since last Thursday. All I have gotten from it were many ‘The subscriber could not be reached’ messages.”

Even Riku and Kairi are in a loss for words as they turn to each other and wonder what is up with our friend lately. Did he just went poof without us knowing? Kirby always informs us through his many Poyos that he would have to head off to Smash whenever a new tourney starts or a newcomer arrives and Edelgard’s class often gets shorter class schedules or early dismissals whenever Professor Blyeth gets to fight in Smash: she is the professor handling the Black Eagles class. Sometimes even El, Petra and Dorothea along with a few others (and yes, that includes the Gatekeeper) would come over to Smash to spectate from the sidelines and support their beloved Professor.

There is a long silence when the Nintendo Switch title card plays in the laptop and Karina directs us all to watch the screen to see many clips featuring many Smashers in the current tournament before it transitions to Sakurai-san in the studio explaining about the video as well as showcasing the Mii Fighter costumes.

“Hey look, Isabelle the Dog’s demon slaying friend from Bethesda is now coming to Smash to rip and tear up the competition!” Moana screams when the Doomguy Mii Gunner costume appears.

“Good for him; I know that many fans really did want him to be in Smash, though the costume is a nice addition,” Issa agrees. “That now makes three Bethesda franchises represented in the costumes.”

“Even the Octolings and Judd the Cat got hats based on them too,” I chime in as well.

“Oh hey, guys! Sakarui’s about to reveal the last fighter for the Second Fighter’s Pass, so keep down it and don’t expect too much,” Karina informs as Sakurai transitions to the main event and we all stay silent and stay glued to our seats.

The screen turns black before the usual Smash logo opening shows up, but instead of the usual zoom in, it then turns into a flaming Smash logo with all the Smashers up until Kazuya Mishima (yeah, the guy who tried to drop Kirby off a cliff) looking at it and covered in the shadows. Did MH decided to get them to show up in there and meet the last fighter in the dark? Probably, I bet that he might be keeping it as a surprise and possibly even conserving electricity at the same time. Then cut to Inkling Girl looking in awe with the Smash logo reflecting onto her pupils as a nice ode to the first reveal trailer for the game/tourney, I honestly love this shot.

Wait a minute, the logo turns into stars and the next scene shows everyone frozen in place as toy-like ambiios?!? How is it even possible? Well, it does certainly confirmed once again that the video game version of the tourney is set in a world of make believe after all. I could swear that a lot of people crying their eyes out as they are watching this. It looks like this is the end of one great video game series about mascots fighting among each other. Or is it? Because the camera is aiming at Mario as if he looks like he’s trying to take a nap while standing up.

Riku then proceeds to mumble some words to me incoherently that something big is coming the moment Mario wakes up to see a glowing light to see the last remaining flame glowing on the floor, which I do agree with him. Suspicious right? Oh God, Mario no! Please don’t touch the fire for everyone’s sanity. Wait, hold on a second: that isn’t not just fire that he just grabbed on and then tossed it into the sky like a boomerang: the mystery object looks like a Keyblade and there’s that Mickey keychain! Yep, that’s a Keyblade alright. Could it be...

I could recognize that beam of light that Keyblades often produce whenever they lock and unlock Keyholes to other worlds, so does everyone in the room. Riku and Kairi hugged onto each other as if we’re about to brace for an emergency (Karina and Moana also did the same), Ahk stares at the screen to see if he’s not imagining things all the sudden, Issa has her mouth drop in shock, Chris and Serena didn’t cry throughout this entire presentation, Harry gasps and nearly drops Serena’s bottle, Philip turns to me for answers while Edelgard begins to sweatdrop in concern.

No words are exchanged as the light grows and shines brighter before it proceeds to shoot itself away from the Keyblade to reveal a Keyhole on another part of the room. It then glows bright within as the camera switches back to the rest of frozen Smashers as the light begins to fill the room and revives Link, Cloud, Incineroar and Mewtwo as they all gawk at it as it reveals something from the World of Light with the orchestral rendition of Simple and Clean playing in the background. And that’s when it hits us right at the gut: the familiar spiky brown hair poking out from that Keyhole.

“What!?!” Kairi shouts as the Keyhole ‘spits’ out Sora from the World of Light.

“H-h-he actually got in, for real?” Riku squeaks up.

“Oh my…” I gasp in pure shock as we watch the whole thing played out.

“Sakarui finally did it?” Issa adds in to the discussion.

“Well, it’s about time that they managed to get his darn behind into the tourney,” Karina seconds in.

Soon enough, Sora finally wakes up from his nappy time and takes notes from Peter Pan and Tinkerbell as he flies around, sprinkling fairy dust all over the other Smashers, before landing on the floor and the Keyblade flying back to his hand.

“Damn it, Sora!” I scream as the splash screen pops in.

“Kai, your boy has finally made it big time!” Moana shakes Kairi in congratulation rather rapidly that it nearly gives my lil sis a dizzying spell.

“Moana, please don’t make Kairi that dizzy,” Harry had to tell her that.

“Whoops! Sorry Kairi,” she apologizes to her which she accepts.

So with that, we switch back to Sakurai going in depth with Sora’s moveset after he discussed about the Kingdom Hearts games and world. And he has gotten 4 costume changes, man Sora, that’s a big wardrobe you’re bringing in, oh wait, he even got the Timeless River costume too. That makes it 5 then.

“Oh gods, Sakurai is making us suffer by watching Sakurai using Sora to beat up everyone,” Ahk tells us as the Sora moveset showcase begins.

“No kidding,” Harry muses as we see Sora beating everyone in Battlefield.

“Whoa, they went for Sealing the Keyhole instead of having Trinity Force with Donald and Goofy? What a bummer,” Karina bemoans in dismay.

“Well, you know modern Disney: too overprotective of their IPs,” Philip reminds her.

“Oh new stage, what could it be?” Riku gleefully chimes in before they reveal Hollow Bastion as the stage, “Whoa, Hollow Bastion. I never thought that you will return again.”

Then the stage changes into Dive to the Heart and it had Riku and Kairi in the stained glass in one, Riku being the main focus of the second one, Roxas in the middle of the third, Xion in the fourth, Terra for the fifth, a sleepy Ven in the sixth, and Aqua’s in the seventh.

“Pretty!” I complimented the look of each stained glass.

“Quite impressive I will admit,” El agrees with me too.

Then Sakurai begins a playthrough with Sora facing Cloud and Sephiroth in Hollow Bastion, for a while, we all thought that he’s going to be a goner with Cloud and Sephiroth beating him up in the Stamina match but then the tides begin to turn in his favor after Sephy lost his full stock and with Sora having to take down Cloud next. When he did, the scene begins to go into a slow white fade out with a Game!

“Alright! Sora did it! He defeated both Cloud and mean old Sephy,” Riku cheers on.

“Woo! Go Sora!” me, Kairi, Moana, and Karina screams aloud.

“That was brilliant!” Harry agrees before he turns to Serena, “Did you hear? Uncle Sora managed to defeat two opponents in a Smash Ultimate playthrough.”

“9 songs is better than nothing at all,” Issa observes, “It would be a licensing nightmare to talk to Disney if they can borrow a couple of songs from them and they straight up refuse to assist, oh well. Oooh, a Dearly Beloved Swing arrangement, nice! I better get that save file on the Switch prompto!”

“And check out that Spirit Board: Aunt Kairi has a Spirit of herself,” Edelgard informs us as the Spirit Board for KH is revealed.

“Oh gee, never thought that it could ever happen, but thanks,” she blushes.

“Hey, I got one as well, same with Axel, Xion, Roxas, Aqua, Terra and Ven,” Riku joins in, “Marina is so going to be happy to see her boyfriend as a Spirit. She will probably try to get him real soon.”

“You bet it right, Riku, you bet it right,” I nod and agree with that last statement.

“Oh hey, he’s going to be ready within a few weeks’ time,” Karina speaks up, “Neat! The roster is now complete.”

“Even Steve and Alex have amiibos of themselves being made, that’s even more wonderful,” Ahk takes note of it, “I’m pretty sure that Sora will have one of his own along with Pyra, Mythra, that jerk who tried to threw Kirby off a cliff, and even Sephiroth soon.”

“WHAT?!? Kingdom Hearts are coming to the Switch too!?!” I am surprised to hear the news as Sakurai reveals this new information, that is so mind-blowing.

When it fades to black then to the Ultimate mural, the camera then goes for the space between Ganondorf and Dark Samus to fill in Sora’s spot before panning back. Man, this Presentation is long and is finally ending, thank God; it must be tiring to sit down and watch a nearly hour long video as Sakurai showcases the screenshots he has made and showed off in Twitter. Man, so many memories and montages. And the achievements, wow, that is a lot of them, it will be a game feat that I don’t think it will be broken for a long time.

Man, I will miss the presentations and Sakurai’s corny jokes for sure. I wish him a nice deserving break from all the game development for sure as he gives thanks to everyone from the devs to the players to the people prompting the game and ends it off with a heartfelt goodbye as it fades to back into the full reveal trailer.

“Oh gee, I’m going to miss the Smash Presentations,” Kairi sighs, “I can’t believe that we’re coming to an end.”

“Man, it’s finally over,” Riku gasps in remark as the full trailer plays out, “I don’t think that there will be a game like Ultimate for a very long time. That’s for certain.”

“I agree, Riku. It’s to going to be a tough act to follow up on,” I add in before I look up at the ceiling and murmur some words, “It’s been a long time coming, Sora. You truly deserve that last spot, you really do. Have fun in the tourney and Smash Mansion, buddy.”

Sora is Finally Here!

The End

[mandatorycommunistbrunchhour]

The tournament for Nappy (Round two)

Also these are some of my favorite tags form the first one

@deathzgf

@goddammitjosef

@ciderbird

Thank you for this gift, I’m literally crying 😂

[lilmissbeanie]

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Kotaro Bokuto x F!Reader.  Fluffy Word Count ~ 1.6k Happy birthday to @wing-dingding​ have a great day girl! The chorus of cackles and laughs echoed down Fukurodani hallways as Bokuto, and Y/n ran away from Akaashi.   

The chorus of cackles and laughs echoed down Fukurodani hallways as Bokuto, and Y/n ran away from Akaashi.

Another prank successfully completed.  

The air horn echoed through the building once again as Akaashi and Komi yelled after them. Akaashi hated the mischievous best friends together; this always happens, the other day, they came over to hang out with him at his house and set his alarm clock in his room, and it went off at four thirty-six in the morning. His toothpaste had Orajel put in making his entire mouth go numb for hours. They were all harmless pranks, week in week out continuously finding new ones, how they had not run out of ideas yet was a mystery to everyone. The pranks they pulled on each other were just as ridiculous, just last week Y/n had superglued Bokuto's locker shut, and he had switched her locker with his volleyball one.   

They had been best friends forever, their mums were best friends, and these two had been together since they were in nappies all the way to high school, they never left one another's side. "BOKUTO! L/N!" The voice rang through the building, instantly the pair tensed up, turning around to spot the coach.  

"Oh, hey, Coach!" Bokuto said, pretending that nothing was happening. The pair stood with their hands linked behind their backs rocking back and forth on the balls of their feet, making you think that these two weren't in their third year of high school or either was the respected captain or the manager of the volleyball team.   

"You need to stop with the pranks!" The pair bit back a grin crossing their fingers before nodding. Coach knew though he damn well knew that nothing was going to change, they had been like that since their first year, no matter how many times they get told off or in trouble they will never stop, and he wouldn’t be kicking either from the team seeing as Y/n helped stop the emo modes and she was very good at her job as manager.   

Y/n batted the finger poking shoulder away, as she rolled over pulling her duvet closer, "psst!" Her eyes squeezing tighter, swearing this was all in her dream, “Y/n, wake up” she felt her shoulder being shocked, groaning rubbing her eyes as they opened to be met by a pair of golden ones she knew all too well.   

"Kou?!" She groaned sitting up, she grabbed her phone, seeing it was three AM on this autumn's Saturday morning.   

"Come on! Maccies run!" He cheered quietly, his hand wrapping around her wrist tugging her gently out of the bed. This wasn't the first time he had snuck into her room at some ungodly hour. She left her window ajar for this reason. Her own eyes lit up at the word food, suddenly very awake, allowing him to tug her out of bed, her feet met her soft fluffy rug "let me put some clothes on." Tugging at her short tweedy pie baby pink cotton pyjama trousers and bralette, feeling slightly self-conscious in front of him.  

"No need, here." He said, slyly playing off how hot she looked in her pyjamas as grabbed one of his many hoodies she had stolen from him from her desk chair. "We're only getting drive-through."   

The pair snuck down the stairs as Y/n grabbed her keys and wallet from by the front door and they jumped into Bokuto's car and headed for the nearest Maccies drive thru. They pair just laughing at stupid jokes, singing along to the radio and generally just enjoying one another's company.  Finally arriving the pair order their food before driving to their favourite place on top of a hill where they sit looking over their town lit up with t. Taking a seat on the bonnet of the car, they munched down their food. Bokuto was always impressed by the way she demolished twenty chicken nuggets and a double cheeseburger with a large chocolate milkshake.    

The pair sat there watching the stars and enjoying the view, Y/n leaned against Bokuto's shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "I love when we do stuff like this Kou."  

"Me too lil bird, me too." Both praying that neither of them could feel the way goosebumps erupted over their skin as they touched or the way their heart raced.  

They sat in silence, just enjoying being in each other's presence, but Y/n knew there was something on Bokuto’s mind by the way his eyebrows and he kept fidgeting in place as they watched the sky turn from dark to light, the rosy golden colours painted the skyline.   

“You okay Kou?” She questioned gently, making the boy jump, he blinked a couple of times bringing himself out of his thoughts and turned to face her, a small smile spread over his lips. “I was just thinking.” 

“Don’t push yourself too hard, you'll hurt yourself.” The h/c girl teased him. Causing the boy to chuckle slightly, shaking his head and nudging her with his shoulder gently. “Just wondering whether I should tell the girl I like how I feel or not.”   

Y/n felt her heart tighten, he liked someone. “Of course, you should! Why wouldn't you.” She tried her best to sound enthusiastic and happy for him.   

Y/n watched as he shrugged, before replying, “Well I don’t want it to ruin our friendship if she doesn’t feel the same way, she is too much of a good friend.”  

Y/n racked her brain trying to work out who it could be, other than her, it could be the other two managers of the volleyball club. “Anyone would be lucky to be with you Kou, you should tell them.”   

“If we get to nationals then I’ll tell them.” He nodded to himself with a smile, finally deciding. “So next week.” The girl next to him smirked. His smile dropped realising it would be next week, that was barely enough time to work out what he was going to say. He was going to need Akaashi’s help.   

"Kou, whatever happens, I will always be here for you. Birds of a feather flock together as the saying goes and my oath to you is that I will always be by your side no matter what. Okay?" 

"Okay" He smiled, resting his head on hers, "Same goes to you, you will always have a home with me."  

The week flew by quickly, the inter high tournament arrived in a blur, Akaashi helped Bokuto plan out how he was going to tell and even roped the rest of the team and the other managers in. The day of the final rolled around, warmups ended, and the two girls walked away, leaving the h/c confused, “where are you going, isn't it Yuki’s day on the bench?” The two smiled and shook their heads at her.   

“Yea but you are Bokuto's best friend, he’s going to need you here and it’s the last time he is going to play in the high school inter high.” They smiled at the girl before leaving the court and heading up to the stands to watch the match from the stands.   

It was a good match, Bokuto emo mode only happened once during the second set and it didn’t take him long to snap out of it, Y/n eyes were trained on her best friend, fuck, he looked hot in his in his volleyball short and those knee pads, Y/n was having to remind herself not to drool at the sight. Of course, Fukurodani won and they would be moving on to nationals. The stands filled with the cheers from their schoolmates. Y/n jumped up from the bench running over to the team, “Kou!” She called out to him. He turns in Y/n direction, his golden orbs filled with excitement as he opens his arms in time to catch her jumping into them, Y/n wrapping around her his broad muscular shoulders, not caring that he was all sweaty from the match and her legs around his waist. Bokuto’s arms weaved around her waist as Bokuto his face buried into her neck inhaling her sweet floral scent as he spun them around, her happy infection giggles floated his ears making him grin.   

“Y/n?” He questioned, slowly coming to a stop, he kept his arms securely around her waist not allowing her to touch solid ground not until he had told her, he needed her full attention he needed her to hear this. Tilting her head to the side she watched those golden orbs flicker with hesitation and confidence in them as well. Y/n own gaze held a questioning look as she watched him fight the inner turmoil inside of him, her arms now loosely draped over his shoulders, golden orbs fluttering shut inhaling deeply through his nose. His eyes flickered open meeting hers once again, holding a serious look. “I love you, like I’m in love with you.”  

Her eyes widened, as the words filled her eyes, slowly realised what he had said, “For real?” Worry filled his face as he slowly dubiously nodded his head, yes. A shy smile spread over lips as her eyes lit up, cupping his cheeks, Y/n leaned down gently placing her lips against his, enjoying the nervous and timid yet so pure and loving first kiss they shared, before pulling away, “I’m in love with you too.” looking him dead in the eyes, love and adoration swirled in her e/c orbs.  

“Finally!” Komi cheers filled the air, shocking the pair as they turned to the sound of his voice realising everyone was watching them, forgetting they were still standing in the middle of the court. Y/n face was buried in Bokuto's neck within seconds trying to conceal the blush that erupted over her face, while Bokuto stood there proudly with his girl in his arms. Akaashi gave him a rare smile and thumbs up, he had got the girl he always wanted.

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[msiopao]

The One With Koo Koo’s Little Munchkin

pairing: jungkook x nobi (ft. uncle bangtan)

summary: nobi’s brother lets her babysit her niece but her and jungkook don’t really know how to take care of a baby

if she was warned of the disaster and the regret that would happen later, nobi would’ve never let that baby enter her home.

it all started when kazuki, her older brother, needed someone to look after his daughter since him and his wife were going overseas for a week-long medical conference. unfortunately, the grandparents were also out of the country since the youngest child, maiya, had a chess tournament in China and needed her guardians.

that only left him with his other sister, sakura, or most commonly known to the world as Nobi of BTS.

with the ring of cellphone and the familiar ringtone dedicated just for her oldest sibling, nobi placed the washing gloves down and retrieved the phone that was on the counter to squish it between her ear and shoulder. 

“welcome to chili’s, how may I help you?” 

a burst of laughter from the other side caused a smile on her face. “table for 4, please!”

she froze, “WHAT!? HANA IS PREGNANT!? AGAIN!?”

“WHAT!? NO! IT’S FOR THE DOG! WOONGIE THE DOGGIE!”

a relieved sigh passed through her, “dear asahi, please don’t scare me like that again.”

“i mean... my favor might?”

with that sentence, nobi should’ve declined and hung up without a second thought. but as the loving and dependable little sister she was, she pressed farther and asked what for.

“you see... hana and i need to go to germany for some conference and we can’t take nanako since we’ll be in workshops all day. ma and pa are with maiya in China for chess so it only leaves you.”

“wOW, i’M the lAST rESoRt?!” An outraged yell from her caught the attention of jin, jungkook, and jimin, who were lounging in the living room.

“please, kura,” he begged and she sighed. “you love nanako, don’t you? besides! jungkook’s there and i trust him, so you have someone for help!”

“i haven’t even seen the kid since she was born not even a year ago. and jungkook’s a man-child.”

“but you still like her. and him.”

“eh, if she’s 50% of you then maybe i don’t. and he’s a handful already so adding an actual baby will be a pain.”

“kura! please!” 

the loud voice from her sister-in-law made her cringe and back her ear away. jungkook is familiar with the voices in her phone since he roomed with her and she called her brother and his wife often. 

“please take care of nanako!” she yelled and hung up, not even giving nobi time to protest.

nobi cursed under her breath and finished putting the last plate on the rack before wiping her hands and walking over to join the rest. jungkook scooted to the side so she could sit next to him and she curled up on his side since he opened up his right arm.

“what’s up?” jin asked as he placed an UNO wild card on the table during the heated match the boys had.

“kazuki wants me to take care of his brat,” she complained. “didn’t even give me any say in it.”

“ah, it’s okay! jin-hyung knows how to take care of them!” jimin reassured, not looking up from his 5 cards.

“um, not really?” the oldest asked unsurely.

“how old is the kid?”

“she’s turning one in 5 months.”

“aren’t you happy kazuki finally settled down, though?” hobi’s question made her shrug.

“i mean, the parents have been bugging him since he turned 23 to find a girlfriend. the guy married his first ever girlfriend and had a kid with her!” she exclaimed. “to be honest, i really thought he was paying her to act as his lover but apparently not!”

“can you imagine being so desperate to buy a fake girlfriend?” yoongi mumbled making her laugh.

“use that one,” nobi nudged yoongi with her toe pointing to the card. “also, jin-hyung didn’t change any of our diapers.”

“but wouldn’t a baby be easier than raising 4 teenagers?” namjoon said and nobi looked up from jungkook’s chest.

“well, i guess it won’t be that bad if i have help.”

“speak for yourself,” yoongi mumbled to which she playfully jabbed his side.

 “anyways. if their kid goes missing, it’s not my fault because i was forced in this situation.”

jungkook tightened his arm around her. “think of this as a trial-run, bub. since you never took care of your sister, you don’t really know if you’re good with kids or not. maybe you’re like the ultimate mother master.”

she giggled, “nah. suffering 9 months for a demon and being responsible for it for 18 more years? can’t even handle myself.”

...

true to her word, nobi really can’t look after herself, much less with a kid. the doorbell rang meaning they were outside and had the little demon to take care of waiting. she tripped over some of kook’s shoes on the floor and she stubbed her toe against the door frame in a hurry to answer the door.

when kazuki dropped off his baby girl, nobi begrudgingly took the carrier from hana’s hands and snarled when kazuki sent an victorious smile.

“it’s only for 7 days, kura.”

“you know what could happen in those 7 days?! anything can happen in that time period! i wrote an entire album in a week! what’s to say i won’t do something to the brat!” her whines made kazuki roll his eyes before thumping her on the forehead.

“you big dummy,” he mused. “it’ll be fine. besides, hana put in about 7 pages of instructions there for you just in case.” she followed his finger that was pointing to the bag on her arm.

“honestly, are you my brother?” she asked, irritated. “since when do you see me reading instructions?”

“when you’re handling a tiny human and you won’t have anyone there to help you. that’s when.”

the boys were huddled around the carrier in the middle of the parlor, absolutely smitten with chubby cheeks of the baby and the little puffs of air she let out. sleep was heavy on her and her tiny fist clenched the baby blue blanket that her mother knitted her.

nobi was sorting out the baby powder and the nappies at the kitchen while jungkook squeezed some of the milk on his arm to test the temperature. he had assembled a crib in their room earlier and she placed all of the clothes into an emptied drawer that used to house her socks.

“sakura! how could you hate this little angel?!” jin squealed. 

“hyung! too loud!” jungkook chided and nobi laughed.

“she looks too much like maiya.” her answer didn’t reach the others ears since no one reacted. she leaned her hip against the island and crossed her arm, amused and watching the boys get hypnotized by nanako.

“can you believe a little munchkin, not even a year old, has all the members of bangtan wrapped around her tiny finger?” jungkook asked from behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder.

nobi leaned against his chest, “well, the guys love kids in general. even she has yoongi-hyung’s attention, the attention that is reserved only for his baby Holly.”

jimin saw nanako flutter her tiny eyes open and watched it widen at the sight of 6 unfamiliar faces. she must’ve been frightened at the foreign surrounding and the lack of her mother and father only added to the fear. soon, her wails filled the previously quiet dorm and the boys panicked.

“oi! eomma! appa! your baby is crying!” tae shouted and nobi rushed over from the nappies, kneeling quickly and hovering over the carrier.

“hello, darling,” she cooed. “have a nice nap?” nanako didn’t respond but her cries did quiet down a bit, blinking up at the familiar-looking person. nobi picked her up and placed her on her arms, fingers gently touching her cheeks.

jungkook came over with the ready bottle of milk and handed it to her so she could feed the baby. “here.”

the boys watched the 2 peer down at the suckling baby and they snapped up when someone’s camera shutter and camera flash went off. taehyung had his old camera, jin had his polaroid, while namjoon had his phone up, all with wide eyes as if they were just caught.

“oi! nanako is feeding!” jungkook scolded causing nobi and the others to laugh.

“wah, it’s like we’re looking into the future!” hobi whispered, shocked at the sight in front of him.

“joonie, look! our babies with their baby!”

nanako continued to feed, eventually finishing her entire bottle, and nobi passed her off to jungkook so he could burp her while she washes the bottle for the next feed. 

the guys shared a look and they grinned, relieved that taking care of this baby wasn’t going to be as bad as they thought.

...

eyebags and wrinkles were making their home in the faces of nobi and jungkook, victims of her irregular sleeping schedule. it was only the third day and her second night with them was the roughest time they’ve went through in a while. 

jungkook was slumped over at the dining table, sleeping and breakfast shoved to the side, and nobi was clutching her coffee cup and seemed to be sleeping with her eyes wide open. 

jin and namjoon were observing them with concern since they too were woken up by the loud cries of the child and they know the maknaes haven’t had a good sleep since the first night.

“kura?” jin poked her at the shoulder but received no response. “sakura?”

she jolted, wildly looking around as if she didn’t know where she was. “huh?”

her sudden movement woke jungkook up and he also looked out of sorts, eyes suddenly going wide. “the baby!”

“the baby!” nobi echoed before shooting up to stand but a hand stopped her.

“sshh,” namjoon soothed. “taehyung and jimin washed her already and are changing her right now. don’t worry, hoseok’s there with them.”

similar fatigue-laced eyes settled on the oldest and the leader as they sat back down, confusion and alarm slowly disappearing. jungkook groaned and started to slump over to go back to sleep but shot up when he heard the giggles from the devil herself.

“appa! nanako is here!” tae said in a child-like voice, carrying nanako with jimin and hobi trailing behind him.. “nanako is clean!” nanako saw jungkook and nobi and immediately wiggled to go to her temporary parents.

“nanako wants to see eomma!” jimin followed but nobi immediately shook her head.

“no!” she expressed, back away from the baby.

“aw, why?” tae pouted but smiled again when jungkook outstretched his arms.

“come here, my little munchkin,” he grunted. nanako found solace in his arms and she laid her head on his chest, as if she was listening to his steady heartbeat with her eyes closed.

nobi observed the girl’s calm behavior, slightly leaning forward to get a better look. “if only she was this peaceful last night.”

“hm, this is what parenthood is like, kids.” yoongi’s comment made the rest shiver.

“when was the last time you both slept longer than 3 hours?” jin asked as the amount of times he heard walking in their room was concerning.

“the night before she got here,” jungkook answered. 

“well, you’re lucky she’s only here for a week. next week, we have a meeting with Bang and we might start choreography classes then. it’s good that we won’t have a baby in tow.” 

everyone nodded at namjoon and at the mention of the meeting, hobi and yoongi dispersed to leave to their studios while the 95-liners were leaving to go to the gym to prepare their bodies for the grueling dances. namjoon was accompanying jin to the grocery store so it left the maknaes and the baby at home with no one else.

thankfully, the child was starting to fall asleep and nobi noticed jungkook fighting to keep his eyes open.

“come on, let’s go to bed.” her suggestion sparked a little life in jungkook and he carefully carried nanako to their bedroom where they could all get comfortable.

within seconds, nanako fell asleep and with the rise and fall of jungkook’s chest combined with his heartbeat made her slip into dreamworld quickly. jungkook was already snoring by the time nobi laid next to him and she hummed in content, happy that she was able to finally sleep.

...

their days continued on like that.

being fortunate enough to be on break, jungkook and nobi were able to sleep whenever they wanted since they were usually kept up by the energy that nanako only released at nighttime. 

but they weren’t the only ones suffering.

it was now clear that the lungs that sakura had was genetic as it also transferred over to her niece by the way she belted her cries, the boys jokingly singing along to it (cue bretman rock). at night, they have created ways to block out her cries like sleeping with airpods plugged in or on jimin and hoseok’s case, leaving for 3 nights to sleep in a hotel since their room was right next door.

however, tonight was especially bad.

nanako refused to drink her milk, instead crying and screaming the entire time she was awake. when she did sleep, she would eventually wake herself up and start the entire cycle again. nobi was getting worried because she only had 1 bottle of milk today and she didn’t want to be held or touched by anyone.

combined with the worry and the sleep deprivation, nobi was in tears, sobbing on the floor next to nanako’s crib, who was also crying, so together they had a crying session. everyone else was busy, even jungkook since he joined the others in the gym, so she was left to fend for herself and the baby wasn’t helping by refusing to take in any milk.

“nanako, please,” she begged. “one bottle, hm? just one bottle.”

nanako shook her head and cried louder making sakura wail more. maybe it wasn’t the ideal situation or the ideal move but nobi didn’t know what to do because she’s never taken cared of a baby before. initially, she called her brother to figure out how to solve the problem but neither of them were answering and the booklet had nothing on there on how to get her to drink.

honestly, of all things, that should be in there.

the two girls were so busy having their sobbing match that they completely missed the front door and jungkook’s greeting. the boy was in shock at the sight of nobi clutching the crib with nanako inside while they both cried their eyes out.

“bub,” he whispered before grabbing her to his arms.

“i don’t know why she won’t drink, kook. and i’m so tired,” she wailed and cried harder.

jungkook racked his brain on what to do until settling on a decision. “tell you what. go to bed and plug your airpods in so you could sleep while i take care of nanako.”

nobi started to protest because she knew he needed sleep too but he waved her off. the feeling of the plushness of her bed was so foreign to her now since she rarely had time to sleep on it and relish in the comfort. the loud lo-fi music drowned out the screams and wails of the baby, allowing her to finally slip into her own dreamland.

it was only about 2 hours that she woke up and she cursed, fearing that she has so suddenly created a new maternal sense in a span of 5 days.quickly sitting up, the panic in her chest soothed when she saw an empty bottle on the dresser and jungkook swaying with nanako cradled on his arms, sleeping. she gently pried the earbuds out of her ears and smiled softly at jungkook’s quiet singing, feeling relaxed herself.

“go to sleep, my little munchkin,” he whispered. “koo koo will be here when you wake up. i promise.”

nobi closed her eyes in gratitude and forced down a scream of gratitude to the lord and savior, god almighty, that nanako has eaten and finally fallen asleep. and jungkook was here.

jungkook noticed her rising figure and he sat down next to her, still cradling the baby.

“morning,” she grinned to which he returned. “how was she?”

“well, took a while to convince her to eat but she did and she just fell asleep.”

“you’ll be a great father someday, koo koo.” jungkook bashfully looked away to hide the smile that threatened to escape.

“nah, i just communicate with children better.”

“do you want a baby girl? or a baby boy?” 

a moment of thinking caused silence until he answered, “doesn’t matter. as long as i have my family.”

if she didn’t grow up with jungkook and didn’t see through his puberty and awkward and ugly moments, nobi might’ve just busted out a ring and married him then and there.

...

kazuki and hana were amused at the smiling face of the usually shy jungkook and the anger and irritation that radiated off of the girl beside him. the father gently took hold of his daughter from jungkook’s arms and she giggled, seemingly happy to see her father again.

hana placed a hand on nobi’s arm and squeezed in gratitude. “thank you so much, kura.”

nobi had no energy left in her to lie a smile so she sighed. “you’re really welcome. but she’s a handful. she kinda reminds me of maiya.”

kazuki laughed at the mention of their youngest sister. “you stayed with grandmother for a year because you hated her crying.”

“exactly.”

“she was really nice, hyung.” jungkook reassured the man. “loud, but sweet.”

“then she should be over any time, right?”

“during the day, yes.” but she made a cross with her arms. “but nighttime, is no no.”

“either way, thank you so much, sakura, jungkook-ssi.” hana gratefully said and the family finally moved to leave.

nanako, who had her head on her father’s shoulder, turned to peak at the two who were slowly getting farther away and raised a wobbly hand as if saying her good-byes.

“bye bye, my little munchkin!” jungkook yelled and she giggled, flapping her arms.

when they were out of sight, nobi sighed and felt the relief flowing through her veins.

“she’s an absolute adorable little baby. but if i have to spend another night with her, i will lose it.”

jungkook laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her closer.

“again, it’s to prepare for the future, right? because i really want a munchkin of my own.”

a/n: don’t be silly, wrap your willy

[joan-frias]

The Cake: A VegBul Fanfiction

This one-shot is based on a short story I created last night. I felt like this will be a good plot for Vegeta and Bulma, so I modified it for this fanfiction. This is the first time I'm doing a VegBul fanfic, so I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Ball or any of its characters.

Bulma looked at the blueprint in front her with frustration. This has been the twelfth time she has revised that mechanical plan she has been formulating, and she still could not get it right. Or maybe, thirteenth? She became more frustrated with that thought that she once again set the plan aside on the pile she has created on the floor beside her worktable. Maybe she needs to start over again.

It has been two weeks since the Tournament of Power, and things have started to come back to normal. Well, not really the 'normal' she has learned to live with ever since she married the prince of all Saiyans. Surprisingly, Vegeta hasn't gone training again since that tournament. She wants to think that it's because he spent all his energy on that tournament he can't train for the next weeks or months. For Bulma it was a blessing. At least he will have some time with his family and not just be alone on the gravity room or stay on Beerus' planet for months.

Right now, Vegeta is with their newborn Bulla. Or at least, that's what Bulma thinks. She gave birth to the half-Saiyan girl just before the tournament. It was Vegeta's ticket to join the tournament, because God knows what she might have done to him if he left her while she's about to give birth to his child. He might probably consider sleeping over Goku's house, for she won't let him go home until she feels like forgiving him for what he did. But Whis made it easier and faster for her to deliver the child, freeing Vegeta of his husband duties and making him join the most important tournament the multiverse has ever had.

After that tournament, Vegeta has become a dutiful father to Bulla, and also to Trunks. He was always the one to babysit Bulla, making Bulma do whatever she needs and wants to do, which was not her plan since she had thought of taking a maternity leave after giving birth to focus on her daughter. She never thought Vegeta would have the time to nurse their newborn, so she cancelled everything that she was planning to do for the next two months. But fate has other plans, and she was given the free time that she had been wanting to have since God knows when.

And since she has a lot of free time and not any project on cue, she decided to do that project that she knows she was meant to do. Or rather, she was supposed to based on the event that have transpired in the past years. If only things didn't happen the way they did, then she won't have to produce it from scratch like what she is doing right now. But, thinking about it, maybe it was better that way so that she could recreate that 'thing' from scratch, making her the real inventor and not just some future self she has.

She was once again trying to recreate another blueprint when someone entered her laboratory. She looked up and saw her husband approach her. He is wearing his usual house clothes, which is a blue shirt and khaki pants. It's quite refreshing seeing him in another clothing aside from his training gear.

"Woman, I need you to come with me to the kitchen."

Bulma frowned. "What for?"

Vegeta didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed her hand and made her follow him to the kitchen. He led her to the island counter, then made her sit on one of the highchairs. He then went to the other side of the counter.

"What is this, Vegeta? I have a lot of things to do."

She glared at him, and after being terrified for a while he turned around and went to the refrigerator. He took out a round chocolate cake, putting it down on the island counter.

Bulma stared at the cake, not quite comprehending what the sweet confection is for. She looked back at Vegeta giving him a questioning look. The guy looked away as he crossed his arms on his chest.

"I heard you say you crave some chocolate cake."

"You baked a cake for me?" Bulma asked, disbelieving her own assumption.

Vegeta blushed but didn't answer. Bulma's face lit up with a smile.

"I didn't know you could be this romantic."

"Just eat the damn cake!"

Bulma giggled as she watched Vegeta get some saucers, fork and a knife to slice the cake.

"Did you really bake this yourself?"

Vegeta stopped slicing the cake. He looked at Bulma and glared at her. She just giggled, making him proceed in dividing the cake. He served a slice to her.

"Your mother helped me," he suddenly said. "He told me what to do, but I did everything."

"Oh! Then this should be good."

Bulma took a piece of the cake and he watched her eat it. He is obviously anxious to know what she thinks.

"It's good," Bulma said. "I'm just not sure if it's really good, or I just love you that's why I think it's good."

Vegeta blushed at what she said. He grumbled then looked away. Bulma giggled at her husband's demeanor.

"Why don't you try it?"

Bulma walked around the island counter to Vegeta. He wasn't able to stop her as she feeds him a small piece of the cake.

"What do you think?" Bulma asked.

"As always, a proof that everything I do affirms excellence."

Bulma giggled at his remark. Her joyous laugh makes him smile.

"I love you," she said before she leans closer and kiss him at the mouth.

Vegeta was shocked at the sudden and brief manifestation of his wife's affection. Bulma just giggled as she ate another piece of the cake.

"I will never get use of your vulgarity," Vegeta commented.

"Oh, you like it as much, don't you?"

Instead of answering, Vegeta pulled her into him and kissed her on the mouth. It was a deep, passionate kiss that made Bulma breathless she almost dropped the fork she was holding.

"Yeah, that cake sure is delicious," Vegeta said after the kiss.

Bulma smiled as she tried to compose herself after that torrid kiss her husband just gave her. Vegeta took the fork she was holding, eating a piece of the cake, then feeding her some after.

"So what are you trying to build this time?" he asked her.

"Time machine."

Vegeta stopped and gazed at her. Bulma just shrugged, taking the fork from him once again and feeding herself some cake.

"Did you already forget about Lord Beerus and Whis' warning against the time machine?"

"Yeah, but, I feel like it's something that I should do. I know about the rules of time travel and all that stuff, but what if whatever happened to Future Trunks' dimension also happen here in our timeline? It might not be the Androids or a mad god, but something as deadly or catastrophic as that? And the only way to save another future is to go back in time and warn them? I don't know… I just can't help but feel like I should do something because I could."

Seeing the horror that Goku Black has caused Future Trunks' timeline herself, Bulma can't help but feel the terror of its outcome. She would not want another dimension's existence to be erased. Wasn't it the reason why the Universe 7 did everything they can to win the Tournament of Power? To prevent their universe to be erased, and eventually restoring all the universes that was erased.

She sadly continued eating the cake on the saucer, finishing it up to the last bit. Surprisingly, another slice landed on her empty saucer, making her look back to her husband.

"Alright… You can make the time machine, but I hope you follow the rules of time travel obediently. I don't want Beerus to erase any one of my family, or their future for that matter."

Bulma smiled, then leapt towards Vegeta as she clung onto his neck. The Saiyan prince almost fell down, holding her firmly to support both of them preventing themselves from falling.

"What in the world were you thinking?!"

Bulma giggled. "You really loved me that much, huh?"

Vegeta scowled. "I won't spend the entire morning trying to figure out how I can make the cake fudgy yet light if I don't."

"I figured," Bulma said as she hugged him completely.

Vegeta can do nothing but return the embrace. He closed his eyes and succumbed to the warmth that his beloved wife brings him, making him feel peace, joy, and love.

They are on that position when Trunks barged into the kitchen.

"Hey Dad!"

Vegeta's eyes shot wide open as he blushed. He almost pushed Bulma away if she hadn't moved away from his embrace.

"Oh, hey Trunks!" the blue-haired woman said.

"Uh… Mom…" The half-Saiyan kid was quite confused as to how he should act after seeing his parents' display of affection. His face is a little bit red.

"What is it?" Vegeta grumbled.

"Uh… There is a Bulla situation in the nursery. I think you need to change her nappies."

"Alright! I'm on it!"

Vegeta grumpily walked out of the room and proceeded to the nursery. Bulma just smiled as her eyes followed her husband. Trunks is still looking kind of confused as to what he just intercepted.

"Trunks, do you want to try this cake your father baked for me?"

"Uh… is it good?" The young Saiyan went to the island counter and sat on one of the highchairs.

"It is. Try it."

Bulma gives him a slice on a clean saucer. Trunks tasted the cake and liked how it taste.

"I can't believe Dad was able to pull it off."

"So he asked you to look after Bulla while he baked the cake?"

"Yeah," Trunks answered. "He said he'll train with me after if I took good care of her."

Bulma felt glad at what her son said. Vegeta sure is doing all sort of fatherly stuff with the kids. If training is considered a fatherly action, especially with Saiyan parents.

"Did he tell you why he's baking the cake?"

"He said he's tired of hearing your agonizing ranting, so she wants to make you feel better by making the cake you're craving."

Bulma just smiled at what Trunks said.

"I don't understand why he has to make it himself. Can't he just buy one from the store?"

"Honey, that's what makes it more special," Bulma said as she pats her son's head. "When you grow up, you'll understand."

"Guess it's one of those complicated adult things."

Bulma smiled. "Do you want to drink milk with it?"

"Mom, milk is for kids. I prefer juice than milk, the one that Mr. Monaka delivered the other day."

Bulma giggled at her little child's cockiness. Surely, that didn't come from her side of the family. Nevertheless, she took two cans of the juice she ordered from space.

"So, you were taking care of Bulla while your father is baking?"

"Yeah," Trunks answered.

"How was it?"

"Bulla is a handful," Trunks said. "She always wants me to play with her and make funny faces. Are all babies like that?"

"Well, you were also like that when you were a baby," Bulma said. "I remember, I took you at the rendezvous of Goku and the others during that time they first fought with the androids. You actually peed on Yajirobi's scarf that time."

Trunks grimaced with disgust. "I did that?"

Bulma laughed. "You did!"

She continued telling him the story as they both enjoyed the cake that Vegeta baked for her.

[potterwatch-transcripts]

FIRST BROADCAST: 17th NOVEMBER 1998.

Lee Jordan: Greetings Potterfans, River here, and welcome to another action packed episode of Potterwatch. Today, with me as always, is my cohost and partner in crime, Rapier.

George Weasley: A pleasure to be back River. I would just like to make it clear, no crimes were commuted in the creation of this show. Any that we did commit were purely accidental.

Lee: Except setting a murderous House Elf on Rita Skeeter, that was intentional.

George: And we were acquitted by the wizengamot due to lack of evidence. That and the minister of magic said, and I quote ‘we still have Death Eaters to catch, I literally could not care less’.

Lee: Indeed, vote Shacklebolt for minister.

George: Shacklebolt 2001. Make the ministry mirthful again.

Lee: Now Rapier, what has been happening in the world since last we took to the airwaves like a Harry Potter obsessesed Hippogriff?

George: Well River, funny you should mention Harry Potter obsessed Hippogriffs. It turns out that world famous boy wizard Harry ‘Oblivious to women’s emotions’ Potter has been harbouring a fugitive.

Lee: Gosh Rapier, really?

George: That’s right River. Legendary former toddler H. J. Potter esquire has been harbouring the noted hippogriff and convicted felon ‘Buckbeak’. Buckbeak was sentenced to death several years ago for allegedly mortally wounding Draco ‘My father will hear about this’ Malfoy. Additionally, Buckbeak aided in the escape of famed criminal and good boy, Sirius Black.

Lee: But was mr Black not posthumously cleared of all charges?

George: Correct River. However, at the time this feathered felon was still aiding in a criminals escape, and should be brought to justice.

Lee: Are you suggesting we campaign to send Buckbeak to Azkaban.

George: Not only am I suggesting jail for this clawed criminal, but I also suggest Harry Potter should be imprisoned for upwards of 50 years for harbouring a known fugitive.

Lee: I support this Rapier. Justice must be done.

George: In other news, popular magazine the Quibbler has relaunched after nearly two years of being out of print. Those of you listening to the show during the reign of Ol’ Lord no nose will remember the Quibbler’s office was destroyed in what some have described as ‘A classic Potter’

Lee: We can exclusively reveal that myself and Rapier, as well as Harry Potter, Kreacher T. Elf, Horace Slughorn and Ronald ‘What were you thinking in your 6th Year’ Weasley will be just some of the guest writers.

George: My article is called ‘Minerva McGonnagal, Kitten or Kangaroo’. I seek to prove that the hogwarts headmistress is not in fact a proud Scot, but actually a 25yr Australian Enchantress called Stephanie Irwin.

Lee: Meanwhile, my article will seek to look into claims that Harry Potter is none other 3 Goblins in a surprisingly realistic person costume.

George: look out for other articles from us coming soon. And finally, after much debate, a new platform will be opening at Kings Cross Station. Platform 7 5/12 will be a direct line from London to Godric’s hollow, providing fans of the chosen one the chance to visit the ‘Harry Potter’ experience, sponsored by Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.

Lee: I am very excited for this new Museum/Interprative Dance Show, opening in March 1999.

George: Fun fact for our fans River, if you slap a red wig in a house Elf, spitting image of Potter’s beloved sidekick Rob Weasley.

Lee: and now we turn to the interview portion of our show. Please join me fans, in giving a very warm welcome to ‘Rival’

Viktor Krum: Is pleasure to being here my friends.

Lee: Now Rival, you know Harry Potter fairly well, what’s he like?

Krum: Well River, Harry Potter is good man. I like him very a lot. However, he is not too bright.

George: oh really?

Krum: oh yes. I get to know him during the Triwizard tournament, and I come to conclusion that without Hermione Grainger, who is amazing witch, Potter would have been died two weeks into his first year in Hogwarts.

Lee: You’re not the first to say this Rival. So you like Potter, but think he’s a bit thick.

Krum: Yes I am liking Harry but am thinking he actually only knowing 2 spells. The Dementor Spell, in Bulgaria we call it the great protector. And Expelliarmus. I was at battle of Hogwarts and when I see him try to disarm the dark lord I am thinking ‘oh well, nice to know you Potter’ and am ready to try to kill Mister Voldemort myself.

George: Do you think you could have defeated the Dark Lord?

Krum: Oh yes, in my home country we knowing how to deal with Dark Wizards and beasts. I defeat my first Vampire age 9 with nothing but a firebreath potion and sharp stick. I sharpen stick myself.

Lee: How did you sharpen the stick Rival?

Krum: With another sharpened stick.

George: Amazing. You heard it hear first folks, Rival is probably the coolest dude I’ve ever met. And I routinely was punished by Minerva McGonnagal.

Krum: Your Madam McGonnagal is great woman. She remind me of the Lamya. Is a great Bulgarian dragon lady of much power.

Lee: Awesome. And finally Rival, how do you fancy your home nations chances in the Quidditch World Cup.

Krum: I am hoping we do very well. Is a good team, maybe better than team we have last World Cup.

Lee: Thank you Rival. That is all we have time for tonight. I have been River.

George: And I have been Rapier.

Lee: The next password will be ‘Buckbeak’. Stay tuned Potterfans, and remember, Harry Potter killed an evil wizard at 1 year old, with a full nappy, so there’s hope for us all.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

🏰👑⚔️🐲🎉😂 DMODT 66 update... we made it to dinner!

"Guys! I think we have a problem!..." With his arm around Eren's shoulder as Eren breathed in fresh steam, Armin rushing in with a problem wasn't what he needed right now. Eren had woken to feed Viren, then broken down into a coughing fit so severe his legs given out when he'd tried to close the window beside him. Getting Eren up, dressed, and sitting at the dining table, Levi'd only just poured the boiling water in the bowl and now Armin was showing up with some problem that obviously had him flustered "... is Eren alright?" "Lungs. I see you brought Luca his leg of lamb. Luca, you can have it in front of the fireplace" Trotting over to him, Luca looked up at Armin expectantly until he handed over the promised treat. The little dragon's eyes almost doubled in size as he realised it was all for him, quick to take it to his place in front of the fireplace as Mikasa placed down the second tray of food "Armin's right, we do have a slight problem" "Close the door then. The first part of a private conversation is making sure it's private. Eren gets the chair. You two will have to stand or sit on the bed" Coming out from under the towel, Eren opened his mouth to speak only to dissolve back into coughing. Rubbing his back, Levi dropped a kiss on his head "Don't force it. Have some warm tea first, and rest your throat while Armin fills us in" Moving the bowl of hot water to the side, Armin took the hint and began pouring Eren a cup of tea. Eren being his normal stubborn self as he rasped out "Is it the refugees? Has something happened to them?" Armin quickly shook his head "Most people in Mitras have been allowed to return home. The soldiers swept the city and declared it safe. No. Our problem is much worse than that. We're having a formal dinner, on Eren's birthday. The stupid advisors organised it all while we were in the sunroom. I don't know how to have a formal dinner. I can barely have a normal dinner. It's for aristocracy, the leaders of each division of our various branches... and... to formally introduce your son. Apparently a lot of people still think Levi should be prince, despite the whole thing with Erwin... I don't know what to do. I hardly know any of them, and now your pup is being brought into this... I can't even cancel because invites have already been sent out..." Passing Eren his tea, the omega wrapped his hands around the warm cup as Levi sighed to himself. Eren wasn't up for this. Not after what he'd confessed under command. The last thing his fragile mind needed was a room full of people staring at him "... I'm so sorry. Maybe... Levi could come? He knows most of them..." Coughing, Eren shook his head. Levi's hold on him had tightened significantly at Armin's news "We'll both be there..." "Eren" There was a gentle warning in the way Levi said his omega's name "I've been through worse..." That didn't make him feel better "You don't have to push yourself" "It's fine..." Mikasa crossed her arms, not knowing what to do with herself "Maybe Levi's right? If you're not up to it, you shouldn't make yourself go. This isn't Marley" Taking a small sip of tea, Eren nodded with a content sigh. The tea probably felt harsh against his tender throat, but was bound to bring relief "I won't be in a corset and dress, with only Zeke for support. It's for Armin" "Eren, our track record with public events hasn't been the best. Perhaps it really is..." "Levi, don't. We both know... the game by now" Breaking down into coughs, Levi patted Eren's back. He wanted to put his omega back to bed, but now he knew about the formal dinner, there was no way he wouldn't want to go. Setting dinner out on the table, Armin didn't look relieved. The three of them were so much younger than him, and Armin had yet to really appear in public as anything other than a scholar. They'd eat the beta alive "Fine. With the provision that Eren and I will leave if he feels ill. I know most of the shit stains, and there's only two you can trust. Dot Pixis. And yourself. Zackley is forever scheming, they say his interests are of the more... perverted incline when it comes to discipline. Pixis is a drunk, and an eccentric, but he's a good man. Address him as Baron Pixis" Nodding, Eren leant into his touch with a heavy sigh "You'll need to stay by Armin... they'll be hoping he embarrasses himself" "That I embarrass myself? I'm supposed to be the Prince" "What Eren means is, they'll expect you trip and fumble. Anything to make you look incompetent, so they can push their own ideals forward. Mikasa will be by your side as your personal guard, as I shall with Eren. I'll introduce you, you'll simply need to repeat the names I say" Armin's whole face lit up "You'll do that? I know you hate these kinds of things!" "Eren's entrusted you with his hope for true peace. I'll be assisting you, because I know if I don't, he'll be pissed. I don't know why people say alpha's are bad. Omegas hold a..." Stomping on his foot, Eren proved his point. Armin giggled at the sight "Thank you. I feel much better, but what about your son? I think they'll want an official name announcement" Looking to Eren for confirmation, his omega nodded "We have a name. We talked about it earlier. His name is Viren" "Viren? Like the end of both your names put together?" Eren tensed. Mikasa unknowingly stepping in a minefield "There's that, but it also means leader of heroes. We were talking of how our boys are sure to have plenty of adventures" "Viren... its perfect. Then let me be the first to say..." Mikasa elbowed Armin "Congratulations on the birth of your son Viren" "Mikasa! I wanted to say it first" "As his aunt..." "As his uncle..." "You got first hold!" "So?! I'm the prince" "And I'm head of your security..." Armin gaped at her, before throwing his hands up in the air "I can't win. Levi, is there any way I can fire her?" "No. She scares almost everyone here. Mikasa is quite the force to be reckoned with" Smugly, the female alpha bopped Armin on the head "It's alright. No one else would put up with your bratty arse anyway. You both will need to dress accordingly" "Eren has his robes and I should have something vaguely acceptable. We'll need something for Viren though. They won't tolerate him being in just his nappy and blanket" "What do babies usually wear to these kinds of things?" "Something along the lines of a christening dress" "But he's a boy? Isn't there a dress protocol?" "It's all the same when they're that age. Besides, none of them will be getting close enough for a proper look. Anyone thinks of touching our sons with their shitty hands, they're going to find themselves sporting stumps" Eren whined softly "No... don't even joke about it... I can't right now" Right. Last birthday he'd murdered two Marley citizens and totally fucked the day for Eren "I'm sorry. Here, you need to eat. I'm going to see how wet the other chair is. It's awkward as hell watching Mikasa and Armin hovering" "Why don't you just send a guard to bring a few more chairs?" Levi looked to Armin "Armin, you're the prince. Send a guard to fetch three more chairs" "I... what? No. I don't want to inconvenience them..." "You're the prince. You're not inconveniencing them, and they're not going to respect you if you don't speak up. As it is, you haven't proven yourself on a hunt, in a tournament or on the battlefield. Three things every prince needs to do if they're going to lead a bunch of alpha military apes" Armin paled "I can't do anything like that" "Then go boss a guard around. It'll be good for you" "But..." Mikasa took a step towards the door, Eren stopping her "Mikasa. Armin has to do this for himself. He needs to learn that he's expected to act like he'd above everyone, even when you don't want to be" "I suppose you have a point... Armin, you need to speak up for yourself. We're expected to meet with the new leader of Marley, as well as attend at Dina's trial. I'm sorry, I think it's time for your training to start. Tonight, you ask for three chairs. Tomorrow, you'll be practising your sword work" Armin could barely lift a sword. His long thing fingers were those of a scholar" Attempting to ask the guards for two more chairs, Armin was quick to apologise repeatedly. The three of them all mentally sighing over the fate of a prince who was yet to find his voice. Returning with a blush on his cheeks, Armin knew he'd messed up. Still leaning into his side, Eren nuzzled into Levi's hip "What's wrong?" Mumbling, Eren pushed the fabric of Levi's shirt up with a hand. Resting his warm forehead against Levi's cold skin "Feel gross. You feel nice" "I know you feel gross. You need to eat, and rest" "I don't feel like eating" "You feel sick because you haven't been eating" "I thought I felt sick because my lungs suck?" "There's that's too. Would you be more comfortable sitting up in bed?" "No... just let me stay like this?" "Sure. As long as you need" "I'm sorry" "You don't need to be sorry" Careful to avoid running his fingers over where Eren had hit his head, Levi gently stroked Eren's hair. Some days he couldn't believe the love and emotions Eren brought out of him. He'd softened so much with the omega by his side. The things he'd thought only shitty idiots did or said, had become part of their every day life. Until he'd had an omega of his own, he'd seen his own second dynamic as beasts, and though he knew not all alphas cared for their omegas like he did Eren, he loved nothing more than curling up in Eren's arms. Even before all the shit had gone down, Eren had went out of his way to make sure he knew he supported him. He'd bring him tea. Gave him small kisses or hugs each time he grew frustrated, yelled at him when he'd messed up. Omegas might be seen as the "cling" dynamic, but Levi was the one clinging onto Eren for dear life "Mmm. I still don't feel like eating" "Too bad" Viren started crying almost as soon as Eren finally picked up his spoon to start to eating. Dropping the spoon back down, Levi shot his mate a glare "Don't even think about moving. He probably needs a nappy change" "But..." "Eat. Mikasa, make sure he eats. I'll take care of Viren" "You can't just force my sister on to me... he's my son too" Even if Eren felt like a lacking mother, him not changing one dirty nappy wasn't the end of the world. Besides, Eren was more likely to face-plant on the floor than he was to be able to walk over to the cot, then to the bathroom to change their pup "I know he is. It's a simple nappy change, I've got this. You concentrate on eating" Mumbling to himself, Eren didn't look happy but took the spoon up again to poke at the broth in front of him. He was probably sick to death of broth, but until he said otherwise, Levi wasn't risking his mate hurting himself by taking a shit. Viren had left him an impressive mess. At least, an impressive mess for such a small pup that only drank milk. Going about cleaning his son up, Levi kissed his chubby belly as he made sure not a single drop of mess remained. Viren was indeed a fine name for their tiny adventurer to be. If he was anything like this mother, he'd be a handful and half before he could even walk. It truly was amazing how much love he carried for the tiny boy. He wanted to protect him from everything and everyone one, but now he had to introduce his son to all the shit for brains in the money, like he was some kind of festival attraction. He was loathe to do so, but if he didn't, things would only grow worse for Armin. At least he and Erwin had been expected not to know a thing. Armin on the other hand... stupid pompous arseholes. He'd been brought into the fold of the secret, yet Levi had stupidly assumed it was all because of Eren's closeness and Levi's infection... He'd been completely blindsided by all it. Erwin had never mentioned the possibility of a sibling, and now it seemed he'd never known until Eren told him. At least Luca and Viren knew each other. They'd have to chance to grow up together and be like real brothers... Armin had had that taken from him. Instead he'd seen Erwin as a love interest... Shaking his head to dismiss his thoughts, Levi smiled down at his precious pup "Let's get you back to mummy before he worries that I've kidnapped you. Or even worse, decides he's not going to eat. I wish you'd rub off on mumma. You love your food and he needs to too" Eren had given up eating by the time Levi carried Viren out. Though not completely impressed that it wasn't all gone, he took the half finished bowl as a small win. Brightening up, Eren stared at his son "Can I hold him?" "Did you really eat that much broth?" The look of disgust Eren shot at the bowl confirmed it for Levi, more so than Eren's sighed words "I did..." "Then of course you can. He's your son too" Walking over to Eren, his omega eagerly took their pup into his hold, cradling him proudly against his chest "Mikasa has some things to do, but Armin is still keen on talking about that list of his. If I take nap with the baby, will you two be alright?" What did he think he was going to do? Pick a fight with his mate's best friend for his crown back. Fuck that. He never wanted that crappy ring of metal back on his head "Yes. We'll be fine. God knows Armin needs all the help he can get" "Hey! I'm right here" Eren snorted at his friend's indignation "Armin, you know he's right" "That's beside the point. Mikasa, weren't you going to go speak with your squad about security, and Eren, weren't you going to take a nap?" "Mikasa, I think we've just been given our marching orders. He can't ask for three chairs, but he has no problem bossing us around" Mikasa's smile only widened at Eren's teasing of Armin "It's almost like he's the prince, or something?" "I know right. Can you imagine if he was? He'd be absolutely insufferable" "Dina was insufferable. He has some time to go before he gets quite that bad" "I don't know... ow!" Smacking Mikasa in the arm, Armin huffed "I thought you guys were my best friends" "We are. That's why we're telling you the truth... Armin, stop hitting me!" Smacking Mikasa again, maybe the blonde had bigger balls than he thought "Armin, stop hitting 'Kasa. She's going to get back you back in training" "You were both picking on me!" Wrapping her arm around Armin, Mikasa gave him a solid hug "Because we're both proud of you, and know how unique your ideas are. Honestly, anything will be better than how things have been" "Mikasa, don't insult Levi. He's tried his hardest" "Yeah. Don't insult Erwin either, he was my brother" "I'm not insulting either of them. I mean, now we are free of Marley, it's time to step up and decide our own future" "I still feel slightly insulted, but we are indeed free of Marley. And like I said, Armin and I shall be fine. Off to bed with you, Eren" Pouting at him, Levi couldn't help but steal a kiss from Eren "You asked for it. I'm serious though, get some rest. If there's anything we need, we can wake you" "You better... I don't want to be left out" "We're not leaving you out. Resting is important" Releasing Armin, Mikasa rose from her chair to walk over to Eren. Placing her hand on his shoulder, Mikasa nodded "Levi's right. I know it's a bit of a shock... and I didn't think I'd be admitting it out loud. You do need to sleep, you look horrible" "When did this turn to picking on me?" "When you came into our lives. Get some sleep, let these two idiot work out the hard things" Kissing his cheek, Mikasa left it at that before she casually walked over to the door, briefly pausing before letting herself out. Being next to his mate, Levi could tell immediately Eren's depression had taken it all the wrong way. Now he wondered if Eren even wanted to take a nap, or if he'd felt pressured into by Armin and Mikasa "Yeah... yeah... I'll be with the baby. Make sure Luca doesn't choke on the lamb bones..." Muttering to himself, Eren climbed from his seat. There was still a lot Eren would be able to help Armin with. He was people person after all "Eren..." Ignoring him, Eren went about settling himself down in their nest. Great. All he wanted to do now was assure Eren that he wasn't being left out the loop, and that he really did need to rest given how badly his coughing had been... but Armin was there. Eren would only shut down further if they were to discuss his feelings in front of his best friend. He'd say he was just being annoying, or getting in the way, then grow angry and embarrassed. He'd been rubbed emotionally raw as it was, another conversation would probably just end in tears with Eren doubting himself. Levi really didn't like leaving it, but for now he'd have to. Somehow Levi and Armin had talked through most of the night. The poor beta was clueless, despite all his book smarts. He hadn't even been taught the correct procedure when it came to dining, and working from the outer cutlery in. Trying to jam in as much as he could, his mind kept drifting back to where were was laying in their nest. Given the lack of snoring, he could easily imagine Eren was laying there wide awake with the covers over his head to hide the fact he was eavesdropping. When Armin started yawning, Levi called it a night. The blond had enough to try and remember, without trying to cram more into his brain while exhausted. Entrusting him to the guards to escort the prince back to his room, Levi was then finally able to return to the side of his own "sleeping" prince. Stripping his clothes off, he simply couldn't be bothered with placing a night shirt on, instead climbing up to spoon around his love naked. Nuzzling into Eren's shoulder, his omega didn't respond "Eren? Sweet omega, are you awake?" Getting no reply, he snaked his arm around Eren's waist "I love you. I don't know if you're ignoring me or if you're really sleeping, God knows you need the rest after that coughing fit, but I love you. You're not alone, sweet boy" * Eren hadn't slept well, leaving Levi's sleep just as interrupted. He knew he was nervous over the dinner party to come that night, and that the omega had been off since the night he'd talked with Armin. The following morning, Eren hadn't asked over a single thing discussed, leaving Levi to explain that the majority of what they'd spoken about was table manners. Simple things like no one was to take their seat until Armin did. Which cutlery was used for what, and if there was something he didn't know, he could immediately ask Levi, or change the topic without anyone being offended. When they'd spoken, Armin had confessed many things about Eren's time in Marley. Specifically how at one stage, every night had seen Eren appearing on Zeke's arm, and how he was fed much less than any of the other people they knew for the simple fact he was an omega. Levi couldn't help but be slightly jealous that he'd never seen Eren in his corset and dress with his cheeks rouged, and face powdered. He adored Eren, and much preferred his face natural without all those disgusting things people painted their face with across his skin, he simply wished he could have seen him like that because it was a side of Eren hadn't seen. He could imagine the grace Eren would have carried himself with, as he smile politely while wishing he could throw a firm right hook at anyone who rubbed him the wrong way. With the pressure of the event getting to him, Eren had had a screaming nightmare over Zeke. His lover confused and embarrassed when he woke, trying to push Levi away, only to find Levi wasn't about to let him go. Tearfully, Eren admitted the dream was about Zeke. Zeke had arrived at the party with blood running from his lips as cursed him over the baby. It'd taken hours to settle him back down to sleep, only for Eren to start tossing and turning for the rest of the night. He'd gotten a few minutes sleep, here and there, evidenced by pained moans and mumbles about "being good", or "don't take my baby". Eren's tossing has been brought to an end when Luca moved off their feet to climb under the blankets and spoon up behind Eren. Resting his head on Eren's pillow their son placed his cold nose of Eren's neck, the omega instantly relaxing back into the touch. With his mind on Marley, the familiarity of the night's with only Luca for comfort had left their mark. The small dragon able to give Eren the comfort he couldn't. When Viren woke for his morning feed, Levi took care of changing his wet nappy and getting him ready. Eren looked like a complete mess when Levi roused him, but was happy enough to take their son silently. He'd apologised for his moods the previous day, and had told Levi his mind was still a mess. Having been honest about that, Levi apologised for using a command, and had promised he'd never use one again if he could help it. Eren hadn't been particularly mad, he'd admitted that they needed to talk, but that he also had something he wanted to figure out before broaching the topic. Levi was now regretting that promise. Eren simply looked too sad for him to ignore... yet, nothing he'd tried seemed to raise his mate's spirits like Luca or Viren did. He could only watch as Eren cared for their boys, barely staying upright long enough to feed and burp Viren, before settling down with spooned back into him, and Viren laying close to the dragon's nostrils. Luca would be attending the dinner tonight, and Levi was thinking it was well past time that they got him his own bowl. He'd heard through the grapevine, mainly Armin who'd come to check in with them after "being tortured" by Mikasa, that Isabel and Farlan were actually organising a proper bed for Luca. Levi hadn't thought to do so, given how Luca liked to sleep in bed with them. It also struck him that they'd been letting Luca behave too much like a dog, rather than the noble and intelligent beast he was. He knew how to get up to use the toilet, even if it wasn't the most comfortable position for the baby dragon... which was why he tended to pee over the shower drain and leave tiny presents in the box beside the toilet. If Luca ever did develop enough magic to be able to turn human, or to express his wants and needs more accurately, they'd need to start by training him how to sit at a dinner table without making a scene, attempting to steal everything in sight, and how to eat without wolfing it down like there was no tomorrow. All of which would be big steps given he'd soon be a year old and was very much set in his own stubborn ways of letting himself be pampered senseless. When Historia and Ymir had been there, he'd nearly mentioned to Eren that perhaps it would be beneficial to send Luca to Draecia at some point so he could be with his own kind. They'd be with him, of course, but what if Luca wanted to stay there...? The thought left an uncomfortable pain in his chest. Luca was his son, and he didn't ask to be stuck in his dragon form permanently. He was happy and healthy. That was the main thing. He simply didn't want his son to miss a single chance to embrace who and what he was. Now with Eren's depression so bad, and his instincts up and down, he dare not mention the idea in fear of Eren thinking that he thought his parenting style lacking. Armin delivered their clothes for that night personally. The blond beta able to pull off looking like a scared mouse rather than a prince, but he did get Eren up and moving. He's forced down breakfast and lunch at Levi's request, yet had passed almost all of the day in bed with their boys, only interacting at the very bare minimum. Honestly, it was frustrating to watch, leaving him with no idea how Eren was going to pull himself together for dinner. He looked a wreck, then suddenly, Armin was kicking him out to dress in another room, and Levi was staring at his wooden door not quite sure how he'd actually been evicted. It was job as Eren's alpha to help him, not Armin's. Still miffed at being evicted, Levi changed into less severe looking black military garb. It was essentially the same garb he'd worn before, yet lacked the silver trims and epaulettes. He'd expected to be wearing a suit, having found one out of the back his dresser, only for Armin to insist that he and Eren wore the clothes he'd brought with him. Left alone in the hall, Levi dismissed the guards. He couldn't handle the ever so slight look of amusement on their faces. It felt good to know they weren't so amused when Levi sent them off to make themselves useful to Hanji. The woman was probably completely in menace mode, and as it was, thanks to Armin their group was running behind schedule. Levi still needed to retrieve both his swords, and check to make sure Viren was adequately dressed for his first public appearance... He knew better than anyone what dinner would be like, so why hadn't Armin called him back in? It felt like a good hour so had passed before Armin opened the door, looking smug as he did "Sorry for the wait, buuuut, I think you'll agree it was worth it. What do you think?" Moving aside, Armin revealed Eren in his new set of white robes. With his hair braided into a loose plat over his right shoulder, Eren smiled shyly at him. On his shoulder, Viren was dressed in an almost matching white christening dress. His omega didn't look at all like how'd left him, somehow he'd pulled himself together, looking much more dignified than either he or Armin did "Well?" Breathless at the sight, Levi swallowed hard before choking out "Eren, you look stunning..." "White robes are now the robes of those in high positions. Well... the others are in Eldia green robes... Eren is technically a guest and a dragon, so I wanted to give him something a little more befitting. Plus, I knew white would look good on him..." "I agree... are you both ready to leave? Pixis tends to arrive earlier than the rest, for the wine. Don't let his alcoholism dissuade you, and don't take it personally. He's proven himself a capable military asset, and one of the decent barons of the kingdom" "Ah... I yes... which one is he again?" "Shortish and bald. Constantly has either a flask in his hands or a glass of wine. Like Hannes" Too busy starting at Eren, Levi didn't realise the name slipped from his lips, until Eren frowned "Levi, Armin never met Hannes. We should go. Luca, come on up" Leaning down enough for Luca to climb on his shoulders, Levi wasn't sure how Eren managed to hold Luca on his shoulders for hours. Their son wasn't exactly light, or as small as he'd once been. The day would come soon where it was no longer possible for Luca to ride on Eren's shoulders. Draping himself around Eren, Luca was careful not to place his claws near their baby, nearly falling off as he did. To accomodate him, Eren moved Viren down from his shoulder "I'm ready. I hope I don't look too ridiculous. The bridge of your of nose is all wrinkled, how it gets when you're thinking... I can change..." "Eren, trust me, you look perfect. If I had a strange expression of my face, it's simply because you look so much better than Armin and I, which means I'm going to spend the whole night guarding you from alphas professing their love" "You're delusional... no one is going to declare their love to someone like me" How wrong Eren was. If Armin wasn't there, then he would have pushed Eren down and shown him just how loved he was... in more ways than one "Eren, Levi's right. You look amazing, even I do say so myself" Nodding in agreement with Armin, Levi moved to retrieve his two swords "See... Now, our pup's been fed, right?" "He's been fed, bathed and changed. Luca's had a bath and a dry down from Armin. I'm bathed and dried down. We're literally only waiting on you now" "That's right, given you left me in the corridor" Pulling both swords out, Levi went about looping them to his belt "We didn't leave you out there, you just couldn't be in here. It would have ruined the surprise" "It was a nice surprise. Those robes suit him perfectly, but I feel like you don't appreciate how beautiful Eren is all of the time" "Levi... don't" "Don't what? Tell you you're beautiful? You are. The three of you are. Now, will you do me the honour of appearing on my arm tonight? While Armin attempts not to make a fool of himself?" "Hey? What. No. I remember what you told me... if I screw up, that is all on you" "You two calm down. No one is going to make a mistake. Except for maybe Luca... but he's a baby so no one will mind" Luca huffed at Eren "I know. I'm sorry, but you're not used to formal dinners. Mummy still loves you, baby boy" All was not forgiven with Luca, but now Levi was ready, there was no time to waste. * As Levi had predicted, Dot Pixis was the first arrive. Reminding Armin who he was with a whisper, he needn't have bothered as Pixis made his way straight to him rather than to Armin who'd taken half a step back as if to hide from the man. Slipping on the mask he'd worn at these formal functions, Levi gave a smile as he took the man's offered hand "Baron Pixis, how nice of you to come. May I please introduce you to Prince Armin?" Armin looked like a fish out of water. As Levi dropped Pixis's hand, Pixis offered to Armin who shook it with a tad too much vigour. Laughing heartily, Armin looked to Levi "Its alright your majesty. I suppose you're still learning all the ins-and-outs of your new position. Might I suggest a smaller and firmer handshake with your other guests? And Eren, congratulations. A boy, I hear?" Eren nodded, shaking hands with Pixis as Armin carefully watched the exchange. It was amazing how professional Eren could be, when he'd been falling apart only hours earlier "Yes, a healthy baby boy. Thank you so much for being here tonight" "And does he have a name?" "Viren. His name is Viren" Tilting their son down for Pixis to see, the old man smiled fondly at him "I trust there won't be a repeat of last year's party? I'm afraid there's only so much drama an old man like I, can handle" "I can assure you that no one more than myself hopes this dinner runs smoothly. Please help yourself to the wine... sorry, Armin should be the one suggesting you make yourself comfortable" Pixis laughed at Eren's words, nodding as he did "Once a Prince, always a prince. I don't mind if I do. Levi, Eren, congratulations on your son Viren. Armin... I look forward to seeing what you accomplish in your reign" Pixis left the three of them standing in the hall, as he walked confidently to the dining room. He'd been there more than enough times to know his way around. As the old man disappeared into the dining room, Armin let out a nervous sigh "That was terrifying" "It wasn't that bad" "He didn't pay any attention to me. I forget what I was supposed to say and do... that handshake... it's going to haunt my dreams" "Levi, back me up. That wasn't that terrible, was it?" "No. But Pixis is rather odd..." Letting out a second sigh, Armin sounded much more miserable this time. Levi wasn't great at comforting people other than Eren... and even the he wasn't sure he was in the right most of the time "You'll be fine... you've greeted your first guest, next time you need to jump in before Eren invites them into the dining room" "It's not my fault... I'm still adjusting to this" Sliding his arm around Eren's waist, Levi kissed his cheek "I know. You're naturally a people person who wants to ensure people are comfortable. Armin is more comfortable making books comfortable. You'll get there" Armin slowly got better at greeting the guests as they arrived. Hanji attaching herself to their group once she was finished with the behind the scenes preparations, each time she was overlooked as the guests instead wished to look upon Viren. The baby boy now awake, wriggling and blinking sleepily. Luca growling at those who paused a moment too long in his opinion, leaving some guests laughing, but for the most part, they snubbed the small dragon in favour of drinks in the dining hall. The process taking a few hours from the moment Pixis arrived, to the moment the guards started closing the door. It was at the last moment a guest party entered that none of them recognised by face, only by the garb they were wearing. Zeke had worn similar on the occasions he'd bothered to dress accordingly. Marley military garb. The man in front was exceedingly average from his slicked back blond hair, to his thin eyebrows and dark eyes. Nothing was really... standing out to Levi. He was the kind of guy who would simply pass as a face in the crowd, if it for his military garb that was "Prince Armin, Prince Eren, I hope you'll please excuse my late arrival. The moment my request for an audience was granted, I found myself quite unable to sit still. Yet, it seems as if I've still managed to arrive late. My name is Willy Tybur, acting commander of Marley until the return of our prince" Walking over as if he belonged, Willy extended his hand to Armin "Prince Armin, thank you for your hospitality" "N-no, not at all..." Armin discretely shot Levi a look as Willy released his hand in order to offer it to Eren, before letting it drop "Prince Eren, and this must be your child. I offer you my sincerest congratulations on the safe delivery of your child" Eren frowned openly at him "I'm not a prince anymore. I was simply a prince through marriage and now my husband has passed, I am simply a member of the royal court" It was Willy's turn to frown "Perhaps we should discuss this at length. I have made preparations with your advisors to stay for the foreseeable future. I have also been informed that today is indeed your birthday. Might I offer my best wishes for the Prince's of Marley" Princes... of what now? Queen Dina was the ruler of Marley. Zeke married Eren to get his hands on Eldia. Eren wasn't of royal blood, nobility or... a prince... For once in her life, Hanji made herself useful "Please, the dining room is this way. We are honoured to have you here" "We both know that the current war has left things strained. I journeyed here originally in order to ensure the full evacuation of our military forces was being conducted in a timely fashion. Let us eat and form peace at the table" Something about Willy rubbed Levi the wrong way. He didn't like the man one bit, especially given he'd shattered Eren's mask. His upset was slight, but still in his scent. Keeping Eren beside his side for a moment longer as Hanji and Armin moved away with Willy, he kissed his mate's shoulder "Talk to me" "We don't have time" "Too bad. Eren, nothing that happens in there... you don't have to agree to anything. I swear I didn't know who he was, or that he was even in the country" "He seems to think I'm the Prince of Marley... Levi, I thought we'd left that behind... I... I don't think I can handle being pulled back into this. I want to... I've always wanted to be normal. I want to be like everyone else" "I know. And I know telling that you you're perfect the way you are isn't going to mean much, but I'm with you. I'm by your side" "I know... god. I feel sick to my stomach" "We can..." "We can't leave. I need to know what Willy really wants, and why he's suddenly appeared before all of us" "If you're stressing to the point you're physically ill..." "I know. I know... We should follow the others, it'll cause a scene if we're late" "Eren" "Please... I need to know" "Alright. But say the word, and we'll leave. Any time you need" "Thank you" In the dining room Eren was seated to the immediate right of Armin, with Levi next to him. Having climbed off Eren's shoulders, Luca sat in Levi's lap, like he was trying to pay attention and be on his best behaviour as Levi sliced his food for him. Across from them, Willy sat to Armin's immediate left, Levi not liking the way the alpha would look towards his son then look away. The tables moved to form on long horizontal table instead of the usual U-shape, meaning he could simply play it off as that. Beneath the table Eren's thigh was against his, for support. His hands busy with Viren who'd started to grizzle slightly when they'd sat. It was probably not the best thought to hope their son caused enough of a scene for them both to be excused. Especially when Petra's squad was working security with Mikasa's. Petra was barely a few metres behind Willy, probably silently seething over Eren having birthed his child. Why couldn't they just have a semi-awkward dinner, without any kind of drama? It was Eren's birthday and the day had been ruined enough as it was. He'd intended to present Eren with his gift once the stress of dinner had passed, and now they were stuck like this. Glancing towards Eren, he found his omega was talking, causing him to make a physical effort to pull his thoughts back enough to focus on Eren's words... right in time for Eren to stop speaking. Fuck... now Willy was replying "Before leaving to join you here in Marley, Prince Zeke approached me out of concern for both you and your child if anything was to happen due to his mother" Double fuck. He had no idea how the conversation had progressed to that point "Zeke never mentioned anything to me about it" Eren was on edge, his words clipped. Willy didn't even bat an eyelid, nor pause to stop eating "He was concerned after the attack that now seems to have been planned by Queen Dina. He felt that should anything happen to him, Dina would imprison you. Or at least send forces to Eldia to retrieve the child" "The child isn't of royal blood..." "Right. I've heard a dragons pregnancy can last up to two years" "I was bonded and intended to be wed to Levi before we became separated. It was through that bond that Zeke decreed I was prince. He was unaware that the real princes still lived. That alone should null anything legal" "The fact remains that you married into the royal family... Zeke was an only child, and even if Dina is cleared of the charges against her, she has no place in the heart of the people. I'm sure you've seen the not so glamorous side to Marley" "The people starving to death along the borders? Or the omegas fed barely more than a mouthful. Forced to wear collars and dress feminine" "Ah, yes. That. Still, I must insist that you read the documents prepared before you rush to abdicate from the throne" "I'm not a prince" "By law, you are. You are the widow of our Prince Zeke. Besides, you do have time before you must supply a formal reply" "What do you mean by that?" "I assume you've been summoned as a witness to Dina's trial. Given your part in this war as both prince and dragon. I know that Prince Armin will be in attendance... Perhaps you did not know you'd be required to speak? I've also brought the latest Royal correspondence from Marley, with the hopes that we'd be able to..." "Might I ask that you please not continue this conversation without me. As the current leader of Marley, you must be aware of the destruction left behind by your armies" "There is always unfortunate destruction and bloodshed in war. Your magic users certainly turned things in your favour. Ours proved to be lacking" Eren snapped. Luca sitting up straighter like he knew his mother had reached his limits "They weren't lacking. Each omega that comes to the castle takes a vow not to turn against Eldia. A vow is made, imprinting on their neck. If they'd used their magic against us, they would die. Naturally, the could have chosen to be confined rather than to fight their fellow countrymen, but they joined our forces against yours. Your treat your omegas deplorably. So deplorably they'd rather leave your country permanently. The only reason you're seeking peace now is because Draecia has moved against you. You know you're in a position where if you don't lower your heads, your kingdom could easily be destroyed in seconds. Unlike you, Draecia would never go to war over something so small" "You were the one abducted, allegedly. We have no evidence of your confinement at the hands of Marley soldiers, because they are not conveniently dead..." Willy paused, placing down his knife and fork as he took a deep breath, before running his fingers through his hair "Forgive me. That wasn't what I wished to say. I simply mean, the loss of life is regrettable in a war that could have been prevented" "Yelena, Pieck, and Porco were all in the employment of Dina. Zeke thought Yelena loyal to him right up until she plunged her sword through him, and severed his spinal cord with a smile on her face. He died in my arms, after attempting to help me when I was shot down by your anti-dragon weaponry. I am sorry you have no one there to verify what happened, but I am not sorry that my husband's killer was killed. My marriage to Zeke was hardly perfect, yet, we did grow closer and he did everything he could to ensure both my child and myself was taken care of. Yes. This war could have been prevented. Yes, Zeke realised too late that everything had been orchestrated by Dina. But I have left that life behind me. I simply wish to be with both my sons, and my bonded mate. I will be supporting our Prince Armin as he transitions into his role as prince. That is where it ends" "I meant no offence. I simply wish we'd all been offered a different option" Viren was late with his timing. Eren was already upset with Willy, and Willy had failed to endear himself in the eyes of Armin. The beta looked ready to yell at him, which would have been humorous, if not spoilt by Viren starting to cry. Gathering Viren up, Eren rose to his feet. His mask barely in place as he nodded to everyone currently seated "I'm sorry, please excuse me. My son is most probably feeling left out as we eat our fill of Nicollo's fine food. I'm afraid he still must rely on me from a time longer. Thank you for your words of congratulations and warm wishes, and for making Viren's formal introductions practically painless" Giving another nod, Eren departed with Viren. Levi meeting Mikasa's eyes as they silently agreed that she should go after the omega. Whatever was said over Eren's sudden disappearance, Levi wanted to hear. It'd simply make killing Willy all that much sweeter, as Obsydin had suggested they do.