#Thena: *walks into a room*

[softquietsteadylove]

You get so many specific prompts, so I thought maybe it might be fun to send you a prompt with just a few words so you can write ANYTHING you want for them, in any au or in canon! (And obviously if muse doesn’t strike feel free to skip lol but if you like this i’ll keep sending them!) words for this one: sunshine, gratitude, eyes

"Hey."

Gil smiles as she finds her place next to him. They're not on watch, he just would rather be out here than on Ajak's mission to socialise with the humans. "Hey, Sunshine."

She laughs, because she thinks it's funny that he calls her these things. Like it's a sweet joke, just between the two of them. He calls her that because it suits her--describes her. "Admiring the view?"

Honestly, the planet is...dull. Not that Sersi wouldn't have a whole dissertation with which to correct him on that. But he hasn't yet seen enough of it to think it's this truly marvellous place. "I like the water."

"Hm," Thena muses beside him, also taking in the shades of green and blue below them. The scent of the salt travels upward and the breeze of it rustles her hair. "There is something calming about it."

Gil isn't sure if he would describe it as calming. He always looks down at the waves crashing into a cliff as a tumultuous and violent thing. He thinks they should fear and respect the sea, but keep their distance. "You think?"

But Thena nods, soaking in its majesty. "The humans have claimed the earth they need, plots of land and spaces for their settlements. But no one owns the sea."

No, that is true. The waters of this planet are unencumbered, threatening to swallow up the landmasses by domination but always receding as per the moon's orders.

Thena bumps his hip with hers.

He chuckles, "what?"

She tilts her head, and it is unfair for someone so deadly to be so charming. "You're ruminating."

"I am not," he laughs off, but she's caught him fair and square.

"Share your thoughts," she prompts him, pursing her lips as a playfulness comes over her, "oh great tyrant king, Gilgamesh."

He rolls his eyes and huffs at her poking fun. As if her joy is not his joy also. "We shouldn't take the ocean lightly. It's dangerous, no matter how calm the beach waves might look at times."

"I'm not taking it lightly," she replies easily, and he gets the sense that she's heard and understood all the thoughts in his head. "I see it for what it is--the force behind it."

They both look out into the bay, where the gentle lapping of waves against the shore gives way to the rough and choppy texture of endless depth. Those waters will see plenty of Deviant carcasses, too deep for the humans to ever find.

"But I accept that along with this part," she moves her head in the other direction, nodding to where Sersi is showing a human family how to cast a net. The young ones giggle with glee and their joy makes the Elemental Eternal glow from within. "They are both part of the sea. I think that only adds to its beauty."

Beauty, Gilgamesh thinks, is not so simple a thing. He struggles to describe things as beautiful. A sunrise or a sunset merely exists, the sea is the colour it is because of the sediment in the water, the sky changes per the hour sometimes.

But he sees the light shining off Thena's eyes, constricting her pupils and bringing out the green colour of them. The darker rim around the iris, the jade colours swirling more calmly. That, he thinks, is beauty.

"Gil?" Thena asks, pulling him from his silence.

He smiles, because she's good at making him smile. "I guess I see what you mean."

"I for one am thankful for the cooling breeze the water offers," she states more clearly and lightly, moving away from the contemplative. She inhales as another wave crashes below and causes an updraft.

Gil unfolds his arms so he can move some of her hair off her shoulder and away from tickling her face needlessly. She looks at him and he withdraws, exhausted from the affection. "I don't have to be thankful to a body of water."

Thena laughs, and it's a very cute laugh for a Goddess of War. "There must be something for which you're thankful."

Her. It's always her. If she knew the degree to which he focused his thoughts on her surely she would recoil.

"Hm?" she prods, sliding closer until he can feel her much smaller arm against his thicker one. Their shoulder plates clink together and she celebrates getting a laugh out of him. "Anything?"

He looks at her unabashedly now. If he could tell her that she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen, he would. Far more than any of their travels to this planet, far more than any natural phenomenon here now, he would. "I guess there is something."

"Something?"

"Someone," he amends quickly, and it seems to make his point. She smiles down at the water below, something like shyness coming over her.

Her hands clasp behind her back, "I'm sure they're thankful for you, too."

He snorts, "I don't know about that."

"Well," Thena angles herself towards him before rising onto her toes, "I am."

Gilgamesh lets her bend to press her lips to his cheek. He does it passively, letting her delicate hands balance her against his shoulder and his elbow. He leans ever so slightly for her, but that's it. He doesn't want to encourage this. He'll lose all sense, if he does.

"Shall we?" she prompts him, turning in the direction of their own.

"Fine," he grunts, but follows her like she has him on a leash. His steps are heavy and slow behind her light and graceful ones. If something were to approach from behind, let it face him first before so much as getting a glimpse of her.

"You should tell Ajak you are warming to the planet," Thena suggests lightly. "She seems quite bewitched by it. To say nothing of Sersi."

Gilgamesh has to constantly stop himself from telling Ikaris that he will never fully capture Sersi's heart away from this planet and the people residing here.

"We have much of it to see," she looks over her shoulder at him. "Perhaps somewhere you would like more."

He thinks all of this planet will look the same--feel the same. He shrugs.

Thena doesn't take offense to his lack of contribution. She looks forward again, "Ajak says we will abandon the ship entirely the more humans perceive us."

Gil doesn't entirely trust Ajak. He thinks she means well, but he also thinks that there are times when she doesn't tell them all she knows.

"I know you will miss our refuge away from them."

Gil uncrosses his arms, moving more deliberately to walk beside his partner. "So long as they don't ask me to join in any dancing, then fine."

Thena laughs, letting him capture her hand in his. "I'll defend you from such trials."

Then he has no qualms, no matter where they go, or how long they stay on this blue and green marble. If she is with him, then he can face anything.

[mvltisstuff]

hi!! could you possibly do a one-shot where buck and reader are flirting during the dosed episode? like they get high and are handcuffed and are just giggling and flirting and then accidental confession or something and then the next day they’re just like “i’m pretty sure we’re dating now..” thank you so so much!! this idea just made me giggle so <33

you get me so high - e.b

summary: request

evan buckley x reader

gif does not belong to me

a/n: i adore this idea, thank you for sharing <3 i worked on this very sporadically, and i’m not the biggest fan of it but i hope you enjoy!

whoever brought those brownies in was an angel to y/n. yeah, a felony for sure, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t secretly enjoy it.

even though the whole station had been haunted by taylor and her team the entire day, all of the worries of the job seemed to vanish. buck wasn’t sure why, but he just saw everything different than he has before. nature called for him and he was more than excited to be at his job.

he just wanted to laugh at everything, each little girl in front of him was the most adorable thing he’s ever seen. he watched y/n from across the room, sitting on the floor and playing with a girl in a massive dress shaped like a pastry.

“where did you get this dress?” she asks, running her fingers down the satin on the side.

“my mommy bought it for me!”

“can she buy one for me?” y/n asks, turning her head to see the grown firefighter skipping over.

“y/n!” he shoots out quickly, jogging over to lean next to her on the ground.

“hi buck! will you buy me a dress like this?”

“only if you buy me one,” he smiles. “maybe we should put bobby in one.” he starts completely laughing at the thought of bobby in a pretty pink dress, with a sash and a tiara.

“what is going on- buck!” chim shouts. “can someone help us over here?”

“how are we not helping?” buck asks, leading y/n to just shrug. they glance over at eddie in the corner, looking at all the pageant girls like they have 5 heads. he almost looks fearful of them, swaying in his spot.

the next few minutes were a blur, and suddenly they were all handcuffed together against a wall. hen, eddie, buck, and y/n were all connected by their hands, being watched by athena like they misbehaved at school.

“ooh, you made him cry!” buck teases, looking at the tears streaming down eddie’s face. y/n just looks closer to athena’s face.

“you’re a hot cop, thena,” y/n speaks airily, just smiling cheekily at the officer in front of her.

“you guys are high as hell and you’re on duty.”

“what?” hen exclaims. “i didn’t smoke anything-“

“well you ate something! someone brought marijuana brownies into the station, so you’re all off work.”

the team just looks around in shock, not fully caring until y/n and buck start giggling once more. “just- just sit down against this wall, and do not move.” athena demands, walking away to deal with the other emergency in the main room.

y/n and buck sat fine against the wall, comparing hands and very lightly slapping each other on the sides. a few spouts of silence would happen for a few minutes while the group of stoners just watched the world pass in front of them.

“buck,” y/n whispers.

“what?” he asks.

“you’re really cute, like i just figured i’d let you know.”

“thanks, you’re a cutie, too,” she giggles at his words, throwing her head back against the wall as he just glances at her. normal, sober buck would’ve had a racing heart and nerves fluttering all over his body because she told him he was cute. he knows he’s not bad looking, but hearing it from her is when he truly believes it. now, he just figured why not? yolo, anyway.

“no, you’re like cute cute. like hot oiled up firefighter cute.”

“that means so much, y/n,” he says, the sly remark almost making his heart clench.

“i want you under my christmas tree.”

“well, i want you in an easter egg for me.”

“well, i want you-“

“can you just shut up?” eddie asks, still distressed about being handcuffed and drugged. “we get it, you’re into each other. and what happens when you’re not high?”

“i don’t remember talking to you,” buck teases, giving eddie a side eye but keeping his head directed towards the pretty girl next to him.

“alright,” athena comes back into sight. “let’s get you all home, maybe sleep off some of this.”

the next morning, y/n remembered every little thing she said to buck, and he remembered every little thing he said to her. they hoped maybe it was like alcohol, making them forget what they may or may not have said, but nope. it was clear as day. it didn’t feel as awkward, though. it felt easier. like a weight was off their shoulders after being weighed down for so long.

when they both arrived at work, the look from the other just told them everything they had to know. buck meant everything he said, and so did she. her eyes lightly wandered over his, and he didn’t even make her say anything. they both knew that those cookies made a great thing burst open.

[redheadspark]

i had a small idea yesterday for the prompt session! druig with #’s 3, 15, and 18. maybe with reader after the emergence. they’re both EXHAUSTED and even though druig’s hurt, he still wants to make sure his s/o is okay after fighting. you can change things around to your liking ofc!

A/N - YAS! I do like this a lot for Druig! Thanks for requesting this, dear friend!

Scars and All

Summary - Druig seeks you out after the Emergence

Warnings - angst and fluff mixed together

“How is she?”

“I’m more concerned about you since you took a beating from Ikaris on that beach,”

Druig huffed as Phastos was looking him over with some of his equipment, being ever patient but not willing to sit through a thorough exam.  He was sitting on what was left of Phastos’s work table, his armor stripped, and was only sporting his black pants and nasty bruises along his ivory skin.  Phastos and Thena were with him and taking the proper measures to check on him, Sersi was talking to a now-human Sprite in the Meeting Room, leaving Makkari to tend to you in your shared room with Druig.  Although Druig knew that Thena would hold him down in order for him to get checked over and be cleared, he would rather be with you.

You both took a beating on that beach in order to save the world.

Druig took on Ikaris’s beams head-on, thinking for a split moment that he wasn’t going to make it out alive.  It left him both physically and mentally bruised, not to mention the mental fatigue that he endured ignorer to take over the mind of a full Celestial.  Throughout the centuries that he has been on Earth, this was truly the first time he felt beyond tired.  

Not tired, exhausted.

“Your internal organs are still good,” Phastos hummed as he scanned Druig’s backside slowly and with determination, Druig’s leg bouncing on the workstation table as he was sitting Indian Style.  Even his fingers were fidgeting while he was staring dead ahead at the wall.  He was half listening, mostly thinking about you and how you were holding up.  Seeing you on the beach covered in scratch wounds and pale to the touch made his heart sink.  Saving the world didn’t matter to him anymore, nor did stopping Ikaris and stopping Tiamat.  All that mattered was you.

He needed to see you and make sure you were alright.

“The bruises are gonna last a bit,” Phastos explained as Druig was still sitting rather impatiently, Thena was watching like a hawk and not moving an inch while Phastos placed his instruments down and gave Druig a brotherly kind of stare, “I can have Makkiar get some herbs to make a paste and make the bruises shrink down a bit.”

“Not a fan of modern medicine I take it?” Druig asked with a hint of sarcasm, though Phastos cracked a grin.

“Modern medicine is too tame compared to what we endured in the glory days,” Phastos hummed, then pausing for a brief moment before he spoke again, “Plus, we need to be careful since we don’t have Ajak to help us,”

It made the mood more somber in the room, even when it was rue.  Ajak was always there to heal them, from the smallest scratches to the more massive wounds that they would get from Deviants.  The healing was more than the physical, her soothing tones and words of encouragement for every Eternal.  Even Druig, though they both clash plenty of times when it comes to the philosophy of Eternals, admired Ajak all the more and missed her terribly.  

“Thanks, Phastos,” Druig replied with a soft smile, hopping down from the workstation table.

“Get some rest,” Thena instructed him with a small tilt of her head to him.  Druig nodded back.

“Will do,” He replied walking past both Phastos and Thena to the hallways that lead to the living quarters.  He was glad that he was cleared from needing anymore assistance, and he was not thinking about himself at the current moment.  

“Couldn’t gone worse for him if it wasn’t for her,” Phastos said to Thena as Druig was walking away, his eyes going right down the hallway and nothing slowing him down.

“She saved his life, as she should since they were meant for each other,” Thena replied in an optimistic hum, which made Druig wish he could smile from hearing that from the warrior herself.  He might have been too tired to smile, or simply more concerned about you to smile from the comment.  But it still warmed his heart nonetheless, adoring Thena all the more.

Once he made it to your shared room, He carefully and softly opened the door to see nothing but darkness.  Your king-sized bed was against the wall, you were nestled amongst the satin sheets and already sleeping with Makkari sitting by your side and keeping a close eye on you.  

Makkari, still clad in her armor, saw Druig and immediately sped over to him, She’s okay.

“Thanks, ‘Kari,” He whispered to her as he gestured his head over to your sleeping form, “How bad is it?”

Her cuts are deep, but they’ll heal in a few days, She explained to him, I know how to make a paste for her wounds to make the healing go a bit faster.  I’ll make some for you too, I think you two need some rest,

“You might be right,” he agreed, seeing her crack a smile slightly before she leaned over to hug him gently.  He hugged her back, feeling her warmth in the embrace.  Once Makkari pulled away and slipped out of the room, Druig looked over at your sleeping form with both concerns and warmth.  

Warmth that you were alive and still with him in this life, and concern that you took a beating to protect him. 

He loved watching you sleep in the past, seeing how soft and content you were as you dreamed away with nothing haunting you.  There were even moments when he would watch you and be amazed at how peaceful you seemed to be in a chaotic and ever-grieving world around you.  He loved that about you and he wished he had that in himself sometimes.  

You had enough love and compassion to fill the both of you up instantly and overflow.  

Moving without him making a single sound, Druig lifted the sheet to finally see you.  The distinct slash marks along your skin, the deep bruises etched near your neck and hips. It was all too much for him to see.  You were never one to harm a fly or start trouble, it wasn’t in your nature.  Yet now, you looked so broken to Druig that it made his heart shatter. 

Immediately he moved, wrapped you close in his arms, and avoided some of the fresher wounds.  You stirred, your head against his neck now as he hummed to alert you.

“…Druig?” You said in a hoarse tone.

“I’m right here, darlin’.  Go back to sleep,” He mumbled to you since the last thing he wanted was for you to wake up and lose sleep.  You moved your arms, grimacing from the drained energy and the tender bruises along your arms.  

“You okay?” You asked him.  Of course, you would be worried for him and his health, not even worried about your own wounds and exhaustion.  Druig loved you for your selfless heart and need to care for others before yourself, both a blessing and a curse for him to witness as the love of your life.  He kissed your forehead, feeling his own energy draining within moments from being in a safe space with you and being in one piece.

“I’m alright now,” he reassured you soothingly, “We’re both alright now.  Let’s sleep, alright?  I got ya,”

As you both slept and healed together, all you both could dream of was your future together.  No matter that there was no village to go back to, losing some of your own to both the Deviants and Ikaris at the same time, none of that mattered compared to what you two wanted in your future together.  Somewhere quiet and away from chaos, maybe near the sea or deep in the forest.  Just you and Druig against the world, scars and all.

The End. 

September Prompt Session

[attorneys-against-court-violence]

I'll never get over how Athena's trauma is written in Dual Destinies. I never will. It's one of few areas I have absolutely no complaints about.

At a surface-level, it's a very effective tool to evoke discomfort, fear, pity, and intrugue from the player. We get glimpses as to what's causing these nervous breakdowns of hers in 5-1 and it's nothing comforting (a courtroom with bloodied-out faces staring judgementally at a crying child is... distrubing). Those breakdowns are accompanied by near silence, letting us drink in the raw emotions of the moment. Her breakdown in 5-3 is a standout example; there's nothing but hollow wind and a shivering, broken Athena to lend the moment its deserved gravitas as she fruitlessly tries to calm herself.

Repeating the trauma of having to defend a dear friend from being accused for killing their tutor, in spite of nobody listening to you, is going to do that to you.

Come the revelations in 5-5, we get compelling body language with her covering her ears in distress - the most sensitive part of her & source of a lot of pain in her childhood. Shaking her head in denial at the revelation of what Simon saw when he walked in the robotics lab, how rarely she comes out of her sad pose during the first half of 5-5 (reminiscent of Edgeworth's own brooding pose in the Wright Trilogy, most often seen when he's reliving his own traumas). Even after things come to light and the truth is revealed, she struggles to even say what happened while locked in that Edgeworth arm-grab pose. It's fantastically handled each time it rears its ugly head.

Going deeper, it also explains a lot about her behaviour; her reflexive throwing of the police officer in 5-2 and her furious outbursts being some good examples. Her emotional state is pretty wild throughout Dual Destinies - partially because she's just like that - but partially because she's trying to keep the more uncomfortable feelings down. She goes quiet when the Blackquills first arrive, being avoidant around the topic of Simon and unable to confront Aura for just how cynical and loathing she's become. She's very iffy around blood and is noticably uncomfortable and perturbed during 5-3 (for reasons I have already mentioned). Her main motivation for keeping this pain to herself is a tragically relatable one; not wanting the drag others down in her sorrow. That's the reason she gives Phoenix when he tells him to back down and stop fighting (a stark contrast to when she objected on his behalf in 5-DLC, sensing he still had some fire left in him).

Despite having others help bring her back from a dark state of mind before, her pushing others away to carry the sufferage alone when it's too much for her feels painfully real.

But one of my favourite parts is how other characters handle it. Specifically, how Phoenix handles himself around Athena. Even if he doesn't know the full extent of her traumas, he knows she's nervous and perhaps not in the best of spirits. He's a LOT more gentle with her than Apollo, is for damn sure; guiding her through examining Courte's body and praising her for getting through it despite going pale. He does still tease in 5-DLC, 5-3, and 5-4, but it's more playful than what he does with Apollo. He also keeps it to a minimum in 5-1 after just barely making it before she has another shutdown, prioritising his role as a reliable presence over anything else. A very good example of this is 5-5; when the big revelation finally comes and Athena's ready to confess to what really happened during UR-1, Phoenix is there to reassure her that she's safe and prevents the Judge from butting in to give her room to disclose what happened.

When push comes to shove and Athena can't quite make it out of that terrible mental space on her own, it's her friends and allies that ultimately help pull her out. Juniper Woods re-assures Athena of her faith, something that had appeared to waver over this case until the truth of what she saw the day of the murder came out. Simon Blackquill reminds her why she's even here to begin with, indirectly stating that he so desperately wishes her to succeed and bring them both out of this mess. Apollo Justice - on top of the usual "your're fine!" bit - reminds her of the skills she has to turn 5-3 around. Phoenix Wright, having dealt with many a client and friend burdened by trauma, gives Athena the stable footing she needs to get back up and carry on. Even if he needs to step in now and then, it's not to belittle or infantalise her - it's to be supportive.

I've said before in a past essay I don't really think too highly of anymore that I don't really mind the fact that Athena needs so much help throughout the game. This is the main reason why; her PTSD from the events of UR-1 have a believable impact on her character and ability to perform normally, with characters helping to pull her back out in ways unique to them and their respective relationship to her. As I said, she gets all that support because she genuinely NEEDS it. The game does a good job proving that much.

And that's alright.

Part of the reason it took so long to solve this is that Athena constantly pushed people away from her problems. She didn't want anyone else to become another psychological casualty of something that otherwise only affects her. It's when she finally sees that Phoenix can and does help her that she can finally let him do so, and help him in return by digging into that dark place and letting the memories of that day come back to her.

Trauma in Ace Attorney doesn't often get this level of focus. It can and has been depicted rather well in the past - see Edgeworth for a good example - but Athena, being the heart-on-your-sleeve type and a protagonist, offers a unique opportunity to witness how it affects her on a more personal, sometimes first-person level. Between a gut-wrenching and haunting presentation, stellar characterisation, and fairly grounded consequences and reactions to it from her and others... it's a rare part of Dual Destinies that I have no complaints about.

Happy Thena Thursday!.....?

[supercap2319]

Ikaris walked towards the bathroom and shut the door as he turned the light on and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He looks the same. Same blue eyes. Same dark hair with his gray streak. So, nothing's changed right? He pulled his shirt off his body and hisses slightly as he sees red and purple scratch marks all over his trail of skin.

He doesn't know why, but he can feel tears starting to form in his eyes. Why was he crying? He's been hurt worse than this before. Like the time Thena got trigger happy and attacked him with her axe and sword. But this was different. The enemy who made these marks was gone, but not done. And Ikaris fears for not only himself, but Y/N too.

There's a knock at the door. "Ikaris? Are you okay?"

"Fine. Just fine." He sniffles.

"Are you crying? I can hear your heart rate going up. What's going on in there?"

"Nothing! Please just go away."

Instead of listening, Y/N forced his way into the room with his powers as he saw Ikaris'bruises. "Oh my God, Iceberg what happened?"

"It's nothing. I'm fine." Ikaris said.

"You are not fine. You're hurt. Now, who did this?" He walked towards him and ran a gentle hand over his marks. "Please, tell me who did this?"

Ikaris takes a breath. "Apocalypse."

[specialagentlokitty]

Athena x Daughter!reader - your support

Heya please could I request a Athena x daughter reader where Thena finds about her self harm and helps her clean them and comfort them ? -Anon💜

TW: mentions of self harm

You had been trying to hide these for months, doing anything you could to avoid showing any sign of what was going on.

You wore longer sleeves, more hoodies and jackets, slowly introducing them so it didn’t seem weird or suspicious.

You would only do it when your mom wasn’t home, when you knew you wouldn’t get caught, and this was one of those nights.

She had gone out with some friends, and you were sat in the bathroom, tears running down your face as you looked at the mess you had made.

You hate this, you hated that you felt like you needed to do this but you couldn’t stop either.

You sighed, looking at the doorway and you immediately froze when your eyes connected with the familiar brown ones you knew all to well.

“Mom…”

“Baby what have you done…?” She whispered.

Athena slowly came in, crouching down in front of you as tears streamed down your face.

“What have you done..?” She asked again.

“It’s not.. it’s not threatening..”

You whispered.

She looked around you at the mess, the blood on the floor, the towel, the medical supplies and the object you had done this with.

She picked it up, getting up she wordlessly flushed it down the toilet and you couldn’t bring yourself to look at her.

Athena crouched back down, looked at you avoiding her gaze.

“Why.. I don’t.. why would you feel like you have to do this..?”

You didn’t reply.

“Give me your arm.”

You shook your head, holding it closer to your body.

“(Y/N) grant I swear to god you better show me your arm now or so help me…” she warned.

Athena wasn’t angry at you, she knew how that came across but she wasn’t made at you.

She was scared, and she needed to see if you needed medical help or not and she couldn’t risk you hiding your arm from her.

You reached out your arm and she carefully took it, inspecting it before she started to clean the wounds and tending to them.

“Mom I can do it..” you whispered.

“I’ll do it.” She said.

You nodded weakly and you looked up at her, tears running down her face as she help you.

Once Athena was done she stood up and held her hand out to you.

“I’ll clean this up later, come on baby.” She said softly.

You let her help you up, and take you to her room and she sat you on her bed, and she began to pace up and down.

“Are you angry?” You asked quietly.

Your mom stopped pacing and she walked over, sitting next you she placed her hand on the side of your face, making you looked at her.

“I’m not angry, of course not. I’m just … I’m upset and scared.. why would you do this to yourself..? My sweet babygirl why would you scar your skin?”

You rested up again and you threw you arms around you mum and she quickly hugged you back, her tears soaking your shoulder.

“I’m so sorry mom! I.. I wanted to stop..!” You sobbed.

Athena ran her hand up and down your back, kissing the top of your head.

“I don’t want to loose you (Y/N)…”

You kept crying, apologising again and again and again to her.

Because you didn’t know what else to you, you couldn’t take back what you had done, you knew that.

Athena held you in her arms.

“Tell me why you did this.”

You nodded and pulled back as you began to explain everything to her and she sat there patiently listening to you explain it all.

Once you were done she took your face in her hands and titled your head up to look at her.

“You are beautiful. You are strong. You are smart. Yo are so loved. So, so much. I’m gonna help you okay? We’re gonna get through this together, me and you, got it?”

You nodded your head and she leant forward, kissing your forehead.

“Get some sleep, I’ll be back in a few minutes alright?”

“I love you mom.”

“I love you so much.” She smiled softly.

You crawled under the covers of her bed and watched her leave.

Athena leant against the wall as she let her tears fall down her face again, and she tried to compose herself once more for you.

You needed her to be strong right now, you needed her support

[redrydersrequiem]

Golden eyed phantom chapter 2

Paring Druig x reader

Rating explicit 18+only,minors,ageless,blank blogs will be blocked

Plot: phantom of the opera au

Warnings theres no smut this time and sorry if its a little shorter then the first chapter

The audience's cheers roll over you like waves as the final curtain closes. You're quickly whisked away, Madame Ajak, bless her, swiftly guides you to your new dressing room before the reporters, opera patrons and fans could move to swarm the backstage area wanting to meet the new star of the Opera de Popular. Much to your dismay however the entrance was already chaotically crowded with people. Thankfully Mr Nelson and Murdock where already front and center, Mr. Nelson was gladly answering the reporters and basking in the crowd's awe while Mr Murdock alongside Gilgamesh provided a more physical barrier, not letting the over eager patrons near, allowing you and madame to finally enter the dressing room.

Once inside silence overcomes you, finally feeling like you could breathe deeply,counting to ten a few times to calm the ringing beating of your heart. It’s not till madame cleared her throat that you looked up, an explosion of color filling your gaze. Flowers of every size, shape and color fill every available surface, bouquets of some of the most exotic flowers you've ever seen.

“Wow” Madame just laughs at your shocked face

“This is to be expected my dear” she goes about the room examining the abundance of flowers, focusing on one of the bigger bouquets.

“Look, this one is from Count Ikarus and his family. It sees that young man is quite smitten with you”

“Yes so it seems”

“What’s wrong my dear.? You don't seem excited about your successful debut?”

“No it's not that Madame i'm truly grateful for everything that has happened.”

“But?”

At first you don't answer but Madame gives you one of her motherly looks and all resolve crumbles

“But…… it feels wrong somehow like something is missing.”

“Something? Or someone?”

As soon as the words leave her mouth the image of your angel comes to mind, bringing a light blush along with it.

“I see that look dear, it's alright. It’s perfectly normal for someone your age, all I ask of you is to be smart about your choices ok.?”

You just smile nodding yes not really wanting to go into a whole spiel with her right now, but thankful for her all the same. The women truly being the only mother figure you've ever known

“I will mama jaks.”

“Ohhh thank you dear, I haven’t heard you call me that in so long i've missed it”.

“I'm sorry I.”

“No no, none of that. I'm glad to be mama jaks to you, you and sersi are my daughters whether you like it or not.”

She kisses you on the forehead before urging you up from the sofa and towards the changing screen to help you out of the heavy gown you've been in all night.

Once deglamorized you stealthily made your way to the dancers entrance avoiding any leftover fans, walking quickly to meet up with sersi. Your whole opera family was celebrating your triumphant first show at Gil and thenas house, Gil’s cooking and drinks galore is what kingo had stayed. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, you and Sersi begin the familiar walk. Now it does dawn on you, that two young women shouldn’t probably be walking in the deed of night in Paris’s strees but the promise of having Gilgamesh’s famous (your favorite dessert) all to yourself overweighs all those worries

“I can’t wait to see what all Gil cooked. I'm starving.” Sersi simply laughs at you

“How is all you can think about is food after the day you've had.?”

“Hey you try being poked and prodded at and then thrust in front of hundreds of people in a heavy costume and not be hung/“

Her hand grabbing your arm halting your steps stops you mid sentence. She’s even pushing you behind her when you finally notice the black carriage that has now pulled up alongside the two of you. You both give each other knowing glances as you assume the defensive stances thena had drilled into you.

Just as the door opens and you both go to move a familiar head of brown hair steps out.

“Ikarus?”

“Little (y/n/n) and friend. I apologize if I frightened you mademoiselles, i was caught by opera patrons and was unable to speak with you. Imagine my luck to stumble upon the new star of Paris opera walking along the street.

“Yes, how fortunate. I'm sorry, if i had known you wished to speak with me i would have waited at the theater.

“No it's my fault I should have tried harder to get away, um if you could, may I have a moment of your time.?”

“Of course you may!” Sersi answers for you. “I’ll be just over here while you two speak” she nods to both of you before stepping over to study a random storefront, acting the picture of innocents and not like she just threw you under a carriage. Turning back towards Ikarus you notice his eye haven’t left sersi.

“Ehhem”

Ikarus’s head snaps back into place a practiced smile falling into place

“what can i do for you count de solar?”

“firstly just call me Ikarus please”

“ok Ikarus it is then”

“and you? Are you still little (ynn) or are you now the new diamond of the Paris opera scene.?”

“no i'm simply (y/n)”

”very well simply y/n, i must say your performance was a revelation. It’s amazing to see how far you've come since I last saw you.”

“fifteen years is a long time, a lot of things change.”

“yes…..i heard about your fathers passing, my condolences. He was a brilliant musician and I'm sure he would be incredibly proud of you.”

“thank you that's very kind of you, he would have felt honored to. Hear such high praise.

“Listen, I don't wish to keep you or your companion out in this cold night air much longer, so I will simply ask if you would be willing to have a meal with me, to catch up?”

After a quick contemplation you agreed not wanting to turn down the benefactor of the opera or a count. Terrific he replies before turning to his driver to discuss something quietly. You take this time to all sersi back over

“Did you both figure everything out?

“Yeah, he asked me to dinner.”

“oh y/n that's exciting. Oh he's coming back”

“Well I thank you for agreeing to dinner but I do have one more issue.”

oh?” You ask the duke questioningly.

“Yes it would be ungentlemanly of me to allow two young women to walk the damp streets of Paris at such an hour please let me top you off to your destination?”

You're about to decline given Gil and thena home is only fifteen minutes more away but once more sersi interrupts, accepting the offer for you both and allowing Ikarus to help her into his carriage before you get even a syllable out. The quick ride is filled with mostly Sersi and Ikarus talking (flirting) while you nodded along with whatever they were talking about just watching how they interacted, both sporting light blushes as they speak. However your destination arrives before you can make any sort of comment

“Here we are, sir.”

“Thank you mr smith.”

Ikarus quickly hopped out helping you and sersi out. You both turn dipping into quick curtsies, bidding the young count goodbye. He gives us both a nod and slight bow, his gaze lingering on sersi once more before hopping into his carriage and driving away.

“I can't believe that just happened, you truly do know the count y/n”

“I told you I did. Besides, I don't think its that impressive to know a count.”

“y/n you should be excited! He's young,handsome, kind and comes from a wealthy Noble family. He would make a perfect husband.”

“HUSBAND?…….. No sersi. I know that all sounds nice to you but to me he will always be the boy next door that was nice to me one moment then would tease me the next till he all but disappeared one day.”

“Oh sweety im/“

“/no it's fine, I understand what you're saying but Ikarus just isn't for me, in fact I think you should take your own advice.”

She whips around about to gripe at you with a blush on her face when the door bursts open, kingos extravagant self standing there, before he pulls you both into the warm house. Music's playing lightly as the boisterous noises from the living room pull you all in. And there everyone is cheers ringing in the air as everyone is ready to finally celebrate your musical debut.

The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, everyone had turned in, some (cough kingo and sprite cough) where. Forced to turn in after a night of one to many. You however couldn't find sleep for the life of you. Still too high on the adrenaline of the day to find peace so you decide to go for a walk. The early morning shops were setting up and beginning their days.Couriers race beside you. A few people wished you good morning before they went about their days. All in all it was a peaceful morning walk that ended in the same place it always did. The place you always go when you're alone or pent up or sad, happy, really any emotion. This was your safe place, the small cathedral attached to the Opera house.

Like always a few lone candles flicker in the room's damp breeze. Just as you go to light an additional candle for your father a musical trilling sounds in the room startling you. Looking around you see where the music came from. Under the cathedral's small stained glass window set a beautiful music box. It was a silver box, not large but not too small. It’s had (your favorite flower )designed on it rounding all the sides and laying carefully carved on the top, with tiny gems that sparkled like stars scattered around

(I cant pick one they’re all to pretty)

Where did you come from?” just as your about to touch the bow that familiar glowing aura brushes over you

“hello my little muse.”

There's that voice. That voice that teaches you with a stern hardness. Tha voice that caresses you at night covering your body in goosebumps and making your heart race. The voice you dream about that has you held captive. He was your teacher, your savior, your angel, your phantom.

“Good morning master.” you go to move to turn around hopeful to finally see the being that has overtaken every fiber of your body

‘Wait!” you pause, the air feeling charged as you obey his command

“Let me take you in first , my muse.”

The basic evening wear you wore yesterday didn't bother you when you put it on but now you wished you wore anything else, but nevertheless you felt his gaze roam your body like the finest piece of art. Out of your peripheral you can just make out the bottoms of his pressed black slack, the elegant polished boots and the swishing of the evening cape he had on the red lining accentuating his legs.

You attempt to see more but he steps directly behind you. His body is warm in the cold room, as you feel his fingertips glide up your back. Before his hands up your shoulders.

“my beautiful beautiful muse, how you shined like the brightest star in the universe. The goddess Aphrodite herself would be envious.”

“thank you master”

“oh how i relish those words do say it again”

“master?”

“emmmmmmm yes I do like the sound of that. Do you like your present my muse” he asks gesturing to the music box

“its beautiful”

“The song inside is of my own composition, please open it and tell me what you think.”

you reluctantly move away from his warmth to step back towards the music box, still not daring to look back over your shoulder. Tracing your finger over the flower on the top, taking a much needed breath and open the box

a hauntingly beautiful melody leaks out.

“Does it please you?”

“Its breathtaking”

“I'm pleased that something so small could elicit such feelings. I wonder how you would react to me then” a million thoughts rush through your head, he's finally going to let me see him.

“Would you like to see me, my little muse?” He laughs “I can hear the thoughts rushing through your head.’

yes master falls from your lips

his body steps up to you again. No room between the roof you as his breath fans your ear and hands take place on your hips. You feel like the earth would fall out from under you if it weren’t for his presence keeping you grounded.

“Are you sure my muse.”

“yes master”

“hmmmmmmmmmmmm”

you feel his. Lips kiss your shoulder and something cold above his nose brushing against you before he pulls back and the words you’ve waited so long to hear are finally spoken.

“Very well……… Look at me.”

Tags

@cdragons @ethereal-athalia

[gryffindormarveltwilight]

All we Need - Jake Seresin x Reader - Part 2

A/N: Here is part two, I have enjoyed writing this hence why I am getting the parts up pretty quickly. Feedback is welcome and so are request!

Pairings: Jake ‘hangman’ seresin x fem!pilot!Benjamin Reader

Warning: Angst Fluff Naval Inaccuracies mentions of death and mentions of the mission from the movie

Note: this is a bot of an AU where Iceman is fine and better!

Jakes POV

“Daddy,” I hear a whisper next to me and a slight tap on my shoulder opening my eyes to see my daughter with a sad look on her face.

“What’s the matter Daisy?”

“Thena gone.” She replies tears brimming in her eyes and I shoot up out of bed, any indication that last night was a dream gone as I look at the tears threatening to fall.

“No baby maybe she just had an early start you know how she likes to wake up early to go make sure everything is safe for you.” She nods and starts making grabby hands indicating she wanted to be picked. I picked her up and headed toward the kitchen to start breakfast looking at the clock seeing that it was only 7am, Sarah wouldn’t be here for another half an hour to pick Daisy up. We eventually sat down for breakfast when there was a knock on the door. I opened it to see Sarah standing there a wide grin on her face as she stepped through the house.

“Hi miss Daisy” Daisy lifted her head with a small smile.

“Hi grandma Sarah”

Sarah shot me a confused look and I sighed normally Daisy would jump out of her seat for Sarah.

“Y/N got home last night, but was gone before we could wake up.” Sarah nodded immediately understanding the gloominess of the two Seresin’s.

“I am sure she will be home tonight Daisy, until then did you want to spend some time with me and Papa Ice and we can go to the zoo” Daisy head pops up and she sprints to her room to get ready suddenly excited at the sound of going to he zoo.

“I will grab some money for you to take her to the zoo, Sarah, thank you for looking after her.”

“Don’t you dare Jake, it is always our pleasure, since Ice got better he loves spending time with her and besides I know how hard it is for kids to grow up in this lifestyle.”

“Thank you” I say giving her a hug, for some reason this last deployment of Athena’s seemed harder than normally and now with this mission we are all stressed, the only silver lining was that Iceman was better lifting everyones spirits slightly. “Can you help Daisy get ready, I need to be on base in 30 mins.” Sarah nodded before walking into Daisy’s room.

After getting ready I waved to Sarah and Daisy before heading off towards base. When I arrived I walked into the classroom to noticed I was the last one to arrive with still no sign of Athena anywhere I start thing maybe she hadn’t been recalled and was just home early from deployment. As I took my seat next to Coyote, Warlock and Cyclone walk in explaining the details of the mission.

“And now to introduce the pilot instructed to teach all of you how to successfully fly this mission……Captain Pete Mitchell call sign Maverick.”

I turn to see Mav walking down the centre of the chairs, he hives me a subtle nod as I see Coyote Payback and Fanboy drop their heads while an angry look crosses Roosters face.

“What did you do Coyote”

“We throw him overboard about 1 min after you left last night.” I laugh lowly as Mad starts talking about the F-18 handbook.

“Today’s training will be basic dogfighting, you will be going up in pairs, first up Hangman, Payback and Fanboy, be ready in 15, I will meet you in the air.” We all start to stand up and head towards our jets, I see Rooster looking angry.

“Rooster man you okay?” He rolls his eyes at me

“Go away Hangman.”

“Okay but just so you know you can talk to me I know normally you would talk to Athena about it but you can talk to me.”

“I really thought she would be here.”

“Me too.” We turn to look as we hear a jet take off from the 2nd runway where the instructors planes normally are.

“Well that must be Mav that’s my cue, don’t let whatever is getting to you get to you Rooster.” I leave it at that and walk toward my jet before doing pre-flight checks. Once I was ready to go I lined up on the tarmac as Payback and Fanboy take off, after I have taken off we start idling above the training area waiting for instructions.

“Morning Aviators and welcome to basic dogfighting, you are not to go below the hard deck of 5,000 feet. The goal shoot before you get shot down.”

Mav starts through the radio before Payback interrupts.

“What happens if we don’t, sir”

“I shoot back.” I can here the snideness in his voice.

“How bout we put some skin in the game.”

“What are you thinking Payback?”

“Whoever gets shot down has to do 200 push ups.”

“Alright you are on Payback.”

“Guys. That is a lot of push ups.” My heart nearly plummets to the ground when I hear the voice through the radio, a voice I would no anywhere suddenly the sun is blocked out of my canopy and I look up as I see Athena had moved her jet so she was upside over my jet.

“Hey cowboy, miss me.”

“Shit is that…” Payback breaks through the radio and Fanboy finished the sentence

“Athena, shit.”

Readers POV

I giggle as I hear Payback and Fanboy swear looking down at Jake just able to make out the shocked expression, i knew he knew i was home but I had still managed to surprise him.

‘Alright boys, its on.’ I quickly break away from my inclined position getting into a fight position, I knew Jake was going to be the tough one to beat, i also knew he had a bad habit of leaving his wingman so I went after Payback and Fanboy first, the put up on hell of a fight radio for Jake who i had seen sneak up behind me arrogance in his voice.

“This fellas is how you kill a goddess.”

“Right Hangman, time to teach you a lesson,,,,you’re out Payback.”

“Copy Athena” i break away and Jake follows as i start flying toward the sun, i can hear him asking payback for help to which payback responds with ‘i’m dead dickhead.’ And I giggle knowing i am now out of jakes line of sight i pull the control stick and flip over the top to land behind him.

‘You’re out Hangman, next time don’t leave your wingman.’ I see him hit the canopy before we all head back to base. I was the first to land, after i landed i popped the canopy and climb down the wing as i hit the ground I was wrapped in a tight pair of arms.

‘I missed you too Roo.’ He didn’t say anything just hugged me tighter.

‘I havent seen you in what a year and you dont even call to tell me your back.’ Before i can answer two more sets of arms wrap around me I look to see both Bob and Phoenix hugging me

‘Good to see you both as well.’ I reach up and ruffle bobs hair to which he groans through a wide smile.

‘Phe, we need lots of drinks tonight, on me.’ She nods

‘I missed you thena’

‘Me too Phe.’

I spot Jake over Phoenix’s head I smile before sprinting across the tarmac, Jake smiles even wider as I leap in his arms and wrap my legs around his waist.

‘Miss me did you Thena.’

‘You know I did, sorry I didn’t call, I didnt know I was coming back till I was practically on the plane.’

‘Daisy was upset you weren’t there this morning.’ He says placing me on the ground. I lower my head, suggesting ice cream and movies before we go to the Bar tonight.

‘I gotta go see Mav, but I will see you all in the classroom soon yeah.’ And i take off towards where Mav is standing with Cyclone.

Jakes POV

I watch as she takes off running toward Mav and Cyclone so lost in my own thoughts I didn’t hear Rooster come up behind me

‘That was odd.’ I turn to Rooster.

‘What are you on about man she just needed to talk to Mav.’ I replied though Rooster was right we hadn’t seen each other in months and she said two sentences to me. Rooster just shrugged and walked towards the classroom where everyone else was gathering. I walked it taking my seat next to Coyote normally Athena would sit on the other side but right now she was standing still fully kitted up next to Mav. Cyclone moves to the front of the room gaining everyone’s attention

‘Now the she has graced as with her appearance can I introduce your team leader and co-instructor for this mission, the only pilot on active duty to be an Ace by having five air-to-air kills, and the best pilot that Navy has had in decades Lieutenant Commander Y/N Benjamin, call sign Athena.’ I turn in shock to look at Phoenix and Rooster who are also looking with at the front in shock as she moves to the front, Coyote taps my shoulder whispering in my ear

‘She is an Ace and got a promotion and you didn’t tell me.’

‘I didn’t know.’ And i turn back to the front of the room my full attention on Athena.

‘Most of you I know and have flown with before for some it is the first time, the point of these next few weeks is to teach you all how to fly this mission and get you all home safely.’

I took note of the way she was phrasing the mission objectives and how she was always saying you and not us, I made a mental note to talk to her about it in private, we all knew this mission was dangerous but the way she is speaking is that someone is coming home and that someone is her.

‘Now next in the air going up against Maverick is Rooster, Phoenix and Bob.’ Rooster shoots a small glare at her and she shrugs slightly.

‘As for the rest of you report to the rec room there is a schedule there of who is flying and when except Payback, Fanboy and Hangman.’ I flinch at my call sign coming out of her mouth through all our years she has always referred to me as Jake.

‘Ma’am where do we report.’ Fanboy asked.

‘To Hondo, Fanboy, you three owe me 200 pushups.’

Readers POV

I saw Payback and Fanboy groan as the head towards Hondo, I glance to Jake who looks hurt that i had kept the promotion and the fact i was now an Ace a secret. As he stood up i yelled out to him to get his attention to stay back.

‘Ma’am is there something i can do for you.’ I could hear the sarcasm in his voice with hints of anger

‘Cut it out Hangman, I was going to tell you I just hadn’t got time to.’

‘How could you not get time is your phone broken or something.’

‘I got told i was being recalled then shoved on a plane before i finishing packing my bag, by the time i got home I just wanted to sleep.’

‘What happened on you last mission Athena?!’ I saw his face soften as i struggled to control my emotions a flash of sadness making its way across my face, before i could answer Cyclone called me to report to his office.

‘I want to tell you Jake, but I don’t know if i am ready, tonight can we go together to get daisy and then maybe grab some ice cream by the beach.’ He just nodded in response and i patted him on the arm before walking to cyclones office.

‘Sir,’

‘Athena, how was it being back in the air after everything today?’

‘Fine sir, no issues at all it felt like i never left.’

‘Losing a wingman is never easy Athena if you need to talk to someone whether its professionally or Iceman you need to talk about it.’

‘I know thank you sir, with regard Iceman is helping me as he knows the details of the mission.’

‘Very well and well done on the promotion, I am sure you are happy’

‘Yes Sir, thank you.’ As he dismissed me and i headed toward the locker room hoping Phoenix was still in the sky. As i picked up the pace tears threatening to spill i crashed into a hard chest looking up to see who it was i widen my eyes in surprise.

‘Uncle Ice?’

Taglist: @dory-98

[marksbear]

Hi I really like your writing! I was wondering if you could do druig x make reader. Maybe reader is very sunshine kinda person and when the eternals meet druig new boyfriend they are just shocked

Hey! Thank you for liking it! And have a good Christmas Anon!

DRUIG X MALE READER

"just don't mess this all up for me."

Druig says to his team while they all sit together at Phastos house to all spend time with each other for the holidays.

The Eternals all begged to meet Druig's significant other he was so smitten for. Even Ikrais showed a bit of interest in who this person is. So to get them off of Druig's back he invited them over to have dinner.

"You worry too much Druig!" Kingo says with a laugh. "Don't worry Druig we'll try to be on our best behavior." Gilgamesh adds trying to ease his friends worries.

The sound of the door bell rings makes the house all quiet. Druig gives his team one more spare glance before walking to the door.

Once he opens it he smiles brightly. "You came." Even though Druig's voice didn't sound he wasn't excited he was beyond ecstatic. His boyfriend wraps his arms around Druig as he does the same just standing in the middle of the doorway hugging and enjoying the others presence.

"Of course I came! I wouldn't miss it for the world!" His boyfriend was smiling ear to ear making Druig weak in the knees. Druig pulls Y/n inside taking his coat or jacket and hangs them up.

"Come on." Druig takes his boyfriend by the hand leading him in the dining room. The Eternals conversations got quiet and their attention all focused on Druig.

"Everyone..." Druig moves out of his boyfriend way while all the Eternals stare and study the boyfriend who has the brightest and gentle smile ever. "Meet my boyfriend. Y/n L/n the greatest man on earth." All of the Eternals stand up from their seats introducing themselves to Y/n and having small talk.

Everyone click with Y/n gentle and energetic personality. Kingo and Y/n ranted back and forth about movies, Phastos and him had a mutual agreement about liking building and kids being the best boyfriends ever, Makkair even taught him him some sign language.

Gilgamesh and him talked about cooking for a while, Y/n was complimenting Thena's beauty making her very blushy and smile hard, Him and Sprite were making playful remarks to each other.

Hell he even managed to make Ikaris break character and share some cool and funny stories with each other.

All of the Eternals were hooked for Y/n and his great personality loved him even more than. Kingo was first to think "How the hell did Dark Vader manage to pull a man like Y/n." Kingo eyes Druig up and down making sure he isn't using his powers to control Y/n.

After

Y/n spends hours talking and playing with his boyfriend. He decides it's time for he can go. "Bye everyone! It was a pleasure meeting you all and I hoped you liked me!" Y/n bows his head down a little before giving everyone a hug bye.

Lots of the Eternals try to convince and beg Y/n to stay but Y/n kindly declines the offers with a huge smile on his face. "Bye everyone have a Merry Christmas!" Druig pulls his boyfriend out and walks him to his car.

"What do you think of them?" Druig asks wrapping his arms around Y/n waist. "I think they're lovely. They are all one big happy family. I think they're good for you my love~" Y/n answers with fully honestly kissing Druig passionately before pulling away and opening his car taking out gifts.

"Can you give them these. I based off the gifts from your stories about them! And I got plenty for you at my house!" Y/n hands him the boxes of gifts. "You know you didn't have to." Druig says feeling himself smile.

"I know I know. It's just that I wanted to make a double good impression."

The two share one more kiss before departing in their own separate ways. But Druig stops in his tracks. And he turns around putting the gifts on the porch before jogging back to Y/n's car.

Y/n pokes his head out the window. "Yes?"

"I love ya sun." Druig says smiling to his boyfriend.

"I love you too moon~" Y/n says back.

THE END

[firehousefreak911]

Idk if you would write this but could you do something where the reader is bobby’s daughter and she’s a doctor but he hasn’t seen her in a long time until he walks into the hospital with Buck or something?

Dad

You were working a double shift at the hospital. It had been nothing but incoming trauma for hours. You finally had a second to breathe. You were standing at the nurses desk filling out paperwork when you heard a familiar voice.

“I’m telling you I’m fine, I don’t need to be seen” you heard the man say.

The woman accompanying him responded, “Athena is already on her way, so it’s probably safer if you get checked out”

You turned around and saw the last person you expected to see, your dad. The last time you saw him was about 6 years ago when he showed up to your dorm room drunk out his mind.

The paramedic with him saw you looking over and motioned for you.

“You had got caught, cover blown “ you thought, you put on a fake smile and walk over.

“Hi, I’m Doctor…”you began when he cut you off.

“Y/n?” He said looking hopeful. He had tried many times to reach out since he got sober but you stopped trusting him and his apologies.

“You look good” you said finally looking him in the eyes.

“Do you know each other?” Asked who you figured was Hen.

“Yeah, I’m his daughter” you said. You could tell that your dad wanted to hide. He never did well in situations like this.

“So what brings you in Captain Nash?” You ask trying to push everything away, hoping it’s not the alcohol and pills again. Hen excused herself.

“The floor I was on collapsed and I landed wrong” he said holding up a wounded wrist.

“I’m 5 years clean” he said, trying to start a conversation.

“That’s good” you said not wanting to cave.

“I tried reaching out over the years” he pushed.

You we’re trying your best not to show emotion. You heard a voice outside the curtain.

“I know” you reply.

“Well I thought it would be best if you found out from me” he started and was cut off with a beautiful woman entering the area.

“Bobby? Are you ok?” She asked, grabbing his shoulder.

“Yeah, Thena, I actually want you to meet someone” Bobby looked at this woman with so much love. It was the same look he gave your mother. It shattered you.

“this is Dr. Y/n Nash, my daughter, and this is my wife, Athena” he says introducing you.

You couldn’t help it. You run from the area and find the break room.

—

“I’m sure she’ll come around Bobby” Athena said , caressing Bobby’s good hand with her free one, as she drove home. A nurse ended up coming in a finishing up with him.

“I dont know if she will Athena, it’s been 6 years since I saw her and I was so drunk I don’t remember what happened. I’ve been trying to fix it for years, I screwed up big time and I should’ve tried harder to fix it” he said

“Bobby you have paid for your mistakes and you fight like hell everyday. But maybe she just hasn’t seen that yet.” Athena said.

Bobby nodded silently.

—back at the hospital you wipe off your face and exit the break room. Maria, the nurse who took over for you, walked up to you.

“I know you don’t want to talk to him but he asked me to give you this” she handed you a piece of paper with his number on it.

After you shift you went home. You sat on your couch looking at this number. You don’t know when you dialed it. You heard it ring and you grew nervous.

“Hello?” You heard his voice say.

“Dad?” You asked.

“Y/!N?! I’m so glad you called” he cheered

“Um can we meet? I want to see you, we need to talk” you caved. You knew it was time to forgive him.

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

Themes and Warnings: slow burn, enemies to lovers, blood, violence, explicit language, sexual violence, period-typical misogyny, sexual themes, smut, tension, marriage, jealousy, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, attempted sexual assault, breastfeeding, major character death, divergent timelines

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood/Game of Thrones characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

Chapter Twenty-One

The days following the terrifying encounter with Aegon became a hazy blur for Maera. She withdrew from the world and refused visit from anyone apart Thena, her loyal maid. Sleep eluded her, and her appetite had all but disappeared. Her mind replayed the dreadful incident with Aegon on an agonizing loop, each memory etching horrible feelings deeper into her psyche – the fear, the vulnerability, and the overwhelming sense of weakness.

Her days seemed to stretch endlessly, filled with staring out of the window towards the shoreline where the dragon Ēbrion resided. She often spotted the majestic creature in flight, a symbol of freedom she longed for. To distract herself, she began paining the portrait of the beast again for the royal children, each brush stroke serving as an escape to the torment she was enduring. Maera envied Ēbrion's ability to escape, to soar high above the confines of the Red Keep, while she remained bound by duty and honor.

But on the third day, something shifted within her. In the early hours of the morning, as the first light of dawn kissed the horizon, Maera finished her painting. As she gazed upon the canvas, a surge of anger washed over her like a tidal wave. It was a seething, burning rage that rose from deep within. She was furious, not only at herself for feeling helpless and weak but also at Aegon for his audacity, for the pain he had inflicted upon her. Such a pathetic, drunken king would not break her. She was not weak, she was not powerless, and she refused to be a victim.

Summoning Thena, Maera's voice was firm and commanding as she ordered her maid to to dress her in her leathers and braid her hair out of her face. Maera was determined to confront her pent-up rage, and there was only one way she knew how – by sparring with Aemond, her one-time friend turned complicated ally. As she attached her sword and dagger to her belt, determination set her jaw and fueled her every step. The anger that had simmered within her was now a blazing fire, a force that she would channel into every strike of her weapons. She was not going to be a helpless victim. She was Maera Wylde, a Targaryen by the blood of her mother, and she would reclaim her strength, her dignity, and her control over her own destiny.

The corridors of the Red Keep seemed to blur as she walked, her steps brisk and determined. It didn't take long for her to notice that the knight who had been stationed outside her room was none other than Ser Arryk, the man who had come to her rescue that fateful day with Aegon. He jogged to catch up with her, genuine concern etched on his face.

"My Lady, are you alright?" he asked, his northern voice filled with genuine worry.

Maera glanced at him, her expression still steely. "I'm fine, Ser Arryk," she replied tersely. "Just need to clear my head."

The knight fought to keep up with her quick pace, concern still in his eyes. "Is there anything I can do for you, my Lady?"

Maera halted suddenly, turning to face Ser Arryk. She looked at him with a newfound sense of gratitude, realizing that this man had been there to protect her, causing himself to be chastised by the King he served. "You've already done more than enough, Ser Arryk," she said sincerely. "I'm in your debt. You have my gratitude." With a nod of appreciation, she dismissed him from his duty, allowing him to return to his post. Then, without another word, she continued her determined march toward the courtyard.

Descending the steps, Maera spotted Aemond, still diligently practicing his swordplay. As she approached, he turned to face her, a sly remark at the ready. It was clear that he was irked by her absence earlier.

"I see you decided not to give up," Aemond remarked, his expression showing his own irritation.

Maera's response was equally brusque. "I'm in no mood for pleasantries," she retorted, her anger still simmering.

Aemond's retort was terse. "Neither am I." Today, the clash of swords was more than just a practice; it was a release of pent-up anger and frustration for both of them.

The clashing of their weapons provided an unsettling rhythm as Aemond's words intertwined with their fight. He spoke with a measured determination, his irritation apparent in his voice. "I don't appreciate being lied to," he declared, swinging his sword at Maera.

She deftly countered his attack and retorted, irritation coloring her voice, "What in the Seven Hells are you talking about?" Their swords met in a clash, both fighters pushing against each other, trying to gain the upper hand.

Aemond's tone was sharp and filled with growing irritation as he revealed his knowledge. "I know you're a virgin."

Maera's steps faltered, and Aemond's strike found its mark. Her distraction allowed him an advantage. In an attempt release her anger, she continued to duel him, Aemond's irritation evident in his voice as he continued, "What you said a few days ago, about not being able to help your sisters, it got me thinking."

Maera’s mind raced as she tried to comprehend Aemond's words, to try and understand if he was toying with her. The clash of steel filled the air as their training swords met, each movement calculated and precise. Maera's skill shone through, her years of practice evident in her fluid motions and quick reflexes.

The Prince pressed on, his words mingling with their clashing swords. “You see, the Master of Whispers is a powerful ally of my mother. Naturally, I can consult him when I want certain rumours investigating.” Aemond's eyes narrowed as he adjusted his approach, launching a relentless assault of strikes that forced Maera to the edge of the courtyard fence. As Aemond swung his sword from above, she ducked, managing to slip past him, breathing heavily, like dragon fire being expelled from her lungs. As they continued their intense exchange, Maera's heart raced, the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

“It turns out that during the time that you allegedly lost your maidenhead, Ser Olyver had already been in Essos for over two moons.” Aemond's triumphant smirk upon revealing his revelation was met with a look of fury painted across Maera’s face. He twirled his sword in his hand with skill, before finally pushing her for a reaction with one last statement.

"Pathetic," he sneered, "allowing that cunt Penrose to spread those rumors about your honour, without even attempting to fight back."

Maera's frustration reached a boiling point, and she cast her sword aside, throwing it somewhere across the courtyard. Swiftly, her hand sought the hilt of the dagger at her belt, the desire to lash out at Aemond overpowering her. The blade gleamed in her hand as she lunged at Aemond, her anger fueling her movements. In an attempt to strike him, Maera aimed for his face, but in a swift maneuver, Aemond seized her wrist, twisting it painfully behind her back.

The abrupt movement caused her to cry out, a mix of pain and frustration escaping her lips. He held her close, her chest pressed against his, and confusion registered on his face as he released her arm. She dropped the dagger and held her right arm with her left hand, face contorted as she attempted to rub the pain away. After a moment of observing her, Aemond pulled her close again and with a swift motion, he rolled up her sleeves, revealing the bruises on her arms—evidence of the confrontation with Aegon, a testament to the pain she had endured. Maera's eyes blazed with a mix of anger, frustration, and humiliation.

Her gaze then locked with Aemond's as he inspected her the shades of black, purple and blue that painted her arm. His breathing was heavy through his nose, his emotions playing across his face in an intricate dance of anger and something deeper, something she couldn't quite discern. The silence stretched on, heavy with unspoken emotions.

Finally, Aemond's voice broke through the quiet. "Who did this to you?" he demanded, his tone intense.

Maera pulled her arm from his grasp, her expression a mixture of defiance and frustration. She let her sleeve fall, concealing the evidence of her ordeal. "It doesn't matter," she replied curtly. Maera then made her way across the courtyard to retrieve her sword. As she picked it up, Aemond pressed further. "Was it Aegon?" he asked, his voice low.

Maera remained silent, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword as she placed it back onto her belt. Aemond continued, his words direct. "Did… did he violate you?"

Maera's reply was sharp, "He did not get as far as he wished."

Frustration welled up within her, and as she turned to face the one-eyed Prince, tears began streaming down her face. Maera was unable to hold back her emotions any longer. She spoke bitterly, her voice quivering with anger and despair. "What is the point in any of this, if I can't even defend myself against a drunken, idiot king?”

Her green eyes bore into his violet one as she made her way towards him from across the training ground. “I feel weak, and I know you think I'm weak too, but I don't care anymore. I'm tired of trying to control everything when it's clear it's all futile."

Aemond watched her, his expression unreadable. He listened intently as she poured out her frustrations onto him, his lips pressed in a straight line, absorbing her words. Maera stopped in front of him, staring defiantly up at the Prince, taking in the sight of his beautifully scarred face, his straight, silver locks and the leather eye patch that concealed not only a missing eye, but the kind, sweet boy she had known from her childhood.

"I'll do as my father asks," she stated with resignation, "I'll find a husband whom I barely know at court and move to a distant land to secure an alliance for House Wylde. I will be raped on my wedding night and be forced to bear his heirs until it kills me, just like it did my mother. I will pray to the Stranger, day and night, that he takes me from this world sooner rather than later, because I cannot bare this any longer." Without another word, Maera turned and made her way back toward the castle, leaving Aemond standing in the courtyard, the weight of her words hanging in the air between them.

Maera re-entered her chambers, her emotions still turbulent from her encounter with Aemond and the painful memories of her recent ordeal. With Thena's help, she shed her sparring gear, Thena carefully dressed her in a gown of golden silk, its high neck and long sleeves offering a modest yet elegant appearance. Turquoise edging and swirling patterns adorned the fabric, adding a touch of color to her attire. Once the gown was in place, Thena undid Maera's hair, brushing it to a lustrous shine before taking half of the hair and creating a braid around the crown of Maera's head, allowing the remaining thick locks to cascade down her back, the one silver streak shining through.

A knock on the door interrupted their preparations, and Thena answered it.

“Ser Arryk, my lady,” the maid revealed. Maera hesitated before nodding to Thena, agreeing to permit the knight entry. As the knight crossed the threshold into Maera’s chambers, her expression showing curiosity as she inquired, "How may I assist you, Ser Arryk? Please, speak your mind."

Ser Arryk cleared his throat before speaking. “My Lady, I know you have have been through a horrific ordeal but I request just a moment of you time if you’ll allow me.” to which Maera nods in agreement. She beckons him to take a seat at her dining table, to which he complies. As the knight sat before her, Maera took the time to properly observe his appearance. The knight had tied his chestnut hair away from his face, bringing more attention to the chiselled features that it bore. A well-kept beard added to his rugged charm, though it did little to conceal the strength of his squared chin. Ser Arryk's eyes, a deep and penetrating shade of hazel, possessed an intensity that hinted at the wisdom and experience he had gained over the years.

After a moment, the loyal member of the Kingsguard, began to share his history with Maera, his words laced with reminiscence. "I have been part of the Kingsguard for a number of years, my Lady," he began, a faint smile touching his lips as he remembered, "originally serving King Viserys. His Grace was a kind and just man, a King I was happy to be sworn to." He took a moment, studying Maera's expression carefully before resuming. "When Viserys passed away, it was only natural that I became sworn to his son, our current King Aegon."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the room. Ser Arryk's voice grew solemn as he acknowledged the truth. "I know Aegon is a monster," he stated plainly. "Choosing to serve him has cost me my relationship with my brother. And after witnessing him assaulting you, my lady… I find myself questioning my vows to the Kingsguard."

Listening with rapt attention, Maera nodded slightly, urging him to continue. The knight went on, revealing the internal struggle he had faced. "I prayed to the Father for wisdom," he confessed, "for I cannot forsake the sacred vows I made before the Gods. And with time, the wisdom came to me." He paused, his eyes locked onto Maera's, and declared his decision. "I will continue to serve in the Kingsguard, but I cannot be sworn to Aegon. I will swear to another, one with Targaryen blood, a kind heart, and a spirited soul. Someone who upholds the ideals of justice for the realm and loyalty to their family."

Maera's brow furrowed in confusion. She looked at Ser Arryk with uncertainty, wondering who he was referring to. As the knight knelt before her, his sword unsheathed and presented with solemn reverence, the pieces began to fall into place. He was offering his allegiance to her. "It would be my greatest honor, my lady, to be your sworn knight and protector. Will you allow me to swear this oath to you?"

Overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, Maera hesitated for a brief moment. Maera turned to Thena for assurance, seeking the maid's opinion. Thena's response was unequivocal. "He is a good and honourable man, my lady," she affirmed. Maera turned once again to face the knight, who remained kneeled before her, awaiting her response.

“Very well, good Ser. You may swear to me if this is your true desire,” Maera spoke, her voice steady despite the emotions that churned within her.

The knight looked up at her, a smile gracing his lips, before reciting the solemn vows. "I offer my services, Lady Maera of House Wylde. I will shield your back and keep your counsel and give my life for yours if need be. I swear it by the Old Gods and the New."

Maera returned his smile and without missing a beat, swore an oath to him in return. “And I vow that you shall always have a place by my hearth, and meat and mead at my table. And I pledge to ask no service of you that might bring you dishonor. I swear it by the Old Gods and the New. Arise, Ser Arryk.”

The knight rose from the floor, returning his sword to his belt as he faced his Lady. The pair grinned at each other, a newfound sense of respect and understanding blooming between them.

"Thank you for your loyalty and valor. Your presence brings comfort in these troubled times." Maera beamed at him before taking her leave to attend to Queen Helaena, knowing that she had taken a significant step toward securing another valuable ally and feeling a newfound sense of strength and solidarity in the heart of King's Landing.

Thank you so much for reading! Comments, feedback, likes, and reblogs are greatly appreciated 🖤

[softquietsteadylove]

Idk if this is kinda random but i think a Wanted AU could be interesting, Thena is intimidating and doesn’t talk a lot just like Fox, and Gilgamesh is a little funny & little quirky gentleman just like Wesley☺️

Gil sighed as the bullet just barely clipped the edge of Wilbur hanging from the ceiling rack. He set down the weapon, trying to stand against the weight of Phastos' glare.

"Still?" Ajak asked with her hands on her hips.

Gil scrubbed his hand over his face. He thought he had made great progress too. He wasn't getting his ass kicked by Ikaris nearly as much, he was getting better at his agility training with Thena running on the trains. He had even caught that stupid shuttle.

Thena eyed him. She didn't say much, and what she did say was usually to berate him for being too soft. She was quite the opposite. She was hard and sharp and polished. He never saw her in the recovery baths.

Well, he did once. She had climbed right out, even looked at him as she did. He had gone right back underwater, red as a beet. He was pretty sure all she'd done was laugh.

Thena looked at Ajak, nodding her head. Ajak may have looked faintly surprised but nodded. Thena walked lazily away from their table.

Gil looked between them, his blood already running cold. His head whipped back and forth, "n-no, I-I-I can't--this is-"

"Curve the bullet," Ajak ordered.

"No, I-I can't, I'll-!" Gil looked at where Thena was standing in front of their trusty shooting dummy. She looked at him evenly, as if there were no question he would make the shot to the target directly behind her. A shot he had yet to get close to.

"Curve," Ajak repeated, "the bullet."

"You're insane," he snapped, but everyone was just standing there. He looked at Thena again, "I won't!"

She just looked at him. She thought he could do it.

He gulped. What if he failed again? What if he grazed her? What if he full on shot her?!

Thena was the only one who had been even remotely nice to him. Well, maybe nice was a stretch. But she had been tasked with training him, and when everyone else seemed determined he was a dud, she had kept working with him.

She had taught him to keep up with her on the train roofs, taught him how to navigate Ikaris' beatings and Kingo's target practices. He had even learned about the story of her past, and that the tattoo on her back helped reclaim the skin scarred and burned from the man hired to kill her father.

Thena was, for better or worse, his only friend here, in a lot of ways.

"Shoot around her," Ajak pressed, revealing more of the side of her that really scared him. "Or through her."

He stared at Thena again, though. He couldn't take that chance. Training was one thing, but he refused to be responsible for sending her to the recovery baths for something as serious as a failed shot.

"Gil."

Everyone looked surprised as she spoke. The Fox didn't speak much, after all, unless it was to tell someone they were being a hindrance to her.

But she looked at him without a hint of worry. Her eyes were so pretty. "Take the shot."

"But," he floundered, sounding like a little kid about to piss his pants. But he couldn't--he just couldn't. What if he hurt her?

"You'll be fine."

Gil let out a breath. He could do this. Thena believed he could do this. And this was after she had watched him get the shit kicked out of him, by everyone here including herself.

"He's ready," she argued to Ajak, who remained relatively unmoved. She was vouching for him (with her life, at that). She had every faith that he wouldn't let anything happen to her.

This from the woman who told him not to trust anyone or anything.

Gil took a few rapid breaths. He looked at Thena, her blonde hair, her pretty green eyes, the fall of her shoulders. She was relaxed. He picked up and fired in the same motion, twisting his wrist as if he were throwing something.

They all watched as the bullet flew, rustling through Thena's hair on its way past her. She didn't even blink, waiting until the sound of it hitting their target behind her let her smile. "See?"

Gil panted. He couldn't be as sure as her, but he had managed not to hit her. That was good enough for him, for now.

"He is ready," Ajak finally agreed, having witnessed the evidence for herself. She chuckled, though, attending to other matters calling her name. "He'll have his first assignment within the week."

Gil watched everyone else leave, only he and Thena remaining. "You didn't have to make yourself a target."

She smiled, and he could almost imagine she was proud of him instead of just amused. She sauntered back over, swaying her hips to show her humour. "You hit it, did you not?"

"You seem awfully sure I would," he grumbled as she returned to his side.

Thena looked at him, settling her hands on her hips. She was such a little thing for being an assassin. But the Fox specialised in bladed kills. She didn't need to physically out-muscle her targets. "You have all this pressure built up inside of you. From the moment I found you, I could see The Sight in you trying to escape. But you repress it so firmly."

Gil shrugged, dragging his finger along the edge of the table. She had a habit of making him act like a boy around his first crush. "When you're a big guy, you make people kinda nervous. I don't want anyone to be scared of me."

Thena's shoulders loosened further, maybe even seeming to drop. "You're sweet, Gil. And I don't mean it in a good way."

Of course she didn't. He sighed; he wasn't exactly unfamiliar with being scolded around here for being a normal dude.

"You're soft, and the rest of them," she nodded towards the door, indicating her comrades--people she had known for most of her life. She frowned, "know it. And they'll feed off it, if you give them the chance."

He raised an eyebrow at that. They were like family here at the textiles factory, he hadn't expected there to be dissent between them.

"Let out some of that pent up pressure," she concluded, patting his shoulder on her way to also go about her day. "I would love to see you give Ikaris another thorough beating."

He had enjoyed that.

"Look at your old life, maybe, see how far you've come," she shrugged, turning and walking out the last few steps backwards to look at him. "I seem to recall you had a girlfriend, disloyal as she was. Perhaps some breakup sex would help you blow off some steam."

Oh yeah, he hadn't thought his girlfriend - actually, it was probably pretty safe to call her his ex at this point - since...since meeting Thena.

He blushed, and he heard Thena laughing about it all the way down the stairs.

[mvltisstuff]

hello!! i hope you’re doing well, how have finals been going/gone??

i saw your post asking for requests, and i know the last thing i sent you you said it was fine to send more but i didn’t wanna overwhelm you with finals and everything going on, but since you’re asking, ofc i have more 😂 i was thinking something with reader being athena’s apprentice again and this time the reader gets hurt on a case and buck as to be called and goes full blown protective and everyone’s like “where did this come from considering how reckless you are” and that’s when everyone realizes how real things are with them and that reader is end game for buck. ofc if you don’t get to it, don’t worry. if you do, thank you a thousand. i hope you have a lovely day and things go well, just in general ❤️

-🚒

must be love - e.b

summary: request from above :)

evan buckley x reader

a/n: finals are going well!! i just finished my state testing 😿 but luckily it wasn’t too bad. i have like a week left of school and then i’ll be writing a ton, and i love love love seeing people leave requests <33 hope you enjoy love

y/n roamed through the halls of the dark house, with her gun up, flashlight on, and her eyes focused on her surroundings. she had gone in without backup, but athena was on her way to the scene as well as a few more units. the call had been sent into dispatch for an armed robbery, so clearly y/n had to be armed too. she had turned her radio off, not to make the intruder more threatened by the police presence.

she had been searching the bedrooms, the kitchen, and other rooms that had been marked off with valuables this person might be interested in. the homeowner had already made his escape out, so now it was just a matter of time for them to find the person who caused this. the last room y/n had entered, she was hoping to find someone, but alas, there hadn’t been any traces.

in the hallway, the man tracing her steps had been following her throughout the house, strategically hiding behind her in ways that she would never have noticed. she had been pointing her gun and light at the walls and under the furniture when she felt a massive blow to the head.

her vision was faded and blurred as she whipped around with her gun. disoriented, he was able to swing it out of her grip and across the floor. the robber landed clean punches to her abdomen and scratches to her face. she heard a crack to her shoulder, but she knew it hadn’t been broken. it still hurt like a bitch, for sure.

y/n’s strong, but vulnerable body had been thrown against the wall and slid down. the criminal wasn’t done, but the shiny pocketknife on his side did not pass by y/n’s smart eyes. she grabbed his side and opened it swiftly, jamming it into his thigh. he screamed out in pain, and y/n twisted the knife before pulling it out.

out of the corner of her blurry eyes, y/n had spotted a figure making her way toward the two of them. her eyes were squinted from the pounding headache she had been facing. the faint, familiar voice came in as the woman bent down with a jangling pair of cuffs. “dispatch, this is 727-L30, suspect in custody, we’re going to need an additional ambulance at 1873 Garden Street,” says athena into her radio.

“thena…” y/n whispers.

“hey, y/l/n,” she responds. “you got this guy good.” another officer comes in and hauls the man away and it is just athena and y/n in the room. “are you alright, y/n?” athena says sternly.

“i’m fine, i just-“ y/n starts to stand up, and athena grabs onto her. her legs wobbly a bit and she words get mushed together.

“ok well, i don’t think so. we have an ambulance on the way.”

y/n sits back down and nods, looking at her with tired eyes, still fighting to stay away. successfully, she is able to make it until the two paramedics come into the house. she sees hen and chimney walk in with their medical bags.

“what do we got he- y/n?” chimney asks, bending down and observing his friend. hen shines a light to her eyes.

“probable concussion,” she touches her shoulder, making her hiss and cry out a bit. “and maybe a shoulder dislocation, posterior.”

“let’s get her en route to hollywood presbyterian,” chimney says, getting ready for transport.

after y/n was dropped off the at hospital, she was placed in her own, quiet room. hen and chim and arrived back at the station, prepared to face bucks wrath. they walked upstairs to the kitchen, meeting bobby who had already been informed on the incident by athena.

buck had been sitting at the table with eddie and ravi, hanging out and snacking at a bowl of popcorn. they had been bickering over some silly thing when bucks eyes landed on the partners. he immediately knew something was wrong, and his brain landed to y/n. their upset faces gave it away.

“what happened?” buck asks, hesitantly, not wanting a bad answer. “is y/n ok?”

“she… she was hurt, buck,” hen begins to state. “one of her calls took a bad turn-“

buck shoots out of his chair, stepping closer to her. “what do you mean went wrong?” he raises his voice. “where is she?”

“she’s at the hospital buck, but she is alright,” chimney says. “you don’t have to panic-“

“what hospital?”

“buck, slow down…”

“i asked what hospital?!”

the two exchange a sad glance, and tell him, “hollywood presbyterian.”

buck immediately is ready to leave, preparing to speed to the hospital. he always gets scared when he gets a call or text from her. because buck doesn’t know what he would do if she got hurt, or worse. she was his lifeline. every day she was there for him with a smile, forcing him to paint his own. she was brighter than the sun to him, and without her, the clouds had rolled in. even thinking about losing her sent him into a spiral of negative thoughts.

he had met her at a dinner with athena and bobby, and he was smitten for her ever since. the months and months of them seeing each other and blossomed into a stronger love than they could’ve imagined. buck can’t see himself with anyone but her.

“hey, kid,” bobby says. “i’m going too, i’ll drive you over.”

the ride to the hospital was eerily silent. bucks thoughts were flooding his mind about how hurt she could be. he had been prepared to finally leave and end his shift at work, but instead was bombarded with fear. if there was a phobia of losing her, buck definitely has it.

he sprinted into the entrance of the hospital, bobby was trailing behind. he stormed up to the front desk and spat out her name rapidly. the nurse said, “i’m sorry sir, but only family can see loved ones at this time.”

buck shook his head, and looked at bobby. he didn’t want to have to lie, but it’s nothing he hasn’t done before. “fiancé, i’m her fiancé.” the nurse looks at bobby.

“uh, uncle?” he says unsure, but the nurse still accepts it and gives them a room number.

buck pounds on the elevator buttons, stepping into it his with his heart pounding. his shaking hands are pressed together to stop his anxiety, but it ultimately fails. bobby watches buck quietly, observing his frazzled state.

the doors slide open, and buck runs through the hallways passing by the nurses and other people. he looks at all the room numbers that mean nothing to him until he finds the next. the one with the love of his life inside.

his features soften as he looks at y/n’s sleeping body. her arm was wrapped up with a few bandages on her face. she looked oddly peaceful, which scared buck. however, the calm beeping of the machine helped him slow down. he walked further in to see athena sitting across from the bed. he walked up to y/n and saw her eyes lightly fluttering in her sleep. he sat down on the bed next to her, grabbing her hand and kissing it lightly.

“the doctor said she’s going to be perfectly fine,” athena reassures him. “she’s just sleeping now. she’ll be going home tomorrow.”

buck let out a breath that had been weighing his shoulders down. he looks at his girlfriends fragile form and observes the injuries to her face. he runs his fingers over a few of the cuts and bruises, but he finds comfort in knowing that they’ll heal. when athena mentions that she’ll be home, he smiles a bit. he knows that she’ll come home to her, and he swears there is no better feeling. “i’m just… i’m really happy she’s ok,” he looks over to athena. “thank you.”

she nods lightly before saying, “she’s a real fighter, wasn’t going to let that guy take her down with him.”

“this was so dangerous. give me five minutes with this guy.”

“buck, you know you’re the most reckless person i know. you two will be a good match, protecting each other.”

the night rolls into the hospital, breaking the day and releasing the moon. outside had become darker, and athena and bobby had been watching buck gently handle y/n. she had woken up for a bit, and had been talking to buck and had a bright smile on her face. bucks was almost identical out of relief and happiness.

the couple had been watching buck all night. they’d never seen him so in love with someone. they knew they were perfect together and that she was the center of his universe. buck needed her, and she saved him and pulled him out of some of his lowest times. it reminded them of themselves. athena saved bobby, and y/n was doing the same to buck.

“you got the guy, right?”

“of course we did, thanks to you and that little knife,” athena says.

“how did they let you all in? it’s not visiting hours, is it?”

“oh you know,” buck starts. “just told them a white lie.”

they all know that they aren’t engaged, but there’s no use in pretending that it won’t be a reality in time. at the end of the day, buck knows he told the truth to that nurse.

“i told them i was an uncle, but i think i could’ve gotten away with brother, no?”

“oh, bobby, bless your soul,” athena laughs, placing a loving hand on bobby’s shoulder. “you should get some more rest, you’ll be back in no time, sweetie.” the pair leaves, and y/n and buck remain in the room.

“go back to sleep, baby,” buck says, planting a kiss on her cheek. “i’m not going anywhere, i don’t know what i’d do without you. you bring out the best in me.”

“i love you, too, buck. so much,” she says and he places his hands on the sides of her face. holding her hand throughout the night, she dozes back off. a safe sleep, because buck is always there next to her.

[redheadspark]

Hawuu could i request prompts 9. standing up for a loved one and 42.realizing their feelings for Druig (if two prompts aren't allowed you can pick 42) thanks

A/N - Hawuu! Thanks for requesting this, dear friend! I love this for Druig, and I'll do number 42 for you! Thanks again!

Hold

Summary - Druig had a hold on you, whether you knew it or not

Warnings - Just a hint of angst but mostly fluff

“Let’s go for a swim,”

“What about Ajak and her meeting?  And you know I can’t swim!”

“You can still put your feet in and sit near the edge, and that meeting is not for another hour or so, we can slip away for a quick swim at the lake, don’t you think?”

You grabbed your bag and followed Makkari out of the Domo, Makkari wishing to walk since running wouldn’t be as fun.  The weather was nice and too warm for your liking to hide away in the Domo all day long, and since there was going to do with the humans that morning the Eternals were a bit restless.  So Sersi and Ikaris went off together for a walk, Kingo went to the market to shop and mingle with the humans, Gilgamesh took Thena off riding along the riverbanks, Phastos worked on some inventions in his lab, and Sprite stayed behind in her room to read some of the books Makkari got her.  

Druig ventured off earlier that morning before the heat came in, which was coming for him since he was mostly one to be on his own and ponder his thoughts and predictions about the humans.  You knew he liked the solstice most of the time, but not always.  He was more hardwired to think deeper and more sensible when it came to the human race, not that the others didn’t.  But with how he would talk to you about wishing there to be peace, wishing to stop all the hurt that they would inflict on one another, you knew how deep his heart and soul was.  

It was so easy to fall into a friendship with him, yet in the back of your mind you wondered if it would go past that.

Makkari was humming along as you two were talking together along the that you knew would lead to the lake.  With the sun beating down on the back of your neck and the sweet smells of the wildflowers that already bloomed, you were looking forward to unwind. Some of the recent tasks and jobs you had to do for the humans in their city seemed a bit stressful and uneasy, especially with a couple of near death experiences with Deviants.  But thankfully, you were going to leave the city in a few days.  It was both bittersweet and celebrated since you all grew to love the humans there and some of the hidden gems.  

Including the very lake you are going to.  

Once the lake was in sight, you saw Makkari have a pep in her step as the clear blue waters was seen over the little hill.  You were revived too, thinking that a dip in the lake would be the best relief on a warm day.  Yet you never realized that you two would have company, since you froze in your spot on the path from seeing a singular person in the lake.  Instantly you knew who it was: the ivory skin was glistened in the water, the highlighted brown hair against a pale forehead, and bright blue eyes that almost mirrored the same shade of the. Lake water.

Druig.

He was still wearing his dark undergarment pants while he was swimming, his muscular back was on display as he was moving back and forth in the lake and going stroke for stroke.  Of course he was your friend, all the time he was your friend and someone you could rely on with your own troubles and needs.  Then again, you always had the small possibility of liking him as more than a friend.  

Knowing how massive his heart was, now kind he was to the humans that he spoke to, how self assured he was with his beliefs and how he felt about him, that were all great attributes that loved and adored him.  Plus it never helped that you saw him as handsome.  Even now as you were watching him swim, freely and with nothing hindering him, he looked almost heavenly in the blue waters.  

Did you like him?

“Hey!  You two comin’ to join me for a swim?” You were snapped back into reality as you heard Druig call out from his spot in the water.  

Sorry to break up your solo time, Makkari signed as she walked down the path to the edge of the lake Druig waving her off.

“It’s fine!  Come on in, the water’s nice!  Plus it’s the once place Ikkaris honest know about, get the golden boy can’t swim like you ladies can,” Druig joked as Makkari was now to her own undergarments.  You made it to the edge too, slowly getting down to your undergarments wig ease as Makkari was not waddling not the water.  You could hear her sigh in relief as she was getting now calf deep in the water and then to her waist.  Once you are down to your undergarments which included pants and a shirt, you dipped your toes in to feel the sudden chill of the water.  It made you shiver a bit, and you look out to see there was a massive shallow area in the lake before it dips in deep.

Druig was laughing while Makkari was swimming circles around him, her own smile was just as radiant as the lake water while you were going in a bit deeper and deeper, now about knee deep and right at the edge of the shallow area.  The small little dip that dropped off was right in front of it, and although you were an all powerful Eternal who had more strength in your fingers than any human, you were still afraid to attempt to swim.  After one nasty attempt to try and learn, all thanks to Kingo, you decided to wait to learn.  Sure it seemed childish, but you didn’t care, you weren’t ready.  Maybe you’re still not.

“Hey, want me to hold ya?”

Druig swam up to the small edge, hovering a bit in the water as he was looking up at you with his glistened hair against his forehead and his eyes beyond bright.  You blinked, fiddling with your fingers.

“What?” You asked.

“I’ll hold ya if you want,” He explained, sounding calm and gentle with you.  He knew you never swam and you had some fear swimming, he was even mad at Kingo for almost letting you drown when you were trying to learn from him, but Druig himself never pushed you into learning.  It was one of the moments that you never forgot about Druig, his heart for you and making sure you are okay.  This was the same way.

“Here, come sit,” he said, gesturing to the ledge that was under the water.  Carefully you sat, feeling the water now to your waist and your feel dangling over the edge and in front of Druig.  You felt your heart get quick, your hands shaking a bit from being on the top of the water.  Druig sensed it and moved, lacing your fingers together and being palm to palm.  Instantly, you felt his skin along yours, almost like his rhythmic heartbeat that he was pressing against your own hand.

“Look at me,” He said soothingly, your eyes going from his joined hands over him.  He was staring right into your eyes, looking rather calm and sincere with you as he spoke again, “I won’t let ya go, I promise.”

Nodding your head, you took the first moving and slid into the deep water.  Your heart plummeted and you were about to gasp out when an arm was instantly around your waist.  Your arm was along his shoulder, clinging to you for a moment since you were now hovering in the water and Druig was holding you up.  You should feel fear, genuine fear since the last time you tried this, you almost drowned.  But this was different, this was another feeling.

Safe.  You wee safe.

“There.  See?” Druig said as he was still holding you close to him and giving you a warm smile.  That’s when it hit you, in the right moment as you grinned back at him.  All of those fleeting feelings that you were harboring and wondering were true, all of those times you two spent together on the Domo or out with the humans, they were making sense now as Druig was helping you in such a vulnerable moment.  The fear was gone, the worry and wondering was non existent, what you were feeling for Druig was true.

That’s when it hit you: you did like him.  Really liked him.  Oh…

“Thank you,” You replied lightly, seeing him grin get a bit bigger in return.  Yeah, yeah you had it bad for the mind controller. 

A splash got on both you and Druig’s faces, you both looking over to see Makkari grinning as she waved.

“Aye, that’s not fair Makkari!” Druig said in a playful tease as Makkari rolled her eyes.  You had no idea that Druig was thinking that same thing as you were as he held you close, that he too liked you for so long but was trying to figure out his own feelings and where his heart stayed. If he could, Druig would hold you just a close for as long as he could since he knew you felt safe with him.  

And neither of you knew that Makkari already knew of your feelings for one another.  She simply rolled her eyes and swam away, wondering when you two will ever get together. 

The End

@a-lumos-in-the-nox @botanicalbarnes @heartofwritiing

[boltupbitches]

Lover - Nick Bosa - Part 4 (spin-off of Sliding in the DMs)

Athena had her head in her hands as she sat up on the bed. Her head was killing her. Nick? He was in no better shape. He just sat there in a daze with no expression on his face. What could either of them say? Not at one point during the night and this morning did they consider practicing safe sex. That was 100% on them, regardless of booze being involved. They both knew that.

“So,” Nick started to say before pausing to clear his throat, “We need to make a trip to a nearby pharmacy to get a Plan B.” He looked over to her and waited for her to respond.

Athena lifted her head and looked at him with bloodshot eyes. She nodded in agreement. 

Nick reached out and gripped her hand. “It’s going to be ok, Athena. Alright? We’ll be ok… I um.. I promise I’m clean.. This is an awkward conversation to have after the effect.. I can get my recent panel results sent over I got two months ago…” He rubbed his free hand on the back of his neck, “Fuck.. I’m so sorry. This is NOT how I planned for the week” He glanced over at her as she watched him with sad eyes. “I mean, I don’t regret the time we’re spending together and I’d be lying if I said I regretted the sex. I just regret not being more careful in the planning and now we’re in this predicament.” He admitted shyly. ‘I ruined all of this now. She probably thinks I’m a pig and a joke.’

Athena could see the struggle going on in his head and she squeezed his hand that was still holding her’s. “It’s not all on you, Nick. I played a part too.” She was sure she was going to cry again.

Nick went to say something else when his phone rang. He ignored it and looked back to her. “Let’s get dressed and go and get that Plan B. Then we’ll get some breakfast.” He stretched before getting out of bed.

Athena watched the naked expanse of his back as his muscles stretched with each movement he made. He was beautifully sculpted and she felt the familiar heat pooling in her nether regions. 

Nick walked to her side and said, “Let’s go shower, princess.” As he scooped his hands under her and hoisted her bridal style in the air.

Athena squealed and giggled as she wrapped her arms around him, her cheeks bright red and showing under her faded makeup.

Nick sat her on the sink as he prepared the shower. He still hadn’t looked at his phone, but he knew whoever it was could leave a message or call back later. He was on vacation.

----------------------------------------------

Just before they headed out, Nick’s phone went off once more and he finally took a look at his missed calls. Three from his agent. “Fuck,” he mumbled. “Thena, I gotta take an important call. Give me like 20-30 minutes. It’s my agent I have to call back.”

Athena was picking up her clothes from around the room from last night. “Ok. I’ll be waiting in here when you get back in.” 

He nodded and walked out of their suite, likely going to find a quiet and private spot to take his call. 

She ok with waiting. Everything was fine. What difference did 30 minutes make? It was fine. Right?

“Oh my my god.” Athena felt the existential dread immediately return with Nick’s calming presence now out of the room. “Oh my god.”

She quickly found her phone and texted the one person she could rely on. Her sister.

Thena

I think I fucked up.

No. I know I fucked up.

She quickly dialed her sister’s number, but it rang through to her voicemail.

ARTEMIS ANSWER YOUR PHONE.

A few moments later…

What if i was fucking dead, bitch?

Five minutes later her phone rang and Arty’s face popped up to show her incoming call. Athena did not hesitate to answer.

“Finally!” she shouted. “Fucking-finally!”

“Ok, what, what? I couldn’t pick up because I was busy.” Arty defended.

“Busy? What busy getting your back blown out again?” Athena asked hysterically as she started to cry over the phone.

“Athena, are you ok?” Arty asked in alarm, ignoring the remark.

“No. No I’m not. I broke up with Teddy last week, I’ve been crying nonstop and decided to go to Napa.. and while in Napa I had unprotected sex three times with a guy while I was drunk. Oh my god, Arty.. If I get pregnant mom and dad will disown me!!”

She was hysterically sobbing.

“Woah, woah, woah! Wait-” Arty blinked in shock. “First of all, did he force you?”

Athena sniffled, “No, we ran into each other, I kind of know him already.. I was feeling just lonely and upset and he was trying to cheer me up. We drank like two bottles of wine.. And then made our way back to my hotel room at some point. I came onto him.” She admitted.

She was of course lying about half of that, but she didn’t want to admit to her sister that she was hooking up with the brother of Arty’s boyfriend. That would be a headache to explain. 

“Did he leave after?” Arty asked.

“No, he stayed the night… And then... This morning we fucked again.” She admitted quietly.

“Sober?” Arty asked in shock. This wasn’t Athena’s usual way - this was more Arty’s style of stupidity - she wasn’t going to say that to her sister right now, however.

“Yeah... He was just so sweet and showed me attention. I didn’t feel like I had to force myself to get his attention like with Teddy... And he is super attractive, so the second we kissed after waking up... We fucked again.”

“And no fucking condom, Athena?” Arty asked in outrage.

“I know! I didn’t even think about it, neither did he! I mean, I’m on birth control, but I didn’t take it yet this morning when we fucked and I had so much alcohol last night.” She cried again.

“Is he there now?” Arty demanded.

“No.. he had to take a phone call and stepped out to speak with his boss.” 

“Athena..”

“I know.” She said quietly back. “I’m sorry, Arty. Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not!” Arty said back. “I’m just worried about you. Why didn’t you tell me you broke up with fucking Teddy? That piece of shit!”

“Because you’ve been so happy with Joey, I didn’t want to ruin that.” She said.

Athena relied on Arty for strength. Her big sister was the one person she could turn to for help and guidance. Their upbringing was a tough one with an overbearing mother and a physically there, but emotionally absent father. 

“Listen, go to a nearby pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist about getting a plan B and seeing if it is still within the time frame that it can be used. Then, get plenty of fluids and rest. Make sure you are eating too. Call me back after the pharmacy trip and let me know what they say. And if shit gets to be too much to handle, my ass will fucking be there.” She said seriously.

Athena sniffled and agreed. “Thanks, Art. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“You’d be going fucking insane and married to Freddy. Now get your ass in gear and call me afterward! Love you.”

“Love you too. Bye.” Athena ended the call.

Athena wiped her eyes and breathed deeply a few times. Somehow she felt like she dug a bigger hole than intended just now. “Fuck,” she groaned as she closed her eyes and leaned back on the sofa. “Why am I such a fuck up?”

A minute later Nick was returning through the door, stress clear on his face. “Hey, I’m sorry about that. My agent had an update on my contract extension. It’s just a huge headache.” He sighed as he offered Athena a hand to help her up.

Their trip to his rental car was quiet, both of them in their heads for different reasons. Nick was certain he fucked everything up with Athena. She probably thought he wanted sex from her and nothing more. That wasn’t true.

Athena was thinking about the fibs she told her sister and the effectiveness of the Plan B. Nick wasn’t anywhere in the high priority of her mind right now. As rude as that sounded, it was true. She wanted to get this preventative in her and back on her way to being in control once more of her life because right now? She felt powerless. There was little she had control over and Athena hated that feeling.

Nick had pulled up to a nearby Walgreens and Athena got out. He was about to follow her in when she stopped him. “Just in case anyone recognizes you, it would be better if you stayed in here, ok?” She tried to reason.

Nick frowned and was quiet for a moment, “Ok… will you at least let me pay for it? I’m responsible in this situation too, Thena.”

Athena frowned before nodding and reaching her hand out.

Nick pulled a crisp $50 bill out and handed it to you. “I’ll be out here waiting then.” 

She nodded and walked into the pharmacy.

“Fuck.” Nick sighed as he rested his head back. It only took a day to fuck it up. “Good going, Nicholas.” He said bitterly to himself. 

His phone rang suddenly and it was Joey’s number that flashed on his screen. He answered with a “yo,” expecting to hear his brother’s deep drawl in return. Instead, he got an irate woman.

“Nicholas Bosa, how fucking dare you?”

“Whoah, what?” He pulled the phone back to glance and make sure it was in fact Joey’s number that called him. “Who the hell am I speaking to on my brother’s phone?” He asked rudely in return.

“Just the older sister of the girl you’re hooking up with!” She spat angrily.

Nick blinked for a moment before his eyes suddenly widened. He was speaking with the infamous Artemis. Athena’s older sister. His brother’s girlfriend. “Not sure what your problem is, but can we hash this out another time? I am busy.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are. Busy getting my sister drunk and having unprotected sex with her, knowing she’s emotionally vulnerable after a breakup with her fiance.”

Nick was not here for those accusations and he made known back to her. "I don't know where the fuck you got that info from, but that's not what is happening here. Just because you’re my brother’s girlfriend doesn’t mean I’m going to let you talk to me that way. Mind your own damn business." 

He hung up his phone and tossed it in the cup holder next to him. “What the fuck?” He cursed loudly and smacked his hand on his steering wheel. He needed some aspirin and a nap at this point.

----------------------------------------------

Athena had taken the Plan B in the car and handed the rest of her water and protein bar to Nick, who was sitting stiffly in his seat next to her. 

Nick eyed them up for a moment before taking them and muttering a quiet “thank you.”

They sat there for a while before Nick spoke up, “I had an interesting phone call while you were in the store.”

Athena raised her eyebrows and looked at him. “Ok?” 

“My brother’s number rang through. Except it wasn’t him calling. It was your sister.” He stared at her, his face schooled and his eyes blank. “She apparently somehow knows I took you out here and thinks I’m using you for sex. Did you call her while I was speaking with my agent?”

Athena was shocked for a moment before she tried to stutter out a response. The words wouldn’t string together and she breathed deeply to stop and calm herself, “I did call her.” She admitted quietly. “But I swear I didn’t say you were taking advantage of me or anything. She came to that conclusion herself. I told her that I was worried because I wasn’t being responsible and had unprotected sex multiple times in the last 24 hours. I didn’t think she’d call you and react that way.”

“Well, she did and I got nasty back with her. I’m sorry, but just like I’ll tell Joey when he calls to bitch me out, I’m not going to let her talk to me like that.” Nick sighed, “Fuck. This is a mess. Let’s go get something to eat and spend the day relaxing. Both of us need it.”

Athena nodded. The pit in her stomach returned as did the darker thoughts once more. ‘You just can’t stop fucking things up, can you?’ She asked herself bitterly.

The car ride back was silent as Athena looked out the window at the passing miniature towns and farmland. If she wasn’t so hungover and miserable in that moment she would have been soaking in the beauties of Napa.

Nick was in his mind thinking about his handling of things. Arty’s words pissed him off and cut deep. He knew he slept around and had plenty of hookups between his last girlfriend and his pursuit of Athena. He was always careful with his actions after his disastrous relationship with his ex. Yet, he somehow fucked shit up in such a short time with Athena. He wanted to believe that she didn’t say negative things about him to her older sister, yet a part of his brain worried that he was just wasting her time in the end if that’s how she saw things.

The attraction was mutual. The affection and interest was there. He wanted to believe he wasn’t imagining that. 

Yet Athena had just gotten out of a relationship - a long-term one that almost led to marriage. Was he just making a fool of himself in pursuing her?

He wasn’t certain. He just knew that he wasn’t in control of the situation and his emotions right now. That was a difficult pill to swallow.

[callsigndragon]

The Christmas Date | Chapter 10: Santa's coming for us

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Fem!Kerner!Reader

(Ron Kerner is Slider, Iceman’s backseater)

Wordcount: 2.3k

Summary: Y/n “Athena” Kerner and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw hate each other. Everybody knows. What happens when they have to fake date for a whole week to avoid Iceman and Slider’s matchmaking plans?

(there won’t be smut in this series)

Warnings: this one is a bit angsty, y'all. FLASHBACK CHAPTER. mentions of comma, death, wanting to give up, mention of carole's death, funeral, Rooster trying to pull Thena's papers. fluff at the end.

A/N: i managed to finish this chapter and here it is, for all of you to enjoy (been working on it for more than a week, don't think i forced my self 🤍). Italics are all events from the past.

Taglist:@ducks118 @milestellerwife @craftymoonchaos @littlebadariell  @xoxabs88xox @alexxavicry  @tayrae515  @shrimping-for-all  @mak-32  @my-soulmate-is-mycroft  @harper1666  @purplevortexx  @abaker74  @ssprayberrythings  @melllinaa  @loveless-simp  @k-k0129  @mygyn  @castle-bookworms-world  @chaoticversion  @one-sweet-gubler  @loveforaugust

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Years ago

It took three days for Bradley to wake up. He could hear everyone. When the nurses came in to check his constants. Whenever one of his "uncles" stood beside the bed, praying for him to not give up. 

The young Bradshaw—the only Bradshaw left—was left without any reason to live. He didn't remember his father, being too young to have any clear memory left. He had lost his mother; she was like the sun, with a beautiful smile always shining until the very end. What did he have left? His father's friends, who had always looked at him with pity in their eyes? His friend, if he could still consider her so, was now lying in bed on the other side of the room. She would soon realize that he had destroyed her life, and she wouldn't want to breathe the same air as him. 

He didn’t have anything to live for anymore. 

And then, just as he was about to slip into the darkness that surrounded him, he heard a voice. Not any voice. The voice that cheered for him louder than the rest in the football matches. The sweet voice that wished him good luck before taking the last of his exams at high school. A voice he could replay in his mind at any time because it was the only sound he would have wanted to hear for the rest of his life if given the opportunity. 

Her voice. 

Y/n. 

At first, he thought she was only trying to give him strength to wake up, even though the first thing he would have to face once he walked out of the hospital was a funeral. When he heard your sweet, heartfelt confession, he could almost feel your insides breaking at the thought of you losing someone you love. He knew how you felt, and if he could, he would do anything to spare you the agony. He had felt that for two years before his mom's body stopped fighting for her. The pain became like a friend, always there to greet him when he came back home from class, wishing him good night when the nightmares invaded his sleep; it was always there. And he didn't want you to feel like that. 

Rooster had lost that fear, only to find another one. What if he decided to fight and live just for you to hate him in the future? Would he be able to overcome that? No, he couldn't just make you his only reason to live. That wouldn't be fair for any of you. You were his reason to fight—to survive in a world that had nothing left for him. He would need to find new reasons to live. 

For hours, he considered all the possible options for his future. He should finish college first. That’s what his mother would have wanted. Maybe he could become an aviator like his dad. It was the dream that he had to leave aside to spend time with Carole. Now that she was gone, he could do it. He could become an aviator like his father and his uncles. And you would be at his side. 

Yes, that looked like a good future. 

For reasons that not even Bradley understood, when he woke up the next morning, he acted like nothing happened. Like Y/n didn’t confess her feelings. A part of him was afraid that she only confessed out of fear, that perhaps she wasn’t prepared yet. He could wait. 

Y/n was beside him at Carole’s funeral. She couldn’t walk properly yet; she was in a wheelchair. But her hand was wrapped around his all the time. It was all the strength he needed. 

Her hand on his. 

“I am waiting to hear back from the Naval Academy” 

That’s not the answer Bradley expected to hear when Maverick asked you what your plans were after high school. Not even a breath could be heard when you dropped that information. 

“When did you apply?” Slider asked, leaving the fork on his plate. 

“In May,” you said under your breath, shy due to all the sudden attention. 

“Were you ever gonna tell us?” your mom questioned while getting up from her chair and walking towards you with long steps. Rooster thought for a second, judging from her body language, that she was going to slap her daughter. "What were you waiting for, Y/n? How could you decide that without me and your father?" 

"My life isn't for you to decide, mom. Not anymore" 

"Terry, she's right," Slider sighed, kissing your forehead and whispering, "Have you thought carefully about it?" 

"Yes, dad. I want to be like you," you confessed, shiny eyes filled with emotion.

"Honey, I know that you are able to do anything you set your mind to, but…"

Rooster knew that the words following that weren't the ones you wanted to hear. 

"But?" 

"Maybe that's not a place for a girl," Slider stated, grabbing your hand between his. Your eyes quickly lose the emotion Bradley had previously noticed in them, as if it had never existed. 

"You don't think I can make it?" 

"I didn't say that" 

Whatever explanation Slider planned to give died on his lips when you ran away from the house. 

Bradley found himself feeling the fear that tightened around his heart. He never thought you were incapable of being an aviator. In fact, he knew that you would be an amazing one. If anything, he thought that you would be very limited in the back seat position. You were made to be in control, to be in the front seat, and to feel the adrenaline while twirling around in the sky. He could imagine your smile while doing it; you had it in your blood. 

However, the fear of you having an accident just like his father and losing you forever—that was a feeling he couldn't shake off. Fear makes us do a lot of things that we shouldn't. And walking into Iceman's office to beg him to pull your papers was one of the things he shouldn’t have done.

"You want me to do what?" He repeated, wanting to make sure that he had heard Bradley asking him to betray his goddaughter. 

"I can't risk losing her, Tom." Bradley begged, tears in his eyes, "it's the only thing I have left. She can’t be a backseater." 

Iceman sighed, knowing that whatever his decision, he would lose one of his kids. "Bradley, I know you think you don't have anyone left but you have to look around and see all the people who love you and care fo-" 

"She's like the stars." Bradley breathed, not wanting to go as far as having to confess his feelings. “Dad was the moon, and Mom was the sun. Y/n is like the stars, Tom. She lights up the dark night I’ve been living since my mom died, and I can’t lose that light. She’s always guiding me to follow the right path. Just like Polaris, always pointing to the north. She’s my Polaris.” 

“Pull her papers, and you will extinguish her light, son.” 

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

“You love her” concluded Iceman, eyes staring into Bradlye’s ones, reading his soul like an open book.  

“I love her. And I’m so scared to lose someone else I love, Ice,” he choked up, all his feelings coming to the surface as he allowed himself to be vulnerable for the first time in months. He tried to be brave for months, hiding his emotions and not wanting to be a burden for anyone. 

Ice walked around the table to give Bradley a hug. The mask that the young man had been wearing since the funeral had fallen at last. He was just a boy who had been raised by the most loving woman he had ever met and was now learning to navigate in this world without her. 

“Let me give you some advice, Bradley. If you love someone, you have to trust that they make the right choices and support them” 

“Even this one?” Bradley mumbled while looking at the floor. He was too embarrassed to look at Iceman with his tear-stained face. 

“Especially this one, son,” the older man claimed, patting the younger man’s shoulder. “Now, go out there and forget about pulling Y/n’s papers. If she gets accepted or no, only time will tell” 

“You wanted to pull my papers?” 

The voice that once brought him back to life, so filled with pain and love at the thought of losing him, was then quiet, cold, and numb. She begged him to stay with him for months only for him to betray her in this way. How could he? What made him believe that he had anything to say in the matter? 

“Y/n, listen, it’s not what you think...” Bradley muttered, afraid he had lost her in the effort to hold onto the last remaining source of light in his life. 

“Not what I think? There’s no other possible explanation, Bradshaw” 

Bradshaw. Not Bradley. Bradshaw. His long name had never felt like an insult, but right now it felt like a bullet straight through his heart. Did she just hear the last part of the conversation? 

“Y/n, please, listen to me” 

"Don't ever talk to me again.” 

And then she turned around and left, while Bradley fell to his knees. Iceman stood there, knowing that it didn’t matter if he tried to explain what happened in that room—Bradley really tried to pull Y/n’s papers. He thought about it, and he wanted to do it. The damage was done the second he asked for it. Only time could make you forgive him, if you ever decided to. If not, well, there wasn’t anything he could do. 

Only time could tell. 

“You only heard part of the conversation, Thena,” Bradley says, sitting down next to you. His hands are itching to touch you, but he knows he can’t. 

“I heard Iceman saying that you needed to forget about pulling my papers, Roos” 

“But you never heard why I asked him to do it” he insists. He wants you to know. If you are about to start a serious relationship, he wants all the secrets out in the open. 

You move your body, facing him, your eyes hinting at both fear and curiosity at the same time. “Tell me” 

“I was afraid of losing you in an accident, just like I lost my father. You wanted to be a backseater like your dad. When you’re in the back, you can’t control the aircraft; you are at someone else’s mercy. You not being in control of your own aircraft scared the shit out of me, grouchy. You were the only thing I had left,” he finally confesses, his lips pressed in a thin line, worried that his answer will make you more angry. 

“I understand that you were scared, but it wasn’t your decision,” you say, sighing and moving your hand slightly in his direction. 

“Iceman made me realize that. He made it clear that I could only support your decision to join the Navy.  

“So you… you didn’t want to pull my papers anymore?” 

"Not after hearing Ice say that. He had convinced me that when we love someone, we have to trust that they make the best decisions” 

You whisper, "You never tried to explain yourself, nugget," as your hand, which had been painfully edging toward Rooster's during the conversation, now tentatively touches his. 

“How could I? Was there any possible way that you would have forgiven me for what I tried to do?” he whispers back, as if this conversation was supposed to be kept a secret from the rest of the world. Nobody knows what Rooster did, everyone thinks that you two just fell apart, no longer being the two kids that gravitated towards each other. 

“No, not really”

“But I was there with you, every step of the way, after I got out of college. And then we met again at Top Gun”

"And we bickered like children," you laugh, your hand now completely encircling his. 

"It's what we've always done, fly girl." 

You nod, slowly closing that chapter of your life. You know that deep down, a part of you will always remember that he tried to put an end to your career before it had even begun. There’s no possible way that you can forget that. You forgave him years ago, but you will never forget. It doesn’t matter that his choices were based on fear. The damage was done, and the scar was there, invisible to the human eye, but marked in your soul. 

Rooster lifts your hand to his lips, softly kissing your knuckles. “Will you be able to forgive me?” 

“I already did, Roos. I love you too much to stay mad at you” 

“Did you say you love me?” Rooster asks, his face heating up and reddening like Rudolph’s nose. 

“... I thought it was obvious” 

“I m-mean it was 15 years ago, but I didn’t know you loved me now,” he stutters, suddenly feeling like a teenager in front of his crush. 

“Oh, nugget, don’t go shy on me now,” you joke, poking his cheek.

“Don’t tease me!” he whines, making you laugh. “I love you too, dumbass”

You can’t understand how you’re able to laugh after Solo and his obsessive behavior, but it feels good to shake that feeling away. Tomorrow you will go to the police station and report him, putting an end to his crazy activities. 

Tonight, however, you are spending quality time with the man you love.