#and mayhaps also have a slight headache

[nanami-is-nanamean]

oh, the pain of having a craving but also having food at home... i will now inflict this despair onto hs!nanami. enjoy.

---

nanami sighed, closing the shared dorm fridge for the umpteenth time. just like the last time he checked, there was nothing good stocked. and as much as he'd stop absolutely starving by just caving and plating himself some rice and last nights leftovers, he's craving bahn mis bad and it would be a miserable meal. it would sate his physical hunger, not his mental and emotional one.

its not like he could go out to the nearest convenience store and at the very least, get a simple sandwich—he was also unfortunately dead broke, and he couldn't ask haibara to buy something for him since he's on a mission with geto. something about training the lower years apparently.

while he has asked his senpai for favors in bouts of true desperation, he can't fall back on them either. shoko's in kyoto with utahime, learning about their style of sorcery and doing research on the reverse curse technique, and gojo tagged along with her to deal with 'very important, very boring clan business, nanami!'.

he still remembers his loud, grating voice and the sting of his cheeks getting pinched. 'dont worry, nanami-kun! i'll miss you too! you're the only kind of boring that i like anyways!' he could already feel himself getting annoyed at the kissy noises he made all the way to his car.

and then he was blissfully alone for a week. he cherished the silence and the quiet, relishing in the nature surrounding the campus and exploring its maze-like layout. it felt a little too quiet at times though—expecting a bright and bubbly voice butting in whenever he finds himself in a particularly good mood, cigarette smoke in the more secluded and hidden corners, and the curse energy flares of a pair of irritating senpai.

which is where nanami finds himself sighing at the slim pickings of the pantry. no luck there either. he walks off, resigning himself to leftovers. he sits down with his depressing meal, already hearing and feeling a certain white haired senpai invading his personal space and making fun of his food. 'nanami-kun!' he'd say. 'are you really gonna eat all that?! youre not even making it fancy or whatever you do! but don't worry nanamin—just say the word and i'll treat you to whatever you want.' he'd then flash that aggravating smile, and twirl that black card around his fingers.

maybe when he gets back, he'll take him back on that offer.

[catte-bard]

FFXIV Write 2021 #13: Oneirophrenia

Urianger in his few months of knowing the pixies felt there were two very important facts about them. They were rather friendly, little creatures. And they were mischievous little devils. Fond of mayhem they were always trying to find little tricks to play on visitors to Il Mheg.

And Urianger was their favourite playmate. The mysterious elf who spoke with a funny voice and who had taken up residence in one the old mortal dwellings. He absolutely delighted them. Mortals never stayed in Il Mheg; they feared the fey and usually tried to pass through quickly when traveling its roads.

Today he had been making notes of the different kinds of flora that bloomed the land. Making quick sketches—though his hand wasn’t as talented as young Master Alphinaud’s—as well as jotting notes down about them.

Fascinating, it was all incredibly fascinating. He had theorized that Il Mheg must be somewhere geographically where Ishgard is on the Source. And yet it  possessed a completely different clime. 

He had been studying the plant life, curious to see if there were any similarities to those on his home shard. However, much of the flora seemed to have evolved in its own way separate from those on the Source. Which he supposed would make sense. The First’s history had been carved out in a different path from the Source. It had experienced its own eras, its own disasters, tragedies, and other impactful events. And so the flora and fauna and even the landscape itself would’ve adapted differently. 

“Urianger!” A chipper voice suddenly popped into existence. 

“Good morning to thee, Kenn Beq.” Urianger hummed as he scribbled something down in his journal about the tree he was resting under.

“What are you doing this time?” Kenn Beq asked, flitting close to look over his shoulder. “Oh what pretty pictures! Uri likes flowers! Lemme see! Lemme see! Don’t be shy now!”

And with a flick of their wrist, Urianger’s journal was suddenly lifted out of his hands and into the air. The Archon let out a noise of protest. It seemed the pixies were in a mischievous mood today.

 “Kenn Beq.” Urianger fiercely said as if reprimanding a child. “Return that at once.”

They merely giggled at him and leafed through the pages. “Oh calm yourself. I only want to look. Oooh, Uri seems to be a scholar as well. Kenn Sul, come look!” They then called and another pixie popped forth.

Kenn Sul and Kenn Beq were perhaps the equivalent of twins in the world of mortals. The other pixies explained that the pair had been “born” together. And thus the two of them together were the source of much mayhem.

In truth, Urianger always found them rather endearing. Perhaps, reminded of another set of twins he knew well; and thus tolerated their presence. However, today he was in no mood to entertain these two.

“Oooh, how pretty!” Kenn Sul fawned. “You should have told us you liked flowers, Uri.”

He sighed. “Aye, I wish to learn more about thou’s land. And I’ve found the best way to learn about one’s surroundings is to observe the plant life. Now if you would be so kind.” And he stretched out his hand, waiting for his book to be returned to him.

The twins shared a look. And he did not like the smirks on their faces. The pixies were like children, he’d decided—very naughty children. Always scheming something wicked.

“Oh fine.” Kenn Beq agreed and sent the book floating back down to him. 

“Uri, if you like flowers we can lead you to some very special ones!” Kenn Sul then said. “Ones that aren’t in your pretty book yet!”

Kenn Beq clapped their hands together in excitement. “Yes, yes! Oh I love those! I would love to see them in your book!”

Urianger eyed them warily. Wisely wondering if the two were up to any tricks. One had to be careful when trusting a pixie. Sometimes they were honest creatures and sometimes they would lead you straight into the jaws of a hungry draco. 

And these two were no exception. Nay they were much worse!

“I am too busy for games, my friends.” He shook his head. “Mayhaps another time.”

And Kenn Sul made a stomping motion in the air, crossing their arms. “But it is no game. We mean it!”

“Yes!” Kenn Beq added. “There is a flower patch on the far end of Il Mheg that we know you want to...to sturdy? No that’s not the right word for it? Um Kenn Sul, what was it scholars like Uri did again?”

“I believe it was study.” Their twin offered. “Oh you were quite close!”

Kenn Beq did a twirl in the air at the praise before turning their attention back to Urianger. “Come, come! We’ll show you. And if it’s a rotten trick of ours then you’re free to cuff Kenn Sul across the head a few times as punishment.”

And with that Kenn Beq flitted off.

“H-hey!” Their sibling called after them as they followed. “Why do I have to take the brunt of the blame?!���

Urianger sighed; he could just stay here and return to his studies. Perhaps even return to the Bookman’s Shelves for a lunch. But he felt the twins would take offense to that. They would come pester him until he agreed to come with them on their little adventure. And if not that, they certainly would find a cruel trick to play on him.

And so against his better judgement, he tucked his journal under his arm and followed the tittering fey.

“See Uri!” Kenn Sul proudly announced when they had arrived at their destination. 

The pixies flew excited circles around him, pointing at a cluster of shrubs with bright purple flowers blooming on them. Indeed he had never seen these flowers on his travels before. And drew closer out of curiosity. Upon closer inspection he found the flowers’ petals were also speckled with yellow like little freckles. And the flowers themselves were about the size of his entire hand.

“How fascinating.” The Archon hummed and opened his journal to take notes. “And what are these called?”

Kenn Beq came flitting up to rest upon his shoulder. “The mortals that lived here long ago had a name for them—I don’t remember what it was though. We pixies however call them Dreaming-While-Awakes.”

An odd name. He’d have to poor through the tomes at his home to see if he could discover its proper one.

“Are they poisonous? Or dangerous at all?” Urianger tilted his head. He knew many flowers were deceptively beautiful and here and the land of fey one could never be too careful. Just the other day a pixie had warned him to stay away from a cotton-like plant that was said to sting like nettles despite its soft appearance. 

“No.” Kenn Beq said, casually swaying their legs. “We’ve never seen it harm mortals before.”

He nodded and assuming Kenn Beq’s knowledge could be trusted, he made note of the observation in his journal. And out of curiosity reach out to touch one of the soft looking petals. 

The moment his finger brushed against the petal the flower shuddered and sprayed out a cloud of what he assumed to be some kind of mist or pollen. And then it closed up at once, curling itself into a tight little bud.

Urianger startled, coughing and hacking on the strange concoction it had assaulted him with. The smell was absolutely horrendous, it burned his throat and made his eyes water.

Faintly he could hear the twins laughing at him. Accursed little imps! He should have known better! However, before he could berate them for their trickery, they quickly flew off.

Whatever ailed him seemed to finally dissipate after a few agonizing minutes, though Urianger still suffered from its effects. Do not rub your eyes. It could spread the irritant and damage sight. His studies reminded him. And so he kept his hands away from his face.

It took a moment, but the burning seemed to abate to a more tolerable level. He paused for a moment, doing a mental well-being check. He didn’t seem ill or in any pain—the only thing plaguing him were eyes and a slight headache. But otherwise he didn’t seem to be in any danger.

It seemed Kenn Beq had not lied in that regard. The spray probably was some sort of defense mechanism for the plant. To keep itself from being eaten. He made a note of this within his journal before turning to head home.  

During the walk back he did not encounter Kenn Beq or Kenn Sul again. The pair of them smartly staying away from him while his anger was still hot. On the morrow they’d probably come bearing gifts of apology, usually polished stones from the river that they thought were pretty. 

And so his walk had gone undisturbed. However, about halfway he had to pause. The throbbing in his head had grown steadily worse. Going from a dull ache to a full on piercing pain. A side effect from the flower?

He groaned, clutching at his head with a hand. He winced at the sun beating down on him. was it always so bright? It made him feel nauseated under its beating warmth. Had that flower been poisonous? 

Gods, above he felt so dizzy—the world was spinning and— 

“You alright love?”

 A voice snapped him from whatever was ailing him. 

“You’re not looking too good. What tried to drink Thancred under the table? Though I have to say that’s not a very hard feat to accomplish.”

That voice…

His head still ached and he had to squint through the bright sunlight at the figure before him. It couldn’t be and yet...it sounded like her. It...it looked like her.

He could feel himself trembling as his lips parted to form her name. It couldn’t be. It was impossible.

Yet there she stood grinning at him, hands propped on her hips. “Come on then, up you go.” She insisted. “We need to get back home;?don’t want to be out here in the dark, do you?”

Finally. Finally he had the strength to form her name on his tongue. “Moenbryda?” He whispered incredulously.

She cocked her head. “Were you expecting someone else?” 

Once again he was left speechless. How? How was this possible? This had to be a trick! Some cruel, cruel trick done by the pixies. He felt angry. He felt sorrow he thought he buried welling up within him again.

Abruptly, Moenbyrda’s smile fell and was replaced by an expression of concern. “Are you alright, love?” She asked moving forward to cup his face between her hands. And Urianger was surprised to find her touch warm. So real.

“How…” Urianger managed to find his voice. And he could feel tears misting in his eyes. “How are you here?”

Moenbryda seemed surprised and even offended at that. “Urianger...I’ve always been with you. Don’t you remember?” A frown furrowed her brow as she placed the back of her hand against his forehead. “Hmph, that flower must’ve done a number on you, eh? You’re positively burning up. Come on, let’s go back home and prep some tea. That always makes you feel better.”

“But…” Urianger began to protest. 

“Hush my dear.” Moenbryda told him and patted him on the cheek. “It’s all going to be okay. You just need to rest.”

Something in her words seemed to soothe him. The emotions rattling within him stilled. And suddenly he felt so tired.

“Right...right.” He murmured, feeling dazed and let her lead him back home. 

This felt strange. Like it shouldn’t be happening. And yet...her hands had felt so real against his cheeks. Her fingers felt so real as they entwined with his. And her voice, her sweet voice—he could never mistake it. It was her.

And yet it couldn’t be. Back and forth his mind warred like that. Illogical and logical fighting to dominate his mind which right now felt as if a fog had settled over it. 

 It didn’t feel right but Moen had promised all was well. And well...he trusted her.

They had made it to the Rising Stones.

 Wait...that’s not right. Is it?

He couldn’t ponder on it much longer before Moenbryda dragged him inside. She had settled down at a table and quickly shooed him away, insisting that he start a kettle for them.

“And why am I making the tea when it was thee whom suggested it?” Urianger had asked.

And Moenbryda grinned that wonderful smile of hers. Wry and filled with mischief. “Because you need something to occupy your mind, silly thing. You’ve walked the whole way here with a blank look on your face like your head was suddenly empty.” She teased. “You need something to do to get that brain of yours working again.”

He merely shook his head and wandered over to the stove to prepare the tea. Cheeky. She was always so cheeky. And that was one of the things he loved most about her.

The thought tugged at something at the back of his mind. And the dizzy spell that had ailed him earlier had suddenly returned. The elezen had to lean against the nearby wall for a moment to get his bearings. Why was he feeling so nauseous all of a sudden?

“Is everything alright, Urianger?” he heard Moenbryda call out to him. “You haven’t been acting well since that incident with that flower. Funny thing must be messing with your head.”

“Yes...the flower.” He murmured and clutched at his head. Something about that was making his head throb again. What had Kenn Beq called it? Something wasn’t right.  “The Rising Stones. How...did we get here? We were just in Il Mheg.”

“We walked here, obviously. Are you feeling okay?”

No. Not at all. Something...something wasn’t right.

“I am fine.” Urianger reassured, shaking his head to clear it. And with trembling hands he turned his attention back to his task. Right...he needed to put the kettle on to warm the water— 

Two cups of tea sat before him. Warm and with steam rising up from them. How? Had he already brewed it and just wasn’t paying attention?

“Uri!” Moenbryda called impatiently. “Are you going to hog it all for yourself?”

He pushed down the nauseated feeling rising within him and turned to carry the cups to his waiting companion. This was nice. How long had it been since the two of them enjoyed a nice tea and chat together? 

Again the tugging at his mind came. The flower. Il Mheg. Sitting here in the Rising Stones didn’t seem to fit with it. His sluggish mind swept it away. Focus on tea with Moen not that.

The two of them chatted pleasantly. Reminiscing  in old memories and recounting stories of their time after graduating the Studium. It was a pleasant time and Urianger felt he had not had genuine laughter in so long. 

He couldn’t help but to feel he was forgetting something though. Something that kept nagging at the back of his mind. It had been tugging on him ever since meeting Moenbryda again.

There was something about her. Something about this day. This very moment. And every time he tried to focus on it he was left feeling dizzy.

“Mm you always made the finest tea, Urianger.” Moenbryda praised as she took a long sip. Knocking it back as if it were a tankard of ale. “Always could taste the care you put into it.”

“Preparing tea is an art.” Urianger replied as he took his own sip. Puzzlement welled up within him. His tasted so plain. Had he put enough herbs in it? “Master Loiusoix taught me that important lesson. “

Moenbryda hummed. “You were always his favourite.”

He set his foul tea aside, no longer having the taste for it. “Do not pretend that he never had a fondness for thee.”

She merely shrugged at that and crossed one leg over the other. “Do you miss him?”

The question seemed out of nowhere and surprised Urianger. He scowled and looked down at his lap. “Aye.” He admitted. “Every day, I long for his wisdom and his guidance. For there are some days where I oft wonder if I am taking the right steps. And if I am taking them down the right path.”

Moenbryda hummed thoughtfully. “And me? Do you miss me?”

That question was odd that it made him jerk his head up to see...her fading. 

“Moen?” He whispered in worry.

She was fading. Fading away again.

Something...something was wrong. He felt hot all over and that piercing pain in his head from earlier had returned.

“Moen…” Urianger reached out to grasp her hands. “Moenbryda, what is wrong?!” Desperation made his voice hoarse.

And his dear friend  stared at him sadly. And yet she smiled. “Ah told you that silly flower was messing with your head.”

The flower? Yes...yes he remembered now. The fog was slowly lifting and his head was clearer.

Kenn Beq had called something peculiar…Dreaming-While-Awake.

“This isn’t real.” He admitted to himself.

“No.” Moenbryda beamed. “But at least it was nice while it lasted.”

He stared at her sadly and when to grab her hand this time his fingers brushed through it. He closed his eyes with a grimace. Of course, he should’ve known better. Known that such a perfect moment could only exist within the confines of his mind.

“Oh don’t be sad, dear.” Moenbryda consoled. “I told you before, I’ve always been with you.”

“Yes…” He agreed, closing his hand into a fist and looking down at the table. “But only within mine dreams.”

“And within your heart.” She told him. 

“And within mine heart.” He repeated solemnly. “I suppose it does answer thine question though. ” He murmured, looking up at the empty air where she’d once been. “I do miss thee terribly.”

When he came out of the strange vision, Urianger found himself lying in a field. Likely somewhere in between where the flowers had been and the Bookman’s Shelves. He hadn’t seemed to travel far in his stupor.

He groaned, wincing at the piercing pain in his skull. Now seeming a thousand times worse with him being awake. He awoke feeling sweaty and hot. And when  he tried to stand he instantly regretted it, forced back to his knees as he retched up the contents of his stomach. 

Twelve, allow me strength to make it back home.

This would be the last time he trusted the fey on botanistic excursions.

Journal Entry No. 63

Dreamer’s Neem (the the pixies seem to dub it Dreaming-While-Awake)

A beautiful looking flower that grows to about the size of a grown Elezen male’s hand. A light shade of purple and dappled with yellow freckles it seems to grow on shrubs in isolated patches around Il Mheg. 

As a defense mechanism against creatures that would try to prey upon it, the plant sprays the aggressor with an agitating powder before closing in on itself. It should be noted that this powder contains a very potent hallucinogenic agent that causes truly powerful visions that seem to affect all the senses.

The former human inhabitants seemed to have used the flower for recreational purposes. Similar to the use of milkweed on the Source. It should be noted however, that while the plant may not be deadly it is best to avoid it. The effects of its defensive powder could prove to be overwhelming to individuals not familiar with the plant.

It should also be well noted that an individual exposed should be given cool water and broth for the rest of the day. The after effects of the hallucinations may leave them weak of stomach. And solid foods could agitate their condition.

Have care for thee whom wouldst seek out this plant. For the vision it offers may not always be pleasant. Speaking from mine own experience it was rather tame. Though other accounts I hath read indicate more nightmarish experiences. How lucky I was in mine own…

[astraeass]

[1] start once again;

[cross-posted in ao3 • fem reader]

pairing: levi ackerman/reader (first three chapters doesn’t have Levi at all tho..)

warnings: cursing, talks about adoption, panic attack, dissociative amnesia

words: 2145

Summary:

you just wanted to know the truth, so why not be a reckless dumbass and join the scouts

"I’m joining the survey corps"

Laria froze, she couldn’t believe what her sweet, little girl was saying.

Wait, she’s not her sweet little girl anymore.

"What..?"

"You heard me Laria, I’m pretty sure you know what does that means, right?"

"[Y/N] please you can't do this to me... you can’t do this to David!"

"Or what..?"

You know this is cruel, you totally know, but your current desire to go outside the walls and see what the fuck is happening dominated your thoughts.

Laria fell to her knees, staring at the floor, apparently the old wood texture was more interesting for her than what you wanted to say.

With a deep sigh, you kneeled before her, holding her shoulders softly, when noticing your presence, Laria almost instantly grabbed yours in an opposite manner, with a tight and aggressive hold.

"[Y/N]... please don’t do this, tha-that’s suicide!"

You looked at her pale green orbs with intensity, sending her a sign that no matter what, your choice will not change that easily

"If you want me to stay, I just want to know from where I actually am, tell me Laria"

The older woman flinched, it was such a foreign sensation to hear her name coming from her daughter.

Silence.

"I..."

Laria looked down her palms closing and opening with hesitation.

"I don’t know"

You rolled your eyes standing up, you couldn’t take more of this bullshit.

Laria without your hands supporting her shoulders, fell down. Tears falling down her cheeks and meeting the creaking floor no long after.

"You are telling me you adopted me without knowing where the fuck I am from?"

The only sound you could hear were Laria's sobs, you know she’s trying to control them, but she can’t hold them a second more.

"You know I’m not from inside the walls...?"

More silence.

You don’t really know what’s going on in Laria's mind right know, her face was hiding in the floor, it was impossible to see the expression of shock in her usual calm features

"What...?”

Her voice was cracking again, that sent a pang to your heart. After all, she and her husband David were the ones who raised you.

But, you will move on.

You need to move on.

"I want to know from where I am, that’s why I’m joining the survey corps. I’ll go outside the walls"

Your turned away from her, slowly walking to the door you recently came from, without looking back, because you knew that you wouldn’t be able to continue forward if you see her pained expression again.

24 hours before;

It was another normal day, you were going to the market, David, your father, needed some fresh tomatoes for the plate he was cooking today. Even thought your butlers could go out and buy them for him, you insisted enough, just like always.

"You started being a really stubborn girl since you came to the world, [Y/N]" Said David with a smirk in his face when you managed to convince him. This time was harder, it was like he was scared about me going outside, it was... strange.

You loved going outside.

The chattering from people doing their chores, the sun's bright light and slight breeze softly caressing your skin brought you to a state of comfort that made you unconsciously smile.

After a short walk, you reached your destination, a small stand that sold fresh ingredients, most of them vegetables. You weren’t fond of their taste at all, but the smell was added to your list of comfort ambience.

"Hey [Y/N]! You’re doing the shopping today again?"

You nodded to the old woman, she was already used to your presence and usual shopping. You maybe were outside way too much

"Yes, Miss Anderson! However this time was harder to convince my father, I think it’s because I’m getting older"

After grabbing the necessary quantity David asked for and payed for it, you followed the way to go to home, this time you went faster, an uneasy feeling wandered you for a strange reason, making you want to go home as fast as possible.

However, a familiar voice made you stop in your tracks.

"Claire wait a minute!"

You turned around when you heard your last name and meet big bright blue eyes, a tall form with broad shoulders. He was person of your age and apparently he was panting a little, it seemed that he ran for you to catch you before you decided to go home.

Erwin Smith, the golden boy in your class.

You didn’t know a lot from him, you just knew that his father died when he was younger coincidentally after he spread some rumors about what’s outside the walls, oh and that he was a little bit older than you.

Not that you care anyways.

"Erwin, what do you need?"

After gaining some air after running for you, he handed you a little bag with some money that you recognized as what David gave you for the tomatoes

"This fell from your pocket and I couldn’t help but notice that I was from you"

"...Thank you"

The both of you stood there, an awkward silence invaded your comfort, and that bothered you a lot. You were a quiet person since you were small, so it was always hard for you to start a conversation but ended up getting used to it.

This was so embarrassing.

"I can walk you to your home, if you want to"

"No"

You didn’t even hesitate and continued with your way back home.

"Thank you again, uh.. I’ll get going"

And with that you left, you were close to your house anyways. But a feeling of regret started to eat you up. You hated your boldness.

that’s why you don’t make friends [Y/N]...

However, Erwin didn’t actually move from his spot, he decided to stay there watching your form slowly decrease its size. There was something strange about you.

He was finding it out.

;;

You finally reached home, opening the big doors of you house, don’t caring if your maids scolded you for doing it because it was their job.

"[Y/N] how much times we need to tell you that you don’t need to open the doors?"

Giselle, the head maid told you for the nth time this week with an already annoyed look. It was getting irritating, couldn’t anyone see you were trying to be independent?

You just passed by, Giselle after all wasn’t way too much older than you, her mother worked for your family for a long time, so she just got her title thanks to her, which to you, was an error since she sometimes thought a superiority aura would intimidate you.

At first you thought she was jealous, but why? Your looks? Your sharp but at the same time soft features are beautiful, they contrasted perfectly. Mayhap your intelligence? ...no.

This is ridiculous.

"[Y/N] sweetheart, you’re already home?"

Laria with David at her side interrupted your thoughts, making you jump a little and hoping that they didn’t notice.

David Claire was a tall man, strawberry blond curly and slightly long hair, usually tied up in a low ponytail and his chocolate dark wide shaped eyes complemented his face very well.

Meanwhile Laria Claire has her platinum blond almost white hair trimmed in a bob cut, her light chubby face was cute, but her sharp hazel eyes kind of scared you sometimes, the way her bangs sometimes covered them didn’t help at all.

But you.. you were strange, preciously strange, a girl unique with unique features.

Way too unique.

"Yes, I didn’t need to buy a lot of things"

You approached your kitchen, leaving the bag were you carried the tomatoes besides David, him sending you a sweet thankful smile. When you were bringing your hands to your pockets, you felt a bulge, noticing that it was the little bag that Erwin picked up from were it fell.

"Oh, I almost forgot giving your money back father, where do I leave it?" You asked playing with the bag bouncing it between your hands

David chuckled seeing your cute mannerisms and pointed upstairs. "Just leave it in my office, inside the first drawer if you can, please" He looked at you with pleading eyes.

Huh...?

You nodded, grabbing the money bag before it fell and headed upstairs. Wondering why your father gave you that look, he seemed even desperate for you to place the pouch back. David's office was the last one in the hall, giving you more time to think about what just happened.

Entering the room, you expect something coming out for you. How dumb. Slowly, you went to the desk and opened the first drawer, inside a paper with your name and another last name.

[Y/N] [L/N]

[L/N]...? What.

The money pouch you were holding, fell down because you were holding it tightly, the force increasing the more you read the coins falling everywhere and making a loud noise that probably reached your parents in the kitchen. Shit.

Before picking up and collecting the coins you fell down on your knees, an heavy headache suddenly hitting you.

I’m.. I can’t I’m not an object

Why did they sell me..?

You were lying down the floor of a carriage, the wet and cold wood hugged your soft cheek. The rocky path making your body jump from time to time. Your wrists and ankles were tied tightly, you moved a bit, but it burnt. You also had some type of clothing around your mouth preventing you to scream for help.

The only thing keeping you conscious was the beautiful nature you could see by a hole in the cloth that was hiding your body from the outside world so no one could see that the carriage had a kidnapped girl in the back.

It was beautiful, pink... trees? A large body of water that reflected the mountains and the full bright moon. The mountains had some snow at the top since it was very white. However you couldn’t see a lot more since your vision started to fade.

You suddenly gasped loudly, opening your eyes widely. Your hands were gripping your hair with a strong hold and you barely noticed you were crying after seeing some wet spots in the floor below you. What.. was that?

"[Y/N]"

The voice of your fath- no. The voice of David startled you, making you look up him with a tear stained face. His eyes sending you pity.

You hated that.

You stood up rapidly pushing past him with so much force, that it made him fall on his butt, you were about to help him but as fast as you stood, you face contorted in anger leaving the office to run to your room.

Closing you door behind you and locking it up, you turned your back to your door, supporting yourself on it and carefully sliding till you sat in the floor, bringing your knees to your face and hiding it.

No, you weren’t crying, you were confused, you were angry. Why that memory decided to appear in that exact moment? To much in such a short amount of time.

You expected David or even Laria to come and knock to her door to see if they cared. They didn’t. Was that also part of your illusion? The loved and cared for you... right?

Not that you cared, again.

Next day, after coming for whatever your were doing, probably just spacing out, collecting your thoughts. You confronted Laria, apparently David didn’t tell her about your little panic attack, it was heartbreaking, he wasn’t even there.

The more you walked from your house, the more determined you were to join the scouts. You’ll finally know your origin, it didn’t matter if it was tragic or not, your curiosity apparently won. How sad.

;;

"So yeah... that was pretty much what happened"

You didn’t expect meeting Erwin when joining the training corps, however it didn’t surprise you at all. What really surprised you is his look of amazement in his eyes when telling your story.

The bright look being more noticeable when he was listening to your theory of yourself not being from inside the walls.

"I know Smith, the idea is basically impossible, it could be a dream, y'know those fiction ones" you said after seeing how he kept on silence after some minutes when you told him what happened in your household not long ago.

Nothing.

"Could you say something? This is awkward as fuck"

Erwin pupils widened, he's back to the real world. His expression know shooting you an apologetic smile, making you frown.

"My apologies [L/N], I was in my own mind. I’m sorry all of tha-"

"Don’t pity me, I did it myself"

Next Chapter

[ikenbar]

Ikamara One Shot: Saint Richards

Hey there! Trying something new here with these one shots in the middle of the story. To give a background to Ike and a sense of tension as you wait of the next chapter!! Thank you for reading and coming this far in Ikamara’s story. I hope you enjoy and I hope these clear up any questions you guys have for her! Thanks again!!

~ Ike ‘n Bar Productions Productions

Warnings: Slight cursing (extremely mild), Fighting, Suggestive comments, Drunks being aggressive, annoying men, and Ike being a total boss

Read more of Ikamara’s story!

Chapter One parts one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven here :)

And Chapter Two prologue and parts one, two, three, four, five, and six, seven, eight, nine, ten, and eleven here :D

Chapter three coming soon :D

One shot: Saint Richards

“It shouldn’t be this hard to avoid drunk college girls.”

Ike planned to find a place to celebrate moving into her new apartment. More specifically she was looking for a bar. One she could regular since the other bar she went to was too far to casually attend anymore. Ike never liked that place anyway. It was close enough to a community college so young adults would often overtake it at night. Sure, she was still a young adult of college age but she didn’t like associating herself with that kind of image.

A few clubs appeared on Ike’s walk but none of them enticed her to go in. They were either full of bustling drunks or ear piercing music that you could hear from the other side of the street. Ike turned a corner, considering going back home, when a flickering light lit up the pavement in front of her. She turned and found herself facing a window to a small bar. It had a light wooden aesthetic with old pictures and instruments hanging in clusters on the walls. If it weren’t for the groups of middle aged patrons dressing in regular clothes, Ike would have thought she was thrust back in time of the old west. Everyone there seemed to be kept to themselves, talking casually in their little groups and avoiding anyone else around them. That alone was enough to keep Ike from hesitating as she walked into that bar. If she didn’t hurry, those freaks would find her and destroy such a perfect place.

A jingle came from above Ike as she opened the door, drawing the heads of the patrons to look at her for a moment before redirecting their attention back to each other. Ike approached the bar and took a seat on one of the many empty stools. A young, Carmel skinned, bartender stood behind the bar, mixing a drink for a patron.

“What can I get you?” The bartender asked, handing a patron his finished drink. The bartender’s voice was higher than Ike expected, but it gave him a softer, more teddy bear-like, feel about him.

“Moscow Mule, neat, house liquor is fine.” Ike responded resoundingly, trying to make herself unapproachable. If she were to attend that bar she was going to do it by taking a load off and avoiding human interaction. She had enough of interaction at her current job as a bounty hunter. So she didn’t go to socialize or be hit on by older men. Let alone to make new friends that only know you for your drinking problem.

“You got it!” The bartender said, immediately working on her drink. Ike settled in her seat, prepared to zone out and enjoy the silence. But the bartender had other plans. 

“Hey, I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” He sparked a conversation, annoying Ike slightly, “You fresh to these parts?”

“Just moved into an apartment a couple blocks away.” Ike spoke frankly.

“Oh really? Well welcome to the neighborhood!” The bartender smiled widely, “Though, I’ve got to ask, What brought you to a place like this? You look like a lively young girl. Wouldn’t you rather be somewhere with people your age?”

“You’re one to talk.” Ike snapped.

The bartender chuckled, “You got me there. But don’t avoid the question.” The bartender placed Ike’s finished drink in front of her and leaned on the bar, arms folded and stare piercing, “Why, of all places to drink, did you decide on a washed up 'ol bar like this one?” Ike looked intently at the man for a second, trying to read for any ill intent. After finding none, she sighed.

“I’m trying to find a new regular place to go to after work. Preferably someplace I can walk to from my apartment. Not to mention one without loud music and headache-inducing college chicks who are wasting their life away.”

“Well, you’ve found the right place! Though, I don’t know if I can vouch for the music and college girls. We have karaoke Friday nights.”

“Oh really?” Ike rolled her eyes, hopes of the bar becoming rotten.

“Yup! I even have a game that I play as I watch them.” the bartender chuckled happily.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, it’s called, ‘take a shot every time a drunk girl faints on stage.’” The bartender winked at Ike. Ike arched an eyebrow.

“Sounds interesting.” Ike said as she took a drink, “How do you play?”

The bartender opened his mouth excitedly to respond but a jingle from the door cut him off. Ike turned and looked to the door where three men were standing. They all supported matching leather jackets and had tattoos all over their bodies. They looked middle-aged with their receding hairlines and patchy skin. They were all practically the same person but there was a clear leader as the man standing in the middle of them was taller and wore a red bandanna. He had long bleached, thinning hair that was pulled down the back of his head and away from his dark brown eyes. His yellow teeth were quite abundant as he sucked on the tobacco in his cheek and scanned the room. 

Ike was quick to dismiss these men but the bartender wasn’t. He wore a face of concern as his grip around his folded arms tightened. Ike looked around to the rest of the bar and found everyone had gone quiet as they nervously looked at the men at the door.

The leader of the group caught the eyes of the bartender and grinned crookedly. “Hunter!” The man billowed in a scratchy yet powerful voice as he approached the bar. As he walked, the rest of the bar resumed their conversations, if not a bit quieter this time, “I didn’t know you were working today!”

“The old man asked me to cover for him while he visited Becky in the hospital.” The bartender, supposedly named Hunter, stood up as the leader leaned on the bar, uncomfortably close to Ike.

“Ah is she still not feeling well?” The leader laughed and shook his head, “Mayhaps it’s for the best that you let her go, kid. Don’t want no dying chick taking up the space that someone could use to actually get better.” Hunter tensed slightly.

“Yeah, right.” He said with a strained chuckle and annoyance dripping from his tongue, “Good one. The usual then, Judy?”

“Yeah, and another drink for the lady here.” Judy, finally acknowledging the woman next to him, nudged Ike slightly. He looked down at her and smiled as Hunter left to make the drinks, “I don’t think I have had the pleasure.”

“And you won’t.” Ike pushed Judy away, “Also, Hunter was it? Don’t make that other drink. I don’t take handouts from people who suggest that lives can be exchanged for rooms.”

“Hey now,” Judy put his hands up and laughed lightly, “I was just joking! Right, Hunter? You know I love your sister!”

“Right.” Hunter didn’t keep his eyes off the drinks he was making.

“I’d like her even more if she’d let me play ‘carpenter!' Amright, bois?!” Judy slapped the stomach of one of his buddies as they laughed heartily at his joke. Ike rolled her eyes and tried turning away from the detestful scene. Judy noticed this and chuckled. He leaned on her arm, drawing her attention back onto him. “Let me buy you a drink.”

“I’d rather just take the money.” Ike hissed as she pushed Judy back again.

“Oh come on!” Judy laughed and moved inches from Ike’s face, “What’s the harm in one-” Ike grabbed ahold of Judy’s shirt and, in one quick motion, forced him down and stood up from the stool so she was looking over him dominantly.

“Listen, punk,” Ike spoke through her teeth, spitting on Judy’s face as she spoke, “My job involves beating and taking scum like you down. Believe it or not, I came here to relax and get away from all of that, but I would be more than willing to clock back in if prompted to do so. So, unless you want me to show you exactly how I 'hit on' guys, I’d suggest you take the hint and back the hell off.” Ike threw Judy away from her, causing him to stumble backwards and collide into this group. Judy quickly recentered himself and looked angrily at Ike.

“Fine then!” He huffed, smoothing out his shirt, “You could have just asked! Come on, boys.” With that, Judy left with his group to one of the booths on the other side of the room. Ike cursed to herself and sipped her drink. 

Hunter whistled as he walked back over to her, “I’ve never seen anyone tell Judy off like that. I’m impressed!”

“Like I said, I deal with people like him everyday.” Ike sat back in her stool and aggressively grabbed her drink, “I’m sorry, but I’d really rather be left alone right now.”

“Completely understood.” Hunter picked up a tray of drinks and smiled kindly to Ike, “Just let me know if you need anything. And here.” Hunter placed a bowl of olives in front of Ike, “To take the edge off.” Ike watched Hunter leave before looking at the bowl in front of her. She sighed and picked up an olive.

The rest of the night had gone on smoothly. With Ike alone with her drink and no more disturbances with the boy band, it seemed as if the night would be a quiet one. But it wasn’t. 

Ike had just about wrapped up for the night when a clattering came from the other side of the room. She looked up and saw Judy pinning a middle-aged man to the table of his booth. Judy was red faced and blurry eyed. He had clearly been indulging in many drinks that evening. Judy swore at the man, spitting in his face with every syllable. “Keep your eyes to yourself!” Judy spoke through the swears, “I don’t need you checking me out every five minutes like I’m some sort of zoo animal!!”

“Everytime.” Hunter groaned from behind the bar, putting down the rag he had been using to clean. Hunter rounded the bar quickly. “Judy, please don’t make me call security!”

“Security?!” Judy laughed, “You mean your dad?! The one who isn’t here?! What is he going to do from the hospital?! Clear you a bed?!” Judy let go of the man and approached Hunter menacingly, “Or are you going to stop me?! What are you going to do, huh?!” Hunter gulped. Ike placed down her cup and stood up.

“Judy, you’re drunk.” Hunter said firmly as he backed away from Judy, “Let’s handle this calmly.”

“Even drunk I am more the capable to beat your-”

Ike pulled Judy’s arm, forcing him away from Hunter. Judy stumbled backward and into the booth he was sitting in, clashing with his friend and spilling their drink all over Judy. Judy stood back up and blurrily looked over to Ike. He glared at her.

“What the hell?!” Judy sputtered, advancing towards Ike.

“You’ve had enough to drink.” Ike stood her ground and spoke firmly as Judy towered over her, “It’s time for you to leave.” Judy moved his face close enough to surround Ike’s senses with the alcohol on his breath.

“Who are you to tell me what to do?” Each syllable landed with a prod to Ike’s shoulder, “I’m going to stay here for as long as I want. Unless, you’re the security Hunter was blathering about?” Ike looked over to Hunter. He was looking at her with worry as he held a phone to his ear. Ike shrugged.

“Sure. Why not?” She sighed, taking Judy’s ear and pulling him down to her level, “So, get out of here before I make you.” Judy puffed out his cheeks and let out a hearty laugh, spitting globs of saliva at Ike’s face.

“And… how… are you... going to do... that?!” Judy asked through his laughter, giving Ike a look that screamed, Bring it. 

So Ike brought it. 

Ike took a bundle of fabric from Judy’s shirt and twisted herself, flinging Judy over her shoulder and onto the floor. Judy let out a gasp as all of the air was knocked out of him. He then coughed and twisted himself so that he was laying on his stomach and cursed as he struggled to stand again. Ike rolled her eyes and approached the spluttering idiot. She pulled on his hair so he was facing her.

“You want to ask me that again or are you ready to leave?” Ike asked calmly. Judy’s face was slacked, unintentionally giving Ike her answer. Ike dropped his hair, took the back of his jacket, and dragged him to the door. She kicked it open and threw Judy onto the pavement outside. “Don’t let me catch you here again.” Ike threatened as she turned back into the bar. The two men that Judy walked in with blew past her and to the door, rudely shoving her shoulder as they passed. Ike barely moved to their petty attack and shut the door behind them.

Ike walked up to the scene she had just left, avoiding the looks all of the patron’s seemed to have on her. Hunter was talking to Judy’s victim with a very apologetic look in his eyes. Ike made eye contact with the victim, who met her eyes with a complex look. “You... alright?” She asked, uncertainty.

“Sure.” He muttered, “Thanks.” He smoothed himself out and approached his group of friends at a separate table. Ike only got a glimpse of his friends looking worriedly at him before Hunter took up her vision.

“Are you ok?!” He asked worriedly, putting his hands on her shoulders,

“I’m fine.” Ike assured Hunter, pushing his hand off of her shoulder, “Though I could use another drink.” 

“You got it!” Hunter looked relieved and his smile returned, brighter then before, “Don’t worry about paying this one. It’s on the house.” Hunter walked with Ike back to the bar and he quickly got to work on the drink, “That escalated way more than it usually does. Normally I have my father here to help me with him. But of course the one day my dad isn’t here-”

“How long has Judy been coming here?” Ike interrogated Hunter as she took a seat.

“Four months? He comes every day and makes a scene. It’s the reason this place is so barren. Hopefully, he doesn’t come back. We could use the business.” Hunter handed Ike a fresh drink

“No kidding,” Ike accepted the glass. After a moment, Hunter held out his hand.

“I don’t think I’ve formally introduced myself.” Hunter beamed, “I’m Hunter Richards.” Ike took his hand.

“Ike.” She said, shaking his hand.

“Ike, huh?” Hunter smiled, pulling his hand from hers to lean on the bar, “A badass name for a badass girl!”

“It’s short for Ikamara. Though, it does pay to have a name that criminals can quake at the sound of.” 

Hunter laughed, “So, Ike, I hope Judy didn’t ruin any chances of you being a regular here. I’d love to have you around while I work.”

“Oh really?” Ike arched an eyebrow, “Are you just saying that because I saved your neck?”

“Yes,” Hunter admitted, “and you’re a good relief from people I see every day here. It’s nice to joke around with a customer without them thinking I’m insulting or hitting on them.”

“Wait, you’re not hitting on me?!” Ike widened her eyes overdramatically, “Well then I saved your hide for nothing!” Ike smirked as she went to take another sip of her drink. Hunter tapped the bottom of her glass, sending a wave of alcohol into her face. Ike coughed as Hunter burst into laughter. Ike threw a punch at his arm, causing him to back up and put his hands in the air.

“Ok ok I’m sorry!” He said through his laughter, “I’ll make you another one if you want! Just please don’t hurt me!”

“No promises.” Ike rolled her eyes. Hunter looked happily back to Ike.

“So, Ike, you gonna be a regular or what?”

“Give me that drink and I may consider it.” Ike placed a hand on her chin and gave Hunter a look. Hunter smiled warmly and nodded. As he returned to his station at the bar, Ike looked around at the pub. Though the place would likely become busier without that idiot there, it was an endearing place. With the old aesthetic and the jolly bartender, it was like she was welcomed there. Even without the drink promised to her, Ike had made up her mind about St. Richards.

(Next)

(Chapter three coming soon :D)

[kyrie-silverwings]

a backstory piece I meant to write a long ass time ago @w@ 

spoilers for Shadowbringers, and shout out to @under-the-blood-moonlight as Niqesse <3

Meanwhile, beneath the boughs of Rak’tika...

“--and that’s about where our conversation ended.” Kyrien’s explanation concluded, he held his hands together, rubbing idly in anticipation of Emet-Selch’s words. It had been a few days past since the Warrior of Light, his newfound friend Niqesse, journeyed back to the First and while she was occupied with matters there, Kyrien traveled to the Source. He sighed anxiously as the Ascian eyed him with a bored expression.

“And that’s it, then? No outstanding plans other than to weakly secure her trust with a few kind words here and there, mayhap the occasional tea party?”

It was clear his Master’s patience was perilously thin. Kyrien knew his position was difficult, to put it mildly. He stood between the two strongest people that he had ever crossed - compared to them, Kyrien felt diminuitive and pointless. And now, his goals were at odds. He could not befriend and care for Niqesse and continue to serve Emet, it simply wasn’t possible. His master sought the Rejoining and the Warrior of Light would see it undone. The whole situation was surreal to him, a traveler from a world lost to the darkness. He owed the Ascian his life for saving him from the Abyss; in careless and idealistic words, Kyrien pledged his service. Now, it would be tested.

“T-that’s not all,” Kyrien stammered and cleared his throat. “She is willing to allow me to travel beside her and also...” He hesitated, his words picked apart by that steady golden gaze. 

“And also..?” Emet waved his hand in a motion for Kyrien to continue.

“There’s something unexpected about her. She has been troubled of late by her dreams and has been struggling to remember... something. She... hasn’t been herself.”

Emet scoffed. “That’s all? Planning on counseling your little friend? Who, might I remind you, is ruining my plans by the hour?”

Kyrien rubbed at his brow, a slight pang behind his eyes. The headaches were more frequent, but he continued. “Yes. I mean, no. This all began to happen after... how did you put it? I lost myself and I think I even fought her. I must have said something and since then, we’ve been more distant and her... She’s not been the same.”

As Kyrien looked aside, unsure of his words, Emet’s expression lightened - ever so slightly. “Well now, that is interesting. Shame you don’t quite realize what that all means, but it does confirm something I had suspicions about.” 

Surprised, Kyrien perked up with widened eyes. “So... what should I do?”

The Ascian shrugged. “Do whatever you do best, boy. Keep her distracted. Knit her a tea cozy. I don’t particularly care, so long as it slows her down. Oh, and do not neglect your training. I can see it’s helping your control a great deal. Moreover, I’d hate to see my time go to waste on you.” Emet crossed his arms over his chest and Kyrien felt like a chided student in front of his teacher.

“Y-yes, Master... Whatever you ask, I’ll--” Kyrien stopped, interrupted by Emet-Selch already walking into a portal of his own making.

“Yes, yes. Don’t forget your covenant, boy.” An idle hand wave and he departed, crossing effortlessly through forest, plain, and even the depths of the sea. There, at the depths where he could continue his work in peace, his thoughts wandering over those who once stood at his side. How close he was to beholding glimpses of them, and yet so far. 

“It’s to be those two again, is it? They always were close friends, so I suppose it’s only natural they would draw each other out.” The shadows in the depths played on his imagination, becoming indistinct shapes before him. Two figures, one standing confident and the other curled shyly, stood on either side of the Ascian. He sighed, a long-standing habit. “Erebus, still testing my patience. And... Nyx, ever dreaming, even now.” His eyes closed and the shadows slipped away from sight. 

[mydearestreaderfanfics]

Love is in Bloom (Satoshi Isshiki x Reader)

Warnings: injury

Word Count: 1,210

Prompt/Request: N/A

Summary: In a world where soulmates grow flowers from where there soulmate gets hurt, you find yourself trying to understand the floweres. Perhaps they might just lead you to your soulamte.

Author: Mod Alex

The first time you can remember truly experiencing your soulmark was in middle school. If you’d had one earlier you couldn’t remember it. It was 5th period and you were doodling as the teacher lectured when you felt it- a burning sensation like you’d never felt before began creeping from the back of your hand over to the side of your hand. A quick glance down assured you of the blood orange tinted begonias that had begun to spread. Tears had pricked at your eyes and you asked to be excused to the restroom in hopes that no one would notice. You’d been worried then, not because you didn't know what was going on, no you’d seen your parents bare each others scratches as flower buds before. No, what scared you was how big the wound seemed, and god, how much it hurt. How could your soulmate stand it? How did they get hurt? You wanted to clasp them close so they didn’t feel as alone as you did here in the cold bathroom stall with sunset colored flowers bursting from the back of your hand. You’d felt the pain they had, and as you later found out, the flowers had been trying to tell you what had happened to them.

The next memorable time your soulmark showed up was when they hurt their palm, the same hand as last time. It was a bright cheery Calendula this time. At first, you thought it was a daisy. The pain was different this time too, the burning feeling wasn’t there, instead, it felt like the time you’d landed on a rock and slashed open your knee. Had they been scared then? Did all of your blood translate to bright yellow flowers to them then? I sat brushing my fingers over the delicate petals, plucking one with curiosity. Nothing seemed to change. I wondered then something I’d never really cared to think about before- what did the flower even mean. Mayhaps it was just random?

You found yourself studying flowers as you got older. You studied them ruthlessly, begging them to share their secrets with you. After many years they did. That’s what got you here you suppose. In this strange school filled with strange people. They all had different things that they study with the same rigor you do. Some found themselves in spices, others gastronomy, but none of them studied the flowers, not like you anyways. You wanted to heal your soulmate back then but you hadn’t known how. Now you could heal everyone with your cooking, but still, your soulmate was just out of reach. Where could they be?

“(Y/N)-chan, I’ll show you your room.” “Oh, thank you Megumi.” She left you be so you could get settled into your new room. It wasn’t much, but you could already tell it would be home. No one else was here, Megumi had just waited up so she could be here to greet you. You could already tell you two would be fast friends. “Tadokoro, could you come out here for a second?” A warm voice called from outside and you padded over to the window to see who it had come from. “Wha-?! Is he naked?!” A giggle pulled you away from the window. “Don’t worry, (Y/N)-chan, that’s just Isshiki-senpai. His attire might be, um, a little odd, but I promise he’s actually really nice. You should come meet him.” “If you say so.” You trudged along behind her to the expertly kept garden in the backyard of the dorm. “Ah, Tadokoro there you are, could you help me- oh, hello! You must be the new student.” How was it that his smile seemed to be just as bright and warm as the sun overhead. You turned your head, blushing. “Yeah, that’s me.” Sensing your slight discomfort, Megumi stepped in, bless her and her kindness. As they talked, you crept away to inspect the garden. No flowers. How unfortunate. Ah, but there was a good deal of other plants. It really was quite impressive if you were being honest. Having noticed your absence, Isshiki came over to you. “I’m quite proud of it, I actually spend most of my time here. I have to skip class most of the time for that but...” “Wait, you just skip class?” He smiled that same melting smile at you and you couldn’t help but think he was a bit like a sunflower. Strong, bright, and cheery. “If I didn’t the garden wouldn’t be this well tended to.” “But what about your classes?” “Isshiki-senpai, watch out!” “Huh?” He turned just in time for the handle of the hoe to come into contact with his forehead, the force of which caused him to stumble backward and fall onto his bum with an ‘oof’. “Oh my gosh, I-I’m so sorry! I tripped! Are you okay, senpai?” You knelt next to him to assess the damage as Megumi fretted. “Megumi, if you’d please get the first aid kit.” “O-of course.” You pulled his head onto your lap so you could more easily help him, it also gave him a solid surface to rest against that wasn't the hard ground. His forehead was swelling quickly and there was a small trickle of blood. “I need to check if you have a concussion, do you feel dizzy?” “No.” “Nausea?” “No.” “Disoriented or fatigued?” “No and no.” “Any sort of a headache?” “Well it hurts, but no more than it should.” “That’s good if you’d stay still for a moment so I can check your eyes.” His eyes were a shockingly beautiful cyan, but thankfully his pupils were both the same undilated size. “I think you'll be okay, we just have to get the bleeding to stop and then try and get the swelling to go down. It could have been wor- why are you laughing?” Isshiki was indeed giggling gleefully. He raised his hand to gently brush the tangerine colored petals that had begun to form over the center of your forehead. “So you’re the one.” In your haste to help him, you hadn't even noticed the dull ache that had spread over your head. Your own hand flew up to your forehead and you smiled. “I guess I am.”

Bonus:

“And if you mix in just a little bit of water with the flower petals after you've dried them out you can make a poultice.” You applied the mixture to his wound. “Butterfly weed is excellent for bringing down swelling and aiding in the healing process.” “Hmm? You didn’t even have to look up what the plant was?” “Of course not. I learned the use behind basically every flower. I had a lot of hands-on practice, y’know since you seemed to get hurt so much.” You jutted your hip out to look more scolding than you really were. In all honesty, you were just glad you’d finally found him so you could help. He smiled apologetically at you. “I’m sorry you've had to deal with so many flowers.” You waved your hand dismissively and went to sit next to him. He pulled you into a side hug and you snuggled closer enjoying the newfound affection. “Don’t be, I’m just glad I finally found you.”

[Author's Note: Medical uses of flowers in the story are as follows- Begonia's help heal burns, Calendula's are antihemorrhagics, and Butterfly Weed helps ease swelling and help in the healing process.]

[fujiwarakazunari]

A Forgotten Night

((And now, for something a bit different. Here we have the aftermath of night out in the Limsa taverns. Very very minor NSFW-ness towards the end, but nothing serious))

The distant sound of lapping waves, and the faint chill of a breeze roused the dark-skinned Seeker from her slumber. The smell of salt on the air made her smile, and she wrapped the blankets around her, sighing gently at the feeling of soft cloth against her skin. In the distance, she could hear the faint ringing of a bell - perhaps on a ship coming into dock, or on it’s way out to sea.

And then her eyes snapped open in alarm. She bolted upright, pulling the bedding around her as a shield, emerald eyes snapping around the room to scan for threats… but nothing. She relaxed slightly, glancing around the unfamiliar room. “Relax, Key… relax.” She muttered to herself. Now, she noticed the dryness in her throat, and the ache in her joints and limbs - whatever she had been doing was certainly going to leave her aching for a while. With a deep breath, Key slid from the bed, placing her feet silently onto the wooden floor and glancing around again. A banner hung on one wall - the crimson flag of the Maelstrom - and a small desk sat in the corner. There was a pile of tomes scattered around the desk; a myriad of intellectual sounding titles, works of great admirals and warriors through the ages, and ancient looking tomes with the most odd sounding titles, and a number of pieces of paper sprawled across the surface of the desk. Still wrapped in a blanket, Key stepped over the minefield of books, deftly plucking one of the top sheets of paper from the desk.

“Slaver activities in the outskirts of Llymlaen’s Rest, as observed by… Private Fujiwara?” Key muttered to herself, tilting her head slightly - the name was… familiar, but she couldn’t place it. Although, this must be his home, but it did raise a few interesting points - mainly, what would he do should he discover that she is a wanted Gridanian outlaw. Still, this at least gave her an idea of what had happened last night - she remembered that it had been a night out with… Bee, her friend, to explore the Limsan nightlife. In fact, it had been a way for Bee to introduce Key to a larger group of friends. Key remembered meeting a tall, dour Elezen, a petite, reserved xaela and her violet skinned Keeper partner, a hyperactive Seeker and… another xaela, one that towered over her and grinned at her with a hungry, knowing glint in those dark red eyes. Mayhap it was his home. And she remembered there had been alcohol… a lot of alcohol. Her mind was struggling to remember just how much the group had drunk, but she was fairly sure that at least one bar had run dry on them - and if the dryness in her throat and the pounding headache was any indication, she had drunk more than her fair share.

Returning the paper to the desk, Key stepped silently towards the lone door in the room - eyeing the lance propped against a wall, with a wicked curved blade atop it instead of the usual piece of pointed metal. A quick survey of the room revealed a slight lack of her clothing, and a small rumble of unease echoed in her stomach, yet she knew there was only one way out. Waiting a moment by the door, there was the faint splashing of water in the distance but otherwise silence, so with a deep breath, Key shrugged the blanket from her shoulders and slid the door open ever-so-slowly. With each passing moment, she revealed more of a rather modest apartment - a not-so-small room, with a small collection of cooking utensils and firepits on one side, a small table with three simple wooden chairs around it, a number of various plants and portraits were strewn about and then… ah. A couch sat flush against the wall nearest Key, and upon it lay a scattered collection of clothing - both her own, and the rather terrifyingly large crimson greatcoat of her host. A soft step out into the open now, and she paused, furry ears twitching slightly as the sound of running water stopped. There was another door to her left… a bathroom of some kind? Most likely where her host was, and somewhere she should avoid.

Tail straight, Key took slow, silent steps towards the pile of clothes while glancing around the apartment for goods to… confiscate - if he wasn’t going to be paying attention, then he deserved a quick lesson - although apart from his Maelstrom issue clothing, there wasn’t much the miqo’te could pilfer. She dug through the mass of clothing, digging out the various parts of her outfit - thankfully, everything was here, including her bag - and laid them out separate to the au ra’s massive armoured coat and slacks. By Key’s best measure, this au ra was about two heads taller than her… The fact she couldn’t even remember what he looked like was starting to bother her more and more however. Her mind wandered, trying to recall the events of last night - yet there was only a blank space after she’d met with Bee. There were flashes of faces, and sweet tastes upon her tongue, and an enticing smile…

There was the creak of a door, and the sound of wet feet upon wood, and a faint muttering. “Ugh, seven hells that stung… how many times did sh-oh.”

Key spun around, half way through affixing her bra, eyes locking on the blue-skinned au ra. He stood with a towel over his head, one eye visible as he stared at her dumbfounded, the dark red twitching over her face. Slowly, he pulled the towel off his head and down onto his shoulders, his dark green hair still dripping with fresh water, as he tilted his head slightly. “I didn’t expect you to be awake yet.”

Key stood up straight, folding her hands over her stomach, the slightest of smiles playing on her lips. “Well, you certainly didn’t disturb me. Which is impressive with how…” Her eyes flicked down his body, then back up to his face. “Large you are.”

He coughed, blushing slightly as he flicked the towel from his shoulders, wrapping it around his waist. “You’re a sound sleeper anyway. Would you… mind tossing me something to wear?” The au ra raised an eyebrow, holding a hand out.

In response, Key turned to the pile of his clothes, and with a wicked grin, plucked the oversized hat from the couch and tossed it over to him. He looked at it with a bit of disdain, then sighed and placed the hat on his head, dropping the towel and walking towards the miqo’te. “You’re reaaaal funny, Key. Just like Bee.”  He moved close to her, his face straight as he sidestepped around her. She smiled innocently back at him, noting the criss-cross of scars upon his arms and chest, before moving out of his way to allow him to at least make himself decent.

“Well, she is the one who brought me here, Private Fujiwara.” Key kept her eyes on his face, watching him intently as he raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. There was a moment of confusion she picked up on, and then she saw the realisation dawn in his eyes.

“... Lieutenant Fujiwara, actually. That report was an old one. And it’s just Kaz to you.”’ Kaz chuckled, knocking the hat from his head, catching it without looking, and planting it on top of the miqo’te’s purple head. “So… I take it I’m not the only one who can’t remember last night.”

Key chuckled, and then frowned. “Apparently not. I’m going to have to ask Bee where exactly we were drinking. I might need to remember that place.”

“Well, I think I might know where she’ll be…” He moved back towards the small stove against the other wall, his tail flicking from side to side as he walked. “At least let me cook you breakfast before you go.”

“As delightful as that sounds, I really do-”

“Just sit your ass down princess. If you woke up in the same state I did, you’re sore all over, you’ve got a pounding headache, and you’re gonna get reaaaal hungry soon. So let me do this for you.” Kaz turned, making a small bow. “Consider it payment for… what I can only imagine was a delightful night. Although you really need to watch those nails of yours, Alana’s going to think I was attacked when she sees the marks on my back.” He smiled, turned back to a small box on the counter - when he flipped the lid open, Key could hear the faint cracking of ice crystal, and there was the whiff of raw meat. “You uh… you like meat, right?”

“Is that a question, or an invitation?” Key smirked, moving to sit at the table, Kaz’s hat still sitting on the top of her head. ‘So, the little storm pup does have teeth.’ She thought to herself. ‘This might be interesting.’

Kaz turned back slightly, eyebrows raised and a smile on his face. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

The conversation over the next few minutes as Kaz cooked was filled with probing questions from both sides - each attempting to not only piece together what they could of last night, but also to pry more information out of the other, to build a more complete picture of the person they had spent the night with. Key was sure, however, that she was winning - she caught the xaela glancing at her when he thought she wasn’t looking. He was running his gaze along her curves, drinking in her near-naked form, yet quickly turning away when she began speaking to him again, but she caught the look in his eyes. The hungry, predatory stare that she saw on so many different men and women… but this time, Key couldn’t help but wonder if Kaz actually had the balls to back it up. Then, there was the clink of a plate, and the wonderful smell of sausage, bacon and eggs, and Key now noticed the growing pit in her stomach, and her mouth began to water. Next to the plate, Kaz placed a tall glass of orange juice, and he sat opposite the miqo’te, smiling. “Dig in.”

Key paused for a moment, glancing from the plate to the xaela in front of her. His smile was soft, and he tilted his head slightly at her hesitation, the crimson rings of his eyes locking with hers. They sat there, silent, as the seconds dragged on, unblinking and unflinching as if locked in some form of duel - and then Kaz coughed, blinking and tilting his head to the side. Key gave him the smallest of taunting grins, and then turned to the plate of food before her - attacking it with abandon as the pit in her stomach grew larger.

Key sat back with a smile and a content sigh, feeling much more like herself now. “You’re a pretty good cook, Kaz.”

The au ra gave her a half shrug. “I try.”

Key watched Kaz as he moved; following the simple movements of his hands, the gentle flick of his tail, and how he was now avoiding eye contact with her. Had she managed to scare the little pup? Such a shame, just another wannabe hunter not able to play on her level. ‘Oh well… time to play with him a little longer, and I should find Bee.’ Key thought to herself, the slightest pang of sadness coming with it - he has seemed like he was going to be so much fun. The miqo’te stood up, turning on her heel and taking long strides back towards the pile of her clothing. She heard Kaz shuffle in his seat, making no attempts to hide that he was watching her, and Key smirked at this. She made an exaggerated stretch, making a high pitched growl as she worked the knots from her muscles, then reached for her top, stopping within a hair’s breadth as she had the most devilish idea.

With a spin and a flourish, Key grabbed Kaz’s crimson greatcoat, setting it on her shoulders and wrapping it tightly around herself. “You don’t mind if I borrow this, riiiiight?” She smiled a sultry smile, leaning towards the au ra. “I mean, I’m not going to take it off, so you’d need to come take it back.”

That had his attention. She could see his breathing increase in pace, the muscles in his arms tense, and there was the faintest look of desire hidden in his eyes. Kaz stood, slowly drawing himself to his full height - easily dwarfing the purple-haired miqo’te, her head was sitting just above his stomach - and with each step he took towards her, her heart felt as if it were skipping a beat. He stood close enough that Key could feel the warmth of his body, smell the faint hints of leather, of salt, and of blood, and hear the faint pat-pat of his heart, increasing steadily in tempo. He reached out slowly, hooking a thumb under the collar of the coat, slowly pulling it away from her shoulder and revealing the chocolate coloured skin beneath.

Key froze a moment, watching his face, and then stepped away and out of his reach. “No. I said take. That wasn’t taking, Lieutenant.” She grinned at him, pulling the coat tighter around her body… and yet Kaz merely watched her, leaning backwards, away from her. What was he waiting for? Some more obvious signal? Did she need to throw herself upon him for him to get the message. Key sighed slightly as she watched the au ra de-tense, almost as if he were trying to flow back into the background. He stepped away, out of her personal space, dropping his eyes and placing his hands behind his back. Key frowned - she thought he would’ve been different, but… apparently not. With a resigned droop of her shoulders, Key went to remove the coat from her shoulders…

Then, there was a flash of pain along her back, her feet left the ground, and a sharp tug on the back of her head forced her to gasp. Kaz had her pinned to the wall - her feet dangling a few feet from solid ground - with one arm underneath her, holding her up, and the other hand wrapped tightly in her hair as the au ra pressed his lips to hers, forcing his tongue inside her mouth. It took Key a moment to process exactly what had happened, staying limp in Kaz’s arms as he pulled his head away, a slight look of concern in his eyes. “I… too rough?”

Key blinked a few times, staring at him, working through the past 20 seconds in her head. And then, she grinned, wrapping her legs around Kaz’s waist, her hands reaching around to the back of his neck, and she pressed her nails into his flesh, pulling him close with a hiss. “Oh, not at all. But I can play rough too.”

Kaz winced slightly, but gave Key’s hair a tug in response, grinning at her. “Oh, good. I hope you didn’t have anything planned, ‘cause uh… I ain’t gonna let you go now.”

“Mmm, well, I certainly have some plans now. The question is if you can keep standing long enough.”

The two grinned at each other, faces hovering inches from each other, the heavy breaths the only sound in the room as they stared at each other. There were a few moments of blissful silence, and of the aching tension, each waiting to see who would make the next move, and Key watched the growing, rumbling hunger behind Kaz’s eyes with no small amount of excitement. ‘Oh. This one really will be interesting then.’

The distant sound of lapping waves, and the faint chill of a breeze roused the dark-skinned Seeker from her slumber. The smell of salt on the air made her smile, and she pushed back against the xaela lying behind her. Key tilted head back, looking up at Kaz as he slept - the lower half of his face had been pushed into the back of her head, and there was a content smile on his face - and she chuckled. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist, holding her close, the other slid under her, running along one of her own arms, and his legs were pushed against hers, following the curve of her body. She felt the steady rise and fall of his chest against her back, and felt… oddly serene.

Key yawned, putting her head back on the pillow, and gazing out of the window in front of her as the sun began it’s slow dip below the horizon - she really should get up now, try and find Bee and maybe start figuring out her trip back to Gridania… Almost as if reacting to this thought, Kaz pulled the Seeker a little closer, muttering something in his sleep, and burying his face into her hair. Well, maybe she could nap a little longer.