#but Then i went for a walk around the village (to help me emotionally deal with all of this) and i sat in the church garden for a bit

[fingertipsmp3]

Was straight up Not Doing Well but then I met a cat and now I think I’m okay

[pbandjesse]

I am not feeling great today. Both physically and emotionally. I probably should have taken today off. But I did not. I pushed myself to hard and I honestly feel really bad right now. But I am trying to remain positive.

I slept okay last night. When we got home I got a shower and tried to be in a better place mentally but I was just feeling really down. I wanted to be with my family more. I wanted to feel more settled. I wanted another day off. I was very upset and James was trying to help but I was just kind of falling apart.

Sleep didn't help as much as I hoped. My dreams didn't really bring me any comfort.

I got out of bed and was coughing and uncomfortable. But I wanted to go to work. I did not want to go to work but I also did and was just having a lot of mixed and weird emotions.

James had packed me a lunch but I wasn't excited about eating at all. The bagel they made me was good. I ate it on the drive in to get and perk myself up. And it wasn't a bad drive. It wasn't even a bad day. I just did not feel great.

When I got to camp I got right into working on the drawing for the iron workers who are going to make the long house super structure. This was actually kind of hard. It was a bit like drawing a lobster cage. But I think I got the message across. And if they need more instructions or directions I can do my best.

I would do some more work on the schedule and specifically the cabin choice programs. Me and Heather had a conversation trying to work out more what the vision is. And I think we have a better handle on it now. The work continues but I think it's going to be really good in the end.

I would take a lot of breaks. I was coughing s lot and just feeling out of sorts. I considered leaving early but in the end I toughed it out.

I had my lunch over a two hour block while still typing away and watching TikToks. I would also do some sewing if the little felt bears I found in my sewing bag. It was nice.

I was frustrated that I thought my two packages were going to be at camp when I got there but they weren't and I was bummed. But we had some slips for packages so I was sent on a errand to get them from the post office. Where I had the most bizarre conversation.

The woman, when I handed her my four package slips, said "oo someone loves you" and I was like well someone loves camp. And she's like oh are you guys out there? And I'm like yeah we're actually open all year. And she goes oh I know that. And I was like oh okay. Like I thought she just was surprised about us being there. Then she goes I'm just surprised we have packages. And I'm like oh yeah we were surprised too because the note online said our business was closed. And she was like oh well we never drop off packages to you guys, we have had a deal since 2003. And I'm like. Oh? And then she alluded to it being weird I was coming to get packages. I left this conversation absolutely baffled. It was like talking to a wizard.

I walked to the 711 and got a donut and candy for later. And went back to camp. I would wait until I got home to open my packages. But the two others were camp things. One for Joe. And the other the contact paper we ordered to cover the branding on the signs.

I was very proud how close the color was. It almost looks intentional now. Me and Sarah would walk over to the woodlands village and it took a bit of time to measure out the pieces but we got them all cut and installed and it looks great. I was worried it would look like we photoshopped it so I had Sarah take a picture of me installing it to to send to the Smithsonian people. And pretty quickly after Heather sent the photos off they responded and thanked us for cooperating and we thanked them for letting us still have the signs. All is right in the world.

I would go home soon after that. I was tired. It was starting to rain. I was only leaving a little early. I talked to Heather about some of the stuff I could handle tomorrow. And then I was off.

I would get home around 430. And I was really excited to see that all of our stuff is finally in the house!! James had texted me through the whole thing this morning. The moving guys were apparently great and the one even asked for Tina's contact info because he liked the apartment so much. I thought that was so sweet.

I had thought maybe I would lay down for an hour when I got home but James was almost done making dinner so instead I got in the couch and opened my packages. The one was my birthday gifts for myself. A baby baggu, a baggu minu crescent bag with embroidered hearts, a t shirt that says "my favorite T-shirt" in flocked lettering. It also came with some free gifts. A note book and pens. A stress ball shaped like a half an orange. A charger cord. Some trinket dishes I'll probably regift. It was fun.

The other package was the wall sconces I ordered. We will probably try to figure those out soon. But I was not in a place mentally to figure those out.

James would go up to their room to record their podcast and I would spent the next two hours moving the shelves around in the living room to work best. They are not in the originally planned lay out but this ended up working out way better. There is still a lot to put away but I made so much progress. I even started hanging my looms on the wall. I'm really excited for the progress. I hope to start hanging more and putting more things away over the next few days.

I enjoyed my podcast while I was doing all of this. I worked on organizing our new pantry bookshelf in the kitchen. And moving things around. But I was getting frustrated because James said we would go get groceries together after they recorded and I felt like they record for to long. Like I know they are having fun and having hobbies but also. Hang out with me.

They would finish around 730. And they would help me hang a shelf before we put our shoes on and headed out into the world.

First stop target. My tension rod for the pantry bookshelf was lost during the move today. So James got me a new one. And I wanted binder clips for a storage idea I had. I also insisted on getting a $1 yellow chick but James said I could only have it if I carried it in the air the whole walk around the store and by God I did it. Silly time.

Then we want to Harris teeter next door. I started very very much not feeling well in that store. On the drive to the shopping center my ears had closed up and all of a sudden in the seafood section of the store they opened up and everything was so loud and I felt very sick.

But I held it together. We got the things in our lists. And went to check out.

The line was confusing though and three people jumped us and we were in line for a seemingly long time. But it didn't help that I didn't feel good. I helped James scan by passing them things from the cart. It didn't take long once we were at a register. I was just happy to get out of there.

We got home and brought everything inside. I went and fo up and a table cloth and set up my sewing machine on the ground to fashion a curtain for the pantry. And while it's a little short I think it looks darling. And after James got all the grocery says they took the trash out and moved all of our Lego flowers to the top of the kitchen cabinets and it looks so sweet. I really love how things are coming together.

Now we are laying on the couch. Sweetp is here. Things are good. I took the inhaler. Which has been an almost daily occurrence. And it helped a lot. But I am still very tired. I want to wash my hair though and get in bed. And I really hope tomorrow will be better.

Sleep well my friends. Be safe. I love you.

[narutogwriting]

dude your writing is superior, especially the Kiba one 🥵 would you consider making a part two to that one? I’m kinda hooked on the story now ngl

Thank you so much 🥺 Your guys’ asks make me so happy! Imma keep it real, I’m not stoked with how this one turned out, but I hope you like it!

Eat Your Words Pt 2

Pairing: Kiba Inuzuka x Reader

CW: NSFW; creampie

Length: 2.6k+

Summary: Kiba is your jerk of an ex boyfriend. After making the mistake of sleeping with him again,  you have some harsh words for him that leave him reeling.

Inspired by me wanting Kiba to rail me into oblivion

Please don’t tag as NSFW!

“Hey, what’re you so upset for!?” Kiba called as you shoved him off of you and got out of his bed. God, why had you done that!? Kiba sits up, propped up on his elbows as he watches you march around the room, grabbing your clothes and pulling them back on. You shook your head, waiting until you were fully clothed before turning on him.

“Are you kidding me?!” You snapped. “This is the problem, Kiba! This has always been your problem.” Shaking your head, you picked up Kiba’s own shirt to throw at him. “You think you can solve everything with sex! You think that everything’s okay, and I’m gonna stay just because I let you fuck me?”

Kiba rolled his eyes at you, tossing his shirt back on the floor.  He lounged back in bed, his hands folded behind his head. Kiba obviously had no shame as he laid back completely naked, not even trying to cover up.

“I can’t help it if I have a magic dick.” He snickered. “Not my fault that the sex is that good.” Kiba shot you a wolfish grin, being playful and deflecting as he always did. Did he even know how to have a serious conversation?

Gritting your teeth, you stalked to the side of his bed, surprising him with your vehemency. He could feel the anger radiating off of you. “Let me tell you something, Kiba.” You spat, standing over him. “Yeah, you might be good at fucking,” you said the word pointedly, wanting to make sure he understood the distinction. “But sex? Intimacy? Making a girl feel really good?” You gave a humorless laugh. “You have no idea about that. Even if you go home with a girl every night for the rest of your life, you’re always gonna be alone.”

~

Those words stayed with Kiba, ringing in his head constantly as the days passed. What had you meant by all of that? He tried to pretend it didn’t bother him, but something about it had shaken him to his core.

After you’d left, taking your shit with you just like you’d originally wanted, he’d gone straight to Ino’s house. He was pissed and annoyed and confused and needed some help letting out steam.

So he’d pounded her into the mattress doggy style, making her scream and moan just the way he liked. You’d told him he didn’t know how to make a girl feel good, but he thought that Ino would beg to differ. He spent an hour making her cum around his cock before he finally found his own release. When they collapsed into bed, Kiba found his arm slinking around Ino, something he usually didn’t do.

“That was good, right?” He asked her. 

“Oh yeah,” Ino sighed, sitting up and running a hand through her hair. “Great as always,” she told him as she made a move to get out of bed, but he stopped her with a squeeze to her hips. 

“Where ya going? I thought we could like, lay here, ya know? Cuddle and talk and shit.”

Turning to look at him, Ino gave Kiba an incredulous look, actually laughed at him, making him go red. “What the hell are you talking about?” She asked, pushing his hand off of her so she could get up. “That's… Not what this is.”

Feeling his cheeks burning, Kiba crossed his arms. “What do you mean ‘that’s not what this is’?” He muttered.

As Ino pulled on her top, she glanced back at him. “Kiba, you’re fun for like… a good time,” She explained gently. “But when it comes to that emotional shit, well, I have other guys I go to that for. That’s boyfriend shit, and you don’t exactly fit that bill…”

~

Kiba walked through the village, his head whirling. Did girls really not see him as boyfriend material? Just as a quick fuck? Kiba had never been super into relationships, really had only ever focused on hooking up before, but he’d never considered that maybe girls didn’t want to date him either. He was a catch! Wasn’t he?

He began to think more and more about what you’d meant, that he could fuck, but he didn’t know how to have sex? Well, what was the difference?

The brain has a way of picking up patterns. Once presented with new information, it will begin to recognize that information everywhere. That’s what was happening to Kiba, and it was happening specifically with you.

What had he been hoping for after you slept together? That you would look at him with heart eyes again and fall back head over heels? Break up with gyoza boy and come back to him? 

Well, yeah. That’s exactly what he’d been hoping.

Because, okay, yeah, he was aware that he wasn’t exactly the perfect boyfriend. He knew he wasn’t always as attentive to your needs as you were to his, was realizing that sometimes when you just wanted a kiss and a hug, he was dragging you back to the bedroom before he even recognized something might be wrong.

He was selfish and self-centered and arrogant and okay, now he got it. He was the worst boyfriend. And maybe you wouldn’t understand this, wouldn’t believe him and he couldn’t even blame you for it, but Kiba did love you. He loved you in the way he knew how.

And he could list it all out for you. He loved your eyes, how bright they were, and especially the way they lit up when you looked at him, like he was the center of your whole world. He loved the smile you got when you would see him for the first time all day. He loved the way you brushed your hair behind your ear when you were nervous and the giggle you gave when you were embarrassed.

Kiba loved how you’d pull him into the grass, tell him the stories you saw in the clouds. Some days you would stay there until the sky was dark and splattered with stars, and then you would tell him the stories they told too.

Kiba did love you, he really did. You were the first, the only girl he’d ever wanted to be in a relationship with. But he didn’t realize just how bad he was at showing it. 

So when you were yelling at him for the millionth time because he forgot another date night he’d sworn he’d plan, he didn’t get how upset you were, thought you were overreacting. You guys spent plenty of time together; why did this specific instance matter?

He was taken off guard, absolutely blown away, when you’d broken up with him. He hadn’t even bothered trying to argue with it because there was no way you were serious, right? He’d laughed, told you “sure thing,” and gone back home waiting for you to show up at his door.

He waited for a week before he’d realized you weren’t coming. 

And he couldn’t understand it, thought you were overreacting, and he was so pissed. Kiba wasn’t emotionally mature enough to realize what he was feeling wasn’t anger; it was actually heartbreak. So he’d gone out, gotten drunk, and went home with the first person that was willing.

Except they didn’t go home. Kiba took Ino right there in the alley outside the bar. Enough privacy that not everyone would see, but public enough that at least someone would see, and surely word would get back to you. 

Thinking about it now, he could see why that was so stupid. He’d only wanted to make you jealous, hadn’t even considered that it may leave your heart shattered. But he got it now. He understood very well how horrible you must’ve felt, because he felt it now, watching you with gyoza boy.

So maybe it was a little creepy--okay, a lot creepy--but he followed you and your boyfriend around when he saw the two of you out and about. You’d gone right from Kiba’s house to his, he guessed. Fine, let’s see what a good boyfriend he is then.

And Kiba could see it, all the things that this new guy did that he never had. You always had this bag you carried around with you no matter where you were, almost instinctively. It’d always annoyed Kiba for really no reason at all. But gyoza boy was carrying that bag for you, had it slung over his own shoulder as he held your hand.

Kiba had never really held your hand much. It’s not like he didn’t like it; it just didn’t cross his mind usually, and he didn’t really think it was that big of a deal. Gyoza boy not only held your hand, but he spun you around as you walked, not carrying how silly it looked. Kiba always cared.

He saw the way you laughed, how happy you appeared to be. When you talked, your boyfriend leaned into you, eyes locked on yours. It was clear that you had  his full, undivided attention. 

And really, those things were so small, but it was all you’d ever wanted. The little things, like having fun in public and those touches of affection and for someone, for Kiba, to just make you feel important. Nothing felt worse than being taken for granted by the person you loved the most.

Kiba realized just how neglectful he’d been.

~ “Kiba? Again?” Ino asked with a sly smile, leaning against her doorway. Kiba shook his head, rolling his eyes. “No, Ino. It’s not that. I need your help…”

~

Weeks had gone by since your mistaken hookup with Kiba. You’d beaten yourself up for that constantly. You’d felt like you had the upper hand when you broke up with him, but you gave the power right back to him when you let him in your pants knowing you had a boyfriend at home.

You’d broken up with “gyoza boy” just a a week after the hookup. The guilt from cheating on him with Kiba had been eating you alive, and besides that, there just wasn’t that spark. He was such a nice, sweet guy, but you didn’t feel anything when you were with him. Not like you did with Kiba. With him, you felt everything.

And speaking of Kiba, you were about to walk right past him. You definitely weren’t ready for that interaction. You steeled yourself, preparing for some snide comment or jab at you. You weren’t ready when Kiba stopped, smiling at you and asking you how you were.

“I’m fine…” You blinked, surprised.

“That’s good. It’s been a long time…” Kiba was being polite, making small talk, and it threw you.  You nodded awkwardly. “But, I’ve been meaning to tell you,” He continued. “There’s a few more things you left at my house. If you wanted to come get them…”

You gritted your teeth, rolling your eyes. Of course. You should’ve known. “I’m busy right now,” you practically snapped. “I’ll stop by later. But my clothes will be staying on.”

When you did finally make your way to Kiba’s later that evening, it was with extreme reluctance. You were certain that all Kiba wanted was another excuse to try and get you into bed. You were going to do your absolute best to not engage any of his antics or let him get to you and end up like last time.

You knocked on the door, crossing your arms, preparing for a shirtless, or even just a boxer clad Kiba to open the door. Instead, he opened it wearing exactly what you’d seen him wearing earlier in the day. He was fully clothed, didn’t have that arrogant smirk on his face, and was opening the door to let you in rather than staring at you like a piece of meat. You didn’t think your guard had ever been up so high. Eyeing Kiba suspiciously, you stepped by him, entering the house and going to the table where a small box was. Shifting through it, they were all little things you definitely hadn’t been missing. A couple hair ties, a few bobbypins, even a sock without it’s match.

You couldn’t help but scowl. This wasn’t anything you needed. Kiba must’ve been luring you here to sleep with you again just like you thought.

You turned on him, shoving the box across the table. “Seriously, Kiba?” You glowered. “What the fuck would I want any of this for? You could’ve just tossed it. I’m leaving.” As you moved to push past him, Kiba saying your name made you stop. It was unwillingly, like your body was on autopilot, responding to his name instinctively. You couldn’t help but groan to yourself as you turned to glare at him. “What?” You snapped.

Kiba turned then, going to the counter and reaching behind it before pulling out a painting. He held it sheepishly in front of him for you to see.

It was two small figures, laying in the grass looking up at the blue sky with white clouds painted against the backdrop. In all honesty, it looked like something a child would have made, but you were pretty sure by the red on Kiba’s cheeks that he’d done it. “What is it?” You asked him.

“A story.” Kiba replied, moving closer. “It’s in the clouds, ya see? A story about a guy who was a complete idiot and who lost the girl that he really loved, and how it took losing her to see how dumb he really was.” He pointed to the clouds which looked like blobs instead of cohesive shapes, but you knew what he meant. You always used to tell him stories, random things you made up when looking at the sky. It was one of the only times you ever thought Kiba was really listening to you.

Setting the picture down, Kiba stepped closer to you. “It’s a present… I just wanted to give it to you to say I’m sorry… I’ve been thinking a lot since the last time we saw each other, and I realized that you were right. I was a really bad guy to you, and you deserved better.”

Despite how skeptical you may have been under usual circumstances, you could see right away that Kiba was being serious. There was no facade or part he was playing. He was being open and honest with you, and you were taken aback by his gesture. He’d actually painted you a picture of one of your favorite things to do with him. It was one of the sweetest gestures you’d ever received.

“You made this for me?” You whispered.

“You don’t gotta believe me…” Kiba continued, rubbing the back of his neck. “But you deserved an apology. You were always so good to me, and I really loved you for that.. But I also realized I took you for granted. It’s my biggest regret. I never wanted to lose you, but I know that you deserve to have a guy that spoils you and loves you in ways you can feel it.”

Your heart was fluttering as you felt heat rising to your cheeks. Where was all this coming from? All you’d ever wanted from Kiba was for him to say something like this, to put in some effort and show he cared.

“What… what made you realize all of this?”

Kiba paused for a second, blushing before finally answering. “After you put me in my place last time, Ino told me I wasn’t boyfriend material… It was all pretty humbling, not gonna lie.” He gave a small snicker. “I really got my ass handed to me. Then later that day, I saw you with gyoza boy and how happy you were… It really put everything into perspective. I’m glad you’re happy with him, though. I hope he treats you better than I did…  But it made me want to change. The past few weeks, Ino has basically been pointing out every single flaw I have for me to fix.” He shrugged. “It’s been rough. I knew I had one or two, but turns out I have a lot.” You’d never seen Kiba so earnest and vulnerable before. You felt yourself getting hopeful, even though you weren’t sure for what. “Actually…” You admitted, meeting his gaze. “I broke up with gyoza boy a few weeks ago.”

That took Kiba off guard. His eyes widened considerably as he spluttered all over his words. “O-oh, you did? T-that’s… That’s too bad. I’m sorry to hear that.”

The laugh came out of you before you could stop it. “No you’re not,” You told him, giving him a knowing smile. He returned it with a big grin. “I’m not…” He admitted. “But I do just want you to be happy.”

There was a pause that lingered between the two of you. The hope began to bubble in your stomach, rising up and squeezing your heart. You wanted to be happy, too, but you wanted to be happy with Kiba. You loved him too, as much as you tried to hide it. And now, you thought that maybe, just maybe, he was ready to be the person you always knew he could be.

He opened his mouth to speak again, but you grabbed his shirt, pulling him down into a kiss. He made a noise of surprise before finally relaxing into it, kissing you back softly. His hand went to the small of your back, pulling you closer.

Then suddenly, he was pulling back, staring down at you with a conflicted expression. “Wait, are you sure?” He asked you. “I don’t want to rush anything, ya know, or mess things up…” 

A small smile played on your lips. He really was changing. “I want to be with you, Kiba. That is… If you still want to be with me?”

Kiba grinned. “So you’re giving me a second chance?” In response, you kissed him again, this time more earnestly than the last. You melted into him easily, everything about him familiar. One of Kiba’s hands was cupping your cheek as his tongue slid across your bottom lip.

Without breaking the kiss, you began to back him up, wanting to go to his room. “Wait,” Kiba was mumbling against your lips, causing you to just hum in response. “We don’t have to do anything,” He tried again. 

The two of you were in his room by now. You finally pulled away,  breathing heavy. “I want to,” You told him, staring up at him with wide, lusting eyes.

Kiba paused, wanting to be sure you were sure. Then he smiled, pulling you into him again. You made a move to pull off your shirt, but he stopped you. “I got this, baby.” He murmured against your neck, laying you down on his bed. 

Kiba continued to lay soft, open mouth kisses as he hovered over you, his hands running down your sides before moving back up, slipping up under your shirt. You shivered feeling the cold of his hands as he began to nip and suck at your skin.

He broke the kiss to pull at the hem of your shirt, peeling it slowly from your body. With it tossed aside, he reattached his lips to your neck, kissing agonizingly slow down to your collarbone. “Kiba,” You whined, your hands going to fumble with the buttons on his pants.

“Not uh, baby girl…” Kiba smirked, taking your hands and pinning them above your head with one of his. “‘Mma take care of you.” The way he breathed the words against your skin made you tremble.

With his free hand, he reached under you to unhook your bra. He released his hold on your hands to pull the fabric from your body before pinning you down again. Kiba kissed lower until he got to your breasts.

His tongue traced over your nipple lightly, making your back arch. You could feel his prideful smile against your skin. His free hand began to massage your breast as he took the entire nipple in his mouth, sucking as he let his tongue flick over the nipple again and again before switching to the other one.

Your mouth was hanging open as you shook with anticipation, your pussy already wet and throbbing. Kiba released your breast before settling between your legs, grinding against your heat as he kissed you fiercely. 

His tongue moved against yours as you felt him hard and dragging against you. There wasn’t enough friction, too much fabric between the two of you. You needed it gone. “Kiba, please,” You whined against his mouth. He broke the kiss, trailing his lips down your body, moving down your stomach to your hips. You tried to arch into his touch, but he had your hips pinned.

Unbuttoning your pants, he drug them slowly down your legs, pulling them off and discarding them to the side. His lips skipped past your aching arousal to your inner thighs. He was more rough this time, nipping and sucking harsh bruises into the sensitive skin.

Finally, after an agonizing time of him teasing and kissing anywhere but your covered cunt, he sipped his fingers under the band of your panties, pulling them down to expose your sex.

“You want me, darling?” Kiba askes, kissing at your thighs one last time. You nodded furiously. 

“Please!” You begged. Kiba didn’t waste time after that, pressing two fingers into your dripping cunt, causing you to cry out. He began to pump them steadily as you writhed and moaned underneath him.

His tongue lapped around his fingers before licking your clit with harsh, quick motions. His fingers curled inside of you in time with his licks, leaving you breathless and shaking.

“Kiba, Kiba, Kiba….” You chanted his name like a prayers, begging and pleading for him. 

“Nuh uh. Not until you cum around my fingers…” Kiba taunted, increasing his motions. He lapped at your clint incessantly, his fingers pressing deeper and deeper. The pleasure in you continued to build until you were clenching and cumming around him, screaming his name. 

“You’re so greedy, sweetheart. Your cunts sucking my fingers back inside you.” He laughed softly as he continued his actions, taking his time with you. It was all overwhelming in the best way.

You were almost limp by the time he was pressing inside of you, sliding slow and easy into your dripping pussy. Fully sheathed, he leaned over you, kissing you gently as he rocked himself into you. It was different than his normal, rough pace that he usually set, but it had your head reeling all the same. 

When he had one of your legs over his shoulder, his cock touching parts of you even deeper than your fingers could touch, he pressed kisses into your calves.

“Fuck, you feel so good baby. I love the way you clench around me, pulling me inside you. You don’t want to let my cock go, do you sweetheart? You like being fucked like this, don’t you? Slowly, having to wait for me to give it to you even when you want me to pound you into the bed.”

It was agonizing, the pace he set. It had you coming undone in ways you never had before. Rather than the constant, almost painful overstimulating orgasms you were used to with Kiba, there was only this one, building up steadily and so intense it had you seeing stars. Your vision went white as the coil in your stomach finally unraveled, and you were cuming, cuming so hard you almost arched off Kiba’s cock with a sob.

“There’s my girl,” Kiba mumbled into your neck as your felt his hips start to smack into yours more erratically until he was spilling inside of you, calling your name as his hips continued to jolt into yours as he chased his high. “Fuck,” he breathed, kissing gently down your shoulder.

You were still speechless, the world spinning around you. All you could do was smile up at him, fucked out of your mind. 

“I love you,” Kiba chuckled, pressing a kiss into your lips. “Now, what were you saying about me not knowing how to make a girl feel really good?”

[lalahbug]

Guidance - Zuko x Reader Chapter 3

Fandom: Avatar the Last Airbender Word Count: 4,140

My Masterlist

Warnings/disclaim: General Author’s Note:  under story ___ is a blank for your name/oc/whatever you prefer Written in 3rd person Line/header is to separate paragraphs to indicate time skips, as Tumblr hates my formatting. 

Story under cut, 3 of 8, Guidance Masterlist

         ___ and Zuko had stayed and helped everyone in the village for about two weeks. The Long’s seemed like they’d be okay without any more outside help with Reo being grown. Fay had an infection that ___ was able to heal. But today was their last day, as ___ went to say her farewells to everyone, letting them know she may not be coming back, moving to another area. The farewells were long and sorrowful for the villagers, but ___’s smile never

         While the time there was full of learning and hard work, Zuko couldn’t be more pleased with his progress in being helpful to his girlfriend. He even earned the pendant from Himari, which was safely hidden in his backpack, identical to ___’s. They got money and supplies for both of them to be on the road for a while. Even sold Gray to the Long’s to ensure they wouldn’t need to worry about the feed.            As permanent goodbyes wrapped up, Zuko took ___’s hand and started to walk beneath the afternoon sun.            After walking for a while, Zuko could feel the earth vibrating beneath him, and from the glance, he stole at ___’s face, he could tell she felt the same movements. She pulled him into nearby bushes before looking up at the sky with a shocked expression.            Zuko followed her eyesight to see the Avatar’s bison falling out of the sky before crashing to the ground, all the happiness he’d felt for the past few weeks was muted as he glared at the group of kids in front of him.            The squeeze on his hand brought him out of his stupor. He glared at her for a moment before seeing the confusion and worry in her eyes, dropping his own to the ground.            ___ pulled him a little further away from the gang as the girls started to fight. Before whispering to him.            “The ground is still trembling, whatever it is, it’s not an animal. It’s likely a machine, do you have any idea what it could be?”            Zuko thought for a moment thinking of the weapons of war at the Fire Nations disposal. What would they send after the Avatar now that Zhao was gone?            “Azula.”            “Okay. So, your sister is behind this but I doubt she’s the machine. But it’s likely a Fire Nation vehicle of some sort. We should lie low and wait to figure out our next move.“            “What do you mean wait and figure it out? There’s my chance of getting back home.” He gestured to the Avatar.            The anger and pain that stroked across ___’s face alone almost sent him reeling. She pressed her fingertips to her temples rubbing them exhaling angrily.          “I could go home; we could live in peace and luxury.” Zuko pleaded with her now.            “What peace?” She spat. “Your peace of home meaning the suffering and deaths of more innocent people, especially if the Avatar is gone or locked up or whatever you plan to do if you happen to catch him.”            “Me going home and earning my honor and the throne back means one day, I could end the war and release the Avatar too.”            ___ stood up fuming at his selfishness and ignorance. She closed her eyes tightly trying to not explode at her love. She knew he still didn’t know who he was, he still felt the need to prove himself to his toxic family.            “Please, ___. Come with me, don’t leave me.” His second plea broke her heart and tears started to fall.            “This is wrong Zuko.” She cried softly before cupping his torn expression in her hands. “But I’m here, to love and guide you, just please,” she begged. “Promise me, Aang doesn’t die, and try to surprise me with the goodness I know is within you.”            Zuko hugged her tightly. It felt so right and wrong to be able to keep his understanding girlfriend in his corner no matter what. But he didn’t have the strength to leave her behind and be alone again.           “I promise.”

         They followed after Azula on her mongoose-lizard, Zuko wanted to ignore the small glances his love kept giving him, but a sense of worry she had made him not say anything.            Reaching a small abandoned town, Azula and Aang were talking. ___ took off her backpack and stretched her arms.            “What are you doing?” Zuko questioned while discarding his bag and putting it next to hers.            “Making sure my shoulders aren’t stiff, we’re about to fight, it’ll be better if I’m limber.”            “No,” Zuko hissed, putting his hands on her shoulders. “This is my fight; I just need you here emotionally. I know you can protect yourself and you’re an amazing fighter. But Azula can shoot lighting, and the moment she realizes that you’re with me, she would use you against me in no more than a blink of an eye.”            ___ glared at the dirt, knowing what he said was true. “Fine, but if I think you or Aang needs help, I will be there. This may be your fight but I won’t allow either of you to die.”            Zuko knew that was the only way he’d get her to stay put and decided to not argue her stipulation.            “Okay,” he agreed before kissing her gently. “Stay here as long as you can.” She nodded and with that Zuko ran off towards the brewing battle.            Hiding between two old buildings, ___ watched them fight. Zuko was right about one thing. The only thing he truly knows is fighting and he fought with bewitching smoothness. She could barely look away. But she had to, to keep an eye on Aang as well.            She was getting tense as the fight went on, when Zuko fell on his back, she was about to rush over when she saw Iroh and the rest of the Avatar’s friends show up. She knelt, watching intently, closer to the opening of the alley, unknowingly inching out again and again.            But her twitching feet moved towards the group quickly as Azula struck Iroh with lighting. Rushing to his side she quickly started to try and heal Iroh, the explosion behind her barely registered in her mind as she focused on the glow.            ___ glanced at Zuko as he kneeled next to her, the distressed look he had was twisting his face. Katara tried to speak but he lashed fire at them telling them to leave.            After a few more tries at healing Iroh, she let her hands drop. “I’m sorry I can’t do better,” she whispered to Zuko. “I’m just an average healer.”              He didn’t reply, he just focused on Iroh’s face which seemed to relax a bit.           She patted Zuko’s shoulder tenderly before getting together materials around them to shape a gurney to carry Iroh.

         The next morning Iroh awoke and Zuko explained what happened, but ___ was asleep in the corner exhausted from healing, cleaning, and cooking. While Zuko watched over Iroh.            “Who is this?” Iroh gestured to the sleeping figure in the corner, with a gentle smile.            “Oh, um,” Zuko blushed softly. “That’s ___, she healed you a bit before helping me carry you here. She’s my girlfriend.”            “She’s a waterbender? From the North Pole?” Zuko nodded. “Why isn’t she home, safe from the war?”            Zuko took a deep breath before explaining her story and including her trip to the spirit world.            “She must feel conflicted being with a man who believes he needs to capture the Avatar.”            “Yes, but somehow, she loves me and supports me nonetheless. She just asked me to promise that Aang doesn’t die. And that I surprise her with the good she knows I have. She seems to know something about, that she isn’t sharing. Like she knows the cause of my internal conflict.”            “Hmm, she is wise and has been through a deal herself. It would be unwise of you to doubt statements that come from her.” Iroh eyed her for a moment, silently thanking her for being there for Zuko. “She looks exhausted, you should lie her down properly. Sitting up to sleep isn’t very restful.”            Zuko nodded and got up to lay down a blanket on the ground before laying her down carefully. He stared at her rested features for a while, something he’d grown to love doing and accustomed to.            “What is that delicious smell?” Iroh chimed.            “___ made some soup and prepared some tea, before passing out. Would you like to try both?”            “Of course!”            Zuko stroked ___’s cheek gently before standing up and getting some soup and tea for himself and his uncle.  

           ___ hummed softly to herself, trying to wake up, but the comfort of sleep tried to lull her. Huffing out softly she forced her eyes open and sat up, to find she was alone. Curling up softly from her makeshift bed. “Zuko must have laid me down,” she whispered with a smile playing on her lips.             Stretching and getting up, she headed outside to find her love. Only to see him and his uncle doing movements like waterbenders. She raised an eyebrow at it before turning to make tea for all of them.  

         A few weeks had passed and they were now in Misty Palms Oasis. Zuko was waiting for his uncle to come out of a room, leaning against some wall. ___ was softly sketching some of the flowers in the room before glancing over at Zuko, noticing he looked more sullen than usual.            “Babe?” She called out softly. “You okay?”            “I’m fine, just bored of waiting,” he huffed.            She walked over and stood in front of him. “Are you a bit upset because it’s members-only?”            He huffed softly, not giving her a yes or no, but a soft smile spread across her lips, and he knew she’d figured it out. She pulled his arms free from the cross they’d been in. Pulling him into her arms and resting her head on his shoulder.            He sighed before wrapping his arms around her securely. “You know me too well.”            “I just pay attention. If you want, we can hug for a while.”            He cleared his throat, “um actually…” he trailed off.            She pulled back a bit to see a faint flush on his cheeks. “Oh, sorry did I make you uncomfortable?”            “What? No, no. I actually would like to sit down, with you, in my lap.” He mumbled the last words. ___ heard him clearly though and stepped back so he could position himself on the floor.            She debated mentally how to sit in his lap without making him nervous. Zuko sighed a bit, seeing her apprehension, and grabbed her hand to tug her down to him. He didn’t say anything but kept adjusting her until she was sideways with her shoulder to his chest and legs spilling over the side of his thigh. Pulling her into another embrace, she rested her head on his shoulder.            “We were sitting like this, sort of, while riding Gray, when we became boyfriend and girlfriend.”            “Maybe that’s why I wanted to hold you like this. It brings back good feelings.”            “The main difference is now; we both know that we love each other.”            “I still don’t know why you love me,” Zuko mumbled.            She sighed softly, “it’s been hard for me to explain, I keep telling you that. But I have been thinking about it and I think I might have it now.” Clearing her throat, a bit before cuddling into him more. Drawing light circles on his chest with her fingers.            “You accept me for me. I don’t have to hide. You let me be myself, no matter how sassy or hard-headed I am. It feels amazing to be loved by you. And I see how you’ve had to fight to learn and succeed, but you never give up. I believe in you so much, because I know whatever comes at you, you won’t give up. You’re smart and thorough. And I just have this wonderful feeling when I’m with you. I feel at peace, without even meditating. Like I can just trust you, I could lie my life in your hands, and know you’d do everything to keep me because you actually want me as I am.”            Zuko’s heart was hammering, he’d been wanting this answer for so long, and now that he had it, he was grateful and speechless. He could feel himself tremble with the passion and love she confessed to him. He pushed her up a bit before pressing his lips to her forehead tenderly before invading her lips and mouth. Earning a softly moan from her, his hand traveled up to the back of her neck. Tilting her head back and deepening the kiss, she pulled back softly with a pant.            “I love you, ___.”            “I love you, too.”            While staring into each other’s eyes the door to the room Iroh was in opened, causing both of them to jump and sort themselves into an upright position.            “Sorry to interrupt your moment but we’re ready to go.” Iroh chuckled at the young adults’ flushed cheek.            "Everything is taken care of,” stated Iroh’s friend.            "Where are we going?” ___ asked.            “We’re heading to Ba Sing Se!”            “Ba Sing Se? Why would we go to the Earth Kingdom capital?” Zuko demanded.            “The city is full of refugees. No one will notice 3 more.” The friend chimed.            "We can hide in plain sight,“ Iroh said with hope.            “I’ve got my passport; I’d just need to buy a ticket. But what about both of you?”            “Don’t worry about it, my dear. Our good friends have provided us with 3 passports and tickets. Mushi, Lee Jr, and ___. My dear nephew and his wife. I didn’t know your last name so I gave us all the same one.” Iroh laughed as Zuko started to blush at the word wife.            Iroh knew of Zuko’s small secret, the engagement pendant he had, and kept hidden at all costs from ___.            “Uncle, you can’t just expect us to act married!”            “You’re already dating, just be more open about it. It’ll be fine!” Iroh smiled lovingly at the two, as Zuko just burned more.            “I don’t think it’s a big deal. If anyone we don’t know ask, we’ll just say we’re together, no reason to give them a label. I doubt anyone will care about our last names or status, other than employers, maybe. We’ll be safe, that’s what matters.”            Her complete disregard of the situation as she calmly picked up their bags, dumbfounded Zuko while Iroh chuckled at the sight.

         Walking through the streets of Ba Sing Se, while Iroh held a potted plant which Zuko was giving an annoyed glare.            “We have a lady with us, we should spruce up our place!”            “Iroh, that’s so sweet of you, but you don’t need to spend money for my sake. Let’s just settle and do our best.”            “I don’t want to make a life here.” Zuko spat.            “Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not!” Iroh chided.            ___ grabbed Zuko’s hand and entwined their fingers. “Hey, at least we’re all together and we’re safe. Right?”            Zuko stopped his moping for a moment before smiling at her softly. “Right.”

         A week or so had passed while the three of them worked diligently at the tea shop Iroh got them jobs at. Zuko had been less expressive in his emotions other than anger, ___ tried talking to him, but he wouldn’t open up.            Zuko was working in the back with his uncle while ___ waited on tables and brought back orders for them.            “Another jasmine tea, please!” She called out before placing a note on the counter with the order and table number.            Iroh chuckled as she seemed to be enjoying herself. “She really loves to help and serve; I find it admiral.” Iroh placed a previous order of tea on the counter with the corresponding note.            “Lee, I don’t mean to pry. But it feels as though you’ve been avoiding her lately. Even though she doesn’t bother you or voice her worry anymore. It’s very easy to see under the façade she’s using in public.”            Zuko huffed and glanced up at ___ who was talking with customers and taking orders. She looked happy without him.            “I can’t place how I’m feeling, but when I see her like this, it makes me angrier.”            Iroh looked over at ___, although she seemed happy if one paid attention along enough. They would see the way she shot glances of wariness at Zuko and the soft sigh she’d exhale on the way up to the counter.            “I think if you watched her, the way she watches you, that anger might dissipate,” Iroh whispered to Zuko as she approached them.            “It’s so busy. I blame you, Mushi,” she expressed with a fake sigh but a small smile followed afterward.            “Doing what I love and giving great tea to others is not something I’ll apologize for!” Iroh smiled back at the young woman.            “Babe?” ___ called out to Zuko.            “What?” he looked up from his task to meet her worried eyes.            “Are you okay? Do you need to take a break? We could take one together.” Offered with a smile, making him look back down at his task.            “I don’t need a break, I’m fine.”            “My offer still stands, let me know if you change your mind.”            Iroh’s heart pinched at the fretful look she gave Zuko before glancing at Iroh, asking with her eyes to watch out for Zuko. Iroh nodded and she left with a fulfilled order.            “Lee, look.” Iroh gestured with his chin at ___. Zuko looked up just in time to see ___ looking at him with heartfelt concern. The look melted his heart as their eyes met and then she blew a kiss at him with a wink before returning to work.            “She loves you and your apprehensive mood has made her worried. She’s always stealing glances at you. Whatever anger you have, I hope this knowledge helps you.”            Zuko kept his eyes on his love, “it does. Thank you, Uncle.”            “I believe the anger you felt, was jealousy. I think a date night would be beneficial to both of you. I will be out late tonight. I’ll be paying Pai Sho with some nice fellows in town.”            Zuko nodded, before taking his eyes off of ___. “What should I do for a date night?”            Iroh chuckled at the anxious look his nephew gave him. Before starting a plan for the couple.  

         “Goodnight you two. I’ll be home late.” Iroh waved at them.            “Be safe!” ___ called out after him, she turned to Zuko with his favorite smile. "Would you like to head home? I can make some congee and some hot chocolate.”            "No,“ he blushed before moving the picnic basket out in front of him. "I thought we could go out too, do a small date.”            The look of shock and blush that ran through her cheeks gave him more courage, he offered an arm to her.            "Shall we?“ He gave her a soft smile as she took his arm and they started walking.  

         Upon a small hill, the couple smoothed out a blanket to sit on along with the contents of the basket. Some iced tea and appetizing sandwiches along with some snacks. They sat down together, closely, leaning against each other.            ___ watched the lights of the city and would occasionally look up to the stars then towards the bush line.            "You seem,” he trailed off a bit. “Distracted.”            "I’m just enjoying your company while we eat and I look around. I haven’t been to this spot before.“            She sat up a bit to get a drink before settling against Zuko again.            "I’m sorry I’ve been so distant lately. I guess I was jealous, seeing you be happy with customers, without me, like you don’t need me.”            "I don’t need you, but I want you more than anything. We should live and grow together, be able to be dependent on one another when needed. But I don’t want either of us to be codependent, as that’s not healthy for a relationship if it goes on too long.“            "So, you love and want me, but don’t need me?” He furrowed his brow not really understanding.            "I do need you, but as emotional support. I want us to love another without losing who we are in the process. If life and time allow, I would want nothing more than to be able to be close to you, hold your hand, as we both live out the rest of our existence.“            Zuko hummed a bit in reply understanding a bit more, she wants him forever but still wants to be independent too.            "So best friends for life with the emotional bond of love and passion. My lover, my best friend, my forever.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek gently. “I love you, Zuko.”            His heart was hammering the moment she said, lover. She’d never called him that before. Although they’ve only been passionate a few times and never made love, she still saw him as her lover.            "How can I be your lover when we haven’t been intimate?“            "I don’t know about you, but I don’t see myself ever being with another person. No matter if we ever have intercourse or not, it honestly doesn’t matter to me.”            "You don’t care to have me, sexually?“ He whispered; he felt a bit hurt.            "Not at the risk of making you uncomfortable or making a mistake.” She whispered back; he could hear the anguish in her tone.            "You still worry about that?“            "My last relationship was only physical, I have impulses sometimes, and I can’t let them ruin this, I love you too much. I can’t lose you because I fucked up. I just can’t.” She whispered before kissing his cheek softly. “So I’ll wait forever if I have to.”            "So, you put all the pressure of making first moves on me?“            "No, if you say you want me to do something, I’ll do it. I just don’t want to assume anything or push you too soon.”            Her words hung in the air. Zuko didn’t suspect that answer and he didn’t know what he wanted. How could he know what he wanted if he’s never experienced it before?            "There is one thing I want.“ He wrapped an arm around bringing her as close as possible.            She leaned against him fondly. "Name it.”            Zuko’s confidence plummeted as her voice rang in his ears. “Uh, well, I can’t name it, it’s more of a question or um I have some to ask you.” He stuttered over his words and a heavy blush covered his face and he moved away from her a bit before facing her more directly.            "Zuko?“ She questioned as he fumbled onto one knee tapping his pockets before quickly presenting the pendant, he’d kept from her. For what seemed like forever.            ___’s eyes went wide, she knew this necklace and she could already feel herself tearing up. She kept glancing between the necklace and Zuko’s golden eyes as he held it delicately in his hand.            "Will you be mine? Or um, will you marry me, someday?” Zuko watched her as she situated herself onto her knees and gently brushed her fingertips over it. She closed his hand into a fist and held his wrist. She finally met his eyes; he could only see her tears before she rested her forehead against his closed fist.            "I’m not good enough for you.“ She sobbed softly. "You’re trying to do things right; I would be all of your first and all of your last. But I can’t offer that back to you.”            Zuko smiled softly as the love and sorrow rolled off her.            "I’m not good enough for you. I’ve done some really bad things in my life. If you’re willing to accept me. I would be honored to be all of your last.“ He brought her head up gently with his fingers under her chin. When their eyes found one another, he opened his fist again.            "Will you accept me?” He asked softly and she sobbed before tightly wrapping her arms around his neck.            Embracing each other. She finally whispered a yes before kissing him deeply then rested the top of her head onto his chest.            Zuko was trembling as he moved her hair out of the way and fastened the necklace around her neck. Once he was done, she sat back, the tears had stopped. But she glowed with happiness as the tears still glistened in her waterline.            Under a crescent moon, he couldn’t help but smile at her. And never before this night had he noticed how barren her neck looked without his necklace resting tenderly on her skin.

Author’s Note: After this chapter, smut, drama, angst all starts. So this is the fluff you get for now to cushion the ride to come. If you’re uncomfortable with smut, angst, cock warming kinks, this might a good place for you to stop and just let the happiness and fluff be.

[shreddedparchment]

Pseudo Princess Pt.13

Amends Through Timber

10/29/2019

Pairing: King!Steve x Reader          Word Count: 6,020

Warnings: language, angst

A/N: This one actually got away from me. It was supposed to have more but this is where it went. Next chapter we’ll know the answer to everyone’s burning question. I hope you enjoy this one. Let me know what you like! If you happen to reblog, thanks so much for helping me spread my work! xoxo

Tags are CLOSED for this story!

“Are you hungry?” Nat sighs, leaning in your usual light blue seat to try and look at you.

The unending stress that you’ve been in since you got back to the castle is bad for you. You know this.

You breathe in slowly, letting the soft breeze from your open window soothe your clammy skin, stomach churning.

“Please stop talking about food, I beg you.”

Nat huffs a laugh. You peek at her and find her staring at you, sitting in a very relaxed pose with her arm draped over the back of her seat. You’d believe it was her throne if she told you it was, she the queen and you the lady’s maid. She’s so much better than you.

“Why are you laughing at my discomfort?” You pout, turning back towards the outside. The night is late, and the fire is still blazing.

You’re grateful for it. It’s quite chilly out and you’re cold despite the cold sweat on your skin. About three hours ago your stomach began to swirl, flipping upside down and then twisting uncomfortably fast until you rushed to a basin that Nat had brought in on instinct for you.

You’d brought up your dinner and now you’re waiting for the wooziness to pass.

“I’m not laughing at your discomfort. I’m laughing because you’ll be asking for food in twenty minutes. I guarantee it.” She claims confidently.

You can’t see how you’ll ever want to eat again with this nausea.

You groan and Nat’s expression shifts instantly from amusement to deep concern.

“Are you okay?” She hurries to her feet, moving towards you to place her hand on your lower back and the other on your arm.

“I’m fine. Just wish this would pass.” You sigh.

She glances towards the shut door—securely locked just as you’d requested—before she speaks. “This may not pass, Y/N. If you’re pregnant, then this might be something you’ll have to deal with for a few weeks. Maybe months.”

“How do you know?” You ask, curious as to how she knows when she clearly has no children.

“I’ve been around. One of my closest friends has a wife and three children. I was there to help her through all three pregnancies and births.” Nat explains and you’re so relieved.

Knowing that she’s been there for someone through something like this, three times no less, gives you such comfort.

“The midwife you sent for,” She begins, keeping her voice nice and low so that only your ear will catch the sound. It almost seems to blend in with the cool breeze, long curtains ruffling with movement. “…why her?”

“She’s not just a midwife.” You lick your lips, feeling your stomach begin to settle. “There were rumors that she was a witch but that’s not what she is.”

“Is she just an old woman?” Nat asks.

“No. She’s not just that either. I know that this might sound weird and…will you keep her secret? I will share it with you only so that you might understand why she is important.” You probe, checking to see if Nat is trustworthy.

You know she is. But with something like this? There’s a reason the idiots in your village referred to the old woman as a witch. Ignorance mostly, but there you are.

“Y/N, I will never betray your confidence unless I think your life is in danger.” Nat assures you, rubbing your back more energetically.

You relax again. “She’s always been able to feel things. What I was feeling but not just emotionally. She can tell when I’m ill and she was part of the reason that the warning for the plague went out so quickly when I was a child.

“See, she was with my parents when they passed, and she’d sent a man to deliver message to the King that there was plague in our village. If she hadn’t sent that man to deliver her message, we would have had to wait until my parents died to realize it was the plague and by then even more people would have become ill.

“Malibia owes her a great debt, though they do not know it.” You reach out to shut the window and move back to bed, hiking up your nightdress as you knee-walk to the center and drop down before pulling your blanket up around you.

Nat follows, helping you tuck yourself in.

“You mean she has special abilities?” Nat clarifies.

“You won’t hold it against her?” You worry, leaning to look at her face, taking her hand in your own. “She’s a good woman. I know her by sight and my one interaction with her right before I was pulled into this life. She’s been nothing but kind to me. She never judged me or hated me the way some of the others did when I was orphaned.”

“I thought you said she nursed your parents?” Nat checks confused by your words.

“She did. If she and I interacted, I do not remember it. I was too young, I think.” The old woman had watched over you. You’re sure of it.

Sometimes you’d come home after working on one of the farms all day without eating to find a portion of bread and some cold soup in a small cauldron.

You’d warm it up and dip your bread in the thick broth. Your stomach was happiest on those days when the old woman took pity on you as a child. The meals grew fewer and fewer the older you became and were able to fend for yourself better but sometimes, on particularly hard days you’d still come home to find a small cauldron of soup and the same slightly chewy bread.

It was a blessing.

“I won’t speak of it.” Nat promises and goes back to tucking you in.

“When will she arrive?” You wonder, eager to have your suspicions confirmed.

You’d been on the move with Thor when he’d asked you an intriguing question.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Have you bled recently, little bird? Here, I found these for you when I bought your dress.” Thor holds out his hand and offers you several long strips of cotton fabric.

“Why-?” You begin, staring at the rags with confusion.

“I also spotted some blood moss through those trees we just passed. Perhaps you should take some?” He points behind him and you realize what he’s saying.

“Oh, right.” You move around him but as you go, he drops his cloak around your shoulders and carefully turns you to face him so that he can fasten it around your shoulders.

“Take this too. The red will help.” He reasons. “And it’s still a little cold.”

“Why are you so nice to me?” You wonder up at him as he smiles, his blue eyes twinkling happily. “And how do you know so much about women?”

Thor chuckles. “I am a God of fertility, little bird. Also, my mother was very wise and thought all men of the Kingdom should have basic knowledge of female anatomy. Some took it more seriously than others. I’m glad I paid attention. We’ve been out here for nearly four weeks.”

You know what he’s saying. He finishes with his cloak then reaches up to run his thumb along your cheekbone, caressing the bump before he turns back towards the spot he’d begun clearing for camp.

You turn towards the trees he’d pointed to before and squat down to gather the moss and carefully place it between two strips of the fabric Thor had given you and then shove it into your small satchel. You make several of them before stowing the extras and then wander back as Thor gets the fire going.

As you watch him work, his cloak wrapped around you, you try to remember the last time you bled. It’s been a while. Normally you wouldn’t bleed seeing as you hardly ate good foods back home, but you’ve been with his Majesty for half a year.

In that time, since you ate much more and became much healthier, your body had begun regular bleeds…maybe it’s just the stress of this whole situation?

When you look up, you find Thor smiling at you from across a roaring fire, a knowing look in his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

“She’ll be here tomorrow morning.” Nat moves to take the basin you’d thrown up in, carefully placing a lid over it.

“Nat?”

She stops and turns to look at you.

“I don’t want to see him.” You watch her face, waiting for her to acknowledge your desire.

After watching you for a bit, she puts the basin back down and moves to sit beside you.

“I know that you don’t want to hear about her. I’m not trying to make excuses for him or…taking his side?” You can see her mind racing, she’s so desperate to tell you what she needs to in a way that won’t hurt you.

You give in and allow yourself to listen. For Nat. Because you love her.

Settling in against your pillows, you wait patiently.

“But when Thor brought you to us, you were unconscious. You’d fallen and hit your head and he was…”

“I didn’t fall off of a horse though.” You offer. “And I have no scratches.”

“How-?” Nat begins.

“He told me that day he gave me a tour of the castle. I asked him and he told me and then he grew angry because I brought her up.” You sigh. “Maybe I should feel worse that my injury will remind him of her, but I don’t. I don’t care that it will make him think of her. He cares naught for me so-”

“Y/N,” Nat says, a little sterner. “Steve isn’t thinking of Margaret right now. I mean, he is but he’s worried about you. His only thought since you left us has been for you.”

“I don’t believe you.” You tell her simply. “How can he be indifferent to me one day and suddenly care the next?”

“What about the flower he gave you?” Nat wonders.

“The flower he crushed underneath his boot? I think he made it very clear that he doesn’t want me in his life, Nat. He dragged me from his study. He told me that he shouldn’t have married me. That it was all a mistake.

“His Majesty doesn’t love me. I know that now. I can accept it now. If I am pregnant, then I will give birth to his heir. I will take the child with me somewhere away from here so that he won’t have to put up with me and I will hire the best scholars and raise my child to rule his kingdom with compassion and wisdom.

“He will never have to see me again and I will never have to feel like someone’s mistake, ever again.” You finish passionately.

During your little speech you’d sat up, rising off your pillows and now that you’re done, you fall back.

Nat blinks, weighing your words.

“You think Steve doesn’t love you?” Nat asks.

“I know he does not. Nat, I really don’t want to speak about his Majesty. Or Margaret. Please don’t make me speak of them again. Even my patience wears thin. My heart can only take so much disappointment.” You sigh, feeling closer to heartbroken again after saying your piece.

“Fine.” Nat sigh, getting up to pick up the basin again. “I’m sorry. I will keep Steve out for as long as I can.”

That doesn’t sound promising.

“Nat?” You sit up again as she stops at the door as Peter opens it, turning to look at you.

“Yes?”

“I’m hungry.”

Nat smiles, all tension from your disagreement vanishing as she nods. “I’ll see what I can find for you.”

Peter smiles at you as he closes the door. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t get in, your Majesty.”

His promise is resolute.

~~~~~~~~~~

Earlier That Evening

They lapse into silence, both thinking about Hydra until Steve remembers that there was something else Thor wanted to say.

“What was the second thing?” He asks.

“What?” Thor seems confused for a moment.

Steve raises both eyebrows, waiting.

“Oh!” Thor shakes his head. “Right. The other thing.”

Steve waits, heart pounding.

Thor considers his friend for a long moment, then smiles. “It’s nothing. I’m sure my little bird will tell you in time.”

“Your little bird?” Steve asks, incredulous.

“Yes.” Thor nods. “My little bird. Do you not have a term of endearment for her yet? You’ve been married six months.”

Steve’s heart falls. He’s never called you anything other than your name and even that he’s only said when absolutely necessary.

“Oh, that’s right. You’ve been busy pushing her away. Making her feel unloved.”

“Alright.” Steve says, frustrated.

“Unwanted.” Thor continues.

“Okay.” He sighs.

“Like she doesn’t deserve to be here. Telling her that marrying her was a mistake.”

“Alright, Thor, I get it! I understand that I have been an utter bastard when it comes to Y/N.” He gets up and moves around towards Margaret’s corner, staring at the book that you’d touched. Looked at. The cushion you’d sat on.

You’d gravitated towards the corner, a shrine if he’s honest to his long dead wife. And then he takes in the view. Margaret’s pavilion with red daisies the clear focal point. All of this he did to make Margaret happy.

He hasn’t done anything for you.

“What if she doesn’t believe me?” Steve worries. “I’ve been horrible to her. She won’t know that I mean it when I tell her that I love her.”

“Do you love her?” Thor asks, leaning back in his chair again.

“At first it was just…she’s like a magnet. I wanted to be around her. It scared me. I haven’t felt like that since Margaret. Then as I got to know her, saw her with our friends, I saw her goodness. I became grateful that she married me. She made this castle feel like home again though…I brought up Margaret too often. Compared them.

“I didn’t realize I was doing it. I just…I miss her so much.” Steve confesses, looking at Maggie’s seat again.

“And you will always long for you first wife, my friend. That sort of love does not disappear.”

Steve is silent, reaching down to flip open the book that you’d touched. Maggie’s book on the economy. Outdated.

“I love the way Y/N takes everything in stride. She doesn’t pretend that things are not difficult, but she doesn’t shy away from them. She dives headfirst into whatever challenge she’s facing.” He smiles. “I hate that she neglects herself. I know why she does it and it kills me to think that she’s been depriving herself of things to make me happy.”

“You’ve been depriving her too.” Thor points out.

“Not on purpose. I…when Maggie and I were newly married I made her a promise that I would always be hers. That I wouldn’t stray. That it would be her until the day we died. I would never sleep with anyone else and I’ve broken that promise.” Steve sighs, dropping the book’s cover so that it falls with a puff of dust.

“No, you haven’t.” Thor argues.

Steve turns to look at him, curious.

“You promised her, what? That it would only be her until the day you both died?” Thor asks. “Margaret has died, Steve. Do you think she would hold you back from being happy? Do you suppose her spirit will return to punish you for loving your new wife? For giving into her?”

“You sound like Bucky.” Steve sighs, looking back out towards the pavilion.

“For good reason, dear friend. You are being an utter fool and your wife…the current one…love you.”

“How do you know?” Steve has seen it or, he thinks he’s seen it. What if it’s all just duty for you? You’d shouted it at him just before you’d run away but what if it had been yelled in the moment? Or maybe it was a figure of speech?

“Because she told me. And anyone with eyes can see it. She’s completely smitten by you and I can’t fathom as to why. I expect her attachment will only grow once you start treating her right.” Thor grumbles, bitter.

Steve turns to look at him, brow furrowed at the Thunder God’s frustration.

“You’d really take her from me?”

“If she would come. Yes.” Thor sighs. “As it is, she will not. Maybe once she leaves you, I’ll take her on as a lover? We may not be able to marry but she might bear my children?”

The image of stabbing Thor through the chest returns to Steve’s mind and only lets up when Thor’s booming laugh fills the study.

“I am joking, stop murdering me in your head.” Thor chuckles. “If you feel this way then why do you leave her in any doubt? What is stopping you? And don’t say Margaret because it’s not Margaret. Perhaps at first it was, but it isn’t anymore.”

Steve moves to sit back down, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“What if I lose her? What if…I let myself really love her and she dies, like Maggie? I don’t—I think I’d jump from the West tower. I can’t allow myself to love her if it means that I’ll lose her.” He shakes his head, imagining a life without you now and it scares him. His castle empty again.

No one to brighten it with soft smiles and your beaming laugh when you and Nat have your heads together, whispering amongst yourselves.

“Nothing lasts forever, my friend. In our line of work…you’ve struggled to overcome Margaret’s death because you didn’t expect it to be as mundane as it was. You expected to either lose in her the fight or die yourself, leaving her a widow, did you not?”

Steve shuts his eyes, reliving the memory of coming home to find Maggie sick in bed, dying from infection. So stupid. After everything they’d lived through, she’d been taken during a time of peace. From a small scratch.

His heart suddenly tightens, and he gets to his feet.

“Where are you going?” Thor asks, getting to his feet too.

“I need to check on Y/N.” Steve declares.

Thor reaches out and grabs his elbow to stop him.

“Not yet. We’re not finished, and I am fairly certain she may not want to see you.” Thor confesses.

Steve hates that he knows Thor is right. You probably hate him now.

Why does that thought terrify him? You can’t hate him. You’re his wife. He needs you.

Slowly he sits back down, and Thor does too.

“She will die, Steve. Someday, she will. As will you. You cannot let that fear keep you from living your life. That woman…your wife…deserves to be loved. If you will not give it to her, someone else will.” Thor promises.

Steve glares at him.

“I didn’t say it would be me.” Thor smiles.

“How do I fix this, Thor?” Steve wonders, wringing his hands between his knees as he struggles to devise a plan for this special kind of assault.

“First, why don’t you try and apologize?” Thor suggests. “Then, if she accepts your apology, you better make damn sure you show her what she means to you and leave her in no doubt of it. Our little bird is patient, but I think she’s just about done with you.”

Steve’s heart breaks.

~~~~~~~~~~

There’s a scuffle outside your door.

You hear muted grunts. A strange whisp sound. Like something flying through the air very quickly. Faster than you can imagine.

Your doors are suddenly pushed inwards and then you hear more grunting.

“Fine!” His Majesty shouts, and you jump, clutching your blanket closer to your chest as you try and recover from the sudden awakening.

Your mind is still fuzzy, but it quickly surmises that his Majesty was probably trying to get in and Peter was keeping him away.

“I said I’ll stop. Alright? Cut me out of this.” His Majesty says, muffled through your doorway but still clear enough to understand.

“I don’t trust you.” Peter says.

“Peter…” His Majesty growls.

“Fine. But if you try and go in again, I’ll web you to the ceiling.” Peter threatens.

You feel a surge of gratitude for him and make your way out of bed. Your fire is going out.

You quickly stoke it, poker in hand as your toes curl and uncurl against the large woven rug beneath your feet.

“Y/N?” His Majesty’s voice probes. It’s much clearer. His lips probably pressed as close to the seam between the two doors without actually being on it.

Your heart freezes and restarts, pounding fast and painful.

The last time he’d spoken to you he’d told you that marrying you was a mistake.

“I know what I said before you left…why you left.” He begins, and it’s so jarring that it feels like he’s reading your mind.

You sit slowly on one of your comfy light blue chairs, both angled towards the fire. You shift so that you can sit facing the doorway, hands clinging onto the arm of the chair.

“I’m sorry.” He sighs. “I have no right to ask for your forgiveness but I—You scare me.”

You scoff.

“No, Y/N…” Oh, shit! He can hear you. “I’m—this would be much better if I could speak with you face to face.”

“She doesn’t wanna see you.” Peter says firmly, insistent, and threatening.

“I know that.” His Majesty gripes. “But…”

He turns back towards the door.

“Can’t I come in to see you?” He pleads, agony in his deep soothing tone.

“No.” You reply, firm and angry. Since he can hear you, no point in denying him an answer.

He sighs.

“When I said that it was a mistake to marry you, I didn’t mean that I don’t want you to be my wife.” He begins, and you have the urge to scoff again.

Everything that he’s done until now has given you the clear indication that he truly and deeply regrets marrying you.

“I only meant that if I had not married you…I would not have made you feel so…the way I’ve been…the way you’ve been…I only meant that…”

“Say something!” You nearly shout, gasping with frustration at his inability to make sense.

You hear a thump as he clearly bangs his head against the door firm enough to ache but not to hurt himself.

“I love you.” He says.

Your heart is leaping. Your stomach is twirling, and you can’t believe your ears. You’re dreaming. You have to be.

“I never meant to compare you to Maggie. I didn’t realize I was doing it until you yelled at me and I’ve been trying to find a way to make up for the things I’ve said. I never meant to make you feel as if you aren’t good enough because you are. You are so good. Too good for me.”

Stupid idiot that you are, you cry. Soft quiet tears that you keep to yourself.

“You and Margaret are different people. She was the love of my life. The woman that I’d chosen to spend the rest of my life with.”

“I’m not Margaret, your Majesty.” You tell him, your voice slightly strained.

“Are you crying?!” He suddenly asks, another loud thump, this time a fist. “Please, please don’t cry anymore. I’m sorry. Please let me in.”

“Stop asking.” Peter growls.

You hear handle of your door wobble and then another scuffle.

Rising to your feet, you move towards the door and place your hands on the handle. Squeezing it tight so that your knuckles hurt.

Something hits the door and it rattles.

Startled you make to open it but then Steve grunts.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I won’t try again. Peter, let me go.”

“No.” Peter says. “I don’t trust you.”

“I promise. Okay? I promise I won’t try and open it again. I’m sorry. Y/N, I’m sorry.”

“I don’t believe you.” You tell him, ignoring their fight as your mind reels with his previous confession.

You hear more shifting on the other side of the door and a final grunt before his Majesty’s voice is right beside you, clear as day through the seam between the doors.

“What don’t you believe?” He asks, voice soft, gentle. You haven’t heard him like this ever. Not with you.

“You don’t love me.” You say.

“I do.” You hear him run his hand against the door, caressing the wood. “I do love you. It may not be the exact same way that I loved Maggie-”

“I never wanted to take her place!” You say, raising your voice in frustration. “Did I ever say that I wanted to replace her?!”

“No. Of course, not my sweet. You didn’t. That was entirely of my own doing. I was the one that saw you as a threat to the love that Margaret and I had once shared. I never wanted to get married again, Y/N.

“Damn it, I wish you would let me explain this to you face to face, but I-I was forced to marry. My advisory council gave me an ultimatum. They told me that I had a year in which to get married.” He begins.

“I already know that.”

“Yes, I know. But what you don’t know is that I had hoped to marry Morgana because she was young.”

“What?!” You lean away in slight disgust.

“No! Fuck, this isn’t coming out at all the way I intended.” He rubs the door again. “I wasn’t ready to remarry. Even after two years, my heart was still resolutely pinned to Margaret’s and the idea of marrying anyone was detestable.

“I figured that if I married Morgana, young as she was, it would give me time to get used to the idea of having a new wife. She could grow into a young woman and if she decided to remain married to me then we could consummate our marriage when she was of age. Old enough to make her own choices. If not, then I could release her back to your parents, and I could marry someone more suitable then.”

“Oh.” You reply lamely. That does make more sense though.

He’d been betting on having years to work through his grief. To get used to the idea of living his life without his beloved wife. As much as you hate him right now, you can’t help but feel a little sorry for him.

“When I told the council of my intended bride, they explained further that I would also be expected to produce an heir within the year following my marriage. Morgana was too young. I…I couldn’t do that to her, so I wrote to your father to tell him that I could not marry her. I explained why and he wrote back rather quickly to tell me that he had another daughter. An older daughter that had been kept away from the castle.

“I accepted. I needed to keep my Kingdom safe and I was willing to do anything to do so.

“When I met you—I admit that I didn’t look at your portrait. So, when I found you standing in our throne room, in your blue dress, eyes full of hope and excitement I wasn’t prepared to be as drawn to you as I was.

“I wanted you. I hadn’t expected that. The more I watched you the deeper I fell for you.” He continues.

“You’re lying.” You frown.

“I will never lie to you.” He swears. “I fought my attraction to you with every fiber of my being. I clung even harder to my memories of Maggie and I pushed you away as hard as I could. The night we consummated our marriage—I felt as if I was betraying her. Breaking our vows to love and belong to only each other.

“And when I saw what I’d done…I never meant to hurt you. I wish I could take that first night back, but it is seared into my very heart and since that night I live in fear that I will hurt you again.” He whispers.

“But you haven’t been hurting me. Not in bed.” You assure him.

“No, but I haven’t been a good husband either. Can you ever forgive me for…Thor told me that-”

No!

“-That you were curious. That you were angry at me…that he…” His voice drops even further so that you have to press your ear to the seam of the door to hear him. “…he said you tasted…”

There’s a sudden BANG! against the door. A fist, you realize as you jump back a little.

“I should have made you feel that way.” He growls.

You never wanted Steve to know about what happened. You feel dirty suddenly. Like you’ve betrayed your own vows.

“I…I was curious. But I didn’t ask him to-”

“Did he force you?!” His Majesty suddenly asks, fury in his voice.

“No.” You shake your head. “No, I-I let him. I should have stopped him sooner but I-”

Another thump. His forehead this time.

“Let’s not talk about it.” He pleads. “I don’t want to picture it again.”

The two of you fall into silence, you lower yourself onto the floor slowly, sitting and waiting for him to speak again. When he doesn’t, you find your strength.

“I was going to leave you.” You say quietly.

“What?” He asks, shock in his voice. You hear him slide down so that he may be level with you on the other side of the doors.

“I’d already decided that I would stay until I became pregnant and once I had o-our child that I would take him and live somewhere away from you. I’d raise him myself and when he’s of age, I would send him to you. To take his rightful place. But at least this way I wouldn’t be here, bothering you the way I have.”

“You are not a bother, Y/N. And I am truly furious that I have made you feel as if you are. I wasn’t ready for you, that’s true, but you have been the best part of my day for months.” He rubs the door again. “And I will start showing you because you deserve to see how much I love you.”

Your tummy flips again and as much as you want to believe him, you’re not sure you can.

“I don’t know if I can believe you.” You admit, sighing in defeat.

“Somehow,” his Majesty begins. “Some way. I will prove it to you. Tell me how I can begin to prove it to you, my…”

He goes silent.

“Your Majesty?” You check, in case he left.

“Thor calls you his little bird.” He suddenly says. “What endearments might I use for you? You are my Queen, but you are so much more than that, despite how I might have behaved in the past.”

You’re startled, at a loss by what he means by asking you to choose your own nickname.

“Y/N?”

You swallow, “I uh…I don’t know.” You admit.

“Perhaps you might be my dove?” He checks, trying the name on.

You picture the bird, elegant lines, slender necks, regal stances. Still a little clumsy but pretty and beloved.

“No.” You realize, “That’s not me.”

“What then?” His Majesty asks.

And it comes to you, like someone has planted the idea in your head, but really, it’s a simple leap from dove.

“Pigeon.” You offer. Decided.

“Pigeon?” His Majesty checks, trying the name on. “But a dove is much more appropriate for a Queen. Pigeons are so common. That’s also what Bucky calls Samuel sometimes.”

“Yes.” You agree, with their grays and dull browns. The pest of the bird world. Hated by everyone but the ones who cook them to eat. “They are a common bird.”

“Very well, my pigeon.” He says, listening to how it sounds and then he actually chuckles. “For some reason, that sounds just right.”

“Stay away from me.” You tell him, turning around to sit with your back against the door.

“What?!” His Majesty panics.

“You asked me how you might prove to me that you love me. That I can trust you.” You explain. “I want you to stay away from me. For a while. Until I come to you.”

Silence follows your request and you can almost feel him warring with himself through the wood.

“I’ve been very angry, your Majesty-”

“Steve.” He cuts you off. “Please call me by my name.”

“I can’t.” You sigh. “It’s one of the reasons I’m so angry. I…I hear you. I know what it is you’re telling me now but after six months of not being able to say your name and feeling like a pebble in your shoe-”

“Y/N…” He groans, hating your words because they’re true.

“I can’t just change from behaving one way to behaving another. I will try and see it through your eyes. I promise, but I’m so tired. My heart…is spent. I have lived as a disappointment for you—even if that’s not how you truly saw me,” You add a bit more loudly so that he can’t interrupt. “It is how I felt, and it will take time for me to move past that.

“So, I need you to do me the favor of staying away.” You sigh, sleepy again. Emotionally exhausted.

“Is there no way that I might reach out to you?” He asks, “While I keep my distance?”

You think for a moment, considering your options. This door thing is too hard. Even talking with a barrier between you, you’re tempted just a little to open the door so that you can see him.

“You may send word through someone else. But I don’t want to speak with you directly or see you in person.” You clarify. “I’m sorry.”

“So am I.” He admits.

Silence again, for only a minute this time before he clears his throat, fighting a lump it sounds like.

“Before I leave you, can I give you something? You need only stick out your hand enough for me to hand it to you. I will not try to see you. I promise.” He swears, and after your heart thrums wildly for a few seconds, you shift so that you’re hiding behind the same door he’s sitting in front of.

You reach up and twist the handle, moving a little to allow it to open. You stick your hand out through the opening and wait with our palm up.

You almost jump when his hand comes into view and he places it over your own. He leaves it there, placing what he wants to give you within it, but then curls his fingers around your own, stroking your skin with his.

It’s intoxicating, his heated hand, rough with callous but gentle in its caress. Like a missing piece, with his touch, he completes your return home. Even if his declarations of love turn out to be a ruse, you know that this is where you belong. This is where you’re meant to be.

“I’m so grateful that you’re safe,” He sighs, relishing in your touch it seems as much as you are.

As if to prove that he means everything he’s said, he takes his hand back first and you quickly pull yours back in, shutting the door tight.

“Good night, my pigeon.” He’s smiling as he says it, amused with the name.

You hear him rise and leave. You wait a few minutes, clutching your hand to your chest as you urge your heart to calm.

“P-Peter?” You check.

“He’s gone, your Majesty. He’ll keep his word. He’s…Steve doesn’t break his promises.” He assures you.

Finally you turn your eyes back to your hand and stare down at your locket, a new silver chain, inside a new portrait of Tony, Pepper, and Morgana, and on the other a new one with you in your blue dress and Steve in his formal tunic, smiling as if it’s a promise of things to come.

[lezliefaithwade]

A Breath of Fresh Air

The summer after my first year of theatre school, I was sleeping on the living room floor of my cousin's apartment in Toronto, trying to figure out what to do with my life. My cousin had been an actor before he became a quadriplegic in a car accident, and as I unadvisedly bemoaned my unemployment status, he said something like, "Seriously? You're complaining about your life? Don't make me burst a colostomy bag." He was right, of course. I wasn't in a wheelchair, though I did have a stepmother who had rendered me homeless because of her dislike for me. She was always saying things like, "Your hair can't be as ugly as that hat you're wearing." Or simply refusing to invite me to things like Christmas dinner. I always admired people with families. My boyfriend at the time was one of five kids who were always doing things together. Their house was always full of noise and activities. Even as a shiksa, I felt more at home there than with my stepbrothers and sisters, who never lost an opportunity to point out that I was weird. I wanted to stand up to them, but not wanting to cause my father any grief, I held my tongue and sought refuge elsewhere. It occurred to me that perhaps I was using the theatre as an opportunity to say things through characters that I couldn't find the courage to express myself.

The Toronto Star was still open on the kitchen table, and I rummage through the Want Ads, that dirty part of the newspaper near the back where complete strangers will soon become complete assholes in your life by forcing you to work menial jobs in humiliating uniforms for minimum wage.

"Find anything?" my cousin called from the bedroom, where two attendants helped wash and dress him.

"Social services are advertising for camp councilors to work with emotionally challenged kids."

"Oh yeah," He said. "That might suit you."

I'm not sure I knew what he meant but, I was beginning to think I'd outgrown my welcome. My cousin probably would have encouraged me to join the circus if the option had been available. Knowing my living room days were numbered, I thought it best to make an effort and apply.

I had no experience teaching drama—no experience working with kids and no experience going to or working at a camp. Despite all that, I was hired. It's worth noting that it's probably not a good sign if you get a job with no qualifications whatsoever.

My official position was Drama Councillor, and I prided myself that with only a year and half of theatre training behind me, I was well equipped to help others benefit from the wealth of my experience. I imagined myself, Maria Von Trapp, teaching children how to sing while they looked at me adoringly. Somehow, I conveniently blocked out the rebellious early stages she experienced and skipped straight to the good parts. Also, I might add, forgetting about the Nazis and having to climb over a mountain. Still, visions of me biking around camp with a group of happy campers behind me filled me with a sense of self-satisfaction.

As I packed my knapsack with deet and a secret stash of Twinkies, I thought of how only three weeks earlier I'd been in New York walking through Central Park and savoring Cappuccinos at outdoor cafés on Columbus. Now, here I was, ready for something different. The wilderness, I imagined, would be a welcome change—fresh air and loons instead of smog and sirens. I thought smugly about my classmates sweating behind visors at take-out windows shoveling fries into cardboard cups or wrapping sandwiches in tinfoil. Thumbs up to adventure, I told myself. The fact that I'd never once in my life enjoyed the great outdoors didn't factor into my mind. All of this changed with each accumulated minute of the 391 Kilometer drive north.

It was late afternoon when I arrived at the compound. Overcast, sullen, it was a place so secluded you'd need flares to find it. It had that distinct aura of someplace time forgot. A place left behind and neglected. In the brochure, the sun was shining, flowers filled the meadow, and you could practically hear laughter floating off the page. What I was looking at bore more of a resemblance to a situation in a Stephen King novel where camp councilors discover a pack of hungry teenage zombies have lured them to a seemingly idyllic retreat. Situated right in the heart of black fly country, I spent most of my days swatting insects so big they seem Jurassic.

During our orientation, child care workers warned us that children with mental health needs tend to run away - a lot and to keep strict attendance records and all eyes on them at all times. "These kids are resourceful and clever," they cautioned. I couldn't imagine being so determined you'd risk your life by escaping through the woods that surrounded us, but then again, I'd never been around children who weren't allowed cutlery before either

I shared my cabin with three other women with who I had absolutely nothing in common. Delia, a humorless 27-year-old cooking instructor who answered every question with a monosyllabic grunt, Jennifer, a 26-year old tennis instructor with massive blond ringlets who talked so quickly she sounded like a record on high speed, and an older aboriginal woman named Sunny who made us all dream catchers and offered advice about how to heal ourselves on days when we'd feel spent. "Remember, these kids need us," she said while purifying our cabin with sage. As I glanced around my assigned bunk, taking in the spider webs and loose floorboards, I had that sinking feeling that comes when you know you've made a terrible mistake. Before long, I was eating copious amounts of peanut butter on stale bagels amid a never-ending supply of starch. I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to feed children with challenges like anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and eating disorders copious amounts of sugar and carbs. It certainly did nothing to help them or me.

On the first day of class, I sat everyone in a circle. "Welcome to drama class," I said with a smile. "Let's begin by sharing with everyone a little bit about ourselves. Anything at all you'd like us to know?" A hand went up.

"I'm Tracy, and I hate my stupid ass brother. He can go straight to hell."

"Okay," I said, "That's a start. Who's next?"

Another hand. "I'm Jonathan, and this place sucks so much I wish it would burn to the ground!"

"Fair enough. Anyone else?"

"I'm Jo. I'm schizophrenic. So sometimes I'm Rachel and Julia. You'll know the difference because Rachel has a British dialect, and Julia talks slang."

"O-kay." I glanced at the social workers who sat on the edge of the room and looked at me with an expression that basically said, "We can't wait to see what you do next."

"Let's write a play," I suggested. "Write anything you want. Once you're happy with the work, I'll shape it into a cohesive piece that we'll rehearse and then present at the end of the season talent showcase."

The kids liked this idea. The showcase was a big deal. It was an opportunity for them to blow off some steam and express themselves to friends and family in a creative way. My only stipulation was not to use profanity. As the weeks passed, I was impressed with how well they all threw themselves into this project—all except Eric, the oldest boy in my 12 to 15-year-olds. Eric often wandered around the rehearsal space, unfocused and sullen.

"Any ideas for your piece?" I ask, checking in to see if I could help.

"I'm thinking," he'd say and then pace.

With three weeks left in the summer, I took my well-deserved week off to decompress. My boyfriend came up from Toronto and drove me to his parent's house at Post and Bayview, where caterers were preparing the tennis courts for an outdoor party. I walked into his mother's living room, and she gasped. "What happened to you?"

I didn't blame her. I hadn't spent much time looking at a mirror the past four weeks, but one glance at the large one in their bathroom told the full story. My hair was ratty; I had scabs on my knees, bruises on my arms and legs, and I was sunburnt. I was wearing a vintage skirt and blouse that was probably more Value Village than vintage and a pair of worn, scuffed purple moccasins; in essence, I was wearing slippers on my feet.

"Please take her to the mall and at least buy her a pair of shoes," his mother said, handing me her credit card and then rushing off to make sure the stuffed alligator would float in the pool. That week I ate my way through rugelach, hamantaschen, brisket, and bagels while his family watched me with awe and disgust.

Back at camp, the smell of burning insect repellent greeted me along with the news that the sailing and tennis instructors were sacked for disorderly conduct. Never mind, I had renewed energy and a sense of purpose. There were costumes and props to make. Sound and lighting effects to create. And we needed to rehearse. It was only a tiny stage somewhere on a remote camp in Northern Ontario, but the excitement was palpable. I was excited. This would be the best talent show ever, and my kids were going to blow the socks off everyone there!!!

"Eric," I said, "How's your piece coming along?"

"I finished it," he mentioned casually

"That's great. Can I see it?"

"I want to surprise you. You're going to love it, though. I promise."

I patted myself on the back. Eric had a breakthrough. All my encouragement and patience had paid off. Perhaps I'd helped him have a developmental breakthrough.

"Can you tell me what it's about?" I asked.

"The Beatles."

"Great. Okay," and left it at that.

Talent Night arrived along with parents and family friends. The lights dimmed, the kids performed, and the audience enthusiastically applauded as each "Mighty Mite" or "Spirit of Paradise" breezed across the stage, acting out skits about fairies and monsters and assorted escapades. Finally, it was Eric's turn. Out he came, looking serious and theatrical. He cleared his throat and addressed the audience.

"This is called, The Beatles Last Recording Session. By, Me."

Three of his closest camp friends filed out and took a space on the stage. The audience was silent.

There was a dramatic pause, then the piece began.

"Fuck you, Ringo,"

"Fuck you, Paul."

"Fuck you, George."

"Well fuck you, John."

Then they bowed and left the stage.

Personally, I thought it was kind of brilliant. Needless to say, I wasn't showered with accolades about my teaching methods or the effect I had on kids. I left there having no catharsis about mental health except that giving people the opportunity to express themselves without censor is probably a lot healthier than insisting they stay quiet. I admired the honesty displayed in the kid's work. If only, I thought to myself, I could be half as brave. Wasn't that what I was spending time and money learning how to do?

A week after being home, I found myself packing, once more, for school in New York. Our term letters had arrived with instructions on where to buy character shoes, leotards, copies of The Children's Hour, and Death of a Salesman. The camp already felt like it was 391 kilometers away - soon to be 659. My father drove me to the train station with my stepmother beside him; she was there, no doubt, to ensure I boarded.

"You going to be okay?" my father asked, giving me a hug and slipping a $50 bill into my pocket.

"She'll be fine." Elsie chimed in. "You don't have to worry about her. Let's go."

But I wanted my father to worry about me. Not all the time and to the exclusion of all else, but certainly the appropriate fatherly amount.

As I settled myself on the train, I watched my stepmother pull from father from the platform to the car and thought of Eric's brilliant play. Under my breath, I whispered the immortal words of the Beatles, "Fuck you."

#stepmother #mental health #children #young people #summer camp

[frobster]

Sugar and Salt

Rating: Teen and Up, for swearing

TW: vomit

☆☆☆

"Oh, look who it is! The Bitcher of Blaviken!"

Geralt sighed heavily at the familiar voice.

He had stopped in the tavern for a meal for himself and a stable for Roach, expecting a quiet atmosphere in the small village. But of course, it had to be the one tavern in the world where Jaskier was getting shit-faced.

"Won't even look at me!" Jaskier continued, voice slurred with drunkenness. 

The crowd around the bard cooed in sympathy, feeding right into his "wounded lover" story. Sure, the split wasn't very amiable. Geralt had yelled and left Jaskier alone and confused on the mountainside without a way back.

Clearly the lack of a map was no bother. The bard was more of an outdoorsman than most people would expect.

"He's so - so brooding. Like a mother hen. Until the egg he is perched upon turns out to be a dud. Then all bets are off! My soul is the yolk he feasted upon, my heart the shattered shell he left behind." Jaskier could wax poetic for hours. And given his drunken state, he likely had already been going for a while.

"You know this bard?" A barkeep came up to Geralt, expression and tone carefully level.

"Yes." Geralt did not feel the need to share more details. Jaskier had likely taken care of that already.

"Best you take him away soon. The customers are complaining." The barkeep gave Geralt a stern look before going back to his post behind the bar.

A more attentive glance around the tavern showed that, beyond the crowd around Jaskier, nobody looked very interested or happy. Most were grumbling some rather unpleasant things about Jaskier. And despite their less-than-friendly split, Geralt felt a flare of protectiveness.

Muscling his way through the crowd, Geralt stood before Jaskier with arms crossed over his broad chest and golden eyes narrowed in a glare. Some of the crowd pressed close, wanting to get a feel for the man their bard was so broken up about. He did not like having so many people touching him, but he knew he had to deal with it for the moment.

"Do you mind not lamenting so loudly?" Geralt asked with a gruff tone.

"I do mind, actually. You - hic - you left me on a mountain, Geralt! Me, good ol' Jaskier, whose shoes couldn't handle a puddle let alone a whole river. Do you know what I had to go through to get back to civilization?" As Jaskier's anger increased, so did his clarity. He was still drunk, still swaying even while sitting, but his eyes shined bright with emotion and his tongue was as sharp as ever.

The crowd started to disperse a bit, much to Geralt's relief. They could sense the rising tension, the personal history. Jaskier looked betrayed as they left him alone on his stool, lute propped against the wall behind him. He looked so.. fragile without his posse.

"Do you know what I had to go through because of you? Dragging me into that dragon hunt, wasting that djinn? I could spend a fortnight listing off the shit you've hauled onto me." Geralt was angry too. Not in his typical antisocial way, but in a personally slighted, emotionally invested way.

"Fuck you," Jaskier spit, sneering at Geralt.

The negative expression seemed so out of place on the bard's soft face.

Geralt was, by nature, very observant. He could tell when people were lying, he could track beasts by the smallest of clues, he could predict the outcome of a fight based on the perceived skills of those partaking in it. But when it came to Jaskier, he was perpetually caught off-guard. 

“Come on,” Geralt grumbled as he held out a hand. “We need to leave before you get kicked out.”

Jaskier tried to put up a fight, tried to yank free when Geralt instead grabbed his bicep and hauled him up. But he was no match. The witcher walked out with his bard in one hand and the bard’s lute in the other. The human hardly weighed anything, really. He was a skinny little thing, and Geralt had to admit he was a bit curious about how Jaskier managed to make it back to town alive from the mountain.

In the stables, Geralt set the lute aside next to Roach before looking down at Jaskier, still gripping onto him firmly. Jaskier had stopped fighting by then and had started to look a bit sick. Given how drunk he seemed earlier, that wasn’t much of a surprise.

“How new are those boots?” Jaskier asked, before burping and covering his mouth.

“What-”

Before Geralt could finish his question, Jaskier was doubled over as he vomited on the ground. Roach huffed and stomped a hoof as she stepped aside and Geralt only barely avoided getting any splashed on his boots as he lept backwards. There was still a sizable puddle on the ground and Jaskier didn’t seem any better for having emptied his stomach. His face was both flushed red and more pale than normal as he groaned and leaned against the wall.

Geralt sighed again and reached out to help steady Jaskier, being careful to avoid stepping in the puddle of sour alcohol and bile. There was hardly any food in the puddle, which wasn’t much of a surprise either.

“You need a nap, a bath, and a meal. In that order.” If Geralt’s voice had softened at all, there was nobody around to really hear it. Jaskier likely wouldn’t remember any of the situation when he woke up again.

Not trusting Jaskier to keep from throwing up again, Geralt wrapped Roach’s reins around his hand and started walking with his other arm around the bard. There was an inn a few miles down the road that hopefully would allow them to stay, if they had not yet heard of Jaskier’s dramatics at the tavern.

The walk was difficult and Geralt was right. They had to pause twice for Jaskier to vomit again, though nothing came up the second time. He was stumbling and half-asleep as the inn came into view, and Geralt decided to act a little rash. Trusting Roach to continue walking alongside him, Geralt dropped her reins and scooped Jaskier up to carry him the rest of the way.

The gods must have taken pity on Geralt that day, because the innkeeper was a sweet old lady who beckoned them in when she saw Jaskier’s state. She had one of her stable boys come around to take care of Roach while she went to fetch cloths and a pot for warming bathwater. Geralt expressed his thanks and pressed enough gold coins into her hand to cover a week-long stay, though he doubted he would remain past the next day. It was more for Jaskier than himself.

Jaskier was nearly passed out by the time Geralt got the door closed and locked. The bard was sitting sideways on the bed, slumped over with his eyes closed. But he managed to move as Jaskier worked to undress him, raising his arms and standing on shaking legs to get his nicer clothes off. The underclothes would stay on.

“Y’re a softie,” Jaskier mumbled when he was laid back on the bed.

Geralt glanced over to see Jaskier had his eyes closed but was smiling just slightly. He sat down in a wooden chair next to the bed and wondered if he would say anything more before falling asleep.

“Lucky I love you,” Jaskier added, barely above a whisper, before finally going still.

As his breathing evened out, Geralt finally let himself relax. At least it seemed Jaskier would not be dying from overconsumption of ale. The faint light from the small fireplace in the corner of the room illuminated him, casting away the pale pallor of sickness. He seemed to glow, and his hair became a soft halo. For all the beasts Geralt had slain, human or otherwise, it was reassuring to know that beauty still existed alongside them.

“And you’re lucky I love you,” Geralt murmured, mostly to himself.

☆☆☆

[strangermask]

AU

I got an opposite au that deals with season 11 stuff. I made three versions, so here is version 2 with not a lot of angst (Also inspired by spinchip nice emperor au).

So I call it the Steam Chapter.

Click “keep reading” if you want to know more. If you haven’t watched season 11 yet, please don’t. It will contain spoilers.

There might also be snippets in here.

So, what would have happened if Zane wasn’t the only person who got sent to the Never Realm?

Kai got in the way while Aspheera tried to banish Wu, but he and Zane both got sent to the Never realm.

snippet 1:

Vex looked at the strange objects that fell out of the sky. Another portal opened, and two people fell down. They landed on the snow, passed out. Vex looked at them. One was laying face down with brown hair and red clothing. The other facing up, wearing white and blue clothing and with titanium skin. The titanium one opened its eyes, and Vex hid. 

********************************

Zane opened his eyes. He got up and noticed him sparking. He opened the top hatch on his chest and adjusted the inside. He closed it and looked around. “Hello?” He spoke. “Is anyone there?” He heard groaning and looked down. He spotted Kai.

“Kai!” Zane shouted as he bent down to Kai.

“Ugh,” Kai groaned. “Zane?”

Zane helped Kai up.

“What were you thinking?” Zane asked. “You could have been hurt or-”

“I didn’t want to lose you,” Kai said. “I tried to push you out of the way, but that didn’t seem to work.” He grabbed his right arm in pain.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Zane did a health scan.

“Your arm is broken.”

“Great.”

“Kai, you’re in pain.”

“Just leave it.”

“I am trying-”

“Do you think I could have handled you disappearing again? Stop worrying about me!”

Zane blinked. Kai sighed.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know where that came from.” Kai apologized.

“No, it’s fine...” Zane said. “I shouldn’t have sacrificed myself...again.” He looked at the green titan mech and climbed on top of it.

“Where are we?” Zane whispered to himself.

End of Snippet 1:

So Zane starts to on the green titan mech while Kai rests. Vex is watching the whole time. Zane notices a storm coming and realizes he and Kai need to take shelter. Zane knows he can’t leave the mech, so he tries to use his powers. That didn’t work, so he decides to use the forbidden scroll. He does so and tells Kai to get on the platform with the mech. Then the two search for shelter with Vex following behind. After traveling and getting near shelter, a giant owl appears and attack. Zane fends the owl off with the scroll powers. Zane gets inside, sets up ice defense, and puts the mech up. Kai fell asleep during the trip. Zane starts to work on the mech again then sets up the recording.

Snippet 2:

“And to Pixal,” Zane said. “I’m sorry.” He finished the recording and looked at Kai. 

“As you would say, here goes nothing.” Zane said then connected himself to the mech.

Commencing system diagnostic.

Do not remove data cable. Data interruption may result in system failure and/or memory loss. Commencing diagnostic. 10% complete.

Vex came up to Zane and waved in front of him. He tried speaking to the stranger, but he would not respond. The computer continued to speak. Vex laughed quietly and picked the scepter up. He tried to freeze Zane, but nothing happened. Kai started to wake up and noticed Vex pointing the scepter at Zane.

“Hey,” Kai shouted. “What are you doing?”

Vex looked at Kai as he got up.

“It is not your business.” Vex answered. He looked at Zane and had an idea. Vex walked to Zane, reaching out to the cable attached to his head.

“Leave him alone!” Kai exclaimed as he charged at Vex.

The two started to fight as Kai tried to defend Zane. Soon, Vex got the upper hand and knocked Kai out.

“First, I’ll take care of your friend than you.”

100% complete.

Zane came back online and saw Vex standing in front of a knocked out Kai. Vex turned around and became pale.

“What happened?” Zane asked then noticed Vex holding the scepter. “You...hurt my friend.” 

Vex panicked and ran off with the scepter. Zane ran to Kai. He was out cold.

“Kai...” Zane spoke sadly.

He picked Kai up and looked at the mech. They can come back anytime, but Kai needed help now.

End of snippet 2:

So Zane carries Kai out and seeks for help. After traveling for some time, Zane ran into the palace. He was brought inside with some guards. He begged the emperor to help Kai. Zane promises in return to do some work for the emperor. He felt bad for the two boys, so he let them stay without having Zane doing any work. 

Kai wakes up, and he starts to get better. On the week Kai was fully healed, there was a giant blizzard that was too dangerous to walk through. The Emperor let the two stay until the storm died down.

But then Vex comes in with the forbidden scroll and attacks Kai and Zane. Vex found an ancient magical sword made from the coldest metal in the Never-realm. Kai got hit by magic rays in the eye and cheek. A battle ensues, the Emperor gets hit, and Kai gets his fire back. Vex was arrested and taken to the Palace’s prison. The Emperor knows he’s going to die soon, so he gives the title of Emperor to Kai and Zane.

The Emperor dies, and Kai feels super guilty. The coronation was going to be held after Kai healed up again since Zane doesn’t want to stress Kai more than he already is.

Snippet 3:

It was coronation day for Kai and Zane. Kai was in the changing room looking in the mirror. His left eye was a bright pale light snow blue. His cheek had a permanent scar from the incident. He was dressed in red, black, and golden emperor clothes and his hair tied up. There weren’t any gel to keep his spiky hair, but, hey, what can you do? “Kai?” A voice spoke.

Kai turned around and saw Zane. He was dressed in white, light blue, and grey emperor clothes.

“Zane,” Kai chuckled. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to check up on you. It’s almost time for the ceremony.”

“Yeah...”

Zane put a hand on Kai’s shoulder.

“Are you feeling alright?” Zane asked.

“No,” Kai frowned. “I don’t think I should be Emperor of this realm.”

“Why?”

“Zane. I barely survived raising my sister alone while maintaining a shop so we can live. I couldn’t handle being a ninja, and I should not have ever become a ninja. I’m a terrible person. Someone like me shouldn’t be emperor.”

“Kai-”

“I’m emotionally damage,” Kai started to cry. “I am not stable. I am not perfect. Hell, I had a breakdown for a whole year, and I went to an underground fighting tournament and became an alcoholic to handle it.”

Zane's eyes widen.

“Was...that the year I died?” Zane asked.

Kai didn’t say anything. Zane hugged Kai.

“I’m so sorry,” Zane said, hugging tightly. “I didn’t realize how much damage I caused you. I promise I won’t abandon you again. I’m going to try and help you. I can’t promise I will make everything better in a snap of a finger, but I promise I’m going to help you.”

Kai choked backed tears and hugged Zane back.

“Thanks, bud.” Kai said.

“It’s my pleasure.”

The two finished up their hug-fest and went outside to get crowned for Emperor.

End of Snippet 3 because I don’t know how to do a coronation speech:

Kai and Zane were crowned Emperor, and it’s been a month since then. Kai and Zane are starting to think the ninjas weren’t going to be able to bring them back. They probably don’t know the two are still alive.

So time went on and Kai started to feel feelings for Zane. After a few months, Kai asked Zane out. And they start to date.

They dated for five years, and Kai was getting ready to propose.

Snippet 4:

Kai hold the ring in his hand. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. “Five years,” Kai whispered to himself. “I can’t believe it’s been five years, but here goes nothing.”

Kai put the ring in his pocket. He went outside to meet with Zane.

“Hello Sir,” Kai said. “Nice day we’re having.”

Zane turned around and smiled.

“What?”

“You have something planned.” Zane said.

“What do you mean?”

“You use that tone of voice whenever you have something planned.”

“Well...I might have a little something.”

“Oh? What might that be?”

“It’s a surprise, so I can’t spoiler anything.”

“If it’s a gift for our anniversary, I think you’re a little early. That is still one month away.”

Kai started to get nervous.

Just play it cool. Kai thought. He’s obviously joking, right? You don’t have to panic. Just make sure you don’t say something stupid.

“Say, I think it’s time to go to the garthing-I mean garden.”

Zane thought for a moment.

“The garden does sound nice,” Zane took Kai’s hand. “Let’s go.”

The two walked to the palace’s garden. Kai was getting more nervous about the proposal. He was wondering if this was a good idea.

“Kai?” Zane spoke. “Are you okay?”

“I have something to ask you.” Kai blurted.

Why did I say that!? Kai yelled at himself.

“Oh. Umm, okay. What did you want to ask?”

Kai put his hand in his pocket with the ring. He grabbed it and took a deep breath. There was no backing out now.

“Zane,” Kai started. “We’ve been in this world for a while now. It’s a little strange, but it’s nice. We’ve met new people, seen things never seen before, and...discover things. A lot of things.”

“Yes,” Zane said. “I suppose we have.”

“And, well, to add to that, we became emperors. I’ve also gotten better thanks to you. And I was somehow bless with dating you. I have been thinking for a while, and I think we might need to take this to another level.”

Zane started to frown a bit.

“What do you mean?” Zane asked.

Kai took another deep breath and went to one knee.

“Zane, will you marry me?” Kai asked as he pulled out the ring.

Zane’s frown turned into the biggest smile.

“Yes,” Zane said. “I will.”

Kai was shocked.

“Y-You really mean it-mmf!”

Kai was interrupted when Zane kissed Kai on the lips. He kissed back.

End of Snippet 4:

I am going to write how the wedding went, but right now I don’t have much of an idea. (Sorry).

So, Kai and Zane got married. They went around the Never-Realm, interacting with the villages, talking to the formlings, and living peacefully. The years went by, Kai and Zane got older. Both have changed in a good way. Zane and Kai got therapy to help them get through their past lives. Kai became more relaxed and opened about his problems. Zane learned to except himself and to take make sure to take care of himself.

The two have been in the Never-Realm for thirty years. Kai is 49 and Zane about 46ish (Zane’s age is confusing).

While it’s been three decades there, it’s been three days in Ninjago. So the ninjas did the whole shabang in that episode they get ready to go to the Never-Realm. They make it to the Never-Realm, meet up with Akita and Kataru. The ninjas said they were looking for two friends, and the two formlings said that the Winter and Summer Emperors would be able to help them.

So the group traveled to the Palace to meet the Winter and Summer Emperor.

Snippet 5:

“So, the Winter Emperor and Summer Emperor can really help us?” Lloyd asked as they entered the palace.

“Of course!” Akita said. “They’re most helpful people in here. But don’t be afraid when you see the Winter Emperor. He looks more different than everyone else.”

The ninjas looked at each other with worry. Soon, they heard voices. Familiar voices.

“That is dangerous.” One voice said.

“I’ve survived worse didn’t I?” Another asked.

“That doesn’t excuse you to do it.”

“But imagine!”

“I already did, and I didn’t like the results.”

“Winter Emperor!” Akita shouted. “Summer Emperor! We need your help finding two missing people!”

The Winter Emperor and Summer Emperor entered the room. A titanium robot dress in ice-theme robes, and a man dressed in fire-theme robe. Both were very familiar.

“Whose missing?” The Winter Emperor asked.

Akita and Kataru revealed the group of ninjas who were now shocked. Both emperors were surprised. 

“Kai?” Lloyd said. “Zane?”

The Summer Emperor smiled.

“Well, if we knew you were-”

Kai was interrupted when Lloyd ran and hugged Kai. He rest of the ninjas jumped on Zane and Kai hugging them. Akita and Kataru were confused.

End of Snippet 5:

So Kai and Zane explained that they have been in the Never-Realm for thirty years. Along with what happened during their time there. Kai and Zane were surprised that it’s only been three days in Ninjago. 

Lloyd asked if the two wanted to go back home. Kai and Zane did enjoy it in the Never-realm, but the missed home. So they went back to Ninjago, Kai and Zane giving the title of Emperor to someone else. Wu is surprised that Kai is now an adult, but he was happy that they were both back.

There was no discourse between Zane and Pixal since she knew Zane liked Kai more. I’m not making a drama show off of this.

But, now things are going to be different.

[alittlebitgoofy]

Glass wings - chapter five (lemonjuice)

i'm back back back again with more gay fairies and this time we have a gay elf and another gay pixie, very fun!! i'm excited to finally get jan and rock into the mix >:)

thanks to my dearest @dollalpaca for betaing and putting up with my lack of commas. it's a lot to deal with

ao3 link

Time felt like it was floating; maybe it was the hazy morning air, or the warmth that was enveloping her, but Lemon had never felt so comfortable. She was somewhat aware of the body intertwined with her’s. Cracking her eyes open, she saw Juice still pressed into her side. Soft breaths tickled her collarbone, Juice’s head having not left her shoulder the entire time they’d been sleeping. 

Lemon couldn’t bring herself to move and risk disturbing her friend, she had a feeling Juice wasn’t the best at letting herself sleep, always opting to do things than give herself time to rest. It was an issue she couldn’t press for fear of making things awkward, only try to subtly influence. She looked calm, peaceful for once; the blonde showed no signs of waking up any time soon. Even when she was relaxed, Juice had a natural frown, her face never seeming fully happy apart from the rare, softer moments that happened. The night before was one of those, something where the air around them was different, things came out easier and it felt as if nothing in the world mattered, only their company. 

It surprised Lemon how easily she fell into the grasp of another person—she’d spent so long pent up, alone by her own choice but regretting it more day by day, powerless to stop the torment she put herself through. 

Then Juice came around, giving her someone to really connect with. Finally, a friend. 

Juice woke up some time while Lemon was busy in her own thoughts. She stayed still at first, melted into Lemon, not wanting to move from the comfort she offered. Her half-asleep brain could only process that the warm thing next to her was good and needed to be kept around. 

After pulling Lemon slightly closer than before, Juice didn’t budge. She set her claim, curled up in bed with Lemon, and refused to leave or even slightly mess up the current situation. Lemon was brought back to reality by Juice shuffling as much closer as she could physically manage, her affection not going anywhere any time soon.

“Morning, Juicy,” Lemon spoke softly, not yet ready for the day, still fighting off the sleep. The response she got was a soft hum, not having processed the greeting, however wanting to appear as if she had. 

“G’morning, Lem.” Juice’s tone was rough with tiredness, her words muffled by her head still burrowed into the pixie’s shoulder. Her speech was less annunciated, just about not slurring together in fatigue. 

It didn’t take too long for them both to fully wake up. Lemon, having already been fairly alert choosing to stay in the blissful state of Juice’s affection. (but enjoying Juice’s endless affection) The latter needed a few more minutes to wake up, before engaging in a conversation. Within a few more minutes, Juice moved her arms from Lemon, startling the pixie. She sat up, eyes still heavy with tiredness, though a lot more alert than before. 

Eventually, Lemon followed suit, the pair quietly preparing for the day ahead of them, a morning routine made easier with the company of another person. Juice stared at Lemon quizzically as she only ran a hand through her hair and shrugged.

“Do you not brush your hair a lot? Are you one of those people who don’t need to? Or is it just something you dislike.” Lemon paused, how did she explain that she despised brushing it until she had to, for no real reason? It just made her uncharacteristically angry.

“I don’t like it, I have too much hair and it’s a pain to brush it all out, so I don’t if I can get away with it, which I could have before you pointed it out.” She childishly stuck her tongue out for emphasis, while Juice struggled to hold back the laughter at her usual dramatics. 

Lemon wanted nothing more than to run when she saw Juice pick up her comb, glancing between it and her hair curiously. The fairy made her way to her side, nudging Lemon to see if she was allowed to do so. Lemon wanted to say no, but something about Juice’s soft expression melted her into accepting with no fuss.

It didn’t take long before Lemon grunted at the pulling of her hair with the comb to detangle it. It was a horrible feeling, all the more reason she despised that thing. Juice tried to be as gentle as she could, but she had to be more forceful to get out any knots. Lemon became more docile as they went along, her hair becoming a lot less messy, though still as fluffy as ever. Lemon found herself enjoying the soft contact of Juice, steadying her head with a hand leant against her neck, or running her hands through the hair to check she hadn’t missed anything. It made her body warm in an unfamiliar way, but something she would crave again all the same. 

Juice smiled proudly at the finished product and Lemon hummed in satisfaction. Running a hand through her hair, the pixie flashed a grin, happy with the result. The blonde took the opportunity to fluff up her hair like how it usually was, running her hands through it to check the neatness all over. 

That was the only reason, not that she enjoyed being in such close proximity with Lemon or anything. 

---

Although it had gotten easier, flying with Lemon was never a good idea—she would zoom off at a speed that Juice could hardly keep up with. Thankfully, the pixie had decided to rest on her shoulder, making herself comfortable as the fairy flew them further on.

“There’s something over there!” Lemon jolted, gesturing to the right, sounding uncharacteristically serious. Juice shot her a confused look, not sure what caused the sudden outburst or why her eyes were so trained on the direction she had pointed to.

“I can feel something, I don’t know what it is, but I need to go check it out,” Lemon said quickly, flying off of Juice’s shoulder and deeper into the surrounding forest. 

“Lemon! You aren’t going alone, slow down,” Juice sighed, following Lemon as fast as she could and hoping the pixie didn’t fly into anything in her sudden burst of energy. The pixie paused, fluttering her way back to the shoulder and directing Juice from there. 

They flew decently far out, to the outskirts of the village where a few people lived, who didn’t like living in the main town area for whatever reason. Upon spotting a house in the distance, Lemon’s eyes lit up. That was it! That was the thing she could feel. There was something inside that house that was drawing her to it, and she needed to find out. 

---

Jan sprung back to consciousness at an alarming rate. No grogginess, only a sudden burst of energy that startled the person leaning over her. 

Before her brain could catch up as to why there was a concerned elf in a cloak staring at her, something pulled at her. The sensation was willing her to leave the little cottage and venture into the surrounding woods, though that seemed like a bad idea. 

“Hey! Don’t just leave! You’re not really in the state to—!” The elf threw herself to grab the pixie as she jumped off of the bed, before stumbling to the floor atop the other girl, her voice failing as they collided with the ground.

“Are you alright? I know you fell quite hard, but you just jolted up all of a sudden and it was terrifying,” the other girl spoke slower, a lot quieter that time. She struggled to hold eye contact, seemingly scared of Jan. It was a lot to realise someone may be intimidated by her, but the pixie tried to keep herself as small and harmless as possible in response. 

“I’m okay, everything hurts, though. I’m not quite sure what happened.” 

“Well, you see. I accidentally shot you down from the sky with my bow, because I saw you and got scared, I thought you were a predator and defended myself before properly looking,” meekly, the elf mumbled out an explanation. 

Jan felt herself stifling a giggle at how adorable the person in front of her was. She looked too nervous for Jan to want to poke fun at her, but the way she blushed, the tips of her pointy ears turning pink, was too cute. Although the situation wasn’t good, the pixie couldn’t help but stare, taking in every aspect of the pretty girl.

Oh no. She couldn’t be—

Jan blinked a few times, shaking the thought from her head before it could finish. The idea of emotionally bonding with some random person who accidentally injured her was ridiculous. She was cute, it didn’t go any deeper than that. She also was the reason Jan couldn’t keep her balance right now, yet that seemed the furthest worry from her mind. 

“It’s fine, I’m not that hurt.” A skeptical look made Jan laugh, although being hit by an arrow was painful, she hadn’t had too many bad injuries. Minus the pain all over her body, but that wasn’t a problem when her attention was focused on something; or rather, someone else. 

Before their conversation could continue, a loud bang startled the pair. Jan felt the pulling sensation even stronger now. 

Something was demanding her attention. 

She had to follow it; her body decided that for her. She walked out of the house with the panicked elf quickly pacing after her. Jan idly wondered if she was always so panicky, or if this was something far too out of her comfort zone, leaving her almost unable to function. 

“Wait, it’s here! Her!” A high pitched squeak of a voice spoke far too loudly for someone of her size. In a flash of yellow, Lemon fluttered in front of Jan. 

Their expressions mirrored each other, shock and confusion soon morphing into excitement, upon realising their shared species. It was one of the first times Lemon had truly been left speechless. 

“So you’re the one who gave me that feeling? You’re a strong little thing.” Jan inspected the small creature in front of her. Lemon only shrugged in response, not too aware of exactly what was happening, intrigued nonetheless. There was something about the soft lilac eyes and hair of the girl in front of her, that made her feel comfortable. 

Lemon shifted into her human form, staring Jan down much in the same way she had just done. She couldn’t figure it out, but the woman had a comforting energy. It reminded her of something she hadn’t felt in a long time, but she couldn’t let herself linger on that thought. 

----

“So, you’ve never met another pixie?” Jan stared at Lemon in shock, the raw energy emanating from her being completely untrained was almost inconceivable. Lemon shrugged, not seeing it as a huge deal, despite her excitement to meet another pixie.

“Yeah, I mean, I grew up around fairies, so it’s kind of similar, but I don’t know much about pixies.”

“Well, we need to make up for lost time! I bet you barely know how to use your powers. You can teleport and levitate things, but can you feel emotions, or sense energy? You’re close enough with Juice to connect with her if you tried. I’m not sure how it would work between a pixie and a fairy, rather than two pixies, but it’s definitely possible.”

“Connect? How so?”

“It’s just a thing pixies do; we get close enough to someone and a link develops. It can be trained to sense general energies, but you’re tied to the energy of another person. So, you could be able to feel Juice’s feelings, and reach a deeper understanding of each other.”

“That sounds so cool! How do I do it? What else can I do? Can you teach me?” Lemon’s eyes sparkled with so much excitement, that Jan felt herself soften; Lemon was so earnestly energetic and eager to learn that saying no wasn’t an option. 

Juice watched on with a smile—Lemon finding another pixie was something she’d mentioned wanting to do in a passing conversation, since she knew so little about herself. There was something about seeing her so happy that made her heart squeeze, Lemon deserved so much more than what she got. 

Lemon was incredible, although Juice couldn’t find the words to communicate it. She wouldn’t admit how much she adored the little troublemaker, but she would never stop being thankful she met that idiot. 

Rock nervously approached Juice, feeling they had similar energies. The fairy jolted in shock at a soft greeting, but they soon got into a conversation about the pixies. Juice was happy to share what it was like to be close to one, as Rock realised that Jan was likely to stick around. She would find it hard to leave for the time being due to her injuries; the elf quietly hoped to herself that she would stay. 

Juice quickly found a kinship with the elf based on their shared awkwardness when it came to social interactions; her anxieties settled as she realised the elf had the same issues. Their discussions flowed surprisingly easily, as they waited for the two pixies to calm down their enthusiasm. 

“So, is the intense energy just a pixie thing?” Rock cocked her head, curiously glancing between the pair and Juice. 

“It must be, Lemon doesn’t know how to sit still—he’s always got to be doing something, or she’ll complain about being bored. It’s kind of fun, though; she keeps things exciting.” Juice’s eyes fell back onto an excited Lemon, her face growing into an involuntary soft smile. 

Rock noticed something in the way the smaller girl looked at her, but decided not to mention it. It wasn’t her place to comment.

“Juice! Jan’s gonna teach me how to use my powers, isn’t that cool?” Lemon giddily bounced back to her friend, eyes gleaming with such excitement, Juice felt her heart warm with how happy she seemed. 

Lemon deserved so much more than she got, and Juice was going to do everything she could to make sure that happened. 

[ayyyez]

I Hope You Warm up to Me (Nejiten)

Putting my music on shuffle and writing a oneshot based on that song with a pairing that fits the mood.

NejiTen Fic based on the song Charlie by Mallrat [x] 

Read also on Ao3

Bit of angst and a bit of fluff

Neji was waiting at the gates of Konoha to bid Tenten and their team farewell.

‘I’ll be waiting for you here once you return.’ Neji said, turning away.

There was an implicit don’t reject me underneath the actual statement. Tenten could feel it. The way he averted his eyes from them, defeated. The way he had avoided her.

‘I promise we will be back soon.’ She tried to sound hopeful but even she could tell it was underlined with worry.

‘Be careful.’

Neji’s word stung. Not because she couldn’t take care of herself, they both knew she could. No, his words stung because of their reason to be said at all. Neji had to stay behind without them because of what happened on their last mission only days. He couldn’t go with them.

Tenten wanted to reach out to him. She wanted to hold him, to let him know it was okay that she didn’t think any less of him. That their entire team would have done the same thing in his position. Tenten knew that if she touched him then she would melt, even if he acted like his slightest touch would burn her. She was afraid because in that moment she wanted to burn. It took everything in her to resist and turn away instead.

Tenten left Konoha with the rest of her squad for a three day mission. Naturally, their mission delved into something more than originally thought. Days turned into weeks and by the time they were cleared to head home, Tenten felt the weight of everything crash down on her.

A guilt manifested inside over her separation from Neji. It took root in the pit of her stomach and crawled up her chest, all the way until it reached her throat. She felt it sit there like a lump with an incurable itch. It took everything in her to ignore the feeling.

The whole mission she had been thinking about Neji.

It wasn’t unusual, thinking about her team occupied most of her time but this was different. The capacity she felt for him had changed into something else. It had grown into something more, something she didn’t realise she was capable of feeling.

It was the final stop before reaching Konoha when Tenten dared entertain those feelings.

The team had found a bathhouse to stay in. It was a welcomed venture since they had been sleeping in nothing but sleeping bags on rocky surfaces the entire mission. It had rained the last few days too which meant a thick coat of mud and grime had built up on them and their gear. She longed to be able to clean her weapons properly too.

Tenten was thankful for the prospect of bathing. It had been days since she was able to feel clean. Her mind however had other worries. The reality was she wanted get home and see Neji even if it meant doing it covered in mud. It was the one drive on her mind now her official mission duties were over.

As she climbed into the freshly made futon in the centre of her room, Tenten stared up at the ceiling. She attempted to empty her mind and memorised all the joins in the ceiling, the patterns in the wallpaper and the way the light reflected differently as the moonlight spilled into her room. The only thing she could think of was her last mission.

It wasn’t that Neji had made a mistake. In fact, no one blamed him for what happened. A comrade chose to sacrifice themselves for the betterment of the squad and those they were in trusted to protect. It had worked too. That didn’t mean Neji didn’t harbour any guilt. It was only natural as squad leader. Even Tenten had felt intense guilt the past two weeks. Thinking constantly that she could have done something more to save everybody.

Amongst the confines of her futon Tenten didn’t feel tired. She had intended to go to sleep but she lie awake instead. A profound numbness overcame her slumber and it felt as though she was feeling nothing. It was a natural reaction. Her mind purging the pain she had been dealing with the past weeks.

Tenten’s thoughts soon drifted to Neji. When he went to bed did he sleep like baby?  Was he overcome by the guilt? He wasn’t prone to showing other people when he felt vulnerable. Sure, he had opened himself up a lot more with his team but she knew he was feeling more than he let on. It was like she could feel his pain.

She grabbed onto a handful of blankets when she balled her fists and then released, letting it slide through her burning fingers.

The way Tenten felt about Neji snuck up on her. There was never really an idea of love in her mind when she was younger. It was always about becoming a strong kunoichi not finding a lover. Her dream was to be like the fifth hokage. Now that she was older and getting stronger she realised the kind of strength that she wanted had changed. There was a part of her that wanted to be strong for Neji. Emotionally, not just physically.

To Tenten, Neji was someone she wanted to get close too. She wanted him to warm up to her. To be able to open up to her with the things he couldn’t with anyone else.

Neji, she realised, made her feel something when she wasn’t prepared to feel anything. She wanted to sneak into his mind like he had snuck into hers over the years. It was heartfelt too. She wanted to thaw the ice that the Hyuga clan had placed inside his heart. Tenten wanted to help Neji heal.

A question then reached her lips.

‘I wonder what you are doing now?’ She asked the empty room.

The only reply was a rumble of thunder in the distance.

Tenten hummed. ‘Right.’

Sleep became what Tenten craved. She wondered if her dreams would become nightmares. Then she wondered about Neji’s dreams. With every fibre of her soul, Tenten hoped his dreams were something calm. That they were full of things he loved and not of what he regretted. Something amazing.

A small part hoped she could manage to appear in those dreams of his. To tell him that everything was going to be alright, that she knew things were bad. Most of all she couldn’t wait until she saw his face. Tenten realised that there was still a lot of things left unsaid between them.

‘I’ll be waiting for you here once you return.’

Tenten wondered if that statement was still true. Would he even be waiting in the rain? All she had to do was wait until she reached home. Neji was home.

.

.

With the wind blowing from the storm, the paper door shook and rattled. Tenten barely slept with the noise and her buzzing thoughts. Tenten took the opportunity to get up early for one last dip in the hot spring and had a quick cup of coffee for breakfast. She was anxious to leave and get home quickly.

The rain had let up and the rest of the journey home was comfortable. Physically comfortable anyway. Tenten was still anxious to get home and see Neji. She needed to know that he was alright. That they were going to be alright.

The second the gates to the village were in view Tenten was running to them and straight to the Hokage office to report in. It didn’t matter that her team is calling out to her or struggling to keep up. Neji was the only thing that mattered.

She still knew better than to rush Lady Tsunade, she could be scary. That didn’t stop her from speaking twice as fast as she usually did. The others stared at her the whole time but she didn’t care. It was important to get through it quickly.

The dismissal sent adrenaline pumping through Tenten. She didn’t run through the village but she walked briskly. There was enough embarrassment in her day to day life without her bringing it on herself. Running would only draw attention to her. The only thing she needed to do was see Neji.

The moment she walked into the Hyuga compound the reality of the situation instilled itself inside her. Was Neji even there? Would seeing her even help him? Was she just being selfish and thinking about herself?

Tenten stopped. She looked down at the dusty ground.

Perhaps it would be better if she turned around and went back. Neji was strong. There was no denying that. Perhaps stronger than she gave him credit for. There was a chance she was projecting her own vulnerabilities onto him. Her own feelings onto him.

‘Tenten.’

Her head snapped toward the person calling her.

It was Neji.

He was standing outside his house, looking at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read. It was neutral but forced like that of someone hiding something. Are you happy to see my face?

Tenten swallowed. That lump in her throat still there. The guilt still bubbling inside of her and ready to burst out. She balled her hands into fists and tensed.

There was an undeniable tension in the air between them.

The thought of running pushed its way into Tenten’s mind. She was staring at Neji and his balled fists and noticing how pale his skin looked in midday sun. I’m here for you right now, all for you. The thought was enough for her brows to furrow together, an involuntary reflex, something easily ignored by the shuffling of her feet across the small distance between them. She reached out for him, winding her arms around him tight and her face pressing against his chest.

There was a soft offt on impact from Neji. His whole body tensed and froze for a second but then his arms wrapped around and pulled her closer.

Tenten knew then and there that this wasn’t just her. These feelings she felt weren’t something creeping up inside of her only.

‘Are you alright, Neji?’ She asked, slightly muffled against his shirt.

Tenten pulled away to look up at him.

Neji looked back down at her a little startled.

‘I was going to ask you the same thing.’

She chuckled but then those anxious feelings overcame her again and she buried her face into his chest.

‘I was,’ Tenten took a deep breath, ‘I was so worried about you.’

‘You were worried about me?’

Tenten looked up at him again. It was as though he couldn’t believe what she was saying. His cheeks looking a little pink.

‘I thought…’ Neji trailed off, looking at something in the distance, ‘I thought I was the only one.’ His grip on her tightened.

Tenten gave a soft laugh. ‘Idiot,’ she muttered, hitting his chest softly, ‘of course it’s not just you. I’ve spent weeks worried about you!’

Neji looked down at her, eyes wide.

‘Did you want to come inside?’ He asked, softly. ‘You must be tired.’

Tenten nodded then flashed him a smile. ‘I’d like that.’

Neji’s home was pale and clean, aside from the stray empty teacup on the coffee table. With the wind still blowing, the wooden panelling on the walls shook. It reminded Tenten of the room she slept in the night before. There was a sliding door that lead directly to his bedroom. Her eye lingered on it for a second too long.

Neji knelt beside her, placing a tray with a teapot on the table. After pouring them each a cup his palms came to rest on the wooden table. Tenten listened to the muffled sounds of the compound outside. Steam wafted from the cups of green tea Neji placed on the table. It grew silent between them after the hollow thud of Neji sitting down properly.

Tenten sat beside him and slid her hand innocuously closer to Neji’s. It wasn’t a bold motion but the intent of the action weighed like a stone.

There was hesitation on Neji’s part. On one hand he leant his chin into, his eyes cast away. The other slowly crept toward Tenten’s and took it in one swift motion. The sight alone was enough to make Tenten want to laugh but she bit her lip and watched him. The action alone told her worlds about what he must be feeling. It caused a warmth to bloom within her.

Tenten watched him carefully. She wanted to reach out to run her fingers over his face and memorise it. It was a habit she had picked up with her weapons. Always wanting to touch, to feel every grove and curve. Only then could it truly be her’s. She contented herself with squeezing his hand instead.

‘Why were you worried about me?’ Neji mumbled into his hand. His eyes still pinned on something in the right corner of the room.

‘Why were you waiting for me?’ Tenten challenged.

Neji finally turned and looked at her.

‘I asked you first.’

‘Fine.’ Tenten relented. ‘I was worried because I care about you Neji. I was worried because after that mission everyone, including you, was hit badly. You always put up a front but I know you and I knew what you were feeling even when you refused to show it. I was worried what you would be like when you were here alone.’

Neji’s expression didn’t change but he swallowed audibly. There was also something in his eyes that Tenten could see. It wasn’t fear exactly but more like a realisation of something.

‘I’ve been on my own before.’ Neji attempted to brush it off.

‘That doesn’t mean you need to be.’ Tenten wasn’t letting it go.

She felt him squeeze her hand.

‘I don’t understand.’ He said looking away.

You don’t understand my feelings? Tenten thought.

No, it wasn’t that. Her feelings were clear even Neji couldn’t deny that. Perhaps it was his feelings.

‘What don’t you understand?’ Tenten asked.

Neji didn’t look at her or answer. He merely looked down and frowned.

Tenten’s guilt grew. That lump in her throat threatening to grow and spill, spill out all the thoughts and feelings she had kept inside her all this time. He wasn’t ready for all of it yet but perhaps he could handle the tip of the iceberg.

Pushing herself forward beside him, Tenten let go of Neji’s hand and reached out toward him. Her hands found his face and turned it so he was facing her. She held his gaze and let her hands wander. They ghosted over the hitae-ate on his forehead, down his cheeks, across the curve of his lips, the dip of his chin, the column of his throat and back up toward his cheeks. Didn’t he already know? Couldn’t he feel what her soul projected to his.

There was one heartfelt look from her. Instantly Neji clutched her hands and kept her palms pressed to his cheeks. Don’t let go. Don’t let me go.

Then they were both leaning in. The moment their lips touched Tenten knew everything she had been feeling was for something. It was for this precise moment.

Tenten kissed Neji softly and then with everything she had. Slowly pushing her lips against his while he flexed his mouth back with equal measure. Her hands slid down the sides of his throat then up behind his neck. She needed to pull him closer.

In turn Neji no longer hesitated. He pushed into the kiss with need and with passion. Opening his mouth the second Tenten ran her tongue over his lips. He put everything he couldn’t say into that kiss because she was exactly what he had needed.

Tenten was everything he had been missing. She had unlocked something inside of him that he hadn’t even known was there.

And it was heartfelt like the ice inside of him melting and turning into spring.

[higanbanawritings]

Under the Shadow of the Moon

Chapter One: A long Dream

Ryoka stared directly into the middle pair of the man’s eyes. All six of them, narrowing in on her form sensing the aura of fear radiating off of her body. Ryoka felt a combination of fear and sleepiness. It was like she was in a nightmare that she couldn’t wake up from. One moment she was living with her parents and her younger brother, Momiji. And within a blink she was now sitting across from this man…. No this demon. She was only here because she agreed that he could feed on her blood in exchange for sparing her life and the lives of her family.

Even though she was scared out of her mind sleepiness was beginning to overtake her. All she wanted to do was sleep; Today was exhausting physically, emotionally and mentally. And the events leading up to this moment only made it feel like she was in a long dream. She allowed herself to be willingly given to this man… no this demon in order to save the lives of her parents and her younger brother. She wholly belonged to him now and it saddened her to know that her freedom was ripped from her in one snatch.

This whole situation still felt like a long and tiring dream.

⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘

Ryoka was walking home after a long day of sewing garments at the boutique. She was an apprentice for Madame Toshiko who was famous for sewing the most beautiful traditional and western clothing. Ryoka worked tirelessly under her to prove that she was worthy of learning the madame’s skills. It was hard work and she was pretty sure that her boss took advantage of the fact that Ririka was young, naive and passionate about fashion in order to make her work longer hours in the name of “perfecting her craft”. But Ririka didn’t mind. The job paid well and within a couple of years she would be able to open her own boutique and make a name for herself in the emerging Japanese fashion scene. She could finally be independent from her family and not have to depend on anyone. She had the freedom to travel Japan even the world. She just needed the opportunity to come to her and this was it.

“EEEeeeeee! PLEASE SPARE US!”

The scream tore Ryoka away from her thoughts. She froze. It was her mother. It sounded like her mother. Ryoka picked her legs. Her family was in trouble and she had to do something. Anything at all to protect them. Ryoka ignored the burning in her chest. She couldn’t stop when her family needed her most. That was until she saw him . She immediately stopped in her tracks when she saw her family huddled together and cowering. In front of them was a tall man. He had long dark hair with red tips and wore a traditional patterned kimono with black hakama pants. He was also holding a katana which was pointed towards her family.

“A burglar and he’s armed. ” Ryoka knew that whatever she did it had to be the right move or things could be much worse.

She remembered that she had gotten paid a healthy sum today from work. Even though she had planned to use this money to buy herself new clothes for the upcoming festival she knew it was better to part with money and earn more in the future than be cut down by a burglar. She immediately ran in front of her family, holding her arms out shielding them from the towering figure, making her purse visible to the burglar. When she was able to get a good look at his face her breath hitched in her throat. This man had three sets of eyes on his face with red sclera and yellow irises. His middle set of eyes seemed to be engraved with the mark of ‘Upper Moon One’, and red markings resembling flames were seen on his face and neck.

It was then that Ryoka realized that this was no man but that he was a demon. She always had thought that demons were simply myths used to scare children into behaving but this creature before her was the real deal. He had no intention of robbing her family. No he was capable of doing much worse.

‘He’s going to eat all of us! Momiji, he’s too young to die like this! I’ve got to do something! I need to do something!”

She closed her eyes, and her head was pounding. There was something she should be able to do. And then it comes to her.

⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘

Tennouji Ryoka was born a sickly child. Her parents Tohru and Katsumi had tried everything in their power to find a cure but could not. They even visited the most esteemed western doctors that money could buy, but it proved to be futile. In a moment of desperation, they went to a traditional healer named Chiyo who had been able to cure Ryoka.

“What do you mean?” Tohru asked.

“The blood of your daughter, Ryoka. It’s not normal.” Lady Chiyo answered. The old woman took one long inhale of her pipe before puffing out a cloud of smoke. Tohru and Katsumi covered their coughs so as not to offend Chiyo.

“But how could you tell?” Tohru asked, his eyes tearing up from the smoke around him.

“The scent she gives off. It’s one of those who carries abnormal blood inside them. It’s what is making her sick.”

“Did someone curse my daughter? Who would do this? We haven’t done anything to anyone to deserve such cruelty.” Katsumi broke down sobbing. She didn’t know why her daughter had to suffer from a blood disease.

“As far as I can tell she is not cursed. However, I fear that she will live a life of hardship.” Chiyo then got up and walked towards a chest sitting atop a high shelf. She took it down and opened it. She rummaged through the chest until she found exactly what she was looking for. It was a small sack.

“This will be a long process but you will need to bring your daughter here so that I can properly administer this medicine to her.” Chiyo stated.

“What is it?” Tohru asked hesitantly. He already had his doubts about visiting a traditional healer to help Ryoka and this wasn’t helping to ease his worries at all.

“Crushed blue spider lily. I came from a long line of medical healers and while I was young, I happened to stumble upon old documents from an ancestor of mine. He had written about how he was healing a young man who had been sick for his whole life and did not have much time to live. He beloved that this flower, the Blue spider lily was the key to healing that man. Unfortunately, my ancestor had mysteriously disappeared before he was able to write down the results of this medicine. Administering this medicine would be risky, but it’s a risk we cannot afford to take.”

Chiyo’s cure had worked. At least in the beginning. Ryoka seemed to make a full recovery. She was even able to run long distances without collapsing from exhaustion. However, side effects started showing up. Although Ryoka had been cured from her previous ailment it seemed as though she was not out of the woods yet. And it didn’t seem like she would ever be. Unfortunately, Lady Chiyo had died of a heart attack and with it was any possible cure to Ryoka's new "condition".

⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘

Ryoka immediately prostrated herself on the floor. Keeping her head low and trying her best not to look up even when she heard the demon’s katana being pointed at her. She wasn’t going to let her fear stop her from keeping her family alive.

“Please, sir. Please spare my parents and my younger brother.” Ririka was on the ground pleading for her family with her head bowed low in front of the demon. She dared to not look up at the katana that was pointed at her. She knew it would only add to her and she couldn’t mess up her only chance to save the lives of her family.

“Hoo? And why should I spare your family girl.” The demon asked ,mocking Ryoka’s pathetic position.

“Because you can have me instead. My body produces a lot of blood. More than my body needs. My blood is also rare according to our late village healer. So you can feed on it and it’ll nourish more than eating my whole family can.”

“Ryoka! No!” Her mother wailed.

“Please don’t take my daughter. Eat me but please spare my wife and children.” Her father, a usually stoic man cried out, choking on his own sobs. Her brother was quiet. Tears streaming down his face as he could only watch his sister giving herself away to a demon.

Kokushibou, the demon, couldn’t help but smirk a little. In front of him were four pathetic humans begging and wailing for their lives. It would be better to just kill them all, but the girl’s offer did intrigue him. Hunting for food did take time away from completing his other missions for Lord Muzan.

Ryoka tried her best to stay strong in front of the tall demon despite the pleading of her parents. She then hears the sheathing of a katana back into its scabbard.

“Very well. I’ll come back for you in two months time. I’ll need to prepare your new home. And I believe you’re well aware of what will happen if you try to go back on your promise?” Ryoka nodded, forcing back tears.

“Yes I understand.”

⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘

Two months came and went. And Ryoka stood on the veranda of her family’s home with some of her belongings on the night of a full moon. She was standing alone. It was much easier that way. The day had already been filled with tearful goodbyes and Ririka was sure that she had no tears left to cry.

“It is time.” The six eyed demon appeared suddenly before her. This was it. Ryoka had to leave her old life behind along with those she loved and cared for.

But before she could take her first step Ririka felt a tug on her kimono sleeve.

“Nee-san Please don’t leave us. I’m praying to the gods and buddha to not have this demon take you away. So please stay with us. I promise I’ll be good and listen to mom and dad… just don’t leave us.” Ryoka looked into the teary warm chocolate eyes of her little brother, Momoji. She knelt down pulling him into a hug and trying to put on her bravest face for him.

“ Momiji, be a good boy. And do your best to look after mom and dad. I’m praying for you to live a long and fruitful life. Just know that no matter what, nee-san will always love you. She held onto Momiji for a few more moments before pulling away, picking up her belongings and walking over to the demon.

It hurt Ryoka to hear her family pleading for her to come back while she followed the six-eyed demon into the night.

“My name is Kokushibou. I thought that it was important for you to know who I am.” The demon, Kokushibou, spoke as they walked towards their new ‘home’.

“Tennouji Ryoka.”

“Hmm. Well then, Ryoka let’s make this a painless experience for the both of us.”

⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘⁕⚘

“You seem forlorn!” A voice tore her away from her thoughts. It was Kokushibou he was still sitting across from her.

“I know it may seem cruel to take you away from your family. But rest assured I will take care of you.” Kokushibou spoke to her softly, setting a futon for her to sleep on.

Ryoka pursed her lips. She wanted to snap at him. Tell him to go to hell. Tell him that he was a monster for ripping her away from her family and holding their lives over her head. She opted to hold her tongue in fear of angering him. However, that didn’t mean that she was placated. She was still seeing red and she felt hot inside.

Actually, she really did feel hot inside. Like she was having a fever or something. It was becoming more difficult to breath and her head felt light and heavy at the same time. She was trying to keep her composure so as to not alert Kokushibou. His back was still turned to her, talking to her about their arrangement.

“ I have convinced his lordship to let me keep you. However, you must give him your blood as payment. Considering your ‘condition’ that should not be a problem?

As if on cue Ryoka’s nose started to bleed. It was a part of her ‘condition’ as a result of the ‘cure’ Lady Chiyo had given her.. Her body produced too much blood and if she did not drain her body of excess blood it would leak out of her nose, ears , eyes or even mouth.

Kokushibou smelt the blood and immediately came to her side. Grabbing her chin, he forced her to face him . Grabbing a cloth, Kokushibou wiped the blood from her nose. But he could tell by the reddening of her face that she needed to release more blood. He pulled down the shoulder of her kimono. Positioning his mouth over her neck, Kokushibou bites down and starts to drink Ririka’s blood. Ririka gasps from the pain, however soon enough, she begins to feel relief as Kokushibou sucking the excess blood from her body.

It went on like this for a while. Kokushibou released his mouth from Ririka’s neck obviously having his hunger satisfied. Ririka was still panting. Her body was still hot and she needed to cool down.

“Marechi.” Kokushibou stated

“What?” Ryoka asked, still in a daze.

“You have rare blood. Marechi. His lordship will be pleased to know that you can produce marechi blood without risking your life.” Ryoka was waning in and out of consciousness. but she could’ve sworn that he was talking about using her as a blood factory.

Ryoka didn’t have the energy to argue with him about giving her blood away to other demons. She was too tired and she wanted to sleep.

“Good, I am going to meet with his Lordship. My scent covers the area surrounding this estate so weaker demons will be deterred from attacking you. .I should not be gone for long.” And with that he left. But not before breaking off pieces of his sword and leaving them around so that he can keep an eye on her even when he is away.

A few moments passed before Ririka was sure that he was gone.She crawled over to her futon and lied. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, lamenting her new life as the possession of a demon.

Thanks for reading. You can also find this story on my AO3 page under the username camelliasinspring.

[daydream-hobii]

Shadows & Wolfsbane | Chapter 18

Genre: Poly!AU; Werewolf!AU; Shapeshifter!AU; Fluff; Angst

Pairing: BTS x Female!Reader; Alpha!Reader, Beta!Seokjin, Alpha!Yoongi, Alpha!Hoseok, Alpha!Namjoon, Omega!Jimin, Beta!Taehyung, Beta!Jungkook

Summary: Y/N is the youngest Alpha in her compound, owning a whole village. She was born by two Omegas, and originally wanted to be killed, but things were changing in her universe. At the end of the year, each Alpha can pick up to 30 new warriors, wolves that have been training, and the youngest always starts. Y/N never really chooses, asks for the ones who were unwanted such as the old or disabled. This time, she picks the strongest seven players among the warriors, and the other Alphas aren’t too happy, but she chose them for other reasons…. Hopefully, they’ll help her with the predicament she’s found herself in….

Warning: Mentions of Abuse, Sexual Assault, Depression, Anxiety; Suggestions of Smut; Read with caution <3

Word Count: 1,131

// Previous // Next //

Author’s Note: Welcome to Chapter 18! Please let me know what you think of this chapter, I love getting feedback! I hope you enjoyed it!!! ^_^

      I disagree, but I don’t say it out loud. I’m just staring into Hoseok’s room, matching my breathing with his own. This is all my fault…. Taehyung grips my arm, dragging me to another room next door. I look in to see Namjoon, shifting in his sleep as he furrowed his brow, obviously in pain, and obviously just waking up, but Taehyung continues to walk.

      We stop at the third room, where Yoongi is laying in bed, watching the television and eating pudding. His legs were wrapped up in bandages, but not in casts. I couldn’t help but smile… this Alpha looked so cute, so wide eyed and innocent. It was kind of amusing.

      “Yoongi has two sides,” Seokjin said with a smirk. “The hard, cold, distant side….”

      “And then, there’s this side,” Taehyung finished. “Soft, cute… kind.”

      “I like both sides,” I replied, flashing a smile that showed my sharp canines. Seokjin and Taehyung both smiled big, but I simply ignored it, walking into the room.

      Yoongi’s attention shot to me, eyes becoming softer than they already were. He seemed a bit drugged out, but according to the boys, this was a normal side of Yoongi. He set the pudding cup down patting his bed. I frowned, looking at his legs before walking over and sitting. He grabbed my hands, holding them and sighing.

      “You seem upset,” Yoongi mumbled, looking down at our hands.

      “You’re hurt. Why doesn’t anyone understand why I’m upset about that?” I asked, staring at him. “It’s my fault.”

      “Please, don’t,” Yoongi whispered, staring into my eyes.

      “No, but it is,” I replied, shaking my head. “You all are in so much pain all because of me. If I hadn’t chosen you….”

      “We would’ve been separated, and much worse off,” Yoongi whispered.

      “That’s what I said,” Seokjin said behind me.

      “But…” I started, frowning.

      “No buts,” Taehyung begged. “Please, we can’t lose you… not again….”

      I took a moment to look between them, the pain settling in their eyes, and not from there injuries. They were in pain while I was away from them…. I sighed, pushing down the feelings of guilt and despair, giving a small smile to Yoongi and wiping a stray tear, nodding.

      “Okay, good,” Yoongi whispered, sighing in relief.

      We sat there for a few more minutes, talking about the only thing that kept us all sane: the future together. The past was something we had to get over, but I still had two mates to face. I left Seokjin with Yoongi, while Taehyung and I went to Namjoon. He looked so sore and kept slamming his eyes shut in pain when he tried to shift his weight. I quietly knocked on the open door, wrapping my arms around myself.

      “Y/n,” He whispered, eyes as wide as they can go, since they were swollen. “Are you alright?”

      “Leave it to you to be more worried about me, when you’re the one in the hospital bed,” I said, smiling softly and walking over, sitting in the chair next to his bed. He winced as he moved his hand to mine.

      “Still doesn’t answer my question,” He replied, smiling.

      “Physically, I’m fine,” I said, nodding. “Emotionally, I’m racked with guilt and sadness, but I think I’m dealing with it.”

      “I’m sorry, my love,” Namjoon whispered, frowning slightly. My heart skipped a beat. “I know you feel that way… just know that none of us blame you….”

      “You don’t need to, I do that enough for all of you,” I whispered, smiling sadly. “but, let’s not talk about this now. You’re all safe here….”

      “Where is ‘here’…?” He asked, looking out his window to the water and furrowing his brow.

      “I’m not actually sure…” I said, looking out with him. “The opposite side of the country, I presume.”

      “How’d we get here?” Namjoon asked, surprised.

      “Some sort of alchemist magic,” I replied, shrugging. “It’s all kind of new to me too, but I guess we’ll all have to learn together.” I smiled at him, making him look at me with soft eyes. He placed his hand on my cheek, and I leaned into it.

      “I’m so glad you didn’t have to go through this,” He said, confidently. “I don’t know what we’d have done….”

      “Joonie,” I mumbled, shaking my head away from his hand. “I can’t bare the thought of everything you all went through…. We just have to move forward.”

      “Y/n is as smart as she is pretty,” Taehyung cooed, reminding me he was with us. “I think you should go see Hobi.”

      “I agree,” Namjoon said, frowning. “He got the worst of it…. He could use your beautiful face.” I blushed softly.

      I nodded after a moment, standing and kissing his forehead, leaving Taehyung and Namjoon together. When I walked out, I shut the door and walked to the last room. Inside, Hoseok remained asleep. I went into the room, shutting the door behind me. I slowly tiptoed over to him, gently sitting in the chair, my heart racing.

      He looked so peaceful as he slept, but physically, he looked broken. There were so many injuries all over his body, but his heart rate was of normal pace. I clasped my hands together, laying them on the bed and bending my head down. I began to cry, my worry and guilt pouring out of me all at once. No matter what they said, I would forever blame myself for this mess because, in a way, it was my fault.

      I felt the bed shift slightly, and I looked up to see Hoseok’s eyes slightly open, looking at me with sadly. I shook my head, placing my head back down and continuing to cry. He lifted his hand, placing it on my head and patting awkwardly, but he was too stiff to really move. I let my hands go, reaching and holding his, continuing to cry.

      “I’m so sorry,” I choked out.

      “Please, don’t cry.” His voice was groggy, scratchy even.

      I didn’t listen to him, just continued to cry and hold his hand as gently as possible, as if it’d break if I squeezed too hard. I heard the door open, but ignored it. When no one came in, I figured it was some of the boys. I hid my face further into the bed, trying to hide my embarrassment. I felt so weak, I hated it… but even I had to realize that sometimes, even the strongest of Alphas have to cry it out in order to become stronger.

      “I want you to marry me,” Hoseok whispered once I had calmed down, making me look up in surprise, face flushing.

      “What?” I whispered back, thinking I heard him wrong.

      “Please, Y/n,” Hoseok choked out, voice still dry. “Marry me.”

[schtroumpf-a-lunettes]

Smurf Village Upturned, Chapter 18: The Smurf That Depends On Everyone.

Ch1 | Ch2 | Ch3 | Ch4 | Ch5 | Ch6 | Ch7 | Ch8 | Ch9 | Ch10 | Ch11 | Ch12 | Ch13 | Ch14 | Ch15 | Ch16 | Ch17

Read on: AO3 | FF.net | This post

The Smurf That Depends On Everyone

It was the day after the funeral. Does it technically count as a funeral if there’s no body? Or wouldn’t that be called a “memorial” instead? Or was that just overthinking a typically human custom and terminology that couldn’t neatly be applied to smurfs in the first place? Not that it really mattered, Poet supposed.

He’d been here before, hadn’t he? Mourning the loss of Papa Smurf? He’d had experience with this before, back when all those smurfs had gotten lost in time. But back then, it had been different. It had all been up in the air as no one had been sure of what had become of the smurfs, if or when they’d be coming back. It had been painful, but the notion that they were really gone was also somewhat of a gradual one that crept in over time, constantly being fought off as they’d all attempted to retain hope. It was dished out in portions for him to come to terms with. It had still been difficult, so very difficult. But it had also been very different to what he was experiencing right now.

He still couldn’t have been emotionally prepared for this. This was sudden. It was swift and it was devastating, completely bowling him over, rendering him numb at first, where it felt like everything around him was strangely muted.

This was permanent. There was no chance of Papa ever coming back.

Some smurfs were gathered about idly. Baby Smurf was playing in his sandpit nearby.

“What are we going to do?”

“With Papa gone, how will we…?”

“We’ll be fine,” Farmer spoke up. “We managed to get by without Papa Smurf before. We can do it again. We already did it for six long years and then some.”

Farmer was, of course, referring to everyone who had been left behind to deal with the fallout when seventeen of them had been snatched away by time travel. But some of the smurfs, such as Smurfette, Handy, Jokey and Lazy, who’d been among those seventeen and were present in the small group that had gathered, all glanced between themselves uncertainly at Farmer’s words. Maybe most of the village already had experience with not having Papa around and in charge, but they didn’t. This was entirely new territory for them, the notion of this sort of loss entirely fresh, and when they weren’t dealing with their grief, they had no idea what to think or how to feel about it.

“No… No!” Dreamy exclaimed suddenly in a tone of defiance. “I won’t! Not again. We can’t do that again! Not like that. I refuse! It needs to be different – different this time. Or else I -  I’ll leave!”

“L-Leave?!”

“Leave the village, huh…?” Grandpa murmured to himself.

“I mean it. I’ll go and I won’t come back if I need to,” Dreamy warned, still sounding rather frantic.

“Wait, whoa, whoa, hold on, no need to be rash,” Handy cautioned, looking alarmed at the outburst. “We don’t… I mean, I’m sure we can all talk things through, no need to do anything drastic.”

Dabbler gave a brief hum. “So what would that involve exactly, doing things “differently”?”

“I don’t know. But I’ll tell you this: this village can’t be trusted to keep itself running,” was Dreamy’s firm reply.

Dabbler frowned. “What are you saying?”

“Uh…” Jokey fiddled with his hands. “So ya mean like, are you talking about… someone being in charge…?”

There was a silence.

“Well,” began Farmer, “I would think not. And now is not the time to smurf such things, so I’d appreciate anysmurf to refrain from such outlandishness, as nothing would come of it so it might as well be put to rest. Besides, it’s not like there’s any smurf among us who can-”

“Oh, what about Scaredy?” Nosey spoke up, promptly grabbing and pulling the smurf in question who was walking past nearby into the discussion group. Scaredy, for his part, appeared to try and shrink away.

Smurfette, Handy, Jokey and Lazy all promptly burst out laughing. Even Grandpa was smiling to himself.

“Scaredy? Scaredy Smurf?!” Smurfette wheezed, practically doubled over with laughter.

“Oh, gee Nosey, that’s a good one! Cheered me right up!” Handy added, wiping away a tear of mirth from one eye. Nosey only stared back blankly.

At first, Scaredy had looked deeply alarmed by Nosey’s initial suggestion. But as the laughter went on, his expression changed into one of distinct annoyance and he crossed his arms with an air of indignation. He considered making some kind of remark, but seeing as Farmer was present, he ultimately decided against it.

The laughter finally died down. None of the other smurfs seemed to have found the suggestion remotely funny.

“Smurf-a-rooney, I’m sure you- we can all smurf through this together, no matter what, or how. We’re all going through a lot, and we have a lot on our plates. But there’s no need to panic or be impulsive. We simply need to work together to do what’s best for the village,” said Grandpa, before adding on: “And any discussion on what’s best for the village should be had among everyone, giving all an equal voice, not just a couple of us who happen to be standing around.”

“Yeah…” Smurfette sighed in agreement, and then turned to look over at Baby, who was still happily playing among the sand. The other smurfs all followed her gaze. “You know,” she continued thoughtfully, “I guess we always figured that Baby was destined for leadership - to lead a village of his own someday. If we did need a leader, he’d probably be the one smurf who could do it. But he can’t, of course. He’s too young, and if he were to be a leader, it would be for a future generation. Not us. We never thought we’d be in this position. But we still need to help take care of him, because he relies on us. That’s why we have to work together. We have to help ourselves to be able to help him.” She turned back to face the others. “But don’t you find it a little ironic? The perfect leader, someone possibly destined for the role, could be sitting right there in front of us, except too young to understand a thing.”

Poet moved a little closer to where Baby was, letting Smurfette’s words hang in the air. Baby looked up at him at his approach, and then over at the others, finally noticing and acknowledging their presence. He smiled a lovely smile, all the picture of perfect youthful innocence. A handful of sand was casually tossed into the air in welcome.

“I like sand!” was seemingly the only thing he had to say to them at that moment, his singular humble offering to contribute to conversation. It was a cheerful declaration, bound up in all its simplicity and spoken with a reassuring conviction.

[depressedkakashihatake]

top 5 kakagai scenes

I got this last night too and i've honestly been thinking really hard on the answer. I promise i was going to answer there are just so many good scenes XD

Ok

5)

Look at these dorks. Look at them. Poor Mirai has to deal woth tjis extra af duo and i feel so bad for her XD

Gai out here walking on his hands and Kakashi's just like 'oh, the chair is free. May as well use it' because they're both ridiculous

4)

The entire race scene itself is perfection and cements their friendship and entire relationship in our minds for good. We can never forget how much these two mean to each other after this scene, and we can never pretend Kakashi doesn't hold gai as important and special to him.

It's goofy and witty and just so much fun and then turns around and ends so emotionally and sweet. It gives us everything.

3)

Kakashi slowly realizing how strong gai has gotten and how all of this rivally has helped to create two amazing shinnobi (even if kakashi doesn't think he has grown from it, he did. A lot) i love the entire concept of their rivalry becaus eits diffrent from others. Naruto views sauske as a rival in every way. For fighting, for girls. Sure he became friends with him, but when they were rivals it was pure and the hatred was definitly there.

With kakashi and gai the rivaly was never about hating each other. Gai quiet litterally adored Kakashi and wanted to be strong like him, and picked up the rivaly in the hopes of getting stronger like Kakashi. Their rivaly is based off of affection and friendship. Even when kakashi is at his lowest or most pig headed, he still finds some kindness for gai. Even when he doesn't want to fight gai for him to actually insult gai isn't that common, but instead he just says "no" because he's honestly not interested

And then as they grow the rivalry because important to both of them and the friendship they have grows around it, never haulting or affecting their rivaly because they grow up knowing they can be bffs and rivals

2)

The meeting scene because it immidiatly shows how enthusiastic gai is, and that while kakashi can come off as cold and hurtful he's not intentionally trying to be. He's not looking down on gai when he informs his father that gai didn't make it into the acadamy, to him its just a fact and his father is being rude not knowing it and congradulating the kid when he knows gai's pride is probably wounded af.

Also it's a great introduction scene to their dads. These two men vastly diffrent in their skill sets and reputation, who at the end of the day want the same thing. Their son's happieness.

It's all around a really cute scene and it's one that really makes me think kakashi struggles with emotions and understanding people. He's not trying to be mean, but he comes off as mean because he's also not being super sympathetic and apologetic for his fathers mistake.

1)

Kakashi shows here that even though he himself is not the kindest person, he won't put up with needless bullying. These are two chunin bullying a tiny acadamy kid and insulting a genin, and Kakashi won't stand for it. He may not like gai at this exact moment (and he does scold him for not standing up for himself and his father) but at the end of the day he makes his stance clear. Bullys are not alright woth him and he will deal woth such people swiftly and effectively.

I think its an important moment for their friendship because even though kakashi does scold him, gai has just seen him stand up to these two douch bags and knows that Kakashi is at least somewhere deep down a kind enough person to be better than others. To not look down on people for their lack of skill, but rather for their personality. And it's pretty awsome cuz kakashi has been raised with a father who obviously tries to teach him to be kind and recognize hidden skill, but he was also raised in a village that praised him and called him genius and acted like he was better than others because he happened to be naturally gifted

And it definitly goes to his head a bit (he's 6 i don't really blame him) but at the end of the day he takes all he has learned and decides to be a protector instead of a bully and i think its the moment gai really realizes that they could be friends and rivals.

Honourable mention

Look they're so close that their blankets are litterally ober lapping and their sleeping back to back because they've gotten used to protecting each other that way and just...

This scene gives me so much life. I adore it.

At this point not only has kakashi choicen gai as his right hand man sheerly becaus ehe trusts gai the most, he has dropped everything to go help gai because he got an sos turtle and he's not actually judging gai for calling it out just because he was sick. He was worried and now he knows gai is safe and he can continue with his own work moving forward

But he had to know himself. He didn't send anyone else, the turtle didn't go to anyone else. It went to kakashi and he went to gai immidiatly. It shows just how much kakahsi does care even if he does embaress gai or act less enthusiastic about their friendship. It shows how important gai is to him

[fangirlshrewt97]

The Witcher Fic - Give Me One More Chance (Part 4)

Author: Fangirlshrewt97

Fandom: The Witcher (TV Series)

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia/Jaskier|Dandelion, Geralt of Rivia & Yennefer of Vengerburg, Geralt of Rivia & Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, Jaskier|Dandelion & Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon

Characters: Geralt of Rivia, Jaskier|Dandelion, Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, Yennefer of Vengerburg, Roach

Rating: Teen Audiences and Up (Swearing, Mild Gore)

Warnings: None Apply

Additional Tags: Post Episode S01E06: Rare Species, Emotionally Constipated Geralt of Rivia, Pining, Touch-Starved Geralt of Rivia, Whump, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt & Comfort, First Kiss, Getting Together, Canon-Typical Levels of Violence, Monsters, I really put Geralt through the wringer here, but I am ok with that because poor Jaskier did not deserve it, I do acknowledge though that Geralt is multiple levels of screwed up and maybe thought he was helping them both when he was actually hurting them

Summary: After the dragon hunt, Geralt tries to cope with his actions. And misses Jaskier a lot. But refuses to deal with his feeling even when it almost kills him.

Alternate title: 5 things Geralt misses about Jaskier + 1 he didn’t need to

Link to A03: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24389734

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

                                                              *****

To Jaskier’s credit, the bard did not let their incredibly unexpected interruption break his stride, especially when Yennefer came to his side. No, the bard’s eyes turned stony and he turned his gaze away from him. Geralt bore every second of pain. But then,

“Dandelion!”

Ciri raced forward, dodging and zigzaging through the crowd before throwing herself at the bard, arms snapping tightly around his waist. Jaskier staggered, but stayed standing. He placed his lute on an empty space in the table in front of him before returning the hug.

“My darling.” Jaskier says, voice and eyes so full of fondness Geralt wanted to break a table.

“Bard, another song!” A villager demanded. Jaskier’s eyes dim just a bit, even if his fake smile didn’t.

“I’m so sorry my good fellow, but I’m afraid I have sung myself near hoarse this evening. I thank you all for your most generous coin, and ask you to bear with me. I will be here tomorrow as well and promise to take all requests!” Jaskier says, accompanying his declaration with an overly exaggerated bow. Ciri covered her mouth and giggled, laughing when Jaskier tilts his head and winks at her.

The villagers grumbled but accepted Jaskier’s offer. Many started to take their leave since the show was over. Jaskier spotted an empty booth in the corner, and picked up his lute before herding Ciri towards the booth. He passed by the barkeep and orders two cups of ale. He was not doing this sober.

Geralt stayed frozen until Yennefer gently bumped him. She leaned into his ear and whispered “I’m going to find me and Ciri a room at the inn. You go talk to your bard. And fix things.” She said before disappearing behind him.

Steeling himself, Geralt made his way over to the stall. Ciri was sitting besides Jaskier and talking a mile a minute. And she was calling him Dandelion. What?

Geralt squeezed himself into the opposing bench. Jaskier barely spared him a glance before taking a swing of his cup of ale. He did not pass the other cup to him.

Before he can think of what to say, Ciri finished her story to Jaskier before plastering herself to him and turned to Geralt, eyes twinkling brighter than Geralt had ever seen them. He felt his heart wrench in his chest. It was a hard battle to convince himself that his heart ached due to those twinkles and not the fond smile Jaskier was giving her.

“Geralt! This is Dandelion!” Ciri said as if that explained anything. Jaskier chuckled lowly, and dammit if Geralt did not get goosebumps over the sound.

“Oh darling one, I already know this Witcher.”

Ciri turned back to him confused. “You do?”

“Mmhmm. He knows me too, except he knows me by another name.”

“What?”

“Jaskier.” Geralt interrupts. Jaskier met him head on. His smile was flat, and his face was blank. His heartbeat gave nothing away. Geralt hated it all.

Ciri’s face twisted into a frown before her eyes widened and she whispered to Geralt “Songbird? Your songbird was Dandelion?" before turning to Jaskier and asking him "You are Jaskier?”

It was difficult to say at whom she was more betrayed by.

An emotion flashes so briefly through Jaskier’s face that if Geralt had not been focusing on it so much, he would have missed it altogether. “Songbird huh? Has the White Wolf been talking about me little one?”

Ciri hesitated, glancing at Geralt, before slowly shaking her head.

The hurt was easier to spot, the scent of it enough to nearly have Geralt throwing himself at Jaskier’s feet. The narrowness of the booth and Ciri being the only things stopping him.

“Fiona.” Geralt addressed the girl, Jaskier was still not willing to talk to him. “How do you know Jaskier?”

“I…I didn’t know him as Jaskier. He is…was? I knew him as Dandelion. And he has been coming to Cintra every year on my birthday to sing at the celebration feast. Grandmother wasn’t too fond of him, but grandfather always convinced her to allow Dandelion to be the bard of honour in the end.” she explained succinctly.

Geralt didn’t know what to do with that information. Jaskier had been keeping track of his Child Surprise? And not told him even when they were travelling together? Why did he go as Dandelion?

Jaskier stepped into the conversation. “My dearest. It is getting late, and this one does not go easy on his fellow travelers, so I am sure you must be exhausted. Do you have a room? Or-”

“Yennefer got them a room at the town inn.” Geralt stated.

Jaskier flinched at the sorceress’s name. Geralt wanted to apologize.

“But-” Ciri started to protest only to quell at both their stares. She shrunk back into her seat. Jaskier softened first. He gently reached out to pet Ciri’s hair, tucking a loose strand behind her hair. “I will be here tomorrow to dearest. Go rest.”

“Promise?” Ciri asked, voice barely audible.

Jaskier smiled fondly at her and nods. He moved his hand to the back of her neck and brought her close to press a lingering kiss to her forehead.

He then leaned his own forehead against hers. “I promise.”

Ciri made a whining noise and threw her arms around his neck for a hug before moving back, standing and smoothening out the creases in her blue cloak. The coat had long since lost the shine after weeks of travelling through forests and backwater hamlets.

“You will stay here until I come back from the inn?” Geralt asked as he rose to accompany Ciri.

He knew Jaskier would not lie to Ciri if he were to truly disappear in the night, but that was no guarantee the bard would be willing to talk to him alone.

Jaskier gave him an appraising look before giving one curt nod.

“Thank you.” Geralt said, trying to infuse as much gratitude as he could into the words. Because Jaskier saying he would be here meant Jaskier was giving him a chance to explain him. A chance to fix the mess he made.

Not wanting to keep the bard waiting too long, Geralt quickly herded Ciri to the inn with Yennefer, telling the pair not to stay awake for him. Ciri agreed easily for once, and went to get ready for bed. Yennefer caught his arm as he turned to return to the tavern. “Geralt.”

“I need to go Yen.”

“Of course you do. What I am saying is that you should be careful. Do not break that man’s heart twice.”

Geralt glances sharply at her, but Yennefer meets his gaze head on. Her violet eyes were blank, just like that day on the mountain.

Gritting his teeth he pulled away from her and went back to the tavern. Jaskier was still at the booth like he said he would be, and despite knowing the bard wouldn’t go back on his word, seeing the familiar silhouette quelled a small part of Geralt’s brain. As he walked towards the booth and sat down, his heart pounded.

The two men just stared at each other for a long time without saying anything. Geralt focused on Jaskier’s doublet, a signature vivid colour that made him stand out in a crowd without hurting the onlooker’s eyes. Geralt felt his lips quirk in a smile as his eyes feasted on the rich dye.

The world had become so dull and colourless in this last year, and only now sitting in front of the bard himself did Geralt realize how much of his world’s colours had been given to him by Jaskier. He could not even blame him for stealing away the colors of Geralt's world. The Witcher had been the one who pushed him away. His colorful songbird, and oh how that hurt. His bard of a thousand hues, impractical outfits of every color of the rainbow, who peacocked his way into the best courts of the land, and wrong beds too. With plumage that adorned him perfectly, from the golden doublet that made his skin glow to the blue one that made his eyes stand unnaturally apart. To that damned royal red doublet that haunted Geralt’s nightmares, causing him to whip his head in its direction if he ever caught that shade from the corner of his eye in every town they passed.

“It is good to see you Jaskier.” Geralt finally said.

The bard’s face flashed through a myriad of emotions before resetting to blank, but his eyes burned with anger hot enough Geralt felt as though he should be ash.

“That’s all you have to say?” Jaskier spit out. “’It’s good to see you Jaskier?”

Geralt grit his own teeth, trying not to let the bard provoke him into a fight.

“I am sorry. What I said that day in the mountains. I didn’t mean it.”

Jaskier laughed an ugly laugh that Geralt immediately hated. That was not how Jaskier sounded. That should never be how he sounded. Hollow and resentful.

“Oh you idiotic Witcher. You did mean every word though. That is the problem. You meant exactly what you said. You believed then that I was the reason for all the misfortune that you went through, that it was because of me that you had a hard life.” Jaskier finished his cup of ale and then took the other cup and gulped it down too. He looked half-feral by the end of it. “I always only ever wanted to help you Geralt. I wanted to ensure that your life was not as difficult. Every song, every bar fight with bigoted villagers, every doublespeak with nobility to pay you the actual cost of the kill and not shortchange you. Everything I did was for you. And you repaid me grandly. Truly.”

Geralt flinched. He curled his hands into fists. Jaskier was right. The human had only ever done what he thought was best for the Witcher. Never once worked against him, or used him solely for his benefit.

“I shouldn’t have said what I did that day in the mountains. You were not the cause of my problems. I have Ciri in my life because of you. Even if you don’t particularly like her, I have Yennefer because of you.”

Jaskier did not look less angry.

“Jaskier.” Geralt sighed. He was not one for words, that had always been Jaskier. But if he wanted to keep the bard in his life, he knew he would have to talk his way into regaining his companion. He decided to be honest. “I miss you.”

“I don’t.” Jaskier said. This time, Geralt couldn’t stop the filch. “I don’t miss your patronizing tone, I don’t miss you leaving me behind while on the road in the mornings and having to catch up with you, I don’t miss your taciturn silence as though you talking to me is beneath you, and I definitely don’t miss your glares and ‘fuck off’ attitude you have had with me for so very long. I never asked for more than you could give Geralt. You think the mountain is the first time you hurt me?” At Geralt’s horrified face, Jaskier laughed cruelly again. “You have hurt me with your actions for far longer than with your words Witcher. And whatever I might actually miss about travelling with you, the reasons not to currently far outweigh whatever reasons you will undoubtedly propose to me to convince me to travel with you.”

Seeing Geralt with no retort, Jaskier nodded sharply. “Yes, that’s what I guessed. It is late. I promised my young friend I would see her in the morning.”

Jaskier moved to leave, but Geralt shot out his hand to grip his wrist. Jaskier looked back at him before shaking himself loose. “Good night Geralt.”

It sounded too much like goodbye.

///

That night, once he put away the swords and made one last round around the inn to make sure everything was quiet, he lay on his bed with the handkerchief from so long ago. After so long between his armor and the fight at Kaer Morhen, the cloth was a dull white, yet to Geralt, all he saw was the snow white tint from when he first received it. And even as he brought it to his nose to scent it, knowing full well the scent was gone, he yearned for the spark of comfort it always gave.

He wondered if he could steal something from Jaskier before the bard left his life forever. And oh how much did that thought hurt him. The rainbow kaleidoscope the bard brought into his life, Geralt had not even noticed until faced with the bard. The hamlet seemed far more colorful now compared to when they walked into it, despite nothing having changed. Growling and prowling to his window, Geralt opened it and allowed the cold breeze to fill the room, biting into his face. Feeling real.

He had never thought to pay attention to the colours of the world, to see the beauty. He was a Witcher. His job revolved around the chaos and darkness of the world, around eliminating it. He had always been told he belonged in the same dangerous darkness he sought to make safe, too terrifying for humans to look at.

But Jaskier had never cared had he? He had seen him after a hunt, white as a ghost, black veins running across his body, eyes pitch black and other. And he had embraced him, metaphorically and literally.

He stood at the window until the silver moon was more than half done with its journey across the sky before he closed the window and tried to get some sleep.

He dreams of vivid songbirds dancing and singing from treetops bathed in sunlight.

///

Geralt spent the day studiously avoiding the tavern above which he could scent Jaskier laying around. The closest he allowed himself to get was strolling casually beneath its windows and hearing the strumming of a familiar lute drifting across the hardwood walls.

Yennefer must have said something to Ciri, because the little girl thankfully did not bring up Jaskier at all. Yennefer rolled her eyes when Geralt sent her a grateful nod.

The sun had barely set when Ciri finally could not contain her excitement at seeing Jaskier and tore across the hamlet into the tavern. Much like last night, Jaskier was at the center of the still empty tavern, though it was starting to fill up. Today, he was in a shiny blue-silver doublet and trousers, a dark grey chemise peeking out from under the open doublet.

Jaskier glanced up when their group entered the tavern, and learning from last night, braced himself against the table so he didn’t fall to the floor when Ciri crashed into him.

“Darling, oh how you are a sight for truly sore eyes.” Jaskier whispered into Ciri’s hair, still loud enough for Geralt to hear with his enhanced senses. Geralt knew he should probably at least give them the illusion of privacy, but the sight of Jaskier with his Child Surprise, with his daughter was giving him heart palpitations. Jaskier’s smile was so full of warmth and love, Geralt equally envied Ciri for being the recipient and yearned to have such a look directed at him. Especially once Jaskier caught his eyes and gave him a cold and impassive stare.

“Jask-” Geralt started only for the bard to interrupt him.

“I have a performance to start. I asked the barkeep to keep the table we sat at yesterday vacant for you three.” Jaskier stated. "Yennefer."

“It is good to see you Jaskier.” Yennefer said, for once not adding on any snide remarks. Geralt saw the clench of Jaskier’s jaw as he nodded.

By that time, the tavern had become as crowded as yesterday, and no sooner had they taken their seats that different voices started to shout out names of ballads. Jaskier laughed agreeably and quietened them with a performer’s charm.

“My dear friends, fear not, I will be here tonight for as long as you demand, I shall get to all your requests. But I had a request from a darling friend of mine, and I haven’t seen her in so very long, so if you don’t mind, I will fulfill her request first?” Jaskier said.

The crowd grumbled but grew silent when Jaskier began to strum. He launched into “The Bear and the Maidan Fair”, sending raucous cheers through the crowd as they began to keep beat with claps and boot stomping. Ciri was fully invested too, the song had always been so funny and the chorus was so catchy. Yennefer watched her fondly, smiling at the reminder than between the enormous untapped magical power and the price on her head that had her fleeing from hamlet to village to town, she was still a scared little girl who deserved every bit of fun they could give her.

It went on like that for the rest of night, hours of the bard singing song after song, never showing his exhaustion. Geralt basked in his voice, fearing this might be the last time he got to hear it, and wasn’t that the irony? He had for so long wished for Jaskier to be quiet, and here he was hoping Jaskier never stopped singing.

Jaskier danced around the tavern, pulling people out into the crowd, young girls and old men alike, inviting them to dance the jig with him until the whole tavern was filled with joy and laughter. Ciri even pulled Yennefer onto the dance floor, swinging their arms around and just letting go of their stresses for a week.

When the crowd finally dispersed, Ciri was swaying on her feet, looking ready to fall asleep standing.

After he was finished collecting all his Jaskier wordlessly walked with them to the inn.

He even helped tuck Ciri into bed. As he went to leave, Ciri grabbed his sleeve. “Dandelion, will you please come with us?”

Jaskier felt a lump in his throat. He still had so much anger and hurt from the way he had been treated by Geralt and even if unintentionally, Yennefer. Yet the one asking was this sweet little girl he had returned to see every year, the one being forced to grow up far too soon. The one he had thought dead until she blew into the inn like a miracle. The one who he saw butchered or slain when he closed his eyes.

Fuck Geralt and Yennefer. If they didn’t like him, that was their problem.

He was not going to leave her when she was asking so sincerely. Bending down to brush a soft kiss to her forehead Jaskier caressed her cheek and replied quietly “Alright princess.”

Ciri smiled at him and closed her eyes drifting off to sleep immediately. Taking a deep breath and drinking in the peaceful sight in front of him, Jaskier stood up and faced the other two in the room.

“I don’t care if neither of you want me coming with you, I am coming because Ciri asked, and honestly I have known the girl longer and am willing to bet my very lute she trusts me far more than you two. So I am going to come with you to wherever you are taking her. Any objections?” Jaskier ended, knowing full well neither would speak up.

Yennefer looked resigned to her fate, and Geralt looked shocked, but, and Jaskier hated his heart for daring to feel a spark of anything, hopeful.

“Good. We should leave tomorrow. Resupply what you need, we can leave after lunch.”

As Jaskier swept out of the room to return to his own, Geralt would swear the fire was sparking a little brighter red than before.

[crackimagines]

Hi! I had an idea about dumb M!Byleth x Shamir stuff where Shamir acts as a reluctant teaching assistant because Byleth recruited too many students and now all these kids are stuck with these emotionally distant and blunt ex-mercs for educators, I'm sorry, its just too cute and funny to me lol

Hey there, anon! First of all, I’m in LOVE with this request, and I’m gonna have a LOT of fun with this! And no need to apologize, it’s a great ask!

Alright, let’s get the fun going! Thanks for the ask anon, I hope you enjoy!

And honestly? I think you’re one of the only people I’ve seen that actually requested for Shamir in an ask. Props to ya for that!

————

Teacher’s Helper (FE: Three Houses Short Fic)

Byleth asks his dear Shamir to help out with teaching the children of his class.

She’s…less than thrilled to.

the things you do for love

Shamir pulled up a stool and sat down next to Catherine, throwing out a gold coin onto the counter.

“Ale, half ice please.” Shamir said, sighing.

“Jeez, had a fight with Byleth?”

She shook her head, turning to Catherine.

“Nothing like that. Byleth asked me to help teach the class tomorrow.”

Catherine almost dropped her drink, then laughed it off thinking she was joking. Shamir wasn’t smiling.

“…Oh, you’re serious? Well crap, that’s gonna be fun.”

Shamir and Catherine joined Byleth’s class as overseers a while back. Overtime they saw the class extend from the Black Eagles class to incorporating most of the Blue Lions and at least one girl from the Golden Deer. In other words, it was a very packed class. It’s no wonder Byleth needed help with it.

“So on that note, what are you doing here? Don’t think you should be hungover when you’re teaching his kids.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m just…kinda nervous is all.”

Shamir looked off to the side, slightly embarrassed that she admitted that.

“Hah, I’d be too, ya know! Byleth treats them as if they were his children! On that note, this’ll be good experience for you too! When you two have-”

Shamir punched Catherine in the arm, hard.

“Ack, sheesh! It’s a joke!”

“Ugh, what am I going to do…?”

She put her hands on her face, mumbling as she took a sip from her drink.

“Come on, this isn’t like you! How many times have we fought with them at this point? I’m sure you’ll do fine teaching!”

“I’m…not great with people, much less kids. You know that by now.”

“Tell ya what, I’ll do you a solid and help you out as well. How’s that sound?”

“…I’d appreciate that.” 

Catherine patted Shamir on the back and went back to her drink.

“Get some sleep, teach! You’re gonna need it!”

She grunted and left the bar.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

The Next Morning…

The students began pouring in as Shamir awkwardly made sure her clothing was fine and nothing stood too out of place.

“Hey, you alright?” Byleth asked as he was getting a paper of everyone’s name out.

“Y-Yeah…”

Byleth pecked her on the cheek smiling.

“You’ll do fine. Just try to relax.”

Shamir blushed for a moment trying not to be too visibly shocked by his smile.

(Dorothea) “Hey…why’s Shamir at the head of the class?”

Some of the students took notice and talked to each other about what might be happening.

(Sylvain) “Hey, they might be getting engaged!”

(Felix) “I seriously doubt the Professor would be too childish to announce that during class…”

(Caspar) “I dunno, he’s done weirder things before.”

Catherine took a seat near the front, a grin overtaking her face as she waved to Shamir who facepalmed.

(Bernadetta) “I-I’m afraid to even ask what’s going on…”

(Ashe) “Come on, Bernie! I’m sure it’ll be alright!”

Byleth loudly cleared his throat once the bell rang, and he had everyone’s attention.

“Today’s lecture is going to have to be split into two today, seeing how complicated the task would be if it were only me giving it. So, half the class is going with Shamir, while I’ll be teaching the rest. The people going with Shamir will be:

Catherine, Sylvain, Petra, Ashe, Bernadetta, Caspar, Mercedes, Ferdinand, and Marianne.

Please split off to the side of the room with your group, and we’ll begin today’s lecture. Today will be the only time the class will be split like this.

The students gathered over to Shamir’s side of the room and she cleared her throat.

‘Alright…how hard can this be?’ She thought to herself.

——–

“Alright, so here’s the battlefield and the type of infantry the enemy platoon has. What’s the best way to approach this?” She asked as she pointed to a chalkboard.

(Mercedes) “You’d approach from the forest using our reserve of spear fighters, right?”

(Shamir) “No, they’d get slaughtered. Lances are weak to axe units.”

(Caspar) “Er…no offense miss Shamir, but how does that make any sense?”

(Shamir) “I…Huh.”

She honestly didn’t know about that. That was one of the first things she learned as a mercenary. That fact never stood quite right to her either.

How did swords beat axes, lances beat swords, and axes beat lances?

She remained silent for a moment before carrying on.

(Caspar) “She didn’t answer my question…”

——–

“Ashe, as a sniper how would you go about taking out a foe in a fortress wearing heavy plate armor. Assume no friendly reinforcements would come in time to help. How do you occupy the fort before the enemy regroup?”

(Ashe) “Simple ma’am. Crit them so hard they explode.”

“…What?”

(Catherine) “Um, surely you’ve noticed right? How sometimes your bow and arrows just one shot a general?”

“…I suppose that’s correct.”

That was another thing she never understood. It would  explain that one time she saw a villager with a stick somehow kill an enemy bandit just by slapping him hard.

———-

“Ah, there’s your problem. Sorry to say, but that would’ve gotten your unit killed.”

(Marianne) “I-I see…”

She looked extremely troubled by the thought of that, which made Shamir flinch by her sheer depression.

She awkwardly walked over to Byleth and told him about the situation.

“…So she got sad is what you’re saying?”

“Yeah, sorry about that-”

Byleth kissed her on the lips and sighed.

“No worries, I can fix this. SOTHIS!”

“…W-Wha-”

[Ugh, are you seriously making me do this, Byleth?]

[Whatever…]

“Ah, there’s your proble-”

Byleth stepped in, tapping Shamir on the shoulder.

“You can go ahead and take a break, I got this for now, my side has been pretty quiet.”

“O-Oh alright.”

She took a deep breath as she walked outside the class to get a breath of fresh air. Catherine followed her out as Byleth was carefully explaining the mistakes to Marianne.

“It’s only been an hour and I’m already losing my mind…”

“That’s quitter talk! I think you’re doing a fine job, Shamir!”

“I appreciate it, Catherine but I don’t know how to properly talk to those kids. I think Byleth stopped me from doing so cause I might hurt someone’s feelings at this point.”

“That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

“Hmph.”

“Come on, it’s only a few more hours you have to deal with, I believe in you and so does Byleth!”

“At least that makes two of you…”

Few Hours later…

Classes had finally ended after what seemed like an eternity. Byleth stood confidently waving some students off. Meanwhile Shamir sat in Byleth’s chair and faceplanted onto the desk.

“S-Shamir? Are you okay?”

Catherine walked up and laughed heartily.

“She’ll be fine after a few drinks!”

“Ugh…”

Byleth smilled and gently held her hand.

“You did great today, Shamir. Thanks for the help.”

She got up and kissed him, rolling her eyes after.

“I…won’t be doing that again. That was just for you.”

Byleth hugged her, which made Shamir go dead quiet while Catherine watched the two with a smile.

“Come on, why don’t we enjoy ourselves for a little bit, it’ll be my treat for helping out!” Byleth said, putting away his papers.

“Come on you two, we’re drinking proper tonight!” Catherine shouted, wrapping her arms around both of them.

“I’m uh…underage…I think?” Byleth said.

“Like hell you are! You’re…actually what are you?”

Shamir raised an eyebrow and looked at Byleth as well.

“Yeah, you never told me that too. You certainly don’t look much older than the kids but…”

“Bah, let’s say you can! No one’s gonna question! Come on, love birds!”

She went ahead of them and Byleth awkwardly followed along, leaving Shamir behind smiling to herself.

“…Maybe kids won’t be so bad now that I had firsthand experience with em…Heh, that’s a fun thought.”

She joined in with the two, and they all went to drink out in town.