#he masks surprise 'oh. i didn't know you had a son.'

[mortuarywriting]

Okay. So.

This post, right? I had this vivid bit come to me based on the deli comment + Pic combo. I do not plan on writing more. Free to a good home someone else take this I would NOT have any idea where to go with it oc or insert live your best life

You didn't usually come by this way, and frankly if there hadn't been closures for some infrastructure work you still wouldn't. The extra 10 minutes this unforseen detour was causing meant your entire schedule was thrown off balance. It was only by happenstance that plans got moved an hour back while you were already on the way. Normally you'd be more upset that shit got shifted while you were already on the way but you figured a solid "fuck it" was warranted and you should get yourself something to eat really quick.

You figured a new route would mean new restaurants, and had you decided this anywhere along your usual route or even before your turn down this detour? You'd be so right. You knew there were tons of little places you made notes to go back and try the ever nebulous sometime.

This would be an awesome sometime if it didn't mean trying to turn around and backtrack and the way the construction area had been? That was not appealing.

This road had a surprising lack of food options, and between the idea of gas station snacks or a little corner deli? You were gonna pick the deli first. Why not, good to try new things after all.

Only as soon as you walk in you see the guy behind the counter. Well, more leaning between the counter and the front, he's obviously tied enough to the place that he's talking to the only other customer in there, but someone else is actually making the sandwich while he chats with the guy waiting.

You were ready with a polite smile as you looked at the menu but something about the guy made you do a second glance and-

You knew of that neck tattoo. The long sleeves and pants he wore covering the rest of his skin suddenly felt a lot less sensible for the weather and a lot more like brush hiding something dangerous. That hammer might as well have been a sign saying 'this is not a place of honor', it was a warning and a potential threat all in one and you were not gonna ignore that.

You'd normally just turn on your heel and slide out, quiet and unnoticed, except he had noticed you.

"Welcome," and if that didn't feel like a bold faced lie to you but you keep a pleasant smile even as the fuckoff huge other customer, also very large, also very white and also very covered up- face mask, beanie, sunglasses in hand and hints of tattoos peeking from his sleeves- turns to look at you as well.

You try so hard to keep your polite smile and distinctly not make eye contact as you look over the menu. Your appetite is so far gone you don't know if you're gonna eat for the rest of the day, you weigh the odds between being able to just make your escape versus buying a drink and mentally trying to figure out if you had enough loose change to get a water bottle because you did not want these people to theoretically have your name. Not with that dogwhistle on his fuckin neck you didn't.

But you've never been so glad for your friends serial texting, your phone chiming four times in rapid succession in your pocket.

You fish it out and, well, damn, if that isn't one hell of a meme. You let your brow furrow, "oh son of a-" you look up and offer an apologetic smile, "so sorry, have a good one," and you beat feet and make a hasty retreat.

You dial that friend in question as you make your way out, "hey, yeah, I know you just texted me but I need to be on the phone really quick? Yeah uh," you do a bit of a look around and behind you, making sure your coast is fairly clear before you lower your voice and continue, "might've. Just accidentally walked into a white supremacist place?"

"HOW DO YOU ACCIDENTALLY-"

"It's not like they hung a swastika on the window," your tone creeps back up with exasperation, "the guy- manager or owner I dunno- he had the fuckin- the hammer on his throat! And he was too covered for me to check for iron crosses and with his only other customer being another giant white guy I wasn't playing the odds! Anyway, whatever, I'm almost there just. Hang out with me on the phone. Where the hell did you find that meme?"

--------

Look I'd cut back to where it goes back to the guys bantering here but like. I'm running out of steam and Price doesn't cooperate with my writing at the best of times.

Just know Simon absolutely makes the joke that pretty birds leaving is what happens when you let Roaches around your food. Roach just flips him the bird.

Gaz was absolutely walking down the street and heard some of that phone call. Absolutely finds it hilarious.

Anyway please if you want this take it free to a good home I do not need this freeloader

[bruciemilf]

:(( Early Adoption AUs where Dick and Jason kidnap baby Tim is such, such a good trope.

It all started when they were playing in the yard.

They miss Bruce everytime he leaves for a dumb meeting, and if they have to wait outside for him until it darkens, that's what they'll do.

They're having fun. Alfred even allowed them to turn the sprinklers on and get the bathtub toys out. It's not everyday Gotham allows sunshine showers, after all.

Jason spots Tim first.

A mess of dark locks creeping through his pink binoculars. Tim is a small kid. Jason notices the chair behind him. He also notices the inside of his house is fairly empty.

They don't agree on much, not on anything, really.

But they KNOW a baby isn't supposed to look that sad.

Bruce comes home a couple hours later, sighing in relief as moonlight shadows cool down his skin. He practically melts under the sun. Alfred jokes (or at least, Bruce hopes he is) its the vampire genes in him.

Still. He rarely, if ever, sees Alfred nervous.

" Don't you want to tell me about patrol?"

Bruce frowns, " You don't like hearing about it. I have to shower. I can't play with Dickie and Jay if I reek of blood."

" Just go to the other bathroom."

Now, he's suspicious. " In the bathroom you never let me use? Because the boys used it like a water park? The bathroom you've explicitly told me you'll make me an orphan again over?"

Alfred shrugs, " It's a nice bathroom."

There's giggles streaming through his bedroom door and Bruce pauses. He knows exactly how his babies sound when they're happy.

He knows the tell-tale mischief in Dick's bright snickers and Jason's ear popping shriek is Bruce's favorite sound.

But there's another one, smaller and thinner, yet joyful.

He gives Alfred one last look before entering, and the sight freezes him in his tracks.

Right there, there's his boys, drowning in his work suit jackets, with glitter markers smeared all over their eyelids. The bright reds and greens pop around Bruce's eyeliner.

And in the middle of them there's tiny, itty bitty Tim Drake, also smudge-eyed but GLOWING with a toothy grin.

"B!" Dick's eyes are wide, " Uh...So you're probably wondering...About this."

"Hn."

Then, Tim surprises them all when he points a finger at him, " Batman."

Oh, boy.

[laxxarian]

His parents and, surprisingly, Jazz, both didn't research more on where and what Gotham is like before deciding to have a vacation there.

The three just saw the happy beach and to Danny who was sleep deprived that they just thought, "Screw it. Let's have fun."

Now, Danny doesn't know the dangers of Gotham, and thinking that maybe Gotham is like Amity Park but no ghosts. And he was right, it is like Amity Park with no ghosts but it does has a lot of criminals.

So when Joker arrived and kidnapped Danny, cuz he was closer than Robin (Batman and Robin is there).

Joker fled and tied Danny on the chair and as Joker was about to do his little speech in his recording (live), Danny's family tracked Danny down with their batarang that detects Danny's signature and had already arrived with level 10 guns in hand.

Maddie: You get away from our son, you clowning scum!

Jack: I'll have you ripped out! Molecule by molecule!

Jazz: Danny! Are you okay?!

The three Fentons said as they fought the goons and had them knocked out easily all the while the people who are watching the recording had their mouths agape while the people in Amity Park who watched the live just thought, "Oh, it's our weirdos again." with a calm manner.

The JL was still in process in locating the whereabouts, at first they were worried for the the three Fentons but as they see them fight, their worry decreased at least. The odd thing they saw in the live was that their punch gave quite the damage especially the red haired girl and that their eyes would glow slightly in the dark.... Which is to say when they saw Jazz but for the parents, not so much since their face is covered with masks. The parents were wearing the hazmat suits in full while Jazz was in her casual clothing.

But anyways, when the family subdued Joker, the JL arrived just in time to take Joker in Arkham.

Danny: There were other heroes?!

Jazz: Color me surprise, I didn't think we'd get to meet superheroes!

Danny: Ahem... Jazz, I'm right here???

[bia-wayne-west]

Milk with cookies and bedtime stories [Batmom x Damian Wayne]

Synopsis: It was just a few months ago that Damian was included in the Wayne family. He still didn’t like you, but you tried so hard to make him appreciate you. During a patrol, Damian got hurt and after Alfred took care of the little boy’s wounds, you surprised him with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.

Characters: Damian Wayne and Reader [YOU]

A/N: I wrote this quickly. Hope you like. In this imagine, Batmom has been married to Bruce since he adopted Dick.

I want to apologize if there are any writing errors. I'm a Brazilian girl and I don't speak fluent English, so I may make some writing mistakes. Feel free to correct me.

I hope you read, like and feel how cute Damian is.

Requests are open

MASTERLIST

You were sitting on the kitchen stool, reading a fashion magazine while you waited for your husband to return from patrol.

Bruce forbade you to stay in the Batcave, as he was afraid that someone would break in and find you, alone and unprotected.

As soon as you felt the ground shake, it meant that the Batcave had opened and that Batman had arrived with his Robin, Red Robin, Red Hood and Nightwing.

You ran to the clock that gave access to the secret entrance to Batcave. The elevator quickly took you to where your children and husband were.

“Hey, my love. You got back before 5am!” You said, running up to Bruce Wayne. He still wore black clothes and was without a mask. Your husband didn’t respond. He was serious and had a worried expression on his face.

“A man dropped Damian from a three-story building .” Bruce said looking at the boy who was sitting next to Alfred.

You finally noticed Damian, whose face was bruised and his leg was bandaged. You walked over to the boy and knelt in front of him.

“I’m fine, Y/N. I fell on top of a car and didn’t break any bones.”

“Damian, darling, are you hurt?” You asked, looking into Bruce’s son’s green eyes.

You smiled, in a motherly way. Damian didn’t consider you a mother, unlike the other three boys who called you ‘mother’ and ‘mommy’ all the time. Your husband’s son only considered you as a stepmother, but that didn’t stop you from taking care of him as if he were your son.

“I’m going to run you a hot bubble bath. After Alfred takes care of you, I think you’ll want to relax in the warm water.”

“Thank you, Y/N, but I’m not your baby.” He said rolling his eyes and turning his face to look at Alfred.

“Damian!” Bruce warned his son. But you smiled at your husband, showing that everything was okay. You left the Batcave, heading back to the mansion to prepare Dami’s bath.

(…)

Damian was already in his room. You were heading to the boy's room, with a tray in your hand.

The clock said 2:32 am, but you were sure the boy hadn't slept yet. The Waynes used to sleep only when the sun came up.

Yout left hand knocked lightly on the wooden door with the boy's initials engraved on it. Ypur ears picked up a “you can come in”, authorizing you to enter Damian’s room.

“I came to see if you were okay, Dami.” You said, entering and closing the door behind your body. Your arms came off the tray on the bed, seeing that the boy was sitting on the mattress. “I brought milk and cookies, this will definitely make you feel better.”

“Why do you do these things, Y/N?” He asked, with a questioning look.

“I didn't understand. Don't you like what I do for you?”

“At first I thought you had a plan to win me over and then you would hate me for being Bruce's biological son.” He said, seeing you take a cookie and offer it to him.

“I would never do that. I love you, Dami, even if you don't like me. These things I do for you are normal motherly actions.”

“My mother didn’t do any of that. She only got cookies when she did something good.” He said, his eyes shining like he was going to cry.

“Oh baby. I know you don't consider me your mother and I don't want to force you into anything, but I want you to know that these things I do are because I love you.” You explained, smiling widely at him and drinking some milk. “Do you know what my mother did for me when I was hurt?”

“No.” He said, while devouring several cookies. “She also gave you cookies and milk?”

“Yes, and she also told me a bedtime story.” You argued, running your hand through the boy's hair. “I'll tell you a story.”

“I’m not four years old, Y/N” He murmured.

“Damian, you’re not old enough to hear a good story before bed.”

“OK. Just don't tell stories about princesses or ponies.”

“Clear. I'm going to tell the story of a boy called Dami. He was so brave and beautiful, he was a strong and fearless boy.” His lips formed a smile as he said the words. Damian's eyes were bright and sweet. “One day, he went to the forest to play with the birds and found a portal to a magical world.”

“Like Narnia?: He asked, completely interested in your story.

“Yes, but without the closet. The magical portal led to a kingdom full of witches, fairies, vampires and any magical creature you can imagine.”

“Even elves?” He questioned you again. Now Damian was lying in bed and you covered him with the blanket.

“Of course, elves can't be missed.” You said. Your heart filled with love and you almost cried when you saw the image of the boy who hated you six months ago totally interested in a bedtime story. “In that kingdom there was a crystal that served as oxygen for all beings there, but a terrible villain broke this crystal and stole its essence, leaving the world without magic.” Damian still had complete fun with your narration. “Then, the queen called Martha went and asked the brave Dami to hunt down the villain and recover the essence of the crystal.”

“And he did this?”

“Yes! Dami took a sword and shield and went out to the magical kingdom in search of the villain. He went to an ancient village in the kingdom called Gothym and met three knights named Grayson, Todd and Drake. They sent Dami to the mountains where he would find the villain.”

“And he found it?”

“He found it, but it was difficult. The villain was hiding in a ruined castle north of Gothym. Dami fought bravely with the villain and defeated him. Dami recovered the essentials of the crystal and in exchange, Queen Martha gave him a personal portal to return to the kingdom as often as he wanted. Dami was a brave hero and defeated the evil villain.” You told the story while running your hand affectionately through the boy's hair. “Did you like the story?”

“Yes, it was the best story anyone told me.”

“I'm glad you liked it, my love. If you want, I can tell you a story every night.”

“Todd would make fun of me if he knew.” He said, looking at you so intently that you knew he was embarrassed for having liked the story.

“I'm gonna tell you a secret. I told Dick, Jason and Tim stories for three years, but they didn't want to.”

“Did you tell Todd bedtime stories?” He asked loudly, as if it were some blasphemy.

“Of course, and he loved them all.”

“So I want to hear stories before bed.”

“I'll love telling you, along with a glass of milk and cookies. Good evening, Dami.” You said getting up from the bed. Your lips found the boy's forehead.

“Good night, mom.” He said, making you look surprised at him. “I can call you mom? Since Dick, Jason, and Tim call you Mom, I thought you might as well.”

“Of course, my dear. You can call me mother and I will call you my son.” Your arms wrapped around the body of the boy, your son. Love seemed to explode in your heart. “Good evening, my dear son.”

“Good nigh, mom.”

You gave Damian one last kiss on his forehead, before picking up the tray and taking it to the kitchen. After washing the dishes, you went to the master suite, the room shared between you and Bruce.

Your husband was lying on the king size bed, waiting for you. After showering and putting on your pajama, you laid down on the bed.

“Damian called me mom.” You said to Bruce, earning a smile from him.

“With bedtime stories, milk and cookies.”

“How did this happen?” He asked, setting aside the iPad he was using to hug you.

[openpandorabox]

i've got my eye on you

neteyam x metkayinan! reader

summary: it's no secret that jake can be a little too hard on his two sons, but neteyam rarely let anyone see how it affected him, except you, unbeknownst to him.

warnings: none

notes: fluff, angst, sad boy neteyam

!reader is the same age as neteyam!

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Simply put, Neteyam had a lot on his shoulders.

He felt as though there was a constant pressure in his life, something strong and consuming his being, other times lingering in the background like a soft whisper, an unspoken reminder that he was the son of Toruk Makto.

Not only did he feel the crushing weight of trying to live up to his father, but his younger brother considered him the golden child. No matter what he did, someone would be unhappy.

Of course, Neteyam being Neteyam, he'd always take the blame for his little brother. Even though it was Lo'ak that said it first, he too knew how it felt to be one big disappointment, and he'd never want anyone else to feel that way.

Being chosen along with your siblings, Aonung and Tsireya, to help the Sully's acclimatise to the ocean, you had gotten close to the family, with a special interest in Neteyam. Only, he didn't really know it. He didn't know you watched him, keenly observing him, admiring him from a distance.

You had seen it so many times before. The slump in his shoulders when he was reprimanded yet again for some foolish thing his brother did, the guilty eyes, the vigorously nodding head to keep the peace, the defeated sighs.

What you weren't supposed to see, what he didn't want anyone to see, was the wobbling lip when he was dismissed by his father, sauntering off to his own quiet place to be alone. The frustrated hand rubbing at his forehead, eyebrows furrowed with tension. The quiet scolding of himself, belittling words spilling from his mouth.

You just watched. You felt guilty for not comforting him, you felt even more guilty for being there and witnessing something he did not intend for anyone to see. When he was vulnerable and none the wiser. But one night, it was particularly bad.

It happened when word got around about Lo'ak bonding with Payakan. Neteyam was scolded for not watching his brother at all times, and predictably, he took that blame and apologised profusely to his father before beginning his ritual of lonely self loathing. He didn't know you saw him, but you couldn't miss the tears welling up in his eyes, the look of pure torment on his face.

You quietly followed him, not making a sound as he stormed down the marui, all the way to the end until he was far from everyone, where he just sat and let his feet hang in the water, head resting in his hands.

You stopped just behind him, slightly surprised that he didn't feel your footsteps due to the bounce of the marui. "Neteyam," you utter and watch as his soul almost leaves his body, sparing you only a startled glance as he swats at his tears and turns away from you.

"Oh! Hey, Y/N," his voice is shaky and a little hoarse despite his efforts to mask his obvious sadness.

You smile gently, taking the spot next to him and letting your own legs dip into the water, eyes cast on the bioluminescence's just below your feet.

"You should not hide from me," you say after a moments silence, turning your head to watch Neteyam as he fights to appear unbothered. "Neteyam, are you okay?" You ask, lifting a finger to gently swipe a stray tear from his cheek, resisting the urge to smile at the obvious affect is had on him.

"I'm okay. Things are just difficult right now. It feels like no matter what I do, someone will be disappointed. And I don't want to be a disappointment anymore." He keeps his eyes cast on his feet, yellow eyes shimmering with tears and the reflection of water.

It was rare to see this side of Neteyam. The vulnerable, doubtful side. You didn't like it, you wished you had the right words to make it all go away, but you didn't. Tsireya would probably know exactly what to say.

You furrow your eyebrows, leaning toward the boy who in the moment appeared so small and fragile. "Neteyam," you whisper, lifting your hand to rest against his cheek, forcing him to look at you. A flood of emotion fills his eyes and you can see his breath hitch. "You are not a disappointment. Especially not to me-"

He begins to shake his head in disbelief, his warm cheek suddenly leaving your grasp as he pushes himself up, already beginning to walk away from you.

A pang of hurt hits you, but you know you can't take it personally.

"Neteyam! Please do not walk away from me." You call after him, voice a little firmer than what he's used to, but it's enough to make him stop in his tracks, his strong back to you. You take a couple steps closer, easily seeing the tension in his shoulders.

"Look at me," you say, softer this time, and he hesitates for a moment before he turns to face you, the tears now streaming freely down his face, eyes turning red and puffy. The sight of it breaks your heart, and you feel your lip wobble and tears prick in the corners of your own eyes.

You resist the urge to reach out and hold him, but you wanted him to hear your words first.

"You are not a disappointment," you repeat, and when he looks like he's about to shake his head again, you hold your hand up to silence him. "Not to me. If you knew how much I admired you, you would think I'm crazy."

You watch as his lip twitches, eyes landing everywhere but on yours, almost as if he was having an inner battle on whether to believe you or not.

You step forward, lifting your hand and placing it over his heart, feeling it race and stutter under your palm. Your eyes drop to your hand for a moment, turquoise skin against his blue. "Neteyam..." you look back up at his eyes, and he's already staring down at you. "I see you." A single tear rolls down your cheek and Neteyam doesn't hesitate to reach out and wipe it away, just as you had for him, before he places his hand over your own heart, a small smile breaking through the sadness.

"I see you." He confirms, and something shifts between the two of you, like the ending of a friendship, but the beginning of something else, something different, something bigger than you both.

The world around you disappears for a moment, and for the first time in a long time, the soft whisper in the wind reminding Neteyam of his shortcomings disappears, just as you rest your forehead against his.

[milaisreading]

🌱🩷: Had this idea out of the blue. Don't ask😭

Warnings: Reader uses she/her. In the story the boys will be using he/him when addressing Yn. Requests for this series are open.

⚽️Blue lock belongs to Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura⚽️

Masterlist to the Crossdresser AU

'Why are clothes for guys either boring and cheap,or cool, but expensive? This sucks...' (Y/n) sighed and looked away from the shirts and towards the dresses that were a little bit further away from the boy isle.

'Wish I could wear those for one day.' She thought sadly and picked some random hoodies to pay for. It was another period when Ego would let the team breath, so everyone was mostly either at home with their families or out enjoying themselves. (Y/n) decided to be outside the house, since she couldn't really stand being around her adoptive parents for longer than it was needed.

'My son this... my son that. So now they see me. I hate them.' (Y/n) thought to herself when she bumped into someone. The person ended up crying out in shock and dropping the clothes they were holding.

"Oh! I am so sorry for not looking! Here, let me help you." (Y/n) quickly replied and started picking up the various dresses that fell on the floor.

"It's ok! You didn't mean to!" A feminine voice quickly replied and the person started picking up some of the items as well.

'Huh? Wait! I know that voice!' Her eyes slowly widened and she looked at the figure.

"Ah? You are Chigiri-san! Hyoma's older sister, right?"

The red-haired girl blinked and looked over at (Y/n), her eyes slowly widening as well.

"Yes... you are the captain of my brother's team, (L/n) (Y/n). You remember me?" The older asked, surprised that the captain of all remembered her. (Y/n) sent her a sheepish smile and pulled down her mask.

"Well, you and your mom were the loudest cheerleaders." She answered back as they both got up from the ground. The older Chigiri blushing a little at the comment.

"We were both pretty excited to see Hyoma play again, sorry."

"No need to apologize. It was cute seeing it." (Y/n) said truthfully.

'Wish I knew how that feels...' She thought sadly, handing the shorter girl her clothes.

"The dresses look pretty cute."

"You think so?" The redhead asked as she accepted her items, rummaging a little through them.

"Yeah. The pink one looks pretty cute." (Y/n) said, pointing at the floral, pink dress.

"It is! It really is, but... I will have to pass this time." The older said sadly as (Y/n) raised her eyebrow.

"Why? You seem to want it?"

"I already picked some dresses the other day, I just came to look at these today for fun."

Still not seeing the issue, or noticing the embarrassed blush on her face, (Y/n) continued.

"So? There is never enough clothes in my opinion... or my mom's." She chuckled a little. The older Chigiri nodded her head slowly, but frowned right after.

"I used up my budget for the clothes I previously bought. These are way to expensive. Maybe another day I can buy them."

At the redhead's confession, (Y/n) stopped thinking for a moment, then felt like punching herself in the gut.

'Not everyone has as much money as you, idiot! Stupid (Y/n)!' She scolded herself as she looked between the older girl and the clothes she was holding.

"I will just return these and go home. It was nice meeting you, (L/n)-"

"Can... can I look at these dresses for a moment?" (Y/n) interrupted her, and the older Chigiri slowly nodded her head.

"Sure. But what could you possibly want from those dresses-Hey! Where are you going with them?" The girl suddenly asked as she watched (Y/n) walk away from her with the dresses, and to her horror she walked towards the counter.

"What are you doing?" The redhead panicked and ran after (Y/n) as she talked to one of the employees.

"Could you put these dresses on a separate bill from the hoodies? Thank you." She smiled and bowed a little as the woman agreed.

"H-hey, I told you I can't pay for them." The older Chigiri said as she pulled (Y/n) to her level so she could whisper it to her.

"I know."

"And what do you plan on doing now?"

"I will pay for them." (Y/n) blinked a little, thinking her answer was pretty clear.

"What?" The older Chigiri blinked in shock, but before she could say anything, the woman on the counter spoke up.

"The 4 dresses would be 15000 yen."

'15000?!' The redhead looked at the woman in disbelief as (Y/n) nonchalantly nodded her head.

"Do you take credit card?"

At the nod of the woman, (Y/n) took out her credit card from her wallet.

'Is... is that a black credit card?! I only ever saw those in movies!' The older Chigiri thought in shock as she watched (Y/n) quietly pay for their stuff.

"Thank you. Have a great day." (Y/n) called out as she left the shop, the redhead following her close behind.

"You... you are rich? Like, rich rich?" (Y/n) turned to look at the girl and nodded her head, handing her the bag with her items.

"Well, my parents are. But that's not relevant-"

"You literally payed for my clothes! How is that not relevant?!" The girl argued back.

"Or do you do this for anyone you see?"

"Hmm... no. But you are the sister of one of my close friends, so there is no harm in doing so."

The redhead was flabbergasted at his nonchalant behavior, but quickly shook it of.

"Well, then. Let me treat you with some food." The older girl quickly grabbed (Y/n)'s wrist, pulling her towards the food court.

"What? I don't want you to waste-"

"It's not waste. You are my lil bro's captain. We need to keep you well fed for the World Cup." The older Chigiri teased as (Y/n) quickly shook her head and decided to follow her along.

'I could use some food.' She thought, rubbing her abdomen a little.

What neither of them noticed was a small group of high schoolers following the duo ever since they were at the counter of the clothing store, taking pictures of everything.

"They are dating! Told you so! Look how close they are!" A girl said, pouting a little.

"Maan... I wish that was me holding (Y/n)-kun's hand." Another girl added, earning a nod from a boy and a third girl.

"Are you into guys now?" Another boy asked the previous guy.

"Well, you can't blame me. (Y/n)-kun sure has something captivating about himself."

"Shhh! Let's just follow them." The first girl said as she redied her camera for another opportunity to take a picture.

The same evening, (Y/n) was in her room, packing her things for Blue Lock again when her phone rang. She grabbed it and looked at the caller, for a moment, before answering.

"Hello, Reo-"

"Why did you not tell Nagi or I that you are dating?! This is a big mistake, (Y/n)! Football and Blue Lock need to be your priority. Not chasing girls!" Reo yelled as jealousy was seeping through his voice. (Y/n) blinked for a moment, unsure what he was talking about.

"What?"

"Is it because her hair is red? I can fix mine, (Y/n)." Nagi's voice was heard next. What jarred (Y/n) was the genuine hurt and desperation that was coming out of Nagi.

"Haaa?"

Meanwhile, Chigiri threw his phone on his bed. He was close to crying as he started pulling on his hair, not believing what he just saw.

"Why my sister, (Y/n)?! Why not me!?" The redhead never felt as riled up as he felt right now.

"Big sister! Why did you have to go after (Y/n)?!" Chigiri yelled, running out of his room and towards his sister's.

Meanwhile, said girl was happily inspecting the dresses she got from (Y/n). A small blush coating her cheeks.

'He did look cute while eating...'

Poor (Y/n), and the rest of Blue Lock, were in for a rude awakening with the main topic on the internet for the next few weeks.

'IS FOOTBALL REALLY THE ONLY THINK ON THE MIND OF JAPAN'S RISING FOOTBALL STAR?! Captain (L/n) spotted with a unknown redhead girl, breaking the hearts of many fans.'

[torukmaktoskxawng]

‘anla - part five

Masterlist

Summary: A child's neglect and a father's inner turmoil finally comes to a head. Y/n takes a leap of faith, both literally and figuratively.

Pairing: Ao'nung/Fem!Na'vi!Sully Reader

Warnings: Mature language, time skips, HEAVY angst, depression, older sibling syndrome, mentions of death, canon compliance, father/daughter trouble, fluff, etc.

posted on ao3

Word Count: 6k+

Tag: #'anla ao'nung fic

Na'vi Words: ikran - Mountain Banshee, tsahik - spiritual leader, Iknimaya - Rite of Passage, tawtute - human, tsmuktu - sibling, marui - home, olo'eyktan - clan leader, kalweyaveng - son of a bitch, ilu - dolphin like animal, Sänrr Rong - Glow Tunnel, frakrr - always

Taglist (bold indicates “could not tag”):  @bangtanxberm @aonungmyaddiction @lv9su @aisselasstuff @yourusername1 @amortencjja @king-julian6201 @gg-trini @im-in-a-pansexual-panik @mikeyswifie @heart-an0n @iloveavatar @urdads-gf 

Ronal always had perfect timing, and today was no different. She found herself with an empty basket in her arms as she walked into the jungle in search of specific plants. She had walked for a bit before she noticed a shadow cast over her form. Looking up, Ronal watched an ikran fly overhead and land on the strong branches of a large tree, its rider jumping off and landing on the branch gracefully. Ronal took an educated guess on who the rider was and called up with her strict, ever so formal voice, "Y/n te Suli."

A head and a pair of ears perk up at her name, then Y/n looks down to see who had called her. Eyes slightly wide in surprise, she shakes off the shock and climbs down the tree, landing strongly on her legs in front of Ronal. She keeps her eyes dutifully lowered out of respect, keeping her expression stern and impassive as she touched her forehead then lowered her hand toward Ronal, "Ma tsahik."

Ronal appreciates the formality despite the way she shoved the empty basket in the young girl's arms, "I need to restock my herbs and materials, and there are certain components that require climbing. I could use you for those instances."

Y/n took one glance down at Ronal's baby bump before nodding in submission, following the tsahik through the jungle in search of her ingredients. They do their work in silence, Ronal occasionally explaining certain depictions of a plant Y/n needed to look for before sending the girl up a tree, but other than that, they don't mutter another word. That is, until after Ronal deemed the assortment of acquired plants enough for her stock and walked with Y/n all the way back to the village. The walk through the jungle had been tense and Y/n didn't know how to entertain or even converse with Ronal. The tsahik was an intimidating woman, sometimes more so than her own mother. Y/n doubted that Neytiri and Ronal ever spoke a word to each other even as the Metkayina was teaching the Omatikaya woman her ways. If Neytiri didn't know what to say to Ronal, Y/n doubted she could either.

However, Ronal spoke first, and she spoke as bluntly as ever, "So it would appear that your brother has taken a liking to my daughter."

Y/n sputtered, surprised by the older woman's statement as she tries clambering for a more appropriate response. She knew that whatever was going on between Lo'ak and Tsireya was sweet and strictly innocent -for the time being- but for it to come to Ronal's attention was a bit concerning, to say the least, "Oh... uh... has he?"

Ronal doesn't appreciate the unintelligent stutter, ears flattening as she narrows her gaze at the forest child, "I am not stupid, girl, and neither are you. So quit pretending that you are."

There's a slight shift between them, and some sort of mask slips from Y/n's face right before Ronal's very eyes. The Metkayina tsahik observes the way Y/n straightens her posture and sternly frowns, glaring at the path ahead of her instead of at Ronal. Clearly, she didn't appreciate the insult, "What would you like me to say? That I disapprove? Technically, I don't."

Ronal wasn't one to turn down a challenge, and she was already intrigued by this side of Y/n, "Explain."

"Na'vi have mated with other Na'vi from different clans before, at least where I'm from. It's not unusual."

"You think that is why one must disapprove?"

"What else is there to disapprove of? That they're young?" Y/n nods in agreement, "They are, and obviously, they should wait until they finish their Iknimaya, but that shouldn't deter them from choosing one another."

"I see."

Y/n spares a glance at Ronal, narrowing her eyes with as much bravery as she could muster, "But I know that's not why you disapprove."

Ronal quirks an eyebrow ridge, challenging the girl, "No?"

"You disapprove because Lo'ak is a half-breed. Part tawtute." Ronal doesn't answer Y/n's accusation and instead watches silently as Y/n raised her five-fingered hand up to her face, examining the offending limb with pinned ears and sad eyes. Y/n brings her hand back down, still walking beside Ronal even as she started to feel small, "Maybe your son was right. That we are freaks... but your daughter doesn't see us as freaks. She thinks we're special, especially Lo'ak. I mean, it's not every day you have Omatikaya half-breeds bonding with a tulkun around here, right? Lo'ak has done the impossible and he should be given more respect as the son of Toruk Makto."

Her words were strong, stronger than Ronal has ever heard from Jakesully's oldest daughter. She knew Y/n was once strong-willed, remembering the day Ao'nung crawled back home and mentioned how Y/n broke up a fight with him and her brothers using her ikran and strongly-worded threats. But as of late, Y/n has barely spoken to anyone except for her remaining siblings and friends. Ronal couldn't recall the last time Y/n spoke in either her or her mate's presence, usually leaving her parents to do the talking. Somehow, the once mute girl let her mask slip in her little brother's defense, walking confidently beside the tsahik who dared to insult her family. Ronal had to give credit where it was due. There weren't many people alive who would dare speak to her so proudly and without courtesies.

"You are a boldly spoken girl, Y/n te Suli Neytiri'ite. Although my children tell me that you don't speak as much of late."

Her tail droops closer to her side as they walk, and Y/n doesn't bother hiding her shame, "I guess not. There isn't much to talk about."

"No?" Understanding etches across Ronal's elegant features, adjusting the basket in her arms as she pins her eyes ahead of her as they walked, "I suppose you are much like me that way. I let my mate do the talking if I think the need to talk is pointless or exhausting. I prefer to sing."

She catches Y/n's tail perking up in surprise, and it took a lot of willpower not to smirk as her amusement flourished in her chest. Y/n's jaw nearly gapes open, "You sing?"

"Yes... my Spirit Sister, Ro'a, she would sing with me."

Y/n immediately regrets asking, instantly catching the wave of sadness and distress that washes over the tsahik. It was still a loss she carried close to her chest, and Y/n understood where she was coming from and how she felt. They had both lost someone dear to them that fateful day, and the wounds still bled as if the loss was still fresh.

Y/n decided that she didn't like Ronal bleeding alone and feeling so vulnerable, allowing herself to remember bittersweet memories of her own, "... Neteyam would fly with me. All the time, whenever I asked. While we fly, he'd listen to me whenever I needed to vent my anger."

Ronal looks back at the forest girl, nearly a young woman. The tsahik's expression was impassive and Y/n could tell the gears in her head were spinning, but unsure of the what or why. Ronal nods solemnly, "I no longer prefer to sing. You no longer prefer to talk. Do you believe our tsmuktu would wish that for us?"

Neither female had thought of that before, and for some reason, whatever conclusion came to mind, the thought lifted their spirits, even if only for a little while. Y/n felt lighter for the first time in a while, since before Neteyam's death, and she didn't feel shame in letting her eyes get warm and blurry, the path ahead a little unidentifiable. Ronal doesn't comment and lets the girl shed her silent tears as the pair finally makes it to the edge of the jungle, spotting the village right up ahead. Y/n quickly wipes away her tears and just in time, too. As they approached the village, Ao'nung was sighted walking up to them. He had seen Y/n first and grinned widely, but the expression quickly falls when he noticed the woman walking beside her. Jogging up to his friend and his mother, he glanced between them with caution, waiting for either bomb to go off if one of them spoke.

When neither woman spoke, Ao'nung broke the ice first, addressing the Omatikaya girl, "Hey, Y/n. Rotxo and I are going bodysurfing later and we thought you might want to join."

Ronal spared a glance at Y/n and caught the forest girl smiling for the first time, but she wasn't smiling at Ronal. The tsahik followed her gaze until her own eyes landed on Ao'nung, and suddenly some puzzle pieces were fitting into place. Ao'nung was smiling back, and it wasn't one of his usual smirks or promises of trouble. He was smiling, genuine and happy.

Ronal ignores her son for the moment, turning to Y/n before the girl could even give Ao'nung her answer, "Thank you for your help, child. You may go now."

Y/n quickly broke out of her train of thought, remembering where she was, and dropped the smile. She nods to Ronal before sparing a lingering glance at Ao'nung, walking away as she spoke over her shoulder, "See ya later, Seawee-- Ao'nung."

Ao'nung had laughed even as the girl vanished from sight. Ronal sternly cleared her throat and the laughter immediately stops, the boy straightening his spine, standing in attention to his mother. The tsahik decides to stare at him for a long period of time in order to make him squirm uncomfortably, then she bluntly asks the question buzzing in her mind,

"Do you wish to court Y/n?"

The question stuns Ao'nung, his ears and eyebrow ridges sticking straight up to the sky. He gapes like a fish, trying to find an appropriate answer. Ronal felt a little smug and satisfied as a darker shade of blue begins to form underneath her son's skin, even without a straight answer. Serves him right. Ronal knew she was going to need to fuss over Tsireya's infatuation with the Sully boy, but she didn't think she'd have to fuss over her own son so soon. Why were her children growing up before their little sibling entered the world?

Finally, Ao'nung lowers his gaze to his feet as he forces out a single word, "No."

Her brow ridge rose, a little surprised by the answer, "Why not?"

She was prepared for him to say many things, like how Y/n was not true Na'vi or that she was of a different clan, but Ronal wasn't prepared for when her son finally answered, "Because she's hurt right now. She lost her brother. I just... want to be there when she's ready."

Ronal tilts her head, curious, "For what?"

Ao'nung had the decency to look bashful, shrinking into his shoulders and lowering his ears. He looked as though he didn't have an answer either, unsure of himself while questioning the words on his tongue, "Moving on with her life? Is that stupid?"

She knows her son has every right to feel vulnerable around her, as his mother, but Ronal couldn't help but roll her eyes at his idiocy. With her basket under one arm, she loops the other through Ao'nung's and begins tugging him back in the direction of their family's marui, "No, son... but she said you once called her a freak. Surely you don't feel that way if you wish to court her?"

He bristles with annoyance, a trait he, unfortunately, inherited from Ronal, "Mother--"

"Fine. 'Not' court her."

Ao'nung relaxes his shoulders a little, his voice softening, "I don't think she's a freak. I think she's amazing."

Ronal hums, nodding occasionally to any Metkayina they pass by as mother and son trudge through the pathways of their village, "So. You do not wish to court her. Not right now at least. You are waiting for her."

"Yeah. I... I guess I am."

"You cannot guess," Ronal spoke sternly, stopping in her tracks and forcing her son to do the same as she glared him down, "You have to be sure, Ao'nung. You are our future olo'eyktan and you cannot afford to second-guess yourself. And you certainly cannot second-guess yourself when choosing a mate. It is for life, boy, do you understand?"

Ao'nung gulps and quickly corrects himself, "Yes. I'm sorry, Mother, I guess--" he winced when her eyes narrowed, "I mean, I'm just confused. I thought you would disapprove of Y/n."

Understanding the hidden question, she hisses under her breath and begins walking again, pulling Ao'nung along, "I will admit. She's not someone I would choose for you. She is not a healer and she prefers the sky over the sea. But it has never been my choice and she is Metkayina now. One of us. I will just have to surrender to the idea of both of my children choosing former Forest People before anyone born of the sea."

His body relaxed into her side, gladly walking beside her now instead of acting like he was forced to. He quietly muttered how grateful he felt, "Thank you. Wait-- what do you mean both children? Where's Tsireya?"

A wry smile graces Ronal's lips, patting his hand in pity, "Oh, my son. You are so blinded by your own infatuation that you never noticed your sister's. At least I will have a third child to distract myself from your foolishness."

They return home and Ronal finally lets her son free of her grasp. He had hurried off, likely to get away from his mother and also to track down Tsireya (or strangle Lo'ak, whichever comes first). Stepping into the hut, Ronal finds Tonowari inside, gutting the fish he had caught that morning. The olo'eyktan looks up and catches her gaze, and whatever he sees in her eyes has him standing up to reach out to her, "Ma Ronal?"

"We need to talk."

~~~~~~~~~

Jake knows that he should be more actively involved in his eldest child's life, but for the moment, Y/n has made it a game to avoid him. When he wanted to initially talk to her, she had slipped away to go bodysurfing with some of the other Metkayina her age. Jake found himself alone in their family's marui, waiting for everyone to return now that he wasn't able to talk to his daughter one on one. It made him think about Neteyam, and how the boy would've easily gone after his twin to talk to her. The thought made Toruk Makto greatly admire and miss his first boy all at once. He always relied on Neteyam to wrangle up his siblings, and for Y/n, he relied on her twin to talk to her for him. Neteyam always knew how to talk to Y/n. How to calm her, how to excite her, and he especially knew how to help his parents talk to her. Between the twins, Neteyam was more open about his emotions, but even that was a great feat. Neteyam didn't talk about it unless asked to, so if it was difficult to squeeze out Neteyam's inner thoughts, Jake wondered just how impossible would it be to reach Y/n's.

The struggling father even debated going back to the Spirit Tree to ask Neteyam what to do, but that inner turmoil made him feel so pathetic. How pathetic of a father was he that he needed to reach out to his dead son for help when it came to talking to his daughter? As a parent, Jake should be the one to have wisdom and give it freely to his children, not the other way around. Then again, it had been so long since Jake's own twin brother had died that he forgot that twins are on another level of understanding compared to the rest. Neteyam would always know Y/n best and vice versa, and that was something Jake had accepted a long time ago. Now, however, with Neteyam gone and Y/n left in a world without her other half, Jake was trying to understand her the way her brother always did.

It didn't help that Y/n has yet to go to the Spirit Tree herself. She refused to go see her brother and refused, even more, to talk about it. Jake wanted tonight to be the night they talk, so even after the rest of his family left to go to the communal meal, he waited.

He heard laughter coming from outside, ears moving wildly before he even raised his head. He recognized one of the laughs to be Y/n, and his chest squeezed at the familiar sound, wishing he could hear it more. After he heard her wishing her friends goodnight, he heard footsteps approaching, but not at the entrance of the marui. Looking up, he continued to hear the footsteps above him and realized that Y/n was climbing up the mangrove tree roots sheltering their home.

Jake goes outside, calling up, "Hey, sweetheart? Can you come down here, please?"

Y/n was sitting towards the top of the tree root but obediently climbed back down at her father's request. Hopping down and landing in front of him, she had jostled the bouncy walkway and stood straight up, tilting her head up at Jake in question. Once again, Jake found himself at a loss for words, unsure of what to say to her without her twin here to tell him, "Hey... feeling alright?"

She raised an eyebrow and shrugged, finding the outside wall of the marui more interesting to look at than her father, "I guess so."

Jake nods, deciding now was the time as good as any, "I was wondering if you and I could go to the Spirit Tree. I thought you might want to visit your brother."

Immediately, her posture shrinks and her eyes lower to her feet, and Jake was half afraid that she might burst into tears. Meanwhile, Y/n was thinking back to what Ronal had told her, wondering about both Neteyam and Ro'a and how they would feel knowing that their sisters were living miserable lives without them. She wanted to be able to live a life Neteyam would be proud of her for, but even now, the idea of looking him in the eye and telling him what she had been up to since his death made her stomach churn, "... I don't think I'm ready for that yet."

"Are you sure?" Pity and concern swim in Jake's own eyes, lifting his hand and settling it gently on his daughter's shoulder, "It might help."

She frowned down at her feet, "Help with what?"

"It's just... you never got to say goodbye."

Her watery eyes peer up at him then, and Jake felt like he was being punched in the gut as venom drips from her words, "You mean I never got to watch him die? Nobody got to say goodbye, Dad."

"He wanted to say goodbye. He was trying to," What kind of a father was he if he couldn't comfort his child? Jake scrambled to find the right things to say, and instead, he blurted out what he knew would only make Y/n feel even more distressed, "Neteyam... he wanted me to tell you something. He wanted me to tell you to... to 'find more?'"

He wasn't expecting Y/n to rip herself out of his hold on her, and he wasn't expecting her to stare up at him as if he had burned her, full of pain, shock, and utter betrayal. Her whole body began to shake, but not from crying. Even as tears welled up and fell from her eyes, Y/n's fangs were bared as she began to angrily spat, "That stupid, selfless, self-sacrificing kalweyaveng!"

Jake's posture turns rigid, glaring down at his daughter as if ready to lecture her, appalled by her speaking ill of the dead, "Y/n!"

"Just leave me alone!" She screamed back, too angry to even bother thinking about another lecture from her father. She spun around with the intention to run, but Jake reached out and firmly grasped her arm to keep her from escaping.

"I've done nothing but leave you alone!" She flinched and Jake immediately lowered his voice, exhaling the abrupt anger and forcing himself to calm down, but still spoke sternly, "I have given you your space and time because I knew you were in a lot of pain. I knew how you were feeling because I know what it's like to lose a twin brother. It's time we finally talked, young lady."

"About what?" She asked, keeping her back turned to him.

"About that day. Your side of the story."

Y/n spun back around, tears still spilling from her eyes even as she glared at her father in disgust, "You mean you want me to tell you why I wasn't there to save my brother from dying?"

Jake's grip froze, and for the life of him, Jake couldn't figure out why his muscles refused to move. It was like an arrow had punctured him through the heart, the disgusting accusation still evident on Y/n's face. His anger disappeared, being replaced by shock and disbelief, "What?"

"You heard me."

Jake sucked in a sharp breath. Had she always felt this way toward him? "No, sweetheart, I would never--"

"It doesn't matter if you did or didn't think that, what matters is that's exactly what I expect from you." She straightened out her shoulders, defiant, even through her soft cries. She looked so confident and the fact that she was confident about Jake's behavior made his heart shatter. Since when should a child be so sure of their parent's motivations? "At this point, everything you have done up until now has led me to believe that you would blame me for not being there. After all, that's what you did to Neteyam. You blamed him or held him responsible whenever one of us did anything wrong. So what else should I expect from you now that I'm the older sibling?"

Jake's eyes blink rapidly, voice so quiet he hardly recognized it, "Y/n... I am so, so sorry. That had never been my intention."

She wipes her face with the back of her hand, "It's too late for you to apologize. It's too late for anything you could possibly do to make up for it. Neteyam is gone," her voice cracked under the pressure of such a heavy word. She wished she didn't have to finally admit it, and she wished she felt less angry at the sight of her broken father, staring down at her on the verge of tears, "He had to die for you to realize what you did was wrong. You couldn't have tried to change when he was still alive? No. You couldn't. And I can never forgive you for that."

~~~~~~~~~

Y/n decided to sleep on the very far end of the marui that night, away from her family and their hammocks, with her back turned and outright refusing to speak. Neytiri asked what happened with only her eyes, to which Jake's ears pinned back and he simply looked away, unable to look his wife in the eyes when he admitted that he screwed up. The parents spoke quietly to each other that night, talking about what happened in quiet enough whispers so none of their children could hear. Not that it mattered, since Spider snored loud enough to drown any unwanted sound out.

"Just give her time, Ma Jake... she is young and doesn't fully understand what she says."

Jake tries his best to shake his head, but it was currently nestled comfortably in the crook of her neck, "She's not a little kid, 'Tiri. She's not Tuk. She's old enough to finish her Iknimaya and be considered a warrior of the People. She knows what she's saying, and she's finally saying it. She's going to be sixteen soon, and she is struggling to figure out what that means for her. Her father treats her like an adult and her mother treats her like a child. It's confusing her."

Neytiri lightly pinched his arm, quietly snarling in retaliation, "I treat all my children that way. My babies can grow up all they want. They will stay my babies for the rest of their lives."

Jake smiled into her neck, placing a small kiss there in admiration of how much Neytiri fiercely loved their family. Neytiri smiles to herself and wraps her arms more securely around her husband. They stay like that for a few moments until Neytiri huffs in exhaustion, bringing her hand up to play with his hair, "I can hear your thoughts. Out with them."

He's quiet for far too long like he was trying to pretend he was sleeping to get himself out of it. When Neytiri pinched him again, he finally spoke, "... Our baby is going to be sixteen soon."

Neytiri grows quiet with him, alone together in their home while their children are off in their dreams. Neither of them say it, but they were both thinking about it. Only one of the twins will be sixteen soon and will continue to grow old, while the other will forever remain fifteen, stuck in time. Jake's throat closes up at the thought. He was a twin, left behind by his brother, alone in a world that hated him and his existence. He barely survived on his own, especially in a wheelchair. Then his drinking habits got him kicked out of nearly every bar in the vicinity of his living quarters. His drinks and his wheelchair were never a good mix, and Jake knew if he stayed on Earth any longer, he would have been dead.

Jake knew that Y/n was stronger than him in every way possible. She could never fall as low as he did when Tommy died. He thought by letting her grieve the way she wanted to, the two of them could start over and heal after losing Neteyam. Looking back on his choices, Jake had regretted it, because all the while Y/n was grieving for her brother, she was also believing that her father hated her.

His arms tighten around Neytiri, trying to bury his face even further in her neck when he felt hot tears threatening to spill in the corners of his eyes, "I feel like we're losing her, too..."

"We're not," she spoke sternly, though it cracked under the pressure of her own tears, "We won't. I cannot lose another baby, Jake. I cannot..." She swallows down the bile in her throat, clearing her airway and taking a deep breath to collect herself, "Y/n is not alone. There are other people who are around her every day who love her and want to see her happy. She has more than just us. We will have to accept that we cannot fix everything for our children. Sometimes, we have to let other people do it for us, especially if our children do not want our help."

He hums in agreement, a small weight lifted from his shoulders, but not all of it. Just enough to make him feel secure, at least for the night. His eyes grow heavy and before long, Jake is finally asleep.

Whatever anxiety he felt the night before returned when he woke up the next morning and realized Y/n was already gone.

Neytiri was already awake and calmed him down, claiming that their daughter had left for the day to take a break from everything. When Jake asked if Neytiri knew where she went, his wife only shook her head, "I knew it would be best not to ask. Wherever she is going, she does not want us to follow her."

Despite their talk yesterday, Jake didn't feel the least bit reassured. He tried not to let it bother him as he goes about his day, taking a break from his usual chores to watch his other kids play around in the water. He should have been doing this from the beginning, watching over all of his children so they could enjoy their innocence just a little bit longer, instead of having Neteyam or Y/n do it. By noon, the children were all exhausted from playing and Lo'ak even asked if he was allowed to go check on Payakan. Jake almost agreed, but his anxiety got the better of him, "You can, but only after your sister returns. I... don't want more than one of you being apart right now."

And surprisingly, Lo'ak accepted his father's explanation and it threw Jake through a loop. Who knew that actually communicating with your kids will lead them to understand you a bit better? After he brought the kids home to eat lunch with their mother, Jake noted how Y/n was not back yet and so he told Neytiri that he was going to look around. She rolled her eyes but nodded.

Jake searched for places he's seen his daughter in the past but found no one that fit her description. He then went into the jungle to check on her ikran, and to his surprise, Evi was still there, confused but curious as to why her rider was not with him. Bob hissed at Jake with annoyance, clearly offended by the lack of attention around here, so Jake took him out for a short flight, using the bond to instruct him where to go.

The next place he looked for her was the Spirit Tree, flying half a dozen circles around the whole area to see if he could spot Y/n, but came up empty. Jake tried not to full-blown panic, and so did his best to fly home and try not to think about it too much. He told Neytiri that he had never been able to find Y/n by the time the whole village was starting to trickle back home for the day. The sun was still out and everyone was going around to start making preparations for the communal dinner. Now Neytiri was starting to get worried and voiced her concerns. So finally, Jake did what he should've done before and made a trip to the chief's marui.

"Have either of you seen Y/n?"

Ao'nung and Tsireya's heads perk up at Jakesully's voice and the mention of Y/n. Both of the reef siblings glance at one another from inside the hut while they could hear Toruk Makto speaking to their parents outside, "We looked everywhere. She's not with her ikran. We checked the Spirit Tree. Nothing."

Tonowari's voice spoke next, "Do you think she is in trouble? We can have a search party sent out for her."

Jake's voice sounded resigned, ashamed, "No, I think she just wants to be left alone. We had a fight yesterday and she ran off before we woke up. But if it gets dark out, I'd appreciate the search party."

Silence followed and Ao'nung could only assume that Jake had left. The reef boy's heart was loudly beating in his ears to the point he had barely noticed Tsireya gently placing her hand on his arm. He spares a glance at her and regrets it. She only stared back as if she held the all-knowing Eywa in her hands. The siblings part when their parents reenter the marui, and Ronal's eyes immediately found her son's with the same knowing expression her daughter bore.

"You know where she is, don't you?"

She's met with silence, the whole hut practically heavy in it as Ao'nung only stared back with a guilt-ridden expression. Tonowari sighed out through his nose, ridding himself of the heavy weight of the situation. He lifts his arm out to the doorway, "Go, boy. Bring her back."

Ao'nung quickly nods and rises to his feet, "Yes, Father."

While watching her son leave, Ronal calls out, "Make haste. I do not want her mother to worry for much longer."

~~~~~~~~~

Ao'nung didn't waste any time. He called an ilu and took off, leaving the village behind him as he followed the beach further up the island. As he arrives at Sänrr Rong, he found a lone ilu, strapped to a harness but floating around without a rider, diving down and inspecting the coral to keep itself busy. Ao'nung disengages from his own ilu and watches the pair going around excitedly playing together before he got out of the water to climb the cliff. He grabs onto vines and rocks and pulls himself up, briefly remembering what the forest kids had done to climb up faster the last time they were all here. He eventually reaches the top, pulling himself over the ledge and catching his breath, exhausted in his haste to get up here. The wind was whipping wildly through his hair as he looks around, immediately finding what he had been looking for.

Y/n was sitting close to the edge of the cliffside where the kids would normally dive from. She had her legs tucked up to her chest and rested her chin on her knees, looking out onto the vast ocean, her mind far away. She wanted to go somewhere quiet, somewhere not many Na'vi travel alone. She hadn't been here in a long time, remembering the last time she had gone to the Glow Tunnel. All the kids were there, having a blast, even having a picnic whenever they took a break from jumping into the water. Y/n stayed on top of the cliff the whole time, still refusing to ever take the leap. She stayed with the basket full of fruit whenever one of her other friends or siblings came around looking for a refreshing treat. She remembered laughing and warning them about stomach aches, especially when Rotxo insisted on chowing down a whole fruit on his own before jumping in for a swim. He regretted that by the time he had climbed back up the cliff, taking a nap instead of rejoining the fun.

Neteyam never looked younger than in those moments at Sänrr Rong, having fun and enjoying being fifteen. He loved cliff diving, especially when he and Lo'ak would race to the bottom or back up to the top. He was always trying to convince Y/n to join them, but each time, she refused and would watch her twin leap into the sky and plummet down into the water.

Now, she sat alone, wishing that her brother was there to ask her to join in the fun. She didn't have to delve into those thoughts for much longer as finally, she heard rustling behind her, footsteps slowly making their way toward her. Eventually, Ao'nung sat down beside Y/n, as he always does nearly every day since she lost her brother, and like always, they sit in silence before eventually, the curiosity ate at him.

"What are you doing up here?"

"Waiting for you." She responds automatically, rising to her feet before her courage could disappear, "Jump with me?"

He peers up at her, surprised, eyes flicking from her face down to her hand when she offered it to him. Ao'nung gulps down the nerves and reaches up, marveling at how small her hand was in his as she helped him rise to his feet again. Ao'nung tries not to keep staring at their joined hands, taking a moment to curl one of his fingers around her smallest, the pinky, the one he used to tease about to her and her siblings relentlessly. Looking back, even Ao'nung wanted to punch himself in the face. There was nothing wrong with the extra finger. In fact, if nothing else, an extra finger just means more to hold.

Realizing he still hasn't answered Y/n's question, he glanced back up to her eyes, blue meeting yellow, like a sun meeting the ocean, "Frakrr."

She beams up at him with her eyes, and her hand clasps more firmly into his. Looking down at the edge of the cliff, she sees the height, the fall, and the water down below. A chill runs down her spine, but it's more from the wind running through her hair than the fear. The wind felt like a comforting hand on her head, urging her forward, and she was not afraid.

Neither of them counts or speaks. Without looking to one another for reassurance, the two teens jump. They both scream, but it's out of delight and excitement, a rush running through them as they fall, fall, fall.

SPLASH.

It was like Y/n blinked and she missed it. One moment she was at the cliff's edge, then the next she was in the water, holding her breath while simultaneously clutching onto Ao'nung's hand so he couldn't get away even if he wanted to. She looked back to find him, and he was already smiling at her, grinning from ear to ear, eyes full of pride and adoration. He pulled his hand out of hers but only so he could excitedly sign to her, 'You did it!'

Y/n mistakenly laughs underwater, the sound muffled by the sea that runs into her mouth. She sputtered, and Ao'nung tries not to laugh himself, taking Y/n's hand back and helping her swim up to the surface. When she emerges from the water, she was still smiling as she coughed, and to Ao'nung it was one of the most baffling and wonderful sights. It was like watching a baptism. Before, she was just a shell, now she smiled, full of life and love and hope.

The Na'vi believe that every person was born twice, and Ao'nung was starting to believe he had just seen it happen with his own two eyes.

They found themselves laughing. Not sure at what, just laughing, likely from the adrenaline rush. It was definitely fun, and Y/n would love nothing more than to climb back up that cliff and jump again. All those other times she and the other teens would come here, and to think she had missed out on all that fun. She never wanted to miss another second of it. Through her laughter, she had closed her eyes. When she opened them, Ao'nung was still right in her field of view. He still laughed, head floating over the water, flyaways of his hair sticking to the sides of his head, framing his face. Y/n's heart leaped in her chest, similar to the cliff dive. She wadded closer to him, barely to the point Ao'nung didn't notice. They were close now, but Ao'nung didn't realize this until he took a moment to catch his breath and noticed that Y/n was no longer laughing. He opened his eyes and his laugh cuts off, eyes widening out of curiosity, wondering what she was doing.

She laughed under her breath when he looked at her like a curious little puppy. Her laugh is infectious so he continues to do the same, and suddenly her nerves have escaped her. The rush is still there, beating loudly in her chest. Every thought in her head continuously tells her to 'jump, jump, jump!'

Y/n took the leap again, only this time, she jumped at the right opportunity to kiss Ao'nung, silencing their shared laughs and molding their lips together in perfect harmony. If it weren't for the crashing sounds of waves, Y/n thought Ao'nung would be able to hear just how loud her heartbeat was. But he was otherwise occupied, one of his arms automatically finding their home around her waist, the other arm keeping them afloat above water. He eagerly kissed back without hesitation. It was like he knew she was going to kiss him, but didn't at the same time. It was hard to explain. He was obviously surprised by the kiss but he didn't hesitate to respond, knowing that this was something he desperately wanted but had refrained himself from taking it. He was happy to wait for Y/n for as long as she needed, but when she kissed him, Ao'nung decided that he was allowed to be selfish, just this once, until Y/n is ready again.

It was hard for her to admit, but Y/n liked it when Ao'nung was selfish. When she had to part the kiss for air, he had eagerly chased after her for more, and that only made her heart swell in adoration. She giggled, rewarding him a small peck on his mouth whilst she gasped quietly for air, leaning her forehead against his. They embrace like this for a while, basking in the peace and the overwhelming happiness breathing between them, listening to the serene sounds of the ocean and feeling the rushing heartbeat of the person they held in their arms.

Of course, all good things must come to an end. And who else was able to ruin such a moment than Fish Lips himself, "If you wanted to get me alone, Forest Girl, all you had to do was ask."

Y/n scowled lightheartedly, rolling her eyes and pulling a laugh from him as he leans forward and kisses her cheek. She can't help but smile, watching her hands rest comfortably in the spaces between Ao'nung's shoulders and neck, gently pressing her thumbs into his muscle there.

"I knew you'd just find me here eventually."

"Mm. True," Ao'nung grins, "I'll play this hide-and-seek game of yours again if that means you'll kiss me each time as a reward."

The laugh she lets out is the most obnoxious one by far, a downright mockery of him as she playfully flicks his cheek with her finger, "Don't push your luck, Seaweed Brain. And unless you want to deal with our parents when we get back, you need to stop smiling like an idiot."

Oh, shit. The parents. 

A/N: She did what Neteyam told her to do. 'Find more'

NOT the end of the series! More to come soon! If you have a request, put in the ask box! Please read the rules first before you leave a request, thank you!

[unnoticed-poison]

Dark! Yandere! Hazbin Hotel Various X Reader -Trailer Chap-

I got obsessed with this show so I decided why not write a yandere fic for it for fun.

I'm gonna post chapter one here as well, but then future chapters will most likely be posted on AO3, Wattpad and Quotev, the links will be posted soon.

˖๑‧˚꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦˚‧๑˖˖๑‧˚꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦˚‧๑˖

Everyone was familiar with the screams and pleads of terror and despair that echoed throughout the city, hundreds of demons, in a state of panic, could be seen running in the streets in desperation, terrified at the sight of the angels, who had determined smiles on their faces as they chased them down with the intent to end their lives, prompting them to run even faster, trying to escape their impending doom that was closing in on them.

Amidst all the chaos, in one of the buildings from the distance, unaffected by the madness, a low yet soft voice rang out, reading out loud from a book, seemingly oblivious to the horror happening outside.

"- Lucifer found her and the rebellious dreamers fell deeply in love-"

It was a story they'd read countless times before, but oh it never failed to bring them joy and comfort.

"She empowered the demon kind with her voice and her songs-"

Despite the screams of terror outside were practically impossible to ignore, this particular story offered a temporary escape from their worries, even for just a little while.

"And their dream was passed down to their precious son, the prince of hell."

The end.

....

The man let out a deep sigh as he gently shut the book and gazed out the window at the chaos. " Don't worry Mom, I'll make this work, I promise."

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 it takes.

"Charles, I enjoy your theatrics and all, I really do, but this is literally the fifth time you've repeated the same story to yourself."

A voice rang out behind him suddenly, making him turn his head in fright.

"Shit Dicckie! I didn't see you there." He let out a nervous chuckle. "Did you hear all that?"

Dicckie nodded. "Yeah, I literally just said that."

"Sorry, you know I always get worked up during an extermination." He smiled down at the book in his hands. " This book always helps, even for just a moment."

It was better than nothing...

"Don't worry, I love hearing your voice anyways, but you know you can always talk to me-"

Before he could finish his sentence, a deafening explosion echoed through the air, making them jolt in surprise and fright as they turned to the source of the noise.

Looking out the window, the men watched as an entire airship crashed into the buildings below, the group of exterminators who had taken it down cheered and high-fived one another before parting ways.

.......

Charles sighed. "They're extra ruthless this year, huh.."

It just gets worse and 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 each year.

.......

Dicckie struggled to find something to say to comfort the prince, before remembering what he was here for in the first place. " Hey, how about we go see what Alastor prepared for our commercial? That will take your mind off.. this."

Charles smiled, setting the book aside before standing up and grabbing his hand. "You're right! He should be done with it by now, let's go."

Dicckie smiled back at him, pleased to see him so enthusiastic again, it suited him better. "There you go, I'm positive he did an amazing job," he said, though he couldn't mask the slight hesitation in his tone.

At least, he hoped he did.

That radio freak better have made something 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥.

˖๑‧˚꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦˚‧๑˖˖๑‧˚꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦︶︶₊꒷꒦˚‧๑˖

I wanted to continue MC's part but I don't have much free time so I decided to end the trailer here

My friend told me to name vaggie Dicckie cause

Vaggie = vagina

So automatically

Dicckie= Dick 😭😭😭

[whore-ibly-hot]

💚👻Yan!Harold Biddle Hc's💚👻

"Viewer beware, you're in for a scare."

18+ Minors DNI

Warnings: Yandere themes, dark behavior, possession, general spooks, serial killer, bullying, angst teen ghost boy?

AN: Requested by an Anon, this man has me down so bad, and I hope this inspires others to write for him. I love both old and new goosebumps media, and how our reader meets Harold is VERY similar to the goosebumps TV show episode 'The Phantom of the Opera'. Enjoy and happy belated Halloween! Go watch Goosebumps on Disney ➕️. Never done an HC before...

👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚

💚In a situation for Harold to grow truly attached to someone, you would have to be from out of town, or visiting a family member, perhaps. Harold is filled with such hatred for his former classmates and there spawn, that even those who didn't kill him, he knows stood idly by and ignored him in school. Because of this, he probably wouldn't want the son or daughter of a former classmate.

👻Maybe you moved to Port Lawrence with your family, whether for work or a fresh start, or maybe your a distant cousin of one of the people in town. As long as you aren't a direct descendant, Harold will have an easier time coming to terms with these feelings.

💚Being new in town was hard for you, nerve wracking even. Everyone at this school seemed to have a clique or group, and even the loners had their own things going on. Luckily, you caught wind through overhearing some classmates that a party was being held on Halloween night. Hoping to make some real friends, you donned a costume and set out.

👻The address had been kind of hard to find, some old, blocked off road with a creepy mansion at the end. Still, the party was in full swing, teens dancing and drinking, strobe lights and shitty music filled the main room of the house. You asked one of your classmates, Lucas, about the house.

"Oh, yeah. Some kid died here like, a hundred years ago or something. Big explosions, a fire..." A skinnier boy in a cat costume cut him off. "Don't listen to Lucas, it wasn't a hundred years ago, dude. It was like, the 90s." He rolls his eyes.

💚A little uneasy about sneaking into a house, much more the site of a gruesome death, you tried to enjoy the party. After a few drinks, Dr. Pepper, you weren't trying to call your parents to take you home, you went looking for a bathroom.

This would prove pretty difficult. That same boy from earlier, Lucas, ate worms, and was puking in bathroom number one. The second bathroom was locked, and from the groaning and smacking inside, you could tell you didn't want to know what was going on inside.

👻This had left you with not choice but to go to the bathroom in the basement. Standing at the edge of the stairs and looking down the dark hallway, floored with rickety wooden steps, you had gathered your courage and descended.

💚Biddle had expected company, but unlike the mask he coerced Isabella into taking, or the camera he snuck in Isaac's bag, you didn't take anything. He waited for another, foolish teen to take something. He had a few items set out for specific peoples... but, he wasn't against another thief falling victim to his cursed items.

👻However, you surprised him. Just looked for the bathroom door, went, and then headed right back up to the party. When Mr. Bratt came home, the teens scattered, to cars and into the woods. Harold used this time to torment Allison, his burned, ghostly form shrieking at her. She had screamed in terror, and Isaiah soon found her.

💚You were driving home, but took pity and stopped to help a few of your classmates whose rides had fled. After several hours of dropping people off, you were finally able to get back home. A pair of pale ghostly eyes watched you from the window of your room. No one else had stopped to help their friends, much less strangers. How nice you were...

💚As days went by, and mysterious terrors afflicted the teens of Port Lawrence, you grew close to some of them. A busy body named Margot, a cheer leader named Allison, and a jock named Isaiah. All shared and English class with the new teacher (and owner of the Biddle house), Mr. Bratt. Mr. Bratt was odder at sometimes than others, almost like he was fighting with himself. He was always tired and dark eyed.

👻From deep inside, viewing the world through Mr. Bratt, Harold would observe the teens. It was just as he remembered it, the gossip, the catty looks and the fake smiles. But nothing sickened him more than watching you interact with the others, so sweet and kind, but only friends with the filth in this town.

👻On your end, you really liked Mr. Bratt. He was a funny teacher, always cracking jokes and saying something odd. He always gave you perfect grades, which was odd because you noticed you had gotten a few questions wrong when you would compare projects and assignments to classmates. Still, he was a great teacher.

💚Harold wasn't a fool. He had always been smart when he was alive, and his evil intentions had made him no less cunning. He knows he can't pursue you romantically as long as he's possessing a teacher. He'd rather not get his possession vessel arrested and sent to jail. He doesn't want his house empty, not right now.

👻When he heard you had taken up the role of a tech member for the drama department, he formed a plan. The old elevator platform to the schools abandoned basement was 'accidentally' left open, a gaping hole in the dark of the stage.

💚You unfortunately weren't aware of this, and had stayed late to finish some lighting set up. As you close up and turn out the overhead lights, the floor had felt as those it disappeared beneath you. As you plummet, you let out a pitch scream. It wasn't a long fall, not even that deep, but it hurt. Your hips and ankle were aching, throbbing, and red hot tears had begun to stream from your cheeks. You felt to scared to stand or move, but it was late. How were you supposed to get out of here?

👻As you whimpered, you heard a sound in the silence. Just then, a sound from the side. It sounded like a creaking floor panel.

"H-hello? Is someone there?" You called out fearfully. A boy, haired curly and tall looms over you. His eyes have dark circles, his face almost blends into the shadows of the basement, but... you chalk it up to blurry vision and bad lighting.

💚"Aw... how'd you end up down here?" He asked, voice low and slow as he had tilted his head. "I'm on tech crew, I fell. I think my ankle is... twisted or something. Could you help me?" She asks.

"Of course..." he drawled. His eyes darkened and a grin tugged at his cheeks as he said the next statement. "What kind of sick, sick monster would leave someone to die in a basement, all alone?" He said. You gulp and chuckle awkwardly. "Well, it's just my ankle. Don't think I'm dying." You joked.

👻"Course not. Come on." He had extended his hand to you, and hoisted you up against him with surprising strength. Despite the soft flannel shirt he was wearing, his skin felt frigid to the touch, yet oddly warm, an icey burning sensation could be felt where his hand was still on your arm.

"Should be a lever... right over-" he looks around, the snaps his fingers and points. "Right there." You had both hopped on the platform. "How'd you know how to get out of the basement, I heard it's been blocked off like, forever." She asks.

💚"I guess I just, know more than other people." He shrugs. Once he had helped you out of the school, you had gone to your car. Fidgeting with your keys, you faced away from him as you unlocked your car. "What did you say your name was?" You ask.

👻"Doesn't matter. Just a friend." When you turn to him with a confused look, he's gone. You looked around, but tired, you drove from the lot.

💚Back at the Biddle Manor, while Mr. Bratt tried to get a peaceful night of sleep without being possessed for once, Harold is in the basement, playing with the Polaroid camera Isaiah had tried so hard to destroy. He wonders, can it just take normal photos if he wills it too? He has other things to attend too, he can't always watch you, but he'd love a few pictures of you.

👻Even if the camera could only take pictures of your fate, maybe it wouldn't bother him too much. What would the future hold? Would you be with him? He hoped so, but the idea of what he could see that would displease him swayed him away from that path. No, he'll stick to watching you through Bratt, when he can, or through your windows on those precious nights you leave a curtain open.

💚As he sits in the room of his demise, he looks at his hands, black char marks occasionally appearing. For once, he doesn't focus on the burning rage and actual burning feeling that courses through his body. No, this warmth is softer. The warmth from when you touched him and he touched you. Contact, from someone who cared. Someone who he saw every private moment of, just to ensure that you had only pure intentions with everyone you met. Would you betray him if you knew, what he was like, who he was? He shakes his head. No. He holds all the cards now. He won't be weak ever again, he won't let you slip away.

👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚👻💚

General bonus hc's:

💚Harold only wears what teens at Port Lawrence high now think of as 'grunge'. Oversized sweatshirt, flannels, loose pants. He has never once brushed his hair, even when he was alive. He doesn't hate that grunge is popular now though. He enjoy leaving a flannel or a Jean jacket in your closet, hoping you'll assume one of your parents gifted it to you.

👻You can always tell when his ghost in nearby, even if he's not visible there are tells, even if you don't realize what they are pointing too. You might feel a stinging if he passes by, a side effect of the pain from his burns. The smell of smoke and dark room chemicals fills the air if he's around, and you feel like your being watched.

💚He'd like to kiss you, or hold you, but he's not ready to even attempt that, much less a real introduction. He's got a lot going on right now. For now, you'll only see him around town, at night when your alone. At a bus stop? Oh, that mysterious boy from the other night us passing by. Buying a snack? He's got some spare cash. Walking home alone at night? Good thing his lanky silhouette can be seen leaning out from under a streetlight. Don't worry, he'll walk you home. You wouldn't believe the sort of monsters that live in this town, that lurk. It's enough to give you goosebumps...

You wonder why you always forget to ask his name...

[futurecorps3]

okay but imagine meeting nikolai at a masquerade ball :00

𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞

Masterlist<3

Summary: A pleasant surprise in the masquerade's ball. Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x fem!reader Warnings: None I think!! Word Count: 1.4K Requested: Yes

A/N: THE ROMANCE THAT MASQUERADES CARRY HAS ME ON A CHOKEHOLD SINCE I SAW THIS REQUEST TYSM NONNIE! hope u like it and don't mind it's a bit short. <3

˚ · • . ° .

The corset was far too tight. She didn't get to wear her favorite color. The heels were killing her. More than two men had already approached her with terrible openers and she just wanted to go home. Y/N was really trying not to be selfish. She truly was; this night was very special for her father, as the masquerade ball was the first royal event her family could attend.

After years of bad luck with her parents' work, somehow, with savings and a recent escalade of people needing construction materials from all over the continent, they developed a small fortune into a big family-owned business that produced lots of money, meaning they went from being a middle-class family in Os Alta to making business with nobles on behalf of the king.

Word got around, and long-story short, his youngest daughter was forced to attend this ball with her parents. Looking around the room, there was no way they fit in here, but it was a dream of her father's, so she opted to get a tad tipsy with champagne and dance a little before she could go home. The room smelt like booze, expensive perfume, and laughter could be heard from every corner.

What did they find so amusing? From her point of view, the things she now had to get used to were pointless, boring and merely there to make positive appearances with the royal family, who wouldn't bat an eye at them, scarcely noticing their attempts. The girl sighed, watching some other boy in a fancy suit and golden mask approach her from the front, ready to reject him "nicely" as her father had suggested.

Then, a voice.

"This is all incredibly stupid." Simple.

Y/N turned around, finding a blonde head of hair with a blue mask staring at her. He was sporting a uniform like jacket with some medals over it and golden details all over... a general's son, surely. She wasn't sure if he was speaking to her or just wondering out loud since he was sweaty and short of breath, probably from dancing. However, he seemed to have read her mind, and that was enough to start a conversation.

"It is, people trying to impress people who won't even look at them directly in the eye." She chuckled, sinking into her glass of champagne, to which the boy gave a surprised stare. "You seem to have it against the royal family". Oh no. This was in no way a good start, or the setting to voice her complaints about the general injustice lived in her country.

"No! Not at all! I just-" "It's okay. I get it. They think they're too good for anyone, even though all these people are the backbone of their country, not the institution they represent. Ravka would be nothing without its people". A sigh of relief. Did this mystery man get it? He surely wasn't poor or looked like he could care less about social injustice and unfair judgments.

"How would you know?" She questioned, and he was amused, very amused. "Well, let's say I've done my own research over this land, contrary to my family's wishes". His family's wishes? Military men and women came from usually underprivileged areas. Maybe he was the son of some snobbish general who didn't want his precious boy to hang around peasants, but he decided against it.

Suddenly, he enveloped her hand in his, kissing the back of it while looking into her eyes. "Nikolai Lantsov", he introduced himself, lowering it back next to a seemingly limp body.

Oh.

People said he'd show up, but no one really believed it after many failed reunions who promised the prince's attendance. She should bow, her mom told her that she should if she ran into some member of the royal family. Her body reacted to her thoughts, grabbing a fistful of fabric around her and bending her knees in a polite bow. "Moi tsarevich... I'm so sorry, you must know I don't think sorely of our king and queen, it was merely an observation. Apologies".

Nikolai was awfully quiet. Y/N's head was down and all she could see were his shoes and people passing by. Then he laughed. He laughed. "Come on, dear, get up" he offered her his hand and stood straight once again, red in her cheeks. "First of all, call me Nikolai-" "Y/N" "-call me Nikolai, Y/N. Second, no need to apologize as I do think sorely of my family's ruling over the country. And third, that's not how I wanted to make you blush so please calm down, it's okay".

How could that ever be okay? Yes, the younger prince was greatly known for having major discrepancies with his parents and the model of government that was being followed, but it was only okay if HE said it. Not some random girl who just showed up and ran her mouth over the literal king and queen of her nation. She always found a way of fucking up.

"I always talk too much, I'm really sorry moi tsa-" "Nikolai". It felt wrong in her mouth, to be on first-name terms with such an important figure. She said it anyway, that charming smile of his making her weak on the knees and forgetting any kind of stupid hierarchy she was supposed to follow. "Nikolai".

"Why do you assume that's a bad thing?" he said, taking two glasses of whiskey from a waiter who was passing by, downing one and giving her the other "Hm?". She didn't quite hear the question, too focused on how his hands looked with so many pretty rings to the way his eyebrows furrowed briefly at the burning liquid. "Why do you assume talking too much is a bad thing?"

Well, that was new. This entire exchange was, really.

"Well I-" no words. She didn't know. He laughed. "You've been told it is, and I think it to be awfully human, therefore awfully lovely. We like being heard, and there is no reason why we shouldn't be". Another blush crept up her cheeks. Was he always like this? Y/N found, years later, that he had a certain fixation on questioning anything and everything around him.

He questioned limits, pre-impossed ideas, authority, words and virtually anything those beautiful blue eyes laid. Nikolai was that kind of special you find once in your life. "Do you uhm... want to get out of here?" she spat, not really thinking anymore. She wanted more of that. Whatever spell his charm casted upon her was doing wonders. "To where, exactly, darling?" he said, raising his left eyebrow slightly.

Teasingly.

"No, no! By no means am I suggesting something of such nature... I just want to talk to you" "We already are, love" "I'm aware, love. I mean, away from the noise and all these creepily masked people". Silence for a tiny moment. Then he offered his arm out to her, placing the glass he was holding previously on a table and directing his new acquaintance to the back exit.

When they got to the garden, the moon was up and she was the only witness to such an enchanting night for the young prince and the girl. At the time, their lifes didn't fit at all. Two opposites. But oh did their souls knew how to dance. Nikolai found himself at peace, away from the facade he kept around and the appearances to be kept long forgotten as he laughed with Y/N.

"You talk like a book," he said, smiling as they sat near one of the many fountains. You could hear the water streaming down cobblestones and some noises coming from the bushes, the noise from the party becoming merely a background behind their chat. Y/n couldn't help but laugh. "What is that supposed to mean?". Their thighs were touching and she could feel Nikolai tense up a little.

"You do! There are some... things you say that seem taken out of a poetry book." "Like what?" Her cheeks warmed at that, waiting eagerly for an answer to one of the most creative observations someone had made about her. "You said that if love isn't passionate and extraordinary, then it's a waste of time because there are too many mediocre things in life and love shouldn't be one of them" "It's just what I think" she shyly replied, fidgeting with her mask, long gone since they started their walk.

"Then that pretty little mind of yours must be a thrill to discover" "Would you?" "What?" "Like to discover it" "I'd love to, dear" Nikolai smiled sweetly, blue orbs swimming in hers. It was the night the fox found shelter. The night they fell in love.

[grievedeeply]

the less time, the better. pt 4.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

pairing: heimdall x gn!reader

summary: heimdall takes some time to attempt to unpack his feelings. feeling guilty for leaving without saying goodbye, you decide you want to visit your family back at home to explain your choice to go to asgard.

notes: sorry for no heimdall x reader interactions this time buuuut we get atreus. next chapter will prob be similar to this, but i need to keep them apart for a bit so heimdall can think LOL. also, this one is shorter than the other chapters but i don't really care i just wanted to write. this is a bit of a filler anyways LOL

it had taken a bit of consideration, but you had decided to return home to your family. not seeing your brother had an effect on you, and you began to worry about them. you knew they would be worrying about you. you left without a word. you could only wonder how mad your father would be with you, but that was something you would have to deal with when you got there.

you pushed the door open to odin's study, holding your hands together in front of you. you felt almost.. anxious to ask to go home. it wasn't like you were leaving anything important behind in asgard. you brushed the nervousness aside, greeting odin with a thin lipped smile.

"ah. just the person i wanted to see," he said without even looking up from his desk. "we have big things to do. much to accomplish. you still need to make your trip to niflheim, remember?" he finally glanced up at you as he spoke, and he furrowed his eyebrows. "you're not here for that, are you?" he chuckled, standing up from his seat. he moved around the table to stand in front of you, his hands resting on your shoulders. if you didn't know better, you would think he cared about you.

your thoughts moved to his sons. thor, a man torn apart by his father's judgement of him, who only used him for his strength and power. baldur, who died in part because of him. heimdall.. you didn't even know where to start when it came to him. it felt like there was more underneath his glamorous outer shell, but you didn't need to figure that out anytime soon.

"no," you shook your head, "i'd like to go home. visit my family." you told him, and all he did was hum. "you're free to do so. though.. i do need that," he pointed to the mask that hung from your belt with his finger, "back before you go." you took it off, handing it over to him with no hesitation.

"huginn will be waiting for you at your home in midgard when you decide to return." he told you, ravens beginning to swirl around you as they had done so many times in the past. "oh.. and tell mimir i said hello." you said nothing back, and you appeared in your childhood home.

if you focused hard enough, you swore you could feel your mother's presence again.

you closed your eyes, taking in the cool air once more. you turned your attention to huginn, who only cawed at you. "you might he waiting a while." you muttered, the door creaking as you pushed it open. you trudged through the snow, making your way to the mystic gateway that sat in your front yard.

you looked forwards, only being met with a gaping chasm in the ground. it only made you think of baldur, and of odin. you hated that. you remembered fighting him all those years ago.. how desperate he was to feel. how much he hated freya. you remembered it all, and sometimes you wished you didn't.

you opened the door, and stepped onto the branches of the world tree. it had been what felt like forever since you'd been through them, and the closer you came to home the tighter your chest felt. you missed them. you could only hope everything went okay in your absence.

another doorway appeared in front of you, and you found yourself in sindri's yard. ratatoskr was nowhere to be found, which wasn't something that surprised you. he was almost always busy, but you couldn't help but to wonder if he kept his word.

you took in a breath, pushing open the door to sindri's house after a moment of brief hesitation.

"kid?" brok's voice called out, and he took a few quick steps towards you. "you're back!" his volume increased as he spoke, "you are back.. ain't ya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked up at you suspiciously. nice to know some things never change. you laughed, "i'm back."

"good. other kid's been worried sick. your dad, too." he told you, and you pursed your lips. this was exactly what you didn't want, but you knew it would happen. "where are they?" he shrugged his shoulders, "how am i supposed to fuckin' know?" he retorted. you rolled your eyes.

"nice to have you back." he spoke again after a pause, and you smiled down at him. "thanks, brok." you turned your attention away from him and to atreus' room. that's where he would be if he weren't out with your father.

you knocked, letting out a shaky breath. "what?" his voice called back from the other side of the door, and you frowned at the sound of it. you let him down, didn't you? you pushed open the door, and he stood up at the speed of light, holding his hands out to try to close it again. he froze, his mouth falling open at the sight of you.

he took another step, his arms wrapping around your waist without saying a word. you practically melted into his touch. your little brother's hugs were always the best. you rubbed his back, bending down a little to be closer to his height. not like you need to, anymore. he was getting taller every day, it seemed like.

"you went to asgard, didn't you?" he asked, his voice quieter than he'd ever been before. you nodded, "yeah. i did."

"why?"

"you know why, atreus." you whispered with pursed lips. he knew. he just didn't like that you left him. you knew that, too. he was still just a kid. you forgot that, sometimes.

"you should've taken me with you." he muttered, barely loud enough for you to hear. "oh, atreus," you pulled away from the hug, trying to look into his eyes. you sat his hands on his shoulders. he avoided even looking at you. "i missed you too." you told him.

"you aren't staying." he said, and you bit at the inside of your cheek. "no. i'm not. i need to go back. i'm getting close. i can feel it." you assured him, squeezing his shoulders. "stop." he whispered.

"what?"

"stay."

"you know i can't. i need to do this."

"you don't need to do anything alone!" atreus raised his voice, and you sighed. you closed your eyes. "i know. and i would've loved for you to come with me, atreus. you're my best friend. my partner in crime," you chuckled, "but i couldn't risk you getting hurt. me going was enough on father, don't you think?"

atreus swallowed. he was growing into a brave man.. and you couldn't be prouder. "how was it?" he asked after a moment of silence, and you managed to smile. he would understand why you went on your own fully some day, but this was enough for you for now.

"it was.. interesting. i thought about you a lot, you know." you chuckled, tussling his hair with one of your hands. "stop." atreus laughed, leading you back out of his room and into the main area of the house.

"met thor's daughter, thrúd. you'd like her." you told him, pulling out a chair at the wooden table in the middle of the room to sit down in. "thor's daughter?" he raised an eyebrow, "i'd like her?" he shook his head. "she's aesir."

"she's a good kid. you'd like her. trust me." you shrugged your shoulders, taking in the feeling of being home again. "where's father?"

"vanaheim. he should be back, soon." he told you. "why aren't you with him?" you asked, raising an eyebrow. "he's with freya. they're helping her brother with.. something. i don't know what."

you fell into silence, leaning back against the uncomfortable texture of the wood you sat in. "freya?" you raised an eyebrow, last you knew she was wanting to kill him. "yeah." was all he said in response. you said nothing else about it.

"how's he holding up?" you asked, staring up at the ceiling.

"he's definitely not happy. but.. i guess he's okay."

somehow, you knew atreus was telling the truth. your father would understand why you left, even if it made him angry at first. he had to have calmed down a bit by now, and it would be easier to face him whenever he came back. unless you left before he arrived.

"i'll stay. until he gets back. i need to talk to him."

"your funeral." atreus shrugged, throwing a fruit into his mouth that had sat in a bowl on the table.

you had a lot of catching up to do.

you'd let yourself forget about asgard. just for a little while.

it was quiet without you around.

he should be happy about that, shouldn't he? happy that a giant was out of his home, even if it would be for a short amount of time. though, a part of him felt.. different about your absence.

it had already been a few days since you'd left, but he found himself expecting you to be in the mess hall or training— but you were never there. he should be happy about it.

it was too quiet.

it's not like you were loud physically, but your presence was. people knew you were there, and they spoke often about you, even after you'd left. he would hear people speaking of the giant odin brought into asgard, and every time he heard their words, he thought of how you embarrassed him.

you beat him. he remained at a loss. no one else had ever harmed him before. he still didn't know how to react to it. he was curious, but it seemed like you didn't even know how you'd hit him.

'i don't know. just did.' you said to him, weeks ago at this point. you had been in asgard for that long already? it didn't feel like it, at least not to him.

what was that pounding in his chest? it only occurred whenever he thought of you. your stupid.. beautiful.. face, plaguing his mind. he couldn't think of a giant in that way. he couldn't think of you that way. he knew who your father was, and he knew full well what he and the rest of your dastardly family had done over the years. killing thor's sons.. baldur. he had to force himself to remember them.

he didn't care about them too much, anyways. though.. he remembered magni and modi in their younger years. they'd loved him. he remembered them wanting him to fight him, and they would be impressed every time he dodged their child-like swings. they were tiny, then. now, they were gone.

baldur was nothing special, not in his eyes. he thought of forseti— his son. he remembered how he reacted when he found out.

.. you didn't kill them. your father did.

that wasn't you.

he took in a sharp breath, running his hands through his unbraided hair. what was he doing? thinking of you in this way was.. wrong. it was.

'you falling for me, pretty boy?'

your voice.. your tone, sultry and seductive, rang through his ears. he felt your hips in his hands.. he felt you.

what was wrong with him?

was he falling for you?

he let out a breath, tugging at the ends of his hair as he did all those weeks ago when you'd embarrassed him in the courtyard of the great lodge.

he pictured you.

your smile, your eyes.

his heart rate picked up.

this couldn't be happening.

he thought of you again. your kindness, even towards him, when he'd treated you horribly. he thought of your teasing, your voice whispering in his ears as he sat with you in the mess hall.

there was something wrong with him.

you were a giant.

he clenched his jaw.

a part of him wanted to never see you again.

the other.. the other wanted you all to himself.

he gave in to the latter.

he had feelings for you, as unnatural as they were. you were impressive, brave, strong, intelligent, capable.

as much as he thought he hated it— hated you— for making his chest feel the way it did..

his heart pounded against his ribcage.. and this time, he didn't mind.

tags: @graciegizmo3184 @anzanishira @chocokaylarobin @uncoveredsun @caelestis-lyrae @prio-motu @bluehorizon987 @freyrees @ieatmarbles @rohansregret @konigd1cks0ck @smilesdarling @multifand0m-gal0re @huan-chan @rustypotatospork @onlydeas @luna-charlie @orangeflavouredwitch @hayleethefrog @dott-up @imcomingforyourskin @itsnat-bitch @mimothemoth @elizabeth-hatake @spacexplosion @fandomcatchall @ss-kimo @sinfulmatt @lacm-ac @iinterdimensionals @thatspookyagent @kiss-kae @twiistedspades @closet-creature @shawtylikamelody @judyfromfinance @hobistangerine @aikochan4859 @whywouldiknowstuff

[mylifeisfruk4ever]

@bruciemilf Batcat with baby Dick

“You're getting sloppy,” Selina greeted Bruce from the couch.

She liked to surprise the bat and sneak into his house. But it got too easy when the owner of the house left a back window open for her.

"Selina? What are you doing here?" the billionaire asked, having the audacity to look surprised. Here, a woman disappeared for a few months, and she was immediately forgotten. 

She stood up, walking over to him and putting her arms around his neck, "Well, it's Christmas Eve. I've come to unwrap my present."

Selina was the first to acknowledge that she and Bruce didn't have a typical relationship. Heck, even saying they were in a relationship was an exaggeration: they played chasing each other, between the roofs and at galas, both wearing different masks, pathological liars who had recognized each other.

They couldn't be together, not when they had such different morals and both were too stubborn to back down.

Such a pity. For those lips, she would have abandoned anything. It would have taken so little to be happy, but Selina supposed that some people weren't made for happiness.

Bruce gently pushed her away, "Selina, now is not the time."

"Are you afraid your butler won't approve?" she teased him, her arms still around his neck. 

Bruce pursed his lips, "It's not him I worry about."

"So how about we screw up this couch and..."

A small voice interrupted her, "Bruce? Who is with you?"

Selina's eyes widened. Standing by the door was a kid in Superman pajamas, messy black hair, and bleary blue eyes. He looks like a miniature Bruce. 

Bruce seemed to suddenly age ten years, "Selina, this is Dick. Dick, she's...my friend."

Friend seemed a lot better than she is a criminal I occasionally have sex with, but Selina was still too shocked that Bruce Wayne, emotionally stunted and with more trauma than scars, had a child and she didn't know it.

"Do you have a son?" finally the woman blurted out, genuinely surprised.

"Why are you so surprised? Haven't you read the newspapers?"

"I've been busy," she said evasively. Selina hadn't been in Gotham for months, keeping herself off the radar of people she'd pissed off. She had stayed out of trouble long enough not to make the bat suspicious. 

Who would have guessed that Selina was the least of his thoughts?

"Did the mother sue you for alimony? That's why he lives with you now?"

"No, his...his parents...the ropes snapped and they...they didn't make it."

Oh. Oh.

The boy had lost his parents, like Bruce. That's why the man welcomed him. Bruce had seen himself in the boy.

She pulled away from Bruce and smiled at Dick. First impressions mattered.

Dick looked at her warily, "She doesn't look like a friend to me."

"Why do you say that?"

"You look like a thief."

She laughed. Smart boy. Selina told him conspiratorially, "Don't worry. I only steal from those who deserve it."

The boy cocked his head, "Like Robin Hood?"

"Just like him."

"Wow!" he exclaimed, his wondering look making her laugh.

"Does Bruce deserve it?" Dick asked.

Selina hummed, "The only thing I want to steal from him...is his heart."

Behind her, she heard Bruce begin to breathe again. Seriously, who did he take her for? She wasn't that shameless.

"Doesn't it hurt?" Dick seemed genuinely concerned about his new guardian.

"Oh yeah, it hurts a lot. If you want it, go for it. Take a risk. Don't always play it safe or you'll die wondering."

Urgh, she was getting sentimental. It was the fault of the holidays. She used to get corny at Christmas.

Dick blinked, but before he asked any more potentially awkward questions - or something that would force either of them, god forbid, to talk about feelings - Bruce interjected, "Selina came to say hello. She's leaving now."

“She can't stay?” Dick almost begged.

"She seems nice."

"You have to go to sleep or Santa won't come," Bruce reminded him calmly, the softest voice she'd ever heard him use. Fatherhood suited him.

"But I want to see Santa Claus!"

"Well," Selina chimed in.

"We could wait for him together. What do you think?"

"Really?" 

"I could tell you a story while we wait."

Dick nodded vigorously and flung himself onto the couch. Bruce looked at her as if she'd helped Poison Ivy escape Arkham.

Selina sat down next to the overexcited boy, and started rubbing his head. She spoke softly, "You know, even at your age, I was waiting for Santa to come. My mom and I used to make him cookies, putting a lot of chocolate chips in them..."

Selina had never had the luxury of believing in Santa Claus, and sure as hell her mother had never baked cookies.

But the beauty of stories was that they didn't necessarily have to be true to be told. Within half an hour, Dick was asleep on her lap, and Bruce was staring at her in amazement.

"How did you do?"

"He was already tired," Selina explained to him.

"I just had to create the right atmosphere for him to fall asleep. Plus, kittens love it when I give them head scratches."

Bruce snorted, "He's not a kitten."

"You're right. He's a baby bat."

The man shook his head, "He's got too much color in him to be a bat. No, Dick is a bird. He's built to fly much higher than me."

The thief looked at him pityingly, "Oh, Bruce. Birds are fragile creatures."

"I know. Probably, I'll ruin him. But maybe…maybe I can learn to be more human, for Dick."

Selina teased him, "The big bat is getting softer."

"Maybe," was all Bruce answered. He took the sleeping boy by the arm, looking at Selina, "Dick comes first."

"Got it. The child comes first. What about me?"

"You..."

She laughed, "I was kidding, silly. I would never get between a single parent and his child."

"Selina...Dick comes first, but I wouldn't mind if you too...come to visit him more often."

"Are you asking me to be his cat mom?" Selina asked half jokingly and half seriously.

"If you want."

"Mhm...I will think about it."

It wasn't a no. For now, it would have been enough for both of them.

Selina gave him a quick kiss on the lips, and like a teenager on a first date she whispered in his ear, "If you want to come looking for me without the kid, you know where to find me."

Selina left much the same way she had arrived, in a whiff of subtle perfume and mischief, feeling her heart heavy and her mind full of what-ifs.

[allkordelia]

Keep Me Near Your Heart XI

"What was that about?" I asked Aemond, my eyes lingering on Alicent as she talks to Enith and Ser Krey.

I wondered what she was asking them.

"...I don't know." Aemond utters.

I turn away from the queen to look at her favorite son, up close aemond looked miserable, his face was flush and his eyes were averted as we sway together.

"Have you been crying?" Aemond snapped his head up to look at me.

"No!" he exclaimed hastily, "Don't be ridiculous." He brush his hand over his cheeks as he tries to hide the evidence, he sniff looking away making me stare at him a bit longer.

My hand was resting on his arm as his hand rest on my waist, his left hand was attached my own as we shuffle not really dancing as either of was in the mood. I could sense aemond chargin as he clench his jaw and his throat contracted, when he finally had enough he turn away and glare at me.

"Stop staring at me." He hissed.

I narrow my eyes at him for a second, half of my mind wanted to ask what was going on with him and listen like I do with Enith and Ser Krey, knowing how horrible it feels to keep things locked in, I always offer to lean an ear to them. But, the other half of my mind couldn't help but remind me of this man in front of me, the one that hurt me in ways that I never thought possible. My displeasure for Aemond out weight my kindness, so I looked away from him and distracted myself with watching others as they enjoy the feast.

I heard Aemond sigh, he didn't say nothing else as we sway in the same spot, distracting ourselves from our strained marriage.

After what felt like an hour, Aemond stopped swaying making me stop as well and look at him.

"I'm done with this, let's get a drink." He asked bluntly taking his hands away from me.

I thought about for a minute, I only had one drink this entire night and I need atleast three more before feeling dizzy.

"Yeah, why not my feet are killing me anyways." I agreed.

Aemond only nod, he held out his elbow for me, I took it without a second thought and aemond lead me through the sea of lords and ladies, we finally found a servant serving wine. Aemond pluck two glasses from the platter just as the servant walked away to attend to other guests, he pass one to me and held the other near his lips.

I was about to take a sip from my cup when I heard my name being called by a familiar soft and unappaling voice. We turn to see Lady Weaver and her husband, Lord Weaver, he walk a step behind his wife. She walk with a small smirk when her eyes landed on me.

As Lord Weaver took to pulling Aemond away, his wife took to torment me.

"Princess Jaenara, so nice to see you again," Lady Weaver bows her head, I return her pleasantries, "I grew worried when I saw you swift away, are you alright?" She asked.

I smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I'm fine now, just needed to..." Get away from you and your horde of imbeciles, "...talk to my grandfather."

Lady Weaver nod her head slowly with a look, she put on a mask of uncertainty before talking.

"Oh, that's good to hear, I thought you left because of me." I did. I smiled holding in what I really wanted to say and choose the better option. 

"What? Why would you think that." I questioned.

Lady Weaver glance at Aemond and her husband, before she look back at me as she make her closer to me. I give her weird look, glancing her up and down at her close proximity.

"When I saw you leave, I thought it was because of...you know..." she starts with a look making me quirk a brow at her, "...baby talk and I know you lost your little girl moons ago, and I just felt so awful about talking like that in front of you." She lowered her voice when she mentioned my baby, I couldn't help but look at her in surprised.

"Oh, n-no, you...no, I was barely listening, so hard feelings..." I trail off not know what else to say.

Lady Weaver squint her eyes at me with a look for a second before plastering on a calm expression.

"Oh, that's good to hear then," I hum in response, not liking the edge in her tone, "It must be hard for you...to talk about her I mean." I tilt my head to the side.

"Sometimes."

Lady Weaver hums.

"I can't imagine going through that, I think I'll just die if that befalls any of my sons." I nod not giving her a response, she so good at acting it's amazing, I wonder if she thinks I'm that sheltered that I can't tell when she's pretending, I may not listen to every conversation these women had but I have listened in from time to time to know that these proclaim good mothers treat their children more like pawns than actual children, I glance at Aemond as Lord Weaver talks to him, "How did she go again?" She asked making me look back at Lady Weaver.

One of the things I disliked about Lady Weaver was her disingenuousness, every word she spoke to me, never sounded sincere or genuine. I always that every word she spoke was a jab, and like always her jabs goes from mean  to plain ignorance.

"...The maester doesn't have a term for it yet, but from what I was told, she went to sleep and..." I stopped to take a second, "...didn't wake up." I finish suddenly solemn.

It took days of begging from me to finally get told happened to Visenya, I could see how it pained Enith to speak about it. It was rather irksome to hear, one moment Enith was holding the fussing baby rocking her to sleep and then, no more than a hour, she goes to check on the babe only to find visenya not moving. It took so much in me to not curse the gods, to not get on vermithor and tear down the sept. I thought it was unfair that the gods delivered her to me safely knowing she was too early to be born, it felt like a cruel joke as I remembered how she looked. How can they give me that beautiful child, and then snatch her away?

"That's so horrible." I nod my head numbly, "...but, atleast she's with the gods now, safe and protected being looked after by her brothers and sisters." I snap my eyes at her, my upper lip almost curls at her words.

"Excuse me?" I asked tersely.

A look of panic colored lady weaver's pale face,  she mask it with  shock and backtracked.

"Forgive me, that was insensit--"

"Yes, it was." I resorted, Lady Weaver pressed her lips together, "Now, I see what the queen talks about when I'm not around." I huffed.

"The Queen doesn't, she didn't--"

"I know she did, so spare me." I snapped again.

Lady Weaver looked at me worried.

"Please, don't tell the queen." She whispered pleading as she take a step closer, "If she knew she have my family and I banished from court," I stare blankly at her in silence, it seems each second that I didn't say something the more she panics, "Please, princess, you can't tell her, I can't be the reason my husband was thrown out, he will never forgive me and-and he resent me for it. Oh, please, princess, you are the only one with a soul in this place, show me mercy."

I smirk in her face making her frown.

"I can't help you, but I can give you some advice," I offered with a sickly sweet smile, "If he takes a mistress, you think about taking some more hobbies."

The older woman twisted her face and scrunch up her nose at me.

"I thought you were suppose to me the kind one, but I see Alicent was right." I cross my arms over my chest, "Your just dense." She spat.

I turn away from her, I look beside me to Aemond to see him facing Lord Weaver but telling by the way his hand is clench in fist and his square jaw made come to the conclusion he was listening in. For how long? No idea. I look back at Lady Weaver to see her with the same scrunch up look, how easily she change from panic to penurious, I wonder what fear did the queen input in a lady like Lady Weaver to cause her to be so scared of Alicent. Until it clicked.

"Dense." I said slowly letting it roll off my tongue as I stare at the her thoughtful, "Is that what you also think of me, lady weaver?" She look at me with a sneer.

"Dense isn't the word I use for you, but yes," she said.

I hum.

"What would you use to describe me, lady weaver." I inquired.

"Where do I begin, maybe i start off with simple, and then work my way up to dull then back to dense," She jeer with a grin, "And finishwith pathetic, from what the queen said that fits you perfectly." She finish with a careless small smile, "When the queen first told us about you, I didn't think you survive this long, the queen and I even talking about marrying my daughter off to aemond when you were bed ridden after the birth, she felt that my sweet flower would make a better wife than uou." I raised my brow.

"You mean the same sweet daughter that was found on her hands and knees with the stable boy by the creek?"

Lady Weave's eyes widen.

"H-How–" she stuttered.

"Or are you talking about the one seen leaving a pillowhouse." I cock my head with a small cocky smile, "Are you talking about those daughters?" Lady Weaver glared at me, "Your not the only one who knows things, my lady." The older woman snarl at me, her eyes held so much anger that it made me smile wider.

I had no one to thank but enith and her gossipy mouth, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't know what be going on around the castle half of the time.

"My daughters still would have made a better match than you," I roll my eyes, doubting her words knowing that those girls would have been treated way worse than me.

"If you had any love for your daughters, you would rethink that." I unfold my arms and lift my cup to my lips.

Lady Weaver scoff now roll her eyes.

"What would you know," She hiss before she curl her lips giving her a dark look,"Your not a mother, probably never will be, you have no idea what I would do for my children."

Her words were like a slap in the face for me, there was time I did think that I was barren. That I will never have children, it was nice thought for a while until I went to visit the orphans in fleabottom. It's hard to ignore the warm feeling my chest when I see them, I want a child just not when aemond, its bad enough that we're married I don't want a child to bond us.

"Apologize." A gruff voice says breaking me out of my thoughts.

I blink twice before looking at Aemond as he stood towering over us, when did he get here, he glare at Lady Weaver as her husband stood behind the young man with a nervous look.

Lady Weaver was facing Aemond with a shock and terrified look.

"O-oh, I didn't..." He fix her with a look making her ditch trying to backtrack, "I-I'm sorry, my prince--."

"Not to me." His voice firm and hard, he motion his head to me, "To her."

Lady Weaver looked ill all of the sudden when aemond glance at me, she open and close her mouth, for the first time since we meet Lady Weaver is lost for words.

"Well?" Aemond snapped. 

Lady Weaver glance between Aemond and I, she finally face me again, I could tell she was having a hard time spotting the words out, so her husband helped her.

"For gods sake, gwendys, apologize." Lord Weaver hiss from beside Aemond.

I glance at lord Weaver as he glares at his wife, I turn my eyes back to Lady Weaver to see her cringe at her husband's stern voice before clearing her throat.

"I...I'm sorry, princess." She said reluctantly with her eyes averted.

"For." Aemond continues.

"Being rude." She swallow the lump in her throat.

"And."

"And speaking out of line." She adds.

"And." Lady Weaver's eyes widen when she looked Aemond, the prince stared back at her with empty expression as he waits.

"A-And for..." She glance at Aemond unsure what else to say but looks back at you, "...being disrespectful and calling you all those bad things, I'm sorry." She finished, she looks at aemond for approval.

But, Aemond was staring me, I look back at him with similar look.

"I'm not apologizing to her." I deadpan.

The corner of Aemond's mouth lifted for a second before righting itself.

"I don't expect you too, I was going to ask if  you accept lady weaver's apology." I make a face of realization, I glance at the  brunette woman who stare back at me with a look of help making me turn back to aemond.

"I guess." I said with a bored tone.

Aemond looks at me with that familiar glint in his orb, I roll my eyes as he smirks at me.

"Leave us." He turns with a dark look at Lady Weaver.

She swallows before bowing her head at aemond before me, she hurries away with her husband in toe.

I shook my head watching after her, I look away bringing my cup to my lips and down the delicious wine, without a thought. It was quiet between aemond and I again, we stood around watching everyone enjoy the evening, nothing but music and chatter from the guest filled the silence between us. After a while I heard Aemond sniff. 

"Let's go for a walk." Aemond ask out of no where catching me off guard.

I look at him taken back, he turn to me with a neutral expression.

"What about your mother?" I asked, he shrugged before moving in front of me.

"What about her." He asked, taking my hand before pulling me along.

Allow it. I glance over my shoulder trying to find either Enith or Ser Krey, enithbwas no where to be found, I look over my other shoulder and made eye contact with Ser Krey. He look with chargin written all over his face, I give him a small frown, but he turn his head away upset.

I look away from him feeling bad, this is why I didn't want to start a affair with him, Krey wears his heart on his sleeves, he had hinted numerous of time that he had feelings for me and no matter how much I try to let him down and remind that what we were doing was just sexual. He still stayed. Why? I don't know. I was adamant about my decision, but yet he still stays with me, and i been scared to ask why.

I am brought out of my thoughts when the cool wind blows causing goosebumps to scatter over my arms, I look around and realize we are outside in the garden. I glance up seeing the ink filled sky with its shiny stars and full moon gazing down at us, I shudder again when the wind blew, I was lucky to put my hair up for the evening rather down.

"Did I ever tell you you look gorgeous,  tonight?" I look at aemond as we stop in front of a fountain, the same fountain aemond idle when I confronted him about ser cole.

"Not to my knowledge, no." He smirk, taking a step closer moving his other hand to brush up my arm.

"Well, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight, wife." He whispered, I tilt my head to look at him better, his hand continues to caress my arm.

"Hmmm." I hummed, I let go of his hand making aemond look at me, I turn without a word and walk over to the small bench.

I watch Aemond as his shoulders dropped and his jaw clench, he relzed his jaw and I see him wring out his hands as he walks over to me to take a seat.

We sit in silence, nothing but the sound of the water flowing through the fountain and the rustling of tress from the wind, it was peaceful and less stuffy than it was inside.

I inhale deeply taking in the earthy scent  before exhaling through my nose, if I could I would want to bring my bed out here so I could always smell the flowers and dirt. I always loved nature, my aunt said I get it from my father, he always loved exploring outside and bringing back little critters or objects he found on the beach.

I almost chuckled out loud, when I realize I haven't thought about my father in years. I wish he was here, alive, with me, I didn't have a lot of memories with him but I wish we did, I wish spent a little more time together. But, he duties and those duties didn't include spending time with his daughter, but his sons, a little bit of me hated him for that and my brothers. But, I absorbed it like everything else in my life.

"That's new." I turn my head to look at Aemond, his eyes were on my chest making me reach up and touch the locket that enith gave me.

"A gift from enith." My index finger caress the cool metal before dropping it back on my lap.

Aemond scrunched up his face and hummed.

"I wonder where she got the coins to buy that, are you also giving her jewelry to sell for money." He asked making me roll my eyes.

"No," I said, "I give her coins at the end of the week for her hard work, something to show how much she means to me."

Aemond was quiet for a minute before he scoff making me look at him again.

"And what may I ask could she has possibly done to make you feel indebted to her for you do that?" He ask narrowing his gaze at me.

"Not indebted, gratitude." I said pointly at him, "And to answer your question, she out of everyone here is the only one who treated me with kindness. She is the only friend I have and only person I will ever trust."

Aemond's face twisted as he pressed his lips into a line, his jaw slated before he turn away.

"It doesn't have to be that way..." He spoke softly making turn away when he look turn to look at me, "...If you just give me another chance--" I shook my head.

"Aemond, I'm not talking about this again." I deadpan, I didn't need another argument to break out about this.

"I do not see why you won't, I have grown tired of fucking you...I want more." I whip my head towards him with a angry look.

"Isn't that why she's here?" I scolded, "So, you can make love to her, dot on her, treat her like a fucking goddess. While I get fucked and left alone, being treated like a fucking pest. You make being a mistress seem better than being a wife." I spat.

We were brought back into silence, I breathe heavily getting myself worked up, no letting him work me up, Aemond only swallow as we stare at each other. He drift his eye down for a moment looking to be in thought, before bringing it back up to look at me.

"Have I not tried to repent for my wrongdoings towards you," He said, leaning forward and squeezing his hands, "Have I not tried to get back in your favor these past two moons, I wish to make amends but you..." he trails off, scoffing as if this is my fault that he is not a good husband.

I gave an eye roll at his words, growing irriated, I wish he could see that whatever he does will never matter.

"How many times must I say this," I hissed, " I will never forgive you for what you put me through, you will never be forgiven, so just stop." I said eerily calm.

Aemond forward staring into space, he starts shaking his head.

"I will not accept that, I deserve another chance--"

"You deserve to have your balls chewed off by dogs," I interrupted angrily, making him look at me, "H-How can you be so ignorant to this situation," I asked, "What must I do to make you understand that no matter what you do, i will never ever feel the same about you again. Must I stoop to your level, should I flirt openly with other man? Or maybe I should wait when I know your coming to see me and have you witness another man fucking me." Aemond was quick to sit up making me lean back when his flustered face came close to mine.

"I'll kill him." He blurted, "I'll drag him right out of bed by his neck and throw him over the balcony."

His lilac eye was dark, his pupils dilated. As I look onto his lavender orbs something inside me turn, the sudden feeling that what he said made large bells ring in my head. The thought of Ser Krey being the one to be at the end of Aemond's wrath made me feel lightheaded, so turn away from him as my heart drop to my stomach.

"You may think I don't understand this ordeal I put us in but I do," He started with a hint of sincerity, "I just accepted to forget about it, but that doesn't mean I don't feel...bad about what I did to you. I just want you to stop hating me."

I turn my head slightly to see him bend over with his head in his hands, I don't think i will ever stop hating aemond, I still don't know why he did half the things he did.

"I could have dealt with the infidelity, I would have had no problem with you visiting her if you had just ask me." Aemond moved his head from his hands, "Because i know you can't just stop loving someone, if you had told me about her, you could have prevented all this from happening." I planted my hands on the bench and push myself off to stand.

I turn to stand in front of aemond as he tilt his head to look at me.

"It wasn't the forceful nights or the jeers you made that made me hate you," I said softly, squeezing my hands in front of me, "I blame you for the death of our daughter, I couldn't stand the thought of you laying beside your paramour, laughing and cavorting as I weep bedbound at the lost of my child." I sniff feeling my eyes get teary, "You have no idea how many chances I gave you to come comfort me, no idea." I shake my head.

Night after night. Day after day. Looking towards the door in hopes that he burst through them to hold me, he has no idea the thoughts I had, the things I wanted to do to myself just to hold my daughter again. I was a naive girl who became a hollow woman.

I brought myself back before I could venture into those dark thoughts, aemond caught my attention when he move to stand, I took a small step back watching him.

He look at me, he didn't speak a word, before I knew it awmond's hand was grab my shoulder and brought me flush against into a hug. His right arm was around my shoulder keeping me on to him, while his left hand was resting on the back of my head. I stood there with my arms by my side, completely caught off guard by his action.

"I cried when I found out it was a girl," My ears perk when he finally spoke," I cried harder when I found out who you named her after, I could barely keep myself together at her funeral. Seeing her small form wrapped up like that..." He held me tighter as he trails off, "...I shut myself away for days, Alys left me to stay in another chamber as my grief was off putting to her," a humorless chuckle pass through his lips, his breath fanning my ear, "When she visited she thought sex will make me feel better, It didn't, not even when she pull it out of me, the feeling disappeared and I was sad again."

I stare with wide eyes at aemond's confession, hearing him speak about he went through when we lost visenya struck a cord in me. I was too speechless to say anything, or not sure what to say to him.

"It's getting late," I comment, I move my hand up to his arm.

I felt him relax and loosen his hold on me, I pulled back as he did the same but moved his hand to my arm to keep in place.

"Can I...come to your chamber," He asked, I flick my eyes away not sure if that's a good idea, "We don't have to do anything, I just...I just want to lay next to you." He confessed, I look at him again, not sure what to do.

I didn't want to say no, but I didn't want to say yes either. My head was too muddled to think properly, I look at aemond again searching his face.

"Isn't it...don't you have her tonight?" I ask meekly.

Aemond looked hesitant for a moment before answering.

"She's...She won't mind me missing one night," He utters.

I thought about it and I didn't see any harm in just laying together, it doesn't change anything, I still despise him with every fiber of my being. I may have been wrong about his lack of care for me and his daughter, but that doesn't take away from anything else. I still hate him.

[the-daiz]

#The Scare

Synopsis; Telling genshin men that you're pregnant with their baby (you're not)

Genre; Crack

Characters; Arataki Itto, Gorou, Heizou, Wanderer (Scaramouche)

FEMALE!reader, and you've never done it with any of them

A/N; I don't know??? I really don't??? Im rlly bored.

You and your precious friend Yea Miko, were having a normal conversation like any other set of friends, but then the seemingly usual friendly conversation had turned into Miko daring you to do a rather hilarious thing in her perspective, and you being the daredevil that you are, you accepted the challenge rather gleefully.

—Arataki Itto

"I'm pregnant, and its yours." You blurted, holding the most gunt expression you could muster.

"Woah, dude, no way! I'm gonna have an Oni son!" A wide grin stretched across his features. "I'm gonna be an Oni dad!" You blinked at him, not expecting his rather non-cholent reaction.

"No! Arataki, I was joking!" You laughed, abandoning your facade. "We never did it before how can it be yours?" He cocked a brow in puzzelment.

"Did what before?" He asked. You let out another laugh, thinking he was simply messing around, but when you caught the look on his face that only displayed genuine confusion, your laughter ceased.

"Haha... You know... It. The... uh baby ritual...?" You awkwardly stated, your smile fading as the perplexed look on his face stretched. His eyes blew wide and his features contorted into one of surprise.

"There's a ritual to make babies?!" He exclaimed, almost excitedly.

"No... yes... When the woman gets her egg and the man gets his... thing fluid thingy..." You murmured. He gasped.

"You guys lay eggs?!" He said. Your features twisted into one of pure disbelief. "That's cool! Can we do that too?"

'This literally can't be real.' You grimaced.

—Gorou

"Hey, Gorou."  You walked into the almost inhabitant bar, sitting beside your oblivious victim.

"Oh, hello! Good to see you again." He perked up at your presence. Something close to bitterness pooled under your tongue, and perhaps the slightest hint of guilt. You cleared your throat and put on your distressed front, getting into character.

"I have something to tell you..." You looked away from him. He frowned, confused by the rather dramatic act. 

"Yeah?" He said.

"I'm pregnant." You let out, turning to look at him rather dramatically. I almost laughed when the bartender flashed an almost-knowing look.

"Oh. Congra-!"

"It's yours." You were almost astounded by how quick his face morphed into a look of sheer, utter horror. The air stilled and the atmosphere fell silent, the only sound heard wLas the bartender's uncomfortable coughing. You masked your laugh with a fake sniffle, pulling out a handkerchief from your pocket and drying your imaginary tears with it.

"HUH!?" He yelled, backing up in his seat. "It can't be mine! We never...!" 

"We did!" You exclaimed, covering your face. "We were both drunk and-"

"What!?" He yelled again, backing up even further. "No no no I don't do that, I don't get drunk."

"But it's true...! We were both sooo drunk, and then you picked me up- bridal style- and took me back to my home, then you started taking off your-" 

"Enough!!" he fell off the chair, his face growing pale.

"Oh, but Gorou dear-"

"This can't be happening." He muttered, staring at nothing. 

"Oh, dear... Can you fetch me a glass of water, please?" You turned to the bartender, who looked mildly concerned but decided it was best to mind his business. He quickly retrieved a glass of water and placed it on the counter as you kneeled down next to the Gorou and helped him up, using all your strength to quill back your chuckle.

"Let's talk about this sensibly.." You muttered as you passed him the glass of water. He quickly snatched it from your grasp, his eyes looking anywhere but at yours with his face completely flushed. 

"We both made a terrible mistake that day, and... made something else in the process..." You didn't miss how he tensed up. "But we must bare responsibility for it!"

"Right... You're right.." He sighed, his gaze still averted from yours. "But are you sure you're pregnant? and are you sure it's mine!?!?" He desperately asked.

"Yes, I am sure, I haven't slept with any other man." You confessed. "Anyway, onto the matter at hand, I've already decided what we're going to name it!"

"Huh...?" He gawked at you, telepathically asking if you were being serious. "B-but we still need to figure out other things!! Like- do we get married!? and if we don't what do we tell the others!? and- oh archons... what am I going to tell her excellency...?" He clutched at his hair.

"Oh, that's just unnecessary details." You waved your hand dismissively at him.

"But-"

"So I was thinking, if it's a boy we're going to name him, 'You've been', and if it was a girl we'd name her 'Pranked'."

His mouth fell agape.

—Heizou

"I'm pleased to have you invite me to your humble abode, but I do have some business to attend to soon so I might have to leave... soon..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Why the long face?" You shook your head.

"Don't worry about it, please have a seat" You patted the empty space on the couch next to you, and he gladly guided himself to his assigned seat. You pulled both his hands in yours prompting him to properly face you.

"Heizou, I have to tell you something very important." You stated, giving him a stern look.

"Go right ahead, I'm all ears." He flashed you another one of his charismatic smiles.

"I'm pregnant, and it's yours." His expression sure did change, but you couldn't tell what thought laid behind his deadpanned eyes.

"...Um? Heizou?" You snapped your fingers in front of his face.

"Ah! Yes! well... um..." He pursed his lips together as glanced at something behind you.

You gasped as he jumped up from his seat and sprinted past you, leaping out of your window and scurrying away from your home. 

"YOU BASTARD!!" You yelled out from your window. "This makes me think like he's done this to someone else before..."

—Wanderer (In other words, Scaramouche)

You sucked in a breath as the man covered in striking blue attire stared at your form, his expression full of disdain. He doesn't appreciate his precious time being wasted by some mortal, however, he doesn't hold much resentment toward you to shoo you away.

"Thank you for hearing me out." You said.

"Yeah yeah, just get on with it." He clicked his tongue, crossing his arms.

"I'm pregnant... and it's yours." You revealed, your eyes downcast. You slowly peaked your eyes up when the infamous wanderer kept silent for longer than expected, and was greated by a judgmental glare.

"What do you take me for?? an idiot?" He hissed, his scowl deepening.

"Whatever do you mean?" You placed a hand over your chest.

"You think I can't see through your facade??" He glared.

"I don't understand-"

"I'm a puppet, (Y/n), for Archon's sake! I don't produce semen." He waved his hand out in exaggeration, showcasing his frustration. Your lips parted then clamped shut, realization setting in.

"Oh..." You scratched your cheek. "I didn't think of that..."

"I can't believe you wasted my time for this."

[lindalofbroome]

lief: so where's barda jasmine: he's looking for the belt of deltora lief: he's wHAT

31 - Essence of Rodda

'Despair is the enemy. Do not let it defeat you.' [Zeean whispered.] DELTORA QUEST 3 The Sister of the South Ch 9 The Yellow Notice

'Norris!' shouted Rowan, shaking him. 'Even if you are right — even if we have been led by some evil force into a trap — we cannot just lie down and die!' ROWAN OF RIN Rowan of the Bukshah Ch 13 The Climb

'So it is not too late, Rye! We still have a chance to stop that future from happening! It is not too late!' [said Sonia] THE THREE DOORS The Third Door Ch 23 Three Doors

And she imagined what her companions on the shore were seeing — a dishevelled girl in a flaring red skirt, surrounded by a throng of fawning ghosts. No wonder Sky and Jewel had fled from her as soon as they were able. She quelled the wave of misery that threatened to engulf her. She had always been haunted by her past. The wraiths were just the visible sign of it. STAR OF DELTORA The Hungry Isle Ch 6 The Glittering Shore

👇👇👇👇

[ben wyatt voice] it's about the perseverance through suffering 👌

👆👆👆👆

there's a bunch of other stuff like double meanings and being epic and found family that i wanted to do but in the end i didn't have time for lol and so i had to chase the serotonin for this last post and make a bad joke out of it to motivate me adfKSDJFH but also so serious

the suffering is not the end; there are horrors AND delights; you lose when you give up; not everything is as it seems but also multiple interpretations can coexist; i know this is so sappy and kids cartoons but it's so real hope is everything and can counter the overwhelmingness of despair; choose to be optimistic, to love, to be happy

you're gonna really feel that in DQ3 because of the high stakes but this is also like the very essence of rowan of rin. he's always being surprised when the big heroic models of courage break down, but they've never had to keep moving forward and doing so scared the way he has. norris was overconfident but he's never had to face something like the cold time and the Mountain, but this is rowan's like hundredth rodeo. this is not to dunk on norris at all but just the way that rowan of rin directly and indirectly shows courage and perseverance

anyway this was supposed to be our beloved trio being a family and looking after each other but it turned into post-mask and then i forgot i cant halfass things to save my life this was supposed to be a crappy shitpost but then i was looking up so much cirque du soleil references trying to figure out what they might wear lol. they might not actually be wearing costumes but the other acrobats with jasmine were so why not put her in one too and then how could bess not resist dressing lief up in her son's clothes etc

so lief's outfit is like a preliminary costume before a more grander and brighter one if he became fully integrated into their circle. i keep searching up baby bird and forgetting that im going to see some gangly pink guys lmao

jasmine's acrobat troupe were described as just blue costumes from what i found. and i was like. UH OH. because i was gonna have to work soooooo hard to differentiate from bede's blue bird vibe. i thought i'd go for a lighter blue than the sorta. royal blue i give him usually. and then it got me thinking sky blue. the perform acrobatics up in the air. they reach for the sky. they up there in the sky. sky costume.

[avaetin]

The realization that he liked Nico more than he should a friend came as a surprise for Alabaster. Since he was well within the gods' (vindictive) radars for as long as he could remember, survival was the only thing on his mind. When the son of Hades reentered his life a second time, Alabaster thought nothing more of his willingness to have Nico in his life as some desire for companionship. Being on the run does that, he convinced himself then. He just wanted a constant. He figured Nico could be that constant.

Their relationship consisted of playful banters that masked their genuine concern for each other. It was what worked well for them. Nico didn't do feelings. Neither did Alabaster. That was fine.

Or so he convinced himself.

He didn't realize when he started developing these feelings. Perhaps it had always been there when they first met, or perhaps it developed as he got to know more about Nico; he couldn't definitively say. All Alabaster could say with certainty is when the realization set in.

He remembered his thumb hovering over Nico's assigned name on his phone contacts. 'Gremlin', Alabaster dubbed him. It was one subject out of many of their playful banters. In return, Nico named him 'Beanpole' on his'.

"Beanpole? Seriously?" Alabaster judged him. "I don't know anyone shorter than you, but you probably know others taller than you."

"Jerk," Nico huffed before pocketing his phone. "Of course I would know it's you. I don't handout names to everyone I met - you're the only one. You're my only Beanpole."

My Beanpole.

My.

This was dangerous, Alabaster thought to himself as he pressed to edit the contact name. But he had always lived his life in danger.

His thumb trembled as he typed those two letters in.

'My Gremlin'

"Oh," was all he could say as his heart thrummed in his chest, skipping beats each time his eyes glanced at the edited name.

Oh, was all he could think as the quiet realization set in.

But the thing with living a life of constant danger was that this was the life he chose. It was the life he was bound to for the rest of his life. A life that he didn't want to permanently drag others into. Not even Nico. Especially not Nico.

With a bitter smile, he edited the contact again.

'Gremlin,' it read.

Their relationship consisted of playful banters that masked their genuine concern for each other. It was what worked well for them. Nico didn't do feelings. Neither did Alabaster. Alabaster couldn't do feelings.

That was fine. He wasn't fine. But it is what it is.