#he still wants to meet Thena

[softquietsteadylove]

heyyy 🫶🏼🫶🏼

can we have some more spicy ten things I hate abt you AU?? I really loved the last one!!! And can we also have Thena being vulnerable to Gil? I love your writing so so sooooo much 🫶🏼🫶🏼

—- Eternalfanatic (I forgot my account password lmao) 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

"Hey."

Thena furrowed her brows, determined to keep on kissing him as their hips moved together. She tangled her tongue with his, trying to dissuade him from interrupting things.

"Thena?"

She huffed, pulling away and bracing herself on his shoulders to glare at him. "You keep saying how much you enjoy our intimacy, yet you insist on interrupting it!"

Gil wore a sheepish expression, despite literally being buried inside of her. His fingers tapped on her bare back. "I do!"

"Then why," she growled, leaning forward and forcing him completely under her again. Not that she enjoyed the thought of his eyes having a full on feast of her naked body. But she enjoyed being on top--it gave her the control she so desperately needed, especially at times like this. She dug her nails into his shoulder, "are you?"

He sighed, glancing away as if they were having a light, normal conversation, and not in the middle of having sex. "Well...is something on your mind?"

"Now?!" she barked at him. Neither were close to the point of no return, obviously, but she wasn't exactly ready to call things off and have a little heart to heart, either. "You're asking this now!"

"Sorry," he whined faintly, holding her hips still as she tried to resume their pleasure. He gave her a distinctly concerned look. "I'm happy you came over and all. But I dunno--you seem kind of...angry."

She was.

"If you wanna angry fuck, then fine," Gil amended, holding her hips more firmly. "But I'm not some exercise bike you can use to blow off steam and then ignore."

Her brows raised. It was the first time he had expressed his qualms about their relationship so clearly. He had a right to, of course, and she knew he was right, too. She was using all the benefits of their closeness without offering any return on his emotional investment.

Gil made room for her as she lifted herself off of his completely erect hardness and flopped onto the bed beside him. "Y'know how they say 'don't go to bed angry'? Well, I'm pretty sure they would say don't have spite-sex, either."

She shook her head, staring up at his ceiling with her arms wrapped around herself futilely. "Sorry."

He shook his head as well, also staring up instead of at her. It did make things feel a little easier. "I'm sorry--I should have asked before we got into things."

In all fairness to Gil, she had positively pounced on him as soon as they were in his room. He wouldn't have had much time to voice his concerns before she was undoing his belt and asking if that box of condoms still had anything in it.

"So?" he prompted, slipping his hands under the covers and over the tent in his sheets. "What pissed you off?"

At the moment, he was at the very top of that list. But that also wasn't fair, and she knew what he was asking and how he meant it.

They had met at the party, as promised. And things had been fine. Sersi had found Dane immediately and Thena had happily left the young lovebirds to flirt and giggle through the evening. She and Gil were talking, relaxing a little out of the thick of the crowd. It had been fine.

"Ikaris," she began. Part of her almost wished the solitary statement would have been enough, but she knew it wasn't. She tugged his sheets up more firmly around her. "When I went to find the recycling."

Which there wasn't one, much to her frustration.

Gil nodded, both of them still flat on their backs. "What did he say?"

Thena gulped. Looking up at the white painted ceiling of Gil's room was easier. The spots hastily plastering over something exposed, the edge where ceiling met the brick walls. "He asked me what we were."

"Oh."

She sighed through her nose. She hadn't had much intention of telling him this. Truly, the desire to tell anyone at all any of this was completely absent. But she owed Gil this much. "I told him to fuck off and mind his own business."

Gil snorted.

But the story wasn't nearly so simple. "But he guessed we were together in at least some capacity. He asked...he asked if I was finally ready to get off my high horse and just fuck--in his own words."

Gil sat up partially, his face drawing in and suddenly radiating a righteous indignity on her behalf.

She reached over, pressing on his chest and making him resume looking up at the ceiling with her. It was the only way she was going to get through this.

"His pursuit of me...he did earnestly try to date me. At least, I thought it had been earnest," she dragged out of herself. It was her least favourite thing to remember of all her life, it wasn't coming out easy. "He had wanted to advance rather quickly. I told him I hadn't done anything with anyone and I doubted I was ready for it with him."

Gil waited through her heavy pause.

She sighed, "he laughed, and laughed, and laughed."

"I'll kill him."

She shrugged, "even that would be more attention than he deserves to be paid. I sent him away and he's thought derisively of me ever since. That's why my contempt for him runs deeper than simply him being a prick, and him thinking he has some right to my sister."

"Wow," Gil scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain, "I thought he was a creep but I didn't know he was a disgusting bastard."

Thena inhaled slowly, running her hands over the sheets. "Sersi doesn't even know. I've only told her that she is not to even so much as speak to him."

Gil had the wisdom not to offer his opinion on things, as least just yet. But he reached over under the sheets until he could grasp her hand.

She let him. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

She shook her head again, her hair a hopeless mess on Gil's pillow (and he only had one, so of course he saved it for her). "It's not fair to you."

He sat up, apparently - unfortunately - done with the anonymity of avoiding eye contact. He leaned on his knees, "I guess not."

She had been the one to state it, but his quick and firm agreement still made her stomach clench. "I-"

"But it's not fair to you either."

"Hm?" she blinked up at him. She expected some lecture but he leaned down again, stretching his body out against hers and scooping her waist into the grasp of his strong arm. She sighed as he kissed her.

"I hope I don't have to tell you I'm not like that asshole."

No, he didn't.

He pulled away, looking at her so tenderly that she wondered how she could ever muster the effort to be cold with him. "But I shouldn't have to tell you. You should just...feel it, or something."

He had his own eloquence, and she found it unwittingly charming.

"Thena," Gil frowned, holding her against him, both of them on their sides. "Were you ready--when you first came over, I mean? 'Cause if you weren't, I can't-"

She leaned in, kissing him again to divert the trajectory of that thought. "I came over, I initiated the kiss, I told you I was ready. Is that not enough?"

But he didn't rise to her bait. He stared at her like he would never see her again if he blinked. "I...I...I really like you, Thena."

It certainly wasn't what he had initially started saying, but it still made her freeze like a deer in headlights. Excitement and dread flooded through her in equal amounts.

"I'm not asking you to feel the same," he whispered, and she had to admire that he was strong enough to say that, while she was too afraid to even tell him she liked him in the first place. "But I'd rather you know. And it has nothing to do with, uh, this. I liked you before. I liked you as soon as I saw you glaring at me at the theatre beside Sersi."

She rolled her eyes, because there was no way that was true.

"So, even if you don't wanna hang out anymore, or come over like this," Gil trailed off into a mumble, his eyes drifting downward. "Then, that's okay. But I'll still like you--unless you tell me not to, I guess."

She smiled--even laughed. There was just something so earnest and sweet and charming about this delinquent. She kissed him again, just for the enjoyment of it. It was actually rather dangerous, how much she liked kissing him.

Gil laid his head down again. She really needed to get him another pillow (such a boy thing, to have only one). "Sorry, but I guess I'm glad I interrupted."

She supposed it was out of concern for her. Although there was still a faint ache within her, and the insides of her thighs were quite sticky. "Was angry sex so bad?"

He grinned, satisfied that she seemed in better spirits. He ran his hands over her back again, "not that it's bad. But I prefer making love."

Thena let him lure her into making out again. It was a great excuse not to look at him as he expounded such romantic nonsense. "I've never met a boy who called it that."

"Well, I'd call myself a young man, at best," he protested with a faint pout (before kissing her again). "And I think it's only fitting, if I'm gonna worship you like the princess you are."

She didn't have a clever comeback for that, gasping as he latched onto her neck. "Do you still have that condom on?"

"Yeah, but let me do something."

She half expected him to pick up the firm and nearly frenzied pace she'd had before. To roll them over and start absolutely ravaging her. But all he did was move her onto her back and lie himself over her. He stayed close, his head always hovering within kissing distance.

"This okay?" he whispered as he pushed into her again, much more slowly and gently this time. "If I wanna get romantic with the girl I like?"

It was so juvenile, so trivial sounding. And yet when he said it, her heart and her brain screamed in joy. She never felt so elated, despite her fighting against this very thing.

"Gil," she gasped, her hands on his chest as he thrusted slowly but steadily. They had actually never been in this specific position before. It felt intimate, even fore the act of physical relations. Her legs splayed out on either side of him, but her foot was pressed to his calf muscle, as if scared he would slither away from her. Her hands were on his warm skin, she could feel his rapid heartbeat.

"Thena," he moaned as he picked up speed.

Looking into his eyes was too much. She didn't know where he ended and she began. She was being too vocal and the longer she looked into his eyes the more red spread through her cheeks and down her neck. She clung to him. "Fuck, Gil."

"Thena," he groaned again, panting and grunting and meeting her lips in hasty, open kisses.

"Gil, please," she whimpered, her voice thin and high like the last note on a violin. She didn't want to, but she slung to him desperately. "Please, please come with me."

"I'm there, I'm so there," he confirmed. Neither of them had the stamina of seasoned experts, but she felt so much more acutely than usual every movement and breath he took.

Making unfathomable sounds while rutting her naked body together with a boy she liked: she was no princess. She was just Thena, and she was unfortunately quite in love with the boy in bed with her.

And the boy was quite a fine man, she purred as she felt him come first, within the condom, his muscles twitching as he held himself over her. He stayed close but made an effort not to put his full weight on her.

She accepted it eagerly, lifting her hips as she came around him. Her thighs gripped either sides of him, soft flesh to soft flesh. She had no control over her body, or her voice, although he helped absorb some of the sounds of her ecstasy directly against his waiting lips.

They laid like that, both catching their breath. Gil moved first, but her legs tightened around him, unwilling to part with him just yet, even in his softened state.

"You feel good?" he asked aloud (needlessly). He kissed her cheek.

"Hm," she purred, still languishing in the feeling of his skin against hers. She ran her hands over the sheen on his skin and the hair there, fine as it was. "Don't make me move yet."

"Okay," he chuckled, kissing her forehead and only moving enough to lie himself down not quite on top of her. "Whatever her ladyship wants."

It was a teasing nickname, but she didn't even have it in her to scold him for it.

"Does this mean you'll stay?" he whispered, the light touch of his fingertips on her cheek tempting her deeper into sleep.

"Hm, I shouldn't," she sighed, curling against him on her side, even as her energy left her. That was all she got out on the matter. It was simply too tempting to remain all snuggled up with him. He certainly had no complaints, even as she felt him moving around to clean up or some such.

If he wanted to be her boyfriend, then he could be her boyfriend. And that meant letting her sleep as long as she wanted.

[redheadspark]

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

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

Scars and All

Summary - Druig seeks you out after the Emergence

Warnings - angst and fluff mixed together

“How is she?”

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

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

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

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

Not tired, exhausted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“…Druig?” You said in a hoarse tone.

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

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

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

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

The End. 

September Prompt Session

[gryffindormarveltwilight]

All we Need - Jake Seresin x Reader - Part 2

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

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

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

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

Jakes POV

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

“What’s the matter Daisy?”

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

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

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

“Hi grandma Sarah”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What did you do Coyote”

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

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

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

“Go away Hangman.”

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

“I really thought she would be here.”

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

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

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

Mav starts through the radio before Payback interrupts.

“What happens if we don’t, sir”

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

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

“What are you thinking Payback?”

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

“Alright you are on Payback.”

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

“Hey cowboy, miss me.”

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

“Athena, shit.”

Readers POV

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

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

“This fellas is how you kill a goddess.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘I missed you thena’

‘Me too Phe.’

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

‘Miss me did you Thena.’

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

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

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

Jakes POV

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

‘That was odd.’ I turn to Rooster.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Readers POV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Sir,’

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Uncle Ice?’

Taglist: @dory-98

[callsigndragon]

The Christmas Date | Chapter 4: Santa Tell Me

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

(Ron Kerner is Slider, Iceman’s backseater)

Wordcount: 2.8k

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

(there won't be smut in this series)

Warnings: OKAY SO. If there is any transphobic person reading this, i’m sorry but it’s time to LEAVE. Iceman’s grandSON is trans, Rooster/Thena being supportive godparents, Rooster’s ex-gf still being a bitch, body dismorphia, mentions of alcohol, CAR ACCIDENT (everyone's okay don't worry), driving under the influence, mentions of death, mentions of Carole's death... you know the deal.

A/N: Yeah, I know. I should be taking some time to rest. I got bad news today, my heart is getting worse again and I have to go through surgery BUT writing is my coping mechanism so expect more works soon.

Tag list:@ducks118 @milestellerwife @craftymoonchaos @littlebadariell @xoxabs88xox @alexxavicry @tayrae515 @shrimping-for-all @mak-32 @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @harper1666 @purplevortexx @abaker74 @ssprayberrythings @melllinaa @loveless-simp @k-k0129

(If you want to be tagged comment or sent an ask <3)

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The room is amazing. If you hadn’t seen it before, you could never tell that it had been filled to the core with princess things. You can’t wait to see your nephew and Rebecca, talk to both, and learn more about this new part of your lives that has just begun. 

“You went all extra with the Christmas tree.” says Nick looking at the 7 ft tree that Rooster bought. 

“Christmas this year is special. Let’s make it a one to remember” Bradley admits, looking at you. “Can I talk to you?” 

“Oh, am, sure!” 

You two move to the kitchen, Rooster seems to be a bit agitated. “What’s wrong?” 

“I don’t think we should lie to Jes- well, to him” 

You sigh, knowing that he’s right. How can you lie to that poor kid? You clearly haven’t thought about all the aspects of this ruse. 

“Rooster, I know what you mean but… If we tell him, everyone will know. And my father will bring that girl over for you to meet her” 

“Yeah, I know. I don’t think we have a choice” 

Then, as if that little kid knew you were talking about him, you hear a car park “That’s not Iceman’s car” you adduce, going to open the front door. They shouldn’t be here yet.  

Parked in front of the garage is Rebecca’s car. She is opening the door to your five-year-old nephew. Rebecca has a worried expression, and the kid climbs out of the vehicle, a black beanie on his head, and pulls the hoodie up to hide his face from the world. 

Rooster, who is beside you, gets closer to the kid, opening his arms to give the younger one a hug. “Hey, buddy! Long time no see” 

However, the kid enters the house, ignoring both of you, and runs upstairs. 

“He’s been like this all the way back home. I’m sorry, guys. He was excited about his new name but well… He wants it all and he wants it now. I'm happy to see you” Rebecca says, giving each a quick hug. 

“Is he okay?” 

“He’s been begging me to cut off his hair” Rebecca confesses, making the two of you nod. “I told him to wait to get home, so we could look up for some haircuts and see which one he likes best but…” 

“He’s still a five-year-old, Becca. It’s not gonna be easy” you tell her. 

Nick joins you outside to hug his sister. “Your son has gone straight to the bathroom. He didn’t even say hi” 

You look at Rooster before running all the way to the bathroom with him behind you. Everyone knows that Sarah’s special scissors for cutting Iceman’s hair are in the second drawer. And he knows too. You try to open the door, but it is closed. “Hey buddy, it’s Uncle Roos. Can you open for me?” 

“No!” yells a muffled, hurt voice from the other side of the door. 

“Y/n, he can hurt himself” Rooster mutters, as if you haven’t thought about it. 

“I know, shut up” you knock on the door softly. “Hey bud, can you tell me your name? Mom says you got a new one.”

There’s a silence that prolongs itself for a few seconds. You hold your breath trying to hear what is happening on the other side of the door but all you can hear is the quick, pounding sound of your own heart. 

“...Jesse” 

“Jesse, huh? That’s such a cool name” you sit on the floor, legs crossed, waiting for this to be a long conversation. 

“Thank you. I chose it myself” 

“You did? Woah, Jesse. That’s amazing. Much cooler than mine” 

“I’m not going to open the door” Jesse’s voice is calmer now, but still full of sadness. It breaks your heart. 

“It’s okay, pal. I just wanna talk. It’s been so long since we saw each other, I think you are a lot different now” 

“I’m different. But mom doesn’t want me to be different” 

You look at Becca over your shoulder. She’s biting her nails off. You need Jesse to open the door. And fast.

“You sure? 'Cause your mom called us this morning and told us to change your room. She wants you to be yourself, sweetheart.” 

“It’s that true?” you can hear him pout and it’s so painful to see him like that. 

“We got rid of all the princesses and now your room has a lot of Paw Patrol things. And we even found Marshall’s fire truck!” 

“Mom, did you do that?” the door is still closed, but he seems to be closer to it now. It's working. 

“Uncle Roos and Aunt Thena helped me, but yes. I told them to do it” 

“Hey, Jesse” Rooster speaks for the first time in a while. “I know what it is to hate what you see in the mirror. If you open this door, Aunt Thena and I will take you to the hairdresser, so they can get you a good haircut” 

“Promise?” Jesse asks, opening the door for you to see him. 

“I promise, buddy” 

Jesse hugs you and Rooster and then goes to his mom. “I’m sorry, mom… I just wanted to be like the rest” 

“I know, baby, I know. But you have to understand that you can’t get everything at the moment. Mom’s not a hairdresser. How was I supposed to cut your hair?” 

“I’m sorry… Can I see my room?” 

You all laugh at the sudden change in his tone. From being sorrowful to excited. Jesse can be a lot different now, but he’s still a kid, and he will do what a five-year-old does. Be loud, happy, get angry when he doesn’t get what he wants… Normal things for a kid. 

“Let’s go see it!” 

Nick, Rebecca, and Jesse go to see the room, and you stay sitting on the floor with Roos. It’s been a tiring day. And it’s not even noon. 

“I’ll go get the car ready” you say, getting up from the floor and leaving Rooster alone. 

I know what it is to hate what you see in the mirror

His words echo in your head, and several questions on the tip of your tongue are trying to make you turn around and find out the meaning behind his words. 

You have to remind yourself for a second that you hate him, that he took everything away from you, and that if he has a problem, he has a lot of people he can talk to. He doesn’t need you.

Rooster and Jesse stay at the beauty saloon, and you decide to go to a tactical gear shop nearby, hoping to find the perfect Christmas gift for your nephew. You, luckily, haven’t bought anything yet. And you hope to find a leather flight jacket for Jesse and maybe even get him his own name tag. You thought ‘Marshall’ would be cute as a call sign. 

You’re going out of the shop, gift secured in your bag, when your phone begins to ring. You pull it out of your jacket, smiling at the name appearing on the screen. 

“Natasha Trace, I love when you call me” 

“Are you dating Rooster and you didn’t tell me?! I’M YOUR BEST FRIEND” she yells angrily in your ear. You move the phone away from your ear, but even like that you can hear her. 

“Hello to you too, Nat” you roll your eyes. 

“Don’t roll your eyes, you little bitch” she says, as if she could see you. 

"We're not dating" 

"What? Hold on, let me FaceTime you" 

She hangs up and calls you again, this time you can see her face frown in a confused expression. "Spill" 

"Iceman and my dad were playing matchmakers, and we didn’t want random people at our table on Christmas Eve so… we lied,” you confess, sitting on a bench outside the beauty saloon. Rooster and Jesse are still waiting. 

“And here I thought you were finally getting laid” 

“Natasha!” you whine, covering your face with your free hand. 

“What? Facts only” 

“Oh wait, you know who we met this morning?” you say, trying to change the subject.  “Mandy” 

“Mandy as in Mandy the whore?” she questions. 

“That one. She was with Solo. They’re dating” you reveal to your friend. Her eyes are widening more by the second. 

“WHAT?! Oh my God do you think that’s why-” 

“Y/N? We see each other again!” 

You raise your head from the phone and see Mandy in the flesh. Gosh, you hate that stupid face she has. 

“Mandy! Nat, wait a second, don’t hang up” you say while getting up “Two times in the same day, what a coincidence!” 

She gives you the fakest smile ever, one that seems to be the result of years of practicing. “Yeah, it is a coincidence. Hey, Solo said that the four of us should go out one day, talk about the old times and all” 

“Oh, I’d love to, but we have only this week to be with the family, and then we have to go back to the base for months and-” 

“What about tomorrow?” she interrupts you, not being interested in anything you have to say. “There’s this pub in the center-” 

“O’Malley’s, yeah. I know where it is. Owner’s a friend” 

“See you tomorrow at 6, okay?” she insists, and you don’t have any other choice than accepting. 

Jesse comes running out of the establishment and grabs your hand. “C’mon auntie, it's my turn!”

“Oh, what a beautiful baby girl! What’s your name, princess?”  Mandy says, kneeling down to Jesse’s height. 

“I’m not a girl, you old bat” he says, pushing her and running away. You see how Mandy falls and slap your hand against your mouth to not laugh. From any other person, it would seem like you're embarrassed by your nephew’s actions. Those who know you well enough, however… They know you're enjoying every second of this. 

“I’m sorry, Mandy. My nephew Jesse is a bit… hot-headed. I’m gonna go with him and give him an earful. We’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Bye!” you move from her quickly, almost running, and when you’re far away, Natasha laughs hysterically. 

“Jesus, I love your niece” she says. 

“Nephew. It’s Jesse now. I’ll tell you later, okay? Gotta go” 

“Take care, Thena” 

You hang up and go with the two boys. “Jesse, what you did…” 

“Auntie, I know it’s wrong. I just don’t like her” 

“What did you do, young man?” Rooster says, walking with him to one of the chairs. 

“This old woman who was talking to Aunt Thena called me a ‘girl’. So I pushed her” 

“Jess-” 

“It was Mandy” you clarify. 

Rooster looks at you, then at Jesse, and then at you again. He opens his hand and high-fives the five-year-old. “Don’t tell your Mom” 

“What are you going to wear for the party?” Sarah asks you during dinner, hours later, with a happy short-haired Jesse sitting beside you. 

“What party?” you look at Rooster, but he shrugs, not having any idea what she is talking about. 

“The Christmas Party! Didn’t your father tell you about it?” 

You look at your father, who is very interested in the food on his plate. "He didn't tell me anything, as usual." 

"Well, the town is holding a Christmas party on the 25th. A formal party. You have to wear a dress." She points at you with her fork. "You're not wearing your uniform, only a dress. Is that clear?" 

"Yes ma'am. And what about Bradley?" 

"I'll wear a suit, obviously. Have to match with you," he smiles and then leans to whisper something in your ear. "Please, don't choose the dress yourself. You have horrible fashion sense," 

"Says the one that is always wearing Hawaiian shirts" 

"They're cool" Bradley defends himself. 

"No, they're not" you laugh, and he kicks your leg under the table. "Ouch!" 

"Sarah, darling, we need to do the Secret Santa sorting" Tom remembers his wife, helping her clean the table. 

"Oh I have it all prepared!" She goes to the living room and comes back with a red Santa Claus hat. "All the names are in here, just pull one. Y/n, dear, you first!" 

You smile at her, grabbing a paper from inside the bag and reading it. 'Rooster'. 

Is this a joke or what?

You're getting ready to sleep, Rooster refusing for the second night in a row to sleep in the same bed with you, when you remember that you're supposed to meet Mandy tomorrow. 

"Bradley" 

"No, I'm not sleeping on the bed. If you want to be that close to me, you're gonna need to beg a little more" he says. 

"You wish. Anyway, Mandy said to meet tomorrow. She wasn't accepting a no for an answer." 

He sits and looks at you. "Are you kidding me?" 

“I don’t like the idea either, you know.” you let out. 

“Is Solo coming too?” you nod, and he sighs. “You know how to say ‘no’ or do I have to teach you? It’s not that hard, look: ‘something has come up, and I can’t’, ‘We already have plans’. Oh, and this is the simplest one: ‘No.’” 

“I know how to say no, Bradshaw” 

He laughs dryly. “If you knew how, I wouldn't have to be in the same room with my ex and her new boyfriend. Again” 

He turns off the lights and lies down. He tosses around, trying to find the most comfortable position to sleep on the hard floor. 

“I’m sorry” you whisper. But you know he can hear you. 

“Don’t worry, Thena. Go to sleep” 

A few minutes pass, and you can’t sleep. There’s something you need to find out. Something that you can’t stop thinking about, and you know that it will keep you up all night. 

“Rooster” 

“Jesus, Thena, go to sleep” he complains, but after a few seconds, he gives in with a sigh of defeat. “What?” 

“What you said to Jesse… about hating what you see in the mirror… Is that how you feel?” 

“Like you care” 

“I don’t. I’m just curious. You’re usually proud of that stupid face of yours. So… it doesn’t make sense” 

He sits on the floor, his back against the bed, and his head pressed against the mattress. “It’s the scars” 

“Really?” you move closer to him, your hand a few inches away from his hair. 

“Yeah… It’s a constant reminder of how I almost killed us” he admits, his sorrowful voice almost a whisper. 

Your hand moves automatically to your belly, your fingers finding the scarred skin. You had your own scars, too. And you wish you could tell him that it wasn’t his fault but… it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried. He still blames himself. 

“If it makes you feel better, lots of girls at base are obsessed with those scars. And even some boys.” 

“Why are you trying to make me feel better?” he questions, and you also want to know why. 

“Because I don’t want to see you broody all day. That wouldn’t make me look like a good girlfriend” you scoff. 

“Aw, it’s little Y/n worried about me?” he mocks, lying down again. 

“Good night, Bradshaw” you say,  pulling the blankets over your head. 

You dream about the accident. You dream about a young Rooster parking at the front of your house, ringing your doorbell repeatedly and yelling for you to open the door. It’s been years but it feels like yesterday. 

Bradley’s coping mechanism when Carole died was alcohol. That same night, he got really drunk and drove to your house. It was late. When you opened the door, the emptiness in his eyes was the only explanation you needed. She was gone. And Bradley didn’t know how to live in a world without her. 

You managed to get Rooster into his car, snatching the keys away from him and driving him to his home. You knew Maverick would be very worried about him. 

But, you never made it to Rooster’s house. A truck driver fell asleep and swatched lanes, forcing you to swerve. The car crashed against a tree. You don’t remember a thing, just waking up with a big stomach wound and a body full of scratches. 

Rooster took the worst part. People thought he wouldn’t make it, that he didn’t want to make it. He was giving up. 

He opened his eyes again three days after the accident. 

It wasn’t your fault. Or his. Well, he shouldn’t have driven to your house under the influence. He knows that and you, too. But nobody could have expected the truck. And he wasn’t driving when you crashed. You were driving. If someone was to take fault here, it should be you. 

But it didn’t matter how much you tried to make Rooster understand that he wasn’t the one to blame. He never listened. And you know he never will.

[absentia-if]

a prompt list appears 👀

Can I request “Where have you been?” for M please ? I need a little bit of fluff after the angst :((

honestly do what you want with this prompt, even if it's angst. i love what you write

"Where have you been?"

The question causes startled blue eyes to shift from their current balancing act, various bags precariously placed on their arms, to your stern one. Though an expression of warmth and happiness offsets it the moment their brain seems to register that you were standing in front of them.

"When did you get here, baby?" They tilt their head, reminiscent of Kodiak when he was trying to figure out where his favorite toy was hidden. "I thought you were having a best friend night with Blaire."

Your lips purse, completely unimpressed. "I've been here for about an hour, M. But--" You wave your hand behind you. "I was quite surprised to find out that you weren't here when I arrived. Where did you go? I thought you were going to catch up on the books you've been meaning to finish?"

They don't answer right away, probably trying to formulate a proper response to your pointed words, but they continue their journey through their house to the large kitchen to place their various bags on the island.

"You texted me," they begin, a small shrug making an appearance. "I just got back from my morning walk with Thena and Kody when I saw it." Blue eyes raise to meet your gaze, a softness exuding from their very core. "Do you remember what you sent me?"

"That I was having a hectic day and that I wanted it to be over already."

M hums, a happy expression etched across their face. "Precisely. I knew that you'd only get more stressed as the day wore on. So I--" They turn to rifle through one of the bags, only turning back around to show you the medium-sized carton now clasped in one hand. "Went to get you your favorite homemade ice cream from that store you like."

Whatever you had expected them to say, whatever reason you had conjured up within your mind, such a sweet gesture had never crossed your mind; even though it was completely on brand for M to do such a thing for you.

"M," you murmur, still stunned. "That shop is over an hour away in the next city."

They tilt their head once more. "So?" Looking genuinely perplexed now too, they continue. "I also picked up some of your favorite movies and snacks too. I thought maybe you'd like to have a movie night tonight? Though I assumed it'd be later once you got done with Bl--"

You stopped their rambling with a swift, yet gentle, kiss to their lips. The feeling of warm hands gently cupping your cheeks, a faint smile appearing, and a happy hum gracing your ears as you pull away, caused your heart to skip a beat.

"You didn't have to do all of that for me."

"Why wouldn't I? You were unhappy and I knew how to make you feel better." They place a gentle kiss on your forehead. "Why wouldn't I do everything in my power to make that happen? To make you smile?"

[fanficapologist]

Of Dragons and Maelstroms

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

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

Chapter Thirty-Six

The Red Keep bustled with activity, as if it had come to life overnight. Staff and nobles hurried through its corridors, the impending royal wedding demanding swift preparations in the short span of six weeks.

The morning after the shocking announcement, Thena efficiently assisted Maera in preparing for the day, by twisting and braiding her hair so it was out of her face, and lacing her into a scoop neck turquoise dress, a slim gold chain sitting across her waist as a belt. As the maid served Maera breakfast, her tone held an air of importance as she conveyed the day's agenda.

"My Lady, you'll be spending the day with Queen Alicent and Queen Helaena," she informed Maera. "They wish to discuss gowns, invitations, and decor, matters that need swift decisions so the necessary resources can be secured."

“Thank you, Thena. I think the next few weeks will be busy indeed,” Maera replied with a defeated sigh.

Before Maera departed for her royal duties, Thena cleared her throat and placed the stack of correspondence her lady had previously entrusted her with, along with the silk purse filled with coins, on the dining table. She hesitated for a moment, then declared, "I believe it's time to return these letters, my lady. And your purse, of course," her gaze unwavering.

Maera was grateful that the letters had not fallen into the wrong hands, shuffling through them and saw all seven were accounted for.

"Thank you for ensuring their safety," she said sincerely. However, she insisted, "But you should keep the money, Thena, as a token of my appreciation and trust."

Thena's response was tinged with humor. "I couldn't very well refuse a gift from the future Princess, could I?" she quipped, using the title that Maera found uncomfortable. Despite this, Maera managed a strained smile, appreciating the loyalty and understanding of her maid.

Walking into the Queen's chambers, Maera was engulfed in a warm and tight hug by Helaena, their friendship radiating in that embrace before she had even fully crossed the threshold. Maera reciprocated the hug, feeling a sense of relief seeing Helaena's face on the mend. While there were still remnants of green and yellow from the bruising, her eyes shone as brilliantly as ever.

Seated at the table behind Helaena was Queen Alicent, and Maera acknowledged her presence with a respectful curtsy. The last time Maera had spoken with the Queen mother properly was the day they had discovered Helaena in her terrible state.

Wanting to ensure there was no animosity, Maera began with an apology. "Your Grace, I must apologize for my… past behavior. My actions were unbecoming of a lady." Of course, she was not sorry for beating Alicent’s son, who had hurt her friend, but for the sake of a peaceful future, Maera hoped her words would mend any lingering discomfort from their last meeting.

Alicent waved away her apology with a gracious smile. "No need for apologies, Lady Maera. There is much to look forward to now. Come," she responded warmly, gesturing for them to take a seat. Such indifference was puzzling to Maera. Did the Queen Mother even know it was her who harmed her son? Or did she think it was another result of Aegon drunken escapades in Flea Bottom? No, Alicent was no fool. The Kingsguard would have told her if he had returned in that state. Perhaps she thought it was Aemond? Oh Gods, Aemond…

Despite her own mixed emotions about the impending wedding, Maera couldn't help but be delighted to witness Helaena's enthusiasm for planning the intricate details of the upcoming event. Seeing Helaena engage with Alicent and herself over floral arrangements and menu choices, after being previously so subdued, brought a genuine smile to Maera's face.

With the chiming of a bell, Queen Alicent summoned numerous potential vendors for the royal event, assuring Maera that these were the finest in King's Landing. The assembly included florists, caterers, musicians, dress designers, and seamstresses. Although the occasion was bittersweet for Maera, she threw herself into the planning with the Queen and Queen Mother, as she would for any other event, using the preparations as a welcomed distraction from her own uncertain future.

Maera sat contentedly as Helaena and Alicent took charge of selecting vendors. It seemed right that Helaena should choose the flowers that would adorn the great hall. With enthusiasm, she selected a variety of blossoms of yellow, white, black and deep red, that would bring a vibrant burst of color to the event. In addition, she picked three skilled musicians who specialized in stringed instruments to provide enchanting melodies on the special day.

Meanwhile, Queen Alicent focused her attention on the crucial matter of catering and food options for the banquet, selecting various meats, fruits, pies, breads, wines and ales. Knowing that not all of the realm's nobles could attend in just six weeks, she then began compiling a concise guest list. House Wylde, of course, would be sent an invite first as they were the family of the bride. More strategic invites were also made priority, such as the Baratheons and the Lannisters. And to ease the transition of the seat of Morne to Targaryen rule, House Tarth would also be extended an invitation.

In letters, Maera’s late aunt Viserra had mentioned about the Lords of Tarth, cousins of her husband Lord Byron, and feelings were conveyed as mixed. Currently, Lord Pearse was the overlord of Evenfall Hall and his son, Lord Endrew, was heir. Both would need to be won over to ensure Maera’s family’s safety, and what better way to do that than at a royal wedding

In the midst of the wedding preparations, there came a moment that made the impending reality of her wedding day sink in for Maera – the dress. Prompted by a group of three skilled dressmakers, she rose from the table and stood still by the window as two of the seamstresses took measurements of height, bust, hips, waist and shoulders. The head of the group, the dress designer, a tall golden-haired woman who employed the seamstresses, arranged various fabrics on the table, presenting a palette of shades: black, gold, green, red, white, and turquoise, each with intricate patterns of embroidery.

Beside the fabric samples, the dress designer laid pieces of parchment that held sketches of recent royal wedding dresses, offering Maera a wellspring of inspiration. The dresses looked stunning, and the designer had drew them in such detail Maera felt she could almost see the actual dresses in front of her. Such a variety of designs on different body types, each dress conveying the true beauty of House Targaryen.

It was an immense pressure to pick and create such a masterpiece to be worn on an important event. An occasion that would not only bind her to Aemond for as long as they lived, but would be used as an excuse to form advantageous political alliances, over wine, food and dancing.

Overwhelmed by the array of choices, Maera felt a reassuring squeeze on her hand from Helaena. "I can't wait to see you in a wedding gown, Maera," Helaena exclaimed, a warm smile on her lips that prompted Maera to respond with a shy but genuine smile of her own.

The three women meticulously analyzed the designs, weighing the pros and cons of each. However, for every appealing aspect, there seemed to be ten more drawbacks – the designs were either too dated, impractical, or simply unflattering for Maera's figure. She couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Maera turned to address one of Alicent’s trusted servants, Talya, who stood diligently with the other maids in the corner of the room. “Can you please fetch me a piece of parchment and a quill? I wish to try something.”

The woman nodded, quickly procuring the requested items and handed them to Maera, who was ready to take matters into her own hands.

As Maera's quill danced across the parchment, her vision for the wedding dress slowly came to life as Helaena and Alicent watched with bated breath. She began by lightly sketching the outline of her form, the lines of her drawing emphasizing the curvature of her fuller bust and rounded hips. These were the features that would have the most significant impact on how the dress would flatter her figure.

With precision and a touch of creativity, Maera borrowed elements from various gowns she had admired in the sketches. The shoulders, reminiscent of the dragon wings, came from Queen Alicent's own wedding gown, flaring outward to create a regal and dramatic effect. Maera added a subtle touch—an attachment for a chiffon cape that would flow gracefully behind her.

Her gaze shifted to another sketch, inspired by the bodice of the late Lady Laena Velaryon's gown. Maera borrowed the idea of an accentuated bodice that would emphasize her natural curves, giving the dress a more defined shape and elegance.

She then turned her attention to Helaena's own wedding dress, a masterpiece that featured a layering of different fabrics around the hips. Maera skillfully sketched this layering, envisioning a central underskirt in pristine white, flanked on either side by golden shimmering fabric adorned with intricate black swirls.

Lastly, Maera drew inspiration from Queen Alysanne's dress. Though some might consider it dated, the voluminous skirt of Alysanne's gown held a timeless beauty. It flowed dramatically, drawing attention to the narrow waist of the bodice, a feature Maera was eager to replicate in her own design.

With the design complete, Maera presented her vision to Helaena, Alicent, and the dress designer, who couldn't help but marvel at her talent.

The designer, awestruck by Maera's talent, couldn't help but comment, "Perhaps in a previous life, Lady Maera, you were a seamstress." Maera chuckled at the notion, humbly dismissing the idea.

Turning her attention to her future sister-in-law and Queen Mother, Maera asked eagerly, "What do you both think?" Helaena's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she examined the sketch.

"Remarkable design! What colors do you think would be most suitable?" she inquired.

Maera rose from her seat to get a better look at the array of fabrics laid out before her. She carefully examined each one, lifting them to catch the light and see how they interacted. After a moment of contemplation, she made her selections. With a discerning eye, she chose a luxurious turquoise satin for the bodice, adorned with deeper blue embroidered swirls. For the accent color, she settled on a dark gold, almost bronze, fabric that would complement the turquoise perfectly.

Her gaze then shifted to the creamy-gold fabric meant for the layered skirts around the hips. After careful consideration, she made her choice for more intricate patterns on the dress—a scale-patterned, shimmering black that would contrast beautifully with the bright white she had selected for the underskirts.

Gathering the fabric samples, she brought them back to her seat, her quill at the ready. With precision and care, she began to mark her design, drawing annotations to indicate where each piece of fabric would go. The dress was taking shape not only in her mind but on the parchment before her, a testament to her creativity and attention to detail.

Maera, with a discerning eye, noticed Queen Alicent's silence and couldn't help but ask, "Your Grace, do you approve of the design?"

Queen Alicent took a moment to appreciate the creation before her and replied, "It's beautiful, very befitting of a Targaryen princess." However, her concern showed as she added, "I worry, though, that the neckline might be considered… a touch immodest for the Sept."

The dressmaker, eager to address the Queen's concerns, chimed in, "Your Grace, with the utmost respect, Lady Maera has a larger chest area than most noblewomen. No amount of fabric would truly hide that fact."

Maera, trying to lighten the moment, quipped, "It is a blessing and a curse, Your Grace."

Queen Alicent chuckled, responding, "You'll be thankful for it when it comes to feeding your future babies, sweet girl." Maera, feeling a mix of emotions at the thought, nodded in response.

Turning her attention back to the dressmaker, Queen Alicent inquired, "Can the design be executed?"

The blonde-haired dressmaker, with determination in her eyes, replied, "Absolutely, Your Grace. My seamstresses and I will work tirelessly, day and night, to ensure Lady Maera's gown is perfect. We can make any needed alterations here at the Red Keep a few days before the ceremony."

With the reassurance of the dressmaker, the women expressed their gratitude to the vendors and left the room, ready to continue their preparations for the grand wedding that awaited.

That night, Maera, with the assistance of two chambermaids, helped her Queen prepare for bed, her hands deftly unfastening the intricate laces of Helaena’s gown, allowing it to cascade like a waterfall of rich fabric. With the queen's attire removed, her undergarments were exchanged for a more comfortable nightshift, crafted from soft linens that cradled her form. As Maera began to undo the many braids in Helaena’s regal updo, the Queen's enthusiasm from the day's events was still palpable. She exclaimed, "I've always wanted a sister," before correcting herself, "I mean, I know I have Rhaenyra, but we were always worlds apart. Having a sister who is also my best friend is truly a blessing from the Gods."

Maera smiled warmly at the Queen, her heart touched by Helaena's words. While Maera did have sisters of her own, her bond with Helaena was unique and held a special place in her heart. “We have always been sisters, Helaena, the wedding will not change that. But it will be nice to be apart of the same House as you,” Maera replied as she ran a brush through Helaena’s silver locks.

As the maids guided the Queen toward the bed, moving in harmony, they ensured that every need was met. They fluffed the pillows, plumped the duvet, and arranged the linens with precision. Helaena, with a graceful ease, reclined on the bed, her expression one of tranquil repose. The maids then withdrew to begin dimming the candles around the chambers, leaving Maera to pull up the blankets to cover Helaena’s lap, her legs still showing bruising from the incident with Aegon.

Catching Maera staring, Helaena quickly pulled the fabric towards her in order to cover her lower limbs, almost as if she was ashamed of the markings she bore from the attack. To ease the tension brewing, Maera then tucked the duvet around the Queen with practiced expertise, as she brought up the topic that had been on her mind.

"You know, I haven't seen Aemond since yesterday. Nor have we spoken properly in over two weeks," she mentioned, "I hope things won't be awkward."

Helaena, relaxing against her pillows with a reassuring smile, replied, "My brother, despite his flaws, will make a good husband to you, Maera. I know this to be true. Perhaps clearing the air and spending some time with one another would ease your transition into marriage."

What Maera didn't reveal to Helaena was that she and Aemond had not properly spoken since the incident in his chambers—the kiss that had left things between them unresolved. They had encountered each other when Maera had confronted Aegon, but the kiss remained unaddressed.

After bidding Helaena good night, Maera made her way back to her chambers, where Thena awaited her. The faithful maid undressed her and gently unraveled Maera's brown hair, the striking silver streak glinting in the soft light of the hearth. Thena dressed Maera in her nightclothes and assured her she would see her in the morning before closing the chamber doors.

Restless from a day of wedding planning, she attempted to read a book, ‘The Loves of Queen Nymeria’, but the tale only made her more unsettled, as the thrilling freedom of the life of princess caused Maera to long for a much different future. The Dornish woman’s three husbands served her only as counselors and consorts, never seeking to rule over her or take her power, enamoured by her beauty and cunning. A stark contrast to Westerosi custom, where men absorbed the power their wives were made to give them the minute they were bound before the Seven.

The rain outside gently tapped on her window, creating a soothing rhythm. Beyond the glass, the world was veiled in a soft, silver curtain of water. Maera's gaze wandered to the window and below it she locked eyes on her writing desk, where the stack of old correspondence lay. Thinking it was unnecessary to hold onto the letters that would have been delivered after her supposed execution, she decided to dispose of them.

Rising from her bed and making her way over to her writing desk, Maera picked up the sealed parchments, each addressed for different recipients. There were two for Rain House, one for Hornhill meant for Wynni, another for Sabine in the Westerlands, one destined for the Citadel, intended for her brothers pursuing the maester's path, and finally one for Essos, meant for Dermot, who continued his travels. One by one, she fed them to the fire, watching as the flames consumed the words until they were reduced to ash.

Maera double-checked the count. Six. Not seven. She had originally written seven. One letter was missing. Her heart sank as she realized it was the one addressed to Prince Aemond. Panic set in as she frantically searched the area near the hearth and under her desk, desperately looking for the missing letter. Perhaps she had just dropped it as she had picked up the stack from the desk? No, not on the floor. Her hands trembled as she rummaged through parchment and finery, heart racing as each passing moment intensified the dread that gnawed within her. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” she muttered, beginning to turn her chamber upside down in an attempt to find it.

The soft candlelight, which usually bathed the chamber in a warm glow, now cast eerie shadows that danced menacingly along the walls. Lady Maera's breaths came in rapid gasps, her mind racing with thoughts of the consequences should the letter remain missing. She had narrowly avoided death once, surely the Gods would not allow her to avoid it twice.

Then, a voice broke the silence, asking, "Looking for this?"

Tags: @blue-serendipity @marvelescvpe @shesjustanothergeek @grungegrrrl

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

[cdragons]

"Strawberry Cream Frosting" - Next Gen Eternals AU

Summary: Ikaris and Sephia's son fell in love with Thena and Gilgamesh's daughter. Chaos ensues.

Warning(s): Fluff, accidental love-bombing, Thena and Gil being the best adoptive parents EVER, Mara can't process emotions for shit

Author's Note: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ONE AND ALL! I hope everyone had a wonderful day reading a bunch of fics and looking at fan edits!

When Mara opened the front door, she had her baseball bat ready and was prepared to give whatever fucking dumb solicitor was on the doorstep, ringing the doorbell for the tenth time on a Saturday morning.

She wasn’t expecting…whatever the hell this was.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!”

It was a giant box that looked about four cubic feet big and was wrapped in shiny red wrapping paper, pink ribbons, and glitter. On the top was a little sign stating, ‘Bee my Valentine?’ with a little crochet bee keychain attached.

Mara just stood under Gil- her parents’ doorway for thirty seconds. She didn’t say anything. She just blinked at the giant package- until she blurted out the first coherent enough thought in her mind.

“What the fuck?”

A head popped from behind the…thing, and suddenly, it all made sense.

Laurie. And from how insane his hair looked, he decided it was a good idea to fly from Scotland to Ka’ena Point, Oahu.  

“Happy First Valentine’s Day!” he exclaimed before shaking the box for emphasis. As if she couldn’t notice how fucking gargantuan it was from just staring at it.

“…Laurie, what the hell am I looking at?” Mara asked. She pointed at it. “Is Arthur in there with a confetti cannon?”

Laurie furrowed his brow in confusion. “What? Oh! No, I know it’s a little big. But it’s your first Valentine’s Day, and I wanted to do something nice be–”

“What the hell is ‘Valentine’s Day’?” Mara interrupted. “Is it like a food day or something?”

“You don’t know what Valentine’s Day is?” he gaped.

She shook her head. “No…what’s the big deal? Is it like that Christmas thing I went to with the small boxes under the tree?”

The mega-watt smile Laurie flashed to her made Mara slightly worried. Despite how predictable he was, Mara could never get a good read on the guy. He wasn’t dangerous- that much was obvious. But whenever he and Mara were in the same room, he would act like he was glued to her hip. It didn’t help that Uri and Arthur immediately clicked on their first meeting.

And it really didn’t help when she shoved a shotgun in his face before his dad with the pew-pew eyes slammed her against the ground by her neck.

“Don’t make that face,” she ordered. “I don’t like that face.”

But Laurie wasn’t listening. He was jumping on the balls of his feet in excitement. “I have to teach you about it! It’ll be lots of fun, I promise! We can do a bunch of stuff! Wait, just let me–”

Mara moved to the side to let him in. “Oh, yeah. Just–”

He set the heavily decorated box on the ground before asking if he could use the bathroom. She pointed it down the hall. When he was out of sight, Mara tried to lift the box to see how heavy it was, and- holy shit, it must have been over thirty pounds.

How the fuck did that tall-ass twig carry this?

She felt a different heat presence behind her- whipping her head, she calmed down when she realized it was only Gil.

“My dad, everyone,” Mara thought wryly while wearing. “The powerhouse of strength in the Eternals, wearing a ‘Kiss the Chef’ apron.”

“Why was Laurie at the door? And what’s in that box?” he asked while holding his famous quiche in a hot cast-iron pan without gloves.

Mara just shrugged. “Hell, if I know. He said it was for Valentine’s Day or something like that.”

“Ohhhh,” Gil smiled. “For Valentine’s Day? And that big box is all for you? That’s Sephie’s kid for you all right.”

“What’s Sephie’s kid?” came a new voice.

Turning her head, Mara watched Thena walk down the stairs carrying Uri on her hip. It still baffled her to witness how the ancient goddess never had a bad case of bedhead the entire time she and her brother lived with her and Gil.

Gil answered. “Laurie came to visit, giving a certain someone a gift for Valentine’s Day.”

Mara’s dad wiggled his eyebrows at his daughter before setting the quiche down on the table while she rolled her eyes at what he was implying.

Uri looked at his sister and then Thena before tugging on his mom's sleeve.

“What’s Valentine’s Day?” he signed.

Smiling at her sunshine son, Thena explained. “It’s a day humans made to celebrate love. You spend it with friends and the people you love. When you love someone very much, you ask them to be your ‘Valentine.’”

She bopped his nose with a finger and softly laughed from hearing his contagious giggles. Mara smiled, too. Uri’s happiness was infectious. His smile alone was her reason for fighting and running as long as she had. She’d do anything to ensure he was safe, which made her happy to know it paid off.

He signed another question. “If my Valentine has to be someone I love lots, does that mean you, Mara, and Daddy will be my Valentine? Or can I only pick one?”

Mara replied as she reached out to hold him. “You can have as many valentines as you want, Uri. No need to ration out the love.”

She pressed a kiss on his chubby cheek. Peace washed over her when he pressed a loud kiss on hers before wrapping his arms around her neck to hug his sister. Uri was the sunniest sunshine summer child to be born. He radiated comfort with his entire being. There was more love and warmth in his toothy grin than…anything. He was her whole world, and she was his. That was enough.

Laurie walked back into view. “Hey, Uri! How’ve you been?”

Uri smiled wide before wildly clapping. He loved Laurie and his family. He mostly loves Ari, Laurie’s baby brother, who became Uri’s best friend after two minutes of meeting him.

She still remembers how Thena decked their dad after he asked if Uri gave his son any drugs after seeing them spin in circles in the dirt. Mara laughed so hard that tears came pouring out of her eyes.

Laurie put his hand to cover his mouth and loudly whispered in Uri’s ear. “Do you think I can take your sister out today? I want to teach her about Valentine’s Day.”

This distressed Uri as he scrunched his face while clinging tighter to Mara. He adapted wonderfully when Thena and Gil took them in, but he hated being separated from his sister for any period. The first day of her new school was a complete shit show because he cried while she was gone.

“But, I promise that I will bring her back shortly. We’ll even bring you souvenirs!”

Uri looked at her in confusion.

“Presents,” she clarified. “I’ll still be your Valentine, and we can go out and look for some pretty shells tomorrow, okay? You can show them to all your fishy friends.”

Although he liked the idea of presents and spending all of tomorrow with his favorite person in the whole world, Uri still didn’t want Mara to go- at least not without him.

“Why don’t we eat breakfast first? Laurie, can you help Uri get ready? I need to make sure Gil doesn’t dose his coffee with any booze.” She handed her brother to her…friend before going to the kitchen.

Gil had a big fucking smirk on his face when she walked in.

Mara snarled as she grabbed the apron he and Thena made for her as a new home present. “Not a fucking word. I don’t want to hear it. By the way, do we have any cinnamon rolls left in the freezer?”

He only smiled wider. “I wasn’t going to say anything. And we do. Why do you ask?”

Taking the leftover rolls, she preheated the oven. She then grabbed some oranges from the basket on the floor. Slicing them in half before setting the sieve over the plastic pitcher, and taking one half of an orange over the sieve. Taking a deep breath, Mara centered herself.

“Karla,” the name echoed in her mind as the soul covered her hand, and Mara squeezed the orange until the pulp was dry.

She took the rinds and absorbed the remaining qi inside it as a tribute of thanks for her friend’s help. Karla was the youngest and wasn’t called on as much as her other sisters, so Mara wanted to include her in something. The warmth on her skin when she returned to her ink-painted nest was a sign she appreciated the gesture.

Thena walked in and stood behind you. “You should go with Laurie.”

“Why?” she groaned out. “I don’t feel like it.”

The oven dinged once adequately preheated, and Mara plopped the rolls on the rack. She grabbed a metal mixing bowl and all the ingredients to make the cream cheese frosting- including some crushed-up freeze-dried strawberry slices. After measuring them and placing them in the bowl, she started to stir.

“You need more friends,” the two ancient beings spoke in unison.

Thena pressed a kiss on her daughter's head. “You don’t talk to anyone at school. And you can’t spend all your free time surfing, at the shop, playing with Uri, and studying.”

Gil pulled in for a giant bear hug. “Hey, no pressure. But you have to admit, it’ll be a nice change to have someone spoil you for once. And with a tall, pretty boy, too.”

Mara glared at her adoptive dad as he moved past her to get to the bathroom. She tried to fight down the red blush blooming on her cheeks. But she only continued to stir the bowl until it became thick and made the color she wanted.

“I get spoiled enough by the two of you as is,” she grumbled. “And also–”

Laurie and Uri, coming into the kitchen, cut Mara off. “We’re here! And I made sure Uri brushed his teeth and flossed. And – woah, Mara! Why is your face so red? Are you sick?”

He put down Uri and raced to her side. He put his hand on her forehead to take her temperature and used his other one to touch his for comparison. He was so close that she could smell the wind on his skin and the mint toothpaste on his breath. Mara stared at his face- how were his eyelashes so long? And why were his eyes so blue? She felt her face heat up even more and cleared her throat before turning her head.

“It’s nothing,” she croaked. “Can you…can you help Thena set the table? The plates and cups are in the overhead cabinets, and the utensils are in the drawers.”

Laurie moved to grab everything to help set up the table on the outside deck. Mara watched as Thena cupped his face with a warm smile and told him how tall and strong he was becoming. Gil returned and ruffled his air before asking if he was still set on becoming a doctor with how much his muscles had grown. Uri tugged on his sleeve to ask if Ari had missed him as much as he missed him.

This was the part of Laurie that Mara could never figure out how he fit in perfectly and seamlessly without issue or error in any situation. She could analyze and pinpoint a person’s position and physical weaknesses with her abilities without blinking. Every living thing had a heat signature that she could exploit.

But with Laurie…she didn’t want to do that to him. It was like his weaknesses only made him more appealing to others. Ever since the girl first met him, he would follow her around like a puppy desperate for attention from its owner. It bugged her for months. And if she were being honest, it still did after a year of knowing him.

Mara couldn’t really explain it. But it was like...his warmth was inherent- it came from a softer place where only goodness existed. It was less of a raging inferno like her own and more like a gentle campfire. If Mara was a snake, then Laurie was a bunny. A bunny nearly six-foot-tall with clear blue eyes and light freckles–

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

The oven’s timer went off- breaking her out of the analogy and into reality. She took the rolls out using an oven glove and placed them on a cooling stone.

“Are those cinnamon rolls?”

Mara looked over her shoulder, and Laurie was crouching right behind her. His chin was practically on her shoulder.

She nodded. “You like them, right? You said your mom made them for you for breakfast on your…um…what’d you call it?”

He was giddy with glee. “My birthday! I told you that at Christmas! We were all at Brympton d'Evercy to celebrate Sersi’s and Dane’s engagement! I can’t believe you remembered that!”

Mara supposed the way he smiled was…sort of cute… nowhere near as blindly adorable as Uri’s, but attractive enough.

“Yeah…well, you did fly to give me that…thing. And you're even teaching me about this Valentine’s Day stuff. So, I thought…this could be my present to you.”

If Mara was facing Laurie, she would have seen the softest look of love and adoration grace an adolescent boy’s face in the history of humanity. Laurie loved Mara Drake so much. His dad said he was too young for dating- let alone love, but he knew they were destined for forever.

He wanted to kiss her so badly. But he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be pinned down like how he was when they first met.

Mara scraped the little dried spot on the kitchen island. She so did not like feeling as stupid as she did right now. But…she had a gut feeling Laurie was worth it.

“Um…I crushed some dry strawberry things and added them to the frosting. It turned pink, and I thought that was okay since I saw pink on the box and thought–”

“Cinnamon rolls are my favorite, and I love strawberries,” he whispered. “And pink…pink’s my favorite color after blue. It reminds me of my mom.”

“And if you have time, we can…go find some good spots for sea-shell hunting. Uri can take forever, and it’ll save me some time. I know it’s kind of shitty- especially because you’re doing this whole thing.”

“I love you.”

Mara choked on her own spit and turned her head in shock. Her eyes were bulging out of your head.

What- what did he say?

“What?” her voice cracked.

Now, it was Laurie’s time to turn red. Did he really just say that? And with Gil and Thena literally less than twenty feet away? Was he trying to get the love of his life to hate him forever? Oh fuck, he needed to backtrack.

“IT! I meant to say, ‘I love IT!’ I’d love to help you find seashells! I could even bring some for Ari and Aggie! Actually – they made some Valentine's gifts for you and your brother, too! Ari made this really cool card for Uri. He summoned a bunch of turquoise and made this cool heart! So, um…thanks.”

His voice cracked as he stammered to save himself before awkwardly pausing to express gratitude.

An awkward silence echoed as the awkward future couple mutually decided that their feet were the room's most exciting part.

And the dads decided to make it even worse.

“MARA! IKARIS TOLD ME TO TELL YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT LAURIE’S VIRGINITY BETTER BE INTACT WHEN HE COMES HOME!”

Mara was caught so off-guard that she dropped the spatula in her hand. The pink frosting splattered all over the floor and would be a bitch to clean up.

Fucking-

“TELL HIM TO EAT A DICK AND FUCK OFF!” she yelled back as Laurie buried his face in his hands.

He really hoped Aggie had more luck not humiliating herself with Hamish the way he had with Mara.

Somewhere in Scotland, a little Ari sat on the couch with his mommy as she stroked his daddy’s hair. His daddy was lying in his mommy’s lap.

“Mama? Why is Da crying?” he innocently asked.

You only smiled. “Karma.”

At the same time, in the Amazon, a young girl was planning her and her forever love’s future wedding when she suddenly stood up and looked in the distance. Her future husband asked whatever was bothering his little lady love.

The young girl only sighed while shaking her head. “The idiot fucked up.”

Tagging: @ethereal-athalia, @valeskafics, @asa-do-your-thing, @arcielee, @jolixtreesunn, @beananacake, @redheadspark, @vikingqueen28, @lexyysworld, @lilacliquors, @tesha-i-guess, @tess-love, @inejismywife, @bumblebeesuniverse, @aphroditesmoon

Click on this link if you want to read more about this universe!

[lovelyfanatical]

I Get a Sugar Rush Whenever I'm With You - Chapter 10.1

Good evening fellow Drukkari stans, or whatever time it is for you! We've officially made it to the final week of the competition, aka the beginning of the end! And coincidentally, Bake Off is airing a new season! If you've missed any previous installments and need to catch up, you can find them all on my Table of Contents here. Last time, Makkari got Star Baker, and Druig was eliminated. What will he do next? Find out now, in the next mini-chapter of Drukkari in the Great British Bake Off!

Sersi was already seated at a table when Druig arrived. She waved him over with a gentle smile on his face, and Druig plopped himself down on the seat across from her, mumbling his greetings. After exchanging pleasantries and putting in their drink orders, Sersi turned back to him and asked, "So, what's this all about, Druig?"

"I don't know what you mean," he lied, sipping his beer.

"Seriously? I nagged you about getting drinks for a week and you only now ask to meet up?" she asked. Her eyes narrowed as she continued. "Did Makkari send you to check up on me?"

"She did not. But while we're on the subject, how are you feeling about seeing your ex and your current boyfriend at the same party?"

"I actually feel fine. Ikaris and I are on decent terms, but it's none of his business who I'm seeing now. Besides, Dane and I are taking things slow," Sersi said nonchalantly. Druig must've looked surprised at this answer because she added, "Makkari already asked me. She really didn't put you up to this?"

"Nope," was all he said in reply.

Sersi gave him a long look, silently studying his face before she asked in a gentler tone, "Druig, are you and Makkari speaking again?"

"We are," he answered carefully.

"You resolved whatever happened that week?"

"We did."

"So, what's the problem?"

Druig averted his gaze as he thought about his answer. He didn't know why he had to think about it. He'd been thinking about it since Saturday. This was the very reason he'd reached out to Sersi in the first place. He needed to tell someone. Hunter had already put up with him for weeks and was unlikely to be helpful. Phastos had proved a good listener, but he was quite busy with his family during the week, and Druig didn't want to distract him ahead of the final. Of everyone else, he felt Sersi would be the most sympathetic. So, he took a deep breath, looked her in the eye, and let the words spill out.

"I'm in love with her, but I don't think I can ever tell her."

Sersi hadn't looked the slightest bit surprised by the first part of his statement, but her eyebrows rose and drew together in confusion at the second part. "Why ever not?"

With that, the flood gates were open. Druig told her everything that had happened, things he hadn't even told Phastos about. The investigations, the clandestine baking sessions, the accidental bed-sharing. Sersi mostly listened, only asking a few questions as they came up. When he finally finished, he was quite a few drinks in. Sersi had stopped at two drinks, but she was still wearing the same perplexed expression.

"What is it now?" he asked, feeling rather spent.

"I think I'm still missing something. Why can't you tell her how you feel?"

"Because I don't think she feels the same way. Also, she's my best friend, and I can't risk losing her again. The bed incident really did a number on us both."

In an instant, something seemed to click for Sersi. She reached across the table, putting a hand on his shoulder to steady him as she said, "Druig, the bed incident did a number on Makkari because she loves you too."

Now it was Druig's turn to draw his eyebrows together in confusion. "I don't think so."

"She absolutely does. And from what I can tell, I'm pretty sure everyone else knows by now."

"No, they all know that I'm in love with Makkari. Not the other way 'round."

"How do you know?"

"Because they all tell me whenever she's not there to join the conversation! Thena kind of told me to ask her out, then Ajak told me not to, Sprite just called us gross-"

"Sprite insults everyone. I think it's her way of being friendly."

"I wasn't finished. Phastos did think we were dating already, but when I explained it to him, he said I should respect her wishes but also talk to her-"

"And what do most of these interactions have in common?"

"I'm not sober or drunk enough for this much critical thinking, Sersi."

"C'mon, I know Makkari's not the only detective. Use your deductive reasoning, Watson!"

Druig sighed dramatically, but used what brain power he had left to replay those moments back in his head. His face relaxed as an idea began to form. After what felt like a lengthy silence, he gave his answer. "As time went on, the others pre-supposed that we were a couple?"

"Which means…"

"They think Makkari has feelings for me, too."

"There you go!" Sersi said excitedly. "Myself included, by the way."

"Wait, is that why you kept hounding us about drinks?"

A sheepish look came over Sersi's face as she admitted, "I may have had a very silly plan to set a date and time that worked for both of you and then not show up myself."

Druig merely raised an eyebrow at her confession, and Sersi scrunched up her nose in embarrassment.

"I know, it's completely childish, but I don't usually play matchmaker with my friends, and Makkari seemed to like the idea, so…"

All of a sudden, realization hit Druig like a bolt of lightning. "That was the surprise Makkari was talking about. Why you didn't want Kingo to join us."

Sersi was smiling proudly now. Druig felt an involuntary grin spreading across his face as well.

"Makkari does love me."

"Glad you finally got there," Sersi replied gleefully. "But if she asks, I didn't tell you. You figured it out on your own. Got it?"

"Got it."

"So, what will you do with that information?"

"Oh, I'll do something. But not until after the competition. I don't want to distract her from that," he explained.

"Very considerate. Let me know if I can help with anything," Sersi offered.

"I will." Druig held up his drink. "To Sunday?"

"To Sunday," Sersi answered. They clinked their bottles together and downed the rest.

-

Big sister Sersi is my favorite Sersi, tbh 😊

Part 35

[wipethetape]

maybe it wasn't bad after all

Ajak x Goddess!Reader

Request: Hi! I was wondering if you could do a one shot with reader and ajak? But it’s after the emergence stuf and she’s alive? Maybe it’s how the reader ( who’s some type of non—human creature), and ajak meet? And how ajak gets flustered easily around the reader? If you could that would be great! Thank you so much!

A/N: two things: established hela x thena relationship, hela x reader bestfriends bc they're goddesses AND IM SO SORRY THAT IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO POST IT

Something shifted in Ajak's behavior after the whole stopping of the Emergence plan and Ikaris flying to the sun. She considered Ikaris as her closest companion, maybe not comparable to her relationship with Thena. 

She treated her as the favorite child out of everyone on their team. Ikaris leaving and choosing to protect Arishem's design left a void not only in her heart but in the purpose of her living as well. All she wanted was to stop the birth of the celestial and save the Earth even if it means disobeying Arishem, but it came with a price she cannot bear to accept: Ikaris. 

She blames herself for Ikaris' decisions. Maybe if she hadn't told him the truth and the purpose of their existence, he wouldn't have left Sersi. Maybe Sersi may have convinced Ikaris to join them in saving humanity and not go against his 'family' despite his unwavering loyalty to Arishem because his unwavering love for Sersi was more. Maybe he was still together with them, with her. 

The Eternals are not dumb to not notice how their Prime Eternal was still affected by all that happened to them. She was always level-headed, strong, and impartial as their leader. But this, with the whole Ikaris ordeal, no one exactly knows how to help her. Ajak was always there to help them deal with their issues, the mediator, their emotional and rational pillar, but who would be the pillar if she requires one?

That's why they collectively agreed to frequently visit Ajak's cabin, taking turns but always overlapping with one another. The most frequent visitors are Sersi and Sprite, who are now visiting together after their reconciliation. It is working, but it couldn't do much. It came to the point where Ajak tried to convince them to stop, but they didn't listen.

Tomorrow morning, she noticed Makkari and Kingo laughing in front of a monitor. Ajak silently walked towards them to see what they were doing. 

They were too immersed in the monitor that they didn't hear Ajak coming to them. 

"No, don't say that. It's a turn-off," Makkari signed. Kingo just smirked and sent the message he typed. 

Kingo sent the most terrible reply after what seemed to be a suggestive exchange of messages then unmatched with the person. 

"What were you doing?" Ajak asked. In a sudden moment, they exchanged glances in realization, which didn't go unnoticeable to Ajak. Is she in trouble? Yes. Was it a bad idea that she let her curiosity dominate? Without a doubt.

They made Ajak sit down, briefing her about how the internet works, then explaining what they were doing and how it works, mainly how you can find someone to talk to. Ajak is a fast learner, but they knew she wasn't interested enough to try this so they made her an account and forced her to make a match while they were there. 

Ting. Match successful.

Ajak sent "Hi" as her message. Kingo grunts and Makkari stoops down her shoulders. She's a starter, let's give her that, they think. 

You replied with a greeting, and thankfully you asked a lot of questions that kept the conversation going really interesting. The three Eternals were so invested in you.

At one point, you unknowingly asked her if she believes in God, and the two masterminds beside Ajak wanted to laugh their asses off with the question. With the way you asked, "Do you believe in God?", that's what religious emissaries spreading the word of God would say. 

I see why you said you don't believe in God.

You sent it, and it was an understatement to say Ajak was utterly confused. She's clueless about whether it's genuine, a joke, or sarcasm. She saw the typing icon, so she waited on what were you going to say. Kingo already understands the reason why you brought up this out-of-place topic. 

I don't think He could create someone as stunning as you.

Ajak felt her cheeks heating with what you said. Add that to the embarrassment she feels knowing that two of her team members were watching this whole exchange. Kingo was right, people on the internet can be really.. scary. How can you manage to be cocky in front of a monitor and say whatever you want to someone? 

Well lucky you, because that message would be the reason Ajak is always on her phone to talk to you for the whole day in the next months. 

When you finally dared to tell your best friend Hela about your chat buddy on a dating app, oh how she takes great pleasure in teasing you. It did not help that her wife Thena was in the game. 

You've been single for years now, and Hela (courtesy of her brothers Thor and Loki, but mainly the mischievous one) introduced you to a dating app. She says she wants you to get laid so you wouldn't bother the couple on holidays, again. The last time you asked to drink with them because you were lonely on holiday, they (Hela) almost kicked you out the moment you got sober after making them take care of you. 

The bad thing about divulging into this dating app was not only just letting Hela get into your mind about it, but you forgot how small Earth is. You never told the couple the identity of the person, and they didn't pry about it because they're just delighted you're finally entertaining someone. Until Thena invited you to join them on the family dinner slash reunion with the other Eternals.

You didn't want to be there, because as Thena mentioned, it's a family dinner. On holidays, where you can wander around the world or just talk 24/7 to Ajak at that time. However, thanks to those wives who have their own world and are scary when they join their forces together, you can say you just have to make bad choices sometimes. 

The dinner is hosted in Thena and Hela's house, and you were the one in charge of the decoration of the house and mostly helped in the preparation of the dinner itself. 

Everything is almost done except for the main course when someone knocks on the door. Thena fixed her apron and walked towards the door. Opening, she was greeted with smiles and hugs from every Eternal. One by one, as if by cue, they go inside after offering their greetings and small gifts to Thena. 

Something tells you to glance over the visitors, and you did. Only to see the Eternal Thena is currently hugging. 

You knew Ajak as the Prime Eternal whom Thena always seemed to cherish the most whenever she tells stories about her family. You never realized that the Ajak you were talking to online was the same Ajak that was almost killed by her favorite child and saved the Earth with the other Eternals from the emerging celestial. 

Idiot. It should have occurred to you when you thought it was too unique for a human to bear the name. 

Before removing herself from Thena's embrace, her eyes found yours. She saw you. She saw you. Not even in your best form. You're aware of how much of a mess you look having a few minutes to dress up and fix yourself. However, it was too late to retreat now. 

Makkari and Kingo noticed the subtle shock on their Prime Eternal's face. Following her vision, they finally saw the woman who was making Ajak's day filled with joy rather than sadness after the incident. 

You noticed the other pairs of eyes as well, chuckling at how the two were signing to each other about you and Ajak. You don't want to gossip, but you discovered that they refer to you as "the God". Ajak told you during one of your calls that she was forced by her friends to join the app and helped her through it, and you put the pieces together. 

———

The time has flown by fast. Everyone is currently enjoying their booze before retiring for the night, except for Sersi who went first to bed after tasting the alcohol from Asgard, with Sprite and Phastos following moments after. Only the three of you, Ajak and Thena, were not drinking—though Thena took some when she was trying to stop her wife from drinking more. Ajak, being the mother figure that she is, you assume, chooses to be sober to take care of the remaining Eternals. You? You feel drunk with her presence alone.

It was a challenge to maintain your interest to have a chat and listen to the other Eternals. You weren't rude enough to ignore their questions, but the only times you opened your mouth were to respond to their inquiries and feed yourself. You don't know what they're talking about because you were too occupied being mindful with the Prime Eternal by your side, not wanting to look more foolish in her presence.

Whenever she needed something, whether the condiments or to taste the food placed on the other side of the table, you were fast to move even before she spoke about it. You find charm in watching her being flustered and trying hard to hide her emotions by avoiding your eyes whenever your fingers graze on each other.

"Wrong. It is my Makkari." Druig glances at Makkari sweetly, to which she reciprocates and smiles. 

It seems that Druig and Hela were bantering about their partners. Hela is already conceited, which gets worse with a combination of a topic about her wife or her reign and journey as the queen, and liquor from Asgard.

"Morons. It is Thena, my beloved, who was worshipped as a goddess by the midgardians, befitting as her wife is the queen of Asgard." 

"I have to throw up," you seriously said, earning a glare from Hela. 

"Me too." Thena butted. 

Both of you stood up but went in different directions. Thena went straight to the kitchen, still pretending to throw up about Hela's comment which gained laughs from everyone, while you went outside the porch to breathe. 

You didn't know that Ajak plans to follow you shortly after. When she made her way to the porch, you noticed her and rubbed the chair beside you of dust knowing that it was clean. She sat on it while looking at how you seemingly shine so brightly, complementing the night sky. 

After a few minutes that seemed long to you, you heard her speak. 

"So do you always say those," she pauses, contemplating if she should continue, "things when you talk to other people?" She starts the conversation, ending her question with a tone stronger than she intended to. You were confused for a second about what she was referring to, then you realized it was your messages with her. You believe you simply misheard the jealousy and insecurity in her voice. 

You shook your head. "I learned from the Avengers. The phrases. Really a bunch. My first and last time using it. It just slipped my mind that humans like those phrases, and I tried." You explained while trying to check her reaction.

You don't want Ajak to think you are a flirt. Sure, being a goddess entails experience, but you were not an expert on it in contrast to your Goddess of Death friend. You innocently thought she was a human from your first interaction, so you tried to apply what you've learned from humans during your stay here. 

Silence enveloped the two of you. It is totally fine with you since you can admire the woman beside you whose eyes wander at the now appearing stars in peace. 

"Your voice is more enticing than in phone calls."

"Only my voice?" 

Ajak raises her eyebrows in shock and embarrassment. How she wants to melt in your gaze while she listens to your voice. 

"You're ravishing," she replies, her voice a bit wavering. 

The silence once again made its presence known around the porch. Both have no intention of wanting it to leave, yet they want to hear each other's voice even if the words don't make sense. 

"That Arishem should have a little credit for creating a beauty like you," you complimented. "Probably the best," you whisper. 

And that's where Ajak lost it. The composure she's been trying to maintain the moment she set foot in the house and saw you in the kitchen cooking. The moment your eyes met in shock and joy when both realized your unconventional first meeting. The glances you steal at each other at the table when one thought the other wasn't looking. 

She kept on looking everywhere except your eyes. The floor, the walls, and the whole night sky became her best friends. 

You simply smiled at how adorable her reaction is. You thought it would be the other way around, aware of your tendency to develop a whole personality to cover your nervousness. 

"Would you go with me, Miss Prime Eternal?" 

"To where?" 

"To get married." 

That gains her full attention to you. She heartily laughs. 

You add, "For a walk. And other things," pausing, "More like exploring each other's universe and be a part of it." 

She finally stared right into your eyes lovingly. 

"Haven't you already?" She inquires, a tiny smirk forming on her lips. 

[puckjay-blue]

But This Is Ruin: It looked like it hurt (chapter 2)

When Hephaestus opens the door he expects to be sad. That is how he always felt when Aphrodite cried. That is how everyone felt. Instead he is angry.

There is something about the perfect pink of the tip of her nose and her perfectly puffy eyes and the five strands of hair that escaped her messy bun. Something about those watery hazel eyes. He knows that when she looks like that the entire universe fawns and gives her a hug. And that means that he immediatly becomes the bad guy. No hugs, no compassion for him. She is not doing it on purpose, he knows that. She is just that pure, and if he is being honest, that pretty. And that makes it even worse.

She is holding a cardboard box a bit larger than what he expected. "Come in," he offers. She nodds and sniffles, and follows him as he wheels back into his appartement. Aphrodite puts the box down on the coffee table. In it there are a change of clothes, toiletries, several hoodies, and a collection of small trinkets. Glass baubles and welded figurines, woodcarved toys and clay cups, leather bracelets and finer jewelry. Hephaestus picks up a glass dog and turns it in his hands. "I didn't know if you wanted those back, so..." He doesn't really want the gifts that bad. Instead he wishes she had put their whole relationship in the box, all of his secrets and how he looked naked, so he could take it all back from her. "Thank you," he says, refusing to argue.

"How are you doing," she asks as she sits in the guest chair. "I'm good. Do you want something to drink?" "Tea would be nice." Hephaestus does not drink tea, but there is still some of her favorite in his cupboard. He leaves her in the living room to go to the kitchen and put the kettle on. She looks like an odd thing in his space, where everything is big and empty and in dark colors, like a small pearl in a too large oyster.

He comes back, a tray balanced on his lap with a single cup on it, and she is crying. People always assumed she was one of those pretty criers, who seemed to only cry with the water coming out of their eyes. Aphrodite cries with her all body. He soulders shake under her coat and her face contorts in a frown, yet she is still pretty. "Are you sure we're over?" she chokes a little on her words. "Come here," Hephaestus says, putting the cup on the table and bringing his wheelchair next to Aphrodite. He wraps his arms around her and shelters her face in his shoulder. He is not angry anymore.

She does not cry long. When she lets go, he finally answers. "Yes, I am. I'm sorry." Her nickname almost slips from his tongue. It's too easy, like a poem he learned by heart, and calling her "Aphrodite" just feels wrong.

Like a needle popping a baloon, a knock at the door breaks the tension in the room. "I got it," Hephaestus announces. When he opens the door he has to crane his neck up to meet the gaze of the tall woman standing there. She looks overdressed, in a silk grey suit and silver jewelry that shines like stars against her dark skin. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting," asks Athena. "No, it's ok," Aphrodite answers when Hephaestus hesitates. "I like the bantu knots on you, Thena, looks great." Athena gives a nod of appreciation as she steps through the door. "I have some papers from the student comitee." "Ouh, not my scene," Aphrodite says in an exaggerated sing-song tone. "I'll leave you two to it." And she waltzes out the door, light on her feet despite the cardboard box she grabs from Hephaestus's table.

Athena stares at him with her usual neutral look. "You're getting too popular to own only one chair." "I guess so, huh." There is a comfortable silence as Hephaestus grabs the papers and quickly reads the titles and carefully highlighted words, and Athena settles on the one chair. "So. Are you going to tell me?" she asks when she sees him put the papers down. "You're such a gossip," Hephaestus teases. Athena's neutral look does not leave her face. "Everyone is wondering." "So? Let them wonder. It's none of their buisness." "I don't do wondering. Why did you break up with her, Hephaestus?" He groans and hides his face in his hands. "Do we have to do this, Athena?" "We do. Spill the tea."

Hephaestus chuckles, a little bit hysterically. "You know what's fucking unfair? Evryone acts like she was such an angel for dating me, and im making a huge mistake by breaking up with her. No one has ever asked what she did." "What did she do?" "Nothing!" Anthena nods thoughtfully and gets up. Hephaestus follows her into the kitchen to continue the conversation as she pours herself a sparkly lemonade and leans her back against the counter. "If you want ice cubes I made some earlier. She didn't do anything big that people can point out and say "that's why". It's the little things." To other people, Athena's unmoving stare is unsettling, but Hephaestus has known her long enough to know this is how she pays undivided attention, and her stoic silence is soothing when he bares his soul. "She was even better than most my previous partners, didn't let go of my hand in public and stuff. And people treated her like a saint for that and that made me feel like shit." "I know you," Athena interrupts. "You did not break up with her because of other people treated her." Hephaestus sighs, and grumbles "Cut through the bullshit, I get it." He spins his wheelchair in place a few times as he thinks. "She didn't find me attractive. And I get it. No one does." "Not true." Athena interrupts him again. He looks at her with a raised eyebrow, surprised and disbelieving, so she points at her own face. "See this? This is my I-know-something-you-dont face." Hephaestus rolled his eyes and continued. "She never called me pretty. Or handsome. Whatever. She only called me stuff like, rugged or, strong. And when I asked, she would reassure me that she was attracted to me, but she's not a very good liar." "Is that really the problem?" Athena asks. "Stop psychonanalysing me," says Hephaestus without meaning it. "She did this thing where she'd compliment my scars and touch them all delicate and soft. And that's better than if she was disgusted by them, but it's still making a point of how not-disgusted she was, and that felt weird. Like there was no way to just be *normal* about them." Athena just keeps staring. She is not one to repeat herself, and she already told Hephaestus to cut to the real issue. "It's going to sound like it's about Ares," Hephaestus says and adds, after Athena does not say anything. "It's not about Ares!" "I did not say anything." "*Stop psychonalaysing me!*" he half-yells, but he is grinning. "I don't mind that she likes him," he conceeds. "And I know she would have never cheated on me. But seeing how she looked at him, it made me realize, he is her "one who got away". And that made me wonder what I am, what story she put me in. I don't think I'm the charity case, despite what everyone thinks, but I don't know. I think I was her beauty and the beast story, the rough exterior with a perfect boyfriend underneath." Athena stays silent. He knows that's how she keeps people talking, but for now he does not mind. "And honestly I think I'm more mad at the "perfect boyfriend" part." Hephaestus starts spinning his wheelchair in place again. "Because it's a lot of pressure, you know? It's like I have to make up for my looks, like I can't slip up and be angry, or forget an important date, or literally anything. I have to be perfect all the time." Athena nods. Hephaestus reaches into a drawer and puts a metal straw in her glass as she goes to refill it.

"You're doing good," Athena says without any inflection. "Yeah, I broke up with her because-" "Not about the break up. Identifying and communicating your feelings." "You taught me well." "You don't miss any practice." "Don't call this practice, I know you're just looking for hot goss'." Athena does not deny anything.

[softquietsteadylove]

Thena and Gil playfully arguing…in business style!

Tyrant King,

If you would find it suitable, I have had a meeting cancellation this afternoon.

Gil's brows raised as he read the email on his phone. It was nothing if not succinct--classic Ice Queen. She didn't even sign it. But he was surprised she had even attempted to invite him over today. She had stated she was busy all week. No time for them to 'meet'.

No time for them to fuck like wild animals in her office between meetings.

Why so formal, Ice? If you want me to come over, just say so ;)

Her response was prompt, which proved to him that she was anxiously awaiting his response, much to his delight. She could play coy as much as she liked, but she wasn't very good at that game. In all fairness, nor was he.

I have a tight schedule today, Tyrant. I am offering my time, not begging you for your company. You may disregard my previous email if you are otherwise engaged.

Ice cold, his Princess was. But Gil grinned, happily responding, still in email rather than texting. She had yet to give him her personal number, but he was honestly just glad she wasn't having Kingo filter his messages to her, either.

As per my previous email, I would be happy to meet if your schedule sees fit, Ice.

Two could play at this game. Even as he was looking over his schedule and moving things around for himself. He really needed a Kingo for himself, and her older chief of staff Karun also seemed really on top of things. He had once joked that he would try to poach them from her, and the look he got made him know why people were so afraid of someone as beautiful and delicate as she was.

I have a meeting slot available from 4 onward.

So, it was a lie that she had a tight schedule. If she was offering her 4 o'clock then that was her last meeting for the day, most likely. Unless she was planning to make wild love for a tight 45 minutes and then have meetings until 6.

The whole hour?

If you think our business will take that long, I can offer you the full hour. I advise you decide preemptively if you require the full allotment.

Oh, she thought he didn't want the full time? She was making a joke about him not lasting long, sure. But he was having too much fun flirting with her to let it get to him. He gleefully typed out his response, already swiping his other hand through his hair.

Please be advised, Ice Queen, I believe I have several positions to propose during our meeting. I do hope you are prepared for such intentions during only one hour.

He would give anything to see her face right now. He liked it when she got kind of flustered, even when she was annoyed with him. Call him childish, he liked having her attention. He was entirely the the old story of a boy not knowing how to tell a girl how much he liked her, so instead he did little things to get under her skin.

She was facetiming him.

He picked it up with a wicked grin on his face, "to what do I owe the honour, Ice?"

"I would prefer not to have a paper trail for this proposal, as you put it," she glared at him. She knew he was having fun with their little entendres. "Are you coming or not?"

"Don't I always, with you?"

"Insipid juvenile," she practically hissed at him. She leaned back in her chair, ever poised and elegant. "If you don't want the time slot, I'll schedule someone else."

Gil frowned. "Are we still talking about us, Princess?"

She raised her brows at him--the minx. "I was talking about meetings."

He growled faintly under his breath. Such an impossible woman he had chosen. "I'll be there. Who would you even have offered it to?"

She shrugged, now playing coy for her own enjoyment. "I heard the Prince Eternal is floating around the city. I'm sure if I contacted his beastly little assistant, he'd come running."

Gil puffed through his nose, feeling like a bull getting a red cape waved at him. "Now you're just trying to piss me off."

Thena's eyes dashed down to her lap. She was playing a game of chicken with him, and the Ice Queen didn't take unnecessary risks. "My time is valuable, Tyrant. And others are willing to pay even more than you."

That may have been true, but no one would give her more.

He tugged at his shirt, calling her bluff, "you hate that guy."

She made a face; there was no lying about that. "Perhaps, but it's always at least a few million whenever he pays me a visit."

Gil rolled his eyes. He didn't have to be part of the rich boys who were all insignificant admirers of hers. He wasn't some kid with a crush, he was the Tyrant King.

"Thena," he began, and immediately she was set on edge. Even though they had made love several times now (not that she called it that). He leaned forward, making sure his shoulders looked nice and wide in the shot. He lowered his voice, giving her his best, most smouldering look. "I want to see you."

Desired effect: achieved. She blinked, looking just the littlest bit flustered, maybe even blushing a little. Her eyes drifted away again, but she was smiling a little, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. The diamond stud on her ear cuff sparkled at him. It made him want to pull it off with his teeth.

"Fine," she attempted to maintain her cold facade, but he could see a little more Thena under it. She drew her lace tighter around her. "I'll tell Karun to expect you."

And with that, she was done talking about it. She hung up, but Gil didn't feel hung up on. He smiled, slipping his phone into the inside pocket of his suit jacket. He stood, fluffing his hair again and grabbing his essentials to tell his security that he was leaving the office.

He had an important date to make.

[redheadspark]

I am LOVING these prompts! Do you think you could do Druig with 9? The one where reader is reading and Druig’s being a clingy watcher?

A/N - Druig would definitely do this! Thanks for requesting this, anon!

Passage

Summary - After the Emergence, you and Druig have a moment to pause and have peace.

Warnings - Just fluff :)

It started with a simple bit of movement on the couch, you staying still as you flipped to another page.  Then it was the feeling of a shadow right behind you, yet you remained calm and read the passage in front of you.  Of course you knew this game far too well, it’s happened so many times you lost count.  Especially since it started long before technology had started. 

Centuries ago this started, and it hasn’t really lost its fire.

Finally, you felt arms wrapped around you from behind and a neck tucked on top of your shoulder.  You hummed, feeling those hands before on your lower waist with the right amount of pressure, the softness of the brown hair against your neck and ear, and the scent that he carried after being out in the sun for far too long.

“Whatcha readin’, lover?” You heard in your ear.

Druig.

“A book I found in Makkari’s personal treasure trove on the Domo,” You hummed as your eyes were still moving and following along, “This one is called Treasure Island, a pirate adventure,” 

“Ah, sounds like somethin’ you’d like,” He replied as he too was reading some of the words there, “Never took Makkari as one to like pirates.  Then again they stole gold.”

“Oh, and Makkari steals gold like a pirate?” You asked as you paused in your reading, looking over your shoulder barely to see Druig’s eyes on your thanks to your peripheral vision.  He said nothing but smirk as you clicked your tongue, “Fine, I’ll go tell her!”

“No!” Druig said suddenly, keeping you close on the couch as you were about to get up.  You laughed as he peppered kisses along your cheeks and neck to keep you in one place.  The mood was a bit lighter then in that moment, given the last few days and all that you had to deal with together.  Once you both were done laughter and simply holding each other, you looked around the room that you were in, sighing in both remorse and regret.

Ajak’s living room at her farmhouse.  

It’s been two days since the near Emergence, you all came to the Farmhouse to unwind and lay low since the news all over the world was talking about the marble being that was frozen in the ocean.  Sersi, Kingo and Sprite were already back in London, going back to reality themselves as the rest of you went to South Dakota.  There was no real mindset on what the future was going to hold, Thena wanted to hold a meeting later that day to see what we should do next.  Sersi was our new leader, yet she was waiting to go back to London to talk to Damon and perhaps but every that happened behind her.  You would have too, yet you and Druig were still deciding on what to do.

“I miss her,” You said as you drank in the small living room you two were in.  It all was Ajak, the paintings and decor on her walls, the rug along the worn floor, even the slightly peeling wallpaper against the wall. It had charm and life in its bones and walls, just like how Ajak was when she was alive.

“Me too,” Druig murmured as he took was looking at the walls and then out the windows, “She meant well with all of is….and with me,”

“Druig,” You said his name, “We talked about this.  You know she loved you, beyond loved you.  What happened is in the past, and all we can do is move forward,”

Druig was heartbroken when he heard about Ajak’s death through Sersi.  He kept it to himself while the Eternals were visiting your home in the Amazon.  Yet when the fight was done, and after you had the service for Gilgamesh, Druig finally collapsed in your arms as you two slept in your little shack. He mourned for not being able to talk to her again.  He mourned for not telling Ajak he was wrong in how he blew up against her.

He mourned for never apologizing.

“We did stop the world from ending, and I think Ajak would have been proud of us,” You explained as he was still searching your eyes to see that you were telling the truth.  You moved his brown hair from his eyes, tracing his nose slightly with the tip of your finger.

“Proud of me goin’ against Arishem even?” Druig had to ask, speaking about the very Celestial whom he butted his head against ever since you all came to Earth.

“No, Druig.  Proud of you protecting humans, the same species we were sworn to protect since we came here to this planet,” You answered him.  Druig finally gave a smaller smile and leaned into you to hug you.  You hugged him back, kissing the top of his head as you rubbed his arms, “Ajak would be proud of you and how far you have come, Druig.”

“Aye, the same for you, M’Lady,” he said your nickname with you as he hooked his chin on your shoulder again, “Now, read to me some of this pirate book that you think is amazin’.”

You opened the book again, finding the page where you left off and started to read aloud.  Druig hung onto your every word as the South Dakota wind was picking up outside the farmhouse. Now that the world as not going to end and life can move on and grow, you were optimistic about the future that you were going to have with Druig.

You both were going to find your peace again, one day at a time.  

The End.

June Summer Prompts

[wives-natlho]

She's Not Who You Think She Is (Memories of Coco part 4, finale)

She’s not who you think she is. She’s a monster, a murderer, and a coward.  We found her ship, bearing your name, and have hauled it to Western La Noscea.  Come and meet me here. I want to talk to you. I’ll be waiting. 

The letter once again came sealed and slid under the front door of the Sweet and Savoury, addressed to Coco. It arrived when Coco was the only one at the bar. She had gone to the basement to clean up, and it was lying there when she came back upstairs. She checked outside and found no sign of anyone near. Not even footprints. 

This has gone on too long. This has to end. It must.

We’ll do some reconnaissance, and form a plan, Coco thought. We’ll show up in force, ready to bring this all to a close. This madness has to stop.

She started penning a notice for the Savoury patrons and employees to gather once again. 

A couple of folks from the Savoury offered to help. Namely Einar, the Miqo'te tavern owner, and a Padjali woman with a penchant for espionage named Uari-Uk-Upash. Both have been extremely helpful with other tasks in the past. Uari-Uk was present when Jaye’s voidsent Ikkobach was captured and forced into its crystal prison. Einar is also a force to be reckoned with for sure, most recently wielding some sort of blood magic that Coco didn't fully understand. 

And, of course, Athena and Jaye would be alongside. 

The plan was simple, but maybe not easy. 

Athena and Uari-Uk-Upash, whom Coco affectionately called "professor", scouted around the Western edge of La Noscea. They spotted it in a cove surrounded by aetheric coral and Sahagin eggs. The ship itself was crawling with Sahagin, and beginning to be covered in eggs and coral itself. However, the Navigator's mark on the ship's hull was uncovered and untouched. They wanted us to spot it. After reconnaissance, the group met up on a small vessel borrowed from some Sharlayan connections.  

Ride up, get in, get the captain, and get out. That's the idea. 

The longer the group was there, the more Sahagin would swarm, so speed and efficiency was key. Uari-Uk, Athena, Einar, and Jaye would be on Sahagin duty. Keep the area clear so Coco can get inside the ship. The crew upstairs was relying on their Bartender to do the actual search and rescue inside the ship. 

"Got it?" Athena's voice snapped Coco back to focus. She was gripping the railing on the boat, staring off into the mass of Aetheric Coral just ahead. "Does everyone understand the plan?"

Coco nodded. "Yes…" 

"Hey, wait a minute… Why is Coco going in alone?" Jaye protested. "You'd never let me do that, 'Thena!" 

"You're right. I wouldn't… Not yet anyways." Athena peered at the Viera’s small voidsent friend, currently resting on Jaye's shoulder and watching intently. "But Coco is ready for this… And she needs this."

"It doesn't feel great to be talked about like I'm not here." Coco said over her shoulder. 

"Tell me about it." Einar smiled a crooked grin. He had come up against this sort of life-defining moment before. From the smile, though, Coco couldn't tell if he actually found the humor in the situation, or if he was just trying to break the tension.

"Sorry." Jaye blurted out. She gave a sharp look to Ikko, still on her shoulder, clearly hearing something no one else did. "Hush, you. That's mean." 

Athena looked over and raised an eyebrow. Jaye just shrugged. 

"Okay, it's time. Let's focus up." The professor got down to business, as she is wont to do. 

—-----

Coco didn't see the first assault. She was the last onto the ship, intended to run through an opening made by the others. She climbed onto the Memories' railing and witnessed the results of the attack. They tried not to kill any Sahagin. They were supposed to be allies of the Maelstrom. However, Einar and Jaye were both still struggling to grasp the limits of their respective powers. Some few lay dead at their feet.

"Go, hurry!" Jaye shouted. Ikkobach had placed its form between the doorway into the ship and oncoming Sahagin. It moved aside for the oncoming Coco, rapier drawn and steeled to finally finish this. 

Just inside, it was surprisingly quiet. The slick layer of egg sack and whatever goop the Sahagin used to mark their territory worked as an effective insulation. The air was hot, but dry. The fish men had no reign inside the ship. This was someone else's territory. 

Her boots clunked against the wood below, and betrayed her presence, provided the battle above didn't already do that. Coco had been one step behind this entire time, though, and did not expect to have the element of surprise. She walked through a doorway into a large opening inside the ship. The room was dark except for a single light at the opposite end, some kind of Garlean technology strung up to highlight a chair, upon which sat Captain Goss: bound, gagged, and barely breathing. 

"Don't take a step closer. You've seen what this thing can do." Coco heard a metal click from the darkness alongside the familiar voice. A beat of silence, and then he continued. "How have you been, Sister? I assume you've figured that part out by now." 

"You're no family of mine!" Coco practically growled. 

"Oh? Then what about her?" The first visual sign of the assailant was a Garlean-looking revolver with its hammer cocked, pointing at the head of the older woman. 

"Wait, don't!" Coco lurched forward before catching herself and taking a deep breath. She still stood a dozen or so yalms from the light. 

"Careful. Step closer and all of your answers will be blasted away." The gun moved closer to Captain Goss, also showing the glove and sleeve of the assassin. Coco recognized the garments from the Garlean military. 

She took a half step backwards. “Okay… Let’s talk, then. Why have you done all this?”

“Yes. Let’s talk.” The figure stepped forward, with no hat or mask this time. Standing in the light was a half Roegadyn, half Hyuran Garlean man. He wore full Imperial military regalia. His “dress blues” as it were. He pressed the weapon’s barrel into the Captain’s temple, as she remained unconscious. “How about you recap what you know so far?”

Coco was hesitant, but relented. She told her side of the story. “I know I’ve been being stalked by someone who wanted me to see people getting killed. I know that you’re most likely my half brother, and that Captain Goss here is your mother as well as mine.”

“Good. What else?”

“Ugh. I don’t have time for this!” Coco was getting annoyed. 

Her brother pressed the barrel harder against the bound Sea Wolf. “Okay, okay!... Um…” Coco searched for more answers in her mind. “You know about her fight against this clutch of Sahagin, and that she tried to cover it up. That you made some kind of deal with them to get back at her. And… I know that she wouldn’t still be alive if you just wanted revenge.”

“Exemplary work, sister.” Coco winced at the word. She hated the way it poured from his deranged lips. “You’re right about almost everything. I haven’t been stalking you, though. Just nudging you to find out more on your own.”

 “You’ve lost your mind.” Coco sounded almost empathetic. “How much did Garlemald take from you?”

“Garlemald took my pain, that this woman gave to me and turned it into something more.” The assassin snapped to attention and signaled a Garlean salute. “My name is Titus aan Goss, found son of the Empire! I have suffered the fruits of my mothers sin, as have you and many others. I wanted you to know this. To know the source of your pain and misery. To know the monster from whose loins you sprang, full formed and destitute.”

Coco’s confusion was obvious on her face. What is this lunatic on about!?, she thought.

“This woman,” he continued pointing the pistol back at Captain Goss, “is a murderer. She slaughtered innocent Sahagin, and left her own crew to die. She fled the scene afterwards and paid to have the incident covered up while she lay low far inland. A coward!”

Coco took a deep breath in and released it through her nose. She was focusing both on the words and trying to form a plan of how to get out of here without losing what is most likely her mother.

“This woman,” the assassin grew angrier, “fucked a Hyur she had never previously met, and dropped me, the result of her dalliance, in a small town to the north to live alone, with no one to care for me! A Whore! Were it not for the Garleans I would have suffered as an orphan like you did.”

Coco noticed the assassin moving more subtly towards her, releasing his watch on Captain Goss in the chair. 

“This woman,” he was almost shouting, “fucked a captain that she hated, and dropped you, the result of that dalliance, in the godsdamned desert. You should hate her for the life she has forced upon you.”

A silence fell in the room. The dull thuds above waned, telling Coco the fighting was nearly done. She cleared her throat and calmly spoke. “What do you want from me?”

“I want my sister. You’re the only person left I could possibly identify with.” He lowered his weapon and flipped it around in his hand, holding the handle out towards Coco. “I want you to know the pain I have suffered, and to help me to end its source. And I wanted you to know there is a route to freedom at my right hand. As a blade fighting for power and truth in the Empire.”

“Wait…” Coco’s eyes widened and looked around rapidly. “Are you fucking serious!? You’ve killed at least three people trying to get my attention. And you think I would join you!? Are you out of your fucking mind?”

“... What?” The assassin’s shoulders slumped. “You don’t understand, still? You don’t see that this is all her doing?” He raised the pistol once again, pressing it to the head of the still unconscious Captain Goss. “Fine. Then I am truly alone.”

“No!” Coco readied her rapier and dashed forward across the room.

BLAM! 

BLAM!

—-------------------------------

Athena and Jaye rushed into the room, following the blast. Three bodies lay on the floor, awash in blood. 

Coco, Captain Ana Goss, and the assassin, Titus aan Goss. 

“Fuck.” Athena cursed through the silence.

Jaye's heart pounded as she fell in behind Athena, checking various pulses. 

Coco was breathing, but with a gunshot wound in her shoulder from the pistol’s first bullet. 

“Wait! I know what to do here!” Jaye thought back to her time in Gridania, attempting to study aetheric manipulation in the Conjurer’s guild. She focused for a brief moment and began to muster water and light aether from the air to focus it on the wound. Athena nodded, and checked on the other two corpses. 

The pistol lay on the floor just outside of Coco’s grasp, with two spent rounds from the revolving chamber, and the assassin’s head was half missing. A spray of blood painted the opposite side of the ship’s interior. 

“Shit.” Athena didn’t know what else to say. 

She turned and examined Captain Goss, the older white-haired Roegadyn woman. She was unharmed, but still tied to the chair and toppled over on her side. Athena’s training informed her this woman was clearly under the effects of some sort of poison or medication to keep her sleeping. She wasn’t even breathing that hard. 

Coco sputtered, springing upright and then yelping from the pain in her shoulder. She looked around and saw her loved ones tending to her and her mother, and saw the carnage from the shot she fired from the assassin’s own gun. Whatever this was, this madness, it was over now. Coco’s adrenaline wore off and she was suddenly very tired. 

“Hey.” Jaye smiled. “You okay?”

“Nope.” Coco chuckled. “That’s gonna fuck me up for a while. But I think I’ll be alright eventually.”

Coco looked over Jaye’s shoulder and saw Athena standing, worried and pissed off. 

“What about the Sahagin?” Coco asked.

“Quiet for now, but we’d better hurry.” Athena replied.

“Right.” Coco winced when standing up, supported by Jaye, while Athena picked up Captain Goss like a sack of popotoes. 

They left the room, the gun, the assassin, and the ship behind. The Sahagin can have whatever is left. 

—-----------------------------

Former Captain Ana Goss, whose ship is now lost, woke up in a Maelstrom first aid tent. Her eyes focused on what looked almost like a mirror that somehow looked 30 years into the past. 

Coco, shoulder wrapped in bandages, spoke. “Good, you’re awake.

… We need to talk.”

[simplykalani]

↪ closed for @athenaxharris​

lately, she haven’t been in a good place and it reflected. she was inactive on social media for a while, which wasn’t ideal since it was basically her job. she was on the verge of graduating college, she had to finalize her designs for her merch as well as have meetings with her manager regarding the makeup line she was coming out with and on top of that the one person she wanted to talk to her the most wasn’t. the stress was getting to her, so she did the one thing she knew that would make her feel better -- inviting athena over to have a girls night, she was lonely and her being lonely resulted in thinking about cieran. he still haven’t said a thing to her and it was slowly killing her. she missed him, a lot more than she was leading on. here they were in her bedroom, having a random show playing in the background, but it was completely disregarded. snacks were scattered everywhere and wine was served in their tall glasses. “thena... what does this even mean?” she frowns, “how is he going to send me all of this and still not talk to me?” 

[welldonebeca]

Apex Predator (IV)

Pairing: Thena x Ikaris WC: 2.1k words Warnings: Smut. Power play. Praising kink. Lots of teasing. “Thena be good”, but make it sexual. Virginity loss.

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Masterlist

Ikaris watched as Thena weaved through her tapestry, long fingers moving with such ability he couldn’t even understand how she did it.

It was her little hobby, sewing with such an ability it hypnotised him. He sometimes forgot she had hobbies outside of fighting, since that seemed to be the only thing on her mind whenever they were around.

Even when Ajak let them have moments of calm, she would be focused on the next deviants to emerge.

So seeing Thena and her long fingers moving, her bright eyes so focused she was barely blinking, never ceased to enchant him.

“It’s beautiful,” Ikaris finally spoke, making his presence known.

It was them in the legends, coming down to help the humans.

She didn’t stop, as if she knew he was there all along.

“I know."

He chuckled, wordless.

Of course she did. Thena knew everything.

He sat by her side, and her fingers didn’t even stop.

“How are you, Thena?” he asked, sweetly.

She wasn’t impressed at all.

Ikaris had his own dynamic with his Omegas. With Sersi, he could simply kiss her without many words, a few looks with Ajak would open her up and Makkari, his sneaky little Omega, was keen to playing games with him. But they had their dynamic.

But Thea… she was immune to his charms.

She gave very little attention to the changes on their family, focusing mainly on the deviants with Gilgamesh. Ikaris wondered if the two were intimate, but if maybe very secretive about it.

Whenever he tried to be around her, her answers were a little dry, and her attention was never fully on him. Nothing like what she was with Gilgamesh.

“Thena...” he started, but she just turned to look at him.

“Say what you want, Ikaris” she commanded, as if bored of his long game of conversation.

He swallowed down.

“Can’t I want to chat?” he tried to be smooth.

“You never only want to chat,” she remarked.

He scoffed.

“Because you always cut me off.”

She moved back to her tapestry.

“You annoy me when you talk,”

Ikaris would’ve taken offence, but he could see the slight smirk on her lips.

She was playing him. Him! The Alpha!

Ikaris reached and grabbed her hand, holding it, and she looked at his face.

“You’re done,” he commanded her.

Thena stared at him for a single second before throwing him across the room and against a wall.

Ikaris grunted, as she stood over him as he regained himself.

"You are going to have to try harder than that to be an alpha, Ikaris," she taunted him, blond hair moving as she tilted her head.

He flushed, embarrassed for a moment.

“I’m no Makkari, you can’t just corner me into mating with you.”

He stood in his full frame.

Fine, if she wanted a challenge, then she would have one.

“Is that what you want?” he circled her. “For me to fight you into submission?”

She walked away from him, careless, moving oh so lightly into the room where Arishem’s statue stood.

“Into submission?” she repeated, looking over her shoulder. “No.”

Ikaris followed her, and stopped at seeing her in full armour, leaning against a wall.

“I just want to have fun,” she moved away, dragging her body, exposing her neck on her way to him.

Ikaris clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

“Thena…” he sighed. “Why not be a good girl and just play nice?”

Her spear appeared through her fingers, and he stood still as she walked in his direction.

“Oh?” she asked, and the tip of her blade was right against her neck. “I’m a good girl now?”

Ikaris hummed.

“You can be,” he hummed.

Thena’s lips curled.

“And who says I want to be a good girl?”

She raised her spear to fight him, and Ikaris grabbed her blade before it could meet his skin.

He followed her lead, throwing punches and using his power to take distance and throw a punch that was quickly caught by her shields.

Thena threw him onto the floor, and had a taunting smile on her lips when Ikaris stood to fight back just as well, each blow of his breaking through her shields until they were gone, and Ikaris raised her up, carrying her against the wall and pressing her against it, holding her wrists up with a single hand.

“So you want to be bad?” he asked, close enough that her breath was tickling his skin.

She smirked, a long blond strand falling across her face.

"Maybe,” she purred. “Or do you want to be good?"

Thena raised her legs and kicked him away, making him fall to the floor and falling right on top of him, caging him in her arms.

He was shocked by her question, but quivered when Thena’s hand moved to his cheek, caressing it.

“Such a good boy,” she purred. “Trying to be a good Alpha for his Omegas.”

He panted as her touch made his skin burn.

“I…” he tried to speak but she shushes him, placing a finger over his lips.

Her armour disappeared, and Ikaris inhaled sharply at seeing her bare.

For Arishem, she was so beautiful.

“Do you want me, Alpha?” Thena cooed." she cooed. "Want to “Want to ffill me up?”

Ikaris shuddered.

"Please," he exhaled.

Thena chuckled.

"Needy Alpha," she straddled his lap. "Begging for cunt."

Ikaris let his armour dissolve away and she licked her plushy lips.

"I can see why they all want you," he hummed, moving her hand to touch his chest, fingers tracing each of his muscles and marks. "You are so perfect, Ikaris."

His cheeks heated up in a flush.

"Do they tell you that?" she scratched his skin. "Does submissive little Sersi moans about how pretty our Alpha is when you are fucking her?"

Ikaris panted, eyes tracing her body. Her breasts were larger than the other Omega's round and plump against her strong torso. Oh, how he craved to be buried in them.

"Does Ajak hum into your ear about how handsome you are when she begs you to knot her?" she moved her fingers down to his hips, teasing him near his crotch.

"Thena," he exhaled.

Her sweet fingers wrapped around his dick.

"Or does Makkari move her fingers," she raised her free hand to her face.

She rested her thumb on her chin, closing her fingers around it and then opening it in a little explosion.

'Beautiful,' her fingers said. 'Beautiful boy.'

Ikaris couldn't help but moan as she stroked his cock to life.

"Maybe that is what you want," she purred, tilting her head, watching him. "Being such a strong powerful Alpha... why don't you let me take the reins now, uh?"

He gulped and nodded, panting, eager.

"Ask politely," she jerked him, thumb circling his head and circling it, and he moaned, closing his eyes. "Be a good boy."

Ikaris wanted to fight for dominance, flip her over and knot her, but he couldn't. The way Thena spoke was so sweet and warm. It made him feel good inside. It made him feel important.

"Please, Thena," he moaned. "Fuck me. Be my Omega. Please."

She smiled, and crawled down his body, kissing her way down his chest, then his belly, and wrapped her lips around his cock.

She sucked shallowly, and oh Arishem, he wanted to grab her blond locks and push her down to take it all, but he didn't. Instead, he kept his hands where they were, like a good boy.

"Thena," he shuddered.

Fuck, he sounded so needy.

"Oh, my good boy," she purred, using her saliva to stroke him. "How can I say no to you?

Thena climbed up again and day on his hips, hands resting on his torso, and she raised herself up.

Her eyes fell on his, bright and unsure and Ikaris took in a deep breath.

"Please, Omega," he exhaled. "Be mine?"

Thena's face softened and she raised his chin with a single hand.

"How can I say no to this face?" she hummed.

She sunk on his cock slowly, sliding down and moaning softly.

Ikaris closed his eyes, moaning as her cunt took him, warm and soaked wet.

"Did fighting me get you horny, Omega?" he asked. "Sparring with your Alpha? Trying to beat me up?"

Thena slid down his cock at a snail's pace, face surprised and looking nearly suspended as if she wasn't sure of how it would feel until now.

And she was so fucking tight.

Maybe he was her first?!

The humans had their legends about her. Athena, the goddess of war and the wise. The virgin warrior.

Still. He couldn't ask. Instead, as she set on him and looked like she was trying to get adjusted, he cradled her hips.

"Let me help you," he offered, holding her.

Thena nodded, taking his help without many words, and moaned when Ikaris raised her up, slowly making her bounce on his cock.

"Fuck," she whined. "You're big."

Her cunt fluttered around his cock and Ikaris reached between her legs, playing with her clit.

"Oh, Arishem," she gasped.

He smirked.

"Do you like it, Omega?" he hummed. "My thick cock filling you up?"

Thena moaned, frowning a little angrily.

"Don't get co- OH!" she moaned when he rolled her clit a little tighter.

She trembled, shivering, and he realised she was cumming the moment her cunt squeezed him tightly, milking his cock with her spasms.

"Cumming for me, Thena?" he made her bounce. "Fuck, those tits are perfect!"

They were bouncing so beautifully. Arishem had made her so fucking sexy.

"Ikaris," she cried, spasming over him.

He sat up, giving up on saving face, and buried his face in her chest, sucking in her tits and making her moan, all sensitive.

"Good alpha," she cried as he wrapped his lips around her pretty nipple. "Oh, Arishem, I need..."

Oh, she was fluttering again.

"You need to cum again?" he hummed to her. "Around your Alpha's cock?"

She moaned, his greedy girl.

"Cum for me, pretty Omega," he moaned, sucking her breast.  "Cum for your Alpha."

Fuck, how many times could he make her cum?

So he sucked more on her tits and played with her clit more, and fucked her faster.

Her voice grew so loud as she cried, overwhelmed with stimulation.

"Wait," she panted. "Ikaris!"

"Again," he growled. "Go on, cum again."

She slapped his shoulder, falling with his head into the crook of his neck, whining like a needy little thing.

"I thought you could take any challenge, oh great Athena," he taunted her.

Thena always hated it that the mortals mispronounced her name and thst was how it was recorded for the rest of their history.

She grunted, trying to pin him down, and Ikaris chuckled at her attempt.

"My blushing virgin Omega," he taunted her. "Wanna ride your Alpha good, uh? Hold me down and bounce that hot body over me?"

She huffed.

"I am a warrior!" she argued with him and Ikaris jsut smirked, biting her nipple. "Not just... FUCK!"

She came again, finally allowing herself to rest her face against his neck, and Ikaris used that moment to hold her hips while he fucked her up.

Thena cried into his ear as he let himself use her.

"Perfect strong Omega," he moaned into her ear. "Our warrior."

He wanted to sink his teeth into her neck and mark her as his, but he knew it wasn't going to make any difference. Being his had to be something she felt in herself, not a mark on her body.

"Alpha," she cried, voice trembling with the bounces.

"Say it," he growled, feeling himself about to fucking pop. "Say you're mine."

Thena cried.

"Ikaris," she clawed onto his back with her nails.

"I'll only knot you when you do," he grunted between his teeth. "I only knot my Omegas."

She whined.

"Please," she whimpered. "Please, I want your knot."

Ikaris sucked into his neck.

"Then say it, my warrior Omega," he moaned into her skin.

She cried out.

"I'm yours!"

Ikaris sucked her mating gland, and moaned when Thena came around him, letting his knot fill her sweet cunt up, and pulling her lips to his, kissing her deeply as they both panted, shaking and riding their pleasure.

She rested her head in the crook of his neck as they took a moment to catch their breath, and Ikaris kissed her showing skin.

"You're such a good Omega," he praised her softly.

Thena chuckled a little.

"You're telling me I'm good?" she teased him.

He gave her ass a little slap.

"Thena," he taunted her. "Be good."

His Omega giggled.

"I don't think so," she nuzzled into his neck. "You, Ikaris, be good. My big, good Alpha."

He whimpered a little, shuddering when she traced a finger up his back.

"Alright," he kissed her shoulder, cuddling together.

He'd let her win this round. Just this time.

. . .

“Apex Predator” was posted on my Patreon back in September! To read it now and have early access to my stories, consider subscribing! It’s just $2 a month, and it helps me a lot to go through these hard times.

…

[simplymakkari]

Drukkari headcanon as Druig Thena's little brother 👁️👄👁️

He totally would be Thena's little brother!!!! He's also extremely protective of her like just look at the shot below. You can't tell me Druig didn't feel guilt that if he hadn't been thinking for so long and had left immediately when they came, Gilgamesh would still be alive.

But Druig just wants Thena to be at peace and stays with her sometimes to help put her to sleep 🥺

Writing a little modern AU idea below:

Thena is the eldest, adopted by a man named Arishem and Druig is the youngest. Thena has that strong, older, protective sister vibe for Druig when Arishem lays a hand on them and for a while, the two have each other.

One night, Thena has had enough and threatens to kill Arishem (but Druig, bless his heart doesn't like violence after everything that's happened and tells Arishem they're finally leaving once and for all. Thena tells Arishem to stay the fuck away from them.)

They leave but things go terribly wrong and Arishem chases them across town and they end up in a car crash. Druig is fine (he swears his wrists never heals quite right but he never tells anyone) but Thena suffers from some brain damage (because pain 💔) when Arishem rams his car into her side.

Thena goes to both psychotherapy and physical therapy, Druig goes with her in support. There, he also meets Makkari in the waiting room, who is also in physical therapy when she suffered a torn PCL injury during one of her marathons. She's the first to strike up the conversation asking what he's in there for. Druig, at first, can't believe this beautiful woman is talking to him of all things since he basically screams "depressed lone brooding man alert" and "don't talk to me vibe" and takes a immediately liking to her. He's also extremely grateful for the ASL classes he's taken in high school.

Druig makes a lame joke "my ego" but eventually tells her "my sister." Makkari doesn't prod for more info which he likes and Druig ends up moving to sit next to her and the two end up chatting. Thena finishes her session and Makkari tells Druig, don't be a stranger!

They end up meeting several times later, and soon both Thena and Makkari find out they have the same physical therapist, a woman named Ajak, who everyone swears is a miracle worker. (They find out it's true and Ajak just tells them to swing by occasionally.) Ajak takes them to celebrate after in a diner with one of her friends. That said friend is Gilgamesh and his food is absolutely wonderful. Thena and Gilgamesh bond a little, marveling at how much Druig inhales when he eats and Makkari just snapping pics away, laughing ("you're doing amazing, sweetie") and Gilgamesh doesn't become offended when Thena accidentally becomes triggered. Druig manages to calm her down. Gilgamesh empathizes with her and tells her he understands.

Gilgamesh wants to learn how he can help and how he help Thena out during one of her attacks if Druig isn't there and asks Druig. Druig is a little wary and on guard, but he trusts Makkari’s word and so in turn, he'll trust Gilgamesh. He tells him, "don't hurt her or she'll hurt you." Gilgamesh just smiles, claps a hand on his shoulder and says "wouldn't dream of it, man." Gilgamesh and Thena become closer as well as Druig and Makkari, who become best friends.

Makkari's knee makes a full recovery painstakingly and she's a little hesitant to return to the running scene but Druig encourages her and is extremely supportive. He goes with her to all her practices, even just tries to run with her at one point. Druig can't keep up but he tries his damnedest and just settles on watching Makkari run instead. (He even makes a joke about her legs and how she could strangle him if she wanted to. Makkari only smirks at him, pokes him in the chest as he glances at her lips and suddenly, the tension is the air is too thick and suffocating and next thing Druig knows, Makkari is kissing him and then well, one thing leads to another. 😏 They absolutely don't regret a single second.)

Thena opens up her heart to Gilgamesh and lets him in and the two become each other's platanchors and best friends.

"Thank you," Thena says, one night, watching him cook for her.

"What for?" Gilgamesh asks. He already knows the answer and wouldn't change anything for the better.

"For everything."