#i only cried two times woohoo

[daylightisviolent]

So i didnt the entirety of the first day of christmas crying or feeling sad.. great succes!

[silkbab3y]

Im so SO sorry 💗

Snippet: Rosie and Ren woohooing but she didn't moan his name. Oops!! DISCLAIMER: They are NOT in an established relationship in this. Ren and Teo are from @14dayswithyou Nsfw fic below (DNI if below 18!!!)

"Ngh... ah..." "Hah..."

The bed creaked and groaned under the shifting weight of Ren on top of her, Rosie's bangs clinging onto her sweat-covered forehead. Slender fingers bunch up the fabric of his sweater's sleeves and her legs clenching around his hips before wrapping around completely. Her head was buzzing, the hours dragged by as her sore body took each and every thrust the taller man gave to her. And she took it so well, so eagerly, confirmed by Ren's sweet praises and gentle touches to her face in contrast to the rough snaps of his hips. Another sweet spot kissed by his tip has her back arching off the bed, lips parted in a strained moan before she lets a name slip from her kiss-swollen lips.

*And it wasn't Ren's name.*

"T--eo--" Just those two syllables had her senses come back full time, brown eyes widening and a hand slapping to her mouth as she stared up at Ren. He stared down at her with an unreadable expression.

"I, um--" Oops. To say she had things complicated with Teo was only one-sided. Feelings for a man with no sense of commitment left the girl stringing herself along like a lost puppy. That was why she agreed to hang out with Ren, to be with Ren, to *fuck* Ren. It wasn't like they were dating though... but that didn't help her case at all, nor the guilt and shame that crawled up her spine. "Sorry, I don't know what came over me--" Yes she did, she absolutely knew what came over her. 

"You're thinking 'bout him?" And so did Ren it seems. The man could read her like an open book– like she had the audacity to even feign ignorance. Was it that obvious? 

Before Rosie could explain herself; apologize, hide her shame and pray for a hole to open up and eat her alive-- anything, Ren had grabbed her thighs, pushing them closer to her body until her knees met her shoulders. "Hold on-- I didn't mean to, really-- ah!" The girl throws her head back into the pillow as he slams his hip down, feeling his cock (AAAH) reach places deeper than before. 

"Ren!" She croaks out, her hands shooting to the large pillow under her head, yanking at the plush as he slowly pulls out until just the tip is left inside, before *sloooowly* pushing back in. *Oh god.* Rosie lets out a desperate whine at the achingly slow pace he had set, like he was trying to make sure her cunt (AAAAAAAAH) remembered the shape of him. He continues this rhythm, slow and deep that drives Rosie wild and near the edge.

"There you go," he hums, leaning down to nip at her earlobe, the sounds of her needy cries filling him with pride. "That's my name, angel... say it again,"

"Ren--" "Again." Another whine rips from her as her gummy walls flutter around him, signalling her approaching orgasm. "Say it again, angel and I'll let you cum." His hips barely move, almost as if he was ready to stop if she didn't. "Pleeease," Rosie begs so sweetly, her chest heaving with ragged breath, her hand coming up to the back of his neck to grip the collar of his turtle neck. "Please, Ren-- I can't--" 

"Good girl." Jerking her hips up to grab onto her better, moving one palm up to the back of her knee-- Ren picked up his pace, angling to hit her sensitive spots repeatedly until she finally came undone. With a relieved mewl, Rosie's grip on his sweater tightens as does the knot in her stomach before it finally releases, her cunt clamping down his cock once more. And as a shaky sigh escapes Rosie, eyes half-lidded and in a daze, Ren softens his touches and cold lips presses against her forehead in approval. 

"Such a good girl."

____

"That's one pesky bug," Rosie internally groans, her nail tapping at the counter as she debates on turning around or not. Not like she had to when the suave and raspy voice belonged to the very man who owned her thoughts, her attention, her heart. "Should really see a doctor for that."

"Do you need something, Teo?" She questions, her tone coming out a bit snappier. Shit. Rosie hadn't meant for it to come out so… bitchy, but she was running on 2 hours of sleep from last night and wasn’t ready to face him. “Ouch,” Teo moves to be across from her, classic Teo, needing to have her full attention. “I’m a little hurt, starshine.” He tilted his head, and Rosie’s eyes couldn’t meet his that trailed over the marks littering her tan skin. “You had fun, dollface?” Ugh. Him and those damn pet names that had her heart skip, her stomach flutter. Rosie huffs, putting on her best smile as she sheepishly tugs at her stylish top that did her no justice in covering the love marks Ren had left. “Yeah,” she answers after a beat passes, trying to not lower her head in embarrassment. It came so easily to her with anyone else, anyone that wasn’t Teo. “I did actually, thank you for asking, bookie.” She snickers at his eye roll, but the quirk of his lips makes her heart leap. “I bet I can be more fun,” Oh. Suddenly the reminder of how she was taken so well and wholly last night came to her when she felt her inner thighs ache. Her whole body really…

Inside, she was ready to accept his offer without missing a beat, but Rosie knew better than to do that. Come off as desperate? Urgh… With a slow breath out of her nose, she raises an eyebrow as she studies the man. “Really?” Really. “Well, sucks for you– I’m not really up to getting my guts rearranged a second night in a row,” she snorts, her smile forming more naturally this time. Teo shoulders jerk slightly in a silent laugh as he props his head up with a hand. “Doesn’t have to be tonight, dollface. I already got plans.” It takes Rosie everything to not sigh in disappointment. “Text me when you do feel like rearranging those pretty guts again, Rosie.” Rosie stands there as Teo pats the counter before taking his leave, spacing out as she tries to process his words. Not even when Elanor calls out for her does she react, not until she finally comes to her senses, excusing herself to slink off to the break room. She needs a fucking nap.

[noemilivv]

i meant to get to this a lot sooner but it slipped my mind as i completely forgot about it until i was scrolling through my posts so my apologies 😭😭

this was interesting to write for considering i’m not sure if husk or alastor would even want kids in the first place (more so alastor) but it definitely got me thinking!!

but anywho, here ya go, friend!!

Warnings: AFAB!Reader, pregnancy talk

Alastor

Alastor isn’t a very kid-loving kinda guy, but he’s very traditional, so he decided to follow tradition, and let his power travel to the next generation

You both end up having triplets, two boys, and a girl!!

Alastor wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but he didn’t think it’d be as challenging as it is, he originally thought his magic could help him through every obstacle and he is mistaken

Once his children are in his arms, his facade drops, his usual upbeat grin turns into a small, soft smile as he cradled them, stroking his daughters face.

Alastor is practically unfazed if they wake up in the middle of the night, as I headcanon he stays awake most hours of the night, so he’s in no rush to get the babies back to bed for whatever reason (But he will, dw haha)

Despite the fact that he’s an overlord, he really doesn’t do much, so most of the time he just stays at the hotel with the kids

He doesn’t understand the concept of playing with kids, especially when their in their first couple years, so when their just learning to stand he’ll play jazz music and swing his kids around the room with him as a way of dancing, hey, it’s a win-win, y’know?

If he does have to go out, he will most likely take his kids, but if it’s more than just a 10 minute outing — he does have Charlie babysit.

Like, if he’s going to the tailors, he’ll have two kids on each side of him, holding their hands softly, and the other kid on his shoulders, as they play with his ears (which no one else is allowed to do, not even you)

He doesn’t fully understand the concept of love, as you may or may not have guessed. He loves both you (his partner) and kids in his own special way, and he knows that, whether or not he’ll admit to someone outside of you guys is debatable, but he truly does love you and your kids.

He’s not very good at understanding his kids feelings, especially when their upset. For example, let’s say your daughter is crying over a boy in her teen years, first of all, he won’t hesitate to tear him the fuck apart, but he’ll sort of just stand their and watch her for a moment, wide grin as usual, but his eyes widen in shock before softening their gaze at her for a moment.

Anywho, about the powers, Alastor is eager for his kids to get his powers — even if it’s only one of them, as this is the first reason he wanted kids (which did shift a bit as time went on)

He is very precise with his kids about how these powers work, cause their strong, even if they had only gotten a small fraction of what Al uses, cause let’s be real, he’s fuckin’ tough

He explains how they can use these powers to their advantage, he also takes this opportunity to explain how a smile is a tool, so use it. No matter how they each individually choose how to use these powers, Alastor encourages all of his kids to follow their inner bliss, whatever that is

Husk

Like in the last post with marriage, Husk really couldn’t give a shit, but if you want it, Husk is willing to give it a shot

But let’s be real, Husk was much more willing to get married then have kids

After some convincing, you two decide to try for kids, he realistically only wants one though, so don’t get your hopes up

You guys have a girl! (woohoo!)

Husk, like Al and the others I’ve written for in this scenario, he didn’t expect to love his child as much as he did

While you were asleep in the hospital bed a little after giving birth, Husk takes your daughter, and a part of him (on the inside) cries a little, he looks at her proudly, before pecking her forehead, silently vowing to fight for her forever

Husk doesn’t have a lot of time to help out with the baby, he doesn’t get a lot of breaks from the bar a whole lot, so…

But when he does get time to spend with his daughter? Their usually sleeping together.

Like Husk with hold her in his arms and they’ll lay there and snore together

Husk isn’t too sure how to bond with his daughter before she’s learned to talk but he makes it work

Once she’s old enough, sarcasm becomes a big part of him and his daughter’s relationship, constantly making fun of eachother and giving eachother shit haha

When she’s in her teens she starts to develop Husk’s powers from when he was an overlord, and he feels like he’s gonna shit his pants, but he keeps his cool cause he knows your daughter is hyped

He heavily advises to her to not use them out of fear she’ll get hurt, but if she really wants it, he’ll teach her the basics, he won’t go into the extreme shit, cause she’s young and he doesn’t want her to have more strength than control

[graves4girls]

Headcanons for Johnny eating reader out?? (I honestly didn't know how to say that)

anyways I THINK YOU KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT *ahem* your post about Johnnys nose🥰

☆ 18+ cunnilingus headcanons | johnny cage

✮ wc. 1.2k ⚠︎ warning(s): cunnilingus, fellatio, fem!reader woohoo first nsfw johnny fic (kinda) !! fr tho i need this man so bad it's insane it’s currently 4 am i’m so normal about him

Overall, one of his favorite activities. And he doesn't take the task lightly. 

He likes to get you worked up and soaked before he gives you what you want, kissing down your stomach and roaming his hands all over your inner thighs. He'll press kisses to the inside of your left thigh, trailing up until he reaches your needy cunt, completely disregarding your dripping hole and continuing the kisses down your right thigh, a wicked grin pulling at his lips when you whine at the teasing touches.

After he feels he's riled you up enough, he'll finally bring his mouth to your wet folds, dragging the flat of his tongue up along your labia and circling the tip of his tongue around your clit. He's eager and almost greedy in the way he laps at you, suckling at the sensitive bud.

He'll be happy with whatever position you're in, but he greatly prefers when you sit on his face. If you happen to hover, he'll clamp his hands over your hips and yank you down. "Don't get shy on me now, sweetheart. I can take it."

He likes being able to trap you against his mouth with his strong arms wrapped tight around your thighs, the way you squirm and jerk above him when you're overstimulated always fuels his ego.

And when your mind goes foggy and all you're focused on is coming, you'll start rolling your hips, and the way you grind down against his nose makes him harder than stone. You whine and huff above him, fingers tugging at his hair as you ride his pretty mouth, and he can't get enough of your desperation. 

He laps at every inch of you even after you've come, soaking the lower half of his face as he makes sure to clean you up. You jerk away from his tongue, sensitive and utterly exhausted after he's already coaxed a handful of orgasms from you, and eventually he lets up and frees you from his hold, grinning like an idiot when his eyes meet yours.

If you're splayed out on your back on the mattress, he'll shove a pillow under your hips, reveling at the sight of you spread out like a buffet for him for a moment before he digs in, big hands pinning your legs to the mattress to keep you from shying away from him. 

He feasts like a man starved, big brown eyes staring up at you as if he were looking for your approval with every quick flick of his tongue, as if your cries and whimpers weren't enough proof he was working you perfectly.

He'll chance letting one of your legs free as he brings his hand over to aid his mouth, stuffing two long fingers inside you as he watches you wriggle, and he can't help the small grunts that leave his lips when your hand tangles into his hair and tugs.

He's shameless. He'll grind his cock into the mattress, searching for any sort of stimulation as he fucks you on his fingers, your pleasure alone driving him insane. Your neediness from just his mouth and fingers gets him off more than anything, to know he's absolutely ruined you for anyone else makes him feel all powerful, not that anyone else would ever get a chance to have you. No, he's the only one. Only him.

He's come more times than he'd like to admit just from eating you out like this, humping the bed like a goddamn dog as he helps you ride out your umpteenth orgasm.

If you're 69-ing, his big hands are flat over your ass, spreading you open as he drives his tongue into you.

He's a bit more of a mess in this position, your hot mouth wrapped around his leaking cock, the tip of your nose nuzzling his balls whenever you manage to sink down on him completely. He tries to keep his composure, flicking the tip of his tongue across your clit hungrily.

He's only a man though, and so this isn't your all time favorite position when his tongue ultimately reels back as he lets his head fall back into the mattress, a moan ripping through his vocal chords when you swirl your tongue around his sensitive head. 

You'll nudge your hips back to give him the hint, and he'll mutter a half-hearted apology as he finds his footing, tongue delving back into your warm walls as you pull off him to let out a breathy moan, rocking back against his mouth.

His nails dig into the fat of your hips when he comes, and he muffles a long moan into your cunt as you clean him up with your tongue.

Don't be too quick to patronize him though, because as soon as he recollects himself he's tugging you back and forcing your hips down against his mouth, pulling a whine from your throat as he mouths at you with a newfound fervor. 

He coerces your orgasm with a few more heedy suckles and laps to your clit, keeping his mouth on you as you tremble above him, a flushed, whimpering mess as you rock back against him.

Once in a blue moon, he'll be far too restless to even get you to the bed before he's tugging your bottoms off, your panties following as your back hits the wall, and it's always the hottest thing ever to watch him slowly drop to his knees in front of you, eyes glazed over and big as he stares up at you from his seat on the floor.

He'll hook a leg over his shoulder to get a better angle of your dripping cunt, nestling his face between your legs as you lean against the wall for support, combing a hand through his hair as you watch him. 

His eyes will fall closed after a minute or two, far too gone in the way you push his head closer and the soft whines that fill the room, hands preoccupied undoing the buckle of his belt. He stuffs a hand down the front of his slacks and palms at his cock needily, your intoxicating perfume mixed with your natural smell addicting as he presses his nose into your soft skin.

He's a bit careless and impatient, drilling a couple fingers into your wet, warm walls as he greedily sucks at your clit, swallowing every moan and whimper you manage to croak out.

It's almost too much, and your leg threatens to give out as he laps at you. He wraps an arm around your thigh to keep you upright, abandoning his throbbing cock to make sure you don't collapse. What a gentleman.

You come not too long after, his enthusiasm driving you just as much as his tongue did. God, was it hot how excited he got to just taste you, to have you weak from his skilled tongue and long fingers tweaking every nerve perfectly.

His chest is always puffed a bit with pride as he cleans you up and tends to you, and he seems to find your embarrassment funny when you realize what a mess you've made when you come back to the room, bed disheveled and the air tainted with the smell of sex, pressing kisses to your flushed face as you try to hide in your hands. "You were just screaming my name twenty minutes ago. Don't act all embarrassed now, hun."

[princessbrunette]

line cook turned baby daddy jj who definitely cried his heart out when he held his newly born daughter to his bare chest for the first time. just sobs his heart out. he’s an empath guys. he’s got his backwards cap on and is still wearing his apron when he shows up, wide eyed and sweating after getting the call you’d went into labour. and you know he doesn’t leave your side basically at all, completely ignoring his manager blowing up his phone cause there’s way more important things going on (aka the birth of his c h i l d). he basically gets his hand broken and he won’t complain but it hurt like a bitch, but that all goes out the window when this slightly cone-headed screaming wriggly little babe is put on his chest and he’s just an absolute mess. you’d think he had the baby at that point.

- 🧸

this kills me bc yes :((((

you couldn’t call, in too much pain — but you shot him a text just hoping and praying he’d see it. it read a simple ‘in labour come asap’, and luckily for you — jj did see it, but unluckily for him he saw it not only mid shift, but mid lecture from his manager about being responsible.

“the way you act, represents us as a company jj and—”

his eyes are glancing down at his phone when it dinged with a notification, practically falling out of his head as he reads what it says. he’s suddenly moving without thought, yanking his apron off and throwing it aside, nodding quickly as if he gave a shit about what he was being told.

“uh-huh, yeah for sure and i really understand but i gotta go, i really gotta go—” hes already headed for the exit.

“excuse me?”

“my girls having her baby!” he hollers as he leaves, a faint “woohoo!” heard from the restaurant as he sprints off. of course, john b had received the same text, nearly knocking JJ off his feet when the twinkie swung round the corner with the gang inside, barely slowing down for him to jump in.

he gets there in time of course to hold your hand through the screaming and the refusal and the fear and the crying (mostly your own, but you were squeezing his hand pretty tight.) until before he knows it the room is hit with calm, a babies cry ringing out through the air.

he’s so focused on you he almost forgets the acknowledge the baby at first, making sure you look okay and healthy, cupping your face breathlessly like he was the one screaming as he presses millions of kisses to your cheeks, laughing gleefully. “you did so good baby, so good holy shit. you’re a fuckin’ weapon.”

the baby gets brought for you to hold on your chest and he goes real quiet, the reality of the situation settling in as he stares at the life the two of you created there in your arms. it had been such a long nine months, and today had moved so fast he hadn’t had time to process the fact that the baby was finally going to be here for real.

his ears are still ringing, and he can’t hear what you’re saying as you talk to the baby, holding her on your chest. he’s just staring, looking at all the babies features. a sweet baby girl, still clammy and bloody but beautiful none the less, the spitting image of you already, he can tell, and wouldn’t have it any other way. he’s still stroking your head, fingers twisting the hair at your sweaty scalp almost nervously as he just stares in shock.

exhausted, you look up at him. he recalls you looking as beautiful as the day you met him. “you wanna take her jayj?”

the nurse helps the pass-over and he sits in the chair beside the bed, this clammy warm baby tucked into his chest, so real, moving and whimpering. you’re smiling, tiredly but encouragingly in his direction, your first ever look at JJ as a dad. he looks back at you, lips slightly agape, eyes wide, then back at the baby, then back at you, then back at the baby and he just crumbles, bursting into tears.

“oh jayj.” you whisper hoarsely in awe, tears filling your own eyes at the sight.

“shes so beautiful man, i swear— i swear to you right now, no one is ever gonna hurt you okay? not as long as daddies around.” he rambles to the baby, lifting her to kiss her damp head, careful not to let his salty tears drip on her perfect skin. “my baby girl.” he adds in a whisper, rocking her before letting out an embarrassed laugh, looking back at you. “dude i’m a wreck, i feel like i just gave birth.” he comments, which gets a laugh out of the nurses.

after the baby gets checked by the midwives you’re allowed visitors, JJ handing the baby back to you so he can go and tearfully retrieve the group to bring them in. he walks into the waiting room and of course they all stand up instantly, waiting for him to say something. “y’all wanna meet my daughter or what?”

[lovelynim]

TickleTober2023/Day 02 - Claws

Genshin Impact - Cyno x Tighnari

“Your sins weigh upon your soul, Tighnari…” 

“Cuhuhut it, will yohohou?” The forest watcher giggled helplessly, kicking his feet behind his partner and desperately trying to pull his arms out of his grip - all with no avail. Cyno was already physically stronger than him, but using the possession of the divine spirit was just unfair!

Using the enlarged hand to pin Tighnari’s wrists together, Cyno let his free hand - or, better saying, claw - roam freely around his lover’s body, using the sharp tips to gently trace patterns over the forest watcher’s sensitive sides, circle his navel and teasingly stroke his stretched and vulnerable underarms.

While he battled for his life, trying with his best efforts to hold back any embarrassing sign from escaping his smiling lips, Cyno wore a permanent grin under his mask. “As the judge, I can’t let you go unpunished, Tighnari… You know I can’t neglect my duty like this…”

“Y-you! AhahAHA, j-just lehehet me gohoho!” The fennec squealed as he felt Cyno’s claw focusing on his stomach. No matter how much he twisted or turned his torso, he simply couldn’t get out of the other’s grasp. “I dihihidn’t do ahAHAnything!”

As much as he wanted to keep teasing the fennec, Cyno remained quiet, silently smiling down at his helpless partner, watching him slowly break into a mess of giggles. “I was going to go easy on you… but if you keep acting like that, I’ll have to be more severe, Tighnari…”

Before he could process the meaning of those words, Tighnari bursted into a loud fit of laughter and begs as five fingers skittered across his stomach and sides. The sharp tips were barely digging into the skin, far from enough to actually mean any harm, but that amount of pressure combined with the moves of Cyno’s hand was simply maddeningly ticklish.

“NoHOHoh! AhAHAH, stahAHap!!” Tighnari cried, his hips bucking violently under the judge that only seemed to grow more and more amused by his reactions. “I cahAHAn’t! AHAhaha, n-nohoh moHOHohore!!”

After a few more seconds giving Tighnari a taste of what an actual punishment felt like, Cyno resumed with the light, gentle strokes around his body, soothing his loud cackles back into his tired, annoyed giggles.

“F-fihihine! I-I’m sohohorry, o-ok? J-juhuhust lehet me gohoh!” The fennec cried, feeling a few tears wet his blushing cheeks. He knew he was getting tired after battling Cyno’s grip for so long.

“And what exactly are you sorry for, Tighnari?” Cyno whispered, grinning so much that it was possible to see his facial features even underneath the mask. 

And, in that moment, Tighnari realized: there was no reason for him to be punished in the first place, there was no crime at all. It was all another one of his boyfriend’s stupid games - and he fell right into it.

“I see you still need some time to think about your actions…”

“No! I don’t! I didn’t do anythihi- ahAHA, Cynohoho!”

A/N: Day two, woohoo! This time I decided to go for an old idea of mine, which is Cyno abusing his divine powers for... other doings, ehe

Hope you guys enjoyed it!

[satureja13]

When Jeb told Sai they needed to talk, Sai thought he was supposed to go upstairs again and listen to the latest troubles of their group. He didn't expect to go on a ride with - worryingly silent - Jeb. What is this all about? Is Ji Ho still missing after he ran away a few hours ago and they have to search for him? But they would have told him if that was the case, right?

Saiwa decided to just wait and see. But then he noticed something odd: "Why are you riding Kiyoshi's horse, by the way?" Jeb: "Eh - Valerian is busy..."

And then Sai noticed them behind the shrubbery in the high grass... Valerian has a date with Lunatic! Jack's horse! Obviously Valerian isn't able to withstand Lunatic's seductive pheromones either... Is it that what Jeb wants to talk about? That he's breaking up with Sai to have a happy Alpha/Alpha/Alpha/Omega Quad with Jack (together with Kiyoshi and Vlad)? Because all the on/off relationship madness with Sai is too much for poor Jeb?

They rode in silence until they reached the waterfall. Such a beautiful place! But the two of them were too deep in thoughts to appreciate the stunning view...

Jeb is so nervous, he's about to throw up. Of course they are here to talk about their relationship. And after how Sai reacted on him riding Kiyoshi's horse and Valerian making out with Lunatic, he has no good feeling - at all.

Saiwa: "So why are we here. In the middle of nowhere? It's about Jack, is it?" Not going well... Sai is so going to tell him to leave him alone - forever.

Jeb: "Eh - let's sit down?" And then he started to cry out of the blue... Sai looked coldly at Jeb. Why is he the one who cries? Maybe he still feels something for him and is sad for the good times they had - but he can't help it? Because Jack's drag is too strong?

Jeb took a deep breath in. He doesn't know what to say. His mind is blank. So he tried to puzzle together what Francine told him: "I'm so sorry what happened." Sai was shocked. Something already happened between Jack and Jeb??? Sai is hitting rock bottom. Hard. He didn't expect that and he's barely keeping up his composure. He took Jeb for granted, treated him bad, kept him waiting in the line for too long and now he lost him. To Jack, of all people! To Jack! Jeb: "I promise I will always support you and be there for you, no matter what. Take all the time you need to heal." No time in all the universe and beyond could heal Sai from loosing Jeb! And he still wants to be around him and 'be there' for him? Jeb: "I should have done better, but I failed you. But - I would do it all over again to - to help." Help? He calls making out with Jack 'helping'? Oh, because he's Jack's Alpha now! He's 'helping' Jack by woohooing him so his heat will stop! OMG! Exactly as Francine told Sai. That's just how Jeb is! He just leaves everything behind to help others. Even him.

Sai heard Jeb continuing to elaborate, but he doesn't listen anymore. Yes, this would make Jeb a great partner for him. Together they could do what's best for the Boys - and their whole community. But obviously Jeb found someone else. Jack, at that! What a nightmare. Sai is going to tell Francine to find a new leader and then he will find a workaround for that weird message from Future Jeb (that they should stay together or something very bad will happen) and leave! Why had Jeb been together with Jack in the future anyway??? Only the two of them and no one else?

He was just about to tell Jeb there's no way he's going to watch the four of them being happy together when he noticed that Jeb had already ran away! Tch! Can't he even spend that much time with Sai to break up with him without missing his precious Jack?

Sai stood there for a good while. Unable to move. Eventually Vlad came. Sai didn't even hear him approaching... Vlad: "What have you done to Jeb? He can't stop crying. Sobbing so hard he can't even talk, let alone breathe properly. What, the hell, happened?" And so Sai told Vlad everything.

Vlad: "Sai, seriously. Have you gone nuts? He took you out here to this utterly beautiful place to ask you if you want him back and to give you any time in the world to heal and all the support you can possibly wish for - and you accuse him to - to... I fail to put it in words!" Sai: "How was I supposed to imagine that?" Vlad: "There was nothing left to your imagination! You should have listened! And understand the words how he said them!" Sai: "He said he helped..." Vlad interrupted him: "... helped Kiyoshi! Out of that damn tree. Just as you helped Kiyoshi!" Sai: "Oh... And he really wants me back?"

They sat on the bank. Vlad: "Do you remember when we met Jeb? When he wore that bag on his head? Because he couldn't bear he failed to rescue those two kids? And how much better he did after he joined us and you two started to date? Jeb is not a weak man. He just cares a lot for those he loves. And he loves you, Sai. More than anything. You already went through the third break-up now. None of them would have been necessary if you only talked to each other - and listened properly!" Vlad was right. Jeb and him spent more time apart than together. Vlad: "Jeb overcame all his fears and obstacles to be a reliable partner for you. But this on/off stuff is breaking him. He fell back in his old behaviour. That's not the confident and strong Jeb he became during the years he spent with us." Sai: "I'm just so worn out. All the stress and worries and hardships all the time around us. I don't feel I have the power to additionally maintain a difficult relationship. We are so different. I just want to go back to Flamingo Island and never leave again." Vlad: "I know I'm the last person to give any relationship advice, but at least listen to what Francine told you. You could accomplish so much together. It wouldn't be an additional burden. He could carry the burden with you. And it would become bearable, maybe even enjoyable, for you, hm? And we already promised you to help. Let us." Sai: "You are right. I'll try..." And again Vlad interrupted him: "No. Try not. Do - or do not." Sai: "Thanks, Vlad. I love you." Vlad: "I know."

Outtakes

What, the hell are they doing? Sai: "You're thighs look so firm. Are you working out?" Vlad:"I'm glad you noticed!" Sai: "Can I touch them?" Vlad: "I thought you'd never ask ;)"

Sai: "Uhhh. Solid." Vlad: "That's not my thighs." Sai: "Oops ;)"

'Girl, you gotta love your man Girl, you gotta love your man Take him by the hand Make him understand The world on you depends Our life will never end Gotta love your man, yeah

Riders on the storm Riders on the storm Into this house, we're born Into this world, we're thrown Like a dog without a bone An actor out on loan Riders on the storm'

Riders on the Storm - The Doors

From the Beginning 🔱 Underwater Love 🔱 Latest

Current Chapter: 'Here comes the Sun' from the beginning ▶️ here Last Chapter: 'Who killed Jack?' from the beginning ▶️ here

📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 23-28

[icycoldninja]

I need more cute wacky woohoo pizza man dante things. they cure my depression.

But of course, here you go, and remember that even in your lowest moments, there'll always be a fanfic about Dante being a goofball to cheer you up. 💜

New pajamas (Dante x reader)

You got home a little later than you planned, having been held up in traffic. When you came home, you expected to find Dante lazing around the house as he always did, probably buried up to his ears in empty pizza boxes and crushed beer cans. However, your predictions were found to be untrue--Dante was not lounging in the living room, surrounded by junk. In fact, the whole house was dark, the only visible lights were those from your appliances, and your bedroom.

Wait, your bedroom?

Curious, you flicked the lights on and slowly made your way towards your bedroom door. Sure enough, warm yellow light streamed through the crack at the bottom of the door, meaning that someone was in there.

Holding your breath, you turned the know and swung the door open, not sure what to expect.

It was a good thing you didn't make any assumptions, as what laid beyond that door was nothing short of bizarre.

Dante--or rather, a giant, fluffy, pink unicorn stood before your mirror, dancing around and giggling at himself. As soon as he turned to face the door, revealing the ridiculously large unicorn head that sat atop his shoulders, he gasped. A hooved arm reached up and pushed the unicorn head back, making you realize it was a hood. "Oh, hey babe!" He cried, grinning. You paused, not really sure what to start your greeting with. "Umm...what are you wearing?" Dante perked up like a peacock at your words, clearly happy that you noticed his new outfit. "These are my new pajamas," He proudly declared, spinning around and flipping the unicorn hood back up over his head. "That's great," You mumbled, watching him prance around the room, "But why a unicorn?" "Why not?" He responded, galloping over to you and scooping you up into his arms. "Ok, to be perfectly honest," He confessed, twirling you around a few times. "This was the cheapest one they had in my size. But who cares? It still rocks." You giggled, hooking your arms around Dante's shoulders as he twirled the two of you over to your bed and dumped the both of you onto it. "New pajamas gotta be rolled around in first before they feel really comfortable--wanna help me out with that?" You nodded, tugging the hood off of him with a grin before proceeding to pepper kisses all over his face.

[isshua]

Messianic Aureation

Chapter 12: Final Escape

Summary: A dramatic last stand against the Madness-infected Vessels of Monstadt has Cara fighting for her life against multiple enemies. Will she manage to escape to live another day, or will she finally fall to the wrath of the hunters and the false god?

WOOHOO I AM ALIVE!!! To all who see this, thank you for sticking out the long wait. We're nearing the end of what I like to call the Monstadt Arc! After that, it's on to the nation of contracts...oh boy. Cara's own personal hell continues. Likes and reblogs are greatly appreciated! Have a great rest of your week! :D

Chapter 13 is here

Cara had her sword out in an instant, everything Albedo taught her screaming at her to go on the defensive. Rosaria’s polearm bounced off of the blade, sending the other woman falling back. She didn’t waste any time though, and went back in for the kill, charging forward and swinging viciously. Her jabs were sharp and precise. It was taking all of Cara’s concentration to deflect the attacks.

  “You have good reflexes,” Rosaria said. “You’ve been training with someone. Whoever it is taught you well.” She swung her polearm towards Cara’s head. A little shield of gold light pulsed around her arm when she brought it up to block the blow. “And it seems you do have some sort of strange power, after all. I can sense it, you know. It’s drawing me to you.”

  “Then why are you fighting me?” Cara asked. “If you feel the connection between us, you have to know I’m not your enemy!”

  “I know you aren’t. I’ve told you, I’m not doing this because I hate you. I’m doing this because I’m more afraid of what the Creator might do to Monstadt if I allow you to live than what might happen if you die.” Rosaria suddenly disappeared, moving far too quickly for Cara’s eyes to keep up with her. She reappeared behind her and swung her polearm in a wide arc. Cryo built up over it, turning the spear into a far deadlier version of itself as it prepared to cut her in half.

  A shield formed around Cara, protecting her from the attack. The Cryo clashed harmlessly against it. At first, she thought this was another manifestation of her powers. But then she saw that the forcefield had a geometric shape to it, and there was a specific type of elemental energy radiating from it that she had only ever felt from Albedo’s Vision before. This was a shield of Geo.

  “Sister Rosaria, please stand down!” Noelle begged as she brought out her claymore and charged into the battle. “I do not want to fight you!”

  “You don’t want to fight me? Then fine, don’t. This doesn’t involve you, anyway.” Rosaria dodged a swing from Noelle. With her polearm still covered in ice, she struck out and sent the warrior maid skidding away. Cara ran to offer Noelle assistance, using the shield to block Rosaria’s blows. The Geo sparked every time the weapon landed against it, little cracks forming over its transparent surface.

  “Don’t!” Noelle cried. “The shield will break if it's hit too many times! I won’t be able to create another one soon enough!”

  Rosaria continued to attack, and Cara once again found herself going on the defensive. Frustration filled her; here she was, after spending a month training, still depending on others to protect her. With a surge of strength fueled by her emotions, she pushed forward and jabbed her sword right between the tip of Rosaria’s polearm. The two of them strained, each hoping to knock the other’s weapon away, when finally, it was Cara who prevailed. Rosaria’s spear was flung back, and then Cara kicked her in the stomach, hard.

  Rosaria staggered and grunted in pain. “Wow, that was quite the display of strength. I’m impressed. You don’t look like you’d have that sort of drive in you.”

  “When you’ve been hunted by the people you know and love for weeks on end,” Cara said between heavy breaths, “that ‘sort of drive’ will develop in you whether you want it to or not.” She wavered when she saw the way Rosaria was clutching her stomach and realized that she could have seriously injured her. The other woman took advantage of her guilt and leaped forward. Her polearm struck the Geo shield, but this time, its blade cut through it easily. The cracks broke apart, and it exploded into shattering bits.

  “Rule number one of fighting the people you know and love,” Rosaria said. “Never let your guard down simply because of your feelings for them.” And then she punched Cara in the stomach, bringing forth a blossom of pain. She fell to her knees with a gasp.

  “That’s enough!” Noelle screamed. “If you wish to fight Her Grace, then you must fight me as well! I won’t let you hurt her anymore!” She swung her weapon in a wide arc. Rosaria was forced to turn her attention away from Cara to block the attack. Both of them were soon caught in a battle of blows, with Rosaria using her agility to dodge Noelle’s powerful swings. It was reminiscent of the battle Cara witnessed between Bennett and Eula. But now, she could fight too. And she wasn’t about to let Noelle take on Rosaria alone.

  She ignored the sparks of pain shooting through her abdomen as she moved, climbing onto a nearby pew and then launching herself at Rosaria with her sword raised over her head. Rosaria saw and tilted her polearm so that the blade of Cara’s sword hit its shaft. Noelle slammed her body weight into Rosaria, making her fall forward and lose her balance. Cara twirled her sword and knocked the polearm away. It clattered to the cathedral floor and skid beneath a pew.

  “You have skill,” Rosaria said, panting. She dropped to one knee; it seems that having an armored warrior maid barrel into you takes its toll on the body. “This…isn’t the outcome I anticipated when I initiated this fight. I know I can easily defeat you and Noelle at the same time.”

  “Then why don’t you?” Cara asked. “Is…is there a part of you that might be holding back?”

  Rosaria glared daggers at her. “I never hold back.”

  “There is, isn’t there? Stop lying to yourself.” Cara squatted down and looked her right in the eyes. “You know me. I’m not your god or your enemy. I’m Cara, your player, your friend.”

  Rosaria stared at her. Her eyes softened slightly, a light Cara hadn’t seen before flickering to life within them. Her hope rose. I’m getting through to her.

  “We don’t have to fight.” She stood up and offered Rosaria her hand. “Trust me. Please.”

  Before Rosaria could react, the doors to the cathedral suddenly burst open with a swirling of wind. The shards of Cryo that were keeping them closed shattered into little bits. Pouring in came the Knights of Favonius, all of them armed with swords and shields. “There she is!” one of them yelled, pointing at Cara.

  Cara stepped back, startled, and whatever emotions she had moved within Rosaria were gone. The sister swiped her foot beneath her legs and made her fall. “Your Grace!” Noelle cried, moving to run to her, but two knights stood in her path, forcing her back. “Stay silent, traitor,” they hissed at her.

  Rosaria rose over Cara and released a breath. There was no hint of sympathy in her eyes now. She looked visibly shaken though, and regarded Cara like one would observe a venomous snake. “You…are a strange little girl,” she said. “I can’t deny that there’s something divine about you. I don’t blame that god for wanting you dead.” She retrieved her polearm. “Time to put an end to this.”

  Cara scrambled up and gripped her sword. “Rosaria, it doesn’t have to be this way!”

  “You know just as well as I do that it does.” Rosaria once again leaped in to initiate an attack.

  Cara dodged and ran for Noelle. She clashed with the knights in her way and used their armor and shields to her advantage, ducking from clumsy attacks and letting them run into each other. Noelle was not fighting back. She looked far too panicked by the knights pointing their weapons right into her face. Cara knocked their swords aside, grabbed Noelle’s hand, and ran for the cathedral’s front doors.

  “Stop! Imposter!” The knights-and Rosaria-gave chase. Cara and Noelle pounded down the cathedral’s steps and ran through the courtyard. People stopped and stared when they went by, but quickly caught on to what was happening when they saw the knights close behind them. Monstadt’s citizens started to yell and cheer for Cara's capture. “Catch the imposter!” they cried. “Don’t let her escape! Do it for the Creator! Do it for Barbatos!”

  “Why don’t all of you shut the fuck up?” Cara screamed at them as they ran by.

  There was the sound of avian screeching, followed by a streak of purple that leaped through the sky and darted in their path. “This way!” Oz screamed, flapping his wings with desperate urgency. “Quickly! The escape plan is ready to initiate! We must leave, now-!”

  Another blast of Anemo slammed into the three of them. Oz was nearly knocked out of the air, black feathers falling while he squawked. Cara saw the knights and the angered citizens closing in on them. She shoved Noelle in front of her. “Go! Follow Oz! Get out of here!”

  “What?” Noelle yelled. “No! I will not leave you!”

  “They’ve seen you with me and now they’re going to target you, too! You need to get out of the city while you can!”

  “I swore I would protect you no matter what! There is no point in us separating now! We have time to escape together!”

  The wind was pulling Cara away from Noelle. She could feel its strength, and she knew if Noelle and Oz didn’t leave now, the Vision holder conjuring this power would kill them. “Please, just go! I’ll find my way to you guys! Tell Kaeya where I am! I’m going to try and hold them off!”

  “Your Grace, I strongly object to this plan!” Oz screeched. “Our mission is to ensure your safety! Teyvat will not be saved without you!”

  “You two are not expendable!” Cara argued.

  “Neither are you!”

  “I will not watch you die! Please, just go and get Kaeya! I’ll stay here and fight until you guys come back for me!”

  Noelle looked frantically at the incoming mob. “Your Grace…”

  “Go!” Cara shooed at them. She could tell they knew she was afraid. Even with her mask on, her voice was surely giving away just how terrified she was. “I promise I’ll be okay!”

  Oz grabbed Noelle’s cape with his beak and pulled on it urgently. The other girl warred with herself for a second longer, then set her jaw and nodded. “Okay. We’ll be back! Please, stay alive!”

  Cara watched her run after Oz, her heart sinking when she was left alone. She raised a quivering hand to her mask, covering the snout like it was her actual mouth. A hollow sob escaped her lips. Don’t leave me, she thought. Please, don’t leave me here alone. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to face the Madness.

  She did not say these words out loud. She would not allow Noelle or Oz to die for her. This was her war, not theirs. This was ensuring their safety, no matter how terrified she felt.

  She heard the clinking of armor and a sword being unsheathed. Cara whirled around and saw the Acting Grand Master herself walking towards her with a troop of knights following close behind. Monstadt citizens quickly surrounded them, forming a ring that promised no escape.

  “Imposter,” Jean announced forebodingly. “Your time ends here.”

  “Oh, you have got to be fucking kidding me,” Cara cursed. She drew her sword and slowly started to back up. Jean stalked towards her, slow and steady, ready to pounce at any moment. “Jean-”

  “Save your excuses. I am not here to talk. By the order of the Almother and under the jurisdiction of the Knights of Favonius, I hereby condemn you to execution.” She pointed her sword at her. “No more running. This ends now.”

  They circled each other, like two animals about to fight. Cara glanced around fleetingly, searching for a possible escape route, but could find none with the giant crowd of onlooking Monstadters surrounding them. The air was filled with the sound of cheers and yells and hisses. Most of what she could pick up on were voices of support for Jean. The citizens were pressing in on them like hungry wolves. If she were to attempt an exit, they would surely tear her apart.

  “Jean,” she desperately implored. “Please, think about this. Is this really what you want? Is this your own decision? Or is it someone else’s? What is your supposed Almother whispering into your ear?”

  Jean snarled. “You dare attempt to shake my faith in the Creator?”

  “I’m trying to make you think! Rosaria told me what she does to you guys. I know she abuses you and takes over your bodies while filling your heads with lies. What does she know about me?”

  “She knows you are a-”

  “She knows nothing!” Cara screamed out the final word with all of her frustration and hatred for the creature who had stolen her face packed into it, sending her emotions high into the heavens for even Celestia to hear. “She claims to know who I am and what my fate is meant to be! All of you do! You see me as an imposter and a heretic, and yet you never even once think to hear out the side of the one you're hunting! I am not what you think I am, I’m not what she thinks I am! I will decide what my fate is and where I’m meant to stand in this world!”

  Jean did not answer. The red in her eyes flickered and dulled. Cara could see the wheels turning in her mind and felt hope. She persisted. “Listen to me Jean. Listen to my words without having the opinion of another forced into your brain. I am not an imposter. I am not your enemy. I don’t want to be your god. I just want to be the person you know me to be deep down.”

  “And who,” Jean asked slowly, “are you supposed to be?” The question sounded like it was directed at herself as much as it was to Cara. The Madness within her was weakening due to her newfound doubt.

  Cara softened. “I’m your friend. I’m the one who fought beside you during the Stormterror incident. I’m the one you’ve confided your troubles and feelings in. I’ve been there for you and I want to keep being here for you. I’m Cara, and I-”

  The moment she said her own name, all progress in freeing Jean was lost. Red consumed her natural eye color, and her lips curled as she bared her teeth and roared. “You will not give yourself a name that doesn’t belong to you!” A blast of Anemo hit Cara and nearly knocked her off of her feet as the Acting Grand Master ran forward to attack.

  Cara rolled and bounced back, deflecting the Aquila Favonia. Jab after jab after jab. Dodge, defend, block, run. This was not the composed, proper attack style she was so used to seeing from Jean. She was being shown the true might of the Acting Grand Master.

  “You are a liar!” Jean slashed. “You are a fraud!” Cara barely had enough time to block an attack aimed for her ankles. “You wear a face that isn’t your own and now you must suffer the repercussions for it! Take it off, heretic! Take off the mask so we can see you for the imposter you really are!”

  Anemo power hit Cara and sent her stumbling back into the crowd. Instantly, what felt like a million hands started clawing at her while the angry screams of the Monstadt citizens filled her ears until it was all she could perceive. Panic set in when she felt herself being swallowed up by the mob, and she fought to break free. A final push had her running back into the circle, but there was no time to catch her breath, because Jean was upon her immediately with her sword flying for her chest.

  She blocked it and struck forward. The fight continued, both swords clashing, back and forth with neither gaining the upper hand. Cara was beginning to tire; she was honestly surprised with herself that she was managing to keep up with Jean for this long. Over and over again the Aquila Favonia flashed before her eyes, and the only thing keeping it at bay was the Prototype Rancour. Sooner or later, her strength was going to give out, and Jean would lop off her head. Kaeya, come on, where are you with that escape plan? I really need you right now!

  In the corner of her good eye, just within her mask’s line of vision, she saw red. Heat touched her skin. Fire. She threw herself out of the way before the Pyro-infused greatsword hurtling towards her could skewer her. It crashed into the ground with so much force the tip of its blade was buried in the cobblestone. Beneath her bandages, her right eye ached. Shit. Wrong brother.

  “Diluc,” Jean said. There was a sort of surprise in her tone.

  “Forgive my intrusion.” Diluc stepped out of the crowd. He retrieved his claymore with a single hand, wrenching it out of the ruined ground like it was a simple stick in the mud. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all. Your aid is welcomed. The imposter is quite skilled with a sword. I’m having a bit of trouble finding her weak spots.”

  “It seems she is.” Diluc regarded Cara with utter disgust. “So we meet again. I see you’ve gotten yourself a little accessory to cover your face with. Do you think it’s funny to wear a mask that resembles Caratrice’s true form? Your sense of humor sickens me.”

  Cara’s mouth felt dry at the sight of the red-haired man. Flashing fire burning away her eye seared her memory and made her wince in pain.

  “I do not trust the knights,” Diluc continued. “And I will admit, I am a little reluctant to be aiding them in your capture and execution. But I am willing to put my feelings aside if it means you are brought to justice. Now, before we kill you, do you have any last words?”

  Cara could not respond. She worked her tongue in the hopes of forming words, but nothing came out. Diluc had sparked deep fear in her, something that hadn’t existed before their fight in Dragonspine. Her heart was pounding too quickly. Her breaths were far too shallow. She couldn’t move. Get up! she screamed at herself. You need to get up! You need to fight! 

  She could see nothing but fire. She could feel nothing but fear. Her mind was a wasteland of charred skin and splattered gold blood. And then, two giant blue-gray eyes ruptured through her vision and she felt a humongous pressure of great claws grabbing her by the shoulders and enormous teeth biting straight into her very soul. “MOVE!” a mighty voice thundered. “STAND!”

  Her hands were shaking. Her fingers curled around the hilt of her sword. Spindling gold cracks lit up across her arms, and with her own voice ringing in her ears, she pushed herself up and faced Diluc and Jean. An onslaught of strength entered her weary bones. She pushed her mask over her head, revealing her face, bandages, concealed scars and all.

  “There she is,” Diluc growled. “The face of a demon in disguise.”

  “There is nowhere to run, imposter,” Jean said. “We have you surrounded.”

  She looked around. All around them were Knights of Favonius, holding off the mob of civilians and facing her with bristled shields and swords. There were familiar faces among them, too: she saw Rosaria staring at her with resigned resolve. Beside her, Barbara watched her nervously with a rosary clutched between her clasped hands. She noticed Amber perched on the top of a nearby building, a flaming arrow aimed for her and ready to be released. Eula, Mona, and Lisa were there, too. It was a standoff. Every single Vision user who was infected with the Madness-or at least influenced by it-was here to kill her. And here she was, completely alone. No Kaeya, no Bennett and Razor, no Klee and Sucrose, no Noelle, no Albedo. She could not face them all alone. She was going to die here. They were going to rip her apart and there was nothing she could do about it.

  She remembered what she had told Albedo in Dragonspine. “I won’t be reckless. I won’t throw myself into situations I can’t handle. I’m going to survive, for you and the rest of my friends.” Not even a day had gone by since she had seen him, and she was already breaking that promise to him. Sorry Albedo, she thought guiltily. I guess I’m not as sensible as you thought I was.

  Cara slowly held up her hands in surrender. And then she turned and ran.

  “After her!” Jean ordered. The knights and the hounds charged. Cara felt the heat of Diluc’s Pyro on her back as he rocketed towards her. She ducked. He sailed over her head, then did a somersault and landed in front of her. The Serpent Spine created sparks against the street as he used it to slow himself down. She made an erratic turn and pelted down an alleyway, leaving him behind.

  “Not so fast!” Amber yelled from the rooftops. Flaming arrows rained down. Cara raised a hand and let a golden shield form. The arrows bounced off of it harmlessly. The alleyway opened up into another main street. She skidded and nearly fell over when she ran left.

  Out of nowhere, Eula appeared and slammed herself into her. Cara fell and nearly lost her sword. Eula swung her claymore down towards her neck, but she blocked it. The blood in her veins flared brightly when she pushed back with an influx of strength.

  Eula recovered quickly. She blasted Cara with Cryo. Little shards of ice formed over her clothes as she raised her arms to shield her face from the elemental attack. Her legs went numb. She looked down at them and was horrified to see that they were slowly being encased in ice.

  “If you didn’t know,” a new voice said from behind her. “Hydro and Cryo create a frozen reaction.” Mona’s eyes glowed blue as she summoned the power of water and kept it swirling around Cara’s legs. “Try escaping now, imposter.”

  “Mona!” Cara cried. “The Madness is in you, too! You need to fight it!”

  “Madness? I’m not infected with any sort of madness! I think of myself as quite a sane person, thank you very much!” Mona looked offended. “You, on the other hand, are probably the craziest person in Monstadt right now. Heretics aren’t known for their high IQs, after all.”

  Cara tried to pull her legs out of the ice, but it was no use. It was slowly creeping up her torso and making its way to her chest. Soon she wouldn’t be able to move at all.

  “I think we’ll let her freeze to death,” Mona mused. “Is that too painful, Eula? I suppose it would be kind of us to give her a merciful execution.”

  “It’s not painful enough,” Eula spat. “The Creator did not tell us to be kind with her.”

  “Oh. Then I guess we should keep her alive long enough for Diluc to get here. Did you know, little imposter? Burning to death is the most painful way a human being can die. Let’s see how you’ll like it.”

  Terror filled Cara like water filling a glass: rapidly rising, higher and higher, until it hit the brim and spilled over and her panic peaked when she realized that she could not move. “Let me go!” she screamed, and with the surge of fear, a gold light erupted from her body and shattered through the ice. She took off running, not looking back, not even acknowledging Mona or Eula a second time. Both women sprang to stop her. Mona raised a hand and sent forth bursts of Hydro, while Eula jumped and practically threw her claymore at her. Cara deflected it, but did not avoid Mona’s attack: the Hydro struck her with piercing pain, and she gasped as she was nearly knocked off balance as what felt like a million tiny little needles jabbed through her clothing and into her skin.

  “Bet you didn’t think water could hurt you so badly, now, did you?” Mona cackled. Hydro swirled around her hands as she prepared to unleash another attack. “Hydrology does more than reveal the future, you know!”

  Despite the agony she was in, Cara kept running. “Don’t let her escape!” Eula shouted.

  She weaved through alleyways and pelted down streets, dodging arrows sent by Amber and barely avoiding hits from Eula and Mona. She did not see Diluc, nor did she see Jean. Monstadt was a huge city, much larger than its game counterpart. How the fuck do I get out of here? she thought frantically. And where the hell are Kaeya and the others?

  She turned a corner, and someone pummeled into her, causing her to see stars. She felt a hand wrap around her neck and another grab her mask and shove it over her head while she was lifted off of the ground. Diluc’s eyes were completely, utterly filled with Madness as he angled his claymore at her stomach. “Hold still,” he hissed. “I want to see your face as you die.”

  She grabbed his wrist and squeezed. Golden light glowed from her palm. Diluc yelped in pain and dropped her, giving her time to get back onto her feet. He examined the marking on his skin, which was already fading away. “You…burned me?”

  She pulled her mask back over her face and ran. Unfortunately, she didn’t get very far. Rosaria was there to join them, once again lunging at her from the shadows with every intent to kill. Cara fought her off and turned to run back the way she came, but a blast of purple lightning forced her to backpedal. “There’s no use in running,” Lisa said haughtily with a smile. She too had arrived to stop her. “Just give up, cutie. It’s time for this to end.”

  Cara turned in a circle. All around her, Vessels were arriving. Amber was once again on a roof. Rosaria, Diluc, and Lisa closed off any escape routes. Eula and Mona caught up and stood at the ready. And finally, there was Jean with Barbara at her side.

  “We cannot kill you just yet,” Barbara said. She did not look like she wanted to be there, and certainly didn’t have the bloodthirsty, furious expression that the rest of them wore, but she did look at Cara with an equal amount of fear and repulsion. “You have something that belongs to the church. Please, hand it over.”

  “No,” Cara insisted. “You don’t understand. I need it.”

  “What would a heretic need with the Holy Lyre der Himmel?” Barbara asked, exasperated.

  “I-I need it to get in contact with Barbatos. I-”

  Mona cut her off with sharp laughter. “Ha! The imposter wants to gain an audience with the Anemo Archon! You truly are the most mad person in Monstadt!”

  “Barbatos would never grace you with his presence,” Jean said coldly.

  “He doesn’t even grace his own followers with his presence,” Rosaria muttered, but was quickly shushed by Barbara.

  “You don’t understand!” Cara cried. “This isn’t just about him and me! It’s about something even greater!”

  “There is nothing great about stealing a sacred artifact from the church,” Amber spoke up. “And there isn’t anything great about calling yourself the Creator, either.”

  “I never did that! You all just assumed I was because of my name!”

  “Your ‘name’ is enough evidence to prove you are an imposter,” Eula said. “Do you know about the heretics who have come before you? All of them called themselves something similar to Her Grace’s name. You are just following in their footsteps. The lack of respect for the Almother sickens me! By the gods, I will have vengeance for this!”

  They were closing in on her. Cara desperately looked for somewhere to run, but a flaming arrow nicked her shoulder and caused her to hiss. “That was just a warning!” Amber called. “One more step and I’ll send one straight through your heart!”

  Blood dripped from the mild wound. She clutched it, then suddenly had an idea. With her palm covered in her own blood, she raised it into the air for all of them to see. “Look! Look at the color of my blood! Would an imposter have golden blood?”

  They all paused.

  “Her Grace told us you might try to trick us this way,” Jean said.

  “Your blood is not gold,” Eula growled. “Your blood is just as red as ours.”

  “It literally isn’t!” Cara could not hold back her frustration.

  “Heretics have used alchemy in the past to give their blood the appearance of being gold,” Lisa said. “You really thought we would fall for such a rudimentary trick? Aw, I thought you were smarter than this, darling.”

  “I have had enough of this.” Diluc marched towards Cara with flames burning across his claymore. “No more talking. You will die now, and there is no more dicussing it.”

  Cara raised her sword, preparing to fight for her life, even though she knew she was going to lose. But before such a battle could begin…she heard something.

  The whinny of a horse, followed by the sound of hooves.

  Diluc paused. All of the Vessels looked around in confusion. The clop-clop-clopping grew nearer. Cara could feel the vibration within the soles of her boots.

  And then a horse galloped into the scene, cantering straight into the circle and causing the Vision holders to seek cover from the massive animal’s arrival. Diluc stumbled back as the horse halted right between him and Cara, rearing up onto its hind legs and punching the air as it neighed. Its tack was gold and white, and emblazoned upon its head armor was the Knights of Favonius crest.

  A familiar gloved hand reached out for her. “Get on!” Kaeya yelled.

  Cara did not waste any time. She grasped his arm and let him haul her up onto the horse behind him. “Hold on tight,” he told her. “This is going to be a fast ride.” He squeezed the horse and snapped the reins. It took off into an immediate canter, flying down the street and leaving the hunters far behind them. The last thing Cara heard was Diluc scream out “KAEYA!” with enough fury to send a grown man into tears.

  They did not speak as they raced through Monstadt’s streets. Cara was pretty sure if she tried to talk, her voice would be carried away with the wind. She just held on to Kaeya with all of her might, burying her face into his shoulder and feeling the gait of the horse beneath her. A loud cawing from above made her peek up at the sky. Leading them from the air was Oz. Trails of Electro crackled off of his feathers as he flew…or perhaps it wasn’t Oz at all. There was no sign of Fischl anywhere, so it was probable she was the one guiding them to safety.

  They went through the city’s main gates and down the stone bridge, going far too fast for anyone to stop them. Waiting at the end were two more horses. On one was Bennett and Razor, and on the other was Noelle. They joined them as they cantered off, side by side, heading deeper into the wilds. Only when they were far away from the city did the horses slow to a brisk trot.

  “Cara!” Bennett called. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine!” she answered. “Where did you guys get these horses? I didn’t even know there were horses in Monstadt!”

  “Well, it would be a bit odd for me to be the cavalry captain if there were no horses around, no?” Kaeya said to her.

  “Well, yes, of course, but-” It probably wouldn’t be the best idea for her to say “Hey, Hoyoverse hasn’t added mounts to the game yet!” to the game characters, so she went for a different way of wording. “I thought Varka took all the horses with him on that big expedition!”

  “That would be impossible!” Noelle piped up. “The Grand Master did take many of the horses the Knights of Favonius own, yes, but plenty remained here for those who stayed behind! We depend on horses for many things! To leave Monstadt horseless would be a great disaster!”

  “Not to mention that the Adventurers’ Guild has a stable of their own that they let their members use for free!” Bennett added. “Plenty of regular civilians and adventurers own horses of their own!”

  “The point is, we need horses here,” Kaeya said. “It’s mandatory for all knights to know how to ride because of how important a skill it is. Horses truly are an integral part of Monstadt’s stability.”

  “Huh.” Cara didn’t know what to say to that. It seemed that there really were more differences between this world she had been forced into and the game she used to play than she thought. “Did you just take them from the stables? Isn’t that stealing?”

  “I am the cavalry captain,” Kaeya said matter-of-factly. “I can take as many of the Knights’ horses as I want, when I want.”

  “No one saw us take them, if that’s what you're worried about!” Noelle said. “We’re okay! What we’re worried about is you!”

  “What were you thinking?” Kaeya scolded. “You never should have separated from Noelle and Oz! They could have helped you fight the others off until I arrived!”

  “If they would have stayed with me, they would have been in danger!” Cara replied. “I didn’t want that to happen!”

  Kaeya sighed. “We’re all going to be in danger whether we want to or not. There’s no changing that anymore. I’m glad you're okay, but I really would have preferred it if one of us had been there for you.”

  “I…I’m sorry. I probably scared you guys, and it wasn’t smart of me to send Noelle and Oz away. I just didn’t want to see them get hurt. Everyone was there to kill me. It was better that I was alone so their attention was on me, not you guys.”

  “We don’t want their attention on you, Your Grace,” Kaeya said. “It’s extremely important that you are never cornered like that again.”

  Cara was silent. She felt guilty on more than one level. Her friends were so willing to fight for her, to stand by her, to give up everything for her. It felt wrong. It felt selfish. Their lives were disrupted because of her. Kaeya, Bennett, Razor, Noelle…even Fischl and Oz. They could never go back to how things were. Their relationships with the Madness-infected Vessels were ruined. Kaeya would be killed if he stepped foot into Monstadt right now. Bennett would lose his status in the Adventurers’ Guild and be imprisoned. Razor had been forced to deceive Lisa, his mother figure. She might never trust him again. And Noelle…poor Noelle, who worked so hard to try and win Jean’s approval so she herself might become a knight someday…because of her, that dream was gone. As for Fischl and Oz, people probably saw the large purple night raven leading the heretic and her followers to safety. Mona might have seen. The two girls were practically sisters. Had she just torn them apart?

  “Hey!” Bennett yelled, as if sensing how upset she was with herself. “What’s done is done, alright? We’re all safe, and that’s what matters. Let’s get the heck away from the city and steal that gnosis!” He spurred his horse onward, outpacing the other two and taking the lead. “I’m heading for Windrise! Last one there is hilichurl chow!”

  “Wolves not meant to ride horse!” Razor shrieked as he clung to Bennett. “Wolf meant to run alone on ground! Going too fast!” His howls got lost amidst the sound of Bennett’s laughter. Cara couldn’t help but smile as she watched them.

  They stuck to the main path, cantering past the Temple of the Falcon and heading southeast towards the tree that sat like a mighty giant in the distance. The sun was starting to set, signaling the beginning of the end for this terrifying, hectic afternoon. Cara looked back and could not see Monstadt City anymore; it was lost behind the cliffs and the hills, giving her a sense of ease as distance was put between her and the hunters. After today, she most likely wouldn't be there again for a while…at least, as long as she managed to successfully take Venti’s gnosis after summoning him with the holy lyre. If this impossible mission goes according to plan, and she actually manages to get it…she would have to leave Monstadt for a long, long time. It sent a pain through her heart. The nation of freedom was a place she was nostalgically fond of, and she was sad she hadn’t been given the chance to experience its beauty without its horrors lingering close behind.

  They were alone when they arrived at Windrise. They let the horses graze beneath Vanessa’s tree and took the time to rest on the oak’s giant roots. Noelle unpacked some food and gave specific dishes to each of them. “A Monstadt hash brown for Razor…some chicken-mushroom skewers for Kaeya…a delicious Teyvat fried egg for Bennett…a cold cut platter for Fischl and Oz…and some lighter-than-air pancakes for you and me, Your Grace! I don’t know what your favorite food is, I apologize greatly for that, but I thought you might enjoy my specialty!”

  Cara dug into the pancakes immediately, grateful to have something in her stomach after all of the running and fighting she had just done. “They’re perfect. Thank you, Noelle. Honestly, I don’t have a single favorite food. I’ll eat anything you give me…but I do enjoy seafood when I can have it. I could live off of seafood.”

  “Seafood!” Noelle clapped her hands. “Perfect! I shall remember that. Thank you for telling me, Your Grace!”

  Fischl, who had separated from Oz, suddenly gasped and nearly flung her cold cut platter into the air. Oz was knocked off of her shoulder and flopped onto the ground with a protesting caw. “Goodness gracious! Your Grace, thou hast received a wound!”

  “Huh? What?” Cara poked her bandages. “Haven’t we discussed my injured eye already?”

  “No! That’s not what I’m talking about!” Fischl grabbed her arm and touched her shoulder, where a bit of her shirt was ripped. “Who did this to you? I shall have their head for this!”

  “Oh, that? It’s nothing. Look, it's already healed.” Cara poked the thin golden scar visible through the tear. “I got that when Amber shot an arrow at me. Thank god it wasn’t on fire.”

  “Your endurance to such injuries has grown quite impressive, Your Grace,” Oz said. He cautiously hopped back onto Fischl’s shoulder and peered closely at the scar.

  “Hmph! Well, I would imagine so! Her Grace is filled with enough power to bring the Seven to their knees! Of course a little cut from a messy mortal arrow wouldst be not a problem for her!” Fischl said.

  “I think it’s so cool,” Bennett added. “I mean, being able to heal from any injury? Gods sure do have it lucky, don’t they?”

  “Please don’t call me a god,” Cara groaned. “I thought we established that we weren’t going to do that anymore. I-”

  Suddenly, the wind began to blow. Cara paused when she felt it blowing gently across them all. Something familiar stirred within her heart. The words she was about to say died on her tongue as she looked northeast. Across the Wailwind Highland, over the green fields and the tops of trees, in the direction of Starfell Valley, the tops of an ancient amphitheater were only just visible. The Thousand Wind’s Temple, where the wind was telling her to go. With it…came the gentle plucking of a lyre. The faint melody of a familiar song that brought dread.

  “Cara?” Razor said. He nudged her gently. “Alright? You smell…scared. What is scaring you?”

  Kaeya looked at her closely and seemed to recognize the distant expression in her eye. “What are you hearing?” he asked.

  “Someone is waiting for me there.” She pointed to the Thousand Wind’s Temple.

  “Who?” Oz asked.

  She knew who. She knew Kaeya knew as well, and from the dawning looks of apprehension Razor and Bennett were sharing with each other, it was clear they realized it too. Shakily, she stood. “I have to go.”

  “Go?” Fischl and Oz repeated together.

  “Your Grace, what do you mean?” Noelle asked.

  Cara swallowed hard. “Noelle, Fischl, Oz…thank you for everything you have done for me. I know I’ve messed up your lives. Things won’t be the same for you guys anymore, and I know that’s my fault. I’m sorry I roped you into this…I wish I hadn’t.”

  Noelle stood up too. “There is nothing to apologize for, Your Grace! I told you this in the church courtyard, I chose to help you! I do not care if Monstadt ostracizes me for it, I will never regret my decision to stand by your side!”

  “Oz and I agree!” Fischl got up and put her hands on her hips. “If thou believest we wouldn’t have come to thy aid, then thou must reconsider changing thy beliefs! We would do it again, and again, and again!”

  “You must not doubt us, Your Grace,” Oz agreed. “Mein Fräulein and I will always be here for you.”

  Cara looked at them, and smiled. She felt tears gathering in her good eye, and she had to lower her head and wipe them away. “You guys…I…I don’t deserve you…”

  “You deserve everything and so much more.” Fischl’s words were uncharacteristically gentle and heartfelt. “Just because you don't believe it, doesn’t mean it is not true.”

  “Have faith in us, Almother,” Oz said. “-as we have faith in you.”

  Cara stepped closer to them. She flung her arms over their shoulders and pulled them close, hugging them. “I love you guys. I love you guys so, so much.”

  “We love you, too,” Noelle murmured.

  “Our love for you knows no bounds,” Fischl said.

  She held them tight, then eventually let go. She swiped her tears away. “I wish you guys could stay with me…but you can’t. You can’t go where I’m going. So I’m going to ask you, please, to get out of here while you can. Fischl and Oz, I don’t think anyone truly saw you guys helping me. You can return to Monstadt safely. Noelle…”

  “I cannot go back.” Noelle nodded sadly. “I know.”

  “I know someone who can keep you safe, though. Go to Dragonspine and find Albedo. He’s on our side. Tell him I sent you, and I asked that he keep you safe. I know I’ve asked far too much of him already, but…I want you to be protected. I don’t want you to die.”

  “Are…are you sure we cannot come with you?”

  “No. This is something that I have to do alone.”

  Noelle sighed. “I understand.” Her eyes were glassy, but she was smiling. “Your Grace, it was my honor and privilege to serve you. I wish you nothing but success and safety on your journeys. I know that after today, we will probably won’t see each other again for a long time, but…there won’t be a single day that goes by from this moment onward that I won’t be thinking of you and praying you are safe.”

  “I, too, will be praying and wishing for your safety,” Fischl said. She was sniffling and trying to keep a strong, determined expression on, but the tears dripping down her cheeks and the sight of her bottom lip quivering gave away just how distraught she was. “Your Grace, in the name of the Immernachtreich…I beseech you to remain ever vigilant of where thy foes may appear. Though we may not follow where fate brings you…we shall always be with you. This, um, isn’t just coming from the Prinzessin der Verurteilung…it’s coming from my heart, as well.”

  Cara understood what she meant. She nodded. “I’ll be safe. I’ll get the Anemo gnosis. I’ll make sure neither of you have to fear for your life ever again.”

  Noelle helped Fischl onto one of the horses, then got on another one. Both girls gave Cara one last farewell before leaving. Noelle headed towards Dragonspine, while Fischl took the road back in the direction of the city. She watched them draw farther and farther until she couldn’t see either of them at all.

  Oz landed on her shoulder and nuzzled her cheek. “May the night protect you, Almother. Farewell.” And then he disappeared with a burst of electric light.

  There was silence. Cara sat down one on a root and stared at the ground. She did not bother to wipe her tears away.

  Razor sat down next to her. “Cara alright?” he softly asked.

  She sniffed and nodded, swallowing down a sob. “I’ll be okay.”

  “It’s hard to say goodbyes,” Bennett said. “It’s even harder when you don’t know if it’ll be the last goodbye you ever give someone.”

  “It won’t be.” Kaeya placed a steady hand on Cara’s shoulder. “You will see them again. I promise you.”

  “I just want them to be safe,” she whispered.

  “They will be,” Bennett said. “I know they will. Noelle’s going to go stay with Albedo. Nobody will mess with her if he’s around. And Fischl and Oz are two of my best friends! I know how strong they are! It’ll take more than the Knights of Favonius to bring them down!”

  “Purple girl, purple bird, and maid lady good people,” Razor added. “They won’t die. Souls are strong. Strong like wolf. No bad will happen to them. This I know.”

  Kaeya squeezed her shoulder. “You must remain strong, for them, and for yourself. They will be okay. And you will be okay, too.”

  “Yeah!” Bennett grinned. “You’ll be okay! Even if Noelle, Fischl, and Oz are gone, that doesn’t mean you aren’t alone! You have us! And we aren’t going anywhere!”

  Razor grunted in agreement. “Right!”

  “We certainly aren’t.” Kaeya sat down and ducked his head to meet Cara’s eye. He smiled gently. “We aren’t leaving you…though I have a feeling you may attempt to convince us to.”

  “You know me that well, huh?” Cara chuckled. “It’s true, though. You guys will be so much safer if you don’t come with me. You can go with Noelle and stay with Albedo-”

  “Nope! Not happening!” Bennett jumped up. “Tell us to leave all you want, but we’re not gonna listen to you! We’ve been through so much together already! You’re really gonna just tell us to leave after everything that’s happened?”

  “We are pack.” Razor pressed a hand to his heart. “You…me…Bennett…Kaeya…we are lupical now. Lupical protect each other. Lupical never abandons lupical, ever.”

  “You two certainly do speak words of wisdom,” Kaeya said. “They’re right, Cara. We aren’t leaving. No matter what you tell us, we’re with you.”

  Cara felt like she was going to burst into full-on sobbing. “You guys…fuck, your going to make me break apart if you keep saying all of this…” She sniffled and stood up. Their words ignited fresh determination. “Thank you. I don’t deserve you three. I want you to stay. I don’t want you to leave me…so please, no matter what I say…don’t leave.”

  “We won’t!”

  “Mm, promise!”

  “The four of us will carry on together.”

  She breathed in, then sighed. She felt better. Their words left her feeling invigorated. Noelle, Fischl, and Oz would be okay. Deep down, she knew Teyvat wouldn’t let any of her allies fall to danger. Everyone who had helped her in Monstadt would be alright.

  The echoes from the lyre continued to send deep tremors through her soul.

  It was time to face the music.

  “I need you guys to wait here,” she told them. “I’m going to get the gnosis.”

  They started to protest, and she held up her hand. “I know we just went through an emotional moment where we promised each other we’d stick together…but this is a battle I need to fight by myself. I-I can feel it. This won’t be a fight for mortals.” This will be a battle against gods.

  They exchanged glances, still looking uncertain. It was Kaeya who finally relented. “Are you sure about this?”

  “I am. He’s calling to me, and only me. If you guys show up, too…” She cast a glance at the temple. “He may not be happy. I don’t think he’d hurt you, but in the state he’s in, with the Madness controlling him…”

  “He’ll kill us.” Bennett’s voice was shaky.

  Kaeya stepped back. “Okay. You go. Take the horse with you. She’s loyal, and she’s fast. A quick getaway once it’s over might be necessary.”

  Cara stepped up to the remaining horse and gently petted her neck. The mare nickered softly, giving her a greeting while she stared at her with kind brown eyes. “What’s her name?” 

  “Epona,” Kaeya answered, then added, “I trained her myself. She’ll stick with you no matter what is thrown your way.”

  Cara put her foot in the stirrup and let Kaeya help her into the saddle. She looked down at her friends. They stood watching, waiting. Razor nodded once. Bennett gave her a thumbs up. Kaeya held Epona’s bridle and questioned her one last time. “You remember everything Albedo taught you?”

  “How could I forget? He spent a month drilling it all into my brain.”

  “Don’t hold it against him. You’ll get back at him for it one day.” Kaeya patted Epona’s neck, then stepped back. “We’ll follow from a distance and wait nearby. Please…stay safe, Cara. Stay alive.”

  “Fight tooth and claw!” Razor added.

  “Kick that Archon’s butt!” Bennett cried.

  She smiled at them. “I will. I’m coming back with that gnosis, no matter what.”

  She gave Epona a squeeze, and with a snort, she started off at a trot. Cara looked back and saw her friends watching. She waved, then forced herself to face forward.

  She was terrified. She did not want to face him. She did not want to do this at all.

  But she was going to have to.

  Albedo, Noelle, Sucrose, Klee. Fischl, Oz, Diona. Kaeya, Bennett, Razor…she would not let their faith in her be in vain.

  She headed for the Thousand Winds Temple, following the lyre’s song, where Venti was waiting.

[rookthorne]

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨

An unexpected end to a day out leaves you reeling, but somehow, as it always is, everything would be okay in the end — one way or another.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 ✰ Biker!Bucky Barnes x F!Reader

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 ✰ 2.5k

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 ✰ Hurt/comfort, graphic description of a car accident, graphic descriptions of blood and injuries, use of CPR on a child, PTSD, delving into Bucky's military past (implied death of a child), medication/sedative usage, fluff

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 ✰ I swear there is a happy ending with this one — it kinda veered away from what I planned and I struggled to write it, but it turned out okay in the end. ✰ Fanfiction is healing — woohoo.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔 ✰ House of Pain by The White Buffalo ✰ Soldier's Eyes by Jack Savoretti

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻ 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 ✰ Whumptober 2022 —  Masterlist

𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

A day out with Bucky had been on the cards lately, only postponed thanks to the new partnerships the club had ventured into. The interstate was surprisingly empty on the ride back home, almost suspiciously so, but Bucky didn’t seem to have any worries about it as the bike revved and purred at a steady speed. 

The pannier by your legs was stuffed full with a picnic blanket and empty Tupperware containers that once held the snacks Bucky had devoured without a second thought. 

“This is meant to be a romantic lunch, Buck!” You chastised, your eyes narrowed at the pig headed nature of your boyfriend sat across from you. You could have sworn with the way he acted, the man never ate. 

Bucky, ever oblivious, had turned to you with wide eyes and spoke around a mouthful of food from the once neat charcuterie board between you. He looked like a damned chipmunk. “Wha- I’m sor-”

You rolled your eyes when Bucky coughed against the crumbs falling down his throat and he glared at you when you couldn’t help but laugh. “Serves you right.”

The memory made you chuckle again and you squeezed Bucky’s middle, your chin resting atop his shoulder while the wind whipped the loose hair from your helmet back. 

Freedom had never felt so good.

It was late afternoon by the time you reached the exit for home and you were more than ready to collapse on a bed and nap through a food coma, when it happened. It could not have been more than a second, but it stretched on much longer than eternity. 

Bucky tensed in your hold and adjusted his hold on the brakes like he had anticipated it. 

The crunch of metal and the screech of brakes against the bitumen were deafening, a roaring possibility of the wreck that rolled over and over before the two of you was being guided by the Grim Reaper himself. 

“Fuck!” Bucky yelled over the roar from the engine of his bike against the sudden deceleration. “Hang on!”

Your arms clasped around his middle like a vice and you held on for dear life, a squeak of fear leaving your throat when Bucky swerved the bike to the side only just avoiding the debris of smashed glass and scraps of parts. 

“Oh, shit,” Bucky said suddenly and you looked up from his back. There was no sound of scraping metal or the roar of his bike - you were at a standstill next to the wreck of what used to be a car. “Babe, I need you to call 911,” your phone was in your hand before he finished asking. 

Suddenly, to your horror, you heard screaming coming from the back seat of the wreck. It was a child. 

“Bucky!” You cried, your hands shaking too much to dial for desperately needed help. 

“Call!” Bucky yelled over his shoulder, his feet carrying him faster than you’d ever seen him run towards the wreck of the car where the screams were coming from. You watched transfixed as Bucky ripped the door clean off its hinges to get to the child inside and you tried to ignore the splatter of blood on the now visible interior of the door. 

The dial tone was only just audible over the pounding of blood in your ears and you jumped to your feet to run towards the driver's seat. A woman, no older than yourself sat slumped over the wheel - unresponsive and covered in blood. 

“Easy there, little guy,” Bucky spoke softly over the wailing of the little boy strapped in his car seat. “Babe,” you looked into the backseat with wide eyes. “Does she have a pulse?” Bucky gestured to the woman slumped over the wheel - she must be his mother.

Hastily you felt along her neck until you felt a rapid beat. “She’s alive!” Bucky nodded and looked around the back seat of the car.

“911, what’s your emergency?”

You gasped suddenly at the voice and looked at Bucky, his eyes set and determined as he tied a makeshift tourniquet on the little boy’s leg above a deep gash. 

“There’s been a car accident,” you said quickly before rattling the location off with practised ease - thank god Bucky was here, otherwise you’d be a hysterical mess. “There’s a young woman and a child.”

“Can you see the extent of their injuries?” The dispatcher questioned. Somehow, you could hear the click of their keyboard in the background. 

You looked over the woman again, desperate to find a source for the blood that covered her torso and head. “No, I can’t see how or where the woman’s hurt but she’s unresponsive,” you urged over another ear splitting cry from the little boy. 

“Do not move her unless the vehicle is alight,” the dispatcher ordered and you nodded quickly - even though they wouldn’t see. “I need you to tell me how badly hurt the child is.”

Bucky was working quickly despite the screams right next to his ear, and his hands were covered in blood when he pulled away to look at the child’s arms. The sight of blood on his hands sent you down a spiral of panic entirely unrelated to what had unfolded before you. 

Bucky, the love of your life, your king - was going to be triggered beyond hope once this was over. The look in his eyes was methodical, a well oiled machine in the face of literal turmoil and destruction. God, be kind to him when this is over, you pleaded in your mind. 

“He-” You started but your voice failed when the little boy fell silent, his small body falling limp in his seat. “Buck!”

“What’s happening?” The dispatcher asked quickly. “I need you to tell me what is going on, ma’am.”

“The boy-” you gasped with the dawning realisation that he wasn’t breathing. “He’s not breathing! Bucky!”

With inhuman strength, Bucky ripped the child seat out from the back and hauled it out onto the road where bystanders crowded around with towels and blankets in hand. “You need to perform CPR on the child,” the dispatcher ordered and you ran around the car to kneel beside Bucky who was pulling the child from the seat. “Put me on speaker and I’ll walk you through it.”

“No need,” Bucky deadpanned and you winced. “I know how.”

A couple of bystanders broke from their shock and fell to their knees on the other side of the child. “We’re here for when you get tired,” one said and Bucky grunted in acknowledgement, his helmet the only thing keeping his swaying hair from his eyes on every press of his hand against the child’s breastbone. 

The wail of sirens could be heard over the chaos of the scene and you let a flicker of hope begin to build at the sound. Help was here. 

Bucky was still doing compressions with minimal guidance needed from the operator and once the trucks pulled up to the scene, you thanked her and hung up. Men and women clad in dark uniforms swarmed around Bucky and you tried to pull him back. 

“No!” Bucky growled, fighting against your grip against his shoulder. “I have to-”

Oh, fuck.

“James, I need you to look at me.” 

Bucky froze and looked up at you, his face cast in shadow from your figure leaning over him. “That’s it,” you soothed, pulling him gently away so the EMTs could get to work. “Come with me, c’mon.” He went to protest but you shushed him gently, pulling him along to the shoulder of the interstate by his bike. 

Carefully, you sat him down against the fence so you could kneel between his splayed legs. His bike shielded him from view and he could not look past it to see the crash scene. 

“Babe,” you whispered and Bucky looked straight at you, only his eyes were glazed over and haunted. It was like he couldn’t see you. “Can you hear me?”

A small nod. You placed your hands on his biceps and squeezed. “Where are you, sweetheart?”

Nothing. 

You were no stranger to these episodes. Granted, they were becoming far and few between lately, but this one seemed to take the place of the worst one yet. Through his time in the Army, you learnt through Steve that during some sort of exercise - he never divulged more than that - Bucky had endured such a horrific situation that your stomach baulked at the very thought of it. 

There was a reason Bucky was so kind with children. After losing an orphan to an IED that the rebels planted, he took it upon himself to make sure no child suffered around him if he could help it. 

Survivor's guilt was a monster.

His hands began to shake violently and you jumped into action. The pannier of his bike always held a kit for these moments - it was unorthodox for a biker to carry around a bag of medication strong enough to tranquilise a horse and just this once, you were relieved that for once Bucky listened to Stephen.

“Okay, sweetheart,” you said quietly, settling between his thighs once again. “I need you to open your mouth, and I’m going to put the medication on your tongue.”

Wordlessly through his tremors, Bucky opened his mouth and allowed you to place the pill on his tongue, chasing it with a mouthful of water. “That’s it,” you tried to sound reassuring against the wave of anxiety beating in waves against your chest. “I’m going to call the guys, alright? They’ll come pick us up.”

You got to your feet and walked over to Bucky’s bike while your phone dialled Steve. One ring and it connected. 

“Hey, sweets!” Steve greeted but for once, you couldn’t manage a smile. “Where are you and Buck? We’ve been worri-”

“Steve,” you interrupted and he fell silent. “I need you to come pick us up, Bucky’s stuck… y’know, we saw an accident and there was a kid.”

“Oh, fuck,” Steve said simply and you almost laughed at the absurdity of it all. “Where are you? Can he ride?”

You rattled off the location again and sighed. “I’ve given him his meds and he’s just sitting there. He can’t ride.”

“Okay, I’ll get the guys and we’ll bring the van. Sit tight, darlin’.”

The call ended and you fished for your purse in the pannier when an EMT and police officer approached. “Ma’am,” the officer greeted and you tensed. Cops were bad news. “Your partner,” he pointed at Bucky’s who was resting against the fence, “saved that little boy’s life today. Can you tell me what happened?”

“I didn’t see what happened, only the aftermath.”

The officer nodded and wrote something on his notepad. “Is he hurt?” You looked at him confused and the officer pointed back at Bucky.

“Oh, no, he’s not,” you looked over your shoulder to see Bucky staring back at you blankly. “He’s just-” 

“Understood.” The officer said and smiled softly when you met his gaze. “I will need to take your details for the report, I suspect discussing this at a later time would be the better course of action.” You nodded and supplied your own details and said goodbye to the officer, but the EMT hadn’t moved. She had a kind face and she was holding some sort of bag in her hand. 

“Are you injured?” You shook your head and picked up your purse again. “Very well.” She turned and walked away back to the ambulance, leaving your company. 

Quickly, you clutched your purse to your chest and turned back towards Bucky who was still watching you silently. His hands had become lax against his thighs. “Hey, you,” smiling softly, you knelt back down between his legs and unzipped your purse, pulling free a packet of wipes. “I’m gonna clean you up a bit, all right?”

Bucky nodded minutely and remained still when you grabbed his right hand first, gently running the wipe over his fingers and knuckles, then his palm and wrist. 

“You’re a hero, baby,” you said quietly as you moved to his considerably bloodier left hand. “You saved that boy’s life.”

“I couldn’t leave him,” Bucky croaked. His throat worked as though he was swallowing glass and he winced.

“I know, and I’m so proud of you,” you reassured as you pulled free another wipe. “My hero.” Bucky’s lips twitched up into a smile briefly.

The rumbling sound of an approaching bike caught your attention and Bucky watched as his brother’s came to a stop by his bike, away from all the trucks and first responders. “Time to go home, baby, okay?” 

“Yeah,” Bucky agreed and shifted his legs as though to get up but you stopped him. 

“Baby, you’ve had your medication and I can’t catch you,” you rushed and you got to your feet as Steve and Sam approached. “Let them help you, please.”

“Well, hello there,” Steve smiled and he pulled you into a hug as Sam walked towards Bucky who had begrudgingly remained seated on the bitumen. “You doin’ alright, sweets?”

You nodded and pulled away. “Just wanna get him,” you pointed to Bucky who was glaring up at Sam, “home. It’s been a long day.”

“That it has,” Steve agreed and turned to Bucky. “You ready to go, Buck?”

Bucky nodded and you turned towards the van where Peter was waiting with the passenger door opened. The sounds of the two men taking Bucky’s weight was almost comical and you were tempted to fire over your shoulder that he wasn’t that heavy - but you resisted, just this once. 

“Hey, Pete,” you greeted instead and Peter smiled softly, his hand resting on your shoulder as you passed him to sit in the middle of the bench seat. 

“Make room, brooding oaf incoming!” Sam cried as they approached the door and you snorted a laugh. Bucky wasn’t amused and made to shove Sam in the shoulder but he stopped when he stumbled slightly. 

“Behave!” You called loudly out the window and Sam just grinned back. 

Peter helped them manoeuvre Bucky’s slumping frame into the passenger seat next to you and buckled him in. “I’ll ride Buck’s bike back,” Steve said and pointed to Sam. “He’ll lead and I’ll be right behind you.”

“Ride safe,” you whispered and Steve smiled. 

“Always.”

The door closed and Bucky looked at you blearily, the hooded lids of his eyes giving away just how well his medication actually worked - despite his constant protest that they never did. 

“Okay,” Peter started as he jumped in the driver’s seat. “We good to go?”

“Hell yes,” you stated simply. You wanted to go home, be back in your bed so you could hold Bucky close and soothe him from the nightmares that’ll no doubt plague him in the coming days. Peter chuckled and fired up the van while Sam’s bike roared to life in front. 

You looked at Bucky and smiled - he was watching you still and you reached out your hand to tuck his head into your shoulder. He grabbed at your hand clumsily and you adjusted his grip so you could run your thumb over his tattooed knuckles slowly. “Let’s go home.”

Peter caught your eye and smiled. “You did good today, you know. We’re proud of you.”

You couldn’t help the swell of pride in your chest at his admission, and you squeezed Bucky’s hand tighter when you heard his light snore. “Thanks, Pete.”

⠈⠂⠄ 𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱 | 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 | 𝐚𝐨𝟑  ⠄⠂⠁

⠈⠂⠄𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭|𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ⠄⠂⠁

[crimsonlyinglilly]

Day 7 “What happened?”                           

| Nightmare | Isolation | Stumbling |

Still with Caged Founder and another day for @juneofdoom,

Woohoo two posts in a day, thank the rain.

Inspiration taken from @riderofblackdragons's Day 8 Alt

Takes place some time after Bloodstained Kisses

---

Elijah was confused how he ended up in a forest clearing, one that seemed familiar.

“Tristan? Aurora?” he called, wondering if Aurora had convinced them to play and where Tristan had decided to bring him this time.

There was a familiar snort of disappointment that echo through the trees and suddenly Elijah knows where he is, his hand tighten around the sword and he brings it up just in time to block father’s attack.

“My son, a thrall.” Father sneered in disgust, and Elijah fought against the urge to flinch, as ice and nausea twisted in his stomach. 

“Not quite father,” His own voice added, “a concubine for the count’s children.” Elijah stiffened and Father failed anymore to matter as Elijah let go of the sword, ignoring father’s slash to twist and lunge, pinning himself to a tree.

“This was your fault.” he snarled as his hands wrapped around the other’s throat; this him with a unshattered mask and flawless control, who had hung in chains unaware of what was coming, this him that hesitated and doomed them and didn’t know yet.

“I didn’t break.” his mirror told him arching a brow, Elijah’s hand tightened around his throat at it.

“Everyone breaks it depends on the tool used.” he told his other self, it was a mercy when he broke the other’s neck and let him get carried away by the wind as ash, he was sparing him that lesson.

 He turned around back to the clearing to see father, only it wasn’t father, Finn stood in the centre looking at him with clear disappointment.

“Not much more than a toy, are you?” his older brother asked and Elijah curled his fist as shame hit him, he had known what he was for decades but hearing it from Finn made it worse “Do you like it brother?”

“Finn.” It came out more like a whine, but Finn had always been the only one who could reduce him to a child, he took a step towards him, willing to throw himself at his brother even with the disappointed and disgusted look on his face but like so much of their childhood Finn shrugged and walked away.

“Where were you?” Rebekah asked, he spun around to see her, wide eyed as she looked at him. 

“Off having fun while we're trapped.” Kol said, stepping behind her, leaving Elijah in the centre of clearing as his younger sibling looked at him with resentment and confusion.

“He wouldn’t.” she shook her head,

“He forgot about us, Bex.” Kol said, before he shrugged and turned joining Finn in walking away.

“NO, I didn’t-“ he started hands fisting at his sides to stop himself from reaching for them, from begging for comfort like a child, wordless and desperate.

“What happened to ‘Always and forever’?” Rebekah asked sadly, Elijah blinked back tears as he gave up and tried to reach for her only to fail, his feet stuck to the earth as she followed their brothers.

He bit back a sob, when he found himself alone in the clearing.

“Why did you leave me?” 

Elijah’s heart stopped as he turned again and looked down to find golden curls and blue eyes of his little brother, the one father first laid a hand on, the one he failed first.

“Niklaus.” he choked out falling to his knees to pull him to his chest, but the boy flinched from his hands and stumbled back.

“You promised.” the light childish voice snapped, shaking his head as Elijah reached for him still, before it stated to deepened as Niklaus grew until he towered over Elijah’s kneeling form “you picked them over me.” he accused

Elijah was pinned under cold cruel blue eyes, he didn’t wonder when the boy who loved everything from flowers to every animal had changed into relishing the screams and cries of humans.

He was there, he had watch helpless, he had failed to stop it.

“I-i-i- i” he stammered uselessly before he managed to take a breath “I didn’t Niklaus, you have to believe me.”

“I don't have to do anything.” Klaus told him coldly, before he took a step back and turned, 

“Don’t!” he begged the tears he had suppressed with the others breaking loose as he reach out to grab the cuffs of his pants, “Don’t leave me.”  

The material was pulled from his grasp roughly dragging Elijah off balance.

“Weak.” he heard Klaus sneer but his brother didn’t even turn around.

"Please brother." he cried, reaching out for Klaus' back.

-

Elijah woke up panting , his hand still reaching for someone. 

His cheeks were warm, a clear sign of the tears he had shred as if the burning in his eyes and lump in his throat weren’t enough. 

He could feel two sets of eyes on him. 

“No words.” He spoke, the plea unspoken. 

They all could work out where his nightmares came from, there was nothing they could do about it. 

Even if Tristan would release him, he was still vulnerable to all of his sireline, and the rumours had worked, in Klaus' eyes he had abandoned him for the Strix. 

If he returned to his brother now he would just end up joining their siblings in a coffin. 

Perhaps he was weak for choosing a gilded cage over a coffin, but here he could do something, whether it was offering the witches Aya found a respite for the darkness of their magic, training future Strix members something that could save their lives or redirecting funds for one power grab to his own more altruistic works. 

Tristan’s head moved to settle on his chest as Aurora sat up slightly to start playing with his hair, he hadn’t braided it the night before. 

He knew this would be a risk, a nightmare forcing him to bare more than he ever wanted, when he had first started his game with Tristan but it had been worth it then against the boredom and nights chained to the wall.  

Before nightmares became more common as his mind fractured, as the game proved a terrible choice for both him and Tristan. 

He let her hands in his hair and the weight on his chest lull him back to sleep.

[bloop-im-a-frog-now]

If The Gods Were Kind — village pt.3

We are at the 5th part! Woohoo! And we finally get to meet Grian! And we’re almost done the world-building bit before we actually get to the hurt/comfort. I say almost because I think there is still two more parts (one I haven’t finished writing, but I’m getting there!). 

So, have fun with arsonist Scar, bc he is best Scar, you can’t change my mind <3

Master Post

— —

Content warnings: Internalized ableism. Scar is having a time <3

He heard cries in the distance as Bdubs gloated about stealing one of their stone cutters, whatever that did. A dirty blond man with a shining gold chest plate and huge parrot wings that had their primaries cut and were missing patches of feathers ran towards them. He sensed how the others went on guard, meeting a new person in this little world. Impulse was the first one who greeted the man.

“Hey!”

“I’ve been alone for so long,” the newcomer whined. 

The name tag “Grian” hovered over his head. His eyes were green, like everyone else, he had a long nose, and his hair curled around his cheeks, wet with sweat. He was about Bdubs’ height, stout figure with warm sand skin. Impulse shook his head in sympathy. 

Scar immediately tossed the flint and steel to the avian (while he couldn’t name every flower, his memory unclogged when it came to species and monsters’ names) and yelled towards the village:

“Grian burned down the village, it was him the whole time!”

Said man gave him a bewildered look and Scar snorted. 

“Gree-an,” he muttered.

Scar raised his eyebrow. “Is that not what I said?”

The rest of the group laughed, and Cleo shook their head. “No, you said it like Brian, but with a ‘g’.”

Scar blinked. “Oh,” he turned to Grian, “sorry about that.”

Grian gave him a smile. “It’s fine.”

“You wanna burn a village with us?” Cleo asked him as if she was asking about what kind of tea he wanted. The man stammered, completely thrown off guard by the situation they put him in.

Bdubs laughed at the suggestion. 

“Jeez Grian, you little rapscallion, going down to burn villages like that?” Scar tutted, a big grin betrayed his disappointment.

Impulse turned to the avian. “Grian, you don’t wanna go over there.” Everyone circled the newcomer, nodding to Impulse’s statement. Grian gave him a skeptical look. “They’re not very welcoming. We, on the other hand—”

“We’re the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet,” Cleo interrupted him.

“Bdubs, do the honors,” Impulse said, bowing to give Bdubs some place to put the vibe machine in the center of the circle they created. “It’s time.”

Bdubs nodded and placed the jukebox in front of everyone. Grian gasped as Bdubs inserted the disc. Impulse and Cleo started to sway to the rhythm, and Scar let out a relieved exhale.

“I immediately feel a whole lot better.” 

It wasn’t a complete lie, but it sounded dishonest in his mind, immediately glancing at the others to see if they caught his dishonesty—it didn’t seem like it. While the crutches helped relieve some ache in his lower body, a wave of fatigue drowned him, his arms shaking, and he didn’t understand why. He sat down a few moments ago, he should be fine. Maybe he could sit down on the ground, just as a respite.

Unfortunately, as the others rocked to the crackling music, a long black figure appeared in the corner of his eye. He clutched the handles of his crutches and turned his gaze towards the jukebox. 

“Guys,” his voice quivered, “be careful.”

Impulse and Bdubs stopped dancing. “Uh oh,” Impulse muttered, lowering his gaze as well. Grian and Cleo gave confused looks to Scar.

“There’s an Enderman vibing with us.”

Bdubs continued to dance, making sure to look only at the jukebox. Everyone followed along, and Impulse chuckled nervously.

“That’s okay, he can vibe with us.”

“He’s invited, but he’s also scary,” Scar laughed nervously, unwilling to move or look elsewhere. 

He knew monsters around here were dangerous. He didn’t comprehend the freeze response his body gave when he spotted the creature, but he wouldn’t complain. He tried to eat some fish, his hand trembling and almost dropping the food. He put it back in his inventory, making a mental note to eat later to ease the tension that was now spreading to his lower neck.

“Where,” Grian paused, slowing the movement of his hips, “where were you guys? Do you have a house somewhere?”

“Yeah, we do,” Impulse said absently. Scar dared a peek and saw Impulse crafting a boat. 

“You’re welcome at any given time,” Bdubs assured.

“We’re the refugee camp,” Cleo explained. “A refugee station.”

Bdubs walked in front of Grian, uncertainty in his steps. “G—is it okay if I call you G?—” Bdubs didn’t wait for an answer, “—there’s kind of a natural—” he glanced behind Scar, and groaned in frustration. “Okay, what are you guys doing here?!”

Scar looked behind him to find Etho walking nonchalantly towards the jukebox while Tango skipped around them singing “kumbaya”, his tail waving back and forth. 

“Every time we’re trying to have a conversation, these guys—” Impulse pointed at the overjoyed Tango, “—interrupt us.”

Tango laughed, and Scar took the record out of the jukebox, moment ruined. He saw Bdubs whispering to Etho until Grian cackled. 

“He really wants that horse, huh.”

“I want that horse so freakin’ bad,” Bdubs sighed dejectedly, looking at the horizon. Scar followed his gaze and saw a white horse eating grass. Cleo joined Grian in the laughter. 

Bdubs and Etho bickered about the horse. Their conversation bored Scar, so he occupied himself by putting the disc back and concentrating on the music. Then, an idea struck him. Etho and Tango were here with them. That meant that the dark oak tree was unsupervised.  That meant he could destroy the village even more. 

Scar glanced at Grian. He was idly listening, rocking side to side in tempo with the music. He stepped closer to the avian and whispered to him.

“Do you have the flint and steel?”

Grian paused. “Uh,” he patted himself and then looked in his inventory, “yeah, here.”

Scar grinned as he snatched the flint from Grian’s hand. He placed his finger to his lips. Grian raised his eyebrow, skeptical, and then shrugged as Scar trotted to the tree. He heard footsteps behind as he got closer to it.

Etho stepped in front of him, arms crossed. How did he move so fast?

“Oh, hey Etho!” Scar greeted, his hands getting sweaty.

“Maybe you should go back to the kumbaya party over there,” Etho pointed at the huddle group. Cleo was the only one Scar could see, but he simply walked past the masked man, trying to be casual.

“I just saw something I needed to do over there,” Scar walked closer to the tree, but knew he had to be more vigilant with Etho watching him with hawk eyes.

“Did you now? Is it something to do with this hole over here?” Etho nudged his head to one of the many holes in this village. 

Scar hesitated. “Nah, something to do with the sheep, they just—”

“The sheep look fine to me,” Etho shrugged. He still went into the sheep pen to check on them.

“Yeah, the sheep are fine,” Scar saw Tango walking closer to them in the corner of his eye. His arson plan would have to happen later. “They’re eating grass and they look happy.”

“Careful Tango, he has the flint and steel,” Etho warned.

“Oh, I know,” the blazeborn replied, eyeing Scar who got closer to the tree even with all the eyes on him, “I don’t trust him.”

“I was just inspecting the tree,” Scar pouted, patting the trunk even with the dirt blocking his way. He rested the crutch against the barrier of dirt and reached. Only to immediately retract his arm back, as the soreness restricted his arm movement, wincing. 

Tango playfully shoved him out of the way. “Take your burnie-burnie elsewhere.”

Scar laughed at that. He went to the back of the village, where he first came in, and flicked the flint and steel on the wooden supports of the house. Tango tried to grab him and take him somewhere else, but Cleo and Bdubs came to the rescue, distracting the blazeborn. Scar fled and continue to flick flames over the wooden structures.

“Scar, the villager is in there!” Bdubs exclaimed when he realized which house Scar was burning.

“He’s got speedy-burn!” Tango whined as Cleo laughed, not helping in the slightest. Scar appreciated that, even when he realized there was only one villager in this world.

“Oh, the only villager is in there.”

“Oh indeed,” Cleo mocked.

He helped Tango putting out the flames, feeling a bit bad. It seemed villagers were very important, and he didn’t want to ruin everyone’s fun. Just nudge them a little. 

“Well, you know, their villager is on the outskirt of the village,” Cleo informed, standing taller. Scar shot an eyebrow at her, joining them and Bdubs. “They can’t always protect it.”

“Oh,” Bdubs realized, but looked at the horizon instead. Scar and Cleo followed his gaze and saw a big group of people huddling in the same spot. 

“It seems Grian caught the attention of Etho and Impulse,” Cleo mused.

Scar hummed.

“They won’t be sharing any secrets without me involved,” Bdubs said determinedly, almost running to join the group. Cleo huffed and followed him.

Now, everyone was distracted. Everyone had their backs to the dark oak tree. Scar’s fingers twitched on the handle of his crutches and he passed behind the houses in order to reach the tree. He winced every time the sticks crunched dried leafs and grass, but no one turned back.

When he reached the dark oak tree, he leaned his crutch against the trunk, lit up the flint and steel and approached the flame to it. He took back his crutch, a big grin on his face as he joined the others.

“Nothing’s happening here,” he heard Etho’s voice. As he came around the house blocking his view, he realized Bdubs had some sort of glare on his face, surrounded by Etho, Grian and Impulse. “We were talking about grandmas.”

Grian and Impulse nodded as Bdubs huffed. They were up on a hill and while Scar really didn’t want to strain himself anymore, he did want to see the tree burning at a great view. He started climbing up the hill, switching to his cane to lean on something. He didn’t understand why his hips were attracted to the core of this world, or why his legs couldn’t rise up like he commended them to. 

Thankfully, Tango saw his struggle and helped him after asking if he could. 

“What’s this about grandmas?” Scar asked when he reached the top of the hill. 

But everyone ignored him, very much focused on distracting Bdubs. His gaze looked back at the burning tree, the flames already consuming the leafs. The smell of smoke burned in his lungs, making him cough, but he still snickered when Etho finally saw the flames. 

“Oh, you—” Etho slapped his arm, running to his tree as everyone laughed. “My tree!”

“Oh, it’s burning!” Scar laughed.

“The worst,” Tango chided.

Scar moved closer to where everyone was standing, the house finally out of his view from the show. Etho desperately tried to put out the flames, to no avail as the flames danced on the leafs and roared around the bark. 

“The history lost forever,” Tango lamented. The tree engulfed in flames and Etho grew more desperate. 

“You should’ve let us chopping down,” Cleo chimed in, “that’s all I’m saying.”

Scar turned around, and switched to his crutches as he addressed Tango. “Really, you should’ve,” he said, unapologetic. “‘Cause really, we could’ve had more dark oak saplings, which would've given us more dark oak and everyone would’ve been happy.”

Tango groaned and Grian sighed and joined Etho. “Etho!” he called. “It’s gone.”

“Yeah, well, now, nobody gets it,” Tango said, frustrated. 

And the tree turned slowly into ashes as Etho placed the blame on Bdubs, as everyone lamented they wouldn’t have this rare wood anymore, as everyone just watched it burn while Etho still tried to keep the tree intact. Scar had successfully raided the village and no phantoms came to bother them.

<- Prev _ Master Post _ Next ->

[imabeautifulbutterfly]

Sins of The Father - Chapter 35

Summary: Adi makes a decision that will impact the rest of his life

A/N: Hello Lovelies!

I’m back, oh man I’m so happy not to be having any sort of migraines, still getting slight headaches here and there but nothing compared to what I was having in October. Nothing preventing me from writing at least so woohoo.

I’m already working on the next chapter for Gym Membership, hoping to get that out to you guys in two weeks. Thank you for sticking around and being patient. 

Not to mention 300! I’m at 305 or 307 followers, I can’t believe it, that’s so amazing. I love you all. 

I am going to come up with a 300 celebration, not sure yet about the exact celebration, but I shall let you know soon. 

Italics - flashback

Warnings: Grief, kissing, slight make out, mentions of slavers, death, I think that’s it. If I miss any warnings please let me know. 

AO3 Link |   Words: 5,204 |   Previous -> Next

Main Master List   |   Sins of the Father Master List

CHAPTER 35: THE INHERITANCE

Adi’s hands trailed over his father’s armour, he could still remember vividly the last time he had seen Ca’tra, he was almost three years younger, a lot shorter, but he could still remember the feeling Ca’tra always exuded: impenetrable, invincible, and everlasting. 

He remembered thinking it was all some elaborate joke, when his mom came out of the Sintas telling him, his father wasn’t coming back. He was convinced it was only a matter of time before Ca’tra would miraculously appear behind his Ama, or simply jump out and yell surprise at the most random of times, or end up showing up in another ship. Even when he saw Ca’tra’s armour in the sack she was using to carry it home, he was unwavering in his belief it had been someone else’s armour.

It was about two days later, when his comms continually went unanswered, his mother’s unending tears, and the silence that had fallen in the house, along with the constant visits from Babeh, Gregor, Pelli and surrounding friends, was he fully persuaded in his heart his father was never coming back. 

The family he had dreamed of for so long was gone, the father he looked up to, the man who trained him, who held him when he cried, who had treated him like a son from the moment he appeared in their lives had disappeared from his life permanently. 

The ship was in hyperspace, only two parsecs away from Kashyyyk, he took a moment to really think about the decision he was going to make, was this what he wanted? To follow in the steps of his grandfather, mother and father? To follow the Mand’alor? Did he see himself as a Mandalorian? As a warrior? Was it right for him to put on the armour that would define who he was, where he stood in the galaxy, and how he connected to the creed?

He hadn’t tried it on, not even when his mother opened the cache and showed him the armour on Papsr. He was tempted. His eyes kept focusing on the helmet that had appeared so menacing and so comforting at the same time. He sat down on his bunk, holding the helmet in his hand, he took in a deep breath and put it on, almost instantly the HUD activated, everything looked different. It would take time to get use to wearing a helmet all the time, but not uncomfortable or impossible to adjust too.

There was a small yellow icon on the top right corner of the HUD flickering, his eyes focused on the icon. The screen went black for a second before what looked like their common room in their house appeared, the torso of a man appeared, as hands adjusted the helmet back and forth, until Adi saw Ca’tra sit down on the chair in front of the helmet. 

He looked young, fresh, fit, a cheery smile on his face, his hand running through his hair, as he fixed himself. 

‘Hi Adi’ he offered a small wave, as his face only brightened. ‘Not sure when you’ll be seeing this, but if you are seeing this, that means I’m not around.’

Adi felt his throat begin to tighten, as the voice he hadn’t heard in almost three years filled his ears. 

‘It’s late, your Ama and you have just gone to bed. In case your wondering it’s the night of when I proposed to your mom.’ The dimple that only appeared when Ca’tra ever looked at Amara or when he spoke about her graced his smile. 

‘You might not remember but we stayed up late partying and planning our future as a family; I made you some promises tonight, and I’m sorry I failed in those promises Adi. Ner ad’ika, I wanted to fulfill those promises with all my heart and might, but as your mother constantly reminds me, life’s a pazaak game, unless you can cheat your way through it, you never know the hand you’ll be dealt.’

His eyes started to water at seeing the man he missed from his life, there were no words to say how much he wanted to be by that man’s side right now. How much he wanted to feel his hand tussle his hair, like he use to do. To smell his scent of gunpowder, grease, dust, musk, and the metallic scent that always seemed to linger around him. 

‘I just wanted to um …’ Ca’tra rubbed the back of his neck, ‘Ha! You know I’m not good with words, not really good with anything except your mom and you. You both have given me so much more than I ever thought I would get in this life.’ 

Adi could feel a tear slide down his cheek, he went to wipe it, only to feel the coldness of the beskar helmet. 

‘Adi’ka, ner ad, I know you think I call you these things simply because of your mom, but that’s not the case. Ever since I met you, and you tried to punch me for hitting on your mom …’ Ca’tra smiled and let out a chuckle, ‘I knew I wanted you to be my child. You are my child. My little one. I love you Adi … maybe I should use your real name, Khoan Vel.’

Ca’tra took in a deep breath, ‘You are an amazing son, Khoan. There’s something I wanted to do, and I’ll do it at the wedding and make it official. Not sure if it’ll count if I do it this way, but in the event I don’t make it then, I want you to know how much you mean to me.

Ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad, Khoan Vel (I know your name as my child - adoption rites). 

From this moment on, you are my son Khoan Vel Gaan. 

Ner ad’ika, my son, you are a joy and a light in my life I never expected. I know there will be times when we butt heads, and we may even end up getting angry with one another and never talking. However, I want you to know no matter what, I love you my son. I will always be here for you, and I will always love your mother and you.’

Adi watched as Ca’tra wiped away a tear, he wanted to run into his father’s arms, he wanted to tell him he would always be his son, he’d never let him down. 

‘Adi, there may be a time when your mom will meet another man, someone who will make her happy, someone who will make her laugh, who will fill her life with love and joy. It may be hard for you at times to see someone else step in to my shoes, but if it’s for her, promise me you will take the time to get to know him, to see what she sees in him. However, if you think that he’s not worthy of being by her side, then make his life a living hell. You have my permission.’

Ca’tra chuckled at little, it made Adi chuckle along with him, he wondered how he would feel knowing Din was the one who had captured his Ama’s heart.

‘I’m kidding, well to a degree. Just … just don’t let him in too easy, throw him some curveballs here and there, although knowing your mother, she’d be doing that already. Son, there are so many things I want to tell you, so many things I feel I should impart.’

Ca’tra cleared his throat, his thumb and forefinger passing over his lips, pursing them together, “Okay, first things first, this armour, this is for you. Whether you decide to take the six tenets or not, this is your inheritance as my son. Some may say that you are not deserving of it, or that only those that are truly Mandalorian are allowed to wear the armour. Well tell them … you know what, tell them where they can stick their unsolicited comments, and make sure they shove it so deep it gives them …’ Ca’tra cleared his throat again, ‘Sorry, got a little carried away, what I’m trying to say, don’t listen to what anyone else tells you. This armour … is yours and yours alone.’

Adi wanted so much to have his father there, to have the man who took him in without a second thought, who taught him how to defend himself, how to be there for his mom in a way he never thought of. He wished above all else that he was there telling him these things in person, rather than in a holovid. 

’Adi there will come a time in your life when you’ll meet someone who - ohh how do I say this … it’s different for everyone, it could start off as hate, it could be as simple as a hello, they could end up being your best friend. Somehow, in some way, there’s a moment when you look at that person and you realize in that moment your life will never be the same. Imagining your life without them beside you, without their smile, their jokes, their kindness, whatever it is that draws you to them, all of a sudden you will realize they complete you, they make you whole. When that happens ad, you have to promise me.  Promise me you won’t push them away, you won’t make them feel less then they deserve. At the same time make sure they don’t make you feel less than who you are, or unworthy to be by their side. You are a brilliant kid, smart, stubborn like your mom, kind, quick witted, and you have a big heart Adi. 

Love is a tricky thing, sometimes you think you love someone, fight to be by their side, only to realize you never stood a chance. And that’s okay. It’s okay to try and lose, because it means you were brave enough, courageous enough, and willing to do something most don’t have the courage to do. 

Then there could be a moment, when your heart is breaking and you don’t think you’ll ever find the right one, and you stumble upon a garage with a pair of legs sticking out from underneath a speeder and you realize the love you thought you had for someone else, could never measure up to the love you really feel for the right one. 

Just remember to always treat them with respect, treat them with kindness and compassion, treat them with the honour and dignity they deserve whether the relationship works out or it doesn’t. They opened their heart to you, that’s a privilege they grant you.’

It surprised Adi to see him wipe a tear, he let out a soft chuckle as he wiped a tear away ‘I know a grown man crying… these tears are because I am happy and blessed to have found you and your mother. Don’t be afraid to cry Adi. Don’t be afraid to show emotion. There’s nothing wrong with being able to show emotions and cry, there are some who would say it’s ‘unmanly’ to cry, ignore them. Tell them to stick their advice the same place as those who tell you, you can’t wear the armour.’

Ca’tra glanced at something on the wall behind the helmet, and then back at the visor, ‘Adi, I have so much more I need to tell you, however, I also have to get up in a few hours. I’ll be making recordings throughout of things that I feel I should tell you, they’ll all be stored in this helmet. Don’t worry you’ll be able to find them easily enough. 

I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to tell you these things in person, son. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it back to you. I will try with all my might to make my way back to you, but if I can’t know that I didn’t give up easily, know that I gave it my all to make it back to you and your mom. 

Even though I might not be by your side physically, at least you’ll have these holovids, and my own amazing wisdom.’ Ca’tra chuckled rubbing his hair, ‘Your mom will probably tell me that my wisdom is something that no one should listen to’ he let out another chuckle.

‘I love your mom, Adi, and I love you. You are both my family, and the day we will get to be united as one clan, will be the day that my world feels complete. You may not want a family of your own Adi, and that’s fine, you don’t have to try to live the life I lived, or to follow your mom’s footsteps either. You just follow your own path, whatever your decide or choose, we will be proud hakayrus (parents) because you are our son and we love you very much..’

Ca’tra stood from his seat and pressed a button on his vambrace, the recording finished, and the hud simply showed him his room. He took off the helmet wiping his eyes of the tears he had been shedding for the past while. 

He looked at the helmet once his vision was back and no longer obstructed by the tears that were simply free flowing at hearing his father’s voice again. His fingers tightened around the helmet, as he pressed his forehead against it, “I miss you dad, I miss you so much. Thank you.” 

He placed the helmet beside him, as he stood. The tears wiped clean. He opened his compartment, and pulled out a new flight suit, he laid it on his bunk beside the armour. He wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do, but he felt he had to do this.

He took a knee in front of his father’s helmet, placing his hand on top of it, gently, reverently. He took in a deep breath, and closed his eyes bowing his head towards his father’s helmet..

“Teh ibic kusa'yr Ni malyasa'yr surya arsaor ti kar'ta be a Mando. Ni danija at oyacyir ner jibr miasa'iaru yaa mateh gotal'ur jid giarioa, buir. Ni vor entye par e'lyreu'anr ka bal par daorida at hbina ka. Ni malyasa'yr draar digur gar” (From this moment I will wear you armour with the heart of a Mandalorian. I vow to live my life in that manner that would make you proud, father. I thank you for teaching me and for continuing to guide me. I will never forget you.)

Maybe the rites didn’t count since it was via a holovid and not in person, however knowing that Ca’tra Gaan made the effort to do this for him, was willing to take him on in front of everyone as his son, meant more to him than he ever realized. 

He stood changing out of the clothes he had and slowly putting on his new attire, he took his time adjusting the flight suit before putting on every single piece of armour, double checking all the weaponry on it like his hakayrus taught him, every time they donned their armour. He didn’t have any gloves, that would be something he could purchase later on. He attached his cuirass, took in a deep breath as he lifted the helmet and placed it on his head. 

He took his time to open his eyes, viewing his world through the hud. It was a disorienting experience at first, there was a lot of information. He walked around his room, getting use to the new visuals. He was walking backwards, when a red light flashed on the left hand corner, showing him what was behind him, he moved his hand behind his head, seeing his fingers wiggling. 

Seeing all the features the buy’ce (helmet) had to offer, made him realize how amazing Ca’tra, his Ama, Babeh and Din were, they were able to see all that information and still be the badasses they were. They absorbed, assimilated and acted on the information provided to them, within an instant. Although he had played around and been taught how a buy’ce works, it was very different to see it in action. 

He felt like a new born fathier, trying to find his footing, it was very different walking around and dealing with all the added information, little icons popped up when he looked at certain items. He remembered his father telling him, ‘focus on what you need to see and what’s important at the moment.’

He practiced for a bit longer before he decided to venture out of his room. 

- - - - - - - - - - 

Amara was focused on the readout in front of her, she had noticed the hyperdrive was running a bit sluggish, it was still pushing an optimal output however, she never liked it when her ship dipped below her own acceptable levels. She smirked hearing Din’s voice in her head ‘Mesh’la you know, it will still run.’

She chuckled remembering their bickering. 

’Sweetie, I know you loved your Razor, but if I ever saw your ship and how you attempted to repair it, you and I would’ve never happened.’

Din laughed, his jovial booming voice bouncing off the walls, ‘I promise you, I took a lot better care of the Razor than you think I did.’

‘From the way you describe it, it certainly doesn’t sound like it.’

‘The Crest was my home, my lady, of course I took care of her.’ He leaned over pressing his forehead against hers, ‘The same way I take care of you.’

‘Are you saying, you’re just finding the easiest and fastest fix for me?’

‘Never’ Din placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, as he shifted closer to her on the couch, Adi wasn’t home yet, he was sparring with Fennec, and Grogu was napping in the room he was sharing with Din. Din’s hand cradled her jaw gently as he slowly turned her head to look at him, ‘I’d use only the very best materials and the most exceptional mechanics to fix you’

‘Oh, so you’re saying I do need fixing?’

Din’s eyes widened as a confused look appeared on his face, ‘No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. I think you’re perfect the way you are.’

‘Oh, then I’m a mess you don’t want to bother with?’

‘No! That’s not … what I mean is …’ Din looked flustered not sure what was the right thing to say, he was ready to apologize to grovel, when he saw a smirk appear on her lips, as her eyes sparkled.

‘You’re so easy’ Amara laughed out, he let out a frustrated sigh, chuckling along with her as he pulled her towards his lips, kissing her with a passion he had forgotten existed within him.  She shifted till she was sitting on his lap, running her fingers through his hair. When they both pulled back in order to catch a breath, ‘We should probably stop.’

Din nodded against her forehead, as his hands found their spot on her waist, ‘Yeah, we should otherwise I won’t be able to stop’

‘Not to mention, this is not something I would want my son or your son to walk in on’

‘True’ Din pecked her lips, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek followed by a kiss on her neck, ‘Yeah’ his warm moist breath flushed over her neck, ’I don’t think Adi would appreciate seeing this …’ he pulled back to look at her, his hand caressing her face, ‘You are so beautiful.’

‘You don’t have to do that’

‘I’m serious, cyar’ika. You have no idea how beautiful you are, every time you smile, you look at me, every time I see you take care of those you love, those who are in need, I am amazed by your beauty inside and out, you are amazing and I am honoured to be by your side.’

She pressed her lips against Din’s, deepening the kiss by tilting his head back, ‘You know …’ she mumbled against his lips, ‘We won’t …’ she tried to get out, as he chased her lips, ‘Be able to…’  his hand shifted to the back of her head pressing her lips back against his, chasing her taste as though it was the very air he needed to breathe, ‘For a while.’

‘Why do you think I keep trying to hold on to this moment?’ He quirked his eyebrow as he smirked at her.

Amara cleared her throat, this wasn’t the time to be lost in thought. Adi hadn’t said much since they arrived at Papsr and as soon as they boarded the Sintas he locked himself in his room with the armour. She tried to offer what she could as an explanation, but either he didn’t hear her or he wasn’t ready to listen was all she could determine from his silence. 

She wandered to his door at least ten times since they took off from Papsr, however, she just couldn’t bring herself to knock on her son’s door. There were times when he just needed a moment to himself and there were times when he needed her, for right now, he needed space to deal with his grief.

The sound of the door sliding open behind her, gave Amara a sense of relief knowing that Adi was ready to talk, “How are you feeling?” She focused on the diagnostic report, giving Adi time to get his words ready. She didn’t want to force him or put him on the spot by staring at him. 

“Ama” hearing his modulated voice, made the statement he was about to make all the more real. He watched as she slowly lifted her head and turned to look at him. She didn’t say anything, simply stood and walked over to him. She was visibly holding back the tears, as she stood in front of him. 

“You put it on” Amara offered a smile through her trembling lips, he looked so much like Ca’tra in that moment, the way he was standing, the aura he exuded through the armour.

“I did” he cleared his throat, afraid his voice would start shaking.

“How does …” now it was her turn to clear her throat, if Ca’tra was there he would’ve been so proud of him, “How does it feel?”

“Good. Surreal. A little weird if I’m being honest.”

She nodded in agreement, “Yeah, I get that” her hand fidgeted with the wrist band she’d always worn on her wrist, it had belonged to Ca’tra. He gave it to her the morning of that fateful day, he wanted to give her something to help her realize he was always by her side. 

“Is it okay if …” Adi motioned to the armour he was wearing.

Amara placed her hands on his helmeted cheeks, “Of course it is, that’s what he would’ve wanted. It suits you.”

“He … He left a holovid for me, he …” Adi cleared his throat, “He performed the Gai bal manda (adoption ceremony - literally ‘name and guardian’) on the holovid.”

There was a look of shock on Amara’s face, he never told her, he was planning to perform one via a holovid. The plan was to do it in front of all their family and friends at the onvior warasu’ir (wedding ceremony). 

A smile spread across her face, “I’m happy for you. He loved you sooo much, not being able to do it in person really ate at him that day. I’m glad he was able to do it, even if it was via a holovid.”

“Does it still count?”

“Of course it does. Without a doubt. It counts.”

“The hud is hard to get use to”

“I know. It takes time. The trick is to keep your buy’ce on for as long as you can stand it, then take a break and try again, increasing the amount of time you wear it.”

“Is that how you learned?”

“More or less, except I played with Babeh’s helmet when he let me. Plus, I got really use to wearing the magnifiers I use while working on the engines. It’s a similar concept.”

“Oh true, no wonder it felt a little disorienting at first.”

“Are you going to paint it?”

“What?”

“The armour?”

“I don’t know. The white, black and blue just feel right.”

“I understand. Just know the option to change, is there. Do you remember what the colours mean?”

Adi nodded as he glanced down at his armour, “Blue means reliability, black signifies justice, and the white means a new start.”

Amara tugged him over to sit in the co-pilot seat, as she took her seat, her legs shifting on the chair until she was comfortable, she leaned her head back, chuckling to herself, “Do you know why he painted those colours?” She glanced over to Adi.

He simply shook his head no.

She smirked as she thought back to that moment, “He said he painted it blue, because even though he may be late, battered, and bruised, you could always count on him to show up. Eventually.”

“Yup, that sounds like him” he chuckled along with his mom, remembering the amount of times, he would arrive, bruised or just in the nick of time, “Why did he add the black?”

“Ahhh … that …” Amara took her time with that answer, she shifted a little in her seat, feeling the weight of the answer that was to come forth from her mouth, “When Ca’tra was a little boy, before he joined the fighting corp, he was living on Taris. It … let’s just say it wasn’t a nice place to grow up. After learning about what it meant to be Mandalorian, to see the way most valued honour and dignity, he understood what he wanted to bring to his life. Justice. Granted it was his own kind of justice, but it made him realize that was something seriously lacking in the universe.”

Adi was silent, nodding slowly, “No wonder”

“No wonder?”

Adi shifted in his seat, readjusting his flight suit, “Um … well Ca’tra made me promise not to tell you.”

“Not to tell me, about what?” Amara quirked her eyebrow as she looked at Adi, if Ca’tra was there she would have had it out with him, “Actually, how many times did Ca’tra make you promise not to tell me things.”

“It was just that one time…” he held up a finger, “Ok, maybe two times …” he slowly raised his second finger, before he shifted his head side to side raising his third finger, “Three. Definitely three times, but they were really good reasons”

“Mmhmm” she crossed her arms as she sat back, “What was it that he told you not to tell me?”

“This was about three months after we met him, you weren’t able to pick me up from school, so he volunteered.”

“Right, I think I remember this - - you guys ended up being half an hour late, and I was about ready to kill him.”

“Well the reason we were late, was because he … he was busy saving someone from a group of slavers.”

“What? He never told me this”

“He wasn’t sure how you’d react about him having to make a deal with slavers while your son sat beside him.”

Amara chuckled, “Well he had a point there, if I had learned about it then I would’ve probably killed him.” She settled in her seat, looking at her son, his coming-of-age ceremony was just a few weeks away, seeing him sit there in his father’s armour - -  it all sunk in how much he had grown from that scrawny kid she saved all those years ago. “Well, what happened?”

“Ama you should’ve seen him, the way he reasoned with them, the way he tried to convince them to let the person go. He sat there only speaking when he needed to, and even though he had to eventually resort to threatening them, he was able to make sure the person was safe. He told me afterwards, all it takes to make sure justice is served is for one person to care. One person to offer help makes all the difference in the world.”

Amara couldn’t help smirking thinking about all the ways Ca’tra made an impact on their lives, from that first meeting, till the last moment he drew breath. “You know he added the white to his armour after he left the covert. He said it was his new start. A new start that led him to the best possible outcome. He always said the best choice he ever made was leaving the covert and finding his own way as a mercenary slash bounty hunter. He was glad his path led to us.”

“I am too” Adi smiled as he looked at his mom, even though she couldn’t see it he had no doubt she knew it was there. “I’m glad I’m his son; I’m grateful I have this as an inheritance” he motioned towards the armour, “It makes me feel in some way he’s still here with me … with us.”

She reached over holding her son’s bare hands, “Me too. I’m glad you have it.” She smirked at the fact he didn’t have gloves, he looked as though something was missing from his armour. “Tell me, does this mean you are going to take the Resol’nare or are you just honouring your father? Either way, I’ll support you.”

He gave her hand a squeeze before she shifted from her seat. He didn’t pay attention to what she was doing, as the console began beeping with an alert, “I’ve vowed to live my life in a way that will honour my father, and I believe taking the Resol’nare will honour him in the greatest way possible.” He reviewed the alert, “We’re coming up on Kashyyyk, we’ll be dropping out of hyperspace in about ten minutes.”

“Good” Amara took her spot again, passing Adi a small container, “I’ve been waiting for the right time to give you this.”

Adi glanced from the console to the container his Ama had in her hand, he took it carefully, opening it to find a pair of new gloves similar in design to hers and Babeh’s, it was made of the finest dewback leather. He put them on, flexing his fingers, listening to the creaking of the tension from the brand new leather. There was also a three-sided knife lying at the bottom of the container, as he held it up gently he recognized it as the one belonging to Ca’tra, “How…”

“I made sure that day, there was nothing of his left behind. I knew he would’ve wanted you to have it. After all, he inscribed your name on it.”

He turned it gently, to see the names of Ca’tra’s family, those of his biological family, and that of his adopted family. The last two names were the freshest engraved, Amara Vel (O’yare Fett), Khoan Vel Gaan. He couldn’t help smiling at their names, “I guess this makes it official, I’m his son.”

“His love for you made it official, that …” Amara motioned to the knife in his hands, as she prepared the ship to exit hyperspace, “Is proof of the love he had for you, the love he always felt for you. I’m glad you got to know him, Adi.”

“Me too.”

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[thecluelessplumbob]

Week #4, Month of Blooming Fields

Wow, this week has really been something else! I will try to go in order, but first, I got a paid upgrade to my job assignments, so this week I made a lot of money.

Last week Caleb and I got a heart-to-heart phone call. I encouraged him to pursue his dream job. On Monday, he phoned again. He got that dream. He is a writer now. I'm so proud of him. He came by later, and we celebrated with a homecooked dinner and a great woohoo (we made that a lot this week)

I went to Evergreen Harbor and found a pretty basin and a bicycle in the trash. I repaired both and installed the handwash in my bathroom. Looks pretty cool.

I will add a photo of my garden, which looks fantastic.

On Tuesday, Caleb came by early that morning and asked to move in. I was so happy, I said yes immediately. Later, I went to Henford-on-Bagley looking for fruit plasm seeds because Caleb confessed to being a vampire. He's a good one, and he doesn't want to drink blood. 

I wanted to help him, that's why I went looking for fruit plasm. Since he moved in, he's been investigating vampire folklore, searching for 'meal' alternatives. He has become fond of fishing since he can make plasma packs with them.

On Wednesday, I focused on sending my job assignements and gardering. I bought a woodworking table and made extra furniture for the house and a few sculputures that I put on sell on Plopsy.

Also, I got a little accident in my new kitchen (I renewed it on Tuesday when Caleb moved in. I changed the kitchen and living room furniture). It caught fire while making launch. Luckily, I could extinguish it.

So, have you noticed yet? Yep, I'm pregnant. I got on a nasty fight with Caleb about it. He thought that he wasn't the father. Men. I've only been with him, and I love him so much. He spent two days away, because he was angry. I went to my first medic checkup alone because he was nowhere to be found...

I've got no time to worry about it on Thursday. He sent the money he earned, and I've finished some jobs. I used the money to upgrade the house for the new baby. I painted, changed floors, built a separate room for my tools and a main bedroom.

He came back on Friday night, I explained that he was the only one. He was so sorry. We cried a lot together. We decorated the house for the day of love on the next day.

Saturday was amazing! We cooked together and partipated in the Henford-on-Bagley pie contest (we didn't win). I took advantage of the trip to sell my vegetable stock. Later that evening, Caleb asked my on a date at The Blue Velvet Nightclub. It was a delighful date, and he ended it proposing!! I accepted again. 

What I didn't know was that this wasn't his complete plan. We spent the whole night partying and ended the next morning, in Tartosa town hall getting married.

I spent Sunday sleeping. And... I'm going to stop writing right now. The baby is coming!!

P.S. Here you got a little blueprint of how is the house now. Would you like a house tour next time?

[lizadale]

Miss, i told what happened after their Vacation but i noticed that i forgot to tell what happened on the vacation itself and the days before it.

Ok, so i waited a week from the day they moved, so Luigi would get a job and his first pay, he gets bills every 3 days and his ghost hunting job pay him 1,230 simoleons every Monday. (Btw The bills are about 700 simoleons, i think it's because of a fee to keep moored on a port)

Dimentio registered as a self employed writer and managed to write a book in the week btw. Now he helps the house with 9 simoleons every Thursday.

Anyway, they went on a date, rly cute, Luigi took Dio to the cinema then to a bistro and they watched the stars together by the beach before going home.

When they got home and Luigi said goodbye to go to work, Dimentio Cried, because i know his tear ducts are so dry he have trouble blinking, i changed his Dramatic trait, that's a different to very Emotional as i leaned, to Diva,

I didn't want to 'cause that's a literal insult in game but sometimes, you might as well. The Diva trait description is "when you're good you're great and when you're bad you're even better and don't you dare forget it" and now Dimentio has the action to compliment himself, ask others for compliments, talk and boast about his personal accomplishments. Idk how i didn't get the self absorbed asshole from the description at first but i see now.

Dimentio also broke the microwave and the pc he uses for writing two times each on the week. He also broke the washing machine, the tv and the stereo, Luigi fixed everything so we saved up on having to call a repair man, 50 per object, you do the math.

Now i don't remember much about their weekend on Egypt, i was sleepy when i played. the only place the game lets them go is Al simhara, a small village by the Nilo's riverbank near three small pyramids. Puppy stayed home because pets can't travel.

But looking at their memory Menu, they had their first kiss there, Luigi sleep on a catacomb, Dimentio made a friend and They Woohooed on a tent before going back home but they don't have the memory of Woohooing in public, something that doesn't make any sense because on the memory that tent was Definitely on a public space.

oh my god an update

9 whole simoleons a week AND he breaks everything in the house?! what a contribution!!

when you Woohoo so good you don't sweat the details (A TENT FJIOSDFJK)

[localplaguenurse]

Hewwo my dear author ! :3

First off, I hope you don't find my 3AM rambling annoying because after finishing "As Gold as the Ginkgo Trees" and "it's all that i can give to you, my dear", I almost cried my eyes out over your beautifully-written fics and I'm truly exciting to share you about my OCs (not me purposely created to ship with those handsome men UwU).

Starting with their profiles, the lady standing next to Pants Man is his wife - whose maiden name was Camicia Draconia-Shroud (yea, fiery blue hair gamerboy and tall handsome dragonman in DTW, I love Multiverse AU). Camicia was NOT Idia and Malleus' lovechild, she was, in fact, a great-great-great-granddaughter of Idia through her mother's bloodline and a great-niece of Malleus through her father's (explained her elf-like ears though).

Camicia was born as a princess of Briar Valley. Her father was a nephew of Malleus and became king after dragonman's resignation, her mother was a Shroud family member, Camicia had two elder brothers. She was raised separately from her family, by her nannies, in the royal domain of The Abbey. Her father was quite an unreliable king so her mother, who was sharp-minded and ruthless enough, took the charge. The Queen was more fond of her eldest son, the Crown Prince, than her other children so she poured her mind into educating him to make him a carbon copy of her.

A smallpox epidemic broke out in Briar Valley almost took the Queen's and the princes' life. The Queen made a decision to send her two younger children to be raised by her other family members. The second prince - who received the most severe damage from smallpox - was sent to The Queen's aunt while princess Camicia was sent to the Queen's cousin - the Duke and Duchess of Vazque.

The ducal couple had already had nine children, they adopted Camicia as their fourth child. However, the Shroud was in war by that time and they was in need of financial support, so arranged marriage was a great choice. But ! One problem was... they had no unmarried lady who had reached adulthood. Things came and went until the Duchess took matter into her own hands and wrote a proposal letter to Pantalone, offering her adoptive daughter's hand-in-marriage. And Pantalone accepted (because he wanted to own her fae-descended bloodline) ! Woohoo !

The next problem was... well... Camicia was only 15 so there were lots of hardships to finally get them married including Pantalone was lied about his bride's age (don't worry, he was aware of her real age and they didn't do anything unappreciated). Nevertheless, in their early married years, Camicia faced many difficulties such as not gaining her husband's trust, being too young to be a proper wife,... and she had to solve problems on her own... (but we don't dig too deep about it here).

Meanwhile, the lonely headshot sketch next to the couple depicting Despoinate - Morax/Zhongli's morganatic wife. She was unofficially a Shroud (Camicia's adoptive father, the Duke of Vazque, was Despoinate's uncle) but forbidden to bear the family's name since she was an illegitimate child born to a nobleman and a married woman. Nothing much was known about Despoinate except for she wasn't named until her teenage years (before that time she was only called "that girl", "the kid",...), she was abandoned to the church by her mother and was raised by nuns until a fire destroyed the church and killed almost all people. She next spent years in a workhouse, witnessing horrible scenes to the point she chose to sleep in a stable instead of inside the workhouse.

The reason why Despoinate reached Teyvat was that her father - after acknowledging and raising her for a couple of years - also abandoned her with some money and let her live on her own.

(Fun fact: the Shroud family didn't know about Despoinate's existance so both her and Camicia didn't know about each other).

Lastly, thanks for reading my rambling, dear author, I wish you good health !

Not gonna lie, did not expect the plot twist of child bride.

That said, your art is really cute! I also appreciate your support in my writing, though I do worry that you might be a little young to be reading some of my fics, namely the pants fic. I generally consider the Morax fic mostly pg-13 save for a couple chapters you can skip, but the pants fic is definitely 18+. If I have assumed wrong, my apologies! Otherwise, skip those ones.

Once again, cute art, and stay safe!