#i simply expect areas to have trees at the edges!

[dixons-sunshine]

Hazelnut | Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Summary: Daryl didn’t know exactly what he expected when his group settled into Alexandria—maybe some snobby, incompetent inhabitants who couldn’t stand their ground if something were to happen or people who would turn on him and his group at any given moment, but definitely not a little girl who basically attached herself to his hip. And he definitely didn’t expect to find himself drawn to the mother of that little girl.

Genre: Fluff, angst but not a lot.

Era: Alexandria, pre Saviour war. (Timeline is kinda wonky. Saviours kinda don’t exist in this? I don’t really know.)

Warnings: Swearing, mentions of death, child abandonment, mental abuse, mentions of drugs and alcohol, single parenthood, sexual content but not smut.

Word count: 8.1k.

A/n: This was such a cute idea that @louifaith had! I tried my best, but it honestly sucks. I’m not really happy with how this turned out, but I hope you like it! Also, definitely go check out @celtic-crossbow’s version! Pure perfection, honestly.

“You have to lighten up, Daryl. How do you expect to make any friends with that ‘leave me alone’ attitude of yours?”

Daryl grumbled to himself as he continued tinkering with his crossbow. The hot late afternoon sun was relentlessly beating down on the community as its inhabitants continued about their tasks. Daryl had silently been observing everyone from the porch steps he was sitting on, enjoying the moment of solitude he had, but Carol had other ideas.

“Daryl,” Carol started, crossing her arms as she descended down the steps. She turned around to face Daryl, her voice stern. “It would do you good to socialize a bit.”

“I talked to Tobin when we finished up with the construction of the new walls yesterday,” Daryl replied nonchalantly, keeping his eyes focused on his crossbow instead of the stern woman in front of him.

“That doesn’t count. That’s work talk. I'm talking about actual socialising. Like, striking up a conversation with someone that isn’t in our group or someone you have to talk to for work.”

“I dun’ need to. Y’all are the only company I need. Ain’t gon’ waste my time tryna make buddies with people who dun’ even like me,” Daryl responded with a sense of finality, gripping his crossbow and getting up. “Now get off my back, woman.”

“Where are you going?” Carol called after him, watching the archer walk away from the house.

“Somewhere,” he replied shortly, ending the conversation effectively.

Slightly irritated, Daryl walked with no particular destination in mind. He passed by some people who sent him friendly greetings and small waves, which he returned half-heartedly. After a while of mindlessly walking about, Daryl stopped in front of a makeshift park of sorts. It was a small area surrounded by grass and had a big tree towards the edge. He moved to sit on the grass underneath the shade of the tree. The few kids in the community loved to play in this area, but it was deserted for now; the perfect place for the archer to relax for a while.

Daryl went about sharpening his knife for a while. The mediocre task kept his mind busy, busy enough to ignore the parents and kids who arrived, busy enough to ignore the wary stares the parents threw his way. Daryl simply shook his head—even after two months, there were still people who were wary of him and the rest of his group. Even after everything they did and sacrificed to ensure the community's safety.

“Mistah lonely?”

Startled, Daryl’s head shot up and his eyes locked with those of a little girl who looked no older than three years old. The girl looked at him with curiosity written all over her young face, eyeing the knife in the archer’s hands with wonder. She tentatively reached forward to touch the knife, her fingertips close to making contact with the cold metal of the dangerous weapon.

Daryl jerked the knife away and out of reach of the young girl. “Dun’ touch that,” he barked coldly, standing up to keep the knife out of the young girl’s reach.

“Sharp mife?” the girl questioned, moving closer towards the archer. She reached up to grab his arm, trying to reach the knife.

Daryl frowned at the girl. He gently pried his arm away from the girl’s grasp and took a step back, unnerved by the soft touch of the child’s hands. That didn't seem to deter the girl, however.

“Mistah use sharp mife?”

“Scram, kid. Go back to yer mama.”

“Mama?” the girl asked, her eyes lighting up at the mere mention of her mother. “Mama! Get Mama!”

“What? No, that ain’t—” Daryl started, but was abruptly cut off when the girl took off and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her, wobbling more like a penguin than anything else. Daryl raised his eyebrows as he watched the girl’s retreating figure, confused by the interaction he just had.

Well, he thought, at least that’s the end of that. However, as Daryl gathered his crossbow and sheathed his knife, he inwardly groaned at the sound of the little girl’s voice calling out to him.

“Mistah! Mama here!”

Daryl turned and looked at two approaching figures. The young girl was holding a woman’s hand, leading the woman over to him. The woman was laughing lightly, allowing herself to be pulled by the little girl.

“Come, Mama!” the little girl giggled, excitedly tugging your hand harder.

“Okay, okay! No need to rip my hand off,” you laughed, soon coming to a stop in front of Daryl.

Daryl looked at you with a frown, scowling slightly. His eyes darted between the excited little girl and you, slightly taken aback by the friendliness you radiated. Despite everything he had done for the community up until that point, only a few select Alexandrians—mainly Aaron and Eric—didn’t show him any contempt or wariness. Yet there you were, smiling up at him and looking as pretty as a picture.

“Mama,” the little girl excitedly told him, pointing up to you. She smiled at you, dimples forming on her chubby cheeks.

Well, the kid certainly knew how to follow orders. He had told her to go get her mama, and there you were.

“I'm Y/N. You must be Daryl?” You introduced yourself, extending your hand for a handshake.

Daryl looked at your hand, not moving to take it. However, just as you were about to lower your hand awkwardly at his dismissal, the little girl stepped forward.

“Like this, mistah,” she instructed, taking the archer’s hand and putting it in yours.

Daryl flinched at the contact and quickly withdrew his hand, looking at the little girl with a small frown. He looked back at you, chewing on his bottom lip nervously.

This was the worst random social situation he’d ever been in.

“Sorry,” you apologized, giving him a sheepish smile before turning back to your daughter. “Hazel, we don’t touch people unless they say we can, alright?”

“Sorry, Mama,” Hazel apologized half-heartedly, not fully understanding what you were saying. She turned back to look at Daryl. “Sorry, Dar.”

“Daryl,” the archer corrected her with a gruff tone of voice, talking for the first time since you had approached him.

Hazel looked up at him in confusion. “Dar,” she repeated herself, a look of concentration on her face.

“No, ‘s—nevermind. Forget it,” Daryl grumbled, shifting his weight from his one leg to the other. He looked back to you again and noticed how awkward you looked, your lips pursed as you avoided his eyes.

“Sorry. She has trouble with pronouncing some words and names. I’m working on helping her with that,” you explained, your body language exuding a challenging aura, as if daring him to insult your daughter for something as miniscule as not being able to pronounce a name.

Daryl noticed the defensive tone in your voice and noticed your defensive stature, making him raise his eyebrows questioningly, yet he refrained from questioning why. “S’alrigh’,” he mumbled, awkwardly fiddling with his crossbow that was slung over his shoulder.

“Okay,” you said, gathering Hazel up into your arms. “Well, it was nice meeting you, but I have to get going. I have to get this gremlin ready for dinner. Sorry for bothering you.”

With that, you turned around and retreated back towards the houses, Hazel happily babbling in your arms. Daryl watched your retreating figure with a sense of uneasiness. In that short interaction, he found himself unexplainably drawn to you. He didn't know you, but some part of him wanted to get to know you.

However, as quickly as that thought entered his mind, he just as quickly disregarded it. He didn’t need to get attached to any more people, especially people who couldn’t protect themselves in this harsh world they were forced to live in. In the end, everyone he cared about died or left, so it was better to spare himself the inevitable pain and keep you and your daughter at an arm’s length.

Something told him that it would be easier said than done, however.

The next morning, Daryl found himself working alongside Aaron. The two of them were busy carrying large pieces of metal to the wall they were busy fortifying, Aaron making casual small talk while Daryl simply hummed in acknowledgement. Once the last piece of metal was added to the already existing pile, the two men wiped the sweat from their foreheads and took a drink of water, before walking over to Aaron’s house. Aaron took a seat on the porch steps while Daryl remained standing on the grass.

“So yeah, that’s how I met Eric,” Aaron told him, concluding his long and winded tale.

“Story straight out a damn romance novel,” Daryl replied sarcastically, eliciting a laugh from Aaron.

“Yeah, yeah. Make fun of it all you want. Everyone always does.”

“Nah, s’a good story. Pretty cliche with the whole spillin’ yer coffee on his shirt bit, but s’still a good story,” Daryl reassured him. “Now c’mon, didn’t ya say somethin’ ‘bout havin’ a part for my bike?”

“Dar!”

As if materializing out of thin air, Hazel excitedly bounded down the porch steps of Aaron’s home and threw herself against Daryl, clinging to his leg in a hug. Caught off guard, Daryl stumbled a bit but quickly regained his footing, his eyes darting down to look at Hazel. His eyebrows raised in surprise before he gently pried the girl from his legs, not used to any kid other than his little Asskicker clinging to him like that.

“Kid, what are ya doin’?” he questioned, taking a step back from her, but it was to no avail. Hazel simply smiled up at him before throwing herself at him again, clinging to his leg like a koala bear.

Aaron chuckled. “I see you’ve met Hazel. She’s quite the character, huh?”

“What’s she even doin’ here?”

“Eric asked to babysit her. He loves having her over, and her mom said yes.”

Hazel giggled against Daryl’s leg, turning her head to look at Aaron. “Hi, Rin!”

“Hey, Hazel,” Aaron chuckled fondly, sending the girl a small wave.

“Rin?” Daryl questioned, placing one of his big hands on the little girl’s head, accepting his fate of being clung to for the time being.

“She can’t say my name properly,” Aaron explained. “She has trouble with pronouncing things sometimes.”

“Yeah, her mama said somethin’ ‘bout that,” Daryl said without really thinking about it.

“So you’ve met her?” Aaron asked, leaning forward with slight interest. He had a small smirk on his face, one that Daryl couldn’t quite decipher.

“Briefly. Hazel practically dragged her over to meet me yesterday,” Daryl replied, looking down at Hazel when he felt her grip loosen on his leg.

Hazel looked up at him and raised her arms, looking at him expectantly. “Upsies,” she said, jumping slightly on her toes. “Dar, upsies!”

To his complete and utter surprise, Daryl found himself leaning down to pick her up. The act hadn’t even fully registered in his brain until the small girl was already in his arms, her small, chubby hands gripping at his shirt as she giggled. The small sound of her laughter made the archer’s heart fill with a sudden and unexpected fondness, completely taking him by surprise. It was the same type of fondness that filled his heart whenever he coaxed a laugh from little Judith, and yet it was completely different at the same time. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“She seems to like you, Daryl,” Aaron laughed, standing up from his position on the porch steps. “Not a lot of people can say that about her.”

“What do ya mean?” Daryl found himself questioning, confused entirely by the man’s revelation. From the limited interactions that the archer has had with the young girl up until that point, he naturally assumed that Hazel was that way with everyone. What would make him special enough to the little girl, who had just met him, to make her treat him differently than she would others?

Aaron motioned for Daryl to follow him into the house, and he obliged, silently entering the pristine house while still carrying Hazel in his arms. The girl took a great interest in his hair, playing with it to entertain herself.

“From what Y/N told us, she was with a group before she got here who treated her and Hazel horribly, and Hazel hasn’t fully regained her trust in adults yet,” Aaron explained.

Daryl frowned. “Badly, how?”

“She wouldn’t say, but it took forever for Eric and I to gain Hazel’s trust. We even tried to bribe her with candy but she wouldn’t budge. But she seems to trust you and you said you only met her yesterday?”

“Yeah. She approached me at that makeshift park the kids play at,” Daryl nodded, rubbing a hand over Hazel’s small back subconsciously, shifting her in his arms slightly.

“Then you’re definitely special, buddy. This kid doesn’t trust easily,” Aaron declared, sitting down on a chair in the dining room.

Daryl followed his lead, taking a seat across from him on a chair while still holding the small girl firmly in his arms. Hazel’s attention shifted from his hair to the loose threads on his sleeveless shirt, playing with them to keep herself occupied.

“They were with a group ‘fore this? How long have they been here?” Daryl questioned, interested in knowing more about you, although he didn’t know why.

“Yeah. Hazel and her mom haven’t been here all that long. I actually found them a couple of days, maybe a week, before I found you all. From what I know, Y/N and Hazel had been on their own for a while before I found them. Y/N almost killed me the first time we met. She thought I was gonna hurt them. It took me and Eric a while to convince her to come back with us, but even then she refused to let her guard down. She was kind of like Rick when we first met, except she didn't tie me up or force me to eat apple sauce.”

Daryl hummed, hissing slightly when he felt Hazel tug at his hair rather harshly. He brought one of his hands up to pry her hand away from his hair, subconsciously rubbing his thumb over her small fist. “That hurts,” he told her softly, surprising himself by the gentleness of his usually gruff voice.

“Sorry, Dar,” Hazel apologized half-heartedly. She yawned before laying her head down on his shoulder. She wrapped her small arms around his neck, nuzzling her head into the crook between his neck and shoulder.

Daryl felt his heart swell with fondness for the second time that day. He gently rubbed her back. From his experience with Judith, that small action could lull a small child into slumber, and he hoped that proved to be correct with Hazel.

“You’re good at that,” Aaron commented, a smile on his face as he watched that small interaction between the big, ‘scary’ man and the small, innocent child.

Daryl looked at him, confused by the look the man was sending him. “Good at what?” he inquired, genuinely curious.

“That,” Aaron repeated himself, motioning to Hazel. “Were you a dad before all of this?”

Daryl stiffened at the question. “Nah,” he shook his head, adjusting Hazel in his arms again. “Not the type’a guy who could’ve started a family back then.”

“And now?” Aaron asked, unaware of Daryl’s inner turmoil.

Daryl inhaled sharply. “To start a family, ya need a partner,” Daryl started, slightly rocking the small girl in his arms. “I ain’t got a partner, and there ain’t exactly women linin’ up to be with me, so kids ain’t somethin’ I see in my future.”

“It could still happen, you know? You might meet someone. Hell, you know what? I know you’ll meet someone.”

“A lot of confidence for somethin’ that most likely won’t ever happen,” Daryl grumbled.

“Never say never, Daryl,” Aaron replied, giving the man a small smirk. “Never say never.”

“Mama! Mama!” Hazel called through the house, excitement evident in her voice.

You smiled at the sound of your daughter’s voice, glad to be able to see her again after a whole day of being alone in your small house. The sun was setting, the stars starting to twinkle in the sky and you were almost done with dinner. Eric had told you that he would bring Hazel back before sunset and you were starting to get worried, but thankfully she seemed to be okay.

You walked into the living room and hunched down to pick up the small girl that ran into your arms, hugging her tightly to you as you placed kisses all over her face. She giggled at the sensation and pulled back, grabbing your hand and excitedly pointing towards the door.

“Mama, Dar here,” she said, smiling widely before turning towards the door.

You followed her line of sight and locked eyes with the archer. You stood up and gave him an awkward smile, painfully aware of the awkward encounter you had with the man the day before. Daryl seemed to mirror your unease; he nervously shifted his weight from one leg to the other, ducking his head to avoid your gaze.

“I see that, Sweetheart,” you replied, keeping your eyes locked on the man before you.

“I played with Rin and Eric. Dar played too!” Hazel happily exclaimed, clapping her hands together in excitement as she looked up at Daryl in awe.

“Did he, now?” you asked rhetorically, marvelling at the sudden and unexpected change of character for the quiet man. Just the day before, he had shrugged Hazel off and seemed to want nothing to do with her, yet now your daughter was claiming that the huntsman had spent time with her that day. It didn’t make any sense whatsoever.

“Yeah! So fun!” Hazel laughed happily, waddling over to Daryl to seemingly hug his leg again.

Daryl, who had been hugged multiple times by the toddler that day, instinctively crouched down to have her hug his side instead of his leg. Hazel wrapped her small arms around him and nuzzled her head into his neck, and Daryl couldn’t help the small smile that spread across his face. One day had been more than enough for him to grow fond of the small girl, and he cursed himself for letting his guard down enough for that to happen, but the damage was already done; that little girl had already wormed her way into his heart.

“I'm glad you enjoyed yourself,” you smiled at her, watching the interaction between the archer and your baby girl. “Baby, why don't you go get changed into your blue PJ’s, huh? You're a big girl now, right? Think you can get changed without Mama’s help?”

“Yeah!” she exclaimed happily, pulling away from the hug and giving Daryl a smile, dimples on full display. “Bye, Dar!”

“Bye, Hazel,” Daryl greeted her quietly, watching the girl waddle to the stairs and begin to climb them carefully. He then hesitantly shifted his attention to you, but instead of seeing that wariness he’d grown accustomed to other parents giving him, one that he expected you to give him after his encounter with you the day before, there was a look of curiosity and wonder in your eyes.

“Thanks for bringing her home,” you thanked him, offering the archer a small smile.

Daryl ducked his head. “Ain’t nothin’,” he replied, shaking his head.

“So, you spent the day with her?” you started, looking at him questioningly. “By the way you looked uncomfortable around her yesterday, I figured you’d avoid her at all costs.”

“I was spendin’ the day helpin’ Aaron. He invited me to his place ‘cause he had a part I needed for my bike and Hazel was there. She wouldn’t let go of me after she saw me,” Daryl explained, fiddling with his hands.

“So she basically forced you into spending time with her?” you asked with a small laugh, your eyes crinkling in amusement.

“Pretty much,” Daryl joked, his lips involuntarily twitching into a small smile.

You laughed lightly and Daryl chuckled softly, admiring the way your eyes seemingly sparkled. The dim light of the living room gave you a golden glow, and Daryl found himself admiring your beauty. The unnerving thought struck him at full force and he tried to shake that thought from his mind—he couldn’t let his mind go there. He wouldn’t let his mind go there. He had to keep you at an arm’s length. It was bad enough that Hazel had broke through his barrier in one measly day, so he couldn’t allow her mom to do the same, too. More attachments definitely wasn’t something the archer needed.

“Well, Hazel seems happy. I think you’ve just became her best friend, whether you like it or not,” you told him playfully.

“I have a feeling that I ain’t got much say in the matter.

“Nope,” you laughed. “But thank you. She hasn’t looked that happy in a long time.”

“Glad I could help,” Daryl replied, a small smile on his face. “Sorry for bein’ a dick yesterday.”

“It’s fine. We shouldn't have bothered you.”

“Ya weren’t botherin’ me. I jus’... Weren’t in a good mood, s’all. M’sorry.”

“Apology accepted.” You gave him a sweet smile before turning around. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

Daryl frowned in confusion but didn’t say anything. A few minutes passed until you reentered the living room, a lunchbox in your hand. You promptly handed it to him, and Daryl could feel the heat radiating off the bottom.

“What’s this?” he asked, giving you a questioning look.

“Stew. I made more than Hazel and I can finish, so I figured I’d give you some. And before you say anything, just take it. Consider it a thank you gift.”

Daryl pursed his lips but nodded, resisting the urge to deny your ‘gift’. “Thanks.”

“No problem at all,” you reassured him, looking up at him with a smile that made his heart flutter uncontrollably.

Daryl ducked his head, willing the blush on his face to go away. “I should get goin’,” he mumbled, avoiding your eyes.

“I’ll walk you out,” you replied, making good of your promise by walking with him over to the door.

Daryl stepped out of your home and turned to you. He gave you a nod and turned to walk away, but stopped when he heard you speak up.

“I hope you realize that she isn’t gonna let you off the hook. You’re going to be stuck with her now. And my daughter and I are a package deal, so you’re going to be stuck with me, too.”

For some unknown reason, Daryl didn’t mind that thought at all.

“Easy, Hazelnut. Ya dun’ wanna hurt yerself, do ya?”

The toddler giggled, her small hands toying with the arrow in her hands. “Sorry, Dar.”

Daryl smiled at the small girl, bringing one of his hands up to ruffle her hair, successfully coaxing another laugh from her. “I know ya are. Jus’ try to be more careful, alright? I dun’ want ya gettin’ hurt.”

“No boo-boos. Boo-boos hurt,” Hazel replied, gingerly handing the arrow back to the archer.

“They do,” Daryl agreed, taking the arrow from the girl. “That’s why ya gotta be careful, alright? Dun’ want anythin’ to happen to someone as sweet as ya, Hazelnut.”

Hazel giggled and nodded. “No boo-boos.”

“No boo-boos,” Daryl repeated, smiling fondly at the young girl.

Two months had passed since Daryl had initially met you and Hazel. In those two months, Daryl had found himself becoming intertwined with your lives, a constant presence for you and your daughter.

The archer hadn’t asked you what had happened to Hazel’s father yet, and he wondered when he could be permitted to ask something as personal as that. However, Daryl knew that there could only be two plausible explanations; either he was dead, or he willingly left. The huntsman really hoped it wasn’t the latter. No person should be left to raise a kid on their own.

However, as Daryl’s love for the young girl grew, so did his feelings for you. It got to the point where he had started wishing that he was Hazel’s dad, that he could’ve been there during your pregnancy and watched your belly grow. He would’ve worshipped your body and been there for you every step of the way. However, as much as he wanted that, that was a dream that couldn’t be a reality, so he settled on being Hazel's best friend instead. At least it meant being able to both bond with the little girl and simultaneously have an excuse to see you.

“The two of you look like you’re having fun. Mind if I join?”

Daryl’s head snapped up at the sound of your voice. His eyes met yours and his heart skipped a beat, that sweet smile of yours making butterflies swarm around in his stomach.

“Mama!” Hazel exclaimed happily, hurrying down the porch steps to fling herself into your arms.

You laughed, picking her up and placing a kiss on her forehead. You looked at Daryl and sent him a smile. “Hey, Daryl.”

“Hey,” he greeted you quietly, fiddling with the arrow in his hands.

“Mama, play with us!” Hazel giggled, wiggling in your arms to be put down.

You lowered her to the ground, watching her climb up the porch steps and clamber into Daryl’s lap. Daryl lowered the arrow and wrapped his arms around her, placing a small kiss to the side of her head. You smiled at the interaction, your heart speeding up against your will.

“I know what I just said, but I actually can’t, Baby. It’s time to go home. It’s dinner time,” you told her.

Hazel frowned and nuzzled her head into Daryl’s neck, a whimper building up in her throat. Instinctively, Daryl started rocking her back and forth, rubbing her small back and shushing her quietly.

“S’alright, dun’ cry. Ya will see me again tomorrow, alright?” he whispered into her ear, his heart breaking at the sound of her sniffles. When he felt her nod, he placed one final kiss to the side of her head before placing her back down. “Why dun’ ya go say bye to Jude?”

Hazel looked at you expectantly, and you nodded. “Go ahead, Baby. I’ll wait for you.”

Hazel ran into the house, leaving you and Daryl alone on the porch. The archer stood up and walked down to meet you on the grass, pushing his hands into his pockets as he looked at you through his hair. As you looked at him, it took all of your willpower to resist the urge to brush his hair out of his face and cup his cheek. Not trusting your own hands, you crossed your arms and looked up at the huntsman, giving him a small smile.

“This is the first time ya’ve come to pick her up. I usually bring her home. S’somethin’ wrong?” Daryl inquired, searching your eyes for an answer.

You shook your head. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just figured that I could come pick her up for a change. Spare you the walk back to my place.”

“It ain’t that far,” Daryl pointed out, motioning down the street. “Jus’ a couple’a houses down.”

“Yeah, I know, but...” you trailed off, unsure if you should lay your problems onto him.

“But what?” he questioned, suddenly on edge. Had you changed your mind about him? About him being around you and your daughter? He really hoped not.

You hesitated for a moment. “It’s nothing. Just some moms around the community who like to be judgy.”

“What are they sayin’?”

“That I'm a bad mom for not taking the time out of my day to pick up my own daughter. That I’m dumping my responsibilities onto other people. Just thought I’d start proving them wrong.”

“Hey, yer not a bad mom. I like bringin’ Hazel home at the end of the day. That way I know she’s safe.” He also liked it because it meant he got to see you being all domestic, hugging your daughter tightly and sending him beautiful smiles, inviting him to stay for dinner each time. He always declined, not wanting to be a burden, but your offer never waned.

You smiled at him, but it didn’t quite reach your eyes. Daryl instantly noticed it and placed one of his hands on your shoulder, taking you by surprise. His touch was surprisingly gentle, and your skin flushed where he touched you.

“Dun’ let ‘em convince ya that yer a bad mom. I ain’t never seen a better mom than ya. How many moms here can say that they kept their kid alive out there in the real world? That, despite everythin’, their kid came first and that they would kill for them?”

“How did you know I wasn’t here from the start?”

“Aaron told me he that found ya and Hazel on yer own not too long before he found us. The fact that ya kept her alive on yer own for that long proves to me that yer the best fuckin’ mom under the sun.”

You smiled at him and placed your hand over his that was still resting on your shoulder. “Thank you,” you whispered.

“No problem,” he replied, holding eye contact with you. His hand lingered on your shoulder for longer than necessary, and he gazed deep into your eyes.

Your heart sped up and stopped beating at the same time, noticing a shift in the archer’s emotions. However, before either of you could do anything else, Daryl snapped out of it and withdrew his hand, taking a step back.

You cleared your throat and ducked your head, your face heating up. Luckily, Hazel ran out at that moment and bounded down the stairs, throwing herself into Daryl’s side and clinging to his leg.

“Bye, Dar!”

Daryl pressed Hazel tightly to him. “Bye, Hazelnut.”

Hazel unwound her arms from around him and moved over to you, extending her arms to be picked up. You did just that, holding her tightly to you. You turned to Daryl and offered him a small smile.

“You know, my offer still stands. You could join us for dinner.”

Daryl was about to decline your offer again, but Hazel cut him off.

“Yes! Please, Dar!”

In that moment, Daryl found that he wouldn’t be able to say no this time around. He just would’t be able to. He gave you both a small smile and nodded. “Yeah, okay.”

You smiled broadly. “Great! Come on, then.”

“Dun’ I need to change?”

“No, you’re fine, don’t worry. You can come as is.”

“Alright,” Daryl nodded. “Let’s go.”

“Could you maybe get Hazel settled into her highchair? I’ll be right out with the food.”

Daryl nodded and watched you retreat from the dining room into the kitchen before turning around. “Hazelnut!” he called, hearing the toddler’s footsteps come into the dining room.

Hazel stared up at the archer with a huge smile, her arms extended to be picked up. Daryl smiled softly at the girl and leaned down to pick her up, placing her in her highchair. Once he was sure that she was settled and wouldn’t fall out, he got settled in the chair next to her, listening to Hazel’s happy babbling.

Soon enough, you reentered the dining room with a pot of spaghetti and meatballs. The aroma of the meal made Daryl’s mouth practically water. The last time he’d eaten spaghetti was when Aaron had invited him, and that was a good couple of months ago at that point.

“It smells fuckin’ good,” Daryl complimented you without really thinking about his choice of words, and he instantly regretted not thinking about them beforehand.

“Fuck,” Hazel repeated happily, completely oblivious to the horrified look that spread over Daryl’s face, or the amused one that spread over yours.

“Nah, Hazelnut, dun’ say that. Dun’ ever say that,” he told her hurriedly, his heart beating faster at his mistake.

“Fuck,” Hazel giggled.

“No, I jus’ said—” Daryl started, shooting you a worried look. However, he calmed down when he saw your amused smile. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” you told him, laughing lightly while serving everyone some food. “Don’t look so worried. I’m not gonna bite your head off because of one little slip up. If I had a penny for every time I accidentally slipped up since she was born, I would’ve had enough money to be able to buy a yacht in the old world. You’re good, don’t worry.

“Okay, but we can’t have her goin’ ‘round sayin’ that, though,” Daryl replied, taking a deep breath to calm himself. You weren’t mad. Everything was fine.

“You’re right about that,” you started, turning to look at Hazel. “Baby, you can’t say fuck, okay? That word belongs to Daryl. Until he’s ready to share that word, you can’t say it, alright?”

“Okay, Mama,” Hazel replied, starting to eat her food rather messily.

Daryl chuckled softly at the girl before turning to his own food. He started eating as well, the flavours of the delicious meal melting on his tongue. He wanted to gulp it all down but he resisted the urge, instead eating with a delicacy he never knew existed in him.

The meal was mostly spent in silence, save for Hazel’s happy babbling and the occasional input from you or Daryl. Daryl did, however, sneak glances at you when you weren’t looking, admiring your beauty and the soft, loving, tender way you acknowledged your daughter and the tenderness you used when you wiped her face clean of the sauce.

Unbeknownst to the archer, you had also been sneaking glances at him. Admiring his gentleness with your daughter, the way his eyes softened and the quiet chuckles he would let out whenever Hazel did something amusing, or the small smiles he would send in your direction. It was amazing how important Daryl had become to you and Hazel in a span of a few months. The big, gruff, quiet man with a heart of gold, who had invaded your thoughts and your heart. It was both terrifying and thrilling to think about.

Your respective meals were soon finished. and Hazel’s eyes were beginning to droop. You noticed it and got up to take her out of her highchair. She instantly laid her head down onto your shoulder and closed her eyes, and you placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“You tired, Baby?” you cooed, rubbing her back gently. When she simply responded by nuzzling her face deeper into your shoulder, you laughed fondly and turned to Daryl, sending him an apologetic look. “Sorry, I should probably get this little rascal to bed. You can stay here. I’ll be right back.”

However, as soon as you said that, Hazel interjected. “Dar tuck me in with Mama?” she asked innocently, lifting her head up to look at Daryl.

Daryl looked surprised. He locked eyes with you, his heart fluttering at the smile you sent him.

“If Daryl’s okay with it,” you whispered, looking at him through your eyelashes.

“Yeah, ‘course,” Daryl replied, nodding his head.

You motioned for him to follow you upstairs, and he obliged. Together, the two of you descended up the stairs and into Hazel’s bedroom. Daryl stopped in the doorway, not wanting to overstep any boundaries, but you had other ideas. You gently took his hand and led him into the room, only letting go of it to tuck your daughter into bed. Daryl subconsciously placed his hand on your shoulder instead, watching place your little girl into bed.

Hazel was already half asleep when you put her into her bed. She instantly curled up into her pillow and let out a big sigh, her eyes opening only slightly. In her view, she saw you, her mom, the woman who always protected her when the two of you were living on the road outside the walls, and always loved her despite her shenanigans. And Daryl, the man who at first had been kind of mean, but was now always there for both her and her mom. The man who undeniably had started to feel like a daddy to her.

“Night, Mama. Night, Daddy,” Hazel mumbled, her eyes closing and she drifted into slumber. In seconds, she was out cold.

Time froze for a moment. Daryl’s eyes widened and his heart practically pounded out of his chest. There was no way that he had heard it right. There was no way that Hazel had just called him dad. There was no way that Hazel trusted and loved him enough to see him as her father. She couldn’t, could she?

He turned to look at you and noticed the unreadable expression on your face. You didn’t address what she had just said, however, and Daryl was too nervous to bring it up himself.

“We should probably let her sleep,” you whispered to him, motioning towards the door.

“Yeah,” Daryl agreed and followed you out the door.

Together, the two of you descended down the stairs and back into the dining room. You turned to look at Daryl and motioned towards the living room.

“You can wait in the living room. I just wanna put the dishes in the sink and then I’ll join you.”

“Nah, let me help,” Daryl protested, moving over to grab all the dishes. Before you could protest, Daryl walked into the kitchen. You quickly followed behind him and watched him put the dishes in the sink, but before he could start washing them, you quickly stopped him.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll wash them tomorrow,” you assured him. “Do you want some wine?”

Daryl nodded and hummed, silently observing as you grabbed two glasses from the cabinet, as well as a bottle of wine. You placed the glasses on the counter before popping the the bottle open, pouring the two of you each a glass of wine. You handed him the glass and propped yourself onto the counter, letting your legs swing below you.

Daryl leaned against the counter and took a sip of his wine, humming in approval at the taste. “S’good. Thanks.”

“It’s nothing, really. I've been wanting a reason to open the bottle for a while now.”

“Ya can’t jus’ drink it whenever ya want?” Daryl questioned, taking another sip from the glass in his hand.

“I could, but I prefer not to. I don’t want to be like—” you started, but abruptly stopped. You hurriedly took a sip of your wine, welcoming the taste in your mouth.

“Like who?” Daryl asked, frowning at the uncomfortable look on your face.

You hesitated for a long moment, not sure if you should tell Daryl about your past problems. You were afraid that Daryl would look at you differently if you revealed anything. However, as you looked into his eyes, you only saw care and concern, so you found yourself confiding in him.

“Hazel’s father,” you revealed, pursing your lips at the thought of the man you hated more than anything in the world.

“What was he like?” Daryl asked, placing his glass down on the counter. He turned his full attention to you, his eyes trailing over your face for any shift in emotion.

“He was a fucking asshole,” you spat angrily, clenching your jaw in anger. “He was a raging alcoholic and a frequent drug user. He didn’t even stop when Hazel was born. If anything, it got worse. I tried so hard to get him sober, but nothing worked. He always yelled at me and threatened to hurt Hazel whenever I brought it up, but I stayed. I was too scared to leave. And then one day, when I woke up, he was just... Gone. No note, no phone call, nothing. Hazel was barely one year old.”

Daryl frowned deeply, anger bubbling inside him at the thought of someone hurting you and Hazel so badly. He clenched his fist and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He had no right to get angry. That wasn’t something that happened to him.

“Not too long after that, the world went to shit. His sister came to pick us up and took us to her camp, and that’s where I saw that asshole again. He treated Hazel so badly and got the other people in the camp to taunt and be mean to her. Hazel didn’t even do anything wrong, and I never even brought up the fact that she was his kid, but they all ganged up on her. Thankfully it never got physical, but I could tell that it really scarred her. It went on until the camp got overrun, and all of those fuckers got what they deserved. The only reason Hazel and I got out was because his sister helped us. She sacrificed herself for us. After that, Hazel and I were on our own for more than a year. I’m surprised that I managed to keep us alive for that long on my own, but I managed. And then Aaron and Eric found us, and the rest is history.”

Daryl was speechless. It angered him that someone would hurt you like that, would hurt little Hazel like that. And the fact that you had to survive on your own for that long... It amazed him. He wished that he could’ve found you earlier and have protected you and Hazel from all those horrors, but there was nothing he could do to change the past. He could only ensure that nothing ever touched you in the future.

“Yer a strong woman. The fact that ya went through all’a that and managed to keep Hazel alive and love her unconditionally proves that. Yer amazing and I hope ya know that.”

You were taken aback by the sudden confession, but a smile soon spread across your face. You hopped off the counter and stood in front of him, almost chest to chest. You looked up at him, your faces close enough to close the remaining distance between your lips. You didn’t even fully know why you did that. It was more than likely liquid courage, you figured.

“You’re amazing too. I don’t think you realize how much you mean to Hazel, how much you mean to me.”

With that, you closed the remaining distance between your lips. You pressed your lips against his softly, wrapping your arms around his neck. After a moment of shock, Daryl kissed you back feverishly, pulling you closer by your hips to have you flush against his body. You gasped against his lips, allowing Daryl to slip his tongue into your mouth. You moaned into his mouth and pressed yourself harder against him, eliciting a groan from the man.

As soon as you pulled away for air, you tugged Daryl by the lapel of his vest. “Wanna take this to my room?” you whispered, breathless from the ravenous kiss.

“What ‘bout Hazelnut? Won’t she wake up?” Daryl asked, pressing his forehead against yours.

“No. She’s out cold. The chances of her waking up are basically nonexistent.”

Daryl let out a deep breath and nodded, allowing you to pull him up the stairs. The two of you soon stumbled into your room, hurriedly closing the door and pawing at each other’s clothes. However, when you reached for Daryl’s shirt, he stopped you, a pained look on his face.

“What’s wrong?” you asked, a worried look on your face. “Did I do something wrong?”

Daryl shook his head. “Nah, ya didn’t do nothin’.”

“Then what’s wrong?” you asked him, gently cupping his cheek in your hand. “Talk to me. I promise I won’t judge.”

Daryl inhaled sharply. “I didn’t have a good childhood,” was all he offered before slowly removing his shirt.

Your eyes hungrily trailed over his body, your hands reaching forward to press against his chest. Sure, a few scars littered his chest, but they didn’t repulse you. You didn’t understand what Daryl was talking about until you got a glimpse of his back in the mirror in your room. The scars on his back were jagged and raised, and you instantly knew what they meant; someone had hurt this perfect man before you, and you felt so angry.

You walked behind him. “May I?” you whispered, your hands hovering over his back.

Daryl hesitantly nodded. You softly ran your fingers over his scars, your touch feathery light. The archer shivered involuntarily, closing his eyes at the feeling. Before meeting you, the only feeling that he ever associated with his back was pain from his father’s cruelty, yet there you were, tracing over his scars as if they were priceless paintings in a museum.

Soon your fingers were replaced with your lips, and Daryl’s eyes flew open. Your lips softly kissed over his scars, trailing down to the lowest scars on his lower back. When you were done, you turned him around to face you. You gently cupped his cheek, a small smile on your face.

“You're perfect to me, Daryl. You’re so sweet, kind and caring. Hell, my daughter called you dad. That says plenty.”

“M’perfect?”

“You're perfect.”

That was all you had to say for Daryl to pull you into another fiery kiss. The two of you soon toppled onto your bed, spending a night filled with passion together.

That next morning when Hazel woke up and walked into your room, she was pleasantly surprised to find Daryl sleeping there, holding you, her mama. She was, however, confused that when she woke the two of you up, you clutched the sheets to your bodies and refused to let her climb under them with you like you normally would do.

Two years later...

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Hazel. Happy birthday to you!”

You and Daryl cheered as Hazel blew out the candles on her homemade cake. Hazel laughed as she struggled to blow out the last one of the five candles on the cake, eliciting soft chuckles from you and Daryl. When she finally managed to extinguish it, you and Daryl each handed her a gift. She clapped her hands excitedly. She got up from her seat and ran to hug you and Daryl, which you both returned.

“Thank you, Mama. Thank you, Daddy,” she thanked with a big smile, eyeing the wrapped gifts on the table.

“Dun’ thank us yet, Hazelnut,” Daryl responded with a smile. “Go ahead and open ‘em.”

Hazel hurriedly opened each of the gifts and gasped with delight, holding up a colouring book, new crayons, and a new doll. She giggled in excitement at the gifts. “Can I go show these to Judith? We can colour and play dolls together now!”

You laughed and nodded. “Sure, Baby. Just be good for Auntie Michonne and Uncle Rick, okay?”

“Okay!” she agreed and took off in a run, throwing the front door open and disappearing out of it.

“I can’t believe she’s growin’ up so fast,” Daryl mumbled, wrapping his arms around you from behind. He rested his chin on the top of your head.

“I know, right? She’ll be moving away from home for college soon enough,” you joked.

“Hmm,” Daryl hummed, chuckling at your joke.

“Oh!” you exclaimed, turning around in the archer's arms. “I got something for you, too.”

“For me?” he asked in confusion, frowning slightly. “Why? It ain’t my birthday for another couple’a months.”

“I know, but this can’t wait that long. Here,” you told him, handing him a small box.

Daryl gingerly took the box from your hands and opened it. His eyes widened at the item inside, picking it up and looking at it. After examining it for a couple of moments, he confirmed that his mind indeed wasn’t playing a trick on him—it was a positive pregnancy test.

“Yer—Yer pregnant?” he asked, a smile spreading over his face.

“Yeah,” you confirmed, nodding your head. A laugh escaped you when Daryl picked you up and spun you around, before he placed you back on the ground and pulled you into a kiss.

When he pulled back, he leaned his forehead against yours. “Hazelnut’s gon’ have a baby sibling. We’re gon’ have another kid.”

“We are,” you agreed, closing your eyes. “I love you, Daryl.”

Daryl placed a gentle kiss against your forehead. “I love ya, too. And I already love that lil’ peanut in yer belly.”

“Hazelnut and Peanut, huh?”

“Yeah. Our two babies. Our own lil’ family,” Daryl told you wistfully, placing his hand on your stomach, over the life that was growing there.

“We have Hazel to thank for this. If she didn’t instantly like you back then, this might never have happened,” you told him, placing your hand over his.

“Remind me to thank her when she gets back later. But for now, let’s enjoy our alone time,” Daryl replied suggestively, tugging you with him as he walked backwards towards the stairs.

“I like that idea.”

[moonlitstoriess]

Across the Universe-ch.7 (Fenrys x Reader)

Summary: Y/n has everything she needs in life. A family, friends, a safe place she calls home and most importantly a male whom she loves. What happens when it all changes when Y/n finds out about the betrayal of her lover and her so called family? Well, ending up in Terrasen and in queen Aelin's court was not what she expected but what she will need to start her new journey full of surprises.

Warning: mentions of trauma, violence, abuse

See masterlist

All her life, she has been an outcast. After all, rumours spread fast when you live in a small place.

"She is cursed."

"No normal being has what she has."

"Stay away from her."

"Did you hear? She is not fae because of that."

All because of one traitor. All because she trusted the wrong 'friend' to tell and show it to.

It did not get better when the rumours reached him either.

She still has the burns on her legs from that night to prove that.

He was tying her onto the table. She was screaming, trying to fight him, pleading for whoever would listen, to come save her. No one came.

A slap across her right cheek.

"Shut your mouth! You have already embarassed me enough by having your deformity be the talk of every Illyrian camp to exist."

She was completely tied to the table. Her weak, bony, bruised arms and legs were secured to the edges with really tight and thick ropes.

"No! Let me go!"

That was when he took the heated metal, red-hot in appearance, and started to come closer to her.

He prepared for this. He was planning to do this to her all along because that iron did not get so hell-hot in a matter of seconds.

Maybe today was the day. Her end.

To her surprise, he applied it not to her chest, but to her legs. Nonstop, taking turns for each leg.

She tried. She really tried not to scream, not to give him the satisfaction of her pain but, how could she not? She was being burned for Cauldron's sake! She held out for a minute before succumbing into the pain.

She did not remember the rest because she passed out after who knows which burn.

She was 15.

So why her? Why was she the chosen one? Why should she close the gates? Was she not the cursed one? Why did The Book of Breathings send her here? What is her purpose?

So many questions. Seems like her plan to go home as soon as possible and leave them to deal with their own problems would have to be erased.

With a sigh, she looked up at the bright blue sky as she and Fenrys finally made it out of the warded area into the clearing.

Apparently, all this thinking has made her blind because the next thing she knows, y/n is colliding with a hard wall- no, muscle. She looked up to see that it was none other than Fenrys, holding her by her arms so she can balance her body once again. She was pressed to his body.

With an awkward move, she staggered back and tried to stop herself from blushing like a tomato. And from the amused smirk on Fenrys' face, she was doing a terrible job at keeping herself composed.

"I-...sorry,"

He let out a small chuckle as he came closer, "Let that be a lesson to not daydream while walking."

She scoffed and turned her face while crossing her arms, "I was NOT daydreaming."

She tried and failed to hide her sneaky smile.

He turned her around so that they were face to face as he said, "Hmmm sure, whatever you say. I can winnow us out of here now. Hopefully, this time you won't make a scene about it."

"I was NOT making a scene either, I was just- wait. Did you just say winnow? As in, the way we say it in Prythian?"

Fenrys simply shrugged before taking her hand and as the world around them began disapearing, all he said was, "Just a slip up. I will never say it again."

Y/n could not stop the smile that formed on her face.

When they arrived at the grand hall, the first thing y/n noticed was that her legs were sore after walking for so many days. Scratch that. Her whole body was sore. Sleeping on the ground does that to you. Damn those tall trees and their dense leaves, she couln't even fly! Going to bed right now and sleeping for a whole day or two did not sound like a bad plan at all.

The second thing she noticed was that Aedion's right arm was covered in bandages and hanging from a sling. How on earth did he manage to break his arm? Looks like they were not the only ones who had a tough journey.

And the third thing she noticed was a new face. Silver hair like moonlight highlighted a face so beautiful, y/n wondered if this woman was even real. Lips covered in a seductive red color that would make any being fall on their knees for her. When her eyes that were the color of burnt gold locked with y/n's gaze, the woman seemingly assesed her from head to toe. In turn, y/n did the same. She was wearing some kind of scale-embossed black, leather coat-dress with a silver chain around her torso, and a small, red fabric dangling from the chain. Her simple, black pants and knee high boots added an air of dominance to her overall look.

Was this Manon? Fenrys mentioned her name earlier but y/n was too distracted with the loud roars coming from that weird flying thing that she was almost not paying any attention.

"Shhh"

"Don't shush me!"

"This is getting a little too intense guys"

"No, it is getting exciting. Just look at the way they are coldly looking at one another! Fight, Fight, Fi-"

"Gods, Aedion stop that! Are you a child?!"

Y/n was pulled out of her haze as she looked around the room to see everyone looking between her and Manon. Apparently, they were too intense with their assessment of one another.

Manon, seemingly unfazed, just kept on staring at her face with cool indifference. So, y/n did the same. She was not about to look scared in front of this woman.

Aelin, clearly seeing the tension, came forward while clearing her throat.

"Y/n, this is Manon. Manon Blackbeak. She is The Queen of Witches and our bestest friend." she said jokingly as she tried side-hugging Manon, to which the woman scoffed and removed her arm while smirking slightly.

So she was a witch. The Queen of Witches. Oh, Nesta would have loved her.

"Manon dearest, this is the one and only Y/n. Anddd I would be glad if you could stop giving her death stares now. You too, y/n."

Y/n held her ground under Manon's penetrating gaze, refusing to be the first to look away. She could sense the power and confidence radiating from the Queen of Witches, and while it intimidated her, it also intrigued her.

"Manon Blackbeak," Y/n echoed, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. "I've heard a lot about you."

Manon raised an eyebrow, her smirk fading slightly as she regarded Y/n with a calculating gaze.

"Have you now?" she replied, her tone neutral yet tinged with curiosity.

Aelin interjected with a nervous laugh, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. "Yes, Y/n, Manon here is not just the Queen of Witches but also quite the force to be reckoned with."

Manon's lips quirked in amusement at Aelin's attempt at diplomacy, but she remained silent, her eyes still fixed on Y/n.

Y/n took a breath, deciding to address the tension head-on. "Look, I don't know what your impression of me is, but I'm here to help," she stated firmly, meeting Manon's gaze with determination. "Whatever it takes to close those gates and protect our worlds....aaaanddd finally get me to MY world."

Manon's expression softened for a quick second, a hint of respect gleaming in her eyes. "Words are easy." she remarked cryptically, her voice low but carrying an undertone of acknowledgment.

Rowan cleared his throat, attempting to diffuse the palpable atmosphere. "Yes, well, we're all on the same side here," he said diplomatically, giving a pointed look to both Y/n and Manon. "Let's focus on why we're all gathered. There's a lot at stake."

Manon's gaze lingered on Y/n for a moment longer before she finally broke the stare, her expression unreadable. "Agreed" she said simply, her voice carrying a tone of authority that resonated through the room.

Lysandra got up to her feet "Very well then! Who wants to go first?"

The second she saw Lorcan open his mouth, Lysandra put up her hand as she said, "Nevermind, we will go first."

There were a few chuckles and a full on cruel smirk from Manon directed right at the angry giant.

The green eyed female turned towards her husband and Elide as she said, "Dearest crew mates, shall we begin?"

Aedion was about to say something when she also shut him up "Do not. I am still pissed at you for what you did. Elide, sweetheart, will you do the honors?"

Aedion rolled his eyes as he scoffed and grumbled something under his breath which made Eva let out a wide eyed laugh.

Elide sat on one of the chairs surrounding the large table and sighed "Well, as much as Lysandra just added dramatics and made it seem like we discovered something beyond shocking, we only managed to find one thing that could help us."

"Hey! We needed to add some dramatics to make it seem bigger than it is. Or else they will be disappointed that we don't come with much information. I guess it is all ruined now anyway." Lysandra finished before jokingly sticking her tounge out at Elide.

"If I may-"

"No you may not Aedion."

"Lysandra, please, starlight."

"Fine! Do whatever you want. It is not like I was able to stop you before!"

Y/n, feeling the tension between them, murmured to the blond queen beside her, "What happened with those two?"

Aelin simply sighed and shook her head "If only we knew."

Aedion cleared his throat before adressing the room, "So, after a two day journey JUST to reach the Sanctuary, we were able to acquire a meeting with the head monk. Thanks to Elide's lovely acting and sweet talking. Once we met with the wrinkly, bony, ghost-"

"He was not that at all! Yes, he was quite ancient but so sweet! He even gave us sweet drinks." Elide said before casting a glare at the blond warrior.

Aedion continued, "Yes. Well, he was only sweet to you. I still did not get over the fact that he called my wife a half-beastie."

Lysandra scoffed "You should have let me deal with him on my own! There was no need to cause that fight!"

At that, Aelin interjected "What fight? What on earth are you talking about?"

Lysandra pointed a finger at Aedion before looking at her queen "Did you know, your cousin-"

"What is wrong with protecting my wife-"

"ENOUGH!"

To everyone's absolute shock, it was Elide who shouted that word and got up from her chair, striding to the center of the room with a determined look on her face.

"Look, we went, I charmed the old folks, they allowed us to go through their manuscripts and ancient whatever else. Of course, even my smooth-talk had its limits because we did not get a full access and there were monks and sages looking over our shoulders at any point."

She took a deep breath before continuing, "So, what we managed to find was that the gates are indeed weakened. Apparently, the barriers between realms are awakening. And guess what? The Valg are exploiting these vulnerabilities to gain access to not just our world, but to any world possible."

She then looked pointedly at Aedion and Lysandra "There was this one specific manuscript. Its cover looked very promising I was just about to take it and quickly go through it but..."

Rowan crossed his arms as he urged, "But...what?"

She sighed before looking at no one in particular "But, a specific shifter and a specific warrior ruined it all."

"Wait what-"

"I ruined nothing-"

"Why me-"

Manon's voice cut through the growing commotion, "You fought with a monk because he called Lysandra a half-beastie?"

Aedion got up to his feet, although y/n did see how he hissed a little due to the condition of his arm.

"No. I was beyond mad when the monk said that in the beginning of our little visit of course, but Lysandra somehow managed to calm me. It was not until these two were searching for information and I was in the hall, looking through the window. That cranky old bastard once again came near me and....and fucking dared to not only insult MY wife again, but also MY queen. Saying things how, 'now she remembers them', that Aelin is a 'spoiled brat' and whatever not. I could not take it no more."

Utter silence was in the room as y/n, seeing the state he got into, carefully asked, "And how exactly did you break your arm?"

He sighed before plopping down on the couch and looking her fiercely in the eyes. "The bastard managed to push me quite forcefully with his magic into a wall. I beat him up in the end of course, but he still managed to win this one from me." He paused as he pointed to his arm before looking at his wife and then, cousin "But I would do it all again if it meant that I could rip his head out this time. The females of my household will never be disrespected."

Rowan came forward and put his hand on Aedion's shoulder, a sign of respect and gratitude for protecting his mate's honor.

Aelin also came forward and sat next to her cousin, put her hand on his right shoulder, before continuing, "You should be more careful next time. I am grateful nonetheless cousin. Hopefully, those bony bastards will know their place from now on."

Before anyone could say anything, she cleared her throat and looked at her mate and Lorcan, "What about you two?"

The two warriors exchanged a look before Lorcan said in a voice so...not agressive or angry that y/n thought she must be hallucinating.

"Anyone who is standing might want to sit down for this one."

Rowan looked at his companion before nodding and then gazing at everyone else in the room.

"When we went to The Riftgate Ruins....while we were studying them, trying to understand anything about what was on them, we noticed that there were recent disturbances or traces of Valg magic that indicate current activity."

Lorcan came forward and continued the story on his brothers behalf, "Since I am, after all, the best and most skilled tracker that there is,"

Y/n nearly felt her eyeballs hit the back of her head because of how hard she was rolling them.

"Detecting Valg magic that leaves distinct residues and traces was not hard. Rowan and I found lingering traces of Valg essence or dark magic around the ruins, which clearly suggests recent Valg activity."

Y/n felt the room physically grow cold as the uncomfortable silence stretched on and on. Is it possible then? Are Valgs back?

Chaol, who was apparently standing by the doorway and listening, asked "But how? We killed them all during the war. Erawan is dead. Shouldn't their connection be severed?"

No one answered him. No one could answer him because no one had an answer to give.

Aelin, fear and determination evident in her gaze, said, "What if they are not all dead? But how would that be? Were they not connected to Erawan?"

Manon sighed before turning her head towards Chaol, "Yrene. Did she find something yet?"

Chaol came into the light and oh Mother above...did he even sleep? His hair was completely dishelved, there were bags under his eyes and why in the seven hells was he limping?

He said in a tired voice, "She is getting close. The language is clearly something she has never seen before so she is giving it her all. Give her some more time."

It was Lysandra who asked, "She won't let anyone into the room, is she atleast well? eating? sleeping? taking care?"

"Of course. My wife is my number one priority. I make sure that she is well."

Fenrys, who had not spoken until now, came closer and put a hand on the brown haired man as he said, "You need rest as well. We will take care of Yrene in whatever she needs. Do not forget what happens when one of you is not well. It affects the other."

What? Y/n made a mental note to ask Aelin on what on earth that meant.

Chaol nodded and got up as he said, "Yes, I will. For her well-being, I will. Just came to give you all the latest news. And apparently got shocking news in turn as well," a look directed at Rowan and Lorcan.

Aelin sighed, "Just go rest. You gave up much of your energy. You both did. We got it for now."

Once Chaol was gone, the queen looked at Eva, smiled sadly and said, "Thanks to Eva's precise book spotting and my exceptional page skimming skills, we managed to quickly find some interesting facts. The Book of Breathings contains ancient spells capable of containing the Valg. In fact, it has a specific text dedicated to sealing them. If this is true, it could only mean one thing, the Valgs already existed when that book was created."

It was Eva who came closer to y/n and looked up at her "But isn't that book in your world? How can we get it into this world?"

Y/n had no idea on what to say apart from, "The book was created using the last of the molten ore used to forge the Cauldron, I thought it only contained spells to control the Cauldron's powers. But if there is a specific area in it that is dedicated to the Valgs then it could mean that when it was created, the Vags attempted to endanger my world as well."

Lysandra put her face in her palms and muttered "This is getting worse by the minute."

Elide sighed as she turned her head towards Fenrys and said, "Please tell me you two atleast found something less....depressive."

Right. Y/n and Fenrys also had to tell about their findings. Great.

It wasn't until Fenrys came and stood near her that y/n realized how her heart was about to rip out of her chest. She was anxious and uncomfortable just by talking about what they found out.

All of a sudden, she felt this overwhelming amount of calm and soothing overtake her body. She turned her head to her right to see him standing right next to her now. She would never say it out loud but, y/n was glad that Fenrys was beside her during this revelation.

He seemingly understood her state because he cast her a quick glance before beginning to talk about their 'lovely' little journey.

Fenrys looked at everyone in the room as he recounted the events, from the appearence of the otherworldly seers to the revelations thrown upon them. Once he was done, the room went through another intensely extended period of silence as everyone processed his words.

Aelin had pure shock on her face while Rowan was just staring at the wall, his gaze unfocused, Lysandra tilted her head backwards and closed her eyes, Aedion stared at the ground, unmoving, Elide gasped before putting her hand on her mouth and looking at no one in particular, Lorcan had a frustrated look on his face directed at Fenrys, Eva was just looking up at y/n with wide eyes and Manon....well she was harder to understand but from the slight furrow in her brows y/n guessed that she was still analyzing Fenrys' words.

Y/n cleared her throat and came a little forward "Well, it seems like I can not go home until we solve your problem."

Aedion, still staring at the ground, replied "It may also become your world's problem if we do not put an end to this quickly."

Before y/n could reply, Rowan said to no one in particular "We need a properly constructed plan" before seemingly coming back from his haze and immediately leaving the room followed by a confused yet determined Lorcan.

Y/n saw how everyone, especially Aelin was still processing the information so, she said with a sigh, "I am going to rest. I do not think my mind is able to form any coherent thoughts right now." without looking back or waiting for an answer, she turned around and ascended the grand stairs.

Thirty minutes. Thirty minutes was all the time she could sleep for- or atleast force herself to sleep for. Her body was begging her earlier for some good sleep and food but now, as she lay in bed, she was neither hungry nor sleepy. After staring at the ceiling for the past thirty minutes, y/n huffed before getting up and going to change into a more comfortable attire.

Once she discarded her turtleneck, y/n gently touched her throat, pleasantly surprised by how effective Isolde's salve had been on her injury. The mark that had once marred her skin was now barely noticeable, a testament to the healing properties of the salve. With a contented sigh, she planned to apply it once more later, confident that it would soon vanish completely.

Choosing a clean white turtleneck from her wardrobe, y/n slipped it on, followed by dark brown pants and boots.

Once she was ready, y/n stepped onto the balcony, the serene evening view stretching out before her. With a deep breath, she leapt into the air, feeling weightless and free as she soared above the grounds, her mind momentarily liberated from the concern's coming their way. Where she was going, y/n neither had no idea nor did she care as her wings flapped and she felt a sense of happiness and relaxation fall over her.

Fenrys was tired. Exhausted even. There was so much happening that he could barely keep up. He trusted Rowan to make a proper action plan without his help because if he had to stand for another minute, he would end up falling asleep and kissing the ground.

But, after what happened between him and y/n in the woods, Fenrys also had another question bugging his mind. Who hurt her?

He knew that he shouldn't care. That she meant absolutely nothing to him and therefore, he should let her handle her own problems. In fact, he should be delighted that someone caused her discomfort here, made her realize she is not safe in this world. It should have brought him great satisfaction when he pictured her scared face.

But all it brought to him was an overflow of anger and violence. Something within him forced Fenrys to turn violent whenever he thought of her in danger. He will find whoever caused her that mark. And when he does....let the nonexistent Gods have mercy on them because Fenrys for sure won't.

But first, sleep. Just as he was walking the halls to get to his room, he saw her, flying high in the sky, looking so ethereal-

No. Don't be stupid.

He ignored her, continuing on his path. Just go to your room and rest Fenrys. Yes. You don't need to care for her. Or follow her.

5 minutes later, he was outside getting ready to shift into a wolf and....follow her. Whatever this feeling within him was, it was as if he was being tugged or pulled to go wherever she goes.

In his defense, Fenrys tried to reason with himself that he was doing this for safety. What if she was a spy? Maybe she was going somewhere to meet with her accomplice? He was doing it for his queen. For his country. For his family.

But even as Fenrys shifted and began his way into the woods, he knew what a lie it was. He has no reason to still see her as a suspect because even the seers confirmed her innocence. And value to the book apparently.

After what seemed like twenty minutes, he found her, sitting on a medium sized boulder, overlooking the grassy views of Orynth.

He slowly approached her. Like a beast sizing its prey. If he jumped her now, she wouldn't even have time to react before he ripped her throat. But for some reason, even thinking of such a scenario left a sour taste in his mouth.

Apparently she knew he was here because without even turning around, her honey-like voice said, "Seems like you have this severe obsession with hunting and catching me."

She knew it was him without even having to look back. It made no sense how she would always recognize Fenrys out of a thousand others. So, as the giant white wolf shifted beside her into the familiar male, y/n felt a mixture of excitement and curiosity. The transformation from wolf to man was seamless, a testament to Fenrys' mastery over his shapeshifting abilities.

He wordlessly came and sat beside her on the boulder, leaving a respectful distance between them even though just last night they slept in each others arms. It looks like he won't bring that conversation up anytime soon. She won't either.

So, y/n, still not looking at the male beside her, asked, "Where do your people live? Looks like the forests here are very large."

Fenrys who was apparently also preferring to look towards the view instead of her, replied, "These are the palace grounds. I know, they are quite big but the people live just outside this forest. There are towns and villages. Aelin's subjects love her very much."

Y/n smiled a little "Seems like she is a good queen then."

At that, Fenrys also smiled "Yes. The best."

After a minute of silence, he asked "How....how is your life back in your world?"

To say that she was shocked would be an understatement. Fenrys was asking her a question and not throwing another snark remark? Was he being civil with her right now? It surely must be raining rocks.

He should not have asked her this. What even made him ask her this? Why are you entertaining the idea of her? Get up and leave. Now.

But he did not move. Not even a single inch as he watched her turn her head and look at him for the first time since he arrived here. And....what a sight for sore eyes she was.

The sunset was casting a natural glow over her features as she angled her head towards him and those kissable lips began moving- enough.

"My life....well I have um....gone through many different moments in my life- well, I can tell you about my years serving in the Night Court?"

Why was she hesitating to talk about her life? Some uneasy feeling settled over him but he ignored it as he nodded his head slightly, urging for her to continue.

Y/n took a deep breath before looking back at the view "When I met my High Lord, I was a trainer-of sorts for my own academy. Anyways, he and I had some...common beliefs regarding well-"

"Regarding?"

She sighed "Illyrians. Females like me, coming from the Illyrian mountains. That place is....not a kind one. Towards females, I mean. The males there are so traditional, sticking to the old rules where the only job of a female was to cook, clean and work as some kind of a breeding machine. There is this tradition that when we become old enough...female wings should be clipped."

He felt nauseous. How could a place like that exist? How could- wait. Did that mean..."Did they treat you like that? Did they try to clip your wings too?" even saying these words made him see red.

She was clearly uncomfortable now. Her face suddenly became shiny with a thin layer of sweat as she started fiddling with her fingers and looking everywhere but at him.

Something is wrong.

"Y/n-"

"Velaris is a very beautiful place to live in. Rhysand, my ex High Lord, and his ancestors kept that city a secret for a long time. Protecting it from our enemies."

She was avoiding him but it was alright, he would not press on the matter. After all, he would also avoid it if she were to ask him about his past. About what Maeve would force him to do, about his years as her slave- No. Don't go there. Just listen to her soothing voice.

Why was she even telling him these things? Apparently she was greatly missing home and needed someone to vent to.

"Rhysand introduced me to his family who later on also became my family. Cas or well...Cassian, Amren, Mor and...Az."

She felt him slightly stiffen beside her as he asked, "Who?"

Y/n cleared her throat "Azriel. He um...he-I....we were....acquinted."

She saw Fenrys put his arms on his legs and clench his hands slightly as he asked, "Mate?"

Her heart sank. She hates that word. Despises it. Especially the memories it brings up about Azriel.

Clearly, her frustration got the best of her because she snapped, "Not a mate."

Did his shoulders just relax? Why was he mad at her?

"Then...what?"

With a sigh, she tilted her head backwards and looked at the sky "We...we were lovers. 52 years. We were happy and in love or atleast I thought that but clearly I was wrong because this whole time he took me for a fool and played with my feelings."

She was on her feet now, pacing around, fuming to herself "I was such a fool, you know. I thought we were mates, that the bond would snap at any moment. That we were destined to be together. In the end, he found his mate, cheated on me with her for two whole fucking years, confessed how he never loved me, how he only saw me as a placeholder for her, and how my so called 'family' knew of this the whole fucking time!"

She saw nothing, her heart was racing, her vision blurry as she continued, "Feyre, long story short, she was a human once then became a high fae. When Rhys first introduced her to us, I was the one who constantly kept her company, I was the one who ensured her well-being, her proper transition to her new life. I taught her how to improve her shooting skills before the war against Hybern. I was loyal to my High Lady. I would follow her to the ends of the earth."

She let out a cruel, mocking laugh before continuing, "Then came Nesta and Elain. Feyre's two sisters. The King of Hybern threw them inside the Cauldron and turned them into high fae against their own will! And guess what? It was me again who took care of both of them. Especially Nesta because she was so misunderstood. I was the one who stood by her side through thick and thin. I was the one to join her little training session's as a sign of support. That was where I met Gwyn. The cause for my downfall. I was the one who talked sense into Cassian about being a proper mate towards Nesta. I-"

Her words were stuck in her throat. She wanted to cry. No. She won't.

"I...trusted them Fenrys. All of them. Mor and Amren, they were like sisters to me. We fought back to back on battlefields together for Cauldron's sake!"

She suddenly turned around and looked at him but did not see anything as her memories took over her "Do you know what I was doing right before I came here? I found out that the male whom I loved for so long was unfaithful to me for 2 years! 2 years, can you imagine?! And everyone fucking knew. Everyone. I was there for them when they were at their lowest but no one ever was there for me when I started descending into darkness all because Azriel was a little coward! But I was an idiot. Of course they would defend him. Protect him."

It felt good. So good to finally let your emotions out. To let your anger out.

But she could not breathe. She fell on her knees. Her mind was being bombarded with memories, her vision was getting more and more blurry, she was-

Y/n suddenly felt her body being pressed to a solid chest. She looked up to see Fenrys on the ground, holding her tightly to him while a mixture of anger, concern, frustration and pain was written all over his face.

His hands gently smoothed her hair as she laid her head on his chest, hearing his beating heart, "Shhhh, calm down now princess. It is in the past now."

She pressed her face further into his clothing as she murmured, "That doesn't make it any less hurtful."

She felt him sigh, "No, it doesn't."

His voice was so distant now. Y/n moved her head away from his chest to take a better look at his face and...yes he was definitely somewhere far off now, staring into the sunset with a mournful expression.

She quietly asked "What about you? What is your story Fenrys?"

He slowly looked back at her "It is a long one."

Her hand moved before she could even think, finding its place on his cheek. A look of surprise passed over his features as his gaze landed on hers. She smiled slightly, "I am willing to listen."

He gave a weak smile back, "You didn't tell me your full story now, did you?"

She sighed and looked down while closing her eyes, "No. I did not."

The next thing she knew, he put his thumb on her chin, followed by his index finger under her chin, and lifted her head up.

They were so close now, his breath was hitting her face. She could count the freckles on his face. Oh how otherworldy beautiful this male was.

Fenrys' gaze fell onto her lips as he quietly said, "Then we shall talk of our lives some other time."

She gave him a slight nod. Did she? y/n could not even remember because her gaze was locked on his as they started inching closer and closer, their lips about to-

A loud rumble shook the whole place as they were both ripped back from their haze and immediately got up.

Y/n turned around quickly so that he wouldn't see her embarassingly red blush that was beggining to form on her face.

"I-um...thank you...for letting me talk my nonsense."

She felt his hand on her arms as Fenrys turned her around. He had a very serious look on his face as he said, "Do not apologize. You did not talk 'nonsense' you let your feelings out."

Before y/n could reply, there was that loud growl again. Fenrys chuckled "Seems like Abraxos is not happy right now."

Right. Abraxos. That giant beast thing.

"I don't understand how you guys have such giant beast thingies-"

Fenrys let out a full laugh at that and for some reason, y/n wanted to engrave that sound in her memory for ever. Because he is always an arrogant prick who does not know what fun means, she kept telling herself.

"Wyverns, they are called Wyverns. Did you see him yet?"

"What?! No, of course not."

"Then let's go."

"Fenrys wai-"

But Fenrys took her hand and they were gone. The next thing she knew, she was in the middle of the palace grounds and there was this large beast thingie- Wyvern in front of her.

Manon was also here together with Eva and Lysandra as the young girl tried petting it.

As they got closer, she could hear Manon saying, "How many times have I told you to not eat the flowers in the royal gardens?! Just eat the flowers here, you know Aelin and how pissed she gets about her sweet little royal flowers, just avoid me the headache and eat the flowers on this side of the land, you stubborn brute!"

Abraxos only snarled back as Eva and Lysandra laughed loudly.

Eva was the first one to notice them as she ran towards y/n and took her hand, dragging her towards Abraxos.

"Y/n! meet Abraxos, he may look scary but he is the sweetest little creature everrr!"

As she came near it, y/n let out a little uncomfortable chuckle, "Doesn't really seem like a sweet little innocent creature to me."

Lysandra put her hand on y/n's shoulder and smirked "Well, he is the weirdest that's for sure. Unlike other Wyverns who eat humans and whatever living being they can get their teeth on, this fellow over here eats...flowers."

She heard Fenrys chuckle behind her as Manon scoffed.

Before anyone could say anything, Abraxos moved towards her with surprising gentleness, his massive wings folded back in a display of docility. His scales shimmered in the final few rays of light coming from the sunset, reflecting hues of deep blues and black that glinted like polished gemstones.

Y/n stood frozen for a moment, unsure whether to retreat or stand her ground. Abraxos approached cautiously, his large eyes fixed on her with an almost curious gaze. She could feel the warmth of his breath as he sniffed the air around her, his demeanor unexpectedly gentle despite his imposing size.

Eva beamed beside her, her enthusiasm undimmed. "See? He likes you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight.

Y/N managed a nervous smile, tentatively reaching out a hand to stroke Abraxos' scaled muzzle. To her surprise, he leaned into her touch, emitting a low rumble that sounded almost like contentment.

"He's... actually quite sweet," y/n admitted, her initial apprehension melting away in the presence of the gentle giant before her.

Manon crossed her arms, a begrudging smile playing on her lips. "Don't let him fool you," she warned, though her tone held a hint of fondness. "He's a soft spot for anyone who shows him kindness."

Lysandra chuckled softly. "Well, you've won him over, y/n. Not many can claim that honor."

Fenrys stepped forward, his usual guarded expression softening as he watched the scene unfold. "Abraxos has a way of surprising us all," he remarked, a note of respect in his voice.

She felt the world around them fade away as if it was just her and this beast who was starting to warm its way to her heart. How is this even possible?

A servant came running towards them as she said, "Dinner is ready your majesty and....ladies and...lord Fenrys...." The poor girl squeled and ran away the second Abraxos moved and everyone let out a chuckle, especially Fenrys who said while shaking his head, "Still can't understand why they don't call me by my name when I am not even a lord."

Lysandra and Eva began going towards the palace as the former said while still smiling, "Well it sure is hilarious to watch them stumble over their words when they are in your presence."

Fenrys smirked and moved towards the palace but stopped when he saw y/n still petting Abraxos.

"Aren't you coming?"

"You go. I will join you in a minute."

He smiled slightly but turned around and walked after Lysandra and Eva.

"You know that Eva has a crush on you right?"

Y/n was startled by Manon's voice. She was leaning against her Wyvern's side, arms crossed, watching y/n like a hawk. Seems like The Queen of Witches also hadn't left yet.

"What? No, of course she doesn't"

Manon looked towards the palace as she said, "The girl literally has hearts in her eyes whenever she looks at you. Clings to you like a koala bear. Besides, I heard her telling Lysandra how she can't wait to grow up and confess her 'undying love' for you. Poor child."

The silver haired witch looked back at her. Y/n let out a laugh that was soon joined by a small smirk on Manon's face.

"Well then, I guess I will have to wait for the next 5 years for her to come of age and confess her love to me. Pity that I am over a hundred years older than her." y/n said jokingly while still chuckling.

Suddenly, she let out a low hiss as her hand got pricked by one of the sharp, small scales on Abraxos, causing her blood to trickle down her palm.

No, not here. Please. Not now.

She had to hide her curse. Her lifelong secret. Her lifelong doom.

Manon can not see-

A gasp came from beside her as The Queen of Witches took her hand and inspected it. After what felt like an eternity, Manon raised her head, eyes slightly widened as she said,

"Your blood is blue. You are an Ironteeth Witch."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/n: Sooo y/n's secret is out now. Wonder what will happen next;)) Thank you all for reading!

Taglist: @ladespedidas @mis-lil-red @going-through-shit @kaitttttttt @blackgirlmagicforever

@acotar-writing @paleidiot @snoopyspace @stained-glass-eyes0708 @saltedcoffeescotch

@wallacewillow0773638 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @crazylokonugget @bunnyredgirl

@fullmoon-94 @thecraziestcrayon @idkwahr

[lalalian]

aethergarde academy interior pt.2

date: september 15, 2024

I was gonna post this yesterday but I didn't wanna spam a bunch of posts, yk?

Part 1 here!

Anyway, before we get to the images, let's talk take a quick look at a map.

Aethergarde Academy, as seen in the script, is located on a floating island. Unlike Naurena, Aethergarde's floating island isn't manmade, it's naturally occurring.

I wrote this in my script awhile ago but I'm pretty sure it's not in the public script.. you can place this paragraph the More Travel Details dropdown under the pic of Aethergarde's school building:

"The city that owns the territory Aethergarde resides in is called Itresal (ee-treh-sul), which is the capital of the Empire. It’s a very affluent city, and many many people want to live here (it's not cheap to live in Itresal though). The festivals here tend to be pretty extravagent, and there's always tons of vendors in certain streets. Do expect to see traveling merchants often at the docks or in festivals and vendor populated areas."

norcross archipelago:

This is essentially the play area for dragons, though many dragons also like to lounge around Tybees and Plymond. The islands in the Norcross Archipelago are:

Gyrios Isle (Guy-rose)

Summorset Isle (Summer-set)

Cruest Isle (Croo-est)

Noble's Board (the island itself is simply known as the Noble's isle)

Did you see the huge tree on Summorset Isle? That general area is where Talonspyre is celebrated on campus. A tree isn't always there (the talonspyre tree is cut down and the resources are used to make potions sold in the campus' apothecary store (potion and herb store)) but that general area is fenced in for this specific event. You cannot go in there unless you obtain a pass or yk just wait till Talonspyre.

Cruest Isle is a common bathing spot for dragons, a fence is placed at the edge of the waterfall to prevent any dragons from falling off the island. An older dragon does tend to sit near the edge of the waterfall just to make sure nobody gets into an accident.

Gyrios is pretty boring honestly; Both Summorset and Gyrios are frequented by the young to learn how to hunt.

Tybees and Plymond are also used for hunting. Dragons may venture off campus to hunt, but they're advised not to go too far. If a dragon needs to hunt off campus, they must go in groups of three (at least 3, the more the better). Dragons who are younger than two years old must go with two dragon advisors (these dragons are bonded to the teachers at the academy) but dragons older than that are required to take one dragon advisor to leave campus.

If you've seen the 1st part, you probably know what's on Noble's island... Yes, it's the noble's dorm, also referred to as Noble's Board. Before it was built, that island was simply another play area for the dragons.

These islands also serve as great flying practice areas for both riders and dragons!

guardian aviaries

An aviary is a essentially just a huge collection of dragon nests. There are two large aviaries, the one labelled on the map and the ones in the mountains behind the Aethergarde Academy building.

Your dragon's species does affect where their personal nest is. Your dragon will move into a nest when they are unable to stay in your dorm or in the nursery; so about 3-4 months. If your dragon is particularly clingy, you may have to deal with them trying to catch your attention in the middle of the night by roaring loudly around the dorms or, if your room has a window, peeking through the window.

Since you guys will be bonded to a gilded dragon, you will more than likely have a window spot near the Guardian Aviary just so you can monitor your dragon more closely as gildeds are quite infamous for being uncooperative.

tybees & plymond

These islands are, again, considered a play area for dragons. Sometimes, dragons will go to Tybees to get alone time, as Tybees is the least frequented island.

Plymond also has a large waterfall lake situation like Cruest; it also has a fence at the end of the waterfall.

harklorn embassy

Harklorn Embassy is the first building you'll enter when you go to Aethergarde; you will receive your student ID (Your Keystone) in this building. This embassy handles everything related to transportation in and out of Aethergarde. That space next to the building is where the dragons land, though Aethergarde is in talks with Aiellesbia to expand the island somehow to create more space on the island.

This island will likely undergo expansion of some kind in your 2nd yr of school.

Nobody goes directly to Aethergarde first; you must be approved through Harklorn to even fly onto the main island. If you try to fly directly onto Aethergarde's island first... it's like walking into a glassdoor. There's an invisible forcefield around the entire island, including Tybees, Plymond, the Guardian islands, and the Norcross Archipelago. If you try to enter without getting a pass of some kind, officials within Aethergarde are alerted.

Anyway, if you're entering Aethergarde temporarily, you receive a scroll that disperses into ash once you use it (1 full use is entry into the building and checking out). Similar to entry, you must go directly to Harklorn to leave.

Why the strict system? Well, Aethergarde needs to know who has and has not been in the area. If someone's gone missing or is considered a suspect in a criminal investigation, it helps to know who you are and if you're still in the area.

Students are automatically tracked into the system once you get your keystone, as soon as you fly out, a quill will take note of your departure. Your keystone tracks your location, so if you do need help, send a message to someone with your keystone.

What about dragons? Do they have to check into Harklorn? Yes! Sometimes older dragons will want to fly onto campus to check things out. Because the area around Aethergarde has a high concentration of mana, it attracts magical creatures, including dragons.

Dragons can sense the forcefield and will simply route to Harklorn to enter. It's not like riders can't sense the forcefield, they can, but humans cannot.

If you are a rider, you need to register your dragon into the system. You cannot just fly into the area on your dragon; again, it's like running into a glass door, you'll be bonked by the invisible forcefield.

onto the interior

Whew, that was more than I wanted to write, honestly 😭😭

Let's start with the exterior!

this is what the outdoor hallways would look like!

you may see some dragons perched around these hallways during class time (especially the younger ones) because they wanna get a glimpse of their rider

in the photo of the school in the script, there isn't a roof over the outdoor corridors, but there will be for some of the corridors + a forcefield will form just before it rains for the hallways that don't have roofs

there will be some of these outdoor grassy areas around the school

you will also see dragons perched around here too lmao

this is great area to have a picnic

another garden type area

more outdoor corrider pics

this pic and the next one are some of the larger courtyards that would be on campus

they have several tables around too for students to eat outdoors, though, there is a dining hall (cafeteria) in the building too

the table and chairs pictured here is one of the tables set up for the students to use

please pick up after yourself

I mean you can just leave your plates there (since most nobles aren't used to cleaning up after themselves, they'll usually do this 😭😭), but yk it'd be easier for the keepers if you just took your plates inside

the interior (finally)

this is like the stairs and stuff, idk LMAO

completely enclosed area

smaller classrooms are here

...more stairs

this is where the larger classrooms would be

This is the dining hall (cafeteria)

the dining hall can also be called the mess hall

usually knights and commoners refer to the cafeteria as the mess hall

nobles usually call it the dining hall, your teachers will call it the dining hall

anyway this is completely inside, the stairs leading up the to chairs are actually for the emperor, empress, king, or queen when they visit. You cannot sit here! If all four figures show up to the dining hall, the emperor and empress will sit at the chairs, and the king and queen will sit at another table reserved for them

If your dragon is less than a year old, I would recommend sitting inside bc they could easily swoop in and eat your food

aethergarde's crest will be visible on the bottom portion of those light blue banners

another angle of the dining hall

the entrance and exit to the dining hall through the double doors seen at the far left side of the photo (there is another set of doors across the ones pictured in the photo)

this is the meeting room (between all the students + the teachers)

you will go here for orientation

the inner most circle will have a large globe displaying the world map

the average student won't actually go here often

unfortunately for you, you are not the average student, and there is a world conflict going on that you will be directly involved with so... hope you like the room! the windows look nice don't they?~

This is the library

that gigantic book helps the librarian find books in the library

speaking of which, if you need a book, instead of finding it yourself, I really would just ask the librarian

this library is fucking h u g e, just let the librarian make the big ass book summon a novel for you

the book has the name of every single book that has graced the shelves of the library + it's status (like if it's been checked out, still available, destroyed, or is no longer in the academy)

the librarian will essentially cast a spell on the large book, and books you want will appear on the shelves along the stem of the book structure

there are multiple copies of textbooks you need for your classes, but do know that there's only like 10 max of each textbook

just get your own textbooks

there are also fictional books in the library, it's not all boring stuff!

this is one of the private apocathery rooms, you have to rent one out to use one

ask the librarian to rent a room; it's located in the library

wanna know more about my aethergarde academy dr? here's a masterlist with everything I've posted about it!

[caniruineverything]

you can’t choose what stays and what fades away

an angsty merlin fanfic inspired by dbda 1x04

Summary: Merlin and Arthur are on patrol when they come across a cliff overlooking a lake that wasn’t on any maps. Still, it seems just like a normal lake. So Merlin really isn’t expecting it when Arthur tries to throw himself off the cliff, yelling for his mother.

read below or on ao3

It was supposed to be a normal patrol. But then, Merlin really shouldn’t have been surprised when things went wrong. Troubles seemed to follow him and Arthur around.

Everything was fine for the first few days. Uther had gotten wind that Cenred’s forces were advancing from the east, and had sent Arthur and his men out to investigate. Which of course meant that Merlin had to go too.

The patrol had actually been relatively peaceful, which Merlin greatly appreciated. Arthur happened to be in good spirits, which meant more playful teasing and less unreasonable demands. Merlin also had to admit that seeing Arthur laughing around with his knights made Merlin happy too.

The calm that had defined the first two days was sadly not present on the third. When Merlin woke up, he was startled by the quiet. He had awoken before the knights, so the air was free of the noises of armor clinking and overlapping voices. But more than that, there were no crickets or birds chirping, no rustle in the undergrowth from squirrels or chipmunks.

As the sound of the knights waking up reached his ears, Merlin tried to push away his unease. By the time they had saddled up, he had managed to push that unnerved feeling to the back of his mind. It was all but forgotten as they rode. Arthur still joked around, but Merlin knew him well enough to know that he was slightly less relaxed than he had been in the previous days.

It seemed as though everyone had caught onto the silence Merlin had noticed. All the knights were a bit more reserved, and noticeably more on edge, constantly casting wary looks at the dense forest on either side of them.

The party rode until midday, when Arthur held up a hand to signal to the riders to stop their horses. Merlin wasn’t sure what had prompted Arthur to stop, but he obeyed nonetheless.

Quietly, but not silently, Arthur directed the knights to split off in pairs to survey the area. As he finished, he turned to Merlin, who could see that Arthur had slipped out of his lighter mood, now becoming more serious.

“Merlin, with me. Knights, fan out. Report back here when you’re done.” With that final command, he turned around, starting into the forest. Merlin trailed after him, cautious but still confused.

“Arthur, why have we stopped here? No one else sensed anything,” he reasoned. Arthur turned back to him, brows furrowed. He opened his mouth to speak, but paused. He turned back around again before replying.

“Mer-lin, I am the prince. I hardly need to explain myself to you simply because you have the instincts of a deaf mole-rat.” Merlin scoffed quietly, affronted by Arthur’s insult. Yet Arthur’s tone seemed off, less annoyed and more stressed.

“Alright, fine. I just figured I should know what we’re walking into.” Arthur didn’t answer, just continued pushing through the overgrown trees and bushes. He almost seemed to be following an invisible map, though Merlin was sure Arthur had never been here before.

Soon enough, they came across a cliff overlooking a large lake, so big Merlin couldn’t see where it ended, even from up so high. It seemed impossible, as a body of water this big would surely have been on the map of the region they had studied before embarking. Yet the map had showed no water anywhere near where they were headed.

Had they just gotten that badly lost? Merlin wouldn’t say it out loud, but he considered Arthur a pretty good navigator. So was it magic? If so, Merlin wasn’t sure it was malicious. By all accounts, the lake seemed normal.

“Arthur, why are we just standing here looking at this lake?” Merlin asked, genuinely at a loss for why Arthur was still just staring at the water, not moving. Arthur didn’t seem to hear Merlin’s voice, despite how quiet the forest was, so Merlin nudged him gently, tensing in preparation for the retaliation that was sure to come.

But it didn’t. Arthur simply jumped slightly, as if Merlin had snuck up behind him instead of having been by his side the whole time.

“Merlin?” He said it as a question, before apparently catching himself and speaking more decisively. “You dare question your prince?” Now, Merlin was used to Arthur brushing off his questions, but he usually gave Merlin some information, especially if he suspected a threat.

“Fine, clotpole,” he muttered, “be that way. What bug crawled up your a-”

“Mer-lin!” was all Arthur said. Merlin shut up. Arthur still hadn’t moved, still standing on the cliff’s edge and staring at the water. Merlin was slightly unnerved now, so he moved closer to Arthur.

“There’s nothing here, Arthur. Shouldn’t we head back to the horses?” To Merlin’s surprise, Arthur nodded slowly. Then he turned away from the ledge, and Merlin let out a breath, releasing tension he hadn’t noticed was there.

The pair had only walked a few feet, however, before Arthur stopped suddenly. Merlin looked at him with a mix of annoyance and apprehension. Arthur’s lips parted and whispered softly enough that Merlin likely wouldn’t have heard if he had been any further away.

“Mom?”

And then he was moving, before Merlin would even blink. Arthur’s pace was slow at first, allowing Merlin to process what was happening. As if in a trance, Arthur walked slowly over to the edge of the cliff. Merlin trailed behind him, unsure as to what was going on.

When Arthur didn’t stop walking, still moving towards the ledge, Merlin knew something was wrong.

“Arthur! What are you doing?” No reply, just the sound of Arthur’s chainmail shifting against itself. Merlin ran up behind Arthur, grabbing him gently. “Come on, snap out of it!” At this, Arthur slowly turned to Merlin, eyes slightly clouded.

“But she wants me to come,” he said softly, a heartbreaking confusion lacing every word.

“Who? There’s no one here.”

“My. . . mother. She’s here.” Merlin’s heart sank.

“Arthur, your mother isn’t here. She’s. . . gone. I’m sorry.” Arthur looked somehow more confused, but as Merlin carefully watched his friend’s face, Arthur’s expression hardened, becoming determined. He began to move closer to the edge, faster this time. Heart pounding, Merlin grabbed Arthur’s shoulder, trying to stop him.

“Unhand me, Merlin!” Arthur roared, the shock of such a loud noise nearly causing Merlin to do exactly as Arthur had ordered. He caught himself and grabbed Arthur more firmly. Arthur struggled hard, wrenching himself out of Merlin’s grasp.

“Arthur, no!” Merlin shouted, desperate. He lunged forward and grabbed Arthur around the waist, stopping him from moving any closer to the ledge. Arthur struggled wildly, thrashing about, and Merlin could feel his grip slipping. He knew that if Arthur jumped, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself.

Arthur was his other half, in every sense; if he were gone, half of Merlin would go with him. Merlin was prepared to give him everything. The world would go dark without the golden prince, and he knew the coldness of that loss would be unbearable.

“Arthur, stop! I’m trying to help you!”

“But she’s right there, she needs me!” Merlin looked around, once again seeing no one.

“Who, Arthur?”

“My mother,” he answered again, “She’s calling for me; she’s right there!” The desperation and hope in Arthur’s voice made Merlin’s heart clench painfully.

“Arthur, your mother isn’t here. Whatever you’re hearing, it isn’t real. Listen to me, please.” Merlin hated how close to pleading he was, and the audible desperation in his voice would have made him cringe in any other circumstance.

“No, no, she’s right there! Can’t you hear her? She’s calling for me. I need to go, let me go!” Arthur pulled against Merlin’s grip harder, nearly breaking free.

“I can’t hear anything, Arthur. Your mother isn’t here. Please stop struggling!” Merlin was genuinely pleading now, to hell with appearances. Arthur’s face took on that sad, confused look again.

“But she’s calling for me. She’s my mo- my- I have to- Mom!” Merlin’s heart cracked more with every break in Arthur’s voice. Arthur stopped struggling, slipping out of Merlin’s shaking hands and onto the stony ground.

Merlin could feel Arthur’s shoulders shaking with silent sobs as the sound of Arthur desperately crying for his mother rang in his ears, even away from the palace trying to avoid being seen as weak. He crouched down, wrapping an arm around Arthur’s shoulders and pulling him closer. Arthur shifted, burying his face in Merlin’s shoulder, still choking out small cries for Ygraine.

They sat there in silence for a while, before Arthur composed himself a bit. He cleared his throat, pulling away from Merlin.

“Merlin, I, um. . .” he trailed off, clearly embarrassed. “Thank you. I don’t know what came over me.” He averted his eyes, avoiding looking at Merlin or the ledge.

“Arthur, it’s not your fault. It was magic, you couldn’t have stopped it.” Merlin hoped Arthur would listen. The prince had a tendency to blame himself when things went wrong, despite the fact that he always did everything he could to help.

“I suppose,” Arthur conceded, too drained to argue.

“Great. Come on, then, your men are probably waiting.” Merlin grabbed one of Arthur’s arms, gently pulling him up so he was standing. Arthur still looked pained, and a bit confused. “Arthur, I know you really wanted it to be your mother. I’m sorry it wasn’t.”

Arthur nodded at him, the gesture almost imperceptible, but Merlin knew every single one of Arthur’s mannerisms. This was a nod of acknowledgement and gratitude, and Merlin smiled warmly back at him.

“Now, come on, clotpole. The knights are waiting!” Arthur narrowed his eyes at Merlin before grinning conspiratorially.

“Oh, eager to set up camp and cook dinner, huh? Maybe you really do know how to be a manservant after all, Merlin.” He turned and began walking back into the forest, leaving Merlin scoffing behind him.

“Oh- you- Arthur!” Merlin sprinted to catch up, but not before taking another glance at the lake. Later, after he had indeed set up all the tents and cooked dinner for all the knights, he could have sworn he’d seen something glowing deep down in those dark waters.

[cheetahsprints]

Prompt #13: Snow

Inspired by this post

• Sonadow Prompt Fills •

• Ambience Music •

*

White, as far as the eye could see. Almost blinding, to anyone that lacked keen eyesight. Shadow wondered if the creature had a plan, or if it was just too stupid to know that a little snow wouldn’t stop Shadow’s pursuit. He was the Ultimate Hunter, after all. He cocked his gun and smirked to himself. He activated his air shoes and easily glided over the covered hills. Some of it melted a trail beneath him.

He slipped through trees. His ears twitched as he listened.

There was an unexpected yelp. Shadow ground his teeth. Had another hunter got to his target before him? Impossible, without cheating, for this prey was faster and trickier than any other Shadow had known.

Shadow would make the mysterious interloper pay.

He skated toward the sound at full speed. A clearing opened to a small iced over lake. Shadow scanned the area. It was empty and still, there was nothing of note except… except for a considerable hole in the lake. Based on when he heard the cry, he concluded that his prey had been under too long.

“Damnit… you have to be kidding me.”

He nestled his gun between low hanging branches and dove in. He could just barely make out the large, fluffy form of the werehog in the shimmering abyss. He grabbed the hog by the scruff and pushed his air shoes to their limit until he breached the surface. He dragged the werehog to the edge of the clearing and gathered some thin, dry branches. He lit a fire with his shoe exhaust.

Shadow rubbed his hands over the fire and wondered what on Earth he was even doing. He could’ve simply let the werehog drown and fetch him afterward. He was wanted dead or alive. Perhaps, it seemed like too cheap of a way to end the hunt.

He had been exhilarated by the chase this last year, admittedly. It had breathed more life into his hollow soul than he had felt in ages.

The sun peeked in, casting a beautiful rosy light across the clearing that reminded Shadow of why he sometimes liked this backwater planet.

The werehog had shrunk to his usual hedgehog form, and it was the first time Shadow had seen his more vulnerable state. Curse him, but it was more difficult to think of the scrawny blue thing as a bloodthirsty monster that he needed to neutralize. His eyes cracked open and landed on Shadow.

He yelled and scrambled backward until his back hit a tree trunk. Shadow continued expressionlessly basking in front of the flames. The hedgehog gasped for air noisily.

“Are you gonna - are you gonna kill me?!” The hedgehog broke off and wrapped his arms around himself, shivering violently.

“Get over here where it’s warm, moron.”

He actually crawled the distance like a shy kitten. Shadow rolled his eyes and pulled the other to his side to share body heat. The blue hedgehog’s muzzle flushed pink.

“Um… my name is Sonic. I can run fast, but not on ice. I can’t swim either.”

“You shouldn’t have sprinted off into the wintry hinterlands then, you fool,” Shadow admonished.

“Haha, well I’m not exactly in total control of my faculties in that form. Why didn’t you let me die?”

“No fun.”

Sonic laughed again. “It’s oddly comforting knowing you were enjoying this chase as much as I was. I’ve never had such a challenge before!”

“Neither have I,” Shadow confessed.

Sonic shuddered and curled further into him. His bare, peach-furred hand glided along Shadow’s belly and settled in the clump on his chest. Shadow hoped he wouldn’t feel the rate of his heartbeat.

Shadow added, “I’m not going to kill you when you’re defenseless and not in werehog form.”

“Hey, I’m not a weakling like this! Your loss. Don’t expect me to go easy on you next time I transform,” Sonic murmured, then gave his ear a lick. Shadow shivered for a reason that wasn’t related to the icy crystals clinging in his fur.

“I’m counting on that.”

“I can’t wait! But uh, can we get out of here, dude?”

“It’s Shadow.” He hauled Sonic over his shoulder, purring with satisfaction when he squeaked. “Let’s go.”

If they stayed together at a cabin in the wilderness, having snowball fights, hiking, playing games during blizzards, and curling up in front of the fire with cups of coffee and cocoa respectively, until the next full moon, well… it was just for them. The other hunters didn’t need to know.

*

[thewatcherprevails]

Dead Man Walking

Name: Mothilmec (They/Them)

Race: Death Godlike

Class: Priest of Berath

Level: 3

picking up where we left off with Moth, Mothilmec emerged from the incident in the Glanfathan ruins with newfound powers. Moth saw this as a miraculous blessing from Berath and was eager to reach Gilded Vale to revel in their new prowess and vigor. However, Moth spent countless hours not sleeping, so the moment we reached Gilded Vale, a bed would soon be in order. Before that, on the road, Moth met a individual who was hastily packing up their things after a close encounter with a bear that claimed their friend. Moth didn't make much of a fuss about their pals death, too tired and focused to reach Gilded Vale. After a brief encounter with a single bandit, Moth finally reached Gilded Vale and...Well...

Gilded Vales was a hallow and sad looking town, seemingly devoid of life, save for the few souls who still walk among the living. The main landmark of this tiny village is the gallows tree with multiple hanging bodies. Entering Gilded Vale, we are greeted by the magistrate of the town, Urgeat, who gives us a "warm welcome" to Gilded Vale. Despite Moth confirming that they're here to settle in, they are not given any personal land to call their own. Instead, Moth is directed to the nearby inn and asked to stay there for the time being. The reason for this is because the local lord, Raedric, is expecting a newborn and everyone is on edge about it.

Urgeat asks Mothilmec if they have experienced a Hollowborn child, which Moth answers by asking what that even was. It is here that Moth discovers first hand the rumors they've been hearing that prompted them to come out here. Hollowborn are newborn children born without souls; the most they do is simply breathe. But out here, they call this epidemic "Waidwen's Legacy." And while I say 'epidemic,' no one knows what this is. Some claim it to be a disease, others believe it to be a curse from the gods. All that everyone in the area knows is that this whole Hollowborn thing started after something called the Saint's War.

Moth, too tired to ask any further questions, asks this magistrate if there's perhaps someone who can help explain their "illness" that they have obtained since that Bîaŵac. Urgeat wasn't too helpful on this, especially since they said that the one individual in town who could've helped us was now hanging in the gallows tree. Moth decided they were going to handle this in the morning, but not before hearing 3 bell tolls in the area, signaling that the newborn child of the local lord was...Dead. This changes the vibes as now it seems everyone is going to be dealing with a grieving lord, and considering what they do to their own citizens, Moth is now walking on thin ice.

Trudging over to the nearby Black Hound Inn, Moth discovers a peculiar sight.

Mothilmec meets our first official companion, Aloth Corfiser, an Aedyran Elf who also came out here to settle down. However, homie seems to have a troublesome tongue on them as we discover them in the middle of a tussle with the, albeit drunk, locals. Moth was able to kill them off, protecting Aloth from a beat down and learns a bit of the fellow Aedyran. Moth agrees to travel with Aloth, needing a companion in these troublesome times since who knows if Moth will be able to stay in Gilded Vale for long.

Upon taking a much needed rest, Moth experiences a strange dream involving a Dwarven woman hanging from the gallows tree. Moth is startled awake when this woman zooms up on them, screaming a single word, "Watcher!"

Seeing this as a sign to investigate the tree, Moth practically rushed out of the inn without Aloth, making their way to the hanging Dwarf. It is here that Moth learns that they can communicate with those who have long died, if their soul still lingers, and has a nice conversation with Caldara de Berranzi, the hanging Dwarf.

Caldara explains that we have become a Watcher, a individuals who capable of perceiving the souls of other people and interacting with them, both as a passive observer (thus the name) and as an active participant, affecting their essence. However, that is where Caldara's knowledge of Watchers begin and end as they are more in the Animancer field than the Watcher one. Animancers being individuals who study souls through scientific means.

Regardless, though, Moth now has a slightly bigger target on their head since commonfolk do not see or understand the difference between either. Seeing both Watchers and Animancers as potential threats, especially during these trying times. Caldara was hung because Lord Raedric asked for Caldara to ensure his wife was steady for the birthing of their son. Waidwen's Legacy has been deeply affecting the area and he wanted to ensure that his son would survive. However, despite her best efforts, Caldara could find nothing wrong with his wife and tried to stall to give herself more time to understand what could be causing this curse. But Raedric grew impatient and ordered for her execution.

Caldara exclaims that Moth can perhaps find more info about Watchers by exchanging notes with another fellow Watcher at a fortress known as Caed Nua. Moth thanks Caldara for her insight, further convinced that they have been blessed by Berath to oversee the souls of the waking world and help guide them back through the cycle of life and death.

Now, while Moth was having a lovely conversation with Caldara, to outsiders who are not Watchers, Moth was simply staring and standing in place. Exiting his trance like state, Moth comes forward excitedly to Aloth that he's a Watcher, needing to temper his joy in case onlookers get the wrong idea. Moth expresses that they must go to Caed Nua to meet this other Watcher, hoping to tutor under this other individual so that they may master their new power. Before leaving, however, a nearby villager takes interest in Moth suddenly.

Moth has met this individual, Edér, last night before crashing, but paid him no mind. The conversation starts as Edér explains the reason Gilded Vale has fallen into such a sad state. It all started with the Saint's War, a war that Edér himself fought in with his brother, Woden. The Saint's War was the result of a individual who claimed to be the living vessel of Eothas, the god of rebirth & redemption. Despite these softer domains, this individual, named Waidwen came to the Dyrwood with the bois (an army) and was apparently so bad that worshipers of Eothas were persecuted during this war. Eventually, the war was won when they blew Waidwen up.

Moth listened to this story with both intrigue and mild contempt. If this whole Hollowborn situation was the cause of the Saint's War, blowing up their god is their own undoing. Then again, Moth wasn't there, and Edér hasn't given much details on why they went to war with their own god (supposedly), but Moth was already silently judging. When Edér pointed out the old temple dedicated to Eothas, Moth saw this as a opportunity to perhaps ask Eothas for forgiveness. Something Moth would propose to Edér later after looking for the fellow Watcher. In the meantime, Moth allowed Edér to join his group to ensure his safety from the village people who might desire to hang Edér up on the gallows tree next.

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs: Post Production - Entering Seinaru Mori

Primary Pairing: LanzShio Words: 543 Rating: T? AU: Angels, Vampires, Monsters Time Frame: Long before the main story Prompt: Tree Content Warning: Discussion of vampire and other monster stuff

---------

Author's Note: Bonus second entry for the 9th that I again forgot to post before my primary entry for the 10th

Summary: Lanzhu and Shioriko arrive at the Veil protecting Seinaru Mori

---------

“Halt.” An eerie voice commanded, seeming to come from both everywhere and nowhere. “Those who consume others for sustenance are not allowed within the Veil.”

Shioriko and Lanzhu had finally arrived at the edge of Seinaru Mori, a sacred forest at the base of Mt. Fuji. After an… eventful escape from the mainland, a strained voyage across the sea, and a labyrinthian hike through the woods, they simply wanted to rest and take refuge in the supernatural haven.

It had all been Lanzhu’s idea in an effort to hide and protect Shioriko, who was now a vampire, and thus among the least trusted types of monsters. Even in Japan, were many monsters lived peacefully in human society, vampires were often shunned. Unfortunately, it seemed little different here as well.

“That’s rich coming from a jinmenju.” Lanshu sneered.

The fruits on the three before the couple turned toward them, revealing their human-like faces.

“We are capable of obtaining nutrients from the decomposition of others.” The jinmenju stated. “Such is the nature of all plants.”

“Yes, but you…”

“Those parts of the legend have been greatly exaggerated.” The tree interrupted Lanzhu.

Unfortunately, Shioriko was unfamiliar with the jinmenju tree and was unable to contribute to either side.

“Let’s just find somewhere else to go.” Shioriko decided to say instead.

“No.” Lanzhu stated firmly. “Lanzhu said she would take Shioriko to Seinaru Mori, and that is what Lanzhu will do.”

Shioriko sighed.

“Those who consume others…” The jinmenju started to repeat.

“Shioriko will not consume anyone.” This time it was Lanzhu who interrupted.

“She is a vampire.”

“And she can survive on my blood.”

“That is…”

“Which I give willingly.”

“…”

“Shioriko will not drink from an unwilling host.”

“Is this true?” The heads turned toward Shioriko.

“…” Shioriko was about to answer in the affirmative when the memory of one host, the only human from whom she had ever drank, made her pause.

“I swear by my honor as an angel that she will never drink from an unwilling host.” Lanzhu asserted.

“We are asking her.” The jinmenju replied.

“I…” Shioriko swallowed. “I will not drink from an unwilling host.”

It was not a lie. She would never do so. Not again.

“We will consult with our fellow guardians of the Veil.” The tree said after moment.

Suddenly, a rapid series of pops, snaps, cracks and creaks filled the air. It took a moment for Shioriko to notice that the tree’s bark and branches were twisting and shifting in a manner to create the sounds.

Silence reigned in the forest for what felt like hours, but was likely mere minutes, unbroken even by the expected background chatter of local fauna. Even the wind stilled as if it too was awaiting a reply. Then, in the distance, from several directions, responding series of pops and snaps echoed through the area.

“An exception shall be made.” The tree intoned. “But know that you will be observed closely.”

“Hrmp.” Lanzhu uncrossed her arms and took her girlfriend's hand. “Let’s go Shioriko.”

“One last thing before you enter.”

A branch lowered before the pair, presenting many, sweet smelling fruits.

“Thou art unwise to tempt an angel, demon tree.”

The branch withdrew, allowing Lanzhu and Shioriko to enter Seinaru Mori.

---------

Author's Note Continued: Readers of my Promptober 2022 event collection may recall an EmmaKanaKarin entry that introduced Seinaru Mori into the AU. And one of the cryptids the trio encountered was a gashadokuro, a giant skeleton known to roam around at night and eat any humans it finds. Obviously the guardians and/or denizens of the sacred forest have relaxed their stance on who is or isn't allowed in the sanctum. Perhaps some future chapter I write may explore this change. Perhaps Lanzhu and Shioriko play a role in this change. As always, time will tell.

[witchofthescions]

Outside, there was a rather nice looking garden area with a few trees and lots of flowers planted in neat little flowerbeds. But their attention was drawn almost immediately towards something else in the garden, something that most certainly was a more recent addition.

Suspended in a magitek cage of lightning was a large, draconic figure. Though the four of them had not seen it themselves, it was not hard to piece together what it was.

"Seems we've found where Shinryu disappeared to," Cress remarked.

"Welcome to the Royal Menagerie," Zenos greeted them.

Ernastral circled around to where he stood under the captured primal, gaze flicking between the man and the giant cage floating just behind him.

"The King of Ruin built this place for his foreign queen," he continued. "He kept it filled with familiar creatures from her homeland. They bored me all."

"I doubt they were intended to be hunted for sport," Lenar remarked.

"This fine specimen, on the other hand," Zenos said, gesturing towards Shinryu, "is simply... divine."

"That's one way a' puttin' it," Erna muttered, glancing towards the primal manifested from rage and desperation.

"Your fates are entwined, are they not, eikon-slayer?" Zenos said, directing his attention squarely towards Ernastral. "This dragon, this... embodiment of unbridled despair, born of a desperate man's burning hatred for the Empire... How raw the raging tempest that churns within its breast. No myth made manifest this, but... a being of pure violence." He laughed again and raised his arms as he spoke. "Mayhap you are the true architect of our design. You who fought the very soul of vengeance to the edge and watched him fall; you who let slip the Allagan hound to drive this eikon into my arms!"

Erna took a step back, feeling a little thrown off by his sudden enthusiasm. Zenos, for his part, apparently noticed the gesture.

"Oh... my. Have I said too much?" He lowered his arms again, though the grin didn't leave his face. "Forgive me, this... sensation is wholly unfamiliar to me."

"I don't want to know what 'sensation' he's experiencing right now," Gohnoh'a muttered. Erna quietly agreed.

"A question, then—and I should like very much for you to speak from the heart. If I were to stand aside, what would you do to this eikon?"

"What kinda question is that?" Erna said, raising an eyebrow. "Kill it, duh."

"Ah, as simple as that." Zenos shrugged. "But of course. You are the eikon-slayer. Such certainty is to be expected."

Ernastral wasn't sure why she felt... relieved at his lack of surprise. Maybe she was just so used to people being caught off-guard by her straightforwardness. Maybe it was his factual tone, the way he said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Or maybe it was the simple fact that he was neither talking down to her nor talking to her with overwrought reverence.

"A pity. There is another alternative. Or there would be... had you only mastered your abilities."

Ernastral frowned, momentarily confused.

"I speak of the Echo, of course. Does it merely render you immune to eikonic influence? Or is it rather that your influence is far greater than theirs?"

Erna's eyes widened as that question sank in. She hadn't really given much thought to it before Gohnoh'a had brought it up. Obviously, knowing what they knew, their conclusion was considerably different from Zenos's. But his own conclusion did give her pause.

"Granted, these implications are of no moment to a savage, who thinks only of killing the beast before him…"

No, they're very much important to us, actually. But you're just going to keep rambling on without stopping to elaborate, aren't you?

"But when I read van Baelsar’s reports, I immediately saw the boundless potential of the Echo," Zenos said, continuing his rambling. Erna mentally cursed. "I saw how it could be instrumental in binding an eikon to one’s will. Hence my research and the Resonant─and oh so much more!"

Zenos seemed determined to not give her much time to dwell on the implications all of this raised in the young black mage's mind. Whether it was because he viewed her as "a savage" who would have no interest in the topic or if he was simply on too much of a roll to want to stop was unclear. Ernastral was momentarily too wrapped up in her own thoughts to pay much heed to his tirade as he claimed the crusade his great-grandfather, Solus zos Galvus, founder of the Garlean Empire, started against eikons was born of fear.

"Man should fight for the joy of it," Zenos said as she tuned back in. "To live, to eat, to breed—lesser beasts snap and howl at one another for this. Only man has the wisdom and the clarity to embrace violence for its own sake." Erna recoiled a bit at the manic expression on his face. "For we who are born into this merciless, meaningless world, have but one candle of life to burn."

Zenos extended a hand to her, his expression settling into that annoying grin again. "I know you understand this. You and I are one and the same. Together, we could while away the quiet hours, as friend and confidant… if you will accept me."

Ernastral blinked, her expression turning to a confused frown as she processed the offer. She leaned back slightly, feeling vaguely uncomfortable with the direction this conversation was heading. Though she couldn't quite put her finger on why.

...What? Why is he... what???

"N... No? No thank you?"

Zenos arched an eyebrow as Cress and Gohnoh'a shot her looks. Lenar, sensing her discomfort, shifted to place himself between her and Zenos. Cress and Gohnoh'a followed suit, the latter contemplating drawing his blade and getting this fight started already.

"You sound remarkably uncertain for one who was so keen on tearing me apart mere moments ago."

"Why're you askin' if I wanna be friends with you all of a sudden when you've been tryin' ta kill me this whole time?!"

Zenos lowered his hand and shrugged. That was as close to an answer as he seemed willing to give her. "'Twas plain from the first how this would end. We are warriors, you and I." Once again with that grin. "You live for these moments—when all hangs in the balance... when the difference between life and death is but a single stroke." Zenos's voice raised to a fevered pitch. "I live for them too! This is who we are, my friend! This is all we are! Ala Mhigo and Doma and Garlemald be damned!"

With a single stroke, he slashed the lock on Shinryu's prison, resulting in its explosive dissolution. Shinryu reared up and roared, gathering aether into its mouth before unleashing it in a torrent of blue flames. It washed harmlessly over the five of them, even as Erna and her companions reflexively held up their arms to shield themselves.

"We tower above the gods! You by your gift, I by my might!"

Erna looked up to see Zenos's eyes turn red—the same way Fordola's eye had changed when she had activated her Resonant power.

"And before the Resonant the gods shall be made to kneel!"

A red glow surrounded him and Shinryu, and he suddenly rose into the air. He held out his arms, and somehow merged with the primal. Ernastral gazed up at the primal before her, suddenly reminded of Ysayle and Shiva way back when. Was everyone with the Echo truly capable of controlling a primal if they so chose to...?

From the primal echoed Zenos's voice, distorted by the dragon's form.

"An ending to mark a new beginning!"

[peace-coast-island]

Diary of a Junebug

Ride a hot air balloon through the clouds and dive into the crystal blue sea to set your worries free

Although Marippe’s known for its crystal clear waters, the bright blue sky’s worth admiring too - especially through a hot air balloon! When you need to clear your head, why not lose yourself to the sea and sky?

This trip was a bit of a last minute change as we - us campers and the Epiphany had other plans that didn’t pan out. Basically, we were supposed to check out this place called Leafsea, only for the hotel we reserved ended up closing because of a bad storm that took place a few days ago, which is unfortunate. There was flooding, fallen trees, and major power outages in several cities that took a couple days to clear up. So I guess it wasn’t meant to be.

And that’s how we ended up in Marippe. Landry actually spent a good part of her life there, something most of us never knew until now. Fionna spent a good part of her life here while Yang has some connections over there, most notably with the Warden of the Fortress, the Justice Fontaine, and Lady Madeleine. Laufey and Jiangyi have visited a couple times when they traveled with Yang to visit Fionna. As for the rest - Della, Jewel, Meiying, and Hongxia - it’s their first time coming here.

It’s a shame that we just missed Connie and Pai though since they just left for Sazona the day before we arrived. Eloise, Coralie, Josette, Aurelie, Kana, and Madeleine threw them a little dinner celebration to wish them well on their travels. I hope things go smoothly for them over there and Connie’s able to resolve whatever impending crisis that’s going on.

Madeleine and Aurelie have never been to Sazona themselves, but they know some people from there, so they were able to give Connie and Pai sort an idea on what to look forward to. Sazona is said to be a vibrant and colorful place with its high cliffs and jungles, as well as graffiti, which is a big thing over there. It’s also home to various mystical creatures, notably dragons, and they live among the people. So it’s not unusual to see familiars or companions hanging around. Since Pai has a knack for picking up strays, it’s likely that she’ll have a companion of her own.

We were hanging out at a restaurant when Landry said she had to take an important call, which turned out to be an excuse to get away. She never expected to almost run into her mother in the city since she doesn’t live in that area. Yang recognized Landry’s mother as well as her two co-workers who were with her, which probably explains why she was there.

To be honest, I didn’t think too much about it, at least until over an hour passed and Landry was still nowhere to be found. Turns out that she just wandered off and ended up getting lost since she’s not familiar with the city. Then she ran into Josette, who helped her find her way back to Kana’s shop, our designated meeting place. the plan was to just hang around the shops until around 2 and then head for the hot air balloons.

Being up in the sky was nice and relaxing, especially when all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery. I’ve grown to appreciate the view of the world from above with everything looking so small yet so vast - it’s a unique perspective you don’t often see every day, if ever. Once you get past that fear of looking down from very high above, I actually find it kinda exhilarating.

As long as you’re on something safe - like a hot air balloon - there’s like slim to no chance of falling. That is, unless you decide to do something stupid like climb over the edge to take a picture. Don’t worry, no one attempted such a thing - we’re all a reasonable bunch here.

Landry was finally able to relax once we were off the ground. Marippe’s a big place, so she never expected to run into her mother, who, last time she heard, still lives in that same old house in that same old town that’s at least an hour and a half away from the main city. To put it simply, she had a complicated relationship with her mother, who she only saw sporadically over the past 10 years or so since she began her space adventures. Her mother wasn’t too keen on her becoming a space captain, so that’s why they’ve grown distant over the years.

Of course, there’s a lot more to it than just that. Yang had met Landry’s mother and he got the impression that she doesn’t think highly of him, the main reason being that she considers him a homewrecker who took her daughter away from her. Landry’s mother never actually said any of that, but he heard it from her friend. So she wasn’t just avoiding her mother for her own sake, she was also looking out for Yang to avoid an awkward encounter.

Seeing her mother again, even from a distance for a few seconds, was enough to remind Landry why she left home. They used to be close, maybe a little too close. Back then, she said they had a lot in common, and maybe they still do, which was why Landry never felt the need to go out on her own. Her mother was the kind of person who kinda coddled her to the point where she wasn’t allowed to grow as a person.

Not only they were living together, they were also co-workers, so her mother was constantly hovering over her. She didn’t mind too much at first since she didn’t know anyone, but it started to become a problem when Landry tried to make her own friends, something that didn’t come easily to her, only to have her mother constantly intervene, usually by talking over her. sometimes she’d even interrupt Landry if she felt their conversations ran on too long, making up apologies for her daughter taking up everyone’s time. Sounds like the overly controlling type of parent.

Looking back, Landry realized that many aspects of her relationship with her mother were superficial in the sense that despite having a lot in common, they didn’t really know each other at all. I think it’s natural to kinda project yourself on someone you see a lot of yourself in, but it becomes a big problem when you force that other person into that same box that made you you - because they’ll never fit in there. It also never made sense to Landry when her mother would tell her to be more independent, be her own person, and yet, whenever she tried to assert herself, if her mother didn’t agree, she would cut her down.

She said there were times when she’d buy stuff for herself - with her own hard earned money - only for her mother to make her return them because she personally didn’t like or care for them. It’s just like, why? Your daughter’s a grown ass adult who can make her own financial decisions with her own money, why do you feel the need to dictate what she can or can’t buy for herself?

Same thing with her friends, if her mother didn’t like them, she find a way to push them out, often by telling them unflattering things about Landry, like she’s all talk but no action, or insist that her daughter is actually scaring them off from talking to her again because she’s too weird and awkward or something. She sounds like the type who complains that their kid struggles with making friends because they’re not the best at socializing, yet they go out of their way to prevent their kid from putting themselves out there under the guise of it’s for their own good. I think it’s because they look down on their kid, so they can’t imagine anyone wanting to be friends with them, which is pretty fucking sad.

For Yang, although he finds Landry’s mother to be a kind and decent person for the most part, she also reminds him a lot of someone in his past - a family member - who was controlling and overly protective in the same way. That someone, he unfortunately had to cut ties with once he realized that they were the kind of people who have no problems bailing out when the going gets tough and expects to be greeted with open arms again once the storm has passed. Yikes, not the kind of person you’d trust to stick by your side when you need them the most. He was unfortunately right about Landry’s mother in that aspect.

Basically, Landry had struggled with anxiety and depression for pretty much her whole life, something she didn’t realize until she went to college and a professor reached out to her when she was struggling in classes to the point she was just too overwhelmed to even just show up. By then, Landry had suspected that something was wrong with her, but she knew that if she brought it up with her mother, she’d immediately brush her off. So she kept it to herself, though she always wondered in the back of her mind since then if she should take her professor’s advice and seek out a professional.

After graduating from college and having difficulty getting into the career she had been studying for, Landry knew that she had to address the issue sooner or later. She lucked out because her mother’s workplace had an opening and the job seemed like a good fit for her, though that didn’t change the fact that there were still days when she was having difficulty getting stuff done - even more so now that she had a full time job that she didn’t mind too much, but at the same time it took a lot out of her due to her mother constantly watching her like a hawk.

Eventually, she reached a breaking point by attempting suicide, which resulted in her staying in the hospital for a time. To say her mother flipped out was an understatement - Landry said she still remembers the exact moment her mother stopped seeing her as a person, her pride and joy. Nothing like the crushing weight of disappointing your parents and having them turn against you the moment they realized that you were never gonna fit their expectations.

Again with the hypocrisy, which seems to be a recurring thing with Landry’s mother. She wants her daughter to get her shit together, yet refuses to do her part to help. Communication is a two way street - everyone has to do their share of the work in order to move forward. They suggested family counseling, Landry’s mother didn’t think it was necessary. Landry was a capable adult who could make her own decisions, except her mother kept getting in her way, frustrating not only her, but also the medical professionals who were doing their best to ensure that Landry got the help she needed.

Yang was the one who pushed Landry to be more assertive, as well as introduced her to the wonders of the galaxies and beyond. All he asked was if Landry had a say in everything her mother did for her, and she acted like it was a personal attack to undermine her authority. Like, excuse me, your daughter is almost 30, why are you treating her like some helpless person who can’t speak for themselves? So that’s where the basis for the homewrecker accusations came from.

In the end, Landry realized she had to make a decision if she wanted to get out of this slump. One option was to keep living under her mother’s shadow, to keep holing herself up in the box her mother wanted to stay in. Or she could take the plunge and learn how to live for herself, even if it means stumbling and making mistakes along the way. It didn’t take her long to gather the courage to ask Yang about what it takes to become a space pilot.

These days, Landry’s a well respected space captain and adventurer. She wouldn’t go so far as to say that she’s on the same level as Yang, but I think she’s well on her way up there. While she never intended to become somewhat of a hero, a part of her was driven to get her mother’s attention, and what better way to do that than aiming to be the best of the best? That’s not to say that she was solely driven by that, just something that really pushed her out of her comfort zone. Sure, it eventually did her some good, though there were times when maybe she should’ve trusted her gut instinct and stepped back. In short, she wouldn’t have become the person she is today if she hadn’t decided to go against her mother’s wishes.

Unfortunately, climbing to the top wasn’t all it was cracked out to be, especially if your only goal for doing so was to gain the respect of someone you looked up to. It was bad enough that her mother didn’t think Landry had what it took to be an adventurer, nor would she be able to handle life in space, but having her not acknowledge her accomplishments felt like more than a slap in the face. All her mother had to say was that she was wasting time playing hero, even going so far as to try to convince her that no one really respected her, that the friends she made only merely tolerated her and won’t hesitate to drop her for someone more capable.

That’s just fucking insulting. Landry worked hard to earn her title while helping countless lives in the process, only for her mother to just see it as a waste of time. As time went on, the more ridiculous it was when her mother kept criticizing and downplaying Landry’s accomplishments. Eventually, even she realized that her criticisms would make her look bad, so she switched to hyping up her daughter to look supportive and proud while still talking shit behind her back. I agree with Yang, that’s actually worse than just being openly opposed. Things like that results in trust issues.

As for why her mother feels that way, that remains a mystery, one that Landry’s accepted will probably never be resolved. As much as she loves her mother, she admits that looking back, communication was never their strongest suit between them. Although they were close enough to be open with each other about a lot of things, it was mainly on a superficial level with both sides really only focusing on what they wanted to hear from each other. Anything more complicated than that gets brushed under the rug.

I think the main issue boils down to her mother projecting herself on to her daughter to the point that she can’t imagine her as her own person, which is damaging for both of them. Maybe to her, Landry running off with Yang to become a renowned space captain is considered an act of betrayal. Who knows, maybe there’s a bit of jealousy in there too. Well, there’s no use in speculating too much - after all, there’s always more to it than meets the eye.

So that’s the gist of it. Landry still keeps in contact with her mother sporadically, but with her out and about in space during expeditions and now with the Epiphany, she doesn’t really have a reason to visit home, especially one she’s likely unwelcome in. She hasn’t been to her hometown in almost 10 years and has no desire to. As much as she would love to reconcile with her mother, she knows she has to be realistic about it. Sometimes things just don’t work out, and given her reaction to seeing her mother from a distance, I don’t think she’s ready for that yet.

Along with enjoying the lovely scenery from above, the hot air balloon ride did a lot of good to help Landry unload what’s been heavily weighing on her mind. she didn’t mean to lore dump us about her past, but Yang and Fionna know from experience that sometimes it helps to open up, especially around people you know you can trust. After all, that’s what friends are for.

The next day was a little more lighthearted as we spent the day exploring Marippe’s waters. No underwater ruins this time, just a bunch of cute sea creatures. Madeleine told us that there’s a spot near the opera house that’s full of friendly otters, so we had to check that place out. I didn’t expect to be greeted by so many adorable otters who were eager to show off their little treasures to anyone passing by. She also said that it’s a good area to collect all kinds of pretty shells, which is probably why the otters flock there.

And like the otters, I’ve got a handful of little treasures from the sea that I’m eager to show off! I got a couple of pastel pink and blue clamshells that look kinda like ceramics. the wonders of nature never cease to amaze me.

Read on AO3

[madame-cookie]

The ink is smeared on the edges of the paper, and at the ends of longer words and sentences. The page seems to have been written with a shaking hand, as if the writer were in a hurry, and the paper still smells faintly of fallen rain.

Cadivostellus is the name the Sylvari gave me. From our previous scoutings, and from the nature of the previous Elder Dragon facilities we had monitored up to this point, I expected stealth to be my ally. I was shocked to find but a single entity at the base of the tree’s roots. Sleeping, even. I could tell, even as I approached from a distance, that there was a powerful amount of magical potential dwelling beneath the surface of this sapling. Maybe the seed took root within a ley-line? I was excited, thinking of the potential recruits, and the knowledge this could bring to us back up above.

It was then that I noticed that… would not be the case. Where I had assumed this Sylvari must have been the first of their tree to bloom, the others simply waiting their turns, something… mortifying had happened here instead.

I hesitated to bring it to paper, even years after the fact, because of the fear that still crawls down my spine like an angry spider when I recall standing there before his sleeping frame. Hundreds of pods, all peeled, smashed, or torn apart. All of them… empty. The tree, as it was, was dying.

I remember his voice as his glowing white eyes fluttered open and took in my appearance. Were I but a rabbit in the gaze of a hungry wolf, I would have felt more at peace then. Deep, like the darkness of the Unending Sea, but curious, not unlike a child.

“I have never seen anything like you before.” Each word dug its way deeper into my head, but I held to my convictions, and decided to try and make the best of this… development.

“I can take you somewhere you’ll be safe. Where you could help be a part of something greater.” He seemed wholly uninterested at first, until I had casually woven a glyph to light the area with the setting daylight.

“It is… beautiful. Take me there. I will go with you.”

He walks about the halls of the library, and he jokes with the new recruits. As a senior Sylvari, some in particular see his presence and confidence as a symbol of strength for their own challenges. But even though it is in the name of Isgarren’s will, and though he has never showed even a single sign of betraying our trust, a part of me can’t watch them fight our enemies. No one sees the hunger in his eyes like I do, and, I shudder to say, I don’t know if anybody would believe me just the same.

-M

[alwri-tes]

"Android" - a short story I wrote in 2021

“I feel so very fortunate to have been allowed to accompany you on your walk today, Mx.Badawi. Although I do apologize for not being able to always keep up with you, my processors are working in overdrive!” Anya chuckled to herself.

“I had expected as much,” Mx. Badawi called from their place ahead. “Take all the time you need to absorb the necessary information. 

“But, Mx-”

“Stop, Anya.” 

Anya’s feet froze to the ground, midstep. She blinked, a small smile spreading across her face.

“What can I do for you, Mx. Badawi?”

“Look around. Tell me what you see.”

Anya looked upward, to the massive branches overhead. They were ancient and twisting, small circular leaves at the spindly edge of each branch practically touching. Anya slowly moved her head downward. She knew the knolls and lumps on each tree were simply that, natural formations of the bark, but her facial recognition software couldn’t let them go, they looked too much like eyes.

“I see trees. Mature California Live Oaks. They are the most prominent species in this particular area, due to the climate. I just detected a flicker of movement,” she felt the cameras that made up her eyes widen, pupils dilating. “It is a bird, a local common crow, pecking at the dirt. Would you like me to-”

“Enough, Anya.” Mx. Badawi sounded almost irritated, something that made Anya’s toes curl. She hadn’t done anything wrong, just what she had been asked to do! Maybe the mosquitos were beginning to get to Mx. Badawi, while their blood was nowhere near as attractive as those of some humans-most likely due to their  genetics-they still tended to lunge for their ankles and wrists, no matter how thick her socks or gloves were. 

“Keep walking.” Gone was the irritation, just tiredness. 

Anya kept walking, staring at the back of Mx. Badawi’s head, the black curls bouncing with every movement, the rhythmic motion of  their swaying arms. Anya had worked for them for almost as long as she could remember, and this was the most calm she’d ever seen her. Well, maybe calm wasn’t the right word for it. Mx. Badawi was usually-as  their visiting aunt and uncle had once put it-bouncing off the walls. Anya didn’t understand, as Mx. Badawi had never bounced off of any walls, just the floor when they got really excited and jumped up and down. Mx. Badawi was always crackling with energy, never still. Still, they were not still, just- more focused. Put together. Yes, that was it.

Mx. Badawi abruptly careened off of the well-beaten dirt path, ignoring the thorns snagging at their shorts,the brambles sticking to them. Anya’s previous train of thought crashed and burned. She didn’t even know why she was surprised. From the moment they met, Anya knew that Mx. Badawi was a predictably unpredictable human. They had ignored other top of the line, freshly produced androids capable of cooking original recipes and complex play with young children, for Anya. Their exact words had been: thank you for your offers, sir, but I want that one. 

That one? It’s getting fairly old, and is extremely reliant on human commands and is much slower to process them-

It still works, doesn’t it?

Well, yes, but-

I’ll take it. You. What is your name?

She hesitated for a long moment before bobbing her head. I am sorry, but I am unable to complete that request. 

It doesn’t have a name. The man sighed from behind Mx.Badawi.

Okay. Hmmm. You know what? You look like an Anya. That's a good name. What do you think?

What do I think?

Yes, how do you feel about the name Anya. Do you want to be called Anya?

She thought she might crash. She wasn’t programmed for this. She only spoke the language of direct commands, not choices. 

Great, you’ve killed it. The man laughed, but it was a painful sound.

I-like Anya. 

The man fell silent, but his mouth kept twitching and working as if he was desperate to say something. 

Great! Come with me, Anya.

And so Anya had come with them, and was welcomed into a sprawling home.. The house was empty of other androids, but full of clutter. So much clutter. It was unbearable. She immediately went to work, to Mx. Badawi’s great approval. As she’d cleaned, she’d silently braced for a call of faster or hurry up, but it had never come.

This incident had ingrained itself into her programming as a display of several fundamental things about her new employer. They hated throwing things away and treating them as if they were useless. They didn’t like people getting in their way, possibly due to having enough money to not have to typically deal with such inconveniences. The contents of the clutter had been educational as well, especially in displaying one key fact.  They really, really, really liked insects. They studied them. They talked about them. They had plushies and photographs of them. 

Insects were their life’s passion. Passion separated people from the programmed, which is why Anya struggled to understand her employers actions at times.  Like when they  wandered off the marked trail, got on their hands and knees, their backside sticking up in the air. 

“Follow me, Anya, I need these ant -oh my goodness a figeater beetle! Come here little guy!” There was a clapping sound, and Mx. Badawi emerged from the tangle of bushes, holding something captive in their cupped, gloved hands. Something that buzzed loudly and seemed to be throwing its scaly little body against its fleshy prison with all its might. 

“I know you might not be able to see much of it right now, but look! Have you ever seen something more beautiful in all your life?”

Anya had seen at least three figeater beetles since the walk had begun. 

“Never.”

“This is a big one. That’s good, it means-ow. Heh, you’re feisty. It means they have plenty of food. I was worried about them, what with the climate and all.” they opened their hands. “Go! Be free!” They both smiled as they watched the beetle take flight until it was a tiny dark blot against the clear sky. 

“Okay, now come on. Come with me. Get on the ground and look for ants, they need to be photographed for research purposes.”

It was difficult to drop to her hands and knees with her stiff joints, and they became stiffer still as dirt and dust wormed through her synthetic skin and clogged them, but she did as she was asked. 

Anya had never been in this position before, and she could hardly process it all. The tall grass partially obscuring her sight, the trees becoming distant and unreachable, the leaves a dark canopy. It was like looking at the night sky, the movements of birds and other tree-dwellers shooting stars and alien life. 

A strange foriegn thrill filled her, and she crawled on the ground with renewed vigor. She had never been a child, let alone a toddler, but she knew this is how they must feel as they explore their shrunken, newfound world.

The grass became shorter, greener. Odd. But it was the kind of odd that made her want to move closer instead of away. Now that her sensors were trained to look for the smallest of the small, she saw movement everywhere: flickers, ripples, twitches. Watching a breeze pull the grass and leaves into a dance, she felt as if she’d been swallowed by a massive creature and was watching its internal organs twitch and digest, its most private vital functions working in a way she could never understand. 

No, she could understand it. She’d been around Mx.Badawi and their research long enough to know that there was a meticulous order to the workings of everything, from the smallest flies to the biggest whales. Millenia of programming painstakingly perfected by some divine developer. Some greater master…

There was a musical whistling noise that made Anya’s processor freeze and reload, and she stiffened as her head buffered. She could hardly remember the last time she’d needed to reload, which only happened when a situation was completely unexpected. The noise sounded human, another hiker? But there was something beneath it, some foreign undertone to the sound. A recording? Probably. Mx. Badawi should’ve bought a newer android. She felt her lips drop with despondency at the thought. 

“Hello.” 

Anya blinked rapidly. One second-no, one millisecond-she had been alone. The next millisecond, someone had been standing in front of her. There had been no footsteps, no heat, no heartbeat or breathing, nothing to indicate something had been there. Her shoulders sank. She really did need to be replaced, she was getting much too slow. If there was something dangerous, both her and Mx. Badawi would’ve been gone. Mx. Badawi deserved better, an android that could actually function like one was supposed to.

“Hello.”

Oh, where are my manners? Anya let her programming take over, letting herself relax into Smile Mode. letting her shoulders straighten and her pixelated pupils dilate, even adding a few animated sparkles for maximum cuteness and approachability.

“Hello! What can I do for you?” she chirped. 

“You can drop the act.”

“What act?” Anya quirked her brow.

There was more movement, but no discernable singular  shape, which sent her sensors into a tizzy. They landed on the eyespots of a particularly gigantic Coast Live Oak.

“The act. I have to say, you’re pretty impressive.” 

“I’m afraid I don’t know how to respond to that.” a rudimentary programmed response. It was true. Anya had been designed to look like the optimum android of the time. Just human enough to be functional and friendly, approachable and cute. Just robot enough to stand out. The result was ever so slightly exaggerated human features paired with twin round screens for eyes. 

You look and talk like a living anime character, Mx. Badawi once said. An innocent anime girl pulled out of the screen to deteriorate in the 3D world. I’m sorry. 

Deteriorate was right. Age had not been kind to Anya, peeling her synthetic pale skin and exposing metal inner workings, causing her faux brown hair to fade,slowing and clogging her processors and receptors.

“Humans must not bat an eye around you.”

“They do not bat an eye around me. This appearance and voice was designed to appear as approachable and even cute as possible.”

“Ah.” there was more unplaceable movement, and Anya felt like she was talking to a living shadow. She suddenly wanted Mx. Badawi.

“It works. You reek of human. Why are you so close to one anyway? Are they your taken or something?”

“Can you repeat that?”

“Your taken.” The movement got closer, there was a flicker of light, like a spark that abruptly died out. “Come closer.”

Anya obeyed. 

There was a snorting noise, and Anya suddenly felt pressure on her cheek, like a kiss. If a kiss was wet, firm, and had fangs that pressed against her thin skin.

It moved upward with surprising speed, leaving a trail of saliva in its wake. When it reached her eyes, it reeled backward, spluttering with disgust. 

“Did I do something wrong?”

“What.” it wheezed. “What. Are. You.”

‘I am Anya, Model A. Service and basic functions.  Produced 2027. Currently in service to-”

“ENOUGH!”

“Mx. Badawi of-”

“STOP! STOP TALKING!” 

“Your heartbeat has greatly accelerated.” Anya didn’t know why she was still talking or how she’d been able to sense a heartbeat in this thing. “I cannot detect an influx of hormones or anything else, would you like water? Would you like a soothing song?”

“Get. Out of. Here.”

“I cannot leave the premises without Mx. Badawi.”

“Your precious Mx. Badawi isn’t here. Leave.”

There was a tiny alarm in Anya’s head. “Where did they go? Why aren’t they here anymore?”

“Are you stupid? Look at the ground!”

Anya saw she was kneeling in a circle of mushrooms. Cantharellus, to be exact.

“You stepped into the circle.” The thing said this as if it held great meaning to Anya. It did not. 

“...Did I damage a mushroom?”

“You. stepped. In the Circle. That means you’re in my territory now.” Anya could still see no face to the thing, but sensed a smile. A self-satisfied, cold, smile.

“Sorry. I will leave now.”

“Wait! You- follow orders, yes?”

“I do. I’m an android.”

“If I ordered you to destroy all humans you came in contact with, would you do it?”

“NO! WHY WOULD I DO THAT?”

“Hmmmph. Then you are of no use to me.”

“So I may leave now?”

“No.”

Anya sensed she was being stared at by a thing without eyes, and it made her want to hide.

“What are you?” Anya asked, pulling out Smile Mode to try and soothe it.

The shadow bristled.

“What’s it matter to you?”

Anya smiled at it.

“Can you even express yourself normally?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never needed to try and nobody really knows what normal is, least of all me.”

The shadow was silent. 

“I’m a- I’m a shapeshifter.”

Is it possible for an android to hallucinate?

“Oh. What can you do? Is it nice?’

The shadow vanished, and in its place was a tall man. His skin was brown from hours in the sun, and his hair was long and black.

“I can do this.”

The man was gone, replaced by a lizard. A gecko.

“I can do this.” 

The gecko was replaced by a sparrow.

“I can even do this and this!”

A coyote. A bear. Then a coyote again, giving her a grin made of sharp teeth. 

“To answer your question: Yes. It is fun.”

“Fascinating.”

“Shut up. I don’t want to be fascinating. I just want to be me.” 

“Oh.”

“I can’t imagine staying in a solid form all the time. It must get insufferably boring. Can you get bored? Do you feel things?”

“ I do plenty of fun things that don’t require shapeshifting!”

The coyote melted, turning into a vaguely human shadow with a grinning mouth. 

“Like what?”

“Like learning about bugs with Mx. Badawi! And cleaning!”

“That’s it?” The shadow was laying on its belly, head propped up as it kicked its legs in the air back and forth. “That’s really just it?”

“Well, I went on a walk today with Mx. Badawi. My first ever walk to the woods!”

“I see. Sounds boring.”

“What do you do?”

The grin stretched. “I turn into a coyote and hang out with the local packs. I turn into a bear and climb trees. I talk to the ghosts by the dark place. I eat honey and berries and chase beetles.”

“What was that middle part?”

“I eat honey and berries and chase beetles.”

“No, before that.”

“The ghosts by the dark place?”

“Yes. That.”

“You know. The dark place. It’s all gross and stinky and loud and there are tons of ghosts there. I don’t like it there. Plus the metal makes my teeth feel weird.”

Anya’s processors were whirring. “Is it nearby?”

“Yes. if I climbed a tree I might be able to see it now.”

Anya consulted her internal GPS. “Do you mean the junkyard by the highway?”

“I guess. I like calling it the dark place better, though. It’s what the coyotes and pumas call it. Technically, the coyotes call it the place of smelly food, but the translation’s a little off. Coyotes don’t really have words. The pumas call it the dark place. The pumas know about the ghosts.”

“What kind of ghosts?”

“You know. Your kind, I guess.” it poked a long, clawed finger into the dirt, pulling up a fat worm. It let the worm wriggle around its fingers.

“Android ghosts?” That doesn’t sound possible. 

But just because something didn’t sound possible didn’t mean it was impossible.

“They’re the scariest ghosts of all. They’re people but not, and they’re all stiff and talk strange. Stare at you with hollow eyes. Most of them are pretty sad, too. I thought they were demons, but then I met you, and now I realize they’re the ghosts of your kind.”

Anya now understood why humans tried to make themselves look smaller when they were afraid. She felt small, compared to the big thoughts now swirling in her head.

But- androids don’t have souls, we have programming. Do we have souls? Is a soul just human programming?

This- thing doesn’t have a great grasp of the outside world, its definition of ‘ghosts’ sounds like it's describing deteriorating androids being thrown out.

Which could have been me…

The shapeshifter’s form was changing slightly: it’s mouth was twisting and quirking, its eyes widening. What was it doing?

“What are you trying to do?”

“I’m trying to look like you. It’s hard. Ugh.” 

“Why do you want to look like me?”

“I’ve been using my other human form for years, I’m getting bored of it. You’re exciting.” It added flecks of metallic gray to its brown skin.

“You look confused.” It blurted, then tried to adjust the shape of its teeth, letting the features on the rest of its face blur and look less human.

“How old are you?” Anya asked. 

“I don’t know. My earliest memory is a tree catching on fire in a thunderstorm.” 

As trivial as that was, it actually helped. 

“A lightning strike started a small fire in the area six and a half years ago.” Anya suggested. “That would make you approximately six to eight years old.” She spent a minute loading. “How quickly does your species reach adulthood?” 

“What does it matter, anyway? I’m not a baby, I can take good care of myself.”

It’s mood swings, pride, desire for change and excitement…

This thing is a child. 

“Are there any others of your kind around?”

It was staring at its hand, trying to mimic hers. “No.”

“You must be lonely. Do you talk to the ghosts because you get lonely?”

“What? No! Well, kind of. I started talking to the ghosts because I was really curious when I first discovered them. Now I just talk to them when I have time to kill.”

There was rustling in the bushes, and for a second its face went from something that resembled a human to something not even close. Two pointed, furry ears on the top of its head twitched, then relaxed as the rustling faded.

“Just a squirrel, nothing to worry about. Not that I was worried.” “Even without my adrenaline readers, I could tell you were worried.”

“I was not! I have nothing to be scared of, I’m a shapeshifter! You were shaking in fear at the sight of me when we first met!” It looked down, seemingly ashamed of itself. “But, you’re not scared of me any more, right?”

“I am not.”

“Good.”

It sighed and let its form sink into that of a large coyote. “Do you have android friends?”

“No. I have friends who are human, but no other androids.”

It stretched. “It’s all right, I’m the same way. No other shapeshifter friends. But I like hanging out with coyotes, so it’s okay.”

“Have you ever wanted a shapeshifter friend?”

“Have you ever wanted an android friend?”

“Yes.”

“Oh well. I don’t. Nobody really needs to be around their own kind, anyway. You’d just end up comparing yourself to them, or being suffocated by their presence. Or even worse, they wouldn’t want you. Nobody wants any of that, right?”

“Right.” Anya sighed, a gesture she’d picked up from Mx. Badawi. “You know, I’m not considered a very good android. I’m slow and could have been easily replaced by newer models. Sometimes I wish I was a newer model. Mx. Badawi says they’re just fine with me as I am, but I’m not.”

“Hey, at least they like you.” it flopped on its back. “The only other shapeshifter I’ve ever met didn’t like me very much, so I guess that’s why I don’t want to be around my kind as much as I used to. It’s funny: The other shifter would hang around humans a lot, so I tried to ask the ghosts about her after she left. But they weren’t very helpful. But like I said earlier, I have the coyotes. They’re good animals who don’t discriminate. A lot of them wanted to be friends with me right away. One of them even pulled me next to her cubs and licked my head.” it laughed. “She was really nice.”

Anya chuckled, thinking of Mx. Badawi. “I’m glad we both found creatures who would accept us.”

“Yeah. Maybe one day you’ll even accept yourself.”

“What’s your name?” It peered at her through one half closed eye.

“Anya.”

“It was nice to meet you, Anya. I’m- my name can’t really be pronounced in a human word, so you can just call me Lightning.”

“It was nice to meet you, Lightning. Are there any populated anthills around here?”

[freeartisanwinner]

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[honey-milk-depresso]

May I request headcanons of the boys finding their crush sleeping in an obscure or dangerous place and when they wake them or whatever their crush will just sleepily pull them into a hug and pat them (they aren't counscious) for Jade, Leona, Azul, Rook and Malleus pretty please

TWST s/o sleeps in obscure and dangerous places

got lazy- so no malleus sorry- ;-;;;;

Leona Kingscholar

What on earth-

He finds you sleeping on top of some very thin branches of a tall tree in the botanical garden.

The branches looked like they were about to break, the slight creaking from the thin branches made him look up to find you.

S/o wtf-

Luckily for you, Leona could climb the tree with ease and he rested on a stable branch above you and lazily groan, lightly shaking you awake and carefully not to break the branches any further.

"S/o. Get up."

You fluttered your eyes opened. With half lidded eyes staring at Leona, you smiled with lazy giddiness at him, using a hand to ruffle his hair, before going back to sleep.

He blinked. What-

Leona stood there in pure confusion before he gave up, resorting to just carrying you down the tree.

Great, you made him do work. But just know, no one told him to bring you down from the tree. Perhaps he DOES have a thing for you. <3

Azul Ashengrotto

OH MY GOD-

Azul was about to pass you some gift in hopes of impressing you when he found you sleeping by the edge of the roof of Ramshackle, the only thing keeping you from falling was that small chimney hole that looked... questionable.

Unfortunately, Azul can't climb, nor can he used his broom to fly. So he panicked for awhile, only to remember there were stairs that could lead him to the roof.

Scrambling, he ran up, and carefully made his way down the roof to your area, holding onto the chimney that supported you.

"S-s/o! Please, go to your bedroom! This isn't safe!!"

You slowly opened your eyes, smiling lazily with warm content, which made Azul's cheeks pink and breath hitched.

You pat him on the head and went back to sleep. W-what?? S/O!!!

He had to carry you while being careful of not falling off the roof-

Poor Azul, but he want you safe. <3

Jade Leech

S/o? What are you doing here?

It's rare to find anyone in the empty, dusty corridors of this part of the school. The only reason why he came here was... well, even I don't know what brought him here.

The corridors itself looks quite dubious itself, especially the portraits that remained silent, eyes glancing at each other and those very few students who come here. Nothing new to Jade, but don't you feel that this place is... unsafe?

Also, he's not sure if you can sleep here.

Jade tapped your shoulder. "S/o?"

You gradually lifted your eyelids, though not fully. You lazily looked at Jade who looked at you with a polite smile and eyes closed.

You smiled back, though clearly in a naive and lazy manner, and simply pat his head and went back to sleep.

He blinked, quite surprised by your actions, but it wasn't long before he chuckled softly, letting himself sit beside you.

Aren't you funny?

He let you rest his shoulders on him as he flipped through a book he brought with him, ever so often glancing back at you with a soft smile, drinking in your adorable sleeping form. <3

Rook Hunt

Rook was minding his own business before seeing you soundly asleep on a tree with thin branches. He had already felt someone was here in the botanic garden, but he certainly didn't expect you to be up there.

Oh my, s/o! That's an unsafe place to sleep!

Like Leona, he gracefully climbed up the tree and decided to wake you up.

"My dear, you should wake up and sleep in a better place! It isn't safe here!"

You lazily opened your eyes, and he smiles sweetly at you.

You smiled back, and patted his head before going back to sleep.

Rook blinked, a little stunned by your actions. And like Jade, it didn't take him long to chuckle at your antic. What a strange and funny person you are! Ahuhuhu~

But Rook still thought the place was unsafe, and simply scooped you into his arms as he carried you down bridal style.

He carried you towards a quiet and secluded area in the school, the tree shades, and let you rest under the shades of the thick greenery.

"That's much better! Have sweet dreams now, prefect!~" <3

Reblogs help! ^^

[jreads]

Unexpected Constellations (Part 06)

Rating: It's not bad, but maybe don't go reading it out loud to your mum or something. Or do, i don't know what your mum is into.

Word Count: 8.3K

Warnings: I do not want to give too many spoilers so i'll just say: Mentions of alcohol, Foul language, Canon-level violence, Slight sexual content.

A/N: My friends I feel like I apologize for being late every time I upload. But again, sorry for being late. Maybe everyone should just come to expect this. In my defence, this part is long, and I kind of almost like it? There's an OC here lol, he might show up again, he might not. Tbh the plot just needed a guy. There also may be some mistakes, but I really hope not. As per usual, check the masterlist for tags and other parts. If you reblog, I'll manifest a Din shirtless in the living waters of Mandalore scene in S3. I know we all want it. Also sidenote: I saw Brittany Broski’s post on TikTok about how she’s in her Mandalorian era…. Anyone want to take one for the team and rec this fic?🧍‍♀️❤️

He had not been joking.

Tendrils of hair stuck to your face, and you reached up for what seemed like the millionth time to pry the strands off. According to the temperature monitor on the ship, it was the hottest time of day, and the sun beat down unforgivingly on the top of your head, the varying wooden overhangs offering little reprieve.

Din was only a step ahead of you, still clothed in full armour, giving no indication that the heat was a bother to him. You didn’t understand it. He must have been under at least three layers, counting the thick plates adorning his shoulders, arms, chest, and thighs, and yet he seemed as phlegmatic as ever. You wondered how the child was faring, tucked away in a bag at your side, still wrapped in his woolly cloak. He had taken a liking to the dragonflies that buzzed around the small natural pool in the clearing where Din had landed the Crest.

The two of you had, after flying over the cove and finding no open landing platforms, decided to set up camp just outside the bustle of town, hidden behind a long stretch of waxy tropical trees. The first wave of humid air had been so pleasant, and you had savoured the fragrant smell of the planet’s flora. But now, barely half an hour into your walk, you would have begged for the cool fan in the ship, and perhaps a bucket of iced water.

As if sensing your discomfort, Din twisted toward you. “We’re almost there.”

You hummed in acknowledgement, barely having the energy to string together a sentence. You didn’t know where ‘there’ was. All he had shared with you before you left the safety of the ship was that he had an old contact in the market, someone that he had worked with long ago, someone you could trust. That remained to be seen. You trusted Din, but you wouldn’t trust a friend of Din’s simply because they were a friend of Din’s. Din had some weird friends.

Overlooking the simmering heat and the stickiness of your skin, the area was quite beautiful. It was exactly what you’d expect from a locale dubbed Raider’s Cove. Towering wood structures lined the edge of sparkling aquamarine water, framed by trees of vibrant green. The forest behind the town seemed alive with noise, buzzes and chirps coming from every direction. The force was rich on this planet, you could feel it. You knew Grogu could too. 

The market was even busier, stalls lining the street, selling all sorts of wares from food, to weapons, to jewelry. Din turned right onto a quieter, more shaded lane, and you followed suit. He hung back now to walk alongside you; he had been worried earlier about someone spotting the two of you together.

He spoke to you like a knowledgeable tour guide or a HoloNet narrator. “This market dates back to before the Old Republic. Some families have been selling here for ages, passing their business down through generations. There’s and underside to it, but it’s also home to a lot of honest and genuine people.” 

You looked up at him. “I didn’t take you for a history buff.”

“I’m not, I just had an interesting conversation with a talkative shoemaker the last time I docked here.” You grinned at him.

“It must be because you’re so approachable.” His shoulders shook lightly with silent laughter.

Since you had left Tatooine, the dynamic between you two had been… more playful. Something had shifted, just slightly, and you couldn’t quite put a finger on it. But you were content to fall into this comfortable mood with him. Honestly, it was a relief after the worry and angst of a few days prior. He hadn’t approached the subject of your almost departure during the long hours in hyperspace, choosing instead to enlist your help in the connection of a few cables in some small cavity just behind the carbonite log. Your hands were far nimbler than his, so he often got you to aid him with menial tasks like these.

After that, the two of you had put the child to bed and sat in the cockpit together, quietly conversing. Din had shared a few stories with you of his past experiences on Rishi, including the tale of a rather slippery Sullustan who had led him on a chase into the mountains, concluding with a near escape with a few of the locals. At some point you must have fallen asleep because you didn’t remember scaling the ladder back into the hull. But when you woke, hours later, you were curled on your side in the cot, a woollen blanket draped over your body and pulled up to your shoulders. It was a tender gesture, and one that made some part of you ache.

There was also the issue of that unspoken something between the two of you. 

Perhaps it was entirely one sided. Perhaps you felt that much stronger now simply because he had seen the darkest parts of you and not shied away from them. You’d be naïve to think he didn’t care for you, but you still doubted he felt the way you did. That undeniable pull, the yearning. Bursting into flames and yet shivering every time you could feel his attention on you. Maker, you wanted him. Badly. 

But you also understood the impossibility of it. His creed wasn’t the only thing that stood in between the two of you; there were many, very logical reasons as to why you would never take that step, despite so desperately wanting to.

His hand ghosted over the small of your back, stilling your thoughts. Having abandoned the thicker layers of your suit in the Crest, you wore only a light, loose-fitting undershirt, which was a blessing given the planet’s sweltering conditions. But it did mean that every touch felt like a brand, a sharp jolt of electricity that was so much harder to ignore. 

“Here.” He guided you left, into a narrowed, darker passageway. Only a few paces down, he opened a rather beaten door, ushering you inside before following. 

Descending old stone steps, the smell hit you first. It was an acrid mix of what you could only assume was piss and alcohol. You tried and failed to supress a grimace. The stairs were wet with something. You weren’t entirely keen to find out what it was.

Finally reaching the bottom, the narrow hall opened up into a dimly lit area. It was similar to some of the cantinas on Tatooine, but the usual sandy colour was replaced with grey stone and worn wood. The tables were large and circular, with strange, patterned squares in the center of each. Lining the wall to your right was a display of bottles, and a tall bar. The only light beamed down from thin windows along the top of the room’s walls. You could see the shadows cast by the feet of people as they walked down the sunny street outside. In here, it was quiet.

“It’s a gambling den.” Din’s voice travelled over your shoulder. “The contact I knew used to work here.” He moved beside you, further into the space. “It’s a long shot but I figured—”

A blaster shot rang out.

Hang circling your wrist, Din twisted you behind him in a flash, the laser bouncing harmlessly off his beskar breastplate.

“Don’t shoot! We’re looking for someone.”

 No response. He was braced, broad frame tensed, his grip on your wrist still solid. “We mean you no harm.”

“If you could just answer a few questions, we’ll be on our way.” How polite of him.

You could sense a heartbeat just to the side of a door behind the bar… human. You peered around Din’s shoulder just as—

“Maker, Mando is that you?” The voice was heavily accented, tinted with what almost sounded like humour. A man emerged from the doorway. Every muscle in Din’s body visibly relaxed. 

“I didn’t recognize you in that shiny new fit… man I could have killed you!” He came around the edge of the bar, slapping the blaster down on its surface. He approached the two of you, reaching a hand out and pulling Din in for a hug, clapping him heartily on the back. Your eyebrows just about hit the ceiling. 

Din was chuckling. “Yeah right, if it makes you feel better.”

It was then that the man noticed you, still standing somewhat awkwardly behind Mando. “Well, who have we here?” Up close, you took in more details. His skin was the richest brown you had ever seen, smooth and almost glowing, even in the near nonexistent light of the den. Dark hair was cropped close to his head, with a brutal, raised tattoo winding its way over his forehead and down the right side of his face.

He bent down and took your hand, lips meeting the back of it lightly. “It’s not often we have such beautiful ladies gracing this establishment.” You couldn’t help the giggle that escaped you. You had been called many things before, but beautiful… 

Mando answered for you, giving the man your name. Maybe you imagined the sharp edge to his voice. 

But you definitely didn’t imagine the way he stepped closer to you, before gesturing to the smiling man in front of you. “This is Castann. We met a few years back, when I came for that bounty I was telling you about.”

“My friends call me Cas.” He extended a hand, and hesitantly, you shook it. His palm was callused but warm against your own. “Apologies for the near-death experience.” He motioned to Din. “Last time I saw this bloke, he was in a much less flashy costume.” You almost choked on a laugh. “Bounty hunting must be treating you well; you’ve got new gear and a girl.”

You waited for a statement of denial from Din. It never came.

Instead, he said: “The last time I saw you, you were neck deep in debt. How’s that going?”

Cas waved his hand in dismissal. “Eh, owner died, I took over the place. You know how it goes.”

“Suspicious circumstances?” Din probed.

He placed a hand over his chest in mock indignation. “You think so little of me?” Cas turned to you again. “Honestly, how do you stand him? Is he always so—?” He put a hand up to his forehead in a salute, face devoid of emotion.

Hoping Din wasn’t looking at you, you nodded hastily. Cas laughed, a rumbling sound. “What brings you two around here anyway? Looking to sample Rishi’s wares? Couples retreat, perhaps?”

You couldn’t stop the smile that was breaking across your face. Considering you had been shot at just minutes ago, you already really liked this guy. He noticed your smile and winked at you, grinning as well.

“We’re here for information on a bounty.” Din’s answer was terse. You shifted your gaze up to him.

He didn’t mean to be curt. He wasn’t upset with anyone. Truly, it was no one’s fault but his own.

And yet, his voice came out sharper than intended, and it drew your eyes away from Castann, muting the smile that had graced your face just moments ago. He had tried not to let it get to him, but in the end, his efforts had been in vain.

It was just frustrating, the ease at which Cas was able to converse with you, connect with you so quickly, place a kiss to the back of your hand. These were small things, seemingly normal for anyone upon first meeting. 

But not to him. You had known each other for a long time now, and he had never been able to wink at you like that, to light up your face so easily, to feel the softness of your skin beneath his lips. 

He wondered, too often, what that might feel like. He wasn’t well acquainted with the feeling of jealousy, but it settled, oily and unwelcome, in his gut. Pushing his inner monologue aside for the moment, he continued.

“Have you heard anything about an auction? An anonymous source says someone’s here, in the market, trying to sell something important. We need to find them.”

Cas rolled his eyes. “Always right to business with you.” He gestured to a table behind you. “Let’s sit at least… you two make me nervous.”

You both turned, Din sliding into the booth on one side of the table. He watched you as you carefully untangled yourself from the straps of the bag. Cas claimed the booth on the opposite side.

It would make more sense for you to sit beside Castann, with Din’s bulky armour taking up most of the bench space. But for whatever reason, you claimed the spot beside him anyway, sliding the bag in so it was sandwiched between the two of you.

Cas seemed to survey the dynamic, his eyes flitting from Din to you, and back again. With a single shake of his head, he slapped his hands down on the table. 

“I’d be a terrible host if I didn’t ask if you wanted something to drink. Spotchka, maybe?” 

“Isn’t it only just past the sun’s peak?” You asked. “It’s a bit early.”

Cas waggled his eyebrows. “Ah, but time is just a construct here in Raider’s Cove.” Din leaned back, stretching his arm out and over the back of the booth. Castann eyed him suspiciously.

“Alright, no spotchka then. Ruin my fun.” He ran a hand over his scalp absentmindedly.

“Unfortunately, I’ve got nothing super juicy for you.” Din sighed lightly, hoping the sound wasn’t picked up by the modulator. Another dead end. “The port’s been pretty busy, but business usually picks up around this time of rotation.” He sees you nod in his peripheral.

“There’s not much chatter in here?” You asked Cas. 

He rested both elbows on the tabletop, grinning at you. “No little lady, there’s not much chatter at all.”

He tapped twice at a worn patch in the stone of the table and the pattered square in the middle of it came to life. 

“It’s Dejarik. Do you know how to play?” Din watched you shake your head, carefully examining the holographic creatures flickering in front of you.

“Seriously? Have you been living under a rock?” He was joking of course, but Din noticed the way you tensed at his words, curious features turning blank in a second. He didn’t stop to wonder if Cas noticed too. Instead, he lifted his hand from the back of the booth, angling it just slightly so he could brush his thumb over your shoulder. You straightened.

Cas was still talking. He hadn’t noticed then. Din continued the movement until your shoulders started to relax. 

“The patrons of this fine establishment come to watch people play. It’s all about being able to trick the opponent, or bluff, so most of the time it’s pretty quiet.” You hummed in understanding.

Castann motioned to Din. “This guy played the last time he was here. Brought the opponent to his knees. I’ve never won so much money in one night.” 

Your eyes shot to him, lips slowly breaking into a broad smile. “Really?” 

Maker, you were beautiful.

He took too long to answer—because he was gawking at you—so Cas cuts in again. “Oh yeah, it was brutal. The other guy didn’t even have a chance. He’s lucky it wasn’t a Wookie… not sure he would have left this place with all his limbs intact if it was.”

Your eyes were still fixed on him. He felt a little dizzy. 

Finally, he broke out of his daze. He said matter-of-factly: “Ithorians blink too much when they’re bluffing.“ It was the truth.

Cas pointed to Din with his thumb, as if to say: Can you believe this guy? Your laughter pealed through the room.

Seeing as Castann had no helpful information on the bounty, Din was content to let the two of you converse for a while. He had noticed the signs of fatigue as you made your trek into the village, so he thought it best to get a bit of rest in a cool, safe place. 

Frankly, he lost track of the topic of conversation, zoning out completely in favour of simply watching you. There was something different about you today, not in terms of your personality, but in the way you looked. The flimsier, oversized undershirt you wore fell low over one shoulder, exposing the hollow of your collarbone. For some reason, he couldn’t stop staring at it. He wanted to trace it. With his hands. With his lips. Your hair was windswept and a little bit wild, falling in an unfamiliar way. 

And your face. It had goldened just slightly with the sun, a small tinge of rose brushing your cheekbones and nose. You were flushed and glowing, especially when that signature smile graced your features.

He could have watched you forever.

Maker, he loved the helmet.

He wanted to kiss you.

Maker, he hated the helmet.

His impulses were getting harder and harder to control. In a strange way, it made him feel almost guilty. Like when you stumbled and he would steady you, holding on for longer than necessary, or place a hand on your shoulder or back as he passed you in the darkened hull of the Crest. He hoped it didn’t make you uncomfortable. He wondered if you would say something if it did.

Even last night, you had drifted off in the jump seat beside him, lashes dusting your cheek and lips slightly parted. He should have left you to sleep there. Part of him would argue that he knew the lower part of your spine would ache on the morning, and it was for that reason that he moved you. But the undeniable truth of the matter was that he wanted the feeling of you burned into his palms for good, like an inescapable brand. So, he had moved an arm under your knees, scooping you up from the chair. Mercifully, you hadn’t woken. Your head had lolled to the side, coming to rest on his shoulder. He had cursed the beskar pauldron. But you had sighed contentedly, and part of him had turned to putty at the sound of it. 

He had used the lightest thruster setting on the jetpack to descend into the hull, landing so lightly that even Grogu didn’t stir.

Then, he had placed you in the nook, drawing the worn blanket up around your shoulders, and he had let himself wonder, just for a moment, what it might feel like to curl up next to you.

Of course he wouldn’t have noticed the wandering green hand until it was too late.

“What in the kriffing bantha shit—” Cas was letting out a rather impressive string of expletives as he beheld the creature emerging from in between you and Din.

Noticing where his attention had gone, you laughed and scooped Grogu up from the bag. The two of you had discussed this before you departed the Crest, whether or not it was safer to leave the child aboard the ship while you ventured into the port. Ultimately, Din had trusted Castann enough to pack the kid along; it was preferrable to leaving him alone so far out of town, when there were likely other parties circling around.

You placed him on the table surface, and he became engrossed in the flickering holograms of the Dejarik game. “Meet Grogu.”

Castann’s eyes were wide as he looked at the child, and then at you. “That didn’t come out of you, did it?”

He’d never heard you laugh that loud. Trying to compose yourself, you managed to wheeze out: “Stars, no! He’s older than all of us.”

Grogu’s attention had gone from the gameboard to now rest on the stranger at the table. His head was tilted, and ears perked as he focused on Cas. Cas seemed just as engrossed with him.

While the two of them engaged in their staring contest, you turned to face Din, still leaning back casually against the bench, arm over the edge, legs spread wide, still reeling a bit from his inner thought process. He could have sworn you tried and failed to keep your eyes from travelling. You averted your gaze quickly, visibly swallowing. Something white hot shot through him.

“Do I even want to know?” Cas asked, eyes still glued to the child. He cooed in response.

Din’s voice was rough. “Trust me, you don’t.” 

Grogu broke eye contact first, turning to you instead, a pleading whine cutting the silence. 

You looked exasperated. “He’s hungry.” To the child you pointedly said: “Again.” The kid’s head tilted once more. 

“You wouldn’t mind right?” You queried. Castann interrupted you immediately.

“By all means, go right ahead. There’s a bunch of snacks behind the bar.”

Rising, you plucked an excited Grogu off the table surface, tucking him into your arm as you turned and moved to explore the area he had indicated.

Din and Cas both watched as you rummaged behind the bar, finally prying the lid off a tub of dried fruit. Grogu squealed in excitement. 

He turned back to Din. “So, what, you’re the hired muscle?”

Din’s eyes stayed on you. “If anything, she’s the hired muscle.”

He huffed a laugh, surveying you again through an awkward period of silence before saying: “Wait, you’re serious?” Din shrugged.

Cas sighed. “You’re down bad, Mando.” He said nothing.

“I’m just saying… full disclosure… I was going to make a move.” So slowly, his helmet twisted to meet Cas’ eyes. The man continued babbling. “Of course, that was after I almost shot her, I mean—” Carefully leaning forward, Mando pressed a button on his gauntlet, the blue lights of the whistling birds blinking into existence along the top of his arm.

Cas immediately started to backpedal, hands held up in surrender. “Well obviously I get it now. Put those away.”

Din hummed, pressing another button as the weapons slid back into their sheaths. 

A moment of quiet passed between the two men before Cas asked: “Since I’m so good at prying, I have to ask… Why continue the bounty hunting if you’ve got them to watch out for?” He motioned to you. Din followed his gesture, noting your body language, that which he now understood was you communicating with Grogu. Mind to mind. Half a piece of chewed fruit dangled out of the child’s mouth.

“I know you’re not strapped for credits. Wouldn’t you prefer to keep them out of harm’s way?”

“Of course I would.” His answer was instantaneous. After a breath he amended: “It’s complicated.”

“Always is with you, Mando.” He contemplated saying something else, but you were already rounding the edge of the bar, carrying the kid, who was grasping two sticks of dried fruit in his clumsy claws like a lifeline.

“We should probably get going if we want to scout out any more of the market before nightfall.” You were right. Din got up, reaching to hand you your bag. The child seemed content to clamber right back in, having achieved his goal quite easily. 

Cas walked the two of you up the stairs again, nose scrunching at the mystery liquid you had noticed on the way down. He mumbled something about getting the droid to mop it up.

Reaching the door, he swung it open, letting you and Mando pass. “Mind the curve of the main road on your way out of town. There was some action there yesterday. Two off-worlders. Both wound up dead.”

You looked to Din just as he looked to you. Castann caught on quickly.

“Oh.” The corners of his mouth turned down. “Probably should have mentioned that earlier.”

You turned to him. “Thank you… for everything.”

“Anytime, princess.” He offered you a lopsided, mischievous grin in return. “Take care of each other.” Din watched you nod, and his heart strained. “Hopefully, I’ll see you guys around. Stay safe, yeah?”

“We will.” Din replied. “Let me know if you catch any info.”

“Will do.” He clapped Din on the back once, before re-entering the stairwell.

After bidding your final farewells, you ventured back to the main stretch of road, the heat only slightly more manageable after your short reprieve.

You had walked through the curve on your way to meet Castann, but frankly, you hadn’t been paying much attention at the time, too focused on not expiring from the warmth of the day. The two of you would do some rudimentary scouting today and come back tomorrow if you had no luck.

A light breeze drifted between the wooden structures now, carrying the salted scent of the ocean. You desperately wanted to go see it, but you weren’t going to badger Din about it. The two of you were here on a mission, not a vacation.

He walked a bit closer to you than he had on the way into town, allowing you to lead through the street. More than a few people averted their eyes as the two of you walked past. 

“I don’t like this.” Din’s voice rumbled from over your shoulder. “It’s too open.”

“You’re being paranoid.” You replied over one shoulder. “We won’t linger though. Let’s give the area a once-over and then head back.”

He hummed in agreement. The curve was just up ahead, slightly less busy than the rest of the stretch. On one side was a worn wooden structure, jutting out into the street. The concave side of the cobblestone road was occupied by two merchant stands, now vacant for obvious reasons. 

You rounded the corner, coming to stop in front of the building at the point of the junction. A weathered sign swung on rusty hinges atop the door. 

Rare artifacts was engraved on the wood in messy Aurebesh.

You huffed. “Yeah, that makes sense.”

Din moved around you, approaching the darkened storefront. He ran his gloved fingers over a singed burn in the wood. “Blaster marks.” He noted. He tried the door handle. It didn’t budge. He yanked harder.

“If we’re going to try to break in, maybe we shouldn’t do it in broad daylight?” You hissed the suggestion.

A small Rodian child was watching a few paces away with interested eyes.

Din’s helmet turned toward the kid; it took off running down a side street at a startling pace.

He stalked back toward you. “Fine. We’ll come back later.”

“At least we know we’ve got the right spot.” The two of you continued down the road, taking a left fork that would lead you out of town.

“Probably.” He corrected. 

“Probably.” You echoed.

A few minutes of quiet passed as you walked. You could tell something was off with him; it had been that way since the gambling den. But you were so unsure of how to approach the subject that it forced you into silence.

You ran over the events of meeting Castann again, hoping to identify the cause of the uneasiness you sensed. But all your mind snagged on was the way he had brushed his hand over your shoulder to calm you. The way he had looked reclined against that bench, the portrait of calm. The way you had caught his helmet angled towards you, several times throughout the meeting, even when you had gotten up to find some food for Grogu. You were overanalyzing everything, but you had never really been able to think straight when it came to him.

Your thoughts stopped dead in their tracks.

He had abruptly grasped your hand in his, intertwining your fingers. His hand was so large it practically engulfed your own. You looked up in shock, bewilderment, but his focus wasn’t on you. And then he was turning, tugging on your arm to get you to follow, hastening his steps so much you had to take large strides to keep up. He must have noticed some sort of danger. You cast a glance over your shoulder.

“Don’t look behind you.” He pulled on your arm again. You stumbled to keep up. “Keep moving.” He practically growled.

“What’s going on?” His heartbeat was racing. So was your own.

“Hunters.” The two of you kept moving at a brisk pace, re-entering the busier part of the market. “They were the ones who were shooting on Nevarro. They’re part of the Guild.”

He turned a corner into another darkened side street, hauling you with him. Finding an inset in the stone wall, a residential entrance by the look of it, he pushed you up against the side, caging you in, leaning ever so slightly to look around the edge of the cavity in which you now hid. You followed his action, twisting your neck at an uncomfortable angle. You could only see a sliver of the main road. 

Swarms of people walked by. You scanned the crowd for the usual telltale signs. Weapons, weather resistant gear, advanced technology. Nothing. You waited with bated breath. And then…

A duo. You weren’t familiar with their species. The crowd parted for them as they walked, scanning their surroundings with lethal precision. The air almost seemed to cool in their presence. You were instantly thankful that Din had been so hasty in your retreat. 

It took them a few moments to pass by the street where you were hiding, the breeze slowly seeming to return to its stuffy temperature. You didn’t dare move a muscle. Still, you kept your neck craned back towards the road.

Relief flooded through you when you finally lost sight of them. That was far too close. With Grogu here as well, you had to be so careful. There was too much to lose. There could be others as well, having tracked the same information as you and Din. You would need to be extremely cautious on your way back to the ship—

A gloved finger traced the raised tendon in your neck, featherlight, painfully slow. You stopped breathing.

It swept down and across your collarbone, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. You were frozen in place, unable to move, to talk, to focus on anything past the sensation of leather on the warmth of your skin.

It took all of your strength and bravery to twist your neck back to him. Farrik. The visor was mere inches from your face, looking down on you, so close, as if he wanted to breathe you in. This was a very real boundary between the two of you, one that had never been crossed. 

Until now. 

You weren’t going to fight a losing battle. You didn’t want to. In that moment, you knew you would have done anything he asked; you just wanted him to keep touching you.

He had always been so good at reading you.

His other hand came around your waist, hitching you up against him. A beskar-clad thigh moved to rest between your legs. You almost moaned.

Holy stars, you could feel him against you. Everywhere, all at once. It was too much. You let your head fall back against the stone. Your eyes fluttered shut.

“Din.” It was both a question and a plea.

He continued, thank the maker. The curve of your shoulder, the edge of your jaw, the flare of your hips. He mapped them all with painstaking patience, as if he had all the time in the world. You were practically melting under him, a breathless mess. 

He had you, entirely at his mercy. There was too much armour, too many layers separating you from him. You wanted to have him. Your brain was going fuzzy. If only—

The door slid open abruptly. Mando had you behind him in a millisecond, those torturous hands now resting ever so cautiously on the weapon at his belt.

A plump lady emerged and waved the two of you away, yelling something in a language you didn’t understand. He retreated slowly, keeping you behind him, palms exposed to show he meant no harm. Still, she shooed at the both of you.

Your senses were in overdrive. The sun was suddenly too bright, the sounds too loud. It was some sort of fight or flight reaction and you wondered, distantly, if the heat that pooled low in your core had something to do with the adrenaline. 

Din led you out of the side street, but not back the way you came. The main stretch was too risky now, so you’d have to take a roundabout way out of town. He didn’t say anything. Neither did you. But the tension was so thick, so ever-present, that it clouded your senses.

You were both silent the entire walk back to the Crest.

Thanks to the time spent with Castann, the sun was already beginning its descent as you made it back to the ship. The sky took on a gorgeous coral glow, offset against the azul blue of the natural pond in the clearing where you had landed. 

Din was a few steps behind you, having kept his distance the entire way back. As if he couldn’t stand to be near you. You didn’t blame him for not saying anything. You weren’t quite sure what to say either. This was one of the many reasons why the more sensible part of you had refused to get closer to him. You had wanted to avoid… this. 

The uncomfortableness, the embarrassment, the hesitation, the doubt. 

The Crest’s door opened with a hiss, the ramp descending to touch the vibrant grass. You were to first to walk up into the hull. Fine. If you were trapped in the ship together, you’d have no choice but to talk it out… Eventually.

But as you set the bag down on the bunk, the child crawling awkwardly out of it, the ramp door began closing. He hadn’t followed you in.

Only when it sealed shut did you allow your head to fall back, an exhausted sigh escaping, and tears stinging in your eyes. How silly. Why did you suddenly feel like crying?

Grogu cooed once, and you offered him a phoney smile, trying to blink back the tears before they fell. Your minds connected easily.

He was confused. He sensed the unease between yourself and Din. And he didn’t like it.

“I know little guy.” You sat on the edge of the cot with him, and he cozied up to your side. His thoughts flickered through memories of the three of you, like a photo album. You, smiling down at him, Din a looming presence just over your shoulder. Playing catch, you and him using the force to pass, and Din… the only one actually having to throw the ball. Being reunited in Mos Espa, the Mandalorian and yourself fighting side-by-side to protect him. You knew what the kid was getting at; you could feel it, clear as day, in his emotions.

“We’ll figure it out.” You weren’t sure who you were trying to convince. His ears twitched.

“Are you tired?” You already knew the answer. His restless energy was palpable, probably from having been trapped in a stuffy side bag all day.

You shifted further onto the bed, pulling him with you. “Well, let’s at least make good use of our time then.” You crossed your legs, watching him fall gracelessly into sitting position. Placing your hands on your knees, you took several deep, grounding breaths. 

Sith meditation had never really worked for you. It had always been about channeling your anger, focusing negative emotions, and forging them into weapons. Back then, it had been doable, the anguish of losing your father, the fear of the place you had lived, the rage towards those who had kept you trapped fueling your survival. But once you had escaped, once there was no one else to hate, nothing else to be afraid of, you had to find a new way to connect to the force. 

It had taken some time to learn how to quiet your mind and tune in to your surroundings instead, but the swamp planet had been as good a place as any to learn. You supposed it could be considered Jedi meditation, you had never really been able to confirm it with anyone.

Grogu was very good at it now, having learned so much from his lessons with Skywalker. A selfish part of you wished you could have met him too, asked him for guidance and advice. You had stayed on the ship with Boba that day, thanks to Din labeling you as last resort backup. But a part of you also wondered if Luke would have been distrustful of you because of who you were, or who you had been.

The child’s mind was already quiet by the time you closed your eyes. The two of you drifted together, and you thankfully let the anxiety of the day’s events fall away.

You so easily lost track of time like this, and it took the reopening of the ship’s ramp doors to jar you from your meditative state. Judging from the way the sky had faded into a deeper orange, you assumed about an hour had passed. 

The Mandalorian came striding up the incline, jetpack and weapons belts dangling from his left hand. Grogu’s eyes opened, and he let out a shrill noise, already reaching for his father.

He approached you carefully, and it took all your effort to not break eye contact with him. Memories of earlier came flooding back. You sincerely hoped your face wasn’t flushed.

“The water is nice…” He reached in to pick up the child. “…If you want to wash up.”

“Okay.” Your voice was too high pitched. Stars, you had been meditating while, mere metres away, he had shed the armour and flight suit… and probably the helmet too. You had never seen him without either.

His voice broke your treacherous train of thought. “Are you okay?” It felt like he was continuously asking you that, at least once a day.

Grogu was now tucked under his arm, staring back at you with wide eyes. “Yeah.” You replied. It was the most you could muster.

“Okay.” He exhaled, almost in… relief? An then he was moving towards the ladder. “I’ll leave you to it then.” You waited for the door of the storage room to close before you allowed yourself to get up.

He was practically stumbling over himself. He didn’t know what to do. Wasn’t sure what to say. The whole thing was a mess.

He had brought Grogu up to the storage room in the back upper level of the ship, to give you some privacy while you bathed. But unfortunately, that left him alone with his own thoughts, which wasn’t exactly preferable. 

Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.

He had been sitting on the floor for about a half an hour now, the child having climbed up on his lap, eagerly accepting ear scratches. Every second of the past 30 minutes had been spent picking apart what had transpired in that market.

It had been entirely spontaneous, about as unexpected to him as he assumed it was to you. In a dangerous situation as well, it had been so foolish of him. But it was almost as if he had relinquished the controls to his own body, the damn thing was on autopilot, and it was just aching to get caught in your orbit. But when he had felt you relax in his grip, watched you bare yourself to him, heard your breathing change, he realized he had never let himself consider it for more than a moment. 

The fact that you might want him too.

Even now it seemed absurd; you hadn’t even seen his face. And the tension afterwards, the way you wouldn’t meet his gaze, he second-guessed everything he had seen, heard, and felt in that alley.

The child was watching him quizzically. “Keep your wizard mind-reading to yourself.” He let out a string of unintelligible sounds in response. Din sighed in resignation.

He couldn’t avoid you forever; he knew that. And the embarrassment of this, it would be nothing compared to the dejection he would feel if he let you drift apart from him. The avoidance of the subject had already caused an awkwardness between the two of you; it would only get worse the longer he left it. So, it was decided.

Grabbing the child, he rose up on stiff legs. He’d wait in the hull for you, under the guise of tinkering with some mechanics and, after gauging your mood, would approach the subject.

He was conveniently forgetting to consider the fact that his brain consistently short-circuited whenever you were near. And the fact that he couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself.

Several minutes later, you strode up the ramp. He didn’t even get a chance to breathe.

“We need to talk.”

Oh. Shit. Plan failed. Retreat.

He was crouched in front of an electric wiring panel in the hull wall, and you hoisted yourself onto a crate beside him. Your hair was wet, and you were scrunching it in a damp shirt, but your eyes were on him. Wasn’t that what he had wanted? He was so worried that you wouldn’t look at him, but now that you were… all the things he had planned to say ebbed from his mind, dripping onto the floor of the Crest like the water you had wrung from your hair.

He carefully put the tool he was using down, looking back up at you. Your features were determined.

“About what?” God kriffing damn it. He knew exactly what. He should have factored in that you would look like that. He also should have factored in what he had felt in the alleyway. Because right now it was back with a vengeance, and all he could think about was what your flushed skin—washed clean by the water of the pool—would feel like under his bare palms. He squeezed his eyes shut and reopened them, refraining from curling his hands into fists.

“You know what.” You attention hadn’t wavered, still fixed solidly on him. No turning back now. He got up slowly, steadily. You tracked him the entire way, eyes travelling the length of his body, just once.

Farrik, he was trying so hard to behave. But he was getting such vivid flashbacks, images bouncing around in his mind. The curve of your neck, tipped back against the stone wall, your body tensing and relaxing. There were other fleeting pictures too, things he had only imagined. Your legs over his shoulders, the way you sinfully moaned his name. 

He was already too far gone. 

He advanced on you, watching the look in your eyes shift. Were you scared? Of him? He stopped about a foot away, pulling at the leather on each fingertip, loosening them enough to slide the gloves off, and stacking them on the crate to the left of you. “What, exactly, did you want to say?” 

His voice was not his own. It was too rough. 

You were silent for a long moment, and he became consciously aware of the rise and fall of your chest. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale Inhale. Exhale. He was teetering over the edge. Inhale— Enough.

He stepped into your space, and you gasped sharply, angling your head slightly to keep your eyes on the visor. Another roaringly quiet moment passed. He took the damp shirt from your hands—were they trembling?—and placed it to the side. You seemed to have already forgotten it.

He spoke your name once, softly. “What was it you wanted to talk about?”

You opened your mouth to reply… and then shut it. You were just staring at him, blinking rapidly, hands fidgeting. You were nervous.

Fine. He’d have to prompt you then.

“Did you want to talk about this?” He brushed the backs of his fingers against the pulse in your neck. Your body reacted immediately. So he hadn’t imagined it. A thrill coursed through him, replacing the trepidation from earlier with something bolder. Still, you didn’t answer him.

He followed the same path, dragging his hand down your neck and across your clavicle. “Or was it this?” He had been drunk on the feel of you through the leather, but without the gloves it was torment. You were so soft,of course you would be. Your eyes had gone hooded; even under the soft light of the sunset, they were much darker. He never wanted you to stop looking at him like that.

“Maybe it was this.” He circled your waist with one arm, pulling you to the edge of the crate, until your body was flush with his. Your legs parted for him, and he stepped between them. You were pliant under his palms, your own hands coming to rest on his breastplate.

“I want to talk about this.” He dragged his thumb down your bottom lip, drinking in the way your eyes fell closed and you leaned back slightly, bringing him with you. He was enjoying this far too much. “Is that what you wanted to talk about too?”

His hands continued their ministrations, roaming and exploring, even as you remained quiet.

“Come on mesh’la.” He grasped you by the waist, putting just a sliver of distance between your two bodies. “What did you want to say?”

Finally, your eyes opened again. His knees almost buckled. Your pupils were blown wide. “What is this?” you asked. It was barely a whisper.

“What do you want it to be?” Because he would be anything for you, even if it meant not revealing the depth of his feelings. If you wanted this, only the physical aspect of it, he would give it to you willingly. Absolutely anything you wanted. All you had to do was say the words.

“I don’t…” You paused and he could see another emotion creep into your eyes. “I don’t know.” He tilted his head. In a low voice, you admitted: “I’ve never felt this before.”

Truthfully, he hadn’t either. He said as much. He hadn’t expected you to look so surprised. 

“You don’t need to figure it out right now.” Your features softened. “Take all the time you need.” He’d wait for you until the suns of Tatooine reversed their trajectory. But you didn’t need to know that yet.

You nodded and took a shaky breath. “Okay.”

“Okay.” He repeated. He removed his hands from your waist, but before he could pull them away, you grasped his left, flipping it over, studying it.

“What?” he asked, a hint of humour apparent in his voice. 

“I’m just trying to imagine what the rest of you looks like.”

Something in him fractured. He covered it up quickly, jokingly quipping: “Are you imagining certain parts more than others?”

You dropped his hand, face flushing, and smacked him on the pauldron. He chuckled and extended the hand to you once more, to help you down from the crate. Taking it, you gracefully slid off. He held on for a moment too long.

“Come on, we’ve got work to do.”

Night had long since fallen by the time you made your way back into Bootlegger’s Market. It was still busy but, as expected, the curved junction in the road was quiet. Having been the scene of a hunter’s gunfight not too long ago, people were wise to stay away. 

This time, when Din went to open the door to the rare antiques storefront, it moved easily. The squeaky hinges however, instantly put a wrench in your plan.

“There goes the element of surprise.” You hissed from behind him. He palmed at the saber hilt. 

You followed him inside, closing the door noisily behind you. A cringeworthy entrance. 

The two of you crouched behind a shelf, trying to get a feel for your surroundings. The room was dark and unbelievably cluttered. Trinkets of all shapes and sizes littered the surface of every table, shelf, and bench. Some creature’s horns were mounted on the wall, still attached to a portion of skull. You fought a shudder. 

It would be near impossible to find the crystal in this mess. But if the door had been left unlocked, that meant that someone was here.

Or someone beat you to it. You shut down the thought before it could fester.

Din looked behind him, signalling you to go left around the edge of the shelf, while he would take the right. You nodded in understanding. A voice cut through the silence.

“There’s no need for all that, you know. He’s already gone.” You heard the hiss of a match being lit and seconds later; a flickering light illuminated the store. Behind it was the face of a gorgeous, rich green Twi’lek. You stood, Din walking back around the shelf to come to your side.

“You’re too late. He left early this morning.” She placed the candle down on the table beside her. “He said I’d only need to watch the shop.” 

You and Din said nothing. She huffed and put a hand on her hip. “Can you believe I’ve been held at gunpoint four times today? You hunters have no morals.”

You were taken aback by her frankness. Din spoke for you. “Where did he go?”

“Wow, finally someone gives me the chance to tell them without threatening to kill me.” She collapses onto a stool, waving her hand in dismissal.

“He took a transport to Canto Bight. There’s an auction in the casino there in 50 hours’ time.”

“Thank you.” Din offered. She let out a humorless chuckle.

“Yeah, good luck. You’ll probably have to fight to the death just to get a landing space.”

Taglist: @that-girl-named-alex @aavengingbucky @prismaticpizza @blub-senpai

[eyra]

hiya!!! just read "beneath a big blue sky" and i am just wondering if yorkshire is as lovely as you write it or should i lower my expectations??

DO NOT LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Yorkshire is heaven on earth and I feel obliged to go into great detail here because Yorkshire simply does not get enough recognition for how bloody wonderful it is. Here are, in no particular order, some of my favourite spots in the county.

1. York - I’m not a city girl, but I’ll make an exception for York. Go see York Minster, the old city walls, The Shambles, and the Museum Gardens.

2. Castle Howard - I mean it’s literally Brideshead.

3. Knaresborough - iconic viaduct, lovely riverside walks, obligatory castle ruins. 

4. Whitby - outstanding seafood, spooky Abbey ruins up on the cliffside, lots of little witchy shops selling crystals.

5. Fountains Abbey - probably my favourite place in Yorkshire. No photo can do these ruins justice - you just have to go. Gorgeous gorgeous place. Also has a deer park with hundreds of deer wandering about. Love them.

6. The general Dales area - quintessential Yorkshire - the biggest, bluest skies.

7. Malham - wild and rugged and very very cool. Great walks, great ice cream.

8. Haworth - super cute village up on the edge of the moors. An obvious choice for Bronte fans.

9. Skipton - incredibly underrated little market town. Fabulous castle.

10. Dalby Forest - so many trees, so many activities.

11. Yorkshire Three Peaks - more sky, more hills, more world-class dramatic scenery. She’s stunning.

12. Flamborough - those turquoise waters! Is it the Mediterranean? Some distant riviera? No it’s bloody Yorkshire pal.

I could go on and on and on. What a place, what an experience. I simply love it. x

[ayeitsjustme-writes]

Enough for You - Part 3 (JJ Version)

JJ Version / Rafe Version

Part One, Part Two, Part Three (JJ), Final Part.

A/N- So the way I originally planned on finishing this story wouldn’t work without more context. Therefore, I have wrote this JJ version of part 3 which will follow on with the final part. Final parts will also be divided based on which endgame you desire😘 I hope you enjoy! Personally I think this one is so much better than the Rafe one, as I had major writers block at that point, and I really wish I could rewrite Rafe’s version but I genuinely don’t have time.

So anyway - here you go!!❤️

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After JJ had stormed away at your arrival, you felt confused and hurt at his disinterest in trying to fix things with you. After you stormed off last night, he hadn’t even text you, good or bad. You at least expected him to give you shit about it but he hadn’t.

Kie and Pope approached you with tight lip smiles as they follow your line of sight. You turned to them and bit your lip before forcing a smile.

“Hey guys.” You said sweetly - trying to soften the blow from yesterday. Kie crossed her arms and smiled at you.

“Look Kie, I’m so sorry about yesterd-“

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sorry for involving myself. It literally didn’t even include me.” She says and hold her hand out for truce.

“But I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to go off on one at you as well.” You pout apologetically and she rolls her eyes before pulling you in for a big hug.

You pull away and glance around, hoping to see JJ on his way back to the group. But you’d hoped wrong. You bit your lip and looked down. Pope noticed and nudged you. He opens his arms for you and you kindly accept his embrace.

“He’ll be round the front smoking a J. Go find him.” He whispers knowingly and smile gently as you pull away. You flash him a smile and nod before excusing yourself.

You pace through the crowd and pause at the edge of the chateau. You take in a breath and let out a deep sigh before rounding the corner to see JJ leaning on a tree alone, smoking a J. Just like Pope said, you thought. As you step forward, a branch snaps under your foot and as you cringe, his eyes dart towards you.

He looks you dead in the eye, expressionless, and blows out a gush of smoke before he turns back to look out into the wooded area surrounding you. He knew you were going to approach him either way, so he didn’t intend of watching you whilst you made haste to him.

“Hey.” You hun quietly and bite your lip as you approach him now, leaning on the tree opposite him.

He simply just raises his eyebrow at you and nods his head - taking one more drag before handing it over to you with no words spoken. It stays quiet for a couple of minute whilst you inhale the herbs, ready for the weight to be lifted off your shoulders. That weight being so many things.

Guilt. Pain. Fear.

Fear of what?

You weren’t sure what you feared more; rejection, or maybe even the opposite. Either way, both scared you.

JJ was your best friend and you’d never intended on falling for him, pining for him. It just happened, and once you’d become aware of the jealousy and the sting you felt when he’d leave your side and move to Kiara’s… well you figured that if you had realised, then maybe the others would and that scared you more than your feelings did because you weren’t sure how to act on these feelings.

Love is a complex thing and you realise this now. There are so many ways to love and so many versions of love. You can love every bone in one’s body, and still not be in love with them. You can find someone extremely insufferable, and be in love with them. It almost makes no sense whatsoever, and that was what scared you. You didn’t know how any of this would play out, and that made you feel physically sick.

Until now. You felt fearless, invincible, brave. It was because in front of you stood the latter of the two kinds of love stated above. The one person who knows exactly how to push your buttons. The one person who was, 9 times out of 10, completely insufferable. The one person who you knew you were completely and utterly in love with, despite all the voices in your head telling you not to be. JJ Maybank was the one for you.

“Why Rafe?” JJ pulls you out of your thoughts and as you try to stutter a response, he interrupts you again. “Was it because you knew it would sting more being him than anyone else?” He fired.

You scoffed and stood taller now. Defence mode activated.

Fight or flight, you thought.

“Oh wait, never mind. I’m sure you’re just going to walk away again aren’t you?” He shrugs and send you a bold smile.

You laugh now and JJ’s face retorts. “You really don’t get it, do you?” You rub your forehead with angst.

“Get what?” He asks.

“This J!” You point between the two of you. “Us.” You groan.

“This isn’t about us. It’s about you and Raf-“

“Right.” You laugh. “So enlighten me. Why does me and Rafe bother you anyway then? If it’s not about us, then why?“ you pry.

JJ flares his nostrils and rolls his eyes.

“It bothers me because it’s Rafe.” He states. “You know Rafe Cameron who shoves coke up his nose to deal with his daddy issues.” He says in spite.

“That’s ironic because he tells me you’re no good for me because you inhale herbs like there’s no tomorrow, due to your own daddy issues.” You snap and JJ flinches, which instantly makes your eyes prickle with tears of guilt.

You knew you’d fucked up as soon as you saw the hurt in his eyes at the mention of his dad.

What you hadn’t noticed, is that he knew you were right. The minute he himself had mentioned Rafe’s coping mechanism, he realised the similarities to his own.

“I’m so sorry J. I didn’t mean for that to be so harsh.” You deflate and glance at the boy who’s head hung low.

“It’s fine. You’re not wrong.” He confesses and flashes you a small smile.

“Can we stop arguing now? This isn’t us.” You whisper as your eyes fill even more.

JJ nods and steps closer to wipe your eyes with his thumbs. You lean your head on his chest and stay there for a while.

“I’m gonna talk and you’re gonna listen okay?” You say and JJ steps away, nodding. Obliging.

“I like you J. As in my feelings for you are deeper than either of us had imagined and planned.” You start and glance up to meet his eyes. He nods for you to continue. “I figured it out a while back and since then, it just got worse and worse because every time you left my side to be by anyone else’s, I felt cold and shitty and empty. That terrifies me.” You sniffle and JJ steps forward to comfort you as you block him.

“No J, please. I don’t want to cry.” You deny him softly and he nods. “It scares me that my whole mood can change based on your actions, or lack there of. And I know it’s not you fault so please don’t think I’m blaming you but I just found it really hard at the last party to be around you, whilst you were pining after Kie-” You cringe at your own words but shake it off.

“Y/n-“

“-Kie. So when I went outside for fresh air and broke down, Rafe found me and he comforted me.” You explained. “Which then led to other things.”

“Yeah okay. Spare me the details.” JJ interrupts, flailing his arms around and you laugh. As you look at him now, you realise he was close to crying too.

“Then he just promised to distract me whenever I felt like shit and he really helped me J.“ you confess and watch JJ frown again.

“Brilliant. So Rafe managed to help you more than you best frien-“

“But you weren’t my best friend anymore J. Why don’t you get that?” You groan. “I couldn’t come to you about something that was about you, could I?!” You let out an exasperated sigh.

“Can I talk?” JJ asks.

You nod.

“Do you seriously think I have real feelings for Kie?” He asks you with a serious expression.

“Well it seems obvious.” You retort.

“But I don’t.” He deadpans. “I don’t have feelings for Kie at all. Kie knows where my feelings lie.”

You frown and shake your head, confused.

“I like you, Y/N. I have liked you since forever.” He laughs and pokes your cheek, making you blush.

“Liar.” You say and try to hide your smile.

“You-“ He lifts your chin up to look at him. “- are the reason the no pogue on pogue macking rule was made.“ he grins cheekily.

You were lost for words which might I add, was a rare occasion. You scoff and push JJ’s chest, sending him back to the tree he was originally leaning on.

“That’s so cheesy J. I think I’d have preferred the rejection after all-“

“Shut up.” He laughs and pulls you into him. You glance up at him with the biggest grin and he almost feels his insides melt.

“I’m gonna kiss you now.” He informs you and you nod.

JJ’s lips meet yours and his arm wraps around your waist, pressing you closer to him. You wrap your arms around his neck and deepen the kiss but are soon interrupted by the same noise that drew JJ’s attention to you earlier. You pull apart and turn to follow the noise.

…

@a-j-stuffs @totallynotkaibiased @rafecameronswhore @fangirlfree @clairdemoony @kaelibaby @treacherous-minibars @trinbby13 @notdisneychannel @tarakizz @onlyangel-444 @bjrmaybank @fairyprincesslili @stoptryingtomakefetchathing @tokyoshi @gillybear17 @1-800-imagines @pogu3s-4l @zealouscherryblossumqueen

❤️I’m so sorry any updates took so long, I appreciate you guys reading so much more than you’ll ever know❤️