#raven x little leo

[forestcat666]

Im not sure if anyone still remembers the little club buuuuuuut

Little Leo and Raven from the Little club are boyfriends.

They are pretty much always touching, Raven is touch starved and Leo just loves physical touch.

Raven is 5'3, Leo is 5'5, Leo will not let the fact that he's two inches taller than Raven go, Raven hates it.

Raven tends to go days and sometimes weeks without brushing his semi long hair, he just never payed attention to it, so when Leo notices Ravens hair getting bad he'll get Raven to sit down with him while he de-tangles, he plays some music or a show while he does it so Raven won't squirm to much.

They watch horror movies together with the intent of scaring the other so they'll get scared and want to cuddle, usually what happens is they both get scared and end up clinging to each other.

They both frequently break into each other's houses at night, just as a little surprise so they can cuddle each other while they sleep. It's such a common occurrence that neither is surprised when they wake up and see the other lying with them in bed.

They hold hands constantly.

Leo's hands are soft and really gentle, Ravens hands are calloused and have tons of scars on them.

Raven wears dresses semi often, usually Gothic Lolita dresses, Leo loves it, he just thinks Raven looks so pretty.

I headcanon that Raven is seventeen and Leo is eighteen.

[nofingjustaninchident]

⛧° midnights are easier with you

⛧° 。 ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆༺♱༻⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 。°⛧

⛧° 。 ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆༺♱༻⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 。°⛧

content: percy jackson x hephaestus!reader, platonic!leo valdez x fem!reader

warnings: angst, mentions of leo's death.

a/n: dedicated to my dear wife cynthia cause she asked me to post this one first so... yeah. ejoy ya'll

word count: 1,537

⛧° 。 ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆༺♱༻⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ 。°⛧

now playing… late night talking - harry styles

It’s a normal thing for demigods to have constant nightmares. Every night, the same monsters or gods or prophecies kept haunting your dreams, never going away. You couldn’t remember the last time you had a night of peaceful sleep, much less a good dream. 

But after the battle with Gaea, the nightmares only worsened, the loss of two of your closest friends and family never leaving your mind. And they couldn’t seem to haunt anyone else, just you. 

Maybe because only you, amongst all of them, saw your brother’s death.  

One time, at four in the morning, you woke up sweating and crying in your own bed sheets. It was once again with Leo’s death. He was once your best friend and closest brother, the type of close that’d tease and annoy you, but always be there, nonetheless.  

You knew you couldn’t stay in your cabin, so you decided to go to the beach. It was the only place you knew the harpies wouldn’t go this late at night, so it was practically your only option. And it wasn’t a bad one. Definitely better than staying at the Hephaestus cabin or even going to bunker nine, remembering all the good memories you had made with Leo in eight short months that should’ve been longer. 

You threw on a random hoodie that you had stolen from Percy’s cabin when he was missing, and you needed some sort of reassurance that maybe, maybe he was still alive. Now he was alive and well, probably sleeping in his cabin.  

And you were here, moping around.  

Two months before, you’d probably be moping with Jason, mourning the loss of a best friend and brother for the both of you. But now he was in a boarding school in California, unable to answer a call. Not that you’d call him, anyway. 

While walking in the direction of the beach, your mind kept diverting towards the green-eyed, raven-haired boy. You’ve had a crush on Percy for a few years now. Four, to be more specific. I mean, who never had a crush on Percy freaking Jackson?  

Not just hot, he was kind, brave, loyal, clever, strong, powerful, handsome... what else could anyone want, huh? 

Even thinking about him never seemed to leave your mind. And it was definitely better than to think about Leo twenty-four seven and get even more trauma than what you already had with his death. 

Even knowing that Percy was a water dude, it was still wildly surprising to find him taking a swim in the middle of the night at Camp Half-Blood's beach. He was right there, lying on the sand after a swim, being bathed by the first sunrays, his orange tee clinging to his wet body. 

He looked angelic, even godly. Anything, but definitely not human. He was too handsome for this world.  

You obviously assumed he was asleep, so you just kept staring at his face. It may have been a little creepy if he wasn’t your best friend who always did that with you too, so you just ignored and mentally mapped all the freckles on his cheeks, hoping beyond hope that someday you’d kiss every and each one of them.  

“You know it’s creepy when someone just watches you when you sleep, right?” Percy asked, his usual smug and cocky grin quickly making his way to his lips as he didn’t even bother to open an eye. 

You obviously couldn’t help but smirk back at the boy, laughing and kicking him playfully on the thigh.  

“Oh, shut up, Jackson. You do that to me every time you barge into my cabin. Stupid psycho.” You said jokingly while sitting beside him on the sand.  

“You hurt my feelings.” He said with a wide smile as he sat and pulled you in for a hug. A hug which you desperately tried to squirm away from, since he was dripping wet, soaking your shirt as well.  

After a few minutes of a heated battle, that he won with his ticklish cheating, you were soaked in the sea water without even getting into the sea itself and Percy was holding back his giggles.  

Infuriating, sure. Still cute, though.  

His laugh was just too pretty. The way he threw his head back just made you want to kiss the hell out of him, but you knew that wasn’t possible. Ruining your eldest friendship was an unnecessary risk to take.  

“You’re infuriating” You mumbled, rolling your eyes. 

“Maybe. But I'm hot, so it’s a win-win in my book.” He said, looking at you with his puppy eyes, which made you chuckle and look at the dawn sky.  

The color mixing together in a pink, orange and black haze with the remaining stars in the sky were your second favorite view in the world. It just lost to Percy. 

If you looked at him right now, you would notice how he was staring at you. You'd probably blush and smile at his intense, never faltering gaze. His sea-green eyes seemed to never leave your face, and one could even say he seemed enamored by you. But you wouldn’t let yourself think that and have false hopes and expectations. You could only hope that maybe, one day, he’d feel the same for you that you felt for him. 

“What brought you here in the middle of the night?” He asked a few moments later. When you looked at him, he seemed worried. It was definitely not usual for you to come to the beach at four in the morning, so he was kind of right in worrying so much. 

“I... had a nightmare. Couldn't really sleep after that.” You said, shrugging it off. 

“About?” He asked, raising one eyebrow in curiosity. 

“Leo. Leo's death, actually.” You answered.  

He just hummed in agreement and understanding. Obviously, he’d understand what you were talking about, since he experienced dozens of deaths of close friends, same as you did.  

“Wanna try and talk about it?” He asked, tilting his head slightly to the side. 

“Not really.” You said for what it seemed like the tenth time in just a day.  

It's not that you were trying to hide your pain. Well, you were indeed trying to hide it but that’s off the point. I mean, it wouldn’t go great if he knew what was really going on in your head, especially when a few of those things were thoughts of him and you making out till you were both breathless and panting.  

“You know, you couldn’t have avoided his suicide. Trust me. Hazel and Frank tried, and it didn’t work out.” He said, trying to reassure you as he moved a little closer to you, your shoulders touching slightly.  

“Yeah, maybe. But they didn’t know him. Maybe he’d- maybe he’d listen to me, okay? I just- It's just too painful.” You said, already feeling the tears flowing to your eyes. His death was a sensitive topic that never failed to bring you to tears. 

“I know, beautiful, but he did it because he knew he’d save the world.” He said, scooting closer to you and pulling you to his chest. “If it weren’t for Leo, we would still be in a gigantic war, and we’d have so much more losses, darling. Leo is a hero. He'll always be remembered as one.”  

“I wanted him here, not his memories.” You mumbled, letting the tears fall freely from your eyes straight into his strong arms.  

“Yeah, I know. I know it’s hard, and the pain’s gonna take a long while to go away. But it eventually will.” He reassured, kissing your cheek. “And while it doesn’t, I'm gonna be here by your side whenever you need. Even if you don’t need, I'm still here.”  

“I love you.” You murmured under your breath before you could even stop it. He kissed your forehead softly. 

“I love you too, y/n/n.” He whispered. But it seemed like only fraternal, or friends love. That's more than what you want, and you’re gonna tell him. He deserves to know. Maybe it’ll ruin your friendship, but you just can’t keep this bottled up.  

“No, Percy.” You said, sniffing and sitting back, looking at his green eyes with your own puffy ones. “I love you. Like, lovelove.” 

He looked... startled, to say the least. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of your words. You were starting to regret ever saying anything to him. Maybe now he’s gonna hate you and never talk to you again, then the whole trauma of Leo’s death would now be together with Percy leaving, and you were gonna get even more fucked up than you already are, and- 

Or maybe he’d just kiss you and completely interrupt your entire trail of thought and your whole mind with his salty, sea-like kisses and chapped lips that fit so perfectly with yours.  

His hand found your waist, holding it while his tongue entered your mouth deliciously well. It was literally a dream come true.  

Finally, you two were completely out of breath and he pulled away, smiling and keeping your foreheads touching.  

“I think I love you too.” He answered before pulling you in for another kiss.  

[v3nusxsky]

Hellooo ~ Unsure if you’re still taking requests — if you don’t please just ignore this, but how about sub!Lesso being edged for days/weeks now (punishment for teasing Larissa maybe? 👀) and Larissa finally allows her to come on Valentine’s Day or her birthday? Maybe a little bit of pain play as well to put her in her place? Thank you so much 💞

Stepping into the unknown 18+

*authors note~ sinful souls how I’ve missed you🥹 god I’ve missed writing and posting sm here. I miss my ladies so much!*

Trigger warnings~ sub lesso x dom Larissa x sub r, r has abandonment issues, r is a dancer, depressed lesso, rough punishment (Lesso receiving), pet play (Leo receiving), pain play/impact play flogging (lesso receiving) r is just watching humiliation kink, mentions of struggling to orgasm, temperature play (Leo receives), degrading kink, shoe humping?, nipple clamps, oral (lesso receiving)

Prompt~ see ask^^^

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Meeting up with your boss turned crush was something you couldn’t exactly say you were looking forward to. Yet you had to return work at some point. Stepping into sinful souls you were riddled with anxious knots tugging at your lower stomach as you took in the familiar surroundings. Some of your fellow dancers muttering greetings as they continued the fight for perfection with their appearance. Lesso, despite owning the club, was no where to be seen. Unusual. You couldn’t help the nagging thought that later you, Larissa and the raven haired woman would be in Nevermore. In each other’s company. For the first time since that night. Since she left. Again.

Before you knew it the club was alive with the vibrations bouncing off the walls, dancers in skimpy costumes and customers already starting their night. Business. Tips. And still no boss. Odd. With a quick shot of liquid courage you set off to the stage for your first dance. The rhythmic beats of your first song easily providing the headspace you needed.

“Girls, we run this motha (yeah!)

Who run the world? Girls!”

The intro of the song gaining a few new points of attention as the beat continued its strong presence allowing you to give a firey strong performance. You’d be lying if you said that you hated dancing to Beyonće but this song was a fan favourite so really you’d be a fool to not lean into it.

“This goes out to all my girls

That's in the club rocking the latest

Who will buy it for themselves and get more money later”

Making sure to add an extra sway to your hips as you rounded the stage, a swish of your hair and making sure to pop your hips in time to the beat. The crowd clearly now absolutely enchanted by how well you kept the fast pace all while looking every bit as sexual and sensual as you desired.

“This goes out to all the women getting it in, you on your grind

To all the men that respect what I do, please accept my shine

Boy, you know you love it

How we smart enough to make these millions

Strong enough to bear the children (children)

Then get back to business

Cheers erupted when the beat died out and tips began to get tossed on the stages, every wolf whistle only furled your confidence to get through the night. No matter what occurred you knew either way you’d go home to Larissa. Clearly your customers still wanted to watch you dance even if your boss left you in your most vulnerable moments. You didn’t need her validation and you most definitely didn’t need the hurt that came with Lesso.

Larissa had intended to relax while you worked your shift at sinful souls, before your guest arrived. However, a certain raven haired lady had other plans. Arriving at Nevermore was simply nothing short of nerve reaching for Lesso. She knew she should be at the club, overseeing business but the knots of guilt tightened in her stomach, leading her to the gates of Nevermore. Locating her office was simple, the door covered in a shiny gold plaque being a dead give away.

The emotional tidal waves were killing her as she battled her ego and pride before knocking on the door. As it opened she was immediately in front of the principal spewing apologises for being so early and rambling in a hope to deal with the overwhelming emotions building. “Come in Lesso” she commanded before stepping aside and letting the clearly overwhelmed woman inside.

“I’m sorry I’m early. I know the dove is working and I know you said to come by later but I-“ she rambled but was cut off by the blonde principal, “I know why you’re here Leonora, let’s not pretend you are here under any other circumstances shall we?”

There it was again, the nagging, gut wrenching feeling of guilt. “I’m sorry I just I’m sorry” she murmured struggling to look Larissa in the eyes. It was like she was peering into her soul, seeing every dirty little secret she was guarding with a wall that was crumbling too fast. “Kneel” Larissa offered causing the raven haired woman to fall to her knees. Instant submission. It wasn’t until she went wide eyes that the realisation hit, the humiliation of following her command and the relief of submission hit the poor woman all at once. “I know what you need puppy, but first you have to have your punishment for hurting our precious little dove. My sweet girl sobbed for hours at your cruel actions and I simply can’t have you hurting her again.”

“You remember your colours, you can stop this whenever Leo, but you wont want to will you? Cause your just a need stray needing mommys firm hand to guide you” Larissa reiterated before moving across her office and producing the next demand. “Strip and crawl to mommy, be a good little bitch and come get your punishment.” With only a small amount of hesitation the woman slowly crawled her way to the shifter, every small step taken reminding her of how she hurt her little dove. By the time she reached the table Leonora was sure of one thing. She deserved this. Whatever Larissa had in store, she needed it.

Almost as if she’d planned it, principal weems pulled a pair of nipple clamps from her desk drawer and secured them instantly. A sharp tug given to test the grip they had resulted in a pathetic whine from Lesso. “Shut up mutt. You know you need mommy to do this. You need mommy to hurt you don’t you little stray? Need mommy to help you fix this mess hmm?” She taunted watching as tears began to build in her eyes. “I need this mommy” was all she could whimper before Larissa tugged the chain to drag her body closer. “Use my shoe mutt. Show me how much you want me to help you. To fix this mess. Show me how sorry you can be pup and maybe I’ll help you.”

Humiliation rolled off the raven haired woman in waves so strong that they would knock down buildings. Her hips rolling pathetically against the toes of her high heeled shoe. An act so filthy she should’ve demanded Larissa be in her place. Fighting her dominance would’ve been useless. Larissa knew just as well as she did that Leonora needed this. Her poor brat was caving. A slender hand reached down the valley of her perky breasts and tugged hard on the chain, “off mutt you aren’t coming yet.”

Coming home from your shift feeling accomplished and confident again you were surprised to see Larissa had your boss curled up on a pile of blankets like a dog. Tears long since dried as she worked through her emotions. You’d be lying if you said the sight didn’t make your heart clench, “Mommy?” You murmured automatically collapsing into your role. “Hello sweet girl, don’t worry love it’s all okay. Our stray is okay this is all part of the plan” she reassured coming to wrap her arms around you in a tight loving hug.

Wrapped in her arms everything faded away as you soaked in her love. A whimper caught your attention as you really looked at your boss for the first time since that night. She looked like a shell of the woman you knew. “She okay?” You whimpered trusting your dominant lover implicitly. “She’s okay sweet girl I promise, colour sweet girl and yours mutt?” A faint mumbled “green” came from the woman curled up on the floor. Her blue eyes starring into your soul as you murmured a soft green too. Your eyes failing to leave Lesso’s form for long than a few minutes. “Time for your punishment mutt” Weems demanded while gently guiding you to her office chair. “Sit there sweet girl, Lesso has something to say to you darling.”

“Now mutt, I want you to take your punishment and tell dove everything you told me earlier. 10 spanks for each crime and however many our girl thinks you need for hurting her.” She commanded while leading the raven haired woman by her chains, the teeth of the clamps digging into her soft nipples hard enough to draw small little droplets of blood. “Pup? Cane or flogger?” A few moments of silence resulted in a warning spank to her bare ass. “Flogger please mommy.”

From your seat you could see how Larissa dragged lesso to lean over her desk in the perfect position to hold your gaze. “Talk mutt” was all your mommy offered before starting to deliver the punishment. “I’m sorry dove! I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have treated you -ouch- that way. I’m sorry, -fuck it hurts Oh god- I was so scared. I don’t want to be scared anymore. I want to love you. Will you let me love you how you deserve to be? Mommy will teach me the right way. I want to be with you both. God I’ve missed you” she sobbed out through hiccups as the flogger was rained down on her now rosy pink ass. “You hurt me daddy” you whimpered as the painful memories resurfaced.

A particularly hard smack caused the raven haired woman to gasp and continue her rambles. “I don’t know how to love very well. I deserve this. I need this. Thank you mommy for giving me this. I’m sorry” she cried out, chest heaving with sobs as Larissa continued to give the required number of spanks under your watchful eyes. “Go make nice pup, you’re all done. All forgiven.” Larissa muttered gently to lesso as she immediately crawled her way to your lap. Lovingly she placed her head full of raven curls on your lap, tears soaking through your loose bottoms.

“Mommy, I don’t want to get hurt” you whimpered, limbs shaking at the woman slouching into your lap, heart clenching with anxiety. “We will be carful sweet girl, from the conversations we had whilst you were dancing my love, she’s riddled in guilt, she can’t feel anything but the overwhelming feeling of pain and loneliness. She needs us, you, just like we need her. I’m not saying it will be easy and plain sailing, she has lots of issues to work through but with the love and support we can offer I think we can help her.”

“She hasn’t?” You whispered, looking down at the woman who was now passed out due to exhaustion, head In your lap as you unclamped the clamps gasping at the droplets of blood. “Mommy!” You gasped in shock and fear that you’d hurt her by helping clean her up. “Shush sweet girl I know just what our puppy needs let’s relocate to our room shall we?”

With ease Larissa scooped the club owner up into her arms and relocated her to the bed, fetching a warm washcloth to clean the sensitive skin and throughly abused ass. Using some cooling cream to sooth the area. “I’m sorry” she whimpered, voice thick with tears as she came back to the world of the living. “Shush all done now puppy, we are here” Larissa hushed as lesso instantly reached out blindly to find your hand. “Mmm here too daddy.”

“Mommy? Can I?” You mumbled shyly gesturing with your head to show your intention. “Do you want to sweet girl? You don’t have to my love. But if you want to please the puppy then you can. She’ll be good and take whatever you give her, right mutt?” A smack rained on her inner thigh causing a yelp and rushed confirmation. From there you positioned yourself between her legs and took an experimental swipe of her dripping cunt. “‘Mm mommy it’s good” you mumbled happily. Pussy drunk even. “Is that so sweet girl? Make her cum for mommy and then we can all go to bed darling.”

Making her come for you was simply an activity you adored if your happy little mewls being swallowed by her puffy lips as your tongue brought her over the edge with ease. “Good girl puppy. It’s all okay, all done now, good girl sweetheart, you made mommy so proud. Such a pretty pussy eater for me” the praise only adding to the almost drunk state you were now in. It didn’t take much persuasion to get you stripped off and snuggled up in between your boss and the principal of Nevermore, drifting off to sleep with a new sense of hope and love in your heart. Perhaps you would finally get to have both women. Your mommy and your daddy. A happy love filed life. The road would be long and full of bumps and turns but you’d all walk it together.

[empressofmankind]

The House Always Wins

[Crocodile x F!OC]

One line, two fics.

I had the absolute delight to see the draft of @tiredemomama her new fanfic about Zeff. And I loved this brief exchange so much:

“I don’t pay you to take naps on the line.” "You don't pay me at all."

I had to make my own.

Mine is significantly shorter (~500 words), but no matter. It'll no doubt get a longer version down the line. There are plans. I just had to get this one image out of my system right now.

Featuring Crocodile and Shivs when their relationship was still a ways from wrecking on the shoals. We're at Rain Dinners, Rainbase, Arabaste, about a decade ago, just like in 'Hooked On You.' What else do you need to know? Shivs is terrible at sitting on her hands, and can often be found at the tables as a poker dealer as a result. She can, and will, toss you if you give her shit at her table. One of their high roller didn't like it and took it up with the boss. That was surely a mistake.

Tag(s): Gambling. Language. Sexual tension. Obsessive behaviour. Don't you wish his impulse control was worse than it is? I know I do.

🐊 🐊🐊

Crocodile’s gaze swept across the casino floor, effortlessly finding her table. Two rows over, near the bar - thirteen. Shivs’d single-handedly made the number popular. She was dealing to a full round, smoking, talking to their patrons as she tossed the deck. Her table was always popular, and why shouldn't it be? She was a skilled dealer, and her casually personable manner and bold cheek exerted a magnetic pull on everyone around her. Even him.

She laughed then, a rolling thing full of good cheer, sweet on his ears, and for someone else. The gluttonous creature slumbering within him stirred from its sleep.

The patrons seated at the table shifted when they saw him approach. He could tell the regulars from the fresh faces by their manner - the former reclined back in their seats, the latter leaned forward. Shivs paid him no heed, though he was not foolish enough to think she hadn't noticed.

He leaned across her shoulder as he came up behind her, his hand resting on her hip. “I don't pay you to bother our high rollers into bothering me.”

“You don't pay me at all,” she said, dealing their patrons their two cards without missing a beat.

“Are you sure?” he rumbled in her ear as his fingers skimmed the crease of her inner thigh.

“Wanna join? Leo was just leaving.” She indicated the lanky man sitting directly to her left. A smooth recovery, but not smooth enough. He'd caught the little roll of her shoulders as she suppressed a pleasant shudder. She was a needy thing, and he greedily devoured every response he could coax from her.

“Why not,” he said and straightened, giving her firm butt a good squeeze before parting. The patron vacated their seat promptly, and a chip runner came over as he settled in it.

“Don't blind bet the rest of them under the table immediately.”

On a tone like that, there was no way he wouldn't. Though he took his sweet time, lighting a cigar and enjoying its taste before pushing the stack of chips up the table with two fingers.

“A'right. Gentlemen,” Shivs said as she put the community cards face down on the board. “This is a big boys' game now. No checks. Keep up or clear out.”

Near half the table folded and made a quiet exit. However, there were more than enough willing to take their vacated seats.

“Want a new hand or think you can crawl out of Leo's terrible luck?” she said when everyone had made it through the preflop.

“Luck?” Crocodile scoffed with a huff of smoke.

“Suit yourself, big shot.” 

The cheek in the glance she tossed him made him consider bending her over the table. The ravenous beast pacing within the confines of his ribcage rumbled agreement as a smile twitched around his cigar.

Perhaps in a bit, he thought as he contemplated his cards.

🐊 🐊🐊

Horny hell seat reservations - @ruledbyproblematique @littlemountainwolf @fanaticsnail

[horrorslvts]

just my type | leo valdez part one

keywords : leo valdez, riordanverse, canon x oc

writer's note : uhh yall ate up the idea of a daughter of hermes oc x leo valdez so mommy will feed u my children... i present to you absolute chaos and comedic relief couple. enjoy.. ship is very inspired by 'just my type - the vamps'

the sound of metal hitting against metal reached the girl's ears, making her eyebrows stiffen a bit as she made her way onto the real crime scene; all those awful sounds came from argo II being made; and although silena de leon, daughter of hermes; beloved half-sister of luke castellan really respected the cause, the sound made her absolutely cringe.

the raven haired girl almost tripped over a few tools that had been abandoned in the middle of the way, making her cuss under her breath and look down at her sneakers to make sure they were not damaged by some stupid leftover hammer. with a little shake of the head silena finally approached the curly haired boy who was, apparently, putting some wooden planks on the side of the boat, and also spaced out enough to not realize she was making her way near. he stood on the third step of a high ladder. "hey bob the builder; don't you want to catch a break sometime?"

leo looked down at the -surprisingly- shorter girl, and flashed a little smile. he lifted his arm to wipe some dust away from his face and nose with his sleeve and shrugged a bit. "if you are asking me to-" he gently threw the hammer on his hand aside, letting it fall on some spare nails, and stepped down from the ladder he was on. "interrupted your sleep again? sorry, i'll make sure to delay an entire quest so you can get a few more hours of naps" leo said with a little chuckle and leaned with one arm on the boat, his hand running through his curls pushing them back making silena watch in awe.

now, silena and leo didn't know each other long. for what it's worth, silena met him and percy through annabeth who she has known forever; given that luke set them up to be friends when sil arrived at the camp for the first time; and they actually did. but gods, ever since meeting this dam son of hephaestus she had been losing her mind. whether it was the back and forth signs and jokes, or the absolute denial that either of them would ever see each other in any way above platonic; something made her heart skip a beat whenever she was close to the tanned boy, that's all she knew; should have seen her face when he first laughed at her spaniard accent; any other person would have taken a punch but he just got lucky with a push.

"yeah, that'd be so sweet of you!"

leo gave her a death stare with a chuckle, knowing damn well she wasn't anywhere near serious.

"so if it isn't that, why pay us a visit?"

silena slowly walked towards the rope ladder of the ship, tugging on it . "just curious to see how the ship is going. very good apparently." she pulled herself up the rope ladder which instantly caused a reaction by the other, making leo rush to bring her down in case she fell.

"whoa whoa you know that's not tied well yet right?!"

sil sat on one of the rope ladder's thin steps, only a couple feet above him and chuckled, swinging her feet to show her winged sneakers. "why do you always forget valdez?"

the curly haired sighed a bit. " if you get all tangled up in the ropes these aren't going to save you-." he looked at her from below with that signature troublemaking smile that brought an aching on her heart.

"i know, but you will."

the boy let his suspenders fall from each shoulder and climbed back up on his ladder, finally reaching her height and being almost face to face with the blue eyed girl; his breath was always cut short when the two were this close. it was funny how after so long of percy and annabeth being sappy now annabeth teased these two like her life depended on it.

"although you're not exactly knight in shining armor material.." silena reached to wipe his forehead from some mechanical oil. " more like greasy armor.."

"you know what's funny, sil?"

"hm?"

"your back is touching my fresh painted planks-."

sil finally realized why her shirt was sticking on her back for the past minute.

"VALDEZ-!"

[raainy-daze]

Can you do headcanons of how the rottmnt(and the 2012 turtles if you really wanna) turtles would react to their gender neutral s/o getting mutated by the ozzsquitos into a raven/crow mutate

(Remember you don't gotta do it if you don't wanna)

Thank you and good night 😘

turtles react to s/o mutated into a corvid

rottmnt turtles (non poly) x gn!mutant!reader

summary: so as it turns out, oozesquitoes kind of suck. their stings hurt a lot more than you’d think, not to mention you’d suddenly sprouted feathers. maybe you should find the turtles.

word count: 544

a/n: thank you so much for requesting!! i have searched more random corvid facts over the last however long it took me to write this than i ever have in my life and i lowkey forgot english at several points. hope you like this!

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Raph . . .

“okay, okay, this is fine, (y/n)’s a mutant - OH MY GOD (Y/N)’S A MUTANT”

he’s not as much worried about you being a mutant as he is how you react to being a mutant

eventually, however, the dust’ll settle and you’ll get more used to your new form

after everyone adjusts, raph finds that he really admires your feathers

they’re just so pretty and smooth??

if you let him, sometimes he’ll just pet your feathers really gently

he thinks you’re really pretty / handsome / whatever term you prefer in general

he always did, of course

it’s just that the crow form really fits somehow?

after you get mutated, he seems to make extra sure you don’t get caught up in anything else

he has three little brothers he needs to worry about, he does not need more stress

long story short he’s overprotective

•°. *࿐

Leo . . .

most humans don’t want to be mutants.

leo is very aware of this.

so when you come into the lair covered in feathers going “hey so y’all are never going to guess what happened”

that was. something.

as long as you don’t mind, he doesn’t either

if you do, though, he will absolutely (attempt) to punch draxum the next time they cross paths

he gets you shiny things

it doesn’t matter if the shiny instinct actually transferred to you, he’ll just see a particularly shiny button and go “ha (y/n)”

oh and you better be braced for the dumbest bird jokes you’ve ever heard

or, worse yet, bird based pick up lines

probably sends you the average crow lifespan off google captioned “</3 you will be missed”

•°. *࿐

Donnie . . .

donnie’s google search history got really bizarre really quickly

“my partner is a mutant”

“help my partner got mutated”

“what to do when a radioactive mosquito turns your partner into a bird”

now knows several corvid facts and will tell you all of them! (threat)

“hey (y/n), did you know that crows have funerals?”

for some reason, he can’t for the life of him figure out whether you’re technically a crow or a raven, and it drives him nuts

this will not stop him from nitpicking anyone who calls you one or the other

if you do want to go back to being human someday, he’ll be researching a potential remedy in his free time

you’re the only one allowed near his experiments when they’re in progress

this has always been true but now he has the excuse “corvids are some of the smartest animals on earth”

•°. *࿐

Mikey . . .

it takes mikey a little bit to process that you’re actually a mutant

just because it never occurred to him anyone could get mutated

he never considered the possibility until it actually happened

he kind of just stood there for about ten seconds. blank faced. no thoughts.

similar to leo, he gives you shiny things

but no no no

not just shiny things

he makes you a shiny BRACELET

it clinks together a lot, and probably has a couple jingle bells on there, so it’s incredibly impractical

but it’s made with love

if you ever feel down about missing your human life, he does his damn best to cheer you up

he will bring you your favorite pizza and give you hugs until you feel better

[a-random-person-on-the-interent]

Lists of my Au's

Fic/fic idea's that will become Au's

Immortal Leo Valdez - Hera turned him immortal when she put him in the fire place (tag: Hera adopts a traumatized child)

Crossover fic with hetalia and PJO, Leo Valdez as Mexico - the fates send Leo to another world and in this world Leo is the personification of Mexico (tag: I was leo valdez now I'm mexico)

Mexico's first world meeting

I'm Leo Valdez and you?

Crossover fic with KOTLC and PJO where Leo Valdez is Jensi (tag: Leo valdez and the elves)

To sleep and fire the world must fall - Leo X Clovis fic, where Clovis joins the 7 (making it the 8) (tag: To sleep and fire the world must fall)

Second time round - Leo, Conner, Clovis, Meg and Apollo/Lester are the only surviving people after the war with Tartarus and are sent back in time by the fates (tag: Second time round)

Starlight - A au where Leo is the son of Nyx and Hepheastus and is the personifcation of starlight but was raised as a mortal (tag: Go supernova, starlight)

The Lab - an Au where some nations get kidnapped and turned into monsters it's one of the two main Au's I'm working on (Tag: Some nations got kidnapped and now they're monsters)

The Lab

Echos of the past - where Echo joins the crew of the Argos 2 (tag: echoes of the past)

Made of clay - Hepheastus kids are made from clay and they have magma instead of blood, and Pandora is their older sister, watch as chaos ensues (tag: Made of clay)

Son of Tartarus - Leo is the son of Tartarus and joins camp half blood during The Titans Curse (tag: Son of Tartarus)

I made friends with Death - The Fates think their little brother needs more friends so they send him to another universe where he's Makoto neagi, only he still a god, I guess the fates couldn't take that part away without big consequences (Tag: I Made Friends With Death)

Miraculous Thanatos - After getting into an argument with Nyx Thanatos is sent to the world of Lady Bug and Cat Noir where Thanatos get's the Raven Miraculous, I can't give him the butterfly which is what he's most commonly associated with, because HawkMoth has it, DESPITE THE FACT THAT MOTHS AND BUTTERFLYS ARENT THE SAME THING (Also fun fact, Hawk moths or Humming bird moths are the fastest type of moth and bug to exist) (tag: Miraculous Thanatos)

______ as an SCP - A huge crossover series I'm planning on making with many different characters, (Fandoms so far: Hetalia, PJO universe, MLB, MHA, KNY, Danganronpa, KOTLC, and FNAF) as SCPs (tag: ______ as an SCP)

Hephaestus and Aphrodite pay child support - basically Hephaestus and Aphrodite actually parent their kids and are full time parents to the kids whose parent's died. They do it together so the kids are raised like siblings (Yes I know Hephaestus remarried but in this AU they got divorced because Hera and Zeus forced Hepheastus and Aphordite back into a marrige) how will this change the plot, idk (tag: Hephaestus and Aphrodite pay child support)

Gods, Demigods and Nations, oh my - This is the second main AU I'm working on, it's a hetalia Crossover AU but you don't need to know anything about Hetalia for the first arcs of the AU (Tag: Gods, Demigods and Nations, oh my)

Leo in the Titan war - Leo joins camp half blood during The Titans Curse, this is part of the Gods, Demigods and Nations, Oh my series, but no knowledge of Hetalia is required (Tag: Leo in the Titan war)

Leo In The Titan's Curse

[riveramorylunar]

Who Were They?

Pairings: Dean Lady Lesso x Student Reader

Warnings ⚠️: past teacher x student relationship, height difference, age difference (legal age gap), blood magic, burn marking, forbidden love, mentions of death, blood & running away

Pet Names/Nicknames: Darling, Little Raven, Gorgeous, Handsome & Leo

Word Count: 3,315

A/N: Italics is the past

"Who were they" a student had asked as he looked at a statue with two women which was next to two gravestones. The Dean of Evil and the Dean of Good stopped and turned around to see their students looking up at the statue. "Leonora Lesso the former Dean of Evil and Y/N Y/L/N a student of the school of Evil" Dovey said as she looked up at the statue. "What happened to them" another student said. "They were executed for falling in love with each other which is Forbidden" The Dean of Evil said. Dovey looked away frowning because she knew something no one else did.

10 years ago

"Miss Y/L/N get your head out of the gutters and pay attention" someone shouted startling Y/N out of her daydreaming. She looked up to see Professor Bilious looking at her. "Why don't you mind your damn business old man" Y/N sneered back and the class ohh'd making the Professor angry. "To the Dean's office immediately" he shouted and Y/N rolled her eyes before standing up. She grabbed the bowl she was using and smashed it onto the ground causing the liquid to splash everywhere. As she walked out she heard Professor Bilious screaming causing her to smirk.

Y/N was walking down the halls when she bumped into one of the guards. "Oh hiya Wolfie" Y/N said causing the wolf to growl lowly. "I told you to stop calling me that" the wolf guard said causing Y/N to smirk. "Would you rather me call you pup or better yet puppy" she said causing the wolf to huff before walking away. "See you later Wolfie" Y/N shouted before giggling as she continued her way towards the Dean's office.

She knocked on the Dean's office and waited for a couple seconds until the door swung open. "You better have a good explanation on why you're disturbing me" the Dean said before looking down to see Y/N standing there smirking. "I don't think I need an explanation as to why I'm here" she said causing the Dean to roll her eyes before stepping aside. "Thank you" Y/N said before walking into the office.

"Your office is nice" Y/N said before she heard the door close behind her. "You say that every time you come here it's starting to get annoying" Lesso said causing Y/N to giggle. "Well it is" Y/N said turning around to see that Lesso was in front of her towering over her. Y/N just looked up at Lesso while smiling. Lesso grabbed Y/N by the jaw and walked her back until she was pinned against the desk. "Tell me why you're here this time. Did you set something on fire again" Lesso said humming causing Y/N to smirk. "I wasn't paying attention in Professor Bilious's class because I was thinking about you kissing me" Y/N admitted causing Lesso to smirk before leaning towards Y/N. "Oh darling you get distracted so easily" Lesso said before kissing Y/N on the lips. Lesso pulled away before going down to Y/N's neck and kissing it. "Can you blame me you're fucking hot I don't know how people can't be distracted by you" Y/N said causing Lesso to chuckle before pulling away. "Well we can't leave you unmarked darling or they'll start getting suspicious" Leonora said causing Y/N to roll her eyes. Leonora grabbed Y/N by the arm before dragging her towards the doom room.

When they got there Leonora shoved Y/N into the chair causing Y/N to grunt. "What was that for" Y/N huffed out causing Leonora to chuckle. Y/N watched as Leonora took off her trenchcoat before walking around.

"So what are you going to use on me this time Leo" Y/N said before smirking making Leonora turn around and smirk back. "Oh darling we are going to do something different this time" Leonora said causing Y/N to stiffen up a little as she watched Leonora walk up to her. Leonora grabbed Y/N's head and tilted it to the side before putting her pointer finger on Y/N's neck. She traced her pointer finger down Y/N's neck in a weird shape before pulling away. She watched as fire appeared on Y/N's neck tracing the shape causing Y/N to scream out. The scream echoed throughout the whole school causing all the students and teachers to stop what they were doing. Leonora covered Y/N's mouth and rested her forehead against Y/N's. Once the fire was done Y/N let go of Leonora's arm which now had crescent indents.

"I'm sorry Little Raven" Leonora said as she removed her hand from Y/N's mouth. Y/N sighed and smiled. "It's alright Leo I'm okay" Y/N said before pulling Leonora down into a kiss.

Y/N left the doom room as she felt Leonora's eyes on her. She went to her room and saw Hester sitting on her bed. "Hester what are you doing here" Y/N said causing Hester to stand up. "I heard you scream I think even the school for good did to" Hester said before smirking causing the both of them to laugh. "So what did she do this time" Hester said and Y/N showed Hester the mark. "That mark is sick I like it" Hester said before they high fived each other while smirking.

They arrived at the school for good because they were getting their glowing finger today. Y/N was at the back of the line with her hands shoved into her pockets. When it was her turn she held her pointer finger out towards Leonora while smirking causing Leonora to raise her eyebrow. She stabbed Y/N's finger quickly before winking making Y/N smirk again. Y/N walked away holding her finger up as she headed to the dining room. "Hello Wolfie" Y/N said and the wolf looked down before groaning. "What do you want now" the wolf said as Y/N and Hester looked at each other. "We want to scare the little royals if you're up for it" Y/N said causing the wolf's eyes to gleam before he smirked. "Alright I can get behind that, what do you want me to do" the wolf said and Y/N told the wolf the plan.

Y/N had made the wolf look like a zombie wolf with damaged armor. Hester and Y/N watched as the wolf walked towards the evers, dragging one of his feet behind him. They watched as the wolf slammed his hands against one of the tables causing the evers to jump and scream loudly causing all the Nevers to laugh. The wolf leaned forward towards Beatrix and she leaned back terrified. "Alright that's enough" Professor Dovey shouted getting everyone's attention. Leonora just smirked before looking at Y/N who was giggling with Hester. The wolf walked back over towards the two of them and High fived each other. "Alright I have to admit you're pretty fun" the wolf said before patting Y/N's head.

"MISS Y/L/N" Y/N heard Leonora shout and she looked over to the other side of the dining room. Y/N just smiled before waving causing Leonora to grip her cane. "You did this" Y/N heard Beatrix shout and she looked over to see her walking up to them. "Looks like little miss princess is mad" Hester said and Y/N snorted before covering her mouth causing Hester to laugh. "You did this" she hissed out and Y/N looked down to see food all over her clothes. Y/N just laughed and Beatrix clenched her jaw. "Uh oh princess is getting even more mad" Hester said and before Y/N knew it she was shoved backwards.

Y/N clenched her hands tightly and started breathing heavily. Beatrix's eyes widened as she started walking backwards as Y/N shifted into a melanistic tiger.

"What the hell" Beatrix said as she stared at the tiger who was Y/N. "Oh you messed up big time princess" Hester said before laughing. "LESSO CONTROL YOUR STUDENT" Dovey shouted at Lesso who was just watching in amusement. "Lesso" Dovey warned and Leonora sighed before walking towards the three. "Y/N stand down" Leonora said and the tiger looked up at Leonora. The tiger growled at Beatrix before turning back into Y/N. "You're no fun" Y/N said looking at Leonora who had a unreadable expression on her face. Y/N just rolled her eyes before walking over to an empty table and sitting down. Dovey walked over and looked between the two of them. "Lesso you need to get your girlfriend under control before she kills someone before graduation" Dovey whispered to Leonora who huffed. "Fine" Leonora said as she looked at Dovey who smiled. Lesso looked back at Y/N who was talking to Hester. "Maybe not right this minute" Leonora said causing Dovey to scoff before rolling her eyes. "You're impossible" she whispered before storming off.

Leonora looked back over at Y/N to see her making fun of Beatrix while some of the Nevers laughed. Leonora shook her head before walking towards the teachers table and sitting down next to Dovey.

"Wolfie" Y/N shouted and the wolf walked over looking down at Y/N. "Give this to Lady Lesso for me will you" Y/N said holding a small bag of something. The wolf nodded as Y/N dropped the black bag into the wolf's paw. Y/N watched as the wolf walked over handing the bag to Leonora before walking off. Y/N watched as Leonora opened it before smirking.

Leonora looked up to see Y/N smirking causing her to shake her head as she took a mouse that had something tied around its neck. She took the thing off the mouse's neck before setting the mouse down onto the table. Leonora unfolded the peace of paper and growled when she saw what was on it. Leonora balled it up before setting it a blaze in her hand. Leonora looked at Y/N angrily causing Y/N to giggle before looking away. On the paper it showed a middle finger. "She is so going to regret that" Leonora growled out getting Dovey's attention.

"So what did you send your girlfriend she looks angry" Y/N heard Hester say. Y/N picked her mouse up and set him on the table. "Just a middle finger is all" Y/N said making Hester start laughing causing Y/N to smirk. "Oh you're in big trouble" Hester said causing Y/N to giggle.

9 years ago

"LESSO" Y/N shouted as she stormed into the Dean's office but stopped. The girl that was running after her ran smack into her causing her to growl out. She looked between Dovey and Lesso before huffing. "What's the matter Y/N" Lesso said and Y/N narrowed her eyes before grabbing the girl that was behind her and shoving her in. "This pesky Never keeps following me around and it's getting annoying" Y/N growled out as the blonde haired girl fell onto the ground."I'll leave you to it" Dovey said as she smiled softly before leaving the room. The door shut behind Y/N as she folded her arms. "And what do you want me to do about it" Lesso said as she raised an eyebrow while she stood up from her chair. "Anything I just want this girl off my back" Y/N huffed out as Lesso walked up to the two of them. Lesso walked past the girl who was now sitting on the ground. Lesso stopped right in front of Y/N before grabbing Y/N's jaw. Y/N looked up at Lesso as her nails dug into her cheeks. "And why haven't you done anything about it" Lesso said and Y/N just smirked. "Because it's much more fun and hotter when you do it" Y/N whispered out causing a wicked smirk to form on the Dean's lips.

Lesso leaned in before whispering something into Y/N's ear causing her to shiver.Lesso pulled away before turning to the girl that was still on the floor. "Why are you following her around" Lesso said and the girl gulped before standing up. "Well uh I just find Y/N interesting and I'm new here so" the blonde haired girl said and Lesso looked back at Y/N who rolled her eyes. Lesso looked back at the girl to see her brushing off her clothes. "God she even acts like an Ever dirt's not gonna hurt you blondey" Y/N growled out and the girl glared at her. "Alright that's enough you stop following her around" Lesso said pointing to the blonde girl who rolled her eyes before huffing. "You can go now" she said and the girl's eyes widened in shock. "Aren't you going to say anything to this two eyed colored freak" the blonde spat out and Y/N froze in place. Lesso slammed the girl against the wall harshly before grabbing her by the jaw. She dug her nails painfully into the girl's cheek causing her to whimper. "Don't you ever say that again do you understand me" Lesso growled out and the girl nodded. "Y-yes I understand L-lady Lesso" she stuttered out. "Get out of here" Lesso spat out before letting go of the girl. She watched her leave as she slammed the door shut behind her.

Lesso looked over at Y/N to see her still frozen in place making her frown. She walked over and stood in front of Y/N before cupping her cheek's. "Little Raven don't let those girl's words get to you, you have the most beautiful and enchanting eyes I have ever seen" Lesso said and Y/N looked up at her with tear filled eyes. "R-really or are you just saying that because I'm your girlfriend" Y/N stuttered out and Lesso wrapped her arms around Y/N's head and pulled her in. "Yes and no, you're the most beautiful person I have ever laid my eyes on and I'm not saying that because you're my girlfriend I'm saying it because it's true" Lesso whispered against the top of Y/N's head. "And I guarantee other people think that two like your friends" Lesso continued and she felt arms wrap around her. "Thank you Leo" Y/N muttered out and Lesso kissed the top of Y/N's head.

Next Day

Lesso and Y/N were called to the Headmaster's office the next day. They both made their way towards the Headmaster's office but before they could reach the single tower they were both knocked out. When they woke up their heads were pounding. "Oh thank God you two are alive I thought I hit you too hard" someone exclaimed making the two look up to see Professor Dovey and Hester standing there with a couple wolf guards. "What's going on" Y/N was the first to speak before she looked around to see she was in the good castle. "This is gonna be hard to say but you're gonna be executed well your clones are" Hester said and the two immediately looked at her. "What, what the hell are you talking about" Lesso said as she stood up staggering a little bit before clutching the back of her head. "When I was on my way back to the evil castle I saw a blonde haired girl making her way towards the Headmaster's tower, so I followed her and I heard the headmaster and the girl talking" Hester said and Y/N slowly stood up as her fists balled up. "That bitch" Y/N growled out. "They talked about how it was forbidden for a Dean and Student to have a relationship and planned on executing both of you in front of everyone" Hester continued and Y/N felt uneasy. Lesso looked over at Y/N and frowned before pulling her close. "When is it happening" Lesso asked the two that were standing in front of them. "Right now" Clarissa said as she looked out the window. They were all up in the highest room in the good castle.

"We can't possibly run away this is our home" Y/N shouted after Clarissa said that they had to disappear. "Y/N you have to understand you're technically dead well your clones are and if the others saw you they would know what happened" Clarissa said as she took a step towards Y/N but she backed away. "N-no I can't leave this place means everything to me, it holds so many memories I can't just leave" she said as tears started falling down her face. "Y/N Professor Dovey is right you have to leave" Hester said as her voice cracked a bit. Y/N was about to collapse to the ground but Lesso caught her. Y/N started crying as the two sat down on the ground. "I hate to tell you this Darling but the two of them are right" Lesso muttered out and Y/N cried more. The three never ever saw Y/N cry no one did she was always the tough Never. "We'll go pack your things well the wolf guards will I'll show you where you'll be living for now on" Clarissa said after a couple minutes. Lesso silently stood up before helping Y/N up.

Present Time

After the kids had gone back to their schools and went to bed, Dovey used her magic to turn into a dove before flying off. After a while of flying she landed in the grass next to a lake house. "AUNT DOVEY" someone shouted and she looked up to see a girl running up to her. The girl jumped into Dovey's arms causing the woman to laugh. "Hello Annalise" Dovey said before smiling as she rested the 6 year old on her hip.

"ANNALISE DON'T RUN OFF LIKE THAT" someone shouted getting Dovey's attention. She saw Y/N running out of the lake house causing her to smile.

"Hello Y/N dear" Dovey said as Y/N stopped in front of her. "Hello Dovey" Y/N said before smiling. Leonora came out holding a 1 year old boy while holding a 3 year old girls hand. Following her were two twins at the age of 9 and they were both boys. "Oh good lord you two" Clarissa said causing Leonora to smirk while Y/N rolled her eyes. "Hello Auntie" Seymour one of the twins said. "Hello Seymour and Axel" Clarissa said putting Annalise down. "So who are these two" Clarissa said kneeling down to the girls level. The girl hid behind her mother. "This is Eleanore and the boy is Blade" Y/N said grabbing the one year old from Leonora's arm. Blade clung to Y/N tightly hiding his face. Annalise, Seymour and Axel had Y/N's hair while having a purple and green eye. Eleanore and Blade have Leonora's red hair and green eyes looking exactly like Leonora. "I'm hoping for one more" Leonora said before smirking causing Y/N to smack her arm. Clarissa just chuckled before standing back up.

They heard squawking making them all look up to see a raven flying down before transforming into Hester. "AUNT HESTER" Eleanore shouted running to the black haired girl. Hester picked Eleanore up before hugging her tightly. "How's my little never doing" Hester said causing Eleanore to squeal. "Evil as ever Aunt Hester" Eleanore giggled out causing Hester to smirk. "That's my girl" Hester said. Y/N and Lesso looked at each other before smiling. They truly loved their little family and they couldn't be any happier.

A/N: This has been in my drafts since November and I finally had motivation to finish it!!!!

I hope you guys like it 😊

[momolady]

The Shadow, the Orc, and the Princess: Part two

The story of Princess Leopoldine continues. As she grows she realizes what she wants when she is to take the kingdom. but there is a possibility her promise of taking the throne could be halted.

Female Main Character x Male Monster (both cis)

Part One

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

The first few months of Bronn’s life were hard. Due to his small size and the extremely cold weather he was often sick. We were all worried for him, losing sleep and appetite during the darkest of moments.

“He’s one of us,” my father would say. “He’s strong, he can do this.”

I kept looking at Bronn, worrying about how tiny he was and how hard he had to work to breathe. I didn’t say a word, because anything I might say could turn into a curse upon my tongue.

“The dawn can’t seem bright without the night,” my father said reassuringly. “Your mother told me that once.”

I looked away from Bronn’s crib and into my father’s eyes. He was exhausted beyond all reason, but he was still smiling.

Tears welled up into my eyes. “I feel like dawn isn’t coming.”

“Come here.” He beckoned me over and held me close. “It will come. One way or another, it will come.”

A year to the day after I was told Bronn was coming, he laughed for the first time. I was holding him and sneezed very loudly. I was terrified I had startled him, instead he began laughing.

Bronn began to come out of night and rise into the dawn. He began to grow and gain weight, and he obtained a vicious little appetite. By the time summer was at an end he was walking and following us wherever he could.

“Look at these strong legs!” My father announced to anyone who would listen. “He was built to be a warrior!”

“Maybe a dancer,” my mother would interject.

“Leo had legs like these when she was little. Did she not?” My father set Bronn on the ground and grinned into his face. “You’re going to conquer worlds, aren’t you my little raven? You’re going to cast shadows over everything you see.”

I was a bit uneasy about my father’s words, so I just told myself it was baby talk. “He will do as he pleases,” I corrected. “Remember? You said that to me when you announced he was coming.”

“I stand by that!” He huffed. “But look at him! He will be a beauty to his lovers, and a monster to his enemies.”

My mother rolled her eyes at me and I smiled. She then looked at a letter and she scowled deeply. Ever since Bronn was born, letters from Arda the First had been coming in more frequently. She was demanding that she see the new baby and to make sure it didn’t turn out ‘like the last one’.

I snatched the letter from my mother’s hand. “I would love to give her a piece of my mind.”

“Now, now Leopoldine, she has her ways and that’s what she lives by. You certainly wouldn’t want someone telling you that-” She stopped herself when she caught what she was about to say. “In any case, I’m going to tell her once again that Bronn is sick and that we can’t travel.”

“She can’t even get off her bony ass to come down here?” My father snapped.

“She thinks you’ll kill her dear,” my mother huffed.

“Good! That’s what I want her to think.”

“We can’t keep her at bay forever though,” she huffed. “The older she gets, the more impatient she grows.”

I looked at the letter in my hand, and it felt thicker than the ones that had come before. I opened it and read it for myself. It didn’t take long to come across the first thing that set my blood to steam.

“She says she has ideas for my marriage,” I guffawed.

My mother rolled her eyes. “She always has ideas.”

My father picked up Bronn and carried him over to trade with me. Bronn sat happily in my grasp as he read over the letter.

“She’s crazier than I am!”

My mother slouched back in her seat. “By how much, dearest?”

My father made sneering and mocking faces at the letter. “Leo has an intended already lined up! I have plans for her!”

Another turn of phrase that sunk the metaphorical dagger of fear into my liver.

“You’re still on that?” My mother rose and took Bronn from me. “But what is she on about?”

“She says since we now have a male heir we need to worry about what will happen to Leopoldine. Talking about her as if she’s going to die alone or destitute because of ‘my worrisome ways’.”My father ripped the letters into shreds then tossed them into the fireplace. “It isn’t her place to say how I should worry about my heir!”

I looked into Bronn’s big brown eyes for reassurance.

My father was huffing and puffing enough to suck in the castle walls. “And besides, Brevalan is the only suitor I will accept for Leo.”

“He’s been away all this time, I would have figured you’d have changed your mind about him by now.” My mother began walking away with Bronn, heading towards the hall and probably her study.

My father scoffed, then turned and looked at me. “Come on, let's throw axes and blow off some steam.”

I wanted to open my mouth and ask him who his heir was, but the breath left my body. I followed behind him, watching his back as he strut down the halls.

“He’ll come back one day, but I told him to train as long as he needed,” my father said.

“Huh?” I gasped.

He glanced over his shoulder. “Brevalan, you looked worried when he was brought up. I told him to train until he was satisfied, and that when he came back he would continue to work hard.”

“But why did you send him away?” I asked.

“Because then he’d be able to receive better training. A wider variety of training actually.” he looked down at me and grinned. “If he learned only from me then he’d know everything I know and then he could use that against me. It’s best that he knows little of my methods.”

My heart sank. “Then why do I know everything you know?”

“Because your mother would have throttled me for sending you away. But don’t you fret, I’ve kept a few of my tricks.” We reached the axe rink and he began inspected edges.

Not what I was concerned with. “Will you send Bronn away then?”

“Not unless I wanted your mother to burn me alive!” He selected two axes, tossing them up into the air then catching their handles. “I doubt she’d let me send him out alone to pick apples well into his thirties.” He turned, slinging an axe with all his might and hitting the target. He held out the second axe to me. “Stop fretting over it. You two will still be some of the best warriors in all the world.”

I took the axe and tried to shake off my fears. “I know, Dad.”

As the seasons turned cold again, fears that Bronn would get sick plagued my family. My father brought in new physicians, as well as worked on ways to keep the palace warmer. I trained outside to escape the bedlam and stress. Sometimes I found it hard to go inside, because I feared that once I did I’d find Bronn sick.

I’d sit out in the cold, watching my breath fade into the air. One late afternoon, a figure came and stood beside me. I looked up and up, until I realized who it was.

“So you do remember me,” Brevalan laughed.

I jumped to my feet. “You’re the last person I expected to see! But I certainly remember you!” I patted his arm in welcome. “What are you doing here? Are you back for good or something already, it’s only been a year and a half!”

“No. I’m not so lucky as to be back for good. My brothers sent for me, they’ve decided to come and join me.” He set down his things then sat on the bench.

I returned to sitting beside him. “How long do you plan to stay?”

“Not sure. I haven’t decided.” He sighed. “I guess I’ll let my brothers finish up their business here and tend to their belongings before we travel.”

I couldn’t stop looking at him. Not much had changed, but there were definite signs of his training. His arms looked stronger, his face was scruffy, and there were new tattoos on the back of his hand.

I smiled brightly as I snapped myself out of staring. “It might be loud inside, but would you like to come in and warm up?”

“In a moment.” he exhaled heavily. “I’ve been on foot most of the day, I just want a moment off of them.” he then turned his head towards me. “Your father sent me word about your brother. Congratulations.”

“Yeah.” I looked back out over the yard. “He’s amazing.”

Brevalan leaned forward onto his knees. “Is something the matter?”

I shook my head. “I guess not.” I turned and smiled at him. “It is good to see you here though.”

He smirked. “I figured you would have forgotten about me by now.”

“Oh no!” I laughed. I cupped my hands around my ears. “Anytime I throw an axe or spar with someone I can hear your voice ringing like an annoying chime in my ears.” I then shushed him. “You’re veering to the left!” I said tauntingly. “You’re going to far to the left!”

Brevalan laughed loudly, leaning back in the seat and holding his gut. He beamed down at me and my cheeks went warm. “Well, are you?”

I pinched my fingers together. “A little still. But you never showed me how to throw properly.”

He smiled serenely. “If I wasn’t so tired, I’d show you now.”

“You’ll never show me, '' I chortled. “Because then you’ll know I’ll be better than you and you’ll never be able to hold that over my head.”

“That is true,” he teased.

“I know.” I then stood up and offered my hand. “Come on, it’s warm inside and I’m sure my father would love to offer you a warm drink.”

“I thought you said it was loud inside.” Brevalan took hold of my hand and rose from the bench.

“We can find somewhere quiet, I’m sure. Everyone is just worried about Bronn.” I kept hold of his hand as I took him inside.

Inside the halls I could hear my parents arguing in the distance, so I took Brevalan another way. I took him into the opposite wing where my mother had made a greeting room for guests.

“I can sneak down to the kitchen and get something to eat,” I offered.

“Just resting a moment is good enough for me.” He huffed as he took a seat. He pulled out his hair from inside his coat, tossing it over the back of the chair. “That, and good company.”

“It must be bad out there if you consider me good company.”

He smirked. “The man your father sent me to train with is a strict man. The few of us he kept on as students barely get along and he fosters that competition between us.”

That made me think about Bronn and I for a split second.

Brevalan sighed. “And even if we only knew each other for a short time, I still enjoyed your company. After all, I’m working towards being your most trusted hand.”

“And we were engaged for a short period,” I laughed.

“Ah yes, those blissful few moments I had a bride. I remember them fondly.” His amber eyes fell upon me and his smile turned nostalgic. “Have you thought of me since I left?”

“Left,” I snickered. I then smiled and nodded my head. “More than I expected. I think you left an impression. Did I?”

“Your father writes about you so often, I have no other choice.”

My cheeks warmed and tingled. “About that. I had no clue my father wrote to you, or else I would have sent letters as well.”

“Now that you know, you can.”

I smiled shyly and nodded. “Maybe I will.”

“Then I can get the story straight from you and not your father,” he chuckled.

I leaned forward in my seat and pinched my brow. “Just exactly what is he saying about me?”

Brevalan glanced away, reaching up and rubbing his jaw. “Anything a father might say about his child.”

“That might work on me if my father was normal,” I huffed. “Now out with it. What does he say?”

Brevalan leaned his head back and exhaled loudly. “You see that is where it gets tricky.”

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled up.

“Most of what he writes, he says to me in confidence. And since he’s taking care of me and my brothers, I feel I should uphold some bond between us, even if I do plan to fight him several times in the future.”

I swallowed and sat back.

“I will say he does an awful lot of bragging about you. He’s more proud of anything you do than anything he’s ever done.” Brevalan looked into my eyes. “He thinks you’re the moon in his sky. Those are his exact words.”

I pressed my lips together and nodded. “I knew that! I was wondering if he had said anything else.”

“He makes me worry that I will never be able to catch up. I’m also mildly terrified of you.” His smile makes my heart flutter. “But I just remind myself that you go left.”

I laughed, bowing my head down to hide how big my smile had become. “But by the time you come back, I won’t. I swear on that.”

He grinned at me. “And like I said, I can’t wait to see it.”

I suppose some time during the evening we both fell asleep by the fire. Brevalan had been traveling, and I had been fretting over the coming winter and Bronn. I woke to a chill, spying that the fireplace was soon to go out.

I got up to add wood to the fire and I looked down at Brevalan asleep in the chair. His legs were stretched out before him, splayed a bit, and his head was turned to the side so his cheek was smooshed and his mouth hung open.

I fought with myself for a long time, longer than I should have. I tiptoed closer to Brevalan looking at him up close for once. The way his jaw and neck met in a muscular curve had me biting my lip. Then how his shirt hung open, showing the top of his chest and the hair upon it made my heart skip a beat. I stretched out my fingers to touch his cheek, but recoiled them again when he grunted.

His hand slid down his stomach, rubbing before resting again. I saw the new tattoo on the back of his hand was some sort of flower I had never seen before. I came closer to him, closing my eyes for a moment then pulling away. I couldn’t do it. Instead I went back to the fireplace.

“Coward.”

Every hair on my body stood on end. I turned back to see Brevalan’s eyes was cracked open and he was smirking.

“What?” I huffed. “Go back to sleep, you’re dreaming.”

“No, I don’t think so.” He sat up and his long hair fell over his chest.

I turned back to the fireplace. “Then you’re imagining things.”

Brevalan stood up from his chair as I placed fire onto the glowing embers. I felt him come up right behind me. I ignored him, not even looking his way as he knelt down beside me.

“Look at me,” his deep voice rumbled.

I grimaced. “No.”

His lips pressed against my cheek when I refused to turn. It was warm, a little wet, and it made my insides squirm with glee.

“Because of your father’s letters, you’ve never been out of my mind,” he whispered.

I bit my lip and stayed quiet.

“I want to be your king, but I will settle for a knight as long as I get to remain by your side.”

I turned my head and looked at him. “You have to work hard.”

Brevalan grinned, placing his hand upon my face as I placed a kiss upon his lips. I forgot to breathe until he pulled away, placing his thumb upon my bottom lip. He smiled and pressed his forehead against mine, which felt even more intimate than the kiss.

“Why do I feel like this?” I murmured. “I’ve never felt so nervous around someone.”

“Do you want me to stop?”

I shook my head.

He kissed the tip of my nose then smoothed the hair away from my face. “Leopoldine, you terrify me for many reasons. Your strength. Your ferocity. But mostly by just existing in my presence and I cannot do anything about it.”

I giggled and ran my fingers through his hair, something I had wanted to do since I first met him. “If you could do something, what would you do?”

He pressed his lips to my ear and whispered. I had been prepared for a lot of things, but I had not been prepared for what he said. My face instantly turned red and I had to pull myself away for a second.

“Was it something that I said?” Brevalan chuckled.

I cleared my throat. “You’re just fooling with me, aren’t you?”

Brevalan caught my chin between his fingers and lifted my head. “I wouldn’t fool with you, that’s dangerous.”

I gulped.

“If I could, I would do everything possible to make you feel my devotion. I’d bathe you in my kisses and I’d make your legs grow weak.” He smiled. “If I ever win your hand you would never a know a night without my affection.”

“Shut up.” I kissed him hard, cupping his face in my hands if only to make him stop talking. I did want to hear his words though, but I was not prepared for them.

The doors opened and I sat up in alarm. My father stood there, scanning the room before his eyes fell on me.

My father sighed with relief. “There you are, Leo! What on earth are you doing here by yourself?”

Brevalan sat up from the floor with a guilty look upon his face.

My father’s eyes widened. “Brev my boy, when did you get here?”

“Earlier this evening, sir.” Brevalan stood in attention and I stepped aside from him to not seem so culpable.

My father rubbed his chin, his eyes darting between Brevalan and I. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”

“I was kissing your daughter, sir,” Brevalan said without an ounce of fear.

I stared up at him, shaking down to my toes.

My father nodded, his eyes darting to me and then back to Brevalan. He huffed and tilted his chin up. “Did she like it?”

Brevalan flinched. “Sir?”

My father motioned to me. “Were you kissing him back, Leo? Was it mutual between the two of you?”

I gulped and nodded shakily. “I…I was, Dad. It was uhm…both of us.”

He sighed and placed his hands upon his hips. “So I was interrupting something.” he then sighed. “Well, I guess now I have to be a father and separate you two. Come along Leo. Brevalan, stay here and I’ll come back to show you a room.”

“Yes, sir.”

I touched Brevalan’s hand before following my father. I left the room with him, stepping into the hallway where silence became a crushing weight to bear. I stared at his back for a long while as he took me through the dark hallways.

“Dad?” My voice cracked.

“I used to sneak around with your mother like that,” he sighed. “That made me very nostalgic.”

I opened my mouth then shut it. “You aren’t mad?”

“I’m surprised, but I am not mad.” He turned around and put his arm around me. “I know how young hearts can pitter patter. But I will have a stern talk with that young man.”

“We just kissed,” I murmured.

“I know, Leopoldine. But I am still your father and a younger lover once long ago. It’s my job to give these lectures,” he chuckled.

“You really aren’t mad?” I murmured.

My father turned to face me, placing both his hands upon my shoulders. “Do you like him, Leopoldine?”

I nodded. “I’ve never felt this way before.”

“Good. Then you’re just like me. I was certain I’d never fall in love, only in lust. And then I met your mother and my whole world changed. I loved her at first sight, and I knew I would do anything in this world to keep her.” he smiled at me and kissed the top of my head. “You can make it to your room from here. I’m going to go back and talk to him.”

“Be nice,” I said sternly.

“I’ll let him live,” he chortled as he walked away.

I went into my room and sighed. Touching my face I realized I was still blushing and warm. I sat down upon my bed and looked out the window as clouds floated before the moon. I laid back in bed as my mind wandered aimlessly through the words Brevalan had spoken.

“When I become queen, I’ll marry him.”

---------

Not long after my sixteenth birthday my father gave me the opportunity to train my own knights. I was excited, but only until I learned he wanted to begin focusing on Bronn and his training. While it was a worrisome moment, I decided it was best to put my focus onto deciding the kind of people I wanted around me, as they would be with me when I was queen.

I went into the village, selecting six young women. I decided if I was going to have these people around me, I wanted them to be like me so we would all understand one another. Two of them, Kirsa and Veerle, became my constant companions, and the three of us worked together on the best training regimen for our knights.

“Our best means would be horseback,” Veerle suggested. “We can strength train all we want, but our best advantage would be learning how to combat mounted.” She was a tiefling and was the tallest and strongest of my girls as well as the most educated. She came from a well off family but had worked on her family’s farm as soon as she could walk.

“Archery!” Kirsa interjected excitedly. “Aiming and shooting, those will be what's most fun.” She was much more petite and thin than most of my girls, but she held a vicious streak inside her that made her a terrifying combatant. The others called her the Goblin.

Veerle gave her a look and her tail twitched. “It’s not about what’s the most fun.”

“Oh come on!” Kirsa whined. “We can swing battle axes all the time. Arrows give us range! The give us speed! They’re silent, most people don’t know they’ve been hit until it’s too late,” she giggled with glee.

Veerle then gave me the look.

“She’s right,” I grumbled reluctantly. “And most of the girls are already performing well in archery.”

“That’s not what worries me. The Goblin does.”

Over the years we perfected our craft. Our horses were carefully selected and bred, our girls were trained to be the best shooters in the land. We became a vicious and beautiful force to be reckoned with.

Around my twenty-first birthday my mother fell ill. I asked that any celebration be canceled, as I didn’t feel like celebrating while she was sick.

“Do you think she’ll be okay?” Bronn asked me one night. He had been having nightmares and he took to coming and sleeping with me.

I stroked his hair, giving him a faint smile. “She’ll be fine. She just needs her rest. She gets better by the day.”

Boon went quiet, holding onto his stuffed knight toy. “Are you okay?”

I chuckled. “What are you going on about, little prince? What’s going on in that head of yours?”

He looked up at me with those big eyes and pouted. “I keep feeling you hurt.”

I sighed and pulled him into my arms. “Don’t you worry about your big sister. I will be okay. As long as I have you around, I will always find a reason to smile.”

His small hands touched my face. “What if the shadow man comes back?”

“Don’t you worry about the shadow man either. I handle him just fine.” I kissed the tip of his nose. “Now get to sleep. We can’t have you getting sick either.”

Bronn settled down, closing his eyes and holding his toy close.

I hated he worried so much, but he seemed to feel everything that those around him felt. Father said it was a special power, and one we should watch and cultivate.

But the shadow man was something else. He was a gargantuan man clad only in black who would appear at the palace every few months. He kept his face obscured, wrapped in black cloth, and his hands were stained as if by ink. Father’s wrestling matches had grown, and I had started taking on challengers myself the same way my father did. I would let any challenger come forward and select their choice in weapon. The shadow man began showing up not long after.

During our first fight, he chose a sword. I could tell he was being tentative, so I put everything I had into the fight.

“You choose a sword but you’re using it like a shield!” I yelled at him. “Why challenge me if you’re only going to act delicately!” I struck his sword and he threw me back. I went flying into the ground, hitting so hard it nearly knocked the air from my lungs.

“I was merely waiting to see how you danced around the arena,” he replied with a gravelly voice. “Now I know how you move, and I won’t be gentle again.” He held out his hand and helped me up from the ground. “Now, let's start again.”

I wiped my face and nodded. “Be prepared. Now that I know you watch, I won’t move the same way twice.”

The match ended in a strange stalemate. I was more exhausted, but I had landed a blow to him that slowed him down. My father called the match, realizing both of us were at the ends of our ropes.

The next match he paid back my final strike with another, resulting in a cut on my arm that had my mother panicked for weeks. But the resulting scar had both my father and I proud ever since.

“I look forward to these matches, princess,” the shadow man told me. “You keep me on my toes like no other opponent has.”

I looked him up and down, always marveled by the size of his arms and thighs. “How so? You appear awfully flat footed.”

He chuckled, and that deep, raspy sound always ignited the woman in me. “I think it’s because you hold no expectations for the fight. You simply become a warrior when you battle.”

I smiled up at him, more flattered than if he had complimented my eyes. “You could woo a woman with words like those.”

“Not just any woman, princess. Only you.”

Perhaps I had lust in my heart for a man who kept himself hidden. What woman hasn’t fallen for someone tall, dark, and mysterious?

I found him taking care of his wounds late one evening. It was a memory I carried with me as often as I thought about the kiss I shared with Brevalan. He was putting a bandage around his arm as I came upon him. His back stiffened in attention and both of us remained silent.

I approached, letting my tunic hang open so my breasts were almost presented.

“Princess,” he growled.

“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy our little rivalry.” I bent down, kissing where I thought his mouth might be through the black fabric. I felt his hot breath, his lips, and then he pushed me away.

“Careful, princess,” he snarled warningly.

I smirked and reached down into his lap. “Are you sensitive, shadow man?”

He growled, moaning as my fingertips found purchase on something big. “You shouldn’t be aiming for such a dangerous game.”

“I know what I want. Fighting you gives me great pleasure.”

The shadow man snarled, grabbing my hand and forcing it down upon his cock. “Do you even know how to handle such a weapon?”

I chuckled, groping and squeezing him through his pants. “Do you?”

He moaned again, sending shivers through my body. “Why are you after this, princess? Is this some rebellion?”

“I was taught that desire is worth pursuing. It’s worth it to fulfill it” I undid the laces of his pants. “You don’t have to take off your mask, shadow man. I don’t need your kisses or your affection. I just want to be fulfilled.”

The shadow man grunted, standing up and placing me over a table. He yanked down my britches then began fondling between my legs. I whimpered and pressed my cheek into the table. His fingers were rough and thick, rubbing against my softest part until wetness began to flow. His finger dipped inside and I felt a wash of relief with a new tension.

“Do you really enjoy fighting me so much, princess?” The shadow man breathed.

I moaned for him. “Yes. Nothing gives me more pleasure, until now.”

His fingers pressed deeper while another rubbed against the sensitive bud at the top of my folds. “Are you sure you want this?”

“I’ve thought about it long enough. I no longer want the fantasy, shadow man. I want to know the truth.”

He pulled his hand away, and my poor slit felt wanting. I gasped as I felt him press against me. His strong hands kneaded into my thick thighs, his hard cock pressed against my ass.

“Is this the truth you seek?” He growled. “Do you feel it now?”

I closed my eyes, trying to imagine the shape and size of him. He felt quite big, much bigger than I expected.

His hips moved slightly, dipping so his cock slipped between my thighs. My wetness coated his shaft as he rubbed it against me. “Do you still want it?”

I gulped and whined. “Yes. I want it.”

“Then, sweet princess, you shall have it.” The shadow man was inside me, stretching me, taking my breath away. His heat radiated through my loins and melted my knees so I had to rely on the table to keep me up.

“Fucking hell,” the shadow man snarled. “You’re so damned wet.”

“I’ve wanted this for so long!” I wheezed. “It’s better than I thought.”

He rutted inside me, groaning as his fingers kneaded into me. “This cannot be your first,” he snarled.

I lifted my rear, pressing it against his stomach. “It won’t be the last, I’ll tell you that.”

“Princess, how dare you?” He pulled out then slammed back hard inside me. “I had no warning.”

I bit my lip as I smiled. “Harder. Like you’re trying to fight me!”

He drove in deeper again, moving both me and the table.

“Just like that,” I purred.

“Leo! Leo!” I was pulled from my dreams, shake awake by my brother.

“What’s wrong? What?” I sputtered and kicked the blankets. I was caught somewhere between the shadow man’s embrace and Bronn’s sniffling. “I’m here! I’ here I-” I turned to look into Bronn’s terrified expression. “Oh no, was it a bad dream?” I was having such a good one, but his fear took me out of it completely.

Bronn threw his face down onto my chest and started weeping.

“Hey.” I sat up, holding him tight. “Talk to me. What happened?”

“I don’t want you to go,” Bronn blubbered.

I chuckled. “Go? I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here.”

Bronn shook his head, hiccuping and sniffling.

I rubbed his back gently, trying to get him to talk. “It’s okay, Bronn. I’m right here. Big sister is always going to be here, especially for you.”

Bronn whimpered and held onto my nightgown tightly. “You have to though.”

I reached the side table, grabbing the cup of water I kept there for Bronn. “Tell me about your dream. What happened?”

Bronn sniffled, lifting his head as I offered him the cup. He took it in both hands, looking down inside where the moonlight reflected off the surface. “You trade places with mom, and you go in her place.”

I furrowed my brow. “Go where?”

Bronn drinks down the water, lifting his head up only to breathe. “Somewhere dark. Something grabs you there with these scary hands!”

“That’s just a dream, Bronn. It’s okay.”

He was quiet, keeping his eyes cast down.

I smiled and tickled the back of his neck. “Aside from Father, I’m the strongest person here. No hands are going to grab me. Got it?”

Bronn giggled and finally looked up at me. “You sure?”

“Positive.” I laid him back down in bed. “Now back to sleep with you. I’m sure Father has some big plans in store.”

The next day I was outside with Veerle and Kirsa, working on our new batch of recruits, when I was fetched by one of our maids from the castle.

“It’s urgent,” she breathed heavily. “Your father is demanding you get there now!”

“Is it my mother?” I asked as I set my weapons aside.

She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I was simply grabbed in the hallway.”

I followed her back inside where my father was waiting at the door. He grabbed my hand right away, pulling me into the castle.

“Is Mother okay?” I gasped.

“For now,” he huffed. “But we have something serious on the horizon.”

I grabbed his hand tight. “You’re scaring me!”

We went into my mother’s room where she was sitting up in bed with Bronn by her side. She looked up at me, a smile on her face but concern in her eyes.

“I hope he’s not being dramatic,” she sighed.

“He is.” I yanked my hand away. “What’s going on?”

I saw the letter in her lap, and I knew the wax seal immediately. “Oh, it's Grandmother again.” I rolled my eyes and took the letter from her.

“She’s insisting on coming down since it is your twenty-first year and your mother is ill,” my father scoffed.

“I think it would be alright,” my mother muttered.

“But the stress she causes would undo all the work you’ve done to recuperate,” my father fussed.

I looked over the letter carefully, making sure to read between the lines. But grandmother's intentions were as clear as crystal. She would arrive to prepare birthday celebrations for me as well as tend to her child, Arda the second.

A thought flickered in my mind, one that would protect my mother but possibly be a torturous event for for me. “What if I go to her instead?”

Bronn gasped loudly.

“I won’t let you fall on such a blade,” my father huffed. “Maybe we can build a moat around the entire kingdom instead.”

“Darling,” my mother spoke up warningly. “Think reasonably. Where would we ever find enough shovels for such a thing?” She then looked at me apologetically. “Leopoldine, you don’t have to do that either.”

My grandmother was not a well liked person in our family. Luckily, her being a queen kept her at a safe distance for the most part. “But I would be dealing with her regardless. At least if I went to her you’d still be able to rest in peace. I’ll take Kirsa and Veerle with me, it shouldn’t be too horrible.”

“You say that-” my father grumbled. “But that woman is a vile cu-”

“Darling!” My mother snapped at him while putting her arm around Bronn’s head. “My mother is very hard to get along with,” my mother agreed.

“I’ll look at it as mental training,” I chuckled. “Can always do with more training. Right, Father?”

He frowned at me. “Even I wouldn’t be this cruel to you.”

I smiled. “Send her word that I will come to her. After all, it must be so hard to travel at her age.”

My father sighed. “I will send someone for you if Bronn has a bad dream.”

I frowned and looked at Bronn who gave me a worried expression. “I’m sure Bronn will have sweet dreams all this time. Won’t you, little prince?”

Bronn kept quiet but nodded.

“Yes, well, it still stands!” My father huffed.

Word was sent ahead to Arda the First, and within a few days I was ready to leave with Kirsa and Veerle. I was nervous, to say the least, but I knew I was doing this to protect my mother.

The night before I was set to go, my father pulled me aside to have a private conversation with me. Most of it was nothing new, we mainly went over our attack strategies and how to tie knots. Then, he said something strange.

“Arda the First was obsessed with my brother,” he murmured.

“Really? You’ve never told me this,” I said with a chuckle.

He sighed. “It was never something that needed to be brought up. But you’re an adult now, have been for quite a while. And I didn’t want Arda bringing it up and surprising you.”

It was a bit shocking, but nothing too jarring. “Good thing she and Julian never got together. They would have been…troublesome I bet.”

“She was already married by the time she met and fell for Julian. But when her husband died, she thought they could be together-” It sounded like he had more to say, but he kept quiet. “It doesn’t matter really. He didn’t last much longer.”

“You happened.”

He smiled and nodded his head. “That’s correct, my dearest girl.” He sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. “Your grandmother isn’t like your mother, and she’s even farther from me. She’s not happy. I want you to keep that in mind. Unhappy people don’t like happiness around them. And you are a very happy lady, are you not?”

“I like to think I am.”

“Good. I’m glad,” he sighed. “Your grandmother will do what she can to chip away at it. It’s like she feeds off misery.”

“I’ll do my best to fight her off. Don’t worry about me. Just take care of mom and Bronn until I get back.”

He nodded. “As long as Bronn is kept away from here, that’s all that matters.”

This did chip away at me, but I just smiled.

“I promise, should anything happen, I will send someone for you. I will not let you stay with her for long. You belong here, and Bronn would miss you horribly.”

I smiled. “I’ll bring myself home.”

“I will still send someone,” he grinned. “I have just the man in mind too.”

“I will have Veerle and Kirsa with me. They are my best friends and my my trusted companions. I think they will have no issues dragging me home if need be.”

“I’m your father,” he replied sternly. “I know what’s best. I have no faith in your grandmother, but I have faith in this one I have in mind.”

I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Okay fine. Send your man. He won’t be needed though. He will just slow me and my girls down.”

I left in the morning, bidding farewell to my family before I rode off into the cold morning mist.

“I’ve heard that Arda the First is a vicious ruler!” Kirsa giggled with excitement. “Is she prone to torture and dungeons?”

“What on earth are you on this morning?” Veerle fussed at her.

Kirsa’s jaw dropped open. “It’s just cool, don’t you think! Arda the First is legendary. She was never meant to be queen, but she managed to marry a king who was already betrothed and promised to another! She’s known as a master tactician and even an enchantress in some circles.”

“My father calls her other things,” I replied, cracking a smile from Veerle.

“She almost had your uncle, King Julian as well, but your father saw to him before she got much closer to her goal,” Kirsa clicked her tongue. “And you father is a whole other thing! Did you know he mined with the dwarves for five years?”

“Yes, yes, I am well aware of my fathers adventures.” I then furrowed my brow. “Five years? He said it was three?”

“Oh yes! From the time he was five, that’s where King Julian put him anyways,” Kirsa chortled.

Bronn was almost five, I thought to myself. Why would Julian do such a thing to such a little boy? It felt so ridiculous, I wouldn’t even do that to the child of my enemies.

“No wonder the king is well formed. He’s had jewels to look up to,” Veerle joked.

“I could work in a mine!” Kirsa exclaimed.

“How unfortunate you work for me,” I replied. “So while we are with my grandmother, I suggest the both of you do research. See how their weapons fair and what materials they use. It would be nice to expand our armory if possible.”

“I’ve heard that Arda the First has an Illithid on her staff!” This started Kirsa on a long winded story that carried us almost to the gates of my grandmother’s palace.

I was taken from the gates by a silent young man who handed me a letter from my grandmother explaining to go with him. I followed him through the palace, which was much bigger than my home. Everything felt ast and endless and strikingly empty.

I was led into a large chamber where the fireplace was massive and covered by a huge grate. A large dog stood up from beside a chair and started growling.

“Down boy,” my grandmother murmured.

The silent young man bowed, leaving the room and closing the doors behind him. I stood there, waiting for grandmother to say something else, but she never spoke back up.

“It’s me,” I replied.

“I know who it is.” She rose from her chair, walking around it then staring at me. “It’s been a long time, Leopoldine. I haven’t seen you since you were very little.”

I really wasn’t sure what to do. “You’ve not changed much from what I remember. You're still the same as the picture in my mind.”

She walked towards me, only the click of her heels making any noise. I held my breath, afraid that would be too loud for her.

She approached, a stoney look upon her face that melted into a smile that made her look exactly like my mother. “It is so good to see you!” She took my hands in her own and squeezed. “Look how tall you are. I can’t believe it! Everyone on this side of the family are such runty creatures,” she laughed jovially. “Come, come. Let’s get you close to the fire so I can see you better.”

I was stunned by how nice she appeared. All my life I assumed she was an ice queen, bitter, and unhappy up in her tower. At least, from what my parents had told me about her, that's what I had gathered.

Arda the First had me stand before the fire, her big dog had it’s head raised but then it dropped back down to the stone floor. She looked at me with a smile then sighed.

“I am glad to see you, Leopoldine.”

I wasn’t prepared for this. “It has been a while,” I tried to laugh my nerves up.

She had me sit down and then she tapped her dog’s head. It got up and walked out of the door. “He’ll go to the kitchen and they’ll know to send up tea.”

“That’s a nice trick,” I replied.

“It’s easier to keep my dogs around rather than someone to follow me about all day. I prefer the company of animals at my age anyways. Do you keep any pets?”

“Uhm-” I was still baffled. “Bronn has his cats, a few tend to follow me around. I mainly keep horses.”

Arda the First nodded and smiled. “Are they for show? Do you ride?”

“They’re for riding,” I replied uncertainty. “Father allowed me to start training my own knights, and we’ve been training and breeding horses for a while now.”

She sighed. “I never liked the way Falko was raising you. It’s far too dangerous. And when you become queen, what really can you do with all that training? Do you plan to go into battle?”

I shrugged. “If I have to.”

She shook her head. “You look strong enough, I suppose. Do you even enjoy it?”

I nodded. “Very much so. I like weapons and training. And I’ve really enjoyed training my knights. My two best knights are with me on this trip; Veerle and Kirsa.”

“That’s all you brought with you?” She gasped in alarm. “What if you had been attacked or-” She stopped, freezing for a moment before she laughed. “Oh, of course! You’re quite prepared for such a thing. I’m so used to the ladies in our family being so much more vulnerable and delicate. I suppose it's a comfort knowing you can protect yourself.”

“Not just me. If I have to, I’ll protect as many people as I can.”

She smiled brightly, then turned as the tea cart was rolled into the room. She stood and took it, shooing away the staff member before bringing the cart towards the fire. She elegantly poured the tea into cups then offered one to me.

“I have a lot of plans for you while you are here, Leopoldine,” she said with a smile. “I want to make up for lost time, and celebrate what a stunning woman you’ve become.” She remained standing while she drank her tea.

“That will be nice,” I murmured. “But, I don’t want to stay away too long. They count on me back home.” I took a sip of tea, which I didn’t really like, while she watched me.

Arda the First tilted her head to the side. “I know they must rely on you dearly. Especially while your brother is so young.” She set her tea cup down and it sounded empty. “Especially when your father is off doing all his…wild ideas,” she chuckled.

“Uhm-” I felt a little dizzy. “He’s very active with Bronn, actually.”

Arda the first sighed. “That’s good to hear. He should be very involved with his son’s upbringing.” The way she said that made me a little anxious.

I rubbed my hand against my chest and cleared my throat. “Sorry, I must be tired from the journey.”

She took my teacup from me and then helped me to stand up. She placed me in front of the fire and looked up at me with a strangely blank expression.

“I think I need to stay seated,” I murmured.

Arda the First put her hand upon my cheek. She scowled, fingering a scar that was on my jaw. “You are beautiful, such a shame your father put you through such rigors.” She slid her hand down my arm, squeezing around my bicep. “I cannot believe my daughter allowed this to happen to you.”

I stood still as she prodded me, but I wasn’t going to let her get to me. I was expecting all of this. “Well-”

“Still, I would rather you look this way than sickly and scrawny. At least I can see those parents of yours have kept you healthy.”

I wobbled a bit and her hand clamped down tighter in mine.

A smile appeared, soft and cautious. She touched my face again. “You do look like him though.”

I was still taken aback by her words that I had even begun to process her sweet smile. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

Her fingers gently brushed under my lower lashes. “You have his eyes. They are almost exact. I never thought I’d gaze into them again.”

I floundered to speak, but I managed to croak out a reply. “Whose eyes?”

Her smile changed, but only slightly. “Why, your father’s eyes.”

I had dark brown eyes. My father had bright blue eyes. “What?” I said, still mired in the earlier confusion.

She cupped her hands around my face, holding me there. I felt small. Her grasp made me feel withered and tiny in her presence. I wanted her to let go, but there was no fight inside me. I was locked in her hands, held by her gaze.

Arda the First tilted her to the side, sly smile still on her lips. “Your father had striking brown eyes like these. They could send a man to his grave with just the right stare.”

“I uh-” I tried shaking my head, but that somehow made me feel worse. “I really need to rest a moment. This fire is…it’s really, really hot.”

“Oh,” she murmurs. “Not the man you call father. No. Your real father.”

An icy coldness twisted in my gut, as if steel had been slid down between my ribs and through my stomach.

“I can see Julian as clear as day upon your face.” Arda the First had tears in her eyes. “They could not take that away from you.”

I finally managed to pull away from her grasp. “What are you talking about?”

Arda the First sighed. “I was never supposed to tell you. I was threatened by that beastly Falko. He said it was best you never knew. He thought the truth would hurt you. But seeing you, I know what’s right for you, and I can’t let him and my daughter go on lying to you.”

My sides were aching and the coldness in my belly had turned to nausea. “What?” I could barely breathe as I spoke.

She placed her palm upon my cheek again. “Your father, your real father, is the man Falko killed. He took you and his bride as his own,lying to you all the while. He’s afraid of you, just like he was Julian.”

“Julian-” I choked and had to gasp for breath. “Julian is my father…that can’t be.”

She raised our hands, squeezing mine in a vice. “I have so much to tell you, Leopoldine. Much of your life has been kept hidden from you. And I will stand by it. That’s why your parents kept me at arms length. They were afraid of you, not me.”

I woke up in a cold room, my vision blurred around the edges. I must have fallen asleep while talking to Arda the First. My head was still swimming, that it took me a moment to reach the shore of my memories. I was not the daughter of Falko, I was the daughter of Julian.

I sat up, taking a deep breath and feeling much better with cold air in my lungs. I stood up from the bed and hobbled over the the window. Opening it, I saw there were storm clouds over the path home, and light rain had already begun falling here.

I felt so painfully angry that I didn’t know what to do with it. I got dressed and went down to the stables, finding my horse and retrieving my sword.

“Leo, there you are!” Kirsa squealed. “You won’t believe the types of arrows they shoot here!”

“Not now!” I roared at her. I stormed away with my sword clutched tight in my hand.

“Leo?” Kirsa followed behind me.

I went into the mud of the courtyard, and the first crate I saw I began bashing it over and over again with my sword.

“Leo!” Kirsa sounded unlike herself. “Leo, what’s wrong with you?”

I kept swinging the sword, over and over again. Someone near me was screaming at the top of their lungs.

“Leo, stop it!” Kirsa touched me, and I swung back. I hit her, knocking her over down into the ground. She held a stunned look upon her face.

Veerle was standing at the edges of the stables, a mortified look painting her usually stern expression. She looked at Kirsa then up at me.

I exhaled and shook my head at her. The screaming had stopped, and I thought that maybe it was inside my head.

Kirsa stood up and sniffled. She wiped her face then walked away and into the stables by herself.

Veerle approached me and tried to take my sword from my hand. I fought her at first, struggling to keep it in my grip. Then I simply let go and she yanked it from me. She then slapped me with her free hand, and the blur at the edges of my vision started to dissipate.

“What has come over you? We haven’t seen you in two days!” She roared at me.

I stretched my jaw and rubbed it. “I don’t know.”

Veerle rolled her eyes. “They won’t let us see you. We’ve been worried.”

I shook my head.

“Not good enough, Leo. Answer me.”

I closed my eyes and held my hand over my mouth. “She told me-” I gulped go a breath. “She told me that Falko isn’t my father.”

Veerle’s stare narrowed. “Then what the fuck is he?”

“My uncle,” I murmured. I opened my eyes and turned to face her. “Julian is my real father.”

Her harsh gaze softened, and her tail twitched behind her. Kirsa appeared back in the doorway, watching us from a distance.

Veerle rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue. “And you trust her with that sort of information?”

“She made sense,” I murmured. “She-” I wiped rain away from my eyes. “She told me everything.”

“Which was?”

“Is she crazy?” Kirsa yelled from the door.

Veerle turned and gave her a look. “Seriously?”

I sniffled and tears started to flow. “Veerle it’s true!”

She put her arm around me and forced me back inside, sitting me down in the stable where she and Kirsa stood over me.

“Start from the beginning,” Kirsa urged.

I took a deep breath and held it until it hurt, exhaling until I felt empty. “Julian was sixteen when he took the throne,” I started.

“Duh!” Kirsa interrupted.

“Well, yeah, but he never married. Not until he met my mother. He came to her sixteenth birthday, intending to meet with Arda the First. Instead, he only had eyes for my mom.”

“Oh, so your half creepy guy,” Kirsa interjected again.

Veerle hissed at her. “Keep going.”

“He married my mother rather than Arda the First. But that’s when my mom and my dad…Falko met. At the wedding banquet. They said they met at a party, but they never said what sort of party.” I cupped my hands around the sides of my head. “They kept spending time together, and Julian realized what Falko was up to. So he sent Falko away, but he returned shortly after I was born.”

Kirsa was counting on her fingers. “He could still be your dad though depending on how long-”

“Two years,” I murmured.

“Never mind.”

I closed my eyes as more tears fell. “My dad was always telling me stories about how cruel and vicious Julian became. What if he was warning me? What if he was telling me that if I ever showed the same signs as him, that he would kill me?”

“Falko wouldn’t do that to you!” Veerle snapped.

Kirsa nodded. “Besides, if you did turn evil I would kill you first!”

“Hush,” Veerle hissed.

“I’m so confused. I feel like everything my father…that Falko ever told me was a lie or a warning. Has he been training me all this time so that he doesn’t feel responsible? If I do lose it and he’s there…then he’ll know how to kill me. Is he…is he going to train Bronn to kill me?”

“Stop that!” Veerle barked.

“Was Julian even mad to begin with? What if my father told all those lies to me to excuse why he killed him?”

Both Kirsa and Veerle went quiet.

“All accounts of his reign are nowhere to be found,” I sniffled. “He could have been a good king and my fath- Falko could be the crazy one.”

Veerle averted her gaze and remained silent.

“Could you confront him?” Kirsa spoke with a soft voice.

“I still don’t think you should trust Arda the First,” Veerle muttered.

I lifted my head and brushed away the tears from my face. “I don’t know who at all to trust right now.”

Kirsa looked up behind me then pointed. “What about that guy?”

I turned and saw the shadow man standing in the dark corner of the stable. I jumped up my feet in alarm, panic and terror flowing through me. This answered it. This affirmed my father knew my grandmother would talk. The shadow man was his man all this time!

Veerle pulled me back. “What are you doing here?”

“I came for the princess,” the shadow man rasped.

Veerle must have had the same thought I did. She went forward, holding up my sword towards him. “Get out of here, or you’ll be put into a shallow ditch.”

The shadow man chuckled. “I was instructed to keep an eye on the princess. I just wanted her to know that I will be around.”

“That’s fucking creepy,” Kirsa scoffed.

“King Falko sends his regards,” the shadow man directed at me. “He said you won’t be alone.” He charged Veerle, catching her off guard and snatching away my sword from her. She sank her claws into his arm while he held the blade to her throat. She released and he removed the blade.

“This isn’t safe for you, princess,” the shadow man murmured. “Until you return home, you’re in a death trap.”

My stomach sank into my knees. “What does that mean?”

His head turned at a sound and he vanished from the stables as voices came from behind. Kirsa pulled me out, taking me away as Veerle regained herself.

“I can’t believe this,” Kirsa whispered.

“I know,” I huffed.

“Your father couldn’t have really sent him!” Veerle snapped. “It’s too much of a coincidence.”

I frowned. “Is it? Right before I left he said he would send someone for me. Why? I have you two. Why would he need to send someone unless he knew Arda the First was going to do this? And the shadow man…the only person I can’t seem to get the upper hand with.”

“It’s weird for sure,” Kirsa replied. “Sexy, but weird.”

“Sexy?” Veerle snipped.

“I don’t know what to do,” I heaved. “What am I supposed to do?”

Kirsa snapped her fingers. “Seduce him.”

“Oh my god, Kirsa, no!”

I rubbed my hands down my face. “My head feels like it’s dipped in cream. Everything’s gunked up,” I growled.

“What have you been doing since we last saw you?” Veerle asked. “Did you get sick?”

“I felt tired when I started talking to Arda the First,” I huffed. “Maybe I was coming down with something. I woke up in my room a while ago.”

“Maybe we should think about leaving,” Veerle murmured. “All sides could be true.”

“What do you mean?” Kirsa asked. “How can everyone be right?”

[captain039]

PART 2 Playing with fire

Alpha!Kylo Ren x omega!reader

Warnings: AOB, sexual, jealousy, slow burn, eventual smut, anger issues, swearing, harassment

Previous part <-

You didn’t sleep at all, Leo did, apparently finding it a suitable spot to sleep. By the first sunlight, everyone began to pack and you thanked the maker. Hopefully, your parents wouldn’t be awake soon, your sister usually likes to sleep in. When one of the officers said to strap in, your heart fell and you felt sick. When the ship took off you felt horrid. You tried to ignore the churn of your stomach, tried to ignore the guilt and pain of leaving your family. This was for them, but why did you feel so sick?

Upon arriving on the Finalizer you prayed that the officers wouldn’t send you right to sick bay. Leo had commented about how pale you looked and you brushed him off.

You were shown to the trainee's quarters single beds with black chests at the end and black bedside tables, each with a lamp. They had a black half-wall between them all and a cupboard on the said wall for each cubical. You sighed it could be worse, at least you had some privacy. Training felt like a kick in the head, chest, stomach and knees. You were struggling, struggling to keep up and undercover. You forced yourself to do better and worked through the courses before they found one suitable for you to follow. You’d always enjoyed fiddling with droids and machinery, your father used to work at a machinery shop and would explain the little details and how things worked, but that wasn’t high-tech computers and droids like here, that was simple microwaves or easy-viewing holograms. Leo and you had managed to stay together throughout the courses, he’d help you along when you didn’t understand something, only to get yelled at by an officer. He’d also help in keeping your secret, you felt like the beta was more scared than you of someone finding out. He was like a big brother sometimes, but also a little too invasive of privacy. You were thankful for fresher times, you hated all the grit and grime that got in you and the way your scent was so bland and unknown to you. You got used to it in about a month or so, but it still felt wrong, like you were cheating yourself or something. Going against natural law maybe. Leo managed to cheer you up, well more like scare you into using the blockers and suppressants, he’d say ‘They will most certainly kill you if they found out, then me!’ He’d fake sob and you’d raise an eyebrow at his dramatics. You made a few other friends too, Sola a beta who was a huge nerd in computing, and Brax an alpha who acted like everyone’s mum. Sola was a little older than you, with beautiful raven hair that she would plat especially every day. Brax was a tough mum, there was no other way to put it, it amused you at how your group called her the mum. There were others in your team two other betas Daro and Nej along with another alpha Sion, they were nice, pretty quiet people considering. As your training course continued steadily you finally caught up with things, knew how to work and fix things, and got into a routine of keeping yourself unknown. You hadn’t contacted or confronted your parents. You had reports they had been moved to a better house, better food and supplies, even their TV and holograms.

“Hey, I heard that the supreme leader is coming back” Leo whispered and you froze, he was coming here?

“Back? I thought he had his own ship?!” You said softly tapping away on the lit-up keyboard.

Apparently, supreme leader Kylo Ren was a very powerful alpha, nobody dared question or look at him wrong. He was ruthless, seeing as his past works in removing the rebellion went successful, killing the old supreme leader and whatever hundred of battles he had won. He had a small circle of knights highly loyal to him, the knights of Ren, also powerful alphas.

“Maker I’m so dead” you mumbled into your hands. Sometimes in an alphas tank an extra gene is added, signalling his or her superiority over other alphas. They were very rare and mostly unheard of till the old supreme leader Snoke managed to find one and carve him into the dark side. They were stronger in every sense, stronger if force sensitive, and their senses were more attuned to the world around them. No doubt he was like being able to pick up on your real rank.

“Your panicking is making me panic” Leo brought you back from your thoughts.

“I’m so dead!” You whisper yelled and he groaned quietly.

“Please calm down” he sighed and you glared.

“He’s a superior alpha! Superior! Do you have any idea what that means?!” You didn’t mean to snap, but you did.

“Hey, why are we snapping over here?” Brax called walking over.

“She’s freaking out” Leo said and you swore you could strangle him.

“I’m going to throw you out of the ship” you stated and cursed.

“Why’re you freaking?” Brax asked leaning against the table, arms crossed over her chest.

“Because our supreme leader is coming back” Leo muttered and she tensed, great even she was scared.

“We’re so dead” you whined.

“Nobody’s going to die, everybody avoids him like the plague, so we will too” She nodded and you groaned resting your head on the table as you faked crying.

“You’ll be fine, nobody’s dying, but you should talk to your parents soon” she said patting your shoulder and heading back to her computer. Maker your parents, your family, they’d be so mad or upset or both. You did it though, you provided a better life for them, you saw the pictures the tour of the house. You received their messages, but never answered.

Upon moving up in your course you were moved to your own room. You felt like it was a dream come true despite the overly grey furniture, literally. Everything was so bland and dark on this ship, but then again it was a supreme leaders ship. You managed to order a few things for your room to perk it up a bit, you had your own fresher and spots to hide your suppressants and scent blockers. You managed to buy some scent changers too now, it wouldn’t be permanent, but the injecting part scared you. Scent blockers were tablets you could take and the suppressants were a liquid you could take, but these needed to be injected directly into the scent gland. It’d reduce your chances of getting found out to almost zero though. You kept checking your hologram, seeing the messages from your family, your sister got into education and was finally able to learn. Your grandma was getting older it seemed by the day and your mother and father looked so sad.

You finished work that evening and headed to your room. You placed a ration in the microwave and waited for it to heat up. You had a new message from your family. You clicked on it heart clenching as your sister stood in front of the camera.

“Hey sis” she began.

“I’ve learnt some amazing things at school, I have friends and we hang out a lot, I miss you though” she whispered the last part sniffing softly.

“I try to understand why you left I do, I just-“ she sighed wiping her eyes as your heart clenched more. You jumped at the sound of a beep and grabbed your food. You paused the message and sighed sitting down. Your hologram began to beep, an incoming call. Your finger hovered over the decline button, but you answered in a swift movement. You heard gasps, your eyes closed tightly before you opened them. Your family sat there, all together. You froze just staring as your breath hitched and your stomach clenched. You felt like throwing up, maybe, you didn’t know, too many emotions flying around. Your mum called your name and you snapped your eyes to her.

“Honey?” She added as your mouth opened and closed.

“Hello” you said voice barely above a whisper and your mum sobbed softly. Your dad held her and your sister just stared. Your grandma was smiling softly but, sadly.

“Why haven’t you answered us? We thought you were dead!” Your mum yelled and you flinched she had every right though. Your dad sought to sooth her and your heart broke.

“I’m sorry” you whispered tears in your eyes.

“You should be sorry” your sister said quietly not looking at you. You gulped and took a breath before speaking again.

“I- I don’t have an explanation” you said trying to choose your words carefully, only to fail.

“How is the new house?” You said seeing your mother scoff.

“It’s great, we’ve got the latest technology, hot water, better food” your dad said wincing.

“Lana goes to school now she’s learning art” he added trying to keep some peace as you nodded.

“That’s good” you whispered wiping your eyes quickly.

“I don’t understand” your mum said and you cringed.

“We were happy!” She snapped and you could almost feel her emotions through the screen.

“We are happy” your dad tried to cover, but you shook your head.

“Dad” you sighed and he looked away holding his tears in.

“We want you home, you’ve done what you needed!” Your mum said.

“I don’t know if that’s how it works mum” you said softly.

“Has anyone found out?” Your grandma piped up and you shook your head.

“I have supplies ordered in abundant” you said quietly and she nodded.

“I’ve made some friends, Leo from the Catina’s here too for his brother” you tried to make friendly conversation.

“I don’t care” your mum said and shook her head as she stood and left, her sister following. Your dad tried to talk them back, but it didn’t work.

“I’m sorry” you cried glancing to your tablet as you saw a message pop up.

‘He’s here’

Next part ->

[angelasscribbles]

The Crown and the Shield Chapter 4: Time Is Up

Series: The Crown and the Shield

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Constantine x Jackson

Word Count: 645

Rating: PG

Warnings for this chapter: None

My other stuff: Master List.

“Look at your son,” King Alexander stood next to Constantine in the doorway of the palace nursery.

Five-year-old Leo sat enraptured as his favorite nanny read out loud to him.

“He’s fine. He’s happy. What about him?” Constantine had no idea why his father had brought him to the nursery in the middle of a workday, but he enjoyed watching his son play. He especially enjoyed hearing him laugh.

It had taken time, but the lad had recovered from the loss of his mother. As much as could be expected anyway. He was close to his father and his grandparents. He liked all of his nannies but especially the raven-haired beauty laughing with him as they read together.

“He loves her,” Alexander noted.

“Okay…” Constantine replied warily. He knew when his father was angling for something.

The king pulled his son into the hallway, out of earshot as he continued, “She’s going to leave.”

Constantine blinked, “What?”

“She’s going back home to Auvernall. She’s been offered a position with-“

“Well stop her!”

“How do you propose I do that, Son?”

“Offer her more money!”

“It’s not about the money. The position she’s accepted allows her to be near her family. It would take more than a mere raise to convince her to stay.”

“Well, whatever it is, give it to her!” Constantine could not deny the way his son lit up in Eleanor’s presence. She had been a fixture in his life since birth, spending more time caring for him as an infant than his own mother had. The bond between the two was obvious and had been instrumental in her promotion to head nanny.

“I don’t think there’s anything that I could offer her to get her to stay,” Alexander grasped him by the shoulder.

Constantine felt his heart sink, “What are you suggesting, Father?”

“I’m suggesting that you’ve put off remarrying long enough.”

“You can’t seriously be implying that I should-“

“Marrying her will secure her continued presence in Leo’s life, give Cordonia the queen that she needs and present you with the opportunity to give your son siblings. It’s a win/win/win my boy.”

“What makes you think she wants to marry me?”

His father chuckled, “Are you really so blind? Have you not seen the way she looks at you? Leo loves her and she loves him. She’s at least enamored of you. It’s the perfect solution!”

Confusion swept through him. He would do anything for his son. But the thought of betraying Jackson was unbearable. “But Father-“

“You’ve had three years to get it out of your system, son. It’s time to get serious about your family.”

Constantine’s stomach dropped. Get it out of his system? Did his father know about him and Jackson?

“She put in her two weeks’ notice this morning. Time is of the essence! You need to woo her and woo her quickly.”

His voice barely above a whisper, he protested, “But I don’t love her…”

Alexander heaved a deep sigh, “You and your notions of love! Look at her, Son! She’s beautiful, kind, and smart. Love will come in time. Meanwhile, you’ll be giving Leo a mother, something he desperately needs! Or are you willing to watch that boy get his heart ripped out again?”

“I…”

“Think about it. But do it quickly because time is running out.”

Alexander strode away leaving Constantine alone with his thoughts. He crept silently closer to the nursery room door again, peeking in to watch as Leo snuggled into Eleanor’s lap. He mumbled something and she looked down at him, “What is it, little one?”

Leo’s blond head lifted, and his ocean-blue eyes peered into her onyx ones, “I love you. Can you be my mama?”

Constantine’s head fell back as tears filled his eyes. He knew what he had to do.

He just hoped Jackson was going to understand.

[forestcat666]

My blog

greeting, I'm forestcat666, i have several other blogs so if you think you know me or recognize my user, you probably do.

this is a general blog, i will post anything from any fandom i am in, including

Aphmau

Game of Thrones

The little club (specifically stuff from little Kelly and Little Carly channel)

fairy tail

yeah GOT, anime, and Minecraft youtubers, i'm a mess.

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Ships from aphmau: Zene, Zanus, Zane x Gene x Zenix x Sasha, Dante x Zenix, Sasha x Lucinda, Vylad x Kacey (Katelyns little brother not Nana)

Ships from GOT: Jon x Satin, Jon x Tormund, Sansa x Margaery, Robb x Theon, Jon x Theon, Aurane Waters x Aegon/young Griff, Aurane Waters x Jon,

Ships from the little club: Raven x Little Leo, Little Kelly x Donny, (Not many for little club)

ships from fairy tail: Gray x Natsu, (even less ships for fairy tail)

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DNI terfs, homophobes, racists, sexists, zoophiles, and people who support maps

unless you are hurting anyone i couldn't care less.

[midnightcreator12]

And We'll Keep Marching On Chapter 16 - Language Barriers

AO3

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Donnie wasn’t sure if he should feel bad about it. But his first thought when he’d cautiously sat Leo on the couch and moved to unlock the hinge of his brace was that this was the most focused he’d seen his brother in weeks.

The conflict about how he should feel mostly came from the fact that he’d…started slacking in personally seeing to Leo’s care. He’d figured out how to read Scrap’s scans to the point he felt confident that he would see when something might require him. And, even after a month, Leo was sleeping a lot, so Donnie had figured he didn't need to hover as much. But Leo had also been staying awake for longer and longer, up to three hours the last time Donnie checked. Hell, maybe more if he wasn’t always stuck in the bedroom with only Raph for entertainment.

But even with all those factors Leo's mind clearly...wandered. Eyes tracked random things at any given time or randomly moving to throw his arms around the closest sibling before closing his eyes to nap.

But when Leo noticed Donnie going for the brace, his eyes snapped to attention like he was watching a brand new Space Heroes episode. It did comfort Donnie a little, seeing that Leo could focus on something that wasn't food or water. He was always so sleepy and listless when Donnie saw him, he’d started to consider that the brain injury, whatever it was exactly, was going to be permanent.

Donnie hadn’t…exactly disclaimed it to anyone but…he was a little lost about the brain damage. Clearly, something was wrong but the more research Donnie did, the more possibilities got put on the table.

And the more possibilities that got put on the table, the more lost Donnie got on how exactly to help Leo's brain heal.

Shell, it honestly seemed like human doctors weren’t even fully sure how brains work in response to trauma and they had every resource under the sun to help them out. Donnie had the tools from his bulk first aid kit and a little robot that took X-rays.

Because brains were weird and every single one was different and no two cases of TBI were ever completely alike!

It could be a lot of things preventing Leo from communicating with them. The only thing Donnie knew for sure was that the problem area was likely somewhere in the frontal lobe. That would definitely explain Leo’s lack of normal speech as well as the many lapses in focus and almost Mikey levels of his attention jumping around to anything and everything.

Except, apparently, when Donnie was testing to see if Leo could start doing physical therapy.

Because as much as he would prefer to let Leo heal for as long as possible before jumping into PT, they really didn’t have the time. From what tiny snippets of news he could get from the city, things weren’t going well. No word on how quick or how far the Kraang were moving the invasion but Donnie would bet that once the Kraang left the city, they wouldn’t have any hope of stopping them.

Raph and Mikey watched with bated breath, Raven hovering nearby after she'd had Scrap take a pre-test scan, as Donnie unlocked the hinge on the brace and firmly took hold of Leo's leg.

Leo made a grumpy growling sound at the treatment but Donnie kept his grip steady, carefully watching Leo’s face as he slowly bent his knee.

Leo cut off his growl suddenly, face going scarily flat and eyes fixing somewhere over Donnie’s shoulder.

Anyone who didn’t know Leo would have thought he’d just lost interest, maybe figured that whatever Donnie was doing was okay and his attention had wandered again.

But Donnie knew Leo. And he knew what Leo did when he was trying to mask how much something hurt. Because Leo did this exact same thing whenever he got hurt bad enough on missions to require Donnie's interference. He would go quiet, force his face to stay as neutral as possible and focus on a fixed point.

In essence, Leo was hiding that what Donnie was doing hurt. And that honestly surprised Donnie the most. He’d been fully prepared to get bitten, not watch Leo fall back on his stupid ‘I’m the leader, I feel no pain’ schtick.

But he wasn’t truly in pain yet. No, that came when Donnie bent the joint a bit more and the corners of Leo’s eyes pinched ever so slightly, a movement that he usually had his mask to hide.

Without it, Donnie saw everything he needed to know.

“Okay, you did great Leo,” Donnie mumbled as he returned the leg back to a straightened position and relocked the brace.

The click of the mechanism locking seemed to snap Leo back into the present, his eyes snapped between Donnie and his leg with such an open look of betrayal that Donnie almost felt bad.

“Sorry bro,” Donnie sighed. “But until you can flex your knee without significant pain, we’ve gotta keep it sta- Hey!”

Donnie had been about to launch into an explanation but when he pulled away, Leo’s hands shot to the lock, fingers fumbling and soft growls coming out of his throat. 

Donnie moved quickly to stop him, prying Leo’s hands away, “No, Leo, don’t do that!”

Raph was at Leo’s side in seconds, holding him around the shoulders as he helped Donnie keep their brothers hands away from his leg, “Leo, come on, don’t mess with that.”

Leo made a series of unhappy clicks, glaring at Donnie as he tried to pull his hands away and try again. It probably would have worked if Leo still wasn’t recovering and the jerking motion suddenly made him flinch.

“You’re gonna mess up your shoulder again doing that,” Donnie scolded.

“Maybe we should put off training today,” Mikey piped in.

Raph was quick to cut that train of thought short with a firm, “No, we’re starting today. Raven?”

“I’ve got him,” Raven stepped forward then, holding a hiking stick...where it had come from, Donnie had no clue. “Leo?”

Said turtle’s head snapped up to focus on Raven, eyes still narrowed and lip slightly curled.

Raven didn’t even bat an eye at the aggression, merely held out both the cane and her hand, “We’re gonna go outside.”

“Are we sure that’s a good idea?” Donnie looked between Raven and Raph, now rethinking their plan to let Leo at least sit outside while they trained. “I mean, if he sees us attacking each other-”

“Well I don’t want to just leave him in here by himself,” Raph huffed, pressing his hand to Leo’s shell. “Come on bro, just hang out with Raven and her robot dog for a bit.”

Leo glanced over at Raph, still looking very unhappy with how things were going. But, to Donnie's relief, he reached out and grabbed the stick from Raven.

….a hiking cane wasn’t really the best aid for Leo to get around. Donnie would have to make him a proper crutch-

Once Leo was standing, so was Raph and he grabbed Donnie under the arms and dragged him up too while loudly announcing, “Okay, everyone outside. We got a lot of training to make up for!”

Mikey groaned dramatically and said something but Raph was pretty much pushing Donnie out the door so he didn't catch it.

Casey and April were already outside, both sitting on the old swing near the house. April had her legs tucked up, knees acting as an improvised desk as she scribbled in a notebook. Casey sat next to her, pretty much sprawled over his side of the swing and watching the light snowfall, the picture of being casual. He even offered a lazy wave as Donnie and Raph walked by.

Less than a year ago, Donnie might have done a double take at the scene, maybe done some belly-aching or tried to invite April to train with him and his brothers.

Now, he offered them both a quick nod and kept moving.

He was worried about April, of course, she'd gotten some pretty big news the day prior. He had figured out that she wasn’t fully human a while ago but his efforts to dig deeper hadn’t turned up much. Now that they knew exactly how and why April’s genetic makeup was partly Kraang, she was clearly taking it hard.

But with that worry was…was some anger. Because he got it, he really did. This was a big thing that had radically changed in April’s life but…she’d known them for almost a year, had seen and met lots of people that weren’t fully human. He’d thought she’d become more accepting of it all. And it wasn’t like her alien heritage was new information, they’d all known for months.

But when Raven explained what Mom-Thing was, how it was connected to April, the girl seemed to almost shut down, refusing to talk with any of them except Casey.

And Donnie felt awful about how much that bugged him but he had no idea how to make it stop.

So he managed a small smile and nod in greeting before turning to the setup Raph had put together yesterday.

He could admit, between Raph and Raven, they had managed to make a pretty good training area. It was under a massive oak with dense branches, so any snow that managed to land in the spot was easily cleared away. The dirt had been compacted down, mitigating the risk of them kicking up too much or ruining the area, and a small border had been made from what looked like a lot of small, smooth rocks.

Raph paused and frowned at the border, brow pitching, “I didn’t do that.”

“Oh, I did!” Mikey came bounding up behind them, whatever sour mood he had over training long gone as he proudly presented his handy work. “I saw the setup when I was feeding the chickens and there’s a river not too far from here and it has, like, so many rocks-”

“Okay, okay, we got it,” Raph sighed, rolling his eyes as he stepped fully into the ‘ring’. “Okay let’s…uh…”

Donnie followed in after him, raising an eye ridge and crossing his arms, “Let’s….?”

“Katas!” Raph snapped himself into an opening position. “We’ll warm up with katas and go from there.”

Donnie huffed a sigh through his nose.

He knew Raph was technically leading until Leo could retake the mantle but…well…

It was kinda obvious that Raph had no idea where to direct them for training. Which would be fine if it was just the two of them, Donnie could manage his own training. But Mikey had a habit of…wandering.

He watched the youngest out of the corner of his eye as he started moving through his own set. Mikey was doing much the same…except he was clearly not paying attention to his form, eyes already wandering around.

But Raph didn’t say anything about it so neither did Donnie.

Instead, he positioned himself so he could better watch the porch while he did his stances. And by extension, watch Leo.

While the three of them had been talking, Raven had managed to get Leo outside and seated in the old rocking chair that lived on the porch. She’d also had the forethought to bring the throw from the back of the couch and when Donnie turned to watch, it was just in time to see her drape the heavy blanket around Leo’s shoulder.

They were too far away for Donnie to pick out voice or facial expressions but he saw Leo stoop, saw his hands start moving down-

Donnie started to step out of the ring, worried Leo was trying to unlock his brace again. But Raven crouched, her hands grabbing Leo’s and moving them up into his lap.

Donnie had paused in his warm-up, now fully watching as Leo tried to go for the brace again and, again, Raven intercepted and pushed his hands back up.

It was odd. Not that Raven was stopping Leo, but the fact Leo seemed to have enough presence of mind to understand that if he unlocked the brace, he could move his leg more freely. He hadn’t tried to go for the straps, just the hinge, so he at least understood that he needed it…or maybe he hadn’t seen Donnie mess with the straps so he didn’t understand that they could be removed?

Or maybe-?

“Donnie!”

He jumped at Raph’s voice barking his name, spinning around and glaring, “What?”

“We’re training,” Raph punctuated the statement with a punch to the air.

“Well I kinda gotta multi-task here.”

“Naw, they’re fine,” Mikey said casually. “Raven’s got this, easy. So when do we get to the fun part and finish up?”

Raph huffed through his teeth and moved to the next form, a little more forcefully than he should have. “This is what we did at home so this is how we’re doing it now.”

“Except we usually have some direction on what warmups to do,” Donnie mumbled idly.

Raph huffed again, something sparking in his green eyes for the first time in weeks as his leg kicked out sharply.

A part of Donnie suddenly wanted to push, make the spark bigger, catch fire.

Because Raph had been so apathetic lately and that wasn’t right. For as much as they all complained about Raph’s temper, seeing him without it just added to the pile of everything being upside-down and wrong.

But he didn’t need to push. Because Raph’s hands suddenly clenched and dropped to his sides. He glared at Donnie as he bit out, “I’m trying, okay? I know this isn't a good setup but we can’t….” he inhaled. “What if something else shows up and we’re too rusty to beat it? What if something gets ahold of Leo? While he can’t fight back?”

And wasn’t that statement just a punch to Donnie’s metaphorical gut.

Because he’d seen Leo try to fight. Felt how hard his brother hit the ground. Had carefully reexamined the injury on his shoulder when he’d managed to keep the world from spinning when he opened his eyes…

Even out here, in the middle of nowhere, they couldn’t get too comfortable. And they were at the lowest point they’d ever been.

Mikey looked between them, frowning, “...can we do some kato?”

Both Raph and Donnie looked at the youngest as the words registered.

Raph huffed, but nodded, “Yeah…yeah, we can start with a little kato and…we’ll go from there.”

Donnie hummed in agreement, habit making him automatically move to line up with Raph and give a quick bow. Mikey quickly moved to Donnie's other side, he and Raph also doing a quick bow before all three started to move through the kata stances together.

It was nice, starting off with the simpler stances together. It eased something in Donnie’s chest that hadn’t settled since the invasion started. There was still something, deep in his gut, that bubbled with unease but…he knew that was because there was an empty spot at the end of the line.

The thought made his focus falter again, eyes sliding back towards the porch-

Just in time to see Leo jerk up from his seat and try to push Raven away from him with a loud snarl.

“Leo!” Donnie abandoned the exercise without a second thought.

He made it across the yard in recond time, pretty much slamming into the porch railing, half clambering up it and wildly taking stock of Leo.

Leo was standing, leaning heavily on his temporary cane as he clicked and hissed angrily at Raven, trying to push her hand away.

Raven, usually seeming so unflappable, was clearly getting frustrated as she stubbornly kept her hand in place on Leo's shoulder. And Scrap warbled in a displeased tone from her shoulder.

"No," she said it, in her firm, no-nonsense soldier voice.

The tone did not phase Leo at all as he snapped his teeth in response, like he was threatening to bite.

“Leo, calm down,” Donnie managed to clamber the rest of the way onto the porch and all but shoved Raven aside so he could take over holding onto Leo’s arms. “Hey, Leo, I need you to sit down, okay? Your knee is still healing-”

Leo interrupted with an unhappy hiss and whacked his free hand down onto Donnie’s wrist. And, to Donnie’s surprise, Leo managed to strike right at the nerve point that sent a pins and needles sensation all the way up to his shoulder.

It made him jerk back with a yelp, more out of surprise than pain. Leo wasn’t strong enough to actually numb Donnie’s arm but it didn’t detract much from the uncomfortable sensation.

And it did what Leo wanted anyway.

Leo let out a small huff of satisfaction when he was released and he tried to hobble his way to the porch steps.

But Raph was already there, moving to bodily block Leo from going any further, “What the hell Donnie?!”

“Apparently muscle memory is intact,” Donnie hissed, trying to shake the static feeling out of his arm.

Leo growled again, hand smacking against Raph’s plastron as he tried to make him move. Raph responded by grabbing Leo’s arms and carefully start pushing him back towards the rocking chair, “Leo, come on. You can sit with Raven and watch…I dunno, watch the snow! We’ll be done in a minute.”

Leo made a high keening sound, the narrow-eyed glare starting to waver as Raph managed to make him move back a little.

Mikey party moved up the steps, frowning as Leo’s keening became higher, “Raph-”

“I’m not hurting him!” Raph said with forced calm before letting his voice drop into a comforting chur.

And that usually worked, usually had Leo calming down within moments and had him chirping and churring back.

Except today the only thing the sound seemed to do was agitate Leo more.

It made Donnie’s alarms bare in his brain. Had he missed something? Had the scans changed? They’d taken one right before he’d tried to exercise Leo knee, nothing had looked amiss but- But Scrap or Raven would have pointed out if something had regressed, right?

“Yame!”

Everyone froze at the word.

It was rasped out, scratching and strained, the pronunciation slurred.

But Leo had said it. Clear as day.

“Yame,” he repeated, voice like sandpaper on styrofoam but, to Donnie, it was like music.

And Raph seemed to share the sentiment, because he jerked forward, arms latching around Leo in a fierce hug and tears in his eyes, “Leo! You spoke!”

“Holy chalupa!” Mikey cheered. “You spoke! Donnie, Donnie, he talked!”

“Y-yeah,” Donnie breathed, not sure what else to add.

He could barely come up with any cognitive thought beyond just joy over the fact that Leo finally said something.

Raph pulled away, holding Leo at arm's length and grinning like a loon, “Man, Leo, you have no idea how good it is to hear your voice!”

Leo's brow pinched again, jaw working, like he was trying to say more…

But nothing came out but small, choked sounds.

Raph visibly started to deflate, leaning closer and concern etching into his face, “Leo? Leo, you in there?”

Donnie moved closer, glancing over his shoulder, mouth opening to ask Raven if she could have Scrap take a scan-

Only to find the spot she had been vacated and her nowhere to be seen. The only humans close by were Casey and April, who had ventured to the foot of the porch steps and were watching with rapt attention.

“Leo?” Mikey rasped out. “Leo? Can you say…anything? Please?”

A pained look crossed Leo’s face, one that quickly turned into one of determination. His brow scrunched, mouth still working like he was physically chewing on the words he wanted to say, “Hai.”

“Yes!” Raph brightened a little. “Hai! Kyōdai no kibun wa dōdesu ka?”

Leo strained again, body starting to tremble lightly. “H-Hai.”

“Get him sitting!” Donnie ordered, moving to help Raph settle Leo back in his chair. Once Leo was seated again, Donnie crouched in front of him, frowning in thought, “Leo? ….Watashi ga iu koto o wakarimasu ka?”

Leo’s face was contorted, pinched into a look that was almost pained. Like he had to focus on every syllable when he replied with another strained, “Hai.”

“Wakarimashita, īdesu...Hanasu no wa muzukashīdesu ka?” Donnie’s mind was spinning, reviewing every bit of information he’d researched about brain injuries, side effects, what certain kinds of damage were called-

Leo breathed deeply, eyes closing as he hugged himself. The next sound out of him was a small chirp.

“What’s going on Donnie?” Raph demanded.

“I think….” Oh, Donnie had read about this. “Aphasia! Leo must have sustained damage to his left frontal lobe, thus impacting his brain's ability to process language. It would certainly explain why he had so little compilation when we spoke to him right after he woke up. But his comprehension has clearly improved and the fact he’s started managing to speak-”

“Donnie,” both Raph and Mikey interrupted loudly.

Casey helpfully tacked on, “Dude, slow down and speak in layman.”

“I know how to help Leo!” Donnie exclaimed, grinning at the group. “It’s…It’ll take time but…I think I can get Leo back to himself!”

He could fix this. He could fix Leo!

Various sounds of relief echoed around the circle, Raph even visibly slumped, like a massive weight had been lifted off him.

“That’s great Don,” Casey agreed before slowly turning to Raph and pointing an accusing figure. “But more importantly. Since when do you guys speak Japanese?”

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Translations! "Yame." - Stop "Hai." - Yes "Hai! Kyōdai no kibun wa dōdesu ka?" - Yes, how are you doing brother? "Watashi ga iu koto o wakarimasu ka?" - Do you undersatnd what I'm saying? "Wakarimashita, īdesu...Hanasu no wa muzukashīdesu ka?" - Okay, good. Is...is talking hard for you? ------------------------------------ Disclaimer, I do not speak Japanese and I am doing my best with translators. I am very sorry if any of it is wrong. I'm also not a medical professional and I am going off of about 20 minutes of google research and also taking a few liberties with how Leo's case works!

[inkwolvesandcoffee]

LADS, I HAD AN EPIPHANY!

How about a museum security guard!Tom Hardy x Art student!Reader story?

Here’s a rough outline of the plot.

After he finally properly introduces himself to her, he either sits next to her or stands guard nearby to watch her work, fascinated by how she can turn paint and pencil into art. Over the span of a few weeks, the two grow closer, harbouring feelings they shouldn’t.

They filter through in her art. In the way he twists his wedding band.

He’s a married man, father of two kids. And yet, there’s a part of him he can’t deny.

And neither can she.

A cup of coffee can help a lot, solve problems instantly. But, this time, it might only make things worse.

Now, before anyone is gonna step on my toes,

I KNOW TOM IS HAPPILY MARRIED. THIS WILL STRICTLY, I STRESS, STRICTLY BE A WORK OF FICTION‼️

It also involves THE look. You know the one.

Yes, that’s right.

THIS ONE!

Working title (that I only just thought of): A Portrait of Happiness.

“There she is again, the little raven who flutters between the galleries.”

Oh boy, this is gonna be quite the project.

Also, I might decide later on to use Tommy Conlon or Leo Demidov instead of our Tommo, but I just really want to use the ‘puppy snout shirt’ look and can’t fathom any of his characters pulling it off like he himself does. To be honest, none of his characters match with my aim for this story as well.😅

So, yeah, I guess that’s one more project to add to the pile.😹

For now, though, I’ll be focusing on the smutty writer!Alfie piece I started last night (yes, THAT piece) as well as the other on-going projects. But this certainly isn’t the last of it!

Tag list: @buttercup32sstuff @potter-solomons @zablife @vir-tual @ilovemanypeople @hecatemoon87 @liliac-dreamer

[queer-xmen-tournament]

Where this blog goes next

For a really long time, I've been wanting to create a fanmade X-Men team composed of exclusively queer mutants- and now, I figured since I already have this blog, why not let tumblr decide?

So what I've done, is created 7 spots on the team, based on each characters power and skill set, and grouped a bunch of characters together for a singular poll for each spot. Before the polls go out, I'm going to make a little propaganda post for each person in the group, to make sure everybody knows who is who, and why they should vote for them!

This is only including people who are out as queer in universe, so even though Gabby has been implied to be queer, and Kate has been confirmed to be bi, neither of them are really "out" in their respective universes yet, so they couldn't really be on the team yet.

Here are the groups:

The Psychic

Captain Britain | Betsy Braddock

Askani | Rachel Summers

Negasonic Teenage Warhead | Ellie Phimister

Leo Eng

Alef Chernekhov

The Powerhouse

Iceman | Bobby Drake

Rictor | Julio Richter

Pyro | Simon Lasker

Tempo | Heather Tucker

Good Arson | Rex Ridley

Theia

Kappa | Megan Ogawa

Christopher O'Leary

The Shapeshifter

Mystique | Raven Darkholme

Gimmick | Carmen Cruz

Morph | Benjamin Deeds

Jessie Drake

Faceshopper | Soph

The Warrior

Shatterstar | Gaveedra Seven

Fang | Akihiro

Anole | Victor Borkowski

Mercury | Cessily Kincaid

Jonas Graymalkin

Bling! | Roxy Washington

Madin

Bouncer | Renata Da Lima

The Gimmick

Escapade | Shela Sexton

Loa | Alani Ryan

Aphelion | Reed

Darkveil | Darnell Wade

Jumbo Carnation

Brutha Nature | Jacob Williams

Morgan Red

Monica Sellers

Hector Pullman

The Flyer

Northstar | Jean-Paul Beaubier

Pixie | Megan Gwynn

Galura | Elle Diwa

Aura Charles

Michael Diwa

Liana

The Additional Psionic

Karma | Xuân Cao Mạnh

Destiny | Irene Adler

Prodigy | David Alleyne

Somnus | Carl Valentino

Hindsight | Nathaniel Carver

Pity Girl | Nora Kuang

Christian Frost

Bad Guy | Gabe

Alice Campbell

I hope to start posting these on Monday!

[jcmarchi]

Check Out Tekken 8’s Final Launch Fighter, The Newcomer Reina

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/check-out-tekken-8s-final-launch-fighter-the-newcomer-reina/

Check Out Tekken 8’s Final Launch Fighter, The Newcomer Reina

After months of character reveals, Tekken 8 has announced the final fighter of its launch roster: Reina. This brand-new character sports a lightning-quick moveset, earning her the nickname “Purple Lightning,” and has mysterious ties to the Mishima clan.

Bandai Namco states that little is known about Reina’s history besides she’s a student of the Mishima Polytechnical School. For some reason, she really wants to fight Jin (move over, Hwoarang), and based on her gameplay trailer, she seems more than capable of taking him on. Check Reina out in action below. 

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With Reina’s addition, the 32-fighter roster is now complete. Here’s the full list of characters, with new fighters denoted and links to applicable articles/trailers:

Alisa Bosconovitch

Asuka Kazama

Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo (New)

Bryan Fury

Claudio Serafino

Devil Jin

Feng Wei

Hwoarang

Jack-8 (New)

Jin Kazma

Jun Kazama

Kazuya Mishima/Devil Kazuya

King

Kuma

Lars Alexandersson

Lee Chaolan

Leo Kliesen

Leroy Smith

Lili Rochefort

Ling Xiaoyu

Marshall Law

Nina Williams

Panda

Paul Phoenix

Raven

Reina (New)

Sergei Dragunov

Shaheen

Steve Fox

Victor Chevalier (New)

Yoshimitsu

Zafina

Additionally, the game’s first Season of post-launch DLC will add four unannounced fighters. These characters will be released separately each season throughout 2024, with the first arriving sometime in the spring. 

Tekken 8 launches on January 26 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Check our early hands-on impressions of the game here.