#turned off reblogs because people can’t behave LMAO

[kiwinatorwaffles]

every aromantic person who has to witness someone say “there is no non-romantic explanation for these characters” should be financially compensated

EDIT: if i see another one of you fuckers arguing “but sometimes they ARE just super romantic” i’m tired of being nice. i’m just gonna let you know that 1. amanormativity has rotted your fucking brain and 2. it’s people like you that are the reason why aros are suffering. other aros you are not absolved of this. just fucking listen to us for once and stop denying our experiences and pleas.

[watchmegetobsessed]

SIT ON ME

a/n: heavily inspired of the time when a girl actually asked him the question i used in this fic lmao. also maybe a part 2 might be good for this? let me know if you’re interested in one!

pairing: Sebastian Stan X Assistant!Reader

word count: 1.5k

masterlist

Fixing the collar of his shirt one last time you pat on his hard chest, breathing out shortly as your eyes flicker up to meet his icy blue gaze that was already examining you.

“Just try to… not say anything stupid, okay?” you tell him, hopeful that he will take you seriously just once, though in the back of your mind you already know it goes in one ear and slips out the other usually.

Sebastian nods, a small, coy smile tugging on his lips as you fold your arms on your chest, checking the time on the clock on the wall across you, only minutes until they are going on stage. It’s another day, another panel, you have no idea what the event is called anymore, you lost track of even which city you are at right now. You’ve been on the road for weeks now, going from one hotel to the other, jumping from events to appearances, trying not to lose your head, because if you do, that means Sebastian’s head is lost too. Being a personal assistant means that you’re responsible for two people at the same time, you can’t afford falling apart.

“Five minutes, everyone!” a man shouts as he runs down the hallway and Mackie drops a joke about him, but you don’t really catch it, because Seb’s hand touches your waist as the two of you wait patiently for the start.

“Can I get a good luck kiss?” he smirks down at you, leaning closer to your ear so no one can hear him, only you. His hot breath tickles your skin and you try to hide your pleasant shudder at his closeness.

You can’t push the smile down that tugs on your lips as you peek up at him, that boyish glimmer in his eyes never fails to stun you. He is such a beautiful person, inside and out and it’s hard to resist his charm when all he does is trying to wrap you around his finger. He knows the effect he has on you and he doesn’t hesitate to use it. The relationship between the two of you has been a bit blurred these past months, you both could feel the shift when after his last birthday, drunken and totally worn off from his party, the two of you ended up sleeping in the same bed, tangled in each other. You stayed completely clothed, yet the intimacy was burning and the flame hasn’t really disappeared since then.

However you haven’t let it go farther yet, trying to maintain the slightest bit of professionalism in the midst of the madness your job is, though Sebastian doesn’t seem to care about that at all. It’s been a cat and mouse game ever since that night.

Reaching up you cup his jaw in your hand and pulling him closer you can see the surprise in his eyes when he thinks you’re about to kiss him, but then you turn his head and your lips end up on his stubbled cheek, an airy chuckle leaving his lips.

“I think you missed it,” he slyly smirks down at you, but you just roll your eyes.

“Behave, Stan,” you warn him.

The remainder of the time flies by fast and the boys walk out to the stage to the cheering crowd, taking their places, ready to answer any and every questions thrown in their way.

You watch from the sidelines, laughing with the audience every time Mackie cracks a joke, or when Sebastian gives a funny answer, you feel like one of those fans sitting in front of them, you totally understand why they are so obsessed with them. It’s hard not to love them, they are just amazing people.

“Alright, let’s see the next question!” the lady on the stage announces, turning to the girl who has the mic this time.

“Hi! I’m so happy to be here and see you guys!” the girl beams, making the men on the stage smile gratefully.

“We’re happy you’re here too!” Sebastian answers her, definitely making her blush at the sweet response.

“So my question is…” she starts, taking a deep breath. “Sebastian, this is for you. If you were a chair, who would you want to sit on you?”

The question makes the whole room erupt in laughter and you can’t hold back yours either. You can tell Seb is shocked at the blunt and quite dirty question, but you also know that he is definitely gonna answer it, no matter how inappropriate it’s going to be.

“Wow,” he chuckles into the mic, while he is trying to keep his act together, Mackie on his left is fighting back tears at this point. “What an… interesting question,” he huffs, making everyone laugh again. “Um… Okay, if I was a chair, I would want…”

His eyes wander over the crowd until they find you at the side, your gazes melting together for a split second and you already know what his answer is gonna be, just from the way the tiny wrinkles around his eyes appear. And there’s nothing you can do against it.

“I would want my assistant to sit on me,” he answers, a round of howling and screaming washing over the room as you cover your face with your hands in embarrassment. Did he really just say that? In front of all these people?

When you glance up next time, you catch his eyes again, that smug and pleased look in his face is almost annoying, knowing how much he is enjoying putting you into this situation.

“I’m going to kill you,” you mouth to him, but he just chuckles.

“Damn, Sebastian,” Mackie huffs. “You ain’t playing anymore!”

“No, no, it’s all just fun,” he explains. “I just like to tease my assistant, don’t take it seriously,” he adds, trying to save the situation, though it’s useless. His answer has been captured on hundreds of cameras and it’ll be all over the internet in a matter of time.

The conversation on stage carries on and you patiently wait for it to be over so you can murder Sebastian yourself. When they finally say goodbye and head off the stage you’re waiting for them already, trying to look serious and a bit mad about the stunt Sebastian pulled, but when his gaze meets yours you simply can’t keep up the act. You are so soft for this man, he could do about anything and you wouldn’t stay mad at him at all.

“Uh-oh, you are thinking about killing me,” he smirks, not even an ounce of regret or shame for himself present in his voice.

“I am, yeah,” you nod, arms folded on your chest as he stands in front of you, biting into his bottom lip as he cocks his head to the side.

“What can I do to earn your forgiveness?” he asks in a dramatic tone, before his hands find your upper arms, pulling you closer until your front meets his chest and he can wrap you into his embrace.

“Stop being such a flirt,” you prompt, raising your eyebrows at him.

“Oh, I don’t think I can do that, sorry.”

“Of course,” you roll your eyes at him.

When everything is said and done and you can head home, you and Sebastian make your way out, only to face the huge crowd that gathered around the building just to see a glimpse of their favorites. The car pulls up to the entrance and you follow Seb out through the crowd that’s being held back with two rows of security guards, but you need to be fast, because they are starting to lose their shit. Sebastian gets into the car and someone pushes you from behind when you are about to follow him, making you fall and end up on his lap in the car, the door shutting behind you as the driver leaves immediately.

“Shit,” you breathe out, holding onto his shoulders for leverage and his strong arms wrap around you as an instinct, catching you from falling further. A second passes and he smirks at you, arching an eyebrow at you.

“See? You did end up sitting on me,” he smugly points out and you just shake your head laughing as you climb off of him, sitting next to him on the backseat.

“If only we had HR, you’d be in so much trouble,” you warn him, though you can’t keep a straight face as you point a finger at him that he just easily grabs and pulling your hand to his lips he kisses your knuckles with a smug grin on his lips.

“Good thing it’s just you and I then,” he shrugs, keeping your hand in his hold in his lap and you don’t even try to pull it back, you just huff amused, sliding down in your seat, leaning against his arm, your head coming to rest on his shoulder. Sebastian hums contented, pressing a kiss to the crown of your head as you both ignore the elephant in the room and pretend like you can go like this forever.

But deep down you know you can’t.

Thank you for reading, please like and reblog if you enjoyed it!

[shitty-marvel-fan732]

Jealous of a Kitten

Author's Note:

Hey y'all! So I was b l o w n away by the response to my last Loki x Reader oneshot, so I thought I'd give writing for him another go! I've had this fic in my drafts since literally last year lmao. If you end up liking it, I'd love a like, reblog, or comment to let me know! And if anyone wants to request something for Loki or any other MCU characters, feel free to send me a message and let me know! As always big thanks to @twentytwohearts for their help reading and helping out with this fic!

Y/N POV:

“Good heavens mortal, haven’t you got anything else to occupy your time besides pestering me?” Loki grumbled affectionately from his place on the sofa. He was reclined comfortably on the couch, back pressed up to my front as he rested in between my bent legs. My hands were tangled within his inky black locks, fingers lazily scratching through his hair as I braided small sections. I grinned widely.  

“Nope!” I replied cheekily, ensuring to overexaggeratedly pop the “p” at the end. “Cap gave me the rest of the day off from training, so you’re blessed with my presence all day, snowball."

The prince sighed melodramatically as he turned a page in the book currently resting on his lap. 

“I wouldn’t exactly describe it as a blessing pet” he remarked dryly. His tone was nonchalant, but I could hear the small smile in his words despite his clear efforts to seem passive. 

“Oh please, we both know you love when I ‘annoy’ you." I rolled my eyes with a giggle. Loki merely hummed in response as he continued to read whatever tome had caught his attention this afternoon. Deciding to mess with him a bit, I removed my hands from his now-wavy tresses. 

“Or maybe not?” I pouted, feigning hurt and leaning my chest away from his body. He stilled slightly with his fingers paused mid page turn. His back tensed just a bit, and I could practically hear the cogs turning in his head as he tried to decipher whether or not I was serious. Though he only panicked a moment or two, it was enough to make me silently delight in having seemingly tricked the god of mischief. He huffed childishly, his hand grabbing mine quickly and placing it back on his head. 

My smile widened so far at his reaction I was almost fearful it may actually split my face in two. He didn't say anything, but was certain Loki could feel the satisfaction coming off of me in waves. Even though I'd known from the beginning, it was nice to be reminded just how content he was to be entangled with me for the moment. He could pretend all he wanted, but I knew something about the lanky god that most people didn't. 

He was a huge cuddle-bug. 

As stiff and regal as he presented himself most of the time, he never failed to make it known just how much he adored physical contact with me. I'd even go so far as to consider him touch-starved when we'd first met. I mean, it made sense. He was a prince and the only meaningful contact he'd probably experienced came from those that used to help him dress or bathe. The thought of him going for so long -- literally thousands of years -- without the affectionate touch of another living being made me genuinely teary. Once we'd established ourselves as a couple, he instantly became a constant presence at my side. It didn't matter the situation nor the company surrounding us, if he was in the same room as I was he would gravitate towards me. Whether it was a hand resting across the small of my back or fingers linked firmly through mine, he always found some way to initiate some kind of physical touch. I was more than thrilled at his open displays of affection -- even after months of time spent together I still felt the delicious ripples of electricity run through me each time his skin met mine. 

Moments like today's were rare. Days when neither of us had any obligations or work to be done, when we could just spend time with one another. Sweet, domestic slices of life when we could just cuddle close to one another and pretend for a moment that all the struggles of the world were gone. I sighed softly as we lapsed back into comfortable silence, both of us content to simply be in one another's presence. 

But, as always, no peaceful moments around here could last that long. 

Peter came bursting through the door, looking even more flustered than usual. Which, for him, was saying something. He was wearing his suit sans the mask, carrying a giant throw blanket, with his brown curls mussed wildly and eyes desperately searching the room. He spotted Loki and I fairly quickly. A brief look of relief passed over the young boy's features as he rushed over to where we laid.

"Hey guys, uhm I could use some help," he blurted breathlessly once he reached the couch. I chuckled, amused by the poor flustered teen. 

"You'll have to be more specific than that," Loki grumbled from his place between my legs. I didn't need to see his face to know exactly his expression. Clearly he was annoyed to have our peaceful moment interrupted, and I would bet money that he was scowling at Peter as a result. Frowning slightly, I pinched the back of his arm in reprimand. 

"OUCH," he exclaimed dramatically. His arm darted out of my reach, the other hand coming out to rub the sore spot childishly. "What on Earth was that for?"

"Leave him alone snowball, he clearly needs something," I scolded lightly. He huffed once more, settling back into my legs and turning his attention back to his book and grumbling inaudibly. I rolled my eyes. 

Peter's eyes went slightly wider as they darted between Loki and I. He wasn't entirely comfortable with the raven-haired Asgardian when he was actually behaving, and given Loki's current grumpy demeanor he seemed especially on-edge. I smiled brightly, hoping to ease his discomfort. 

"What's up Peter?"

His eyes darted back to mine suddenly, relief overtaking his face at the save.

"So I was just out, ya know like patrolling, and I was helping this old Italian lady. She was carrying all this stuff right -- and I obviously figured I would try to help -- but she didn't speak English. She was like kinda mad at first and she hit me a couple times, cause I think she thought I was trying to rob her, but eventually we got everything sorted and got all her stuff back to her super old car and --" Peter rambled, words slurring together with that inhuman speed that only teenagers could seem to muster. My brows furrowed in confusion and I lifted my hands up like a criminal surrendering. 

"Whoa WHOA Spiderling, take a breath man." I chuckled good-naturedly. The teen's face flushed slightly at my interruption. 

"Sorry. Right. Sorry." he mumbled. "Anyways, so I finally get all her stuff in her car, and she just leaned into me and patted my head. I was gonna swing away, but she handed me this and drove away." 

He gestured to the large blanket in his gloved hands. My brows furrowed. 

"Okayyyyy," I drawled, still confused as to the issue. "And you're mad she gave you an afghan because…?"

His eyes sparked with realization, mouth forming an 'O'. 

"Oh no, no that's not it. I mean that is pretty weird, like why would I need a blanket in the first place. Maybe she thought I looked cold or something, but --"

"Norns, child!" Loki interrupted. He shut his book with a snap, abruptly shifting positions on the couch so he was sitting upright. "Could you perhaps get to the point sometime this century?"

I slapped his arm disapprovingly -- he scowled at me, stubbornly scooting further from me in silent protest. I turned my attention back to Peter with a soft smile. I nodded at the red-faced teen, waving a hand in indication that he should continue. 

"Right. Sorry Mr. Loki. Uhm, so anyways, she gave me this and I don't exactly know what to do with it," he finished. He opened the chunky-knit blanket to reveal the smallest, fuzziest kitten I'd ever seen. The kitten was tiny, no bigger than my fist, fur matted and full of tufts of orange and white hair. As soon as Peter opened the blanket the small kitten blinked it's tiny eyes against the harsh light. Adorable high pitched squeaks came from the teeny cat, who was clearly displeased with the sudden disturbance to it's sleep.

I gasped, my heart practically melting at the sight. I stood suddenly, hands reaching out unconsciously and making grabby motions towards the adorable creature. Peter readily complied, gently transferring the mewling baby over to my awaiting grasp. I cradled the little cat delicately, blanket and all, against my chest and cooed soft, unintelligible words of affection. My hands instantly found a spot behind the kitten's ears and began scratching lightly. The kitten responded positively, nuzzling into my touch readily and purring loudly at the attention. My heart felt like it was positively melting at the sights, sounds, and feel of the small animal in my arms. 

"It's so cute," I gushed, though whether it was to myself or the guys I wasn't even sure. I finally managed to tear my gaze from the cat when I heard a quiet growl come from Loki's direction. 

He was in his same spot on the couch, but I could instantly tell he was annoyed, even without the little grumble. His posture was rigid, hands sitting atop his legs balled into fists, and eyes suddenly dark with anger. Only moments before his face had seemed soft, the sharp planes and angles relaxed as we'd sat together. Now his expression was stony -- the stern mask of irritation he so often wore back with a vengeance. I was momentarily distracted from the small creature in my arms. Twinges of worry and the impulse to comfort him planted low in my belly ran through me at the sight. 

"He is cute," Peter's voice interrupted, clearly oblivious to Loki's abrupt mood shift. "At least I think it's a he? Anyways I can't bring him home, May is allergic to cats and anyways I don't think they're allowed in my building. I was kind of hoping you could watch him for a while?"

"Absolutely n--"

"Of course!"

Loki's head snapped up towards mine as we spoke at the same time, his scowl deepening at my response. I furrowed my brows in confusion, slightly surprised at his aggressive reaction. Peter's eyes bounced from my face to Loki's -- the awkwardness radiating from him as he shifted from foot to foot. 

"Can you not just take it to a shelter or something of that nature?" Loki seethed, glaring at the poor teen. Peter was clearly flustered by the question -- red creeped up his cheeks and he rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort. 

"Well, see, I tried that! I did, but they told me he's too young for them to take -- cause he's just a baby -- and they can't take him," he stuttered. "Plus, they said they've got too many animals right now, and if he doesn't get adopted soon then they might have to...you know…"

I gasped, instinctively tugging the now-sleeping kitten closer to my chest. Loki shrugged, nonplussed. 

"So?" he questioned. "That is what happens to unneeded animals on this realm, yes?"

My jaw dropped and I frowned disapprovingly at Loki. I knew he could still be, shall we say, difficult at times; though he was definitely on his way to being 'rehabilitated', old habits die hard and he often still struggled with concepts like compassion and kindness. Particularly when it came to anyone or anything that wasn't, well, me. Even still, how someone could look at the tiny creature in my arms without feeling the warm, protective emotions that I did baffled me. 

"We are NOT sending this poor baby to be killed!" I stage whispered the last part, glaring at Loki and cradling the kitten protectively against my chest. "Good lord Loki, just look at him!"

I held the small orange cat down slightly, revealing it's angelic sleeping face to the scowling god. He glanced at the kitten briefly before turning his attention back to me and quirking a brow. 

"I have." he stated plainly, voice laced with poorly concealed contempt. I scowled at him and stuck my tongue out childishly before turning back to Peter. 

"Ignore him Pete, of course we'll take care of him." I reassured the flustered teen. Peter's young face instantly flooded with relief and he mumbled a muffled 'thanks!' as he rushed back out of the room. 

Smiling and chuckling, I turned back towards the couch where Loki still sat. His facial expression remained annoyed and he'd crossed his arms tensely against his chest. I couldn't help but giggle outwardly at his pout; he looked like a child who's toy had been taken away. Though I found his pouty face adorable, I still found it slightly infuriating that it was over the innocent little bundle in my arms. My obvious amusement only caused his scowl to deepen and he scooched over further from me as I sat in my previous spot on the plush couch. 

"Somebody's a bit crabby," I stage whispered to the still sleeping kitten. Loki scoffed. 

"I am not 'crabby' pet," he grumbled. "I simply don't understand your fascination with this little creature.”

I chuckled, the noise hollow and closer to a scoff than anything. I rolled my eyes before turning my attention back to the small kitten in my arms. He began to stir lightly, stretching out his tiny limbs and squeaking out the most adorable yawn before turning his attention to Loki and I. His small eyes appraised the two of us with a kind of innocent curiosity. Eventually he deemed us safe enough, and he began to slowly venture out from the confines of his blanket. As he tentatively explored my lap and the small section of couch that separated Loki and I, I felt my face split into a wide smile. Warm, happy feelings blossomed in my chest at the sight of the curious creature. 

"What's your name gonna be, huh?" I cooed to the small, exploring cat. "Are you a Tom or more of a Finn hmmm?"

Loki rolled his eyes, face never leaving his book. 

"How about blot?" he suggested plainly. His tone was even, controlled, and even though his lips didn't quirk up even the slightest bit at his suggestion I was wholly suspicious instantly. Sending a frown his way, I replied quickly. 

"Dare I even ask what that means?" I quipped warily. His eyes flashed momentarily to my face as he shrugged. Even with the briefest glance I could see the tell-tale spark of mischief in his eyes. Rolling my own eyes in exasperation, I turned my attention back towards the small tabby and ran my fingers across his back. 

"Hmm, what else?" I pondered out loud. "How about Tigger? You look a lot like Tigger."

The tiny cat purred louder at my words, curling around my hand as I spoke. Encouraged, I scratched his fur a little harder. 

"You like that huh? Alright, Tigger it is!"

 A quiet scoff came from the other end of the couch. To my utter confusion, Loki was still radiating complete and total annoyance from his place across from me. He sat tensely in the opposite corner of the couch with his boots tucked petulantly beneath him and his body angled as far from mine as gravity would allow. His head was bowed down slightly, his attention seemingly directed back to his book. Despite his best efforts, I could tell that he was only idly paying any attention to the words on the page. Gone was the smooth look of contentment that had graced his beautiful features mere minutes before; his face was once more a cold veil of poorly concealed contempt as he feigned reading. The look, though common to the rest of the world, was troubling to me. It’d taken months, but I thought I’d broken through the raven-haired god’s stony exterior. The sudden return of the stern facial expression caused pangs of concern and sympathy to prod at me from within. I reached a hand out instinctively to grasp his hand in mine, determined to display my silent support. 

Despite his ‘silvertongue’ reputation, Loki often struggled to verbalize feelings of anything other than contempt, rage, or disgust. I’d learned quickly that often he didn’t need me to attempt to discuss anything he wasn’t ready for -- rather it seemed the best way to comfort him in these times was a physical show of my presence and affection. 

This time was no different, and though his head barely moved an inch I could instantly feel the way he calmed under my touch. The muscles in his hand immediately relaxed as he moved to twine his long fingers between mine. His tense expression softened, although only fractionally as he grasped my hand. He turned his attention from his book slowly, deep blue eyes turning to meet my worried gaze. 

"Hey, talk to me snowflake," I demanded softly. "What's going on?"

Loki opened his mouth to reply, but a small mewl cut him off before he could speak. I glanced down and giggled lightly at the sight of the small orange tabby beneath us. The tiny kitten had wandered down the couch and was currently sitting mere inches away from our intertwined hands with a curious look overtaking his small face. Evidently he wasn't quite pleased to have the attention taken from him so quickly, and he reached a paw out tentatively to hover above our hands. Eventually deciding it was safe, the small cat placed a paw over the tops of our hands, eyes darting between Loki and I with a kind of content curiosity that made my heart practically melt. 

Loki, quite obviously did not share these feelings, and withdrew his hand instantly. His face was once more overtaken by a deep scowl as he snapped his book shut and swiftly stood. He turned curtly and exited the room without another word. My eyes followed him as he left, brows furrowed with concern and confusion. Tigger, meanwhile, was clinging to my chest by his tiny claws, his heart beating with an insane speed. He was clearly scared by Loki's sudden moves and general demeanor, and I cooed soft words of comfort to the small creature. My eyes never left the door though, thoughts of interest and concern overtaking my mind as I wondered what exactly had gotten into my raven-haired companion today. 

A few days later

Loki's POV

Sweet giggles filled the halls of the tower as I walked towards Y/N's room. A small smile overtook my features as the sound filtered through my ears. Typically I found midgardians irritating and their laughter grating, but as was almost always the case, Y/N was an exception. Y/N simply radiated happiness at every turn, and over the past weeks the sound of her infectious laugh had become one of my favorite sounds. Her mere presence had the uncanny ability to both calm and excite me at once, and I'd grown progressively more fond of my time spent with her in a way that baffled me and those around us.

In fact, the past few days had proven increasingly difficult for just that reason. Y/N and I had spent less time together as of late -- a fact that saddened and irritated me in near equal parts. For the past few days I’d found myself yearning for more time with my dear mortal, having been separated by the rather irritating presence of a certain small animal. Ever since the young Spiderchild had thrust a stray cat into Y/N's care she had been wholly and utterly enamored with the useless pet. She doted on the feline, which she'd dubbed 'Tigger', and spent nearly all of her time either caring for, amusing, or simply fawning over it. 

It was becoming rather taxing. 

At first, once I had begrudgingly accepted that the cat wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, I'd attempted to simply ignore it and go about our time as usual. It was only a day or two before that notion was entirely dismissed. Each time I made such an attempt Tigger had made his presence unmistakably clear. The loathsome, needy thing seemed to share my desire to be near Y/N, and was constantly sitting on or pawing at her. And even the precious few moments in which it wasn't physically touching Y/N it took to mewling and crying until she gave in and picked it up. I hadn’t had a single moment with Y/N in which we were truly alone for days, and I was reaching my breaking point. 

As I finally reached Y/N’s room and entered, the smile that the sound of her laughter had put on my face immediately turned to a scowl. Inside the room was Y/N, beautiful as ever, sitting casually on her bed. The sight, which normally would have filled my stomach with a tiny stir of happiness, was marred with the unwelcomed addition of a certain small kitten. The wretched thing was sitting in between her legs, happily jumping and pawing at the toy she waved above him. She was looking over the stupid pet with such fondness in her eyes -- a look which I'd once thought was reserved only for me. Irritation overtook my senses at the sight, and I couldn’t help the scoff of annoyance that came from me. 

Y/N looked up at the sound, initial confusion turning to excitement as she realized my presence. My own feelings of resentment faded marginally at the sight of her beautiful features lighting up with a smile of genuine happiness at the sight of me. 

"Hiya Snowball!" she greeted me excitedly, rushing up from her place on her bed and striding up to where I stood. She tucked herself into the fold of my arms easily, her head resting comfortably against my chest and her arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I sighed lightly, my own arms winding around her relatively smaller frame and my face coming to rest against the top of her head.

"Hello my love," I murmured lightly into the crown of her head, placing a sweet kiss in my wake before burying my nose in the soft hairs there. She hummed softly in contentment, and we stayed in this position for some time. It could've been moments, minutes, hours -- I was never quite aware of the passing of time when I was with Y/N like this. I was wholly encased in the safe little bubble that only her presence seemed to create. I was surrounded by her: the unique scent wafting from her hair, the feel of her body melding against mine, and the soft thumping of her heart against my chest that provided the ideal background music for our calm moment together. I was completely entranced by our embrace, all feelings of irritation gone for the moment. 

But only for the moment. 

The sound of tiny cries and the feeling of a small body thumping and winding its way across our ankles broke through the peace we'd established like a freight engine. Y/N's chuckle vibrated low against my chest before she pulled herself out of my arms to peer down at the kitten. Annoyance seared through my body as she detangled herself from me and squatted down to scoop the needy thing into her arms. She stood up once more, cradling the spoiled little creature in her arms and scratching its face with her long slender fingers. 

"Someone wants a hug too, huh?" she cooed playfully to the cat. My frown deepened at her soft tone, the same tone she often spoke to me with -- the small, loving voice that had crooned to me during late nights or early morning moments spent wrapped in one another's embrace. The same tone that never ceased to comfort me or make me feel as if she was possibly the only person to truly love me. The sound that I treasured so dearly was now being directed to a lowly, disgusting animal. It sent a wave of rage through my entire being like a white hot flame. 

"Norns Y/N!" I snapped. "Can we not have a single moment without the presence of this...this animal?"

Her eyes widened as she took in my words, brows practically flying upwards in surprise and hands stilling against Tigger's face. Her wide eyes blinked a few times in complete shock as she surveyed my face carefully. 

"I'm sorry?" she questioned confusedly. I exhaled loudly in irritation, arms coming to rest across my chest in a display of my annoyance. 

"Does it not bother you that we've not spent a moment together, alone, since the creature was forced upon you?" I questioned, tone acidic and face a stone mask of anger. Her brow furrowed deeper in confusion briefly before a wave of understanding flooded her eyes. Expression softening, she set the kitten down lightly onto the floor before crossing the few steps required to reach me once more. Though her eyes held nothing but concern and understanding within the deep Y/E/C irises, her face had the tiniest hint of a smirk.

"Well I'd ask if it bothered you snowflake, but it seems that may be redundant at this point," she replied to my earlier question with ease. Her soft hands reached up towards me and wrapped easily around the back of my neck. Almost of their own accord, my own hands found the curve of her waist and held her firmly. In lieu of a response I simply scowled in her direction. She chuckled lightly, and propped herself up on her toes briefly to place a gentle kiss on my cheek before she led me over to her bed and motioned for me to sit. I complied, albeit somewhat begrudgingly, and she ensured we were settled against the head of the mattress before she spoke again. 

"Loki, are you...jealous of Tigger?" she questioned. Her tone was very matter-of-fact, but the ghost of a smirk still lingered on her face. I felt my face flood with heat, and though I'd like to blame the color on anger I was certain she could tell that I was embarrassed. Though she was largely correct, I was struck with the ridiculousness of the statement as I heard it tumble from her lips. Glancing away from her expectant gaze I mumbled out a response, though I wasn't entirely sure what it was. 

Her gentle fingers moved slightly around my head, delicately stroking the skin of my neck and face until her soft palms rested against the sides of my face. She applied the gentlest pressure to my cheek, forcing me to look her in the eyes once more. I reluctantly complied. 

"Because if you are," she continued. "I'm sure I'd have to tell you just how insane that is. Outside of the fact that Tigger is a cat and you are my not-so-human boyfriend, the idea that there's anyone or anything I'd want to spend time with more than you is just completely inaccurate. He's a baby, and he needs a lot of my attention that's all. Since you haven't been coming around much I just assumed you were busy with other things lately -- never once did it cross my mind that I was the reason I hadn't seen you much." 

I felt my furrowed brows relax slightly. Stupid and petty as my feelings may be, I couldn't deny that hearing such reassurances straight from the one person I truly cared for had taken away a considerable amount of unease from my mind. I exhaled a long breath and shifted unconsciously deeper into Y/N's hold.

"Regardless I'm truly, very sorry that I made you think I was choosing something else over you. I would never want to hurt you like that, or make you feel like you aren't the most important person in my life." 

Her worried gaze was still locked firmly on my face as she spoke. Though the majority of my chest was filled with a feeling of relief from her admission, there was a twinge of guilt lurking deep within my stomach. I often forgot just how caring and gentle Y/N could be and this may have been one such occasion. Of course she latched onto the feeble creature -- was that not what she did with me as well? It was simply a part of her nature to care for the weak or disadvantaged. 

I frowned once more as my mind reeled with the realization of my own selfishness. Y/N clearly mistook my expression however, and I could see the guilt in her eyes as she spoke up once more.

"I can ask Peter if there anyway he can watch him for a bit, maybe just give us some time alone. Or maybe --"

"No." I cut her off abruptly once again. Her brows furrowed in confusion, and she opened her mouth to reply. My own finger came up to her face fast as lightning to silence what would undoubtedly be more apologies. 

"Dearest, clearly the fault is not on your end in this case," I started, hoping to ease her mind. "We both know I often, shall we say, struggle with expressing my thoughts at times. Of course you wish to care for the kitten, just as you care for everything in your life. I was wrong to assume your affections were completely diverted and for not mentioning my feelings sooner. For both, I am truly sorry."

Her expression softened at my apologies, face relaxing under my hand as I spoke. She smiled a small grin of appreciation before thrusting herself forward and deeper into my arms. I let out a small 'oomf' at the force of her body attaching to mine, but regardless my arms wound their way around her frame and I cradled her to my chest. She sighed in contentment, and we stayed in this position for a few moments before I felt her chuckle against my body. I pulled my head back just enough to give her a questioning look. 

"I'm sorry," she giggled, face alight with mischief and glee. "Did the big, fearsome Loki just say he was sorry?"

However unintentionally I felt my face heat up once more, although this time it wasn't from anger. I rolled my eyes lightly before smirking down at Y/N's smiling face. 

"If I were you, I'd mark this day down in your memory, as it isn't likely to be said again anytime soon," came my dry response. 

I heard Y/N's melodious giggle from where her face was pressed against my body, sending delicious sparks of happiness across my frame. Outside of that, her only response to my statement was nuzzling deeper into my body -- a welcome action that I easily reciprocated. My eyelids closed as we settled ourselves into a comfortable silence, content to simply be in one another's presence. I hummed, utterly at peace with my current position, when I heard a tiny mewl from nearby. 

Opening just one eye, I saw a curious little face near mine. Tigger had evidently decided it was now safe enough to venture close to where Y/N and I laid. He was pawing hesitantly back and forth across my lap, eyes assessing me with tentative curiosity as he made tiny circles around my stomach. I chuckled at the feeling of his impossibly tiny paws kneading my lower belly as he settled into a lying position. Y/N opened her eyes at my amused chuckle and shot me a sheepish grin. 

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I can take him somewhere else. I think Peter's around, he'd probably watch him for a bit."

I shook my head, placing a small kiss to her forehead and placing a hand on Tigger's ears.

"It's alright love. I meant what I said when I was sorry -- he didn't do anything wrong, he simply wishes to be around you as much as possible. Obviously, that is a trait we both share, and I think I could expend a bit more energy in attempting to bond with Tigger." I answered genuinely. The kitten purred loudly in response, inching his body further up my chest until he was resting just beside Y/N's face. He closed his eyes sleepily, and curled into my body constantly as he slept. 

Y/N grinned widely, her lovely face alight with such genuine love and glee that I was taken aback at her beauty. She placed a sweet kiss to my lips in thanks before returning to her place on my chest. I closed my eyes once more, smile firmly in place as I lied quietly and revelled in the peaceful moment. 

Taglist: @grahoundart

[cuntess-carmilla]

D0n’t r3bl0g

I’ll preface this with three statements:

Don’t reblog this. Yes, I know it’s in the title of the post but you bitches can’t read.

I feel compassion towards the people who up until today trusted her, and I’d be a hypocrite to act like I’m all knowing and infallible considering I excused her behavior for a long time too and enabled her as well. I understand, in particular, why bi woc would cling to someone like her and have an impulse to protect her, for both who she is and the content she provided.

There’s a lot to be said about her antiblackness, but me being non-Black, not having had exactly the firmest condemnation of it at the time, and many of the people she’s disappointed today being Black wlw, I don’t feel comfortable being the one to expand on that. I’m only mentioning it briefly in this point for the sake of acknowledging that that’s an issue too.

That said, it’s my opinion that Navya’s “reach” (for lack of a better word) on this website would’ve been lesser if she had been properly held accountable for her constant blatant lesbophobia.

Again, I’m not angry at anyone other than her for the most part, and I feel sad for the people who trusted her and are hurting over this, so please don’t take this as me “calling out” anyone or anything alike. Again pt 2, I enabled and excused her lesbophobia for a while too, so I’d be a hypocrite to chastise anyone for that.

The thing is, biphobic lesbians sadly did give her enough genuine ammunition to claim biphobia at the smallest criticism of her lesbophobia, but she really was (and I’m sure still is) a raging lesbophobe and I started to feel uncomfortable with her by the last bunch of months we were mutuals, but was too much of a coward to openly acknowledge it, as well as too scared that I was being a Delusional Hysterical Dyke.

I don’t fucking know why I let it slide so much, even as her lesbophobia personally made me hate myself as a lesbian to the point of her adding into my suicidality, but she really was going around saying countless times shit like “Thank God I only talk to bi and straight woc” clearly in reference and reaction to lesbian anything. Saying “I only talk to bi woc” is one thing and that I can understand (even though she would’ve indirectly bitten my head off if I said the same as a lesbian lol) but adding the straight women into it makes it a different type of statement. I seriously don’t know why I kept my mouth shut on that, it’s not something I would’ve allowed to slide from anyone else.

I started to see her insane levels of egotism, pettiness, cowardice and arrogance whenever I made posts discussing my own hurt as a lesbian, things as “casual” and brief as “I hate being a dyke lmao” in reference to intracommunity lesbophobia triggering me, and she’d immediately start to mirror everything I said but about herself as bisexual. Which, obviously feeling self-hatred as a bi woman and feeling hated within spaces that should be the most accepting towards her is a real and valid feeling, but she started to replicate my exact phrasing after a while and would almost always make that kind of comment indirectly right after I made mine as if she was always responding to me.

In general she would post a lot of shit mirroring mine in that way or vagueblog about my commentary on intracommunity lesbophobia. This chick went as far as to (correctly) point out that biphobique was pushed out of this website via biphobic harassment specifically, but when Yole being pushed out similarly (back when she identified as a lesbian) was brought up in conjunction to that, she brushed it off as it being because she was a Black wlw, which she directly named as being the one thing she had “in common” with biphobique, intentionally obfuscating that Yole was pushed out via specifically lesbophobic harassment mainly perpetrated by bi women, just like biphobique’s biphobic harassment was mainly perpetrated by lesbians. Nope, it was just because she’s a Black wlw, her (at the time self-identified) lesbianism specifically had NOTHING to do with it, but biphobia specifically did have everything to do with the other case. Because lesbophobia is not that big a deal and no one hates lesbians specifically for being lesbians, only for being wlw in general, but bi women are hated specifically for being bi women instead. Apparently.

Every time I tried to make any post addressing intracommunity lesbophobia she’d make yet another type of vague post (having a much larger following than me) redirecting the attention towards “But bi women...!” which, AGAIN, is obviously an important thing to discuss, but can we fucking discuss lesbophobia for once without having the spotlight stripped from us for five fucking minutes? Or is that too much to ask?

It happened with shit such as me begging to please stop spreading (the misreading of?) a statistic that while correctly assessing the insane levels of abuse bi women face, also painted lesbians as facing significantly less abuse than cis straight women. In the context of this stupid fucking website in which I have had to see posts about how lesbians are privileged over bi AND STRAIGHT women all the fucking time and how we’re supposedly never fucking abused and WE alone are to blame for the abuse bi women face.

It happened with me discussing that lesbian self-hatred comes 99% of the time not from us liking women, but from us NOT liking men, which in another vague post she deemed as me saying that “bi women benefit from being attracted to men” when that was not what I said at all. I never even mentioned bi women specifically until I had to clear that up. I begged in one (1) post for people to extend the same level of solidarity to us that they demand from us, I begged people to see us as vulnerable human beings who have Feelings and hurt too, and she made a victim of herself on another vague post in response.

Everything always had to be about her and what mattered to her specifically. Which, fine in your personal life, but let the rest do the fucking same if that’s how you’re gonna be too. It wasn’t just that she had to always divert attention back to herself but created an environment in which it was seen as horrendous for lesbians to behave with 1% of the same self-priority.

Honestly, being around her as a lesbian felt like constantly walking on eggshells and increased my internalized lesbophobia exponentially. I saw in real time her influence turning other bi women into vocal lesbophobes thinking that shit was Radical. She and the people who supported her lesbophobia reinforced SO MUCH of the sentiment of Apologize For Being A Lesbian At Every Turn OR ELSE...! that’s so prevalent everywhere in which dykes dare to breathe.

But few people took it seriously, and those few people who took it seriously, especially Black lesbians, were painted as vile biphobes, no matter how careful they were to not fall into biphobia in their critiques of her lesbophobia.

I still see the impact of her widespread lesbophobia in this website to this day and very soon after I ceased any sort of contact with her (which was when I left Tumblr in early 2019) I came to terms with the fact that she’s a raging lesbophobe and stopped being too found of her memory, to say the least.

I wish so badly we could all take lesbophobia more seriously rather than, as per usual literally everywhere in the world, seeing claims of lesbophobia as dykes just being our delusional hysterical cunt selves always crying wolf. And I wish too that biphobic lesbians hadn’t given her all the excuse to claim biphobia whenever she was being rightfully criticized over her lesbophobia. What a way to dig your own graves you dumb bitches.

[sky-writes-daydreams]

How They Met Ending One

A/n: Alright guys.... It’s finally here. The Original ending for How They Met. :)  Thank you all for hanging in there with me on this trip. It’s been a blast. :) As always, likes and reblogs mean the world to me so please.... :) This weekend after I post Episode Skylar, I’ll remake the Masterpost so you all can find the chapters a lot easier lmao

@valkyrieofardyn @shigekihizashi @lola-mcevil13 @blindedstarlight @blackpaladinarchive @the-altissian-authors   @the-wallflower-artist

The ride over was calm. We ran into demons a few times but Thanks to Ignis insisting thinking I would behave, I had my sword. I was a bit rusty still but after I knocked one back from chewing on Lib, I was feeling pretty good. We got back on the road then and the rest of the ride was quiet. They were focused on getting there alive and what jobs they had to do. I just had to find a way past the bombed areas and then I could find him. It took a while but soon we were on the bridge into the city.

I jumped out as soon as I could and tired to get my bearings. I didn’t know where we were currently. I felt someone tap me and I followed them. We kept our weapons close and ready in case of a fight. I was also trying to see if Ardyn was walking around again. Sadly that didn’t happen. I sighed noticing this before heading down into the abandoned subway tunnels.

I had three hours of freedom. Three hours where I went out hunting with Libertus and the others, Helping them gain ground and showing them hiding spots in case they get injured. I had fun honestly. We had just gotten back when I heard.

“Hey!!! Marshall’s here!!!” I stopped in the entrance then as I heard others greet Cor. I finally gave up and walked in. He was right there waiting with such a disapproving look on his face. It reminded me so much of my dad it was sickening.

“Don’t you even….”

“Don’t I even what?”

“Don’t give me that fucking look Leonis…” He stopped then. I walked up then trying to keep my voice down.

“I’ve been here three hours trying to help! Sure I’ve got my own damn job but you know what!? I will not have you trying to tell me what to do!!! I am not a glavie and I sure as hell will not answer to you after everything I’ve dealt with recently!” My voice cracked at the end and I saw it. He got it then. He sighed then and hugged me then.

“You’re a fucking idiot… Noct’s going to kill us both…”

“He can try…. I already told Ardyn I’d fight him over this… Noctis and the gods.” Cor laughed then.

“Why can I see that not going well for you?”

“Because you don’t understand….” I leaned on him then as the pain hit again. I could feel my eyes wanting to water then.

“I can’t just give up damn it…. There has to be a another way… They shouldn’t have to fucking die!”

“I know…. I don’t want them to die either…. But Fate is set Skylar… And Bahamut has his plans… We just have to roll with the hand we’re given… Whether it’s outliving a lover… Or our kings.” I nodded then letting the tears fall. He didn’t even argue, Just let me stand there leaning my head against his chest crying from fear and pure helplessness.

Cor didn’t send me back to Lestallum. He wanted me close by and once we discovered how many potions and such my satchel held, He had me on healing duty. I didn’t mind. I kept the glaives in the field where they were needed. I didn’t sleep. I couldn’t. I was this close. I wanted to go and find him but between me and him were three bases that they couldn’t take down yet. We needed Royal backup.

I just didn’t expect it the next day. I had finally taken a nap in a bunk while Cor got people where they needed to be. I just been up and was trying to heal someone of being turned to stone when I heard the commotion. I had just used the needle on them and they started breathing when the entrance opened. I got up slowly then and walked over. Cor was by noctis talking but he saw me. I waved gently and Cor looked over. I went closer and Noctis smiled.

“We should have known you would find a way…. Hello skylar.”

“Hello Sir…” Noctis smiled then.

“Sir? Geez do I look that much like my old man now?” Prompto chuckled then and I smiled.

“No… I….”

“It’s fine… I’m still just Noct hon. Remember?”

“Yes… but you wear the crown now…” I Faltered then and he noticed.

“Skylar….” I smiled then.

“It’s nothing. Um… It’s good to see you again. I was a little worried you know…. One minute I’m told you’re ok and the next a hungry rock eats you.” Gladio chuckled then and He smiled.

“Yeah it was rough… Um…. Can we talk? Just me and you?” I shrugged then.

“If you want.” The others nodded then and I took him up the stairs to an empty meeting room. I sat on the table and he leaned on the wall. He was even dressed in the royal garments. It was insane to see. Only now that he was older, I could see how much he resembled Ardyn. It honestly made it hard to look at him.

“You’re hiding it pretty well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play stupid…. We all know why you’re here. Word’s gotten out.. Nice cover but…” I nodded then.

“Noct…. I want the dark to end. You know this. I have no love for the dark and demons…. But….” I clenched my hands then as the tears came back. I was crying so fucking much these days it was infuriating.

“Why does it have to be like this…? Why so much death!? Why do you have to die!? Why does he!? Can’t that damn dragon just heal him!?” I looked up then and he had the same sadness in his eyes.

“Why do we have to lose everything…?”

After I asked him, Noctis had to go. The Magitek soldiers were moving against the Glaives. Ardyn was making his move. Only I was stuck. By royal Decree, I was now Bound To cor Leonis as his Charge. Anywhere I went, He had to go. If he didn’t, I couldn’t go. That meant staying sitting on the table as he helped coordinate efforts in the next room. I had my parent’s tags in my hands and I was looking over them. This was the same feeling I had back then. The feeling of pure helplessness. There was nothing I could do then and now. I was trapped by fate and promises. I heard someone walk in but I didn’t look up.

“You need to get some rest…” I shook my head then before looking up. Cor looked so old right now. He sighed then and came closer.

“Ignis left some Ebonys he found in Galdin here. You should go grab a couple then if you won’t rest…. And grab a couple for me.” I laughed a bit as he sat in a chair close by. I slid off the table then and looked over.

“Don’t you want to be out there?”

“I do… But there is a time and a place. Let’s have him bust the bases for us… Then we will go top side.” I nodded then and sighed.

“There really is no stopping them is there?”

“Not this time hon…. Sadly this isn’t a demon you can slay hon. No matter how stubborn you can be.” I laughed hearing his tone. He covered his face then and pulled on it gently.

“Between you and those four idiots…. I’m surprise the stress of worrying didn’t kill me before now.” I smiled then before getting the drinks. We both cracked one open then and I looked down at the tags.

“... This has the same feeling…”

“Hm?”

“Waiting like this…. It’s got the same feeling as that day…. When we got the call. Time didn’t move as I rode across the desert… all I could think was please be wrong….” I laughed a bit then covering them.

“Gods, I want to be wrong so badly….”

We just stayed in there talking with glaives coming in and out with reports and such. Finally I had to put my head down. It was killing me. I never met to honestly fall asleep. I just wanted to get rid of my headache.

She was out cold. A strong woman reduced to an anxious child by the man she loves. It was so sad to see. She was so tired but so scared to rest. Maybe she thought it all a dream. I couldn’t blame her. Some days it felt like that. I dropped my spare coat on her to help keep her warm as I heard people entering again. Noctis and them were back all smiles. I couldn't help but smile back. They were still those idiot kids I helped train. Ignis saw me and seemed to look closer.

“Where is she?”

“Asleep. Gave her an ebony and she conked out.” Prompto smiled then.

“She overloaded. Probably best to leave her be.” Ignis nodded then.

“Thank you Marshall. For watching her.” I got it then.

“He make an appearance?” Noctis nodded then.

“He’s given in…. It’s not good.” I nodded then and looked back. She was still in there.

“Let’s go see what we can do then….” They all smiled then and I gave one of them that was taking a break an order to keep Skylar in here no matter what. I just didn’t want her to get hurt any further by seeing how far Ardyn had fallen without her. Once we saw tho, seemed the opposite was true. That bastard had summoned the wall of kings to hide behind to test Noctis.

Everything shook. I woke up to dull booms and things shaking. The glaives down here with me were scared and we quickly headed up. New fires were everywhere and Daemons. Iron giants were roaming freely and now around the citadel… Was a red wall.

“No….” I stepped out from the ranks. It looked so familiar. It was only when I heard the others saw regis’s wall, I understood. I couldn’t take it. Libertus was back and reached for me right as I took off.

“Skylar!!!” I shook my head and just kept going. An iron giant turned and I just kept going drawing my sword before dodging every attack but still moving forward. I couldn’t stop. I had to get to them. I heard the glaives follow and soon libertus was next to me smiling.

“Don’t think I’m letting you go off alone kid!!” I smirked then.

“Then keep up!” I sped up seeing one of those spider creatures and ran up some rubble before jumping ready to stab down as he went to warp strike her face. She was down in no time and we just kept running. Only then a line of fire kept us seperated from Noctis and the boys. Cor was running from the opposite direction and I pointed.

“Clear him a path!” Libertus nodded and one of them that followed was able to use elemental magic. He froze out the fire in a section for cor before we had our own fight to worry about. I just knew he could help the king end this. Tho I was a bit mad. Ardyn never made mention of his pet dog before…. Probably because it did have three heads and breathe fire.

That fire was the most destructive. I saw it happen as I turned to check on them. Swarms of demons were heading for and Libertus had already signaled a retreat. I saw cor take the attack for Noctis. It worked out in the end but I could see the blood fly as he moved trying to kill that thing. It was finally over and I just moved. I jumoed the dying flames and quickly got Cor around the shoulders. He jumped but then sighed.

“You were supposed to be asleep…”

“And I’m supposed to leave your side. Make the choice…. Just be glad I’m here…” He nodded and Noct smiled.

“Will you…?”

“He’s my friend too…. As much as he’d love to die serving his king finally…. I think the immortal nickname is going to stick.” Noct nodded then.

“Thank you.” I shrugged then and slowly turned ready to head back. Then it hit me.

“Hey…. Noct…. If…. If you can…. Tell that selfish Bastard I forgive him. Ok?” I heard a few chuckles as I looked back. Noct just nodded and smiled.

“You know you’re too good for him.” I smiled then as I looked forward.

“He said the same thing once….” I shifted cor gently then before we started walking. I couldn’t look back. I knew if I did, I’d try to run into the citadel after him.

I had to move quick after that. Demons were quickly moving in and after a little quick thinking, I hid Cor and I in an empty building close. We could see the gods helping to drop the wall from here. It was an amazing sight for sure. Cor was even impressed through the pain. I had left my satchel back at their headquarters so I had to hope he would hold on. Finally the wall fell and I saw a glowing figure in front of Noct. Judging by how he moved… It was Luna. I smiled then. He would get to see her again soon it seemed. Cor was quiet but I felt him give my hand a squeeze. I just smiled then and held it back. He had made his choice. Soon it was safe and we got out of our spot. Cor was feeling the pain for sure so I stayed close. We opened out into an area away from the citadel just to be safe though. I was on guard all the way till we saw a gate open close by. Libertus was there and smiled.

“Hey immortal! Guess who can lockpick?” Cor chuckled then.

“Pena?”

“Damn straight.” I laughed a bit then and let Cor go first. Libertus closed it behind us and I saw his friend below. She waved before leading the way. I stayed next to Cor just in case. He was powering through amazingly.

“You going to try again?” I shook my head then.

“No point…. He’s keeping a distance for a reason…. Plus…. He’s not the same man I fell for.” I felt for my ring then and tried to smile.

“He’s always been strong… But this…. This is beyond even him.”

“The scourge?” I nodded then.

“It can amplify and distort. All we see around here is the distortion…. But where he’s had so much for so long…” Cor nodded then.

“I’m sorry….” I shrugged then.

“He warned me…. I was just an idiot… I hoped….”

We got back to the safe spot and a lot of people were sitting around nursing wounds and doing what they could. I ran for my satchel while Cor got sat down and soon came down and handed about ten potions to Libertus.  He was shocked.

“How…?”

“Nifs were stocked up really well. Ardyn made sure I would be as well…. Seems he knew this might happen.” He nodded then and took off to help those he could. I went to Cor and he was already shirtless. Even as old as he was, that man was still built. Covered in scars and muscles, it really was a sight. He glanced back when I stopped and he smiled.

“Admiring the view?” I felt myself blush then before going forward.

“Shut your mouth leonis before you eat dirt.” He laughed then but jerked as I crushed the elixir over his back. There was a huge angry burn on his back that was weeping blood. It stopped as the magic set in and slowly I saw it trying to Heal. I got out what else I needed as he relaxed.

“It’s nice to hear you picking on someone…. Have to tell Ignis. He was worried.” I shook my head a bit then.

“Noct is his priority. Not me… I…. I’ll survive.”  I started getting some aloe on the parts that didn’t fully heal. I didn’t need to think about anything else but healing him and the others. There would be time to mourn later. I could shut down then. First I had to do what I could to make sure these people could see the dawn.

Cor would recover. He’d have a new scar but He would live. Currently lying on a bunk with his back exposed to the air to let it breathe, I started helping those I could. Thankfully no one had died in this last wave. Their ranks were small enough as it was. We got everyone back on their feet but now… It was just waiting. I didn’t do good with that. I was near a spot where I could watch when Libertus came up. He had been one of the original glaives I found out. He still hated what happened back then but he was moving on. He had an ebony in his hand and my pack. I had let him take it to help some of the others he knew about.

“Thanks…. You helped a lot of people today…” I shrugged then.

“It's the least I can do… Not much use right now with nothing to hunt….” He nodded and let me take my pack. I got it back on and he gave me the ebony.

“You know…. Even if he is the reason for all of this…. I can get it.” I gave him an odd look then. Libertus smiled then and pulled out a paper from his pocket. It was the newspaper clipping of us. It was us in altissia on the balcony looking out. I smiled seeing that. He was beaming and I looked like a child next to him.

“We were looking at the waterfalls….  It was only our second day there…. I had never seen them that big.” Libertus laughed then.

“I can believe it…. But look. There's a huge difference from then to now…. You two… One light is bright. It can help you see in front to a point… But two… two can open up the path even more.” I nodded then and smiled.

“Never thought much about the future till I met him…. Couldn’t see myself last long enough to have one…. Now…” I looked back out then.

“They’re giving up everything to make sure we have one… To keep hope for you all alive.”

“And you?” I shrugged then.

“Not much to hope for now… I made plans for us… not me….” He nodded then and slid the paper into my pack.

“Well… Sometimes getting a different view on things can Help. We need some sharp eyes up on a tower at the closest base.” I smiled then.

“Oh? Am I  not under arrest anymore?” He chuckled then.

“Nah. Come on…. Maybe we can see what's going on.” I nodded then and we headed out. I knew Cor would find me when He woke up.

Libertus got me to the tower but he got called away. That was fine. They had found a stash of meteor shards they could use back in lestallum. I climbed up and found a few boxes to use as a chair. I could see a lot from up here. It was honestly peaceful even with everyone running around below me. I got comfy and just relaxed. It wouldn’t hurt to just rest my eyes for a few.

It was finally over. After battling the kings of Yore, After taking him on over and over again, It was over. One last push and Ardyn fell as the rain started to fall.

“Now it is over, Majesty. What will you do? Banish the Demons and bring peace? Erase me from history once more?” He sounded so broken. I knelt down close by and saw the matching ring to Skylar’s.

“This time… You can rest in peace… Knowing history will not forget you… She forgives you… So close your eyes… Forevermore.” The look in those eyes. Even now, when he’s given up everything, just thinking of her brings back the man she always saw inside. I couldn’t tell if it was a tear or rain that fell down his face as his eyes closed.

“I will await you…. In the Beyond.” His body Started fading away then and I watched as he disappeared. Only the ring and a single photo was left. I looked down at it and just smiled. Kept in a protective sleeve, Was a photo of him hugging Skylar from behind.

“I’ll make sure she gets it Ardyn….” I got up then grabbing them gently. The boys had found their way outside alive and ok. I went to Ignis and pressed them into his hands.

“Make sure she gets these…. Please…” He nodded then.

“Of course.” I nodded  then as I hit the stairs. I had to end this. It was time to give Ardyn and everyone peace.

The only reason I woke up was because of the cold. I could hear the rain but this was colder than that. I opened my eyes and around my Tower was snow. I sat up quickly drawing my knife until I saw her standing close by. An older woman with beautiful long hair in a kimono. She smiled gently and I saw how the snow barely increased.

“Shiva…?” She nodded once and I got up quickly. She held up a hand then.

“The lady’s words have reached the heavens…. Her pleas were heard and yet unanswered… Know now that he rests in peace… and waits for her company again in the beyond.” Her voice was so soft and had its own little melody to it. I knew what she was saying.

“No…..”

“The chosen has brought peace to this star…. And banished the Darkness.”  I took off then. I turned and ran down the stairs. The snow quickly turned to rain but I didn’t stop. I passed Cor walking with Libertus then.

“Whoa!”

“Skylar!?” I heard him following but I was moving faster than him. I had to know. There was no way the gods would lie to me like that. I slid around a corner and honestly fell. I hit the ground gasping before a sob escaped. I felt someone get my arm gently and I let them help me up before I stumbled upright and took off running. I didn’t even care if I was hurting. I felt them close by and I understood why. I kept tripping over my own feet as I ran. I couldn’t see. The rain had increased it seemed. Finally they just got my hand and just kept me up. I didn’t care. I just had to know.

It took a while but soon we were at the gates. They were already open. I could see the boys just past them staring up at the Citadel. I let go of Cor who I found out was my support and ran forward.

“Guys!?” Ignis turned first and I stopped across from him. He had a photo in his hand.

“What happened…? Where are they!?” Gladio sighed then and I saw Prompto’s face. I looked to Ignis then and he sighed.

“Noctis gave these to me…. We don’t know what happened…. He knocked us out.” He held out the photo in his hand but I saw the other object. I took them both gently. I knew this photo. I had taken it. We were being idiots and he just hugged me from behind before shaking the hell out of me making me laugh. I felt my knees gave though as I saw the Ring.

“No….. Oh gods no….!” I couldn’t hold it back anymore. I honestly screamed then as the tears fell. He was gone. Ardyn was gone. I was alone again. I couldn’t handle it. I didn’t want to be alone ever again. He promised me I wouldn’t be ever again. I felt someone hug me then as the sobs hit and I clung to the photo and the ring. There was nothing we could say. This was the fate of the line of lucis.

We stayed there sitting on the steps of the citadel in the rain once I could move. Ignis was by my side and kept a hand in my open one. Gladio and Prompto were close by as well and soon shook us. I looked up slowly and Prompto smiled.

“Sky…. Can you see it?” I looked out past him and for once… The streetlights were off. I got up then slowly feeling the pain from my previous fall before running to the gates. Right as I got there, The sun crested over the ruins. The Dawn had finally come.

It took everyone a while to get used to the sun again. Everyone knew the cost of it so a lot of us ended up staying up till dawn just so we could see it over and over. I guess we felt like it was still a dream. I just did it with a silly hope that maybe one day, He’d come back. After about six months of this, I gave up. There was no way Ardyn was coming back. I wore his ring around my neck on my tags. I still couldn’t stand the idea of taking mine off. It was hard. In Between helping them rebuild and helping people get businesses set up within the city, I stayed in my apartment close to Ignis’s in the city. I often stayed up watching videos of me and Ardyn I had taken or stuck being haunted by dreams of him. I could barely sleep because of it. It didn’t help that the looks people gave me at times Made me so self conscious. It was like they just knew why I was so upset right now. It was after an outing like that I got the call. I had just sat down on the couch when my phone went off. I checked the name and sighed. Ignis was calling. He had already called me every day at least one for the past three days. I had to answer today or risk Cor breaking in again. He had already done that once to my amusement. He made gladio climb in my window and got stuck. I moved the slider to answer then and put him on speaker.

“Hey Iggy…”

“Oh. Hello Skylar. I wasn’t expecting you to answer today.” I chuckled then.

“Caught me in a good mood I guess…”

“Hm… I heard differently. Prompto saw you out in town.”

“Yeah I saw him…. He’s having fun helping rebuilding again.”

“I figured… What’s up tho?”

“Oh. Well I went by the store and they had fresh seafood from Galdin in. I figured I’d offer and see if you’d join me for dinner tonight.” I smiled then. He was always doing this. He knew I had a hard time eating but I couldn’t say no to his cooking ever.

“You know you don’t have to make dinner if you want me to come over Iggy…”

“Oh I know. I just enjoy cooking though. They had Strawberries in as well and I recently found my Fondue pot.” I laughed then.

“What about wine?”

“None of that currently.”

“Then how about I get a couple of bottles then? A nice white one for dinner and a sweet one for dessert?”

“Sounds good to me. See you in… Thirty?”

“Yeah… Um… What should I wear?”

“Whatever you like. Even if it’s pjs.” I laughed then.

“Not tonight…. Maybe next week.” I got up then and pulled in my headphones then as I headed to my room to change. I still had a suitcase of Ardyn’s clothes in here. I couldn’t make myself get rid of them yet. We kept talking the whole time and he even helped me pick the wine over the phone. I didn’t mind at all. It was nice to have someone to talk to in public lately. I hung up as I entered his building and soon found his apartment. He was the only one with Braille on the door after all. A bit more of his vision in one eye had come back but for the most part, He was blind. I knocked before opening the door.

“Iggy! I’m here.”

“Ah. Welcome back Skylar!” I smiled then as I got my shoes off by his door before walking in in my socks. He wasn’t in his awesome kitchen like normal as I slid the wine into his fridge.

“Iggy?”

“Living room… Oh dear…” I giggled a bit then and easily headed in there. He was at his bookcase and seemed perplexed.

“What’s up?”

“I can’t find my Dessert Cookbook. There was a lovely fondue recipe in there.” I nodded then and started looking it over. He had a lot of books but only his recipe books had braille labels on them.

“No wonder…. Iggy this is a mess.”

“I can believe it. I meant to organize it before everything but it never happened.” I nodded then and soon found it.

“Found it.”

“Thank you. Can you see if…?” I nodded then opening the book. Gladio had been trying to help him find a way to read on his own but it hadn’t been working well yet.

“No I’ll have to read it to you.”

“Would you mind?”

“Nah. Not as long as you let me organize this bookcase after.”

“Of course.” I smiled then and headed to the kitchen with him. At home, he had a map of the whole place so he could move freely. I loved watching him though. He was still so graceful.

We talked for most of the night, laughing at times when something funny came up. He had been holed up at the Citadel helping organize the forces and funds to help around town. It was a lot of work but he was handling it well. I was mostly patrol and dealt with any hidden demons we found. It paid decently and kept me busy for the most part. While we waited for the chocolate to melt, He came over to the bookcase with me. I started by pulling off the books and he sat down close by.

“So how are you?”

“Hm?”

“You’ve been busy lately…. And when you aren’t…” I smiled a bit then.

“I’m dealing…. It’s hard… Still feels like everyone’s judging me for it… but I guess I’m always going to have that brand on me…” I was focused on separating them by genre so I could see which one needed the most room. Ignis sighed then.

“Skylar…. Have you talked to anyone about this? Like how you feel and how you deal with it?”

“No…”

“Why?”

“No time… plus who the hell would want to hear about him? So many people still hate him you know… He’s the reason they lost everything in their minds…. They don’t get that he was as much as a victim as they were…” He nodded then and I sighed.

“... I’ve tried to move on… I hid away his hat and coat for two days where I could see them… but I knew… and it hurts… I keep them ready by the door in case….” I smiled then getting a hold of a novel then.

“He always left them there… His boots under it. I used to think it was him by the door but no…” Ignis chuckled then.

“I’m surprised he didn’t use it to scare you more often.” I laughed then and nodded.

“So am I… It would have been perfect…” I sighed then getting the books back on the shelves then without even thinking. It was easier to stay moving than to think about it all.

“You do know I don’t mind…. It is nice to hear that you have happy memories with him. We only saw the chancellor side of him and then…” I nodded then and sighed.

“He learned how to fake it so no one got close….”

“Sounds like someone I know.” I looked up then. He was smiling and soon nudged me gently.

“Can’t deny it. We all know It Skylar. You smile but we know… It’s in your eyes and voice.” I smiled gently then and nudged him back as I got up for my wine. I got his as well and refilled it before kneeling back down.

“I know… Cor’s mentioned it to me…. But I can’t help it…. He did all of this… knowing I planned a future with him… So now he’s gone and.. I have no idea what to do Iggy. Hunting isn’t solid anymore… I’ve been doing it for so long…. It wasn’t what my parents wanted either… but someone had to stop someone else from ending up like them…” He nodded then and I got a sip.

“So now with that gone… What is there?”

“A lot…. Skylar…” He sighed then.

“There is so much more you could do… But before you can do anything… We need to help you heal.”

“How?”

“By Forgiving. By letting go. By trusting someone again.” I nodded then and sighed.

“I’m guessing that you want to be the one I trust?”

“I’d be honored if I was.” I smiled then and finished off my wine then.

“How about we just wait and see ok?” He nodded then and I smiled.

Months passed then. I kept going back over to Iggy’s for different reasons and at one point, I even worked with him so I could help him read papers from everyone and we could make the right moves. When it was just us, He often got me talking about the years I spent away from them. It took a lot but once I did, I found out I slept better because I could remember the happier times. I stopped sleeping with his coat tho It stayed by the door. We even talked about some of the stuff with my parents and He gave me an idea.

The anniversary of the bringing of the dawn came. A whole year had passed by now. I had only started recovering in the past three months to get strong enough to do this. I set off around midnight the night before and took off driving. I had Bella back and she was working better than ever. I made a stop in a spot I only knew about and soon dug a few things up. I buckled them into my passenger seat as I kept heading out. I still knew the way. The world had changed a lot during the darkness but now it was more beautiful than ever. Especially the Volcano. I parked down at the bottom of the path then and carefully got the urns into my pack for safe hiking. I headed up around three am and dealt with what demons I ran into. They were weaker now that Dawn had finally come. Finally I made it. The little overlook just a few meters away from the royal tomb. It faced east so I could see the Dawn perfectly. I sat down carefully before pulling out the Urns. Two were covered in dirt and older. One was newer and had a gold heart on the front. I smiled at them.

“Mom… Dad…. This is Ardyn… Or what’s left of him…. I…. I know I shouldn’t have bugged you two… But I had. We needed to talk.” I moved the two closer and sighed.

“You two…. You have missed so damn much… and that’s where he comes in at….” I smiled then feeling for the ring and leaned back.

“It all started when my idiot friend from school asked me to help her out at her job at this cafe in the city…”  

I told them everything. I told my parents what had happened since I lost them and who Ardyn was and what we had gone through together. I held his urn close towards the end as I got to him leaving. Then I got into what I was thinking and feeling now. I had forgiven them a long time ago. I understood why they got divorced and how they fell out of love. I made sure to tell them that as well. I forgave them. All three of them. Fate had it’s cards to play and they dealt them the best way they could. It was out of their hands and mine.

We stayed up there just us four all the way until Five when I saw the first inches of the sun creeping up. I smiled then and slowly got up and held Ardyn’s urn close. I had found his Favorite Scarf and one of his hats in the case of his clothes. I had also written a letter and left it in there ripped up explaining why I forgave him and my hopes for the future because I had one now.

I wasn’t going to give up. I had long thought about just giving up and finding something to do and give up on ever being happy again… But that wasn’t what he wanted. That wasn’t what My parents wanted. I had a job with Ignis as a assistant and we were going to open trade with altissia again. We were going to help them rebuild as well and Get this world back on its feet. I could see the edge of the sun now and I smiled.

“Ardyn… I hope you can see this… It’s the Dawn you wanted me to see…. Isn’t it gorgeous?” I laughed a bit then.

“It still hurts so much… I get blinded almost every morning… and I roll over looking for you still on rough nights… I miss you so damn much Ardyn… I hope you can stay happy though wherever you are… and you’ve made up with your family… I finally have.” I laughed then and opened it before taking out a handful and as the wind came up behind me, I let it go. I watched the ashes go in the wind and I just smiled. I let all of them fly then and soon… My parents were right behind him. I wanted them free to see Lucis like they wanted to before me. Now they could.

I had just emptied out the urns when I heard it.

“Skylar!”

“Skylar!”

“She’s not at the tomb is she?”

“Good idea! Can you make it iggy?”

“Of course.” I laughed a bit then putting the urn down and looked down the path. Prompto was in front looking panicked as they climbed. He looked up as I walked over and I saw pure relief.

“She’s at the outlook!”

“Oh thank god!” I laughed then as they came running. Prompto hugged me tightly and soon Gladio had me in a bear hug. I yelped then but soon I was down near Ignis. He was smiling.

“Hi… What’s with the Panic?”

“The marshall saw you leave earlier this morning and worried…. With it being the anniversary…”

“We thought you might have gotten hurt or…!” Prompto stopped then and I got it.

“Oh…” Gladio nodded then. They thought I had come up here to commit suicide.

“What were you doing?”

“Letting go.” They stopped then and I got Iggy’s hand and led him over.

“I let my parents go…. What they found of their bodies, I had cremated and until last night… Were buried where they died near the trench…. But… I can’t let the past hold me back… It only hurts and…” I looked down at the other one then with a sad smile.

“He Once told me not to follow him. To let go of the pain and the sorrow…. And you’ve even said it. To remember the good with the bad… So today… I did that….” I looked out at the sun then as a tear fell and I gripped Iggy’s hand tightly.

“I said goodbye….”