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#Three Sister Wilderness
rafefar · 1 year
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South Sister at sunset
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vintagecamping · 1 year
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Loaded up and ready to go.
Three Sisters Wilderness, Oregon
1975
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pcttrailsidereader · 3 months
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Our posts for much of the past month have been text heavy. It is time for a few photos taken from the PCTA photo contest over the past decade. The photo credit for the image taken from Forester Pass belongs to James Townsend.
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Nok Yan Joshua Leung took this image of the night sky in Northern California. The Dark Sky movement doesn't include as many of the sections of the PCT as one might expect. See www.darksky.org for more information.
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And this final photo in this amazing trio of images, is from Three Sisters Wilderness in Central Oregon.
We will post several more sets in the next few weeks.
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ronanlynchbf · 11 months
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do u all maybe perhaps possibly have game recommendations 🤨🧐
#^^^^ said in the tone of 'u got any games on ur phone'#i am not very good at games tbh but i've got the spirit if that gives u any clues to the level of difficulty i can handle.#also i am already playing a couple of games but i'd like to play more but don't know which games are worth the money or not so.. recs pls 🤲#OH the games that i'm playing rn are life is strange and stray <33 and then i'm also playing uncharted with all of my siblings except the#youngest & playing detroit: become human with just the three older siblings & playing it takes two with all six of my siblings + i've played#and finished disco elysium and the quarry if that gives u anything to go off of regarding what games i like/have liked.#i also have life is strange 2 downloaded for when i've finished pt 1 and zelda is available if i want to play on my oldest sibling's#nintendo he also has hollow knight on his account (which i use also) and my younger sister has the sims so if i want to play that i could#also but i don't rlly think i'd enjoy it very much i'm more into mystery and action and puzzles and those story focused games with dialogue#options and choices that matter. so. anyway.. any gamers out there who have recommendations pls do give me those recommendations#i don't mind horror games also! as long as it's not like. evil spirits/ghosts bc for some reason those do kind of get me. i literally#stopped watching yellowjackets in the evening bc i kept getting nightmares abt 1) all the creepyness and the spirit/man with no eyes stuff &#2) just that whole situation in general; plane crash into the wilderness wolves roaming around at night running out of food etc etc.#but mostly i don't mind horror nor blood and guts and gore so if the game u would rec is horror that'd be fine <3
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sapphicq · 1 year
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‘yellowjackets is about girlhood’ this and ‘yellowjackets is about girlhood that.’ yellowjackets is about what happens when you drop a bunch of chronically only children into the woods and expect them to work together, actually.
#im three episodes in but like…#fr#it’s Jackie’s inability to apologize#it’s misty smashing the transmitter#it’s the resort to meanness at a moments notice#and listen I’m not saying teenage girls aren’t allowed to be mean or to be angry but like#but something about these girls…like u can tell they’ve been alone their whole lives#they never learned to share space with another person#or to get angry with another person#and thematically it works for what the show is doing#showing these girls alone trying to survive in the wilderness of girlhood and of life but like#girlhood isn’t just viciousness it’s also sleeping in your sisters room cause your parents are yelling again#and exchanging glances with your brother when your dad says something stupid#like yes there’s the wilderness of girlhood and the wilderness of life and it’s out there but like#there’s also a hand to hold#and when you have a sibling (not in all cases#but in many)#you know that the hand is there. you know the hand is an option#and in the show we SEE that with Travis and Javi#but the girls can’t see the fucking hand cause they never learned to fucking look for it#and that I think does a lot more to seal the deal on their loneliness than the experience of girlhood on its own ever could#hot takes#also before anyone comes for me for not researching or whatever I literally looked this up#none of the main cast has siblings#or at least they didn’t have them in 96#Yellowjackets#no offense but like of course they started a cannibal cult none of them know what it’s like to feel murderous rage and not do anything about#it because mom has a house shoe and she won’t hesitate bitch
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theghostpinesmusic · 4 months
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Three Sisters and Broken Top Circumnavigation (5/5)
This was it. The end of the road.
I woke up for the fourth morning in a row to tent walls coated with condensation, though me and my bag were dry. I carefully extricated myself from the tent, unclipped the fly and, by rote, tied it between two trees like a sail, where the sun would dry it. It took me until after I'd rigged it up to realize that I needn't have bothered: it didn't matter if the fly was dry by nightfall: I'd be sleeping in a house tonight.
It had never again been as cold over night as it had been at Golden Lake: every day, temperatures had risen while my campsites' altitude had dropped. The smoke that had cast such a pall (literally and figuratively) over my second day had stayed on the other side of the mountains from me for the last two days, and I woke to another beautiful blue central Oregon sky. I had a little less food left than I would have liked, but it felt like the best way to deal with that was to hike to the car and drive it to somewhere that would sell me a veggie burger and fries. My feet hurt a little, but that's just how you know you're over forty and in the mountains.
I cooked and ate breakfast, packed up my tent and gear, and then walked pack-less down the hill to the shore of the southern Green Lake. This view never gets old. I plopped down on the grass and spent a few minutes contemplating the sight of South Sister, and, more specifically, the nearly-fully-in-view east face climbing route to the summit.
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I haven't written a lot yet about my three-day trip around Broken Top last summer, and I've been stingy on the details when referring to it in this trip report because I would like to write a dedicated report about it at some point. It was an amazing trip, and served as the main inspiration for this longer loop a year later, mostly because I had wanted to go back and see everything along the Broken Top loop again.
South Sister had, unexpectedly, been a big part of what had made the 2022 loop such an awesome experience: I'd known I could do the loop in two days, but had gone ahead and gotten a permit for three days, knowing I might want to stretch things out, either by taking my time hiking the loop, or doing something crazy mid-loop, like trying to summit Broken Top. Either way, I'd wanted the wiggle room.
Long story short, I'd ended up hiking from the Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead (a mile-plus south of the Three Creek Trailhead that I'd started this longer loop from) to Green Lakes in a day, and, knowing I could hike the other half of the loop relatively easily in one long day and struck by the sight of South Sister from my campsite, I'd decided to use the middle day to summit the mountain using the east face route.
Not only is South Sister one of my all-time favorite mountains to climb, I absolutely love the east face route to the top. I've summited it (maybe?) five or six times now, but all but the first time had been from the south, via the crowded "highway" route that starts at Devil's Lake. Climbing up from Green Lakes is more challenging, more interesting, and far less crowded. The views are amazing, too. My first time up this way had been in 2015, and taking the route again in 2022, unplanned, in the middle of a backpacking trip, and with seven more years of hiking experience under my belt was an absolute blast. Add in the fact that the night before I'd camped next to an absolute character of a guy who I then met up with again on the east face route the next morning as he attempted to summit by climbing the scree fields in flip-flops (he made it!), and it was an incredible day. It was what put the already-amazing Broken Top Loop over the top (ha) and made it one of my favorite hikes I've ever done. I'd thought at the time that I would never do that loop again without also planning to climb South Sister in the middle of it.
Now here I was, a year later, passing on the summit to wrap up my hike around Broken Top on the fifth day. There wasn't much to be done about it: I hadn't packed enough food for an extra day, and according to my phone, a snowstorm was still scheduled to hit the area late that night. I didn't really have a choice but to head out. But, somehow, it felt wrong to walk all the way around all four of these mountains and not make time for a summit of South Sister. Maybe there's a lesson in there about not needing to conquer something as part of your experience of it. I don't know. I do know that as I sat by the lake looking across it at the east face of the mountain, I could hear the waterfall made of snowmelt that thunders down into the marsh west of Green Lakes, just to the left of where the east face climbing route starts, and it made me mostly happy, but it also made me sad.
But it was time to go, for now.
The first few miles out of Green Lakes are pretty straightforward: no huge elevation gain or loss, lots of forest shade, easy to cover distance quickly. So I did. The trail heads south and east, navigating around and below the bulk of Broken Top and, at one point, circling the Cayuse Crater. Here, finally, are your first good views of Mount Bachelor (at least if you don't climb South Sister as part of the loop).
Eventually, the trail straightens out and heads directly east, and before long it dumps you out of the forest and into the picturesque devastation just south of Broken Top's main volcanic cone. This is awesome.
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To the north is the bulk of Broken Top, looming over the wasteland that (I assume) it created at some point in the far past. To the south is a maze of creeks (still flowing in October!) that would make a great camp area if Green Lakes and No Name Lake didn't exist.
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Right after this, you pass through one last, small forested area. If you're looking for really specific tips, here's one: take a rest in the shade here. Drink lots of water. Because right after this, the trail turns due north and you have a thousand-plus-foot climb up to No Name Lake and the Bend Glacier.
Lots of people do this section as a dayhike specifically to get up to and see No Name Lake and then they double back. It's worth it, it's spectacular, but this is also a serious grind of a hike to do as a "fun" Saturday excursion in the heat of July or August. If you're, say, someone who's already hiked sixty-plus miles and climbed almost ten thousand feet over the previous four cool October days, it's a bit less of an obstacle. But, I still took a break in that little forested area and mentally prepared myself for a slog.
Fortunately, it's a beautiful slog. If you ever hike this and are not doubling back to the south after seeing No Name Lake, turn around occasionally because amazing views - mostly of Bachelor - open up behind you as you climb.
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You spend a lot of time here paralleling a rushing creek, which contrasts weirdly with the wasted, volcanic environs. Eventually, the trail narrows and winds up toward a small crack in the ramparts of Broken Top that looks even more like something from Lord of the Rings than most of central Oregon does. The first time I passed through here, in the summer of 2022, this whole area was still slathered in snow and ice (again, a story for another day). This time, the passage was completely dried out, but no less spectacular for that.
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Making your way up this passage and then around the corner, buffeted, most likely, by a nasty headwind, you finally pass through the notch and your view opens up to encompass No Name Lake and a small-but-impressive portion of the Bend Glacier.
I'd seen pictures of this spot before hiking to here in 2022, but it still blew me away when I first saw it in person. I took a lot of my own pictures then, and again in 2023, trying to capture the sublimity of the place, but I failed both times. I've now hiked all the way around the lake and climbed out of the basin via Broken Hand twice, and both times I left convinced I'd seen the most incredible sight I've ever seen out in the wilderness.
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This time, my second time at No Name, it was windy as all hell. I'd thought it was windy the first time, but this second time was...an experience. I huddled on a rock for a bit near where I took this particular picture of the lake so that I could eat a snack and drink some water, and I think I ended up eating more grit and sand than oat bar. Making my way across the path to the right of the lake was not treacherous, but the wind sure made it feel that way.
I'd thought it was bad on the lake side, but then, just as I rounded the edge of the hill to my right (which, unbeknownst to me, had been blocking most of the wind to this point) and walked out onto the exposed plain, a gust of wind immediately knocked me over. Like, completely-on-my-butt, feet-in-the-air knocked me over. This has only happened to me a few times before in my life: once near the summit of Shasta on an extremely windy day, and a few times on the edge of a tornado zone when I was a kid living in Ohio.
It's always a little bewildering to be reminded that when the wind has a mind to, it can just knock you over. Luckily, I hadn't hurt anything other than my pride. I got up and dusted myself off, laughing and then laughing more when I saw the expression on the face of a woman who was headed my way but hadn't quite passed beyond the protection of the hill yet.
The wind was gentler with her than it had been with me.
I took about a hundred photos here, as this place is so amazing to me, but none of them really capture the experience and I don't want to fill up this post with more photos than I usually do. Suffice to say, I'm not sure that any view surpasses that first reveal when you pass through the notch to see the lake laid out before you, but as you climb up above the lake to the overhanging ridge and look back on the whole complex, the view...also does not suck.
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By the time you've reached the top of the ridgeline, you've climbed almost fifteen hundred feet from the point where I told you to rest and drink lots of water. The constant, eye-popping views distract a bit from the frustration of slogging through loose scree, but it's still tiring.
Fortunately, there's one more big reveal waiting. As the ridgeline took me out around and to the east of the bulk of Broken Top for the first time in 2022, I was absolutely floored to see maybe the most beautiful view of the Three Sisters I'd ever seen revealed before my eyes. Knowing what to expect in 2023 didn't make it any less amazing.
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From this view, suddenly, it hit me for the first time that I had (mostly) done it: I'd hiked alone around all four mountains, and was about to finish the longest backpacking trip I'd ever taken. Being able to see all four mountains I'd circumnavigated in one view just before I finished was an accident of switching my itinerary at the trailhead, but it felt like serendipity. This quickly became one of those surreal-but-wonderful moments I only ever experience in the wilderness or at drug band concerts: you and a complete stranger silently crying at each other while you both process an amazing thing that just happened to you.
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I wrung all the wonder I could out of the moment (like you do), and then it was time, finally, to face Broken Hand. It loomed to the south, the final obstacle between me and the completion of the trip.
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The high-elevation snow in the mountains had indeed melted out significantly since I'd started the trip five days ago, which was good: in retrospect I honestly don't know if I could have made it over Broken Hand on the first day, with deeper snow and thicker ice. On the fifth day, it was about exactly as I'd expected it to be: the initial climb up to and then beneath the summit was dry and easy to navigate. The traverse to the north immediately went to hell, as the loose scree was entirely slathered in alternating patches of ice and loose, crunchy snow. A fall would have been really bad, so I didn't fall. But it was close. It was definitely better than my 2022 crossing, but I still felt like a weight had been lifted off of my back as I crossed back to dry trail and left the Hand behind.
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Fun pro tip: there actually appears to be a lower sort-of trail you can take that passes entirely below and to the north of Broken Hand. This isn't on my map, and I didn't see it in 2022 because it was covered in snow, but it was clear as day from the start of the traverse this time around. So, if you ever take this route and decide you don't want to fuck around with Broken Hand (good idea), you could just drop down to the lower, left-hand trail as you're approaching it from the west. It looks like it might add a little distance to your hike, but I can vouch for the fact that if the Hand is icy, it's worth it.
If there's one bad thing about the Broken Top Loop, it's that the Tam McArthur Rim section is absolutely beautiful, and both times I've hiked it, I could have cared less. By this point, I was hot, tired, hungry, and ready to be done. What's more, as the first half of the day from Green Lakes features ever-escalating views and natural beauty, it makes walking the rim feel like a letdown, when in reality it's beautiful in its own right.
I can write that after the fact, but I certainly didn't feel it after descending Broken Hand. I hiked through this section as fast as I could, my post-No Name Lake brain only responding to thoughts of pub food.
I did take a lot of pictures during those last few miles, hoping I'd have the capacity to appreciate them later. There's one of the rim trail leading away from the Three Sisters - one of the last good views of them you get before dropping too low below the rim - that I liked in particular.
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A lot of those last few miles were like this: huge, open views, beautiful blue sky, and, at one point, a great view from the edge of the rim that allowed me to see back down into Park Meadow, where I'd gotten my first views of the other side of Broken Top on the morning of day one, what felt like weeks ago.
For the last two miles of the hike, though, the trail saw fit to drop me into the devastated landscape of a burn zone one last time.
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It was appropriate, I suppose.
As I neared the car, I passed one more group of hikers who were just heading out on a Broken Top Loop hike of their own. I warned them about the snow, and Broken Hand, but they seemed super-competent. I hope they had a great time.
Getting back to the car and getting the car to Cascade Lakes Brewery in Bend in time to get dinner and a beer was the perfect exclamation point to what turned out to be - early difficulties aside - a perfect trip.
Aside from five full days of memorable experiences on and around some of my favorite mountains in the world, I also felt like I leveled up my confidence for solo backpacking quite a bit by covering a distance I would have shied away from attempting even a year or two ago. Seventy miles over five days is no joke (for me, at least), and yet, aside from a few small speedbumps, I came out of it having had so much fun I would have gone on another trip immediately had the snow not literally followed me home as I drove south that night and closed off a lot of my favorite trailheads until spring.
I'm not sure what this coming hiking season will bring, but I'm hoping to get a chance to tackle the Wonderland Trail or even the Tahoe Rim Trail, which is nearly two hundred miles long. I spent a lot of time this summer talking to PCTers about hiking across Oregon another year or two from now, which is nearly five hundred miles!
It's crazy to think about, but people do it, and I'm people. I'm lucky enough to only have to work for nine months out of the year, and so I intend to keep using that free time to the utmost.
Anyway, we'll see what happens, and I'll write about it when it happens. For now, I actually ended up sneaking one more short-but-eventful backpacking trip into late fall 2023: a trip up and then (accidentally, sort of) around California's Mount Eddy. More on that next time!
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moshpitgamma · 4 months
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😚Zoom Zoom Mama G has posted again!!!
HOPE YALL ENJOY THIS ONE AND I HOPE ITS NOT TO BAD….(You’re older than branch but younger than Floyd btw😌)
Family Reunion||Brozone x Sister Reader
Warning:Angst and Mild Cursing
Word Count:1.3k
Other:It’s kinda proof ridden😝✌️
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You knew JD wasn’t always the best brother, but you didn’t expect for it to go like this…
“It’s called BRO-ZONE meaning BROS not GALS” JD said angrily at the h/c haired troll. “So youre saying just because I'm a girl I can’t be in the band. I’m basically the damn melody John.” you loudly yelled at him clearly pissed at how your brother didn’t want you to ruin brozone. “It has to be perfect and the name is perfect for bros. MAYBE IF YOU WERE PERFECT IT COULD WORK, BUT YOU’RE JUST A FUCKING MISTAKE FOR THE BAND” he yelled at y/n tired of her shit. He didn’t mean to totally call her a mistake, but it was too late. She already ran to her room in the shared pod, crying her eyes out and muttering small complaints. All the brothers stood with their mouths agape from witnessing the scene. “John what the hell,” Bruce said, holding the blue decorated egg with blue hair sticking out. “You just called her a damn mistake” “Maybe she is and it would be best if she left….The band is almost there and she’ll just get in the way.” John said it as if he was hoping y/n would leave to save the band for the family harmony. After John said that all the brothers left the area with sour and disapproving faces. Ignoring him till later that night.
It was now 2:34am and fast paced footsteps were heard around the pod waking John up from his humble sleep. He groggily dragged himself out the bed and headed towards the noise and found his three brothers and branch’s egg sitting in the living area. “What’s going on and why are you guys up so early.” John said, kinda annoyed from losing his beauty sleep. “Y/n left” Clay said barely above a whisper. “Huh,” John asked again, not being able to hear Clay. “Y/N FUCKING LEFT” Clay bursted as his tears started pooling his eyes. “You drove our sister away because of your stupid and glorious dream. Now she’s out in the wilderness by herself and we don’t know if she’s alive or dead.” John felt his whole body freeze and run cold. Did he fuck up or was it just you overacting? Before Bruce could add in to the statement, John wasted no time in leaving to go put on his jacket and shoes ready to go find y/n. He left out the door after he finished getting dressed, without a word to his brothers.
________________
{Y/n’s POV}
I woke up in a cold sweat, absolutely drenched from the wrenched nightmare of your older brother. My mind has been messed up recently ever since my eventful trip to mount ragous.
FLASHBACK
“It’s some kind of love”
A voice rang through the area. It was so soft, but with a familiar melody.
“It’s some kind of fire”
It was my part? But sung by someone different. An angelic voice.
“I’m already up, but you lift me higher”
But that’s when it hit you..it was your brothers with a now full grown relationship saving Floyd.
TIME SKIP DONE
{2nd POV}
After your brothers and those two mystery girls brought Floyd back, you couldn’t help ,but feel nothing but relief and a little wave of nervousness. All five of your brothers were standing right there together but the time just didn’t feel right for you. You wanted to go hug and celebrate with them, but you just felt disappointed and angry at them for not trying to find you. Without a word you started walking away, but caught what now sounds like a grown man spruce saying “How about we all celebrate at Vacay island this weekend.” You then had an idea set up perfectly for this Family Reunion.
{Y/N POV}
I sighed heavily as I parked my motor beetle in front of this big resort looking restaurant. “I hope they aren’t too mad to see me” I told myself, trying to hype myself up from all the nerves. As I step foot into the resort I see this tall yellowish woman at the bar, so I head over to ask her where the boys may be. “Umm excuse me…can you help me” I asked her in my nice bright tone. “Of course hun! What can I help you with and by the way you can call me Brandi” she exclaimed, clearly being an extroverted person. “Well you see I’m here looking for my brothers and i’m kinda here to reunite with them after basically being away for 22+ years” I say not trying to sound crazy or out of the ordinary. “Ok well what are their names?”Brandi asked me as she took out a notepad ready to write them down, assuming that it was more than one. “Well to start off it’s John Dory for the first one and Bru-” “Is that them?” she pointed to a corner before quickly apologizing for cutting me off. I was literally stunned when I saw all of them bonding and getting along like we were little kids again. I guess Brandi picked up on my distressed and nervous face that she offered and said” If it makes you any better I can go with you for emotional support” She says tucking a burgundy loc behind her head. “I would like that very much”I say releasing some pent up air that I didn’t know I had.
As Me and Brandi walked to the corner it felt like time was slowing down and my breaths were getting shorter by the second. I was trying to calm myself down in my mind, but I was brought out by Brandi speaking. “Um hi y'all sorry to interrupt, but you guys had a little surprise that decided to drop in today.” As on cue I stepped from behind Brandi with nothing but hope and fear in my chest.
“Who’s that?” Bruce said as he looked at the familiar troll. “If you wanted an autograph you could’ve asked us” John laughed as he pulled out a notepad and passed it around to each of the brothers to sign. “Are you guys kidding me?” I exclaimed, wondering if they were joking or not. Every single last one of them looked at you with a dumbfounded expression. “After leaving, you guys clearly forgot me” I said with tears in my eyes as i couldn't believe that they forgot me. “It’s me Y/n…. but I guess you guys didn’t care” I bitterly laugh as I see the visible expression changes on them except Branch. Guess John got what the fuck he wanted” I said getting ready to leave, but felt a hand gently catch mines, stopping me from leaving in the progress. Before I could turn around, I was pulled into a hug by a pink and white haired troll. “We could never forget you n/n” Floyd said genuinely. Slowly one by one the others hugged me except JD and branch.
Me and JD stared at each other as if we were to look away, we would die. Jd cleared his throat before saying “Umm are you good” while giving you that charming smirk. If looks could kill, JD would be dead right now. “That’s all? No sorry or are you ok sis.” I say starting to get angry. “Just be glad I'm happy to see you.” “Or what Jd” I said, letting a few tears fall. “You wanna know how tired I am from fighting with you. I bet Branch didn't even know he had a sister till now.” I advertise my hand to point at a shocked Branch. “But when I want my older brother to show me affection and let me be apart of the group it’s a fucking problem.” I say getting tired of his mess. “I don’t care no more JD. I will really walk out of this resort and leave again if that’s what you want.”I said, grabbing my helmet from the nicely made table. When Jd just stared at me I knew he meant it. So therefore without any words I got out of there and left. But before I did I said….
“So much for a Family Reunion….Hope we meet again, but on better conditions.”
IF YOU WANT A PT.2 WITH FLUFF LMKKKKKK!!!!!
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syrma-sensei · 1 year
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→ A Lioness's Home.
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pairing: daemon targaryen x lannister!reader.
rating: domestic fluff.
word count: 1.3k.
a/n: this is a sequel to my "a true victory" and "a dragon's glory". however, you need not to read the prequels, but it's preferable, though. the events of this fic take place during the ten-years time jump, but the plot doesn't necessarily follow the canon agendas.
masterlist | AO3
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WITH WEALTH, DRAGONS, AND VALYRIAN BLOOD, you and your family found a fine living in Lys. And perhaps more than just fine living. Daemon and you are called the prince and princess of Lys; an honorary title given by the Lyseni people after the triumphant war led by your husband against Myr and Tyrosh over the Disputed Lands.
While Daemon was claiming yet another glory winning a war, you were claiming your own by preserving the free city's economy in maintaining the integrity of the trading path between Lys and Lannisport.
Lord Jason Lannister was more than thrilled and willing to help his sweet sister, and Ser Tyland couldn't be happier that their sister did not forget about her two lion brothers who love her immensely. Furthermore, Lord Tyland saw that in helping you, thus your husband, to ascend to power in foreign lands, it would push the dangers of the newly-reformed Triarchy away. The pirates of the Triarchy, as it seemed, did not wish to yield yet even after their gruesome loss in Stepstones at the hands of your husband and House Velaryon several years ago. Securing power in Lys would prevent the pirates to rise again, as your small family already owns three dragons, and the Lyseni people's favour.
When you were in your sixth month of pregnancy, with a very large bump in your belly, Daemon took you to the dragonpit to choose a dragon egg for your child together. You chose that special moment to tell Daemon, sheepishly, that he needed to pick two eggs and not only one. Your husband arched an eyebrow, letting the new information sink, then a wide and satisfied grin adorned his handsome face.
You suspected it during your fifth month, and the maester confirmed your qualms when he visited you for your monthly check-ups. You asked him not to speak to your husband of the matter, for you wanted to share the happy news with him in private and on distinctive occasion.
Taelon was the first to be born, his birth was easy, coming out without much fuss. Daenesya, however, was the one hard to deliver; your battle in labour continued for several hours before you finally heard her screams for air. Daemon never left your side during the whole process, encouraging you while you cried and screamed through insufferable pain. He dried your sweat and whipped your tears away from your face, reminding you that you're his fierce lioness and you could do it, while the Septas around you told you to hold your breath and push.
“Well done, my brave girl,” Daemon said proudly while holding both babies in his strong arms. “Well done.”
Daemon was true to his words and when your children's first name day came, the four of you took residence in Lys, where you were welcomed and treated with great hospitality.
Taelon and Daenesya are the epitome of exact opposites. Upon the first look, one would immediately say that your twin children are the mirror of one another; silver-gold long hair, and their eyes are amethyst flecked with emerald. However, one is quiet, calm, and leisure, and the other is unruly, chaotic, and headstrong. But both are of dragons and lions in spirit.
Your son's egg hatched after two years of his birth and gave him his precious Darkfyre. A beautiful dragon, with navy blue scales tinted by light cyan frames. His burning flames are of blue colour. Daenesya, on the other hand, her egg hatched after a year of her birth, and she was gifted her best friend Aeksyas. She's larger and wilder than Darkfyre. She has silver scales and golden eyes, and her flames are dark red. Daemon explained to you that dragons take after their riders, and you see it with your own eyes.
“Dracarys!”
Red and blue fire weave together, and from the purple flames Daemon emerges from while mounting Caraxes. A cheered applause acclaims from around you as your husband and children give them a dragon show. Among the spectators, you're the loudest and rowdiest; a proud wife and mother, watching her family proudly showing off the discrete dragonblood they have.
It's true that the people of Lys have the reminiscent of Valyrian blood, but the Targaryens are the only ones who are capable of taming dragons to their will in the Known World.
Nevertheless, your eyes are a tad more focused on your husband more the children. Daemon never ceases to mesmerize you with his riding skills, and the correspondence he has with Caraxes. The two share something really special, and you're never tired of watching over and over again. There were some times when you, eagerly, mounted Caraxes with Daemon for a ride. It was such a thrilling experience you don't mind to try it again. But in such occasions, you let the Targaryens do their thing while you stand their with charmed audience.
After a while of strutting their talent in the sky, the trio, led by Daemon, take their land on the ground. Everyone clapps for them, including you, before the three usher their mounts to the caves they've turned it into their own Dragonpit.
“Daemon, darling,” You say when the latter emerges from the cave pit, “You were marvelous up there,”
Daemon encircles an arm around your waist, pecking you lips. He smells of dragon and fire.
“Did you see Darkfyre's flames, mother!” Taelon gushes from behind, his face is slightly smudged by dirt and soot.
“Oh, I did, and they were magical, my cub!” You crouch a bit to whip his face with your handkerchief.
“Mother, did you see how pretty Aeksyas's wings are?!” Daenesya shrieks as she takes her father's side, clinging to his arm.
You chuckle amusedly, “She's the most beautiful dragon I've ever seen, my sweet.”
The four of you head to the carriage that's waiting for you to go home.
•••
After the three of them washed the dragon stench off of them, the four of you had supper. Then came Valyrian class for Taelon and Daenesya. The twins reluctantly escorted the maester to the library. And the two of you are left alone.
“Caraxes would be always my favourite dragon.” You whisper your secret to your husband as you reach the roof of your palace. It's where you and your husband spend some quality time together away from everyone's eyes. You sit on the padded floor, with your husband's head in your lap.
Daemon guffaws, “That would break Dani's heart; she thinks Aeksyas is your favourite, and she brags about it before Taelon.”
“Oh, really?” You arch a brow, “Wonder where did she get that idea from?”
Your husband smiles privately and leaves you with no answer, but you know him better. Daenesya is his favourite, and you can see why, she's practically the little version of himself.
You stroke his face gently, “I was thinking, husband,”
“What is it, my love?” He drawls as he relaxes into your touch.
“What do you think of visiting Westeros?”
His violet eyes snap open, and he gazes up at you, puzzled, “You want to go back there?”
“I do, but only for a visit,” You continue, “I'd like the children to see their homeland and be introduced properly to their kin. Also, I want to show my family off in court.” You smirk, flicking your hair behind your back.
“You little minx, you want a revenge, do you not?” Daemon returns your smirk with a sly one of his own.
Your grin grows wider, “Great minds think alike, my dragon. Yes, it's exactly what I want. I want to crush everyone who's belittled me in the past. If it pleases you, of course, my prince.”
There's a satisfied grin on the dragon's mouth, a proud one, even, “I do not mind at all, my fierce lioness. And let the small folk write songs about our love and how it conquered all...”
You chuckle giddily at him before pecking his lips, “Thank you, husband,” You grab his hand and kiss it, putting it against your cheek, “But know that it's neither Westeros nor Essos is my home...”
Daemon raises an eyebrow, “Where might it be then, my love?”
“You,” you answer with a pacing heart, “You're my one and only home...”
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vilevenom · 2 days
Text
This bad boy is dedicated to @em-doods, because her adorable sketches of Hickory and John Dory meandering through the woods 100% are the reason I wrote this. (She also helped push me through a rather rough patch I had while writing the first bit, so a super extra special thank you there!!)
If given the chance I will write Hickory and John Dory getting together in every conceivable fashion. In this fic, they go camping.
Enjoy!!
"I've never been campin'."
"What?!" John stared wide eyed at Hickory, who looked somewhat bashful at his admittance.
"Well, I mean…I've been campin', but not, y'know, camping," Hickory unhelpfully tried to clarify while John Dory continued to stare at him in disbelief. He sighed, scratching at his cheek as he tried to think of a way to better explain himself. "Dickory an' I would need to camp out once in a blue moon, y'know, when we were out on a hunt. But it was never the kinda campin' where you get to roast marshtatoes or go swimmin'. It was just basic survival."
"Well, I can't let that stand," John said, smacking the table they were sat at with gusto, making Hickory jump. "No way. Camping, proper camping, is one of the best experiences in the world! I don't think I can let you go another second without experiencing the wonders of camping."
And that was how Hickory found himself staring out Rhonda's front window as John drove her into wilderness unlike any he'd seen before. The troll kingdoms were beautiful and unique in their own ways, but this place was truly something else. Rhonda ducked under gnarled branches and crawled through twisting vines, with John confidently at her helm, a broad smile on his face as he described to Hickory where he was taking them. The Neverglade trail, apparently, had all of the best camping spots, and he knew just the one that Hickory would enjoy.
Hickory felt like he was going to be sick, though he plastered a pleasant smile onto his face and nodded along every time John glanced at him while he excitedly spoke about where they were headed. It wasn't that Hickory didn't want to go camping with John. Oh, no. It was the exact opposite, really. He'd been looking forward to this trip since John had declared they were going a few days prior. It was the fact that it was just the two of them. Alone. Together. It made Hickory's heart jump into his throat and his palms sweat.
Thinking back on it, Hickory came to realize that he and John Dory had only really known each other for a handful of months. They'd met when Hickory had gone to Pop Village with the intention of visiting Poppy and Branch, only to find the royal couple surrounded by a group of trolls quickly revealed to be their siblings. Swiftly, Hickory had been introduced to all of Branch's brothers, and Poppy's sister, all while beginning to feel a touch overwhelmed by the new mix of personalities. Not quite sure what to say or how to act, Hickory began to flounder, when one of Branch's brothers had tugged him aside with an easy smile.
"We're a lot, huh?"
"I mean, I dunno if I'd say that, exactly," Hickory had started to demure, only to grunt in surprise as John Dory slapped a hand to his back with a guffaw.
"You don't need to be shy, man. We all know we're a lot. Big personalities," John had reassured, sliding his hand up to rest on Hickory's shoulder. "I know you're here to visit with Branch, but how about we get out of here? I happen to know that everyone else will be buggering off here pretty soon, so you'll have a chance for some one on one time with him and Poppy, but probably not for a couple hours. You can show me around town? I assume you've been here before. I've been here for a whopping three days, so I have no idea where anything is."
Hickory hadn't even realized his shoulders had been tense until they began to relax as John spoke to him. He let a slight smile curl his lips and gave a little nod. "Yeah. I can do that," he easily agreed, tucking his thumbs into his belt loops as they began to walk away from the cluster of trolls.
They'd spent the next couple of hours getting to know each other, and, quite frankly, Hickory couldn't help but to be charmed. John Dory was brash and confident in a way that made him laugh, but was also, somehow surprisingly, incredibly kindhearted.
As they were walking through town, a couple of young trollings had dashed in front of them, only for one to trip and fall directly in front of John Dory. Hickory had fully expected John to, perhaps, help the trolling up and for them to continue on their way, but instead he'd crouched down to the child's level to make sure they were okay. When it was revealed that the trolling had a scrape on their knee, John dug into his hair, pulled out a band-aid, and applied it to the injury without batting an eye. Hickory then watched in amusement as John scooped the kid up into his arms and spun around while theatrically wondering where the trolling's friend could have gone. They, of course, had been right behind John, giggling manically as the teal troll continued to spin and pretend he couldn't see them. Finally, he placed the injured child down, and the two all but begged John to go play with them.
"Sorry, I can't. See this guy behind me," John thrust his thumb over his shoulder towards Hickory, who gave them a little wave "He's my tour guide. And I can't just let him go on touring by himself."
The children whined at him while Hickory chuckled at their antics, but John ultimately encouraged them to continue on with their game, which they reluctantly did when it became obvious that John was just this side of too stubborn for them to persuade.
"That was mighty kind of you," Hickory hummed as they began to walk through the village again.
"Hm? Was it? I dunno," John said with a self depreciating little laugh and a shrug of his shoulders, "Just seemed natural to me. But, that probably comes from being the oldest of five. Lots of bumps and scrapes to take care of when they come running to you for comfort."
Hickory decided to side-step the comment about John's brothers going to him, rather than their parents. He was sure there was a story there, but it sounded like one for another time. "So…Yer the oldest brother, huh?"
John snorted, shoving Hickory playfully with an sheepish grin. "Yes. What's it to ya?"
"Not much. Just didn't much figure Branch havin' a silver fox for a siblin'."
"Silver-?! I am NOT that old. Do you see any grey hair here?!" John huffed, puffing out his chest and pulled his goggles up to show off his very teal roots, earning a laugh from Hickory. "If you must know, Branch is about fourteen years younger than me. The rest are all in between."
"Ah, can't remember with yer ancient brain? Ya need help rememberin', old man? I can always go find one of yer brothers, if ya need assistance."
"That is just uncalled for," John sniffed, looking affronted. Hickory worried for a moment that he'd taken a step too far in his teasing, when John snorted and deflated a bit. "I am getting old, aren't I?"
Hickory clicked his tongue, quickly realizing he had hit a nerve, but not the one he'd thought. "John, if I may, an' if my math is right, yer only thirty-eight. That ain't that old," Hickory reassured, offering a warm smile to the teal troll, "Yer only a few years older than I am, an' I certainly ain't old."
"Oh, yeah? And how old is the whipper snapper?" John joked, obviously lightened a bit by Hickory's reassurance.
"Thirty-two."
"Ah, you're between Clay and Floyd," John hummed, though the comment was obviously directed more towards himself.
Their conversation ebbed and flowed easily as they continued to walk through the village, Hickory occasionally pointing out landmarks or buildings he knew, while John Dory made comments here and there about how different the village was from the tree he's grown up in. He also made a point to let Hickory know that he'd obviously need to get another tour through town, what with his poor old memory not being quite what it used to be. Hickory was fairly certain he'd never had such entertaining conversation with another troll.
Eventually, they wandered back to Branch's bunker, where John bid Hickory adieu with a rather ridiculous and dramatic bow before going on his way, while Hickory descended into the bunker to have his intended visit with Branch and Poppy.
Their catching up truthfully didn't get very far before the topic of the royal couple's recent adventure and estranged siblings came up, and Hickory mindlessly blurted out, "So…what's yer brother like?"
"…which one?" Branch said with a snort, arching an eyebrow at the ex-bounty hunter.
"John Dory."
Branch seemed to think for a moment, while Poppy gave Hickory an awkward smile. "He's an obnoxious, self-centered know-it-all."
Hickory blinked, quite taken aback by Branch's opinion of his brother. "Really? I never woulda guessed that by the way he was actin' today…"
"Well, to be honest, he may be my brother, but I don't really know him that well. We haven't seen each other in twenty years, but that's the impression I've gotten of him so far," Branch said with a quiet sigh. "He'll be staying in Pop Village for a while, since Floyd is recovering. Maybe if I give him some time, my opinion will change? But, that's what I've got for now."
Hickory hummed thoughtfully, and decided he would give it some time, as well. He bounced back and forth between Lonesome Flats and Pop Village over the next few months, and never once did John Dory give Hickory the impression of being self-centered, nor did he ever become obnoxious. In fact, he continued to prove the exact opposite. Nearly every time Hickory visited, John was with Branch, Floyd, or both, supporting his younger brothers in whatever they might need. And whenever Hickory made himself known, John offered to make himself scarce so Hickory could visit with Branch unimpeded. Eventually, however, Hickory had to reveal that he'd been intending to visit John the entire time, and that had been something of an awkward chat in and of itself. The sheer surprise that had shown on John's face when Hickory admitted that he wanted to spend more time with John had certainly made his heart twist in an unexpected way.
In the end, the longer Hickory spent with John Dory, the more he seemed to develop a rather inconvenient crush on the teal troll. Especially when he did things as sweet and thoughtful as remembering Hickory had casually mentioned once that he had a soft spot for a particular cupcake made by one particular stand in the market, but he was never early enough to get one. John had presented one to Hickory with a proud little grin on his face the next time the country troll visited. Or the way he obviously thought about Hickory even when they weren't together, as on one occasion when he'd trotted up to Hickory and presented him with a rather fancy looking silver belt buckle emblazoned with intricate little flower patterns. He'd said he'd picked it up in his travels and was going to toss it away, but perhaps Hickory would like it, instead?
Now, most trolls would probably consider such actions to be relatively basic indications of friendship. However, Hickory had had so few friends, or trolls who cared for him (and not a character he and his brother created) that he couldn't help but feel special when John gave him his undivided attention. And he had a sneaking suspicion that John Dory was much the same.
He mentioned the incidents to Poppy and Branch the next time he sat down with them to chat, the former of whom cooed happily at the revelation, while the later gagged quietly.
"I…I think he's got my heart all a flutter. What do I do?" Hickory asked, head in his hands where he sat at Branch's kitchen table. He felt like a little kid, telling his friends about a crush he had on some troll well out of his league. He felt especially foolish that said friend was his crushes younger brother, who was watching him with a wrinkled nose.
"Why are you asking me? At this point, I'm pretty convinced that you know JD better than I do," Branch said with a slight grimace.
"Oh, that's so cute," Poppy gushed, waving her hands at Hickory as he glanced up at her with a long suffering sigh. "Don't give me that look. It is! I've seen you two walking around town together."
"We certainly get along like a house on fire, but I don't know what to do. I haven't done this in a while. Least, not properly," Hickory sighed, slumping onto the table they were sat around.
"I don't know, man. Talk to him about camping? That seems to be one of his favorite things," Branch offered with a shrug. "Maybe that'll help lead the conversation into something?"
And Hickory had, which did indeed lead to this whole escapade in the first place. Perhaps it would allow him the opportunity to talk to the teal troll about his feelings. If he could work up the courage to do so, that is. Especially with the discouraging little voice in the back of his head that kept telling him that if the conversation went south, he was either going to be left in the wilderness on his own, or have a very awkward trip back to Pop Village.
"How much further are we gonna haveta go to get to this mysterious campin' spot a' yers?" Hickory asked, arching an eyebrow as John turned Rhonda down yet another trail.
"Oh, not too much further, I don't think," John hummed with a smile, shooting Hickory a wink that made the ex-bounty hunter need to immediately step away to try and hide the blush that bloomed across his cheeks.
They drove in relative silence for a few more minutes, before John finally pulled Rhonda over, and Hickory managed to calm himself down enough that his cheeks were no longer enflamed.
"Here we are!" John declared, as he spun the drivers seat around to grin widely at Hickory, who offered a slightly mollified one of his own. "Now, grab your gear, we've got a bit of a hike."
"Wait, this isn't where we're campin'?" Hickory asked, watching John pull an overstuffed backpack with a sleeping roll tied to it from atop his loft bed.
"What? No, of course not. You can't get a full and proper camping experience if we're staying in Rhonda. That's, like…'glamping', or whatever. No, if you want a proper camping trip, we gotta hike a bit further in and set up tents!" John exclaimed excitedly, pulling the straps of his bag over his shoulders.
"If ya say so," Hickory said with an awkward chuckle, grabbing his much smaller bag and sleeping roll from where he'd stashed them and following John out of Rhonda.
"Now, you be a good girl," John cooed at Rhonda as Hickory stepped up behind him, "There are lots of berry bushes here, so there's loads to eat. You make sure you're back here in a couple of days, okay?" Hickory watched in amusement as John half wrapped himself around the armadillo bus's face in the closest approximation of a hug as he could get as she churred at him happily.
"Y'sure it's okay t' just leave her here?" Hickory asked as they began to walk away, the ex-bounty hunter shooting Rhonda furtive glances the further away from her they got.
"Oh, yeah. She's a good girl. Even if she's not there when we get back, she usually comes when I call, or we'll just need to wait a day or two when we get back," John reassured, as Hickory watched the energetic bus dart off into some bushes.
"…right."
And so on they went, Hickory diligently following along behind John, until he inevitably got distracted by the massive trees and flora they were hiking past. To the rather unfortunate point where John disappeared beyond a bend before Hickory had even realized he'd been left behind.
"Hey, John, have ya ever-" he'd begun as he turned from staring at a large, drooping orange flower, only to find himself completely alone. "…John?" Hickory tentatively took a few steps forward, glancing this way and that to see if he could spot the teal troll, without luck. "Sugar," he grumbled to himself, unsure if he should proceed forward, or wait to see if John would notice his absence and turn back around to find him.
Just as he turned to sit himself beneath the flower he'd gotten distracted by, a rustling in the bush startled him into pulling a knife from his pocket and brandishing it with a snarl on his face. John had warned him, at one point on their drive here, that wild critters of all shapes and sizes roamed the Neverglades, and that he should be wary of being snuck up on, lest he be eaten. John had said it like it was a joke, but Hickory had noticed the scars John's fur hadn't quite fully grown over. He had no doubt there were plenty of critters who would like nothing more than to get a taste of troll out here, and he was not eager to give them said taste.
So, he stood his ground and waited, until finally John Dory came stumbling out of the brush, leg half tangled in a bramble.
"There you are!" John laughed, shaking the bramble off his leg as Hickory quickly tucked his knife back away, "I turned around to point out some funky looking moss and you were gone."
"Sorry 'bout that. Got caught up admirin' this here flower," Hickory admitted abashedly, gesturing vaguely over his shoulder.
"No worries, man! Just gotta make sure I keep a better eye on you," John chuckled, reaching out and unexpectedly taking Hickory's hand. The country troll felt his cheeks heat up, but luckily John had turned to start tugging him along down the trail, and so missed it entirely. "Don't want you getting lost on me!"
"No, no. Don't wanna get lost," Hickory muttered mostly to himself, his gaze stuck pretty strictly on their clasped hands now, rather than the gorgeous scenery they were walking past. Occasionally John would point something out to Hickory, which would pull the country trolls gaze up for a short period of time, before inevitably trailing back down to their hands.
John didn't let go until they reached a rocky path that lead up what most creatures would probably consider a small foot hill, but was nearly the equivalent of a mountain to the two trolls. The path wound up along the side of the hill, and was only just wide enough for them to walk up one at a time. Hickory did his best to hide his disappointment as John let him go and began to trek up the hillside.
"C'mon! If we're where I think we are, there's a great spot at the top of the hill where we can stop and have lunch," John said, glancing back at Hickory with a bright grin.
"Alright, I'mma comin'," Hickory chuckled, shifting the pack on his shoulders and following along after John.
The two managed to make it about halfway up the hill when they came across a slightly wider spot on the trail, overlooking a rather picturesque little area of the Neverglades.
"Too bad there's not more of a plateau here," John lamented as Hickory stopped next to him, "This would be a great spot to stop for lunch."
"Yeah. S'real pretty," Hickory hummed, turning to look out at the view.
"Wish I'd brought my camera," John added with a despondent sigh, "But I left it in Rhonda."
"Well, ain't that just lucky for you, then," Hickory said with a smile, reaching over his shoulder into his pack, "Because I just so happen to have brought one along." He pulled a little instant camera out of his bag and handed it to John, who snatched it eagerly.
"Awesome! Say cheese," John said with a grin, holding the camera out in front of the two and snapping a photo. Hickory blinked at the flash that went off, trying to get rid of the little flare in his vision.
"Some warnin' woulda been nice," he groused quietly, rubbing at his eyes.
"Yeah, but then I wouldn't have gotten such a great candid shot," John hummed, pulling the photo free of the camera and waving it slightly. He snorted once the image developed, holding it out to Hickory. "See? Perfect moment."
Hickory wrinkled his nose at the photo, which showed a happily grinning John and Hickory looking like he was, perhaps, about to sneeze. "Yeah. Real flatterin'," he muttered, reaching for the photo.
"Hey now, nuh-uh," John said quickly, pulling the photo back to hold against his chest, before quickly stuffing it into his hair, "This one's mine."
"Aw, come on, now," Hickory grumped, reaching for John's hair, "We can take a better one. You don't need t' keep that."
"No," John quickly took a step back, while shoving the camera into his hair as well, "I like it. It's mine, and you can't have it."
"Don't be childish, John," Hickory sighed, reaching for the teal trolls hair again as John quickly took another step back and snorted.
"Have you met me? I'm the least childish troll out there."
"Mhmm, you keep tellin' yerself that," Hickory chuckled, taking another step after John, only for both of them to freeze at a rather ominous cracking sound that emanated around them. "What was-" Hickory barely managed to get the words out, before he felt his foot beginning to sink as the path beneath him began to give way, and the sound of tumbling rocks hit his ears.
"Hickory!"
The ex-bounty hunter gasped as his footing slipped, quickly scrambling for John's reaching hands. The teal troll had his hair wrapped around some roots that were sticking out of the side of the hill, anchoring him as he grabbed for Hickory as he began to fall.
"I gotcha, I gotcha," John chanted as Hickory managed to grab hold of him, using his hair to pull them both away from the crumbling section of path. Once they were both on a more stable spot, Hickory opened his eyes, which he hadn't even realized he'd clenched shut, to find himself practically nose to nose with John Dory, both of them panting like they'd just run a mile.
"You okay?" John quietly asked after a beat, grip still tight on Hickory as he stared up at him.
"Bit shaken up, but I think I'll be right as rain here right quick," Hickory murmured back, glad that the adrenaline of his near death experience and lack of breath were more than enough excuse for how dark his cheeks must be from their proximity. If he just moved his head ever so slightly, he could kiss John Dory right then and there.
"Good," John's voice shattered Hickory's momentary daydream, a short pat on his shoulder telling Hickory to move away. Which he did, taking a quick step back to give John space. "I think we're close to the top now. I'd definitely say we earned our lunch."
Hickory let out a little laugh, hoping it didn't come off as nervous or anxious. "Well, you certainly did," he said, following after John, "All I did was nearly fall down the hill."
"Yeah, but you didn't," John said, glancing briefly back at Hickory, "Doesn't that also deserve celebration?"
Hickory smiled to himself as he followed after John, mentally telling his heart to shut up as it did a little summersault in his chest at John's words.
They reached the summit of the hill rather quickly after that, not stopping until they knew they were on completely stable ground, neither wanting to risk a repeat incident.
"Here we go," John sighed as they reached the top, swinging his bag off his back, "This looks like a great spot to stop for a bit."
Hickory let out a little whistle as he also set his bag on the ground, turning in a small circle to take in the views. "It's a mighty nice spot, that's for certain," he hummed, only turning back to John when he heard the tell-tale click of his camera. He snorted a quiet laugh, arching an eyebrow at John as he pulled the photo from the camera and began to wave it in the air. "Whatcha got there?"
"Memories," John stated, a little smile curling his lips as the photo developed.
Hickory felt his heart skip a beat at the look on John's face, before he cleared his throat and stepped over to take a look at the snap shot. It was a bit of an odd angle, obviously taken hastily while Hickory had his back turned, but it was a nice photo all the same. The rolling hills and vast trails stretching out into the distance could be easily seen just past Hickory's shoulder.
"S'not a bad shot," the ex-bounty hunter hummed, reaching for the photo, only to find it disappearing into John's hair to join the previous one.
"Sure is," John said with a cheeky grin, before turning to start pulling a blanket and some food from his bag.
"Cheeky," Hickory laughed, joining John on the blanket once he had it all rolled out.
They ate in relative silence for a bit, simply enjoying each others company and the view, until the camera came back out of John's hair.
"I regret givin' that thing to ya," Hickory snorted after John snapped a photo of him while he was about to take a bite of his sandwich.
"You can't blame me for wanting to document your first camping trip," John said, sticking his tongue out at Hickory, who simply rolled his eyes and continued to eat, "It's a big deal, y'know. You're trying to start fresh, try new things, be a different troll from who you once were. Taking these baby steps, even just going on a camping trip for fun, it's a lot. You said it's something you've never done before, right? You should have something to remember it by."
Hickory stared at John for a long moment, a slow smile working its way across his face. "Why, that's real sweet of you, Johnny." His smile widened into a cheshire grin as as he watched John's cheeks darken at his comment.
"Shut up," John grunted, a smile betraying his grumpy tone as he flicked a small rock at Hickory, who easily dodged it with a laugh.
They finished up their meal while chatting amicably about the trail thus far, with John animatedly regaling Hickory with stories about the first time he came up this way, long before he'd had Rhonda. He admitted it was part of the reason he'd wanted to bring Hickory to this particular spot, as it held a certain amount of nostalgia for him, since it'd been one of the first spots he'd stopped while exploring the trails.
"Ya certainly do got a lot of good memories out here, dontcha?" Hickory hummed as they packed up their bags, a soft little smile on his face as he listened to John hum to himself while retying his bag shut.
"Sure do," John chirped, before pulling the camera from his hair again and walking over to Hickory.
"Aw, what now?" Hickory snorted, somewhat wary of the camera, now that he knew John was going to take every opportunity he could to snap unflattering photos of him.
"Nothing. Come here," John said, turning Hickory so his back was to the view. He opened his mouth to protest as John stole his cowboy hat and set it aside, only to snap it closed as John wrapped an arm around his shoulder and tugged him down into his shoulder. "There. Plenty of warning this time," John chuckled, cheek practically pressed to Hickory's, "Say 'cheese'!" He held the camera up and the flash went off. Hickory blinked to get ride of the afterimage, rubbing at his eye in mild irritation as John pulled the photo from the camera. "Nice," the teal troll hummed, a warm smile curling his lips. After a moment he offered it to Hickory. "You can have this one, if you want."
Hickory took the photo with mild suspicion, knowing full well the caliber of photo John had been taking thus far, only to be pleasantly surprised by what he saw. John was grinning widely in the photo, his arm blocking the lower left corner of the frame, while Hickory looked a little dazed, with a slightly crooked smile on his own face, and his cheek squished against John's. In the background over John's shoulder the spectacular view from the top of the hill could be seen, with the sunlight speckled across the trees at just the right angle.
Hickory was pulled from his admiration of the photo by John chuckling practically in his ear, just over his shoulder, pack already strapped to his back and bouncing on his toes. "You struck speechless by my excellent photography skills?"
"Somethin' like that," Hickory said with a quiet laugh, carefully tucking the photo into the inside pocket of his vest before scooping his hat up from where John had set it and slinging his pack over his shoulder. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
The trek down from the hilltop was far less perilous than the trip up had been. To Hickory's great disappointment, John did not take his hand again once they'd reached the bottom, and in what felt like no time at all, John lead them to what he declared would be their camp site. It was a rather sizeable clearing, with bushes and tall grass most of the way around it, with only two trails leading away from it, aside from the one they'd come down to reach it. John explained that one lead to a little lake they could go swimming in, while the other lead further into the Neverglades.
"Alright," John declared, dropping his pack onto the ground with a thump, "Did you bring a tent?"
Hickory flushed, setting his own bag down more gingerly. "'Fraid not. Not gonna lie, I thought we'd be stayin' with Rhonda," the country troll admitted, with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "But, it wouldn't be the first time I've slept under the stars, so I'll be just fine."
John scoffed, rolling his eyes as he began to unpack his bag, tossing tent pegs and ropes onto the ground in front of him. "Don't be ridiculous. My tent is plenty big enough for two. Besides, you never know what critter might come across camp in the middle of the night. A tent gives us at least a bit of cover."
"Ah," Hickory's brain froze for a moment, the idea of being tucked up close to John in a tent sending a little shiver down his spine. "Uh, yeah," he cleared his throat, ducking his head so the brim of his hat would hopefully hide the blush that was yet again creeping across his cheeks, "Yeah, that'd be right as rain."
"Good," John grunted, pulling folded up tent poles from his bag, "Well, since that's settled, how about you start setting up a spot for the fire while I put up the tent?"
"Sure thing," Hickory said with a quick nod, turning to wander around the camp site to pick up some stones to mark a space for a small fire pit. He paused and glanced up when he heard the soft, tell-tale sound of a pile of fabric hitting the ground, fully expecting John to have tossed the tent from his bag, ready to offer his help once again, only to bite his tongue at the realization that it was his jacket that John had tossed aside. The teal troll was busy setting up the tent poles, a little frown of concentration on his face while he worked, completely unaware of Hickory staring at him from across the clearing. "Sugar," Hickory breathed, jerking into motion quickly as John glanced at him from where he was working.
"Hey, how about, after this, we go for a swim."
"A swim?" Hickory echoed, tucking a rock into the small collection in his arm while turning to arch an eyebrow at John, only to nearly drop them all at being presented with John leaning against one of the erected tent poles, a little smirk on his face and sweat beading on his brow.
"Yeah! It's kinda humid today, and setting up this tent is making me sweaty. I think a pre-dinner swim would be nice, don't you?" John said with a little laugh, shoving himself off the pole to start gathering the fabric of the tent up from the ground. "Work up a bit of an appetite before we eat."
Hickory swallowed thickly as John tossed the fabric over the tent frame he'd set up, his brain taking a moment to catch up to what was being said to him. "Oh! Yeah! Yeah, that'd be a right fine idea," he agreed, shaking his head quickly to try and get his mind off of the sweaty, half naked troll across from him. "C'mon, Hickory. Get yer act together," he grumbled to himself, walking to a spot he thought would be good for the fire and dropping his collection of rocks.
"I think you might be too close to the tents."
"Sugar, honey an' iced tea!" Hickory exclaimed, whipping his head in John Dory's direction, who grinned sheepishly at him.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to catch you off guard. What's got your head in the clouds, anyway?" John asked, propping his hands on his hips and tilting his head at Hickory, reminding the country troll of a particularly adorable cuddle pup.
"Ah, y'know, just , uh, doin' a mental checklist. Tryin' to remember if I brought my swim gear," Hickory offered with an awkward little laugh. "Sorry. What were ya sayin'?"
"Even if you forgot yours, you can always borrow mine. I don't mind swimming in my regular shorts," John offered with an easy smile, "And I was just saying that I think where you're setting up the fire might be too close to the tents."
Hickory looked between where John had most of the tent set up, barring the tent pegs being hammered into the ground, and the pile of rocks he'd dropped on the ground to find that he was, indeed, just a bit too close. One good breeze in the wrong direction could carry embers onto the fabric. "Oh. Beggin' yer pardon," the country troll apologized quickly, bending to pick the rocks back up, "I really was too lost in my own head just then, wasn't I?"
"Hey, happens to the best of us," John laughed, shrugging a bit. "Just move it a bit over there," he gestured vaguely away from the tent, "And it should be fine. I think I saw a decently sized stick over there, too. We can move it into the clearing to sit on later, by the fire."
Hickory nodded, dropping his rocks where John had gestured. "This whole campin' for fun thing is turnin' out to be a lot like campin' for survival," he noted, arching an amused eyebrow at John who snorted and trotted back over to the tent.
"Set up is always a pain. Same with take down. But all of the in between is great," John shot Hickory a charming smile, completely unaware of how it made the ex-bunty hunters heart flutter, before crouching down to hammer in the tent pegs. "Just you wait!"
"Sounds like a plan," Hickory muttered, though he very much doubted he was heard over the sound of the hammer. Which was probably for the best, as he had to shake himself out of staring after the teal troll once again.
In relative short order, Hickory set up his little circle of rocks while John finished up with the tent pegs. He then shoved his way through the brush surrounding the clearing to see about gathering up some wood for the fire they would be building when they got back from swimming. He deposited his selection of twigs, sticks and bark next to his rock circle once he figured he had enough for the night, just as John finished tying off a large tarp above where he'd finished setting up the tent.
"Y'all set?" Hickory asked, trotting up to John as the teal troll wiped his brow with the back of his hand, dislodging his goggles so they sat askew on his head.
"I think so. We're looking pretty good!" John chirped, grinning up at Hickory.
"I'd say so," Hickory agreed easily with a quiet little laugh, reaching out to fix John's crooked goggles. John looked startled by the gesture, Hickory barely catching a glimpse of a dark flush creeping over John's cheeks before the teal troll turned away from him once his hands dropped away. He took a quick step back, watching as John swiftly moved across the campsite to dig into his bag. Intrigued by the reaction, Hickory made a mental note about it for later.
"Did you bring your trunks?" John's voice snapped Hickory back to reality.
"Pretty sure," Hickory hummed, shuffling over to his bag to dig into it and pull out his swim shorts.
"Great! Then get changed, and we'll head down to the water," John said, staring at Hickory expectantly.
Hickory stared right back, slowly arching an eyebrow at the teal troll. "You gonna stare at me the whole time I'm changin', or just for the first little bit?" He snorted quietly as John's face lit up as he turned on his heel to face away from Hickory. The ex-bounty hunter shook his head with a quiet laugh, setting his hat aside and quickly changing into his swim trunks. He then dug into his bag and pulled out the beach towel he'd packed, draping it over his shoulders as he cleared his throat. "All set. You gonna change, too?"
"Nah," John hummed, glancing at Hickory over his shoulder, though he did pull off his goggles and glove to toss them into the tent. "I'm just gonna go as is. These shorts are already sweaty and dirty, may as well sorta wash 'em by swimming with them on."
"All right," Hickory chuckled, stepping up next to John, "Lead the way, then."
And so John did, after grabbing his own towel from his belongings. The path down to the lake was relatively short and straight forward, but John seemed to take pride in leading Hickory around, so he diligently followed along with an indulgent smile on his face. The lake itself was relatively small, as John had already mentioned, but that didn't make it any less picturesque than the rest of the Neverglades had been thus far. The shores were soft slopes of jutting rock and densely packed dirt, surrounded by drooping trees with their branches and leaves barely grazing the water, causing little ripples every time the wind blew. Early evening sunlight was dappled across the surface of the lake, making it sparkle.
"My," Hickory breathed, almost feeling like he shouldn't be there. Like he was intruding on sacred ground.
"It's real pretty, isn't it?" John hummed quietly next to him, "Almost makes you not want to swim."
Hickory opened his mouth to agree with the sentiment, only to jump slightly as John let out a whoop of a shout while tossing his towel aside, before running towards the water. Hickory couldn't contain his laughter as John jumped from the shore as he reached the waters edge, canon balling into the lake with a large splash.
"Well, that's one way to do it, I s'pose," Hickory chuckled to himself, tossing his towel next to John's. He let out a shout of his own once John surfaced further out into the lake, running and tossing himself into the water with gusto. He surfaced to the sound of John's laughter, followed shortly by a splash of water to the face. "Hey now," he laughed, returning the splash blindly, figuring he'd hit his target based on the sound of John sputtering. He wiped water from his face and grinned at finding John coughing and blinking water from his eyes. "That's what ya get for tryin' a sneak attack," Hickory stated, self satisfied smirk on his face.
"I'll show you sneak attack," John grumbled to himself, before launching himself through the water at Hickory with a yell. Hickory let out a startled shout in response, flailing rather uselessly in the water before John tackled him around the chest and dragged him under the surface.
The two tussled in the water like that for some time, with John using any means necessary to try and catch Hickory off guard as they swam back and forth across the lake, waging war with sweeping splashes. Hickory finally called it quits when John tried to use a handful of slimy lake weeds to retaliate against Hickory for managing to dunk him underwater.
"All right, I'm think I'm done," the country troll sighed, pulling an especially long piece of weed from his hair and tossing it aside.
"Aww, but we haven't even been out here that long," John practically pouted, earning a fond smile form Hickory.
"Never said we had to go back. Just that I think the war is over," Hickory hummed, kicking his feet off the bottom of the lake to float on his back. He watched John continue to pout for a minute out of the corner of his eye, before the teal troll began to swim towards the shore. "Where are ya goin'?" he called, turning to tread water with a small frown on his face.
"If you're done," John called back, walking up onto the shore, running fingers through his water logged locks, "I'm gonna work on my canon balls."
Hickory was quite certain that John had no idea the kind of sight he made as he trotted along the lakeside, looking for a good spot to use as a pseudo-diving board. He kept absently running his fingers though his hair, which supplied a steady supply of water droplets that cascaded down over his torso, which Hickory had to fight with every fiber of his being not to watch as they made their way down to the ground. The country troll had never been so happy to be submerged in water as he was just then, letting himself sink so his nose was barely above the surface as he watched John Dory pause at a particularly large rock and nod to himself. The teal troll climbed up onto it and shot Hickory a winning grin once he was at the top, waving enthusiastically, before letting out a bellow and tossing himself into the water. He was completely, stupidly endearing and Hickory knew that if he didn't say something by the end of this trip, he might just go insane.
John continued his cycle of climbing out of the water and jumping enthusiastically back in for some time, Hickory not even noticing that the sun had began to set with how enraptured he was with watching. That was, until the teal troll finally scooped his towel up from the ground instead of running off to his chosen diving rock.
"Hey, it's getting late," John called out to him, gesturing that he should swim to shore, "We should probably go get started on the fire and make some dinner."
"Oh! Right. Dinner," Hickory muttered to himself, before he began to swim back to shore, shivering as he climbed out of the water and a cool breeze swept across the lake.
"C'mon. We'll get a nice big fire going, and get you toasty warm," John said with an easy smile, handing Hickory his towel.
Hickory bit his tongue to keep himself from saying something stupid like 'Or you could warm me up', and instead murmured a quiet thanks as he took his towel and rubbed at his sopping hair.
"I brought some classic camping food," John hummed as he began to lead the way back up to their campsite, Hickory hot on his heels, "Hotdogs to roast over the fire, and marshtatoes for later!"
"Sounds swell," Hickory said with a little nod, draping his towel over his shoulders as they reached the campsite. "By the by, where did ya say that stick was? The one we could use as a bench near the fire?"
"Right! We should move that first," John said as he snapped his fingers, and pointed towards a patch of grass near the tent.
Moving the stick was only a small struggle when they discovered it was actually much larger than they had anticipated, as part of it was buried in the dirt. Luckily, what Hickory lacked in tenting supplies, he made up for in random assorted other items that John, apparently, neglected to bring along. Such as a hatchet. He made rather quick work of hacking into the stick and cutting off the portion John had indicated would make good seating, and if he happened to flex a bit more than he normally would because he caught John watching out of the corner of his eye, well, who could blame him?
The two of them managed to drag the end of the stick over to the little circle of rocks without much trouble after that, and Hickory promptly dropped himself onto it once it was settled where John thought would be the best spot.
"Gonna need to go for another swim, after that," the ex-bounty hunter joked, kicking his feet out in front of himself as John crouched next to the rocks and began to set up the bits of bark Hickory had gathered.
"If there are enough glow flies in the area we can go for a night swim, if you want," John muttered, half distracted as he struck a match and lit the kindling he'd set up. Gently, he blew into the small pile of bark and twigs until the flames began to grow, a proud little smile on his face as he slowly fed twigs into it until it was large enough that he could put a couple of the larger sticks on. Once it seemed like he thought the fire wouldn't need to be babied further he stood with a pop of his knees and a crack of his back, a low groan leaving him as Hickory winced in sympathy.
"That sounded like it hurt," Hickory commented idly as John dropped onto the stick next to him with a grunt.
"Don't get old," John joked, laughing as Hickory shoved him lightly.
"I'll remind ya, since yer memory's apparently goin', that I'm only a few years younger than ya. Yer knees ain't the only ones that make noise when ya stand up," Hickory said as he rolled his eyes. "Anyhow, d'ya really reckon we could go swimmin' at night? Y'don't think that'd be dangerous, with all the critters roamin' around?"
John shrugged, watching the flames as their fire slowly grew. "I mean, I don't see why not. Like I said, there just needs to be enough glow flies so we can see. The stars out here are pretty bright, but it's better if there are glow flies. They're a really good, obvious, first alert system if something is close by."
"Cause they'll fly away," Hickory hummed with a nod, "Smart."
"Yeah. It's something my dad taught me, a long time ago," John sighed wistfully, leaning forward to prop his elbows on his knees, his gaze distant. Hickory took that as his queue to go and fetch the hotdogs from John's bag, as well as grabbing a couple of sticks from their little stash to spear the hotdogs with.
"Here," Hickory gently nudged John in the shoulder with his own, offering the teal troll one of the sharpened sticks as John visibly blinked himself back into reality.
"Oh! Thanks," John chuckled, gingerly taking the stick from Hickory, "Sorry. Sort of zoned out there. Didn't mean to get so lost in thought."
"It's alright," Hickory said with a small shrug, cutting open the package of hotdogs to spear one on the end of his stick, "Happens to the best of us. Mind if I ask what ya were thinkin' 'about?"
"Just family junk," John offered with a little shrug of his shoulders, taking a hotdog of his own and stabbing it a bit more violently than strictly necessary.
"I assume 'bout yer dad?"
John clicked his tongue, a wry little smile turning the corner of his lips. "Yeah. A bit. More about my brothers, though, I guess. I never did this with any of them," he gestured vaguely at their campsite. "I got to go camping once with my dad, and he taught me loads. But none of my brothers got to. And then things just sort of got crazy out of hand, and I never got to take any of them." He paused, sitting up and shooting Hickory an apologetic smile. "Sorry. This is supposed to be a fun trip, you don't need me babbling about family drama."
"I don't mind," Hickory reassured, gently resting his free hand on John's elbow, "Don't got much family, myself, aside from my older brother, an' that's a whole can a' worms on it's own…But, I don't mind hearin' 'bout other folks family. If ya need someone with a willin' ear, I'm always here."
John turned his head to look at Hickory, his gaze almost searching as his brow furrowed slightly. "That means a lot," he murmured, shifting so he could take the hand on his elbow into his own, entwining their fingers together. "I really…I really like talking to you, Hickory. I know we haven't known each other that long, but you mean a lot to me."
"You mean a lot to me, too, Johnny."
John seemed to think for a moment, watching Hickory intently, before he leaned down to prop his stick between two of the rocks around their fire. He then took Hickory's and did the same with it, before turning sideways on their make-shift bench and taking Hickory's hands in his own. He visibly swallowed, thumbs brushing the backs of Hickory's hands, which sent little shivers up the country's trolls spine.
"You okay, John?" Hickory asked, leaning forward slightly with a concerned frown.
"Can I kiss you?"
It was said so quietly Hickory thought, perhaps, he was hearing things. "Pardon?"
John flushed, his ears drooping slightly as he gave Hickory's hands a little squeeze. "Can I kiss you?" he repeated a little louder, gaze fixed on their hands. "I might've been reading you wrong, but I think…I think you want to kiss me, too? It's okay, if you don't. I won't be offended, and we can pretend this never happened, I just…" He lifted his gaze, letting out a little breath, "I really want to kiss you."
"John Dory," Hickory stated, tugging John's hands closer so the teal troll was forced to lean further towards him, "If ya don't kiss me right this instant, I will be madder than a wet hen."
"Can't have that," John chuckled, before tilting his head and pressing his lips to Hickory's.
It was like pop rocks were poured down Hickory's spine, little tingles igniting what felt like every nerve ending as John shifted closer on their little bench so he could kiss the country troll more deeply. Their hands parted from each other, only to slide into hair and cling to shoulders, earning little shivers and soft sighs each time their lips parted for a moment for air.
"C'mon," John breathed after a time that Hickory's mind could hardly fathom, though the world was distinctly darker than it was before he got lost in John's lips. John stood, a hand outstretched towards Hickory in offering.
Hickory took it without hesitation, letting John lead him to their tent, anticipation twisting in his gut, their dinner and plans of swimming long forgotten.
~
When Hickory woke the next morning, it was to a tent distinctly devoid of John Dory. Groggily, he rubbed at his face as he sat up and looked around, finding what he assumed was John's silhouette on the outside of the tent, puttering around their campsite. He grunted as he shoved away the blankets he'd gotten tangled up in during the night and somehow managed to locate his pants and belt, tugging them on quickly before he stumbled into the morning light.
"Good morning!" John's voice was chipper and loud, making Hickory cringe slightly as he finger combed his hair.
"Mornin'," the country troll drawled, squinting against the sun until he found his hat and tugged it on, letting out a contented little sigh. He turned to find John Dory hovering over the fire, poking at what appeared to be eggs cooking on top of a flat stone. "Yer up mighty early."
"Habit," John said with a shrug, "Once the sun is up, I'm up."
"Disgusting," Hickory snorted, earning a light laugh from John.
"Yeah, well, can't be helped," John hummed, grabbed a large leaf and scooping one of the eggs from the stone onto it with a knife. "Forgot to bring plates, so you're going to have to deal with eating off a leaf with your fingers."
Hickory took the leaf happily, trotting over to their stick bench and sitting down. "I think I can live with that."
"Good, 'cause there wasn't much in terms of other options," John snorted, taking up his own leaf and egg before knocking the flat rock off the fire and walking over to the stick to sit as well.
They ate their breakfast quietly, John staring off into the fire, while Hickory let his eyes drift shut, smiling slightly to himself as he let the early morning sounds of the forest wash over him. He felt peaceful and calm, a warm little ember in his chest growing steadily at the knowledge that the troll his heart chose to beat wildly for was sat next to him and felt the same. Or, so he assumed.
"Hickory," John's quiet but serious tone shattered the tranquility of the forest, and drew Hickory from his revere. He blinked and turned his gaze towards John, who was still staring intently into the fire.
"What is it?"
"About last night…"
Hickory frowned, his posture stiffening at the words John spoke. He had to force his fingers to not tremble around the leaf he held. "What about it?"
"It doesn't-…Look, I know I dragged you all the way out here, and I'm your only way home, so just in case," John rambled, speaking without taking a breath, "It doesn't have to mean anything. We don't…If you felt obligated, I'm sorry. We can pretend nothing happened and go home right now, if you want."
Hickory stared John down, absentmindedly crushing the leaf in his hands. "Ya think I'd feel obligated to sleep with ya, just because we're out in the woods?"
"I mean," John flushed, looking up at Hickory, anxiety clear as day on his face, "…maybe?"
"I would sooner stab any troll that tried somethin' that I didn't want, then go willingly off to their tent," Hickory practically growled, before taking a deep breath to try and calm himself down. He closed his eyes and counted to ten, listening as John shifted and squirmed on the stick next to him. "I ain't mad," he said after a beat, letting out another breath.
"You sound like it."
"Only 'cause you implied I was easy."
"Sorry."
Hickory opened his eyes, taking one last deep breath in, before turning his gaze to John once again, arching an eyebrow at finding the teal troll practically curled in on himself in his seat. "This been buggin' ya for a while?"
"I couldn't sleep," John admitted, and upon closer inspection Hickory could see the bags under John's eyes.
Hickory sighed quietly, letting his irritation slowly seep out of him. He reached out, his heart twisting as John flinched slightly at the movement. "I ain't gonna hurt you," he reassured, gently taking one of John's hands in his own, "I'd never hurt ya. John…I was so happy, last night, when ya said ya wanted to kiss me. I've been wantin' to do that for quite a while. Just didn't quite know how to go about sayin' anythin'. I like you, John Dory. A whole lot."
John's posture loosened as Hickory spoke, his hunched position straightening as he unconsciously leaned in towards the country troll. "Really?" he breathed, and Hickory could almost describe his expression as being starstruck.
"I don't have a tendency to say things I don't mean."
Hickory let a crooked little smile settle on his face as John slowly shifted closer to him, turning slightly so he could wrap both of his hands around Hickory's. "I'm so sorry. For thinking I'd taken advantage of you. For implying you would do anything you didn't feel comfortable with. I just thought that, if you didn't want it, or felt bad for me or something-"
Hickory cut him off with a snort of a laugh, shaking his head slightly. "Why on this green earth do you think I would feel bad for ya?"
John blinked, tilting his head slightly. "Uh…'cause I'm a washed up ex-boyband member with a laundry list of family trauma issues and no friends?"
"Who's also mighty handsome, talented, a skilled survivalist, and who seems to be completely blind to the admirers that watch 'im every time he goes to the market?"
"…You think I'm handsome?"
"Not the take away ya should be focusing on here, Johnny," Hickory snorted, rolling his eyes.
"Sorry. Go on."
Hickory chuckled, cupping John's cheek in his free hand. "You think pretty little of yerself, an' that's a real shame. I wish ya could see yerself the way I do."
"And how's that?"
"Like a shootin' star in the night sky. So beautiful an' bright, but burnin' out so fast most folks can't appreciate ya for yer true magnificence," Hickory hummed, enjoying the way John's cheeks darkened, just before he gently tugged the teal troll into a kiss.
They parted with a quiet gasp between the two of them, John looking a bit dazed.
"So…you're my boyfriend now, right?" John asked bluntly after a beat, earning a surprised burst of laughter from Hickory.
"You bet yer bottom dollar, playboy."
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corpsebasil · 11 months
Text
The Summer I Loved You -> E.L. 🐚🍸🪝
Summary: you’re spending time with your friends for the end of the summer before senior year, and your childhood best friend is catching your eye more than you’d like him to
Part 1!
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The sun was burning hot as you walked across the beach, the sand baking the soles of your feet and crackling with tiny shells. Tara, rambling about her latest date with a guy named Mark, passed you the Yeti cup filled with rosé so you could take a lofty sip.
A wine walk, she called it. Which is the only feasible excuse you could think of as to why the both of you were guzzling down a jumbo bottle of wine at noon, the hot Sun making you feel slightly nauseated. Or maybe, to your chagrin, the reason your stomach was turning was because of the two boys you saw up ahead.
Chads Meeks-Martin, your college roommate of three years, and your childhood best friend, Ethan Landry. Chad had a cute girl with platinum streaks in her hair tossed over his shoulder, spinning her around as she screamed with laughter. Her girlfriend, and Chad’s sister, watched in amusement. As Tara and you approached Ethan turned first, his brown curls made wilder by the salt-infused air, his toned arms tanned and bigger than they’d been when you’d seen him two months before.
The five of you would be spending two weeks in Charleston, staying at Anika’s family beach house for a last minute summer vacation before senior year of college. You’d been excited; you hadn’t seen any of them besides Tara, Chad, and Mindy since the end of the semester and, even if you shouldn’t, even if it was ridiculous, you’d missed Ethan more than anyone.
“Y/N,” he greeted, jogging over with a smile you’d known since you were kids. He nodded to Tara, sparing her a quick ‘hey’ before he tugged you into a hug, arms lifting you an inch off the sandy ground. Despite yourself you hugged him tight around the neck, your stomach twisting further at the scent of his cologne mixed with the coconut scent of Mindy’s sunscreen. “when did you guys get here? I thought you’d be here like an hour ago.”
“Tara wanted wine first.” You said, smiling sheepishly as he set you down, eyebrows raised.
You passed him the Yeti as Tara darted off to greet the other three of your friends, and he took a sip. Then he let out a long-suffering sigh, tossing those puppy-eyes of his onto your face.
“I missed you.” He said, passing the cup back as he slung an arm around your shoulders. “Mom’s been on my ass about Senior year. Internships and jobs and all that.” His expression pinched, a hint of stress tugging the corners of his mouth down. “Can you tell her to go easy on me? You’re her favorite.”
“You’re her son.”
“A biological technicality, Y/N.” His hand looped further around your shoulders to hook onto the necklace you wore, a thin chain with a small golden heart. His expression relaxed as he touched a finger to the charm. “I’m surprised you kept this.”
Your face tinged with a hint of pink and you ducked out of his grip.
“Why?” You asked, adjusting the necklace. “It was a gift.”
“Yeah, but—”
“Y/N!” Chad yelled, dashing over to scoop you up the same way he had Anika, yanking you away from Ethan and the topic of the necklace he’d purchased you. “My girl!”
You protested in vain, unable to stop a laugh from leaving you. Chad was one of your closest friends—had been since you’d been stuck together freshmen year—and it was no secret that he’d hit on you once or twice. You’d even matched at a Halloween party sophomore year, he as a shirtless (and stupidly hot) cowboy, you as a sheriff.
The two of you had inside jokes, fought over who did what chores, cooked meals together, and occasionally yelled at each other when he stayed for way too long in the bathroom or you took an everything shower.
But Ethan..
Ethan was your friend since childhood.
Ethan was the one who you called when you were upset, or tired, or bored.
Ethan had been drunk when he’d shown up to you and Chad’s shared apartment months ago, your roommate somewhere else for the night. Ethan had pounded on the door for five minutes straight while you were in the shower, his eyes red when you finally opened up the door. He was tired, he said, he couldn’t sleep, midterms were coming up and he needed you, needed to sleep on your bed. So you’d let him inside, let him collapse under your sheets, let him steal back the oversized shirt he’d left—just in case—inside your bottom drawer.
And when he’d given you the necklace he’d kept shoved in his pocket, moments before passing out, saying he’d bought it for your birthday months before but had been too chicken-shit to hand it over, you’d felt a pull to him that you’d been suppressing since you’d been a kid.
Now though, as you glanced up, eyes locking with Ethan’s, you felt a twinge in your gut as his smile faltered, his focus moving from you to Chad. You smacked your roommate’s back lightly so he’d let you down, your feet crashing back onto hot sand as you righted yourself.
“We’re barbecuing later, and then there’s a party on the beach, and then..” Chad talked as you walked, leading you towards Tara and the others, Ethan trailing behind a step.
When you glanced back he was looking at some point in the distance, seemingly deep in thought. So you hung back, shooing Chad onwards as you fell into step with Ethan, his tiny glance at you making your skin hum. He didn’t even have to say anything—his look towards Chad had ‘your roommate is obnoxious’ written all over it, and you suppressed a laugh.
“Be nice.” You whispered. It was no secret that Ethan’d never been a huge fan of Chad, though you weren’t sure why.
“I am nice. I’m so nice.”
“Surrrre.” You grinned and he bumped a shoulder against yours, tan skin brushing the untouched version of yours that would soon be just as dark. “We’ll have You and Me time, later. Don’t worry.” You said, referring to what he’d started coining as the moments the both of you would sneak off whenever his social battery inevitably drained.
“I need it.” He sighed, his head tilting, a small smile playing on his mouth, and damn you if the sight of his eyes on yours wasn’t the most gorgeous thing you’d seen all summer. But he was Ethan. And that wasn’t something you should be thinking about.
So when his fingers laced through yours, tugging you a bit quicker towards the others, snippets of their conversation coming into focus, you reminded yourself that it meant nothing.
Even if he meant everything.
-
IM MAKING THIS A MINI SERIES
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rafefar · 1 year
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Magnificent Three Sisters Wilderness
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vintagecamping · 2 years
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Three hikers in the Three Sisters Wilderness
Willamette National Forest, Oregon
1957
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wandabear · 10 months
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WISH YOU WERE HERE - WANDA MAXIMOFF X FEMALE READER
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Summary: 17 years ago, a New Jersey high school girls’ soccer team travels to Seattle for a national tournament. While flying over Canada, their plane crashes deep in the wilderness, and the surviving team members are left stranded for nineteen months. Based on Yellowjackets
Jules is portrayed by Adelaide Kane. Here.
Author's Notes: A little advice? Please, listen to 'Lighting crashes' when you start 'NOW'.
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Warnings: death, angst, fluff. This is the finale.
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CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN FINALE
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ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤCHAPTER EIGHT
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BEFORE
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The following months were as hard as they expected. Surviving became harder and painful, especially for their spirits. The girls could barely move in that cabin that was surrounded by snow.
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Despite the care of his sister and friends, Pietro's pneumonia ended his life after fighting for weeks.
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Desolation was all Wanda knew for a long time, but thanks to the support of Y/N and the girls, she was able to move on as the months went by. Guilt choked her for a long time until she realized it was beyond what she could do. The death of her twin brother hurt Wanda in the depths of her heart. Soon they will die too.
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But the one who didn't seem to find peace was Y/N; inside her, the guilt grew more and more. Pietro died to save her, and now she was there. Leading a group of hopeless girls trying to survive another day, and in the only way they could.
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Finally the snow disappears, allowing them to bloom with spring, revitalizing their spirits. Of course, that didn't mean they were going to be saved, they had all lost that hope a long time ago. They were just a bunch of girls when before they were a huge team.
But when they least expected it, one day, a small plane flew over that lake, noticing the signals they sent. They all screamed and made as much noise as possible to be seen until Y/N fired the flare with a look full of hope.
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They will return home.
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“The investigation into the cause of the accident remains preliminary.” One of the journalists commented live along with many more outside the New Jersey airport room. “The crash site was over 600 miles north.”
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But before the journalist could continue, the doors opened and some hooded girls left there to go to the truck parked outside. The policemen tried to shield them from the journalists who charged at them like wild beasts thirsty for blood. 
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“Here they come!” One of the reporters yelled. “Let's go!”
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The reporters were clamoring for answers, the camera's shutters clicking every second; the despair on the faces of those girls. Wanda's green eyes widened, completely terrified. Taking care of her, Y/N and Natasha took and tried to get their friends out of that place.
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“Can you tell us anything?” One of them was trying to get the mic closer to Jules, but Natasha just pushed him. “Natasha, what happened?!”
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“Y/N, Who survived?!”
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “How did you survive the cold?” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “Wanda! Where’s your brother?!”
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“How'd you survive for so long?”
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“What happened to the rest?”
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“Tell us something... anything!”
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All those questions haunted them all the way to the police station. Some cried with happiness while others were simply anxious to see their families again.
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The first to arrive were Wanda's parents, who hugged the brunette with so much love and support. Between tears and various affectionate words, they celebrated her return but also mourned the loss of Pietro. Oleg said that they could talk about it later, that the important thing now was to go home.
Everyone's parents came for them, including Natasha and Alexei, the big man ran up and hugged Nat and Yelena like a huge protective bear.
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Everyone was again surrounded by their loved ones, except Y/N and Jules who called home several times but no one came. Auntie Claire never left the house alone unless she was working.
The black-haired girl hung up the public phone and walked towards Y/N in that police station.
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“I tried it like six times.” Jules sighed and sat down next to Y/N, who was looking worriedly towards the door. Why was her aunt taking so long?
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“Me too, I called Claire and mom's house but got nothing.” Y/N sighed and slumped back in the seat. She looked around, noticing how Nat and her parents were approaching them.
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“Hello, girls. We were thinking… Do you want us to take you home?” Alexei offered with a warm look. Melina nodded quickly, delighted with the idea. They always adored those two, they were an odd couple but really good people.
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“Umh… we're actually hoping that-” Jules tried to say but then swallowed hard. “Actually, I would like to know… my mother is not answering the phone. Did mom say that she would come later or something?”
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At that moment, the Maximoffs, who were also nearby, approached standing on one side of the Romanoff’s.
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“Everything's okay?” Oleg asked curiously, noticing how the girls were getting more and more nervous.
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“Mr. Maximoff… My aunt isn't answering the phone. Do you know if she will come?” Y/N stood up, looking at the man with concern.  “I was thinking maybe you knew because you’re neighbors.”
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“Oh, sweetie.” Mrs. Maximoff said with sadness, as did Natasha's parents. “Has no one told you?”
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“You don't know yet?” Melina murmured worriedly.
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“Tell us what?” Jules asked, raising an eyebrow, fearing the worst. “Please, tell us what?”
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“Oh, girls.” Melina placed a hand on both of their shoulders and sighed.  “I think you'd better come with us, okay?”
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“I would like to stay, I don't want my mom to come and not see us here. She will freak out.” Jules said quickly, taking a step back. Of course, she could tell that they had some bad news to give them and she was completely refusing to receive it.
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“Mama... What's wrong?” Natasha frowned, standing next to them.
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“Sweetie…” Melina started and then looked around the other parents, getting their approval. They deserved to understand why Claire hadn't arrived.  They deserved the truth, maybe not in that way, but the girls didn't seem to accept leaving without an answer.  “Claire had a heart attack some time ago.”
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“She died.” Iryna took courage when saying those words, feeling a deep sadness when she saw how tears formed in the eyes of those girls. “She had a heart attack when the plane crash happened. I’m so sorry.”
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Shaking her head, tears running down her cheeks, Y/N was not willing to hear that. Of course she wasn't going to accept it.
She wasn’t going to accept the death of the person who cared for her all her fucking life, after having seen suffering and death in the Canadian taiga.
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“That's not true, she wouldn't leave us.” Y/N narrowed her eyes, taking a more defensive position due to the pain. Like a wounded animal.
Y/N just hugged Jules, who just started crying uncontrollably.
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 Feeling enormously sorry for them, their friends tried to comfort them and the adults just decided to give them the necessary space for it.
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“You can come with us if you want.” Alexei offered them, hugging Y/N and Jules for some time. Claire and Melina had always been good friends, that's how she met Nat.
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“I- I don’t know.” Jules stammered through tears, she couldn't even speak. “I just want to know what happened. I just want my mom, I wanna go home-”
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“Please, at least for tonight. Come with us, okay?” Melina asked both of them, taking their hands.
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“You know that you count on us for whatever you need.” Iryna, Wanda's mother, offered with immense tenderness. Wanda nodded quickly.
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After a moment, Jules nodded and took a step forward, realizing that her mother wasn't coming. Her mom passed away a long time ago and she just wanted to know why.
But unlike Jules, Y/N couldn't just leave it like that. The pain inside began to consume her, the rage and the anger that she felt against this world so difficult and destructive. How is it possible? After suffering so much. This was messed up.
Y/N clenched her fists tightly.
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“Y/N?” Wanda noticed the tension in her girlfriend and approached her, taking Y/N’s fist in her hands. She didn't care that her parents saw it, Wanda loved that girl with all her heart. “Please, come with us.”
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Green eyes looked at Y/N's, and even though that connection was still there, something was broken in Y/N. And she knew something was off.
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“I just-” Unable to speak of what she felt or accept it, Y/N swallowed and moved away from her, letting go of the brunette's hand. “I have to get out of here.”
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Y/N took a few steps back, ready to escape.
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“I’m coming with you.” Wanda followed her steps but Y/N got in the way, shaking her head.
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“No.” She said quickly, noticing the disappointment in her girlfriend's eyes. And yet, despite that, Y/N decided to swallow hard and move on. “Stay with your family.”
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She couldn't deal with all of this right now, she needed to find some way to escape. “Just… stay.”
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Y/N walked away leaving the sokovian behind. Leaving the police station, not knowing where to go, she just started walking without a destination. Not knowing that that moment would be a terrible break in her life, and in the lives of those who loved her.
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NOW
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Lightning Crashes
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The hospital doors opened, letting in a desperate woman looking for answers. Her eyes showed the uncertainty and desolation she felt. The place was full of injured people, apparently there was a pretty serious accident nearby. Wanda came after her, trying to keep up.
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“Excuse me? Excuse me!” y/n approached the receptionist, who seemed to be quite busy with all the cases coming in.  “I’m looking for Julia Y/L/N. She works here, she's a doctor.”
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“Excuse me, right now I can't-” The receptionist muttered trying to help many people at once, Y/N was about to lose her mind when a familiar voice made them turn around.
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“Y/N? Come with me.” When she turned around, Y/N sighed, finally seeing a familiar face. Christine, one of Jules's coworkers in the hospital, took her arm and led them to another room.
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Y/N quickened the step, noticing the woman's hurry. “Christine, what's going on? They called me saying I should come-”
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“I know.” Christine stopped when they got out of the operating room.  Wanda frowned, this was not a delivery room. It was the damn operating room.  “We don’t have time so… Look, I shouldn't be telling you this, but I feel like I have to because she's my co-worker and a  good friend, and I owe her so much.”
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Christine swallowed hard, trying to be strong. In a job like this, she had often been the bearer of bad news but she had never had a case so close to her.
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“As you can see, there was a chain reaction crash, we have many injured.” The redhead took a cap and disposable scrub and handed it to her. “Jules and Natasha were there, a van crashed into their car when they were coming here because her water broke two hours ago.”
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Wanda covered her mouth, terrified. But full of innocence, Y/N nodded and looked around her. “Okay, where are they?”
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“Y/N…” Wanda reached out to take her hand.
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Christine cleared her throat, trying to be professional and not shed a tear. “Natasha... she died instantly.”
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Her face paled. Wanda just tried to sit in the nearest chair, feeling horrible dizziness.
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“What? No.” Shocked, it’s all Y/N could say. Tears filled her eyes. “No, that’s not possible. She's fine. She's going to be fine!”
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“I know you're in shock right now and it hurts, but I need you to pay attention to what I'm going to tell you.” Christine put a hand on her shoulder. “Julia is injured, a piece of metal went through her shoulder, and she needs you to be present at the birth.” She sighed. “She doesn't want general anesthesia, so... please put this on and come with me.”
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But Y/N just stood there, not knowing what to do. Her face pale, the ringing in the ears again.  “I- I don’t know how to do it.”
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“You're the only family she has right now. She needs you, she doesn't know that Natasha died.” Christine persisted, hoping Y/N would do it.  “She’s having the baby, you must give her strength to stay with us. Okay?”
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Wanda approached and hugged her for a moment, showing her that she was not alone.  “You can handle this, detka.”
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Y/N just nodded quickly, like an innocent child without understanding anything that was happening around her. She put on those clothes and entered the room with Christine.
Swallowing, Y/N blinked as the lights from the operating room blinded her for a second. Several doctors were around Jules, who was already in labor.
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“You're dilated enough now, this baby is coming right now.” One of the doctors said.
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“I know, I can fucking feel it!” Jules grunted and narrowed her eyes, the pain was too much. Sweat and tears poured down her face, a bit bruised, but nothing serious for now.
Seeing Jules like that, Y/N left that state of shock to walk towards her and take her hand.  “Hey, sis… are you ready to bring the little bee into this world?” ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
Jules smiled a bit exhausted, squeezing Y/N’s hand gently.  “Hey you… I'm ready to kill Strange when I get out of here.”
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“Now, push!”
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“Push, Jules.” Y/N looked at her and nodded, giving her all the strength she needed. Jules took a deep breath, then pushed hard, squeezing her sister's hand. The pain is exponentially intolerable.
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“Oh my god!”  She screamed.  Her jaw tensed as did every muscle in her body.  ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
“It's going great, it's almost ready... Now it’s going to be harder, but we need it, okay? Push!”
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Y/N stayed by her side every moment, smiling, crying, saying the most beautiful words of support.
Felt her hand about to break many times but she didn't care, feeling the pain as an ally to endure the moment.
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“You’re so brave, you know? This is really beautiful, Jules.” Y/N smiled tenderly and whispered in her ear. “You're doing great, I'm so proud of you. You’re going to be such a good mom.”
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The raven-haired girl nodded and took a deep breath, knowing she had to push again, but before reason came to her.
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You're going to be such a good mom.
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“Y/N?” Eyes brimming with tears, Jules turned to look her in the eye. “Where's Natasha?”
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Y/N didn't know what to say, just swallowed and cradled Jules's hand in hers, she didn't know anything. No one told her anything so that her condition wouldn't worsen, but how could Y/N hide something like that from her sister?
The heartbreaking silence caught them again like a wild beast. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
“Y/N… Please tell me, where is Nat?” Jules pleaded with a shaky voice. This time, tears of sadness began to fall down her face.
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Y/N sniffled. “She… Natasha did not survive the crash. I'm sorry.”
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Jules brown eyes only expressed deep, heartbreaking sadness.
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“No… God, no… She can't be dead, I still feel her here.” Jules begged and placed a hand on her chest; they both began to cry together before the loss. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
The loss of a best friend and of a soulmate. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
“PUSH!” The doctor's requests became more and more insistent, they were the last pushes.
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In a scream of pure pain, physical and especially emotional, the woman screamed, pushing harder than ever. Screamed because of the helplessness she felt, she screamed because of the injustice, she screamed because of her broken heart.
A heart that was beating wildly.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ “I'm here with you, okay? You will never be alone. I love you.” Y/N reminded her over and over again, closing her eyes and giving Jules all the support in the world in that last push.
And after that, a hopeful cry made them both look at the doctor, who soon handed the little baby over to the nurse. After wrapping it in a blanket, Christine walked over to show the baby to them.
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“It's a beautiful girl.” Christine said tenderly seeing how Jules smiled completely in love, excited, destroyed. That beautiful, reddish baby who moved her hands desperately seeking connection.
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“Look at her… You’re a mom now.” Y/N smiled and kissed her sister's forehead, watching her niece with enormous tenderness.  “Baby bumblebee is a girl, look at her.”
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“She’s beautiful… kinda looking like a red potato tho.”  Jules laughed and leaned down to kiss her little girl's forehead gently. Jules closed her brown eyes for a moment, holding the baby against her chest so she could say some last words to her. That was it, all she needed.
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In soft whispers, she said the most beautiful things and the most beautiful promises that Y/N could have heard. And Y/N knew at that moment that this baby would never suffer the same that she suffered with her own mother.
Looking at that tiny adorably newborn, who now had their hearts forever.
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“Y/N…” Jules barely whispered, feeling her muscles begin to lose strength. That was the sad cue to give the little one to Y/N to hold. “You have to take care of her…”
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“Sure I will. With you, with Wanda and Yelena... We will all do it together.” Y/N held the little girl in her arms and nodded. She didn't even know how to hold a baby, but she tried.  It was such a small thing in her hands, how was it possible?
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Jules swallowed and blinked rapidly, reaching out to take Y/N's arm. Her breathing seemed somewhat agitated, quite abnormal.  “Y/N, look at me, promise me you'll take care of her.”
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“I promise. I swear.” Y/N nodded, not quite understanding what it meant.
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Smiling sadly but lovingly, Jules raised her hand to caress her sister's face.  “You know I love you with all my heart, right? There’s no better person than you to do this… I'll be forever grateful.”
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“Do what? What are you talking about?” Y/N frowned.
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“Tell my little girl that we love her, okay? Always remind her of that. Her moms will always take care of her.” The woman sighed, her eyes closing but she fought with all her might to stay awake for a few more seconds. Please, God, just a few more seconds.
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Shaking her head, Y/N approached her sister.  “You will tell her, okay? Just stay awake.”
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A screeching beep made Y/N jump, the little girl in her arms began to cry.  ㅤㅤㅤ
“Jules, what's going on?” She tried to keep Jules awake, but the paleness on her face worried her even more. “CHRISTINE, WHAT’S WRONG?”
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“She's losing a lot of blood!” Christine hurried over so she could see what was happening. Sure enough, blood loss from childbirth was to blame.
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“I'm feeling a little tired.” Jules muttered tiredly.  “Remember you promised.”
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“Please, don’t… don’t do this.” Y/N took her hand and began to cry, begging her to stay by her side. “Please, she needs you. I need you… You are all I have left. You're the only family I have left!” Y/N pleaded, sobbing.
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“I love you, Y/N/N. I'll always be with you.” She smiled at her one last time, finally allowing herself to rest.
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Crying inconsolably, Y/N felt fear, anguish and desolation destroying her.
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“She’s coding!”
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One of the nurses came over to take the baby away, telling Y/N  that they should take her out now.
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“Where are they taking the baby? No, tell me! where is she going?” Y/N screamed in despair.
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Y/N put their hands to their head, completely overwhelmed by everything that is happening around her. The sounds, the screams, the crying.
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“No, no, no.” Y/N repeated over and over again, moving closer to Jules to try to wake her up, cup her face and talk to her.
One of the nurses reached out to pull Y/N away from her, but the woman struggled to hold on to her sister's body. It took three nurses to get her away from Jules, allowing them to start the defibrillator.
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“One, two.” Christine ordered before placing the paddles on Julia's chest. “One, two.”
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Y/N screamed inconsolably, seeing how they tried to save her sister's life but after several attempts, they only found that her heartbeat was no longer heard.
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“Come on, Julia! Stay with us!” Christine asked, trying many more times.
ㅤㅤㅤ But after a few minutes, they stopped. She was gone.
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“Fuck!” The doctor tossed the paddles aside, completely heartbroken.
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Lightning crashes, a new mother dies.
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But the one who was heartbroken was Y/N, watching her sister's body, taking slow steps towards her. But far from seeing that tender look, that adorable smile, she found just a pale and abandoned body.
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“Jules?”  Y/N whimpered like a little girl, reaching out to take her hand. “Jules, no, please. Don’t leave me, please.”
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She allowed herself to stay by Jules' side for a while, venting all her pain.
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“Time of death?”
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“04:30 AM”
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Feeling like it was all a huge sadistic joke on the fucking universe. Auntie Claire was gone, but she still had Jules. A beautiful part of her aunt had remained in her.
Now Jules was gone, and all that remained of her was this little girl.
Completely numb, she left that room with a lost look. What had to be done now? Where to go? Y/N walked slowly down the hall, until Wanda finally saw her.
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“Detka? What is it?” The sokovian asked desperately. Those red eyes showed that she had been crying for a long time over the loss of Natasha. “Is Jules okay? Are they both okay?”
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Still looking blank, Y/N murmured: “She died.”
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“What? No!” Wanda shook her head, she couldn't believe all this.
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“She died after giving birth.” Y/N swallowed. “I'm so sorry.”
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“Oh my god.” Wanda burst into tears, holding on to the wall for a moment. “a-and the baby?”
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“It’s a girl. She’s at the baby nursery now.” Finally coming out of her shock at seeing Wanda suffer like that, she went over to hug her. So tightly, allowing both of them to cry together.  “What the hell is going on?”
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The hours passed, Y/N looked down, seeing her black coffee that she was holding in her hands. Wanda was on the phone with Yelena and Natasha's parents to explain the situation to them. Of course it was one of the most difficult moments of her life.
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“They’re going to fly from Ohio, going to the airport now.”  Wanda sighed, walking over and putting her phone in her pocket. “Yelena was really pissed off, but I heard that Alexei was devastated. Melina too.”
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Gently, she took her girlfriend's arm and rested her head on Y/N’s shoulder.
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“I'm sorry you have to go through all this.” Y/N murmured, drinking that coffee that didn't even seem to save her this time.
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“You don't have to be sorry, they were my friends too. Our friends, our sisters.” Wanda sighed. “I love you, and I will always be by your side. I'll support you in everything.”
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Y/N tilted her head to see Wanda and confirmed once more that this woman was the love of her life. That she had always been by her side, and she always would be.
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“It's all so unfair, you know? How is it possible?” Y/N swallowed hard so she wouldn't sob again. “How is it possible that we survived so much to end up like this?! Is this karma for what we did?”
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“No, detka. Of course not.” Wanda cooed, hugging her.
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A few minutes later, one of the nurses came out of the door and invited them inside. After agreeing to sign some papers and follow some steps, they approached the nursery ward, looking through that huge window at the adorable babies in their cribs.
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Y/N looked for the little girl somewhat worried, what if she wasn't there? Fear washed over her until she was finally able to recognize her, not far from them.
Wanda smiled as soon as she saw her.
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“She’s a beautiful baby.” The nurse smiled, showing them the test results. Everything was okay, the baby girl was healthy. “What's the little girl's name?”
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That question clearly affected Y/N deeply, she justtried not to get emotional again. Those eyes were tired from crying.
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“They wanted to keep it as a surprise.” Wanda answered for her girlfriend, squeezing her arm in support.  “They didn't get to tell us.”
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The nurse nodded sadly and was about to leave until Y/N spoke.
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“Natalia.” Y/N whispered. “Because… because their names were  Natasha and Julia… and… i-if you mix the names… I think Natalia sums it up pretty well.”
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The nurse nodded, wrote down that name so she could put it on the bracelet that the baby would wear for the rest of the night. Natalia Romanoff Y/L/N.
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“Is it stupid?” Y/N whispered to Wanda, who just shook her head. “Do you think they would like it?”
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“It’s a beautiful name, detka.” The brunette kissed her cheek. “Do you know what it means?”
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Y/N just shook her head, trying not to pout.
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“It means ‘natale domini’, christmas day. A sweet name like Natalia will always remind her how loved she is, they'll love it.” Wanda hugged Y/N's, both watching that adorable baby. The nurse took Natalia in her arms and brought her closer so they could see her.
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Oh, she was adorable even yawning.
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“I don't know how to do this.” Y/N confessed quietly, completely terrified but ready to face that huge monster called fear.
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And by her side, Y/N had the most important woman in the world. Wanda looked at her with those green eyes full of love, swearing her loyalty forever. “I will help you, detka, everything will be fine. You can do this.”
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Desperate and tired, Y/N moved from one side to the other holding that baby of barely eight weeks. She spent nights without being able to sleep well, completely in despair.
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“Please, Natalia. Stop crying.” Y/N begged, squeezing her eyes shut to keep from exploding. Little Natalia had been crying for a long time and nothing seemed to calm her down. Y/N was holding a bottle with the infant formula that the doctor recommended.
Y/N gently left the baby in the crib next to her favorite bear, but nothing happened. Natalia kept screaming even more, as if she was daring her lungs to explode.
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“You don't want to eat, your diaper is clean! What the hell do you want?!” Y/N yelled so tiredly, but after a few seconds she started crying next to the baby. “What do you want from me?! I miss and need them too!” Y/N sobbed.They both shared that moment of pain.
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Auntie Claire was gone. Jules was gone. Natasha was gone.
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Now there was only that little baby left, that adorable little thing next to her and it wasn’t her fault for coming into a desolate world.
She was all Y/N had left of the people she loved the most. How not to be patient with that little bee? It wasn't her fault, and it wasn't Y/N's either.
She allowed herself to cry for a moment and then wiped away her tears, taking Natalia in her arms again. “Now it's just the two of us, okay? They screwed us like that, we have to deal with it.”
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Y/N sighed.
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“Okay, let’s try something new…” Y/N walked to the window, looking around with the baby in her arms. She got a nice apartment some months ago. “Your grandma Claire used to sing this… she was such a fan, and your mama loved it too.”
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“I hear your voice. It's like an angel sighin'. I have no choice, I hear your voice… feels like flying. I close my eyes, Oh God, I think I'm fallin'...” She sang softly, like a lullaby. “Like a child, you whisper softly to me. You're in control, just like a child now I'm dancing.” 
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Incredibly, the little girl began to calm down little by little. That heartbreaking cry now turned into A curious look, those little hands trying to catch Y/N's face.
Y/N smiled seeing this great progress, encouraging herself to move a little like a little dance. “It's like a dream… No end and no beginning. You're here with me, Natalia, it's like a dream… cause when you call my name, it's like a little prayer.”
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“Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone. I hear you call my name and it feels like home.” Natalia moved her hands excitedly, watching every movement of Y/N's lips, even gurgling.
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“That’s it. You liked it, didn't you?” Finally achieving the first bond with the baby, Y/N let out a small laugh of happiness between tears. “I love you, Natalia… I will take care of you forever, even if I have to give my life for you.”
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She kissed Nat’s forehead and continued rocking her for a while, noticing that now the girl was no longer trying to let go. She just relaxed in those soft arms, beginning to fall asleep until someone knocked on the door.
Y/N walked towards the door, meeting a worried Wanda on the other side.
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“I read your message, I came as soon as the twins left with Vision.” The brunette approached to kiss her then watched little Nat gurgling.  “Everything's okay? What is it?”
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“That’s from the past, now we are at peace.” Y/N smiled and took the bottle to see if Natalia wanted to try it. After a few seconds, the little girl accepted.  “She was crying and I didn't understand what she wanted.”
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“I'm proud, Y/N.” Wanda smiled tenderly. She took off her jacket and walked Y/N to her bedroom.
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“Can you stay with me?” Y/N begged with cute eyes and an adorable pout. “With us?”
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Biting her lower lip, watching the love of her life rocking that baby slowly, Wanda just nodded, feeling a strange sensation of familiarity and peace inside her.  “Of course, my love.”
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Fifteen minutes later, they were both lying on the bed, watching as Natalia drank her bottle happily cuddling between them. ㅤㅤㅤ
"We've been waiting for you, now you are here. More perfect than I imagined, our house is now a nest. No matter where you go, sunlight shines on you.’
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Surprising Y/N with her beautiful voice, Wanda smiled seeing that Natalia closed her cute eyes and relaxed with that lullaby, letting go of the bottle.
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“That was beautiful.” Y/N whispered, lost in the beauty of her beloved.ㅤㅤ Wanda smiled tenderly. “You are.”
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Wanda gently leaned in to give her a short kiss, trying not to disturb the little girl.
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“So… How about we get a boat?” Y/N joked. Vision deposited the money into her bank account the day before, so everything was fine between them for now.  “Mmm… no… College fund, right?”
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Wanda bit her lips, trying not to laugh.  “Yes, college fund… And pay our bills.”
ㅤㅤㅤ “And put a down payment on a boat.” Y/N teased again, settling between the huge pillows. Wanda did the same, taking Y/N’s hand.
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“We’re not getting a boat.” The sokovian whispered, closing her eyes a bit tired.
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“But they're fun.”
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“They're expensive.”
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“You’re right.” Y/N grimaced and closed her eyes as well, feeling the exhaustion in her body overcome her little by little. 
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“College fund, pay our bills and some nice vacation on a beach.” Wanda smiled tenderly when she saw how Natalia was completely sleepy.  “There's gotta be some fun in our lives.”
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“I like that.” Y/N smiled sleepily. “I love you…”
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Watching that adorable moment in front of her, Wanda knew that the answer to the question she was asking herself for a long time had already been answered.
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“I love you too, detka.”
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But maybe it was time to go further. And although Y/N didn't know it, Wanda was ready to offer her to move in together. Why not?
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“Okay, Natalia. Hold on tight.” Y/N said to the little girl as she adjusted the baby carrier on her chest. Little Natalia smiled tenderly and moved her little legs excited for her.  “We're going on our first adventure.”
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When little Natalia turned five months old, Wanda and Y/N found a nice place to live together. Of course the twins were delighted with the idea, because having a little sister for them was something really important.
Wanda explained to them the importance of taking care of Natalia and making her their family. But the twins didn't need explanations, they loved the little redhead already.
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And slowly, Y/N learned to be a responsible parent.
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She learned that loss didn’t mean having to destroy everything around her, and making Wanda happy and giving Natalia a better life was all she wanted.
Y/N learned how to deal with diapers as well as crying at night, or also with paranoia and fear of losing the little girl.
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Sometimes she stayed watching her for a long time, thinking about how much she resembled to them. Natalia hated being around too many people and cheeky like Natasha, but she also was so warm like Jules.
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“Do you think she will like it?” Y/N asked the twins with some concern, showing them a small velvet box. A beautiful ring was waiting to be delivered to Wanda that night.
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Little Natalia observed the ring with curiosity wanting to grab it so badly, with just a year she didn’t understand anything they said, but she could say things like: ‘Mamma' and 'mommy’.
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“She will love it!” Billy grinned and Tommy nodded. They were both quite excited, and that made Y/N's heart beat faster. The twins have always been a great support.
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Nodding, Y/N knew she had to take the biggest and most important step of her life.
And she did it, because the wedding was the most beautiful moment of their lives.
Wanda's tears of happiness and Y/N's huge happy smile showed it in the pictures. ㅤㅤㅤ
And of course she missed Natasha and Jules a lot, but Y/N knew that wherever they were, they would be happy for them.
Y/N and Yelena formed a much stronger bond, completely unconditional in the absence of their sisters. Both were clear that the important thing was also to give Natalia a beautiful family.
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EIGHT YEARS LATER
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“Natalia, your aunt Yelena is here!” Y/N's voice made the adorable redhead startle and leave her room, but not before grabbing her backpack.
Y/N and the blonde walked to the kitchen, where Wanda was baking some cookies.
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“You better take care of her.” Y/N pointed at the blonde and sat down at the table to enjoy some cocoa and cookies. “If you're going to take her fishing in Alexei’s boat, don't let her fall. She's learning to swim.”
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“She will master it soon.” Yelena arched an amused brow and stole one of the cookies, taking a bite. Of course, Y/N's serious look made her add,  “I'm just kidding with you, Y/N Y/L/N. We'll just visit my parents and fish in the boat for a little while. Talk about stuff… that’s it.”
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“We know.” Y/N kissed Yelena’s cheek, just to annoy her even more. “I just like to annoy you.”
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“Ugh.” The blonde teased, wiping her cheek.
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“Here's something to eat, in case you don’t wanna buy something.”  Wanda smiled when she saw them and took two lunch boxes and a box of fresh cookies.   “Chicken paprikash, mac and cheese, your favorite I know, and cookies.”
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“Wanda Maximoff, you are a sweetheart.” Yelena sighed exaggeratedly and leaned in to kiss her cheek, this time trying to annoy Y/N.
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Y/N just giggled and tossed her a small chocolate chip.
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“Okay, it's time. I'll call you as soon as we get there, okay?” Yelena said goodbye to both and walked towards the door.  “Let’s go, Natalia!”
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“Coming!”  An adorable eight-year-old girl ran down the stairs. She was a redhead, like Natasha and her eyes were light brown like Jules. Natalia was fierce, kinda sarcastic and brave, but also adorable, smart and kind.
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The little girl approached Y/N, hugging her mother tight. “I’ll miss you, mom.”
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Smiling tenderly -and fighting not to turn into an overprotective bear- Y/N hugged her daughter for a moment. “Take good care of your aunt, okay? She’s crazy. Send some hugs to mama Melina and Alexei. Tell them we miss them.”
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“Yes, mom!” Natalia smiled toothly. “I'm going with Auntie Yelena, I love you both!”
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The little girl kissed Y/N's cheek and then ran to hug Wanda's waist, who kissed the little girl's forehead.  “Be careful, okay? We love you, baby.”
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“Yes, mama!”
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“Take care, kiddo!” Y/N got up to see how the girl ran towards the porch, meeting the blonde one. “Don't forget to call us, okay?”
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Y/N remained watching the place, until Wanda hugged her from behind, snuggling up against her.
There was her little girl, ready to start a new adventure.
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It didn't take long for them to decide to have another baby together. Wanda tried an IUI to become mothers and after one attempt, they miraculously managed to conceive a beautiful and healthy baby.
Y/N was quite nervous, fear and memories of her sister in the hospital haunted her, but little by little, Wanda made her understand that everything would be okay.
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Nine months later, they both welcomed an adorable baby girl they named Luna Maximoff-Y/L/N.
The children were delighted, even though Natalia felt a bit insecure, when the tiny redhead saw her new sister she swore to take care of her forever. Forming an inseparable bond.
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Smiling, seeing how Wanda held her little newborn daughter, singing a tender sokovian lullaby, Y/N knew that although life was sometimes hard, it also had happy and memorable moments.
This was more than a happy place. This was a family.
And she deserved it.
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And time passed, year after year, full of happiness.
Of course there were some complex moments, not everything in life is happy moments but always, there were always more beautiful than ugly moments in the lives of those women.
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Wanda and Y/N had a beautiful marriage for almost forty years. They saw their twins grow up and become good, kind and respectful men.
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Natalia became an incredible, respectable, successful and loving woman. Of course she was a little rebellious at times like Natasha, but she also had responsible moments like Jules. She met an adorable girl on a trip and fell madly in love.
Wanda and Y/N always reminded her that Nat and Jules were her real mothers and they always came to the cemetery to leave some flowers.
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Luna was an adorable girl, she was like Wanda. Even with her brown hair and beautiful green eyes, Y/N told Luna that she was her little 'firecracker' because she had her adventurous spirit.
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Y/N lived the most beautiful years to the fullest, even when Wanda passed away two years before her, Y/N knew that together they had lived a beautiful life. And death, like loss, no longer affected her the same way.
That night, Y/N passed away sleeping and letting herself fall asleep, leaving in absolute peace.
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Opening her eyes slowly, Y/N felt like someone was poking her over and over again inviting her to wake up. “Hey, you.”
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A male voice made her eyes widen.  “Wake up, lazy ass!”
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Y/N got up quickly from the ground, looking moved at the boy in front of her. Pietro looked exactly as he was before the plane accident; his wild hair, those green eyes sparkled.
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“Finally!” He smiled. She looked around her, it was a nice quiet place, like a warm spring afternoon. Though she had no idea where she was.
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Without waiting any longer, Y/N hugged him tightly, closing her eyes. Saying over and over again how sorry she was, and how much she owed him. How thankful she was.
Year after year, the guilt over Pietro's death washed over her and she was finally letting it go.
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“Everything is okay, captain, all that is behind us.”  Pietro hugged the girl and smiled tenderly.
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“Well, I'm getting a bit jealous over here, and you?”
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“A bit, yes.” This time it was Natasha, giving Jules a little nudge at her side. They looked exactly as she remembered them, so beautiful. 
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“Nat?” With tears in her eyes, Y/N wasted no time in running to them and hugging them. “Jules!”
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“What? Did you think you'd never see us again?” Jules teased, hugging her tightly. “Thank you for everything you did for our little girl.”
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“We are proud to see the woman she has become thanks to you and Wanda.” Natasha smiled and ruffled Y/N's hair.
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“That little girl stole my heart from the first moment, I'm glad you are happy.” Y/N sniffled.
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“We are really happy.”
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“I'm sorry you couldn't have-” Y/N tried to say but her friends just shook their heads.
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“We were always there with you.” Jules smiled and put her hand on Y/N’s shoulder.
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Closing her eyes for a second, Y/N got lost in that touch that felt so real to her. Wasn't she dreaming?
Suddenly her eyes widened, looking around her with excitement. “Wanda… where is she?”
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Natasha smiled. “First you must be sure of what you will choose.”
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Y/N frowned.  “What do you mean?”
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“Do you want to stay or do you want to come with us?” This time Jules spoke, all of them began to walk down that path between the trees.
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“You must leave all longing behind, you must first accept it.” Pietro nodded.  Of course he was referring to her family, who were still alive.
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Y/N thought for a moment. Her children would be fine, they were old enough to move on their own. It was her time to move on too.
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“They'll be fine.”
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With a smile, the three looked at each other and then stepped aside.
Behind them, Wanda was looking at her with a huge smile and a hopeful look.
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“Detka!”
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Without further ado, they hugged each other again, stronger than ever. Their souls finally found each other, entwining once more. “Wands… I missed you, so bad.”
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Y/N kissed her lips over and over again, desperate for having missed her so much.
Wanda smiled between kisses.  “I missed you too.”
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They held each other for a moment until Y/N felt how they were surrounded. Not only her friends, but also other people.
One of them made her let go of Wanda’s arms. Y/N felt that the time -if it existed there- stopped completely.
It had been a long time since she saw that girl.
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“Hey.” Sharon waved, smirking slightly. Sharon, Helen, Carol, Kate and all the girls who died in that place were around her. This time not like a horrible and haunting nightmare, no. This time it was a welcome.
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Y/N blinked and waking up from the reverie, she violently approached her to stop in front of Sharon. She did nothing but feel her tears fall.   “I'm sorry about everything. I didn't mean it to end like that, I'm so sorry. I spent all these years thinking about that, I didn't want you to die. I'm so sorry, Sharon.”
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She finally cried, letting go of the guilt. Y/N carried Sharon's death for a long time.
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“Can you forgive me?” Y/N asked Sharon, taking her hand, but the blonde squeezed her hand as a clear answer.
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“Only if you can forgive us too.” Sharon nodded and just hugged her. “I never hated you, we were young and stupid. We made a lot of mistakes in a place that wasn't for us, but all that is behind us. This place is to rest... all those pains left behind.”
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All of them hugged Y/N tightly, welcoming her to a whole new place. Where pain, revenge, violence was left behind.
One by one the whole team approached to join that hug. Like the first time, like that first time after winning the match. If only that plane accident hadn't happened, oh that team would have been unstoppable.
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BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!
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They all cheered, happy, free.
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“Okay, move on from here.” Yelena growled. “We must move on, I'm sick of seeing you all even in the fucking heaven.”
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Y/N turned to look at her, confused. “This is heaven?”
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“Yeah, we don’t know? It's more like… a place made up of many heavens? Individual ones? Each of us can rest and lose ourselves in the moments we decide to remember.” Wanda explained, narrowing her eyes, some of the girls nodded. “We don’t need to understand, just… be here. Unless you are a very evil person, we don't know what happens there.” ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ
“But if you're not evil... everyone gets a piece of paradise.” Jules smiled widely.
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“We can visit others, but only soulmates can share the same place.” Natasha kissed her wife's cheek, hugging her.
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 “Ready to meet ours?” Wanda smiled and took the hand of the love of her life.
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Y/N inhaled deeply and then nodded. Finally smiling, ready to rest. “Yeah.”
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Yup, this is the end. 🐝 I hope I didn't disappoint you. And it was good for you. I know it has not much to do with the tv show -more than the plane crash and some stuff- and I'm happy with that. Maybe there are some one shots later, explaining some moments. Pietro's death and everything...   So, thank you very much for reading me, it is always a delight to know that you are here with me. 🐝
the cutest and lovely BEES tags ✨ @kaiidth-wandika @yourfavunsub @pawiie @fanboy7794 @sunsol-22 @scarlettbitchx @arcturusseer @imnotasuperhero @chtte @lesbians-in-outer-space @starry-night17 @cristin-rjd @kenlymar @chtte @marvelogic @druggedduck @aliherreraaa @widowwaddles @gingiesworld @canyonyodeler smromanoff @romanoffomixam✨
166 notes · View notes
gutsybitsies · 10 months
Text
jasico amnesia au where the two of them grew up knowing about each other because Bianca and Thalia are besties who go hunting and hiking together, they're not close friends but they see each other when they're being their sisters gophers.
and so nico is there bringing bianca her lunch and sweater in the hospital as she and thalia waits for jason to wake up
jason sees him, takes the lunch nico had in his hand, and says "aww you shouldnt have babe"
everyone freezes
then jason takes the green jacket nico was carrying (oversize for bianca bc she likes that style, fits just right for him), and he pulls it over him like a cape.
"you're the best boyfriend."
more freezing
bianca: "jason that's-"
thalia slapping a hand over her best friend's mouth: "that's so great you woke up!! and your boyfriend's sister bianca can go get the doctor!!!"
when bianca is getting the nurse (yes, nurse, its impossible to get doctors when ur in the hospital without like three rounds of nurses), thalia and nico probe jason for the fictional jasico history of dating
nico: so uh. our anniversary date was....
jason: amazing. thank you so much for planning it babe.
thalia: well, you guys are celebrating, how many years is it?
jason: five.
nico: FIVE- *winces at thalia's glare and lowers his voice* - five wonderful years.
jason: yep.
he takes nico's hand and nico has to try not to blush because maybe during the past year the two of them got closer as friends.
jason: i saw you try to camp with only a pocket knife and rope and your sad wilderness efforts have endeared me.
thalia: wait that actually happened, i remember that happening
jason: ....yeah?
thalia: i mean im not surprised its a real thing haha im going to go call for the doctor now
nico: thalia wait-
thalia: see you in a bit!
nico: fuck
jason: :)
226 notes · View notes
soulntes · 3 months
Text
THREE : THREESOME <3
ROMANCING PANDORA EVENT
TSU'TEY X OC X SO'LEK
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many na'vi have experienced their chance of a lifetime in bonding and mating with their partner they've had set their eyes on. getting to know them on a spiritual and and friendship level to remember their likings and passion to gain a smile and slight touch of their hand on theirs.
to experience the life of youth with love and happiness alongside your mate.
for so'lek, it was different.
a young, well respected warrior's life changed drastically when he lost his entire clan. ever since he didn't want to seek out a potential na'vi for his liking because he swore revenge on his people.
after planning to live alone in the wilderness, one na'vi decided to persuade him to stay. not a na'vi, a dream walker who eywa has chosen to live in her na'vi body.
selena. jake sully's sister.
he highly respects jake but not knowing he had a relative made it more difficult.
the second his eyes laid on her, his heart stopped then it accelerated from her friendly smile and wanted to talk with him. the way she moves differently than other na'vi women, her strong presence before him had his knees buckled, her overwhelming scent filling his nose. the hair style and wardrobe she put on fits her right in with the rest of the na'vi. her slender but built figure is so alluring.
she made him weak. she was the first to have him experience these new things. the first na'vi who gave him an experience.
selena caught him off guard when she hugged him all of a sudden that his tail wagged and his body tensed, "i'm sorry for what happened with your clan. if there's anything you need you can ask jake or you can stay here with the omatikaya. the other clans have decided to stay."
so'lek couldn't speak but he had to so he wouldn't weird her out, "i am alright. i don't need to merge with your clan. i am planning for revenge against the sky people if they return. i must take my leave." he felt guilty and stupid for passing up an opportunity to know more about her.
she nods with a sad expression, "of course. i understand. what's your name?"
his ears perked at the mention of knowing his name, "so'lek."
she smiled more and held his hands, "that's a nice name, so'lek. i hope to see you some day." with a kiss on his cheek, she left him alone with his thoughts as he touched his cheek where she put her lips on. he began to fluster madly at the affection.
the na'vi warrior brushed it off, gathering his things and left to venture off alone into the forest.
that was years ago when he felt a void in his heart and a vacant soul ever since. knowing he'd regret coming back and decide to follow his heart when he found a tree of voices, he returned to find the hidden clan.
many clues and traces passed when he saw a couple of hunters hunting the area and flew up the hallelujah mountains.
upon arriving at the hidden spot of the omatikaya, he was surrounded by them with arrows and guns pointing at him for questioning. he wanted to explain when selena came into view with her brother.
so'lek pointed towards her, "you know me. remember."
selena's ears perked when she heard his voice and stood in front of him with a smile, "i'd known you'd come back, so'lek."
there it was again. that same feeling. his heart began to thumping rapidly and his palms started to sweat. "yes i guess i came for you."
his answer shocked her but she continued to smile, grabbing his hand to pull him somewhere, "i'll show you around."
he didn't know where they were going but he knew by the new scent of hers, she wasn't alone. she was mated with another.
by the time he stayed with the omatikaya, he learned she mated with the infamous and brave warrior that survived a big fall and bullets to his body.
no matter that she was mated and bonded with another, he still desired her and wished to taste her and tsu'tey noticed this.
tsu'tey knows the lust and smell of hormones reeking of this young male na'vi wanting his tanhi. he wants to show this stranger that this woman was his alone but he saw how his mate expressed herself with the young male.
selena talks about him whenever she gets the chance and she was starting to smell like him from showing him around.
his mind went to imagining the possibilities of seeing her get her pussy rammed by another man's cock while looking at him, begging him to put his in. kissing her lips while he fucks her pussy and so'lek wanting to do the same but he can't, her lips are his. rubbing her clit hard while the male fucks her hole just to see her squirt and sucks on her nipple.
tsu'tey decided to bring up the topic of bringing in another person into their relationship and she was surprised since he's hostile and possessive when it came to his mate.
in the end, they agreed to have so'lek in their relationship in a poly and selena couldn't wait.
this is where they are now.
so'lek was sitting with selena sitting on his cock reverse cowgirl with his hands on her thighs, spreading them wide for tsu'tey to admire. tsu'tey went down to put his mouth on her clit to suck on while so'lek fucked her relentlessly because of good she felt when she clenched on him.
"so'lek....oh so'lek!" selena moaned with her tail wagging and found his tail to wrap around it while she turned his head to kiss him tenderly but passionately. the young male grunted against her lips and sucked on her tongue as he thrusted desperately into her pussy. tsu'tey was getting a little jealous of their intimate moments so he went to put her nipple in his mouth and swirls his tongue around the bud as he rubs her clit slowly and harshly to edge her.
selena whimpers against so'lek's lips feeling tsu'tey's rough tongue on her bud giving her the pleasure of recovering this kind of treatment from both males.
"ma tanhi, you are not paying attention to me." tsu'tey says in an annoyed tone but selena reassures him with caressing his ears and hair.
she separates her lips from him and kisses him and uses her hand to jerk him off and guide his cock to her pussy. she wants both of them.
"ma tsu'tey....don't be jealous. i love both of you. put it in, yawne." she says in between breaths and gasps from the tip of tsu'tey's cock rubbing her clit. tsu'tey slightly pushes his cock in and hisses at the pressure added with pleasure when it's inside with another. so'lek whimpers, continuing to push his deeper and faster so desperate to cum from her pussy alone.
so'lek thought this was impossible but now, it is not. he doesn't want to push it when they've barely begun as a poly relationship. either way he wants to take the leap.
so'lek grabs his queue and shows it to selena and tsu'tey to indicate what he wants. with his other hand around her waist and his lips nibbling her ear, "please....bond with me....i want to feel it."
selena didn't think twice, grabbing tsu'tey's and her braid, showing their tendrils to connect with so'lek's. tsu'tey didn't mind, he was going to share with the other male and willing to accept him as a mate as long they got along.
all three of them connect with each other and a surge of love and passion connects them spiritually as they drown in their love. both males thrust into their mate and take turns in kissing each other. so'lek felt happy and at ease at finally not having one but two mates who will cherish him. he's not alone now.
all three of them came together and lovingly nibbled, kissed, and embraced each other with the warmth of their bodies with their queues still connected.
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NOTE : i think i want to make a so'lek fic with tsu'tey after this came to mind 👀
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princesssarisa · 5 months
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Some thoughts on "Little Women" and the "Little House" books
In the endless discussions by Little Women fans of the issue of "Jo vs. Amy," I've noticed a slight recurring theme, both when Amy's defenders discuss Jo and when certain Jo fans put Amy down. It's the idea that the books' narrative inherently favors Jo and is biased against Amy. That Jo is the character whom readers are clearly "supposed to identify with," as if Louisa May Alcott expected most of her young girl readers to be free-spirited, ambitious tomboys who struggle with gender expectations. And that Amy's portrayal is "negative," or at least that we're supposed to view her femininity and love of refinement as slightly silly and annoying.
Not too long ago, I found similar sentiments in an essay by a woman writing about her childhood experience of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books. She wrote that she never identified with spunky, tomboyish Laura, but as a girly girl and as an eldest daughter who felt pressured to be "the responsible one," she related more to Mary. Then she complained that the books seem to expect readers to identify with Laura, and that we're "not supposed to like Mary."
I'm not sure those claims ring true for either of these literary works.
Both Little Women and the Little House books are autobiographical. Louisa May Alcott based the March family on her own family and Jo on herself, while Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote explicitly about herself and her family without changing the names.
In Little Women, I don't feel as if Alcott expected readers to identify more with Jo than with the other three sisters. Yes, Jo gets the most emphasis of them all, but that's because Alcott personally identified with her. Likewise, in the Little House books, Laura is the protagonist because she was the author. It's only natural that she wrote about her childhood from her own viewpoint, not because she thought readers would relate more to her than to her sisters.
Nor do I think Little Women is overly biased against Amy. Is her portrayal complex, and does it reflect Alcott's complex relationship with her sister May? Yes. Does Alcott use Amy to make fun of May's childhood foibles? Yes. Does she make it clear that May often drove her crazy when they were young, and does her envy of May's charms and social life sometimes bleed through the text? Of course! But none of it seems really mean-spirited; her affection and respect for May also come through clearly. Besides, she's just as willing to use Jo's foibles to make fun of herself.
And in the Little House series, do we really think Wilder set out to insult the memory of her beloved and by then deceased sister Mary? Just because she was honest about their childhood sibling rivalry and made readers feel for her envy of her "perfect" sister doesn't mean she wanted the readers to dislike her.
Maybe I'm giving these authors too much benefit of the doubt. But "An author writes about her own family, makes herself the protagonist, and honestly portrays both her closeness and her sibling rivalry with a sister who was very different from herself" doesn't inherently mean "The author expects all readers to identify with her self-insert and dislike her sister."
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