#to care how it’ll effect anyone other than themselves
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Merry Whumpmas Day 5: Poison
TW: missing person, unconsciousness, poison
A hammered rapidly on the door. “I know you’re not asleep yet, B!” They shouted, not caring if the noise would wake the rest of the team. “Open the door, I need your help!”
B cracked open the door, fixing A with a glare heightened by the dark circles under their eyes. “Y’know, banging on my door just when I’m trying to take your advice and better my sleep schedule probably isn’t the best—”
“C’s missing!” A interrupted.
B blinked. “What?”
“They didn’t get back when they said they were going to, it’s been three hours now, they aren’t answering any calls or texts—”
B opened the door fully and held up their hands placatingly. “It’ll be alright, A. They’re on a date, right? Maybe they got caught up talking, or went to see a movie last-minute, or C let themselves get talked into going home with the date and just forgot to text you. Or the text didn’t go through. Or their phone ran out of battery. I’m sure whatever it is, they’re fine.”
A pursed their lips and fiddled with the hem of their shirt nervously. “...I guess that makes sense… can you run tracking on their phone just to be safe? Please?”
B sighed. Turning, they went over to their desk and powered up their laptop. “Alright, but just know that if their phone’s dead, I can’t do anything. You can yell at them all you want when they finally get back, but don’t take it out on me, ‘kay? We all know how you get when you’re nervous.”
Their fingers flew across the keyboard, pulling up the tracking program all team members had installed in case of emergency.
“What’s all the noise about?” D stuck their head inside the room, their hair a mess.
“C hasn’t gotten back yet and A’s freaking out,” B called over their shoulder, tapping on the laptop mouse impatiently as the program loaded.
D snorted. “Never thought C as the kind of person to go home on a first date.”
“That’s why I’m worried,” A mumbled, peering anxiously at the loading icon. “Why is it taking so long?”
B shot them an amused look. “It always takes a second. Exact location, log of the last six hours, all that stuff. Those’re the specs we all agreed upon, right?”
A clenched their jaw, more in worry than annoyance. It wasn’t like C to do things spontaneously. They’d planned this date a week ago with someone they’d met after one of their missions. A hoped it was one of the reasons B had listed. They didn’t like thinking about the alternatives.
Finally, the program finished buffering, revealing the city map with a light blue line detailing C’s exact location history. “Here we go,” B said, pointing at the map. “See, that’s the restaurant they were going to, and I guess they went to the nearby park after that, and then—” They paused, frowning.
“What?” A demanded, squinting at the map.
D moved into the room, concern evident on their face as they peered at the map. “Isn’t that where the headquarters of that one small-time gang from ages ago used to be? Before we shut them down?”
“Yep…” B entered the address into their phone and shared it with the other two. “Wake E if they aren’t up already. We gotta go. Fast.”
The headquarters had been a restaurant front for the various things an up-and-coming gang needed money for. Drugs, illegal weapons, experimental medication, et cetera. The medication was the main reason why A’s team had to shut them down, alongside a pair of murder cases pointing in that direction. It was leftover from an attempt at creating superpowered individuals and had… disastrous side effects for anyone who took it.
The gang was trying to take revenge, A thought to themself as the team approached the building. I hope C’s alright. I don’t know what I’m gonna do if they’re hurt.
The building was derelict and crumbling. It would’ve appeared completely abandoned if the dining room lights weren't on. A could make out C through the front window, bound and gagged in a chair. They didn’t appear to be conscious. Rage started to bubble in A’s stomach. They started forward, but B stopped them.
“We gotta be careful,” they reminded A, “we don’t know what these guys’ll do. E, can you check if anyone else’s inside? Maybe we can just grab C and deal with the gang when we know they’re okay.”
C definitely didn’t look okay, but A wasn’t about to argue with B’s logical plan. E nodded and slipped into the shadows, sneaking around the perimeter of the building and peeking through the windows.
When they returned a few minutes later, their expression was grim. “Most of the windows are blacked out from when the operation was still running, but from what I could see, a couple of people are in the back. I recognize a couple of them from when we first busted them. C’s alone in the dining room. A and I could probably get them out without causing too much noise.”
A jumped up immediately. “Are they hurt?”
E shrugged. “Not that I could tell, but they’re definitely asleep or unconscious.”
A’s fingers curled into fists, but they forced themselves to nod. E led the way to the front window, which had been smashed the first time they’d been there, and they clambered inside. The broken glass crunched underfoot as they approached C, keeping a firm eye on the door to the kitchen.
Neither of them said a word as E took out their knife and started sawing at C’s bonds. A undid the gag wrapped around C’s mouth and tossed it aside. Suddenly their eyes widened, and they gestured at E to the trickle of blood leaking from C’s lips. E frowned but persisted at cutting the ropes.
Finally, the last rope was severed, and E lifted C over their shoulders. But when they turned to leave, a voice spoke from behind them. “If you leave,” the voice said, “your companion will die.”
A and E spun to find C’s date in the kitchen doorway. Whumper glared at the three of them, a small vial in their open palm. “I bet you recognize this.”
A gasped softly, a mixture of shock, terror, and pure fury coursing through their veins. “You didn’t.”
Whumper smirked. “Oh yes I did. Do you know what percentage of those who received this so-called ‘superhero’ drug survived? Zero. Zip. None.”
A stalked forward, expression contorted with rage.
“Of course,” Whumper continued, “that didn’t stop people from trying to—”
A shoved them into the doorframe. “Give. Me. The. Cure. Now.”
Whumper grunted. “Are you stupid? There is no cure.”
Growling, A seized them by the collar and lifted them off their feet. E started to yell for them to stop but thought better of it. Whumper grinned down at A. “Threaten me, kill me, doesn’t matter. I’ve gotten my revenge. You’ll never save your precious teammate.”
A saw red. Yelling something unintelligible, they hurled Whumper across the room, where they slammed into one of the heavy tables and slumped. Blood dripped from their temple, where they struck the edge of the table. The empty vial rolled on the ground. Glowering, A stooped and retrieved the vial, staring at it.
Barely a drop of the superhero drug remained at the bottom. It would have to be enough. A glanced at E, who stared at Whumper’s body, frozen in shock. “Let’s go!” A shouted, breaking into a run for the door. “If B and D can make an antidote from this we have to move quickly!”
Startled into action, E followed them out the door. A pressed the vial into B’s hands. “You’re C’s only hope now.”
B flinched back a step at A’s ferocity. “I…We’ll try our best.”
A looked over at C’s limp form, still draped over E’s shoulders. Their face was pale, too pale, and they barely breathed. Their gaze hardened. If C didn’t survive, Whumper wouldn’t live to see the light of day again.
They would make sure of it.
#merry whumpmas#protective caretaker#whump#whump scenario#whumpee#hurt/angst#missing team member#whumper#angst#my writing#poison whump
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Somebody Told Me- Chapter 3
The other group’s car shunted to a halt, signalling that it was time to go on foot to keep their presence underwraps.
“It’ll be quicker if we split up,” he reassured, Glenn fished out two lists from his bag and passed the shorter one to Andrea and Daryl.
“I don’t think this is a good idea, wouldn’t it be safer if we moved as a group?” Jaqui said as she glanced over Glenn's shoulder at their own list.
“Trust me the less time we spend here the better and that’s a risk I’m willing to take,” Shane shot an unimpressed look at Jaqui, clearly trying to state his authority as self-appointed leader.
The group went their separate ways, agreeing to meet in 4 hours time back at the cars.
The grey concrete of the city loomed over Daryl and Andrea as they walked the empty streets, discarded newspapers littered the street as they passed what once was a newsstand. Bold headlines of panic and distress plastered across every front page. The side of the newsstand was coated in missing posters, family’s hopes of finding their loved ones who were most certainly long gone now, succumbed to the illness that ravaged the globe.
They kept their talk to a minimum, well aware of the herds that lurked within the city’s walls. The once bustling streets, a death sentence to anyone who dared make a noise.
Daryl held up his hand to Andrea as he glanced around a corner. A large herd had gathered, drawn by a flock of pigeons who sat just out of reach from their scrambling arms. The hungry noise of the bodies drawing more of them towards the gathering, a domino effect of never ending hunger.
The two turned and silently backed up, not wanting to draw any attention to themselves.
CLANG!
Andrea had knocked an empty can with the back of her foot, panic rapidly spreading across her face as she realised the rotting faces being turned to face her and Daryl.
They broke out into a sprint, determined to gain some ground on the shuffling masses. Daryl pulled Andrea back into an open doorway, whatever lurked inside the building surely better than what waited for them outside. She slammed the door shut behind them and began to shove furniture in front of it in a makeshift barricade.
While Andrea reinforced the door Daryl decided to scope out the rest of the building, armed with his crossbow, a bolt already loaded.
The room they had barricaded themselves in was dark and dingy, the air stale and a hint of lycra lingered in the air. As his eyes adjusted to the lack of light Daryl realised that they were in a shop. He stepped over what was left of a display stand and made his way to the back of the room.
The quality of the air decreased the further he ventured away from Andrea. The room was clearly some sort of shop but that wasn’t on Daryl’s mind right now, the only thing he cared about was making sure this place was secure for him and Andrea.
He only encountered one creature. It was stuck behind the counter, a large chunk of it’s bicep was missing, coagulated dark blood encrusted the wound that would never heal. The side of the counter was closed, locking the body in the small area. As Daryl approached the creature he could see that a family of flies had laid their offspring in the blistering surface of its skin. It let out a low rumble as he drew near, showcasing its maggot-filled mouth, tongue devoured by their hungry mouth. Daryl shot the bot into its forehead and it slumped over the counter, blood oozing over the dusty surface.
Daryl slid over the counter to see if anything had been hastily stashed here. He found a handgun with a half used cartridge. Pocketing the weapon he began to rifle through the draws in search of practically anything that could be of use.
He swept aside a wad of cash that he would have killed for in the past. The draws were an absolute dead end, only containing paperwork and the occasional pen.
Looking up to see how Andrea was going he realised what sort of shop they had barricaded themselves in, the threat of danger completely blinding him upon entering the building.
The rack of clothes Daryl had stepped over appeared to be fitness wear and several shelves were lined with single shoes. To Daryl’s delight it was a sports shop.
A large banner proclaimed “That everything MUST GO!” “They must’ve been going out of business when the outbreak happened,” Daryl thought to himself and he continued to wander around the forgotten building.
Keeping an eye on Andrea, Daryl subtly made his way to the health section of the store. Amongst various muscle tapes Daryl found what he was looking for. Now he’d been planning on slinking off from the group and trying to find some himself but for once in his life he’d gotten lucky.
Daryl shoved several boxes of tape into his bag, uncertain if he’d ever find any ever again, specially since there was talk of the group moving away from the city, and that was Merle and him even stuck with the group.
Them running into that herd turned out to be a blessing in disguise, little to Andrea's knowledge. After he'd packed as many rolls as he could carry efficiently he also grabbed a couple pairs of socks and a handball for the kids back at the camp.
“That should hold for awhile,” Andrea stated as she leant up against the wall before sliding down to the ground.
“There was one of em up the back an I found this,” Daryl tossed Andrea the hand gun.
“You know I don’t know how to work one of these, right?”
“Yer’ll have to learn eventually,”
Andrea passed the gun back to Daryl and the two sat in silence, listening out for the passing herd. The low grumbles subtle but still audible through the door.
Time passed like the creature Daryl put down’s blood, slowly and seemingly never ending. When the growls from outside finally disappeared they decided it was best to get a move on, they hadn’t even gotten anything from Glenn’s list yet.
Back out on the now empty streets the two were ever cautious of stepping on another can or anything that could even make a sound.
Glenn’s list had asked them to locate some basic first aid supplies and some antihistamines while the others went to the totally legal gun club. On the bottom of the paper was an address scribbled down. Andrea recognised it as the dispensary she used to frequent when she had lived in Atlanta and apparently it was nearby, to both their reliefs.
There were a few stranglers left behind the herd, some stuck from the force of the crowd and others too decayed to carry on. They left the decayed ones to melt into the pavement and made quick work of any who looked like they might be able to break free from their accidental entrapment. Daryl chucked his rag over to Andrea so she could clean her knife before wiping the chunks of viscera off his hands.
“Thanks,” she whispered back before they set off to the dispensary.
Upon arrival it looked like the place had been cleaned out, bottles of pills and boxes strewn across the tiled floor. It was decided that Andrea would continue checking through the main part of the dispensary and Daryl would look behind the counter. Leaving his bag on the floor so he could move through the cramped back rooms of the dispensary Daryl began to sweep through each of the shelves, eyes peeled for any lurkers.
He managed to find several variations of antihistamines, collecting a few boxes before returning to the main room to find Andrea loading first aid supplies into his bag.
“What the fuck do ya think yer doing!” he yelled, a mix of anger and worry flooding his veins.
“I ran out of room in my bag, geez,” continuing to fill his bag with the extra supplies.
Had she seen the tape? She’d never seen it visible on his body so would she suspect something? Even though she was some flavour of queer, some people still held judgements for people like him.
“Ya shouldn’t go through others' stuff, specially when they ain't around,” he spat, pissed at Andrea’s lack of respect for his privacy.
Shoving the antihistamines in Andrea’s direction he sulked off to the back of the dispensary. He continued to go through the shelves, picking through what remained. There was one section of a shelf that was reasonably untouched that Daryl could see from afar.
Must be some pointless shit, probably ain’t worth checking out. Yet something compelled him to walk towards the cluster of boxes and bottles. As he got closer he recognised the bottles, it was testerone.
He’d gone on T a couple years back but had to stop for financial reasons. He could remember taking his final shot, trying to steady his hand as he spread his skin, holding back tears.
Daryl blinked back tears as he tried to shake off the memory then he realised that these were here for the taking. Taking a bottle off the shelf he searched around for a sterile needle and some wipes. Checking back into the main room briefly to see that Andrea was occupied he hastily made his way into a small room and locked the door behind him.
Pulling down his pants he began to clean the injection site. Once he was satisfied with the state of his leg and hands he drew the liquid up into the syringe, taking care to remove any air bubbles. He spread the skin taught and plunged the needle into his thigh, something he had done tens of times before his pocket eventually turned out empty.
Discarding the needle into a small bin that reeked of vomit, Daryl left the room. Normally he would’ve sought out a sharps container but it wasn’t like anyone was going to touch that bin anyway.
Returning to shelves Daryl filled his pocket with the remanding T bottles and as many needles as he could fit.
When he walked back to the main room he saw Andrea sitting on the ground next to their bags eating a bag of jelly beans.
“Want one?” She held the bag forward to Daryl and he took a handful. “I found them by the counter while I was waiting for you to finish your tantrum,”
He would’ve spat some colourful language at her if his mouth wasn’t jammed full of these damned jelly beans.
Once the bag was finished they each grabbed another bag and exited the dispensary as quietly as possible. The two walked in utter silence as they made their way back to the cars, the only thing disturbing the peace was the occasional rustle of a jelly bean bag.
The light of the day was slowly disappearing so they sped up, hoping they could beat the sun.
Clink, clink, clink. The bottles clinked together in Daryl’s pocket as the jogged through the city.
“What’s that in your pocket?” she queried.
“None of your fucking business,” he hoped Merle return soon, before anyone started figuring shit out.
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Dance, dance
Last month, I tried to come up with weapons centered around tauntkills and was met with limited success. As I stepped back to sulk, I took a look at the one weapon that is based around a taunt: the Medic’s Amputator, which generates a healing aura while you taunt with it. I want to see what we could do with a weapon like that. Let’s start with the Pyro, simply because the guitar taunt is suitably inspiring.
Guitar Solo Iteration 1
Pyro melee
(+) Taunt to perform a sweet guitar solo, extinguishing nearby teammates and granting extinguished players a 3-second mini-crit boost
(+) +20 health restored on extinguishing ally
(+) Gain mini-crit buff after taunting (1 second for each player extinguished)
(-) -25% swing speed
I did my best to make a useful ability here, but I may not have succeeded. My general sense was that I wanted the taunt to offer some kind of palliative ability instead of a general buff - if it gave, say, infinite mini-crits, then the Pyro would be encouraged to always taunt and never get to play. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find a conditional ability that also fit the Pyro as a class. While area-of-effect healing fits the Medic perfectly, the Pyro’s team support is usually proactive (reflecting projectiles before they hit) rather than reactive (healing damage already incurred). This doesn’t mean that there are no other options; it’s just that this was the best I could come up with given a few hours of brainstorming.
Anyway, as we’ve established, extinguishing flames is relatively situational. Moreover, opposing Pyros may find themselves shut down - and, if they make the mistake of giving the enemy mini-crit boosts, may earn the ire of their own team. We could make the extinguish apply to all debuffs (Mad Milk, Jarate, Mark-for-Death, etc.), but it’s still targeted mostly at Pyros. That’s unfortunate, both for the opponents and for the user. Let’s step back and look at a different class for now.
Hoedown Iteration 1
Engineer melee
(+) On taunt: Do a hoedown, repairing nearby buildings [84 repair per second] at half metal cost (6 HP per 1 metal)
(-) -25% damage vs buildings
This combines my Overclocker redo with the Amputator, letting you tank an assault on your nest... if the enemy doesn’t come in and pick you off, that is. You also have to have line-of-sight to your buildings to repair them; with the Amputator, that’s less of a problem, because it’ll heal anyone who starts within your vision, even if they move behind cover.
Does this make Engineer nests too bulky? Maybe, especially if multiple Engineers are placing buildings near each other (I’d also want to include the caveat that two Engineers dancing at once would not stack repairs, just for balance reasons). Note, though, that the repair rate (80/s) is slower than the Wrench (102 HP per 0.8 seconds) and the Jag (81 HP per 0.68 seconds). Moreover, it can’t remove sappers; it can’t overcome large amounts of damage, such as that of a sticky trap; and it depends on the Engineer’s survival. Sheltering behind buildings is an option, but explosions and especially fire can circumvent that, making the dancing player something of a sitting duck.
The real question is whether it’s fun to use this taunt. I think it could bring in some real tense moments, much like the Amputator does, without demanding that the Engineer always be using it. Being vulnerable to attack can be very stressful, certainly, but part of using this weapon is relying on teammates to keep you safe while taunting.
I can’t say for sure how popular it would be; as I mentioned, some players hate the loss of control that comes with taunting. However, I would hope that it brings elements of careful timing and high-intensity situations, making it a new, fun way for the Engineer to play. Do you think you would use it? Why or why not?
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Pluto’s 2023 Guide To a healthy Self
In 2023, I believe that creating my appearance will help me become the woman I want to be in life. However, to look good you have to feel good! So here are some things I’ll be practicing to keep my mental , physical , spiritual , and financial health in check.
Mental Health, Do’s & Do Not’s:
Do NOT, internalize feelings for those who don’t spare yours!
DO, keep things that make you happy close to yourself, if you suffer from a weak mentality (like me) do spare yourself the drama of having others input their feelings on things that make YOU happy.
Do NOT, overthink choices you believe will be good for you. In order to grow we must take chances. If you believe said choice is what you need, then fuck it! In 2023, we must put ourselves first (speaking to the ones who provide for or live in toxic households), it’s okay to put you first. You is all you have and you have to protect yourself.
DO, separate yourself from those who make you question your confidence. Anyone who is around you that makes you feel like you’re less than what you are shouldn’t be in your presence. It’s not worth it
Do NOT, shy away from who you are to become something that someone else wants you be. Those people only want you to become something you’re not because they wish to be who you are!
DO, write down your feelings. For a person like me, I am not able to put my feelings in words during a conversation, so I often send texts or write how I feel. It’s okay to feel and be emotional but don’t internalize them. And if you are those people who can express themselves in words. Please don’t hold back. Tell the world how you feel because they’ll never know if you stay quiet. 
DO, seek therapy if you need it. I am a black girl with trauma. I know in most families, mental health is taken as a joke and I also know some of us are silenced and have to sit amongst our abusers or assaulters at family functions. So, For YOU, please go to therapy. You need to let that hurt out because if you don’t you won’t heal. Also if you are apart of the families that’ll rather silence you than face the situation! Separate yourself. It’s not worth it.
Physical Health, Do’s & Do Not’s:
Do NOT, overwork yourself. If you know when you stop drinking you should know when your body needs a break.
DO, moisturize your skin and hair!
Do NOT, vape. You do not need that shit.
DO, keep a positive mindset and attitude. If your mind is happy so is your body
DO, stretch! You’re too young to have back and knee problems (I’m talking to myself also).
DO, drink water. A lot of it, we need it.
Do NOT, let your diet only consist of snacks and fast food. Have a real meal. And eat some damn fruit!
DO, take your vitamins, I take Apple Cider vitamins, Vitamin C, Fenugreek, and Prenatal vitamins ( I am not pregnant but their basically just a multivitamin that of things essential to our bodies.
DO, exfoliate! If you don’t care for your skin while you’re young imagine how hard it will be when you’re older! We want soft skin forever.
Spiritual Health, Do’s & Do Not’s:
Do NOT, let your soul be bothered by simple things such as: men or haters.
DO, meditate. Learn who your body is on a spiritual level.
DO, try out shadow work! Shadow work is the reason I’ve become okay with who I am today. Even if it’s bad. Shadow work helps us understand and appreciate the good and bad in us. No one is perfect!
DO, Manifest! Ask for what you want and if it’s good for you it’ll come.
Do NOT, let ANYONE who gives you bad vibes into your home or room. That is your space, if they give you bad vibes in public, imagine how it’ll be in private.
DO, cleanse your space. Burn incenses, candles, use Florida water, burn sage. As an alternative for sage, my used to burn coal I’m not sure if it’s effective but it’s peaceful.
DO, pray! I know we manifest and some confuse that for praying but know that it’s important to give thanks to the entity that gives you the things you want!
Financial Health, Do’s & Do Not’s:
Do NOT, get the credit card. You don’t need it. Atleast if you’re not financially responsible! It’ll just overwhelm you and mess up your credit.
DO, if you can, I know saving / having money left over is a luxury. For those who can manage to save please do. It’s important to have a bit of money left over for emergency.
DO, set a limit for your spending / budget. Prioritize bills and responsibilities ( rent, phone, internet, traveling, groceries, utilities ) then if you can, set aside for savings and aside for YOU.
Do NOT, touch the savings. I have an entirely different bank that automatically takes money of my primary account every pay week to avoid mixing the money up. My issue is I see the money then I want to eat the money. Once you touch the savings it’s hard to stop!
DO, for those who can, set an amount to stay above in your account. Whether it’s $5, $50, $100 or $500! I believe this has taught me financial responsibility. Right now starting for staying above $100 in august I am able to manage my money in a way that I say above $500 and hopefully by February I’ll be able to stay above $700!
DO, treat yourself. We spend a lot on helping others and sometimes those who help the most don’t help themselves. If you can after you handle responsibilities, buy yourself that meal or that bag or those shoes. You deserve to use the funds you earn!
Do NOT, order out all the damn time. The goal is to save and be rich. Cook sometimes. Dine out in person, its cheaper. But do NOT, order food! The fees alone will take us out!
DO, if you want to build credit with out the cards, use third party subscriptions. I use “kikoff”, in short terms they report to credit bureaus that you got approved for a $750 credit card (you didn’t) and every month for 12 months you pay $5-$10 depending on which service you use and as long as you pay it your credit will rise. By the end of the 12 months, you’ll get the money you gave to them back also! I started in Oct 2022 with a 552 credit score now it’s December and I have a 582 credit score!
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Betrayal Of Paceme - Chapter 4
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AO3
There was no feeling more relieving for the group than being found by knights. They were informed that the riot had been taken care of. Collectively agreeing that returning to the cathedral as if nothing happened was a bad choice, the group decided to make their way back to the palace. Though most in the group found the coronation successful, Ralph’s freshly placed title was not enough to satisfy him. Thoughts scattered across his brain as his body swarmed with mixed emotion. For the first time, Ralph had a chance to ponder upon the intruder's words. This is the revolution! Belluma must be once more! What it meant, Ralph couldn’t say. But he knew one thing for sure, it would have a great effect on the beginning of his reign.
Carriages arrived to retrieve the men, taking them through the peaceful scenery to the gates of the palace. For once, Ralph found himself unable to enjoy the delicate view spread across the horizon of Paceme. He was still consumed by his thoughts, trapped in the prison of his mind. Still replaying the moments in the cathedral over and over, he wondered how the people were to be informed the coronation moved forward without them.
“You know, the people will understand why you had to complete the coronation in private, I’m sure of it,” Sam’s voice broke through the heavy silence. Ralph looked up, sighing before delivering a response.
“But what if you’re wrong? There's a good chance they won’t understand. I don’t expect them to, if I'm honest. We’ve done something that hasn’t been done in Paceme’s entire history, why would they excuse us?” Ralph spoke through a shaky breath. Sam’s gaze broke from the window to Ralph’s eyes. He placed a gentle and reassuring hand on the king’s shoulder.
“There’s a first time for everything. It’s not our fault that the cathedral was raided, just trust me, it’ll be fine,” Sam spoke kindly, attempting to soften his voice as much as possible. “Just wait, you’re worried about a future that hasn’t even happened yet.”
Ralph nodded with a sigh. With nothing else to say, he turned his attention to the windows of the carriage. They had made their way through the gates, now slowly approaching the castle. “Where’s everyone else? Still at the cathedral?” Ralph asked. Sam shrugged.
“Couldn’t tell you, I haven’t heard word about it, I doubt anyone else has,” He replied. “I would assume everyone would be taken home safely, or at least evacuated.” Ralph nodded. The carriage came to a sudden halt as they arrived at the entrance of the palace. Sam stepped out first, Ralph following behind. The other’s slowly exited their own carriages, collectively making their way through the palace doors.
As they walked in, they were immediately met with a servant girl. She crossed to them swiftly. “Ralph, Robert, Bill, you three have been requested in the meeting room,” She spoke before scurrying off. They nodded and began to walk, Simon and Piggy finding themselves staying close behind Ralph. Upon arrival, Ralph rapped the door before swinging it open. Inside, the rest of the royal board crowded around a table, at the head, Jack’s tall figure stood, clearly leading the conversation.
“Finally decided to arrive, did you?” Jack taunted. “Come, join us. We clearly have important things to discuss.” Despite the venom between the two, Ralph joined the group, finding himself next to Jack.
“There's been two major terrorist attacks in the past month. The most Paceme has experienced before this in years is small, organized crimes. While there’s been deaths due to murder, it has thankfully stayed to a minimum, at least up until now. Nothing as big as this. Now, I think it’s safe to say these two events are no coincidence. They have to be in some way related to each other. Does anyone oppose this theory?” Jack restarts the conversation.
“I might. The first attack was escaped prisoners from Paceme Jail. The attackers today said something about Belluma and a revolution,” One of the board members, Phil, spoke up.
“I definitely think there is some sort of connection between the two, though I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was led by the same group,” Robert added. “Whatever the case, I want to talk about what they meant by Belluma must come together again, or whatever they said. Belluma has been put to rest for a while, why now would they want to start a revolution in its favor?” Jack’s face fell and Ralph noted the uncomfortable energy radiating off of him. A few eyes fell to the ginger, waiting for some sort of response. He was the heir to Belluma’s throne after all.
“Nothing can be said about it just yet. There's nothing we can do except make our own conclusions at this point. I’m sure if they’re dedicated to their little revolution, we will hear more from them than just a few violent attacks. They just needed to get our attention first,” Ralph spoke up, tearing the unwanted attention from Jack, who nodded along to his ideas.
“While that’s true, we can’t just sit around and wait for them to attack again. We need to show that we have seen them, and we are not afraid to fight back,” Henry broke in.
“What can we do? Put more guards everywhere? As if we didn’t try that the first time,” Bill sneered.
“It’s a simple solution; have Ralph make a speech acknowledging the group, and making our law and policies clear. There’s no way they won’t hear the speech of their new king,” Henry fired back.
“I think that would first involve Ralph completing his coronation first,” Jack began. “Which brings me to my next topic of discussion, what date should we schedule the conclusion of the crowning? I think it should be sooner rather than later, we need a king to-“
“Ralph’s coronation was completed when we found temporary refuge,” Bill interrupted. The room fell silent, tension heavy.
“What…?” Jack spoke timidly. “Why? That’s improper!” His voice raised into building rage.
“Nothing about today was proper, the circumstances were inconvenient and non-traditional, but we had to continue, with or without an audience. Like you said, Paceme needs a king, that’s what’s important,” Bill said.
“There’s not even proof of a coronation. Do you realize what this is gonna lead to?!” Jack roared.
“I’m sure the people will understand. It’s really not a big deal,” Robert added.
“You only say that because you were there to witness it. I think Jack’s right, you all should have waited. There needs to be some sort of public coronation” Phil chimed in.
“We don’t need to do anything, the ceremony we had today served its purpose, we don’t need another,” Robert responded.
“Ralph?” Jack questioned, turning to face him. The room went silent, all eyes on the king. He froze, feeling their stares burn into his skin as they waited for his answer.
“I don’t think the coronation was proper, but we don’t have time to have another. We have plenty of more important things to worry about,” He said carefully.
“Are you serious?! How can you even prove the crown is rightfully yours?! There’s no proof of your coronation besides the word of everyone in that room,” Jack snapped.
“Are you saying everyone is collectively lying to you?” Ralph questioned, venom in his tone.
“Not me, but think about those who will. You’d have plenty of time to think of a lie like that. With a potential revolution on its way, it’s just too risky,” He shot back.
“With a potential revolution, we can't risk the safety of Ralph or any of our citizens, the odds of another attack are just too high at the moment,” Robert said. With nothing left to say, the room fell silent.
“We’ll resume this conversation tomorrow. Let’s dismiss this meeting,” Jack scowled before collecting his belongings and exiting the room.
“Maybe it would be best if we got some sleep, it’s late and we’ve all had a long day, yes?” Ralph asked, being met with nods. “Good, let’s head out then.” Everyone left the room, Ralph following behind the crowd. Outside, Piggy and Simon stood, waiting for the blond. Ralph began to walk towards his room, the two following close behind.
“Well? What was that all about? How’d it go?” Piggy began burdening him with questions.
“It was fine,” Ralph said sharply.
“I saw Jack storm out of there, what happened? Was he upset about-”
“Can you just leave it for now please?” Ralph interrupted. “I’d rather not talk about it at the moment.” Piggy went quiet for a moment.
“Well? What did you discuss? Was it about today or future plans or-” As they approached Ralph's room, he walked in and shut the door in the faces of the other two, interrupting Piggy’s questions.
“I’ll come back tomorrow,” Piggy said before sighing and walking away. But Simon stood firm in front of the door.
“Do you not want to talk?” He asked, leaning against the door. “Or do you just not want to talk to him?”
Slowly the door reopened, Ralph appeared on the other side, blue eyes staring at the servant. “For once, I think I’d actually just like to sleep. But thank you,” Ralph said softly. “Maybe tomorrow we can talk about it.” Simon nodded.
“Goodnight,” He said before making his way down the long hallway. Ralph nodded, closing the door again before retreating to bed.
The second his body hit the mattress, the king fell into a deep sleep. He hadn’t realized just how exhausted the week had made him until that night. The only thing that broke him from his slumber was the bright light of the sun shining in his eyes. He groaned as he turned over, peering at the clock next to him. 11:30. Much later than he thought it would be. He shot up, wondering just how long he was asleep. He threw on his day clothes before making his way out of the room. The second he opened the door, he was met with the familiar face of his advisor.
“Ralph, I was just coming to grab you,” Piggy spoke. “You’re…gonna wanna see this…” Confused, Ralph let Piggy lead him through the halls of the Palace. As they walked, a voice grew closer. Once near the entrance of the palace, Ralph peered outside, looking for the owner of the booming voice. His eyes widened at the site, the people of Paceme stood outside, all crowded into one clump around the entrance. Ralph ran towards the door, cracking it open as he reached it. He peered outside, attempting to get a glimpse outside. And there he saw the owner of the voice, preaching to the citizens, Jack. He stood on the steps in front of the door.
“Though we don’t know the exact motives of yesterday's intruders, we know they were dangerous enough to force our future king to evacuate. And even though you all still think of him as your prince, the coronation concluded in a small shed outside of the church,” He said to the crowds. Many whispers were heard amongst them, a few gasps mixed in. Mixed reactions spread until it was quiet enough for Jack to speak again. “The impulsiveness and the non-traditional nature of the coronation works in Ralph’s favor, I believe intentionally.”
“What the fuck is he doing?!” Ralph bursted out as he threatened to run out the door, but Piggy grabbed him by the arm, pulling him back as the two began to listen to Jack again.
“If there is no proof of a coronation, Ralph can claim he was never truely king if threatened with corruption in his ruling. This way, he would be punished for crimes as a citizen, not as a king. It is clear to me he is lying and planning to deceive you all, using his power to do unspeakable and unpredictable things,” Jack spoke to the crowd. Many voices rose up, some whispering to each other again, others yelling to Jack, at Jack. “I will not allow this to be the reality of Paceme’s people. Work towards a public coronation, or overthrow the current heir,” Jack concluded. The crowd cheered, some in disappointment, but most in agreement.
Ralph forced himself out of the tight grip of his Advisor. Throwing the door open, he grabbed Jack angrily by the collar of his shirt, yanking him into the entrance and out of view of the crowd. The blonde slammed the door shut, tossing Jack against it.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Ralph roared.
“Everyone in this palace can see exactly what you’re doing! We’ve had enough, and I’m the only one with the guts to stand up to you in this goddamn place!” Jack fired back.
“You have no proof, you’ve got everything so twisted-!”
“Scared you got caught, your highness?”
“Absolutely not. Scared I’ll get to be king and you won’t? You’re jealous and everyone will see through your lies eventually!”
“You are nothing but a name with a title. You will never be as kingly as you act like you are.”
“You think you could do a better job, huh? With what? The training you got as a child?!”
“As a matter of fact, I think I could be a better king than you. Because I actually listen to the people of Paceme.”
“Do you, now? We’ll get over it, you’ll never be king.”
“Why not? Let's have a vote.”
#lotf#ralph lotf#lotf simon#roger lotf#lotf piggy#lord of the flies#lord of the flies simon#lord of the flies piggy#lord of the flies jack#ralph lord of the flies#Jack Merridew
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I just wanna add, personally I wouldn’t hold my breath when it comes to snc or anyone from the group saying anything about roe being overturned. And truly I’d prefer they don’t.
I genuinely believe that they don’t engage with politics/don’t talk about/think about it bc they have the privilege of not needing to. I mean snc are both white straight successful men, politics already favors them so why would they have to care? Their rights aren’t going to be stripped away anytime soon. And as for Kat and Stas and any other ex girl from the group, they are all privileged as well. They (more than likely) are very well off financially, and in social circles that allow them to be treated almost like celebrities therefore get access to things the rest of us don’t (I.e abortions become illegal across the US, if they wanted or needed one there’s a chance they’d be able to have access to one). Of course it’ll affect them in some ways, but not the same as it would minority groups (poc, lgbtq+, etc.)
So while i get why y’all would want them to speak on the issues, I just feel like it would come off as disingenuous
my feeling is, and maybe this is just me trying to be optimistic, that while i agree that they probably aren't saying something bc of privilege, i don't think they are being blasé about it bc they don't care. i think it's more that they don't realize, bc of their privilege, how deep something like roe being overturned runs. this effects everyone. this removes so many healthy choices that ppl, whether woman, man, or nonbinary, used to have. i truly believe that the ppl they surround themselves with have had such privilege lives that they don't even realize how if they were to lose their tax bracket, they would be down in the dirt just like us.
i genuinely believe that snc and co need to get friends that are outside the influencer/rich and well off circuit. they need to see that life ain't that fucking green for most of us. and that this will hit them too, maybe not right now, but eventually.
and like you said, i'm not gonna hold my breath. i'm also not gonna hyper-focus on them bc they aren't the main ppl that caused this bs to happen in the first place. they benefit, that's for sure, but they aren't the cause.
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I remember the Chick Fil A thing, but I don't remember them supporting groups that wanted to kill gays. Iirc the big complaint was that they donated to Christian groups, some of which supported conversion therapy. Regardless, OP of that post is a big generalizing whiner, because I knew plenty of gays at the time who dgaf and would happily eat at CFA themselves. Because the chicken was good.
I don’t know all the facts about Chick-fil-A either, but I have seen several other instances of people saying that a certain organization or law “wants to get gay/trans/Jewish/whoever people KILLED” when the reality isn’t quite that dire. I think people just like using this kind of hyperbolic language because they think it’ll get more people on their side, when it can often have the opposite effect. Instead of being more moved to action since the stakes are so high, anyone who does their own research will see that no, J.K. Rowling isn’t actually killing transgender people, and will just say “you lied about trans people being killed, what else are you lying about?” Or worse, it could cause the people on the fence to just dismiss those (legitimate, if artificially inflated) concerns entirely and say “Chick-fil-A has never done anything wrong. Anyone worried about them is a stupid liberal cuck!!!”
The types of activists who spread lies like this probably think they’re doing good, but they can’t understand that people have a thought process beyond “I’m a good person therefore I will boycott X/I’m a bad person therefore I won’t boycott X.” To them, it shouldn’t matter if J.K. Rowling or Chick-fil-A or whoever isn’t as bad as they were made out to be, they’re still bad and they should still be opposed. They do more harm than good for their cause because they they just don’t see (or don’t care) how their rhetoric actually influences people.
And regarding your point about gay people who don’t care and eat Chick-fil-A anyway, your average twitter leftist would say it’s just as bad as a homophobic Christian doing it, since they’re just as guilty of supporting the supposed genocide of gay people. (I’ve seen the exact same thing said about Hogwarts Legacy too)
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10 Tips On How To Improve Your Relationships
In order to improve relationships, we must first understand what they are.
The most important thing in any relationship is communication. It helps us to understand each other better and allows us to express our feelings without hurting others.
Here are some tips on how to improve them
Communication is key to improving relationships. If you want to improve your relationships with your family, friends, coworkers, or even your romantic partner, here are some tips to help you do so.
Be honest. Honesty is one of the most important things in any relationship. You should never lie to anyone, especially when it comes to something as personal as your relationship.
Don’t take anything personally. This is very hard to do, but it’s essential to being able to communicate effectively. If you find yourself getting upset by something someone says, try not to take it personally. Instead, think about why they said it, and whether there was a good reason for them saying it.
Listen more than you talk. Listening is an extremely powerful skill. People who listen tend to gain more respect from others. They also tend to feel more comfortable talking to people.
Be Honest with Yourself
It’s easy to tell other people how they should act, but it’ll be much harder to do so with yourself. If you want to become a better listener, start by listening to yourself. Ask yourself questions like “What am I feeling right now?” and “Why am I feeling this way?”
Let go of grudges. Grudges are toxic emotions that cause us to hold onto negative feelings towards another person. Holding onto these feelings will only make you miserable.
Say thank you. Thanking someone for doing something nice for you shows that you appreciate them. Saying thank you is a simple thing that can really mean a lot.
Make eye contact. Eye contact is a form of communication. When you look at someone, you’re telling them that you care about them.
Don't Take Things Personally
We often take things personally when they aren’t meant to be taken personally. This happens because we assume that others are thinking the same thoughts as ourselves. However, this isn’t true. People think differently than we do. They see the world through different lenses.
Be honest. Honesty is one of the most powerful tools in any relationship. Being honest means being truthful and open.
Listen more than talk. Listening is an active process. You need to pay attention to what the other person says and not just focus on what you want to say next.
Give compliments. Compliments are a great way to show appreciation for someone else. A compliment can be anything from saying “You look beautiful today” to “I love your smile.”
Learn to Say No
Saying no is hard, especially when people ask us to do something that we feel obligated to do. It’s easy to let our emotions get involved with the situation. If we feel bad about turning down a request, we might feel guilty. Or, if we feel good about doing something, we might feel proud. Either way, we end up feeling uncomfortable.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Comparison is a natural part of life. Everyone compares themselves to others. However, comparing yourself to others will only lead to unhappiness. Instead, try to find ways to appreciate yourself.
Listen More Than You Talk
We often think that listening is an act of weakness. However, it’s actually one of the strongest forms of communication. Listening allows us to learn more about other people than we would by simply talking. It also helps us build stronger relationships.
Be honest. Honesty is the foundation of any relationship. If you lie, you’ll never trust anyone.
Say thank you. Thanking people shows them how much you care about them.
Ask questions. Questions help us learn new things. They also give us the opportunity to show interest in another person.
Conclusion
So men or women you having a problem with your relationship?
Must be frustrating arguing non-stop every day with your partner and feeling stressed about it even when you go to work you cannot stop thinking about your relationship problem must be tiring physically and mentally correct.
You wish you can have a nice dinner, have a good time when you meet your partner and spend a quality good time after a long day at work, etc, and to put it simply always have a friendly and loving relationship.
But you lack ideas on how to improve your relationship and don't know what to do.
Well, the good news is here in lovetionship we share the best love, dating, relationship advice and tips, and many more for FREE! So do follow us as we share these free tips weekly! We're sure lovetionship can solve almost all your problem and gets you closer to your dream state all you need to do is apply and try these tips!
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Hi! Can I request headcanons for dating marcus (deadly class)? Thank you
HEADCANONS FOR DATING MARCUS LOPEZ ARGUELLO
A/N: Just a head’s up, I got a little carried away, so this is kinda long lol. Also, sorry this took forever! I’ve been suuuuuper busy lately :/ I almost had it done before work picked back up, but I couldn’t figure out how to end it. Anyway, I hope you like it!!
Before the two of you started dating, Marcus had no idea that you liked him, and for good reason
You did such a good job with hiding your feelings that sometimes even you forgot they were there, which was kind of the whole point
With girls like Saya and Maria around, sending out mixed signals and dropping subtle hints that they liked Marcus, too, it was intimidating
Add Marcus’s constant cynicism about love, and life in general, into the mix, and it was clear the chances of him actually liking you back were next to nothing
So, you knew it was probably for the best to move on
You used the “if you ignore it, it’ll go away” approach in the hopes that if you simply didn’t acknowledge your feelings, the problem would disappear
All this did, however, was create a whole new issue
Somewhere along the way, you’d begun to take the thought process of ‘ignoring your crush’ too literally
You and Marcus were best friends, so when, out of the blue, you stopped talking to him, he could tell something was up
He had no clue what, though
Naturally, he assumed it was something he had done
Marcus started asking around among your mutual friends to see if they knew anything, but they were all just as out of the loop as he was
You hadn’t told anyone about your repressed feelings for Marcus, and you had no intention of letting the secret slip any time soon, but accidents happen
The truth came out one night during a game of truth or dare when you were up on the roof smoking with the Rats
Your confession came tumbling out quicker than you could even think about reeling the words back in
“You hear that, Romeo?” Billy asked, elbowing Marcus in the ribs. “Y/N’s got the hots for you”
All Marcus could do was laugh nervously as he looked down at his feet, refusing to meet your gaze
To your relief, no one brought it up again for the rest of the game
When the next day rolled around and your crush on Marcus still wasn’t the topic of conversation, you started to think that you were in the clear
Maybe they’d all been too stoned to remember when they’d woken up that morning
Your hopes were shattered by the late afternoon
As you left the bathroom, Marcus spotted you from across the hall
He quickly rushed over and caught you by the elbow, dragging you back through the doorway
“Relationships aren’t really my thing,” he said
Marcus sounded like he had more to say, but before he got the chance, you cut him off
“It’s fine,” you said. “I get it”
“No, no. I mean, I like you, Y/N, really. I just don’t wanna mess it up”
You couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face even if you tried
“You’re not gonna mess it up”
Before either of you could say more, the bathroom door opened and Petra walked in
She glanced between the two of you knowingly
“Hate to break this up, but if I hold this piss in any longer, I’ll explode”
With that, she pushed past you both, effectively ruining the moment
It didn’t take long after that for you and Marcus to make your relationship official
‘Official’ is a bit of a loose term in this case
For the most part, both of you kept the fact that you were dating fairly under the radar for fear of what others would do with that information
In a place like King’s Dominion, something as small as caring for another person beyond using them as an ally was seen as a weakness that could and would be used against you, and the last thing either of you wanted was to be put in a situation where you were pitted against each other
Of course, there were several instances when one (or both) of you nearly blew your cover
Such as in Martial Arts class
Instead of fighting you, Marcus would try to cop a feel
You’d quickly smack his hand away
“Miss De Luca’s right there!”
“She’s not looking”
In defense of both of you, though, a class in which hormonal teenagers are asked to pair themselves up and wrestle is practically an invitation to break the ‘no sex’ rule
The other classes you shared weren’t any better
Master Lin caught you and Marcus staring at each other instead of paying attention on multiple occasions, earning both of you a smack from his cane
Although Marcus was somewhat known for his smart mouth and talking back to authority, he knew better than to challenge Lin, not mention that if he did, he’d risk exposing the two of you in the process
So, Marcus bit back his insults and held in his tirade until the two of you were safely locked away in his dorm room
“He had no right to hit you like that”
“I’m fine,” you assured him, shoving another tissue up your nose to stop the bleeding. “Besides, he does it to everyone”
“That still doesn’t give him the right”
“Next time, I’m gonna stick that cane right up his ass”
Marcus wanted to shield you from all the violence at King’s, but when it was coming from teachers, there wasn’t much he could do about it
If it was a fellow student pushing you around, on the other hand, there was no holding him back
You loved how protective Marcus was of you, but sometimes you worried that he’d get carried away
Marcus always made sure you were never around to witness the fights take place, but the scrapes and bruises on his face that hadn’t been there when you saw him that morning were all the proof you needed
In such cases, you would insist on patching him up afterwards
The first few times this happened, Marcus was embarrassed by all the attention you were giving him
After a while, though, he grew to love the feeling of having someone fuss over him, especially if it was you
It was nice to have someone care about him for a change
You weren’t much of a fighter, but making sure he didn’t get Tetanus was your way of looking out for him
When you and Marcus weren’t getting into trouble, you were actually a pretty cute couple
Your roommates became accustomed to the two of you being a package deal, which often meant sneaking into each other’s rooms after lights out
Sometimes, it was to make out, but other times, it was so you could have late night conversations that you didn’t get the chance to have during the day
The topics of these conversations varied—they could be deep and philosophical (which was Marcus’s favorite kind), an opportunity to open up to each other about yourselves and your pasts, a time to plot someone’s death (usually only theoretically), or simply joking around
After especially long days, you would accidentally drift off in the middle of these nightly chats with your head on Marcus’s chest, but he never minded
He’d pull the covers up on your side and wrap his arms more tightly around you
While both of you were perfectly capable of pulling all-nighters, whenever you fell asleep, Marcus was never far behind
The sound of your evened-out breathing was like a lullaby to him, so it was safe to say that his sleep schedule drastically improved after the two of you started dating
You’d found that you slept better with Marcus, too, so on the few nights you spent apart, you’d doze off listening to the mixtapes he’d made you in your Walkman, which were full of your favorite songs and songs that reminded him of you (though, these had quickly become your favorites, too)
It was rare that the two of you weren’t together, though
Even during the day, you and Marcus were practically joined at the hip
At lunch, you would hold hands under the table and share food
Of course, this always opened the door for plenty of teasing from your friends, especially Lex
“While you’re at it, why don’t you chew the food up for each other and pass it back and forth like little birds?”
“Fuck off, Lex”
It was always in good fun, though
Actually, the other Rats were relieved when the two of you finally got together because the weird tension that had been brewing leading up to that point went away, meaning group hangouts could carry on normally
They could overlook you sitting in Marcus’s lap if it meant you weren’t being distant and secretive
Just like they pretended not to notice when you showed up to class wearing each other’s blazers by mistake after spending the night together
Or walking in late looking ✨especially disheveled✨
All in all, you and Marcus are King’s Dominion’s cutest couple™️ that only, like, five other people know about, but still-
#marcus lopez arguello#marcus lopez x reader#marcus lopez arguello x reader#marcus lopez arguello headcanons#marcus lopez headcanons#deadly class#deadly class headcanons
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A Marriage of Convenience
Octoberfest romcom tropes day 1: fake dating
Jaskier pushed his ale aside and broke the wax seal on the letter. As he read the contents, his face pinched into a frown.
“Anything important?” Geralt asked, glancing up from his soup.
Jaskier chewed his lower lip. “Not really. It’s from my family.” He took a breath. “They’re going to disinherit me.”
Geralt raised an eyebrow. “What did you do this time?”
Jaskier scoffed. “Nothing, thank you very much! But it’s my 35th birthday next month, and the stipulations of the Lettenhove family will are quite clear. If the oldest son isn’t married by the age of 35, inheritance passes to the next married cousin.”
“Very keen on weddings in Lettenhove, are they?”
“Rather less keen on unmarried bachelors, actually.”
Geralt grunted. “That’s too bad. I imagine a viscount’s fortune could have come in handy for you.”
“Oh, I don’t care about the money.” Jaskier waved a hand dismissively. “It’s just,” he sighed. “I have younger sisters who rely on me for support. If the inheritance goes to cousin Edward, he’ll turn them out without a penny to their names.”
“That’s unkind.”
“It is.” Jaskier slumped. He was glad to have left Lettenhove and its court intrigues behind, but the thought of his sisters being at the mercy of his greedy cousin was unconscionable. He knew too well all the terrible things that could befall a woman alone in the world.
“This will,” Geralt said, stirring his soup absentmindedly, “does it have any rules about who you have to marry?”
“No. Any old wedding will do. But it’s not like I’m going to find anyone willing to tie themselves to me in the next month.”
Geralt shrugged one shoulder. “I’ll marry you.”
Jaskier choked on his ale. “You?”
“Why not?”
“Because…” he broke off and mopped the sweat from his brow. Because I’ve been in love with you for decades. Because I’ve fantasised about you saying this in a million different ways. Because having to pretend it’s real is going to break my heart.
Geralt reached over the table and patted his hand. “It’ll just be pretend,” he said, as if that were in any way reassuring. “This is a problem easily solved. Let me help you.”
Jaskier sagged. This was going to be a disaster.
-
“This is going to be a disaster!” Jaskier paced anxiously around their room. “There are so many ways this could go horribly wrong.”
Geralt sat on the bed counting bundles of herbs. “It’ll be fine.” He was infuriatingly calm. “We’ll head to Lettenhove, have a quick wedding, get your family off your back, and be on our way. It’ll only take a few days.”
“But,” Jaskier kept pacing. “We’ll have to. You know. We’ll have to do couple things. There are certain… expectations of a newly married pair.”
Geralt got to his feet and placed his hands on Jaskier’s shoulders, stopping his anxious traipsing. “We’ll manage. Can’t be any worse than fighting drowners.”
Jaskier looked into amber eyes and felt his heart turn over in his chest. “Everyone will expect us to be holding hands, and kissing, and gods know what else. And you can’t do that.” He sighed. “You don’t even like men.”
Geralt leaned in closer, close enough that strands of his silver hair tickled Jaskier’s cheek. “I like men just fine,” he said, and pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth.
Then Jaskier did something terribly foolish. His body moved before his mind, his feet stepping closer, his arms wrapping around Geralt’s neck. He kissed him, hard, and to his astonishment Geralt kissed him back hungrily, lips parting to allow Jaskier to taste him fully, tongue exploring, hands roaming, and by the time they broke apart Jaskier was flushed and breathing hard.
“See?” Geralt said, his deep voice sending a shiver up his spine. “We can do this.”
-
Jaskier wrote to his family to tell them the good news, and he and Geralt wasted no time in heading off to Lettenhove. The journey was long but nothing they were unused to. They traveled by day, slept under the stars by night, and Geralt even picked up a few quick contracts to help pay their way.
It was comfortable, and normal, and Jaskier could almost forget about what he was about to put himself through.
At least, until they reached the outskirts of Lettenhove and they heard the whoosh of an incoming portal. The ground shook, the air rippled, and through the rent in reality stepped Yennefer, terrifying and beautiful as ever.
She raised one perfectly arched eyebrow at them. “I hear congratulations are in order.”
Jaskier couldn’t even bring himself to come up with a snarky reply as she swept past him and went to Geralt. He stood back and watched the two of them, powerful and dazzling together, each other’s equals in capability and composure.
He had never had a chance in this competition, he thought bitterly. He would be pretending with Geralt, while she had his heart for real.
Jaskier was left at camp while Geralt and Yennefer went off to do... whatever it was they did together. (He could guess what that was.) He spent a cold, lonely night with no one but Roach for company, berating himself for feeling so hurt by something he knew from the beginning was nothing but a ruse.
-
With their arrival in Lettenhove proper, there was nothing to do but face his family. The brightest spot of his day was walking into the estate and having his sisters squeal and jump on him just as they had done as children.
He stopped laughing and caught his breath long enough to introduce them. “Essi and Priscilla, this is Geralt.” My husband to be, he thought, and something twisted inside him at that. “Geralt, these are my troublesome sisters.”
Essi dipped her head and Priscilla performed a theatrical bow. “We were wondering if Jaskier would ever settle down,” Essi said with a sly smile.
“But seeing how handsome you are, I can’t blame him!” Priscilla replied, and the two of them broke into fits of giggles.
Geralt, for his part, took them with good humour. Where Jaskier had been expecting him to be dour, he smiled indulgently and took each of their hands in turn and pressed a kiss to their knuckles, resulting in another uproar of giggling.
“Thank you for that,” Jaskier said quietly as they made their way to the room waiting for them.
Geralt inclined his head. “Have to make a good impression on the future in-laws,” he said, the corner of his lips quirking upward in amusement.
The rest of his family were predictable as clockwork. Cousin Edward was sour, his father was distant, and his mother was simply relieved to see him married off as was proper. Geralt sat through all of it with more patience and good grace than Jaskier would have thought him capable of.
-
The day of the wedding itself passed in a blur. With such short notice the ceremony was terribly paired down by noble standards, but still, there was the formal breakfast, the dressing in formal garments, the journey to the temple outside of the city, the clamour of priestesses and officials and his family, the exchanging of rings, the reading of texts, and of course the formal dinner.
Jaskier barely remembered any of it. Looking back, the only thing that stuck out in his mind was the feeling of Geralt’s hand clasping his own during the handfasting. And the way that, whenever he was feeling overwhelmed over the course of the day, Geralt’s hand would find his own and give a comforting squeeze.
-
Finally the ceremonies were complete and they were left in peace in their chambers, the two of them alone for the first time all day. Geralt’s hair had been braided into two slim plaits running either side of his face, though by now they were starting to become mussed. He’d even put on a shirt of dark blue silk as opposed to his standard uniform of all black. The effect was quite stunning.
As the door closed, Jaskier’s shoulders slumped and he breathed for what felt like the first time in hours.
Geralt cupped one cheek tenderly. “You good?”
Jaskier exhaled, letting the anxiety and stress of the day slowly unwind. He looked into Geralt’s warm eyes and felt, for once, safe and unjudged. “I’m good.”
Geralt brought their lips together, soft as could be, and Jaskier’s knees shook. He grabbed Geralt’s forearms to hold himself upright and, desperate for some sort of control, some sort of meaning, he pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss.
This was a bad idea, he was aware, but Geralt felt so good in his arms. He ran his hands through silky silver hair like he’d always wanted to, he pressed himself close to that muscled chest he’d spent more time than he should have admiring, and he moaned unrestrainedly when Geralt picked him up, locking his legs around his waist.
This was a terrible idea, he knew, but Geralt carried him over to the bed with firm, confident steps, and the temptation to touch, to hold, to kiss was overwhelming. This would only lead to heartache, but he was weak in the face of love, as always.
Geralt laid him out and took him apart with soft lips and careful fingers and a wicked tongue, and it was everything he’d been dreaming of for years, and yet so much more intense than anything he could have imagined. Geralt was dazzling beneath him, warm amber eyes and pale scarred flesh, beautiful and kind and more than he could possibly deserve.
-
Nuptial celebrations in Lettenhove were mercifully brief, and with the ceremony completed and recorded to the satisfaction of the genealogists, they were free to depart.
There were, however, some customs which could not be avoided.
“You’ll be honeymooning nearby?” Jaskier’s mother asked, with the understanding that this was not a question.
“Actually, we thought -”
“They’ll be staying in my cottage, won’t you?” Priscilla interjected. She’d availed herself of her position, such as it was, to secure a tiny ramshackle cottage on the Kerack coast. It wasn’t opulent but it was, thankfully, far from prying eyes.
Jaskier gave her a tiny nod of thanks and she winked.
“A cottage?” His mother’s lip turned up in distaste. “How quaint.”
“And there’s ever so much to pack, so we must be on our way -” he excused himself with a bow, tugging Geralt behind him.
Out of the view of their parents, Priscilla and Essi set upon him with hugs and kisses, thanked him for saving them from the horrors of cousin Edward, and packed up an obscene quantity of cheeses and wine to take with them.
By the time they departed the estate, Jaskier was even smiling.
-
It was quiet and calm on the coast. The cottage overlooked the sea, rolling and tempestuous, and had just enough space for a kitchen, a bed, and a bath. They had everything they needed, even a stable for Roach outside.
Even though it was only for a few days, Jaskier imagined Geralt would be bored and unhappy, feeling trapped in a place so small. But he seemed content: riding along the coastline in the morning, brushing Roach out, going fishing in the afternoon, preparing the catch for their evening meal.
Jaskier showed him his favourite spices and how to prepare the fish with butter to make it rich and indulgent, and in the quiet moments he wrote poetry or simply sat on the battered chair on the porch of the cottage and watched the waves.
Geralt returned to the cottage with a net bulging with fish and a smile on his face. He’d been doing that more recently, Jaskier had noticed, smiling in a way that seemed natural and unforced. He even left his armour and swords in the cottage and waded down to the sea in just his trousers and shirtsleeves, disarmingly casual.
It was comfortable, almost domestic.
And it was a torment, showing Jaskier a tiny glimpse of a life he’d never have.
-
Their last night on the coast, Geralt cooked the remainder of their provisions into a feast, poured the best wine they had, and set a fire in the hearth. He piled up blankets and pillows, laid down their warmest furs, and pulled Jaskier into his arms in front of the flames.
“Thank you,” he said, dotting kisses in a line up Jaskier’s neck, “for taking such good care of me.”
Jaskier fidgeted unhappily. “You’re the one doing me a favour,” he reminded him. That seemed important to remember. This was a favour from a friend, nothing more.
Geralt hummed against his neck, the vibrations rippling against his skin. “I can see some advantages to me,” he murmured, continuing his line of kisses up Jaskier’s jaw and toward his lips.
Jaskier, stupidly, allowed Geralt to turn him around, hands delicate around his waist, allowed him to bring their lips together. He allowed a kiss, soft at first, and then another, more intense, moaning into Geralt’s mouth.
“Can I interest you in an early night?” Geralt purred in his ear, and everything in Jaskier’s body said yes, and everything in his mind said no.
Eventually, his mind won out and he pushed Geralt away.
“No,” he said, struggling to keep his voice steady. “I can’t. I won’t. I’m sorry, Geralt, but this was a terrible mistake.”
He pushed himself to his feet, ignoring Geralt’s sad expression. He was hit by the urge to run, but there was nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. Tears welled in his eyes.
“Hey,” Geralt’s voice was so soft behind him. “It’s okay, Jaskier. Whatever it is. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable. I won’t do it again.”
Jaskier deflated. He turned to face Geralt, watery eyes and all. “That’s not the problem. I don’t want you to stop. I want this to be real.”
Geralt stood carefully still. “What do you mean, real?”
Jaskier took a breath, tried to imagine how to explain himself, how to convey what he felt. “I’m in love with you!” he snapped in the end. Not his most eloquent work, but perhaps his most honest.
Geralt tilted his head. “I know,” he said. He looked down at the ring on his finger. “Isn’t that the point?”
“The point?” Jaskier exploded. “The point!” He couldn’t stop himself from waving his arms as he ranted. “Oh, sure, I’m certain that the ideal marriage is between one person who’s hopelessly in love and one person who’s indifferent and besotted with another. I’m sure Yennefer will be delighted when she hears about this whole situation.”
Geralt’s eyes narrowed. “You think I’m in love with Yennefer?”
“Yes! Obviously!”
He paused, obviously weighing his words. “That night when she visited us outside Lettenhove, she wasn’t surprised by the news. She told me congratulations, and that it had taken long enough. I think she knew long before I did that I wasn’t in love with her, not really. My heart already belonged to another.”
Jaskier’s breath caught in his throat. “You mean… You and her, you’re not...”
Geralt shook his head. “What she most wants is something I can’t give her.”
“And you?” Jaskier asked, dreading the answer.
Geralt took his hand. “What I most want,” he stroked his thumb over the ring around Jaskier’s finger, “is something I already have.”
Jaskier’s heart leapt. It was almost too much. It was overwhelming. “You really love me?”
Geralt smiled softly. “I really do.”
Jaskier threw himself into Geralt’s lap, arms around his neck, foreheads pressed together. “Tell me again,” he said, because he was needy.
“I love you,” Geralt said, kissing down the side of his face. “I love you,” he said, lacing their fingers together against the furs. “I love you,” he said, their bodies moving together, finally free to feel with the intensity they had been hiding for so long, their scents mingling together with the fresh salt tang of the sea.
-
The sun shone brightly and the wind whipped their hair as they packed up Roach the next morning. Jaskier paused to admire the view one last time: The rolling waves, the steep cliffs, the shingled beach.
Geralt slipped his arms around his waist from behind and dropped a kiss just beneath his ear.
“What does our life look like now?” Jaskier asked, eyes on the waves.
He felt Geralt’s smile against his hair. “Much the same as before,” he said. “With perhaps a few improvements.”
Jaskier turned then and kissed him fully, no need to hold himself back, taking Geralt’s hand and running his fingers over the ring there.
“Ready to head back to the Path?”
Geralt smiled, and Jaskier would never tire of that. “Ready if you are,” he said with softness in his eyes, “husband.”
#this just in: i am secretly soft#squeezing this in before midnight#geraskier#lesdemonium#thank you for the prompt inspo!!#octoberfest#the witcher#my writing
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Yandere Nuada x reader
[Warning, there's a minor murder scene so if you aren't interested in anything like that just skip over it or don't read the fic, whatever makes you the most comfortable. Hope you enjoy :)]
Translation: Darling wife - bean chéile darling.
You had just come down to the sewers to see how Nuada was and to bring him some food you had made for him, but what you were greeted with instead is something that will stay with you till the day you die.
You could remember everything, no matter how much you tried to forget. You could recall how unwelcoming the sewers were that day, even though you had traversed them many times in the months of courting Nuada. It was almost like they were trying to warn you of the danger ahead.
As you walked, you could hear the faint sounds of what seemed to be, moans of pain, and the closer you came to Nuada’s residence, the louder the sounds became.
You grew worried for your love and began to quicken your pace for fear that your beloved was in pain. Oh, how you wished you hadn’t, maybe then you wouldn’t have seen it.
But you did…
And nothing will ever change that…
As you entered Nuada’s residence, you were met with a terrible sight.
It was Nuada all right, his pale elvish complexion seemed to glow in the dark of the sewers, but he was on top of something…Or rather…Someone.
It was an acquaintance from work, someone you barely knew, John was his name…He had shown romantic interest in you before, but you had always politely declined any of his advances, after all, you had Nuada!
But the man you knew from work was barely recognisable in his current state. He was covered in blood; his eyes were glazed over with tears and he was letting out cries of agony.
What made this sight so much worse was that Nuada was the cause of it…He was on top of him, holding a sharp-looking blade of some kind, with a dangerous look in his golden eyes that you didn’t trust.
He was moving the blade around the man’s face with murderous intent while talking in a dark mocking tone…what was he saying…?
“If you had just taken the hint that my beloved had no interest in filth like you, this whole thing could have been avoided.” Nuada moved the blade towards the man’s chest and held it just above his heart. Like he was deciding his fate.
Nuada stared into the man’s eyes before saying, “You should have stayed away.” Nuada raised the blade above his head, letting it shine in reflected light for a moment, before slamming it down violently, so it met its mark directly in the man’s heart.
But Nuada didn’t stop there.
He ripped the blade out of the man and raised it again, ready to stab him once more, and that’s exactly what Nuada did. He stabbed, and stabbed, and stabbed until his clothing was soaked with blood, and splatters of the man’s blood covered his face.
When he was finished with the brutal murder, he got to his feet and stood above the man’s dead body, staring at it in disgust for a moment before turning his head and looking directly…at…you…
There was tense silence filled with things unsaid as you two stared into each other’s eyes, neither of you able to talk.
Nuada hadn’t expected you here, otherwise, he would have left the disposal of that filth till a later date so he could give you all his attention. After all, you were kind enough to come to see him, albeit suddenly, and from the basket in your hand, you must have brought him something to eat. You were always so kind like that, so willing to lovingly care for him, a perfect love, to which no other could compare.
While Nuada’s thoughts were calm, yours were running rampant, you couldn’t process what had happened, you didn’t WANT to process what happened! It had to be some kind of joke…It had to be…
Nuada’s mouth stretched up into a soft welcoming smile, but after what you had just witnessed, his grin seemed almost demonic. His smile lessened when he saw how you were looking at him, he tilted his head at you in confusion and spoke.
“Pretend you never saw that bean chéile darling, I can’t stand it when you look so scared.”
You started moving backwards slowly, stumbling, shaking your head at the one you once loved. How could he have done this? You had long lost the hope of this all being some kind of practical joke, the man’s unmoving bloody corpse made sure any thoughts of salvation had long vanished from your mind.
“…No... No…No! … please don’t…It’s a joke…you didn’t…Please tell me you didn’t….
“I did this out of love, I’m doing this out of love.” Nuada moved closer extending his hand to you, trying to calm you, but his words only served to frighten you more. He had just killed someone, you couldn’t stay here, he was unstable, and he wasn’t close enough to grab you yet, maybe you could run…There was still a chance of escape…Of freedom.
You turned on your heel and ran back the way you came; your heart was hammering in your ears and the sounds of your footsteps echoed along the sewers…but…those weren’t just your footsteps…Nuada. He was running after you and his footsteps were getting closer! Oh God how stupid you were, of course, he was faster.
Without warning, you felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around you and pull you towards a firm chest. The moment you’re caught, you let out a started cry of fear, however, this didn’t deter Nuada in any way.
He picked you up bridal style and starts walking back to his home in the sewer, all the while you thrash and cry, desperate to getaway. “Nuada please let me go, please! I won’t tell anyone I promise!”
Nuada took no heed of you until you had both returned to his home, whereupon arrival, he laid you down on a large nest of blankets and pillows. As soon as he sets you down, you immediately try to move away in desperation, but he doesn’t let you. “
“You have to stay here, where it's safe, it’ll be a little strange at first but just give it a little time, you’ll get used to it, I promise.”
You can’t stop the few tears that slip past your eyelids, but Nuada tenderly brushes them away.
“Nuada plea-” but he cuts you off by cupping your face, forcing you to look directly into his golden eyes. “My darling, please try to understand” His voice is soft now, a stark difference to his action’s moments ago. “You are a golden light of kindness in a sea of dark cruelty, and I must protect you, I’m the only thing keeping you safe from a filthy, disgusting world.”
You couldn’t turn your head away, so you simply closed your eyes, his words had a powerful effect on you. Nuada adored you, worshipped you as if you were the very being that hung the stars in the sky, but what you had scene had frightened you.
Nuada must have sensed your fear because he spoke again. “Darling, I wouldn’t have intervened if I didn’t think it was necessary. That man would have hurt you at some point, he was already becoming too comfortable with taking advantage of your politeness”.
That remark made you think. The man was constantly pushing boundaries, now that you thought about it, but you were always too kind to say anything, not wanting to make him feel embarrassed.
“You see my beloved? He might have hurt you or taken you away from me, and I couldn’t let that happen, no one else makes me feel as loved as you do, I can’t lose that!”
“So,” you begin, your voice shaky from the left-over adrenaline in your system, “you only want to protect me? You don’t want to hurt me?”
Nuada took his hands away from your face and clutched your hands, as he looked deep into your eyes. “No darling, I would never. I love you more than life”. His eyes flicker down to your lips for a moment before he leans forward and captures your lips with his.
You are mentally and physically exhausted from what happened, and this finally loving gesture is what breaks you, you can’t help but lean into Nuada, melting in his touch.
“Okay,” You say softly, “I understand…I still love you, and I won’t leave you”. At those words, Nuada almost weeps with relief and presses his forehead to yours, a loving gesture in itself.
“I just want to love and adore you every day for the rest of our lives” He whispers, “I just want to keep you safe from all harm”.
And you can’t help but believe him. Nuada has always protected you, always adored you, and he was right in believing that man was a threat, his advances could have easily escalated, and Nuada stopped that from happening.
He worshipped you like the Sun, and you gave him the warmth and light he so desperately needed, you were perfect as you were, and nothing could ever come between you.
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hello :) i saw your requests were open so, may i request how suna would react to seeing the miya twins’s fangirls attack you?
a/n: okie dokie!! (also i dont have good titles)
Reaction To Miya Twins' Fangirls Attacking You
suna × gen!reader
you're highkey creeped out about both of your friends' fangirls
it's just that they would ask you to do a favour or a request involving either both of the twins
you always declined to the point it gets annoying, you so nicely said "no thanks, i'd rather not do that" and they still bugged you about it
they were persistent that you wish to scream for them to do it themselves but something tells you if you did, they would do something much more worse than their favours
suna would sometimes rescue you out of these situation whenever you try to make them back off and he would stand behind and ask the girls what they want from their manager
and it always end up of them walking away quickly and leave an akward tension for a while but you didn't forget to thank suna
you sat with suna, the guy you were crushing on and he would do a lot of things that would fluster you in so many ways without even trying
man, if he were to open the door for anyone, you'd get butterflies storming in your stomach
you put your knees up to your chest and rock back and forth, trying to think of a way to stop them and you kept quiet when you feel suna looking at
suna would just wait patiently for you to bring up your problem cause you would always glance at him for a question before asking it
but you look so dang tense, it worried him
"what's got you all worried?" you would be dazed and slump even more on the bench and mumble your response
"i hate them so much, i should leave the club-" suna immediately objected and you look up at him in suprise in which he turns away and shakes his head
"don't, you're still going to be friends with the two knuckleheads. they will always find away to bother you love" hearing the nickname he has for you now made you doubt, he only uses it when he's being genuine but you still reasoned with him
telling him maybe it'll go away for a bit, not as worse as this and you remembered you never told the team about this, only suna and the miya twins
you knocked on your head twice and sighed, you should've told the team about this and suna smiled while placing a hand on your head
"let's tell them now, shall we?"
the whole team being suprised was an understatement, you chuckled when they look terribly shocked to how much trouble you're facing in and out of the club
the miya twins might've hung their heads in shame in which you waved at them to stop but osamu whispered his apology
everyone then puffed out their chests and promised to protect you from any form of danger which you twitch to how loud they acted
kita held your hand and brushed it, telling you that if you have anything to say, say it to them and akagi nodded vigirously, agreeing with his captain
same with ginjima who gave his sound effects with cracking his knuckles
the others were there to protect you as well
aran promises to be there for you and joking around to be your personal bodyguard, you feel tickled by this and punched him in the shoulder
everyone's comfort made you feel safe that's why you can easily go to school without any fans on your back because everyone was there for you, you could cry
but unfortunely a time has to come where they did caught up to you without you having any defense
the miya twins and suna planned a study group right after school and you accidently left some of your notes in class
you nervously scratched your neck mentioning this to them and they immediately pushed you back to get the papers
atsumu scolded you because of pettiness because he wanted to start after school and osamu flicked atsumu's ear because of his impatience
osamu and suna reassured you and asked you to get it back now
"i'll be back very quickly!" "ya better be!"
midway in the hall to your classroom you realized nobody accompanied you and your heart dropped and you feared to meet the duo who harassed you about your friends from day one
ah, the classroom's empty
perfect, you quickly walked to the classroom but someone's feet stopped you and you got slammed into the class' locker
(aw shucks, didn't see that coming)
"well, well what do we have here?" one was sneering in rotten irritation while the other chuckled at your humilation
they hit your head hard so whatever threat they said at first went over your head, literally
you wanted to escape so bad, she still gripped your vest harshly and the way her knuckles went into your chest made you pissed on how strong she was
you kicked one in the crotch so she could stumble back and you ran past her in the gap but the other hooked your leg in her arm
thank god when you fell, you guarded your face from the floor and managed to not bruise it from how hard you fell
groans still came out from the other girl as the one holding your leg, yanked you close to them
you kept fighting back, trying to desperately kick her chest which you could but she started twisting your ankle
"NO!-" "what's goin' on here?"
you looked up in relief and suna picked you up, placing your face in his chest while he coldly glare at the fangirls
he looked at you to see if there's any bruises and scratches and he was grateful you didn't have any
the twist wasn't that frightening so you didn't get a sprain
he also noticed you're empty handed so he whispered to you to get your belongings while he was busy glaring at the two girls shaking in their shoes
"i'm sorry-" "don't say a word just yet."
dang you kinda shivered there because his tone was assertive and scary, you looked back at him to see his dominant demeanor which made you more scared of him
when you got back to his side, he hugged you and kissed your temple and you got more suprised to what he did and he carried on like normal
"if ya dare hurt my beloved partner, i'll hurt ya back."
quietly stepping out the classroom and being further away from it made you breathe in deeply and he tapped your cheek to see if you're doing fine
"thank you.. suna"
you don't know what the hell was he going to do to the fangirls if they ever hurted you but you didn't care as you intertwine your hands with his
"about time, y/n~"
he pecked your temple again which you lightly punched his side and you both softly chuckle, countinuing your walk in peace while you struggle to contain your happiness
finally he confessed first and not you so all the burden on your shoulders were lifted
short bonus!
"i know for a fact he's confessing" atsumu murmured, deep in thought as osamu stared at his twin through his half lidded eyes and slowly agreeing with him
"if you try to imagine, how would he confess?" osamu hums, trying to think of a response for his brother
"will he be cheesy? pick up lines and all that-" atsumu cringed, imagining suna doing pickup lines to you
if he was you, he probably would reject him right away
"no.. he'll probably be sleek with it like i don't know.. AH I KNOW kiss-" "-them"
suna completed atsumu's sentence while kissing your knuckles which you snicker to when they try to regain their composure
and the evening ended with a unison of screaming from both the boys who were just discussing about their friend
#haikyuu!!#haikyu x reader#haikyuu x gender neutral reader#haikyū!!#inarizaki x manager#inarizaki x you#inarizaki x y/n#inarizaki x reader#inarizaki#suna x you#suna rintarō#suna x reader#haikyuu scenarios#haikyuu x manager
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Request; from @tsundere-cherry-girl
Hello there! I love your writings btw, especially the Levi ones. I’ve seen you write scenarios like this before so I was gonna ask if you could do Zuko x pregnant reader. If you’ve read the comics, she becomes pregnant around the time of the Promise and goes into labor after the final battle in Smoke and Shadow. The child being Izumi. If you haven’t read the comics you don’t need to do that. I just want to see some Zuko and reader with baby Izumi fluff UwU
A/N: I changed it up just a tiny bit to fit the comic but also be it’s own story as well, ALSO! I’m sorry this took so long!
Warning; Long, had to be cut for length
Please enjoy~🍰
*******************************************************
The night was calm, quiet, and warm. You laid in your husbands arms as you both slept. After so much chaos, hatred and war you were finally able to rest. Well, almost, Zuko has been very jumpy since being crowned fire lord. Although some of his hunches did turn out to be true, he was very set on someone trying to kill him
“Guards!“ he had woken you from your sleep calling for the guards again, “Someone is here, secure Y/N and search the area!“ he ordered them as he jumped from bed. You following him to bring him back to bed
“Fire Lord Zuko, there is no one here, you’re safe“ one explained rushing to the door where he was ready to fight. Sometimes you thought he had too much trauma as a child that it will forever effect him
“Zuko sweet, please come back to bed. The guards have been here the whole night“ you said laying a hand on his chest attempting to keep him in a calmer state
“You highness I can assure you no one is here-“
“There have been 5 attempts already on my life! Next thing you know they’ll come for my wife“ he grabbed the guard by the front of his uniform to make the message clear as to how serious he was
“Sir we’ve-“ just as the guard spoke his head had been hit by an object knocking him out to the floor. Zuko pushes you behind him and gets into his fighting stance ready to defend you
“Who’s there?! Show yourself“ just as commanded the intruder shows themselves whirling around what seemed to be a metal ball with spikes. Right before your eyes they go at it. Taking swings at each other, sooner than expected Zuko has his opponent at his mercy being taken away by his guards. He comes back to check on you
“Hey are you alright? Are you hurt?” he checks your face, you hands anything that could have gotten a scratch. You were physically okay but mentally you didn’t feel so well. You haven’t been feeling 100% for some time now and you were getting suspicious
“I’m not hurt but, I don’t feel well Zuko“ you said leaning your head on his shoulder “Can you help me to bed please?“ You ask him, he wraps an arm around you and helps you walk to the bed and lay down. Walking back to the door his guards wait for his order
“I want double the guards here tonight and tomorrow I need the royal healer here for Y/N“
“Yes Sir!“ he closes the door and walks back to your side of the bed. Kissing your head he watches over you through the night. For one, you might not feel well, and the other being of what just happened. It was going to be a very long night....
~~~
The next morning the healer came as asked and took some time to check up on you while Zuko got ready for the day. He had given you some medical tea blends and told you to get rest. Turns out you were pregnant. Now you needed a way to tell Zuko, and with all the stress he’s under you wouldn’t know how to react. You had just finished getting dressed when he had walked in
“Y/N, I’m heading out into town to settle last nights incident. What did the healer say?“ he asked coming over to where you sat
“Well, it’s nothing to be worried about but, something that will change everything“ you said fiddling with the tips of your hair
“Well?“ he urges you “Come on Y/N, if I hear you’re okay it’ll make my day better“ he offered a soft smile which he knew, you melted for. You said and take his hands into yours and look into his eyes
“I’m pregnant...“ his jaw went slack almost as if he were frozen in time. It scared you “Zuko...?“ anything, he could just make a sound but you needed to hear him say something.
“I....I have to go. I’ll see you later.“ he said kissing your forehead and leaving without saying another word. You were, hurt. You didn’t blame him completely because expressing his emotions wasn’t exactly his forte. Instead while he was out you went to the other person you trusted the most.
Knocking softly on the entrance to the garden Iroh was sat drinking some tea.
“Ah Y/N, good morning come have some tea. I heard Zuko went to town to settle some things“ he said as he poured you a cup “I’ve also heard you’ve got something on your hands“
You simply nod and take the tea he held out to you
“So, why don’t you tell me about it“ he said with a kind smile. Iroh was probably the wisest, kindest soul you knew.
~~~
Later that afternoon Zuko came back and if anything looked more tired than before. You had a hunch as to where he was but you were hoping it wasn't true. Walking to him you cup his chin with both your hands and make him look at you in the eye
“You need to relax more...“ you said running your thumb over the bags under his eyes “You’re going to be tired before the baby gets here..and stop visiting your father, it’s not good for you“
His larger hands come up to hold yours “I’ll try, and I’m sorry about before...I’m happy” he offered a soft smile
“Are you really?“ you pout slightly making him peck your lips
“Yes I am, I know I’m not the best person for a father or husband..”
“Zuko“ you bring his forehead to rest on yours “You are the best person to be my husband and the father of my children. I couldn’t want anyone else“
-
As time went on things only weighed in his shoulders more. You were probably the only thing that kept him sane. You were also starting to show, your baby was growing nicely and very restless as well. On days when Zuko would have trouble sleeping the baby would get restless leaving both of you tired. But he had figured it out, if he lays in bed with you and talks to your bump, the baby calms down.
“What do you think it’ll be Zuko?“ you asked
“Hmm, I think it’s a girl. They refuse to listen, and gets upset when I don’t talk to it, I’d say it’s you any day“ you gently wack his shoulder causing you both to laugh “I don’t mind what they are, if they’re healthy and we can make them happy is all I care about“
“You’re going to be a great father Zuko“ you said kissing his forehead
“But...what if-“
“I’m going to stop you ahead of time. You are NOTHING like that man and you will never be. You are the kindest, strongest, best man I have ever met and our baby is lucky enough to have you as a father”
Yes, he was terrified to make the same mistake this father make the same mistake his father made. You knew him better than anyone and if he were half as back as his father, you wouldn’t be there at that moment.
~~~
By the time you were almost due it seemed as if war had never left. From Azula attacking once again, to disagreements and even almost a Fight with Aang. Things were heavy on his shoulders, he’s tightened security because of your baby. The last thing he wanted was for anything to happen to you both.
Finally a day where everything was being settled, calmly he felt some kind of relief. That was until a guard barged into the meeting room to announce you had gone into labor. The funny thing about Zuko is that he’s fast and for some reason no one sees him. As soon as people looked away from the door and back to Zuko, only his chair was in their sight.
“Do you think he left that fast when he heard you were alive?” Sokka asked as the room became quiet
Rushing to the healers room at the door he was told he wasn’t allowed inside.
“What do you mean?! My wife is giving birth to our baby and I need to be with her!” This was going to be an old rule he was going to get rid of...
“I-I apologize sir but it’s been a tradition for generations-“
“ZUKO!!” Next thing you knew one of the midwives came to the door and saw Zuko and said
“The lady wishes for you to be with her Fire Lord Zuko” she said timidly. It took him less than a second to trip of his cape and run to your side. This was it, the end of your pregnancy, labor, the day your baby would finally be in your arms. It was a very difficult day for you, she took all day to be born and finally when the moon was high in the sky she made her appearance. She was just perfect, and for a moment the world seemed so at peace.
“She looks like you“ you whisper to Zuko as you both gaze down and admire her
“Yeah but, she’s beautiful like you“ he whispered back, he truly felt something he’s never felt. It was happiness, excitement, protectiveness, and everything in between. He doesn’t remember the last time he was this happy, this was the best day right next to your wedding day.
Just as you expected he really was a wonderful father. During the first few weeks he wanted you only on bed rest. At night he would help care for Izumi and calm her when she needed it. He was actually the one who taught her to walk. When Aang and the rest of your friends met her, he was secretly super proud and cocky about it. They couldn’t get over how much she looked like him and just how cute she was.
He also liked to have her sleep in the same bed as you guys while she was still young. When he couldn’t sleep he would just gaze at her and talk to her, even though she couldn’t answer back.
“..and you could be anything you want to be, and you could rule the kingdom your way. If you’re like your mother I know you’ll be a kind and smart ruler. You probably can’t understand me right now but, I love you and your mother so much“ you felt your hear swell while you pretended to be asleep.
Although your favorite memory was him showing her how to bend when she first made a flame. She was around 6 when she first bended and he felt the flame of pride light in his chest. He showed her how to meditate and control it instead of training. He was always patient and gentle with her. It was very safe to say he was never the same as his father was with him.
Izumi and Zuko were nothing more than the center of your universe, the apples of your eye. And you knew it was the same for Zuko when he looked at you.
*******************************************************
I hope this was okay!❤️
#zuko x reader#avatar the last airbender#avatar the last airbender x reader#atla x reader#atla zuko#prince zuko#zuko#anime#anime x reader#fanfiction#atla fanfic#atla pregnant
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Pictures of You
Summary: prequel to I’ll Be Your Enemy - fluffy!
Characters: IBYE!Reader, Gojo, Yuji, Megumi, Nobara
Word count: 2,3k
Content warning: none
A/N: requested by @thecaptainsbride
If anybody got the reference Gojo made when he was late; congratulations, you have been successfully hurt (but this time it was not me).
Since I left the relationship between Gojo and the reader up for interpretation in IBYE, I will do the same here! Consider this piece me trying to mend your hearts <3
Taglist applications open for anyone who is interested!
“A trip to an amusement park or something like that doesn’t sound so bad,” you mused in front of Satoru. “It serves as relaxation and maybe the first-years can get closer to each other, you know, bonding and so on. They will see each other many times from now on, so getting along with each other is important,” you reasoned, your eyes almost sparkling from the thought of a day off.
“But Jujutsu Sorcery is an individual–” he began.
“Satoru, I think you should see this as vacation. A vacation where you can eat sweets until your teeth rot and absolutely nobody will hold you back,” you interrupted him.
“Okay, I am sold. Am listening now.” You just knew how to convince him. Sweets.
So that was exactly how the first-year students and you ended up at a fairground somewhere in Tokyo; it was quite neat, not too small but not too spacious either. None of you could get lost in it. Still, it was buzzing with life and all kinds of people mingled. The colorfulness was a refreshing sight to take in, compared to the dark world of Jujutsu Sorcery where seeing people suffer was your daily routine. The pleasant smell of food wafted through the air, making your mouth water, as you walked past the different booths with them. Waffles sounded like absolute heaven on earth right now.
Jujutsu Sorcery certainly was a draining sport, mentally as well as physically. Therefore it was only right to take a break at times, right? Self-care days were just as important as working.
In order to wind down a bit, you had suggested a one-day trip – just you, Satoru and the three first-year students you had adopted in your mind right away after meeting them several times.
“Sensei, you look very pretty today!” Yuji complimented you. Even Megumi noticed: “Did you have a haircut? Your hair seems a little bit shorter.”
“Yeah, Nobara had a field day with me. Cutting my hair.. or more like trimming the ends, choosing my outfit, doing my make-up and so on just for today,” you gushed as if you were a high school girl again. “Leave it to master stylist Kugisaki Nobara and nobody will ever look bad,” the brunette girl commended herself. Yuji was affectionately patting her on the back.
Undoubtedly, Satoru was late – nobody was surprised about that. You already went ahead and generously treated the trio of students you loved dearly to some food.
“Thank you for the food, sensei!” As usual, Yuji and Nobara were in perfect harmony with each other, seemingly sharing a brain.
“Thank you very much,” Megumi also expressed his thanks sweetly. If you hadn’t known better, you would have thought the way his lips seemed to twitch was unintentional. “Absolutely no problem, kiddos. You guys enjoy it while I try to contact Gojo-sensei, yeah?” you shot them an apologetic smile, already fishing out your phone. The three of them nodded in perfect synchronization. They’re as cute as little ducklings, you thought.
You didn’t even need to bother calling.
You were about to dial Satoru’s number on your smartphone when Yuji’s voice boomed, “Oh! There he is! Gojo-sensei, we are here!!”
The boy waved at his teacher.
Satoru immediately spotted the pink-haired student and skipped over to where you all were standing. “Sorry for the wait! I’m afraid I got lost on the path of life!!”
“Nice of you to finally join us, but sadly, the fun is already over and we decided to go home. Just wanted to call you to let you know! We’ve been here since morning,” you deadpanned as the white-haired man arrived, looking Satoru dead in the eye – if they weren’t covered. “Wait, wha– Hold on, I am very sure I am not that late. MY MOCHI?” Satoru sounded frantic, facing his students who just shrugged their shoulders. “Serves you right,” Megumi stated calmly. Nobara, being the sassy girl she was, also joined in, “Losers don’t get to have fun and that’s a fact.”
It was such a wholesome and funny moment for you to see the students playing along with your prank without being told beforehand.
You broke out in laughter, not being able to contain it any longer, “You should have seen your face, dumbass! I was just joking!”
“Phew, I almost thought I had to kiss the idea of eating sweets today goodbye. What a horror that would be, my day would be OVER this instant,” the blindfolded man pouted, “so where should I buy my sweets? I’m gonna buy the entire place anyway, but where do I start? Any suggestions for Great Teacher Gojo?”
“Hold up, Satoru! We gotta take a picture together to commemorate this special day!” you suggested, bouncing up and down with enthusiasm. “I swear I just saw sensei’s eyes sparkle but I might be wrong,” Yuji remarked, looking at his dark-haired friend for confirmation.
“Sensei, if you want to take a picture, we have to take it at the right angle!” Nobara chimed in, the secret Instagram influencer in her on full display. She continued to explain, “It would come out great if Gojo-sensei took the pic, long arms privilege and so on.”
The female student almost seemed more into it than you were, it was adorable to you to see the usually bold student be this into taking pictures.
You hand the tall man your phone, but not without shooting him a “if you drop my phone, I’ll make you drop dead” look.
“Okay, ladies, now let’s get in formation,” the male teacher commanded loudly. Upon hearing that, Megumi immediately slapped his hand in his face and turned away in embarrassment. Why was this man like this?
“...Ladies?” Yuji asked, the expression on his face screaming ‘confusion’ “Gojo-sensei just referenced a Beyoncé song, Itadori,” the dark-haired boy explained in a hushed tone, turning back slightly as if he did not want to get caught.
“And it’s not just any song!” Satoru happily chimed in. “Yes, yes, the good old Formation,” you added, nodding in satisfaction. You remember how you showed him the album when it dropped.
“Can we all just ignore Gojo-sensei and take our pic?” Nobara inquired as she shoved everybody into their respective spots. “Alright, everybody, smiiiiile for the camera. Say cheese!”
Click, click, click, click.
Finally, Satoru had gotten his share of sweets. Complying with his sweet tooth was always an effective way to calm him for some time. Almost like feeding a baby, in a way.
Now it was time for fun rides!
...or at least that was what you thought… until Satoru dragged you along to ride a freaking pendulum ride with him. The three students had managed to talk themselves out of stepping foot on that monster of a ride but Satoru didn’t even give you a chance to refuse, he simply gripped your arm and walked towards it.
Stopping only when you were already standing in line, you nervously eyed the metallic behemoth with its iron arm. The monstrosity was seemingly ready to make you throw up from the way it would spin you through the air repeatedly, going back and forth and back and forth again. Why did you have to do this?
“Satoru,” you called his name timidly and tugged at his sleeve, the strange feeling not leaving your gut, “do I really, really have to do this?”
“Absolutely! I promise it will be very fun,” Satoru replied with a signature grin you wanted to wipe off of his face at that moment.
No, it was not fun. At all. You were dizzy and your fear of height was kicking. The blasts of air hitting your face left, right and center were not helping at all and you were sure, if anybody took a picture of you right now, you would look horribly green.
“I– can’t do this anymore!” you shouted mid-air, right before the ride swung to the other side. The force knocked the air out of you once again.
“SATORU, PLEASE GET US OUT OF HERE!” you begged and squeezed his arm with an iron grip. The height was too overwhelming. “Mid-ride?” Satoru asked and you nodded frantically. “Now that’s what I call reckless! Sounds like fun. I’m in!” he declared with a grin.
“Domain Expansion: Infinite Void.”
That was the last thing you heard the tall man say before he touched your head with his large palm.
Your eyes widened in horror as you realized this man used his domain this recklessly, for fun. Maybe it was a side effect of being able to use it multiple times a day.
The infinity gently wrapped itself around Satoru and you. Almost movie-like, you watched as the entire, vast universe beautifully unfolded in front of your eyes. Each star being created separately, then abruptly flashing by as a sea of stars – as if you were in a wormhole. You perceived the entire domain within a flash of a moment, yet tasted eternity in it. Everything but nothing at once.
Despite being touched by Satoru himself, the sensations weren’t without merit. If this was how it felt to be in the safe space of Satoru’s touch within his inner world of Limitless, you would rather not fathom how it felt to be the one hit by this powerful domain.
It took you some time to process things and recollect.
“When I said I wanted you to get the two of us out of that thing, I didn’t mean ‘send me to your domain’,” you scolded him.
“Well, it was convenient,” he defended himself and you could almost hear the grin on his face, “Bet you’ll hate me after this though.”
“Hating you was never really an option I’d ever consider but okay, we’ll run with it this time. Now undo your domain, please, while I am asking nicely.”
“Your wish is my command! This time at least.”
“Satoru.” A stern last warning fell from your lips.
“Yes, yes, boss. On it.”
“I thought you said it’ll be fun but I am absolutely not riding that thing ever again,” you took deep breaths to calm down as your feet securely touched the ground again. Your legs were still trembling a bit.
“And it was fun! At least for me! I like seeing you struggle – it’s so funny – and the way you clung to my arm? Adorable! You are so tiny compared to me, like a bug I could crush between my fingers!” The annoying sorcerer laughed merrily.
“Gojo fucking Satoru, the only thing that is about to be crushed here are your balls. With my leg. You are very lucky to have that damn Infinity of yours or else,” you threatened.
“Ouch, you really do know how to hurt an invincible man,” he snickered and flicked your forehead lightly.
Rejoining with the students was easy as they all saw the barrier Satoru’s domain created.
“You are lucky there was some kind of show going on down here. That barrier above would have freaked people out if they weren’t distracted,” Nobara said, looks shooting daggers at her weird teacher. Innocent and as nice as ever, Yuji pitched in as well: “Yeah, Fushiguro also tried to distract children with their wandering eyes! I think he did a good job.”
“Okay but what did he do though?” you asked curiously and looked at the boy in question.
“...Shadow puppets,” Megumi slowly admitted, looking anywhere but at the people in front of him.
“Oh? You love your foster-dad-turned-great-teacher this much to embarrass yourself out in public? That’s new!” Satoru teased the poor boy. “Someone has to be the voice of reason around here or you’d all be in jail. That includes preventing civilians who are able to see curses from seeing you use Jujutsu while floating mid-air,” he justified, ignoring the tall teacher’s mockery completely.
“As much as I love slandering Gojo-sensei, I’d rather spend my day actually having fun,” Nobara pitched in, reminding everybody of why you were here in the first place.
“So, let’s go ride the ferris wheel!” she added excitedly.
More fun rides.
Before you knew it, the day passed by. You could already feel the heaviness in your legs from walking. The swirling feeling from all the rides boded in your chest – you probably would not be able to sleep well tonight. It was definitely worth it though, you thought.
You had already brought the students back to their dorm – Satoru had ran off to the school because he remembered he had to do something – and were on the way home yourself.
You were in some sort of trance, completely immersed in your phone, so you hadn’t registered when Satoru called your name until he gently tapped your shoulder, falling into step with you.
“Yeah?” you looked up to Satoru, snapping out of your train of thought.
“Just wanted to tell you; ‘Operation: Relaxation Day’ was a great success.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Satoru.” A genuine smile graced your lips and for a moment, he softened at the sight.
“You know what? It was amazing, I really should start listening to you more often,” he confessed with a smirk.
“Well, it’s thanks to your amazing power of persuasion that we got to spend it like this, so thanks for today,” you half-heartedly complimented him.
“You do know I only said we’d not be available today and then dashed, right?” he asked you, the usual playful tone lacing his voice. “Exactly what I meant by saying ‘your amazing power of persuasion’.”
“I think I’ll frame the picture we took,” you murmured softly, fondly looking at the screen of your phone. The picture from earlier was displayed on your homescreen.
Surely, you would hang it on the blank wall in your home as well. It was a personal treasure now.
Taglist (dm me if you wanna be added): @assbuttbaek @megumifushi @bleueluna @gojos-mochi @delammi
#gojo x reader#gojo satoru x reader#jujutsu kaisen x reader#jjk x reader#jujutsu kaisen x you#gojo x y/n#domain expansion#infinite void#ibye series
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Idk if I made it in time for requests so I'll send it in anyway feel free to delete if too late but headcannons of Yandere Malleus, Kalim and Leona with a darling who loves them back but is scared of being tied to royalty?
a/n: just a quick heads up- kalim isn’t royalty (i used to think he was like, the son of the sultan when i got into twst) like in the sense his family isn’t connected to the crown, however he is the heir to an incredibly powerful and influential family! it still works for the effects of being incredibly stressed to being connected to such important family- think of it as old money rich families- but just thought i’d give a heads up bc i don’t refer to him as royalty in this one. also i’m working off the assumption that the relationship is already like, happening because i don’t want to make these way longer than needed
warnings: general yandere themes, implied violence
❥ leona kingscholar
it all comes off as... almost mockery, really. it leaves a sour taste on his mouth- he can see how his darling tenses at his presence whenever his title is mentioned, how they seem to stress whenever leona’s brother writes about how he should bring his lover to the palace to meet him
it’s not them trying to make leona feel unappreciated or feared, but that’s what they do. he’s spent too long being compared to his brother, being whispered about by servants- it wouldn’t be too far off to say that he almost feels betrayed by his significant other because of this, even if their reluctance isn’t necessarily aimed at him
he isn’t above using pressure to keep them right by his side. royalty might be annoying, but it’s also pressuring and crushing. he knows better than anyone that his darling can easily crumple under it all, and he uses it for his own advantage before they can slink away from him
their face shown to the entire afterglow savannah. being presented to farena and his wife. cheka’s constant cheering and asking “when they’re gonna marry uncle leona”. he has no trouble taking his darling back home by telling them how excited farena is to see them- surely they aren’t about to disappoint the king, are they? and once there, it’s all in his ballcourt.
court manners, keeping up appearance, smile for the citizens, wave as leona puts his arm around their shoulder, try not to go pale and fall when farena introduces them as leona’s partner- this isn’t a marriage announcement, but it might as well be. after all, is it even possible to split off now...? now that everyone seems to think leona’s found his genuine love, that it’s a sweet love story of the ill tempered second prince falling in love with a no-name commoner and tossing aside traditions of royalty marrying royalty to bring them to his kingdom... it’s such a sweet story for everyone, except perhaps for the poor soul that’s trapped in the relationship with no exits
and oh, if pressure isn’t enough, then pain and threats surely will be. leona seems to easily pick his own desires over his darling’s comfort; after all, he so easily chose to shackle them to the relationship just because he feared their insecurities would cause them to leave. now that they’re effectively trapped to him by everyone’s gazes being in them, he just has to keep them docile and obedient, keep them from causing a scene.
he’s careful enough not to bruise anywhere visible if he thinks punishment is needed; long gone are the days when he’d perhaps tolerate his darling not doing as he pleased, replaced by his seemingly unwavering intent to train them into absolute submission. it’s more so mortifying when he decides to drag their loved ones into the ordeal: perhaps they’re willing to withstand pain themselves, but would they want anything bad to happen to their beloved friends back at nrc, hm?
“are you being cold to me? you should know better by now.” he isn’t necessarily angry, per se, but annoyed- by now they do know it’s already bad to have him in that mood. there’s an added danger of being back at nrc now that break is over; there’s no longer guards stationed outside the room, no longer the danger of cheka bursting in- which means leona has little to no reason to not be as horrible as he wants, provided he makes sure they can’t scream too loud beforehand. the bruises on their arms still hurt from being gripped too tightly last time he considered they weren’t behaving as affectionately as they should, and the memory immediately makes them tense. without even asking why he’s accusing them of being cold now, they apologize- meek, docile, spineless- and the grin on his face grows. perhaps they’d been to scared at the thought of being connected to royalty before and failed to realize it wasn’t leona’s connection to royalty what made a relationship with him dangerous: how many red flags had they missed before? how many of those quirks and things they chalked off to leona being a bit too possessive or territorial had been warning signs to this eventual outcome? dwelling on the past did nothing to soothe the pains of the present, though. “hmph, i don’t think i’m buying that apology. if you really want to get off without a punishment, put me in a good mood first. you can do that much, can’t you, herbivore?”
❥ kalim al-asim
sweet, innocent and cheerful kalim would seem like the sort of person who wouldn’t understand anxieties over being connected to a powerful family. he gives off such a bubbly and happy impression that such things would simply slip his mind
oh, but they don’t. he himself has suffered at being tied to his family- he’s been through enough attempted assassinations and kidnappings and poisonings that he’s almost de-sensitized to it all. he’s sunny, yes, but it’s almost surprising how cheery he is considering all he’s been through
perhaps that’s why he’s almost... sympathetic to his darling when he finally understands their plight. it’s a relief, really- it’s not that they don’t love him! he’s fine, they’re fine- it’s just a little bit of anxieties!
he understands, really... it’s so scary to have people wanting to get rid of you. well, it’s different for him, because he’s lived this way all his life, but his darling hasn’t... it must be scary for them... kalim’s affection and his simple mind, combined with his love that runs a bit too deeply mix
good intentions or not, the result is nothing more than glorified imprisonment, really. it begins with him happily saying that he asked crowley for permission to get some guards from back home to come to nrc to make sure nobody tries to break into his darling’s dorm, to then kalim insisting they spend their nights in scarabia for added safety- it snowballs from there
don’t eat the cafeteria food if it hasn’t been poison tested! actually, don’t eat in the cafeteria at all, he’ll provide the food. they don’t have someone like jamil by their side, so try not to wander outside alone! in fact, always have him close if they go out, ok?
... and of course, it ends up with maybe don’t leave the dorm, since it could be dangerous, and by then? it’s too late. kalim interpreted their anxiety as fear of dangers, because he’s put in danger because of his position, and so he seems to tell himself that as long as he keeps them safe everything is fine
even if they don’t want to do as he says, he’s just... keeping them safe. it’s his duty, as a good boyfriend, right? even if it’s painful to hear them cry from their room as he locks the door, even after he has to keep a chain on their ankle to keep them from trying to pick the lock... kalim doesn’t enjoy their pain, doesn’t relish in the sadism most nrc students seem to inherently have. but he still thinks he’s doing what he must to keep them safe: after all, wasn’t it them who were scared before...?
“i got you this, it reminded me of you! please, won’t you try it on? i’m sure it’ll look amazing on you, and it matches with me... oh, if you don’t like the colour of the gems i could get you another one, too!” kalim opens the box to present a bracelet. it’s objectively a fine piece of art- surely it’s pure gold and carved jewels, a priceless piece that most could merely dream of even looking at through a glass display, and yet to kalim, there isn’t really a price too high for his lover. they’re his most beloved treasure; and he seems to protect them as such, too, if the chain connecting the cushined cuff on their ankle to the wall says anything. it’s covered in gold and long enough they can wander around the room, but a golden chain still remains a chain. it’s almost silly to think back on how this hell began, with them being anxious over being connected to such an affluent family as the asim family was- in fact, the threats of poisonings or kidnappings hadn’t even crossed their mind until kalim began to protect them from it. and now this was life- kalim seemed to willingly ignore every single time they tried to lash out, acting as if everything was fine, showering them with gifts as if new and expensive belongings could somehow soothe the loss of their freedoms. and maybe it was partly their fault too- after all, they let him put the bracelet on their wrist, let him cheer about how pretty they looked. it was so hard to lash out against him, despite him doing all of this- knowing that he genuinely had no bad intentions, that it was all born out of love and desire to protect, but they were still prisoners with no escape.
❥ malleus draconia
there’s nothing that malleus dreads more than being feared by his darling. that’s what sets them apart from others, what makes him so obsessed, to finally have found someone to show even an inkling of kindness to him, to show him a glimmer of warmth after a life of being feared, of being shunned
he... can’t understand. why are they scared of being tied into royalty? as he sees it, it’s a step up from their current life- power, riches, comfort, those are all things that people dream of, things men have gone to war over, things he can give them. malleus doesn’t seem to comprehend the pressure of it all to someone who’s simply never been involved with the crown- he’s never truly had friends outside of his parental figure or guards, always surrounded by those who work for the crown or are part of the court.
his frustration makes him turn to his instincts. he isn’t willing to lose his darling, not over something like this- even if in reality, he’d be unwilling to let go no matter the reason. what good is power and status if he can’t at least keep the one person he loves the most...? why would he not use said power to keep them by his side?
he seems to think that if he just pushes them headfirst into it, they’ll adjust. a sort of “rip the bandaid” method; they’re anxious over being tied to fae royalty, so why can’t he just show them it’s truly nothing to stress over? they don’t need to worry about ruling or about duties- their title as royalty in the future wouldn’t mean much. they’re malleus’ lover first and foremost, their only true duties would be to stay by his side as they’ve been doing
malleus makes his decision almost worryingly quickly. it’s perhaps because this obsessive attitude has been in him all along, simply brought up by the slight bump in the relationship. maybe his draconic instincts to hoard could be blamed, or maybe his lack of real relationships, or maybe he simply was never meant to love in the regular sense
it... really doesn’t help that most fae don’t think too highly of humans. when malleus drags a clearly terrified and unwilling little human back home and declares them to be his future spouse, the fae court really seems to think of them more as the prince’s pet rather than a lover, leave alone an unwilling victim. if anything, there’s more pressure added to them, the fact that in the castle there isn’t really any ally for them
he’s persistent. malleus doesn’t want to hurt his darling much, but his temper isn’t quite stable. test him too much and he’ll snap, electricity and magic humming in the air. the faster his darling learns that the best path for them is to just do as he says, to hold him and kiss him and try and hide how their body tenses and hands shake when he enters the room, the better it’ll be for them. it’s not like they’re going to be getting any other life soon- upon returning to nrc, malleus doesn’t see the need for them to attend classes. after all, their future is already decided as a docile spouse to a king, they aren’t going to be needing much of an education, as much as they simply have to learn to be a doting and gentle spouse to him.
“i don’t understand why you’re so stressed over this.” malleus sounds genuinely confused, arms crossed as he stares at his darling. the poor thing flinches at his voice, quickly composing themselves, as if trying to hide said moment of vulnerability from him- the last thing they want is for malleus to grow more upset because he once again is forced to realize his own lover is terrified of him. still, he steps closer, close enough to cup their cheek with one of his cold hands. it takes all of their willpower to not stiffen under his touch. they’re extra jumpy today, mainly because lilia dropped by to begin court etiquette lessons. the fae’s ways are much different from humans, but from what they hear, malleus doesn’t plan on having them discuss many affairs with the court to warrant more than some infrequent reminders by lilia on how to behave. still, that does little to calm their nerves, especially because they know the reason why despite the fact they’ll soon be royalty that they’ll still have little duties. malleus caresses their cheek, thumb moving to gently swipe over their lower lip (the urge to lunge and bite seems to still scream from a corner of their brain. the urge to rebel against this, to try and claw back at their old life- urges they ignore and suppress. it’s useless- it’s all useless now, and they know trying to stand for themselves is just asking for malleus to lose it again and hurt them beyond belief in his anger). he seems satisfied with their response; that is, with the lack of response, minimal flinching and tensing, things he’s slowly become keenly aware of, are good, and speaks again what weighs heavily on their mind. “you won’t have to deal with the court much. you’ll be my spouse- your title doesn’t mean anything to worry about. you’ll simply have to continue to love me as i love you; your only job is to stay by my side forever.”
#yandere twst#yandere twisted wonderland#leona kingscholar#kalim al asim#malleus draconia#yandere tw#violence tw
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While you're doing reactions, if you're up for it, how are you feeling about all the finale predictions you made on March 23? By my count, you scored pretty well!
hooooooo boy (the alluded post, for those just catching up)
how i feel about my predictions is that...you’re right and i scored pretty well, but much like the characters doing right in the episode itself, it didn’t matter. part of the reason why the finale made me feel so much--why i loved it, despite still being emotionally hungover from ugly affect--is because i WAS right, but i was so often right but wrong on a smaller scale, or right but wrong because i completely misunderstood the overall thematic stakes, or in one case right but in such a phenomenally cruel and roundabout way that i’m still reeling from it.
more detailed breakdown under the cut (as in “let’s unpack this,” and as in “i have an emotional breakdown”):
WHERE I WAS MOSTLY RIGHT
Team Green, Yang, the non-Robyn Happy Huntresses, Klein and the non-combatant Schnees were gimmes from the beginning, even the ones of whom we didn’t have visual confirmation by the end of Worthy.
Pietro and Maria are still MIA so i’m putting them here, but...Winter’s gonna have to tell Pietro, when he shows up again.
Cinder and the Relics i was correct about, but even though i knew going in that she would win i didn’t imagine the scale of her victory. mostly because i thought she might have learned some self-discipline and just skedaddled with the Relics in an attempt to trap as many people as possible in superhell, but a) she didn’t, and b) she won without needing to.
Salem, Watts, and Ironwood are where i predicted, but i think part of me really bought into the fan theory that maybe Salem would want to keep Atlas around. both Watts and Ironwood lasted much longer through the episode than i expected because i was working from that assumption, but with the direction the episode actually took it makes perfect sense that they exited the stage as Atlas fell--they are, after all, twin architect-destroyers of Atlas. brains and brawn.
Nora ended up in Vacuo, but she’s...uh, not happy about it. not that i expected her to be happy, but this is much much worse. og JNPR is now JUST Renora, and much as i love freewheeling modular megazord JNPR, that’s gonna hit like a truck. last time they lost someone Renora were consciously trying to play supportive teammate to Jaune, who’d just lost his partner, and Nora especially also had to talk Ren off the edge with the Kuroyuri stuff. i expect they’ll swap the dynamic this time, especially since Nora was already planning to go all independent woman before this.
Qrow, Robyn, and the AceOps are stranded, but in transit and not in Mantle, because Mantle the place is no more. and Vine is dead. the reason i posited that the AceOps might be split up was so they could find their team dynamic after it’s been unsettled, and...well. having one of them do a heroic sacrifice should do a similar trick. because i didn’t think Atlas would fall on Mantle i thought Qrow and Robyn (particularly Robyn) would get more to do, but both of them are pretty much exactly in the same place they were in at the beginning of the season: trapped in a cramped environment, cut off from the people they love and uncertain what happened to them, and unable to contribute in a way that they would consider meaningful. i’m guessing we won’t check back in with this crew for a while, but if we do it’ll be interesting to see if the Qrow and Robyn dynamic changes--like, if he has to be the one to talk her down from cabin fever and despair. (before he finds out that he was the one who should have been despairing all along.)
WHERE I WAS MOSTLY WRONG
Neo is in superhell. i had put her in Atlas because i’d overestimated Cinder’s ability to play the long game, but what the show ultimately doubled down on was that Cinder remains at heart a petty and impatient opportunist, and that’s where she’s most effective. which i dig! i dig that she has not so much improved (in means or ends) so much as learned to hold the beneficial and detrimental parts of herself farther and farther apart, because in the end they’re all the same parts, and because presumably she’ll end up starfishing out so much (who knew the way she took care of Winter’s death pigeons was foreshadowing?) that she breaks in two. and i dig Neo in superhell without Cinder, because it’ll be our first chance to see Neo not working for anyone outside of that one time she fought Cinder. if superhell does end up being part afterlife, she might also get some closure with the Torchwick stuff.
Jaune being in superhell points to it being part afterlife, because the chance for HIM to get some closure is also right there. that was always the case, but the reason i made the prediction i did was because i assumed that Jaune would remain the person he has been this whole season--this stolid, clueless but incredibly effective supporting leader. having a Jaune who is at the top of his game meet up with Pyrrha again is obviously appealing, especially to me, a person who scribbles misshapen hearts labeled “Arkos = 5evr” on all my notebooks, but at the time i didn’t think it was necessary to his story...and then the story dramatically shifted his character and threw all my carefully hedged bets off (which is something we’ll also get to with...later).
having a Jaune who has just effectively EUTHANIZED someone meet up with Pyrrha again isn’t just appealing--it’s vital. and it’s vital because the exact parameters of how and why Jaune ended up having to kill Penny is a point-for-point echo and escalation of the way the Amber to Pyrrha transfer was supposed to go. last time Jaune Arc was party to a Maiden transfer process he had no idea what was going on, and he tried to intervene when he worked out that whatever Oz was doing was going to hurt Pyrrha, and that however minute thing contributed to Pyrrha’s death and the Fall of Beacon. this time it’s not just that he knows what’s going on and the stakes of it. it’s not even just that he is the Ozpin operating the Aura Transfer machine. it is that there is no machine--there is just him, holding the knife. he knows the Amber better than the Pyrrha this time, and this time the Amber is his friend, and still whole, and choosing. not just consenting, but asking him. trusting him. so he carries it out. the old Maiden dies, and like Ozpin he dies shortly after, but not before he watches the new Maiden fail.
but he does prevent history from repeating, because a new Maiden is created, and she gets to live. and Cinder Fall has made him a murderer on top of everything else, but she WILL remember him, now.
there are other people i was wrong about, but that’s...for later.
WHERE I WAS RIGHT AND IT DIDN’T MATTER
Ruby, Blake and Weiss are all in superhell, so on paper i was right, but...well. sing it if you know the words. the reason i’m putting them in their own section is because it’s not just that they fell and didn’t jump like i thought; it’s that they would not have jumped, and that changes everything. you know how i realized that we would lose everyone, and not by choice? it was Weiss. it was when Weiss said we have to do this for Yang. Jaune had reminded Nora of what was priority one minutes before, but the implications of that didn’t sink in for me until Weiss confirmed it. they PLANNED for this. not just the eventuality where they would have to die, but the one where they’d have to watch everyone else die and do nothing except keep going.
which...has implications. the best way to read this--and i think we’re all dying for some good news--is that even if it certainly does not feel that way, RWBY was able to snatch a partial victory from Salem’s claws. they lost the Relics, but they got the Maiden powers away, and most importantly: they saved Atlas and Mantle. by the time Jaune intervened Grand Central was empty. there was no one left to evacuate. they didn’t get everyone, but they got a lot. even before Cinder intervened so catastrophically they knew how many things could go wrong, so they made a plan, and largely stuck to it. on a purely material level they only lost one thing vital to the war effort--the Staff. but they got everyone else out, which was priority one. the show in general and this arc in particular has emphasized that our heroes don’t think they should be exceptionalized, that they’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure everyone is given the treatment and respect they deserve, and they’ve made good on that. they’re Huntresses, and Huntresses be thou for the people. they chose, and they won what mattered to THEM.
but on the flip side: they chose, and there’s no way to read this choice as anything but a compromise...and a very Atlesian one at that. when confronted with calculus similar to the one JYR faced after they lost Oscar in War, our heroes chose...the opposite. one, then three, then four, then five, then six for the many. what was that number compared to two entire cities’ worth of people, especially when they’re the ones who signed up for this? i’m not trying to take this down the slippery slope where our heroes are no better than the dictator they just dethroned, because when the time came for sacrifice they chose themselves first. but it remains a sacrifice, which means that when the time came to test the hard moral limit they set for themselves, they...moved. they decided ahead of time that some risks aren’t worth taking. that this is not a situation where everyone wins, so they had to go for the next best thing, then the next best thing after that, and so on. i’m honestly not sure where it points to yet, except my usual refrain that this show is a lot less didactic than it seems, but...yeah. this is going to lead to some invigorating discussions in-universe.
and maybe it’ll start with this: that Jaune and Weiss--the two who had to verbally advocate for leaving the fallen behind--fell last of all, which means they had to watch everyone else go first. and the last person they saw was the same person. Weiss, who executed the plan to brilliant perfection, saw the past--the first family she ever had--streaking after her in an endless void, forsaking the priorities they all agreed upon, for her. Jaune, who followed the plan to execution and broke a part of himself, saw the new Maiden he crowned, backlit and pulled away by the bright future that he ensured was possible, but can no longer access.
QUEENMAKER
i’m starting with Penny, because Penny came first. there has already been a ton of discussion on the ways that she’ll come back, and while i absolutely agree that she will, for now i am not so much interested in that as i am in eulogizing this Penny. the Penny we had just now, not identical but continuous with the Penny we had before that, in the same way that everyone is not identical but continuous with who they were in the past. the Penny who IS dead, her eventual resurrection notwithstanding.
because she DID die, and her death matters. that’s the thing about the deaths in this season, and it furthers my point re: RWBY’s presumed didacticism--the show’s treatment of death has changed as our heroes have changed. it is no longer (and never was) as simple as “death and sacrifice are always senseless waste,” and more something like...”death has to matter, and we will give it meaning.” Hazel and Vine sacrificed themselves, and the fact both resulted in a “positive” outcome (more lives saved) does not make the deaths any less tragic. but neither should the tragedy of it take away from the fact that they saved lives. what separates our heroes from a Salem or a James Ironwood even now is that they recognize the importance of grievable life even as they accept inevitable death, that what is worth it all about preserving life is not to make sure that lives go on forever, but that lives have meaning and are remembered, that when you’re gone the people who are still here respect you enough to carry that meaning with them. it’s a tenuous balance to walk, but all the more important for that reason.
Penny--though her death can and will be reversed--is much the same. in every arc there has been a Game of Three Maidens (which i guess would make shogi the better metaphor and not chess because--what AM i on about), and in every Game there has been sacrifice. and i thought that would encompass Winter, here. we’d get away with it not being literal death, since Fria already took care of that, but she would be trapped on the other side of the gate--in pretty much the exact same position James Ironwood ended up in the episode itself, actually. it just seemed obvious: she’s the decoy, the one who missed the call by inches, the last revealed defector when there still was an Atlas from which to defect. all of it pointed to Winter’s story ending with one last delay barring her from salvation, of her finally being too late...
and well. i WASN’T wrong in the broad strokes, but first there was Penny Polendina. Penny could have let Jaune try to save her and Weiss die for her, but she knew she had to make a different choice to save as many lives as possible. so she offered herself up as the sacrifice instead. last week i waxed prolonged poetic about how Winter defected so recently, how it has been just IronwoodandWinter for so long, how Winter doesn’t have a team and only the healing shreds of a family, how no one would think to look for her...and then Penny did. you were my friend. (given Winter’s rough age and the hazy creation dates for the PENNY Project, it’s possible that Winter is Penny’s OLDEST friend.) Penny thought of Winter as she was dying, thought about the good Winter could do if Winter had her powers, believed in Winter, and in doing so, saved Winter’s life before anyone else’s.
she ceded the spotlight to Winter in this last episode, but this season as a whole belongs to Penny Polendina--the myriad ways she creates herself, the ways she defends her self-creation, ultimately culminating in her new body, created by no one but herself. but for her final act the Maiden of Creation did something different and no less miraculous: i thought of you. a thought was all it took.
she created someone else.
KINGSLAYER | THE MAIDEN THAT WAS PROMISED
the thing about Winter is that she came first.
no, i’m serious. i checked the fairy tale and everything--Winter came first. as the Wizard’s first visitor she encouraged him to reflect and meditate, and when probed about why she was here at all, she answered: i am waiting for my sisters. Spring and Summer have to wait, too, of course, but. Winter was the first.
Jacques and Willow named their firstborn Winter. it is not the way this story begins, but it is certainly is one of them, because the story begins with Winter, and Winter begins the story--a new retelling, a new cycle of heroism. we’ve since been introduced to other characters in that indeterminate age group between RWBY and STRQ, but Winter--by virtue of being Weiss’ older sister--anchors herself to the new generation in a way those others (even Cinder, who comes closest) do not. she started things, in the mythical emblematic way that this show likes to move, and the way she started things--the way she MADE herself start things, thanks to the house she grew up in--was with love, and protection. she took care of Weiss and laid the groundwork for the person Weiss is today, and conversely: she took care of Weiss, and through Weiss, laid the groundwork for herself and how to take care of everyone. so eventually the steel thread she tied to Weiss she also linked to Whitley, to Penny, to Marrow, to all the people they love, and on and on it goes. Winter loved Weiss, so she made herself learn how to love Weiss, and so when i say she started things what i mean is she started family. a new home, for a new generation of the orphaned.
Winter came first. but as the show demonstrates time and again, especially with Winter: first does not mean best. because being first also means you’re the prototype, a volatile thing that must be tested and tempered and then discarded to make way for what comes after, what gets improved. and it is THIS part of being first that Winter has internalized most of all. Winter, the first Maiden, taught the Wizard peace and prepared the earth so that her sisters could grow and foster and harvest the life within it; Winter, the first Schnee, laid the groundwork in her siblings, but did not wait for them. and let herself fallow in the process. she left, and every time they tried to follow or stay with her she sent them away. (she keeps sending them away; even after defecting and taking down Ironwood, the first thing she says to JNPER is go.) Winter laid the first stone in the foundation, but she cannot take credit for the home her family turned it into, for all the ways it has flourished, because she willfully absented herself of that (birth)right.
and the reason she did this was very simple: she was afraid. she could not bear the thought that while she had to learn how to love she made mistakes, the idea that instead of preparing the earth she might have poisoned the well. so she ran. she turned her face away so she would not have to look, so they would not look to her. she left, and every time one of her siblings superseded her after that, every time she was made to be their Esau--passed over--it just seemed to confirm that she was right to leave. look how well they’ve all done without her.
in the stories, eldest siblings aren’t here to win. they’re here to be made an example of, and Winter...had resigned herself to that. she was prepared to be left behind for good by all the people who have outpaced her.
but then there was Penny Polendina. Penny didn’t follow her, or try to stay; Penny came back for her. Penny remembered Winter when all Winter wanted was to be forgotten, because she’d gotten it in her head that it was what she deserved for all the things she’d done or enabled or failed to do. why did Penny remember Winter? because you were my friend. there is no divine complexity to it, nothing for Winter to fall hopeless short of. there is only the fact that Winter gave Penny something, made something together with Penny, even as she was trying her hardest not to, for fear that she would create something terrible. and this does not take away from all the ways Winter did fall short, but it is still SOMETHING. and it is enough.
it was your power, after all. Penny means the Maiden powers, but she also means THIS Maiden’s power: the power to create. you made this home, Penny is saying to Winter, you should get to reap its fruit, even if you weren’t around for the labor. all you have to do is say yes.
this was a gift. she says yes. she accepts, because in the end Winter Schnee loves her family more than she hates herself.
but then--
(a gift for what? Winter will ask herself wretchedly later, after she has failed in the two tasks she thinks Penny set for her.)
the thing about Winter is that she came first. she taught Weiss everything she knows, and she was so busy doing that she never had the time to show Weiss everything she feels. so in the end what Weiss never predicted was that for all of her team’s painful planning, for all of her own pained enforcement of that plan...none of it was a match for her sister. that when the time came it was would be WINTER who defaults to the absolute ideal of “no one gets left behind,” of “every life” meaning every life, priority one be damned.
or that Winter, in trying to choose both, in finally and fiercely trying, with surely enough power to make a difference, would fail.
what are you doing? Winter heard as she watched Weiss fall into nothingness. my life doesn’t matter.
so here, then, is the story of Winter in The Final Word: a girl returns home after having left it, but in this version it is the home who has changed and the girl who has not. and from this both are unmade. but she gets to live, because she was invited back home. and she gets to go through the portal as its last passenger, into the Promised Land.
and she is still the Maiden of Creation. even after all this, THAT is still her task. to build a refuge for her people, to collect the broken strands of the family she began and her siblings continued and expanded and reinforced, and gather them up again into a new home. it will be impossible, but at the same time: she has done this before.
and this time, she will wait for her sisters.
(a gift for what? for nothing, would be the answer. gifts aren’t FOR anything. they’re gifts.)
#typeoneninja#rwby#helen writes meta#VERY LONG OBSCENELY LONG META CANNOT EMPHASIZE HOW LONG#at least it didn't take me a whole month this time
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