#I'll make proper tea twice a day for them

[screechingnebula]

Ran: Which one of u was going to tell me that tea tastes different if u put it in hot water??

Rindou: Y- you were putting it in cold water ??

Izana: Ran. Answer the question, Ran.

Ran: Yeah ??? I thought people just put it in hot water to speed up the tea-ification process. didn't realize there was an actual reason

Ran: Plus u think I have the patience to boil water?

Izana: You don't have the patience to microwave water for 3 minutes??

Kakuchou: why are u putting it in the microwave to boil it?

Izana: Do you think I have the patience to boil water on the stove?

Mochi: It takes less than a minute

Rindou: Is your stovetop powered by the fucking sun

Mochi: How long does it take you to boil a cup of water on the stove

Rindou: Like seven minutes??

Shion: Just stick the mug on top of the stove on medium heat n it boils in like 2 minutes . . less than that u use a saucepan

Kakuchou: Why are you putting the whole mug on the stove ?? On medium heat ? ? Shion? Ur stove is enchanted

Sanzu: Every single person here is a fucking lunatic

Mucho: Do none of you own a fucking kettle?

Mucho is afraid his friends are not leaving a good impression on Sanzu rip

#tokyo revengers #tokyo revengers spoilers #izana kurokawa #kakucho #mucho #haitani rindou #haitani ran #mochizuki kanji #shion madarame #sanzu haruchiyo #yasuhiro muto #I'll make proper tea twice a day for them

[obae-me]

A Taste Of His Own Medicine- Full Revised Masterpost

No one asked for it, but I wanted it, so here it is! I was going through some of my old stuff, particularly this series because it was a personal favorite of mine. And boy oh boy did I feel like it was outdated. Partially because of nightbringer, but also because my writing style has changed a bit over the last few years. So, I figured I'd go through it all, edit a few things, take out a few bits I didn't agree with character wise, and add some details here and there to make it all flow a little better! Lucifer's chapter especially got a chunky overhaul (yeesh that one made me cringe). The changes aren't enormous, but just enough to make a difference I think. And now I get to put them all in one nice little post! I'll still be keeping my older versions on my masterlist. It'll be kinda neat to have both there for comparison's sake. Plus I added a little bonus scene at the end that's... a teaser of things I have planned. See if you can guess what it is. Oh, and if you're new here, hi! Enjoy a silly fic I made!

Anyways, enjoy!

Warnings: Sickness, fainting, blood mention, gagging, fighting, medication use, brief taking of double doses. General sickfic things.

It spread as a rumor first. The halls of RAD were always abuzz with the latest news; the newest trend, an upcoming event, what Diavolo was having for lunch. However, lately the only thing everyone seemed to be talking about was a new airborne virus. Students clustered less frequently in the halls, sharing hushed whispers on who had been most recently afflicted. You had been assured that humans should be immune to this particular strain but to still err on the side of caution. Take the proper steps to keep yourself in good health. Waves of sickness like this always came closer to the wintertime, much like the human realm. And while the air in the Devildom carried a general sense of anxiety, no one in the House of Lamentation seemed worried in the least.

“We’re technically fallen angels, not demons.”

“Psh, you think a little virus is enough to affect us? No chance!”

“There’s no way any of us will get sick. Don’t worry.”

Pride was rampant throughout the House. So…perhaps it was only fitting that Lucifer was the first in the household to catch it.

He had shown symptoms a few days before, beginning with not having the energy to scold Mammon. Then it snowballed from there. Almost losing his balance while going up the stairs, putting too much sweetener in his coffee, failing to focus over relatively mindless things, it concerned you. Everyone else didn’t seem to notice…or perhaps they were pretending not to, taking advantage of Lucifer’s odd state and doing whatever their sinful little hearts desired. No one thought it could be that serious, otherwise they might’ve done something about it. Kept a closer eye on him… But this was Lucifer after all. He got like this sometimes, they all claimed. He was simply working himself too hard again. But…even so…you knew something was off. This was more than just your typical burnout.

Did you dare risk damaging his pride to ask? You weighed the outcomes in your mind, deciding in the end to go check on what was wrong that night. Hoping to appeal to him, you had even made some of his favorite tea. You’d even prepared a second cup for you, secretly wanting to maybe share a moment of time together… Stepping slowly to ensure you didn’t spill a single drop, you went straight to his bedroom, knocking on his door exactly twice in even beats. No answer. His study then, perhaps. So you headed there, passing the shelves of dusty tomes to see that the bookshelf which served as his secret entrance was wide open.

“Lucifer?” you called, holding yourself back on worried feet. Waltzing in unannounced did not always grant you the warmest of receptions. He preferred to have some sort of warning. Although, this time there was no response to your announcement. “Lucifer?” you asked again, your voice slightly louder. Still nothing. You couldn’t hear any music… and he wasn’t often known to wear headphones. Just a peek couldn’t hurt, could it? Just to make sure he wasn’t inside. You stepped forward and poked your head through the doorway.

At first glance, the office appeared empty, his overly grandiose chair devoid of its demon. However, after a better look, you noticed that he was inside, just not how you expected him to be. The Prideful Lucifer was crumpled on the ground, surrounded by what should’ve been a stack of papers, but now was just a scattered mess on the floor.

The heart in your chest nearly stopped, your mind jumping to various grisly conclusions. Somehow you managed to put the teacups aside without dropping them like one might do in a dramatic soap opera episode. The musical sting was audible in your mind. You rushed to him, moving him with a strained grunt so he was flat on his back. You shouted his name in an attempt to wake him, checking for wounds. “Lucifer!” He didn’t move. Not even a twitch. Burning crimson cheeks flushed brightly on skin as white as a sheet. You checked his breathing. Constant, luckily, but shaky. There was a faint tremble throughout his body. Your hand drifted down to his cheek as you caressed his face. To say he looked terrible was an understatement.

You fumbled for your D.D.D. desperately hoping that someone would pick up quickly. But who to call? Your mind ran through everyone you knew. Mammon? Barbatos? Diavolo? Perhaps Beel was your best bet. He was dependable. You didn’t want to risk anyone else taking advantage of him like this. Besides there was no way you could drag Lucifer up to bed alone, and Beel was easily as strong as three of you.

You dialed Gluttony, doing your best to not bite your knuckles in worry. Each echoing ring felt far too long… Pick up… Pick up! “Oh, MC, you called at a good time.” The breath that came out of you was almost a gasp. “I’m getting ready to order food since the kitchen is empty. What do you want? I’ll get it for you?” Beel sounded like he was still in the middle of chewing, which probably meant he just now emptied out the kitchen. Now wasn’t the time to worry about that though.

“Beel- Beel! I… I came into the office and… Please come down to Lucifer’s study, I- I need your help! Lucifer- Lucifer he’s…not well.” Your voice shook, doing your best to form comprehensive words aside from the panic. You’d hid the fact that he collapsed to save some of his pride. Even though it would be fairly obvious once Beel got here…

Beelzebub’s tone went more serious. He swallowed whatever food he had left before speaking again. “I’ll be right there.” He hung up.

Now that Beel was coming to help, you felt a bit more relaxed, but not by much. You put your D.D.D. back into your pocket and knelt beside Lucifer’s body. His head was lifted up with your shaking hands, letting him use your lap as a pillow. You brushed away the hair that was now starting to stick to his skin. You’d never seen him like this before, and you were certain that Lucifer would rather die than be discovered like this. Nevertheless you couldn’t help but pet his head.

It wasn’t too long before Beel came in, messy crumbs all over his shirt as he left in a haste. Once he saw the state Lucifer was in, he scanned back over his shoulder. “Mammon is busy arguing with Levi, Belphie is taking a nap, Asmo’s out, and I’m hoping Satan is in his room. Let’s get Lucifer to bed quickly.” He came over and quickly lifted his elder brother up off the floor. It didn’t matter how long you had been around him, any time Beel was able to show of just how strong he was, it left you in awe. “Why don’t you go ahead of us and meet me in his room?” Beel asked. For a second, you blinked in a stupor before you quickly nodded, bolting as fast as your feet would take you up the stairs towards the second floor to his grand master bedroom.

Careful of potential eyes, you looked around for anyone before opening the door. As Beel said, you could hear Mammon and Levi going at it, but they were a few rooms away. You invited yourself inside, leaving the entrance open just a crack so Beel could easily come right in. Now to prep Lucifer’s bed. It was extremely large, entirely unnecessary for one person, but a perfect fit for the Demon of Pride. You took one corner of the silky sheets and folded them aside. Then you waited. And waited. And waited. After what seemed like eternity- but was realistically only a few minutes- both brothers entered the room. You got up and quietly shut the door behind them while Beel placed Lucifer on the bed.

“What do we do now?” you asked. “Should we call a doctor?”

Beel’s mouth tightened. It was obvious he was worried, but he shook his head. “We… can’t. We leave him alone and he’ll probably call someone when he wakes up.”

You stood there, jaw open, not able to fully process the words. “’We can’t?’ W-What do you mean, ‘we can’t’?”

“It’s sort of an unspoken rule… If Lucifer ever gets sick we have to leave him alone. Even just the fact that we brought him up here might get us in trouble.” Beel looked a bit downtrodden.

You stammered over your words. “I- but- we can’t- That’s the most ridiculous and hypocritical rule I’ve ever heard! If it were someone else, Lucifer would have everything covered as soon as possible!”

“It’s mostly to keep Satan and Belphie away… and to make sure Diavolo doesn’t find out. He tends to be a worrier.” Beel explained. He shrugged, glancing over at his brother for a moment as he thought. “I’ll go keep watch over this room. Maybe if you take care of him, he won’t be as upset. Please…take care of him MC.” With that he left, however you could still hear him outside the door, already munching on something as he stress ate.

You nervously paced. Taking care of him sounded easy in theory, but in actuality you had no idea how to take care of a demon. Would it be the same as a human? Probably not but that was all you knew how to do, so it had to be better than nothing, right? So you left the room for just a moment to grab a few things. A glass of water so he could stay hydrated and a bowl of cold water with a soft rag to bring down his temperature.

When you returned to the room, you froze. Lucifer was sitting up slightly in bed, looking disoriented. A relived sigh released all the built up tension in your lungs. “Oh, thank Diavolo… Lucifer, are you okay?” His head swung around at you, eyes a bit wide. He didn’t notice you had entered. “MC… what’re you doing in here? I--” He cut himself off in shock as you placed the cup of water in his hands and the bowl on his nightstand. You got the rag damp, wringing out the excess.

“Do you not remember?” you asked him, raising a hand to put the rag against his face. Embarrassed and clearly overwhelmed, he swatted your touch away and forcefully put the glass back in your hands.

“Enough of this fussing! There’s no need for it.” He scowled, but his dry lips were a bit poutier than he intended. “I don’t know what’s gotten you to believe you needed to come in my room, but I don’t remember inviting you. It’s about time you took your leave.” His tone was stern but his words didn’t have the usual sharp impact they normally did when he was upset. They just sounded tired. Strained. You frowned. You couldn’t tell if he was unaware he collapsed or just glancing over the fact he did. Either way he was clearly lying about being alright. You decided not to bring up the study situation for his pride’s sake, but even with your two fully ordinary human eyes you could tell that he needed to be looked after.

You’d defied him before and hadn’t died yet. Sure there had been close calls, but… what was going against him one more time going to do? “I’m not leaving," you told him.

Lucifer disapproved. His eyes went narrow and air around him grew even hotter. A few more red splotches showed up on his face… “Would you like to say that again? I hope for your sake I misheard you.”

“I’m not leaving you right now, Lucifer.” You stood your ground. Sometimes stubbornness needed to be met with more stubbornness. Lucifer clenched his jaw and stood up. Too quickly. He lost his balance and fell to his knees, clutching tightly the only thing keeping him from falling over. You. He had his face buried in your shirt, his breathing now ragged. Seeing him like this was torture… although there was something about seeing Pride be humbled that gave him further access to your heart. He wasn’t some untouchable distant concept. He was a person who got sick sometimes, just like you. Once more, you ran your hand through his hair, tender fingers rubbing at the pressure points on his scalp. Even him just being this close made you hot. He was a burning furnace. “You’re not well, Lucifer… And I know you won’t ever admit it so you don’t have to say anything, you don’t have to ask, I’ll do the begging, just please let me take care of you. You take care of everyone else, so when you can’t even take care of yourself let me take care of you. Please.”

He didn’t respond, just kept his face hidden. For a second, he motioned as if he was going to push you away… but he pulled you closer, his grip on your clothes getting tighter. Acceptance… You bent down to grab one of his arms to help him get to his feet. His throat cleared as he sat on the edge of his bed. It was clear he had a lot to say, but he kept everything to himself. Lucifer’s eyes wandered, looking at everything in his room except for you. Slowly, you reached towards his neck, taking the stuffy tie off of him. Kneeling down, you removed his dress shoes, tucking them aside. He loosened a few of his own buttons, already looking a little better without so many unnecessary layers. Finally, you took both his hands in your own, feeling the curves of his palms before stripping his hands of their gloves. When he got back inside his bed he turned away from you. Sulking and feeling thoroughly defeated probably. Flustered, if you could allow yourself to think so. You tried hard not to smile. He would absolutely kill you if he knew you thought he was being cute.

With a hand on his shoulder, you urged him to lie on his back. Once he begrudgingly did, you pulled the blankets up to his neck and had the rag in hand again. You ran the cool fabric across his cheeks before folding it up and settling it across his forehead. Then you went over to one of his record players, scouring through his large collection until you found the record that he told you was a favorite of his. And not one of his cursed ones. You placed it on the player, making sure the music was loud enough to be heard but not enough to keep him up. It started with a soft piece, something calm and hauntingly beautiful. Hopefully it would help him relax.

Lucifer already had his eyes closed again, the red in his cheeks gone down from cherry to coral- in other words, just a touch. However, it was enough to make you feel less antsy at his condition. You had been so close to contacting Diavolo, but now it seemed as if you didn’t need to. Since you had just had your hands in the water, they were cool to the touch, so you gently brushed them against his cheek again. This time he moved his head to melt into you. A soothed hum left his throat. He grabbed your sleeve, now looking up at you with an expression entirely different than just a few minutes before. “Please…don’t leave tonight.” His voice was soft and hush, almost as if he didn’t want to hear his own words. You rubbed his cheekbone with your thumb. A shiver ran through his body and it was hard to tell if it was from your touch or from the fever.

“Don’t worry, I won’t. Sleep now.” He shut his eyes and with a large shuddering sigh, he seemed to drift back to sleep. You took the rag, it already warm, and you touched your forehead to his. “Sweet dreams.” You whispered.

Lucifer recovered fairly quickly. What had left lesser demons bedridden for a week or so only had the eldest brother recovering for a handful of days. Now, he had done his best to keep himself isolated, but once his siblings eventually learned how bad off he had been- despite your best efforts to keep it a secret- they all came in on their own time to check on him. At the end of the day, even if they often had each other by the throat, they cared for each other deeply. You had to wonder if the extra unexpected TLC was part of what got Lucifer back up on his feet so rapidly.

Mammon was in and out of Luci’s room pretty frequently. Despite yours and Pride’s warnings, he was determined to do his duty as second in line and take care of his sibling. So, no one was all too surprised when Greed fell ill not even a single day after Lucifer was symptomless. But, what did catch everyone off guard was that Mammon was not the only one who got suddenly sick. Out of every other brother, Satan was also next to fall ill to the Devil’s Cold. Lucifer commented proudly that Wrath had been excellent in his service, bringing him specially crafted potions to lesson pain and bringing him up special meals to restore his vigor. All was revealed much to Satan’s dismay. Apparently it was meant to be a secret. He tried to twist it into some sort of reverse psychology prank, but everyone knew Satan was acting out of worry. So, a proper deed was returned in kind, Lucifer looking after the both of them to the best of his abilities. Such a doting older sibling through and through. Although, despite the rare opportunity to have Lucifer wait on them hand-and-foot, Mammon and Satan were both acting strangely difficult. Satan’s denial of Lucifer’s fussing made more sense, strained relationship and all, but Mammon’s sudden cold stubbornness was rather uncharacteristic. So, while the eldest was busy finishing the two extra workloads of Student Council business, he asked that you check up on the second-eldest.

You eagerly agreed. For not only was Mammon being reserved towards his siblings, but also towards you… It was a sensation you weren’t used to, him being so close to you and all. This would be a good excuse to see him. Approaching his room, you knocked on his door, pressing your ear against the expensive looking wood only to hear a groan from inside. It wasn’t what you would define as a dismissive groan, so you let yourself in. Overhead completely off, extra light from his displays all dimmed, you were left stumbling around in darkness for the light switch. Once you flicked it on, the pained moan you heard before returned, albeit louder this time. Seemed he was sensitive to light at the moment. You bit your bottom lip and flicked his light back off, opting to use the glow from the screen of your D.D.D. instead.

The faint light gave you enough vision to spot giant lump under the covers of his bed. Not a single part of Mammon’s body was exposed. He was all bundled in a ball. You came over, a nice hot drink in your hands in a shiny golden-colored mug. Lucifer had told you that the concoction was good for demons, and among that one of Mammon’s favorites. To you, it just smelled like cinnamon and milk.

You gently pressed your hand over the bed lump, shaking it slightly as you announced your presence with a soft voice. “Mammon, it’s me… Lucifer sent me. I have something for you.”

The blob of blankets shifted, little chirps of discomfort making their way to your ears. He scuttled away from you at first, the blanket pulled tighter around him. It required several minutes of coaxing for him to come out. The covers fell away as he finally sat up in bed, hair sticking up every which way. His black tank-top was sticking tight to his torso, his face devoid of the normal vibrancy it usually held. Not only that, but it seemed the exhaustion had him stuck halfway between his demon and human form. His body marks were present across his body, but they were very translucent. His horns were absent from his head, but you could see his wings tucked against his back. His nails were the sharpness of talons. Normally, his eyes shined at you, little flecks of gold floating in the seas of blue. Now his color was dulled. But at the sight of you, a bit of him perked up. You were a much needed presence. Even if he talked up a big game over text about ‘not needing to see you’, at the end of the day, having you at his side was what he wanted most of all. You could read from his expression that he regretted not having you come in sooner.

You held out the drink for him, and he reached for it with shaking hands. Worried he’d spill it, you cupped your own hands around his, giving him the added support as he brought the rim of the mug to his lips, taking mini sips while giving himself breaks to breathe in-between. You frowned… He was barely able to hold and consume his own drink. When he was done drinking it, you put the half-empty mug aside on his nightstand.

“Th-ank you, huma-hu… MC,” he croaked, his eyelids fluttered and he fell back onto his bed, his face buried in his pillow. He let his hand dangle over the side of his bed, his fingers almost grazing the floor. Your heart ached seeing him in this position… but you secretly had to admit, he was being awfully cute. His tsundere nature was gone, you only wished he didn’t need to be this far gone to be sweet with you. You ran a hand through his crazed hair. A little greasy. He would need to wash up. You’d let Lucifer handle that one. Mammon turned his head slightly, just enough to see you with one eye cracked open. You saw it glisten with tears for a split second before he turned back into his pillow. Lucifer was probably caring in his own demanding way, but you wanted to bet he’d never been treated like this before.

You shook your head a bit at that thought and went about rummaging though his clothes to find a cleaner outfit for him to wear. Lucifer could help him get changed out of those sweaty things later. You folded up a suitable replacement and placed it on his couch, pushing aside empty shopping bags. Then you sat beside Mammon on the mattress, reaching for the rag Lucifer had brought to him earlier. Mammon must’ve been tossing and turning for a while, seeing as it was at the end of his pillow case, threatening to fall to the floor. You dipped it in the bowl of cool water that was left on the nightstand, feeling the feverish warmth dissolve out of it.

“Mammon…Mammon, turn your head,” you asked. He raised up his dangling arm to reach for the covers…and pulled the fabric over his body with a huff. You had been wrong, apparently. There was still a twinge of tsundere left in him. It was comforting, at least, knowing that he still was the embarrassed little demon with that playful attitude you adored. You covered up a small smile with your hand. “Mammon, please. Pretty please? Pretty please with Grimm on top?” You pleaded with him, leaning on him with your own body till he squirmed under your pressure.

“Oi…” he croaked. “Fine…” He shuffled around under his sheets before showing just the upper part of his head, his gaze plastered on anything other than your face. You tried hard not to chuckle, you really did. He was being so stubborn about this. You placed the cool rag on his forehead and heard him sigh. You used a finger to pull down his blankets so you could see his features. You cupped his chin to move his head and guide his gaze towards yours. You stroked his cheek and watched a twinge of color return to his cheeks as he blushed.

“Do you need anything else, Mammon?” You asked him gently. It was a bold move to ask Greed what he wanted. You could only begin to imagine what he’d ask for. Cold cash? A new pair of shoes? A car? At the moment though, you didn’t care what he asked, you’d get it for him if it was within your power…and your budget.

To your surprise, he frowned at the thought of being pampered, apparently. He licked his cracked lips and shook his head. “N-Nah…you can…go.” Had hell frozen over? Was this why Lucifer had asked you to check on him? Was he so miserable right now, he couldn’t even turn to his sin? Or was there something more to it?

“Mammon… you’re not being greedy by letting me help you. I can grab you whatever you think you need. Hell, I’d go fishing in Lucifer’s wallet if I thought it would make you feel better.”

The second-born tried to laugh a little but just ended up coughing. After he wrestled control over his own lungs, he blinked a little, thinking. “Can I…have some water, maybe?” He talked as if this was a new sensation, as if he had never coveted anything in his life.

“Of course. Anything else?” If you managed to poke and prod a little more of his sin to come out, you’d feel a little better.

“I…don’t know…” Poor Mammon seemed pretty out of it, like he was dangerously close to falling asleep, but being forced awake by the sheer discomfort in his body. If you could help him out, he might stop tossing and turning.

“Okay,” you nodded, a little idea illuminating in the back of your mind. If he couldn’t be greedy, you’d be greedy for him. “I’ll be right back with a few things, okay?” His fingers snagged onto the end of your sleeve, upset at the thought of letting you go, but his hand dropped back to the bed. With an assuring squeeze to his shoulder, you left his room.

A quick text was sent to the other residents of the House, requiring a quick meeting in the common-room. You tried hard not to pace as you waited for each brother to trickle in, a curious look on all their faces. Lucifer showed up last, his arms folded but appearing more concerned than frustrated. “I’m assuming this has to do with Mammon,” the eldest chimed in before anything was said.

“Exactly.” Turning your head, you gave each brother a determined look before setting your plan in action. “We’re all putting together a Get-Well-Basket for Mammon!”

A sleepy voice raised a little. “Huh?… A Get-Well-Basket?”

You nodded. “Yeah, you know, like a little assortment of gifts to show someone you care. It doesn’t have to be much, but just grab things you think would make him feel better! Oh, and he likes words of affirmation, so you all have to write a nice note!” A few of them tried to groan, but you were hearing none of it. “Go on! Right now! The master of your pact demands you! Don’t make me use ‘stay’.” The grumbles turned into quick agreements as the able-bodied set off in their quest to prepare their brother a basket. You hurried off to your own room, grabbing an open Akuzon box off your floor, a set of pens and a stack of sticky-notes off your desk. Then you looked around for something to give your precious demon of Greed. A lot of the things you owned… had been bought by him. You guessed you hadn’t realized till now how much he bought things for you. He deserved some nice things back… Not wanting to leave Mammon waiting too much longer, you snagged a nice pair of socks and a crystal you’d bought at a nearby magic shop. They got thrown in the box as you went back to the common-room.

A few other brothers were already there by the time you returned. Pleased with them, you set the box on a nearby coffee-table and handed each of them a pen and a note. “Now, your little letters. Make them nice or I’ll force you do them again!”

Dramatic huffs and puffs were made for the show of things, but they all seemed to really think about something nice to say. “How’s he doing, by the way?” Beel wondered aloud, speaking as he recently entered the room. Different eyes flickered down to the floor. Seems they all were wondering the same thing but none of them knew how to say it.

“Not the best,” you admitted, taking a few of the brother’s gifts and settling them in the reused box. “Which is why I thought this little pick-me-up would do him some good.” The rest of the demons fell silent, finishing their notes and attaching them to their gifts.

“Tell him- Tell him I said to feel better,” Levi sighed, giving you a little wave before returning to his bedroom.

“Yeah! Tell him that if he misses out going to that party with me next week, I won’t ever forgive him!” Asmo’s eyes narrowed at nothing in particular, kissing his note before putting it with his gift. The other siblings had similar sentiments, their well-wishes eventually compiled into one box. You found yourself smiling. This would help for sure. With the box and the water he originally asked for in hand, you returned to his room.

Mammon was sitting up again when you came back, his knees tucked against his chest, his finger tugging at a loose thread on the hem of his blanket. The soft light coming from a book lamp on his nightstand helped you keep from tripping on the floor. When you walked in through the door, you could’ve sworn you saw him smile. His eyes took turns observing you and the curious box in your arms. “Wha’s that?” he wondered, his words slurred slightly.

“It’s for you.” In a few steps, you were back at his side, giving him the water first for him to drink before settling the Get-Well-Basket at his feet. “From me and all your brothers. To make you feel better.”

It was clear he was confused for a good while. “For…me?” But then, that little glimmer in his eyes returned as he started to rummage through the box. He read a few of the notes, scoffing and tossing most of them aside. Whatever they all had wrote had clearly touched him and made him embarrassed. It seemed as if this idea of yours was a success.

“Is there anything else I can get you?”

The demon of greed had to think deeply again before putting the box of gifts on the ground near his bed. He sighed a little, letting his legs leave his chest and go flat under the covers. Mammon hesitated before holding his hand out. “Y…Yo…” Even if he hadn’t fully said it, it was clear what he wanted in his time of need. You.

Something in your chest squeezed. You took Mammon’s hand and pulled him towards you, embracing him in a hug. His weary head rested on your shoulder, his shoulders relaxing, the tension leaving his body as your hand found it’s way between the joints of his wings. “You didn’t have to ask. I’m here whenever you need me. It’s not selfish to want someone by your side when you don’t feel well. And I want to be here...with you.” You could hear his little gasp as you held him, his breathing eventually becoming slower, calmer. With you at his side, he finally had enough peace of mind to relax. “Get some sleep if you can… everybody is waiting for you to get better…”

Mammon was now well on the mend thanks to your efforts. Sprung up like quite the spring chicken with you doting on him. He got his energy back faster than Lucifer did, but his symptoms lingered longer. It was rather amusing actually. Hard to steal stuff while your sniffles give away your location sneaking through the halls. Although, even with two counts of demon-caretaking under your belt and a self-proclaimed gift of healing, you had yet to check up on Wrath. Not to say you didn’t want to, you just… couldn’t. Banned, in fact. Deterred by Lucifer himself. But you just wanted to help. Lucifer was constantly busy, not to mention that his knowledgeable yet vengeful younger brother was expending all his strength that he should’ve used to recover busting the house to pieces in several fever-fueled rampages. It had seemed like the logical choice, and rarely did Lucifer prevent you from keeping an eye on his brothers. So why now of all times?

“He’s being…unreasonable,” was Lucifer’s answer. Out of all the possible reasons, this seemed among the most pathetic. A rearranged ‘because I said so’ with some vagueness sprinkled in. Disappointing.

“If I remember correctly, you were also pretty unreasonable,” you stated, trying to hold back a smirk steadily curling across your lips. He just scowled, glaring you up and down, trying to decide if he abhorred your backtalk or found it endearing. He leaned back in his cushy seat in his study, placing down his much too expensive pen by the pile of work he needed to finish by tonight. Another lecture on getting better rest tickled the back of your throat, tempting you. Recovered or not, he needed to give his body proper sleep lest he fall into another bout of sickness…

“And if I remember correctly, we agreed it would not be discussed again.” His sharp expression softened just a touch, a light shade of pink gracing his cheeks as he recalled how you took care of him in his weakened state. Before he thought about it too hard, he cleared his throat. Staggering hairs were brushed away from his forehead as he folded his arms in front of his chest. It heaved in a sigh. “His body and mind have been considerably weakened, therefore he has little to no control over his anger. He is Wrath, and I shudder to think what may befall you should you try to talk to him right now.” He peered deep into your eyes, taking note of your unwavering stance and stern composition. “And yet I suspect you’re going to go see him anyway.”

Bingo. Your hobby of thrusting yourself into dangerous situations formed another greying hair on Lucifer’s head. With a look equal parts exhaustion and worry, Pride lifted his hand and snapped his gloved fingers. Something in the house shifted. The magical lock placed on Satan’s room was broken for you. Although, Lucifer had to go over some rules, ensuring that, at the very least, Beel would be just outside should anything happen. You were to be whisked out of there at the first trace of danger.

The demon’s door was right in front of you now, and for a second you hesitated. You took a deep breath, clutching to your chest some medicine and a hardcover book from the human world containing old fables. Knowing him, he’d probably read it already, but it was worth a try. You knocked on the door, glancing a look at Beel before loudly stating your presence to the inhabitant of the room. Pushing the door open, you were pleased to find that so far you were unharmed, which was admittedly a great first step.

However, you quickly found yourself awash in a sea of books. A mess in Satan’s room was pretty normal. But this… was on a new scale. Honestly, you were almost impressed. Books and scrolls were haphazardly stacked, covering the floor, basically everywhere. You couldn’t even see his bed, it was hidden somewhere in this labyrinth of tomes. You held your breath, not even daring to breathe for fear everything around you would come tumbling down. The last thing you wanted was to be crushed to death. If the books didn’t kill you, you had a wary feeling Satan might for disturbing his ‘organized library’. So, you carefully weaved your way through slender passageways in the piles before you found, what you assumed, was Satan’s bed.

The reason you could only ‘assume’ is because at this juncture in time it hardly looked like a bed at all. Just a quick glance and it would’ve blended in with any other heap in this room. It was camouflaged with more books, torn pages, binders, pamphlets, a few cat figures, dioramas, etc.. Self reminder to check to see if there were any shows on demon-hoarders in the Devildom…

A jagged green-tipped tail dangled from beneath the bed-pile. It twitched and flicked, sending some novels skidding across the floor. You inhaled deep through your nose.

“Satan? It’s me.”

Satan’s tail whipped across the space between you and the bed. It struck one of the impossibly high stacks of books, sending it teetering and tottering threateningly before it crashed down. If you hadn’t taken a few steps back, you would’ve been one with that pile… You huffed to yourself. Rude… You wanted to help him and this was how he was treating you?

“Satan, please.” A book whizzed past your head and you winced, the sting of a little paper-cut blooming across your cheek. The air in the room was suddenly noticeably hot. You knew these were demons. You knew they were capable of destroying you in seconds, but that didn’t stop your stubborn nature from feeling absolutely offended. And so, as if you had a death wish, you scolded him. “Satan!” You strutted over, throwing the covers back and sending even more clutter to the floor, but at least you could look at him. But a part of you wished you couldn’t.

Teeth were bared as his mouth formed a menacing scowl. Hair was messy and untamed. His eyes were glowing an unnatural green, a lens behind his irises reflecting back at you like a creature in the shadows. A deep resonant rumble emanated from his chest. He looked absolutely feral, but it wasn’t till he pressed himself into the corner of his bed and the wall, knees close to his chest, that you put your fear beside yourself. Yes, at first glance you may have been entirely convinced he was going to tear your throat out, but then you ran your gaze over him a few times… His face was covered in patches of crimson. He was only wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and stripped boxers covered in kittens wearing top-hats. There was a sheet of paper skewered onto one of his horns, and he now was curled up protectively against the wall in a little ball. He was scared.

“Get out,” he demanded. It would’ve been threatening sounding if his lungs didn’t sound as if he swallowed a squeaky toy. He was wheezing, fingertips shaking, his tail protectively curled up against his legs, the tip of it quivering.

To be honest… you wouldn’t leave this room right now for all the Grimm in the Devildom. “I’ll leave after I’m done helping you out a bit,” you assured him, but he didn’t want that answer.

“Get out! Out, out, out!” He clutched another book in his hand and chucked it in your direction with a shout, this time missing you by a mile. You blinked. Was he…having a meltdown?

“Satan, throwing stuff at me isn’t going to make me leave any faster, so cooperate and I’ll be out of here as soon as possible.” You smiled softly at him. Wrath had no retort nor nearby ammo left, so he tucked his face into his knees, letting you get to work. It would take you hours to clean the room, but you did what you could for the moment, tidying up at least the chaos surrounding his bed. How he would’ve slept with that mess on him was beyond your understanding. Or maybe that was one of the reasons why he was being so cranky. Books aren’t exactly great nest material.

You shook off his blankets, puffed up his pillow, and then took a hesitant scan at the medicine you’d put on his nightstand. Lucifer had told you where to get it. Supposedly a powerful medication that tasted as bad as the one taking it felt. It was also administered as a liquid, because for all their power, demons hadn’t made capsules a widespread thing yet. You had no idea how you were going to get Satan to take it.

Maybe being sweet first. “Satan,” you cooed, sitting yourself beside him on the bed while he remained curled up in a tight angry ball. “I have some medicin-“

“No.”

Figures, you were reaching with that one. Maybe begging? “Satan, please, please, please, pleaaaaase take-“

“Bite me.”

You scoffed aloud. He was absolutely, without a doubt, being a brat. On par with Belphie right now. You took a moment to recall how you convinced Lucifer and Mammon. Lucifer was only won over when you stood your ground and told him what to do for a change, challenging his pride. Mammon, you went out of your way to get him things, stoking his greed. With wrath…did you? Time to indulge in a little more sin.

“Satan, I swear to the Father above and Diavolo below, if you don’t quit fighting against me when I’m trying to help you, I’m going to shove this entire freaking thing down your throat till it’s the only thing you can taste for decades!” You raised your voice, shouting at him with a fury in your chest you’d never used before, ever. Especially not against Satan. But, against all odds, you were alive, and instead of smoke coming out of his ears, Satan looked up at you from behind messy bangs. Shocked beyond belief, his mouth slightly ajar, he uncurled himself from his position and sat up slowly, his head looking down.

“Tch.” He puffed air through his teeth, giving in finally. Your attempt, while perhaps mediocre without any demonic snarling and mysterious fog, was successful. You hummed to yourself in glee, taking the cap off the bottle and pouring in the medicine. It smelled God-awful, and you felt sympathy for him, but if it was going to make him feel better, he needed it. You held it up to his lips. He growled in frustration but then parted his mouth to let you pour in the foul mixture.

Already pale skin turned even ashier as the glop slid down past the lump in his throat. He looked like he was going to be sick. He slumped his posture and began to release shuddering coughs that nearly turned to gags. You instinctively put a hand on his back, rubbing up and down along the ridge of his spine. Once he was done with the episode, he sat back up, swaying in his seat back and forth until you held onto him, gently bringing him back down onto his pillow. You moved the hair out of his eyes and sighed in relief. Thanks to whatever magic Devildom medicine had, his redness had already gone drastically down, and he looked fairly calm for now. Mellowed out. Some strong stuff…

His eyelids couldn’t decide if they wanted to be open or shut, struggling to fight sleep. “Rest,” you whispered, getting up off his bed, pulling the covers tighter around him, urging him to go to bed. After you helped him, then you would leave him alone, that’s what you promised… even if you desperately wanted to stay. With a little turn, you picked up the book you had brought with you. He grabbed your wrist before you could even attempt to leave. A tilt of the head, and he sleepily read the cover before letting his hand drop back onto the mattress.

“I bought that…for you,” he mumbled. With a grin, you nodded. He had bought it for you during the adventure to London. It was filled with old fairytales and fables, the authentic gruesome kind, not the kind human kids grew up on. Both had their perks in his mind, but Satan seemed particularly fond of the ones that broke free from the stagnant ‘happily ever after’.

“I brought it here for you to read, but you need sleep. Besides you have plenty of other books here…” Your voice trailed off as you reached for his horn that still had the paper stuck to it. You yanked it free with a light chuckle.

“But…” He wanted to argue, but had no energy left to. “Will you…” Satan started, gripping at his own sheets so tight you thought he would rip holes in them. “Read…to me?” Your heart soared so fast you almost went lightheaded. You sat back down on his bed, fussing over him just a bit more, fixing his messy hair. He groaned as you did but let you do it anyway.

“Of course! I’ll read for you whenever, Satan. Whatever makes you feel better.”

“You…” He almost sounded frustrated, like he couldn’t comprehend how you could be so kind especially after the mood he was just in. Then he settled as you flipped the book open to the first page, recounting terribly sad events with a terribly soft voice. Every so often he’d correct you if you fumbled on a word, or correct the inaccuracies of the story itself, but eventually he went to sleep. His eyeballs moved frantically under his eyelids as he slept. His voice would squeak out some incomprehensible word while he dreamt, his fingers twitching in random increments. You noted that his tail that was draped off the side of the bed was now gently curled against your leg. His demonic appendage was rough, sharp in some places, and yet you could hardly feel it with the way he was holding you now. He was comfortable around you.

You used the stray paper that had been on his head as a bookmark, placing the book back on his nightstand for later. “I guess they all get to live happy ever after this time,” you whispered to him in his unconscious state before you pressed the back of your hand against his cheek. Your knuckles tickled his jawline, making his face twitch closer to your hand. “Sweet dreams, Satan. Feel better.”

Lucifer and Mammon were now considered fully healthy and back on their feet with Satan not too far behind them. For a few days, there was hope that the worst was over. It wouldn’t spread any further. The sound of sniffles and the scent of disinfectant wipes would finally dwindle. But, whenever you hope too hard, things always seem to go in the opposite direction. Hopes were dashed when two people were absent from breakfast one morning, and not too long after Satan had finally returned to the table. The twins had never come down from their shared room. For Belphie, this wasn’t something to stop the presses for. Sleeping in and skipping the morning was his whole shtick. His brothers were usually more concerned when Sloth did show up for breakfast. For Beel, however, to miss any sort of meal? Something had to be wrong.

Putting your fork down, you offered to go check on them. After all, morning breakfast was not the same without the two of them. Lucifer was somehow already out of his chair, gently pushing you back to your seat with a single hand on your shoulder. “Please, let me. If they are sick it’s hard telling how they’ll react. They could just as easily be oversleeping.”

You had wanted to protest, but Lucifer was nothing if not the voice of reason. He was right. You had seen Beel’s hunger-driven rampages before. Demonic destruction wasn’t something to sneeze at- no pun intended. Plus, Lucifer was their brother first-and-foremost whilst you were still just some human that had the luxury of living in their home. That fact and the kinder eyes and soft touch Lucifer had given you had won you over to his words. You could trust him to handle this one… He ambled away from the table, and with a few long steps, exited the room.

Asmo was squirming uncomfortably, audibly whining, clearly disturbed. “I was stupid to think this sickness thing was over! With Beel eating everything down to all your leftovers, it’s no wonder he caught your ugly germs! Then he gave it to Belphie, and next you’ll all give it to me!” He pushed his plate away from him, only having a single bite taken out of his meal.

“You don’t know that they’re sick yet,” Mammon rebutted. “And what do you mean my germs are ugly? Everyone’s are!”

“The likelihood that both of them are ill is high.” Satan sighed, putting down his book he had brought with him. After doing his best to tune them out, it just wasn’t working. He still was weaker than he’d like to be, not to mention drained, but a doctor had confirmed that he was no longer contagious and could continue attending his classes at RAD. “The fridge has been abnormally full and I heard plenty of coughing from Belphie the other day.”

An alarming banging sound came from above their heads, little specks of dust from the ceiling floated down, only just visible in the direct light. As if this proved his theory, Satan gestured towards the noise with a raised hand. He held it up for a moment before his arm dropped into his lap. Another loud crash sounded from above, Satan’s eyelid twitching as Lucifer’s booming voice could be heard throughout the house.

This was enough for Asmo to get up from his spot, shaking his head profusely. “I swear if I catch this thing, all of you are absolutely going to have it, you hear me?!” He choked back a sob and went to leave the room, pulling his sleeve down over his hand as he touched the doorknob.

“Oi, where are you going?” Mammon called after him.

“To take a nice hot sanitizing shower!” The demon of lust slammed the door to the dining hall as you watched more dust sprites dance down from the air. They twirled and pirouetted right over Levi. His nose twitched and he raised his elbow to cover his face as he let out a sneeze.

Levi, the only one who had been quiet this far, finally let out a long groan. He glanced down at his hands fearfully, as if they had been covered with blood. “No… No! No, no, no, I’m sick, I knew it! Of course it would be me! I’m gross and miserable and… do you know how long it takes to fully clean a keyboard?!”

Satan rested his head back in his chair, closing his eyes in annoyance. The ruckus upstairs had gotten worse. It was difficult to tell just from audio alone who Lucifer was wrangling. Maybe both Beel and Belphie at once?… Normally, Satan would work on figuring the little mystery out, but it seemed as if he’d met his limit already. People were fist-fighting, two people were having meltdowns, and it was only breakfast. The intellectual usually had no problem going to classes, enjoyed them more than others actually, and yet the look on his face screamed truancy. “Levi, I doubt you’re sick, you never leave your room,” Satan reasoned.

“I told you all, I think he snuck into my room a little while back! One of my figures was moved! I bet Mammon got his sticky fingers over everything! He gave me the cold!”

Add accusations onto the daily list. They all might end up going though their daily atrocities before lunch today. Now the only three brothers left at the table were verbally sparring, one tense word away from physically— You frowned as your food ended up on the far side of the room along with the table. You thought too soon. Unfortunately, this sort of scenario happened often. So, you excused yourself, knowing none of them were listening, expertly dodging a plate as it whirled past. The dish struck against the wall a few inches from you, luckily not shattering. It clattered to the floor as a waffle slowly slid downwards. While you were still unharmed and food-free, you left the dining room. After wandering the halls trying to find a safe and silent place, you sat yourself on the stone steps of the entryway. You’d just wait for the multiple battles to die down. There was screaming downstairs, crashing upstairs, the whole house in chaos once again.

“Demons…” you sighed. --

Lucifer confirmed it. Beel and Belphie…both of them had caught the cold, and the eldest had spent the past hour or so attempting to force them into taking some medicine. He had succeeded naturally, and you shuddered a bit to think about the sort of tactics he employed, but when all was said and done, he had taken the time to seek you out. It was clear to you that even with all his power and prowess…he was exhausted. With Beel’s physical power and Belphie’s cunning, it seems even Pride had broken a bit of a sweat. There was still plenty of Student Council catchup to be done too… and now he had the twin’s work to start on. He needed a helping hand, and while he didn’t express it bluntly, he did ask for your assistance.

Apparently they were calm now, the medicine lulling and sedating them, so you could see them freely without worry of them tearing you or the house apart. Lucifer still addressed you with a bit of concern. “You’ve been on the brunt of all of this.” On one hand, he appreciated the work you had done. On the other… “I’m concerned for your health. Diavolo was fairly confident you couldn’t get infected, but we still don’t know for certain…” His voice drifted, slightly disappointed in himself, feeling like there was more he should be doing. “Regardless, the last thing we need is for you to fall ill as well.” You persuaded him that if you hadn’t gotten sick yet, you were sure you were immune. You’d been in direct contact with nearly all of them and hadn’t so much as sneezed. Lucifer wasn’t entirely convinced, obviously mentally preparing for the worst of outcomes, but he let you do what you needed to do. And that was taking care of the two youngest.

Homemade soup; the medicine for the soul or so people said. Something comforting and filling yet easy for the stomach. With Satan’s assistance, you concocted the most soothing meal you had ever made. Two steaming bowls were settled on an elegant silver tray and brought it up to the twins room. The door to their bedroom had a golden emblem ingrained in the wood. A moon encircling a sun, resembling the same individual symbols above both their beds. You carefully balanced the tray on your hip for just a moment as you softly tapped your knuckles against the smooth wood. Unlike the other brothers you had cared for so far, someone actually opened the door for you for a change.

Beel looked down at you, eyes heavy and slightly reddened. He was wearing a faded orange t-shirt and some black shorts. Heat radiated off of him in nauseating droves. If you had thought the other brothers had burnt up, nothing compared to Beel’s temperature. Even just standing beside him made you dizzy. As if hellfire was roaring through his veins. His shirt stuck to the skin around his torso, sweat beading down his forehead. His abs and muscles were clearly shown through the fabric, but he didn’t seem to mind. He rubbed one of his eyes with a hand, not even focusing on the soup bowls. “MC, what’re you doing here?”

You lifted up the tray with both hands and presented the meal you made with him. The creamy broth with hearty vegetables and noodles would surely make him feel better. “Soup!” You exclaimed quietly, feeling a mite proud of what you’d created. “You never came down for breakfast so…” You must be hungry, you kept the last part to yourself.

He frowned deeply, being rather dismissive. “I’m not hungry, and Belphie’s asleep.” A simple glance past Beel’s body confirmed that there was indeed a lump in Belphie’s bed. Many lumps in fact. There must’ve been plenty new additions to his pillow collection. “I’m sorry you went through the trouble,” Beel sighed, his arm raised to shut the door. Your attention snapped away from Belphie, back to the demon at hand. Was he shutting you out? Really? He had never done that, ever. All of his other brothers, sure, but him? He always had his door and his arms wide open for you at all times. Your leg served as a quick wedge, feeling your knee temporarily painfully pressed between door and frame. As soon as he realized he was hurting you, the door was thrown back open.

“Beel wait, please, you haven’t eaten all day! How are you going to give your body enough strength to heal if you don’t give it any fuel?” You looked up at him expectantly, trying to convey the care and worry you held for him through your eyes. Beel always advocated for taking care of your body. Those words you shared were the ones he had used on you once before. He was somehow always aware of what you had eaten and when. Same for his brothers. Sure, his sin might take over and he might accidentally eat your food, but he still determined to make sure everyone he cared for was well fed. It was about time you returned the favor.

“But the medicine…” He pressed one hand to his gut, his nose wrinkling up at the mention of food. His normally sturdy legs wobbled as he stumbled a bit, gripping the end of the door-frame for balance. The usual glow in his countenance had gone dull. It broke your heart. Beel seemed to always be strong, always be positive, always have a smile on his face when it came to food and family. Now, he just seemed out of it, eager to head back to bed with both you and proper sustenance on the other side of the door. Curse this tray for occupying both of your hands. You wanted to go wrap him up in your arms and make him feel protected and cared for… even if he was much bigger than you were.

“The medicine might be why you feel sick to your stomach in the first place. You didn’t happen to eat anything before Lucifer gave it to you, did you?” Your words brought his eyes up from staring at the floor and back to you. Orange strands of his hair were freed from the skin on his forehead as he shook his head to your question. An answer wasn’t quite necessary anyway, from the fighting you heard and Lucifer’s brief description, the older brother forced the medicine down both the twins throats before they had a chance to protest. You lifted the tray back up near Beel’s face. The contents of the bowls sloshed enough to almost drip over the edge. “You might feel better if you eat. Even just a little? I… made it for both of you.”

It wasn’t often you attempted to employ the puppy-eyed look. However, it seemed necessary in this instance. All these demons were weak to you, and you knew it. You could only hope it was enough this time… Beel was stuck having an intense internal debate. The door in his hand was creaking open and shut while he decided if he wanted to let you in or not. If he wanted to eat or not… Your heart sank as he seemed to come to the conclusion to prevent you from entering, the door almost clicking back into place to leave you in an empty hallway. If this was what he wanted, could you really change his mind? Just as you were about to leave, the door was pulled back wide open, his eyes a little watery as he made it up in his mind that he could never shut you out like that. Your chest swelled as he let you in, shutting the door quietly behind you.

The room was almost consumed in pitch darkness as soon as the entrance closed. The only light source seemed to be coming from Beel’s side of the room emanating from the screen of his D.D.D. on his nightstand. Crossing the room, you waited until the demon climbed back onto his mattress, sitting up while he pulled the covers over his legs. Not wanting to speak as to disturb Belphie, you extended one finger from the tray handle and pointed at his bed as a question. As he nodded, you settled by his hip, placing the tray on his lap. His blankets were soft, and with a stroke of your hand, you smoothed out some of the wrinkles.

The sight of the soup made Beel grimace at first. He was hesitant, but it was clear he was starving. His sin was tearing him up inside. He was only prolonging the pain. “Is my cooking really that bad?” You frowned, embarrassed, unsure if his reaction was towards your talents in the kitchen or the state of his sickly body.

“No, it’s not that. I just…” Gluttony couldn’t quite find the words to describe what he was feeling. But you understood well enough. You’d been sick before in your life. You knew what it was like to feel the hunger pains alongside the nausea. Eating made you feel worse. Not eating made you feel like hell. He must be miserable. This was probably a rare feeling for him.

“Take it slow,” you whispered, your hand coming up to rub his shoulder.

After taking a minute to mentally prepare, he took your advice to heart, starting with a simple spoonful. He blew away the steam and took the smallest bite- or slurp- you’d ever seen him have. He chewed on some of the softened vegetables before swallowing. There was no need to ask how it was. His head raised back up, small tears making their way down his cheeks. He leaned in towards you, his chin almost resting on your shoulder. “It’s…so delicious. May I…eat it?”

You chuckled, grinning with relief as a little bit of color came back to his face, his expression not looking so pained. Sounded like he was already breathing easier too. “Yes, Beel, I made it for you.”

He sat up away from you, the happy glow returned to his eyes as he went to work not only downing the bowl for him, but the bowl for Belphie as well. You made a mental note to come take care of the other twin later. Hopefully he wouldn’t end up sleeping for days on end like he’d been known to do a few times before… With one of the twins looking already worlds better with some warm food in his stomach, you went to go stand up to leave, but two big arms wrapped around your body to hold you in place. The hot skin on Beel’s cheek pressed against your forehead as he sighed in relief.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

You rested your head against his chest as he held you even tighter. “You’re welcome, Beel. I’ll be your personal chef till you feel better.”

With a contented sigh, Beel buried his nose in your hair, his hands gripping your shirt. He leaned back against his headboard, bringing you along with him as you almost laid on top of him. It didn’t seem like he was going to let you go anytime soon. He closed his eyes and with one hand he flipped his D.D.D over so there was nothing but blackness in the room. Relaxed lungs brought in deep even breaths. He was still ridiculously hot, but not unbearably so anymore. His words devolved into sleepy mumbles. “You’re so much better than any food in the world…”

The twins were sick, Lucifer was working himself ragged, and the rest of the brothers were avoiding their siblings like…well…like the plague. You never initially intended to become a nurse, but how could you sit by and do nothing while the demons around you that you had come to care for suffered? And, if you were being honest with yourself, you were thankful that there was something you could do to help around for once. It wasn’t often at all where you were put in a situation where you could be the protector, the helper, the one they relied on. However, as much as you liked that feeling, you hoped this spreading sickness would end with Beel and Belphie. The constant care you were dishing out was starting to leave you more exhausted than normal.

Telling anyone about your state though would most likely end in immediate termination of your new career in demon caretaking. So you kept it to yourself. These brothers were now leaning on you harder than ever, including the ones who had already been sick. Just the thought of all their faces, pale and sick in bed, lighting up at the sight of you entering the room as you pet their heads sent tingles down your spine. You wanted to take care of them…all of them, forever.

You violently shook your own head as you gripped the handle to your bedroom. What am I thinking? Is the Florence Nightingale trope really true? The door gently creaked open as you stepped inside.

Eternal moonlight had it perks, but being able to tell time was never one of them. What hour was it now? Your day had been occupied fulfilling several requests from the many members of the household. The typically hungry demon would now only eat food you made for him, and while you did promise to be his personal chef, it was beginning to overwhelm you. Not only chef, but you’d been hired in several other new ‘departments’. You’d become the new mailman, bringing packages from the front door to the otaku with severe hypochondriac tendencies. The librarian and storyteller for the bookworm who was milking his symptoms for as long as he could, partially because he truly enjoyed your company, but also because he enjoyed his brother’s complaints as he kept you to himself. The beauty product tester and fashion assistant for Asmo who refused to let any of his brothers touch him with a ten foot pole. The lawyer for Mammon who was apparently determined to get himself into trouble more so than not lately. And also Lucifer’s new temp secretary. You had so many reminders set on your phone for things he needed to get done. But the eldest was determined not to let things fall apart just because a few of his brothers were ill.

Should you be getting paid for this?…

Tired feet were dragged across the floor of your bedroom as you made your way towards your bed. It called to you; a sleepy siren’s song. The blankets reminiscent of a sweet melody, the pillows the alluring notes. With the last of your energy, you swiftly kicked off your shoes, letting them roll and settle crookedly on the hardwood floor. You let yourself fall face first onto your bed, the springs bouncing you up and down gently from the sudden impact. A moan escaped your lips, one you never had the intention for, but your body betrayed you. Laying down felt nice… Rain and wind outside started to kick up, the sound brushing and pouring against your window. It was like the night was comforting you, the weather speaking to you softly. It’s okay to get some rest.

Without bothering to change into pajamas, you crawled under your covers, pulling the blanket tightly near your face. Muscles and joints in your body started to ache, and you furrowed your brows as you shut your eyes. Had you really worked all that much? What exactly did you do that forced your body to feel this sore? You let out a sigh and brushed your cheek against your pillow. Already, the back of your mind was buzzing with sleep, and even if you tried to come up with some specific answer explaining why your body hurt in places you didn’t even know existed, you wouldn’t be able to. This would probably been the fastest you fell asleep in a long time, conking out without a second thought. —-

Fire haunted your dreams that night, the heat making you lightheaded. Your subconscious body struggled to navigate the obstacles of this place. The House of Lamentation was on fire, by reasons unknown, as dreams often do. You were frantically looking for the brothers, your mind thoroughly convinced they all still resided inside. Lips moved as you could’ve sworn you were screaming their names, but the roaring sounds of the flames muffled your voice. No matter how hard you squeezed your lungs, no sound came out. You felt yourself collapse to the ground, unable to move. You were hot. Too hot. You-

A low scraping noise shocked your body awake. It took you a moment to reel in reality, to settle yourself back into your senses, the dream drifting far behind you now. A squeak sounded. A harsh squealing grind of two hard surfaces rubbing against each other. It left a strange feeling in your teeth and pumped your mind with adrenaline. You sat up in bed immediately, the alarm for danger blaring on high alert.

It was hard to see through all the darkness. Clouds had covered the moonlight, leaving little to no light to guide your way. The only thing you could see with your adjusting vision was a shadow creeping around your room. It staggered. Drifting around as if searching for something, a deep inhuman growl rumbling through it’s disfigured body. Your fingers trembled as the sound echoed in your mind. How had it gotten in the house? There were no distinct features you could make out, the creature didn’t have any limbs. It was one giant blob, dragging itself across the floor, moving and knocking over the chairs in your room as it did so. That must’ve been the cause of the sound that woke you up. Was it hunting for something?…

A few options for survival bubbled up in your mind. Screaming for help wasn’t a smart decision. One loud noise, and the creature would more than likely beeline it straight for you. Besides, with the demon brother’s sporadic schedules, you weren’t sure anyone would hear you anyway. Your room was all the way down near the kitchen…your roommates blissfully asleep upstairs. You had half a mind to text someone to save you, but if you got caught in the light from your screen, that might also cause an instant game over. However, that did remind you to lean over to put your device on silent. You would not be that stupid survivor in the horror trope that got killed due to a notification. Oh, if only you had given in to Lucifer’s odd request to install some sort of security system. You had denied it. Said it sounded more like a baby monitor than anything else. Now look where it got you.

The intruder seemed distracted and confused, just as blinded as you were in the darkness. Maybe you could make a run for it… it seemed rather sluggish. But assuming things could get you killed. But what other options did you have?… Right now, the thing was finally drifting away from the table and towards the middle of the room, inching ever closer to your bed. The luxury of time was not something you had. It was settled. You’d book it out of here and run to someone else’s room… Just look for an opportunity… The wailing mass was getting closer. Just a few more seconds. Your heart was rattling harder than the wind against your windows. Just a little bit farther! Heat was waving off the creature and onto you, reminding you of your dream. It moaned unnaturally, shuffling slowly, wandering without a purpose. You quietly swung your legs over the end of the bed so you could finally make your dash to freedom. The blood pumping through your head was deafening.

A thud reverberated throughout the room, making you jump, freezing your body in place. The creature had collapsed on your floor. It slowly squirmed, writhing, it’s shape melting away before a humanoid hand poked out of it’s frame.

“O…w…”

The familiar voice washed over you in a refreshing shower of familiarity. You pressed a hand to your chest as you took in a deep relaxing breath. Although you didn’t waste too much time before rushing to the floor, kneeling beside the shape. The shell it had shed felt soft. You grabbed the surface with both of your hands, peeling it back to reveal a confused disoriented demon.

“Belphie…” You nearly went off on him, ready to spend the rest of the night giving him a Lucifer-style lecture. But, too tired to do something like that, you simply wrapped your arms around the seventh brother. Eyes rolled in your head, embarrassed and annoyed by your own paranoia and stupidity. Although that sort of paranoia had let you live in the Devildom thus far. That and a ridiculous amount of luck… Though if the other brothers found out you mistook Belphie and a puffy duvet for some sort of lumbering undead slug-monster, they would never let you live it down. Speaking of which…you suddenly remembered that he’d taken quite a tumble. “Are you okay?” He never answered, but you quickly found the source of his fall. The shoes you had left haphazardly on the floor. You bit your lip in a bit of shame. Before they could claim another victim, you snagged your shoes and tucked them away in a not so trippable place. Then you returned your focus near the lump. “Belphie? What’re you doing here?” You placed a soft hand on his shoulder, although as you did, you nearly reeled back. Sloth was burning up.

“…anna…o…ome…” He mumbled, not focused on you at all, his eyes were even still closed. Chipped nails clawed at your rugs, pushing himself on his arms just to collapse again. Your chest squeezed as you grabbed his arms. Convinced he was still asleep, you tried shaking him, feeling the palms of your hands tingle against his unhealthy and infernal temperature.

“Belphie!”

None of your attempts to wake him up were working, so you turned your attention to the only thing you could do. Bringing his heat down. The blanket you had tried tugging off of him was somehow twisted around his limbs. After turning him on his back, you worked on unraveling him, feeling his hands paw at your body. He was deep in some fever dream, one bad scene away from thrashing… Frantically, you plucked a pillow from off your own bed and tucked it under his head. You brushed sticky strands of hair off his forehead, watching him mumble some more.

“..illith…Beel…”

Might as well have heard your own heart crack right then, but you couldn’t let it get to you. Feeling against the walls, you moved around your room till you found the light switch. Once you could see, you went right to work. Thankfully, due to your efforts before, you now kept extra medicine and supplies in your room. It was actually Satan who suggested it, and while you thought it had been a silly idea, now you were grateful.

When you returned to Belphie’s side with all your items, you almost regretted turning the light on. Panting, his mouth open to try and breathe, lips so dry they were nearly bloody. His skin was covered in splotches of color, sweat dripping from his forehead, yet he couldn’t stop shivering. You placed a bowl of water, rags, medicine, bottles of water, and a glass of only ice beside you on the floor. As soon as you returned to his vicinity, his limbs moved to get up again. You settled a rag in the water then gently pushed him back to the floor with a single hand. He contorted and attempted to roll as you quickly wrung out the rag, pressing it against his forehead, keeping him against the ground using your own body. In only a few seconds, the cloth was completely warm. You dipped it back in, feeling a bit of panic rise in your lungs as Belphie continued to pant.

“Breathe…Belphie, breathe.” You rubbed his chest as you held him down, cooling off his face and neck with the damp cloth. You didn’t know how long you kept up this motion. Comfort, dip, cool. Soothe, wipe, cool. Over and over as the fire in him refused to leave. He needed to wake up to take the medicine, you weren’t sure you could get it down his throat in this condition. You let your hand drift from his chest for just a second to check your D.D.D. It was now four in the morning. A full hour of this, by your estimations. Should you text someone? Were you doing the right thing? Were you just making things worse? You fought with yourself and your emotions for a few more minutes, but then felt your worry assuage. It seemed as if he broke though the worst all in a second. Belphie’s breathing wasn’t as ragged as he no longer gasped for breath. He was still moving a bit though, wearily and weakly.

“Ahh…haah…” He wheezed, and for what felt like the hundredth time, you rubbed his cheeks with the wet fabric, brushing your hand back and forth across his chest. He raised his arms and grabbed your shirt and sleeve, trying to pull you close in his sleep.

“Shh, it’s alright.” His hands were trembling against you, but finally, he seemed to hear your words. The smallest slit of his eyes was visible as he did his best to open them.

“M…C…”

Overjoyed tears stung your eyes. The rag in your hand dropped to the floor as you caressed his face with your hands. He still wasn’t quite awake or aware, but he was attentive enough to try to pull himself up, still clutching tightly onto your clothes. The first thing on your mind was medicine. You filled up the measured cap and brought it to him, tilting his head back with the brace of one of your hands. Thankfully--or perhaps worriedly--he took it without questioning it. He grimaced a little, but the bitter and awful taste of the medicine brought him more into reality.

“Where?” He released your sleeve as he rubbed his eyes.

“That’s not important right now, can you stand? We should get you to bed.” You stroked his head, but he didn’t even seem to notice. He just nodded, and with your assistance, he almost managed to fully stand. To keep from falling over, he leaned his body against you. It was all you could do to keep from collapsing yourself. Fortunately, your bed was right here, and you let him plop into your space. A sigh left his shallow lungs.

With what little energy he had left, he practically clawed himself towards the far side of the bed turning in several agonizing increments to face you. He held out his hands and squeaked out your name. “MC…”

Your emotions hitched in your chest as you watched him beg for you. There was still a mess on the floor… but you left it where it was as long as the universe was done sending demons tumbling through your room. You rushed over to the light switch and turned the brightness off. You slid into the extra space Belphie left for you, taking him into your arms and feeling him immediately get comfortable. At least he was no longer boiling. He was a little too warm, but nothing life threatening.

He curled up by your side, as you pulled up the covers over both of you. With a few sleepy nudges, he had his head tucked under your chin. You could hear air rattle around in his chest, so you reached around his body and rubbed his back, and in return, he squeezed you like one of his many pillows. All at once, the adrenaline and panic left your body, leaving you winded and exhausted. You were unsure if it was Belphie’s Sin or simply your body at it’s breaking point, but you couldn’t keep yourself awake any longer. Before you could make sure he fell asleep first, your eyelids crashed closed as you passed out next to him.

Normalcy slowly began to trickle back into the House of Lamentation. The twins were feeling better, most everyone was returning to classes, routines were falling back into place. Everyone was finally convinced this was all over. Even Lucifer, who liked to account for the worst, was acting rather optimistic lately. Although you yourself, who had loved soaking up every sickly cuddle and embarrassing (and rather blackmailable) favors, was secretly a bit disappointed. It was great that they were all doing better! But…perhaps part of you liked feeling needed.

Lucifer, Mammon, and Satan, were all well past this illness, and with Levi and Asmo doing everything they could to avoid their siblings, it was assumed that this misadventure had burnt itself out with the twins. Although, one person in the household was determined not to let this go. Levi was doing his best to convince everyone that he was extremely ill.

“I searched my symptoms on SpiderWeb MD! If I’m not sick I’ve been cursed and I only have a few days left to live!” he would complain. His siblings were all convinced that Envy had caught nothing but a terrible case of hypochondria. At one point, he’d even sent his last will through the group chat should he perish an untimely demise. A lot of his stuff went to you, which was deeply touching considering he had a hard enough time letting you look at his stuff much less touch it. Music records would go to Lucifer, manga to Satan, cosplay outfits to Asmo, his special snacks to Beel, and his body pillows to Belphie. Nothing was left for Mammon, which caused a small riot in itself.

It had been several days since anyone had seen or heard any trace of Levi. Everything he needed could be ordered on Akuzon, and he’d been taking classes exclusively online. It got to the point where everyone had been certain he’d never leave his room again. Of course, the eldest had checked on his little brother regardless, but he’d been written off with a clean bill of health. After that, Lucifer had been convinced he was just craving attention. Levi would hole himself away over the vaguest sign of symptoms and not come out till he was ready. No one believed him. For a while, they had you convinced as well, assuring you that he hadn’t been sick for centuries. There was nothing to be worried about. However, you still carried that worry with you, that infuriating kind of angelic trust that drove the brothers crazy. But ‘what if’, you wondered, what if he’s sitting in his room right now with no one to help him?

The only semblance of interaction you’d had with Levi in the past week was dropping off his Akuzon packages to the front of his door. You’d knock, be forced to ramble off an impossibly confusing password, and then leave for him to drag his packages inside. The first time you’d done it, you’d waited, only to watch him pop his head meekly out the door. Upon seeing you, he squeaked and promptly slammed the door shut. Now he would wait for you to fully depart before grabbing his loot. But today, you were determined to see him. Sure he was a demon, sure everyone had promised he was fine, but something left you uneasy. You needed to see with your own eyes that he was okay.

Making your way down the hall, continuously shifting your arms to keep things balanced, you approached Levi’s room with several packages in hand. The number of items he purchased was getting larger and more concerning with each delivery. Seeing as your hands were occupied, you gently kicked his door three times with the tip of your shoe. You crouched down low near the floor, placing his items neatly in a pile. Stiffly, you uttered the strange password Levi encouraged you to memorize to confirm the drop-off and assure him there was no one else in sight.

“The water dragon, caretaker of the mystic lakes, looks up to the heavens…” You paused, waiting for his response. A few seconds. Then a minute. You couldn’t help but raise a brow as a little jolt went through your chest with worry. Typically by now, Levi would be in the middle of his segment of the password. This all was routine. Taking a few steps forward, you pressed your ears to the cold wood of his door. All was silent. From the top? You walked a few steps away just to round the door again, making your footsteps heavier, louder. Then you attempted the entire process again. Using your fist this time, you knocked loudly against the entrance to his fortress of solitude. Uttering the incantation once more, you found yourself almost shouting the code phrase. There was still no response.

Throwing caution to the wind, you gave yourself access into his room. You winced once the light from inside hit your face, expecting some sort of curse or hex to flood your body. Air soothed your lungs when you discovered you were relatively unharmed. It didn’t require any amount of searching to locate the demon. Curled up, in demon form…at the bottom of his fish tank. Of course, you knew these people were not quite people, but that didn’t stop your stomach from flipping and your human brain to somersault over itself in panic. That wasn’t normal! You stammered over your words, dashing forward to press your palms against the glass.

“Levi! What the-” You cut yourself off as you looked around for anything that could assist you with this…emergency. Underwater! He was underwater!

How many times have you been scolded for acting before thinking? Too many to count, especially down here where the wrong misstep could kill you easily. Did you still end up jumping into the fish tank? Yes. Yes, you did. Using Levi’s desk and shelves, you climbed up, throwing your body into the water. It wasn’t as cold as you expected it to be based on how chilly Levi kept his room. It was a bit nippy, but nothing terrible. You sunk down, grabbing the horns sticking from Levi’s head. God, how were you going to pull him out of here? This tank was the size of his wall! As soon as you began to tug on the horns, Levi’s eyes snapped open. His tail wrapped around your waist once he recognized your face. You ended up getting flung out of the tank, dangling in the air a few inches above the ground as the chill of the oxygen on your wet skin formed goosebumps all over your body. Levi gripped the edge of the glass.

“What?! I-I- that was totally- MC! I can’t believe-” He settled you to the ground as he climbed his way out of the water, almost slipping and falling from the tank. A large pool formed on the floor beneath your feet. As he tried to find his words, gasping in shock at finding you in Henry 2.0’s tank, he started coughing. He bowled over, his arm covering his mouth as his lungs squeaked and wheezed as he seemed to cough uncontrollably. Levi’s chest began convulsing so painfully, tears started speckling from his eyes, only to get swept up into the moisture already streaming down his face. His tail, still around your body, clutched to you tighter, like an involuntary form of comfort for him.

“Levi…” You approached the demon of Envy, both of you dripping wet, and you pressed your forehead to his. Despite having soaked in water for however long he had been in there, he was burning. His little gasp at your form of contact drove him further into his coughing fit. You apologetically rubbed his back, helping him catch his breath while you scrambled around to get dry clothes, nearly losing your footing on the wet tile.

“Don’t!” He pleaded with you as you pulled open his drawers.

“You need dry clothes, you’ll get even sicker if you’re soaking!” His face started to flush as some color came to his cheeks. He had yet to relinquish his tail from around your person, wrapping around you tightly like the firm squeeze of a hug, following you around like a drenched puppy. “Why in the world were you in the fish tank anyway?!” A proper scolding was in order. After all, how ridiculous had that been? “I was worried you’d drowned…” You muttered that last part to yourself as you plucked out a t-shirt with the decal on the front from some anime you couldn’t recall. A random pair of shorts was added to the mix, throwing the dry outfit to him alongside a much needed towel. Clutching the articles of clothing to his chest, he blushed even harder. The muscles of his tail forced you to turn with your face to the wall as you felt the soft scales finally slink away. You could hear him stumble around as he struggled to get himself dressed. He wasn’t acting like normal.

At that moment, all the guilt that had been building up these past few days washed over you. He really had been sick after all. How long had he been here alone, taking care of himself because no one would believe him enough to take care of him? But Lucifer had said he’d been checked… Did he get sick after that? Or was there something someone missed? Although, the when didn’t quite matter now. No chance fretting too much over something you couldn’t change. You had the chance to help him now.

“I was hot…” Levi answered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Then next time hop in the bath! Don’t go scuba diving in a fish tank! A fish tank, Levi!”

It was as if you could feel him wincing at your firm words. It wasn’t often you raised your voice at them. Envy wasn’t taking the tone too well, shuddering as he inhaled broken quivering breaths. He didn’t have an answer for you on why he made the decision he did. Rationalization probably went out of his mind once the fever set in. Had he really been that hell-bent on not leaving his room? “You can…look now.” Turning away from the wall, you found yourself tutting. Levi had put the clothes over his wet form, the towel simply lying on top of his head, the horns holding it comically up away from his body.

“…I should’ve been here to help you.” You placed your hands over the dry cloth, getting it away from his branching horns, gently rubbing into his skin. Too weak to shoo you away or say anything about it, he simply covered his face with his hands as you used the towel to dry him off. “But I’m here now…and you don’t have to worry as long as I’m here. I’ll take care of you.” You started with his hair, working your way down to his arms. Your gentle motions, your soft tone, your overall comfort, it was enough to weaken his walls of anxiety. A few steps and he was right next to you. He slumped, letting his head fall into the crook of your neck. Your skin was still cool from the water, and he sighed as his forehead came into contact with it. His tail ended up curling around you once more, clutching your torso tightly as he gripped onto your clothes. “Come on,” you urged him, leading him over to his bedding. It was better than the fish tank only by a small margin, containing a ton of pillows and several plush blankets to act as a cushion inside. At least it was dry…

“Sorry…” Levi gasped, as he lifted himself into his nest. The tickle of his word turned into more harsh coughs. You leaned over the porcelain walls of the tub to pet his head. He nearly melted into your hands. He curled up, nestling further into the cushions as you pulled a blanket partially over him.

“Don’t be sorry. I should be sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you, I should’ve been by your side by square one. That’s what people who care about you do…” You gave him a sweet smile as he teared up a little, pulling a body pillow close to his chest as he covered his face. He simply gave you a hum in response. “I’ll go get some medicine and bring in those packages for you, and then I’ll be right back.” Taking a step back, you felt the tail wrapped around your body gripping you tighter. “Levi,” you cooed, petting the smooth scales with your hand. “I’ll be right back, let me go.” He reluctantly complied, silently pulling his tail into the tub with him, curling around his own body for support. Running your fingers through your still wet hair, you went back out to the hall, dragging Levi’s packages into his room before setting off to grab some medicine. A quick sneeze shuttered your body, leaving you lightheaded as you leaned against the wall to keep yourself upright. A chill ran through your spine. Shaking your head, you picked up the pace to your bedroom to change into warm and dry clothes.

As soon as you were no longer dripping, you grabbed the medicine bottle from off the table in your room. Collectively, the household had almost gone through the entire container, leaving only a few servings left. You bit your lip and then briskly headed back to Levi. In the short amount of time you’d been gone, it seemed as if he already drifted off to sleep. You shut the door behind you as softly as you could manage, then came over to the sleeping otaku. All these demons, you recalled, claimed to be so scary and intimidating, yet all of them managed to look something like this. Levi was clutching his tail, his forehead pressed against the coolness of the side of the tub. It felt like a crime to wake him, but you brushed your hand against his cheek anyway.

“Levi… Levi?” You called, watching his eyelids flitter as they slowly opened. “Here, take this, it’ll help you feel better.” You held a capful of the remedy to his lips. A flicker of stubbornness and defiance flashed in his eyes, but he knew he couldn’t say no to you, especially with how nicely you were treating him. He’d take it with a smile if you had asked him too. Placing the medicine aside, you turned down the lights in his room, watching the reflection of the water dance across the ceiling. “Is there anything else I can do for you, Levi?”

You heard him squeak before he spoke. “You cuddled with each of my brothers…”

Stifling a chuckle, you merely blinked at him. “You want me to cuddle with you?”

He used his arm to cover his eyes. “Y-you said it, not me!”

“Move over then,” you grinned, lifting your leg over the lid of the tub to make your way in. It was a bit awkward, being a bathtub and all. There wasn’t as much space as you expected. The sloped sides guided you into Levi’s body, where you could feel every muscle inside him tense. “Alright, here we go, sleep will make you feel better.” You rested your head right next to his, noses almost touching. His lip twitched in embarrassment, but once more he pressed his forehead against your neck, exhaling deeply as he allowed his body to relax. “There you go…” You rubbed his back as he got in close. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Time as Levi’s nurse passed fairly quickly. Apparently regular doses of constant attention was the best kind of medicine for a touch-starved demon. He was still weaker than anyone would enjoy, but he was back in front of his screens in no time. Although, every so often he’d give you a side glance and rattle his body with a loud cough. Sometimes he would do this and cause the other previous afflicted to do the same. You’d even caught Lucifer clearing his throat in your vicinity once. They were all milking this to the last drop. Aside from the pseudo-symptoms, at last, it was all over. Surely, tonight you’d finally let your sore exhausted body get some rest with the relief in knowing that whatever demon illness had been plaguing the brothers was finally gone… Even cases in the Devildom were dropping. The whispers at RAD were returning to normal discussions. The worst was over.

That was… until everyone in the House of Lamentation was awoken one night to a blood-curdling scream. You awoke in a sweat, hair on your arms standing up on end. Before you could comprehend anything, you dashed out to the hallway, apparently the last to join the stunned members of the household. Mammon was still attempting to find balance on his feet, cursing about one of his legs being asleep. Levi rubbed his eyes, and you couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He was supposed to be regaining his strength. Satan looked more intrigued than anything. Beel was ready for action, but, surprisingly enough, Belphie looked more awake than anyone before you. These were his hours, you supposed. Lucifer was a strange combination of furious due to having his rest be interrupted--he barely gets enough as it is--and concerned.

“MC…” The eldest instinctively took a step towards you. “Oh, thank Diavolo,” he sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead, quelling the stress headache, thankful you weren’t the cause of the haunting wail. “We’ve got…” He began the head check, ushering his brothers closer to him much like a teacher making sure the whole class was there for the field trip. The realization hit you at the same moment it hit him. “Asmo.” No one hesitated in dashing to his room, the adrenaline pumping in you more as the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood reached your ears. Worry clamped your throat shut, forgetting how to properly breathe as the group sprinted down the halls.

Mammon was the first to reach the door, throwing all caution to the wind as he immediately kicked the wood in. The entrance hit the floor with a loud bang, coming clean off it’s hinges, and you attempted to peer in. A firm hand grabbed you by the back of the collar and yanked you back. Lucifer pulled you behind his body. Just in time too, for just at that moment, an entire dresser launched itself from the bedroom, smacking against Mammon, pinning him against the back wall of the hallway. Every square inch of you was desperate to scream, to run to Greed, but the demon of pride had you held tightly against his body. Mammon got up off the floor, shaking his head. There were no visible injuries, in fact, he was barely even bothered, just frustrated.

“For the love of... Asmo!” The second brother growled, and another shriek echoed through the halls, shaking the windows. You brought your hands up to cover your ears, and Lucifer quickly handed you off to Levi.

“What’s happening?” The strength of your legs began to waver, and, for a split second, the eldest’s eyes grew wide at your distress. Of course you wouldn’t know, how could you? Sometimes he forgets you’re only a human.

Placing a gentle hand on your head, he let out another sleep-deprived groan, pinching the bridge of his nose whilst his siblings dashed into the chaos. “It’s what we all feared. Asmo has fallen ill. It happens once every few centuries, and every time it happens, it gets—“ Something else broke to pieces, shrapnel embedding itself in the door-frame. A mess. “Stay with Levi. We’ll work on calming him down.” With that, he turned and swiftly joined the fray. A swirl of blue magic surrounded the door, lifting it from it’s position, settling back against the frame to shield you out while shouts and bangs rattled the ground. All you could do was blink in frightful awe and flinch at every awful sound.

“C-come on, it’s best if we go…N-now. Like, right now,” Levi breathed, his voice shaking with terror. You raised an eyebrow, trying to piece together why he sounded as if he was in danger.

You didn’t have the time to question why. The wall separating the room from the hallway nearly crumbled, bricks and rubble coating the floor. Peachy eyes glowed harshly against the dark of night. “Levi…” The figure growled maliciously as the dust settled. “You did this to me…you all did this to me!” Ah, right. Of course the blame would lie with the most recently infected. And now you were standing right next to the target.

“Oi!”

In a swirl of motion, demons rushed to tackle him down, but not before the person behind the destruction began to lunge in yours and Levi’s direction. The third-born twisted his body, beginning to pull you behind him to shield you, but your body moved almost on its own. Tugging yourself out of Levi’s grip, you moved forward with an outstretched arm. “Asmo!” The palm of your hand came into contact with his chest. You felt the frantic beating of his heart. Everything seemed to stop all at once. The rampage put itself at pause as Asmo looked at you with wide eyes, his hands still raised, razor sharp claws atoms away from brushing against your skin. With your hand on his chest, you could tell that he’d stopped breathing. You took this moment to observe his face. Nose red, eyes puffy from angry tears, overall looking drained, missing vibrancy. The glimmer you so often associated with Asmo was gone.

The demon of lust took one last moment to recollect his thoughts, gathering back his composure before giving a loud horrified gasp of a breath before his knees gave out, his body collapsing to the floor.

--

“Absolutely, positively, one of the worst decisions you’ve ever made!” You’d beg to differ, there was a list of misadventures you could bring to the table, but now was definitely not the time for that. “Did you even think?!” You tried to open your mouth but were cut short. “Don’t answer that.” Good call. Lucifer looked beyond frazzled, and as you watched him pace back and forth in front of you, you wondered if those were new grey strands in the fringes of his hair or if it was simply your imagination. He’d been stepping back and forth for so long, you’d almost gotten dizzy from the motion. Perfectly on beat. A living pendulum.

But Lucifer wasn’t the only one here to…critique your…survival response--or questionable lack thereof. “What do you do when you see an angry demon? Hm?” Real rich coming from Wrath. Satan’s eyebrow was twitching, but he was doing his utmost best to stay calm unlike his older brothers.

You lowered your head. “You run.”

“What do we not do?”

“…Confront them.” The blonde nodded, leaving it at that for the time being. With a quick scan around the room, he tilted his head and sat in a chair, biting back one of his usual retorts. Typically, he wouldn’t hesitate to be snippy, especially considering his sibling’s current behaviors, but he didn’t have the heart for it. Not right now when he was focusing hard on suppressing the bubbling rage of what he’d just observed. Levi was a dazed mess, sulking at his failed job as a bodyguard, slung over Beel’s shoulder, muttering endlessly. The demon of gluttony himself had yet to peel his sight from you since you’d been dragged back to your room. Had he even blinked? It was as if he was wary that, should he look away, even for a moment, you’d do something reckless again. To be fair, logically, what you’d done had been a rather idiotic move. In your defense, it was also dipping well past the early hours of the morning. It all still felt like a dream. They couldn’t hold it against you for not being at your peak… But, they were right. Had Asmo not been able to stop himself, who knows what the outcome would’ve been. You still weren’t quite sure of everything that had happened, but something had moved you, convinced you that if you just…reached out to him…

Turning your head to the side, you brushed your hand over the bump in the blankets where his arm was. As soon as he’d collapsed, both you and Asmo were briskly brought to your room. You’d been able to assist in tucking him under your covers for only a moment before being scolded six different ways. Belphie placed a fresh cold rag over Asmo’s forehead, meeting your eyes for just a second before snapping his head to look away from you with the slightest hint of a disappointed pout in his lips. Even the bratty youngest sibling was chastising you. And Mammon…Mammon was…dead silent, still as a stone, back turned to you as he pressed his face against the wall. If anything, that upset you the most.

Speaking loudly as to regain their attention, you apologized. “I’m sorry! I know it was dumb of me, but…” Asmo’s eyebrows scrunched, a painful moan rumbling in his throat. You adjusted your seated spot on the bed, sitting closer to his body, settled by his thigh. Placing your hand over the comforter covering his chest, you stroked up and down in a slow soothing rhythm. His head moved to find a cooler, more comfortable spot on the pillow, and with the comforting motion against his body, he went still with rest again. “He sounded heartbroken.”

The room fell silent, Lucifer stopped his pacing. Everyone’s shoulders slumped, and then finally Mammon spoke up. “Heartbroken?! That scream meant nothin’! He’s just being dramatic over his dumb face! Losing control like that…almost hurting you because he doesn’t look photo-ready… Nothing’s worth getting yourself killed over! Nothing!” Mammon’s words… sunk in the deepest. Or his tone did at least. He was truly upset with you. Lucifer raised his arm a bit towards Mammon, signaling to settle down. Mammon scoffed and turned again, letting it go.

“Okay… I get it… but enough worrying about me, you should be worried for your brother.” The fire of conflict was quickly snuffed out by your shining eyes and Asmo’s little whimpers.

Lucifer rolled his head around his shoulders and then rubbed away the little pang behind his temples. “I’ll go let Diavolo know of the situation. I’m sure after the last few weeks he won’t be surprised…” He grumbled something under his breath one last time before he left the room, D.D.D. in hand.

“I suppose I can do my best to help clean Asmo’s room. He might recover quicker in a familiar environment.” Satan got to his feet, stretching, cracking an eye open to look at Mammon before grabbing him by the back of his shirt. “And you’re going to help me.”

“O-oi! Why me?! Hold on! I haven’t said everything I needed to yet!” But his cries were ignored as the demon of wrath dragged him down the hallway.

Now you were left with the afflicted, the twins, and a still sorrowful Levi. They might not listen to you at the moment, but you had to try. “Beel, can you please take Levi to his room? And Belphie can you please make sure he goes to sleep?” The fiery-haired sibling nodded, shifting his older brother to his other shoulder. Belphie still had his head turned away from you. Your heart fell a bit. “Pretty please?”

He made the mistake of getting a quick peek of your pleading face. “You have to come with us.”

“But, we can’t just leave him.” You brushed the back of your hand against Asmo’s cheek, reeling back as the heat from him almost burnt you. Demonic bodies could reach some serious temperatures.

This only convinced Belphie to squint harder. “He’s dangerous.”

“You’re all dangerous and yet apparently it doesn’t seem to phase me anymore.” At times like these, you found standing your ground and just being stubborn was enough to win you plenty of debates with these eternal beings. Although you didn’t want to push your luck too much. They could physically remove you from the room if they so desired. Luckily, Belphie was much too tired to continue bickering.

“Fine, but you owe me.”

You beamed, coaxing a touch of pink in his cheeks. “Thank you!” He slinked away, his twin following after him with Levi in tow.

A frown stretched over your face. With the added noise gone, Asmo’s shallow wheezing breaths were all too apparent. You got to your feet, flipping the rag draped across his head to the other side, then padded over to the cupboard settled against the far side of the room. It opened with a slight squeak, causing you to wince as you glanced back over your shoulder to make sure your patient was still sleeping. Luckily, he didn’t stir, although for this to work, he might have to. You gripped the medicine bottle in your hand, giving it a slight shake. There was enough for perhaps one or two more administrations. Before you dealt with that issue, you quickly went to turn off the overhead light in your room, simply turning on a side lamp, a soft glow illuminating what you needed it to. Your eyes thanked you for the lessened strain. As you turned on the pads of your feet, you noticed Asmo was now on his side, facing away from you. With a few quiet steps, you were back at the bedside. “Asmo?”

Your fingers outstretched, reaching for his shoulder, but he would not let you near him. “Don’t look at me!” The voice was strong enough to push you back, falling back onto the floor. A high pitched noise caught your attention. The glass in your hand as well as your mirror on the other side of the room had a new thin crack in it.

The heart in your chest was pounding, but you tried to shake out of it. “Asmo, fighting me is taking up your strength.” Cradling the medicine bottle against your chest, you got back to your feet.

Asmo pulled the covers up over his head. “Don’t look at me, don’t look at me, don’t look at me!” You’d shifted your stance beforehand to keep your balance, the wave of magic wobbling you, but not knocking you over. The lights flickered, and with it, you caught an idea.

“What if I turn the lights off? I won’t look at you, okay? I just want to help you feel better.” Keeping your sight on him, you walked backwards. As your hip met the furniture, you swiveled to turn the lamp off. It just so happened to be cloudy tonight, the dark clouds coating the moon, again, much like the night Belphie had sleepwalked into your room, only now you were the one stumbling towards the figure in the bed. You walked forward slowly until your knees came into contact with the mattress. Even here you could feel the rolling waves of heat come off of him. “I can’t see a single thing, I swear. Not even my own hand in front of my face,” you whispered to him, your arm waving in the air till you found his body. He was letting you touch him, that was a good sign. It took a moment before you found his shoulder, gently guiding him to lay on his back. You trailed your touch up to his neck before coming up to lightly touch his face. Hot moisture coated your fingertips. For a second, you thought it was sweat, but then you heard the demon take a shaky inhale as his body hitched. Panic struck your body all the sudden, your thumb brushing just under his eyes. “Are you crying? Asmo, no… No, no, no, it’s okay.”

He whimpered, leaning into your touch. “I- I- I- I’m sick and- and unsightly--”

“Hey, hey,” you cooed. “Take a deep breath.” He followed your advice, his chest shuddering. “I’m sorry you’re sick…but we can’t change that now. We just have to focus on getting you well again.” Reaching around to support the back of his head, you helped him up into a slouched position. Although, you struggled to find his hand. When you did, his fingers instinctively went to curl around yours. You hated to disappoint him by replacing your grasp with the medicine bottle. “This should help. I’d, uh, take about half of it.” He took it away from you, and you assumed that he’d brought it to his lips. It was a few seconds before the smooth glass touched your skin again. Taking it back in your possession, you discovered it was a lot lighter than you expected. Moving it around in your hand, you felt no liquid slosh inside. “I said half, Asmo!”

“There was hardly anything in there and I need what I can to go back to my beautiful self!”

“That’s not how--” You sighed, letting the empty bottle settle on the floor. “No one is pretty when they’re sick, but that’s okay. It’s alright to be unsightly sometimes.” The mattress bobbed as Asmo laid back down, getting as close as he could against your body. “But even so, you’re pretty all the same.”

His hand smacked against your knee as he tried to find you, his touch searching for yours. “I can’t be both…am I beautiful or ugly?” He really couldn’t understand what you were trying to say. Maybe one day you’d be able to convey your thoughts properly.

As soon as you touched his wrist, he slid his fingers up to weave through yours. “You’re always beautiful, Asmo. Always. A little sickness won't stop you. But for now, your beautiful body needs some beauty sleep.” You squeezed his hand. “I’ll be right by your side.” The medicine seemed to already be working. Double the dose meant double the drowsiness, and you pinned it in the back of your mind to tell Lucifer about his mishap later. He curled into a tighter ball, snuggling up against your legs.

“It’s not…fair,” he whined, voice almost slurring with sleep. “I don’t…deserve this…I wish I was…as beautiful…as you.” Your chest tightened, but you kept your mouth closed. His grip had already slackened, and you could hear the deeper slower breaths as you came to the conclusion that he had fallen back asleep.

Feel better, Asmo. I’ll be here till you do.

“I tried warning them fallen angels or not, they were still in the demographic to get sick.” Solomon sighed wistfully, but the whole time he never lost his smile. As you recounted your encounters over the last few weeks, the sorcerer giggled. “What I wouldn’t give to see some of those scenes.”

The angel across the little table from you had to agree, although he looked a lot more sympathetic to the brother’s plight than the human did. “I’m really glad they’re all feeling better though. I bet you’re enjoying your newfound freedom, aren’t you, MC?”

You settled down the mug against the tabletop, sitting back in your chair, basking in the ambiance of Purgatory Hall. The House of Lamentation really had been come to feel like your home, but a change of pace was so refreshing at times. The angel’s dorm was so much brighter, quieter. No shouting, no nagging, no chaos. You could sip on a warm beverage in peace. “It’s nice knowing they all feel better,” you stated, having to admit to yourself that your termination of demon-nurse was doing you some good. Retirement life was nice. “No more worries.”

Both men agreed, Simeon pleasantly humming to himself. “Still, you could’ve asked us to help out. I bet it was difficult looking after all of them.”

“Can’t be much different than usual, can it?” Solomon interjected, laughing to himself.

They both were right. But, it’s not like you had hated it. You all felt…closer now. They had allowed you to see a part of themselves no one else got to see. That made you feel special. But being able to kick your feet up and get some much needed sleep was what your doctor ordered. You picked your mug back up and finished the last of your drink. The warmth of it spread throughout your body, seeping down to your toes and fingertips.

When Simeon noticed your cup was empty, he stood, holding his hand out. “Here I can take that for you.” You didn’t really want to impose, but you were the guest, and it did feel nice being taken care of today. They’d pampered you nicely. Taking your jacket at the door, leading you to the living room where you were given sweets and treats handmade by Luke and Simeon. You got more comfortable on the couch and gave the angel a thankful nod. Simeon turned away from you and Solomon, his steps halted as a high-pitched squeak filled the room. “Oh, sorry.”

Your head tilted a bit. “Sorry for what?” Had he stepped on a loose floorboard?

Solomon held himself back a bit before clapping in a bit of glee. He seemed endlessly entertained. “Doesn’t Simeon have the most petite sneeze? Bless you.”

Simeon looked back over his shoulder, actually looking a bit embarrassed over it. “It’s quite a normal sneeze thank you…” He shot his roommate a little look before leaving the room. You watched him go, a sensation of familiarity bubbling up to your mind. This felt… no, it couldn’t be. You were over-thinking things. There was absolutely no way it was happening again. Nope. You would refuse fate itself. Simeon took good care of himself. You couldn’t assume every sneeze was a sign of illness.

There was no one left to get sick. The story was over! The series had come to an end! All wrapped up in a pretty bow and everything!

No one else needed a taste of medicine.

Or did they?…

#obey me #obey me shall we date #obey me headcanons #obey me imagines #obey me lucifer #obey me mammon #obey me levi #obey me satan #obey me asmo #obey me beel #obey me belphie #sickfic

[summertimemusician]

Linktober Shadow Day 9

Wallmasters

*Downs cofffe like a shot* Also know as The One Where Legend Did Not Collaborate, and the reason all other prompts are late along with exam season so I'm not fully satisfied with it even with the Hollow Knight ost, the Link Between Worlds ost, tea and spite carrying this. Ah well, I'll just do my best to catch up and maybe rewrite it to give Legend more justice later, this is a self indulgent little series anyway. Having a lot of fun with the other prompts for both Linktober and Linktober Shadow. Legend is my second true Link (Time being the first and Twilight the second), so this goes out for him and his fans, he's such a complex Link and I shall do my best to do him proper justice in the future.

As always can be interpreted as either romantic or platonic, and before anyone asks yes I am making Reader gender neutral on purpose, whatever gender they are is up to ya'll lol.

Walking through Dungeons could be a fifty fifty experience.

On one hand, the loot was usually always good and it could be a pretty thrilling or simple experience, on the other hand, the danger was very, very real, between the monsters and many puzzles and traps, it sets every hero on edge, even if most weren’t used to the structure of dungeons all of them could recognize danger at every corner.

Which was why when hearing a faint skittering from the shadows of the abandoned ruins and seeing Legend twitching for his sword, you were immediately on alert, making sure to speak lowly and to keep yourself in his sights (it was a hard won crumb of knowledge, that Legend preferred to have any members of the group in his line of sight if possible, but easy enough to accommodate and you would not question it, didn’t need to), “Any guesses, hero?”

Legend pursed his lips, eyes flicking to the sides then the open fissures of the floor, undoubtedly leading either to a long way down to the previous floor or many broken bones – most likely the second really with a healthy heaping of painful death on top – and then above, cursing as he shoved you back against the doorway alcove with a grimace, “Wallmasters. You better be ready to book it for the chest when I tell you to, got it? I am not fighting my way back down just to drag you back up. We need to take those out if possible.”

You nodded,  grim as you tightened your grip onto your sword, you knew Legend wouldn't, he'd never be the one to leave someone first, but you could agree that getting separated in a dungeon with black blooded monsters in it was a recipe for disaster.

"One.", you squinted at the shadows above,  trying to make out the scratching of long, sharp claws over stone, vision wasn't always the most reliable sense in the dark.

"Two." Legend's grip on the fire rod shifted, more used to spotting these things than you are, you'll just have to follow your reliable veteran's lead.

"Go!" He snapped, and you didn't hesitate, the door was locked so you'd need the key as urgently as possible-

You jump to the side, a 'SLAM!' rocking the dungeon floor to it's foundations, you slash away at a nearby keese swarm with a curse as Legend sets the Wallmaster alight. It doesn't scream but it does shudder, nails racking over the floor with an awful, cutting sound, leaving black gouges that you are sure you'd hate to be touched by, "Any others?!"

Legend flicks his gaze up,  switching to his sword a heartbeat later  to his other hand and slashing at the smaller hands which rose from the death of it's progenitor, their nail rake over his sword with a screech and bones crunch over his boot, "Not yet, go grab the key!"

You don't need to hear it twice,  quickly kicking the chest open with no hesitation, grabbing the key. You hiss as one of the smaller hands escape one of Legend's guard and make a grab for your ankle, it's claws sink into your flesh and it hurts like hell but you persevere, making a break for the door. As soon as you open it you can work on dealing with the blood and undoubtlety quickly rotting flesh.

A second 'SLAM!' rocks the ground, Legend snarls, cutting through the second Wallmaster with a lot more difficult than he ought to, when it's blood comes black,  backing off from the crawling hands, conserving as much magic as he can as the hand returns to the  ceiling, dripping ink down into the ground, "An exit any second now would be really nice you know!"

"I'm working on it Din damnit!" You growl back, slotting the key into the slot and bashing your leg agaisnt an uneven leg, it hurts but it also hurts the hand, letting you go with a sickening crack of bone, you twist the key and hear the tell tale click of a lock opening, you turn back to Legend with a relieved breath, "Quick, come help me open it!"

Legend nods, baring his teeth back in a smirk as he helps you push open the door, black blood drips in front of you both, making his blood freeze.

"GET BACK!", He hollers, tackling you down into the ground, you both go through the door with a curse, your head almost cracking against the solid, old brick floor if not for Legend's hand, the space where you both were shakes as the wounded Wallmaster comes down, curls it's slashed fingers into a loose fist, as much as it could when burned and slashed.

All is silent, and you both finally breath at ease, Legend offering his hand to you with a sigh, "Come on, let's get out of this thrice damned dungeon already. Make sure not to keel over on me."

You accept, scoffing, hip checking him as soon as you're up, "As if I'd let you have all the fun, Leg."

You and him, however, wholeheartedly agree in your shared hatred of Wallmasters.

If you don't call out the shaking of Legend's hand when he pulled you up, or the hint of red on his face or the way you both stick close to one another as you continue through the dungeon. You'll just chalk it up to poor visibility and the want to not be separated.

#linked universe x reader #linked universe legend x reader #summer writes linktober shadow 2023 #summer writes #I adore Legend and his sarcastic existence with all my soul but by God is he hard to write #He uses snark to hide how much he cares and to prevent getting hurt again and it's a really tricky balance to hit #though that makes him an incredibly fun character that I can only hope to write more and write better in the future #Shout out to my hatred of wallmasters specifically #except Wind Waker wallmasters/floormasters. apparently they're just lonely so I try not to give them a hard time #all others can meet the end of Legend's fire rod in a most intimate manner #not fully satisfied with this one but next one's will be better #at least now I can move onto the others in relative peace #*cracks knuckles and cackles like a mad witch casting a curse before being burned at the stake*

[g0dspeeed]

What's A Christmas?

One Turian's curiosity leads the Normandy crew to discuss a very odd topic: Christmas

"What's a Christmas?"

His words in all their cool simplicity still stalled her sip of black tea, the heat of her drink warming her parted lips as Commander Shepard awaited further clarification for such an unexpected question.

When their eyes met and none was given, she ventured on.

"What are you asking?" she returned, a slight smile teasing her mouth at the way the curious Turian's mandibles twitched.

"You heard me, Shepard," quipped Garrus. "But go on, take joy in my ignorance in whatever human social cue, custom, or household appliance I fail to know about."

Her mug was set gently on the table between them. She leaned forward.

"Wouldn't be the first time I had to teach you something human," replied the Commander, her voice low and laced with something akin to mischief.

Despite his seasoned confidence, Garrus felt that familiar anxiety creep up his neck. That voice of hers, how it dipped and paired with those deep eyes. So far since their unexpected conversation in the battery, when Shepard talked like that it meant something nice, something alluring or dare he suggest sexy.

Her lingering smirk only solidified his guess.

Yeah, I'll go with flirty, he thought, a new smugness replacing his uncertainty.

"I might be due for another lesson," he chanced.

Just as Shepard leaned closer the sound of heavy footfalls made their approach towards the mess hall.

"Just the expert I was looking for," greeted Shepard, the ease in her voice playing off of Zaeed's suspicious scowl as he emerged from the main hall.

A scoff was the sole verbal response as the mercenary remained on target, focus zeroed in on one of the kitchen cabinets. He did stall his rummaging enough to glance between the pair at the table, a pod of what looked like coffee grounds in hand.

Shepard knew that it was the closest to acknowledgment she would get from the man without his morning coffee.

"Zaeed, what do you know about Christmas?" continued the Commander.

A chuckle.

Garrus withheld a sigh.

"Ah, Christmas. Haven't had one in decades," breathed Zaeed.

His thick arms crossed over his chest, a pose that Garrus knew well.

"One what?" asked Garrus.

"Christmas."

"What is it?"

A cocked hip.

"What you mean?" replied Zaeed with a frown. "Can't tell me that after all these years you birds haven't heard of Christmas?"

"I suppose between teaching humans proper space travel regulations and stabilizing relations following an all out war we never found the time."

Both humans rolled their eyes in unison.

Point one for Garrus.

"Well, Zaeed?"

Garrus's eyes narrowed at the limp shrug offered by the older man.

"Seems the Turian doesn't care to know, Shepard, with all that extra dedication to other important galactic matters. Why should I waste my breath-"

"Fine, I don't need to know," dismissed Garrus as he sat back in his seat. "I just heard Jacob talk about it being 'Christmas time' on Earth the other day-"

"Are you all discussing Christmas?"

Her filtered voice carried from the hallway, the three so engrossed in their discussion that they failed to register the hiss of the elevator doors as Tali made her way towards the mess hall.

Though the glow of her omnitool reflected off her helmet, Garrus could still make out his teammate's bright eyes, an air of curiosity always alit in her gaze.

"Tali," welcomed Shepard warmly as the quarian sat at their table. "You know about Christmas?"

"No, but I want to," replied Tali shyly. "Jacob sounded so nostalgic when he talked about it with Joker the other day. I wanted to know more, but it felt, um, intrusive."

"Don't bother, Tali. I've asked twice and no one's told me anything."

A soft laugh.

"That might be because it's you, Garrus."

"Thanks, Tali."

"No problem-"

"Aye," interrupted Zaeed. "You lot want to know about Christmas or not-"

"Depends," groaned Garrus. "Are you going to actually provide an explanation? One without war stories or tales of survival against a hundred or so enemies?"

Shepard couldn't help but smile at the way Zaeed took his sweet time in loading the coffee machine with his pod and configuring the settings to his liking. The direct eye contact with Garrus as he did so was enough to almost make her laugh.

"It's a holiday," the mercenary finally answered. "Happens once an Earth year."

"I see," murmured Tali. "But we could already determine that much."

"I didn't," grumbled Garrus.

"Then don't bother asking," added the mercenary.

"Come on, Zaeed-"

"Shepard, I don't think these aliens give a damn-"

"Give a damn about what?" called a harsh voice accompanied by the sound of more stomping feet.

Garrus laid his head down on the table as Jack emerged from the back hall with a dirty plate and furrowed brow.

"Now I'll never know," groaned the turian.

"Know what?" she questioned, Jack's confused expression not quite matching her tone. "What's his problem?"

"Christmas," supplied Tali.

"He hates Christmas?"

"What? No, he-"

"He hates being jerked around-"

"Pft, join the club," Jack said as she tossed her dirty plate in the washer.

At the way Garrus snapped his head to glare at the young biotic Shepard felt the need to step in.

"Jack," she said calmly. "Zaeed was explaining Christmas to Garrus and Tali after they heard Jacob talk about it. Any thoughts?"

A shrug.

Garrus wanted to scream.

"Never celebrated it with, you know, being a lab rat in a fucked up scientific project and all."

"Ah."

"Celebrated what?"

"Christmas!"

The way that Tali, Garrus, and Jack shouted their answer to Jacob and Samara as they entered the space sizzled with a new tension in the air.

Jacob lifted his hands in defense.

"Whoa, why are we talking about Christmas this early in the morning?" he asked.

"Because you talked about Christmas," accused Zaeed after a sip of coffee.

"Yeah, it's almost Christmas on Earth-"

"I think a better question," began Tali, sounding nearly as exasperated as Garrus, "Would be what happens on Christmas? What are humans celebrating?"

"Oh, well, that depends."

This time, Tali sighed.

"I mean," continued Jacob. "Some people associate Christmas to a religious practice while others don't."

"Which religion?"

All were startled at the sudden sound of Thane's voice, though the drell arguably had the softest tone among them. He stood leaning near the far back wall, arms crossed and dark eyes fixed on Jacob.

Jacob's jaw set when he met Thane's patient stare, a change that stirred some agitation in Shepard's gut. Thankfully, Jacob pressed on.

"A religion called Christianity. It's um, pretty old."

"Interesting."

"Christianity?" echoed Tali. "The one with the Jesus?"

Zaeed choked on his coffee.

With a wave of the hand, Jack groaned, "Ugh, let's not get into that."

"Religious origins aside," continued Samara, her soothing voice welcomed by the more restless members of the conversation. "I am curious about cultural practices surrounding this holiday. Jacob, you appeared quite at peace when you mentioned it to Joker the other day. Please go on."

From where Shepard sat she could see how Jacob's cheeks reddened.

"Oh, um," he stuttered before coughing. "I know humans in colonies will gather together on Christmas Day and give each other gifts. Depends on what part of Earth people come from though. Not all humans celebrate it-"

"Why gifts?" chirped Tali.

"To foster relationship," answered Shepard plainly.

"Same reason anyone gives a gift," added Zaeed.

"I see."

"I know my family talked about special gift giving," continued Shepard. "Called it a White Elephant."

"An elephant?" repeated Garrus. "What's that?"

"Oh, it's just an animal-"

"Why is it white?"

"Are they all white?"

"Do you bring one-"

"Shit, it's just a name!" cried Jack. "Just means you give gifts blind, like for anyone in the group. Sometimes wierd gifts, too, if you want to fuck with someone. Used to do something like that in the cult I was in-"

"Did one myself with the Blue Suns," sighed Zaeed. "But we only exchanged rifle mods and credits."

"Okay, so gift giving. Got it," mused Garrus. "What else is there?"

"A long time ago people on Earth would decorate a tree in their homes with lights and ornaments. Called it a Christmas tree."

The quiet in the air was thick as all processed this new information to themselves, the only humored members being the humans.

"Like, a real plant?" asked Tali slowly.

"For some," chimed in new voice.

Miranda stood near Thane, her eyes studying the room in constant analysis. Her lips were pursed.

"Shepard," stated Miranda, "When you have a moment, the Illusive Man-"

"Shepard!"

Following the loud, bellowing voice that interrupted Miranda was a young krogan whose angry eyes and brash entrance into the mess hall made Shepard stand to her feet immediately. Miranda nearly ran into Thane as she avoided being shoved by Grunt.

"Tell your Salarian doctor to stay away or I’ll tear him apart!"

A groan. Shepard looked to the ceiling.

"EDI, inform Mordin that I want him in the mess hall. Now."

"Mordin is entering the elevator."

"Thanks, EDI."

Simply having Shepard listen appeared to ease Grunt enough to look about the room.

"What is happening here?" he grit out.

"A little lesson in cultural understanding," mused Shepard. "You were saying Miranda?"

"The Illusive Man is expecting your call-"

"Not about that, cheerleader," snarked Jack. "Or is it that hard to quit being Cerberus's lap dog for one moment of your pathetic life-"

"Jack-"

"The Christmas tree," interjected Jacob, much to Shepard's relief, "Can be real or fake. Or they used to be. Climate change over the decades leads most people to go for the fake option. Or no tree."

"Ah yes," added a familiar, clinical voice. "Earth's own deforestation efforts led to environmental degradation. Not surprising given early Earth values in the 21st century. Reflective of shared galactic issues regarding planetary care from it's population. Shepard, you needed me?"

Mordin stood straight and seemed aloof of the menacing glares Grunt was sending him from Shepard’s side.

Behind them Zaeed began making a pot of coffee, batting away Jack’s hand as she tried to take over the machine. Garrus settled in for a show.

"Mordin," began Shepard. "We've been over this. Leave Grunt alone unless Grunt requires emergency medical care-"

“Of course!” exclaimed the Salarian, offense flooding his expression. “Great clinicians respect patient autonomy and boundaries!”

“You tried to stick a needle in me!” roared Grunt with an accusing finger jabbed towards Mordin.

“Yes, I did. After you stated that you were concerned over recent physiological changes possibly related to developmental stages in krogan and consented to further testing.”

“I did not consent to a needle!”

“Yes, you did. I requested a blood sample-”

“It seems,” interrupted the Commander, a hand cutting in the space between the angry krogan and confused salarian. “That there was miscommunication about what sort of tests were going to be administered and how. Mordin, you now know that needles are not an option. Grunt, you now know that calmly requesting clarification is within your right. Got it?”

“Agreed,” stated Mordin, completely unfazed by the conflict altogether as he surveyed the full mess hall. “Surprised to see the subject of environmental decay amongst crew.”

“We were talking about Christmas, a human holiday that apparently involves gifts, sometimes a Jesus, and decorating trees,” informed Thane.

Shepard smiled at how he and Miranda gradually drew closer into the room. Miranda surprised Shepard the most by crossing the space and silently requesting Zaeed provide her a mug of coffee. Zaeed obliged without issue. Thane took a seat closest to the door.

“Christmas,” sniffed Mordin. “A pleasant holiday. At least when recalled by humans. Source of nostalgia. Comforted human patients on Omega around specific times of the year. Provided distraction and grounding for trauma.”

“You know about Christmas?” blurted Garrus, his wide blue eyes earning a small laugh from Tali.

“Mm, know? No. Know very little. Just what patients shared at Omega clinic. Did not see relevance to patient care in pursuing more information.”

“So that’s it? Just a holiday where humans exchange gifts?” asked Grunt.

“Is it that disappointing?” Shepard replied.

“Where’s the honor?”

“I suppose in giving a good gift?” ventured Tali.

Grunt shook his large head and huffed.

“Too soft. Too simple. There’s no honor where it isn’t earned through battle and blood.”

“There could be blood.”

All turned to look at Zaeed, but he said nothing more as he poured himself another cup of coffee.

“Wait, are we going to have a Christmas?”

Tali’s voice was so hopeful that Shepard couldn’t decline right away.

“I mean,” began Jacob.

When all turned to stare, his mouth shut.

“I’m down."

Shepard blinked at how Joker’s voice joined from overhead. How long had he been listening?

"I don't see this as relevant to the mission," stated Miranda.

Frankly, Shepard didn't either. Not entirely anyway. They were due to try the Omega-4 Relay soon, now that all the crew were assembled. She felt confident about their chances. Well, as confident for success that one can feel for a suicide mission.

Surveying the mess hall, Shepard had second thoughts. The discussion had paused, yet no one had left. Garrus and Tali had their eyes glued on Zaeed as the man talked about Christmas sweaters, traditions, and songs, snapping at anyone and everyone who tried to butt in.

"Why a mistletoe-"

"It's tied to some old story."

"Okay, but why does it matter if people kiss underneath it-"

"You want a lesson or not?"

The others had huddled to either attend to Zaeed or mutter amongst themselves, sharing about their own customs and holidays that shared similarities with Christmas, a conversation that no one could have anticipated, especially centuries ago when space flight for humans centered on Mars alone.

A sigh, heavy and resigned.

"Joker," prompted the Commander.

"Mam?"

"Plot a course for the Citadel. We need to make a supply run and to have-"

A chanced glance at Tali was all it took.

"-and to have a Christmas party."

"Sweet!" chirped Joker. "Aye aye, Commander!"

The room filled with noise. A lot of excitement and loads of uncertainty.

"Everyone. Listen up," called Shepard. "Shore leave will be 48 hours. Do what you want with that time. You are not obligated to participate in the party, but if you do let me know."

The Cerberus officer stepped forward first, a cross expression lining her features.

"I still don't see the benefit, Commander."

"We were due for a supply run anyway, Miranda, as well as shore leave. If it helps, think of it as one last morale booster before the mission-"

"Commander-"

"Shit!" cried Shepard as Kasumi emerged at her side, the shimmer of her cloaking revealing a coy smile. Miranda lifted a hand to shield her eyes, her lips moving for a silent curse of her own.

"If you'd like assistance in planning," said Kasumi. "I'm at your service."

"Thanks," muttered Shepard. "Um, I'm not really sure how to plan this thing. Recruit any help you see fit."

"I'll recruit Legion," she replied cheekily, already flitting off in the direction of the elevator.

Shaking her head, Shepard stalked off to get her conversation with the Illusive Man over with. The morning had been bizarre enough she doubted anything else he could say would throw her off anymore than the last forty minutes had.

In the hall just outside of the elevator stood her latest member of the crew, Legion. She was about to greet her Geth teammate when he approached her first, lamped head tilted to the side as if in thought.

"Legion."

"Shepard-Commander, we have an inquiry."

"Did Kasumi talk to you?" asked Shepard.

"Yes, but her request for help with planning a Christmas party leads us to more unanswered questions."

The Commander frowned.

"Shepard-Commander, who is Santa Claus?"

🎁🎁🎁

Had this in the chamber for a year.

Merry Christmas, fandom!

#mass effect 2 #me2 #mass effect garrus #mass effect #garrus vakarian #Christmas on the Normandy #tali'zorah #thane krios #mass effect legendary edition

[koreposion]

Indigo always woke up in darkness, sleep seemed to be the same everywhere they went. They kicked up, a burst of dirt leaving the bed they laid in. It didn't take them long to claw themselves out of the dirt they had buried themselves in. Monsters always had their oddities, they simply slept in a dirt filled casket.

They got up, heading towards the bathroom to get themselves ready. Knocking on the mirror twice produced the head of their partner,

"Good morning, how are you feeling?" Scratch's hair spilled into the sink and down onto the floor. Their milky white eyes shining as they looked over Indigo.

"I'm fine, I just slept like the dead." A joke Indigo made time from time that made their partner scrunch up their nose, "I'm going to be working at the clinic for a while, so if I don't come back for some days..."

"I'll know where to find you. It's so lucky that you work there, so many reflective surfaces!" They laughed, their own joke as they gave Indigo a kiss on their forehead.

A small spurt of fire left their mouth as they were taken aback. If they weren't careful they could have caught fire to something, "Yes yes, please make a habit of checking the room before you come out. You'll scare the soul out of someone..."

Scratch took note of those words as their head popped into the mirror, their hair going with it.

It was finally to get a proper start to the day.

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

It didn't take long for Indigo to be seated at the front desk. Armed with garden supplies and breakfast food from a cart that was nearby. They flipped through the scrapbook they kept so carefully in tact, seeing a new drawing added in their absence. It was adorable by all standards, even if it was Hawk covered in blood and tending to a child.

Warmth filled their furnace of a soul and they headed to the room filled with patients. They brought bags of fertilizer, new tools to use for digging, and some seeds. It was important for others to learn how to grow their own food in case time got tough. That was the case for those who managed to live after staying here. Indigo would never charge for their treatment unfairly, there was no reason for it.

As they entered the room they were greeted by the early birds of the bunch. Most of the children still fast asleep while one sat with a coloring book. Most of the adults who had mobility were already up and making breakfast. The food they had access to was limited, they would be properly fed soon. They gave Indigo space to bring their tools out to the back.

They had already made a plot of soil, using their own blood and fertile ground. What they were focused on was doing prep work for the small garden they were going to grow. Making sure to pick weeds and remove bugs as they saw fit. They stored the tools carefully in a locked box nearby the plots.

As they headed back inside, someone started a conversation, "Indigo, how are you this morning?" They ask while holding a cup of tea, they were one of the bedridden patients.

They pulled up a chair, having some time to chat before they were needed to be completely busy, "I'm fine, I just slept like the dead."

The person laughed at their terrible joke, laughter was good. They had been worse off when they had first gotten here. Indigo could remember how sickly and pale they looked,

"Well I'm happy you slept well, sleep as been better for me lately. I don't get random sharp pains anymore, the doctor's treatment does wonders." They spoke softly and kindly, but also it was easy to see that they were a chatty person. Not speaking for so long must have made them want a good conversation.

"Ah yes, he does his best...our success rate is very high and I'm proud of that. He really does put care into you all and it's easy to see. Even if he is...well... himself." Indigo spoke, chuckling to themselves. Hawk had a habit of being solely work focused to the point where he used few words. When in reality he always had an idea for everything.

"Oh, aren't we so lucky?" The patient laughed before coughing, "Excuse me, I guess my pipes aren't as wet as they used to be. I'll have more to say in due time though."

Indigo nodded, understanding their words before getting up. They took the chair back to the table in the room before heading to the fridge in the room.

Opening it they unlocked one of the rows, grabbing an electrolyte based drink. It was so hard to get the children to drink it because the taste was unfavorable. However it was important and they were all about to wake up soon. They poured a little bit of the drink into a few cups before adding apple juice to it. They then labeled the cups with the names of the patients.

This small task was done and they put away the drink. Heading out of the room to get started on breakfast. They headed into the kicthen and started cooking, taking inventory at the same time. Anything they needed to but they kept in mind and wrote it down in a small notebook. They also checked the files in the kitchen, recommended calorie intake for each point of the day.

Some couldn't eat as much in the morning as they did in the afternoon and so on. Hawk made sure that they were fed the right amount even if appetites shifted. It seemed harsh but it was important, plus Indigo was the one that handled snacks anyway. As they looked through the files they saw something... odd, it was a recipe card.

It was placed inside of one of the files of the bedridden and isolated. They looked at the recipe, not really the type to follow them in the first place. However, it must have been important if it was placed in the file and stayed there. Indigo made the dish for breakfast, it worked as it was a breakfast casserole.

Paired with some fruit and cereal for those who didn't take a liking to it. They headed back into the room with the patients, setting the many dishes and plates down. Then they slinked off to go feed the isolated. Bringing more or less food depending on their how well their recovery was going.

One particular client saw the casserole and their face brightened. They said nothing but ate happily, it soothed Indigo's heart.

After taking care of breakfast they went back to the front desk. Sweeping up and dusting the waiting room while they waited for people to check in. Some patients had visitors, each with different moods that Indigo kept in mind. After all, the gift of family only belonged to those who cared.

Hawk would likely agree with their sentiment, but remain indifferent. That wasn't a problem for them at all seeing as they could handle things themselves. The thought of Hawk reminded them that they should check in on him at some point. Sure he could not eat for days but that didn't mean he didn't need to be cared for.

A chime of a bell brought Indigo out of their thoughts. They set the broom aside and went to the computer behind the desk. Easily bringing it to life and looking at their newest client.

"Finally-" A gruff voice spoke, a cigar in their mouth as they looked down at Indigo, "Look, I need one of my guys to get some work done. I'm willing to pay you to keep it off the books and never mention it again."

Indigo had met people like this befores villains who use small medical clinics to hide their grunts. It was clear that this guy was trying to act all tough even though the sweat on his brow spoke of a another story. However, it's one thing to ask for silence and another to keep it off the books. Hawk wasn't a fan of disorderly conduct if it had no point. He kept ever single work he did on file just in case something like it happened again.

Indigo leaned back in their chair and folded their arms, "I could do that for you, but my Owner isn't fond of this type of unkindness to his work." They then watch as two people carry in a wounded man.

"I don't care what your boss is fond of shortstack, I just want some work done and to leave this dump." A stack of cash was then placed in front of Indigo, they flipped through it quickly. Taking in the amount they scrunched up their nose.

"One thousand isn't enough for off the books." They stated, sliding the money back to the villain, offended and unamused. The amount of work it would take to even suggest off the books was not worth a thousand. They could steal that pocket change themselves.

A pause as a silent moment hung in the air,

"So you wanna do this the hard way?" A puff of smoke left the villain's mouth and Indigo simply scratch their skull.

"The easy way is to just pay me and hope my Owner doesn't maim you." They said with a shrug, unaffected by the threat being made. It wasn't really a threat though, if they couldn't recognize Indigo then they were incompetent at best.

The barrel of a gun was pointed towards their forehead, a predictable motion, "I don't need to take orders from some broad behind a desk."

The energy in the room shifted as Indigo's temper started to get the best of them. They didn't have to kill these goons just send them away. They could just deal with them later now that they knew their faces...

One breath in, one breath out.

They bent the barrel of the gun with their hands and quickly disarmed the villain. They hopped onto the desk, standing above the "boss" of the gang that had filed into the waiting room.

Cracking their neck they stretched before getting straight to work. They cracked the neck of the boss and tossed his body at the small group in the waiting room. Felling the ones with wounds with ease before they rushed the ones still standing.

Gun shots bounced off their bone and they took to ripping out the hearts of the lowly beings. They made sure the kills were clean by crystalizing the blood with each strike. Bullets were unloaded into them but with no success, the iron couldn't even make a dent in the metal in their arms. Silence came quickly, they looked around at the bodies around them.

"Fuck!" Indigo screeched and kicked the dead body of the leader. They were in so much trouble...

Words from earlier in the day came back to them.

They knocked on a nearby mirror, the lights in the room flicked. A loud buzzing hum filled the room like a chorus of bees. The shattering of glass almost seemed louder than the guns that had filled the room.

The room went dark.

Yet even as the sound of glass breaking was heard, the lights turned on to reveal an empty lobby. The mirror Indigo had knocked on was broken and glass went into some of the furniture in the waiting room. They whispered a small "thank you" under their breath before cleaning up.

Still the fear of the lecture they would get later on still haunted them. They didn't have the heart to lie about what happened to Hawk. Seeing as they caused the whole problem in the first place....they got some money out of it so maybe they could replace some of the damage done. The bullet holes and shattered mirror were not a good look after all.

Today was a day, and it wasn't even lunch time yet.

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

@wr-n (next time I'm writing about Hawk but I thought you might like this)

#writing #oc stuff #Indigo #violence #it's cute slice of life stuff too tho!

[andallthatmishigas]

Ready for some lists?✨

1. Top five of your own favorite drabbles (any fandom)

2. Top three of your own favorite fics and why (any fandom)

3. Top three of your go-to writing songs, if you have any

4. Top three fics (that you didn’t write) you’d recommend (any fandom)

5. And lastly, top five treats you give yourself when you’re feeling down (e.g. cup of tea, a bar of chocolate, fuzzy socks …)

Oh lady you spoil me, thank you SO MUCH! I love this so much.

1. So I don't really don't do drabbles in the traditional "100 word" sense, but here's three of my favorite short fics:

Green (Doctor Blake)

Go to Sleep (The West Wing)

Nice Dress (City Homicide)

2. I listed my top 5 favorite fics of mine the other day, so now I'll narrow it down to three:

The Proper Way of Things (Downton Abbey)

Metamorphosis (MI-5/Spooks)

Glances (City Homicide)

3. During work from home times, I wasn't driving so not listening to music, so I made playlists for each of the fics I was working on. I've gotten away from that. And usually the songs themselves have a specific moment they've inspired that I cling to, and I have a TON of music that has inspired whole stories or parts of stories. The ones that have strong connections in my head, I'll list here (and I'm happy to explain any of them if you're interested):

Daylight (Taylor Swift)

Sky Full of Song (Florence + the Machine)

Help Me Make It Through The Night (Michael Bublé and Loren Allred)

4. Okay so I uhhhh cannot pick three. So here's 10 oops. Because I have had the pleasure and honor of reading some incredible stories written by magnificent writers:

Heartlines by ladycobert (Downton Abbey) -- I read this during work from home and I wasted a full workday just reading it and I immediately went and started from the beginning and read it again.

Come Away with Me by ladycobert (Downton Abbey) -- I've read this two or three times and it just delights me every time, I love it so much.

One Fine Day by @rahleeyah (MI-5/Spooks) -- Leah wrote this for me can you believe??? She took an idea and perfected it and it makes me SO HAPPY.

The Broken Road by @rahleeyah (Doctor Blake) -- This story compelled me second only to...

A Messy Kind of Love by @rahleeyah (Doctor Blake) -- This is the reason Leah and I are friends and nothing I've ever read before or since has affected me like this.

Galway Girl by @rahleeyah (MI-5/Spooks) -- I think about this story about once a week. I've read it twice at least and I may reread it again soon.

A Will and a Way by @rahleeyah (MI-5/Spooks) -- Sorry not sorry my best friend is like half of this list, she's brilliant and this story is PERFECT. Definitely time for a reread.

Lessons of Love by warmwoollenmittens (The Sound of Music) -- This concept inspired a story of my own for a different fandom but god the way this is executed is just everything.

The Frog and Nightgown Inn by @whatsabriard (Downton Abbey) -- Kris is a genius and does angst better than anyone I've ever encountered. This story I read early in my Downton journey and it's stuck with me. It's brilliant and deep and intense and perfect.

Resolving a Misunderstanding by MMADfan (Harry Potter) -- This literally changed my life. This was one of the first chapter fics I ever read. It lives in my soul like nothing I can explain. It is everything to me.

5. I am great at rewarding myself with:

macaroni and cheese

cocktails and/or wine

bath bomb

early night lying in bed reading fic

candy

#hey y'all come ask me stuff

[survey--s]

629.

1 - When was the last time you spent over $100 in one transaction? What did you buy? I don't remember, honestly. Maybe a beach ride or something like that? Most of my transactions are between £5-75.

2 - Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? Would you judge a grown adult for doing so? Yeah, my stuffed bear and no, of course I wouldn't. I really don't see the issue with having a comfort "item" of sorts.

3 - Would you describe yourself as fashion-conscious, or do you just wear whatever feels comfortable? I wear whatever's comfortable but of course (like everyone) I'm influenced by what's available in the shops or by what I see online.

4 - The last time you got up from where you’re sitting, where did you go and what did you do? Uh well, I only just sat here for the first time since I got up this morning lol. I was on the sofa earlier and got up to give the animals their evening treats, get ready for bed and come upstairs.

5 - Would you rather read an erotic novel or watch an erotic film? Read an erotic novel.

6 - Who taught you how to tell the time on a proper analogue clock? I think it was probably my dad.

7 - What’s your favourite way to make your home smell good? Do you spend a lot of money on making this happen? Scented wax melts and well, I guess so, but when you break it down it probably costs 50p per day which isn't much really. But I buy in bulk maybe 2-3 times a year and spend £50 or so.

8 - How long have you had the computer/tablet you’re currently using? Does it need replacing or upgrading? About four months, so no.

9 - When you’re home alone, do you make sure all your doors are kept locked? The front door locks automatically when you close it, but the back door is always unlocked if we're in the house.

10 - How often do you light candles? Do you just like regular ones or do you prefer scented ones or ones that make pretty patterns when they melt? I light candles everyday as my wax burner runs on those little tea light things.

11 - Are you any good at taking care of plants? I've never tried to.

12 - How many surveys have you taken so far today? Will you take anymore surveys today once you’ve finished this one? This is the second one. I might take a couple more after, it depends how I'm feeling.

13 - What are the main two colours in the room you’re currently in? Did you pick these colours out yourself? Purple and white, and yes. 

14 - What was the last hot drink you consumed? What about cold drink? I had a coffee when I got home from work at lunchtime, and I had a Pepsi Max when I got back from my evening visits/jobs.

15 - Do you have piercings anywhere except your ears? How many and what are they? I have seven piercings in my ears as well as my nose and belly button, but I suspect the latter is closed up now.

16 - Do you prefer taking baths or showers? How come? Showers, but our shower is broken so it's baths for now. 

17 - What time do you need to wake up tomorrow morning? What is it that you have to be up for? 8am and work. I have a cat visit, three dog walks and then an evening cat visit and a horse visit too.

18 - If you work, how often do you get paid? Would you prefer to get paid more or less often? I run my own business and people pay me as/when, really. Mostly it's weekly, but some pay daily or monthly too.

19 - What does your favourite pair of pyjamas look like? Do you wear them to sleep or just to be comfy around the house? I never wear pajamas. I sleep in like, an over-sized t-shirt (plus leggings if it's freezing) and then if I'm just lazing at home I'll wear leggings and a top.

20 - How often do you wake up in the night needing a pee? Once or twice. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times in my life that I've ever slept through the night lol.

21 - What apps do you use the most on your phone? TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and various games.

22 - Do you prefer cats or dogs? Do you own any of either? I love both. I don't feel the need to put myself in either category. We have two cats, a kitten and a dog, yes.

23 - Do you have one of those fridges that has an ice-maker in the front? If not, would you find one useful? No, but I house-sit for work and one of the houses I stay in has one and I use it CONSTANTLY lol.

24 - Do you like wearing hats? What’s your favourite style? No. It's a sensory thing. I hate having my head/ears covered. 25 - If you live in a household with pets, who is responsible for their care - both in terms of finance and the physical tasks involved? That would be me, really. I pay for everything - food, insurance, vet visits, treats, toys, equipment - I walk the dog 5 days a week too but Mike does do weekends. The cats don't need much looking after but I do all the feeding, litter trays etc.

26 - What’s your opinion on leggings as pants? >> I wear leggings as pants all the time? what even is there to say about it <<<Same. I don’t care. <--- exactly.

27 - Have you ever driven in bare feet or do you think that’s too dangerous? Yeah, I used to when I worked a 40 minute drive away. My feet would be so hot and sweaty in shoes that it was uncomfortable (again, sensory issues) so being bare foot was way more comfortable. It's not illegal here either.

28 - Have you ever walked out of a job before? What were the circumstances and did you ever go back? Hmm, not exactly, but I did (twice) hand in my notice and leave. I never went back to either. I left the first one for personal reasons (relationship breakdown) and the second for MH reasons.

29 - Do you collect anything? Are these things worth money or are they practical/sentimental items? Just wax melts - they're just things I like to have, I guess.

30 - Do you have anything hanging from your ceiling apart from lights? No.

#survey #surveys

[strawberrysweetcinnamon]

Hello,

Mmm, gingerbread, yum! I enjoy hot tea with gingersnap cookies. Also there are these delicious Italian cookies that my grocery story starts making around November. They have a wonderful almond flavor. I am hungry now. Hahaha!

And, my friend, you are totally hip enough to go to a Starbucks. Hahaha, all the people there are just lovers of coffee and sugar. Speaking of coffee, our coffee brewer just died. Gotta go look for a new one. I hope you have a chance to enjoy a peppermint mocha one day.

I am glad you had some time off. Do you have any upcoming trips scheduled? Do you have a favorite place you have visited? And what locations are on your travel bucket list?

Your ESS 🎄❄️

Mhmmm I'm not sure I've eaten the exact same Italian almond flavour cookies you're talking about, but I have eaten some variety of that, I think! Sounds delicious in any case! 😋

Haha, I'll try out Starbucks next time I get a chance then!! Another thing I've never tried and am curious about is pumpkin spice latte - since it's the season now, I should try and get my hands on one soon! But I'll definitely look out for the peppermint mocha as well.

Oh, and good luck with finding a new coffee brewer!! 😣

I don't really have any "proper" trips scheduled, but then the only trips I ever take out of my own free will 😄 are 2- or 3-day trips to see concerts in other cities (because most interesting artists/groups don't come anywhere near where I live, haha). Last weekend I saw The Cure in Munich 💗 and I'm actually gonna see them again in Frankfurt later this month, haha. 😅 Other than that, nothing planned for the rest of the year.

Favourite place, oof. I've been to Cardiff in Wales twice and I loved it both times, so I hope to return there one day. I also have very fond memories of winter holidays in a small seaside town in the Netherlands. Oh and I love Berlin, too! Actually I don't really have a travel bucket list, haha. I have the vague wish to go to Seoul one day (duh) but since I hate flying (or spending tons of money at a time, haha) I'm not sure if that's gonna happen anytime soon. Tbh I'm more of a homebody than a traveller, really. 😅

What about you, what are your favourite places/places you'd like to visit? 😊

#countingstolenchange exolss

[minim236]

Girl's Night

Requested by @underthewingsofthblackeagle - Girl's night - Diana, Phoebe and Miriam talk about the boys (Marcus, Matthew & Chris).

"Your husband is an idiot!" Miriam yelled at Phoebe, who was refilling her glass of wine.

"What did he do?"

"He was late, twice! Stop having sex every day. Bloody infants," Miriam cursed.

"You wouldn't let me touch him for three months. We're catching up," Phoebe said, "And we found a beautiful antique desk for the house yesterday, so we were decorating."

"How is the farm?" Diana asked, "Marcus okay?"

"Great." Phoebe smiled, "It's really good having a part of his old life around, filled with things from our new life. My parents are going to fly over in a few weeks, a little in-law dinner,"

"I'm invited?" Miriam checked

"Of course," Phoebe assured. She knew having Miriam there wasn't only proper but a good insurance policy in case anything went wrong with the newborn and the warmbloods.

"I'll let Chris know," Miriam murmured

"You and Chris?" Diana looked at her teasingly. She knew her old friend had a monster-size crush on her.

For Miriam, it was a relief, considering he had fallen for her intellect first.

Phoebe snorted, "I can't wait to see Jason's face!"

"Do not say a word," Miriam ordered, but there was a teasing tone

Diana clapped her hands, "Yes, Matthew owes me! I told him something was going on, but he was being all dense,"

"Where is Matthew?" Phoebe asked, "Brooding in the garden?"

"No, he broods in courtyards, not gardens," Miriam pointed out. Diana scoffed in faux offence.

"The two of you are awful!" Diana asked, "Matthew smiles!" She pulled out her phone and showed them a few pictures of him playing with the twins

"Can I have these?" Miriam asked, looking at one where Matthew and Becca were having a tea party and her old friend was rocking a tiara and wings, "I have an urge to make t-shirts. And a cake."

"You didn't get them from me," Diana said.

#adow fic #fluff #one shot #phoebe taylor #miriam shephard #diana bishop #all souls trilogy

[animereaderinsertwriter]

Cupbearer (Eren/Reader)

Part III

Part I

Part II

Part IV (in progress)

Warnings: MINORS DO NOT INTERACT (im watching you, if you see this, begone!), vampire!eren, hunter!reader, fem!reader, smut, some amount of predator/prey dynamics but only kinda?? there is also a significant age difference but only cos eren is immortal and all that jazz. we're all adults here. there will eventually be smut.... and do i really need to say that there's gonna be blood in a vampire fic?

Description: A story of falling in love in 4 parts.

Eren is a bad man (well, a bad Creature) who has done bad things. When he meets the great-great-great granddaughter of one of his former friends in his favorite blood bar, however, he thinks it might not matter so much what happened in the past, so long as he can make the future something worth living to see.

Ao3 link here

After that night, it became increasingly hard for (Y/N) to leave, and for Eren to let her do so.

Something between them had changed. There were moments— when Eren would press feather-light kisses against her forehead, when he would casually leave a cup of her favorite tea where she would find it— where (Y/N) felt as though her heart might burst. It was all the little things that baffled her, all the ways in which he seemed to understand exactly how she felt; it was as though he knew her more than she knew herself. On the mornings that she would wake in his bed, sleepy and sticky and wholly content, (Y/N) wondered what it would be like to have this life forever.

Other days— on days like today— she was reminded exactly why that could never be, and it broke her heart.

Today, they had planned a romantic dinner in the park, an evening under the stars. It was supposed to be something special, a little getaway just for the two of them; they had wanted to leave as soon as (Y/N) was relieved from her patrol, so Eren had moved her things to his place, hoping that they could leave together from there for their evening alone.

In and of itself, that was fine… but when (Y/N) came in, covered head-to-toe in viscous Creature blood, Eren was furious.

“And you call me a monster,” he growled, looking her up and down with hate in his eyes. “I can’t believe you.”

He stood from his seat on the sofa, and (Y/N) began to back away, still wary from the fight she had narrowly escaped from unscathed. Her every instinct told her that she should run, fire a round of silver bullets into his chest, but she steeled herself, doing neither.

“It’s not my fault— they were attacking a civilian,” she told him as he stalked towards her, his face twisted into a horrific scowl. “I tried to stop them— tried to find out what was going on— but then they came at me with their claws, and I was left with no choice.”

“There is always a choice,” he snarled, and it was then that anger filled (Y/N) from the soles of her feet to the crown of her head. "They were probably terrified of you— how could you possibly blame them for lashing out?"

(Y/N) grit her teeth.

“This, from the man who thought genocide was his only option to the same problem?”

Eren made a low, warning sound in the back of his throat, but (Y/N) pressed on.

“You would rather me have died?” she demanded, stepping into his space. “Would it have pleased you more for my body to bleed out on the pavement, ripped to shreds by an aggressive werewolf? Would you even care, or would you just find the next blood bag and move on with your life?”

“Maybe so,” he shot back, “Then I wouldn’t have to deal with your insufferable mouth.”

That stung— but if there was one thing (Y/N) knew how to do, it was to strike back twice as hard as she had been struck.

“Fine then,” she said, turning on her heel. “I won’t bother you any longer. I’ll go out and find someone who actually wants my company, someone who’ll fuck me good and proper over the counter at some hole-in-the-wall bar over on Easy Street, someone younger, with a nicer cock and less fucking baggage— ”

She didn’t get to finish the sentence, or even walk a single step further— Eren grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to him, his fist painfully tight against her scalp.

“Wanna say that again, to my face?” he asked, tilting her head back.

“I’ll go find someone else to fuck me,” she spat, struggling in vain against him. “I’ll spread my legs for the next available schmuck in the closest bar I can find, so you can hear me scream his name and not yours.”

It was a low blow, to threaten a vampire’s claim on something they had previously assumed had belonged to them, but (Y/N) didn’t care. She had almost died today, and she’d be damned if she was going to take shit from anyone about what she had to do to survive. If Eren wanted a fight, she would damn sure give him one.

“Like hell you will,” he told her, pulling her head back so that she had to strain to remain standing. “You’re mine. Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood— you are my Companion.”

"I belong to no one!"

Those words ripped from her throat and echoed throughout the empty house, and it was then that Eren stopped, looking at her with calculation in his gaze.

"You're right," he said, releasing her hair. "No mortal can serve two masters, lest they love one and despise the other; an archaic religious concept, but an accurate one nonetheless. You've made it abundantly clear where your loyalty lies. I was a fool for thinking otherwise."

(Y/N) began to tremble. "Eren, what are you saying?"

"I release you from our pact," he replied coldly, his eyes so dull and lifeless that it sent a chill down her spine. "No longer are you bound to be my wine-press— I free you from me."

"Eren—"

"Go," he commanded, and (Y/N) felt terribly, horribly empty.

Once, he would have told her to come freely, go safely, and leave something of the happiness she brought him; now, he gave her a cold dismissal, and it frightened her more than she was willing to admit. Still, she went, feeling hollow and used, and she didn't bother to shut the door behind her as she turned to walk home, weary from the day and sick from fighting.

***

Armin had lived for a very long time, but even so, he had yet to meet anyone so foul of temper as Eren when the Hunger was on him.

"Eren, you have to feed."

The vampire, as ill in health as in temper, glared weakly at him. "I'm not hungry."

"But you are Hungry, and don't pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about. Look, if this is about that girl—"

"I told you not to speak of her!"

Ah, so it was about her. By the looks of him, it had been two weeks since Eren had fed; Armin would bet that he hadn't seen her in the same amount of time.

"If I need to, I'll drag her here to make up with you myself," said Armin testily, "I refuse to watch my best friend starve himself because he refuses to feed on anyone else."

"You will not touch her."

Armin rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything further. He just patted Eren's arm in farewell and set about finding the little lady who was the root cause of his current consternation.

It took longer than Armin had anticipated to find the young woman who had, for all intents and purposes, completely unraveled Eren's composure; her scent, while thick and memorable in Eren's apartment, was hard to track otherwise. Armin spent two hours just wandering the city while trying to catch a breath of it here or there, and when he finally did manage to catch a whiff of her scent and follow it to her, he understood exactly why it had been so hard to track her down.

The girl was a Hunter, of all things.

When Armin found her, she was knee-deep in sewage, her knife embedded to the hilt in the skull of what appeared to be some species of winged reptile. Armin, having been a tad desperate and not actually having been expecting to find anything when he lifted the lid to the man-hole on 32nd and Main, was surprised to say the least— and when (Y/N) ripped her knife free and readjusted her stance into a defensive one directed at him, his surprise turned to intrigue.

“Er, hello there,” he said, scratching the back of his head. “I don’t suppose you’ll take my word for it that I just want to chat, will you?”

Curiously, the words gave the woman pause. She relaxed her stance ever-so-slightly, and then her eyes lit up with recognition.

“Armin Arlert?” she queried, craning her neck up to see him. “Is that you?”

This one grows curiouser and curiouser, he thought, but responded affirmatively.

“Can you give me a bit, then?” she asked, kicking the corpse of the Creature she’d just killed. “I’m not exactly fit for company. Perhaps we could meet later for a discussion over tea?”

“I’m afraid it’s urgent,” he said as she knelt to decapitate her prey— likely for proof of victory. “I think you know why I’m here, so you understand that time is of the essence.”

She didn’t look up at him as she replied.

“If this is about Eren, then I don’t have time to talk.”

Her tone was hard, bitter, and matter-of-fact, and it reminded Armin so much of Jean that it hurt… but just like Jean, Armin would bet that she could be won over by appealing to her inherent sense of human decency

“He’s suffering (Y/N),” he said, awkwardly crouching above the manhole so that she could better see the truth written in his eyes. “He won’t feed.”

“That’s hardly my problem.”

And oh, how well Armin knew that state of mind. If there was one thing Eren Jaeger knew how to do, it was push away the people who loved him most. Armin had dealt with that particularly lovely quirk of his for centuries, and it never got easier to deal with no matter how much time passed. If anything, it got more difficult the older they both got.

“When you’re the solution to a problem, you become a part of it whether you like it or not,” Armin replied, patient and understanding. “He cares for you.”

(Y/N) looked up at him then, fury in her eyes.

“He hurt me.”

Armin shrugged. “He hurts everyone he cares about. It’s just who he is. Nothing comes for free— least of all the love and loyalty of someone as old and as powerful as Eren.”

“Your heart may be toughened to his meanness,” she told him, the head of the creature she’d slain in her hands, “But mine is not, and I don’t like him well enough to willfully remain for him to use as an emotional punching bag.”

At that, Armin couldn’t help but let loose a wry grin.

“No,” he said, “I should think not; but I do think you love him well enough to make sure he doesn’t starve himself to death because he can’t have you.”

(Y/N) was silent for a long moment, then she crossed her arms.

“I won’t come crawling to him. He’s going to have to come to me.”

Armin grimaced. He wasn’t looking forward to that conversation.

“Is that at all negotiable?”

(Y/N) shook her head. “Absolutely not.”

Well, there was nothing for it.

“And you will let him feed if he comes to you?”

(Y/N) thought, then nodded. “If he proves himself deserving.”

Armin couldn't help himself; he laughed. Eren might have met his match in this one.

"Very well. I'll work my magic, and you work yours."

She nodded and bade him farewell, but before Armin left, he paused.

"Hey, (Y/N)?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

With that, he left her, ready to take Eren by the ear and throw him at her if he had to.

***

(Y/N)'s heart was racing as she opened the door, knowing good and well who would be behind it.

After her little talk with Armin— and the near heart attack he had given her in the process— she had called in to Zeke and told him she needed to go home to deal with an emergency. A replacement for her patrols had been sent, and she had come home to wash the grim from her skin, making herself as presentable as possible with the time she had. (Y/N) was worried, so worried, that the filth she had been wading in earlier would have left a lingering stench, or even that it had affected the taste of her; she had scrubbed and scrubbed until her skin was raw, hoping to erase every last remnant of her day from her skin…but as it turned out, she needn't have bothered.

Two, three, four hours later, and Eren hadn't shown— it was only now, right at the six hour mark, that he had decided to come to her.

Needless to say, (Y/N) was… less than pleased, but when she opened the door to find Eren pale and drawn, with dark circles beneath his eyes, her heart softened ever-so-slightly. It seemed that Armin was right; he had been suffering.

"You look like shit," she told him quietly, opening her door widely to let him in.

"I assure you, I feel worse," Eren grumbled, but stepped in as she closed the door behind him.

For a long, awkward moment, they just looked at each other, silent and unsure. It was unsettling how unlike himself Eren seemed; he was almost soft when he looked at her, and (Y/N) didn't know how to feel about it. Eventually, though, like two opposite ends of a magnet, they were drawn together, and Eren brushed a piece of hair back from her face.

"Hi," he said, his voice low and rough. (Y/N) caught his hand in hers before it could fall from her hair, and she pressed it against her chest, keeping it trapped there, touching the skin above her beating heart.

"Hey."

They watched each other a moment more before the dam broke between them, and they both spoke at once.

"I'm sorry."

A shared grin, a shy laugh— and then (Y/N) said what they both were thinking.

"You need to feed first, and talk later," she told him, her hand still clasped in his. "You're not off the hook, but I doubt we can have any real conversation with you like this."

Eren nodded gratefully, tugging at her wrist— his usual biting spot— but (Y/N) shook her head, indicating her neck. The thickest, richest blood, she knew, would come from there; and if there was ever a time to be generous with the placement of Eren's bite, she figured that it would be now.

The worst of it was over quickly. There was a brief sting at the intrusion of razor-sharp fangs, and then the vaguely uncomfortable feeling of having something poking down into places that decidedly should not be poked at all, but then (Y/N) quickly eased into the rhythm of the act, focusing wholly on the way Eren's lips felt against her skin. In a few moments, she would become pleasantly light-headed, and then Eren would pull away and look at her like she'd hung the stars. Oh, how she'd missed that look! (Y/N) found herself longing for it even before she quite realized it.

And then, without warning, a vision came, and (Y/N) was swept into another world entirely.

The evening sky rolled endlessly out towards the horizon; it seemed to go on forever, sparkling with more stars than (Y/N) had ever seen before. The full moon was so bright that it cast the whole world in what seemed like silver sunlight, and (Y/N) wondered how anyone could sleep on a night such as this. It was far too beautiful an experience to miss.

Alongside her— alongside Eren, through whose eyes she saw the world— strode Armin and two older-looking cadets who she recognized from previous memories as Reiner and Berthold. Eren was feeling anxious over something, and Reiner and Berthold were… well, they were kind. Reiner especially seemed to be like an older brother, and Eren admired him.

"You'll do just fine tomorrow," said Reiner, placing a large, warm hand on Eren's shoulder. "I'm certain of it."

The memory ended, and (Y/N) came back to herself as Eren's tongue laved over the wounds his fangs had left in her neck, sealing them.

"See anything?" he asked, his breath warm against her skin, and (Y/N) nodded.

"You loved them, too," she said softly, remembering the fondness Eren had felt as though it had been her own. "You loved the Hunters that tried to take everything from you, and— and I think they loved you, too."

Eren pulled away from her, and it was then that she saw the tears shining in his eyes.

"Yes," he replied, his voice broken. "We were children. How could we not love each other as God intended? Hate was never in our nature; it was an inheritance that we couldn't escape."

He paused for a moment, then spoke again.

"I'm sorry I hurt you," he told her, cupping her cheek in his hand. "I lost my temper. I forget— I forget that you're not them."

And (Y/N) understood. She understood that no matter how many centuries passed, there would be wounds that just wouldn't heal for Eren. He would lash out at things that wouldn't make sense to anyone who hadn't experienced the horrors of war as he had. Suddenly, she felt petty for having lashed out as she had, and guilt threatened to rise up and choke her.

"You're forgiven," she replied, leaning into his touch. "It takes two to tango— I shouldn't have baited you like I did. I knew how badly that would hurt you, and that's exactly why I said it."

At that, Eren cracked a grin.

"I expect nothing less from a Kirschtein. Your grandfather would have punched me square in the jaw— and as big as that bastard got when we were older, he probably would have put me on my ass."

(Y/N) couldn't help but laugh, and Eren joined her, their combined joy swelling until there was nothing else in the world but their happiness.

How they started kissing, neither one of them would be able to say afterwards, but in the grand scheme of things, it hardly mattered. Their love was too large to contain, too much to hold back— and it was love, (Y/N) realized, though she hadn't quite put words to it yet. She loved Eren Jaeger, a Creature, a monster, as much as her grandfather before her had and more. She loved him with a desperation that felt like being knocked over by an ocean wave and plunged into depths where her feet no longer touched the sand. She loved him more than she had ever loved anyone before.

And, as he placed her gently on her bed that was barely big enough for two, divesting himself of his shirt above her, (Y/N) thought that maybe she didn't mind it so much as long as he loved her in return.

"I missed you," said Eren, dropping kisses by her ear as he unhooked her bra. "I missed this."

"Me too," she gasped as his mouth wandered to her nipple, her hands fisting in his hair. "Oh, God, I missed you too."

The time for words was soon gone, however; Eren's sinful, sinful mouth traveled lower and lower until he was kissing at the insides of her thighs, parting them to access what lay between, and (Y/N) threw her head back as he spread her open with his hands and sucked brazenly at her clit.

How long he spent there, worshipping her sex, (Y/N) had no idea; all she knew was that she came once from his mouth on her and a second time from his fingers inside her, and when he finally, mercifully withdrew, she was broken down to the simplest parts of herself; there was nothing left but an affection so deep that it threatened to overtake her if she didn't let it out, and she did the only thing she knew to do to release the overwhelming pressure that was building in her chest as Eren pushed his big, veiny cock into her.

She told him what she should have said a long time ago.

"Oh, Eren," she gasped as his cockhead shoved deep inside her. "I love you."

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Eren went unnaturally still. He looked at her with pupils blown wide inside emerald eyes, and his fangs slightly distended; in any other situation, (Y/N) might have laughed at how surprised he seemed, but it seemed as though she were frozen in time, unable to do anything but stare earnestly up at them, hoping he understood how much she cared for him.

"You… what?"

"I love you," she repeated, her body moving without her permission to roll her hips up into him, moving his cock even further inside her. "Please, Eren, I need—"

He cut her off with a forceful, bruising kiss, and his hips started making slow, deep thrusts inside her, her legs hiked up over his shoulders.

"Again," he said against her lips."Say it again."

"I love you."

Another thrust or two, a hand circling her wounded throat.

"Again."

"I love you, Eren."

"Again."

This time, it was only a whisper.

"I love you," she said, and Eren began fucking her in earnest.

"You are so fucking beautiful," he told her as he thrust hard and deep inside her. "You're every man's dream, a nirvana the damned such as myself were never meant to reach. (Y/N), you are everything, and I—"

He seemed to choke on the words, and (Y/N) kissed him as he tried to regain his composure.

"I don't deserve you," he said, shaking with the force of their passion. "I don't deserve your love."

It's not about deserving, she wanted to say, It never was, but then she was coming again, her climax contracting her walls around her lover, and it was all she could do to remain conscious as Eren fucked her relentlessly through it all, chasing his own high.

It was only later, after a shower and something to eat that they finally spoke again. They were back in bed, and Eren's arm was wrapped around her, as though he were afraid to let her go for even a moment; truthfully, (Y/N) thought he was asleep, but then his breath tickled her ear as he said,

"I love you, angel."

And that, (Y/N) thought, had been worth it all, in the end.

#aot x y/n #aot x reader #aot #aot fanfiction #eren x reader #vampire!eren jaeger #aot smut

[russett-pots]

Any hobbies?

Do you play video games? Any games you are into recently?

How long have you been into kpop?

Morning or night person?

Tea or Coffee or both?

If you don't mind me asking, why is your blog called russett-pots

If you could bring back IZ*ONE but you have to write 100 fics in one month, could you do it? How would you find inspiration? (Don't treat this too seriously guys, totally ok to say no)

And uh..what's your favorite ice cream?

Feel free to list the flavors that you like, even the brand if you want.

1. I have been cooking more often since I'm at the house more. I also play badminton almost once or twice a week.

2. I play mainly 3, rainbow six siege, f1 2020 and Forza horizon 4 (I was able to get a proper wheel instead of a controller.)

3. I got started late 2019 with twice. My friend introduced me to izone early 2020 but didn't pay much attention to them until between ssots and panorama. I think the split is between twice world in a day and izone beware.

4. Mostly night but I want to try to work more during the day. I want to make my day more productive and try to have better sleep.

5. Coffee actually, I don't drink a lot tho I really cannot sleep if I drink but if I do it is really nice coffee like artisan coffee I want to savor the taste.

6. Russett-pots?? I just like potatoes. I like a nice batch of fries with a side of ketchup or a nice soft fluffy twice baked potato with sour cream.

7. I will literally do anything for them to come back together. The fics will have to be quickies tho. More than 3 fics a day is a lot but I'll try. It is better to try and fail than not try at all. Of course it can't be all Smuts. There needs to be fuffs and angst. For inspiration, I usually get them from personal experience, movies, and maybe even themselves. (You get to know a little about me if you read my fics)

8. Hmmm double dutch is my go to but not necessarily my favorite. It is there if there is selecta's summer collection mango but it is seasonal. However if I'm getting gelato, I'll get like sans rival.

#ask #friskyriskywhisky

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 21

First time reader click here

TWs/SUMMARY: Wanda fluff, Loki fluff, we're getting a whole ass friendship! Dad sucks. The outfits are neat tho! Check the end for a mood board 😍

a/n: dress inspo and aesthetic visuals can be found here, here and here. (Paolo Sebastian, Firefly Path gowns and Viona Ielegems photography).

"Gi-i-irl..." Wanda drawled, seeing me arrive with Tony, both of us freshly showered and still hazy from the amazing orgasms. God only knew what she'd seen in both of our heads - if judging only by the vivid, crimson blush she spouted, it was definitely something very NSFW. Bruce already sat at the dinner table, quietly slurping his soup, his back and shoulders the most relaxed I'd ever seen. He gave me a knowing smile once he noticed my presence in my usual spot by his side.

The rest of the team appeared completely oblivious, preoccupied by their food.

"So, about the party. Got any costume ideas?" I cut straight to the chase, unwilling to wait for Wanda to start asking for details right in front of everyone.

Steve, Bucky, Pietro, Thor and Natasha all answered affirmative, the latter whacking Clint upside the head and firmly stating "no funny business". I couldn't help but wonder what kind of crazy shit the Bird had in mind and was kind of disappointed at Nat's intervention. A good chaotic moment was always worthwhile in my opinion!

The other bird, Sam, approached Bruce with caution as he wondered if the scientist was interested in doing a paired costume with him, only to be interrupted by Tony declaring, with childish glee, he had a "wicked project" that he and Bruce would be doing together. The scientist gave a resigned sigh and apologized.

Sam wasn't deterred by the slight setback; he approached Clint instead and after being given an okay from Natasha, the Birds decided to pair up. As they should, if you'd ask me.

"I have a costume but I need some accessories. Wanda, Lokes, join me on my lil' shopping trip?" I prompted, wanting everybody to be included. I was fully prepared for Loki to scoff and dismiss my invitation but the Asgardian nodded after a second of brief speechlessness. Didn't anyone invite him to birthday parties as a kid? Either way, Thor gave me a grateful smile, like a proper big brother. Both Asgardians had grown visibly closer during the past couple of months which made me hide a secretive smile behind a spoonful of soup.

It turned out, Loki hadn't exactly been introduced to the buzzing beehive that is NYC. He didn't get out much and when he needed to be somewhere, the man simply teleported to the desired destination. As convenient as it must've been, I still expressed my outrage at his lack of experience doing the usual "touristy" things that, in my opinion, every non-newyorker was obligated to do when visiting. Yes, even if said visitor had literally traveled across different galaxies.

Wanda wasn't much better in terms of city knowledge. According to her, she'd lived here for several years already but never bothered to go beyond the borders of the block surrounding the Avengers tower. The witch didn't have friends outside of her teammates (therapy. they all needed so much therapy. y'all...) so she simply saw no point in going anywhere beyond the local mall.

Which was trash. I mean, I loved Hot Topic and Forever 21 as much as any other young adult with depression and anxiety but it was literally impossible to wear clothes made out of cheap cotton and polyester all the time. I'm pretty sure I would have hives and ulcers if I attempted that.

"We're going on Sixth Avenue and that's final. No friend of mine will be wearing shit from Wal-Mart at a Stark party," I interrupted Wanda's defensive stuttering, using my other hand to summon an Uber.

"That is good advice," Loki, previously silent, added in a sweet tone. I counted on the fashionable Asgardian to be on my side and with his schmoozing skills, I didn't even have to drag Wanda inside the car by, like, her hair or whatever. The three of us barely fit into the small Toyota anyway.

A thought struck me when I had to consciously avoid stepping on Loki's leather shoes and keep away my elbow from Wanda's stomach. "Mister? I'll give you a hundred bucks cash if you turn around and drive to this address," I hurriedly rattled off my home address, delighting in the way the driver nearly did a U-turn at the mention of crispy dollar bills.

We arrived home quickly. Wanda gaped in mild disbelief at the size of my house while Loki looked about as interested as he'd ever be. His face was akin to an expression one made while smelling fresh manure. Opening the garage, I was greeted with an unpleasant surprise of my dad's outrageously painted Corvette standing neatly by my white Range Rover.

Loki looked and felt considerably less tense in the back of my car. The subtle signs of discomfort all but left his face replaced by slight wonder as I explained how to adjust the temperature and turn on the heated seats.

Dad met us at the gates. "You didn't come in to say hello," He pouted. His breath reeked like a five-day drinking binge hangover and he looked a dead man.

"We're in a hurry, dad. There's a lot to be done," I replied curtly, hoping to get rid of him fast. I hated being sober around my drunk father. My fingers twitched on the steering wheel.

"You're like your mother, always busy," Dad's laugh was coarse and bitter. "But at least you find time for Stark and his friends. That'll do your future real good," He clapped once on the hood of my car, heading back to the house with a wave of his hand, just in time to miss the disgusted shudder that ran through me.

I knew my dad well enough to understand the implications of what he meant by his words. In his world, fucking way up to the top was considered the norm. I'd rather cut off my own foot than use Tony that way.

"Sorry you had to see that. I thought he was still in Cali," I gritted my teeth, pulling out of the driveway.

"I'm sorry you had to experience that. I have no kind words regarding your father," Loki's look was sympathetic in the rearview mirror.

"Or your mother," Wanda added, messing with her seatbelt. Loki nodded tersely.

"Aight, aight," I sighed, set on improving the mood. "Let's not poop this party. We're getting some absolutely delicious beverages and wasting my money on outrageous pretty things. My treat."

Wanda's protests were drowned out by Motorhead and Loki's grumbling was overshadowed by Guns'n'Roses. Their resistance didn't stand a chance. Few blocks out, the witch was singing along to November Rain, heavily accented and terribly off-key, and the Asgardian watched New York city intently behind the protection of the tinted rear windows of my ride. He seemed mesmerized by the crowds and the variety of colorful shop fronts. This was the the one and only reason I eased off the gas pedal and drove the speed limit for once.

The atmosphere was, well, magical. Looking at my two companions, I discovered the familiar city anew with every question they asked, every remark they made. The desire to ask in turn about their homelands melted like the tension I was harbouring after the run-in with my father. Content and warm, I had my attention divided between Loki and Wanda juggling their wonder back-and-forth between themselves and the absolutely crazy NYC traffic.

So what if I parked in a no-parking zone just to get us the most delicious coffee in the city? Loki, the resident tea person, ordered himself something unpronounceable, something that made the barista twitch. Wanda got a sugary-sounding vanilla-white chocolate perversion. I just got a mocha, having had outgrown my adolescent desires to experiment with "how sweet can I make this coffee before I literally puke?" beverages.

With a laugh, I instructed them to pose in front of the nearest reflective surface to brag about our coffees on Instagram - this café deserved more recognition. My companions reluctantly obliged.

I wonder if the barista realized just who had bought the coffee - Loki was quite a media darling when it came to fangirls. Tony's PR team did a wonderful job on the Asgardian's redemption arc. The trickster only fueled the utter devotion his fangirls had for him by being extra nice and charming in every video I've seen. I guess you can't out-mindcontrol manners outta somebody, he was raised a prince after all.

It wasn't raining but the autumn chill seeped into the tiny spaces between my layers of clothing. I already managed to regret my fashionable dark academia inspired outfit at least twice, however the matching vibe all three of us had was positively dashing. Loki, wearing his usual onyx black and dark green. Wanda with a burgundy sweater dress and thigh high platformed boots - sweater dresses, out of all things, had no business looking this good on anybody. But she pulled it off.

"You said you've got a costume. Mind sharing what it is?" The witch said, curiously peeking into the windows of a nearby vintage boutique as we took our leisurely stroll with steaming paper cups keeping our fingers warm.

"A fairy dress. It was custom made for me last year and I actually didn't get to wear it. I need some jewelry to go with it," I explained, stopping to show a photo of the dress on my smartphone. "And some shoes, too. Let's hope the party will be held completely indoors, otherwise I'll freeze my ass off."

"Custom made?" Wanda squeaked, looking at the garment in wonder. Loki gave a vaguely approving nod.

"Yeah, there's a company that makes these fantasy dresses. You want one? What did you have in mind for your costume anyway?" I switched the topic quickly, seeing how Wanda withdrew into herself slightly. I heard from Peter she grew up poor, in the middle of a war and I didn't want to make her feel bad or anything. I wasn't good at these things...

"I thought maybe I could match with you," She replied, slowly taking a sip of her coffee.

"Sure. There are a couple of shops with really cute dresses that fit the aesthetic." Marchesa. We need a Marchesa store. And a Zuhair Murad - if there was one on this stretch of road. "What about you, Lokes? Anything in particular strike your fancy?" I asked our silent companion, frantically googling the information I needed.

"Black," He answered moodily.

"Boo, you whore," I rolled my eyes at his scoff. We had watched the Mean Girls recently and he got the reference, immediately raising a sarcastic eyebrow. "You know, you could do so much with this pale aristocratic look you've got going on. How about a medieval vampire?"

"Like Lestat? He's fucking hot," Wanda and I understood each other promptly. She jumped on the bandwagon immediately.

Combining my blunt honesty and her adorable fawning over a fictional bloodsucker, we managed to convince Loki into going on a hunt for brocaded, velvet suits and blouses with ruffles for his look. The trickster revolted at the mere suggestion of procuring some fake fangs, instead magically making them appear and showing them off in the middle of the crowded sidewalk, much to my and Wanda's delighted shrieking. He looked, I daresay, very attractive, like a porcelain figurine. Delicate but dangerous.

We arrived at the store that showcased beautiful, airy dresses of silk, chiffon and tulle. The lace was delicate and the seams invisible. I ushered Wanda into a dressing room with a shop attendant that was quietly but strictly instructed to not discuss the cost of the dresses and hide the price tags.

"I want it to be a gift. My friend here deserves no less than a magical experience," I explained quietly, winking at a bewildered Loki.

"Why did you do that?" He asked once Wanda was given a selection of several dresses in flattering colours and led into a separate dressing room.

"These dresses, they're special so they're a bit pricey. And knowing Wanda, she'll make a scene and refuse to let me buy them for her," I idly twirled my phone in my hands. "But every girl wants to be a princess and it's kinda sad she never got to be one. It's more than just a dress, it's more than feeling pretty, although it's a big part of it. She'll feel on top of the world."

Loki nodded. I'm certain he didn't understand it - being a man and all - and I wasn't sure I understood it completely, too. I never lacked pretty or expensive things, always got whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. But for a moment, I thought how it must've been for Wanda - seeing all these girls on TV, looking like pictures - and never having the chance to experience that. A concept that made me so sad, I was tempted to ask the customer service person for a glass of scotch. Being poor sounded depressing as hell.

Suddenly, Loki's cool, large hand landed on mine. "Thank you. I am certain Wanda will be the most beautiful lady at the ball."

I stared at him. Loki understood.

"Well, I... I don't know how finicky you are on gender labels for clothes, but there were a couple of blouses you might want to check out. They've got the neck ruffles and shit." My throat suddenly seized up and I had to clear it before speaking, steering away from the uncomfortably emotional moment. Thankfully, Loki wandered off without as much as a word.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit ​ @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @sleep-i-ness @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney @dee-vn @justanotherblonde23 @fanngirl19 @persephonehemingway @softie-socks @schemefrenzy @letsby @cutenessloading @romeo-the-cactus @jelly-fishy-babie

& the promised aesthetic

#tony stark x y/n #tony stark x reader #tony stark x you #bruce banner x you #bruce banner x reader #bruce banner x y/n #stephen strange x y/n #stephen strange x you #stephen strange x reader #party favours #bun writes

[doubleshotofsomething]

Come Into My Life

This is my entry for @nekoannie-chan​‘s writing challenge. Congratulations on 500followers :D! Thank you so much for letting me participate!

This is a series. The remaining parts will be posted throughout the day. It is a Thor fanfic with a song prompt “Entra en mi Vida” (its a beautiful song, i highly recommend).

Song Prompt: Entra en mi Vida by Sin Bandera 

Warnings: swearing, like a lot of it. Mentions of human experimentation. that’s it?? Also, people are idiots here, folks. bare with me.

Summary: You live in a world where soulmates don’t exist. Like, at all. All that meant to be, fate has chosen nonsense? Not real. Literal, actual, from-the-TV-screen fairytale. So... why is the God of Thunder convinced that you’re his?

Part One: Entra en mi vida, te abro la puerta

"So—" You clear your throat, throwing yourself onto the only empty seat, "—all jokes aside, guys. What the fuck!"

Everyone blinks at you, drinks in their hands and confusion all over their faces.

You stare back at them, completely dismissing the new sets of eyes staring at you. "No, seriously, like what the fuck?" You reiterate. "Like, no guys, this fuck needs an answer. What the fuck."

"Are we supposed to know what this fuck is?" Ghost asks, the first among the group of five to surpass her confusion. "Because I have a what the fuck for that what the fuck."

You reach over to grab her drink and she – having been used to your antics after three years of friendship – moves it closer for you to grab. You take a sip, let the taste of her chamomile tea settle on your tongue, blanch and give it back.

"So, you know how the Avengers got their asses whipped after they pulled a deadbeat dad, right?" You make grabby hands towards Hope's drink, and she – just like Ghost – pushes it over to you.

"Careful," she grimaces, "it has a kick to it."

"So did Thanos," You mumble as you take a sip of her drink. The espresso sits heavily on your tongue and you swear you can feel it stain your teeth. "What the actual fuck, Hope? What is this? And why does it not have sugar?"

She chooses to roll her eyes at you and mimic the remaining two new faces by staying quiet. Her eyes narrow at you in warning.

"Don't get a tude with me, missy—" You wag your finger at her, “—you're the one that MIA'd for five years without a return address and pissed off the Feds. Like, seriously, what the fuck guys? We had plans and everything! Why the fuck would you leave me alone for that long? You know how I get when I'm not forced to socialise!"

Ghost snorts. "Don't be a baby."

Pouting, because you’re very mature, you feign a sniffle and stick your tongue out at her. "Weeeeeh."

The dude with the annoyingly short blond hair snorts, consequently gaining your attention, and tries to hide his smile with his cup.

"You're new," you narrow your eyes at him. "Why are you new? And why do you look like the dude that owes me 12K for wrecking my car?"

"Oh my god—" Ghost grumbles in the background, "—not this again."

"I have bills and crippling debts and things that need to be paid for, Ghost!"

"You're a trust fund baby, you shithead!" She argues. "You don't know what crippling debt looks like!"

"You don't know that! My investment portfolio has been crumbling since the stock market crashed last year due to the recession."

Sam grins cheekily at you. "You have no idea what you just said, do you?"

Huffing and puffing, all you can say is. "Let's go back to the what the fuck that needs to be discussed." You glare at him pointedly, "then maybe, we can discuss why you're still here and why you came back from ashes."

"I know you missed me, cupcake." The evil bastard reaches over and pinches your cheek.

"I miss dancing on your grave," You try to swat his hand away, "now, thanks to your selfishness, I need a new dance floor. Very rude of you to not stay dead."

"You're adorable."

"As I was whatting the fucks," You turn back to Hope and Ghost, "when the fuck did my life become Thor versus Thanos, and why am I the Thor without the hammer to fight Thanos?"

"Is that your what the fuck?"  Ghost frowns.

It's her turn to get glared at. "Don't act like you haven't seen the footage. You know exactly how badly Thor got yeeted off his high horse. I'm only regretful that Captain Wrecking Ball wasn't knocked off his."

"You know he's over here, right?" Hope, ever the oblivious one to your obvious jabs, points at the dude that wrecked your car.

"Yeah, unlike my car and the check he has yet to hand over but hey—" lifting up the cup of espresso, you grin at her "—when life gives you lemons."

"I'm still confused and offended about the Thanos reference." Sam, the gift from the bad side of Pandora's box, begins. "What do we have to do with your life?"

"What does pulling a deadbeat dad mean?" The other new dude asks, his face is both the definition of confused and annoyed. "And what does it have to do with the Avengers?"

You frown. "Now I'm confused—"

"Oh no—" Ghost grimaces.

"—Why do you look like the dude from Gossip Girl but also like the dude on the UN's wanted poster of 20something?" You turn to Sam for assistance. "Doesn't he look like that old geezer from the museum?"

Sam grins, leans back in his seat to take a proper look at the manbun dude. Your table is the round one placed at the corner – the irony – and, until recently, it has always been occupied by the four of you. That was before they decided to ghost you for half a decade.

 "Now that you mention it—"

"Oh, fuck off." Manbun snaps at Sam, and you swear you've never fallen in love faster in your entire life than you have in that moment.

Your grin is wide and shit-eating as you put the cup down. You extend your hand to Manbun and wiggle your freshly painted — somehow chapped – fingers.

"I'd tell you my name but it's better if you just called me sweetheart," You’re still grinning. "What's your sign and what time can you pick me up?"

He blinks at you, still confused, and frowns at your hand. Slowly, because you’re a patient girl, you lean over and pry his left hand away from his cup. You place your palm in his and wrap your fingers around each other.

"I'd ask for your name but I think I'll settle for calling you babe," You shake his hand, and then place it back on the cup. "Or hun. I'd call you handsome, but that's too tacky and we—” You point between the both of you, " – don't do tacky."

You sit back in your seat and glance at Sam. "Well... Most of the time anyway."

At this, the rest of your life flashes you a grin. "How does eight o'clock sound?"

"It sounds like a recipe for disaster." Ghost cuts in, narrowing her eyes at you. "Back off, shithead. You've hurt enough of my coworkers"

Jaw dropping and shock feigning, you gasp. "How is that my fault?"

"Is that joke?" Ghost frowns, "because I feel like it's a joke. Three incidences with the analysts and five tech support team make it look like a joke."

You scoff at that. "Look, if your little back up boys can't handle the essence of a real woman, then that's not my fault." Confidently – and silently annoyed – you also add. "Plus, I actually did SHIELD, or whatever ridiculous name you're calling the remake of a failed organisation, a favour. If your boys behind the boys in spandex can't handle being told off by a 'mouse' as they call us, then they shouldn't be behind the dude that wrecked my car.

 "But now that I've said that out loud—" You pause, "—I finally understand why the Avengers are so bad at their job. I mean, with such poor support systems, it's no wonder boy blue and red uses cars as a landing mechanism. It's almost as if he's never heard of a parachute."

There's a pregnant pause as you pretend to ponder the situation. The new dude with the blond hair has visibly turned red and is shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Manbun has a very permanent looking frown smeared all over his face and you’re pretty sure you've just ruined whatever chances you had of giving him children. And Sam, because he's Sam and is patiently waiting his turn to roast you, has the biggest shit-eating grin on his face.

Ghost pretends to scowl at you, even though you’re pretty sure she's already drawing up the schematics for the pedestal she's about to build for you. Hope, because she's Hope and has first-hand experience of dealing with spoilt little brats that use creative antics to slowly drive people away, decides to use that exact moment to sigh and expose you.

"Hey sweetheart," she begins in that voice of betrayal. "Can you, like, not be an antisocial, territorial pain in the ass for five minutes and be nice? Stop trying to get our guests to leave with your little mind games, yeah?"

You blink at her. Once, twice. Because the betrayal always takes a few moments to sink in.

"They're not mind games." You retort. "Boy Blue over there did wreck my car. He used it to cushion his fall, because apparently the super-secret organisation that harbours entitled idiots doesn't invest in parachutes."

"But you don't even need that 12K—"

"I didn't ask for the 12k. I just simply pointed out that his reckless behaviour is very costly for those who suffer for it."

"Okay, guys—" Ghost tries to interject, but it's too late. The fire has already started, and Hope and you have never been on the same page when it comes to anything involving the Avengers.

"You're being unreasonable now. You, of all people, should understand that some things are out of our control."

"That doesn't excuse or make the damage done alright. The ruining of people’s livelihoods isn’t a necessary evil for your super heroe'ing righteousness." You point out, eyes narrowed, and teeth bared. "I, of all people, don't understand your defence. Because I don't use the lab that made me as an excuse to get away with the bad shit I do to people. Whether intentionally or not."

"Really? Because you weren't singing that same song when you cashed in on all that HYDRA inheritance."

"I am not the people that made me and it's not like I'm vacationing the money away. Or have you forgotten about that harbour I had to fix because your boyfriend decided to grow a few sizes?"

"Oh, how could I forget? It's not like you rub it in his face every time he tries to so much as even say hi to you."

"People should be held accountable for their actions. Excuse me for exercising my fifth amendment because I don't think communicating with the guy that turned your dad into a fugitive by siding with the anti-accords gang is cool!"

"That accords was messed and you know it!"

“Yeah, but I didn’t go around trying to be a vigilante about it!”

"Just admit that your stance for the accords is only because you need the government's protection against ex-Hydra agents."

She hit a cord and she knows it. "You're treading on very thin ice, Hope."

 "Scared they might come back and finish what they started? Now that Pierce and Rumlow are gone, there's nothing stopping them from finishing what they started, is there?"

"You know," You sigh, reaching for Ghost's drink and taking a sip. "At least, I don't have to abduct a man from his home, nearly ruin his chances at freedom, risk his life numerous times for my personal gain, just cause I have a theory about my mom's whereabouts. And then—" You let out a condescending laugh at the thought, "—have the audacity to look him in the eye and call it love. Because, ya know, turning a guy into a science experiment and berating him for doing what he thought was right is so romantic."

She's turning red. You can see it before it actually happens and there is a sick sense of pleasure coursing through your veins at the thought. At the fact that you’re the one pressing all the buttons.

Boy, are you fucked up.

"Damn." Sam mumbles, then chortles, then belts out a laugh. "Shit. Who pissed in your gourmet breakfast?"

"People," You scowl at him. “Fucking people. Because, now call me a bitch if you insist, I don't remember telling management to sign a deal with SHIELD."

"What the fuck?" Ghost, ever so caring, contributes to your bewilderment and pissy mood.

You nod frantically at her. "Exactly! What the fuck! Do you see why I needed you guys so bad? Like, it's like the creation of the Strike Force all over again!"

"Hold on—" Captain Damage Ball cuts in. "—I'm confused. What exactly is going on and what does SHIELD have to do with it?"

"Oh boy. Germany, here we go again—"

"Don't be an asshole, shithead."

 --

 When SHIELD fell and Black Widow released all those classified documents to the public, your existence was made known to the public. It turned out that running a terrorist cell inside a super-secret organisation wasn't the only thing Pierce had hidden from the world. You were.

You were supposed to be an experiment. Another volunteer, like the Twins, for Hydra's ultimate plan. Another Bucky Barnes, but without the constant torture to keep you mindless and loyal.

 You were supposed to be the next generation. The Rumlow that wouldn't need force and violence to get the job done. That was the requirement. Those were the orders. That's what you were supposed to be.

Instead, somewhere deep in the dark, cold corners of an abandoned Hydra lab, the inhumane attempt of creating Winter Soldiers through 'natural means' had taken place.

The surrogates were all volunteers, the scientist claimed.

The procedure was necessary for the mission, the doctor explained.

This is the only way forward, the master mind behind that plan argued.

Rumlow took care of the agents himself. Pierce burned down that lab himself. And, out of all the children born, you were the only one that lived longer than the rest. The others were unfortunate enough to be experimented on, before Rumlow found out.

Not knowing who to trust, Pierce kept you hidden from the world and Hydra. He never hid the truth from you, nor did Rumlow. They knew that, at some point, those that knew about the lab would eventually find you, and you needed to be prepared for when they did.

When SHIELD fell, the paper trail that led to your existence was small – miniscule, even – but it was there. Sam found it, but he kept you a secret as well until you were ready for the whole world to know.

But the world wasn't waiting for you to be ready. It wasn't that patient, nor kind. Because, with everything out in the open, chaos ensued, and you were still – at the end of the day – the next generation. All those assets couldn't remain frozen forever and all those lives that were ruined by Hydra couldn't remain unaided.

So, you had to step out and – begrudgingly – announce your existence to the world. Put a huge target on your back and claim the inheritance that Pierce had unwittingly left you.

"I'm gonna go piss off alot of bad people—" You had said to Sam over the phone, right before your News Interview. "What do you think I should start with?"

He wasn't having any of it. "Did you just wait for me to leave the country so you could do something stupid?"

"Of course not, I'm not you—" You scoffed, checking your outfit again. "—I hired a hacker to fake a series of cyber-attacks. Then I asked that girl, you know – the one that could walk through walls, to freak a bunch of people out. So, you know, it could be an Avenger level threat, but not the kind that needed Captain Spandex, so they'd send you. Then I scheduled the interview for the night of the supposed attack, because I knew you'd be gone—"

"Are you kidding me, Y/N— Clint, turn this thing around now!"

"—So, I was thinking I show up on stage and say 'the law says I can take all those assets and I'm gonna use them to do the exact opposite of what my ex-bosses would've wanted'. How does that sound?"

"Do me a favour. Don't move. I wanna kill you myself."

You grinned. "I knew you'd love it."

--

Next Part

TAGS: @nekoannie-chan​ , @thorfanficwriter​

#annie's1stwritingchallenge #annie's500kittieswritingchallenge #writing challenge #sam wilson #thor x reader #x reader #avengers x you #thor x you #thor fanfiction #thor fluff #steve rogers #bucky barnes #sam x reader #mcu #Avengers

[shmaptainwrites]

congrats on 1k mimi akdjsj you're insanely talented & i'm so so so happy for you 🥺

could i ask for a 🌸 for Criminal Minds please? hehe

hm you can just base it off what you know about me/feel about me from our interactions? but I'll provide you with somemore details just in case:

idk if you care about harry potter houses but i'm a Slytherin

really short (155cm) but will literally try climbing up stuff to reach for things before getting someone taller to help

i like taller people. HAHAHAHA all my crushes have been taller and older than me, it's literally what my friends know me for at this point 💀

likes to pretend I'm a badass but 10/10 tears up &/or cries at the smallest of things

in the same logic, i get hurt really easily by people's words lmao 💀

my love language is touch!!! i LOVE hugging people i love (but sadly nobody hugs me 😭😭)

not very physically fit :( I'm more of a brains > brawns kind of person 😳 i'm by no means the worst at sports but im also not the best yk.... just somewhat average :/

i love to watch ice hockey games!! fav team is the Dallas Stars 🤭 i also love rollerskating & have plans to pick it up as a hobby soon (after my exams)

i'm more night owl than early bird

i love food!!! and bubble tea!!! but i have really bad eating habits like I'll literally go a whole day without a proper meal bc i was too focused on writing or reading or whatever i was doing lmao oops. also by food i mean those rather unhealthy fried stuff so... 💀

gets anxious and nervous very easily 😭

i'm not as bad around friends but i am VERY anxious and shy around strangers.... literally i have only ever looked my dentist in the eye like,,, twice?? even after so many appointments 💀💀

i love telling people i love them because nobody says it to me😭 because I really want everybody i care about to know that they're always loved!! 🥺🥺 (also bc my grandma passed on like 5 years ago while i was out with friends and my one biggest regret would always be that i never got the chance to say goodbye to her face to face & i never told her i love her 😭 and this really kinda haunts me till today)

okay that ended up being a long list skfjsk SORRY 💀 I'm bisexual but predominantly prefer males,,,

thank you for doing this!! i love you so much & i am genuinely SO happy for you akdjsks 1k is so amazing & you're so kind and awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sending so much love and good vibes to you 🥰

okay so after much deliberation i honestly ship you with derek!

although you might not be more like physically active compared to him the man is big and strong and tall so he’s literally a dream guy. he’d love to watch hockey with you (like seriously we know he actually likes hockey it’s canon it’s perfect) and you’d go all out especially when your teams are playing against each other

he’s really really sweet and patient so i can see him always being there for you when you’re anxious and making sure you have whatever you need

also he’d be sure to show you love in lots of hugs and you’d exchange i love yous religiously it’s probably the thing you say most to each other

honestly i think it’s hella perfect y’all would be so cute together 🥺

#mimis1k sleepover #derek morgan fluff #derek morgan #criminal minds #lene <3

[tammyhybrid21]

Do you think that in the Tadeo Jones universe, some people (average or rich people) think living mummies aren't persons but some creatures they can capture and claim as their own 'cuz they have no rights? (as mentioned by Tad in Movie 2) Kind of like the Apex's view of denizens in IT. I think this could be adressed in Tad 3. But I'll be sad because Mummy is going to find the hard way that for powerful people, his feelings and opinions doesn't matter (Twice, if we count the Spanish conquista)

Ohhhh man!

I have been-- stewing over how best to answer this since I saw it yesterday, because part of me has IDEAS-- the other part has a rant that has kind of been building for a while in general when you just examine the movies and the setting and even the actual community represented in reality(that being Archaeologists not-- well)

And LOOK-- I have TEA!

Frustrated, frustrated tea regarding other aspects of how this all could play out that basically boils down to the one major issue that a lot of those groups has is the issue of "But WE all know!" and the we've boxed this in already.

Which-- Debatably, Tad isn't the only one with some issues... But Sara has-- at least insofar as her reactions to Mummy in movie 2, come to terms past her more nebulous in concept repeated line.

"Mummies can't be alive, it's a contradiction in terms" 

Which-- actually might be an issue that's just on the question of the life/death binary more than it is actually a question of whether someone is human/a person or not. And we ALL know she's definitely got Major Respect over Tad--

Like, I will write a proper analysis over their "Mummy gives advice/pep talk" scenes later-- but--

Sara doesn't just take it and run how Tadeo does-- and she doesn't get hyped about it either. It's soft and subtle and just ARGH--

--

Which, okay beside the point, but I have-- so much on this idea of how people view Mummy-- Because let's for a moment consider what Tad actually says-- in answer to Mummy's "What is with you?" and I want to also talk on what people tend to associate with and call monsters... and how... that might also factor into this whole mess.

"Listen you're a mummy, you scare people. In my world you're a zombie!"

Which-- okay, on the surface this is just an on the nose point about how well, Mummy is undead. Ahahah, the living dead and I suppose living mummies are their own form of zombie-- although really it's more like they're cousins as zombies are usually more... in process of decay while mummies are preserved/petrified... Buuuut in any case... not the point here really.

But rather...

Let's talk about how "Monster Movies" come in here. And what zombies tend to be synonymous with nowadays. You know-- for the most part. Mindless, brainless, sometimes killers though not always-- But ultimately-- Does... anyone actually watch zombie shows for in-depth exploration of zombies ever anymore? Aside a few exceptions, and same in games-- Zombies are relegated to just brainless/mindless monsters.

Which--

On the other side of that-- monsters.

Tad never quite uses that word but--

"First, you're not human"

Mummies-- are monsters. In stories and fiction. Used to scare, used to awe, used to add scenery dressing, spooky, freaky, creepy-- and when they're not-- well it's rare. But if they're not the villains, they're not "human". Which think about that for a moment, in all the monster stories we have but a few where the monsters aren't outright put in that position.

But a monster is usually in a story put into one role and box. And if they're not outright there just to be spooky, or the whole new misunderstood monster trope-- which well, that's a whole other thing. But we all know the usual "monster shtick".

Violent, scary, simple, dumb, driven by base impulses, nonhuman, Very, very often as lesser, other, and something to be feared/hunted/destroyed.

And while modern day does move away from that--

ISSUES still prevail.

And I have-- just got to aside here, but like, thinking on this but-- the Phone Mummy sign outside of Tad's window as a child has some... other weird things. Because as a wild aside, my dumb brain has decided to A - B link this with a series I watched on television from 2005-2007

Because of THIS stupid Mummy Scam Artist character. And it's dumb, has nothing to do with the issue of mummies(and other potential beings and creatures of myth and legend) having less rights. But this whole phone billboard-- with the Mummy, it's legit right up this character's kind of scam alley and I may or may not one day just rewatch his two villain episodes to get his personality clear in my head JUST to do a dumb crossover.(And for nostalgia, but that's not news)

BUT--

Advertising does tell us some things already. In how people possibly think and could respond/react.

Yet still-- there is something more I think that we're missing in this conversation on how people will potentially treat the discovery of a living mummy. Or really any supernatural being. If not with fear(which look-- fear the unknown, fear different, fear of monsters), arguably those who're intrigued, interested could be far, far worse.

Also-- I just have, much tea on other responses for even those who might briefly "respect" him. Because look-- Mummy would be a priceless artefact in a way, treasure and discovery all on his own-- BUT also a new potential source of information of a culture that for the most part has been lost and erased by history.

People could and would ask questions.

Whiiich is where I have doubts about how they will accept the answers to those questions. Because here's the thing, for all the Archaeology community loves to act as if they let discoveries speak for themselves, and even I suppose historians-- There are just-- so many times I watch and listen to documentaries and get SO FRUSTRATED-- because they're stubborn IDIOTS, who actually refuse to take in the evidence in front of them of any truths outside of what they're SO SURE has to be the TRUTH!

For those who speak of learning all about history and it's secrets, they're so damn high and mighty to reject anything that doesn't immediately fit with already established "facts". It must be an anomaly, aliens, can't be what we're actually seeing right--

And well even people today interacting-- Like-- I've seen people try to correct someone on the pronunciation of their own name before.

So I am almost certain there would be at least one idiot who'd be all high and mighty and just-- Mummy has LIVED it. It's his culture he grew up in and some idiot speaking over him saying his lying, which I just-- I am certain would happen(but probably not in canon because who would DARE?!)-- Just "EXCUSE ME?!"

Which is it's own kind of disrespect and hell, crash Tad's pillars again. Yes please!

Which... on that account--

I kiiiind of want to talk about how Tad needs a smack on this... and that wake up to the truths of the high and mighty and bloody prideful issues of the community. BUT more than that-- I actually want to think about that point you made about how Mummy's supposed transformation in movie 3 comes across and the further themes of this question of humanity and rights is in regards to this whole issue.

Because yeah, there's the issue, front and CENTER.

The question/implication of this resembling Ammut, and implied loss of humanity. Along with the fact that Tad's the likely TRUE CENTER of the curse-- since he's the idiot who opened the sarcophagus in the first place...

WHICH CAN I JUST SAY--

There's a very good possibility in regards to that issue-- potentially having to do with some of Tad's more... subtle issues. Or even the ones that are close to the surface and yet not. I've screamed already on Tadeo's Internalized Ableism... along with some small nods to Mummy's own less severe cast with that but-- This is directly playing into that image of monsters and nonhumanity--

And I could probably add an additional few pages of speculation onto this but--

I actually am... also worried for the pets. If only because uhhh, have you seen the original two Tadeo Jones shorts from before it become movies? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XxhNMbpE2A & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoJBzI2AUOw

I mean not assuming anything, but I can definitely believe they wouldn't be above having that threat present at the least.(I mean just that second one... with what I guess is concept-Jeff) Even if Mummy is most definitely going to be the one at the MOST RISK. But with that-- comes the question of humanity.

And while yeah-- I do imagine, all too easily there will be many people more focused on the discovery-- I think there's an interesting mess that Tadeo is going to be FORCED to confront with this-- in how he has that displaced view.

Because here's the weird thing.

I've kind of mentioned it before but not really expanded or explained very clearly-- but for all of Tad's issues... he cares about Mummy probably more than he even really realizes. It's in small to big things as well. Again-- for all his trash behaviour in movie 2, I do think a lot of it is very, very misplaced attempts at some form of protection...

Which I also really want to at some point make a post that's just...

"Tad's I'm Helping moments and how they made things worse for everyone"

But that's for later... For now...

I kind of want to grab a few things.

"You're already dead, RUN!"

I also actually counted how quickly he ran back to Mummy for this moment, and it's LITERALLY two seconds, from when Mummy collapses to Tadeo's check on him. Also I'd like to mention with this-- he's supposedly tunnel visioning on Sara(and he ruins it within the next scene pretty quickly)

...

And for all they're kind of dumb decisions.

DEBATABLY-- when he's trying to hide Mummy.

"Hide"

Ugh-- BUT Tadeo has a very... complicated issue here really. Because yes-- Tad very much has that nonhuman issue, but he CARES. And then-- there's how the whole Ammut thing feels set and the symbolic meaning there(ALSO INTERESTING SARA SEEMINGLY ISN'T CAUGHT BY THAT). But here's the thing--

With Ammut kiiind of come those scales and the feather.

It's not like that mythology isn't unknown-- but more to the point-- it feels kind of like force Tad to confront his mixed up view. On Mummy's humanity or lack of-- But really as the audience Mummy feels the most human at this point in time-- whiiich we can get into a debate on what even is human nature later-- but--

I am kind of hoping that we get a callout of a number of things regarding Tad's behaviour.

With some primary focus on this dynamic between him and Mummy and really seeing how he responds to that idea that Mummy is nonhuman to really be thrown into full view and scope. And listen...

You cannot cheat the scales.

...

As an aside generally, if he is turning into a form or version of Ammut even if initially the community is a danger because he's a living mummy that creates a whole other issue of how he'd be viewed as a danger due to the role that's possibly growing more and more of an instinct.

But yeah... I will probably now make a more formulated rant on this later, or like, minor expansions on the topic but-- yeah.

I have been CHEWING on these thoughts, ideas and concepts for a while.

With additional tea. Because when people think they know something too often they refuse to see differently.

(Also at some point I am going to make a personal rant on duality verses binary due to insistent terminology issues I have but ugh)

#THybrid Responds #THybrid Jones #Tadeo Jones #Mummy(Tadeo Jones) #Sorry about making this a rant #But I literally mused ALL DAY #So you get 10 pages worth #although I still theoretically have more #because this is a nuanced concept #and I have a lot of feelings #but I don't want to get too deep into some of my theories with movie 3 yet #because plunnies #araminakilla20 #Life and Times of Juniper Lee

[justanotherlifeff]

Levi Ackerman × reader

Genre: Angst, Hurt/comfort, Fluff, matured themes, slowburn

Warning: There's mentions and descriptions of underage rape and suicidal themes and self harm and other triggering stuff.

The plan for the 68th expedition was made with the help of Eren's father's diaries. He mentioned that the port used my the Marleyans was the closest to Shiganshina. With Hanji's calculations, it was certain that if the beast titan, cart titan and Reiner was still in wall Maria, they would most likely be in Shiganshina as it would be their easiest escape route. However, to be safe, an elite squad would be sent to each district of Wall Maria. For the 68th expedition, Armin was assigned under (Y/N) squad, who would search the Shiganshina district.

Originally, Hanji preferred Levi squad to do it, but, (Y/N) insisted to let her do it for personal reasons. Mikasa and Jean from Levi squad would form a squad of their own, with Mikasa's strength and Jean's ability to bring a situation under control. Two elite garrison soldiers would be assigned with them too as their squad is the weakest. They would be scouting the least likely area where the enemies could be camping, Hammerfell district. It's by far the coldest region in the entire walls and the destroyed abandoned villages make the place unliveable as there is no food or shelter left in that area.

Diana from (Y/N)'s squad would be assigned to Levi squad in behalf of Armin. They would be scouting Stohll district, while Hanji and her new squad would be scouting Helgen district. The expedition in the inner walls would be taken over by none other than the commander of Garrison himself, given that approximately all the titans in wall Maria are killed. The same formation as the last expedition would be used, only, everyone would start at Trost and go to the opposite direction and eventually meet at Utopia. However, unlike the last expedition, this one would be taking place for 4 days instead of 3 as it was decided that the Garrison and Survey corps will take a look at the area twice, with 10 hours of constant scouting each day.

After reaching Utopia, both teams would travel in opposite directions again till they meet at Trost again. The squads that are sent to the districts would return by two days and report to the supreme commander. If a squad doesn't come back, the whole battalion would be sent to that district. Marie Schwarz was immediately expelled from the Garrison as soon as Hanji's letter reached Pixis. There were speculations among the Garrison about how someone can be expelled in a few hour's notice when the process usually takes at least a day, but, they didn't know that Pixis took such quick measures because (Y/N)'s safety was compromised.

Like always, he took measures for the betterment of his daughter, out of love, but in a way that wasn't visible. This was his way of caring. A criminal offence against Marie Schwarz was charged and she was taken into custody by the military police. Her trial was to take place after the expeditions were over. Retaking Wall Maria was far more important at this point.

This expedition started off like the previous, only, Levi squad went towards Karanese, Mikasa squad went towards Utopia, Hanji squad went towards Krovla the day before the expedition. (Y/N) squad remained at Trost. The expedition started at 6am sharp, similar to the last expedition. This time, commander Pixis was leading the expedition. The commanding squad and the most elite squad was placed in the middle for backup, similar to the last expedition. Pixis commanded one group while an elite garrison soldier was in charge of commanding the other. After the expedition started, (Y/N) galloped towards Shiganshina, her heart thumping vigorously. She had a very personal reason to want to go there. She needed to see Erwin's grave.

(Y/N) POV

3 months back

"(Y/N), it's too dangerous. You're not going." Levi spoke sternly towards me. We were at the fifth expedition planning meeting. The first four meetings were held to discuss formation and this one, the last one, was held to discuss the squad distribution on the 68th expedition. Levi, of course, was against the idea of me taking my squad to Shiganshina right as I mentioned it. "Levi is right, (Y/N). Right now, you're a completely variable factor. After you have given birth, there is no way of telling if you would be fit enough to even go on the expeditions, let alone the most dangerous zone in wall Maria." Hanji told me, eyeing the huge bulge on my stomach.

"I know what I'm talking about. Just give me a chance. You can make backup plans in case if I can't make it. It's very important to me." I tried to reason with Hanji. "(Y/N), don't make decisions with emotions..." Hanji tried to intervene but I stopped her. "I'm the last person to make emotional decisions, Hanji. Levi can judge if I'm fit enough to go. Levi can't handle both Eren and Armin at the same time. The military police is already bringing questions about Armin's titan shifting powers. Place him under me and the trouble will be solved. Levi showed that he could control Eren and I can control Armin because he owes me my uncle's life. If I'm not fit enough, you can put plan B in action and Levi could go there instead if me." I explained.

Everyone was silent for a while before Hanji spoke. "Well, that seems fair enough..." she said but was interrupted by Levi. "This is bullshit. I can't allow a wounded soldier on battle. I made that mistake once already." he stated in an angered voice. "Levi, can we discuss this alone?" I asked him calmly. "Okay, you two discuss this and get into a plan by the next meeting. Everyone is dismissed." Hanji declared, clearly trying to break the tension in the room between Levi and I.

"There's nothing to discuss. You're not going." Levi stated in a stoic tone as we entered our home. "Levi, you're not making all the decisions. I'm one of the four commanding squad leaders, so, I get to have some say in this whole thing. Sure, you're my superior but even Hanji agreed with me. Don't you think you're being a bit too possessive?" I asked him in an exasperated tone. "Why are you being so difficult? Can't you just try to understand why I'm doing what I'm doing?" Levi asked me, clearly angry. "Levi, I understand that the last time you let a wounded soldier go to battle, he died. That doesn't mean that I'll die too. I even proposed that I wouldn't go unless I'm in proper shape, and, don't even dare to say that I'm not fit enough when I am." I told him, getting angrier by the second.

Levi was sitting at the chair completely opposite to me and furthest from me on the dining table with a cup of tea. I, myself was drinking tea too. We just had a big fight over the topic and decided it was best to solve this over tea instead of trying to hurt eachother with words. "So, why do you object to this?" I broke the deafening silence. "Because I don't want you to die on me." Levi shrugged. "We already established the fact that I won't die if I'm fit enough. Why do you still object to it?" I asked him with patience.

"(Y/N), my mother died on me when I was a kid. I know how horrible that felt. I don't want that to happen to my kid. I'll be too devastated to take proper care of the kid myself. Besides, I don't know anything about taking care of a kid. I'm sure a kid living up here won't have the same lifestyle as a kid from the underground. If you're not there, how would I know if I am to teach my kid how to use a knife or not? Or if I am to fight with him to help him survive? Or if I am to make him try to get his own food? I just don't know how this works. You spent some of your childhood up here, (Y/N). You are the only person who can guide me to be a good father. Why don't you understand this? If you die, it would be devastating for both me and our child." Levi tried to explain.

"Levi, I promise, I won't die on you. Even if I have to abandon all of my comrades, I will come back alive. I promise you that. Please, have some faith in me. Just this one time. Please?" I told him in a soft voice. I know how much he loves me and I know that he wants me safe, but, I just have to do it. "You'll save yourself no matter what?" he muttered. I got up from my spot, walked towards him, sat on his lap, cupped his cheeks and raised his worried face towards mine. "I will. I promise." I whispered to him. "Okay. I'll think about it." he answered with a frown before pulling me into a kiss. After he broke the kiss, I smirked at him and said, "Heichou, seems like you're getting soft". "Don't push me, brat." Levi grunted which made me chuckle.

"Mhhm? You do know that I'm strong right? I could stab you right now if I want to." I answered with a sly smile. "Oh would you now? As much as I'm aware, you don't have any weapon on you." he answered with a challenging look. "But you have one on you don't you, heichou?" I muttered, the smirk never leaving my face as I sneaked the knife he always carries with him and with a fast movement, making the tip of it touch his throat. "So you weren't completely oblivious about stealing back when I gave you knife training..." Levi stated sardonically before snatching the knife from me and putting the knife on my throat.

"You've become such a minx now, Mrs Ackerman. Glad I taught you well." he muttered with a smooth voice as he breathed on my neck before pushing me away and saying, "Get off me now. I have two big piles of paperwork to deal with and I will have to write a written document about letting you go to the expedition if you're fit enough.". I got off him immediately with a smile.

Present day (Expedition day 1)

We reached Shiganshina in about one and a half hours. There were half decayed body parts scattered everywhere, poking out of the snow as we travelled towards the completely plummeted villages near the inner Wall. Everyone in my squad except myself and Armin looked pale, shocked by the violence. Armin witnessed this already and I caused enough death to get used to it. The door to the inner gate was completely blocked with boulders. "Search the houses that aren't already destroyed first. Search the walls then and if there's no sign of the enemy, we will leave our horses to search the city." I commanded and thus, everyone went to work.

It was afternoon when we were done with the search. There was no sign of enemies. "Let's take a lunch break before getting back to work." I commanded the squad. We were carrying our own food. Eating while there are half rotten and frozen corpses nearby wasn't appetizing at all but we had to do it to keep our health in check. "I thought we were missing out on the glory but seeing everything around here, I'm just glad to be alive..." Heinrich muttered.

The irony wasn't lost as he was the one complaining about not going on that expedition among my squad. I decided not to salt the wound. "It's alright to make mistakes. They all died for humanity. We can only salute to them and try to be liberated from the people outside the walls and make their dreams of freedom a reality." I told Heinrich with a determined tone. "You sound like Eren." I heard Armin mutter. He didn't talk the whole time and I knew why. "Don't compare me to that suicidal bastard. Sure, I want freedom but I'm not willing to die for it." I told him with a smile. I'm not willing to die for anyone except...

"If you're quiet because there will be a time when I'll go to take a look at Uncle Erwin and you'll have to be there, please don't feel guilty. What happened that day wasn't Levi or your fault. It was the beast titan, Marley and everyone who are against us Eldians that are responsible for his death, for every deceased soldier's death. If anyone has to face the consequences, it's them. Don't beat yourself up for it." I told Armin in a rather serious tone and my usual stoic voice. "I still feel sorry, (Y/N). It should be him sitting here and not me." Armin sighed. The atmosphere was as grim as ever. "But you're alive aren't you? Instead of grieving, make use of it. Make Uncle Erwin proud." I answered.

After we were done with lunch, we went into Shiganshina. I was back home. The buildings close to the inner wall were still intact but the ones closer to the outer wall were completely annihilated. I took a mental note to go back home, bring something from there. Anything. "Check the outer walls first. We will check the houses tommorow." I commanded everyone as I stood on top of the inner wall of Shiganshina, keeping watch of the horses. The safety of the horses were very important after all. I sat on top of the wall, my legs dangling from the edge as I tried to find my old home.

The place where I found unconditional love for the first time, the place where I stopped having any trust in people, the place that shaped me into the ruthless soldier that I was, till, I met Levi. Yes, who knew that an equally damaged person would fix me? That I would fix him too? The memories made me smile. The last time I was here, I knew deep down that I lost everything again and I vowed to myself not to get attached to anyone. Looks like I broke that promise to myself. The last time I was here, I lost my parents. Now, I have my so called biological parents but... I don't know how to feel about it. Pixis was a horrible father but he is the reason I'm alive today. He visited me a few times when I was pregnant and also when Farlan was born.

He walked me down the aisle... He tried to do as much as he could. It wasn't enough but the thought had to count for something. About my birth mother, I barely know anything about her except the fact that she is the most vile person I've met and I hope I didn't know anything about her existence. The last time I was here, I was considered to be a horrible person for killing a man due to self defence. Now, I'm a respected survey corps squad leader even if I've killed people only because they were in the way. When I left this place, I was a loner and now I have friends, real friends.

The last time I was here, I was (Y/N) (L/N). Now, I am (Y/N) Ackerman. Memories of training with Uncle Erwin, mom cooking breakfast, reading books at Uncle Erwin's library, planning to join the Garrison like my parents, life was so simple. A small nostalgic smile formed on my face. Before I realised, it was dark and my squad came back after checking the walls. There were no enemies hiding in the walls. We decided to spend the night on the walls as it gave us a better view on the surroundings.

Expedition day 2

I woke up to find Stephan sleeping on watch. This is how people get killed. Armin was on first watch, Heinrich on second, I was on third and Stephan was on the last watch. "Oi Stephan. Get the fuck up." I told him as I threw a bit of my bottle of water on his face. He jerked awake at that. "(Y/N)-san! I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed but I stopped him before he gave any excuse. "Don't try to give any excuses. We are supposed to be the second Special operations squad. We are supposed to be the squad second only to Levi squad. I won't tolerate such unprofessional behaviour. I'm ignoring it now as none of us is dead or kidnapped but don't let it happen again." I told him firmly.

"HAI!" he shouted out, completely nervous and flustered. I woke the others up and we all had our ration bars as breakfast. When we were done, I commanded them, "Heinrich, stay with the horses. The rest of us will check the houses that are not completely demolished. We have to be on our way back an hour before sundown. Don't waste any time now.". With that, everyone went into action. Before Armin went down the wall, I called him out. "Oi Armin! Wait a second!" I called him. "Huh? What?" Armin looked at me, confused. "I need to go to the house where Uncle Erwin was kept. Take me there." I muttered.

I wasn't ready for it. I would never be ready for it but I had to do this at some point. "Oh.. Okay.." Armin muttered. His face clearly showed he wasn't ready for it either. He flew off with his ODM gear while I followed. After what seemed like an eternity, we reached a small house, in average condition. The door was bolted shut due to the thick layer of snow on the road. "I guess we need to dig this up. Armin, we found shovels in the farms in the inner wall right? Get those. Fast." I commanded Armin before he shot off towards the wall again. I sat down on the snow after he left and touched the door. He's in there. He will not look the same. He will be just another half rotten and frozen body. Do I want to see that? Or should I live with the memory of him?

It felt like Armin came with the shovels too quickly. I wasn't able to make a decision. The others took shovels with them already as none of the doors could be opened for the snow. Armin and I forgot about it because we both were too nervous about this moment. We shovelled the snow away. It didn't take long and I knew that I had to face it as I couldn't make a decision between if I should or shouldn't. The door opened with a creak and I could see a dining room. Everything was shattered inside, broken glasses everywhere. A lone table and a few chairs sat in the middle of the room.

"He's upstairs. In a bedroom." Armin muttered before leading the way. I followed him mindlessly inside the house. This is it. I wasn't able to make a decision and so, I will have to face this. The bedroom door opened with a louder creak. The wooden door was rotten due to weather and lack of maintenance. As the door opened, I saw a small bed lying near the broken window. On the bed, laid a figure. I couldn't call that thing Uncle Erwin.

It was a red blob, shapeless, hairless, draped in the survey corps uniform. That wasn't Uncle Erwin. Uncle Erwin can't exist without his energetic blue eyes, perfect blonde hair, the hint of smile on his face... That thing couldn't be Uncle Erwin. My mind was racing, I was in the verge of yet another emotional breakdown but I controlled myself. I told myself, "You didn't change, (Y/N). Just because you have more empathy doesn't mean you can't face reality. Reality is disappointing. That's the remains of Uncle Erwin. It isn't him. It's the residue he left behind. It means nothing. The only thing meaningful was his life and that ceased to exist months back. A dead body doesn't mean anything.".

That's right. It doesn't mean anything. My memories of Uncle Erwin are the only things that matter. "(Y/N)? Are you okay?" Armin meeked in cautiously. He clearly was feeling uncomfortable, guilty and probably a bit scared by my silence. "I'm okay." I answered with a steady voice. I didn't feel pain anymore. I just had a numb feeling and a lot of memories to make up for the loss of Uncle Erwin. "I'm sorry (Y/N)" I heard Armin mutter, almost crying.

"Don't be sorry Armin. I'm glad you're alive. I'm glad you're not on that bed. Uncle Erwin suffered a lot in his entire life. I think he would appreciate being freed from this world. He lives on in my memories. That thing in front of me is just proof that he existed. It's nothing more than that." I told Armin, my voice not faltering for once. Armin probably thought that I got back to being as cold hearted as before but he was completely wrong. It wasn't the case at all. It's my love for Uncle Erwin, my trust in Levi's decision, the fact that I cared about my comrades and the fact that I was glad that Armin wasn't laying dead on that bed that helped me stay calm and accept the situation. I wasn't being emotionless, I was anything but emotionless as my head was filled with emotions. Only this time, they showed hope for a better future, and they hoped that Uncle Erwin is finally at peace.

We skipped lunch break and worked hard. We had do be done with checking and ride to Trost by evening. It took a long time to check every nook and cranny of every houses. We took turns to watch horses so that all of us gets some rest and food in the middle of working. We were done by 5 pm, working a total of 11 hours. "You all, get some rest and eat some food. I'll go take a look at something." I told my squad before getting down from the wall. We didn't take extra gas as we needed the ODM gear only to climb the wall or for special circumstances.

I flew towards my old home, which I didn't get to check as I was checking homes near the one where Uncle Erwin was kept. There were no enemies here and we didn't have to save our gas. I landed in front of my home. The windows were broken, the door was smashed, the wooden floors inside were rotten. It still was home. I entered to find a very familiar but rotten wooden table. Broken plates still in the sink of the attached kitchen. Mom never got to clean those... The instinctively, I went to the sitting room, the place I spent most of my time at home. A shelf there held a few books, all of them familiar. One book much much more than the others.

12 years ago

It's dark. They went away a while back. It hurts... It's dark... I'm hungry... I'm scared... Is that a bug there? Please don't come near me... Please... Please... Footsteps? Why? Why now? No... I can't take anymore... Not today... No... No... "Let's get this little bitch on the stage now." I heard a voice say. "She really was useful till the end eh? Even earned some money a while back. Though not enough to keep her here. The bitch keeps wailing every time. Irritates the customers away... Hope some rich pervert would buy her off today." I heard another man grunt.

They were unlocking the door. What's a stage? Buy me? What do they mean? I clutched my book close to me. I didn't read it for a long time. I was home when I read it the last time... It was about a girl who ran away from her mean step sisters and mother and entered a magical world. I always wanted to be like her and run away from this place and go to a magical place where there's nothing but happiness. I couldn't do that though... They locked me here... The book reminded me of my mother every time I held it. She bought it to me. She helped me escape this place with it for at least a while. I miss her... Even if she only scolded me, I miss her. She promised me that she would take me back home... Why isn't she here yet?

They entered the room. No... Please stay away... They didn't speak to me but grabbed me and picked me up and took me out. I was too scared to speak. They used to beat me if I shouted. Everyone hit me, cut me... I screamed louder every time... It made them do it more. I am used to it. The book fell into the room from my hand. No! Stop! I want my book! Stop! My mind screamed but my mouth made no sound. I stopped questioning them a long time ago. Questioning them only meant getting beaten. I was used to it but I didn't want to get beaten because of my own fault.

They took me to a well lit place. There was a weird raised place and weird metal things hanging from the wall behind the raised place. They did something with those metal things and my hands were stuck to the wall. This must be the stage. I've never seen anything like this before. I sat there for a long time. There were many old people in there. They looked at me in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. They want to hurt me. I know that. Suddenly, something weird happened. It felt as if I didn't have to run away to the magic world. The magic world came to me.

Green cloaked men pooled into the room. They took the men sitting there away, beat some of them up, beat up the man who used to beat me all the time and hurt me in the other way. A blonde man approached me. I looked down in fear. It's a man. Men hurts me... Men are bad... He kneeled in front of me. "Don't be scared. You are safe now. No one will hurt you again." he told me in a soothing voice. It was different from the others. "Hanji! Give me a hair clip!" he told a young girl with brown hair. The girl smiled at me slightly and handed the man a hair clip. He used the hair clip and did something to the metal thing stuck to my hand. The others were doing the same to the girls with their hands stuck beside me. I was placed near the corner of the room, so, as soon as I was freed, I huddled up to the corner, hugged my legs, trying to hide my naked body and looked up at the man in fear.

"It's okay. Everything will be okay. What's your name dear?" he asked me with a kind smile. Like the pictures in my book. For the first time in years, I talked out of my own free will. Those men made me say things and call them master when they hurt me. I never talked on my own. "(Y/N)" I managed to croak out. "Nice to meet you, (Y/N). I'm Erwin. Everything is going to be okay." he told me with a kind smile. He then opened his cloak and put it around me. He clearly was different from those men. Those men took off the little clothes I had.

He gave me clothes. He stood up as I clutched the cloak around me. He held his hand out and said, "Can you get up? Take anything you need from here. We will take you above ground and give you a good family.". Shakily, I took his hand. I led him to my room and picked up the book and hugged the book. "Is that all?" he asked me. I nodded at him. "Okay, let's get you out of here now." he told me with a smile.

The next thing I knew was that I was sitting at a clean office. They gave me clothes of my size. Another girl wearing the same uniform as the blonde man gave me a bath. I was clean. There was food in front of me. Good food. I ate like a monster. I didn't let go of the book for once though except while taking the bath. The life I knew before was gone. I entered the magical world.

Present day

A small nostalgic smile formed on my face as I took the book in my hand. It took my parents months to make me let go of it. The cover was dusty and I blew it to remove the dust. I looked at the cover. "(Y/N)'s adventure to fairyland" written on it. My mother never bothered to give me a name. When she gave me the book, I decided my name was (Y/N). She picked it up from there, everyone did. I decided to take the book back home for Farlan as well as because of it's nostalgic value. I grabbed the book and flew back to the wall.

I sat with everyone, a ghost of a smile stuck on my lips and ate a ration bar. The atmosphere was condensed with melancholia. They really should clean the corpses up as soon as possible. This place is a health hazard as well as a grim reminder of the battle that costed the lives of hundreds of soldiers. We packed up and left for Trost right on time. All that was left to do was to get outside the walls and face our enemies.

To be continued....

Taglist: @reality-is-often-disappointing, @kingtamakimurder

#levi x reader #levi attack on titan #levi aot #shingeki no kyoujin levi #levi x fem!reader #levi×reader #captain levi #levi ackerman