#also there’s a dead horse and a woman who was inside it

[kaladinkholins]

We all already know Mizu and Akemi are narrative foils. But you know what? Lemme just say it, here's what I think:

Taigen and Mikio are foils.

Not necessarily to each other as individuals in the way that Mizu and Akemi juxtapose each other, but mostly in the contrast between their relationships with Mizu.

I've covered specific parallels between Taigen and Mikio in other posts I wrote; but as the number of parallels I'm noticing between them keeps piling up, I'm compelled to just compile them all in one post. So! This is, thus, the post in question.

First of all, let's look at their similarities.

1. Their status in society is the same. They are both samurai who lost their honour and have dreams of reclaiming it.

2. They are also both diligent as they strive to achieve this goal, they both care deeply about their work, but here as they begin to contrast, as the work in question and way they go about their goals is different:

For Mikio, his work is in taming and rearing horses; in order to prove himself, he must tame Kai—a willful and strong horse—and present it to his lord. For Taigen, his work is in sword fighting and martial arts; in order to prove himself, he must kill Mizu—a willful and strong swordsman—and present her dead body to his lord.

In the parallel above, not only are Taigen and Mikio contrasting each other, but Mizu and Kai are placed in comparison as well. And of course, Kai is Mizu's horse, and represents her. Which is why, when later, Mikio sells Kai off, it represents the way he is tossing Mizu (and their relationship) aside.

From there, the rest of the details of their character begin to contrast and juxtapose each other more clearly. So let's look at those differences, shall we?

Their backstory:

Mikio was a great samurai who was banished. A somebody to a nobody. Taigen was a fisherman’s son who rose to the top. A nobody to a somebody.

2. The first time we meet them on-screen:

Mikio is an adult. An older man. Mizu's superior in age. He is Mizu's to-be husband. A love interest. Taigen is a child. A young boy. Mizu's peer in age. He is Mizu's bully. An antagonist.

3. Their maturity and growth:

Mikio is mature, but stuck in his ways. Taigen is immature, but capable of changing and learning.

4. Their overall attitude:

Mikio is generally relaxed, easy-going and unfussy. Taigen is uptight, irritable and severe.

5. How they talk to and conduct themselves around Mizu:

Mikio is aloof, soft-spoken, and serious. Taigen is obnoxious, brash, and sarcastic. Mikio is quiet, speaking only when spoken to, even when Mizu turns to smile at him and shows openness to be near him. Taigen is loud, talking while others are silent, even when Mizu turns from him and shows no interest in conversing with him.

Mikio doesn't show much of who he is to Mizu throughout their marriage, despite their growing affection. Taigen openly shares his traumas and life story to Mizu during their brief alliance, despite their mutual antagonism.

6. Their external vs internal selves:

Mikio is calm, gentle, and considerate on the outside. Taigen is hot-headed, rude, and selfish on the outside. Mikio is cowardly and deceitful on the inside. Taigen is brave and loyal to a fault on the inside. Mikio tells Mizu that he wants to know and see all of her. But he scorns and betrays her, the woman he loves. Taigen tells Mizu that he wants to duel and kill him. But he endures torture to not betray him, the man he hates.

9. Their hair, a symbol of their honour:

Mikio's topknot is untied by Mizu during their spar. This humiliation occurs in private, the two of them alone in a rural location where no one can see them. Taigen's topknot is cut off by Mizu during their duel. This humiliation occurs in public, the two of them being watched by many others in the Shindo Dojo.

10. Their power dynamic with Mizu:

Mikio believes he is Mizu's mentor. He teaches her to throw knives, how to ride and care for horses, and about the tactical benefits of using a naginata. Taigen believes he is Mizu's equal. He views Mizu as a samurai like himself who received all the same teachings he did, and who possesses the same values.

11. Their perceptions of Mizu:

Mikio sees Mizu's feminine side first. He sees her as sweet and gentle, but also clumsy and incompetent. Taigen sees Mizu's masculine side first. He sees her as terrifying and deadly, but also strong and skilled.

12. The way they approach sparring with Mizu:

Mikio only spars with Mizu once. As the fight progresses and she is beating him, he tries to put a stop to it. When she teases/provokes him, he starts taking the fight personally and seriously, finding no enjoyment in it. Taigen spars and brawls with Mizu all the time. No matter how many times Mizu beats him, he doesn't back down. When Mizu challenges him with a chopstick, he is eager to compete with her and gladly rises up to the challenge.

Mikio and Mizu's one and only spar is a friendly match; Mizu is smiling and having fun while he grows increasingly frustrated. Taigen and Mizu's last-seen spar is a playful wrestling match; both him and Mizu are having fun and laughing.

Mikio cannot deal with Mizu being better than him, so he scorns her and walks off, avoiding her thereafter. When Taigen cannot deal with Mizu being better than him, he follows her to observe her moves and continues training in hopes to eventually beat her. After being bested by Mizu once, Mikio leaves her and sells the horse he'd previously gifted to her. After many times losing to Mizu and fighting alongside her, Taigen commends her and admits she is better than him.

13. When Mizu pins them down in a friendly spar:

Mikio sees Mizu's whole face objectively. Taigen stares at Mizu's mouth and eyes.

Mikio gets angry when she kisses him, throwing her off of him and snapping at her, calling her a monster. Taigen gets aroused, apologising, so she pulls herself off of him.

14. Mizu's blue meteorite sword is a reflection of her soul. She believes most are undeserving to face it, let alone hold it. And on that note:

Mikio is the first person (chronologically) that Mizu fights against using her sword. Taigen is the first person (we see on-screen) that Mizu fights against with her sword. Mikio is the first person (chronologically) to ever hold her sword, as she passes it to him, letting him wield it. Taigen is the first person (we see on-screen) to ever hold her sword, as she passes out, and he picks it up and carries it for her.

15. Then, last but not least, in Fowler's fortress, when she is drugged and in pain, she hears Ringo's voice in the dungeon. She then follows it to an open cell:

Mizu first sees Mikio as a hallucination, the sight of him haunting her and causing her to lose her grip on reality. Her eyes glow a surreal blue to represent this. Her Mama appears then and says Mizu's name accusingly.

Mizu then sees Taigen, but he is real, the sight of him a relief and grounding her back to reality. Her eyes return to their normal blue colour to represent this. Taigen looks at Mizu weakly and says her name softly.

Then, later, when facing Fowler, her revenge awaiting her, she instead chooses to follow her conscience (represented by Ringo's voice in her mind), putting aside her vengeance for a time, in order to save Taigen.

So that's basically all the ones I've noticed so far, but even then, I feel there's already so much that forms a contrast between these two.

What makes it especially incredible about these juxtapositions is that Mikio was Mizu's husband, the man she had fallen in love with, the one person she had ever been intimate with, the man who made her begin to accept herself, to put down her desire for vengeance and instead live a life of peace and happiness.

So for Taigen to have so many parallels with him... Do you see what I'm saying here!

Not to mention that Mizu clearly already has some burgeoning attraction to him, as indicated by how she thinks of him when asked about her desires. And Taigen clearly has shown interest as well (see: him getting a boner after their spar, him holding her hand and telling her, "We're not done yet.").

And on the topic of speculating future possibilities of this relationship, this post by @stromblessed has pointed out yet another parallel between Taigen and Mikio:

Mizu promises Taigen to meet him for their duel in autumn. Mizu fell in love with Mikio and duelled him during autumn.

With all that said, I do believe Mizu and Taigen's relationship is definitely hurtling towards something. But whether they will actually end up together in a sustainable relationship and have a happily ever after? Well, that is a whole other story; we'll just have to wait and see.

#blue eye samurai #mizu x taigen #taigen x mizu #taimizu #taigen blue eye samurai #blue eye samurai meta #hope yall enjoy my thesis on virgin mikio vs chad taigen #this was written last night when i shouldve been writing the new chapter for my taimizu fic that i promised i would work on....whoopsies... #i will get to it eventually but i just have to get a firmer grip on characterisation before i can delve further into it yk #on that note. i kiiinda regret posting the fic on a whim! #my last longfic was written better because i had the whole thing complete and could go back and edit/polish/revise before posting #so it came out much more coherent and consistent ykwim? #this fic might suffer a bit for this reason 🤒 #but its fine i have to remind myself im just doing it for funsies #anyway here have another long ass meta post from yours truly #meta dissertations.pdf #shut up haydar #fandom.rtf

[precious-little-scoundrel]

|| My fellow Colonel

Y’all asked for it and here it is. Whew, I wrote all of it today so here’s to hoping it is tolerably alright. Also, as an aside, I am just shy of 1k followers and that’s astounding to me. I had to rebuild this blog from scratch in December after two previous deactivations where I lost a similar amount collected over a far longer time. I’m truly so grateful for each of you who take an interest in sharing this little corner of the internet with me. Thank you, thank you!

Warnings: usual universe warnings apply, 18+ with additional chapter warnings for gore and violent character death, brief mention of racial discrimination and a very dark headspace for Ida at times including brief yet crassly recollected sexual assault

April 1945, escape spoilers ahead

“Bitte.” Ida kept her hands placating, outstretched and harmless by her side, the most open expression on her face that she could summon as she stared the woman down, “Bitte nicht!”

For eleven days she and Smith and Cleven had managed to scrounge their way westward, evading recapture or altercation. But eating from the dead horses on the side of the road was out of the question, agricultural fields were churned to sludge by Amtrak’s and the small amount of wheat berries they found in one abandoned supply truck had long since ceased to fuel their weakening bodies.

They had passed by a camp, one that they observed from the shelter of the woods to be abandoned or liquidated, once used for civilian labor, judging by the signs. After a careful reconnaissance it was agreed that Ida should go and act on her hope that the commandant's empty dwelling may not have been completely ransacked. That there might be some leftover provisions either there, or in the homes of the other personnel. She had had no luck at the commandant’s, it had been empty, no luck in the next idyllic little shack either, only the eerie knickknacks of some bygone person whose vocation it was to deal in pure evil.

In the third house she had found jars of spoiled milk, tubers of some sort gone to sprouts but she did not care, she grabbed a ratty towel lying on the floor and made a sling for them. She was in the process of prying a loose floorboard up, anticipating some root cellar below when the whining creak of a sneaking step sounded behind her in the still place.

She whirled around in a crouch, half expecting either one of her companions or else one of the many starving children they encountered on the road. Instead, silhouetted inside the bright doorway there was a woman, in the uniform of a guard and with a Lugar poised at the ready. Ida felt a cold spike of fear at the flashing recollection of her last encounter with such a female, at the horrid misery that was Ravensbruck, the complete and entire lack of respect shown to her or her girls by these indoctrinated tools.

Ida’s grasp of German had been sufficient enough to keep herself and her companions away from suspicion in their occasional interactions with passersby. While she wore the heavy overcoat of a military man, it had no markings, and it was just as likely for some freezing civilian to steal it off a carcass as it was for an American female officer to be on the loose. Ida knew this and she tried to play at being dumb, pointing to the food, explaining in unstudied desperation that she was starving.

The female guard observed her coldly, her impassive face showing a certain lack of curiosity or even remote interest in Ida’s narrative that made her heart quicken with a presentment of a swift and sudden execution. She has seen these guards lift a gun, squeeze the trigger, and move on boredly all in the matter of a second. What about her own features or story were so compelling to prevent it?

“Bitte nicht!” She repeated again, choosing to take a step forward, eyeing the woman’s grip and posture, professional, soldierly, the woman left little opening for Ida to capitalize on, but she would rather get a bullet in the gut while fighting than be shot hunkering over stolen potatoes.

There was a darkening in the doorway, it caught Ida’s eye right before she timed her launch. It was Cleven. His appearance made her hesitate a moment too long. He had his arm barred around the guard’s throat in an instant but the pistol was out of his reach and one stride too far away from Ida’s grasp. Unlike the hapless children in the forest that had attacked them days ago, this officer had bullets. Ida felt the searing tear of its bite smart her shoulder, blurring her vision in pain before she rushed in, clasping her own hands around the pale wrist.

Cleven had the woman’s eyes rolling back with his grip, her grapple at his forearm growing feeble as her oxygen ran low. Another shot rang out, a bullet embedding in the ceiling rafters as Ida managed to wrench it away at last. She turned it on the woman and fired, only to find her luck run out again, as well as the chamber.

There was a knife in the guard's boot, both women seemed to think of it at the same instant as the guard became possessed with a final animated struggle to reach for it, desperate to break out of Cleven’s strangle. But Ida wasn’t about to watch another friend die, or miss her chance to go home, to bear witness to what her girls, her men, her brother were yet enduring, not to spare herself a fleeting moment of misplaced mercy. She dove for the boot, wrenched the knife free from its sheath and drove the blade in under the sternum, carving it upwards as she herself rose to her feet. Her wrist was fully in the chest cavity, arm covered with warm still living blood, by the time she saw the guard’s head loll impassively against Cleven’s chest, the soul finally gone dim behind the eyes.

“Sweet Jesus.” He stepped back from the corpse, letting go. Ida felt the weight of the body in her wrist as her grip on the knife was all that kept it standing. She tore the weapon free with another sickly gush, and blearily observed it crumple to the floor.

“There are spuds.” she told Cleven as she braced her hands on her knees, nodding to her abandoned sack of potatoes. The edges of her vision were blurring from the exertion, her coat sleeve was soaked to the elbow, but she had a weapon now and a dead Nazi at her feet. Both sat well with her.

The potatoes bought them another days walk, with Smith using the ratty towel to wrap Ida’s shoulder, it was only a flesh wound. That evening they had another run in, but this time it was with the friendly faces of gum chewing yanks who were welcoming with their smokes and their K rations. Poor infantry boys, they were bamboozled by the existence of a female officer, the experiment of integration having only added to the flyboys somewhat derisive glamor. But it was mostly awe, and a healthy amount of respect, that they showed for the blood smeared lady Colonel.

“That make you one of Brady’s Banshees?” one bright corporal made conversation with Ida as he allowed her a seat beside himself on the hood of a tank, it was a hitched ride into Belgium.

“She is Brady.” Smith drawled for her, enjoying far more than Ida how gobsmacked the man was to be in the presence of feminine greatness.

They were welcomed warmly everywhere by their fellow allies, ferried like heroes on any conveyance possible. Smith was their cheery intercessor, knowing her superiors were of so torn a spirit and conflicted of conscience as to be half inclined to go back to where they came from. In truth, Ida could hardly bring herself to board the last plane -an unbelievable courtesy taking them from Paris straight to Thorpe- as all she could think on were what repercussions might have been exacted on the others for their escape. And what cruelties she had left her brother to endure without her.

Cleven was not much better; Egan, Maureen, all of them still left behind. As they took their seats on the benches, felt the old nostalgic rumble of the engines, not of a Fort but of a Gooneybird, what should have been a lightening of spirits as they soared over the channel was instead a dismal camaraderie of guilt.

That fateful night when they had all agreed to escape before crossing the Danube, the organization had been infuriatingly chaotic yet the groups were chosen with emphatic pragmatism. The guards were used to watching certain persons in company with their favorite fellows. The Bradys, the Buckys, Smith and Murph, each had some comrade the Germans expected to be their partner in any subversive endeavor. With this in mind, their agreed-upon groups were intentionally fractured to confuse their captors, each hoping to meet up somewhere on the road or in the forest.

Cleven and Ida had waited only a few hundred yards in the tree line for over an hour, hoping to be joined by their fellows. In the end only Smith came, with the word that the gig was up, Egan had been detained, John Brady never even began to saunter off before they closed the perimeter. No more were coming. It took all of Smith’s vicious logic to keep the officers from going back, she had to lean on reminders of reprisals and certain death, how they could in no way alleviate the suffering of the others by rejoining them.

What they could do was carry through, escape, go back to England, spread the word, liberate.

Despite this inner turmoil, Ida felt like kissing the ground when her feet landed on East Anglian soil. Or, rather, the cement of the old familiar runway. Instead she settled for Crosby‘s cheeks, the beaming fellow being so utterly honest in his welcome that some tiny part of her melted in momentary relief at having actually made it. That hadn’t really sunk in, not until there was an English mist pelting her face and Harry’s crinkled cheeks between her hands.

“A major?!” she repeated his rank and felt prouder than his mother in that moment while Harry blushed scarlet under the affirmation.

“A-and a father.” tumbled out of his mouth as a deflection except, that subject made a great hullabaloo too, with even Cleven growing exuberant in his congratulatory shoulder slapping. “What am I doing makin’ you stand out here, get in the jeep sirs, I’ll take you to a hut, or-or the club? Or the doctor?”

Both Ida and Cleven stiffened in their swing into the jeep at the last suggestion, a brittle defensiveness tightening their smiles, “Bed and board are all we need, thanks Crosby.” Gale gave him one of those devastatingly final little nods of his.

They kept him occupied and rambling on the ride, updates on new crews, new buildings, Jeffreys, Meatball, the improvement of rations, tales of bombing Berlin, the prospect of victory within reach. By the time he’d parked outside Cleven’s old barracks, Harry knew next to nothing about their own experiences, and he felt that somehow to have been quite calculated.

“There’s still a ladies sector, Colonel,” Harry assured Ida, much to her confusion as to why there wouldn’t be, “I’ll take you and Smith there.”

The old hut was as she remembered it, same as all the others, curved metal amplifying the patter of rain and the monotonous comfort of Air Force regulated bunking. It hit then, no more wooden combines or roadside shelters. She was really back.

“Where the hell is everyone?” Smith asked, the place eerily quiet, even for midday.

“There at- there at work.” Crosby offered haltingly.

Suspecting something dreadful, or as Bucky liked to say of her instincts -sniffing out bullshit- Ida slowly turned to Crosby and gave him a stare, one she recalled having once effectively shrank the man by a few literal inches. Perhaps because it was remarkably similar to her brother’s. Harry bore up under it better now, oak leaf cluster on his breast or a hard three years adding some spine to him, she didn’t know, but still his expression wavered guiltily.

“At work?” she repeated his phrasing, “That what the kids call war these days?”

“A few, a couple, -some,” he settled on, “are on missions. We’ve been uh, we’ve been running a lot of missions. Picking up prisoners -like you guys.”

“The rest?”

“At work.”

“Where’s this work?”

“Uh, well, various posts, you know how it is-“

“-grounded?” She supplied.

“Well, yeah. Just like Douglass and me and-“

“They badly hurt? Who’re we talking about?”

“Colonel,” Harry begged her, looking mildly close to drowning on dry land and sending a wet eyed sos at Smith, “dozens of them are posted here. Grounded yes, but, in good positions, required positions-“

“Did they get corresponding promotions?” Ida hit back, “Were they grounded because they were too valuable or were they hurt? Or did they just get squirreled away in some cupboard with a typewriter?”

“Look, uh, sir,” Harry chuckled nervously, “a lot of them are on missions, some of them are at their jobs -where I should be right now. But, it’s true, uh, the brass thought that, well they weren’t sure, Ida, when we got word you’d escaped we wanted to welcome you back right and uh, we didn’t know what to expect. We’ve had a lot of reports. Some reassuring and a lot…not. Not reassuring at all. And uh, we didn’t know what to expect, they didn’t know and uh, depending on how you were, it could affect the morale. So they thought, clear the place out a little, yeah? Make sure you were -you were…”

“Didn’t wanna scare the kids.” Ida supplied, tone softened, suspecting she probably did look half witch from all her trials.

“We didn’t know what to expect.” Harry repeated, a significant amount of relief bleeding into his voice, like he was going to get choked up on her mere continued existence.

“Well I need a change of clothes, and I need a shower.” Ida smiled at him until he gave her a fastidious look while glancing at her blood stained coat and she sent him a sour glare in return, “And a nap. And then I dare say nothing about me will be cause for alarm, not even for general LeMay.”

Harry was back to chuckling nervously as he walked his way backwards out the hut. “Of course, yeah, uh, we tried to supply uniforms, laid them out -best we could scrounge, for now.”

“Thanks Croz.” Smith offered, trying to soften the ending of this interaction.

“Before you go,” Ida stalled him, “tell me a little about the new ones? Who should I know? What should I know? Hate to wake up in here and have to start making acquaintances from scratch.”

“Colonel,” Harry answered her in the most mournful voice, “there aren’t any new ones.”

That old whiff of cold dread was back. “Crosby.”

“They uh, after you went down, colonel they, they scrapped the program.”

“You cannot be-“ Ida rubbed at her throat, trying to get it to open up, wondering what the hell it must be like to be Gale Cleven and get to come back to Thorpe Abotts and nothing be different, get to be home and get to find everything where it should be because your own higher ups aren’t fighting against you right along with the bastards with the flak and the barbed wire and the endless taunts about women being made for breeding. “Crosby what do you mean scrapped? They shut it down?” she wished she sounded angry, but she knew it was a cry, and to his credit he looked ready to cry for her.

“Colonel I’m so sorry, the reports were so alarming and the-“ he shook his head, “-they grounded all female servicemen right after. Cut the program, if it wasn’t for Kidd they might’ve sent them all back, discharged or moved to the WASPS. Well, they stayed, but, it’s not- it’s not what it was, colonel.”

Ida bit her lip, that old throbbing pain from the old injury of her cheek bloomed again, it felt like arriving at the stalag in one too many ways. “Y-you said something about, you said some were up on missions.” She wracked her brain for it and found it, that one bit of hope and she clung to it like a woman drowning.

“Yeah!” Crosby was over eager to soothe the pain with the modicum of good news he had, “They are! Rosenthal he uh, he’s over the squadrons now and uh, he’s seen to it they are allowed up. Mostly uh, mercy runs or behind allied lines, they don’t want anyone captured but, they’re up. They’re getting their thirty missions. They’ve uh, they’ve changed the number, since you were here.”

“Thirty.” she repeated numbly.

Harry’s footsteps had long ago receded along the gravel outside by the time Ida allowed herself enough movement to sink atop the pristinely made bed in her filthy clothes and just stare at the opposite bunk of equally pristine sheets and all of it so pristine and so rigorous and so proud and so pristine and so-

The echo of her own scream startled her, banging off the tin walls and circling back to her. Ida felt more than saw the implacable Tallulah Smith jump in fright beside her, but that level headed woman knew better than to soothe her officer. Not after what they’d just learned. She bit her tongue and busied herself sorting amongst the clothes and provisions for towels, combs, soap, toothbrushes. Ida watched this rich display of care on the part of their fellows with a snarl bending her lip, she could taste salt and knew she was also crying and all that she could hear amongst the cacophony in her head was a desperate wail -she didn’t want combs and towels, she wanted her squadron back.

Some aspect of this heartbroken petulance must’ve shown on her face as Smith extended both a comb and towel to her with forceful kindness, “LeMay didn’t lay these out.” was all she commented. “Think of it as Harry’s hospitality. You look a mess, and won’t get any respect for it.”

Smith had some vantage point from which to speak, Ida knew. Native American with bronzed skin just shy of being segregated twice over, getting screwed over was something Smith had made into an art form of cat and mouse. Ida had long admiringly observed it; she never thought she’d need to adopt a similar posture to this degree. Not when she felt like grabbing at the knife still in her trench coat pocket and making a charming scene and all it would get her was confirmation of the reports.

Whatever those were. Alarming reports, apparently. It was so very upper brass of them all to find the enemy’s methods unfortunate and so shoot themselves in the foot like it evened things out.

“I’ll be along in a minute.” Ida insisted to Smith from her bunk, refusing more than the towel and comb.

They’d all been through hell for daring to be combatants. But Ida, at this news of her loss, was beginning to recall particular parts of her own hell she had not dwelt on since they occurred.

Colonel -the way each had called her that, sneering at the mere concept of a colonel with a cunt, an officer so easily breached, a leader made by her Creator to be bent over and taken. She’d had a squadron then, and no amount of scorn or cruelty could take that from her; no, only her friends could take that away.

And they had.

Robert Rosenthal was giving himself a little pump up speech as he stalled outside with his hand on the door knob, knowing he needed to knock first and that knocking would buy him a little more time to ready himself, and so he really should go ahead and knock. The pattering drizzle on his hat brim should have been human incentive enough to get inside already, if duty and honor and admiration weren’t quite cutting it today. But he stalled, even went so far as to cast an indefensibly juvenile and furtive glance over his shoulder at the shrinking form of the accommodating lady who’d passed him on his march here. A Lieutenant Smith, who had told him she was glad to be back and that her famed superior was still inside-

“Angry as God after catching the Israelites worshiping cows at Mount Carmel.”

Rosenthal knew Ida Brady had every reason to be utterly furious, hell -he was furious for her, with her, about her. And he had no right to stand there and wish she wouldn’t take it out on him, to defend himself with shitty excuses like the fact a few of the girls got to see the top of clouds because he had put his shiny and promoted boot down and asked for it. He wasn’t exactly the problem, perhaps, but he was, by sheer implication of it being men like him unable to require better treatment, at fault. And so, Rosie stood in the drizzle and gave himself one last minute to think about Colonel Ida Brady as she had been the last time he’d seen her, terrifyingly formidable and utterly kind.

“It’s no worse than your dread of it, I swear.” she had told him and Nash that night before their first time up, “I was relieved to have seen it.”

What had she seen since? He stared at the little leather binder in his hand and scoffed at the administrative mission that carried him here. To hell with it. He knocked, he waited, he knocked once more, and he went in.

The stipple of rain on the roof of an empty Nissen hut was a calming background noise he himself savored whenever possible. Despite their bare aesthetic and extreme practicality, there was a serenity to them as well, and on spotting a seated figure a few bunks down from the entrance, he felt a pang of empathy for the desire to just decompress.

She looked up at the sound of his footfalls, not startled in the least. Not angry. In fact, she looked utterly dazed, like the men he’d helped out of their forts after a bad run of it. A face he’d seen in the mirror once or twice or a couple dozen. There was a docile listlessness in her gaze that he knew better than to be comforted by, despite the selfish feeling of relief at not immediately being eviscerated about her squadron. She was gaunt, understandably so, her strong jaw so pronounced he could cut his thumb on it, the pallor of her skin jarred unsettlingly with her dark brows, set off in stark relief by her tangled, jet black hair. Her overcoat was half muddy brown, half doleful rust. There was a bloody story there, a recent one, not washed away by a hard rain or bath. Rosenthal didn’t have any doubt how that struggle had ended for her assailant: she was here, wasn’t she?

He’d never seen anything more magnificent in all his life than this battered figure sat on a pristine cot with dawning recognition in her eyes.

“Welcome back, Colonel!” he ventured, keeping his tone soft as befitted the setting, yet unable to keep the creeping happiness at her return from showing in his voice.

“Mm, yes. Rosenthal.” Ida was straightening automatically, rising from her seat, shrugging off her clumsy overcoat and standing near to attention at sight of the brass on his lapel, “I remember you. A Colonel now, I see. Well done.”

Rosie felt his cheeks burn, another juvenile thing, her hand extended itself to his surprise and he clasped it warmly, maybe a little too firmly. “Well that’s kind of you, Ma’am. Very kind. Welcome back, Colonel.”

“You’ve said that already.”

“Apologies.” he stumbled, releasing her hand in hopes of regaining his thoughts. She didn’t look angry yet, she looked wary, “Just glad to have you back. There was…a lotta concern.”

“It was touch and go but -here I am.”

“Right.” There was silence after that, it was so thick that the quirk of his kind lips and the gleam of his eager eyes slowly dimmed and fell as no small talk resumed. “Uh, colonel,” he ventured, “due to those aforementioned concerns, uh, I’ve been asked-“

“Aforementioned? What kind of talk is that?”

“Ha, well, lawyerly talk I’m afraid. I need to get a report from you, colonel.”

“For God’s sake man, I just got here, maybe with a shower and a nap and a cup of joe I might have a report for you but- I just got here.”

“Yes.” he refused to wince, he refused to. He was a colonel now, he had to require unpleasant things every day from his friends. Today it was required from a hero. Small difference in a war. “And if it were up to me I’d give you weeks to do all that before asking a thing from you. But I can’t, colonel. They wanted an immediate, preliminary report. It’s -it’s the same as an integration after a mission. Less interaction beforehand, less time to confuse the details- you get my drift.”

“You’re under orders.”

“I am.”

“Why didn’t you say? God’s sake Rosenthal.” she was close to angry now.

“Sorry, ok, Colonel I-“

“Why the whole welcoming committee schtik? Just say what you mean.”

“It’s not a schtick, Ma’am,” he insited, heatedly, “it’s a genuine honor to have you back with us and a relief to see you safe. And yes, I have orders to get a preliminary report.”

“In future you can save us both precious minutes of our lives by being this forthright, please?”

“Understood.”

“Right, well. What’s wanted? What kind of report?” He didn’t fail to notice the sudden and very studied nonchalance that took over her gait, the way she leaned against the railing of her footboard, almost a slouch that made the lean line of her look entirely unperturbed. He wasn’t a good lawyer out of naïveté about such posturing. She was braced like hell for this, probably worse than he was.

“On uh, on your general treatment. Ma’am.” he decided to summarize it thusly.

“Well Colonel,” he had forgotten what a nice voice she had, it wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t gruff, it was simply nice, “if Gale Cleven’s under eyes didn’t tell you the food was meager and hardly nutritious, I’ll go on record to say so. But they did try, I think I can give them that. Looked like everyone was starving by the end.”

“Conduct of your guards?” he had his stupid little leather case open on his forearm and the not quite soggy notepad in it was being dutifully filled with scribbles.

“I’ve little to say against the Luftwaffe, they were honorable for the most part. I think you’ll get that same report from the others. There were a few incidents, but we were enemies. To be expected.”

“Right, uh,” the pencil drug a little “this is a general report so I’ll spare an inquiry into those incidents.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

“Anything else?” Ida tried to smooth her face, she really did.

“Colonel -yes.” she watched him as he deliberated for a moment before seeming to recall her scathing admonition of before, and carried on resolutely in the bluntest manner he could summon, “Regarding your prolonged detention before the stalag. It’s our understanding you were not always under Luftwaffe jurisdiction?”

“That’s correct. Combatant status was not recognized for four and a half weeks.” Ida gave a clipped nod. “We were even briefly detained at a concentration camp.”

“I can’t imagine what you must’ve seen there.”

Ida stared back with some slight emotion flitting over her mask-like face at long last and Rosie felt maybe his own showed it, too, “From what I’ve heard, we may be the only ones to have left alive.” she said at last.

“Your testimony, what you saw there, it could become-“ Rosie drew in breath, “-invaluable.”

“I’d do anything to see justice done, Major.” she agreed, “Sometimes I think I dreamed such mass cruelty. Seems too large to be real, too awful to be abetted for so long by so many.”

“I saw what was left of one of the smaller camps. In Poland.”

“Mm, so you can imagine.” she retorted, but it was a kind retort.

“I don’t see much else when I close my eyes.”

“Mm.”

“Right, back to this uh, report, the question is, how were you treated before civilian status was adhered to?”

“Is this a personal report or a general one?” Ida inquired suddenly.

“The assignment was to ask about your own observations as senior officer of the female contingent of-“

“-then in that case, the treatment was barbaric, Major Rosenthal.” Ida informed him forcefully, “The Luftwaffe used plenty of rough tactics and one officer was particularly cruel to Cleven. I was informed my brother was dying and that my obstinance in denying giving them information was prolonging his torment. All of that I was prepared for, it was one soldier’s attempt to break another. The gestapo, on the other hand, were beasts. And the SS -sadists. They dealt in cruelty for the pleasure of it and my girls went through hell. Once in the stalag there was a reprieve. Then the Luftwaffe were relieved of command and it began again- if you expect details, come back with a larger notepad.”

Rosie gave a curt nod of his own in understanding, his brow creased at the implication.

“No one wants to see justice done for them more than I.” Ida went on, “But they’re still out there, and I’m here. And I-I don’t know that those are my stories to tell, Colonel. What I saw is plenty enough to hang a village. And it wasn’t just toward my girls.”

“At…at a later point, you’d be willing then?” he ventured, softly, no longer professional, “To tell me what you saw?”

“Larger notebook, Rosenthal.”

“Yes ma’am.” he knew a dismissal when he heard one, he even felt a brief and heinous relief at the prospect of slipping away on a high note. The dreaded scrapping of the program still undiscussed. “I’ll uh, leave ya to that shower.”

“It’s good to be back, Colonel.” she called to him while he was still maneuvering through a somewhat meandering exit, she called out this concession as if it were meant only in regards to him, “Like what you’ve done with the place.”

Well now that was -that was kind and that was unexpected and Colonel Robert Rosenthal may have let the door hit him on the way out.

💋 Hope you enjoyed! Feedback is a writer’s lifeblood, please feel free to scream in comments or the inbox, I love it and wanna hear it all. Trust me, nothing is “too dumb”. Your thoughts mean the world to me.

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[writers-hes]

In the Bleak Midwinter

SYNOPSIS: You always knew Tommy as the cheerful boy who took care of you. He always knew you as the smart girl that he visited by the docks. The daughter of a prostitute, the son of a deadbeat father; a soldier who protected his country; a whore who protected him; a gangster who controlled Brimingham; and now, a wife. War changes people, you just didn't realize that war could change you both. (angst, abuse, canon-typical themes, death, war, MDNI, mature themes) AN: Don’t look at the comments / reblogs if you don’t want spoilers!! But please discuss what you think once you’re done reading 🤍

Toy Horses Outside the Brothel | Tommy Shelby x Reader | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

PROTECTION SERIES TAGLIST | PROTECTION MASTERLIST navigation

“So fucking close…” he whispers to himself, inhaling. He turns around and looks up, maybe he could conjure you right now. One last time before he died. “Oh and there’s a woman…a woman who I love and I got close. Nearly got fucking everything!” he shouts. “Oh, what the fuck. Get it done, boys,” he tells them. He kneels before the man. 

“In the bleak midwinter…” Tommy says to himself, voice raspy and tired. “In the bleak midwinter…” he whispers to himself, his body shaking. He didn’t know where he was. He just knew that he was going to get killed today. The hole on the ground is where he’ll be buried and he never got the chance to be with you. “In the bleak…in—“

He couldn’t die today. Dread fills his body. You were still at the tracks with Simon. This wasn’t a part of the plan. He was supposed to kill Simon. He was supposed to have fun while doing it while you sat, unaware with Alfie Solomons in the private room. Sweat trickles on his face, and he closes his eyes. The blood on his forehead had dried up and his heart was beating wildly in his chest. He couldn’t believe that the last thing he ever did on this fucking ground was smoke a cigarette. So close. So close…so fucking close. 

The sound of a gun going off echoes in the vast field and he finds himself inside the hole. He stays there, appalled. 

“Get out of the grave, tinker! Be on your fucking way!”

He stumbles out, unbalanced. Shock was still inside his body. He trips and lands on his face, his palms on the wet ground and he screams. So fucking close. He shakes his head, standing up and sobbing as he did so, on the way home…on the way to you. 

He pours himself a glass of Irish whisky. He’s got some ideas for the future of the company…and also, he’s planning on getting something. 

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron…

BIRMINGHAM, 1922

Tommy couldn’t believe his fucking luck. How many times does he have to wait for things to finally fucking settle? How many more years should he wait for you? He didn’t mind—how could he ever mind when it came to you? 

He couldn’t forget the relief that washed over him when Alfie called him to say that the job’s been done. He was supposed to get the locket in his office and go to the tracks but Alfie stopped him. 

“Y/N killed Simon Coventry,” Alfie said. “Shot him dead like…mush, bone, mush. Saw her checking for his heartbeat after. I told her not to cry over spilled milk,” he snickers. “Do you get it, mate? Spilled milk?”

He tells Tommy about how shaken you were after the police investigation…how you kept it to yourself until the last officer went out. You were wailing and stuttering ‘he’s dead’ over and over. Alfie told him that he will get one of his men to send the gun to his office for safekeeping. Tommy knew that he should give you some time but he couldn’t wait anymore. He knew that you sold your London mansion and lived in Birmingham now. He knew that you bought the mansion with the garden; the one where you both used to frequent in as kids. He knew that all because he had some of the Blinders guard the property from afar. He knew that all because he passed by the house to get a glimpse of you but the house was quiet, eerie, and lacked life. Polly nor Ada couldn’t get in yet. It all happened too much…too fast…in a span of years, to have Simon dead at the sound of a gun was shocking. 

It’s been a year and he couldn’t believe he waited that long to come visit you when he knows you the most. He shakes with anticipation everyday. He was looking forward to seeing you last year, to finally telling you all about his love for you. Maybe it was him who needed you more because you made your own world without him, but he couldn’t give a fuck anymore. You’ve both been apart for what felt like decades and he will burn the world if he’s apart from you for a day more. 

It was raining and he drove to your house in his black car. The mansion with a garden. How foolish you both were when you dreamed those dreams. Life was never that easy. Blood was shed, lives were taken for his ambition. It didn’t matter right now. Not in this second. The rain just gets stronger. He forgot his umbrella but it didn’t matter. Nothing else mattered right now. He could see your figure from the back of the house looking through the French windows of your new home. Funny, you both got what you wanted. He got the Arrow House and you had this manor but they were both so fucking lifeless. He imagined a different house. He imagined a house with kids, with you during the war. He was looking at you and frowned when he saw you leave. Should he knock at the door? Should he just go back? Did you even want to see him?

Drops of rain wet his coat and he removed his Peaky hat, tossing it away to fix his hair. He should’ve gotten an umbrella. His shoes slosh with every step and the chill eats away his bones but he will be warm soon.  

Thunder wakes the Birmingham sky and he sees you…a few metres away from him in your dress. 

“Tommy!” you called, an umbrella in your hand. You rushed towards him to give him shelter from the rain. The mud from the grass made your bare feet wet but you didn’t care. Tommy was here…he was finally here. He meets you halfway, underneath your black umbrella. He smiles, chest against yours. 

“We can’t fit,” he chuckled, a glimmer of the youth that you used to see in his eyes appearing. “Y/N,”

“Tommy,” you replied, a bashful smile on your face. “Let’s go inside,” you tell him but he holds your arm to keep you from leaving. “Tom?”

“I’m sorry,” he says, his hand coming up to touch your face but he wasn’t sure. Was it alright to touch you now? “I—I,” he tries to think of words to say, every single emotion getting trapped in his throat. He coughs, shaking his head. “I miss you,”

A single tear trails down your cheek and you wipe it away. 

“Looks like the world is finally quiet,” you replied, smiling at him. “I’ve missed you too, Tom,” you chuckled, laying your head on his chest. “I’ve missed you so, so, so much,”

He nods, wrapping his arms around you. You look at him again, a small smile on your face. 

“Did you know that…that—“ he coughs. Fuck.

“Tommy?”

“I’ve always thought of ways to tell you this back in the war and I just—I guess the delays and everything and fuck, love. I’ve loved you since we played with your toy horses outside the brothel,” he breathes out. “And I’m sorry, so, so fucking sorry that it took me so long to tell you. That you had to go through all that because you thought that I didn’t love you when I did. I’ve loved you since then and I still love you now. I love you and I just hope that I’m not too late because God, Y/N. You were the one who saved me..who protected me all these years and I can’t lose you again,” he tells you, his hands cradling your face. “I thought…I thought I was going to die when Sabini’s men took me, Y/N and all I could think of was you. How were you? Were you free? You were the only one in my head. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I love you, Y/N. I love you so, so much,” he adds tenderly, his forehead against yours. You were smiling at him, tears streaming down your face. Tommy loves you. Tommy loves you. 

“I love you too, Tommy,” you whispered. “I’ve loved you all this time. I can’t believe we’re finally here,” you smiled at him. Tommy throws away the umbrella in your hand. He takes your chin with his fingers gently. Tommy could feel his heart beat faster and faster. He knew that if he'd kiss you now, he’d dream of your beautiful face and soft lips forever. With bated breath, he takes in your expressions, trying to look for any signs of doubt but he couldn’t see it. Is this how it’s like to kiss the face of an angel? He licks his lips and then…and then, he kisses you. He was reborn. His reincarnation was complete. Earthly lifetimes before this had nothing on the life that he will build with you. He loves you. You love him. Tommy kisses you with years of passion and tenderness in his heart. The crease on his brows melts away and your whimpering sounded like God whispering to his ear. Nevermind the rain, nevermind everything. You were here and so was he. 

-

Tommy’s been staying over at your house ever since you professed your love for each other. He’d leave in the morning to attend to some business and then come back in the afternoon, shedding layers of today’s work into your arms. 

“How are you so beautiful?” he asks in hushed tones. His finger trails down your cheek gently. “I love you,”

“Tommy,” you chuckled. “You’ve been showering me with praise.”

“I’ve been waiting all my life to say these things to you, love. I’ll make up for those lost years everyday.” 

“I love you, Tommy,” you told him, rising from your position to kiss his cheek. “I don’t think I can love anyone else as much as I love you,”

“Pol knows about us,” he whispers. “I think John and Arthur are wondering where I’m always off to because they never see me home,”

“Nothing escapes past her,” you told him. “I miss her…I still can’t believe she intercepted those letters. I don’t know…I can’t hold a grudge against her but I can’t…”

“It’s alright. I understand,” he replied. “Took me a while to get over it too because…because if she didn’t, we’d have all of this earlier,”

“Why didn’t you tell me that you loved me before?”

“I wanted to tell you before I left but I can’t make you wait for me that long. I knew I was coming back to you but what if I couldn’t?” he asked. He holds your body closer to him. The hushed tones that you spoke in made the bedroom so homey, comfortable, and nice. His chin falls on the top of your head. “Why didn’t you tell me that you loved me?”

“I didn’t want you to love me,” you told him. “I was a prostitute, Tom and I…I don’t want to love you when I can’t give you all of me,” you whispered.

“It wouldn’t have mattered. I would have done something to make sure that you wouldn’t have to do any of that.” he said. He takes your fingers into his, weaving his with yours. 

-

“Are you off to see Y/N again?” Polly asked, sipping on her tea while she watched her nephew fix his coat. Tommy patted himself down, making sure that everything was in place. 

“Of course, Pol,” he smiles. “Off to see my woman,”

“Can…can you tell her that she’s invited for Sunday’s dinner?” Polly asked, wiping her worries away by rubbing her hands. “I’ve missed her. The family misses her,”

“I’ll try to,” Tommy replied. “But don’t expect anything, Pol,”

“Of course,” she replied. Her lips pursed together. “I wanted to tell her about…how sorry I am for the things I’ve done. It should have been your decision to stay in touch and not mine, no matter how much I justify it. I—I feel as though it was my fault for putting her through all of that, Tom,”

“Thank you, Pol,” Tommy nodded. 

“What has she been up to these days?” she asked.

“Fixing her estate and her properties,” he replied. “She’s been mostly cooped inside the house,” Polly only nods to herself, unsure of what to say. Tommy leaves with a click of his tongue. 

When he arrived at your house, you were in your office, sorting through some of the documents Simon left you. You look up at him from where you were sitting with a smile and he takes that as a sign to come closer. He kisses your shoulder lightly before reading over the documents. 

“You want to rest?” he asked, voice husky. He puts his hands on your shoulders and massages you gently. 

“Thanks, Tommy,”

“Polly’s inviting you to come to Sunday’s dinner,” he says. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to nor do you have to answer now. Ada’s gonna be there along with Karl. John and the kids…Arthur and Finn. Pol and then, me,”

Tommy kisses the top of your head, watching you sort through the papers. 

“Can I…can I think about it?” you asked him. You could see how important it is to him but you couldn’t agree just because he’s Tommy. It didn’t work that way anymore. He hums, satisfied with your reply before sitting on the chair adjacent to the table. 

“Anything I can do to help?” he asked. 

“Just…some of his unsettled accounts,” you sighed. “I want them paid to avoid issues,” you told him. He takes a document and reads it over. Oh. “I want to start a foundation for children or at least, fund an orphanage and a school,” 

“Do it,” he tells you. “Simon has left a considerable amount of properties to last generations.”

“What time should I go to Arrow House for Sunday’s dinner?” you asked. Tommy halts and looks at you with a grateful smile. 

“I’ll come get you,” he says, kissing your cheek. “Thank you. I know it’s not easy,” he tells you. You only nod, if Tommy can look at you like that again, then a thousand awkward dinners don’t mean a thing. 

-

Sunday comes and you stand at the door of Arrow House with his hand on your back. He could see you fumble nervously. You almost looked shy. An amused smile graces his face. Why would you be so shy when you’ve told John off multiple times? You helped raise Finn. Ada basically considers you as a sister. You were the only person that Arthur respects. Polly thinks of you as her daughter. 

“Are you ready?” he asks, his raspy voice coating you like honey. You nod and he chuckles, opening the door to his mansion.

The Shelbys were everywhere. Ada was running after Karl and John’s kids. Arthur was laughing at something that John probably said. Polly was nowhere to be found, probably fussing in the kitchen. 

“See? It’s like you never left,” he comforts you. He knows better than to have the attention all on you so he tries to slip past everyone without being noticed. Still, your arrival was much awaited and soon enough, you were engulfed in strong arms.

“Y/N!” John greets, hugging you tighter. “Oh, everyone! Y/N’s here!” he announces and you chuckle. 

“John…” Tommy warns but before his little brother can let you go, Arthur slings an arm around your shoulder. 

“How are you, dove?” he asked. 

“I’ve been well,” you replied. Ada comes next, shooing her brothers away to have you all to herself. 

“Y/N. It’s been so long since we last saw each other. You loom as radiant as ever! I hope my idiot brother’s treating you well, hm?” she asked, pointedly looking at an amused Tommy who was leaning by the fireplace. “Seriously, how are you? Are you doing well?” she asks in a  more serious tone.

“I am,” you replied. “Sorry it took me a year to recover,” you replied. 

“We understand, Y/N. We could’ve waited longer but Tommy here couldn’t. He was so fidgety!” she chuckled. “Basically pissed on everyone for a whole year! He almost got in a brawl with Arthur. That’s how miserable Tommy was but then again, you’ve never really seen Tommy being aggressive,”

“I haven’t,” you replied. Honestly, you were so glad that Tommy kept his gang and violence from you. You’ve never seen him land a punch even though you knew that he slept beside a gun. 

“Thank you for coming, though,” Ada says. “We all missed you and we wanted to come visit you but Tommy warned us to give you time and space until you’re ready after what happened,”

“You know that I’m always happy to be here. Everything was just too much at so little time, Ada,” you replied. “I’m sorry if I ever made it seem like I didn’t want you to be with me when I moved back here. I needed room to grow and heal,”

“You don’t have to apologise, Y/N. In any case, I actually feel quite guilty for the things that I allowed myself to put you through. All of us played a part in your marriage with Simon Coventry. I just…if you’re being forced or if there’s an inkling that you don’t want to be with Tommy—“

“Ada!” you laughed lightly. It puts a smile on her face. How long has it been since you laughed like that? “I’m alright. I love Tommy and I love your family. There’s not a day that I don’t want to see him. I’m always looking forward to his visits and when he can't, I still do the same anyway.” you told her. 

“That’s great,” she smiled. “I’m happy for you, Y/N. Tommy’s really lucky,”

You were so engrossed with your conversation with Ada that you didn’t see Polly approaching. It was Ada who called Polly over. Tension settles on your spine; creeping up like ice. Your throat dries and Ada coughs. 

“I’ll leave you two alone,” she says, smiling at you encouragingly before leaving. Polly walks towards you cautiously, scared that she’ll scare you. You smile at her tightly, your cheeks hurting from the control. 

“I…” you sighed, looking away. “I know that you want what is best for me but you didn’t have to intercept the letters,” you started. “I know that we didn’t know when Tommy’s coming back…or if he’s coming back and you wanted me to take the opportunity to–”

“Y/N,” she stops you, a soft hand on your crossed arms. “You don’t have to defend me. I’m so sorry for what happened and for what I did. I had no right to do what I did. If it wasn’t for me, you’d be happy…you’d–” she chokes. “I’m so sorry, my love,” she whispers, a stray tear on her face. She tries to shake it off. “I’m really sorry. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me someday,”

“But I forgive you, Pol,” you told her. “It was hard to do so and it’s harder to repair what we lost but you can’t blame yourself for the things that Simon did. We both didn’t know,” you told her. “Thank you for apologising and…thank you for always looking out for me,”

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I’m so, so, so sorry,” she cried. She could feel her throat tighten and her eyes glisten. You smiled at her. Maybe this was what you needed to finally close that part in your life.

The afternoon was filled with reunions and with warmth. A regular weekend at the Shelby’s, just like when you and Tommy were younger. Oh how you’ve missed them–how you’ve missed having a family. 

-

The night was quiet at the Arrow House. Everybody left at the sight of nightfall, dimming laughter filling the halls. You and Tommy were at the drawing room in the second storey of his mansion, looking at the cars that left one by one. He wraps his arms around your shoulders, his chin on the crook of your neck. He breathes in and kisses what he could kiss. 

“You alright?” he asked, pulling you closer. 

“Very,” you told him. “Made me realise how much I missed having your family around…I miss having a family,” 

“You are a part of us, you know that, right?” he asked.

“I know,” you replied, laying closer to him. 

“You can be a part of us. A real Shelby,” he whispers. “Y/N, look at me,” he asks of you, removing his hands gently and turning your around.

“Tommy?”

“Did you know Polly told me that only love can blind a man as powerful as me?” he asked. “I realised that wasn’t the case. It was you all along, love. My love for you is secondary. You’re the one who makes me weak, who makes me blind. I love you so much. I’ll burn the world if it means that you’re safe, you’re with me, and you’re happy. Y/N, do you want to be a Shelby?” he asked. He pulls out a ring from his bolster shakily. You’ve never seen him nervous. “I’ve held onto this for so long. This was the first thing I bought when I came back from war,” he says. The gold ring with a single diamond glimmers. “I thought of getting you something else…a bigger diamond, maybe but material things don’t matter to me anymore. The only thing I can promise is my love, my loyalty. I am the only thing I can promise you. I’m quite scared because if you’ll marry me, you’ll marry a man and you will marry a curse. I can’t…I can’t go on like this anymore. I can’t go on without you anymore. It’s selfish, I know but will you marry me, Y/N?” he asked. You stood there, dumbfounded. 

“Tommy–of course, I’ll marry you,” you replied, tears streaming down your face. “I’ve loved you for so long,” you chuckled, extending your hand towards his equally shaky ones. He puts the ring on your ring finger. It has always belonged to you. “I’ll marry you right now. Oh, Tom,” you cried, kissing him feverishly. He wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you closer. Is this life even real?

“Let’s go to my bedroom,” he rasps and you nod. He holds your hand with his gentle ones and sits you on the bed. He smiles at you in the dimming light of his bedroom. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispers. He was afraid to see you disappear if he was too loud. “So beautiful for me,” he says, tucking a stray hair and kissing the spot under your ear. You hum, fishing for the buttons of his shirt and he chuckles, forcefully removing it from himself. 

“Tom,” you whispered, unbuttoning your dress. He nods, leaning on the headboard and letting you straddle him. The softness of your skin against his was sending him over the edge but he chooses to control himself. He lets your dress and brassiere fall on your shoulders, your breasts bare to him. He angles himself, taking a nipple in his mouth and licking it softly. You whimpered, the feeling of his mouth on one of the most sensitive parts of your body was something that you never thought was going to happen. 

“Is it alright if I bite?” he asked and you nodded. “Say it. Come on, love,”

“Do whatever you want to me, Tommy,” you mewled, hands massaging your silky breasts while he sucks on your nipple.

“Fuck, love,” He groans at your response, bucking his hips unexpectedly. “The things you do to a man, Y/N. The things you do to me,” his hands travel on your sides, goosebumps appearing from the softness of his touch. Tommy cups your heat through your underwear. “Remove your dress for me,”

You nod, the cold hitting you all at once when you raised yourself from him. He watches the fabric flow so softly until you are left with nothing but your underwear. 

“Remove that too,” he says, and you nodded. “You’re so obedient, Y/N,” he praises. “May I?” he asked and you nodded, a thick finger dipping in your wetness. You both moaned at the contact before he removed it slowly. You watched as he brought his finger up to his mouth, making a show of licking you off of him. “You’re so sweet,” 

“Tommy,” you whimpered. “Don’t tease me,” 

“Alright, alright,” he replied. You remove yourself from him, laying down on the bed with your legs spread wide. He can see your pussy glisten and he curses himself, removing his pants hastily before joining you. “Spit,” he orders you, his hand waiting expectedly by your mouth. You obliged and watched him jerk himself off. “Tell me what you want, Y/N,” he says. 

“Tommy–”

“Please,” he begs. “I’ll do it. I’ll fucking do it,”

“I want you to make love to me, Tommy,” you whimpered. “Please show me how much you love me,” 

“Oh, love,” he groans. Tommy comes towards you, so close, so warm. His hands found your knees and he caressed your knees. “You're so beautiful, darling,” 

“Tom,” you mewled. His prying fingers found your heat. He cups your mound and then parts your folds, rubbing them up and down. He smiles at you, leaning over your figure until his nose brushes yours. 

“Hey,” he tells you. He watches you closely and he wonders why he never had the courage to tell you how much he loved you earlier. The curve of your lips, the lashes on your eyes…he wanted to memorise every part of you and commemorate it. He leans down, his mouth on your mouth, kissing you so slowly. This is love, you thought. Tommy nudges your legs wider apart, his tip pressing into your wetness. “Fuck, love,” he rasps, rutting into your more roughly.

“I need you inside me, Tom,” you breathed. He nods, aligning himself on your wet slit. He feels the anticipation run through his veins. He never would have even dreamed of this. In a slow stroke, Tommy’s cock finds its way inside easily; years of longing, passion, and pent-up emotions seeping through your pores. 

“You’re, ugh—“ he groans. Fuck. “Don’t fucking move yet. I’ll—“

“Tom—“ you mewled, grinding on his pelvis in circles. You felt full; you felt complete. 

“Love, please,” he begs. “Let me…let me savour this. Want this to last,” He feels your body relax and he sighs. Really, if he decided to move now, he’s only going to embarrass himself. He curses to himself, ashamed that he had to pull himself back a little bit. “I’m going to move, yeah?” he asked and you could only nod. Tommy leans his figure over yours, his lips landing on your nipple. He licks on it lightly as he adjusts himself. He pulls out slowly, before going back in slowly. 

You both moan in unison. Tommy continues his movements while he sucked on your nipple. Your hands find their way to his hair, pulling it softly. 

“I love you, Tom,” you whimpered,feeling his cock rubbing inside. “I love you so much,”

“Mmm,” he only hums, his attention on your other nipple now. Your fingers find their way onto your clitoris and you rub circles on it while Tommy fucks you deeper. “Fuck,” he groans, breaking away from the comfort of your arms and leaning back. He removes your hand and raises one of your legs. You watched as Tommy fucks you faster, but now it was deeper and you felt more full because of your new position. “Oh, fuck,” he rasps, his thumb coming in contact with your clit.

“Tommy,” you moaned when you felt his rough thumb rubbing circles. “Fuck, I—“ 

“It’s alright, darling. I will take —good—care—of—you,” he said, thrusting harder into you to make his point. “You won’t have to worry about anything anymore. You have me…your Tommy,”

“My Tommy,” you whispered, as if it was a new concept when Tommy knew that he belonged to you from the very start. Still, hearing the words come from your mouth excites him. 

“Say it again,”

“My Tommy,” you repeated. “Fuck, Tommy,” you mewled, pinching your nipples together. 

“Fuck, you want me to fuck babies into you?” he asked, quickening his pace. 

“Yes, Tommy, please!” you whimpered. “Going to make you a daddy,”

“I’m going to make love to you everyday and cum inside your pretty pussy, yeah?” he rasps, his cock fucking your wet pussy harder. “Oh fuck,”

The lewd sounds of skin slapping against skin, your wetness welcoming him with every thrust fills the room. You were both high, moans and grunts filling every crevice of the room. Tommy fucks you sloppier while your fingers play with your clit. 

“I’m close, ugh—Tommy,” you grunted. “Tom, Tom, Tommy,”

“Let go, love,” he whimpered. “Go on,” 

His words fuelled you and you released a high pitched moan as he felt your walls clench around him. The feeling of your pussy milking him sends him into overdrive and you feel it. You felt his warm cum coating your walls.

“Fuck, Y/N,” he moans, thrusting his hips into you even more to chase his orgasm. “I love you. I fucking love you,” he rasps, collapsing into you.

“I love you, Tommy,” you replied, playing with the soft tendrils of his hair. He lays there, unmoving, his softening cock still inside you. 

“Let’s stay like this forever,” he says, kissing your breast. 

“Alright,”

“Now, you’ve seen me,”

“And you’ve seen me,”

-

BIRMINGHAM, 1925

“Tom!” you shrieked, looking at the muddy footprints that stained your white carpet. Over the last few years, you both decided that it would be best to stay at your place instead of the Arrow House. You both agreed that it was too dark and too lonely. It was so unlike the lush gardens, the water fountain, and the scurrying feet of the maids in your house. Besides, Tommy liked it here better. It was brighter, happier, and his nephews and nieces loved to visit. 

“Oh no,” he hears a child say. “Oh, no, no, no,”

“Shh,” he crouches down to her height. “If we’re quiet, mum won’t see us,”

“Thomas Shelby! I told you to leave the boots outside whenever you’re out with the horses,” 

“Dad—I don’t want to get mummy mad,” she whispers. “Let’s say sorry,”

Tommy looks at his daughter with wonder in his eyes. He never knew he’d love someone else as much as he loves you.

“Alright,” he nods, bracing himself. “Come on,”

His daughter holds his hands and gets out of the hiding place. She immediately cowers behind her father when she sees the hand on your hip.

“It was dad’s fault!” you heard her say, running towards you and hugging your legs. “Daddy did it!”

You frowned at Tommy but he could see the smile that dared to crack. 

“Oh, bub. Where’s your loyalty to your old man, hmm?” he asked, a hand over his heart. “Darling, I must let you know that…” he trailed off kissing your cheek first. “Our daughter here is a natural,”

“Tommy…”

“I know, I know,” he soothed, massaging the crease between your eyebrows. “We’re sorry, right, bub?” he asked your little girl. She nodded, looking up at you. “Traitor,” Tommy whispers to himself before ruffling her hair. 

“Just don’t do it again, alright?” you asked him. 

BIRMINGHAM, 1913

“Do you think there’s a future where the two of us can be together?” Tommy asked. Upon seeing your panicked reaction, he coughs. “What I meant is…that we’ll still be like this,”

“Of course, we will,” you replied. “Only better…because by that time, we won’t have to worry about anything anymore because we’re together.”

“Really?”

“Of course, Tommy. You’re the most important person in my life. I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose you too,” you replied, looking at him, trying to look for his reaction. You looked away when you saw the ghost of a smile paint his features. He’s always been so handsome. 

“You won’t,” he replied, taking your hand to make that promise. “You won’t ever lose me,” he tells you. 

“I guess, I won’t.”

END A/N: I am so sorry for taking so long to upload this. I really am sorry. I'll be uploading a separate author's not soon. But for now, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. TAGLIST:  @shelbydelrey @runnning-outof-time @duckybird101 @thenattitude @swordofawriter @litteltourtius​ @trixie23​ @everythingelseisextra​ @majesticcmey @liveat1am @dumb-wh @denabp16 @yvonna-chan @goldensunflowe-r @therosabel @hunnibearrr @dazecrea @daddyslittleattentionwhore @the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf @dang-shawty-okay @dasia21 @tsenthusiast1920 @aces-tattooartist @panda-luminary @ttaechi @spencerrxids @i-heart-food @fudge13 @affabletimelady @heartcereql @ce1iat @notalxx @1800-queen-trash @sweetwanderlust05 @globetrotter28 @thebestandworstdayofjune @reggxe-a @verreuckteli @vampireluck @zoexme @liter4ti @quixscentsposts @homosexualjohnwayne @charli123456789 @Maria_elizabeth21

#tommy shelby x reader #thomas shelby x reader #tommy shelby fluff #tommy shelby angst #tommy shelby smut #tommy shelby #peaky blinders #peaky blinders x reader #hurt/comfort #cillian murphy #cillian murphy x reader #fanfiction #fanfic #angst #fluff #smut #protection!tommy

[onmyyan]

🗡️Psycho🗡️ Anon, here again! #3?

I don’t think you’re ever gettin rid of me now that you’ve told me you like what I’ve submitted to ya. Ya bad for me n my ego. You’re enabling me hun. It does mean a lot to me though and I am very happy I’m makin you foam at the mouth. Your men make me go feral and I obviously have stage 4 brain rot for all your OCs. No treatment for me. No salvation either doc

So here some intense follow up appointment delulu I got from the long ass Ashley Hunt AU story with hard core city girl reader I sent earlier. Buckle up bitch…you’re probably always gonna be in for a long haul with me…

Leavin off from Ash and our HEA, we got twins on the way n shit. And Ash is gonna give us at least another 5 babies too since we his happy lil breedin sow. But we gon speed up in time and not focus too much on dat, cause in the end we got 6 sons and 1 lil baby girl who da youngest. All back to back pregnancies. Ash got dem sexy hot dominant genes and really just gave his sons all the gifts he himself has. Tall, handsome, strong, chivalrous, charismatic, intelligent, etc. (They probably god’s favorites too). And we were like a fuckin printin machine makin copies n wonderin why the fuck we havin so many sons. So we fuckin delighted when we finally got a baby girl and are finally able to put the towel in cause we were also done havin his babies too. We love him. But 7 is plenty…

And so our story is really gonna focus on our lil baby Princess, cause she’s basically gonna be the “new reader insert.” Lil baby Princess grows up as a total daddy’s girl and is also doted on by her 6 big bros. She knows how to do some farm work, though she mostly inside helpin us her mama doin domestic work as it’s a bit more tough takin care of 7 men by oneself and we can always use an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. And you bet Ash is drillin in the same work ethic into his own sons as his own pa did to him. Builds character...

Lil baby Princess grows up wantin more in life. Just like how Ash’s sons inherited near almost everything from him, she inherited near almost everything from us her mama. Princess wanna leave the small town fast and is dead set on doin so when she graduates with her associates degree from the local community college. Her daddy, Ash managed to convince her to stay at the community college first. Get out general eds, stay closer to home before makin the big city leap and potentially getting a bachelors degree. Reluctantly Princess agreed to it but still had to go to the next town over since that’s where the community college is. Her home town is still much smaller…

And so she finally got her associates degree at 21 and is headin to the city to find a job n new life once the summer passes. It’ll be her last summer at home with her family she’s decided. On one of her casual outings ridin a horse she finds a man stuck on the road. Flat tire. Nice car too. He’s very handsome, tall, and muscular…to everyone else. But to Princess he just average and nothin much to look at. That what livin with 7 men built by Greek gods for 21 years does to ya. Makes ya numb to everyone people will conventionally say is beautiful n attractive. And Princess grew up with every woman around her thirstin over one of her bros and her father too. Even women from other towns would find excuses to swing by and gawk at the 7 men workin on the farm. So needless to say Princess isn’t wooed by men’s appearances…

Princess decides to help the poor fellow out cause her daddy raised her right. Offers him up a ride on her horse and tells the man she’ll call a truck for his car later. The man accepts and thinkin she’ll have to help him up on the horse for some time, the man easily mounts on the horse like it’s the second nature? And in an expensive suit too? She shakes it off and they go back to the Hunt farm…

During the ride the man asks Princess her name and what not (and I guess it’d still be Y/N cause the excuse is that she was named after her mama by Ash’s demands). Princess asks his name too, he gives it to her, and then no more talking on her end. This confuses the man as all his life people have usually wanted to make conversation with him. Or have usually always commented on his beautiful appearance by now. But not Princess. She really doesn’t give a shit about a stranded man’s life story. She’s here to do a job and get on with her life. And of course she’s immune to beauty at this point…

They finally come to the Hunt residence where Princess puts away her horsie and fixes up the man some water and food, bein a good host and all. She calls up the local mechanic and informs them of the details. Princess then just straight up leaves the man and tells him if he wants to take a nap, shower, whatever, to help himself. This is a fuckin power move as Princess has truly run out of shits to give in life. And she still ain’t tryin to converse at all with the man. Man is livid right now. Seeing Princess’s eyes filled with indifference. He confused as fuck too. Wonderin if she mentally sound or this is some country culture etiquette he doesn’t understand…

Now for the good shit. The Hunt men all come in as with so many hands workin on the farm now, shit gets done exponentially faster even though they got more stock and stuff over the years. They a little confused at first seein a posh lookin man greet them. But nothin gets bad as the man quickly explains the situation that happened. And the man is stunned to lookin at all these 7 aesthetically gorgeous men. The man is very confident in his own looks and it rarely happens in his life that he starts to get a bit insecure about them…

Ash asks the man where his daughter is, and the man replies that she just left? Much to the laughter of Ash’s 6 sons howling that “they’ll have nothing to ever worry about” with Princess. The man’s ego is damaged at this point. Is he unattractive? Is he undesirable? But he easily keeps a calm and collected face and voice…

The Hunt men politely excuse themselves having to go wash up from workin all day, leaving the man all alone again. We the mama enter the area, having heard commotion n stuff. We were preparing dinner n stuff in the kitchen which was far away. We go through same process and introduce and meet the mystery man. The phone rings and it’s the mechanic tellin us that the car won’t be ready for quite some time and the man will have to hitch a ride out of town if he’s got somewhere to be urgently. We inform the man and also ask if he got a place to stay. He don’t since he was just drivin by the town, so we offer him our home for the time bein. He hesitantly accepts…

Man decides to converse with us instead since we’re the most hospitable and social person he’s met in the family. He asks about our family and we do him. He keeps his background vague and we get the hint not to pock around. He really is just curious about our daughter, the Princess of the family. And we happily tell him all about her. Her hopes and dreams n stuff. Much to his delight that Princess seems like a normal human being n not a mechanical doll…

And that when he get the idea to propose to Princess later to take her with him out of the town to see the city and new places. Cause while he hasn’t fallen in love with her at first sight or anything like Ash did, there’s something about us that’s drawing him near. Perhaps it is our absolute indifference to him, and the fact that he just wants to prove something to himself. He wants to “figure us out.” Princess is a bit of a conquest and trophy to him, and he’s not afraid to admit that. So what’s the harm in this mutually future beneficial relationship? He’ll provide for Princess to get out of town and be able to see the world, and in turn he’ll get us to fall for him. The perfect plan. Nothing can go wrong…

A Princess for a Grand Duke, isn’t that fitting? Though the man will keep that a secret for as long as he can. If she asks questions about his wealth he’ll just pretend he’s an investor or something. One things for sure, Princess will definitely keep him entertained for a long time. A really really really long time…⁄(⁄ ⁄ ⁄ω⁄ ⁄ ⁄)⁄

And scene! I just love imaginin different flavors of a yandere stories. Like dis one is obviously a much more slower burn than the whirlwind romance of Ash and his wifey. And it’d really follow the descent of madness of a Grand Duke yandere who’s truly falling into love and obsession over his lady. He thinkin he in control at first but realize steadily fast that he can’t live without her. And to make it worse, he never lose control of things in his life. Not his looks, his composure, etc. so it makes this predicament even nastier for him to deal with. But lucky for us Princess, havin grown up with Ash as our daddy and 6 big bros who also have some questionable “protective” tendencies, we have a bit of a contorted sense of love too. So our “normal” is much different than other people’s “normal”

Also did you like the hint I dropped in dis drabble about the mystery man’s background? It was about him being able to easily get up on a horse despite being in a suit and lookin all fancy and stuff. Cause not many people can do that. So you either know how to do it as a career…or as a hobby…

Final thought as to why a Grand Duke yandere ya thinkin? From your OCs ya got the Delmonts who are criminal flavor, then Ash who’s country flavor, and then other popular yandere archetypes tend to be royalty, famous, or CEO more often than not. So I thought that royalty would be fun since it’d give the new leadin man not just an abundance of financial power but social power as well that CEO power might lack. Ya know…since royals can have diplomatic immunity and CEOs pretty much don’t. Some new flavors for the spice cabinet is always good. Besides I also just wanna see a man abuse his absolute power with impunity in yandere stories sometimes…So if ya ever decide to make a new yandere OC. Here an idea. I don’t mind ya usin it and I’d be thrilled if ya did

Love 🗡️Psycho🗡️ Anon

A/N: OKAYA THE INSTANT BRAIN ROT THIS GSVE ME SBDJDKD YOU DID IT AGAIN MY LOVE OMG THE WAYYY I INSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WJTH THIS PIECE EEEE THE SIX OLDER BROTHERS WHO ARE CARBON COPIES OF ASH??? HELLO??? AMAZING WRITING THAT DOWN Holy FUCK‼️‼️‼️💗👄💗 NOT TO MENTION THE DUKE EEEEEEEE AND PRINCESS IS SUCH A PERFECT NICKNAME FOR BABY GIRL I CANNOT YOUR MIND IS SO BEAUTIFUL THANK YOU FOR FEEDING ME AND US ONCE AGAIN😩😩😩😩❤️❤️❤️UR POOKIE FR HERE SUM V SMALL BEC MY BRAIN IMMEDIATELY STARTED HAPPY DANCING W THIS CONCEPT

Princess stared at the man, her hard (e/c) eyes unwaivering, unmoving in their glare. She sucked her teeth, hearing her father's voice in her head as she stuck her hand up waving the stranger over.

"Get on, we'll take you somewhere safe, get this all figured out yea?" Princess says, no hint of suggestion in her soft voice. The stranger staggered for a moment before offering her his famous grin, a smile that had gotten him far in his life, "Thank you- really you're too kind, what's your name?" He says smoothly mounting the horse, expecting some fanfare from the desert rose before him, but instead he got a stiff nod and, "(Y/n)." was all he got.

She clicked her tongue and the horse took off, she hadn't waited to see if he was situated, a small smile on her face as she heard him gasp at their sudden departure.

#yananswers #anon submission #yandere #yandere x reader #yandere x y/n #yandere oc x reader #new yanderes alert‼️‼️‼️‼️ #psycho anon you have my whole entire heart

[tommygrace]

A little story that I would like to see happen in the movie.

Five years have passed, and Ada is in politics, Arthur has his own garage and Linda is a teacher, and Lizzie has two children with a normal man, she is married.

The three of them met, because they have to go talk to Tommy. They took Charlie away. Charlie lives with Tommy but some weekends he stays with Lizzie, less and less according to her. The three going to look for Tommy at his house, and they start talking to each other. We find out, that for the world Tommy is dead, except for them. Arthur and Ada ask Lizzie if she has seen Tommy? She tells him that the last time she saw him was when he found out about his illness, that it was a lie, Tommy went to look for them, he reconciled with Charlie but with Lizzie the two decided that it was best to be friends, she deserved someone who really loved her, according to Tommy. And after that time she didn't see him again, but she did find out what happened to him.

It seems that Mosley's men went looking for him, beat him and put him in prison. Ada and Arthur told Lizzie that yes it's true, he was imprisoned for two weeks, but they were able to get him out, with the help of Churchill. And they also said that he was imprisoned in a place, that there were women, children and men, all living there together.

And Tommy met a woman there, also like him, they put her in prison when she was innocent, she didn't do it, but they still sentenced her to 40 years. Ada tells Lizzie that Tommy fell in love with this woman, and that they are still together after 5 years. Lizzie is surprised, she didn't know, Charlie had never told her. Ada tells her that they live together, with Charlie and Duke, in a house in the country. And that they got married. Lizzie doesn't respond, she seems hurt, she asks Ada how the wedding was? She replies that she wasn't there since it was inside the prison. In those two weeks. Lizzie is even more surprised. "But how? If it was a month after he and I"…Ada and Arthur look at her with pity, she finally realizes that Tommy never loved her.

After a while in silence, Lizzie asks them what she is like. They remain silent, and Arthur responds, "we don't know, we don't know her. Tommy doesn't want to, he says that no one can know that she left prison, he is afraid that they will look for her again and take her away".

Ada: "He is very protected with her, I never saw him like that."

Arthur: "Me neither, but… he's happy, my brother is finally happy and has peace. It's the only thing that matters".

Ada: "Yes, he doesn't stop smiling, I have never seen him so happy".

Lizzie looks at them seriously, with a suffering face, she hates that Tommy is happy with another woman, and that he never was happy with her. They continue driving in the car, the three of them, heading to see Tommy.

Now we are outside a house in the countryside. It is a small but beautiful house. We are in the room and we see that Tommy is making love to someone, very passionately, and very slowly. Stop kissing her for a second so he can look at her, and there we see who she is. Grace!!!

We find out that the two work in the fields, with the horses but they also work undercover for Churchill, they are both undercover spies.

Tommy continues making love to her, very passionately. Happy.

We find out that Grace was in that prison this whole time. She was taken away after that night, during which she was shot. In all that time, she had only one visitor. That priest. He informed her that once Tommy does what he has to do, he will come looking for her. That priest never returned. And neither does Tommy. She survived, using her intelligence, her skills, and her strength.

But now, they are finally at peace and happy, living with Charlie and Duke in their small country house. Tommy hugs her every day, because he doesn't want to let her go, never again, a day without her. Finally he is at peace.

#tommy shelby #grace shelby #tommy x grace #ada sheby #arthur shelby #peaky blinders fanfic

[katy-l-wood]

Who wants spoilers?

My new book comes out on October 31st, and I know some people prefer having more of a heads up about what happens in books than others, so this post shall be full of spoilery details below the cut, for those who want them!

You can find all the places to purchase the book on my website.

Main Characters:

Royal is genderfluid and queer and in their early 20s. Uses they/them pronouns. Appears as both a man, woman, and ??? at varying times throughout the story. Royal also suffers from chronic pain, something that plays a crucial role in the plot due to the fact they use magic to deal with it, but the problem with that is sometimes it works a little TOO good. Royal is obsessed with the magic of the Pits.

Clarabella is lesbian, is 17 (almost 18), and has a girlfriend named Emilia. She is Royal's younger sister. She does not believe in magic at the start of the book. She's considered the Good Sibling of her family, but only because she was always compared to Royal who was much louder in their nonsense so Clarabella seemed fine by comparison. She is not fine.

Shiloh is gay, in his mid 20s, and dating Royal. He is a VERY large Irish man with wild curly red hair and a beard that comes to a point, along with a twirled mustache. When Clarabella meets him she thinks he has a face the devil would steal. He is actually a teddybear, and worked as a teacher for a short time. His mother died when he was young in a house fire. He rides a semi-magical horse that is about twice the size of a regular horse. Said horse bites.

Akhíta is in her early 20s and 1/2 Lakota, 1/2 Black. Her father was a former slave who died in the Civil War when Akhíta was a toddler. She's loosely the leader of the little outlaw gang, but only in a vague sense. Her mother is a nurse and has so far managed to escape getting rounded up onto a reservation because she's been useful in the rural area she lives. It's implied that Akhíta frequently leaves the group to free people still being held in slavery/slavery like conditions and smuggles them to safety.

Other Characters:

Little Mountain is a Ute woman in her mid 20s and is completely deaf.

Emilia is 18, a lesbian, and Clarabella's girlfriend. Her father tries to marry her off to a rich Duke in California, which is what kicks off the plot of the book as Clarabella tries to go and rescue her. Emilia ends up getting corrupted by the magic of the Pits.

Fox is a 16ish trans man who ran away with Royal after Royal robbed his parents' house and Fox realized "hey, this person is genderweird, which sure does explain some things about myself, and I wanna know more."

The Preachers are a group of magical women who roam the Pits making deals. It is rumored they are women who ran away from abusive husbands and died in the Pits, but no one is entirely sure.

Plot Details:

No characters die. Royal is believed to have died at the end of the book, but in the epilogue it is revealed they are not actually dead, but some weird shit has certainly happened.

There are several gunfights throughout the book, and some do result in injuries of main characters and the death of NPC type characters.

The Pits, as they're known, are essentially inside-out mountains and the deeper you go the weirder the magic gets. Because of this, people do not go into the Pits, and those who do never come out for reasons unknown. If manmade objects get left in the Pits for long enough, they start to get imbued with unpredictable magical properties. Royal's gang goes into the shallow areas of the Pits--deep enough for objects to turn magical, but not so deep they're in much danger by doing so--and retrieves these objects, selling them to random rich people.

Some animals are implied to be killed during a big fight with fantasy creatures. Also the expected mentions of hunting and fishing for a story like this. Shiloh is injured in this attack.

There are a lot of discussions about racist/neglectful parents and coming to terms that even if they were good to YOU, that doesn't mean they were good people (and maybe they weren't all that good to you either).

There's no major on page racism and homophobia as part of the plot. These things are acknowledged, but only tangentially. Sometimes you just need a weird, fun fantasy story, ya know?

There is a scene where Clarabella nearly falls to her death when her rope snaps as the group is climbing down a cliff.

There's a scene where the characters are in a strange cavern full of huge crystals that show them visions of loved ones--dead and alive--telling them to turn around and go home.

I think that covers most of it? If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

You can find all the places to purchase the book on my website.

#The Pits #The Pits Spoilers #My Writing #Book #Book Rec #Book Release

[carriagelamp]

Coming in just under the wire... my top (...or well, in some cases the most distinctive) books I read in 2022!

You know, I was startled to realize that while I did read a rather nice collection of queer lit this year, I didn't read a single Canadian novel. This is the first year in a few I haven't been able to put at least one on my list... I'll have to remedy that next year.

I'll do a brief description of the books, for those who are curious, but my more robust summaries/reviews are in the monthly reviews.

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson -- a story about an orphan who receives a birthday gift of sand from his presumably long dead parents and gets drawn into a strange, magical adventure by his mysterious grandfather

Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales -- a crime noir adventure comic featuring beautiful art and stunning scenery

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy -- a gentle collection of affirmations forming a loose, beautifully drawn narrative

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell -- a story about the chosen one attending a magical school and his rival - rather obviously a parody but it successfully creates characters, narrative, and romance that fully stands on its own

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming -- a story about a family who buy a very special car, one which seems to have a life of its own as it reveals a startling range of abilities and cunning that guide them through adventure

Dead Voices by Katherine Arden -- the sequel to Small Spaces, the children have survived their meeting with the Smiling Man and hope that life can return to normal... however when they get snowed in to a ski lodge it becomes quickly evident their holiday will be anything but that

Failed Princesses by Ajiichi -- a classic shoujo premise, in which a popular student and a nerd have a tumultuous first meeting but gradually find themselves warming to each other and slowly a romance begins to bloom... but now with lesbians!

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman -- the quirky explanation a father offers to his children, to justify why he was so late getting back from the shop with the milk...

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xui -- the powerful and feared Yiling Patriarch has been killed and the world is better for it... except years later he has found himself summoned back to the land of the living, his soul stuffed inside a body, and mysterious crimes of the past bubbling back up

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman -- a cute comic showing the developing friendships, relationships, identities, and mental health between Charlie Spring, Nick Nelson, and their collection of friends

Holes by Louis Sachar -- classic novel of Stanley Yelnats, a boy suffering under the curse of his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather, who has found himself wrongly accused of theft and now struggling to find his place and survive at the detention center Camp Green Lake

Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei -- a story about hockey protege Mickey James III who has a heavy family legacy to live up to and is fighting desperately for the NHL top draft spot... except his top rival is attending the same college as him and isn't going to make things easy

In Deeper Waters by F. T. Luckens -- I'll be honest, I don't remember what this book is about besides pirates, magic, and queer characters... it was a fun enough read but obviously not overly memorable

The Iron Giant // The Iron Woman by Ted Hughes -- originally published as The Iron Man, this is a classic romp about a young boy who overcomes his community's fear and befriends a massive robot which appeared one day from the sea. I also read its sequel, The Iron Woman, which may be even better, and is about another massive robot who has bears the agonies of aquatic life being slowly poisoned and has now appeared to reap vengeance on those responsible for polluting the water

Kase-san and the Morning Glories by Hiromi Takashima -- an adorable series about shy, clumsy Yamada who becomes entranced by the beautiful, outgoing track star, Kase.

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono -- the novel that inspired the Ghibli film; this book is about a young witch who has set off to spend a year on her own, developing her craft and earning her own way

Minecraft: The Mountain by Max Brooks -- I found the first book very intriguing, though this sequel was only middling. The character from the first book has left his island and has found a whole new world with whole new challenges, everything from new animals, a new friend, and a whole new deadly world to explore

Modelland by Tyra Banks -- my girlfriend read this together mostly as a joke, but my god what a wild ride I don't know if I've ever laughed so much at a book. This is Harry Potter but for a deranged magical modelling based society with the most insane strings of words you have ever seen in one place

Orphaned by Eliot Schrefer -- a book about a young gorilla who finds herself separated from her family and forced to take care of her little brother, all while being stalked by a strange new sort of creature in their jungle home...

Outbursts of Everett True by A. D. Condo and J. W. Raped -- an old newspaper comic about the Everett True, a man who goes about his life giving rude, nasty, and generally unpleasant jerks the walloping we all secretly wish we could unleash

Prince of Song and Sea by Linsey Miller -- a Little Mermaid story, told through the eyes of Prince Eric, with a whole new cast of characters, lore, curses, and exciting worldbuilding

Queer Ducks by Eliot Schrefer -- a well-researched and very readable nonfiction popsci book that explores the complexity of sex and gender in the animal world

Touching Spirit Bear // Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen -- a childhood classic about Cole Matthew who, after beating a child badly enough to cause permanent injury, has to come to terms with his anger through a form of restorative justice that sees him on a lonely island and in the path of a majestic and dangerous white bear

Witch Week // Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones -- two different novels by Diana Wynne Jokes, first a reread, second a new one for me. Witch Week is a favourite, about witch orphans living at a bording school in which a note warns that someone in the class is a witch. The second is about orphan Earwig and her battle against the witch who adopted her with the intention to use her as a slave.

#book review #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #mdzs #blacksad #bande dessinée #minecraft #minecraft the moutain #max brooks #neil gaiman #carry on #rainbow rowell #little mermaid #the prince of song and sea #linsey miller #queer ducks #queer lit #queer books #lgbt books #orphaned #eliot schrefer #witch week #earwig and the witch #diana wynne jones #howl's moving castle #the iron giant #alcatraz vs the evil librarians #iron woman #touching spirit bear #outbursts of everett true #kiki's delivery service

[taakosleftshoe]

hey can you describe the plot of the last two arcs of ethersea s1 to the best of your ability? I haven’t finished it and I want to listen to it in my head during the ap calc exam tomorrow

Well peter you are in a heap of luck because my answer comes to you like two or three months late! Hurray!!!!

Oh um and if you're my friend Siena, don't read this post!! Spoilers ahead!!!!

Okay. So. The menagerie. Following the shit that happened in cambrias call the crew have saved the city and yada yada they're heroes . They go back to the bluespan brokerage like hey we want a new mission and Ravi is like oh yeah I have this one or the biomass swarm which has been available since day one with Ballaster Kodira but keep running away from it I guess. And Justin is like I'll take the first option. Anyways they go to the conservatory where the curator is and he's like hey uh some of my animals got stolen

And they talk to the horse, well Zoox does I guess, and Devo follows one of the security sprites cause he doesn't fuckin trust it. And he does such a good performance check that he turns into a white cube or something. And they manage to not track it exactly but realized it's the same type as was in the abyssal auction. And they want to get in touch with this guy

So they are like ok the best way to do this is to talk to someone who we Know would know him. And they take a wine bottle to Aloysius supremes house and try to bribe him into telling them? Honestly no idea how that worked out for them. But it did.

And then they take their ship to where he told them to and dock and pretend to be fucking window inspectors or some bullshit of equal holding. And they infiltrate and they are like damn this is fancy and amber and Devo chill in the study but Zoox is like I need to soak :( and then amber like pulls some stunt maybe it's another bathroom break scenario and Devo dresses like a waitstaff to blend in. He goes to the docks and talks to tolliver maybe who he learns runs the place? Which is called crescendo. And amber finds the place the auroch is stored and goes into it and she has to fight some dude cause they're trying to hunt the animals. And she saved the auroch but then it started talking and oh what it has griffins face ok that's weird . And they get it on the ship or some bullshit and then Zoox bombs the place and kills everyone inside and damages the Coriolis a little bit but it's mostly fine. Idfk what their deal is.gonna be real I remember menagerie the least. There was an undersea encounter somewhere there and I think it may have been blinksharks telling Zoox about the four arm woman person who hang in the sky and boil sea? And he's like yeah ok. Also it may have been the ghost ship? Or a mermaid?

Then they get back to founders wake and another ship is like uh permission to board and KODIRA!!! shows up and she's like... Devo I'm im so sorry. The hand of guidance is dead

‼️‼️‼️💥💥💥

So they go to the Parrish and investigate and Kodira's like look this is kind of illegal but I'm gonna let you all do whatever you have to to investigate. And they're like she didn't kill herself someone made her do this and then they go to the schoolhouse and talk to seldom and idk what came of that cause I forgot.

They decide it's probably orlene and he's been weird so they are gonna go after him and they're like hey let's bring Kodira also urchin has a friend now but it's not important. Along the way they come across some minefield or something and aaa blinkshark maybe? The important part is the statue that is at the bottom of the ocean. Amber swims down to it and when she touches it she has a vision where she is like on land and Koda is about to step on her but he is smiling. And then her astral arms are way more powerful and the statue glows green.

Kodira blinks them back and is like wtf happened and amber is like check it pretty swag huh? And Kodira's like. I gotta process

And then after a day they reach this big dome made of bleached coral. And they have to fight the last of the blinksharks which they end up killing. And they go into the dome and fight a coral dragon. But amber hears fighting downstairs from Kodira so she's like!!!! I gotta help! An she sees that there's just been.. a.. slaughter. Kodira is standing in the middle of just a field of slain bleached coral bodies. And a red eye on her forehead is glowing. Koda starts talking to amber about how magic destroyed world's yada yada join him to stop it from destroying the next or shit idfk he sees ambers green arms and is like you have such a power you don't know you possess. And then fights her for it

Kodira has six red astral arms out and amber manages to grapple her into a bear hug from behind and hold them down. And Koda is like wow she... Really.. . Doesn't want me to fight you. And they fight more and she eventually is like fine I'll join you if everyone gets to leave safe. And Kodira's mouth is bleeding and she gets some blood on one of the empty portal attempts and uh it activates.

Upstairs, Zoox and Devo defeat the coral dragon and face orlene. They learn that he wants to go back in time and be with his family. He has a bunch of portals formed from the coral which is what he was using drynarr to do . They talk, fight, etc. Zoox is separated from his body and becomes the coral tower, after a chat w finneas in his mind palace . Orlene dies. Devo looks into the portal of the past, and says the words he knows so well,

"when kingdoms fall the sea provides a home for all beneath the tides... and bring your families"

And then he returns downstairs where koda-kodira and amber have been fighting. And amber is like hey Devo come look at this and she's like, I just wanted you to see it once (I'm not cryi--). And then goes back to fighting Koda and she's like actually if you want magic gone you're gonna have to come get it and dashes for the portal and leaps into it shouting kela sai guppies momma's home! And Kodira jumps in after her and holds herself up with these red arms and grabs onto amber but then amber turns on the vapour suit, snapping at Kodira's arm, and they both fall into the new world and the portal shuts behind them.

Devo and Zoox go home. He wants to see seldom but goes to the schoolhouse to find only beck, saying seldom took his ship and went away. Devo becomes the new head of the Parrish and he turns it into a school. Zoox is made th defender of the city and has a giant mech body. He builds a coral statue of amber. They go out in their freetime to try and find Amber.

But uh funny thing is, Devo has a headache. It started back on their way home. And then he sees a visage of a man in front of him, the one he knows as tolliver. And tolliver is like yeah man u made two different timelines when u did that shit. And Devo is like oh yeah well I'm your brother Damien cern and tollivers like oh yeah well I'm kind of a personification of magic at the moment so.. and then we see timeline b in the world that got devos version of the call. He is at the Parrish still and guidance is alive. He is happy, maybe, and teaches kids about benevolence. But without his help on their first mission, amber and Zoox died.

Back in uh timeline a as we are now calling it. The main ethersea timeline. Devo is going through his stuff and finds a book from orlene with a handwritten note that says "great oraters seldom whisper." And everyone is like OHHH SHIT SELDOMS A SPY

And we go up. Up up up to a city in the sky. And we are inside a cell. Where we see Seldom. And a man approaches him. It's benevolence.

And Devo vows that he is going to kill god.

Meanwhile in the other world amber and Kodira are giant and theres blinksharks in the water and they're like fuck what's up and then Koda is dead as hell and they're basically gods and they goof and fall in love and then sun sets the end

Anyways hope your calc exam went well the results are probably in by now xoxo (for dramatic effect) DBSKFJKSKFJDKD

#sierra speaks #taz ethersea #taz ethersea spoilers #thank you for the ask! #wow i spent a long time typing that

[yuki2sksksk]

A/N : Recently reading this interesting manga about a girl who was meant to be sacrificed as a ritual food for the beastman king and ends up becoming his wife instead. So here's and AU of the manga with Hakuji/Akaza and Koyuki. ( The manga is called Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts )

|| 𝕾𝖆𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖘𝖘 & 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕮𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖔𝖞𝖆𝖑 𝕲𝖚𝖆𝖗𝖉 || ft. OC Fumiko.

Once upon a time, there was a great, horrible war, between humans and demons. It went on for centuries, until both side had opened their eyes of the war's consequences and what it had affected each species. Thus, after many meetings and arguments, both sides finally decided to end the war, for the sake of their homeland and the people.

The humans had created a new species of cows to be given to the demons, so they wouldn't eat humans anymore. The demons found this new species satisfying enough and allowed the humans to have a share of their special trees that bear sweet fruits that could also heal wounds. Both sides managed to create another path to avoid wars, even though there were still some resentment for each sides.

That was about 100 years ago, Koyuki recalled. Demons no longer eat humans, so why did her village sent her off to be sacrificed as a meal? Was it because her father had succumbed to poison, leaving her alone? That it was inappropriate for a virgin woman to live alone so they thought it would be better that she went off dead?

So many questions, yet none were answered. Koyuki glanced at the men sitting beside and in front of her in the carriage, and she was grateful for the veil covering her face, allowing her to make none direct eye contacts with anyone. Her hands were cuffed with iron and there were bruises around the wrists, a proof of her struggling to not be taken away. Before she was taken inside the carriage, the villager bathed her, gave her wonderful foods that she had never been able to touch before, and then threw her away. Thankfully they let her wore the kimono her father had worked hard to buy for her.

Koyuki's eyes dropped sadly. She should've seen this coming. She was sick, ill since birth, her father was the only one who took care of her, loved her. He was gone and she was alone. No one wanted to take care of her. It would be a burden for them. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 was a burden for them.

Her eyes noticed the sudden change of the path outside, the small light from the lamp outside help with seeing through the darkness of the night. Anyone could recognized the border that separate the human land and the demon's, but right now, the carriage wasn't going any near the border.

" It's a pity to throw away such beauty to those demons. "

Shiver ran down her spine. Koyuki recognized the voice. The men in the carriage with her worn amigasa ( straw hats ), so she couldn't really saw their faces clearly. The one in front of her took of his and looked at Koyuki with a creepy smile.

He was the heir of the dojo next to her father's. The one who kept pestering her father to have Koyuki's hand in marriage. The reason why her father refused him was because he didn't care much of Koyuki's health. One time, he forcefully dragged Koyuki outside to have a date, and when she got to her knees having trouble with breathing, he panicked and left her there. If it wasn't for some children playing nearby and alerting her father, she would've died right there.

Koyuki flinched when she felt her chin being grabbed by the heir of the next dojo. She had forgotten his name, not caring enough to care about such man. He must have bribe the driver to change the path. He grinned at her.

" We'll be married at sunrise and you will stay at the hut in the mountains. Everything I say is an absolute rules. " His hand traveled to cup her face. " I will make you happy every night. "

𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, Koyuki recoiled. She yanked her head away, not wanting to be touched, when the carriage shook tremendously, as if someone had landed on top of it. Sure enough, the top of the carriage was literally ripped off, exposing the ones inside. The horses panicked and started to lose control, causing the carriage to lose its balance.

Koyuki gasped as she slide over the wall, eyes closing in surprise as yelling and screaming filled the air. The carriage had fallen to its side, and the girl found herself rolling away. Sharp stones cut her skin as she came to a halt, forcing her palms to scratch on the ground so she would stop rolling away.

Everything hurts. Koyuki felt something warm trickling down on her left side of her face. Her chest felt painful and she was having a hard time to breath. She was too focused on her state that she didn't realized the noise had slowed down, the horses had ran off and there was no sight of the men who were in the carriage with her.

" Your Highness, please step away. "

" Here I thought your sight is better than mine. Surely you see this girl is injured and her hands are cuffed? Not to mention you don't hurt women. "

Koyuki lose focus on the rest of the conversation of the strangers. Her vision was getting darker, and the last thing she remembered was falling in someone's arm.

| | | | |

It was pretty rare for a human to be nearby the border. The trespassers would be taken in as prisoners until humans with authority bait them out or either in the mercy of the demon king's hand. As the only sister the king had, Fumiko was sure that the numbers of humans casualties were all thanks to her. Muzan has a soft spot for his sister, so it was fortunate that her request for trespassers to be given trials or such and not be given death sentence immediately was granted. Not to say that she was a good person, but she was reasonable enough.

As the captain of the royal guard, Akaza was given an order to accompany the princess on her patrol around the border. Fumiko had maintained a good relationship with demons like Akaza, so safe to say that it was easier to talk to Fumiko rather than her brother. Seeing a human carriage nearby the border was alarming enough, since they had received no notice from the human palace of any visitors.

Akaza had expected to have his arms soaking in humans blood, not literally having an unconscious, alive, one on him. There were three men, plus the driver of the carriage. He didn't noticed the woman until she rolled out of the carriage.

" A sacrifice. " Fumiko frowned at this. " It's been a long time. Maybe a town or a village decided to offer a human sacrifice out of pure belief. "

" But we no longer do this. " Akaza grumbled, adjusting the girl's position in his arms. His eyes trailed down towards the cuff on her hands. He slowly used his fingers to lift the veil off her face.

The woman looked so...delicate. Her appearance was messy, with dirt and blood all over her body and face, others would scrunched their noses in disgust and refused to hold her. But Akaza felt like he was holding a fragile glass. A beautiful, fragile glass. It was as if he dropped her, she would break.

Fumiko noticed the silence from the captain. She tilted her head at the way his eyes locked on the human girl, one hand softly pushing off the veil from her face. The way he carried her looked gentle, yet firm. It looked like he didn't want to drop her nor letting her go.

Akaza broke out of his trance when Fumiko went to take off the veil entirely. She looked at Akaza, smiling.

" Bring her with us. "

" ...Your highness? " Akaza hesitated.

Fumiko's smile widened. " I'll talk about this to my brother, don't worry. Let us tend to her injuries. "

" And the others? "

" Send in some soldiers to fetch the other trespassers. We gotta hurry if we want that girl to live. "

If there was one common thing that the Kibutsuji siblings share, was that they always planned something in their mind, something unexpected. It unnerved and made other demons anxious in waiting. Muzan's plan usually had something cruel in it while Fumiko's with bits of mischievous. If they both conduct a plan together, chaos happens.

Even so, Akaza kept his lips shut and followed the princess back into the kingdom. His eyes occasionally glancing back on the girl in his arms.

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦

#demon slayer #kny #kimetsu no yaiba #akaza #anime #demon slayer oc #kny oc #muzan #kny muzan #sacrificial princess and the king of beast #au #manga #kny au #koyuki #kny Koyuki #hakuji x koyuki #akaza x koyuki #kny fanfic #demon slayer fanfiction

[evita-shelby]

Hello ❤️ I’m glad your feeling better! ❤️ I saw your post about requests being open and I was maybe wondering if I send request a fluffy Michael Grey x fem!reader for you maybet? There would be no smut though if that’s ok! The idea would be that the reader is Charlie’s nanny and both her and Mike like eachother but are oblivious. Then one day the kids are playing and get Michael all muddy (b/c I believe s2 and 3 Mike would love playing with kids like his foster brother!) and he has to take a bath so he goes upstairs and just assumes a maid had run one for him and goes behind like a folding curtain to undress, not realizing that the reader had just stepped out for a second to grab towels for HER bath. And then yeah, if your comfortable with it it would just be like the kinda funny/embarrassing trope of accidentally walking in on someone undressing and both being kinda frozen in shock and dying a little inside? And maybe like Michael ends up turning around so fast he like runs into a door and gives himself a bloody nose😂

maybe at the end after they both avoid each other for the rest of the day they end up admiring their feeling but idk?😂 you can do whatever you want with it if you’d like!❤️❤️ You don’t have to do it too if you don’t want to❤️❤️Have a great day!!❤️

The Bath

I had too much fun writing it, could be that i might be a it high from the cough medicine lol

Also reader dislikes Grace, is Danny Whizz Bang's niece and has a habit of stealing

Gif by @pennylanefics

You didn’t always get time for a relaxing bath. For fuck’s sake you were a nanny and when your stuck up rich lady boss died, you had to stay and take care of Charlie, the only good thing to come out of her.

That had been three months ago. Barely spring. You reckon you haven’t had a break since then.

Shelby was a good and fair boss, nice to look at, but too old for you. His wife had tried to fire you several times before she died because she was threatened by a pretty young thing like you who disliked her for all the shit she did in 1919.

Your uncle, Danny Owens, had died because of her. Not that she ever knew.

If anyone asked you, Mr. Shelby should’ve married that fancy rich lady with the horses John had told you about. At least that one could be trusted not to frame a man for their crimes.

But you adored little Charlie, reminded you so much of your own siblings and your cousins who depended on your wages and Shelby’s good nature.

He was two and just beginning to be trouble.

But he was playing with John’s kids and Michael Gray under Polly’s and Esme’s watchful eyes, so you had time for both a long hot bath and a nap. Been so long since you’ve napped during the day.

Nap and dream of Michael, a little voice in your head teased you.

You liked him from the moment you met him at Polly’s doorstep. You’ve wanted to fuck him since you saw him take off his shirt to help Curly with the horses.

But he, much like his cousin, liked rich girls. And you were too poor to be middle class let alone rich. So, the only Michael you’d have in your life is the one in your rather dirty dreams.

You just needed some towels and maybe that good bath scent you’ve been stealing from the late Mrs. Shelby’s bathroom supplies. It wasn’t like the dead woman needed them anyways.

---

Michael hadn’t had wholesome fun like this in what felt like years.

He’s still laughing, being careful not to get mud on things and doesn’t notice he went into the wrong room. His room was between his mother’s and Finn’s, but everything in this fucking house looks the same and the nanny had the room between Polly’s and the nursery.

His mother had likely ordered Mary to ready a bath for him, how sweet of her. Pol was always thoughtful like that, he smiled to himself as he closed the door to the bath.

He wonders if it was Y/N who drew him the bath. She liked the floral scents and the fancy soaps and making sure it was the right temperature.

Michael should man up and talk to her, but part of him is worried she’s going to say no.

Polly had told him that she wouldn’t, but he can’t help, but listen to the voice in his head that tells him he’s not good enough for her.

He’s too busy thinking about how pretty she looks in Grace’s stolen earrings this morning while he undresses that he doesn’t notice this is not his room.

----

You’re too busy humming some classical song you were told to play for Charlie to soothe him as you pushed the bath door open with your back.

You were sure you’d left it open, but maybe you closed it by accident.

You turn and you scream, dropping Mrs. Shelby’s fancy French soaps on the floor, and your turned back around with every intention of running out of the room.

Naked as the day your mother wrenched him out of Polly’s cunt, Michael Gray.

He shouts back and trips as he scrambled for his pants or the nearest towel.

“I am so sorry, Y/N, I assumed you were done readying the bath.” He grabs the towel and winced as he wrapped it around his waist.

“Mike, why the fuck would I let you use my bath?” you ask gesturing to all your things on the counter.

“Fuck, not again.” He muttered when he realized it wasn’t his room.

It wasn’t his fault. The lady of the house had purposely redecorated some rooms to look almost exactly the same as the others. After all, she was going to sack you the morning after her charity gala after she caught you gossiping with Polly and Ada about her.

It was uncharitable to think it, but no one ever liked her anyways, so you think it: she died right on time.

#michael gray x fem!reader #michael gray x reader #michael gray #grace bashing not sorry

[findingpadre]

♣️

For @madison-clark

//Because I miss writing with you too 😢

There was only one thing that she could do, And that was keep moving. After the bombs had gone off in Texas thanks to Teddy. Alicia had been trapped down in the damn bunker he had built with his cult of people who expected her to lead them. Teddy had wanted her to start a new world. In his visions but as he started to leave her there trapped she promised him that she would never make the world into what he wanted it to be. Fast forward a couple of months later, And Missing an arm due to being bit herself and doing the only thing that she knew to do. She lead them out of the bunker knowing that they had to find somewhere else to go. And though she had wanted to try and take the tower from Strand in the end because of how she felt she was pretty sure she was dying she sent them away.

Now she was on her own, And she had only one thing on her mind. And that was to get the hell out of Texas, It wasn't worth staying anymore. the place was a radiation wasteland, And what was worse was the fact that there was not acid rain and other things that were caused by the radiation. And though she was still under the impression that her family was dead she held a little hope that maybe just maybe she could find them. She knew deep down the chance of that happening. was small but hell she had to keep hope alive because if she didn't then what else was she fighting for?

The night before Alicia had found a pretty good place to hold up, She didn't want to travel a night because that was when the creatures were the most active. And seeing as she had been bit before she didn't want to do it again. But the morning had come and as she peaked outside she saw that it seemed clear, She knew that she would have to wear her radiation gear. Something that she didn't look forward to it because that meant wearing the hot mask all day but it was better than dying. She let out a breath before she ran her hand through her hair before she walked over to the table in the room.

On the table there were some odd and ends things, Mostly food and water but also a knife and a map. She looked at the map and started to figure out which way she was going to head. Heading west was an idea but it was a long journey and who knew what danger was there? So she started to think that maybe it would be best to head North East. It would still be a long journey but at the same time, it was safe. " North East it is." She said. With that, she gathered everything that was on the table and started to shove it into her backpack. Once she was all packed up she made her way outside and once she was outside she walked over to a little shed. Inside that shed was a horse, She had saved it from a group of walkers on the way there. She smiled as she walked over to her and started to pet it. " You ready for a journey Huckleberry?" She asked. She then started to lead her out of the shed before she mounted Huckleberry and then started to lead her down the street. She didn't know what she was getting herself into but she was ready for anything and everything. Not knowing that she was about to get everything she wanted since she had lost her family in the first place.

she had been traveling for a few weeks and she had finally come to a wooded area that she had to go through as she started she was careful to keep her eyes out and that was when she came across someone laying in the woods and she was unconscious. She hopped off the horse and made her way over to them and saw that it was a woman with blonde hair and as she turned her over she was shocked to find that it was her mother. "Mom?" she asked wondering how the hell that happened. @madison-clark

#alicia clark #ftwd rp #twd roleplay #madison clark

[a-clouded-moon]

[a lengthy starter for @proofwhisky]

‘DEATH WAS ONLY LIFE TAKING ITS NATURAL COURSE’, her parents’ voices - which had been severely contorted after more than a decade's worth of attempts of incomplete remembrance - echoed inside her mind while she watched the coffin being carefully lifted onto the horse-drawn hearse. The funeral coach was coated with a pitch-black paint shade, uniformly blending in with the fur colour of the diligent horses standing before it and the dark attires of the silent bereaved.

Sitting on a street bench at a far distance away from the suffering, Louise separated herself from the mourning mass to avoid attracting unwanted attention to her presence, since she had been warned against appearing at the funeral. Although the white gown she was dressed in created the appearance of her being a random bystander who was intrigued by the crowd, the woman’s subdued eyes told a different story. They studied the group, picking up on almost every shuddering caused by a restrained sob, and every vain gesture of comfort.   

During the years she was still living back at her childhood home, she had been taught by her family never to fear death. Or parting, as they preferred to call it since death alone was too heavy of a word for a child’s mind to comprehend. The adults used them interchangeably and compared them to help her better understand death, saying they were one and the same. Louise remembered them also discussing with her the concept of an afterlife and incarnations, but those abstract ideas left little impression on her younger self because she was not able to witness them. However, that was not the case with deaths and partings. They had been common occurrences, and at each funeral or farewell, these same words resonated in between the walls of her consciousness as if an implanted instinct. The sound and tone of her parents’ voices might have been deformed after more than a decade of separation, but the message remained.

Therefore, Louise did not fear death or parting. She could send her friend away with ease, just as she had promised him.

That was what the woman believed, at least.

The fog of conflicted emotions was blurring her vision, so she closed her eyes and leaned her back further against the bench. Was it grief? Was it sorrow? Was it regrets? Or was it all of them? She did not know, and the crease between her eyebrows slightly deepened in frustration at the inability to decipher the tightening feeling in her ribcage. A sigh escaped Louise’s lips before she tried to compose herself by turning her thoughts to another topic. She was being selfish at a funeral, a sacred occasion in which the memories and legacy of the dead should be honoured, and the dead alone should be thought about. 

She then began to dig through the drawers of recollections, pulling out image after image of her time with the demised - from their first encounter to their last, until the moment when she received the news of his passing, and of the man who was the cause of it. 

Of Thomas Shelby.

Louise’s eyes flew open at the tainted mental image of the person whom she had once vowed to herself to stand by. The repressed grief which had been present in her gaze just seconds ago was suddenly replaced by a hollow sharpness.

Perhaps she should fear parting if this was how cruel it could be, if one parting could truly lead to another like this. Perhaps her parents were right about how parting was the same as death, because although the man was still clearly alive and breathing, Thomas Shelby was dead to her. 

Louise was not certain when his death happened, but she assumed it was at some point during the damned war. She heard people around her whispering about how soldiers had left their souls on the battlefields, about how the men returned with only a husk of the person who they once were, about how none of the family members could recognize them. Maybe this applied to her old friend too, for the cruel man she was keeping tabs on was nowhere near similar to the hopeful boy whose presence she had once adored, the boy who had been so caring that she had felt she didn’t deserve. 

Even if it was so, she had remained clueless about it for some time after it had happened, as proven by the emptied bottles of ink which had run dry due to the number of letters she had written to him during the few first years of the war. She would not deny the diminishing regularity of the letters as the changing time had added to the ever-growing distance between them, until one day, she had stopped writing completely, abandoning him. That was maybe how they fell apart, and yet, she had still been hopeful of the person she once knew then. That hope had gradually crumbled, however, since the moment her firm announced the joint investigation with law enforcement on the Shelby family, and since she had begun skimming through the reports on the family’s alleged criminal activities.

Still, still, at first, she had somehow managed to convince herself that it was the effects of the war that had strayed him temporarily, that the boy she had cared about would return sooner or later.  

But that was just wishful thinking.

When was the precise moment she had stopped believing in him?

How tall had the pile of documents on her desk become when her trust in him dissipated entirely?

When had the forced sympathy morphed into this chilling indifference and resentment?

Louise shook her head with a tired exhale.

None of those mattered to her now. Tommy was gone. That had been the case for as long as she knew. 

Of course, that was, till the second she shifted her gaze away from the funeral, only to see the ghost of that boy whom she had once known staring right at her from the other side of the street.

Louise’s eyes widened in recognition and evident shock, every muscle tensed at the familiar yet unfamiliar sight. Her lungs seemed to stop working while her airway felt as if it was narrowing, as if someone was grabbing her by the throat.

Was this what it was like to have the ghosts of one’s past to haunt them?

“...Fuck." A rare whispery swear word left her. Funnily enough, now that she recalled, she had only started cursing like this after she had met him. A testament to the influence the boy had had on her.

Somewhere deep inside her, something was telling her to leave, to run: it could be her rationality, urging her to stay away from a supposed dangerous criminal; or it could be her fear, telling her to run from this inevitable confrontation and reunion of her past. Nevertheless, she stayed seated, holding stare.

'Let’s get this over with.'

#[proofwhisky] #((i'd add more tags after im done fixing my tagging system & a lot of other things hvfhvfgh forgive me)) #((but anyways- hehehehehe))

[princessdong]

The Purple Dragon (1/2)

TW: knives.

Being a prince on her kingdom wasn't easy at all for Handong. People doubted her because she was a woman, and because she was still unmarried, which meant there were no heirs in the foreseeable future. But she wasn't in a hurry to be betrothed to someone else, she didn't even care about not having children, she had bigger things on her hands. She had wars, diplomacy with other kingdoms, having to catch dark witches before they tried to do something again, as well as pleasing the peasants and the nobility alike. But most importantly, she had to catch you.

"I do think you should pay more attention to the idea of marrying, Prince Dong. Even more if you go on witch hunting, which is dangerous, and when you go to war, that is also dangerous." Her counselor, the countess Yubin, tried once again to advise, after Handong received another proposal.

"I appreciate the concern but... I'm still young, I want to marry someone because I love them, someone who doesn't see me like a pawn on a game for power." Handong answered, still walking to the throne room.

"Well, you're a prince, and I am profusely sorry if this hurts you, but your whole existence has always been a game for power." Yubin said before sighing. "Listen, don't say yes if you don't want to, but please at least consider it, you're not getting any younger, and the crown needs a heir, and also needs someone by your side, someone who can take care of the kingdom if something happened to you."

She decided to listen this once, just because she was going once again to try to catch you, and Yubin didn't like it when Handong did so. But she needed to catch you, the kingdom wouldn't ever be safe if you kept wandering around freely. You were the strongest witch she had ever encountered, and the worst intentioned too, you wanted nothing but the crown, and you would not stop until you had it... Or you were locked away for good. In some way, she admired your determination, as she had seen the many tricks you had pulled from your neverending magic, and she had seen you almost get what you wanted, only for you to be stopped by Handong herself. If you were good, the prince wouldn't even hesitate to get you in the highest rank of her army, as you seemed to be so clever, but for some reason, you seemed to hate her and her kingdom.

A shame, Handong thought, with your beauty and your abilities, you could be high in the nobility, yet you only wanted the crown. Too bad, as she was the next in line, and her parents were still alive, so you would have to kill her and her parents in case you ever usurped the crown, just to make sure people would think it twice before revolting.

It was dawn when she got out of the palace, with no guards or anything that would get her too much attention, but even without the golden crown on her head, the royal crest etched to her attire, the jewelry and eccentricities of her royal clothes, the stolen red uniform of the castle guard stood on its own, and her face was enough to be recognized everywhere, even if she wasn’t mounting her white horse as she always did when she was seen in public.

She was supposed to go to the borders of the kingdom, close to the shores of the sea, where the dead forest marked the beginning of the wasteland. She had never seen past it, she had never even been close to that, but she had to get to the cave you were, and the only way to do that was to go to the one place inside the kingdom she has never been.

Handong had traveled for two days through towns and cities alike, doing her best to go unnoticed, and she was sure she did, or at least those people were kind enough to not say a thing, she knew she was loved by her kingdom, so they wouldn't do anything to harm her. She went to almost empty places, and even empty ones, not caring if those places weren't as comfortable as others, she had been through worst in wars. The travel was going to end, however, once she captured you, or killed you, whatever you would prefer upon your encounter.

Yet, the journey to the cave was suddenly stopped, as a snake had appeared on the road, and the horse threw her from the saddle before running off somewhere. It could've been a true disaster, if it wasn't because a girl had held her. Handong looked up at her saviour, just to see a girl with long black hair and bangs, with wide eyes starting at her in curiosity, reminding her of the duchess Yoohyeon.

"My lady, what are you doing here? This is no place for a princess to wander around. That path leads to the cave of the dark witch." The mysterious woman said.

Handong looked at her, thinking that said girl was a peasant by her clothes, and her untamed hair. Yet she didn't smell, so she wondered how much of a peasant she was.

"I am on a quest to get the dark witch, I recently caught word of her living on the cave, so I am going..." It was only then that she realized that she lost everything when her horse ran away. "Or I was, I have nothing now. No sword, no gold, no horse... How will I get there? Or go back to the castle?" Handong lamented, getting back on her feet.

"You shall not worry, the village is close to the road, I will buy a sword for you, or get to write a letter to the castle, if that is better to you." The woman said, starting to walk through a small path surrounded by trees. "Come on, prince Han, we better get out of the road, we don't want to risk ourselves with vandals or the dark witch."

"What's your name, kind lady? I shall reward you for your help." Handong said as she followed the woman, happy to find someone so kind in a moment of need.

"Hyunjung, my lady. And there is no bigger reward that seeing you safe, for the kingdom had not seen better days since the Han dynasty was on the throne." The girl said, but Handong never saw how Hyunjung's face turned sour at those words.

"Very well, Hyunjung, I will reward you even if you refuse to receive it. I know it's not easy for peasants to have money, yet you're even offering to get a sword."

Hyunjung chuckled, but the prince didn't didn't understand why, neither had tried to understand. It sounded like one of those chuckles people have when she had something set on her mind, so she ignored it.

"My lady, I think it would be better if you rest for a while until I get everything set for you to go back on your quest, don't you think?" Hyunjung asked, turning to look at the royal behind her.

Handong was about to say no, that she needed to get there before you were informed you were searching for her, but she was suddenly feeling tired, as if all the weight of traveling and not sleeping well had suddenly appeared on her shoulders, making her unable to continue even if she wanted to.

"Oh, prince, look at you, you are unable to carry on like that... Let's get you to my home, you can rest there while I take care of what you shall need." Hyunjung said after not earning a response, looking at the dazed out expression of the prince, as if she was about to pass out of pure exhaustion.

Hyunjung's house was small, almost too small even for a single person, and as it was custom for girls to live with their family until they were married, Handong could only feel pity by the ones living there. As she went in, and saw the kitchen connected to the main room, and two doors at the other side of where she was standing, she realized the house was truly small, and felt guilty of having such a huge castle all to herself, her parents, and thousands of rooms only used when other kings and queens went for diplomacy reasons.

"It is not much, but it is what we can afford. Please go rest to the chambers, or use the bathroom if you will, I'll make you a tea, I'm sure it will help for the soreness of the fall." Hyunjung said while she got to the pile of logs that was the oven.

Handong didn't say anything, but decided to go lay on the bed. She supposed no one was there, if Hyunjung offered it. She found herself laying on the bed not long after, restless despite feeling like she could fall asleep on any second, but even if she tried and closed her eyes, she was unable to sleep, watching Hyunjung get inside the room a few minutes later, with the hot tea on a mug.

"My apologies for the..." The black haired girl grimaced, trying to find the right words. "The prince deserves the best, but you might understand that I was not expec-"

"It's okay, you couldn't know." Handong answered, sitting properly so she could drink de beverage, not thinking about the strange taste it had.

She heard the girl beside her talking to her, but Handong slowly stopped making sense of the words, feeling like she was underwater, and nothing was making sense anymore. Once she finished the tea, the prince searched for Hyunjung's eyes, trying to ask for help as she didn't trusted her own body.

But Hyunjung only put a tender hand on her cheek, as if she was a mother comforting her child. Only when the girl's eyes turned purple was that Handong understood that she was in danger. Purple was the color of your eyes.

"Go to sleep, prince."

Handong woke up from the effects of the potion hours later, with the sun completely set, only the lights of candles illuminating a place that wasn't the small house anymore, but a castle. A few meters in front of her, with a knife and an apple in hand, Hyunjung was sitting on a chair, far too concentrated on cutting the apple, as if she didn't care Handong would ever wake up.

The prince moved then, trying to get to the traitor, only to find that she was chained to the wall by both hands. It was then when Hyunjung looked up, hearing the sound of the shackles move.

"I was starting to think you wouldn't come back to your senses, I should really start labelling my potions. Have you slept well, prince?" Hyunjung asked, getting up from her seat while still cutting the apple. "Do you want a bite? Apples on this part of the kingdom are the best."

"Do you work for the dark witch?" Handong questioned, still trying to get herself free.

"Ah, right, Hyunjung." She said leaving the apple on the chair she had been sitting, before looking at Handong while raising a hand to her own face, muttering something in a language the prince couldn't understand. She moved the hand away, and it was then when a cloud of smoke surrounded Hyunjung just for a second, showing the dark witch herself once the smoke went away. "I am the dark witch, actually."

"Y/N" Handong said surprised.

"The one and only." You answered, sitting back on the chair, going back to the apple, eating a slice of it. "Did you really think I wouldn't know you were coming? Prince Han, you're starting to underestimate me... And look how far it got you."

She hates that you're right, that she should have known better, you had gotten almost too close to see your plans come to fruition, but she had gotten too cozy on the fact that she could win each time you two were fighting, she had forgotten that it was inside the castle, where you were a visitor. But she also forgot her ability to fight back the more she looked at you, now that you weren't Hyunjung. You were dressed in black and purple dress, and a cape wrapped around one of your shoulders; you looked more like royalty, as you always showed yourself when you were claiming the throne.

You were always a sight to see, in Handong's eyes, the most beautiful woman on the kingdom, even with that hint of madness on your eyes that made you look dangerous, yet so alluring... And she was forgetting what was she doing here.

"Let me out! Don't be a coward and fight!" Handong demanded, which made you raise an eyebrow, finding funny to see her like that.

"You wanted to get into the place I supposedly live to kill me, and I am a coward when I retaliate." You chuckled, getting up from your place on the chair once more just to get closer to her, with the knife twirling on her hand. You quickly trapped her between your body and the wall, putting the knife against her throat. "I could kill you right now, I could use you to get to the King and have him handing me over the kingdom... But I will let you go, when you get more tame."

You moved away from her, with her finally breathing after holding her breath for a few seconds. You smirked before turning around, grabbing the chair and moving a hand, all candles being blown out by some unknown force.

"Good night, prince Han." Was the only thing Handong could hear before the night took over the room.

She couldn't sleep that night, neither could the whole week she spent there, barely sleeping, barely eating, barely drinking. And it wasn't because of you, as you had been nothing but good to her, but it was that what worried her, as she was expecting you to do some trick, but you didn't. You gave her her own chamber, of course closing it each night so she wouldn't escape, and you fed her, bathed her, and even gave her new clothes, clothes that would fit her, but it all made her more suspicious.

And it wasn't until one dinner, while the sun was setting, that she asked about it.

"I told you, I have no plan to kill you," you explained while you were feeding her with pork. "But I will only talk when the time is right."

"Will there ever be a good time?" She asked, afraid of what could happen if she asked the wrong question. After all, she still had shackles on her wrists.

But you looked at her with the same fear she had asked, as if you were suddenly realizing something crucial.

"You're right... I've been keeping you all this time for nothing, you didn't try to do anything since the beginning. I guess I've kinda grown fond of company, even if it's the company of usurpers." You said, and your tone showed the whirlwind of emotions inside. "I won't dely it any longer then." You said leaving the food on its tray.

She looked at you, for the first time not feeling anger, and she realized she had never felt anger once in the seven days she had been there, which worried her just as it worried you to discover that you didn't hate her company when she wasn't trying to kill you.

"Your family is illegitimate to the throne. It belongs rightfully to another dynasty, the Shang dynasty... My family. We've been trying for a long time to get back on the throne, a throne that saw everyone as equals, those with magic and those who don't posseses it, which is the reason why the kingdom has seen better times. Less revolts, less dark magic, less chaos... But it doesn't matter." You started, quickly getting up from your seat, and walking to the shelves far into the dining room. "My family is planning an assassination, you and your family death by the end of the third moon, but I know you and your parents are innocent, you three had been fed lies, as so had been for a century. I wish no death, not yours at least. The only way to prevent it is to prepare you and your family. Prevent everyone if needed." You explained, and even though Handong wasn't sure on trusting you, the urgency on your voice made her think that you were probably being honest. "I know you don't believe me, but the records have been passed in my family, records we had to steal in fear of being burned."

You took a book from the shelf and put it on the table in front of her. The words on the cover were erased, so Handong wouldn't be able to tell what was inside until she opened it.

"I don't want this war any more than you, even if I did kill your people, I had only been seeking freedom to be able to use the gift I've been given from the gods above. Now that I know the truth, I only want you to know the truth and save yourself."

You grabbed her shackles and unlocked them, allowing her to be finally free. She could kill you right there, or run, you didn't know, yet you trusted her, and there was something about you trusting her that made her heart skip a beat from it. You put a hand on her cheek as you had done that day on the town, and she saw your eyes glow purple once again, even though the pain they showed. She knew what was was coming, and she wanted to stop you, though your words went faster than she could have stopped you.

"Go to sleep, prince."

The next day, she woke up at the sound of troops, people getting inside the castle, to the chamber you had given to her, and before she could process anything, the commander Siyeon bursted through the doors.

"Oh thank Gods you're fine, that peasant hadn't lied." Siyeon sighed in happiness. "Let's go, prince, we have to get back to the castle as soon as possible, we don't want to encounter dark witches, and we've been lucky enough to not encounter any."

Handong quickly got up, finding the book you had given her the night before, and held onto it.

"The peasant? Who was the peasant?" Handong asked, confused. How could a peasant know all this time know she was with the dark witch and not do anything? Was she working with the dark witch? What was going on?

"A beautiful girl, Hyunjung was her name... You should have seen her, prince, she looked a lot like Yoohyeon."

Oh

"We shall go, commander, let's not keep ourselves entertained." Handong said, not wanting to mull on those feelings she had at the mention of you. "Plus you have someone waiting at home, I don't think you need the word spreading around that you are seeing other girls."

Siyeon laughed but didn't say anything else, something Handong was grateful for.

Outside, a convoy of horses and a small, modest carriage was waiting for her, and all Handong needed was a look at the commander so she would start explaining.

"The convoy was patrolling, after you didn't come back, your parents sent for everyone to search for you. And the carriage is the best we could get for you when we were notified of you being here." Siyeon said, earning a nod from Handong.

"It's okay, let's go, I don't want to worry my parents any more than they are."

The commander opened the door, and Handong got inside the carriage. It wasn't comfortable as she was used to, but it didn't matter anymore, she was going home, and it was a that mattered. Yet a part of her felt heavy while looking at the old, ruined castle, with black banners with a purple dragon on it, torn apart by the gods knew what. The color purple reminded her of you, and it made her feel even worse, as if she shouldn't be leaving, as if she should be by your side. And that thought immediately drawn her back to the book on her hands, which she opened, finding a note on the first page.

Find the truth, save yourself, don't forget me. -Y/N

#prince handong au #handong x reader #handong imagines #handong scenarios #dreamcatcher x reader #dreamcatcher imagines #dreamcatcher scenarios

[sophiewolfheart-blog]

Hello everyone! So I decided to make a Halloween fic this year. (Yes I know it’s late, but it’s better late than never.) I really hope you all enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed making it.

I also am going to make this world in this fanfiction my own. Keep the theme going and do other fics and what not based in it just for fun.

Happy late Halloween everyone!

Halloween Hunt

Demon Malakai Black x Plus Size Reader x Monster Luchasaurus

Kinks: Con-non con, primal, breeding, bondage

Word count: 2458 words

Tags: @writtingrose @omg-im-such-a-masochist

It’s Halloween night with a full blood moon casting its eerie glow across the land. Many elders of the town had chosen to stay inside, for they fear the legend that has haunted this land for decades. A demon lord was said to come during full blood moons with those who follow him, but legend also speaks of a black scaled monster who obeys the demon. A terrifying beast who could destroy 3 men at once if commanded to attack. Despite it being a faded memory the warning of being out during a full blood moon was still the norm for some older generations. The younger generation however have no fear of this legend and enjoy the night either trick or treating, or partying to celebrate the day of All Hallow’s Eve.

A young woman named (Y/N) was walking alone along a forest pathway surrounded by ghostly white river birch trees. the blood moon’s light causing the orange leaves on the ground to look brighter, seemingly to illuminate around her. Her home sits in the middle of the massive forest, the trail was originally for horses and wagons to travel. Now it’s her own private trail to her little cottage. As she walked a cold wind harshly blew through the trees, causing (Y/N) to shiver as the atmosphere seemed to change from peaceful to a darker somber one. Her eyes looked around cautiously as she felt she was not alone on this path, feeling a dark gaze from somewhere within the forest around her.

She walked quicker along the path to try and hurry home. However when she reached a bend that would lead right to her cottage, a strong scent drifted in the wind to her that was unnatural within her forest. The smell of oak, mahogany, and musk filled her nose while the hair on the back of her neck stood up. She began to run as fast as she could down the path, her heart pounding in her ears with pure adrenaline and fear. She could just hear a deep, guttural growl before heavy footsteps charged from the forest. She never looked back and only focused on the path ahead of her, the path to safety.

Within a few minutes of running she could see the bright porch light of her cottage, however as she got closer a figure appeared in her way. Putting on the brakes (Y/N) stops dead in her tracks, staring into the blue and white eye of who stood in her way to the cottage. His dark hair and auburn beard framed his face as he took a step toward her. “Well hello, does a little thing like you live here all alone? It’s dangerous out here, anything could be lurking in these woods.” His voice held a dark tone and yet sent shivers down her spine. (Y/N) took some frantic steps backwards trying to get away from the man before her, however her back slammed against what felt like a solid form of muscles. A chuckling growl vibrated the chest against her back while a clawed hand grabbed her arm. “Little girl’s shouldn’t be alone. You never know what kind of monsters might be in the shadows.”

Before he could get her other arm she managed to duck under his arm grabbing her, then with a grunt she kicked his knee making his grip loosen. With a harsh pull she freed her arm and ran to the side where she used the trees to block the other man from getting her. With great effort she ran for the front door with her hand already grabbing the key from her pocket. As quick as she could she managed to unlock the door and get the door open, unfortunately she failed to realize the monster had caught up. His body slammed into her and both fell to the floor with him on top of her, pinning her down he laughed softly while his red eyes filled with hunger. “Nice try little dove, but a mere human can’t outrun the likes of me and my master.”

A dark chuckle came from the door, then the sound of it shutting and locking reached her ears. As the beast above her moved to lean closer to her face, (Y/N) felt something firm pressing against her thigh. The man in the suit groaned and laughed softly as he got closer. “Really? The chase got to you that quick, Luchasaurus?” He folded his arms over his chest while Luchasaurus glared at him over his shoulder. “I can’t help it! The hunt is such a turn on, then seeing this plump girl running for her life just made things worse. Don’t kink shame me, Malakai!”

Malakai just laughs and looks over their little prey now at their mercy. His mismatched eyes scanned her struggling form with a malicious grin. “I think we shall have fun with this one before taking her soul. Get her to the bedroom and use these to restrain her.” He handed Luchasaurus some silk made rope before the monster scooped her up with a growl. “Don’t you dare fight me, or else I will take a bite out of you. Understood?” (Y/N) shivered with a nod as she let him carry her to her bedroom. She was too afraid to even talk as the two men ‘s aura felt dark and that they were not bluffing.

Luchasaurus laid her with her head hanging over the edge of the bed and tied her hands to each post before using his clawed hands to rip her clothes to shreds. Malakai laughed seeing how eager his best monster was. “You can get the first taste Luchasaurus, I’m gonna make sure she can’t scream.” Both men stripped off whatever clothing they had on as (Y/N) tried to press her legs together, her cheeks flushed pink while her eyes tried to look away. Malakai grabbed her neck with a deep growl vibrating his chest. “You better open those legs before we get forceful.” With a gulp she slowly opened her legs before letting out a yelp as Luchasaurus grabbed her plump thighs roughly, lightly cutting her flesh with his claws and making a little blood trickle down her lifted legs.

“Look at this curvy girl, Malakai. She is going to look adorable covered in bruises and cuts.” Luchasaurus bent his head down to her (F/C) lace panties while licking his fangs. He slowly bites the crotch of the panties and her clit through them. (Y/N) yelped from his bite before her face went full red, feeling him taking her panties off with his teeth. Malakai slapped his cock against her slightly open lips. “Open up princess. Obey us and we might spare your life.” His hand lightly squeezed her throat in encouragement then grinning like the Cheshire Cat as her mouth opened. “Good girl.”

Slowly the tattooed demon pushed his cock into her mouth just as Luchasaurus slid a finger into her with a grin. “She is already wet for us, master. Is the little dove turned on?” He roughly pushed his finger in then curled it, making (Y/N) flinch and choke on Malakai’s cock. Both men groan watching her reaction with hunger. “Hurry the fuck up and get her ready. I want that delicious pussy clenching my cock like her throat is.” Luchasaurus nodded as he pulled his finger out to grab her hips with both hands before pressing his tongue against her soaking folds. (Y/N) let out a muffled moan while her legs flinched in his grasp.

Suddenly time seemed to stand still as the monster jerked back with a shocked look on his face. “Malakai.” His red eyes flashed brown for a moment before turning back to red, he made eye contact with his master and both had a look of hope before a new hunger clouded their gaze. Luchasaurus grabbed her hips and gently lifted them up before shoving his tongue into her folds with a hungry growl. Malakai started to thrust harder into (Y/N)’s mouth while one hand gripped her throat while the other gripped a handful of hair at the back of her head. “Fuck! Just when I thought this evening couldn't get better.” He grins down at her before making eye contact with Luchasaurus again. “Wij heb een fokker gevonden!~”

The monster between her thighs began eating her out as if it was the last thing he would ever devour. (Y/N) felt waves of pleasure as he ate her out as if it was his last meal. Malakai groaned as he shoved his cock once more down the little human’s throat before pulling out. (Y/N) coughed and gasped for hair as the demon above her laughed. “Laten we samen deze kleine fokken.” Luchasaurus grinned as he sat up with her arousal soaking his lips and beard. “Agreed. Let’s double stuff her till she passes out.” Malakai untied her hands only to put them together behind her back. He then took a seat on her bed.

(Y/N) struggled until the demon forced her to sit in his lap after he leaned his back against the headboard. He then grinds his cock against her soaked pussy. “Good job, my warrior. She is perfect for us to ravish and stuff.” She felt the monster come up behind her and rub his cock against her wet folds as well. “W-Wait! I can’t take you both! It’s impossible! Y-you will kill me.” Malakai grabs her throat and kisses her roughly. “Oh, you will take both of us. And we will stuff you till our seed flows out of your tight cunt.”

Before she could get another word out both men shove their cocks into her pussy, making her almost scream from the slight pain. Luchasaurus groaned as he pressed his face against her neck. “Mmm! Fuck she’s tight as hell!” Malakai moaned as he kissed (Y/N) again as his tongue shoved into her mouth. “Mmm, yes. So tight and fertile.” Without giving her a chance to adjust they start thrusting into her, growling groaning let both their lips as they fuck her. She moaned when Luchasaurus bit her shoulder as his thrusts became rougher, making her breasts bounce in Malakai’s face.

“F-Fuck! I can’t! Too much!” The demon suddenly wrapped his lips around one of her nipples and bit it softly, causing her to choke on a moan as her pussy tightened around them both. Luchasaurus’s growling moans became louder as his right hand started rubbing her clit. “Mmmm! Fuck yes! Get tighter for us, little dove. Drive us feral to breed and claim you.” Both men started to get more handsy and grab her curvy body wherever they could. Their lips and teeth touching and biting her delicate skin to claim more of her body as theirs.

(Y/N) was so confused and yet could not help but be turned on by their words and actions. Her body was burning with intense pleasure as her pussy was stuffed. Slowly she gave into the lust and leaned back against Luchasaurus while still riding Malakai. “A-Ahh! Please, please.” This made the monster smirk as he licked along her neck while Malakai pulled back to make her look into his eyes. “Please what? Use your words, tell us what our little prey wants from her new masters?” Her eyes stared into his as his hands slipped to her hips, gripping her flesh to grind against her as his cock slid to the base in her. She fell under his spell as she fully gave in. “Please make me cum. I’m so close, Master Malakai.” Her pussy throbbed around them while her legs shook from riding him.

With a dark chuckle the demon snapped his fingers at Luchasaurus. “Lay on your back, Lucha. It’s time to make her scream our names.” Nodding his head the beast moved slowly to lay on his back with her laying on him. Malakai moved to his knees and looked down at her with a grin. As soon as they got comfortable their thrusting started again with a new energy, their hips slapping against hers rougher now. Lucha’s hands held her hips tight as he picked up the pace. “Fuck! So close, little dove. Master, let me cum in her!” Malakai laughs as he thrusted harder into (Y/N) and makes her take more of Lucha, making the lantern groan. “No, we cum together in this little human. Hold it a bit longer until I say so.” He grabbed Lucha’s throat with a sinister grin. “Or else I will blue ball you and you won’t get to cum for a month!”

He growled in agreement before both men continued to breed her, leaving bite marks and red scratches on her body. Soon Malakai pressed his face against the left side of her neck while Lucha had her right. “Mmm! Make her cum with us! Fuck let’s make her a mother.” Lucha suddenly started to rub (Y/N)’s clit harder and even slapped it as he and Malakai desperately thrust harder into her. “Fuck! Yes dove! Cry out our names! Say you belong to us!”

When both slammed into her together they hit her g-spot perfectly, causing her to scream as she cums on their cocks. Lucha kept rubbing her clit as he and Malakai roared out as they cum deep inside her, filling her with their seed. Both men bite into her shoulder and neck as they claim her, now she belonged to them forever. As she passed out from the intensity the monster softly was licking her neck with a purr. “Sleep now. You did so good for us.” Malakai chuckled as he placed a kiss on her forehead. “Yes, you need to sleep. When you awaken, we will take you to our home. Where you will be loved, fed, and spoiled.” (Y/N) tried to speak but was shushed by the demon as he lightly stroked her hair. “Shhh, close those eyes and sleep. You will know our reasoning later.”

Slowly they moved to where all three could sleep comfortably while staying inside her to make sure she gets pregnant. Neither man cared about who got to impregnate her first, they only desired to protect and breed her. She was more important than she knew, a very special human who could give them children. (Y/N) allowed the darkness of sleep to take her as she curled up in the arms of a demon lord and a monster, feeling safer with them than she ever did before. The young woman had a feeling her life will never be the same after that All Hallows Eve night.

#malakai black smut #malakai black fanfiction #aew #all elite wrestling #aew dynamite #luchasaurus #halloween #all hallows eve #luchasaurus fanfiction #luchasaurus smut #demon malakai black #monster luchasaurus

[mintywolf]

A Long Road Home - Author Notes

Page 5

Butterbean is really having a day.

(Wow I wonder who in possession of a million yards of red string could have been here beautifying the woods?)

In Guardian some people thought I was invoking the Red String of Fate trope with Lulu’s trailing red hair ribbons, but (like mostly everything else going on in the Inside Sin epilogue), while I liked that interpretation, it was just for the aesthetic. This time, since it’s a story about two soulmates finding each other, it’s intentional. If there’s red string significantly placed in a scene it’s probably there to represent Imogen and Laudna being drawn together. (And also for the aesthetic. Conveniently, Laudna arrived with a never-ending spool of red yarn as part of her character design.)

This was invoked in the original dashboard banner back when I was still using “Southern Gothic” as a title:

I still kinda regret letting go of that. (Although not the romance novel looking font.)

Laudna’s gallows tree ballad has several verses so I’ll talk about that next time we see it. :)

I enjoyed the revelation during the Feywild episodes that while Imogen loves Laudna, she really does not like creepy things. She’ll sleep contentedly next to a dead woman who exudes ooze (and sometimes bees) and unhinges her jaw sometimes because it’s a familiar scary that comes with the promise of warmth and love and safety, despite outward appearances. But unfamiliar spooky trees, mysteriously perfect topiaries, tanned skins that are just a little too inexplicable? Nope!

Laudna, as we know, likes to draw on her own nightmares and scary experiences for her illusions. What might have been frightening to her recently? Maybe a cleric (of Pelor no less, whose tree is sacred to Whitestone) coming to cleanse the area of undead? She could have gotten the idea of the horse head from her current surroundings or something (undoubtedly sad) she’d seen in the past. (Mainly I just wanted to include it because horse skulls are messed-up looking.)

#a long road home #author notes

[star-mum]

TWD Pilot Live Star Reaction

.... how long did y’all think it’d take me to actually do this? Be honest !

ALRIGHT LETS GO !

I actually think I have watched the first episode of this before but it was lifetimes ago and all I remember is he wakes up from a coma well into the apocalypse

Fun fact: I was not gonna watch this today but as I was looking for a background show that wasn’t Community of B99 I stumbled upon this (I didn’t know it was still on netflix)

Fun fact 2: both my sister And my dad have watched a SHIT TON of this show, neither of them are caught up but they watched a good amount of seasons

Is that thing gonna explode? I just realized I don’t know WHY he’s in a coma/in the hospital

OH MY GOD THE HORSE !!! NO I REMEMBERED THE HORSE !!!! NOOOOO

Is this already apocalypse time? That’s too many abandoned cars

OOP- oh that dead woman is getting up from that fucking car my dude, I can feel it

Is my tv too low or does the pilot start intensely quiet?

A DEAD ZOMBIE CHILD !! .... i guess all zombies are dead huh

Oh my tv is very quiet hold on

DOES HE NOT WAKE UP IN A HOSPITAL ????

Jon Bernthal is in this ???? Does he die early on ? I feel like tumblr would Not let me ignore the presence of this man in this show

Rick (?) very pretty beautiful man, i know he’ll look like SO HOT with the beard but fresh faced like that he’s just Gorgeous

Oh no wife mention.... wonder who dies in the next scene ?

OH YEAH HE HAS A SON !!! I don’t think he dies early, I’ve seen that mop headed kid around here enough times

Cop 3: says something dumb

Rick: what I think Leon, is you gotta stay focused

🤭 alright damn

WERE THEY EVEN GOING FAST ENOUGH FOR THE CAR TO DO ALL THAT ????

OOOOHHH HE GETS SHOT !! That’s why he’s in coma !!

See if I didn’t know about the timeskip I would’ve been gagged at this scene with the flowers and the beard (that’s on cinematography babieee)

Why his tiddies just out like that? (Yes ik he got shot in the chest, cover them up slut)

Kinda insane the hospital is CRAWLING with zombies tbh, i mean it’s Fucked Up dont get me wrong but there should be so much more

ooooohhhh they’re locked up, okay MY BAD CARRY ON

NOT THE SCARY STAIRS IN THE DARK !!! NOOOOO !! i know zombie shit is automatically some type of horror but I didn’t expect this show to so Spooky Scary

This scene is here to remind me that I’d never want to survive in a zombie apocalypse, amount of flies alone is a no from me

Also sorry but this is an hour long pilot with the least amount of lines/dialogue in existence and it’s INCREDIBLY MOVING AND —> the director said cut and Andrew Lincoln heard Cunt

Lori ? Is his wife not dead ? OH is this the plot where the wife and bf stick together and end up in a relationship while he was gone ???? Isn’t there a plot like that in this show ????

A FATHER !!!! This kid is READY TO FIGHT sksksks good for him

I love when ZA media has their own silly little names for zombie

This man has a wedding ring on ;-; did him and his son watch his wife die ? They did 🤧

IS EVERY ACTOR IN THIS SHOW GONNA SERVE ABSOLUTE CUNT IN THESE EMOTIONAL SCENES ????

DAMN ! Reason 2 why I’d never want to survive in an apocalypse: NOT HOT WATER ??? NO SHOWERS ??? Could not be me, I’m not a camping girlie

If Dwayne dies I’ll commit arson

They’re both dying aren’t they ? Oh god the mom is gonna be upstairs isn’t she? At least inside the house somehow

I didn’t even have any smart ass comments that scene was just fucking sad (the mercy killing + dude trying to mercy kill his wife)

OOOOHHH HES HERE !!! BEST FRIEND JON BERNTHAL AINT DEAD YET !!

I think I remember that older guy in their group, I have a feeling he’s gonna be an asshole and betray us tragically

And I was right about the wife x best friend thing !!!!!

Again, that photo reveal would’ve left me gagged had I not Known

When does Negan show up? Just genuinely curious, I’m pretty sure he is The Worst Man in existence in this show

THE HOOOORSEEEE NOOOO !!! Actually cried a little bit, that scene is fucked up

*encourages Rick to shoot a guy sitting inches away from him* he did not think that one through, and neither did it

“Hey dumbass... yeah you in the tank” ... *very confused* is he hallucinating...?

*recognizes the voice and lets out a gasp* GLENN !!!!

.... I MUST SEE HIM ! GODDAMNIT ! Okay starting ep 2 please wish me luck not to stay up all night

Anyways this is always thank to and specially for my bestie, light of my life @tenpintsofsundrop