#and as soon as i do get there we're playing hide and seek keeping one step-grandparent from the other that cant stand him | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

only10th · 27 days

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Todays thoughts!

Wangxian meeting at the mall, single mom wwx shopping for some clothes with his little radish.

Wei Ying had gone to the mall cause he needed to buy a nice outfit for a date he did not want to go to, but of course his shijie was the one to set it up for him. Something about being time for him to put himself out there, find someone to take care of him as much as he takes care of his son. He, of course, insisted that he was fine fairing on his own. If anything, the reason why Wei Ying didn't want to date at all is more of finding someone that would put the same love and dedication to A-Yuan as he does.

And he knows, from experience, that's hard if not impossible to find.

So cut to a very stressed and distracted Wei Ying looking through clothes while his son played hide and seek in the racks of clothes. He'd been making sure to see A-Yuan popping his head out through the clothesline with a bright smile that matches his own, every so often calling out to him if he noticed he was taking too long to pop out. At least one of them was having fun. This was the third clothing store he visited, and the frustration of not finding anything remotely nice, or something that matched his style, was taking its toll. At the end, he sighs with exasperation. He'll just have to call his sister and tell her that he's sick, or something.

"A-Yuan, come out. We're leaving." There's no response, "A-Yuan, did you hear me?"

His brows dip with concern, it did get too quiet at some point. The giggling and the scraping of the hangers had come to a stop without him noticing. "Mister, if you're playing a joke on your poor A-Niang we won't get ice cream." He mumbles as he looks through the rack, moving the clothes around in mild panic. A-Yuan is nowhere to be found.

Wei Ying is practically panicking at this point, frantically searching for his son, practically yelling his name. He's on the verge of tears as he passes the rows and rows of racks and fixtures. All logic and reason are thrown out the window. There's no way.. there's no way he lost A-Yuan. He's always paid attention, always told him to stay by his side no matter what. What the hell is he going to do? The worst scenarios start crossing through his mind, but he keeps searching. A-Yuan knows to stay put if he ever gets separated from Wei Ying, he knows to not talk to strangers but he's only a toddler. Anything can happen.

“A-Yuan! Where are you?!” Wei Ying calls as he jogs through the store.

~~~~

Cut to A-Yuan staring wide eye at a tall guy with honey eyes. They're both having a staring contest at this point. That’s not his A-Nian, A-Yuan thinks to himself.

"Hello?" Lan Zhan says with caution. When did this child get here?

The child pursed his lips, slowly retreating into the rack with blue sweaters he was browsing through. "I-I’m not supposed to talk to strangers."

Lan Zhan blinks, staying quiet before nodding in approval. The toddler's parents are smart. He should probably alert security, he looks around in search of security or a staff member. As soon as he spots someone, he starts to walk away to try and get their attention but a small hand takes a tight grip on his light cream trousers.

"W-Wait! Mister— My a-niang told me to stay put if I ever get separated... A-niang will find me soon. Please, don't go."

Scared pleading eyes stare at him, the man seems to think through it for a moment. The smart thing to do would be to report the missing child. But at the same time, he's not sure how he would handle the situation if the toddler were to start crying.

"Alright.” He agrees with a nod. Though, the toddler doesn't let go of his trousers for a moment. At least he looks somewhat more calm. "We'll wait for your mother together."

Not a moment later, Wei Ying runs past them, yelling A-Yuan's name. At first, Lan Zhan looks at him with confusion. The child didn't say anything about his dad looking for him, so instinctively he shields and conceals the toddler. You can never be too safe, he knows people can put any sort of act just to take a child away. However, the toddler scrambled past Lan Zhan's legs and shouts, “A-Niang!"

Wei Ying skids to a stop, whipping his head towards the sound of his son's voice. Relief floods through his body as he falls to his knees and hugs his toddler, so glad that he's safe and sound. At first he doesn't notice the man who had stayed with his son because he's too busy peppering kisses to A-Yuan's chubby cheeks and mumbling "Don't ever scare me like that again!" And “We've talked about this, don't leave my side."

While this exchange is happening, Lan Zhan Is just thinking. The man... that drop dead gorgeous man was the toddler's mother?

A-Yuan clings to Wei Ying's neck, rubbing his face on his cheek, “A-Yuan is sorry, A-niang. Please don't be mad."

The puppy eyes win Wei Ying over and he can't be mad anymore. Silver eyes quickly scan his child, making sure there’s no injuries. He hugs his little radish once more, only then is when he notices the man watching the whole scene, and he can tell he's kinda not knowing what to do with himself.

"Um... can I help you?" Wei Ying asks a little defensive while hugging his son closer.

Before the man can utter an answer, A-Yuan beams with excitement. “That gege helped A-Yuan wait for A-niang!"

“Oh. Is that so?" He says, silver eyes softening and shoulders letting the tension leave.

"Mn. My name is Lan Zhan." He introduced himself and woah, how could Wei Ying not notice how handsome this man was.

“Thank you, Lan Zhan, for keeping an eye on my son. I really don't know how to repay you…”

"A-niang, is this the gege you're meeting later?" The toddler looked at Lan Zhan with hopeful eyes. "Gege taking my a-niang to dinner?"

Wei Ying quickly gets all embarrassed, cheeks flushed red like the ribbon holding his long hair in a ponytail. “Aiya, aiya! Stop bothering the nice gege! I'm sure he has many things to do."

"But!” A-Yuan begins to protest with a pout.

"No buts." Wei Ying picks A-Yuan in his arms, letting some of his weight rest on his hip. Silver eyes meet honey ones. “Thank you, again. I-I gotta get going."

And Lan Zhan can only watch the pair walking away, saying something about "I told you to call me a-niang at home and baba out here." And "I'm never leaving you out of my sight again. You gave me a heart attack.”

He’s sure he hears the child, A-Yuan, mumble “But I like that gege…”

Lan Zhan turns around, shaking his head before continuing his shopping. His chest aches a bit cause he just met the most beautiful man he has ever laid eyes on... It's childish, but he can't help but quietly sulk because he was in fact thinking of asking him out but... it looks like someone had beaten him to it. Wait, he didn't even get his name. He sulks even more.

~~~~~

Back in Wei Ying's home, he was getting ready for his date. It shouldn't be too late to cancel, right?

“You look dashing!” His sister compliments with a soft clap. “Come now, don’t make that face.”

“Jie, I don’t know this man… What if he doesn’t like A-Yuan? What if he’s secretly an asshole?” Anxiety was clear in his voice, though it was quickly soothed when Jiang Yanli walked over and fixed the collar of his burgundy button up.

“You doubt your A-Jie will pick a good man for you?” She teases with a thin eyebrow raising in question.

“Not you… I don’t trust A-Sang.” He side-eyes his friend, who is sitting on the couch making faces to his baby nephew. “Are you sure it’s not too late to cancel?”

“A-Ying, you need this. I promise it’ll be good for you.” His sister reassures, gently patting his shoulders. She smiles softly at her younger brother. “I want you to be happy.”

“I am happy.” He reassures her

She chuckles, patting the top of his hand. “You know what I mean. YingYing, are you sure you don’t want me to watch over A-Yuan?”

“Nuh-huh, if I’m meeting this guy then he’s meeting a-yuan too. If he doesn’t love him then I won’t even give him a chance!”

“A-Ying.”

“I’ve made up my mind, Jie. Now, tell me A-Yuan doesn’t look like the most adorable gentleman you’ve ever seen.” Wei Ying coos as his son walks into the living room wearing a t-shirt with the print of a tuxedo. He picks him up and peppers his cheeks with many kisses.

Soon, they’re both arriving at the restaurant. At least the guy he’s meeting has good taste. Before they step in, Wei Ying sets down his son, going through the motions of fixing his clothes. “If you don’t like the guy, we’ll leave as soon as you want, okay? No one can pull my attention from my little radish.”

A-Yuan nods, and with that they both walked into the bustling restaurant. Wei Ying couldn’t help but to feel irritated at bit his sister and best friend. What the hell did Nei Huaisang mean that I’ll know when I see him? Would’ve been better if he just showed me a picture. He thinks to himself while rolling his eyes. Though, he couldn’t deny he was extremely nervous to meet this mystery guy that he had been set up with.

“A-Niang, look! It’s the nice gege from earlier!”

Wei Ying is quick to follow his son’s line of sight, and there he was. Lan Zhan sat at a tsks closer to the window, dressed up in a light blue suit with a light cream shirt. He knew Lan Zhan was handsome, but to see him in a suit? How the sleeves seemed hug his arms just tight enough to let you know the man works out. Before he knew it, Wei Ying was being tugged towards Lan Zhan’s table. “Hey, hey! Baobei let’s not bother the nice gege, he’s probably waiting for someone.” He tried to whisper, tugging his son the other way but they were already spotted.

“Gege! Hi gege!” A-Yuan chimes as Lan Zhan stands from his chair. Was he always this tall?

“Hi, Lan Zhan. What a coincidence! A-Are you here by yourself, or…”

He can see golden eyes scanning him up and down before landing back on his face. He can’t help but shift in place at the intensity of Lan Zhan’s gaze. “I am waiting for someone.” Lan Zhan responds quietly, gaze still on Wei Ying.

“Oh… Me too!” He’s quick to add before chuckling, “Well, you already knew that… A-Are you waiting for a date?”

Lan Zhan seems to consider his answer, and Wei Ying can’t help but to find it amusing at how deflated and defeated the other looks when he responds with a quiet “Yes.”

Wei Ying laughs once more, “Not really looking forward to it? I get it, my sister and best friend set me up for mine. I don’t even know who I’m supposed to meet! Can you believe they refused to give me his name? Or even show me a picture? They really took the definition of ‘blind date’ way too serious.”

Lan Zhan stares at him wide eye, and for a moment Wei Ying thinks he said something wrong. “No offense to whoever you’re meeting, of course! I bet they’re—“

“Wei Ying?” Lan Zhan takes a step closer towards him, but he doesn’t see himself taking a step back.

Brows furrow, “Yeah? Do… Do I have something on my face?”

“I’m meeting with Wei Ying… You are Wei Ying.”

The father can only look at the other in bewilderment, was… was Lan Zhan his blind date? No, this was to good to be true. A guy like Lan Zhan… he could have anyone, the man looked like a god! “Who set you up?” He decided to ask, if he’s says ut was Nei Huaisang then he really was having a date with Lan Zhan. There were no other Wei Ying’s around, not that he knows of.

Wei Ying can tell Lan Zhan is having the same train of thought. “My brother… He was convinced by a family friend that I should… attempt to meet new people.”

“Was it Nie Huaisang? Oh my god! That asshole set everything up!” Wei Ying exclaims once Lan Zhan confirms his suspicions, hands brushing the already messy bangs from his face, a loud laugh echoing through the restaurant. He winced, tho, when people enjoying their food shoot a glare at him. “I can’t believe this…Wait, if you knew my name, why didn’t you say anything earlier.”

Lan Zhan pressed his lips together before answering. “You did not give me your name.”

“Oh— I… Huh, I was really distracted. It would’ve made things easier for the both of us, huh?” Wei Ying smiles at him. “Well… mind if we join you, then? My treat, since you were my hero earlier and I must repay your kindness and patience!”

“Are we having dinner with the nice gege??” A-Yuan suddenly chimes, wide eyes darting between the two adults. Wei Ying smiles as he ruffles his hair.

“We sure are!”

“I knew it! The Nice gege is taking my a-niang for dinner!” The toddler soon clings to Lan Zhan’s leg, which caught him off guard.

“Aiya, A-Yuan! Where are your manners?” Wei Ying chides playfully, attempting to pull his son back to his side.

“I do not mind.” Lan Zhan responds with a smile ghosting over his lips.

The three of them sit at the table. Wei Ying talks away about anything and everything, and Lan Zhan pays full attention to every single word, attention unflinching. It especially melts his heart when Lan Zhan gives the same type of attention to A-Yuan, listening with much seriousness to all the stories he has to tell. He looks at both of them with so much fondness that he feels his heart bursting at the seams. Yeah… it was good he decided to not cancel the date.

#mdzs #mo dao zu shi #wei ying #wei wuxian #lan wangji #lan zhan #wangxian #modern au #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #wen yuan #a-yuan #my writing #this was supposed to be short thing and it turned into a 2k fic sjsndjend

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mcntsee · 9 months

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Letters to her

prologue

summary: kaz’s letter to y/n throughout the years.

warnings: Kaz’s past is kinda mentioned, mentions of death, cursing

note: I tried to express kaz’s feelings and growth with every start and finish of all the letters, hopefully you guys understand it too. I added a little something at the end, hope you enjoy! <3333

first letter:

Deer y/n

My da said you can came come play wheneber you want to come play with my me again can you please come play with me soon pleas?

I miss you and Jordie miss and da and the little kitteny miss you we all misses you very much

Love Kaz!

(I drawed a pist picture of you and me and spots playing)

2nd letter

Dear Y/N,

I hope you're doing okay. I wanted to say a big thank you for being there when we said bye to my da. It made me feel better knowing you were there, even though it was kinda sad.

Guess what? Jordie said we're gonna move to Ketterdam. He says it's cause he wants me to go to a good school there. I'm not sure about leaving this house, but Jordie says it'll be good for us.

The cool part is that you live in Ketterdam! That means we can hang out more and play together. Remember when we used to build forts in the living room and pretend we were pirates? Maybe we can do that in Ketterdam too.

I'll miss this house a bit because it's where we played hide and seek and had ice cream parties, but I think Ketterdam will be fun too. And I'm really happy cause we'll get to see each other more often!

I will see you soon, okay?

Love, Kaz!

3rd letter

Dear y/n,

I'm really, really sorry I haven't come to see you yet. It's not 'cause I don't want to, I promise. You're still my bestest friend ever. It's just that things got a little crazy since we arrived.

Jordie met this guy named Jacob Hertzoon. And guess what? Jacob offered us a whole bunch of money for our house! Jordie said it's a really good thing 'cause we can use the money for important stuff. But it also means we're super busy.

I didn't want you to think I forgot about you or anything. I miss you a lot and I still want to see you and play together. Maybe once we're all settled in our new place and get the money, we can have a big adventure like we used to.

Thanks for being the best friend ever. I promise we'll hang out soon, okay?

Love, Kaz!

4th letter

Y/N,

Are you okay? Please write back! Jordie is gone. I need to know you're alive.

Kaz.

5th letter

Y/N,

I heard you went on quite the journey to Shu Han just to retrieve my cane. I assume the trip was bearable. Your efforts are appreciated.

It's curious how life unfolds, isn't it? One day we're children playing in the streets, the next we're scattered across the world for various reasons. Yet, here we are, still connected by some thread of familiarity.

I imagine you'll return from your expedition when the time is right. Until then, business with the dregs continues as usual. The city keeps turning, and so do its dealings. As for me, well, I have my own matters to attend to as soon as I’m able to walk again.

- K.B.

First note

Get well soon! Let me know if you need anything else.

- Love, Y/n!

6th letter

Y/N,

Your letter reached me, and I must admit, it contained more substance than I anticipated. Word travels fast in the Barrel, and it seems that Haskell has taken quite an interest in your recent endeavors. His words carry weight, though they seldom come without a price.

If his assessment holds true, and you manage to prove your worth in the upcoming job, it could indeed elevate you within the ranks. Haskell’s recognition of your potential is both promising and concerning. The higher one climbs, the more treacherous the fall can be.

In the midst of this, know that I await your return.

May you navigate these challenges with the same tenacity that has carried you thus far. I wish you the best of luck, Y/N. Tread carefully.

- K.B

7th letter

Y/N,

You certainly have a talent for uncovering promising recruits. Jesper Fahey. The word on the street is that he’s got a steady aim that’s worth noticing. The skills he possesses could indeed be valuable, particularly in the line of work we find ourselves engaged in.

However, I must tread cautiously when it comes to individuals entangled in debts and vices. Jesper Fahey, from what I’ve heard, is no stranger to gambling. His tendency to wager recklessly has garnered quite a reputation, one that isn’t entirely favorable. The loyalty of a man buried under the weight of debts is a precarious matter. Whether his skills can outweigh the burden of his choices remains to be seen.

Your perspective on recruits is valued, and I’ll certainly keep a watchful eye on Fahey. I trust your judgment, and I’m willing to entertain the possibility. In the midst of all this, remember that your return is anticipated and your presence missed.

Return safely,

K.B.

8th letter

Y/N,

Do you remember Jesper? It’s almost comical how, after discussing him in my last letter, fate seemed to conspire to validate our conversation. Not long after I sent those words to you, I found myself intervening to prevent Jesper from getting himself thoroughly thrashed due to his gambling debts.

I hope I’ve made the right call by extending a hand to Jesper. It’s a calculated risk, one that I’m hoping will pan out in our favor. There’s potential there, no doubt, but potential doesn’t always translate into reliability.

This letter is short, I know, but I will tell you more about it when you come back.

Stay safe,

K.B

9th letter

Y/n,

It’s been days since your last communication, and the weight of uncertainty presses heavily on me. The quiet absence of your presence has stirred an unease I’m not accustomed to.

I’ve seen you handle insane odds, and I know you’re more than capable. But here I am. My mind keeps wandering to places I’d rather it not go, imagining scenarios that could have unfolded, and none of them are sitting well with me.

I hope that this silence is a result of strategic detachment, that you’re immersed in the intricacies of the job and haven’t had a moment to spare for correspondence.

I’m not accustomed to this vulnerability, nor do I care for it. Yet, here I am, plagued by the absence of information. I ask you, if you’re able, to dispel this uncertainty. A simple message, a token of reassurance – anything to quell this rising tide of apprehension.

I await word from you with an intensity I hadn’t thought possible. May it come soon.

Expectantly,

K.B

10th letter

Y/N,

I received the coat you sent, and I must admit, it's a rare occasion when I'm at a loss for words. It's unlike anything I would've chosen for myself, yet somehow, it feels surprisingly fitting. I can't deny its utility either – I appreciate it.

Jesper and Nina have managed to cultivate a special talent for driving me to the brink of exasperation. Their camaraderie is both amusing and bewildering, a chaotic symphony that I'm still attempting to decipher.

Today was no different. Jesper's antics at the club bordered on audacious, and Nina's unbridled laughter was enough to turn heads in our direction. As I tried to navigate the sea of chaos they create, I found myself, unusually, yearning for a return to some semblance of normalcy.

I must confess, the prospect of your return holds an allure I hadn't anticipated. There's a steadiness in your presence, an understanding that's often a rare commodity in these tumultuous times. The chaos, the hustle – they feel more manageable when you're around.

Till then, I'll persevere in the sea of antics that Jesper and Nina stir up, counting down the days until your return.

Until then,

Kaz

11th letter

Y/N,

Your mention of the jurda parem caught my attention, no doubt about it. It’s a name that carries weight, and I’ve got a feeling we’re treading on some dangerous ground here. It’s the kind of thing that’s best left untouched until we’ve got a better handle on what it entails.

Listen, I won’t preach, but I’ve got to say it – be careful and keep an eye out for trouble. The city’s not known for being kind to those who don’t tread carefully, and I’d hate to see you caught in something you didn’t see coming.

I’ve got a job for you. One that’s right up your alley. It’s always better discussing these things face to face, so when you can, make your way back. The sooner, the better.

Until then,

Kaz

12th letter

Y/N,

I’ve never been one for words, as you well know. My tongue seems to have a mind of its own, often saying the wrong things at the wrong time. And when it comes to matters like these, I’ve found that my eloquence takes a swift exit.

So, here I am, writing this letter in hopes that the words come out right, that they somehow capture what I’m feeling. I’ve spent years navigating the intricacies of this city, and yet the complexities of my own emotions have managed to elude me.

I’ve always valued our connection, from those early days of childhood mischief to the present. You’ve been a constant in my life, someone whose presence brings a sense of order to the chaos that surrounds us. And somewhere along the way, that bond transformed into something deeper, something I’ve been grappling with.

I find myself wanting to say more, to articulate the thoughts that remain half-formed in my mind. But it’s difficult, Y/N, and this letter might be the best I can manage.

What I’m trying to say is that you’ve become more than a friend, more than a partner in crime. There’s a depth to my feelings that I’m only beginning to understand. And if I’m being truly honest, I’d like to explore where this path might lead.

I understand if you need time, if my sudden candor is a lot to process. But I wanted to put these thoughts down, to let you know where my heart is at. And if you’re open to it, if you’ve felt even a fraction of what I’ve been feeling, then maybe we can navigate this new terrain together.

Kaz.

Second note

I’d like to explore where this path might lead too.

Love, y/n!

13th letter

Y/N,

I can't thank you enough for stepping in when I couldn't. I hope the contractor in Lij wasn’t hard to handle.

Now, I have a proposal of a different kind. How about we put our skills to use in a more relaxed setting? I'd like to take you out to dinner. No heists, no secret dealings, just you and me, navigating the menu instead of the back alleys.

I've made reservations for us at a place that's a bit more reputable than the Barrel's taverns. Consider it a step toward normalcy, a chance to enjoy an evening without looking over our shoulders.

Looking forward to your return,

Kaz

14th letter

Dear Y/N,

Your letter reached me, and I've got to say, the way you put it into words – how much you miss me – it hits home. The distance is a constant reminder of the warmth I've grown accustomed to, and I find myself missing you more than I thought possible.

This job is driving me insane, and my thoughts often wander back to Ketterdam, back to you. It's like a pull, a magnetic force that tugs me back to the life we've been building together.

I bought something with me – a box of those chocolates you can't seem to get enough of. The catch? I'm hoping they survive the journey and don't turn into a gooey mess.

I want you to know that with every sunrise and sunset that passes, I'm getting more restless to return to the city that's been our canvas, our backdrop. Until then, my thoughts are with you, and I'm eagerly counting down the days until I can wrap my arms around you again.

With all my longing,

Kaz

3rd note

I apologize, it seems the chocolates didn’t fare too well. I hope they’re still somewhat salvageable and that they manage to satisfy your sweet tooth.

- Kaz

15th letter

Dear Y/N,

I hope this letter finds you on the mend, wrapped in warmth and taking good care of yourself. It pains me to know you're unwell while I'm away, unable to offer even the smallest comfort.

My love, get well soon. I miss your laughter, your presence – they're a part of my life I can't bear to be without for long. The distance feels heavier when I know you're not well.

Today, during the heist, I saw a small brown cat with delicate white spots. The sight of it was like a reminder of simpler times, of moments when things were less complex. It stirred memories of my old cat "Spots," whose antics used to provide a reprieve from the realities of the Barrel.

As I look around, I find myself yearning for the day when I'll return to Ketterdam. Until then, my thoughts are with you, my love. Rest well, recover soon, and know that I will be there soon.

With all my affection,

Kaz

16th letter

Dearest Y/N,

There are times in life when words are inadequate, when even the most eloquent phrases fall short of capturing the depth of one's emotions. Today is one such day, and I find myself grappling with a sentiment that defies my usual precision.

I love you, Y/N. There, I've said it, though the words seem almost insufficient to convey the weight of my feelings. You've woven your presence into the very fabric of my being, and I find that I'm navigating uncharted territory, stumbling upon emotions that have long remained dormant.

In a world marked by uncertainties, you've become my constant, the one I turn to when the winds of the Barrel grow fierce. I cherish our bond, our shared history, and the future we're forging together.

As the days pass, my conviction only grows stronger. You've touched a part of me I thought was unreachable, and I find myself grateful for the warmth you've brought into my life.

Love,

Kaz

4th note

I love you too, more than words can express.

- Love, y/n!

17th letter

My Love,

I've stumbled upon something while on my trip to Lij, a revelation that caught me by surprise. My old house is up for sale. I confess, it's a notion that's been hovering in the back of my mind, a possibility I've been toying with.

And then, as if fate had a hand to play, it occurred to me – what if we made it our own? Y/N, would you consider it? The thought of creating new memories in a space that's intertwined with my past is something that holds a certain allure. A place where we could carve out our own sanctuary, away from the schemes and chaos that surround us.

If this notion speaks to you, let me know. It's a step I'd only take with you, a shared decision that would mark a new chapter in our journey together.

Love,

Kaz

18th letter

This is to certify that Y/N L/N and Kaz Brekker is (are) now registered as the absolute proprietor(s) of the land comprised in the above-mentioned title, subject to the entries in the register relating to the land and to such of the overriding interests set out in section 30 of the Registered Land Act as may for the time being subsist and affect the land.

Kaz Brekker __________

19th letter

My love Y/N,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits, even though I’m far away in Shu Han. I wanted to share something with you – I stumbled upon the perfect dining table. It’s a piece that seems to embody the essence of what we’ve built together, a symbol of the life we’re crafting, even from a distance.

As I stand here, thousands of miles away, my thoughts are never far from Ketterdam, from you. Every corner of the city is a reminder of our shared journey, of the future we’re molding. And with every passing day, I find myself longing to return, to be by your side again.

The plans we’ve made, the dreams we’ve spun – they’re a driving force, propelling me forward through the challenges that Shu Han presents. I promise you, Y/N, I’ll be back soon enough.

Until then, know that you’re in my thoughts, my heart, every moment of the day.

With all my affection,

Kaz

20th letter

Love,

I’ve come across some interesting information that might be of use to you. It seems that there’s a rumor circulating about a certain merchant in the Fifth Harbor. This merchant, it’s said, has been trying to make deals with both the Merchants Council and the Whitecrows, something that has my interest piqued.

I’ve also managed to uncover some details about a potential source of counterfeit currency that might be making its way into the hands of certain unsavory individuals. The source, surprisingly, seems to be tied to a printing press hidden away in the Barrel. It’s a curious development, one that could have far-reaching consequences.

And finally, I’ve received word that a shipment of goods has gone missing from a storage warehouse near the docks. This might not seem significant at first glance, but it’s the timing that intrigues me. A missing shipment, coupled with the merchant’s deals and the counterfeit currency – it’s all connected, I’m certain of it.

Stay vigilant, stay cautious. And know that even in the midst of our separate tasks, you’re in my thoughts.

I miss you, and I love you.

Love,

Kaz

21st letter

Y/N,

Listen to me, and listen carefully. You need to come back to Ketterdam, now. What you walked into, it was a trap – calculated, deliberate. I can’t explain it all in this letter, but trust me when I say your safety is in jeopardy.

I don’t care what you’re in the middle of, what plan you’re executing – drop it, and make your way back. I can’t lose you, not now, not like this. The threat is real, and the longer you stay where you are, the more danger you’re in.

I’m begging you, Y/N, hurry back. We can sort through the details, I’ll explain everything, but right now, all that matters is your safety. Don’t delay, don’t second-guess. Just come back.

Kaz

22nd letter

Love,

I’m pleading with you, begging you to reach out, to let me know you’re safe. This silence, it’s a torment I can’t bear. Every thought is tinged with worry, and I find myself grappling with scenarios that are far too grim.

I don’t care about the details, the reasons – they pale in comparison to my overwhelming need to know you’re okay. We’ve faced down darkness together, navigated treacherous waters, and I can’t accept the idea of you being lost in the midst of it all.

Please, Y/N, come back to Ketterdam. If you’re reading this, if you’re anywhere, find a way to let me know you’re alive. I’ll make sense of the rest later. Just, my love, come back to me.

Kaz

23rd letter

Y/N,

I can’t wait any longer. The silence is a weight on my chest, a suffocating reminder of the unknown. I’ve agonized, I’ve begged, and still, there’s no word from you. It’s time I take matters into my own hands.

Please, hold on. I’m coming. I hope you’re okay, I hope you’re just out of reach, waiting for me to catch up. It’s a risk I have to take.

I love you.

Stay strong, my love. I’m on my way.

24th letter

My Dearest Y/N,

It's been a week since you left us, a week of darkness and aching emptiness that nothing can fill. I know you won't get this letter, that these words will remain suspended in the void, but I find myself needing to put them down, needing to release the feelings that have taken hold of me.

The pain is suffocating, a weight that's settled into my bones. I still can't grasp the reality, can't accept that you're gone, that your light has been extinguished. It's a void that stretches beyond comprehension, a void I'm stumbling through.

The memories are a double-edged sword. They're a balm, a reminder of the moments we shared, of your laughter, your warmth. But they're also a blade, a reminder of what's been taken from us, of the future that was stolen away.

I want you to know, even though you'll never read these words – I love you. I always have, and I always will. You were more than a partner, more than a confidant. You were my anchor, my solace, my reason to keep pushing forward.

It's impossible to fathom life without you, Y/N. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled. I can only hope that wherever you are, you're at peace, free from the pain that's gripped my heart.

Until we meet again, my love,

Kaz

25th letter

My dearest Y/N,

Six months have passed, and the ache of your absence has only deepened. The city, our city, is a different place without you. The crows, the ones you brought together, are slowly finding their separate paths, their separate destinies. It's as if the world itself is reshaping in your absence.

I found the little box where you kept all those letters. Your letters, my words – I'm surprised, in a way, that you kept them all. It's a piece of you that I'll treasure forever.

It's in these moments of solitude that I find myself yearning for your presence the most. Your laughter, your insights – they're still very much alive in my memories, and they continue to guide me through the labyrinthine twists of this world.

I miss you, Y/N. More than words can say. The void you left behind is as vast as the Barrel itself, and there's a hollowness that's impossible to fill. I can only hope that, wherever you are, you've found the peace that eluded you in life.

Until the next time we meet, my love,

Kaz

26th letter

My Dearest Y/N,

Time has continued its relentless march, and two years have slipped through my grasp since you left us. The city, once our canvas, has taken on a different hue, a different weight. The crows have scattered, their paths diverging, and the life we built together feels like a distant memory.

I wanted to share something with you – I've made a decision about the house, the one that once held the echoes of our shared history. It's a decision born out of the reality that without you, it's ceased to be a home. The walls, the rooms – they're empty without your presence, and it's a stark reminder of what's been lost.

Putting it up for sale again, it's not just about letting go of a physical space. It's about acknowledging that our time together, our shared moments, live on in memories, not in bricks and mortar. I carry you with me, always, but it's time to release the hold the house had on me.

Life continues to move forward, though it's a path I tread with a shadow that can never be dispelled. I hope, wherever you are, you've found the peace that eluded you in life. And I hope, wherever I am, you're watching over me, your presence a guiding light through the darkness.

With a heart full of love,

Kaz

27th letter

My dearest,

It's been almost three years, and some days it feels like it was just yesterday when I last saw you. I miss you, fuck, I miss you so much. It's like this gaping hole, this emptiness that can't be filled. No matter how many schemes I plan, no matter how many crows I put to work, it's like there's this void that's always there.

I was gonna do it, you know? I was gonna ask you. I got this ring, this small little thing that I bought just a month before you fucking died. It's funny, you know, I never thought I'd be the one to feel this way, to want something that much, to want to stake a claim in this shithole of a world.

But I guess that's what you did to me. You turned this cold, calculating schemer into someone who wanted more, who wanted you. I'm sorry I didn't ask you sooner, that I waited, that I let time slip through my fingers like sand. I'm sorry I couldn't be the one you deserved.

You were my light, Y/N. You shined a light into my darkest corners, and now that you're gone, it's like the shadows have returned with a vengeance. I need you, I need you so fucking much it's like a knife in my gut every damn day.

I don't know where you are, what's out there after this life, but I hope you're somewhere better. I hope you're at peace, and I hope you know that I'm here, waiting in this shithole, missing you every fucking day.

I love you, Y/N. I love you so fucking much it hurts. And I wish... I wish I could've showed it more when you were still here.

With all my shattered pieces,

Kaz

28th letter

Deer Y/N,

This will be the last letter I write to you, and as I put pen to paper, I’m filled with a mixture of emotions that words could never truly capture. The passage of time has been unkind, separating us by years that have felt both fleeting and eternal.

It’s strange, the way grief works. It’s a steady ache that never truly fades, an ache I’ve grown accustomed to carrying. There’s an emptiness in my heart that’s become a part of me, a void that can never be filled by anyone or anything else.

I’ve learned to navigate this world without you, though it’s been a journey fraught with challenges and moments of unbearable pain. There’s a longing, a yearning, that can never be quenched. You were my constant, the force that kept me grounded, and now that you’re gone, there’s a piece of me that will forever remain incomplete.

As time marches on, I find myself grappling with a heartbreaking reality – the sound of your voice is fading from my memory. The way you felt, the touch of your hand in mine, it’s becoming harder to recall. It’s as though the vibrant details of your presence are slipping through my fingers, leaving behind a hazy impression.

And oh, Y/N, the thought that your laughter will never again reach my ears, it’s a pain that reverberates through my very being. Your face, once etched in my mind with unparalleled clarity, is beginning to blur around the edges. The little details that I once treasured, the nuances that made you uniquely you, they’re slipping away, like grains of sand carried by the wind.

I love you, Y/N. Those words have become a mantra, a whispered refrain that echoes in the corners of my mind. I carry your memory with me, every step of the way, and I hold onto the hope that, wherever you are, you’ve found the peace that eluded you in life.

As I place this letter alongside the others, a part of me hopes that somehow, somewhere, you’ll receive these words, that you’ll know that you were loved, that you’re still loved, even in your absence.

I miss you, “we all misses you very much.”

Love, Kaz!

#fanfiction #kaz brekker x reader #six of crows #six of crows x reader #angst #fluff #kaz brekker #i cry now #flangst

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hauntedwitch04 · 6 months

Text

Lucifer I

Nyx Acheron x reader

Words: about 5.0k words

Warnings: blood, death, murder, sad things in general, shitty biological family

Author's note: This is a request by a follower on Wattpad, that I personally loved and I wrote this during the night. It's not complited, the second part will be out soon, but it was getting to long. Hope you like it loves, your witch Becky

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"Say one more word and I swear I'll cut out your tongue." You say looking at the young prince of the night, who reciprocates by looking at you amused.

"Uncle Az, tell your hound dog to stay put." Nyx replies, as he rises from the chair in the meeting room we are in. For a moment you forget about him and end up looking around, and you wonder if little te knew this would happen to her in the future, if she would believe it. When Azriel found you, hiding in a cave not far from the Illyrian camp from which you had escaped, he was shocked at how long you had lasted alone in the woods. It had been weeks now since you had managed to escape what was left of my family, yet you still had not managed to wash away completely the blood of your sisters that had remained under your nails.

After your parents had died, my father in battle and my mother in childbirth, the chief of our tribe had decided to assign you to the only relatives left for you and your sisters namely your uncles, evil and mean people who had only money in mind and how to accumulate more and more of it, and because of this however small you were, you had to start working right away. Also living with you was our mother's mother, a bigoted and unintelligent woman bound by the stupid traditions of the barbaric people of which I am a part, who from early on you knew would present a threat to your wings. Not a day went by when she did not complain that you had not yet bled or find ways to make it happen, but you in response had studied every book and document you could about it and made sure to find every remedy you could to delay the arrival of what would spell the end of your last freedom. And the same you did with your sisters when they began to grow up, honoring the memory of your parents by asking them for help every night.

After spending years and years being a slave, on your twentieth birthday you woke up with red-stained blankets and immediately a new fear took its place in your body. You could already hear voices coming toward the room you shared with your sisters, and without a second thought you had jumped up waking the other two girls and telling them to take what you had prepared to run away. Within minutes you were already running through the woods, looking for a safe place to live for a while until you figured out how to do it. Over time you had also learned to hunt, and so you were not afraid to live in the woods; what you were afraid of was your family.

A little over an hour had passed when you heard voices coming from behind.

"Baby, I don't want to hurt you. You know we have to, it's time for you to become a real woman." Yelled your uncle in an obnoxious, sarcastic voice, and you only increased your pace, which soon turned again into a hopeless race dragging your sisters toward what you hoped would be salvation.

"Do you really think those wings make you somebody! You are nothing if a little slut trying to escape from a future that is already written! Hurry up and I promise I won't rip your wings off, just keep playing hide-and-seek and I'll take all the time I can to do what I want with you!" Yells your uncle again, before laughing out loud. "Do you think we haven't found your stupid plant books, to delay your bleeding, do you think we're that stupid? That alone could be enough of a death sentence for you, do you really want to make your situation worse!?" He continued, and you felt a cold chill run down your spine. For a moment you thought about turning yourself in, then the image of all those girls you had seen suffer or even die for what they had done to their wings came into your mind, and so you began to run even harder, until you found yourself in front of a cave. You had found it a while ago, trying to catch something in the woods, and it had seemed like a good hiding place. You told your sisters to go inside, while you went for a second to retrieve some weapons you had hidden in a hollow log two minutes away from there, intimating to them to keep quiet if they did not want to be discovered. Yet all was in vain.

One minute. Sixty seconds. Twenty blinks. One moment.

It only took a moment to kill your sisters. Your uncle found them, and because they tried to escape he killed them on the spot, stabbing them in the stomach.

You arrived at the moment when you saw the youngest among the three of you fall, the one who being the eldest daughter you had the pleasure of holding first, while the middle one was already on the ground lifeless. You saw in her eyes the life slip away, like sand running through your fingers.

"So you won't run away like your useless sister." Said your uncle, looking at her handiwork before turning away. "Where is he right now, anyway? He abandoned you, he doesn't even have the courage to face me, yet he has the courage to leave you here to die." He continued.

"Turn around asshole, and face your fate." Whispers your sister, dying, amid blood spit on the ground and moans of pain. "I hope his blade is as sharp as your tongue." She continues, before telling you with her lips that she loved you, and then letting the life that animated her flow out of her.

Your uncle turned and for a moment his face was crossed with pure and simple fear, coming the anger that animated your face. A few simple sword movements, and in a few seconds he was in front of you on his knees, praying to your goodness, which in his regard had left you years ago. Blood gushed from his lips like lava from a volcano as you watched life fade away behind his tar-black pupils.

"I hope you will suffer as much as you made us suffer, and that Mother will have a special punishment for you. You killed the only family I had left, and for that I will take from you what you took from me: life." You said, looking down into his eyes. He spat in your face in response.

"Do you think you are so much better than me? You too will take the life of another human being, even your hands will be stained with blood, you and I are not much different." He said, before spitting more blood at my feet. "Besides, do you really think they will not notice that I am not going back to the village? Do you really think they won't come looking for me and find you here with all these dead people? Do you think you'll get away with it? O deluded little bitch, they will kill you, and then there we will be in the same cage before Lucifer."

"See you in hell then." You whispered before finally cutting his neck and letting his blood create a pool at your feet.

For hours you felt like an automaton as you carried your uncle's body out of the cave and buried it not far from there. Once you had stowed away all the earth, you turned to where your sisters still lay and for the first time truly felt their death strike you with an axe blow to the chest, whereas before you were too busy still brooding over anger and revenge. In a few steps you found yourself on the ground, your hands grasping their bloody clothes as you clutched them to your chest, crying hot and bitter tears. You screamed in every language you knew against every deity you remembered, as you begged anyone to take you in their place and let them live their lives. You spent the whole night crying and screaming, so much so that by morning you had no voice left. Once the sun came up you realized what you looked like. Your arms were completely bloody, especially your hands, where blood had even gone under your fingernails. Long minutes passed before you conceived the fact that you had to bury your sisters as well. This time, however, was different. You found a beautiful clearing full of lavender flowers and laughed at the irony. You had always loved lavender very much, and your sisters always teased you about it, and now the place where they would find peace would be just that. You slowly dug two pits next to each other in the shade of a willow tree, and gently placed their bodies, wrapped in blankets, as tears continued to stream down your face. You looked one last time at their bodies, so small and helpless at that moment, before covering them with the earth. Once finished you lay there on top of them, waiting for the dead to come for you too, feeling guilty for their death and for killing a man, seeing the blood still staining your hands. You screamed, cried again as you had done the night before, then you heard a rustling in the plants, and like a vision your sisters appeared to you holding hands with your mother, surrounded by shadows. By now it had become night, but you did not even realize it too engrossed in crying.

Immediately you were frightened by the scene and jumped to your feet, then you calmed down and realized that you had not gone crazy, but there were really them in front of you. You ran toward them, and tried to hug each of them three times, failing, and falling all three times into the void. Immediately the tears came back to you.

"I thought I was dead. I thought I had atoned for my sins, and instead I'm still here. I don't deserve to live, please do something help me." You asked, kneeling in front of them, looking down, and at that moment you felt like a gust of wind settling on your shoulder, so you looked up and saw that your mother had placed her hand on his shoulder and was looking at you fondly.

"My child, do not think that our death is your fault. You, on the contrary, did everything you could do. You must keep fighting, you cannot let yourself go like this. You must live for us, too." She said, but you shook your head, not believing you could.

"I am not so strong mom, I allowed them to hurt them. I-I don't think I can go on alone anymore. I am not strong enough." You whisper, as you go back to slump on the ground.

"Don't even think that. You have come this far, you must live for us too. We will never abandon you, we will become your janitors." She said making a gesture to indicate the shadows that surrounded her and your sisters. As if they understood the topic of conversation they moved toward you, twisting like a snake along your arms, until they reached your ear and whispered something to you. You were not even surprised to understand them, no matter how surreal this situation was. You watched intently as those night-colored pythons came to life around you, until you looked up again and saw that your mother was now retreating with your sisters, back to where they had come from.

"Where are you going!? Don't leave me!" You screamed, getting up and running toward them, but the shadows held you, like worried hands holding someone dear.

"You can't follow us where we go love, now we have to go back where we came from, we have already been away too much according to the rules. Take care dear and remember we love you. Enjoy every second of your life, don't remember the past, create a new future." Those were your mother's last words to you as your sisters waved goodbye, also with tears in their eyes.

At that moment I became a shadowsinger.

And so you returned to being alone, in the middle of the night, surrounded by shreds of darkness that moved with a life of their own.

"My lady must go and wash the blood off her clothes, and she will attract wild animals." The shadows say in your ear, as they urge you to get up. You resist a little at first, to be guided by them, who like an invisible wet nurse took care of you, for the first few days where you still had to get used to the situation. A week later you were fully back to yourself, and nothing could stop you. You kept moving from one place to another so they would not find you until one morning you heard a rustling among the plants, but your shadows that time told you something different that struck you.

"Honey, this time the one chasing us is someone like you." They said, as you were setting a new trap to catch some small game.

"Like us, you mean another shadowsinger?" You asked confused, torn between wanting to escape and wanting to know.

"That's right honey." They replied, before going forward.

A few minutes passed before a man, an Illyrian, emerged from behind the plants, but you soon realized that you did not know him.

"Hello." He said first, smiling slightly as he put his hands forward to show you that he had no hidden weapons to hurt you. "I would just like to talk to you."

You looked at him wary, then you saw a shadow emerge from his back, exactly like those adorning your shoulders, and immediately you felt understood. You saw his shadows go to his ears, as if to report something to him, and immediately his eyes widened as his face changed, looking at you with sorry eyes and a sorrowful smile on his lips.

"You are also like me. "You affirmed as you approached, he without warning embraced you, holding your slender, exhausted body in his mighty arms.

"I'm sorry." He said in a choked voice as he gently stroked your back. "Who has passed away?" He asked, trying to understand how you had managed to get what for him was a curse.

"My mother and sisters. They failed to protect them. My mother I failed to save all those years ago, while the others I left alone, and my uncle killed them." You whispered, as you let go in his arms in a desperate cry.

"Then you really are the girl from the village they are looking for." He said as he looked into your eyes, and you saw tears forming in his, as if he also remembered at this moment a past and distant pain, still alive in him though. "They sent me to find you, saying that a crazy dangerous murderer, but I think they actually are." He continues laughing, before asking another question. "Where is your uncle?"

"I killed him." You said in a hard, impassive voice and then looked at him coldly, or at least tried to, but the fear you were feeling clearly shone through your eyes. "I will accept whatever punishment you want to give me, but please don't take me back there. I ran away because they wanted to clip my wings, and now I'm afraid of what they would have in store for me, and I suspect it's worse than death." You asked, as more tears ran down your face.

He shook his head, before taking off his jacket and laying it on your shoulders.

"My dear, you will come with me, I will never take you back to that shitty place." He said softly as he stroked your face, and for the first time you felt the scars adorning his palms, and you were shocked by the contrast between his soft voice and his rough skin.

"I am Azriel, the High Lord's chief spy, and you will come with me to Velaris, where I will teach you everything I know about the shadows we share. After all, I've always wanted a little sister, and I'm sure Cassian will be impressed with your skills as well." He said, as he pointed you to a place in the forest devoid of trees. "I have to warn you though, we're a little crazy as a family." He continued, but you froze.

"Wait, I have to do something first." You said before running one last time to that lavender field, to which you had gone every day to see your sisters.

"It's not goodbye, it's goodbye. I will be back soon, as soon as I can. I love you all. I will live for you." You confessed at their graves, amid sobs before returning to Azriel.

He looked at you with compassion and together you took off into the air, and only when you arrived in Velaris did you realize that your life had really changed, and that a new adventure was beginning.

"Hey baby all right?" You eventually hear Azriel's voice, concerned, as he leans over the table to take your hands. You are the only one with whom he shows physical affection, trusting only you, and of course Gwyn, whom you regard as a mother.

Over time your relationship has proven to be more like that between a father and a daughter than between a brother and a sister. He has from the very beginning taken care of you, and you of him at times when he needed it, you have always supported each other, and a bond flows between you that is stronger than just a blood bond. You look into his eyes and see his doubt gripping him, but it still does not invade your mind, leaving you space. Nyx also seems to have quieted down. You and he have never gotten along too well, ever since you first met. You have been part of the Inner circle for ten years now, but the two of you only met five years ago, since he was studying on the mainland before that.

He, from the beginning saw you as a rival, and even being a couple of years younger, felt that his place as a protected and beloved prince of the court was being undermined by you.

He never understood the real reason why his uncle took you with them, and that was also because you had never shared your story with anyone outside of Az and his mate, not wanting others to see you as weak.

"Yeah all right, I was thinking about how not to kill that asshole during the mission." You say, trying to sound convincing, and apparently succeeding because everyone is giggling, outside of Az and Nyx who don't look very convinced.

"Oh come on Lucifer, we both know that the better of the two is me." He tries to comment, but you can still read the uncertainty in his eyes not believing your words.

"In your dreams Acheron." You answer, trying to let the nickname pass.

The next day, at dawn you find yourself on a mission in the woods near where you had grown up. A feeling of fear covers your heart and mind ever since you set foot here. Like a flooding river, memories of your childhood wash over you. Rhysand didn't know this place was steeped in trauma for you, or he wouldn't have assigned it to you, but if you had told him, you would have proven yourself unequal to your role as his court's deputy spy chief, unable to separate work and private life.

"We need to go to an Illyrian camp nearby, apparently there has been some insubordination." Nyx tells you, not remembering that you were also at the meeting her father had to describe the mission. "Hey, you look pale, are you okay?" He asks worriedly, turning to look at you.

"Since when do you worry about me Acheron? Aren't you getting soft?" You say, stepping past him as with confident steps of someone who has been down that road a billion times before, you move like a snake, with elegance and fluidity, through the trees of the forest. Out of the corner of your eye you see the boy step into a trap, which has been there since you were a child, which an old hunter always puts in that hole.

"Be careful putting your foot there, there is a trap." You say atonically as you continue walking. He stops and looks carefully at where he was about to walk to see that indeed you were right.

"Well I'd say you're mellowing, too, honey. Is the cold-hearted witch thawing out?" He asks with amusement as you without stopping or turning around give him the middle finger.

"I love you too baby." He continues, in response to your gesture, and you shake your head in response as you can't suppress a silly little smile appearing on your face.

"How did you know there was a trap anyway, it was really very well hidden." Comments the prince of the night, as he takes great strides to catch up with you.

You pause for a second, thinking whether to tell him the truth or tell him to go to hell again. You don't know what is getting into you but this place makes your head spin, and you feel like a poor, lonely, helpless girl again. The shadows surround you like a shield since you arrived, as if they, too, sense the familiarity of that place. You look into his violet eyes, which in the little sunshine coming in through the tree foliage, take on a lavender-like hue, and again it feels as if a prick comes sharply into your stomach and knocks you to the ground.

You see in his expression concern and sincerity, and this sends your system into a tailspin, which, as if it were nothing, opens up a deep, private part of you to him.

"I grew up here, I know these woods well." You say not looking into his eyes, too caught up in your emotions that are running through you right now. The shadows close even tighter between you, almost creating a cocoon.

"I didn't know that." He replies.

"Nobody knows, nobody but Az and Gwyn." You counter.

"He found you here then." The boy affirms, while in the shadows he tries to look around.

"Yes, not far from here." And you almost can't hold between your lips <<and near here I buried my sisters, a little farther away instead is the cave where they died at the hands of my uncle, whom I killed and buried near there>>, but fortunately you manage to hold back.

A few seconds pass in which neither of you really knows what to say, until you decide to confess other things.

"Nyx, the village we are going to is the one I ran away from when I was 20 years old with my sisters. Everyone there hates me, but I don't even think they would recognize me, however, I wanted to tell you before you see doing something stupid and reckless for no reason. At least you know some context, it seemed right to tell you." You say as you resume walking, but he grabs one of your two wrists with his hand and stops you.

"How come you ran away?" He asks with a seriousness you think you've never seen in him before.

"They wanted to take away the only thing that made me free: my wings." You answer with equal seriousness as I see his jaw twitch in anger.

"Who wanted to do this to you? Your parents?" He asks as disgust is evident from his tone.

"No, it's a long story." You try to answer without giving too much information, but immediately you feel something, guilt, making its way inside you. "Maybe someday I will tell you, but this is neither the place nor the time to do so." You continue, before starting to move along the forest. Nyx does not counter and follows your steps silently, always, however, staying close to you and in silence, as if she has that at this moment, the slightest thing could destabilize you and that you need someone right now, who without your asking, should help you survive from drowning in your memories.

You arrive at the village shortly after, and for a moment you feel like you have traveled through time. Nothing has changed since you left, and that gives you the chills. Immediately people begin to look at you askance, and within seconds you find the village chief standing in front of you. He is still the same as when you were there, an elderly gentleman with poor eyesight and a big heart. He was the only one who supported your choice to keep your wings, but the council had overtaken him and there was nothing he could do about it, he had confessed to you once while your family was still waiting for you to bleed, but he was already deciding your future. He looks at you with squinted eyes, trying to focus on your figure.

"Hello, we are here about the small riot that happened here a few days ago. The High Lord sent us." Says Nyx casually, with a smile on his face. You had decided before you left not to say your identities right away, so as not to arouse hatred as soon as you arrived, but you obviously hadn't told Nyx about why, though now he knows.

"Oh certainly, this way guys." Says the elderly gentleman, smiling at us. "But you didn't have to go to all that trouble, it was just a bunch of stupid kids who decided to make some trouble. There was no need for the High Lord to send any of his people, but we really appreciate you coming." He continues, as we cross the main street of the village.

"High Lord Rhysand is keen to let it be known that he is always available to his subjects when needed." Nyx replies very diplomatically, as he has been taught. You stop and stare at him, as you walk along, and think that deep down all those girls falling at his feet are not wrong. He is one of the most handsome boys you have ever seen, if not the most handsome of them all, with those violet eyes and perpetually disheveled night-colored hair. He is smart, but at the same time reckless, funny and kind, in short the perfect boy everyone dreams of. Immediately you freeze, and blush when you realize what you're thinking. You hear the shadows laughing in your ear, hearing your thoughts, and you under your breath curse them. You look around and realize you've stopped in front of what used to be your little piece of heaven: the bookstore. It was a tiny, musty place, and full of dusty old shelves, and run by a sweet and loving little lady, whom you treated like children.

When you were little, you spent hours in there, so much so that eventually the lady hired you as an assistant, making sure that your aunt and uncle didn't force you to stop going to that place to go to work.

It was never very busy, but it had a small circle of trusted customers.

Now, however, it is a ruined place. The window glass is broken, and the now-worn sign has fallen down. The shelves have all fallen, one on top of the other like bodies of soldiers wounded in battle, piled on top of each other. A dusty mist fills the store, while on the ground one can still see marks left by flames, while nothing but ashes remain of the books.

Nyx seeing that you stopped, stops in turn, apologizing to the village chief, and coming to see if you were okay.

"Hey, are you okay Lucifer? If you want, you can wait in one spot, and I'd be back to you in five minutes, I swear I'd be quick and then we'd run right out of here and not look back. You don't have to do all this if you can't." The boy says sympathetically as he takes your hand in his. That gesture makes you turn toward him, and then look at the older gentleman who has also turned back, and he looks at you smiling.

"I felt like I knew that smile." He says, looking at you as he strokes your face with one hand. "It seems like a lifetime since you and your sisters left. I see that life has treated you well." He continues happily, and you feel a pang in your heart.

"Life apparently has only treated me well." You say while remaining vague, and immediately he seems to understand, and with a sweet gesture, typical of a grandfather toward his granddaughter, he kisses your forehead lovingly.

"I'm sorry little witch." He whispers, and you smile at the nickname, which he had given you when you were still playing at making potions out of mud in the camp.

Nyx meanwhile was looking at you more and more confused, but he does not ask you anything, realizing that this is not the time for his questions. The shadows move agitated, too caught up in all those emotions.

"What happened to the bookstore?" You ask worriedly. "Is the lady okay?"

"She passed away shortly after you left. Her family did not take care of the store and let vandals destroy it." Confessed the elderly gentleman, sorry.

You are about to respond, angry at the people who allowed part of your childhood to be set on fire, when you hear a voice from down the street that chills the blood in your veins, that of your aunt.

...to be continued...

TAGLIST

@winchestergirl222

• @nothingimportentreally

• @duda

• @itsmeseph

• @lys-neyr8

• @nyotamalfoy

• @anonimusy

• @marigold-morelli

• @luna-1-3-5

• @esposadomd

• @thotd-f1

• @humanpersonlasttimeichecked

@backups-backups

@daeneeryss

@hjgdhghoe

@theviewfromtheotherside

@e_dollly

#acotar x reader #imagine acotar #nyx acheron x reader #nyx archeron x reader #hauntedwitch04's writing

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mrstsugikuni · 11 months

Text

Their little secret 🤭

Time setting: Taisho era. NOT sengoku era.

Sum. Michikatsu(koku) Taisho era!AU is dating y/n but they haven't told anyone and never planned to. Y/n always gets flirted with by all the males in the dsc. Since nobody knows she's taken. Until...

WARNINGS 🫶😣: Wall sex 🤭, vaginal penetration, public-ish sex, and getting caught 😋.

MINORSS D.N.I 🗿

"Y'know~ I have room for one more wife?"

*here we go againn.* She rolled her eyes as she looked at michikatsu and then to tengen who has just asked her out again for the 100th time today.

"Tengen, my answer is never gonna change so please stop asking me." She politely answered again slowly losing her patience while michikatsu glared at him with jealousy and anger.

"It'll change one day, especially when you realize just how handsome and perfect I truly am~!" He stated in a singsong voice but when he opened his eyes he was met with no one. "Damn, she left again."

She sighed as michikatsu put her down when he knew they were at a safe distance. "I'm gonna kill him." He said through gritted teeth trying to keep his cool. "Don't do that besides they don't know we're together so what exactly do you expect from em?" He thought for a moment realizing she was right but still hated they even dare think they have a chance with someone like her. "Y/n." He said more calmly. She tilted her head to show her acknowledgement. "I have to go on a mission soon, promise me you'll be able to take care of yourself." He said in a more worried tone as she smiled at him and hugged him tightly. "ofc."

He was gone for a really long time and sanemi began joining in again, since it was mainly uzui and sanemi to try and shoot their shot. It went from compliments about her face to unusual compliments on her body.

Sanemi couldn't stop getting extremely close to her, they would be inches away from each other while uzui would almost corner her, since michikatsu was around she has no one to protect her but she knew he would be home soon and the constant flirting would soon relax a little.

Sanemi and uzui couldn't seem to find her anywhere, they looked in every spot she'd usually be in so they both began looking in rooms.

"ah-"

Both their ears perked up, there it was your voice it wasn't really faint so you were near, maybe you were playing hide and seek with them as hit your head.

"Mph!"

Two sounds? Maybe it wasn't a game and she was touching herself to the thought of them. Their smirks built up confidently walking towards the door but the door was cracked open so instead of inviting themselves in the just listened for a little bit.

"Michi, please is.. fuck.. is this really appropriate, I mean here now? Anyone could walk in!" Her breath was heavy and it was almost difficult for her to speak, both boys curiosity got the better of them as they peeked into the room their eyes widening at the site they were seeing.

Y/n's back arched as pressed against the wall, her legs spread completely open for all eyes to see, drool dripping from her mouth and tears streaming down her face, her kimono lazily hanging off her shoulders, as michikatsu has her pinned completely to the wall his cock plowing her brains in mercilessly.

"The only way we'd get caught lovely is if you keep making those sweet sweet sounds~" his voice was raspy and his thrusts were hard and never losing rhythm, it was like a melody he's played many times, he continued to say sweet things to her after that since he missed her so much.

The boys felt themselves get hard just by the sight and noises. That's when it finally hit them why she's been rejecting them she has a boyfriend!

The boys didn't think they could keep a secret and they were right cause they couldn't cause during the hashira meeting they spilled the tea to everyone and the rest of the meeting was completely awkward since everyone began asking the couple questions.

Sorry it's short! I am extremely busy so I just wanted to make this rq since I said I would 🫶

@crinkes I hope this was alright cause I kinda struggled remembering some of the details but I truly did wanna write it 🫶

#michikatsu x reader #michikatsu tsugikuni #kny michikatsu #kny smut

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polaroidbills · 11 months

Text

something great.

"i want you here with me. like how i pictured it. so i don't have to keep imagining."

genre! - angsty, fluff too, mega slice of life

paring! -non-idol!beomgyu x fem!reader

synopsis! - these days, love is always glorified in movies and books. but it's not always like that. sometimes it can be amazing and instant. other times, love can be damaging and complicated. but is it ever too much to ask for something great? - inspired by something great by one direction -

warnings! - not proof read, kiss (kinda), teeny tiny swearing (lmk if i missed anything)

word count! - 1 572

author's note! - first little imagine after my hiatus!! this is literally me rn (minus the dream part). he literally has a bird too and he doesn't play basketball but hockey. anyway hope you enjoyed!

i've always been into romantic-comedies. whether it's books, movies, or shows. they're my favourite. they allow me to get away from reality and slip into my imaginary world. a world so great, filled with love and joy. it's like an over powered hide and seek spot.

but sometimes i get fooled. sometimes the love shown through these films and novels aren't real. love in reality is never how they are in the movies.

boys don't fly across the world to see you. boys don't put on a musical performance as a way to apologize. boys don't join the drama club just because you did.

i just wished he did.

choi beomgyu is his name. he's been my crush since kindergarten. i'm im grade 8 now. soon i'll be graduating into high school. he doesn't know. he's never known. and i don't plan on letting him know. how could i?

he charming, funny, caring, and so much more. the way he rakes his hands through his hair, the way his laugh is contagious to everyone around him, the way he can always lighten up the mood, the way he isn't only socially successful but academically successful, and the way just his presence is comforting.

my feelings for him never leave. even if i try my best to force them out, even if he's dating someone else, even if we go on summer break. they never leave.

it's now friday, 10 days before graduation. i sit myself next to him because my teacher changed the seating arrangement.

"hey y/n!" his cheerful voices rings through my ears.

"morning beomgyu!" i respond.

"did you do the math homework?"

"i did yeah. you?"

"uh nope," he scratches his head.

we often have these small conversations. just short and casual. just a hi and hello. usually it would end here. i guess not this time.

"haha do you need help with it?" i ask.

"actually yeah. i don't really get it," an embarrassed look plays on his face.

"you know, i could help. i don't really mind."

"really? you would do that?"

"of course, i have nothing else to do anyway."

"okay sure! how about after school? i have to carpool with soobin and yunjin though, if that's okay with you?"

soobin, beomgyu, yunjin, and more of my classmates live on the same street. so they often carpool together.

yunjin is one of my best friends. she's one of the only one's that know about my crush. but ut weirds her out because she has like a sibling relationship with beomgyu.

"sure let me just text my parents!"

"great!"

and just like that i have plans. plans with him. i know it's just studying, but it's something? i mean, i can barely look him in the eye, let alone help him with math.

the school day goes by in a blur. i can't get my mind off of what's happening after school.

its 3:15, 15 minutes before school ends. i go to the bathroom to freshen up a little, bringing my emergency bag. in which holds a hair brush, mascara, blush, bronzer, highlighter, and a lip gloss.

i go back into class, as everyone starts packing their backpacks, getting ready to leave. i too get ready to leave.

3:27, 3 minutes until the bell. we're already lined up waiting.

"hey y/n!" soobin call my name. i walk over to them.

"you're coming with us?" soobin asks.

"yeah, is that okay?"

"for sure we have an extra seat anyway."

"okay cool," i smile.

the bell rings and we walk out into the parking lot.

"hey mom! um y/n is riding with us, is that okay?" soobin asks his mother.

"of course! come on in sweetie!"

beomgyu gets in first onto the far left seat.

"sorry y/n, you're in the middle," beomgyu says, as they already have assigned seats.

"thats fine," i climb into the middle and soobin gets in too, closing the door.

the drive is quiet, with only the low radio playing. but uts a short drive.

i've never been this close to beomgyu. it's quite awkward but also comfortable in a way.

the car halts and we climb out of the car, walking over to beomgyu's house.

"i'm home!" he unlocks the door. and his mom hurries to the door.

"hi y/n! come in, come in," his mom smiles.

as we walk in, i notice the lovely furniture and layout of the home.

"you have a very nice home mrs. choi!"

"thank you! but please call me diana."

"okay mom stop mingling, let's go upstairs," beomgyu interrupts. and we make our way up.

i notice all of the family and chcildhood photos on the walls and tables. cute.

"no funny business!"

beomgyu rolls his eyes and shuts his bedroom door.

"okay so where should we start?" i ask.

"well i couldn't really understand question 1?"

"okay we'll start there," we set down our books on the foors and start studying.

a couple hours later, dinner is called. we walk downstairs to a neatly setted table and the smell of delicious food.

i sit next to beomgyu and diana serves the food.

"thank you! this looks delicious."

"of course! cooked a special dinner for a special day!"

"mom!" beomgyu makes a weird look to his mom.

"oops- anyway, y/n what wer eyou guys studying up there?"

"oh beomgyu needed help on some math."

the dinner goes by really well. i feel like diana and i have a connection, as we were talking the whole time.

we go back upstairs to continue our work.

"hey don't you have a bird?" i ask him.

"yeah, his name is toto."

"can i see him?"

"sure but be careful, he isn't good around new people."

we go into the birds room and there's toto in his cage.

beomgyu slowly takes him out.

"here put your finger out, like this," he demonstrates the movement. and i follow. "toto up!"

toto moves onto my hand carefully.

"woah! toto's never good around new people! he must like you! toto kiss," he point to my cheek as toto places his beak on it.

it's a fun moment. laughter and smiles. this is why i like him.

he puts toto back into his cage and we go to his room.

"hey i'm tired of studying can't we stop now?" beomgyu says after a few more minutes of studying.

"yeah sure what do you wanna do?"

"hmm i don't know? we haven't really talked all lot, i wanna get to know you more."

"oh well what do you wanna know?"

"do you have any hobbies?"

"yeah, i love reading and watching movies and shows i guess?"

"oh cool what kind?"

"mainly rom-coms. what are your hobbies?"

"well i play basketball for one. i also really love music and playjng the guitar."

"oh cool i love music too! who's your favourite artist?"

"i love taylor swift and seventeen."

"me too!"

silence falls between us, but it's not awkward. i make eye contact with him – something i never do. the tension between us is strong and the space between us is small. i can slightly feel his breath on my skin. his eyes travel to my lips and back to my eyes, and the same thing goes for mine. his moves in closer, now the space is really small. i can definitely feel his breath on me. he moves in even closer.

"y/n?"

"yeah?"

"i really really like you, for soo long. i like you y/n."

"y/n! y/n! y/n! wake up! you're gonna be late for school!"

i awaken by the sound and nudging of my brother.

"what?"

"you're gonna be late come on!"

of course it was just a dream. it always is. just my stupid imagination and mind. he would never like me. his way out of my league. why would he even like me? there's so many other girls too.

my mind is occupied with these negative thoughts, untily brother yells once again.

i shake my head to brush the thoughts away and quickly get ready for school, walking straight out the door.

the whole walk to school my head is filled with these thoughts and reminders.

love isn't real. it never was. i was just to delusional and blind to know it. true love is just in the movies and books. those scenarios never exist in real life, only in fictional films and novels, of course. no matter how much i imagine and hope and dream, nothing will change. it's just something i ask and beg for.

but is it ever too much to want someone with me, like in the books and movies, like how i picture a true love is?

when will i be able to stop imagining?

why do i still have to keep imagining?

is it too much to ask for something great?

@1-800-143 please DO NOT copy, plagiarize, or repost any of my work.

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littlerainyghoul · 5 months

Text

Sleepy Time Tea

My first agere fic <3

Pairings: Little Rain and Little Phantom and Caregiver Mountain

Words: 800

Mountain sat around in the greenhouse, enjoying the warmth it still provided despite that the sun had long set, when he spotted a Rain and Phantom running around. The light from outside now long gone, the glass encasing was filled with the gentle moonlight of the crescent moon. He put his mortar and pestle on his workstation table and turned around to the two.

“Hey, what gives guys, be quiet” Mountain spoke, irritation lounging in his voice.

“We are playing hide and seek, Mounty!!” Was Phantom’s excited chirp.

Mountain felt his face soften, the tension he was holding in his face whisked away, and he felt his lips curl into a smile.

“Ah, well, it’s quite late, little ones” he spoke, gentler.

“Nooooo. It’s not late” Rain protested, his tail wagging with delight. “Come on, Mountain, it's just a bit of fun. We promise to keep it down."

The earth ghoul chuckled at their enthusiasm, unable to resist the infectious energy of their playfulness. "Alright, alright how- “

“What are you doing, Mounty?” Phantom asked, pulling on his shirt

“I’m making some tea, little one, would you like some? I can teach you, if that would delight you?”

“Tea?!” Phantom jumped at the idea, his tail joining the swishing with Rain’s tail “Yes please Mounty!”

“Okay, little ones, how about we go get changed in something cosy, and I’ll make you some tea?” Mountain spoke, his chest rumbling with a comforting murmur.

The two ghouls scattered off, with Mountain following behind them.

“Okay Rainy, what would you like to wear?”

“Sharky!” Rainy whined, his voice breaking “I want sharky!”

“I want buggy!” Phantom responded.

“Do you mean the bat, little one?”

“Yes!!” Phantom flapped his hands in delight, clicking his tongue. Soon enough the little ghouls were clad in their onesies, Rainy was in his shark onesie, his curly hair covered with felt teeth, and Phantom danced around in his little bat one, the fabric dancing along with him, as he flapped and pranced with the wings.

“Raaar I’m a dinosaur!” Phantom spoke, excitedly.

“No you’re not!” Rain protested “You’re a bat!”

“I’m a flying dinosaur, Rainy!” Phantom spoke again, tears welling slightly in his eyes, as he lightly stomped his foot.

“Yes, you are, little one” Mountain chuckled, he gently ushered the two ghouls into the greenhouse once more, and with a flick of the light-switch the green house was now decked with gentle fairy lights all around, and a pleasant-warm ambient light, that protected their sensitive eyes from too much light.

Phantom, his bat wings flapping with excitement, exclaimed, "Mounty, what tea are you making?"

Mountain grinned down at them, his eyes twinkling. "We're making chamomile tea tonight, little ones. It's a special tea that helps you relax and sleep peacefully."

Phantom's eyes widened with curiosity. "Chamomile? Chamomile! Chamomile!” He jumped with delight as he repeated the word “Is it magic tea, Mounty?”

Mountain chuckled, "Not exactly magic, little bug, but it does have some special properties. It's known for its calming effects."

Rain, in his shark onesie, tugged at Mountain's shirt. "Can we help, Mounty? Please!"

Mountain nodded; his heart warmed by their enthusiasm. "Of course, little ones. Let's make it a team effort, you are all helpful and caring little ghouls after all.” He smiled as he spoke the words.

As the water bubbled in the kettle, Mountain directed the ghouls to pick the Chamomile flowers from a colourful jug. They inspected the delicate flowers with awe, with Rain declaring, "They look like little moons, Mounty!"

“Yes, they do, just like the moon in the sky today!” Mountain chuckled “smart ghoul”.

After carefully placing the chamomile tea bags into a teapot, Mountain poured hot water over them, filling the greenhouse with the soothing scent of chamomile.

Phantom, flapping his bat wings once more, could not keep his curiosity to himself as he asked, "How long do we wait?"

Mountain smiled, "About five minutes. It's like a little chamomile party in the pot."

The ghouls, unable to contain their excitement, chatted animatedly as they waited for the tea to steep. Mountain, his mortar and pestle momentarily forgotten, joined in their cheerful banter.

When the tea was ready, Mountain guided them through the process of removing the tea bags. Rain, his eyes wide, proceeded to somewhat yell, "Can we drink it now, Mounty?"

Mountain poured the fragrant chamomile tea into small teacups, the steam rising like a gentle mist. "Yes, little ones. But be careful, it's hot."

Phantom and Rain, cradled the warm teacups in their hands. Mountain, with a twinkle in his eye, suggested, "And if you like, you can add a bit of honey or sugar to make it even more delightful."

The little ghouls sipped the chamomile tea, their faces lighting up with joy. Phantom, his bat wings fluttering, declared, "It's like a warm hug in my tummy, Mounty!"

Mountain chuckled; the magical ambiance of the greenhouse enhanced by the shared warmth of chamomile tea. As they sipped and savoured the calming brew, the crescent moon outside seemed to smile down on their cozy gathering, turning the greenhouse into a haven of tranquility and connection.

“Mounty, I feel tired.”

#regressed ghouls #ghost fanfiction #ghost band agere #little rain ghoul #little phantom ghoul #safe for work #rain ghoul #phantom ghoul #ghost band #agere #age regression #safe for work age regression #littlerainyghoulwrites

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strawberrymilk-sunshine · 1 year

Note

OMG I FORGOT

I dreamed about me and Ruggie scamming Azul BAHAHHAHA

It was almost a nightmare because the tweels started chasing us and looking for us😭 they came to Ramshackle in the middle of the night and started "playing hide and seek". I was about to call someone while I locked myself in the room when I hear a "back off" and they BROKE the door. I got so scared when they started SLOWLY coming towards me that I woke up.

Idk if it gives you inspiration but it was an EXPERIENCE for me 💀💀

As much as I love those silly twins, that sounds absolutely TERRIFYING.

I've used, like, all of the currently available gifs of Jade and Floyd (oops) so take this diver cuddling a moray instead :)

Warning(s): nothing really this time, yandere-ish

You and Ruggie are two peas in a pod, as they say. You two both grew up in poor neighbourhoods, and you had very similar personalities. You know, despite the fact that you were from an entirely different dimension.

You would often work jobs around the school together, you'd even both worked in the Mostro Lounge to 'help' Azul out of the 'goodness of your heart' (in reality, it was just to get money)

That was how you came up with your next 'brilliant scheme'... you two were going to scam Azul.

Long story short: it didn't work.

Azul was pissed. And in his anger, he yelled at Jade and Floyd to chase you and Ruggie, and to not let you escape, no matter what.

Have you ever had two practically identical six foot tall men chase you through an otherwise peaceful cafe? It is not a pleasant experience.

You were able to successfully make your way back into the hall of mirrors, and in the short moment of peace you had, you came up with a plan.

"Knowing Floyd and Jade, they probably just wanted to chase us out of Octavinelle to scare us..." You said. "Or alternatively, Floyd will get bored soon enough and Jade will also decide to stop chasing us."

"You're probably right." Ruggie said. "C'mon, let's retire for the night... it's pretty late. We'll deal with the consequences tomorrow."

"Yeah. Night, Ruggie."

"See ya tomorrow, (Y/N)."

Ruggie entered the Savannaclaw mirror, and you exited the hall of mirrors to make your way back to Ramshackle.

You fell asleep on the couch last night.

You woke up to knocking at the front door. When you checked your phone, you saw it was midnight exactly.

"Who could... be here so... late...?" You asked yourself.

When you walked to the door, your hand just above the doorknob, you heard a voice from the other side of the door that immediately woke you up.

"Little Shriiiiiiiiiimpyyyyyyyy~! You awaaaaaaaake~?"

"The floorboards in your dorm are quite loud, (Y/N), we know you're at the door."

"Ohhhhhhhh... I just had a real fun idea, Shrimpy!" You heard Floyd say. "Let's play... hide and seek."

"My my, what a fun idea." Jade said. "You have five seconds to hide, (Y/N)."

FIVE SECONDS?! THERE'S NO WAY THAT'S FAIR!

No time to think about whether or not it's fair, you only have five fucking seconds to hide from these two.

Ugh, why did you and Ruggie have to do that?! If you two just didn't try to scam the scam artist then these eels wouldn't be visiting you in the middle of the night!

"Five."

Ohhhhh no he's actually counting down. Ok, ok ok ok! So, where can you hide? Where can you hide?

"Four."

Your bedroom! It's one of the only doors in Ramshackle that has a working lock! It doesn't matter if they realize you're hiding there, if the door's lock you've got an iron defense!

"Three."

You ran as fast as you could through the halls of Ramshackle, up the stairs, through more hallways...

"Two."

You slammed the door shut behind you and locked it, and put your enitre body weight onto it to hopefully keep them from opening it if the lock doesn't work. You should be safe...

"One."

"Ready or not, we're coming for ya, Shrimpy~!"

You pulled your phone out of your pocket. Crowley gave it to you for emergency calls, and this probably counts as an emergency!

But, who can you call to help you in this situation? Who's stronger/taller/more intimidating than the leech twins? Tsunotaro probably is but you don't have his phone number...

Jack's about as tall as them! Maybe he can help you?

Just as you were about to dial Jack's number, you heard something.

"For your sake, please back away from the door, (Y/N)."

You felt pounding on the door. The pounding became more and more intense as it continued. You decided to back away from the door, and considered jumping out the window, but then... you heard something horrible.

The wood of your bedroom door cracking and splintering apart. The old wood broke apart.

They just... broke the door...?

"AhahaHAHA! Did you really think that old door was gonna stop us? Idiot!" Floyd laughed at you.

"Now, (Y/N), please just comply. We will bring you to Azul, and you will have to answer for your actions." Jade explained. "We'll deal with Ruggie tomorrow."

"Yeeeeaaaah, just come quietly, Shrimpy, and we won't have to hurt you."

They walked towards you. Slowly.

You were frozen in fear. Even if you wanted to run away, you couldn't.

They got closer, closer, closer, and then-

You were... in your bed? It's morning outside, what just happened?

"Oh, hey you're awake." Ruggie said, walking into your room.

"What... happened? Why does my head hurt?" You asked.

"Basically, you tripped and fell in the Mostro Lounge and smoked your head on the floor and were knocked out the rest of the night." Ruggie explained. "I carried you back to Ramshackle and camped out here for the night rather than dealing with the twins."

"Oh. So that was all... a dream...?" You asked yourself. "Huh... strange."

But if that was a dream, then...

Why does your door look like it's been... broken...?

#jade leech #floyd leech #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland #twst #yandere #yandere twst #yandere twisted wonderland #yandere jade leech #yandere floyd leech #yandere jade x reader #yandere floyd x reader #yandere floyd leech x reader #yandere jade leech x reader #yandere jade #yandere floyd

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stormdragon23 · 4 months

Text

Songs for Solo Leveling Ships Pt. 1

(Because I can guarantee I'm making another part)

Inspired by @manawari's post about ships and songs

Choibaek:

(I have an endless amount of songs for this ship, but we'll start with two here for now)

youtube

I promise it's not just because of the title- "You burnt that bridge A million times, a million tries You play with fire" I headcanon that Choi Jong-In is more open about his feelings than Baek Yoon-ho (though both still pine for each other without officially confessing). So every time Jong-In tries to get closer to Yoon-Ho, Yoon-Ho distances himself ("burns that bridge") because he's lost (or almost lost if we're being delusional here) Eun-Seok and Min Byung-Gyu and doesn't want to be close to anyone else only to lose them. "Every time we touch, my fingers burn I just want that love, don't leave me hurt " I can feel the rush when we ignite 'Cause every time we touch Every time we touch, I feel that fire"

Both of them don't want to get hurt yet can't deny that they have feelings for the other. I do like how the song is on the calmer side, which is how I see their love for each other, despite their arguing (it's probably a coping mechanism to be honest)

youtube

"You asked me how I feel, I say nothin' But lately colors seem so bright and the stars light up the night My feet they feel so light I'm ignoring all the signs I keep on frontin', yeah, I stay bluffin' I keep you wonderin', keep you huntin' for my lovin' But I crave us huggin', yeah, I stay stubborn Cause I can't admit that you got all the strings and know just how to tug 'em"

This song could be from either perspective though I personally see from Yoon-Ho's perspective, with Jong-In being able to read Yoon-Ho very well (as seen when Jong-In knew why Yoon-Ho came to the place where Sung Jin-Woo was retesting) while Yoon-Ho's in denial about liking Jong-In.

"I say "f**k you" while I'm thinking of you as my husband"

This line doesn't need an explanation. We all know it's their relationship in one sentence.

Heeseok:

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Gotta have at least one Stray Kids song here (it's in English though, so it's okay)

"Got so many questions You seek information No need to be desperate"

Based on the brain rot I had with @manawari, this song is from Eun-seok's perspective. Park Hee-Jin's curious about Eun-Seok and the secrets he's hiding, despite not liking him, and Eun-Seok likes to tease her about it, making her dislike him even more.

"All that I want is you Even if I'm a fool Why do I fall for you? No turning back once we're connected"

Eun-Seok questions the feelings he has for Hee-Jin when he first realizes them, wondering why he likes her and why he wants to be with her. After spending a lot of time overthinking though, he eventually accepts his feelings for her.

Taenoru:

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"Boy, you got me hooked onto something Who could say that they saw us coming?"

I see this song from Lim Tae-Gyu's perspective soon after he sparred with Hoshino Minoru during the Jeju arc. His feelings for Minoru probably came out of nowhere (like this ship). I don't think many people expected this ship to be a thing let alone the hunters.

"Spend a summer or a lifetime with me Let me take you to the place of your dreams"

This is mostly referring to their long-distance relationship since despite being in a relationship, they have their responsibilities in their respective guilds and are only able to see each other for part of the year. When they meet up though, that's when they're able to catch up on the things they weren't able to do while apart.

Sungpark:

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"I have died every day waiting for you Darling, don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years I'll love you for a thousand more"

This song could be from either perspective, but I imagine it from Park Kyung-Hye's, especially with how she was waiting for Sung Il-Hwan. If they had reunited before, I imagine her saying something very similar to these lines to her husband.

"Time stands still Beauty in all she is"

Basically, what happened when Kyung-Hye succumbed to Eternal Sleep. Years passed for her as the world moved on, including her husband being stuck in the gate.

Minlee:

youtube

This actually used to be one of my favorite songs a while ago, and I only rediscovered it recently

"Those nights when shadows start to fall And the angels don't answer your call I'll help you chase the dark out Until your doubts begin to fade And your heart sings like a serenade Don't have to be afraid Now"

This song could be from either perspective too, especially with how I imagine Min Byung-Gyu and Lee Ju-hee helping each other with their traumas. For these lines in particular, I imagine one of them comforting the other when something triggered their trauma.

"If lightning ever strikes If tears burn out your flame I'll be your burning light I'll hold your candle in the rain"

Another line referring to how I see the two reassuring each other that they're safe now and how they're there for them. A cute song for a cute ship

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bionicle-ramblings · 2 months

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MORE BIONICLE SCP AU!!!

This time we're focusing on the agents and the Metru SCPs, plus Takua

Huge thanks once again to @chancetimespace for the ideas in this AU, many of which being mentioned in this post. I will be referring to them as Chance going forward

Right off the bat, the Mata are in charge of their respective Metru, which means Gali is usually looking after Nokama, Onua is with Whenua, et cetera

An idea from Chance, Nuju and Kopaka often spend hours in silence, though Kopaka doesn't push for Nuju to say anything if he doesn't want to. He will also just let Nuju vent his frustrations about living in the foundation, even saying what he's doing isn't even living. Just sitting around and waiting for the next time he gets experimented on. The two are close personally, but Nuju has yet to fully embrace and explain why to Kopaka

Gali lets Nokama leave her room and will challenge her to swim races in a lake near the facility, something Nokama often prefers to the large tub she has in her cell. Gali is a former linguistic, so she can keep up pretty well with Nokama. She does talk to the other SCPs, including Vakama, who she has helped keep emotionally stable

Lewa is in charge of looking after Matau. He's mainly just keeping an eye on Matau and making sure Matau stays where he's supposed to. As Matau is a non-human anomaly, Lewa keeps him entertained by challenging him to hide and seek and monitored walks through nature preserves. He's also tasked with seeing how Matau's shapeshiting works and what his limits are, if he has any

Tahu is in charge of keeping an eye on Vakama and bends the rules of protocol by calling Vakama by his name and occasionally slipping him things like gum or something. He also reminds Vakama that he can make requests after sessions(especially after particularly challenging ones), and is more just trying to give Vakama some autonomy without getting either of them in trouble

Pohatu and Onewa have a similar "relationship" to Kopaka and Nuju, but only in that Pohatu lets Onewa vent as he excerises; only having two pieces of scenery(his room and the rec area he's allowed to go to) does get to someone sometimes

Takua/Takanuva is "shared" between the Mata because he's new, and he's close with Jaller who is an "intern."

Idea from Chance, Hahli is another SCP, being an aquatic SCP that Jaller monitors to make sure she's alive and doing well. The two end up getting close over time

Roodaka is another SCP, though she is one that is allowed free-roam and gets privileges thanks to her "connection" to a scientist working in the facility. The scientist himself is Sidorak, who's often testing the Metru, though he is particularly unterested in Vakama, due to his resilience and how he can see the future, to some degree(Idea from Chance, I believe)

The Metru are allowed to spend time together, but they're monitored by Lhikan and Naho. The Metru do somewhat get along, but Matau is fully of energy at finally meeting people who don't wear white coats, Whenua comes off as being too comfortable in the facility, Nokama's just trying to keep the piece, and Onewa wants out, but has his "muzzle" on, so no dice. They're genuinely curious when it comes to an SCP the Mata keep bringing up and soon make requests to meet him. Matau makes the decision to try seeing him when he hears the number the SCP is and follows as a fly, catching a good-ish look at him before he's caught. When the others ask for details, he admits to only seeing the SCP either faint or hide

When the Metru do all meet, it's awkward. The five were expecting to see someone or something like an eldritch horror, but instead it's just a kid. Introductions are shaky, especially as they learn why/how Vakama ended up in the facility

An idea from Chance: Takua/Takanuva has gotten in trouble by playing dead and scaring scientists, but isn't afraid to do it again

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ruisversion · 12 days

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who are you? || burdened with fire (part 1)

disclaimer: pls pretend her eyes are red and her hair is reddish-brown, theres a good reason why she's suddenly in water tribe clothing

word count: 1874

masterlist all parts

"Hello, sweetheart, how did you get here?" a lady asks with a gentle tone, bending down in front of me. "It's okay, I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to help you get back to your family."

"My family is gone," I tell her, tears in my eyes.

"Oh. I'm sorry," she apologizes. "Do you trust me?"

"My mommy said not to trust anyone."

"Your mommy is-"

"Was," I correct her.

"Your mommy was smart then. I promise you won't get hurt if you follow me, is that okay?"

"Where are you going to take me?"

"To my home. I can be your new family if you are okay with that," I nod my head and take her hand. "Thank you, Lyra. You did the right thing," she tells the Fire Nation soldier.

"Where will you be taking her, Princess?" the soldier asks, her eyes shifting from the woman to me then back to the woman.

"She will be in safe hands, I can assure you," the Princess tells her. Lyra leads us out of the ship. "May I have your name so I know what to call you? I'm Ursa,"

"Kazumi,"

"Okay, Kazumi. We're going to make some friends first, okay?" I nod my head. She walks me to a boy who was standing in front of a gate to a big place.

"Mom, who's she?" he points at me.

"I'll answer later. But now, we must sneak her into your room without anyone noticing her, okay?" she asks the boy.

"How do we do that, mom?"

"When I say 'go', Zuko, run through the gates and then into the castle grounds into your room, just keep running. Kazumi, chase him. As fast as possible. I'll tell the guards that Zuko has made a new friend," we both acknowledge her instructions. "Okay... go!"

Zuko starts running in, and I chase him into this huge room.

"Woah," I say in awe, looking around the room.

"Here, hide here. Someone is coming," Zuko ushes me into his closet upon hearing footsteps. "Azula," I can hear him say.

"Who were you chasing outside?" she asks.

"I made a new friend. We're playing hide and seek now. Go away,"

"I didn't want to play with your stupid new friend anyway," she scoffs.

"Okay, you're good. You can come out now," he opens the closet door," he opens it out. Soon after, Ursa comes back, but with food.

"Here, you must be starving after your little adventure," she offers me the plate. I take it. "Zuko, can you sit down beside Kazumi so I can tell you two the plan?" Zuko sits down next to me while I still eat.

"What about Azula?" Zuko asks.

"Don't worry about that right now, okay? Kazumi, I am Princess Ursa of the Fire Nation. This is Prince Zuko. But you can call me 'Ursa' and him 'Zuko'."

I will be staying here until Ursa can find me a nice family for me to live with. No one can know I'm here for the duration of my stay. She leaves us moments later to attend something urgent.

"So..." Zuko trails off.

"I'm Kazumi. Where are we?"

"I'm Zuko. And we are in the Royal Palace,"

"You're a prince?" he nods his head. "That's so cool!"

"Sometimes, it is. Not always though," he says sadly. We get to know each other more since we are sharing his huge bed for some time.

Six years later...

I'm 13 now. Ursa disappeared when Zuko and I were 9, and Iroh adopted me, out of a promise he made to Ursa. Now, I'm just watching as Zuko goes to have an Agni Kai with one of the Fire Nation generals.

"That's not one of the Generals," I say to Pa.

"No... that's Ozai,"

"Please, Father. I only had the Fire Nation's best interest at heart. I'm sorry I spoke out of turn," Zuko begs.

"Fight for your honor," Ozai tells him, but Zuko continues begging, his knees and hands now on the ground.

"I meant no disrespect. I'm your loyal son,"

"Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!" Ozai walks closer and closer to him.

"I won't fight you," Zuko shakes his head.

"You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher," Zuko starts crying. I close my eyes, hoping it was all just a dream. Then I hear screams, Zuko's screams.

"You need to go," Pa tells me as we are in my room. "You know why, and you know what to do," I nod my head. "Here, this should last you some time," he gives me a good amount of money then hugs me.

"I'll do you proud, Pa,"

"I know you will, my daughter. Pack your bags and go, don't turn back and go," he pulls away from the hug and leaves me to pack. I put on a cloak to hide my face and allow me to sneak out.

"It's just me," I say softly as I open the door to Zuko's room, then close it behind me.

"What are you wearing? Where are you going?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I just need to leave, but I wanted to see you again," I smile at him.

"So you're leaving me? You're leaving me like everybody does?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay here. The Agni Kai was just a wake-up call that they won't show me mercy once they know of my ancestry," I explain to him.

"What do you mean?"

"I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay in your room when we were younger and playing with me. Hopefully, I will see you soon. Thank you, and goodbye, Zuko," I put my hood back on and sneak out of the palace grounds.

---

"Soon? What does 'soon' even mean? Well, it means 'in or after a short period of time,' but there's no specific timeframe for that. It really depends on your perspective, as for mine. I don't actually know, but I've been looking for the Avatar for 3 years, and it's been a hard time. Currently, I'm staying in the Southern Water Tribe, helping them out any way I can.

"Sokka, seriously. Go easy on them; they're little kids."

"Fine," Sokka crosses his arms. "You guys can have a potty break."

"Thank you, Kaz!" they all run to go to the toilet.

"You're welcome, kids..." I smile. "Hey, where are you going?"

"Well, we're not going to get any food if we just stay here. Katara and I will be going to find food out there. Think you can handle the village while I'm gone?" he asks.

"Yeah, good luck," he leaves, and a few moments later, the kids come back. I teach them a few things, then I let them go back. They're little kids. When Katara and Sokka come back, they brought a little boy with them. Tattoos, tattoos that are all so familiar.

"Where'd you find him?" I ask, rushing to them.

"In an iceberg with the animal. His name is Aang," Katara tells me.

"Let's put him in a tent," I suggest. They help me put him in a tent. Sokka keeps watch.

"Aang, this is the entire village and Kazumi. Entire village and Kazumi, meet Aang," the kids move back to their moms, scared.

"What? What's wrong? Did Appa sneeze on me again?" he asks, worried.

"No, it's just that no one has seen an airbender in over a century; we thought they were all extinct," I tell him.

"That is, until my grandson and granddaughter found you," Kanna, Katara and Sokka's grandmother, adds on.

"Extinct?" Aang asks in disbelief.

"Aang, this is my grandmother," Katara introduces Kanna to Aang.

"Call me Gran-Gran," she tells him. Sokka looks at the staff Aang is holding and snatches it from him.

"What is this? A weapon? You can't stab anything with this!" Sokka says. Aang uses a small air current to get his staff back from Sokka.

"It's not used for stabbing," Aang continues explaining how it works. He opens the staff to make it a glider. The kids awe in fascination.

"Magic trick! Do it again!" one of the little girls claps. He demonstrates how he uses the glider while explaining how it works, then he crashes into Sokka's watchtower. Sokka is obviously upset. Aang and Katara venture off while I help Gran-Gran with other stuff. There's a loud sound, and I go outside to check it. A Fire Nation flare. Soon after, Aang and Katara come back. The kids cheer as Aang is back.

"Who put out the flare?" I ask.

"It was an accident!" Katara says. Sokka and Katara start going back and forth on whether Aang should stay since he was the one who took Katara with him to the ship.

"Okay, both of you, enough," Kanna interrupts them. "Katara, I think it's best if the airbender leaves,"

"No, Gran-Gran!" Katara protests.

"Katara, you knew going on that ship was forbidden. Sokka is right," Kanna replies.

"Fine! If he's banished then I'm banished too!" she grabs Aang's arm and starts walking away from us. I leave to hear what happens next, to pack up, and get ready to defend the tribe, plus prepare to escape.

"Where are you hiding him?" I hear Zuko's voice.

"He's not here, Zuko. You need to leave," I tell him from behind the crowd, my voice deeper so it's not so recognizable, and half my face is covered. He throws a wave of fire at us, but I disperse it before it can hurt anyone. Sokka throws a spear at me. I put the tip of the spear at Zuko's throat. I pull down my mask as the soldiers come closer. They all stand down once they realize who I am. I put a ring of fire around them.

"Attack the tribe again, I'll know and I will rain fire on you," I warn them and turn around to the villagers. "Go back to your homes; they'll be on their way soon," one of the little Water Tribe girls runs up to me, and I carry her up.

"Kazumi, what about you?" Fontanna asks.

"I need to protect Aang; he's the Avatar," I whisper to her. Tears start streaming down her face. "Don't worry, I'll be back," I bring her to her mother.

"Bye, Kazumi," she waves at me before the two of them go back into their home. I wave back. I go into my set-up tent and take my things before going to find the rest.

"Come on, Avatar. We need to go,"

"What about-?"

"Hey!" Katara catches up with us.

"We're following," she announces.

"Fine, let's go," we all get on Appa as Aang says the magic words. 'Yip Yip'.

"Woah," Sokka says in amazement.

"Hey, Kaz... the ship is still following us," Katara tells me. I see Zuko and Pa throw a big fireball at us. We all duck, and Aang uses his airbending to push the fireball toward the nearby glacier. The ice falls onto the tip of the ship.

"Good job, Aang," I say.

#fire nation #avatar the last airbender #princess azula #prince zuko #lady ursa #zuko #azula #ursa #ozai #southern water tribe #sokka #katara #avatar aang #aang #atla #atla aang #atla zuko

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makerkenzie · 1 year

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WHAT IF Robb Stark heeded good advice? Part 3

I'm back, lions and leopards. Your baby-eating deviant Lannistan is back, continuing the alternate timeline of "the North wins the war in this one." See Part 1: Things to do differently, and Part 2: How is that working out?

Where we left off: King Robb has a dawning realization that Lord Tywin isn't really fighting him on the battlefield. Everyone knows Stannis Baratheon is on his way to besiege King's Landing, and Robb understands King Stannis wouldn't be any more amenable to an independent North than the current Lannister regime is now. No matter who wins the battle, the Freys will probably turn cloak, and Robb can't afford that. He needs to have a productive discussion of terms before the siege, and the best candidate for that discussion is Acting King's Hand Tyrion.

King Robb's entourage will include:

His mother, Catelyn, who's proven an astute advisor, and has recent up-close experience with Tyrion.

Uncle Edmure, soon to become Lord of Riverrun.

Ser Stevron Frey is still alive in this one because they didn't attack Oxcross, so he didn't take a wound. He's the heir to the Crossing.

Lord Greatjon Umber, lord of Last Hearth and King Robb's fiercest supporter.

Ser Wylis Manderly, heir to New Castle.

Lady Maege Mormont of Bear Island.

Theon Greyjoy, heir to Pyke.

Their hostage Ser Jaime Lannister, the shiny thing to dangle in Tyrion's face.

Lady Brienne of Tarth, Lady Catelyn's sworn sword there to keep Ser Jaime in line.

There are probably some other people I should include in the team. I think it's definitely in King Robb's interest to bring this bunch, at least.

Team shows up at the Red Keep! If I were Robb, I'd give Ser Jaime several good meals along the trip and a bath, shave and clean clothes just before they let Tyrion see him.

Now this doesn't mean they're releasing Jaime into his brother's custody effective immediately. It means a prisoner exchange is on the table. They've brought him this far as a gesture of good faith.

...and in the spirit of good faith, Robb and Catelyn would like to see Sansa and Arya.

So Tyrion's all like, yes, of course. Here's Sansa! See, she's fine, we're taking good care of her!

Yes, good, and, what about Arya?

And Tyrion starts making shit up about Arya being such a trickster, always playing hide-and-seek, and this one time she didn't turn up for supper and it took the septa SEVEN HOURS to find her...

Cue the record scratch, freeze frame on Tyrion: "You must be wondering how I got here."

In all seriousness, the Starks' first suspicion is that Arya's dead and the Lannisters know it. Shit's about to get real, and Sansa starts making noises because she doesn't want to see her mom, big brother, and uncle get slaughtered or locked in cells. At some point Brienne gets in the middle of the fray and shockwaves everyone out to the edges.

Long story somewhat shorter: Tyrion insists they WANT to give Arya back to her family and they have people on the case of FINDING HER, and there's no reason to think she's dead. Sansa corroborates enough to tell the Starks it's still possible for Arya to turn up alive and the Lannisters aren't hiding her.

Back to the war camp outside the city walls. They let Tyrion sweat for a few days while Robb argues about terms and tactics with his team. Ultimately! Catelyn convinces her son that they still need to conclude the war sooner rather than later. Back to the Red Keep!

THIS TIME, as they know the Lannisters only have one of the girls to trade for Jaime, the Starks are in a stronger position.

From Tyrion's position: He's not convinced that Northern independence is even tenable, much less if they take the Riverlands with them. He's even less convinced there's any version of splitting the kingdom that his father would honor in the long term. He sees his assignment as getting Jaime safely home, and convincing the Starks to bend the knee, in that order.

With Team Stark at the table, Tyrion's questions are:

The Wall. Robb says yes, of course, it'll be the North's responsibility to maintain the Night's Watch. If men from the southern provinces want to volunteer for the Watch, they're granted safe passage through the North, but the Iron Throne is under no obligation. If the Wall is inadequately guarded and maintained, the North will bear the brunt of wildling raids.

Right, about that? Tyrion visited the Wall and hung out with men of the Watch and he'd like to know: what happens if the danger beyond the Wall is something much worse than a bunch of ragged people they don't like? How does the southern kingdom trust the North to protect everyone from a Snow Zombie invasion?

Robb's handwaving away that concern, but Tyrion has his reservations. He puts that one aside and moves on to:

The freaking Riverlands, I tell you. That's a problem. They want to take the center out of the kingdom? How are the other regions supposed to accept that?

Well, his daddy should've thought about that---

Yes, yes, his father ravaged the center of the kingdom, and it was easy. Of course once an agreement is reached, they'll withdraw their army from the Trident, yes. And how does the North intend to protect the Riverlands from invasion by other regional armies? It's either an independent kingdom, or not. That's the part where Ser Stevron and Uncle Edmure start asking to speak to King Robb in the next room.

After a tense discussion away from Tyrion, Robb comes back and assures him they'll have no problem with civilian travel through the Riverlands and of course they'll be responsible for protection. Edmure and Stevron still seem nervous but Tyrion is ready to move on.

If the new kingdom has a poor harvest and abrupt winter, they realize they can't ask the Iron Throne for food aid? They can buy food shipments from the Reach, sure, but if they can't pay for it, then they'll just have to suffer the famine. Which brings us back to the Wall.

If the Iron Throne gets word of a non-human threat coming from beyond the Wall, and the North has failed to support the Night's Watch enough to contain the threat, that's a problem for the entire continent. Again, Robb insists the Snow Zombies are long gone.

So Tyrion asks: But what if they're not long gone? If the Snow Zombies come back, and the North has failed to maintain the Wall, whether from hardship or disinclination, then the entire continent is in danger, and how does the North expect the southern kingdom to respond? The point is that if the North fails to protect the continent from supernatural threats, then its independence is null and void and the IT will re-annex the entire goddamn territory. Robb says okay, that's fine, because he is entirely sure the Snow Zombies aren't coming.

What about the Iron Islands? Are they part of the new independent Northern kingdom? No, they'll be another independent kingdom on their own. Oh really? So if the isles raid the North/Riverlands, they're prepared to deal with the attacks and not seek the Iron Throne's aid? Theon insists his dad won't do that. To which Tyrion feels like:

BUT SERIOUSLY, these terms aren't only applicable to the near future. When the current players' grandchildren are ruling their kingdoms, and the isles go raiding the Northern kingdom, then...?

13. So that's when Maege Mormont pulls Robb aside and there's another discussion behind the nearest closed door. They come back in looking moderately twitchy. Robb assures Tyrion he and his vassals will arrange their own safeguards against attacks from the isles.

14. Speaking of which! About the Ironborn currently attacking the west? They'll need to withdraw before the North gets any sort of agreement from the Lannisters. And if they want their own independence, they'll need to send a delegation down to KL to negotiate their own terms. Theon says yeah, okay, they'll do that. Tyrion says furthermore, if the isles go on attacking any of the southern provinces, and the North enables them in any way...the North's independence is null and void. Robb agrees, of course they will not enable the isles to raid the mainland. Tyrion continues that it goes without saying (but he's saying it anyway) that if the North/Riverlands attacks the southern kingdom, they will be re-annexed with extreme prejudice. Robb assures him they don't want any more war.

15. By this point, Tyrion's thinking he can actually get on board with splitting the kingdom. It's probably not sustainable past five years into the coming winter, but he's prepared to let them try it. There's still the matter of how much longer he'll be Acting King's Hand. He says to Robb, a treaty won't do them any good if his father rips it up. There's also the risk of Stannis taking over, and if he does, there's no way of knowing if he'll honor the treaty. (Catelyn knows.) The only assurance Tyrion can offer in that area is that if Stannis wins, and he doesn't honor the treaty, then the Starks don't have to pay tribute to the Iron Throne. Yes, they will be expected to make payments, which Tyrion is willing to divide into easily manageable amounts by spreading them over the next 200 years or so. Consider it 1) clean-up fee for their allies attacking the Westerlands, 2) restitution for forcing the Lannisters to divide their army whilst dealing with Stannis, and 3) insurance against Wall collapse. Fair or not, there's no way Tywin will honor the treaty if it doesn't include some sort of recompense. Even there, Tyrion offers an alternative: the Starks summon their army to KL to ally with the Lannisters against Stannis. Catelyn pulls her son aside and tells him: just make the payments. Their family can renegotiate the amounts with the next king or Hand.

16. With that much agreed, here's the procedure. First, the Starks exchange Tyrion's brother for Robb's sister before they leave the city, or there's no treaty. Second, they contact their allies in the west and demand immediate withdrawal. The treaty isn't valid until the invaders are gone. Finally, Tyrion promises to keep his agents searching for Arya, and if she turns up alive, they'll escort her back to Winterfell. HOWEVER: if Tywin honors the treaty, Cersei is likely to demand a hostage, and her demand will be supplied. So, the Starks need to prepare to say goodbye to another family member.

17. There are more prisoners of war on both sides. They'll stay where they are until after the battle. If Stannis wins...then, that'll be one of the less dangerous discussions the Starks will have with him.

18. The prisoner exchange is a joyous event. Sansa can't stop hugging her fam. Tyrion sticks Jaime in a tower cell in Maegor's Holdfast until he promises to hide in the secret tunnels during the battle. To their shock and horror, Cersei agrees with Tyrion that Jaime should sit out the battle after his months of being chained to a wall in Riverrun. Jaime promises to stay out of the fighting, just to make his siblings happy. And then when the battle begins, he disguises himself like a common man-at-arms and he goes out and fights. His presence on the field prevents Ser Mandon Moore from making his murder attempt on Tyrion. WHICH MEANS, Tyrion doesn't take any serious injuries during the battle, he isn't bedridden for days afterward, and his daddy can't railroad him out of the discussion following their victory. Things are getting twitchy between Jaime and Cersei.

19. The Starks send ravens to their allies in the west, followed by messengers in case the ravens don't make it, instructing withdrawal from the territory. Rickard Karstark doesn't like the news, as he still insists on killing Ser Jaime. Robb starts by reminding him of his surviving son Harrion, prisoner of the Lannister army, and follows by promising execution for insubordination. The Ironborn withdraw from the west, just in time for the Starks to get the heck out of Dodge before Stannis sails into Blackwater Bay. They ride back up to Riverrun and hold their breath for a resolution.

20. Tywin isn't exactly "happy" about the independence treaty, but he honors it because the war has already cost them huge amounts of gold, grain harvest, and lives. Tribute payments are welcome news. Cersei demands a hostage from the Starks, as promised. The Starks pause at the Twins on the way back to Winterfell so Robb can marry some giddy young she-weasel as they'd previously agreed. Nobody's head gets sewn onto a direwolf. Harrion Karstark goes home with his dad and Gawen Westerling goes home to the Crag.

21. The Starks roll up to Winterfell with Robb's new bride beside him and Brienne still serving Catelyn. Nobody's invaded or burned the castle. Theon is still their hostage and has all his appendages fully attached. There's the joyous reunion with Bran and Rickon, though Arya's absence is still heavy in the air. It's even more bittersweet when the raven arrives with Cersei's demand of a hostage. They're trying to convince Cersei to accept a sibling of the she-weasel, and Cersei is not having it. She demands one of Robb's family of birth, or she will claim his firstborn child. Just as the family are almost ready to accept they'll have to send Rickon to the Red Keep, Sandor Clegane rides up to the castle gates with Arya. There's another joyful reunion, and after rolling around in a pile of hugs and kisses with her children, Catelyn makes a decision: she will be the hostage. Brienne accompanies her to the Red Keep, where Cat releases her from service. Cersei is satisfied.

Now winter is coming and the North has its independence. It'll stay that way as long as they can keep the Riverlands secure. And as long as Balon Greyjoy behaves himself. And they have enough grain and salt beef to keep their people fed through the winter. And as long as the Wall doesn't crack. Sure, they've got it from there.

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brofightiscancelled · 9 hours

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mr rice can u please share your thoughts on ososan s1 and 2 vs s3 differences , like the direction they went that was less meta referencing the reboot nature of the show, and more on the mundanity and sisyphean nature of being directionless young adults (who are also virgins). Personally the bits focused more on the mundane were rlly good I think. U dont wanna see the matsus do chores? Play hide and seek? i personally enjoyed it. also, your omusubi thoughts if u have any?

i could probably write a thesis paper on this, and idk how having watched all 3 seasons back to back in the year of our lord 2024 affects my opinions, but ill try to keep it brief (1029 word stream of consciousness )

tldr: S3 lost sight of The Bit

dont get it twisted i LOVE slice of life stuff. i like characters. season 3 had some of my all-time favorite segments (pizza, the way home, mt takao). however to me what felt off about the season was moreso like… the Ratios. the Overall Season Balance, Ebb and Flow, it was all wrong. s3's skits were as a whole longer, fewer, and less funny. i did tier lists of every single segment from each season and i was shocked how fewer segments s3 had compared to s1. theyre too freaking long. and not even funny!!!

i didn't realize how.. idk stale? s3 was getting until cosplaymatsu and then i was fucking gulping for fresh air like FINALLY SOME GOOD FUCKING OUT-OF-CONTINUITY BITS!!!!!!!!!!!

the thing is to me i think the Bit should trump all. s1 finale took this very literally, trampling all over the emotional cliffhanger for the Bit, but i think s2 finale also valued the bit of "well s2 is over so all that's left to do is die" while also retaining the emotional flow of facing mortality. i think s2 had the best finale for this reason btw. but ask me aboit that separately

to me osomatsu-san's Core Bit, at least that it started out with in s1, is "-kun is about these sextuplets being identical, so it's funny that they're all different as adults". the differences between them was in and of itself a punchline!! six same face!! to me as soon as you lose sight of this you lose my interest. no -kun flashback for s3e1 was a death keel. also, fuck you inumatsu

s2 took this core bit and ran with it a little further, now a little more confident in their characterizations they used the differing personalities as new comedy material. it's probably the platonic ideal of how ososan can combine its identities of "60's anime remake" and "jyushimatsu cordyceps"

i think s3's bit is, if there is one, at best, "there is no joke. we deadass just haven't done anything of value". which i just don't think is a good bit. it's one note, it's not versatile, and it gets dangerously close to being at the audience's expense- i think you can convey the lethargy and sisyphean existence without also making the audience feel like they wasted their time (i.e. the absolute worst sin a piece of media could commit). So the bit isn't good and they're not even dedicated to it in a way that matters.

"does there have to be a bit" well yes! I think so. it's a gag anime. i guess that's the crux of my argument. if you dont have the balls to commit to character development you MUST commit to the bit. i think s3 fell flat for me bc it couldnt commit to anything

i watched osomatsu-san with a dear friend of mine who, bless their heart, still can't tell the sextuplets apart 3 seasons 2 mini serieses every bonus episode and 4 movies later. but they could still enjoy s1 and s2 because the matsus and their personalities were vehicles for the punchline- not the focus. as soon as they started writing about the matsus themselves and losing sight of the Bigger Picture (the bit) they got very lost. and im aware theyre an outliar viewer but i don't think it's unrelated.

i think mt takao is a good summary of this issue. there's no bit- we're just slice of life moments with the brothers. but then tbey feel like they need to make a joke, lest people start expecting them to actually let these boys find happiness, so they just do a "and then we all died, jk, we can't actually accomplish anything of value" punchline at the end. it's a disservice to people who are invested in the characters, and for people who aren't, it's just not funny!

omusubi thoughts: theyre cutes. i could tell watching them that they were probably quite disliked for derailing the season so i immediately became like, fans in a hater way. lol

i think their core bit is good: showa anime meets modern robots who don't Get It. but their storyline doesn't tie into their Bit, and its attempted tie-ins with the sextuplets never emotionally resonated. episode 12 was, affectionately, a huge waste of time (though the sheeh payoff made me woop and holler) considering i couldnt even get over my suspension of disbelief that the sextuplets would actually give a shit enough about them as People to bust their asses saving them (which, after their self actualization, they clearly still were treating them like machines. so it's like yeah i knew that shit was fake)

but like yeah after that they weren't their Bit anymore. they just became characters. maybe that's the summary of my issue w s3? no one is their Bit anymore. everyone's so attached to the Characters now that no one values the Bit anymore. we've gone so far into gap moe that ichimatsu isnt even scary anymore. if rental girlfriends had happened in s3 it'd be totty with the tiger cage

but anyways. omusubi are interesting to me because i said earlier how s3 doesnt want to commit to anything, but it does seem like they wanted to commit to telling full character arcs, but had trapped the sextuplets into a prison where they've become too popular to meanginfully change, so they tried to do it with new characters and side charas (nyaa single mother arc peak). so like… i enjoyed the omusubi character arc bc it was at least something solid to grasp onto in this season with writing more fleeting than sand

(but again, it still got invalidated and didn't matter in the end!)

in the end it is hard to cheer for characters if you know fucking nothing will matter in the end (very similar to my aggretsuko review i wrote in my head and didn't post anywhere), so if they're not at least funny about it i'm like What's the point.

a faustian tale, etc

#asks #I hope this answered ur question. Thank u #I dodn't actually know if this answeree the question

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jboofan · 2 years

Text

There's something wrong with Manager Kim YN Part 26

I'm so fucked up

YN took a deep breath, unsure how he was going to take this.

"I made contact with Ari's dad, three years ago. I'd landed in LA and had been feeling sick. I got tested and found out I was pregnant. I messaged him to tell him, but he said that he didn't want kids and didn't care what I did with it."

"Who is it, do I know him?" Jin asked standing up.

"We're not here to judge you YN. Just support you."

YN inhaled deeply. "If you hadn't come over it would have been even harder. But then Jackson had his world tour and it seemed a perfect excuse to live in a bubble for a little bit longer. But now, there's no avoiding it."

Jin held the bridge of his nose, looking up at the ceiling. "It's Yoongi isn't it?"

The words he knew, but dreaded to say out loud came true.

"Then you told me he has some on off girlfriend, the same woman I was sent to him because of, and he still went back to her," she scoffed in disgust.

"Even so, I can't believe he doesn't want to be a part of your lives," Jackson couldn't quite believe it.

Jin was picking up his jacket silently to leave when YN grabbed his arm.

"Seokjin don't do anything. Please," she saw the locked jaw and grew concerned. "Let me handle it."

Jin sighed deeply, "I ought to kick him out the fucking group, and then run him over and then back over him for good measure. Then rip him limb for limb."

"I'll get the shovel," Uncle Kim proclaimed.

"And I'm reporting for limb ripping," Jackson raised his hand.

"No one will be doing anything. No shovels, or breaking limbs," she warned them all, trying to not wake up the sleeping child next door.

"Fine," sulked Jin, "but if he provokes me then it's not my fault," he warned pulling on his jacket. "I need to go think."

"Seokjin! You don't have to leave to go think," YN called back to him but he wasn't listening.

"I think he um, took it well?" she looked at Jackson nervously.

"Damn, hyung, he just needs some time to adjust," Jackson pulled her back, "Truthfully I think I need some time to let it sink in too."

"Do I need to give you space too?" she asked sarcastically.

"A whiskey will do for now," he said pointing at the bottle on the table. "I'm sorry that you had to keep this to yourself for so long."

Yoongi woke early, unable to sleep. His time keeping had become atrocious but he was going to try.

"Hey man," he smiled fist bumping Hobi and Jimin. "You okay?" Jimin asked, as Namjoon drank his coffee and they waited to go up for some recording sessions.

"Yeah, fine."

Jimin nodded, "That's good man. Just cause YN is back, we hope you and her can be civil." He waved off behind Yoongi.

"Hi!" he giggled in a kiddie voice. "I'll catch you in a minute bro," he dashed over to where YN and Jungkook were standing talking. His vision was soon filled with the little girl he caught a glimpse of yesterday.

Yoongi smiled, she was dressed cutely, like a little lady as she squealed in excitement as the boys were playing hide and seek with her.

"Whose that?" Yoongi asked.

"That's YN's kid. So cute she is, look at em, she looks just like her," Hobi looked over at them.

"Her husband not with her?" he looked to Hobi, who shrugged his shoulders. "Jackson? She never told us if they were together, and we never asked. We didn't want to assume anything, or be rude. It must be Jackson right?" he spotted him arriving holding a child's bag.

"The two of them are pretty close, actually when you look at her, she looks a bit like him if you squint," Hobi waved to YN, "C'mon let's go say hi."

Yoongi stood hesitantly by himself, looking over at them, but his feet were already walking towards them.

"Hey," he said to the group.

"Hey Hyung," Jungkook smiled back.

"Am I your favourite now?" Jungkook asked.

Ari giggled, "no silly," as he pouted which made her laugh even more.

YN laughed nervously, as an oblivious Jungkook continued teasing Ari.

"Hey guys, who's this?" Yoongi finally smiled, lowering his mask.

YN caught Jackson's jaw tense up briefly. She looked at him, and they exchanged silent glances with each other.

"This is Ari. My daughter?" she looked a little confused.

What a dick. Here he was acting like he had no clue who she was.

"Hi, I'm Yoongi."

He shook her little hand. He noticed the bright hues of hazel in her eyes, the clearest eyes. Eyes that looked just like YN. She was definitely YN's daughter, her skin was a light tan, akin to his ex-wife.

"Hi," she said shyly, still staring at the man.

"Hey there Princess," Yoongi spoke with care.

YN wasn't happy with this little exchange, but didn't know what to say.

"Jackson, it's been a while," he reached out his hand politely to Jackson, who was caught off guard and could only nodd and shake it back. "How are you?"

He looked back at YN, suddenly it was like no one else was in the room.

"This is both yours daughter?" He asked a little surprised at his own question. He shouldn't have asked it, but somewhere deep down, somehow he hoped he was wrong.

"She's my princess," Jackson replied "Ain't you princess?" he gave her a snuggle and kiss.

Uncle Kim appeared, "The car is ready."

YN zipped Ari's coat up.

"Let's go Mama." Ari held out her arms to YN.

"Mama's coming sweetie, I just need a word with Yoongi here."

"Yoogha come too," Ari reached out to Yoongi demanding he pick her up.

Yoongi reached out but was cut off by YN who ushered her towards Jackson.

She waited for everyone to leave, snapping her head back.

"What the hell are you fucking playing at?" she growled quietly, pushing his chest with a finger.

Yoongi took a step back holding onto her wrist, in shock. "Woah woah what the hell did I do?"

"You know exactly what you didn't do. And then you come walking over like everything is fine? Do us a favour, keep away from me and my daughter. Only speak to me if it's about work."

"No I won't keep away from you. I ain't going no where Mrs Min."

YN took a moment to realise what he had called her. "I'm not your wife anymore."

She looked at him sad, as the shock of what he had spoken made him freeze and let go of her hand. Watching her storm off leaving him standing.

What the hell just happened?

What am I supposed to have done?

Why was Jackson being defensive with me? We got on well..there must have been a misunderstanding or something..

And why the fuck did I call her wife?

God I'm so fucked up.

Puzzled, he caught sight of her give him a disappointed look as she finally got into the car.

She didn't reply back.

@craftymoonchaos @bbl32 @ireadthensuetheauthors @pb-n-juju @audreonne @larenelizabeth @kyle-told-me-whats-up @alexayoonlee @forvever-ddaeng

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justinmitchellfan · 10 months

Text

ARIANA GRANDE X MERCEDES VARNADO LOVE STORY SMUT WARNING ⚠️ PART 20 of the continuation of the she's the one live story

Chapter 47 title: merry Christmas

Arianas point of view

Playing hide and seek with mercedes, Frankie and Samia was fun but also ended up with us getting in trouble and with both my mom and momma y/m/n and they sat us on the couch and started lecturing us about playing in the house and honestly, or was great to feel like a kid again and also, getting in trouble with all of them ended up being super funny for some reason and we'd occasionally look at each other when they said something weirdly or give us certain looks and it was beyond hard holding in our laughs and in the end we apologized for running around and stuff, after that we played some board games until dinner

We ate and talked ,the time passing fairly quickly and everyone was pretty tired afterwards, especially since we'd just flown in that morning and all so we said our goodnights and went to bed and I got a long peaceful sleep in the arms of my fiance, who is know waking me up with little kisses to my neck, face and shoulder and a little smile pulls at my lips and I snuggle closer, happily accepting more kisses and she takes me by surprise when the hand around my waist rise to my sides and she starts to tickle me, an embarrassingly shrill leaves my lips but mercedes doesn't even care ,she keeps tickling me ,an amused smile on her lips

"Wait wait, i have to- I have to pee as I sqeaul pushing her away and rushing to the bathroom to relieve myself and once I'm done, I wash my hands ,brush my teeth and head back and she's now sitting up against the headboard, phone in hand, with a little pout on her lips and seeing her pout makes me do the same and I go over and crawl up the bed, straddling her lap and resting my arms over her shoulders "What's wrong babe as I ask tilting her head up with my fingers under her chin and her eyes look into mine and she sighs "the label approved my ep but it won't be released until the 28th and I wanted it to be a Christmas gift to my fans but now it's gonna be late says mercedes

"Aww babe as I brush my fingers up through her hair and it's a lot longer now ,I wonder if she's going to cut it again, I liked her last cut but I also like her long hair, wait not the focus "baby I'm sure your fans won't mind, you just dropped an album so the fact that you're releasing an ep so soon is gift enough as I brush my thumbs over her baby hairs and watch her reaction which ends up being a nod and a small smile "yeah you're right says mercedes as she leans up and kisses me and I smile against her lips and kiss back ,letting my fingers tangle into her hair as she pulls my closer and a knock at the door pulls us apart and I move off her lap as she calls for whoever comes in

My mom leans her head in through the cracked door and smiles "good morning you two ,the photographer will be here soon says Joan "oh shoot, right, thanks momma as I smile at her and jump out the bed ,quickly heading to the closet and mercedes says good morning to my mom and waits to get up until she's gone and a glance at the mirror beside the closet puts mercedes in view and I swear she's getting more and more in shape and she isn't even doing anything and her stomach is getting flatter, arms toning up- my thoughts stop when I catch sight of the bulge in her underwear and I knew she was packing, I could feel it when I woke up but seeing it always does something to me

When she first told me about her packing on a regular, I was more than ready to support her through her figuring it out, I still am too and it's not like it matters to me either way, as long as she's comfortable and happy with herself, I'm happy but I won't act like I don't love it and she shoots me a quick wink before stepping into the bathroom, leaving the door cracked a little, the sound of the shower following shortly after and I would love nothing more than to join her but we're never quick so that's not the best idea with the photographer coming soon and while she's in the shower I get dressed, since I showered before bed last night and pulling on a knee length cream sweater Dress and my beige thigh highs

Then I set aside my big white puffer jacket and start on my makeup and just as I've finished straightening it, mercedes comes out ,still massaging lotion into her skin, as she walks to the edge of the bed where I laid her outfit out "thank you baby says mercedes as she smiles over at me before starting to get dressed and her outfit matches mine: some blue jeans, a cream sweater and cream timberland boots plus the brown denim fur lined coat and once we're both ready, mercedes hair curled with a couple strands falling over her forehead and we leave out and the photographer is coming in as we're walking down the stairs

Everyone is in the living room while my mom talks to him so I start organizing us ,I have my dad and mercedes move the coffee table since our first set of pictures will be in front of the fireplace and the second ones on the couch and the last ones outside and it takes the photographer a minute to set up in time which we grab something quick for breakfast and chat for a moment and when the photographer is ready he let's us know and we all go In front of the fireplace and during the indoor shots ,mercedes is being her usual self ,messing with everyone which brings even brighter smiles to our faces

She, Samia and Frankie do all kinds of goofy poses: mercedes laying on the floor in front of everyone in a playfully sexy way ,Frankie on mercedes back and Samia laying across Frankie's and mercedes arms and then outside we take some planned ,slightly formal type pictures and then it's back to shenanigans which starts with Samia throwing snow dead in mercedes face and my fiance freezes and retaliates and that starts a snowball fight between them, me and Frankie joining in at which it becomes siblings vs siblings and the whole while, pictures are being taken and I know the candid photos will be just as good as the planned ones and in the end it's all just a lot of fun but does result in us freezing our asses off

The four of us shivering go into the house about an hour after our parents and Nonna have gone in and my mom dismissed the photographer after talking about when we're going to get the pictures and such and in our room, me and mercedes quickly shed the snow covered, slightly damp, cold clothes and rush to the shower and hot water rains down on us ,effectively warming us from the outside in and a shiver rolls over mercedes after she's stepped from under the shower head and she's quick to wrap herself around me from behind and her chin rests on my shoulders as she presses closer

I just revel in the feeling of her warming body, there's nothing sexual about this shower and while it could be, this is just one of those intimate moments between us that doesn't go further than holding one another and her soft fingers play with mine and she presses a kiss to my neck "I think you might've gotten snow in my ear says mercedes with a little chuckle and I laugh out loud, giving a little pout when I see the frown on her face "awe I'm sorry baby as I say turning in her hold ,I lay my arms over her shoulders "had you worn earmuffs, it wouldn't've happened says Ariana "are you as her head tilts with a quirked brow "victim blaming says mercedes as she jokes and I roll my eyes at her dramatics

"Get off me big head as I playfully shrug her off ,smiling when she laughs and instantly wraps me back up in her arms with a kiss to my temple and we stay in there for a few more minutes, gently cleaning each other and just warming back up completely and then we get out, Changing into some clothes and mercedes once again fucking my mind up with these sweats while she's packing and after pulling on one of her sweaters that I packed, I step into my fuzzy slippers and we leave out and mercedes goes in search of samia and Frankie abs I head to the kitchen where I know my mom, Nonna and momma y/m/n are

They all have ingredients for Tomorrow night's dinner laid across the counters as all three of them work on their own dishes and prep and with a smile, I greet everyone in the kitchen, then asking my mom what she needs help with and she's quick to tell me to start peeling sweet potatoes so I find a free space at the counter and start that, all the while talking with them and momma y/m/n looks at me from her seat "have you and mercedes started any wedding planning says y/m/n as she asks occasionally glancing up from her task

"Um sort of as my response makes her raise an eyebrow "we decided to have the wedding in spring and we chose a theme but we're also taking our time, we- as a blush spreads across my cheeks "we know we're going to Last and we are getting married so we want to go at our own pace with the planning says Ariana abd they all nod along, proud and knowing grins thrown my way and in a way I don't think I'll ever get over how supportive my family is of this relationship, with my exes there were mixed opinions on the people I'd chosen to date ,excluding my dad of course and that whole thing sucks

I've said so many times before how special this is with mercedes and i know I've been engaged before, I've been in a number of relationships that ranged from serious to just having fun but with everything me and mercedes have been through has just continuously built my faith in this relationship and my dad hasn't really been around to see that ,which is one of the main reasons I think he isn't exactly 'pro mercedes ' which I've considered talking to him but there are a lot of pros and cons to doing that so I haven't decided and I don't want to bring it up and then me and my dad are fighting and I don't want to bring it up and mercedes be upset with me for it

I just don't know how either of them would respond to me stepping in and saying something "Ariana as I'm pulled from my thoughts be a familiarity gentle hand on my arm "What's wrong as my mom asks and blinking a few times, I look up at her and her soft eyes "do you think dad is ever going to come around to me and mercedes says Ariana and her shoulders Drop with a sigh and my mood instantly drops "I don't know sweetie as she tells me , combing her fingers through my hair "I stopped knowing what to expect from Edward a long time ago says Joan and I sigh, leaning my head over to rest on her shoulder

Momma y/m/n speaks up "I know it's hard to have that kind of tension between two people you love as she gives me an understanding nod "but you know mercedes, I think we all do as a round of agreeing nods "that girl isn't going to give up, she's very well aware of how much you love your father and how important it is that they get along, if not for their sake for yours says miss y/m/n and with a nod, I agree, thanking her for her encouraging words and as I work I think of what they said, momma y/m/n I'd right, my baby wouldn't give up trying to make things at least okay with my dad and admittedly though she's not who I'm worried about

For the remainder of my time in the kitchen, we talk ,every so often we discuss some wedding ideas but they respect that we're taking our time so it's not the dominating topic and our conversation takes us through the work and by the time the turkey is stuffed and seasoned and the sides are all prepped, we wrap everything up and store them in the refrigerator to cook tomorrow and they all stay in there a little longer, drinking wine and talking and I head out to find something else to do "you were right as I hesitate at the sound of my dad's voice in the living room and everyone was upstairs last time I checked so who he's talking to suprises me

My fiance replies "I'm sorry, right about what says mercedes and curiosity gets the better of me and I park my ass on the step around the corner and remain as silent as possible "I don't want this to be the reason my daughter is hurt and I as he heaves a sigh "I believe you when you say you don't want to hurt her so I'll try ,be cordial and stuff until we get to know one another well enough for me to accurately judge you says mister butera and the disbelievingly hopeful chuckle that leaves mercedes lips makes me smile and as I turn to head upstairs I catch her words of excitement towards my dad

I'm not expecting to run into Frankie at the top of the stairs, Samia beside him with a smile to me and my brother loops his arm through mine and turns me right around "come on sis, we gotta decorate says Frankie and honestly I almost forgot about that and back downstairs now, I find my dad and mercedes are bringing in tubs from the car and I instantly recognize them as the decorations my mom uses and some of them are new while others have been around since I was born or even before and my mom, Nonna and momma y/m/n finish up in the kitchen and come out to help us and for the next couple hours we move around decorating the house

Tinsel, lights, window decals, little ornaments and table lights, wreaths and the stockings and we don't go overboard outside but we do string some lights over the windows and a wreath on the door and then all our attention goes to decorating the tree ,wrapping it in red tinsel ,string of lights and then scattering ornaments on it, everyone choosing whatever color ornament they want and it's finished with the placement of a silver star on top and the gifts at the bottom and the rest of Christmas eve is spent together and the very first thing we do Is get Christmas eve boxes, it's a tradition momma y/m/n shared with us that they've always done

She and my mom got the boxes together, each one including little packets of hot chocolate, a personalized mug, a cute festive hat ,our favorite Christmas movie for Tomorrow and a small snack bag and after that we happily blast some Christmas songs, mercedes and Frankie handling the music for the most part and then we start baking cookies ,my fiance pouts damn near the whole time cause her decorating skills 'sucks' as she puts it which she only further believes when she looks at my cookies ,I won't lie, mine do look better but I wouldn't tell her that

We end the night with homemade pizza and a classic Christmas movie: how the grinch stole Christmas because tomorrow is going to be a long day, we call it a night when the movie goes off and admittedly I was seconds away from falling asleep anyway and being the sweetest soul ever, mercedes scoops me up into her arms, both of us telling everyone goodnight as she carries my tired ass upstairs abd a loud yawn leaving my lips when she sets me on the edge of the bed and sge smiles at me ,love in her eyes "you're so cute when you're sleepy says mercedes as a kiss is placed on my forehead, making a blush rise to my cheeks

"Only when I'm sleepy as I ask with a playful pout ,my gaze following her as she pulls our matching pajamas out, which are these cute fleece hooded burgundy onesis with snowflake designs on them and comes back over to me and setting the clothes down, she leans down a bit ,her fists pressing into the mattress besides my thighs "baby you're always cute even when you're sexy as hell you're cute says mercedes as her lips press against mine lightly "I don't know how you do it but you do says mercedes and playfully I flip my hair over my shoulder "it's a talent says Ariana

Mercedes laughs, shaking her head at me "girl as she stands up and grabs her pajamas "talkin bout a talent says mercedes as her laugh makes me smile and i can't help but watch as she changes, my eyes scanning over her body and before she can catch me ogling her, I change too and the next time I yawn ,it's like I can feel my energy gone from today's activities ss I quickly brush my teeth and clean my face before crawling into bed and the second my head hits the pillow my eyes are getting heavy and suddenly I feel a light weight on my neck, the weight goes from heavy to light as toulouse walks straight over my neck to lay in front of me

"Aye, you want to lay on the bed tonight goose as he quickly licks my nose before curling up and closing his eyes and I scratch behind his ears before letting my own eyes fall shut ,the last thing I'm aware of is mercedes wrapping her arms around me

******

"MERRY CHRISTMAS " "MERRY CHRISTMAS " and beside me, mercedes groans loudly, arms tightening around me as she buries her face further into my neck ,Samia and Frankie shout the phrase again and mercedes sighs heavily and I chuckle softly, feeling the sleep ease off of me and just as I turn in mercedes hold, careful no to further disturb her or wake up toulouse, Frankie and Samia burst into the room and yet again they shout the phrase, except Samia comes over and throws herself onto mercedes back "please as my fiance whines "just another like 30 minutes says mercedes

"Nope, it's Christmas sis, we've got gifts to open and cookies to eat so let's go says Samia and when she gets up it's clear she expects mercedes to get up but her sister just remains laying down so Samia raises her hand high up and smacks mercedes butt and a loud shriek leaves her lips as mercedes pops up and quickly chases after the younger girl and Myron literally doesn't waste a second, his head pops up and one glance at mercedes had been has him running out of the room ,those two are practically inseparable at this point and it's adorable and I shake my head with a little smile, raising my eyes to my brother who walks over

"Merry Christmas sis says Frankie as he opens his arms and I accept his hug, returning the sentiment and once we pull away, I gently pick toulouse up and ease out of bed, setting him down, only for him to run straight to my brother and Frankie waits for me, toulouse in his arms while I brush my teeth and wash my face and he hands my baby back over before we head out together and we walk down the stairs right behind my dad and Nonna, all of us turning and going straight to the living room and my mom and momma y/m/n are the most awake people in the house right now, conversation going on between the two as they sip their coffee on the couch

It's not until the rest of us sit down with our morning drinks that mercedes and Samia come sprinting into the room "alright yall calm down now says momma y/m/n "come sit down so we can open these gifts says momma y/m/n and the varnado siblings still squabble a bit as they come over, Samia smacking mercedes neck and mercedes smacking Samias arm before mercedes sits beside me and her glare at Samia turns into a soft smile at me "good morning baby says mercedes giving me a kiss that I hum into, quietly speaking the words back and we both turn our attention back to our family

From there we all exchange gifts and everyone pretty much gets a mix of the same things: clothes, fragrances, jewelry, spa/vacation vouchers and electronics and I'm down to my last gift and the tag let's me know it's from mercedes and with yet another excited smile on my face, I peel the blue and white wrapping paper off and lift the top of the box and that smile turns to a frown when I pull a collar out and Samia snorts a laugh out "not you buyin yo fiance a collar says Samia as she mumbles and laughs and mercedes looks over at Samia, giving her that 'shut up' look before standing up "that's not the gift dummy says mercedes

And with that she goes down the hallway, disappearing into the door that leads to the basement where the spa/pool is and everyone exchanges confused looks, not sure what she could be getting me from the basement ,that curiosity quickly shifts to pure elation when I hear little nails clattering on the floor and turn around to see the cutest little puppy running over and my eyebrows raise as a smile takes over my face "oh my God as I coo picking him up and he leans his head forward to sniff at my face and once he decides I'm not a threat and gets a little more used to my scent, he licks my cheek and nuzzles his nose into my cheek

Mercedes comes back to reclaim her spot beside me and I look over at her "we always said we'd adopt a dog together right says mercedes "baby, I love him as I lean over and kiss her lips, raising a hand to cup her cheek "I love you says Ariana "I love you too babe Says mercedes as she leans back against the couch "he just needs a name and since I picked him out I figured you could name him says mercedes, awe and still smiling, I set the puppy on the couch "what about beau says Ariana and his little ears perk up at that and I scratch behind them "you like that name, beau says Ariana as if answering me, he licks my palm ,not missing a beat, I pull my phone out, call his name and take a picture of him and tapping over to Instagram, I just have to post about his little self

Mercedes picks the collar up from my lap, holds it up to everyone with a pointed gaze, before clipping it around the puppy's neck "for the dog, no son of mine gon be out here not lookin fresh says mercedes pulling her phone out "ain't that right beau says mercedes and he looks over at her and she takes a picture as well that goes on Instagram and over on the other couch, my family coos ,even my dad looks at the puppy with soft eyes, no one can deny how cute this little guy is "he's so cute mercedes says Joan "where'd you find him says Joan

As my fiance answers her ,talking about the shelter where she found him ,beau climbs off the couch and goes over to Myron and toulouse and I can't help but watch them sniff at each other and instantly start to play with each other, how perfect is it that they get along so well and Samia quickly occupies the armrest beside me and her shoulder leans against mine and looking at her reveals a smile and a suggestive wiggle of her eyebrows "engagement, dog adoption, when should we expect the pregnancy announcement, February says Samia as she teases

I laugh, shaking my head and bumping her shoulder "can I just say I'm glad we get along says Ariana and her eyes soften and I smile "I love Frankie but I've always wanted a sister says Ariana "ari i- as Samia is teary eyed , she wraps me in a hug that I quickly accept "I'm glad to be getting another sister, not only do you make that goofball happy as we both spare a glance over to mercedes who's now on the floor with the dogs then back to each other "you're also just really incredible says Samia "thank you Sam says Ariana and nodding, she says "of course sis says Samia as the wink she gives me makes her look more like mercedes than ever and a chuckle leaves my lips as she stands up and moves over to her mom to look at each other's gift more intently

At this point that's what everyone is doing, quietish chatter flows over us, a calm atmosphere settles "oooh as all eyes turn to mercedes who bounces in excitement "they just told me I can announce my ep says mercedes and it's the cutest thing ever watching her struggle to type since she's still bouncing excitedly and the second the post is up my phone buzzes and I pull it put, checking her post and liking it and I know she's incredibly glad she was able to post about it on Christmas since she couldn't release it then "dang sis, calm down, music ain't goin nowhere, just released an album a couple months ago as Samia jokingly says

Pocketing her phone, mercedes reaches down and scoops beau and toulouse up and comes over ,Myron on her heels and she sits down next to me, toulouse walking over to curl up in my lap while Myron situates himself between the two of us, beau in mercedes lap "honestly I was going to take a bit of a break, let feelings keep doing its thing but as mercedes shakes her head with a chuckle "when me, meg, g, cardi and Bruno was makin the songs, I just knew I had to share that song with people, it was such a vibe and fun as ever says mercedes and Nonna speaks up "well let's hear it then says Nonna

"Oh uh, you- right now says mercedes as she questions and everyone says yes immediately "it ain't exactly a Christmas album yall says mercedes "girl stop stallin and play the damn thing says momma y/m/n and holding her hands up in surrender, mercedes moves over to the stereo "now it ain't released yet so don't tell nobody yall heard this says mercedes plugging her phone in and the first song that plays is h.o.e, her jhene collab and honestly I love it, having not heard any of the songs on the ep aside from holy and please me ,I'm excited to hear the rest

Funnily enough, mercedes chill/hype ep is the perfect starter for the rest of the day and we move from her music to the Christmas songs, our favorite movies playing on the TV in a random order ,all the while we continue festive activities and throughout it all: making gingerbread houses, playing games, eating cookies, watching movies and then eating Christmas dinner, I'm constantly thinking about how grateful and blessed I am, not only am I able to celebrate with my family but it's also bigger than ever before, the varnados added something a little extra special to the holiday and I couldn't be more happy right now and excited for the future

Chapter 48 title: happy birthday

Mercedes point of view

The rest of December and most of January flies by and new years was celebrated at home, me and Ariana had our friends over, we drank, sang and watched the ball drop and I got my new years kiss at midnight and it was real simple and still super fun and after that it was back to work: interviews, performances and some new shit like a little bit of modeling and commercials and being so focused on all of that, it was easy for me to lose track of the date which means my birthday snuck up on my ass but I'm obviously the only one who forgot "baby as the most soothing voice speaks to me, slowly pulling me from dreamland

I pretend to still be asleep just to feel the way she lightly runs her nails across my hairline and coos my name and when I eventually peak my eyes open, first I'm attacked by the sun pouring through the seams of the curtains and then I'm looking at my fiance in all her glory and she smiles softly at me and I return with a sleepy smile of my own "happy birthday baby says Ariana as she let's her excitement slip into the words and that alone turns my smile even brighter, cupping my face in her hands ,she leans down and presses a kiss to my lips and we pull apart with a quiet smack

A low hum leaves my lips "thank you beautiful as I kiss her one more time before scooting up to rest against the headboard and the second I do, all the dogs jump up on the bed and piggy comes around to my side so I reach down to pick her up and set her on the bed as well "all my babies came to wish me happy birthday as I exclaim, petting snape and lily, pignoli and toulouse climb on my lap, Myron easing past them all to lick my cheek "yas, give me all the love as I laugh, looking over at Ariana who giggles as piggy sits between her legs

I play around with them for a bit before they get bored of me and run off, Myron staying behind to sit on my lap and that doesn't last long though as Ariana pops up off the bed, my eyes following her, taking in every inch of her beautiful body, covered by the thin fabric of one of my shirts and calling for Myron, she leaves out the room with him on her heels and I take that second to fully wake up , letting out a long yawn and stretching my limbs ,feeling the sleep slip from my muscles and just as I'm relaxing back into the bed Ariana cones back, a tray in her hands causing her to use her foot to close the door ,then coming back over

She holds the tray steady as she crawls the short distance to my side then sets it across my lap, my eyebrows raise at the food I see, silver dollar pancakes with whipped cream on top, a bowl of mixed fruits, tofu scramble with peppers and cheese and- "uh, is this supposed to be on here as I pick up the black velvet box and Ariana nods, her bottom lip trapped between her teeth "it's one of your gifts says Ariana "one of as I ask with an excited grin and she urges me to open it and I do ,the black face of the silver watch stares back at me , diamonds shining from around the face and instead of numbers there are diamonds in it

"Holy shit, this a Movado as I say the word breathlessly, admiring the expensive watch and she smiles and nods "i may have heard from someone that you really wanted one says Ariana abd someone as in Anthony, he and I talked about getting Movados months ago "babe, this is- its dope as fuck as I smile over at her "turn it over says Ariana as she instructs, slightly bouncing in her spot and doing as she says, I turn it over, laughing softly at the engraving: you don't get older, you only get better ,happy 28th birthday "thank you, I love it baby as I tell her, reaching my hand up to cup her cheek and pull her into a soft kiss

She holds the kiss, pulling away just to peck my lips a few more times, then slapping a random pattern on my arm "now eat up cause there's another one waiting for you says Ariana and I nod and we share the breakfast she made me, exchanging kisses between bites of food and her asking me what I wanted to do today and when I say nothing she gives me a look ,that 'you know that's not about to happen ' look and I chuckle, telling her that I don't really need to do anything for my 28th and the second the food is finished she's up and taking the tray from my lap

Crossing my arms behind my head and crossing my legs ,I watch Arianas every move with curiosity, my head is nodding to some random tune when she looks back at me expectantly, I tilt my head to the side "what says mercedes "get your ass up, it's your birthday baby we got celebratin to do says Ariana and a laugh slips from my lips at her words and I scoot down the bed, pulling the blanket over my head "I think the best birthday would be me not leaving this bed as I peak over the top to look at her with a smirk "and you losing the clothes and joining me says mercedes

Her eyebrows raise, a seductive look crossing her face as she slowly makes her way towards me "you know what I think says Ariana as I hum ,watching her closely "that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard as she pushes me after speaking and if I weren't so lost in her eyes I probably would've seen it coming and instead I was lost In her eyes and that's how I end up on the floor ,toulouse and Myron run up instantly ,sniffing and licking me, showing their concern for me Hitting the floor and Ariana looks over the edge of the bed to look down at me and I glare at her sheepish face "you mean as fuck as I grumble, pushing myself up and walking away

"Baby, I'm sorry as Ariana calls with laughter in her voice "nah fuck you as I close the bathroom door behind me, only for her to open it back up and come inside as I'm turning on the shower and she quickly moves to stand in front of me, slipping her hands under my shirt and slowly pushing it up "you want birthday sex in the shower or after says Ariana as she then pushes my shirt all the way up and over my head ,biting her bottom lip as she looks up at me from under her eyelashes and with a smirk I say "both" before I strip away the rest of my clothes and hers, then step back into the shower, motioning her forward with my finger

******

I gently comb my fingers through my hair to tousle the curls I just made ,my eyes glancing at Ariana through the mirror as she sits on the edge of the tub doing her makeup, squinting at the little mirror in front of her, she usually sits in the sink but she couldn't exactly walk after our activities so I sat her down and gave her her makeup stuff and breaking my gaze ,I pull my face mask off, washing away the excess soap and applying some moisturizer then putting on chapstick "so, you pushed me out of bed this morning like you had a plan says mercedes turning around to face ari and her eyebrows raise but she never looks away from the mirror, a hum of agreement sounding from her

"Well as I wave my hands when she doesn't say anything else "what're the plans says mercedes and staying quiet for a moment longer, she finishes her makeup and puts everything away then walks over to set it all down on the counter and look at me, hand on her hip she says "you know I'm not telling you says Ariana "that's bullshit, I'm 28, I haven't had a suprise birthday in like 13 years says mercedes and honestly though I haven't, it was just one of those things That stopped and I've gotten my first job at 15 so I was buying myself stuff I wanted and most of my moms attention was on Samia, on top of both of us grieving dad ,it was a tricky time

Subconsciously a heavy sigh leaves my lips as I look at myself in the mirror and I can't believe dad's been gone 19 years and just thinking that there was a time where I was so sure he'd always be around and now, now I've made music, won awards, traveled the country, sold out arenas and he hasn't been here for any of it and noticing the far off look in my eyes, Ariana ,who's now at my side, cups my face and gently smoothing her thumb over my cheek and I focus back on her to see a soft smile on her lips that makes one of my own form "I've got another gift for you says Ariana as she speaks quietly and chuckling, I raise an eyebrow "is that a suprise too says mercedes

Her laugh takes that Last bit of heaviness from my heart ,an incredibly light feeling surrounding me as she grabs my hand "you really wanna know you'll have to wait as she sings as she pulls me out of the bathroom and I roll my eyes and let her guide me out of our room down the hall to the stairs and my anxiousness and excitement grows when she goes through the kitchen to the basement stairs but I stay quiet, just waiting and she stops at the top of the stairs, making me take one step down and then it goes dark as her hands cover my eyes "I promise I won't let you fall says Ariana "mhm, we'll see, if I bust my ass says Ariana

"It's your fault, now shush, and step down says Ariana as she keeps her hands over my eyes as I huff and step down, she tells me to 'step' each time I need to until we're on the ground floor and her hands remain over my eyes for a few more minutes as we walk somewhere in the basement "okay says Ariana as she takes a deep breath "you ready says Ariana "girl yes, come on as I chuckle softly and then my eyes are uncovered and I blink a few times just to adjust and get those colorful spots out of my eyes and then my jaw drops

"Ain't no way as I mumble, taking a final step off the small built in platform then glancing around the entire room "babe, holy shit, a whole ass bowling alley and a bar as I move over to the first rack of bowling bowls to see three of them that are my favorite color with my initials on them "ima feel professional as fuck usin these, might as well get one of them damn shirts says mercedes and hearing her clear her throat, I look up to see her glance to the side ,my gaze follows and my eyebrows raise at the small staircase and I point to them as I look back at Ariana and she just nods for me to go up so I do ,walking up the four steps with an excited bounce added to my movements and once again, I freeze at the sight in front of me

"You tryna fu- says mercedes "no as she stops me before I can even finish, a giggle falling from her lips "it's your birthday baby, I did this for you even though you're grown, I know you're still a big ass kid says Ariana and turning to face her completely, I shake my head with a smile on my lips then pull her into my arms "thank you so much baby, this is- its more than I could've asked for as I press a kiss to her neck, pulling back to cup her cheek "I love you as I whisper against her lips before kissing her full on abd I can feel her smile against my lips as we kiss ,her hands slipping underneath my shirt, nails lightly scratching my sides as she presses into me

My hands grip her hips but she pulls away before I can take the kiss further and for a moment we stand there, her forehead resting on my chest as I look around at my arcade room, seeing the bowling alley from over the glass railing and I can't believe my baby got me an arcade and bowling alley for my birthday man, I truly have the best fiance ever and eventually we pull apart and Ariana grabs my hand, pulling me over to the couch in the arcade and then down to sit beside her "one of the biggest parts of birthdays, since social media, is checking your feed for birthday wishes so as Ariana slips my phone into my hands ,me wondering where sge was even holding it and smiles at me

From her excitement alone, I know she's made a post about me so I get curious and silently excited all over again and I also wonder who else made a post and the instant I unlock my phone, Instagram is on the screen and the username at the top corner let's me know this is aris post so I trail my eyes down the screen to take it all in and the smile that had formed on my face at having just seen the collage of pictures of us, grows when I read the caption of her post, I read it over a few times ,just loving every word she typed

Before I can read it again her hand shoots out and covers the screen and I frown and look over at her "hey I was reading that as I move my phone from under her hand and look her up and down and her eyes roll "reading it for like the hundredth time mercedes, we don't have all day says Ariana with playful agitation in her voice and I nod "we definitely got all day, it's literally my birthday baby, if I want to spend it reading your post over & over & over, I can and I- says mercedes "won't says Ariana and I instantly smack my lips, slouching into the couch

"This isn't the only thing you're going to do for your birthday so check the other posts so we can move on says Ariana even when she smiles sweetly at me and kisses my head and I mumble under my breath about her being mean and bossing me around and as she once again rolls her eyes at my antics, I go to my tagged pictures, scrolling through all the posts my fans made and the amount of fanart ,custom shirts and hoddies ,creative ass posters and shit that people have amazes me and the fact that people put in so much effort just to stand out to the people they admire or look up to is incredible

Even more incredible is the fact that I'm the person they look up to and admire, my face is on their clothes ,my name on their poster, those are drawings of me and with a smile that obviously is going to go away today, I like as many of the posts as possible, leaving comments on some and following a few others until eventually I find another majorly important post and I instantly double tap, heading straight to the comments to reply: fa-muthafuckin-sho, bring ya ass over Boi, we poppin bottles and being the idiot best friend he is, his dumb ass replies to my reply saying: wit models

A hand instantly slaps the back of my neck, the shock and force making me herk forward and almost drop the phone and frowning yet again I turn to look at Ariana "we need to have a talk about you hittin me woman says mercedes and scoffing she says "we need to talk about you poppin bottles with models says Ariana as she crosses her arms and raises her eyebrow at me ,lips puresed as she does that neck roll "what models mercedes says Ariana "oh my g- as I cover my mouth with my hand and mumble "you crazy " and then chuckling nervously as her expression gets even more angry "ight damn, I ain't say shit about models, that was ant, all I said was we poppin bottles, I'm bein good, don't even know no models says mercedes

We both know that last bit is a lie, she's introduced me to models and I've met some at events and stuff and she drops the glare but narrows her eyes, lips straightening as she sits back against the couch "I need to call him, ain't gon be no models in my house says Ariana as she goes to stand up and I reach out and pull her down onto my lap wrapping an arm around her waist "I won't leave him bring any models in the house as that eyebrow raises again "or anywhere around me, I promise as I pucker my lips and close my eyes, a second passes before she presses her lips to mine and then pulling away to trail kisses down to my neck where she wastes no time biting me and sucking my skin

"That's that possessive shit as I say when she leans away completely "mhm as her thumb runs over the definite mark "and if I find out you tried to cover it as she grips my Chin and turns my head to look at her "I'm gonna kill you says Ariana and opening my mouth, I start to say something, maybe make a little joke but the look In her eyes let's me know she's dead ass "I won't, I'm yours forever as I say quickly kissing her ,I look back at the phone "now let me finish checkin these posts says mercedes

I close out Instagram and go to Twitter, tapping over to my mentions and once again scrolling through all the posts from my fans ,liking and occasionally commenting then seeing posts from my other friends and I quickly scroll up to cover the words on Megan's post but still I like it only to be smacked upside the head again "you not slick mercedes-says Ariana "MERCEDES WHERE YOU AT BIRTHDAY GIRL" "dont- says Ariana and I move Ariana off my lap and stand up "I can't not respond, she's my sister as I smile at her "she's our sister, can't be mean as I then pat her thigh and get off the couch

Kissing my fingers and tapping them to her cheek ,running away before she can actually go off on my ass and jogging up the stairs, I enter the kitchen, my gaze flicking over to some of the dogs who's eating their foods or drinking water but my entrance grabs their attention or at least it grabs beaus attention an even though I picked him out and we bonded first ,he's always under ari and when he sees her it's like a moth to a flame ,I only get love from him when she's not around "beau, come here boy as I click my tounge and he runs over, letting me pick him up when I bend down and once he's in my arms and snuggled close to my chest, I walk out of the kitchen into the living room

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY as Samia exclaims the instant she sees me a d I can't help but laugh "thank you Sam as I set beau down to walk over to them "hey momma as I wrap my arms around her and she does the same to me "happy birthday baby as she tells me cupping the back of my neck before I pull away, moving to hug Samia who waits for the hug to end before firing shots onto my arm and it starts to sting after about 15 but I take it, raising my eyebrow at her when she stops "are you done says mercedes "yeah I am says Samia as she falls on my couch, a smile on her face when Myron comes in and jumps on the couch

The moment of peace doesn't last very long and fir the third and final time today I'm smacked upside the head "runnin from me- says Ariana and my eyebrows pinch together and I raise my hand and smack her ass hard and she damn near jumps up to the roof when my hand hits her ass and she spins around to glare at me so fast "unh unh as I make the zipping motion across her lips "don't say nothin, you done hit me three times today, chill out you got me says mercedes and when she doesn't say anything I raise my eyebrows at her and rolling those gorgeous brown eyes, sge crosses her arms and nods "yeah, I got you says Ariana

"Good as I quickly kiss her forehead "now, where my gifts at says mercedes and even though they Laugh, my mom and Samia do indeed pull out gifts and it's while I'm opening my gift from Samia that Ariana says she's leaving and obviously she doesn't give me any answers when I ask where she's headed and I just push it aside and whatever she is planning for the rest of the day is cool with me and I spend a couple of hours with my mom and Samia and after opening their gifts to me, I show them the bowling alley and Arcade and momma ends up beating me and Samia twice in bowling and Samia kicks my ass in air hockey

By the time we come back upstairs I'm butthurt and my momma makes up for it by making lunch ,she makes damn near a whole dinner and if I didn't know ari was out planning something for tonight I'd question it and I spend lunch with Sam and my mom and we talk about all types of stuff, Sam telling me more about how she's gotten famous at her school because I'm famous now and disclosing that she's going on a date with that Calvin kid and while I play the supportive big sister out loud, I make a mental note in my head to be at the house when he shows to pick her up and even my mom tells me that her coworkers know of me through their kids and stuff

They hang around with me until the peace and quiet of the house is interuppted by a rhythmic pounding on my front door accompanied by 5 different voices rapping happy birthday and Samia and momma shake their heads at me when a wide grin breaks onto my face but before they say anything I hop off the couch and head to the front door and unlocking it, I wait for the beat to stop and then open it and there's a pause, me staring at ant, cass, g ,Bruno and Jackson and them staring back "aye I'm 28 in this bitch says mercedes "aye as they all exclaim ,damn near jumping on my head to hug me

We all pull away shortly after and I frown as I look at their hands "where the drinks at as I look up at Anthony "thought we was poppin bottles says mercedes and my best friend holds his hands up in a 'calm down' motion "we was pickin you up first, gon head up to the liquor store, grab a bunch of snacks and drinks then come back, heard somebody got a new game room says Anthony and I nod "ight bet, ima go change real quick then we can go as I point towards my mom and Samia as I turn "I'll be right back, we'll walk yall out says mercedes

With that I head upstairs and pull on some clothes, I don't go too crazy cause we're just going to the liquor store and as soon as I'm dressed, I head downstairs and even though I'm not not dressed like nothin, my boys hype my head up "ooo, you gotta take a pic says Cass and they all agree "ight bet as I sit on the steps a take a few pictures, but about halfway through as I'm trying to be serious, these idiots start goofing off but Jackson keeps taking pictures and when he hands my phone back, I'm not at all disappointed, I choose one of the 'off guard' ones and post it on Instagram "okay let's go as I stand up and put my phone in my pocket

Together all of us leave out and I lock the door behind me and walk my mom and Samia to their car, hugging them and thanking them for the gifts and lunch and after saying goodbye and watching them pull off I turn to Cass' escalade and pit my hands in the air ,eliciting another loud cheer from my boys and my neighbors will probably hate me by the end of the night but I don't care "aye, give me the aux as all eyes turn to me and Anthony smacks his lips "bitch as I frown at him and thump his ear "its my muthafukin birthday now press the damn button so I can connect says mercedes

All the guts share a look and Cass nods at Anthony "she got a point man as he mumbles and Anthony sighs and presses the aux option and I connect and he's probably mad cause there's only one song I can genuinely, 100% turn up to "🎶wave your hand side to side ,put it in the air, clap, clap, clap like you don't care, smack that, clap, clap, clap, like you don't care" and while Anthony does roll his eyes at me, he ends up getting just as hype as I do and everyone else is just feeding off my energy too so by the time we pull up to the liquor store, the truck is damn near bouncing off the wheels and Beyonce is blasting

Cass parks the car and we climb out ,Bruno hanging onto my side with his arm around my shoulders, still singing partition which makes me laugh and almost walk face first into the door, If not for g sticking his arm out to stop me I would have "ain't even had a drink yet and you already trippin says g as he laughs, patting my back as I step through the door and the first aisle I go to is the chip aisle and Jackson right beside me, we grab a couple bags of chips qnd turn around to grab some cookies, we have snacks at home but if I get as drunk as I plan to, it won't be enough and I don't want Ariana getting mad at me for eating her vegan ice cream again

So on the way up to the counter I stop and grab me two pints of ice cream -" celebratin something as I catch the cashier saying as Cass leans against the counter and my friend nods "it's her birthday says Cass as his thumb points in my direction so I smile and nod at the cashier "happy birthday says the cashier as he nods to me and I say thank you and just as I'm reaching into my pocket for my wallet, the guys come up, bottles on all of their hands except Jackson who's holding a shit load of snacks and Cass reaches over and grabs my wrist "ain't no way you payin for this on yo birthday cuz says Cass

I raise my hands in surrender "okay but if you really payin ima go grab a bottle of clicquot as I slap his arm and turn around, quickly walking to the very back of the store, my eyes scanning the wall of refrigerators in search of the champagne and the second I find it I pull the door open and grab it, turning around to see Anthony walking back, his eyes shifting from me to the floor then back quickly "um you good, I know you ain't stealin from a liquor store when you makin bank and rollin wit like four entertainers as I tease him and he laughs but it's a little overdramatic so I see right through it, a frown settles on my brows "fuck is up man says mercedes

"Well fuck, they let trash into every where huh, what you blow in here when the door was open dyke says Pete Davidson and the amount of force I put into clenching my fists to stop from launching at this guy could've broken the bottle had Anthony not grab my wrist "don't let him get to you, this yo day sis, let's just go says Anthony placing his hand on my shoulder and stand on my side to block Pete from my line of sight and unclenching my hand to let Anthony take the clicquot, I take a deep calming breath and that turns into a huff when Pete speaks again "why don't you call off that lap dog and let me return the favor of that broken nose you gave me says Pete

"Bitch please as I turn, Anthony stopping with his arm still in front of my body even though Pete is in the aisle over "please try me, I'm beggin you cause I would love to beat yo ass again says mercedes and this idiot laughs ,scratching his raggedy ass beard and nodding "I mean you can try, my girl- oh I mean yo bitch ain't in the way so- says Pete and I lunge, ready to jump over the whole ass rack in between us to beat his ass but Anthony is there and out of nowhere g appears too, his tall ass doesn't waste a second, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me towards the exit

With there being a few people in the store, I don't fight against him, instead choosing to keep a straight face and let him guide me out the store to the car and it took a minute for Anthony to come back out but he had the clicquot with him so I assume that he was buying it and the car ride home is silent, a stark contrast to how we left which somehow makes me even more upset and I help carry the bags into the house, Instantly grabbing a glass and pouring the first thing I grab into it, jack Daniel's and I can still feel my blood boiling as I drink "fuck, you should've let me beat his ass as I point at Anthony

"Nah sis, you would've regretted it, you just pissed that's all says Anthony, Jackson and Cass nodding in agreement "he's right mercedes, just calm down says Cass "fuck that as I down the last of jack and swipe up the bottle of clicquot, then practically stomping my way down the stairs and I pop the cork off the clicquot, taking a swallow after the overflow stops and sit back on the couch in the bowling alley and as I'm pulling my phone out to call my fiance, I hear the guys coming down after me

Bruno taking a seat beside me "let's chill mercedes, it's your birthday, Don't let that dude kill your vibe says Bruno as I hear him but my brain just doesn't register his words, only person who'll be able to calm me down is Ariana or at least I thought so, all my aggressive tapping and swiping makes me accidentally tap an Instagram notification and the picture that pops up on my screen makes me even more pissed: Ariana standing outside some club with that Dalton guys arm around her shoulders, smiles on both of their faces

Clenching my jaw, I exit the app and go to the phone, finding her contact and calling her, it rings and rings and rings, goes to voice-mail, squeezing my phone in my hand, I press it to my forehead, my thoughts running wild as my head spins ,so when I need her after being insulted by her ex, she's hanging with some dude, on my birthday "fuck as I exclaim, throwing my phone across the room

******

Arianas point of view

"What do you mean she's not coming, it's her birthday party as I exclaim, my eyebrows pinched together as I pace the floor and Anthony sighs on the other end of the phone "I know that but she ain't exactly in the party mood Ariana, won't lie, she's mad as fuck right now- as if to solidify that, I hear mercedes cursing in the background followed by a crash "um we still at the house so do what you gotta do but I gotta go says Anthony and he hangs up and I pull the phone away from my ear and stare down at it in shock for a moment "girl where is your boo huh, cause quite frankly this baby bout to put me on my ass says Victoria, coming from the bathroom with her hand on her stomach

"I need to go as I say, moving over to the section of couches and grabbing my bag and the girls frown and look at me confusedly, Courtney is the first to talk "go where ,you can't leave your fiances birthday party before she even gets here says Courtney and a long growingly frustrated sigh leaves my lips "apparently she's not coming, Anthony says she's pissed and I don't know why so I need to be there for her says Ariana and being the amazing friends that they are, Victoria and Courtney waste no time offering to come with me but with people coming in for the party I know we can't just up and leave

So I ask Courtney to stay, letting her know I'll call her and update her and she agrees, hugging me quickly before I leave with Victoria and the entire ride back to the house, my heart is pounding and my mind runs through a million and one things that could've upset mercedes on her birthday and I get anxious about it, it's her day and it's gone bad and I hate that, having noticed my panic halfway through the ride, Victoria reaches over and takes my hand ,squeezing it comfortingly and I take a deep breath and smile softly at her but we both know it's forced

As soon as the driver puts the car in park I'm getting out, waiting to help Victoria out then rushing up to the front door, unlocking it and throwing it open "mercedes as I call, heading straight to the basement, knowing that's exactly where they would've been, except when I get down there, I don't see mercedes anywhere nor do I see Anthony "where is she says Ariana and the guys exchange looks, g and Bruno grimacing and looking away as Bruno scratches his head, and Jackson and Cass look at one another, apparently having a silent argument, that Cass seems to lose as he is the one that stands up and walks over to me

Sighing heavily, he rubs his palm on his jeans and looks me in the eyes "she left, took off about 15 minutes ago, Anthony went with her says Cass and while I fall speechless for a second, Victoria finally makes it down the stairs, plopping herself down on the couch with a heavy breath "why the hell she leave, where she go says Ariana and I look up at Cass expectantly and he licks his bottom lip before explaining what happened earlier: mercedes running into Pete and thar argument, mercedes drinking and seeing something on her phone that made her upset, only for him to hand me mercedes phone

"Where did sge go Cass as I ask, hearing him say that he doesn't know but not being able to accept that answer "where is my fiance Cassius says Ariana and once again he starts to tell me he doesn't know but I raise my hand, cutting him off and my frustration gets the better of me and manifests itself as tears, pooling in my eyes and rolling down my cheeks even though my friends all jump up to comfort me, my mind stays on the fact that I have no idea where my drunk angry fiance is

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