#glimmer's about to be calling her princess for the rest of her life

[that-ari-blogger]

A Look In The Mirror

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power exists in cycles and spirals, that's part of why I call it an tragedy trying desperately to happen. A ton of the tension is driven by the question of whether or not the characters will break out of the cycle. In other words, the story is about agency vs fate (a bit like Romeo and Juliet, I wonder what else the two have in common).

There are many ways to get across this theme, perhaps with carefully laid parallels and nuanced storytelling, both of which She-Ra does. But Signals takes a different, far less subtle approach. The episode tells the audience overtly what the series as a whole is about, and what exactly can subvert it.

Let me explain.

SPOILERS AHEAD: (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, God Of War: 2018, God Of War: Ragnarök)

Signals opens after Entrapta's loyalties become general knowledge, and I would like to start with Bow's story in this episode, because it is a microcosm of how the story works as a whole. A vacancy is opened in a hierarchy and the new appointee tries to do things the way that their predecessor did. People become caricatures of those they see as powerful in their designated area and have to learn that being themself is just as useful, if not more so.

Bow, for example, seems convinced that failure is to be avoided or hidden. He has to be perfect, and able to fix anything. But, as Entrapta herself explains:

"There’s no reason to get huffy because an experiment fails.  Failure is a vital part of scientific endeavor."

For all of her eccentricities, Entrapta is one of the wisest characters in the series, with only Razz outdoing her in that regard. (Swiftwind comes close). To that end, this is rather decent life advice, sometimes the best way to learn is to get something wrong and experience the consequences for that, instead of being either protected from consequence, or being punished for trying.

Hold on to this thought.

In essence, Bow is a relatively simple character by nature, he is necessary to balance out the entirety of the rest of the cast. But the word "relatively" is doing a lot of heavy lifting there, because Bow is nuanced, specifically in his relationship with obstacles.

Bow begins with a very simple worldview, but Entrapta single handedly complicates this time and time again. With her death, her allegiance, and her legacy. Bow realises that his worldview needs nuance when his top down perspective gets someone "killed", then he realises that his idea of binary morality is skewed when Entrapta defects, and here he learns about failure and tactics by trying to live up to her image.

Bow remains simple, in contrast with the theme park character development of Catra, Adora, and Glimmer, but he does learn and adapt.

So, Bow sets the baseline, to break from the cycle, you need to change. You need to stop trying to be someone else, and instead focus on being the best you that you can possibly be.

God Of War: 2018 and its sequel use the analogy of fate to describe this principle. Thor becomes an absent father because of his own father's abuse, which then leads to Magni and Modi being schmucks as the cycle continures. Odin explicitly gets to see what his future holds and ends up inadvertently causing it to come true in his attempts to subvert his fate.

Fatbrett on YouTube has a video titled Odin - A Deconstruction of Villainy that delves into the character as a whole, but I would like to zero in on Odin's core flaw and the message of the game as a whole. To change your fate is to change your nature. Odin is incapable of change, so the prophecy comes true.

But Kratos and Atreus do change, but their journey is towards learning to not avoid being themselves. Kratos' journey in God of War: 2018 is directly caused by not telling his son about his past, and Atreus spends the entirety of God of War: Ragnarök trying to be either his father, or Odin. The message of the story is this:

"Don't be sorry, be better"

Learn from your mistakes.

Adora takes this in an interesting direction, because it's genuinely difficult to see her as having much meaningful character development in series one at all, and I actually think this is a good thing. Because on a surface level, Adora goes from bad guy to good guy and escapes from an abusive relationship. But does she? The only thing that happens to the parental relationship is a pallet swap.

All Adora does in season one is change her surroundings, but the key part of that is her foundation. Adora spends season one surrounding herself with people who will enable that character development to flourish and not be broken down... and Light Hope. In season two, Adora starts making strides towards actual agency, and that is all because of the setup she has been doing.

I have gone into Depth as to how Light Hope is a bad influence in other posts, but this episode hammers home just how easily Adora internalises things. She keeps Shadow Weaver's tales of the Weeping, Headless, and Undead Princesses in her mind, for example, absorbed uncritically.

But Adora also keeps the obsessive blaming. She sees a problem and immediately attributes the cause of it to the Horde, a holdover from her time there, where she had the same attitude towards Princesses. In this instance, she's wrong, and the problem is more nuanced, and her assumptions get the better of her.

Speaking of assumptions, the first ones make an appearance in this episode, kind of. The messages that they leave behind give a glimpse into their lives that we haven't come close to getting before.

"I’ve been thinking of them as these big epic figures. But they’re regular people, sending messages to their loved ones."

The theme of cycles and living up to legacies continues with the worldbuilding of this story. Modern Etheria tends to visualise the First Ones as great and powerful and perfect, but they were just as human as the rest of the characters. Once again, those trying to mimic their predecessors exactly come up short.

Over on the Horde side, Catra is going through a similar situation, she is trying to become Shadow Weaver, but coming up short because there was more the story than she realised. Shadow Weaver had to do paperwork, for example.

There's also the fact that she is still in the abusive environment. She still regularly visits Shadow Weaver, so the psychological bullying still happens, but she's also around Hordak, now. I said that Adora has just pallet swapped her situation, and I think Catra has done the same.

When Hordak takes the atmosphere out of the room, it is awful, and it's the moment in which Catra should realise that it doesn't matter how high up in the chain of command she goes, she will still be suffering. She should realise that she needs to get out of there for her own safety and sanity.

But she doesn't realise that. Instead, she applies what she has learned in her upbringing. She is convinced that all she has to do is succeed, and she will get that attention and fairness. Conditional acceptance is what she is used to, so she doesn't see anything out of the ordinary here.

"Failure is when something ceases to serve a purpose. When that happens, it becomes worthless to me."

This is Hordak's worldview, and I hate to argue with a villain, but I think he's wrong there. If success is usefulness, and everything will eventually stop being useful to you, then you have a pretty sad life. If you judge everything by utility and don't care for relationships or things that just look and feel nice, then you are alone.

But on a broader, purely utilitarian perspective, this idea is bunk by that standard too. Failure as worthlessness is an objectively false idea, because mistakes are things to learn from. If something doesn't work, try again differently.

In other words:

"Failure is a vital part of scientific endeavor."

Entrapta is back, and this episode actually gives a glimpse into how to subvert the cycles, specifically through Entrapta and Hordak.

Firstly, Hordak has evidently been trying the experiment over and over again without learning anything. So Entrapta, by nature of her ability to adapt, makes the experiment work. It's a tiny metaphor for what I've been saying so far.

But Entrapta breaks through Hordak's barriers because of her sense of freedom. The best way to break free of a downward spiral is to start moving in a different direction, and Entrapta does that easily. The reason she so easily switches sides is because she isn't tied down by anything (not even morality). She can't even be imprisoned because she is impossible to contain. Entrapta is a free spirit, and I think that that is what the series is about, personal agency.

Catra and Adora are repeating the same story over and over again because they think they have no choice, that's what the tragedy of the series is, the two main characters are on a road to destruction and can't change direction. But the story isn't a tragedy, it avoids being one at the last possible moment when the characters finally realise that they have agency, and that thematic is foreshadowed right here, in Signals.

Final Thoughts

In my plan for this post, I wanted to bring up the Darksouls series, of all things, but I think I will save that idea for a later episode.

In any case, this episode manages to discuss some overarching philosophy, as well as explicitly state that this has happened before, this is a story about repetition, learn from your mistakes.

Also, the cinematography in this episode is really cool. It flies under the radar a lot, but the camera placement and movement really heighten the tension and vibe of this episode.

Next week, I will be talking about Roll With It, an episode that is near and dear to my heart for completely unbiased reasons. Definitely unbiased. Not bias there at all. So, stick around if that interests you.

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#rants #literary analysis #literature analysis #character analysis #what's so special about...? #she ra and the princesses of power #spop adora #spop #she ra #spop entrapta #spop bow #spop hordak #she ra catra #she ra spop #she ra adora #she ra bow #she ra entrapta #she ra princess of power #catra #adora #mermista can do no wrong

[athenascarlet]

The Merman Pirate

Summary: Emma was trying to settle back into normal life after her trip to Neverland so answering calls to the sheriff’s office feels good again. Except the call leads her to the local school and something she never expected. Rating: T Notes: For @cssns! I’m so excited to get this story out for Captain Swan Supernatural Summer. I’ve been thinking about Hook as a merman for awhile now and found this to be a fun one-shot to get out of my brain. Post-Neverland but pre-Pan curse. Just a normal night with a princess and a pirate. ;)

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The sky was dark and stormy as Emma drove through the streets of Storybrooke with her windshield wipers on high to clear the water away.

She had been back for a whole day from Neverland and was already fielding calls to handle another issue as a sheriff of this town. She didn’t really mind though. After being stuck on that stupid island for however long they were there, it was nice to be back and handling the normal calls that came into the office.

It also helped to distract her from what was going on with her son. Henry didn’t seem himself after the Jolly Roger returned to town, but she was still trying to figure out exactly what was going on there.

So a report to the sheriff’s office that someone broke into the town’s school? Totally normal and a good distraction.

Emma pulled up to the front of the school and ran through the pouring rain to the front door. Another benefit of working for the sheriff’s office is Emma had plenty of keys to buildings in the town, but it took her a few tries to find the one for the school.

She finally found the one she needed and slipped it quietly into the lock. The school itself was empty as she went through the halls checking classrooms and finding no one. Henry’s classroom included some artwork on the wall that he had done before they left for Neverland. It was just another reminder that despite their adventures, her son was still a kid going to school. Well, some days.

Emma made her way to the cafeteria and then the gym, finding no one. Perhaps the call was a dud or whoever was here had already left even though nothing seemed out of place.

There was a flash of lightning outside illuminating an open door on the far end of the gym and she started to make her way over as the thunder boomed overhead. Emma hoped it would hide the sound of her squeaky shoes on the floor.

She gently pushed the door open into the school’s pool, realizing she had never been in this part of the building before.

Emma didn’t always like Regina and it made her skin crawl at times thinking of the curse that Regina cast to create this town. But there were other times like now when she couldn’t help but admire Regina’s work. The pool’s walls were covered with tiles depicting colorful fish, sea serpents, and jellyfish. She wondered what Hook would think of this. He would probably ask to have someone add his Jolly Roger to the wall.

There was a splash from the pool and Emma’s attention was pulled in the direction of the water. It wasn’t still. There was someone in there.

She pushed herself into a shadow, realizing she had exposed her presence while staring at the walls. Her hand was on the holster of her gun as she peered back out into the water to see what was there.

And then she saw the mermaid.

Emma thought nothing could shock her when it came to magical creatures and fairy tale stories, but she couldn’t help but stare at the water glimmered on the scales of a gorgeous dark blue tail. It was darker than she expected and not like the tail that she had seen Ariel unfurl a few times in the open bay in Storybrooke.

And then the rest of the mermaid crested above the water, and Emma realized it wasn’t a mermaid.

He was a merman.

Hook.

His eyes were just above the waterline and she could tell it was him by his wet hair and that little peak on the top of his ears. But that was the only part of him above the water while his tail seemed to shimmer below the surface.

Emma took a breath and finally stepped out from her hiding spot. “Hook.”

He turned dramatically, his tail splashing through the surface as he pushed himself higher and his piercing blue eyes landed on her. A sexy sneer teased at the corner of his lips when he realized it was her and the tension in his shoulder seemed to slip away.

“Good evening, Swan. Fancy seeing you here this late.”

She walked over to the edge of the pool and looked down at him as he swam to the edge near her feet.

“I got a call about someone breaking and entering.”

“Well, I am a pirate.”

She crouched down to give him a closer look as his arms reached up to give him some extra leverage on the edge of the pool.

“You also seem to be a merman?”

“I do like the water.”

Emma shouldn’t be staring. She didn’t mean to stare. But Hook was right in front of her and he was a merman. His tail was dark against the light background of the pool and he was lazily flipping it around under the water. She wasn’t sure if this was the normal movement for his fin or if Hook was trying to put on a show because he could tell she was watching him.

And he was wearing clothes?

“What’s with the shirt?” she asked.

“The chlorine is harsh on my skin.”

“And why are you even here?”

There was another flash of light outside the pool’s window and thunder rolled overhead. Hook just looked up as a way to wordlessly answer the question.

“So you’re a mermaid who doesn’t swim when there’s water coming down from the sky?” she asked sarcastically.

“I’m a merman, Swan.” Hook’s tail flipped gently out of the water and back in as if to emphasize the difference. “And storms churn up all the dirt in the bay so I came here instead.”

“Sure,” she replied. “Yep, all logical.”

He shrugged and pushed off the wall, his tail swinging around underwater and then surfacing right where she was crouching, splashing her boots with a little water.

“Perhaps it’s not logical in your human realm, but you are the sheriff of a town full of people from the Enchanted Forest.”

“Don’t remind me.”

He gave her one of his wicked smiles and ducked down into the water, covering the length of the pool without coming up. He dove lower in the deep end and then quickly surfaced, the wet tail below his waist shimmering as he emerged high above the surface.

Then Hook was swimming back to her with the seductive look that reminded her of their kiss in Neverland. The way he stared at her, daring her to reward him for saving her father.

“Would you like to join me, Swan?”

They were back in Storybrooke now. She had to remember that. She was the sheriff who simply came across a merman because she was doing her job.

“Not tonight.”

Hook swam a little closer to her again and used his tail to hoist himself out of the water so he was eye level with her now. It was unnerving and delicious, and he was turning her on again just as he had when they were in Neverland.

“Perhaps another night then,” he said seductively.

Then he slipped back under the water and began his swim again.

Emma needed to remind herself that she was the sheriff and she was her on official sheriff business. Flirting with a merman was not part of her job description and she needed to get back to work.

She stood up and looked down at Hook in the pool again. He seemed content as if this was his way of releasing the frustration and stress from their time in Neverland. She wondered if she would ever have some kind of magic that could help her channel away those same feelings.

But that would have to be for another night.

“Make sure you lock up when you leave,” she yelled down into the water.

Hook surfaced again, his tail dragging behind him out of the water. “As you wish, Swan.”

As you wish. Unlike their moment in Neverland, this time his “As you wish” was teasing and flippant.

She liked the other way better.

The way he said it to her after she kissed him.

Emma knew that could never happen again.

“Good night, Hook,” she said before turning and heading back toward the gym and her job.

She heard a splash as his merman tail hit the water as she walked away.

#captain swan #csff #cssns #cssns23

[vyntilador]

Hi It's me from the Tiktok,I Have this Headcanon On Tot Boys Being a Dad Like I'm Sure Artem is gonna Spoil His Children ESPECIALLY Marius Like The moment he hears His Child Mumbling About "Wow This Kitty plushie looks cute" and He be Like "Then Get em" he might Also Buy the Whole Store(I wish a had a marius in my life) AND for Luke,Like i think he's gonna be A Chill Dad yk Like Setting a prank together with his child and do cute Stuff y'all Mostly go out to Have a Family Bonding Since Luke is Busy being a Detective (a hot One) and lastly Vyn i think He's the Type of that Who Enjoy Reading his Children a Story When it's Bedtime and he's the type to also Gossip with his Children like "Dad there's this Kid-" and he go like "C'mere Tell me all about Ur school and stuff" LIKE ISN'T CUTEEE and While Us Just Watching Them Interact and Smiling like an Idiot, anyways This is just What i had in mind ofc ur free to Say no to my Idea But Yeah That's All,Hope you have a good Rest!🖤

Father, May I?

NXX boys as dads</333

————————————

Genre: fluff ofc but I'm adding angst parts after every story bcs it's my specialty duhh(I WAS BORED SORRYYY)

A/N: BESTIE UR A GENIUS THIS IS RLLY CUTE TOO😭😭😭 IMMA HAVE A FIELD DAY WITH THIS ONE TYVM SRY IF I REPLY TOO LATE SCHEDULES PRETTY TIGHT</333 also i might make this into 2 parts bcs it might take long idk depends if I finish this quickly!! Sorry for the wait<3

Vyn Richter

This man is literally A DUKE of a kingdom LITERALLY LOOK INTO MY EYES AND TELL ME HE WONT GO ALL OUT FOR HIS PRINCESS</333

He doesn't rlly flex it often in the stories (except when he literally showed to their faces that only he had an invitation to that one Pluto cruise ship lmao

Speaking of cruise ships, he'd definitely be renting/buying a whole cruise ship for your daughter's birthday or if she's not into those, he'll arrange for her birthday party in the ballroom in their castle/family mansion in Svart

Honestly, he never wanted to ever come back to Svart if it wasn't for his little princess</33

You told her a bedtime story saying that her dad is a king and you're actually a queen which makes your daughter a princess

The story was supposed to make her sleepy but she ended up getting too excited and literally begging her father(Vyn) if they can come to their castle (he didn't agree at first, hesitant onto how the people of Svart and most importantly, his father woulf react but who cares his child wanted to go there so why not🙄)

Yeah with that said, after that, he just went on a spoiling spree on his daughter but he won't overdo it ofc🤷‍♀️ He doesn't want her to turn into someone condescending and just a bad person as a whole and with that kind of raising technique of his, she grows up into such a sweet girl and he sometimes can't help but smile stupidly with how his daughter resembles her mom so much 😭

Angst part

Ok so me and a friend of mine had this hc where like I forgot most of it but it was just how if Vyn decides to leave you and come back to Svart (he doesn't know that you have a child together so u ended up raising your daughter alone)

Can you imagine the shock on his face when he passes by the house he used to live with you in Stellis, only to see you playing in the rose filled garden with a little girl

You turn around to the sound of your name being called, hesitant but you still did it as you recognized his voice. He stood in front of you in formal attire, looking down on you with a soft glimmer in his eyes, seemingly shocked and feeling guilty

He asks you why you didn't tell him about your daughter but you immediately interrupted him saying that he never gave you a chance to speak

If you let him in your lives again, he'll make sure that his daughter lives the best life, guilty with how he almost made her live the same childhood as him</3

But even after the second chance you gave him, you desperately picked up the broken pieces of your heart from the ground as you tear up at the sight of the father of your children and the King of Svart, Vyn, being wedded to a woman on equal footing as him.

Artem Wing

Mkay so first of all, uhm TWINS?? Lets say it's a boy and a girl. Well the girl resembles you in EVERY way possible. She's stubborn asf but determined with whatever she puts her mind into. She sometimes pushes his brother into doing stuff he loves like inspiring him yk??

Her brother tho, she's like Artem lmao💀 He's usually calm and silent in a corner somewhere doing arts and crafts while his sister is in the middle of the room singing twinkle twinkle little stars from the bottom of her heart

You'd think that the sister would be the protector between the two of em but it's actually your son. He's kinda timid and shy but he won't tolerate any unjust actions towards his dear sister</3 (You nudge Artem and chuckle at how much your son resembled your husband</33)

When it comes to what your children want, like toys, clothes etc, I wouldn't say that he'll buy anything they want (that's a lie he actually buys them whatever they want when you're not within the vicinity lmao)

It usually goes like this, your daughter is asking Artem to buy both of em something because their friends have it and he'll usually refuse when you're there but the moment you go out to buy groceries, you'd just end up dropping the bags of grocery you had with you the moment you come home as you lay your eyes on the newly bought bikes that looks expensive asf in front of your home LMAOOOO

Yall remember that one personal story where he spent millions for us during the investigation?? He'd def do that to you and your children

They aren't even born yet and he's already having your house renovated for their rooms, already buying shit ton of toys, going to the mall ONLY for food and suddenly, hes calling you over to ask if this little baby onesie would look cute on your children</3

There is no Angst part. I mean, ITS LITERALLY ARTEM WING. HES THE GREENEST OF THE GREEN FLAGS MY BOY HAS NO FLAWS.

Luke Pearce

Also twins ngl. Energetic ones at that

Twin girls?? Absolutely (do yall know the fanarts of Lukerosa with this daughter named xiaxia😭😭😭)

Well lets just pretend theres two xiaxia's here

Anyway, he's like those uncle/grandmas that give you chocolate or money in secret when your parents aren't looking

Like maybe before you all eat dinner, daughter 1 is already hungry and is sulking bcs you didnt let her have a bite of the ice cream and here comes papa Luke to the rescue, passing her a piece of chocolate discreetly 😭

Gives your daughters piggy back rides especially when going out to family night outs or when just going to the park to have a little picnic. Or at weekend nights when you're both not working, you're all in the living room laughing softly at the 3 of em seeing them dance in the middle of the room to some children's music

OH AND ARRON IS DEFINITELY SUCH A CUTE UNCLE TO THEM OMGGG hes giving them plushies, money...toy guns..(as soon as Luke found out about it, he's immediately banned from coming over lmao/j)

Hes vv soft to his princesses but he isn't too soft that he gives them everything. I'm not rlly sure but I think he'd like practice disciple with wanting stuff like, 'Do you want the chocolate or the animal plushie? If you get the chocolate, it wouldn't last very long but if you get the plushie, you'll have it forever!'

Goes to your childhood home sometimes to hang out in the attic where you and Luke used to play in and introduces your girls to Sherlock Holmes</3

(DRESSES THEM UP AS JOHN WATSON N SHERLOCK HOLMES😭😭😭😭)

Just the best dad overall tbh

Angst part<333

He was very hesitant with having children with you with the thing abt his life and his line of work but the moment that he sees the smile on your face slowly dissipate and turn into a look of gloom, he feels guilty for even hesitating for a moment and immediately hugs you

He knows he won't be around for a while so even if he really wants to give your children proper discipline, there are moments where he just spoils them to their hearts content

Sometimes at night, he sits alone in the balcony of your own home and he smiles softly knowing that you now have little angels to look after you once the time comes.

The burden of all of these dawns on him tho. Like, what would your daughters feel like when they realize their dad's gone? What if his work as a spy results in his family getting hurt? Or worse, what if one of them gets pulled into the NXX stuff?

There are times where guilt and despair overwhelms him so pls go easy on him amd always give him cuddles<33

Your touch used to bring him comfort but why is it that when you brushed your hand against his face to wipe his tears away as you laid half conscious in his arms, it brought an overwhelming sense of fear and guilt?

He hugs your body closer to him as tears fell continously from his face, hurting at how his princesses will probably have to grow up without parents.

Marius von Hagen

He spoils them. No negotiations, no questions asked.

He has a son too btw!! (his son hates him lmao)

Your son hates it when his dad hogs or steals all your attention which then ends up having a mini Marius sulking and hugging your legs asking you with a pout if you love Marius more than him LMAOOOO

I forgot where I read this but I think its the personal story???? idk i forgot Where the cat sneaks in to his home and just hates him overall

Your son would def wanna keep the cat and claim that the cat is now his "accomplice"

Yea but with all that aside, Marius is definitely soft for his son</333 He inherited everything of his dad but he has your eyes which makes him more vulnerable to puppy dog eyes of your son when he asks his dad to get him something

He's well aware of his footing in society so he knows how to stand up to himself well. Or if paparazzi surrounds you, poor baby would scream at them and tell them how he hates them for making his mom(you) have a hard time

Surprisingly, the reporters feel bad and start making way for the three of you to go home

Marius is definitely proud of him for standing up for himself and his mom. Speaking of that, he's another sucker for his kid when you're away. You could literally blink and the moment you open your eyes again, there's suddenly a mountain of toys around u lmao

Angst part

Marius is also very aware of how dangerous it is to live in front of the camera and being exposed to the judging eyes of the public so he tries his absolute best to keep you both safe. Including with scandals, where it's said that PAX CEO Marius von Hagen is having an affair with someone else while having a family of his own. His heart breaks into a million pieces as he looks down on his son thats literally crying and hitting his leg with little to no force because of how hard he was crying.

Hes cursing his own dad on why he has the guts to make u cry like that. His last straw snaps as tears swell into his own eyes as he bends down to pick up your crying son and he hugs him tightly.

He considered leaving PAX and having someone else run it seeing how bad of an effect it left to his family but you begged him to stay there seeing how important the company is but what you didnt expect was that he'll someday put his company first before his family.

A/N:I think i kept turning away from the og plot im so sorry😭😭😭 i made this at 12 last night bcs i couldnt sleep so m sorry if it does look too good💀💀

I also just went with it and did all of em lmao I WAS ALSO HUNGRY WHILE MAKING THIS SO THATS PROLLY WHY I WAS STRAYIMG FROM THE PLOT LMAOOOOO

#artem wing #artem x mc #artem x you #luke pearce #luke pearce x mc #luke pearce x reader #marius von hagen #marius x mc #marius x reader #tears of themis #vyn richter #vyn x reader #vyn richter x reader #tears of themis vyn

[dethronetheveil]

Like a Villain | Part Five

Pairing: Noah x OC (Christie/Chris)

Warnings: mention of murder, murder, blood, violence, gore, cursing, mentions of weapons, use of weapons, mentions of death [be careful before you read on. this is the most intense installation and there is a looot of violence.]

Synopsis: Part Five- Chris is fighting for her life and secrets are unveiled. Will she make it out? What will happen to the crew?

Word Count: 3.8k

Tag List: @ladyveronikawrites , @catj422 , @asilentsiren

I could feel his hot breath against my neck as he let out a short, blood chilling laugh. My heart was pounding in my chest and I began to feel dizzy. I didn’t know how much longer I was going to be able to stand here, but I also didn’t know how much longer Folio was going to keep me alive.

“How did you know it was me, princess?”

His words sounded like hisses, and each came out hot from his lips. I took a trembly breath, “Don’t fucking call me that-” before I could finish my sentence, I could feel footsteps against the carpet and there was a glimmer of hope. Someone was there and they could help me. It would be 2 against 1, and there was no way Folio would be able to fight off two people alone.

“Folio?” It was Noah’s voice, and my heart leapt.

Before Folio could respond, I yelled, “Noah, Noah, please help,” my voice cracking with every word.

Folio turned both of us around with one solid motion, and we were facing Noah now. “Noah, Noah, help,” Folio repeated mockingly, and then pushed me towards Noah. I ran into his chest and tried my best to tune out Folio’s laughter in the background.

I placed my hands against Noah’s chest in an attempt to push him back out the door. We needed to leave. Now. “Noah, come on let’s go. He’s fucking crazy, he just held a fucking knife to my throat. I-I think he’s the killer.” Noah didn’t move. In fact he stood completely still and there was something different in his eyes. They appeared black, completely void of emotion, and all I could hear was Folio clapping behind us.

“Well done, princess. You figured out half of the puzzle. You should ask your boyfriend to fill you in on the rest.”

I instinctively began to shake my head and I removed my hands from Noah’s chest, no longer feeling safe near him, “Noah what the fuck is he talking about?”

A spine chilling smirk appeared on Noah’s face and as his face changed, he pulled out an equally silver knife, covered in dry blood. I shook my head faster and took a clumsy step backwards, landing right back into Folio’s arms. I shrieked as he wrapped his arms back around me, but this time he didn’t hold the knife to my throat. How thoughtful. I could feel my entire body begin to tremble once again and I was trying so hard not to cry. I could feel the pressure behind my eyes, though, and I knew it would come soon. Folio began to run his hand over my hair in a fucked up attempt to comfort me, “Shh, princess, don’t be scared. Noah just wants to tell you a little story.”

I watched as Noah took slow steps towards us, and this is when the tears began to fall down my cheeks. He held the knife in front of him, and when he was directly in front of me, he held the tip of the knife to my collar bone and smiled down at my skin, as he drew blood from a tiny scratch he made. I let out a mix between a groan and a sob as he muttered, “Oops,” and then cleaned my blood off of my collar bone with his thumb and licked it off of his finger all in one fluid motion.

“You’re fucking crazy!” I shouted at I didn’t know who. I was so confused. Noah was so sweet and trustworthy, and he would never hurt me. So why was he licking my blood like it was the juice of the Gods? Was this some weird sex thing?

“Ooh, Chris, don’t say that. Wouldn’t want to upset the guy with the knife,” Noah replied and pressed the knife back to my collar bone, adding more pressure this time. My body wanted to scream, but I was choking on my tears, while also trying to stop shaking so much because it was pushing the knife against my skin even deeper.

“Why the fuck are you doing this?”

“Ooh, this is my favorite part. Tell her, Noah,” Folio replied, grabbing me even tighter.

“This is a big day for you, Chris. You’re about to find out some intense shit. Folio, don’t let her squirm too much.”

“You got it,” Folio grabbed a chunk of my hair with one hand and wrapped his other hand around my waist. I gasped and let out a wild sob. “She won’t try anything now.”

Noah walked even closer to me, lowered the knife to my stomach and he placed his other hand on my cheek, wiping away one of my tears, “I’m sorry you had to find out like this, Chris. You really were so much cooler than I thought you’d be.”

“Wha-”

“Don’t fucking interrupt me anymore, Chris! Please, please just let me explain.” He moved a step backwards and placed the knife back against my collar bone. “You know how I said my mother was murdered? Well, that was true. That whole thing was true. Do you know who did it, Chris? Do you want to fucking know who did it?” I could feel Folio pull my hair harder in anticipation, “It was your fucking father, Chris.”

I felt like all of the air had been knocked out of me, and my knees gave way, causing me to slip out of Folio’s grasp just slightly, but his grip on my hair was still aggressively intact. I let out a yelp as I felt my hair being pulled, what felt like completely out of my scalp, and then I felt Folio scoop me back up into his arms, “Get back here you slippery little bitch, we’re not done with you,” he hissed.

Once I was standing back up straight, I glared at Noah, “You’re a fucking liar. I-I haven’t seen my dad in years. H-he left when I was little. I-”

“And why the fuck do you think that is, Chris? C’mon, don’t be stupid. He ran! He killed my mother and he ran, like a fucking coward!” Noah, spit out back in my face. “And since he’s dropped off the face of the goddamn planet, I just have to settle for the second best thing,” he finished and moved the knife to the top of my chest. He then slid the blade from one side of my chest to the other. He took his time with it and it was excruciating. I could feel the metal slicing into me and it felt freezing cold. I couldn’t help but let out a scream. As I did this, Folio pulled my hair back harder than he ever had, and I could feel the tears falling down my cheeks at an even faster rate. My vision began to go blurry, but I knew Noah wasn’t done. Or at least, I wasn’t done with him.

“Wh-why did you kill all of those other people?”

“Practice.”

“Why the fuck is Folio here?”

“He was like a son to my mother, so obviously he had some grievances he wanted to settle, but he’s graciously allowing me to finish the job myself. He’s just here to help.”

“Y-you’re going to fucking kill me. How do I even know you’re telling the truth about my dad?”

“Well, I guess you don’t, but that won’t really matter in a few minutes, will it?”

“How the fuck did you find me, Noah? Why did you do all of that? Why did you get me to like you?”

“Awe, how cute. Princess liked you, Noah,” Folio said with a gaudy laugh, that caused me to physically cringe.

“Shut the fuck up, Folio,” Noah spat out and held the knife out to point at Folio’s face. “And, Chris, I needed to know you, I needed to earn your trust. I wanted you to know how much it hurt me to lose my mom. I want you to feel the pain that I have felt for so many years.”

“Noah, please. Killing me is not going to bring your mom back.”

“Nope, but it will make me feel good to know that your fucking dad lost someone important to him too.”

“What if he never finds out, Noah? Your fucking plan is stupid.”

This must have angered him, because he swiftly cut another slice into my skin, right across the other slice, creating an ‘X’ in my skin. I was unfortunately getting more and more used to the feeling of the knife against my skin, so I only let out a groan this time around.

“He will fucking find out, because I am going to find him and tell him my fucking self. I want to see the pain on his face, knowing that his precious daughter is fucking dead. And then I am going to tear him limb from limb and watch him fucking suffer.”

I could hear Folio laughing into my ear and my body wouldn’t stop shaking, “I-I thought you said you couldn’t find him.”

Noah smirked wildly, “You see, I couldn’t at first, and that’s why I tracked you down, but that’s why I took a little week long vacation of sorts. I found out a lot of information,” he tapped my already bloody skin with the sharp tip of the knife with every word he said.

I couldn’t let him kill my dad; I just found out my dad is still somewhere out there. That meant I couldn’t let him kill me either. I had to figure out a way to escape. I began to look around the room as best I could to see if there was anything I could come up with, but I was drawing a blank. It was pretty hard trying to think when your life was at risk. Shocker. I decided to just wing it. I had to at least try something.

There was a lull in conversation and I let out a shrill laugh that went on for a few seconds. I could see Noah looking at me inquisitively, but I didn’t stop. I was so dedicated to this new plan that my stomach began to ache and my head began to hurt from how much energy I was using to laugh this maniacally.

“What the fuck is your problem?’ Noah asked, the knife still pointed at my chest.

I could feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes as I slowed my laughter into a chuckle. I took a deep breath to try and calm the now spasming in my stomach. “Oh, I just think it’s hilarious that you think you will get away with all of this. You are seriously fucked up, Noah. You too, Folio. I am so fucking sorry your entire life has amounted to THIS,” I shouted the last word. I could feel Folio’s grip wavering; I don’t think he expected any of what was coming out of my mouth. I picked my head up a bit and stared directly at Noah, “You are fucking pathetic, did you know that? You really really thought this would be a good plan. You really thought this was the way to avenge your mother. Well, let me tell you, you are fucking wrong. Your mother would be fucking ashamed.”

I could tell everything I was saying was striking a nerve with both of the boys, because Folio began to really lose his grip on me and Noah’s face contorted into an emotion I had never seen before. It was a mix between anger, sadness, and bloodlust. I was hyper-aware of Folio’s loosening of the reins, but I wasn’t going to act yet. I was going to let Noah take his turn.

As I assumed he would, Noah placed the knife against my throat and bared his teeth at me, “Don’t you fucking dare ever speak ill of my mother again-” before he could finish his sentence, I plunged my knee into his crotch and watched him immediately fold. He was on the floor, holding his crotch, groaning quite loudly. I then swung my head back and slammed it into Folio’s face, causing him to also fold to the ground, this time screaming. I must have broken his nose. There was a throbbing pain rushing through my head as I stood up straighter and watched the two boys writhing in agony on the floor. I grabbed the back of my head and let out a groan. Why the fuck do people do that? It is not like the movies, I can tell you that. I began to shuffle around the room, my hand still on the back of my head and picked up the baseball bat once again. I stayed about five feet from where the boys were and held the baseball bat out in front of me.

Noah picked up his head and looked over at Folio, “Dude, why did you let her go?”

Folio picked up his head. I definitely broke his nose, he was bleeding profusely from where I had hit him, “I fucking didn’t. You are the one who was taking your sweet fucking time. She should have been dead by now.”

I don’t know what took over me, maybe adrenaline, but I began to laugh maniacally once again, “But you fucking didn’t,” was all I could get out between laughs. I watched as Noah and Folio looked at each other, concern on both of their faces. I stepped closer to them and held the baseball bat out in front of me and swung it slowly from side to side, letting them know I would strike. “Neither of you fuckers better move or I will beat the shit out of you!” I yelled louder than I expected. I was panting at this point, and I could still feel the back of my head pounding. The bloodied ‘X’ on my chest was drying and my body felt like it was surging with electricity.

A moment later, I heard the door to the bedroom creak open and my head swiveled towards the noise, still making sure the boys stayed on the ground. I looked to see a familiar face. It was Jolly. He looked horrified. His brows were furrowed as he slowly stepped into the room.

“What the fuck-”

Before he could finish, I cut him off, “Jolly! Oh my God, thank God you’re here.”

Jolly’s eyes were moving about the room, surveying the scene in front of him. I took a minute and realized this situation did not look good for me, “What did you do, Chris?” He asked.

“Jolly, I know you don’t know me like at all, but I swear to God I didn’t do this. These two, they-they’re the murderers.”

He raised an eyebrow and gave a short chuckle, “These two?”

At this point, the boys were now sitting up, Noah almost fully back to normal, and Folio still having blood run down his face, “I know it sounds crazy, Jolly, but they are. They did this to me,” I pointed to my ‘X’ cut with my free hand, “Noah has been trying to kill me this whole time and Folio has been working with him. You have to believe me, please.” I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes from pure exhaustion. I don’t know what I would do if Jolly didn’t believe me.

I could tell that Jolly was conflicted. These were his friends and now some random girl was telling him that his friends were psycho killers. I don’t blame him for being confused.

“Why should I believe you and not them?” Jolly began to walk further into the room.

I took a few steps back, stumbling over my own feet. I didn’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks, “Please, Jolly. Please just call the police. You have to believe me. They’re going to kill me and then my father if we don’t stop them.”

“Kill your father?”

“It’s a long story, but please. I don’t know what else to say. They’re dangerous. Please Jolly.”

There was a long moment of silence, I felt all of their eyes on me, but I only kept mine on Jolly’s. I was begging him to believe me just through my glances. He took another moment to speculate and then carefully pulled his phone out of his pocket, “Okay, I will call the police, and they can come figure this shit show out.”

A wave of relief washed over me as Jolly began to dial 911, but then I remembered the other two freaks in the room. I watched as Jolly’s face contorted and he let out an animalistic scream. My heart dropped and I looked down at the scene in front of me. Noah had stabbed the knife through Jolly’s thigh. In the process, Jolly dropped to the floor, losing his phone. Noah swiftly picked it up and threw it against the wall as hard as he could, causing it to explode in a shower of tiny pieces of glass and metal. I put my arms over my face in order to protect myself, and in doing so, I felt a hand wrap itself around my ankle. I kept a tight grip on the baseball bat as I fell to the ground, hitting my head against the carpet. I took a few staggered breaths, hearing the melodic groans coming from Jolly. I wanted to reach out to him to see if he was okay, but before I could do anything, Noah had climbed his way on top of me, holding me down with his knees and his free arm. His other hand wielded another knife, which he placed to my throat.

“I am fucking tired of you bitch. It’s time to finish what I started.”

I knew there was nothing I could do at this point. I was pretty much outnumbered, and Noah was much stronger than I was. I took a shaky breath and closed my eyes, allowing what was about to happen to happen. There was a pause, and I opened my eyes to see what was taking Noah so long. Just then, I heard another animalistic scream, but this time, it didn’t come from Jolly, it was Noah. His grip loosened on me and I took my chance to wriggle out from under him and see what had happened. I sat a distance from Noah and saw that Jolly had pulled the knife from his own leg and stabbed it into the back of Noah’s thigh. Jolly was laying across the room, blood spilling out of his open wound, and I could tell that he was bleeding too much. But, I had to take care of the two guys trying to kill me first.

I scanned the room and saw Folio had pushed himself up against a wall, trying to stay as far away from the combat as he could. Pussy. I looked back at Noah and I knew what I had to do.

I swiftly ripped the knife from his thigh and this caused him to scream once again. I felt my body cringe at the agonizing sound. I tried to push him over, but he wouldn’t budge. Instead, he shakily stood himself up and pushed me onto the bed, once again looming over me.

“You just won’t fucking die, will you?” He growled at me, spitting on my face as he did.

I had my arm down by my side, still holding the knife and I knew Noah had no idea, “I could say the same thing about you,” I croaked out. I took a deep breath and shakily raised my hand with the knife and placed my free hand on his cheek, “I wish you could’ve been different. I really do,” I then in one swift move stabbed the knife into the side of Noah’s throat. I watched as his eyes widened and I could hear the gurgling of blood in his throat. The crimson red liquid splattered all over the sheets and all over my face. I let out a hoarse scream and began to sob violently as I watched Noah fade away.

After a few moments, I felt Noah stop struggling, but the blood continued to gush, but I could not muster up the energy to move out from under him. This was the moment where my body began to hit a wall. My sobbing continued and my body was shaking violently as my vision began to blur. I looked around the room and saw Jolly was still on the floor and Folio was nowhere to be seen, but at this point I didn’t care. I kept my eyes on Jolly as darkness formed in my vision, and the last thing I remembered before I passed out was the sound of my own shallow breathing.

***

When I woke up, I was sitting in an ambulance outside of the house, covered in a blanket. The red and blue lights caused me to squint as I tried to look around for anyone else I knew. I could only think of Jolly and hoped that somehow he had made it out. I turned to a paramedic and asked about him and the man just pointed to another ambulance. I slowly moved myself out of the ambulance and wrapped myself up in the blanket. I walked myself over to where the paramedic had pointed and found Jolly sitting upright, with Nick right by his side. I quickened my pace and threw my arms around Jolly when I got to where the two were sitting.

“Thank God you’re okay. I thought you were gone.”

He huffed, “I did too.”

I let go of him and looked at Nick, “Where were you when all of this was going down?”

“I was right outside the door. Jolly told me to stay back until he gave me the signal,” he chuckled.

I just nodded and looked back at Jolly, “Are you okay? Thank you for saving me.”

He just nodded in return.

“Wh-where is Folio?”

Nick looked at Jolly and then turned back to me, “We don’t know, but the police are out looking for him. There’s a warrant out for arrest.”

I looked at them for a moment, “A-and Noah?”

The two of them were silent for a second, then Jolly spoke up, “Chris, you killed him.”

It all came back to me at that moment and I wanted to cry, but I didn’t have enough energy to. To be honest, I didn’t have much energy left to even continue this conversation, so I placed my hands on each of their shoulders and gave them a kurt smile. I then walked back over to the ambulance where I was originally sitting and sat back down at the edge of the truck. I looked out at the crowd that had formed and I allowed my mind to wander, thinking of everything from the past month and the events of tonight.

As time passed and as I sat in the ambulance, I knew I would never be the same. The events from tonight would haunt me for the rest of my life. Maybe I should go home, or maybe I could go and find my dad.

#bad omens #bad omens cult #bad omens band #noah sebastian #noah sebastian fic #bad omens fic #like a villain fic #cw: murder #cw: violence #cw: death #cw: gore

[geekygumiho]

Can I touch your heart? Chapter 3 - Page

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warnings: SG-1 eat breakfast together so food is mentioned, also Daniel eats a power bar

taglist: @ellie--eille @danieljacksonpinchinghisnose

please don’t hesitate to let me know if you want to be tagged and I will add you to the taglist! :)

notes: lol not me saying i was gonna upload these a couple days after the last chapter and then several weeks went by HAHA WHOOPS but heyyy it's here!! :D i learned how to use procreate recently and ended up drawing the middle image for this post, so maybe expect to see more Daniel and Ji-Yu fanart from me? hehehe... i also realized that it might be helpful to put a little mini-dictionary for the Korean terms that i use so i'll def be sure to do that for future chapters as well! ^^ also also uploading this on 7/29/23 so happy crab day, fam!! :D <3

korean terms used: daenggi - the red ribbon used to tie the end of Ji-Yu's braid datong-li - the calendar system used in Joseon-era Korea hanja - the writing system used in ancient Korea before the invention of the hangul alphabet by King Sejong in the latter end of the Joseon Dynasty

One week later, Ji-Yu is adjusting well to life on Earth and at SG Command. The princess decided to take General Hammond’s offer to stay on the base and was assigned a job as a translator and cultural consultant working by Daniel’s side. The General also gave her an order to learn English so she could communicate with the rest of the people on base.

Because the English language lessons for Korean speakers that were readily available on Earth weren't compatible with the now "outdated" way of speaking and writing Korean that was used on Songak, Daniel decided to create custom lessons for Ji-Yu specifically tailored to the way Korean was used on her home planet. Thanks to Daniel’s lessons and his help whenever she got stuck or confused, Ji-Yu has been making swift progress with speaking and comprehending the English language.

Since Ji-Yu had gotten better at English, she had been met with a warm welcome from everybody she met and found herself quickly making friends along the way. Major Carter seemed interested in connecting with Ji-Yu further once they were able to understand each other, and the two were on the path to becoming fast friends. And although Ji-Yu did not see Doctor Fraiser often (which one could consider a positive rather than a negative), she found that the two of them were connecting quite quickly as well.

Ji-Yu also noticed that Teal’c would often offer his advice about residing on Earth from one non-Tau’ri to another whenever the two of them were both involved in the same conversation. Jack was also starting to warm up to Ji-Yu, the fact that most of his skepticism chalked up to being doubtful of Daniel’s actions becoming more and more apparent each day.

As for her job as a translator, Ji-Yu had yet to start any tasks related to her new job until she had a stronger hold of English, as per the guidance of General Hammond.

Daniel and Sam approach Ji-Yu’s quarters on Thursday morning, chatting about how their projects are going until Daniel knocks on the door. Sam couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in the archeologist’s energy as he adjusts his posture as a subtle glimmer glows behind his eyes.

“Yes?” the princess calls from inside. Daniel opens the door and sees Ji-Yu sitting on her bed, her long, dark hair hanging by the sides of her face and her red daenggi in her hands. His breath hitches in his throat when he sees her with her hair down for the first time; the light from the lamp behind her shines through her silk-like hair and reveals an almost flame red tint to her otherwise dark, carob hair. The warm glow framing her face illuminates her round face and soft features in a delicate light. Daniel’s words catch in his throat and Sam smiles to herself before stepping forward and speaking in his stead.

“We’re headed to the mess hall, you wanna come?” Sam offers with a smile.

“Oh! Yes, sure,” Ji-Yu says, her eyes curving into crescent moons as she smiles back. “I was about to do my hair, I just need one minute.” Sam nods and glances over at Daniel who has since regained his composure and he silently meets her eyes. The Major hangs her head as she suppresses a laugh, her eyes drifting towards Ji-Yu as she braids her hair over her shoulder. Tying a knot with the daenggi, she tosses her braid over her shoulder so it hangs over her back. Ji-Yu stands up with a smile, smoothing out her clothes before approaching her new friends. She’s wearing the blue BDU set today which Daniel is wearing as well, while Sam has the green set on instead. Sam and Daniel head out of her room and Ji-Yu follows, closing the door to her quarters behind her.

“So, how are your English studies going?” Sam asks as the three of them head to the mess hall.

“Good! It’s.. a little hard.. but good,” Ji-Yu says with a smile. “How is your project going?”

“Fine so far. I just have to work out some schematics for the final version of the device and then it should be all set,” Sam says with a small smile. “It’s actually really interesting stuff because-” Sam begins to explain the logistics to Ji-Yu and starts using words that she hasn’t gotten anywhere near yet in her studies. Ji-Yu smiles nonetheless, interested in hearing Sam talk so passionately about her area of expertise but Daniel speaks up, noticing the confusion and complete lack of comprehension in Ji-Yu’s eyes as Sam’s vocabulary gets more and more complex as she goes on.

“Sam, I don’t think she knows any of those words yet,” Daniel says gently. Sam stops mid sentence and shoots Ji-Yu an apologetic look.

“Sorry,” she grimaces and Ji-Yu quickly shakes her head.

“It’s okay! I like hearing what you have to say,” Ji-Yu says with a warm gummy smile. “Even if I don’t understand it.” Sam chuckles at this and looks down. The three of them arrive at the mess hall and pick out their breakfasts before sitting down at an empty table. They chat amongst themselves between bites for a few moments before Colonel O’Neill and Teal’c approach them.

“Howdy, campers,” Jack says, sitting in the empty chair next to Sam. “How are we all doing on this fine Thursday morning?” Teal’c smiles just slightly at this as he sits in the empty chair on the other side of the table. Ji-Yu, Sam, and Daniel all answer at once, each of them at varying stages of chewing, swallowing, or picking up more food with their utensils. Jack nods slightly in response before digging into his food.

Daniel’s napkin falls off of the table and both he and Ji-Yu notice this, simultaneously leaning down to pick it up off of the floor. Their hands touch and they both freeze, Ji-Yu’s cheeks flushing pink as she quickly retracts her hand. Daniel picks up his napkin and quietly thanks her before clearing his throat and taking a sip of his water.

Jack asks Sam about how her project is going and she starts to go into detail about her progress, but she quickly loses the Colonel’s interest about two words in. Ji-Yu watches Sam intently, trying to make mental notes of the words she’s saying so she can look up what they mean later on.

Eventually, the five of them finish eating and return their trays before heading their separate ways. On their way out of the mess hall, Daniel offers for Ji-Yu to study in his lab while he works on some other translations which she gladly accepts. The two stop by her quarters momentarily to retrieve her notebooks before heading over to his lab where they spend most of their day together.

Sometime in the middle of the afternoon, Daniel is getting more and more frustrated with a particular section of the text he’s translating. Shoving his glasses on top of his head, he sighs and leans back in his chair. Ji-Yu glances up from her notes and immediately notices a shift in his energy. Quietly standing up, she approaches him and asks him what’s wrong.

“It’s just this section of the text,” he says, tracing over the section with his pen without transferring ink to the paper. “If my previous translations are correct, this section would completely contradict the parts I translated earlier.” Curious, Ji-Yu compares the two sections and his translation notes. Her eyes scan the translations for a moment before she points to a certain section of the text.

“I see this as meaning ‘to reveal’, not ‘to release’,” she says softly, pointing to the two different sections. Daniel’s brows furrow as he leans forward, his eyes darting between the two sections she noticed.

“You’re right,” he realizes, pulling the other notebook closer and quickly jotting it down in his notes. Ji-Yu steps back slightly with a small smile as he hastily corrects his notes. Her eyes scan over his features as his expression shifts from realization to wonder to more realizations as the translation clicks together in his mind like pieces of a puzzle. A warm feeling spreads through her chest as she watches him work with such fervor. Before she can step away, he looks up at her with a grateful smile.

“Thank you,” he says and she smiles back, setting her hand on his shoulder before returning to her studies.

The pair quickly find that most of their days when Daniel is on the base would go like this: Ji-Yu studies English which she gets better at each day; Daniel steps in to assist her when she gets stuck and she does the same for him with his own translations; and Daniel, Ji-Yu, and at least one other member of SG-1 come together for their meals and they all get to know each other more and more every time. SG-1 also goes off-world a few times and Ji-Yu would see them off every time. Daniel and Sam bring back several artifacts and pieces of alien technology to study when they would return, as well. Additionally, as Ji-Yu’s English speaking abilities expand, she finds she’s able to assist Daniel in translating languages such as Ancient and Goa’uld, something that she wasn’t able to do in the recent past.

It’s a couple of weeks later when SG-1 wander into the control room and see Ji-Yu standing behind the gate technician, pointing to something on his computer screen. He nods at something she says before she points at something else, asking an additional question. Daniel looks pleasantly surprised to see her there, Sam and Teal’c as well, while Jack just looks slightly confused.

“Ji-Yu, what are you doing here?” Daniel asks as he approaches her. She looks up at him and smiles a little before standing up straight.

“Walter is showing me how the gate system works,” she says, her sense of wonder audible in her tone. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” She presses her palms to the desk and points out something else she noticed, which Walter explains to her as well. Daniel turns back to the rest of SG-1, his surprise visible in his expression. The corners of Sam’s lips curve up as Jack shares an equally surprised expression with Daniel. The Colonel steps closer to Daniel, leaning in to quietly speak to him.

“Sounds like she’s settling in just fine,” Jack says to him, giving him a pat on the shoulder. Daniel silently looks at the Colonel as he takes in the fact that his unvoiced concerns about Ji-Yu were apparently noticeable to others, something that he thought he had kept a little more well hidden than he did (or that he didn’t even realize he was thinking at all). He doesn’t say anything as Jack heads into the General’s office just to go bother him while there’s no base emergency.

Daniel’s gaze falls on Ji-Yu as she animatedly discusses the gate program with Walter who is slowly starting to reflect her vibrant energy despite his typically reserved demeanor. He can’t help but notice how her expression lights up when she begins to understand something and how she seems to be able to make anyone smile. He gets lost watching her make Walter laugh, something he isn’t sure he’s ever seen the technician do before, at least while he’s on the base. She beams as she stands up straight, thanking Walter for his help. Walter says “You’re welcome” with a laugh before returning to his work on the gate computer. Ji-Yu approaches Daniel with a smile, shaking him out of his daze.

“Hey,” she says softly, crossing her arms and giving him a little nudge with her elbow. He smiles at this and looks down.

“You guys are going off-world pretty soon, right?” she asks, glancing over at Sam and Teal’c who are standing nearby.

“Yup, to P3C-1228,” Jack answers as he leaves General Hammond’s office, followed by the General himself.

“Hey, that’s my birthday!” Ji-Yu says with a smile. Daniel’s ears perk up hearing this, while Sam looks pleasantly surprised and Teal’c tilts his head slightly.

“I converted my birthday from the Datong-Li calendar to the Gregorian calendar and I figured out my birthday falls on December 28th,” Ji-Yu explains. Sam smiles at this and looks at the Colonel, who looks somewhat surprised.

“So, I guess that’d make you a Capricorn,” Jack offers, and Ji-Yu’s brows furrow in confusion.

“Capricorn?” she repeats, her Korean accent sounding particularly noticeable with this word. Before Jack can explain what that means, General Hammond speaks up.

“SG-1, why don’t you get ready to go off-world while you’ve got some extra time?” he suggests. Jack looks irked that he doesn’t get to explain what a Capricorn is to Ji-Yu but leaves the room once Sam and Teal’c start to head out. Daniel goes to leave with them before turning to Ji-Yu.

“Oh, um, I left you some artifacts in the lab that you can study while we’re gone. If you want to,” he says, quickly adding his concern about pressuring her to do something she doesn't want to do. She smiles at this and nods, the warmth in her features disarming his worries.

“Thank you, Daniel,” she says softly. He smiles back before remembering he has to go get ready for his mission, turning on his heel and heading out of the room. Ji-Yu smiles to herself, not noticing when Siler enters the control room and approaches her.

“Ji-Yu, the MALP is back,” he says and she snaps out of her daze.

“Oh, cool,” she says with a bright smile. Her eyes meet General Hammond’s and she smiles at him, bowing slightly before following the Sergeant into the gate room. When the MALP was being sent out to P3C-1228 to survey the area before SG-1’s mission later that day, Ji-Yu had asked Siler if he could show her how to use it and how it works when it came back, which he agreed to do so. About twenty minutes go by as Ji-Yu asks Siler questions about the MALP until SG-1 arrive in their off-world gear. Almost unconsciously, Daniel and Ji-Yu’s eyes search for each other as he enters the room and Daniel can’t help but notice the bright smile on her face as their eyes meet. She thanks Siler before approaching the team, her smile not leaving her face as she nears them.

“Hi,” she says with a bright smile, stopping in front of Daniel.

“Hey,” he says softly, a smile beginning to spread across his lips. Ji-Yu does not miss the downward flicker of his gaze towards her lips.

“How long will you guys be gone?” she asks, glancing at the rest of the team.

“It’s hard to say, it depends on what we find and if there’s any local civilization or not,” Daniel says, briefly rocking back and forth on his heels. He crosses his arms and Ji-Yu does the same, causing him to break into a smile.

“I’ll be looking forward to your return, Doctor,” she says with an affirming nod. Daniel’s cheeks turn pink but he can’t take his eyes off of her as she grins a gummy smile. The base alarms go off as the Stargate activates, lighting up the room with a pale blue glow. His eyes don’t leave her visage and she starts to look a little shy under his gaze, biting her lower lip as she looks out the corner of her eye to avoid his gaze.

“Daniel!” Colonel O’Neill shouts from the ramp in front of the gate, effectively shaking the archeologist from his trance. He looks past Ji-Yu and sees Jack looking indigent, holding his arms out in exasperation. Sam is standing next to him and has a poorly repressed smile on her face, while Teal’c raises an eyebrow and has an inquisitive look in his eyes. Daniel clears his throat and his eyes meet Ji-Yu’s once more.

“Right. I- Um..” Daniel mumbles, looking at her one last time before joining the rest of SG-1.

“Come back safely or I’ll kill you!” Ji-Yu calls as they near the gate. Daniel cracks a smile at this and looks back at her, raising his hand and giving her a wave before stepping through the gate. Ji-Yu smiles as she waves back until the four disappear through the gate. She sighs as the gate deactivates, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she heads to Daniel’s lab for the time being.

It’s about four hours later when Daniel is reaching into his black vest pocket to pull out a power bar and a folded piece of paper falls out, landing in the dirt by his feet. Confused, he bends down to pick it up and his brows furrow as he unfolds it. The words ‘Hi. Just practicing writing English. Have a good day!’ are written in slightly messy handwriting with 智裕 (Ji-Yu in hanja) and a smiley face in the bottom right corner. His previously tense expression melts into a warm smile as he lets out a chuckle, turning it over to check the other side before folding it back up and sliding it back into his pocket.

“Whatcha smiling at?” Jack asks from behind him. Daniel bites his lip to hide his smile and looks down.

“Oh, nothing,” he says, using both of his hands to tear open his power bar. Jack shoots a dubious glance at him before turning on his heel and going to see what Major Carter is doing. Once Jack is gone, Daniel lets his smile return as he thinks about Ji-Yu waiting for him back on the base. Suddenly, he’s itching to go home and see her once more. He comes out of his reverie when Colonel O’Neill calls his name but his thoughts of the princess never leave his mind for the rest of the journey off-world.

#bb's self ships #can i touch your heart #stargate #stargate sg1 #stargate sg-1 #daniel jackson #daniel jackson x oc #daniel jackson x s/i #s/i #self insert #self ship #f/o #korean #stargate fanfiction #stargate s/i

[mononijikayu]

chapter x.

chapter x.

Rating: Semi-M

Warning: Some depictions of explicit birth;

Summary: In which MELLARA TARGARYEN and DAEMON TARGARYEN are a few years older.

[white isle was one of the most favorite places that mellara targaryen yearns to venture. her mother dowager princess elaena was born in white isle and grew up there. secluded from the rest of westeros and even from dragonstone, it was the perfect place for a peaceful life to be lived. aegon the conqueror lived there too, for many years as he alternated from dragonstone, king’s landing and his royal processions. always with him was prince aenys and lady sara stark, daughter of tohrren stark, the king who knelt. aegon i was notably very happy in white isle and had been eager to return every winter moons. however, as lady sara passed, aegon the conquerer relinquished the keep. and later had given it to the second son of house velaryon - who married megara targaryen, his daughter by sara stark.]

- maester aeron targaryen; adust

A D U S T   m a s t e r l i s t

< you and i burn together or we shall die trying >

chapter i  / chapter ii / chapter iii / chapter iv / chapter v

chapter vi / chapter vii / chapter viii / chapter ix / chapter x  

chapter xi / chapter xii / chapter xiii / chapter xiv / chapter xv

chapter xvi / chapter xvii / chapter xviii

The quiet dew of fresh morning glimmer shimmered about Prince Aegon Targaryen as he arrived early that blissful summer morning. The morning sun is rising in the east, its rays fall dappled through the blades of rare grass, and the glimmering dew is as bright as diamonds. The prince of Blackhall is the awe-inspiring image of light itself, a being of intense radiance and beauty. The sky glowed in the blossoming of morning dew around them, casting a warm light over the crenelated walls and turrets; almost like a promise of glory awaiting them beyond those gates atop a massive cliff. The sea danced against it, roaring just as much as his own mount, with waves that invited him further as he drew reins swiftly as Aelyx sped against the clouds.

Aemon flew by his side, laughing as Aelyx flew low against the hurl of clouds. Opening his arms wide, he joyously laughed as the wind pressed against his body in all directions.The thrill had remained, he knew that much. Before the fourteen flames had blessed him with life, they had always known that he would be a warrior, that he would be a dragon. Aemon Targaryen breathed in deeply, fully taking in the gleam of morning glory. This was true freedom – this was what it meant to be the restless blood of the dragon.

Three hours of flight was what had led them to their destination, as distance from the capital had not been too far. When his mount had been a little bit younger, the flight to Dragonstone from the capital was still troublesome. But now, his Aelyx was fully grown, he could fly farther than he could ever want. Though there was still much growing to be done, he knew. Aelyx was just as young as he was, still. Aelyx sheepishly glided past a rocky mount as Aemon pulled his reins to elevate, to avoid danger. Aemon turned his head, groaning slightly. His mount responds, a growling laugh bellowing from his deep caverns.

“Emā naejot keligon bona tymagon, Aelyx!” You have to stop that play, Aelyx! 

His dragon flew higher once more, a playful roar escaped from his mouth.

“Kosti emagon kirimves tolī, ñuha valītsos. Yn tymagon ȳgha syt sir!” Aemon laughs at his mount, rubbing his scales with his gloved hand — We can have fun later, my boy. But play safe for now!

Within the next sweep into the battering sea wind, they were soaring above mighty High Tide. Aemon's heart swelling with pride as he watched his father's home come into focus below him. The sea called to Aemon, it was in his blood, the song of the sea. He was Velaryon through his grandmother. The same he knew would be the same within his sisters, young sea dragon just as his own mother was. Familiarity dawned as he flew lower, among its bellowing caverns. His blood knew, he remembers. Just as he understands his blood igniting into life when he steps through Dragonstone, his own blood knows that he too belongs to the sea.

This was the first he had ever thought to go to Driftmark on his own. In truth, Aemon Targaryen had longed to see the ancient halls dwelling with the memory of the sea. His grandmother princess dowager Elaena had grown up in this isle, her father being an uncle to lord Corlys. Yet he was certain that the keep of Driftmark could not compare with the marvel that the high reach of the echoes of the marvelous sight of High Tide’s sprawling towers glisten silver against the crashing blue sea.

The past year had found Aemon in the dwelling of the Red Keep as he had done in his youth. He and his lady wife Alys thought of the need to see his mother and step-father as their babe came. Princess Mellara had been invited by his cousin Rhaenyra to return to court once more, as part of her household. It was an honor that could not refuse and that had led to many moons of missives sent back and forth. 

That did not trouble them as Alys had only recently found her health once more after the first few moons of ill health from the anchors of morning sickness.  Mother had been delighted at the thought of seeing her eldest son, much more to know that she would witness the birth of her second grand-child. Though she had lamented not seeing Baelon by their side. But his grandmother had insisted young Baelon had no need to see such battles between warring factions. Still, it did not stop young Jacaerys and Lucerys from looking for their cousin. 

Mother had flown to Driftmark numerous times within the year, to visit his father and lady Laena. At times, Rhaenyra would bring her children with Laenor and spend time with his step-mother and sisters. They had relished him with their excitable stories of such trips, for he had insight in the life of his father and sisters. Aemon had been happy to know that his father had settled down, far away from the war that had put him and his mother at odds. With Driftmark nearer than ever before, there had been thoughts in his head telling him that it was time to bridge the gap between him and his father. 

Mellara Targaryen had encouraged her eldest son just as much as his lady wife had. Still they did not push further than their usual comments. They knew he still needed time to decide for himself. There had been no resentment on his part, that was easy to settle in his heart. Daemon Targaryen was doing his duty, as he always was. But Aemon would be a fool to say that he had not missed his father. Yet Aemon Targaryen had worried that he was yet to be prepared to do so, to meet his father as his son once more. To become the man his father had envisioned in his head for his only son. He was a boy once, he still was. He was after all, only seven and ten, still a boy more than the man he should be. 

When his daughter had been born a week or so past, Aemon Targaryen had realized that this was such a moment he would not wish for his father to miss. He had two children now, two children who deserve to grow with the love of their grandfather by their side. There had been so many years taken from them by fate already. There was no more time to waste, he knew. He had kissed his wife goodbye and bid his mother well that early morning and soon departed for Driftmark atop his mighty Aelyx.

The morning sun blazed a trail of fire through the thick embrace of his mount, casting ethereal shadows that blanketed the path towards High Tide's keep. Aemon felt the way the smooth scales of his dragon hummed against his hands as he continued to embrace him. It was as though burning flames whispering lullabies in unison when he grumbled. Aemon whispers in return in his native tongue, thanking him for getting him through their flight.

The pair had been inseparable ever since Aemon Targaryen broke from the wombs that grew him and his dragon together. Even when he was a hatchling, no matter how many friends he made, no amount of companions or offerings could draw him away from his eternal companion.

Aemon Blackmace reached back and withdrew the thick leather glove over his right hand. The skin-tight suit was incandescent with heat. Aemon felt his mount growl, his echoes radiating a stream of devotion against his rider's exposed flesh. Aemon could only laugh as the playful beast hummed against his weight, almost like a child wanting to play. The thought of such a beast of nature being his best companion filled him with joy and gratitude in the deepest parts of him, like the root fibers of an old oak tree. Beyond words, he was grateful to his mount, as he always was as a boy.

When he had turned away from his dragon, he thought he had seen his father's figure awaiting him. Daemon Targaryen’s majestic features echo that of his own. His father has a strong nose, full lips, and high cheekbones. His eyes are bright with pride, his silver hair about as if floating on the wind like the moonlight. 

Daemon Targaryen’s eyes as exuberant purple met deeper tones. The morning breeze was always fierce in High Tide, but such conditions would have blown any other vessel out to sea. Aelyx had bore with it all, his rumbling echoes against the rocky plains. From a distance, one could hear his father’s Bloodwyrm screech aloud, one which his Aelyx had responded from. Even then, their dragons were that of father and son like he and the rogue prince. Daemon couldn't help but laugh buoyantly as he stood before his son's dragon as he landed.The sight had been a breathtaking shine of coal-like scales interwoven in red tints sprawled against the hardened wings. One that would remind the older man of his wife's mount just as much as his own.

His father's eyes were the color of dark garnets, his irises were shades of deep vibrant purple mingled with azure, like the wild burst of the sea on a summer day. His eyes glowed with the passion of a warrior, and the wrinkles and dark circles that framed them were as caverns of wisdom.The eyes of the prince's father were the brightest purple, the color of the sky at noon and the finest amethyst stone. Mother had always loved such eyes, much more when they looked at her with wanting and devotion. Alys had said the same of him, when she prayed to her gods to gift their child with his eyes.

‘Why would you wish my eyes upon our child?’ Aemon questioned, his wife’s bright snow face glistening in his peripheral vision. ‘I liked your eyes more than my own.’

‘Because they are you.’ Alys says, a small smile etched on her lips. ‘So when I look at the child, I’ll think of the wonder you have given me, my love.’

His features had softened at her then.

“You’ve come.” Daemon Targaryen speaks, his eyes observing his son from head to toe. “You’ve grown taller since I had last seen you.”

Aemon blinked, ‘Have I?”

Daemon laughs, his hand patting his shoulder. “Ñuha tresy, vala isse these naenie jēdri, eman yet naejot ivestragon ao.” My son, a man in these many years, I have yet to tell you.

“Konir sagon daor drēje. Iksan vala kesrio syt hen ao, kepa.” Aemon’s lips slipped into a small smile. That is not true. I am a man because of you, father.

For a moment, there was longing silence between father and son. The two took in the moment they had always deemed a core of their life's needs.  A moment later, he realized that his father seemed satisfied to end the silence, leaning towards his son and opening his arms to embrace his only son. Walking across the hard cobbled pathway, two pairs of feet excitedly captivated the force of one another. The wind whipped his scarlet silk coat into a frenzy as he walked and walked, until he realized that his father's arms suddenly curled themselves about him in a welcoming grasp. Aemon would be lying if he said he hadn't been waiting for this moment.

Aemon Targaryen breathed out, but the air could not enter his lungs at the joy he felt in him. All of the worries he had, his yearning, the distance had evaporated as his father ran his fingers through his silver hair. The prince of Blackhall clung to his father tightly, almost as though he was a child once more. He could feel his father’s own huffs of relief as he smiled against his son’s skin. For many years, he had longed to feel his father’s affections once more. Just as much he was sure his own father had done these many years. There was nothing like it, the warmth of a dragon against another dragon. The smell of his father’s scent dwelled in him, the stern iron and steel and flame on his flesh’s very musk. For a moment too, he could smell a dragon’s smoke and the rare lemon, his mother’s essence, in the fabric of his father’s clothing. 

“Se izula ampā perzyssy maghagon īlva hēnkirī, hae kessi, kepa.” The fourteen flames bring us together, as they will, father.

Daemon parts from his son, his purple eyes still tracing him. “Ēdis taken bōsa naejot tepagon nyke skoros nyke jeldan, iksan zūgagon.” They had taken long to give me what I wanted, I'm afraid.

Aemon shakes his head. “That was my fault, father. Not the gods.”

“I do not blame you, ñuha tresy.”

“Neither do I, kepa.” Aemon retorts back to his father. “What matters is that we are together again, is it not?”

“Hm,” His father nodded back at him, satisfied. “We shall not be apart again, I promise you.”

“That is all I wish for, kepa.” Aemon admits, emotion washing over his young face. “Now more so that you are now grandsire to two children.”

Daemon’s eyes softened at his son’s words. “How is the child? How is your wife?”

“They are splendid.” He smiles candidly. “The child is a girl, father.”

“A girl.”

For a moment, his father trailed away in the depths of his mind as the words he spoke to him sunk in. Aemon had known that there had been a sister that had been born to his father and mother. The memory still haunted the rogue prince, that he was certain. He could see it all over the way his face reminisced with sorrow and relief. The thought of a young girl born to his father’s blood once more, just as much as his sisters, was a welcomed thought that warmed Daemon Targaryen. That the daughter he had lost lives on in the many young girls that would be born off his flesh and blood.

“Skoros iksis zirȳla brōzi?” His father wonders, looking at his son. What is her name?

“Daellara,” He responds to his father, laughing. “After you and mother, Alys and I decided to honor you both.”

Daemon’s eyes softened with pride. “Ao rigle nyke sȳrī, ñuha tresy. Hae gaomā aōha muña.  Daellara, ānogar ānograro.”

You honor me well, my son. As you do your mother. Daellara, blood of my blood. —- At that, Aemon Targaryen felt joyous. More so that his father had proudly declared his daughter as the pride of his own blood and flesh. He has yet to meet his daughter and still, she was everything to his father as much as she was to him. That had been important, in truth, to any child of the dragon. The recognition of another dragon is an honor, more so when that dragon takes pride in you. Seeing you as a part of them. His grandmother had said that she had done that for him, as much as she did for his elder sister when she was born. Aemon had not known the feeling before, he had been but a babe then. This memory will be in his heart, he knows that for certain.

“She has mismatched eyes,” Aemon details to his father proudly. “An eye of silver and an eye of purple, just like my grandmother.”

“Your daughter shall be marvelous trouble then.” 

Aemon laughs, “So she shall, father. But I would be proud of it, as her sire.”

“Is your wife recovering well?”

“Far better than the first birth, she could stand well enough now.” The son nodded at his father. “Maester Geraldys says she’s luckier than most women he knows.”

“The birthing bed is a battle, ñuha tresy. Your wife won against it, just as your mother has.”

The young prince nodded. “For that I am grateful.”

The prince watched his father’s eyes light up at the mention of his wife. “How is your dear mother, my son? You had come from King’s Landing, had you not?”

“Yes, she is well.” Aegon nodded at his father gently. “Busy tending to Rhaenyra, as of late she’s also to give birth.”

“Is that the only reason for her absence?”

“The politics at court has become….inflamed.”

As of late, his cousin Rhaenyra had been looking for support in his mother's arms. Queen Alicent's power grew in these many years, from the few years of absence by the heir to the throne and now that the queen had secured for the king four children of Targaryen blood. Three of those children were sons, painted in the very image of Valyrian coloring. The greens, as the queen’s faction had been called, boasts that so dearly as the very blood of the king. And in turn, these many years, Rhaenyra’s sons had been questioned for their coloring compared to their sire, ser Laenor Velaryon. There had been whispers of their bastardry across court, for each and every son of princess Rhaenyra had not looked Valyrian.

It was an outrageous accusation to make, that his cousin had not born any child with his cousins. Rhaenyra could not control what the fourteen flames would give to her child, nor was it Laenor’s wrong that the gods had not blessed his sons with his coloring. His own grandmother, princess dowager Elaena had been most furious at the accusation, her own coloring similar to his cousin and had birthed Mellara Targaryen, who earned every bit of her father’s coloring and features. Aemon had felt himself just as enraged at the thought, with his eldest boy blessed with his wife’s charcoal curls and light silver eyes. At the memory of his fist closing and shaking in incandescent rage, that sycophants at court would determine such judgment. 

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon had the coloring of his lady grandmother, princess Rhaenys. Deep dark bits of hair bloomed when he was born from his mother’s womb. His deep blue eyes’s misty gleam shone with defiance and fury, as though he was more Baratheon than anything else. Princess Rhaenys had laughed deeply at the sight of her first grandchild, his eyes being the same as Jocelyn Baratheon’s own gaze. He was followed by his younger brother Lucerys, his purple eyes gleaming the moment he opened them. Laenor had laughed with joyous tears when he had seen his own lips across his son’s quivering lips as he cried for milk. Lord Corlys had been satisfied with the boy, proclaiming him to court as his heir. The pearl of Driftmark, he declared him to be. 

Still rumors had persisted. Those at court cannot forgive his cousin’s sons for not earning his coloring or his Valyrian features. Not even young Luke’s eyes had been enough for them to declare them his own. Not even his cousin’s words. Lest of all the queen, who has forced his cousin Rhaenyra to be shamed before court at each birth, to carry the babes to be observed by her before they were to be presented at court. Aunt Rhaenys had been furious, with the thought of the queen endangering her good-daughter. But Laenor had shown himself each and every time by Rhaenyra’s side, steadfast in defending her and their sons at each turn.

‘They know nothing,’ Daemon Targaryen had retorted to his son in his missive. ‘You ought to know more than anyone else that your cousin’s sons and your own are more Targaryen than that of that Hightower cunt’s runts. Never forget nor lower yourself to their desires, Aemon. You are the blood of the dragon and so are the dark haired hatchlings of your blood.’

His father had turned out to be right. His cousin Laenor had been the one to pick the dragon eggs for his sons. One had come from Syrax’s clutch and the other had been from Seasmoke’s own. His uncle, King Viserys, had commanded that an egg be placed upon each bedding of the young princelings. The court awaited and soon enough, the eggs had hatched – much to the queen’s dismay. Her own sons had not yielded their eggs to hatch, all having been unable to will them to life. Rhaenyra was delighted at the thought of it, now that she has proven her sons were dragons. Laenor just as much who beamed with pride at his young sons. Jacaerys had named his dragon Vermax. The young boy Lucerys named his own Arrax. 

Daemon snickered. “Your mother will put that Hightower bitch in her place.”

Aegon sucked a breath before nodding. “Yes, but I worry that she is not resting.”

“I’m tempted to steal her away and bring her here to High Tide. Laena justas much is imploring me, with the lack of missives from your mother.” Daemon says to his son, placing his hands behind his back. “But if I interfere in such matters, she will tell me off. She is quite serious about the matter, as of late.”

“Well, it should be like this, father.” The son whispers teasingly. “A husband follows his wife’s desire and shall be happy.”

Daemon snickers, “I feel like you have much more to tell me.”

Aegon nodded, “Much has happened since we last saw one another, father.”

“Come to the castle.” Daemon urged his son, putting his arm behind his shoulder. “Tell me all about it.”

The prince of Blackhall nodded at his father.

Following him, Aemon Targaryen felt his heart flutter.

He was glad to be his father’s son once more.

High Tide had been made of endless slabs of pale stone, evenly gathered upon each other in seamless abandon. Aemon Targaryen had never been here before, but he heard tales of the wonders built upon the intrigues of far away lands. Exquisitely built from the lavish fortune of his uncle Corlys, he had wanted nothing but the best for this epitome of the vast spectacles after another in the Hall of Nine.

As though he had wanted it to be the white pearl that outshine all that stood before it with all of its passionate wonder. As they walked further in white alabaster stone slabbed against the hard sediment of the isle, Aemon found himself reminded of the Eyrie. When lady Jeyne had welcomed him and his mother as guests all those years ago, the familiar imagery of exquisite white stone resembling the pattern of endless white chalk had stuck with him. Yet in a way, the heir of Blackhall can admit that High Tide shined with endless light that the Eyrie could not.  

Aemon felt his eyes memorize each figure of its slender towers that had been capped with lavishly hammered silver domes that easily spun a dazzling marvel as it glistened against the morning light. His father had written to him before, of how when the waters of Blackwater Bay are high, only one bridge links the castle to the island of Driftmark. Aegon had never seen it before. But his father had always remarked how incredible it was. Especially at sundown, where the light of the sun merges into the seamless sea.

When they arrived at the castle, numerous wonders from the myriad of trips the lord of Driftmark had greeted Aemon Blackmace. The moment he saw them, Aemon was reminded of Blackhall — of everything his grandfather, prince Aelor Targaryen, had built. He, too, had crammed Blackhall with treasures like these. Mother had told him that her own father delighted in making the lord’s hall into life with the treasures from far away lands. Yet there was nothing that perhaps could match the lavish magnificence of the Velaryon stronghold. As he saw the bright blue echo across the halls, among the fine pearls and shells that were etched with pure silver adornments, along the fine treasures and prizes his uncle had settled upon the magnificent hall, Aemon was left in awe. 

“You look as though you do not hold a keep of such equal marvel, Aemon.” His father whispers to him as they walk through the Hall of Nine. “Blackhall has the Twilight Hall.”

“I am just amazed to see it with my own eyes.” Aemon admits to his father. “I have heard many tales of uncle Corlys and his voyages. To see its fruits with mine own two eyes, it is beyond me.”

“Oh, do not compliment my father so much, my prince.” The voice of his stepmother, Laena Velaryon, echoed as she greeted them at the edge of the turn away from the hall. “Ñuha kepa ēza olvie tolī naenie hoskagon. Konīr iksis daor jorrāelagon naejot tepagon zirȳla tolī naejot hīghagon hen.” My father has much too many pride. there is no need to give him more to scream of.

His father snorts at his wife. “Your father will always have much too much pride, wife. His blood will sit on the throne after my niece.”

“Then one should stop praising him too much, to keep him grounded.” His wife responds with a sly smile on her lips. She turns to Aemon. “I hope your journey was not too troublesome.”

“Not at all.” He tells them, smiling at his step-mother. “The flight was smooth, despite the strong winds. Aelyx enjoyed it, just as much as I did.”

Laena’s eyes twinkled as she nodded. “That’s good to hear. I should hope that you would be staying for a few days to enjoy a flight with me and your father.”

“If you would have me.” He responds with a tender nod. 

“It would be our pleasure to host you, Aemon.” His step-mother whispers back, taking his hand and squeezing it. “Now, have you eaten?”

Aemon had forgotten all about it, but his stomach answered for him. Aemon felt his cheeks turn scarlet as his father snorted. Laena laughs. “His stomach has answered for him, wife. You ought to call the servants to prepare a meal as soon as they are able.”

Aemon had not been surprised at all when his father had engaged into another marriage. Mother had been delighted at the thought of having a sister-wife in her niece, just as much as it was following the tradition of Aegon the Conqueror. The thought had been taboo since the rule of Maegor. But his mother and father did not care, and it seemed Elmo Tully and Laena Velaryon shared their feelings. Years before, the king had been disgruntled with his father and mother marrying in secret, while his father’s first wife was still breathing. 

Not even these few years had changed that. There are quite a few whispers, much more so that his mother and father's union is an open secret, proudly displaying their happiness at their house of four. The high septon had been heard to preach sermons once and a while about fidelity and faith in one marriage. Yet his mother nor father did not dare to hear it, for they were raised in the fourteen flames and its warmth. 

Prince Daemon Targaryen had refused to placate his kingly brother regarding his marriage, refusing even more to answer for any supposed wrongs the king and his lap dogs had against him or his wives. Their lives in the house of four was well as any normal household should be, Aemon could say. Mother seems happier when Laena was around her, just as much when his step-father was. She adored Baela and Rhaena, seeing them as her own just as much as his own little brothers. 

Though with the distance of many years and many leagues, he did not know Baela and Rhaena as well as he knew Kermit and Oscar. There were nights when he would lay awake, wondering if the girls liked dolls or preferred to play with wooden swords like he did in his youth. What colors they adored and what food they liked the most in the world. If they had the same fondness for watching the flames in the burning hearths to calm their nerves like he did. 

Millions of thoughts poured here and there, a vast diverging of questions demanded answers in his head. His father’s letters could only do so much to quell his curiosity. He wanted to see them himself and these next few days, Aemon Targaryen was happy to have the chance to introduce himself as their elder brother. He wished he could show them that he had the same pride and for them as he had with his Tully brothers.

As they sat upon his father’s solar, he could not help but feel a manner of impatience at the thought of having to wait. The flash of servants coming through back and forth bringing in luscious food surplus. Aemon had told his father that he would not be able to eat each and every course, but his father had told him to bear with it — Laena Velaryon would not be satisfied unless she saw the table spotless. 

Large stuffed ducks filled with buttered potatoes, a large salmon was cooked on a spit and devoured by sweetened sauce. A hefty plate of boar meat cooked over a spit, sprawled with vegetables in elegant shapes and sizes. Lemon cakes drifted through the tables, patterned like a small dragon hatchling mesmerizing with the bright golden glaze. In that moment, he could remember an echo of his mother in the young woman. Aemon thanked Laena for the food and started to feast upon the courses while she went ahead and brought his sisters to have the meal with them. 

"You mustn't worry yourself too much." Daemon whispers to his son, dark eyes keenly reassuring him. "Se riñi kessa sagon bāne hen ao hae olvie hae pōja muña.  Pōnta ao sȳrī hen se vestriarzira nyke ivestretan zirȳ.” The girls will be warm of you as much as their mother. They you well from the tales I told them.

The heir of Blackhall sighed, his hands fumbling against itself nervously. "How much of the girls know of me, kepa?”

Daemon smiled softly, shaking his head as he drank his fill of wine. “They had known you all their lives, ñuha tresy. Their fondness comes from all the tales of you I tell them.”

Aemon’s eyes filled with heavy emotion. “You….you talked about me? With the girls?”

Daemon placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently. “Why would I not, Aemon? I never not think or talk about you, ñuha tresy. If your sisters are my joy, then you Aemon shall always be my pride. Never forget it.”

“Kepa….” Aemon felt his heart swell with such words. He did not know what to say. No other words would come out. How could there be, when his father loved him dearly? “I….”

"Our dearest young ones are here." Daemon whispers, eyeing the twin daughters as they grab hold of their mother’s hands. They walked through the lavish chambers, skipping about. “Ñuha zaldrīzes riñi, māzigon kesīr.” My dragon girls, come here.

Aemon’s attention was on the children who were a little loud as they marveled at the magnificent tiles, hopping across them with much vigor. Aemon Targaryen felt his eyes gazing at the young ones with glistening eyes. Father smiled, he knew, when he noticed the love in his son’s eyes. The same gaze he knew he had as he held his children for the first time. These two girls, his younger sisters, were beyond beautiful and bright children. Much goodness in life dwelled on them like vibrant flowers blooming in spring. The elder prince saw the sparkle in his eyes as he basked in the innocence of his younger sisters as they moved closer towards him.

"Kepa!" Daemon Targaryen smiled widely, catching his daughter as she rushed to him and kissed the cheek of young Rhaena as he caught her. Baela had soon joined in, the biggest grin on her beautiful features and rushed quickly from Laena’s gentle grasp to embrace her father’s side with babbling wanting. “Eman jeldan naejot ao!” I have wished to see you.

"Ñuha jorrāelagon zaldrīzes," Daemon said, his widening smile beckoning. My dearest dragon—-his father touted to his sister as he lavished little pecks on his Baela's brilliant porcelain cheeks. Soon enough, he took his younger sister and did the same thing, calling her Dōna embar zaldrīzes, sweet sea dragon. His sister Rhaena, laughed sweetly at their father. "Have you been nice while kepa has been away?"

"Yes!" The girl beamed once Daemon had stopped playing with her.  "I had been learning my lessons well. Mother had praised me!”

Rhaena crossed her arms, pouting adorably. “But she praised me too! She said I spoke the best in Valyrian!”

“Ao se aōha mandia gōntan sȳrī, konīr iksis daor jorrāelagon naejot vīlībagon,” Laena reiterated, a small grin on her lips. You and your sister did well, there is no need to fight.

“Ñuha dōna zaldrīzoti, it is alright. You are both well versed in our tongue. Your mother had praised both of you, did she not?”

“Yes, kepa. But–” Baela and Rhaena tried to argue, but Daemon shook his head.

“What your mother says is final.”

“As it should be.” Laena says as the twins pouted. “Now, greet our guest, my girls. He has been wanting to meet you for so long. You ought not to keep him waiting.”

“Who are you?” Rhaena found herself in front of Aemon, who was taken aback and moved closer to his chair rest. Baela followed suit as she observed the man before them.

Aemon smiled warmly. “Who do you want me to be?”

The elder prince wishes he could have had a way to capture the way his sister’s eyes opened wide and her features turn bright at her sudden realization. He could feel her eyes judge him, flickering through him as though trying to figure through this, wondering if he was even real. Aegon felt like he would burst into laughter if the silence continued. Their father watched on the side, hands on his back watching what would happen next with much anticipation.

"Brother!"

Rhaena beams loudly, squirming loudly and thrashed slightly and along with her was her long platinum crown as her body crashed into her elder brother’s arms. Aemon finally laughed as Baela joined her sister, talking with much excitement as she took to her brother’s freed side and embraced him too. Daemon crossed his arms, his wife leaning against his shoulder as she sighed in contentment. There can only be the word paradise that could describe this moment, watching his three children gathered together with genuine affection. It has been his dream for a long time, to see this turn into reality. Daemon Targaryen drew in the scent of the sea water glistening against the rocky plains below. For a moment there was joy and peace.

HIs lively children filled his solar with laughter.

Yet even in the joy he felt, he was caged in longing.

He prays to the fourteen for Mellara in his arms again.

When Rhaenyra had seen her aunt that morning, there were tears in her eyes. Mellara Targaryen had never imagined Rhaenyra would ever curl into her arms against like the child she once was. Yet in the glow of the lowering sun, the princess of Blackhall had been so sure that the woman in her arms was a young girl again, yearning for comfort in the face ot the frightening shadows.

There had been much in her that was still grieving the child she once was, Mellara supposed. Rhaenyra had walked in the grace of all these challenges with a fearless face, showing all before them that she was a dragon. Yet even dragons are not without the feeling of fear and loneliness ━ that is what perhaps makes them living breathing creatures. Just as much as the feeling of pain. These ten years had not been fair upon anyone, but it had never been pleasant waking up every day in fear at a nest of vipers.

Rhaenyra Targaryen had been so brave, Mellara thought to herself quietly as she brushed the strands of her niece’s hair. Her own good-daughter Alys had yet to stop feeling pain, even when she could stand firmly after Daellara’s brith. Yet for her niece to stand firmly in such a state, bleeding through and through, the afterbirth still yet to pour off through her body. 

The strength it took to get it all over with was painfully wrought, more so that the princess of Dragonstone had never quite expected that the friend she once had within the queen would be the cause of turmoil and grievous pains she now entures at court. The young woman in Alicent had been kind, to be sure. Yet that young woman has now grown to be a mother to three princes she now uses against Rhaenyra to vie for the throne and all the power that should come with it. 

The queen was foolish for even demanding for the young babe to be brought before her, knowing that the young heir would be put herself to the task. Rhaenyra would not abandon her son to the touch of the queen, not this one who is capable of such harms. Mellara had not liked hating others, her father had always thought such a notion could ruin the unspoiled truth of anger. But she couldn't help it. Not when such a woman sits in the epitome of power burning corrupted. The queen had used the wagging tongues at court and used it to be vicious against young children innocent of the feuds that come between the queen and the princess. 

The scent of new blood trickling down the bed, her niece's shift once again soiled. The smell had been astounding to Mellara, even with her three battles against death in the childbed. The smell had remained lingering, familiar beyond compare. Rhaenyra’s lavender eyes growing steadily more dull from the pain, moaning and groaning against the pain. Her skin was as pale as vibrant snow, tears pouring against the salty sweep of sweat  In the bucket in the corner, saturated in water, innumerable layers of fabric diluted the princess's dried blood. Her hand intertwined within her niece’s ample hands, filled with sweat and blood, Mellara did not hesitate to squeeze it gently, to tell her that she was there for her.

“You are doing so well, dove.” Mellara whispers, as the sound of her voice in Valyrian trailed like sweet lullabies. “You have been so strong.”

“I do not think I can do this any longer.” The princess whispers to her aunt, salty tears falling through her eyes. “This is too painful. I hate it. I hate it.”

“My dearest niece, you have done well.” Mellara leaned forward, kissing the glistening skin above her brow. “Only a little bit more pain.”

“How did my mother do this?” Rhaenyra yelped in Valyrian, her voice cut and dry. “How did you do it, aunt? Bear with all this nonsense.”

Mellara let a low laugh pass her lips. “With much pain. But it is all worth it. All children are worth it, dearest girl.”

Rhaenyra's purple eyes glistened as she moved her head to the little cradle near the bed's edge. Mellara mewled gently as she turned to face the serene newborn. The fire flickering across the hearth soothed the infant to sleep, much like a bard's soothing song. Mellara remembered the same for her Aemon, who craved the touch of fire just as much as he craved the attention of young Aelyx. The elder's lips curved into a smile, her free fingers dangling through the beautiful silk of her red damask robe cut in marvelous silver and black. The toddler had been the most peaceful of Rhaenyra's exquisite little babes. Joffrey had longed to breathe the fine air and had shouted his lungs out as loud as he could.

And then, all at once in this swift rush, his might gave way to exhaustion, to the calm air of stillness that beckoned them with such a firm grip. Mellara had already been terrified that such a newborn would be taken by the gods so soon. She had watched how they had taken her nephew Baelon from them, carefully wrapped in a small satin sheet. Mellara could not bear the sight of this, another babe dying without just cause. However the gods were kind this time, such mercy it was. Just as Mellara held her great-nephew, she saw the comforting curt grin that such a little precious jewel provided, so tranquil in plenty, had been everything Mellara needed to know that he would be a lovely young man with excellent calm strength. Rhaenyra's grandsire, like uncle Baelon.

“I suspect he will be the bookish one.” Mellara jests softly, turning to her niece. “He will cause me no headache.”

Rhaenyra laughed softly. “Thank the gods for that. At least one must be smart enough to reprimand his elder brothers.”

The elder princess raised a brow, amused. “Oh, then you think we might have a wise scholar at our hands?”

“Not when I am still alive and breathing.” Rhaenyra snickered, yelping in pain a moment after. “I’d rather not see him in Oldtown.”

“You do not have to.” Mellara says, smiling. “I can take him to Blackhall, make a scholar of him.”

A frail smile echoes on her niece’s lips. “I shall like that, aunt.”

These last few years have been an example of high unbeatable mountains spent in this manner. Mellara had become a familiar face at court once more after accepting the position at Rhaenyra’s household. Elmo Tully was extremely adverse about the situation, especially given how the queen had treated his wife. When she visited Daemon in High Tide, he shared her sentiments. He had advised her against it, saying that he would not be patient in repressing his rage there at Hightower faction in court. As was Laena, who had threatened to take her to the Velaryon seat herself, fearing for her safety. But, as her niece's urgent missives piled on top of each other, Mellara resolved to heed her niece's call to arms.

Elmo Tully, exasperated by his wife’s selflessness, had wanted to come with her. But his father, lord Grover, had forbidden him or his sons from leaving Riverrun. Not especially so to come and shift the balance of the  royal court. Mellara had not been surprised, her good father had been a supporter of the queen and her son Aegon’s claim. He had never liked Mellara or her difference from the noble women of court either. Not especially so that whispers of her marriage to Daemon made rounds across the realm in the mouths of fishwives and tavern wenches, even the queen but Mellara did not care. Nor did Elmo. Their house of four had been a thriving commune of people who lived under their own wanting.

Mellara has noticed a change in her niece's motions ever since she came. She'd never seen her grin brighter than when she brought her lovely sunflowers all the way from Blackhall. No one has done this for her niece in years, for fear of provoking the queen's wrath. Mellara had come to personally present her with such lovely flowers. And soon, the two of them formed a stronger relationship. Rhaenyra had come to rely on her aunt for advice, service, companionship, and assistance. Among the ordinary people, particularly those who had been opposed to Rhaenyra being the successor to the kingdom ahead of the queen's son, prince Aegon.

Mellara performed exactly what was required of her. Mellara had ensured that food was supplied to the tiny folk. It had been difficult recently for those seeking alms to find themselves nourished by nourishment, since the difficulty of the Narrow Seas had once again posed a genuine threat, as the Martells had formed an alliance with the Triarchy. Mellara sailed ships from her estates through the city, loaded with bouts of wheat, grain, and meat brought in from around the realm as a gift for the lesser folk.

Scantily abandoned manses were seized and were easily obtained to be converted into public welfare centers across the city. There were many hastily brought featherbeds, bouts of spiced wine heated in kettles. Hot water for those who wished to clean themselves properly. Viserys had been enthusiastic of such an idea, providing his seal of approval for the matter personally, which Mellara had thanked her cousin for. The standard of a dragon in a black field was decreased in comparison to Rhaenyra's flag, which had been scaled to the highest peak of the buildings.

Alms had been wildly successful throughout the city. The entire court had already been muttering regarding it in whispers over many moons, many of them astounded. She'd even heard that the queen was rattled by such an act, given that she, too, had ambitions to woo the masses over here to her son. Mellara, on the other hand, had outwitted her simply by touching the ground where the people had been forced to stand. A dragon must land on the ground and feel the cobble stones just as much as anyone else, her father had said long ago.As she wandered the soup kitchens herself, Mellara had shaken their hands and encouraged them to thank Princess Rhaenyra for her generosity and amazement, as this was her gift to the people. For the gods blessing her with her third child. They had chanted her name heartfelt gratitude for days, ready to discover themselves in celebration for such compassion.

The king began to seek guidance from his cousin, which gained the approval of lord Strong, who saw these new aspirations for the kingdom as a good continuation of work left behind by old king Jaehaerys. Ser Otto had caused much delays to her plans all those years ago. It was refreshing to know that lord Lyonel was just as much pleased with these plans for the city. Mellara sometimes advises her royal cousin with ideas during clandestine meals that he begins by emancipating and pardoning individuals who committed minor offenses. Though these days with her cousin’s languishing illness and the queen’s interruptions, it was a rare occurance. But Mellara could only wish otherwise.

The princess of Blackhall finds herself attending all days when such audiences are scheduled. However, her cousin would occasionally be too ill to attend, giving the authority to the king's hand. At times, Viserys would find himself alone with his unfinished marble slabs of forgotten ruins of Valyria.  He would be quietly sitting there, lamenting over the details he could not finish. Daemon would be distraught at the sight of his brother, that much she knew.  These were moments she omits in her letters, for fear of his sorrow getting the best of him. 

When her son and Alys entertain Rhaenyra, it is her and her Tully husband who has the pleasure of her cousin’s pleasure. Mellara will also play the harp for him and sing when he is in need of company. Much too often he would request for her to sing the songs that the long-dead queen Aemma had so fondly remembered. Despite his faults towards her throughout the years, he always has cherished the queen. Even if Mellara could never forgive her cousin for what he had done to Aemma, she would always have comfort knowing Viserys only truly loved her.

“The afterbirth is now out, my princess.” The midwife spoke, gazing over the princess’s lower regions. The midwife smiles. “The worst is over. You can rest now, my princess.”

“Oh thank fuck.” Rhaenyra says, lowering her head deeper into the pillow.

Mellara nods at the passing servant. “Bring the princess some hot water for bath and bring fresh sheets for the bedding.”

The servant bowed her head to Mellara and left.

“Are you alright, sweetling?” Mellara whispered to her niece, leaning forward to shift the moonshine hair hiding her features. “It will be over soon. You can get some rest later.”

“I wish the children were here.” She whispers to her aunt, emotion uncontrollable. “Laenor and Ser Harwin....Aemon too. I wish they were here.”

“I know, you have every right to want them here.” The elder Targaryen said softly, taking her niece’s hand and placing a small kiss upon the palm. “Shall I send for someone to fetch them?”

Rhaenyra took a moment, but she shook her head slowly. “No, never mind.”

“You have no need to be shy of wanting such affection, my sweetling.”

“I know….I just…” Rhaenyra purses her lips into a small line. “The people..”

Mellara shook her head. ‘It doesn't matter. Those people at court. What matters is you and your happiness. Those two are happy with being the fathers of our princelings. It is a beautiful thing.”

“How do you always know what to say to obliviate my pains, aunt?”

Mellara smiled gently at the girl, placing her free hand on her cheek. “Because I want for you to see my love more than you see their hatred, my love.”

The doors swung open with unexpected swiftness, causing both princesses to startle in surprise. Aemon Targaryen stood tall before them, his entrance stealing their breath away. As his steady exhale filled the air, it revealed a mix of emotions—anticipation, nervousness, and an unspoken connection between them all. Mellara noticed Rhaenyra's reaction, a slight flinch accompanied by a glimmer of recognition in her eyes. Aemon, still adorned in his riding leathers, possessed a handsome countenance that seemed to captivate the room. In that moment, Rhaenyra's request emerged, a delicate plea for assistance as she sought to sit up in bed. Mellara, ever caring, yielded to her niece's desire, carefully arranging pillows to support her against their comforting embrace.

“We thought you were still in Driftmark,” Mellara says, turning to greet her son in an embrace. “When did you get here?”

“Just a while ago.” He admitted to his mother, kissing her cheek. “Father and Laena received the missive about the birth. I thought I should be here.”

As Aemon Targaryen approached Rhaenyra, his steps deliberate and his smile warm, a sense of tenderness filled the air. Their bond was undeniable, an unspoken connection that Mellara had long observed. Aemon gently reached for Rhaenyra's hand, delicately intertwining his fingers with hers, and placed a soft kiss upon her palm. Rhaenyra's face illuminated with joy, mirroring the happiness that bloomed in Aemon's eyes. Mellara had always suspected the depths of their affection, a unique bond that transcended into a deep affection. A bond that was unique to their own.

Over the many years that had passed, the fondness that Rhaenyra had once held for her half-brothers had dwindled, much to Queen Alicent denying Rhaenyra the opportunity to spend time with her little brothers. It was that time where her son Aemon's true colors shone. He became Rhaenyra's solace in their youth, an unwavering source of comfort and support. With an effortless grace, Aemon orchestrated whimsical games and crafted enchanting skits, coaxing laughter and marvel from the princess of Dragonstone. Their laughter echoed through the corridors, like the sweet symphony of a love destined to withstand any challenge that may come their way.

“I heard about what the queen did.” Aemon whispered to her, his eyes swimming with worry. “You should not have stooped to her level, jorrāelagon dārilaros.” 

Dearest Princess ━ that was what her son called his elder cousin. When he had been but a boy, Rhaenyra had found the term to be quite an endearing tune. A teasing one even. Yet with all that she had experienced, the voice of her cousin when he said such words to her with warmth; Rhaenyra felt like she had been so purely loved.

In the chaos of a world that had often been harsh and unforgiving, Mellara cherished those moments when her young son referred to her cousin with such endearing tones. Even as a child, Aemon had loved others that way. Names mattered, they echoed such love, such care. Such wonder that grows into the soul. His endearment held within it a special kind of magic to Rhaenyra. For when she heard those words, time seemed to stand still, and the weight of her burdens would momentarily dissolve. In the depths of her weary heart, she knew that her cousin's endearment was more than a simple play on words. It was a gentle reminder of the bond they shared, a connection that had weathered storms and stood tall against the test of time.

Rhaenyra remembered the days of their childhood, when they would run through sunlit fields, their laughter mingling with the sweet melodies of birdsong. Her cousin had always been there for her, a constant companion in a world that often felt uncertain and ever-changing. They had shared secrets under moonlit skies and dreams of castles in the clouds. And even as the years rolled by, their friendship had remained steadfast, a beacon of light amidst the darkness that life sometimes brought.

But it was when Rhaenyra had faced her greatest trials that she truly understood the depth of her cousin's love. Through the depths of despair, when her spirit threatened to shatter, his unwavering support had become her lifeline. In his eyes, she saw strength and belief, a reflection of her own resilience that she had forgotten. His voice, resonating with tenderness and sincerity, breathed life into her weary soul and rekindled the flames of hope within her.

Now, as Rhaenyra looked at her cousin, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of his person drowning her. The innocent adoration in his eyes mirrored the love and devotion that truly only belonged to her. No one else, not even his lady wife would have this. Harwin, even with his love for her, would never equate her cousin’s warm gaze.

“I am fine,” Rhaenyra reassures her cousin, squeezing his hand. “I have all but rested. And the midwife has looked me over. I am well.”

Aemon’s eyes glowered, pain still remained in his eyes. “The queen ought to be reprimanded for what she did to you, Rhaenyra.”

“I wish she could be.” Rhaenyra sighs against the pillow’s frame. “My father is adamant in keeping peace.”

“Peace cannot be had if one is too hungry for power.” Aemon retorts to his cousin, his thumb brushing against her hand. He turns to his mother. “You will tell him, won’t you?”

“I will try.” His mother vows to him, trying to appease him. “We may only hope for the best, ñuha tresy.”

“Very well.” Aemon nodded to his mother, turning back to his smiling cousin once more. “Has Laenor come? Harwin?”

“Laenor helped me to go to her grace.” Rhaenyra reveals to him, an echo of relief brushes over him. “He has told her off just as much.”

“Good,” Aemon snickers. “Let us see what happens when Rhaenys and Corlys hears of this.”

“Rhaenys would not be happy.” Mellara agrees, nodding at his words. “This is her grandson.”

“Harwin has yet to see you? Or bless the new princeling with his loyalty?”

Rhaenyra nodded. “He’s busy at the City Watch, zōbrie zaldrīzes. He will come.” 

“Then all is well.” Aemon whispers softly, his hands slowly drifting against his cousin’s touch. Rhaenyra seemed disgruntled at the separation of their touch. “I am glad you are well, jorrāelagon dārilaros. But I shall leave you, to rest.”

Rhaenyra’s eyes whispers in pleading. “Will you stay with me, until I slumber?”

The prince of Blackhall nodded, eyes softened at the sight of her. “Of course, jorrāelagon dārilaros. I’ll be here till you fall asleep.”

Rhaenyra smiled warmly at him, eyes ready for slumber.

Mellara watched as her son hummed a softened tune. 

There was nothing as devoted as the scene before her.

Aegon Targaryen could not help stare at the sight of her broken. The sheets drenched with blood, the beautiful winter in her skin grew lifeless in the absence of color. Even her eyes, the beautiful winter flower blossoming from them, had slowly been losing will to live. Childbirth had been too much for her, it had not been a wise decision. It was not a wise decision to listen to her, to let her do as she wishes. 

But she was a mother, a mother who loved their child more than anything. He regrets it all now. Of having a dream. Of wanting all too much. To prove this prophecy, this song. And now, he was losing what mattered. It was her, it was she that mattered. Not this babe, not this dream. Not this realm nor its future. It was her. It had always been her.

Leaning against the bedpost, Aegon realized it was his mistake, and he felt the sorrow in his heart as he realized she was paying the price for a prophesy. He didn't want to believe it, but he had no choice. It was accurate. But how would the truth play out against the person you'd grown to adore more than life itself? More than just duty? So, what does it have to do with anything else? 

He didn't know anything anymore, he didn't know. But he knew...he knew he'd burn in the seven hells. He understood that for such a transgression, for allowing himself to be tempted. The gods are stealing all he's found, everything he would have loved and cherished dearer than life itself. He could feel the entire world collapsing around him.

She had not uttered a single word to anyone in the past hour. And perhaps she would never do so again. But she is holding on. That's what he's been hearing from the servants. No one would talk to him about what had been wrong with his wife, not even when he demanded the truth. He hated it, that they were hiding it from him. That they were treating him how they would a child, as if he was not their king, their sovereign lord. He gripped the sheets tightly, feeling his heart pound with endless worry.

It’s because he knew.

This was it.

This was the end.

He couldn't sleep since he knew he had to be at her side. He had to convince her that she was the one woman in his heart. He felt compelled to tell her everything. Nothing came to him when he walked in to discover her there, covered in freshly changed bedding. He couldn't help but think about what his wife had gone through. He couldn't help but think about how much anguish she had to endure because of him. Because of what he had done. The memories of losing Rhaenys returned to him. It was occurring again and again. 

From all those years ago, Rhaenys still haunted him, had still yearned to call him as a ghost yearning to be human again, to be what they can never be once again. Soon enough she too would be the same, she knows it as well as he does.  But time it was her, the one he actually loved. His eyes welled up with tears once again. He lacked the strength to prevent what the gods had intended. Even this wasn't enough for him when he demanded more time.

Just one more day.

One more moon.

A year.

Forever.

"You arrived," her voice was faint, hoarse, and lifeless. It was as if a ghost had summoned him instead. Her voice had always carried the warmth of a winter fire. It had always been a grand voice, full of color, and...it was dazzling. She'd lost everything. "As well as bruised..."

“I punched a wall.”

A weak sound releases from her. “Oh you ill tempered fool.”

He tries to laugh, but tears block his eyes. “Yes, this man. He is your ill tempered fool.”

Her pale hand moves slowly towards his own. “Yes….yes you are.”

"I will always come for you," he said, a tinge of grief and weariness about his voice. With a sorrowful grin on his lips, he tried to reassure her. "You can count on it."

"Our daughter….”  She says to him, finally looking at him with those pleading eyes. “Promise me.”

Those eyes that were always full of life now resembled desolate winters, dark storms that raged, and hard sands that wandered through the wind. They were crimson from the previous three days of sadness and sobbing. But the look on her face that moment begged him. Pleading with him to make a commitment, a vow that will bind his heart for years after she is gone.

She had every reason to be concerned about him. She would like their daughter to be safe. To be looked after. Away from the court, away from the public knowing what they had shared over the years. Their daughter did not belong to the realm in the same way as Maegor or Aenys did. Their daughter was evidence of their affection. 

They just have their own. Only theirs to enjoy for the rest of their lives. They had been overjoyed at the chance to possess something that was uniquely theirs. So many hours were spent anticipating the excitement that was to come. Instead of celebrating life, they must now mourn this terrible separation. A fatality that was completely needless.

"I know," he mumbles, his voice cracking as he hears powerful screams from a newborn. His heart had broken even more. "I told you, I intend to keep my promise. I told you."

"I do not want to leave." She whispers as she pursues her dried lips, her already tired eyes releasing more tears. “I do not want to face the gods knowing what I leave behind.”

"I do not wish to see you leave either." Aegon spoke the truth for the both of them to hear, placing his hand over her own pale ones."I do not want you to go.”

"But I must, my dragon." He heard her say to him and that made him frown. "I must go and part ways with you.”

"I never planned for this to happen," he said, his eyes meeting hers, sadness in his gaze. "We were supposed to grow old together."

"It's not your fault," the young woman said tiredly, her fingers resting on the ring he had given her. “It never was.”

After they wedded, he made it from the key to the fortress to show her that this, too, was hers. Dragonstone belonged to her as much as it did to him. To stare back at the wonder that had been his truth. It symbolized all the joy they had together, all the beautiful wonderful years that they had faced, all the beautiful moments with one another. She could not bear to look at it, to tell him goodbye for the rest of all time.

"However, everything now must go. That is why you have to live. Without me."

Aegon watched as she removed it carefully and placed it carefully on the palm of his hand. He looked at her as she smiled sadly with tears in her eyes. “How can you ask me about this? To live without you?”

“Because you must.” She whispers to him, feeling her throat as the air leaves her. Her eyes drifted into a soft sumber. A ghostly sound releases from her. “Promise me….”

“I promise.” Aegon Targaryen lowers his head against her hand. “I promise.”

Sara Stark smiled at him, ghostfully.

“I love you.”

Maegara Velaryon let out a gasp.

Tears fell through her eyes.

She pierces her lips.

“Even now…” Maegara’s oldened voice cracked dry. “You long for mother, father?”

#house of the dragon #hotd #daenerys targaryen #daemon targaryen x oc #rhaenyra targaryen x oc #rhaenyra targaryen #viserys targaryen #aegon the conqueror #house targaryen #house stark #house hightower #house velaryon #house tully

[blackbutlerfandomnerddomain]

Can you do the prompt Touch for Doll x Ciel ?

https://at.tumblr.com/blackbutlerfandomnerddomain/some-phowill-smiledoll-short-fic-prompts/fzzncf2fw5ew

Can do!

Oh if Heaven could dare see what the might eye of sapphire see.

Soft slightly pink rose petals of lips against the smooth wonderfully untouched porcelain skin, Dark hair tangled in gentle whips of fluffy tuffs fingers can run through a million times over, Soft long curled dark lashes over a beautiful rich peacock-blue eye clashes with the misty dull glimmering soft violet marbles that are dare called eyes, morning and night along side one another, This beautiful face's owner's body is not one of a Greek statue but one of a little doll with lose limbs with that porcelain skin hugged tight to the bones with a lovely soft silk night gown drapes over the body like a curtain.

A real life oil painting with a beating heart and gentle breaths of life. That's what he is.

"How long do you plain to stare at me?"

Doll's brown lashes flutter as her cheek pressed rather softly against the rising and falling stomach, a smile plastered against her lips. "Are ya sure ya ain't an angel Smile?" She asked, a small giggle ending her query. Ciel's nose scrunch up, earning a small bellow of a cackle from the Earl's lap warmer. She knows how he feels about these Biblical words.

Cheeky grin glued on, the taller of the two sat up, her cotton warm shirt covering her stomach as her bloomers ruffle with the shown of her knitted wool socks of dark brown poke out from the ruffle lace ends. Two of her hands grab forth the blanket that covered the two and held it close like a cape hugging a knight's shoulders.

The little Earl smiled and brought a hand up, showing the differences of even their pale skins as his is smooth while her is sun kissed and spotted with freckles and small bumps from all the things she done in life. A gentle smooth palm pressed against the jawline of the circus princess, a thumb dance like a ghost across her bottom lip to which she smiles as her brown hair falls to her nose once again within it's tangled mess of bedhead.

"Why can't I have one quiet Sunday morning with you?" Asked Ciel, chuckling when she playfully nipped his thumb and gave it a kiss right after. Doll's bare arms moved down until her hands, then her elbows, rest on either side of his pretty pretty head, their noses brush against one another as their breaths tickle their faces in the mix of warm hot chocolate and warm fresh mint scented. With a grin, she answers, "You should've complained before you agreed on this heart Smile."

Two cold bare feet tangle with the warm covered ones as they poke out the now disheveled bed sheets, hands lightly ghosting and grazing the skins the two could find acceptable to nuzzle against as they whisper back and forth as if speaking could break this world apart, soft giggles leaving here and there.

The smoothness and gentle softness of one lips slowly and carefully caressed the soft yet somewhat rough lips before him, the two staying still for a second then parting only to peck back and forth as if they are speaking.

They can be as different as can be, but right here in this little bubble none of that matters to them. They touches is like a Holy word to pray to a religion, Their kisses are the only sentences meant speaking, This world is the only one they care for. . .

But they know soon enough it'll not last far long.

Soon, Ciel has to done up his fancy clothes with his fancy rings of title and spend time with the family who gave his life and name on a silver platter even when he's different.

Soon, Doll will have to return to the road and spend her time just watching through windows the life of a fairy tale only he can live in.

Neither could be beside the other in their most desired worlds without some sort of pain or cracks.

So for now, only in this Heaven can they stay for a small moment longer with "I love you"'s not just being words...

#black butler #doll x ciel #ciel x doll #writing prompt #otp prompt #soft

[spoiler1001]

To Let Go Finale

The goddess was wearing her face. The blue eyes were gray, and the hair was blood red, but the face matched the same one she saw in the mirror every day. A silver circlet rested under the woman’s hairline, and her dress was torn, redded, and jet black, always shifting as shadows moved around her. The goddess’s eyes glowed with spite and malice, a sharp smile on her face. Her gloves were torn, allowing for long, far too long fingers to poke through. Her skin was a bone white, to the point of gray and blue. Zelda blinked as she gathered her wits, turning away from the threat. Hard boots pinned her down against the floor, the pressure shoving her against the heat of the fire beneath him. 

“Link,” Zelda choked out, calling for her knight. His kneeling form was vaguely visible to her, a form in the corner of her eye. 

“Don’t you worry about her, darling.” The goddess shushed, “She’s no good for you, her and the whole royal line will drain you, shatter you to the wind. But I can fix you.”

Link remained quiet, looking up at the goddess, his glare still stong. His jaw clenching. A low growl was heard when she pressed harder against Zelda’s side. A soft snap was heard.

“Oh, Don’t play tough guy.” The goddess chuckled. “You need to collect yourself, and All will be revealed.”

Link did not change his expression. He remained where he was, as close to Zelda as the barrier would allow. The force of the magic was glowing his hair and armor back. The Green made his eyes glow. 

“Oh, don’t get your armor in a twist, she’ll live. Just turn around and take what’s yours.” The goddess promised.

Zelda didn’t see what happened after Link turned around, but she heard the sound of wood scraping against wood. Link turned around holding a …wooden mask. 

The thing bore Link's likeness to an uncanny level. The eyes were hollowed out and  empty, for the eyes of the wearer. The ears of the thing were a softhard material, going over his ears, with some texture to clip on. There was hints of platinum white hair sprouting from the hairline of the mask, carved from the same wood as the mask was carved out of. There was warpaint of different colors, perfectly placed to compliment his feature, drawing attention to the eyes. The brownish maring under the eyes almost mimicked tears. The lips were set in a serious frown, Link looked down at the mask and back up at the goddess. 

“Oh, must I do everything?” The goddess scoffed. By her will, Shadows forced Links head forward and into the mask. His form flickered. The dark green fires became bright white, blindingly so. Zelda had to close her eyes as her face was pressed against the floor and the fires underneath. 

Link screamed, pained, enraged, loud. Zelda held her breath as the yelling died down, leading to light breathing. Zelda had to listen for it. 

“Now you see, you’re whole, complete. Hylia claimed to bring you back after she cost you your life, but scattered bits of you throughout time, You don’t have to be bound to the bloodline that would use you, that will hold on to you until you have nothing left to give. And dying over and over- you’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you” Her voice got soft. “You can step away, be free of this curse.” The goddess stepped off of Zelda’s back. The princess took a deep breath and scrambled onto her knees. 

Zelda opened her eyes and looked up. Towering over her was Link, but more. He was taller than he had ever seen him stand. The eyes of the mask were glowing white, yet radiating his anger. The frown was deeper. The glare was focussed on the goddess. His armor was morphed into a gray metal with platinum glimmering in the light. His green and gold armor was completely gone. Instead of his dagger, in his hand was a long sword, almost as tall as as Link’s shoulder to his knees. Instead of a solid steal piece of steal it was a twisted strip folded over itself, like infinity, and coming to a point. Link gripped the blade with two hands, ready to strike. The thin muscles of Link tensed like a snake in the tall grass, venom shining in his eyes. 

“That’s it, you can escape your destiny, end this cycle.” The goddess promised. Zelda let out a breath. Her voice wasn’t working, the bruising and the soreness making it hard for her to even swallow. She reached a blade attached to strapped to her thigh. The blade gave way, her hand touching wet. Pain began to creep up her leg. She hissed softly. Link’s head twitched towards her, tilting slightly at an angle. 

“Is it not my Destiny? Why do you, a forgotten prisoner of a time long forgotten, get to choose?” The form spoke in a low his, more breath and growl than voice. Zelda could hear the cold fury in the voice, pulling her in.

Zelda blinked. The sword in Link’s hand shifted slightly before a full body swung. The magical field shattered. The white fire died out replaced by bright orange fire. Smoke began to fill the room. Link didn’t seem to notice. He walked slowly towards the goddess, his steps light and deliberate. 

“After everything, you still stand by the blood line that stole everything from you?.” The goddess hissed. Link swung the sword 

She vanished in a shimmering mist of gold, the shadows melting away into the fire. 

“It was always a gift, never theft.” Link took a steading breath, coughing at the smoke. In one stong pull, he ripped the mask off his face, yelling the whole time. The stature and the sword faded away from him. He blinked looking over to the princess. Without a thought, he tossed the mask in the growing fire, scooping up the princess in his arms and leaving the cursed temple to burn from it’s own trap. 

Setting up camp was quiet. Link tended to the slice on her leg from the broken dagger, cleaning off of the blood with shaking hands. The sunset was peaceful in a way that contradicted the day she had. Even after scrubbing, the smoke smell stayed in her hair. 

“You’ve done well, Child.” A voice whispered from the the light of the campfire. The flames morphed into the faces carved into the statues back home. Link huffed through his nose and out of eyesight of Zelda. 

“Hylia. Has your shadow returned to you?” Zelda snarled. Hylia didn’t remake on the tone. 

“Yes. the same could be said for our hero.” Hylia smiled brightly. “May I see him?”

Zelda opened her mouth to respond when Link returned with a pitcher of water, pouring it over the fire, extinguishing their uninvited guest. 

Link shrugged and helped Zelda to her feet, leading her to a second campfire set up much closer to the pair of tents set up in the safety of camp. Before going to bed, Link pulled Zelda into a hug, their foreheads pressed together. 

“Rest well Princess.”

#the legend of zelda #breath of the wild #loz zelda #loz link #legend of zelda

[historyhermann]

BIPOC librarians in animated series: She-Ra to Yamibou

Libraries have often appeared on the silver screen, whether in the form of stereotypes like the spinster librarian, Mary, in It’s A Wonderful Life and the glimpse of a librarian in Jennifer’s Body. Streaming shows have had their share of librarians too, like the unnamed librarian in the second episode of The Queen’s Gambit, or the value of the library emphasized in the first season of My Brilliant Friend. In the past year, I’ve come across a number of BIPOC librarians in Western animated and anime series. I’d like to review some of the ones I know of at the present in order to shed some light on these characters.

Western animation does not have a good track record when it comes to BIPOC librarians. Shows such as Zevo-3 and The Simpsons feature librarians, but both are White. The female-coded librarian named Turtle Princess in Adventure Time and a male librarian named Mr. Sneillson in Mysticons are voiced by White men. DC Super Hero Girls has Kimberly D. Brooks, a Black American actress who famously voiced Jasper in the Steven Universe series, voice a White female librarian, rather than have her voice a Black female librarian as a character. There are almost no BIPOC female librarians in Western animated series like the White young female librarian in Hilda, who is given a name in the show’s most recent season. Even Mira, the protagonist of the children’s animation, Mira, Royal Detective, based on late 19th century India, who sings about libraries with the people of  Jalpur, is only a librarian for one episode, serving at the pleasure of the queen as a royal detective for the rest of this series. However, one series showcases BIPOC male librarians unlike any other: Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a remake of the 1980s series, She-Ra: Princess of Power.

Lance and George, two librarians in the She-Ra and the Princesses of Power animated series

In the season 2 finale, Princess Glimmer and her friend, Adora, travel deep to the magical woods to find their brown-skinned friend, Bow, who has gone “missing.” They find a library, and believe they need to “rescue” him. They discover that Bow is there visiting his two dads, George, and Lance, claiming he is on break from a boarding school, when he is actually fighting in a war against the show’s villains. As it turns out, George and Lance run the library, which serves as a residence and a museum. It is beautiful in its own right even if it has vines growing on the outside. You could call it a hybrid between an archives, a museum, and a library. In any case, George and Lance call themselves historians, like Bow’s brothers, but they are librarians who have collected books as part of their research on the planet’s first settlers. Both are enthralled when they learn that Adora, who can transform into a warrior-princess named She-Ra, can read the ancient and dead language of the first settlers. Later, a battle with a creature, accidentally released by Adora, destroys part of the library, and Bow is forced to reveal who he is to his shocked dads. After they embrace him and his friends, these librarians help the protagonists by giving them information to help with their quest to find out more about the planet’s past.

George and Lance later attend the coronation of Glimmer in the show’s fourth season. The library is revisited by Bow and Glimmer in the show’s fifth, and final, season. Sadly, the library has been abandoned and trashed. George and Lance leave a note to Bow, telling him where they went into hiding with a riddle. Bow and Glimmer find George and Lance in the ruins of a former castle, who tell them about writings they discovered about an ancient rebellion against the planet’s first settlers. They play a recording that details a fail-safe that could destroy the superweapon in the center of the planet. Bow and Glimmer share this information with their friends, helping them defeat the villainous Horde Prime later in the season. In the end, the value of libraries, librarians, and conducting detailed research is emphasized in the episode.

In contrast to Western animation, anime series feature various librarians, almost all of whom are women, at least from the series I’ve seen so far. Some like Hisami Hishishii in R.O.D the TV, Fumi Manjōme in Aoi Hana, Chiyo Tsukudate in Strawberry Panic!, or Azusa Aoi in Whispered Words are students behind the circulation desk, while others engage in more wide-ranging duties. For instance, Anne and Grea, two friends who love each other, in Manaria Friends close up the school library, shelve books, and play a game of hide-and-seek within the library. Similarly, Yamada, the protagonist of B Gata H Kei, fails to seduce her male friend, Kosuda, in the library, on multiple occasions, embarrassing herself over and over again. Apart from the unnamed librarians in Cardcaptor Sakura who help the protagonists Sakura, Sayoran, and Tomoyo, find a book in the local public library, which is literally flying away from them, there are three librarians who stand out. They are: Doctor Oldham in Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Myne in Ascendance of a Bookworm, and Lilith in Yamibou.

A collage of screenshots from Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet (left) and Ascendance of a Bookworm (right)

The first of these examples, in the series Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, is Oldham, a middle-aged man living in Gargantia, an interconnected fleet of ships that travels across the world, which is completely covered by water. He is a medical doctor, considered a sage and wise man by those in the fleet. He lives atop a spire, perhaps a nod to the idea of an “ivory tower.” Anyway, Amy brings Ledo, a soldier who crashed on the planet by accident, to his dwelling, which has a degraded library filled with books and not much else, so he can learn more about the Gargantian society. While the library seems to be a book depository, Oldham does inform Ledo about the social organization in Gargantia and laughs at him for his absurd ideas about society. As such, he fulfills the role of a librarian as an Information Provider, even though he is not called a librarian and does not call himself a librarian. He later appears in an original video animation where he helps at a library on another part of the fleet, aiding others in looking through records there with Bebel, Amy’s brother.

The second example is Myne in Ascendance of a Bookworm. Unlike any of the characters previously described in this post, she is the anime’s main protagonist. In fact, before she took on her form as a sickly, but highly intelligent, young child, she was a book-loving librarian, killed, ironically, by a stack of books. To her horror, she lives in a medieval town in an era before the printing press or public libraries, and she makes it her life mission to become a librarian. This was made clear in one episode where a priest, angry at her for threatening his position in the society’s elite, purposely wrecks the church library to stop her from coming to an important festival. Upon seeing this, she declares that the priest should be executed for this “crime.” Luckily, she calms down, re-organizing the library using the principles of the Nippon Decimal Classification System, after rejecting her own proposal to organize the library based on her own ideas. The latter system is the Japanese version of the Dewey Decimal System. Myne is gleeful to organize everything inside the library itself. Even more than this, the episode features PSAs from Myne about this system and the role of Melvil Dewey. Later, Myne even argues the importance of giving away books for free rather than for profit, angering Benno, who is the sponsor at her guild. It is unique that a character would have a song about re-organizing books, even while the library is portrayed as a book depository, with other materials not mentioned. She is the most positive depiction of a librarian in anime I’ve seen to date.

The third example is Lilith in Yamibou, a caretaker of the Great Library, a repository containing thousands of books that contain all the book-worlds of the universe. For most of the series, she travels with Hazuki, her crush, looking for Eve, who is another caretaker of the library. You could say that Lilith is doing her librarian duties by making sure that worlds within the books are secure, meaning they are a key part of the series. While she, like Oldham, is not identified as a librarian in the series, the official site of the visual novel that the anime is based on calls her a library administrator at the “center of the library world,” and says that she “manages all the books in the library.” The same is stated on the anime’s official website when translated into English. Unlike Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet and Ascendance of a Bookworm, the mechanics for the world’s shifting is “an interdimensional library,” with each of the books representative of another reality and the “home base” of Lilith, as pointed out by the Anime News Network. It turns out she is a “reluctant cosmic librarian,” as Eve, the real librarian and administrator of the Great Library, vanished years before into a “world of books.”

While Western animation series do not, generally, have BIPOC librarians, there are various BIPOC librarians of note in anime series, specifically in Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Ascendance of a Bookworm, and Yamibou. Although these are not all of the examples of BIPOC librarians in animated series, there is the possibility for upcoming series to include libraries as settings for characters and BIPOC librarians as characters themselves. After all, with Clara Rhone, a Black woman who runs a library, appearing in the series Welcome to the Wayne, there is hope yet for Western animation series. The same can be said for anime as Myne will be making a reappearance in the third season of Ascendance of a Bookworm.

For more of Burkely’s insights into librarians and archivists, make sure you visit his Libraries in Popular Culture and Wading Through the Cultural Stacks blogs. Burkely will also be back next month with a follow-up guest post about BIPOC archivists in animated series. Stay tuned!

Sources used

“Clara Rhone,”  Welcome to the Wayne wiki, 25 Mar. 2019.

Harding, Daryl. “3rd Season of Ascendance Of A Bookworm TV Anime Announced,” Crunchyroll, 12 Jul. 2020.

Hermann, Burkely. “10 of the most beautiful libraries in animated series,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 23 Nov. 2020.  

Hermann, Burkely. “A library atop a spire: Dr. Oldham and the Gargantia anime series,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 11 Aug. 2020.

Hermann, Burkely, “A Mysterious Librarian is the Breakout Star of Netflix’s Hilda,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 22 Sept. 2020.  

Hermann, Burkely. “From love confessions to smooches: Love in the library part 3,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 19 Jan. 2021.

Hermann, Burkely. “Lacking ‘proper, consistent representation’: Librarians in popular culture,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 17 Nov. 2020.

Hermann, Burkely. “Libraries, librarians, and pop culture reviews,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 10 Oct. 2020.

Hermann, Burkely. “Little witches, comedy, and love in the library,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 23 Oct. 2020.

Hermann, Burkely. “Myne the ‘bookworm’ librarian and the Nippon Decimal Classification System,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 29 Aug. 2020.

Hermann, Burkely. “Read or…die?: Paper masters, embers of the British empire, and books galore,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 16 Sept. 2020.  

Hermann, Burkely, “The Mysterious Librarian in Netflix’s Hilda Finally Gets a Name,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 8 Jan. 2021.

Hermann, Burkely, “These Animated Shows Defy Library Stereotypes,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 12 Aug. 2020.  

Hermann, Burkely. “Unrealistic “miracles” and helpful librarians in Cardcaptor Sakura,” Libraries in Popular Culture, 2 Feb. 2021.

Høgset, Stig and Tim Jones, “Review: Ascendance of a Bookworm (seasons 1 and 2),” T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews, n.d.

Kelly, Hillary. “My Brilliant Friend Recap: Growing Pains,” Vulture, 28 Nov. 2018.

Lemus, Jean-Karlo and Monique Thomas, “This Week in Anime: What The Hell is Going On in Yamibou?,” Anime News Network, 5 Nov. 2020.

Loveridge, Lynzee. “The List: 6 Trailblazing Shojo “Deconstructions” You Should Be Watching,” Anime News Network, 29 Sept. 2012.  

Martin, Theron. “Review: Yamibo–Sub.DVD – Darkness, the Hat, and the Travelers of the Books: Complete Collection,” Anime News Network, 5 Jun. 2016.

“Return to the Fright Zone,” She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Wiki, 23 Sept. 2020.

“Reunion,” She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Wiki, 30 Nov. 2020.

Sherman, Jennifer. “Crunchyroll Adds Yamibo Anime to Catalog,” Anime News Network, 3 Dec. 2020.

Snoek-Brown, Jennifer. “3 favorite Christmas movies starring reel librarians,” Reel Librarians, 23 Dec. 2020.

Snoek-Brown, Jennifer. “Paranormal research in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009),” Reel Librarians, 28 Oct. 2020.

“The Coronation,” She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Wiki, 15 Sept. 2020.

“The Library,” She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Wiki, 29 Jul. 2020.

“Yami,” Yami, hat, and book traveler official website, 28 Oct. 2005 (in Japanese).

“Yami, Hat, and Book Traveler,” Animax, 8 Mar. 2007 (in Japanese).

Reprinted from Reel Librarians since my main blog, Pop Culture Library Review, is down under mysterious circumstances. The original post, from which this is reprinted, can be read here.

#its a wonderful life #jennifer's body #my brilliant friend #bipoc lgbt #bipoc #librarians #queen's gambit #zevo-3 #the simpsons #adventure time #mira royal detective #she-ra and the princesses of power #spop #she-ra: princess of power #yamibou #gargantia #suisei no gargantia #b gata h kei #whispered words #strawberry panic #manaria friends #cardcaptor sakura #ascendance of a bookworm #welcome to the wayne #dewey decimal system #library classifications

[wingedcorgi]

whatever it takes, catra.

#catradora #she-ra and the princesses of power #spop #catra #adora #glimmer's about to be calling her princess for the rest of her life #mayaart #comics #spop comics

[oh-holy-slut]

Bloodlust

Pairing: Damon Salvatore x fem!reader

Warnings: smut, explicit language, blood sharing, mentions of death, oral sex

Word Count: 2,6k

Summary: Stefan forced Damon to try his animal diet. Damon hated it, but didn't had a choice... until Reader makes a suggestion. Suddenly things get steamy.

Being with Damon was complicated. Him and Y/N have seen each other a lot in the past weeks. The two of them had a lot of fun; saw a lot of movies. Actually, Y/N was sure Damon secretly hated many of those. However, anytime Y/N suggested another dramatic, romantic cliché movie like "Last Song" - the vampire groaned, put his arm around her shoulder, let her head rest on his chest and endured every single second of the movie of her choice.

Damon even flirted and teased Y/N here and there, but didn't lead to anything more intimate so far.

Today was another of those days. Y/N stuck around at the Salvatore boarding house, brought a few of Damon's favorite groceries and a bunch of movies, of which she thought that they will suit his taste. Even if they were a little to bloody and brutal in her opinion.

"Pick one!", she demanded, holding all three Blu-ray sleeves in front of him. Damon just shrugged, not bothering to even look.

"Don't be a killjoy, Damon Salvatore!" Y/N sighed.

"Tell me what's wrong or pick a movie. You've got no choice. And besides that... Which number of drink is this?" Y/N frowned, pointing at the liquor in her friends hand. Damon usually consumed his beloved bourbon with pleasure.

But the man on the couch didn't seem pleasured at all. His facial features totally hardened and a look in his eyes like he was ready to rip someone's heart out.

You put the disc's back in your handbag, closing the zipper and put the bag on the floor.

"Fine. No movie night today. Who are we going to kill?"

A small smirk appeared on Damon's lips, finally looking towards Y/N.

"Stefan and his hero hair. He made me go vegetarian... well, for a vampire... and I can't get myself to eat one of those chipmunks, bunnies or bambis." He shook himself with disgust.

"And why did he count you in? You clearly aren't excited about the changing... So, why did you agree?"

"He said, he would kill me, which is kinda funny. But-" Damon made a wide gesture "he stole my daylight ring. And he wouldn't give it back until I stop feeding on innocent people - and kill them."

"So, you truly let your younger brother blackmail you like that?! Wow... I don't know how to feel about your dieting or your new path. Or whatever this is supposed to be."

"You don't like me killing people either", Damon maintained, while taking another sip of bourbon.

"Well, I don't", Y/N agreed, took a step forward, stole the glass from the vampires hand and put it on a small table nearby. "But I don't believe in forcing as a method to get people to change their minds. I believe that change for the better must be an intrinsic motivation," she added quickly, giving the vampire an innocent smile.

Damon's lineaments suddenly turned from annoyed to curious. "Any suggestions, little one?" The vampire raised an eyebrow and a little smirk showed up on his lips. On the one hand, Y/N blushed over the nickname, Damon called her.  On the other hand she felt skittish looking forward to making a deal with him. Not only a deal. It's far more than a simple agreement.

It's Y/N, actually giving Damon a part of her. The red elixir of life. She was about to give him total control of her body and she not even for a heartbeat doubt that Damon will use it against her.

"Actually... Yeah. There's something on my mind." Y/N said chewing on your lip. "I could open up a vein for you. I mean, you could feed on me. And since you have my permission, there's nothing for anybody to have objection about."

Damon frowned and gave her an incredulous look. "You would do that for me?" The vampire couldn't believe, he understood correctly. Why would Y/N want to get involved with him feeding on her? What's in it for her? Damon tried hard to connect the dots, but he wasn't able to. It all seemed to make no sense. Y/N wouldn't have an advantage of that. The vampire hesitated, pinning his dangerously blue eyes on the girl in front of him.

"Is it so suspicious of me, that I'm trying to help my closest friend?" It pierced Y/N's heart, realizing, Damon's trust in her was rather fragile. "Never mind", she waved the pain away and forced herself to keep her composure. "I only had a hasty idea; you really don't need to fee-"

Suddenly Damon appeared behind Y/N, using his vampirism. "Shhhh", he whispered softly. "I never said, that I don't want your blood. I'm thinking about if we are going to cross a line? Blood sharing can be very personal..."

"It can be? It is personal already. Believe it or not - I'm not gonna offer my veins to all the vampires of Mystic Falls." Y/N rolled her eyes, her arms folded on her chest to point out the indignation she felt right now.

"Kinda sensitive today, huh?" Damon gently stroke a strand of hair behind her ear, Y/N could hear this smug smirk through his words. It was a true 'Damon thing' to do. "I didn't mean it like that, princess." He sighed; unsure if he should agree or not. Damon didn't want to act selfish towards Y/N. He compelled a lot of girls for the purpose of drinking blood in the past. He literally used them as long as they weren't too annoying - and then he acted like they have never met. Damon Salvatore couldn't imagine this scenario with Y/N. They've been so close, the vampire couldn't stand loosing her. The offer was risky, but it also could bring each other even closer.

Damon tried hard to avoid any serious attraction between Y/N and him, afraid of messing up. Indeed, he found himself thinking, and even dreaming, about Y/N more than he wanted to admit. She was smart and had this special sense of humor, the vampire adored so much. She was the only one, who could make him feel good no matter what. Needless to say she had that glimmer in her eyes, when she did something she truly loved. In these moments she was even more pretty. Y/N was hard to resist.

And maybe now he could have her like nobody else. At least the vampire gave in. He wanted her blood. He wanted her.

Y/N flinched by the feeling of Damon brushing her neck with his lips.  "Oh, Damon", she gasped. "Bite me." Y/N almost begged for the vampire's teeth breaking through her skin. Damon loved the sound of her husky voice. In less than a heartbeat he turned into his vampire shape. "If you insist", he grinned devilishly, ready to place his teeth on to her skin.

Suddenly Y/N made a slight move forward with the intention to interrupt her friend. "Did you change your mind?" Damon was close to switching back to human, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Mostly a lack of understanding, but also a little of disappointment and even anger. Was Y/N playing games on him? While Damon Salvatore was sorting feelings, Y/N turned around, standing now in front of him.

She was so close, not even a piece of paper would fit between them.

Y/N slightly exhaled breath, her eyes darting between the vampires eyes and lips. It was the first time Y/N saw him like this. The icy blue of his eyes, she loved so much, has turned darker. Purple veins appeared under his eyes; Y/N couldn't help herself. Damon's appearance fully intoxicated every fibre of her being. Her fingertips found their way gently brushing over his dark purple veins. She felt heat and softness, while tracing one of them.  It took her a few seconds to get out of trance, realizing what she had done. "Sorry", she murmured with a voice barely audible. "Don't apologize, little one." Damon tilted his head, his lips curled up in a self-assured grin, exposing a perfectly white vampire fang. "I never saw you like this before, you loo-"

"... look like a monster?"

Y/N shook her head. It was nothing like that. Yes, he did look unfamiliar. And she should be scared under normal conditions. Instead, his look hit her in an unexpected way. He looked hotter as a vampire, if it was even possible. 

Y/N cleared her throat, looking up at Damon. "I feel... attracted to you."

"So nothing's changed", Damon teased, raising his eyebrows. The girl in front of him softly slapped him on his shoulder; which was only possible because the vampire permitted. "You are always so full of yourself." She smirked, feeling more confident being to something, they have had been so many times before. Granted, he was terrifying accurate, but she wouldn't serve her feelings on a silver platter.

"I'm still into it. You can bite me; feed on me. I only needed to see you before..." 

A shockwave of electricity flowed through her body the second Damon took her hand and pulled her close.

"I'll be careful", he promised, nuzzling his head into the nap of her neck. Damon once again placed his lips on her soft skin. 

Suddenly a harsh pain made Y/N feel like in a kind of haze. She flinched and let out a groan at the same time, unintentionally biting her lower lip. 

During Damon embedded his fang deeper and deeper, she started feeling dizzy. Her hands searched for the vampires upper body, finally wrapped around his neck. She needed him to lean on. A narrow trickle of blood flowed down her neck. Let Damon feed on her felt like flames licking up every fiber of her body. 

With every passing second Y/N could feel her control slip away. Her body was now firmly pressed against Damon's, like she would want to merge them into one.

Damon noticed her staggering, wrapped his arms around her waist, supporting her.

Bloodlust already messed up the vampires mind, so he continued feeding on Y/N.

A tempting moan escaped her lips, but she didn't care to cover up. Y/N's heart was racing, her eyes flattering. It was almost as if he was about to push her over the edge, but in a different way. "Mmm, this...this… feels soo weird... and so good...", she whispered under a shallow breath.

As soon as Damon heard her fading voice, he abruptly

quitted drinking from her.

"Fuck!" He rapidly laid her on his lap and checked Y/N's vital signs, to make sure she was okay. Instinctively he bit his wrist, pressed it against Y/N's mouth. He knew his blood would heal her, but it wasn't going fast enough. A few seconds passed through, to him they felt like centuries. Y/N finally blinked and Damon was relieved. He cupped her cheeks, his gaze never leaving hers. "I thought, I'd gone-" Damon cleaned his throat. "I'm so glad, you are doing well", he whispered, while trailing her lips with his fingertips. "So, fuckin' glad..." The vampire exhaled a deep breath. 

"It... You made me feel good. Strange, but good", Y/N appeased and flushed over the memory. "Maybe you got a little carried away, but I don't mind. I wouldn't trade the feeling for anything."

Y/N quickly interrupted herself, before she could reveal too much.

However, Damon used his vampire skills, noticing that Y/N was hiding something from him. "Isn't there anything else you want me to know?", Damon asked without taking his eyes off her. Y/N shifted and flushed even more. "It's unfair. You use your vampirism to get everything out of me."

"Well, if that were the case, I could easily compel you." Damon shrugged and found back to his smugly self. "Tell me, what you are hiding". He said in a seductive voice.

"I wanted to get lost in you."

Her confession sent shivers all over the vampires body. At first he could not decide, how to handle this. "Are you sure that's what you want? I could really hurt you..." Y/N hummed.

In the next split second, Damon pinned Y/N against a wall, smashing his lips on hers, kissing her with all the passion he had to give. The vampire devoured Y/N with a new kind of hunger. He didn't know he could crave someone so much.

"Fuck me, Damon..."

The vampire felt him getting hard, only by hearing those little three words out of her mouth.

"Say it louder. Tell me, what you want me to do."

Y/N pulled him closer, gently biting his earlobe.

"Fuck... me, Damon." It took her a second to focus and forming the words again. After she was near to climax earlier, it wasn't a long way getting to the edge once more. "Make me cum... You almost had me there..."

A deep moan got over the vampires lips, once he understood, what Y/N was trying to tell him.

With the next blink Y/N found herself in Damon's bedroom, lying on his bed.

From now on there weren't many words needed. Damon's hand's found their way under her shirt, cupping her breasts and make her moan over and over again.

He closely listened to the rhythm of her heart, making sure he would be able to delay her climax to the point he needed her to.

"Don't cum yet... I want to taste your little pussy first."

Y/N grabbed the vampires head, running her fingers through his dark hair - pushing him down, since she was unable to form a single word.

As Damon got down, he didn't take his eyes off Y/N.

He used a hand pushing up her skirt and lightly stroking over her panties with his fingertips.

"My girl is so wet", he praised in a low husky voice."-and I barely touched you."

His dirty words in combination with his touch lead to another moan, almost turned into a scream.

Damon pushed the fabric aside, leaving sloppy kisses on the inside of her thighs.

Y/N's eyes fluttered, when his soft lips reached her middle.

Damon's tongue licking around her entrance was driving her nuts.

"...so delicious..." were the only words she was able to catch up. Damon knew, he couldn't thrill her forever, so he got back to her. He spit on his palms, stroking his hand over his crotch. In under a second Y/N finally felt this releasing pressure of his cock. It was like a switch went off in her brain and she braced herself for the hard thrusts that would follow.

Damon dimmed the whining noises Y/N made with a passionate, hungry kiss.

He cheated with his vampirism to give it to her deeper and faster, knocking out all the air of her lungs while Y/N screamed out Damon's name. Her walls clenched around him and made him twitch. It was like her pussy massaged his dick the best way possible.

Every time he hit her harder and rougher he was making sure he hit her spot with every thrust.

Damon gathered speed one last time and pushed her over the edge until she was a moaning whimpering mess.

With her last contraction around his shaft, Damon was cumming inside her.

"You are so tight, little one", he whispered under his breath. "We should make arrangements more often."

Please like or/and reblog if you enjoyed reading or/and want me to write more stories about Damon.

Thanks guys ❤️

#damon salvatore #damon salvatore x reader #the vampire diaries #tvd damon #damon salvatore x oc #damon salvatore x y/n #damon salvatore imagine #imagine #imagines #damon smut #damon salvatore smut #tvd fanfiction #fanfic #:mine #ian somerhalder #damon salvatore fluff #fluff imagine #smut imagine #damon x reader #damon x oc #theeternalstud

[violetlilysunshine]

Plenty of Times

Boyfriend Chris Evans x Female Reader

Requested - Anon: Hey! Is it all right to request for Chris Evans where reader comes in after a girls night and just dotes on him and loves on him and its sickeningly fluffy and he’s like what’s gotten into you? and reader breaks down because one of her friends vented that her husband is abusive and neglectful and she sees how important it is to have a good man in her life 🤍

WC: 1,619

Warnings: Pet names [bubba, babe, honey], talk of a bad relationship [neglectful husband - but not about Chris/reader], mention of phone sex [but it doesn’t happen here]

A/N: I’m so so so so sorry this took so long, I’m working on clearing out my inbox though! 

IF YOUR NAME IS SCRATCHED OUT I CAN’T TAG YOU - I’VE STARTED REMOVING PEOPLE, SO IF IT’S NOT WORKING AND YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED SHOOT ME A MESSAGE AND WE’LL FIGURE IT OUT

MASTERLIST - Join my TAGLIST

You haven't gone out with your friends in so long. You’re all busy with your own stuff - work and relationships, some with kids to care for. So, when the opportunity arises, Chris encourages you to take advantage of it. 

The night was pretty simple, dinner, a couple of glasses of wine, and a few shared desserts before everyone was ready to head home. Most of your friends were not night owls like you by any standard, so when dinner wrapped up early, it was no surprise. At least that meant you got to go home to your man. 

“Bubba?” you called as you walked through the front door.

“In here,” he answered.

You followed his voice to the living room, finding him lounging on the chaise sofa, Dodger soundly asleep next to him. Some movie played on the screen; you hadn’t paid attention to it long enough to know what it was.

You headed to the connected kitchen, dropping your keys and purse on the island, hanging your jacket on the back of one of the barstools, and slipping out of your boots before hurrying back to Chris. 

He paused the movie when he heard you approach him from behind. You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, your hands splayed across his chest, as you pressed a long kiss to his temple. 

He hummed at the contact, placing one hand over the top of both of yours, before turning his neck to meet your lips with his. 

The kiss was sweet and simple, you could feel him smile against your lips as you lingered longer and longer into it. 

He chuckled when you finally pulled away, a big smile etched across his face and a glimmer in his eyes. 

You unraveled from his neck and stepped around the sofa. Dodger finally perked up when he heard you walking and you greeted him of course. 

“Hey, bub,” you whispered, scratching Dodger’s head for a second before turning to Chris, “can we cuddle?” you asked quietly. 

“Sure, babe, we can always cuddle,” he answered with a small smile, opening the blanket for you. 

You slipped under, resting between his legs with your back on his chest. He wrapped the blanket and his arms around you, splaying his palms over your upper chest and rubbing gently, just as you had done to him. You ran your nails over his arm as light as a feather with one hand, the other rested on top of his clasped hands, tangling your fingers with one set of his as best you could in this position. 

You tugged on his hand, pulling his arm further over your shoulder so you could place kisses on his bicep. 

“How was girl’s night?” he asked, placing a light kiss to the top of your head.

“Fine,” you whispered, squeezing his hands for a second, “was nice to see everyone. They all seemed to need a good vent,” you ended with a breathy chuckle.

You felt his laugh rumble through your body, “don’t they always?” he asked, another kiss being placed on top of your head as he looped his legs around yours.

“Seems like,” you giggled, stroking his calf with your foot. 

“Well I hope it was nice either way,” he said, “I’m glad you got to see them.” 

“Mm, yeah, me too,” you answered quietly.

He slipped one hand from your grasp to grab the remote, causing a whine to leave your lips, disappearing into his skin as you had your lips placed on his bicep again. 

He chuckled at the noise, “want me to start it over?” he nodded, making reference to the movie.

“No, it’s okay,” you whisper, pressing another lingering kiss to his arm. 

“You sure? I’m not that far into it...” 

“I’m sure, I won’t really be paying attention anyway.” 

“Why’s that?” he asked, you could hear the smirk in his voice.

“Can’t focus with you wrapped around me,” you giggled.

“Mm, yeah, sorry not sorry,” he laughed, playing the movie again.

You giggled, bringing his hand up to your lips to give it a kiss.

He gave his other hand back to you and you entwined your fingers with it as well, giving both of his hands small squeezes every once in a while. 

You placed random kisses on his arms, pulling his hands up every now and again to press kisses to them as well. You didn’t want to do it too often, so you wouldn’t annoy him, but you couldn’t help but give him a few. 

You tilted your head to look up at him, his eyes focused on the movie before he looked down at you. 

“What’s up?” he asked, his voice sounding a little tired. 

“Nothing,” you whispered, passing him a small smile. 

“You’re lying,” he said, placing a kiss on your forehead, “what’s on your mind?” 

You sighed deeply, “have I told you how much I love you?” 

He reached over and paused the movie, quickly tangling his hand with yours again: “all the time,” he smiled. 

“And how great you are?” 

“Plenty of times,” he chuckled. 

“And how thankful I am for you?” 

“More than once,” he answered, a sense of questioning coming into his voice. 

“And how kind and good you are to me?”

“Never in those words, but you deserve it more than anything,” he said, “where’s this coming from?” 

“Jenn was really upset tonight,” you started. 

“And that has to do with me, how?” 

“She was talking about how rough her marriage is. And I know everyone says the first year is the hardest, but he doesn’t prioritize her, and never really has, and if I’m being honest I always thought she could do better; and she feels so disconnected from him and he’s so distant and she’s just not happy,” you rambled, tears pricking at your eyes, “and of course the whole time she was talking I felt so bad for her, but I couldn’t help thinking that I’m so lucky to have a guy like you and that made me feel even worse. Ya know? Like guilty because I was sitting there thinking ‘well at least I’m not in her shoes,’ and, god, you’re so good to me and I appreciate and love you so much. Don’t feel like I tell you that enough, but, you’re the best,” you finished, taking a deep breath. 

“Honey,” Chris soothed, “you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about, first off. It’s not your fault he treats her like crap, and all you can do is support her with whatever she chooses to do about it. She can leave, or they could go to therapy, or she might just ignore it all together, but the only thing you can and should do is listen to her vent and offer support, or sometimes advice if she asks for it.”

You smile, “I know, but it’s just a shitty situation. Like I wish she wasn’t going through it, because she’s great, and I wish he was as good to her as you are to me.” 

“Well no one’s as good as me,” Chris joked, trying to lift your spirits.

You laughed lightly in response, turning over a little bit and scooting up so you could lay face to face with him. 

“Second,” he continued, “I’m only giving you what you deserve. Wish I could do a lot more sometimes, if I’m honest,” he said almost under his breath as he wrapped his arms around your back.

“Chris, you do more than enough! I should be doing more for you!” 

“Babe, you give me everything I could ever want,” he smiles, “you’re amazing. Wish I could do more, like I wish I wasn’t away from you so much. Don’t like leaving you, ever.”

“You’re the best,” you lean forward, placing a kiss on the corner of his mouth, “you do plenty for me even when you’re away.”

“Not nearly enough,” he says, “gotta come up with something new for us.” 

“We’ve done plenty of new things while you’re away.” 

“Yeah? You think?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Hey, without you, I never would’ve tried phone sex,” you giggle, “love trying new things as long as it’s with you. Especially that thing...” 

He lets out a breathy laugh at that, “I love you too,” he says, referring back to your ramble but also your willingness to try anything for and with him.

You giggle, this time pecking his lips, “I don’t deserve you,” you whisper against his mouth. 

“No, you don’t,” he says shortly. 

You pull away from him, not expecting that to come out of his mouth. 

“You deserve better,” he smiles, a glimmer in his eye again.

“You’re so corny!” you laugh loudly, causing Dodger to grumble next to Chris. 

“Sorry, bub,” you laugh at Dodge.

“Let’s go to bed, yeah?” Chris suggests.

“What about the movie?” you ask, tipping your head towards the TV.

“Eh, won’t be able to pay attention now anyway, and I’ve lost the flow,” he shrugs. 

“Sorry to interrupt,” you whisper, stroking a few fingers across his cheekbone. 

“‘S alright,” he whispers, “like you better anyway.” 

“Thank you,” you whisper, eyelids heavy as they start to flutter closed for a kiss. 

Chris closes the distance between the two of you, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips, “I love you,” he whispers into your mouth. 

“I love you too,” you whisper back.

Your lips seal in a gentle kiss, and he brings a hand up to rest on your cheek before pulling back: “you can always make it up to me anyway,” he says, a smile giving away his attempt at being serious.

You laugh at him, “alright, bubba, let’s get you to bed.”

TAGLIST: @hogwartsmarvelmommy @tulipholland @cupids-crystals @sunwardsss @mrspeacem1nusone @elishi03 @golden-hoax  @patzammit @serrendiipty @katiew1973 @princess-evans-addict @high-on-darren-criss @gnemgn @amelia-song-pond @scorpiowidow @multixfandomwriter @wildxwidow @na-nou83 @fdl305 @gotbangtan @dumbhead1 @evansxchalamet

#chris evans #chris evans fluff #chris evans x reader #chris evans x female reader #chris evans x fem reader #chris evans imagine #chris evans oneshot #chris evans fanfiction #Chris Evans fanfic #cevans fluff #cevans #cevans x reader #cevans x female reader #violetlilysunshine #violetwrites

[catrasredemption-moved]

The rebellion finding out about Catra’s 9 lives and completely freaking out while Catra just sits there confused as to why they all seem to care so much?

It wasn't really a surprise when the Best Friend Squad was late to anything. Catra had, surprisingly, done wonders for their punctuality, but even her talents were limited. Still.... this was a little excessive.

"Juliet just said they were going to Thaymor to check on something," Spinnerella said, looking around at the others. "They should be back by now."

"Maybe they got distracted by a cute butterfly." Mermista was checking her nails as she spoke. "I'm sure they're fine."

"It's been thirty minutes-"

A burst of sparkles drew their attention to the door, immediately followed by an annoyed voice.

"Bow stop - poking - for fuck's sake I'm fine-"

"How?!"

Adora was clinging to Catra's arm while Bow did his best to look her over even as she slapped him away. Glimmer looked torn between frustration and shaken concern.

"Everything okay...?" Netossa asked slowly, looking between the four of them.

"Catra died!" Bow burst out before anyone could stop him. Adora's grip on Catra's arm tightened. She groaned.

"Can you not-"

"I'm sorry, what?" Frosta asked immediately.

"Looks pretty alive to me," Mermista added.

"What do you mean died?!" Scorpia yelled, jolting out of her own seat.

"Are you sure she didn't just get knocked out?" Entrapta asked.

"Everybody shut up!" Catra somehow managed to raise her voice above the chaos, loud enough to be heard. "My head hurts and none of you are helping!"

"Oh, your head hurts?" Glimmer asked. "Really? I can't imagine why, you only cracked your skull open-"

"Is being dramatic a requirement to be a princess?"

Bow was trying to check Catra's head now, while Scorpia took over checking the rest of her. "Seriously guys, can we not? It's not exactly the first time-"

"What?!" Catra winced as everyone - including Adora - yelled at the same time.

"How-"

"What do you mean-"

"You've died before?!"

"When?!"

Catra covered her face with her free hand, letting out a long sigh. "Can I sit please?" she asked pointedly, waving Bow and Scorpia off. "Coming back to life is hard work."

Adora dragged Catra over to a chair, sitting and pulling her into her lap. "Adora-" The blonde just held on tight. Catra blew out a breath. "Fine. Yes. I've died."

"How many times?"

"Uh... Well I thought nine, but now I'm not-"

"Nine times?!"

"That's real?!"

Catra waited for everyone to calm down again. "Yes. It's real. It's part of the whole, ya know-" She waved a hand at her ears. "My people's magic. I didn't understand it until I got my hands on Shadow Weaver's records and started looking into things."

"You never told me about that," Adora said in a small voice, speaking for the first time. Catra's shoulders hunched, expression guilty.

"I didn't think it mattered."

"How could this not matter?"

"Because I thought Horde Prime burned my last life."

Everyone went very quiet. No one liked talking about Prime, but of them all, Catra did it the very least. "When I... on his ship..." She rubbed the back of her neck. "I thought I just got lucky that you managed to... heal me. But today... I don't know, it felt the same as all the other times. I guess She-Ra... reset things? Wasn't really expecting it, though."

A long moment of silence followed. "Okay," Mermista said slowly. "Putting literally all of that aside for a minute, you didn't think dying nine times was something to mention?"

"Didn't want to give you any ideas, obviously. What if you tried to test it?"

Given the look on Adora's face, no one wanted to make a joke about that.

"That's... messed up. I mean, dying that many times has to mess you up a little," Netossa said. "How old are you, again?"

Catra burrowed into Adora's arms a little, not answering.

"I think we can all agree that today's meeting is canceled," Glimmer said tiredly. "I'm going to call my aunt. Maybe someone in Mystacor knows something about this and can help us figure out if Catra actually has nine lives... again."

"Eight now, technically."

Adora held her a little tighter.

#askbox fic #sam writes #catradora #spop #spop fanfic

[torilovestowrite]

title: romance in struggle

pair: zeke yeager x reader

words: 3k+

content warning: n/sfw themes, ROYAL AU, ZEKE IS A KING HERE Y’ALL, READER IS A MARLEYAN PRINCESS, female-bodied reader/afab! reader, reader uses she/her pronouns, mentions of pregnancy, angst, mentions of blood, age difference (reader is 18 while zeke is 24) conservative mindset, mentions of blood, FORBIDDEN LOVE TROUPE, S/MUT, BREEDING KINK, CREAMPIE

synopsis: in which y/n l/n, a princess of the marleyan kingdom, ends up having an affair with zeke yeager— the kingdom’s traitor who caused a huge terror for nobles in marley.

“my little ymir, don’t you think it’s a lovely day today?” y/n rubbed blonde child’s back as both of them watched the sunrise under a huge oak tree after hanging some laundry in their backyard. “look how fresh the air is.”

“yes! but you know what’s prettier, mama?” ymir responded happily as she held her mother’s hand, placing a small yellow daffodil on her ear, almost like an accessory. “of course, it’s you!”

y/n looked sadly at her daughter— her eyes glimmered in the midst of the dawn; staring at her mother who had a brooding look in her eyes. all the young girl wants is to make her mother smile. even though she would let out soft giggles from her lips and smile few times ever since she was born, ymir could still see a glint of loneliness in her eyes.

“you have the prettiest eyes, ymir.” y/n kissed her forehead as she continued to mutter under her breath, “it’s just like his eyes.”

her daughter’s eyes beamed as she asked, “like father?”

y/n smiled at her young child. yes, she is only five— but she’s perceptive as ever. unlike other children, ymir was sensitive towards how others are feeling around her. seems that she got her mama’s personality, huh? but there are no doubts— that ymir, her daughter, is his’; for her long blonde hair and her deep grey eyes could speak in behalf of her.

“yes,” y/n almost cried before she could even mention him. just the sound of his name makes her guts feel uneasy. “just like your father.”

her eyes looked upon the sky as she recalled her memories— a bittersweet tragedy that took place five years ago; right before her little ymir was born.

“are you really going?” y/n asked the blond man as she held his wrist back in an attempt to stop him from leaving. her eyes gaze upon him— yearning for his affection; for his love— to make him admit that he would come back sooner.

zeke yeager— an untouchable man who’s willing to use all the means in order to achieve his goals. It’s almost like the eldian man— whose kingdom has been enslaved by the marleyans for almost 20 years; has no heart.

y/n l/n— the princess of the marleyan empire, has fallen in love with zeke yeager. she once met him while she ran away from the palace, getting lost in the middle of a dark prairie. being 18 during those days, the younger woman could still remember the cold stare that he held as she was crying in front of the lake after hearing her father’s decision. her clan wanted to marry her off to a man named willy tybur; another royalty— and to become one of his concubines in order to combine the powers of their clans— to sustain a supreme empire.

as she was having her laments, zeke caught y/n and spoke to her; and she found a friend in him with his words filled with sarcastic jokes— yet unbelievable truths. during her free time, she would come visit the forestries in order to share her feelings, laments... and he would entertain it. slowly, y/n began having feelings for the man, craving more than of his attention— but also, his affection; his kisses and hugs.

gladly, zeke felt the same. the two became a couple and secretly met during the night inside his tiny cabin filled with secrets. y/n could still recall the first time they kissed. it was her first, and she was glad that it was her first love for his lips felt warm on her. it was everything to a maiden like her— oh, how she wishes they could stay that way for the rest of her life! y/n loved the older male more than anything. she loved with a love that is stronger than love itself.

Little did she know, zeke spelled danger for the marleyans, as he was one of the last yeagers— the royal clan of eldia— who were killed and burned by her own clan. aside from that, the 24-year old man was deemed as a ruthless man for robbing from the marleyan nobles and even to the point of burning their lands, just like how they have dealt with eldia two decades ago.

but the young lady knows him well— zeke explained that he wouldn’t do those incidents simply for himself; but rather, he did it for his own people. the stolen goods that he was able to obtain were distributed among the poor eldians who were enslaved, starved, and abused by their marleyan lords who were only concerned with their own wealth and earthly riches. their desire for power made zeke disgusted. as a royalty who is in line to inherit the crown— if the marleyans did not kill his own family and abducted his brother, eren; he knows that power is needed to preserve sovereignty in a nation. but unlike them, zeke knows how to gain the respect of the people— and that is through giving back the services that they deserve.

“i need to leave. you know how the circumstances are for me right now, y/n.” zeke sighed as he kissed the young lady’s forehead— pulling her closer and kissing her tears away.

apparently, the romantic nights have ended for the couple— slapping them both of the harsh reality; that their clans are born to become enemies. and that they were born to be star-crossed lovers— only meant to meet; but not to end up together no matter how strong their feelings are.

“d-don’t do this to me, zeke. please. don’t leave me just like this.” y/n sobbed as she kneeled in front of zeke— begging him not to leave; gripping his hand tightly. her hands were shaking and her cries were getting louder. the older male did not want to see his little doll depressed over this. he helped her stand from the wooden floor of his cabin; giving her a kiss on the lips.

y/n felt like melting under his touch— his calloused hands which were much bigger than hers’ were warm; his lips and the way their tongue danced together felt warm too. the younger lady could feel his touch all over her body; as if the burning passion around their souls were bringing them together.

zeke lifted her from the ground, holding and carrying her towards the bed that was inside his room. the blond male wanted to leave a mark before he goes to an important mission— to find his brother, eren, and to start a war against the marleyans in order to free the eldian empire and to bring back the supremacy of the yeager clan.

he started slowly undressing y/n— their hands intertwined together as he bruised her body with his mouth; from her neck down to her belly. zeke was about to go feral at the sight of the young princess being completely submissive and compliant under his touch— it was a different kind of power to him; almost like an achievement.

“do you want me, y/n?” he asked as y/n helped in stripping him off his fabric— unbuttoning his polo and letting the clothing fall down from his torso. he placed his hands on her now naked thighs, positioning himself in the middle of her legs as he rubbed his erected member on her glistening bud. “do you want me to deflower you, my pretty lady?”

y/n pulled him closer, placing her hands on his back and feeling his touch as she responded, “yes, i would like to feel closer to you, zeke.”

and he sheathed his enraged member inside her moist insides— her walls tightly clenching around his member— causing her to claw on his back as she began to adjust according to his size. zeke could see a small trickle of blood coming out from her whole where his long rod of warmth rested. to make her more comfortable, he rubbed her tiny clit with his thumb, trying to soothe the pain that she was feeling.

as he started to do this, y/n felt herself get excited; her nipples began to stand erect— and as soon as zeke saw this, he didn’t miss the chance to put her right breast in his mouth— sucking her chest like a newborn infant.

“y-you can move now.” y/n gave him a peck on the lips as he started to move— causing the young woman to moan because of the friction between their bodies. they were sweating everywhere— but both of them care less; they wanted to be closer together— to live in the moment; fucking as if it’s their last time. i mean, who knows? knowing what could happen the next day, what if he actually disappears from her life forever?

his pacing began to become faster and his acts became even more merciless. his huge hands were gripping her jaw tightly as his thrusts were harsh— as if her insides were bruising. but the pain it gave her did not surpass the pleasure that she was feeling. his hands travelled down to her hips as he whispered to her ears as his breathing became erratic. “d-do you want me to breed you, my pretty woman? y-you want my seed, huh?”

y/n frantically nodded as he gripped her hips tightly, groaning loudly while he came inside her— totally filling her insides. as he was riding his orgasm, she began to call his name loudly, letting out her juices while clenching both of her fists on the bed sheet.

shortly after, y/n fell asleep beside him— and zeke had no choice but to look at her dearly. in his eyes, the young princess was the most beautiful woman. the blond man wished that one day, if he would be given the chance to meet her again, freedom would be granted upon them— the freedom to love and to choose the person you desire. yet he has no choice but to lament for there were shackles separating their beings no matter how much their hearts yearn from one another.

“i’m sorry, y/n.” zeke did not realize how a tear fell from his eye. “i’m sorry that this had to happen.”

y/n felt a strong slap on her cheek as her own father, the king of marleyans, stared at her in disgust. her mother was sobbing uncontrollably as she watched his daughter being tormented and judged by her own husband. the younger female just touched her cheek as a response to his anger.

“you ungrateful imbecile! i didn’t know you were whoring around while—“ the king held the temples of his head in frustration, feeling a strong pain as he scolded his daughter. “what have you done, y/n?! you have brought nothing but shame to the family!”

it’s been a month since the last time she saw zeke. after they spent the night together, y/n was left with a saddening letter— a letter of goodbye coming from the only man she loved. and she felt nothing— but only devastation for it was written:

dear my pretty y/n,

i just want you to know that i dearly love you and i treasure you so much. i believe that amongst all the women who have tried to reach out to me, you are the most memorable— for i have loved you greatly. i love you so much. but i’m afraid that i’ll have to drift apart from you because of our huge differences.

you are a marleyan while i’m an eldian. the grudge that our ancestors have casted upon each other is what separated us. but in my heart, you are always there.

i wish we weren’t suffering like this— that we were free enough to express our love.

your beloved,

zeke yeager

after that night, y/n faced the consequences of being attached to him— while alone, she cried intensely during the nights; yearning for her dear lover’s presence— to see him; to feel his touch, and to speak with him again.

a month later, there were changes in y/n’s body. she always felt sick and even gained a bit of weight even when trying to eat less. her father, the king, decided to let the palace doctors examine her body— only to find out that she was carrying a child. the news made her father furious— throwing expensive ornaments around the palace while shouting as his wife could do nothing but to weep and to calm him down.

y/n wasn’t even speaking. she just stood there— weeping; it’s not because of the pain of being slapped; but the pain of disappointing your parents hits different to her— because she was known as a goody-two-shoes; as someone who have always obeyed them. and it’s her first time letting them down.

“who is the father of that filthy child?!” her father asked while still blazing in anger. y/n touched her belly as she began to swallow before speaking nervously. her response earned her another slap from her father— but this time, it was stronger than the first one— obviously filled with an intense rage.

“the father of my child... is an eldian.”

that was the queue for her to leave the palace. after that night, y/n l/n’s name was erased from the list of the royal family members. her furious father wanted to kill her— but her dear mother begged for her life. as a result, she was exiled to a far away country where she lived alone and gave birth to her daughter, ymir. she was named ymir because zeke has always expressed his admiration towards his ancestor— an iconic woman for eldians; for she helped so much in developing and enhancing their empire.

ymir was a loud child who always cried loudly for her needs— but y/n still loved her dearly despite all the hardships and all the judgements she received for being an unmarried mother. with her daughter being born, y/n began to protect both of themselves from the society— avoiding any news about the eldia and marleyan war— which broke out few months after ymir was born. when y/n heard of this, a spark of hope came across her body— what if zeke came out alive? what if he managed to seize his land back and is still alive?

yet among all these years, there were nothing. nothing tried to reach out towards them— it has been always her and ymir; just the two of them. and so, the young woman, now at the age of 23, considered him dead. if he was alive, he would have been probably 29 by now— and if he managed to claim eldia once again, he would have been the king, right? then if that’s the case, he could have made an effort to find them. but nothing came up all these years. therefore, y/n concluded that zeke died during his mission at some point.

until she heard that name again. after hanging their laundry, y/n and ymir would go to the supermarket, buying all their food and essentials. the young mother heard of his name— zeke yeager; the older women were talking about him— the king who managed to retrieve the eldian empire and took over the whole country after claiming freedom from the marleyans. apparently, the economy of marley failed after that war; as they were isolated from creating trades outside of the country as a sanction for enslaving over millions of people. the sympathy fell upon the eldian race— a now free country loved by the people around the world; and the yeager clan was known as a marvelous family for protecting and freeing their own people.

“the king of eldia? zeke yeager? visiting a small country like ours? oh, how flattering!” the older woman chattered as she giggled at her friend while selling some freshly-ripe fruits in their stall. “i heard that he’s in search for a wife, right? my, my... only if i was a little younger!”

at first, y/n took the news lightly. it could be a hoax, right? also, despite this country being small, there’s a very small probability of them crossing paths. zeke won’t be able to find them, she thought— until she saw a huge carriage outside of their tiny home in the middle of grasslands. y/n peeked from their house’s small window to see a tall blonde man coming out of the huge vehicle. his shoulders were broad and he has a bit of facial hair. the young lady’s eyes widened as she saw who followed. he looked healthy compared to the last time they saw each other.

“z-zeke...” y/n cried as she looked at her 5-year-old child playing with her tiny dolls in the living room while sitting on top of the floor.

y/n’s cries became louder as the blond man knocked on the door— waited for their response; in which ymir opened the door. zeke’s eyes widened as he gazed upon ymir. the moment his eyes landed on the young girl, he knew— he knew that the 5-year-old girl was his daughter— a piece of his and y/n’s flesh and blood. zeke hugged the young child as he cried, “i-i finally found you...” ymir, the 5-year-old girl, was left confused and speechless— but the moment she saw her mother’s face, she realized who he was— zeke yeager, the last of the yeager clan— is her father.

few days after their small yet joyful reunification, y/n moved in along with zeke inside the eldian palace. as soon as the news spread like wildfire, the people were enraged that zeke have chosen a woman who was once a descendant of the enemy— but he loved her greatly. the whole five years that he has been fighting, y/n has left a whole in his heart— a huge hole that only her love and presence could heal. therefore, he couldn’t help himself but to find her no matter where it takes him— whether it takes him to the corners of this lonely and dangerous world or to the hands of the grim reaper.

think of it, romance and war struggles are both different— and when it is mixed, it could hurt people. but there’s nothing better than the feeling of having your loved ones by your side after years of battle scars, armed struggles, and bloodshed with enemies.

I ACTUALLY DID NOT PROOFREAD THE WHOLE STUFF AND I WAS KINDA SLEEPY WHILE WRITING IT OMSHSHSHS— anyway im having a zeke brainrot rn cuz why not.

also, maybe after this, i’ll make a reiner smau. what do u guys think ^___^

MASTERLIST 🖤

#attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #aot x reader #aot smut #aot imagines #aot royal au #aot fanfic #aot fanfics #snk x reader #snk smut #aot brainrot #zeke brainrot #zeke yeager #zeke jaeger #zeke yeager x reader #zeke jaeger x reader #zeke x reader #zeke smut #snk fanfic #snk fanfics #snk oneshot #aot oneshots #aot x y/n

[sup-hoes-its-me]

I have a Shikamaru request! It’s a bit long winded so dust with me 😊. Shikamaru is assigned to protect reader who is the last of her clan that a lot is not known about. (So he also has the secret mission of finding our more about the clan and their abilities). They end up falling for each-other (of course). And after reader finds out she is pregnant she learns that Shikamaru was meant to learn about her. I’m seeing some angsty fluffy goodness! And hopefully a happy ending. 🥰

Healing You (Shikamaru x Reader)

A/N: Thank you for your request! These long detailed ones are perfect and give me just enough information to give you the perfect story. I skipped the pregnancy part because im not totally comfortable with that...hopefully you still enjoy.

word count: 5500

Shikamaru had been anticipating this mission for a while. The Hokage told him it was of utmost importance to be ready at any time for this clan princess to show up. He was expected to drop all other missions or plans to escort this woman, whoever she was across the country to her homeland deep within Frost country. He wasn’t expecting much, actually he was expecting probably the worst client ever.

For someone to request escort at the drop of a hat like that, someone with enough money to do so as well... Shikamaru could only assume they were an asshole of the highest caliber. Probably some old woman or a spoiled little child, someone he definitely would not get along with for a month long mission just the two of them. He could remember the urgency in Kakashi’s tone when he assigned the mission, the amount of trust behind his words.

Shikamaru walked into the office casually, hands shoved deep in his pants pockets. Kakashi sat there alone at his desk, looking through paperwork and sifting through piles of white sheets, each with different names and faces. He must have thought long and hard about who he was to pick for this mission, the boy concluded.

This was going to be tiresome, he deduced quickly. Another tedious mission.

“Shikamaru, I have an important mission for you,” the man said clearly. “You can look through these files, if you want, but we don’t have any clear information on this one, I’m afraid.” He tossed over a folder full of records. Death receipts, birth certificates, first hand accounts of battles witnessed. He didn’t know what to make of what he was looking at other than a common last name running across the pages.

Hirawa.

“What is this about?” he questioned.

“In about a month's time, possibly longer, possibly shorter, I don’t have an exact date, you will escort Princess Y/N Hirawa, of the hidden Hirawa clan to the Land of Frost.”

“Who’s on my team?”

He shook his head at that question. “No one. This is a solo mission, and I’m entrusting you alone with this. It’s important you keep your mouth shut about all of this until we know it’s safe, for you and the princess.” Safe? Just what kind of mission was this anyway? Obviously it had something to do with this clan, not that he’d ever heard of them. “She has a bounty on her head, quite large at that. But we believe she can become the key to mastering some ninjutsu, particularly medical jutsu.”

“Well, what’s her clan’s kekkei genkai?”

“That’s what we don’t know, and for you to find out. All we know is that there's some dangerous people out there who want this power, and we need to protect her at all costs, you understand,” he stressed, and Shikamaru nodded. This wasn’t that big of a deal, he guessed. Protecting one girl from some rookie bounty hunters, not to mention he was being sent out alone. This was going to be a walk in the park.

The worst part of it all would be putting up with some troublesome girl for an entire month. Making conversation and having to pretend she wasn’t getting on his last nerve. That would tire him the most.

“Rumor has it, she was never able to awaken her ability, so I’m hoping you can help coax it out of her and see what we’re dealing with.”

“Of course. I’ll figure it out.”

“Good. I’m counting on you. You should take the files to look over in your free time, you’ll have lots of it before this mission. I have copies here for myself,” he motioned to another folder on her desk filled to the brim with papers just like the one he was holding. It was strange to have so much information at their fingertips, but not enough to put a description to their kekkei genkai. They must be secretive, similar to how the Uchiha hides their secrets on the stone tablet, or something.

He left the Sixth Hokage’s office and walked away to his home, where he could more closely go over the information in this folder, try to deduce something from all this random information. He would get to the bottom of this, he was a genius after all. Whether he had the help of this woman or not, he would figure it out for the Hokage.

And so, here he stood outside of Kakashi’s office with all his supplies packed in his bag, dressed for a long mission away from home. The princess had arrived. He was to meet her and then immediately they were supposed to leave off to her homeland.

The Anbu officer to his left opened the door, and motioned for him to walk in. So uptight for just a little meeting, was all this security really necessary, he wondered to himself. As he looked into the room, he spotted Kakashi standing along the window behind his desk with a smaller woman at his side, wrapped up in thick robes made of wool, embroidered with thick silver and white yarn.

Admittedly, her clothes looked incredibly expensive. He questioned how she wasn’t sweating bullets with the typical warm weather outside here in Konoha. He was expecting her to turn around, to be this hideous creature.

“Ah, Y/N, it seems your escort has arrived,” Kakashi hummed, placing a soft hand on the woman’s back as she turned around. When he finally got a good look at her face, he was taken aback, nearly enough to throw him off balance. She was decidedly the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his entire life. Wrapped up in those blankets was a young woman, who couldn't be much older than he was, with piercing eyes that immediately cut through his.

Her hair fell just perfectly around her face to frame her features, the soft color suiting her eyes and skin perfectly. Her eyelashes flickered over her eyes a few times as she gazed over at him, and he felt swoon. She had the softest skin he’d ever seen combined with those mesmerizing eyes and the shape of her face which looked like it belonged cradled in his hands.

He felt this inert urge to run in the opposite direction from her, out the room and down the hall, back to home where he could catch his breath. He already knew his cheeks were turning bright red under her stare, and he could tell Kakashi was judging him with those dark eyes of his.

“It’s nice to meet you, Shikamaru Nara,” she hummed, and he felt faint. Even her voice was precious, almost like she was singing. He choked down his breaths, trying to keep his cool the best he could. It was uncharacteristic of him to act this way with a client. He was just her escort, not some pervert. They were going to live together for basically a month, he needed to get a grip on his emotions. “Your Hokage was telling me great things about you.”

“Oh, uh,” he paused, frozen without words to leave his lips, just an empty mind full of her image. He shook his head a bit, eyes now glaring down at the floorboards beneath him. “You too, Princess.”

“Please, just call me Y/N. Princess is just too formal for me,” she told him, waving off the title almost as quickly as it left his mouth. “Kakashi, it was nice getting to know you this morning, I hope to see you and your wonderful village again soon.”

“You’re welcome back whenever you like.”

She rounded the table and approached Shikamaru carefully, eyeing him down as she did so. She took in his appearance and his stance, the emotions she could see radiating off his person from his body language. From the looks of it, he simply appeared flustered and confused. Not exactly the most ideal for the situation at hand, but they would manage. Men usually had a similar reaction when they saw her for the first time, either they were in awe or they were trying to kidnap her.

He nodded in her direction and then to the Hokage before turning around and starting out the door, the girl following closely behind him. He could hear the swishing of her thick robes around her ankles, just barely skimming the floor. He still didn’t know her personality at all, but he wouldn’t mind looking at her once in a while on this trip.

“So, why are you heading to the Land of Frost?” he asked, and she sighed.

“One of the village elders is dying. They believe my kekkei genkai is the only way to reverse the incoming death, and its consequence on my people,” she explained.

“Why doesn’t another one of your clan members do it? Surely the rest of your family lives-”

“There is no one else. I am the last living Hirawa,” she told him simply, and he could sense a bit of ice dripping off her tongue at those words. How could she not be upset recalling the annihilation of her entire clan. “The problem is that I haven’t been able to awaken my kekkei genkai. I’m not sure what they want with a useless Hirawa like me.”

“Listen, I’m sorry about your clan, but calling yourself useless really isn’t-”

“How would you feel, Shikamaru, if you were the only person in the world with the ability to save a human being from their certain death and you couldn’t even activate that gift? You have to understand how that feels for me,” she told him solemnly, her head hung low as she walked toward the gates of the village right beside the boy. People looked at her as she moved through the village, they stared in awe at her clothes and her face and the unique glimmer in her eyes. And she cowered inward, tucking herself into her robes and the fur of her hood even further, away from the prying eyes of this village.

He stayed silent, not really knowing how to respond to what she’d said to him. The sadness and the anger in her tone, deep within her words, was immeasurable. She was in pain, a conflict with herself. He wasn’t going to get into that just yet. They’d only met a few minutes ago.

They left the village together and started on their journey. It was going to be a long month, that’s for sure.

________

It had been a week of walking through the forest already, days of sleeping on the ground beneath the stars, eating rations out of his bag over the fireplace. Originally, he thought this mission would be easy, that she seemed like a normal-ish girl who wouldn’t give him any trouble, but he was wrong.

She was too quiet. It was strange, walking with someone for hours without a single word shared between them. He tried to start up a conversation, and she would reply with one word answers, sometimes if he was lucky, two or three words. She rarely looked at him, choosing to either stare at the ground where she took each step, or up at the stars and the vastness of it all. She was lost in her own mind.

Every night, as they were falling asleep, he could hear her looking over at him, scanning his form for a sign that he was still awake. He would remain still, facing the opposite way on his side, head propped up on his bag. Then, when she thought she was safe, he would hear the sobs run through her weak form. She would shake and quiver, curling in on herself and crying out into the forest for only Shikamaru and the moon to hear.

He felt terrible for her, needless to say. The guilt he felt just from hearing her cries, and knowing her internal struggle was enough to make this trip difficult. His heart hurt for her, as strange as that was to say. Normally, it was easy to remain objective, but with Y/N, it was different. He felt attached. He felt like her problems were also his. It was maddening.

She laid on the ground beside him, the majority of her soup still in her bowl and her water bottle resting at her side. She stared up into the clouds, occasionally, her eyes would slide over to see what he was up to and then she would look back at the sky. “You need to eat. We have a lot of walking until we reach the next town, probably a week’s worth. I can’t carry you if you get too tired,” he told her, pushing her bowl closer to her side.

“You know, Shikamaru, sometimes I wonder why people like you Leaf nin even protect someone like me. What’s the point? I’m useless to you and the enemy,” she muttered hopelessly. He still pushed the soup closer until she sat up and took the bowl into her hands, taking a small sip from the spoon. “I just don’t get it. How can you call me princess when I’m just as normal as the next woman on the street?”

“Listen, I don’t know what anyone else has told you, but that’s a load of bullshit.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, just because you can’t access your abilities right now doesn’t make you useless. You’re still a person just like everyone else,” he explained, stabbing his spoon into his soup as he found himself getting a little worked up. He couldn’t stand this self-pitying bullshit from her. Yeah, she was sad and all, but she didn’t have to rub it into the wound like this.

She looked surprised at his words.

What did she expect him to say? That she was right and then just abandon her out in the woods? He was beginning to think this girl was just plain stupid.

“It’s just been impossible since the incident to think of anything else. I’m sorry for upsetting you,” she sighed, taking another sip of her now cold soup.

He questioned carefully. “What incident?” He was on a mission after all. To discover her clan secrets and bring them back to the village to study. Even if she was being emotional, he could still gather some intel.

She bit her lip, and looked up to the sky again, blinking back tears from gathering in the corners of her eyes. She took a few deep breaths before explaining herself. “The day my clan was massacred. The day that those people slaughtered my sensei in front of the entire village and then killed my parents.”

He paused, lifting his eyes to look at her. She was crying, as he expected, silent tears dripping from her eyes into her lap. But she was holding strong otherwise, not a falter in her voice or a catch in her breath. She wasn’t even shaking. She was really serious about keeping these emotions private, in the middle of the night where he couldn’t hear or see.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to,” he assured, but she shook her head.

“I’m fine. I should talk about it anyway. I haven’t had a person to talk to in years, you know.” Sitting on her face was the saddest of all smiles, a weak attempt at remaining strong. She wiped at her eyes with her wrist and continued. “I’m not even sure why they wanted us all dead, but it had something to do with the war and my clan’s actions. They were barbaric. They slit the throat of my sensei in town square and we watched her blood drip across town while they carried her head.”

“Oh, damn.”

“I know,” she agreed, “As sick as it is to say, I’m glad they only stabbed my parents with a sword. We used to be royalty, it took them killing an entire army of soldiers to get to the throne room to kill them. I was only a child hiding in the curtains, I had to watch without making a sound. I couldn’t cry, I couldn’t even breathe, or they would have killed me too.”

“I’m so sorry, Y/N. That’s horrific.”

“When they left, it was only me. I had to walk my way to one of the outer villages for help. I was a mess, covered in my parents blood. They’d stolen everything. All the secrets of the clan. I never got the chance to read the sacred texts. I only know from my Sensei the very basics of what we can do.”

He absorbed what she had said, taking in each word. Admittedly, she lived a terrible, horrible life, one to rival Sasuke at that. He asked, “You haven’t been able to retrieve any of the texts, have you?”

“No, unfortunately. That’s why it’s taken me this long to figure out how to unlock my ability. I literally do not know how,” she confessed, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. “It feels strange, knowing I have this ultimate healing ability and I can’t even use it to save anyone.”

“Ultimate healing ability?”

“Well, yeah. That’s our kekkei genkai. We can heal basically anything besides death. Blindness, deafness, rotting limbs, in some cases, paralysis. I’m not sure how it works, but that’s what it does. That’s why they want me to come home so desperately. I’m the only one left who can heal her.”

“You’ll figure it out,” he stated bluntly, and she tilted her head to the side in confusion.

“What?”

He reiterated, “You’ll figure out how to use your kekkei genkai. I believe in you. You’re beautiful, smart, and modest, not a fool.”

She found her cheeks begin to heat up at his words, and she leaned back, her eyes catching onto his. “Thank you, Shikamaru. It’s not everyday I get earnest compliments like that.” It was true. Normally, she did get compliments, but not the nice kind. She would often get harrassed on the street by men without brains, or recieve backhanded comments from people of her own village who hated her for what she could not be.

He shook his head, “Well, you should. You’re a strong woman, you just need more faith in yourself. You have almost no self-confidence whatsoever.” He was right about that too. Sad, wasn’t it? “You’re obviously a good person, so be proud of yourself. Not a lot of people could have gone through what you did and still be on the good side to this day.”

“I-” Y/N froze, her eyes growing wide. “Did you hear that?” she asked, her eyes flickering from Shikamaru into the woods. There were voices, soft and quiet voices, but they were still there, hush in the background. He stood up on his feet, and motioned for her to stay down close to the ground.

“Come out, whoever you are.”

And, indeed, a group of men emerged from the forest, at least ten of them. They sauntered up to the pair and the leader smirked. “We’re not here to hurt you, Leaf shinobi. Just hand over the princess and no harm will come to you,” he said, his voice musty and disgusting, like he’d been smoking cigarettes everyday for the past ten years. They knew, clearly, that a leaf shinobi wasn’t just about to abandon their charge and go running for the hills. His request was a joke.

Y/N wasn’t a fighter. She couldn’t help even if she wanted to. She was solely a healer, and even then, her skills were shaky at best. She could only do the most menial and mediocre of work on her patients. Shikamaru was against these men completely alone.

She felt fear creeping up her spine and sending shivers through her body. She barely knew the boy, had only known him for a week or so, but damn, did she like him. He was kind to her, one of the kindest people she’d met in a long time. She wanted him to be safe, to save her and come out on top like the shinobi of the Leaf are supposed to.

He turned around and waved for her to run. “Princess, Imma need you to run. I’ll come find you when it’s safe. Just go.”

She was hesitant to take off, but one stern look from him shot down any thought of staying. The woman gathered up her robes and ran in the opposite direction of the crew and her protector. Immediately after she left, she heard screaming from behind, the shouts of men in pain and men filled with anger. So much yelling. She held her breath, and kept running, running until she could only hear the faint yells of the men. She couldn’t hear Shikamaru. He was far too quiet to have those loud theatrics on the battlefield.

Y/N took cover in the roots of a tree, and just listened, felt what was going on around her. She studied the chakra signatures floating through the air, counting how many men still lived and how many were alive and well. Likewise, she kept close track of Shikamaru’s energy, making sure he was still going.

If he died, she didn’t know what would come of her. Would she be sold off? Murdered? She knew of the unspoken bounty on her head amongst the criminals, and that struck fear in her heart. All she could do was pray for Shikamaru’s survival.

After what seemed like hours but in reality only about 10 minutes, the screams and shouts finally came to a halt. The chakra signatures of most of the men were completely gone, meaning they had died sometime during the battle. Only some remained, and they were weakened severely, probably passed out or bleeding out.

Shikamaru’s alarmed her. It was weak, almost as weak as the rest. She crawled out from under the tree and started back in the direction of the campsite, keeping her head low nearly in a crouch to stay unseen. There was no telling what was happening over there or who was still out here.

When she got to the campsite though, her eyes widened and she nearly screamed. While the rest of the men collapsed on the ground in bloody heaps, Shikamaru lay in the middle of them, bleeding out from a ginormous wound protruding from his side. She fell onto her knees beside his barely breathing form and held her hands over the wound, trying her best to run her chakra through her, but she was weak. Only a faint light emanating from her hands, not enough to come close to saving him.

“Shikamaru? Shikamaru, can you hear me? Please, try to stay awake, okay?” the girl pleaded, resting one of her soft hands on his cheek. He sighed into her touch. It was just as he imagined. Warm and gentle, like the caress of a feather. At least, if he were to die, it would be in the arms of an angel, he decided.

“You need to head back to the Leaf. Tell Kakashi what happened,” he sputtered out, blood leaving his lips and dripping down the sides of his face. “I lived a good life.”

“No, no, no. You are not dying on me. Not happening,” she whispered. She continued to pour her chakra into his wound, not that it was doing anything serious. Tears filled her eyes and she bit her lip, trying to keep them from falling, but she couldn’t help it. All these tears plagued her life. Memories that made her cry. All the pressure. All the death. Poor Shikamaru lying here dying after saving her life. “I’m going to save you,” she muttered firmly.

Pressure built up in her chest and she pushed further and further, digging deeper into her chakra reserve. It actually hurt the amount of effort she was putting in. It was exhausting, and after about a minute, she was gasping for breath. “Stop. It’s okay, princess.”

“Dammit, Shikamaru, I told you not to call me princess, “ Y/N shouted, and in that moment, she felt something shift inside her. A well of energy she never knew she had opened up and she felt it being filled not by her own chakra but by the men around her. Her body absorbed every last bit of chakra in their bodies, filling hers completely. When Shikamaru looked up at her, he noticed a slight glow coming from her skin that wasn’t there before.

It seemed she awoke her kekkei genkai.

With all the newfound energy she had, she channelled it into saving Shikamaru. Right in front of her eyes, his wound began to close and blood sunk back into his body. He groaned at the feeling, shifting uncomfortably on the ground. Finally, she had done something great.

And as she watched the last bit of his wound shut and the blood to seep back into his body, she found herself grow lightheaded.

As she was passing out, she heard him calling her name, and the only thing she could do was smile. She did it. She saved him. Her vision went black and sleep overtook her swiftly.

________

After Y/N saved Shikamaru and awoke her kekkei genkai, the boy gathered up both of their belongings, hoisted them over his shoulder, and then carried her in his arms to the next village. She wasn’t waking up anytime soon, he found that was probably a bad side effect of using the ability. It completely drained her. He just knew he had to move before any of those guys woke back up. He was not ready to fight again.

He enjoyed feeling her in his arms, pressed tightly to his chest with her head lolling side to side. Y/N was sweet and cute, with her little, “don’t call me princess” proclamation before saving him. It seemed she was just as much a princess as everyone thought she was, and a powerful one at that. She basically brought him back from the dead, and he would be grateful for his entire life for what she’d done for him.

The two of them rested for the night in a village inn just a couple miles away before waking up the next morning and setting off with a new bounce in her step toward your homeland where she was sure she could save the village elder now. He watched as the girl walked eagerly in front of him, swinging her robes by her sides and letting her hair loose instead of a tight braid.

This side of her, it was gorgeous. She was gorgeous. Maybe, he found himself harboring just a tiny crush on the girl who saved his life, the girl who took his breath away when they first met. Maybe he liked her a lot. It was pointless to have such feelings for a girl he would probably never meet again after dropping her off in her homeland.

But he could enjoy his time now, with the girl of his dreams at his side.

He found himself wanting more time with her. Much more time. He knew they only had about a week before they arrived in the Land of Frost, and it was depressing him. He wanted her to come back to the village with him and live there, just so he could see her face everyday and hear that sing-song voice run off her tongue.

Was that so much to ask for? Well, yes, but he still wanted it…

They found themselves stopped for the night or two in a village on the coast. She was tired from all the walking and sleeping in the grass. She was willing to spend a few dollars to have a nice bed to sleep in for the night. She booked a room at one of the inns in town and collapsed into the mattress in the room, throwing her robes to the side and cuddling into the comforter. It had been so long since she was living in such comfortable conditions.

He took a seat beside her and pulled out a book, flipping to the most recent page and diving in. He was more than happy to finally rest. He was lazier than she was, after all. They had been walking for almost a month now, he was tired of it. The only thing that kept him going was seeing her smile every now and then, especially the ones directed at him, or in response to something he said.

Something about those smiles just made him feel good inside. It was sickening. These mushy, gushy feelings he was having. He was beginning to think he might be falling for the girl, like, falling in love. He was disturbed. Was he really that weak to a pretty face, soft hands, and a warm heart?

“Shikamaru?”

“Hmm?”

“I’ll be home in a week, and you’ll have to go back to the Leaf Village,” she said. He nodded. At that point, they would go their separate ways and it would all be over, this friendship they had. He’d never felt so torn about a mission until now.

He replied casually, “Yeah. Time flies, huh?”

She held her breath for a moment, thinking over her next words very carefully. She’d actually been pondering when she was gonna tell him over the last few days, thinking over every way the scenario could play out. “I don’t want you to go. I don’t want to leave you, Shikamaru,” she confessed, finally letting go of the breath she was holding.

He raised a brow, setting down his book and turning to face her. “What do you mean?”

“Well...it’s just that your Hokage seems to really like me, and I don’t really have a home anymore with my clan gone,” she mumbled, twiddling her fingers in her lap. “I was thinking maybe after I heal the elders and the village that I could go home with you instead. Live in the leaf village.”

He just looked at her. Had all his longing been for nothing? Could she really mean it? Coming home with him? Could his future really involve seeing her every day, introducing her to his best friends, and healing his people when they were injured?

“I mean, if you don’t think it’s a good idea, though, I totally get it-”

“No! I-I love that idea, actually.”

“Really?”

“Would I say it if I didn’t mean it?”

He watched as her lips curled into a bright smile and she clasped her hands together. “Shikamaru, I’m so happy. You and the other Leaf nin are the only people to show me any kindness in a long time. I get to go home to people that will care about me.”

“Yeah, we’re pretty good at that back in the Leaf. Caring, that is.”

She fell back against the bed and sighed, curling up in the sheets once again. He watched as she smiled into the covers and closed her eyes, relishing in this feeling of newfound freedom and happiness, of the hope she found in him and the village. Despite finding women troublesome most of the time, he was willing to go through trouble for her. He felt like he’d do just about anything for this girl.

So unlike him. Tch. Get a grip, Shika.

Her next words had him melting like putty in her hands though. He just couldn’t help it.

"I'm glad you were assigned this mission with me. You helped me awaken my abilities, and I think it was fate that brought us together for that to happen," she sighed. "This meeting, you and I, it was always meant to be. I'm sure of it now."

"Maybe you're right. I wouldn't know," he replied.

It was quiet for a while, just her lost in her own dreams, her own thoughts. Her eyes trailed over to him, and she just knew she was swoon. With his lazy grin and his thoughtful gaze. It was so obvious to her now.

She confessed, “I think I like you. As more than just a friend, Shikamaru. I know I probably shouldn’t be telling you this considering I still need you to escort me to the village and all, and you might not want me to go back to the Leaf with you now, but I just-”

He couldn’t wait anymore. He was going crazy. Finally, he kissed her.

She felt his hands resting on either side of her head and his lips pressed carefully to hers, testing the waters. She brought her own hands up to cup his own, bringing him closer and deeper into the kiss. She smiled and sighed, enjoying the feeling of pure bliss. It had been so long since she felt something so good. Something so sweet.

“You like me too?”

“You’re dumb as hell.”

And he kissed her again. And again. And maybe a couple more times after that.

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