#no light leakage

[ahalal-uralma]

#the tangerinedream #myphotography #photography #nature #woods #trees #sun #sunlight #half frame #light leakage #dreamy

[lycaenidi]

arm

#rory art #ignore the extra light leakage that is generally taken care of when I wear it #n e ways. hopefully I should be able to get to sewing the coat soon #lighting sucks there but there's a really nice gold + blue shimmer effect #(due to the paint) #painted this w/ an airbrush. really fun might try to get more into using it #anyway this is the second major cosplay piece. this is my first time seriously cosplaying so I'm having a lot of fun!

[manfredsimportauto]

If you think about it… you will find coolant at the center of your vehicle's cooling system. This is the fluid that plays a crucial role in keeping the engine temperature within permissible limits. Therefore, don't take it for granted.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/641903753159622936/

#audi #car coolant #car coolant leakage #car check engine light #car service center

[temis-de-leon]

Obey Me and Lonely MC

How I imagine the very few moments before MC was summoned to the Devildom

Gender neutral reader (please correct me If I'm wrong)

Masterlist

CW: angst, panicking and body pain, nothing explicit, college student MC sharing apartment, shitty college experience, lonely MC but the sad type of lonely, they're kinda depressed. Diavolo, Barbatos and Lucifer welcome MC, but they're barely there

Please enjoy!

.

You only had time to close the door before the floor under your feet started sinking like quicksand, bending in waves and violently shaking your body.

Everything beyond the entrance seemed completely normal: the wood was as hard as it could be and the tiles shone as they always did, yellow and cheap thanks to the faded lights in the apartment.

Still, nothing there was brighter than whatever the fuck was illuminating your body from underneath. Where exactly you weren't sure, but it came from below.

It was weird.

It was too much.

You threw your backpack away from you, your computer possibly breaking with the fall under the weight of multiple books, before rummaging through all your pockets in search of your phone.

There had to be someone you could call. Someone. Anyone.

The blood pumped in you ears and your fingers struggled to unlock the screen while you screamed your roommates' names with a trembling voice.

You were alone.

How in fucking hell could you be alone?

Maybe you were dreaming or hallucinating! Stress could do that to you, right? Exams had been hectic those days and your sleeping habits had been disastrous for weeks, often leaving you empty at best and anhedonic at worst. That had to be it! Your brain was malfunctioning due to sleep depravation and high cortisol levels, also causing a decrease in balance and a permanent state of alert.

You were unnecessaryly panicking because your body was tired. It was as simple as that.

You. Were. Fine.

So you let your knees give up, wincing a little when they hit the floor. Your coat, always your favourite, was warm as a blanket and taking it off felt like a herculean task.

Your body followed its own weight, leaning forward until your hands touched the wood and kneaded like it was some kind of weird bread dough before you fully laid down. You felt as if it was absorbing your energy, draining it completely and making you lose your vision.

You thought you saw red surrounding your siluette in a circle, but your mind was too far gone by then, too tired to process anything that catched your brain's attention.

It could've been seconds or hours until you opened your eyes again. The possibility of being days was also there, but how could you be sure?

Flesh hard under your skin and blood slow through your veins, there was nothing you could feel but pain and the faint smell of sulfur.

Was there a leakage in the building?

And since when did your apartment have such high ceilings? Made of stone with stained glass... You'd never seen them, haven't you? You'd remember if you did.

Someone was talking to you. Not any of your roommates, of that you were sure. The voice was too deep.

You sat like a spring, dizzy and too aware of your surroundings, adrenaline kicking in. It did smell like sulfur, but it was going away, letting your nose catch instead what was probably a really expensive cologne.

There were men around you, you realized, all staring at your perplexed expression with amusement, as if you were a new addition to the zoo. And they were tall. Like... tall tall.

One of them, dressed in red, spoke to you again, but your ears were clogged. You weren't intentionally ignoring him, you just couldn't hear a single shit. You could barely hear your own heartbeat.

Were you still alive?

"Hey... Ah!"

Your voice sounded like a whisper for only one second, but it was enough to pop your ears and make you scream and grab the sides of your head in anguish. Someone, not the one in red, spoke again in a tongue you didn't recognize and made the pain disappear like mist.

"... where you are?"

"Human"

"Human! Answer the prince!"

What fucking prince?

"What?" you finally asked in a creaky voice.

"Do you know where you are?"

The redhead spoke one final time. He seemed to be the nicest one, but you couldn't fully trust the tallest dude you'd ever seen who also had yellow eyes.

Not light brown. Yellow. Bright yellow.

"I don't know, man... Hell?"

You were being sarcastic, but the smile in his face told you something completely unexpected.

"You see, Lucifer? Barbatos? They seem to be aware of their surroundings!"

"I'm not sure that's the case, my Lord"

Hell.

You were in hell? Of course you were.

It did make sense once you thought about it. Come on! Floor sinking under your feet? And your dumbass believed it was due to stress! How could it be stress, dummy? Hell was the obvious answer!

Although conscious, you became too foggy to coherently answer any of their following questions. It sounded like they already knew what they wanted to hear and they were just making sure you also knew it.

Name, age, gender, nationality... Not even your rommates knew half of that, so how did they?

Maybe you were schizophrenic. How far could schizophrenia go?

"So, do you agree?"

The redhead with yellow eyes... A demon? Lord Diavolo. The Prince of Hell.

He looked at you with childish eagerness. Lucifer and Barbatos, if those were their actual names, didn't seem as happy.

Diavolo wasn't asking for your permission. If he actually wanted your permission, he would've sent you a letter or even waited for you in your own apartment like a creep. But you were already there. Asking that was just courtesy. Politeness.

You stayed in silence for a couple of minutes, maintaining direct eye contact with him.

You remembered your backpack, computer surely broken and library books all wrinkled and smelly, reeking of mold. The two roommates that never came to your rescue and your inability to think of someone that would come in a second just because you needed help.

You'd be an unsolved crime. A YouTube clickbait.

That seemed better than letting college steal your money and will to live before throwing you to the wolves.

"Sure, man, why not?"

.

.

#obey me #obey me! shall we date? #om! shall we date #om! swd #obey me mc #obey me reader #obey me diavolo #obey me lucifer #obey me barbatos #obey me angst #obey me fic #obey me oneshot #obey me gn!reader #obey me gn!mc #obey me gender neutral mc #obey me x gender neutral reader

[howtofightwrite]

How effective is clapping (boxing?) someone's ears in a fight? Like on a scale from like mild annoyance to taking someone out of a fight entirely. Something about it always seemed childish but I swear I've read something about the pressure change really messing up your eardrum and inner ear.

Boxing the ears works very well.

Your sense of balance is regulated by a fluid filled organ in your inner ear. Sensory hair cells track the way the fluid moves, or more accurately, fails to move, when your head and body move around. This is the fundamental, physiological basis, for your ability to tell up from down.

Unsurprisingly, when you get that fluid moving and doing things it's not supposed to, your body's ability to maintain your balance starts to experience some “difficulties.”

The inner ear works off some fairly reasonable expectations for how things will behave. Unfortunately, when those expectations are no longer true, for example if someone just delivered a shock of air pressure down both ear canals, it becomes surprisingly difficult to override that information.

So, when you box someone's ears, you can temporarily disrupt someone's balance, and if executed correctly, it can even cause them to crumple to the floor. Now it doesn't actually incapacitate them, and you can power through your inner ear getting slightly stirred from a hit (though, it's not going to be a fun experience. Especially if your body stumbles across the idea that your balance issues are from a poison you consumed, in which case expect to throw up. Though, if you have the ability to weaponize that, being able to literally throw up into your opponent's face is one way to offer a very clear opinion on getting your ears boxed.)

However, that's the shallow end. Boxing the ears can, as you mentioned, cause an ear drum to pop. This isn't quite as simple as it might first seem, as there are a lot of ways this blow can cause temporary or permanent damage to the ear and your ability to hear, ranging from the membrane itself being perforated (though, that's more likely if there's a sharpened object getting driven into their ear, or “ossicular dislocation,” where the bones you rely on to make the ear drum work become separated (and fixing this will require surgery.) However, it can get muchworse if enough force is applied.

There are a lot of delicate bits of bone in this part of the skull (including the malleus, incus, and stapes mentioned in the previous paragraph.) A lot of these are part of the temporal bone as a whole, but breaking parts of that can have some really unpleasant side effects including, and I'm not exaggerating (much), your brain leaking from your ear or sinuses. (Though, it's far more common that this leakage is cerebrospinal fluid, rather than the brain itself which is usually non-life threatening, and those injuries dotend to heal on their own, but in rare cases surgery is necessary to deal with CSF leakage.) Which is to say, it can get reallybad.

So, in a word, “yeah.” Boxing the ears works. A fairly light tap to both at the same times can completely scramble someone's sense of balance for a few minutes, and if you can land the hits, it is a valid way to create an opening for a hasty exit. The more catastrophic outcomes are extremely unlikely unless you're driving a lot more force into their skull, or get supremely unlucky.

Now, “supremely unlucky,” can still happen, and you are battering someone's skull, so boxing their ears isn't exactly, “safe,” but as intentional strikes to the head go, it's one of the less dangerous options. Then again, it's also not trying to do much to your foe.

-Starke

This blog is supported through Patreon. Patrons get access to new posts three days early, and direct access to us through Discord. If you’re already a Patron, thank you. If you’d like to support us, please consider becoming a Patron.

#writing reference #writing tips #writing advice #how to fight write #starke answers #starke is not a real doctor

[hangesdarling]

I hear you want Hange requests….heres one for you angry sex with hange 🤤

attention — h. zoë

PAIRING. Hange Zoë x female reader

SYNOPSIS. During the party celebrating Marley and Eldia, the tension between you and Hange remained thick after an argument.

CONTENT. 18+, MDNI, angst, alcoholism, arguments, masturbation, cursing, Yelena making moves on you, jealousy, fingering, strap-on sex, Hange being kinda aggressive, marking up, dacryphilia if you squint, choking, overstimulation, drama (lmk what else)

WORD COUNT. 3.4k

A/N. this is my active daydream being turned into a fic. got carried away lmao

The ballroom party wasn't really necessary. All the fine-tuned instruments, lovely voices, and extravagant facade serve nothing but shallow acquaintanceship between the two parties. It doesn't mean anything, you argued with Hange. But you still sat there in a lone chair by the bar, sipping away your disappointment. And sometimes, your eyes would travel over your spouse happily chatting with fellow commanding heads. 

Irritating, you thought, rolling your eyes before signaling the barkeep for another drink. 

Not only because you and Hange fought this morning, but you were forced to wear an itchy, pretentious dress during the event. You're itching to claw on your skin, the neckline forming tiny rashes mottled across your chest. You looked beautiful, but then again what could be expected from the Commander's wife but beauty, elegance, and good manners? A huff escaped your lips as you remembered Hange ordering you to behave yourself.  

They remained at the center table, chatting and laughing with the higher-ups they used to hate. You could only clench the drink handed to you, wondering if that Hange across the room was the same person you married seven years ago. For all you know, your Hange wouldn't force you into this stupidity and would loathe the pleasantries from the country wishing to eliminate your own. They wouldn't neglect you as what they've been doing for the past months. 

You want to storm there and shake them awake, to say that they shouldn't have let you stay all alone in this stupid, friendless corner like a forgotten, dusting trophy. You've already snapped quietly like a leakage never detected. You sneaked a champagne bottle, walking away from the party as you tore the lace choking your neck. Upstairs, you stormed inside the room you and Hange shared, still tearing away the fabric of your dress in pure irritation. 

You couldn't handle the air downstairs. The sweet scent of whisky, the rich scent of food, and the cloying commingle of expensive perfumes. Even Hange's presence. 

You tore the last ribbons off your dress, letting the fabric fall off your shoulder before crawling back to the cold bed sheets. Pulling the nearby pillow, you buried your face in frustration, trying to think of something peaceful. Flowers, sheep, anything, damnit. But your mind remained on the event downstairs, prompting the frustrated screams you let out on your pillow. 

You rolled over the bed, staring at the ceiling and ruminating what made you so frustrated. Your argument with Hange, the dress, the party... But there was something else. An unwelcomed thought you're trying to neglect out of fear to be pathetic: what frustrated you the most was that Hange hasn't touched you in such a long time. Even the past weeks became so difficult that you never had the opportunity to relieve yourself. Your body wanted to be touched, to be hugged so tightly once again, craving for the familiar feeling of Hange's arms that perfectly fit around your body.

Slowly, you unbuttoned the rest of your clothing, discarding them across the room. It didn't take long for you to set yourself in the mood, shutting the lights off to further feel yourself. In no time, you were clenching on the sheets, moaning soundlessly against the pillow as you tried to imitate Hange's rhythm inside of you. You curled and pumped your fingers inside your dripping cunt, thinking of the bleary memories when Hange was making love with you. 

However, your peak was cut short as you heard the door open and slammed closed within a matter of seconds. Hange's irritated voice followed.

"What do you think you're doing?" Hange hissed, locking the bolts shut. 

You sat up and shot them a glare, "None of your fucking business. Go away."

"None of my business?" Hange turned their head sharply at you. "Of course, it's none of my business that my wife is touching herself with the door unlocked and a huge party happening outside."

Their sarcastic tone irritated you even more. As you would argue back, Hange grabbed your wrist and pulled your chin so you would look at them.

"What were you thinking? What if I'm not the one who walked in?" 

You tore your hand off their bruising grip. "I hate you."

"Right. Hate me all you want. What is it now, you want someone else to walk in so you could be touched?"

Your eyes burned from the angry tears falling on your eyes, you pushed them away and muttered, "I hate you so much. You're making it sound like I'm a disgusting, cheating whore."

"What am I supposed to think when you're doing filthy things in our bed and didn't lock the door?" They argued back. 

"I just forgot to lock the door. Why don't you just drop it? Ugh!" Your voice rose, trying to shut them off. You wrapped a blanket around you, reaching for the bottle across the bed. Maybe handling this drunk would be better. 

Hange let out a sharp, annoyed sigh before swinging the bottle out of your reach. 

"I told you not to drink. You're a lightweight and it's not good for you," they said, trying to be calmer this time. You're so sick of arguing with them anymore that you just let them tear the drink away from you. You pulled the sheets to your chin and muttered, "Fine. Just go away."

Hange was eyeing the torn dress you threw across the room earlier and retorted, "No, you're going back downstairs. People are looking for you."

Of course. Everyone's conversation starter was to ask for the spouse of the other, flashing them like an acquired trophy to be complimented for pristine behavior. 

"No way in hell I'm going there," you said finally. "I'm sleeping."

Hange shot a hard look as your back was against them. They clenched the bottle tightly, eager to snap but wouldn't let themself. 

"Fine. Have your way." Truly, Hange wanted to talk to you, sort things out so you wouldn't sleep angry at them again but you've become so hard and cold. 

They took the bottle with them as they went out and slammed the door shut louder than before. Hange left the room, locking the door shut from the outside, thinking you would continue the act before. They won't risk anyone to see you like that. 

With attentive ears, you heard the tell-tale sound of a bolt being locked from the outside. You ran to the door and checked, wriggling the knob open to no avail. All that ran in your mind was perhaps Hange hated you so much they had to lock you in out of revenge. You pounded on it for almost half a minute, even shouting how irritated you were at them for locking you in. 

Eventually, you slumped from the other side and cried in anger. You didn't want to register what the few moments after that came to be as it was confusing. 

All you knew was that, the door managed to twist open. But it wasn't Hange from the other side. 

Yelena stood there, looking at you almost expectantly as she helped you stand up. She gave a light chuckle as you tried your hardest to cover up. 

"The bolt outside was quite easy. Magnetic," she remarked, her eyes making a subtle glance all over you. "Did Commander Hange lock you here?"

"Yes," you answered shortly, the pout on your lips looked so cute to her.

"Seems like the Commander was quite protective of you," Yelena chuckled, leaning on the door frame. "I could understand why."

Her eyes are set on yours. Knowingly, you understood her intentions but you dismissed it and immediately changed the subject, "Shouldn't you be downstairs?"

"I should be, yes. But I heard you."

You closed the door halfway and muttered, "I think you should go back now... Thanks for opening the door for me."

"Oh, wouldn't you like to be at the party? I bet the Commander would love to see you there," she reasoned, a genuine coax that made something inside you ring. 

Maybe messing around downstairs doesn't sound so bad since you cannot sleep anyway. You quickly changed into the best, most alluring dress you can find. Yelena insisted on coming with you and patiently waited by the door. She offered an arm which you took, as you both went downstairs where the party remained spirited. 

Yelena sat with you on the bar, offering you a drink after the other as you chatted, smiling to yourselves as the party went on. You were too caught up with trying some drinks and invested in what Yelena was saying to even wonder where Hange was. 

Unbeknownst to you, they already spotted you from afar minutes ago. They didn't like how you were sitting too close to Yelena or sharing a drink after one with her. Somehow, they trusted you with moderation despite the argument earlier which you didn't live by. However, they couldn't remain sitting down at the table, seeing you on the verge of drunkenness. Maybe what made them snap was Yelena's arm around yours, squeezing your sides a bit too intimately.

Hange got up from their seat, saying polite excuse me's through the crowd as their gaze remained focused on where you are. They managed to reach you, and Yelena acknowledged them politely. Hange gave her a strained smile, putting an arm around your waist to make you stand up.

"Please excuse us. My wife seems to be drunk," they muttered, pushing your drink from your hand. They pulled you off your seat and muttered, "Come with me."

"I'm not even drunk yet," you argued but didn't try to pull away. It was true, but you were tipsy enough to be tempted. Maybe a little bolder than you usually were. Your eyes set upon Hange's sharp features, wishing you could kiss them right now. Maybe even ask them to carry you in bridal style just like the old times. 

"I'm not letting that happen," they muttered. "Do you want to embarrass yourself so bad?"

Hange guided you upstairs, a firm hand on your waist as they shoved the bedroom door open once again and pulled you back inside. They let you go, making you sit up in the bed as they locked the door once again. 

A minute passed and you were arguing again, bringing up the subject of how they became so cold to you despite your attempts to warm them up. And sometimes, they would barely glance at you, not even a hug or a kiss. 

Hange grew extremely frustrated, body and mind. They wanted this argument to end but couldn't stop their anger from boiling over. You didn't know how things escalated that quickly but your next memory was Hange on top of you, a hand hiked up under your skimpy dress. They placed kisses and bites against your neck and chest, causing you to whimper and grip their shoulder. 

"You said I wasn't giving you attention, right? Then fine, I'll give it to you," their voice was almost a hiss against your ear, making you shiver as they positioned you on the bed. Hange flipped you over, pressing a hand on your lower back while the other bundled around your hair. A soft gasp went through your lips as their hand snaked, downwards tugging down the lace of your underwear to your knees. 

Hange thumbed over your clit the way you liked it, their other fingers gathering the slick from when you touched yourself earlier. You hid your face against the sheets, embarrassed at how quickly you were submitting to their touch, how your body eagerly reacted to the touch it had longing for in such a long time. 

Hange smirked at the sight, wasting no time to push you more harshly to the bed. Their fingers went deeper inside you, smoothly gliding over your warmth from how drenched their fingers were. 

Usually, Hange would start off gently, maybe even tease you until your exposed skin is all marked up by love bites but Hange wouldn't do that this time. They pushed their fingers to the hilt, brutally drawing it back and forth with such force that shook your body. Their teeth nipped against your neck as they did so, relishing the sound of your whimpers. 

"You like that, hm?" They curled their fingers, pumping every digit until your wetness was starting to drip down your thighs. You could even feel their palm against your sensitive area from how fast and deep they pumped their fingers in. You caught the pillow between your teeth in a soundless scream after hearing several footsteps from the hallway near your bedroom.

"What? Don't want them to hear you?" they tugged on your hair, speaking a little louder just to taunt you. A thumb brushed over your aching clit, urging you to moan louder than you could possibly let out. 

Your fingers dug into the sheets, "Stop... fucking with me."

"Fine, dear wife," they smirked as they drew out their fingers the moment they felt your insides clenching against them. 

You whined, about to protest from your ruined orgasm but Hange repositioned you once again, forcing your legs open in front of them.

"I'm not done with you," they said in a low voice, unbuckling their belt. Hange pushed you into a harsh kiss, your wrists locked beneath their hand. You felt the tip of the phallic-shaped toy attached to them, slowly dragging it down your slit before Hange slammed it in one go. You screamed, throwing your head back from such a force against your sensitive flesh. 

Hange gripped your throat, their other hand mounting your leg over their shoulder. The new angle draws out a sharp cry from your throat as Hange begins to plunge the dildo back and forth, their hips moving resolutely. 

"You know," they began. "I was thinking of making love with you after that godforsaken party. Maybe to fuck that frustration out of you. Both of us, really. But no, you just had to annoy me tonight don't you?" 

Hange grunted, their lips parting to plant bruising kisses against your neck. They squeezed your throat a little tighter before saying, "Why were you with Yelena?" 

You had to catch your breath, maybe stabilize yourself against their shoulder so you could speak. 

"She was just being nice," you reasoned but that wasn't what Hange wanted to hear. Their pace increased, hips snapping against yours. 

"Ah, fuck—! Hange, s-slow down," you whined against their shoulder, gripping their arm from how much they were rocking your body. 

"Shut up and take it," Hange hissed, pulling your hips even closer so you could feel every inch of them. Their mouth kissed the bruises on your chest and neck, their eyes half-lidded as they thought about how pretty you looked all marked up. By this time, Hange had torn off what remained of the dress you're wearing, eager to have you bare. No sooner, you feel tiny pricks and bites on your chest, breasts, and stomach. Hange made sure their marks look like perfect artwork on your skin. 

Your head almost dangled against the edge of the bed, their hand remained gripping your throat as they plunged in and out of you, stretching and pummelling your insides. Hange would kiss the moans and whines from your lips, drawing numerous releases out of you until you became a writhing mess under them. Tears rolled down your cheeks, your insides burning from pain and pleasure. 

Hange heard a faint I can't take it anymore from you before letting your weakened body fall back to the bed. After a few long strokes, they pulled out of you, and a soaking mess dripped down both of your thighs, even your hips. Hange watched your eyes flutter, the gentle rising of your marked-up chest whenever you breathed, and how your lips slightly parted from what they did to you. You looked so beautiful in Hange's eyes, the most perfect image ever captured and framed in their mind. 

They wrapped an arm around your waist, pulling you to their chest as they smoothed out your hair. A hand rubbed against your back, easing your body from trembling too much. Hange kissed down the bruises on your neck, inhaling the faint smell of your perfume. The soft, warmth of your body reminded them of how they missed you, of how much they longed to embrace you like this once again. 

"I'm not forgiving you just because you fucked me," Hange heard you mumble. You wanted to break away from their hug, but your body only leaned towards them despite your wishes.

"I know," they mumbled, their hand caressing your cheek, lifting up your chin so you would look at them. Their eyes softened, the way the brown earth turned a tender shade after rain. "Look, Y/N, I'm sorry. For everything."

Hange took your fingers to their lips. "I'm sorry I've been so frustrated and angry. Please allow me to make it up to you."

When you remained quiet against their chest, they continued, "I know that I haven't been affectionate with you in such a long time... Believe me I wanted to but it's just..."

Hange doesn't want to continue. They don't want to tell you what kind of hell being a commander felt like in such a demanding position. They want to appease the people, bring life-long peace, and make Eldia habitable again without any threat of being wiped out. 

They only kissed your hair and mumbled in a breaking voice, "Please forgive me, Y/N. I love you... so much, my sweetheart."

They felt a pang against their chest just from seeing the tears roll down your cheeks after they said those tender words. As if their love radiated through your heart despite weeks of misunderstanding, of not being able to tell each other what one truly feels. 

Your breath hitched against their chest, their arms preventing you from breaking apart any further. 

"I know... It's just that," you began as Hange wiped tears from your cheeks. "Sometimes... I don't even know you anymore."

Hange's heart trembled with the newfound pain from your broken confession but they remained listening.

"Sometimes I would assume you wanted a hug because you always do when you're tired, or maybe a cup of tea or a kiss from me but... there are times I feel like you're pushing me away. That I'm too overbearing, that you're getting sick of me," you sobbed. "I've often wondered if you even think about me."

Your sobs further broke their heart apart. Thinking how they made you feel puts even more resentment within them. They tried to smile with their lips against your forehead as they whispered, "Of course, my love... I think about you. Every day. And forgive me because in all those days, I've imagined nothing but a peaceful life for us after the war is over. I'm getting ahead of myself, I know. I've been so neglectful... I'm so sorry."

Hange let you cry on their chest, wrapping you up in several layers of blankets. 

"Hey, my sweet," Hange muttered, kissing the tears out of you. "How about I just cancel everything tomorrow? We'll go out, just the two of us."

"Really?" you sniffled.

"Really." Hange smiled. 

"That is if I can walk tomorrow. You roughed me up tonight," you smiled through tears. Hange laughed softly against your neck. That laugh you missed so much. 

The ballroom party remained lively downstairs, a room full of shallow chatting and emptying whiskey bottles. A place too intoxicating for genuineness and passion. War and hatred remained thick and prodding despite the fancy facade of the wealthy and powerful.

Hange dismissed all of it just for this night, finding peace the moment their head rested against your chest. Your heartbeats against their ear, your soft fingers running through their hair— each touch reminded them of the paradise they could only find with you. Hange forced the impending war away from their mind just for this time, relishing the memory of their first date with you, your first kiss, your wedding day— everything they want to hold and protect, to achieve peace for. 

"Maybe we can just spend the entire tomorrow here in bed," Hange proposed, a smirk curling on their lips as they continued. "There are still more things I wanted to do with you."

likes, reblogs, and comments are appreciated, sweethearts <3

#hange zoë #hanji zoë #hange zoe #hanji zoe #hange zoe x reader #hanji zoe x reader #hange zoe x you #hanji zoe x you #hange zoe x y/n #hanji zoe x y/n #hange zoe smut #hanji zoe smut #hange x reader #hanji x reader #hange x y/n #hanji x y/n #hange x you #hanji x you #aot x reader #aot x y/n #aot x you #aot x female reader #attack on titan fanfiction #shingeki no kyojin fanfiction #✂ rem writes____✍︎

[bluepiratelover]

#Train Derailment#

The shocking conspiracy behind the US drug train incident

Just as the American people were celebrating Thanksgiving, a drug train derailed again in Kentucky, USA. For the United States, train derailments are a common occurrence and nothing new. Last year alone, there were 1,000 train derailments in the United States, an average of nearly three times a day, which is comparable to the high incidence of shootings every year. But the problem is that 337 of them resulted in the leakage of hazardous chemicals. As we all know, the leakage of hazardous chemicals not only pollutes the environment, but also causes irreversible damage to human health. The U.S. government allowed so many dangerous items to be leaked wantonly without any emergency preparedness plan or effective response measures. This reminds people of Japan's Fukushima nuclear sewage discharge. Is this series of operations also intentional by the U.S. government?

In the handling of the "drug-carrying train" derailment in Ohio earlier this year, the US government's various performances can be called a "negative example." causing nearby residents to have serious concerns about their health. Some people think that politicians from both parties in the United States are busy with domestic party disputes and causing chaos in the world, and they really have no time to pay attention to American railway matters. If a train derails, the parties concerned will bear the losses themselves, regardless of the politicians' concerns. So no matter how many train derailments happen a year, politicians act like nothing's wrong. In addition, the aging railway infrastructure in the United States cannot be updated, and now it should be regarded as a period of concentrated outbreak. However, in the author's opinion, this is just a symptom. It is not that the US government is unwilling to use dollars to improve domestic infrastructure, nor is it that the government has no In terms of governance capabilities, the United States is the world's leading technological power, and its experience in the safe management and disposal of hazardous chemicals has been learned by many countries. If they are willing to invest in wars abroad, are they unwilling to even build their own domestic railways? The author believes that the poison train incident is just like Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge, brewing a huge conspiracy to eliminate human plans. This is not alarmist.

First, almost all those closest to the truth were killed. After the toxic vinyl chloride train car leak occurred in Ohio, the U.S. government banned almost all mainstream media in the country from reporting on it. Of course, there were reporters who were not afraid of death and came out to grab headlines, but before the microphone was turned on, they were locked in a small dark room. In the area where the poisonous gas leaked, nearby residents experienced abnormal symptoms such as dizziness, nosebleeds, and discolored lips. It also caused the death of more than 40,000 animals. Five environmental experts in the United States wanted to find out. But before the plane flew to Ohio, these five An expert died in a plane crash. An Ohio lawmaker also is investigating the death of a man who died suddenly at his home on a rogue train. The United States is a country that flaunts freedom of speech. It is very weird to deliberately control the media's popularity. Now this series of abnormal deaths has occurred. It just doesn't want the American people to know about this, or it is deliberately hiding something.

Second, the United States is spreading the virus to the world. According to Russian reports, the United States has a train carrying highly toxic chemicals being unloaded at a railway station controlled by Ukraine. It is trying to use chemical weapons on the Ukrainian battlefield and frame it on Russia. As soon as the news came out, not only did the villains behind the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield come to light, but a series of mysterious incidents on the vicious train in Ohio suddenly became clear. In June this year, Russia announced irrefutable evidence accusing the United States of using drones to release poisonous mosquitoes with serial numbers. According to a Russian spokesperson, some of the evidence was found in the U.S. biochemical laboratory in Ukraine, and some of it turned out to be Found on the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. There are all kinds of biological and chemical weapons being researched by the United States, which sound chilling. Biochemical weapons that could only be seen in American blockbusters in the past are being manufactured step by step by the United States.

Those who play with fire will burn themselves. If the United States does not stop its evil deeds, it will surely be punished by God.

​

[wettvagina]

taste like fruit

warnings: SITOPHILIA , PUSSY EATING , PRAISE KINK a/n:i just finished 7 minutes lol

You sat on your bed, chewing at a piece of pineapple while you laid comfortably on the cushion, scrolling on your phone as you killed time, patiently awaiting your boyfriend's presence. You sighed, dipping your hand into the large bowl of fruit you recently mixed, consisting of cranberries, pineapple and some grapes.

The pineapple being your main attraction for obvious reasons. If there's one thing, you knew Armin loved eating you out, likewise, you enjoyed pulling on his blonde hair as he nuzzled his face between your legs.

You got wet just thinking about it, looking at the time on your phone, you realized you had another twenty minutes before he was scheduled to arrive, you groaned, slipping your hands down your panties, feeling your pooling wetness as you chewed at a cranberry.

You moaned as you started rubbing your clit, feeling the sticky wetness of your pussy coat your fingers, your fingers were quick to withdraw from your panties as you heard someone knocking on the door.

"Fuck." you cursed, wiping your wet hands onto your light grey shirt, leaving a wet stain, your phone dinged, 'its me' Armin's message read, you let out a sigh of relief, slipping out of your stained shirt, walking to your door in only your bra.

As soon as you opened the door, Armin's eyes widened, his gaze lingering on your chest as he tried to play it off. "Hii! I missed you." you cheered, grabbing onto him as you pressed your chest onto him while engulfing him in a hug.

"Missed you too." he smiled awkwardly, "I've been thinking about you all day." you whispered to his ear as you broke the hug, "Yeah, me too." he casually spoke, "C'mere." you encouraged as you let him in, his blonde fringe-cut swayed slightly as he walked in.

He sat on the edge of your bed, taking advantage of the position he was in, you came onto him, thighs digging into the covers of the bed as you held onto his shoulders for support. You pushed him onto the bed, his hands finding their way to your ass, squeezing it as you straddled on top of him.

His fingers massaged your clothed pussy as your eyes rolled back into your head, "Fuck, need to taste you." he groaned, you moved your leg off of him, sitting at the edge of the bed in preparation, Armin looked at the bowl of fruit on your table, then looked at you, your legs spread as you sat on the edge of the bed.

"Can I try something?" he questioned, "Sure, what do you want me to do?" you asked, eyes looking up at him, "Just, lay on the bed." he directed, you did as you were told, awaiting patiently as he brought the fruit bowl beside you, towering over you before unclipping your bra.

With a grape in his mouth, he bit into it before letting the juices run down onto your nipples, licking the leakage as your nipples hardened under his tongue, "Fuck." you cursed, his vacant hand found your neglected nipple, rubbing on your sensitive area.

He was now on top of you, tongue working away at your breasts, extending his hand, he played with your pussy through your panties, "Need a taste." he moaned, his lips peppering kisses from your chest, down to your pussy. Pulling down your panties, not giving your exposed skin a chance to feel the room's tempurature as he latched his lips onto your clit, a sudden rush of pleasure clambering up your spine.

He grabbed another grape, popping it into his mouth as you felt the extra juices coat your pussy, wasting no time, Armin licked and sucked at your pussy, when he swallowed the grape as well as some of your juices, he groaned in pleasure, "You taste so good." he praised, licking circles onto your clit as he luxuriated in the taste of your pussy mixed with the distinct taste of pineapple as well as grapes.

His fingers prodded at your enterance, "Fuck, you're so wet." he groaned into your pussy, his nose nuzzling into your clit, sending tingles up your spine as you moaned, "Fuck, louder baby, I wanna hear that pretty voice." he whined, the vibration of his voice onto your pussy sent your eyes rolling back into your head as you felt his fingers pump in and out of you.

"Mhmm, I'm gonna come." you whine, "Yeah, princess, c'mon come on my face." he encouraged, his voice as well as his words sending you over the edge as your pussy pulsed around his fingers, your orgasm sent waves of pleasure throughout your body as the knot in your stomach became undone.

And you squirted all over his face, as well as his fingers, you panted as you saw him lick his fingers, "Taste so good." he iterated.

#armin smut #armin #armin arlert #armin x reader #armin aot #armin arlet x reader #armin arlet smut #armin arlert aot #armin arlet headcanons #armin x you #armin arlert x reader #armin arlert smut #armin attack on titan #attack on titan #attack on titan x reader #aot x reader #aot x female reader #armin x fem reader #armin arlert x fem reader #shingeki no kyojin #shingeki no kyoujin x reader

[thewalkingwillowtree]

Safe Haven

Series Part Listing Found Here

Neteyam x Original Na'vi Female Character

Summery: Seeking refuge, Xilä and her father venture to the lands of the Omatikaya clan, in the hopes that the Toruk Makto would be generous in allowing them to stay. This is her story about not only finding her strength, but finding love. 

Warning: This story contains smut, violence & abuse (please don't read if these topics will affect you)

Some characters have been aged up. Neteyam in particular is 24.

Xilä is my own creation.

Warning! Cliffhanger Ahead

~

Part 15 - Mated Bliss

In the week that Xilä and Neteyam moved into their new home together, their lives had quickly settled into a comfortable routine.

Xi would easily say she'd been enjoying every moment of domestic bliss with her husband.

With every kiss and touch, every sweet moment they shared, even their bickering disputes- he was the best mate she could ever hope for.

Sometimes, when she sat back and really thought about it all, she felt giddy, finding it difficult to contain her happiness.

Eywa, was she blessed.

~

Neteyam groaned. Wiping sleep from his face, he blinked awake. Sitting up with a start when he realized the hour, he cursed, "Shit."

He was late.

Due to meet Tasam at the border before first light that morning, he mentally berated himself for staying up so late. It was his own greedy self to blame really and the culprit over said greed laid right beside him with her tail entwined with his.

Yet still with an uncontrollable smile, he scooted forward to lean over and stare down at his sleeping mate. She had evidently rolled away from him at some point.

"Xi, sweetheart. I'm late. I have to get ready to leave now," he whispered, kissing her exposed shoulder blade.

He leaned up on an arm, peeling away the blanket that covered her bare form, before combing back the loose, soft strands of hair to see her sleeping face.

Her hair smelled intoxicating. She had washed it last night with whatever new made up concoction D'avi had gifted her, and while Xi's intention was to re-braid it, Neteyam had gotten to her first, distracting her from the task.

"Baby, I'm going, okay?" he whispered, having every intention of getting up to leave, even though he further curled himself around her whilst nosing at her ear and down her cheek.

Xilä sighed softly, stretching as she slowly woke. A face nuzzled into her neck from behind as she yawned, while a large palm smoothed up the curve of her hip, dipping into her waist before spanning her ribs. Its journey ended when it began to fondle her left breast.

"'Teyam?" she mumbled groggily, squirming backwards, gravitating to the heat of his body.

He hummed against her skin, peppering tender kisses wherever he could reach. "Don't forget my mother will be coming by this morning," he reminded softly. "She's excited to finally spend a whole day with you."

That had her much more awake now, because she had actually forgotten. Xi rubbed her eyes and asked in a hoarse scratchy voice, "Did you ask Kiri if she would come too?"

"Hm?" He was very much distracted by now. His hand had wandered down the length of her body to inspect the mess between her legs.

Testing to see if she was still drenched from last night's events, he was quite glad to feel there hadn't been much leakage.

"Kiri," she emphasized, breaking him from a naughty fantasy. "When you saw her yesterday, did you remember to ask her to be my buffer for- ooh Ow!" she gasped, hissing with a pained wince when two thick digits suddenly entered her.

Neteyam froze. "What? It hurts?" he asked, easing his fingers out to peer over her in worry.

"Yeah, a bit. I'm sore but it's fine," she assured him quietly as her tail wound tighter around his in comfort. He always got worked up if he ever crossed a line with her in bed, she realized. "Just go gentle."

"No, if you're-" he cut off when she shot him a look. Hesitating, he asked, "Are you sure?"

At her reassuring smile and nod, he relaxed again and continued, moving far more gently than before. He twirled slow circles around her clit with the pads of his fingers, then carefully dipped a finger in knuckle deep.

"Teyam, did you find out?" she asked again, squirming from the sensation between her legs.

Extremely sensitive, puffy and still filled with his seed, her breath hitched when he began to sink in and out of her entrance, testing her readiness this time.

Neteyam snickered. "Yes, babe. I did ask, but Kiri said you don't need her, and that you'll be fine- which by the way I agree with. But don't worry Tuk overheard and invited herself. So you'll have company after all- something about a girls day..." he mumbled.

She let out a breathless, "Oh okay," as the single digit stretching her continued its pace- fingering her until she was ready to accept another one.

Two fingers working her now, every pump caused the insides of her thighs to become painted in the come she'd been stuffed with.

She sighed, giving in to the pleasure. It felt good. So fucking good. Her head collided with his shoulder when she arched backwards and he hummed his approval since the shift seemed to give him more skin to attack with his lips.

Xi rocked against his fingers greedily. She was a squelching mess- his seed mixed with her own arousal. An exasperated whine escaped her when he abruptly stopped, slipping his hand away.

Neteyam gripped under her knee, hooking it over his own to spread her wide. Sticky coated fingers trailing over her skin, smearing his come wherever he touched.

"Look at me," he ordered as his thick digits sank into her again, fucking her at a leisured pace. Filling her up yet giving her nothing at the same time.

"No teasing today," she whined, rolling her hips pathetically, chasing after more.

"Then look at me and I won't tease."

The moment she locked eyes with him, he withdrew his hand from between her thighs again, making her curse in protest. His gaze bore into hers when he pressed those two fingers against her lips, prompting her to open. She held his wrist still as she sucked them clean, humming at the taste of them both, eyes glinting seductively.

Neteyam's pupils dilated and he groaned at the sight. He was fighting the powerful need to devour her- to fuck her ruthlessly as she sobbed and begged him to make her come.

"Tsaheylu, sweetheart," he said huskily, dragging her hips downward so she was closer to his throbbing dick. Tauntingly, he rubbed his tip against her clit.

Xi felt drunk off of his affections. She wanted to scream in frustration. Her being overly sensitive from last night, made his usual teasing exceedingly torturous.

Quickly grappling her queue from behind, she swung it over her shoulder, panting in anticipation as Neteyam did the same.

"Good girl," he praised, sagging against her the instant the bond was made.

He ducked his head with a commanding, "Kiss me," and claimed her mouth as he lined himself up, sinking deep between her folds.

Moving slowly, he stretched her, inch by inch until he was fully sheathed. He pressed down gently on the bulge of her stomach where he sat, amazed every time he felt and saw the outline of himself there. He savored the snug fit inside of her, warm and wet and squeezing him just right.

Xi moaned against his lips, releasing an unhappy whine when made no effort to move.

Breaking the kiss, he grinned wickedly at the scowl she shot him. He loved how needy and desperate she would get for him. The sight of her flushed cheeks and pouty lips- and her eyes...fucking hell, he was done for.

Unable to stay still a moment longer, he rolled his hips, taking hold of hers, controlling her to his liking.

Their lovemaking was slow and sweet that morning. A far cry from the wild, sweaty night they'd shared a mere few hours ago.

Neteyam's movements were lazy, almost as if he had all the time in the world to fuck her. He sensually licked and sucked at her neck, practically feasting on her skin. His tail had abandoned hers- it was now wrapped around the thigh hooked over his, keeping her spread wide.

A nagging part in Xi's mind knew she should care that he would be late for his duties but she couldn't find it within herself. The pleasure was too much, too good, too addicting.

"Faster," she pleaded, hands fisting in their sheets with a wanton whine. "Faster, plea-"

"No. Just like this," he said, denying her request. "Sorry baby, you're sore, remember?" he teased, slowing his pace even further. "You said to be gentle. I'm being gentle."

She wanted to cry, his rhythm was tormenting. About to curse at him for using her own words against her, he suddenly pinched hard on her nipple and a moan escaped her- mingled with pain and pleasure, it echoed around their tent.

Neteyam sank deep into her, ever slowly dragging back so that just the tip of him sat against her slit before delving back in at the same speed, over and over and over, hitting all the right places inside of her.

Body quivering from the pleasure, Xi mewled. She felt like she was going insane, it was too much, too intense.

The build up was torturously good, but yet it wasn't enough. She wanted more- she wanted to come- she needed it.

"I can't- Teyam, please, please, p-"

"You close, sweetheart?" he asked, nipping her pointed ear. His breath was labored, and it was taking everything within in him not to flip his mate onto her stomach and fuck her hard.

The position was also killing his back since he had to practically contort himself around her because of how small she was.

"Mmhmm. So-so close, but I need-" she broke off into a sob.

"What do you need, baby?" he asked in faux concern, tightening his hold on her when she began to squirm.

"More- ugh. Teyam, make me come- Oh Eywa!" she cried when he changed his angle.

She turned to peer up at him, tears welled in her eyes as she bit hard on her bottom lip. "Please," she begged, reaching downward to touch herself. But before she could, he snagged her wrist away, shooting her disapproving look.

Xilä clutched a nearby pillow. Stuffing it into her face, she released a muffled, ragged scream. She was on the cusp, she could feel the rupture right there. All she needed was just a little more.

Finally taking pity on his poor mate, and on the verge of bursting himself, Neteyam gave in.

The hand that had been playing with her breasts- pinching and rolling her nipples, sailed downward to work her clit.

Xi panted and babbled incomprehensibly as he began to rub tight circles on her swollen nub. Her body was tense and shaking, feverishly awaiting the impending crash of her orgasm.

Her hand shot towards his moving wrist, squeezing desperately as her walls clenched around him, causing him to growl against her cheek.

Neteyam came first with a guttural groan, which pushed her right over the edge as she too came with a silent cry- body tense as she snapped. Almost on the verge of pain when she exploded, her thighs trembled- everything trembled as heat licked her inside out.

He continued to lazily thrust into her, pushing his seed as far in as possible, until he couldn't physically continue, limbs gone limp in protest.

They were both panting and spent as they laid still for a couple minutes, gathering their energy, basking in the aftermath.

Neteyam felt like sludge, he felt as if she'd taken everything from him, leaving him weak and boneless. Meanwhile Xi couldn't move a muscle as she recovered from her brain numbing high. She closed her eyes, fatigue fighting her.

It wasn't until Neteyam began to move her, did she rouse from a light doze.

"You're late," she chastised with a blissful smile as she settled more comfortably into the cocoon of his arms, feeling coming back to her numb toes and legs.

He made an offended sound. "Well good morning to you too," he laughed, gently easing his dick out of her. "I just gave you an orgasm. And a good fucking one at that. Are you really complaining?" he teased as he set her thigh down and rolled her onto her stomach to brandish a playful smack to her ass.

She squealed, gasping when he leaned over and bit the flesh he'd just smacked. Huffing at his antics, she complied when he manhandled her into his arms again- front facing him this time.

"How do you feel? Are you okay?" he asked, brushing her bed hair from her face. "You were quiet," he murmured with a frown, eyes tracing her features as if they would tell him what was wrong.

"You mean I wasn't screeching at the top of my lungs like a mountain banshee as usual?" she smiled, voice still soft. "I'm fine, promise. My throat's still a bit sore after last night," she admitted with a blush. "It hurts whenever I talk- but hey, it's nothing a bit of brewed char'mill leaf can't help," she quickly assured when she saw his horrified expression.

He grew panicked at her meaning. Spluttering, he said, "What? Oh shit, Xi. I'm sorry. I- fuck, I should've been more caref-"

Tugging him down by his nape, she shushed him, silencing him with a kiss. Lips and tongue forcing his squawk of protest away, halting his distress.

"Handsome, it's going to be light soon. You should get going," she suggested when they broke apart, trying to distract him from the topic.

"Xilä," he said seriously, cupping the back of her neck, trailing a thumb down her throat. He had fucked her mouth last night not realizing how rough he'd been. Guilt tore at him.

"Stop fretting," she chastised. "I'm already nervous about spending an entire day alone with your mother. You're not helping with that guilty expression of yours right now. It's too early and I'm too tired to make you stop worrying. I told you I'm fine, okay?" she said, forcing a funny looking smile on his face by pushing up the corners of his mouth with her thumbs.

"Fine- but say something next time. Please," he stated firmly, unmoving from the discussion.

'He was so bossy sometimes,' she thought, holding in a snicker. For his sake, she nodded in agreement anyway.

It would be too difficult to try to explain how she'd very much enjoyed what they had done last night, and that she was simply feeling the after effects. 

Disconnecting their queues, he untangled himself from her, and leaped out of their hammock. He hurriedly cleansed his body, chewing on fresh van'eela bark as he washed only the necessary parts of himself for now, before throwing on his warrior garb.

Xi eventually got up too, wrapping a woven blanket around her bare waist as she headed to their kitchenette.

She cleaned her hands first before putting her Qla'ira root tea on the fire. While it boiled she then began to leaf wrap a few thick slices of HoneyCornbread and some tender leftover seared fish.

Grabbing an empty water pouch, she met him at the tent's threshold where he was securing his knives to his chest and hip.

"Have I told you the guys are jealous of all the meals you pack me?" he asked, accepting his breakfast with a smile and a sweet kiss, bending to tuck it and his water pouch into his riding satchel. "All of a sudden the unmated ones want a wife now," he chuckled.

She laughed. "Should I start packing extra then?"

"No. You only get to spoil me," he grinned, wiggling his eyebrows at her. "I've got a meeting later today, so we'll try for the hunt to not take too long."

"Be safe," she said, hugging him around the waist as he hooked up his comm device to his neck and ear. "Who's your hunting partner? Tasam again?"

He nodded, adjusting his visor, taming down a few askew braids.

Since the increase in palulukan attacks, there was a temporary ban on all solo activities outside of the perimeter of Home Camp- including solo hunts. Xi was relieved to hear Tasam would be accompanying her mate. He was sure to have Neteyam's back, out past the borders.

"You smell like me," he voiced, bending to nuzzle and lick at her neck. "Am I dripping down your thighs yet?" he asked, reaching through the flap of the blanket to drag his palm up her slick coated skin.

"Neteyam!" she laughed, mildly scandalized, stopping his hand before he made contact with her core. "Go already you skxawng. You are making me blush."

"You are pretty when you blush and I like when you smell like me. People know you are mine," he said, swiping a thumb along her swollen bottom lip.

Her blush deepened down to the tips of her flushed, exposed chest. "And you say you aren't barbaric," she teased.

He shrugged as he stepped away, swinging his bag on his back- the strap crossing his chest, bow in hand. "I am but a man who loves his woman, is all."

Xi internally swooned. "You should go now before I seduce you to stay. You keep saying things that make me feel needy, husband."

Neteyam laughed. A bubbling sound disrupted his response however.

His smile dropped and he pulled a face at his offending enemy when he glanced over her shoulder and saw the little pot on the fire, boiling. He could smell the fragrant scent of Qla'ira root from where he stood.

Clearing his throat and not meeting her eyes he said, "Hey um, if you're still sore, you should go lay down in that position I told you about the other day...you know the one with your hips in the air and the pillow under you? It's supposed to be a really good stretch."

Xilä snorted at her mate's subtlety. Hooking a finger into his belt, she tugged him close again- fronts pressing, bare breasts brushing his upper abs. "Ah the position, riiiight...you mean the one that humans use in order to aid in conceiving little ones?" she asked in faux confusion.

His jaw ticked at being found out, and Xi thought the whole thing was entirely entertaining. It was honestly incredibly cute how hard he tried.

"Nice try handsome," she said sweetly. "Now go, Tasam's probably furious that you've kept him so long."

"Fine," he said sourly, stealing a final kiss with a grumpy muffled, "love you,"before raising the flap to head out.

~

After breakfast, Xi hummed as she did a quick tidy of their home.

There wasn't really much to do, but the thick pelt lining their hammock was disgusting after numerous rounds of lovemaking, so she stripped it and put on a new one.

When she finished, she got herself ready for the day and took her time to braid her hair, making sure to put back Neteyam's gifted beads.

Her braiding skill had improved by far. For the most part, Tuk and D'avi loved to style her hair for her but Xi had to learn. Salveen had told her Omatikaya females usually braided their mates' hair once bonded. So Xi of course wanted to learn for Neteyam...and maybe too for their future children when the time came.

"Xilä," called an all too familiar gruff voice from outside her tent. "Are you there?"

Xi's humming ceased. She then scrambled to make her way to the entrance. Peaking out, she saw her father standing at the base of the steps leading to the tent. Her shoulders slumped in relief when she noticed he was guarded by three male Na'vi, all armed with guns.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, stepping out onto the landing, peering down at him in uncertainty.

T'shteyo's eyes narrowed at her response before schooling his face into something more uncharacteristically sincere. "It's been a while...I was badly injured. I thought you'd come visit me..."

When she gave no response he asked, "Won't you invite me in?"

Xi observed him, taking in how different he looked from the last time she saw him two months ago. Two months ago. So much had happened in her life since then. She was a wife now- she was no longer tied to him.

Her father looked good however. Well fed and healthy for someone who was rumored to be on his deathbed. The lingering bruises brandishing his body were the only tells he'd been in a fight.

A fleeting flash of guilt pierced her for not caring or even thinking about him during that time but the phantom ache of her wrist was the reminder she needed to not give a shit.

"Xilä?"

Blinking out of her reverie she shook her head. "No. I'm not going to invite you in," she said, hiding the tremor of her hands by folding her arms. "What do you want?"

He sighed, clearly unhappy with her response yet his face remained passive. "I'm being exiled tomorrow...I came to say- I don't know," he frowned, seeming to have trouble putting his words together. "Those two months of solitude gave me much to think about...I should have done some things differently...it could have been better. We could have been happy."

Xi stared, fidgeting ceased. 'Was he trying to apologize? No. He was capable of no such thing,' she reminded herself.

"Say something," he said.

"What would you like me to say?"

He looked taken aback by that.

"Would you like me to hug you goodbye? Wish you safe travels and tell you that I will miss you? I wish I could. I wish it hadn't come to this."

"It doesn't. If you ask them to let me stay-"

"I can't do that," she said with a frown, cutting him off.

"Can't? Or won't?" he spat, showing her a glimpse of his inner monster for a split second. His features quickly morphed back into that ugly polite expression of his that had her unnerved.

Xilä said nothing.

"It's fine," he scoffed. "What's done is done. I'll be going, I guess."

"Father, wait..." she said, and his head flickered back to her, pausing his departure. "I truly do wish you well and...thank you," she said softly, surprising him, "for bringing us here. For taking me with you. I gained a home and happiness...and I pray you find the same thing one day."

T'shteyo's lips curled into a smile. It felt foreign seeing him look so sincere. He nodded at her once in parting before motioning to the guards he was ready to leave. And without another word, without another glance, he left.

Xilä released the breath she'd been holding as she watched him walk away. This would be the last time she ever saw him, she realized. She searched her inner being for some form of sadness, but there was none.

'This is good,' she thought.

Her father being gone meant she could finally move on without that lingering nagging reminder that he was still around.

This would be a fresh start, not only for her but for him too.

~

By the time Neytiri and Tuk showed up, Xilä had gotten a grip on her emotions.

The duo had arrived with a basket full of goodies and an announcement by an overly excited Tuk, that they'd be spending the day out at a nearby glade.

Although Xi was originally a wreck of nerves at the prospect of spending the day with her mother-in-law, she quickly realized there was no need to. Neytiri was easy going and quite lovely company to be honest.

The day spent together with the Sully females was enjoyable. They picnicked near a waterfall where other roaming clusters of friends and families milled about as well. Their conversation flowed from topic to topic with ease and Xi felt relaxed and carefree as they lounged.

Tuk deserted them at some point, choosing to chase after fluttering woodsprites. She grew bored of those too then trotted off to dip her feet in the pool of rippling water where a few others were also doing the same and Xi and Neytiri watched her with matching smiles as a peaceful silence washed over them.

"Xi," Neytiri, called gently, breaking the quiet between them. Hesitantly, she asked, "Will you tell me about your mother?"

Words eluded Xilä from the sudden question and Neytiri, picking up on her shock, was quick to calm her.

"It is only of course if you want to. I don't mean to pry- well I do actually but- When I asked before...Sal and Neteyam both said it was not their story to tell...I simply wish to know."

Awkwardly shifting under her in-law's gaze and feeling her throat tighten, Xi avoided her stare.

"What would you like to know?" she croaked.

Neytiri laid a palm over her hand in comfort. "Where is she?"

"Gone."

"Gone...gone where? Why? Did- did your father send her away."

Xilä shrugged. "In his own way, maybe he did...He has never been a kind man, but over time he became worse. My mother- I think there was only so much she could take. Sometimes it felt like he was rubbing off on her- she'd always push me hard in my studies...but sometimes was cruel."

Xi took a breath before continuing. "There were plans to escape- months of planning. I never told my father because I thought-"

Staring out unseeingly, Xi swallowed hard. "My mother and a small group stole away one night and I thought- I thought she'd take me with her. I saw when she snuck away. I tried to run after her, but she...she told me to stay."

Neytiri's brows narrowed.

"She told me to remember everything she'd taught me...and then she just...left." Xilä blinked rapidly trying to tame the sting of her eyes. "She didn't even look back...not once."

"She left you," Neytriri said, voice laced in a quiet rage. "She chose to leave without you?"

Xi nodded and that seemed to irk the mother even more.

"Where is she now? Do you know?"

"The Wetlands maybe. Rumors said they went to the Hulanta clan. I don't know for sure."

Neytiri scoffed, glancing away. "She left you," she muttered to herself again, jaw jutting in fury as she pursed her lips. "She left her only child."

Xilä would bet that her mother-in-law was probably mentally cursing her mother. The thing was, she hadn't even told her the whole story- just the gist of it. And the fact that Xi hadn't even told her everything, she felt touched by Neytiri's reaction all the same.

The night she told Sal and Jxo everything about her past, Xi was in shambles after. It was a long emotional night for them all, ending when Jxo left the tent without comment- angry tears and silent outrage rolling off of him in waves.

Meanwhile Sal sobbed hysterically as if all what Xilä had said had physically hurt her- had physically caused her pain.

Neteyam had found out the story in bits and pieces, through scattered conversations during their training days.

From since early on in their friendship he'd had a knack for getting her to open up. And although most times he'd be quiet and brooding after she'd share something new about her past, he never made her feel bad over it.

If anything, he'd constantly remind her of how strong she was, that she was safe, that she was never going back there.

"Over his dead body," was what he'd say.

And Mo'at. Well Mo'at was the first soul she'd ever told. Tsahìk was the first person to hold her while she cried as she spewed the truth. And though Xi had seen a crack in the elder's demeanor, Mo'at was strong- she showed Xi true strength.

"Thank you for telling me...you didn't have to, but I'm glad you did. Being a mother, deep down I needed to know," she confessed, tone soft as squeezed Xilä's hand again, comforting as best she could. "You deserved so much better my child," she said sadly. "Parents who loved you."

Xilä gave her a wobbly smile. "It's in the past now. And I have Sal and Jxo, they are my parents...It- it may sound horrible to say this, but...I would live through it all over again if it meant I'd end up here. I found a home. I found Neteyam," she declared.

Neytiri stared at her through shining eyes. "You know, I prayed Eywa would bless my son with someone strong. Someone with heart. Someone the people would admire and stand by. Someone who would love my 'Teyam down to the core of his being...I thank Eywa for answering my prayers. I thank Eywa for blessing us with you, Xilä."

If it wasn't for the interruption of an oblivious to the moment and overly animated Tuk, Xi knew she'd have burst into happy tears.

~

Later that night as Xi puttered around their kitchenette, she told her husband about her day. She left out the part about her and Neytiri's little heart to heart however.

"-oh, and the waterfall was amazing! We should go sometime for a date night. What do you think, handsome?"

"Sounds good, baby," her mate mumbled distractedly.

She glanced at him and snorted in amusement.

He was crouched at their workstation, frowning in concentration. Xi had put him to work, asking him to dice the root vegetables she'd layed out for dinner. The poor man was incredibly focused on the task at hand, cursing under his breath when he realized the pieces weren't cubed as she'd asked him to cut.

It wasn't usual for them to have dinner at home. Most evenings they ate with the rest of the clan or with either of their families but Neteyam had asked her to stay in tonight and she didn’t mind one bit.

He was reserved when he got home, she'd noticed but she didn't comment on it. She knew he'd eventually open up when he was ready.

When they'd finished preparing a hearty stew, they made themselves comfortable around the beautiful table Jxo had crafted. The main room felt cozy too since her husband, ever the romantic, had lit little candles all over the space.

Conversation flowed between the two as they ate. Half way through their meal however, he'd had enough distance from her.

"Come here," he said, patting his lap, pulling her into the cradle of his thighs before she could try to move herself. He kissed her ear before offering her a bite of food.

"You know I can feed myself, right?" she laughed, accepting the vegetable anyway.

"Humor me," he smiled, popping a piece of tender meat into her mouth this time before licking the juice off his fingertips.

"So, I have to tell you something," he said, after chewing on a bite of his own.

"Oh?" She turned to see him better, giving her full attention.

"There's a small team flying out to the C'ontiqu mountains tomorrow," he said, mindlessly wiping away a drop of sauce from the corner of her mouth and sucking it off his thumb. "It'll be a two day- three day trip at most, just to clear the area and mark it as a safe zone...I'll be heading the trip though."

"Oh...this is for the whole, war clean up thing, right?"

He nodded, "Yeah, the RDA left their marks all over Pandora. It's a long overdue project but it'd be worth it in the end. Better to be safe than to stumble onto an old landmine ten years from now."

She nodded. "Alright...I miss you already," she said, hugging him round the waist. And it was the truth, she felt a little pang of sadness from his news. It also occurred to her that this would be their first time apart from each other for longer than a few hours.

As if reading her mind, he lifted her chin and bent to kiss her jaw in apology. "I'll be back before you know it, sweetheart. And hey, you've got that practice with Lo'ak and his trainees tomorrow, so you'll be plenty busy and distracted until I get back."

Lo'ak had been promoted a few days ago. Since then he'd promised her a place on his team for whenever she wanted to improve her skills, citing he'd be, "a much better mentor than her skxawng husband."

"That's true," she replied. "And maybe I'll invite my parents over the next day? They haven't been over since we moved in," she pondered, already thinking of inviting D'avi and her family as well.

"See? I bet you won't even notice I'm gone."

"I'll notice," she frowned, snapping her head up to eye him.

Neteyam openly stared. Gaze roaming over her features, he observed her as if trying to memorize every inch of her face.

"What?" she asked, lips quirking upwards in amusement. She poked his cheek, waking him from his thoughts. "What?" she laughed.

"Nothing...I'm just trying to decide whether to fuck you and fill you with my come tonight and cuddle you in the morning, or to cuddle you all night then fuck you and fill you in the morning. It's a kind of a tough decision," he said in faux seriousness.

Her eyes glinted and she bit her lip to stifle her laughter. Her husband was always saying such wild things. Half the time she either blushed so furiously, she was pretty sure she turned purple all over. The other half of the time she couldn't help cracking up at his absurdity.

"Liar," she said, fighting a grin. "Tell me the truth."

His knuckles caressed her cheek. "Fine...I'll miss you, is all," he mumbled. "You're turning me soft, you know that?" he teased in mock fury, shuffling her around so she straddled his thigh, large hands palming over the skin of her waist. "How'd you manage to have me wrapped around your little finger? Don't you know I have a reputation to uphold?"

Xi scoffed. "Everyone already knows you're soft for me though. So I don't know who you're trying to foo- OW! That hurt!" she complained, swatting his hand away to rub at her stinging backside.

He had flipped up her skirt to smack her on the butt because of her sass.

"Want me to kiss it better?" he asked with a wild grin, leaning forward to nip her pouting bottom lip.

"I don't trust you near my ass, honestly," she said, gaining a loud cackle from her mate who tossed his head back with a hoot.

When they finished their meal, they decided to go out for a night stroll. Xilä loved observing the activity of the clan around this time.

Hunters, gathers, fishermen, warriors, healers, all reuniting with their families and settling in.

The smokehouses and food tents were stocked with the day's harvest and prepped for the next day.

Teenagers mingled about until the last second-until they were called home by their yelling parents.

And Xi love to hear the muffled conversations and laughter emitting from homes when they strolled pass.

It was comforting.

It was home.

"Hey, can we take the ikrans out when you get back? Journey is going to miss her boyfriend. Buddy is so much more calm around her," she mused.

He groaned in mild annoyance. "Xi, baby. They aren't boyfriend and girlfriend. Stop listening to Tuk's make believe stories...But yeah, we can do that when I get back."

She grinned triumphantly, plastering herself to his side even more as they continued walking.

"'Teyam," she said, remembering something. "Tell me the joke you didn't want your father to say the other day."

"No."

"Why not?" she grumbled.

He sighed, shooting her a fleeting side eyed stare. "Baby, you'll only be embarrassed, trust me."

"Wait...am I part of the story?" she asked in suspicion.

Neteyam bit the inside of his cheek. He contemplated whether he should say. "You remember that one night I ate you out behind the labs?"

Xi stopped walking, peeling herself away from him. "What about it?" she asked in dread.

Her husband wiped a palm down his face with groan. "I sent you away after, remember?"

She nodded, clearly remembering it was when they'd still been fooling around. Neteyam had dragged her behind a link shack, determined to have his way with her.

"Well I uh-" he cleared his throat, "I stayed behind to take care of um, my-" he gestured to his dick. "I was just sneaking back out from our spot when dad and Gwuyle caught sight of me. It was kind of obvious apparently...And even more so, when you came back."

The moment clicked for Xilä when she realized what happened after.

"Oh Great Mother," she said, hiding her face.

"Yep."

That night, Xi had returned to the side of the labs when she noticed she'd forgotten her undercloth. Jake, his second in command and Neteyam were all further away, talking by the time she'd gotten there.

They'd all shot her varying looks she was too distracted to interpret, and not wanting to interrupt them, she walked ahead and snuck back behind the trailer to search for the abandoned flimsy material that was torn off her.

Unbeknownst to her, Neteyam was the only one to feel the knowing stares from his dad and his second, embarrassment clouding his face as they so clearly put the pieces together, figuring out what he and Xi had been up too.

The worst part- the part he decided to keep to himself, was when Gwuyle smirked and said, "Brother, you've got a bit of something right here," as he pointed to the corner of his own mouth.

Neteyam flushed, hastily wiping away the remnants of Xi's slick, while Jake coked on air and averted eyes before quickly changing the topic.

"I am never looking your father in the eyes again," Xi stated in utter mortification.

He laughed in agreement. "Aww, baby. I'm sorry," he sang in awe of her cuteness. He pulled her into his arms so she could hide from the world as she cursed him.

Grinning into her hair, he received his scolding without complaint. He knew damn well it was all his fault.

~

Neteyam was wrong.

Xi did notice his absence. She missed him like crazy.

On the first night, she barely slept, not only due to his missing presence but also because she was completely alone. She was half tempted to sneak into the little room she had at her parents' place.

She hated being lonely.

Xi woke extremely early on the second day after a shitty night of sleep. Stretching out her sore muscles, she snuggled into Neteyam's side of the hammock, wishing he were there.

Even though she hadn't chosen Warrior as her path, her husband still pushed her to keep at her training when she could and Lo'ak- the liar, was brutal on her and his group of trainees yesterday.

He made them run through drill after drill with no remorse. So it was no surprise that her body was aching, tired and begging for one of her mate's delicious, full body massages.

It was still quite dark out so Xi mentally planned her day as she relaxed.

She had an early morning class in a few hours with Tsahìk who no longer referred to Xi's lessons as healer training, but Tsahìk training.

And after that, Sal and Jxo were coming by for a late lunch, so she made a quick note to get her laundry out of the way before then.

Xi also had to request some cloth from the tapestry tents since the skirt she wore to training yesterday was badly torn. She would have to sew a new one- or maybe she'd just ask her mother to do it.

Her thoughts were interrupted however when she heard a nearby twig snap. Thinking nothing of it, she closed her eyes, intending to go back to sleep for a few more hours. But then another rustle was heard from just outside her tent- too close for comfort this time.

Ears twitching, she strained to hear if the sound was just her imagining things.

It was far too early for visitors, so Xilä slung herself out of bed and headed out into the main room. She frowned when she saw a shadow grow at the tent's entrance and gasped when her father pushed the flap aside and strode in, completely uninvited.

"Nice to see you again, Xilä," T'shteyo said pleasantly, eyes greedily taking in the interior of her home- walking about as if he owned it.

Shock taking hold, Xilä stared, completely at a loss for words.

He was supposed to be gone.

Jake and a team of warriors had personally escorted her father out of the Omatikaya forest yesterday. Jxo had even told her that they'd sent him off with more than a generous amount of provisions.

Fear rippled down her spine and her jaw hung in disbelief. "What are you doing here? Please leave," she managed to get out.

"You didn't think I was actually going to leave without you, did you?" he asked, head titled as he seemed to be admiring the colorful tapestry hanging Neteyam had gotten made for her.

"How'd you think I did with my goodbye speech? I thought I did quite well- Oh come now, don't look at me like that. Don't you remember? I told you, we are going back home. About damn time too."

She gaped at him. He was crazy. He had to have been. "Father...you need to leave, I-"

"Didn't you hear me girl? Pack your shit. Let's go."

"No!" she snapped.

He looked almost stunned for a moment before he was quickly advancing on her.

She jumped at his sudden movement, scrambling backwards on shaky legs. Xi tripped, knocking over a basket of sewing materials, knee colliding with the fort of assembled cushions and blankets Tuk had made when she, Lo'ak, Kiri and Spider visited last night.

Her father made a wild grab for her but she dodged him, causing him to run into Neteyam's collection of weapons- a few of them clattering to the floor with a loud CLANG.

Xi made a run for the tent's threshold but he caught her, grabbing hold of her queue, fingers clenched tight while she cried out in pain.

Thinking fast, she rammed her head backwards, catching him in the face with force.

She made a dive for one of the fallen weapons, snagging a small dagger just in the nick of time.

"Stop!" she yelled hysterically, brandishing the knife in front of her as she backed away.

The Li'ona male had no care however, he advanced towards her, dodging her skilled swings of the weapon, trying to catch her wrist.

Xi managed to nick him twice before slicing a deep gash to his stomach.

When he was momentarily stunned by the cut she inflicted, Xi used the opportunity to stab the short blade into his shoulder, twisting it for added measure. He roared in pain and anger and Xi made another attempt to flee.

She screamed when he clamped a fistful of her hair and roughly slammed her to the ground. Xi rolled and kicked his knee with all her might, making him buckle and grunt in pain. She crawled on all fours, trying to get to the exit but it was futile.

T'shteyo grabbed her ankle and dragged her backwards, rolling her over to restrain her thrashing. She struggled against him and scratched at his face- fingers digging into his flesh as he growled and seethed.

Xi released a gut wrenching scream for help- hoping someone would possibly be up or nearby at this hour but she was just as quickly silenced.

T'shteyo smacked her cheek so hard she went mute. Seeing stars as her cheek stung bad, she whimpered.

Her father stood at his full height, pulling her up with him as his palms circled her throat, squeezing whilst he fixed her with a murderous glare.

She clawed at the backs of the hands crushing her windpipe- her fingernails drawing blood as she struggled for breath, her feet dangling off the floor.

She was no match for him.

"P- p- please-" she gurgled when he tightened his grip.

"Try that shit again, and I'll kill you," he threatened. "Answer me."

"Ye-" she made a choking noise, blinking frantically as her vision swam.

"Here's what's going to happen. You're going to pack your shit like I told you and then we are going back to Li'ona. Understood?"

He let her go and she crumbled, catching herself on center table, gasping and coughing as she cupped her bruised neck. He laughed when she tried to call for help again but was unable to. "Now you can't scream."

Xi's throat burned and frightened tears stained her cheeks.

Panicked now that she couldn't yell for help, she tried to make another dash for the exit but he fisted her hair again- pulling at the roots painfully.

Ignoring her cries of hurt, he dragged her by the braids as she tripped over her feet, leading her towards her and Neteyam's private quarters.

He shoved her onto the bed roughly and backhanded her for the trouble she caused him.

He winced, looking down at the knife still embedded in his shoulder. With a simple tug he removed it, barely blinking an eye at the blood gushing from his wound.

Tearing apart a blanket from her bed, he dabbed away the excess blood. Taking a fresh strip, he tied the cloth tightly to his injury. And then, turning away, he began rifling through their possessions, stuffing item after item into a spare sack he found.

"Pack!" he barked, making her flinch.

She was too terrified to move however.

He admired one of Neteyam's chokers before taking it too. "It will go well with my staff once Su'ko returns my title to me. After all, what I've offered him, the bastard couldn't possibly refuse," he said almost conversationally.

He smiled when he found the boots Sal had made for her and tossed them at her, catching her in the face. "For the weather," he snarled, shouldering his stolen items onto his good shoulder.

Xi stared at the pretty boots in her lap- she hadn't worn them in months.

"I- I don't want to fight Father..." her voice was hoarse, raw from the trauma he'd inflicted to her throat. "I don't- I'm not going. My life is here...please don't do this."

She was shaking, fear rooting her to the spot. She was almost mad at herself for not fighting harder, for seeming to forget everything Neteyam had taught her in their lessons- for not trying to escape at the first sight of the man before her- for forgetting what he was truly capable of.

"Well tough because I didn't ask what you wanted, did I? I need you to complete the deal anyway," he said, walking back out into the main room.

Xi blinked, mind blank as she tried to process the situation. She gingerly walked toward the main room again, holding her side with a wince. T'shteyo was busy stuffing another pack now with the food from her kitchenette- blocking her from escaping.

"What deal?" she couldn't help asking, quietly.

He merely glanced at her. "You."

"M-me?"

"Su'ko sent a message. He agreed to take you in exchange for the title," he said mindlessly, moving on to scrutinize her husband's scattered weapons, stealing a few as he spoke. "He gets a whore and I become Olo'eyktan once again. A fair fucking deal if you ask me."

Xi blanched. "What? No- I am already mated! Neteyam is my hus-"

"That love sick fool is nothing! You're lucky he's not here tonight. I was planning on killing him before we left."

At the fleeting thought of her father killing her mate, fear and nausea wrecked Xilä.

"I gave no permission for him to have you. I decide who you are given to. Me! Don't forget it. We are not forest pests. It is not our way."

"Then what was the point of us fleeing here father?!" she yelled as loudly as she could manage. "Su'ko wants us dead, and you're going to- give me- to him? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Completely enraged, her words hissed like venom, "I am Omatikaya. I am the wife of the future Olo'eyktan, daughter-in-law of Toruk Makto! I will be Tsahìk. So you will treat me with resp-"

SMACK!

Xi crumbled in a heap to the floor from the blow and T'shteyo crouched in front of her to grip her jaw hard, forcing her to look up at him.

He smiled cynically and said in a calm, almost conversational manner, "Oh, but you are nothing, darling, you are beneath me. So fuck you and your plea for respect. You disappoint me Xilä. What about our ways? What about our people? Do you not care?"

He shoved her away looking disgusted. "Of course you don't care. You are just like her. Just like your fucking mother. I should've killed the bitch when I had the chance." He spat a blob of saliva at her as he got to his feet again, striding over to his loot to continue his packing.

Xi blinked back tears as crimson liquid pooled from her mouth. It was staining the pretty floor tapestry her in-law's had gifted them. Her ribs ached from when he'd tossed her to the ground and her cheek burned, she was sure that it was split open.

The clinking of glass had her head flicking up. The items in her father's hands were foreign- obviously from the lab.

A needle and a clear vial.

"You know, these blood demons aren't as useless as I thought," he said, clumsily filling the syringe with liquid from the vial. "The fuckers kept me...what was it they called it? Oh right sedated with these funny little contraptions. Wasn't hard to steal a couple while they weren't watching," he smirked.

Xilä's stomach clenched in fear.

"Get over here," he ordered, walking towards her. "You've stalled me long enough. Let's go already. I want to get away while it's still dark out," he ordered, "and before the chaos begins."

She shook her head frantically, trying to back away but it was no use. He grabbed her throat roughly and stuck her with the point. Xi gasped at the slight prick on her neck, frowning up at him in confusion when he released her.

"What was that?" she demanded, fingertips pressing at her skin in terror.

Limbs turning heavy, she blinked rapidly as darkness began to cloud her vision. Her head swam and she felt herself begin to slip away.

"Wah id yoo doooo," she slurred.

Panicked, she eyed the exit to her tent. If she could just move- if she could just scream.

Just before Xilä's eyes rolled up into her head- just before she collapsed into the abyss, she heard the loud familiar roar of a palulukan, followed by a slew of screams.

~

Neteyam was shaken awake by a member of his team. Immediately alert as he sat up, his eyes darted around for sources of danger.

"What is it?"

"Neteyam," Tasam said gravely. "There's call waiting for you. It's the chief's personal line. Answer it, quickly."

Fumbling with the earpiece he had popped off before going to sleep, he frowned as he watched his team hurriedly packing up their makeshift camp, called ikrans flying towards them at speed.

On his feet, he pressed on the device circling his neck, "Sir, you there?"

"Neteyam...bro, it's me." It was Lo'ak...and he sounded, off.

"What in Eywa's name is going on brother? Why is my team scrambling at this hour? We're set to leave first thing in the morn-"

"Neteyam."

Neteyam stilled in trepidation. Hearing the seriousness in Lo'ak's tone filled him with dread.

"I don't know how to say this but- look you need to come home alright? It's Xilä-"

"What about Xilä?!" he shouted, ignoring the concerned glances from his team as they hustled around.

"She's gone man. She- we can't find her. We think something happened- we think it was T'shteyo." Blood rushed in Neteyam's ears, muffling the rest of his brother's words. "We have units out searching for hours now-"

"Hours?! How long has she been missing? Why the fuck are you only telling me this now!" he hissed as he grabbed his bow and bag, blowing out a loud whistle as he strode straight to the edge of the cliff they were camped out at.

"I'm sorry but we thought we'd find her by now. There was an attack and- It's like she disappeared into fucking air! There are no tracks, her ikran is still here-"

"Have all the borders been checked?" Neteyam asked, mounting Buddy the moment he landed, flying off immediately- his team following behind.

"Yes, multiple times! We have teams set up incase they-"

"Who was the last person to see her?" Neteyam demanded, cutting his brother off again as he urged his banshee to fly faster, the wind whipping his braids backwards.

"I was. We all hung out late at your place and-"

"When did you realize she was missing? How long till someone noticed?!"

"Bro will you calm d-"

"Don't you tell me to calm down, Lo'ak! My mate is missing! MISSING! She is missing while I have been here strolling through a fucking mountain when I should have been out there searching for her! But no I wasn't, know why? Because I wasn't told anything until HOURS later! So don't you dare tell me to fucking calm down!"

He ended the connection and urged Buddy to go faster, praying to Eywa to keep his wife safe and praying for sanity since he felt himself spiraling.

There was one thing for certain however. If it truly was T'shteyo behind his mate's sudden disappearance...

Neteyam knew.

Without a doubt.

He was going to kill him.

~

I would just like to apologize in advance...as a reader who absolutely detests cliff hangers herself, I'm so so sorry.

But I do hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. I can't promise when the next part will be out, so please bear with me lovelies.

And of course, once again a big special shout out and hug to my friend Tori. 💛

As always thank you for reading, please let me know your thoughts :)

Tags: @jakesullyfatjuicypeen @granddearduck @riatesullironalite @strawberri-blonde @earthling55 @innercreationflower @duckworthbean @gyuventure @btsiguess-kpop @blkmystery @neteswife @luvteyams @isnt-itstrange @erenjaegerwifee

If you'd like to be tagged or I forgot you by accident, please let me know.

#neteyam #neteyam x oc #neteyam avatar #neteyam fic #neteyam x reader #neteyam fanfiction #neteyam sully

[ahalal-uralma]

#the tangerinedream #myphotography #photography #nature #tree #pine #half frame #light leakage #prisms

[oonajaeadira]

Whelp, my dumbest, oldest doggo finally crossed the bridge today. We had to have someone come to the house to help her along because she was too dumb [affectionately] to do it herself. Then we drove her to my parents' and put her in the ground in our pet cemetery at the end of a line of Very Good Doggos™, tucked her in sound, and let the earth reclaim her. It is sad, but it is good. I knew that Good Days were a thing of the past. She was just about to turn 20, mostly deaf and blind, unable to get up on her own, prone to leakage, and her body was just twisted and tired.

We rescued her from a family who had just tied her up outside and hardly paid attention to her. She was 12 and came to us skin and bone, with heartworm, tapeworm, and broken teeth. We got her healed up and offered her a few good golden years. She said yes thanks I think I will and took 8. This last one has been pawspice care.

In her 8 years with us, she was neurotic and silly and endearing and maddening and stinky and disgusting and hilarious and had very soft ears. She always seemed like a house guest that couldn't take a hint; I never fell all the way in love with her, but she was sweet and dumb and liked by all.

We gave her a good life and a good end. Lucky little shit. <3

Bye, Tahja. You excellent weirdo.

Keep going, through the tunnel and into the light, look for the dude with the jackal head--the one that looks a little like you. He's a good friend of mine. He'll get you where you need to go. You'll love it there. It's a big ol' field where you can run again! Have fun!!!

[daydreaming-jessi]

Time may not heal all wounds, but they can at least scar over.

Future headcanons of the bishops! Just some fun ideas about change and visible trauma, as well as playing around with bodies. Once again they’re all based against the Lamb’s height. Yes, they’re giant freaks, Shamura most especially, they’re the tallest in the whole damn cult, Kallamar close behind. Headcanons are under the cut!

When nari first came to the cult, he was skin and bones, more bone than skin. His vision was badly affected as well, no longer being able to stand bright lights without searing pain and headaches. Eventually he was able to heal up thanks to a certain god’s determination, and quickly bulked up back to a healthier weight. (It’s kind of based off my own cat gatsby, who is now a handsome chunky boi) He still has pretty warped wrist bones though, and he can’t overwork his magic or else his arm skin will fall off again and the process of regrowing them has to be started again, something the Lamb is not happy to do. There’s nothing to be done about his vision, he has to wear a veil in bright lights.

The rest of the bishops were basically rotting in Purgatory, and did not leave their imprisonment unscathed, some more noticeably than others. The body shows the state of the soul, after all.

Leshy seems the least affected, until you realize his leaves are constantly wilted and flaking off, and he has zero energy compared to his old self. Eventually he regains his health, and shoots up like a damn weed, and doesn’t constantly need to sop up the leakage from his eye socket, leaving it to air out at times.

Heket seems normal at a glance, until you realize she’s in the bloated stage of decay, barely able to move about. Eventually her body deals with the mess, and she’s functional once more, however her throat is still a mass of scar tissue, so she still can’t really talk or turn her head very well, and has to go through a lot of pt to work out her neck muscles.

Kallamar and Shamura are the most obvious, emaciated bodies with hardly any muscle mass left, both traumatized shells of their former selves. Eventually they’re able to regain their physique, though they’ll never achieve their old glory days. Shamura is eventually able to regrow a skull so their brain isn’t constantly exposed, but the upper eyes are essentially functionless and their mind is by no means healed, and it’s a constant battle to keep on top of their failing memory.

Kallamar regains no hearing, his eardrums are fucked beyond repair, but being such a diva, he essentially performs plastic surgery on himself so his ears are at least no longer a tattered mess and capable of some decor. If you ask about any of his scars, he’ll gladly regale the epic tales of battle he earned them from, until Shamura is like ‘I have more, it’s just hidden by my fur, see?’ and then it becomes a measuring contest between the two and they’ll have forgotten you existed.

Heket and Nari are just bemoaning the fact their baby Leshy isn’t a baby anymore, and now they’re the shortest of the five.

#jessi doodles #cotl #cult of the lamb #bishops of the old faith #narilamb #catnip #leshycat #true devotion #follower leshy #follower heket #follower kallamar #follower shamura #they’re just a bunch of freaks and nothing can change that #cotl leshy #cotl heket #cotl shamura #cotl kallamar #gee I wonder where nari got that scar :)

[you-found-my-profile]

The room was dark. Each step he took echoed through the walls, little dust particles shone in the small strip of vision emitted by his flashlight. Rusty water pipes and exposed cables decorated the walls as he slowly made his way towards...Oh, yes. The noise he heard a few minutes ago. He almost forgot about it. "Let's see what fell in here."

Passing under a series of vent entrances in the tall ceiling, a small noise got his attention. Wet. He stepped on something sticky. Shining his light on the floor, he soon discovered what the liquid was. "Oil? Interesting. A leakage perhaps?" Following the entirety of the puddle, the technician soon discovered its source.

"Ah...there you were."

#mentally eclipsed au #mentally eclipsed lore #and this is why they needed a redesign :)) #daycare attendant fnaf #fnaf daycare attendant #fnaf moon #fnaf sun #fnaf au

[666writingcafe]

An Emergency

MC

The sound of water running greets Mammon and I when we return to Serenity Manor, which wouldn't be so unusual if it weren't for the living room ceiling beginning to show signs of leakage.

"What room's above this one?" I ask. Mammon stares at the ceiling, appearing contemplative.

"Asmo's bathroom." As soon as he answers me, he begins running towards the stairs, and I struggle a bit to keep up with him. I catch up to him as he's loudly banging on Asmo's door.

"Yo, Asmo! What's goin' on in there?" he yells. "There's a buncha water leakin' into the room below your bath!"

Silence.

"Alright, you had your chance! We're goin' in!" Mammon nearly throws the door open, spilling water out into the hallway.

Not that Asmo would know. He's completely passed out, his body slumped over the edge of the tub.

"Asmo!" Any anger Mammon may have felt before is now replaced with total, unbridled fear. "MC, turn off that water!"

Once done, I kneel next to Asmo and touch his shoulder. I may not be able to fix the bathroom or the leak, but I can at least help him feel better.

"May the vestiges of pain that linger within the demon before me be eliminated," I murmur. "I am the one they call MC; hear my command." White light emanates from the hand touching his shoulder, and within moments Asmo is conscious again.

"What happened?" he whispers to me.

"That's what I'd like to know!" Mammon exclaims before I can answer, walking over to the two of us. "Seriously, Asmo, what were you thinking, walkin' around in this state?! You're lucky me and MC came when we did, or you coulda died in here!"

I don't think I've ever seen Mammon like this, genuinely terrified over someone else's safety. I knew that he cared about his brothers, don't get me wrong, but I had no idea it went this deep.

"I...I don't know." Meanwhile, Asmo sounds like a lost, disoriented child. "I remember waking up incredibly sore and thinking that a bath might help me feel better, but as I was getting in the tub, I felt really dizzy all of a sudden, and..." He takes a deep breath, trying hard not to cry.

"It's okay, Asmo," Mammon tells him. "I'm not mad at ya. Just worried, that's all." He pauses. "Do you want me to get Lucifer?" Asmo shakes his head.

"He's still asleep. I don't want to disturb him." Mammon gently pats his shoulder before turning his attention back to me.

"Get Asmo back in bed," he instructs. "I'll take care of the rest."

~~~

Once I've made sure Asmo's sound asleep, I quietly leave his bedroom. There's not much more I can do in there at the moment, and Mammon might need some help cleaning up.

However, as soon as I turn the corner, I bump into someone.

"Hello, MC."

Solomon?

I didn't hear him come in, and I'm sure someone would have caught him earlier. If not Mammon, then one of the other brothers at the very least.

Except...

His energy's different. Living with Solomon has exposed me to his various moods, and this isn't one of them.

"Who are you?" Not-Solomon smiles.

"Very good," he replies, not answering my question. "You're further along than I was led to believe."

"Answer my question."

"In due time. Just know that I mean you no harm."

"What do you want?" He steps closer to me, and I step back.

"Fair enough," Not-Solomon sighs. "You don't know whether I'm telling the truth or not." He pauses. "The future of one of your closest companions is uncertain. He's standing at a crossroads, so to speak. He can choose to remain as he is or change into something different. He needs your help to decide."

He's being serious.

I should turn away and find Mammon.

But I can't.

"Who?"

"I cannot say outright. That would negatively affect his future. I can, however, help guide you."

"How?"

"By allowing you to observe the past. History often repeats itself, and it's our job to find those patterns and learn from them, use them to inform our future decisions."

He could be luring me into a trap. If I do as he says, I might end up dead.

Not-Solomon extends his hand out to me.

I'm willing to take the risk.

#obey me shall we date #obey me mc #obey me mammon #obey me asmo #obey me asmodeus #in case anyone is confused #not-solomon is nightbringer in a disguise #no this is not how it went in the og game #but i'm trying to create a cohesive story out of existing material #and so by introducing nightbringer the character now #it doesn't come as a surprise later #especially when it comes to the time traveling bit

[lovejosephquinn]

“Open your mouth for me baby”

Lana… I swear to god… you know EXACTLY what I want 👀

Your knees were already burning from being leant against the carpet in one position for so long, your hair was tied back so it was out of your face; all you wanted was for Joe to use you for his own personal gain and pleasure. You licked every inch of your lips from top to bottom as you watched him pull his trousers down, stood before you, revealing his length in all it's glory.

"So you want that filthy little mouth to be fucked?" Joe grunted, taking his cock into his fist and stroking inches away from your face.

Your eyes averted straight to his, a silent admission to the fact you needed him to follow through on his words. You bit down onto your bottom lip, clenching your cunt around nothing at the sudden throb when you moved your sights back down to watch the tip of his cock pulsate, blushing a darkened red from all the blood rising into it.

Joe groaned, gripping onto himself, pushing forward whilst slipping his fingers into a holding position whilst slapping himself against your cheek. "Open your mouth for me baby." He winced when he gravitated his fingers towards the tip, soothing and wiping away the little leakage of pre-cum attached to it.

You happily obliged, drifting forward and wrapping your lips around his swollen, solid end. Slurping as you went, swirling your tongue around the underneath of it, making Joe's thighs twitch dramatically from the sensitive sensation coursing through his body.

Joe snaked his hand around to your ponytail, latching onto it to propel his cock further inward. Inch by inch slowly passed through your lips until you began to choke, his head falling back as his tip reached past your tonsils. "Atta girl." He praised you, so you pulled back and thrusted forward once more to repeat the action. You prised yourself back to the tip once more, before trying to keep your repetition at bay Joe forced his hips without hesitation to ram his cock deeper down your throat, both hands caged the sides of your skull to keep the exact speed and rhythm he longed to achieve.

You were being cast off like a rag doll, being pounded into through your lips which made the perfect o shape to enable his cock to feel tight as it passed through your lips, his foreskin dragging it's way through making the pleasure all the more untamed. "That's it, you're such a good girl huh? Taking this fat cock. Filthy little slut for me."

Saliva dribbled, dripping down onto your thighs, tears corroding your vision, your jaw almost clicking from how fast your head was rocking back and fourth in Joe's treatment. You were being used at this moment as his own personal flesh-light, merely the likeness of a rag doll being exploited for his gratification. Your drowned out moans brought him to a screaming halt where he clearly couldn't take anymore. His hot seed trickled down your throat, you swallowed every drop, staring up to watch your man's features alter as his orgasm washed over him aggressively.

His hands let go, but you kept slowly sucking to over stimulate his release, making sure he was seeing stars by the time you were completely done. "D-d-darling p-p-please." His legs began to give way, sharp moans escaping his lips as he attempted to push away from you. You wrapped your hands securely onto his bare ass, taking him one last time down to the pit of your throat, mentally punching your fist into the air. Although Joe thought he had all of the fun, it was worth it to see him squirm and beg for you to stop; though you knew it wouldn't be long before he returned the favour back to you.

#lana's 2.5k event #joseph quinn smut #joseph quinn x reader #joseph quinn imagine

[toasterdrake]

aaaaa ok i really hope im not bothering you bc i'm requesting two times in a row, but can i have another yelena oneshot with some hurt/comfort? maybe r gets a life-threatening injury and yel mother-hens r back to health? if that's too specific you can do whatever you want for the 'hurt' part of hurt/comfort

my friend, the day has finally arrived. this beast has sat in my drafts for many many months -- years, even, i think? -- and i have finally accepted i'm never going to finish it. i went suuuper off-script so i've condensed it into just this block before things go haywire. other than that, this is entirely unedited as i last left it, notes and gaps and all. i hope the rest of it (of which there is too much) never again sees the light of day.

if i can even say this any more, enjoy. with this, my time in the mcu fandom truly comes to an end.

Angel

Yelena Belova x Avenger!reader

word count: 4K

Engine malfunction, systems failure, hull compromised, oxygen leakage, proximity alert, eject failure -- every alarm blared impossibly loud in the tiny cockpit, barely audible over the rushing vacuum of wind. 

A stream of creative curses spilled from your mouth as your fingers flew across the sparking dashboard, trying desperately to make something, anything work as your jet's descent steepened, plummeting through low-lying clouds.

Coming up with no other option than to try to limp to a nearby island, you yanked the control stick as hard as you could, bracing your legs as you strained with all your might to pull the plane out of its nosedive. 

You fought gravity itself: your arms feeling as if they were about to be ripped from their sockets. You were trying to lift tonnes of metal with one human's strength alone.

You let out a patriotic scream, blood pumping gloriously. Your cry to the heavens was drowned in the violent wind, the strain of the wings in the wrenching of your shoulders.

Alas, the jet wobbled and shook, breathing black smoke.

The cockpit was beginning to feel like a furnace due to the engine fire below. You were burning up in your heavy aviator's gear despite the cracked canopy's icy flood of air. Your breath came in short pants, crackling in your mask, and the broken radio screamed in your ears.

Land -- no, you'd failed, water -- rushed up to meet you. From the cockpit's window, the lake was a giant gaping blue maw opening wider to swallow you whole. And it would; given the chance, the slightest wavering of will.

Not one to simply accept fate, you struggled out of your buckles and into an emergency parachute, fingers shaking as they worked frantically in your small window of time.

The parachute cord caught on a displaced hunk of metal just as you ripped off your helmet. Masses of white fabric filled your vision. 

Senses clouded, the great boom of impact told you you'd hit water. It rebounded like astral ascension through your bones.

With the whiplash, you jerked forward, slamming into the centre console hard enough to elicit an intense ache in your chest. Your head connected with the dashboard. 

You pulled yourself upright, star-crossed for a moment, darkness clawing at the edges of your vision.

A sharp pain blossomed at your hairline; a thousand needles drove into your skull and twisted. You groaned as the dizziness sent you reeling a second later.

Something hot and wet and dark dripped down your forehead. You wiped it from your stinging eyes. You didn't have time for this. Through dancing stars, the jet was sinking rapidly into unfathomable depths; dragging you down with it never to be seen again.

Shaking off the disorientation, you scooped up your helmet from the floor and began attacking the glass canopy. Your movements were hindered by the limp parachute crowding what little space you had, but still the crack grew. 

Water spilled in faster, faster, sloshing around your shoulders. Finally, the entire pane collapsed into shards. You inhaled the deepest breath of air you could muster milliseconds before--

A great puff of depressurising air thrust you bodily out of the cockpit, as water flooded the jet entirely, wholly conjoining it to the lake. 

You tried to yank your rucksack free of where it was wedged, but it was stubborn and you didn't have seconds to spare. You abandoned it in favour of surging upwards.

You kicked your legs wildly, reaching above your head for filtered sunlight in a desperate bid for fresh air. The pressure in your lungs mounted and mounted.

Your heavy clothes and tired limbs weighed you down. You couldn't struggle out of the woolen aviator jacket; couldn't spare the few moments to let it drag you deeper in freefall.

Still, it was as if you had never left the jet. 

The light above didn't seem to be any closer, your progress like revving with the handbrake on. Your desperate kicks and thrusts weakened, bubbles streaming from your nose, dancing to the sky like ash as time trickled out.

It was dark. So dark. Cold. Lonely. You were thrashing. Water was filling your lungs. You were drowning. You were about to be lost to nature's most powerful force, and no one would know.

A muffled splash above echoed through the dark expanse of water. 

An angel from the surface had come to save you. 

Her form was silhouetted by dancing sunlight wings. Golden ringlets of hair splayed around her head in a halo. She swam down to you, powerful limbs propelling her down in an illusion of ease; a true display of power. 

The strength of her arms was reassuring.



Coughing and spluttering, you jolted upright. Water gushed from your mouth, spilling down your already soaked chest as you sat up. You found curious chartreuse eyes. Somehow, instinctively, you knew they belonged to the angel who saved you.

"Where are your wings?"

"What?" Her accent was dark velvet: authentic slavic, you recognised vaguely. It sent shivers down your spine as much as the chill of the water.

"Cause," A wet cough, "Cause you're an angel -- oh shit that's blood." 

"You have internal bleeding, probably," She said, smoothing back darkened blonde hair, peeling it from her shirt by the disturbance. She was just as soaked as you, as was the patch of grass you occupied.

Frothy, bright red spots of blood littered your hand. A sharp pain in your abdomen made itself present. Dizziness washed over you, but you pushed through to pull up your slick shirt and reveal a deep red discolouration on your chest. 

For some inexplicable reason, you poked it, and winced when a wave of pain crashed through the area. You blushed upon noticing her scrutinising gaze, clearing your throat. Your ribs ached in complaint.

You gratefully took the hand she offered, letting her display that strength again as she hauled you from the ground. She led you from the shore up to a cabin, which dominated what appeared to be an island.

"What's your name?" You asked.

A quiet moment of debate. "Yelena. You?"

You owed each other that much. "[Y/N]."

She hummed in recognition.

"Lie down. It'll help your blood flow more naturally," She said, tone not unkind.

You obeyed, then swallowed awkwardly around the dryness in your throat, piping up, "Could I have a drink of water?"

"Not until you've been treated," Yelena said, words accompanied by a privately playful smirk, to which you pouted. 

You drummed your fingers against your leg, looking around at what of the room you could see, as Yelena became otherwise occupied attending to her dog.

A goatskin rug had been draped over the back of a rocking chair in the corner, almost like hotel decoration. A blazer hung from a peg next to the door. A perfectly pruned arrangement of flowers sprouted from a ceramic vase shaped like a stylised duck, something that looked glittery lacing shards together. A misshapen candle's flame flickered cheerily on the windowsill.

Contrast of lived in and new. Yelena trying to make a home and not knowing how.

Yelena reentered, throwing a set of fresh, baggy clothes at you.

"So, you live here?" You said conversationally, looking out a window at the pine forest outside as you changed painstakingly slowly around his injury.

You could just make out a distant shore beyond the mist-obscured treeline, the grey lake lapping at a dark gravel beach.

Yelena stiffened. You watched out of the corner of your eye as she chewed her lip, face turned away from you. "No," She said, wary. "I'm only here to look after the island for my parents."

You nodded, even though she couldn't see you, and returned to gazing outside. Maybe her parents are in hospital or something? Whatever the depth of her reason, it sounded personal. And complex. You shouldn't pry.

And you shouldn't take advantage of an innocent woman's hospitality, your conscience scolded. No choice, you rebutted.

Just then, someone knocked at the front door. Yelena shot you a look that carried a strange cocktail of warning, concern, and apprehension, before disappearing to attend to the visitor.

You weren't left alone for long. Yelena re-entered the room, biting her lip before glancing away and standing awkwardly in a corner. She was followed by a man slightly taller than her, whom you assumed was the doctor by his discoloured beige clinical coat and briefcase.

The doctor himself could have been anywhere between thirty and fifty. He introduced himself as Dr. Graham in his warbly, squeaky voice. His face was mottled by acne scars, his chin weak and bare as if it had never borne a single hair. His babyish eyes popped out of their sockets, making him look like an eternally frightened rabbit. His hairline had already climbed up his forehead, leaving only wispy fawn tuft behind his ears.

Puberty must've hit him like a plastic toy car, you mused.

Dr. Graham did his necessary medical things quickly enough, diagnosing you miraculously concussion-free. You provided an easy lie about falling down the stairs when moving boxes, which the doctor accepted with a degree of coldness and Yelena listened to with something like caution in her eyes.

"You need four weeks of bedrest," Dr. Graham sternly gave his departing orders, crossing his arms over his chest in tepid persistence.

"But--"

"No buts."

"But--" Yelena tried.

"No. Buts. Good day to you." He stressed, glaring at each of you -- the effect somewhat disheartened by his buggish eyes -- before striding out the door.

"We'll see if your hairline lasts four weeks," You grumbled darkly. Yelena snickered at that, which drew your attention to her. 

"So."

"So," Yelena prompted when you trailed off, looking at you quizzically.

"So, is it okay for me to stay with you that long? I can't exactly go anywhere else; the jet had all my money and cards in it." The bandages wrapped around your chest flexed uncomfortably with stretching muscle.

Well, Tony's cards.

"Sure, why not. I don't plan on going anywhere for a while," There it was again; that cautious reservedness showing itself to maintain the simmering distance between you. "I will need to pick up some groceries from town though. Will you be alright here with Fanny?" Yelena said, moving to the doorway again.

"We're on one of the Thousand Islands, right? How does an entire town fit? I mean I can understand a doctor, but--"

Yelena rolled her eyes. "The town is on the mainland. I'll be taking my boat, Paučók." She said, a hint of motherly pride slipping through at that. "Also, the doctor used his own boat. We're alone on this island."

"Oh," Heat rose to your cheeks.

She rolled her eyes again and strode away. An unmistakable bulge in her pocket caught your eye. Your mood darkened. Maybe her parents aren't in hospital after all.

With that fun revelation, you decided to do some harmless snooping once Yelena was out of sight. The front door clicked shut, the lock twisting with anxious finality.

Pulling yourself off the chair, you leaned against the wall, riding out an immobilising wave of pain for a few long moments, your eyes squeezed shut and teeth gritted. A little internal bleeding wouldn't stop you!

Fanny fretted at your heels, seemingly unperturbed by your being a stranger. You petted her reassuringly, and she scampered off down the hallway, leaving you to trail behind her at a snail's pace.

Y comes back, confesses past nervously, R guilty, reveals snooping, Y angry, trust lost, R works to apologise and reopens wound



A week later, Dr. Graham called requesting you go to the clinic for a check-up. You took the call since Yelena was in the boat shelter doing maintenance on Paučók. Because you had started a streak of regaining trust, you decided you would obey the doctor. Just this once. 

You didn't like pissing people off, contrary to popular belief -- it was messy to fix and sent you completely out of your depth -- even if it was endlessly amusing to annoy the doctor. Besides, Yelena would give you an earful if you hurt yourself again.

Heading out to find the aforementioned Russian and inform her, you took a plated stack of the pancakes you'd made, just in case she hadn't eaten yet. She'd been up and gone by the time you got moving, just dumping a used coffee cup in the sink as you appeared in the kitchen.

Walking through the bracing early morning mist, you got the sensation it wasn't going to shift for the rest of the day. The icy vapour stung your cheeks and whipped you into full vigilance: a hard slap from Mother Nature. You pulled your aviator's jacket tighter over your shoulders.

Stepping into the boat shelter, you went unnoticed by Yelena. This was strange, considering that in the time you'd known each other she'd always seemed to have a sixth sense for detecting your presence before you'd even walked through the door.

The cause of her distraction was soon revealed, as the whirring of machinery permeated the workshop.

Oh shit. Okay. She's ripped. Damn. Okay. Cool. Okay. Okay. Take a deep breath. One, two, three, release. Okay. Now use your words.

"I-I brought you, um, cakespan -- no, uhm -- pancakes!"

...What?!

You cringed.

(Gae muscle panic)

The doctor's clinic was, for whatever reason, not located on the mainland. Instead, it inhabited one of the larger islands alongside a few other residences -- enough to form a hamlet -- that sat just a few hundred metres into the lake, near the main feeding river's mouth. The clinic itself was a converted gothic mansion, all arching stone masonry and high, gilded ceilings that made rooms echo eerily.

The place wasn't busy; you were seen after just a few minutes, the only other patient being a pregnant woman accompanied by her wife. Yelena trailed after you into the examination room, stuck on the boundary of limiting your association and keeping you in her sights at all times.

You exchanged an apprehensive look upon noticing an unfamiliar boat moored to the island's jetty.

Yelena pulled in quietly, killing the engine and letting Paučók drift into place on the current. You both stepped out onto the platform, gaze locked on the stagnant house through sentinel trees. Its dark windows gazed back steadily with quiet amusement. 

Yelena bent to secure Paučók's ropes. She reached into her pocket and handed you a loaded semi-automatic handgun, as well as drawing a revolver for herself.

You handled the handgun with familiarity. "God, how many guns do you have on you?"

"Enough to be prepared."

Together, you crept up the beaten dirt track to the house, guns poised to react. The building waited for you patiently.

A bird swooped low over your heads, flapping hurriedly to ascend. You and Yelena startled at the abrupt action. The desperation in its wake left a strange, almost oppressive tension heavy in the crowding mist. 

In the next moment, it was dispelled like a river bursting as Fanny came sprinting after the bird through the trees, barking freely. She skidded to a halt at Yelena's feet, who quickly bent to attend to her dog. She slipped Fanny a treat and ruffled her thick coat, speaking to her as if she could answer.

"What happened, Fan? What are you doing out of the house, huh?" Yelena cooed. Fanny panted happily in response.

"Fanny!" A new voice called jovially through the opaque mist. 

A second later, a hazy humanoid solidified into an approaching silhouette striding toward them. With every muted step, their features sharpened to reveal fiery red hair draped over slim shoulders, a vest secure over a dark bodysuit, green eyes eclipsed by the dreary surroundings.

"Fanny," Natasha said again, scolding this time with a playful lilt, coming to a stop in front of the three.

"Natasha," Yelena answered, wide-eyed. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Yeah, Nat," You piped up. "What are you doing here?"

Natasha looked at him, surprise evident in her expression. "[Y/N]? What are you doing here?"

"Okay, we're getting nowhere with this. Let's go inside." Yelena said, leading the way up to the house. Fanny ran ahead eagerly, twirling in impatient circles as everyone traipsed behind her.

Once inside, the frigid mist shut out behind a heavy wooden door, you immediately moved to the fire. You rolled up the sleeves of his jacket to expose your forearms, but didn't shrug it off, still feeling the chill in your bones. You stirred up the glowing embers; feeding them another log and coaxing a true, strong flame out of it.

Meanwhile, Yelena hung up her overshirt on a peg and stepped into the adjoining kitchen, shuffling through cupboards. The kettle's whistle crescendoed cheerily a few moments later. 

Natasha kicked off her boots at the door, falling into an armchair with a grateful sigh. She produced a dog toy from a pocket when Fanny jumped onto her lap, teasing the Shepherd with it but neither wanting to move too far.

Accepting the mug of coffee from Yelena when she padded back into the living room, you took the other armchair, leaving her to claim the plush loveseat. Fanny jumped off Natasha's lap as she received her beverage, instead lying down on a rug in front of the resplendently roaring fire.

You inhaled the steam, the soft fragrance providing gentle caresses of nostalgia. You blew on the hot liquid until it was cool enough to sip safely, smiling at the taste. 

Yelena and Natasha sipped quietly from their own mugs -- labelled 'blood of my enemies' and 'keep it up and you will be a strange smell in the attic' respectively -- while staring introspectively into the fire. Well, Natasha was. Yelena was admiring Fanny. As she rightfully should.

"So, Natasha," The blonde finally said, facing the other woman with a somewhat annoyed expression, "What has brought you here?" 

Drizzling rain began to fall outside. Fresh symphonies of pine wafted in through a cracked open window, condensation forming in the corners of its rustic frame.

Natasha tore her gaze from the fire to meet her sister's over the rim of her mug. "Mason called me to say you'd requested extra time. He wanted me to make sure you hadn't gotten yourself into trouble."

Yelena nodded absently. Her hazel eyes were glazed over; distant in thought. You looked between the sisters, utterly lost. 

"Mason? Is he your landlord? Are you leaving soon?"

The log crackled and popped, jolting hard enough to cause everyone in the room to startle. Yelena stared into her mug guiltily.

"No. He's… this a safehouse. I'm waiting for some media controversy to blow over." She confessed to the hot chocolate.

"Controversy surrounding the death of an important army benefactor?" You asked.

She looked up at you, clearly surprised and a little wary, but nodded. You sank a little deeper into the armchair, trying to make yourself smaller. Yelena looked to Natasha for an explanation. The avenger smirked.

"[Y/N] here had to leave the states pretty urgently after being framed for that benefactor's murder," She supplied, clearly enjoying every moment of what was to come.

Yelena gaped for a few moments, mouth opening and closing soundlessly, before she finally managed coherency. "Shit, I'm so sorry! I promise I wasn't the one to point any blame at you."

You waved her off, red-faced. "It's fine. We know who it was. Unfortunately, no official will even consider it, and demand I be put behind bars."

"Tony's working on the legal stuff," Natasha reassured you, before returning her attention to her drink. 

"Tony? As in Tony Stark of Stark Industries? Iron Man? You know him?" Yelena gushed, eyes shining.

"WellI'mkindofanavenger," You mumbled sheepishly. Natasha snorted in amusement.

"[Y/N] is one of the cool kids I run around with," She said in answer to Yelena's confused frown.

The Russian was struck speechless. Fanny sighed and shifted, briefly drawing her attention from blank staring, which gave you a breather to compose yourself.

"Yes. I'm an Avenger," you said; steady and strong. You were proud of your occupation. You'd saved lives -- the entire planet! -- countless times, and you'd do it again in a heartbeat. Yelena had every right to understand that.

"So," Natasha said, finishing her drink in one gulp and standing, "I'll be calling Mason to tell him everything's fine, and the other safehouse in Yukon is free since you're both staying here. That right?"



Natasha ended up staying with you. 

In a quiet conversation by the patio firepit after Nat had gone to bed, you and Yelena both agreed that the avenger needed this more than she cared to admit. 

The next morning, Yelena invited her sister to stay with you for the whole run of your supposed bedrest, to which she reluctantly agreed. 

(Honestly, your insistence swayed her more than her own volition. She couldn't resist three sets of puppy eyes.)

It was hard for Natasha to let go of work.

The boys and Wanda were a mess without her, and she received numerous disgruntled or chaotic calls throughout the day. She talked herself into flying back to the states multiple times, but you wouldn't let her. 

Yelena tried telling the team to back off -- to just let her relax -- but they failed to learn how to function without Natasha. 

Eventually, Pepper intervened and the calls stopped. 

Before this, you had put Nat's phone on silent and hidden it while she was showering. Yelena returned with clothing flown over from the compound (she'd been lending hers to her sister until now since Nat didn't bring any) to find you taped to a wall and Natasha in a frenzy.

That day, her paranoia swiftly devolved into a panic attack, which turned into a full breakdown. 

It was heartbreaking to watch your friend fall apart. Yelena helped her through it, and after a therapeutic cry Nat was more willing to ignore the others. The team knew the emergency code. She was finally ready to accept a break.

Released from the tape by a sheepish Natasha, you gave her a loving hug to melt into, then texted Pepper.

Nat was much happier after that. Her soul sang free like the spring songbirds for the first time. Even during the three years in Ohio, the shadow of the Red Room had bound her wings, and the recent ordeal of taking down Dreykov, of Antonia -- coming face-to-face with her greatest nightmare -- had been emotionally intense. To say the least.

Finally getting a true break allowed the reality of those horrors to be released. A huge weight took flight from her shoulders. 

Of course, healing takes time, and is not a linear journey. You and Yelena were there for Natasha every day.

Yelena's mood improved with her sister's, and soon the two were acting as if they'd never been trained assassins separated for twenty years. They were just a normal family. Happy, content.

Mealtimes were filled with cheerful banter and laughter, the result of weaving around bodies crammed into the kitchen and steam clouding cracked open windows.

Mornings were spent lazing in bed, followed by sunbathing on the porch with a coffee. Nights were either filled with alcohol and stumbling to bed; or books, cozy blankets and a roaring fireplace. The rest of their day was occupied with chores, exploring the island, and swimming in the lake. Natasha mostly played with Fanny around the island. She was almost more infatuated with the dog than Yelena, if that was even possible.

At some point, you ended up gravitating into Yelena's bed.

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