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rose-lalondde · 2 months

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Naruto Modern Fantasy AU - Bijuu & Patrons

Order and Chaos are two of the oldest divinities and are responsible for the creation of the systems that exist within the Nexus (my world). Respectively, they're famously known for the creation of the Order of Angels & Life (Order) and Hell & Death (Chaos). Other achievements include the Seven Heavenly Virtues and the Seven Sins (Partially out of commission).

At an early part in their life, Order and Chaos formed an understanding relationship that developed into romantic feelings. The result of that romance and their union were the bijuu, their nine (related) children. Very soon after Shukaku was created, they separated and began their long-standing and bitter feud. In addition to their together children, they each have their own offspring, the Goddess of Life and Creation & the God of the Dead (prev the God of the Dead, Death and Decay; alt title as King of the Dead).

In the older days, each Bijuu was worshipped and had devoted followers because they were so important, and at the time were the only minor gods around. Eventually, after the creation of the New Gods, the Bijuu lost relevance and were in danger of fading away. A deal was struck so that they could maintain their form and power but they had to have a patron that they fused their soul with. In rare cases, the patrons are willing participants who offer themselves in exchange for help. In most cases, the patron is an unwilling sacrifice, pushed by devoted followers (or power-hungry men) who want to keep their god alive. In the very special case of Mito Uzumaki who offers herself to keep Kurama alive by making a deal that she'll honor his wishes in exchange for power and safety,,, she absolutely does not follow through. This builds up decades of resentment, especially when he is passed down to Kushina who does the same, which starts off his rocky relationship with Naruto.

In another very special case, Rin, who is forcibly made a patron to Isobu, dies within the early stages of his soul intertwining with hers. Later she is resurrected, as the initial soul intertwining process was botched, and Isobu and Rin's souls are now one in the same. Meaning that instead of switching out consciousnesses like a regular patron and god can do, they share it. After the resurrection, Rin also displays physical features of Isobu such as red sclera and protruding spikes.

Patrons receive their patron god's powers and abilities in exchange for either sacrifices or completing quests/tasks, often they're centered around the patron god's title. For example, Matatabi requires Yugito to exorcise and guide spirits/ghosts to the afterlife. In Killer B's case, him and Gyuuki are just vibing. Gyuuki has a historically good relationship with B's family and all of his patrons volunteered willingly, so he freely exchanges his power. Fuu was unwilling sacrificed, but thankfully Chomei adores her enough to provide her power for protection, even helping her leave her followers.

Kurama - God of Vengence

Gyuuki - God of Persistence and Adaptability

Chomei - Goddess of Luck

Saiken - God of Patience

Kokou - God of Determination & Freedom

Son Goku - God of Courage & Strength

Isobu - God of Still Waters and light rain showers

Matatabi - Goddess of Exocisim and Safe Passage to the Afterlife

Shukaku - God of Overindulgence and Partying

#naruto au #naruto #nexus #moon posts #Nexus is basically a system of pocket dimensions that can sometimes bleed into the human realm #lemme tell u rn they were NAWT raising those children #using offspring instead of children b/c they're not bio related??? idk how to explain #very complicated relationship as they're considered creations but have been raised and taught by them (more or less)#Life considers the bijuu as her siblings #Dead does not (which is funny b/c Order favors him the most even though he's not hers lol)#Rin and Isobu are basically the same person instead of her just being a host #long story short: Life went behind some ppl's backs b/c resurrection via patron was NAWT the deal #the akatsuki are not going after the patrons or bijuu like....they could but i don't rly wanna write that #i thought about keeping kushina and minato alive b/c kurama would'nt rly form properly with his patron dying saurrr....yeah #i did say minato died though already and i gotta stand on business #kushina however #if im bringing rin back im gonna bring her back too omg #but instead of resurrection its stubbornness that keeps her alive through the extraction process and extensive therapy omg #like her soul got ripped in half and she's essentially comatose for 12 years which they keep a secret ofc #hiruzen hides her from naruto and ofc that bitch is dead when she wakes up #Rin helps with the recovery process even before she wakes up #instead of naruto and sasuke going with jiraya to get tsunade rin goes b/c no one else can heal kushina atp #soul recreation veers into black magic and the creation of life #tsunade doesn't wanna do it but does it anyone b/c shes family #tsunade ends up binding her soul to the goddess of the ocean and seas b/c of their heritage #i forgot to mention that kushina's a witch. Uzumaki is a witch coven surname #ummm idk that was it i think

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cerenemuxse · 1 year

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They're gonna cause so many problems. 🥰 ❤ 💚

...

Emily: We're not that bad-

Edward: The other day, you both wouldn't stop tormenting me in Wellsworth Yards.

Emily: And?

Edward: "And?" I got in trouble for looking like a lunatic for speeding away from you two.

...

I imagine James and Emily having the same energy as Jessie and James from Pokemon, in terms of their mischief. Elderly sister and little brother causing problems for the other engines, because why not.

It's usually trouble that doesn't interfere with work or cause accidents, or at least their intentions are to avoid those kind of results.

Emily is the "boss" of the pair, and when you include Donald and Douglas, it's the same. She keeps her siblings in line, in a similar fashion as to how her oldest and only surviving sibling, Esmeralda (the preserved GNR A1 Stirling Single 4-2-2). She'll put her wheel down when necessary but that doesn't deter her caring sise one bit. In fact, that's why she's like that. It's because she cares, so god damn much. So you could imagine how she feels whenever James gets into accidents that happened because of him. (If not, she basically gets upset and goes "I told you so," because she will have warned James prior to the accident. Think of the crash into Tidmouth Sheds, which is canon in my AU. At the beginning of the episode, "The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor," she warned him about his brakes. Ideally, she would be understandably upset.)

James is the true chaos between the two. He will joke around, or at least he does around the time the sibling relationship between the two is established. This cheekiness he picked up from his sister, 12555, and Emily. To James, Emily is similar to 12555. And it's vice versa for Emily. However, his mischief gets in the way, becoming vain. His vanity is a form of comfort because he sees this as a reminder to himself that he is important and special. That he should be proud of his uniqueness. These thoughts are encouraged by what 12555 told him before he left for Sodor, however the effect didn't take place until he arrived. But that vanity, thankfully, doesn't overshadow his caring side. He cares very much but based on past experience, he fears retaliation for doing so. His chaotic nature encourages Emily to embrace it, who encourages James.

Compared to the other older engines, Emily is the most outspoken. "He asked for no pickles" energy. (Yes, I use memes to get an ides of character personalities. It helps me.) But like other older engines, she doesn't like being reminded that she is old, unless she's joking with engines that are around the same age as her. So when she spends time with James, it gives her a chance to express that hidden chaotic side.

Please excuse my terrible writing. That is something I want to make clear. My writing is possibly 100% worse than the shows, mostly because of how I write. I word things very weirdly. ;-;

#ttte james #ttte emily #engines of sudrian rails by muxse #siblings be like #run and hide or at least try #everyone is running for their lives #not my screenshots #they're so potentially chaotic

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goji-pilled · 2 years

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and now, a preieve from the angst, starring everyone's magical girl Tamura.

Sonewhere between time and space, where the timelines of all realities and universes aproach each other to such intimate proximity yet never meet, was a space free from time's forward momentum. In this space was a small bar that was owned and run but one Akemi Homura - everyone inside just called her Barkeep. The denizens of this small all shared many characteristics, so many that they can all be summed up in one single sentence.

They all were and weren't Akemi Homura.

Seated at the far end of the bar was one such Akemi Homura, however she was so very very different from all the others.

Oh no, she wasn't special in any way. She was the same as any old Homura in this bar, give or take her leaning into her aloofness as being her actual personality, and her boughts of out-of-characterness as one young and intelligent put it.

She was different in that everyone always butchered her name, even herself from time to time.

She was Akemi Tamura.

And she was face planted at the bar with her hands wrapped around a glass of bitter cider. What you thought it was beer? You fool, of course she'd never drink in the only true sanctuary she's found.

She'd make her mistakes in an actual timeline.

Anyways, reeling from her most recent adventure in a timeline where Mami and Kyouko were also stuck together in their own special time loop hell and were trying to save Sayaka. She pitied them but based on their demeanors and actions they've been doing this for less than a year.

They'll be fine. S'long as they stick together.

A commotion came from behind her as the other Homuras chattered and welcomed a brand new Homura into their midst. No doubt they'd saddle the rookie onto her and have her be tour guide again. Tamura didn't mind, she was more used to more mundane tasks.

Sure enough, a Homura plopped down in the seat next to her amd cleered her throat. Welp, may as well be play mundane menial task manager again. Lifting her head up she turned to look at the new Homura. She was shocked to see a new Homura that looked to be older than every other Akemi here - except for Barkeep, she'll always be the oldest, being the second Homura to be here.

Tamura picked her jaw up off the floor and quickly made herself look decent. Hmmm, maybe she could play the cool senior role just like Madoka and Mami always did. Lifting her mug to her mug Tamura quickly blurted out "First time?" before trying to down the bitter drink. Thankfully the older Homura gave an answer that helped mask her useless body's inability to drink anything bitter.

"Yes actually. But I'm just visiting with a friend at the moment."

It helped her spittake look real but Tamura couldnt help but question her sanity. The other Homura not her own.

"Blugh, e-excuse me!? Visiting woth a friend!?" exlaimed Tamura, doing her best to wipe up the mess she made before Barkeep gave her an earful and put her on cleaning duty.

"It's exactly as I said." Lifting a finger towards Barkeep, the older Homura got a tiny glass be filled with a cola and a shot of the bitter cider. Taking a sip the Homura continued. "I had lost track of how many times I had looped the same six weeks, however, I eventually found myself in one where the impossible was actually indeed possible." Another sip, a quick scratch at her chest where their scar would be without rapid healing magic.

"Even then, the six monthes that followed were possibly the only six months where I had nearly truly given up. However I pulled myself together - with the help of my loved ones of course - and eventually that timeline became the one."

Tamura could only stare with stars in her eyes as the rest of the establishment went quick, no doubt listening in and analyze their conversation for any hints on how to reach their happy ending. She opened and closed her mouth several times before finally deciding to ask one question. The only question that mattered.

"W-What's it like?" The other Homura - no, the Homura That Won - merely glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, and then closed her eyes. A second passed before she smiled, a truly happy and peacful smile, and turned around to every Homura in the bar. To the Homura's that all at one point or another chose to stay her for some time before they could convince themselves to get back up and try again.

"It's the most vidicating and beautiful feeling I have ever felt."

The bar exploded in cheers, Barkeep handing out drinks and food as the Mami Lost in Time Then Became A Comedian cried tears of joy for her friend, Prankster Homura throwing confetti eggs everywhere, Mini Kyouko and Soothed Sayaka pulled the older Homura into a hug with Mami, everyone was happy.

Tamura stared on with stars in her eyes before steeling her face with determination. She grabbed her glass and down the remains of her drink, grimacing but swallowing it all, before standing up and making her way to the door. Before she could leave she felt a hand grab her arm. Turning around she the Homura That Won, Barkeep, Mami, Sayaka and Kyouko looked at her with smiles of confidence. Words need not be shared as they all nodded to her one by one, before finally she smiled too and went to the next timeline.

A Homura that won. A Homura that Won.

That means every single Homura across time and space can win.

And they'll keep going until they get their happy endings.

hope u enjoyed this first installment of Tamura meets the Domestic AU! ／人◕ ‿‿ ◕人＼

Honestly I'm hyped for the Tamura content 👀👀

#felix answers #io3

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aethxr-ash · 2 years

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Hi Ash! First of all, how are you? i hope youre doing well! Ive only seen your blog recently and i love your works! And i saw you’re doing matchups and ive never done one of these so i wanted to give it a try. May i request a matchup for genshin impact , bsd, and sk8 if thats alright

- genderfluid (but currently she/they)

- panromantic asexual

- gemini, intp, 5w6

For appearance, I look pretty androgynous and can pass as any gender (thankfully)with some makeup help. my aesthetic changes based on my current preferred gender; grunge (masc) 90s (they) or elegant/cottage core(femme) altho i mix and match when im in the mood. The closest character i look like is gin akutagawa, same eyes, same hair but wavy, and same physique but shorter and i have slightly tan skin. In fact, i cosplayed as her once and it was pretty cool!

For personality, As much as i would like to think otherwise, my friends described me having the same personality and temperament as a grumpy cat and even refer to me as one(lovingly). Silent, comes and goes like a ghost, Constantly judging, looks like is about to stab someone, hates being around people, sassy and sarcastic. Im the ‘leader’ of the group by virtue of being the oldest and looks like i got my shit together but i am as clueless if not more, im only good at pretending I understand and just going with it. when im in my element though i do talk alot more and i can go on and on about things im currently invested in. i would want to have more friends and talk to more people but i always chicken out and stare at people accidentally because i get stuck trying to gather the nerves to talk to them(which paired with my resting bitch face looks like a death glare).

As my friend said, im basically raiden shogun/ei(both the puppet and ei herself) but with scaramouche’s height and sass. I have been kin assigned and i didnt even know what that was at the time

I like aesthetics, fashion, food, art and music. I really like cute and fluffy things especially plushies!(My bed is mostly plushies now) My hobbies are drawing and painting or any kind of art and crafts. Though my free time is currently preoccupied with either reading or playing video games. Really i do anything that keeps me indoors and with least social interaction. If i dont have to leave my room, i wont.

As a person who reads a lot of fics, my favorite dynamics are enemies to lovers and idiot x “oh no thats my idiot”. My love language are quality time, acts of service and physical touch. Memories are my most cherished treasures, although i keep them all to myself and the closest to me only.

I hope i did it correctly. I look forward to reading more from you! Have a nice day and dont forget to hydrate and rest!

- 👻 (you can call me ghost :))

Ps: typing in mobile is hard lol

⊱┊personality matchup for ghost (anon) !

hi ^^ ! thank you for the compliments, it made me smile :) i hope you're doing well too ! enjoy ^^

⊱┊ genshin impact

jean !

✧ knows how to keep you in check if need be

✧ gently but firmly

✧ you'll have to stop her from working herself to death though

✧ she'll listen to you talk whenever you need

✧ she's insanely good at multitasking, so she usually listens while doing paperwork (someone get her an actual assistant please, she's going to work herself into a grave)

✧ she has quite a few of your artworks in her office and she adores them

✧ acts of service as a love language !

⊱┊ bungou stray dogs

margaret mitchell !

✧ she definitely calls her partner things like "honey" and "darling"

✧ you both are incredibly sassy and sarcastic but have a kindness in you

✧ she'll kill for you - after all, you're part of her family now, your honor must be protected

✧ she'll be the social face for you two

✧ loves making memories with you, no matter how small they may seem

⊱┊ sk8: the infinity

reki kyan !

✧ lots of physical touch + quality time with reki

✧ he's not as sarcastic or sassy as you are but he thinks it's badass

✧ he'll teach you to skate (if you want)

✧ or encourage you to skate with him

✧ he really likes it when you come to the skate park to watch him skate, although he won't force you to at all

✧ idiot x oh no thats my idiot vibe

✧ he does stupid stuff sometimes but it's adorable <3

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jinxthejubilee · 3 years

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The Disney Villain Recruiters Personalities Part 2

Continuing our journey, we have the lovely entertainer, Jack Heart! For those of you who don't know, the Disney Villain Recruiters was a Tokyo Disneyland-only show held every Halloween. Basically, the minions of famous Disney villains come to our world to try and tempt us to join their villain bosses.

- By the way, they are not the sons, daughters, or genderbent versions of the villains. They are just minions.

- Just a heads up by the way, I do not speak Japanese. Thankfully, there were a few that had English subtitles, but not a lot. These are just my interpretations of him based on the videos I've seen, along with my own personal ideas about his character. So, let's get started!

Jack Heart ❤

Serving as a guard to the Queen of Hearts, Jack Heart was once a simple jack of hearts playing card. As the main entertainer of the group, he's boisterous, friendly, charismatic, and knows how to put on a show. As much as he adores being the center of attention, he's not too prideful that he hogs the spotlight ALL the time. I have this idea that while Jack is essentially the clown of the group, he's an absolute nobody to everyone else in Wonderland. He's just another card guard, what else is there to see? So he desperately wants to stand out and be someone.

The Queen of Hearts: As her loyal subject, Jack adores his queen. So much so that he wouldn't mind if she cut his head off. I'd imagine that they have the standard "royalty and guard" relationship, he respects and fears her and she treats him like a normal guard. You know, threatening to cut off his head every five minutes because someone ate her tarts....fun times!

Alice: I'd like to think that they have an adorable 'confident big brother and confused little sister dynamic. If Alice ever goes back to Wonderland, I'd assume that Jack changed quite a bit while in the Real World. He's not a normal card anymore, but he needs to fit in if he doesn't want his head cut off! What is he to do?! Maybe he'd help her get out if it meant that he could leave too. While reading about Jack, I found that he talked about Alice a bit. According to him, it was Alice's fault for his head almost getting cut off. I'm not sure what exactly he's implying here. If he's talking about the 'Painting the Roses Red' incident, that's not quite accurate since the three cards are a black 2, a black 3, and a black ace. And he's not the red ace card that got dragged off from the croquet match. So I don't know what that means really. But regardless, he is quoted stating: "I don't think that I can hate her, because she's cute. I wonder if she'll come and fall in again."

Apple Poison: These two can't stop getting on each other's nerves. Apple is very mature, calm, and collected, Jack is loud and chaotic, they're bound to butt heads. They fight like brothers, arguing over the pettiest things imaginable, from their height, to their age, and Jack LOVES to antagonize and start a fight when he's bored. But they do respect each other to some degree. Apple is the oldest out of all the recruiters, he was in Disney's very first movie after all. And Jack is the best performer out of all of them, and Apple finds that impressive. Overall, Jack just likes to poke at Apple for the fun of it, it's funny when he's angry!

Mr. Dalmatia: Oh boy...if you think these two are chaotic on their own, you haven't seen anything yet. A playing card forming a friendship with a dog, who could've seen that coming? As the most extroverted members of the recruiters, Jack and Dalmatia formed a friendship rather quickly. They both love to harass Apple, share jokes with each other and the audience, and love to pull pranks and visual gags. The two of them are the chaotic duo that share two brain cells, pray for the others 🙏.

Malfie (Malfi): Not exactly considered the third member of the duo, but he's definitely an honorary guest. Malfie loves partake in making fun of his coworkers, but he's not too immature to go for silly little pranks. No, no, no. He's a little more...extreme. For him, it's go big or go home. He love causing chaos, but in a more mature-ish and mischievous way. He'll take on the task as either a way to get back at someone, or if it doesn't ruin his hair. He might be unreliable when it comes to that last part, so they better not hold their breath. Jack likes Malfie, he's a good friend, but he's not immune to Jack's tricks. Watch your mirror, Malfie. . .🪞

Eight Foot Joe: Yikes! And Jack thought Apple was uptight. The overworked, sleep-deprived, cynical worker and the fun-loving, hyper entertainer. As expected, it's like mixing oil and water. Though, even if Jack can be annoying, he's one of the few that can make Joe laugh. Besides, they surprisingly have one thing in common: they both have overbearing bosses. I'm picturing those two waking up in the ungodly hours of the morning, sharing coffee or tea, and getting work done. It's one of the few times when Jack would be quiet, aside from a few quips every now and then. I'm sure they'd tolerate each other more as time goes by, just give Joe a little time to adjust.

Pretty Scar: Definitely the third member of the chaos group, much to Dalmatia's dismay. Pretty Scar is just as hyper and excitable as Jack and Dalmatia. She likes joking around and laughing, she's just fun! I'd imagine them being fairly close, only coming second to Dalmatia. He actually ships Pretty Scar and Dalmatia together, not just because he likes to annoy Dalmatia, but he actually thinks that they'd be cute together. They go on shopping sprees together, you can not change my mind!

Veil: These two are seen quite a lot together, they seem to have a bit of a rivalry going on. Veil loves impressing the audience with her voice, while he wants to be the one man showman. I see it as a popularity contest, with both of them competing for the audiences attention and praise. One time, after she made fun of his pose, they argued, and she said: "I think I hate Jack more than I hate dogs!" Veil can be prissy, but he does admire her confidence and likes the fact that there's someone that he can consider a rival. Plus, he likes her voice, who doesn't?

Lady Hock (Hook): I haven't seen these two interact that much, so this is mainly based off of my own ideas. Although Hock likes to tease Apple too, she won't go as far as to outright ruin his day unless he really crossed her. That doesn't mean she won't find the pranks Jack pulls on Apple funny, but she's mature enough to know when to stop. She finds Jack immature, but fun. And I'd like to think that Jack looks up to her a bit, almost like a big sister. I mean, look at her! Look at her hook! Her outfit! Her confident attitude! She's so cool!

Ms. Hades: Another recruiter he's hardly seen with, but I'll try. I wouldn't put it past Jack to play around with her fire hair. Just anything you can do with normal fire, he has done with her hair. Roasting marshmallows, using the fire for heat related pranks, keeping himself warm by going close to it. She doesn't really mind as much. Ms. Hades is surprisingly chill about most of the things he does, but she does nag him once in a while. She's like the mom of the group, so he definitely doesn't want to anger her too much, and there is a level of respect he has for her. But that doesn't mean he won't try and play with fire every now and then. It'll be your fault if you get burned, Jack.

Faja (Farja): Oh, he loves her magic! It's perfect for pranks, whether she participates or not, he's going to use it. They clown each other ALL the time. His nickname for her is "Fajako, and he often makes fun of her poor magical skills" She likes to imitate his dance moves and his spunky demeanor. It's entertaining to watch them squabble because everyone knows that they're not being serious, most of the time.

Finally done! Took a little while for this one. Here's something to chew on before I release my Obey Me characters. Thank you all for patient! See you guys later! Byeee!

#disney villain recruiters #disney villains #jack heart #disney villain characters #alice in wonderland #alice in wonderland characters #apple poison #malfie #eight foot joe #disney villain recruiters personalities #villain recruiters #disney tokyo #disney movies #disney

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imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl · 3 years

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Unexpected Places (Pt. 03 of 11)

Pairing: Ivar the Boneless X Reader/Bjorn X Reader

Word count: 3 K

Summary: As a princess, you've lived in a golden cage all your life, always a piece on someone else's game. But everything changed when the Norsemen came crushing down on Wessex, like waves in a violent storm. Their king spared your life and decided to take you with him to his kingdom, in what felt more like a rescue than a kidnapping. There, you were not only confronted with a completely different culture and lifestyle, but also with two of his sons. The oldest one has his eyes set on you, but it's the youngest one, Ivar, who gets who claimed your attention since the first sight. And he seems to have an unnamed interest in you. Of course you hoped whatever that was would pass, but when unexpected feelings start to flow a different way, things begin to change.

<- Previous part (02)

Next part (04)->

{Vikings Masterlist}

Icy Blue Eyes

For the first time in your life, you're wearing pants. And you don't feel less of a woman because of it, as they used to say in Wessex. Your upperbody is protected by a leather vest, Aslaug's idea since she doesn't like the idea of you trying to learn how to fight. You feel a little badass though, dressed like this, with your hair all braided up, away from your face. Hvitserk is already waiting for you, laughing at something this guy said. When he sees you, he quickly dismisses him, making his way to the middle of the open area.

“You look good. Ready to have your ass kicked a couple of times?” He says, a bright smile on his lips. He's having too much fun, but you must cut that off before you get badly hurt.

“Hvitserk, you gotta go easy on me, alright?” Raising both your hands at him, you tilt your head at the small deck behind you, where Aslaug will be. “Aslaug told me to pass it on to you that if you hurt me today, she'll wipe the floor with your face.”

He squints his eyes at you, taking a quick look at the deck. “Did she really–”

“No.” You burst out, giggling. “But really, I'm not used to it and I'm nowhere as strong as the women here so...” A man comes and hands both you and Hvitserk a sword and a shield before moving away. “Don't beat me up.”

“First of all, I was joking.” He starts, suddenly taking your sword away and throwing it on the ground. “Let's begin with some basic defense. I'll attack you, and you'll have to block me with the shield. It'll help you understand the amount of strength you'll need and how to avoid being cut down to pieces, alright?”

“Alright.” Fixing the shield on your arm, you hold it with both hands, keeping it in front of your body.

“I'll attack you from different directions so pay attention.”

“Alright.” When he starts to pace around, you do the same. You're on full alert, your eyes on the arm he's holding the sword. It doesn't take much time until he moves, bring the metal down on you. Thankfully, you think fast enough to lift the shield to protect your head, and the impact isn't as strong as you were expecting, so you managed to stay your ground. Hvitserk is holding back, obviously, and you're grateful he's being gentle.

“Good. You're fast.” He exclaims, and you giggle when you pull the shield down, staring at him. “I'll strike harder on each blow, alright? So keep in mind the next one will be worse. Protect your head and sides.”

Nodding, you're soon attacked many times. And he wasn't joking about that. Every hit is harder than the last, and you have to alternate between your skull and torso since the blows come from different angles. It doesn't take much until you start being pushed backward, and for some reason it makes you laugh.

Never in your life, you thought you'd be doing something like this. In a place like this, with people like this. They aren't mindless monsters, they're just people. They laugh, and love, and care about others. And, God, they live. They yell, and run, and fight. They're not restricted by some stupid made up rules. For you, right now, this is what means to be a Viking. To be free to do what you want, go where you want, be with who you want.

This is paradise on Earth, it doesn't matter how weird things still look in your eyes. As Hvitserk hits again, making you stumble back, a laugh escapes your lips as you realize you won't ever go back. Not even if Aethelwulf sent an army to rescue you. You wouldn't even consider it.

“Everything alright over there?” Hvitserk asks, and, still laughing, you lower the shield so he can see your face. He looks very confused but smiles anyway.

“Yeah, it's just...” Gasping, you shrug your shoulders. “This is crazy, you know? This is freedom. I'm doing this because I want to and if I want to stop, I will. And nobody will come and say I should or shouldn't do it.” Running a hand through your hair, you push some loose strands away from your face. “I feel great. My arm already hurts, but I feel–” You're cut short by another blow, quickly raising the shield again to block it. And another laugh escapes. “Shit, that was tough.” Regaining your balance, you mutter.

“Your reflexes are very–”

“This is not how you do it, little brother.” Bjorn's voice cuts in, and both you and Hvitserk turn to look at him. “If you want to teach her, do it properly.” He quickly takes a sword, walking fast over you. “Focus on your legs. Stand your ground.” He's barely even done speaking when the sword comes crashing down.

The same moment you raise the shield, his sword connects with the wood. But it's way too strong, and you're caught by surprise. You feel the shield slipping and hitting your head as you stumble down, falling on your ass. Using one arm to sustain the seated position, you close your eyes tight when you feel like the whole world is spinning insanely fast, and you feel what can only be blood flowing out. Throwing the shield away, you feel arms around you, and a voice slowly breaking into your head.

“(Y/N), talk to me. Hey.” A snap makes you open your eyes again, finding Hvitserk crouching before you. “There you are. Can you stand up?”

“Yeah.” You notice some people gathering around, so, despite the headache and the dizziness, you push yourself up, holding onto his arm for support.

“(Y/N), I didn't mean to–”

“To crack my head open? Yeah, I bet.” Cutting him off, you give Bjorn a look, raising a hand at him when he tries to approach, making him stop.

“Let's get you some water.” Hvitserk guides you away from the crowd, to a half construction near the deck. Lucky for Bjorn Aslaug isn't here yet, or else you're sure she'd lash out at him.

“That was certainly a show.” The voice makes you roll your eyes, and it shoots a sharp pain through your skull. Ivar's giggle makes you even angrier, but you can deal with it later.

He's seated on a piece of wood right beside the table with some buckets filled with water. “Here.” Hvitserk gives you a cup and you take a few sips from it. “I'll get something to clean the blood. Are you alright standing on your own?”

“I'm fine.” Nodding, you watch as he quickly disappears behind a corner, putting the cup down, and closing your eyes when you feel dizzy again. Using the table as a support, you feel your body falling, unable to sustain its weight.

You're ready to collapse on the floor when you feel hands grabbing you, tightly holding your waist. It takes a while until you notice it's Ivar, and when you use his shoulders to support yourself, your face ends up too close to his, close enough to feel his breath. His eyes, ice blue, in a shade you didn't even know existed, burn right through you, and... It takes you by surprise how Ivar doesn't push you away, violently, as you were expecting. Instead, it feels like everything slows down, and you stay there, balance regained, but his hands still holding you.

“Everything alright?” Hvitserk's voice snaps you out of it, and you awkwardly step away from Ivar, moving towards the table.

“Yeah, I'm alright.” Nodding you watch as he damps the small piece of fabric on one of the buckets before starting to clean up the blood. But when he starts to get closer to the wound, you start moving away. “Ouch!”

“Stop flinching.” He tells you.

“Yeah, stop flinching,” Ivar repeats, and you feel his hand on the small of your back, forcing you to stand still.

Roling your eyes before closing them, you decide to ignore it for now. But what you just can't ignore is how his touch burns, making itself known, felt, it doesn't matter how hard you try to pretend he's not there. It takes way too much time until Hvitserk is done, putting the fabric down and giving a better look at the wound.

“Well, it's not as bad as I thought it would be, but–”

“What happened?” Aslaug comes out of nowhere, pushing Hvitserk away and cupping your face, angry eyes scanning through the injury.

“Bjorn showed up.” He answers as you use the table to balance yourself when you feel dizzy once more. “He hit her so hard that the shield went right to her head.”

“He will listen to me. Come. You need to lie down.”

You were going to just walk, but the moment you move away from the table you feel yourself falling again, so you grab Hvitserk's arm, and you don't even have to ask him, he puts an arm around your waist to help you get moving again.

It still takes you by surprise to know Aslaug actually likes you. She makes her slaves have this patch made with some herbs to help the healing process and forces you to stay in bed for a while. The headache makes it easy to just do as she says.

The bad part is that there's pretty much only one thing in your head, and it's not how pissed you are at Bjorn. It's Ivar. Maybe the hit on your head is driving you crazy after all, but you swear he was... Different. Not anger as he usually seems. It takes two days until the headache starts to surrender, and you decide to spend another one in the calmness of your bedroom with no company other than Aslaug, who's often talking about her husband and their issues, or Hvtiserk, who comes to check on you at least once a day. He started to teach you to play Hnefatafl, and you soon learned your way around the game, even beating him a couple of times. The only reason why Bjorn hasn't come is that the Queen forbade him, and you don't mind that at all. He's the last person you want to see right now.

But then, it's time to finally leave the bedroom, only the ghost of the pain hovers over. It's almost time for dinner, and you're already hungry. Walking through the place, you find Hvitserk and Ubbe chatting, and they both look up from their drinks when they see you.

“Look who decided to show up,” Ubbe exclaims. “Feeling better?”

“Very much. I really enjoy walking without feeling dizzy.” Moving to the table, one that hangs from the ceiling by four sets of chains, you take a cup and the jar, pouring some drink for yourself before passing it to the guys. “Actually, I kinda need to steal your brother for a while, Ubbe. I need to talk about something.” Carefully not to make anything fall, you push yourself up, seating on the table and feeling as it softly swings.

“It's alright. Gotta get some stuff done before supper anyways.” Ubbe sighs and gets up, taking long sips straight from the jar. Then, he gives the now empty thing to his brother and leaves.

“So.” You start, taking a deep breath. “Take a chair and sit here.” Moving further to the center of the table, you tap the space on the wood on your left. “The last thing I need is anyone else listening.”

Hvitserk makes a face at you, squinting his eyes before getting to his feet and grabbing a chair, placing it on the place you gestured. “Is it some plan to kill Bjorn?”

“What? No.” Shaking your head, you suddenly realize what you're about to say. And for a moment you reconsider. But if you don't get this out, it'll keep annoying you. And Hvitserk will probably say you're getting everything wrong, so you'll let it go. “It's not about Ragnar's oldest son... It's about the youngest.” Lowering your voice, you stare at him, taking in the low giggle as he looks down at his hands.

“I knew it.”

“No, you didn't. Now shut up and listen.” Moving to playfully punch his arm, the table swings. Hvitserk nods with a dramatic eye-roll, holding the piece of wood to make it stop. “I... May be going crazy, but when you left me with Ivar that day, I felt dizzy and almost fell.” Looking down at your cup, you drum your fingers on the top of it. “And, I don't know, it felt... Weird.” The memory comes back, and for a moment you can feel his hands again, around your waist.

“Define weird.”

“A good kind of weird.” You mutter, drinking what's left and putting it down beside you. “He looked at me, and damn it, Hvitserk, it didn't felt like he hated me or something.” Whispering, you lean closer to him. “I've been trying not to think about it, but I that's everything I think about. Am I crazy?”

Hvitserk seems thoughtful for a while, and when you're just about to ask him to say something, he looks up at you. “Ivar's normal behavior would be to let you fall. Then he'd laugh.”

“Well, I didn't fall and he didn't laugh. So.”

“I don't know.” He shrugs his shoulders. “He hasn't mentioned you to me yet, which is a surprise by itself. I was expecting him to give me a hard time since we're kinda like friends now.”

Good. Neither of you can understand Ivar. “Great. Nobody knows what the hell is going on.”

“Am I getting this wrong or do you like Ivar?” Hvitserk leans backward, crossing his arms and resting his back on the chair.

“No...?” It sounds like a question as you mirror his position, arms crossed. “I mean, he's... Handsome...” Blushing, you look away. “I noticed that I'm not blind. But it doesn't mean I like him.”

“Who is it you like?” The other voice makes you turn to the hall immediately, watching as Bjorn comes from the main hall, pushing the leather curtains away.

Taking a deep breath, you jump to the floor, holding the chains to make the table stop swinging and then fixing everything that you dropped. “What do you want? Try to crack my skull open again?” Hvitserk hands you two cups that fell on his lap.

“I hope you can forgive me.” Bjorn comes over you, standing only a foot away, a hand grabbing one of the chains sustaining the table. “I thought you wanted to learn and–”

“I wanted to know how to defend myself and I was having a good time until you showed up.” Eager to put some distance between you two, you walk around Hvitserk, who's looking down, pretending as if he's not here. “I don't enjoy being hurt.”

“But in a real situation, you'd–”

“It wasn't a real situation, alright?” Running a hand through your hair, you feel your head getting a little worse.

“I'll leave you two to talk,” Hvitserk mutters as he stands up, giving Bjorn a look before disappearing somewhere behind you.

“That was the first time in my life that I got to hold a shield. You can't possibly think I had the strength or ability to deal with a stroke like that.” With both hands on your hip, something gets your attention. Entering the main hall, you see Ivar, standing this time, walking with the aid of a clutch. You don't know why you're biting the inside on your cheek to suppress a smile. Why do you want to smile in the first place?

“It's just that you look like one of us now and I forget that you're a Christian princess.” Bjorn's voice makes you look at him again, but it takes a while for you to bring sense to his words.

There are a lot of things you could say. That it's not about being a princess, or that you're not trying to look like them. But you don't feel like extending this argument. “Alright, Bjorn. I forgive you. Just leave the training to Hvitserk.”

“That's fine by me.” He nods, a small smile on his lips. The truth is that Bjorn didn't do that on purpose, this is just their way, and you're the one who's not used to it yet. So you feel good forgiving him after all.

“Alright.”

“But now, who were you talking about with Hvitserk?”

“Oh, that was just–”

“You two,” Ragnar calls from the main hall. “Come eat.”

You want to hug him for interrupting this conversation, so you immediately follow him, settling down next to the fire. Today it's just Ragnar's family, and at first, you do feel like an intruder. But with time, as they include you in the conversations, you feel better. You even tell a little about yourself, about your life in Wessex. It doesn't take much for you to feel Ivar's eyes on you. You try hard not to look too much, but it's like a freaking battle. Those blue eyes have some kind of power, and it's difficult to resist.

“And so it'll be until the twilight of the gods,” Ubbe says and everyone laughs, but you don't, unable to remember what they were talking about.

“Ragnarok,” Bjorn exclaims.

“Until Ragnarok. That asshole won't be coming back here.” By the tone of his voice, it sounds like there was a fight. Aslaug told you about a man that came into town, stealing and destroying things. Ubbe must have taught him a lesson.

“Ragnarok.” You mutter to yourself, playing with your empty cup.

“As if you knew anything about it.” Ivar sounds a little pissed, and you honestly don't understand why. “Don't speak as if you do.”

Chuckling, you stretch your arm, hand hovering above the flames. “There will be three severe winters.” You start, and for some reason, probably given the nature of the subject, a silence falls on. “And summers of black sun.” Retrieving your hand when it gets too hot, you fix your eyes on Ivar. You already had enough of him teasing you, and it happens that you know exactly what Ragnarok is. “Those will certainly be terrible times, and Jörmungandr, the world serpent will come lurching from the ocean, bringing up the tides until they flood the entire world.” Smiling, you lean forward, elbows on the table. Slowly, Ivar does the same, those powerful eyes not leaving yours. It feels like there's nobody else here, just you and him. “Fenrir will break loose of his invisible chains and the sky will open, so Surt, the fire giant can come, blazing through the bridge to face and crush the gods. Odin will come to battle one last time against the wolf Fenrir, and Thor will fight the serpent. He will kill it but die from its venom. And at last... The giant wolf Fenrir will swallow the sun, and the world will be forever in darkness.” Your lips break into a smile, and, at the same time, Ivar's lips do the same. He looks at you the same way he did a few days ago, only more intense. It's like he sees you now. “This is Ragnarok.” You add, voice barely a whisper.

“Perfect,” Ivar mutters, and everyone finally starts moving again.

“How did you learn all that?” Aslaug asks as Ragnar fills her cup once again.

“I was allowed to learn about your culture. Language, traditions.” Shrugging your shoulders, you feel when Hvitserk kicks your leg under the table, so you glance at him. Discreetly, he tilts his head towards Ivar, and you can't help but look straight at him. He's staring.

“That's interesting. But it feels like you're not really paying much attention to what we're saying, are you, Princess (Y/N)?” Aslaug holds back a smile, and by the look on her face, she knows exactly what's going on. And that's good, perhaps she can explain it to you later.

“Uhm...” Your eyes fall on one of the jars, which you know it's empty. “I'll get some more.” Moving quickly, before Aslaug can send one of her slaves, you grab the jar and walks to the kitchen. The girls there help you out, refilling the jar. But it happens way too fast, so you decide to go outside for a while, breathing in the cold night air.

Raising your head to look at the night sky, you take a deep breath, closing your eyes. But when you do, it's Ivar you see, his ice blue eyes shining against the darkness. Something is going on with you, and you wish you could understand. If you were as sure as you were before that Ivar absolutely hates you, I'd be easier. But now... You don't know anymore.

@multific @revolution-starter @crackhead1-800 @youbloodymadgenius @clown-boyyy @kitten0394 @castielsangelx-blog @goldlion07 @midnightmystic @readsalot73 @xvxcarolinexvx @momowhoo @fangfoxy @msrawog @walkingonshunshine @alytavzla

#ivar the boneless imagine #imagine ivar #ivar vikings #ivar the boneless #vikings ivar #imagine ivar vikings #imagine ivar the boneless #ivar the boneless fanfiction #ivar the boneless x reader #vikings imagine #ivar vikings imagine

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xoxo-bunnydumpling · 2 years

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I spent an inordinate amount of time at the park today...sitting in my car, accidentally eating a huge bag of kale chips, contemplating climbing a tree (which is just the most California thing I've ever said) until getting out of the car to do so almost popped my hip.

I couldn't go home. Eli had a work from home day today (I suspect this will become even more regular as the locals refuse to get vaccinated and would apparently prefer to spread the freakin' plague than be uncomfortable for a few days). He's not going back in until after Mama's visit. He's terrified that, she too, will get COVID and die. I could have gone home, I wasn't forbidden and I live there so fuck it...but Eli has a ton of stuff to get done before we leave on vacation and he had already sent me a string of saucy texts suggesting he would make damn sure to be distracted by me if I came home.

("No, you can't eat me out just because it's your lunch break but I respect your hustle" is a response I had to send to him today)

For all his attempts at horny levity, I know that things are piling onto him. I can see the weight. My sweet and funny and outgoing softboi has been sagging under so many expectations, deadlines, and motherfuckery feelings. Aside from admin stuff that I can't help with, he's preparing to go live with story time, every Thursday and Friday from our living room starting next week...which thankfully I can help with but that's not today's work. No one else wanted to keep the program going in his stead and he refused to let it die...it's one that he started, and I believe him when he says he'll keep reading to these kids until they're 50.

He's very nervous though. I've never been nervous on camera or around toddlers but then again, I have been told I'm similarly chaotic so maybe there's just kinship there to kill the nerves. I am also nervous, coming up on my last week on the job...looking down at a long year of getting back into school and attempting to make myself marketable as something other than a cake wench but more so, having to meet my very fiesty future mother-in-law very shortly. Pretty serious shit, pretty fast.

But when I did allow myself to come home, and opened the refrigerator door in search of some cold brew...I'm met with JUST SO MUCH sour cream (and not quite as much cottage cheese but way more than I would normally buy which is none) that I can't help but laugh.

"Sweetheart...can I ask what the hell or no?"

Eli answers from the living room. "It's about to get Ukrainian as FUCK in here. We, as you would say, 'severely fuck with it'." He comes into the kitchen, picks me up, and sets me on the counter. "Are you hungry yet?"

I'm not. Too much kale. "Absolutely. How can I help?"

"Just stay off your feet and continue to gaze at me adoringly. I'm enjoying the ego boost."

I'd love to tell you I paid attention and took notes but I didn't. I threw my chef brain away and just watched. Listened. As he worked he told me how these things were his dad's favorites. That his dad was the one who taught him how to make them, to make everything...apparently Mama is not much of a cook. He, in turn, taught his oldest sister Karina, and together they tried to teach the youngest to no avail. "Whatever lovely woman Gabby ends up with, I hope she has a good sense of humor and an iron gut." This is the first time I'm hearing that Gabby is a lesbian, and I wonder what she'll think of my two moms. I start to piece together a family dynamic, a history, and wish so much I'd been able to meet the man who seems to have been so instrumental in shaping Eli into the treasure that he is.

"I told you before I felt like I didn't mesh with my dad. He seemed so foreign compared to my friends' fathers. And when you're young, you're too dumb to know how interesting and cool that is. If I could go back..."

He drops off again and stands with a knife in his hand, hovering over a potato. He wants to say something, he's just stuck.

So I ask him. What he would say.

"I would thank him. I told him I loved him a million times. But I don't think I ever thanked him...and he gave us the world."

And then he asks me the heaviest question I've ever been asked. One that no one has ever asked me before.

"When you thought you were dying...after your stroke when you really COULD have died...what did you think about? What was on your mind?"

"Honestly?"

"Please."

"Red. I really only thought about Red, and how much I loved him."

He lays the knife down, and comes to stand in front of me. He brushes some tears away to kiss my cheek, and apologizes for making me cry.

"It's okay. I'd rather cry about it occasionally than never talk about it at all. I'll tell you anything, everything, just keep talking."

So he kisses me again, and returns to his potato. His father had a lot of favorites, and he still has a lot to say.

#misha collins #not actually misha collins but close #hot librarian chronicles #grief #soft boi #dinner and a cry

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artistic-trashpanda · 3 years

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You can't have a story without at least one asshole character, and my story is no exception.

Henderson Mortimer Balgraven. He is the kind of man who would insult you while he give you medication, berate you while stitching up your leg. He may be a doctor, but that doesn't mean he has to be nice to people. This doesn't mean he hates his job, in fact, he rather enjoys what he does.

Henderson is a prosthetist, the best one you'll find in Brenning and it's neighboring cities. No matter how bad the wound is, he is able to skillfully amputate and replace any part of the body. Not only in humans, but automata as well. He uses spare parts from automatons to build and install the prosthetics, making it so they function like a natural limb. It's an extremely painful procedure, but it's worth it in the end. In fact, he replaced his own eye, after it was destroyed during a bar fight. Henderson was nearly black out drunk and was still able to get the eye working as if it was his own. And several years later, the eye still works perfectly, only needing a small tune up here and there.

Born and raised in the slums of Brenning, Henderson was a part of a group called the Mulligans. Named after the run down building the group lives in, they were a decently sized found family. Anyone who was homeless or broke found themselves under the headmistress' care, who raised them like she would her own children. The Mulligan kids were free to do as they please, as long as what they do doesn't harm another member. Henderson is the oldest member, and is seen as the older brother of everyone else there. He may be sour and aggressive, but he has never hurt any other Mulligan. Screamed at, yes, but never hurt.

When Henderson was in his thirties, his skills were discovered by a doctor. That doctor was Jeter Nyland, who hired the man on the spot. Henderson was a little skeptical but agreed, and later moved into the manor in order to help Jeter with his work. During this time, however, he signed some papers he was too drunk to fully comprehend. Next thing he knew, he woke up in bed with multiple large scars running up and down his body. His skeleton had been replaced with one made of metal, giving him a heavy yet sturdy base. Unfortunately, the human body wasn't built like an automatons, and the metal skeleton brings more harm than good.

Every day is filled with a numbing pain, and the strange new weight has caused Henderson to have a strong limp. He turns to the bottle in order to forget the pain and just relax, but Jeter has forbade the use of alcohol within the manor. That doesn't stop Henderson, he just finds ways to sneak in a drink here and there.

Jeter and Henderson argue nearly every time they're together. It's very one sided, however, as Jeter has learned to ignore the man during his tirades. The only time that the automaton fights back is if things get physical, or if Emalia is brought into the conversation. Thankfully, Henderson has never directed his anger towards the young woman, only ever focusing on her protector.

Fun fact about Henderson, he actually loves Emalia like a daughter. He isn't as aggressive when she is in the room, and has even tried to make peace with her through gifts of new journals. She is extremely nervous around him, but he hopes that some day, she'll come around and at least talk to him without fear in her voice. Of course, his behavior isn't helping, but he tries to keep the volume down when she's in the room.

Headcanon voice/actor: Peter Kaleghan

I have so much more about each and every character, I love them all. I just want to dump everything but I also don't want to spoil the story.

#ocs #character concept #character art #my ocs #oc art #digital art #oc artwork #steampunk #steampunk oc

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iamknicole · 6 years

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Pieces

A/N: I don't know where I'm going with this but it's been on my mind and I wanted to get it out. I ran out of room on mobile buuut here it is 😧😧😧

Sunday

7:45pm

Marietta, GA

"Pick your head up, sweetheart. Your crown might slip."

"Not today, Mama."

"Well, Mercy, I just want you to hold your head up. What's so wrong with that?"

At 26, Mercy Banks had heard her fair share of sit up straights, stop slouchings and enunciates to last her a lifetime. Her mom wanted her children to be prim and proper at all times, no room for error. She got her way with two of her three children. Mercy not being one of them.

"Let her be, Elise. She just got here."

"Thank you, Daddy," Mercy said kissing her father's cheek.

"That's why she turned out the way she did, Tony. You always baby her and undermine what I say."

Tony waited for his wife to leave their living room before starting a conversation with Mercy. If he couldn't count on his other children he knew he could count on Mercy. She has been a Daddy’s girl her whole life. His oldest, Jamal, loved to he around him but he had been so busy with his career and wife he hadn't been around as much as either of them would have liked. His other daughter, Raven, on the other was exactly like his wife. Raven fell in line growing up and still with everything Elise wanted.

"How's my babygirl?"

Mercy sat across her dad's lap, laying back against him as she did when she was younger. "I'm okay, Daddy. How are you?" She asked softly.

"I'm better since you decided to come tonight. Haven't seen your egg head in two weeks," he joked.

She rolled her eyes playfully. "You know why but I try to call you."

"Are you still going," Tony asked.

She nodded just as the doorbell chimed. Elise came rushing through the living room with a smile on her face. Tony sighed knowing which one of his kids was on the other side of the door since Jamal couldn't be on time to save his life.

"Don't let anything that's said or that happens tonight bother you. Okay?"

Mercy nodded as she watched her mama and Raven walk back into the room. Her husband, Anthony, right behind them. He shook hands with Tony then kissed Mercy's cheek.

"What's up, Mr. Banks. Mercy."

"Not much, youngin," Tony nodded looking to his other daughter, "You not speaking, Rae?"

"Sorry, Daddy. How are you," she asked turning in his direction.

Tony nodded then gestured to Mercy. "Your sister, Rae."

"Hello, Mercy. You look," she paused to look at your younger sister, "Comfortable."

"Thanks, Raven."

"You know your sister, Raven. She likes the bummy look," Elise laughed grasping Raven's hand.

Another doorbell chime brought the last Banks' child, Jamal, and his wife, Melanie. Tony whispered to Mercy to get the door. As she exited the room, Mercy could hear her dad saying something to Raven and her mom.

Jamal and Melanie stood on the other side, wide smiles on their faces. Melanie stepped into the house, pulling Mercy into a tight hug rocking her small body side to side. They had the relationship, Mercy wanted with Raven but she knew it would never happen.

"You look so pretty, CiCi. Look at this hair," Melanie gushed. "You used the hair mask I gave you?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "Thank you again."

Jamal opened his arms up to Mercy, smiling harder when he felt Mercy holding on tightly to him. In Mercy's eyes, Jamal could do no wrong. "They started up already?" He asked.

She nodded then turned away from the door to walk them into the living room. Claiming her seat back in her father's lap, trying to tune out the conversation being had.

Thankfully for Mercy, dinner was finally over and she was closer to leaving her childhood home. The spotlight was on Raven and Anthony as they had finally decided to try for children after being married for five years. Of course, Elise snuck questions in at Mercy about her lack of husband, children and a presentable career. All of which were deflected by Melanie, Jamal and Tony.

"I need you to be dressed and presentable on Tuesday by seven, Mercy."

"For what, Mama?"

"Your sister has found you a nice young man that wants to take you on a date. Isn't that exciting," Elise gushed to her less than pleased daughter.

The frown on Mercy's face seemed embedded all evening. Jamal and Tony weren't near to thwart her mom and sister's invasion into her life. They had gone into the den to talk, leaving the women in the living room. Melanie had gone outside to take a call.

"No, it's not and I'm not going."

Raven sucked her teeth much to Elise's dismay. She hated that noise more than she hated to see her children roll their eyes and slouch. Raven pointed her finger in her sister's direction. "Oh, you're going, Mercy and you're gonna have fun. He's cute and he's successful. Don't ruin your chance."

"My chance at what? Being a trophy wife like you, Rae?"

"Now, Mercy, don't be rude to your sister. She's trying to help."

"No, you two are trying to run my life. I don't want to go so I'm not."

The three Banks women stared at each other. Mercy knew ever with all the fighting she was doing thay she would be on that date. It didn't mean she would enjoy it though.

"Are you trying to embarrass me, Mercy? Your sister graduated from college and graduate school, handled her career and was married for three years by the time she was your age," Elise sighed throwing her hands up. "Yes, Jamal was late getting married but look at what he did at your father's company. My God its as if you tuned me out your whole life."

Mercy's face and eyes burned. Even though she had tried to let the things said roll off her back like she was always told to do, it was too much. For protection, Mercy wrapped her arms around herself staring down at her feet.

"I mean yes you graduated and I'm thankful for that but you've done nothing since. No career, no husband and no kids. All my friends ask about my kids because they know that my kids have done extraordinary things," Elise exaggerated loudly. "Two of them have but then there's you, Mercy. There's nothing there but a college degree and paid off medical bills. You came from my womb, I birthed you with everything you needed and yet you still disappoint me this way."

Raven stepped back from their mom, she was uncomfortable with the way Elise spoke but she would never say anything. Making their mom happy was at the top of the list and until Mercy could get on board this would continue to happen.Tears fell from Mercy's eyes, hitting the hardwood floors beneath her.

"Now you're crying," Elise laughed, "I should be the one crying. I'm the one who's embarrassed and disappointed."

Anthony walked into the room unaware of what was going on. He grabbed for Raven's hand, gaining her attention. "You ready to go?" He asked quietly.

"Yeah," she nodded. "Mama, I'm heading out. I'll call you tomorrow."

Elise nodded, waving her away too focused on Mercy. With one look at Mercy, Raven backed out of the living room with her husband in tow. She didn't bother saying goodbye to her brother or dad for the sake of not wanting to be involved. Melanie passed them on her way back into the house.

"I'm sick of you and this pity party you're constantly throwing, Mercy. It stops today," Elise demanded.

Melanie stepped into the living room, wanting to help. "Everything okay? Sounds like you guys need a breather." Melanie said with a smile

"Everything is fine, Melanie. Just trying to talk sense into my disappointment of a child here."

Mercy didn't bother lifting her head, hugging herself much tighter. The tears flowed freely from her eyes, no need to stop what's been seen already. Elise's tone bothered Melanie, she left the room in search of Jamal and Tony.

"Lift your head up and stop that crying. I'm not going to continue talking to the top of your head."

Mercy lifted her head sucking her bottom lip in, staring directly into her mom's eyes.

"There were go, now I can stare into the eyes of my beautiful baby girl and let her know," Elise paused stepping closer, "That she is going to make me proud from here on out. She's going to stop this crying, stop the pity party, stop dressing like some bum and do what I ask of her. Understand?"

Elise wiped the tears that fell from her daughter's eyes, waiting for an answer.

Tony stood between them, his hands at his wife's shoulders. "We talked about this, Elise. Leave her alone."

Jamal called out to his baby sister, beckoning for her to come to him and his wife. Slowly, Mercy walked to him and into his arms. He held her against him, Melanie stood beside them rubbing Jamal's arm.

"Why? Because she's sensitive? That's rich," Elise scoffed. "She is too old for this, Tony. She needs to grow up, do what is expected of her."

"Just stop, Elise. We'll talk about this later." He said through his teeth.

Elise narrowed her eyes at her husband. "I have to stop or what? She'll do it again?"

"Let's walk your sister to her car, Mal. Come on."

They stood at Mercy's black jeep, none of them said a word. All Jamal could do was hug his sister as she cried softly. Wanting to give them time alone, Melanie went to wait by their car for Jamal.

"You wanna come over? Watch movies or something," Jamal asked as she stepped away from his embrace. "We can watch whatever you wanna watch. Even if it's bullshit." They laughed together. The first smile from Mercy all night.

"Funny but no. I'm gonna go home."

"Go home and do what, CiCi?" Jamal asked with his hands in his pockets.

She rolled her eyes at his question. "Write or edit some pictures, Mal. I don't know."

"Alright but call me if anything comes up."

"Anything like what?" She asked opening her car door.

"You know what. Don't play, Mercy."

With that, Jamal helped her up into the jeep watching her pull out the driveway.

Tuesday

6:50pm

Marietta, GA

As much as Mercy fought, she got dolled up and presentable for whoever Raven had sent to take her out. The only thing Raven told her was that he drives a silver Mercedes because of course that's all that mattered to her. She checked her phone for the time before she stepped out onto the porch of her town home for air while she waited.

Minutes later, a sleek luxury car pulled into her short driveway behind her jeep. She heard his door open and close but she didn't see him until he came from around her jeep. He was too busy picking small pieces of lint from his suit jacket to notice her. He stepped up onto hee porch finally looking up, looking straight into Mercy's eyes and smiled.

"You must be Mercy," he said taking her hand placing a kiss on the top.

"That's me," she nodded pulling her hand from his, "You are?"

"Semaj Brooks but everyone calls me Lucky." She nodded, watching him as he looked at her from head to toe. "You look amazing, Mercy. Your sister didn't do you any justice, I didn't expect this."

She nodded once more. "Yeah, I can imagine what she told you. Are you ready, Semaj?"

He nodded leading her off the porch.

"Please call me Lucky though. I'm Semaj at work, Lucky to everyone else."

Mercy had decided to enjoy herself but she knew this would be last time she saw him. Anyone who knew her sister and was close enough for this to happen wasn't anyone she wanted.

#pieces #ryan destiny #luke james #woody mcclain #gabrielle dennis #antoinette robertson #naomi campbell #nas #tyler lepley

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everydaymamaof3 · 5 years

Text

Am I Doing This Right?

It's been a little while since I blogged. I just didn't have the time, working on finishing my certification, kids, work, life. I felt a bit like I had a mental block or fog too. There was definitely a shift happening in my world. Couldn't really put a finger on it...but the fog started making sense recently. I am a mama to three girls. A young adult, a tween and a young child. My world is filled with their ups and downs, their transitions, their challenges...and right now, during these ages, it's a lot of transitions and growth. My oldest is about to graduate University, thinking about where they'll live, where she'll get hired as an RN. Where, benefits both of them, her and her fiance. So in the back of my mind, I'm thinking of places, I'm thinking of the move, how far away, the changes coming, picturing places they'll rent or maybe buy, imagining their future. A backyard maybe? All good positive, next steps of life thoughts....will we see them at Christmas? What kind of shifts will she have? All while also thinking of their wedding. Budgeting. Planning. Catering. Maybe that’s just my over excited thoughts? I am excited! My daughter is getting married and starting a career as a nurse. It makes the moments I felt like a complete failure as a mother, feel like an eternity ago, and so meaningless now.

So that's just one kiddo who's life is on my mind. My tween, well, she's only ten, but I'm starting to see a glimmer of a tweenager. I've really been paying close attention to her mood swings. Her frustrations, her attitude shifts. For awhile, I was so stressed about it, she was just easily irritated, easily frustrated, more emotional than normal, and the mother, Sherlock Holmes in me, was struggling to figure out what was going on. Well, I figured it out. It was her tablet. Now know this, I am not a person who judges, I don't care how much time other people's children spend on tablets, or what you use them for, these opinions are strictly my own, and behaviour I personally noticed in my own child.

She was on it for maybe an hour or so a day...sometimes not at all...I thought, meh, she's just watching craft videos, funny videos, but then we started noticing the attitude, the withdraw. I would notice her go from completely entranced by the screen, to pissed off at the world when she was told to put it away. Ok. I see what's happening here. So, we had a family meeting, and we eliminated tablets Monday to Friday. They're allowed to have them on Friday evenings, Saturdays on our hour long sport commute, and Sundays for an hour in the morning. I started looking at what they were watching. Kids doing stupid things. Kids lip syncing. 5 minute crafts was featuring how to turn your t shirt into a belly shirt. Or how to plump up your lips by sticking them in a plastic container??! Why are my children so interested in this. So I felt a bit like I wasn't doing my job as a parent, allowing them to watch these things. The headline 5 minute crafts. It just HAS to sneak in that useless garbage for our kids. Frustrating. I also took a look at myself. How much screen time I have. How I hear my kids say, "mom, you didn't hear me because you were on your phone", you’re right, and point taken.

We made changes. We’re back to seeing our kids actually make the crafts they watched now that the tablets are put away during the week. We’re usually on an adventure on the weekends so if there’s down time, they go on. They're back to being active and busy, and creative and the attitude has improved immensely. There's still days I'm pulling my hair out because I get "the tone" that puts us moms over the edge. Or stomping. Or fighting...I think for the most part, for having a four year age gap, they get along incredibly well. I remind myself, my middle daughter is entering some scary territory with hormones and puberty and boys, and mean girls, and body image....I remind myself that I have a really big job ahead, and it's gonna be hard. It's gonna be emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging. I've raised one teenage girl. Two more to go. We got this. And in the meantime we’ll continue to embrace the innocence ❤️

My girls are growing up in a different society. Even one that is different from when my oldest was a teen. And that wasn’t that long ago...5 years. One I'm still learning how to navigate. What is right. What is wrong. What age is right for this or that? It seems so much harder than simpler times when we were growing up. Although I'm sure mama's of the past would disagree. It was probably just as hard, just a different world. Different challenges. Different ways to deal, but parenting is universal. Teach, help, protect, guide, comfort, observe, learn, none of that has changed..

My littlest is learning to be more independent. She's letting go of me bit by bit, but still just as cautious as always. She still wants to be picked up for hugs, which thankfully, I can still pick up 44 pounds..mind you, being the last baby, I'll probably still pick her up at 74 pounds. She is very much my shadow, and places another challenge on me, making sure I'm giving the same amount of time and attention to my ten year old. AND my twenty two year old. I'm just hanging on tight as long as I can. They’re growing up so fast, and wanting less and less of me. I know. This is good. This means you're doing your job as a good mom and raising independent kids. Still doesn't take away the desire to spend every minute with them before they say "bye mom" *gulp*

The greatest joy for me is watching them through these stages and phases. Even though it's hard sometimes, it's draining, it's also rewarding, and makes me so proud. But it can be terrifying. Hoping I'm doing what's best for them. Always. Everyday. But then feeling guilty when I want space from them. Doesn't that suck! You’re at the point of exhaustion, ready to tear everyone's head off in the house, give yourself a break, and feel bad about it.

I shake my head.

No matter what though, self care is crucial.

So on top of my mind being fully occupied by my children's lives, I also need room in there for my work, for my marriage, for my friendships, most importantly for my health and well being.

To be a fly in the brain of a modern day woman. It would be incredibly fascinating! Like a room full of computers, buzzing madly, spitting out information every second of every day....and then re inputting it back into the computer to re analyze it, go over it, and spit it back out!

I have to remember to try and quiet my mind though. Stay on top of my mental health with breaks. Me time. Quiet. Running. Yoga. Coffee Dates. Massages. Facials. Reading. Uninterrupted conversations with my husband. Date nights. It's part of being a good mom, wife, friend, teacher, running on a full cup, not an empty cup. Sometimes we need a reminder though. "Hey, you know that life cup...it's about to spill" Don't you wish there was a little alarm in our brains that beeped when it was time to reboot. Instead, our reminders come in a form of illness, breakdowns, or our inner Cruella Deville's emerge.

I'm doing my best to stay on top of life’s balance. Sometimes I fail miserably. Sometimes I'm the healthiest, happiest human being, living my best life! I love my life. And I love being a writer, so I can feel like a normal mom, a normal woman, in a hurry up, noisy, busy world ❤️

#parenting #motherhood #balance

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