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#this morning I woke up and chose violence I know
luciehercndale · 1 year
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Sometimes I think about how many times Tessa woke up at night in search of Will and Jem, after Will died. How lonely she must've felt, knowing that she couldn't see either of them. How she missed their voice or simply, their presence. The color of their eyes, the streak of gray in their black hair. How, sometimes, she even asked herself if they had really meet, if everything they had been through had really happened. How it hurt remembering when she had had nightmares before, and Will was there to circle his arms around her to tell her everything was fine, and she felt better. Or the words of comfort Jem reserved only for her, whenever they met at Black Friars bridge.
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skrifores · 5 months
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I have seen the point being made that you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship for some behaviour to constitute domestic violence. I’m seeing this said with regards to Our Flag Means Death and what some people perceive as domestic abuse on Ed’s part - that him not being romantically involved with Izzy shouldn’t mean behaviour between can’t be considered domestic abuse.
It is an excellent point that in many places, the definition of domestic abuse isn’t restricted to intimate partners! It is often widened to consider any violence, coercion and emotional harm taking place within a home environment. Under this definition, children can be victims of domestic abuse by their parents, it can occur between siblings, even roommates - especially with a live-in landlord situation. And of course, the Revenge as well as being a workplace is ultimately where the characters live.
I think it’s very clear that the show is a workplace comedy about pirates, but if you want to apply the definition of violence, coercion and emotional harm within a home environment to your reading to the show, that can be done.
Of course, I would be surprised if you genuinely view it that way and still made it as far as even watching Season 2, given the way what you consider to be domestic abuse in this fictional setting happens so very often with little to no moral consequence, and is often intended to be taken as a joke.
I mean. In the very first episode, the crew talk about killing Stede, and begin to plan for this, including lighting him on fire.
Jim threatens Lucius and actually physically locks him in a small wooden box in the second episode for what seems to be quite a long time.
I think in 4, Izzy pulls on Fang’s beard and it really upsets him. He also talks pretty openly about the intention to kill the Revenge crew, though I’ll let that go at this stage since he doesn’t really live there so much as being there for the purpose of murdering them and stealing their stuff. Still, poor Fang, that looked like it hurt.
While we’re on Izzy, he does also actively try to kill Stede by stabbing him, and he then he goes and does the olde worlde equivalent of calling the cops on him on the intention of having him executed, which seems pretty fucked up on the ‘violence’ part of our DA definition but also hits pretty hard on coercive control since he’s doing this to get Ed to behave differently.
He does prevent the Navy from executing Ed, which is nice, but he does point out that he regrets this, which, ouch, emotional harm. If we’re doing real world definitions, “I should’ve let the cops I called on you murder you” is the sort of thing that would make me feel pretty fucked up. And we all know what it means when someone tells you to watch your step.
But it’s not all about Izzy! (It’s really not, guys, there’s a whole TV show here!) Buttons bites Lucius - who ends up needing the whole finger gone! And he’s a visual artist!
Even my darling man Roach tries to eat the Swede, and I’ve gotta say, I don’t think they were on that island long enough to justify murder.
And who could forget Mary?? Wonderfully written character, love her, but, she does with malice aforethought attempt to kill her spouse in his sleep with a skewer. She was right to do it, in my opinion, but y’know, even without broadening the definition beyond partner relationships, murder of your spouse is pretty classic domestic abuse.
So, y’know, the point I’m getting at really is that if your definition of domestic abuse is violence and control wherein the perpetrator and victim share a significant aspect of their lives like living space - that’s a fine definition in real life. It is the one I use, in real life. But if you apply it to Our Flag Means Death, I really don’t understand how you stomached watching the first season or why you came back for more.
And if you only apply this definition with regards to Ed’s behaviour, but not the rest of the characters, I do wonder why that might be.
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you and Childe being friends when he was human- or perhaps more-than-friends-but-not-quite-lovers. you're sweet and kind, working an ordinary job, while he's a charming but bloodthirsty Harbinger. yet still somehow, you grow close during his time in Liyue, with you not caring that he's a Fatuus and him falling in love with your bright personality. you like having picnics when the weather is nice, laying under the rustling trees on a blanket, and you often invite Childe to come along with you when he's free. you're sitting in a flower-dotted field, chatting, when you absentmindedly pick some of the blooms and begin to weave them together. soon you have a serviceable chain of flowers in your hands, and you knot the ends together to make a circlet of blossoms. Childe smiles at your flower crown, saying it's as whimsical as you are, and you smile back before reaching over and dropping it lightly on his head. a spot of brightness in his otherwise stark Fatui uniform, you tell him, and Childe blinks at you as a blush colors his cheeks. Archons, he loves you so much. he doesn't tell you that he keeps the crown, doing his best to preserve it so he can look at it everyday. it's delicate and fragile, but he handles it gently, tracing the pressed blooms with a fingertip and a soft smile. then everything goes wrong. Childe's not sure exactly what went wrong- maybe he made a mistake somewhere. maybe the gods cursed him for his hubris. or maybe, just maybe, the Abyss finally caught up to him. he kneels on the floor, in a pool of blood that shifts and shimmers in the light, and he's horrified that he knows it's his blood. when he tries to hold himself steady, to ground himself, his own claws rake deeply into his arms, cutting through the jagged armor of his Foul Legacy form. he tries to scream, but only lets out a faint, hollow whimper of pain. it hurts. it hurts so much. this form that gave him so much power is now his downfall. Childe rips his claws from his arm, swiping them across his desk by mistake, and when he brings them back they're covered in broken flowers, the remnants of the crown you made for him. a whine slips out, which turns to a sob as Childe curls in upon himself, pain flashing through his body as he clutches the withered blooms in his fist. Childe doesn't meet you that day, doesn't come out to greet you like he usually does. you wait and wait and wait until finally, with a heavy heart, you leave the Bank behind, not knowing that the creature he's become would do anything to simply be held in your arms again.
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juniperhillpatient · 2 years
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y’all have GOT to stop using ‘psycho’ & ‘psychotic’ when you mean ‘evil’ 🤡 it’s especially sus when people use it to talk about azula, a character who legitimately has a psychotic break of some kind. people who are psychotic & have experienced psychosis can see you. at some point it stops being about the cartoon villain & starts being about ableism in your language & views
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platypusisnotonfire · 9 months
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I drove to the ocean today.
It’s important to know I live in the depths of rural Quebec
What is wrong with me
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quotemenevervore · 1 year
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Oof, waking up to anon hate
Didn’t think I ever had to specify that I am not speaking of the CCs, and only the Cs?
Like bruh if all you have to do with your life is send hate to someone without even coming off of anonymous then perhaps it’s you you should be worrying about bestie that’s all I’ve got to say
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dyed-red · 1 year
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Thinking about Cain and Abel and Dean
Thinking about Cain's envy of Dean and his devoted little brother
Thinking about Cain's contempt for Dean not saving his little brother from Lucifer
About "at least he dies human" and Dean calling Sam a monster and Lucifer Rising
About Cain telling Dean why he killed Abel and a sense of righteous anger cutting through Dean that how dare Cain kill Abel and claim it was to save him, how dare he fail his little brother like that and call it mercy, Dean would die, kill, sell his soul for his brother before he killed Sam and yet Cain expects him to understa -
About that thought being choked out by shame that chases too fast on the heels of his anger
At least he dies human
Cain saved his brother from Lucifer. Dean didn't.
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gffa · 1 year
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There are two options and both of them are equally funny.  Jon Favreau just let the entire internet call that man Din as his given name and didn’t say a goddamned thing until the end of the third season, casually blowing years of assumed knowledge into absolute shreds, that he waited three full fucking years to drop that bomb despite that his finger was on the trigger the entire time.  Or.  He random woke up one morning halfway into writing the third season and said to himself, “You know what would be really, really funny to do to the entire internet?” and chose the violence in his heart.  I respect both options, Favreau, my hat’s off to you!
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the-hoziest · 1 year
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swifties celebrating their one true leader's global supremacy blissfully unaware their entire fandom is a creepy cult 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
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house wife reader x mean ellie 👀 ellie works long hours on the weekdays and takes out all of her anger on her docile wife who cooks all her meals, does all of her laundry, cleans the entire house, and make sure ellie’s satisfied 24/7.
Satisfied - (ellie williams x housewife reader)
hi anon! mean ellie? hell yeah. I hope you don't mind, but I added my own twist. I hope you enjoy <3
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Pairing: mean ellie x housewife fem!reader
requests are open, feel free to leave one!
HUGE warnings: toxic relationships, murder, gore, violence
Summary: in which you were the perfect housewife
authors note: I'm literally trying to empty out my request inbox, so be ready because there's a bunch of fics coming your way!
"so when last have you seen her?" The police officer asked as he sat across you.
"well she went out yesterday and she never came back"
you saw him look at you and Ellie's house as he was taking notes.
"Any arguments?"
"No"
once again you saw the pen write something on some paper. You wanted to know what exactly he was writing about.
What was talking him so long? You wanted him to fucking leave.
"Thank you for answering these questions, we'll call if we need anything else" the officer said as he stood up.
"Thank you for your hard work! Do I need to walk you out?" You asked with smile
"no, I'll show myself out" was all he said as he walked towards the front door.
As soon as he was out of sight you got up and ran to window to check if he was gone. You watched his car pull out the driveway, and you let out a sigh of relief.
fucking finally.
You ran to you and Ellie's shared room, and between heavy breathes you said "she almost caught us baby".
You walked towards the bed, where Ellie's decomposing body lay. Flies circled her body, her skin was pale and cold to the touch.
You put some of her hair behind her ear "it's ok now, they'll never catch us" you whispered
You loved Ellie. And you would anything for you. Anything including quitting your job and becoming her housewife.
In the beginning you hated it, staying home, cooking, cleaning. But when Ellie praised you, you fucking loved it.
And soon after you became the stereotypical housewife. Cute outfits, aprons that matched whatever you wore. You always woke up before her, to prepare her favorite breakfast. You cooked her dinner.
You fucking did everything.
The two of you were happy. Until Ellie got a promotion. She got more work, the pressure was getting worse for the poor girl.
Ellie came home late and most nights she barley even slept. You tried supporting your wife as best you could. You tried cleaning the house before she came come. You did all her laundry, you even chose her outfits most days.
But it was never enough for her.
One night you cooked Ellie's favorite meal. A prideful smile was on your lips as you put the plate in front of her.
This would cheer her up. You knew it would.
Ellie glanced down at the plate, and she looked back at you. The dark circles under her eyes looked even darker than they did yesterday.
"You are so fucking pathetic" she started.
"I work all fucking day to come to this shit? And look, this table is dusty" she added.
Ellie got up from where she was sitting and she threw the plate filled with food onto the floor. "You have cleaning to do, and don't fucking serve this shit again" she walked out of the dining room and you sat there mouth agape.
This was the first time she's ever said anything like that to you. You sobbed in the kitchen that night. You felt sick to your stomach.
Everything you did was for Ellie and for the first time she wasn't satisfied with you.
Your main mission in life became to serve. To serve her. But what do you do when the one you did everything for, wasn't satisfied?
The next morning you woke up bright and early, and you cooked Ellie a widespread of breakfast. Fruit salad, bacon, eggs pancakes and so much more decorated the table.
You heard the bedroom door open and you saw her walk out, she glanced at the table
"I'm not hungry" was all she said and she walked out the front door.
You were shattered.
Since that day everything you did was wrong.
You couldn't clean right.
Her fingers ran along the cupboard, and she looked at you with a frown.
"Can you not clean right? Should i get a maid? Because you cant do shit"
you couldn't do the laundry right.
you stood in the doorway watching Ellie fit on her suit. She looked herself in the mirror before she made eye contact with you.
"It's still wrinkled and there's a stain" she pointed out.
"fix it" was all she said before she threw the clothes on the floor.
You couldn't even cook right.
Ellie only had one spoon of her food before she pushed her plate to the side
"what's wrong?" you asked
"this is disgusting"
it hurts. Every insult Ellie hurled at you hurt.
You knew she was stressed but it didn't give her the right to take her stress out on you.
One night you tried talking to Ellie. But she didn't want to. She didn't have energy for this.
"Don't you have a house to clean? Oh wait you can't even do that right" she said through a chuckle.
You snapped.
You let out a scream as you grabbed the lamp on your side of the bed. You jumped onto the bed, and you shit her over and over again.
"I"
*hit
"am"
*hit
"the perfect"
*hit
"housewife" you yelled.
Blood littered the walls, and your hands. Heavy breathes left your mouth as you looked at the scene.
"Oh Ellie I'm sorry! This room is filthy! I'll clean it"
you scrubbed the walls, you changed the bedding and you gave her a bath.
Everything was back to normal. It was all clean.
You looked at her decomposing body. She looked peaceful and she wasn't being mean anymore.
This was the girl you fell in love with.
You gave her a kiss on the forehead before you muttered "its time for breakfast" and you left the room to start making your girl breakfast.
You weren't sure how long you were going to get away with this, but for the time being you were happy.
She was better dead anyway.
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mrsnancywheeler · 4 months
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the lakes (9) // finnick odair x f. reader
summary: it's supposed to be over, you and Finnick are supposed to spend the rest of your lives helping each other heal. living as peacefully as possible, but the the third quarter quell throws a wrench in your domestic bliss.
previous chapter / next chapter
midnight rain
5.1k words
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warnings: angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, lots of violence/death/blood, like a lot of it, it's the hunger games, mentions of starvation and dehydration, injuries, mental illness, self loathing, casual dominance, savior complex Finnick, codependent relationship, reader has trauma relating to being too cold especially being cold + cold water we'll get into it eventually like next chapter, terms of endearment, nudity in a non sexual way, unedited, no use of y/n, Finnick washes readers hair
𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒
You woke up too early, there was too much time for your thoughts to run on top of the fact that you'd barely slept at all. Mind full of reminders of the last time you'd been in the arena, how cruel fate was. At least you were still with Finnick, the protection of his arms, surrounded by his love, and you snuggled further into his grasp. Desperate to savor every speck of his being, of the moment before it could be taken away from you. You forced your eyes back shut, who knew how much sleep would be available in the arena, being well-rested could be an advantage. It didn't hit you until you sniffled that you were crying, it felt pathetic, how often you cried.
“I know you're awake." His voice didn't startle you, simply made you intertwine your legs with his even further.
“Don't wanna be." You buried your face in the crook of his neck, somehow even if there was no ocean he'd been swimming in for so long, his scent was still that of saltwater. It comforted you, like the smell of your home when the windows opened in the morning.
“I know, sweet girl." He nodded, arms having wrapped themselves tighter around you. An unspoken fear that if either of you let go it would be the last time. Tears peppered his neck and you already felt like it was lulling you back to sleep.
You weren't sure when your exhausted self had fallen asleep like that, but the next thing you remembered was Finnick softly whispering your name, announcing it was time. You kept your eyes shut and shook your head which broke his heart. Part of your brain reminded you that you volunteered for this, you could have been at home sick with anxiety, but instead you chose to be here.
“Come on, sweet girl, we have too." He whispered, voice so comforting it could have made you fall right back into your sleep. He was hypnotic.
“I can't." It was true, you couldn't have willed your body to move even if you’d wanted to. Your muscles felt like they'd shut down, frozen in place. He didn't push back with an ‘I told you so’ he just began lifting you up from the bed. Your head shook as he moved, “Please, Finnick.”
"Angel, we don't have a choice.” His voice was sad, but definitive. He wiped away the residual tests and tiredness in your eyes from where he'd say you on the bed.
Staring into his soothing eyes helped your stiff muscles loosen somewhat, but shame had begun to take over your brain too. “I'm sorry." You muttered, your voice cracked and was still heavy with sleep.
“It's okay, don't worry about it.” He kissed your forehead, "I've got you, sweet girl, I'll take care of you.” The guilt was almost numbing your body all over again, but it all reactivated when Finnick tried to step away. Instantly grabbing his hand and whining when he'd tried to pull away. “I'm just starting the shower." He reassured, but you didn't let go. So he sighed before resigning himself to it and just picking you up to come with him. He started the shower and put you down.
Maybe it had all finally hit you, the fact that your impending death meant you'd never have these moments with him again, but you felt completely robotic. Your arms felt heavy and you felt lonely the moment he was no longer touching you. Your fingers fumbled as you tried to get undressed in your stupor, but Finnick’s warm hands overtook your own.
“Don't worry about it, angel, I told you I’ll take care of you." You nodded dumbly as he began helping you undress. You'd spent so much time recently trying to prove you could do this you'd forgotten how nice it was to just let him take control, let him take care of you. As he helped you into the shower the warm water made you more tired which he could tell, “I'm going to have to make the water cold to help wake you up, sweet girl, just for a little bit."
You'd mumbled something incoherently probably trying to argue, but you couldn't, you needed your head in the game today. Finnick gave you a second before turning the temperature over to cold, you weren't standing directly in the water, so the residual sprays of water misted your body making you shiver. He cupped his hands under the water, collecting some of it.
“Tilt your head back for me, angel, got to wake you up." You did so and closed your eyes as the icy water hit your face. Although you'd never admit it to him, the water itself wasn't what really was waking you up, well it was in a way. The cold instantly put you back into the arena, the way you'd all been dripping and shaking in the freezing rain for days on end. “You okay?"
You nodded, “Yeah, thank you."
“Awake enough that I can turn the water back?" He smiled softly at you as your hands moved up and down your arms trying to create heat.
“Yes, please." You were grateful when he did, making it burning hot like you preferred. It all made you miss your home in District 4 where it was usually warm outside and the water reflected that, or every time it was cool it was combined with heat. So rarely did the weather and water coincide to be bitingly cold in those cases you just refused to leave the house much to Finnick's chagrin.
He led you into the stream of water, its full heat covering you as he wet your hair. When he was fully satisfied he took his time washing it, hands massaging your scalp. “You know hot water is bad for your hair." He whispered as he washed some fancy shampoo out of it.
“I don't care and don't even think about it." You gave a warning look to him, he had a teasing look in his eyes.
“How am I supposed to let the woman I love damage her hair like this when I'm taking care of her?"
“I'll get out."
“Well we wouldn't want that." You felt so peaceful while he continued washing your hair by the time he was completely finished you felt less robotic and more malleable. Finnick began scrubbing your body clean, who knew how long until you'd be able to do that again, if ever. You soaked up every moment in fear that it could be the last time you went through this routine. He made sure you were sufficiently soapy before rinsing you off and moving onto your face. You didn't even know the names of the various Capitol products, but he did it all with ease. It almost felt unnecessary, the size of your pores didn't matter when you were fighting for your life, but you let him continue. It was calming, made you feel loved, cared for.
“Thank you, Finnick." You said when he finished, pressing a kiss to his lips.
He nodded, “Go dry off, angel, I'll be out soon."
“Don't wanna leave you." Your arms wrapped around him once again as you shook your head.
He kissed the top of your head, “Okay, angel, just stand right there and look pretty.” You took a couple of steps back as he washed himself off too, far enough to avoid most of the residual water spray when he turned the water back to cold as he cleaned his face and hair. Soon enough he was shutting off the shower head and grabbing two towels. He grabbed your hand, helping you out of the shower. “I got this too, my love."
He tied his towel around his waist before he began to dry you off. You were easy to move as he dried your hair as much as he could before sitting you down on the edge of the tub to brush your teeth. It gave you flashbacks, once upon a time you'd been sat here in this exact bathroom, in the same position as he did the same thing for you. It solidified in your mind how you wouldn't be able to live without him, he knew what you needed more than you did. Maybe because he'd dealt with it all himself and no one to do it for him, but he was always there to force you out of bed, take care of yourself, make you eat a meal, go outside, and endless other things that could have slipped your mind in favor of endless sleep. When he was done with your teeth he once again helped you up to spit on the sink and let you lean into his side as he began brushing his own.
“Let's go get you dressed." Without a word he picked you up the moment he was done brushing and brought you back to the room. The clothes didn't matter much when soon enough Cambrie would have you dressed to enter the arena, but you let him dress you in whatever he picked. Once you were both dressed, be kneeled down at the edge of the bed. “How hungry are you?"
"Not really.” But you knew you'd have to eat, the possibility it could be days until you found food again wasn't slim.
"Come on, we're going to have to try to get something in you.” He went to pick you up again.
"You're really sweet, but I can walk.”
"Preserving your energy, angel.” He smirked and held you regardless to bring you out to the table. His chair pulled up right next to yours as he got you a little bit of everything, anything that could keep you full enough for a while in the arena. You ate slowly in a comfortable silence, savoring the food that you might never taste again. In your heart you knew it was the anxiety keeping you from hunger, but you pushed on out of the larger fear of starvation in the Games.
“Good job, angel." He said softly, at first you didn't know why, but then it hit you that he needed you to be properly nourished as a sign you cared about survival. He picked up a peach from a basket on the table and handed it to you which you accepted gratefully.
You'd only relish in its sweetness for a few bites before your designers entered the room.
“It's time to go." Cambrie already sounded weepy, but that wasn't why your heart stopped. Finnick grabbed your hands intently.
“You come find me right away and I'll find you. If anything happens, you scream for me and I'll follow your voice. Don't go trying to save anyone. Please, promise me that." He said soberly, eyes boring into yours to ensure you were fully committed.
"I promise, Finnick." He nodded slowly before wrapping his arms around yours and you melted as his arms got tighter, like he didn't want to let go. He reluctantly pulled away as the two of you stood, leaving the peach on the table. You grabbed his face, kissing him as deeply as you could and he instantly did the same. “I'll see you soon." You mumbled breathlessly.
“I love you so much, you deserve to live, remember that."
"I love you, Finnick.” He kissed you again before you both were forced to get on with it, to enter the arena where the unknown and uncertain lie.
𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒
Your heart was pounding in your chest as the platform began to rise, taking one last look at your stylist Cambrie who gave you a sickly sweet smile, she was convinced you would win and talked non-stop about all the benefits she would get if you did. But as the sky came into view you weren't so sure, different advice Finnick had given echoed in your head. How you needed to make your allies trust you, allow your instincts to take over, not freeze, stay logical, be wary of the environment around you, and about feeling guilty later.
Wind hit your face as you rose from the ground, quickly taking note of the environment. There was no sun out, it was cloudy, the ground was extremely muddy where the grasses were, but large chunks of dirty water made up different portions of the area surrounding the Cornucopia. You tilted your head to the side where you could see certain areas had trees, none of which were very green. It was mainly a marshland you concluded with some swamps dispersed throughout. Backpacks of supplies and different weapons lay scattered around the Cornucopia where most of the bounty lay, your allies had already agreed to go for it first thing. Not to hesitate when the gong ran out and to protect each other if someone else tried to attack. You couldn't see Conway from where you stood, but Marlowe wasn't far away on your left, staring intently forward and Birch to your right was looking around like you were. Meeting eyes for a second he just nodded his head.
It felt like the longest minute of your life, but soon enough the last few seconds were on the clock and the adrenaline in your body preparing you to spring forward. There it was, the resounding gong, and you jumped forward. Eyes searching for the closest weapon to defend yourself with. There they were, glistening with water, a few small knives and you lunged for them.
Right as your hands grasped them someone tackled you from behind. You felt your ear wet with mud as you turned over under the body on top of you, slashing your knife into whatever was above you, whatever had hands trying to grasp around your neck. Something warm hit your face as the hands went limp. You wiped your eyes with one hand to see a girl, you were pretty sure she was from District 8 above you. You pulled the blade out, pushing her off of you before scrambling off the ground, grabbing the remainder of the knives. There wasn't time to feel bad, you needed to get to the Cornucopia.
The boy from District 10? 12? Everything was too blurry, you just needed to survive, to get to everyone else. The boy caught your eye, he had a machete and before he could even come towards you with it, one of the knives flew out of your hand straight into his skull. He fell backwards and your brain told you to grab the weapons, keep going. Some small voice told you to stop, how messed up this all was, but your instincts said otherwise.
You finally saw Conway, pulling a spear out of the girl from District 3 you were pretty sure. Suddenly Marlowe was in your view too, picking up a backpack.
“Here!" You heard your own voice, but it didn't feel real and tossed the machete to her which she grabbed with ease.
“Thanks." She said quickly, and then Birch came out of the Cornucopia, bloody hatchet in hand. He had a backpack on and was holding two other ones. Throwing one to you and then Conway.
“We should fill them with what we can find before we clear out.” He said gruffly and you all nodded. You decided to grab an extra backpack as you all walked towards the Cornucopia, grabbing small weapons on the way to fill the bags. Conway and Birch went deeper inside as you and Marlowe looked around, keeping defense.
Thinking about Districts didn't even matter anymore, you could take stock later, one of the boys came at Marlowe with a sickle. You threw a knife into his chest, he took a step back, giving Marlowe enough time to thrust the machete through him. She pulled it out and grabbed the knife for you too, tossing it at you with a nod.
“I think we've got what we need." Conway's voice filled the crisp air. You dumped one of the backpacks contents into the other one, tossing the empty one on the ground before sliding the other one on. Marlowe picked up an ax before muttering something in agreement. As the four of you exited the Career pack approached. The air was tense, but it didn't make you nervous. It would be four against four, there would be no point in attacking now.
All of you kept eye contact as you passed by each other, Birch giving a brisk nod that the boy from District 1, Otto you thought his name was, returned one. So you all walked into an area with more trees, leaving the other pack to whatever was left behind in the Cornucopia.
“Do you think the water’s safe to drink?" Birch asked, looking around at the areas around you.
“It's muddy, it would have to be purified at least." You answered, trying to rub off the mud you could feel drying on your face.
“Who knows what could be inside it." Marlowe remarked, some sort of mutt ready to attack.
“We should sit here and see what we have, make a plan on where to camp and how to hunt." Conway pointed at a clump of rocks. Everyone agreed, it couldn't have been more than an hour yet you were all exhausted. Time was a construct here, they could make it day or night whenever they pleased.
Conway had two spears, a mace, a net, a water bottle, a plastic cover for rain, and some sort of bug spray.
“Oh my god, there's going to be some sort of poisonous bug." Marlowe shook her head.
“Maybe we'll get some more, we'll all share and use it sparingly." Conway said, filling the bag back up. When Birch opened his, you realized the bags weren't the same. You'd expected them too, but there were variations.
“Let's see we've got a hatchet, a sword, a serrated chain, a box of matches, this super small bottle of iodine, a tarp, and a random coil of wire, which I don't think is useful to any of us. Good thing we grabbed more than one bag." He remarked, leaning back on the rock.
Marlowe emptied out hers putting her axe and machete to one side, “A sickle, an empty bottle of water, more bug spray, thankfully, another plastic cover for rain, and these weird glasses.” She played with them in her hands.
“They're for seeing in the dark." You said, hand burrowing in the moss on the rock. “Um I've the throwing knives, a dagger, dried fruit, another bottle of iodine, and an empty bottle of water-” You internally thanked yourself for grabbing two, "Rope, more matches, a compass, and this metal bowl."
Conway nodded, “If we come across any more backpacks we should take them too." What he really meant was if you came across someone to kill them and take their things, but he didn't dare state it aloud.
“We should set up some snares, we can start a fire on the rock, so get some firewood, and fill the water bottles we do have." Marlowe stood up, axe in hand.
“What if someone sees the smoke?" Birch asked, sliding a bit as he stood.
“Then there's four of us and one of them, the Careers won't attack us, not yet. We can use the wire for fish-hooks, see if there's any to catch. I'll make a fishing rod and we can use the net." You filled the bag back up and stood on the muddy ground.
Birch nodded, “Good thinking." He smiled, he had the type of smile that was so infectious it made the most mournful times somewhat happier.
“Let's put on some of the spray first." Conway pulled out the bottle, shaking it. Trying to use it sparsely, save it as long as possible. All of you stayed nearby, but still split for your tasks. You made some rods with stray branches, cut off some of the rope, and wire. Setting them into the mud, if there were some fish you'd set up the net wherever you camped for future meals. Conway had begun filling up the bottles you had and putting in the iodine to purify what you did have. Birch had decided he would set up some snares and borrowed your dagger in case there was something he could kill before it even hit the snares.
Marlowe got done with the firewood the quickest, saying how back in District 7 there were punishments if quotas weren't filled fast enough so she'd been forced to learn how fast she could chop wood since she was a child.
“Caught anything?" She asked, setting down the wood on a tarp to keep it dry.
You shook your head, “No, I'm too worried about whatever poisonous bugs might be here to dig for worms. If Birch catches anything I'll use part of it for bait, I might just throw the net in though."
"Here I found some crickets.” Conway came over, hands cupped.
"Are we sure they're not poisonous?” Marlowe asked as she began setting up the fire.
"Looks like plain old crickets to me.” Conway laughed, grabbing on the rods to stick them on the hooks. Slowly, but surely the fish began coming in. “I'll skin and you keep catching?" He asked, squeezing your shoulder.
You smiled up at him, “Sounds good to me." Marlowe had a fire started the moment everyone was ready, hours had passed by the time you'd caught a good enough share, skinned them, began to cook them, and Birch returned with some rabbits.
“We should eat here and then move to find a different camp before the sun goes down." Marlowe was helping Birch with the rabbits while you cleaned off the knives being used for each thing. You'd eaten much better than you'd expected too, trout and rabbit, plus having water. You hadn't realized how hungry you were until you started. Immediately you began packing up camp, Conway filled up and purified the water bottles again before you all started trekking again. The temperature began to drop and the jacket stopped doing as much as it had been doing before, you all finally stopped at an area with more dense greenery and trees. Laying out the tarps and plastic covers to try for some warmth.
Then there the light was in the sky, time to find out which tributes were dead. Both tributes from District 3, the girl to Conway. You thought of that poor 13 year old boy's family watching their baby die and silently prayed he'd gone quick. No one from 1,2, or 4 which was unsurprising. Birch had killed the boy from 5 and the boy from 6 is the one who'd tried coming at you and Marlowe. That was the female tributes from 5 and 6 still alive plus both District 7 tributes, since they were both with you. The girl from 8 was you, but the male tribute was also dead, probably from one of the Career’s. Both from 9 were dead, both from 10 probably even more from the Careers. 11 was still alive, but you were right about thinking the boy who was going to attack you was from 12, his district partner survived though. 13 tributes left, 11 dead in one day.
Everyone was quiet, solemn. “I'll take first watch." Your shaky voice cut through the night air, after the silence had almost become unbearable.
“Me too." Conway's arms were around your shoulders, he wasn't particularly warm, but it was better than sitting alone. Birch and Marlowe agreed, laying down to get some sleep. You stared at the night sky, there were very few stars in the sky even if you knew they were artificial, it made you even more upset. Nothing would beat the feeling of you and Finnick sitting on the beach at night, staring at the stars over the glistening water as his warmth surrounded you like some sort of shield.
𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒
“I'm just going to miss you so much!" Cambrie was bawling onto your shoulder. The Capitol woman who's whole life was ahead of her was crying to you, the one about to be sent to a battle of the death. “I'm going to dedicate a whole fashion line to you, it'll be such a hit." She meant well, she really did and that's what you reminded yourself.
“Including the wedding dress?" If anything it made you want to cry more thinking about how this poor, misguided woman still cared about you so much.
“Oh yes. With a train like you're walking on water and sea foam." She pulled away to blow her nose. “You just have to come back, gorgeous, I'll literally die without you." Ironic. “Maybe they'll be a hologram or something, won't be as good as the real thing, but you're my muse." The sickening part was definitely back, but she raised to be shallow so she was. A voice echoed around the room indicating your need to get on the platform. You hugged her one last time and she kissed you on the cheek, probably leaving trails of pink glitter but at least it was a proper goodbye.
“Thank you, Cambrie. I couldn't have asked for a better designer." You walked over to the platform that closed around you, giving her a soft smile as he waved a goodbye, tears streaking down her slightly purple tinted skin.
Your foot tapped nervously on the platform and you hoped that at the very least it wouldn't be a cold arena. You began moving up, sun, you could see sunlight, that was good, at least you'd have sunshine. The smell of salt air hit your nostrils and it shocked you, a smell you were pretty sure would be left at home was right here. If you died, you'd die knowing that wasn't the last time you were one with the salty waters. When you were finally all the way up you looked around anxiously, it was water, clear, seawater you had to swim to get to the Cornucopia or the rows of rocks that you could walk on. Jungle was on the other side of the beaches, but there were beaches that felt almost too good to be true, like it was perfect for District 4. The sun cut in the way of your vision making it nearly impossible to make out faces, but you couldn't find Finnick. You took some deep breaths, preparing to dive the moment the gong rang out. He'd go straight to the Cornucopia and try to find Katniss so you'd do the same.
The instant the gong let out you'd dived in, having eyed the nearest part of land so you could try and make the quickest swim there. It didn't take long and you were hoisting yourself on the rocks. Running forwards to the shiny structure where he had to be. A hand from the side grabbed your leg and you tried to kick it off, “Finnick!" You shouted as the person attached to the hand emerged from the side of the rocks, pulling you down. He was from District 9, a lot older, but he was still much stronger. Brute strength had never been on yours side, but you could tell it was on his. “Finnick, Finnick!" You screamed, trying to kick the man off of his. His hands grabbed your shoulders harshly before punishing them back, head roughly hitting the rocks. It was dizzying, your head felt like it was literally spinning and your nose made it feel like you were drowning. Hands flew up, your vision was somewhat blurry, but last time you'd been in this position you'd taken out Conway’s eye. Even if that kept you up at night, you could do it again. “Finnick!" Scratching at the man's face seemed to be doing very little besides delaying him as he tried to bat away your hands. Then he was coughing, sputtering blood all over your face the shock he seemed to be going through gave you an opportunity to kick him off of you, his weight on you made it a struggle but the adrenaline forced you to persist. He fell flat when you did escape and then you saw the axe in his back. You looked up, Johanna was headed your way.
You wanted to say thank you, but you felt somewhat frozen, your mouth tasted like iron, and she was somewhat blurry. “He's over in the Cornucopia, with Katniss." She said, tearing her ax out of the man’s back. Her eyes found Wiress and she went to get her, mostly because according to Haymitch it was her way in with Katniss, she'd only take Johanna if she'd saved who Katniss wanted.
Your hands went to wipe your face and there was more blood on your hands then anticipated then it hit you that your nose was bleeding, the shock hadn't allowed you to initially realize, but you probably looked like a mess of free falling blood. “Finnick!" You yelled, your head ached as you kept running forward. Through the ringing that had begun in your ears you could faintly hear your name being called. You finally caught sight of him running towards you, a seemingly reluctant Katniss behind him.
“What happened?" He asked, wiping some of the blood off of your face.
“Nine, Johanna just saved my life." Your mouth felt like it was filling with the blood as you wiped your face again.
“Well, I'll have to thank her sometime." Finnick smiled even though you could tell he was still concerned, so were you, the pounding in your head still hadn't gone away. “Here." He slid three small knives into your palm, “Grabbed them when I was in there for you, angel."
“Thank you." He quickly kissed you, getting his own lips getting smeared with blood. There were no complaints as he wiped it off and turned back to Katniss.
“Peeta! Peeta!" She was looking around frantically.
“Found him! Over here!" Finnick shouted, handing you his trident as he dived into the waters where Peeta was struggling to stay afloat. Katniss ran over as Finnick brought Peeta back to the shore.
“Peeta!" She helped pull him up and you all paused a moment as he gained balance. You handed Finnick back his trident. The ebbing pain in your head was finally seeming to lessen.
“Let's head out this way." Finnick said, arm around you as he began walking forward. Gloss, Cashmere, Brutus, and Enobaria continued on with their Bloodbath as your group made its way onto the beach and into the jungle. There were no supplies waiting around this time, you supposed they weren't intending for this to be a long enough game to need a survival kit just weapons. It felt safer though, you had Finnick, warm, protective, hovering Finnick. There would be no need to imagine the times you had with him when he was right there even if the plan was dangerous enough to get you both executed regardless of what happened in the arena.
𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒
thank you so much for reading I was so excited to write this one, but I've been pretty busy so it took me a while to get finished but I'm so glad I did. thank you all for the feedback and support, if you enjoyed it let me know comments, likes, reblogs are all much appreciated and my ask box is always open. 💋
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kaylawritesfics · 2 years
Note
Could we get a Peter Ballard x fem!reader fanfic where they fall asleep cuddling in her bed and Peter accidentally forgets to go back to his own room so they get found out by Brenner? With Peter being all protective and ‘don’t touch her’ over the reader and like trying to take all the blame and hiding her behind him to try and keep her safe? Fluffy ending please. Sorry I know it’s pretty detailed lol
71. “You can’t take her, please! I’ll do anything, I swear!”
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summary: after he spends the night in your room, your secret relationship with peter is discovered.
pairing: peter ballard x fem!reader
warnings: mentions of violence, slight torture?
note: this is a little long i will add a read more tag to it tomorrow !!
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You woke to the soft sounds of Peter’s delicate breathing. His messy, blonde hair was sprawled across your pillows and his head was tucked into the crook of your neck. His arms were wrapped loosely around your waist and below the white blanket that was covering the two of you, your legs were intertwined, creating a mess of limbs.
You slowly turned your body to face him, dragging a single finger down the bridge of his nose and across his lips. His face was illuminated only by the small stream of light coming in through the blinds of your window. You studied the details of his face; the way his lips were a little chapped, the way his long eyelashes fell gently onto his cheeks, and the redness of his nose, which indicated the winter weather could be felt even from inside the lab. A small smile made its way onto his face, giving away his awakening. “You’re staring,” he whispered, his eyes still closed as his arms tightened around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer to him. “You’re so beautiful, Peter,” you whispered back, continuing to draw little shapes across his face with your index finger. His nose scrunched as you found a ticklish point near the base of his ear.
Quick, constant footsteps throughout the hallway outside you room alerted both of you to the time. It was well past the time Peter would usually sneak away back to his own room. A pit of anxiety began to grow in your stomach as Peter’s eyes fluttered open and he held a finger to his lips, signaling you to remain quiet. He calmly placed a soothing kiss to the crown of your head, untangling himself from you and standing up. He had fallen asleep in his work clothes, which were now wrinkled and he looked quite disheveled. Doing his best to make himself seem more presentable, he placed an ear against your door, listening intently for any sign of approaching footsteps. When he concluded that it was safe, he cracked the door open, peering out. Before exiting, he sent you a grin and a promise to see you later.
The rainbow room was your favorite in the entire building. The children were allowed to play and explore using their talents and you were allowed more time with Peter, who often patrolled the room with you. You noticed that he looked far more presentable than he did that morning, his hair was neatly fixed and he had changed his clothes, opting for an outfit with less wrinkles. To preserve the secrecy of your relationship, the two of you chose not to interact very much in front of the children, however, the lingering glances spoke enough for the both of you. From his place next to 011, Peter caught your stare, sending you a barely noticeable wave and a tight smile.
The sound of a door opening caught the attention of everyone in the room. Dr. Brenner entered the room, eyeing each of the children before his eyes finally landed on you. “Miss Y/L/N and Mr Ballard, I need to see both of you in my office,” the tone of his voice frightened you and you sent a worried glance towards Peter, who kept his eyes on Brenner. The two of you followed Dr. Brenner out of the rainbow room and down the scarily white hallways of the lab.
Brenner’s office was a place you had visited very rarely. The walls were white and decorated only by various awards he’d won over the years. Everything seemed to have a specific place and was organized neatly. Two guards stood menacingly on either side of the room and you gulped as you suspected what this was about. Brenner took a seat behind his desk, motioning for you and Peter to take the two chairs across from him. “I suspect the two of you know what this is about,” Brenner leaned forehead, intertwining his fingers on top of his desk. “Perhaps you should blame Mr. Ballard’s blatant ignorance and disregard for security cameras,” Brenner’s dark eyes fell on you as he spoke, his tone becoming more hostile as he continued. When neither you not Peter responded, Brenner motioned the guards forward. “Take them to the electric shock room,” he demanded, standing and casually stretching his limbs.
Peter’s chair created a loud screeching noise that captured the attention of the room as he abruptly stood up. He struggled against the guard’s grip, thrashing about as he tried to free himself. The other guard quickly grabbed you by the arms, dragging you slightly. “Don’t touch her!” Peter’s unusually gruff voice rang through the air as he tried to reach for you. “It was my fault! Please, she didn’t do anything!” He begged, tears filling his waterline as he attempted once more to free himself. “You can’t take her, please! I’ll do anything, I swear!” Brenner seemed to perk up at Peter’s words and emotions, holding up a hand to stop the guard from dragging you from the room. “If Mr. Ballard wants to take the blame for this, we’ll let him. Escort Miss Y/L/N to her room and take Mr. Ballard to the electric shock room.” Peter’s eyes never left yours as he was violently dragged from the room and down the hall.
You didn’t see Peter for the rest of the day, choosing to lock yourself into your room and hide in your bed instead. As night fell, your room became too dark to see, however, as your door knob rattled and turned, a bright light filled the room from the hall. You peaked up over your blanket, watching as Peter made his way slowly into your room, softly closing the door behind him. A groan escaped his lips as he sat down on your bed, pain evident on his face. “Peter?” You mumbled, crawling over to him and wrapping your arms around his back, resting your head on his back. “Hi, darling,” he greeted, visibly relaxing at your touch. You gently pulled him down to lay beside you, your hand finding his hair. “Why’d you take the blame?” You inquired, running a hand through soft, blonde locks. He smiled wryly, closing his eyes at the feeling of your hands tugging through his hair.
“I’d do anything to keep you safe.”
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greythemed · 9 months
Text
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𓂃 ♥︎ⴰ bloodhounds . kim gun-woo
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˚ TITLE 𓂃 ♥︎ⴰ lovesick ˚ WORD COUNT 𓂃 ♥︎ⴰ 1936
he looked unreal, all tanned with his beautiful eyes half closed as he looked down, full lips unconsciously forming a pout. his chest was bronzed and openly displayed for anyone with two eyes and a drooling mouth.
you wanted to eat him alive.
it was supposed to be a peaceful morning at your parents' beach house on the coast but, apparently, your boyfriend chose violence that day. with sleepy eyes and a drowsy appearance, you immediately realized that you accidentally fell asleep while trying to get tanned by the summer sun in the morning. luckily, the book you were reading fell from your grip at some point and didn't leave a funny mark on your stomach for woo-jin to laugh about later.
how can one person be so beautiful, inside and out? was he even real, or will you inevitably wake up to find the space beside you empty, his presence fading with your dreams?
you get goosebumps just imagining it.
feeling your eyes on him, gun-woo looked up from his drawing, a big smile forming on his pink lips.
"you look like shit, babe".
oh wow, what a day to feel loved.
"fuck off". you grumbled while sitting up and picking the book from the floor next to you, gun-woo's eyes never leaving your bikini form. "what took you so long to get here?". you asked him pouty.
"your mother asked me to move the sofa three times so she could do her pilates session in the living room". gun-woo couldn't help but laugh at his answer, never imagining he'd be in this position someday.
it was your first family trip as a couple, and also the first time gun-woo went on a plane and traveled since his school's excursion in 9th grade to say the best. you were happy to see him happy. it was thrilling to see the man in another setting, different from the usual gym clothes or café outings you guys first got to know each other. you considered yourself a good girlfriend, providing these opportunities for both of you while so young, even if gun-woo was paying for basically everything other than the house you were staying. you were a good girlfriend, right?
so why the living hell was he acting so mean towards you?
"i'm sorry about that". you grimaced embarrassingly because of your mother. "just because you have an insane amount of muscle she thinks you're her personal guard". gun-woo laughs. that bright innocent smile that makes his eyes disappear.
fuck you kim geun-woo for being so mean.
"my mom used to say we should never neglect help from others, including offering help in the first place". he tells you with innocence, a sudden wave of sympathy running through his veins strong enough to make him vocalize his thoughts. you were too accustomed with this side of him, being together for almost 6 months. “she also used to say that we always must look for the best in people”.
he was too pure. so why could you only think other things like what was this man saying? and why wasn't he kissing your mouth right now?
you embarrassingly found yourself in this predicament more times than you could count with your boyfriend.
the sound of his voice didn't shake you out of your sleepy daze, looking up at him with eyes full of love and wonder. like a lovesick puppy whose brain didn't seem to register the spoken words, too caught up in its own reverie.
when he didn't get the reply he was hoping for, gun-woo finally put down the pen and paper and leaned closer to you, your knees now touching and you almost choked on your saliva.
you loved him too much. and he was so hot.
“y/n?” he asked softly, placing a hand on top of your lap, the feel of his surprisingly cold hands against your warm skin almost making you shiver.
"i was so worried when i woke up and didn't see you, figured you'd be reading here". his smile continued to be nothing other than soothing, comforting, and exclusive.
exclusive for you and only you.
"woo-jin tried facetiming early this morning but i was still sleeping, i kind of feel bad for him not being able to come this time". he rambles. "and i also feel bad for sleeping so late, i hope your parents don't mind it. yesterday was a good day".
of course it was a good day. it was gun-woo's first ever private flight and you couldn't put your mind around the fact that this man's whole life was a huge unfair exposure to only the bad in life. you wanted to cry suddenly. cry for everything cruel that happened to him. cry for his still pure but poorly scarred heart. cry for his smiles and goodmorning pecks. cry for his fucking six-pack and spy reflexes.
cry because he was yours. exclusively.
without saying a word, you gently pulled his hands away before wrapping yours around his shoulders in a much-needed hug, the love you felt for him overwhelming all your senses. his arms found their place around your waist immediately, pulling his body closer and pouring all his love into you in return.
it was his fault for dating such a crybaby and he knew it, because the second he touched your waist and ribs, the boxer knew you were about to cry because of your uneaving breathing.
gun-woo hesitated for a second, giving your body another squeeze before finally speaking.
"are you okay, princess?" his voice was calm as he gently stroked your hair, knowing damn well you got emotional in the mornings sometimes. his 'bedroom voice' - that's what you called, don't judge - was enough to make your eyes sting, causing you to snuggle closer to his neck with a nod.
"'m okay".
you loved his bedroom voice - again, don’t judge the name you came up with -, it was special for you. it held something ethereal in the fact that he dropped a few octaves to talk to you and only you. the intimacy he could bring only by speaking more calmly to you, everywhere you both were together and tangled in each other's arms like right now.
everything was different. the setting, the weather, the clothes - it made you realize for the very first time in the six months of your relationship that dating itself shouldn't be overwhelming, tiring, or burdensome.
dating should feel like the books you grew up reading and the movies you grew up watching. anything other than that, it didn't belong to you in the first place.
you felt so comfortable in his embrace like you were floating on a fluffy cloud as the sun was slowly disappearing, so warm and safe. it was just the best, being with the man you loved, and nothing could come close to how you were feeling in his presence, surrounded by his unconditional love and care.
fuck, you were sounding like a corny teenager and it was embarrassing.
"y/n, you're going to tell me what's on your mind, aren't you?". the sound of his concern was evident in his voice, reminding you that - even if this man's thighs were the size of your head -, he still was worried and soft on the inside type of boyfriend.
you were his first girlfriend. gun-woo didn't know how to do things usually.
without missing a beat, you looked him in the eye for the question.
"i love you, gunwoo-ya". you started to pour your eyes out for no reason. you blamed the hormones, your mom would blame the weather and woo-jin would blame the books you read but you didn't care.
the corners of his mouth turned up in response, a soft, sincere smile stretching across his face because he was also just that: a lovesick puppy.
"i l-love you too". gun-woo wasn't expecting that, you could tell. he was too nonchalant for his own good sometimes.
like who the fuck wears pink bright shorts at his parents-in-law’s beach house? WITH NO SHIRT ON.
his eyes were full of love as he looked at you, the sun making the already beautiful landscape even more dazzling as time seemed to stop once more, everything but him disappearing at that moment. not being able to wait any longer, gun-woo then leaned his head up, pouty lips brushing yours teasingly for a moment before connecting in a proper kiss.
his touch was soft and tender, brushing against your mouth as he had so many times before, your tongue darting out to meet his briefly as his arms around your waist pulled you even closer. the sudden change in height since you got up from the bench was a different angle for both of you.
a silent moan escaped your lips as your barely clothed breast brushed against his, giving your boyfriend the perfect opportunity to slip his tongue properly inside your mouth for another taste.
his hands squeezed your sides lightly, applying just the right amount of pressure to feel good, and just as you were about to pull him even closer to deepen the kiss, he slowly pulled back, making you want his lips more.
a smile appeared on his face at that, the smugness behind it pouting in response. you straddled him so your faces were on the same level and suddenly the boxer went exe.error404
"jagi, your mom-". he spoke, his hot breath hitting your face with each exhale. you smirked at him.
he was so mean.
"how can you act innocent right after sucking my mouth dry a second ago, you monster?".
"b-but-". oh no. his cheeks were red, wide eyes searching for one of your parents to pop up from nowhere suddenly, hands finding no safe spot to grip at your sides, finally opting to put them in your waist, almost engulfing its whole circumference because of the size of his hands.
when a few moments passed and you still remained in the same state, he finally relented and sealed your lips once more in a quick kiss, one of his hands moving up from your waist to gently caress your swollen lower lip afterward.
“is that what you've been thinking about all this time, baby?". he asked embarrassingly, eyes avoiding your brown ones for all that was worth.
you nodded, your eyes roaming all over his face before reaching out to move some of the hair away from his eyes, gathering his attention.
"sorry, but yes". you pouted, a small smile starting to appear on the boxer's mouth. you could tell he was embarrassed to hear you confess he occupies your mind 24/7 as if he didn’t know that yet. "and that you are so irritably sexy".
not even one second after, gun-woo's hand is covering your mouth with his eyes wide open and a laugh escapes your lips. he instantly mouths for you to be careful.
"i didn't even say anything wrong!". you defend, automatically tracing his scar on the right side of his face like you are already used to, brushing his hair at the end.
"you want sexy time, i know you!". he whisper-shouts, now completely avoiding your gaze. you laughed.
"sorry". you were not. "it's not my fault you're wearing pink shorts! you can't do this to me, you're mean!". you whined on his lap.
"you were crying seconds ago, what happened?!". it was his turn to pout, looking genuinely confused at your change of emotions. "woojin-hyung said you were crazy when you guys first met".
"aish- that old f-". gun-woo covered your mouth again, warning you. "he's lucky he didn't make it here".
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this one is for my crybaby girlies i got you don't worry, gun-woo is here to wipe your tears and fuck your brains out - in a loving way. loved imagining beach!gunwoo a little too much.
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hellcat8908 · 17 days
Text
Broken Road Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Female Reader
Warning: Angst, Violence, Fluff, Language
Ghost was about to interrupt your conversation with Soap when your words had him stopping dead in his tracks. "Who could love anyone so broken, Johnny?" You ask rhetorically. Ghost quickly turns and leaves before either of you can see him. "He's been through enough. He deserves someone better than me." You tell him. "He's crazy about you, but the grumpy bastard won't admit it. I think you're perfect for each other, lass." He says. You're not convinced. "Just keep spending time with him, you'll see." Soap says.
Later that night in the mess hall, you take a seat with Soap and Gaz. "Where's Ghost?" You ask after realizing he isn't joining. "Eating in his dorm, said something about paperwork." Gaz answers as you all finish eating. You saved your brownie knowing their one of Ghosts favorites. You made your way towards his dorm, gently knocking. Moments later, it cracks open, hiding most of Ghost, "What?" He asks, sounding annoyed. "Gaz said you were doing paperwork, so I brought you a brownie. I know how much you hate paperwork." You say, stopping yourself before you can ramble.
"Si, come back to bed." A female voice calls. Your face falls as realization hits you. "This was stupid. Sorry for interrupting." You mumble before turning and walking away. You hear Ghost shut the door, and your heart shatters. Halfway back to your dorm, you can't keep your composure as you bump into Soap. He takes you to his dorm, which is closer. "Tell me what happened, lass." He says as he hands you a box of tissues. Once your tears have slowed, you're finally able to tell Soap.
"He's with a girl. I went to take him the brownie, and she told him to come back to bed." You say as the tears return full force. "I'm going to kill him!" Soap says angrily. "Don't. Just let it go." You say between sobs. He wraps his arms around you. "Fine, I won't kill him. I'll just kick his ass extra hard during training tomorrow." Soap says, making you smile. Soap has become like a brother to you since you joined the task force. He comforted you for the next hour before you decided to go back to your own dorm.
The next morning, the hurt had been replaced with anger, and you hardened your heart against Ghost. You got dressed in your training joggers and one of Soap's shirts he had left behind that you'd normally use as a sleep shirt. You threw your hair up in a ponytail before making your way towards the training area. You started making small talk with some of the recruits when an incessant giggling caught your attention, followed by the female voice from last night. She was recounting her escapades with Ghost. The anger inside you simmering towards a boil.
Thankfully, Soap came along to distract you. "Are you trying to get me in trouble?" He teases as he steps beside you. "You don't like it?" You tease. "I didn't think you'd wear it outside your dorm, but I approve of your tactic." He says with a laugh. "I woke up and chose violence." You say with a laugh of your own. "We'll if you wanted to piss him off, it's working." Soap says, seeing Ghost glare at you in another man's shirt. "It's the least I could do." You say before hearing an angry Ghost get started with training.
Towards the end, Ghost paired everyone up for hand to hand combat training. Of course, he paired you with the recuit he spent the night with. He and Soap went over the moves and instructions before walking around and observing, offering criticism and corrections. "Could you be more pathetic?" She asks, catching you off guard. "Excuse you?!" You grit your teeth as the anger starts building. "I brought you a brownie. I know how much you hate paperwork." She says in a mocking tone.
"Why would he want someone like you when he could have a real woman like me." She sneers. "I'm surprised he fucked you, with how much he hates paperwork, he'll be filling out a lot of it when he has to get tested for STDs. Who knows what nastiness your cunt is breeding." You say with a smirk before continuing, "haven't you fucked your way through at least half the task force? Sweetie you're nothing but a barracks bunny playing dress up." Her face sours as she tries to punch you. Within seconds a fight has broken out between the two of you. You land a punch to her nose breaking it as blood pours down her face.
Moments later, you're pulled off of her by Soap as Ghost grabs ahold of the other recruit who is holding her nose. "Take her to medical." He instructs Soap before staring at you. You cross your arms over your chest and glare back at him. "Everyone clear out!" Ghost orders placing a hand on your shoulder to stop you, "not you." You roll your eyes and wait for the others to leave. Once the last recruit leaves and the door shuts, Ghost turns his full attention to you. "I should have you transferred for that little stunt." He shouts. "Do it! I was going to ask for a transfer anyway! With you're support I'll be gone by the end of the week." You smirk.
"Why were you going to ask for a transfer?" Ghost says surpringly quiet. "It doesn't matter." You answer, still angry. "Yes, it does." Ghost replies. "No, it doesn't! You don't even care." You say with venom lacing your voice, "you never cared." You see anger on Ghost's face, "You don't get to tell me I don't care! Not after your little conversation with Soap yesterday after training. Your eyes widen in panic. "That's right, I heard enough to get the hint." He says angrily. "Ghost, I didn't mean...." You start, but he cuts you off, "Save it. I'll talk to Price about your transfer. Better start packing." He says before turning and storming out.
You made it back to your dorm and locked it before curling up on the bed and burying yourself under the blankets. You lay there numbly, wondering how it all fell apart. A knock on the door pulls you from your thoughts, but you ignore it. Soon, the knocking becomes louder. "I know you're in there, I brought you food." Soap says through the door. He knocks again, "Come on, y/n. Please let me in." He says, almost breaking your resolve. You hear the tray being sat on the floor, "foods out here if you want it. I even snagged you an extra cookie." He tries one last time before walking away.
You open the door once you're sure he's gone and grab the two cookies before locking your door again. You crawl back in bed and stare at the wall. You start thinking about how you'll miss Soap, Gaz, and Price once you're transferred. Your mind turns to Ghost, and your heart aches. You try to push him from your mind, but he keeps coming back until you eventually fall asleep. Tossing and turning as you relive yesterday and todays events.
Meanwhile, Soap tracks down Ghost cleaning up the training room. "Hey, asshole!" Soap says before punching Ghost in the face. "What the fuck, Soap!" Ghost shouts as he recovers. "You tell me, what happened between you and y/n?!" Ghost rolls his eyes. "Leave it alone, Soap." Soap tenses, "No, tell me what happened!" Ghost shoves him, "You know what happened! She said it herself, I'm too broken for anyone to love!" Ghost says angrily. "You idiot! She was talking about herself! She thinks you deserve better than her and that you've been through enough!"
"Fuck!" Ghost says as he realizes how badly he fucked up. "She's got it backwards though, she deserves better than you, especially after that shit you pulled!" Soap says. "I should beat the shit out of you for managing to destroy her in less than 24 hours." Soap threatens. "I have to fix this." Ghost says. "What makes you think you can fix this?!" Soap asks. "I don't know but I have to try!" Ghost states. "If you're not committed to her 100% then you need to let her go. She's been through enough without you adding to it." Soap says.
Unable to stay asleep, you took the tray back to the mess hall after scraping the food into the trash. Once you returned the tray, you made your way towards Price's office. You saw the light under the door so you knew he was in there. After knocking, he called for you to enter. He motioned for you to take a seat. "As per your email, I've put out feelers, and you have your choice between Kortac and Shadows." Price says, not bothering with small talk. "Shadows are out because I don't trust Graves. Kortac would be great." You're cut off by the door slamming open and Ghost storming in.
"You can't transfer y/n!" He shouts. "WE were just discussing that matter, She's decided to transfer to Kortac." Price says. Ghost acknowledges you for the first time since barging in, "You're not transferring!" He shouts. "Lower your voice, Ghost." Price warns. "We have unfinished business." Ghost says, keeping his attention on you. "No, we don't. You made that clear after training. How is what's her name anyway?" You say sarcastically before turning back to price and asking, "When can I leave?" Price shuffles your transfer papers on the desk, "about 2-3 days, as soon as paperwork is in order." "Thank you, sir." You say before leaving his office only to have Ghost on your heels.
"You're not transferring!" He says as he runs ahead of you to block your door. "I'd better start packing." You say, throwing his own words back in his face. "You're not packing because you're not leaving, not until you hear me out." He says. "There's nothing to hear you out about. You made everything clear as to how you feel." You say as your lip starts to quiver. You hate that he is having this effect on you. You see the pain flash across his face. "I know you hate me right now, and I know I've ruined everything, but I want to make it right. I love you." He says the last part so quietly you almost don't hear it.
You almost break at how vulnerable Ghost looks in front of you. He still stands taller than you but seems smaller somehow. You resist the urge to comfort him when you know he doesn't deserve it, especially from you. "Please, just let me try to fix the damage I've caused between us." He practically pleads. "Ghost, give me time." You say softly. He gives you a nod and reluctantly moves from in front of your door. He watches the door close behind you, hoping you'll give him a chance.
Once you're inside, you lay in bed, feeling more confused than before. You toss and turn all night, not being able to sleep as your mind keeps drifting back to Ghost telling you he loves you. Once morning comes, you skip breakfast. You don't want to get out of bed. The knock you've been expecting finally comes. "It's open." You call hearing your door open, and a tray sat on your desk before hearing the door close. "I'm not hungry, Soap." You say, not moving to look at him. You're only met with silence. "If you think giving me the silent treatment will make me move, you're wrong." You say.
More silence. "Suit yourself." You say before ignoring him. After several moments you turn over to discover your alone. Confused you pull out your phone and text Soap.
Y/n: Are you training early?
Soap: No, did you want to?
Y/n: No. I was wondering why you dropped off breakfast and left.
Soap: I didn't drop off breakfast.
Y/n: Well someone left me breakfast.
Soap: 💀
You look at the tray and see it's loaded with sweets and a glass of milk. You can't help your small smile that maybe Ghost did bring you breakfast. You ate a few of the sweets along with drinking the milk before deciding to save the rest for later. You change into a pair of shorts and johnny's shirt again and make your way towards the training room. "Ghost!" You shout as you burst through the doors. "I challege you to a sparring match, you win I go out with you. I win you, let me transfer to Kortac!" You say confidently as he turns his attention towards you. "Deal!" He says with a smirk.
"Are you sure about this?" Soap asks. "Never been more sure." You say confidently. "You two going to spend all morning talking or what?" You step onto the mat, "someone is eager to lose." You tease. "Not on your life." He says. The two of you start circling, waiting to make your move. Ghost moves first with a strike you easily block and counter. "You always were impatient." You taunt as you nake your move. He grabs you and flips you to the mat. "You're always reckless." He says as his pins you. You stuggle for a few minutes before you flip him over pin him. You hold on tightly as he resists. Once he breaks free, he creates some space.
"You're not scared, are you?" You ask, feigning innocence. "It's you who should be scared. I can't wait to take you out." He says wolfishly. "You haven't won yet." You remind him. "Oh, but I have." He says watching you. You let his words have their desired effect as you charge him and knock him to the mat. You strike his side and chest as he blocks his face. He lays there and lets you take out all your anger on him until you're crying. He wraps his arms around you and holds you against him. "That's it. Let it out." He says softly while stroking your hair. "I hate you for sleeping with her." You manage to say. "I hate me too, love.
"Hate me as much as you need to because I deserve it, but please let me love you, and maybe you'll fall back in love with me." He says as he rests his head on top of yours. Your fist holds his shirt tighter as you soak it with your tears. He carefully stands with you before carrying you to his dorm. He sits on his bed with you in his lap. "Take these." He says, handing you two pills and a glass of water. You take them without hesitation. "They'll help with your headache." He says softly. "But I don't have one." You argue. "Not yet, but you will from all your emotions.
He lays down with you curled up against him as he refuses to let you go. "Get some rest." He says as he pulls the blanket over both of you. "You had better have cleaned your bedding." You threaten as your eyes get heavy. "Brand new bedding, love. I burnt the old." He says. "Good boy." You mumble half asleep. "Sweet dreams, love." He says before kissing your forehead. "Sweet dreams." You whisper quietly. He holds you as he strokes your back til your breath evens out, signaling you're asleep. "I promise to right every wrong, love." He whispers before falling asleep beside you.
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redlittlefoxari · 4 months
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To The Ends Of Faêrun : Chapter one: Happy Little Family
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This is series two of a fic I have already written.
Master List
Relationship: Astarion x Tav
Warnings: Blood, Sex, Violence, NSFW 18+, Smut
Summary: The year is 1548 it’s fifty-six years after Tav and Astarion defeated the elder brain with their rag-tag group of friends. So much has changed since then Astarion changed careers and is now a tailor while Tav runs the counter. While their daughter attends Gale’s School of Wizardry. That's right their daughter. Everything is going smoothly until something dark threatens to destroy all of Faerûn and it's up to Astarion, Tav, and their Daughter to stop it from happening.
Being a parent to a Dhampir was not the easiest thing in the world. Over the last six years, Tav and Astarion had their fair share of ups and downs when it came to raising Apple, Starting at only eight months old when, after a short nap, Apple had decided that playing on the ceiling was better than waiting in her crib for Tav and Astarion to wake. A simple message to Gale to get some perspective on Apple's new magical abilities and simple solutions before something could indeed be done about them. Apple was only an infant, so her magical abilities were more challenging to control; she did not have the sense of self to know what she was doing. So until then, if she was going down for a nap or Tav or Astarion would have their eyes off of her for longer than a few seconds, a long piece of string was attached to Apple's clothes, and she was then effectively turned into a balloon.
Everything came to a head, however, when, at age four, Apple was having trouble making friends in the neighborhood, so she summoned a fairy from the Faewild, and between the two of them, no closed door could keep them contained, nor would they keep them out. It all seemed harmless until they started playing tricks on anyone and everyone around them, which made others in the neighborhood anything but happy. So when Apple was four, Gale received another message via a sending spell begging him for help, and now there was a permanent portal in the downstairs lining closet that led straight to Waterdeep and vice versa. A year later, Apple was enrolled in Gale's wizard school for gifted children, and Tav now found most of her days, from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon five times a week, empty and devoid of Apple. Despite Apple being a sorceress and not a wizard, no one seemed to care in her class, and everything she learned helped her understand her magic.
Astarion had opened a small tailor shop out of the back room of the manor house they had acquired the day Apple was born, and for the most part, Tav manned the front desk while Astarion took clients and fitted them. He seemed genuinely happy with how his life turned out. Astarion now had a real family, not something forced together as the one Cazador had made, where they were brother and sister in name only. This family he chose was something he cultivated and nurtured over the years, filled with nothing but love and devotion.
Tav sometimes felt horrible for how she felt as she looked at how happy Astarion was where they both were, with their beautiful daughter and thriving business. It just felt like everyone had something but her. Everything was doing something, and she became a housewife and mother. Tav sometimes missed the feeling of blood in her hair, hearing an arrow fly through the air, and the sound it made when it hit its target. She loved Astarion and Apple dearly and wouldn't trade anything for what she had now; she sometimes missed the life she had before. She missed being an adventurer.
"You look amazing."
Astarion's voice woke Tav up from her daydream of years gone by. She looked up to see Astarion walking someone out of the back room. The man was dressed head to toe in a new suit Astarion had made specifically for him. On the front, beads of sapphire, jade, and ruby had been sewin in by hand in an intercept design. From where Tav sat behind the counter, it looked like flowers, but she wasn't paying enough attention to care. All that mattered was that Astarion and the customer liked it. What she thought of it didn't matter.
The customer was a large, dark-skinned man who was a part of the small consul of Baldur's Gate. Tav didn't recognize him and only vaguely remembered Astarion telling her he had booked a client off the consul. Saying that it was for a midsummer's party, they would be attending and that it would require a lot of beadwork. Tav was excited for Astarion; it was the first time someone from the upper city had requested a suit from him. The amount for the suit alone was enough for them to take several months off. Not that Astarion would since he had found a genuine love for his work now that his days of adventuring were behind him.
"I think this might be your best work, Astarion." The customer looked at himself in a mirror, and Astarion stood behind the glass so he wouldn't notice the missing reflection. "How do you manage to get such intercept designs?"
"Years of practice. I am an Elf, so I have the time." Astarion gave a little bow. "If you pay upfront, you can wear it out; My wife will help you at the counter."
The man looked Tav over with an assessing stare. Going over every part he could see. Tav quickly looked for something to do in order to make herself look busy and not as if she was simply doing nothing but keeping the counter in place. In a way, she was only sitting at the front counter to give herself something to do, not attributing to the business other than taking coins and maybe reading in her downtime.
"I wish I had been born an Elf." He pulled out his coin purse and proceeded to walk over to Tav. "You get all the perks; you only have to sleep a few hours, live for hundreds of years, and stay young longer than any of us."
"Maybe you'll get lucky, and when you die fat and happy, you'll be resurrected as something with a little longer life span." Astarion moved behind the counter with Tav. "Though you seem to be making the most out of this one already."
"I would still like more time; my life must seem like a drop in a bucket to you." He placed the purse down on the counter. "It's all there and a little extra for such beautiful work."
"Until next time." Astarion picked up the pouch, assessing its weight as he did.
"Oh, I will definitely be requiring your services again." The man turned. "And I'll be sure everyone at the party knows just who to go to if they want to look as fabulous as I will be."
The councilman walked out, strutting every step, dripping with confidence. Tav thought he wouldn't last more than ten minutes walking down the street in a suit beaded with gems. Surly, some thug or cutthroat would have it off him the second he walked down an ally or crossed into the slightest shadow.
Tav looked at Astarion, who looked like a cat who had caught a particular juicy rat. His lips were perfectly composed into a practiced smile that oozed trust, but his eyes were sharp, focused, and assessing. He likely thought the same thing Tav did and was betting on it. Hoping that the councilmen would come back begging for another suit and Astarion would oblige for double the price.
"He's going to get the crap beat out of him for that jacket," Tav said what they both thought.
"Oh, most definitely." Astarion purred as he spoke. "And that's precisely why I made a second suit, and when he comes back, I'm going to act like it's a huge inconvenience." A sly smile broke across his face. "So much so that he'll offer me extra just for my time."
"You're so cruel." Tav turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But that's one of the things I love about you."
"It's not my fault he chose to put a target on his back." Astarion snaked his hands around her waist. "A man like that will always let his pride get the better of him."
"I guess it doesn't hurt that after you so graciously make him a new one, he'll be more inclined to tell people about you." Tav gave him a small smile.
"Exactly!" He leaned down, placing a kiss on Tav's head.
Tav pushed up on the balls of her feet to extend her reach, kissing his lips gently. Astarion returned the kiss, pulling her flush against him to deepen the kiss. Her lips parted slightly, inviting him in, and he obliged her, slipping his tongue into her mouth, leaving nothing unexplored. Tav felt heat flush into her body, pooling deep in her core. A moan escaped as she felt Astarion harden against her, a promise of what was to come.
He broke the kiss, taking her bottom lip between his teeth and biting gently. Tav moved her hands into Astarion's hair, weaving them in before tugging at his soft white curls. It was Astarion's turn to moan as his head dipped back slightly, leaning into the tug. Tav took advantage of his now exposed neck as she planted a soft kiss near his jugular. A gasp escaped his lips as Tav's kiss quickly turned into a gentle bite.
"I don't think I have another client for the rest of the day." Astarion's voice was breathy as he spoke. "What do you say to going up to our bed and having a little fun?"
"Whatever could you mean." Tav moved her lips around his neck, teasing him as she placed soft feather-light kisses on his exposed throat.
"You know exactly what I mean." Astarion moved his hands to cup Tav's face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. "Now, don't play dumb, or I'll have to show you what I mean right here where anyone could walk in and see."
"Well, when you put it that way." She gave him a wicked smile. "I wouldn't want anyone to see and get jealous."
"No, we wouldn't want that." Astarion gave Tav a rough, demanding kiss. "They would need to pay for it first, at least."
Tav chuckled as she thought about someone walking in on them. She was not interested in being watched in the slightest, but the thought still made her heart race. Moments like these were rare. Offend times took place in the dead of night when they thought that Apple wouldn't be awake to hear them and on days when Astarion wasn't exhausted after filling orders and stitching all day. It had gotten so bad that they had to plan out days in advance when they would have sex. Tav often missed the feel of his fingers caressing her body or the feeling of his lips on her neck. Their lives had changed in so many ways. Having to plan when they would have sex was never something she would have imagined. So when days like this happened, Tav was all but gitty with excitement.
Their passion was cut short when a crackle of magic filled the air, signaling the arrival of Apple coming home from her day at school. Astrarion let out a sigh before moving away from Tav, giving her a look that let her know they would continue where they left off later. Tav blew him a kiss in confirmation before turning away and slowly making her way to the linen closet. Astarion stayed behind the counter as he waited for his arousal to quiet down.
Apple burst through the door holding a small black book bag, a large smile plastered on her face. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in her parents, practically vibrating with excitement. That's how it was most days when she came back from school with her uncle Gale. She had a thirst for knowledge, and since she started at Gale's academy, her hunger only grew. She was a second year, which was noted by the patch sewn onto her breast pocket. The green patch matched her eyes and went nicely with the dark brown of the robe.
As the students aged, the color of the robes would change, and since Apple was still in the youngest block, she got to wear the plainest robe color. In a few years, she would move to blue, then purple, before finaly, in her final years, she would be able to choose her own clothes. Since then, she would be an adult and thus able to go off on her own technically. But Tav didn't want to think that Apple was still her baby girl and would stay that way for a long time.
"Mommy!" Apple bounced toward Tav as if she were a rabbit. "Guess what Uncle Gale had us do today!?"
"What would that be love?" Tav crouched down to get down on her level to talk.
Apple wrapped her arms around Tav's neck, nearly knocking her over as she crashed into her, too excited to temper her excitement. Tav kept her footing as she hugged Apple tightly, placing her hands behind her head to touch her soft white curls.
Apple looked more and more like Astarion every day; there was no mistaking whose child she was. Her curls swept down past her shoulders and fell in delicate rings. Despite her eyes being a deep emerald green accented with gold flecks, the shape of them was the same as her father's. Tav had to look hard to find anything that resembled her in her own daughter, and even then, she was growing up so fast even those things changed.
"Watch this mommy." Apple took a step away from Tav to ready herself for casting magic.
Tav pursed her lips together as she watched Apple stick out her tongue in concentration and shimmy her shoulders. The little sorceress closed her eyes and chanted the incantation she had learned today, only stumbling a little at the end of her sentence. Within seconds, lights appeared around her, dancing around her in a circle. Tav knew that with this spell now in Apple's repertoire, she would surely use it to stay up late and read under her covers at night. This was not the end of the world, but Tav knew it would lead to a grumpy Apple the following day.
"That is amazing, sweetheart!" Tav clapped her hands together. "Why don't we celebrate you learning a new spell by letting you choose what we will have for dinner?"
"Really! Anything I want?"
The gold in Apple's eyes glowed like stars at the thought of her getting to choose dinner. Tav heard Astarion's footsteps approaching from behind and turned to face him. He had a look of awe on his face. Not from the spell. It was one of the simplest spells that could be done, but he was in awe of his daughter. Every time he looked at her, he got a glimpse of his own face, something he hadn't seen in over two hundred years.
"Anything you want, darling, I will make." Astarion smiled.
"Can I have shepherd's pie?" Apple ran so that she nearly stepped on Astarion's feet and craned her neck to look up at him.
"Of course, we'll need to go and buy the ingredients." Astarion picked Apple up so that she was dangling in front of him. "Would you like to come with me?"
"Yes!"
"Will you be coming with us, love?" Astarion looked at Tav, who had turned to watch the exchange.
"Well, of course!" Tav moved to tickle Apple. "Once our little sorceress goes and changes out of her school clothes."
Apple was helpless as Tav's fingers found their mark. Moving up and down her sides, causing her to break out in uncontrollable laughter.
"Stop it, mommy! I'll get changed! I promise." Apple tried and failed to get Tav to stop. "Daddy, help me!"
"I'll Save you." Astarion spun and placed Apple on the ground. "Now hurry and change. I can only hold your mother back for so long!"
Astarion moved to embrace Tav, trying his best to make it look as if he was genuinely restraining her and not just holding her tightly against him. Tav played along, pretending as if his embrace trapped her. Mock struggled as if she was trying to break free.
"Thanks, Dad; keep her like that till I get back!" Apple retreated towards the stairs in the other room.
"Oh, I won't be letting her go, my sweet little Apple!" He shouted over his shoulder. "Not until I am delighted, at least." He whispered the last part so Apple wouldn't hear, but Tav indeed could.
"I Don't think we have time to satisfy you truly." Tav gave him a seductive smile. "She'll be back down in just a few minutes, and we both know you're not that quick."
"Then we better make it count." Astarion moved to the shell of Tav's ear. "For now, I'll just give you a taste of what is yet to come."
A shiver ran down Tav's spine. "Just kiss me, you beautiful fool."
"That's all?" Astarion moved his lips until they were nearly touching Tav's. "I would have thought you'd have a more vivid imagination."
"I do, but we don't have the time," Tav growled out her following words. "But I'll be sure to show you just how vivid my imagination is tonight."
Astarion chuckled. "I'm looking forward to that."
He finally touched Tav's, kissing her softly as they both listened for Apple's footsteps.
It took Apple fifteen minutes to choose from her massive wardrobe and come downstairs. Astarion had been busy over the years, making her dresses, pants, tunics, and whatever else he could think of. She was the best-dressed child in the neighborhood. Maybe even in all of Baldur's Gate.
The three of them went to the shops they needed to get the ingredients for the shepherd's pie Apple had asked for. They stopped by the butcher Alphones to pick up the ground lamb and a few jars of blood. Apple was nearly drooling at the sight of blood, and Tav quickly took the jars and headed outside. From there, they bought the rest of the vegetables on the way home, and Astarion and Tav set to peeling, chopping, and preparing for dinner while Apple read from her textbook.
After an hour or so, dinner was ready. Astarion poured himself and Apple a glass of blood while Tav made her and Apple a plate. The food smelled delicious, and Tav felt her mouth watering in anticipation of the meal she was about to devour. Apple sat across from Tav, and Astarion sat to Tav's left at the head of the table. Silence fell across the table as the meal started to be consumed.
"Oh!" Apple broke the silence after cleaning her plate. "I forgot to tell you the most exciting part of the day!"
"Learning a new spell wasn't at the top?" Astarion took a sip of his glass. "I'm surprised."
"Did something funny happen?" Tav stopped eating to listen to Apple speak, giving her full attention to her child.
"No, Urdrar told me he's going to get to be a big brother!" Apple was nearly standing in her seat.
Tav knew that Urdrar was a Dwarf and that he was Apple's best friend in her class. He had visited the portal several times with Apple for play dates, but Tav had never met his parents. Urdrar was a nice enough child, polite, and didn't like getting into trouble; unlike Apple, it almost seemed like trouble followed her wherever she went. She could often get the small, stocky, dwarven boy to do almost anything, taking advantage of his small frame to squeeze into all places. Being excited for her best friend made sense, but Tav could sense there was more to this excitement than just being happy for her friend.
"That's exciting for Urdrar." Tav looked at Astarion, who was still sipping on his glass.
"Yeah! But I was just wondering." Apple looked away from Tav's gaze.
There it is, Tav thought.
"Could I have a baby brother or sister?"
Astarion nearly choked on his blood at the words that came out of Apple's mouth. Tav got up from her seat to rub soothing circles on his back till he was no longer choking on the blood that had entered his lungs. It took a few more seconds before Astarion answered her question. Having a hard time finding the words to say.
"It is more difficult than just going to the store and picking a baby out, darling." Astarion turned to look at Tav, pleading for help with his eyes.
"He's right, dear. It's… complicated." Tav struggled to find the words.
"Why?" Apple knitted her brows together. "How do you get a baby then?"
Tav's heart felt like it was pounding against her chest. “Well… ummm… That's something only grown-ups get to know."
"Why?" Apple placed one hand on her hip. "What do you have to do?"
"We'll tell you when you are older, but not now." Astarion looked as if he was going to die all over again. "Why don't you go wash up and study? Your mom and I need to talk."
"Are you going to talk about how to make a baby?" Apple didn't move.
"No honey, we already know how to make a baby." Astarion smiled. "We don't need to talk about how it's done."
"Astarion!" Tav turned red.
"What? I didn't say anything." He stood, grabbing Apple's plate as he did. "Now go, Apple, I'll come up in a little while to read you a bedtime story."
"Ooookaaaay." Apple elongated the word as she rose from her seat and headed towards the stairs.
Tav and Astarion waited until they thought Apple was no longer within range to hear the conversation that they were about to have. The room was silent and thick with anticipation, both waiting for the other to speak.
"Well, we should probably clean up, huh?" Tav grabbed her plate and started making her way to the kitchen.
"Tav? It's not like we haven't discussed this before." Atsrion followed behind her.
"I know, but now she's asking about it." Tav let out a long sigh. "How do you tell a six-year-old I'm sorry, mommy and Daddy can't give you a brother or sister because having you was a miracle in itself, and it's a long shot if it ever happens again."
"Well, I think, just like that." Astarion placed the plate he was holding in the sink. "It's not like it's impossible; we've done it before."
"By accident!" Tav whirled around so that she was face to face with Astarion. "It was blind luck that I got pregnant the first time, and you know that being an elf makes it even harder."
Astarion grabbed Tav by the shoulders and rubbed his hands up and down her arms. "I know, but it doesn't hurt to try." Astarion smiled. "Gives us more of an excuse to… practice."
"I suppose we can read the paper for any elves that have died recently, or maybe there is a tea or potion that helps elves conceive." Tav smiled at Astarion despite feeling like she was going to throw up. "I mean, Drow have whole families; maybe they know something we don't."
"There we go!" Astarion wrapped his arms around Tav, pulling her into a tight embrace. "This time, we'll do some research that should make things easier."
"Yeah." Tav hugged Astarion back. "Easier..."
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