Based on the song To Ashes and Blood by Woodkid, in the Arcane show, and partly by Francesca by Hozier. I've had this planned for longer than I've had the series planned... thank you for reading this far.
"My king, she has amassed far more power than before. The only logical way of achieving this is that... she killed Squadron 141." An advisor hesitates to suggest that the best squad this side of the Dead Sea may have been killed. At a witch's hand, no less.
"Or... they joined her side." The young king ponders, a hand to his chin and his brows furrowed.
"If that is the case, we must hurry. Either way, she has grown. And that cannot stand." A war advisor stands, his armor clinking, and grabs his sword, strapping it to his belt.
"Shepherd. You were their leader. What do you think happened to them?" The king turns to the older gentleman, calm in his advisor robes, decorated with chainmail and plate armor.
"Depends. We should prepare for the worst: that they have defected." Shepherd scowls and points to the old position of your cottage.
"If they went to her for protection, she will have moved. The ancestral planes are important for those of that status. She would have moved here, should she feel it to be the proper place." Shepherd moves the cottage to the grassy fields below the mountains marked on the map.
"Then that's where we shall go. Build a scouting party, and have them start searching. I trust you with this, Shepherd." Anatolius, the prince-turned-king, stands from his seat at the head of the table, and looks to Shepherd as he turns and makes his way to the throne.
"Begin, my advisors."
"There's someone here." You feel a thrum, like flys dancing on a spider's web.
Immediately, Price and his men stand. "Into positions," Price nods, triggering a plan long set in stone.
"I'll go first." You put a hand on Price's shoulder, giving him a small pat before walking outside.
You look around your wards, and send magic out through your feet. Tell me who is there...
And as your magic comes back, like radar, you know who lurks in the trees. A scouting party. Three people. Light. Easy to kill.
You point to them and an arrow comes flying from the tower, instantly killing one while the other two try to flee. You fling your hands out, using magic to hold them in place.
As they both struggle to get out, you hold them tighter, walking to their position but never crossing your wards.
"If you ever come back, you will not be able to leave again." Your warning comes with the promise of violence. And as one tries to pull against your magic, you tighten the hold, and snap his neck, killing him.
You let the other go. "Let the new king know that should he come for me, I will not grant mercy like I have granted to you." You wave the other scout off.
As the scout runs off and further through the dense thicket, you retreat back to the house.
"Prepare for war, boys. The king has found us," Your steely face portrays the utter importance of this moment, "We will need as much preparation as possible."
The king leads his forces to the forest, pausing before entering. "We are heading to witch's outpost! If you are scared, now is the time to turn back. Because once we enter these woods... anyone who turns their back on your fellow soldiers will be a traitor." He announces, calming his steed.
All the soldiers stay in their place, knowing that if they left now, they would be labeled a coward. And at least traitors are killed. Living with cowardice? That's practically a death sentence.
"Let's head out!" The General in his full armor makes his way to be next to Anatolius, and bows his head.
"Shepherd, head the way." Anatolius gestures to the woods.
"Of course, your Majesty." He bows again and begins the trek to the mountains.
As you finish your preparations, you feel that twang... like someone is stepping on your web. Your head pops up.
"It's time." You hurriedly try to finish, taking what you need to the top of the tower and staying there, watching.
Watching the King and his men circle around the property, the wards holding them from crossing the line. But the way they eye you, like predator to prey, reminds you of wolves before they go for the kill.
"I am not looking for a fight, Your Majesty!" You call from the roof of the fortification.
"Then why haven't the 141 come back?!" He calls back, stilling his horse as the rest of the army keeps circling, looking for weak points.
"Their own volition!" You call down as Price exits first, followed by Soap and Gaz; and Ghost joins you on the roof, arrow notched.
"Make sure to keep your doors closed if you plan on betraying your men, Sir!" You smirk, looking down at the man, a scowl present on his face glowing with anger.
The whispers of rumor rise from the slowing soldiers, eventually beating out the thumping of the horses' hooves.
"Quiet!" Anatolius calls, a vein popping out on his neck, "They are traitors to the crown!"
"You were going to send us to kill the witch. And then mark us as traitors to the throne for endangerment of the people, sentenced to death." Price's voice carries through the plain, every soldier stopping and looking at the former Captain, sword still sheathed, before looking at the new King, his sword now drawn.
"I do not tolerate lies!" Anatolius cries before trying to burst through the wards, only finding himself to hit a magical barrier.
"Soldiers of the Empire! Every sin will be forgiven!... If you lay down your weapons to the ground!" You yell from the top of the now stronghold, looking out at the many men that circle your home.
"Anyone who leaves is a traitor to the crown! And you will be killed for this treachery!" Anatolius, now desperate, tries to remind the men of their transgressions should they leave. However...
A few get off their horse, and throw their helmets away. "Who's to say you won't do it to us next?! We are no more special than them!" An archer calls from next to his horse, gesturing at the alive 141 members.
"Archers! Swordsmen! Kill them!" Anatolius screams, and as one archer fires, the group has already mounted and ran into the woods, the archer missing.
"Charge!" Anatolius yells, raising his sword, and pointing it at you. The remaining men of the army charge forward, being met with spells and expertise.
Spells that blast men off their horses, and cause the trees to lash out in response, burying soldiers alive beneath the ground. Arrows that knock men off their horse just to be trampled by three more, arrows that lodge themselves in the necks of many more.
The clang of swords against many ring out in unison, creating a harmony of steel and iron.
You look out over the landscape and see Soap, Gaz, and Price back to back, soldiers coming at them from every angle. You look down to see Ghost's quiver running low. You reach out with your magic and pull back as many arrows as you can, hurtling them towards you before gently replacing them in the quiver.
"Ghost, I need you to get down there. It won't be safe from up here." You look at him, a sense of worry and concern covering glossy eyes.
He looks at you, into you, through you, before nodding and rushing down the tower to the outside to join the fight.
As you kneel and eye Anatolius, the king, you anoint yourself in oil and moonwater. A calling from the stars and Earth, the celestial bodies. You begin to quietly chant.
"Bey'fet ihru ga, Ahuni lek'cho
Suhbi al naa yih" Your words rumble in the chest and whisper in the minds of the 141.
Bolstering Soap in strength and resolve.
Reawakening awareness in Price.
Giving Gaz the energy necessary.
Allowing Ghost to remain steadfast in his goal.
"To ashes and blood." Their voices ring in unison, swords up, back to back with their own comrades.
"Bey'fet ihru ga, Ahuni lek'cho
Suhbi al naa yih" You speak louder, standing and drawing on yourself the flow of magic.
"To ashes and blood." The steel meeting iron resounds as they continue to chant.
"Bey'fet ihru ga, Ahuni lek'cho
Suhbi al naa yih" Your marks begin to glow, your magic radiating and stealing the attention of the enemy.
"Focus on the witch!" Anatolius calls out, steeling his voice to not allow the anxiety he feels be shown.
Archers turn their focus to you as you begin to lift off the ground.
"To ashes and blood." The boys begin to form a wall, swords raised, bolstered and protected by your magic.
"Bey'fet ihru ga, Ahuni lek'cho
Suhbi al naa yih" You continue to chant, focusing your power to restrain. Not yet...
"To ashes and blood!" The men yell as they begin to charge, pushing back the army and buying you as much time as they can.
"Bey'fet ihru ga, Ahuni lek'cho
Suhbi al naa yih!" You shout as you focus your magic and leap from the roof to land on the ground in front of Anatolius, a concussive blast generating from your spot, throwing all the enemy soldiers to the ground as your boys stand tall.
Anatolius flies off his horse, the horse following and it lands on his stomach, pinning him to the ground. You walk around and place your hand on his head, sending Anatolius back to this past.
Showing him when the 141 would come back, when Price would train him on the things his mother would never allow him to learn, when Soap tried showing him how to place bombs and use them at a distance, when Ghost taught him archery, when Gaz became his sparring partner. He felt... remorse.
"Remember that feeling... it's guilt." You bring your hand up and form a claw, twisting it to snap his neck.
You turn to face the army, "I showed mercy! I granted you an out before this. I will feel no remorse for my answer to your cruelty." You rise once again, the mountains rumbling as a stone giant stands to it's full height, and begins to trample the remaining soldiers.
As you lower back to the ground, the 141, your men run to you, the giant's feet passing over them in huge and terrible steps.
"You're safe." Soap gives you a once over, Gaz inspecting you for injuries. Price stands overlooking the reunion as Ghost stands next to him.
"As are you," You brush your hand on his cheek, cupping it as you close your eyes, and lean your foreheads together, whispering his wounds away.
"Gaz-"
"Kyle. My name is Kyle." He stops you, approaching.
"Kyle. Your turn." You cup his face and follow the same motions as you did with Soap, healing Kyle of his wounds.
"And I'm Johnny." Soap-... Johnny gives you his name, standing at your side.
"I don't have a callsign," John walks up and lets you heal him with a smile on his face.
"Your turn," You turn to face Ghost, hand outreached.
He puts out his hand, slipping both of them into yours. "Simon." He whispers as you knit his wounds back together.
You smile and all five of you stand to watch the mountain giant finish his rampage.
It turns to you and reaches out his hand, slow and deliberate.
You place your hand in his, getting help from Simon to stand in the giant's palm. You nod with a smile, and turn to face the giant. He lowers his head and meets your outstretched palm; and an understanding ripples through both of you.
"Thank you." You murmur, knowing that this being knows what you mean.
A rocky smile stretches across its face before it sets you down and returns to his resting place. A sleeping giant.
"Well, I think it's time to take down the fortifications." You turn away from the amazing display of power and magic, and raise your hands, taking away the things that made the home a stronghold.
"Time to go home." You take their hands and lead the way in.
Author's Cup of Tea: Oh my god, I finally got here. You have no idea how long I've had this idea in my mind! It's been a long time coming. Thank you for sticking around this long! I appreciate all of you! Now, Witch's story with the 141 is not over, but it will take me a little longer to get the other parts done. Thank you so much for staying and sticking around! I love and appreciate you all!
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CW: nightmares, trauma reaction to being woken up, oblique references to past traumatic events, angst with fluff
Summary: The days are quiet now, but the nights aren't always. Someday, the nightmares might be gone.
Daryl whimpered.
It was the only sound that slipped from him, but it woke me with a jolt of adrenaline that set my heart racing and my hand reaching for the gun at my bedside. Then I realized he'd curled in on himself, so still he could have been a statue beside me instead of a person. I let out a long, shaky breath as my heart clenched in a different way.
"Daryl," I whispered. "Hey, babe. Daryl."
He shuddered, and that small noise of fear and pain slipped from him again. I couldn't stand it. I reached for him, stroking a hand gently down his arm, even though I knew what the consequences could be.
He moved like a snake striking, going from curled and still to pinning me down on the bed, hand up and at my throat as if he pressed a knife to it. He wasn't holding one, however, and I stayed still, speaking in a soft, soothing tone.
"Daryl. Babe. You were having a nightmare, that's all. It's safe."
His eyes cleared, then filled with shame and regret as he released me, shifting to the side of the bed with his head in his hands. He'd been a snake a moment ago, but now he moved as if every muscle of his body ached.
I slipped from the bed, going to his side and dropping to my knees in front of him. I took his hands in mine, tilting his chin to look in my eyes when he started to turn away. "Daryl. Talk to me, babe."
"'M sorry."
"I know. It's not like I don't try to take you out when the same thing happens. Remember that black eye I gave you, the first night we were together after Negan? I know the risks of waking you up, but I can't stand seeing you when they hit," I admitted.
A ghost of a smile had flitted over his lips at the mention of the black eye incident, but it faded rapidly into the self-recrimination that struck him so often. His shoulders had hunched in, a posture I only ever saw these days in moments like this.
I caressed his cheek and he leaned into my palm, pressing a kiss to it as his eyes closed. "Don't deserve ya, baby."
"Shut up. You'll piss off the magic rocks."
That got a chuckle from him, and I smirked when he rolled his eyes. "Ain't magic. Just rocks, woman."
"Hey, they've protected us plenty," I protested, the old jokes comfortingly familiar.
"Only 'cause ya threw 'em hard enough."
I snorted. "One time. Only one time did I throw any of my crystals at someone, Daryl Dixon."
He was smiling now, his eyes holding more humor than angsty regret. "Once's enough."
"The love rock worked, too," I reminded him softly.
He tugged me to him, gathering me into his arms. Halfway in his lap, he turned us both so we leaned against the headboard, never once letting me go. "Yeah, it did," he agreed, kissing my forehead even as he began playing with my hair. "Still sorry."
"Stop," I said mildly. "Tell me about it?"
"Just- days gone by, ya know? Shit from before, shit from the cell. Think Beth was there, an' I couldn't get to her, and ya were screamin', and just- the usual. My daddy was there, too."
"That was a dozy."
His scoff was, as usual, eloquent. "Yeah. Should go back to sleep, baby. I's fine now."
"In a minute," I agreed, fingers now moving over his chest. "I'm doing something."
He paused, confusion apparent, then chuckled. "That sleep shit?"
"Maybe." It was, in fact, 'that sleep shit', just idly sketching the sleep rune on his skin with my fingertips, but I did one for protection as well. "Gotta find us a dream catcher next supply run."
"Shit, baby. Why?"
"To keep the nightmares away for us both." It wouldn't work, not completely. Nothing could keep what we'd seen out of our minds, our memories. No magic, no belief, no crystals or talismans or tokens could do that.
They might have been days gone by, the ones where I'd almost lost him were still fresh. Old wounds would heal, for the most part, but they never truly went away. Not completely.
Daryl moved like a snake again, but this time the rush through my body as he pinned me against the pillows wasn't fear. He stared down into my eyes, his body a warm, familiar weight pressing into mine, and my fingers kept moving along his skin. This time, there wasn't a purpose to them other than touch, than want, than need.
"Don't need 'em kept away. Gonna come, no matter what we do," he said softly, an echo of my own thought. His lips brushed against mine, once, twice, then stayed for something deeper. "Long as I wake up with ya near, I can handle 'em. Anything else, too."
"Sappy," I murmured against his lips.
He snorted. "Stop."
"Yeah? Make me."
"Don't need a fuckin' rock fer that, do I?"
I was still laughing when he kissed me again, sending the laughter to breathlessness of a different sort. Both were perfect, I thought as I began to lose myself into him. Both made magic of their own, and these were the days I'd remember, when they'd gone by like the others.
Summary: Reader is a pagan witch. We are all inclusive here! Established relationship and he happens to really like how it’s always something with her.
If you do practice witchcraft, come talk to me, i’m trying to get into it. I like to consider myself an eclectic pagan.
Warnings: smut, drug mention, alcohol mention, cursing, real cute shit
Word count: 2.8k
MASTERLIST
“Y/N, y/n, baby, wake up,” I heard Michael try to shake me and I groaned and opened my eyes, quick to glare at him.
“Michaellllll,” I whined and his face broke into a smile the second my eyes were on him. I loved this man too much for him to take me seriously, “I was ascending the astral plane.”
“Were you doing drugs?” Michael giggled boyishly and I rolled my eyes, “Meditating! You know that!”
“I know, you were talking in your deep sleep,” Michael sat across from me, careful not to cross into my circle. He knew better than that, “Are you getting a new god in your pantheon?”
“No, just talking to one about you,” I said and cleaned up my circle, thanking each of the spirits for allowing me to use them to connect to the gods.
“Oooh, hot gossip about me, what did they say?” Michael giggled and I smiled at him as I finished and moved to sit in his lap.
“Aphrodite seems to think you're a lovely man for me,” I said and began to play with his cute nose, he giggled wrapping his arms around me and pulled me closer.
“Good, I, Michael, think you’re the perfect woman for me,” he kissed my cheek, gingerly touching it.
I loved Michael. We have been together for years and ever since I told him about my practice he had been nothing but kind to me and it’s practice. Most people would simply make fun of me but Michael was the most understanding man ever.
“Now, will you clean the salt off of you and get dressed? I am more than ready to go eat tonight,” he teased me and sat me upright, “I love you but I heard the food is going to be great.”
“You would choose food over me?”
“Any day. Any given day,” Michael stood up, towering over me. His green eyes looked at me and held me captive as he held me there, “Would I rather the most beautiful and powerful being in existence to ever walk this earth and dare give back to it or date you? It’s a straight win, babes.”
“Oh you bitch,” I pushed him away and left the office we shared to our bedroom and went to take a shower.
“Would I be able to join you?” Michael said coming up behind me and looking down at the ground, acting coy.
“Michael, we’ve been fucking for over a year.”
“Excuse you, y/n!” Michael yelled and I started laughing, “Watch your mouth! We make beautiful fucking love!”
One of the dogs started to howl since he was yelling, “See, they get it!”
“Michael, your energy!”
“My only energy is how much I love you!” Michael yelled one last time before rushing at me and picking me up over and tossing me over his shoulder and into the bathroom.
“THANK YOU POSEIDON FOR THIS LOVELY SHOWER I WILL MAKE LOVE TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE UNDER,” Michael yelled turning on the water.
“Laying it on a little thick, huh?” I said as he sat me on the ground and he just rolled those shiny jade green eyes as he couldn’t stop giggling to himself.
“I’m on a roll today, huh?”
“You’re on something. You’ve been smoking with Calum?” I asked as he pushed me into the water, at the perfect temperature for the both of us.
“Oh, no. Just high on love,” he giggled and I just looked at him.
“Am I missing something?”
“Yes,” he said with a smile as he turned me to the wall and began to rinse my hair for me, “Today was the day we met a year ago.”
“Ashton, this feels like we shouldn’t be here.”
“The sign says open. They’re probably in the back.”
“Maybe we should go.”
I heard them before I saw them. I was in the back stocking our new shipments when I heard a caw from the store's crow letting me know we had customers. They didn’t hear that of course.
“Hello, welcome to the Crow’s, how may I help you?” I stepped out from the back and got a fresh view of six of the most beautiful people I had ever seen. Two girls and four boys and they all seemed to be gods. Part of me looked at the one with the golden hair and thought he was Apollo coming down to bless me with a sweet poem, alas he was not, just some goofy Aussie boy.
“Holy shit,” one of them jumped at me, exiting, a well-built brown man who if I didn’t know any better would say he was an actual reincarnate.
“Hi, I was wondering what you may have in the realm of crystal magic and tarot fortunes?” one of them spoke up, I recognized the voice as Ashton from earlier.
“As in reading your fortune?”
“Yes, if you do that here,” his eyes were also green. A green I doubt was made in nature because his reflected off the lights like one of the malachites we kept in stock.
“We do,” I nodded and crossed the main lobby of the store to another curtain, “Just you, Ashton? Or each of you?”
“You know my name?” he looked at me in shock and I raised an eyebrow. Oh, he didn’t know I heard them outside, “And just us four guys. The girls don’t want it.”
“Actually, there’s a vegan place down the street we’re gonna try, you can come meet us once you all are done,” the darker skinned one of the girls spoke to the golden haired boy and he nodded, kissing her on the cheek and they both left the store.
“Follow me.”
I led them to the back room which was dimly lit except for the candles. In the middle was a table with my tarot cards stacked on top, separated by the different arcanas and well decorated. In the corner, next to the window, was my black cat, Bast, who was happily soaking up all the sun rays she could get in the quiet room. She meowed at us entering.
“Bast will choose who is first. Makes it easier,” I said as I took a seat and watched my kitty jump down and scurry over to the boys who completely towered in the room. She almost instantly went to the one I barely noticed.
He was dressed in all black, a hoodie covered in Japanese characters and a black beanie covering his beachy blonde hair. His skin was pale yet glowing as if he was the type to radiate happiness. Like the Ashton boy, his eyes were green but a different green. Deep and powerful like jade and staring into them only made me feel as if I was being sucked in. I knew I took a while to look at him as he sat across from me. I was openly staring at the man, he was gorgeous.
I smelt roses in the room the second he locked eyes back to me. Good goddess.
“Good choice, Bast,” I said as she jumped on the table and into his lap, “I’m glad she likes you. That’s pretty important.”
“I feel like it is too,” he smiled, the others in the room seemed to disappear as we continued to look at each other.
“What’s your name?”
“Michael. Michael Clifford,” he extended his hand to me and I shook it, turning it over in his hands so I could read his palms. He easily let me do so. His hands were much larger than mine but it made them easier to read.
I traced over his three main lines and looked at mostly the love line. It was long and concise, the type of lover I dream of.
“Don’t worry about paying for me reading your palm, this one is on the house, Michael,” I looked back up at him and caught that he was openly staring at me, “It’s y/n.”
“Great.”
“Alright, boys, you guys can look around for a bit and I will be upfront when you are ready,” I led them out of the fortune room after each of their fortunes read, knowing I took the longest on the Michael boy. I could practically feel my goddess wishing this one onto me.
I walked over to the cashier’s desk just as Michael was coming over to me, a decent sized crystal in his hand.
“Can you tell me about this one?” he said handing it to me and I took it delicately. It was a dark crystal with waves of green, blues, and red decorating it in a marble like pattern.
“It’s a bloodstone. Used to promote prosperity, fame, good fortune,” I said as I handed it back, couldn’t help but notice how the green of the crystal matched his eyes.
“How much?” he said, gazing at me, and again I smelt the sweet perfume of roses.
Okay, Aphrodite, I get it.
“I’ll give it to you for free on one condition.”
“What would that be? Nothing weird, right?”
“Just a date.”
“Wow, how could I forget?” I said and looked at him as he rinsed the salt out of my hair.
“I can’t. I met a goddess on Earth,” he kissed my cheek. Then my neck, then behind my ear. Each kiss seemed so hot on my skin, almost burning me. I almost melted into him before he turned me around to face him, his lips on mine.
Kissing Michael was a different world. As many times as I meditated, dreamt, drank ayahuasca, anything, nothing compared to the complete mindfuck that was Michael kissing me. It felt perfect and as if nothing else in the world matters. Nothing else mattered to me but him.
Michael’s hands traveled across my body, making me feel worshipped as he touched every inch of me like it was new and not something he’s had for a year now. My sexuality was different when it came to him, completed. My hands and fingers knotted themselves in his hair while his hands gripped my ass and pulled my body flush against his.
I could almost cum just from his kisses, luckily Mikey wouldn’t do me like that and soon he was lifting me against the shower wall and spreading my legs apart so he was between them.
“Sorry I won’t be able to take my time, we have to get to the dinner,” Michael whispered in my ear, his voice gruff with pleasure as one free hand played with my nipples.
“Dinner, schminner,” I giggled softly and he laughed into my neck as he inserted himself into me, my walls widening around his girth.
“Oh, fuck. I love how well you fit me. So fucking perfect,” Michael said as he slowly moved out and the back inside, over and over again, him careful not to knock my head into wall but just forceful enough we were both getting pleased. His hands played with my nipples and his mouth covered my neck and chest in marks, showing everyone at the dinner tonight who I belonged to, though I doubt anyone questioned the fact. We’ve been inseparable since day one.
My moans filled the bathroom as they mixed with his cries, his teeth, his hands, his hair, just everywhere and in the moments like this I never wanted to leave as he hit my g-spot over and over again perfectly.
We rode out our highs together, the water washing away the mess as he left me empty to rinse me off.
“Which god should I thank for sending you to me, y/n? Or can it be every single one for making the perfect girl for me?”
“You look so pretty in that dress,” Sierra said and I smiled. It was one of my favorite violet dresses that I wore to match Michael’s eyes and he wore black with purple. It made us look like goth kings and queens and couldn’t say I didn’t love that for us.
“You look like straight gold in that dress, girl. Don’t even start, and the side swept hair,” I complimented Sierra’s look. It was a beautiful gold dress, more on the tan side with her hair swept to the side and exposing the beautiful dangly earring.
“Oh, shush, you’re like an absolute witch queen over here. We love it.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I would think the love goddess, Isis, took you over tonight,” I giggled and she collapsed into a fit of laughs.
“I would think that’s you and the necklace that Michael seems to have given you,” I rolled my eyes at her comment on the hickeys adoring my neck thanks to that rascal. He did love giving me gifts.
“Thank Luke and yourself for inviting us,” I said and she just shook it off, “I feel so fancy and Hollywood.”
“Girl, please. The appetizers are pigs in a blanket because Luke is a child,” Sierra laughed, “We can dress as fancy as we want but the truth is still there, yeah?”
“Y/N,” I heard the deep Scottish accent behind me as Calum came up to us, bringing us both into one of his iconic bear hugs. I instantly smelled the whiskey on him.
“Having fun?” Sierra said and he giggled in response, “I’ve missed you too. Are you excited?”
“To eat?” I laughed and Sierra’s eyes widened almost in fear.
“Oh, Calum, I think someone is calling us,” Sierra pushed Calum away and they both disappeared into the crowd leaving by myself with my glass of wine. Weird.
I went to sit down and noticed that all of the candles were pink and roses decorated the table along with peonies. Interesting style choice, Sierra.
I sat at my place card which happened to be the only one who had a candle directly in front of it. This candle also had the only dancing flame, letting me know Aphrodite’s energy was in the room. But why?
“Babe, how are you enjoying yourself?” Michael came up behind me, sitting in his place next to me as everyone began to sit as well.
“I love it, this place has such a great aura right now. Everyone is so happy,” I said to him, smiling as I looked into his eyes, “It would be better if you told me those words though.”
“I love you,” he said and my heart melted instantly and he laughed at my fake swoon, “You’re so easy to please.”
“You’re so easy to love,” I responded as food was placed in front of us. Ashton and KayKay were across from us. Ashton gestured with his cup to us.
“Why is everyone being so weird, baby?” I asked him and he just shrugged, “Just eat, babe. I just assume they’re all drugged.”
I laughed and reached for my silverware and noticed my napkin had this intricate ring around it. A golden, double-banded ring with an inset bloodstone was holding my napkin together. My jaw dropped at the sheer beauty of it. I slid it off the napkin, letting the napkin fall open and looked at the ring more closely. Diamonds encrusted the ring. It was the prettiest napkin holder I’d ever seen.
“Michael, look at this napkin holder,” I went to show him and noticed he was already looking at me. Noticed he was already on one knee in front of me, rather than beside me like he was, and everyone was looking our way. And he was already laughing.
“That, my lady, is not a napkin holder. It’s an engagement ring,” he said, and looked up at me taking the ring and my left and moving to slide it on, “Made from the bloodstone you gave me the day we met. A year ago. The day my life was completed.”
I stared at this man. Michael Clifford was on his knees in front of me. Smiling at me. I am so glad my nails were done.
“Will you-”
“Yes.”
“Let me say it,” Michael teased me and I rolled my eyes, “Will-”
“Yes, yes,” I said and waved my hand for him to put the ring on.
“Y/N,” Michael laughed, his boyish giggle carrying around the room as all the pink candle flames began dancing. Everyone looked at this in awe, “Please let me say it.”
“Alright, just wow. Thank the gods.”
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” I said and he slid the ring onto my finger, everyone clapping around us. I fell into his arms and kissed Michael Clifford as if my life depended on it.
“Dang, the stone did give me good fortune after all,” he whispered when we took a breath from kissing and I swore I could live in that moment forever.
You were in the kitchen when you made a promise to Gaz that you would both plant the marshmallow root in the garden. And in the garden, you promised to tend to the home in the same way that they have all tended to each other: with patience and care.
You were on the porch when you promised Ghost to build a home with comfort. That no one would feel left out and everyone would understand true happiness.
You were setting traps for rabbits in the forest when you promised Soap that you would do everything you could to protect them and their happiness. To finally let the group of men grow in happiness, blooming like a flower, instead of fighting their way through, like weeds through stone.
You were in the tower when you promised Price to protect his boys with your life. That even if you die, this place will stand as a home for the four of them. A sanctuary.
I think this was what started the feelings.
Gaz felt a feeling of coming home when you were around. Like the tightening in his chest could finally loosen and he could breathe.
Ghost felt himself relax. Like he didn't have to fight like he always has, tooth and nail. Instead, a quiet determination to work hard to keep the house together. Keep it a home.
Soap felt himself feel more secure. No one was leaving to fight something impossible that they would always come back from. No one was leaving to the woods and coming back with another cut or bruise from anything except clumsiness among the roots.
Price... Price felt calm. His anxiety reminds him that it is the calm before a storm, but something deep, something ancient in him, quiets his anxiety and whispers that this is no storm. It is simply peace that he has never experienced before.
So... these feelings developed.
All of them had an unmistakable bond that they never bothered to label. Life was too short for labels and love was abundant among the four of them. The kisses around the home, the quiet affection in the acts of service, and the solidness of just one of them listening to the other and existing in the same space without pressure; it all seemed to exist seamlessly.
And you slipped into their routines: sipping tea as Ghost made arrows from foraged items in the forest; spinning cloth as Soap talked about his big family that he separated from when the knights had taken him to training (not that he regrets it. it was the best thing that happened to him); grinding eggshells into a powder as Gaz browsed your kitchen and asked about your things curiously; sitting on the steps of the porch as Price told you of all the things he learned over the years, the lessons taught to him by life.
Not only did you listen, they did too. To your laugh as the birds echoed a song back at you, when you told them how to make a poultice with this herb and mixing it with that one actually made it poisonous, how you preferred the yarn and needles you had a long time ago but spinning cloth is far more practical now, and how you dance around the kitchen when you cook with a low melody coming from your lips.
Lips they have all agreed they want to kiss... a face they want to hold and cherish... a gentle woman who, over time, has worn down their walls like water against stone.
It happened one time, late at night. You had conjured up five chairs, facing the mountains, made of wood and thick vines. Tea was set out that night for all five of you and biscuits were made to be enjoyed among conversation.
You had seen the fireflies float around the garden as the sun sets, and when they all died down... you decided to go running through them, mid conversation with the boys.
Your laugh that evening was contagious, bring a smile to all of them. Gaz and Soap soon joined you in raising hell among the fireflies, dancing around in them as your skirt floated around your ankles. Price and Ghost decided to watch, having seen their subordinates and their habits. Having seen how they act with each other, and now, how they act with you.
Ghost eventually softens as he sees the joy you have brought to his men, and Price follows soon after. They look at each other and a sharp understanding comes between them: you have made this fortress a home, just by existing.
So, when you made for your bed that night, after cleaning your feet of the mud and grass, the four of them sat down in the communal area.
"I've noticed something..." John speaks first, settling into the leather chair by the fire. "She's unique. She's done something to this team. And I don't think it's magic."
"Me neither, sir." Kyle answers, dazed from spinning in circles with you in the fields.
After a few quiet moments, mostly Johnny and Simon communicating silently, Johnny speaks up, "She's made this place a home. I know we could have done it, but it wouldn't be the same. I think..." Johnny looks to Simon for help, recieving a nod of assurance, "I think she's beautiful in that way. The way she loves is effortless, even for people she doesn't have to care for."
"It flows. It does not end. And she protects us in the way we have been protecting everyone else." Simon's baritone settles the high energy of nerves.
"I see... I see her." John looks at his men, looking in their eyes and seeing another connection. One not typically shared, but among this group, it comes as natural as breathing.
"I know that we have never put a label to us... but I believe this to be the love that can't be explained by God. And I see it for her in all of you too," John looks into the fire, hoping for answers, "and I feel it in me."
As a hush falls over the group, Simon is the first to act.
"What's the plan?"
"We integrate her more into us. Have her join us on daily, little things. We show her affection as we show each other. She'll catch on."
"And if she doesn't catch on?" Kyle asks, never wanting to doubt his first love, but nervous to add another.
"Then we tell her." Johnny definitively says as he leans back against Simon's legs, staring into the fire himself.
They all turn to gaze into the fire as a comfortable silence settles over the group, a unanimous agreeance bouncing between them. That come tomorrow, they would start finding ways to kiss you in the ways they kiss each other.
Author’s Cup of Tea: There was originally no song attached, but looking back, the swell of emotion, I can only attach it to the same feeling I get when listening to Sailor Song by Gigi Perez. So that’s the song for this one! And sorry this took so long!
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Y/N, recording a tiktok: It's Friday. We made it a whole 'nother week without slappin a bitch; and if that dont wanna make you shake yo ass, then I dont know what will.
Premise: Reader drives Geralt crazy. Good crazy. He is drunk on the love they share and is completely and utterly infatuated with her. He would do anything for her. The moment she asks him for anything, to getting bread from the market to killing a man, he will do it for her. Anything for his she-wolf.
As you, Geralt, Jaskier and Ciri make your way to the next town, you start to notice Ciri growing tired and falling behind.
"Ciri!" You stop and beckon the girl over. Ciri stops and looks at you before running to you and your stallion, Orpheus, a gift from Geralt.
"Is something wrong?" Ciri looks concerned. Her hand rests on the hilt of her sword and a stony look starts to set into her eyes.
"Nope. Just figured you would want to ride Orpheus," You say and slide down for Ciri to mount him, "so hop on." You try to help Ciri get onto the saddle but fail, as she is now a strong young lady.
You turn to Geralt, who you see is also stopped and staring at you, making sure you are okay. "Geralt, dear, will you please help Ciri into the saddle?" You politely ask your husband.
Geralt, as though he had already heard your question before you said it, got off of Roach and quickly got to you, gently laying his hand on your hip. "Of course, darling."
Geralt, as a Witcher, does not take much effort to do anything except kill monsters, so lifting Ciri is like holding a couple of grapes.
However, he knows you... He knows you watch him. He knows you like to admire your husband... And he will gladly appease. So, even if Ciri feels as light as a feather, he flexes his arms while lifting her and making it look effortless.
As he situates Ciri on the saddle, he glances at you to see you watching him in rapture with a flush on your cheeks. He smirks while finishing strapping her into saddle.
Once he is done, he gives you a look of burning passion and struts toward you before scooping you up in a tight hold before sitting you on Roach. "Are you stable?"
You reach out and place a gentle hand on his cheek, "I am very stable, my darling. Thank you."
Geralt takes your hand and gently kisses it, before taking Roach's reins and leading the way to the nearest town.
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As Geralt leads the group into the market, with you perched on his horse, he can't help but think of a time where you two met. It seemed to happen not so long ago...
Geralt was hired as a king's escort for a war. Another stupid war... but it's good money.
Not nearly good enough for some of the shit he does for these bastards but good enough..
"Geralt!" A king beckons the man with white hair over. Geralt trudges over. "Our war advisor will be coming today to assist. If you have any questions or need anything, she is the one to ask." The old king claps Geralt on his shoulder.
She? Who could this 'she' be? He has never heard of a woman war advisor.
Then the clopping of hooves fell upon his ears. Geralt turns around, prepared for a fight, just to let his hand fall from his sword.
A woman was riding this horse. A horse of pure-blooded war and terror, but a soul of harmony and immenseness sits upon it.
A woman... bearing a symbol of a star encircled in a ring of metal, carrying two swords on her back and in a suit of armor seemingly not from this sphere. Her armor was a cloth, but it seemed to be threaded with a strong fiber-like metal.
As you approached, Geralt could see where else the encircled star was branded upon you, as if you owned the symbol. On your swords, the symbol was on the hilts. All your jewelry carried the symbol. It seemed to hang around you as much as you seemed to own it.
"Lord Lokinafir, I apologize for my tardiness. I was scoping out the lay of the land to get a better understanding of our situation." You dismount from your horse and stride confidently towards the king. You bow with a slight curtsy, resting your balance on the tips of your toes behind you.
"Of course, War Advisor. Would you like a map to draw out the lay of the land?" The king seemed to be eating out of your hand, even kissing your hand politely. He didn't even bother with the inappropriate flirting.
"No need, sire. I have something better." You smirk and waved your hand. A map of the land, complete with actual ridges and hills, spread out upon all of them. On each side of the map were the two armies, colored in red and white while the map was colored green.
"Soldiers!" Your voice seemed to boom and call attention to the mass of men, all pent up testosterone and a thirst for blood, "Come!"
Your voice beckoned them to come surround the map and pay attention, even through the red haze of blood thirst. "This is the land we are fighting on. While we are at a slight disadvantage because of their size of army, we have the advantage of the land. That is all we need for a great offense. And the best offense comes with a greater defense." The map spun right in front of Geralt eyes and he faintly saw the symbol again on her palm and under the map before it faded to almost nothing. When he looked at it again, the land had changed. Their side was filled with rocks and had fallen at the opposing army's feet.
"While they stumble over themselves trying to climb out of the rocky terrain they will face, we come over our side of the hill and lie in wait with our swords pointed towards them..." The map changed again. The red soldiers had climbed over each other and finally over the rocks, while the white army laid in wait just at the middle to the bottom of the hill holding their spears towards the slope, "they run and with their momentum, impale themselves!" Suddenly, some of the reds started charging down the hill while the whites ran through the red soldiers with their spears, backed by other white soldiers to prevent themselves from falling and hurting anyone else.
"While they stall at the top of the hill, unsure of where to go, we volley them with catapults and mortars. Archers, this is where you are needed." People from the top of the hill the white soldiers have to climb over are catapults and mortars being fired off, killing most of the red soldiers. Archers back the mortar and catapults up, at least injuring the rest, causing a pitiful retreat from the red soldiers.
As you dissolve the map, Geralt knew...
He had to get to know you.
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You look back upon Jaskier, who mounted your horse once you also noticed him limping from blisters on the backs of his heels, and Ciri, hoping nothing has gone wrong. As far as you can tell, everything seems to be fine.
This immensely pleased you.
You looked upon your husband, dutifully scanning for any threat to your little family and leading the way.
"Geralt." You get the Witcher's attention as he still guides Roach and in turn guides Ciri, who is riding Orpheus. "Would you like to join me on Roach?"
"Do you want me there?" A deep, soft and gruff voice permeates the air and settles deep in your chest.
You take in a deep breath and nod, seeing a flash of yellow; knowing he is watching you. Your reaction. Your responses.
Geralt swiftly made his way to the saddle and mounted gracefully, with you still in the front, but now he has taken the reins.
On the ride to the town, Ciri asks Jaskier, "So... how did they meet?"
"Why are you asking me?" Jaskier questions Ciri. The girl is like a daughter to Geralt and you. They'll tell her, anyways.
"You know everything about Geralt, don't you? You're the bard." Ciri accentuates, desperate for answers, tries to fluff Jaskier's feathers and get him to tell her.
Jaskier, feeling his ego grow, smirks and says, "You want to know how it goes? Fine." He acts all perturbed at her poking but really is excited to tell a story.
"During a battle that no one has heard of, she showed up like a goddess riding on the wind. Geralt was immediately enraptured by her...
"You're a mage." Geralt bluntly remarks, walking up the woman preparing your steed for battle.
You pause. "Yes. And what of it?" You resume brushing your horse.
"Well why not be safely in a castle? Tending to a king and being an advisor?" Geralt, not understanding the complexity of mages, asks.
"It wasn't for me. Besides, this is better money." You smile and move towards the head of your horse.
"You wouldn't need money if you were a mage for a king. What do you mean 'better money'?" Geralt is so confused. Why would you get paid? Are mages paid? Are some unpaid?
"I mean 'better money'. Mages do get paid, but it is typically a little amount because it is expected of them to live in the castle with the king and for the king to care for their mage, like a pet." You spat out the word 'pet' like it was sour.
"Ok... So if you didn't want to become a mage, why didn't you become a town healer? It's safer than this will ever be." Geralt rolls his eyes, not understanding your logic.
"Town's still get trampled over, plus as a mage, I could be chased out of town despite being there with all good intentions and purpose;" You look longingly out at the soon-to-be battlefield, "War never goes out of style. After all..." You look dead into Geralt's yellow eyes, causing him to shiver, "everybody wants to rule the world."
...and that day, she won the battle. Her horse died as a result, but Geralt offered for her to travel with him. He used the excuse of strategy, but he really just had developing feelings for her and didn't know how to express them. A few months later, Geralt had saved enough money from constantly killing monsters and bought her Orpheus. They kind of became a couple over time, and without notice. She has Geralt wrapped around her finger, and he would do anything for her." Jaskier finished his story, just glad he remembered the important bits.
"That's it?!" Ciri almost shouted. Jaskier was quick to shush her.
"Ciri, dear, are you okay?" Ciri could hear Y/N call from Roach. Geralt was glancing over his shoulder at the two, like he knew something was going on.
Jaskier gave Ciri a look before taking his hand away from her mouth, but not before she licked his hand, causing the bard to cringe at the ickiness. Geralt smirked at the scene.
"Just fine! Jaskier is just telling me stories about you and Geralt." Ciri elbows the bard. 'Well played, kid.' Jaskier gives Ciri's under-the-bus throw a thought before smiling and agreeing.
"Which stories? We have lots~" Your smirk can be heard from your voice.
"Just on how you two met. But I'm pretty sure he butchered it a bit, so can we trade, and you can tell me stories about you and Geralt?" Ciri smirks, looking at Jaskier. She knows Geralt would never let Jaskier even touch Roach.
"Are you okay with that, Darling?" You lean into Geralt's firm chest, a feeling he secretly loves and will never tell anyone.
It is, however, apparent, as there was one time Jaskier tried to do a dance thing and fell into Geralt as to which the Witcher promptly stood the man on his feet.
A woman on the street once shoved you out of the way to get to Geralt, and 'tripped', subsequently leading to her falling onto Geralt's chest. He swiftly moved to catch you while pushing the woman away. Geralt didn't let you walk anymore that day. Said that 'the hazard of tripping was too high'. Really, he just wanted to feel you against him.
Geralt looks at you and nods, knowing full well that he won't let Jaskier get on Roach. "Do it quick. We are losing daylight." Geralt said as he slows and pulls Roach to a stop.
Geralt hops off first and assists you, helping you get off Roach and on Orpheus. Jaskier was quick to jump off Orpheus to avoid accidentally getting pushed off by you.
As you settled onto Orpheus, Geralt straps you in to make sure you don't fall off. Once he was content with it, he looks at you. "Thank you, my Darling." You put a soft hand to his face and gently thumb his cheek.
Geralt smiles softly before heading back to Roach and giving Jaskier a glare when the bard tries to mount Roach. Jaskier purses his lips and backs off, submitting to his fate of walking.
"Can you tell me the story of how you and Geralt met?" Ciri, eyes shining in anticipation of heroic stories and funny tales of her father figure.
"Well, honey-girl, once upon a time..." Your voice fades into the distance, away from the ears of squirrels and birds. Where the trees part and give way to civilization. "Seems we were closer than we thought." You shrug and get off Orpheus, leading the stallion to the closest inn. "Maybe another time, dear." You help Ciri down and kiss her head softly before following Geralt into the inn for three rooms.
So... tell me what y'all think. Even if you think it's bad, tell me what you did or didn't like. But for every bad there must be a good. please.my fragile heart cant handle it.
Have a great night/day!
Edit: I did edit this while high, so I might not have caught everything that was wrong with it. Thank you for bearing with me.
werewolf x reader who works at Walmart - just meeting. Kind of random but i get bored at work sooo....
"Yo, yo, yo, what's poppin?" I ask as I approach a couple with a baby, probably in their late 20s. My hand is already blindly grabbing for my name badge.
"Hi!" The woman says smiling, "The machine just stopped and said something about a scale. I'm just trying to weigh my zucchini."
The man next to her nods as he plays with the baby, as to back her up. I don't necessarily care.
My shins are starting to hurt... I thought the new ortho shoes would help...
My hands go through the practiced motion of taking whatever was on the scale off, pressing the button for zucchini, and then weighing it. Aka, the only way to weigh your produce that doesn't throw the machine into a hissy-fit.
"Easy-peasy," I slap on my customer service voice like the passed on Queen of England decided to step into Wal-Mart, "Just make sure to press the button beforehand, and then weigh the produce. And it's so funky." I try to make it relatable for the woman, "Some produce needs to be weighed and others need to be counted. It gets confusing." I smile and see her smiling in relief, thankful that someone understands her.
Someone does but it aint me. This is my whole ass job.
I smile and say the unforgettable 'Have a great day!' before leaving and having to walk around the self-check.
New big boss gonna fire me if I stop walking... fucking bullshit. I see a toy that was placed on a chip shelf and mess with it as I go to put it away.
"Hey! Hey! Girl!" Someone snaps their fingers at me. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, smiling a smile that would put Alastor to shame.
"Hello! What seems to be the problem today?" My customer service voice is getting strained as I see it's just an old man wanting to buy alcohol.
"The machine will need you to check my age when I buy this alcohol." He gestures to the cart that has it's undercarriage filled with Modelo.
I look at his order on his screen and scroll through it. "Well, sir, it looks like you haven't scanned it yet, so I can't give you the go ahead; But once you do, I can definitely give you the go ahead to buy it." I throw it back in his face, trying to make him feel as stupid as possible. He scoffs and takes the hand scanner off the terminal and it starts beeping loudly at him.
"Stop yelling at me!" He shouts, frustrated that it won't stop beeping and won't scan his beer.
"Well, sir, it is a machine, so it can't yell at you. It doesn't have a mouth. It's just beeping because the batteries are going out, but you can definitely wait until the hand scanner flashes green, and then it should work." I patiently wait for him to put it back on the terminal. And once it flashes green, he scans the beer.
The first notification, asking if the customer looks younger than 40, pops up. I look back at the man and size him up and down before pressing 'No'.
"Have a great day, sir!" I bounce away and continue walking around. I see a group of men who are all standing around quietly, just simply waiting. Their light is flashing red and they are being silent. It's definitely a nice change.
I walk over. "Hey there. Sorry to bother you, but I gotta fix this. Sorry." I look at the screen... and it's a mis-scan. My boss is gonna hate me...
"Sorry about the wait, guys! It's been a busy day." I think back to when someone dropped a whole gallon of whole milk and it leaked into the aisle next to it. We had to use two whole things of spill clean-up... my anxiety has been high ever since. Could also just be the 5 Hour Energy and Redbull I chugged, but meh.
"No problem. I could tell." The obvious leader of their band of friends talks, as if talking for the whole group. One of the guys has a faint blush on his face and the others are laughing, talking about their plans.
I watch the little video the camera produced and determine that it was just an old bag crossing over the scanner without being scanned... cuz it is an old bag.
"Oops. Looks like it's just the bag. The machine must've just gotten confused. Sorry about that." I smile and wave before giving them the go-ahead to keep scanning.
"No worries. Thank you."
"Anytime."
I think back to the one guy who was blushing and leaning on the cart's handle. He's kinda cute... and hot. What the fuck.
Meh whatever. Just focus on work- I did it, I did, I jumped-
"Hey! Girl! I need you to ring up my groceries for me!" I silently sigh and walk over.
"Of course, sir!"
Another day in the life of a person at Wal-Mart.
__________________________________________
Author's Cup of Tea:
Im ngl, i thought about this while I was changing prices in the cigarette cases. It took 4 hours to do all of the price changes😭
