Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow upon the room. Kali Belladonna lay in bed, her body still weary from the intense journey of childbirth. Beside her, Ghira Belladonna stood, his eyes brimming with awe and adoration as he gazed at their newborn daughter. Blake Belladonna, a beautiful reflection of their love and resilience.
Kali's hand trembled as she reached out to stroke Blake's delicate cheek. The baby girl stirred, her tiny mouth curling into a contented smile. Overwhelmed with love, Kali felt her heart expand, as if a wellspring of maternal instinct had been awakened within her.
Ghira leaned in closer, his voice filled with tenderness.
Ghira: She's perfect, Kali. Look at her, our little miracle.
Kali nodded, her eyes sparkling with tears of joy.
Kali: Yes, she is. Our precious Blake.
Together, they marveled at their daughter, their hearts swelling with a love that knew no bounds. In that moment, the future seemed bright and full of promise.
Time Skip - Five Weeks Later
The world outside had turned cold and unforgiving. Winter's icy grip tightened its hold upon the city as snowflakes danced through the air. The Belladonna household, once filled with warmth and laughter, now carried an undercurrent of unease.
Ghira Belladonna, a pillar of strength, had always stood against injustice. It was no different on that fateful day. The sound of breaking glass shattered the tranquility of their peaceful neighborhood. An armed robber had burst into a local store, his intentions cruel and selfish.
Without a second thought, Ghira sprang into action. His protective instincts kicked in as he confronted the intruder, determined to keep innocent lives safe. The confrontation escalated, tension hanging heavy in the air like a storm waiting to break.
A single gunshot echoed through the store, its deafening sound reverberating in Kali's ears as her heart stopped. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as panic seized her, her body frozen with fear.
Later, in a haze of disbelief, Kali found herself in the presence of grim-faced Faunus. Their words were like shards of ice, cutting through her already fragile heart. Ghira, her beloved husband, the rock upon which she had built her world, had been taken from her.
Tears streamed down Kali's face as she clung to the hope that this was all just a cruel nightmare. But the somber expressions of the authorities left no room for denial. Ghira Belladonna, the man who had loved her fiercely, protected her fiercely, was gone.
In that moment, Kali's world shattered, and grief engulfed her. The future that had once held so much promise now lay in ruins. She would have to find the strength within herself to carry on, for Blake's sake, and honor the memory of the man who had given his life for the safety of others. As the weight of the news settled upon her, Kali vowed to keep Ghira's spirit alive within her and their daughter.
Rain falls upon the Belladonna household as Kali is seen sitting on her bed, crying while holding a picture of her recently deceased husband as he was holding their newborn daughter Blake only a few weeks before he was killed during the robbery.
Ever since then, she has been focused on raising her daughter in the home that her husband had left her in his will, going to her bedroom to cry and weep as the feeling of loneliness filled her chest every night that Ghira wasn't with her.
Knock Knock Knock
Kali's ears twitch to the sound of someone knocking at her door and gets up to investigate. When she arrives at the door, there is no more knocks. She grabs onto the door handle and as soon as she pulls it towards her, something falls to the ground with a thud. Kali looks to see a man with strawberry blonde hair lying on the ground.
Kali: (gasps) By the Gods, are you alright?
Man: (groans) H-Help... Please.
Kali closes the door and leans down to help the man. When she wraps his left arm around her shoulder and began to wonder what kind of Faunus was he. He didn't have a tail, wings, claws, or ears of any kind. She went to the living room and sat the man on the couch. She looked around his body to see if he was injured but couldn't find anything.
Kali: Who are you? What happened?
Man: I-I don't remember. Where am I?
Kali: You're in my home. My name is Kali Belladonna.
Man: Kali? Thank you.
Kali: Just wait here and I'll be back with some water.
The man just nods as he lays down on the couch while Kali walks into the kitchen and gets a glass of water for him. When she returns to him, he is sound asleep. Kali didn't know what to think at first, but in the end, she decided to leave him be and sets the water down in front of him. After doing so, Kali goes to check on Blake and finds her sleeping in her crib and smiles before going to her bed.
Next Morning
The sun rises over Menagerie as Kali is still peacefully sleeping in her bed until she feels something shaking her leg. She slowly opens her eyes to see the man from last night standing at the edge of her bed as he lightly shakes her leg, trying to gently wake her up.
Man: Miss Kali.
Kali slowly sits up and looks to see the man shielding his eyes with his arm.
Man: Oh god, I'm so sorry, I didn't know that you were...
Kali looked confused until she looked down to see that herblack hakama was loose and was exposing her torso as she then quickly fixes it. She then looked at the man as he still had his arm up, as if he was showing respect for not staring at her when she was almost completely naked.
Kali: Thank you for being a gentleman.
Man: Sorry to wake you, but your child started crying a couple of minutes ago and I came to get you.
Kali's eyes widen as she lifts the covers off and rushes to Blake's room to find her baby crying and picks her up. Kali Belladonna paced back and forth, her newborn daughter Blake cradled in her arms as the infant wailed at the top of her lungs. Kali had barely slept the night before, with Blake fussing and crying without any apparent reason.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Kali tensed up, wondering who it could be. She cautiously opened the door and saw the man she had helped the night before, his face etched with concern.
Man: Miss Kali, I'm sorry to intrude, but is there anything I can do to help?
Kali hesitated, but the wails of her infant daughter grew louder, and she knew she needed all the help she could get.
Kali: Please, come in.
The man walked over to Kali, his voice low and soothing as he looked at the sobbing baby girl.
Man: Don't worry, Miss Kali. Babies cry, and sometimes it's hard to figure out what's wrong. Let me help you.
Kali was grateful for the stranger's kind words, and tears pricked at her eyes as she watched him take her daughter from her arms, holding the fussy baby close to his chest. She watched as he rocked her gently, murmuring softly in her ear.
A/N: Song name is The Songcord from Avatar: The Way Of Water.
Man: (softly) Lie si oe Neteyamur. Nawma Sa'nokur mìfa oeyä. Atanti ngal molunge. Mipa tìreyti, mipa 'itanti. Lawnol a mì te'lan. Lawnol a mì te'lan. Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe. Tonìri tìreyä. Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe. Srrìri tìreyä. Ma Eywa, ma Eywa.
Within a few moments, Blake had calmed down, her cries subsiding to soft whimpers. Kali was amazed, wondering how this stranger had managed to soothe her baby girl so quickly. But she was also curious about what he was singing to her.
The man turned back to Kali, his gaze warm and comforting.
Man: Is there anything else I can do to help you?
Kali nodded, her voice thick with emotion.
Kali: Thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you.
The stranger smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Sam: You don't have to repay me, Miss Kali. My name is Sam. Sam Reed.
Kali: You remember?
Sam: It's coming back to me slowly.
Kali felt a sense of warmth blossom in her chest, grateful for the kindness from Sam. Together, they sat on the couch, the baby girl dozing off between them as they chatted about life, love, and the struggles of being a parent.
Sam: So, you've been raising her on your own?
Kali: After her father died, it's been hard. Plus, there are members of the White Fang coming here to "check up" on me, but I'm pretty sure they just want me to lead the White Fang.
Sam: Can't you just tell them no?
Kali: It's not exactly easy to walk away from the White Fang. The goal is to bring equality to Humans and Faunus.
Sam looked at Kali and then back at Blake and it gave him an idea.
Sam: Miss Kal- (sighs) Kali, (Kali turns to face him) if you would like, I could stay here and help you with anything.
Kali looked at him incredulously.
Kali: Seriously? Why would you want to help me like that? You barely even know me.
Sam shrugged, a small smile on his lips.
Sam: With my memory slowly coming back to me, I don't where to go if I left. And I don't have much else going on right now. I would like to help, if you'll have me.
Kali hesitated for a moment, the thought of raising Blake alone weighing heavily on her mind. But the sight of Blake sleeping soundly in Sam's arms, his gentle expression soothing her heart, made up her mind for her.
Kali: Okay. Okay, you can stay. To be honest, I could use a friend who's not in the White Fang right now.
Timeskip- Blake age: 2 years old
Sam is seen walking around the house as he searches for a certain little one.
Sam: Oh my, where oh where could Blakey be?
As Sam slowly creeps around the furniture, Blake can be seen giggling silently to herself as she can see Sam's shoes poking out a little from the corner until...
Sam: Gotcha!
Sam grabs Blake by her ankles as he pulls her from under the couch where she was hiding and starts tickling her.
Sam: You thought you could hide from me? I don't think so, goofball.
Blake squirms and kicks her feet around as Sam continues to tickle her until he stops and picks her up.
Sam: Alrighty then, you ready for bed now?
Blake: Mmm, no.
Sam: No? Well, then, what are you ready for?
Blake: Food.
Sam: Food? Oh yeah, that's right. You haven't had any dinner yet, have you?
Blake shakes her head as she lets out a small giggle.
Sam: Well then, how about... fish and chips?
Blake: Fish and chips.
Sam: Yeah!
Moments later, after Sam and Blake ate their dinner, Kali enters the room and smiles as Sam wipes off Blake's face. Sam then grabs his and Blake's plates and heads for the sink.
Blake: Thank you, Daddy.
Kali looks at Sam, and he quickly turns to those words in utter shock. This was the first time Blake had called him that and he wasn't sure of what to do next. Sam has supported Kali through thick and thin in the last two years. He has always been there for her and Blake. Kali has a daughter who she has had to raise after her husband Ghira died. That vulnerable and trying moment was when Sam stepped in just two years ago, but for Kali, it feels like he has been there for a lifetime.
Sam has become a father figure to Blake, and he has not asked for anything in return. Kali found that quite surprising, but over time, the feelings of surprise were soon replaced with gratitude. But now, it has grown to be much more which becomes evident on a particular night that will change their lives forever and what they mean to each other.
Like most, Sam watches with a smile as Kali tucks in her baby on that very night. He'd spent so much time with them that most people think they're married. In truth, Sam doesn't mind that. After all, Kali is the first woman he ever loved. Not only is she beautiful, but she also reeks of an elegance that everyone is bound to fall in love with.
Once the baby is comfortable, Kali and Sam quietly walk out the door with an accomplished smile. Sam pats Kali on the head to retire to the guest room as usual.
Sam: Good night, pumpkin.
Kali: When will you stop calling me that? I'm a grown woman, you know?
Sam : (Giggles) When you stop being so cute.
Kali giggles and watches as Sam is about to turn away and head to the couch.
Kali: Wait.
Sam stops and turns to her with a curious expression.
Sam: Yes?
Kali: Sam, can you sleep with me tonight?
Sam is taken aback but tries to think casually of it. Regardless, he questions her.
Sam: Um, are you sure that's okay?
Kali: I'm positive. I'm not going to bite or anything.
Sam smiles.
Sam: Okay
Kali holds him gently on the wrist and leads him into her room. When they're both in, she closes the door slightly and lets go of his wrist. Then she massages her neck slowly while heading to the bed.
A/N: Fair warning, this last part of this chapter will be a lemon (NSFW, Lewd) moment and it is the only one in this story. The next chapter will be a Prologue Part 2 as Sam and Kali continue to raise Blake while Sam will discover something that he never would have expected.
Kali: Tough day, huh?
Sam: (nervously) Yeah...h.
Kali sits on her bed and looks at Sam, who is standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. She smiles and pats the other side of the bed while maintaining eye contact.
Kali: Come here, Sam
Sam walks over nervously and sits, not looking at her directly. He then lays back until he is resting his back against the mattress.
Sam: This is a bit strange
Kali : (smiles) I know.
There was some silence between them as a few minutes passed.
Kali: Sam
Sam: Yes, Kali
Kali: Do you have any memories of your life? I mean, did you have someone in your life?
Sam: I_I did not have anyone special.
Kali: How come?
Sam: I don't know... I thought about looking for someone, but every time I tried, they rejected me before they got to know me.
Kali: Oh... I'm so sorry.
Silence befalls the two until Kali decides to speak her mind.
Kali: Sam, you know that Blake will soon start asking questions eventually. And she already looks up to you when she gets hurt. Hell, she called you dad today.
Sam : (Thoughtfully) I know, but I don't want to feel like I'm replacing Ghira.
Kali: You wouldn't be replacing him. You'd be living a life.
Kali leans over such that they're face to face.
Sam: Kali...
Kali covers his mouth with her fingers.
Kali: Can I be honest?
Sam: Of course
Kali: (Sighs) I've been feeling different about our friendship lately. I've been thinking...
Sam: Did I do something wrong? Did I upset you?
Kali: Come on, Sam, I can't even think of a time you upset me. You've been so kind to me.
Sam : (Smiles) Really?
Kali: Yes, really, but that's not the point. Just let me explain.
Sam: Okay, sorry. Go on.
Kali : (Sighs) Thing is, I've been thinking. Do you know how you always tell me to be careful of the kind of man I go out with? Especially since I have to think for you and Blake now and everything else.
Sam : (Concerned) Yes
Kali: Well, what if I don't wanna go out with any man anymore?
Sam : (Confused) Well... That's...
Kali: I think I have feelings for you, Sam. I always have.
Sam: (Surprised) Really? I care about you much, too, Kali, but are you sure? It could complicate things between us.
Kali says nothing. She only leans in towards him and kisses him deeply on the lips. Sam is shocked, but she withdraws just as quickly, so it almost feels like a dream.
Kali: Does that seem like it could complicate things, Sam?
Sam : (smitten) I... But Kali...
Kali: Look me in the eye and tell me that it doesn't feel right with me.
Sam : (Smiles) Are you kidding? Of course, it does. You're beautiful Kali, and you're smart and... (pauses)
Kali: And?
Sam: I don't want to hurt you, Kali. You mean so much to me.
Kali: I understand your concern, but I've thought about it for a long time. We've been through so much together, and you've always been there for me and Blake. I appreciate you more than you know.
Sam: I appreciate you too. But I want to be sure that this is what you want, that we're making the right decision.
Kali: I am sure, Sam. I believe we're perfect for each other. We have a deep connection, and I can't longer ignore my feelings.
Sam: (Pauses, contemplating) Well, we should...
On that note, Kali leans in again, kissing him passionately. This time, although unexpected, Sam reciprocates, biting slowly on her lower lips while she descends on him further. Her hand explores his upper body while he holds her waist to keep her steady. The kiss deepens, expressing the years of unspoken affection and their undeniable connection. At that moment, they both know that their lives are about to change, and they embrace each other with excitement and tenderness.
Kali : (Panting) Does this feel like a wrong decision, Sam?
Sam : (Breathing heavily) No
Kali resumes her intense kissing, her lips exploring his neck. She notices that Sam is a bit reluctant to explore hers, which she knows is not out of lack of desire but because he cares about her so much.
Kali: It's okay, you can touch me.
Sam hesitates for a second longer and slowly raises his hand to caress her back. Kali wasn't having that. She leans backward such that his hands slide by default to her breasts. She holds his hands when he tries to withdraw, pushing them gently against her breasts.
Kali: Touch me here.
Sam: Huh.
On that note, Sam begins to caress her breasts at a slow pace. Kali kisses him for a bit before her drive ignites further.
Kali: Ooh, that feels so good.
Sam : (Smiles) Oh yeah?
Kali: Yes, Sam. Please make love to me, Sam.
Sam : (Slightly taken aback but glad) Hmm, Okay, Kali.
Sam pulls the strings on his pajamas and soon flips Kali around so that she is now underneath him. Her breathing is intense like this is the final result of a pent-up desire. Sam takes slow turns. His movements were slow as if he didn't want to make Kali uncomfortable in the slightest way.
Sam : (Looking into her eyes) Are you ready now?
Kali : (Her eyes boring into his) Yes, Sam, I'm ready.
Sam slides into her slowly, his length filling her completely.
Kali: Ooh
Sam : (Concerned) Does it hurt?
Kali : (Tearfully) No, it feels so good. You're so big.
Sam : (Smiles) And you're very tight. I'll be gentle.
Kali : (Nods) Okay.
Sam begins to glide in and out of her passionately, his eyes exploring her body in the dim-lit room. His hands occasionally caressed her breasts while Kali's hands held unto his back for support.
Kali : (Between moans) Kiss me.
Sam kisses her deeply, his tongue diving in to explore her mouth intensely. Locked in a passionate embrace, they made love, their bodies slamming softly against one another, muffled only by their perspirations. With its little illumination, the room became vibrant from their groans and moans. Kali was close to her orgasm in a few minutes.
Kali : (Nearly out of breath) I... am... going to cum...
Sam hastens his thrusts, proving that he is about to climax too. The two lovers clutched each other's bodies as Kali arched her back into the mattress and convulsed in unrestrained pleasure. Her body shot two waves while her muscles tighten in time for Sam to grunt loudly. He tries to pull out since he is not sure if she would want him to cum inside her. But Kali's hand holds him in place.
Kali: I want to feel your love inside me.
She barely gets the statement out before Sam grunts again and shoots his warm load inside her, the jolts from the wakes making him slam into her a few times before the feeling subsides. Sam lays his head against her chest with an exhausted smile. Kali pats his head slightly with an identical smile.
Kali : (Panting softly) I love you, Sam.
Sam : (Exhausted but with a smile on his face) I love you too.