#✦ ── your heart is the greatest weapon of all . ›› study .

[keywieldsarc]

why did the author kill you off ??

breaking point.

they've been through so much, the one you love. they have suffered, and endured, and gone through hell and back.  maybe they've come close to breaking, maybe they've danced on the edge of sanity.  but you've always been there to pull them back before they go to far.  alas, blood stains their hands as they put pressure on your wounds, the life fading from your eyes.  even now, even in this moment, you offer them whatever comfort you can.  you're so proud of them, you love them so much.  you know that they can get through this.  nothing could ever convince you otherwise.  and yet, as your heart stops, their world shatters.  you were the only thing that they could not afford to lose, and now their only goal is vengeance.  once they achieve that?  chaos will do.

tagged by: i stole it tagging: steal it and say i tagged you :)

[keywields]

tag drop pt 1

[buckyalpine]

His Winter Flower

Modern Beauty and the Beast AU Winter soldier x f reader

Long awaited, I hope you all enjoy it as well.

Word count: 8.9k

Warnings: 18 + Angst, injuries, Fluff, All the sweet smut, Bucky is a sweetheart

"оставаться внизу" [Stay down] The soldier ordered, holding his gun to the targets forehead, his metal finger twitching against the trigger while the man cowered in front of him.

"Please" The man tried to plead but it was no use. He knew his fate was sealed the second he heard the thud of the boots entering his home. The whirring of metal. The ghost people spoke of but never saw until it was too late.

"тишина" [Silence] The soldiers rough voice growled behind the mask that covered his face. He pressed the barrel further into the man's head, freezing when he heard the soft patter of footsteps nearing the office he had broken into.

"Papa?" A soft voice called, the scent of roses and vanilla accompanying it, "Papa, where are y-

You gasped as you entered your father's study, your heart dropping to your stomach seeing him kneeling on the floor with his hands tied while the soldier towered above him.

So the rumors were true.

The silver of his arm was illuminated in the moonlight, the rest of him covered in Kevlar and black leather. Weapons were strapped to every bit of his body but the only one that worried you now was the one that was about to take your father's life.

"Don't hurt him!" It was a futile attempt to save your father, you knew this enough. The Winter Soldier didn't spare anyone, in fact for the longest time you wondered if he was nothing more than an urban legend. No one had actually seen him. Those that did didn't live to speak the tale. The soldier grunted in response, hardly sparing you a glance as he stared at the man before him.

A professor. A brilliant man. One who was quietly working with a group of researchers aiming to destroy the the longtime work of Arnim Zola from so many years ago. No more serums. No more soldiers.

Hydra wouldn't have that.

Not when those very serums created their best asset, the Winter Soldier himself.

"Он моя миссия" [He is my mission] Was the only response you were given. You didn't understand the words he said but it didn't matter; it was quite clear. He didn't intend on sparing the professor.

"Darling, please go, it's okay" Your father shook his head, ready to accept the consequences of his choices. He hoped to aid in the movement of making the world safer and if this was his end, he was prepared to meet it. Tears welled in his eyes with a sad smile on his face, "It'll be alright, go, hurry-

"No, please!" You pleaded with the soldier once again, all you could see were his blue eyes, void of emotion, cold and icy. "If-if you kill him, someone will take his place and then another. My father will no longer help with the government if you spare him and take me. Please just take me instead, it will put an end to all this. Please"

If you kill him, someone will take his place

The words rang through the soldiers mind.

It shouldn't be a problem. He'd killed plenty of people before but...

Then it would be another mission to carry.

And then another.

Another.

The innocent man trapped in his brain screamed to stop. A voice long forgotten, begging him to reconsider. To fight against the words that were causing him to do this. The solider flinched, fighting within himself, contemplating his next actions. The mission was to ensure Arnim Zola's work wouldn't be eradicated. The girl was offering herself to ensure the same work wouldn't continue. He wouldn't have more blood on his hands if he allowed the professor to live.

He shouldn't have cared but a part of him did.

He didn't want to kill another innocent man.

He never wanted to kill anyone.

Your father let out a sigh of relief feeling the weight of the gun pull away, only to have his greatest fear come alive; losing you.

"NO, darling you don't know what you're doing, I'll be fine-

It was too late. The soldier cut through the ropes that bound your father's wrists, taking you instead. Before your father could reach for you, the soldier grabbed and hauled you over his shoulder and strode away, ignoring the plea of the professor to spare his only daughter.

His mind was made up.

She was not his mission but now he had a new one.

If he killed the man, another would take his place.

He was risking repercussions listening to the trapped soul only his mind could hear.

He shouldn't have listened to her words.

He shouldn't have let the professor go.

Yet he agreed.

The gait of the soldier lulled you into a dreamless sleep; exhaustion consumed you as he wandered through a thicket of trees and into the woods far from home. You hadn't spoken a word nor let out a cry as he carried you off, after all, you agreed to be his prisoner as long as you father lived.

-

He brought you to a place he knew no one would find.

A place no one else knew of.

A place that was now his own.

He was once sent to take the life of a wealthy aristocrat, a man who had no one to leave his estate to. The place was deep in a forest, away from most of humanity; even when Hydra had sent him to finish the man, they were unable to give him a location. The soldier had located the target himself only to find the man had already passed from old age.

No questions were asked.

The mission was considered complete.

The body was disposed of and for quite some time, the soldier thought nothing of the castle like place that no one else knew of. It was a secret only he knew and he soon found himself seeking its solitude. A resting place between missions. A place to patch up. A place to hide when his mind was too loud, trying to escape from clutches he didn't understand.

It was the closest place he had to freedom.

The soldier pushed through the heavy wooden doors, entering the dark oak foyer. He stilled, torn between taking you down to the cellar or taking you to the rooms up in the master wing.

How could he chain something so soft.

How could he imprison something so delicate.

His feet began to move towards the large staircase before his mind could process anything, shifting to carry you in his arms as he made his way up to the west wing. He set you down gently onto the large bed with the soft sheets, careful not to stir you. He stared at your sleeping form, unmoving from his place as you softly snored, the choices of his actions beginning to plague his mind.

What was he to do with you now. Why hadn't he gotten rid of you.

He knew the rules; once his job was done, he was to return to the base but he hadn't completed the mission. He had been away for weeks and the longer he was away, the louder the screaming was. The voice of a young sergeant who fought bravely in the war. The pleading young man, scared like a child, trapped in the body of a killing machine. The cries of a little boy trying so hard to runaway from monsters that haunted him every single night. All trapped and begging to escape.

He'd let the professor live.

It was wrong of him.

He disobeyed his orders.

Or perhaps it was the right thing to do.

Though the soldier had been brainwashed, there were times he found himself caught in-between a state of control and chaos. His duties were to Hydra. He knew this was wrong. You shouldn't be here. His task was to continue their vision. He was their asset. He belonged to them.

His tourmiol continued. Why did he spare the professor. Why did he bring the girl and set her down on the softest bed out of all the rooms when he should have chained her in a cell. Exhaustion began to weigh on him but he didn't close his eyes. He didn't allow sleep to consume him. The soldier remained in place even as the sun rose. He watched as you stirred, soft sunlight streaming through the curtains, falling onto your face.

-

You blinked, rubbing sleep from your eyes, a fearful gasp escaping your lips when you saw him sitting in the armchair in the corner of the room. A thousand thoughts began to run through your mind at once as you sat up, a part of you surprised to find your hands and legs free from binds. You were atop a plush mattress on a large bed, the room itself surprisingly warm and quaint. Had you not been in a state of terror, you would have taken some time to appreciate the olive green walls and fine paintings that decorated the space as well as the well kept antique furniture.

"Please don't hurt me" You whispered, still disoriented from the night before.

"я не буду" [I won't] He replied, aware you didn't understand him. His lips twitched, all the words of English he wanted to speak dying in his mouth. His mind wouldn't allow it.

It wasn't required for this mission.

You stayed frozen in place while he said nothing else, walking off and closing the door behind him. Tears welled in your eyes as dread began to set in. This was your life now. He could kill you at any moment without warning. In fact, you didn't understand why he hadn't. From the rumours, you knew the soldier never took prisoners. You didn't know why you were spared; the only sliver of joy you had was that your father was alive. You thought about your him as you gathered yourself out of bed, deciding to make the best of your circumstances with the faintest hope that one day you'd be reunited with him again.

You inspected the room the soldier had put you in. There was a vanity across the bed. A walk in closet that only contained a few old sheets. You gasped as you entered the en suite bathroom, white marble tiles covering the floor, a large clawfoot tub, brass and gold accents decorated the handles of the cupboards.

The room was enchanting.

After splashing some water onto your face, you crept into the hallway, padding down to the staircase, surprised again at the beauty of the place. High ceilings. Dark wood. Crystal albeit dusty chandeliers. French doors. Original paintings. It was the type of place you'd imagine when you read fairytales. It would have been the type of place you'd dream to live in; one you'd only imagine in your wildest fantasies where the princess finds her prince. Such stories were only found in books.

You quietly explored the main floor of the mansion and avoiding the rooms which were locked shut. You didn't dare touch a thing, quickly retreating back to your room once you'd seen everything, familiarizing yourself with it's layout. The kitchen. A study. A living room. The hauntinly beautiful hallways. A door to the grounds in the back. You hadn't seen the soldier which both relieved and scared you.

Where did he disappear to?

That night, there was a knock at your door and when you opened it, a plate of warm food was left on a tray. Boiled carrots. Potatoes. A dinner roll. You hadn't even heard his footsteps down the hall. As you peered out of your room, it was empty without the slightest hint that anyone had been there seconds ago.

Where had he gone?

You hadn't realized how hungry you were until you took the first bite, scarfing down the rest in haste, placing the tray back in the hall. The next day was the same. You woke up to find a simple spread of breakfast outside of your room; toast and jam.

The soldier was a man of his word; if you were to be his captive, he had to keep you alive.

At least until he knew what to do with you...

Days had passed and you'd managed to avoid him, keeping to yourself and staying out of his way but you weren't able to avoid him forever.

-

The soldier had already heard you coming, pausing his cleaning as he waited for you to enter. The sight of your trembling form evoked something inside him.

You were scared. He didn't like it.

His mask remained on his face while his blue eyes peered at you, waiting for you to speak.

"I-I need clothes" Your voice was hardly a whisper, body shaking as you approached him, finding him in the study room, parts of his gun in hand. There was nothing wrong with the simple cotton dress you had on though it certainly wasn't comfortable to sleep in every night and you weren't able to wash and it dry within the same day. You needed at least one other set of something to wear. "Please"

He nodded without a word, resuming his cleaning while you retreated to your room. His brows furrowed as he thought about what you'd need. Perhaps it would be easier to return you and finish off the professor or get rid of you both-

No.

No.

He didn't want more blood on his hands.

The foods he stole were already a risk....where would he go for clothes?

-

The next morning, you found a fresh set of clothes left beside your tray of breakfast. You lifted the pile and brought it to your room, munching on the toast that had come with honey instead of jam for a change.

There was a red Henley and some sweatpants. A black t shirt and joggers. A few other basics for you to wear comfortably around the house. You couldn't help but giggle at the very large leather jacket he'd also left in case you felt cold even though there were already plenty of warm blankets. They were very clearly his own clothes but they were all washed and perfectly clean. You couldn't expect him to go shopping for you.

You threw off your dress, taking a long bath before drying off and slipping on the Henley and sweats. They were warm and soft, fitting loosely on your smaller frame, his soft scent of something distinctly him clinging onto the material. It was strange that it didn't bother you. Quite the opposite. It was pleasant, almost comforting.

You wondered about the man behind the mask and who he was. Such a dangerous man who was giving you the clothes off his back, feeding you and keeping you alive even though he'd killed hundreds of others. He was dangerous and yet he looked at you with such softness, you couldn't understand how he'd be capable of hurting anyone.

What was his story?

He hadn't chained you to the bed.

He hadn't locked you in your room.

You were free to go about where you liked.

Surely he wasn't all evil?

As you grew more accustomed to your living arrangement, you decided to inspect more of the kitchen. You hadn't been told you couldn't cook; even if the soldier didn't kill you, boredom eventually would. You needed something to pass the time and he had disappeared yet again.

You opened the fridge and pantries surprised to find a few fruits and vegetables stocked up. An untouched sack of flour and bag of sugar sat at the bottom of the shelves. Who knew the winter soldier enjoyed plums so much? There were a few pots and pans as well as basic kitchen utensils. You didn't need much to make a simple meal, careful not to make a mess as you began to peel some carrots.

-

The soldier blinked as he entered the house, the smell of food wafting throughout, a smell he hadn't come across in a long time.

Home.

There was a pot of stew left on the stove along with a pie left to cool on the counter. His eyes widened at the way his stomach grumbled; it had been years since he'd truly felt hunger. He ate for sustenance. Raw, uncooked, at most boiled food to keep him going. When he was with Hydra, he was fed with a tube.

Just basic nutrients to keep him alive.

He hadn't had a home cooked meal in years.

-

You woke up the next morning to find a pastry at your door instead of toast. When you wandered into the kitchen, you smiled at the tiny crumbs left pie tin and the now empty pot of stew. There were also newly stocked ingredients waiting for you; berries, potatoes, somehow even a whole chicken. You got to work, deciding to try something new each time; each night a warm meal awaited the soldier along with something sweet at the end.

He continued to bring you breakfast but there were only so many different pastries and cakes he could nick, besides they didn't compare to yours.

It wasn't enough. The soldier frowned at the strange feelings he had within himself.

He wanted to do something for you.

He wasn't sure what. He smuggled a handful of cookies you'd baked that morning into his room before removing his mask and savoring each once. He didn't leave a crumb behind, licking the remnants of chocolate off his lips while his mind wandered. You didn't have to cook for him. In fact you had every right to try and escape from him but you never did. He recalled the number of bookshelves that lined your home, after all he'd taken note of every detail as part of his mission.

You liked to read.

-

You sat up when you heard a knock at your door, the soldier waiting on the other side. He looked at you with a softness you hadn't seen previously, turning around and walking down the hall, hoping you'd follow him.

You stayed a few feet behind, trailing after him as he led you to the living room, leading you to the large bookshelf. He wordlessly stood by it, the strange sensation of nervousness and anxiety bubbling within him when you looked at what he wanted to show you.

Would you like it? You looked so unsure, scared. Perhaps you wanted to be free, you wanted to leave, you-

"M-May I?"

He blinked hearing your voice, nodding, watching your eyes light up as you scanned the various book titles. Gasps of joy and little squeals of delight escaped your lips as you came across stories you adored.

That wasn't the only thing that made his heart beat faster. Seeing you in his clothes stirred something in him. You were dressed in his red Henley, the hem reaching mid thigh. He was pulled away from admiring you as you squeaked, seeing one of your favorite books from when you were a little girl, a first edition no less.

"How did you get all these" You were in absolute awe, lost in your own world while he pondered how he came to own such treasures. Perhaps he was always a soldier gone rogue. His missions came with a side of thievery when he'd see something that would catch his eye. Something that would spark a memory of sorts, such as an old book he'd seen as he passed an vintage bookstore. Soon, the shelves of the mansion were filled with books and trinkets he'd collected. A part of his brain would nearly break itself to try and connect to the things he'd collect, only for the memories to fail to fall into place.

His mind felt like a pile of shreds from different cloths; pieces that would never fit together again. His little treasures were the closest he'd ever get to remembering, a few sparks from the past that would forever be disconnected.

-

Ever since the soldier had shown you the shelves of books, you'd left your room more often, spending more time reading after cooking. In a strange way you also began to trust the very masked man who had taken you away. You didn't worry about him hurting you. You no longer worried about running into him. He hardly spoke, nothing more than a few words of Russian. He hadn't demanded you stay locked in your room, so why did you?

You picked up one of your favorite books, deciding to read outside in the garden, in need of some fresh air. You hadn't taken much time to look at the outside of the house, pausing as you opened the doors that entered the grounds. It was strangely beautiful, especially considering the assassin who resided in it. For such a dark soul, nature still continued to flourish around it. Tall, overgrown hedge fences surrounded the backyard while weeping willows and bushes of flowers shaded the stone paths that led to a fountain in the very center. You found a comfortable spot under the tree, settling onto the cool grass, the scent of spring calming you as you turned to the first page.

-

The soldier trudged through the doorway, surprised at the way his appetite had grown since you'd started cooking. His body which was used to sustaining itself on the bare minimum now rumbled through the day. He'd find his mind wandering to your pies and craving the comfort of the soup you'd make. The food was set in the kitchen but you were nowhere to be found. He walked past your room, knocking on the door, only to be met with silence.

Where did you go? Did you run away?

He knew something was wrong when he felt his heart sink because he couldn't find you. He couldn't remember the last time his heart felt anything other than emptiness. It was more than just you escaping.

He was worried about you.

He took longer strides as he searched for you with purpose, fingers already itching to reach towards his gun, deciding to first check the grounds in the back. His heart settled when he saw the doors to the garden left ajar, finding you nestled in the shade, curled up in the grass with a book.

You were safe. You hadn't run away.

Again he was left stunned and unable to move. You were the final piece in the puzzle of the garden; you fit there like the perfect flower. He'd seen the garden 100 times before and it had never looked so beautiful.

Not until now.

Roses and daisies grew in abundance but you were the prettiest thing there. You were meant to be there; a soft, delicate, flower.

"цветок"

You set down the book you were reading, looking up to see the soldier peering down at you. You hadn't heard him coming as he appeared before you with the silence of a ghost.

"цветок" He repeated, gazing at you before looking towards a daisy. He kneeled, plucking one and handing it to you, "цветок. мягкий, как ты" [Flower. Soft, like you]. You felt your cheeks heat up as he looked at you intently, blinking with an innocence you hadn't seen before. He looked almost...shy?

"Thank you" You whispered, stroking the petal of the flower he gave you. You didn't understand why you longed for him to stay as he went back inside, your curiosity about him growing with each passing day.

It went on like this.

Most days, you would spend your time exploring the trinkets the soldier collected, staying out of his way while he disappeared into the forest to do things you didn't pry into. Each night you knew he would return, hearing the heavy creak of the doors open during the darkest hours. You'd hear the quiet sound of clinking cutlery and then the soft sound of his bedroom door shut.

Except tonight.

You set down your book hearing the sound of heavy boots dragging down the hall, quite different from the silence the soldier usually moved with. A sense of dread washed over you as you debated on staying put, something telling you to lock the door, hide, something-

"What do we have here" The click of your door opening sent shivers down your spine, your blood running cold as a man strode in, a metal mask covering his face showing nothing but his eyes. You wanted to scream but your voice was stuck in your throat, you felt safe with the soldier, this man was not the same, he lunged towards you, knife in hand, the blade swiping towards your neck, "The soldiers little pet"-

"DON'T TOUCH HER" A growl shook the window as you hugged your knees to yourself waiting for the knife to plunge but it never came. You gasped as the man was ripped away, the flash of silver gleaming as the soldier grabbed him and hauled him away, shutting the door behind him.

"You're weak. You were supposed to kill him"

"So this is what's been keeping you"

"Kill her and come back to us. That's an order"

"Rumlow-

"Kill her. They're nothing more than collateral damage, end them, желание-

You didn't dare move, tears spilling down your cheeks as you heard the sounds of a struggle growing further and further away, eventually melting into silence.

He saved you.

You heard him return, still frozen in fear but the sound of a pained whimper pulled you out of bed. You peered into the hall, eyes widening in horror seeing a trail of blood staining the floors leading to his room, streaks of crimson smeared onto the wall. You didn't think twice as you dashed out of your room to his, your body moving faster than your mind could comprehend as you let yourself in.

Your heart continued to race seeing the blood lead to the washroom where he stood with a needle in hand, beginning to sew a gash on his side across his ribs. His bloodied tactical gear was thrown on the floor though his mask still remained hoping to silence himself as he attempted to take care of himself.

He hissed in pain, piercing his skin while his head began to spin, multiple wounds needing attention, the blood loss starting to take its toll.

"Let me" you hesitated to touch him, going against your better judgement when you wrapped your hand around his wrist, pulling his hand away. The soldier shook his head, fighting the way his body craved for something more gentle, more caring, more loving than the jagged and painful stitches he was giving himself.

"I won't hurt you, soldat" you looked in his eyes with such sincerity, for a moment he thought he'd ask you to be his girl.

Such a doll...

One he'd take dancing...

Call you darlin' with that Brooklyn drawl...

He blinked at the fleeting memory, a whimper escaping his lips when you dabbed his gash with an alcohol soaked cotton ball. You blew across the cut to soothe the pain before taking the needle and carefully stitching him up with a feather light touch.

"There" You whispered after taking care of the awful injuries that littered his body, leading out of the bathroom to lie down so he could rest. You didn't dare ask what had happened as you looked around the room; though there was a large bed with the softest sheets and finest materials but the makeshift pallet on the floor was clearly where he chose to sleep at night. He collapsed from exhaustion, falling into a deep sleep while you remained by his side.

You watched the rise and fall of his chest, occasionally glancing over the dressings you'd put to see if blood had seeped through. You couldn't bring yourself to leave him alone, only getting up to see if you could find a sheet to drape cover yourself with in the cold room. As you removed the blanket that covered the bed, something caught your eye in the mostly untouched room.

A wooden box, carefully tucked away in the furthest corner of the room. There wasn't any dust on it, compared to the other pieces of furniture that were never used. It was something he very clearly wanted to keep a secret. His other treasures that were out in the open on the shelf were different from this.

Even the soldier had secrets.

Your curiosity got the best of you as you made your way to the corner, lifting the box as silently as you could so you didn't wake him, inspecting its contents.

Newspaper articles, some decades old.

Old photographs.

One of a young man.

The eyes.

Those blue eyes you'd become so familiar with.

James Buchanan Barnes.

A brave soldier who fought in the war. A young man, no, a boy, drafted to war, his life ripped away from him, leaving him for dead in an icy forest. You blinked back tears at the innocence the young Sergeants eyes held, bright and heroic, hoping to help in a fight that wasn't his. Scribbles on scrap pieces of paper read "I am James Buchanan Barnes" repeatedly.

Your could feel your heart break into tiny little fragments as you pieced together what happened to the boy from Brooklyn, he had his whole life ahead of him but-

A pained scream tore from his lungs, his eyes squeezed shut as you knelt by his side again, brows furrowed together. You looked over his injuries, everything was still in place but he sounded like he was being tortured. He tossed around, his screams melting into sobs, pleading for someone to stop.

"James?" You hesitated to use his real name, your hushed voice made him flinch in his sleep but it wasn't enough to pull him as he begged for the painto end. He didn't want to lose his memories again. He wanted to remember. Please?

"You're alright James" You cooed softly, running your fingers through his locks while tears continued to stream down his face, lost in a nightmare. "You're not alone"

You were careful not to scared him awake, your gentle ministrations soothing him, his cries coming to a stop. You wiped away the remnants of tears that fell against his cheek, some slipping beneath the mask he refused to remove. You didn't have in you to take it off, not without asking him first. His soft snores filled the room once again as the sun began to rise.

-

He stirred feeling a strange warmth surrounding his body blinking in confusion when he found soft sheets draped over him. The usual sting he'd feel after stitching himself up was nearly non existent. He ran his fingers along the gash, the neat little sutures still in place, covered with a bandage to protect the area. Bits and pieces of the night came to him in waves.

Running into his captors. Evading them. Escaping. The bloodshed. The weapons. The injuries. The pain.

However, there was also softness. Such tenderness. The touch of an angel he'd only be able to imagine in his wildest dreams that would never come true. Not for someone like him. Such sweetness. God, he'd missed it. He missed what such love and care felt like. It was so foreign to him. He was so used to the cold. Razor sharp, jagged edges. He'd forgotten so many things but the longer he kept to himself, the more that came back to him.

You called him by his name. He was sure of it. In the muddled fog of nightmares, he was sure he heard an angel call.

He knew he was in no condition to move or get you breakfast but the delicious smell of your cooking wafted through the halls letting him know it was okay for him to rest. He closed his eyes, flinching at the few prickles of pain he felt in his head.

You were there.

You'd take care of him.

He couldn't remember everything just yet but surely the puzzle pieces would fall into place soon.

-

"NO" The sound of the soldiers pained cry made you drop the book you were reading in your room, running off to find him. He'd fallen asleep after eating what you made for him that evening; you were sure he was getting better. He knelt on the floor, sweat covering his body as he gripped his hair, pulling from the roots. He felt another sharp piercing pain in his head, fleeting memories of things he didn't understand all flooding back at once.

You rushed to his side, taking his hands into yours to keep him from hurting himself. His eyes shot up, tears threatening to spill over, all the things he thought were lost forever coming back together.

He was a Sergeant.

A soldier.

A young man.

One who loved to go dancing.

One who wanted to help others.

Hydra turned him into a beast but you brought him back.

There was always something about you.

His sweet flower.

He relaxed feeling your soft fingers trace against his palms in hopes of grounding him, giving both his flesh and metal hands equal affection. He gently pulled his right hand away to remove the mask, letting you see all of him.

"Soldat?" You whispered, hesitantly brining your hand up to his scruffy cheek. He pressed his hand against yours, leaning into the warmth of your touch, he never wanted it to end.

"цветок" [flower] he whispered back, your eyes widening hearing the precious name he had just for you, "It's me, flower"

"James?" You knew it was no longer the soldier speaking, this was the little boy from Brooklyn, his piercing blue eyes now full of warmth and light.

"Your father, I have to take you home, flower I'm so sorry-" dread began to consume him as he realized how long he'd taken you for, trading one life for another, how could he-

"James, breathe" You held his face in your hands, wiping away the tears that began to fall, your hand coming down the rest against his erratic heart, "It wasn't your fault, I-I read what happened to you, you were taken, it was never you, you're a good person" You soothed his aching heart but it didn't ease how heavy it felt. Every part of him wanted to beg for you to run away, so far away from him so you could be home again yet his arms moved on their own, wrapping you up and holding you close, you fit so perfectly with him.

"I'm still a broken man, цветок" Bucky whispered with a sad smile, holding you with such care as you curled up in his lap. "I don't think I deserve to hold something as sweet as you"

"You're not broken, you deserve this and more" You cooed, inhaling his soft scent, your nose brushing against the column of his neck.

"You took care of me, flower" Bucky held you tighter, hiding his face into the crook of your neck, feeling safe for the first time in years, home had never felt closer.

"And you took care of me" Your fingers moved to card through his hair, pulling his face away so he'd look at you.

"I took you with me, doll" He couldn't shake the fact that he'd taken you from your father, first intending to kill him and then taking you in his place. "I didn't give you a choice, you should be home" The guilt ate him from the inside, if he'd been himself, he would have never-

"And you still protected me with your life" You whispered, your forehead resting against his.

"And I always will" Bucky promised, his lips brushing against yours. He meant it from the bottom of his soul, he'd always protect you no matter where you were. It didn't matter that he didn't want you to leave, that he wished you could stay, he knew you belonged elsewhere. He'd still always make sure you were safe. Exhaustion began to pull at him, his eyes growing heavy as his body continued to fight what Hydra wanted him to do and the man he really was.

"Sleep, Jamie" You pulled him down to lay on your chest, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead and for the first time in years, he slept soundly without a nightmare.

Over the next few days, you continued to nurse the soldier back to health, hushing him each time he plead for you to go, insisting he'd be okay to manage on his own.

"My body will heal, I promise, you don't have to do all this for me, let me take you home-

"Once you're all better. I'll write to him so he knows I'm safe" You pressed a finger to his pink lips before going back to tucking him in bed. It was true that the cuts had all cleared up exceptionally quicker than normal but you could see the mental exhaustion that plagued him each day.

He found a way to get in touch with your father without alerting anyone in Hydra from finding him and while your father graciously forgave him with understanding, nothing felt easier. He promised to return you home as soon as it was safe but the longer he spent with you, the more he selfishly wished for it to last forever. He promised your father he'd take care of you in every way possible but he knew it was truly you taking care of him.

He'd sleep soundly when you were near, falling asleep quickly when you'd read to him, sometimes softly playing with his hair so he'd relax. The few times he'd been alone, the awful memories would come flooding back leaving him confused and disoriented. It broke your heart hearing him cry, the soldier who was nothing but a killing machine truly an innocent man on the inside, a prisoner of his own mind.

You'd comfort him every single time, every moment more intimate than the next. It started with your soothing voice, sitting by his bed where you'd call his name, your fingers caressing the scruff of his beard, wiping away his tears. Then the nights came where you crawled into bed with him, helping him fall asleep with his head on your lap only to wake up with your limbs tangled together.

Then he started to hold you before he was asleep. He held you tightly while telling you stories about things he could remember. Things that made him smile. That his nickname was Bucky. You would do the same. You told him about all the things your father taught you. He'd start to kiss you goodnight. Innocently with a peck to the top of your head.

Sometimes your cheek.

He so badly wanted to kiss your lips, stopping himself when he felt his stomach stir, especially when your sweet doe eyes looked up at him. When he cuddled you, his arms would wrap around your body, his hands finding their way to the hem of the Henley you wore. His henley. His fingers would slip up to feel your skin, knowing such an angel was real grounded him. You'd do the same, tracing over his scars, neither of you openly talking about the growing tension between you both each day.

-

"Will you read to me?" Bucky asked, wrapping his arms around your waist, his head resting on your shoulder while you stirred some honey into the tea you were making. You giggled at his needy cuddles, his much larger form practically engulfing you from behind. "Please"

"Who'd have thought such a strong, scary soldier would want bedtime stories" you cooed, letting him carry you away to his room, making a stop at the bookshelf first to pick out a new story.

He settled against the headboard with you tucked in his lap, relaxing at you made yourself comfy between his thighs. Your words had an affect on him he couldn't describe, no longer paying attention to what you were saying and instead watching the movement of your lips. Your eyes darting across the pages. Your body pressed against his.

The butterflies started again.

His stomach stirred.

He tried to adjust himself, pulling you into a hug to calm himself down, ignoring the way he wished he could have more.

"You alright, Jamie?" you asked, feeling his squirming, his eyes growing wide as if he'd been caught red handed. He shook his head, insisting you continue reading, God he didn't know what to do with himself.

He fidgeted again, this time trying to keep you off the tightness growing more and more, you made it so difficult for him-

"Are you sure you're okay bub?"

"I don't remember much but-I-I know I want you closer, flower" His voice was shy, his adams apple nervously bobbing in his neck as he shifted, unable to hide the hardness between his legs. His mind was a mess, fragments of love and intimacy struggling to piece themselves together yet he knew enough to want to hold you close.

He wanted to feel your soft skin on his.

He wanted to kiss you in places that would make your cheeks warm.

Where you'd want to cover yourself but let him have you, just him.

He wanted to feel your hands touch him everywhere. He wouldn't flinch at your delicate ministrations, he'd give all of himself to you. He'd trust you in his most vulnerable state, feeling things he hadn't for years, so heavy between his legs.

"How much closer, Jamie" you couldn't meet his eyes, gripping onto his t-shirt instead, setting the book on the nightstand, now all your attention on him.

"You know, angel" He let his nose bury into your hair, the blush on his cheeks travelling to his neck. He couldn't bring himself to actually say what he wanted, hesitantly moving his hands to your hips instead, slipping up your shirt to hold your waist. "Can-can I kiss you?"

He could hardly recognize himself, nervous beyond comprehension, his heart racing when you nodded, cupping his cheek to look at you. He leaned down to press his lips to yours.

"More" You let your body melt into his, his tongue lacing with yours, deepening the kiss. He didn't pull away until he desperately needed air, no longer able to contain his arousal.

"M'sorry angel, s'been so long, my body's not the same-

"Don't. Don't you dare, I adore you just like this Sergeant" He sucked in a breath as you toyed with the hem of his shirt, nodding after a moment letting you take it off. You kissed every scar on his chest, your head resting on his shoulder where metal met flesh, "You're the most handsome, beautiful man," You kissed his neck making him hiss, your tummy jumping at the feeling of his erection now pressed right against you, "You deserve all of this"

"Can I see you, please?" He undressed you with such care as if he was unwrapping the most precious present, first laying you down before slipping your top off. You wordlessly undressed each other until there was nothing left to take off going right back to wrapping your body with his.

"You're the softest thing I've ever touched" He whispered, loving how you felt, your thigh hitched over his hip, your breasts pressed against his bare chest, your soft tummy against the hard planes of his abs, your hands rubbing up and down his spine, oh God your silky most sacred parts absolutely soaking his length. His body moved on its own, rutting up to chase more, his cock slotting so perfectly with his flushed tip rubbing against your clit.

The desperate moan he let out made you gush, seeing how lost he was in chasing how good you felt with the stutter of his hips.

"M'so hard" He whined, hugging you tightly, "Please angel, do something" It was the most delicious torture. You pulled away from his hold wanting to give him every bit of loving he deserved, giving his body the pleasure it had been deprived of. You shuffled to kneel between his legs, his eyes growing wide, your face so dangerously close to where he was achingly hard. There was no way, you weren't going to- your lips pressed a gently kiss to his frenulum and the tears started, you wouldn't give him more than this-

"Baby, oh God, no, no, I can't angel, oh God-OHH" He cried, his body splayed wide for you, bach arching off the bed as you took his swollen cockhead into your mouth, your tongue swirling around his circles, licking every bit of his essence that dripped out. Your face was between his legs, his cock was in your mouth, you were suckling off his most sensitive parts, how could he not spread his thighs apart further for you. He'd never been so open or vulnerable, letting you play and toy with his cock, his tears soaking the pillow at his balls started to pull towards his body, it couldn't be over so soon-

"Sweet baby, please, please-" He pulled you off his cock, bringing you up to smash his lips against yours, his thick length slapping against his tummy. He could have sworn he was close to cumming just tasting himself on your tongue. "Can-please I want to-" He scrambled to lay you against the pillows as you squeaked at the way he manhandled you in desperation, "please"

He was between your thighs, sighing with heart eyes as he carefully spread your folds with his fingers, taking his time smearing around your slick, your throbbing clit begging for his mouth. He latched on like a baby, nursing with the most needy gurgles, your gasp melting into a moan making his eyes roll back.

He couldn't believe he had his mouth on his pretty angel, his tongue toying with the precious parts between her legs, letting him taste her, drinking up her nectar, feeding him in the best way possible.

"I-oh-slow down baby, please, M'gonna- You gasped, feeling surges of pleasure already pulsing as he flicked his tongue with precision, his arms wrapping around your thighs, tossing them over his wide shoulders.

"Mph, cum" he whined before diving in for more, greedily humping and grinding against the mattress, how was he supposed to last like this.

"Want-want to feel you, please" You begged, needing him inside you, giving you something thick and hard to cum on. He didn't waste a second, shakily clambering back on top of you, nervously positioning himself at your entrance.

"You sure, sweet girl? I-it's been so long"

"I trust you" You pulled him down to kiss his reddened nose making him blush, letting out the breath he was holding as he started to push. You both moaned together as he buried himself all the way, stilling once he was flush against you, his orgasm already so close to shooting at the base of his cock.

"Hng, I needed this angel" He didn't move and you didn't need him to, just the feeling of him stretching and filling you fulfilling something you couldn't describe. You loved the feeling of you both being connected in the most intimate way, joined as one, it felt so right like he was finally where he was meant to be. Like he'd found his everything.

Your thighs moved to hug his waist, your arms around his shoulders. He drew his hips back and thrusted forward gentle, the gasp escaping your lips urging him to keep going. He started to move at a steady pace, bringing his hands to lace with yours, pinning them against the bed.

"I love you-even if I have no right, I love you so much" Bucky lost himself to you, his hips moving at a slow grind, letting every inch of his cock fill and caress your walls, "You showed me love when I least deserved it"

"Fuck, I love you too!" You cried out, the curls at the base of his cock rubbing your clit, sending you higher and higher. "Oh, James!"

"My God, the way you say my name when m'inside you, say it again baby, please" He started to move faster on his own accord, primal urges starting to take over as he began to chase his pleasure and yours.

"Please, James, feels-feels so good"

"Gonna make me cum so hard, the things y'do to me baby, drives me crazy, wanna be like this for the rest of my life, making love to you and nothing else, swear this is all I want"

"James, gonna-gonna cum"

"Cum with me angel, all over my cock baby, cum on it, wanna feel it, please give it to me, I need it. Need your sweet cream all over me, fuck-yeah-jus like that-" You clenched around his cunt, his name dripping from your lips as your orgasm crashed over you. That was all it took as he tucked his face right against your neck, holding you tight as he trembled, it was so much,

"M'cumming!!" His sob was muffled as his cock throbbed, warm streams of his cum pumping you full, his ass stuttering with each jerk of his hips. "So-so much for you, s'all for you angel"

Bucky made love to you everywhere, not one place left without him taking you apart to his heart's content, including the garden. The story you were reading was long forgotten as he took you under the shade of the tree, the long wispy branches of the willow tree hiding you from the rest of the world.

The summer sun cocooned you in a blanket of warmth as clothes were all tossed aside leaving you both bare on the sheet you'd spread on the grass, the sounds of the breeze, the rustle of the bushes and your moans blending in so perfectly with his rhythmic thrusts.

"Beautiful" he whispered against your cheek, pulling away so he could look at every bit of you, "So beautiful for me like this"

"Jamie, stop" You grew bashful, you knew no one could see you in your secluded spot so deep in the forest but you still felt so vulnerable, spread out naked with just his body covering you, shamelessly taking his cock while the afternoon sun hung in the sky.

"S'just us baby, just you and me, don't worry" He purred, bringing your arms up, holding your wrists in his metal arm while his flesh hand came down to caress your face. "We're not doing anything wrong darling, m'showing you how much I love you, how good you make me feel, yeah?"

"Yeaah" Your voice melted into a breathy whine as he started to move with more purpose, his warm breath fanning against your face.

"Lookit how pretty you are sweet girl, my pretty flower, you were meant to be here baby, feels so right, just like this"

Out of all the stories and poetry you'd read to him, this was what Bucky saw as true art. He'd seen the finest paintings around the world in the richest houses, guarded by the highest security. He'd seen nature's most incredible wonders with the tallest trees, the sweetest flora and nothing, absolutely nothing, would top how gorgeous you were, bare, on the grass, him filling you up, it was euproic.

The image was etched in his brain, he'd treasure it forever. Your shy moans. The clench of your cunt. The way he filled you up and kept his cock in you even after it was soft. The way you cuddled and kissed in a post sex haze, listening to the sounds of the forest. He could have cried at the way you fell asleep in his arms, so trusting for him to keep you safe.

This was all he needed.

He took care of you, keeping you protected while he did his best to eradicate Hydra with you to patch him up each time he came home. As soon as it was safe, he took you right home and under the care of your father, he healed from the words that held him captive.

It didn't take long for your home to be filled with the sounds of tiny feet mixed with the sounds of science experiments gone wrong; your little babies, their daddy and their papa getting up to mischief at all hours.

"Careful, flower" Bucky shook his head, running towards you as you waddled into the living room with an expression of concern on your face, cocking an eyebrow when you saw your son looking up at you with bug eyed goggles matching his papa.

Bucky came to steady you, his hands coming to wrap around your growing belly while your father and son continued to tinker away at a new creation.

"How are my princesses" He cooed while you huffed, still wondering what they were doing.

"We're both wondering what you're going here James"

"Papa's building me a rocket-

"A bicycle! Just a bicycle darling, go sit, son why don't you take her for a walk" You father ushered you and Bucky out, sending a wink to his grandson.

"A bicycle my foot" You shook your head while Bucky took you to the kitchen, setting a pot of water, ready to dote on you as usual.

"He gets that side of him from you, love" Bucky chuckled, coming down to kiss your belly, resting his head there. "Just wait until she's here too"

"You're a menace, Sergeant"

"You married me, darling" Bucky pouted making you giggle, cupping his face to kiss his jutting lips.

"and I love every bit of you"

"I love you more, pretty girl"

You would always be his flower.

[urlocaldesertdweller]

How far he is willing to go for you (Stanford x reader)

angst at first, then fluff

During his youth as much as you want to ignore it, he is going to put his studies and knowledge before you, especially when he starts to put all of his focus on the source of anomalies in Gravity Falls.

At first, you were fine with this. After all, you thought that this obsession for finding out about the truth was going to pass.

It only grew, as much as you wanted to ignore the cold empty spot in your once shared bed.

This obsession only grows once he meets Bill. Curiosity kills the cat. You couldn't stand any of it, the overbearing loneliness was becoming too much. And even the time you can tell that he hasn't been taking care of himself both physically and mentally.

He snaps at you when you even try to get him to go outside. He'd go into rambles and mutter about how you could never understand what is upon humanity with his greatest work in progress. You are stunned, to say the least.

You know it is hopeless to argue, he will only return back into that dusty, suffocating basement.

You went out by the time Stanford was pulled into that portal looking for a new place to stay.

But something brings you back to that dreaded cabin. And you saw "Stanford" acting different...something screamed that it wasn't your Stanford.

You are quick to see through the imposter's BS as you become aggressive and confrontational. You were never afraid to pull up a gun your Ford made and gave you for "emergencies".

The imposter turns out to be Stanford's twin brother as you continue to draw out more information while you learn more about Ford's family. Stan mutters under his breath a snarky comment about how Ford's managed to marry another equally as crazed weapon-wielding manic.

The news of hearing that the very same reason Stanford has been killing himself over has now trapped him in some dimension makes you feel sick. Stanly only tells you this, you are the only person he tells about the accident, he tells you to tell absolutely no one if you want to work together to start the portal back up once more for Ford.

You can't bear to live in that house anymore, especially over time you watch Stanley turn the home you once loved with Ford with all of your heart into a tourist trap. But you keep your mouth shut about your opinion against Stan, you only come around that ugly home to just hide yourself in the cold basement to work on the portal.

You went from lonely to lonely and bitter. Despite everything you thought about Ford in the last few times you interacted with him, you still loved him. Even if it felt like he was choosing a doomsday device over you. You are sure to remind yourself you get that sucker back in your arms you'll punch some sense into him.

Throughout the painfully long 30 years that have passed, you work tirelessly on the portal, looking for the other two journals, and struggling to keep yourself on the ground from going insane over this damn portal. Its form mocks you every time you look at it, only seeing it as the reason why Ford started to go nuts.

The summer when the new Pines twins come into town gives you another reason to drive you toward the future. From Mabel's lovely personality and lighthearted jokes to Dipper's similar antics to...Fords. The kids kept you grounded, and frankly, you treated them like your own, willing to do anything to keep them safe from any harm.

...

You'd never thought you finally see the portal open up once more after nearly destroying the entire town and getting arrested but the American government.

The figure walks out of the portal covered up from head to toe looking like from another time and world.

Your racing heart slows down as Stan explains to the twins that it was the author of the journals, his brother. To you, its Stanford the love and light of your life.

Things settle down as Ford punches Stan and then rants about how dangerous it was starting the portal again, the comment strikes a nerve. After 30 years, have you been working for this attitude for 30 fucking years?

Ford looks around looking at the new company, then his eyes lay on you wide as ever. They soften as he steps forward stretching out a hand. His tone changes to the quietest volume ever. The quick mood change confuses everyone in the room but you and Ford. Mabel is quick to catch on and gasp watching the old couple tension between you and Ford.

You tighten your face as you fist your hand and go straight into his cheek. It's your turn to rant now. From how he acted before the accident to the ungratefulness of bringing him back.

He frowns rubbing his pink cheek but he lets you rant and rant until you're out of breath, those 30 years made him forget how awful he became towards you and he completely regrets every second of it. He knows that he deserves you to be mad at him but his heart aches to touch you, feel you, and love you.

Mabel's widened grin along with everyone else is stunned by your punch and long-winded ranting of serious and complex situations within your relationship. You finish off finally with your arms tightly crossed.

The tension becomes completely awkward and everyone holds their breath looking between you and guilty-looking Ford. Stan definitely feels the weight of guilt is lifted from your interaction with Ford.

...

Ever since that day, your relationship has been rough for the first few days have been rough, Ford knew how you worked, you needed time that's all.

Eventually, you hold your breath and start talking to Ford within the first week. Of course, you'd never find yourself holding a grudge against your husband, especially at your age.

It's slow and bittersweet when Ford starts to blabber on about how sorry he was both how he treated you and his bitter reaction towards Stan and you turn on the machine for his return. To which he actually says thank you to you. It ends with both of you sniffling and tightly hugging one another, with Ford's fingers digging into your arms as if afraid of losing you once again.

Needless to say ever since that day and 30 years, he will put you before anything else. Forget the research, forget the studies, forget everything just not you.

...

As the days go by you feel a feeling you haven't felt in years, love, for your husband you thought not only fell out of love but also was lost to whatever dimension claimed him by the portal.

You both felt like a pair of flirty teenagers back in high school, from kisses, hand-holding, and cuddles. If you were ever to do it in front of the twins including Stan, he would cover the twins' eyes to which he'll remind the two of you that you have an unwanted audience and to also get a room.

Stanford would also spend nearly all of his time with you, including having you have a more important role in his smaller projects and adventures!

Stanford would sketch you in whatever journal he jots his thoughts in. Mainly admiring how beautiful you along writing small poems about you. What a charmer.

Nearly every day he always makes sure to express his gratitude both for you waiting for him and starting the portal up for him. He'll have those moments where the past comes up to him and he feels guilt once more, he will hide away or just seem down even around you.

Of course, you'll be there to reassure him with both words and kisses which also brightens up his mood and face. It seems that no matter how old and how long your marriage will last he will always get all shy with kisses.

From his lips, cheeks, forehead, hands, each finger and knuckle, neck, literally anywhere. Bonus points if you wear lipstick and the kiss marks stay, he won't realize it until someone besides you points it out. He won't wipe it away though, he wears them like a medal of honor from your love.

If you were to ever renew your vows, Stanford is completely on board by the way. It's the youngest you'll ever feel. You both look dashing in your old, or new ceremony outfits. The twins of course were proud as ever no matter the timing for both their grunkle and in-law finding love even in the fit of chaos. <3

[itsnathateasy]

Armin Week | Day 4 | SFW Prompts | Childhood OR Friends to Lovers

word count: 836 warnings: none author’s note: i made myself suffer with this one

@armin-week-2024

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

armin is the type of man i can imagine you to be in love with for a million years

like had you known each other as kids, it’s high likely that you’d hang out, you’d always be so impressed by his knowledge and soft demeanour, you can never resist a sweet friend like armin, the cute boy, never causes trouble, is shy and probably needs to man up a bit but he’s so smart that he knows he has to stand up for himself but he often doesn’t see the point to it, knowing how he’s significantly smaller than the boys that pick on him

growing up, armin is slowly transforming into something else. his body has become more muscular with age and the loads of training he’s been through but that’s not half of the change. armin now not only has an opinion, he also expresses it. you’re doomed if you don’t let him speak up, as he has the greatest comebacks. all his years of studying and learning about the world have paid off, now there’s not one person out there to ever go against him. they can try, but those who picked on him and those that think of him as less than them will probably regret speaking against him or disagreeing with him. if they’ve a point to make, armin listens with respect, but if they’re just being obnoxious, armin is quick to point it out and tolerates zero of their bullshit. armin was growing up to not only be a person you loved with all of your heart, but to a person that you admired and respected to the fullest.

all the while, you’ve become an even closer friend, a companion if you will, watching him, growing with him, learning his deepest thoughts and sharing dreams, aspirations and all of the awkward confessions of the growing up process. but it isn’t until much later that you realise you’ve been pining for him for years and years and you didn’t even know.

armin is good with the ladies now too. sure, he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but once he starts talking them up, he’s so respectful and brainy that no girl has ever denied him, he’s having them smile back and forth, makes them weak in the knees.

armin however, seems to be oblivious to all these changes. he doesn’t know how his shoulders are now broader or that his once tiny palms that you used to hold on to when running through the streets, are now tough and thick, often calloused by working his odm and weapons.

he also seems to be oblivious to his feelings, as well as yours. so when you once sat down for one of your usual late night talks, he confesses that he doesn’t know why he never truly likes other girls. they may be fun and pretty and he’s attracted to them, but he can never think how the rest of the story goes with them, because it simply doesn’t work out in his head.

“maybe there’s something wrong with me too armin because i keep thinking the same. is it normal to never have been in a relationship in our age?”

“i’m sure it’s normal… it might be uncommon though”.

there’s was a silence between you, a familiar one. you dont need to speak to know the other person is there. “you might be the only person i can see myself with” he utters out of nowhere. “we’ve been friends for so long though, it must be why i always brushed it off. it’s difficult to differentiate between the love i have for you and the love i may have for a future partner”. you were left inspecting his face in the dark, your eyebrows furrowed. the warm light coming from the fire in front of you highlighted the colour of his hair and made his eyes more prominent. when did armin become this handsome???

“what are you saying armin? we should be together because you can’t settle with anyone else?” the hurt in your voice was obvious. you kept looking into his eyes, hoping to catch any glimpse of a lie. armin wasn’t one to lie, especially not for such matters, especially not to you.

lifting the hand that he previously rested on his knee, he placed it on yours softly, his touch was almost weightless. “on the contrary. i’m saying i can’t be with anyone because i’m in love with you. frankly, i think i’ve been for a while”. he’s hand now rubbing and gripping at your knee slightly, eyes boring into yours. whatever doubt you had a few seconds prior had completely vanished. “frankly, i think i have been in love with you for a while too” you said as you placed your palm to touch his own, soft smiles appearing on your faces. armin moved his other hand to sweetly poke your cheek, resulting in you squirming backwards, smiling even wider than before. “let’s do it then” he suggested.

[dgrailwar]

Further Servant details under the cut:

HEPHAESTION:

A woman lacking a True Name. A shadow of the Conqueror King, Iskandar. Rather than a true 'Pretender', her actual class is 'Faker'.

A retainer to the king, her existence was made to serve him from birth. While she bears the name 'Hephaestion', that of the loyal confidant to the Conquering King, that is not her True Name. In truth, she is a nameless magus made to stop any curses from falling upon Iskandar, and a devout follower of the god Dionysus. A magical duplicate that draws curses intended for others into herself.

She exists as a proud warrior, not shying away from battle and proudly standing before her opponents. Due to not having a strong basis for her Saint Graph in legend, she would theoretically be a weak Heroic Spirit, but due to her studies of Age of Gods magecraft, possessing Mystic Eyes, being a warrior of Iskandar's trampling army, and her sharing skills and traits with the King of Conquerors himself, she is far mightier than one would expect.

Due to this, she's able to quickly switch between a skillset that resembles that of a formidable Caster, and one that resembles that of a mighty Rider without issue.

MUSASHIBOU BENKEI:

Musashibou Benkei was a warrior monk and a master of weapons, and one that could stand guard at a bridge to hold back even the mightiest of warriors. In some texts, they believe that he was potentially an oni due to his great strength.

As a Pretender, he is thoroughly aware that he is not truly 'Benkei', but has the abilities of his namesake in order to fight and bring honor to the real thing.

A loyal Servant to the bitter end, he does not swath himself with lies for the sake of his own personal gain, but to serve as a stalwart beacon for others. He wishes to tell the tale of the great Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune and his companion Musashibou Benkei with all he has in his heart, so that their legends will continue to persist and flourish for as long as possible. Therefore, he fights with all he has, as to not sully the name Saitou Musashibou Benkei

A Pretender in order to make up for past mistakes, he considers himself a cowardly man who will never make up for what he has done, however his role as a Servant is but the start of his arduous path towards redemption.

LADY AVALON:

An impish soul that watches others progress on their journey with a smile, a beautiful Mage of Flowers, 'Lady Avalon'.

An unholy union between man and demon, the Servant calling herself 'Lady Avalon' is a succubus by birth, and can drain the magic from enemies while also holding terrifying control over the dreams of others. She relishes in her inhuman nature, noting that she's fundamentally different than humanity, but still lends a helping hand- she claims simply for her own amusement.

She possesses a strong resemblance to the great wizard Merlin, both in appearance and in her magecraft. If she was Merlin, then she'd be one of the most renowned mages in human history. She'd be a master of spellcraft, with immensely powerful Clairvoyance and possess the title of one of the greatest wizards of the British Isles. She'd even be a Servant that qualifies for the Grand Caster seat, noting her strength among magi throughout history.

You know, if she was. But Merlin is a Caster, and a man- and she's a Pretender, and a woman… so this Servant who is Merlin's true equal simply calls herself 'Lord Merlin's younger sister' without any further explanation.

FAIRY KING OBERON:

The Fairy King from William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

He possesses a lighthearted and affable nature, being able to quickly read the room and play to the hearts of others- the type of guy who knows the right thing to say at any given moment. He claims to not have much experience in combat, being more used to giving orders or having others fight for him and playing support, though he offers to try his best.

That is the 'Oberon' that presents himself as a Servant, the surface layer being a charming prince that cares for others and loves the world around him with his entire heart. He shows a great curiosity towards others and the stories that they tell, and despite his charisma, often finds himself struggling with money.

However, as he is a Pretender, his core is 'lies'. An abyss, leading to nowhere, roils at the center of his Saint Graph- though he keeps it hidden away with a blasé smile and a casual demeanor.

[adventure-showdown]

What is your favourite Doctor Who story?

ROUND 1 MASTERPOST

synopses and propaganda under the cut

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Synopsis

"Grrrrr."

The greatest book ever written.

Professor Reginald Tyler's The True History of Planets was a twentieth-century classic; an epic of dwarves and swords and wizardry. And definitely no poodles. Or at least there weren't when the Doctor read it.

Now it tells the true tale of how the Queen of the poodles was overthrown; it's been made into a hit movie, and it's going to cause a bloodbath on the dogworld — unless the Doctor, Fitz and Anji (and assorted friends) can sort it all out.

The Doctor infiltrates the Smudgelings, Tyler's elite Cambridge writing set of the early twentieth century; Fitz falls for flamboyant torch singer Brenda Soobie in sixties Las Vegas, and Anji experiences some very special effects in seventies Hollywood. Their intention is to prevent the movie from ever being made. But there is a shadowy figure present in all three time zones who is just as determined to see it completed... so the poodle revolution can begin.

Propaganda no propaganda submitted

Anachrophobia

Synopsis

Imagine a war. A war that has lasted centuries, a war which has transformed an entire planet into a desolate No Man's Land. A war where time itself is being used as a weapon.

You can create zones of decelerated time and bring the enemy troops to a standstill. You can create storms of accelerated time and reduce the opposition to dust in a matter of seconds.

But now the war has reached a stalemate. Neither the Plutocrats nor the Defaulters have made any gains for over a hundred years.

The Doctor, Fitz and Anji arrive at Isolation Station Forty, a military research establishment on the verge of a breakthrough. A breakthrough which will change the entire course of the war.

They have found a way to send soldiers back in time. But time travel is a primitive, unpredictable and dangerous business. And not without its own sinister side effects...

Propaganda

YOU THINK MIDNIGHT IS SCARY? YOU THINK MIDNIGHT IS HORROR? TRY READING ANACHROPHOBIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! imagine. there is a war that has been raging for centuries between two groups - the plutocrats and the defaulters (YEAH THIS IS ALSO A COMMENTARY ON THE FUTILITY OF CAPITALISM AND WAR ECONOMICS!) - and both sides have developed time technology that allows them to either Speed Time Up (which can age someone to dust in the span of a few seconds) or Slow Time Down (trapping someone in a single second for millennia). the doctor and his friends are trapped in a military base that is studying time travel. they send a pod into the past, but when it comes back it brings Something With It. something that makes people Lose Their Whole Past and relive moments again and again. and also turns their faces into clocks. read this fuckkng book (@eightdoctor)

ANACHROPHOBIA ANACHROPHOBIA ANACHROPHOBIA ITS SO GOOD ITS SO GOOD YOU DONT UNDERSTAND YOU DONT UNDERSTAND. IT DEALS WITH THE TIME JUST AFTER (TWO BOOKS AFTER) THE DOCTOR HAD HIS SECOND HEART REMOVED AND IT DOES IT SO WELL. ‘‘LIKE A MAN WHO HAS LOST AN ARM STILL BEING ABLE TO SENSE MOVEMENTS IN HIS FINGERS. LIKE A MAN WHO STILL SOMETIMES FEELS THE BEAT OF A SECOND HEART’’ ARATFTFY ITS SO GOOD IT CHANGED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. THE LAST TWO BOOKS (MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN + HOPE) DIDNT MENTION MUCH ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF LOSING AN ENTIRE FUCKING HEART BUT ANACHROPHOBIA IS ALL ABOUT IT. THE DOCTOR IS SICK, WEAKER THAN USUAL, FITZ AND ANJI ARE CONCERNED, SO CONCERNED THEY’RE WONDERING IF HE CAN LIVE WITH ONLY ONE HEART. THEY GET OXYGEN CANNISTERS AND A MASK OUT FOR HIM JUST IN CASE!!!!! AND OH THE BODY HORROR OH THE BODY HORROR. IT'S GOOD ITS SO GOOD. AND SABBATH IS IN IT AND HES DISGUISED AS A GUY (ISN'T REVEALED UNTIL THE END) AND HE PRETENDS TO PANIC WHEN HE REALISES HIS COWORKERS ARE DEAD AND IT MAKES ME FEEL SICK SO SICK WHEN I REALISED HIS EMOTION WAS FAKE. ITS GOOD ITS SO GOOD ITS SO FUCKING GOOD (nix)

The Book of the Still

Synopsis

The Book of the Still is a lifeline for stranded time travellers — write your location, sign your name and be instantly rescued. When the Unnoticed learn that within the book someone has revealed both their existence and whereabouts they are forced into murderous intercession to find it.

Fitz knows where it is, but then he's the one who stole it. Carmodi, addicted to the energies trapped in frequent time travellers, also knows where it is. But she's the one who's stolen Fitz. Anji, alone on a doomed planet, trying to find evidence of a race that has never had the decency to exist, doesn't know where anybody is.

Embroiled in the deadly chase, the Doctor is starting to worry about how many people he can keep alive along the way...

Propaganda

It's a convoluted nightmare that is absolutely impossible to put down. Beautiful. (anonymous)

The Crooked World

Synopsis

The people of the Crooked World lead an idyllic existence.

Take Streaky Bacon, for example. This jovial farmer wants nothing more from life than a huge blunderbuss, with which he can blast away at his crop-stealing nemesis. And then there's Angel Falls, a racing driver with a string of victories to her name. Sure, her trusted guardian might occasionally put on a mask and menace her for her prize money, but that's just life, right? And for Jasper the cat, nothing could be more pleasant than a nice, long nap in his kitchen — so long as that darn mouse doesn't jam his tail into the plug socket again.

But somebody is about to shatter all those lives. Somebody is about to change everything — and it's possible that no one on the Crooked World will ever be happy again.

The Doctor's TARDIS is about to arrive. And when it does... That's all folks!

Propaganda

I think that the best thing about EU stories is that, by the nature of their medium, they can tell stories that couldn't be shown on the TV due to constraints ranging from TV sensors to budget limitations to the fundamental laws of reality. This is maybe the best example of how the novels can transcend all of that. The action takes place in a world of cartoons, where goofy characters chase each other around and do comedy bits. Sometimes they blow each other up, but they're always fine by the next scene, so it's okay! Enter the TARDIS. The Doctor gets shot in the chest within literal moments of leaving the ship, and his apparent inability to heal sends shockwaves through the denizens of the Crooked World. The travelers' attempts to repair the damage only result in worsening it, as for the first time, the cartoons learn about violence, death, sex, and the fundamental inequalities of their society, culminating in riots in the streets, murder, and the attempted destruction of the world. (Spoilers: the Scooby Gang discovers the corpse of God!) It's fascinating, the vast tonal shifts throughout are masterfully handled, it traumatizes and re-traumatizes you every chapter, and for my money, it's one of the best portrayals of the 'Dr. Nyarlathotep' concept in the EU (though that probably wasn't intentional) (6&7)

Camera Obscura

Synopsis

The Doctor sat alone and listened to the beat of his remaining heart. He had never got used to it. He never would. The single sound where a double should be. What was this new code hammering through his body? What did it mean? Mortal. No, he'd always known he could die. Not mortal. Damaged. Crippled. Through his shirt, his fingers sought the thick ridge of his scar. Human...

The Doctor's second heart was taken from his body — for his own good, he was told. Removed by his sometime ally, sometime rival, the mysterious time-traveller Sabbath. Now, as a new danger menaces reality, the Doctor finds himself working with Sabbath again. From a seance in Victorian London to a wild pursuit on Dartmoor, the Doctor and his companions work frantically to unravel the mystery of this latest threat to Time... Before Time itself unravels.

Propaganda

DESPAIR ACCORDS WITH REALITY BUT I INSIST ON HOPE!!!!!!! GOOD FUCKING BOOK IM UNWELL (anonymous)

The Gallifrey Chronicles

Synopsis

The Doctor's home planet of Gallifrey has been destroyed. The Time Lords are dead, their TARDISes annihilated. The man responsible has been tracked down and lured to Earth in the year 2005, where there will be no escape. But Earth has other problems — a mysterious signal is being received, a second moon appears in the sky, and a primordial alien menace waits to be unleashed...

The stage is set for the ultimate confrontation — for justice to be done. The Doctor and his companions Fitz and Trix will meet their destiny. And this time, the Doctor isn't going to be able to save everyone.

Propaganda no propaganda submitted

[taras-toe-beans]

I was tagged by @kelandrin to do this challenge from @sporeservant

Izzrhys Illith'vir | he/him | drow | oath of devotion paladin | 103

What is your Tav’s…

favorite weapon: Glaive

style of combat: He's a human shield; throws himself in the middle of a battle and takes the brunt of the damage from enemies. Heavy hitter, loves his smites

most prized possession: He doesn't have a lot of physical items he holds dear. Most important is probably his amulet of Ilmater, as both a symbol of his faith and his spellcasting focus. The amulet is made of wood and red cord.

deepest desire: He wants to be useful, to be needed, and to help alleviate the suffering of others wherever he finds it.

guilty pleasure: He loves trashy romance novels. Both the cheesy, sickly-sweet kind of romance and the steamy, smut-filled kind. I'm starting to think the companions should form a book club.

best-kept secret: He doesn't go out of his way to hide this, but Izzrhys doesn't like talking about the fact that he has children in the underdark.

greatest strength: His compassion. While considered a bleeding heart by some, it has proven to be one of his best qualities. He will go out of his way to help others in need, especially if he knows no one else will stand up for them.

fatal flaw: Recklessness. Izzrhys is quick to lend a hand and equally as quick to put himself in danger. He frequently takes worse beatings than everyone else in battle.

favorite smell: Freshly baked breads and pastries

favorite spell or cantrip: Divine smite. Who doesn't love smiting the fuck out of baddies?

pet peeve: He gets really annoyed at people who have blind faith in any sort of leader. He's been there, done that, and at this point, watching it happen to other people just hurts.

bad habit: He frequently takes on way too many responsibilities and tasks. Time and time again, he's presented with the lesson of "you can't help everyone," and yet he still tries, even if he's spread too thin as it is.

hidden talent: He's surprisingly good with animals. No druid, of course, but animals have always been more drawn to him than a lot of his peers. He's also good at animal care and can usually heal them if need be.

leisure activity: He likes reading, mainly fiction. He's also very interested in linguistics and sometimes studies books on that in his downtime.

favorite drink: Brandy, fruity wines

comfort food: Has a not-so-secret sweet tooth. Especially loves fruit pies and pastries

favorite person: Gale- he would do anything for that wizard

favored display of affection (platonic and/or romantic): Hugging. Izzrhys is a BIG hugger. He loves holding Gale (he's 100% the big spoon), he makes sure that Karlach gets to make up for years of not touching anyone, and he ensures that everyone gets some physical affection, should they want it.

fondest childhood memory: He remembers the time he spent with his younger brother, Valdaer, in the underdark. It's all pretty mundane, some of the memories unpleasant, but any memories of his brother, he tries to hold onto.

Is there anything else you'd like to share? edit: totally forgot to fill out this section, bc I did have a couple of things to add. Izzrhys has severe arachnaphobia (needless to say the spiders under the blighted village and his meeting with Kar'niss did NOT go well). Also as mentioned, he spent his earlier years in the underdark, specifically in Menzoberranzan, but didn't escape until he was in his 80s.

[wangxianficfinder]

Interesting / Good Worldbuilding pt. 1 (Canon Era only)

~*~

🧡 Stunted, Starving Juvenility by TomatenMark (E, 508k, WangXian, WIP, Fix-it of sorts, Talisman master WWX, Not JFM Friendly, Study Arc, Getting together, Fluff and Angst, Engagement)

🧡 Song of Suibian and Bichen: Or, the Greatest (And Only) Furby Master of Demonic Cultivation by moonwaif (T, 64k, WangXian, Fix-It of Sorts, canon adjacent, The spiritual weapons are furbies, Angst with a Happy Ending, The parent trap but make it WangXian with furbies, Mutual Pining, Taking my favorite parts of every adaptation and smashing them together)

Twelve Moons and a Fortnight by stiltonbasket (M, 290k, WangXian, Humor, Slow Burn, Post-Canon Fix-It, Long-Distance Relationship, Epistolary, Love Letters, Family Feels, a-qing lives, teenage romance, Adoption, Romantic Comedy, Happy Ending, Weddings, Case Fic, Parenthood, Politics)

Serrated by InkSplatterM and MrMissMrsRandom (E, 194k, WangXianYu, Canon Divergence, MXY Lives, Dom MXY, Sub LWJ, Slow burn)

The Same Cloth by x_los (T, 8k, wangxian, LXC & LWJ, Madam Lan/QHJ, post-canon, established relationship, case fic aftermath, family feels, family drama, wolrdbuilfing, government, married life, parent-child relationship, character study)

❤️ To be of use by Erisette (Not Rated, 53k, LSZ & LWJ, Found Family, Accidental Baby Acquisition, (kinda), Father-Son Relationship, Missing Scene, Good Teacher LWJ, Sizhui is an angel, Jingyi is the best of brats, Seclusion Lite™, Everyone under 20 at Cloud Recesses worships Hanguang-jun, Fluff, Hanguang-jun is the coolest, Worldbuilding, this is not sad tho even though it’s set in the time jump, the fluff-to-sads ratio is v high)

Unawakened by nirejseki (G, 5k, JGY/NMJ, canon divergence, fix-it, worldbuilding)

Tedious Joys by nirejseki (T, 27k, LQR & sect leader Nie, queerplatonic relationships, nie sect cultivation, qi deviation, autistic LQR, asexual LQR, unhealthy relationships, child abuse, domestic violence, mental instability, altered mental stages)

Life series by scifigeek14 (T, 65k, wangxian, canon divergence, fix it, mojo’s post)

splendor in the heart and glory in love by LunaChi_KuroShihone (G, 10k, wangxian, canon divergence, gods & goddesses, hurt/comfort, protecitve LWJ, sect god LWJ, YLLZ WWX, immortality, prayer, friendship, love, humor)

wide enough and wild by impossibletruths (E, 64k, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Getting Together, Canonical Accidental Baby Acquisition, Families of Choice, Happy Ending, Noping Out Of Society With Your Boyfriend And Your 50 Wen Refugees: The Novel, Overzealous Use Of Imagery, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Fix-It of Sorts)

💖 Echo, Murmur, Dream, Here by bluerainmist (M, 51k, wangxian,  canon divergence, WWX survives, sect leader WWX, yiling wei sect au,  slow burn, angst w/ happy ending, getting together, pining, love  confessions, reunions, mind all the tags)

Quartet series by WithBroomBefore (T, 69k, Platonic Soulbond, Hurt/comfort, Canon Divergence, No golden core transfer, JC&JZX stay in Xuanwu cave, Fix-it, Temporary character death)

like the setting sun series by silversshadow (T, 59k, wangxian, major character death, ghost wens, canon divergence)

the first sky is inside you, open at either end of day by millepertuis (G, 7k, wangxian, canon divergence, magical realism, detachable hearts)

To Sizhui by countingcr0ws (E, 21k, WangXian, Librarian LWJ, Mistaken Identity, Requited Love, Mental Link, Soul Bond, Genius WWX, Romance, Fluff, Banter, Epistolary, Love Poems, Footnotes, Smut, Laughter During Sex, Cultivation Sect Politics, Canon Divergence, Love Letters)

100 Ways to Impress a Boy by ArgentInferno (T, 79k, WIP, WangXian, NHS & WWX, Canon Divergence, Falling In Love, Fluff, Growing Up, Teenagers being awkward teenagers, gender feels, Trans LWJ, Trans Male Character, Nonbinary NHS, Cloud Recesses Study Arc, Experimental talismans cause trouble, Accidental Teleportation, Coming Out, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining)

The Scarlet Lotus by rainbowninja167 (M, 137k, WangXian, Marriage of Convenience, Secret Identity, Fix-It, Angst with a Happy Ending, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Canon-Typical Violence, canon-typical war crimes, Yunmeng Bros, the mortifying ordeal of getting seduced by your own husband, nonlinear chronology we die like cql, just kidding nobody dies in this fic, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Miscommunication)

~*~

[keywieldsarc]

what is your true role in the story ??

the “chosen one”

back again young one? still not comfortable with your new title? yes, I can see you are one that prefers the simpler things in life but you do deserve the rank they have given you. oh little sparrow, have you just now realized you are an owl? soaring the skies with gleaming, outstretched talons. 

you lived your life blinded to your own abilities, but now the truth is out. you did not ask to be a hero, which pains my heart to the core. but alas, the people have given you something so true and bittersweet you cannot bear to refuse them. for they have given you their trust. they praise you, songs will be sung of you, ballads written, feasts in your honor. 

but "why me?" you quietly whisper to the stars. if you could speak their language you'd hear their simple reply, "because." you, out of the finest candidates were chosen to be a sacrificial lion in golden chains. your loved ones chanted your worth as it echoed from the steeples. but what was your say on the matter? I guess you had little to none, and unfortunately, neither do I. 

but destiny is not a burden, it is a gift, you feel weighted by the entire world, your shoulders ache from the hopes, fears, and dreams of the people who have chosen to follow you. but their adoration isn't blind my dear. you are strong, you are worthy of the armor, of the crown. 

when you look back you will realize that you, my young god, were truly the savior many called you. do not run from your purpose, seek it. and I do not mean the heroic of sorts, no, search for what makes you alive young hero, for here's a secret, you are just as much a hero to others as you are to yourself. if wouldn't make you a villian, to tell them no...

tagged by: i stole it again :) tagging: steal it and tag me in it bc i love pain.

[spiderwarden]

( @starbvund from Corellon )

There was a profound sadness in his eyes as he looked upon her. Abandoned little child of his ex-wife. Whether she understood what the graceful, High Elf before her truly was... well that was up to Minthara and how much she knew of the creator of all elves, Drow included. He can not help himself despite their betrayal, but to feel a father's love for them still. As painful as it was. "Are you lost, child? What is your name?"

The Statue of the Gods. An unsurprising discovery among the rubble of stone and fallen pillars that made friends with the foliage of trees among the landscape. When she had noticed the wreck and ruin she had come to spite her former Spider Queen. The Patron that had abandoned her in her time of greatest need, had turned away from her plight when she had dedicated everything to her. Abandoned, cast out, and thrown aside with the blink of an eighth eye. The most insulting irony of the predicament had been that her oath remained. The final thread of loyalty that had MInthara's very soul woven around Lolth's fangs, a sentiment that still promised an ever watchful spider's gaze.

Yet, as she reached the feet of the statue, literal in fact, all she could do was look upon what should have been a grand piece of stone work. Alas, the shattered pieces were visibly strewn about the greenery that surrounded the area. The bold intention of calling the wretched Spider Queen forth and spitting at her faded, and a spark of defiance is sapped of all willfulness. And in place of it sat heartache, and soon an immediate rage. But then just as her brows knitted tightly with the clench of her jaw in pondering of destroying what remained - she hears a voice.

The voice shakes her, and she tenses with the retreat of a step when the man makes himself known. A hand falls to her dagger, caution replacing shock as he stood before her. And stood tall. Taller than any other surface elf she has ever seen in her lifetime, in fact... Minthara feels her hand fall lax along the dagger as she studies his person and is made uneasy by the sudden urge to relax. Nothing ever becomes good of letting one's guard down...

No. Minthara exhales, this was no elf. Her hand moves away from the weapon with the feather of a touch drawing her forward. Unseen, yet danced across her skin like a thousand different strands pulling at her skin and made her nerves stand on edge. The Drow did not answer the first question, feeling her throat tighten with the inquiry. Are you lost, child? Her lips twitch and press with the the twisting ache tightening inside of her chest. She searched his expression again before quickly dipping her head to the ground with the slow exhale and scrunch of her fingers into tight fists. The truth acted as a gridlock on her jaw; and she could not speak on such ... hurt. No. She will not indulge in such weaknesses.

"I am a daughter of Menzobarranzan's most ancient and powerful house-" Yet as she speaks the words feel hollow, subservient even when faced with this.. entity. And her eyes search the ground as if shifting for the answers she knew in her heart. "House Baenre. First born to High Priestess Sos'umptu Baenre, daughter of Yvonnel Baenre, the first Matron." Minthara finishes with a swallow, her own tone felt distant as her eyes kept their place downward. Unsure of what to make of this desire to step forward, uneasy at the tendrils pulling her forward - locking into the oath upon her very soul.

Yet the reminder of who she was, of her birthright, inspired a bout of strength. She would not be cowed like some ... dribbling little infant. And thus she straightens with the set of her shoulders and inhales before moving to meet his gaze, setting aside all forms of discomfort and comfort to look to him - to see him. Yet, it proves a challenge even for her as she finally speaks her name. "Minthara."

@starbvund - Bik is here to make me cry.

[aberfaeth]

top five fics (ever. for a fandom/pairing. by people you know. by strangers. whatever u want go crazy) ORRRR top five fob songs bc I know u and ilu and I wanna hear ur thoughts

hi sav. hope you know what you've unleashed here.

TOP FIVE FICS.....EVER

tell me about the big bang (star wars sequel trilogy, Finn/Poe, 37.8k.) i made my mom read this fic and that's not a bit i literally had her read this. and she isn't even a star wars fan. like she's seen tfa but she wasn't even that into it i just made her read this because it's one of humanity's greatest literary achievements and she still brings it up to me in conversation that's how much she enjoyed it. sorry this turned into more of tmatbb being one of my mom's top five fics but yknow. context. anyways i don't want to say too much about it because i don't want to spoil it for anyone who might check it out which Please Do That but suffice to say. it is a work of fucking art and i can only hope to someday write with half the talent nina varela possesses in her pinky finger

darling i'd wait for you, even if you didn't ask me to (the great pretender season 1, Laurent/Makoto, 11k.) swear to god this isn't me sucking up it is still the best gift i have ever received in my life. hey you reading this have you ever conceptualized a fic and went "boy i wish i could feed this into a machine and it would execute the idea perfectly in a way that managed to surprise and delight me as i read it" well you simply must get yourself a sav. because she will do that for you. anyways watch tgp season one literally just to read this fic.

Be Gay; Solve Crime (american vandal, Peter/Sam, 9.2k.) this fic has everything--outsider POV! perfectly in character banter! angie and michael who are real and canon to me! mr fernandez did you eat shit! gay lou carter! do your string thing man! MING, EVEN!!!!!! consider this a rotating spot for the work of my lovely lovely friends in the hanover high AV club, who have churned out some of the bangers of all fucking time which i talked about some of those in a top five ask four calendar years ago

Over & Through (dimension 20 fantasy high, gen, 62.7k.) also made my mom read this. she got the riz chapter first and said it gave her horrifying acid trip dreams. which is honestly so fair. if you are a dimension 20 fan and you haven't read this fic what are you doing. the form is inventive the prose is stunning the characterization is painfully sharp. if you've been watching neverafter going hey i wish this was actually horror READ THIS RIGHT NOW THE HORROR IS IMMACULATE

If You Could Let Me Inside Your Heart (leverage, ot3, 2.5k.) remains my favorite leverage fic of all time and also my favorite group character study. what a lovely premise and executed with such grace and perfect understanding of character and pacing like so much work is done for its length and GOD IS IT ALL GORGEOUS

okay haha onto the fall out boy--JUST KIDDING. I HOPE YOU HAD YOUR WEAPON READY TO TAKE ME OUT BECAUSE ONE TIME I SAID IF I EVER MADE A RECLIST WITHOUT I HATE TO LOOK INTO THOSE EYES AND SEE AN OUNCE OF PAIN YOU WOULD HAVE TO SHOOT ME BECAUSE I'D BE A POD PERSON. SO HERE'S ME DOING THAT, PLEASE READ IT, READ IT NOW. WHAT FANDOM OR PAIRING OR LENGTH? YOU GET TO FIND OUT WHEN YOU CLICK! THAT! LINK!

okay haha onto the fall out boy. so i earnestly did try to come up with my top five fob songs on my own. then i had a breakdown and filled out the whole damn fob song sorter yes all 500 battles. heres my top 25. note the repetition of numbers indicating my inability to make decisions

elaborations on the medal winners:

THE KIDS AREN'T ALRIGHT: when this song came out i was thirteen years old (in middle school) (did not have my own itunes account) (did not have spotify) and as all songs do it was released at midnight (i was thirteen) (supposed to be asleep) (it was a school night) i hid under the covers with my ipod touch on the lowest brightness setting (supposed to be asleep on a school night) midnight arrived and i could not buy the song on itunes because then my parents would get an email about the purchase and know i had stayed up (i was supposed to be asleep) so i just listened to the 30 second preview on itunes for like an hour straight (i cried) (a lot)

THE (SHIPPED) GOLD STANDARD: me for real bc im literally no good at math

(COFFEE'S FOR CLOSERS): also in middle school i used to doodle song lyrics to keep myself focused during class and my history professor was taking a walk around the classroom and spotted my doodle of a little coffee cup with the lyrics "i will never believe in anything again" and went "aw why not," clearly concerned for my mental health and wellbeing. and despite that horribly traumatizing experience, coffee's for closers remains one of my favorite songs in the world. so thats proof that its really very good

OF ALL THE GIN JOINTS IN THE WORLD: you only hold me up like thiiiiis cause you don't know who i really aAAaaAAAaam

PAVLOVE: sorry its the quirky girl tendencies again. when will they put this on spotify so i can scream my little heart out to I WANT TO MAKE YOU AS LONELY AS MEEEE SO YOU CAN GET GET ADDICTED TO THIS YOU CAN GET GET ADDICTED TO THIS! anyways folie >

now, a disclaimer: this sorter is obviously older than two weeks and thus does not include the songs off SMFS. i feel like recency bias means i can't accurately fit them into the list but i will say that there is no universe in which hold me like a grudge doesn't make top fifteen

if you've reached the end of this post, thanks for going on this journey with me. i meant to be asleep an hour ago. but i did this instead. was it worth it. well whos to say. if you ended up reading IHTLITEASAOOP then yes it was.

[sweetearthandnorthernsky]

the war is over and we are beginning (grief, morinel)

spoilers for mordor sidequests potentially??? anyway, morinel is having fun during the reclamation of mordor lol

Saelinriel objects vehemently to leaving you at the hill alone – this is Mordor after all, are her words almost exactly – but you wave away her concerns.

With Sauron gone, most creatures are still weary and wary both, and you reassure her that you have your runes, and that you have Celebros, who lingers near the bottom of the hill.

(They – of all people – understand why you have to do this.)

Saelinriel studies you with a huff, before shaking her head. “Fine, but be careful.”

You watch her go, before turning to the spear that shines through the gloom of Dor Amarth. 

It is not, after all, as if you have much of a grave to sit beside, so the spear will do.

You sit cross legged beside it. 

There is only silence as you watch the dust swirling through the desolate land.

The spear thrums with power and light, and while it shouldn’t surprise you, there is a very small part that is surprised that it survived all these years – especially when its owner... did not.

"It is done," you say, quietly, almost so quietly you cannot hear yourself as the sliver of glass labeled grief slips a little deeper into your heart, knowing you can say these words only to a lifeless weapon on this shore of the sea. "He is gone, for good this time."

Wind tugs at your hair but you do not feel it.

You understand now, ages later, what your father told you, so many millienia ago, on shores that now lay foundered beneath the sea: Our people are doomed to repeat the same pains, to know the same loves and endure the fickle hammer of fate. We are fated to watch our greatest shine brightly only to fade. Know this well, daughter of the Noldor, for it is also your doom.

You push those thoughts from your mind as you dig handfuls of rust-red dirt and ash to ground yourself in the moment. Dust scrapes your cheekbones, and your eyes water as the splinter wedges itself deeper and deeper.

The weight of the three thousand and twenty five years that you missed -- where you could have done things, could have helped -- weighs like great piles of lead on your shoulders, and you take a heavy breath.

"I am sorry," you say finally, quieter than the wind.

As the wind calms, the weight lifts slightly and the knot of emotions tangled in your chest loosen.

You cannot bring yourself to say: I miss you.

But the splinter eases all the same, though it still hurts.

You think it might always, until you sail.

But, for now, you are content to sit in silence, and let the feelings wash over you.

[barbaracleboy]

Omega's Assault: Chapter 3

And with that, Chapter 3 is complete! Next time will be the end so I hope you all look forward to it. As per usual, here's the AO3 link (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40301664/chapters/115617352)

To all those that wanna read on Tumblr...

General Ultimax was bewildered by the kinds of things he saw in Dr. H.B.'s lab: tubes filled with chunks of Seedlings and Arrow Worms, machine parts that moved around seemingly on their own, weapons that even his own soldiers would be afraid to use. Ultimax felt uncomfortable just standing in the same room as the doctor, let alone in the room she did her work in, but regardless he decided to walk up to her inquisitively.

General Ultimax: So, err, Dr. Honey Bee, was it?

Dr. H.B.: "H.B." will work just fine, thanks. [Still think that name was Mom's biggest mistake...]

Ultimax: Uh-huh, yes, so Dr. H.B., what exactly are you a doctor of?

H.B.: Ha-ha! Well, Fuff, I'm glad you asked!

Ultimax: M-my na-

H.B.: I am the Bee Kingdom's greatest scientist, working directly with the Queen herself [and thus everything I make is with her express permission, cross my heart, no need to ask her]: I do biology, I dabble in psychology, I like researching magic whenever I can...but my biggest calling in life is robotics!

Ultimax: Robotics?

H.B.: Robotics! The study and development of powerful mechanisms that can move and act remotely, even independently of mere insects like you and [to a lesser extent] me!!!

Ultimax:...Mechanisms like those ones the monster destroyed?

H.B. gave a deep breath and slowly turned her head to Ultimax.

H.B.:Yes. Like those ones.

Ultimax began to shiver as H.B. cleared her throat.

H.B.: But I work tirelessly, in spite of everyone else's "warnings" and requests, to improve my machinery at all times! And that is why I ask...how'd you Wasps make something like a "tank"?

Ultimax: I told you, I don't know how it was made, I just know how to use it.

H.B.: Well damn, Fuff, you know where I can get one of my own?

Ultimax: QUIT CALLING ME FUFF!!!

They both stood there quietly, awkwardly, for a bit.

Ultimax:...I cannot give you a tank of your own...Why do you want it, anyway?

H.B.: To upgrade it, duh! Turn it from a mere Wasp's Weapon to a One Bee Batallion!!!

Ultimax: Wha-in what world do you think I'd allow you to taint one of our illustrious tanks with your witch technology???

H.B.: Alright. You know what you're doing, clearly, so I'll allow you to keep your tank as is and fight off the Deadlander Whatever with it. I've no doubt it'll work wonders, just like last time...by the way, what happened to your tank, again?

Ultimax just clenched his fist and grunted angrily. Between his pride, his fear, and his duty to his King, the Hornet desperately did not want the mad doctor's help...however...

Ultimax grabbed H.B. by her lab coat and lifted her up, not really intending to do much harm but hoping she'd be intimidated.

Ultimax: Damn it, Bee, fine! You can bring your tech to my tank...but I swear, if I dislike anything you try to do...

H.B, smiled, not scared at all by the General, and got herself out of his hold before she started gathering her tools into a large box.

H.B.: I knew you'd come around, they always do. Now, you'll be my muscle and my compass: you can hold my toolbox and lead me to the nearest Wasp Tank.

Ultimax: You want me to carry your tools? The hell are you going to do, then?

H.B.: Uh, refit your ride, c'mon. Now help me gather my things...

At that point H.B. ran off to collect anything and everything she'd need for the coming construction. Meanwhile Ultimax grumbled as he again saw little choice but to follow her...

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Meanwhile, in Queen Bianca's Throne Room, the Bee Queen was sitting on her floor next to the Caterpillar left in her care, Yin. Bianca rubbed Yin's back and patted her head as the little larva tried chewing on one of the flowers that decorated room. Meanwhile, Queen Vanessa II was sitting on the Throne at the end of said room, sulking and looking to the ground, whispering to herself.

Queen Vanessa II: [Trapped on a throne...I cannot think of a more humiliating thing to happen, and yet still I'm even more shameful...]

The Wasp Queen looked to the Soldiers that once followed her, standing by the Throne Room's doors whilst Bee Guards glared at them. Keeping their own Mother away whilst keeping the Bees away from their Mother.

Vanessa:[...All the suffering caused by my incompetence...My weakness...if I hadn't let Hoaxe take control, maybe we-]

Queen Bianca: Vanessa, did you say something?

Vanessa jolted when she heard the Bee Queen's voice, and looked to her and Yin with a worried expression. Both Bugs looked back with worry of their own, but Vanessa forced herself to turn away as she answered.

Vanessa:...I am merely talking to myself. You need not worry.

Wasp Soldier: Be quiet in there!

Vanessa hung her head low once more, while Bianca glared at the Soldier to make him look away. Once he did with a fearful gulp, she turned back to her fellow Queen and started whispering as well.

Bianca: [I am so sorry, Vanessa...]

Vanessa: [Why? You did nothing...]

Bianca: [And that's the problem, isn't it? I had no clue your land had been taken over by such a cruel Bug as that "Wasp King". If I had, perhaps my Kingdom could have done something to help.]

Vanessa: [Please, at the end of the day I was too weak to prevent Hoaxe from usurping the throne. The only one at fault is me.]

Bianca: [Hoaxe?]

Vanessa: [That's the true name of the "Wasp King". My people found him one day, crawling in near-lifeless from the Deadlands, and we took him in...if I had known what he'd do to us all I would have never allowed him to come, I...I...

Vanessa sighed.

Vanessa: [I can't lie...I pitied him. Maybe that's why he was able to do what he did.]

Bianca: [Being kind is not a weakness, Vanessa.]

Vanessa: [I know that, Bianca. That's why I wanted to change my Kingdom's ways: for ages we had been known as aggressive and territorial, but I wished to bring us to a more peaceful future...and look at the situation we're in now.]

Bianca: [For the situation we are in now, our biggest threat is that...what was it? Deadlander?]

Vanessa: [Yes. The Deadlander Omega, it-]

Bianca: [Surely you cannot be blamed for its arrival.]

Vanessa: [But I'm not sure what can be. I had heard that the Mother Crystal protected us all from monsters like it.]

Bianca: [What is the Mother Crystal?]

Vanessa: [I am not certain, but supposedly it resides in the Forsaken Lands, and emitted a sort of energy that kept away outside threats...is it weakening? Is that why that monster's arrived now?]

Bianca: [Whatever the case, if you and I cannot stop it, then the best we can do is hope. And look at what you've done already! You pointed Elizant and her Explorers to the Termite Kingdom, and if they can be convinced to help we may stand a fighting chance!]

Vanessa: [But if Hoaxe is with them...]

Vanessa quietly groaned to herself, and began hitting her own head in frustration

Vanessa: [Who am I fooling, Hoaxe was right! I would never be strong enough, mentally or otherwise, to do anything about this!]

Bianca: [Vanessa, calm yourself! You cannot keep worrying about past mistakes, you just-]

Bianca tried to put her hand on Vanessa's shoulder but the Wasp Queen grunted and leaned away in pain, getting her to back off. Bianca took a look at the part she had touched and noticed that it was darker than the rest of Vanessa's carapace.

Bianca: [...Vanessa...is that a burn mark?]

Vanessa looked away again, choosing not to answer.

Bianca: [Vanessa, what happened?]

Vanessa: [Hoaxe has burned me in the past, as a way of rubbing his theft of my Kingdom in my face...]

Bianca shook her head and sighed, saddened by what had happened: after the kind of stress she had already witnessed from Elizant, to see something even worse from another Monarch...

Bianca: [...If we are able deal with the monster, Vanessa...I fully intend to help you.]

Vanessa: [How?]

Bianca: [Any way I can! All our kingdoms would be happier if we worked in unity, and if I can help you like Elizant has helped me and I her...oh?]

Bianca was surprised by Yin attempting to crawl up her leg. With a soft laugh she lifted the Caterpillar up and brought her between herself and Vanessa.

Bianca: Oh, Yin, I am so sorry-I forgot you, darling! Can you ever forgive me?

As the Bee Queen rubbed Yin's back some more, the Caterpillar noticed the scar on the Wasp Queen and tilted her head.

Yin: Muh?

Vanessa looked to where Yin's gaze was pointed and turned away once more.

Vanessa: [She sees my scar...]

Bianca frowned, again saddened by Vanessa's troubles, before Yin started wiggling in her arms.

Bianca: Oh? Yin, what seems to be the matter?

Yin: Muh! Muh!

Bianca was hardly able to keep a hold on Yin as the little Caterpillar tried to squirm closer and closer to Vanessa. Eventually, she got close enough to Vanessa that she was nearly touching the Wasp Queen's scar. At that point, what appeared to be magic started coming from Yin's nubby little limbs, and Vanessa was surprised to notice herself feeling significantly better.

Vanessa: [What was that? I...I feel...it hurts less?]

Wasp Soldier: I said SHUT IT!

Both Queens were too stunned to pay much attention to the Soldier, instead looking at each other and Yin.

Bianca: [Yin, did you heal Vanessa? At least a little?]

Yin: Muh...

Bianca laughed again as her face beamed, and she put Yin down before petting her and looking back to Vanessa.

Bianca: Do you see, Vanessa? We merely need to work together! Even the littlest of Bugs can do great things! Why, I had heard that one of my daughters became the first Bee Explorer, can you believe it? My entire hive was so wrong, all she needed was a good team and enough support!

Vanessa didn't respond, but she didn't look nearly as upset as she did earlier. Bianca surprised Vanessa by grabbing her hands excitedly, bringing the Wasp Queen face-to-face with her.

Bianca: That was my mistake! I was so worried about potential dangers that I failed to support my own child! But I will do better! And I will start by supporting you!!!

Vanessa: [B-Bianca, calm down...even if what you're saying is true, what can we even do?]

Bianca: Whatever it is, we can succeed as long as our hearts are together! What we need most is unity!

Yin starting jumping (or as close to jumping as she could get) excitedly.

Yin: Muh! Muh!

Wasp Soldier: Will you lot be quiet already!?

Vanessa was deep in thought then, considering everything that had happened and everything she and Bianca had said.

Vanessa: [Unity...unity...ah! The doctor's creations! They did more damage to the Deadlander than anything else I had seen yet! If we can combine some of that machinery with General Fuff's tank, perhaps we can make a weapon that will actually put a dent in the monster!]

Bianca: [And if Elizant succeeds in getting the Termites' help, perhaps we have will two weapons that can take it on!]

Vanessa: [Exactly!!!]

Both Queens were laughing together now, Vanessa feeling more optimistic than she had in ages, though the Soldiers guarding the Throne Room were starting to lose their patience.

Wasp Soldier: I'm warning you two!

With that, Bianca nodded to Vanessa confidently before picking Yin up and carrying her over to the Soldiers.

Bianca: Please forgive the noise, we're just hysterical!

Wasp Soldier: Ugh, why is that?

Bianca: It's Yin! We fear she may be sick!

Yin: Muh?

Wasp Soldier:...Looks fine to me.

Bianca: Please, you need to allow me to see Dr. H.B.! She will know what to do!

Wasp Soldier: Are you kidding? Even if I trusted that crazy crone, why would-

Bianca: This Larva is very special...she could be of great use to the Wasp Kingdom.

Vanessa: Indeed. A Caterpillar like Yin comes only once in a lifetime. Surely the great Wasp King would rather a tool as useful as her not fall ill.

Yin: Muh???

The Wasp Soldier groaned again before shaking his head and letting Bianca out.

Wasp Soldier:...Last I saw, the doctor was headed to...I think it was her lab?

Bianca: Oh, thank you so much!

Vanessa: The Wasp Kingdom will prosper thanks to you!

Wasp Soldier: You shut your trap and stay right there!

Vanessa: Mhm...

Vanessa started giggling to herself when the Soldier turned away, meanwhile Bianca apologized and comforted Yin all the way to H.B.'s laboratory.

In the lab, Dr. H.B. had finally finished dumping all of her tools into a large metal box, one that even the mighty General Ultimax was almost struggling to hold at that point.

H.B.: Ahhh, that's everything! Y'know, you're much stronger than my assistant is! Crow's clearly gotta work out more...

Ultimax: You have an assistant?! Why didn't you have them carry your crap for you!?!?

H.B.: Uhh, I just said why, sheesh. Besides, she evacuated to the Golden Settlement with most of the other Bees. If you ask me, they're missing out hard. Now c'mon, let's-

Before H.B. could head out she was met with her Queen, Bianca, running in with a Caterpillar in her arms, looking very overly worried about something.

Bianca: Doctor! Doctor! I need your assistance!

H.B.: BIANCA! I, uhh, wasn't doing anything you wouldn't like, certainly not conspiring to-

Bianca: Shhh!

H.B. tilted her head in confusion before Bianca leaned down to whisper to her.

Bianca: [H.B., under most circumstances I would at best reluctantly approve of you building advanced, dangerous weaponry, but right now I need you to make something incredibly powerful, enough to potentially stop the Deadlander Omega.]

H.B.:...What?

Bianca: [Fuff, was it? How close is your tank to here?]

Ultimax: [My-ugh...it's about halfway between here and the gate to the Far Grasslands.]

Bianca: [That's not very far at all! I need you to help Dr. H.B. so that she can-]

H.B.: [Upgrade it with my state-of-the-art tech?]

Bianca: [Precisely!]

Yin: [Muh!]

H.B.: [Fufufufu, read ya like a book, B...Well, since you're asking so nicely I suppose we can do that.]

Ultimax: [I-it'll be risky, though!]

Bianca: [It will be, and that's why under in no other scenario would I ask for something like it. However, to fight off the Deadlander we will need all the help we can get.]

Ultimax: [B-b-but...What if the other Wasps question us?]

Bianca: [You are their superior, correct? Surely if you say it's something you need to do they'll listen. Besides, the Wasp King wants this monster stopped too, correct? This plan may just make him happy as well.~]

Yin, still in Bianca's arms, nodded and gave a cheery "Muh." With no other excuses to use, Ultimax sighed and nodded as well.

Fuff: [...Aye-aye, your highness.]

Bianca: [Excellent! I wish you both the very best of luck, and I pray for your safety.]

H.B.: [Ha, quit flatterin' me, Bianca! Now get a move on, we have things to do.]

Bianca nodded with a smile more typical of her before heading back to her Throne Room with Yin. Once she was out of earshot, H.B. laughed and pat Ultimax hard on the back.

H.B.: Woo-hoo, just our luck! That makes things way easier, haha!

Ultimax:...Weren't we going to do all that anyway?

H.B.: Yeah, but now I know she won't nag me about it! Now let's get going, Fuff, we've got a job to do judgement-free!

Fuff just stood and glared at Dr. H.B. silently for a second before shaking his head and sighing, giving up as he headed out of the Bee's lab with said Bee following behind excitedly...

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As Elizant, the Wasp King, and their respective soldiers made their way through the Termite Kingdom, they occasionally looked around to see the damage caused by the Deadlander's arrival: entire buildings reduced to rubble, streets flooded and machinery waterlogged, Termites all over being scared or injured or hysterical. Elizant gave off a quiet but guilty sigh as she looked around, thinking on how she would have reacted if something like that had happened to her own kingdom. She looked to the Wasp King and noticed his reaction was far different: while she felt guilt and pity for the people in the Termite Dome, he saw their struggles and moved on. He had one goal in mind and only wished to achieve it...

When everyone made it to the Termite Palace, they noticed that the carpet was soaking wet: the flooding even reached as far as the royalty. What's more, everyone could see the Termite King pacing around his throne, muttering to himself in a frustrated panic, as both his wife and one of her Caretakers tried to calm him down.

Termite Caretaker: Please, King Hector, calm yourself! You and Queen Layra are safe and that is all that matters...

King Hector IV: Oh, don't give me that! It was shaking like a damn earthquake out there and the entire Palace was nearly filled to the brim with water!

Queen Layra II: Hector, honey, there wasn't that much...that said this is absolutely a terrible situation. (To the Caretaker) Can we get an update from the soldiers? Are our subjects safe?

Termite Caretaker: I will go check right now, your majesty, and-eep!

When the Caretaker turned around she was surprised to see a Guard already behind her, and she was utterly shocked to see all the Bugs he had brought with him.

Caretaker: Who...who are-

Hector: YOU!!!

In a fit of blind fury, King Hector ran all the way up to Queen Elizant until he was looking upwards at her (and everyone else there but Vi). He growled angrily and poked Elizant in the chest, but she chose to remain still.

Hector: Of all Bugs, of all times, I did not want to see YOU RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!

With a infuriated cry Hector started beating his fists onto Elizant, though she took it like she would take a Seedling's attack (actually, she felt a Seedling would hurt a little more).

Elizant:...Hector, I know I have wronged you but-

King Hector IV: THAT IS KING HECTOR THE FOURTH TO YOU!!!

Elizant:...Yes, I know that...you must listen, we-

Hector: Why should I listen to you, huh?!

Elizant: Please, it is-

Hector: You miserable cretin, you think I give a Plumpling's posterior what you think!?!?

Elizant: We need to-

Hector: I'm not finished yet!!!!!

Wasp King: Shut your pitiful trap, you puny ignoramus!!!

Everyone else in the room stopped to stare at the Wasp King then, all with varying degrees of shock, offense, and/or pride.

Layra:...Who do you think you are to talk to my husband that way???

Wasp King: I am the Wasp King, and I demand that we use your finest weaponry, otherwise we will all perish under the Deadlander Omega!

Hector:...Deadlander Omega?

Layra: Oh, that...that actually exists?

Kabbu: Yes, Your Highness, it does, and it's been causing mass destruction all over Bugaria!

Hector: Even you aren't feeding me lies, my kingdom is not part of Bugaria: why should I care?

Kina: What do you think flooded your palace, you dope?!

All over the Throne Room there was tension, but before any further arguing could occur Elizant raised her arms and called out.

Elizant: PLEASE!!!

At once everything was silent, allowing Elizant to step away from Hector for a moment and remove her mask, showing the truth in her face.

Elizant:...King Hector, I have made many mistakes as a ruler, and I apologize for what I have done to you and yours specifically. However, now is a time in which we must join forces...

Hector said nothing, but he continued to glare up at Elizant.

Elizant:...My weapons are no match for the monster, I will not pretend otherwise. The Wasp and Bee Kingdom were also unable to fight it off.

Wasp King: Though, frankly, I felt my forces did more damage than anything else

Vi: Are you kidding?! Dr. H.B.'s mechs blew up one of its hands!!!

Queen Elizant stomped her foot, getting both Vi and even the Wasp King to back off.

Elizant: At any rate, our only remaining option is your kingdom. Yours is the most technologically advanced land I have yet come across, King Hector, and the possibility that you may have something to fight the Deadlander with is the only chance we have left of saving our home...

Hector looked away, his glare softening.

Elizant: Our home and yours. The Deadlander Omega is large enough that it displaced water from Metal Lake into your Kingdom's dome, and it broke through the dome itself to cause damage all over.

Layra: I-Is that what the water and shaking came from???

Termite Guard: It was, I saw it firsthand!

Hector: Talk is cheap, soldier!

Vi: Are you serious, why are-

Elizant: Vi!

Vi crossed her arms and quieted down whilst King Hector shook his head angrily.

Hector: If what you're saying is true then let me take a look...

Hector walked over to his throne and pressed a hidden button on it. Immediately afterwards, a periscope-like object came down between him and Layra. He looked into the device and pressed another button that shined a powerful beam of light in the direction of the upper lens, allowing him to look through the fog of the Forsaken Lands.

Layra: We don't like using lights like that often because we don't want to disturb the Forsaken Lands' wildlife too much.

Hector: And because we Termites prefer our privacy.

Hector looked around Bugaria for barely a minute before he saw something that made him go pale: he stumbled backwards and fell against Layra, who gasped when she saw the state her husband was in.

Layra: Hector! What's wrong!?

Hector tried responded, but all he could make were terrified wheezes, gasps, and stammering noises. Reluctantly, Elizant walked up to the device to look for herself, and she gasped in horror: the Deadlander Omega was now in the Ant Kingdom, towering over every building...even the Anthill Palace itself. The creature effortlessly tore off and lifted up the very tip of the palace and took a look inside. It only looked for a few moments before throwing the roof to the side and moving elsewhere. Small tears started to come from Elizant's eyes as she whispered to herself.

Elizant:[...Mother...your palace...I am so sorry...]

Wasp King: I would presume that you've seen enough evidence, then?

Hector: We...we...we c-c-c-can't let that thing come back here...

Wasp King: Then what do you have to fight it off with?

Layra: We've recently developed a series of super powerful weapons: I like to call them Mega Mortars!

Hector: The actual name is...is...

Hector could barely even speak, he was so filled with fear, so Layra patted his head softly.

Leif: What makes you think they could help?

Layra: They're giant cannons filled with explosives that can be controlled remotely and even have little cameras on them so you can see where they're headed!

Vi: I don't know what any of that means.

Termite Guard: It means we can blast that thing from here, even!

Layra: And they're so powerful it can blow our own gigantic boulders to smithereens!

Elizant: So that is it, then? We will be taking your weapons and blasting the Deadlander Omega with them whilst remaining in the Forsaken Lands?

Hector: You...*huff*...you are not to touch the...th-the weapons...we'll sending our Soldiers out with them...

Elizant: Even still, King Hector, I cannot thank you enough for what you and Queen Layra are doing. We may now have a chance against the monster.

Hector: I...I still don't forgive you...

Elizant: You will never need to forgive me, Your Highness, but just know that your decision may help save all of our Kingdoms.

Wasp King: Yes, Hector, perhaps you aren't as blithering an idiot as I thought.

Hector growled and glared at the Wasp King but Layra calmed him down with some more physical affection.

Hector:...Guards! Gather the most elite amongst you and get the...the, uhh...

Layra: The Mega Mortars?

Hector:...Alright, we'll call them that for now...Take them as far from here as you can and ready them to fire upon the Deadlander.

Termite Guard: Right!

The Termite Soldiers instantly start to mobilize, leaving Elizant and her party to stay with the Royalty.

Elizant: We shall go as well, King Hector, to deliver any and all assistance we possibly can.

Hector: Very well, Elizant. Just make sure you and the Wasp there don't get in my troops' way.

Elizant: Understood...Explorers! We will follow the Termites! Be prepared for anything...

After a collective agreement from the Explorers, the Wasp King groaned and started heading out with his own troops.

Wasp King: Wasps...we shall wait outside of the dome for the others. You are to give your lives for this upcoming battle, am I understood?

Wasp Soldiers: Yes, Your Highness!!!

The Wasp King nodded and left the Palace, meanwhile Elizant put her mask back on and waited for the Termites to finish preparing. Again Leif leaned down to Vi and Kabbu, though with a more positive look about him.

Leif: [Well, would you look at that. Seems the Ant Queen's changing.]

Vi: [Yeah, and you thought she was so bad!]

Leif: [She was, but...she seems to have better intentions than we first realized.]

Kabbu: [Mayhaps she was always her trying best, and merely struggled under the weight of queenship?]

Vi: [Maybe all the stuff going on scared her straight?]

Leif: [Whatever it is...we trust her now more than ever.]

Vi: [Yeah...guys?]

Kabbu and Leif looked to Vi, but she looked away and sighed quietly.

Vi: [If we don't get outta this...I wanna thank you both. You did a lot for me. You barely even know me and yet you saved me from drowning and helped me fight a bunch of bad guys and...thanks.]

Kabbu: [But of course, Vi! We are teammates, allies! We must do whatever do we can to protect one another, no matter what!]

Leif nodded and patted both of his teammates on the back.

Leif: [One last time guys: we live together or we die together.]

Vi: [And you know what? We're not gonna die!]

Kabbu and Vi laughed confidently as Leif joined along, though as usual he was much quieter. The Moth was still deep in thought, considering all sorts of things that had been happening. He was still worried, admittedly, but he knew he had to try. He trusted that Elizant, the Elizant with them now, would try. He trusted that his teammates would try. And with that trust, Leif was willing to stand against anything...

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In the Lost Sands, Dr. H.B. and General Ultimax were quick but methodical about making their way towards the fallen Ultimax Tank: they made sure to keep an eye on the Deadlander's whereabouts at any given moment, and were constantly hiding behind rocks and other objects in order to avoid its line of sight.

Ultimax: A-are you sure we can do this?

H.B.: How many times are you gonna ask that, Fuff? Listen, we'll be good! See, the thing's back at Metal Lake, we've got nothing to worry about!

Ultimax: For now...how long do you think this'll take?

H.B.: Souping up your tank? I dunno, depends on what state its in, probably. Plus we gotta find it first and-

Ultimax: There it is!

Ultimax nearly dropped the toolbox when he saw it: his titular tank, upside down with smoke coming out of it. It was technically still in one piece but he had no hopes of operating it as it was.

Ultimax: Ohhh, my poor Ultimax Tank! I can't bear to look at it!

H.B.: I can, good gods! Is that what you Wasps work with? Can't believe we didn't think of anything like that ourselves!

H.B. quickly grabbed her toolbox from Ultimax (leaving him to weep and salute over his broken war machine) and began rummaging through it. Once she had what she needed to start she immediately crawled into the tank's cockpit and got to work.

Ultimax: What the-what are you doing?

H.B.: Working, Wasp! Now gimme whatever it is I ask for from my toolbox, okay?

Ultimax: I-ugh!...

Ultimax stood and crossed his arms as the doctor quickly got to work, tinkering around inside of his beloved vehicle.

Ultimax: Y'know, if this were any other time, I'd knock you out for daring to touch my Ultimax Tank.

H.B.: You bet on that?

Ultimax: Yeah, I do!

H.B.: Aaalright, then!

H.B. crawled back out of the tank and put her fists up, smirking confidently.

H.B.: I needed something from the ol' toolbox anyway: I can just get it myself while I'm out here beatin' your butt.

Ultimax: Alright, Bee, if you think you're so hot then-OOF!

With no warning, H.B. decked Ultimax in the gut almost as hard as one of his Drillers would. While the Hornet was doubled over H.B. delivered an uppercut that knocked him flat on his back.

H.B.: Hahaaaa! I think you underestimated how strong the Bees of my hive are! [Now quiet down or the monster'll hear us!]

H.B. grabbed what she needed from the toolbox before crawling back into the cockpit and going back to work. Ultimax sighed once more before crawling over to the cockpit to whisper.

Ultimax: [Doctor...what if none of this works?]

H.B.: [Think of it this way, Fuff: if it does work, then hooray, Bugaria's saved! If it doesn't, we can at least say we didn't sit on our asses and let things go to shit.]

Ultimax: [That's just it, huh? It's a terrifying monster but...what's crying about it gonna do?]

H.B.: [Exactly, so don't cry! Make yourself useful, like by handing me the screwdriver!]

Ultimax nodded and took the screwdriver from the Bee's toolbox before giving it to her, then he sighed and looked off into the distance. The Deadlander Omega was still by the Metal Lake, lifting up some of the smaller islands resting in it. Either ignorant or uncaring of both the damage it had been causing and the fight against it that was to come...

[scelestic-reveries]

The Famous Proust Questionnaire.

So I was tagged in this questionnaire by fiktivnilik which was also done by David Bowie and I was inspired by the answers from both of them so I figured I’d give it a go. These are the questions, I shall do my best to answer them honestly and heartfelt. If you are a mutual please feel free to copy and tag me in.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? What is your most marked characteristic? What do you consider your greatest achievement? What is your greatest fear? What historical figure do you most identify with? Which living person do you most admire? Who are your heroes in real life? What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? What is the trait you most deplore in others? What is your favorite journey? What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Which word or phrases do you most overuse? What is your greatest regret? What is your current state of mind? If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? What is your most treasured possession? What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Where would you like to live? What is your favorite occupation? What is the quality you most like in a man? What is the quality you most like in a woman? What are your favorite names? What is your motto? *My own land and home, all my bills paid, my dog and cat with me, no one to answer to and someone to share it with.  *My most marked characteristic...either my eyes or my voice. Both are used like a weapon when needed but also are just there. People have always given them more worth than I have. *I don’t know if I’ve done it yet. I’ve lived a big life I don’t know how to quantify it into one moment or achievement. I’ll get back to you one day.  *Losing my dog. I know it’s going to happen and I can’t stop it but as it approaches I can feel it like a dark mass. I’ve had people try kill me, shot at, stabbed and pushed through warzones, but that fucking dog kills me.  *What historically figure do I most identify with, well that’s a tough one. But I’m going to go with Hunter S Thompson. By every sense of the word that fucker is a historical figure.  *This is a tough one. I admire a number of people in real life, both known personally and from a distance. I like people who approach it different from the rest.  *Who are my real life heroes, I guess it’s people I admire in the top of their fields but also people I know intimately. Hunter S Thompson, Valentino Rossi also one, Anthony Bourdain, Nina Simone, Clint Eastwood, Danny Glover, D’Angelo, My grandfather. People that have inspired me.  *Ah..what trait do I deplore in myself...Honestly, pushing things to the edge. pushing things sometimes to ruin and pulling it from the fire time and time again. Sometimes it feels like self sabotage.  * Now as for what I deplore in others...honestly ignorance. Fuck that, we live in an age where we have access to the most information in human history and it’s fucking squandered. And someone doing “research” which consists of facebook links and posts from friends. Seriously, fuck off. If you studied for years and spent your life interested in a field I’ll listen to you all day if you base it in logic and fact.  *My favourite journey.. learning, experiencing and doing. I believe the day you stop moving and learning is the day you start dying.  * An overrated virtue..company loyalty. Unless they are giving you a % of profits or a share then they are in it for their own profit and not yours. You can do better.  *What words and phrase do I overuse...well fuck...that’s one. *laughing* fuck that, hmmm, ahhh. eat a dick. bless your heart, dear, darlin, fair is fair. I think that’s enough.  *My greatest regret...well that’s a tough one. I have a few, and I try to live my life without them but that’s not always possible. I’m still raw over my grandparents when I look at it and I’ve hurt people that truly loved me and that’s all on me. *Current state of mind. Optimistic and determined. I’m not having another year like last year, ever fucking again.  * I’d have my grandparents still alive.  *Ah I’d say my dog. He is a possession, but very much more so a companion and guardian. I’d kill for that mutt.   *Ignorance and doing the same thing every day for most of your life. That is misery to me, the same as everyone else and never questioning or trying new things. Sounds like a lvl of hell to me.  *Many places, but I’d love a house in Thailand, US, and Oz. That would make me happy for the rest of days.  *Favourite Occupation...tough one. I’ve always wanted to fly planes, I can see how I wouldn't enjoy doing that each day, and let’s be honestly playing basketball or anything tactical and involving weapons would make me happy each day waking up. Just because it would.  *Quality I like most in a man. Ability to learn. You find a male willing to do that and isn’t threaten by other males or females then you can work with that guy in almost anything.  *As for in a woman...confidence in themselves and what they are capable of. Women are formidable creatures who are capable of whatever they set their mind on. It’s intoxicating and demands more attention.  *Favourite names...I have a few, but hearing my own out of the lips of someone I love, does hit a spot. And I’m partial to Nordic and terms of endearment that is earned by putting up with my shit and also the names of those I adore.  * I don’t know if I have a motto, but something I’ve always repeated to myself and to this day is one of the first things I’d get inked on me.  “The reluctance to put away childish things may be a requirement of genius. “  And always be learning and moving forward, we are ever changing an evolving and try to be open to learning new things.  You never know, until you try.  Ah that’s it. That took longer than I thought and shared more than I usually ever would, but that’s it to the best of my ability. It’s not easy going through it, but there is a worth to it.  I hope you guys enjoyed a rare peek behind the curtains.  -s/r.

[artificialvoyage]

✰ it’s time to wake up, JEFF WINGER, you’ve been in cryosleep for too long and the people of COMMUNITY miss you. when you went into slumber you were FORTY years old, your pronouns are HE/HIM, and you WERE VOLUNTEERED for the cambria program. now that you’ve awoken, your position as THE OBSERVATION DECK CAFE MANAGER is waiting for you. remember, cambria one thanks you! ( JOEL MCHALE )

the basics;

NAME: jeffrey tobias winger

ALIAS(ES): jeff, a bad grade in a tight sweater, hotter than the man known for being hot

AGE: 40

PRONOUNS & GENDER: he/him, cis man

BIRTHDAY & ZODIAC: november 20th, scorpio

FACECLAIM: joel mchale

AESTHETICS: spending ungodly hours in the morning on expensive products to look effortless each day, working out to stay healthy but to also stay hot, hiding an emotionally strong and caring heart behind cynicism and sarcasm.

a deeper look;

BACKGROUND: jeff is post-season 6 series finale

WEAPONS: honestly just his mind and good luck taking THAT from him

POWERS/ABILITIES/SKILLS: persuasive, charming, strategic, manipulative.

GREATEST STRENGTH: bringing everyone together despite differences

GREATEST WEAKNESS/FLAW: his own crippling self-doubt

ONE FEAR: losing everyone again

ONE HOPE: reuniting with everyone (except maybe pierce)

HEADCANON(S): 

📱 - jeff is in severe denial and believes everyone but those from his world are completely fictional and that those from greendale are the only real people.

the questionnaire;

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER FEEL ABOUT BEING DROPPED INTO THE CAMBRIA PROGRAM? ARE THEY EXCITED? SUSPICIOUS? CONFUSED? jeff... thought the pamphlet was some stupid fake thing, or worse, an elaborate scheme that the dean came up with to get him alone - so he was fairly surprised to find himself awake on the ship. he’s still pretty convinced he’s had another concussion or that he’s the fake jeff living in real abed’s head. either way, he’s confused and he doesn’t like it and when he said he’s ‘never stepped foot out of colorado’ he didn’t mean this.

WHAT DOES YOUR CHARACTER HOPE TO SEE THE MOST DURING THE CAMBRIA ONE’S JOURNEY? the study group whole again, even if its in space and in the future, and most likely all inside abed’s mind.

IF YOUR CHARACTER COULD BRING ONE THING OR PERSON FROM HOME, WHAT WOULD IT BE? he’d successfully argue for more than one, and then demand; annie, abed, troy, shirley, and even the dean. not pierce, he’d beg for them to keep pierce.