#'NEVER AGAIN WILL I LET MY PRECIOUS COMRADES DIE IN FRONT OF ME'

[gwydionae]

If this is indeed a true indication of how Sasuke is being handled in this crossover, you can expect a to see a long rant post from me. Warning you now. XD

[lostcauses-noregrets]

Chapter 137: A vow fulfilled and shirtless to the last

He did it.  He finally did it.  After waiting almost five years, Levi finally killed the Beast Titan.  I can hardly believe it *.  It’s taken me a while to gather my thoughts on the chapter and I’m still not sure they’re entirely coherent, but let’s give it ago.

I speculated last month that there was a possibility that Armin would talk to Zeke in paths and convince him to sacrifice himself in order to stop Eren, and that Zeke would allow Levi to kill him, thus stopping the rumbling and enabling Levi to fulfill his vow to Erwin in one neat move.  (I also thought Levi would die in the process, but more that that below.)  This is more or less what happened, but what I didn’t expect was the line of reasoning Armin chose, I thought there would be a lot more angst and harking back to Grisha pleading with Zeke to stop Eren.  I actually really like the way things played out though.  I know that some of us (me included) have been critical of Armin because there’s been precious little evidence of his supposed genius, but perhaps at the end of the day, Armin’s brilliance was to appreciate the significance of simple things, and to understand the importance of a life just lived.  It reminded me of that moment by the ocean where Armin revels in the delights of the present, whereas Eren has already raced ahead to the future, without ever stopping to see or appreciate what is right in front of his nose.  And it also put me in mind of Carla telling Shadis that Eren didn’t need to become great, or to be better than everyone else, that he was great simply because he was born into the world. What a tragedy that Eren never appreciated that.

I also think it’s telling that this is what finally got through to Zeke.  In the chapter 136 podcast we discussed whether Zeke deserved his reputation for 11/10 intelligence, and all three of us agreed that he did not. I know some listeners disagreed with that, but I stand by the argument that while Zeke may have been intelligent, he wasn’t half as clever as he thought he was, and ultimately that was his downfall.  For all Zeke’s logical intelligence, I don’t think he ever really understood people.  Zeke always lacked empathy, which is something Armin has in spades.  He was so wrapped up in his own grand schemes that he never really stopped to consider other people and that’s why ultimately so many of his plans failed to come to fruition.  He underestimated Levi, and he fatally misunderstood Eren.

I’m conflicted here because I can't help feeling that Zeke got a better end than he deserved, but it was also one that was completely in character.  He did finally acknowledge that he had killed too many people to deserve redemption, but at the same time he still couldn't let go of his conviction that his euthanasia plan had been justified. Despite his moment of revelation that it’s the simple things that make life precious, he still couldn’t quite let go of his arrogance, his belief that he alone had the power to decide Eldians’ fate.    

I did think the way Zeke died was brilliantly done.  He always had a bit of a flair for theatrics, which went hand in hand with his high opinion of himself.  For Yams to let him have one last final grand-standing moment, to wax lyrical about the meaning of life, before being unceremoniously cut down by Levi, was just perfect.  The fact that he was shirtless at the time just made it all the more ridiculous.  Zeke Yeager - topless and on brand to the very last.  I hope to god I never have to see those nipples again.

And what of Levi? I honestly never expected that Levi would be able to kill Zeke and live.  It’s the one scenario I was not mentally prepared for.  I always thought that Levi would either die attempting to fulfil his vow, or fail and have to live with the guilt. I know that a lot can happen in the two chapters that are remaining and I suspect we will see more deaths before the end, but I’m starting to think that Levi might survive, and I’m actually…okay with that.  I reblogged a ficlet called Scars, that I wrote in response to an ask, where Levi survived the war and lived on with his scars and his memories, but I never thought there was a possibility that would happen.  Perhaps Levi will get his Morning in the Museum after all, as @momtaku​ dreamed of in her gorgeous fic.  

I know there’s been a lot of speculation about Levi’s expression immediately after he kills Zeke, and what it means.  Some people have interpreted it as sorrow, emptiness, disappointment.  Personally I think it’s a whole mess of overwhelming emotions; sorrow certainly, but also pain, relief and disbelief too. It’s everything all at once and it’s too much to process.  I think that Levi moved so fast that he didn’t have time for conscious thought.  He saw his opportunity and he took it. This time he didn’t hesitate.  Processing those emotions will (hopefully) come later.  I also don’t think that the fact that Zeke effectively offered himself up as a sacrifice cheapens the fulfilment of Levi’s vow in any way.  We already know that Levi could beat Zeke in a straight fight, he did that several times.  What matters is that by killing him, Levi was able to fulfil his vow, and perhaps more importantly, stop the rumbling, thus honouring his promise to Erwin and proving that his fallen comrades didn’t die for humanity in vain.

So yeah, thems my thoughts. All in all, I enjoyed this chapter and I’m cautiously optimistic for an ending that reminds us that there is beauty in the world as well as cruelty.

* There is an annoying little voice at the back of my mind whispering “maybe Zeke isn’t actually dead…” and, with Isayama, there is always that possibility. However with only two chapters left, I don’t think there’s time for another convoluted plot twist.  Also the lovingly detailed way that Isayama drew Zeke in this chapter makes me think that this is indeed his swansong.

[your--isgayrights]

How about 999 yjh and uriel?

This went a bit past just 999, but I had fun with this prompt! Here's some cannon based Jonghyuk angst with happy ending lol.

The nine hundred ninety ninth regression was one that Yoo Jonghyuk planned based on his previous regressions, as he always did.

Although, it wasn't as if the previous two regressions, the nine hundred ninety seventh and eighth, were really the worst the starstream had seen of Yoo Jonghyuk. That title would probably be saved for the forty-first from which Yoo Jonghyuk was conscious of the fact he had to deliberately block memories from to stay sane.

No, the problem with the last two regressions wasn't the presence of any memories that were wretched to the point of novelty. The problem was the fact that Yoo Jonghyuk barely retained any memories of them at all.

It was all a haze… it was honestly hard to tell if those regressions had been even markedly different from the ones previous to them, as all of the repeated events seemed to mush together and meld with the centuries of anguish he had already endured.

He hadn't felt anything new. Done anything new. So much so that he would forget his place in the new regression and wander aimlessly thinking of the old until some high level constellation punk got a lucky shot at him.

And then all of a sudden, Yoo Jonghyuk woke up in that familiar train car. The one that no matter what would only last for the first thirty minutes of the scenario.

Almost out of habit, he looked for that boy he had been keeping an eye on. The one who always died.

He stopped when he realized.

999.

That boy had died one thousand times.

Yoo Jonghyuk had lived one thousand times. Been in this train car one thousand times. Failed to save anyone one thousand times. Died one thousand times.

Was he really that useless? Yoo Jonghyuk thought to himself, as he went through the motions of beating Choi Han-gyu to death before he could blow up the car.

Honestly, at this point maybe he should accept that he was just like the boy in this car.

No matter what he did, he was going to die anyway.

If he thought about it like that, then…

Well, what was the best thing that he could accomplish with his own death, knowing that it would come to him no matter what he did?

So in the nine hundred ninety ninth turn, Yoo Jonghyuk took more risks than ever before. He made choices and plans that he never would have before because experience had shown they were the antithesis to his former dogma. That which put his own means of survival above all else.

And little by little, Yoo Jonghyuk began to notice that things could be new again.

In this regression, his companions cared more about him. They respected him more, and opened up about things they never had. As if something in his actions connected to them. Made them think he acted out of love for them since his actions clearly showed no care for himself.

And maybe Yoo Jonghyuk wanted to believe them, too. That he was still capable of that sort of love. That desire for connection.

So he let himself fall into it. He made his decisions based on everyone's survival except for his own.

And his comrades continued to show new sides of themselves. The way Lee Jihye tried not to weep aver the bloody remains of his leg, even though no one had died that regression. How Lee Hyunsung's lips trembled while trying to stop the blessing where Yoo Jonghyuk's arm used to be. Shin Yoosung's open bawling, as it began to set in on Yoo Jonghyuk that he would never see this version of her's face ever again.

But Yoo Jonghyuk knew whose response to his actions had surprised him the most this regression.

"Jonghyuk. Are you ready?" The voice of a certain archangel was heard near his somehow still intact ears.

Uriel's face was close to his, a tight grip on his arm and waist along with the angelic wing steadied on his back the only support keeping him held upright as the others had followed his instructions in forging through the final battle ahead of them.

"There's no need to watch over me so closely, Uriel." He told her. It was, in fact, something he had been telling this strange angel recurrently ever since she had stepped down from Eden to join their group.

That was one thing he had never expected of the entity he had once known as the Demon-like Judge of Fire. In all the timelines he had been through Uriel had been just that, a silent judge. Reacting positively to his lawful actions in the early scenarios with coins, and expressing disappointment over his more morally dubious actions. Only descending after the destruction of Eden occasionally to cast judgement in person.

But something about this round had moved the archangel to act differently after the destruction of Eden this round.

"No offense, but there's obviously a d**n need for it, Jonghyuk." Uriel casually censored herself, as though the restrictions of Eden were still in place. "You can't see how the others are looking back towards you right now, but they know it too. That it's always times like this that you feel the need to go and take unnecessary risks."

Yoo Jonghyuk thought that he heard it in her voice, then.

That lilt in Uriel's voice that suggested she was talking to an old friend, even though the span of time in which he had met this version of her was infinitesimal in comparison to the life he had already lived before her, and perhaps compared to the life of a constellation as well.

Maybe Uriel, too, had lived through this all before. A war where she was called upon to support a comrade close to death.

Perhaps she also knew what it was like to be too helpless to save someone important.

Yoo Jonghyuk should be sorry that she would have to go through it again.

He could already feel it. No matter how close Uriel and her sword stayed by his side, Yoo Jonghyuk could feel his death coming to him.

It was because the outer world covenant wasn't an outside threat. It was something that was inside of him. A hole that came from the very center of him. Almost as if there were no outer world god involved, and Yoo Jonghyuk had really only done this to himself.

When everything was fading, and he could recognize her voice as one of the ones desperately calling out to him, Yoo Jonghyuk thought that he should apologize to her.

Instead, he died with a smile on his face.

.

.

.

The one thousandth regression was one that Yoo Jonghyuk planned based on his previous regressions, as he always did.

When he woke up on the train car again, he wasn't smiling as he had been when he died.

It was because he knew that he wouldn't let the events that let him get so far in the last regression repeat.

He couldn't live like that.

Suicidal idiot that he still was, he couldn't let the same thing happen to his precious memories of those friends in the nine hundred ninety ninth that had happened to every other memory he had of them from all those other regressions. Let them repeat until the point of oblivion. He couldn't do it. He just couldn't, even if it would be the right thing to do, even though it could save their lives, Yoo Jonghyuk just wasn't strong enough.

And he hated himself, for that weakness.

That was when Yoo Jonghyuk decided that he had to die, sitting there in that subway car before the scenarios started.

No matter what it took, killing every constellation in the starstream, losing distorted versions of old comrades, finding and wringing out his sponsor's neck…

Yoo Jonghyuk had to survive long enough to stand in front of that wall once more.

And join all of his once treasured memories in the deepest oblivion of death.

From then on, the only times he saw that Demon-like Judge of Fire descended from Eden was when she was sent with the express purpose to kill him in a way that didn't matter.

The only thing new he learned about her thereafter was how her corpse looked with a sword through the middle.

That was, until he met her as an outer god.

Secretive Plotter had wondered if it would please an angel like Uriel to know that he had prayed for the first time in that moment.

Prayed against all odds that her firey sword really could pierce through his curse of life and see him to his end.

But some dumb guy saved him that day.

And now, in the present, Yoo Jonghyuk was watching the kid version of that guy pick the green bits out of the omelette he had made him.

He had been trying to remember from the timelines where he had kids how he had tricked them into eating their vegetables, but like most of the times he tried to recall those deep memories of his, something in his brain had gotten caught up in that pesky number 999's time.

It was probably because his current company made those times hard to forget.

"Aaaaah I'm going to be late!" Uriel ran into the kitchen in a flash of blonde curls, going for the bread in the fridge as if she was going to run out of the house with toast in her mouth like a schoolgirl from one of her animes. "Jonghyuk do you know where Jihye is?"

"She already left." Yoo Jonghyuk reported, as he batted her hands off the bread and gave her a fork for the small omelette he had already put on the table for her. "Her first class this semester is in an early slot."

Even though he had told that girl to schedule her classes with the university early if she wanted good times…

"Shi-" Uriel seemed to remember there was no system to filter out her swears as she spared a glance toward Dokja before correcting herself. "Shoot. I mean shoot." She started speaking between bites as she scarfed down the omelette "I think that [munch] girl borrowed the shoes I was [chew] going to wear to my interview [gulp] without asking…"

"Does it really matter what shoes you wear?" Yoo Jonghyuk commented as he used his chopsticks to start placing Dokja's vegetables back into his omelette. "A former constellation is going to look strange submitting her manhwa manuscript to an editor for review no matter what."

"Give me a break." Uriel frowned. "It's not my fault that your world somehow made the mistake of making creative skills look more appealing on a resume than demon slaying skills."

Yoo Jonghyuk thought that there was truth to her observation, as he watched Uriel ruffle the hair of the pouting Dokja, before putting her clean plate in the sink for him to deal with later.

Everything about this world was new to Uriel. One could see it plainly in the very way she moved, unused to not carrying wings everywhere she went and walking ever so lightly on the earth wherever she went. Whether it was because she knew what it was to fly or because her shoulders had never felt so light before, Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't be sure.

"Good luck." He called, as Uriel walked out into the fray ahead of him, donning combat boots instead of the professional heel she seemed to have misplaced.

"Thanks Jonghyuk!" She replied, seemingly not compelled to look back to check on him as she walked out the door.

Yoo Jonghyuk had this certain feeling, then. A feeling that he often saw himself having in this new life of his, with these old friends of his.

Even though he thoroughly knew these people already, that fact made it all the more exciting to watch them grow into their roles in this world. Become the people that he never got to see them be.

"It's that look in your eye."

Yoo Jonghyuk almost startled, as he remembered he was being watched.

He turned to find young Dokja looking him with a gaze that seemed to see beyond his stoic expression.

"My father never looked at anyone like the way you looked at her just now, Hyung." He said, in that small, knowing voice of his, before a shyness seemed to come over him, and he looked down at his plate.

"That's why nine hundred ninety nine was always my favorite." He admitted, in a little voice

The emotion that Yoo Jonghyuk felt then was a rare one, but not entirely new.

A mixture of pride and bashfulness that only his own children had ever raised out of him, a glow that seemed to start from his chest and go on to cover his cheeks.

Perhaps an erstwhile familiarity with that feeling was the only thing that allowed him to save himself from smiling, as he tried very hard to tell Dokja sternly to eat his vegetables.

And when Uriel came home that evening to announce that her manuscript had gotten picked up… well, it wasn't hard to admit that Yoo Jonghyuk too was now living through a life that he never had before.

[is-it-madness]

Metal Fingers

A/N 1: This fic is for my lovely beta/bestie @wowjeena Heyyo, would you be up to writing a soulmate au with Bucky? You can choose which type of soulmate au but can you make the reader a normal person (so not an Avenger or anything related)?? Thanks girl and if you don’t wanna that’s chill 👉🏼👉🏼 So... it’s not exactly a soulmate au, but I hope this is okay instead ��️💜💜 I’m also so sorry it took so long. I hope you like it, my dear.

A/N 2: The Bucky Barnes Exhibit states he was born in 1916, but at the bottom where it gives his life span, it says he was born in 1917. I googled it to find the correct year, and it said 1917… I don’t know what to do with that information, other than to tell you guys there’s a mistake in the movie. 

A/N 3: I apparently couldn’t make this a one shot, so it’ll be a multi part story. I’m aiming between 3-5 parts

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x single mom!reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.5k+

~~~

Part 1

A Fallen Comrade.

James Buchanan ‘Bucky’ Barnes

Born in 1916, Barnes grew up the oldest child of four. An excellent athlete who also excelled in the classroom. Barnes enlisted in the Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After winter training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, Barnes and the rest of the 107th shipped out to the Italian front. Captured by Hydra troops later that fall, Barnes endured long periods of isolation, deprivation and torture. But his will was strong. In an ironic twist of fate, his prison camp was liberated by none other than his childhood friend, Steve Rogers, now Captain America.

Reunited, Barnes and Rogers led Captain America’s newly formed unit, The Howling Commandos. Barnes’ marksmanship was invaluable as Rogers and his team destroyed Hydra bases and disrupted Nazi troop movements throughout the European Theater.

He knew these words. He read and reread them dozens— if not hundreds— of times. He wrote them down in every one of his notebooks as he was scrapping, searching for his memories that were just out of his reach. He could nearly taste them. They fluttered teasingly in front of him: close, but not close enough for him to snatch out of the air of uncertainty. 

He pulled a fresh notebook from his bag and a pencil, worried away from teeth and words. 

Start with what you know…

My name is James Buchanan Barnes. I was taken captive by Hydra and was used by them. I know a man named Steve. He was my friend.  

He trailed off. This is where he always was left floating in a sea of not knowing. He was left grasping for more. He was a starved man, empty without his memories. The few he managed to uncover did little to tide him over from insanity. He bit at that familiar indentation on his pencil, trying to think of something, anything at this point that was more than those four simple sentences he’s written everyday for the past several weeks. Sighing and pulling his baseball cap lower in frustration, Bucky returned his supplies to his bag, stood, and swung it over his right shoulder. Eyes low, and clutching his bag, Bucky made his way towards the exit of the crowded museum. Ever since the Potomac, this section of the Smithsonian was more packed than usual.

Nearly there. Nearly there. 

It was an understatement to say that Bucky Barnes didn’t like crowded areas. Too many bodies, pressing, and pushing against each other, loud noises, pointless conversations discussing mundane things. 

Nearly there. Nearly ther—

“Oof!”

He wouldn’t have noticed the boy that ran into him if his bag hadn’t slipped from his hand, spilling out the contents onto the floor. Bucky hurriedly crouched to retrieve his precious memories. He barely registers the boy picking up the items that had strayed a bit further. 

“Here you go Mister! I’m sorry for bumping into you like that.”

Bucky silently takes his belongings back from the little boy standing in front of him. 

Bucky unintentionally begins to analyze him.

Probably seven or eight. Bright eyes. Tousled hair. Skinny. Doesn’t clear 100 pounds soaking.

He shakes his head. Stop. No more. 

“Whoa, cool! Metal fingers!!”

Bucky quickly retracts his fingerless-gloved hand.

The boy pulls his hand from his sweatshirt pocket. “Yours are cooler, but I have metal fingers too! Well, actually it’s a metal arm because the doctors had to get rid of my real one because I got hurt super bad, but I think it’s really cool.”

The boy said this all extremely fast, Bucky had to blink a few times to register what he had said. A compliment? For his hand? A hand that’s maimed, killed, and caused so many people to suffer?

“Uh… I… I have a metal arm too.”

The little boy’s eyes widened even more. He wasn’t sure what made him do it, but Bucky took off his glove and showed it to the boy.

He took Bucky’s hand in his and stared at it, looking back and forth at Bucky’s hand and his. Bucky stood there stiffly, unsure how to respond. The boy looked up at Bucky solemnly.

“Do you have super powers?” he whispered. 

Bucky couldn’t help but crack a smile at his seriousness, but before he could answer, a woman came running through the crowd.

“Noah!”

The boy turned to give her a lopsided grin. “Hi Mom!”

“How many times have I told you to stay by my side, young man?”

The boy, Noah, dropped Bucky’s hand and took a step closer to the woman. “Sorry. But Mom!”

A raised brow silenced Noah. The woman looked up at Bucky.

“I’m so sorry if he was bothering you. He’s very social.”

Bucky forgot how to speak for a minute. The woman standing in front of him was… well, he’d never seen anyone as beautiful as her. Bright, sparkling eyes confirming where Noah got his from, a soft voice, and a sweet smile.

“Oh, uh, no. I mean, he is. I mean‒” When was the last time he had gotten tongue-tied?

Bucky cleared his throat, forced himself to try to ignore the sweet smile that was widening, and tried again. “He wasn’t bothering me. We were just talking about‒”

“His metal arm! Look at it, Mom!” Noah hurries back to Bucky’s side and holds his mechanical hand. “Look how awesome it is! And it’s huge!” He started poking Bucky’s upper arm and gasps. “And so are his muscles!! I bet he could crush anything!”

Noah began miming picking up heavy objects or crushing imaginary things, complete with sound effects. Bucky doesn’t miss Noah’s mother’s eyes widen slightly when Noah pointed out how massive his biceps are.

“Noah, honey, why don’t we go check out the exhibit?”

“Oh yeah! Let’s go, Mom!” He nearly takes off again before giving his mother a sheepish smile.

“What did you do?”

“I… I turned our map into a paper airplane.”

“And?”

“And... it… flew out of my hands?”

“Mm hmm. I see. Well, I guess we’ll just have to come back another time.”

Noah gasps and clutches his mom’s hand. “No! Please Mom! Don’t do this to me!!”

Her laugh causes Bucky’s heart to skip a few beats, and it frustrates him that he doesn’t know why.

“Which exhibit are you looking for?”

Noah looks at Bucky and salutes. “We’re here to see the Mister Captain America exhibit.”

“I could take you guys there.”

What. On earth. Gave him that idea?!

“Woo! Let’s‒”

Noah’s cheer was cut off by his mother. “Oh, no that’s okay. I’m sure you’re busy and you probably have something to get to you.”

She’s right… Why did I even offer in the first place? I can’t‒

“It’s not a problem. I was heading over there right now actually.” 

Jesus! What’s wrong with me?

Noah grabbed his mother’s hand and followed Bucky to the famed exhibit.

~~~

“So, I take it Noah’s a fan of the Captain?”

The beautiful lady standing next to him nodded. “Yeah, Noah loves him; really looks up to him.”

“Makes sense, he’s a good guy.”

“Sounds like you’ve met him before.”

“You could say that.”

They were pulled away from their conversation when Noah ran up to them, grinning.

“Mom! Look how skinny Steve was! And, and his friend? Um… Bucky? Yeah! Bucky! He would always help Steve out because Steve would always get in fights! So Bucky would come and have to save him!” 

Noah then proceeded to animatedly tell his audience how Steve became the Captain and fought in the War. When he went to go read the display in front of Steve’s motorcycle, Bucky turned back to the woman.

“Is this his first time here?”

She nodded and smiled. “I promised I would take him when I had a day off. He’s been waiting for weeks.”

A pause.

“How ‘bout you?”

“What?” Damn that smile! He got distracted.

“I take it this isn’t your first time here?”

“No, ma’am.”

Her giggle caused his firm expression to slip into a small smile.

Bucky spent the rest of the afternoon showing Noah around. He learned that Noah and his mother had been in a terrible car accident two years before. The injuries Noah sustained to his right arm were irreversible, thus leading to an amputation, a prosthetic arm, and even though she didn’t say, expensive medical bills burdened on his mother.

When the museum closed, Noah was asking his mother when they’d be able to return.

“I’m not sure baby. How about next weekend?”

Noah did a little dance showing his affirmation. Then he looked at Bucky.

“Will you be here too, Mr. James?”

“Uh, yeah sure kid. I’ll be here.”

Noah fist pumped as his mother said goodbye to Bucky.

~~~

Holy shit. Holy shit! 

You had been trying to keep your cool ever since you found Noah with James. You were eating dinner and you still hadn’t gotten over him. That man was fucking stunning. Blue, blue eyes that were filled with such sorrow, a smile that made your insides flutter, and a deep voice you were willing to listen to for hours on end. Soft and sonorous. And he was so sweet and kind with Noah. That alone had you taking a liking to him.

“Mom?! Mom!”

“Oh— sorry, baby. What’s wrong?”

“Thanks for taking me to the museum.”

You ruffle his hair. “Thanks for being so patient for me.”

He smiles as he shovels pasta into his mouth. 

~~~

My Ride or Die:

@lehuka123 @thejournalman @myraiswack @loki-yoursaviourishere @rebloggingeverything @just-the-hiddles @confetti-its-an-imagine-blog @thehumanistsdiary @fanfictionaries @astheworlddturns @bbarnestan @buckyfan12

[cosmicbells]

i need you (s. moran)

genre: angst, fluff at the end

description: sebastian moran has never loved anyone since the day he was announced as killed in action. so when he’s on the verge of losing you, he does everything in his power to keep you by his side.

warnings: abuse, gore, almost sexual harassment (it almost happens but it gets stopped)

a/n: i couldn’t help myself...this is for my amazing followers who are the reason i keep writing :) also this is heavily inspired by the baskerville arc

there was nothing to curb the unslaught of pure fury and anger that coursed through sebastian moran’s veins. his grip on the glass of whiskey in his hand was so tight that the glass had cracked under the pressure. the living room was deadly silent. william was focused on the map in front of him, and fred eyes were trained on moran. albert and louis had gone out to town to see if they could find information on your disappearance.

“mister moran?” fred’s soft voice spoke up, and moran could feel a sliver of his anger fade at the soothing tone of one of his closest friends.

“yes?” he leveled his voice out, trying not to snap at fred.

“did they say anything to you before they disappeared?” his voice is gentle, wary of the heavy tension in the room. he can see the way moran’s grip on the glass tightens and the glass cracks just a little bit more.

“they said they love me and they’d see me in a little bit. that’s it,” moran grits out, staring pointedly at the floor. he doesn’t see fred nod or william glance up from the map. all he can think about is how he had held you in his arms yesterday, smothering your face in kisses as you giggled from his affection. and now, you were gone. and he had no idea where you were.

•••

cold. your body trembled in the cold, eyes screwed shut at the impenetrable feeling of cold that shook you to your very core. by the time you had finally opened your eyes, you wish you had kept them closed instead. lining the walls were various organs in clean clear jars. your breath catches in your throat at the sight. you want to scream, every cell in your body urges you to scream for help, but your voice fails you. you move to stand up, but a heavy chain on your ankle stops you. the panic sets in at the sight, but before you can say anything the door across the room swings open.

“enjoying your stay in my humble abode?” the man before you grins, and it’s almost reminiscent of the way sebastian smiles mischievously at you when he has a sneaky plan. except now the smile scares you to your very core.

“you disgust me,” you try to growl out, but it only comes out as a breathless whisper. the words he said yesterday ring loudly in your ear, and you shrink in on yourself at the idea of them.

“now now love, that’s no way to talk to an old comrade of your lovers! didn’t sebastian teach you manners?” he taunts, and you wince at the underlying danger in his words. he moves closer to you, hands clasped behind his back. you try to shuffle back, but the chain on your ankle binds you to your spot on the floor.

“he also taught me how to defend myself so i’d watch out if i were you,” you warn him, hands coming up in front of you. the man giggles maniacally, crouching down in front of you and grabbing your chin forcefully. you try to push his hand off, but his other hands grabs both of your wrists and shoved them down onto the ground, your entire upper body moving with you. you cry out as your nose hits the concrete, pain blooming across your entire face.

“maybe i should teach you manners through pain. it’s proven successful in the past you know,” his voice is horribly close to your ear, and panic flows easily through your bones at the implication. your fight or flight fails you, your entire body freezing as you feel the cold metal of handcuffs click around both of your wrists. the heaviness of the cuffs jolts you back to reality. your voice finally comes back, and your screams echo throughout the chamber until the heavy foot of the man next to you knocks you completely out.

•••

“you know where she is?” moran tries to keep his voice steady, not wanting to fill himself with false hope. william nods, and moran forces himself to remain calm and stay still. his focus on william as he explains the plan is razor sharp. he instantly memorizes every detail of the plan, left hand clenching and unclenching sporadically.

“any questions?” william finally looks away from the boards, and looks around the room.

“when do we leave?” fred asks before moran can, and sebastian is secretly thankful because if he spoke he wasn’t sure he would be able to keep his voice steady anymore.

“tonight,” william speaks confidently, and it’s reassuring to everyone in the room.

“then let’s hurry our asses up and go,” it’s the first time moran’s spoke since william first started talking about the plan, and the rest of the team watches as he gets up and leaves the room, yanking his arms through the sleeves of his jacket.

•••

“no! stop please i beg of you!” your cries meld with the sound of the whip snapping down on your bare back. your tears fall freely onto the dirty concrete below you, but not as fast as the blood drips down your back.

“my love, have you learned your manners yet?” he mocks you, coming down to you. you’re bent over a wooden block, bare front pressed into the rough wood as your arms hang limply in front of you, still shackled. “i don’t think you have!” he says, moving back up to crack the whip once again. the pain sears through your back, and you can almost feel your nerve endings screaming in pain.

“i have! i have! don’t touch me anymore!” you plead, your body not having the strength to jerk away from the man.

“oh, but this makes it so much more fun for me!” his maniac laugh fills the room again, and the shrill sound almost hurts your ears more than the cuts on your back.

“why? why are you doing this? please, at least tell me that,” you’re hoping the question will deter him from whipping you again, and you breath a sigh of relief when you see his body crouch in front of yours once again. his hand grips your chin and forces you to look up into his beady eyes.

“because my comrades died because of the incompetence of your precious colonel, so i intend to hurt him the same way he hurt me,” he whispers. he’s quiet after speaking, face pensive as he stares you down. after a minute, he smiles widely, and it terrifies you infinitely.

“what?” you’re afraid to ask, but you’d rather have a clue of what’s going through his head than be in the dark.

“i think i have the perfect way of getting back at the colonel!” he exclaims giddily, lifting you up by your wrists. fear floods through your system as your entire front half is exposed, and flail about as he hooks your cuffed wrists onto the hook in the wall just behind you.

“no, no, what are you doing?” you try to kick him back with your one free foot, but he catches it easily and yanks you so half of your body is laying down and the other half is suspended by your cuffs nailed to the wall.

“i wonder how sebastian would react knowing another man had touched his lover hm?” his hands travel across your naked front fingers tweaking your nipples.

“no! no! stop it please! i beg of you!” you’re sure your screams travel throughout the entire house. his hands travel lower, playing with the hem of your pants. terror shoots through you, and your feet kick out as you scratch your vocal chords screaming.

“sir! the guards at the front of the property have been found dead!” one of the house boys bursts through the door and you breathe a sigh of relief. the noble turns back to you, face red and eyes trained angrily on you. the last of your energy is used to smirk at him, chest heaving.

“your old friend is here. can’t wait to witness the reunion,” you breath out. the noble growls, yanking your cuffs off of the hook and undoing them. he grabs the thin cotton shirt you usually wore and throws it at the house boy.

“dress them quickly then take them to my favorite spot,” he grits out before turning back to you. “you’ll be lucky if you see him before you die,” he says before rushing out of the room. you’re frozen in your spot, numb as the house boy dresses you again and undoes your chain, yanking you out of the chamber and through the house. the only thing you can focus on is how the shirt sticks to your back from all of the sticky blood.

•••

the sound of a blade slashing through human flesh falls on the team’s ears as they rush through the forrest. moran turns and nods to william, signaling for him and louis to break off and head towards the manor. moran turns back around with fred behind him. his thoughts are all zeroed in on finding you.

“are you okay?” fred’s voice pulls him out of his silence, and he stops and turns to look down at the younger boy.

“i don’t really know. i just need to know they’re alright,” he confesses, one of his hands running through his hair. fred nods before walking past the colonel.

“knowing them they’ve probably stayed alive for you,” he says, not turning back. for the first time in days, moran cracks a smile. as he’s about to speak again, a shrill scream erupts through the forrest. it’s far away and faint, but he’d recognize your voice anywhere. fred watches as his friend breaks into an all out sprint, and he quickly follows after him.

•••

“sebastian! fred! will! someone!” your voice cracks at the force of your screams, and they’re quickly cut off as the noble shoves a dirty rag into your mouth. your cries are muffled by the rag, but still audible. your hands are stuck to the tree behind you, both pinned to the tree above you. they’re stuck in place with a nail in each palm. blood drips down from your wounds, trailing down your arms and down your back. your breathing is heavy and if your hands weren’t stuck to the tree you were sure you’d collapse. even now you barely had the energy to keep yourself upright on your toes. each little movement of your hands shot sharp pains down your arms.

“i wonder how your precious colonel would react seeing your dead, lifeless body strung up to a tree like this,” he ponders, hand reaching behind him. you glare harshly at him as you watch him look back to you. your eyes widen in fear at the glare of the silver gun in his hand.

“i wonder where i should shoot first? i don’t think i want to kill you just yet,” he says before pointing his gun just above your head and pulling the trigger. the pain is delayed, but when it hits you your screams filter loudly through the gag in your mouth. your entire right arm is burning hot, and your bone feels as though it’s completely shattered where you’ve been shot. you can’t help but slump forward at the pain, hands tugging excruciatingly painfully at the nails. your entire right arm is on the verge of going numb, but you force yourself to lift your head up to meet his gaze. he grins maniacally, giggling in delight.

“maybe now i can kill you. i’m getting bored of you now. i’m just waiting for your little lover to come sav-” he’s cut off by the bullet in his head. blood and brain matter spew out of the other end of his head, and his body slumps down. you watch as sebastian barrels out of the forrest, sprinting towards you.

“princess!” his voice breaks, but you couldn’t care less as he pulls the gag out of your mouth and looks up to gently pull the nails out of your hands. “eyes on me love, don’t focus on what i’m doing ok? you’re going to be okay i promise,” you can hear how shaky his voice is, and you can barely feel the nails comes out. your hands have gone almost entirely numb at this point.

“i...missed you,” you manage to get out. the adrenaline starts to fade, and the exhaustion starts to weigh your entire body down.

“i missed you too baby but you gotta stay awake for me ok? fred come help me!” he shouts over his shoulder, discarding the nail from your left hand. your arm drops immediately, and moran has to grab your body with one hand to keep you from completely collapsing and putting even more pressure on your shot arm. fred rushes from the forrest, coming next to moran and wiping bloody hair out of your face.

“hey there. i gotta keep you awake, so can you talk to me about stuff? wanna tell me what you want to plant in the garden when we get home?” you’ve never heard fred talk this much before, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“lillies, they’re my favorite,” you say, focusing on fred’s face.

“ok, we can do that,” he nods, smiling softly at you.

“ok i’m done!” moran announces, throwing the other bloody nail away and gently letting your arm rest next to you. he leans down and slowly lifts you up bridal style, cradling your body close to his.

“sebastian i want to sleep,” you murmur quietly, nuzzling your head into his chest.

“i know princess, but you gotta stay awake for me,” he says, going as fast as he can without hurting you. your eyes flutter shut unintentionally, and you hum in response. the last time you hear is shouts of your name falling desperately from the colonels lips.

•••

the next time you wake up, your entire body feels like it’s being weighed down by a million rocks. your head feels as though it’s filled with cotton, and you groan at the feeling. when you finally manage to open your eyes, you’re met with your body swathed in a warm blanket. turning your head slightly to the left, you see moran asleep in a chair next to you, one of his hands underneath your bandaged one. the moment you shift your hand slightly though, he jerks awake, looking at you in disbelief.

“princess?” his voice is low, eyes red and hand trembling beneath yours.

“hey colonel,” you rasp out, offering a watery smile as you hold back tears of relief. he shoots out of the chair, kneeling on the ground next to you and ever so carefully cupping your cheek in one of his hands. the moment his hand rests on your face, the tears flow freely, and you lean forward to rest your forehead on his. he holds your face close to his wiping your tears away and letting you occasionally sob against him.

“it’s okay my love, i’m right here,” he whispers, letting you cry until you’ve calmed down.

“i’m sorry i didn’t tell you where i went. he threatened to kill you and i c-couldn’t let that happen,” you whimper out, looking down towards the floor. moran lifts your head back up to his, delicately holding your face.

“please don’t ever apologize to me for that again. i’m sorry i couldn’t be there to protect you,” he says earnestly, holding back tears of his own. you shake your head vigorously at his words.

“don’t be sorry. i love you okay? that’s all that matters now,” you reassure him, leaning forward to kiss him. he reciprocates easily, threading his fingers through your hair and kissing you gingerly. when he finally pulls away, he smiles at you.

“i never want you to have to worry about me ever again ok? i need you by my side forever, so i will do everything in my power to keep you safe okay?” he says, and you nod, laughing lightly at his confession.

“i’ll be with you until the end of time,” you say confidently, letting your love heal the both of you. he lets you go back to bed, making sure to hold your hand softly until you were asleep again.

[ga-yuu]

~Yoshitsune~Main Story Chapter 2~

Warning!! The story contains violence.

Chapter 1

*

*

*

-------Part 1 -------

Yoshitsune: “It was the fault of Yoritomo that he let his precious trump card slip from his hand.”

Yoshino: ‘Ahh....”

The tip of his sword was kept right on my throat and I stopped breathing.

My skin crawls with fear and my body trembles.

Yoshitsune: “.....You can resent me, Yoshino.”

(No way, he's actually going to kill me....!)

A moment before I was ready to be cut, what crossed my mind was-----

-----FLASHBACK-----

Soldier: “Wait. .... I don’t know what town you’re from,.... but.. you can’t leave until the war is over. ....”

-----FLASHBACK END----

(If I die here, then that person will be...)

The hand that grasped the hilt of the sword put in a faint effort, and at the moment----

Yoshino: "Wait! I'm in the middle of a treatment."

Yoshitsune: ".....treatment?"

With his sword still pointed at me, Yoshitsune-sama asks a question without changing his expression.

(Don't be scared...don't be scared...don't be scared....)

I gulped and slowly opened my mouth.

Yoshino: "I found a badly injured soldier in the place where I had taken refuge from my allies. I have to take care of him quickly. So... please. Please withdraw your sword!"

Yoshitsune: "..........."

He stares at me as if to see if I was lying.

(I am a threat to Yoshitsune-sama. I'm sure he doesn't care about the wounded soldier, and he can easily ignore that and kill me right now....)

(Nevertheless......)

I stared straight back at him with a hope that he would allow me to at least save that soldier.

Yoshitsune: "----I see."

(Ah.....)

After a moment, the sword was put away.

(Do I get to live?)

Yoshitsune-sama sheathed his sword and turned to me.

Yoshitsune: "Get up. I'll go with you to the wounded soldier."

Yoshino: "Eh?"

Yoshitsune: "Didn't you hear me?"

Yoshino: "Yes! Loud and clear."

Yoshitsune: "Then get on with it. If what you said is true then I need the treatment to happen as soon as possible."

Yoshino: "....I understand."

I quickly stood up and re-held the tub of water that had fallen beside me.

Then we walked side by side to the hut in silence.

(For the time being, it looks like he won't kill me right away.)

I'm going to take a look at him and see what he is thinking...

Yoshitsune(expressionless): "........"

-------Part 2 -------

Yoshitsune: "........"

When he pointed the sword at me and even when he listened about the wounded soldier....

In all the time since we met, Yoshitsune-sama's expression has never changed.

(What is he thinking right now? I have no idea....)

(An ally will come for me soon. Maybe there is a chance that I can be saved.)

(For now, I have to focus on the treatment.)

I told that to myself strongly to distract myself from being anxious.

...........

Then----

Soldier: "Ah....Yoshitsune...sama.....?"

(eh?)

On arriving at the hut, the soldier, who was crouched in a corner of the room, was struck by the sight.

Yoshitsune: ".....As I expected."

Soldier; "Why....are you....here...Yoshitsune...sama....?"

(.....So he was a Rebel's soldier!?)

(If you think about it, as and when Yoshitsune-sama joined the enemy side, there was a possibility....)

At a loss for words, Yoshitsune-sama stepped forward.

Yoshitsune: "Don't talk, you'll hurt the wound."

Soldier: "Ah....but...."

(Ah, yes, no time to dawdle.)

I rushed to the soldier who is moaning and clutching his side.

(Even if he is a rebel soldier, it doesn't change what I have to do.)

Yoshino: "It may hurt a little, but you'll have to be patient. I'll finish it soon."

Soldier: "A...arghh...."

I instantly started removing the bloodstained cloth that the soldier wrapped around his wound.

(Nn......)

I didn't get a good look at him earlier because it was just a simple wrapping of a cloth.

The wounds, which were washed with water, were so deep that it was tempting to cover one's eyes, and once again the horrors of war were confronted.

(....This time, I was not on the battlefield.)

(I was in the main camp, just treating the wounded in a safe place.)

But there will come a day when I will have to go out and fight.

(Then... I might get hurt, like this guy.)

As I apply the medicine to the wound, I think back to the other day.

----FLASHBACK----

Yoritomo: "The Kamakura Shogunate will hire you."

Yoshino: "The Shogunate!?"

Yoritomo: "Yeah. Yoshitsune will eventually lead his troops against us, as he has declared. Yoshino, you are bound to Tamamo, and in time of need you will be a weapon against Yoshitsune's spell."

----FLASHBACK ENDS-----

(I didn't really understand at that time. I didn't know what war was... or how dreadful it was.)

Yoshitsune: "......"

I can feel a strong gaze on my back. But my hands don't stop, not even once.

.......

Yoshino: ".....it's over."

Soldier: "Thank....you...."

Yoshino: "No, please...."

(I wonder what this man would think once knew I was his enemy.)

Unsure of his reply, the soldier turns to face Yoshitsune-sama.

Soldier: "I'm sorry....Yoshitsune...sama.....for ....being so...useless..."

Yoshitsune: "Don't worry about it. Rest now."

-------Part 3-------

Yoshitsune: "Don't worry about it. Rest now."

Soldier: "Yes....."

The soldier went to sleep, feeling relieved after hearing Yoshitsune-sama's words.

(....I thought Yoshitsune-sama would be a ruthless man.)

He was hostile to Yoritomo-sama and also tried to kill Tamamo.

The is completely different from when we met the first time.

(Also, Yoshitsune-sama never blamed his soldier for anything....)

Yoshitsune(expressionless): "........."

Yoshitsune-sama sighed in relief after watching the soldier sleep peacefully.

Yoshitsune: "......Yoshino."

(........!)

I held my breath when he suddenly turned in my direction.

Yoshitsune: "Why did you help him after knowing that he was your enemy?"

Yoshino: "Eh....?"

He clearly asks me without touching his sword.

Yoshitsune: "Answer."

Yoshino: "Well...."

I looked at the soldier who was breathing softly.

(Of course, I was scared to death when I found out he was my enemy.)

(But, above all that...)

Yoshino: "...I'm a pharmacist. It's the same as killing a person if I overlook the fact that he's hurting in front of me when I have the means to treat him."

Yoshitsune(icy glare): "Is that why?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Is that reason not good?

2. Yes. (+4/+4)

3. What would Yoshitsune-sama have done?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yoshino: "Yes."

Yoshitsune: "You're sweet."

Yoshino: "I can't abandon them, even if I'm sweet."

Yoshitsune: "....For all your sweetness, you are stubborn. ...You said that overlooking an injured person was like killing. Then do you condemn the samurai's you see killing all around you?"

Yoshino: "I didn't mean it like that....!"

Yoshitsune(icy glare): "How can you say no? You said earlier you didn't want to kill people."

Yoshino: "Nn......."

Yoshitsune(icy glare): "But that's not all. As enemies, there will come a day when we will meet on the battlefield. Did you ever consider the possibility that the man you saved just now might kill your comrades?"

(That's...)

I turn my head away to escape the all-seeing eyes.

(.....I knew what I was doing. I knew what it meant to help an enemy soldier.)

I bit my lips in frustration, that I couldn't reply back.

Yoshitsune: "But..."

-------Part 4--------

Yoshitsune: "But...contradictions are in all of us."

Suddenly, I look up in surprise to hear a slight sadness in his voice.

Yoshitsune: "I've only known one person who could cut it out and throw it away."

Yoshitsune-sama had a melancholy atmosphere and the moonlight illuminated his sad eyes.

(Who is he talking about....?)

Yoshino: "Umm---"

Before I could ask anything, he opens his mouth.

Yoshitsune: "Thank you for your treatment. Saving my vassal's life is the same as saving my life and you saved one of them. So, I won't kill you just this once."

Yoshino: "Eh...."

(So I get to live...again?)

I can't believe it. I felt like I went inside a tiger's den, without any weapon and came back alive."

Yoshitsune: "You look stunned."

Yoshino: "Huh? no, no, no...I actually thought you were for sure going to kill me....."

Yoshitsune: "Don't worry. Once I give my word, I never take it back."

(I'm glad....)

The tension slows breaks down and I relaxed on the spot.

(But I'm not sure if I'm completely safe yet...)

But still, I was strangely convinced that Yoshitsune-sama would not point his sword at me anymore.

Yoshitsune-sama looks down at me without changing his expression.

Yoshitsune: "A war without Yoritomo is worthless to me. Also, I can't kill an unarmed woman who treated my men in the middle of all that."

(It would not be in the best interest of Yoshitsune-sama not to kill me here.)

For the life of me, I cannot grasp the true meaning of Yoshitsune-sama.

Yoshino: "By the way, you said that you took part in today's war 'on a whim', right?"

Yoshitsune: "I was asked by someone with a connection. They didn't think I'd take it on, and they were very surprised....I'm willing to answer in kind. I took only the men who were ready to move at that moment's notice and here we are"

Yoshino: "I see..."

Yoshitsune: "To know that the Shogunate's troops are here, I should have brought a few more."

(....So both the Shogunate and the Rebels were unaware that each other was entering the war.)

Yoshitsune: "You're an indispensable asset to Yoritomo. I thought he would keep you safe, locked up or something....why did you come to this war?"

---------Part 5--------

Yoshitsune: "You're an indispensable asset to Yoritomo. I thought he would keep you safe, locked up or something....why did you come to this war?"

Yoshino: "I wanted to get used to the battlefield..."

(The main camp was safe, though....)

But the distant shouts and screams are still ringing in my ears.

I was so busy tending to the wounded at the time that I tried not to think about it.

(But.....)

(If the main camp, which we thought was safe had been attacked, then?)

(If the enemy had been right in front of me, I'm sure I could have done nothing.)

(I could have been dead....)

I hug myself tightly to stop myself from shaking.

Yoshitsune: "....................."

Yoshitsune: "Surely, you're not cut out for battle. You must have been persuaded that it was for the sake of releasing yourself from your deal with Tamamo. But if you lose your life, you'd lose everything. Runaway, while you still can."

(Yoshitsune-sama....has a point.)

Yoshino: "....Today I also realized that I cannot take war too lightly. But I don't want to simply say no.....to something I've once accepted."

(I....didn't really know what war was about.)

And at any point in time, I can lose my life.

I took such things for granted, but they seemed so far away.

(But....I have to face my fate properly.)

Yoshino: "I'll try to educate myself more about war. It's not just about being swept along....I will stand on the battlefield when I am ready, to not embarrass those who are fighting for their lives."

Yoshitsune: "I see."

Yoshitsune-sama's eyes slightly flickered.

(Why do you..look like that?)

Yoshitsune: "You're really a weird girl. You're sweet, but sometimes, you're very strong."

Yoshino(blushing): "Not really, I'm just..."

I felt Yoshitsune-sama's voice had softened a little, and before I knew it my heart was beating faster.

Yoshitsune: "You spoke of wanting to treat the enemy soldiers even when your own life was at stake. It's the same when you saved Tamamo."

Yoshitsune-sama lowered his eyelashes and spoke slowly.

Yoshitsune: ".....It's not something anyone can do."

Chapter 3

[yukimoji]

My World: Part 3 ( Tanjiro Kamado x Reader )

( a/n: hello! welcome to part 3 and the final part of the “my world” series! this became longer than i had initially expected, i apologize deeply for that. also, i'm sorry if it seemed like i shitted on kanao too much, im so sorry bby i still love u. take note there will be grammar errors and typos, bec im blind and i always seem to miss those errors rip. thank you all for following “my world”, and i hope you all enjoy! )

(also, how do u even write angst?? i tried my best and i hope ya’ll dont get too disappointed with my poor excuse of angst lololol)

Part 1 I 2 I 3

Total words: 6600+ words

Genre: Angst and Fluff

!!MAJOR, MAJOR MANGA SPOILERS! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Warnings: Mentions of blood

--

With each passing day, it felt like you were getting closer towards the edge of the line.

In a dark tunnel, you stood there, wandering aimlessly towards the light that could not be even seen for miles and miles. An endless loop of nothingness, as the feeling of dread, terror, and fear consumes you from the hidden depths of your mind.

You hoped and wished that one day you could see even a tiny glimpse of what lies ahead of you. Wondering if there's more to it than the endless bloodshed and horrors you've seen hundreds of times now.

But then, suddenly, a warm entity started to walk alongside you. A feeling as warm as the bright rays of the morning sun, and an inexplicable feeling of something accompanying you on your endless journey.

Even when immersed in darkness, the underlying warmth seemed to radiate from that figure. There was a tinge of happiness in your harsh world that made the road to the unseen light seem less lonely than before.

However, with every step, the distant light gets dimmer and darker.

And the warm feeling beside you blazes into a raging, roaring, sea of fire.

The morning after you received the heartfelt letter from Tanjiro, word broke out that Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu had defeated Lower Moon One.

You were rejoiced to hear that your comrades had defeated another member of the Twelve Demon Moons. When you heard the news for the first time, you promptly darted to find the nearest pen and paper to congratulate the trio. However, you stopped dead in your tracks when your Kasugai Crow screeched out the status of the Hashira that the trio had accompanied.

Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira, has died after an encounter with Upper Moon Three.

Your eyes were as big as saucers, as you stood there in shock. You couldn't believe what you were hearing. Upper Moon 3? Hashira? Dead?

You've never really had a proper conversation with the Flame Hashira, but you've had high respects for him. The way he would hold his sword with pride and his never-ending sense of justice would always bring hope to you and your fellow slayers. You could still remember the words of encouragement he would say every time he would have encountered the lower ranks like you.

"Always set your heart ablaze!"

Hearing about the death of such an important figure in the Demon Slayer Corps made you tighten your jaw. Your hand clenches at the thought of someone so kind and strong had died of such a painful death. You inhaled tiny and long breaths as you try to calm yourself down from the frustration rising in your veins.

He would've wanted his death to inspire the Demon Slayers to fight harder, and you will. His fate will not be in vain as long as the Demon Slayer Corps will continue fighting on.

If you feel angry, you could only imagine as to how Tanjiro felt. Knowing the boy, he would've befriended and had grown attached to the fallen Hashira. Your face contorted into one of sadness. He would be distraught, seeing the Flame Hashira die in front of his very eyes.

You glanced at the paper and the pen at the corner of your vision, and decided to write to the Hanafuda-clad slayer. You went to grab the items and sat down to start writing your letter.

You couldn't be there to physically comfort him, you were too far away. You prayed that this letter would suffice, as you could not do anything more to console the Burgundy-haired boy.

--

Tanjiro made his way back towards the Butterfly Estate, after visiting the Rengoku Estate to deliver Kyojuro-san's final wishes. He gazed at the katana guard that was given to him by Senjoru, Kyojuro-san's little brother. He sighs sadly at the thought of the Flame Hashira, his words echoing in his mind.

"Live on and set your heart ablaze!"

Breathing out softly, his Crimson-hues looks upwards to the sky, staring at the moving clouds high above.

"CAW! A MESSAGE! A MESSAGE FOR KAMADO TANJIRO!"

"Yaah!" Tanjiro yells out in surprise at his crow's loud screeching, but his expression brightened at the sight of a letter attached to it's legs. He then puts his arm out to let the crow land on it.

"Thank you!" He affectionately pats the head of the crow, and proceeds to take the letter placed delicately on it's legs. The crow screeches once more, and takes off.

Tanjiro looks at the crow flying away, and returns his gaze towards the letter in his hands. He reads the message written in it, and can't help a smile forming from his lips.

"What can be done, is for us to not let it define our days to come. We can choose to heal, whilst bearing the scars, whether alone or with someone precious.

For as long as you want me to, I will be here for you."

I read that somewhere, but I couldn't remember where, hehe.

I'm sorry for what happened. I can't imagine what you're feeling, but I will always be here for you. Rengoku-san will not be forgotten, and he will always live in our hearts and memories.

Be kind to yourself, Tanjiro. You mean the whole world to me.

- [ L / N ] [ Y / N ]

Tanjiro chuckles softly at the letter, and holds it close to his chest. He sniffles as he flutters his eyes close, the corners of his mouth turning up into a thankful grin.

"Thank you, [ Y / N.]"

--

Months pass, another mission comes by after the completion of another mission. As the weeks gone by, you could find yourself growing stronger each passing day.

During your time apart, you and Tanjiro would often exchange letters. Usually, it was him describing his missions in full detail and how Zenitsu and Inosuke were doing as they worked alongside with each other. Every now and then, little scratches and odd pen marks will decorate the surface of the paper, which you could only assume is Nezuko's doing.

You, on the other hand, would also write about your missions. Occasionally, you would tell him about random stuff, little things on your mind as you go about your day.

One thing remains constant, though. The two of you would always end a letter with a heartfelt sentence that became your little way of saying "I love you" for each other.  

"You mean the whole world to me."

Today, me, Inosuke, and Zenitsu went to Yoshiwara with Uzui-san. He basically forced us to come with him, because he wouldn't stop harassing the poor girls back at the Butterfly Estate if we didn't go. He said he was looking for his three wives, as they stopped contacting him after going undercover to find a demon in the district. Can you believe it? Three wives?!

When we arrived, Uzui-san immediately dressed us up as girls and we were sent off to brothels where we could hopefully find the demon causing havoc in the area. Honestly, I'm kind of glad that you weren't here to see me. Not because I don't want you to be with me, no no no! I actually miss you so much and I just want see you again and I just-

It's because I looked absolutely ridiculous! Seriously, it was a miracle that I was able to pass up as a girl!

Anyway, it's my first night here, and so far, there's no sign of a demon. There's been rumors going around about young women suddenly committing suicide without explanation. There's something fishy going on around here, that's for sure.

I'm going to end my letter here. Tomorrow's another day, and we will do our best to make this mission a success.

Stay safe, [ Y / N ].

You mean the whole world to me.

- Kamado Tanjiro

Of course, there were moments where you were worried sick for the boy. When news broke out that the Sound Pillar and the trio defeated Upper Moon 6 in the Red Light District, you were absolutely ecstatic. Another Upper Moon had been slain, and you couldn't be more proud  for the trio.

That is, until Tanjiro abruptly stopped sending letters.

During those moments, you could only send letters to the Butterfly Estate, asking about Tanjiro's health and condition. You tried not to get your emotions get the best you, but you couldn't help it. Not when Tanjiro was laying in a bed, unconscious, and out of your reach.

You found comfort of the letters that replied to you. Kanao, the Butterfly Pillar's Tsuguko, started writing back to you, and kept you up-to-date of Tanjiro's well-being that would soothe your anxious nerves. You were thankful for her, as she would always write back to you every night without fail.  

Gradually, you began to get to know her, and eventually thought of her as a friend. Since she was a little shy, you gladly told her about your days and endless missions, and maybe a little bit of jokes and puns to lighten up her day.

It wasn't long too until she started talking about the things she liked, like how she enjoys blowing soap bubbles and considers it a hobby. She would also talk about how she likes sweets and accessories, squishing cat paws and helping with the cooking at the Butterfly Estate.

Who knew, that the girl who wrecked you mercilessly during your Rehabilitation training was actually such a lovely and adorable girl who enjoyed the little things in life?

When Tanjiro finally recovered, you never stopped sending letters to Kanao. She was a fun pen pal and a friend to have, because she would listen to each time you would either rant about your day or just say some dumb puns when you're too bored to function.

One day, Tanjiro told you that he was going to the Swordsmith Village to ask for a replacement for his sword. That night, he spoke of how the Love Pillar and the Mist Pillar were present in the village, and how he had the chance of speaking to Genya Shinazugawa, the Wind Pillar's younger brother.

For days on end, the Crimson-eyed slayer would tell you about a training doll that mimicked the strongest Demon Slayer who ever lived. He would rant endlessly, telling you about a swordsmith who trained him to the bone without food and water. He told you, one day, he accidentally smashed the doll into pieces, revealing a worn and old sword hidden inside of it.

You snickered, and you could already hear Tanjiro's voice, which was loaded with panic and anxiety, just by reading the contents of his letters.

You were pleasantly shocked the next day, when your Crow announced the news of the deaths of Upper Moon Five and Upper Moon Four.

Tanjiro was like a magnet for the Upper Moons, and you can't help but feel a heavy sensation in the depths of your stomach.

It felt like the calm before the storm, as after Tanjiro's experience in the Swordsmith Village, there was a rapid decline in Demon activity all across the country.

--

However, it seemed like the crow didn't exactly tell you everything regarding the Village's aftermath.

After what seemed like forever, you made your way back to the Butterfly Estate. Since demons have not been running all over the place, there weren't as much many missions as there was before. Your crow yelled at you to go back to the estate, but hey, you weren't complaining about that.

You couldn't contain the excitement, a giddy expression ever present on your face. Each step brought you closer to your destination, and as the Estate finally presented itself to your vision, you practically skipped your way in order to reach the area faster.

You heard shouting in the distance. There were cries of panic, seemingly asking someone to come back. You didn't stop your hurried pace, but your eyes widened in both joy and shock when you saw the familiar raven locks of your demon friend, who was now running towards you at full speed.

In broad daylight.

"[ Y/N ]! [ Y/N ]! [ Y/N ]!" Nezuko cries out in joy, jumping at you with all of her strength. You couldn't react on time as she lands on you, and the both of you tumbled to the ground. She was hugging you, a hand affixed on top of your head, patting it relentlessly.

"Oof! Hi, Nezuko!" You laughed at her antics, and hugged her back without hesitation.

You were confused, that's for sure. Even though you were absolutely overjoyed to see your friend, your mind was screaming confused thoughts on how on earth she was able to hug you underneath the blazing sun. Not only that, she was not wearing her usual bamboo muzzle and she spoke your name! She actually spoke! Her voice was absolutely adorable!

"Welcome back!" She cheered happily, and you already feel yourself melt into a puddle at how cute she was acting. She continued to nuzzle onto you, and you felt a sense of pride knowing that an incredibly cute and sweet girl was aggressively showering you with love and affection.

"EH?! [ Y / N ]'S BACK! SHE'S BACK!" You snapped your head to the source, and beamed at the sight of Zenitsu calling out to the residents of the estate, signalling your arrival.

"It's nice to see you again, Zenitsu!" You called out and waved at him, a bright smile present on your face. You couldn't really move, not when Nezuko wasn't done hugging you and spoiling you rotten with her affection.

Zenitsu's eyes widened for a second, until he began jumping around and screaming out a series of chants like the madman he is.

"REALLY? IT'S REALLY NICE TO SEE ME AGAIN?! AW! DON'T FLATTER ME, [ Y / N ]! YOU SHOULD'VE TOLD ME BEFORE THAT YOU HELD ME IN SUCH A HIGH REGARD! YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO ASK FOR MY HAND IN MARRIAGE!"

Your smile began to fade, and you could look at him with utter dismay as he proceeded to yell out nonsense.

But then, a familiar voice calls out. The voice that you've yearned to hear for months, as it makes your heart skip a beat as it gets louder and closer.

Tanjiro comes out from the estate, looking around frantically, a desperate expression evident in his gentle features. He looks at your direction and he goes stiff as a statue the moment he locks eyes with you. His eyes began to water, his lower lip quivering from the sight of you.

He races up to you, rivaling with the pace Nezuko had when she assaulted you. Instantaneously, he engulfs you in his loving embrace, and you couldn't hold back your giggles and laughter as he proceeded to wreak havoc on your face with little kisses.

Nezuko lets out a sound of pleasure and releases her hold on you. She watched her brother as he coddled you with so much attention, and she clapped happily at the sight.

After what seemed like ages, Tanjiro stopped attacking your face with kisses and raised a hand to softly caress your cheek. His crimson-hues looked at you with so much passion and adoration, and you gazed at him lovingly in reciprocation.

Slowly he leans in to you, his forehead brushing yours. The corners of his mouth are pulled up, a ridiculously goofy expression adoring his features. You could feel the blood rushing to your cheeks because of the close proximity to his face, but still, you gave him the biggest grin you could muster up.

He chuckles and closes his eyes, nuzzling on you as he holds you in his arms protectively.

"I missed you. So, so much." He breathes out, and you giggle as his warm breath fans your flushed face.

"I missed you too, you big baby." You fluttered your [ E / C ] close, holding him tight and not wanting to let go.

After months of hardship, stress, and pain, you find yourself once again welcomed by your home and your world.

You spent the next few days roaming around the estate, with Tanjiro beside you, holding your hand at every moment. Not just that, you've got to spend time in the garden with Nezuko again! Only this time, you were accompanied by the presence of Zenitsu, Inosuke, and even Kanao!

Each day was filled with laughter and joy. Even when the Hashiras decided to train every slayer in harsh training routines, your happiness never faded. Given the sweat and soreness of your muscles as you shift from one Hashira to another, you would always be rewarded with the sight of the bright stars shining brightly over all of you.

But one day, that happiness seemed to fade away. The devastation and cruelty that you had faced before came back from the ashes of the past, as each second escalated into the catastrophic hell that you were now forced to face.

One night, every Hashira unexpectedly went on a high alert. You couldn't understand what was going on, and you were even more perplexed when Tanjiro suddenly asked you to stay alert and left in a haste. You stood beside the campfire, confused, and you couldn't control the familiar feeling of dread swallowing you up again.

Your instinct was telling you that something terrible and unprecedented was about to happen. Your heart was thumping uncontrollably on your chest, as you started to sweat and tremble from the overwhelming feeling of uncertainty that made shivers run up to your spine.

Unfortunately, your fears were confirmed when a loud explosion was heard in the distance.

You gasped, as you felt the ground suddenly disappear. You couldn't respond quickly, your mind spinning out of control as you fell down to a fortress filled with demons that seemed to stretch out forever.

You breath hitched as you came back to your senses. You looked around, trying to find something or somewhere that could end your endless free fall. You felt a sense of hope as an area where you could land safely came into view. Your eyebrows were knit together, mouth clenching as you performed a breathing technique and landed swiftly at the edge of the structure.

The moment you landed, demons started to flock towards you. Your blood began to boil, rage rapidly overcoming you. You unsheathed out your sword, tightened your grip on the handle, and immediately slashed your way through the hordes of demons. It was then you realized, that it was the beginning of the end, and that it was going to be a long night.

In a blink of an eye, smiles turned into anger, laughter turned into screams, as what was once happiness was now destroyed and replaced by rage and anguish.

And whenever happiness is destroyed,

There's always the smell of blood.

--

Hours of endless bloodshed. Thousands upon thousands of casualties had rained upon the ranks of the Demon Slayer Corps. You had seen the brutal fighting with your very own eyes, and the rage only intensified with each life taken by the hands of those ruthless demons.

The Twelve Demon Moons had perished. But at the cost of their heads, were the lives of your mentors, comrades, and friends.

However, it finally seemed like their sacrifices were not in vain.

The sun had risen, and Muzan Kibutsuji howled out in pain as the sun's fiery rays started to burn him. He had taken the form of a large, hideous baby, as he desperately tries to hide away from the sun's burning gaze.

Almost everybody was severely injured; there were severed limbs, large gashes, and heavily bleeding wounds.  

Despite the overwhelming pain, the remaining slayers continued to fight on, too high on adrenaline and determination in order to bring Muzan to his demise. Everybody held on, performing everything they could do to make the Demon King roast under the sunlight and suffer for his crimes.

Right now, you were driving a bus, speeding towards the crawling abomination. You slammed on the pedals, accelerating at full speed as you rammed into the enormous, yet horrific excuse of a baby.

"Stay down, you bastard!" You yelled out, a dangerous glint twinkling in your eyes as you couldn't help the sides lips tugging up into smug smirk.

You jumped out of the vehicle right before a big hand smashed the front portion, as a voice commands you and nearby Kakushi to push the back portion to block Muzan from moving further. You all gathered together and pushed with all your remaining strength, yells of determination echoing out to stop Muzan from going further.

Your eyes widen as a large hand rises, but before he could smash you all into pieces, the Wind Pillar successfully cut off it's hand on time. You all continued to push, but Muzan was starting to overpower you all and was slowly going over the vehicle.

Then, you heard the loud clank of chains, and saw the monster stumble back as a large chain had wrapped itself on the demon's neck, forcing him to stay in place. You all moved out, and went to the Stone Pillar, aiding him by holding him in place as he uses all his power to grip unto the chains in order to pin the beast down. Muzan hollered out, as he continued to burn under the sun.

Determined to find shade and escape death, the huge monstrosity resorted to dig himself into the earth. The Hashiras then took turns attacking the abomination, attempting to wear off its stamina. All hope seemed lost, as the chains, and all of your energy rapidly depleted as Muzan continued his struggle.

Then, against all odds, the demon throws his head back in a final, ear piercing scream. Gigantic tears fell down from it's hideous face, and after what seemed like eternity, it's body finally crumbled into nothingness.

There was a pause. You all held your breath, the heavy tension in the air suffocating you all. Disbelief was evident on your faces, as you could not properly process what had just gone down.

Then, you all erupted into loud yells of victory.

Muzan is dead. The Demon Slayers had won.

You all cried out in happiness. Centuries of battle, bloodshed, and death finally bearing its fruit. Everyone embraced each other, beaming smiles present in every slayer's face as the shouts of triumph echoed across the battlefield.

"It's not over yet!" A Kakushi yells out, "Stand up! Treat the wounded! Don't cry, you fools, stay focused! We can save them!" You all looked around, and saw the bodies of several Hashira and Demon Slayers slumped up all around. The celebration ceased as everybody started to scatter; newly found strength flooding them as they sought out to save the heavily injured.

In your peripheral vision, you saw Kanao hunched up and unconscious, and she was being tended by several Kakushi. You ran up to her, and your jaw clenched as you observed the injuries and blows she had taken. You kneeled down, and asked for one of them for bandages so you could help patch up your friend.

As you started to wrap up some of Kanao's injuries, lilac hues started to flutter open. She takes a moment to look at her surroundings, and when she sees you and a few Kakushi patching her up, her lips formed a small yet grateful smile.

"...Thank you."

Your eyes darted to look up to the voice, you gasped in relief and your expression brightened as Kanao weakly gives you a wry smile.  

You stared at her, the corners of your mouth tugging up and your eyes flickering with gratitude. After wrapping her wounds, you gently took her hand and encased it with your own.

"We won, Kanao." You whispered. Shutting your eyes close, you recalled the memories of how hard she fought against Muzan, along with Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the Hashiras. The ravenette just paused, and her mouth falling open as she was reflecting on what you had just told to her. Then, she breathes out in delight, and slowly raised her other hand to caress your own. Kanao's whole face lit up, and she beams at you, nodding her head in appreciation.

But then, suddenly, in the corner of her vision, something captures Kanao's attention. She stiffened, and her hand started to tremble under your gentle hold. Her forehead furrowed and she struggled to find her voice.

" [ Y - Y / N ]-chan..!"

You opened your [ E / C ] eyes, and glanced at your friend's facial features. You grew concerned, trying to make sense as to why she was shaking and sweating so much. Then, loud shouts began to echo and you felt a heavy sensation start to enclose your chest. You started to tremble, the loud yells becoming more frantic by each second. The feeling of dread returned, seemingly to taunt you as goosebumps rapidly washed over you. The girl returned her attention to your bewildered expression, her lilac orbs filled with worry and regret.

You hesitantly turned around and looked to where Kanao had her gaze on to figure out the source of her behavior. Instantaneously, your eyebrows elevated, a hand immediately clasping your mouth. Your eyes welled up in tears and the cries of distress escaped away as you stomached in the scene before you.

You stared ahead to meet the figure of your beloved Tanjiro.

But he didn't look like your Tanjiro.

A beast roared out, screaming and assaulting any being that was attempting to get close to him. You saw a glimpse of Zenitsu and Inosuke trying to hold back your transformed lover, the Water Pillar frantically yelling orders not get close to the boy, but to no avail.

It felt like the whole world had shattered right before your very eyes. You struggled to swallow back the bile rising to your throat, your breathes becoming more erratic as the hot tears endlessly fall from your eyes. You become absolutely racked with sobs, the heavy feeling on your chest intensifying to the point of suffocating you.

"Stop crying!"  You mentally scold yourself. "Now is not the time to cry! You have to help! You have to save him!"

But you couldn't move. You couldn't speak. You couldn't do anything but wail out in absolute heartbreak as Tanjiro further succumbed into hysteria.

No matter how hard you tried, your feet were glued to the ground. Your mind hurled insults, screaming at you to step forward, to run, and try to save your beloved. You could only look up to the heavens, reciting a silent prayer pleading to every Deity who was listening to stop this madness.

In the midst of your emotional turmoil, you have flashes of what once was. You recall how Tanjiro would hold you in moments of peace, how his eyes would fill up with tenderness and love whenever you locked eyes with him, and how his beaming smile seemed to brighten up even your darkest days.

Your heart continues to pound painfully in your chest as you gasp out endless incoherent breathes. You could hear his loving voice resonate in your head, your cries becoming more erratic at the thought that you could never hear his warmth-filled sound again.

"You mean the whole world to me, [ Y / N ]."

You could only look helplessly as the now human Nezuko began to cry out to her corrupted brother, holding him in place so that he could no longer hurt more people. Tanjiro continued to screech and thrash in the sister's grasp, his screams releasing powerful waves of energy that would blowed away anyone who had even dared to come near him.

Zenitsu and Inosuke were swept away by the strong shockwaves, but Nezuko never weakened her grasp, as she continues to hold on to her brother desperately. Tanjiro dropped down, the sound of the tearing cloth ringing around as massive and sharp tentacles exploded out of his back. Zenitsu cries out, terror overtaking his face as he desperately reaches out to save Nezuko.

But something still puzzles you. Your stomach still twisted at the sight of Nezuko bleeding, but what was perplexing was that Tanjiro declined to bite his sister. Even though he had a taste of his sister's blood, he resisted and refused to attack her.

Maybe, just maybe, your Tanjiro was still there, fighting to break free from his eternal prison.

"[ Y / N ]-chan." Kanao calls out. You snap out of you emotional daze and faced the girl. She looked at you with a hopeful expression, and she takes out a small box from her belt.

"We can still save him..." She starts, opening the box to reveal an injection. "My master gave this to me, and she said that this is medicine made out of Wisteria flowers that could turn demons back into humans."

Kanao coughs up blood, her face scrunching up as she groans out in discomfort. She stumbles forward because of the pain, and you instantly hold her to prevent her from falling to the ground. She looks up to you, and gives you a sad smile.

"Tanjiro turned into a demon just now. Even if I could evade his attacks with one eye, my injuries could get the best of me." She coughs again, placing a hand to her re-opened wound on her waist. She takes your hand and places the injection on it.

"There's still time, [ Y / N ]. Tanjiro loves you too much to even raise a hand at you."  

You looked down at the injection, your eyes filled with renewed determination. You nodded in agreement, then took long breaths to calm yourself down. You knew what you needed to do, and now, you could save him.

You wiped the trails of dried tears on your face, eyebrows drewn together as your expression hardened. Tightening your grip on the object, you stood up and turned around to confront Tanjiro.

"Thank you." You breathed out, forever grateful to Kanao for giving you this oppurtunity.

You inhaled deeply, oxygen rapidly flooding your veins. You could feel your muscles become stronger each second, as adrenaline fills you once more. Bursts of energy traveled all across your body, giving you the courage and power you needed to pull this off. You focused your strength on your legs, and in a flash, you dashed towards your lover.

"Tanjiro.."

The demon takes notice of a presence rapidly approaching him. He growls and turns his attention towards you. Scowling, he screeches loudly, tentacles aggressively whipping around at all angles to attack you.

"When this is all over, let's make our own world,"

You looked up to meet his eyes, and you were with scarlet ones, which were filled with hatred and rage. Your breathe hitches momentarily as a shiver ran up to your spine.

"A world where no one could tears us apart."

Tanjiro had never looked at you with such hostility before. However, you didn't let that faze you as you continuously dodged his never ending assaults against you.

"Enough is enough, Tanjiro."

You jumped and evaded the whips his tentacles threw at you. Then, an opening presents itself, your eyes dilating and you bolted even closer until you came face to face with the demon.

"You musn't make Nezuko cry."

Tanjiro howls out loudly, and he raises a hand with the intent to smash you. You quickly caught the glimpse of his clenched fist, and you leapt, avoiding his arm as it plunged downwards with such speed and strength.

"Come back to us, and you won't be ever lost again,"

You swore everything looked like it was in slow motion. In that moment, a bright light engulfed your surroundings. Your body flew above the demon, and when his back came into full view, you immediately pushed the cure into him. Tears shone in your [ E / C ] orbs, as a love-filled smile appeared on your features.

You didn't even feel the pain when a rouge tentacle managed to successfully pierce itself into you. Your tender gaze never left the boy, and you finally breathed out in relief. You fluttered your eyes close, and you tumbled helplessly against the surface.

"You are the whole world to me."

"[ Y / N]!" Nezuko calls out to you, her face contorted into one of pure horror as she watches your body make harsh contact with the ground.

Suddenly, Tanjiro stops moving. His tentacles ceased it's assaults, and slowly, but surely, it retreats back into his body. The boy to started to shake uncontrollably, exhaling out heavy breathes as his eyes trembled wildly as he stares at the sight of your injured body.

With all the remaining strength you could muster up, you looked up to the demon. Instead of the hatred and rage you had saw moments ago, Tanjiro's Scarlet-hues were filled with regret. Tears ran down his cheeks, sadness clouding over his demonic features.

You inhaled softly, and with each passing moment, you saw his eyes slowly turn back into the Crimson colored orbs that you loved so much. As seconds pass by, your vision began to darken. Exhaling out in exhaustion, you felt thankful that you get to see a glimpse of your Tanjiro once more. You heard loud shouts resound through the field, feeling something tending to your wounds before your sight was further consumed by darkness as you fell into unconsciousness.

--

" -Ma..?"

" -Ma!"

"Mama!"

You jolt up in surprise, trying to catch your breath as cold sweat falls down from the side of your face.

You take a moment to observe your surroundings, and you could find yourself sitting in a bench that was located at an open lake. Sakura trees were abundant, and their beauty was obviously not overlooked as pink blossoms flew around with the cool spring breeze. Flora was flourishing all over, and the sounds of the little animals living in the lake was prominent.

A nightmare? You thought. Sighing deeply, you let yourself fall back in the bench where you were sitting on. A small hand shakes on your own frantically, as you turned your head and smiled softly as a gigantic pair of eyes, clearly filled with worry, gazed into your own.

"I'm sorry, Takeo. Did Mama scare you?" You chuckled, as the child in front of you pouts and crosses his arms over his chest.

"Stop dozing off like that! I was really worried when you started to cry in your sleep again!" Takeo exclaims out, puffing out his cheeks as he stomped on his foot in annoyance.

You laughed at his antics, your melodic voice echoing across the peaceful lake. You leaned forward and raised a hand to gently pat your son's head. The boy looked almost the same as you, seeing as he inherited your complexion, your facial features, and even your [H / C] hair.

There was one thing, though, that distinguished him from looking like a complete carbon copy of you.

He had Crimson colored eyes that he inherited from his father.

Takeo continues to huff out in annoyance, but he couldn't fight the flush rising up to his face from your act of affection towards him. Whether he was going to deny it or not, it was an irrefutable fact that he loved getting his head pats. As you observed Takeo's features, you felt warmth and tenderness embracing your chest. You pulled your hand away from his head and just chuckled at his failed attempts of trying to look angry at you.

"Papa asked me to fetch you, ya know.." Takeo mumbles, his Crimson-orbs looking away from you in embarrassment. "He says that Aunt Nezuko and Uncle Zenitsu are coming over today, along with Uncle Inosuke and Aunt Kanao. He figured that you would be glad to see them again."

"I see." You whispered. Your mouth slowly into a grin, and you nodded gratefully. You felt excitement and joy bubble up in you, as you beamed brightly to your son. "Thank you, Takeo. I'm absolutely delighted to hear that they're coming to visit today."

Slowly, you stood up from the bench, one hand holding on your son's arm for support and the other caressing your swollen belly. You looked up to the heavens, eyes sparkling with gratitude as a thankful sigh escaped from your lips. You shifted your attention away from the blue sky, and softly held your son's hand as you began your way back home.

"Let's go home, shall we?"

Once upon a dream, you never thought the possibility of true love coming to you all your life.

Growing up in a demon infested world, life seemed to be fond of throwing you into hardships and struggle. Despite the horrors of the world, you always persevered. For every challenge that has been hurled towards you, the tribulations have only made you grow stronger and better.

Your life may had started out roughly, but that doesn't mean that it did not change for the better. The endless bloodshed had become relics of the past, moments of time that helped shape the world as it is now.

Recalling those moments of uncertainty, the rays of sunlight peeking through what was once the dark and gloomy clouds had now completely engulfed your life with warmth and tenderness. What you once wanted to experience all those years ago, has now become your reality. The little bits of happiness that you yearned for, now held onto you, never wanting to leave any time soon.

As you get closer to your home, you could hear the voices of children laughing and playing. Soon, you saw a glimpse of your humble abode, and little kids that looked similarly to you and your husband came into view. Takeo releases his hold on you, and he excitedly makes his way towards his siblings. Your expression brightened, a permanent smile present on your face as you took in the sight of your children frolicking around with happiness evident in their faces.

Then, a warm hand snakes over your waist, pulling you towards a broad chest that belonged to your lover. You couldn't contain your giggles as your face was immediately assaulted by small pecks and kisses. His hanafuda earrings seemed to ring each time he moved his head, his long ponytail swaying alongside with the cool breeze. His crimson-eyes gleamed in adoration as he gazes into your own, an adorable grin affixed in his lips as he continued to lock you in his protective embrace.

Sakura petals flew all around, encasing your surroundings with a sense of peace and serenity. After years of struggle, you can finally wake up in the morning without the likelihood of a horrible and painful death looming over you, as your cruel and dark world was now behind you.

Those dark days were long over. Now that you had finally avenged your family and the numerous deaths Muzan Kibutsuji has inflicted upon humanity, you could finally spend the rest of your life in peace.

Now, you had finally found a place to call your home. With him, you had created a whole new world. A world that was overflowing with love and happiness. Now that he would always stay by your side, you won't have to be lost anymore.

Tanjiro lifts up a hand to softly caress your cheek, gazing at you with so much love and adoration. The corners of his mouth quirked up as he fluttered his eyes close and slowly leaned forward. Your expression softened, and you chuckled softly as you put your arms around his shoulders. Your eyelids close shut as you felt your chest swell up with so much emotion, as his lips finally captured yours into a love-filled kiss.

"You are the whole world to me, [ Y / N]."

( a/n: thank you, thank you, thank you so much for following “my world”! it means so much to me that some of you had taken a liking on this series :’D im sorry if there were mistakes and ooc-ness along the way;;;

thank you for reading, and stay safe! you all mean the whole world to me <3)

[jomarivallejos]

Elena looks around. It’s dark and the sky has a black color without any stars. She thinks about his boyfriend. “There is no chance that he died! I know him for twelve years and he is strong enough. I will see him again. I’m sure about that. She hears nothing but the silence. Never before has she heard absolutely nothing. And suddenly she realizes that she is alone. There are no creatures on this planet. Everything is destroyed. A teardrop rolls over her pale face. And she takes the first step on this unknown planet.

Each step she takes, she could feel her heart pound, the beats getting faster. “It’s too dark. I better be careful with my steps.” Elena muttered. The silence is overbearing as her ears start to hear rings. Feelings of paranoia and anxiety start to creep up. Alone in this dark, unknown planet, Elena stopped walking and looks up to the black skies that seemed like the abyss. “I’m so alone… Where are you? Please! Answer me!” Elena screamed into the nothingness. Tired and trembling, she falls onto her knees as she tries to catch her breath. The adrenaline is starting to wear off. Her eyes feel heavy, words try to come out of her mouth but instead they were trapped. Slowly she lays down, not minding this unknown grassy-like ground. “Please be alive. I don’t want to be alone.”

Sleep finally catches up to her. It’s been a while since she was able to sleep longer. However, nightmares are always there to haunt her.

“Anthony! Where are you?” Elena yelled. She kept searching in the darkness until she heard raspy and labored breathings. Pointing the flashlight into the direction where the sound is heard, Elena is shocked to see him alive… barely. “Oh no! You’re going to be okay. Look at me. Look at me!” She tended quickly to his side.

“I… I’m…- “

“Don’t try to speak! You’re going to make it. Just don’t speak!” Elena pleaded as she patches up his wounds. They were deep and he has lost a lot of blood. His body is starting to take the appearance of pale moonlight, and his touch is starting to get cold like virgin snow.

“I’m sorry…” Anthony uttered weakly as he feels his consciousness fading. With his remaining strength he grabs her hand and holds tightly as he continually gasps for air, trembling. “I feel so cold… Elena, where are you? I’m so alone… don’t leave me please!”

“I’m here! I’m here! Just SHUT UP! Stay with me! You’re going to make it!” Elena pleaded again, screaming at his face. “Anthony! Don’t you dare die on me! HEY!!!! STAY WITH ME!!”

“…” Anthony breathed his last.

“GAH!!” Elena jerked up, brought back to reality. Feeling her heart pound fast and drenched in cold sweat, she immediately stands up and brings out her radio. “Anthony. Anthony! Where are you?” she urgently demanded. Time is of the essence as she prays that her nightmare is just a joke. Static buzzes are the only replies she heard.

She kept looking despite the overwhelming darkness, with flashlight in left hand. The static noise kept raging on, but she ignored it and focused on finding Anthony. The person she wanted to be with the most, especially in this place of unknown. Elena lost track of time as she kept on finding him. The static noises were fading, replaced with clearer transmissions. “Anthony. Can you hear me?”

But then a flashlight was pointed at her face, distracting her. Putting her arms in front of her face to cover the light she hears a familiar voice. “Elena?” the man confusingly asked as he lowers his rifle.

“Jamie? You’re alive! Thank God you’re alive!” Elena runs and hugs him tightly. “Anthony? Where is Anthony?”

“The medics are currently treating him. Thankfully his wounds are not severe but…” Jamie stopped midway.

“But?”

“My brother is unconscious. I don’t know when he will wake up.” Jamie continued as he sighs and wipes a tear. Taking her to the medevac, Elena is surprised to see the unconscious Anthony, all patched-up with IV drips injected.

“You lied to me!” Elena slapped the hell out of the lying younger brother. She could feel her hand heating up from the impact.

“I don’t know how to tell you.” Jamie rubs his cheek. “You would do the same if you were in my shoes, wouldn’t you?”

“Anthony…” Elena falls on to her knees and begins to sob.

“…” Jamie bites his lip and clenches his fists.

It took 2 hours before they arrived at the headquarters, C-137 Mothership. Anthony is carefully placed on a bed in the ICU, monitored by the medics. Jamie and Elena were allowed to come in for they were related to him. The medics told them that despite being in comatose state, Anthony can hear and respond to their voices.

“It would be best if we keep talking to him. He may be comatose, but he can hear you. Chances of him waking up are low but we assure you that we will do everything to wake him up. See that monitor over there. Don’t let his heart and pulse rate go low.” The medic calmly explained and told them before leaving to make a report. Jamie follows but not before kissing his older brother’s forehead.

Elena is left alone in the ICU, sitting on a chair beside the unconscious Anthony. Gently, she caresses his cheeks, his elegant and tender face, the neat and silky hair. When will her precious angel wake up? She doesn’t know. She kisses his lips and whispers to his ear “I won’t leave you.”

As the Mothership is about to take off into space, a team composed of scientists and soldiers were left behind on a mission to investigate this unknown planet. Elena falls asleep beside her precious boyfriend. 2 weeks have passed, and Anthony is still in a coma, but his condition is stable. Elena and Jamie would take turns in watching over him. It is currently Day 16, and Elena as of now is taking care of Anthony.

Jamie on the other hand is in the cafeteria with his friends and squad mates. While his comrades are busy joking with each other, Jamie remained silent. There is this one person who is displeased to see the Anthony is alive.

“Is everything alright?” Malcolm, the squad’s sniper was the first one to notice Jamie’s silence. “You look troubled sir.”

Jamie replies by making a gesture that only Malcolm will understand. Together they went into his room and Jamie locks the door. “Something’s wrong here.”

“What is it sir?”

“I don’t like the look on Rico’s face.” Jamie finally spoke of his thoughts. Anthony’s rival, Rico was unfortunately one of their commanders, holding the title of Major. Jamie respected his skills, but he didn’t like the pompous attitude. He wondered why his brother was able to handle that kind of person, even follow his orders without hesitation. Is it out of fear? Or is Anthony ignoring the dangers? “My brother! The ICU! Quick!”

Elena was able to hold her ground despite struggling against the taller man. She kicks his shin and lands an uppercut to the chin, giving her time to recover. Rico swings the butterfly knife swiftly as Elena dodges the attacks. She launches a roundhouse kick on his hand, but Rico anticipated the strike and grabs her foot, tripping her down before stabbing her thigh.

“I think I should have fun with you first before killing that weakling.” Rico announces his rotten advances.

“Tch!” Elena spits on his face.

“Oh! Now that’s naughty!” Rico smacks her face and decides to make her his toy. Just as he was about to have his way with her, a gunshot is heard. Malcolm had a clear shot and fired, the bullet piercing through Rico’s temple.

“What the- ?!” Elena shrieked in shock as she saw the assailant drop dead on top of her, with blood gushing out of his forehead. “Get off me you maniac!” she angrily pushed the dead body and takes the butterfly knife, repeatedly stabbing the corpse.

“Enough.” Jamie grabs her arm and disarms her. “He’s dead. Brother is safe.” The gunshot noise alarmed everyone inside the mothership, and they rushed inside with guns in hand. “Ma’am, we have apprehended the traitor.”

“Good work. Now I want that traitor thrown out of the ship!” General Natasha ordered while Jamie follows her. The medics began to treat her wound, stitching it up and covering it with bandages.

“Looks like Captain’s going to write a long report again.” Malcolm chuckled.

“Thanks for saving me.”

“… Didn’t like that arrogant commander.” Malcolm muttered and Elena agrees.

Unbeknownst to them, Anthony’s heart rate that is displayed in the monitor suddenly rose. The unconscious is now awake. He could clearly hear their voices unlike before when it felt slow. Anthony opened his eyes “Where am I?” he weakly asked.

“Anthony?” Elena looks back and so does Malcolm.

“Sir. How many fingers do you see?” Malcolm shows Anthony his index and middle fingers.

“Two.”

“Oh, thank God you’re finally awake!” Elena hugs him tightly. Malcolm on the other hand leaves the room to give them privacy.

“E… Elena… I can’t breathe…” Anthony repeatedly taps her back.

“Oh sorry.” Elena giggled. “I’m glad you’re finally back.”

Anthony recounted what happened when they were separated on the unknown planet. Rico messed the coordinates, and they crash landed, but Elena was able to eject in her emergency capsule while Anthony tried to fix the coordinates and reduce the incoming the damage the ship would sustain. He ended up with wounds, but he was able to get out of the destroyed ship. Anthony went on to look for her, but Rico found him first. Rico beat him and left him for dead. With only his indomitable will keeping him awake, Anthony sent a distress call to headquarters and a medevac was sent. When the medics arrived, including Jamie and his squad, Anthony pleaded with his younger brother to find and ensure that Elena is safe, and to not tell her about his condition. Too exhausted to speak after that, Anthony fell unconscious as the medics started treating his wounds.

[hatsukeii]

Not a request, just something I thought of while listening to a song.

Gonna be a scenario!!

And for once it’s not a haikyuu one lolol sorry to disappoint.

It’s an Attack on Titan one because LEVI.

I’m sorry I’m soft for him.

(Even though he’s like 20+ years older than me but age is just a number jail’s just a room-)

(Jk lol I’m not about to have him catch a case)

Are You Bored Yet?// Levi x reader

Word count： 2000+ idk the exact number bc I went back and changed some stuff

Warnings: Little bit of swearing

Summary: You and Levi have never really had much time to think about your relationship, until the night before the plan to recapture the lost land within Wall Maria.

This was one of those nights.

Those precious nights in the Survey Corps, where Levi wasn’t at his mahogany table, writing up piles amongst piles of paperwork until his fingers cramped and his wrists felt numb, drinking so many cups of tea at such a quick pace it looks like he’s just straight up inhaling the scorching liquid.

But also one of those nights, where the tension in the air is so thick you can cut it with a knife. The wavering mentality of everyone in the Survey Corps was evident in the way they acted that particular evening. From the silence in the dining hall, to the soldiers showing more affection to their comrades compared to usual. They all knew what awaited them tomorrow. Maybe this was what people described as the pre boss battle stress. The kind of anxiety that ate you up from inside, slowly taking over you.

Dinner ended hours ago. Lights in the cabins were off, leaving you in pitch darkness. The faint glow from the moon that hung above your head lit up the patch of grassy land you laid on. To say you weren’t nervous would be an understatement. The past few months have been nothing but cruel. Who knew the titans were going to somehow get to the walls again? Watching your comrades die each expedition as if it was normal probably hardened you more than necessary. Letting your hands travel to under your head, you let your head tilt up to gaze at the starry sky. Your eyes darted from star to star, trying to count them, hoping that would help silence out all the made up scenarios about tomorrow you were making.

“Can I join you?” A low, but oh so familiar voice asked behind you. “No babe, you can’t. What do you think? Of course you can join.” You joked, patting the area next to you as Levi sat himself down, refusing to lie down on the “filthy” grass.

Being orphaned was not fun. At all. You never received any form of care from anyone. Your parents wanted a boy. A girl was the last thing they asked for, let alone two girls. The minute you turned five, the two adults chucked you two out on the streets to fend for yourself. For three whole years, you cowered behind your sister as she handled difficult situations. Stealing, bribing, defending, those were her fortes. Till now, you still blamed yourself for her death. You tried to steal bread from a vendor. A beefy vendor. The man snapped, sending punch after punch towards you. Your sister intervened, hoping to stop his assault on you. Jumping in front of you, she took all the blows that came her way, skilfully dodging the kicks and punches the man threw out, a crowd starting to form around the fight. You watched, clutching onto the bread, as a drop of blood dripped from her nose to the ground, followed by more droplets. Three other men stepped in to assist the vendor, sending harsh blows with bats, planks, everything and anything at their disposal. The crowd’s cheers echoed through the street as they egged the fight on. The beefy vendor was now straddling your sister, sending punch after punch towards your sister’s bruised and bloody face. Run, she told you. Leave her and get to somewhere safe, she screamed, before a crunch, followed by a pained yell pierced the air. Get away, she choked out, before one of the men got bored and snapped her neck, all signs of life in her eyes gone within a second. Petrified, you dropped the pastry, running away as quick as your little feet could bring you. You didn’t know where you were going, nor did you know whether the three men were following you. All you knew to do was to run away. That was your sister’s last request. You collapsed on the side of the road, eyes wide and darting across the street, praying you were alone. You curled up into a ball on the street, tears rolling down your cold cheeks as you rocked back and forth. The way her face paled as blood continued to drip onto the street when her neck snapped was etched into your brain. That wasn’t gonna leave any time soon. It could’ve been minutes, or hours that had passed, when you felt something shoved into your arms. “Here, have this.” You tiredly looked up at the raven haired boy that was about your age, who was now looking at you with bored eyes. You tore out a tiny piece of the warm bread, your trembling hand leading it into your mouth. The boy rolled his eyes, wiping his hand on his shirt. “You alone or what?” All you could do was timidly nod your head. You were far from composed enough to make out any proper sentences. “You wanna tag along? I can help you out until you’re good to go.”

You two stuck together for the longest time. You remember when Levi introduced you to Isabel and Farlan, who taught you how to master the ODM gear. The four of you relied on each other in the underground, sharing materials, food, water, all that. When the three joined the Survey Corps, you joined with them. On your first expedition, you watched as your comrades, those you trained for years and eventually became close with, get devoured by titans. You joined up with Levi, brutally killing the titan that decided eating Farlan and Isabel was a good idea. You held him that night while he cried about two of his best friends that met their gruesome fate. Never once have you ever left his side when he needed you most.

It didn’t come as a surprise when you eventually caught feelings for him. I mean he’s ripped, hot as hell, smart, and can beyblade his way to victory, what was there not to like? What did come as a surprise, was when he admitted his feelings towards you before your second expedition together. Since then, you guys have been dating, becoming nearly inseparable during missions.

To say your relationship was smooth sailing would be a lie. There have been times where you’ve had full blown arguments with him. Dating in the military was not an easy ordeal. You were constantly worried about Levi, and vice versa. Making it up to each other was probably the thing you guys did the most. All that mattered was that you guys kept your asses alive, so you could go home together.

You continued to stare at the sky, salvaging the rare peaceful night. You let your eyes close as you relaxed in the grass. Nights like these almost never existed. Levi was usually too busy for this shit. However his paperwork was all finished, which meant he finally had a chance to really enjoy your presence. The occasional gust of wind that blew over you two, and Levi’s attempts to get comfortable on the grassy floor were the only audible sounds. Your lips curled up into a tiny grin, imagining how Levi looked like right now. “Screw it.” You felt his shoulder against yours as you chuckled lightly. “I knew you would give in.”

You two laid there in a comfortable silence, relaxing one last time, hoping it could last forever. 

“Are you bored yet?”

Your eyes fluttered open. Levi rarely asked questions like this. This was a start.

You looked over to him, taking in his appearance in the moonlight. His eyes were focused on the stars, his breathing light and almost inaudible.

“Bored of what?”

His eyes never left the sky.

“Are you bored of this yet? Are you bored of me? Bored of doing the same things every single damn day? Bored of life? Going out, fighting titans, watching people that have grown close to us waste their lives out on the battlefield, aren’t you bored of all of it? Do you sometimes just want to end it all?”

You were silent for a moment, trying to understand his question.

“Why would I ever be bored of you?”

“Why would you not? It’s been six whole years, I’m surprised you still put up with me.”

You sighed out, turning your head back towards the sky.

“Levi, do you ever get bored of counting stars?”

A look of confusion plastered on his face as he thought about it for a bit.

“No. I don’t.”

“Why don’t you get bored of it?”

He turned his head towards the sky, letting his eyes close.

“Maybe something about the stars just fascinates me to an extent. I can’t get bored of them. They’re just so pretty. You’d think they were just dots, but if they ever fell onto Earth, it’d be a total shitshow. Billions of stars, just in the sky for us to observe. We don’t really know much about them either. I guess that’s my reason for not being bored.”

You nodded, humming in response.

“Well, I’m not bored of you because I’m fascinated by you, even now. Just like the stars. Maybe life as a soldier has hardened you to the point where watching your comrades die just doesn’t affect you, or you hide all your emotions under that pretty little face of yours. Sometimes, I don’t understand how you just fall asleep on a chair, or how your brain still manages to function on three hours of sleep. There’s so much to learn about you. One thing I did figure out, is that you wear your heart on your sleeve, you just never tell people. You’d rather try to move on than open up to someone. As long as there’s something to discover about the outside world, the titans, you, I would never get bored.”

Levi huffed out, continuing his “interrogation.”

“Then what now? It’s been six years of doing the same thing, this will eventually get boring for the both of us.” The pain in his voice he tried so hard to hide finally showed itself.

“We continue to do this shit. As long as it takes for us to finally be able to be free outside the walls. I don’t plan on letting it get boring anytime soon. I want humanity to be able to breathe in the air from outside the walls. I want them to see the ocean, smell and taste the salt in the ocean breeze by the sea. Be able to experience everything written in those little textbooks of theirs, instead of just read about it on paper. I won’t stop until that goal is reached, nor will I lose interest. And don’t you even come up with that bullshit, about how I’ll eventually get bored of you. I love you way too much to get bored of you. We’ve been through so much together, it would be a waste if I threw that all away.”

“Aren’t you scared? Tomorrow, more people are going to die for sure. Who knows if it’s going to be one of us?” Another question came out from his mouth.

“Who said I wasn’t scared? I’m always scared. I can’t afford to lose you, or anyone I love. You better not die on me tomorrow, or I’ll bring you back and kill you all over again. Humanity’s strongest is about to carry us to victory with a brave heart and a killer glare.”

The raven haired man chuckled at that statement, taking your hand in his and intertwining your fingers.

“If you knew me, you’d know I’m far from being brave. You really think I’m unaffected by the deaths of other soldiers? If I could, I would save every single one of them. I’m scared too. Terrified. I can’t bear to imagine how life would be without you, or anyone from my squads. You’re right, I wear my heart on my sleeve, but I don’t trust anyone enough to open up to them. Maybe except you. I just wish that one day, humanity will finally be triumphant against the titans. I don’t care what it takes. I’d do it without hesitation even if it costs me my life.”

Bringing your hand up to his face, he gave each knuckle a soft peck, before holding it to his chest. The back of your hand felt his steady heartbeat, thumping against his chest like a drum.

“However, I don’t plan on dying anytime soon. Not when I have you protect you. As long as I still have energy to breathe, I’m going to continue to protect your ass, no questions asked. You better not die tomorrow either, or I’ll do the exact same thing you just said.”

You shifted your body, leaning against Levi’s side as you rested your head on his shoulder, smiling at yourself.

“I do have a pretty killer glare though don’t I love?”

You laughed a bit at his boastful joke, giving his cheek a light peck, before resting your head back on his shoulder.

“Yeah, you definitely do. Pretty sure Eren pisses his pants every time you send him that death glare.”

After rewriting this like twice bc of my computer glitching it is finally done oh my god I’m so tired rn I feel like death. I’ll do all the requests tomorrow, for now just stick with this shitty oneshot I decided to write out of impulse.

(Btw this is an example of me writing a scenario based on a song. If any of you guys know it then like please be my friend)

References:

Are you bored yet- Wallows

Are you bored yet (official music video)

Genius interview lol

The comments section on the music video and other variations of that song

[letitrainathousandflames-archive]

Fighting What We Hate - A Fix-It AU Finn Minific

“The cannon is charged, it’s a suicide run!” Poe screamed over the comm line “Finn, retreat, that’s an order!”

“I’m almost there!” Finn barked back in defiance, eyes trained on the massive barrel of the First Order’s weapon, watching its ridges seeming almost distorted by the heat they generated

“Finn, it’s too late!” Rose whined

“No! I won’t let them win!” Finn steered the controls, pushing the engines to their limit

Rose’s pleading and Poe’s anger-turned-despair became static in the back of Finn’s mind as he moved faster and faster towards the weapon. He could see a red haze forming from inside it, a bright, sharp glow in the very center of it like a sun.

Neither of them could understand his feelings. Poe had grown in the resistance and lost people dear for him to the First Order. So had Rose. But to be stolen from your people from an age so young one could forget their people’s faces and voices...

To be put into the stormtrooper cadet training program as soon as you’re able to stand and talk, to have your hair shaven into a soldier’s crew cut without your consent, to be told to stand in perfect formation so that if one of you falls, another can close the lines again by standing where they stood... To have a number for a name, to be a slave of a system of violence and oppression that forces you to enact more violence and oppression, to hate your comrades and what they do, and even still ache and grieve when they die...

When General Leia introduced Finn to the clone wars veteran General Rex, the clone - a living relic in these times - had told him that only those who were ever forced to don the plastoid white armor could ever understand the unique pain of it. And he was right.

The one teaching Finn hated the most in the academy was to be willing to die for the cause. His fellow soldiers would follow it to the letter - gladly jumping in front of blaster bolts to protect a higher rank of even just precious equipment. Finn hated this. He hated that the stormtrooper he held as he dragged his own blood over his helmet was most likely proud of himself for dying for the cause.

Now he understood it, the willingness to die for something. Nothing would make him happier in this moment than smashing the muzzle of that death machine, destroying it and at the very least denting the pride of the the First Order, the power that subdued him, brainwashed him, enslaved him.

He glanced to the side, saw Rose approaching clearly attempting to crash against him and take him off course along with her. He sped up, gritting his teeth.

“Finn, we’re gonna win by saving what we love!” she screamed in the comm “Not fighting what we hate!”

Finn, pressed every button in the panel to remove extra weight so that he can be light enough to dodge her. His fingers were squeezing the controls to tightly ached. The entire ship was shaking as the red haze grew brighter, engulfing him in heat; sweat ran down his face as he blinked it away.

“If we don’t fight what we hate, there’s not gonna be much of what we love left!” he screamed back

He narrowly avoided the collision with Rose, keeping his course ahead as she zoomed past behind him, her damaged ship turning back towards the base after the failed attempt to stop him. Finn’s chair shook as he flicked the levers to every coolant system in the ship, redirecting them all to the wings even as they beamed incandescent and ready to burn.

He was close enough now. The ship was definitely going to hit the cannon and at the very least cause a significant damage. Finn closed his eyes and slammed his fist on the ejection button over the panel at the very last possible second.

Everything happened in a matter of seconds. The plastisteel cover of the cockpit cracked off the hinges with a rain of broken glass that gleamed like hundreds of little stars around Finn’s head. His seat was flung off the aircraft, sending him into the scorching hot wave that shot out of the cannon. Finn screamed, feeling his flesh ache and burn, nearly certain he could hear it sizzle even as he was already out of the weapon’s range.

Then came the blast - the concentrated power of the cannon exploding against the now-obstructed exit and recoiling into the highly volatile kyber crystals powering it. Finn opens his eyes, his body now reaching the peak of an elegant curve in the air. His vision is slightly tilted but he sees the bright red turn into green, and then blue. A blast that only growed, and now he was coming to terms with the fact that he really might not make it. He thought of Rey. Of Poe. Thought of how fate seemed to have twisted and turned to make the three of them meet.

He thought of the Force, the energy that binds and surround us all, and wished it could save him. He smiled fondly thinking of Han for a fraction of a second: ‘that’s not how the force works!’. He heard his comm crackling, Poe’s voice too distorted to make any sense, and he was impressed that the damn thing still had somehow managed to survive all of this.

“Wish I could’ve seen your smile again...” Finn muttered, waiting for the flames to engulf him

And engulf him they did, bright colors alternating all around him like a rainbow; But the pilot remained safe, what seemed like a transparent bubble surrounding and protecting him. His mouth dropped open, his fingers tingling under his gloves. A gentle sense of serenity settled in his mind and he waved his hand, steering the bubble so that it’ll send him farther from the explosion and the subsequent fires that still raged. Finn gracefully floated to the ground back at the base’s defense lines, his feet reaching the ground. He stumbled some, feeling some small glass shards from the crash tumbling out of his hair on the salt dirt.

The foot soldiers jumped out of the trenches, rushing to him, and Finn recognized Rex as the clone slung Finn’s arm over his shoulder.

“You’re okay, kid? Can you walk?” Finn nodded, but he was grateful for the help because his legs didn’t seem to stop shaking “Good, so now I can scold you. What the kriff were you doing?! Not even when I worked with general Skywalker I had ever- oh, wait.” Rex pressed the button on the side of his comlink “This is Commander Rex, over. Positive. Positive. I got our pilot. He’s okay. What?!”

Rex helped Finn back down into the trench, laughing out loud all the way as he did. Finn bit his lip and regretted it immediately - it had been cut and swollen at the collision.

“What?! What happened, Rex?”

Rex called over his medic friend, another clone veteran named Kix, to take a look on his wounds.

“Well, you simply blew over half of the First Order’s firepower with your stunt. And Rey just arrived with the Falcon, laying waste to the rest of them. Looks like we’re on the verge of kicking these osik’e out of here with few casualties, all thanks to you.”

Kix was muttering something about how the minute he witnessed Finn’s insane plan, he knew he had to be one of these ‘kriffin’ force-user lunatics’ with ‘no sense of self preservation’ all the while he dressed Finn’s wounds. His left arm had a large patch of burned skin that would most likely scar, and some of the glass had cut him over his cheek and jaw.

-

Poe only got back after they had all made sure that every last one of the First Order ships, especially Kylo Ren and General Hux’s was either retreating or completely destroyed, of course. He had enough runs with these bantha-shits to know you can never be too careful.

Finn knew he was the one to be loudly stomping his way to the medbay back in the base right as Kix was finally done wrapping the large bacta patches over the burned skin of Finn’s arm. Something about the timing of every stride just made it easy to know. Not that all the yelling didn’t help.

“Where is my- my pilot?!” Poe barked out with a little stutter, squeezing himself through the narrow opening of the door as if he couldn’t bear to wait for its mechanism to be done sliding all the way through “Where’s Finn?!”

Kix moved out of the way, pointing a thumb over his shoulder to Finn, who stood shirtless behind him - he had refused to lie down, much to Kix’s disapproval, his entire arm and some spots over his torso covered on bacta patches.

“He’s here, but take it easy on him because he’s still-” Poe ran past the medic, throwing his arms over Finn’s shoulders pulling him into a hug; Kix sighed heavily “I don’t know why I even bother trying.”

“Are you okay?!” Poe asked, breath shallow as he pulled back, one hand moving over the bacta patches and smaller wounds while the other was placed on Finn’s jaw, thumb running over the cut on his lip that had just started to heal “Please tell me you’re okay!”

Finn felt his face warm, and he nodded, placing his hand over Poe’s.

“Yeah, I’m... I’m fine.”

Poe gave him a small shove that Finn barely registered, too busy noticing the tears collecting at the corners of Poe’s eyes. Poe’s lower lip trembled, pulled down in a pained scowl that showed his gritted teeth.

“How dare you make me watch you nearly blow yourself like that!” Poe’s voice still had some strenght at first, but it was shaking at the last word “I thought you were.... I thought you were going to...”

And this time it was Finn who pulled Poe into his arms, wincing some as the patches on his arm shifted with the movement. He could feel Poe’s breath going staccato with small sobs, his voice almost a whisper.

“I don’t wanna live... in an universe without you...”

Finn pulled back some, staring wide-eyed at Poe. There were wounded, medics and other soldiers in the room. The medical equipment emitted beeps here and there. Medical droids strolled by, their engines whirring. All that seemed to fade for the former stormtrooper, surrounds blurring out. Poe’s bloodshot eyes, the still-wet lashes and the single piece of his tousled black hair falling messily over his forehead are all that Finn can stare at. His beautiful face, his rosy lips, the shadow of a beard darkening his features some.

Finn just stared at Poe’s dark eyes, and time seemed to stop for a moment as Poe stared back at him, breath slowly calming down. Poe hesitated to then drew closer, eyes flickering at Finn’s full lips. Finn drew closer as well, their noses bumping together. Well Finn’s eyes fluttered shut, Poe closed the distance between them, pressing a soft kiss to Finn’s lips.

The mighty explosion from before had nothing on the blast of pure joy that Finn felt in his chest. His hands went to Poe’s jaw, and he pressed his lips up against him some more. Poe opened his mouth some, pulling Finn’s upper lip between his own. Just as softly as they had started, Poe slowly pulled back, his nose brushing against the side of Finn’s own on his way back. The two of them blinked their eyes open.

“I...” Finn’s voice was raspy, and he cleared his throat; his sight was blurry with tears that he blinked away “I don’t wanna live in a universe without you either.”

The two of them kissed again, fingers moving to grab and caress at the back of each other’s neck. At this point, of course the bolder ones started clapping and screaming something along the lines of ‘Finally!’ and ‘hah, told you! You owe me twenty credits!’; Finn laughed into the kiss, feeling Poe smile against his lips as well.

Finn could understand Rose’s pain and her attempt to stop him. She had lost her sister in a ship explosion and she didn’t want to lose a dear friend the same way. But sometimes, Finn thought to himself, fighting what we hate is the only way to save what we love.

[holylulusworld]

The wolf and the princess - Part 7 - United again

Summary: A princess and a wolf meet under difficult circumstances. Can they give each other shelter in a cold world?

A/N: prompt/idea by @gypsyjucar​​: Ulf Johnsen (Dean Winchester) is the leader of his land with the help of his brother. On a trip to Dean gets captured by the king's guards, the princess, was just walking along the castle when she hears her father and guards talking about a barbarian in the cells and this is where their journey begins...

Pairing: Viking!Dean /Ulfr or Wolf) x Princess!Reader, Viking!Sam (Frode) x Shield-Maiden!Ruby, Castiel, Garth, Cole Trenton, Ivar (Bobby Singer), Rufus Turner, OFC’s

Warnings: angst, innocent reader, mutual pining, longing, shitty father, language, tension, fluff, bad use of Norse language, gentle Dean/protective Dean, fighting, characters death, mentions of past rape (nothing graphic), betrayal

The wolf and the princess Masterlist

Day 7

Ruby is unstoppable. Her blood boils, as the Valkyries call for the fight. 

While you stay behind with Rufus and Castiel, your Viking along with his brother runs after the shield-maiden.

“I must excuse my son’s behavior, princess. Sam is not fond of outsiders, but he’ll change his mind.” The elder man gives you a soft smile. 

His thick brown hair hangs loosely over his shoulders. The single braid he wears at the back of his head is already grey and you assume he must be older than your father, maybe in his late fifties.

“I am Ivar (Bobby). You can call me Bobby as my mom used to call me. I lived in your country for a while.” The Viking explains as he tries to distract you from what happens not so far away.

“That’s the reason you speak my language so well.” Whispering the words, you flinch as you hear the shield-maiden, this goddess of a woman yell orders in Norse. 

“Don’t worry, my lady. Dean is a strong fighter and has a reason to come back.” You know Ivar means well but your hands start to shake when the whole forest falls silent.

“Bad sign…” Ivar curses before he runs after his sons. “Stay here, no matter what.”

Ruby’s lance pierces the first knight’s chest. Even wearing an armor didn’t protect him from the almost indestructible metal of her lance.

“Shield-maiden!” One of the knights calls for his comrades but he doesn’t get far as Ruby pierces his throat with the lance.

It seems like she performs a dance when she twists and turns to take more enemies down. Her black hair falls into her face when she picks one of the swords the knight dropped up to throw at another enemy.

“Skjaldmær (Shield-maiden)!” Sam’s deep voice booms through the night, but Ruby is forcing her way through the enemies. 

She only has one goal – to defeat all knights and earn her king’s approval. Her whole life she had to fight the prejudices of her fellow Vikings.

Her mother fell victim to a knight’s cruelty during a raid when she was barely fifteen. Everyone believed Ruby is a bad omen, that a child conceived due to rape could never be one of them.

While the shield-maiden hates the knights with burning rage, most of the Vikings believed she would prefer living among the outsiders instead of becoming a Viking.

Only Sam was kind to her since they were children. Now she wants to pay him back, wants to make sure no one will ever doubt her devotion to her king, the Vikings, and the shield-maiden.

“Dean, over there. Three more from left. I’ll take the one to the right!” Sam’s eyes drift toward Ruby, but he knows right now he must concentrate on the approaching enemies not to protect his chosen wife.

“I will take them down, bróðir (brother).” Dean falls back into talking Norse, giving orders the knights do not understand to have an advantage during the fight.

“Minn Gramr (my king),” Ruby warns before she pierces a knight’s back who tried to attack Dean. “We need to retreat sooner or later. We can’t withstand more attackers!”

“Hold the line, shield-maiden!” Sam calls for his love, the one he promised to protect as one of the knights tries to carve Ruby’s arm. 

“Ruby is right, Sam.” Silence falls over the forest as Dean and Sam try to hold back more enemies. “Only Thor can help us if there are more coming.”

“Sam, Dean…” Storming toward his sons Bobby attacks the first knight trying to get deeper into the forest. The experienced fighter may be old, but this doesn’t mean he can’t take an enemy down.

“Ivar…” Yelling orders at his fellow Vikings Dean looks at the path he came from. He can’t let any knight get close to you. “We need to withstand.”

“Dean…” Pointing toward an approaching knight Sam gasp as Garth dashes forward, wielding his sword to chop one of the knights head off.

“Where’s the princess? We need to be fast. It was a trap…” Garth calls out as he jumps off his horse. 

Luckily Garth prefers to not wear armor, this way he easily gets off the horse to attack the next knights.

“Trap?” Dean pants as another enemy tries to attack him but he dodges the attack to pierce the knight’s arm with his sword.

“Cole sent men before the king mobilized his knights. I came here to make sure the princess and you were able to escape. I hand Castiel the keys to free you.” 

Carving an enemy’s face with his dagger Garth nods at Dean who takes down the last knight with his sword. “Cole? How could he have known we would enter the forbidden forest?”

“I don’t know, but can you see the black crow on the knight’s armor? It’s Cole’s insigne. “I can only tell I saw Cole’s men from afar and tried to get here as fast as possible.”

“I hate that man. He tried to touch my àst (love), my princess.” Dean grunts as Garth points toward the horizon. “More men are coming. I am afraid, someone sold us…”

“Someone sold us?” Recalling Garth’s words Dean dashes toward the forest to run to your campfire. His mind races, just like his heart as his fellow Vikings follow him.

“I don’t understand how those knights were able to find us that fast. We barely came here and already got attacked.” Castiel eyes his surroundings warily, grazing his fingers over his sword.

“My friend, I got no clue. Maybe they assumed we would try to find shelter in the forbidden forests. Not everyone fears this place, Castiel.” Nodding the knight keeps an eye on Rufus as he subtle shoves you behind his back.

“You may be right Rufus, my old friend.” Castiel can see Dean approach from afar so he takes a step backward, making sure you stay behind him. “I am just asking myself why they were looking here out of all the places on this island.”

“You were always too smart for your well-being.” 

Time runs out on Rufus, so he tries to take Castiel and you down with him. Prepared for the blow that’s coming Castiel dodges Rufus attack with his sword.

“Princess, run!” Attacking Rufus, the knight protecting you since you were born, Castiel glances at Dean running faster to bring you behind his back. “How could you do this? You protect Y/N since she’s a little girl!”

“I gave my vows to the king to protect him and the kingdom. How will people think about our kingdom hearing the princess ran off with a Viking, a wild man. As much as I love the princess, I love my country, my kingdom more.”

“YOU SWORE TO PROTECT HER!” Furious Castiel dashes toward to bore his sword into Rufus's shoulder. “You are lucky I don’t want to kill anyone in front of my princess.”

“Do it! End me traitor! You swore to protect your kingdom and ran off with those barbarians. I know they are not bad people, but we can’t let anyone believe our king is weak.” Rufus presses his hand to his bleeding shoulder, gritting his teeth as Castiel refuses to let him die for his king.

“I am no traitor, Rufus. I swore to my queen to protect her daughter no matter what. I promised her as she was close to death that no man will ever hurt my princess. I swore on all that’s holy to me to make sure Y/N will marry her Viking, the man who owns her heart.”

“We need to go, Lord Castiel.” Garth rushes toward his master, glaring at Rufus as he passes him by.

“That’s the reason you told me to not do anything against Cole. Disgusting.” Spitting into Rufus's face the young knight can’t believe one of the knights he admired is a traitor.

“I know, Garth. Let’s get ready.” 

While everyone prepares to leave the forbidden forest, you watch Castiel restraint, Rufus, to a tree. “They will come for you…eventually.”

“Can we not let him go?” Taking Dean’s offered hand to mount Sleipnir you nod as his eyes tell you Rufus would run to your father or worse, to Cole to tell him who is with you and where you are heading.

“Minn Gramr (my king),” remembering the knights do not understand her language Ruby nods at her king. “We need to go. The little guy told me there may be others following our path.”

“Dean, Ruby is right. We must leave and use the darkness to escape them. I pray Thor will lead our way and we can reunite with our men.”

“United again, bróðir (brother).” Dean raises his ax, smirking as you wrap your body around him once again. “For fate and honor.”

“Ulfr (Dean), minn gramr (my king) we need to be fast. If you want to keep this girl, the princess.” Meeting Dean’s eyes Ruby nods. “You have to do the ceremony on our way to the ships. When she’s yours completely, they can’t part you any longer.”

“Ceremony?” Whispering the word, you look up at Dean. “What does she mean, my king?”

“My princess, my love. It means we have to…” Your king, the wild man smirks and you feel the heat creeping into your cheeks. “If you want me, I’ll give you my whole land, my fate.”

“I want you…” Dean slowly leads his horse, deeper into the forest whispering words in his language you do not understand to calm you.

Resting your head against his chest you close your eyes, holding tight onto him - afraid he could disappear when you open your eyes again.

“I want you to search the forest. Kill anyone you find, no matter if he’s Viking or not. Only the princess is precious. I want her unharmed.” 

Cole orders your father's men around as they are busy looking at the knight's Dean and the others defeated hours ago.

“My Lord, fighting wild man in the forbidden forest at night is not something we are used to. Maybe we should try to reach the shore before they do so.” Cole chuckles humorlessly before he backhands the young knight.

“I am your master now. Follow my lead or end up in the dungeon. Your king wants me to bring his daughter back, so I will do so.”

The dark smirk on Cole’s lips let the knight’s shudder but just like Rufus, they swore their loyalty to their kingdom and the king.

“We need to hide in the deeper parts and start the ritual. Once she became your kona (wife) they can’t take her away from you.” Watching Dean holding you in his arms Sam squares his jaw. 

He needs to make sure to keep his brother and you alive. A difficult task while being hunted once again. 

“I know, Sammy. I just wish we had more time to prepare for the wedding. I wanted to give her the world, our fate. I wish we could bring her home and I’ll make her my queen.” 

Pressing you closer to his chest Dean, aware he could lose you when more knights come to attack him, he drives his horse deeper into the dark forest toward an unknown future…

Tags will be added to the reblog

[writeyouin]

May I then request female reader with TFP Megatron? He was fighting with Optimus (as usual), noticed the Autobots human allies and ordered Vehicons to destroy the pests. Fast movement caught his eye and with utter disbelief, he saw a new human ally shooting his men down with a miniature Energon gun and doing athletic maneuvers to dodge them and her beauty and ferocity smitten him. After defeat, he has Sounderwave look her up and decides to convince her to join their side and become his.

Megatron X Reader - Powerful

A/N – Now that I am safe in my den, I can proofread this.

Warnings – None.

Rating – T

“Ughhhh,” Miko groaned dramatically, much to Bulkhead’s chagrin. “Come on Bulk, it’s not fair. Why can’t I go?”

“Miko,” Bulkhead said warningly, not that it had much effect.

“It’s only a recovery mission. You’ll never even know I’m there.”

“We both know that’s not true.”

Miko clasped her hands together, “Please.”

Bulkhead turned to you, seeing that you were checking the computer console for Decepticon activity, “Uh (Y/N), a little help here?”

You sighed, wondering why you were stuck explaining your mission to Miko again. On one hand, she was right, it was a simple recovery mission. A Unit E surveillance drone that had been sent to monitor Decepticon activity had went offline in the middle of the Grand Canyon. All you had to do was recover the drone, repair it, and see what it had found before it went offline. However, on the other hand, you were sure it was a trap. A drone that expensive shouldn’t ever have crashed out of the blue; you had a sneaking suspicion that Laserbeak had something to do with the drone’s ‘malfunction.’ That was why you were taking an army truck and Optimus, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Arcee would be escorting you. Should you be ambushed in the Canyon, you would be prepared.

You pinched the bridge of your nose exasperatedly, “Miko, we’ve been through this. When I’m not here, you are free to join whatever mission the bots will let you in on, but this is a Unit E mission. It will be my ass on the line if Fowler catches you out there.”

“What? Fowler’s coming? No fair.” Miko whined.

“Fair or not, he’s my boss. Sorry Miko, you can’t go this time.”

You went back to monitoring the computer, mapping out the route that would be taken to get to the drone. Another thing that bothered you about this job was that the ground bridge had recently started malfunctioning and couldn’t drop you off at the drone’s exact coordinates. You chewed the inside of your cheek; the mission hadn’t even started yet and it was already going wrong.

While you pondered the route to your goal, Miko was already concocting her own plan. Once she was away from Bulkhead, she planned on grabbing a blanket and sneaking into the back of your cargo truck; it was so simple that she wondered why she hadn’t thought of it sooner.

You glared at the rocky surroundings of the Grand Canyon, cursing that the drone had crashed right in the middle of it rather than somewhere more defendable. While Fowler drove the truck towards the drone, you surveyed the rocky outcrops that surrounded you.

“Give it a rest, (L/N),” Fowler said amiably, for once in a good mood since the mission was an easy one thus far. “We’ve only got to drive a little further and then we’re done. Easy as pie.”

You didn’t reply to the statement, instead asking Fowler a question, “Permission to end radio silence, Sir?”

“Permission granted.”

You nodded your thanks and commed the Autobots who were driving in formation around you to protect whatever was on the drone. “Everything clear, Optimus?”

“So far, Agent (L/N), however I have Ratchet running scans from the base as we speak.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“You are welcome, Agent.”

Listening to you converse with Optimus from her position under a tarp in the back, Miko rolled her eyes, wondering why she’d even bothered to sneak aboard in the first place; this mission was a big dull dud. If only there had been a way to sneak into Bulkhead without him noticing; then she might have picked up some decent conversation at the very least.

In her head, she started a prayer to the only God that mattered; Jimi Hendrix, the God of rock. ‘Oh, Lizard King, great guitarist of Legend, please, for the love of your greatest fan Miko, make this mission more interesting, so I don’t die of boredom. Seriously dude! If I die of boredom before I’m the new God of ROCK, I will not be happy.’

After her impromptu prayer, Miko waited. Then she rolled her eyes when nothing happened. She tried again, mainly to give herself something to do. ‘Alright, so the Lizard King didn’t work… Guess I’ll have to go straight to the source of all the best music. Hey Freddie Mercury, it’s your gal, Miko. You didn’t like boredom either, so if you could do me a solid and-’

Miko was interrupted by the sound of screeching tyres. She lurched forward as the Land Rover came to an emergency stop. Something was finally happening and judging by the sound of Cybertronians transforming, and metal hitting metal, it was sure to be exciting.

‘All hail the QUEEN!’ Miko thought gleefully.

Forgetting any semblance of cover, she jumped out of the boot, eager to see what was going on. It was another trap, set by the Decepticons. Megatron, for once forgetting his usual flair for speeches had leapt down from the Canyon’s edge to battle with Optimus, who had clearly taken a bad hit.

Having not yet seen Miko, you breathed a sigh of relief once you were sure Optimus was okay and that he was going to fight back. Megatron was joined by a horde of Vehicons as well as Starscream and Soundwave. The rest of the Autobots transformed into bot mode, putting into play one of their battle strategies for such an occasion. Fowler was about to floor it, as was the plan; Optimus had made the two of you promise that you would leave should a battle occur, so the Autobots wouldn’t be distracted trying to protect you.

“STOP!” You screamed at him, grabbing his arm so he couldn’t put the truck into gear.

“AGENT!” Fowler bellowed back. “WHAT IN HELL DO YOU THINK-”

“Miko,” You pointed out the window. “She’s here!”

“Damn it!” Taking command of the situation, Fowler nodded towards the storage compartment on the passenger side, “Energon pistol there. Rescue that girl, Agent.”

You didn’t have to be told twice; this was exactly the kind of situation you had trained for. While Fowler was good at management, you were his top field agent, which was why he had introduced you to the Autobots in the first place. You grabbed your gun while Fowler drove away, employing evasive manoeuvres so the truck wouldn’t be destroyed; if it was, there would be no way to get Miko back to the base, should the Autobots fail.

You prayed that nobody would notice Miko; although you were fully prepared to fight a bot ten times your size to save her, you would rather get her out of any danger before the Decepticons took advantage of her human frailness. Unfortunately, your hope was dashed as Soundwave spotted Miko from his position above the canyon. It was rare he came on missions but Megatron had demanded his presence to record the demise of the accursed Autobots. Seeing you chasing aster Miko, he sent out Laserbeak.

“Laserbeak, capture the young organic.”

Eager to follow his master’s orders, Laserbeak swooped down into the fray, dodging and weaving between the warring Cybertronians.

“Soundwave, report,” Megatron commanded through his comm-link upon seeing Laserbeak flying behind Optimus.

“Yes, Lord Megatron,” Soundwave replied dutifully. “Laserbeak is to apprehend the Autobots’ organic allies.”

Megatron blocked a punch from Optimus, countering with one of his own. For the few seconds he was free from the fighting, he saw the pest that often travelled with the oaf, Bulkhead, being pursued by another human who he had never seen until today.

He growled, taking advantage of the situation to distract the Autobots, “SOUNDWAVE, DON’T WASTE TIME WITH THE HUMANS. RECALL LASERBEAK, NOW. VEHICONS, DESTROY THE HUMAN PESTS!”

Optimus’ optics widened in shock and he spun around to look at you. He reached out desperately, whispering a muted, “No.”

Using the distraction as an opening, Megatron leapt onto Optimus’ back and the two grappled with renewed vigour; Megatron eager to finally rid himself of his enemy, and Optimus struggling desperately to preserve all organic life, and his own.

“Bulkhead,” Miko cried, suddenly aware of the danger she was in now that six Vehicons were surrounding her, weapons raised.

Bulkhead roared angrily, and jumped in front of her. The Vehicons converged on him, and though he was fighting with all his might, he could not possibly last long against all of them. Avoiding a Vehicon on your own trail, you began shooting, never missing a target, which wasn’t much of an achievement, considering the Decepticons’ massive size. A normal pistol wouldn’t have done any good, but yours wasn’t any ordinary pistol; the weapon had been designed by the Autobots using a slither of their energon supplies. You were only ever supposed to use it in an emergency, since any more ammunition would cost your comrades more precious energon, so this was the first time you had used it, and it certainly packed one hell of a punch.

You almost went down from the recoil alone, though you soon got the hang of it. Employing years of training, you kept shooting until Bulkhead was free and the Vehicons attacking him weren’t getting up. There was no time for gratitude as the battle raged on, and you quickly realised that you were in this till the end.

With more Vehicons pursuing you, you had no choice but to keep moving, taking shots whenever you could.

Optimus managed to kick Megatron off him, though he had little time to follow up, needing a few more seconds to recover from Megatron’s ferocious beating. Megatron was about to finish off Optimus when one of his own soldiers fell on top of him. He was going to kill the fool for incompetence alone, until he noticed that the bot was already dead, a burning hole leaking energon close to where his spark was.

Megatron scanned the battlefield, wondering what had caused such a violent death, and then he saw you for a second time. Although he knew he should have crushed you where you stood while you were unaware of him lurking behind you, he simply couldn’t. He was fascinated by the way you moved. Throughout his long life, Megatron had seen the very best of Cybertronian fighters; he had never seen an organic of any form fight so effectively, especially against a Cybertronian.

Megatron wondered if you were afraid. If you were, you never hesitated to think about it, throwing yourself into the heart of the fight to protect the youngling Miko, who had foolishly run the wrong way. Your hair was plastered messily to your scalp, held in place by sweat and energon. Did you even know you were bleeding from your right thigh? Megatron doubted it; he had heard rumours that human adrenalin made the squishy organics forget their pain temporarily.

Unable to help himself, Megatron reached out for you. Afraid he was planning to kill you, Optimus pulled Megatron’s arm back, stretching it as far back as it would go, until the cables were taut and Megatron was grunting from the pain.

“(Y/N), RUN!” Optimus called to you, and you looked over to him. Instead of running, you snarled, aiming your pistol straight at Megatron’s spark while he was restrained. You pulled the trigger, but nothing happened; the pistol had finally run out of ammo.

Megatron broke free of Optimus’ restraint, then pretended to look around at his fallen soldiers, trying to find a reason to leave. You and the Autobots had taken out enough Decepticons for him to call a retreat. He would normally stay and fight till he was down to his last few bots, but if the fighting went on, he was afraid you might be killed, and you were far too valuable an asset to lose, even if you were an Autobot asset.

“This isn’t over Prime,” Megatron growled. “Decepticons, leave the fallen and retreat.”

His soldiers looked at him questioningly, but complied with his orders, afraid to receive a trip to Megatron’s worst torture devices if they didn’t. Not even Starscream dared argue with Megatron’s odd behaviour in case he put him to work with that brute Predaking again.

You looked around to the Autobots, checking they were alright. When you were sure they were, you glared at Miko.

She shrugged her shoulders awkwardly, “Heh… Guess we won this time?”

“Get in the car Miko, now.”

Miko’s shoulders slumped and she made her way over to Fowler, who had successfully kept the truck safe. Normally, she would have asked to ride with Bulkhead, but quite frankly, he looked disappointed in her too, and she didn’t want a lecture from him of all people; so much for an adventure, instead she had only caused more trouble than she was worth.

Once Miko was safe on her way to the ground bridge with Fowler, you approached Optimus who transformed, opening his truck door so the two of you could talk in private. Megatron’s behaviour was unsettling at best and the two of you would have to talk for quite some time about what might have caused it.

In his hab-suite aboard the Nemesis, Megatron sat in a chair, resting his servo over his spark. When he was retrained, you didn’t even hesitate about shooting him; it was glorious. Megatron found it ironic that you hadn’t managed to shoot his spark, yet you had still captured it all the same.

The second he had returned to the Nemesis he had sent Soundwave on a mission to locate you and bring you to him. All Megatron needed now was a way to turn your vivacious ferocity onto his enemies. Well, he had spent many a year using Deception to get what he wanted; he would most certainly use it again to make you his.

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[thevaultturtle]

I got one for you: Companions react to Sole getting so caught up in helping others they forget to take care of themselves and get proper sleep and it ends up biting them in the ass

Companions React to an Exhausted Sole Survivor Falling into Danger

Notes: First request on this blog! It’s also my first companion react post, so let me know what you think about it! 

Warnings: None. It’s just under a cut because it got a little long. 

Exhaustion wasn't something thatSole was completely unfamiliar with. They had faced it many times intheir pre-War life, especially after Shaun had been born, and becauseof that, they didn't think anything about facing it again.

Thatwas a mistake.

Inmost cases, exhaustion wouldn't have got you killed in a pre-Warworld, but in the post-apocalyptic nuclear Wasteland, it would getyou killed in almost every scenario. Sole learned that the hard way.

Afterlearning the truth about Shaun and the Institute, helping people wasone of the few things that kept Sole going in the new, unforgivingworld that they found themselves in, and they dedicated their everywaking moment to it. If they had to go without food or sleep to doso, so be it, so long as they helped everyone that needed it. Soledidn't necessarily consider themselves a hero, but they knew that theworld would never get better if people didn't help each other, andthey would give anything to fix the world so people could livepeacefully again.

Thiswas Sole's obsession, and although it was born from good intentions,it was still dangerous, not so much for others, but for Sole.

Ithad been days since Sole had properly slept, and as much as theytried to deny it, they were running on fumes. They were so dead seton making it to the next settlement to offer them help, that theydidn't even notice the feral Ghoul wandering out of a nearby ruinedbuilding, but it sure as hell noticed them, and before Sole knew it,they were being pushed to the ground, the feral's decaying handspoised to tear at their face.

Therewas nothing that Sole could do, and they closed their eyes, bracingfor their impending death and the eternal slumber that they wouldfall victim to, sure that nothing could save them, but then a bulletrang through the air. The feral fell dead, and Sole looked aroundthem, only to see their companion rushing over to them…

Cait

She will quickly take the feral's place, kneeling over Sole and yanking them up by the front of their shirt so they have to look her in the eyes while she yells at them.

She's pretty pissed, needless to say.

There aren't many people that Cait trusts and cares about in the world, and seeing one of those precious few nearly torn to shreds because they refused to take care of themselves will set off a righteous fury in her like nothing else could.

She's tempted to punch them for their negligence, but by some miracle, she restrains herself.

She will make them rest before setting out again, and she won't take any objections to that. Sole will sleep whether they want to or not, even if she has to indulge herself in that punch to make it happen.

Curie

"Oh! Why did you not say something?"

It's actually a bit surprising that she let Sole get to this point, because with all of her medical knowledge, Curie is no stranger to the signs of exhaustion.

Maybe Sole just hid their symptoms a little too well, but whatever the case may be, she'll be putting Sole on a bit of a lockdown for a while at the nearest bit of shelter that she can find.

She'll monitor them herself for that entire time, and she won't medically clear them for travel until she is 100% sure that something like this won't happen again.

She will also insist on giving Sole more frequent checkups for that same reason.

Danse

"I expected better from you, Soldier."

He's mostly just disappointed in Sole.

He expected them to take better care of themselves, especially while they had such an important mission (taking down the Institute) that they were so close to finishing.

He expected more from them as a member of the Brotherhood, and he hoped for more from them as a friend.

His disappointment mainly stems from his concern for their well-being, and he will put a halt to everything that they were doing until Sole rests.

He will also make them get a checkup from Cade when they return to the Prydwen, and he'll make sure that they don't budge until Cade clears them for travel again, because he refuses to let another comrade and friend die on his watch.

Deacon

He'll hide it well, but Deacon is actually really worried about Sole.

Before the feral incident, he tried to sneakily get Sole to take a break, complaining that he was tired and that he was the one who needed a break instead, but that obviously didn't work.

He was trying to spare their pride since he knew how important helping others was to them, but after the feral almost clawed their face off, the gloves will come off and he'll finally say something to them.

"Look buddy, you need a rest. You won't be able to help anyone as chewed up minced meat."

His tone will be completely serious, and that in and of itself is enough to make Sole rest for a bit.

He'll keep a close eye on them from then on out, and if Sole gets any worse, he'll bring them to Carrington, and he'd really like to avoid that, for several reasons.

Hancock

"And I thought I was tripping pretty hard."

He'll keep things jovial because he doesn't want to make Sole feel any worse than they already do, but he's undeniably worried about them.

"You need an upper, buddy?"

He won't actually give them chems, but he sure as hell will take some himself, and those chems will definitely be downers so he has an excuse to make Sole stop traveling for awhile.

The chems will conveniently last until he thinks that Sole has had enough rest, and he will repeat this performance as often as necessary until Sole starts taking care of themselves again.

MacCready

"Do you want to get ripped apart by ferals?!"

The situation hits him pretty hard at a deep level, for obvious reasons.

Mac feels like he can never truly repay Sole for what they did for Duncan, and in that split second before he took the feral out, he was afraid that he had truly and utterly failed the person who saved his son, in the exact same way that he failed Lucy.

It hit him hard, and it hurt.

He's relieved that he was able to save them in time, but he's pissed that the situation happened to begin with, so he'll berate Sole for a bit until he calms down.

He won't necessarily make Sole take a break, but he will take point on whatever it is that they're doing, regardless of any objections that Sole might have.

Nick Valentine

"Look, we can't have you sleepwalking your way through the Commonwealth."

His reaction is pretty calm, but that's not because he's any less concerned than any of the other companions.

He's worried about Sole, but he probably saw this coming a mile away.

He has strong memories of human Nick working himself to a similar point of exhaustion, so it wasn't hard for him to see this coming, and he was ready for it because of that.

He also knows how stubborn Sole can be when it comes to helping others, so he figured they'd need to learn the hard way why they had to keep taking care of themselves.

Needless to say, with his own personal lecture to go along with this hard-learned lesson, Sole will gladly take a rest before they move out again.

Old Longfellow

"You're not gonna survive out here for long if you don't rest some time, but if you want to keep goin’, I won't argue with you."

He also knows that Sole will have to learn the hard way, so he pushes them to keep going.

He thinks that this is the best time for them to learn this lesson, too, since they're already shaken up from the feral, and he also knows that they'll still be safe because he's watching their back.

He'll keep pushing them until they finally break down and can't keep going any longer.

He'll make them realize just how truly miserable they feel, and just how open they left themselves because their senses were dulled by their exhaustion, pointing out that if it hadn't been for him, the same thing would have happened again numerous times.

He'll be straight to the point with all of this, and it'll be more than enough to make Sole realize that he's right, and that they need to rest to help people to the best of their abilities.

Piper

"Take it easy, Blue! I know you're itching to help people, but you kind of have to stick around and, you know, stay alive to do that!"

She's a little exasperated that Sole put such little thought to their own wellbeing.

Like, it utterly baffles her that someone who focuses so much on every little problem that everyone else has could be so oblivious to their own ailments.

She'll tell them that, too, in a long, frustrated rant that Sole is bound to fall asleep during, and even if they don't, she'll still rant long enough that they'll have had plenty of time to unwind a little.

It's certainly not a conventional method of getting Sole to take a break, but it's undeniably effective.

Porter Gage

"Why the hell are you lookin' so weak, boss?!"

He's pretty disappointed and pissed that Sole let themselves get into such a poor position.

Weakness has a very high price in the Wasteland, especially when you're running around with raiders, and Gage would rather Sole not have to pay that price, not just for their sake, but also because he would probably have to share in that expense, as well.

He knows that he can't let something like this happen again and that Sole needs to shape up, so he'll tell them that, and he won't leave any room for argument.

He will also tell Sole that they need to stop wasting their time on helping a bunch of weak nobodies, but he knows that's a bit of a long shot. He can still try, though.

Preston Garvey

"General! Are you alright?"

Just pure concern right here.

Preston knows what Sole is going through because he's been through it himself.

He understands that unbrittled need to help others because that same need haunts him every day.

He also knows what that need can lead to.

His failure at Quincy broke him, and he almost didn't make it through that. He doesn't want Sole to go through the same thing, especially when the Commonwealth depends on them so much.

He'll practically beg them to rest, telling them that they'd never forgive themselves if they failed to help someone because they neglected to take care of themselves, and that is bound to strike an emotional chord with Sole, especially once Preston makes the connection to Quincy and his own struggles.

X6-88

"Unacceptable. We're leaving. Now."

X6 thinks that helping Wastelanders is a waste of time anyway, so he will have no issue relaying Sole back to the Institute at the first sign that there's something wrong with them.

Looking out for Sole is his priority, his mission, and he won't fail in that mission, no matter how much Sole argues against it.

Strong

"Hmph. Human weak. Never find Milk of Human Kindness like this."

Strong is on his own mission and he won't let a little bit of exhaustion get in the way of that.

If Sole can't keep going to do what they need to do and to help him with that mission, then he'll just carry them so they have to help him anyway.

Sole might as well just catch some sleep while he does that.

Ada & Codsworth

Ada: "Sir/Ma'am! I cannot advise that you go any further."

Codsworth: "Oh, Sir/Mum, I do wish that you would get some rest! I'm worried that you won't make it home at this rate!"

These two have pretty similar reactions, in that they will voice their concerns, but they won't actually do much to stop Sole if they want to keep going since they both have an inherent desire to serve and follow orders. 

However, with how often they voice this concern (especially Codsworth), Sole will probably rest just to get them to stop. 

[the-broken-truth]

My Magical Raven

Prompt: The Witch Queen has been slain but the powerful magic within her corpse has lashed out and sought out a new suitable vessel - The One Who Slain Her, Anastasia (MC). 

Pairing: Altea Bellerose x Anastasia (MC)

The war was finally over. 

The Witch Queen laid dead at the base of her throne with the tip of Anastasia's Sword still lodged deep within her chest, her blood staining the length of the blade, and the champion that struck her down, forever ending the nightmare held the handle of the sword. Grey eyes glared into the white lifeless eyes of the Evil Queen that bore her face and used her as an incubator for her restoration and hurt those she cared for; those eyes belonged to Anastasia, the Hero of Wolfson Castle.

Anastasia closed her eyes as she exhaled, letting her body slump over with her sword acting as a crutch to keep her on her feet. She looked in the direction of the people who have been with her the entire way.

Her comrades.

Her friends.

Her family.

Lord of Wolfson Castle - Reiner Wolfson.

Loyal Knight of Castle Wolfson - August Falke

Prince of the Elven Kingdom - Iseul Idreis

Last of his kind of the Demon Race - Saerys

And there was her.

The Former Princess of the Throne of Eclaciel, The Main Magician of the Retainers, and the love of Anastasia's Life: Altea Bellerose. 

"You did it, My Raven! You've slain the Witch Queen!" Altea cheered as she ran over to her lover in a blur of pink, latching on to her with a smile, snuggling into Anastasia's Neck. Anastasia took her hand off the sword and used it to lift Altea's head upward by lifting her chin.

"We did it, My Magical Girl." Anastasia smiled as she pressed her lips against Altea's, who just moaned, wrapping her around her neck to deepen the kiss.

"Alright. Alright. Enough of the mushy stuff! Save it for when we get back to the castle." August groaned as he folded his arms, glaring at the lovebirds, who just chuckled and smiled.

"Ah, you mad, August?" Anastasia teased, her spouse chuckling.

"Alright, everyone. Let's get back to the castle. Tonight, we celebrate!" Reiner smiled. Everyone nodded in agreement. Anastasia looked at Altea with on hand wrapped around her waist before looking at her sword, grabbing it by the handle and pulled it free; blood dripped from the blood...and that wasn't all. 

A shot of blue light came shooting from the opening in the Witch Queen's Body with a raging wind that blew back the hair of everyone in the throne room. Anastasia and Altea looked at what it was and their jaws dropped: It was magic. Magic in the purest form without being made into a spell, but not just any magic - this was the Witch Queen's Magic.

The Serpent-Shaped Magic swayed from the opening of its' former wielder's body before it shot forward in the direction of Altea and Anastasia! 

"Altea!" Anastasia yelled as she pulled her lover behind her in an attempt to shield her from the rouge magic' only for the magic to stab her in the chest, sending her flying across the room, crashing into the wall and slumped over the floor.

"Anastasia/My Raven!" The Retainers and Altea called out in horror as they watched the Witch Queen's Magic snake its' way into the opening in Anastasia's Chestplate and the wound in her chest.

"Ngh...Ngh...Gah..." Anastasia groaned out as her body curled in a fetal position, shaking as the magic-filled her blood and bones; taking root within her very soul. "Cold...So...Cold." She whimpered out. 

"Altea! What's going on?!" Lord Wolfson asked his Head Magician in concern for his champion. Altea lifted her hand and her magical emblem appeared in the palm of her hand, scanning the Champion as she shivered on the ground in pain; growling and groaning in pain, white and blue sparks of magic flashed in the form of cracks of lightning around Anastasia.

"I...I'm not sure, Lord Wolfson. I've never seen anything like this." Altea never took her eyes off her raven, who was sweating and wiggling in pain.

"Let's try to get her to the castle, maybe someone there can tell us what is going on." August offered.

"No need." A familiar feminine voice called out from the main doors of the throne room, everyone turning to see the only serving general...well...former general...of the Witch Queen walking in their direction: The Sorceress, Helena Klein. 

"What? Do you know what going on with Anastasia, Klein?" August asked with his sword drawn in Helena's direction; while she renounced the name of the Witch Queen, he still didn't completely feel safe around her.

"When the Witch Queen was slain, her magic detached itself from the dying vessel to a more suitable one worthy of holding such power." Helena gave a light smirk as she glanced down at the shriveling carbon copy of her former mistress, Altea blocked her view by stepping in front of Helena's line of sight to Anastasia. "Who better than the one who struck the Witch Queen down? The one who bears a likeness to her image and has a piece of her soul within her?" Helena asked with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

"You're telling us that The Witch Queen's Magic is trying to take Anastasia's Body?! Does that mean that the Witch Queen is trying to revive herself using Anastasia's Vessel?!" Saerys asked in horror at the possibility of the Witch Queen returning using his friend's body.

"No. The Witch Queen is dead. Her Magic, like all creatures in this world, is alive and it chooses to serve the one who wields it or die with the one who it has deemed worthy of it. The Witch Queen's Magic refused to die with her and sought out a new vessel, a new master to wield, and it chose the one who struck down its' previous master." Helena explained as she drew closer to the group.

"Then why didn't it latch on to Altea? Altea has magic and it's stronger; Anastasia has never had magic." Iseul asked in confusion.

"There's where you are wrong, Elven Prince. Your precious champion has always had magic; a fragment of the Witch Queen's Magic upon their separation remained within her, it's simply reuniting the missing piece of itself. Beside..." Helena paused to look into Altea's amber eyes. 

"Bellerose's Magic and the Witch Queen's Magic would never have properly mixed; the two magics have spent decades lashing out and repelling each other, they have a distaste for each other." Helena explained, stopping in her steps when she was just a few feet away from the group.

"Then..." Altea began as she looked at her twitching lover, "What can we do to help her?" Altea asked as she kneeled down, resting one of her hand against the cold armor covering Anastasia's back; she could feel her raven's heartbeat elevating through the metal and the shivering coming from her body.

"There's nothing you can do about it at the moment. You must let her body get adjusted to the presence of magic and then...I suppose you can train her with her new power but...if left unchecked; she might go mad with power and you might have to put her down...like you did the Witch Queen." Helena said.

"Never!" Altea hissed at the woman, who merely raised an eyebrow. "I'd never hurt my raven! I won't let anyone else hurt her ever again!" Altea growled. 

"Altea! That's enough!" Lord Reiner barked. "The war is over and the champion is in bad condition; let's return to Wolfson Castle and see to it that she will get the proper treatment until the magic settles in her body." Reiner explained. Altea looked into the eyes of her leader before her eyes drifted to the trembling armored raven.

"Yes, Lord Reiner." Altea called out. Before she activated her magic once again in the direction of her raven, summoning a pink bubble of magic around the girl which levitated her off the ground. Altea set the spell to remain until she deactivated it and to follow her as the Retainers, plus Helena Klein, walked out of the Witch Queen's Castle; leaving the corpse of its' former owner to rot away. 

Upon arrival back to Lord Reiner's Domain, the crowds cheered when August announced that the Witch Queen met her end at the tip of the blade of Wolfson Castle's Champion; the people rejoiced but when they saw their champion and savior locked away in a pink bubble of magic, their praises turned to shouts of concern. Lord Reiner calmed the people and made way for Altea to take Anastasia into the castle.

Right now, Altea sat in a chair at the bedside of her raven; who was locked away in slumber as the magic of her enemy occupied her body. Anastasia looked as if she was sleeping peacefully but at times she would twitch or grunt in her sleep, sending Altea on edge every time. The bedroom door opened, Altea's head darted in that direction to see Solaire with a tray of food and peach tarts - Altea's Favorite.

"Lady Altea. Lord Reiner informed me that you were watching over our champion; he asked me to bring you supper." Solaire said as she walked over to the bedside dresser, placing the tray of food down before looking at the sleeping knight. "How is she fairing, Lady Altea?" 

"The Witch Queen's Magic is strong but My Raven is stronger. I know she will survive this and..." Altea gave a light smile. "Honestly, I think this will bring us closer together; I can help her control her new magic and we would the strongest duo in the lands." Altea smiled at the thought of fighting alongside her raven with magic.

"Are you sure that is what Lady Anastasia would want?" Solaire asked this caused Altea to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" Altea asked.

"From her first moment in this world, she's fought against the Witch Queen's Forces and her magic. Do you think she would be comfortable using it?" Solaire asked.

"I don't know but I do know this: Whatever my raven decides to do, I will support her as she supported me." Altea smiled at the sleeping raven-haired girl. 

"Always and Forever, My Magical Raven."

[dokuhebi]

[ weep ]++

word prompts compilation [ weep ]  for your muse to catch mine crying // ++ reverse  // @peepingtoad

The summer evening embraced the streets with particularly gentle warmth and calmness. A sky dusted in faint purples and pinks as the clouds gathered lowly overly the horizon. As if an artist had painted it there to be specifically beautiful. The clean air greeted passing shinobi with just the right breeze to cast away any overbearing heat, yet never enough to cause a chill. The leaves barely moved from the almost windless afternoon, that soft gust only ever running tender fingers through the branches and tall grass. It is almost enough to fool the serpent in to admiring the small things in life, in to noticing the gathering of all this beauty, and cut the world some slack from their usual disdain. Almost. For when Hiruzen approaches them in his office, the serpent having been tidying up after hours and neatening the piles of yet to be finished paperwork, they can instantly see a rather grim expression lining his eyes. He doesn’t mention it, they don’t ask, but when their mentor tells them to do one last minute errand, when that errand is the delivery of a single letter to their comrade, issuing exemption from the next assignment for no mentioned reason, they are quick to link something being wrong to Jiraiya. It is why they abandon the walk on cobbled and paved pathways, why they gracefully move about rooftops until they wind up at his door. They would have knocked, but they can instantly see the door is ajar. As if Jiraiya had been there and forgotten to close it, as if something had swept his mind away from the task. Gently pushing it open, their voice calls in their usual reserved and quiet manner, “Jiraiya?” announcing their presence softly, since it was unwise to ever enter a shinobi’s home, even the friendliest sort, without ensuring the homeowner knew they were friend rather than foe. When they enter the living space however, golden eyes find themselves greeted by a picture that would haunt them for all of time. Strands of tufted white hair falling in front of his face like a curtain when his head was lowered, veiling his eyes, his expression. But the way he leans forward in his seat is telling, something clasped in his hand as if it may have physically harmed him, broad shoulders shaking from something uncontained in his chest. It is a moment of pause only before they cross the distance between them, not one to ever know how to navigate social situations with any true finesse, yet forgetting their own social oddity when they are left with lingering pangs of concern for their team mate. Still as soundless as a housecat, they have crossed the threshold in to the lounge by instinct alone. Not knowing what had feasted upon his heart to drive the man to erratic breaths and tears, but knowing that the only means of ridding any demon, tangible or invisible, was to be at his side. Finding their seat against him, a hand placed to his knee, until they can make out the letter in his hand, until the edge of the paper, shaky hand writing but oh so recognizable, can be deciphered by golden optics. They didn’t need to be a genius to put two and two together, and the feeling is as sharp to them as a blade driving itself through their stomach. Stealing their breath when they try to consider how they might reverse this, fix this, save him. But this grief, one so very familiar to the serpent, is not something they can fight off. How fragile humans were, both in death and life. And how cruel and tasteless of the evening, to offer these stunning skies so touched by beauty on a day like this. As if the world itself may dare to smile, while their teammate weeps. His tears strike them like razor blades, as the desperation grows to do something, anything, to somehow free him from this moment. Watching in helpless unease as the young male shakes from the pain gathering in his head, wracking him with sorrow that could never be measured. For one always feels too young to say goodbye to a parent. They feel as if they too have been tossed back in time, as if they are not a well established shinobi of the highest caliber. As if they have not faced bloodthirsty enemies and come out on top. As if they haven’t seen more than anyone ought to at only nineteen years old and aged quickly to counter such a lifestyle. They feel as if they may as well be that seven year old child again, except this time, instead of having Jiraiya throwing his small arms around their shoulders when they staggered upon the news of their passing parents, it is the boy who must wrestle with loss. Did the universe, with all its answerless and meaningless nerve, not know what she was worth? They place a hand under his chin, to bring him to look up, to stop him from causing himself greater pain by reeling too hard. Because they know how one wishes to give control to the body when the mind wants nothing to do with the real world anymore. When thinking may as well be more agonizing than being set on fire. So they force him to look at them a moment, almost wishing they hadn’t when the marks of tears in his midnight eyes threaten to bring that reflective emotion to their own gaze. It wasn’t their right to cry however, and they have stoned themself long enough to get away with a mere shaken breath before they speak. Even if his eyes seem to beg them to tell him it’s a lie, that she hadn’t run out of time with him. Even if they know that this structure around him would no longer feel like home, for he had only ever found home in her eyes. Slender digits ghost along his cheekbone, wiping away the dampness that had made white hair cling to his tanned skin. Desperate to find the right words, but knowing they were never the sort for right words, he’s usually the one who does this sort of thing, “you need to breathe,” their words come softly, as if they may be coaxing him to stay with them when he was wounded on the field, a decision to try and prevent him from causing greater discomfort to his body by forgetting self preservation and basic duties, “breathe in, breathe out,” such simple words, but it seems he may need some prompting and reminding to remember even this, to not have burning lungs and a throbbing head, to not choke when his body’s instinctive reaction is to gasp at air that hadn’t been provided. Their hand slips around the back of his head, bringing him to rest against their chest, where he could cry in to the violet fabrics of their kimono, where he could banish the fears of being alone and find reassurance, if only for this moment, if only for a second. They place a kiss, firm and engulfed with their anger at this injustice, to the top of his head, not knowing if he would even notice a single gesture amid the turmoil crashing in to him. They would keep him held closely to their chest until they feel a hand upon their own shoulder, until caught off guard, they turn to see Tsunade has arrived too. No doubt the news had made her abandon any duty or activity, no doubt that the look in her eyes is the exact one the serpent offers her in return. They let Tsunade take their place, she would be better in the spoken reassurances than they might be. They can hear her speaking quietly to him now, enough softness to account for the great loss, enough sternness to make him trust she had everything under control. That if he fell a part, it would be all right. The serpent moves to the kitchen, where they can take the moment to lean against the counter, simply stilling their racing heart, which felt cold like ice in their chest. They rummage around in his cabinets, finding barely hidden alcohol of the strongest nature. Still only nineteen years old, they wouldn’t pretend they had the best ideas when it came to coping. Still only nineteen years old, if someone dared to tell their friend how he ought to grieve, the usually quiet serpent would undoubtedly tell that someone to fuck themselves. Feeling a pacing entity within them grow more restlessly ferocious to defend what life was theirs, to defend the precious life of the two shinobi beyond the archway of the door. They return, without glasses, perhaps not thinking about civility and etiquette in a moment like this. Seeing that Tsunade had managed to mitigate some of the more violent shudders from crying, so the serpent can offer the open bottle. So Jiraya can take the first few large swigs, with Tsunade and Orochimaru following a while later when he was finished. Where miseries can be spoken between friends with the relief of alcohol loosening everyones tongues. Until early morning has come, in all its blackness and silence. Until all three teammates have haphazardly found sleeping positions all on the same couch. All using one another as a pillow and bed as they had when they were children, comfortably uncomfortable, but refusing more space at the cost of being a part. Tsunade has already fallen asleep the serpent notes, as they guide blonde hair out of its high pony, and run out the kinks that had formed to spare her the tangles come morning. Until they pay their next attention to Jiraiya, their golden eyes heavy from wanting to succumb to the same rest the young woman had. “I never want to hurt you this much,” they say quietly, as they move to guide hair out of his face next, the slight lag to their speech a good indication that being tired and drunk was not a fight they were winning, speaking as their mind slips further in to rest, “if I die, I hope you won’t feel obliged to miss me, I hope you’ll forget me if it’s easier, pretend that it isn’t as sad as people said it would be. I hope you’re still just as happy, and that you’ll only love me until my last day, and never a day again.”

[imagine-loki]

Return

TITLE: Return CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: Chapter Five AUTHOR: theterrifyingtermite ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine that, at the end of Endgame, Loki comes back. Only one problem: this isn’t your Loki… RATING: T NOTES/WARNINGS: Half-way there! (did I mention it was a slow(ish)-burn? it’s a slow(ish)-burn.)

Chapter Five:

It had been sometime in the early hours of the morning.

The last time she saw him.

She was curled up against him, their conversation having shifted to other things aside from the usual nothings that lovers whispered in the dark.

Earlier in their relationship, she would have never thought Loki, God of Mischief, current-upstart-King-of-Asgard would demand to snuggle.

At any moment, whenever it struck his fancy, no matter where they were or what they were doing.

Of course, knowing what she did now, she would never not let him hold her.

…not that she minded, ever, either.

Touch was precious to him.

One arm was locked around her waist; his other hand was weaving through her hair. It was in these dear moments that his guard was fully dropped. All pretense, even that done unconsciously from years and years of practice, was let go.

All she knew was peace and utter contentment.

Tucking her hand more securely around him, she allowed herself to drift away, sleep calling sweetly.

Instead, his whisper brought her awareness fully back to him.

She didn’t need to bring much along to Asgard, didn’t she know?

His fingers had stopped combing through her hair, nervously grasping at the locks instead.

Blinking, wondering if she heard him correctly, she had tipped her face up to see his, wondering what he meant.

He had stared resolutely away.

Only that…she didn’t need a lot. Only things from home she really wanted. But not everything.

A pause.

Her brow furrowed, sleepy confusion pulling them together. She pushed herself up on an elbow, trying to get him to actually look at him.

A deep breath.

Didn’t she know that he would take care of her? That she would want for nothing?

Oh.

Oh.

Even though he had closed his eyes, as if preemptively hiding from her semi-regular “I’m not helpless, Loki!” rant, a smile lit up her face.

How could she ever doubt him?

Settling back down into his embrace, she sighed a happy confirmation that yes, she did know.

His hands tightened against her, and then they slept.

Safe.

___

It had been a difficult day.

She had dreamed of their last night in some form the past three evenings, and she was tired.

Every time it was off somehow, as if her subconscious was polluting the memory with the reality it knew came after.

Retracting his offer; taking her ring. Being taken before her eyes.

Choking to death.

The worst: coming back for her.

That, and not being able to sleep again afterwards, left her quite annoyed.

Never mind the fact that she was now six months pregnant.

Which, apparently, was only halfway through the regular term for a Frost Giant.

Which, apparently, was the time frame in which this baby seemed to be developing-

-or so Doctor Strange has postulated earlier that day.

The man in question was another note of irritation.

It wasn’t that she didn’t like him…but the needling comments he wove into every conversation were starting to chip away at her resolve.

And on days when Christine had a shift overlapping their appointment, which had only happened once before, he seemed to hold back less than usual.

She had to convince herself after every session that she needed their help; needed them to keep her and the baby safe, considering…

Her fingers fiddled with the watch on her wrist; the anchoring point for the variety of spells cast over her.

Well, there was another point. She had no magical partner to help her through it. She needed all the help she could get from the wizards, frustrating as it may be.

Also, it was raining. She had gotten wet on the way home, and that had been the final straw.

She was tired.

So tired, bedraggled, and annoyed that she didn’t hear the sounds he made in the other room.

Didn’t hear his steps approaching the door.

All she knew was that it was overwhelming, and if she wanted to cry, she would.

So, curled up on her bed, wrapped in a blanket, listening to the almost-spring shower, she cried.

And cried

And cried.

And then felt a hand on her shoulder.

And then screamed.

Flailing, she wrenched herself away from the intruder, scrambling to move, to turn, to do something to get where she could defend herself, and oh – the empty mug from last night, which she blindly grabbed and waved over her shoulder – dear heaven why was her stomach in the way? – and then she finally blinked away enough of the tears, rolled herself over, gasping, only to look up and see-

“Loki.”

He was staring down at her, one brow arched up; his mouth set in a highly unamused line.

His gaze shifted to the mug she held in front of herself defensively; at which moment he plucked it from her grasp and thumped it down onto the side table.

Her response was to stutter; to try and formulate some sort of response.

Then finally, “What are you doing here?!” was blurted out.

She was at a total loss.

As they stared at each other, his arms crossing over his chest, her scrubbing at her eyes to clear them, shifting feet was her first response.

Then a mumbled, “stupid Tesseract,” finally broke the awkwardness.

“Oh,” was all she knew to respond.

And then, her heart leaped. Resting against his chest, having slipped out when he leaned over her, was-

“My ring,” was her whisper, with a hand instinctively stretching out-

-only for his hand to fold over it, gripping tightly, and for him to take a step back, suddenly wary, with a low, painful, “My mother’s,” and then she realized it.

There was a sea of agony in his eyes – severe enough for her to drown in. He knew.

There was nothing to fix this. There hadn’t been before, and there wouldn’t be now.

Hand dropping, she folded back in on herself, shaking her head as logic caught up with her emotions. “Sorry! I know. I just…don’t go,” was the lame, pleading finish.

Securing a tissue to blow her nose, undignified and exhausted, she refused to meet his gaze.

This was the moment he would turn tail and leave, angry with her once again.

He wasn’t hers, and yet it still hurt.

Except.

Even as she braced herself for the dramatic exit, he stayed put. Obviously uncomfortable, even as he held his posture stiffly, Loki still stayed.

She wasn’t sure what to make of it. Until-

“I saw Thor.”

Her eyes widening; jaw slack, she froze.

“W-wha-“

“I ended up in that ‘New Asgard’ place,” he muttered something unintelligible under his breath, “For whatever reason, I can’t always seem to get it to go where I want.”

A frustrated pout twisted up his face.

An instinctive giggle brightened hers.

At his following flat stare, she alternated between horror that she had laughed at this inexplicable man, fear he would leave, and the relief she felt. That was a face she knew. That was something familiar.

Still, she needed to hold it together.

“I’m sorry,” was her firmly controlled response, as she pushed herself up to lean against the headboard. “I just – it’s been a long day. You can keep going, if you want to,” was the hasty addition, as she winced.

Her fingers plucked at the blanket, eyes downcast, as she waited. Hoping. Disbelieving.

A longsuffering sigh, if one could be interpreted as such, filled the room.

“I may have found some…clarity, regarding certain things.”

A glance up, and she tilted her head, trying to emulate an inquiring expression.

“About what you said, and what I saw when…” he trailed off again, this time finding something decidedly interesting to study on her floor.

Guilt?

A small smile crept onto her face. “And?” was the quiet prompt, and a silent pleading for him to just look at her.

“He said he watched me die,” was mumbled, as he turned away, facing the window and the rain.

At least there was no storm.

___

He had told her a story once, about when he was a child.

They had been sitting in her backyard; him leaning against a tree – with a pillow, he wasn’t going to needless suffer, mind you – and her leaning against him, holding his arms that were holding her.

But when he began to tell her, words halting and unsure, she had turned in his arms, straddling his lap and letting her hands rest on his shoulders.

His grip moved to her hips, fingers unconsciously pressing harder than he ever had.

He had adored Thor. That he would never deny. They had been inseparable – comrades in arms when training; partners in crime when there was a prank to be pulled.

(Thor had been the brunt of many, even at the beginning, but it was all done in fun – no matter what the large oaf might think.)

Then, the slow divide that he became aware of; the chasm that only grew as they did.

And all he had ever wanted was to be loved. To be seen like Thor was.

And how he didn’t understand why everything he did was never good enough, no matter what he did, or how hard he tried.

His mother adored him, but she also loved Thor. Even if she had to correct his older brother more than she did him, she still loved him and cared for him, because that was what was supposed to happen; that’s how children were supposed to be cherished, and-

She had quickly reached up, taking his face in her hands, hushing him quietly.

Thumb stroking away the single tear that had fallen

Well, it didn’t matter now. It couldn’t be changed. It wasn’t really Thor’s fault, after all. He knew that.

But, she had countered, that didn’t mean it wasn’t a real hurt. A real pain. Had had been a child, and it was natural for a child to be hurt when faced with favoritism.

When he had gritted his teeth, bitterly announcing that it didn’t matter, that he had ruined everything anyway, which is why he never tried to explain it to Thor-

-well, she had pressed as closely as she could in silence, head resting on his shoulder, and just let him hold her and release whatever he needed to say.

___

They hadn’t spoken much after that, and here she was, several weeks later, and still thinking about it.

After another few off-handed comments about Thor, lacking the vehemence that had often colored his speech when forced to discuss his brother, Loki had asked about her. How she was feeling.

At least, she though he had.

When he had scoffed at her attempt to communicate how the pregnancy was going, she had to admit defeat.

Only…maybe she didn’t?

He had moved to the door, calling the Tesseract to his hand, when she had said his name with a strength before which she had been unable to find in his presence.

When he paused, the gateway open and waiting for him to fly away, her heart had danced.

“Just…if you need anything, at any time…”

A look back.

“I’m here,” she swallowed down the swell of emotion and dared to meet his eyes.

A nod.

Then he was swallowed up in the vortex.

Figures.

But – and here was her cause of ‘botheration,’ as she had been muttering to herself all day – he had at least acknowledged her. That was something, right?

At least he hadn’t run away immediately.

At least he was acting more like the man she knew he could be.

At least he had talked to Thor.

Right when her thoughts had drifted towards imagining the conversation, and the enthusiastic greeting that would no doubt have come from one half of the pair, and the less-than-thrilled, deadpan parry to such delight, she heard it.

It was a sound unlike anything she had heard before. Thunder, followed by a rushing, lightning-strike sort of sound.

And then it ended as quickly as it had started.

Only, there had been no clouds in the sky a few minutes ago when she had been sitting on the front porch reading, enjoying the early spring sun.

A knock on the back door; there was a tall, broad, blonde shape trying to peer around her curtains, who offered a cheerful wave when he managed to catch a glimpse of her approach.

At least her life was never boring.