#'shh she needs to get used to the weapon'

[gothamhappiness]

Death can't keep us apart (f!reader x Bruce Wayne - part II)

Hi everyone, this is the second and last part of this fic about reader dying / the Batfamily darkly reacting to it.

As a reminder, the first part ends on Damian telling Bruce that his grandfather might be able to bring reader back from the grave.

Hope you'll enjoy <3

Warnings: no proof reading, ANGST and more ANGST, no happy ending, despair, sadness, insanity, dark!Batfamily

Everything was going to be alright.

Even if everyone knew it was a terrible idea. 

And yet no one could care any less. 

Bruce would have eagerly sold his soul to the devil if it meant getting you back. He knew the pain of your absence would never get away and he wasn’t too certain how long he would be able to survive it. No matter if Gotham needed him and his children. His duty was long forgotten; even a soldier needs happiness to keep going, even bats need the sun to not get lost.

Bruce found Ra's Al Ghul with crazed determination. He let go of his weapons and toys, to show his opponent that he actually wasn’t here to fight. Ra’s had no idea what was going on, Talia was afraid to understand when Bruce knelt in front of the old man.

“I’ll do anything you want, but bring my wife back. Damian said you could and I believe you know how to.” Batman pleaded

“Anything?” Ra’s asked, knowing how love could be the most efficient way to destroy someone

“Anything”

Bruce agreed to become his heir and the new Head of the Demon. He agreed to embrace a very dark part of himself. He agreed to let the League of Assassin roam inside his manor. But it didn’t matter. Even his children agreed with everything. The price was high but it was the only option.

Talia watched in silence and with sadness. She couldn’t even be happy for her father. She knew that Bruce was simply losing himself. She hoped the price wasn’t too high, she hoped you were going to come back alright and she hoped that Bruce would find a way back to himself. She noticed how Damian was also eager to get you back home. She was grateful you took care of her boy so tenderly. But she hated you for being such a weakness.

A pathetic weakness.

The most powerful weakness.

She even made her son promise that once you would be back, he would protect you so nothing could ever happen to you again. She was aware that otherwise the people who loved you would burn the whole world down and it wouldn’t be a happy ending for anyone. Not even the Justice League would be able to do anything about it, she was certain of it. 

Love consumed everything, like a burning sun. 

And their love for you was a crying volcano.

When you woke up, you were in your bed. It was strange, because you were pretty certain that last time you were awake, you were on a very uncomfortable chair. You had a massive headache and your whole body was aching too. You were completely disoriented, half wondering what you were doing here. You tried to remember what happened, but the headache grew even stronger. You took your skull in both your hands, whining in pain. You barely felt bigger hands gently stroking your hair. You didn’t hear the soft whisperers of reassuring words either, until you slowly calmed down.

When you relaxed again as the pain subsided a little, you looked up and saw Bruce watching over you. 

He looked so pale, so exhausted. He searched for your eyes with such raw despair; it worried you. You reached for his face and he instantly leaned into your touch. Your warmth was already a balm to his suffering. He closed his eyes for a brief moment. He wasn’t fully certain all of you were back, but he had lost enough of his sanity to be happy to just have your body alive again, no matter how much he would also want your mind, of course.

“How are you feeling, my love?” he whispered, testing the waters, tears in the eyes

“I… What happened, Bruce? Riddler… I…” you babbled, trying to gather your thought but your head started to pound again

“Shh, my beloved. It’s alright, everything is alright now” he shushed you as he brought you closer to him “You’re safe and loved. Nothing bad will ever happen to you again. I promise you.” he continued

“My head hurt.” you whispered

“I know. You can't take a med for it right away, but later on, after some food, you’ll be able to grab one. You’ll feel better soon.” he replied

“Have I been out for a while?” you asked because as you leaned against your husband’s form, you felt he had lost quite some weight and it couldn’t have happened just in a few hours.

“Nine months” Bruce finally replied and you looked up at him in pure shock

“Wait, what? But how is that even possible? Why am I not at the hospital then? Oh my God, Bruce, what happened to me?” you cried out

Bruce shushed you again and tried to appease you by cuddling you.

“You don’t have to worry about anything. You’re back, you’re awake and that's all that matters, trust me” he gave you a small smile and you bite your tongue.

“Are you okay, Bruce?” you frowned

“Yes, yes I am now” the man hummed as he leaned his forehead against yours. 

He was relaxing for the first time in so many months. The pain finally left his body and mind. You were back home. You were safe. Your mind seemed intact, as well as your body. From now on, he could work with anything.

A soft knock at the door startled you. Alfred slightly opened the door. The man seemed as exhausted as Bruce. You noticed the appeasement and the relief washing over him as he saw you curiously peering at him from Bruce’s side.

“I’m sorry to interrupt the two of you, but food is ready” he informed you

You realised you were actually starving, as if you hadn’t eaten in… oh well yes, you didn’t eat in months indeed. You started to get up and Bruce carefully helped you. Your bones cracked a little as you stretched before starting to walk. You were feeling a little bit weak and still a little bit lost, so you let Bruce support you and guide you through the manor.

You knew something was awfully off when all the children got up as you entered the room. They came to you, helping you to sit down, all trying to touch you and kiss your cheeks and hands. They all wanted a seat next to you, they were all so agitated. You didn’t understand their unshed tears, their relief, their worried tenderness. You also noticed some people standing in the living room, like perfect little soldiers. You frowned and Bruce shushed you again.

“Don’t worry about anything, darling” he told you

You nodded, not understanding anything anyway.

You were happy to eat Alfred’s food and you relaxed a little as you focused on the delicious taste flooding into your mouth. Everyone around you started to eat once you did. You were surprised when you noticed how silent your family was. They all seemed to have their whole attention on you. Like your husband, they didn’t seem to be doing so well either.

“Maybe we could get a walk in town today, you all seemed like you could get some fresh air” you offered

“Look, my darling, a lot of things have changed in your… absence. And from now on, I’m afraid you won’t be able to leave the Manor.” Bruce softly informed you

“What?” you asked as you stopped eating

“It’s okay, Ma, keep eating” Jason instantly pleaded

“Yes it’s just for safety measures” Dick nodded

“We just need to keep an eye on you” Tim added

“We have been very worried about you but now you’re back” Stephanie tried to smile

“And you won’t leave us again” Damian muttered under his breath

“And you don’t need to worry about anything, we’ve got it” Duke tried to reassure you

“Nothing bad will ever happen again” Cass promised

It hit you. 

It hit you so hard. 

Your head was pounding because you got shot. You were… You were dead. 

You were dead. You were dead. You were dead. 

Oh my god you were dead.

But not anymore.

You felt sick. Your body felt wrong. Your mind was screaming.

The food tasted like iron.

You tried to remain calm, but you were going insane.

One of the soldiers came into view and walked to Bruce.

“Head of the Demon” he greeted Bruce.

You didn’t hear the rest of the words. Your head was spinning. You suddenly got up and everyone stopped eating or listening to what the member of the League of Assassins was telling Bruce.

“I need a shower” you said and rushed away before anyone could offer their help or stop you.

You locked yourself up in the bathroom, and turned on the water. You undressed and started to inspect your body. You got flashes from what happened with Riddler.

You remembered everything as you washed your body with a brush until your skin was raw. Once you were done, you went out of the shower and sat down on the ground before starting to cry. You couldn’t believe your family brought you back from the dead. How could they not understand how wrong it was?

You jumped when Bruce knocked at the door.

“My love, can you open the door please? You’ve been in there for a very long time” your husband pleaded with you, you could hear the worry lacing his voice.

You mechanically stood up and opened the door.

You didn’t care about your nakedness. Bruce cupped your face and frowned in pure sadness as the tears cascading down your face. He also disapproved of how harsh you had been with your body.

“Allow me to put some cream on your skin” he asked and you shrugged “Please” he whispered and you nodded.

He guided you to the bed and sat you down, before leaving for the bathroom and coming back with the expensive hydrating cream you used to put on your skin after every shower. He knelt down in front of you and started to coat your legs. He massaged your body, hoping you would relax under his touch.

“You shouldn’t have brought me back,” you whispered.

He froze for an instant before resuming his actions.

“Trust me, we didn’t have any other choice” Bruce gloomy replied “Now you’re back, I can finally work again, I can finally eat and rest. The children too. We are finally going to be alright again. The pain… The pain is gone.” he mumbled

“Bruce…” you choked on your tears

“We’ll keep you safe here. We’ll take care of you. We’ll do so much better. We’ll do everything you want. We just want you to be happy and among us. We’ll make sure to distract you from being locked up inside the manor. I’m sure you could rethink the decoration to keep you busy for a while. You'll read books and watch movies, you'll play video games. You'll do anything you want as long as you stay with us, at home. And at night, you can go in the park of the property” Bruce said, like the man who thought about everything “We just need you here, that’s all we’re asking” 

“Ra's Al Ghul…” you started

“Yes. But it was worth it. It’s okay, really. Everything is alright” Bruce cut you

“You… Death shouldn’t be cheated like that”

“Death shouldn’t have taken you away from us, we fixed things like we always did.”

Happiness is sometimes dark, just like love.

That night Bruce finally fell asleep, with you tightly snuggled up in an embrace you couldn't break free from.

Your family proved to be even stronger than Death.

Even if it meant you now wanted to die and kill them all, even if you were losing your sanity, even if the Batfamily was getting so dangerous no one knew how to deal with them anymore.

But it was alright, because you were forever back home.

--

Taglists:

Taglist for all my work <3

@blublock404

@wind-canoe

@silverklaus

@couldeatthatgirlforlunch

@tatsuri-zomushiki

@navs-bhat

@randomnamedmira

@winterhi09

@murkyponds

@qardasngan

Taglist for Bruce Wayne <3

@alishii

Taglist for this mini series <3

@classicsimpforaaronwarner

@blue-iris09

@melday0105

[helianthus21]

thinking about Yeon trying to make the in-laws bond and while Rang is absolutely uninterested, Ji-ah knows how much it would mean to Yeon if they at least tried to get along so she caves and pesters Rang about doing sth together. so they train together for the marathon she wants to take part in or whatever bc "we don't have to talk there at least" and this ofc turns into Rang teaching her self-defense long after their marathon deadline is already over, this is how the unhinged in-laws can still win

[fluoneia]

violet is used to losing people that are close to her.

her family, her childhood, her sister. hell, she didn’t even have any friends at this point.

she lost everyone except for you.

the reunion between you guys was sweet when she found you after caitlyn released her from stillwater. she was your bestfriend, and that never changed, even after all these years.

truth be told, you had a crush on her since you two were all but fourteen. your love and devotion toward vi never wavered, always believing she was somewhere out there.

it still hadn’t wavered when you knew she didn’t feel the same way as you. and it still didn’t waver as she talked to you about caitlyn, the enforcer who brought her back to you.

you were there to give her advice about caitlyn. about rebuilding a love life after years of isolation. a true friend, she would call you, and despite the pain in your chest you nod and give her a smile.

you watched from a distance as the feelings between vi and caitlyn flourished. you wished nothing but for that to be you, for vi to see you like how she sees caitlyn.

you watched as their relationship grew. became more. and damn did it fucking hurt.

and you watched as it crumbled as soon as it came to be. she gave you an excited look after caitlyn and vi’s first kiss. you were her cheerleader. truly, all you wanted was for vi to be happy. and she was, by the looks of it.

but after the attack on jinx, caitlyn abandoned her as quickly as caitlyn’s words of ‘i won’t’ left her lips.

you stare in awe and utter shock as vi cries on her knees. her hands clutch at her stomach, and she’s a sputtering mess as she begs for caitlyn not to leave.

as you watch caitlyn leave, the second she’s out of your eyesight you’re rushing to vi.

“violet?” you say, hands cupping her face, “vi, shh, shh..” you whisper, running a finger over her face. she looks up at you, tears streaming down her face, clouding her vision.

but then, you’re pushed off of her.

“get off me!” she yells, pushing you back. you yelp as you thud on the floor.

and your heart breaks. her hand clutches her chest, before ripping off the blue armour around her. she’s heaving.

you don’t have the words to speak. and you realise, you can’t comfort her anymore. she doesn’t want your comfort.

“violet..” you would whisper, just barely over her softened cries. but, they’re nothing to her ears.

she wants nothing to do with me anymore, your head screams.

so, you stand. you peer down at vi, in utter shambles, all the racked up feeling from her past spilling out at once.

you drop your hextexh weapon. you joined the enforcers to help vi make it seem less awkward for her, for another zaunite, for a familiar face beside her.

but it was all for nothing.

and then, you turn away.

“wai.. wait..” vi’s voice is heard behind you. “where are you going?”

and you still.

“you don’t need me anymore, violet.” you shake your head.

“no.. no, no, i can’t lose you too. y/n.” she exasperates.

“back when we were kids, we were inseparable. but.. you’ve changed. i’ve changed. you’ve.. you’ve grown out of me.”

“please. not you too, please.” she cries.

she grabs your wrist as you take a step.

“don’t leave me.”

and you feel a shock through your chest. you turn back to look at her, and it’s like all the composure in your body deteriorates.

“you’re wrong.” she says. “you’re wrong, i need you. i haven’t grown out of you, just, please.. don’t leave me, too.”

and she hauls herself onto you. she’s hugging you, grabbing onto you for dear life, head pressed against your stomach.

slowly, you let your arms fall around her. “i won’t leave you.” you whisper. “i promise.”

[darkbluekies]

King Edmund and Hedwig drabbles: running away but changing your mind and getting lost

Yandere!king & female!yandere x reader (female in Edmund’s case and gn in hedwigs)

I had a request similar to this like a year ago, but i deleted it because I couldn't come up with anything ... and now I have so ... that's annoying.

And this is probably the nicest Edmund has ever been. Weird.

BUT HEY I LOVE THE RELATIVES

Warnings: weapons, but actually pretty fluffy

King Edmund:

You had taken a horse and gone away into the forest. But here you are, sitting by a tree with the horse tied to a branch, hugging yourself and crying. What had you done? You finally realize how stupid you are. Why did you leave him? Why?

You're cold and lonely. Thieves are roaming the forest and you know that they would be delighted to find the queen all by herself. But you don't know the way home, and if you get up on your horse you risk going even further away. Staying in one place will be the best decision if you want to be found ... hopefully by the right people.

Suddenly, after what feels like (and probably have been) hours, you notice a sound.

"Y/N, your game is up."

Edmund!

You stand up and turn around, seeing him and his knights around you, their horses looking at you dumbly. The knights hold out their bayonets, but you don't care. You run over to Edmund, throwing yourself in his arms and crying ― crying in sorryness, in relief over being found by the right people, crying in fear and shame. Edmund's taken by surprise at first. He had been fully prepared to threaten you to get you to come back. Edmund's arms lock around you, securing your head into his shoulder.

"Lower your fucking weapons!" he tells the knights angrily. "Are you insane pointing them at us like that?!"

He turns to you, but before he has the chance to ask you how you're feeling of why you were so stupid to escape from him, you've already started rambling.

"I'm sorry, Edmund!" you sob. "I'm so sorry! I don't know why I did that! I regretted it immediatly, I promise! I wanted to go back but I-I lost my way and-" You can't finish your sentence, your breathe hitching with sobs.

"Shh, it's okay", he cooes, kissing your forehead. "You're back where you belong now, you're safe."

"I wanted to go back, I promise ... but I didn't know which way was the right one. I'm so sorry!"

You cry against his shoulder, hugging him tightly. Weirdly enough, you have never been happier to see someone that has hurt you. Edmund's your husband, you have accepted that. You hadn't realized that you had started to like him before now.

"It's okay, my dear", Edmund reassures you in a sweet, hushed tone and rests his head on top of yours, enjoying having you in his arms again. He rocks you back and forth gently, as if to coo you. "There's no need to cry, I'm here now. You will never have to worry when I'm here. You know that I will take care of everything."

His words are so comforting, so belieavable. You nod against his shoulder.

"Let's go home", he says. "You're cold."

He lifts you up on his white horse before cimbing up himself in front of you. You wrap your arms around his waist and hide your face into his warm back, crying even more. Why isn't he mad at you? You betrayed him. Edmund can't bring himself to be mad. You're genuinly sorry, he can't be mad at you for making a mistake ... a ridicolously stupid mistake, perhaps, but a mistake nonetheless. He needs to comfort you, not punish you.

"Make sure Y/N's horse comes with us", he says before riding off with you behind him.

Hedwig:

If you desperately had to fight with Hedwig about how controlling she is and storm off ... why did it have to be in a foreign country? You want to punch yourself for your idioticy. She's suffocating, yes, but you do love her ... somehow you still love her. And you want nothing more than to go back to her and have her hold you. How will you find her when you can't ask for directions back to her vacation house and can't trace your steps back. Why do European countries have to have such narrow, maze-like alleyways?!

You've found yourself on a bench in front of a cafe in the staking sun. You'll have to get up and look for the right way later, but your feet are probably bleeding.

"Y/N?!" you hear Hedwig's voice suddenly shriek. "Oh, my Gosh, Y/N!"

She runs over to the bench and you hurry to wrap your arms around her waist, hiding your face into her stomach. You can't help but sniffle in relief and sorry ... remembering how you left the house.

"I've been looking all over for you!" Hedwig pants. "I was so worried!"

"I'm sorry, Hedwig", you cry into her stomach. "For everything. I-"

She hugs your head closer and kisses the top of your head. "It's okay, I have forgiven you! "

She sits down on the bench next to you and cup your head into her hands. You sob.

"I'm just so happy to see you alive", she says in relief and brushed your sweaty hair out of your face. "But, dear, you're dehydrated! You'll pass out!"

She takes out a bottle of water from her handbag and feeds you half of it, before water starts to run down your chin.

"Why haven't you been drinking water?" she asks worriedly. "You could have passed out and who knows how dangerous that could have been?!"

"i didn't have any money", you say quietly. "I'm so sorry, I tried to find my way back, because I regret that I left ... but I couldn't ask for directions. I can't speak the language and I didn't have my phone and-"

"It's okay. I forgive you. But please don't do it again. It's dangerous. And I was so worried. My father was close to calling the cops and having them look for you."

"I'm sorry, Hedwig."

She hugs you, letting you rest your heavy head on her shoulder.

"It's okay", she reassures you. "I'm not mad at you. You know that I only want your best, right?"

You nod.

"You need to cool down", she says and stands up, holding out her hand to you. "Let's go get you some ice cream."

"My feet hurt really bad", you mumble.

"I will buy you new shoes too, and bandage and everything you need. Will you come with me? Please?"

You sigh and take her hand. Hedwig is the most confusing person you know, because how can she be so horrible, yet so magical?

[heliosunny]

Yandere!Fyodor x Reader

I took a liking to this man recently so bear with me ∠( ᐛ 」∠)＿ Promise I'll write one for Dazai soon.

The step-mother who once wore a mask of kindness revealed her true nature after your father passed away.

"Y/n!!!!! Get down here!" The woman adorned in luxurious fabrics and expensive jewels screamed your name at the top of her lungs. You were cleaning the messed she caused you earlier that morning.

I'm thirsty! Go make me a drink - the elder woman demanded, tossing you orders like you were nothing but a servant. Dutifully, you got her a glass of orange juice, only for her to knock it to the floor, watching it shatter without so much as a sip. Now, you carefully pick up the sharp fragments, trying not to cut yourself.

Her voice rang out again, shrill and impatient. You replied reluctantly, fully aware that hearing your name from her lips rarely brought anything good "Yes, I'm coming!"

Descending the stairs, you were greeted by an unfamiliar man seated on the couch sipping tea while speaking to your stepmother. The moment his eyes - cold and calculating met yours, a chill ran down your spine. Something was off.

Behind him stood two soldiers, their presence exuding quiet menance. Without warning, at his signal, they raised their weapons and shot your stepmother dead before your eyes.

"Y/n.." The man said, stepping forward. His uniform bores an air of authority, and his eyes, a piercing shade of violet, seemed to see right through you. "I need your ability." You stared at him with question. What ability? You have one?

You avoided his eyes and stared back where the corpse of your stepmother was. The man moved in your direction to keep your eyes on him. "You didn't know? Your father was a honorable man, yet he told you nothing?" You shook your head, stunned.

He sighed, almost amused "My my... You have the power to predict the near future, Y/n. Now that I've freed you from.." his gaze flicked to the corpse "whoever that was to you. I want you to work for me." Suprisingly, you agreed.

The man introduced himself as Fyodor Dostoevsky. He was straightforward, almost unsettlingly so. He admitted having prepared several ways to persuade you, but things had turned out far easier than he anticipated.

As your childhood home burnt to the ground, You felt little attachment to the ashes left behind. Without your father, it had never truly felt like home.

┈┈┈┈

"Now that you're with me, I'll teach you to use your ability." Fyodor said, his lips curling to a smile as he lead you to a room in his mansion. The place was old, its hallways cracks and worn, yet some rooms looked oddly well-maintained. The moment you sat on your bed, a strange sensation overtook you. Pain pierces your skull like a hammer blow, your nose bled, and your body collapsed. You fainted.

When you open your eyes, the first thing you saw was Fyodor sitting by your bedside. "Ah, you're awake. How do you feel?"

"Much better", you replied, though your voice was quiet and hesitant. "Good, rest." His hand gently patting your head. Suspicious of his kindness, you put his hand away and backed of a little. "You said you need my ability, what for?" For a moment, he was silent, simply staring at you with those unnerving eyes. That act creeps you out. Then, he stood and turned toward the door. "You'll find out soon enough." Before leaving, he added "You'll understand."

That night, sleep evaded you. Creaking footsteps echoed from above and around your room. A constant reminder of guards patrolling the mansion. Your mind raced with questions about Fyodor. Cruelty seemed second nature to him. After all, he had ordered your stepmother's death without hesitation.

A voice suddenly whispered from the windows "Shh, over here!" You turned, startled to see a man with white hair and a distinctive fringe. "I'm here to save you, open the window!"

"Save me?" You murmured to yourself, wondered.

┈┈┈┈

The story started to unfold as you encountered Atsushi and the men he mentioned to be detectives from Armed Detective Agency, your ability leading you to dangerous visions and even more dangerous choices.

"So she fled?" Fyodor stood in your room questioning the two guards, eyes scanning the whole place. "W-we didn't hear any sound.. sir- --khoff-" The one who was answering him cough up blood and drop dead soon after, leaving the other trembled in fear. "FIND HER!" Fyodor ordered.

Suddenly, a vision flashed in front of your eyes, you saw Fyodor. "STOP!!" You screamed, frightened Atsushi who was rushing through the bushes. He then stopped. He knew you saw something, as your ability is unstable, he didn't know when it will happen, yet it's better to be cautious. Fyodor is no man to joke with.

And so You returned. On your own.

Fyodor didn't even have to go, you're already here. "What did you see that changed your mind?"

"A lot" you replied "and definitely not worth risking the lives of others." By 'a lot', you mean there will literally be mountains of corpses. You got a hint of his nature and it was wrong for you to follow him back here, but he freed you from that wicked woman. You have mixed feelings about him. Fyodor signaled you to come closer to where he sits. You followed, he pulled you in. "Don't worry, You are in good care."

┈┈┈┈

Months passed. The bond between you and Fyodor grew more complicated. He exploited your ability ruthlessly, yet showed an inexplicable tenderness towards you. His touch lingered, his words carry a weight you couldn't ignore, and his gaze seemed to pierce in your very soul.

The only drawback to using your ability was the toll it took on your body. Prolonged use often left you feverish and drained.

Today was one of those days. You lay sprawled in your bed, feeling as though every ounce of strength had left your body. It was nearly impossible to even lift a finger.

"Y/n! Time to take your medicine." Fyodor called as he pushed the door open. Since aligning yourself with him, you had become something of a criminal, constantly moving from one safe house to another. You had long lost count of how many places you'd stayed in. Fyodor often leaves you behind, disappearing for meetings or visits to members of his mysterious organization. He never shares the details of his plans, brushing off your curiosity with a dismissive "It doesn't concern you."

Now as he sat beside you, you couldn't help but feel conflicted. You'd seen firsthand how easily he sacrificed others, treating them as pawns in his schemes. So why did he bother taking care of you with such apparent concern?

"Y/n, what are you thinking about?" He asked, his piercing eyes scanning your face. You shook your head weakly, unable to answer. He sighed and helped you sit up, his hands steady yet firm. "Your temperature is no joke, can you take this on your own?"

Before you could respond, another vision overwhelmed you. A sudden flash of Fyodor mercilessly killing the members of ADA. Blood, screams and lifeless bodies filled your mind, and it was enough to make your stomach churns. You had only encountered Atsushi and others a handful of times, but their kindness had left an impression. You couldn't bear the thought of them meeting such a cruel fate.

"Y/n! Y/n!" Fyodor's voice broke through the fog of your vision. "Huh..?" Your consciousness wavered as you turned your head towards him. The dizziness hit you like a wave, and you nearly collapsed into his arms. For a brief moment, you thought you saw worry flicker across his face. That couldn't be right, Fyodor, worried? It had to be your imagination.

Without a word, he placed the pills into your mouth. Then, to your surprise, he drank water from the glass and passed it to you through a kiss. You were too weak to resist, and before you could process the intimacy of the act, the medicine was already working its way down your throat.

By the next morning, your fever had broken, and you felt noticeably better. You left your room quietly, your curiosity pulling you toward Fyodor's study. He was asleep, his usual composed expression softened in slumber. You hesitated, unsure whether to disturb him, but the stack of papers on his desk caught your attention. Creeping closer, you skimmed the documents. Your breathe hitched. Among the papers were detailed accounts of your father's death, your personal profile and outlines of Fyodor's larger plans.

And then there were the pills, your medicine. The documents revealed that their side effects weren't a natural result of using your ability but something he had engineered.

"Enjoying yourself, curious cat?" The low, mocking voice made your heart stop.

Before you could react, Fyodor was behind you. His hands pinned you to the desk, his tall frame casting a shadow over you.

"You..." the words caught in your throat. You were powerless, frozen under his control.

He leaned down, his breath warm against your neck as he inhaled deeply. "What a shame, I had hoped you would find those later," he murmured, his voice tinged with disappointment. Without warning, pain seared through you as his teeth sank into your neck. You gasped, the sensation both shocking and terrifying.

"I suppose I'll have to accelerate my plans" He said, pulling back to meet your wide-eyed stare. His fingers tilted your chin up, forcing you to look at him "I've given you everything you wanted, haven't I, Y/n?"

Your gaze dropped to his chest, unwilling to meet his piercing eyes. "Yes.." you whispered.

"Good." His voice softened, almost tender. "Then from today onward, you'll give me what I want."

[inej-ruination-ghafa]

snow on the beach - c.x

anti-hero | you're on your own kid | midnights

summary: the one where you realise that there will be a change in your whole life and you have to leave to behind with someone you don't like

wordcount: 2.1k

Professor Cornelius was one of Miraz’s most trusted advisors. He had trusted him to raise his nephew, Cassian the tenth after the death of his brother, Caspians father. What Mirza was unaware of that was during Caspians joint lessons with the Professor and one of the ladies of the Telmarine court, that he was being taught all about Narnia history.

Caspian couldn't stand the girl who he worked alongside in his lessons with Professor Cornelius. She was stuck up, arrogant and downright annoying. He didn't care if she was the daughter of Lord Sopespian, he did not enjoy her company.

What he liked least about her was that his uncle was trying to propose for there to be a marriage alliance between the two teenagers. Caspian knew that his uncle needed alliances but there was no way he would ever want to marry you.

You felt the same way. There was no way you would marry someone as naive and ignorant as Caspian. You could see all the other ladies in the court fawning over him and even though you felt a little sick picturing him in love with these other women, you knew they would be better fit for the role; there was no way you could tolerate the Telmarine heir. Your whole life was to be unglued, all thanks to him.

He was insufferable but you would never wish harm on him. As you drifted in and out of sleep, you were unaware of the plot against his life. It was one night that would change your life, the moon high above your heads.

The professor that you shared with Caspian did though. As soon as he heard news of Prunaprismia and the child that she had given birth to earlier in the evening, he raced to Caspians bedchambers.

In the cover of night, he crept into the room and drew back the curtains on his bed to reveal the sleeping prince. He looked so peaceful and Cornelius knew that it was all going to change in a few minutes.

He shook Caspian awake and the young boy stirred for a second before squinting up at him in confusion, “Five more minutes,” he mumbled out, reaching a hand out to push his Professor away.

“We must hurry,” he said and when Caspian heard the urgency in his voice, he sat up and looked at the man he trusted most. He would not be making this up if it wasn’t urgent. “The baby is a son,” His eyes went wide at the realisation of what Cornelius meant, “Come, you must grab the duchess and leave,”

Caspian stood up, wrapping a jacket around himself before he followed Professor Cornelius down the steps. They split off for a second and he rushed into your bedroom.

He’d never seen you so peaceful. You were just lying there asleep, no furrowed brow, no condescending look on your face. He could feel his breath hitch in his throat as he looked at you. You were beautiful.

he shook off that weird feeling in his chest as he reached forward and shook you awake.

You were a light sleeper and when you opened your eyes to see him standing above you, you instantly pulled the covers over yourself.

“What's wrong with you Caspian?” you exclaimed as you reached for the dagger on your bedside table.

He grabbed your wrist, stopping you from brandishing a weapon at him. He looked down at you and he knew that you wouldn't believe him, “Shh, they're coming for me,”

He was right. You didn't believe him, not even for a second. Who was coming for him? You sat up in your bed, looking at him like he was a crazy man.

“You're insane,” you shook your head at him and he gave you that look hee used to give you when you were kids, the one that begged for you to trust him. You were teenagers now, not some starry eyes kids - he had finally gone insane, “Get away,”

Caspian knew that this must have felt like some scene from a book to you and he began to curse Cornelius for not taking this job, “Now that my cousin has been born, my uncle has sent people to kill me,”

That got your attention, “Your uncle is a good leader, he would never-”

You stopped talking when you heard the sounds of yelling outside and a lice that you recognised as General Glozelles voice. He was telling the truth.

Your eyes went wide at the thought and you pushed the blankets off of yourself. His eyes grew wider as well at the sight of you in your nightgown, the slightly sheer fabric flowing off of your body.

“What have you gotten yourself into?” You asked him, turning your head over your shoulder to look at him as you grabbed a bag, stuffing your dagger inside.

“Come with me. If you challenge him he will surely catch you too,” he suggested and you scoffed, slinging your satchel over your shoulder.

“What does it look like I’m doing, of course I’m coming with you,”

Without any hesitation, you followed Caspian down the steps to the stables where your professor was waiting.

He handed you your sword and then Caspian his. You suddenly realised how real this all was and that she was going to have to leave all of this behind for a life that she didn't know.

You hated your father. You hated him more than anyone else in the world and even though he was physically and emotionally abusive to you, his only child, you felt weird at the idea of leaving all you’ve ever known behind.

You took a deep breath before putting the sword into a holster that you strapped round your waist. You pulled a jacket on and looked at Caspian as he sat up on his horse.

He reached a hand out for you and you grasped it tightly, allowing him to pull you up so that you were sitting behind him.

When you saw Professor Cornelius standing there, you realised that he wouldn't be able to come with you. It would look too suspicious.

“You must make for the woods, they won't follow you there,” he said and you both nodded in response.

There was a chill that ran down your spine at the thought. You weren’t superstitious but you knew that there were stories of Narnians who lived in that forest, of trees that came to life and of centaurs and fauns.

The professor dug into his satchel before passing her a conch horn. She looked at it for a second, unsure what this was.

“Do not use this unless at your greatest need,” he stated and though she didn't understand why, she put it into her satchel and nodded her head.

Caspian sat there for a second, silent, “Will I ever see you again?” You had never felt sorry for him until this moment. He sounded like a little boy who was being separated from a parent and your heart broke a little.

“I hope so my prince, I still have so much to tell you both. Be careful. Look after one another,” he said.

Professor Cornelius placed a hand on your shoulder, shooting you both a sad smile before opening the gates

Without any hesitation, Caspian whipped the reins and the two of you started to travel out. You turned around when you got to the gates, a sad expression on your face as you looked at the castle.

This was all you had ever known. You had never travelled outside of the palace walls without a chaperone and now you were starting to wonder if you would ever get to come home.

The ride was bumpy but as you turned around, hands secure on Caspians shoulders, you knew that the two of you would be okay.

You could hear the fireworks and then you turned your head around again, watching the colours explode over the castle as they celebrated the birth of Miraz’s son. It was ironic that the happiest day of his life would be the worst of yours.

What was more important was that you could see the soldiers on their horses chasing after you and Caspian.

”They’re coming, and quickly,” you exclaimed.

You could feel a slight tug of hesitation in Caspian when you reached the border of the forests but he sped through the woods.

There was a chill that ran down your spine as you entered the woods. Everyone claimed they were haunted by the ghosts of the Narnians and even though your professor would always guarantee there was nothing dangerous about it, you couldn't help but feel fear of the Telmarine folk tales.

They crossed a river and you could feel the water resistance, “Hold on,” Caspian said as you reached a particularly deep section of the crossing.

Begrudgingly, you reached an arm around Caspians waist and held on tight, the side of your face pressed into his back.

There was an intimacy about the whole thing and you could feel a weird emotion in the pit of your stomach as you held onto him close. He would be lying if he didnt feel the same thing as you wrapped your arms around him.

Even when you crossed the river, you didn't let go of him and neither of you mentioned it. Him wanting you felt impossible, like some sort of dream. This can’t be the real thing. Can it?

“Are you okay?” He asked after a second, turning back to check on you. The question vanished from your head as you looked at him. There was no sound, only him.

You looked up at him, your heart pounding in your chest. Before you could answer him, the horse ran into a branch and you watched as he was knocked off of the horse.

Within a second, he was knocked off, his foot caught in the stirrups. You leaned down, trying to untangle him from the straps but as you did so, you fell off, hitting your head on a boulder.

Caspian watched as the horse sped off without either of you and when he turned to see you lying there in the middle of the clearing, he felt his heart speed up.

Although he hated you, he never imagined a life without you in it to annoy him. He instantly crawled over despite the pain in his head from having been dragged along the forest floor and he knelt by your side.

He could hear the Telmarine soldiers getting nearer and he knew that he had to make a decision. Run away and leave you there or stay and fight for you both.

He couldn't leave you.

“Wake up, wake up,” he muttered to himself as he tried to shake you awake.

He reached one hand out to grab his sword but it was too far. Before he could get up and grab it to make his final stand, he looked up to see two dwarves emerging from a hut.

He looked at them with wide eyes and instantly pushed you behind him. He wasn't going to let these creatures get you both.

One of the dwarves ran right past him and into the fight. He was confused as to why this dwarf would be so willing to fight against the Telmarines but did not question it.

When Caspian saw the other dwarf heading towards him, he knew what he had to do. He grabbed the conch from your satchel and blew it. The entire woods shook at the sound and he wondered what strange powers this conch had.

He looked down at you, a hand on your face as he realised that this dwarf would probably kill you both at the first chance. As he looked at you, he realised all of his feelings. They bubbled up in his chest and he realised that he wasn't going to be able to leave you.

Caspian reached over for his sword but before he could, the dwarf hit him over the head, knocking him unconscious.

The badger emerged from the hut and looked at the two of you lying there, Caspians hand still on your cheek, your faces turned to look at one another. He knew then that he couldn't let either of you die and that there was something special about the two Telmarine teenagers.

“Help me get them Nikabrik, we must help them,” he said and begrudgingly the dwarf helped to drag the two of you inside.

Little did they know what they had gotten themselves involved in

[awkward-walking-potato]

Could I request X-Men 97 Kurt Wagner x Fem Mutant Reader.

Reader has dragon like abilities (wings, tail, patches of scales, horns, fire breath). She gets captured and taken to a mutant testing facility and Kurt rescues her and defends her. He confesses he loves her and they kiss. Just some good old fashioned hurt/comfort.

Flames of Devotion

The cold metal of the testing facility bit into your skin as you struggled against the restraints. It had been days since you’d been captured — days since they had taken you from your home, your friends, and Kurt. You had no idea where you were, only that it was some hidden lab used for mutant experimentation. You had been poked, prodded, and studied like an animal, and each passing hour made it harder to keep hope alive.

Your wings, once a source of pride and freedom, hung limply behind you, bruised from the restraints and exhaustion. Your tail lay still, useless in the confines of the metal table, while your horns and patches of scales were scrutinized under bright lights. They were interested in your fire breath too, but every time you tried to summon it, your body felt too weak.

All you wanted was to escape. To see Kurt again. His kind smile, the warmth of his presence, the safety he brought — you clung to the memory of him, hoping it would be enough to get you through.

Suddenly, the sound of distant alarms broke the eerie silence of the lab. You tensed, your heart racing. Was this some new experiment, or—

BAMF!

The familiar scent of sulfur filled the air, and your heart leapt in your chest. A flash of blue appeared before you, materializing in a swirl of smoke. Kurt.

His golden eyes met yours, wide with panic and relief as he rushed to your side. "Liebchen!" he gasped, his voice thick with emotion. His hands moved quickly to undo the restraints holding you down.

"Kurt," you breathed, the tension in your body releasing all at once. You could hardly believe he was real, that he had come for you. "I— They—"

He shook his head, his brow furrowed in concern as he gently freed your wings and helped you sit up. "Shh, you’re safe now. I’m getting you out of here. I’m so sorry it took me this long… I should have—"

Before he could finish, the doors to the lab burst open, and a group of guards flooded the room, their weapons aimed at Kurt. He stepped in front of you without hesitation, his body acting as a shield as they barked orders.

"Step away from the mutant, or we will open fire!"

Kurt’s tail lashed behind him, his eyes narrowing as he readied himself. But before the guards could make their move, you felt a familiar warmth rise in your chest. Anger surged through you, and with it, your fire. You pushed yourself to your feet, your body trembling but resolute.

"No," you growled, the heat building in your throat.

In one swift motion, you unleashed a torrent of flames toward the guards, forcing them to scatter. The intense heat singed the air, and Kurt turned back to look at you, awe and concern filling his eyes.

"That’s my girl," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration.

Once the guards were gone, Kurt reached for your hand, his touch gentle despite the urgency. "We need to leave before more come," he said softly, his tail curling protectively around your waist as he prepared to teleport.

But before he could, you stumbled slightly, your exhaustion catching up with you. Kurt’s arm wrapped around you, supporting your weight as he looked at you with deep worry.

"I… I don’t know if I can…," you whispered, your voice cracking as the reality of everything hit you. The fear, the pain, the isolation — it all came crashing down at once.

Kurt’s expression softened, and he cupped your face in his hands, his thumb brushing gently over your cheek. "You don’t have to do anything. I’m here now, and I won’t let anything happen to you."

Tears welled in your eyes, and you leaned into his touch, the overwhelming relief of being safe with him settling into your bones. "Kurt, I was so scared," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

"I know, mein Schatz. I’m so sorry," he murmured, his forehead resting against yours. "I failed you. But I promise I won’t let anyone hurt you again."

You looked up at him, seeing the raw emotion in his eyes — the love, the protectiveness, the guilt. And in that moment, you realized just how much he meant to you, how much you needed him.

"Kurt…" you started, but before you could say anything else, he gently pulled you closer, his breath warm against your skin as he spoke softly.

"I love you," he confessed, his voice steady and sure, despite the chaos around you. "I’ve loved you for so long, but I was too afraid to say it. I can’t lose you — not now, not ever."

Your heart fluttered at his words, and despite the pain, despite the fear, you felt warmth spreading through your chest — not the fire you could summon, but something far deeper.

"I love you too," you whispered, your voice thick with emotion.

Kurt’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but the relief and joy that followed was unmistakable. He smiled, the kind of smile that made your heart ache with its sincerity.

Without another word, he leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a soft, tender kiss. It was gentle at first, almost hesitant, as though he was afraid you might break. But as you returned the kiss, your arms wrapping around his neck, the kiss deepened, becoming something full of need and desperation — the kind of kiss that said everything words couldn’t.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your foreheads resting against each other’s as you stood in the middle of the lab, the world fading around you.

"We need to go," Kurt whispered, though neither of you made a move to leave just yet.

You nodded, your strength returning little by little with him by your side. "Yeah… let’s go."

With a final glance around the room, Kurt held you close, and with a familiar BAMF, the two of you disappeared in a cloud of smoke, leaving the nightmare behind.

And as you reappeared back at the mansion, safe and sound, you knew that as long as you had Kurt, you’d never face your demons alone again.

[ameliathornromance]

Are you the Final Girl?

Slasher!Orc X Reader

Chapter 3

Masterlist <--- TWS: Murder, reader sees a corpse that has been butchered, dead dove do not eat

You awoke with a stir, checked the clock beside your bed with bleary eyes.

2:45am.

You groaned and rolled over, facing away from the bright digital light and shut your eyes.

Before you were about to drift off, a buzz from your phone made you jump. Rolling over once again, you picked up your phone from your bedside and checked the caller ID.

You had expected it to be Jack, calling to ask for some help getting back home from a pub or something like that. But it wasn’t Jack.

Jennifer’s big, pearly white grin beamed at you on the screen. You picked up the call. “Jen? It’s really late, what are you-”

“Could you meet me?” She said, quickly. “Please. I… I think someones following me.” The urgency in her voice made you sit up right in your bed.

“Where are you?” you asked, throwing the bedcovers off yourself and setting your feet down on the carpet.

“I’m in the middle of the Science block campus. I didn’t want to lead anyone back to my dorm room.” Jennifer said, quickly. Her breath was frantic and quick, as if she might have been running.

“Alright, stay where you are, I’m on my way.” You pulled on a pair of jeans and found a long sleeve jumper and left your dorm room, phone held up to your cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Shh!” Jennifer’s voice moaned with terror.

You felt your stomach drop through your body. You stayed shushed as you began to run down the hallway.

“You don’t have to say anything back, but I’m running now okay? Don’t worry Jen.”

Something told you that this wasn’t just any old creepy guy walking down the same street as you incident.

“I think he’s… oh my God, is that a machete?”

You practically flung yourself at the accommodation doors as Jennifer gasped from the other end of the phone. “What the fuck are you?! Get away from me, I swear you’ll-” but Jennifer never got to finish her sentence.

Her screams rang down the phone, making you flinch at the screen. “Jennifer!” you bellowed, but it was no use.

An unnerving, squelching, followed by a crack and a snap broke up Jennifer’s high pitched screams and cries for help.

If you were running before, you must have been sprinting by now. Heart in your throat, you hung up the phone as you could now hear Jennifer’s screams in life now, more bloodcurdling and terrifying than down the phone.

Your mind raced, what would you do once you got there? It sounded like that the attacker had a weapon, if he really had something dangerous, what good could you do? In your haphazardly thrown together outfit and only phone on hand?

As you turned the corner, past the Humanities block, just before the science block, the screaming fell silent.

And suddenly, you could hear your heart in your ears, thundering and pounding as if it were maintaining the beat of an orchestra. You clamped a hand over your mouth and sank behind a group of bushes that had been rounded with shears.

A battle waged inside of you, one half of you screaming at you to get up and run for your life, knowing that if you turn that final corner where the science block ended, you would die, while the other half shrieked at you that your best friend was dying and she needed your help.

The first half of you won over.

Heavy, slow, pants came into ear shot. Judging from the direction, it had to have been from the science block corner ahead.

You squeezed your eyes tightly shut and cuddled into a ball, hoping that you would become one with the plant.

Burying your head in your knees, the thunk, thunk, thunk of the attacker’s footfalls echoed around inside your head as if you were standing right next to a church bell.

Your stupid, stupid curiosity got the better of you and you dared to peek out from behind the shrubbery.

You froze.

Standing under the lamp light, a man cast a tall, broad shadow down the path. His face was obscured by shadows and long, thick, mangy hair that hung around his head, greasy from bodily fluids.

In his hand, he clutched a long, wide blade that dripped something thick onto the pavement beside him.

His head turned to the left, then to the right, his body as still as a statue. Deciding on which way to go, he stalked off to the left and into the darkness.

You didn’t know how long you sat there for, behind the bushes in the freezing Autumn air.

Finally, you gathered up the courage enough to stand, legs numbed from being coiled so tightly to your chest and stumbled over to the edge of the science building.

“J-Jen?” You called out. Your voice didn’t feel like your own, rather, like it was coming from all around you.

“Jen? C’mon… don’t screw around.” But as you got closer and closer to the mass of viscera on the floor, you could no longer deny it.

This, bloody mush on the floor, was Jennifer. Your best friend.

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[spidernuggets]

Jason Todd x Reader

MDNI

What if Jason left with you instead of Rose after Dick reveals he killed Jericho?

Warnings: Spicy time 🔥, Reader was supposed to be gn 🤔🤔 but during spicy time, reader has a poosay

"Jason!" You sighed out in relief. You were at a screaming match with Rachel after she and the older members of the Titans pointed fingers at Jason for little shit planted in their rooms that reminded them of not so nice memories.

You then realised your friend had gone missing, and in a state of panick, you started to run around the tower, trying to look for him. Before you went to check the roof, hoping that he wasn't doing anything stupid, the elevator opened with a hard-staring Dick and red-eyed Jason.

You're filled with relief as you run up to your best friend, careful not to embrace him yet, in case Jason gets too overwhelmed.

As Dick gathers everyone for a "meeting," your hand gently rests on Jason's cheek as he avoids eye contact, looking at the ground, mumbling an "I'm sorry."

Your thumb rubs his rough skin back and forth while your other hand holds his own. "Shh, Jason, you have nothing to be sorry for. Dick just told us that it was Deathstroke planting all that shit," you explain to him.

Jason just sucks in a breath and lightly shrugs your hands away. "We need to listen to what Dick's about to talk about," he mutters, walking towards the small glass table.

You take a seat beside him, not forgetting to send a glare towards the other Titans, a sign to apologise to Jason now for blaming him, but all their focus is locked towards the leader.

Before Dick speaks, you gently nudge Jason's ankle with your foot. As he looks over, you try to send a comforting smile to which Jason sighs and just turns away, which broke your heart.

You couldn't deny your undying attraction towards your friend. He was the first person to talk to you when you joined. He taught you a lot of things as your friendship blossomed. He taught you how to fight, how to use any weapons correctly, and how to fight blindfolded. He even introduced you to some of his favourite novels and authors, to which you found out how much of a nerd he was. This surprised you since when you talked with the other Titans, they described Jason as idiotic or and asshole or could barely read the back of a cereal box.

Sure, Jason had a lot of flaws, but he's always been so kind to you. Shit, after that encounter with Deathstroke, you saw Jason as the bravest person ever.

Unfortunately, when a certain, thorny Rose joined the Titans, his attention shifted to her, leaving you behind. And no doubt, did Jason tell you about their intimate encounter as they shared a kiss. Jason already asked you for advice on what he should do after Rose stormed out of his room upon finding her brother's vinyl. From that moment, you tried so hard to push your feelings down because no way could you compete with badass, pretty, perfect Rose Wilson.

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me," you instantly scoffed after Dick reveals that it was himself and not Deathstroke who killed Jericho.

"You killed my fucking brother?" Rose raises her voice. You didn't really like Rose when you first met her. No doubt you were suspicious of her when she joined, but Gar kept telling you that Rose is a Titan now and has nothing to do with her father. But you could understand her rage after Dick confessed.

You shook your head, not wanting to hear any bullshit. "Nah..." You quietly said, enough for all the members to hear and turn their attention to you. "This team is a shit show. I'm out." You get up from your seat and headed was about to head to your room.

"I'm leaving too," Rose says, about to follow suit.

"I'm going with her," Jason chimes in. Both you and Rose quickly turn your attention to Jason. Your heart broke when you thought he was leaving with Rose. "With Y/n. C'mon, let's go." Jason grunts, grabbing hold of your arm, trying to take you towards your rooms located beside each other.

"Guys, please," Dick calls out.

"You don't get to tell me what to do anymore, Dick. What any of us does," Jason yells out.

"Listen-"

"No, this is too much, Dick!" You yell back. "Look at us! You go off telling lies. All of these nitwits point fingers at Jason for shit he couldn't have possibly done! You can hardly call this a team!"

"Y/n, please. We already established that it was Deathstroke who planted everything." Dick tries to reason out.

"Ok." You say, crossing your arms. "Give me names."

Dick stares back in confusion. "What?"

You wave to the other members. "Give me the names of any of these assholes who apologised to Jason because he had said so many times he didn't draw those crosses, or put the soda bottle, the bourbon bottle or the picture in any of their rooms. So, one more time, who fucking apologised."

The room stayed dead silent. Looking around, you saw all members avoiding your gaze while Gar stayed sat on the counter with a sad look on his face. You couldn't see it, but nothing but adoration was shown across Jason's face as he looked at you.

You nodded, feeling disgusted to be a part of this team. "Ok." You whispered. "Ok, let's go, Jay." You said, pulling Jason by his wrist and finally head to your rooms. From the distance, you could hear the faint murmurs of agreement and hear some of the other members willing to leave too.

You went into your own room to pack your things. As Jason was about to head into his own room, he felt a hand on his shoulder, stopping him from doing so.

"What the hell, Jason?" Rose says. "You're going with her?"

Jason shrugs. "Yeah? What about it?"

"What about us?" Rose scoffs in disbelief.

"What about us?"

She scoffs once more, rolling her eye. "Did that kiss mean nothing? I thought he had something going on," she shifts her weight to one leg and places a hand on her hip, waiting for a response.

"You said it yourself. It was a thing that happened. Besides, I didn't even want you in my room in the first place! And you are just like the other Titans. You blamed me for having that vinyl of your brothers that I didn't even know belonged to him! Now piss pff, I gotta pack," he says, shrugging her off and heading towards his room.

When Jason finishes shoving whatever clothes and stuff he can into a duffel, he steps out, and you await for him, leaning against the wall beside his door.

"You sure you wanna leave?" You ask.

"Let's just get outta here."

"With me?" You call out just as he walks past you.

Jason turns to face you. "What? Of course, why not with you? I trust you. You're my best friend."

You shrug a shoulder. "I dunno. Guess I thought you would've left with Rose. Thought the two of you had something going on."

"Why does everyone keep saying that," he whispers to himself, making it unable for you to hear. "She means nothing to me. I want to go with you. Unless.. You don't want me to go with you?" He suggests, feeling deflated.

You quickly shook your head and held his hand, smiling at him. "Let's get out of here."

Jason gently smiles back, accepting your hand in his as the two of you head out of Titans tower.

A taxi is already parked outside, waiting for the two of you as you both step in. Neither of you really knows where you're going. You know Jason doesn't want to go back to Wayne Manor in Gotham, so you just tell the driver to drive far away from the tower.

You nudge your shoulder against Jason's as he turns his head to look at you. "Were you at the roof?" You hesitated to ask, not wanting to trigger anything emotional.

Jason deeply sighs. "Yeah. 'm sorry. But can we not talk about this? Please."

You slightly nod, laying your head on Jason's shoulder as you pick at your cuticles on your fingers. "You've nothing to apologise for."

He doesn't smile or anything. But he appreciates your presence. He takes one of your hands and embraces it with his own, preventing you from further picking on your skin, and you smile at the gesture.

The two of you get out of the taxi in a random location. You follow Jason, leading you to a big, rich-looking house.

Stepping on the porch, Jason kicks the door down. "Heard this family was going to be away for a month," he says, entering the home.

"And you heard that...where?" You asked, rolling your eyes as you followed him in.

The only response he gave you was a cheeky grin in which you playfully scoff in return.

You drop you bag and fell limk onto the couch. "Holy shit, this couch is more comfortable than my bed at the tower."

Jason then mets himself fall on top of you, knocking the wind out of your lungs. "Jason!" You groan. His head lays in your chest, getting comfy in his position.

"Oh yeah, you're so right," he says.

"Alright, alright, get off of me," you giggle, pushing him off. You sit up, Jason sitting next to you as you form a sly smirk on your face. "Fridge."

The two of you rush to the fridge, and just as you were about to open it, Jason comes up from behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, lifting you up as you squeal and turning around, placing you down as he opened up the fridge.

"Jesus, how many sausages do these people need?" He questions, rummaging around the fridge.

"Man, they have a pool too," you say, looking through the glass door that lead to the back. "Rich motherfuckers," you mutter. "So what do we do now?" You ask just as Jason successfully pulls out a beer from the bottom of the fridge. He places it on the counter before placing his hands on your waist.

"Anything we want, babe," he says, smiling down at you.

You lightly giggle, smiling back at him. Regretfully, your eyes shift down to his lips, quickly returning back to his gaze. You cleared your throat, stepping back, letting his arms fall from your hips.

"I'm gonna check out the rest of the house," you awkwardly say, throwing your thumb over your shoulder. Jason rubs the back of his neck in equal awkwardness as he nods, letting you roam the rest of the house.

"Okay, there are like 5 bedrooms up there," you say as you come back downstairs, meeting a slumped Jason sitting on the couch, finishing a second bottle.

"Jay? What's wrong?"

He sighs, placing his bottle on the coffee table in front of him. "I don't think I can stay here with you."

Your shoulders sag down. What happened? Did you do something? Did you say something? "What.. What do you mean..?" You hesitated before taking a seat beside him.

He couldn't say anything and just stared at the half empty bottle in front of him.

"Are you... Did you change your mind?" You weakly ask, making Jason look at you. "Did you wanna go with Rose instead?" Your voice slightly cracked.

His eyebrows scrunch together. "What?? No! I mean- Shit!" He groans in exasperation, rubbing his face harshly with both his hands. "I can't just stay with you here and just be friends with you!"

"What the fuck are you talking abo-"

"I like you, okay? I really like you, and staying here with you, I'm just going to fuck everything up!"

"Jay-"

"I can't stay here without wanting you every second!"

"Jason-"

" I can't stay here without needing to be with you, and not just as a friend!"

"Jason!"

"What?!" Jason chest heaves up and down, out of breath and tears threatening to fall down his face.

"You're really selfish, you know that?" You say, an annoyed expression on your face. Jason's heart breaks. He thinks you say he's selfish for confessing his feelings to you instead of keeping it a secret, ultimately ruining your friendship. "You were just going to leave after saying that? Did you not think that, I don't know, that I felt the same? Was that not a possibility to you?" You ask in disbelief. "I can't believ-"

You were quickly caught off as Jason took a few steps towards you, taking your face gently in his hands, pulling you close to connect his lips with yours.

Teeth clashed, and tongues fought, and as he pulled away to take a breath, your lips tried chasing back after his. The two of you shared a short, loving stare before you locked lips once more, your hands bunching up handfuls of his shirt in your fists, trying to pull him even closer.

"You've no idea how much I wanted this," Jason tries to say, muffled by the need to keep kissing you.

"Mm, me- me too," you struggled to say back. You couldn't stop your hands from trailing down his chest, down his torso, and grabbing the hem of his shirt, trying to tug it up.

"Clearly," Jason chuckles, noticing your forwardness.

As your hands lift his shirt higher, he helps you take his off as you almost drool at the sight of his abs, his happy trail slightly peeking out from his jeans.

As Jason leans to kiss you again, he walks forward, leading you to towards the back glass door. You two shared giggles and giddiness at the clumsiness of trying to get out, making your way to the double sun bed in front of the pool while stripping away your clothes.

You lay down on the bed, and Jason leans over you, leaving kisses on your lips, to your jaws, down your neck, and all over your chest and down your stomach.

"Ngh, Jay, stop that," you groan, trying to stop yourself from giggling with excitement.

"Stop what, babe," he says. You can feel him smirking against your skin.

"Stop fucking teasing," you barely say through a whisper. "Fuck me already or I'm wrapping this up," you threaten.

"Really?" Jason says, and before you could reply, he licks a long stripe along your already soaking pussy.

Your back arches from the sudden sensation as your hand pulls against Jason's hair, and the other scrunches up the sheets.

"Fuck, you taste so good," Jason moans, causing you to whine in pleasure.

"Oh, please- more, please, Jay!" You cried, tugging on his hair more. Jason's mouth detaches from your cunt and you cry from the loss of warmth. He leans back up, gazing into your eyes in absolute adoration.

He places a light kiss on your lips, leaning his forhead against yours while sliding a condom on.

"You ready?" He quietly asks. You nod in response, but he shakes his head. "I need words, babe."

"Yes- Yes! Please- fuck!" You gasp as Jason slides himself inside of you. He waits for a response from you, letting you adjust to this new experience. "Mm, yeah, yeah you can move."

Jason groans as he starts thrusting in and out. "Shit- this okay? Ya feel good?" He grunts.

"Yes, yes, fuc- ngh, so good, Jay!" You moaned, your fingers crawing down his back.

His thrusts became faster and harder, hitting that sweet spot every time, making both your moans and whines wind together.

"Ja-Jay, I-"

"I know, I know, babe. Fuck- I got you," he groans, finding your hand limp beside you, intertwining your fingers with his. "C'mon, cum for me, sweetheart."

You cry, your back arched, screaming his name.

"Just give me a sec, N/n, almost there," he says, continuing to pump his cock in your wet cunt.

Your arm wraos around his neck as you bury your face between his jaw and shoulder. "I- fuck, I love you- love you so much, Jay," you whimper.

Jason's eyes widen, his cock balls deep into your pussy, groaning loudly at your claim. His seed shoots out his tip.

He throws the condom to the side, weakly laying beside you, turning to his side, pulling you by your hip closer to his body. Your finger traces along his skin, connecting his moles, pretending they're a constellation before planting a kiss to his collar bone, then snuggling closer to him.

In return, Jason placed a kiss to the crown of your head, holding you close in his embrace.

"I love you too," his raspy voice chimes as the two of you fall asleep, skin to skin, waiting for the next day to arrive.

Neither of you knows what you're going to do with your lives now. But right now, it didn't matter.

[tinyfishtits]

Ooh, an opportunity for more Micah-fic! Might I request a bit of TLC for our favorite roguish rat? (Maybe he's been roughed up a bit, or is feeling a little under the weather but doesn't want to let anyone know.)

Love your work!

YES OF COURSE you can request my literal favorite genre of Micah fic Zana, you beautiful human you. 

I got a little carried away with this one, I hope you like it !! I loved writing it 🥹❣️

TW: Graphic depictions of blood/gore/wound mending

I pushed the stew around my bowl as Mary Beth went on about the new book she was reading, though I heard none of it. Micah had been gone from camp for four days and nobody could even tell me why he’d left in the first place. Some bullshit lead on a job he thought he could tackle on his own no doubt, the cocky bastard. Nobody even noticed he was gone until I brought it up. 

“That explains why it's been so damn pleasant around here lately.” Arthur had said when I asked him about it. I knew what they all thought of him, hell my opinion wasn’t much different… Maybe I'd deluded myself into thinking we’d become friends over the past few months, that him talking to me was anything more than just tolerating my company. 

I’d be lying though, if I said I didn’t care. We’d come to spend most nights together since his return from Strawberry, tipsy and tired by the fire. I looked forward to it. Micah often talked about his father, of his adolescence spent robbing and killing out west. He was an entertaining storyteller to say the least, emphasizing every word with big, grandiose hand movements and even getting up to act certain things out. 

Occasionally I’d talk about my life before the gang as well. Though my stories weren’t nearly as colorful, he always listened. Indulging me with questions about my family, the hobbies I once had that there was no longer time or resources for. He’d folded over with laughter when I told him I used to love needlepoint. Saying, “By the looks of your mending, sweetheart, I’d wager that was time wasted!”

The last time I saw him we had barely talked at all. I’d been uncharacteristically exhausted after spending the day helping Pearson when Sadie refused to. And ended up drifting off against the log he sat upon, cleaning his gun. Though I’d woken sometime later to him having moved to the ground beside me, my head on his shoulder as he carved aimlessly at a scrap of wood. When I woke again in the morning, he was gone. 

“Isn’t that just so romantic?” Mary Beth crooned, her attention on me. 

“Sorry, what?” I asked, pushing my stew away. My stomach was too knotted up to eat, I knew I was probably being stupid and irrational, if Micah were here to see how I was acting he would say as much. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. 

Mary Beth looked me over more closely, “Are you alright? You look…”

“Fine. I- I’m fine, Mary Beth. I’m gonna go on a walk, don’t wait up okay?” I said, rising from the table.

“Oh, Okay!” She called out to me as I walked toward the path out of camp. It was probably a stupid idea. No, it definitely was. Walking around at sunset, alone, without a single weapon on me… I just needed to move, to feel like I was doing something other than waiting. A pathetic part of me hoped I would find him out here somehow, just stumble upon him trotting back toward camp completely fine.

I walked along the cliff edge toward Caliban’s Seat, making it halfway before dusk was upon me. Reluctantly, I turned back for camp, not at all looking forward to the restless night that awaited me there. That was when I spotted him.

“Baylock?” I called out to the black horse who was galloping up the hillside, his saddle empty. My stomach dropped at the sight. Even in the darkness, I knew it was him. He whinnied and reared up on his back legs as I neared. “Shh boy, you’re okay.” I hushed, holding a hand out to the wild eyed horse. He huffed and snorted at my hand, but let me approach. Giving him some comforting pats I looked around for any sign of him being robbed, a struggle, blood, anything to give a reason as to why he was alone. But there was nothing. He had just… run off. 

“Where’s Micah?” I whispered to the horse. He had to be close, surely. With Baylock calmed, at least enough to mount, I jumped on the saddle and led him back down the hill where he’d come. 

The full moon rising in the sky aided in my search, illuminating the surrounding forest enough that I wasn’t completely blind. Though Baylock did most of the navigating for me. He brought me through the section of forest that had been badly burned in an old brush fire, the ground still black, no life having braved the area just yet. I’d noticed it on our journey in from Colter. He was taking me to the base of Caliban’s Seat.

“Micah?” I called out to the darkness. Baylock whinnied in response, stomping his feet as we came to the tree line. He refused to go any further. “Micah?” I called again, and this time I got a faint groan in response. Jumping from the saddle I ran toward the sound some fifty yards ahead in the clearing. 

“ FUCK!” I yelled, jumping back and falling on my ass, the bright yellow eyes of a cougar staring back at me through the tall grass. It took a moment to catch my breath and realize the beast was dead. Though its eyes still shone ominously in the darkness. 

“What the hell are you doing out here?” Micah moaned. I jumped again, not having noticed him so close. He sat on the ground beside me, his back against a tree. He seemed… fine. 

“What… Happened?” I finally managed to say. 

“It got me. I got it.” He said simply, gesturing to the cougar with a lazy wave of the revolver still clutched in his hand.

Getting up from the dirt I crawled the few feet over to where he sat, my hands hovering over him hesitantly as I tried to pinpoint where exactly it had got him. Sensing the silent question he turned his back to me with a pained groan. I gasped. 

His shirt was hanging on by threads. Three deep claw marks had torn through it from the shoulder all the way down to the hem of his pants. Blood oozed from the slashes, tar black in the darkness. 

“ Shit.” I whispered, “You need a doctor. We need to get you back to camp!” 

“No” He groaned. 

“But… Micah you can't see it, its-” 

“ No.” He said firmly, leaning back against the tree with a wince. “I’ve got supplies in the saddlebags, enough to make camp here and patch up.”

I just stared at him, speechless at his nonchalance toward the whole thing. Fully expecting me to just go along with his plan, he started unbuttoning his shirt. 

“What are you doing?” I asked. 

“ You are going to stitch me up, sweetheart.” 

“No…” Sickness twisted in my stomach at the prospect, “ No! Micah… I- I can’t.” 

The bastard didn’t listen. He just kept working to undo his shirt as I sat there completely frozen at his side. Leaning heavily on the tree for stability, he rose to his feet and whistled for Baylock. The horse came obediently to him, nuzzling his nose into Micah’s neck with a huff. 

“Hey boy…” Micah whispered to him, stretching with a groan to pull a peach from the saddle bag, “Sorry about that…” Lovingly stroking the horse's nose, Micah sighed, resting his forehead against the animal. I’d never seen Baylock calmer in my life. 

Rifling through the saddlebags I found some half drunken tonics, a bottle of whiskey and a crude wound dressing kit with - much to my horror - a needle and thread. I knew it had to be done… If not sewn up by me tonight, the cuts would almost certainly fester into something much worse by morning. My many failed attempts at cross stitching and cloth mending flashed behind my eyes, the nausea growing as I pictured my messy, uneven stitches threading through skin.   

I took a swig of the whiskey before handing it over to Micah, who raised a brow at me. “You’re gonna need it…” I said, my voice shakily betraying the anxiety coursing through me. He chugged a good quarter of the bottle before chucking it aside. 

“And this.” I held out a tonic for him, hoping if all else failed, it might keep infection at bay at the very least. He chugged that too, his eyelids heavy when he met my gaze again. “Just sit down, I’ll start a fire… Are you hungry?” I about gagged just saying the word. The thought of eating churning my stomach even more. 

I don't know if it was my own reaction or if he too was an anxious wreck at the prospect of me stitching him up, but he mercifully declined the offer of food. I made quick work of a fire, setting our camp up a ways away from the wild cat corpse that was already starting to attract flies. 

Micah sat beside the fire, his shirt now fully discarded. The image of him lit by the warm, flickering firelight sent a strange sense of calm through me, as if this was just any other night. A sparkling sheen of sweat already coated his torso. He glanced sidelong at me and I averted my gaze... hoping my lingering stare could be attributed to his wound and not his half naked form. Blush burning at my cheeks I asked, "How did it happen?" 

"Wrong place..." He grunted, running a hand through his hair. "Wrong time." 

Whiskey in hand, I kneeled at his back. "I didn't think cougars even came this far east..." I said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder I guided him to turn so his back was to the fire, he did so with another pained groan that made my heart ache. It was about to get so much worse, I was about to make it so much worse. 

"They don't." He grumbled, snatching the whiskey from my hand for one last sip before returning it to my grasp. 

“This is gonna hurt…” I warned. He and I both took a deep breath and when he exhaled I poured the alcohol over his wound. His breathing halted as he held back a cry of pain, only deep growling groans escaping him as his breath came back in stuttering bursts before calming once more. 

“Sorry…” I whispered, finally exhaling my own breath. 

“Don’t start that…” He said, a bit breathless. Reaching a hand back to me he squeezed my knee in a small but comforting gesture. “I don't need you apologizing every time you stick me with a needle neither, doll.”

Grabbing the whiskey bottle, he took another generous chug. “Okay… Do it.” He sighed. 

Opening the little tin of needle and thread… I hesitated. The needle was so small. Stitching up the wounds would take an hour, probably more. Dousing my hands with alcohol I reached out to touch the edge of one of the slashes, testing the sensitivity. He inhaled sharply at the gentle touch. Seemingly sensing his pain, Baylock huffed and lowered himself to the ground beside us, his large black head resting on Micahs lap. 

“Micah…” I whispered. I didn’t know if I could stomach the pain I would be putting him through. He didn’t say anything, but squeezed my knee once more. Gently moving his long hair over his shoulder and out of the way, I brought the needle to the largest slash and with a deep breath, inserted it into the skin. 

He didn’t flinch or cry out in pain, only tightening his grip on my knee as I drove the needle through the fatty skin visible in the crevice of the wound. In, through, in and out again. Were the only thoughts in my head as I concentrated, tying each suture closed with several knots before moving on to the next. 

Once I got into the rhythm of it my anxiety eased, the nausea in my stomach subsiding along with it. The gore of his back becoming just another piece of ripped fabric that needed mending. It helped that Micah stayed impressively still during the whole process, only occasionally wincing when my needle drifted too deep into the wound.

When I finished the first of three slashes I turned to look him over. His face had gone pale and his eyes clamped shut. He never did release his grip on my leg. 

“Two more cuts to go…” I said, mostly to myself but Micah’s head perked up, a small groan escaping his lips. I had no idea how much time had passed from when I’d started stitching, but the moon was high overhead by the time I finished. It must have been at least two in the morning. 

Knotting off the last stitch I sat back, looking over my work. It wasn’t pretty by any means, the slashes red and jagged. But it was done. 

“Well, you’ll have an impressive scar at least.” I said, pouring the last of the whiskey over my work for good measure. He didn’t even flinch this time, his back probably so numb with pain already from the hours of tedious work it barely registered anymore. 

“Micah?” I whispered, his hand tightened on my knee in response but he made no sound. Leaning into his shoulder, I pressed a gentle kiss to the unmarred skin there. A low moan escaped him. 

“What was that for?” He mumbled.

“A kiss to make it better…” I whispered against his skin, peppering two more kisses up his shoulder, one for each wound. “Mmm…” He hummed, his hand slowly snaking up my thigh. The contact shot electricity into my core, the pit of my stomach churning with a kind of anxious anticipation. I took his wandering hand in mine and kissed that too. 

“Are you hungry?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject. Leaning in to meet his gaze, his pupils were blown wide, his eyes almost completely black as he looked at me. A smile spread over his lips. 

“That a trick question?” He slurred, wrapping an arm around my waist. He practically fell into me, his hot, whiskey tinged breath on my neck as he pulled me in closer.

“You're drunk.” I said matter-of-factly, but made no effort to push him away. I didn’t want him drunkenly falling back on his fresh stitches, but mostly I just… didn’t want him to let go.  

“Mmhmm...” He hummed, “And hungry.” his lips just barely grazed my skin as he spoke. 

His flirty retort was an empty threat. Slowly, his body relaxed into mine, going heavier and heavier until he was completely slack in my arms. With a sigh, I sat back, carefully resting against Baylock who had stayed loyally by Micah’s side through the entire ordeal. 

Micah’s face nuzzled sleepily into the crook of my neck, his arms wrapped around my waist as snuggled into me like I was his own personal pillow. He was completely splayed out on top of me, effectively pinning me in place between him and the horse. Unable and unwilling to move, I just held him against me, a hand softly stroking at his hair while the other traced lazily at the unwounded skin of his bare back. 

He let out a long, content sigh and mumbled something into my neck. 

“What?” I whispered. He turned his head away from my skin just enough to speak more clearly. 

“I’m glad it was you.” He said, his strong hands pressing into my back as he spoke, as if he was making sure I was real, that I was there with him. “That you were the one… that you found me.” His voice trailed off sleepily.

Something about his admission brought a wetness to my eyes that threatened to break through my resolve. I hadn’t truly allowed myself to absorb the scene I’d stumbled upon tonight. How much worse it could have been… Holding him closer I breathed, “ Me too…” my voice barely even a whisper. 

Exhaustion soon came to consume us both. With a final soft kiss to his temple, all three of us drifted off to sleep under the stars. 

If you liked this, check out my other Micah works!

★ My Masterlist ★

[that-basic-simp]

Wrath

Lara Croft x Fem! Reader CW: Choking WC: 1.1k+

"Y/N," Zip said. "You need to get to Lara now!"

"Why? What's going on?"

"It's Lara. Something happened to her. S-She cut off the line of communication."

"I'm on my way. Guide me there."

I listened to Zip's directions to where Lara was. When I found her, she had a sword attached to her belt and pummeled people easily. Was it the sword's power or was it this gem we were after? It didn't matter now, Lara was not acting herself. She never killed people with ease. In fact, I remember the first time she actually spilled blood. I wasn't there, but I was there for the aftermath. While the others told her it was either her or the man, or something along those lines, I stayed beside her and listened to what she was feeling. What those thoughts were doing to her. Sure, she could kill animals to survive, but to kill people? She never thought she'd have to actually kill someone to survive. I told her what she needed to hear. What eventually silenced those thoughts for a while until she had to kill again. I kept repeating those words to her over and over again. I just hope I can get through to her right now.

Once everyone around us had either fallen due to their injuries or were knocked out, she turned towards me. Her eyes were a glowing red like the gem we were after. The one thing I noticed was she never drew the sword. It was with the weapons she already had or it was her brute force. I knew Lara was strong, but I didn't expect her to be this strong compared to the men she is up against. She was smart though, not reckless. So her strength came from her wisdom. One of the most scary and powerful things someone can do with both their mind and body.

"Lara?"

A devious grin appeared onto her face as she rushed towards me. Within a blink of an eye, her hands were wrapped around my throat and she pinned me to the wall behind me. She breathed out heavily, an evil, dark laugh coming from the bottom of her throat. It almost sounded like a growl.

"L-Lara?" I breathed out.

There was no answer.

"I-If you can hear me, Lara," I was trying to be brief with my words. I was running out of air as her thumbs were pressing harder and harder against my airways.

"Know this. I-I still love you. W-We were strangers, friends, n-now," I let out a choked cough. "W-We're going to be together forever soon. Lara," things were starting to get blurry and dark. "Y-You're not a monster."

I was pulled back to reality and a thud echoed in the room I was in. I shook my head as I scanned my surroundings. There were bodies nearby. Some were dead, some were not. Blood had pooled at the base of my boots and I lifted my leg up. I followed the trail of blood to find a man was shot laying lifelessly on the ground.

"Oh no," I whispered and turned to find Y/N's body on the ground.

"No! No, no, no, no, no," I rushed to her and knelt beside her. I pressed two fingers to her throat lightly and felt a weakened pulse.

"Oh, you're alive," I carefully pulled her head into my chest. "You're alive," tears streamed down my face.

"Lara?! Lara?!"

"Z-Zip?" I pressed my ear piece.

"What's happening?"

"I-I lost control, Zip. It was the gem."

"How did you snap out of it?"

"I-I don't know, but Y/N's injured. Badly."

"You need to get out of there. You need to get her out of there, too."

I carefully picked her up and made my way out of the mansion and to where Zip was. Once I burst into the apartment, I set Y/N down on the bed.

"She needs medical assistance."

"There's a hospital not too far from here. What happened?"

"I-I don't recall anything after I made contact with the gem."

"Let's get her to the hospital."

My eyes blinked open and I found Lara was right beside me. She shot up out of her chair as soon as she saw I was awake. She carefully wrapped her arms around my neck.

"L-Lara?" I rasped out.

"Shh, shh. The doctors don't want you to speak."

I nodded.

"You saved me."

"H-How?"

"You remember the times where I would get lost in conversation or in general?"

I nodded as I pointed to her body and her head.

"Right," she chuckled. "Anyways, I think it was the words I needed to hear was what brought me back to my senses. Thank you, Y/N. For always knowing what to say and when to say it."

I smiled at her, placing a hand over my heart.

"I-I'm sorry I did this to you. The doctors said that if I had done anymore damage, it would have left you possibly speechless for an indefinite amount of time. Right now, there was no internal damage done aside from your vocal chords being the main affected area. There will be bruises forming around the areas where I-I--uhm--."

I reached over and placed a hand on hers. Her eyes found mine and I shook my head.

"R-Right. I-I don't know why you stay with me," tears started to form in her eyes. "Especially when I am never really home that often."

Her voice started to break as the tears slid down from her cheeks.

"I know I mean a lot to you and you mean a lot to me. But you don't deserve what I just put you through, even after coming from that horrid past."

"Lara," I spoke in a whisper.

Her head picked up and I placed my forehead against hers.

"I love you. That will not change."

"Why?"

I chuckled briefly, "Love is a strange thing."

"Why do you still love me after what I did?"

"You were possessed. It wasn't the real you."

"I still hurt you."

"Under the influence of that gem. I understand you'd never do this to intentionally harm me."

"I don't think I could ever forgive myself for hurting you. You're the last person I wanted to experience my wrath."

"That was the wrath of the gem. Not the wrath of Lara Croft. Your wrath, well," I chuckled slightly before coughing. "Your wrath is more calculated and not as reckless as what I saw. But still, you were scary."

"I'm sorry."

I pressed a quick peck to her lips.

"Bit of a turn on."

She shoved me away playfully.

"What a way to ruin the moment," she sighed.

"I'm sorry."

"Come here," she placed a hand to my cheek and pulled me towards her.

She kissed me a few more times before she pressed her forehead against mine.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, too, Lara."

[paingoes]

Rubies

Terrors

(Content: living weapon whumpee, nonhuman whumpee, electric shocks, night terrors, panic attack, guilt, blood, conditioning, dehumanization, past abuse, past captivity, caretaker new master)

It had been a chill night. Delta had gone to bed earlier than normal, but that didn’t come as a shock. He seemed to need a lot of sleep. Apollo didn’t blame him for that. He had tried to stay up with Kitty for a few more hours, but he soon found himself just as exhausted. He called it in early too. He had just pulled out his pajamas when he heard Kitty’s voice from downstairs.

“Apollo!” She yelled.

He knew, immediately, something was wrong.

He was down there in an instant, faster than he ever liked to move but often had to. He felt the static electricity before he saw it — then he saw it. Delta’s door was open. He stood at the opening, bright arcs coming off of his body. His hair floated around his head and against gravity. His eyes were generating enough light to fill the whole room. Kitty watched in mute horror. Apollo hopped off the last couple stairs, immediately jumping between the two of them. Delta was still electric, still burning, burning, burning. He stared back at them with unblinking eyes.

“Miserum terrae,” he muttered softly beneath his breath. Apollo did not catch the exact words, but he caught the Latin pronunciation. He could see the way Delta was swaying where he stood. Asleep. He was asleep. Apollo reached for his hand.

The touch sent him into a fit, little bursts of energy leaving his body, jerking motions, screaming. He babbled on in Latin, gripping at his own hair, clawing at his own skin. Apollo reached again. He took both of Delta’s hands and pulled him down onto the kitchen floor with him. The touch shocked him badly, but he could live with the pain. He kept Delta’s hands secured. It stopped him from physically hitting himself; he was relieved to see that it also kept him from sparking so much. He’d read somewhere that even though they didn’t have to, psychics tended to use their hands as conduits. It made sense. 

Delta was hysterical, somewhere in between dreaming and waking. He babbled on in Latin. He was clinging to him so hard, Apollo was sure he was about to draw blood. 

“Shhh, sh, sh, sh, sh,” Apollo shushed him in a way that was nearly musical, half hummed. Kitty looked on nervously. “Night terror,” he mouthed. Lun used to get them all the time.

Apollo gasped in pain as a particular violent shockwave traveled through him. He gripped tighter, in part because of his muscles tensing involuntarily. Delta was starting to wake up. The sobs didn’t lessen any, but his speech was getting more intelligible.

“Mihi ignosce. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry. Please.” 

His head was buried in the fabric of Apollo’s shirt. Apollo could feel it growing damp. He wasn’t convinced Delta was apologizing for the shock alone; he was probably still in the half-dream state, caught in some old memory. 

“Shh. It’s okay. You’re okay.” Apollo stroked his hair gently, rocking back and forth. He glanced up at Kitty, who was making a perfect :( face.

He was shaking so badly. The words gave way to barely restrained whimpers, little gasps for air. They waited patiently for him to come back.

======

Delta let himself be led onto couch, too distressed to even protest. He curled in on himself despite the painful heat generating from his body. 

“I’m so sorry,” he repeated quietly, mortified.

Kitty sat down on the couch beside him, combing his hair out of his face. She braided it back. The cool air felt pleasant against his neck. 

Apollo set down the glass of water in front of him. Delta panicked again as soon as he reappeared. He could see the little puncture marks on Apollo’s arms from where he had grabbed onto too hard. He could still feel the electricity in the room.

“I’m so sorry, sir. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m sorry.” He didn’t know what was wrong with him. He never would have done it before. Apollo didn’t deserve to get hurt like that. They hated him. They wouldn’t trust him. He’d known they would just as soon as they knew what he was really like. He didn’t want them to.

“You can hit me back,” he tried. Would that help? He needed desperately to be forgiven. He shouldn’t have even been on the couch. He had half the mind to throw himself at his feet right then, but the space between them didn’t allow for it. He shuddered.

Apollo kneeled instead. Well, not really. The posture was all wrong. Still, he had gotten onto his knees and leaned forward onto the couch.

“Hey. Look at me.” Apollo’s voice was serious. Delta obeyed. Apollo spoke very clearly.

“I’m not mad at you. You were having a night terror. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. And I’m not going to hurt you. I promise. You’re not in trouble.”

It took Delta a second to process the words. It did not feel like a real possibility. Not mad. Not getting hurt. Not in trouble. He was too distracted untangling this that he forgot to be panicked.

Kitty squeezed his hand. Apollo stood up, retreating to the kitchen to patch himself up. Delta remained in a stunned silence; he was still shaking a little. He couldn’t remember what had set him off or what he might have seen. All he really remembered was the fear. In the warm light of the living room, it was gradually fading. All of it was so confusing, endlessly. He was tired.

“Take a sip, babes.” Kitty lifted the glass towards him. He took it carefully from her hands, raising it up to his lips. He hadn’t realized how dry his mouth was, how much water he must have lost just from the heat he’d generated.

“Thank you,” he said softly. He was so grateful. He couldn’t understand the gentleness he was being shown. He could have gotten the water himself. He would have been fine if they’d just locked him in his room after. That would have been the right thing to do. He should have been punished somehow for the damage he’d done, the damage he could have done. But they had said he wasn’t in trouble at all. He didn’t understand why they were being so lenient with him. He’d done nothing to earn it. He felt sick with guilt.

Apollo pushed a citrus into his hand. “Here. You should eat.”

“Dude, why would you give him such a mechanically demanding fruit?” Kitty asked.

“Oh, I can peel it. The acidity helps, though. Or the vitamin C. For some reason it’s just really good for resetting your brain.”

He sat down on the chair opposite them. Delta undid the peel of the fruit himself. It was very sour, but not unpleasant. He did feel more awake afterwards, like the visions he had seen in his sleep were being forced further away.

“It was a night terror, wasn’t it?” Apollo confirmed, “Do you remember any of it?”

“No, sir.” Just the terror, sourceless. It was strange.

“Have you gotten them before?”

“No, sir,” Delta answered immediately. It was impossible. There was no way they would’ve let him get away with such a glaring design flaw. The security risks alone were unimaginable, even with the collar at full strength. Someone would have noticed.

Apollo considered this. He caught the look he gave Kitty. It wasn’t good. Delta knew how much of a problem this could be. He was a problem. He knew it. He was going to be more trouble than he was worth. He had to stop himself from apologizing again, as badly as he wanted to. Being sorry wasn’t enough.

“That makes sense, actually,” Apollo continued. “If you’re in an abusive environment for a long time, you develop methods to cope with the stress. It’s a kind of postponement. Once you’re out of it, all the emotions you’ve been repressing can resurface at once. It’s normal.”

The casual way in which he’d said abusive stood out to Delta. He knew what it meant; he wasn’t stupid. It was just strange to hear applied to him. Abuse was something that happened to real people. He was property. 

He’d gone quiet for a while. He was so used to the silence. 

“Do you need anything right now?” Kitty purred.

Nobody had ever asked. He could not even begin to answer. Kitty seemed to realize this, trying to narrow it down some.

“Do you want to try and go back to sleep? Or do you want to stay up for a little while?”

Easier. He was still so leery of trick questions, but even those were infinitely easier than the open-ended ones. 

“Can I stay up please, miss?” He had to keep his tone respectful, just in case it had been a trap. It’d have earned him some leniency.

She responded positively. “Ya! Do you want to watch anything? Or we can read!”

Her eyes flitted over to Apollo, who seemed to have collapsed right there on the chair. He looked back at them wearily.

“It’ll probably just be you and me, though,” she added.

“I can stay up a little longer, if you want,” he offered. He’d offered it to Delta. Delta nodded shyly. He wanted both of them there, if he could have it. He didn’t know how to say it. He wrapped his arms around himself. 

Kitty played an old movie on the projector. They didn’t make him speak for the rest of the night, a mercy he was very grateful for. He was content to just remain there on the couch, waiting slowly for his breathing to even out. Soon enough, he had forgotten there had even been any disturbance. When he finally went to bed again, he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

…………

tags:

@catnykit @snakebites-and-ink @vivulapom @scoundrelwithboba @whatwhump

@pumpkin-spice-whump @deluxewhump @fuckass1000 @fuckcapitalismasshole @defire

@micechomper @writereleaserepeat @aloafofbreadwithanxiety

[zombiewhor3]

WE HAVE SHIT TO DO

rick grimes x fem reader

WARNINGS: smut, penetrative sex, male/fem orgasms, weapon usage, mentions/usage of liquor, Negan, mentions of character deaths, mentions of upset/un-comfy reader, mentions of murder, season 7 era tbh,

a/n: just watched the episode of where Carl died and where Rick read his letter and i am a sobbing mess, i cried so hard throughout the entire episode an honestly in the comics it says he has a happy ending so lets pretend that Carl never died and had a happy ending and that he just ran away because it's breaking my heart!

: sorry for the long wait, i've been trying to catch up stuff on my wattpad and i have a few drafts that i have saved so i'll be trying to post those throughout the week!

-

the runs had been hard, and food rations had started to become smaller and smaller by the day, and with children and people of Alexandria they needed to find something.

But it was hard with Negan breathing down their backs, constantly making random appearances to claim 'his deliveries' that they were supposed to somehow fulfill for him and the Saviours.

she had one of her hands intertwined with his while his cock was hitting her g-spot making her mouth form a sudden 'O' shape while their lips connected in a frustrating lust for one another.

she let out a soft cry into his mouth feeling as she was so close from her big O that she was bucking her hips up for one of his thumbs to rub circles on her clit to send her over the edge for him.

without a hesitation he used his thumb to spin on her clit hearing as she let out a loud set of delicate moans from her mouth, and it made him pull his lips away from hers just so he could hear how beautiful she sounded aloud while he fucked her.

"s-so close!" she whimpered feeling as her walls clenched to try and bring his throbbing cock even deeper into her tight soaked walls, one of their hands were holding onto the others so they could keep their bond of love even closer during the moment.

"shh shh, come on let it go"

he cooed to her feeling as she let out a loud whimper while her juices spurt out onto his cock that was irresponsibly not covered by a condom, however it felt to good for him to stop and by the time he knew it he was shooting his load inside her

"fuck" he practically gasped feeling the warmth of their juices creating a slight warmth over his cock, she let out a whine as he hadn't pulled out of her yet because he wanted to take in the moment

a loud knock at the door seemed to disturb her as she jumped sending a slight accidental pleasure to his cock that was still buried full length in her cunt.

"you done fucking in there Rick? because we have shit to do!" Negan called out while tapping his bat against the door so harshly Rick thought that he was going to somehow break through it.

he pulled out of her watching as she covered over her mouth to hide a loud gasp that she knew was surely to spill from her mouth, "one minute Negan please" Rick asked only hearing the knocking start to get louder and louder surely he was trying to scare him.

Rick had wiped himself and slipped on his lower half of clothes before Negan flew open the door smiling once he saw y/n covering herself with the tangled bed sheets around her.

Rick ran a hand through his hair while he pulled out a fresh white t-shirt from his dresser slipping it on while he holstered his knife and looked at the man standing in front of him.

"Rosita come here for me please"

Negan called out watching as the women slipped down the long and quite narrow hall leading to the bedroom, she stood behind him as she kept her gaze down on the floor.

"you and Rick are going to go on a scavenge trip and i don't care how long you're out there for, either you find something cool or useful for me or option one you don't come back at all and in that case i'll bash someones head in or option two i smash all of these sorry fucks heads in" Negan smiled rubbing his hand over Lucille.

"now get the hell out" he ordered watching as Rick skimmed past him as he followed Rosita back down the long hall and once Negan heard the front door shut with a slam a smile appeared on his face.

this time it was wider and cockier almost like he thought the girl trying to cover her nude body from him was a joke, his smile was implicating that he thought this was all so damn funny.

"can i please get some privacy Negan?" she asked calmly as her nails started to practically burn holes into the fabric from the strength of her grip that she had on it.

Negan rested the bat against the inner wall of the bedroom next to the snow white painted door frame, he used a hand to rub over the stubble on his face, he sighed and flipped his back around.

his hands rested clasped in front of him as he fiddled his thumbs and whistled impatiently, she slipped into the bathroom to wipe her self clean before she slipped back into the bedroom to put on a fresh set of clothes.

"you can stop whistling now" she bit at him while she adjusted the collar of her flannel that covered the blank tank underneath, she flipped over the cuffs on the sleeves and folded her arms.

"wow god you two really go at it" Negan remarked at her watching as her posture awkwardly changed in front of him, because her shoulders seemed to scrunch up at the uncomfortable remark.

"is that stuff never seems to go right around here? is you two's fucking getting in the way of my deliveries that you and your people should be making?" a hand rested on her lower neck as he made his way up to her chin watching and feeling as she swallowed harshly.

"you seem un-comfy baby" he spoke rubbing the side of her cheek, "i think you should leave" she spoke calmly but also with a slight fire in her voice wishing that he would just see himself out.

Judith let out a loud cry just a few doors down making Negan smile once more as he picked up Lucille and made his way along the hall making sure to scrape the floors up with him.

"don't please" y/n spoke pushing past him so that she could stand in the door frame the loud sound of her crying ringing through her ears like loud feedback echoing off of a microphone.

"oh please i'm not gonna hurt her what am i a monster?" he bit back bitterly skimming past her, he placed his bat down next to the recliner in her room while he lifted her up from her crib.

he sat back in the recliner while rocking her gently with his knee while he stroked the back of her head, y/n didn't understand how a man so cruel and so monsterous could have a heart like this.

how he could act so sweet after threatening to bash everyone's brains in if Rick hadn't followed his orders as directed.

y/n was surely biting her fingernails raw looking at the two, she seemed to have a liking to him, but it wasn't like she knew how much of a monster he was, after all she was only past a year old she truly didn't know anything about the real world yet.

it was making her sick seeing him hold her, seeing as he was able to get her to stop crying, she looked down the hall to see Carl standing there cocking his head while he looked at the quite visible nervousness y/n was emitting into the air around them.

she shook her head at Carl to go back with Enid who had her head peaking out into the kitchen to watch what Carl was doing from the hall even though she couldn't get a good enough view.

y/n gestured for him to return back to the room he had just appeared from but instead he walked his way down the hall his hand slipping out the silver knife from his holster.

y/n tried to put her hand out to push into his chest but once she saw the fire in his eyes she let him go, she let him slip into the bedroom to see the man that killed her friends holding his little sister.

it was causing an ache in him, it was making him so god damn furious that he was clenching the blade by his side,

"would you look at that it's the serial killer in the making isn't this a nice surprise for me" Negan teased looking down at the knife clenched with a fist down by the boys side.

y/n grabbed his wrist to take the knife from him and shockingly he let her, he let it slip out from his hand without even an ounce of a fight,

she slipped it back into his holster while turning his body away and sending him back down the hallway to where Enid was now waiting for her boyfriend with an explanation.

"he's a feisty one for sure, quite bold if you ask me"

Negan spoke to y/n while sitting up from the chair and resting the now sleepy Judith back in her crib, she pulled a blanket over her and handed the stuffed rabbit that rested next to her in her crib before he grabbed his bat and showed himself out of her room.

y/n shut the door behind her once she checked the baby camera to make sure that it was still on and hadn't run out of battery power again, she followed Negan into the living room thankful that the two kids had left the house to venture somewhere else.

"you have any bourbon or whiskey? i could really use a drink"

Negan asked plopping down on the couch and resting his feet a top of the coffee table un-apologetically while his eyes flicked over to look at the obviously unamused y/n.

"not much i think in the last of our rations we have maybe half a bottle i'm not sure last time i checked your men took it all"

y/n spoke sharply while opening the cupboards until she found the bottle of whiskey, she grabbed a clean empty glass and poured him some before she set the glass and the bottle on the table.

he moved his feet out of her way before he took his first embrace of the liquor in his glass, "perfect" he sighed happily as he downed his first glass of the brown liquid, "what is this exactly?" Negan asked watching as she had taken a seat on the opposite end of the couch away from him before she answered his question.

"Deanna's old husband had a old liquor cabinet so i'm guessing something vintage or some shit we found it in Spencer's room but i suppose whiskey is simply whiskey"

y/n reflected back at him while crossing her legs, she stared out the window where the curtains had been pulled back to let in just the right amount of sunshine necessary to light up the room so it wouldn't be as gloomy and dark for them.

"not when it's cheap but times are tough so anything will do these days but i have to admit this don't taste cheap sweet heart"

Negan admitted as he poured himself another round, after he downed it he licked his lips clean and looked at her.

"you've had your drink can you leave me be now" y/n spoke bitterly towards him as she got up from the couch,

"not until your boy toy and that chick gets back with my shit, is that what you call him boy toy or fuck toy?" he blabbed back before giving up on the glass and instead just pressing the glass bottle of liquor against his lips taking a swig of the burning liquid down his throat feeling the aftermath of the sting start to kick in from the liquor.

"i call him Rick that's all" she answered his question sounding uninterested in the games he was trying to play with her

she was tired of looking at his face and that smug ass smile laced on it, tired of looking at the leather jacket he wore that once had her friends blood splattered on it and she was sure as hell tired of looking at the damn bat that now sat between his legs.

because it was the same bat he used to bash in her friends heads the same bat that she had taunted her and the rest of her group with, the same bat that had smeared blood on her face because she refused to look at it that night when he ordered her.

she gulped looking down at it, Negan chuckled as he could catch her glance at the piece of wood, "is Lucille bothering you because i can promise you she isn't quite thirsty right now but if they come back with nothing she's gonna be damn thirsty for more of your friends"

"please just leave me alone Negan, please that's all i ask of you, you can have that entire bottle of whiskey if it'll get you to stop running your mouth to me hell i'll find you all the damn bottles that you want if it'll keep you away from me"

she spoke trying to hide the fire she could feel her body emitting, she could feel the anger every time she looked at him and it was starting to grow so much she wasn't sure she would be able to hold back from simply killing him but she knew that would be a foolish idea.

that killing him would reek a havoc on the people of Alexandria.

she slipped into her and Rick's bedroom sinking into the bed as she could hear the sound of his men outside, and well she could see partially some of them through the shadow of their figures through the light cream colored curtains covering the window.

she picked up the comic book that rested on the night stand next to the bed, her and Carl had a thing for comic books often swapping whenever they finished one, she ran her fingers over the cover before she set it back down onto the wooden night stand with a sigh.

she prayed that Rick would be back soon, and she prayed that if he did come back he'd bring something Negan wanted or else she knew that surely there was gonna be a blood bath in Alexandria.

-

it had been a week since Rick came home, and that meant she had spent a week living with a cruel man, it was hard keeping Carl out of the house away from his sister but she knew it would prevent him from pulling anything stupid when his father was away.

they had come back with two large bottles of rum, a pallet that had been slightly filled with cans of sweet corn and an old jack knife that Negan had let Rick keep himself as a so labeled "trophy" for being such a good scavenger for him.

Once Negan was satisfied with the resources Rick had brought to him he gathered his men and left, but not without making sure to take a look at the women who was soaking into her bed from the ability of not being able to look him in the face anymore.

Rick could tell that she had lost her mind spending the past seven days with him, that she was truly going crazy with the taunting and the comments and well the fact she felt so guilty for just simply trying to protect Carl from doing something stupid.

Rick pulled her into him so he could rub her hands and plant kisses onto the back of her neck and her shoulder blades feeling her shudder and slightly tremble at the needed contact.

"is he gone? i can't stand to look at him anymore"

she admitted feeling as he intertwined one of his hands with hers rubbing the top of her hand with his thumb,

"he's gone for now at least i'll make sure to take you out for scavenging next week to see if we can bring anything back for us"

Rick peppered kisses on her back trying to settle her as he knew that the true real life fact was that Negan could come back any day or any time he pleased and he could tell that it was starting to severely upset her, he knew that she hated him for what he did and in all truth Rick couldn't stop thinking about killing the man himself.

He knew that no matter what he did or no matter if he killed or defeated Negan nothing would ever be the same he had already tried that and it cost him two of his men, two of his innocent men.

"i want to kill him Rick i have to kill him i need to" she spoke with a sudden change of tone starting to lace and bite back at her.

she squeezed his hand, "but i can't put anyone else in danger, because i can't lose anyone else and i already know he has Carl on his list and i won't do that to you"

he shushed her softly again to calm her down from the amped-up ramble that she had been starting to spew out again

"and we won't lose him if we follow the plan we have, just a few more days and we can follow out the plan and see how it goes for us but i just know we have to try and fight our way out of this"

Rick was almost all jittered up from the thought of taking Negan down, the thought of taking him down so no one else they loved or cared about could ever be hurt again from him.

"then we'll find a way to kill him together without getting us killed and we'll find a way to take down his men with him"

[simp999]

A New Home Ch. 35

Various! Splatoon Maga x Skilled! Isekai'd! Reader

Wc: 1.1k

A/N: Ya'll're lucky my boyfriend likes my story or else this hiatus would've been longer lmao. Love ya'll

Back to the start!! Previous Next

“Shh, shh. You’re safe, Tasha. You’re safe, sweetheart. Safe with Milo, safe with your family.”

Milo spoke softly, taking your place- holding her to his chest and petting her tentacles. You now understood. You saw it: the true family. Milo held Tasha as if she were his younger sister, Leo stood off to the side, worried. Just like a younger brother would. He eventually went to sit on the edge of Tasha’s bed, resting his hand near her to let her know he was there. Milo breathes with her, guiding her. Tasha was so vulnerable, you could almost see a younger version of her in her place- a small child who needed to be cared for. You asked if you could do anything for her. Milo answered for her, she refused to speak with such a shaky voice. She wasn’t embarrassed- not at all. It simply hurt too much. 

“Stay.”

So you did. You stayed as long as she needed you. You already thought you were as close with your family as you could be, but these past few days have brought you infinitely closer.

You debated throwing the match so that Tasha could get her bearings. You’d gladly do whatever it took to make her not feel rushed, to make her feel safe.

She shakily took a breath in and told you she was okay now. You lost track of the time, but it was into the early evening now. Leo and Milo both helped her get up so that she could trail behind Milo as he went to make supper for the family. Her legs were shaky, and her face was puffy. She kept her mask off for the time being. She assisted Milo in making supper, wanting to feel needed, you thought. 

You sat on the couch next to Leo after making sure that Tasha and Milo were doing well.

Your mind felt static.

You began to wonder if you were needed in this family. 

You just intruded all that time ago, didn’t you? This was a happy family, and you just busted in and began taking charge.

You don’t even belong here.

None of this was right-

“Thank you.”

You shook your head from your daze, finally noticing Milo who was standing right before you. You didn’t quite register his words.

“Tasha’s not quite ready to speak yet, but I want to thank you on her behalf for keeping her safe. She told me that you put yourself between him and her. She told me that she felt safer with you. So, thank you.” 

Maybe you did belong. 

You didn’t do much, but your presence alone comforted her.

You then asked if you could go talk to Tasha alone for a moment. He nodded.

She was at the kitchen table, cleaning her weapon. She tilted her head up towards you and her gaze softened. You weren’t used to seeing her without her mask. She was gorgeous. You felt you were finally seeing the true her. An inner child that needs healing. And she’s doing amazing, you thought. 

You sat across from her, silently asking if you could hold her hands in your by opening them out in front of her. She put down her weapon and held your hands.

As sincerely as you could, you spoke. 

“Hun,”

She was fully focused on you.

“Do you want to forfeit tomorrow’s match? It’s okay if you need some time off.”

She blinked in surprise, you were so… genuine. Tasha removed one of her hands to form the ‘no’ sign, paired with shaking her head and smiling kindly. She rubbed her thumb along the palm of your hand, almost to say ‘thank you for caring’. You nod and stand up, leaving her to get back to her weapon.

Well, you knew what that meant. Game on.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The following morning came quick. The lot of you couldn’t sleep in no matter how hard you tried, too hyped (and nervous) for the upcoming battle. You all decided to go for a small jog in the morning to get yourselves moving. You came across some fans wishing you good luck for the battle against Emperor. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You sat with your chin in your hand as you tried to come up with any last-minute issues you might run into. You’ve been preparing for this ever since you got here. 

Milo started on a big but light enough breakfast for the family. Leo played on his switch as he waited for the food, and you probably already know what Tasha’s doing.

“Do you guys have any ideas?” You decided to confide in your family. 

“I’m confident in us. We’ve been training for this ever since we met.” Tasha began.

“Yeah! We can kick their butts, ‘specially since our idols’ll be watching! Ooh, do you think we can become their idols? Wait, how would that work…”

Leo begins to mumble to himself as you chuckle. Having them watch isn’t so scary, especially since you know for a fact that they’re cheering on your team, not theirs. 

…Maybe the right thing to do is to hype yourselves up? That’s quite important.

“Hey, how about we spend some time with them before our battle? Leo, wanna call up Aloha and ask?”

“Heck yeah! I’ll ring him up right away!” … he just has to finish his match first. Well, you understand what it’s like- you don’t blame him.

Soon enough, you ended up having the S4 over at your place. Milo didn’t have too much cleaning to do as you all helped out, and there wasn’t much to do in the first place. 

Aloha blasted some hyped up music, to which Army claimed was too loud so it got turned down. Skull was enjoying the bowl of sweets Milo always had on the counter that you had to smack Leo’s hand away on multiple occasions, reminding him not to eat any junk before the battle. Mask sat at the far end of the table, playing squid racer on his own switch. You noticed the joycon colors- one cyan, and the other one was your own ink color. Hm, must be a cool coincidence. It even had a tiny cyan squid charm where the earphone jack was, how cute!

Aloha spent his time hyping you up, while Army went over some battle plans he had in his manual. You all paid attention, your team sometimes butting in to offer some advice on his plans. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── 

It didn’t take long before your family had stretched and were standing on the respawn pad, shaking with anticipation. 

.

.

.

1.1k wc

Next part

[annaphoenix1994]

Among Us

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

»»-------¤-------««

Soap fluttered his heavy eyes to view the flooded cobblestone below him. He had fallen on his chest, distraught and aching from the entry point on his upper bicep from one of Graves' men. Everything happened so fast, he didn't even know how Ghost got away without a scratch. 

Or so he hoped. 

Faint gunfire could be heard throughout the streets of Las Almas. Someone had been getting killed and by what it sounded like, it was a citizen of the city. The more Soap's senses came to him, he soon realized that the person behind the gun was one of an American accent. 

Graves had sent his Shadows to commit war crimes by killing residents that had no clue of the 141 or the status of Hassan. The bastard just wants a reason to kill, Soap thought, sitting up against a nearby wall, glancing at his shoulder to see the blood had begun to cauterize. 

"I'll check the back." He heard a Shadow say a few yards away. 

"Keep a heads-up for the Brits." Another Shadow warned. 

"Roger that."

Soap breathed heavily as he changed stations on his comm, passing by the Shadows' conversations about needing reinforcements. 

Silence.

Silence. 

"Fuck! Where are you, Ghost?!" He groaned, forcing himself to stand up and focus on the task at hand - he needed to find refuge. He had no weapon and no layout of the city in front of him. He knew he was going to have to fight his way out of it, whether it being with Shadows or hostile civilians. 

He relaxed his head against the wall, mentally counting to ten before a familiar voice came across the channel: 

Soap couldn't reply as quickly as he wanted, leaving nothing but silence following Ghost's acknowledgement. 

Soap darted behind a nearby parked car, looking ahead to see Graves and his men aiming their weapons at the locals. What the bloody hell? Soap thought, not believing what he was seeing. 

"Line him up next to his amigos." He heard Graves direct. 

That word alone made Ghost shake his head. There was no way he was going back to base until he had a positive way to get to Kiera and Alejandro. Even though she and Alejandro were away from the team, he knew they were safe as Graves stayed behind to host a search team for Ghost and Soap. 

Soap took a rope and broke off a fan blade, pinning himself against the wall as he heard Graves' voice. 

"All Shadows, listen up," Graves shouted. "I'm making my way to the prison. I've got work of my own to do." 

"Roger that." 

»»-------¤-------««

"Where are we?" Soap asked Ghost as they approached an abandoned house on foot.

"Alejandro's safe house. Gave me the location just in case." 

"Why didn't he tell me?" 

"It was need to know." 

"What if I needed to know-"

"Shh."

As they approached, two pieces of sheet metal caught Ghost's attention, causing he and Soap to kneel to inspect it. "Pressure plate?" Soap guessed. 

"Alejandro rigged it." 

"Smart bastard." 

"There." Ghost said, nodding towards an open window. Soap agreed, informing the Lieutenant that he would make a solid sweep of the area before hiding out there. He dropped down from the window, aiming his weapon in front of him as he adjusted his vision. 

"Don't move!" Ghost shouted, his heart thudding with adrenaline at the sight of a laser being aimed at Soap's back from the opposite side. Removing a throwing knife, he threw at the enemy, his knife lodging into the wood pillar of the location.

"Who's there?" Rodolfo asked, keeping himself in cover. 

"Rodolfo!" 

"Soap! Ghost! You're alive!" 

"Affirmative." Ghost said, jumping down from the window.

"Good to see you, amigos." Rodolfo nodded, setting his weapon aside and bringing along Ghost's throwing knife with him to return to its owner. 

"Same, friend." 

"Nice throw," He complimented Ghost. "Where were you guys?" 

"On the run."

"I was on the run," Soap corrected. "Ghost waited for me."

Rodolfo shrugged, "Of course, no?" 

"No-"

"Yes," Ghost said quickly, turning to look at his best friend, although he'd never admit it. "We're a team. All of us. This happened on my watch, and I'll need help to fix it. No one fights alone."

Soap nodded in agreement. 

"Why did Graves turn?" 

"He found out Kiera was investigating him for a black bag operation, using the search for Hassan as a cover." Ghost answered him. 

"I would've guessed Las Almas could corrupt anyone." 

"Anyone but us." Soap shrugged. 

"For now, General Shepherd, Laswell, and anyone outside of this room is considered a hostile. With two exceptions." 

"Kiera and Alejandro?" Rodolfo asked. 

"We need them back." Ghost said sternly. 

He was going to be sure to get his comrades to safety, even if it was the last thing he was to do.

"This way," Rodolfo motioned, leading them to a map that was splayed on the table. "Graves is holding them here." 

"His own black site prison." Soap scoffed. 

"My team is locked in there too, along with your Captain and Sergeant." Rodolfo added.

Both Ghost and Soap looked at each other in shock. Steamin' bloody Jesus...

"How do we get them back?" 

"By breakin' in." 

"This is why I love the Ghost." 

"The old prison is in a remote area just outside of Las Almas. It was maximum security until the narcos took over and it was permanently closed. There is no airstrip, but expect helos for security and resupply." Rodolfo explained. 

"We'll drive to an offset and ruck up our infill - here," Ghost said, pointing to a location on the map. "If the security towers are manned, we'll need to take them out first and rope up the wall for entry."

"What about cameras?" Soap asked. 

"There's CCTVs in the security room."

"We'll use them to locate Alejandro and Kiera and the rest of our team." 

"They're going to have them separated," Rodolfo added. "She will probably be in a maximum holding facility. They're using her for intel." 

Ghost scoffed, "When I get in there, nothing is going to hold me back." 

"Let's divide and conquer: While Rudy finds Al, I'll use the cams to help Ghost plant charges in key areas." 

"Diversions and sabotage. Nice, Johnny."

"I learn from the best, L.T. Once we pinpoint Alejandro and Los Vaqueros, we regroup and pry 'em loose to get to Kiera." 

"We'll carry extra guns in to arm my men and fight our way out the way we came in." 

"Any questions?" Ghost asked. 

"What're we waiting for?" 

»»-------¤-------««

Echos of Shadows echoed off the mildew-infused walls of Graves' own black-site prison- one that he commandeered on his own reconnaissance that he knew he could use for his own benefit. The moonlight shone through a broken window, giving her a view of the two soldiers to be crystal clear. Where the fuck is Alejandro?

She groaned, seeing one of the Shadows coming up to her. Now bound to an old chair, she looked up at him, her eyes bloodshot. "Look at you - coming back to play with the big dogs, huh?" 

She scoffed, "More like I'm about to make you all tuck your tails and go runnin'." 

"I doubt that." 

"Doubt all you fucking want." 

The heavy door opened, and her heart began to thud harder against her chest. She knew that what was coming was about to be pretty, but she was prepared. "We're already off to a bad start here, Dutton." 

"You're tellin' me. Haven't even been back for a full day and I've already become a prisoner of war." She scoffed sarcastically, knowing that Graves wasn't fond of anything that altered his control. 

"We're not at war, Officer-"

"You sure about that?"

He raised his brow, slipping on a pair of dry gloves before stepping closer to her and crouching to meet her eye level. "Let's get one thing straight: you're here for other business that does not need to exceed with mine. You're a little roach gathering intel for someone else and I'm not dealing with it." 

"How many times did you practice that in the mirror?" 

He pursed his lips, removing his pistol from its holster, "I'm giving you one last chance, or my next move won't be pretty." 

"Where've I heard that before? Go ahead, ask away." She answered sarcastically. 

"Why did Laswell send you here?" 

"To help in the search for Hassan. Had nothin' to do with you." 

"Don't believe that, boss." A Shadow warned. 

"Why else were you sent here?" 

She shrugged, "I don't know what you're talking about." 

Graves struck the grip of his pistol against her bound hand, causing her fingers to curl and a sharp shriek to leave her lips. "I'm not going to say it again: why else were you sent here?" 

She forced a smirk, and she wasn't about to budge. "And I'm going to say it again: I don't know what you're talking about." She knew it irritated his power of authority, her being feeding off of it completely, that familiar high of adrenaline coursing through her as she knew she had him by her hand, even if it meant taking a beating to protect her comrades. 

He struck again. This time, on her opposite hand, resisting the urge to hit her right in that sarcastic mouth of hers. 

Blood rushed from her now-cracked knuckles, the cuticle on her middle finger being damaged and pushed back due to the graze of the sights on the barrel of the pistol as it came down - that pain being the worst of it. 

He grasped the back of her head right at the nape of her skull, forcing her to look at him through her bloodshot and tired eyes, "Last chance." 

"For what? Until you hit me again? I can take it. I'm not telling you a fucking thing." 

"I can see why Hassan wanted to shut that mouth of yours. Looks like I'll have the pleasure of doing it myself." He snarled, referring to the context in a non-sexual way, however, it was thought to be one of his sadistic Shadows. 

"I'll tell you as I told him: I'll be sure to use my fucking teeth if you do." She hissed, leaning forward in the chair and baring her teeth as she let the sentence spew from her throat like venom. 

Graves didn't like how she bowed up at him, using the back of his hand to slap her clean across the face, his intentions clear on using the pistol next time to extrude more damage to her features. "What's wrong with you? Still upset that I'm somehow a threat to you and your little posse? You don't like when someone has a bigger ego than you?" She taunted, watching him furrow his brows in anger before he hit her again. 

"You're not a threat to nobody!" 

"If that's the case, then why didn't you just kill me back there instead of taking me into custody?" 

He didn't reply. Instead, his anger reached a peak on top of his men not having a solid identification of the location of Ghost and Soap, the entire search reminding him of the failed reconnaissance that was conducted months prior. He saw black at the thought and looking at the smug look on Kiera's face as well as the light shade of red on her cheek was enough to ignite his hatred towards her even more. He recalled when Shepherd gave him his orders to terminate her after finding out through one of Shepherd's "high friend in low places" that she had been sent by Laswell to conduct a private investigation concealed by the search of a wanted terrorist. Smart bitch, Graves thought. 

He struck her again in the head using the blunt area of the grip on his pistol to deliver two harsh blows to her temple, briefly knocking her into a haze. She leaned forward in the chair, not able to recall the feeling of Graves cutting her ties free and letting her drop to the floor. Her head was throbbing, and she saw two of everything before feeling a set of hands on her upper biceps, forcing her to her feet. "Hold her hands behind her back." she heard Graves tell one of his Shadows before she felt an immense and burning pain in her stomach. He had punched her there, pleased at how she shrieked in pain before continuing his attack. 

She tried to fight back, but her energy was unmatched by the strength of the Shadow holding her against her will. She was too distraught and weak from Graves' attack.

And he was just getting started. 

She coughed harshly as the breath was knocked out of her - her face now puffy and bruised from his repetitive assault. The Shadow let her go as Graves grabbed her at her nape, tangling her hair between his fingers and forcing her head back and looking into her battered eyes. "Are you ready to talk now?" 

"Oh, I've got something to say, alright." She grimaced, pleased at how aggravated he was with her, practically throwing a fit that he wasn't getting his way. 

"You hear that, Shadows? Sounds like she likes to play rough and wants more." 

"I'll die before I tell you shit. Sworn to the C.I.A, although you should be familiar with swearing in, right? Oh, yeah, but you can't verify a recon. Fucking pathetic." 

He growled, grabbing her by her underarms and physically picking her up as if she were nothing and forcing her onto the nearby desk, the back of her head colliding with the metal surface. It was a solid surface that he could use to intimidate her further, but he was beginning to have the feeling that he wasn't going to get any sort of intel like directed. 

Grasping her by her hair again, now tangled and nearly matted, he forced her to look into his eyes. Her mouth filled with blood from her aching gums and split lip, her right eye was beginning to swell shut, and her left eye was turning yellow. Her forearms and hands were cracked, bruised, aching, and bleeding. The only thing she could admit was that Graves roughed her up good, but not good enough. 

He pressed the barrel of his pistol under her jaw as he inched closer to her, "Last chance to tell me why you're here, Dutton, or I'll blow this pretty little face off where nobody will ever see it again." 

She pursed her lips, spitting the blood in her mouth into his face, "I'm not afraid of you. Fucking do it. Pull that trigger." 

She knew he wouldn't. She was too hot to hold for him to just kill her. 

For now, at least. 

She was practically buying herself more time, knowing that eventually, Ghost and Soap would make a rescue attempt. She just hoped it was soon. 

"Oh, you will be. I'll make your life a living hell." He grumbled, pressing the gun into her neck with immense pressure as the command of Shepherd sat in the back of his mind. He knew better than to kill her before getting intel. After all, Shepherd and the topic of intel were far more important. 

He used the grip to hit her in the temple again, pleased at how her body fell limp against the desk as he let her fall. Wiping the blood from her mouth off of his face, he then looked to his two Shadows, "You two keep an eye on her. Don't let her talk shit to you. Beat her more if you have to. Fill that mouth or shut it - I don't care. She's not going anywhere." 

"Yes, sir." 

The other Shadow made his way to her unconscious body, watching her slowly get her bearings through weak eyes, "You know when we're done here, I think we'll make a trip to that ranch of yours. I heard there's a lot of prospects there." He taunted. 

She coughed more blood from her mouth as it had been collecting, letting it drip down the side of her cheek, "Nothing would make me happier for you assholes to come on my ranch. I'll leave the fucking gate open." 

"Oh, it's a promise, sweetheart. We'll burn it all to the ground. We don't do well with corruption." 

"You're the one to talk. Committing a war crime right now." 

"You don't know what you're talking about, Officer. We're taking over now. It's over. By the time Graves is done with you, you won't live to tell the tale." 

She started breathing a chuckle, a speck of more blood coming from her split eyebrow. The Shadows looked at each other in confusion, wondering if she had gone insane right in front of them, although they felt disrespected that she was practically laughing in their faces. The Shadow watched as she slowly brought herself up to lean on her elbows, looking up at him through a battered face, almost unrecognizable. "Do you really think I give a fuck?"

"Smith! We got contact!" The Shadow shouted, hearing repetitive gunfire from nearby, taking position next to the iron door. 

"That bastard is leaving us!" The Shadow shouted. 

"Some fucking Commander you have, huh?" Kiera spoke, spitting more blood from her mouth. "But I'm sure you have it under control, right?" She mocked, knowing that the Shadows, did not, in fact, have anything under control, even under Graves' power. 

"Revisa las habitaciones! (Check the rooms!)" Alejandro shouted in Spanish, Kiera's attention immediately looking towards the door. 

"Aleja--!" 

"Shut your mouth, Dutton." The Shadow warned, loading his pistol. 

Alejandro stopped in his tracks, putting up his hand to stop Rodolfo as well. The pair had split off to continue their search for Kiera while Captain Price regrouped with the 141, taking the other side of the prison to clear it out the best they could before making their grand exit. 

"I have a charge in my pack," Rodolfo informed his leader. "It'll blow the door open."

"Save it, Hermano. The door isn't locked. The charge will likely kill everyone behind that door, and we don't want that happening if she's in there."

"Understood." Rodolfo nodded, using his left hand to slide the jam to the 'open' position while Alejandro used the tip of his rifle to push it open, taking out the first Shadow that tried to fire first. 

His brown eyes scanned the room quickly, seeing Kiera laying on the desk as it was clear she was weak from her struggles as well as Graves' beating. Alejandro grew angry, shooting the last Shadow in his way between him and Kiera, slinging his rifle behind him and telling Rodolfo to watch his six. "Señora!" He shouted, taking her face in his hands, watching blood come from her mouth and trail along his thumbs. "Hey, speak to me. Are you able?" 

She forced a nod before the sudden action caused her to cough. "Nice of you to join the party." 

"It's definitely a ball going on right now. Let's go." He said, holding back a chuckle as she never once let up from her humor. Slinging her arm over his shoulder, he tried to get her to stand up, but she wasn't able to stand on her own. Her mind swarmed and her vision was limited. Above all, she was in aching pain. 

"Alejandro," She panted, her grip tightening on his shirt. "I can't feel my legs." 

"I've got you," he said, anger plastered on his face - his war face. "Rodolfo, watch my back." 

"On it, Colonel!" He replied, watching for more Shadows as they exited the room to find an exit. 

»»-------¤-------««

"Sergeant MacTavish." Price said as he helped Soap to his feet from the top of the prison wall as he and Ghost were the last to make contact. 

"Good to see you, Captain." Soap nodded, shaking his hand.

"Gaz, Price." Ghost nodded in greeting. 

"How'd you two know?" 

"Laswell." Gaz answered. 

"As soon as Shepherd went dark, she called us." Price answered. 

"Laswell, still solid as a rock." Ghost nodded, a breath of relief leaving his lungs as he was afraid Laswell had something to do with Kiera's taking as well. 

"Get on the ropes, we're leaving. Alejandro told me to meet him at the safe house when we make contact with the vehicles." Price said as Ghost was the first one to descend the rope, providing any cover fire if needed. Soap was next, followed by Gaz, and Price was the last, resisting the urge to smoke a cigar on the way down to celebrate another victorious escape. 

"Shepherd burned us." Ghost said to his Captain as they were all safely in the van that was going to take them back to Alejandro's safe house. 

"He sent Graves and his shadows to kill us and round up Los Vaqueros."

"We know why." Price said. 

"Laswell did a bit of digging." 

"What did she find?" Soap asked, still unaware.

"The truth." 

[topazy]

Teen spirit

Pairing: Carl Grimes × reader, Maggie Greene × sister reader

Warnings: Swearing

Chapter: 5.02

The last twenty-four hours have been hard. Your group was low on ammo, food, and water, and everyone was exhausted. Everyone was on guard for any survivors from Terminus. Glenn told you how messed up the stuff they saw inside when they were taken was. A butchery full of human corpses and a room full of the belongings of the things they stole from the people they killed. It was extremely messed up.

While trekking through the woods, careful not to make too much noise, you hear a man scream for help in the distance. You all freeze until Carl urges his dad to follow him and help. Cautiously, you follow behind, wanting to be extra careful since you were holding Judith.

You find a man clinging to a rock surrounded by walkers. Carl shoots the one, grabbing the man’s foot in the head, while Carol, Daryl, and Rick bash the other walkers' heads in.

You look up at the man who’s shaking in fear; on closer inspection, you can see he’s a priest. You call up to him, “It’s safe to come down.”

Slowly, he brings himself to the edge of the rock and slides down. He still looks petrified as he takes in the appearance of your group. His eyes land on all the blood, and seconds later he’s vomiting, “Sorry, and thank you. I’m Gabriel.”

“Do you have any weapons on you?” Rick asks.

Gabriel chuckles nervously. “Do I look like I have any weapons?”

“We don’t give two short and curly what it looks like,” Abraham says sternly.

“I have no weapons of any kind. The word of God is the only protection I need. I called for help, and help came.”

You hold Judith closer to you as she starts to fuss. “Shh, it’s okay.”

After a brief conversation between Rick and Gabriel, which mainly consisted of Rick informing the priest, he revealed that he had a church, which meant you’d have shelter for the night.

He leads you to a white church built further into the woods. As you check the premonitory outside with Carl, you begin to wonder what the catch was. “I wonder what happened to his flock?”

“What do you mean?”

“My daddy used to take me to church, and priests and flocks are usually tight-nit. I find it hard to believe he’s had this church himself the whole time, and none of his people came to her for sanctuary.”

Carl stops walking and leans his fingers over to touch the wooden panel on the outside of the church. “You see this, claw marks?”

“Walkers?”

“I don’t think so; it’s too deep. It looks like someone clawed at it with their fingernails and knives.”

You spot something almost completely hidden by overgrown plants that makes you let out a small gasp, unintentionally grabbing Carl's arm. “Oh my god, are you seeing this?”

Someone had carved ‘You’ll burn for this’ on the outside of the church. Father Gabriel wasn’t as innocent as he seemed.

—

After Rick, along with others from your group, went to an overrun store and took out the walkers plaguing it, they were able to stock up on trolley loads of food, along with other supplies. With a small kitchen based in the church, you, Maggie, and Carol were able to make a pretty good feast from the selection of pasta and tin foods brought back.

“I’d like to propose a toast,” Abraham says, gaining everyone’s attention. “I look around this room... and I see survivors. Each and every one of you has earned that title. To the survivors.”

“Survivors!”

“Cheers!”

“Is that all you want to be? Wake up in the morning, fight the undead pricks, forage for food, go to sleep at night with two eyes open, rinse, and repeat? You can do that. I mean, you have the strength. You have the skill. The thing is, for you people, for what you can do, that’s just surrender. Now, we get Eugene to Washington, and he will make the dead die and the living will have the world again. And that is not a bad takeaway for a little road trip.”

You had a feeling Abraham’s speech was aimed more at Rick than anybody else.

“Eugene, what’s in DC?”

Eugene gulps down, “Infrastructure constructed to withstand pandemics even of this magnitude. That means food, fuel, and refuge. Restart.”

Abraham smiles at him and says, “However this plays out, however long it takes for the reset button to kick in, you can be safe there. Safer than you’ve been since the whole thing started. Come with us. Save the world for the little ones. Save it for yourselves. Save it for the people out there who have nothing left to do but survive.”

The room is silent as everyone contemplates the redhead's words until Judith makes a loud noise. “What was that?” Rick asks his daughter playfully, “I think she knows what I’m about to say. She’s in. If she’s in, I’m in. We’re in.”

The room fills with laughter and cheers, but you can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Like you’re being watched. Maggie sits down beside you and says, “Hey, did you know Tara was at the prison?”

“Yeah, she told me.”

“How do you feel about it?”

You shrug. “She didn’t know who the governor was, plus Tara and Glenn saved me, so she’s with us now.” Maggie hugs you, but thinking about what happened to your father at the prison makes you emotional. “I’ll just be a minute.”

Not wanting to seem weak and shed tears in front of the rest of your group, you head into the kitchen and begin washing dishes. You enjoy the solitude and focus on nothing except cleaning.

“Hey, you okay?” Carl asks, placing his hand on your back.

“Yeah,” hearing your own voice, breaks your eyes well up. “I’m fine, just tired.”

Carl pulls you in for a hug, wrapping his arms around your back. He holds you tightly and says, “We’re going to be okay.”