#'you sure you don't need help from an actual team of fighters?' he says as he sends them to fight stuff he KNOWS thor and co. couldn't win

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

For the main skellies pls...how good are they in physical combat and pain tolerance???

Undertale Sans - He's good in physical combat because he is a rare subspecies, a Judge. Judges were annihilated during the war by humans because of how powerful they are, as they can inflict as much damage as the LV the people they're fighting have, their only weakness being their low HP, because their magic is more developed than their life force. Sans is like the last of them. Sans, however, doesn't really know that. All he knows is that his magic is weird and powerful for some reason and that he dislikes using it. So he keeps his skills in combat well hidden and shows them only in extremely desperate times. Only Asgore knows what he is, but seeing that Sans obviously doesn't want to be a warrior, he lets him go and lets his people forget about the Judge monsters. Toriel has suspicions too, but she never really finds the courage to talk to Sans about this. Sans would probably not like that anyway. Other than that, he is pretty resistant to pain. He doesn't like showing when he's sick or in pain and will try to pretend everything is alright for the longer he can.

Undertale Papyrus - He's extremely good and extremely powerful. It's a shame Undyne realized that after reaching the Surface and overhearing her saying he could never make it to the Royal Guard. Papyrus is not interested in fighting anymore. He accepted long ago that his hands are made more for healing and helping people than hurting people. That doesn't mean he can't defend himself though, far from that. Papyrus' magic always had been extremely powerful, and actually, way too much for him to handle, and when he needs to, he lets go of everything, and good luck with that lol. What he showed Frisk or even Undyne is not even half of what he can do. He's pretty average on pain tolerance, except in combat, where he can take a lot of hits before renouncing.

Underswap Sans - Blue was born to fight and nothing ever stopped him to follow his dream. Alphys saw great potential in him at a young age, and even if Blue struggled to follow any sense of authority and often preferred to follow his instincts, it was pretty clear to her that he would become one of his best soldiers. He is extremely good and precise in fights and added to that, he is a very good strategist. Most of his plans succeed. That was no surprise to anyone when he was the first to volunteer to enter the police. Alphys trained him a few months to teach him how to lead a team, then she left him on his own to go back to civil life with Undyne. Blue is working hard to make her proud. All the criminals in town know his name and they fear him, but he's even flawless, far from that. He tends to put himself in danger all the time, and sometimes it comes back to bite him. He's resistant to pain though and doesn't mind getting hurt to protect his colleagues.

Underswap Papyrus - He can defend himself if he really needs it too. That's his max though. Honey is not a fighter and growing up in the shadow of his brother succeeding in everything in his life made sure he didn't want to be one. He's not really strong, he's not really powerful, he hides behind big monsters when things are bad and he doesn't have any resistance to pain lol. Leave him alone. Honey biggest strength is his empathy and his intelligence. He doesn't need to be a soldier to show everyone what he can do.

Underfell Sans - He's a good fighter but he's also a very good survivalist. He perfectly knows he's not really strong, nor really smart, and so he will always choose to flee instead of fighting if he has the choice. Survival before anything else. However, if cornered, Red is for sure a force you for sure don't want to deal with. He's brutal, and merciless and his powerful attacks are aimed to kill or injure badly until he finds a way to escape. You really don't want to see what he's really capable of. He has a good resistance to pain. He already went through some horrible things before and it's hard to break him.

Underfell Papyrus - He's obviously an excellent fighter. Edge had been enrolled in the Royal Guard very young, and was the only one to survive his battalion, all killed by Asgore during their initiation ritual. Edge never knew why Asgore kept him alive, either because Sans paid him or the King saw something in him. He'll never know. After that, Edge was forced to improve, constantly, if he wanted to be enough to not be executed. He became captain only a few months later, thanks to his great mind and how he managed to bring peace back to Snowdin, reputed to be full of rebels and little criminals. He's an excellent strategist, and that's the reason why, after some time, Asgore tried to assassinate him lol, because Edge was a lot more popular than him, and represented a threat to the crown. Too bad Edge saw that coming. Now on the Surface after Asgore's brutal death, after he tried to force Undyne to be his wife, Edge lost a bit of his combat skills, as he doesn't want to do anything with the guard. But he's still very dangerous, alone or in a duo with Undyne. He has an extreme resistance to pain, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. He can have both legs broken, but he'll still keep fighting. But that also means he has a very bad tendency to hide his injuries from everyone, and sometimes for a very long time, until he can't physically stand up anymore.

Horrortale Sans - He's a very dangerous fighter and you really don't want to have him as an enemy. Oak is completely unpredictable and smart and he is still a Judge Monster, despite all the changes in his personality. He can't use his magic for long, but now that he has LV, his attacks are devastating. Unlike Sans, he perfectly knows how powerful he is, and will do all he can to scare the threat off before actually attacking. He doesn't want to fight, but he wants to know people that he can perfectly do it if they keep pushing. You don't want to fight him, he's deadly, maybe even more than the Fell skeletons. He has an extreme resistance to pain too, but that's mainly because the part of his brain that used to tell him when he's in pain is gone. It's a good thing because he doesn't feel like he's injured. But that's also a bad thing because Oak can't really tell when his injuries are too much or when they are too important for him to keep fighting. In everyday life, that's also a big problem because he can't tell when something is burning for example, which can lead to severe injuries. He already lost a finger once because of that. That's one of the many reasons why Willow is always on his back: Oak can't tell when he's hurt. So Willow has to do that for him.

Horrortale Papyrus - Willow won't fight until he has really no other choice, both because he is limited in what he can do physically with his disabilities, but also because he is scared of his own magic. It was already difficult to control it before, now it's completely unpredictable and wild. When Willow attacks for real, you most likely not survive, even if he tries to hold back. His attacks are extremely powerful and brutal, and he can't choose how to aim at the good people, which makes him dangerous for his allies as well. Added to that, using his magic often leaves him on the verge of dying because he uses way too much magic than what he's supposed to. Other than that, Willow has a good resistance to pain. He doesn't really have a choice as he's constantly in pain. He just got used to it.

Swapfell Sans - He's a good fighter, but he's tired of fighting constantly. Nox adapts to almost every situation and changes his style of combat according to it. He's extremely precise. He was recruited really young in the guard, then got noticed by the Queen and she decided to train him herself. Nox is as strong as a boss monster and his name is enough to scare even the most powerful warriors of the Royal Guard. But behind this hide years of abuse, both mentally and physically, and the extreme pressure the Queen put on his shoulders, as she trained him to be the next King of Monsters. Nox said nothing Underground, but now that he is on a Surface, he is realizing everything he lost those years, his personality, his brother, his teenage years... And that made him just a tiny bit rebellious. Even if he feels better now, after reaching the Surface, Nox looked for troubles, hoping some monsters would kill him before he can access to the throne. He realized after that it meant leaving his brother all alone and calmed down, but he changed a lot. He prefers to defend than attack now and does his best to not always be in the frontlines. He's still a very scary opponent though. He has a good resistance to pain, but unlike Edge, he learned to ask for help when he needs it.

Swapfell Papyrus - He's a tricky one. Rus is actually a good fighter. His brother trained him, and even though they separated Underground, Rus kept training on his own. He's not as precise as a soldier, but he's extremely smart. He usually only dodges for a long time, forcing his opponent to use his magic. And when the guy gets tired, he attacks at full force and at the speed of light, usually surprising his opponent enough for them to either have to retreat or to change their strategy entirely. He's dangerous, more than what people think, but he prefers way more to find a peaceful end to his fights, by talking or annoying his opponents until they get tired of him and leave lol. Rus does this effect on people. He has a low resistance to pain though. He's a true drama queen when he's in pain and even with a little splinter in the finger, he acts like he's in agony.

Fellswap Gold Sans - Probably one of the most dangerous skeletons. Wine is before all a genius strategist. Even if he can fight terribly well and with extremely powerful attacks, he prefers to keep his best skills hidden to surprise his enemies. That's no fun if he attacks stupidly. No, what Wine likes is underground battles. Manipulating people so they turn against their people at the last second, destroying the entire economy so that his opponents can't buy enough weapons, recruiting spies, and training them to assassinate some people without anyone being able to know he's the one who did it... Wine prefers to work hidden and make a theatrical appearance at the end once their opponent realizes they're completely screwed and that he didn't even have to fight to get to this result. Then he attacks and destroys them completely. The Queen and the King fear him, his rivals fear him, everyone fear him and so he usually doesn't have to do anything because they are all so scared of him that they stay very far away and let him do anything he wants. Don't let that guy be too close to any government, that might end really badly. Wine never got severely injured so he doesn't know how high is his resistance to pain. He's not too worried though. Good luck to the cretin who's going to try to kill him lol.

Fellswap Gold Papyrus - Coffee never learned how to fight. He knows basic techniques to defend himself, but that's all Wine taught him. Coffee grew up locked in a house, not authorized to leave without his brother, and he ended up believing all of this was normal. It's only once he reached the Surface that he started questioning all of this. He's not very brave or very strong, everything scares him outside, but he's so tired of being considered as the weak little brother of the general of the Royal Guard. Coffee is still learning to be independent. He's not a good fighter and he is not resistant to pain, but he can learn. He's desperate to learn actually. He doesn't want to hurt his brother's feelings, but his objective is to leave the house and have a life on his own, to show Wine that he can do it and doesn't need to be protected. Sure, it's going to be a hard journey, as he has no social codes whatsoever, but he's trying.

[zeevoidlight]

Why do the Z fighters even keep Vegeta around if he's seemingly irredeemable

I have seen this question over and over again. Why do everyone seem to forgive him and endure all his bullshit.

Well I thought about it, and re-watching the start to the android saga I found the answer and is quite simple really.

Krillin is the one that actually explains it quite well to Bulma when they are deciding what to do with the Dr Gero menace. Basically he says that they can count that Piccolo slowly has changed to being a good guy and they can make sure that he will eventually become friends with them. But Vegeta is a wild card, and they don't actually know if he can ever change his evil nature, but it is convenient for Vegeta to still stick around, and them to be in his good side, because even if he is a bad guy he is useful because of his power (how strong he is is also why they have to be careful with how they handle him), and is much better to have him as a friend. And who knows, maybe with time he'll become an actual friend as well, because in his experience that's what always happens with most bad guys that basically get united under Goku's banner.

(And that's why Krillin agrees with the Saiyan's absolutely insane and stupid plan to not go after Gero in that moment and kill him, and better wait until the androids are made, against all logic. Because he prefers to think ahead and play his cards now regarding the Z team's delicate future).

And he's right

Why do they always seem to forgive him. They don't necessarily forgive him, like Ten ShinHan and his ever lasting grudge against Vegeta, or Yamcha and his personal rivalry with him, Piccolo respects Vegeta as a fighter but he cannot stand him as a person. They don't even have to like having him around, like most of the Z fighters. It's just like that necessary evil they need to have around because having him as an enemy would be much worse, so they better try to become friends and that includes enduring bullshit and maybe forgive but not forget.

But also it is clear, in the Cell saga mostly, that Vegeta can also become the Black Sheep of the group and get blamed for everything he does and everything he doesn't behind his back. He can get called out for his bullshit, but others aren't. He gets blamed for his shortcomings but others aren't. Focusing the attention of everything bad that he does and cutting attention away from other Z fighters idiocies.

But that's interesting. It's almost funny because is so true to life. Like the family's Black Sheep, lol.

So yeah. Regardless of if you think he's always been evil and hasn't changed and doesn't deserve kindness or be forgiven or redemption, or if you think he did learned and changed his nature into being a good guy, that's not the point. The point is that having him in the team is strategically better even if it means that he'll snap and kill a bunch of people suddenly. Even if they are just pretending to be friends, is better to convince him that they are going to have his back and tolerate a lot of things, and maybe eventually they won't have to pretend (and be because he helps them get rid of the other bad guys anyways. They need him in the team as well).

But that leaves Vegeta later alone with his crimes. Because he will not be able to escape them without that soft cushion of thinking himself justified for it because he "is" evil, or because he has that excuse that others are against him and he has to react. The kindness he gets, even if it's by convenience, does make him feel obligated to behave and change slowly. When others aren't reacting against you you can't justify to react back if you have even a tiny bit of goodness and self consciounes in you, because it leaves you very exposed to seeing your own bad actions. And he cannot die to try to escape all he did. That's why later he has his internal conflict with it in the Buu saga and tries to look for an excuse in Babidi's magic to become evil again, and try to avoid feeling any regrets. And in Super why others call him out on what he did, and he cannot avoid it anymore because he did changed, acknowledging that he is not worth having anything good for all he did. But he can't do anything about it but not continue doing it and try to be better even if he'll never be forgiven by many and even if he is convinced that his destiny is going to hell for sure (although, who knows, I don't think anyone can really judge that).

[dreamwritesimagines]

I think they would see each other again because of Jamie, actually!

Like Logan rescues some mutants that are hell bent on not going to the hospital because the anti mutant sentiment either gets them mistreated or reported so he just gruffly tells the team, "I know a doctor that can help."

And he does. Sure, he hates Jamie, is still pissed off he thought he was hurting Sunshine and still believes Jamie is a predator playing the long game with her (Jamie had not come out to anyone by the time he and Logan met) but he's lived long enough to see a person's motives- and Jamie's reasons for hating were never about him being a mutant.

So that's how Jamie gets kidnapped after his long shift by the cage fighter he was convinced he would never see again. To his credit, he doesn't back down.

"It's you. I thought pest control had handled you already."

"Something like that happened. I need your help."

Jamie goes, because he's a good doctor who took an oath and also because he's sleep deprived- he patches the kids up and ignores the team's stares as he stitches a girl's open wound.

"I didn't know Logan could make friends," Scott says whispers.

Jamie snorts, "I'm not his fucking friend."

(I think this is when Scott decides he likes Dr James, actually.)

"Then how do you-"

"Mind your business," Logan gruffs.

When it's the last kid being reviewed, Logan has finally worked up the nerve to ask. "How is she?"

Jamie clenches his jaw. "Fine."

"... I didn't- it wasn't my choice to leave. I didn't want to leave without talking to her first."

"But you did. I always knew that's what you were going to do, i don't care what your excuse is."

"Can you tell her something for me?"

"Cornell. If you want to tell her something say it to her face, otherwise I'd rather not hear it."

"... so is she seeing anyone or-"

"Jesus Christ."

Logan seriously thinks there's no way she isn't already dating someone. And he's kinda right lol

I think he sort of lurks at the edge of her university whenever he comes and goes, maybe hoping to see her again. It's not like the good doctor is very forthcoming about anything regarding her either- the most information Logan has been able to gather whenever Jamie is called in is that she is 1) very successfully going through her veterinary program in a high profile school

2) Has stopped working at the diner Logan used to pretend was convenient and on his way home so he'd have an excuse to talk to her

3) Still wants a cabin in the woods. Logan hears Jamie says this to one of the kids as a distraction while he sets a few bones to their right place. 'a cabin in the woods is like, begging to get murdered' 'that's what I said! Does this hurt?'

I just picture Logan as a very angsty sort of ex (situationship) this dude has not gotten over anything in his life. And Jamie could not give a fuck about his broken heart- he likes most people at the X Mansion; the idea that Charles can read his mind creeps him out so he stays away, he has a soft spot for all the kids he's helped and he would call Scott a friend on a good day- he even comes to respect Logan. He's sweet in a gruff way with the kids and hasn't threatened his life nearly as much as he once did.

And I think Logan is lowkey scared of seeing her again, like one time Jamie's phone was ringing and Logan grabs it because the sound is annoying as fuck but nearly drops it like its hot when he sees it's her name. He can't help it- he picks up just to hear her voice.

"Jamie, thank god. Where are you- Nik is worried sick here and we're gonna be late-"

"It isn't- I'm not Jamie. This is-"

"Logan?"

Darling omg omg I LOVE THIS, YOU'RE AMAZING! ❤️ Thank you so much! ❤️

Adfghjkl Logan not knowing Jamie is gay and convincing himself that he wants to date Sunshine😂

"It's you. I thought pest control had handled you already." I am giggling😂 I love that Jamie hates Logan but in the end they go from enemies to reluctant allies to actual friends, it will be hilarious❤️

Jamie snorts, "I'm not his fucking friend." Oh he would not hesitate😂

Logan has finally worked up the nerve to ask. "How is she?"

Jamie clenches his jaw. "Fine."

"... I didn't- it wasn't my choice to leave. I didn't want to leave without talking to her first." Omg Logan trying to explain himself and HE DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE WITHOUT TALKING TO HER FIRST AND-

This is so good! ❤️ I think like, after he left, he wanted to call her or find her but he convinced himself it was good for her that he was away ❤️

Sunshine got into Cornell?! 🥰

I think he sort of lurks at the edge of her university whenever he comes and goes, maybe hoping to see her again. Oh he would definitely do that! ❤️

Still wants a cabin in the woods aaaaaa Sunshine wanting that cabin in the woods in every universe❤️

I just picture Logan as a very angsty sort of ex (situationship) this dude has not gotten over anything in his life. FACTS! 🥰

Oh Sunshine would definitely hang up on him because of the sudden panic 😂❤️ And that would lead him to go show up at the campus to talk to her, and the minute she saw him and walked up to him, Logan would be like,

"I'm sorry."

"Strong start there."

"And congratulations. Cornell is very-"

"How long has Jamie known about you being around? Like, what are you, friends now?"

"Not at all."

"But you picked up his phone."

"No we...we work together sometimes."

"What?"

"It's a long story. Listen, I wanted to let you know before I left-"

"No reason for you to let me know. We weren't together, and you made yourself very clear about how you felt about my silly crush."

"That's not what happened-"

"And apparently you're hanging out with my friend now so..."

"I'm not hanging out with him. He hates me and the feeling is mutual."

"Right."

"I wouldn't have left without telling you if it were up to me."

"And afterwards, you couldn't even be bothered to send a text I guess?"

"It was for your own good."

"Some things don't change I guess."

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

Call Me Mrs. Rogers

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Word Count: 8.7k

Warnings: not many, very brief mentions of death and some minor violence- this story is mostly just sassy arguing tbh

Genre: fluff

Summary: You have never gotten along with one Steve Rogers, at this point the rest of the team considers it a win if you two don't speak to each other for an entire day, at least then you aren't fighting. So when a briefing meeting results in you getting paired on an extended mission with him you are less than thrilled. It won't be easy but you're determined to get through it and who knows what'll happen.

***

You check your watch as you walk down the halls of the Avengers tower heading towards the meeting room. When you push open the door everyone turns to look at you.

"Y/n. So nice of you to join us." Steve snarks at you from the front of the room.

"Oh I'm sorry were you waiting for me? I would've taken longer if I knew." You say lazily as you plop into a seat next to Wanda who has to hide her snicker at your words. Steve rolls his eyes at you but doesn't bother trying to retort. Your relationship with him always been somewhat contentious. You assume it's because he's a square.

"Now that everyone's here we can get started." Steve says passing out the briefing folders. You flip yours open and scan the words quickly as he begins talking.

"Alright, here's the situation; this is our target, Dusan Müller. Hydra scientist. Our sources say he's been hiding in a small town somewhere outside of central Italy." Steve explains.

"That's very nonspecific." You scoff.

"We've narrowed it down to one of five we simply need to check them out and find him and assuming he has help we need to do it without raising suspicion."

"So, espionage? Someone's going undercover?" Nat asks.

"That's the plan." He nods.

"Who's going and what's their cover?" Bucky asks.

"Based on some research we've done the most solid undercover would probably be a newlywed couple." Tony says.

"Wait what?" Wanda frowns.

"A few of the towns are travel hotspots for 'unconventional honeymoons'. A new couple touring Europe is least likely to raise questions. At the very least it'll take a while before anyone realizes the truth." He explains.

"Sooooo who are our newlyweds?" Nat prompts again.

"That's what we're going to figure out now." Steve says.

"You haven't decided yet?" You frown.

"There are a lot of factors. A discussion makes the most sense so we can account for as many as possible." He forces out through clenched teeth.

"Well y/n and I have tons of espionage experience." Nat says.

"We could always go together." You wink at her.

"And Steve's one of the strongest fighters." Wanda says.

"He's a lanky scientist will we need brute strength really?" You ask.

"Again we don't know who is helping so if he's not isolateable we might." Tony says.

"Well if we're listing them off Bucky's a pretty strong choice for top fighters too." You point out.

"Anyone helping a Hydra scientist would for sure notice me though, plus with the metal arm I might- draw more attention, because jackets in the middle of summer on a honeymood would be weird." Bucky explains shaking his head.

"I'd go but the whole billionaire playboy thing I wouldn't wanna risk being recognized." Tony shrugs.

"Where are Bruce and Clint? Are they not available for this mission?" Wanda asks suddenly.

"They are not. Other tasks are occupying their time." Tony tells her. "If you ask me I suggest Rogers and y/n go." He adds.

"Fuck off Stark." You roll your eyes.

"Actually based on my calculations the most favorable pairing for this mission is Captain Steve Rogers and Miss Y/n Y/l/n." Vision says. It's the first thing he's said the whole meeting, you'd almost forgotten he was in the room.

"What?" You scoff.

"No." Steve says at the same time.

"Vis, you might want to recalculate that one because the only thing we are most favorable for is driving each other crazy." You cross your arms.

"Miss Romanova is the only other member of the team as skilled in this area as you y/n, however, the chances of her being recognized are higher as you fight with a mask and she does not. Similarly, as Mr. Barnes has explained, his reputation as the Winter Soldier proceeds him, and it is an unnecessary risk to send him. Mr. Stark also has quite the reputation and I am a synthezoid that would also draw attention, leaving Captain Rogers the least conspicuous partner for you."

"And Wanda or Sam?" You ask.

"It is my understanding that Sam will be indisposed during part of the proposed timeframe and Wanda lacks proficiency in the skillset needed to successfully pull this off. It would be nothing short of foolish to test her undercover capabilities with such a high-stakes mission." Vision says.

"Fine." You relent. "I'll go undercover with Rogers if you insist it is the most advantageous option." You grumble.

"I can't believe this is happening." Steve shakes his head.

"When do we leave?" You ask.

"Tomorrow at noon."

"Feels a little short noticed for an extended mission don't you think?" You frown.

"I'm sorry will that be an inconvenience to your schedule?" The question is dripping with sarcasm.

"It's got fuck all to do with my schedule and everything to do with the protocol that this doesn't follow."

"What do you know about protocol?" Steve scoffs. You stand up sharply.

"First of all I've been going on missions for longer than you've been active in the 21st century secondly I've been on this team long enough to know there are protocols we follow for these things."

"Extenuating circumstances required us  to work around protocol because we can't waste time."

"And that's all you had to say but instead you wanted to be petty and make me seem like a spoiled brat because I asked a valid question! Maybe nobody else will bother because it's not their mission but since I have to leave I sure as hell will question things as necessary."

"Or don't. You have your directives. You could try just following them."

"You would do well to remember, Captain, I am not one of your little soldiers. Around here we don't just blindly follow orders. I've watched that shit get people killed too many times."

"Alright let's all just calm-"

"I will see you on the launch pad tomorrow at noon. If you need me before then, don't." You cut off whatever Sam was going to say. You grab your briefing folder and storm out of the room angrily. It's not long after that Wanda and Natasha come into your room where you're shoving clothes into your duffle bag angrily.

"So, how do you plan to play husband and wife with someone that makes you want to commit a crime every time he speaks?"

"I'm gonna act. As if my life depends on it. Because it kinda does." You sigh. "Look I'm going to do my job and I will do it well, personal feelings aside. What do you even pack for a fake honeymoon in Europe?"

"Lingerie."

"Natasha!" You glare at her.

"Not for use, but if somebody ends up in your bags you want it to look like you're on honeymoon with a man you love, so a couple pairs of cute underwear couldn't hurt." She explains with a shrug.

"Honestly I think you should try to make a connection with him on some level. Find common ground to make this mission easier on you both. It would be good for the team in the future as well." Wanda says.

"No thank you." You shake your head.

"Wanda you're a genius I'm texting Sam." Natasha says.

"No. Why would you do that?" You frown.

"He's friends with Steve, maybe he'll have some insight on how to keep you from killing each other before you return." Natasha says.

"Dude I'm just trying to pack!" You huff.

"And we're trying to make sure any injuries sustained on this mission are not a result of infighting." She shrugs.

"I would never jeopardize a mission that way and you know that Nat." You point at her. Your door swings open again and Sam comes strolling in with Bucky in tow.

"Alright what're the girls gettin up to?" He asks.

"That took you a concerningly short amount of time to get here." You mutter.

"I brought Bucky too." Sam says.

"Why?"

"Well I figured this was gonna have to do with Steve and since he's the certified record-holding pal of our captain- couldn't hurt to have his input." Sam shrugs.

"I am just trying to pack and these two are in here chatting away. So join the party I guess." You mutter tossing more things on your bed.

"How long do you think you two will be gone?" Wanda asks.

"Hopefully no more than a week, but I'll pack enough for a couple days longer than that. Plus I know how to wash my clothes." You shrug.

"Anyway! Guys, we think y/n could benefit from finding some common ground with Steve and who better to ask than his boys!" Natasha explains to them.

"'We' being her and Wanda I have no interest in any of this actually." You clarify.

"Steve is- not a complex man." Bucky shrugs.

"No not complex just exasperating." You roll your eyes.

"Is there- a particular reason why you hate him so much?" Sam asks with a smirk.

"I don't hate him-"

"EURIKA!" He gasps and you shoot a confused look at him.

"You don't hate him?" Bucky hums.

"If I hated him nothing Vision said in that meeting room would convince me to do this mission. I don't even know if I'd be on the team with him if I felt that strongly about him." You explain. "Rogers is just such a stiff. He sees the world in a specific way and expects most things to adhere to that worldview. When they don't he gets naggy. It's aggravating."

"So, just to clarify; you do not hate him." Sam says.

"No. I don't. He's just boring and we don't get along because I don't like boring people and the way he talks to me is fucking rude. As if it's my fault that he's insipid." You scoff.

"Honestly that- feels like a start." Bucky nods.

"A start for what, exactly? I'm not the problem. We can't find common ground if he's not willing to lighten up."

"I mean if you're together for an entire week he can't be stuffy the entire time, right?" Sam shrugs.

"I don't care if he's stuffy the whole time. It's not a vacation. We don't need to have fun being a fake couple." You say.

"Honestly I think this mission will be good for your relationship with Steve. We're all on a team it's not good for you to fight with him all the time." Wanda says.

"This is feeling oddly intervention-like. Save it y'all, I just want to do my job and bring in this hydra creep." You say.

"It's not meant to be interventional, we just want to make this easier for you." She sighs.

"I don't really need it to be easier but I appreciate the attempt. Sammy, Bucky go about your business please and thank you." You sigh folding the last of your clothes and shoving them in your large travel duffle.

"Good luck this week lady." Bucky nudges you before tugging Sam out of your room.

"Are you kicking us out too?" Natasha smirks.

"At this point I should, but you don't listen anyway." You roll your eyes. You toss your travel toiletries bag into the duffle and couple of other travel essentials, a book, your mission suit, and some extra combat equipment, things of that nature and by the time you're done packing you, Wanda, and Nat have made plans for dinner later in the evening.

~*~*~

When you wake up the next morning you put on a sundress, chosen by Wanda who insisted if you were going to convince anyone you're on a honeymoon you need to look like you would on a date. After a nice breakfast, you grab your duffle from your room and stroll out to the helipad where Steve is already waiting with his arms crossed.

"You're late." Steve grunts as you approach.

"No I'm not. You said we leave at noon. It's noon now."

"We leave at noon means get here before."

"I told you I'd meet you here at noon. You can complain about the semantics of my arrival all you want but you're wasting the time you're so upset about me not adhering to." You say walking past him to get into the quinjet taking you into Europe. Steve stomps onto the jet behind you joining you at the front of the jet. You try not to laugh at the deep frown on his face as he prepares you for takeoff.

"We'll land in Italy where a truck is loaded up for us to take the rest of the way to our first town, and we'll be using the truck to get from town to town." Steve tells you.

"Yeah sure." You mutter grabbing your briefing file to read over again. You always read the information more than once to find anything valuable.

"Did you not- read the whole file yet?" He glances in your direction.

"Of course I did. I'm rereading. We've got like six hours to kill on this jet." You roll your eyes. You feel his gaze on you as you read but you ignore it and eventually he turns his attention back to the controls of the jet. It's in autopilot now but you're sure he'll spend the entire flight glaring at the instruments to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Once you land, you shove the folder into the bottom of your duffle and sling the bag over your shoulder beating Steve to the three agents meeting you at the landing site.

"Hello miss y/l/n." One of them nods to you.

"Hi y'all." You smile at her.

"This will be your transportation for the duration of your trip. There are supplies and gear tucked under the backseat and a radio to contact us if necessary in the center console and your passports are in the glove box." The same agent details to you, pointing to a silver fiat pickup truck. When Steve joins you one of the other agents tosses him the keys.

"We're good to go?" Steve asks the first agent.

"All set, like I was telling miss y/l/n there's emergency supplies and a radio stashed in the vehicle and your destinations are programmed into the GPS system." She nods.

"Is that such a good idea?" You ask with a frown.

"The truck is Stark tech it only says fiat to blend in because they're common in Italy but, nobody's gonna be able to track you with it, or even plot your route. It's biometrically activated." She explains.

"That's better." You nod. You throw your bag into the back of the truck and climb into the passenger seat. You grab your passport out of the glovebox the name on it says Alissa Rogers and Steve's says Grant.

"We'll be in touch." Steve nods one last time before loading his stuff in and settling into the driver's side. He pulls off quickly and you watch as the scenery changes the further you drive towards the small town you'll be staying in.

"Hope you brushed up on your Italian. You're less likely to find English speakers in the countryside like this." You say opening a snack you'd brought along in case you got hungry before you could get food.

"Tony assured me the place he booked was tourist friendly." Steve mumbles.

"I mean sure but what if you have to talk to the locals? Or will that be up to me?"

"As if you speak Italian." He scoffs.

"I speak several languages actually. Side effect of being trained to be an international spy." You shrug and Steve doesn't have a rebuttal for that so he focuses on driving and you munch away on your snacks. A short while later you make it to the small inn you'll be staying at. It's cozy looking, exactly what you'd expect for the town you drove into. It looks like the kind of place where most of the people know each other. With your bag tossed across your back, you follow Steve into the inn where he grabs the attention of the woman at the desk.

"Excuse me, hi we're looking to check in. We have a reservation. Should be under Rogers, first name Grant." Steve says smoothly with a charming smile.

"Oh yes you booked a honeymoon package!" The woman gushes happily as she types away at her keyboard. You have to refrain from reacting when she says that. Looks like it's showtime.

"Yeah we just got married, we're traveling through Europe for our honeymoon." You tell her with a fake dreamy look on your face. You even wrap your hands around Steve's arm affectionately.

"Oooo traveling through Europe! Sounds so exciting and romantic." The woman beams.

"It has been so far! We're still very early into our plans but, so far it's been everything I've dreamed of and more." You sigh softly. The woman lets out a barely there squeal about how cute you are and how lovely newlyweds tend to be before sliding your room keys onto the desk.

"Here are your keys cara mia! Try to rest if he allows." She winks at you and you laugh although the innuendo in her statement makes Steve stiffen beside you.

"Grazie! Oh! Do you have any food suggestions, we've been driving for a while to get here." You ask her.

"Ah most people cook around here but there's Nino's! It's the best place nearby. I'll give you the address." She quickly scribbles the address onto some spare paper she has at the desk and hands it to you.

"Thanks so much, ma'am. Have a good night." Steve finally finds his voice to bid the kind nonna farewell before leading you off with a hand at your back.

"Oh what a sweet old lady." You smile as you walk up the stairs to find your room.

"You settled into the lovestruck newlywed thing very quick." Steve observes.

"Well yeah, this isn't my first rodeo and honestly hopelessly in love is not even close to the hardest part I've had to play on a mission." You scoff.

"Clearly, you're very good at this."

"Yeah that's probably why Vision thought I'd be best for the job." You shrug unlocking your room and tossing your bag to the side.

"There's- only one bed." Steve points out with wide eyes.

"Of course there is. We're supposed to be a newlywed couple on our honeymoon, why would we have a room with two beds?"

"Well I can call down for extra blankets and set up on the floor or-"

"Don't be ridiculous. If you want to sleep in the bed it's king sized, I'm sure we can manage to share." You scoff.

"I just figured it'd be easier if we-"

"It's not a big deal to me Rogers, the main thing is if someone like came to the door and saw pillows and blankets set up on the floor it would hurt the hopelessly devoted story we're trying to sell."

"Hopelessly devoted?" He frowns.

"It's a song from Grease, an old 70s movie. Don't worry about it. Point is, it'll be odd if anyone sees you set up on the floor. Unless you prefer sleeping on straight wood." You shrug.

"I don't." He frowns.

"So don't make it a thing. Which by the way, you kept Rogers for this mission?"

"Yeah, Tony figured it was common enough that it wouldn't matter. Grant's my middle name."

"Hm, interesting. Well, I'm Alissa, apparently. Should we check out that restaurant the nonna suggested?"

"You feel like going to dinner?"

"I mean she said most folks around here cook so tomorrow I'll hit some of the street stands and you can try asking around subtly for any information on our target."

"Shouldn't you do the asking around? I mean what happens when I end up talking to someone that doesn't speak English?"

"You can introduce them to your gorgeous Italian speaking wife, or hope they have nothing important to say." You shrug. "I think you can handle it. You coming with me to get something to eat or not dude?"

"Uh yeah I guess."

The two of you have a semi awkward dinner playing the happy in love couple for anyone that walks pass while not really talking to each other. When you return to your room you take turns showering and getting ready for bed without saying a word to each other.

"Do you care what side you sleep on?" Steve eventually asks.

"Not particularly."

"Then I will take the side by the door. If that's okay?" Steve suggests. 

"If that's what you want. Sure." You shrug tossing the comforter back and getting under it on your designated side. Why he's acting so awkward about the whole thing makes no sense to you but honestly most of his actions make no sense to you. Curled up on one side of the bed you quickly fall asleep, all the travel has certainly tired you out.

Light peaking through the curtain slowly pulls you from sleep in the morning. As you gain consciousness you get more aware of a weight across your body. A weight that doesn't move even as you shift in bed. It's an arm, attached to a body, that's apparently close enough that you can feel the heat radiating from it and the realization makes you scramble out of bed so suddenly you wake Steve too.

"You don't strike me as a cuddly sleeper Rogers." You clip. You can see in his eyes that he's struggling for a response but you grab your duffle and rush into the bathroom before he can find one. You get yourself together and leave pretty quickly with a comment to Steve about making sure he does what you agreed on when he gets on with his day.

With a tote in hand, you scan the different stands in town stopping to buy various produce and things. By the time you'd settled in yesterday and doubled back out for dinner most of the town had gone quiet, it's nice to see everyone out now and survey things. When you're looking at some bracelets at one shop, you overhear a conversation between the woman behind the counter and someone sitting off to the side near her. They're speaking in Italian but you clearly catch one of them gushing about the increase in handsome foreigners in their small town. You giggle a bit, loud enough for them to notice.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to interject." You smile apologetically, speaking to them in Italian. "I just caught the last bit of your conversation and well, I take it you've met my husband is all."

"The American is your husband?" One of them gasps.

"Yes he is. Was he here?" You ask her.

"Briefly, he said he was looking for 'trinkets' for friends." The one behind the counter says to you. She says trinkets in English with a confused scrunch of her nose.

"Sounds like him. Do you see a lot of Americans here?" You ask.

"No not Americans often. There was a really handsome German here a couple of days ago." She shakes her head.

"German? Really?" You blink.

"Oh yeah, I remember him. He was tall and thin with a beard and big round glasses and his eyes were bright, almost yellow." The seated woman says.

"Yeah! He didn't talk much but he was much friendlier by the time he left and he spoke with a heavy accent." The lady behind the register adds.

"Was he here long?"

"Probably around 3 weeks." The woman at the register says.

"Did he say where he was going?"

"Well he asked me where the next town to us was, even had me point it out on a map." She tells you.

"Interesting. Must be nice to see new faces sometimes. I'll take these two bracelets." You say placing two items on the counter. With all that chatting you definitely need to buy something before leaving, plus they're so cute you're sure Wanda will love them. The woman checks you out and after a bit more looking around, you head back to your hotel. There's a kitchen on the main floor that you can use to prepare food since that's the norm, plus with this information you'll probably be on your way in the morning. When you return to your room, Steve isn't there, which is fine, you take advantage of the empty suite to take a long hot shower. Eventually you step out and put on lotion before stepping out into the room to grab your clothes.

"You take incredibly long showers." Steve's voice makes you jump as you notice him at the desk in the corner.

"Holy fucking hell." You hiss clutching your chest.

"Forgot you shared this room?"

"No, you weren't here when I got back, hence the long shower, and I didn't realize you were back." You huff, using your towel as a cover you pull on your underwear and shorts. Steve's head is focused on whatever he's reading over at the desk so you let the towel drop to put on your sleep shirt with your back to him.

"You should really pay better attention to your surroundings." Steve mutters.

"Fuck off." You scoff.

"I'm just saying you should totally have noticed I was in here before I spoke."

"Who cares man? Did you find anything interesting out today?"

"Not much, I talked to some guys about visitors but none of them had a lot to say, just that sometimes they come."

"Well I heard a German man was here for around three weeks before asking for directions to the next town over."

"Really? Where did you hear that?"

"Some women in a jewelry store."

"And you think this is legit?"

"I mean it's just street gossip so I don't have a way to verify really but it's definitely a promising lead."

"You're sure it's the right man? I mean 'a German' doesn't exactly scream Müller was here."

"Well I couldn't slap a photo in front of them and ask for clarification but they described him as tall and thin with a beard and big round glasses and bright 'almost yellow' eyes. I dunno I'd say that's a pretty close match if you ask me."

"You found information pretty quickly."

"There are very few things that transcend language, borders, gender et cetera, one of them is that people like to gossip. You find the right people and ask the right questions they will tell you any and everything."

"Then we need to move."

"In the morning."

"Why would we not move now? We have a lead we shouldn't let it go cold."

"If the women from the shop were telling the truth chances are he'll be there a couple weeks before we have to worry about him moving. I think we can afford to start fresh in the morning. Plus we don't have a plan. If we move now it's impulsive and foolish."

"We have a plan, find this guy and apprehend him."

"That's not a plan that's an objective. How do we find him Rogers? And how do we move when we do find him? Are you implying we just tackle him in the middle of town if that's where we see him? I mean even a half-baked skeleton of an idea is better than absolutely nothing." You roll your eyes.

"Do you have a plan you'd like to propose?" He glares at you.

"No, that's why I'm saying we wait til morning. So we have time to come up with one. He's probably going to be there for a couple weeks, we have 8 hours to spare."

"You don't know that."

"Obviously I don't, but he doesn't know we're looking for him he has no reason to rush out of there. If he was here for 3 weeks why would he leave there in 2 days?"

"Fine! We will leave tomorrow morning. Bright and early. 8am."

"Yes sir, drill sergeant." You say with a mock salute. "I'm going to make food downstairs, would you like some?"

"Trying to poison me?"

"If I were, you wouldn't know until it was too late." You smile.

"In that case, I'll pass."

"Suit yourself. If you wanna make yourself something, there are more groceries." You shrug grabbing a few things you need before leaving the room. You make yourself dinner and sit in the lobby to eat, chatting with the woman at the desk, it's the same nonna who checked you in so you offer her some food while you talk. Eventually, you head back up to your room where Steve is still hunched over the desk.

"Okay. So when we get there tomorrow we need to focus on finding him while keeping a low profile so we can figure out the most effective way to apprehend him." Steve says.

"Do we have an extraction plan?"

"I mean I've thought of a couple ways to go about it, if he's in a lodging situation, like this one, we should try for stealth. Moving at night would be the safest choice, to minimize the likelihood of civilian endangerment. If he's staying somewhere alone, apprehension isn't super important, if he's staying somewhere with someone I'd say again stealth is-"

"That's fine I guess but not at all what I meant. Do we have a plan for getting us and him back to the US? Because this was expected to take at least a week and at this rate, we'll be ready to move in like half that time."

"I... will contact the team when we're on the road in the morning and we'll plan our apprehending around how quickly they can mobilize." Steve says.

"Good." You say crawling into bed with a book. You put on music and read quietly while Steve does, who knows what at the desk. He eventually gets up and shuffles into the bathroom. You hear the shower running for a while before he comes out in shorts, using a towel to dry his hair. You barely glance up from your novel as he pads around the room. You don't speak with Steve for the rest of the night. You read, and he does whatever he does until you both eventually turn in at different times.

The next morning you wake to the sound of shuffling around you and when you open your eyes Steve is darting around the room.

"Good. You're awake. Get up and get ready so we can leave." Steve says curtly.

"What's the matter Stevie? Not much of a morning person?" You snark back without getting out of bed.

"I looked it up, the drive we're in for is almost four hours. The sooner we get on the road the better so we can actually get this done. Which means I need you to get up so we can get out of here."

"Sounds to me like you need a Snickers." You snort.

"Excuse me?" His head snaps to you with narrowed eyes.

"A snickers, you know, the candy bar- their slogan is 'you're not you when you're hungry' I'm making a joke about you being cranky- I cannot believe I just had to explain that to you. You really are a grumpy old man, you'd give Scrooge a run for his money sheesh." You scoff, finally pushing yourself out of bed.

"Are you just going to make silly pop culture references all day?" He rolls his eyes.

"Who knew you'd be such a Grinch so early."

"So that's a yes? The Grinch is a Christmas movie."

"So is Scrooge but they're grumpy all year round it's just worse around the holidays. Which begs the question, is the attitude just for little ol me, or does the Italian countryside always make you this prickly?" You smirk.

"Just. Get. Dressed." He says through clenched teeth. You roll your eyes at his grumbly attitude and grab your clothes to change in the bathroom.

"There's some fruit amongst the groceries by the way. I suggest you have one, might put some pep in your step." You taunt before shutting your bathroom door.

"It won't be so bad! Maybe you'll find a way to connect with him! Steve's not a complex man." You mock all your friends in the mirror as you put yourself together. "Complex?! God, I wish! He's about as complex as a cardboard box with half the personality. Honestly if only he were complex that'd be so much easier." You rant to yourself. "Thank the stars the universe practically dropped this guy's location in our lap because there is no way I'd survive a week with this guy." You grumble. You change your clothes and brush your teeth letting out one more deep breath before leaving the bathroom.

"Alright. Ready to go when you are." You say tossing your things into your bag and zipping it up.

"Good. Let's go." Steve grabs his bag and practically storms out of your hotel room without a second thought. You pick up your duffle and what's left of the produce you brought and trot down to the lobby where Steve's already checking you out.

"Hello!" You smile at the woman behind the desk.

"Hello darling! So sad to see you go so soon!" She smiles at you.

"We'd love to stay longer but there's so much to see and not nearly enough hours of our trip." You say wrapping your arm around Steve's and resting your head on his shoulder dreamily "Isn't that right Grant?" You sigh.

"Yeah! We've got so many plans! But the stay here has been lovely." Steve says smiling at you with kindness that even you almost believe is sincere. It makes you want to put ten feet between you and you have to force yourself not to react outwardly. With one last goodbye to the woman at the counter, you and Steve leave the hotel and load your things into your truck. As soon as Steve starts driving he uses the communication system to contact Tony.

"Rogers. Status report?"

"We have a lead that we're following and need to know how quickly we can be extracted from Italy if we've successfully located the target." Steve tells him.

"Have you located the target?" Tony asks.

"I spoke to a woman that says she gave our target directions to another town over so we suspect he'll be there." You interject.

"What if he's moved?" Tony asks.

"Well based on what the woman said, he was around for a few weeks before he left so I think it's safe to say he's likely still there." You say.

"We can extract you as quickly as tonight if you're able to apprehend the target."

"That would be-"

"Too soon. Can you plan for an extraction tomorrow morning?" You cut Steve off and he shoots you a glare momentarily.

"Tomorrow morning?" Tony clarifies.

"Yes. Assuming our lead is correct we'll be ready to go early in the morning." You say.

"Yeah sure. We'll get you a jet and leave it in a holding pattern. Say, 6am?" Tony asks.

"That should give us enough time. If something changes we'll let you know." You say. Tony mumbles an affirmative before disconnecting and you put your headphones on for the remainder of the drive with your head in your book. When the four hour drive ends and Steve pulls up to where you'll be staying you push open the door and hop out of the truck. Steve sorts out your room with the owner of the small hotel you're staying in and practically slams the door when you're in your room.

"Why would you tell Tony to set us up for tomorrow and not tonight? If they could be ready tonight we should take tonight!"

"I thought we were on the same mission but it appears that you are somewhere else because we don't even know where this man is. We just got here and even if we walked outside and saw him right now we can't exactly snatch him in the middle of the day. What happened to that spiel about 'stealth to minimize the likelihood of endangering civilians'? If they plan to extract us tonight that is not a reasonable timeframe and I'm sure you know that. You're just picking fights for no reason." You roll your eyes. Not to mention he waited hours to bring it back up- who stews this long over a departure time?

"Eight hours seems like a pretty reasonable timeframe for me. My fault for overestimating your capabilities."

"If you think I couldn't do this shit in eight hours you're smoking. On my own, I'd have no problem with an eight hour timeline but we are not the team that can be rushing into a mission like this when we don't know what the details are. Honestly Rogers whatever your fucking problem is table it. We have someone to find and we're pretty far from the landing pad so we need to be done and on our way in like twelve hours. I am going to start tracking down our target so we can actually arrest this guy. Skulk in here if you want." You grab your sunglasses and (mostly prop) tote bag and leave Steve in your room. You can't fathom why Steve is annoyed that you asked for a few extra hours to make sure you can actually complete this mission but that's his problem. The sun feels nice on your skin as you walk around surveying people from behind your big sunglasses. When you walk into a small cafe after some time and scan the few customers you almost miss the face you've memorized from your briefing file. He's sitting in a corner eating with a newspaper. You order something small to not raise suspicion and eat it quickly before exiting the shop. There are lots of places to give you a vantage point of the cafe's entrance so you pick one and wait out of sight for Müller to come out. Eventually, he strolls out of the cafe and turns left so carefully, using buildings as cover, you follow Müller for some time. He doesn't stop anywhere until he comes to a small house at basically the edge of town. You watch the house for a while hoping that he'll leave for you to check it out a bit closer. When it starts to pass a half hour you ruffle through your tote for one of the random prototype gadets Tony's always giving you to test out. One of the things is a little box holding a buglike device. You remember him explaining this one, it's supposed to do surveillance. You open the box and turn it on, feeling your phone vibrate in your pocket indicating it's connected. You locate an open window and release the camera bug towards Müller's house, making sure it gets inside before heading back to your hotel to make a plan.

"What have you been doing for the last two hours?" Steve asks as soon as you walk back into your room.

"Tracking Müller. Like I said I would. Did you just sit and sulk?"

"No." Steve glares. "Did you find him?"

"Yes I did. It looks like he's staying alone too." You say passing your phone to Steve for him to see the footage from the bug camera.

"Wait you planted a camera?"

"I saw him in town and followed him til he ended up at this house. Then I used one Tony's little doodads. It's a camera the size of a bug that can fly like one too."

"So you know where this is?"

"Yes I do. It's practically at the edge of town. We should have no problem getting to him later."

"Okay." He nods. "Alright so here's what we'll do. We'll track him with this camera til nightfall and then we'll go get him. It should be quick, sneak in knock him out and get him loaded into the truck."

"Yeah okay." You nod, taking your phone back from Steve. Periodically you check the camera bug that follows Müller around his temporary home over the next several hours. Just before the sun goes down, you notice something odd when you're checking the footage. Müller's moving frantically about, it looks like- he's packing.

"Müller's on the move." You say grabbing the keys to the truck and rushing out of your hotel. Steve runs out behind you.

"Y-Alissa wait!" Steve calls as you start the truck and he almost doesn't get in quick enough as you pull away. "Geez y/n where's the fire?" He asks.

"It looks very much like Müller is about to get the hell outta dodge. We need to move now." You say.

"Wait a second this is very much not what we were planning to-"

"Yeah well that's gonna have to change the man is packing his bags as we speak."

"Are you sure that's what you saw I mean-"

"Rogers argue with me later." You grumble out. Driving, the trip to Müller's is much shorter and you're there in only a few minutes. You hop out immediately even as Steve calls for you to give it a minute. No way are you letting him get away when he's right here. You burst into the small home, that's really just one room and shock the man inside so hard he almost trips. He's quick to get his barings though and lunges at you, grabbing a kitchen knife on his way towards you. You dodge him pretty easily even though he weilds the knife much better than you'd expect of a labcoat. He manages a couple scratches before disarm him and take him down with a plate to the head.

"Dammit y/n. I told you to wait." Steve grits out angrily as you drag Müller towards the truck that's still running.

"What's the big deal? We got our guy." You shrug, folding Müller into the backseat awkwardly."

"Maybe you were too busy charging like a bull to notice that we've drawn attention." He hisses.

"So let's hit the fucking road." You roll your eyes and climb into the passenger seat of the car. Steve lets out an angry huff but gets in the driver side and begins your trip back to the launch pad in central Italy. It'll take you most of the night to get there but you let Tony know to expedite the jet since you'll definitely be there before 6am. At some point, you have to sedate Müller when he starts to groan in the back seat. By the time you make it to the launch pad, agents are waiting with the jet.

"Agent y/l/n, Captain Rogers. Welcome back." One of the agents nods at you both when you exit the truth.

"Hey Jackson. Müller's in the backseat- mind grabbing him for me?" You smile as you tug your duffle out of the car.

"Of course." He nods opening the back door and hauling Müller's still unconscious body from the truck to the jet with ease.

"I could've handled that." Steve says to you.

"Who cares? I probably could've handled it too but we have bags to grab and the fewer trips the better." You roll your eyes.

"The jet's fueled and prepped for takeoff and our reports indicate clear weather so it should be smooth travels." Agent Jackson says to you, although Steve is likely going to monopolize flying.

"Thanks. Then I guess we'll be off." You say heading onto the jet. You toss your bag down and take a moment to secure Müller to the seat he's in at the back of the jet while Steve talks to the agents for a few minutes before following you into the aircraft.

"Make sure he's secure." Steve tosses at you as he passes.

"No shit Sherlock." You roll your eyes, getting into your seat up front next to him and strapping yourself in as he prepares to fly.

"If he wakes midair we don't wanna worry about him ambushing us."

"First of all what're the chances that guy would even be able to take us both? Secondly, I'm not an idiot, he's chained to that seat. Even if he wakes up he's not going anywhere." You scoff.

"To your question; better safe than sorry."

"Yeah whatever." You mutter.

"Not whatever, in fact, speaking of, you were extremely reckless last night." Steve says sternly.

"I was instinctive."

"Oh please. You rushed over there without a plan, ignored my instructions, and charged in carelessly. What if he was armed? Not to mention the fact that people noticed that something was going on. You could've gotten somebody hurt."

"First of all he was armed technically and as you can see, not a scratch on me so can it. You saw just as well as I did that he was packing his things Rogers, the man was about ready to flee and we could not lose him."

"We had a plan-"

"Plans change Rogers its not the end of the world."

"It is when you put people at risk dang it. If you had just followed-"

"If I didn't move when I did we could've missed our chance entirely. He wouldn't be here if I followed 'the plan' that didn't account for a frantic relocation of our target. I made sure the mission got done and the only person at risk was myself which would be the case regardless because that comes with the territory."

"You-"

"God are you two married or something?" Müller's voice shocks you even as you and Steve respond immediately.

"NO!" You shout together.

"You argue like a couple." Müller muses.

"You are so very wrong about that assumption." You scoff.

"Well I was only pointing out-"

"Don't. As a matter of fact if you speak again Müller you'll spend the remainder of this flight strapped to the outside of the jet like a cannoe."

"Can you even do that?"

"Do you really wanna find out?" You glare at him. That effectively shuts him up and cuts your argument with Steve short so the rest of your flight is flown in silence. When you land, it's you who unchains Müller from his seat and puts him cuffs to drag him out of the jet.

"Thank God that's over, the tension between you and the obstinate man was getting unbearable." Müller says.

"Whatever you were sensing was not tension. We barely get along." You roll your eyes.

"Does he know that?"

"Excuse me?"

"When you aren't paying attention he looks at you as if you're responsible for the stars in the sky."

"Those glasses of yours must be the wrong prescription." You scoff.

"You may think me many things but a fool should never be one. You might not agree but some things are easier to observe as an outsider."

"When it comes to people I'd take advice from a Nazi scientist is absolutely not on the list so please save it." You say.

"Y/n! We'll take him from here." An agent grabs your attention as you make it to the building. The walk from the helipad has never felt so long.

"Consider what I said." Müller says as he's dragged off.

"What he said?" Steve frowns from behind you.

"Just- mindless blathering." You grumble walking off to your room. You are not about to let some idiot you just met with no idea who you are get in your head about something he absolutely does not understand.

"Y/N! YOU'RE BACK!" Wanda bursts into your room just after you've closed he door.

"You are- always the first to find me." You chuckle as she throws her arms around you.

"I missed you so much! I almost called you like five times."

"Wanda I was only gone for like four days." You laugh.

"And the HBIC has returned." Natasha strolls in and sits on your bed.

"Hello to you too Nat." You chuckle.

"So? How was it?" Wanda asks.

"Well I didn't shove a dagger between his shoulderblades." You shrug and Natasha laughs.

"Oh come on, that can't be all you've got to say." Wanda scoffs.

"Honestly Wanda not stabbing him in the spine is a pretty raving review for a mission where I had to pretend to be his honeymooning wife."

"Did you even have to play the loving couple?" Natasha asks.

"Well when we got to the first place the woman checking us in was a lovely old Italian woman who was very interested in the fact that we were honeymooning so around her we did have to do the hand holding and dreamy sighing for her sake." You shrug.

"You made it back pretty quickly." Natasha points out.

"I'm efficient." You shrug.

"What does that mean?" Wanda asks.

"It means I tracked down Müller with the help of some gossiping women in town and good old fashion espionage then I made sure he didn't get away once we found him by apprehending him when I realized he was definitely about to vacate. Much to Steve's dismay apparently."

"His dismay?" Wanda frown.

"He lectured me twice because we had a plan and I had to make a change last minute when I saw the guy frantically packing his bags on our little surveillance bug."

"Wait so what was his problem?" Natasha frowned.

"We had a plan and I couldn't follow it. If I'd listened to him we totally would've lost Müller all together. He just hates when he's not the one calling the shots. It's like any decision I make that's not his idea is wrong. I know I said I don't hate him but man does he make it hard to believe that."

"The way you butt heads- I can't believe you made it home and in four days no less." Nat shakes her head.

"Like I said I'm efficient. And personal feelings will never stop me from completing a mission. You can say lots of things about me but you'd be lying if you said I don't do my job well." You shrug. A knock on your doorframe grabs your attention to find Steve standing in the still open doorway of your bedroom.

"Hi Nat, Wanda." He nods to them.

"Welcome back Steve!" Wanda waves.

"Hey Rogers." Natasha nods.

"Y/n, we need to talk." Steve says looking at you.

"If you're going to complain again about me not sticking to your plan save your breath. I have better things to do and if you have that much free time I suggest you follow my example and find a better way to spend it." You roll your eyes.

"It's not that."

"Then what do you want?"

"Alone, please." Steve glances at Natasha and Wanda who look at you.

"Go. I'll talk to you later girls." You tell them and they quickly slip out of your room. "Make it quick Rogers I just spent 4 days with you and I think that is plenty for us for a while."

"What Müller was saying-"

"On the jet? He's an idiot, who cares? As if anyone with sense would assume we're married the way we argue." You scoff.

"Not on the jet. After we landed. His, 'mindless blathering' as you put it."

"Are you expecting a play by play of that conversation because it was so inconsequential I've already forgotten most of it-"

"I heard him. My hearing is- better than average so, I know what he said."

"So did you just ask for funsies earlier?" You frown.

"Well no I just wondered what you'd say about it."

"He doesn't know either of us so I have nothing to say about it. The ramblings of some criminal are the last thing on my mind so if you've come here to tell me not to pay him attention I already wasn't-"

"You are so frustrating." Steve huffs out.

"Excuse me? What is your problem?!" You blink at him.

"My problem is you! You are my sole source of torment!"

"The fact that you are a boring bitch is not my fault! How am I the source of your torment you walking piece of styrofoam!?"

"Oh where do I begin with you?! Your smile makes my heart ache!"

"Yeah well you- wait, what?" Your eyes widen as you process his words, retort dying when you realize he didn't actually insult you.

"You walk into a room and it immediately lights up. Your laugh is better than symphonies. You are so effortlessly so amazing that you've enthralled me without trying. It's incredibly annoying." He rattles off.

"I- I'm really confused." You frown.

"Damn it y/n I'm in love with you!" He forces out. Plot twist. You totally did not see that coming.

"You're in love with me?"

"Somehow yes and everything you do makes it worse. It's infuriating to know my life is no longer mine and that is in in fact yours."

"This is the most paradoxical love confession I've ever gotten. Do you want, an apology or a date?" You ask.

"Wait- what?" Now it's his turn to give you a wide eyed stare.

"Well, you're in love with me but you seem to be very... inconvenienced by it so- should I be saying sorry or telling you to plan a date for Friday night?"

"Wait y-you'd go on a date with me?" His brow furrows.

"If you'd ask me on one."

"I thought you hated me?"

"You're critical of everything I do. So I intentionally get on your nerves. If I had known it was because you had a crush on me I might've been nicer to you. We aren't in kindergarten though Steve being mean to someone you like doesn't get you anywhere." You cross your arms.

"So- will you go on a date with me?"

"Yes I'll go on a date with you. Does Friday night work for you?"

"Friday's Perfect. I'll- let you know the details once I sort them out."

"Alright. I'm going to finish unpacking. I'll see you around." You smile.

"Kay." Steve's cheeks tinge slightly pink as he smiles at you in that shy 'you make me nervous way'.

"Anything else?" You ask when he doesn't move.

"Oh! N-no. I- I'm gonna go." He tells you.

"Okay. See ya." You chuckle as he scrambles out of your room. You can't believe you have a date with Steve Rogers. He may not be a complex man but he sure is a confusing one. To think all those times he was picking fights with you was because he had a crush- you almost hate the way it makes you giddy to think about it. But honestly who could stand a chance against a love confession like that? His life is yours?! You've never even heard him speak so dramatically before. When he came in here you said four days was more than enough time for you to spend to gehter and now well, let's just say you can't wait for Friday.

***

[stick-ball]

Hi! I'm about to end my whole career!

Here goes the Riko rant that dear @capcavan asked, demanded and begged for.

You know, I get it.

So here's the thing. I get it, Riko sucks. He is the bad guy we all got hung upon. Why? Because he is a rival for our protagonist. He is an angsty, young guy, born into wealth that came from money laundering and human trafficking. It's despicable, the Ravens are bullies and he himself makes lots of bad things happen. Yeah sure, I get that, whatever.

Being raised as a superstar must've been really, really difficult for you.

But I want to really dig deeper right now, this is a Riko rant after all, and you need to really know your fighters. So, to start: a huge trap in toxic families is that the children, even when grown up, will refuse to identify their parents and guardians as negative and toxic people. Not even outside influence can really sway them, usually. Kids that get away from a sinister situation can later tell they were abused, that it wasn't right, but still, they don't get the specifics of what and why, and they are doomed to repeat the same abuse and call it good. Call it right. And sometimes that's substance abuse, sometimes thats domestic abuse, sometimes that's racism and sexism and xenophobia they will grow into believing as the way the world works. Sometimes, thats nepotism and sadism. Only thing that can help is therapy and an environment removed from the control of the original abuse, lots of therapy, lots of space, years of it. A perfect case of a typical toxic family is Aaron.

A perfect case of that could also be Riko.

And here you can call bullshit because Neil had such a fucked up, abusive father and he *knew* it was wrong. Yes, he knew it was wrong for his father to hurt him to the measure he went. Why? Because his mother protected him, because his mother feared his father, not adored him. Because his mother took him away and kept running. A mother, a role model a child feels very strongly about, subconsciously.

Riko was taken from his mother. He was pushed aside by his father and left in the care of a family member, who was easy to glorify for an impressionable child. Because he was a legend. In fanon I often see Tetsuji's character taking a very background role in everything, and sure, he seems pretty background to Neil, because every bad guy seems background to Neil in comparison to his Father - besides Riko, who is the one dangling that threat in front of him. Tetsuji just wants his property back, Riko is playing with fire though. So yeah to us, reading the story, Tetsuji is a total asshole among many such men in the book.

But to Riko he must've meant almost everything for a long time. A crucial thing about Tetsuji is, he is a sadist. Oh sure, sorry, it's only called sadism when done against his team, right? Against Jean or Kevin or Neil? When it comes to Riko, who was in his care for all of his formative years, it was just strict childbearing right? He is a Moriyama after all, so he is evil from birth.

Yeah, I must've mixed something up about Riko being beaten to unconsciousness several times being mentioned in extra content. You think that was a one, two, third times the charm occurance?

Always a commodity, never a human being, not a single person in your family thinking you’re worth a damn off the court— yeah, sounds rough.

I always wondered how sarcastic Neil was saying this. I mean, he definitely meant to land a punch where it would hurt. And he actually knew Riko as a little kid, so he knew more than most.

Stockholm syndrome is very common among victims of childhood abuse. I would know, anyway. It's like the most logical option - the survivior is living in a dual reality. These people are my family, the care for me. They provide for me. They want me to be the best. They also abuse me. They hurt me, but it's for the best. Hurting me is a expression of love. I am grateful to them.

I often wonder how many people who read the books know what a commodity is. A commodity, in the most basic terms, is a basic good that can be used in ccommerce to interchange with goods of the same type. A commodity is not a king, or a queen, or a bishop or a knight, or even a rook. It's a fucking pawn. It's cannon fodder.

Riko is worthless to his family. Riko is just a tool to Tetsuji to generate profit. Riko wants to be worthy to his family. Riko most likely loves his uncle and is ready to do the most insane thing if only it gives him the one thing he desires, which is being seen as worthy by his family.

Kevin and I talk about your intricate and endless daddy issues all the time.

Then there's grooming. Grooming is more obvious when it's done by a stranger who sees the child randomly or in some intervals of time. It's much harder to resist when it's constant. To Riko, Tetsuji is a good person, he is a hero, he is his family, he cares for him, they have a common goal. Riko wants to be what Tetsuji wants him to be. There is a price to pay for it, of course. There is a price for everything. But the price doesn't matter. Riko wants to pay the price he has to pay, to be what Tetsuji wants him to be.

And the thing is, do you think Riko learned how to use his money and crime connections to control others? How to gain power through fear and pain? You think spending his whole life locked in a fucking stadium he taught it to himself how to break people in body and spirit? That torturing them was his special interest? Or maybe are you forgetting that amongst valid responces to trauma, besides fight, flight and freeze there is also fawn? Don't you think it's much more likely, being groomed and enamoured with his captor (bcs thats what Tetsuji is to me, their captor) he impersonated him to the best of his ability? That he learned every leaf in the book from him, because he was his only connection to the family, to his father, to his brother. He was a legend, the creator of exy. Wasn't he always trying to be worthy of him? To be good enough to be loved and wanted? To be great full enough?

I am not saying this absolves him of any of the things he did, but people do insane things under lesser influence, things they would never do otherwise. And I am not talking of people groomed from early childhood, I'm talking of sane adults, being dragged into dangerous and destructive ideologies.

I know it’s not entirely your fault that you are mentally unbalanced and infected with these delusions of grandeur, and I know you’re physically incapable of holding a decent conversation with anyone like every other normal human being can, but I don’t think any of us should have to put up with this much of your bullshit.

Because it isn't, is it? The things HE does ARE his fault, definately. But the reason why? That is not that easy to pinpoint. And Riko is so unstable it hurts. He is so far removed from real life he is completely incapable of conversation. He is a child brought up in a grave, but...

Pity only gets you so many concessions, and you used yours up about six insults ago.

To me Riko is besides all other things, wasted potential. All the things he dreamed of? He could have had them. He was talented, he was determined and had a lot of courage, but all of that was utterly wasted in the violence and malice he was soaked in. In all the violence and malice he created in return.

So please, please, just shut the fuck up and leave us alone.

The most interesting thing about All for the game though is, that in every other book Riko dying would've been the big bad wolf being defeated. But here, that's just a bleep on the radar. Because Riko was a product, not the producer. What I love about All for the game is it shows none of the madness and evil in life started or ended with me or you, with Riko or Neil. Not even with Keylight or Tetsuji. Fuck it did not even end with Nathan dying. It all ends how it begun. With a deal with the devil made in the back of a car, bought with blood money.

[kariachi]

Two things in the brain right now, one of which is getting a consolidary post, congratulations.

Argit shoulda joined the fucking team.

'But Achi it's Argit' I hear you say. 'Achi what the fuck' I hear you say. 'But Achi why' I hear you say. My loves, trust me.

To start with, we should have gotten him instead of Kevin in UAF.

I know! I know! I haven't gone two days without a Kevin thought for sixteen years, six months, and nine days exactly, I love him too, put down the pitchforks!

Alien Force would have had an actual blatant alien in the main cast rather than us occasionally being reminded that the trio were supposed to be some. We could have leaned into the fact aliens are living on Earth prior to OV, would have damn near been forced to.

You know how much people whine about Kevin's sudden redemption? No longer an issue! New character, new start, and we don't even actually lose Kevin for it! He's Argit's friend and partner in crime, instead of having 'oh Kevin isn't murderous and is actually quick friends with the people he tried to kill who are mostly good with him' we get a more organic 'getting to see how Kevin has grown and improved over the years through his relationship with Argit while the Tennysons have mixed feelings because of the history'!

Or the rushing of Gwevin! By making Kevin a side character rather than a main and altering his relationship to the team you add space that would let the pairing develop more organically! And you know if they were gonna set Gwen up with somebody it would end up Kevin, sure as shit it wouldn't be Argit.

It also makes for a completely different team dynamic, especially since there wouldn't be that baggage hovering over everything. Fuck, let Gwen have the vitriolic bestie she deserves! Let us see some of how the past still affects Ben with him wanting to be friends with Kevin again and Argit helping bridge the gap and complicated feelings their history has caused. Let Gwen get to show off her martial arts, combine it with her powers and magic, since Argit sure as shit isn't gonna be filling Kev's brawler role.

I am still fucking bitter that Gwen's martial arts got left to the side in favor of fucking 'women are ranged fighters' brand crap.

Sure we couldn't have Argit as he started out in canon, but lean more into how he is in the Rooters Arc, how he seems to have been as a kid, and it's totally doable!

Or, if you don't want to lose the old trio, just as firmly Argit should have joined the team in OV.

I know! I know! I will lock those pitchforks in a vault, don't start with me! Hear your bitch out!

I know that OV was going for a Buddy Cop vibe, but the show lost a bit of something with it. Love Rook, ya know I do, but the central team for every other series in the franchise is based around trios. Ben, Gwen, and Max. Ben, Gwen, and Kevin. Fuck, we get introduced to Manny and Helen- the only good guys introduced as a duo if I remember rightly- as a broken trio. Add on that the buddy cop thing is tied to the copaganda OV is rampant with, and going back to the tried and true trio makes sense. Bring balance back to the force.

And who better to put in the trio but Argit? It gives room to foreshadow the Rooters arc, especially with the existence of Argit 10 which would take on a whole new edge. Rook can be made as good a foil for him as for Ben- both alien immigrants in the same age range living on Earth, but with wildly different viewpoints, backgrounds, and morals. You don't even have to do some sudden change in Argit, just have him keep getting roped into shit, or maybe Kevin asked him to keep an eye on things to pay back a favor. It would probably be best if he wasn't always involved, since it would be a big shift from what came prior and would need to be worked in and up to, but that would just open the gate for more episode that deal with each chunk of the team.

We only get the one episode of UAF that has Ben and Gwen working on their own, this way you could do more of similar with various combinations of Ben, Argit, and Rook. Heck, could throw in more episodes focusing on Rook or Argit on their own with just background Ben. It would allow for more storyline variety, more character exploration, more dynamics exploration.

If there is anything canon was sorely, desperately, missing it was Rook getting help from Argit with settling into life on Earth, I'm sorry but it's true.

Heck, Rook's unmet expectations for Ben could be a stronger plotpoint if we're sitting him beside Argit 'you never try to change a partner' Levin. Play with shit like that, places where Argit is right, given him some spots of moral high ground. Play off the 'farmboy who went from home to Academy to Earth' against the 'mess who's first seen in the Null Void then travels the galaxy before coming to Earth'.

There is every reason for Kevin and Argit to be so much more worldly and knowledgeable than Ben, Gwen, and Rook and that should be taken advantage of more. But putting Argit in in OV we get an opening.

As I put it in an old post- "-the Sliding Scale of Alien Knowledge- from Argit’s 'I am an alien and I’ve been living among a wide variety species if not my whole life than for over half a decade’ to Ben’s 'I have canonically about three/four years experience becoming and fighting a wide variety of species’ to Rook’s 'I am an alien and have been living among a wide variety of alien species for maybe a year, probably a matter of months’."

And that's before we get into the sudden opening to learn more Argit backstory, which would more than likely give us more to work with for Kevin as well (we already get two episodes hitting on Kevin's backstory, with Argit there to work with we would get more and odds are Kevin would be in at least one).

Look, just, this post. Trust me.

And the fucking Rooters Arc, again we could have gotten more foreshadowing! Could have already been asking questions and then that shit gets dropped on us! It wouldn't have felt as out of nowhere! Sure the change wouldn't fix the problems with it, but it could have helped!

And we could have kept the fucking improvement in his character we saw leading up to that point- rather than seeing him go from a six to a four then suddenly swing to an eight on the evil scale there towards the end- since he would be a part of the main cast by then!

Character development! Character exploration! Worldbuilding! Dynamic interactions! More balanced character work and growth! There is so much to gain from this simple concept of dropping Argit in with the heroes and letting him stumble grumbling and just a little panicked into the role of a mild antihero.

And most important, most necessary thing ever- it would go a long way towards explaining how 'Uncle Argit' became a thing and how he ended up being the only relative we see Kenny hug.

[redrydersrequiem]

Reunited ch 5

*had to sit in a room all morning and just twiddle my thumbs so got some writing down. So here we are chapter 5 again im a baby writer none of this is profed i just write and post. Everyone be kind. In my fic neytiri and jake actually took care of spider, like reader asked them to and the colored text is them speaking in Navi.

Previous chapter. Next chapter

Y/n pov

My mind is slightly eased after speaking with Norm. While he didn’t promise anything he also didn’t flat out refuse us, even so miles has continued to fine tune his own escape plan for us just in case Jake refuses to help. Right now however the biggest hurdle in his plan is Spider. Making sure we can fully take care of him, which evolves a mask that couldn't be tracked and a reliable source of oxygen for him. But after looking into some of the tech the new rda developers have been messing with I found a new type of mask for spider. It was more portable and no longer required to be charged; it would create its own oxygen so I keep my eye out and wait to swipe one when the time comes.While we all continue to follow any leads on finding Jake none of us are truly hunting him just doing the bare minimum to look as though we are all still loyal. It's not till a week later that something big happens. Ardmore has one of her goons call on us to meet Ardmore on the bridge.

Miles pov

I walk into the bride wainfleet and z-dog behind me. Y/n wanted to come but i wanted to keep her as far away from the general as i possibly could.

You called for us general”

“Ah yes colonel follow me, she leads us over to the hollow map now showing a large area of water instead of its usual mountain and tree landscapes.

We believe we’ve found a lead on sully's wearabouts

Really

Yes Mathewson pull up the data

Yes general

The map moves going back to the tree line just outside the rdas search circle. A red dot now displayed

We’ve been sweeping for old equipment from the war making sure everything was together and accounted for. In doing so we came across and active signal from an old fighter helios, it entered the edge of the tree line here and went west, until disappearing somewhere in this small grouping of islands

Thank you Mathewson. Colonel your team will leave at the end of the week, to start searching every one of these islands until Jake sully is found.

Of course General we'd be more than happy to.

Good answer: you'll be meeting up with a vessel we have out there already and they will assist you in your mission. Now go get me some results colonel

Yes ma’am”

Y/n pov

“So what did the wicked witch want?” I ask miles as he Lyle and z come back from their meeting with Ardmore

“There's been a signal from some old pre war equipment, its flown out towards the ocean region, ardmore wants us to follow up on it. She has reason to believe it sully or at least some of his followers.

“Well if it is Jake what are we going to do?

“I dont know darlin, try and contact norm again see whats taking them so damn long and if they dont answer well have to go with plan b.

“Ok ill go out today, and try again. “

“Good take Mansks and prager with you, but yall be quick about you hear i don't need this woman trying to find something to bitch at us about. Espesiclly when she holds your life in her hands ok love.”

“I will love take care of spider for me tonight.”

“I will darlin”

“Yeah no need to worry y/n hell be with his favorite uncle.

“Who says you're the favorite I hear Lopez call out as he approaches us.

“I say i'm the favorite and since i have seniority you can suck it lopez”

The two start going at it like toddlers me, miles and Z all just watching them.

“Don’t worry y/n me and Quartich will actually take care of shit.”

“Thanks z, ok boys let's go. “

We successfully made it to the clearing, ringing the com link non stop, when it was finally answered i could hear an odd sound in the background. It almost sounded like water or something, just reconfirming that whoever it is that answered was probably near the ocean

“Hello?”

“Jake?”

“Y/N?”

“Wow Jake, is it really you?

“Yeah dove it's me.”

“Ha dove I haven’t heard that call sign in years… oh jake i can’t even tell you how happy i am to hear your voice.”

“And I you y/n, now let me ask what's going on.”

“Have you spoken to Norm?”

“Yes I have, I was actually trying to get back to you but some stuff has happened with my family and I got side tracked.”

“Oh Jake, I'm sorry, I'm sorry for everything but I have to ask for my family and for yours.”

“What is it y/n”

“Jake shits is about to hit the fan here, Ardmore is determined to bring you in and make an example out of you. In her eyes, if she gets rid of you and your family then the RDA no longer has any issues with taking over Pandora like they plan.”

“And”

“And I'm guessing by the sounds of the ocean behind you that she's found where you’ve gone.”

“How”

“They got a signal from some old equipment that disappeared in a grouping of islands. They don't know which island so she wants to send us out to search, and if we don't do what they say they will get rid of us jake.”

I hear jake get further away from the com probably pacing, As i hear muffled cuss words

“Jake she wants to send us after you, but we're stuck if we don't do what they want they will get rid of us. We need to work together and come up with some way to delay Ardmore and get us out, so we can help you.

“Y/n its not going to be that easy.

“Well then tell me what we need to do to make it easy jake cause the rda isn't going to go away again without fully crippling what they’ve got going here. And no offenses but we’ve all been gone for 15 years the rda has stepped its game up. You’ll need our help”

Jake is silent again before letting out a long sigh. “I'll have to talk to some people, Dove. They’ll be the ones that will have to decide if we can do anything”

“Ok jake, we’ll continue to lay our part here but we're running out of time

“I understand here in the meantime is spider still with you. “

“Of course he is jake you should see him interact with everyone and”

“I can only imagine y/n but since he's still with you i'll send out a message to the clan to keep an eye out for him. Ok if they see a human kid with a bunch of Navi in army garb they’ll know who you all are. I'll tell them not to put up a fight that you aren't there to hurt them but you have to act until we are ready to strike. You just can’t hurt anyone

“We wont jake i'll personally make sure of it.

“Good till then keep in touch with me and ill try and come up with a plan to get yall off the radar. If your her only hunting party then getting rid of you will delay them till we can strike”

“Good point.” Mansks says next to me “if we somehow all died or got lost the rda wouldn’t be able to send someone after us right away without occurring more losses.”

“Yeah that would definitely upset the people over the general but it would also piss her off.” Prager chimes in

‘But y/n.”

“Yeah.”

“Be honest with me, I know you will.”

“Ok i promise.”

“Is he the same?”

“No Jake, none of us are the same. They’ve all changed and as the days move they grow more and more used to pandora and want to be a part of it. We’re different Jake, they could be different just like you where they’re on that cusp of not being human anymore but not fully being Navi. We just need help, so I ask you again as your friend. Please help me protect my family.”

“You always saw the best in me y/n, so I'll try and do the same with them. We'll have to meet somewhere neutral though, I'm not going to go through all this for quartich to betray me and hurt my family.”

“I completely understand Jake.”

“Ill be in touch dove, ill get and answer to you by tomrrow at the latest ok i have to talk to some people first so we can start making preparations. Keep this. Link open and let me or norm know if anything happens ok

“Ok jake i will

“Goodbye y/n and may eywa be with you.

“You as well jake. “

The call ends and i stare at the ground thoughts running through my head

I know in my heart that everyone’s changed and I know Jake would also help us, it's everyone else I worry about. While I don't want my family torn apart and used, I also don't want the people and the clans of Pandora to be hurt in the process either.

Jakes pov

“You did what now

“Im sorry tonowari but we have to help them”

“And why should we help these demons?”

“Ronal please”

“They’re are agitated and i can understand”

“Im sorry ok, i'm sorry that i brought this battle here when i told you i was done with war but its not going to go away. Look what's happening the rda hut tulkun, just as you’ve told me, they will not stop until they strip this planet of everything they want and then leave it in the dust to rot.

“If we help y/n and her team they can help us permanently alter the rda, possibly crippling them. We could cut this off at the source once again they have insisted that I don't have any longer.”

“What is it you expect from us jake sully”

“I expect nothing. I ask desperately for help to integrate and teach the sky people new ways, show them that our way of life is fully worth fighting for and then let them help us protect it.” Ronal and tonowari are silent. Exchanging looks with one another. Until Tonowari straightens up once more

“We will help you toruk makto, but know this will all fall on you and your family if it goes wrong.”

“I understand that and I will not endanger these people I refuse. We will set them up somewhere outside of the village until they are accepted and then we can go from there. Does that sound alright?

“Yes, on the grounds that I and my mate meet them as well since it is our clan they must conform to.”

“Of course.”

“Good then see to it Jake sully and keep us updated.”

“I will thank you tonowari, thank you.”

It takes until the end of the week to set up a meeting, being in constant interaction with jake we learn that we need to first meet with the clans leader tonowari since they are the ones that must teach, home and aid us

We take the ikran out and stop in our clearing to dump everything with a semblance of a tracker and leave it there. Spider rides with me today instead of miles. I like holding him close, it makes me breathe easier and Miles wants to make sure we're protected. We told the general we would take a quick trip to gather some more supplies for us since we found the food of pandora worked better for our growing Navi bodies than human food did. It takes a couple hours to get away from the base and towards the designated meeting spot it's an area just breaking into the ocean filled with overgrown roots of trees and moss. We land in a forested jungle esc area. A small stream and pond stints on a cliff face if you follow the stream and go further out into the trees you’ll come across the ocean. It’s truly beautiful though. Spider and I were so excited honestly to see the ocean and its beautiful turquoise blue water. I wish there was a beach to plan on and not just tree roots but hopefully spider will have the opportunity to have an actual beach day sometime in the future, all the ikrans are chirping with glee as we let them rest and drink some water. Everyone else though, were very rigged, ears pinned back and twitching at every sound. Hands twitching towards their weapons but making an effort not to grab them, tails swishing steadily back and forth. All on high alert, because even though we're here to make allies, training can not be easily forgotten.

“Ok darlin you ready” miles asks coming over to me and spider. I try and put a brave face on but my insides are twisted. Im affraid. If this doesn’t go well then well be essentially on the run from the rda and well be all by ourselves. I mean i have faith in my team but we can’t do it all alone and… i brought out of my thoughts by miles pulling me into his chest whispering to breath in my ear.

A few deep breaths and i shake my head he loosens his hold and looks at me

“Are you ready my love”

“It’s just sully i can handle him “

“Miles you I both know it's bigger than that. “ Hes silent

“Miles just promise be to try ok, we all need to reconcile and move forward before none of us can”

“Your right darlin your right”

“COLONEL”. Lyle yells out getting all of our attention. He's looking at the sky. Seeing a group of other ikran flying towards us. Everyone gets in formation, grouping into a somewhat defensive stance but still trying to look open since they all know what's at stake here.

Six people land and depart. Three of them are darker blue like us but there are two others. They look different from the Navi I'm used to, they're a lighter more turquoise blue, they have bigger arms and tails. They also wear shells and netting rather than the braided garments of the forest people.

As they get closer the dark blue male leads, his dreaded hair hangs behind him as he walks with purpose towards us.

Jake?” I ask the male as he comes to a stop a quarter of the way from us.

“Jake, neytiri i hear spider shout out as he goes bounding over to the group.

“Spider!” i hear miles call out to the teen who stops before completely running over to them

“It’s ok,” Jake calls out. Gesturing a hello to Spider. The atmosphere is definetly tense on all sides so i decide to try and break it

“It’s good to see you again jake and you neytiri

Jake smiles and neytiri finally comes out from behind him, no longer able to contain her happiness at seeing the person she used to know in a body gifted by eywa. I meet her half way between the two groups as she holds me at arm's length, looking me up and down. Before gently smiling.

“I see you my friend”

“I see you neytiri” She smiles and hugs me, I feel miles and the other scoot up slightly, miles in spider coming up behind me as Jake and Norm follow behind neytiri

“Tiri, can I cut in” Jake asks coming to stand beside her before also, quickly, hugging me and looking me over as well

“Wow dove, it's actually you, I honestly say I never thought I’d see you again, any of you” Jake says stepping back towards me as he eyes the man behind me

“Quartich”

“Sully, mrs. Sully”.

Tiri softly hisses at miles anger evident on her face, but she says nothing, she's not the only one though, i can tell miles is nervous even though he's trying real hard not to show it.

“Care to get this thing started sully we can’t be here all day.

“Right grab Wainfleet and come meet your new allies.” Miles Lyle and i walk with jake and neytiri over to the unknown Navi

“Ill translate for you jake tells us quickly

“We know how to talk sully miles replies snippaly to jake with wainfleet smirking next to him

“Miles please just relax, go ahead jake.

All right, then Tonowari, Ronal. This is y/n l/n, miles Quaritch and Lyle Wainfleet. They are the heads of their clan with Quartich being their olo’eyktan

“Guys this is the metkayina clans olo’eyktan tonowari and his mate and tsahik of his clan Ronal. They’ve been helping my family and i and have agreed to help you all as well”

Tonowari and Ronal i see you: doing the gesture much to their surprise “And i thank you for helping in our time of need”

Tonowari and Ronal look at each other having a silent conversation before returning my greeting, Miles does a simple nod/bow to show respect which Tonowari reciprocates.

“Jake sully has told us of your life’s, and i refuse to bring trouble to my clan without just cause. In fact we were prepared to refuse jake sully until eywa sent us a sign.”

“She sent me a vision”, Ronal starts “she told me to help you, and i will not refuse Eywas word not matter how much i disagree with so you sky demons will be helped”

“Um thank you”. I say nudging miles beside me to say something

“Yes thank you chief we just ask for somewhere to lay low. Miles spits out

“We just got our family back and we would like to protect it sir. Lyle adds to miles speech

Understandable, as ive said once we get you away from the sky people we will start teaching you the ways of water till you become a part of the clan.

Thank you thank you we will work hard i promise we are all very capable and will earn our place i swear.

“Very well, jake sully?”

“Oh yeah ok well first things first before all of that we have to figure out how to get you away from the rda

I've actually had an idea about that, Lyle states quickly.

Y/n pov

For the next hour we dish out a plan, our team would follow our orders and start searching the islands and the villages, once we get to the preordained village, the ocean clans would unite and apprehend the sky people that have been scouring the ocean nearby. They would capture all of us and fake kill/capture us in their attempts to rescue the toruk makto adopted human son. Hopefully there would be no casualties but the human soldiers that Ardmore sends to monitor us will probably put up a fight. Hopefully we can talk them into staying on the boat. Either way it was surprising how well all the boys got along. Working well to hash out this plan to where everyone was taken care off. It brought a smile to my face till i saw neytiri side eyeing miles, she was till stiff as a board so i decided to try and talk to her.

“Hey tiri can i speak with you for a moment?”.. she agrees and walks over with me to sit on some tree roots near by

“How are you Tiri?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean your stiff as a board and i know your not exactly thrilled with Miles”

“That de… Quartich has done much to me and my family, and i hold much anger toward him, but eywa has spoken and i am trying to listen to her.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t be angry with him, neytiri. You know i don't think I ever got to apologize to you.

“For what?”

“For everything for not doing more to stop the attack on hometree, even though I didn’t know they were doing that. Or for stopping miles and the other from joining the war for everything the humans have done to you I apologize.”

Tiri hugs me, both us having tears in our eyes

“I do not blame you y/n for i must also apologize, for taking your mate away from you”

“No tiri neither of us blame you in fact we don't even really remember it. What matters now is that we're here together in these bodies and are able to do better this time”

“Yes.”

“I must also thank you and Jake for what you’ve done with Spider. You out of everyone had every right to never even acknowledge Spider but he tells me he's close with all your kids and that you helped him so much growing up.

“Yes i must admit at first i was apprehensive but as he learned more about pandora the more i saw you in him, i knew you would want him to live a life not in a lab”

“You are correct. I wanted him to be able to experience the things around him so again from mother to mother I thank you neytiri.”

“Of course y/n of course”

Miles pov

“Ok that should be good for now, it’s getting late and your team will need to start heading back Quartich.” Jake says quickly motioning to how dark the sky has started to get the sun beginning to set in the sky

“Agreed, ok y’all pack it up.” I yell to my team all swiftly moving into action

“Sully i would like a word, privately” i say looking over at spellman as he quickly lifted his head from talking to Tonowari as soon as he heard me speak

“Fine, I have something to say to you as well”

Jakes pov

Quartich and i walk over away from everyone else

“Ok sully get this out of the way yeah”. Quartich says bracing himself like i'm going to slug him in the face. Part of me wants to but the more mature part has realized I had wronged this man as much as he had me.

“Im sorry colonel”

“Wait What!”

“Yeah, I'm sorry……. I've had a lot to think about colonel, and ive realized, you guys took me in when i got to pandora, despite my disability you all treated me like a normal soldier. Made me part of your team despite me being assigned to grace, didn’t let me feel like I was just some experiment, and what did i do, I betrayed you all. I immediately made you the enemy when in reality it was the rda that where the enemy we were all just caught in their net, just like now. Which is why I apologize for that but you have to see now why I did what I did don't you?

“I do sully i do, he turns to look at spider and y/n quickly.

“I forgot when i was human that i made a promise to myself that they would come before everything else. I wanted a good home for my family and thought the only way to get it was to follow orders.

“I understand that, which is why i propose a new start”

“What do you have in mind?”

“I say we let the past stay in the past. No longer opposite sides of the board but comrades in arms once again. That we help one another to realize our dreams for our families. What do you say?” I ask holding my hand out to shake and sign the pact.Quartich looks at my hand for a moment for grasping my arm and shaking it a nod in my direction

“Agreed sully, let's take these bastards out, but first lets get us away from them deal

“Yes sir.”’ I say a slight grin in my tone.

“Dad, we're ready!” I hear spider yell out, quickly turning Quaritch's head. We both look over to the boy with a goofy smile pressed on his face.

Hey thanks for taking care of my boy, jake

“Of course, colonel, I promised y/n I would..

“Yeah now let's get the job done.”

Tag list

@dyingofcookies @ratchetprime211 @myh3artttt @ducks118 @navs-bhat

[fandomwrightingontheside]

Quan Chi x Reader Part 1

Authors Note: This is set in a timeline similar to MK X but is divergent from Cannon, and I love to headcanon that there is more than one Kahn on Outworld instead of a monarchy (I just want an excuse to write both of the Kahn's fighting) More under the cut

:readmore:

You had always been a person with a soft heart for romance. Yet you're a champion for Earthrealm who trains daily with Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Fujin, and Raiden. You feel as if you'll never really have time for romantic relations with how hard you work yourself to be perfect. You know you train to protect Earthrealm and all of its inhabitants with these men along with the other champions but you feel like you train and fight to just impress the gods. You feel almost helpless and unfulfilled. But you keep training and training hoping to hide your loneliness deep down hoping it will just shrivel up and die. You don't want to worry anyone with your issues, yet you know Raiden and Fujin know you better than you'd like to admit.

While you trained with Liu and Kung Lao, Raiden and Fujin came to you three. Looks of concern grace the gods' faces. You can't help but be concerned with how tense they both seem. You give them a glance of knowing before you turn back to the two champions seeing that their attention is on the gods as well.

"Is everything alright Raiden?" It slips out past your lips before you even think.

"I'm not sure actually." He seems contemplative.

"A meeting has come to light. With all the current champions it seems to be a pressing matter." Fujin chimes in, now trying to calm his brother's anxious energy.

You nod and immediately inform the monks beside you. Raiden and Fujin transport the five of you into the temple that sits atop Wu Shi Academy.

As usual, the other champions sit at a table awaiting the arrival of all five of you. They had known beforehand what was going on, leaving the five of you blindly walking in, only to be met with a face full of secrets. As soon as they spot all of you they shift uncomfortably waiting on the gods to explain the news.

"Thank you for coming to this sudden meeting." Raiden stands in the middle of everyone while Fujin is now right next to the monks with you and across from where Scorpion sits.

"Let us begin with the reason as to why we called you all here." A dramatic pause comes before Raiden explains further an anxious air permeates the room.

"So there seems to be a growing threat, both enemies and allies in Outworld are going missing, I am sending several of you out there to aid Kotal Kahn in finding out what's going on. It appears to be a big job so several of you are needed."

"Who is it you are sending Raiden?" Johnny looks around, noticing you and the monks aren't being moved an inch. He is highly perceptive.

"I Am sending Cassandra and her team along with (y/n) to do this. (y/n) has experience with talking with Kotal and D'vhora. They are able to get past his cautious wall especially since Mileena is still imprisoned. (y/n) has more experience travelling Outworld." Raiden speaks sternly, yet with an apologetic lilt.

You tense at the mention of her name. Your jaw sets. If Raiden can sense your displeasure he doesn't say a thing. He continues on speaking of the disappearance of people of importance.

"Alright, Raiden you can count on us," Cassie says as she stands along with her team. You let out a quiet sigh and stand to help. You walk along with them quietly listening. You want to desperately stop and tell the monks goodbye but you think it wouldn't be right considering the situation you'll have to be leaving for.

On your way out, the gods' gazes seem to be solely focused on you and not your teammates. You know that look, it's one painted in worry, guilt, and trust. You know both gods worry, you're not as strong a fighter as the likes of Liu or Kung Lao. You know they fear you being overpowered and hurt if not killed. You know Fujin worries most seeing you like his own flesh and blood, he found you wandering into his and Raiden's temple as a child; cold, wet, pale, sickly thin, and weak. They took you in and trained you to fight and train once you were healthy enough, yet you know they still see you as that sickly drowned rat of an abandoned child.

You were incredibly thankful to Fujin and Raiden for all their love and nurturing. They raised and treated you like their own kin despite both being gods. Your relationship with Fujin was not far different from a father, though you never knew how you were abandoned; more than likely repressed traumatic childhood trauma. You decide not to dwell on it and fall into that rabbit hole and walk next to Cassie as you send Raiden and Fujin a gentle smile. They immediately notice and understand.

The team's mood and drive had been instantly rejuvenated. Once you board a jet that was provided by Kung Jin and Takeda, it didn't take long for everyone to relax and become more lively.

"Good to see you again (y/n), it's been a long time," Jacqui smiles as she shakes your hand.

"Yes, it really has!" you return the smile easily. She and the rest of the team are like little siblings to you, you helped train them. You feel a sense of pride at the sight of them achieving their positions in the special forces.

"I can't say I know as much as you do about Outworld's culture or land but I'm excited to learn, the training will surely be new to all of us," Takeda says while pushing Kung Jin's shoulder in a way to tease him. You can't help but giggle softly knowing that Kung Jin enjoyed learning about Outworld and its cultures like you if not more. He's so similar yet so different from his cousin Kung Lao. The smile comes easily from the fond memory of sparing with the champion monk and also helping Kung Jin himself with techniques you've learned in life and through experience.

"Do we know if Kotal knows we're coming?" You ask a hilt of hesitation in your voice as your smile falters off a moment. You dread another issue like recovering Shinnok's amulet. Though you are grateful the war had brought you close to the team and a very close and intimate friendship.

"Well, he's the one that requested you by name, Raiden and Fujin already conversed with Kotal about sending you and the rest of us," Cassie smiles hoping to ease your worry.

"Mmh," you hum as you look at the screen in front of Jacqui not understanding any of the fast-moving coordinates or charts and graphs. It's beyond your knowledge, you prefer actual maps that you can read compared to this, but you feel a swell of pride knowing that these kids are strong and can understand these things.

Eventually, the jet lands as the five of you exit it and head towards the portal to Outworld. As usual, a cool chill courses through you once you step into the magic vortex and have that blinding flash of blue surround your vision. Once walking through the other side your head instantly swims from a shortness of air caused by the disorientation, you always get sick from those damn portals. You feel Cassie rub soothing circles on your back while the others wait for you to be back in one piece. They had seen you try to move before getting over this bout of sickness, you have violently thrown up and fainted. They figured it would be best to prevent such issues again. Eventually, you feel the world right itself as you straighten.

"Sorry, guys." You shake your head lightly and turn around, your voice strained, trying to make light conversation, "Could be worse, I could have vomited...or fainted," you joke as you stand upright again, seeing Erron Black standing there waiting impatiently. He shakes his head before greeting all of you like he normally does.

"'Bout time, the boss is waiting," he tips his hat as he turns to walk away with his quick pace, the bullets on his clink together with each step. You walk behind him giving the cowboy space in case he stops suddenly. Your senses tell you something isn't right though and the feeling makes your skin crawl with anxiety and nausea. You begin looking around seeing how desolate the area seemed, the mood quickly dampening the liveliness of before.

"Erron, why are the streets so empty?" You ask your voice sounding quiet as if it would echo loudly in the empty shop-filled streets.

"Hell, if I know sweetheart, it's been that way ever since the disappearances. Osh-Tekk guard is even missing now..." The sound of his boots hitting the stones on the pathway and the swaying of his bullets filling in the empty spaces of silence, the lack of his usual humour let you hear his own discomfort being out here. You make a small gesture for the team to stay closer, if Erron is concerned then you should all be concerned. This man held his cards close so if he's willing to show this one something is clearly wrong here. Erron doesn't protest your order, as much as it would tickle him to shoot any one of you Earthrealmers, he's a lot smarter than to piss off the boss... or make too much noise right now, who knows who could be watching all of you waiting to attack.

As he leads all of you to the palace and into Kotal's throne room, the blue Osh-Tekk, Ermac, D'vhora, and Reptile all await your arrival with Erron and the team, hesitant looks mixed with anxiety cover their faces. Kotal stands tall as all of you enter, you bow giving Kotal your respect for allowing all of you in here as Erron stands next to Ermac keeping an eye on you. They all have an air of stress and exhaustion wafting from them. Kotal offers a strained smile trying to be polite despite the tense situation. He also washes the exhaustion away with the small look he gives you.

"Thank you all for making your arrival. We hope this won't take too long, especially considering how long we have been dealing with these disappearances," Kotal speaks with caution, his eyes moving to glance at your comrades not entirely sure who is in charge and who isn't. You stand beside Cassie and gesture politely to her, giving her an opportunity to speak. You didn't like the idea of Kung speaking out of line again.

Cassie glances your way before nodding her head to herself and then speaking up, "I apologize for not arriving sooner, you know (y/n) gets ill from going through the portals. What kind of information do you know so far?" she says smoothly as she shifts slightly feeling all their eyes on her, studying her. She doesn't flinch when you send her a look for passing the blame onto you for being late. You can hear Erron make a small noise before clearing his throat trying to be professional. Kotal looks between the two of you nodding his head as D' Vorah speaks up, "This One does not have much information. We only know that when someone is taken there isn't anything left but a pile of soot."

"Soot? Like from a fire? Or the soot that's left from a temporary portal?" You ask feeling as if this situation is getting more complex, the hairs on the back of your neck prickle feeling as though eyes burn through you. Everyone grows quiet thinking, Kotal watching the nervous air of the room settle further into the room, into your bones and your brain. It's an unpleasant thought.

"We do not know, Ermac cannot tell yet." She replies as she allows a grub to crawl on her hand patting it soothingly to ease her own anxiety.

"I see...Do you happen to have any samples of this soot?" You ask your eyes moving towards Ermac his shoulders become rigid as your gaze meets his, as if waiting for Kotal to allow the spirits to speak. Kotal simply waves his hand as if to tell Ermac to speak freely to you.

"We have collected samples for all of the known sights of these disappearances, the tests have the same results each time."

"What do you mean? What are the results?" You ask feeling how tense things seemed to feel as if inches from a boiling point. Everyone here seemed to feel that.

"It's as if a mixture of both temporary portal soot and soot from fire." They answer as if ashamed his ten thousand souls are unable to figure out where it's coming from and where these people are going. You feel your stomach drop and your heart stops for a moment.

"Both? That, that can't be. Both Shinnok and Quan Chi are dead, no one should be living in the Neatherrealm, especially after all the revenants were restored..." Your voice quivers feeling fear run through your body like icy water, making goosebumps break out.

"(y/n)..." a comforting hand gently is placed onto your shoulder. You glance up feeling eyes land on you, noticing now you had almost forgotten anyone else was there as you felt like the world had completely tilted. Kotal's brows furrowed in confusion as Cassie seemed to see you spiralling into horrid flashbacks, of being Shinnok's personal revenant, forced to fight for him, you would have almost killed Sonya if Jax hadn't knocked you out, allowing Raiden to restore you. As for Kotal he simply watched you shake trying to get out of this spiral. Rain had killed you and Shinnok found your corpse before making you a revenant, planning to use you against Raiden when Quan Chi was killed by Scorpion.

"I...I'm okay," You take a deep breath as you begin to regulate your breathing. The nightmare-inducing memories fall back as they come forward when you close your eyes.

"I was forced to be Shinnok's personal revenant when Rain killed me when we got the amulet. Those memories aren't happy to think he somehow lives," you confess feeling your hands shake and your skin grow cold as if death itself still clung to you.

You're suddenly enveloped in a gentle and protective blue-tinted red, a scent of sage and eucalyptus fills your nose and warms your chest. Kotal pulls away to give you some space and meet your gaze.

"It seems to be more and more obvious, these disappearances must be because of him then," his voice rumbled, not sounding too happy about the news and the memory it brings back of having to fight your revenant self. You just nod stiffly, knowing his concern is growing with this terrifying revelation.

"Ermac, please bring her to the labs and allow her to run whatever tests she may need to run on the samples," Kotal's voice stays strong as he turns to speak to Ermac, his hand holding your shoulder tightly rubbing comforting circles with his thumb. He understands why you'd panic like that, you had become a person to relay information between Earthrealm and Outworld, and there was a sense of trust he had formed. You hadn't lied to him and been open and honest with him with information that Raiden would send you with, helping gain Outworld's trust and respect for Earthrealm. "The rest of you shall remain here," his voice sounded tense. You know Cassie and her team had not earned his trust, they barely had his respect. Erron had come to understand your value.

"Kotal, I'd rather we go with her," Cassie voiced as you walked calmly with Ermac who waited to be dismissed, trying to let them figure this issue out without you.

"You are only being given leniency because of them, if (y/n) was not travelling here with you, you all would be used to lure out whatever is causing these disappearances." Kotal's voice had very little lax left. He did not want to start a war, especially not with Raiden and Fujin, the Special Forces, or Earthrealm. "Cassie, I'll be okay. Just wait here for me, I need all of you to do that and not cause any issues with Kotal or his advisors; please," you say gently, not wanting to lose the trust Kotal had given you with enough work on your end. You didn't want anyone getting injured because of the tension from the situation. Kotal nodded his head towards you walking back to his throne and waving Ermac to lead you to the lab. You knew that Kotal was allowing you in a place he'd let no one but him and his advisors into, he was showing you his trust. You calm your breathing as you enter the lab. Ermac stays quiet as you study the samples, he stays close.

"So, is everyone travelling in groups of two or more because of this, Ermac?" You ask as the smell of the soot hits your nostrils.

"It is safer. People disappear when alone," he replies as he floats behind you. You can hear and feel his souls floating around once in a while brushing against your skin. They tickle a bit, it doesn't feel uncomfortable but just strange.

"Do they usually leave people? Seems a tad out of character for their MO to have taken people out in broad daylight like this," you mutter softly as you work.

"They leave nothing left but soot and the marks on the ground of people struggling to not be taken." He sounds nervous at the idea that people are kicking and clawing to escape. You feel Ermac place a gentle hand on your lower back as if to comfort you, sensing a spike in your unease. It's comforting as much as it feels out of place.

"Do we have witnesses?"

"No," the voice answers you with a tint of shame, "It seems their mission is not to harm... They vanish...they move too quickly," the voice crackles.

You pause for a moment thinking that this can't be true, since when did Shinnok not want to cause harm? Even while he was stuck in the amulet he attempted to harm all of Earthrealm. You would think maybe Shang Tsung but he's imprisoned. The smell hits your nose again, Neatherrealm. It smells like the smoke and lava ash of the Neatherrealm. Could he even create those types of portals now? You look down at your hands and sigh, trying not to feel hopeless in this moment of anxiety. There's no guarantee, but that's all you have to keep your hope for, your hypothesis could be correct and that could possibly help locate him or something anything at this point.

Ermac takes his hand off of you floating around as if to busy himself from letting you be distracted as if he was a distraction in the first place.

You study the soot seeing tiny speckles of red, the red bedrock from that hellish realm, it screams Neatherrealm but who is doing this? It couldn't be Havak, he's busy constantly trying to overthrow Orderrealm, plus this isn't his MO. You rack your brain as you hear shuffling and Ermac make a noise. You pause, turning towards the sound.

"Ermac? Are you alright?" You ask in a louder tone as you cautiously approach. You see an eerie green glowing from the area. As you turn the corner of a large shelve you see a portal and Ermac lying on the ground, knocked out. You go to grab him not wanting him to be taken, hoping that he's alright. As you reach him, someone out of the shadows, the green from the portal casts a sickly green colour to his skin with harsh sharp shadows; Quan Chi. But how? Hanzo killed him in front of Sonya, how is he alive? He looks as if he was never killed and stands above you and Ermac with an evil grin crossing his features. Your blood runs cold, you know you are nowhere near strong enough to fight him. You lock eyes with him, seeing his deep red eyes stare back at you. Your throat feels dry and your heartbeat stops. You stand in front of Ermac to protect him, even if you die here Ermac can tell Kotal who's behind this. Your ready to protect the realms if it's the last thing you do. You stand all ready to fight as you hear Ermac move slightly, and your eyes stay locked on Quan Chi.

"I thought you were dead," you manage to keep your voice steady. His deep laugh shakes you to your core and you can see his wicked grin, full of malicious glee. His eyes shine and his eyebrows lift slightly showing he has control and he's going to enjoy every bit of this. You'd rather die than let him use you.

"Oh my dear, why would you think that?" His voice is slick and sounds like syrup with venom in it, leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

You decide to not play into his games as you hear Ermac groan. "You were on your knees and beheaded by Hanzo, as you cried for Shinnok's amulet," you bite back bitterly not holding back. If you die then he'll have to finish you here and Ermac warn Kotal and your Earthrealm companions.

His face twists as he speaks, clearly not pleased by that response, "He failed. That little shit couldn't save the realms. Not even stop us..."

"Where have you been all this time then?"

"Why do you think your little friends have been going missing?"

You felt a lump grow in your throat, Quan Chi was just playing games. He's toying with all of you and enjoying this, trying to bait you into attacking him, lure you into the spider's web, but it means he doesn't realize that Ermac is awake now, his souls whispers, 'We will tell Kotal' it's low but you can understand what he's saying.

You lock eyes with him a determined glare on your face, showing not an ounce of fear, "Where do you send them?!" your tone is clipped as you don't break eye contact. You hear Ermac warp himself away you grin knowing Quan Chi won't have all of Ermac's souls to use today at least. Your grin irritates Quan Chi as you refuse to budge. He sneers at you, an ugly expression before he grinds his teeth together.

"Don't think I'll let you leave here now," he begins, "Can't let them know what you know now little mage," he spits as he walks towards you with heavy menacing steps. You knew he was acting desperate like this, the nickname to get under your skin. Tempting you to attack you. If you can hold him off Ermac should send everyone to help capture this bastard.

"Funny coming from you, hiding from Kotal, Raiden, and Fujin. You're nothing but a cowardly sorcerer." You spit your words venomously not backing down and baiting him, holding your ground. You can hear him chuckle to himself a coy smile twitching on his face.

"Is that so?" you know his voice is deep, the sickly feeling of the chill it brings down your spine, makes the goosebumps on your neck rise, makes you sick to your stomach. It's full of wicked amusement. You stay silent ready to act if need be. He continues forward, seemingly forgetting about Ermac escaping. This only makes you smile, he's just as sneaky and cowardly as before.

"Oh my dear, little mage, if only you knew how strong I have become over the years," his voice dropped a couple of octaves and sent a chill up your spine, you hated how his voice could always do that to you; even now when he seems to be acting like a caged feral best seeing its first meal in months. You hated that nickname that Fujin and Raiden called you was used by him, tainting its meaning.

As soon as his shadow eclipsed you he had the grin wiped right off of his face, Kotal and his armies stood at the entrance of the lab as Kotal stood tall and firm. Cassie and her team close behind him along with Ermac.

"Go on Quan Chi, but you won't leave now," you mock his earlier statement he made to you. He doesn't seem intimidated by Kotal, his grin widens, and he seems pleased to have so many people here in one room to witness this. It gives you the feeling this won't be good for everyone in this room. He moves quickly hitting you hard knocking you out and grabs you rushing into the portal. The last thing you hear is Cassie cry out your name as you black out. Before any of them can reach the portal it's gone leaving nothing but that same soot and ash mixture behind.

When you wake you hear nothing but people screaming. The smell of burnt flesh and ash hit your nose. As your body awakens and registers the pain you feel as though a boulder sits on top of you, you open your eyes slowly, watching blurry figures go past. You see several revenants, Quan Chi wasn't dumb enough to just let Hanzo kill him, this man had to of made a fake version of himself and rebuilt his army in secret before stealing fighters to make revenants again. You sit on the edge of a cell bed. You move to the bars seeing that sickly yellow glow from a revenant's chest in the shadows. You hear footsteps as the revenant moves into view; Nightwolf. You're heart dropped, you and everyone else thought he had gone on a journey to help protect native American lands out south on Earthrealm, he must have been caught and killed for Quan Chi. His piercing cold yellow eyes were void of life and you could have cried there. Knowing the truth that Quan Chi made yet another false one just like Stryker and Kabal, but these men are already dead.

"Oh Nightwolf," you said under your breath feeling nothing but sorrow for the gentle man being forced to be a revenant again. His empty lifeless gaze seemed to almost look sad as he gazed at you.

"I'll find a way to save you all," you mutter weakly hoping you can keep your promise and free them from this. You just hope you can get out of this to help all of them. You sit back on the bed knowing there isn't anything you can do at this moment. The smell is stronger here, the heat and smell of sulfur is unbearable, making you choke. You look out the tiny window that allows the red fire-lit sky to shine in giving you a miserable amount of light. You could guess where you are, you had been here once before as a revenant and couldn't escape it; The Neatherrealm. You stood on the other side of the bars like Nightwolf as a revenant. Being the one on guard duty for Shinnok when you weren't fighting your friends.

Your chest tightens at the memory, not wanting to remember these events and you hug your knees to your chest trying not to panic. As tears build, you wish Fujin or Raiden could sense where you're at. You felt weak like a child unable to fight or defend yourself from this. You fight the tears not willing to let Quan Chi be the cause of them. The last thing you have of Quan Chi making you miserable would be when you were dead. He couldn't even force you to beg for the mercy he was incapable of. You knew you were at a disadvantage in this world, it's wrapped around his finger, and he has eyes everywhere. You wouldn't get far if you were even able to escape. You lay down your face on the wall in the fetal position, facing the red glow of the sky letting the warm hues lull you to sleep. As you drifted off to sleep you swore you heard footsteps again, you refuse to let whoever it is see you awake, if Quan Chi wants to kill you, see you die he'll have a hell of a time trying to get it from you. You kept your breathing even, praying it was either a hallucination or your mind tricking you.

You hear Nightwolf let out a growl as a fight breaks out in front of your cell, you listen keeping your eyes closed. Two voices bicker back and forth; You could recognise both instantly; Cassie and Johnny.

"Nightwolf, dear god what did he do you you?" Johnny's voice sounded hurt at the sight of Nightwolf being a revenant again. You sit up at watch as Johnny fights Nightwolf while Cassie, works on picking the lock for the cell. You felt relieved to see Johnny and Cassie, of course, both of them would come to get you, you wonder what other Earthrealm champions are here fighting in other areas of Quan Chi's fortress. Cassie manages to get the cell doors open and rushes in to drag your ass out. Nightwolf is distracted by Johnny fighting him. You quickly meet Cassie as she grabs your arm a concerned but relieved look on her face. You hear shuffling and a hard smack to the ground seeing Nightwolf on the ground and Johnny fixing his broken glasses.

"We should leave, now," you insist as they both check you for injuries, "I'm fine, please," you begin in a harsh whisper as you rush to move before Nightwolf gets back up. Cassie and Johnny fall in line walking quickly on either side of you.

"Glad to see you're not a revenant and are unharmed," Cassie sighs.

"Like I'd let that bald, tattooed, prick kill me." You hiss in a lightly joking tone. You felt better about getting out. Johnny kept glancing over at you as you three made your way through the Neatherrealm, avoiding whatever and whomever Quan Chi had waiting for you three.

"Was it just you two or..." you begin as you hear Liu Kang fighting in the distance.

"Him, Sonya, Kung Lao, Fujin, and Raiden came to the fortress, Kotal and others are at the portal," Cassie begins. "You should have seen the blinding rage Fujin and Raiden were in when they found out what had happened. Raiden has not let go of his staff since we got back to Earthrealm and told him. Fujin is extra quiet, I had never seen him lose it like that."

"Yeah well Fujin had always been a bit protective," Johnny begins "She's like a kid to him,"

"How long have I been missing, I only woke up a bit before you guys showed up outside my cell."

"You have been missing for four days, we went straight to Outworld thinking the worst but Kotal was concerned as well. Kotal agreed to bring more resources to help find you. So Raiden and Fujin demanded we all go straight away to the Neatherrealm where you were at, and no one argues with Fujin and Raiden right now," Johnny begins as his arm brushes yours every now and again As if he didn't you'd disappear from between them. "Speaking of... Fujin-" You begin as the ceiling rumbles and the sound of wind whips through the corridors with fury. You stopped as they looked back at you.

"Stay together and be careful," you insist. They nod as you decide to take a turn and the thunder claps and the sound of shattering rock can be heard in the halls. You knew by those sounds the gods were going on a rampage, like hell they'd want you to be a revenant again. Your head fills with anxiety not seeing them at this moment. They can become careless when this angry, you hope that no one gets injured by stray lightning or powerful wind. The halls shake, rubble and stone are shattered like it's nothing and screams of the revenants fill the halls. You move quicker until you're in the main hall seeing Liu and Sonya come running to see you, Cassie, and Johnny, your blood runs cold. Liu seems happy to see you not as a revenant while Sonya smiles at you. You spot Raiden and Fujin destroying the fortress looking for Quan Chi. If you know that snake he's already in hiding somewhere else in the realm. Fujin stops immediately after sensing you and quickly turns, his face is unreadable as he makes it to the main hall. His robe tassels sway with his movement, his braid moving with his movement like silk ribbons flowing in the wind. His steps quicken if he doesn't reach you quick enough you'll be dragged back into the darkness of Quan Chi's lair. He lets go of his staff and he does manage to get you as he grabs you quickly to inspect for any serious wounds and pulls you tight into his chest not letting you out of his arms.

"Please," he whispered, his voice strained with desperation, the air around you swirls with his feelings. It was rare that Fujin ever lost his composure; which he had during your rescue mission for you.

"Please tell me you're unharmed, little mage," his voice almost drowned out by his wind as it ran up your body, seemingly wrapping and cocooning your body, holding you tighter than Fujin's own arms. You hold him back feeling him shudder trying not to cry.

"I'm okay, just have a slight headache, that's all," you sighed. "Besides you can't get rid of me that easily," you lightly laugh patting his back. You're glad the atmosphere around you began to warm slightly.

"No more wandering off in Outworld when no one's with you, please, at least one person needs to accompany you." He began as you sighed and buried your head into his chest. "That can be discussed later, you and Raiden need to bring me home and relax slightly."

Fujin moves to rub soothing circles on your back gently, seeming to calm down more. "You should have seen Raiden's reaction, (y/n), they came and told us the news of him possibly wanting to take you as a revenant." Loud roar of rage came from Raiden before he turned to destroy another area, his eyes locked onto you and Fujin with Cassie, Johnny, Sonya, and Liu close by. He calms and steps closer, Fujin picks his staff back up and grabs your hand leading you close. Once next to your companions, you step back with Fujin keeping you in the middle of him and Raiden. Raiden stays silent as he stays close to you sparks flying everyone in a while. The walk back to the portal is pretty quiet as Kotal and his Outworld champions come into view. You wave with a smile as you see the relief wash over Kotal's form.

"We're heading back, (y/n) good to see you in one piece," He calls as Kung Lao comes running over. His jaw dropped at the sight of you alive and smiling as if you were just coming home from an outing. You can't help but laugh. "The feeling is mutual," you return to the group who decided to move back to the portal, eager to leave this horrid place.

"I'm glad to be in one piece, I should have known I'd find you a bunch of places in the Neatherrealm. It didn't take that sorcerer long to re-group and make a new plan. Why do you think he's doing this?"

You begin to walk to the portal as everyone stops to let Raiden speak. He ponders your question, his eyes narrow in frustration as he tries to think of anything to lead him to why. Quan Chi rarely spoke about his motives other than taking control of Earthrealm. Fujin seemed puzzled and concerned. No one had a solid answer but your kidnapping is raising alarms for a future attack. Kotal seems just as displeased. His mouth opens then closes, his face grim. Everyone looks concerned. If he kidnapped you why didn't he make you a revenant again? Why keep you in a cell alive? What is he planning? You all exchange glances hoping no one knows what he's up to, before you can dwell on it you are at the portal and see Jacqui and her father Jax standing in front of the portal. Jacqui moves quickly pulling you in for a hug as if to relieve her own anxieties and worry.

"I'm so glad you're okay," she begins as Takeda and Kung Jin join her and Jax at the portal, both seemingly relieved to see you safe. You all quickly leave the Neatherrealm and stand in Earthrealm in front of Raiden and Fujin's temple. That feeling of sickness from going through a portal hits you like a truck as you buckle over feeling dizzy and nauseous. The trip was intense as Quan Chi used some means to hide your presence and block anyone from being able to locate you. Kotal watches as Cassie and Jacqui hold you up and try to keep you from getting sick or fainting. Fujin stands close to help, and everyone exchanges worried and disgusted looks at your sudden weakened state.

"This is serious, (Y/N), is this how you always are after going through a portal?" Kotal's voice fills your ears, he seems quite upset at how the sorcerer hid your very presence in that wretched place and how easy it had been for the man to do it. "We thought you to be dead from what happened at the palace," Kotal continued.

"I'm okay, unfortunately, this is all too normal for travelling through portals," you breathe heavily fighting the sensation of your mouth watering when you're about to vomit. Your body shivers as if fighting itself to push away the feeling. Cassie moves and holds you steady, Johnny's face seems hurt and worried as does Jacqui. They've both always treated you like a sibling, to know how you feel after portals is upsetting. Kotal just makes a noise of acknowledgement seeing you are not in shape for talking. Raiden opens a portal for Kotal and his champions to return to Outworld.

"When you are feeling better bring me any news or updates on this situation from your end," Kotal calls as he walks through the portal.

You try to keep calm as everyone hurries inside and heads straight for the meditation room. Your vision blurs, but you follow them not willing to accept them fretting over you as they head into the room. Your legs wobble as you walk, and you feel sickly not in the usual way portals make you feel. No, this is wrong you're struggling to stay upright and focus, your body is ready to give out. You feel clammy, sweaty, too cold, and too hot all at once. Everything seems brighter and darker all at the same time, everything is spinning and your legs give out in the hall before you can reach the doorway. Fujin is by your side catching you, you are a feverish sweaty mess, and you feel tired, no one expected something like this to happen after you returned. You must be sick from something in the Neatherrealm, it is unlikely but you know this is not normal. Your body gives out as you shiver and shudder against the ground, Fujin panicking as Raiden turns back in surprise at seeing you suddenly collapse, everyone crowding as Fujin picks you up carefully. Your body went cold and your breathing shallowed as the temperature around your friends rose rapidly as Fujin frets and panics for you.

"Calm down," Raiden's voice commands as he guides everyone out of the way and tells Fujin to bring you to the Jinsei, Fujin rushes through the temple in panic and terror to get you back to the power centre. A beacon to guide the two gods that seek you through the hall. You can't feel his wind, his movement, nothing, not even yourself anymore. Your vision is blurry with splotches in it, and a deep painful chill runs through your very essence, there's nothing worse than the fear the one who keeps you grounded has no idea what to do. You let out an unsteady breath of air feeling a hot flush spread across your skin, not even Fujin can bring relief from this burning. Raiden and Fujin quickly teleport to the Jinsei staying by your side while you rest in the soft blue aura the area has. You feel the numbness in your limbs slowly disappearing into a tingle similar to when your leg falls asleep. The painful headache soon ebbs away with your body still recovering, even as the room feels too hot and too cold. Your vision still has its odd patterns and shadows but is much clearer than before. Raiden takes note, seeing how the colour returns to your skin after some time, it does nothing to reassure him the illness won't hit again. As you feel the gods observing you, you can't stop the rib-rattling coughing that begins as you try to move and sit up. It is unlike any cough you've had; it leaves you heaving for air as it wracks your body, leaving you out of breath. You don't realise Fujin has grabbed you, rubbing a hand up and down your back, a look of fear on his face, to him he's unable to fix this, unable to help. In the world, Raiden and Fujin protect he feels useless not being able to solve this. How did the sorcerer do this?

As you keep coughing you feel something rattling in your lungs, it feels heavy and cold. Your cough is full of some gunk you can't understand what it is until you cough it up with a chunky glob of blood. It's a pitch-black crystal with silver rings on it with what looks like engravings on them. This crystal is as long as a finger and is glowing black with white streaks on its sides. Fujin makes a sound at seeing it as does Raiden. They know these crystals. These are crystal formations made from the magic of Shinnok, Jax had one but he didn't cause a reaction like yours did.

"Shit!" Johnny calls loudly making everyone stare as the crystal sits in the blue puddle.

Raiden picks up the crystal and hisses, dropping it not a moment later. It seems even touching the crystal burns Raiden, the marks turning a greyish green where he picked it up. The gods watch your every movement to see if they can determine your sickness. Your breaths are haggard and raspy as you groan out in pain, everything feels hot and cold, but you seem to be able to breathe better than when you arrived. This is a dark crystal; you know Shinnok is a part of this, you remember watching him imbue it into the revenants he made, why didn't you think he'd also use one on you? Why did he make one for you to have as well? What is his angle here?

"What the fuck is that?!" Cassie yells staring at the bloodied crystal sitting in the puddle before her.

"Don't...Don't touch it Cas," you rasp out your throat sore from the coughing you just went through. The room is silent; everyone is wondering why this just happened.

"Shinnok-" You wheeze as your body wants to just breathe and not talk but you must, you know the best course of action.

"imbued them into his revenants-" You struggle through heavy breaths, your face sweating, you are visibly weak and exhausted.

"He used them to control them from a distance, keep them loyal, kill them if they disobey-" You rasp out as your body seems to slowly recover. Fujin helps you sit up as he uses his winds to help you relax, while the Jinsei's blue light gives you small bouts of strength to talk and let your mind catch up on itself.

"With him dead...It probably thought I was disobeying. If I hadn't-" You gasp out taking another heavy breath, feeling Fujin's arms holding you close, a sad smile on his face as he continues his cool winds in and out of your being. "If I hadn't been removed from it, I would probably die from it. The...The Jensei's light seems to be helping though." Fujin holds you tighter as if to pull you away from the crystal should it move to attack you.

"What the fuck, (y/n)? It tried to kill you just because you went back into the Jensei's core?" Takeda seemed more baffled than you would have expected him to.

"I think it tried to kill me because I left the Neatherrealm without 'orders' from Shinnok." You whisper as you put a hand up to not have anyone step close to the cursed gem.

"Nobody touches it, it's more dangerous than you think." You instruct. While weak you use what little power you have to use a telekinesis spell you'd read in the old books the monks kept around. You throw the crystal into the Jinsei watching it be shredded by the pure light of its core feeling lighter by the second after it was destroyed. The blue liquid surrounds you all like it always has, relaxing and recharging the lot of you after a long mission. You felt weaker than you ever have but the Jinsei's rays were able to cleanse and destroy the cursed item without injuring you any more. It wasn't an easy feat.

"Sonya I'm afraid my invitation to spar must be postponed." You called out in a weak joke of as everyone settled into the Jensei to clear their minds and heal. You hear Sonya let out a dry chuckle as if glad to hear you trying to be funny again.

"Next week then," She quips.

"If Shinnok was still alive I'd rip he head off," you growl.

"There are worse fates than death, little mage," Raiden says softly as he pats your head soothingly as he used to when you were younger. You grunt at that as the feeling in your legs starts to come back. You slowly and against Fujin's small pleas for you to just rest and stand up on your shaky legs, feeling your nerves coming back. Your lungs don't hurt and breathing is easier than ever. Your fingers tingle as the sensation returns to them. It's an odd sensation for sure, but it's better than not feeling your hands and body. It felt odd for your body to be cut off from the elements around you, you couldn't sense Fujin's calming winds or feel the tingle of lightning you associate with Raiden. You do feel a pain in your stomach as it grinds against itself as a loud groan escapes it. When was the last time you ate? You ate a small snack before training with Liu Kang and Kung Lao but that was four days ago. Everyone stares and Johnny raises an eyebrow.

"You okay (y/n)? Feels weird to watch the magic of the Jinsei returning your senses but then be so hungry you make a beast growl."

"Listen, the last thing I ate was a small snack before training the Liu Kang and Kung Lao," you reply with a joking tone. You feel concerned looks burrowing into you from everyone.

"Four. Fucking. Days?!" Johnny roars staring at you like you have five heads, Raiden gives you a questioning look wondering why you decided to not feed your body.

"(Y/N), you haven't eaten or slept properly while on a mission?!"

"I didn't feel the need for them at all, honestly this is the first time I've actually felt hungry since being a revenant..." A look of dawning horror crosses your face realizing that damned crystal kept your body functioning like a revenant, a perfect toy soldier never needing food, water, sleep. Your skin turned ashen at the thought. How had you not realized it?

"You were not your own self, (y/n)." Raiden comments staring at you worried about your mental state. You shake your head, as you realize that the crystal stopped making you function like a revenant to kill you slowly and painfully. What a horrible way to die.

"Well now that you are alive, underfed, and underslept-" Johnny begins as he stands stretching his bones. "-I think it's time we get you fed and into a bed to sleep this off, alright kid?"

Johnny's no-nonsense attitude and gentle reassurance bring you a smile. "Sounds great," you breathe softly to everyone around you, relieved looks spread across their faces as they walk with you calmly.

After shovelling dumplings and soup into your gullet you felt exhausted and wandered to your room, Raiden not far behind you as if to make sure you'll make it to your room. You smile up at the god of thunder before you enter your room, thankful he's followed you.

"How'd you feel Raiden? I'm sure seeing me, not myself was difficult for everyone."

"It's strange to not sense your essence around, Quan Chi tried to hide you to prevent us from finding you, it's more concerning with us not knowing his plans. I'll keep an eye out," he replies patting your head softly before he disappears in a flurry of blue and white lightning.

You sleep through the day and through the night, unaware that Fujin was with Raiden speaking about what had happened. Fujin was filled with worry and anxiety that you were safe. He had only just regained you and now his nerves were shot. Raiden attempted to soothe him as Johnny and Sonya went over the reports Cassie and her team made.

The next day comes quickly, the sunlight is blinding as you open your eyes with a small groan. There was nothing better than resting in a comfortable bed and stretching away your aches. The feeling of sore bones is a sign the body is back in order and working. There's nothing quite as strange and slightly painful as getting feeling back into one's limbs.

Your footsteps echo down the temple halls. You wander out to the large courtyard outside, enjoying the crisp morning air. It's strange, it feels crisper than it has in a long time. How much did that crystal dull your senses? You don't need another awful rabbit hole to be able to fall down. Instead, you sit and watch Liu Kang and Kung Lao begin their morning training. Sipping from the water in your hand and soaking in the sunrise. This morning was peaceful, and you felt much better than yesterday, there was no pain when you breathed, and your stomach felt satisfied with the amount it was filled. The taste of fresh spring water and sweet berries on your tongue was wonderful. You sigh relaxing watching as Kung Lao laughs and spins kicking up in the air while Liu Kang simply blocks and defends himself. It felt refreshing, and yet...You still felt that tinge of loneliness in your heart, a gnawing emptiness you felt would eat you alive.

'How strange.' You think with a small pout on your face as your brow furrowed. You loved sitting and observing others train and work, there was nothing as beautiful as two masters at work, it made you think of your training, something you wish to get back to as soon.

...

It has been months, since finding out Quan Chi was alive, making people disappear to become revenants, kidnapping you, coughing up a crystal Shinnok embedded into your lung that almost killed you, and getting back into training with Liu Kang and Kung Lao. You had been vigilant whenever you were travelling to Outworld by yourself, you didn't get sick going through portals anymore now that the crystal was gone. It's almost as if it were a catalyst for keeping you healthy or at least keeping your powers and body under Shinnok's control even after he was destroyed. You had to stay vigilant, every once in a blue moon. He didn't try and capture you, you don't know what he's after.

You had gone to Outworld to see if Kotal Kahn had heard anything or had new news about the disappearances. As you entered his palace it was quiet and cold, more so than it should be for such a warm place. Usually, you could hear movement but it was silent as if the place was empty, with no guards, no servants, and not even the throne was occupied. You looked around, taking a few steps cautiously into the entry hall of the main building. The doors clattered open behind you a voice calling.

"I know you're here little mage!" Quan Chi's voice boomed echoing off the empty halls, his footsteps loud as he approached you.

"Why have you come here, Quan Chi? There is nothing here!"

"Only you little mage. Only you. Now." His voice is dripping with that venomous honey you both hate and like.

"Are you going to try to knock me out again? Let Raiden and Fujin ruin your little man cave of a fortress?" you mock him for what you know drives him wild, it's a cheap shot but you love rubbing it in his face. It feels nice to actually be able to feel things more than just numbness that damn crystal caused. Quan Chi's angry eyes look you up and down making you take a step back. You weren't prepared for an attack but the intensity he seemed to stare at you with was different than it usually was when you had run-ins with him.

"What do you want of me?" you say through gritted teeth. Quan Chi walks forward quietly observing you.

"You are beautiful." He states staring straight at your face. Your head snaps back, you have seen this trick from Shang Tsung, you know it means nothing but getting closer to whatever he wants. You keep your distance not trusting him whatsoever.

"Uh-huh, sure. You're not smooth Quan Chi. I've had Shang Tsung try that on me more than once," you hiss as you keep a good distance between the two of you. His stare is unnerving, there isn't anger on his face, that's certainly odd, usually, when you piss him off he scowls at you with those crimson eyes like lasers. You don't trust this, why is Kotal's palace empty? Why isn't he being aggressive? There are lots of questions swimming on your head but instead of saying any, you wait for his next move as if he is a tiger about to jump on his prey.

"Oh? What did he attempt? There are not many things I could teach him about using a sorcerer's charms," he purrs as he closes the gap between the two of you grabbing onto your wrist that was just close enough for him to touch. You're frozen; why hasn't he summoned skeletons? Where is his anger? As your mind swirls in a mess of emotions, questions, and feelings you didn't like bubbling to the surface, before finding out he made your friend's revenants during the mortal combat tournament. His ruby eyes watch yours, as you try to yank your hand from him with a violent growl as if expecting his violent attacks to come out like usual.

"Oh, stop. Stop that now," he whispers softly gripping your wrist tighter as if to show who is stronger between the two of you, reminding you of your time in his castle with the revenants he made. You sneer at him taking a slow step back.

"Stop moving," He growls as he steps towards you.

"Or what?" You challenged back. The darkness in your eyes swirls within them. This is it. He'll make a portal to a world, another castle, he'll turn you into a revenant with Shinnok's damned spell, there's no way he would just kidnap you and take you home with no guards following to escort you or try to force you down.

"Or, my dear. I will do what needs to be done," he replies softly, taking a slow step towards you, a calm before the storm that was sure to happen at any second. You scoff as you do what you feel you have to and bite his hand holding your wrist hard, as hard as your human mouth can go making him growl in anger and annoyance. The blood trickled down his hand and down your chin. He lets go and you take the opportunity to make a good distance between you two.

"Biting!? What are you a child?" He asks in a disbelieving shout as he wipes the blood of his hand. You cackle, there's that fiery anger you know. It's something to cling onto.

"My dear, I will do what needs to be done." You mock his words before laughing harshly as if they were the funniest joke of your life. He growls again but a determined grin sits on his lips as if ready to tackle what will most definitely be a challenge.

"What's wrong dear didn't expect me to just believe your words after everything you've done?" You jeer at him as you keep facing him moving backwards towards a door near you leading out into the bright sun. "You really think I'd just blindly trust you?"

"Come with me," He says a little more demanding this time, a harder edge to his voice as he reaches a hand towards you.

"No," you say firmly it bounces around the hall with force as you notice the door opens inwards. You could open the door and hit him in the face with it if he gets too close. You hear him scoff before he does anything else and steps towards you with an irritated glare.

You swiftly turn around to grab the heavy, thick wooden door and slam it in his face, as he lets out a grunt. You shut and lock the doors hoping for a small moment he may leave you alone, that you are able to escape with whatever dignity you have and inform everyone Quan Chi has his eye on you still. As you catch your breath you hear shuffling and muffled voices in his room. As you flick on a light you see where Kotal has been along with Ermac and Erron. They are bound in what looks like spider webs, did D' Vorah do this? You don't hesitate to unbind them freeing the trio who quickly stand to their feet. Erron rubs his wrist from the tight bindings.

"What the hell is happening here? Why is your palace empty? Where are the osh-tekk? Why are you bound in spider webs? And why the fuck is Quan Chi here??" You are nearly screeching in panic, rarely did you actually swear but you didn't care to act polite at this moment. There were bigger issues than your politeness right now.

"The traitor and his people ambushed us."

"Did D' Vorah do this?"

Kotal merely nods with a bitter face, furious that he was outsmarted by someone as he should have suspected her betrayal. But he didn't think the insect would do it so openly.

"Great, just great! Where are your men, your soldiers, Kotal?" You shout at him as you whip around, while Erron and Ermac watch the door behind you keeping guard as he understands your panic and why it's even more warranted after the invasion with the revenants.

"He's after you. Not us," He speaks to your question firmly as he picks the last pieces of web from his boots, the silk clung to the leather in the tiniest threads making him growl in annoyance.

"What the hell does he want with me?" You ask more to yourself than Kotal as he sees the blood on your chin, dripping from your lip. It clicks as his face furrows more.

"(Y/n), are you hurt?" Kotal places a firm hand on your shoulder staring at the blood trailing down your chin. It feels so bizarre that he's acting worried about you right now when all you've ever been is rude, dismissive, or frustrated with him. You wipe the blood away and sigh.

"No, I'm fine. I bit Quan Chi's hand when he grabbed my wrist. Hopefully, he'll have a bruise from how hard I bit him," you say feeling the sting and pain in your jaw from your own strong jaw, your skin might have given him the pain back. You see a small movement on Kotal's face, its a flash of amusement at the thought of you biting someone hard enough to draw blood.

"I got worried, I didn't see the normal guards or anyone anywhere..." Your voice drops soft at the end as you look back up to the Kahn, Ermac and Erron stiffen on alert, fearing Quan Chi would burst in as Kotal feels guilt prickle.

"You are not safe here. You need to return to your realm and warn Raiden about this." Kotal says as he places both hands on your shoulders making direct eye contact with you. You give him a wary look as if not wanting him to see you vulnerable with worry but not pushing him away from the comfort.

"Is there anything else I need to know? Why did he target you? How would he have known I was coming, it was supposed to be a surprise visit to prevent something like this from happening," you reply feeling stressed about the situation, you let a slow breath escape from your clenched teeth before looking away to think.

"Leave," Kotal simply commands and points to the open window of the room as he doesn't break his eyes away from your gaze. Erron stands at the door looking out the keyhole keeping guard still. You nod your head knowing this won't be the last you two end up speaking about what happened in his palace.

You push the windows open and poke your head out checking for danger. As you begin to slip out the window you hear Quan Chi trying to break open the door, you turn to Kotal as he tries to hurry you along shutting the window behind you. You hit the ground and sneak away before running in the busy streets getting back to the portal to get back home.

Once through the portal, you run into Raiden and Fujin's temple, being careful to not bump into any of the monks. You run straight into Liu Kang who had just come around a corner. He catches you to save you both from falling.

"Easy, easy. What's wrong?" His eyes scan you and behind you for danger. You catch your breath and ask him where Raiden is. The Thunder God's white eyes peer at you from down the hall you and Liu Kang were at, as if you had called him with a shout of his title. Raiden comes to greet you, you breathe heavily trying to catch your breath. Raiden looks concerned as he places a hand on your shoulder to help ground your panic and he gently reminds you to focus your breathing as Liu Kang looks at his mentor confused.

"Raiden, this is so bad it's so bad!" You heave out. It took a moment but both Liu and Raiden noticed the blood on you. You watch their faces change at the sight of it.

"It's not mine! It's Quan Chi's. He attacked Kotal Kahn's palace, and had him, Erron, and Ermac tied up by D'Vorah. The palace was empty and-and, he was there. He was there for me when no one knew I was coming! He grabbed my wrist and wouldn't let go so I bit him hard enough to draw blood." You speak quickly as the words just spew out of you. You knew they weren't going to enjoy hearing that Quan Chi was so obviously plotting something if he tried to intercept you in Outworld. Raiden closes his eyes as Fujin is behind you, hearing the commotion and runs to his brother's side. You flinch as you feel Raiden's and Fujin's spiritual energies check you over. They probably were just as concerned about your safety.

"We will warn Lord Liu Kang's brother and other fighters in Earthrealm," Raiden says gently as Liu Kang leaves to let others know quickly. Fujin panics at the sight of blood, even more so when he learns it's Quan Chi's blood.

"Fujin, calm down! I am fine, nothing bad is happening...yet at least." Fujin grimaces knowing the blood would most likely summon someone looking for its owner. The Airbender makes his way out quickly and easily informs the monks he saw of the dangers, to be on guard, and to keep a weapon or any self-defence material on their bodies at all times. While on the lookout, he makes sure all the portals in his temple stay guarded and secure, and he sets extra people near the portal from Earthrealm that has gone unsecured since Quan Chi has taken that route to and from Earthrealm and other realms to avoid people.

Raiden rests his hand on your shoulder squeezing it in support and gratitude. You relax slightly, under his calming gesture. You rub the drying blood off you as you calm down, you worry you're putting everyone in danger.

"Did Quan Chi say or do anything that can give us more clues, (Y/n)? Anything can help." His gentle voice eases your fears for a moment and gives your brain the break you need.

"He called me little mage, and beautiful. He kept trying to close the distance between us when I would back away from him. I hit him hard in the face with a door," you say as you play through the conversation and memory. Raiden squeezes your shoulder again and helps guide you away from the middle of a hall and further to the edges of the temple.

"That...is concerning." He finally states with a frown on his face, the nickname he and Fujin called you since childhood coming out of Quan Chi's mouth seemed to sour Raiden's face with anger.

"He called you 'little mage'?" Raiden asked a look of bitter anger spreading like wildfire across his pale face as the realisation dawned on him. He didn't even seem to be talking to you and seemed to be recalling things. Fujin looked disgusted at the fact he called you that, along with beautiful. Not to say you're not beautiful but, to them, you are just their little one whom they've raised since you were a child. Your relationship with the gods was always familiar to you three. To call you beautiful, felt dirty and possessive coming from that mouth, from the person they have been chasing for millenniums.

"It could very well have been a threat Raiden...it could very much be another trap," Fujin explains what they're thinking, a spark of anger flickering in his usually serene silver eyes. You know Raiden is seething but trying to stay calm. He walks further ahead of you to grab a cloth to clean the blood off your chin and a cup of cold water for you to drink.

"I thought the same when it left his mouth, and the name," you say before your breath catches in your throat, as an idea forms in your mind that makes a chill run through your whole body. You shiver at the possibility as your wide eyes meet Raiden's stern ones. He's the first to realise where your mind went to.

"No, that is too dangerous. You are to not even think of trying to use that information to anyone's benefit. He could easily be trying to get you to lower your guard for who knows what." Raiden says firmly as Fujin watches confused before he understands what is happening.

"But, what if I can use it to our advantage and figure out what he's actually planning? Figure out where the revenents he's made are, so they can be freed! Maybe I can even-"

"NO. This is not up for discussion or suggestion. You will not leave the temple grounds. Not for Quan Chi's little mind games and trickery!" Raiden shouted and it shocked Fujin and you a little before the older of you three closed his eyes and sighed. He understood your suggestions were only coming from a hopeful place, a good heart to do what would help others, to possibly stop D'Vorah and Quan Chi and not from a bad place. Raiden turned back to you and sighed again. "It is a wonderful and helpful idea but it is far too dangerous for you or anyone else."

"But what about our friends who are forced to be revenants?" You ask in a soft voice as you wipe Quan Chi's blood off of your chin.

"We will figure that out when the time comes. I will not let you become a revenant again." Raiden simply said as he folded the bloody cloth and then walked away from you with it. You feel a sting in your chest from that sentence. 'I will not let you become a revenant again.' You knew he meant well but it stung to hear he didn't trust you to be able to defend yourself.

"So I'm useless?" Your tone was so hurt you couldn't recognise the sound of your voice.

"You know that I never meant it that way (Y/n). I will not force you to fight to the death with him if we cross paths. Because I refuse to do such a thing."

"You always do this, I'm a grown adult. I'm not a child anymore, I can handle myself against Quan Chi. I could handle him before in Outworld when I was a revenant! Why don't you believe in me?" You scream feeling emotions run through your chest as you're fed up with the Thunder God treating you like a delicate child or object of importance. He always would try to shield you from everything even though he watched you train for many years. Even more, as you've aged.

"I will not risk losing you again, and that's final. I won't be discussing this any further. There are many other capable warriors to save the others." You snap your gaze to him as the white-hot anger boils in the pits of your stomach as if a small furnace suddenly lit inside you.

"So I'm not a capable fighter when all I've done is train and fight and train and fight? What am I then weak sickly child to you still? Do I not deserve the right to be given a choice? To be treated like more than a piece of glass?" Your voice getting more and more offended with every word spilling from your mouth, you huff trying to clear your cloudy mind.

"How can you assume Quan Chi would not kill you with the snap of his fingers without a single care?"

"Because he hasn't in all the times he's gotten me alone in situations I read as dangerous. When I was knocked out and locked in a dungeon in the Neatherrealm, this time in Kotal's palace in Outworld, and all the other run-ins I've had with him. Whatever he wants me for, he wants me alive not dead or as a revenant." Your voice shakes with rage at this point as you feel insulted by the assumption your skills have no use or that you lack the physical strength and the strength of mind that you think you don't. You take a deep breath and walk away feeling the hot tears fighting to form in your eyes but you push them down as best as you can. It felt like nothing was enough for Raiden You wanted to blame him for wanting to push yourself to the point of hurting your body, for never feeling like you could have a romantic relationship because it would interfere with your training. Your focus was always on impressing Raiden and the others or defending Earthrealm to make up for not being in Mortal Kombat. Not feeling strong or capable enough was not new but your emotions are past the boiling point, bottled up to the point the bottle is cracking under pressure. It didn't matter if Quan Chi was probably after you for an unknown reason or planned to turn you into a revenant. All that mattered was feeling like the guardian of Earthrealm and personal protector of the Elder Gods was demeaning and diminishing your training and growth. You were tired of never being enough for someone you saw as a father figure, you're tired of being seen as that same child that Fujin took in. You felt the bottled rage in your gut bubbling under the surface waiting to spill out. You wouldn't blame Raiden or Fujin for all the pressure they put you under as their surrogate child.

"Do not let your emotions get the best of you little mage," Raiden said in a calm voice. You felt it burst, the anger, and resentment that you were never enough shatter as you whipped around and laid into Raiden, all of your hurt, your feelings, your emotions, your resentment; everything. The dam of what you thought and how you felt flooded over in a verbal explosion of hurt that had you screaming and crying, shaking in hurt and rage.

"I can't EVER catch a BREAK!" You roared "I'm just NEVER enough am I Raiden, never strong enough, smart enough, powerful enough, am I Raiden?! It's not like I didn't work hard to be what YOU wanted me to be, or am I not some warrior to you that my skills are worthless to saving Earthrealm if you won't let me help at all!? Do you not TRUST me?!" You felt so overwhelmingly small at that moment when your body was ready to go all-in on protecting and saving Earthrealm. "I have done EVERYTHING you have ever asked me, and all you do is make me feel SMALL and like I CAN'T COMPARE TO ANYTHING, You make me feel like I can't even have a relationship because it would interfere with TRAINING with you and Liu Kang, you give him more respect then me, am I really that weak? I've been bottling this for YEARS and when I do try to have these conversations you shut them down because what, it's easier to not have feelings but look where we are NOW!? I was KILLED and I FELT MYSELF DIE! TRYING TO DO WHAT YOU BEGGED ME TO DO. TO GET THAT FUCKING AMULET," Your lungs struggle to intake air from how hard the anger was making you breathe while speaking. "And what is it, THAT I'M WORTHLESS AT CLEARLY, AS A FIGHTER WITH NO PURPOSE! EVERYTHING, all my pain, my bruises, all the nights I pushed myself and the broken bones were ALL WASTE TO YOU WEREN'T THEY," Your tears burned as they poured freely, your pent-up pain on full display, your anger turning into frustrated tears as your voice quivers from your volume. Raiden stares down at you, his face contorted as he processes everything and figures out how to respond. You pause seeing him, in his stance and facial expression, you feel sick at how much you let your emotions overcome your better senses.

"Raiden... I-... I shouldn't have snapped at you I-" He lifts a hand as you try and reword what you want to say, his face sad and angry and worried all at once.

"Your anger and resentment are both reasonable to some degree." He seems defeated by his words. You can feel yourself struggling not to burst into a sobbing fit of just emotional collapse, a faint echo of a cry and your strained breathing fill the silence.

"Little mage..." He pulls you to him and wraps you in his arms tightly, your head resting under his chin. He has one hand running along your hair in a soothing motion. Your breathing breaks as a wretched sob escapes you as your arms wrap around him, feeling the thunder god's comforting energy surround you.

"I'm sorry, please forgive me" He whispers gently to you as you break apart in his arms, knowing the position the two of you are in, and the past you shared. You sob into his shoulder, not only were you still holding resentment and hurt from your death at Rain's hands. You are overwhelmed with the emotions of Quan Chi and the impending danger that could come next. As you let it out into his shoulders and armour. Your sobs slow down, your breathing comes back into a regular pattern. You wipe your nose and face, groaning, rubbing your now sore eyes.

"I'm sorry Raiden, I shouldn't have lashed out..." You finally spoke again.

"No little one, you did the right thing. I fear you have built this up far longer than intended and...I was unaware that this was how you felt and now see it. For that, I apologise." He stroked your hair lightly, watching as it calmed your soul even more. The two of you take a seat together and talk calmly as you bring him up to speed on things you hadn't told anyone refusing to burden them with your issues. You spill your mind as the weight of the secret emotions feels lighter knowing the god understood. Your eyes feel puffy and your whole face feels tender as the blood flow has increased causing inflammation.

"Please do not feel afraid to tell me such things in the future, little one." He sighs deeply with a sullen expression as he stares forward as Fujin sits on the other side of you holding your hand in comfort, as the monk walks toward the pair and looks over.

"Uhh, everything okay in here?"

"Fine," You say in a monotone voice.

"Well, I'm glad I can hear," the monk laughed. As he walked away you realized you didn't recognize him. He smelt like fire and ash, he smelt like Quan Chi. You recognized it quickly as you became stiff with how you sat staring at the monk.

"That's Quan Chi," is all that came out of your mouth just loud enough for the gods to hear. Your eyes shoot daggers into the 'monks' back. Your sudden stiff posture caught the god's attention, both Fujin and Raiden looked at one another trying to figure out how the sorcerer was disguised and undetected. Raiden's eyes narrow as he notices a tiny aura glowing from a spot on Quan Chi's collarbone, the faint magical outline of an enchantment charm, used for disguises. You stand quickly and clear your throat calmly, "You're an awful shapeshifter, Quan Chi, Shang Tsung does better." The 'monk' stops walking and turns towards you a sickening smile on his lips as the charms enchantment stops working. The smoke emitting from the 'monks' robes fades to Quan Chi's familiar leather-clad garb.

"You do have a good eye on you little mage," he responds with a smug tone and that horrible smirk.

"Leave these hallowed grounds at once Quan Chi," you hiss back trying to not lunge forward to fight, wanting to rip that annoying smirk off the sorcerers' lips.

"I'm here for what seems to have left Kotal Kahn's palace early," You shiver as Quan Chi takes a step towards you. "So beautiful and so strong." He croons, the gods beside you bristling at the blatant flirting and disrespecting of this sacred ground.

"You really think I'll fall for that Quan Chi? Really," you reply calmly your fingers itching to move forward and stick your thumbs into his pretty red eyes. His brows lower slightly with annoyance, the edges of his mouth turning downward.

"What's wrong, are you upset that I freed Kotal, Erron, and Ermac from the binds D'Vorah had them in for you?" You mockingly inquire as Quan Chi's frown stays but his expression grows confused. "Who would've thought? You're too scared to actually fight any one of them and would rather lock them in a closet." The Sorcerer was visibly irritated now, his body shifting a fraction.

"If you truly do wish to free your so-called friends then come with me (y/n)." Raiden and Fujin tense up behind you, their postures growing protective like lions standing protectively over their cub.

"As if you'd free them if I went with you, you're a manipulative snake in the grass, Quan Chi. But, just in case," you raise an eyebrow at the gods behind you, the worry in their eyes evident. "What are the names of the other Earthrealmers that you've made into revenants, Quan Chi?" You ask as you watch him falter for a moment as if surprised by the question.

"Why would you care about their names when they are already revenants?" He dodges the question with a condescending tone.

"You don't know jack shit, you are grasping at straws for something anything for what Quan Chi?" You cock an eyebrow not even flinching when Fujin reaches over and lightly touches your shoulder. Quan Chi seems like he's chewing on the insides of his cheeks, clearly annoyed by your response to his questioning.

"Now you truly think I would tell the god, your guardian, my plans," His laugh is short but sick and you can't help the shiver that races up your spine. "Such an excellent and predictable response from a lowly pawn."

"Says the man who hid behind Shinnok," you sneer as you watch him go ridged in rage, his calm exterior falling as you backhandedly call him a coward. You felt the venom behind your words as the truth to the statement burned like an icy poison, knowing fully well you were walking a tightrope.

"How dare you?!" He screams as he takes a step forward but you're ready for a fight. You had Quan Chi exactly where you wanted him, you smiled and chuckled softly as you watched his shoulders lower in an unhinged manner as he attempted to recollect himself.

"Because," your face falls to an emotionless gaze.

"I'm right. You are a coward." Quan Chi takes a deep breath growling under it as he corrects his posture too proud to walk away from the argument.

"Quan Chi," Raiden starts sternly stepping forward from his post next to Fujin.

"SILENCE GOD!" Quan Chi screams, clearly overstepping as Fujin steps up ready for a fight.

"ENOUGH!" you shout over all three men getting their attention. You're so tired of being caught between godly wrath and godly protection. "Don't you dare fucking say one word," you threaten the two gods standing between Quan Chi and yourself. "And you; get out now, I'm too tired to deal with your weird bullshit tonight, go begone once you grow a spine," you hiss loudly pointing a finger at his chest with each step forward you take towards him. His head tilts upwards at your approach and you can smell him again. You take another step closer and watch as he straightens his posture again in reaction to the shift.

"Go." You say firmly watching him step back as he avoids your powerful eye contact and finger poking into his chest. This is the closest you've ever been to him feeling his warm skin under yours, his breath on your face. You had to admit up close he was a good-looking man, but a bastard of one. He pauses for a brief moment staring into your eyes looking for any falter, his eyes darken with the desire to dominate and own, a subtle move of his lips into that sly little smirk. You shove your finger harder into his chest repeating your command louder.

"Quan. Fuck off." You feel him step backwards out of the temple. Your stomach is in knots at having been this close and the knowledge he would probably still come for you.

"A shame to leave so early." He says in a slick tone, you whip around and throw the nearest object to you, a new plant pot that Fujin had bought. It misses but it clearly rattles the sorcerer who flinches in surprise.

"I SAID GET." You yell loudly holding your head high an angry expression on your face. You watched him open a portal and leave quickly leaving that damned soot behind. Once Quan Chi has finally vanished and is out of range Fujin and Raiden approach.

"I told you I could handle him. He doesn't want to kill me, that much I'm sure of." You say calmly, your back to both of them,"I'm sorry about your new flower pot Fujin."

"There is no need for an apology little one," his voice is calm and level-headed but his shoulders are stiff. "I'd much rather replace a flower pot than deal with Quan Chi. Speaking of." He leans around so you have a better view of him in your peripheral, the stiff posture showing in how his upper arms are visibly strained.

"This was reckless and borderline foolish to do, why would you put yourself at risk so?"

"To prove that he won't actually fight me or kill me until he gets whatever plan of his out of the way. And if he does make any other move, well. He's gonna get a fight to remember."

Raiden opens his mouth to speak but pauses before crossing his arms, his face softening and Fujin laughs, it's quiet and sincere.

"You've become so brave and witty. Your spirit will have no match," Fujin smiles and begins to walk away. You notice it's near dawn and decide to get some sleep after being awake all day and night. Raiden turns away and goes to meditate, wishing you sweet dreams with a warm and reassuring touch.

After sleeping through the next morning you were left with nothing to do since you woke up. You figured if Quan Chi did plan to make any more moves against you, he wouldn't make them this soon after you managed to escape Kotal's palace, and now him being brazen enough to sneak into the temple, that wasn't a chance you'd take. You stretched and groaned feeling the uncomfortable pressure of being curled up too tightly in one spot. It felt good to stretch out the kinks and tense muscles, releasing an annoyed sigh as you popped a few places.

After popping and stretching out the muscles you got out of bed and put on clothes for the day, noting the sudden quiet of the temple, first assumed it was a nice quiet day for training and practice but you still couldn't help but feel unnerved. It was never good when it was this quiet and no one was there. After wandering the temple aimlessly, and bored, for the better part of the morning you found yourself alone. No godly guardians and no noise whatsoever. A part of you, deep down inside, felt an uneasy eeriness, your chest felt tight and light, nauseated. The Temple was quiet as death. This was NOT okay... Where is everyone, is this a prank to see how long it'll take to make me paranoid? Where is Fujin? Where is Raiden? Where the fuck is everybody?

You continue walking aimlessly, moving a little faster hoping to find someone even Liu Kang but to no avail. Finally, when you peek into Fujin's room it seems as empty as everything else. You know something is wrong now. You look out into the fog again seeing shapes outside. You cautiously walk outside towards the shapes hearing them speak, but it's too faint at the moment. Slowly you inch forward until you realize exactly who those shapes are why are they out here like this? You move closer seeing Raiden and Fujin speaking to Liu Kang. What is this and why are they acting like everything is okay when the whole temple is practically abandoned? You see Fujin turn slightly towards you a look of relief and concern on his face.

"Little Mage," He sounds relieved and his concern feels genuine. It relaxes the tight knot in your chest as you move to the trio, but his worry catches up quickly. He suddenly seems worried and scared for your safety as he glances over your shoulders his facial expression switching and tightening up. You smelt that same fire and ash smell that clung to Quan Chi, you step closer to Fujin feeling safe in number at this moment. You recognize the figure walking towards you as your hands ball into fists in angered aggravation, this can't be good. As Fujin moves to hold a protective hand up against your approaching 'visitor'.

"What have you done this time Quan Chi?" You hiss out feeling the dread run icy tendrils up your spine, the smell of his home realm is almost overpowering. The sharp pungent smell of fire and sulfur fills your nostrils as you watch him hold his arms open.

"Come (y/n), this is going to be fun."

"Not a chance. Not until Neatherrealm freezes over." He glares at your refusal to play along with his bullshit. His eye twitches as Liu Kang moves in front of you instinctively, a look of pure jealousy crosses Quan Chi's face. You are used to seeing this jealous, possessive side.

"I'd be happy to assist," a smooth sardonic voice calls out from the fog, as a shape moves into view; Shang Tsung emerges smiling widely and looking more reptilian than last time, a thin sheen of green in his black eyes and his smile.

"Shang Tsung," The gods warn in an unhappy, venomous tone. He pauses with his hands in a playful defensive stance as he stares at all of you, not feeling threatened or intimidated. Quan Chi has that smug look that tells you everything. He freed Shang Tsung from Kotal's prison. Ready to try and use the other sorcerer to his advantage.

"So this is what you did? Slipped a dagger under his ribs and freed him for your own petty purposes?" You spit at the sorcerer, his hands clap in front of himself, delighted at the jab. "You really are a coward Quan Chi and Shang Tsung is no better. What else did the sorcerers promise you, an upgrade of your chambers, or your own cage with a doily?" Your irritation and sarcasm caused the two to stand straighter their mouths flattening out.

"You, little mouse, are always the smartest toy we've had." Shang Tsung is openly impressed as he glances at your body. His smile turns that slimy reptilian smile that makes you want to gag and punch his teeth out, watching it split across his face in the most disgusting manner.

"Is that all you care about?! Some sick game to play with?!"

"Nothing but the finest of things my darling," his words are filled with disgusting sugar coating and poisonous sweetness.

"You are nothing but an old disgusting man who should have been killed not locked up Shang Tsung," the venom oozes from your tone. The Sorcerer hisses at the insult, baring his teeth for a brief moment and showing his annoyance. You smirk realizing you've found a sore spot with Shang Tsung; the best thing is; he cannot do anything because Quan Chi needs him, especially here with all these Earthrealm gods surrounding him.

You don't hesitate, you dart in front of Raiden grabbing Quan Chi tossing him hard over your shoulder, and pushing him off balance as he falls. Your quick to whip around your boot connecting hard with Shang Tsung's cheek. He staggers and falls with his mouth hung open in shock, this was not expected at all. A second quick boot connects with his skull knocking him unconscious in one go. The whole moment felt too easy but the two men being bound together had a sort of honor code so to speak, or rather an alliance. Your eyes lock onto Quan Chi as you rush him, he catches your fist as you lunge at him. You lean back before headbutting him square in the nose and giving him a nice knee in the crotch, causing him to drop you, as he howls out in pain and clutches his crotch as a momentary distraction.

Your fingers grab his ear pinching the cartilage roughly, before jerking his ear towards his feet causing him to stumble over, kneeling on the ground as he grunts in anger. He clutches his bloody nose, cursing to the point it sounds muffled, as he tries to pull himself free.

"Out with it, what is your plan, the long con and how are you pulling the strings?" You ask before his fingers claw your wrist trying to get you to release him, you don't care what damage he might try to do you're not letting you. You clutch the cartilage tightly, even as he attempts to pull you forward and pry you away, with no success. He groans in agitation as he gets blood all over himself.

"What plan?!" He slurred, and the broken nose affected his ability to enunciate words.

"Now Quan," You pinched the cartilage hard getting him to yelp in pain, he swears at you trying to stand. "Playtime is over, out with it!" You demand sternly only relaxing your hold to give him the ability to stand. He does, while breathing heavily and with great difficulty through his now injured and likely broken, nose.

"You...are...what I want!" He manages to gasp, the tone not smug or a growl but one of anger and frustration. You know he's a man who gets what he wants one way or another, but you? That feels ridiculous your clearly enemies right? And to throw Shang Tsung over this. Something isn't adding up.

"For once," you squeeze hard for emphasis. "Give me a truthful answer, please, or you'll end up in the ground with more than a messed up nose." You say calmly, keeping a firm grip but not painful. You don't give any indication that his struggle or desperate act is causing you to be unable to release your own fury and agitation.

"I want... you! I'm done playing, so let me go!" He snarls at you, blood dripping everywhere.

"If I let you go right now," you release his ear only to grip his face by his jaw tightly. "I want answers, real fucking answers, real explanations. No more bullshit Quan Chi." You growl and hiss at him, an unfamiliar sound escaping your throat, anger and annoyance building. You keep him on his knees showing how how little power he has in this situation.

You don't miss the spark that shines through in his eyes, the surprise at you, and the lack of fear, or at least, outwardly. He hisses back at you in his own frustrated defeat, giving you the truth you deserve.

"Fine!" He finally barks and spits blood towards Raiden in angered defeat.

"Talk then," you command, squeezing just a little harder. He can only make a guttural sound. "I mean it Quan Chi," you say in a hissy demanding tone, it's not your normal tone but you're pissed. You feel him inhale sharply and lick his teeth, taking another deep breath before finally talking.

"I want you, I desire you. You, you have wormed your way into my brain and soul," his voice lowers and purrs with both adoration and venom, clearly he's displeased with both himself and you. The full explanation spills out as the words begin to flow out, it's all the information you need and far more. The cold truth washes over you and makes you feel strange...He's an evil evil man, and yet he's desperate to earn your attention and affection but can't do it without manipulation.

"Now, why don't you let go of me? Unless you'd like a real fight," Quan Chi continues, sounding annoyed with the blood drying in his nose and on his teeth. It causes him to huff out and make his agitated growl.

"Bullshit," you bark, annoyed, angry, and unsettled as he refuses to back down from the standoff. "What if I refuse your little offers and affections?" Your eyes narrow.

"Oh, trust me little mouse, you'll bend sooner than you'll admit." He gives a shallow smile as his eyes show his real desire to have you all to himself.

"Try all you want, I will not break," you hiss releasing him, pushing him hard enough to fall backwards in the dirt as your chest pounds angrily.

"Get the hell out of here Quan Chi," you say as you walk away from him. He growls out in rage, anger, and disappointment, an ugly face coming across his bloodstained face. You ignore the sorcerer as you quickly find something to bind Shang Tsung with, ready to bring him back to Outworld and Kotal Kahn. A portal of fire and smoke opens for a mere second before Quan Chi disappears back to the Neatherrealm. The fog seems to vanish as Shang Tsung comes back to consciousness. He jolts and struggles trying to escape as he tries to call for Quan but fails. You shove him roughly through the portal after binding his arms. You bring him back to the palace seeing the look Kotal has as you have Shang kneel before Kotal Kahn.

"When Quan Chi had D'Vorah tie you up and throw you in that closet he sprung Shang Tsung. I figured you'd like your prisoner back," you breathe heavily after such a fight. Kotal stands staring at the prisoner, at the words you've just uttered and you swear you can see a twitch in his lips. It's clear he's impressed but the tone never changes, there is a twinge of delight and pride in his deep tone.

"You always prove to be a good alley to us (y/n), he will be dealt with accordingly," Kotal Kahn replies, turning his full gaze to Reptile. There is an obvious respect the older Kahn has for you and it warms you a bit. You straighten up, arms behind your back. "If it is alright Kotal Kahn, I will be heading back to Earthrealm and rest now," you bow towards him waiting to be dismissed out of respect. Kotal nods and motions Reptile to lead you back. He smiles at the Zaterran who leads you back outside towards the portal, smiling softly when you realize who is at the portal. Johnny and Liu Kang greet you as the other three watch in amusement, and confusion.

"Johnny? When did you show up?" You question him still on high alert.

"When we got no response from anyone at the temple I came to investigate, Liu was just telling me how much of a fight you gave Quan Chi, and it appears you kicked Shang Tsung's ass pretty good," he pauses a wide grin coming across his handsome features.

"Quan Chi's plan I found out," you grimace as you walk through the portal back to the Earthrealm temple. "He wants me," you mock in a disgusted tone.

"But for what?" Johnny's voice seemed to ring full of confusion.

"Well, apparently..." you begin, "he desires me, said I wormed my way into his mind and soul," you chuckle feeling awkward. "Thing is, he wants to woo me over, by making me see the 'real' him. Pretty romantic huh?" You tease and Liu Kang coughs at the comment obviously concerned about this. Johnny, on the other hand, starts howling in laughter almost choking.

"Please tell me if he shows up with a bouquet of flowers, or even asks you out," his laughter cuts through the sounds of monks waking up from presumably being knocked out.

"Oh believe me I will," you start to laugh.

"Be serious, please! We are talking about a psychotic, demented, mass murderer, and a trickster, in the likes of which the universe has never seen!" Liu Kang stutters out becoming slightly irritated at the other males' shenanigans.

"Why not?! What's the worst that could happen?" Johnny laughs trying to shrug off the other man's seriousness.

"Is no one going to talk about how weird and ridiculous it all sounds?!" Liu just about screamed as his own worries seemed to be bubbling over. Johnny chuckles still.

"You need to lighten up my man," Johnny pats Liu on the shoulder. You glance towards him, sighing a bit as you turn to try and calm Liu's worries.

"Hey, it's okay Liu. You saw how easily I handled both Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, everything will be fine. I just might have a fun joke or story out of it."

"But what if next time he makes you his pawn or someone else takes advantage of your softness?"

"Softness?" The word escapes before you can think. "What softness, I'm not soft!" You scoff in defence feeling offended, he hit a nerve unintentionally.

"Yes, you're soft. I know that, and I have seen how kind and soft you really are underneath that prickly surface. You may not think you are but we've seen it. You really are a big softy under all the bottled-up rage. You are so kind and gentle that even Kotal Kahn is easy on you. You might not know it but you have soft spots for your enemies even if you are too stubborn and prickly to see it," Liu says sincerely, his worry still present but softer. He sees you grit your teeth in angry annoyance, not liking him telling you these things, it wasn't a dig and it wasn't a criticism. It was his sincerity and honesty, he meant it. You hate that you know deep down he's right about you, the two of you have known each other for a long time.

"I'm just scared something will happen, especially with him showing an interest in you," He confesses softly his brown eyes gazing deep into yours. He has a hard time seeing anything bad happen to you because he cares so much.

"Liu, I'll be okay," you place your hand on his shoulder, the corner of your mouth curling. Johnny coughs as if to have attention again you can't help but roll your eyes and chuckle, drawing your attention towards him.

"Yes, Johnny?" You ask in a sarcastically joking tone.

"Sorry, the moment felt so intimate I just couldn't help but intrude." Johnny makes kissing sounds in a playful manner. You make loud over-exaggerated gagging noises in Johnny's direction while Liu laughs in return.

"So what is Quan Chi going to do now? Get roses for his woman and bend to her every desire, so she doesn't run away?" Johnny inquires his brown eyes gleaming with laughter and amusement.

"Let's hope he doesn't." You make a gesture to vomit in a playful manner.

"If he does, take plenty of pictures, or just record it for posterity," Johnny teases you, clasping his fingers in the prayer pose. You let out a hard belly laugh at the idea of it all, Johnny joining in the laughter as Liu Kang just seems more stressed you're not taking this seriously, but knows Johnny is just trying to ease the serious mood.

"Quan Chi doesn't really strike me as a flowers and romance kinda guy," you snort a bit in your laughter.

"Oh? What kinda man is Quan Chi? Do tell my dear," the words leave Johnny's lips dripping with a bit of an accent. You let out an annoyed grunt at the idea as he laughs harder. Liu gives you a strange look.

"He seems like the type to try everything until he comes grovelling, begging on his knees. He was desperate to try and get attention by freeing Shang Tsung from Outworld's prisons."

"Sounds like a real Prince charming, eh?" Johnny laughs as sarcasm drips from him.

"A fucking Prince, aren't we just talking about all of my lifelong fantasies come true," the words and tone drip from your mouth in pure mockery as you let out a series of laughs and giggles, holding your sides and practically leaning on a wall. Liu shakes his head but grins amused that his words were not in vain but he's not convinced you are entirely safe with this idea. Johnny clings to the wall beside you as both of you recover.

"I don't understand the joke." Raiden's stern voice echoes throughout the room causing you to jump cutting your laughter, leaving the air a bit tense and awkward.

"Ah, just trying to make light of the current issue with Quan Chi," you say with an awkward laugh. You feel the heat rising to your cheeks embarrassed.

"Oh?" The god raises an eyebrow. "It must be amusing to you if you have Johnny Cage and Liu Kang laughing this hard," he continues trying to put together a humorous element but seems perplexed and confused.

"Sorta." You rub the back of your neck sheepishly as Raiden stares at Johnny before turning towards you.

"Then why is it funny? Pray tell," Raiden stands with a questioning expression.

"We were mocking just Quan Chi and his 'affections' for me, and the type of romantic man he is," you can hear Johnny giggling next to you trying to keep it together. Raiden's eyes narrow at Johnny's movements, confused at the action.

"He means... hah, the flower-giving, singing serenade, worshipping and falling to his knees, romantic." You manage, giggling between your words. Raiden just continues to eye your movements and the laughter. "A true prince charming," your voice in a heavy sarcastic and mocking voice, that causes Johnny to laugh hard and Liu Kang to giggle a bit.

"I'm confused..." Raiden stands with his staff.

"Prince charming is a term, he is supposed to be like a heroic knight that a person falls in love with, who saves and romances them, sweeping 'em off their feet," Johnny finally stops laughing long enough to try and explain the joke.

"Ah," he makes a noise and his brow knits slightly. You let out a louder giggle, thinking he's finally figured out the joke, a smile creeps onto his face. He stares at you amused but also not amused, trying to catch the joke himself and join the laughter, only making you burst.

"What I don't understand," Raiden starts causing your laughter to halt as if frozen, "is why he's so desperate for your attention? And that would you like it, how and why, is amusing you," He tries to say, keeping his stern, firm expression. Your jaw drops a bit as you shake your head. You almost stammer before Johnny starts laughing hard with tears coming down his cheeks.

"Because it makes no sense Raiden! That's why it's so funny! Quan Chi doesn't seem to be a romantic kind of person and to be trying so desperately," Johnny finally stops for a mere moment and wipes his face, "that would only work in a funny way. And her laughing because she finds his actions bizarre," his tone comes out between small fits of laughter.

"I find it funny that this is even a situation to begin with," your laughter bubbles up in your chest as you smile brightly trying hard to keep it together.

"Ah, you don't really mean that do you? The situation has upset you, has it not?" He questions you, tilting his head softly, his stance is firm and sure.

"It is upsetting but I'm trying to find a bright side to it by making jokes about it. It's better than getting upset or worried about what could happen." You laughter comes back at how hard Johnny is laughing, his face red with tears, wheezing from laughing so hard. You double over next to him unable to control it. You glance over and see Liu Kang desperately trying not to crack, eyes squeezed shut.

"And the laughing at the whole notion is?" Raiden asks as if even more confused.

"Therapeutic," you giggle out as Liu finally cracks and starts chuckling loudly.

Raiden blinks and looks over the scene, all three of you barely holding it together, the others in the temple give glances and are giggling in themselves. Raiden goes silent before cracking a wide grin and a soft chuckle, this gets your group to laugh harder. He keeps his smile though, trying to force the laughter down. He gets it, he finds the whole notion of such an evil sorcerer acting so out of character and so bizarre to be amusing. That it causes you, and the others so much laughter, it's infectious. He's glad you are able to make light of such a concerning situation. He smiles as you laugh, smile, and laugh a little more. You try to recover after a few more minutes and gasp for air, trying to compose yourself. Your abdomen is sore, but it feels good, you finally take deep breaths feeling like your old self again, and smile up at the god as you wipe away tears from laughing so hard and smiling. Raiden gives you a soft, genuine, amused and pleased grin.

"Wow I didn't know I needed that," you sigh softly as your eyes shine brightly from your laughing fit. "Now that's one helluva stress relief," you grin wildly feeling exhilarated. You look between Johnny, Raiden, and Liu Kang who also is trying to calm himself, he is caught up in the whirlwind of laughter.

"Told you it was funny Liu," you grin as he shrugs before he bursts again followed by Johnny. You can't help but find solace in the fact they are able to laugh with you in your stressful situation. "My stomach hurts now," you huff with a wide smile as Johnny finally stands wiping away tears of laughter.

"Let's go train while we laugh it off," Liu clasps your shoulders with his hands as his chocolate eyes gaze into yours. "I've never heard you laugh and giggle that much," he smiles softly, amused.

"Neither have I," Johnny adds, his arm resting on the top of your head. "I am relieved, however. It was quite cute," he smiles. You start blushing and grumble a bit.

"I ain't cute," you say in an annoyed tone but feeling light-hearted pointing a finger at Johnny. He chuckles lightly before moving away. "Bah!" You dismiss it trying to cover up your embarrassment with a deep breath. Raiden, meanwhile, watches your small, slight change. The slight heat in your cheeks is charming and cute.

"As much fun as that sounds, I really should be heading back home. This was fun guys, hopefully, it is a nice reprieve from all this fighting. Stay safe guys," Johnny says as his phone goes off with that ringtone he has set for Cassie.

"Give Cassie my regards and let her know she's missed," you call as Johnny answers his phone walking away and giving you a thumbs up in acknowledgement. Liu and you smile a bit as you watch him go.

"Good day Mr. Cage," Raiden's voice echoes lightly as the two of you turn back towards him. He stands there watching silently. Liu bows slightly before leading you out the doors to go train. Your giggles echo faintly out the door behind you.

"They sure do amuse you a lot, huh?" Fujin's soft voice has Raiden turning towards the wind god, his pale eyes sparkling a bit.

"One has got to find humour in our dark times, yes?" He smirks softly looking out where you just walked away. He feels proud and relieved at the fact he is able to bring a smile to your face during a rough patch. A sigh leaves his chest, a small smile playing on his lips.

...

It had been weeks since making jokes with Johnny and Liu Kang about this whole situation. Quan Chi hadn't shown up since that fight but you could swear you'd smell him or feel his eyes burning into the back of your head, only for you to turn around and there's no sign of him. But, other than that, it's business as usual for you and the Earthrealm team. With Liu, you train hard every day. Your combat abilities were stronger than before along with your bond with him and the gods who took you in. You and Raiden began to work through issues that you would bottle up, Fujin playing referee and talking through issues that you had with him as well. And while it wasn't anything easy or a speedy process, it was a healing journey.

You and Kung Lao even started to bond, you both could get pretty jealous of each other's strength and abilities. You'd always pick at the other but that soon formed into a kinder competition and sparring session. All in good fun. You would even run information between Earthrealm and Outworld for Sonya, Raiden, and Kotal. All three wanted to find and capture D'Vorah for her betrayal and for information she may have. The three could handle it, but they thought you could too, and it gave you a bit more confidence to walk among Outworld and its people. You and Kotal would talk even when you didn't have much new information. He did seem to enjoy that you wanted to keep communication between the realms open especially after he learned about the situation with Quan Chi.

Even with everything happening, you tried to keep a positive outlook on things. After a long week of travelling between the two realms, you rested outside in the hot springs that are in the gardens of Raiden and Fujin's temple. Liu had shown you this place when you ripped a muscle in your back a few years ago. You enjoy the peace and quiet of the springs and the fresh scent. You breathe it in as it begins to rain, you groan and move to go inside, but pause and slowly back down in a sitting position enjoying the earthy smell and warm water. If you get sick you couldn't care this felt more important to you at the moment.

You stay in the springs until the water no longer gives you warmth before you drag yourself out. You stand drying and slipping on the clothes you were wearing, before going towards the steps. You notice Raiden standing, watching something in the distance. You approach him, your towel wrapped around your shoulders. "Lord Raiden?"

"(Y/N)," He turns and meets your gaze.

"Enjoying the rain? It makes the springs almost more foggy. It's quite nice," you can see him looking slightly concerned.

"You'll catch a cold out here. As for the rain, yes it does bring life to the world," he says with a light-hearted voice, a half-smile curling his lips.

"Yeah I know, I'm headed back to the temple now," you say as you walk past him up the stone path to the entrance of the temple. Your bare feet slide across the cool damp surface before you pad down the halls with your steps echoing behind.

You head towards your room, as you dry off and change into something to sleep in. The sound of a fire crackling softly and the heat filling the room was a perfect end to your relaxing bath. You smile contently flop onto your soft bedding and cuddle the warm blankets and pillows. You hum happily before you fall asleep.

The next morning, you wake up with hair sticking to your face from sleeping with wet hair. You sit and rub the hair off your face. You yawn and stretch as you get out of bed. As you fully wake up and get dressed after a shower, you see something that wasn't there before, a box. Not just any box though, on your desk is a small gift box with an envelope on it. You didn't recognize the handwriting. You pick up the box and envelope bringing it to the tea room that Raiden, Fujin, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao were sitting in, they were discussing something as you approached.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt but did one of you sneak into my room and leave me this on my desk?" You ask as you place the small gift box and envelope on the table. They all look at you confused.

"We did not. What is it?" Fujin replies looking between the items and you.

"I don't know. I don't recognize the handwriting. I haven't opened it yet," you reply you feel nervous realizing that none of them seem to know. Fujin and Raiden nod understanding, Liu's hand resting gently on your forearm, as Kung Lao makes a small humming sound.

You take a deep breath and pick up the envelope, the handwriting is elegant and beautiful, making you hesitate before opening the envelope. Fujin leans over your shoulder looking at the handwriting before he seems to go pale.

"Do not open that," Fujin tries to take it from your hand. "How could we not sense this? This is not good," the panic rises in his voice and Raiden picks up on it quickly, everyone else even more confused, still trying to understand the panic.

"What? What is it?" You have a sinking feeling that you may understand why Fujin and Raiden are so panicked.

"How did he get into their room without any of us noticing?" Fujin asks in that concerned parent tone as he stands in panic, pacing a bit. It clicks in your head. Quan Chi somehow got into your room while you were asleep, leaving you these things without waking you, and then leaving undetected. You didn't even see a pile of ash or soot in your room, how the hell did he get in? And then just leave this stuff? You should feel violated that he invaded your space, but you find yourself just confused as to his motives. You don't even want to open it and find out.

"May I?" Raiden asks softly looking at you. You merely nod to him as Raiden takes the box and envelope from you. You watch as he opens the envelope to read a letter written in that same delicate handwriting. You sit next to Fujin and Liu, while Kung Lao tries to read over Raiden's shoulder before getting a warning look.

"I just wanna see what's written on it," he defends. Raiden gives him a displeased and tired look before beginning.

"If you are so interested (y/n) I can read this aloud for all of us, it does seem to be a letter so far," Raiden explains ignoring Kung Lao's antics. Your mouth feels dry and all you can do is nod as Fujin pours you a cup of tea, hoping to ease your anxiety and his panic. Raiden clears his throat as he begins reading the letter.

'Dear (Y/N), I hope this letter finds you well. It is not my intention to come across as rude or overly blunt. Though I realize my actions and feelings have seemed unbefitting, the way you have occupied my thoughts has begun to disturb me, more after the last time we met, where we fought. Your very soul has ignited mine and caused a longing for you like I haven't felt in ages, perhaps never before. I must have you and give myself fully to you, it is beginning to distract me from my work. I apologize that this comes across as hasty and brief, I am not so well-versed in expressing my affection and the words I want to speak to you escape my mind before I can even find the right words to do so. To make matters worse, I feel a hesitation, even though I want you desperately, it has become clear the situation is a bit delicate. I have seen how you bristle at me and bare your teeth ready for a fight I do not plan. It only sets my mind ablaze, seeing that fire in your eyes. The way your words seem to worm deep under my skin both irritates me and yet I feel so drawn to your sarcastic and vicious words. As I work all I hear is your laugh and words replaying day in and out. At first, it was an irritating noise but now is loud in the forefront of my mind is a struggle as I try and ignore it to focus on my work, even so, the smell of you seems to haunt me. It is both soothing, yet driving me to madness as my need for you grows by each passing hour.' The growing scowl on Raiden's face tells you he wishes to not be reading this aloud for you all.

'However, I know I am not welcome by the Earthrealmer's nor you and the White Lotus in your temple or the other realms as a result. If this is how things will go I shall not force you or them into a battle you clearly don't want, lest I ruin my chances completely. While I may want to take you away from those foolish gods you call family, or those idiotic mortals you call friends. That would be a short-sighted victory. I detest how you laugh and smile at them. How you show such kindness in your actions and words with them. When you smile at them my chest begins to ache with jealousy that it should be I instead and not those buffoons and dimwits. Especially that uppity monk, you train with, such as Liu Kang. The mere sight of his skin upon yours sends anger flowing through my being. I just want to set him ablaze.' You have a feeling it isn't Liu Kang that he means, as it sounds much more personal and less about the training you and him did together.

'I loath how those foolish gods keep you so well hidden from the world as if you were some object to covet. Something that has to be kept from my sight, kept only for them to bask in your glory, and use as a bargaining chip. How you travel between only Earthrealm and Outworld, not even a passing glance to any other realm. How "friendly" Kotal seems to be with you, sets something ugly alight inside me. My fury burns white-hot. My blood boils. To see him act like he has the right to touch you in any way has me thinking dark and violent thoughts. Only you could hold power over me like this, make me jealous. Jealousy has brought me to near destruction, both figuratively and literally, not on myself, but on others who have done the unthinkable. While it is true that I desire a prize worth more than anything I have in my possession, I will only settle for the very best, and nothing else. And you, my dear (y/n), I dare not say are priceless.

I feel lost in thought at the sight of you when I see you travel so calmly in either realm. How you seem so pure and beautiful even after everything you've lived through. The light shines on your hair, on your soft skin, reflecting in your beautiful eyes that shine a light that warms me, they are captivating. I think, that I want nothing more than to gaze deep within and lose myself in their depths. If I were a better man I would say, what a pair you and I would make, however, if I am being honest you are the light I would gladly burn myself in for eternity. But, let this be known, no matter how envious I am, no matter what other things may cross my mind, I mean you no harm. Only a desire and longing to touch and share in you.' Raiden scowls again as he is forced to finish reading the letter in a sour tone. He looks as if he wishes to destroy Quan Chi with his eyes alone. Liu's hand that was on your forearm tightens in a protective and grounding gesture, while Fujin seems ready to steal the letter from Raiden and read it himself desperate to think that the words were not these. That maybe he misheard Raiden. Kung Lao seems ready for a fight as he grinds his teeth in a scowl. All three are protective and annoyed at this. It's flattering in a way that the gods care.

You feel so unnerved how he goes from words written like silk to ones threatening those around you then back to that silk. You wonder what face he was making as he wrote these words down on parchment, did he scowl or smile? Did it make him angry or a warm and excited feeling? All the way up until he gets to that last line where he seemingly can no longer restrain the seething poison and anger. You can feel the hairs stand on end as an overwhelming anxious, nauseated feeling fills you. You realize your tea has gotten cold. Raiden continues looking slightly disgusted.

'I long to know your soft, touch; the curve of your lips when you smile; the beat of your heart when it is excited; the tinge that sits high on your cheeks in your shyness. Your whole presence intoxicates me, filling me with a deep craving. I can not concentrate, or even rest easy until I can get all that you have to give, all of you. For you see, I, Quan Chi, wish to have you and make you the centrepiece in my life. The crown jewel in my possession. In all my days I have never wanted something or someone so badly. You have fascinated me for than I can put into words. And now my obsession is all-consuming, an inescapable craving, one of the soul. Since you, a divine enchantress, have cast your spell on me, I am willing to put everything aside for the sake of you. All else can burn. Now, suppose you are curious as to the box that accompanies this letter. The box holds a small token of my fondness and admiration. It was the very first item of this kind that was ever made. I do hope you find it to your liking. Just as I do, your lovely image.

In burning love,

Your's Truly

Quan Chi.

As Raiden finishes his face is red in rage and disgust, Fujin's too has turned an almost unnatural shade of red and white. Liu and Kung Lao also looked furious, their jaws locked. Your cheeks are turning warm from how poetic it sounded and embarrassed you feel. All of their reactions and emotions are written on their faces plain and simple, and it almost feels comforting you are not the only one disturbed and angry. Raiden does a slow blink at the end of the letter trying to get his head around it as Fujin practically slaps the letter out of his hands re-reading it for himself.

"This is.. this is abhorrent!" Raiden can't hold back anymore it seems as he looks furious as Fujin reads the letter in shock. They both start to whisper and argue. Kung Lao looks at you and then the box as if in a silent plea to let him open it. You reach to pass it to him when it seems neither Fujin nor Raiden notices in their discussion, they are practically yelling. You try not to flinch when Kung Lao unwraps the ribbon and tears open the package revealing a jewellery box. You feel your body shaking as Liu Kang offers you silent comfort keeping his mouth shut not willing to speak in a harsh tone, afraid he will add to the yelling or make things worse. You swallow as your mouth and throat still feel dry. you quickly drink the lukewarm tea hoping to ease your discomfort and dry throat.

Liu watches carefully as you drink. His brows furrow in concern when he sees the slight tremble and shakes you seem to have developed. He moves to put a hand over your free one offering any support he can give. His hands are warm compared to how you're feeling inside. "Are you ok?"

You smile lightly at him not really wanting him to worry too much over this "I don't know to be honest," your voice cracks as you explain. You keep watching Kung Lao as he seems to hesitate to open the jewellery box. Not because he was worried or even being too careful, but because there seemed to be some unanswered question on what lay inside. Or what reaction Raiden and Fujin would give in response to seeing. When you look at him confused he smiles trying to seem more reassuring but you can see his furrowed brow and see through the strained smile, it almost makes you feel bad. You watch in silence as he unlatches the small box, his hands hesitating before opening it.

He finally lifts the small latch allowing it to crack open to reveal its contents. The hinges are old and scream as if they haven't been opened in a long long time. You and Liu watch Kung Lao curiously as if something is bound to leap out at one of you. Raiden and Fujin whip their heads towards the noise seeing how you and Liu Kang watched Kung Lao waiting for an answer to the silent question 'What is in there?'. Kung Lao smiles nervously in their direction as if saying 'Don't yell at me!', as he opens the little jewellery box. He seems to take a moment to look at what is inside before he turns it towards all four of you. It's a necklace, thin and delicate yet elegant and detailed. It held a purple crystal, almost iridescent with black metal and gold worked around it.

It's actually really pretty, you can tell this was probably hundreds of years old or even older but still very much beautiful. "Wow, that's... surprising," Kung Lao says holding the box and still examining the necklace. He doesn't dare touch the necklace itself as if it would bite him. Raiden comes over taking it and inspecting it more closely, almost afraid to touch it. He gives Fujin and you a concerned look before Fujin takes it from his hands. Fujin holds it in his hand almost lovingly looking at the detail and gemstone in it. Fujin laughs bitterly, bitter at himself mostly.

"I know this pendant," he smiles almost sadly. "How could he have gotten his hands on this, so quickly no less?" It was a rhetorical question not intended to be answered. You give him a confused look as he places it on the table gently.

"How? Why is it important?" Liu Kang asks also giving it a strange look.

"It was forged by a god from a realm that was lost to Outworld many centuries ago, a protector like Raiden and I," Fujin begins. "She was kind and caring but protective and strong." Fujin has a wistful and nostalgic look as if reminiscing. "This necklace was made in the Jensei of her realm to keep her champion from getting sick. It's a miracle it survived the realm being conquered," the more Fujin talked about it the more distant he seemed. "The more I study it, the more I seem to recognize something familiar from this. This necklace is nothing but pure energy to keep someone's health good, even after the realm is destroyed the energy and ability for healing still exist," Fujin looks frustrated before pulling away. "I don't understand how someone so vile got ahold of such a pure artefact or the reason why," his hand clenches in a tight fist before you place your hand on him to comfort and ground him.

"Fujin, you're talking as if there is something strange and sinister behind it," you state simply. Liu and Kung Lao just eye you carefully while watching Fujin. Fujin doesn't say anything for a minute and instead chooses to breathe and calm down.

"There is nothing sinister about this item. I know it cannot be destroyed or corrupted, she spent millennia forging it. I am repulsed he got ahold of it somehow." The explanation given confuses you.

"Then, why is this odd?" you ask hesitantly and quietly. "If it is such a good thing then why is it concerning?" Raiden scowls deeper as he looks over.

"Because if he somehow got it. He may have more information on lost items and realms," Raiden glares hard at the necklace as if offended at its very presence. You gently touch the box as if scared it would leap to life and bite you. You lift the necklace carefully in the box studying it further.

It felt light in your hands and held a pleasant and calming aura, it seemed to thrum and move under your touch, you see in your mind's eye flashes of a world full of beautiful valleys filled with wildflowers, lushes forests with gently flowing rivers and streams, imposing mountains with forests and snow, teal blue oceans. It feels like you're sitting in the presence of the Jensei again, that soft warm thrumming that fills your soul the spreads through your body, but on a smaller scale in your palms. You can feel the power this necklace holds, and yet it only seems to add more questions to the growing pile. Why would he so willingly send you such a powerful item instead of keeping it for himself? Why go through the effort of acquiring a lost artefact so obscure you hadn't heard of the realm's existence until a few moments ago? What would he gain in giving you something so powerful?

You realize you've spaced off when you hear Raiden call your name, a gentle reminder he wants you to pay attention. Fujin and Kung Lao look curious and interested in the item, the wonder and curiosity at something so unique and lost from millennia ago. You blink before you look towards Raiden sheepishly while holding the necklace in your hands, he seems tense and suspicious of you even holding it. Liu however has a somewhat guarded yet gentle expression of curiosity at how entranced you seemed to become. You open your hands letting him study it as well as you offer the necklace to him.

"Touch it," you say holding it out, your eyes seem to sparkle at the flashes the necklace seemed to give you. The visions and memories almost seem like home to you. But you can't be too careful and are obviously distrusting. Liu, a little shocked at the sudden invitation seems hesitant.

"It feels like sitting by our Jensei but I saw flashes of another realm," you explain. "Like it's old memories and magic," he raises an eyebrow at that before carefully putting his palm out to touch it. The necklace, noticing the kind intention, gently lets its magic thrum out a little further making Liu's eyes go wide. He seems taken aback by its behaviour, eyes wide and filled with wonder.

"Why would he so willingly give you this?" Liu Kang's voice comes out as a whisper as he collects himself from the visions you seemed to have shared separately.

"Let me see," Kung Lao says as he reaches across to see and feel what you and Liu Kang did. Liu and you hand him the necklace for his inspection and verdict. He quickly reaches out and places his hands near the centre stone. He smiles as his eyes go distant as if the visions are lost memories. He hands you the necklace back a look of pure content on his face before pulling away. You gently place it on the table's smooth surface where everyone can study it further. Fujin is horrified all three of you touched it willingly while Raiden looked both shocked and amused at what happened. The three of you seemed so intrigued and caught up with what happened that no one stopped you three from touching the necklace and sharing the memories it had offered.

Raiden sighs shaking his head and picks it up to put it back in the box. He sees the visions as he touches them freezing his movements. The feelings of contentment flood him at the sight, memories of a realm he had long since forgotten in all his time of duty. Fujin quickly moves to finish what his brother seems to be unable to continue. Fujin gasps at the visions before pulling away gently placing the item in its box and then back into your hands. You look at him hoping he's alright, it's very rare he gasps like that.

"I haven't thought of that realm in so long," his voice is barely a whisper, nostalgic tears pricking the corner of his eyes.

"Nor have I," Raiden says, a soft gentle smile gracing his lips. It's like someone poured rainwater on his inner fire. Both of the gods look nostalgically sad to all of you. You look between them concerned, rarely did they look like this if at all. Liu Kang, Kung Lao look between the gods just as concerned as you.

"Should we be worried?" Kung Lao seems hesitant and ready for a fight now that it's become evident this necklace is obviously very precious. Fujin shakes his head before he pinches his nose bridge to rid the tears that wish to fall.

"That realm doesn't exist anymore," he explains. "I do not think you have anything to fear. How would he have access to this power? Where would he have gotten this?" his tone seems to plead to nonexistent figures of answers, begging them to reply.

"Maybe a forgotten vault," Raiden mulls as he crosses his arms pondering over the details, of what this would mean for the future. "A lost tomb, a hidden stash." He seemed to go through any and all scenarios as he stared off. His eyes quickly turn towards you as you rub circles into the box as if to soothe yourself. Your nervous ticks that previously showed the only sign of how unnerved this made you. Now, however, you sit ramrod straight with your hands on the box as if you were playing with the box as you seemed to have more questions than answers.

"What do you intend to do with the gift he sent you?" Fujin asks. "Are you intending to send it back, perhaps destroy it?" You're slightly startled as you are still very uneasy.

"I don't know. I know it's from him but, it's an artefact of a long-forgotten realm. Something so old, that no one talks about it. It feels wrong to want to destroy it, and even worse to send him back such a strong thing," you say, you feel like you are at a crossroads. He had to of done this on purpose. He sent you a gift that you'd feel obligated to keep. Something you'd want to prevent him from having but wouldn't feel okay destroying for the fact it's all that's left of a long-dead realm. He has to of realized this, it seems like an oversight on his part but you've come to expect nothing but perfect calculation from the sorcerer.

"He sent this on purpose. It is something he knows can't be destroyed and it's something that anyone who can think knows is a powerful artefact he shouldn't have. Something he clearly intended to cause a rift between us no matter what I choose to do with it." You say as you stare at the box. You do a quick sweep of the others before speaking again, "It wouldn't even be possible to destroy this, no matter what intention it was sent with. It'd be a desecration," your voice trails off with sadness. "Even with his terrible reasons for sending it, it still was so lovingly made," a feeling of sadness washes over you at how poignantly old and thoughtful the gift was.

Fujin and Raiden think as their brows furrowed. They can't get rid of it or make you destroy it, the guilt would eat at you, it seems like no matter which road you walk this is the result. It was either keeping a strong ancient artefact that had been thought lost to time or returning it giving Quan Chi a powerful artefact he could try corrupting using it for something monstrous. It made the blood drain from their faces. This necklace held such ancient and precious memories. Something so connected and protective that they couldn't bring themselves to destroy it, and couldn't subject it to what might happen to it, what Quan Chi could do if he somehow corrupted its magical core and twisted its purpose to fit his plans.

"What is the solution?" Kung Lao leans over wanting and awaiting the conclusion to a dilemma.

"There is no solution that doesn't cause him to feel like he's won, Kung Lao," you say as you look at him. His face turns pale. Everyone stops and looks at you. The entire mood had changed again. It wasn't joy or comfort, or even anger or distress. But an unsettling emotion that clung and wafted through the air, one that stung as it had nowhere else to settle. They knew you were right. Keep it and he thinks he can keep trying to woo you, send it back and have a huge rift form between you and the gods for giving Quan Chi back such an item, or try and destroy it only to look like fools thinking something that was made by a god can be destroyed. Unfortunately, the best option was to keep it. It seems so straightforward yet leaves such an unsettling taste behind.

You are lost, you have nowhere to go or even focus on, and you don't want to take back the necklace, sending it back is an obvious no. Destroying it is a fruitless endeavour that will make all of you look idiotic for trying. "He has us over a barrel." your voice is solemn and sad, there's a certain chilliness to it, one that makes those around you look uncomfortable. Kung Lao tries not to move his eyes and just watches as you start looking distant and withdrawn.

"He can have this one victory, I will not let him have another," you growl as you stand up picking up the box and that damned letter. The decision felt like a knife going through you. Fujin and Raiden nod a look of understanding that this isn't an easy pill to be forced to swallow.

That is the conclusion you all are left with. You excuse yourself to your room to allow yourself to stew on this. Your face was turning red with frustration, at what Quan Chi did. How this only strengthens his claim, and the unshakable feelings for the sorcerer you'd be pushing down so desperately to the side for years from before you ever knew about revenant or becoming one at one point. It angered you how easily these feelings wanted to come back, it felt like a slap in the face after what he's done to so many of your friends. You can just imagine him sitting in his fortress with that fucking toothy smile of his that make his laugh lines and crow's feet more apparent from how proud he is for how sneakily he left you without the option of choice with how to deal with the necklace. How it only seems to strengthen whatever claim he has made on your heart and mind. You sneer to yourself knowing you won't give in to him.

'Do your worst Quan Chi, for you will lose in the end,' you sneer as you hide the box deep in your room in case he decides to visit you in your sleep again. You leave the letter on the desk knowing you'll break something if you even look at it. Forget his terrible gift, his fucking words, just forget him entirely for a while. Forget those feelings you don't want them not for him at least. You grumble quietly to yourself.

For tonight, you will not worry about how much trouble and uncertainty the necklace brings. Instead, you will worry about your own predicament for having feelings for such a horrible being. And pray to the Elder Gods for your feelings to change somehow.

...

For close to five straight you found letters and gifts in your room, you ignored them all leaving them where he put them, refusing to even give him the satisfaction of knowing you opened them. It seems the more you ignore them, the more elaborate the gift and message get in a desperate attempt to gain back the crumb of attention you gave him by opening the first gift and letter. This little war has been going on for five months and in the last week or so the notes started getting desperate for your attention and reaction, making you hate how he was making your heart warm a bit more from his attention and desire for your gaze. You feel frustrated, impressed, flustered, and a tiny smidgen honoured in some odd way. All this attention was given by a man who could have anything he wanted, yet he wanted the one thing he couldn't seem to get. It made your cheeks heat at how Quan Chi's desperation rose more and more. You only acknowledge the gifts, you don't open them and simply move them around to use your desk or other parts of your room. You hope it gets under his that you move them but do not open them or his letters. You aren't willing to give him that satisfaction, you know he's enjoying this in his own way waiting to see your breaking point for even opening them.

You couldn't believe he hadn't just sat in your room waiting for you at this point. You knew he was too prideful for that, too prideful and stubborn to let you see him beg for your attention. You smile smugly knowing it's been driving him up a wall not getting what he wants. A deep dark part of you likes that he keeps trying. You can't help but chuckle to yourself about how crazy this has gotten. You find it charming in an odd and twisted way that his desire to show how much he cares and desires is so focused on you and is shown so clearly.

When this first began it felt like an obvious ploy by the sorcerer, now it seems so clear to you how desperate he is for you. Even with all of his dark magic and way with words, the strongest emotion and show of it is love and desire. Something you never once expected would come from such a man who was cruel and unforgiving. You never once considered Quan Chi a person who could feel such human emotions, yet here it was presented. You sigh as you look over to the growing piles of letters and gifts, you feel a small pang of guilt for ignoring his clear attempts, but what if he is just playing the long game? You're stubborn but so is he, and his ability to plot and have no remorse should not be underestimated. Yet, here before your eyes, hundreds of letters and gifts are stacked neatly for you and only you. No other soul would receive something so elaborate, and this knowledge causes your cheeks to burn with a sense of pride at how you without even knowing or trying have made his desire your attention and affection. You scoff a little amused. How low would a man, a Sorcerer no less, fall, just for you, a human raised by Fujin and Raiden, his sworn enemies? You feel such a warmth knowing his ego will be his downfall.

Quan Chi didn't plan for how the months' worth of ignoring him would have made him so vulnerable and weak to you. There was no doubt that his feelings of adoration were real, all the emotions he'd had so diligently shoved down now rose with an explosive need. And all his self-control and stoicism were melting to a desperate longing. To the point, he now truly was a desperate man and you had the true power in the situation, the upper hand. It's too bad you aren't aware of his true desperation and raw feelings towards you.

You breathe out, exhaling in hopes of purging your mind, of the strange warmth Quan Chi's strange actions seem to bring. It was that longing for attention from another your heart ached for, for so long. His romantic pursuits, in theory, sound terrible and controlling, but in reality, his gifts have been something to brighten your days, and the idea of love that makes him such a charming figure. Your lonely yet romantic heart feels desperate for him to continue, for him to come crawling to you telling you what all the gifts truly meant for him. To hear words not seeing his unopened gifts and unread letters. Words so pretty and gentle yet you knew his ego, pride, and stubbornness wouldn't let him even if he was to scream it from the tallest mountain. He will die without your words, it seems to you. And yet, you stay your resolve in waiting, forcing him to cave first before your own affections grow too much. You want him to come to you instead of letters and gifts being left for you in your room while you sleep or are out with your friends.

Quan Chi always needed the last word, it was a big part of him, you've seen it for yourself. A bigger reason for you staying your resolve is that he would be in so much denial and misery, refusing to give him anything. It has caused his schemes to reach their pique of failure because he can't focus when he knows that you are doing a damn good job of making his head swim and rage in need of you. It is amusing to picture the sorcerer who normally has such a cool temperament now burning and frantic when you keep refusing to open his gifts or read his letters. The joyful swell in your chest gives you some peace in how frustrating his endless letters and gifts are. How pathetic it has been, not being able to let you rest. How upset and confused his little notes must be getting, waiting for your answer or acknowledgement. And this image was delicious to your stubborn mind that won't give in easily. You wanted him to fall, begging, on his hands and knees in front of you, asking, begging for you to love him like how he seems to love you.

That will be the day that you will read every letter he has written you. Every note, card, poem, and letter. That will be the day you open every gift and appreciate the effort he has put into each one. You'll wait till you know that it's him who needs to give in, and then and only then, will you give up your stubborn will and finally acknowledge him in the same way you know he so desperately craves. You'll give him the one thing that he can't seem to have: your acceptance and return of feelings. Your attention has become more intoxicating and sought after. You know Quan Chi isn't the type of man to care much for anyone other than himself, but in some twisted way, this means so much more than any normal person. It feels so different. In your mind, this is his twisted and strange way of showing his emotions and care for you, but in an oddly cute and charmingly romantic way. How bizarre for a man who would try to kill anyone before showing a speck of care. But for you, a mere human that has lived with Raiden and Fujin since your early years, to the point that he won't stop and be relentless in showing he'd do anything to have your love and attention. The feelings of giddiness, power, and something so deeply connected bloom and wrap your mind, just picturing the situation where his patience snaps and he shows up, tired and at a breaking point. Where his control fizzles and his usual patience to plot has dissolved, the mask will slip and all that is underneath will be exposed to you, his grand weakness. How wonderful it will be for the prideful man to come undone just for a single smidgen of acknowledgement from you. To know your influence has such sway in his otherwise calm demeanour. It was a triumphant victory in itself.

Fujin would come to check on you and almost take stock of how many things Quan Chi had given you, only for you to not open at all. It still shocked him how serious and almost, dare he say, sweet, his attempts were. You don't really understand why, it was just the attention that warmed the aching and longing soul in you. The loneliness didn't feel so awful when such a strong and mighty Sorcerer was tripping over his feet to catch your eyes. And though you tried to fight it, the feelings weren't vanishing and even blossomed further with his persistence.

In fact, his actions were the first in quite some time, in a very, very long time that anyone seemed interested in you romantically. In your younger years when your interest in others began Raiden and Fujin scared them all off as if scared you'd end up broken-hearted and lonely. They meant well but it seems to have backfired horrifically. And you feel strange guilt in a way for enjoying Quan Chi's attention the more you tell yourself that his intentions aren't wholesome and his history of what he does to people speaks for itself.

Raiden and Fujin are tired, and exhausted, in truth. How much more of this will he try? It seems to never end, as does Quan Chi's pursuit of you. You felt somewhat amused, it's nice to have the upper hand on such a mighty evil sorcerer. Even the most powerful are brought to their knees at one point, the trick is to wait him out.

You keep on as if nothing is happening, working with the Special Forces and Outworld letting Quan Chi slip into the back of your mind when you work and train. It doesn't matter what Quan Chi sends anymore, nothing will force you to reply or read his letters. Some would have seen your stubbornness as a blessing, but the Sorcerer sees it as a curse. Many keep saying it's like 'an unstoppable force meets an immovable object' with how stubborn they know both of you are.

So many days have passed and not even he can remember how much time has gone. Has it been weeks or even months since his pursuit began? Perhaps longer? Quan Chi feels he might break any day now. You haven't opened anything since the first gift and letter, not even peeking at his gifts and letters. You merely move them out of your way to continue your daily life. Stacking every single unopened gift neatly to not let them fall or break, the letters neatly piled on your desk waiting to be opened and read. He would see them every time he would leave you a new one. He's snuck looks in journals and anything you have looking for any semblance of attention from you, yet still nothing. You simply went about your day, like any other.

Quan Chi grew frustrated, how could his charm not get through? Wasn't it obvious how strong his feelings for you were? What would get you to give him an inch, why did you hate the gifts he had worked so hard to find for you, wasn't it a sign of his care and appreciation for you? Why was everything, he did so fruitless? Everything else worked so well for him, a plan would work flawlessly, and his enemies and allies would bend or fall to his will, how was he being forced to show such pathetic vulnerability to you of all creatures?! How did you hold such power over him with your utter obliviousness, where you were just as stubborn as him unwilling to lose the battle? It felt so frustrating to the powerful sorcerer. No one but you and you alone could do this to the ruthless and intelligent Quan Chi. You hold such strength and yet you can't even see the effects you have on him. You have such a big advantage that it's frustrating that you don't use it to your advantage somehow. Instead, you wait it out, you give him no attention.

Quan Chi couldn't wrap his head around how a mere person could have done what so many had failed in so easily. How easily he'd fallen and made a fool of himself was shocking in a way that made him sneer as he contemplated in his fortress, yet unable to accept these odd new emotions that you have brought forth.

...

You had left the temple after speaking with Fujin and Raiden, wanting to visit the living forest in Outworld with Kotal Kahn's permission. They begrudgingly let you know you weren't in any true danger from Quan Chi. But as you ventured down the pathways of trees and plants, your mind wandered wondering when he'd cave and come beg you in person for your attention and validation. The mental image made you giggle a bit, feeling your cheeks warm as your stomach twisted in excitement. The whole thing has made the time pass faster with more joy. He is persistent, so very persistent and stubborn, something that brought a warm smile to your face, one you tried to push down.

'Yes, he'll come crawling to me sooner or later,' you thought to yourself.

You keep walking enjoying the serenity these woods seem to bring you, with the cool air and fluttering sounds of wildlife, it's a moment of peace. In your content and bliss, you failed to notice the footsteps coming from behind you, only snapping out when you heard a stick snap under a boot. You turned, confused and concerned with your hands resting on the blades attached to your hips, ready to fight if necessary. You saw Quan Chi before you, walking towards you. You turn so he's only in your peripherals. You do notice his nose has healed and looks just like it did before you headbutted it.

The man you've been so carefully waiting for is finally before you in person. He was finally breaking, you bite back a grin as his smooth baritone voice floats to your ears.

"Finally, I found you." His voice sounds a tad worn as if the hours and minutes to get to this moment took ages to arrive. "For a human, you are hard to track down. Especially when with how you train with those Earthrealmers" You'd never seen the sorcerer so out of sorts, it was like looking at an entirely different man. One who didn't have a constant cool mask or witty responses. He looks exhausted, with heavy dark bags under his eyes, his skin a sickly colour, and his once-composed figure slumped forward a little. You do feel a little bad for his current condition, but you say nothing, you won't give him what he wants so soon. You slowly begin to walk again trying to enjoy the forest knowing he won't do anything to put you in danger, at least not intentionally you hope. It's so peaceful to feel the calm serene moments of silence, you close your eyes and feel the cool breeze and soft heat of the sun shine down.

"You are very patient..." Quan Chi speaks after some silence between the pair of you, his tone almost sounding amazed. "And so determined and stubborn. I didn't expect you to take things this far." He sounds utterly exhausted, yet he follows after you slowly. "I was convinced for a time you'd crumble from the slightest sign. But not you, not so easily." You knew there was something more. But you waited, silently not knowing how to proceed, not wanting to show you had won and that he was close enough. Your feet kept trudging along, boots softly padding along the grassy pathway, the sorcerer taking slow and thoughtful steps.

"No other human would ever be able to do this to me" Quan Chi sighs. You keep moving forward, saying nothing. It felt like you were having a private moment, so personal, so intimate, the words almost dying in his throat, yet he spoke, speaking to only you, the soft, dulcet tones were lovely to hear and it gave a brief thought of his hands on you. "Only you..." He exhales, and you glance over, trying to gauge the man you have ignored for so long, wondering just how his desperation broke him, where was the man who would destroy you, and not stand meekly for attention? How did this strange tug you have on him make him into the desperate man he's now? You stop walking your back still facing him listening to his breathing as he tries to find his words. You feel an intense excitement welling up as you patiently wait.

"I do so loathe you," his voice growls at you as if trying to get you to put him out of this desperate misery he's in.

"Sure, you do. That is why you left dozens of letters and gifts," you calmly. It had been so long since he had heard that voice of yours, even in your sarcasm. It still rang like an angel's hymn, a sound he didn't think he could ever stop.

"When will you finally cave?" You inquire, and the sorcerer makes a noise almost like he's baffled you are asking such a question, but his own hubris wouldn't let him reply. "I told you I'm not easily broken. Gifts and honey-soaked words on paper are meaningless to me. I thought you would have been smart enough to see this," you turn your head, seeing Quan Chi standing stiff. He can't believe your defiance, the utter resilience and control, he didn't expect, to see your resolve still so strong all the while he was on the verge of shattering. This felt wrong. Everything had been twisted in Quan Chi, he could see the effect, your words are powerful, you are strong, and his admiration grew the longer you went without reading his letters or opening his gifts. You give him a pitiful smile as if tossing scraps to a starving dog in the streets as you start walking again.

His next words felt so heavy yet full of weight, a fire starting to ignite and burn him. Quan Chi snarls in frustration at the realization that he'd fallen, as you have fallen for him, this pain felt intense like agony. He's losing his patience rapidly.

"A human being- a mere mortal- forcing me to crawl and beg- how-!-" He roars as your feet slow and you feel his long stride grow closer behind you. You turn around to face him fully, it's as if his world stops when you make eye contact with him, as if his heart stops for a moment, his legs feeling as if turned to stone, or turned to gelatin as he stands there. Quan Chi thinks of how strange the idea that you could have had such a sway and influence, how far had you forced him? The mind is so vast and complicated to grasp what emotions could make a man crumble so easily. It was pathetic how fast he had begun to fold, becoming undone right in front of you.

You give him another look, knowing you were so close, you needed just the last bit. You kept telling yourself that this was a good thing and wouldn't let yourself fold now that the sorcerer was finally going to snap, the victory was within reach and you'd waited so long already. "Why don't you open a single damn letter, I left it on your door every single night," the sorcerer seethes.

"Perhaps I don't open anything from you because I refuse to be made to feel out of control of my choices." You reply calmly watching how his eyes seem to move quickly as if searching for a crack he can worm his way through. You want to just hear him ask to take a moment of your day for his benefit. A simple request that'll grant both of you relief from your tug-of-war. "As I said, gifts mean nothing, you're not special because you decided to show me materialistic trinkets." Your eyes lock onto his as your hand reaches over to brush off debris that has collected on him, in his blatant disregard for his own well-being in all of this. The look on your face twitches lightly as you let out a disappointed sigh your hand resting on his bicep after the debris is gone, "you look terrible, sickly even," you say softly and the look in your eyes is almost one of pure concern. You could've laughed out how pathetic this man was being, but instead, you only seem concerned for this wicked sorcerer's health.

"How long has it been since you've slept properly?" you ask, ignoring the face the sorcerer pulls. "If you won't answer, then perhaps I should just continue my walk," you say softly, the warmth of your hand on his arm leaving as you begin to move away. His resolve breaks and his hand is quick to grab yours in a gentle hold, though not as strong as before. Your eyes meet his, as Quan Chi exhales through his nose as if calming himself in an attempt not to show that he was on the verge, and was very near pleading, to be in your company. You just watch him, your concern still evident on your face, your brows knitted upwards, it makes your face look as if you age every time you worry for another's well-being.

"This will never go any further until you finally just talk to me instead of hiding behind gifts and letters, Sorcerer." You say as you watch how something seems to click in his head as if realizing he had played himself, falling for his own trap. As Quan Chi, much to your enjoyment and interest watches you in utter embarrassment as realization dawns upon him. The proud man was struck by his own actions, falling for his own machinations. All his careful planning had been thwarted by your stubbornness.

A laugh bubbles out of you, full of delight and amusement, you laugh at how the mighty Sorcerer is humbled. If he had even looked around your room or how you lived, he was giving you things that were meaningless to you. And yet Quan Chi was too prideful to read the signs to realize how the two of you were on a path leading towards each other and had already collided. His need to always plan ahead hindered this simple knowledge and ultimately led him to this situation. Your laugh is a wonderful and sweet sound to his ears as if you were a siren singing songs. You squeeze his hand gently.

Quan Chi lets out a scoff before speaking, his voice tired, and weak, yet with a new clarity of realization. "Would you do me the honour, I beg of you, I wish to talk private-"

"That's all I need to hear," you cut him off after hearing him beg in that exhausted tone, the satisfaction and victory wash over you making your mind, body and soul, a buzz of contentment. It fills you with warmth, knowing you finally have him in a situation of desperation, how you will never forget the sight of him now in your memories. The look of annoyance at being cut off is quickly replaced with utter and complete relief as his muscles sag slightly as the words leave you, a breath he had been holding escapes him loudly before he gives you a smile. It's not like his evil smiles that have his canines and gums visible this is something warmer, it highlights those laugh lines and crow's feet he hides decently well. He breathes a long and audible exhale through his nose as his body seems to be catching up with him as if demanding sleep.

"Your stubbornness is admirable and detrimental. And I truly hate to admit to such. Do you have any idea the state you have put me in with your damned foolish actions," the man grumbles in annoyance with his hand pulling you in. You roll your eyes and giggle softly.

"You're the stubborn one, can't seem to read a room," you jest, lightly pushing your finger into his chest, Quan Chi's grip doesn't falter but his body does lean toward you. The fatigue is showing much better, and it looks like he could tip forward and topple over with how limp and shaky the limbs are. Your laughter goes quiet as your concern seems to come back seeing how exhausted he looks.

"Perhaps I was a fool...for the most part." He begins after your laughing subsides, "I had never seen someone make a mockery out of everything I threw at them. And how you continued without so much as a waver, it...had no explanation." He pauses again as if fighting to keep his eyes open. "I suppose that means that I might be somewhat smitten." His chuckle is so warm, with a warm colour coming to his cheeks, so different compared to how you've seen him or heard him. There is no sneer, no hatred, not an air of hostility around him, just warmth and you're stunned by how pleasant he is to speak with now.

"Are you, perhaps, about to fall asleep standing up?" You ask gently shaking him and trying to keep him awake, the feeling of victory is soon turning sour seeing how spent the man looks and his poor physical state.

"If I catch you like this again Quan Chi," Your threat falls short as you keep trying to make sure he stays awake enough to walk.

"Don't patronize me...human. You have won...and I won't give you that pleasure." His head lifts and there's a slight glint in the Sorcerer's eyes, before letting it tilt downward and hang heavily. You let out an annoyed sound as you think of something anything. It would take hours for you to even arrive at the portal out of the forest and that was with travelling at your normal speed, which this sorcerer did not have. How would you manage to help the sorcerer who couldn't stop himself from toppling over?

"You think you have enough energy to make a portal to your fortress?" Your voice breaks him from his exhaustion as he lifts his head, seeming to try to recall any trace of the place he had abandoned as his energy levels were plummeting.

"Hah! I'd sooner drown you in molten lava than-"

You swiftly cut him off. A stern and serious expression takes hold, and the tone of voice changes into something colder. "It's either you portal the both of us, or I haul you with me to a portal and you get captured by Kotal Kahn or one of his men." It's not hard to notice you had said exactly what Quan Chi feared as he groaned loudly in displeasure before mustering the energy to conjure a portal with the last remains. The ring was almost wobbling as he looked as if he'd collapse, you quickly take his wrist and have him lean most of his body weight on you. With how unstable the portal looks it wouldn't be safe for both of you to go through. You are able to get him through right before it closes inches from your fingertips. He's gone to hopefully rest up and you still have your fingers!

...

You had gotten back to the temple and didn't speak a word about Quan Chi to anyone, just saying you had a lovely time in Outworld. You sit in your room, the door locked as you finally begin to go through his letters and gifts. His words were not so scathing or venomous, almost begging you, and the gifts were all rare or intricately detailed in some form or another. He would write how you are frustrating, yet interesting as well as you intrigue him greatly, but you had made him feel this and this and that. He went on for what seemed like hours before he started confessing a little more as you moved from letter to letter. And you wondered how his brain works and wondered what exactly makes him feel this, makes him write as such. He would go on to explain in another letter that the way you look is something he enjoyed, that your presence, much to his anger had begun to linger. That his own mind betrayed him as he would see your face randomly. Your smile, the way you would laugh. Those little details and facets of you had begun to force his attention onto you.

In the beginning, he explained he would have simply removed you if not for that godforsaken act you had made. Quan Chi would rant in these letters, vent to them almost, about how his own desires had turned against him, and his plans to simply get rid of you for whatever reasons were halted. In a particular letter, you would almost laugh at how enraged he sounded, the anger radiated through the paper at how easily you had swerved him and derailed him. It felt funny to know he was frustrated you seemed uninterested in the hundreds of gifts and letters. It seemed that he was repulsed at the idea, his mind was doing things that he loathed. He was longing, aching for your company, even for a single minute to satisfy him. But that only fueled the rage, the utter disgust in himself. A small confession of jealousy is written towards Johnny. He hates the man and is sickened with how protective the man can be especially when he helped his daughter free you from that cell. He seemed almost disassociated when he wrote the next pages.

And he admitted in the pages that he had gone to other dimensions to collect things, as a distraction for his thoughts. Quan Chi kept saying the thought of him losing all control because of his pride was like torture, or being humiliated beyond repair, the pain and self-loathing.

The notes got progressively worse the deeper you got into the collection, but somehow, his admission of devotion and admiration for you didn't change no matter how deep he wrote. It was like a tug-of-war and no matter how intense the conflict in his head and emotions were his desire never changed in his eyes, he would praise your personality, and say how beautiful you are. It was sweet in a way, and you felt happy to know that despite him making you wait and suffer he had these things to confess. These beautiful and powerful thoughts in his head about you were clear to read and see, and yet you felt almost giddy knowing this powerful man who'd probably killed hundreds was brought low. It was something to treasure, something you didn't mind holding on to, his pride as he felt had been stolen. You find the letter of frustration as he admits defeat, his exhaustion and exhaustion evident even on the pages his penmanship is almost sloppy from a sleep-deprived mind, how you can bend him as easy as putty, the fear was palatable and the irritation and anger he felt at himself had leaked to the pages.

There's so much to take in, it felt almost like going down the rabbit hole as each letter you would get deeper and deeper into Quan Chi's emotions. Pages filled with regret, anger and hatred, there are moments when it looks as if he was hesitant to even pen anything. And then there was the feeling of utter and complete emptiness of nothingness. Quan Chi went into detail about how he was beginning to lose hope in his attempts to sway you and that maybe his punishment for his centuries-long life of wickedness was the fact that he could never be with the one he wanted. The one he coveted. It seemed he wanted you to the point where he would neglect his needs if not outright deny them and spend more time finding things that would make you happy.

One letter catches you off guard; his final confession of his overwhelming and intense love for you. How utterly strong and all-encompassing his affections and desire are, the vulnerability he has shown himself in. He had finally lost the game, desperately hoping you'd even look at him, be in the same area as him, anything to satiate that part of his mind and desire. Though, of course, he knew it could never be and that, to him, made this worse. On the last page, in the last letter at the very bottom, there are words you didn't expect to see let alone read from him.

'I am beyond mad, I have fully lost myself in my affection for you. I can say with my tired eyes and mine that I am desperately in love with you.'

There it was, a confession in black ink, permanent. Those simple few words held the truth and feeling, the agony and the insanity he had gone through to get to this point. And it would haunt Quan Chi forever, of course, the same could be said about him saying the words he had been denying this entire time. You feel a bit of guilt for not being able to get through the portal to his fortress now. Your mind is heavy as you reread his righting seeing how he had spiralled into the best you could describe it; disrepair. A fragile mind in the worst state possible, torn between two vastly different needs, to give in to this intense love, or fight tooth and nail until the inevitable conclusion. And while there is a heaviness to it, it's sweet in a weird way, it fills your heart and brain with fuzzy feelings. Knowing that despite being a terror of an opponent, he was so utterly in love, and maybe his jealousy and obsession were so fierce and extreme due to his emotions for you. He did not want another to have your heart or love, so he did all of this to get close.

But, for the rest of your day, you remain in the privacy of your own room, trying to find spaces for all of his gifts to distract your mind. You even take out that necklace that had started all of this. It meant so much more after reading everything and watching him beg half-exhausted for your company, his desperate desire and longing for you were painfully evident.

A few days had passed without any sign of him visiting you. He was probably busy. That was until while in your room reading one of the books he had gifted you, a portal appeared a familiar male shape slowly walked out of it. You would set the book down and slowly stand as a pair of exhausted but familiar red eyes lock onto yours. As soon as the portal closed behind Quan Chi the man finally walked forward, his motions were tired. You get up quickly to meet him halfway, watching the way his face seems more worn, even his stance seems to have a slouched nature to it, you lead him to your bed watching how he sits down as if his body is weighed down by gravity and even the fabric is an enemy.

You sit next to him seeing how purely exhausted he looked, his face seemed dull and sunken in with that weak posture, he had rested but it did not seem to be long enough. Not giving it a second thought your hands lift gently rubbing Quan Chi's face in your hands before his body is suddenly drawn to your touch and moves closer towards it, a tired groan leaves his throat in appreciation.

"You should be resting," you whisper, a concerned tone quickly etching its way in. You had seen and experienced a variety of things from this man, and the anger and disdain he held when it came to Earthrealm was real, but that did not mean your caring side stopped or anything of the sort. You've been exposed to his soft and softer side. You've heard of the twisted side, and now, the current situation with him.

"That would be so much easier if a certain person didn't constantly plague my thoughts." You watch the way his eyes look as if he hasn't slept and wonder if he has.

"Resting won't harm anyone, least of all you," your words are soft as your fingers gently rub to tops of his cheeks just under his eyes, they close, letting out another exhale that slowly transforms into a quiet relaxed sigh. Quan Chi almost seemed vulnerable, and almost relaxed and enjoying how you gently touched his face, how soothing your skin was.

"As for that person..." You begin in a quiet and warm tone. "Why not give up on getting them off your mind." He opens his eyes to look at you, with those tired and drained eyes of his, confusion is clear and obvious to see.

"I read them, all of them." You smile a little at Quan Chi, "I read every single letter." Quan Chi lets out a disgusted scoff, turning his face slightly and his skin starts to darken in colour.

"As if you..." His voice dies as he sees many of the gifts somewhere subtle throughout your space, his letters opened and in a neat pile nearby, meticulously sorted from oldest on top to newest on the bottom.

"Quite the poet you can be," you tease your tone is much sweeter than any time you've teased him before. It does not carry any sting or poison.

"Silence human." The threat dies on his lips, as it comes out weakly, lacking a usual bite. His cheeks are fully pink as you tilt his face back. You keep stroking his warm cheeks, ignoring how he's flustered. Quan Chi sits frozen as you slowly lean forward and kiss the top of his head.

"You still look terribly tired and paler than your normal ash-white skin, Quan Chi," you pause mid-sentence to think about your next choice of words. And a smile fills your lips.

"While there's no doubt you are attractive, I find the more well-rested and well-cared-for one more so," you remark tenderly and with warmth, pressing a small kiss onto his cheek and brushing your nose along his ear. He shivers from the gentle touch as your thumbs smooth across his skin. Quan Chi looks into your eyes and begins to blink as his eyelids grow heavy, fighting to keep his attention on you, instead, the warmth seems to be too welcoming and peaceful, and his consciousness is fading once more. You pat further up on the bed as if inviting him to rest.

"At least lie-down," your voice coos in concern. His weight leans into your chest as a loud groan exits his mouth. With great reluctance, he complies, grunting the entire way and complaining in an almost slurred speech like a child, still managing to let you wrap yourself around his tired form.

"I still cannot comprehend this sudden affection, you...you, perplex me beyond reason," his voice comes out in a faint and quiet mutter as if speaking to someone who was not there, yet the words were still directed at you.

"We'll speak after you've rested," you whisper to him, and Quan Chi is in that fragile and tired mind, so the words have their intended effect, as he remains asleep. He keeps murmuring even after passing out, whether in his sleep, or he thought he was speaking in his head but he was just speaking aloud was not for you to decide. You notice small incantations and curses and little slurs of speech, some so fast you'd assume they were of another language. But one thing you noticed the most was the word your name slipping in with 'I am' or a 'because' followed by an additional incoherent string of words. Asleep, he seemed so uncomfortable and stressed, even his body in resting looked strained and so tense and not at ease. His face contorted every so often. His movements seemed like the product of having nightmares. Whatever his dreams were plagued with was enough to have his brain doing overtime. You stay awake laying back against your headboard with the book he had gifted you in one hand, the other tracing shapes into his bald scalp. He's curled his body around yours his head on your stomach with his arms wrapped tightly around your lower half keeping himself firmly placed, which gives you enough access to do things without waking him. His tight grip ensures he feels any movement from you. His snoring wasn't loud by any means, a steady and peaceful sound to your ears. His twitching and murmuring have died down as if he's finally reached REM sleep. He must have been sleeping fitfully for a good time to finally sleep now, or his brain had reached maximum fatigue.

For what feels like hours his weight never lessens, and he is still firmly asleep. You've read most of the book enjoying how easily he seemed to know your taste in literature. As you feel the way Quan Chi curls in closer if that was even possible, his head nuzzling deeper into your warmth. He lets out a particularly loud sigh. Almost contented and happy as he keeps sleeping. You can't help but notice how his cheeks and tips of his ears have a soft warm colour to them, your body heat must have some kind of therapeutic effect on his sleeping form. You feel a small giggle escape you envisioning how this looks from a third party. You just calmly read in bed with a demon like Quan Chi draped across you tightly, snoring and murmuring every once in a while and shivering a little with a dusted pink to his cheeks. His appearance alone gave no one the impression of such a creature of hell. You were able to hear him breathing, the small sigh leaving his throat, and it wasn't quite as raspy as before. You couldn't help just caressing his head in a soothing manner before tracing his head tattoos with your thumb, studying the lines. His brows furrow and smooth themselves out the moment you press against him and he calms at the first touch.

Not wanting to disturb his sleep any more than you'd have to you decided to quietly study his features, admiring the calm and peaceful expression he held even the ever-so-slight rise of his chest, the small sounds that came from his mouth and lips, or his little twitches, he was a remarkably expressive individual when you could pay attention and focus on him. His face isn't pulled back with rage or disgust; there's no smirk or cruel sneer; no bared teeth, it's completely neutral. His soft sighs and gentle exhales are slow and consistent as if he doesn't need to take as deep a breath, like there are no demands on him or any stressful things on his mind for once. It's a pretty picture that makes your smile widen slightly, you run the back of your fingers against his soft warm skin, a quiet hum leaving his mouth and another sigh and he smiles a little.

This felt serene, no wars were brewing, no other dangers to worry about. Just a man resting his eyes and staying pressed against your touch and form. Quan Chi would eventually shift and reposition himself with a groan as his brain began to boot back up and reactivate his motor functions. Stretching and flexing the fingers on his hand and arm while also feeling and pressing up against you, his own arm instinctively hugs your waist closer. His other hand glides and caresses your leg slowly as he is half-awake. Your fingers run over his scalp again slowly tracing the patterns etched into his skin as if you're trying to bribe him to wake up sooner with the feeling. Another groan escapes, only a half-mumble from his half-sleep-addled state. He was clearly dazed and delirious and utterly utterly lost in his dream-state mind. Your hand keeps playing with his skin, the textures and lines becoming a nice pattern you could trace. It takes a while but his brain finally registers the sensation fully. Quan Chi bolts upright, away from the comforting hold. Looking down to confirm that he did, in fact, spend his night coiled around your awake form, who is holding that book he gifted you. His eyes scanned the room seeing the rest of the items, all of the letters of his love confessions and devotion open and neatly stacked on your desk.

You tilt your head at his tense and alert body.

"Sleep well? You needed it."

"Where...did you...that book, I gave...what are...?" His words stumble out quickly as if his mind and mouth are still trying to reconnect or connect in the first place. He must not have come to you in a fully awake moment you realize, as if he came to you in a strange form of sleepwalking. His head then whips from looking at the scattered mess to your smiling face with that tenderness.

"This must be confusing, I can see that panic," your voice sounds a little clearer to his confused brain, though still feels fogged up. Your smile was genuine and warm and your words were quiet.

"After you fell through your portal in the living forest I came back home here in the temple. You after a while opened a portal into my room and said you wanted my presence. You could hardly keep your eyes open. After a bit, you curled up next to me in bed, I figured I'd just let you rest," your words are soft and light to not freak out the already dazed and slightly irritated Quan Chi who still wants answers. Your hand brushes the top of his.

"Your penmanship is quite nice Quan Chi."

His face burns and his hands press to it attempting to cover his emotions. Quan Chi turns away from you slightly, to keep you from seeing his reaction. Though you had seen his little reaction, he seemed to just turn away as if in disgust, his face flushing again, but this time is a darker crimson to his cheeks, and this time it was spreading down the neckline and down his torso.

"Never knew you could be this embarrassed." You lean forward a hand ghosting his back feeling how his spine arches into your touch while his head turns, but he doesn't quite meet your eye. "No matter." A sweet chuckle leaves your chest as Quan Chi finds a glare to stare out into your space with a displeased look on his face, he can feel the corners of his lip curling up in a slight and restrained smile at your behaviour. His eyes keep scanning seeing all of his gifts placed neatly in your room in subtle ways as if you didn't want to say or explain that they're his. He can feel his heart pounding from the growing nerves. But he kept his face trained to not have any emotion visible.

"When you can spare some time from being busy," you paused taking in a large breath knowing exactly how to get Quan Chi to stop his weird avoidant game. "Come by and we can talk." His eyes focus on you then, that intense red focus boring and searching and wondering about your offer. Your smile is pure as it is knowing and mischievous, a gentle siren call that he would not deny. But he would test the waters and be hesitant, as he turned his head back down, giving a few seconds between thoughts before letting his response, or lack thereof, ring out in the air. You stand from your bed stretching your still joints before quickly giving his cheek a chaste peck, walking over to your bookcase to find a spot for the new object to hold a special and important position among the rest of the volumes. A simple spot nestled between your favourites. Quan Chi's face was hot. He hadn't known the proper response and so had defaulted to his resting annoyance and furrowed brow with a heated face. You left him on his own so you could collect your own thoughts, with the book he gifted you. You already know he doesn't necessarily enjoy crowds of people or anything to do with Earthrealm, he was the sort to brood and keep things private, he'd just need time to warm up to this, to know he gave in first, his ego and pride cracked from this.

"You know," you begin feeling his eyes land on the back of your form, his shoulders tensing and waiting, anticipating what you might say next. Your tongue peeks out gently sliding between your lips. Your tongue moves teasingly slow to lick your lips as you settle the book between its new brethren. "I was worried at seeing your condition in the forest," you trail off hoping the other would offer a small comment, but the room was quiet. The atmosphere is tense with emotion and thoughts.

"I mean." You turn slightly and tilt your head a little towards Quan Chi and he can only wait. He sees how worried and stressed your expression is as you watch him as if his body would give out from how little time he took to take care of himself. The way you looked at him, it sent a shock to his nerves, his nerves all standing as if he was being electrocuted and shocked and burning with the bright light from a thunderstorm.

"Why?" His tone is gruff and tight, strained like he's confused but his voice sounds wounded and defensive. His whole frame looks much more alert. You look back and stare into his eyes watching as Quan Chi searches for the answer in your form as well. You smile softly as you approach your bed to sit next to him.

"Because I guess your tenacity had become endearing and flattering to me. You're a challenge I've taken and enjoyed," your voice is warmer and sounds honeyed than before, that teasing playful tone dropping to a softer one. He looked even more confused, his brow and eyes trying to understand. Your fingers are tracing up and down his bare forearm, "Even if the excessive gifts got annoying to deal with," You snort and he lets out an annoyed grunt. But Quan Chi still doesn't turn to face you directly and still doesn't feel comfortable doing that. His face was burning again and the blood in his veins rushed up to the surface. And as you could tell he was now avoiding your sight entirely. You just lean over him pressing a soft kiss to his forehead as you change your course to move towards your desk. A shudder racks him.

Quan Chi tries to say something but his voice has fled, so instead, a strangled cry leaves and catches on his teeth. His fingers grasp at nothing as the warmth left him and his skin is still alight in the same electrified nerves as before. But even in the silent pause that you gave him he said nothing, just holding his voice, and watching your figure as you walked, and his breath caught as you kept speaking.

"Take some time and digest all of this. I'll be here if you'd ever like to stop by, but only if you actually want to do so."

He listens to you with bated breath, unsure of the meaning and intent in your voice. He watches how you gently hold one of his letters as if rereading his messy scribble and jolted-out writing on the parchment, studying each and every word carefully, or staring at the signature at the bottom. His hand is clammy and sweaty, and his body starts to shake. He does not look like a sorcerer of a hellish order, no he looks like a boy trying and failing to gain the affection of a potential suitor. His palms were sweating and itching, and his thoughts raced faster, with many possibilities. You smile at him as your eyes flick from him back to the letter, and it makes his heart seize, and a chill runs down his spine.

"You do write with passion even when it's evident you're beyond exhausted in some of these, Quan Chi." He lets out a pathetic exhale. That was enough for his poor heart. As much as he'd prefer you to leave him alone, to be by himself and to be isolated and unbothered, he'd prefer that than to face this, whatever he had to deal with because of these, feelings. He wasn't someone who cared for others. He would hurt and kill and destroy and yet for all that power his voice refused to leave his lips.

You are gentle when you address his uncertainty. "I have read them all in detail, no harm has been done." Quan Chi watched you as your form sits at that desk of yours, his face flushed. He clears his throat and musters up his nerves to force his mouth to formulate the correct words in his throat and push them through his vocal cords. "Why...What have... Why would you bother, only now," he asks sounding defeated, tired, confused, and most importantly, nervous.

Quan Chi had not been nervous once. But now when you looked at him.

It's an answer.

"As I have said before." His eyes train and observe your smile with intent focus as if to burn and carve it into his brain. "Your endearing and tenacious ways were, still are, still very flattering," his head was aching. But Quan Chi endured with bated breath. That tension hung heavily in the air and grew in the quiet as you paused again.

"So?" His breath catches and his hands grab hold of the blankets as your gaze switches to him again, that same soft and patient but also smug and confident expression never wavered once. A sigh escapes you as you stand and walk towards him again, this time he does not cower or retreat, he stays sitting tall and proud and watching and listening. Quan Chi just watches in awe, his hands now trembling with adrenaline and emotions. A single finger rises to the underside of his jaw and your finger lifts his chin, and he takes in the scent of you, his eyes widen a bit. A heavy lump grows in the back of his throat and he doesn't know how to react to this as your other arm comes and wraps around his shoulder, pulling him closer.

You look amused at the lack of any reaction, he had clearly short-circuited and forgotten all of the words he had memorised. His eyes flick over your face and mouth in anticipation, and a faint noise escapes him. It seemed like something was going to happen, his brain kept going through scenarios of what might happen.

And yet nothing.

"Tell me." The noise that escaped him this time was guttural like his chest was scratching him to try and expel these nervous vibrations inside.

"Tell me, you've written it over and over. I want to hear those words in person, not on paper," your breath on him was an intoxicating poison, one that his lips parted to invite to pour inside, filling and satiating him. Quan Chi shivered a bit. He couldn't meet your eyes; they'd surely know he was faltering and failing, his resolve already breaking again. Instead, you focus on his mouth as if that's an easier target. "Pardon me if this makes things awkward, but," your finger begins running your pointer along his bottom lip and you watch his jaw clench tight and hear that lovely strained huff. He felt how your nail moved slowly tracing the cupid's bow on his mouth, and he felt a need. That strange feeling of need that he wasn't sure how to respond to. Not like a need for food, water, or air, but a need for a person. An intense urge to stay within close quarters, in proximity to your person. A deep desperate yearning he couldn't quite explain, understand, or connect to, just the need and desire to stay near you.

"But?" He could feel his blood boiling and rushing, pounding. Quan Chi seemed almost desperate to hear you finish what you'd been saying.

Your free hand taps his collarbone absent-mindedly, with a little laugh that hitches in the middle. "The things you have written here." The pressure you had on your finger increases with the same smirk he'd seen countless times from you as a new emotion dawns in your features. He can feel the blush spreading on his face as you chuckle and poke his collarbone again with a little nudge. His breath shakes slightly as you stare at the lips you touched and stare into his intense red eyes.

"You mentioned how you'd like my lips on yours. Your mind had been so open at that moment. Your breathing sounds so uneven, though," you teased noticing his strained and desperate gaze focused on your mouth and fingers. You remove the pressure and slide it away watching as he attempts to chase it, the distance stings him. His teeth are gnawing on his inner cheek for a minute while his gaze hardens and lingers. Then his mind sets into panic mode when you fully let go of him. The lingering contact feels too light and far away and missing, he wants it back.

Quan Chi speaks but his words aren't as steady. "Why-," a slight tremor in his words betrayed his false confidence, "Do you get to say such things," he growls, his glare looking slightly in the corner.

"You're the one who wrote them first," you quipped, noting the little look he had.

He was trapped, or rather cornered, or perhaps in a cage. A trap with a double meaning, one he set with himself and with his own devices. His fate was decided, that first letter where he'd made the terrible mistake of calling you cute as you slept and offering your presence. Those first lines are when he begins to feel that curiosity and find a light, a kind one he desperately craves and longs for. Your eyes flash in his mind and Quan Chi's brow furrows for a moment. It's a problem.

"Was it a mistake to allow my true thoughts to spill," the question is rhetorical and both of you know. You smile as you move your head closer, you rest your forehead on his and watch as Quan Chi's red pupils go wide, taking in the colours of your eyes. He couldn't meet them for more than five seconds before he had to look away. Quan Chi isn't able to handle this, the vulnerability of such a loving and caring display.

"Do I make you nervous, Quan Chi?" You sound breathier, and your head is held high, prideful almost at the sight of your newfound power over him. Though not once did you push him, this is completely on his own accord. Quan Chi's arms are stuck like lead. His legs are stone. He isn't in control. He'd fought so hard and still, his resistance failed. While yes, a very big part of Quan Chi doesn't want to accept the change and fall, his willpower is in tatters. The reason for this was him and only him. But his will isn't the thing in tatters but his own, heart. Something he did not realize the impact of.

"Absolutely not. I've gone through more perilous battles in the Netherrealm," Quan Chi keeps his answers short, hoping his true state does not show to you. But even without saying anything, his pupils say all. He cannot help but let himself open, in his current state he is unable to do much else. A genuine smile grows as you chuckle a little at the response he gave. His lips still remain shut, stubborn, refusing to cooperate, as does the rest of his body, refusing to obey his wishes and actions, so there would be less suffering he'd have to endure.

A hand moves onto his cheek and his teeth bite down on his tongue, watching as you lean a little closer. If his nerves had been electrified, the nerves would now be pure flames shooting through each limb as the tension finally reached its limit and his lips began trembling with restraint. The pounding in his heart echoes through his bones with how fast and hard his heart was beating.

His thoughts raced in an overwhelming confusion. Your gaze lingered on him longer than he would have liked and his self-confidence seemed to shatter a little. Quan Chi felt tense and exposed. And this would have been no surprise to you; lovesick men were often weak. You lean your head towards him, as he barely turns his, looking for a small escape route. Yet when you lean your face forward a hand lightly presses and guides his face towards yours. Quan Chi lets out an embarrassing shaky exhale in a single puff, feeling your fingertips brushing his lips and tracing the skin under his eye, where a slight darkness was visible.

"Ah." The cry from him is broken and pitiful, and his cheeks are heating as his lips tremble in a struggle between fighting and accepting. Quan Chi is trying to determine your motivations. With eyes open you meet his with a burning focus on him and his thoughts melt into static and incoherency.

You move, carefully and patiently, resting the front of your head against his, your smile is comforting. Your left hand gently cradles the back of his head as his hands carefully, a little hesitantly, move his arms to touch your sides. You let out a small sound of approval. That sound leaves him shaking. The flush across his nose reaches the tips of his ears. His right thumb hesitantly moves tracing your lower back. He can feel you press and shift forward in his hands and he shudders.

Quan Chi had hoped he had the skill to pull you closer and then reject you, which would have allowed him some protection, defence and maybe some leverage over you in the future if it was really necessary. But here he was closing his eyes. The beat of his heart rings through his ears like thunder. Your left hand trails down the side of his face until it finally finds his ear. Your finger traces the cartilage and he inhales sharply, feeling as you guide his face closer. Your soft warm lips finally meet his cool, cracked ones. As soon as the lips meet the air fills with static. He cracks, leaning into you as if you'd pull away and regret this. But you don't. The hand supporting his head remains firm and gentle as the hand on his chest runs up to curl at the base of his neck, resting above the fabric on his neck.

You do pull away and he hates the heat on his skin from where your body touched. And there it is again, the ever-present pressure you seem to always put him under. He chases after your lips for a second but your soft giggle gives him pause. His nerves are shot, all the strength, power, and fortitude that is associated with being a dark and ruthless sorcerer, all had just, crumbled and faded as he looks at you and blushes. You sit next to him leaving very little space between the two of you, close enough to where you can feel each other's breath, and both of you stare in each other's direction. A shaky sigh of relief is let out after a while, and he rests his head on the top of yours. His face is flushed a dark scarlet hue, one he'll most likely never recover from with how his flesh burns from it; from his ears down his neck.

This is Quan Chi, a renowned powerful Sorcerer. With the reputation for not even batting an eye at death and torture. He feels hot, feverish, and dizzy. As if the walls and ceilings have flipped and become the floors.

Yet, in the small fleeting moment, all he sees is you, and it's like it was only the two of you in this universe. His eyelids droop. They aren't heavy. No, that would have made this moment easier, with the knowledge that all the exhaustion has built up over time and years.

"Quan Chi? Are you going to nap here sitting up, darling," the sudden tease earns a snort that is a mixture of flustered embarrassment, a strangled yelp and a disbelieved wheeze. That teasing nickname sets his heartbeat aflame again, as his heart is pulled into a sprint, racing. His gaze had been pulled away from you while his mind caught up to reality again. "Here's not comfortable." You grin at him before pulling him down with you onto your bed softly, a hand holding onto the side of his torso as he floats downward.

He was unsure if the floor beneath his feet was even there. Quan Chi doesn't refuse you. Instead, a slight resistance meets your guiding arm for a few seconds until his head meets one of your pillows. "...Alright." He gives up, lets you hold him, lets his defences down. His skin prickles as you reach towards his cheek with one of your hands again.

You gently rub circles into his cheek under his eye on the top of his cheekbone, while his arm circles your waist to pull you against his chest. Your other hand works to rest on the side of his pillow. Both of you stare at each other for a brief moment, you laugh a bit. "That nervous still, darling?" His eyebrows knit together in annoyance at your teasing words and soft chuckles. The playful tone of his voice feels too affectionate and emotional.

"I'm no quivering nervous fool. Don't underestimate my resolve, I've resisted many things," he quips back. There's a sharp hitch in his breath as you hum and hold his head in your hand, pulling him closer, noses touching.

"I'm sure," you say in a gentle jesting manner. His eyes slowly closed and relaxed. He could feel and smell your scent. It was something similar to the fresh spring wind mixed with the smells of flowers and warmth. You'd used a very pleasant cologne of some kind that only further sent him deeper into his craving for you.

In the next several moments, you'd scooted down slightly in order to comfortably nestle yourself under his chin. A soft sigh left you before he moved and shifted you closer. You relaxed in Quan Chi's hold. The magic caster was perfectly capable of hurting you with his powers if he wanted with how vulnerable you lay, but that was the same for him. You just seem to enjoy his warmth and his company while he takes solace in yours. His nose buries itself into the crown of your head, the scent is intoxicating and he finds himself nearly falling asleep from the comfort and peace he feels.

His skin was buzzing but that didn't stop him from pushing a light kiss on your head and squeezing you. "I see why people do it now," he huffs as he presses the side of your forehead against the coolness of his skin.

"Hhm?" You raise your head a bit from his neck looking up at him. His expression is gentle and calm. You kiss his jawline lightly and see the heat radiating off his skin. The heat on his skin is impressive, his own cool temperament proving his reputation well. But the flush spreading down his neck and the twitching and flinching in his features is undeniable. Quan Chi is terribly smitten, and you can feel him tighten his grip on your lower half, his fingers pressing with intent.

"What do you mean?" You ask as if to rephrase the hum you made.

The smile returns and then a sigh as you kiss his jaw once more. A heavier sigh comes from him this time, while his heartbeat begins its sprinting dance, an infallible beat that's more maddening with the longer pauses he takes. The longer pauses to catch his breath before you swindle it from him. Your mouth presses soft butterfly kisses along his chin, and his grip shifts, trying to restrain his own strength.

"Kissing," his reply is stiff and awkward as if saying it causes him physical pain and embarrassment, "That was different. Not like I thought. The type of contact. Emotional feelings," his words are shaky and mixed in with nervous laughs, "different compared to-," he was cut off by you pressing a soft kiss to his lips. This one didn't hold a fiery passion, or sexual desire, or hunger. It felt sweeter, softer, slower and held something gentle and romantic. His brain completely fuzzed over and he stopped thinking. All that existed was you, nothing else and nothing more, just pure bliss in the moment of connection. When his lungs strained for oxygen and he reluctantly broke the connection his first thought was an overwhelming sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

His brain had finally caught back up with him. The last thought he heard in his mind's internal monologue before silence struck, was how strange the act of love was. He supposed the reason why many beings find so much comfort in their love in physical connections to share was the intensity of that moment of connection. No matter how long that moment could be sustained, the experience was overwhelming for someone who was not used to such vulnerability and lack of control.

There was nothing Quan Chi despised more in the realms than that weakness, that lack of control over his emotions and mind. But this was not so bad. If it was a thing of the heart, of emotion, and the only person he has allowed near him and seen him is you, and well... he isn't quite complaining about the turn of events. Perhaps he didn't despise it, but, was beginning to see why such an action, a thing, or a form of affection might be beneficial.

Though as quickly as it happened you were snuggled back under his chin, comfortably using his upper body as a pillow. "I can see why everyone craves the feeling so much. Why mortals seek it out," the sorcerer mused quietly, with a smirk on his face.

You hummed in an agreement-like noise against his chest from your throat. Your eyelids were beginning to grow heavy with exhaustion, but with one last adjustment in your place, you contented yourself into falling asleep on your new lover. Quan Chi relaxed further when he heard your breathing begin to even out, feeling you move closer. Something about how you could feel the beating of his heart made his skin rise in temperature, his breath hitch and stutter. But the way you laid and rested against his chest as you began to drift away and give up to sleep left the corners of his lips twitching up into a smile.

Yes. This is not bad. He did not hate you, though he may claim he has an odd fondness. That isn't hate. The darkness of his complexions and his inner heart would lead people away from figuring this one out. But the way he holds your sleeping form protectively is enough to show otherwise. He was, in fact, far more content with you here with him. For however long that'll last, it will be preserved, valued and appreciated. Even if people didn't take him to be someone that cares so deeply or easily. And you were the only being that even knows this and has witnessed such a display. He found no other desire as valuable, though. This is the first time a gentle type of touch can be a soothing and relieving feeling instead of disgusting and abhorrent. The last thought before Quan Chi's consciousness slips out from underneath him and into slumber is that he would be the only person able to share the connection between the two of you. The trust you've given and the honour he is bestowed with. No harm would come from his actions. With him, you are safe. A promise to preserve your heart with his until you no longer need the warmth his ice-cold heart produces. His lips press softly once against your head before closing his eyes and letting himself relax, for he has a reason to do so now.

A simple relationship built on nothing but genuine affection for the person within the sorcerer's arms, his lover, his sole trusted one, his obsession. A good definition of how such things could go. The moments you share now will always be yours, in this realm and the next, for you are his. Quan Chi isn't fond of sharing, nor the idea of others trying to gain you in his place, or take advantage of you, or vice versa. While he'd rather die than admit it, he's a jealous and insecure man. While he can hide how insecure he can be with his ego and pride, his jealousy is visible for all to see. So while many may call Quan Chi cruel, dangerous, devious, and villainous for what he has done, those are the things he does. His motives aren't pure by any means, and his ways are filled with distrust. His past, the only constant is he survived, even when others would have died or gone mad. Yet he hasn't given up, because there is so much more waiting for him if he remains persistent. It isn't a great philosophy. It may be a toxic coping mechanism he does not admit to anyone.

...

You wake up before him, much to your amusement. He is soundly resting, snoring softly, almost silently, looking like he finally has some peaceful rest. You enjoy watching him sleep like this, because you know it was one of the few moments he let his guard down and showed a calmer, unguarded look of relaxation on his usually stern face. You feel a giggle in your throat as you lean down to press a kiss to the side of his nose, earning a grumble from his asleep brain as his face scrunched up and his nose twitched as he turned his face away from you. He was quite like a cat sometimes, a rather proud and prissy cat that could turn into a growling feral one in seconds. You let that giggle escape as you keep pressing gentle kisses against his nose and face as he moves in his sleep as if trying to get the rumbling sensation of your giggle-filled kisses to fall away from his face. His hand even rubs his face in his sleep as he rolls towards you as if trying to dissuade the sensation from waking his sleeping brain. You watch as his mouth curls into a frown and brows twist up in annoyance. He gives a growl low in his throat as he tries to bat his hand blindly around. With no success, he lets out another grumpy rumble. As you press a giggly kiss to each eyelid, his nose, and lastly his lips. A different rumble escaped him as his expression changed into one far more pleased to be woken up like this. One of his red eyes cracks open to see you smiling as your lips hover above his. He didn't even need to wonder how he looked with his red face and groggy tired appearance as you laughed once again. His lips turn up and his eyes droop and lid close, as you kiss his nose again, "...You are much too affectionate..."

He wraps an arm around you to pull you down, and in the struggle that ensues. You don't give up trying to pester the sorcerer awake, as he begins to try and sleep longer with you in his arms. You can't help but chuckle as you decide to just pepper him with kisses. However, the noises that erupt from his throat, though meant to sound annoyed, were more endearing to you and very reminiscent of a purring cat. His nails slowly drag across your upper back making you chuckle and smile.

"Stop it... Go back to sleep..." his voice groggily trails off at the end in an attempt at a fake yawn, hoping you'd take the bait.

"If you're still tired rest, I'm awake for the day," you say as you continue your assault of kisses despite his protests.

"Then do not distract me. Go on without me," he replied grumpily and shifted in an attempt to shield his face away from you his back facing you, still secretly revelling in all the contact, yet stubbornly resisting out of spite and pride. You just keep going pressing kisses to his neck, shoulder, ear, and the back of his head. It takes less than a minute before a genuine growl comes out and the sorcerer turns around looking slightly disgruntled, "Stop that!"

"Stop what?" You play innocent. You know exactly what. Quan Chi sighs, tiredly rubbing his eyes in exasperation.

"...The kisses..." he frowns.

You just continue giggling, as you notice a darker hue beginning to colour his cheeks. You just place more at a slower pace that makes the Sorcerer groan in dismay, knowing how much he liked them. How much he secretly craved affection. It's amusing that one so ruthless and frightening can crave the soft touches and gestures that come along with companionship. You can see the muscles in his shoulders loosen under each kiss you place on them. His ears almost seem to get redder each time you them, like his red tattoos. His neck was hot to the touch and his head burrowed into his arms as if desperate to hide his flushed skin. The blush had spread down his neck and onto his shoulder blades as your lips pressed their way from his upper back up to the nape of his neck, where a deep heat rested. Your arms slide around his middle, and you rest your hands on his stomach feeling the muscles twitch and flinch as if on instinct. His voice comes out with an annoyed growl as your lips press a trail of soft smooches up to the base of his skull. "I warned you, now sleep. Leave me alone to rest." He moves to bury his face into the pillow, not even able to cover the creeping tint down his spine as one of his hands rests on top of yours on his mid-stomach.

Your laughter resounds at his stubborn antics. He just lays, embarrassed, and feels an emotion akin to adoration. You are an anomaly. There is no one who would dare defy him so openly with him practically defenceless. Yet with you, the being he has claimed to desire with every fibre of his being. He does not complain, even as he knows his soul will never forgive him for even letting you think your affection is unwanted, or uncoveted. Because truly, it is craved, it is yearned, it is revered. The tingling, burning, euphoric feeling of skin touching and lips gently brushing. Every kiss makes his skin almost burn, but he doesn't care. The sensation is indescribable, and that is how he knows it is the correct answer to his internal struggle, as every moment of affection leaves him burning to feel even more. As soon as your lips press against the back of his jawline he just groans, frustrated, and raises an arm halfheartedly to attempt to remove your persistent lips. His gut drops in shame at his attempt, but it is his embarrassment and shyness getting to him that makes his attempt to escape your affectionate actions. Your warm breath pulls away when he raises his arm to prevent you from further smooching, he goes to place his arm down to just pull you closer but feels your weight shift away from him. An alarm shoots through him as a whine rumbles in the back of his throat in dismay.

His emotions get the better of him, and he reacts on impulse alone, immediately moving to turn towards you quickly. "Come back, stay." The sorcerer's command lacks the seriousness or authority of his normal tone, and you simply give him an amused look, at the almost needy pleading manner that is normally masked well. Your eyes are teasing and joyful and a silent message of 'you like it'. Something so sickeningly true. And with that Quan Chi flushes, flopping down onto the bed, to keep you from seeing how red his skin seems to be turning.

You are quick to curl your body against his once more. With your body against him, his skin crawls, his spine straightening and shifting awkwardly. With you, against his front, he releases a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. Your face looks happy and warm, the soft gaze in your eyes made something in his stomach stir and flutter, your nose bumped his and his fingers seemed to become frozen stiff. He began to feel almost inebriated, or drunk off the pure adoration that rushed through him. But you didn't let him get any relief of having you back in his arms, or allow him a single moment to recover, as a soft peck was planted onto his nose. Which scrunches at the contact, causing his eyelashes to flutter and an unintentional noise of delight to rumble in his chest. You chuckle before continuing to pepper him in kisses as the sorcerer begins to softly grumble once more. Your hands lazily draw little circles along his bare back, a jolt races up his spine at your touch. Quan Chi was far too high-strung, his heart jumping every which way.

"How are you so affectionate," the sorcerer muttered, turning his head, so your kiss missed, landing on his cheekbone. A chaste little hummed-out laugh came from his new target as your kisses continued their path towards his lips. "Vile minx..." the sorcerer mumbled fondly against your mouth before kissing you gently. A low happy hum vibrated against the connection between the two of you when one of his hands reached up to card his fingers through your hair. He was incredibly taken by how you managed to let him lose his guard with your soft little actions. You were quick to continue your assault after the kiss was broken, and your lips began planting kisses all over his face once again. He groaned dramatically, then rolled his eyes as you kissed his chin, nose, cheeks and the sides of his eyes. He just lays and squirms from time to time at the odd sensation of the physical affection that his body did not adjust to very well. There were too many nerves and such things involved. You just sink lower kissing his jawline and down his throat. He almost expects you to bite or start to nip. But the affectionate kisses continue over his tense neck arteries feeling how quickly his heart is pumping blood through them. The quick-fire speed makes your heart jump. He looks relaxed and pleased as your lips explore him, learning what parts of him are more sensitive to contact than others.

Quan Chi lets out a startled grunt and jolts from you when your lips hit an unfamiliarly sensitive spot in the hollow of his clavicle. There was a blush-inducing tingle from the kiss there, and the Sorcerer's back snapped taut, his teeth grinding, if he hadn't already been flushed from your attention. He narrowed his eyes down at you, but it did nothing to intimidate. If anything it makes him flush a darker colour to match his red markings. He bares his sharp teeth, a threat, in a last-ditch attempt to scare your attention and affection away. The sparkle in your eyes told him how you felt no fear in his presence or from his empty threats. You quickly placed several kisses on that spot reveling in how he reacted, and the giddy laughs came with it as you continued your kisses. Your actions spoke louder than words.

"What are you, a leech," the sorcerer quips to cover up his enjoyment and nervousness, from the slow gentle touches that trace up his arms to his hands, and interlock with his fingers. Another shudder racks his body when a quick kiss traces his clavicle. There is nothing about his mood or skin to indicate that he wants you to stop. But your hands press over his, pushing them up towards the headboard as you grin against his skin. The corners of the sorcerer's mouth raise when he feels you smile at his reaction.

"I'm a lovely little leech," you say against that spot that makes him wriggle under you and blush harder as he realizes just how obvious his affections are.

His eyes drift away as he flushes and grumbles, "Disgusting vermin."

The words come out with such a fondness it's hard to make them threatening.

"Unfortunately, you're the one who pursued me, a disgusting vermin," you remind him, a cheeky look on your face that causes his eyes to narrow once more. He can tell that his words have no effect on you, as you keep pressing loving kisses to that spot on his clavicle that makes him feel like a vulnerable quivering mess. It is terrifying. But something about it, about all of it, that sets every one of his nerve endings on fire is somehow satisfying and pleasant. It's uncomfortable, but satisfying in a strange way that his mind can't describe nor truly understand. Something inside of him is jumping and his face gets hot.

"...Please don't stop," Quan Chi admits in a hushed and almost trembling whisper. It's almost strange seeing him vulnerable, with a soft pleading undertone to it that feels almost foreign coming from him. He takes a second, seeming to realize how he sounded and just how open he had been for your affections. A bright loving look paints your face as a light flush begins to form on your cheeks and neck. A mixture of joy, curiosity, and uncertainty races around and spins your stomach, making you feel giddy. But you quickly chase him for a kiss, hoping he'll initiate something in turn. You weren't sure what to expect. What the sorcerer had wanted or needed to initiate his desires with your own.

With that his lips connect to yours, not sweetly as they might, instead, he's ravenous, devouring your lips like the starved man he was. Teeth press to you gently in the beginning, slowly pressing downwards before a gentle bite pulls at your skin. At first, your heartbeat accelerates as your surprise settles down and Quan Chi's kisses are far more ungrateful than he'd like to admit or show. A moan rumbled in his chest as his teeth connected to your lower lip. A bit too forceful and painful than you'd like as you make a noise of discomfort and pull away from his lips, breaking the contact. An annoying sigh slipped from him. Your lip throbs as you taste your own blood from his bite. It stings and has pulled you out of that affectionate mood you had been in. It feels like it's already swelling and bruising.

"You don't seem very good at this whole affection thing," you mumble out, trying to joke but the taste of copper is so overpowering. Your lip is already bruising, as a small trail of blood leaks from the corner of your lips. Your teeth by the bite get a light pinkish hue from the blood. You didn't want to end it there but your lip throbs in a way that a kiss would hurt if you tried to.

"The point was for you to initiate all the affection, fool. Not bite a hole into my lip," you mumble out, as you get out of bed to tend to your pain.

"How is a single love bite too much for your frail body to take," the sorcerer sneers and gets up to follow you, "Maybe you are not the partner I assumed you were. If a gentle little nip like that bothers you-" you hiss in pain as you pull your lip down to show your inner lip bleeding, swollen, and bruising a dark angry blackish purple. The wound was much bigger than you expected and not nearly a gentle 'loving' nip like you'd described. "It appears I was much too gentle with you, did not apply enough force, apparently," you glare at him behind you through the mirror as you use water and a Q-tip to clean it. It's almost the size of a quarter in width and feels deep.

"Are you proud of yourself, Quan Chi?" Your tone lost all enjoyment and playfulness, not even an ounce of sass or desire.

"...Are you...upset?" the sorcerer asks, and his voice is quiet, timid and seemingly caught off-guard. You just give him a mean glance through the mirror as you work on patching your lip up. He sees you shake your head in silence obviously upset and angry at his actions, you are much stiffer than a moment ago, guarded as you wince from cleaning with wound with salt water. It stung like hell, you knew how to tend to minor wounds but this was a pretty big injury from him.

"Yes, I'm upset. Are you serious," the upset look you give back shocks him, and the feeling that causes his chest and stomach to drop is devastating.

The sorcerer steps forward cautiously, with a hand raised defensively. "It is just a single bite...What is the problem with your lip?" his eyebrows raised in a baffled manner, before seeing how quickly it had swelled and become that awful blackish purple deep wounds get. His tone dropped a level as his posture shifted. It was a subconscious effort on his part. Seeing you clearly upset from his actions the sorcerer tries to examine your lips with the mirror. The pain was so raw as he looked down at you tending to the bite, the sting had tears prickling your eyes, small hisses of pain and tiny 'owie' leaving your lips every time you dab it slowly and carefully with hydrogen peroxide. Your upper lip looked mildly swollen too.

"Come here," Quan Chi says gruffly as you finish dabbing the last bit of the hydrogen peroxide with gauze. "Why so you can bite me again?" Your hurt comes to the forefront as your eyes are glued to your wound through the mirror and a few more tears leave your eyes as you blink, the smell of the peroxide stings your eyes not helping the tears of pain that glide down your cheeks as the white fluffy cotton is smothered with light pink.

You do a little jolted wince and shaky exhale through your nose, at the motion of dabbing and blinking. Your vision is blurry from your tears that you refuse to let fall. But you freeze when his fingertips gently grip the side of your chin, forcing your eyes up to look directly at him in the mirror. "Let me look, why must you be stubborn," the Sorcerer says simply, no malice or sharpness behind the words, before leaning down.

"You are just as stubborn," your voice quivers in retort not willing to make eye contact as his hands hold you still, not in a threatening manner. As he leaned his lips stopped not too far away from the cut lip, his eyes studied the swollen bit, taking in how deep and large his bite was. It looks painful, and not a small 'bruise' like he had thought when the mirror first revealed his damage to him. A guilty pit in his gut. You were downplaying it, it's more like his teeth had ripped your lip open, and not the smaller scrape he thought he'd done. It looked awful, your entire bottom lip seemed to be inflamed, puffy and bruising around the area. How could he not notice such a grievous injury sooner? It was even still bleeding and all.

"How could you think something so large and painful, a gentle nibble," His head is closer and you look at him in the mirror, a sigh leaving you as you don't look him in the eye.

"It's just easier to downplay injuries to not be mocked and ridiculed. I'm used to training with Raiden and Liu Kang. I've been used to them accidentally injuring me by now, plus getting kicked in the head a million times, and getting hit in the face by blows I'm meant to dodge and block," You say softly with your shoulders sinking, "Easier to just lie and downplay my pain than being treated like a weak child by Raiden and Fujin," you murmur the last part out, hating how insecure that made you sound, and he looks at your eyes through the mirror. Seeing your glistening wet, bloodshot eyes makes him soften a touch more. He cannot stand the way those eyes look as you still avoid his gaze, making him feel sick with guilt. Quan Chi did not even need to be good with emotions to know the embarrassment that flooded your system. It's evident in everything around you. Your defensive body language, and refusal to meet his gaze. Your embarrassment radiates.

"...And I mocked you," his voice is quiet, soft even as his heart tugs, the silence hanging in the room feels far too loud as he breaks eye contact in the mirror, trying to take a second to think as he observes the angry bite in the mirror. You begin trying to clean the site again hands shaky from the pain from each gentle movement to clean it with. Your jaw trembles and lip quivers trying not to make any noises of pain. The slightest pressure, rubbing, pulling, or flexing, had you jolting. Tears threatened to spill, breathe trying to hitch and sting from the hydrogen peroxide. You are anything but successful and as you begin trying to stop the slight shake in your limbs, as well as wiping some of the fresh tears on your cheek with the back of your hand, trying to keep your breathing calm. A noise of frustration, pain, and a small sob slips from you despite your best attempts. It's obvious you're trying not to let any noises slip, withholding the cry trying to escape.

Quan Chi catches his breath and stiffens, his eyes once more fixed on the mirror to watch your struggle to apply pressure to your lip, the liquid burning your flesh. The noise of frustration as the cotton gets soaked with fresh tears and blood. The wince you give out as the fibres rub and get caught in your lip, burns and feels like sandpaper. His heart begins pounding heavily, but rather than anger or contempt. It's that odd feeling that your tears and frustration cause within the sorcerer. Quan Chi finds himself lifting a tentative hand, resting his fingertips softly atop your shoulder, pausing for a moment waiting for your rejection. You slightly lean your head on his forearm wanting some form of comfort or help. You are shaking slightly, breath shuddering in and out between soft painful sniffles.

He pulls a lock of hair behind your ear, offering his comfort. It's comforting, the softness, his fingers lightly moving the silky strands behind the ear as your shaky exhale and gentle tears, break his heart. The Sorcerer's fingers make his way up and through your hair. They pull his chest tighter, making him feel strange. It is something primal from the depths of his mind, that wants to protect and provide, from the days of being cave-dwellers something ancient that wants nothing more than to take your hurt away and inflict it to another tenfold. In the pit of his heart, there is this new twinge that he's never felt before as you stand before the mirror, trying not to weep openly or break down. One of his hands tentatively reaches out to your face, and you find yourself leaning into it as he gently cups your cheek turning you gently to his eye level.

He hates how those soft and glistening eyes meet his as he brushes one stray tear from your lashes, brushing it away, studying your features closely. When his other hand cups your face fully you relax under his warm gentle palms.

A tingle runs down your spine, as his callused fingertips trace your cheeks with the faintest touch. Tenderness radiates from him, his cool palm keeping your attention. Holding you as if you're a piece of delicate glass. Your shivers and whimpers send his chest aching. His chest swells with the sight of your reddened nose, watery eyes, trembling jaw and forced pained smile. You give him the best attempt at a thankful, caring grin even through the throbbing. He swallows a lump, the ache of shame. Even knowing how easily you've forgiven his actions doesn't take the sting away. He can't just go around biting and attacking your precious face like a rabid beast. He spent so long trying to get into your heart he can't let his eagerness to have you close do this again for fear you'd leave him. The sorcerer just holds your face with both his hands gently caressing your features.

"...If you want to make it up to me, you should help patch me up properly," the smile on your lips is not malicious in the slightest.

Quan Chi took the hint, it is obvious you're tender about letting anyone see you in such pain, let alone help you. He nodded, and you gave him a loving and trusting look, eyes fluttered shut, as you tried and steady your trembling nerves. Your body quakes against his hands, it breaks his cold dark heart to see how quickly your body gives into vulnerability, in his hold. To know you've allowed this kind of vulnerability for him of all people, with the reputation of what kind of man the sorcerer was. You tried to quell the floods of nervous thoughts in your mind.

When you open your eyes again, the sorcerer looks guilty. He never wanted this for you. He doesn't want your tears, you had trusted him and his damn impulsive side caused you grief. You let yourself trust him despite his many sins and he bit you? How pathetic was he to assume the world and love of an angel like yourself, after all the horrid things he did? There was no redemption for a sorcerer like him, but the sight of those eyes full of loving trust, for someone like him? He deserved nothing and yet you leaned into his hands holding them against you as if desperate for comfort and assurance. His gut tightened at the knowledge of your forgiving and trusting nature. He hadn't felt it for an extended period until the kiss and affection from the other night.

Quan Chi removes his hands from your face reluctantly, but he nods quietly understanding you and his actions, without so much as a sneer. You swallow a lump in your throat, and he stays silent for a moment as he ponders a spell, trying to work out the proper casting in a language you cannot speak to him. Slowly Quan Chi places a kiss on the side of your head, and mutters the incantation in a deep voice, as he pulls back from your skin.

"Better?" He asks, his voice soft and tired. You just stare in shock as his fingers raise to ghost across your once swollen lower lip, you have barely begun to register what happened. Your eyes look at him stunned with awe, a small look of surprise and you nod almost silently. Your skin once reddened, injured, puffy, and with deep blackish-purple swelling, was all gone. His hand and touch caresses your cheek again as his other pulls down on your lip to take a better look. A faint bite mark is there, just not the injury it had been a minute ago.

"Thank you," you answer quietly, leaning into his hand and running your fingers through his. He knows the injury was his fault, so it is the least he could do. The look on his face shows it all he'll be working on more spells to use to patch you up if it must happen. You lean into his hand holding you and closing your eyes, keeping them there with him caressing your skin for a second. Before he lets your cheek go, giving it a pat as he steps back from you, clearing his throat. He takes in your expression, watching your reactions closely.

You step away from the mirror and kiss his lips chastely for a second, smiling gently at him.

"I think I need a nap from that," you joke dryly as you move toward the bed, stretching, "What a lazy partner right?" you lay down as if to make a big production, but you lay facing his direction in the bed. A large yawn forces itself from your chest, as you cover your lips with your hand, pretending to not show your gaping mouth. Quan Chi cannot help but shake his head at the action.

"Would you mind-," your sentence cuts short as he sits next to you in the bed. You didn't want the gesture to be offensive, but you were a bit upset and in need of some snuggles after the events that just happened. Quan Chi sits on the edge of the mattress and sighs, not wanting to hurt your feelings but needing time to process and think. "If not that's fine...I understand, but the offer is there." He doesn't flinch from your words as he reaches for your hand with a sigh and rests his arms around you. He gently traces circles absentmindedly in the palm of your hands.

Quan Chi found himself pondering about the sensation you have stirred in him. How his chest grew with your happiness, and the guilt ached when you shed a single tear in front of him. For years he didn't care for anyone outside of what he could gain, this is alien. Was it natural to want you beside him? He's aware of the selfish need that arises every time he's with you. He needs you here, and that feeling scares him more than anything. He wanted to possess you fully. Keep you here, keep you in his life, keep your affections forever. Was that so bad? Even now, the warmth and reassurance from your fingers with your own tender affections is almost enough to satisfy him, but every part of his being craved more.

He sits there unmoving beside your curled form for what feels like an eternity. Your light snores of exhaustion, fill him with a certain peace. Relief flooding over him as he looks back, you have fallen asleep and will be able to recover. As he moves a hand down your face, feeling the softness and smooth skin, admiring every inch and feature, a calmness comes over him. You were safe and sleeping here. No one could hurt you. But as much as the desire to sleep along with you filled his body, his mind was much more frantic in its thousands of thoughts. As your chest raises and lowers his gaze is fixed, following the movement and hypnotic motion, focusing all his energy to calming himself from what just happened. Why had he bit you so hard? Was he really so lost in his own eagerness he wasn't controlling his strength? It must have been the kiss. He wanted more from the experience and got overly excited from your touches, and the gentle sighs of bliss. He should have known. His self-control is usually greater than this. Why had you been so tender in showing such gentle affections, and causing him to want and need to have more? His throat runs dry and his lips feel chapped as he tries to justify his reaction. But nothing can come to mind that justifies causing injury.

After a bit, Quan Chi gets up, gently throwing the blanket over your sleeping form, before he opens a portal and leaves for the Neatherrealm; he needs to think about what is happening in him. Quan Chi portals to the meeting area he knows will be empty. Sitting alone to contemplate your tender, and fragile form in his head. That is all he does. Contemplate the delicate angel and all the turmoil in his mind. How did you do it? Just stroll into his life and screw everything up? Even now he's picturing how frail your neck and body would feel under his hands, the idea was enough to excite and arouse him further but also turn his stomach. The thought that he somehow lost his control again and hurt you even worse than this morning. He needed some alone time and the quiet of the Neatherrealm was soothing compared to Earthrealm, there was so much peace and serenity being surrounded by the red skies and magma flows.

...

Tumblr doesn't like how much I write but here's a link to Part 2!

[justsomerandomfanfic]

Matchup Requests - 11/30/24

Anon;

Hi! I am sorry that I got to this so late, but I hop you can forgive me!

And do not worry, you gave the right amount of info, and it wasn't too long! :) <3 I really hope you like your matchups!

{Trying a different layout}

Romantic Matchup; Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, Marvel, and The Witcher

~~~

The Lord Of The Ring;

Pippin Took -

You met good ol' Pippin in Rivendell.

It was impossible to not notice his infectious energy and enthusiasm.

You also thought, that not only was he physically cute, but his personality was the more you spent with him in Rivendell before the meeting, and before the Fellowship was formed.

He was endearing, to say the least.

He was also quite excited and quite happy when he was able to join the Fellowship, since not only could he help Frodo, but you were also a part of the team.

Lord Elron himself wanted you to join since you were a rather skilled fighter.

In the beginning, Pippin sticks to you like glue, when he's not with Merry, and retells you the stories of his and Merry's antics, like shooting off fireworks and stealing food from Farmer Maggot.

You can't help but laugh, Pip was really something.

Your friendship starts with a lot of teasing and harmless jokes. Pippin might challenge you to a race or offer you some outrageous “wisdom” that sounds more like the ramblings of a hobbit who’s been drinking a bit too much ale. But sometimes, when the times suit him, Pipping will actually say something wise.

More often than not, he is incredibly good at reassuring you when needed and wanted.

As the two of you spend more time together, Pippin starts to realize there’s something deeper than just friendship. At least on his end.

He is also quite oblivious at times.

Maybe it's the way you both laugh at the same silly things or the way you give him that cute knowing look.

It's subtle at first, but he’s the type to be a little slow to recognize when he’s falling for someone.

It just kind of hits hit randomly.

You might notice Pippin becoming more protective of you in little ways, like sharing his food with you or making sure you're okay after a particularly intense battle with orcs or trolls.

Pippin loves to surprise you with little treasures he finds during the journey; a small bundle of wildflowers, or a small shiny rock that he thinks is beautiful.

You also don't know this, but these are all things Hobbits do to initiate courtship.

He's not hurt at all that you don't know, of course you don't know. He never told you, and he doubted either Frodo, Sam, or Merry did. Maybe Merry, but still.

Nonetheless, he loved giving you things that reminded him of you.

He knew that someday he was going to tell you how he felt.

Continuing on, he loves to make you laugh, keeping you entertained.

During camp, when you have night watch, Pippin stays up a bit with you, even though you tell him to go to bed and get some rest.

But, you both end up chatting about life or your favorite foods or what you’d do if you could live anywhere in the world. Cue, simple things.

Pippin will absolutely dedicate his best and most endearing songs to you when he gets the courage to sing for you. His voice might waver a bit, but he sings from the heart. (He has your heart in that moment.)

When he and Merry get taken, you are heartbroken and devastated. You do your best to try and go after them before the Uruk-Hai leaves, but you are no match for all of them.

It is only when you reach Isengard that you can feel the air escape your lungs. Seeing Pippin - and Merry - eating merrily, smoking on their pipes, you couldn't stop yourself from running over to him and taking him into your arms.

You bombarded him with questions, making sure he was alright. Totally missing how bright red his cheeks were.

There was a moment when he was going to tell you, but then Gandalf whisked him away to Gondor. You only reunited with him after the end of the Ring and at Gondor.

You found yourself on the battlefield - after not finding Pippin in Minas Tirith - finding him holding Merry near the giant corpse of one of the Oliphaunts.

Running to his side, you saw how tired both of them were, seeing that Merry was injured in some way. Quickly and carefully, you took Merry into your arms, and both you and Pippin made your way inside Minas Tirith.

You sat with Pippin as Merry was being healed, sitting pretty close to each other.

"Are you alright?" Pippin suddenly asked, looking up at you.

"Yes, you do not have to worry, Pip."

"I just… I don't know what I'd do if something were to happen to you."

"Pip?"

"Yes?"

"Have I told you how handsome you look in that uniform?"

It was then that he confessed, and it was then that he asked if he could have the honor of courting you.

In Rivendell, it was there that Pippin asked if you wanted to stay with him in the Shire. You said yes.

Living at the Shire, when you're feeling down if ever, Pippin’s natural cheerfulness will come to the rescue. He’ll make sure you’re laughing again.

You’d also introduce him to new music. Pippin loves all things that make him feel alive, and you could teach him some fun songs, that would have him jumping up and down and giggling.

You’d always have Pippin’s back, whether that’s giving him advice when he feels uncertain or being his moral support when the weight of the world starts to feel too heavy.

~~~

The Hobbit;

Bilbo Baggins -

You lived in the Shire, already being Bilbo's close friend; you weren't like his overbearing family.

You had met at the market when he was looking for flower seeds to plant in his garden, and you were searching for your own seeds to plant as well.

You two quickly bond over your shared curiosity for the world around you. While Bilbo’s cautious nature is at odds with your adventurous spirit, you respect his quieter, thoughtful demeanor and begin to realize how deeply kind and loyal he is.

Friendship with Bilbo is a mix of quiet moments and lighthearted discussions about the world, your love for history, and everything that makes life fascinating.

Bilbo is slow to realize his feelings, as he’s not someone who wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s much more at home with a book in his hand or a cup of tea, but over time, he’ll start to notice how much more relaxed and happy he feels when you're around.

He'd start thinking, 'I wonder what she's doing right now,' or 'She'd really like this recipe.'

He may not understand it right away, but you’ll start to notice him doing little things for you subconsciously, like keeping your favorite snacks in stock in his pantry or offering you extra blankets during chilly nights when you come over to read and drink tea.

What you do notice, is the way he looks at you, and the warmth in his voice when he says your name.

You two would find the beauty in the small things. Long, quiet walks in the woods, discussing the wonders of nature or the latest book you’re reading.

You were actually quite happy when Bilbo asked if you would like to go on a walk with him - hobbit courting gestures.

For some reason, deep down, you had always known that Bilbo liked you the same way you liked him.

He's not the most outwardly with romance, but Bilbo will never turn down the chance to cook you a meal, give you a bouquet of your favorite flowers, or even just spending a night with you in his arms, both of you reading books in front of the fire.

Bilbo is always there if you need someone to talk to. Just so you know. He doesn't care if you knock on his door and wake him up in the early morning before the sun comes up, he is there for you o matter what.

You need advice, he is there for you too.

Normally, Bilbo is not the life of the party, he loves to read in his chair and drink tea before bed. But, for you, he'd go to a few parties, and maybe let you drag him on the dance floor to dance. And maybe he'd have a good time. He's having a great time.

On a quiet evening, when Bilbo is feeling nostalgic or just a little tired, you offer to read him a passage from one of his favorite old books. The calm, comforting voice brings him peace, and he enjoys hearing the words he’s read a hundred times from someone else's perspective.

"Ah, you make it sound so much more magical than when I read it."

~~~

Marvel;

Carol Danvers -

You met Carol during what was supposed to be a solo mission for you.

There was a Hydra facility in the middle of a secluded forest in Canada that was holding mutants to run experiments on.

And since you were an incredibly great fighter, and had a pretty powerful mutation yourself, you were sent off to save the three documented people who were kidnapped by Hydra.

The job seemed simple: get in, save the mutants, and get out. But when you arrived, the facility somehow knew you were coming, and security systems went haywire.

Or maybe it was just a regular security system that you thought you shut off...

Didn't you shut that off?

You swore you did.

Well, you needed backup, and that's when you met Carol.

Your hero.

Once she appeared, you both fought side by side, almost instantly knocking out the Hydra agents.

She is impressed by you, to say the least.

You began to have more missions with her.

When you're working with each other, there is a noticeable chemistry.

The two of you bond over shared experiences of being outsiders, with Carol’s history as a soldier and your own past both shaping how you view the world.

She respects people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds and stand their ground. Carol sees a bit of her own rebellious spirit in you.

Carol values trust, and once she knows she can trust you, she’s fiercely loyal.

While Carol can be tough and independent, she always respects your space and boundaries, especially after learning that you value your alone time and personal space.

Carol loves that you’re one of the few people who doesn’t treat her like a hero 24/7. It's nice, the recognition, but it's also nice to be just a regular person.

When she’s feeling down, she knows you’ll be there for her, ready to help her unwind, whether it’s sharing your favorite drink or just going for a walk.

She is always down for an adventure! Road trip!

Her realization of her growing feelings for you happens pretty quickly. You had taken her to a party at a club, pulling her onto the dance floor.

Seeing you so happy, dancing without a care in the world, belting out the wrong lyrics; it was in slow-motion, the lights hitting you just right...

She also starts noticing the little things you do - like the way you check in on her after a mission, or how you laugh at her corny jokes even when no one else does.

She won’t rush things because she understands the need for patience.

Carol isn’t always the most openly affectionate, but when you’re alone, she’s soft. A gentle hand on the small of your back or a fleeting kiss on your forehead shows her care more than words.

"I’m not great with words, but I know I want you in my life."

The kiss happens after a long battle, when the adrenaline finally fades, leaving only the quiet relief of being alive.

Carol pulls you close, her hand cupping your face gently, her eyes looking over you and making sure you are alright.

You catch her by surprise when you kiss her; the kiss is warm and soft but with an intensity that says more than words ever could.

When you both pull away, your foreheads rest against each other.

Carol loves surprising you with thoughtful gestures - whether it's a quiet night at her place with dinner or surprising you with your favorite vegan dessert because she remembers what you like.

If you ever have a rough day or need time to yourself, Carol gives you space but always makes sure to check-in.

Carol has your back, no questions asked. If you're ever in trouble, she’ll come running, and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty to make sure you’re safe.

You never have to worry about being judged around Carol. She gets that you’ve both had your fair share of tough experiences and doesn’t hold anything against you. Carol often compliments you on your chosen piercings for the day, or the type of perfume you're wearing.

She is also huge into gifts and loves getting you 80s movies, horror books, or anything else you like.

Another thing, she loves to listen to you talk about anything history. She could listen to you for hours if you let her.

You’d support her just as much as she supports you, whether it’s by getting her favorite food after a mission or just being there to listen when she’s had a bad day.

On quieter nights, you’d find yourselves sitting together, either just talking or reading quietly in each other’s company, enjoying the rare moments of peace.

~~~

The Witcher;

Jaskier -

You met Jaskier during one of his many escapades with Geralt.

He was in the middle of one of his wild performances when you happened to stumble into the tavern.

The first thing that caught your attention was his passion. He was ridiculously charming in a way you couldn’t ignore.

You caught his eyes as well.

He spotted you as you walked in, and as you found a sit at a table.

Singing his heart out, he sauntered over, giving you his full attention, making it seem like he was only singing for you and only you.

At the end of his song, it took him a moment before he snapped his gaze away from you.

It wasn't long until he decided to join you at your table, and after a bit of conversation, you began to really enjoy his presence.

Jaskier has a way of making people feel comfortable, and with you, it didn’t take long for you to become fast friends.

And it took a bit for you and Jaskier to convince Geralt to let you join them, but after Geralt saw you fight a freaking Striga, seeing your fighting skills, he let you join begrudgingly.

You’re always there to listen when he’s complaining about Geralt. Giving him a shoulder.

You and Jaskier share an unbreakable bond of teasing, playful banter, and mutual respect. He’s one to joke around with you for hours, and you never shy away from giving it back. He loves your quick wit.

Whether you’re helping him write a new song or just trying to keep him out of trouble, Jaskier enjoys having you around.

You two are constantly getting into mischief together, and even though you sometimes find yourself rolling your eyes at his antics, you secretly love it.

At first, Jaskier didn’t realize how much his feelings for you were growing. It started with shared glances, small touches, and moments of silence where he just couldn’t seem to stop thinking about you.

Then he started writing songs about you...

Jaskier is not shy when it comes to making romantic gestures. As said, songs for you, poetry, and obviously singing for you whenever you wish.

When he finally confesses, it’s as overblown as expected. He stands there, looking at you with a combination of nervousness and excitement.

“It is with the utmost sincerity… That I have fallen for you. Surely, you can see how this bard’s heart beats only for you?”

Jaskier often serenades you, whether it’s in the middle of a crowded tavern or just the two of you by a campfire. He loves seeing the way your face lights up when he sings, even if the song is a bit dramatic.

Expect constant playful nicknames and jokes, but they’re always laced with affection. He’s a romantic at heart, even if it’s wrapped in humor.

Jaskier is genuinely interested in your passions, even if they’re different from his own. If you love history or literature, he’ll ask you questions, trying to understand what makes those things so fascinating. He’ll even try to learn some of your interests just to make you happy.

He is also incredibly interested in your tattoos!

When things get difficult, Jaskier will do small, sweet things for you, like fixing you a hot drink after a long day or giving you a blanket when you're cold.

[the-hovel-of-a-nerdy-rabbit]

PokéOmens! Gym Leader 2: Anthony J. Crowley

I don't know why it took so long to post him, but here he is! In the flesh! Your Grass gymleader! I'm so sorry to the 79.5% who guessed the other likely choices. A good chunk of you are probably wondering, "Why isn't he a dark type gymleader? Isn't he the dark duke?" or "He's literally fireproof! He makes the stars, which are burning gasses of light! Why no fire?!"

Well, let's talk about him!

Back in 2019 (yes, 2019), I wanted to do PokeOmens, but instead of the GO cast being Gym Leaders, they were all Pokémon. Aziraphale was a Rowlett and Crowley was (originally) a Litten...that was until I saw a post from @speremint on her Instagram. She made Pokémon teams for both and gave Crowley a Snivy (if anyone knows what picture I'm talking about, hats off to you). From that day forward, I couldn't see him with a fire type team. Sure, he made the stars back in the day, but that was his past, not his present. He's resistant to fire, but he's scared that'll take away the things he loves. He is the dark duke, but that's a title, not him.

Mr. Crowley isn't just a gymleader. His gym works as a Grass Pokémon sanctuary for nurturing and training stray Pokémon, but he says that he does to rid fluctuating stray population in the region. The only downside is that some people don't have a keen eye and just give him anything that's green. A couple of those mishaps actually went to his partner roommate. His outfit (a mixture between Crowley's pub attire in the second episode of Season 2 and Cassius from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet) was created by his lovely friend who thought maroon would be a lovely accent color. "It's a bit purplish, right?" No, Azira. It is not.

Meet Anthony's adopted Care Team! (Created by my partner in crime)

Centi the Minior - Wait...that's not a grass type. Well, Anthony doesn't care. He's had Centi for as long as he can remember, and if other gym leaders have a problem with that, they can shove it. Besides, who else is going to nap with him when the grass Pokémon are sunbathing?

Duke the Serperior - He was Crowley's first grass type experience. Through trial and many errors, Anthony made him into a lightning quick attacker...and a bit of a spoiled brat. If Duke wasn't at the center of his trainer's attention or if another Pokémon were to invade his space by a hair, he would throw a hissy fit. Thank goodness he has Duchess to calm him down.

Duchess the Liligant - After spoiling Duke, Crowley felt it would be affective if he went in harsher direction for the next Pokémon. Thankfully, it didn't last after the first day. Poor thing was scared out of her wits. To make up for it, her trainer apologized with a little dance. She didn't know what it meant, but it did make her like him. In fact, she uses it to cheer up the sanctuary occupants, especially Duke.

Spike the Cacturne - The third time's a charm, right? Yes...and no. You see, Spike was trained properly compared to the other grass Pokémon and is quite great when battling, but Crowley never helped with her temperament. She's a fighter, not a lover. Honestly, she's barely even a tolerator. It's a good thing she only deals with training others and not caring. That's Stripe's job.

Stripe the Lurantis - He is the most caring and efficient when it comes to assisting Anthony with the nurture the sick, young and injured Pokémon. Stripe is practically harmless, and as much as his trainer dislikes that, his pacifism always wins people over.

Prickles the Maractus - While walking to his gym, Crowley spotted a box at the door. It read, "KEEP HIM PLEASE!" And he did. It's not his fault he pricks others and has a curious mind. He just needs someone who can teach him to be careful...if only it wasn't the spiky, scary one. Eh, he'll be fine.

Thank you for reading! Hopefully I'll post Gabriel next week. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them.

Have a wonderful morning/day/evening/night!

[selfindulgentsillinessbracket]

Executive update: both Huey & Dewey will be making it to the bracket with bracket 4. However I think I'll be having you guys be much more involved in the creation of bracket 4 overall & not just with Louie only.

So both Huey & Dewey, despite the fact that I trust them..

Okay correction, I Trust HUEY. I ONLY REALLY TRUST HUEY. I don't entirely trust Dewey. I trust Dewey more than Louie, but I trust fucking anyone more than Louie so that really isn't saying anything.

...anyways, so I'll be having you guys vote for them to be given a guardian too!! Huey & Dewey will be assigned under a guardian/teammate in the bracket just like Louie.

And don't worry i did actually put thought into why, allow me to explain:

Dewey getting a guardian is more or less entirely for his own safety. Let's be real, we know he isn't gonna pull any schemes. Which is the reason why Louie needs one. Let's be real, if we left Louie on his own, Louie can & would rig the votes. He absolutely will pull voter fraud the very second I turn my back on him. And I cannot be supervising the little shit when I have to be managing literally everyone in the tournament all at the same time. That's why whoever gets assigned him will be keeping an eye on him. Dewey isn't gonna pull voter fraud....but I know damn well he's gonna end up putting himself in danger in some way in a vain attempt to look cool. Like the poor kid is gonna get himself hurt if we leave him unsupervised. This is entirely being done for his own safety. I don't trust him not because he's untrustworthy MORALLY... he's untrustworthy because he's a fucking idiot & he's going to get himself hurt if we don't keep him supervised 24/7.

Yes, Webby didn't get a guardian but Webby is Webby & I know she can be trusted. Also I already went back & gave Webby a partner anyway. I know, Gosalyn isn't a guardian, but it's fucking Gosalyn. I trust her as well. Both of them are very well trained & capable of taking care of themselves. & I trust them even more when they're together. Also Gosalyn & Webby wanted to be paired together & I am too afraid to find out what would happen to me if I told them no. You really think I wanna find out what happens if I piss off Webby & Gosalyn? No, I may be stupid but I ain't THAT fucking stupid. I have at least a little sense of self preservation in me.

Now Huey? He doesn't really NEED a guardian I guess. I know he's responsible....but also this is for his own sake. 1. He's gonna be upset if we don't give him tbe same treatment because 'it won't be balanced only 2 of the 3 getting this treatment but not me leaves the entire bracket unbalanced it's madness'. He's autistic, speaking as someone who like him, is autistic, yeah I know he's bothered by that kind of imbalance. So we're doing this for his routine need. Poor kid needs that comfort damnit.

2. HONESTLY HAVE YOU SEEN HUEY? THE POOR KID IS SO STRESSED ALL THE TIME FOR FUCKS SAKE HE NEEDS SOMEONE TO BE THERE FOR HIM. His guardian is less about responsibility (Huey is 100% responsible we know that already) & more about making sure the kid has someone to comfort him & be there to give him lots of love & affection. Huey just needs to be supervised for the sake of his emotions. We must protect this poor autistic baby boy. We're doing this for Huey because we love him & want to make sure he always has someone to help him keep it together.

Oh & you guys will be given more involvement on decisions beyond the duck's. YOU guys are gonna get to vote on everything from here on out! & just to prove I mean it when I say I'm letting you guys have a wheel on this vehicle from now on, heres another decision you can make.

[salorem]

soldiers of rasiak & their opinions on each other

A - she/her

E - she/her

R - he/him

H - he/him

Q - she/he

A > E God, she's SO annoying. Like, come on. there was no reason for you to do that. Stop being extra. Your quips aren't that funny, either. … okay, maybe that one was funny.

A > H Originally she didn't think much of H due to how similar he was to the others she trained with (especially with the allegiance to his honor code), but after H got kicked out from disobeying orders, A respects him a lot more now

A > R Actually, she likes R. she's seen him improve over time, plus it's just nice to have someone fighting right alongside you instead of being left in the dust.

A > Q she's so curious about her. There's a rumor started by a few of her peers that Q is a robot, but honestly, A doesn't care enough to inquire more. A likes having deep conversations with Q, especially since Q is pretty knowledgable in a lot of areas.

===

E > A Honestly, she kind of wants to knock A down a peg. she has nothing against her, it's just the fact that A is so uptight and her know-it-all attitude is kinda annoying. E feels really accomplished when she does manage to make A crack a smile, though.

E > R E thinks it's fun to mess with R, but it's not done out of malice. In fact, a lot of the time, R performs way better because of how often he wants to prove E wrong. Then it's a slap on the back for him and a congratulations! Deep down, E hopes R doesn't think she's being cruel.

E > H They don't really get along. H has a similar issue to A where he's also kind of stuck up at times, but unlike A, E doesn't get the pleasure of getting yelled at or fought. H's just too much of a goody twoshoes, man. Also, on the topic of being a goody-goody, it's hard for E to ever believe that Mr. Saint over here has EVER betrayed an order

E > Q E's actually kind of scared of Q— everyone else acts like he's a normal member of the team, but something about Q just… rubs E the wrong way. she can't put her finger on it. Also, making Q react to anything? Not a chance. she's not even sure if Q's human at this rate

===

R > A he likes A. Even though she can be a snob at times, she's really nice once you get past that cold exterior. Feels kinda bad when he gets lectured to for the thousandth time, though.

R > E he doesn't really get along with E. Even though he knows E's quips are always jokes, they've always felt a bit targeted. Like, come on, low hanging fruit. Still, R knows a good fighter when he sees one, and E definitely is someone he's glad to have as an ally.

R > H R feels the most comfortable with H, but that's not really saying much if H is the one EVERYONE feels most comfortable talking to. But R appreciates H having his back whenever R finds himself in trouble, which is… more often than he'd like. Oops.

R > Q Like E, he's a bit wary of Q. Q really just seems to be off in her own world, not talking much until commands are given, and that's when R is REALLY scared of her-- have you seen how precise Q is with her blades?

===

H > A he respects A, but her personality is somewhat to be desired. Don't get him wrong, H thinks that A's a great ally with a ton of knowledge under her belt-- but sometimes she needs to lay off the bitterness and just learn to handle the others without a truckload of sodium.

H > E Geez. This person's a mess. H clearly knows that E finds teasing and messing with people fun, but H just wishes for some peace and quiet sometimes where E just does what she's expected, no hitches, instead of arguing with R or A for the nth time this week.

H > R Look, H likes R. But really? Still missing shots this frequently? H tries not to make it too big of a deal because it's clearly bothered R before, but sometimes H can't help but bag on R a little too. Even so, H makes sure that R knows it's no hard feelings, and he's always the one to step in whenever R's getting hassled again by E.

H > Q H isn't really sure how to feel about Q. he's a good enough teammate, sure, though his communication skills are to be desired… but he always seem so distant. H wonders if he's just not doing enough to involve Q?

===

Q > A Intriguing. she's heard about A's performance in the academy, which comes as a surprise to see A amongst all the others. her skill isn't to be doubted, though. Q thinks of her as a good ally and interesting partner to talk to.

Q > E Actually pretty entertaining. he doesn't really egg E on, but Q admits that sometimes what E has to say is a bit funny. In combat, E is a reliable partner to tagteam with, so that's a plus.

Q > R he should've stayed in the academy. While R missing targets doesn't bother Q much, it bothers Q far more that R is easily startled/intimidated. There's nothing wrong with being afraid, but the inability to keep it in check is a problem

Q > H she doesn't really understand him. It's unfathomable to Q to disobey orders, and H did it before. It's especially surprising since H seems to be the one who'd do it last— he's always the one who rattles on about honor. Just goes to show.

[worstloki]

not enough casual lady loki content so here’s some concepts 

- After being rudely questioned mid-battle on how he can feel female if he was born male Lady Loki casts a spell that switches everyone’s gender in an attempt to get the point across. 

- Loki is at least a part-time Valkyrie. However, Loki was not the only one (before Ragnarok) since Sif had been convinced to join for the shiny uniform and fancy sword (Sif may hate Loki but she’s less inclined to punch when he’s female). Odin couldn’t stop Loki from reviving the Valkyries as a group and tries to disband the team of two by sending them on increasingly ridiculous missions. Ridiculously difficult missions that they absolutely refuse to fail.

-  After getting a high up job working for Stark/Pepper Industries - not unlike Black Widow - Lady Loki wriggles her way into the Earth Forum of Tony’s Scientist Nerd Bros (Helen Cho, Bruce Banner, Jane Foster, Shuri) with Loki’s extensive nerd knowledge. Everything is fine because no one recognises or even suspects who Loki actually is... until one day Tony makes a joke about being on lookout for another smart male to join the team because not that I’m complaining about being surrounded by genius women but the unfair ratio of 2:4 cant be good for gender equality, and Loki switches to make it evenly 3:3 without thinking ahead. 

- Loki shapeshifts as a disguise. Unfortunately, Loki is seen by Odin. Fortunately, Odin thinks Loki is a younger version of Hela sent by the norns to give him a ‘chance to fix the mistakes he made in raising her the last time’ which means Odin didn't recognise and wont punish him for experimenting with magic again. He puts together the history Odin tried to hide and comes to the conclusion that Odin is generally a trash father and that the only appropriate course of action is to punish Odin for his terrible parenting through making him relive having young ‘Hela’ be the most disrespectful unroyal-like person ever and watching Odin struggle to fix her. Juggling between being both Hela and Loki is fun because when he’s Hela he can do whatever he wants but has to carefully follow rules as Loki. Thor is just happy to have a sister, even if she has the habit of impaling him with the occasional swords (notably not unlike Loki stabbing him)...

- If Loki is ever about to lose a fight against Thor he changes shape because Thor refuses to harm her or be rude. Despite being literally the same person. Loki finds it amusing and takes full advantage of it.

- Where Loki finds out he’s not just adopted and a frost giant, but also genderfluid, and decides these titles just add to the drama every time he needs to introduce himself to anyone. “I am Loki Adoptedchild, Prince of Asgard on Weekdays, Princess of Asgard on Weekends, Rightful heir of Jotunheim, Mx of Mischief, Causer of Chaos, Owner of Outcasts, Silvertongue--” “Loki I know I shouldn’t have kept your identity secret for so long but could you please stop introducing yourself and tell me your query? As Allfather I do not have an hour to wait for every title you’ve attached to yourself.” “Oh I don't have a question I was just here to remind you that you’ll only be referred to as The NotMyFather by me and that if you had more than one dull title I would ridicule them all.”

- Thor desperately wants to be a Valkyrie so Loki casts a gender change spell on both of them and they set off to complete the Valkyrie initiation trial.

- Loki realises that Mjolnir’s worthy rule only applies to him... sometimes? It’s not something he would think much of if he hadn't noted the wording of the spell long ago to only refer to people with male pronouns... 

- As a child Loki argued that since Asgardian laws treat women and men differently the only reasonable thing would be to treat Male Loki and Female Loki as two separate people. Not only does this result in political confusion but now that Loki is older it can be argued that she walk out of prison and not suffer for the crimes Male Loki committed. 

- Some great evil caused everyone in the universe to have their gender changed. Everyone is affected... except a certain genderfluid shapeshifter ... and no one believes its not his fault so its up to him (and Lady Thor?) to figure out the cause of the problem and solve it

- Amora and Lady Loki have a bet on who can get Thor to fall in love and confess his love for them first. Thor is confused as to why The Enchantress is suddenly finding excuses to spend time with him (isn't she meant to be Loki’s friend?) and why this girl that has the same mannerisms as his brother (must be a magician thing?) is shamelessly flirting with him. 

- Thor gets captured so its up to The Avengers (or the warriors 3 I guess) to rescue him. They refuse to accept Loki’s help because of what he’s done in the past so he changes gender and argues that she hasn't harmed any of them before and goes along

[robinofgothamcity]

"this changes nothing....i'm still me, even if i'm with you"

♡ character: octavian / heroes of olympus

♡ pronouns used: she / her

♡ note: not checked for grammar or spelling mistakes / a bit ooc but i'm obsessed with the idea of enemies to lover with this idiot

"reyna, don't do this to me. you're sending us on a quest together? are you trying to torture us?" you asked with desperation, "should i not be offended by that? because it feels like i should be," octavian said giving you a dirty look.

you rolled your eyes.

"it won't be for that long. three days tops! we just need to make sure what we're up against if the threat gets bigger," she explained. you whined while stomping your feet like a child, "it won't be as bad as you expect and you're some of our strongest fighters," she tried to say enthusiastically.

you sighed before agreeing. you could tell octavian wasn't too hot the idea either but you knew that you both as a team were very hard to beat when it came to combat. reyna also knew you were the only one who could be around octavian longer than anyone else at the camp.

"where are we going?" you asked. she gave you another half-enthusiastic smile, "wisconsin," you and octavian stared at each other before shaking your heads no, "it's the middle of december! we'll freeze up there!" you screamed.

reyna shook her head no, "we got you covered on all of that. seriously! the quest won't be that long and you'll be back in california before you know it!" octavian scoffed, not believing the circumstances of the quest you both were sent on.

wisconsin in the freezing december cold was not meant for camp jupiter kids. all of you were accustomed to the warm california weather at all times and being sent to the depths of the midwest sounded like a nightmare to anyone at camp jupiter.

"well, i guess we should prepare, shouldn't we?" you said as you walked back awkwardly with the sickly looking octavian. you never understood why octavian looked so frail all the time but you figured it must've been a punishment from apollo. none of the descendants of apollo were as rude or angry as octavian was and maybe you figured this was his payback.

he nodded as you soon realized that the two of you had to be out and ready for the journey by the morning. you knew reyna trusted you and octavian the most. both of you were some of the strongest in the camp and although octavian clearly wasn't her favorite person in the world, she knew that he'd protect your life even if it meant losing his in the process.

reyna was tried to be insistent on keeping romance out of the camp until all kids got out of high school. now that you and octavian were adults and running the camp along with her, she knew of the prophecy that had been given to octavian way before he could understand what it meant. octavian was bound to you before either of you knew each other even existed. venus had her weird ways of working and she could sense how close your souls were attached to each others.

everyone knew octavian was the problem child of the apollo descendants but you were one of the very few who wouldn't tolerate how octavian was. you two would argue but not in the way he would scream at others. that wasn't to say that you were meant solely for octavian. being the daughter Juno, you were stronger than most which is why reyna trusted you so much when she wasn't available and needed a second hand.

reyna had fought you before and every time she did, you were closer and closer to actually taking her spot. it wasn't an easy fight however. the two of you would walk out of each sparring session as though both of you were mauled by animals.

as the night rolled in and you were in bed, you couldn't help but roll in your covers through discomfort. you weren't a nervous person when it came to quests but something about this quest was different and you couldn't figure out why. you soon came to the conclusion that you weren't going to get a decent sleep and remained in bed, looking at the ceiling.

eventually the bright california sun shined through your cohort. you figured the faster you started the quest, the faster you'd return from the freezing cold. you had packed everything you needed the night before and all you had to do was wait for octavian to show up.

as you waited by the front of the camp, you could see octavian arguing with reyna about something. you couldn't make out what it was but from the looks of it, it seemed pretty serious.

"come on! i'm tired, annoyed, and hungry!" you screamed. they turned over to you as octavian started to slowly make his way towards you. reyna stared at octavian, a look on her face insinuating to not mess this up, "see in a few days!" you screamed to reyna before turning to octavian.

"well, let's get this damn thing going," you stated.

+

it took about a day to finally reach your destination. to both of your luck, the city of where the supposed threat wasn't small enough where it would give up any of your demigod abilities. the city of milwaukee was big and you could tell that if you weren't here on a quest, it'd be a fun city to explore.

"we should check out where reyna had mentioned the gang was at," you told octavian. he nodded staring down at the directions he had planned, "well, we were told that we shouldn't attack. there's more of them than us and we don't need to walk out of here dead."

you agreed as you looked down to his notes. the gang of lowlife damigods trying to wreck havoc to innocent civilians was enough to catch the attention of camp jupiter. you had no idea if they were enough of a threat to call godly attention but for the time being, you figured you could try and figure out what their plan was.

the gang was supposedly located downtown but when you arrived, you noticed that the 'gang' was only a few stupid teenagers. you stared at octavian in disbelief, "this is the gang that caused us to travel from california?" you murmured inside of your jacket.

octavian chuckled, "guess so. perhaps reyna miscalculated the threat?" he asked. you shrugged, "maybe but this doesn't seem like something reyna miscalculate on accident," you replied. the two of you noticed the four boys using their stronger than normal physical strength and relied the message to reyna as the only active threat for the moment.

the two of you kept an eye of them, not really noticing anything too out of the ordinary. you were sitting down against a wall with octavian to your left. being that it was december and the holiday season was in swing, you could hear the music playing from the shopping centers down the street.

"christmas was always my favorite holiday before i moved to camp jupiter," you murmured to octavian. his eyebrow went up in wonder, "i mean, before i realized i was a demigod and my dad died, christmas music was something i blasted on november first."

octavian nodded, "i never celebrated it before," your eyes widened in surprise, "wait, really? right, you've been at camp jupiter ever since you could remember. it's a nice holiday, even if you don't celebrate it religiously. the music and food served around this time is amazing," you explained, "gingerbread flavored coffee and the cookies dunked in milk is immaculate. you should really get out more octavian. being trapped inside camp jupiter all the time can really take a toll on someone and you're missing out on a lot of stuff."

"you can't miss what you've never experienced and the life most of you have lived is not something i ever experienced," he replied. your eyes widened at the way octavian was making himself become vulnerable, "all i've known in life was camp jupiter and i don't think it'll ever change."

you shook your head, "don't say that. maybe one day you'll fall in love," you joked. octavian's heart stop for half a second it felt like. octavian knew that you were basically clueless on a lot of the prophecy that was given to him as a kid and he didn't feel right just springing that onto you.

"i feel like we should just call it a day. its clear that they aren't a threat at least not today and we shouldn't freeze our asses off unless....," you looked down the street to see the busy downtown area. it was filled with kids ice skating in a small pond and couples walking through different stores getting their last minute christmas shopping done, "wanna check out the cool stuff?"

you knew you couldn't count on octavian to do a lot of things that weren't up to standard with camp jupiter rules so it came off as a surprise when he agreed.

the two of you walked away from the alley and walked to the street that was completely blocked off stands that were selling different things. you both snuck in through a back entrance and swiped some wristbands when realized that this seemed like a market or fair.

"how can people just stand here in the cold and sell things for hours? it's like twenty degrees out!" you screamed. you wrapped the purple camp jupiter cardigan closer as you pulled up the hood of the unzipped jacket, "when you leave in these conditions i guess it's easier to adapt to the weather."

you nodded in agreement as you both approached the first stand, "why are all these stands here for?" you asked the lady in front of you. she gave you a confused look, "its the december stand fair. with wristbands both of you have, you get to try all of the food and drinks offered here."

you stared at octavian in excitement, "ready to try mortal food?" you joked. octavian rolled his eyes in fake annoyance, "would you like to try my infamous christmas bread? it's made with almonds and the best buttery bread you can find here."

the both of you took a sample of the yellow loaf of bread and stuffed it in your mouth, "these are amazing, my goodness!" you exclaimed to octavian as he agreed. you thanked the lady as you grabbed octavian's wrist and dragged him to the next interesting stand.

"try our famous christmas cold brew! it's infused with spicy ginger! "our world renowned christmas brownies has won three state awards, please give it a try!"

by the time you and octavian finished with all the stands, the two of you were beyond stuffed. you and octavian had finished off the fair with two large cups of hot chocolate while sitting down at a bench and enjoying the music that was playing.

"this is the most fun i've had in months," you told octavian with a smile brighter than he had ever saw, "i could say the same. the mortal world isn't too bad. it's better than being around those greek idiots," he replied.

octavian saw the lyrics of the song that was playing and couldn't help but try and sing along to it. being the descendant of apollo meant that it was fairly quick to follow along to any song or instrument that was put in front of them.

"i'm dreaming tonight of a place i love, even more than i usually do. and although i know it's a long road back, i promise you i'll be home for christmas. you can count on me, please have snow and mistletoe and presents by the tree."

your eyes widened at how well octavian was singing to the song. you had never heard him sing before but you figured that because of who he was related too, his ability to sing was a lot better than others. octavian on the other hand felt his face flush to a slight red shade.

"octavian, you're an amazing singer, holy shit," you whispered. he chuckled nervously, "i'm alright. it's one of the only weaknesses i'll ever admit too," he replied. you waved him off, "octavian, that's not a weakness, you're amazing! how come you've never sang like that back at camp?"

"i'd never let those idiots hear that. they aren't worthy of hearing it" he stated. you growled in annoyance, "octavian, seriously! your voice is insane. are you sure you've never heard that song?" he shook his head no, "apollo really gifted you the power of singing for you never to sing publicaly? you're insane for that."

the song continued as you watched all the couples dancing to the song slowly, "do you ever think of how it must feel to be in love? it's not really something i've ever wanted desperately but the feeling of just being in love sounds nice," you whispered in slight embarrassment.

"i guess but who doesn't think about that? it's not unnatural to want to fall in love. venus picks who she thinks is worthy of it," he replied. octavian stared at you as you were now looking up to him. with the snow falling down on your hair and the blow of the wind making you laugh at how it was thrashing octavian's hair everywhere, he could sense a bit of what apollo prophesied to him as a kid.

you weren't doing anything that made him nervous or agitated yet his heart was racing a mile a minute. octavian continued to stare at you almost as if he was mesmerized. when you finally realized that he was still looking down at you, that was when a voice practically screamed at him to kiss you.

he grabbed you roughly by the face and brought you in for a kiss. you were caught off guard for a moment but you quickly came back to reality and pulled away for a moment, "woah," you whispered. he nodded, "sorry, something gave me urge to do that," you replied. you shook your head, "don't apologize."

you brought him in for another kiss, this time a lot softer and more tame. you placed your hands on his face, kind of smushing his cheeks together as he reluctantly followed your lead.

"this changes nothing....i'm still me, even if i'm with you," octavian murmured with his lips still against yours, "shut up. you're going to ruin the moment," you replied making him laugh before bringing him in for another kiss.

maybe reyna's miscalculation wasn't all bad after all.

[strqyr]

The angsty bird twins are so. We also Don’t Know for certain if the tribe actively pushed Qrow away or as a child he just observed them after his bad luck messed things up and pulled away. Assuming Raven and Qrow got paired up with Summer and Tai and not each other they either didn’t expect to be on a team, or they met up on purpose which. Again. Speaks so loudly about their younger years. Qrow called them the best team to graduate from Beacon and he sounds so proud and fond. I don’t doubt for a second that he cared very much for his sister until, like Tai said, some of Raven’s bad traits tore them apart. It’s a jumble of no communication, blind faith in Oz that Raven couldn’t stand anymore, and everyone else not understanding why she was lashing out. In V5 when Yang showed up Raven seemed pleased, she wanted her to stay but didn’t have the courage to just say that after everything. Qrow has done his best to be in their lives despite feeling like he was putting them in danger. They both have reasons for staying away but maybe in Qrow’s mind he WANTS to be there but CANT. and maybe he thinks Raven CAN show up at anytime but DOESNT want to. I’m sure he’d love to be able to open a portal and visit his girls and Tai, or to have kept a closer eye on all his old colleges who have died on missions. V6 Qrow is now in this to help the kids and not just for Oz. It’s very messy and heart aching bc, you had a built in friend from birth who you were seemingly close to for at least 15 to 24 years. And now you can’t be in the same room as each other without fighting

i honestly think raven and qrow are a lot more similar than they are different to each other—the problem is that they might have actually grown quite separate from one another despite both being "raised" by the tribe, which led them down two different paths.

like, if qrow spent most of his time on scouting missions, then raven probably spent most of her time in the main camp + raids whenever those happened, because the tribe still needed fighters and eventually a counter-force against huntsmen.

which would lead to raven acting a certain way just to survive that environment and to hide any traits that could be seen as weaknesses, and to qrow—who wouldn't have been there and seen it happen—would think that's just the way raven is.

and it creates a whole mess where raven pretends to be someone totally not like qrow and qrow fully buys into it.

and their semblances are just. oof. i'm sure qrow would love to have raven's semblance, but i'm also sure that her semblance plays a part in her problems. it's like, qrow believes his semblance drives people away, while raven believes her semblance attracts them but not for right reasons. this is why qrow's reaction to robyn talking about her semblance and any difficulties that come with it trying to form connections with others is telling, because he has never thought that way before. misfortune has always been such an obviously damaging semblance in that regard, that it never occurred to him that other semblances—even the ones that don't sound bad at all—might cause problems, too.

before, qrow saw raven not using her semblance to come back as a sign that she doesn't care, at least not in a way that matters, where as to raven, no one coming after her when she left, only expecting her to come back because her semblance makes it so easy, a sign that they don't care about her.

i just really really need them to talk. no more pretending, no more antagonizing. if they both need to hit the bottom before that happens, so be it, but they need to have an earnest talk and realize just how similar they are and how much time they've lost because of their fucked up childhood and miscommunication.

[martieshub]

❛I don't think we'd be compatible if I was a stuffy agent. Not only because I'd be no fun but also because we'd be competing for first place and not working as a team. We work as a team. ❜ Even if we couldn't get it together otherwise. He gave a pained look as if to say how dare she. ❛I think I've more than proven I've got your back and then some. ❜ There was that ugly little fighter head that wanted to come out. But he swallowed it. Not the best time to blow their good standing even if he felt a little wobbly. If he was given the choice he'd scale off a fucking building if he didn't need to be met with so many regrets and heartbreak. He knew he shouldn't have these feelings and he was at fault but still he couldn't help it.

That also reminded him of times before when they'd bicker over who would pay the bill whenever they went out to eat. ❛I'm so getting dinner then and you can't stop me. ❜ He said it as his back turned and met up with Jim, giving him a handshake and was pulled into a side hug. Jim's face showed the happiness at seeing Eli again. It was a commaderie there that went beyond Special Agent and Former Sheriff. Maybe, it was a little bit both sided the mutual affection. He had missed out on a father figure growing up and Jim filled that role so effortlessly even though he wasn't. And Eli to him filled the space of his son who he hadn't seen in five years.

He stood to the side as he introduced Laurel and Jim and Jim smiled just as kindly at her. He gave both of them a look before he opened the door for them both. There was a spot to talk that wasn't anywhere near there. Like it was the natural thing in the world and without thinking , he grabbed Laurel's hand and walked alongside Jim. ❛So, why the urgency? ❜ Eli spoke first wondering why they were called when the special unit was currently disbanded. At least what it was in the early 2000s.

Jim didn't say anything until they reached their spot far away from the cafe and into an alleyway that had a backdoor to an abandoned building. As he opened the door two heads poked out and one Eli recognized it as Maria and the other her boyfriend, husband? His eyebrows furrowed together as his heart fell. Calling back to the time he actually did lie on a report. These two were supposedly dead. And in a way they were.

❛Good to see you Eli. ❜ The woman spoke as she smiled a semi tight lipped smile. Taking Michael's hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. Instinctively he also squeezed Laurel's. ❛We've got an issue. It's Zan. His powers came in. He is human but I guess it's happening because he's stressed? We've come out of hiding because you're the only one we trust and that's saying a lot. ❜ Michael then directed his questions to Laurel. ❛Can you be trusted? ❜

Eli sighed and looked at Jim. Yeah, he now knew why they made the trip down here. Not being one who didn't like to help he ran his hand through his hair, a nervous tick, and nodded his head. ❛Zan still at that boarding school? Yeah. Great. We'll see what we can do. But far as I know, nothing has come through our desks. Which doesn't mean there isn't something. While we sort it. Do us a favor and lay low. No using your hands to make things go boom. Give us the day and we'll regroup tomorrow.❜

Laying against the wall he dropped down and laid his arms over his knees. ❛So, about those questions you had. I promised I was gonna answer them. ❜ Now, she'd get roped into what he was really doing when he'd come home late at night and wouldn't tell her where he'd been. Rather couldn't tell her. He wasn't sure how he'd explain hybrid to her but he was gonna make good on his promise.

Several screws loose was very accurate. ❛Yep, exactly. I wouldn't put it past people to actually begin competing. People probably complaining when they lost, claiming they were worse than the winner or something.❜ She shook her head at the thought. Laurel could never really wrap her mind around animal cruelty. It always baffled her, how there were people who were completely fine with it and even, sought it out. Knowing these things about the world and human population came with the job though, so eventually Laurel learned to deal with it. Even if she was still repulsed by it. ❛The absolute worst, I can't even think about it. Mm-hmm, yeah I remember that. That was truly insane. Agreed, we should've inaugurated the awards with him. ❜

He only nodded. She tried to not let his response get to her. What did she say? Laurel worried that she had said the wrong thing, when they were only joking a moment ago. She was tempted to follow up and ask what was wrong, but honestly, she wasn't prepared for an answer. Memories snuck in with their jokes and teasing, but the well-known melody playing through the speakers was like getting smacked in the face with all memories. No longer subtle. She felt a pit in her stomach as she was transported back to yet another memory. The song playing from the car speakers, her turning up the volume and presenting it as a contender for their song. It was in that moment that Laurel realized she had not heard that song since everything came to an end. That was all it took for her mind to bring up all buried memories. The amount of late nights courtesy of insomnia and her usual knack for staying up late. Holding a map knowing she would get them lost anyway, stealing a picture here and there when he was too focused on driving, and all the fun places they visited on a whim. Fond memories that were buried because she just couldn't bear to think of them, especially when they worked together. It was the kind of memories that she wished could be wiped with a mild case of amnesia. It just sucked that it didn't worked that way. Why did she torture herself this way again? Any normal person would've requested a transfer or even moved to another office. She wasn't ready to admit it, but this was not as easy as she claimed. Or maybe it was this whacky town. But, being near him and reliving memories was bringing up old wounds that she thought had semi-healed.

Now that, she was not expecting, but it was hilarious. Not to mention it was so effective at causing her thoughts and memories to vanish. Her laughter only returned at the sight, even the whine that came from him. ❛Oh my gosh, you okay? I didn't realize the mention of decades would be so jarring. That's fair, this job ages anyone. I feel like I've been around five years already. Well, you're not doing your back any favors with you jumping off buildings and what not.❜ Her smile remained as he cleaned up and continued talking. His mom sounded so lovely, Laurel could even say she was a bit jealous. ❛Seems to me like she did pretty well. I'm sure she's very proud of you, you're pretty great. Okay, yeah that does sound like a nightmare. I'm glad you're not, I'd hate to be your partner if that was the case.❜

Her mind was spinning. Full responses to one-word answers. Laurel couldn't pinpoint where she was going wrong. She was reaching her very short limit, gearing up to ask him what she did to warrant the short answers. ❛Sure, maybe.❜ The amount of uncertainty was not helping today, maybe was quickly becoming a word she disliked. She held her breath until he responded, afraid that he'd answer yes and dismiss her from the case. ❛Oh, good. Okay. I know I didn't necessarily sign up to lie, but above all, I trust your judgement. Just don't make me regret it.❜ Trusting was not easy for her, but she was sincere. Laurel trusted Eli with anything that was work-related. She even trusted him with her life, but as soon as they talked about anything else, her guard was quickly up and the trust retracted. To her, her heart was more fragile than her life. And he had already made a mess of her heart. Laurel caught his gaze, but it wasn't directed at her. He was distracted by something else. Until, he looked back at her, and she felt a jolt course through her the moment his hand touched hers. This couldn't keep happening. She was relieved, at least, that their reason for being here had finally come knocking. Focusing on work was for the best. ❛Right, of course.❜ There was reluctance to move her hand away, his touch was equal parts comforting and unsettling. She had to focus and slid out of her seat, reaching for her wallet in her back pocket to leave more than enough to cover the bill, before following after him to meet Jim.